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  • Sins Unforgiven by Fez

    Uploaded by

    zinhlepro33
    20 views1,237 pages
    Legaufisat an interview at DT Construction. She feels underqualified compared to the other experienced candidates. When it's her turn, the middle-aged interviewer is openly hostile, telling her she is unqualified and should not have wasted their time. He implies he will only hire her if she has sex with him. Legauf refuses and leaves. Later, she receives an internship contract.

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    Legaufisat an interview at DT Construction. She feels underqualified compared to the other experienced candidates. When it's her turn, the middle-aged interviewer is openly hostile, telling her she is unqualified and should not have wasted their time. He implies he will only hire her if she has sex with him. Legauf refuses and leaves. Later, she receives an internship contract.

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Flag for inappropriate content
    20 views1,237 pages

    Sins Unforgiven by Fez

    Uploaded by

    zinhlepro33
    Legaufisat an interview at DT Construction. She feels underqualified compared to the other experienced candidates. When it's her turn, the middle-aged interviewer is openly hostile, telling her she is unqualified and should not have wasted their time. He implies he will only hire her if she has sex with him. Legauf refuses and leaves. Later, she receives an internship contract.

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Flag for inappropriate content
    of 1237

    Si

    nsUnf
    orgi
    ven
    #1

    AtDTConst ructioninFranci
    stown,Legaufisatwith
    otheri
    nter
    viewees.Shet ookadeepbr eath,thiswas
    thesevent
    hi ntervi
    ewt hi
    sweekandj ustlookingat
    theotheri
    nterviewees,shecouldtel
    ltheyhadso
    muchexper i
    enceunl ikeher.
    Shecouldeasil
    yseeshewast heyoungestofthem
    al
    l.Onebyone, t
    heygotcall
    edi nt
    il
    lherturncame.
    Shetookadeepbr eat
    handst oodupt henfol
    lowed
    oneofworkerstoanofficewhereami ddleaged
    mansatwear i
    nghisglasses.
    Hel
    ookedatherasshewal
    kedi
    nsmi
    li
    ng.
    “
    Goodmor
    ning.
    ”
    “
    Sitdown.
    ”
    Shesatdownandputherhandsonherl
    ap.
    “
    So…Legauf
    iPabal
    lo…Degr
    eei
    nCi
    vilEngi
    neer
    ing…
    workedasani nter
    ninyear3atPeacock
    Construct
    ioni
    st…wor kedinabutcher…andsome
    unrel
    atedjobstoyourqualif
    icat
    ion.Di
    plomain
    BusinessAdministr
    ation…whatwast hi
    s?Onli
    ne
    st
    udying?”
    “
    Dist
    antl
    ear
    ning.
    ”
    Themanl ookedather .“
    Iam goingt obehonest
    withyou.Youdon’ tfiti
    nhere.Youwon’ tevenget
    thejob.Wear elookingforpeoplewhohaveatl east
    10yearsexper i
    ence.Youhavenot hing.Whyar e
    youher e?Towast eourt i
    me?Di dyouseet heother
    peoplethatarehere?Wear enotlookingf or
    someonewho’ slookingtolearnthejob.Wear e
    l
    ookingf oranexperiencedpr of
    essional.Youare
    notthat.”
    “
    Iam a-
    “
    “Whatyouaredoesn’
    tmatter.Iam j
    ustbeing
    honestwit
    hyou.Butyouarebeaut i
    ful
    .”Heleaned
    backstar
    ingather
    .“YoucanmakemehappysoI
    canhookyouupt osomethingelsearoundhere.
    MaybemyPA. ”
    Fi
    fil
    ookedathi
    m andswal
    lowed.“
    Makeyou
    happy?
    ”
    “
    Obviouslyyoucan’
    taf
    for
    dtobr
    ibeme.Sobesi
    des
    money,ther
    e’sonl
    yonewaytomakemehappy.
    ”
    “
    Youwantt
    osl
    eepwi
    thme?
    ”
    Hesmi
    led.“
    Idi
    dn’
    tsayt
    hat
    .Yousai
    dit
    .”
    “Thankyou.Foryourt
    ime.Iwon’
    tbeabl
    etodot
    hat
    .
    Iam sorr
    y.”
    Hesmi r
    ked.“
    Youl
    ovepl
    ayi
    nghar
    dtogetdon’
    tyou?
    Iwi
    llgetyou.
    ”
    Fi
    fist
    oodupt
    henwal
    kedoutofhi
    sof
    fi
    ce.

    Overanhourl at
    er,Fi
    fiwalkedoutholdingher
    i
    nternshi
    pcont r
    actinherhand.Thehotwi ndblew
    herfl
    aredreddresswhi l
    ehersister
    ’sheelsclacked
    onthepavedpar ki
    ngl ot
    .Sheshovedt hecontractin
    herbagtakingadeepbr eaththenjoi
    nedt heroad.
    Shewalkeddowntheroadholdi
    ngherhandbag
    thi
    nki
    ngofthecont
    ractshehadjustsi
    gned.
    Acombidr
    iverhoot
    edather
    .
    “
    Sor
    rysweet
    y,wat
    samaya?
    (Ar
    eyougoi
    ng?
    )”
    Fif
    ilookedathi
    m andshookherheadt
    hinki
    ngof
    thelastcoi
    nsshehadinherbag.Hesmil
    edather
    .
    “
    Nkagopegamahal
    asweet
    y…(
    Icangi
    veyouar
    ide
    f
    orf
    ree.
    )”
    Fif
    ilookedathi
    syell
    owteeththathadagr
    eenish
    ti
    nttothem andshookherheadno,shef
    ound
    hersel
    fholdi
    ngherbreat
    hthoughhewasf arf
    rom
    her.
    “
    Iam f
    ine.
    ”
    Hesmiledsl
    owi
    ngdown.“
    Omont
    eaut
    lwa?
    (Youar
    e
    beaut
    if
    ul.
    )”
    Shenoddedhopi nghe’djustdri
    veaway.He
    l
    aughedt hendroveoff,
    shesighedinrel
    iefandt
    ook
    offt
    heheel sandputonherf l
    ipfl
    ops.Herphone
    rangfrom herhandbag.Shetookoutherphoneand
    smiledpicki
    ngheryoungsi st
    er’
    scall
    .
    “
    Hi…”
    “
    Didyougett
    hej
    ob?
    ”
    Fi
    fismil
    edhappi
    ly.“
    Yes.Theygavemet
    hei
    nter
    n
    post.
    ”
    Lor
    atosi
    ghed.“
    Ithoughtt
    heywant
    eda-
    “
    “Theydi
    dwantapr oj
    ectmanager.ButLol
    oIdon’
    t
    haveanyexperi
    enceandthepeoplewhowerether
    e
    hadexperi
    ence.
    ”
    “
    Iam sor
    ry.
    ”
    “
    It
    sok.P1400i
    sbet
    tert
    hannot
    hingr
    ight
    ?”
    “
    Yeah…”
    Fif
    ismil
    ed.“Iam happy.AtleastIgotajob.They
    arethef
    irsttotakemeaftervarsit
    y.Maybeafter
    thi
    stheywillhi
    remeper manently.Theyareabig
    company.Ihavehope.MaybeIwi llgett
    ransf
    err
    ed
    toGaboronelenna.”
    Loratolaughed.“
    Ihopetheydo.Itwi
    llbesomuch
    funifyoujoinedmethisside.
    .Idon’
    thavemuch
    fri
    ends.”
    Fi
    fil
    aughed.“Becauseyouar
    eabor
    e.Youneedt
    o
    beinthest
    reets.
    ”
    “AhhmmaIam comf ort
    ableathome.Kanawenao
    naleRicky.(
    YouhaveRicky.
    )Ihavetogo.My
    vir
    tualmeeti
    ngi
    sstar
    ti
    ng.Wewi llt
    alk.Iam happy
    foryou.
    ”
    “
    Thankyou.
    ”
    “
    Bye,
    loveyou!
    ”
    Fif
    ismiledasshehungup.Sheputherhandover
    headli
    keashadet opr otecthersel
    ffrom theblazing
    sun.Shefoundherselfthinki
    ngofLor ato,shehad
    beenluckytogetajobi mmedi atel
    yaf t
    eruniversi
    ty,
    thecompanythathadt akenf orint
    ernshiphadhi red
    herpermanentl
    yaftershehadgr aduated.Ayear
    l
    atershenowdr oveaMazda2andst ayedinani ce
    houseinGaboroneatonl y23year sold.
    Herphoner
    angagai
    n.Shepi
    ckedherbestf
    ri
    end’
    s
    cal
    l.
    “
    Ricky…”
    “
    Chomi
    ,di
    dyougett
    hej
    ob?
    ”
    Ricky’
    sloudexci
    tedvoi
    cebr
    oughtt
    ear
    stohereyes.
    “Asaninter
    n.”
    “
    What
    ?”
    “Ihavenoexper ience.Ri ckybuti sGodf ai
    r?I
    wor kedhardinuni versit
    yt oj usthaveadegr ee
    sit
    tinginthehousewhi leot herpeopl econt i
    nuet o
    j
    ustgetbl essed.Nott hatIam j ealousbutwhenam
    Igoingtogetmybl essi
    ngst oo?Lor atogetspai d
    16kever ymont h.Shei ssavi ngt obuyapl ot.She
    drivesanicecar .Staysinani ceflat
    .”Tearsf i
    ll
    ed
    hereyesandr ol
    leddownr uiningherP10
    foundationfrom theChi neseshop.“ Sheisa
    FinanceandAdmi nist
    rati
    onManageratonl y23.”
    “
    Fif
    i,oursuccessescomedi
    ff
    erent
    ly.
    ”
    “Mamasayssheist
    ir
    edoffeedi
    ngagr
    ownwoman.
    NowIam aboutt
    oearnonl
    yP1400.
    ”
    “St
    opcomparingyour
    sel
    ftoLor
    ato.Andmoveat
    yourownpace.”
    “Igetcomparedt
    oLorat
    o.Iam herol
    dersi
    ster
    .I
    can’tescapet
    hecompari
    son.
    ”
    “Let’
    sgooutandforgetourt
    roubl
    es.Ther
    eisa
    placenyanaj
    ustoutsi
    deFTown.There’saDJf
    rom
    SouthAfri
    cacoming.”
    “
    Dowehavemoneyf
    ort
    icket
    s?Orevent
    ranspor
    t.
    ”
    “NgNgchomza, t
    icketandtransportar
    esorted.I
    metthi
    sguy,omaswenyanammegabadbad.( He
    i
    salitt
    leugl
    ybuthe’snotthatbadbad. )I
    fyoulook
    awayquickenough,he’
    snott hatbad.Hewillt
    ake
    usandalsobuyusdr i
    nks.Wenaj ustbeready.”
    Fi
    fil
    aughed.“
    Whathappenedt
    othatot
    herguy?
    What’
    shisname?”
    “Hi
    m andhisnamearenotimportant.Wewil
    lcome
    andpickyouupattheusualspotreyemonat
    eng
    ebi
    leungwanimaningumtanakabokabza!”
    Fif
    ilaughedevenhar
    der
    .“Ok.Pi
    ckmeatt
    heusual
    spot.”
    “
    Shar
    p.”
    Hehungup.Fi
    fismil
    edwipingawayhert
    earsand
    wal
    kedheadedhome.Carspassedherasthesun
    bl
    azed,
    nowsher egr
    ett
    edthatfr
    eecombiri
    de.Her
    l
    egswer eachingal
    readyfrom al
    lthewalkingshe
    hadbeendoi ngal
    lweekforinter
    views.Thirty
    minuteslat
    ershewalkedthroughthegateathome,
    shelookedatherstepmotherseatedont he
    ver
    andawi thherf
    ri
    endandt ookadeepbr eath.
    Herst
    epmot
    herst
    aredather
    .“Di
    dyougett
    hej
    ob?
    ”
    Fi
    fismi
    led.“
    Yes.Butasani
    nter
    n.”
    “Justani nt
    ern?Doi nternsevengetpaid? ”She
    start
    edshout i
    ngsomucht hatasusual, t
    he
    neighborsstared.“ Whycan’ tyoujustgetapr oper
    j
    ob?Koor eyouar ej ustmeantt obeabur denhuh?
    Yourjobi stofinishmypensi onmoneyhuhLegauf i
    ?
    Youcan’ tevenhel pwi thanythinginthehouse
    expectfrom eat i
    ng!Iwonderwhyyourmot herhad
    todiebecausennat otaIcan’t.Omor waloLegaufi!
    Loratoisyoungert hanyou, youshouldbel eading
    myexampl e!Ifyouar enotdr inki
    ngalcoholand
    sleepi
    ngar oundl ikeawhor e, youareeatingmy
    foodandwast ingmyel ectr
    ici
    ty!Iam ti
    red!What
    happenedt hist i
    mear ound?”
    “
    Theyneededsomeonewi
    thexper
    ience.
    ”
    “Youaret heworstt
    hingtohappentoanyone.I
    don’tknowwhatyouar eeati
    ngtodaybutdon’t
    touchmypot sormyfood.Il
    ockedmykitchen
    doors.Maybehungerwi l
    lmakeyoulookfora
    properjob.”
    Fi
    fiwalkedi
    nsideherl
    atefat
    her
    ’shouseasherst
    ep
    mothercont
    inuedshout
    ing.
    “Idon’
    tknowwhobewi tchedyoubutwhoeveriti
    s
    surel
    ydied..Ihaveneverseensuch.Youarenot
    evenashamedt ost
    il
    lbest ayi
    nginmyhouseat
    yourage.Youragemat esarefarwi
    thl
    if
    e.Theyare
    doingsomuchbet t
    erthanyou.Theycanaffor
    d
    themselves!
    ”
    Fi
    fil
    ookedatthelockedkitchendoorasher
    st
    omachgr umbled.Shewal kedt
    oherroom andsat
    onthebedexhausted.Shewasusedt ot hei
    nsul
    ts
    somucht heydidn’
    tbotherheranymore.Shehad
    embracedherroleastheblacksheep.
    ShelaidonherbedandopenedherWhat sapp.She
    fr
    ownednotseeinganymessagest henclosedher
    eyesrecal
    li
    ngthathersubscr
    ipt
    ionhadended
    ear
    li
    eronandshehadr
    eachedherai
    rt
    imel
    oanl
    i
    mit
    .
    Shethoughtofaski
    ngLor at
    ot obuyherair
    timebut
    thenshehadaskedforP100l astweek.Sheput
    downt hephoneandclosedhereyeslist
    eningas
    herstepmothercont
    inuedtalki
    ngaboutherwith
    herfr
    iend.

    *
    **

    InGabor one,Loratosatinherf ormalwearinher


    offi
    ce.Hervirtualmeet i
    ngended, shesighedand
    fi
    nishedupt her eportshewaswor ki
    ngon.She
    submi t
    tedittoherbosst henpickedherphone.She
    openedherWhat sapptochecki fhersi
    sterhad
    repli
    edhermessage.Shel ookedatFifi
    ’
    sl astseen
    andf i
    guredshepr obablydidn’
    thaveInternet
    subscripti
    onandknowi ngher ,
    ittooksomuchf rom
    hertojustaskf orassistance.
    Lorat
    otransferr
    edherai
    rt
    imeandwaitedf
    oraf
    ew
    minutesbeforesendi
    ngheramessage.
    Lor
    ato:Youar
    ewel
    come
    Shequi
    ckl
    yrepl
    ied.
    Fi
    fi
    :Iwasst
    il
    ltypi
    ng.
    .
    Lor
    ato:Youar
    est
    il
    lwel
    come
    Fi
    fi
    : Thankyou!
    Acoll
    eagueknockedonherdoor,sheputdownher
    phone.Thecol
    leaguesmi
    ledather.
    “
    Whatar
    eyoueat
    ing?
    ”
    Lor
    atosmi
    ledl
    if
    ti
    ngherl
    unchbox.“
    Thi
    s.”
    Hercoll
    eaguelaughed.“
    Therei
    sanewr
    est
    aur
    ant
    t
    hatjustopened.Let
    ’sgo.”
    “
    Idon’
    thavemoneyt
    oeatout
    .”
    Thecol
    leaguesmiled.“
    Youar
    estingyLolo!Let
    ’sgo.
    Spoi
    lyoursel
    fformeanearl
    ylunch.Let
    ’sgo.”
    “
    Andwhatwi
    llIdowi
    thmyf
    ood?
    ”
    “Youwil
    leati
    tathome..Let
    ’sgo.Youl
    ookt
    oo
    beaut
    if
    ultonotbeseen.”
    Lor
    atol
    aughedt
    hengotup.Shecl
    osedherl
    apt
    op
    andgrabbedherhandbagandphone.Shefixedher
    sl
    acksthathuggedherwelldef
    inedcur
    ves.Sheput
    onherjacketandt
    ookoutacompactmi rr
    orlooki
    ng
    atheral
    readybeaut
    if
    ulface.
    “
    Thammaomont
    le,
    let
    ’sgo!
    ”
    Loratol
    aughedthenwal
    kedoutwithherclosi
    ngher
    doorbehindher
    .Sheunl
    ockedhercarfrom a
    di
    stantandgotinsi
    dewi
    thhercol
    league.She
    start
    edherengi
    neanddroveof
    f.

    Attherestaurant,Lorat
    olethercol
    leagueleadher
    i
    nsidethef ancyrestaurant
    .Theysettledonatabl
    e
    andorderedf ood.Loratosmil
    edstaringaround.
    “
    Thi
    spl
    acei
    sbeaut
    if
    ul.
    .”
    Thecol
    leaguesmiled.“
    Itol
    dyou.Andi
    t’
    sful
    lof
    pot
    enti
    alhusbands.”
    Lor
    atol
    aughed.“
    Ishoul
    dknown,
    youl
    ovemen.
    ”
    Thewai terbroughtthei
    rf oodminutesl
    ater.Lorato
    pickedtheforkandst artedeati
    ngassoonast hey
    putthefooddownl ookingatthetime.Theyf i
    nished
    up,Loratoraisedherhandcal li
    ngthewaiter.Her
    coll
    eaguecl earedherthroat.
    “
    Iam comi
    ng.Iam goi
    ngt
    othet
    oil
    et.
    ”
    Shest oodupandwal kedtotherestrooms.The
    wait
    erbr oughtthebill
    ,Lorat
    olookedatherP128. 00
    bi
    llt
    henhercol l
    eague’sP390.00bill
    .Minutes
    passedasshewai ted,twent
    ymi nuteslat
    ershe
    l
    aughedal oner eal
    izi
    ngshehadl eftwithher
    handbag.Lor at
    ocal l
    edherbutherphoner ang
    unanswer ed.Shetookoutsomemoneyf rom her
    handandsl iditbetweenthebillt
    henwal kedout
    angri
    ly.
    Sheopenedherhandbagt
    otakeouthercarkeys.
    “
    Looki
    ngf
    ort
    his?
    ”
    Lor
    atotur
    nedandlockedeyeswit
    hamani nabl
    ack
    sui
    t.Shel
    ookedathercarkeysi
    nhishands.
    “Youl
    eftt
    hem onthetablewhenyouwal
    kedoutl
    ike
    youwereaboutt
    okillsomeone.
    ”
    Lor
    atosmi
    led.“
    Thankyou.
    ”
    Hel
    ookedathersmi
    le.“
    Youhaveabeaut
    if
    ul
    smi
    le.
    .”
    “Iam notgi
    vingyoumynumberj
    ustbecauseyou
    pickedmycarkeys.Iwasgoi
    ngt
    ofindthem ei
    ther
    way.”
    Helaughedhandingthem t
    oher.“
    Iwasjust
    compli
    menti
    ngyou.Ineveraskedforyournumber
    soyoucangladlykeepit
    .”
    Heunlockedhi sbigcarbedsi
    dehersthenj
    umped
    i
    n.Her eversedanddroveoffleavi
    ngher
    embarrassed.Shebitherlowerli
    pgett
    ingi
    nhercar
    .
    Shelaughedal oneputt
    ingherhandsonherface
    wonderingwhyshehadevensai dthat
    .

    *
    **

    Laterthatdayasitgotdarkeri
    nFrancist
    own,Fi
    fi
    l
    ockedherbedr oom doorthenputpil
    lowsundert
    he
    duvet.Shetookoutthelastcoi
    nsshehadandput
    them i
    nherpockett
    ogetherwit
    hherphone.She
    openedherwindowandj umpedout.Fi
    fisi
    ghed
    closi
    ngthewindow,at25shesti
    llhadt
    osneakout
    .
    Shehur
    ri
    edtothegat
    eandwalkeddownt hest
    reet
    wher
    eRickywaswait
    ingwi
    thhisfr
    iend.
    Shelookedatthebl
    ackRunXandj umpedinatt
    he
    back.Ri
    ckyturnedhandi
    ngherabott
    leof
    Savannah,hi
    sfaceful
    lybeatwi
    thmakeup.
    “
    Chomi
    !”
    Fi
    fil
    aughed.“
    Youl
    ookhotwenaSomgaga!
    ”
    “Thankyoubabes,babywee, t
    hisi
    smyf ri
    end,
    Legaufi
    ,youcancallherLel
    e,Gau,orFi
    fi
    .Fif
    inaz,
    thi
    sismyman, Modi bedi
    .Cal
    lhim Di
    bs.
    ”
    Fi
    fismi
    led.“
    Hel
    lo…”
    Theboyfr
    iendt
    urnedandl
    ookedather
    .Fi
    fikepther
    smil
    estar
    ingattheman
    “
    Nicet
    ofi
    nal
    lymeetyou.
    ”
    Fifinodded.Hetur
    nedanddroveof
    f.Fi
    fiqui
    ckl
    y
    textedRickyopeni
    ngherbeer
    .
    Fi
    fi
    :Andt
    hen?
    Ri
    ckyst
    art
    edt
    ypi
    ngf
    rom t
    hef
    rontseat
    .
    Ricky:It
    oldyout
    olookawayqui
    ckl
    y,don’
    tmake
    yourproblemsmin
    Fi
    fi
    : I
    jo,
    he’
    sanApe
    Ri
    cky:mymanai
    n’tnoGor
    il
    la ormaybej
    ustabi
    t
    Fif
    i:Hel
    ooksli
    keki
    ll
    speopl
    e.Ar
    eyousur
    ehe’
    snot
    tobesuspect
    ed
    Ri
    cky:Wear
    esafe.He’
    sugl
    yont
    heout
    sidebut
    i
    nsi
    de…buti
    ful
    i
    Fif
    irel
    axedasIsaacdr ovewhileshedrankher
    Savannah.Awhilelaterhetookat ur
    nastheyl ef
    t
    theFranci
    stownbehind.Fifil
    ookedatthebush
    surr
    oundingthem wor r
    iedl
    ythenlookedatRicky
    whohadputawayhi sphone.
    Fifisi
    ghedr el
    ievedhear
    ingl
    oudmusicfr
    om a
    distant.I
    saacdr ovet
    oanopeni
    ngwherelotsof
    carswer eparkedwhilemusi
    cplayedr
    eall
    yloud
    fr
    om t hebar.
    Theremixversi
    onofSist
    erBethi
    naplayed.Ri
    cky
    handedherthesecondbott
    leofSavannahasthey
    gotofft
    hecar.
    Fi
    fil
    augheddanci
    ngtohersong.Shemovedher
    fl
    exi
    blebodyt
    othebeatwhil
    esingi
    ngal
    ong.

    ‘
    Edi
    bhi
    ridichi
    pil
    eehl
    ebanabat
    let
    se
    Ker
    eeybaykut
    lwabof
    ebeker
    ebot
    sedir
    openg
    Ker
    ehebar
    ebonsamet
    lol
    oint
    hemi
    nti
    me
    Hehbar
    ehebar
    ehebar
    ehebar
    etsi
    bidi
    bidi
    bi
    Hebar
    etsi
    bidi
    bidi
    bihebar
    etsi
    bidi
    bidi
    bi
    Hebar
    etsi
    bidi
    bihebar
    etsi
    bidi
    bidi
    bidoba
    Hhowushi
    thii
    t’
    shappeni
    ngt
    oni
    ghtact
    ionbyt
    he
    pl
    acet
    obehebare
    Hebar
    eayngol
    ohl
    oboayngol
    ohl
    obomaan
    Ayngol
    ohl
    oboayngol
    ohl
    obomaan’

    ShebendedandshookherassasRi
    ckydancedi
    n
    histinyshortsandcroptopbehindher.Theydid
    theirhighschooldance,Fi
    fimovingherwaisti
    n
    circularmoti
    ons.Peoplewhower esti
    llout
    side
    staredasFifiputherbottl
    eofSavannahonher
    foreheaddancing.
    Shelaughedtaki
    ngoffthebottl
    efrom herfor
    ehead
    andgulpeddownabi t
    .RickylookedatIsaacwho
    wasstari
    ngatFifi
    ,hi
    serecti
    onalreadytenti
    nghis
    pant
    s.
    Ri
    ckyl
    ookedati
    tthenl
    ookedathi
    sugl
    yface.
    “
    Heel
    awenaI
    saka!
    ”
    Hesnappedoutofi
    tandqui
    ckl
    yputhi
    shandi
    nsi
    de
    hi
    spocket.
    “
    Yes?
    ”
    “
    Come.
    .”
    Henoddedandf ol
    lowedbehindt hem.Hestaredat
    Fif
    i’
    sbutttr
    appedinherjeans.Hepaidfortheir
    entr
    ancefeethentheywalkedinsidet
    hefully
    packedbar.Theheatal
    readymaki ngherpalms
    sweaty.TheDJplayedanotherhit.
    Fif
    i’
    sfacechangedasshedancedherwayinside
    thecrowdwithRicky.Peopl
    est
    aredatt
    hem asthey
    dancedgrabbi
    ngat t
    enti
    on.
    From t
    hestage,t
    heSouthAf r
    icanDJwatchedas
    thetwofr
    iendsbroughtoutal
    lthefun.Hest
    aredat
    Fif
    iasshelaugheddancing.
    Aft
    ermorebeersandroundsofshots,
    Fififoronthe
    barcount
    eranddancedmaintai
    ningbalance.Ricky
    l
    aughed.
    “
    Fif
    i,f
    ologat
    afol
    e!(
    Fif
    igetof
    fthet
    abl
    e!)
    ”
    Fif
    igotdownlaughi
    ng.Herphonestar
    tedvi
    brat
    ing
    again.Shef
    inal
    lyt
    ookitoutandl
    ookedatLorat
    o
    cal
    li
    ng.
    Shewal
    kedoutofthebar,
    coldf
    reshai
    rbr
    ushedher
    ski
    nmakingherf
    eeldi
    zzy.Shepi
    ckedLor
    ato’
    scal
    l.
    “
    Hel
    lo?
    ”
    “Mamasaysyouar
    enothome.Okae?(
    Wher
    ear
    e
    you?
    )”
    “Whyi
    syourmotherl
    ooki
    ngformel
    ikeIt
    ook
    somet
    hingt
    hatbel
    ongstoher
    ?”
    “
    Shei
    swor
    ri
    edFi
    fi
    .Okae?Ther
    eisnoi
    se.
    ”
    “Iam havingfun..t
    ellhert
    ol eavemeal one.She
    l
    ockedt hekitchensoIwoul dn’teatbecauseIam a
    disappointment.I
    t’
    snotmyf aultIcan’
    tgetajob!
    ”
    “
    Shel
    ockedt
    heki
    tchen?
    ”
    Tearsfill
    edhereyes.“Canyoubel i
    eveit?That’
    smy
    fat
    her’shouse!Myf at
    herworkedhardtobui l
    dthat
    housef oryourmot hertomakeithers.Itwasforhis
    chi
    ldren!JustbecauseIcan’tgetajobdoesn’ t
    makemeanyl essofahuman!Iam notyouwho
    gotajobaf tervarsi
    tyandnowear nshitloadof
    moneyandIwi l
    lnotbemadef eelguil
    tyfori
    t.Nxla!
    Mmagowant lwaela.Wedon’tevenknowhowyou
    gotthatjob,maybeyousl eptyourwayt othetop.
    ”
    “
    Wher
    ear
    eyou?
    ”
    “
    Iam havi
    ngf
    un.St
    opcal
    li
    ngme!
    ”
    Fif
    ihungupt
    urni
    ngbumpi
    ngi
    ntosomeonet
    hather
    beerfel
    l.
    Shefur
    iousl
    ylookedatt
    heman,
    herangershoot
    ing
    up.
    “Heywenammagowal ebel
    ete!Can’
    tyouseewher
    e
    youaregoi
    ng?Lookwhatyoudid!Doyouknow
    howmucht hatcost
    ?Huh?”
    Helookedatherwit
    hasmil
    e.“Youaretheonewho
    bumpedintome.Youwereonyourphonenot
    l
    ookingatwhereyouar
    egoing.Osharp?”
    “Iwasnotlooki
    ngwhereIwasgoi
    ngbutyouwer
    e.I
    am notf
    ine..
    youjustdr
    oppedmybeer
    .”
    “
    Icangetyouanot
    herone.
    ”
    Shest r
    etchedheropenhandtohim.Hesmi ledt
    hen
    tookoutaP200not eandputitinherhand.She
    l
    ookedatt hemoneyt henathi
    mt r
    yingtokeep
    balanceandnotfall
    .
    Sheputt
    hemoneyi
    nherpocketandwal
    kedbacki
    n
    thecl
    ubsi
    ngi
    ngtot
    hesongplayi
    ng.
    Hour swentbyassheboughtbeerwi t
    htheP200.
    Aftermidni
    ght,Ri
    ckylookedar oundsearchi
    ngfor
    Isaacthencaughthi
    m atthecor nerget
    tingalap
    dancef r
    om somegirl
    .Hel ookedatFifi
    .
    “
    Fif
    i,weneedt
    ogo.
    ”
    “
    Gowher
    e?Hee?Yougo.Iam st
    il
    lhavi
    ngf
    un.
    ”
    “
    Legauf
    i,l
    etusgo.
    ”
    Shest
    agger
    edst
    il
    lhol
    dingherbeer
    .
    “
    Yougo!
    ”
    Rickyl
    ookedoveratI
    saact
    henwal
    kedoverand
    pull
    edhim.
    “
    Whatareyoudoi
    ng?Wear
    egoi
    nghome!Ra
    l
    apengnow!”
    Ri
    ckyl
    ookedatFi
    fi
    .“Fi
    fi
    ,l
    et’
    sgo.
    ”
    “
    NgNg,
    leavemeal
    one!
    ”
    Rickyl
    ookedatherannoyedt
    henchangedhi
    svoi
    ce
    andusedhisdeepvoice.
    “
    Legauf
    i,kar
    ear
    etsamaye!
    ”
    Fi
    fipausedst
    ari
    ngathi
    mthent
    heybot
    hbur
    sti
    nto
    l
    aughter.
    “
    Fif
    ipl
    easel
    et’
    sgo.
    .Iam t
    ir
    ed.
    ”
    Theywalkedout.Fi
    fi
    ’sphonevibr
    atedagai
    n.She
    tooki
    toutandlookedatherstepmother’
    smessage.
    MmagweLor ato:Ihavet hrownallyourt hi
    ngs
    outside.Iam notgoi ngt okeepstayingwi t
    h
    someonewhowon’ trespectmebutexpect smet o
    feedher .Ihavehadi twi t
    hyoui nmyhousedoi ng
    asyoupl ease.Yourthingsar eoutsidethegate.You
    bettercomeandt aket hem beforethievesfi
    nish
    them
    Fi
    fist
    aredatthemessagethensighedput
    ti
    ngher
    phonebackinherpocket
    .ShelookedatRi
    cky.
    “Iam f
    ine.
    .Iwil
    lgetsomeonet
    ogi
    vemeal
    if
    thome.
    Youcango. ”
    “
    Legauf
    i-
    “
    “
    Iam f
    ineRi
    cky.Go.Wewi
    llt
    alkt
    omor
    row.
    ”
    Ri
    ckywor
    ri
    edl
    ylookedather
    .“Fi
    fi
    -“
    “
    Wewi
    llt
    alkt
    omor
    row.Shar
    p.Go.
    ”
    Rickyhuggedherthentur
    nedandwalkedawaywi
    th
    Isaacdraggi
    nghimt ot
    hecar.Shet
    ookouther
    phoneandr eadt
    hemessageagain.
    Shefi
    nishedherbeerput
    ti
    ngherphoneawaythen
    st
    aggeredbackinthebar
    .Shegotthel
    astbeerwi
    th
    remaini
    ngchangef rom t
    heP200andwalkedtothe
    cornerofthebarwhereshesatonthecouch.She
    fi
    nishedherbeerinminutest
    hensl
    owlylai
    dont he
    couchclosinghereyes.
    Fr
    om adist
    ant,
    theDJwhohadbeeneyei
    ngher
    wal
    kedoverandsmil
    edst
    ari
    ngather
    .
    “
    Hey…”
    Heshookher.Fif
    iremainedsti
    ll
    ,hereyesal
    ready
    cl
    osed.Helookedaroundthenpickedherupand
    walkedoutwit
    hherheadedt ohiscar.
    “
    Omoi
    sakaemi
    ster
    ?(Wher
    ear
    eyout
    aki
    ngher
    ?)
    TheDJtur
    nedandl ookedatt
    hemanst
    agger
    ing
    wit
    hherheavybody.
    “
    Whoar
    eyou?
    ”
    “Putherdownandt
    ellmewher
    eyouar
    etaki
    ng
    her.
    ”
    “
    Shewant
    stocomewi
    thme.
    ”
    “
    Didshesayt
    hat
    ?Putherdown.
    ”
    TheDJsl
    owl
    youtherdown,
    Fif
    isl
    owl
    yopenedher
    eyesunabl
    etost
    andal
    one.
    “
    Look,
    Iam t
    aki
    nghert
    orestatmyhot
    elr
    oom.
    ”
    “Youarenott aki
    ngheranywher e.Letwael
    abatho
    yourshit!Sheneverspoketoyou, youwanttotake
    advantageofherdrunksituat
    ion.Herewekilli
    fno
    onekil
    lsyoui nSouthAfri
    ca.Lethergo.Putyour
    handsof fher.
    ”
    TheDJsl owl
    ylethergo.Fi
    fist
    agger
    edbackand
    fel
    l.TheDJwalkedawayast hemanpouredcol
    d
    wateronFifi
    ’
    sface.
    Shegaspedt
    urni
    ng.Hehel
    pedherup.
    “
    Youwi
    llgetr
    aped!
    ”
    Fi
    fil
    ookedathim wi
    thhal
    fopeneyesr
    ecogni
    zing
    hi
    mf r
    om earl
    ieron.
    “
    Youar
    egoi
    nghome.
    ”
    “
    Youar
    enotmymot
    her
    .”
    “Youarest
    il
    lgoi
    nghome.What
    ’syourname?I
    ’
    m
    Obakeng.”
    “
    Leavemeal
    one.
    ”
    Hepickedherupandwal kedtohiscarwi t
    hher.He
    putheratthefrontseat,
    Fifi
    ’
    sinsi
    dest urned,
    she
    l
    eanedf or
    war dvomiti
    ngoverhismat s.Obakeng
    star
    edatherasshel ookedathim, eyesalmost
    cl
    osed.Hepi ckedherupandputheratt he
    backseatofhiscarthenlookedathismat switha
    si
    gh.Hisfriendwalkedover.
    “
    Bax,
    wat
    samaya?
    ”
    “Yeah.Wewil
    ltal
    ktomor
    row.Iwassupposedtogo
    backtoGabskamosobutIdon’
    tthi
    nkso.Iwil
    lsee
    tomorrow.
    ”
    “
    Sur
    e.”
    Obakenggotinhiscarthenreversedanddr oveoff
    .
    Helookedatthebackseatwher eFifihadpassed
    outt
    henturnedbacktot hegravelroad.
    .
    .
    .
    [
    04/
    23,
    05:
    35]'
    :
    Si
    nsUnf
    orgi
    ven
    #2

    Thef oll
    owingmorninginFranci
    st own,Fif
    imoved
    herheadasherphoner ang.Sheopenedhereyes
    getti
    ngawar m welcomef r
    om ani ntenseheadache.
    Shecl osedhereyestryi
    ngtocollecthersel
    fthen
    slowlysatupri
    ght,herheadachingsomuchshef el
    t
    l
    ikeshewasdyi ng.
    Herhear
    tski
    ppedasshest aredatt
    hemaninthe
    r
    oom sit
    ti
    ngatthetabl
    etypingonhisl
    apt
    op.He
    l
    ookedoverather
    .
    “
    Hi.
    .”
    Fi
    fil
    ookedathersel
    fundert
    heduvett
    henl
    ookedat
    hi
    m,herheartpoundi
    ng.
    “Youvomit
    edal
    loveryourcl
    othes.Iwashedt
    hem
    buttheyar
    est
    il
    lwet.
    ”
    Fi
    figotof
    fbedi
    nherbr
    aandpant
    y.“
    Ihavet
    ogo
    home.”
    “
    Youcl
    othesar
    eint
    hebat
    hroom.
    ”
    Shewalkedtothebathroom andl ookedather
    clot
    heshangi
    ngf r
    om ther ail
    .Shelookedatthe
    showerhead,maybeifshear r
    ivedcleanshewould
    makeupabel i
    evablestoryathome.Shequi ckly
    tookof
    fherpantyandbr at hensteppedunderthe
    shower.Shecaref
    ull
    ybathedkeepi ngherbraidsdry.
    Minutesl
    atershedriedher
    selfandputonherwet
    cl
    othes.Obakenglookedatherasshewalkedout
    .
    “
    Yourphonehasbeenr
    ingi
    ng.
    ”
    Hestoodupandhandedi
    ttoher
    .Fi
    fil
    ookedat
    Ri
    ckycall
    ing.
    “
    Hel
    lo?
    ”
    “
    Ihavebeencal
    li
    ng?Wher
    ear
    eyou?
    ”
    “
    Iam f
    ine.Iwassl
    eepi
    ng.
    ”
    “Iwassoscared.Anyways, kanaIsakahastwo
    babymamas, theycamet omyhouset hi
    smor ni
    ng.
    ”
    Hepausedandl aughed.“Iam sti
    lli
    nshock.Those
    twofatt
    hingscamet ofightforanentir
    eape.”
    Fif
    ismiledt
    ryi
    ngnott
    olaugh.“
    Rickymyheadi
    s
    aching.
    ”
    Rickylaughedevenmore.“Youshoul
    dhaveseen
    them andIwasl i
    ket
    hereasonnowhe’sfucki
    ngass
    i
    sbecauset heyarebor
    eholes.Theydr
    aggedhim
    out,Ibethegotabeati
    ng.”
    Fi
    fichuckledclosi
    nghereyes,
    herheadachi
    ngeven
    more.Rickylaughed.
    “Kasalaket
    sogi
    leletsogo.Waitser
    etaswar ona
    boRicky.Mmeatleastremoj el
    e.Anyways,
    Lorato
    hasbeencal
    li
    ng.Sheiswor r
    ied.
    ”
    “
    Iwi
    llcal
    lherback.Thanks.
    ”
    “
    Shar
    pfr
    iend.
    ”
    Fi
    fil
    ookedatObakengashest
    aredather
    .
    “
    Shoul
    dwego?
    ”
    “
    Yes.
    ”
    Heopenedt hedoorf orheri nhissweatpant sanda
    ManchesterUnitedt-shirt.Fi
    fil
    ookedar oundnot
    recal
    li
    nganything.Heunl ockedhisJeept hen
    openedthedoorf orher .Shelookedatthecarseat
    recal
    li
    ngvomitingbuti twasnowcl ean.Shesl owl
    y
    gotinthecarremember inghowshehadeven
    i
    nsul
    tedhi
    smot
    her
    .Hewal
    kedr
    oundhi
    scarand
    goti
    n.
    Hel
    ookedatheroncet
    hendr
    oveof
    f.
    “
    Youcangi
    vemedi
    rect
    ions.
    ”

    Obakengt
    ookat
    urni
    ntoFi
    fi
    ’sst
    reet
    .
    “
    Thepi
    nkhouseonyourr
    ight
    .”
    Helookedatt
    hehousethenst
    oppedbythegat
    e.
    Fi
    fil
    ookedathert
    hingsi
    nthebinandl
    ookedathi
    m.
    “Iam sorryfori
    nsul
    ti
    ngyourmother.Iam al
    so
    sorr
    yf orvomiti
    nginyourcar
    .Andthankyouf ornot
    rapi
    ngme. ”
    “
    What
    ’syourname?
    ”
    “
    Legauf
    i.
    ”
    “
    Doyour
    emembermyname?
    ”
    Shel
    ookedathi
    m andi
    nnocent
    lyshookherhead.
    “Neversleepinbarsorclubs,t
    heywil
    ltake
    advantageofyourstate.Youwereaneasyt ar
    get
    l
    astnight,Icoul
    dhaveeasi l
    yrapedyouand
    clai
    medyouwant edi
    tt oo.
    ”
    Fi
    fil
    ookedatherst
    epmot
    herwal
    kingoutoft
    he
    house.
    “
    Ihavet
    ogo.Bye.
    ”
    Shejumpedoutoft hecarandcl osedt
    hedoor
    hol
    dingherphone.Shel ookedatherclothesi
    nthe
    bi
    nt henstartedpi
    cki
    ngt hem outasObakengdrove
    off
    .Shet ookoutherbagandoutt hem insi
    de.Some
    weremi ssing,al
    otweremi ssi
    ng.Shelookedather
    st
    epmot herwhowasst ari
    ngather.
    “
    Whatar
    eyoudoi
    ngher
    e?”
    “Thi
    sismyf at
    her
    ’shouseandIstayhere.Hedidn’
    t
    l
    eavethishousei
    nyourname, hel
    efti
    tinmyname
    andLorato’
    sname.Ifanyonecanl
    eave,it
    ’syou.
    ”
    Fi
    fiopenedthegateandwal kedtothehouseis
    whil
    emmagweLor at
    oshout ed.Sheignor
    edherand
    cl
    osedherselfi
    nherroom.Shel ookedatheropen
    emptywardrobe,t
    earsfi
    ll
    inghereyes.Everyt
    hing
    wasgoneexpectwhatshehadmanagedt
    osave
    f
    rom t
    hebin.
    Sheweaklysatdown.Herphonevi
    brat
    ed,shetook
    i
    toutsnif
    fingt
    hem openedamessagefrom t
    he
    const
    ruct
    ioncompany.
    DTConst r
    uction:Duetocertainreasonsonlyknown
    tous,wehavedeci dedtoterminateyourcont r
    act
    beforeyoustartandaler
    tyout hatyouwillnotbe
    partofourteam.Wehopet hisfi
    ndsyouwel l.Thank
    you.
    Hersankasshereadthemessage.Shehad
    act
    uall
    ybeensurpr
    isedtohavegot tenthei
    ntern
    posi
    ti
    onwhenshehadr efusedtosleepwi t
    hthe
    man.Tearsbl
    urr
    edhervision,
    shel ookeduptryi
    ng
    nott
    ocrybutawaywar dtearrol
    leddown.
    Lor
    atostar
    tedcal
    li
    ng.Fi
    fit
    ooladeepbr
    eat
    hthen
    pi
    ckedthecall
    .
    “
    Hi.
    .”
    “
    Areyouhomenow?
    ”
    “
    Yes.
    ”
    “Ical
    ledyouthewhol
    eni
    ght
    .Iwaswor
    ri
    edsi
    ck
    aboutyou.”
    “
    Iam sor
    ry.
    ”
    “Ididn’tli
    kehowyouspoket omeyest erday.I
    wor kedhar dtogetwher
    eIam.Idi dn’tsleepwi th
    anyone.If eeli
    twasrudeandnotni cet ospeakt o
    mel ikethat.Iknowandunderstandyour
    frustrat
    ionsbutyoucan’
    ttakeitoutonmewhen
    youknowIam onyoursi de.Youhur tmyf eel
    ings
    l
    astni ght.”
    “
    Iam sor
    ry.Idi
    dn’
    tmeani
    t.Iam r
    eal
    lysor
    ry.
    ”
    “
    Atl
    eastyouar
    ehomenow.Icanbr
    eat
    he.
    ”
    “Yourmotherdoesn’tbewantme.Ithi
    nkIshould
    gotoMai t
    engweandst aywit
    hthegrandparentsfor
    awhile.Ij
    ustgotamessagef r
    om theconstruct
    ion
    companyandt heyar et
    ermi
    nati
    ngmycont ract
    befor
    eIevenstart.Idon’
    twanttokeepgett
    ing
    shoutedat.
    ”
    “OrcometoGabor
    one.Youcant
    ryyourl
    uckt
    his
    sidewhi
    lest
    ayi
    ngwit
    hme. ”
    “
    Andi
    fIdon’
    tgetanyt
    hing?
    ”
    “
    Youwi
    llgetsomet
    hing.
    ”
    “
    Idon’
    twanttoabur
    dent
    oyou.I
    t’
    sbestIj
    ustgot
    o
    t
    hevil
    lage.
    ”
    “
    Fif
    i…”
    “
    Wewillt
    alk.CanyoupleasesendmeP100.Iused
    t
    heoneyougavemel astweektogofori
    nter
    views.
    ”
    “
    Ok.
    ”
    Fif
    ihungup,minut
    esl
    atert
    hemessagef
    rom FNB
    camethrough.
    FNB PS LORATOsentyouP400. 00.Getcashat
    CashPluspart
    nerorPressPROCEEDatFNBATM.
    PIN80867,i
    svali
    dfor16hrs.I
    fPI
    Nexpir
    ed,dial
    *130*
    392#
    Sheguil
    ti
    lylookedattheamountt henst
    oodupin
    herwetclot
    hes,shekneltunderthebedandtook
    outhershoes.Sheputthem inthebagandwalked
    out.MmagweLor atosil
    entl
    ylookedatherasshe
    walkedout.
    Fi
    fidownt
    hest
    reetheadedt
    othemal
    l.Cl
    oset
    o45
    minuteslater
    ,shest
    oodinaqueueatanFNBATM.
    Herturncame, shewal
    kedoverandpr
    essedt
    he
    machine.Itstar
    tedl
    oadi
    ngtaki
    ngti
    me.
    “
    Regot
    huse?(
    Shoul
    dwehel
    pyou?
    )”
    Fi
    fit
    urned,
    Obakengsmi
    ledbehi
    ndher
    .
    “
    It
    ’st
    aki
    ngt
    ime.I
    t’
    snotme.
    ”
    Hewal kedover
    ,hewasnowwear ingajeanandat -
    shir
    t,hefi
    xedhisbaseballcapst
    andingbehindher
    thencancell
    edherprocedure.Hi
    sbodyt ouched
    hersmakingherinhal
    ehismanl ycolognewhilehe
    i
    nsertedhiscar
    d.
    “
    Obatagocashabokae?(
    Howmuchdoyouwant
    t
    ocashout
    ?)”
    Sheswal
    lowedashisbreat
    hbrushedherneck.Her
    voi
    cecameoutlowert
    hanintended.
    “
    P400.
    ”
    HecashedoutP2000t
    hent
    ookherhandandl
    ed
    hert
    ohiscar
    .
    “
    Ineedt
    o-“
    “
    Fif
    i,canyour
    elax?
    ”
    Sheclosedhermout h.Heunl
    ockedhiscarand
    openedthedoorforher.Fi
    fil
    ookedathi
    mt hen
    sl
    owlygotinthecleancar.Hejumpedinandlooked
    ather.
    “
    Wakae?
    ”
    “
    Tot
    her
    ank.Youcandr
    opmeof
    fther
    e.”
    “
    From t
    her
    ewher
    ear
    eyougoi
    ng?
    ”
    “
    Mai
    tengwe.
    ”
    Her ever
    sedfrom wherehewaspar kedandjoined
    theroad.Fif
    isil
    entl
    ylookedahead,Obakengstole
    glancesatherdrivi
    ngtotherank.Heturnedr
    ight
    i
    nt otherankandparkedthecar.
    “
    Onewouldswearyouarenotthesamepersonwho
    wasdanci
    ngont opoft
    het
    ablessingi
    ngl
    ouder
    t
    hanthespeaker
    s.”
    Fi
    fil
    aughedembar
    rassed.“
    Thatwasn’
    tme.
    ”
    Hesmi
    led.“
    Ithi
    nkIr
    emembert
    hatt
    -shi
    rt
    .”
    Shel
    aughed.“
    SoIcan’
    thaveasi
    mil
    art
    shi
    rt
    ?”
    Hestaredatherf
    aceandsmi
    ledst
    ari
    ngather
    vi
    brantsmil
    e.
    “
    What
    ?”
    “
    Yout
    alki
    nyoursl
    eep.
    ”
    “
    Youar
    elyi
    ng.
    ”
    “
    Youdo.
    ”
    Shesmi
    led.“
    Whatdi
    dIsay?
    ”
    “
    Youwer
    esi
    ngi
    ngSi
    sterBet
    hina.
    ”
    Fi
    fil
    aughed.“
    Waaka.(
    Youar
    elyi
    ng.
    )”
    “Iam tell
    ingyou.Kehakegotswer
    eoreofologa
    bolao.(Ihadtoholdyoubackwhenyouwereabout
    togetof fthebed.
    )”
    Fi
    fil
    aughedsomuchherr
    ibshur
    t.“
    Tlher
    ra
    waaka.
    (Youar
    elyi
    ng.
    )”
    “Ishoul
    dhavet akenavideo.Nnaebi
    lekeneke
    tsogi
    lekeipotsagorekemat i
    moneagotweng
    manga.( Iwassoscar edwonderi
    ngwhatsortof
    demonsar ethese.)
    ”
    Sheputherhandsonherf
    acel
    aughi
    ng.“
    Stop.
    ”
    Hesmi l
    edstari
    ngather .“
    Af tert
    hatyousaid
    somethingaboutnotsleepingwi t
    hsomeonef or
    money.Thensomet hi
    ngRi cky.Ifigur
    edyourgay
    fr
    iend.Thenyoustart
    edcr yingforyourf
    ather.
    ”
    Fi
    fistoppedl
    aughi
    ngt
    henwi
    pedhert
    ear
    sleani
    ng
    back.“Whatel
    se?”
    “
    Not
    hing.
    ”
    Shel
    ookedathi
    m.“
    Ihavet
    ogo.
    ”
    “Youhaveabeaut
    if
    ull
    aughandsmi
    le.I
    tbr
    ight
    ens
    upyourface.
    ”
    Shei
    nvol
    unt
    arysmi
    led.“
    Thankyou.Ihavet
    ogo.
    ”
    Hetookoutmoneyf
    rom hi
    spocketandputi
    tinher
    bag.
    “
    Bye…”
    Fi
    fitookoutthemoneyandcount
    ed.“
    Idon’
    tneed
    al
    lthis.Ij
    ust
    -“
    “I
    t’
    syourmoneyandal
    soanapol
    ogi
    zef
    oryour
    beer.
    ”
    Shel
    ookedathi
    mthencount
    edherP400andgave
    hi
    mther
    emai
    ning.
    “
    Thankyou.ButIam f
    ine.
    ”
    Shest
    eppedouthol
    dingt
    heP400.Butt
    hen…she
    l
    eanedoverandt
    ookanextr
    aP200.
    “
    Thanks.
    ”
    Obakengsmi
    led.“
    Youar
    emostwel
    come.
    ”
    Shelookedatot
    hermoneynotesonhisl
    apthen
    cl
    osedthedoorandwalkedawayheadedtot
    he
    buses.
    Fif
    iboughtaticketfrom thedriverthengoti nthe
    busholdingherticket.Shesatbyt hewi ndowand
    l
    ookedoveratt heJeepst aringathim buying
    somethingfr
    om aguysel li
    ngcooldr inks.Heturned
    tothebusandl ockedeyeswi t
    hhi mthensl owly
    l
    ookedawayast hecooldr inkguyr anovert oher
    window.
    “
    KewenaFi
    fi
    ?(Ar
    eyouFi
    fi
    ?)”
    “
    Yes.
    ”
    HetookoutacanofcokeandapacketofSi
    mba
    chi
    ps.Hehandedt
    hem toher.
    “
    Obakengogor
    eket
    si.(
    Obakengboughtf
    oryou.
    )”
    Fi
    fil
    ookedoverathi
    m ashegoti
    nhi
    scart
    henhe
    dr
    oveoff.Shesmil
    ed.
    “
    Thankyou.
    ”
    Thebussl
    owl
    ytookof
    fassheopenedherpot
    ato
    chi
    ps.

    *
    **

    Loratosati
    nhercleanhouset
    hatSat
    urdaymorni
    ng,
    herfeetonhercr
    eam couchwhil
    eshewatchedher
    seri
    escatchi
    ngup.
    Herphonevi
    brat
    edont het
    abl
    e,shesl
    owl
    yreached
    f
    oritandsi
    ghedpicki
    ng.
    “
    Hel
    lo?
    ”
    “
    Yoursi
    sterj
    ustlef
    t.Iknowsheisgoi
    ngt
    oher
    wit
    chgr
    andparentssotheycanbewit
    chme.
    ”
    “Mmêi snotawit
    ch.She’
    sneverbeenawit
    ch.
    Pleasest
    opthi
    s.Iknowyouaresti
    llusi
    ngi
    nsul
    ts
    onFi f
    iembarrassi
    ngher.That’
    st hereasonwhyI
    nevercomet herebecauseyouar enotagood
    person.Yourhearti
    sfullofevi
    lness,Idon’tknow
    howpapacoul dputupwi thyouf orallt
    heyearshe
    stayedwithyou.Youareat oxi
    cper son.”
    “
    Lor
    atoIam yourmot
    her
    !”
    “Opelomaswe.I
    fnoonet
    ell
    syout
    hat
    ,Iwi
    llt
    ell
    you.
    ”
    Shestar
    tedcr
    ying.“Lor
    atoyouar
    etal
    kingt
    omel
    ike
    that
    ?Me?Yourmot her?”
    Lor
    atocutthecallandcall
    edhersist
    er.Shecutt
    he
    cal
    lbefor
    eitwouldringdecidi
    ngshewoul dj
    ust
    wai
    ttil
    lshearr
    ived.
    Shest ar
    edattheTVscreenandfoundher sel
    f
    thinkingofthemanshehadseenyest erday.She
    sighedst il
    lembar
    rassedthencal
    ledheroldersi
    ster
    smi l
    ing.
    “
    Hel
    lo?
    ”
    “
    Iwasgoingtowaitt
    il
    lyouarr
    ivedbutIhavet
    otel
    l
    t
    his,
    yest
    erdaydur
    inglunchIwenttosome
    r
    est
    aur
    antwi
    tht
    hissnakecol
    league.
    ”
    Fi
    fil
    aughed.“
    Ial
    readydon’
    tli
    keher
    .”
    Lorat
    osmi l
    ed.“
    Thisgi
    rldr
    agsmet
    othi
    snewpl
    ace
    thendipswhenthebil
    lcomes.
    ”
    “
    Don’
    ttel
    lmeyoupai
    dherbi
    ll
    ?”
    “Ihadnochoi cemmeIcutherof f.SoIwal koutof
    therest
    aurant,Iam angryandIam t alki
    ngtomyself
    i
    nmyheadt henreal
    izeIdon’thavemykeys.That
    momentadeepsexyvoi cetalkstomef rom behi
    nd
    gotwelookingforthi
    s…It ur
    nandFar ahGawd! ”
    Fi
    fil
    aughed.“
    Osi
    mol
    otse.(
    Youhavest
    art
    ed.
    )”
    “
    Ij
    o…st
    il
    lspeechl
    ess.Andhe’
    scl
    eanand…wow.
    ”
    Fi
    fil
    aughed.“
    Then?
    ”
    “Hesaysyouhaveabeaut if
    ulsmil
    e.MebeingmeI
    star
    tkereIam notgivi
    ngyoumynumberbecause
    youfoundmykeys.Mmat henguysayshenever
    askedfori
    tandIcanki ndl
    ykeepit
    .Ihaveneverbe
    beensoembar rassedandhe’sst
    uckinmyhead.”
    Fi
    fil
    aughedmakingherlaughtoo.See,
    Fif
    ihadt
    hat
    ki
    ndofcontagi
    ouslaughthatal
    waysmadeyou
    l
    aught
    oo.
    “
    Lor
    atomma!
    ”
    “Iknow..Iam st
    il
    lembar
    rassedbutnowIcan’
    tget
    him of
    fmyhead. ”
    “LennaIsawsomeone.He’ s…osi amehela,nott
    o
    tal
    l.Justok.Notbuf
    f,he’
    sjustok.Andhandsome
    too.Butnottoomuch..he’
    smanl y.ButIknowIam
    nothistype.”
    “
    Howdoyouknow?
    ”
    Fif
    ichuckl
    ed.“
    Iknow.Menli
    kehim dat
    eladi
    esli
    ke
    you.Esengronamatagwaasaberekeng.(
    Notus
    drunkar
    dswhoareunemployed.
    )”
    Lor
    atol
    aughed.“
    Youwoul
    dbesur
    pri
    sed.
    ”
    “Nope.Relationshi psneedmoneyLor ato.Iknow
    wher eIbelong.Dat i
    ngsomeonel i
    kehimi sapplyi
    ng
    foraheartbr eak.It’shardbei
    ngunempl oyed.It
    affectsalot.Ibringnot hi
    ngtothetabl
    e.Andei t
    her
    way, hemetmedr unk.Icall
    edhismot herawhor e.
    .
    vomi t
    edinhi scar .Low-keyalmostaccusedhim of
    rape.Andt helistgoeson. ”
    “
    Wast
    hisyest
    erday?
    ”
    “
    Yes.
    ”
    “
    Youwil
    lneverknow.Iwi
    shyoucancomeandst
    ay
    wit
    hme.Imissyou.”
    “Letmerecoup.Iwi
    llst
    artappl
    yingf
    orjobsi
    n
    Gaborone.I
    fIfi
    ndsomet hi
    ngthenIwil
    lcome.
    ”
    “
    Iwi
    llcont
    inuehel
    pingyoul
    ook.
    ”
    “
    Youar
    ethebest
    .”
    Thesi
    ster
    sconti
    nuedchatt
    ing,Lorat
    orel
    axed
    l
    aughi
    ngasFifil
    aughedexplai
    ningsomethi
    ng.
    .
    .
    .
    [
    04/
    23,
    05:
    36]'
    :
    Si
    nsUnf
    orgi
    ven
    #3

    Lat
    ert
    hatday,
    Fif
    iwal
    kedt
    hroughher
    grandmother’ssmal lgateandi
    ntotheyard.She
    slowlyapproachedt hedooralr
    eadyhear i
    ngthe
    radi
    oplaying.Fifit
    ookadeepbr eat
    ht henknocked
    gentl
    ybeforewal ki
    ngi n.Hergr
    andmot hertur
    ned
    andsmi l
    edget t
    ingup.
    “
    Doba!
    ”
    Fi
    fismi
    ledl
    aughedashergr
    andmot herhuggedher
    .
    Tr
    usthergr
    andmothert
    osti
    llcal
    lherwiththat
    ni
    ckname.
    “
    Mamamma!
    ”
    “
    Youf
    orgotme.
    ”
    Tearsfi
    ll
    edFifi
    ’
    seyesasshehuggedherti
    ght
    ly.
    Sheclosedhereyest
    okeephertear
    satbaybut
    theyst
    il
    lrol
    leddownasshegotemotional
    .
    “
    Idi
    dn’
    tfor
    getyou…”
    Hergr
    andmothercuppedherf
    acet
    henl
    ookedat
    Fi
    fi
    ’st
    ear
    s.Shesmi l
    ed.
    “Ther
    eisapointafteryouwerebornyouraunt
    causedabigfightbetweenyourfat
    herandyour
    mother.Yourmother’
    smot herwasabusywoman
    backinherdays.Soshegavebi rt
    ht oaver yli
    ght
    chil
    dwi t
    hbl ackcurl
    yhair.Herfatherwasver y
    black.
    ”Shepausedandl aughedmaki ngFi f
    ismile.
    “Buthetookcar eofher.Yourmot herwasver y
    beauti
    ful.Shecaughtyourf at
    her ’
    seyesf r
    om af ar.
    Andwhenyouwer eborn,youhadbl acksofthair
    andyouwer eyell
    ow.Yourhai rgrewoni t’
    sown
    thoughitwasSet swanahai rwithat ouchofwhat
    yourmot herhad.Yourauntst art
    edspr eading
    rumorsaboutyourpat ernit
    ytil
    lyourf at
    herdi d
    thosetests.Backthenitwasver yexpensi ve.He
    soldhisoxanddi dthetest.Andyouwer ehi s.You
    arebeaut i
    ful
    …youhavehereyes, andherl aughter.
    ”
    Tearsr
    oll
    eddownFi
    fi
    ’scheeksashergr
    andmot
    her
    spoke.
    “Youarebeautif
    ul,youremindmeofher .Onl
    yshe
    wasveryquiet,shebarelyspoke.Shewouldj
    ust
    smil
    e…j ustl
    ikeyousmi l
    e.Butyourfor
    ward
    charact
    erisyourfather
    ’s.”
    Fi
    fil
    aughedwipingawayhertears.Her
    gr
    andmothertookoutherhandkerchi
    effr
    om her
    br
    aandwi pedFifi
    ’
    stear
    s.
    “
    Iam happyyouf
    inal
    lyr
    emember
    edme.
    ”
    Hergr
    andfat
    herpul
    ledheri
    nhi
    sar
    ms.“
    Ms
    Pabal
    lo.
    ”
    Fi
    fil
    aughedhuggi
    ngt
    heol
    dman.“
    Mr.P.
    ”
    Helaughedmovi
    ngbackandputhi
    sar
    m ar
    ound
    hi
    swi f
    e.
    “Iwaswonder
    ingwhowasgoi
    ngtocutmynai
    ls.
    Noonetakesgoodcar
    eofmeli
    keyoudo.
    ”
    Fi
    fismi
    led.“
    Mr.P,
    myser
    vicesar
    eexpensi
    ve.
    ”
    “
    Iwi
    llpayyoui
    nloveval
    ue.
    ”
    Hergrandmot
    herpi
    ckedherbagf
    rom t
    hegr
    ound.
    “Come.Ojel
    e?Youarel
    osingwei
    ght
    .”
    Fi
    fif
    oll
    owedhergr
    andmot
    her
    .“Iat
    e.”
    “
    Youl
    ookt
    hin.I
    sthatwomanf
    eedi
    ngyou?
    ”
    Hergrandmotheropenedthedoort
    otheroom she
    al
    waysusedwi thLorat
    owhenevershevi
    sited.
    Trusthergr
    andmothertocleant
    heroom asif
    someoneusedt heroom.
    Hergr
    andmot
    hert
    urnedt
    oher
    .“Iwi
    llgoandcook
    f
    oryou.Youl
    ookhungr
    y.”
    “
    Thankyou.
    ”
    Hergrandmotherheldherhand.“
    Icansee
    somethingiswrong.Butwewillt
    alkabouti
    t.Ri
    ght
    nowrest.”
    Fifinoddedthenhergr andmot herwal kedout
    .She
    tookoutherphoneandl ookedattheonebarof
    networ k.Shechangedi ntofreshclothesthen
    wal kedoutandl ookedathergr andfatherwhowas
    holdingt her
    adio.
    “
    Papa,
    net
    wor
    k?”
    “
    Atthebi
    gbaobabt
    reeneart
    her
    iverbuti
    t’
    sfar
    .I
    wil
    lgowi
    thyou.
    ”
    “
    No.Iwi
    llgo.I
    t’
    sfi
    ne.
    ”
    “
    Ther
    ear
    epeopl
    ewhost
    eal
    peopl
    eher
    eFi
    fi
    .”
    “Mr.P,Iwil
    lbef
    ine.Letmemakeacal
    l.Iam
    coming.”
    Shewal kedoutofthegat
    etaki
    ngt
    hethintr
    aili
    nto
    thebushes.Shehummedhol di
    ngherphone,
    minuteslatersheappr
    oachedt
    hetr
    eeandlookedat
    t
    het
    hreebar
    sofnet
    wor
    k.
    I
    mmedi
    atel
    yani
    ncomi
    ngcal
    lcamet
    hrough.
    “
    Ricky…”
    “
    Heel
    aIhavebeent
    ryi
    ngt
    ogethol
    dofyou.
    ”
    “
    Iwentt
    oMai
    tengwe.Net
    wor
    kisbadher
    e.”
    “What?Whatareyoudoi
    nginMai
    tengwe?Andwhy
    am Ionl
    yfi
    ndingoutnow?”
    “If
    oundmycl ot
    hesinthebin,
    mostofthem missing.
    Iam ti
    redoft
    hiswomanst eal
    ingmypeace.Iam
    sorr
    yIdidn’
    ttel
    lyou.I
    twasal astmi
    nut
    edecision.”
    “
    Shet
    hrewyourcl
    othesi
    nthebi
    n?Thi
    swi
    tch!
    ”
    “
    It
    ’sf
    inet
    hough.Idon’
    twantt
    ofi
    ghtanymor
    e.”
    “
    Youshoul
    dhavecal
    ledmet
    hough.
    ”
    “
    Iknow.Iam sor
    ryf
    ri
    end.
    ”
    “Ei
    sh,nowwhatam Igoi
    ngt
    odoal
    lal
    one?KanaI
    havenoonebutyou.”
    Fi
    fismi
    led.“
    Youwi
    llbef
    ine.
    ”
    “
    Iam goi
    ngt
    ocomet
    her
    e.Youj
    ustcan’
    tleaveme.
    Ar
    ether
    eanyhandsomeheadboys?
    ”
    Fi
    fil
    aughed.“
    No.
    ”
    “
    Ij
    a,anyways,
    Isakacameback.
    ”
    “
    Forwhat
    ?”
    “
    Hesayshe’
    ssor
    ryandt
    hathewant
    sme.
    ”
    “
    Whatdi
    dyousay?
    ”
    “ThatIdemandgir
    lf
    ri
    endal
    lowanceandr
    isk
    all
    owanceincasehi
    szombi
    escomeback.”
    “
    Yes!
    ”
    “Fr
    iend,Itol
    dyouthatyoucanli
    vewi
    thme.You
    don’thavetogotoMaitengwe.
    ”
    “
    Ineedt
    his.
    ”
    “Ther
    ewasaguyyest erdayatt
    heclub…Idon’t
    knowi fyousawhim buthewasl ooki
    ngatyou.He
    waswear ingat-
    shi
    rtwr i
    tt
    enBAX.Thatguywas
    l
    ookingatyouIevent houghthewasgoingtobuy
    usdrinks.”
    “
    Idi
    dn’
    tseeanyone.
    ”
    “
    Hewashandsome.Andhesmel
    tni
    ce.
    ”
    “
    Youknowmeanddat
    ing.
    ”
    “I
    tsbeenayearLegaufi
    .Youneedtohavesex.I
    t’
    s
    necessar
    y.Gonyobiwagonecessar
    y.”
    Fi
    fichuckl
    ed.“
    Bye.
    ”
    “Iam tel
    li
    ngyou.Iheardmostherdsmenar
    e
    Zimbabwean.KanaboKnowl edge,noTawanal
    ebo
    Tatendahavebigdics.Andt
    heyknowhowt ouse
    them.NnaIsaydoi t.
    ”
    “
    ByeRi
    cky.
    ”
    “Justfindyourownguy…yourownguynamed
    SuccesskanaFor t
    une.Thel i
    kesofBl
    essi
    ngyaana.
    Gapet heyknowhowt otakecareofwoman.Bo
    Bright.Theyknowhowtol oveawoman.Findyour
    own. ”
    Fi
    fil
    aughedt
    henhungup.Shel
    ookedar
    oundt
    hen
    Fi
    filaughedthenhungup.Shel ookedaroundthen
    walkedtotheriver
    .Shesmi l
    edstari
    ngatthewater,
    ,
    athoughtoftakingoffhercl
    othesandjustrel
    axing
    i
    nsidecrossedhermindbutt hensomeonecoul d
    walkoverorshecoul
    ddrownanddie.Thatwasone
    ri
    skshewasn’tgoi
    ngtotake.Shet
    urnedand
    walkedbacktohergr
    andparent
    shouseaft
    ertext
    ing
    Lorato.

    *
    **

    Somewherej ustoutsi
    deFranci st
    own, mmagwe
    Lerat
    owalkedi nsi
    deasmal lhutnakedandsat
    downwithawomanwhoal sosatnakedmut t
    eri
    ng
    unknownthingsunder neat
    hherbr eath.
    MmagweLor
    atot
    ookadeepbr
    eat
    h.
    “
    Myl at
    ehusband’
    sdaught
    erf
    oundajob.Iwanther
    t
    olosethej
    obandconti
    nuesuff
    eri
    ng.
    ”
    Thewomanlookedather
    .“Thatsamedaught
    eryou
    oncecamet
    omeabout ?”
    “
    Yes.
    ”
    Theladynoddedshaking.Shestar
    tedsingi
    ng.She
    stoodupthenwalkedtothecornerwithherf
    allen
    saggybreast
    s.Shepickedablackcalabashthen
    pour
    edwat
    erinsi
    debef
    orewal
    kingbackt
    o
    mmagweLorato.
    “
    Peei
    nsi
    det
    hiswat
    er.
    ”
    MmagweLoratost
    ooduptakingt
    hecalabashand
    peedi
    nsi
    de.Thewomanlookedather
    .
    “
    Doyouhaveherpant
    y?”
    “
    Yes.
    ”
    MmagweLor at
    owalkedout
    sidet
    hencameback
    hol
    dingFi
    fi
    ’spant
    y.
    “
    Putiti
    nthewat
    ert
    henspi
    tinsi
    deandsayal
    lyou
    want
    .”
    SheputFi
    fi
    ’spant
    yinsi
    det
    hewat
    ermi
    xedwi
    thpee.
    “
    Iwanthert
    oloseherj
    ob.
    ”
    “
    Sayherf
    ullnameandsur
    name!
    ”
    “LegaufiPaball
    oIwantyoutosuf fer.Iwantyouto
    l
    oseyourj obandnevergetaj obinyourl i
    fe.Iwant
    allyoursuccesstogotomydaught er,Lor
    ato
    Paballo.Iwantyoutodiesuffer
    ing.Iwantyout o
    notgetmar ri
    edbutjustcont
    inueget ti
    ngusedand
    dumped.Iwantyourt earst
    obemydaught er
    ’s
    happiness.Iwantyoutogocr azyandloseyour
    mind.Iwantyout odi
    ei nmisery.Iwantnot
    hingof
    yourstoneverworkout!”
    Sheconti
    nuedcursi
    ngFifi
    ’
    slif
    easFif
    i’
    sredpant
    y
    tur
    nedthewaterdar
    kblackwhilet
    hewomanthrew
    thi
    ngsi
    nsidemutter
    ingthi
    ngs.
    Thewaterslowl
    yshowedFi
    fiwal
    king.Mmagwe
    Lor
    atocursedherevenmor
    ethenfinal
    lyf
    ini
    shedup.
    Thewomanpi ckedt hecalabashandputi ti
    nthe
    fi
    rethatwasi nthemi ddl
    eoft heroom.Thewat er
    boil
    edtil
    litwasf i
    nished.Shet ookoutFif
    i’
    spanty
    andthrewi ti
    nthef i
    re.Thepant ystar
    tedburni
    ng.
    “
    It
    sdone.
    ”
    MmagweFi
    fismi
    led.“
    Thankyou.
    ”
    Shewal kedoutthencamebackwit
    hmoneyand
    pai
    dt hewomanbef orewal
    kingout
    .Sheputonher
    cl
    othesandwal kedawaysmili
    nghappi
    ly.

    AMONTHLATER…
    .
    .
    .
    [
    04/
    23,
    05:
    36]'
    :
    Si
    nsUnf
    orgi
    ven
    #4

    AMont
    hLat
    er.
    ..

    AtMoj
    alef
    aAudi t
    orsi
    nGaborone,Obakengsatin
    hi
    soff
    icestar
    ingathi
    sloanbal
    ance.Hewor kedout
    howmuchhewoul dpaythebankbackifadded
    moret
    owhathewasal readygi
    vingthem monthl
    y.
    Helookedoutt
    hroughhi
    swindowandstaredathi
    s
    whi
    teJeepwonderingi
    fbuyi
    ngithadbeenagood
    i
    dea…yeahitwaswhathereall
    ywantedbut…
    Hesighedst
    aringbackathisl
    aptop.Hepi
    ckedhi
    s
    phoneandpickedhissi
    ster
    ’scal
    l.
    “
    Yeah?
    ”
    Nonof
    olaughed.“
    Hi.Imi
    ssyou.
    ”
    “
    Idon’tbel
    ievet
    hat
    .Obat
    angNono?(
    Whatdoyou
    wantNono? )
    ”
    “
    It
    ’sabithar
    dt hi
    sside.CanIpl
    acel
    oansome
    money.Iwil
    lpayitbackendofmont
    h.”
    “
    Whathappenedt
    oyoursal
    ary?
    ”
    “
    Ijoi
    nedagym cl
    ub.
    ”
    “Nono,youneedtoknowyourpr
    ior
    it
    ies,acceptyou
    can’
    taffor
    dthegym.Runinthemorningsand
    eveni
    ngs.Youdon’thavet
    ogotothegym. ”
    “
    Ther
    rapr
    ett
    ypl
    ease…Iwi
    llpayi
    tback.
    ”
    “
    Youneverpaybackanyt
    hing.
    ”
    “
    IjustneedP500.
    ”
    Hesighed.“
    Endofmont
    hIwantt
    oseeyour
    budget
    .”
    “
    Yesbi
    gBr
    o!”
    Hehungupandt
    ransf
    err
    edhersomemoneyand
    l
    eanedback,hi
    smindtakinghim backtoFi
    fi
    .That
    l
    augh…hefoundhimselfsmili
    ngthenhervoice.He
    gr
    abbedhisphoneandcalledhisfr
    iend.
    “
    Bax!
    ”
    “
    KBwee,
    didyouf
    indanyt
    hing?
    ”
    “If
    oundmorethantwent
    yLegauf
    i’
    sandnoni
    sher
    .
    Ineedatl
    easthersur
    name.
    .”
    “It
    oldyou,Ionl
    yknowthathernameisLegauf
    i…
    Fif
    i.She’
    s…maybea5’5,peti
    te…andli
    ghti
    n
    complexi
    on.Shewasatt hatpar
    ty.
    ”
    “
    YouknowIwasmost lyoutsi
    deatthatpart
    y.And
    t
    herear
    ealot5’5woman,petit
    eandlightski
    n.
    Maybeyoushouldj
    ustfor
    gether.
    ”
    Obakengsighed.“
    Itr
    iedbut
    …Iam evendr
    eami
    ng
    hernow.”
    KBl
    aughed.“
    Justgetoveri
    t.I
    t’
    sli
    fe.
    ”
    “
    Thelastt
    imeIsawhershewasgoi
    ngt
    o
    Mai
    tengwe…”
    “
    KBwee,
    youwi
    llbedi
    sappoi
    nted.
    ”
    Obakengsighed.“Maybethatwi
    llhel
    pmegetover
    her.Ican’
    tseem t
    obeablet owashheroutofmy
    mind.Ijust
    …Ifeelli
    keIhavebeenbewit
    ched.
    She’s…”
    “Maybeshehasf
    iveki
    dswi
    thdi
    ff
    erentbaby
    daddi
    es.
    ”
    “Iwantt
    oseei
    tformysel
    fsot
    hatl
    ennaket
    swemo
    goene.”
    “
    Iwi
    llkeepl
    ooki
    ng.
    ”
    “
    Sur
    ent
    wana!
    ”
    Hehungupandsatst il
    lforawhi
    let
    hinki
    ng.He
    fi
    nall
    ystoodupandpackedhisthi
    ngsthenwal
    ked
    out.Hi
    sPAl ookedathi
    m.
    “Iam t
    aki
    ngther
    estoft
    hedayof
    f.Reschedul
    e
    ever
    ythi
    ngtoMonday.
    ”
    Summernodded.“
    Yessi
    r.
    ”
    Hewalkedoutandjumpedi nhiscart
    hendroveoff.
    Summerslowlysatdownasherhear tpounded.
    Onl
    yamont hsinceshehadst ar
    tedworki
    ngf orhi
    m
    andhesti
    llmadehernervous.
    Shegotupandwal kedtohisoffi
    ceinhershor t
    blackdress,shetookadeepbr eat
    hi nhali
    nghis
    cologne.Talkaboutaproperrealman.Shecl osed
    hisbli
    ndst hensort
    edoutaf ewthingsonhi sdesk.
    Sheslowlysatonhi schai
    rjustimagi ni
    nghim
    seatedthere…shesmi l
    edthengotupandqui ckl
    y
    walkedout.

    *
    **

    LoratodialedFif
    i’snumbert hatsamemor ning
    seatedinhercar .Thecallcutbeforeitcouldring.
    Shel ookedatthet i
    meandst ar
    tedhercart hen
    reversedoutofhergat e.Shepr essedthegat e
    remot ethenthegateslidcloseasshedr oveof f
    call
    ingRi cky.
    “
    HeyGi
    rl
    !”
    Loratosmi
    led.“Hey,
    Icoming.Iwil
    lbetherei
    n5
    hours.Iwi
    llcal
    lyouwhenIam inFranci
    stown.
    ”
    “
    Okshar
    p.Whatdi
    dyoubuyf
    orher
    ?”
    “
    Not
    hingmuch.YouknowhowFi
    fii
    s.”
    “Iknow.Iam str
    uggl
    ingcomingupwithsomet
    hing.
    Iknowshepr obabl
    yforgoti
    t’
    sherbi
    rt
    hday.
    ”
    Lorat
    olaughed.“
    Justgetanyt
    hing.Shewon’
    t
    ref
    useit
    .”
    “
    Ok.Seeyou.
    ”
    “
    Bye.
    ”
    Lor
    atohungupandconnectedherphonet
    othecar
    .
    Sheplayedhermusi
    ccr
    uisi
    ngheadedNorth.

    *
    **

    Rickygotof
    fthecabatthemal li
    nFrancist
    ownin
    short
    sandheels.Hewalkedconfidentl
    yasifhe
    wasn’twear
    ing8inchheels.Peopletur
    nedand
    l
    ookedasheputonhi ssunglasses.Hewalked
    i
    nsideaclot
    hingstor
    ealreadyknowingwhathis
    fr
    iendusual
    lyli
    ked.
    Al
    adywal
    kedt
    ohi
    m.“
    Areyout
    heoneIsawi
    nmy
    husband’
    sphone?
    ”
    Ri
    ckytookof
    fhisglassesandlookedatthewoman.
    Hecl
    earedhi
    sthroattuni
    nghisdeepvoice.
    “
    DoyouknowwhoIam?
    ”
    Shef
    rownedatj
    usthowdeephi
    svoi
    cewas.“
    Isaw-
    “
    “Ketagothubakafeisigoreor epor
    teGBVko
    Malaysi
    akamenoashor tangmoganong.(Iwil
    l
    punchyousohardyouwi l
    lreportGBVinMal
    aysia
    wit
    hmi ssi
    ngteet
    h.)
    ”
    Hesmi
    ledandspokewi
    thf
    emal
    evoi
    ce.
    “
    Byechoma!
    ”
    Heturnedandcont
    inuedshoppi
    ng.Thewoman
    sl
    owlywalkedawayconfusedonjustwhathad
    happened.

    *
    **

    Lat
    ert
    hatdayi
    nMai
    tengwe,
    Obakengsl
    oweddown
    att
    hehousehehadbeendi r
    ectedbytwolit
    tleboys.
    Heparkedhiscaratt
    hegateandlookedatthetime,
    hehadbeatenamostprobablysevenhourdriveto
    onl
    yfi
    veandahal fhour
    s.
    Helookedatthehousest aringatanol dcoupl
    e
    seatedbytheVerandaalreadyl ooki
    ngathiscar.
    Nowt hatbewasher e,heact uallyquesti
    onedhis
    decisi
    on.Whatifhehadt ravelledallthewayhere
    fornothi
    ng…butthenitwoul dsethi smi ndatease.
    Maybehel phi
    mf orgether.
    Hesteppedoutofthecartaki
    ngof
    fhiscapthen
    t
    hrewitinsi
    dethecarandwalkedt
    hroughthegate.
    Hewalkedtotheverandaastheol
    dmanwhi stl
    ed.
    Adogranover,Obakengsloweddownal ready
    put
    ti
    nghishandstogetherrespect
    ivel
    y.
    “
    Dumel
    ang…”
    Theol
    dladyl
    ookedathi
    m.“
    Whoar
    eyou?
    ”
    “
    Mynamei sObakeng.Iam l
    ooki
    ngforafri
    endof
    mine.HernameisLegaufi
    .Iam notsur
    eifIam at
    t
    her i
    ght
    fulpl
    ace.
    ”
    Shequi
    ckl
    ysmil
    ed.“
    Oh..youareDoba’
    sfriend?
    Don’
    tbescar
    edmyboy.Wejustgotwor
    ried.”
    Fi
    fi
    ’sgrandmot
    hersi
    ghsd.“
    Uhu,
    IthoughtFi
    fiwas
    l
    eri
    ba.”
    Hi
    swi
    felookedathi
    m.“
    Ler
    ibakengyaanong?
    (
    What
    ’sLeri
    ba?)
    ”
    “
    Sel
    omakgowa.(
    TheEngl
    isht
    hing.
    )Womant
    o
    woman.Mant
    oman.”
    “GaseLer
    iba.Gat
    weke…Kgayi
    .Kanagat
    wengka
    sekgowa?Kgay.”
    “
    That.It
    houghtshewasthatt
    hing.Ineverhear
    dof
    aboybefor
    e.Akereevenherf
    ri
    endogonemo. ”
    “
    Fif
    iisnott
    hat
    .”
    Fif
    i’
    sgrandmothersmil
    edt ur
    ningt
    oObakeng.“She
    i
    scoming.Shewent ntt
    ot heri
    vertobat
    h.Ther
    eis
    nowaterhere.Youcansitonthatchai
    rmyboyand
    tel
    luswhoyourpar ent
    sar e.
    ”

    *
    **
    Attheriver
    ,Fi
    figotbat
    hingwat
    erfrom t
    heri
    ver
    aft
    ertakingaquickbat
    h.Shefi
    ll
    edthetwent
    yli
    tt
    er
    bucketthenst
    eppedoutofthewaterwit
    hthe
    bucket.
    Shet ookadeepbr eaththentookoutherphoneand
    swit
    chedi ton.Withtheelectr
    ici
    tythathadbeen
    gonef ort
    woweeksnow, sheonlyswitchedi
    ton
    whennecessar y.Sheopenedhermessages, t
    here
    wasnot hi
    ngi mportant
    .ShewentonFacebookand
    pausedatt heLorato’
    sFacebookpostt hatwasat
    thetop.
    Shehadboughtthebri
    cksandcementt
    ost
    arther
    house.Fi
    fismi
    ledhappi
    lyandcomment
    edwit
    h
    danci
    ngandheartemoji
    s.
    Shescr ol
    leddownf orafewminutesthenswi tched
    offherphonet henputi ti
    nherbra.Shebended
    fol
    dedasmal ltowelandputitinherhead.Fifibit
    herlowerlipandpi ckedtheheavybucket.Sheputi t
    onherheadont opofthetowelthatwasactingasa
    cushion.Shet ookadeepassomewat erspi
    lled.
    Sheslowlywalkedfi
    ndi
    ngherbal
    ancethenletgoof
    thebucketandwalkedbal
    anci
    ngitwi
    thjusther
    head.
    Fif
    iwalkedt
    hroughthesmal l
    trai
    lsingi
    ngal one
    headedhome.Shestoppedbyt heMor etologatr
    ee
    (SourPlum)andgotsome, shethrewt woi nher
    mouthandsomei nhergrandmot her’
    sdr ess’
    s
    pocketandconti
    nuedwalki
    ngwhi leeating.
    Herhear tski
    ppedasshel ookedatawhit
    ecar
    parkedbyt hegatewonderingwhoitwas.She
    quickenedherpacehopingnoonewasscammi ng
    hergrandparents.ShepassedtheJeepandwalked
    thr
    ought hegate.
    Herkneesslowlygotweakasshel ockedeyeswi th
    Obakengwhowasl aughi
    ngwithhergr andparent
    s.
    Hergrandmotherquickl
    ystoodupandhel pedher
    putthebucketdownassheappr oached, herhear
    t
    poundedsomuchshecoul dswearitfeltli
    keaheart
    att
    ackwasaboutt ohappen.
    Thedogranoverandsni
    ffedherl
    egspl
    ayf
    ull
    y.Her
    grandmot
    herl
    ookedatit
    .
    “
    Rambo!Go!
    ”
    Sheki
    ckedi
    tthenitranoff.Fi
    fi
    ’sgrandmot
    her
    l
    ookedatFi
    fi
    ’sdustyfeetandlaughed.
    “Ourri
    verisabi
    tfar.She’
    sdustyfrom allt
    he
    walki
    ngbutshe’
    susual l
    yclean.Fi
    fi,yourfr
    iend
    cameallthewayfrom Gaboronetoseeyou.Idi dn’
    t
    knowyouhadsuchgoodl ooki
    ngfriends.”
    Fifiswal
    lowedthenpinchedher
    sel
    fbuthewasst
    il
    l
    there.Obakengstoodup.
    “
    Hi.
    .”
    Shelookedathimthenl
    ookeddownst
    ari
    ngt
    he
    over
    sizeddressshewasweari
    ng.
    Shel
    ookedathim.“
    What
    …whatar
    eyoudoi
    ngher
    e?
    Howdidyoueven…”
    “Ihavebeenlooki
    ngf oryou.SoIthoughtIwould
    dri
    veherebeforegivingup.Ihavebeenasking
    everyoneImeetiftheyknowLegauf iti
    llImett
    wo
    boyswhol ucki
    lyknowyou. .t
    heydirect
    edmeher e.I
    camet oseeyou.”
    Hergr
    andpar
    ent
    swal
    kedi
    nsi
    det
    hehouse.Fi
    fi
    shookherheadi
    nshock.
    “Why?Itdoesn’tmakesense…whywoul dyouj
    ust
    comeher e?Youdon’ tevenknowme.Yousawme
    once.Ican’tbeli
    eveyouarehere.
    .howdi
    dyou
    knowIwasher e?”
    “
    Yousai
    dyouwer
    egoi
    ngt
    oMai
    tengwet
    hatday.
    ”
    “
    Whatdoyouwant
    ?”
    Obakenglookedatt
    hewindowstar
    ingather
    gr
    andparentswhowerestar
    ingt
    hensmiled.
    “Yourgr
    andpar
    ent
    sar
    ewat
    chi
    ng.Theyl
    ikeme
    alr
    eady.
    ”
    Shet
    urnedbutt
    heyqui
    ckl
    ycl
    osedt
    hecur
    tai
    n.
    “
    Let
    ’st
    alki
    nmycar
    .”
    Sheslowl
    yfol
    lowedhi
    mtot
    hecarandgoti
    nwi
    th
    herdust
    yfeet
    .
    Hel
    ookedather
    .Shefi
    xedherdoekthenbutt
    oned
    t
    hel
    astbutt
    onofhergr
    andmother’
    sdress.
    “
    Icoul
    dn’
    tst
    opt
    hinki
    ngaboutyou.
    ”
    “
    Obat
    akuku?(
    Youwantp*
    ssy?
    )”
    “
    Nyaamma.(
    No.
    )Iwashopi
    ngmaybewecoul
    dbe
    f
    ri
    ends.
    ”
    “Iam unempl oyed.Ican’ tgetajob.Ican’ ttakecare
    ofmysel f.Ihavet ri
    eddoi ngmyownt hingbut
    nothingeverwor ksout .Ican’tevenkeepaj obifI
    getone.Ibr ingnot hingt oar el
    ati
    onshipor
    fri
    endshipbutmypover tyandneverendi ng
    problems.Iendupbei ngabur den.Asyoucansee,
    Iam avi l
    lagegi rlwhodependsonmygr andpar ent
    ’s
    pensionmoney.Thegi r lyousawt hatni ghtis
    anotherver sionofme.Adr unkard.Adi srespectful
    poordr unkard.Sono.Wecan’ tbefri
    endsbecauseI
    havenot hing.”Tear sfi
    lledhereyes.“ Ican’tgiveyou
    anything.Iam sor ryyoudr oveallt
    hewayher e.I
    don’tevenknowwhy.ButIam sor ry.
    ”
    .
    .
    .
    [
    04/
    23,
    05:
    36]'
    :
    Si
    nsUnf
    orgi
    ven
    #5

    Shepausedt
    hensmi
    ledt
    hroughhert
    ear
    s.
    “Iam sor
    ryyout
    ravel
    ledal
    lthewayher
    efor
    nothi
    ng.”
    “Beingunempl oyeddoesn’tmakeyouwor thl
    ess.I
    t
    doesn’tmakeyoupoor .Youar ejustbrokeatthe
    moment .Otherpl ant
    sgermi natefast
    er,others
    slower.Justbecauseyourpl anthasn’tgerminated
    asyetdoesn’ tmakeyouanyl essofahumanbei ng.
    Mostofushavebeent here.Gapeyouwi l
    lbri
    ng
    beautytothet able.I
    t’
    snotthesame.Havi nga
    beautif
    ulfri
    endi sveryimportantinli
    fe.”
    Fif
    isl
    owl
    ysmi
    ledf
    ixi
    ngherdoek.Obakengst
    ared
    ather
    .
    “
    Howol
    dar
    eyou?
    ”
    “
    Twent
    yfi
    ve.
    ”
    “I
    tsonlybeent hreeyear
    sofunempl oyment.Some
    ofusst ayedevenlongerunemployed.Atsome
    pointIconsideredbei
    ngat hi
    efandevenstole.We
    allst
    artdi
    ff
    erent
    ly.Iknowyoucompar
    eyour
    sel
    fto
    youragemat esbutwearedif
    fer
    entFi
    fi
    .”
    “
    Whatdi
    dyoust
    eal
    ?”
    Hesmil
    ed.“Outofmymot
    ivat
    ingspeecht
    hat
    ’sal
    l
    yougat
    hered?
    ”
    Fi
    fil
    aughed.“
    Whatdi
    dyoust
    eal
    ?”
    Helaughed.“
    Fifi
    ,whatIst
    olei
    snotimport
    ant.
    What’
    simportantist
    hat…don’
    tthr
    owinthetowel
    asyet.
    ”
    Shegiggled.“
    Ineedtoknow.Maybel
    ennanka
    utswa.Youneverknow.Gongwemysuccesswil
    l
    comeaf t
    erIsteal
    .”
    Obakengsmi ledstari
    ngather.Hercomplexi
    onhad
    darkenedjustabitthoughhesuspectedi
    twast he
    sun.“Ididn’
    tcomeher etoteachyouthef
    tLegaufi
    ..
    youar ebeauti
    ful
    .”
    “
    Whyareyouher
    e?Behonest
    .Youhavenot
    hingt
    o
    l
    ose.
    ”
    “
    Icouldn’
    tst
    opt hi
    nki
    ngaboutyou.Ihadsomeone
    l
    ookforyou.Theycouldn’
    tfi
    ndyousoIthoughtI
    woul
    djusttr
    ymyluckandcomel ookformysel
    f.I
    j
    ustwanttobeyourf
    ri
    end.That
    ’sall
    .”
    “
    Soyoutravel
    ledallt
    hewayfr
    om Gabor
    onet
    o
    Mai
    tengwetojustbemyfri
    end?”
    Obakengst ar
    edathersli
    ghtl
    ypar t
    edli
    ps,hi
    sheart
    racingthenheleanedoverandkissedhersof
    tl
    y,
    t
    ur ningtheki
    ssintoafr
    enchkiss.
    Fi
    fi
    ’sheartski
    ppedasheki ssedherharder,she
    sl
    owlykissedhim back,
    hereyesclosed.Her
    ni
    ppleshardenedasherp*ssyslowlygotmoi st
    .
    Obakengslowlyletgoofherli
    psandsmi led.
    “
    Yes.Andt
    hatt
    oo.
    ”
    Fifif
    ixedherdresspant
    ingfeel
    ingherwetpanti
    es.
    Shecoul dn’
    tevenrememberthelastt
    imeshehada
    manki ssherli
    kethatorhadherevenfeel
    ingli
    ke
    that.
    “
    Doyouwantust
    otakeadr
    ivear
    ound?
    ”
    “
    Iam di
    rt
    y.Letmegoandwashmyl
    egs.
    ”
    “
    Youar
    efi
    ne.I
    t’
    sok.
    ”
    Hest
    art
    edt
    hecaranddr
    oveof
    f.Fi
    fil
    ookedathi
    s
    handsashedr ove,shel
    ookedatherownnailsand
    sighed.Atl
    eastt heywer
    eshortandclean.Hedrove
    throughthegravelroadl
    ookingar
    oundt henf
    inal
    ly
    parkedhiscarunderabigmor ul
    atree.
    “
    Iboughtdr
    inksonmywayher
    e,doyouwant
    ?”
    Shenodded.Hereachedforthecool
    eratt
    heback
    andgaveheracan.Fifismi
    ledopeni
    ngthent
    ooka
    si
    p.
    “
    Wher
    eisyourgi
    rl
    fr
    iend?
    ”
    “
    Iam si
    ngl
    e.”
    “
    Youar
    esi
    ngl
    e?”
    “
    Yeah.Ibr
    okeupwi
    thmypr
    evi
    ousgi
    rl
    fr
    iend
    mont
    hsago.”
    “
    Why?
    ”
    “
    Wewant
    eddi
    ff
    erentt
    hingsi
    nli
    fe.
    ”
    “
    Whatdi
    ff
    erentt
    hings?
    ”
    “Shegotaj
    oboverseas.Wecoul
    dn’tf
    indacommon
    groundsoweendedupendingit
    .”
    “
    Howl
    ongwer
    eyouwi
    thher
    ?”
    “
    5mont
    hs.
    ”
    “
    Doyoust
    il
    lloveher
    ?”
    Obakengl
    aughed.“
    NoFi
    fi
    .Idon’
    t.
    ”
    “
    Ifshedeci
    dest
    ocomeback,
    wil
    lyougoback?
    ”
    “No.Iam overi
    t.Andbesi
    dest
    hat
    ,itwasj
    ustnot
    goingtowork.”
    “Soyouaresi
    ngleandlooking?Ihaveasi
    ster
    .She
    hasagoodjob,shestaysinGaboronej
    ustl
    ikeyou
    andshe’
    sverybeauti
    ful.Maybe-
    “
    “
    MaybeIwantyouFi
    fi
    ..
    ”
    “
    Youcan’
    t.Iof
    fernot
    hing.
    ”
    “
    Therei
    sal
    otyoucanof
    fer
    …Idon’
    tneedyour
    money.
    ”
    “
    Tlherr
    apleasedon’
    tdot
    his.Youar
    ecompl
    icat
    ing
    mylif
    efornoreason.
    ”
    “Idi
    dn’
    tdri
    veallthewayher et
    obehookedupwith
    yoursi
    ster
    ..Idon’tevenwantt
    oknowyoursi
    ster
    .”
    “
    Shei
    swaybet
    tert
    hanme.
    ”
    “
    Shecanbewaybettert
    hanJesus.I
    twoul
    dn’
    t
    makeadi
    ff
    erence.
    ”
    Tearsf
    il
    ledhereyes.“
    Iknowyouj ustwantt
    osleep
    wit
    hme.Canyounotcompl icatemyl i
    fepl
    ease…I
    haveenoughonmypl ateal
    ready.Yousawme.
    Nowyoucango. ”
    “
    Yourgr
    andpar
    ent
    ssai
    dIcansl
    eepovert
    oni
    ght
    .”
    “
    Youcan’
    t.Wedon’
    thavewat
    er.
    ”
    “
    Ial
    readysai
    dyes.
    ”
    “
    Iwi
    llt
    ellt
    hem youhadt
    ogo.
    ”
    “
    Theyr
    eal
    lyl
    ikeme.Theyt
    houghtyouwer
    egay.
    ”
    “
    What
    ?”
    “Ng…canyoujustl
    etthem behappy?Theythi
    nkwe
    areani
    tem.Youdon’thavetobreakt
    heirhear
    ts.
    ”
    “
    Obakeng…”
    “Iam justsaying.Butt
    hechoiceisyours.Your
    grandfatherevenaskedmeaboutmyi ntent
    ions.I
    tol
    dhim Iam al mostdonesavingformagadi .He’
    s
    excit
    ed.Hei sgoingtorenovat
    ethehousewi tht
    hat
    money.Isor
    tofpr
    omi
    sedt
    ohel
    pwi
    tht
    hecows
    t
    omorrow.”
    “
    Obakeng…”
    “
    Icameher
    eforyou.Ij
    ustwantt
    obeyourf
    ri
    end.
    ”
    “
    Youki
    ssedme.
    ”
    “
    BecauseIdreamtdoi
    ngi
    t.Ij
    ustwantedtoseei
    fit
    woul
    dfeelt
    hesame.Don’
    ttakeitper
    sonal
    ly.
    ”
    “
    Olor
    il
    eont
    suna?
    ”
    “
    Yes.Butthat
    ’snotthepoi
    nt.Thepoi
    ntisyouarea
    r
    eall
    ycoolpersonandIwantust obefr
    iends.ButI
    won’
    tfor
    ceyoui nt
    oanythi
    ngyoudon’twant.”
    “
    Idon’
    twantt
    obeyourf
    ri
    end.Idon’
    twantst
    ress.
    ”
    “
    Fif
    i-
    “
    “Yousaidyouwon’tforceme.Don’
    tforceme.I
    don’twantyou.Iam happywit
    houtyou.Youwant
    toturnmylif
    eupsidedown.”
    Hestaredatherf
    orasecondthenstar
    tedthecar
    anddrovebacktohergr
    andparent
    ’shousethen
    par
    kedbyt hegat
    e.
    Hel
    ookedather
    .“Soyounevert
    houghtaboutme?
    ”
    “
    Whywoul
    dI?Ionl
    ysawyouonce.
    ”
    “Youwon’
    thavel
    etmeki
    ssyoui
    fyoudi
    dn’
    tthi
    nk
    aboutme.
    ”
    “
    Youcaughtmebysur
    pri
    se.
    ”
    “
    Iam ki
    ssi
    ngyouagai
    n…”
    “
    I-
    “
    Obakengkissedher,shecl
    osedhereyesi
    nhal
    ing,
    herbodycomi ngal
    ive.Hi
    stonguemovedinher
    mouthstr
    okingherssendingshiver
    sdownher
    spi
    ne.
    Hetouchedherbreastasherp*ssyt
    hrobbed.Fif
    i
    squeezedhi
    sbicepsandletoutasli
    ghtmoani nhis
    mouth.
    Hemovedhi sl
    ipsfrom her
    sandkissedherneck.
    Fi
    ficl
    osedhereyesasherentir
    ebodyweakened.
    Obakeng’
    sdickstr
    etchedhispant
    sgetti
    ngharder
    ashekissedhermor e.
    Fi
    fipr
    essedherthi
    ghstogether
    ,Obakengki
    ssedher
    j
    uicyl
    ipsagai
    n,sli
    ght
    lybi
    tingherl
    owerli
    p
    squeezi
    nghersmallbr
    east
    s.Shel
    etoutaanot
    her
    weakmoan,herpussythr
    obbi
    ngsomuchitactual
    ly
    hurt
    .
    Hewhi
    sper
    edagai
    nstherl
    ips.“
    StopmeLegauf
    i…”
    Shesl owlycaressedhischestbreathingonhi
    sli
    ps,
    herp* ssysoaking.Obakengpull
    edhert ohisl
    apdo
    thatshest r
    addledhim,theti
    ntedwi ndows
    protecti
    ngthem from anyoneoutside.Hemoved
    hercloser.
    “
    Fif
    i…t
    ellmet
    ost
    op…”
    Shemovedevencl osersi
    tt
    ingonhi shardli
    kesteel
    erecti
    on.Hetouchedherwaistandslight
    lymoved
    underneathher
    ,hisdi
    ckrubbingagainsther
    throbbi
    ngmeat ,
    shemoanedatj usthowmuch
    pleasuret
    hatgaveher.
    Hisdickoozedwithpr
    ecum asshesatonhishar
    d
    di
    c.Allhehadtodowast akei
    tout,pushher
    pant
    iest ot
    hesideandhaveherbutheknewitwas
    moret hanl
    ust.
    “
    Legauf
    i…Isai
    dst
    opme…”
    “
    Mhmmm….
    ”
    Hewhisper
    edi
    nherear
    .“Youdi
    dn’
    tthi
    nkabout
    me?”
    Shemovedherwai
    stonhi
    mrubbi
    ngher
    sel
    fonhi
    s
    har
    dness.
    “
    Tal
    ktomebabe…”
    Hegrindedagai
    nsther
    ,shepi
    nchedhi
    sski
    n,her
    eyesclosed.
    “
    Obakeng…”
    “
    Tal
    ktome.
    .”
    Atearr
    oll
    eddownasshemovedagai
    nont
    opofhi
    s
    pant
    s.Hekissedhercheek.
    “
    Fif
    i…”
    “
    Ahhh…”
    Hehuggedherwai
    stdot
    hatshewoul
    dn’
    tmove.
    “Legauf
    i.
    .”
    “Idi
    d!Idi
    d!ButIknowwhereIbelong!I
    twon’t
    work!
    ”Herli
    psqui ver
    edasshef
    oughthertear
    s.“
    I
    knowitwon’twork!”
    “
    Whydi
    dyoul
    ieandsayyoudi
    dn’
    t?”
    “BecauseIam scared.Idon’twantt
    oli
    vei
    nfear
    .
    GapeIcheatinrelati
    onships.”
    “
    Howcanyouaf
    for
    dtocheatwhenyouar
    ebr
    oke?
    ”
    Shest
    aredathi
    m andl
    aughedsni
    ff
    ing.“
    Ijustdo.
    ”
    “
    Mmekanaot
    alel
    agaot
    shamekel
    amogonna.
    ”
    Hecuppedherf
    aceanddr
    oppedababyki
    ssonher
    l
    ips.
    “Iwillseeyoutomorrow.Iwillf
    indalodget
    osleep
    attonight.Tel
    lyourgrandf
    atherIwil
    lbeher
    einthe
    mor ning.Go.”
    Shelookedathi
    m asherpussythrobbed.He
    openedthedoorandputherdown.Fifist
    aredathi
    s
    bul
    ge.Helookedatitt
    henather.
    “
    Itwi
    llgoaway.Isai
    dgo.
    ”
    Sheswal l
    owedt hentur
    nedandwal kedi
    ntheyard
    ashedr oveaway.Lorato’
    scarimmediatel
    yparked
    wherethewhi t
    eJeephadbeen, shestar
    edatitasit
    droveoffthenlookedatRicky.
    “
    Thatcarl
    ooksf
    ami
    li
    ar…”
    ShesteppedoutofthecarwithRi
    cky.Fi
    fiscr
    eamed
    asRickyranovertoher
    .Hehuggedher
    i
    mmedi atelyi
    nhal
    ingt
    hestrongmalecol
    ogne.
    Rickysmiled.
    “
    KemangwaJeep?
    ”
    Fi
    fil
    aughed.“
    Noone.
    ”
    Lor
    atowal
    kedoversmil
    ingandhuggedher.She
    smeltt
    hemanl
    ycologneandcuri
    ouslyl
    ookedat
    her
    .
    “
    Whowast
    hat
    ?”
    “
    Noone.Ican’
    tbel
    ieveyouguysar
    eher
    e.”
    Lorat
    olaughed.“
    Ishethatguyyoutal
    kabout
    unawaremostoftheti
    mewet al
    k?”
    Ri
    ckygasped.“
    KeBax?Laj
    ola?
    ”
    “
    No-
    “
    “
    Gir
    lther
    e’shi
    ckeyonyourneck!
    ”
    Fif
    itouchedherneck.Lor
    atol
    aughed.“
    Guys,
    Baxi
    s
    thepartyguy?
    ”
    Ri
    ckynodded.“
    Yes.
    ”
    Lor
    atosmi
    ledst
    aringathersi
    sterbl
    ushi
    ng.“
    Hiscar
    l
    ooksli
    kemyguy’scar.I
    twasawhi t
    eJeeptoo.
    ”
    Ri
    ckyl
    aughed.“
    Imagi
    nei
    fit
    ’st
    hesameguy.
    ”
    Theyalll
    aughed.Lor
    atosmi
    led.“
    Thatwoul
    dbea
    probl
    em butthenIwoul
    dhaveseenhimfi
    rst
    .”
    Ri
    ckyl
    ookedather.“
    Youseei
    nghi
    mfi
    rstwon’
    t
    meanhelovesyou.
    ”
    Lor
    atol
    aughed.“
    Wai
    tseRi
    ckybat
    hong!
    ”
    “
    Myl
    oyal
    ti
    esar
    ewi
    thmyf
    ri
    end.
    ”
    Fif
    ismil
    edandhuggedherl
    it
    tl
    esi
    ster
    .“Imi
    ssed
    you.”
    Lorat
    osmil
    edhappi
    lyinhersist
    er’
    sarms.“
    Metoo.
    Yousmelll
    ikeaman.Aproperone!Wait
    seIwantt
    o
    seethi
    sBax.Hehasyoualll
    ikethi
    s.”
    Ri
    ckysmi l
    ed.“
    He’scut
    e.Anddar
    kincompl
    exi
    on.
    ButenoughaboutBax,
    Legauf
    iwhatar
    eyou
    weari
    ng?Kenggomo? ”
    Theywal
    kedt
    othehouseasRi
    ckywentonabout
    t
    heugl
    ydr
    ess.
    .
    .
    .
    [
    04/
    23,
    05:
    36]'
    :
    Si
    nsUnf
    orgi
    ven
    #6

    Laterthatday,
    Fifisatundert
    hetr
    eeonher
    grandfather
    ’smatwhi l
    eRickypai
    ntedhernai
    ls.
    Loratosatbehindplait
    ingher
    .
    “Ihavebeenappl
    yingf
    oryoubutt
    heynevercal
    l
    back.”
    Fi
    finodded.“
    It
    ’sok.
    ”
    Loratosmi l
    ed.“Butacoll
    eaguehasbeenwant i
    nga
    helper.Inegot
    iatedP2600.It
    ’sokifyoudon’
    twant
    thejob.Ijustt
    houghtmaybei tcanbesomething
    whilewel ook.
    ”
    Ri
    ckylookedatLor
    ato.“
    Youf
    oundheraj
    obasa
    maid?
    ”
    Fi
    fismi
    led.“
    P2600i
    snotbad.
    ”
    Ri
    ckyf
    rowned.“
    Youwantt
    ocl
    eanaf
    terpeopl
    e?”
    “
    It
    sst
    il
    laj
    ob.
    ”
    “Andsinceyouwillbestayi
    ngwithme,youwon’
    t
    haveanyexpensessoyoucansavet hemoneyso
    youstartyourownthing.Maybeyouar
    edesti
    nedto
    beyourownboss. ”
    Fi
    fil
    ookedatRi
    cky.“
    MaybeIshoul
    dgo.
    ”
    “
    Towi
    pepeopl
    e’
    sbut
    t?”
    “It
    sbet t
    erthannothi
    ng.P2600isalot.Icansave
    upt hatmoney.AndIwi l
    lbeinGaborone.SinceI
    haveadi plomainBusiness,
    Icanevenappl yfor
    recepti
    onistposi
    ti
    ons.”
    Ri
    ckyl
    ookedatt
    hehopei
    nFi
    fi
    ’seyes.Shesmi
    led.
    “Ormaybei
    fIwor
    kreal
    lyhar
    d,shecangi
    veme
    P3000.
    ”
    Lor
    atonodded.“
    She’
    sani
    ceper
    son.Sheonl
    yhas
    twokids.
    .onewho’sf i
    ve.Theot
    herist
    welve.Gir
    ls.
    Shestayswit
    hherhusband.Theyar efour
    .They
    l
    iveinadoublestorey,mostwor
    kisthecleani
    ng
    becauseherfi
    rstborncanhelpher
    self
    .”
    “
    Iwi
    llt
    akei
    t.
    ”
    Lor
    atol
    ookedather
    .“Real
    ly?
    ”
    Shenodded.“
    Yes.
    ”
    Lor
    atohuggedher
    .Ri
    ckyj
    oinedt
    hehug.
    “
    Iam notaf
    anofyoubei
    ngahel
    perbuti
    t’
    s
    money…”
    Fi
    fil
    aughedt
    henleanedback.“
    IfIsavef
    orfi
    ve
    months,
    Iwouldhavesavedmorethan10k.
    ”
    Rickysmil
    edseeingt
    hehopeinhereyes,he
    couldn’
    tqui
    terememberwhenlastshehadbeen
    thi
    shopeful
    .Itmadehim smi
    leevenmore.
    Lorat
    osmiled.“
    Thenwewi
    llgobackt
    oget
    her
    tomorrow.
    ”
    Fifinoddedwat
    chi
    ngRi
    ckyf
    ini
    shuppai
    nti
    ngher
    toes.
    “
    Theyar
    eni
    ce.
    ”
    Ri
    ckysmi
    ledt
    henpour
    edt
    hem beeri
    nmugs.
    “
    Happybi
    rt
    hday,
    thi
    str
    eat
    mentonl
    ycomesonce.
    ”
    Fi
    fil
    aughedget
    ti
    ngherbeer
    .“Thankyou.
    ”
    Lor
    atof
    ini
    shedpl
    ait
    ingherandsmi
    ledatherwor
    k.
    “
    Done!
    ”
    Fi
    fismi
    led.“
    Thanks.
    ”
    “
    HappyBi
    rt
    hdayFi
    fi
    …”
    “Thankyou.Forthepresentt
    oo.
    ”Fi
    fil
    ookedather
    newphone.“Iloveit
    .”
    “
    Youar
    ewel
    comesi
    s.”
    Ri
    ckypr
    essedhisphone.“
    Thenet
    wor
    kher
    emakes
    mehaveanxi
    ety.
    ”
    Fi
    fil
    aughed.“
    Justenj
    oyl
    if
    ewi
    thoutsoci
    almedi
    a
    Ri
    cky.”
    “
    Iwantt
    oknowwhatpeopl
    ear
    esayi
    ngaboutme.
    ”
    “GuysIboughtussomesnacks.Theyar
    eint
    he
    car.
    ”
    Loratostoodupinherjeansandwal kedtobethe
    car,herstr
    aightweaveshinedunderthesun.Fif
    i
    smiledstari
    ngatherwalkingtogetcarparked
    undertheshade.
    Ri
    ckyl
    ookedatFi
    ficur
    iousl
    y.“
    SoBax?
    ”
    Fi
    fismi
    led.“
    What
    ?”
    “Shoul
    dIbeexci
    ted?Myf r
    iendi
    t’
    sbeenaver
    ylong
    dryseasondownther
    e.”
    “
    Don’
    twast
    eyourexci
    tement
    .Itwon’
    twor
    k.”
    “Hecameheretoseeyoual
    lthewayf
    rom Gabs,
    are
    youser
    iousr
    ightnow?”
    “
    Maybehewasdr i
    venbylast
    .Youknowtheyall
    l
    oseint
    erestaf
    tert
    heysleepwit
    hmeortheyjust
    l
    eavemeatt heend.”
    “
    Noonetravel
    sal
    lthewayf
    rom Gabst
    oMai
    tengwe
    f
    orj
    ustsex.
    ”
    Lor
    atowal
    kedbackhol
    dingupsnacksandsat
    down.
    “
    Ther
    ear
    elodgesnear
    byaker
    e?”
    Fi
    fil
    ookedather
    .“Whydoyouneedal
    odge?
    ”
    “
    Idon’
    twantt
    ocr
    owdt
    hehouse.
    ”
    “Cr
    owdt hehousehow?Youusedt
    ocomeher
    efor
    hol
    iday.
    ”
    “
    Ther
    eisnospacef
    ort
    het
    hreeofus.
    ”
    “Ther
    eis.Iwil
    lsl
    eepont
    hef
    loorwi
    thRi
    cky.You
    cantakethebed.
    ”
    “
    Aloneont
    hebed?
    ”
    “
    Yes.I
    ntheroom.Wewi
    llbef
    ine.Ther
    eisnoneed
    f
    oralodge.
    ”
    RickylookedatFi
    fiandstart
    edchatt
    ingt
    oher.
    Loratowatchedastheylaughedt
    alki
    ngabouta
    partytheyhadwentto.
    Sheopenedhersnacksandstar
    tedeati
    ngfeeli
    ng
    l
    eftout.Mi
    nut
    eslatershet
    ookherphoneast hey
    conti
    nuedl
    aughi
    ngt henst
    art
    edplayi
    ngvideo
    games.

    *
    Laterthatnight
    ,Lor atolaidonthebedwhileFif
    ilai
    d
    ont hefloorwai
    tingf orRickywhohadwentoutt o
    peeout sideatt
    het oilet
    ry.Sheturnedandfacedthe
    otherdirecti
    onfall
    ingasl eepasRickywalkedback
    i
    nt heroom.Heswi tchedof ft
    helightandlai
    ddown
    withFifi
    .
    Hel
    ower
    edhi
    svoi
    ce.
    “
    TheJeepi
    sout
    side.
    ”
    Fi
    fif
    rowned.“
    What
    ?”
    “It
    hinki
    t’
    shim.Hedidn’
    tseemebutmaybehe’
    s
    wait
    ingforever
    yonet
    osleepbef
    orecomi
    ngtot
    ake
    you.”
    Fif
    ilookedatt heti
    me, i
    twasj ustaftert
    en.Ricky
    tur
    nedcl osinghiseyestosleep.Fi f
    ilai
    dtherefor
    somemi nutesthenslowlystoodupandwal kedout.
    Shepassedhergr andparent
    ’sdoorandt i
    ptoedto
    thedoori nthedark.Sheunlockedt hedoorand
    walkedout .Shestoodbyt hever andastari
    ngat
    darknesst henheflashedhislightsonce.Sheput
    onherf l
    ipf l
    opsandhur r
    iedovert ohiscar.
    Heleanedoveropeni
    ngt
    hedoorf
    orher
    .Fi
    figoti
    n
    andlookedathi
    m.
    Shewhi
    sper
    ed.“
    Whatar
    eyoudoi
    ngher
    e?”
    Hewhi
    sper
    edback.
    .“Icamet
    oseeyou.
    ”
    “Youcan’
    tjustpar
    khere.I
    fmyfr
    iendhadn’
    tseen
    youwhatwer eyougoi
    ngtodo?
    ”
    “
    Iwasgoi
    ngtocomet
    othewi
    ndow.Shoul
    dwego
    t
    othel
    odge?
    ”
    “
    Anddowhatatt
    hel
    odge?
    ”
    “
    Sleep.
    ”
    Hest ar
    tedhi scaranddroveoff.Awhil
    elaterhe
    parkedhi scarandsteppedoutwithher.Heheldher
    handandl edhertohischal
    et.Hewalkedinwithher
    andsmi led.
    “
    Canwest
    opwhisper
    ingnow?Doyouwantt
    o
    wat
    chamovi
    e?”
    Shel
    ookedatt
    hesmal
    lTVi
    nther
    oom t
    henathi
    m.
    “
    Ithi
    nkIwantt
    osl
    eep.
    ”
    Heswi
    tchedof
    fthel
    ightandpul
    ledhert
    othebed.
    Helai
    ddownwit
    hherandpull
    edherinhisarms.
    Fi
    fit
    ookadeepbr
    eat
    hin,herbodysl
    ight
    lyunder
    hi
    s.
    Shesl
    owl
    yrel
    axedandcl
    osedhereyes.
    “Mysisterf
    oundmeajobasahel
    peri
    nGabor
    one.I
    am goingwithhert
    omor
    row.
    ”
    “
    Whi
    chqual
    if
    icat
    ionsdoyouhave?
    ”
    “Adegr
    eeinCi
    vilEngi
    neeri
    ngandadi
    plomai
    n
    Busi
    nessAdmi
    ni st
    rat
    ion.
    ”
    Hekissedherneck.“
    Impr
    essive.Icangetyoua
    bett
    eroff
    eratmywor kpl
    ace.Youcangivemeyour
    documentsand-“
    “Whathappenswhenyoulosei
    nter
    esti
    nme?I
    don’
    twantyout or
    aisemyhopesonlyt
    odi
    sappoi
    nt
    meaftert
    hat.”
    “
    Fif
    i-
    “
    “
    Butt
    hankyou.
    ”
    “
    Canyoupl
    easegi
    vemeachance?
    ”
    “
    Ihavet
    akent
    hej
    obasahel
    per
    .Idon’
    twantt
    obe
    di
    sappoi
    nted.
    ”
    “
    Whatdoyouthi
    nki
    sgoi
    ngt
    ohappeni
    fyougi
    ve
    meachance?
    ”
    “Youar egoi ngtosl eepwit
    hmet hengobackand
    forgetmesoIam l eftwonder
    ingwhatIdi dwr ong.
    Somet hingisj ustgoingtochange, byt henIwoul d
    bei nlovewi thyou.Thenyouwi lljustleavemewi th
    nopr operexpl anati
    on.Ihavebeent here.Iknow
    howi tgoes.Al readyIwast hi
    nkingaboutyou.Now
    youar eher eandyoukeepdoi ngal lthesethings
    youar edoing.Iam goi ngt
    ogivei nandl etyouhave
    me.Af terthatyoul eaveme…”
    .
    .

    PSi
    nsUnf
    orgi
    ven
    #6

    Heswi
    tchedonhi
    ssi
    del
    amp.Shel
    ookedathi
    m
    thenkissedhim beforehecouldsayanyt
    hingelse.
    Heki ssedherbackt henshegotontopofhim
    sit
    ti
    ngonweapon.Shemovedherwai stgri
    ndingon
    him andfelthi
    m growunder neat
    hher.
    Het ouchedherwaistt
    hensqueezedherbreast
    .He
    fl
    ippedthem get
    ti
    ngont opofherpr
    essinghishar
    d
    onbet weenherl
    egs.Hernightdr
    essrodeoveras
    theyhumpedoneachot her
    .
    Het ookoffhernightdressandtouchedherbr east
    s.
    Hel eanedoverandsuckedherni ppl
    es.Fificlosed
    hereyesput t
    ingherhandi nsi
    dehispantst henhe
    touchedit.Shestrokedhisdicbr
    avelythathe
    gruntedgrazinghernipplewit
    hhisteet
    h.
    Herp*ssysoakedashet ouchedever
    ypartofher
    body.Hesli
    dhisotherhandinherpantyt
    ouched
    herfl
    owingri
    ver.
    Shewassowetevenherpant ywassoaki ng.He
    rubbedherclitbreat
    hingheavil
    y.Hisdickgoteven
    harderi
    thurt.Hepulledoutherpantiesandopened
    herlegswider.Herpussylipsclosedeveryt
    hing
    i
    nside.Heswal lowedthenleanedoverandr anhis
    t
    ongueonhersl
    itmaki
    nghervi
    brat
    e.
    Hegent
    lysuckedhert
    hatshemovedunderneat
    h
    hi
    m,herhandinhi
    sheadwithherheadt
    hrownback.
    Hert
    oescur
    ledasshemoanedevenmor
    e.
    Heraisedhisheadandkissedherlips.Shehelped
    hi
    mt akeoffhist-
    shi
    rtt
    hent ouchedhisskin.
    Hetookouthi
    sdi
    ct henr
    anitupanddownher
    wet
    nessjustf
    eel
    ingherwar
    mt h.
    Hegroanedatt
    hepl
    easur
    ethenpressedherhol
    e
    teasi
    ngher
    .Shemoanedhel
    plessl
    ywanti
    nghim so
    bad.
    “
    Doi
    t…”
    Hel
    ookedatherbreat
    hingheavi
    lyst
    il
    lmovi
    nghi
    s
    wai
    st.“
    Idi
    dn’tbr
    ingcondoms…shouldwestop?
    ”
    “
    Mhmmm…”
    Helookedi
    nhereyest
    henki
    ssedherand
    #r
    emoved.
    .
    Lyingunderneathhi m,Fif
    iclosedhereyes, her
    orgasm hit
    ti
    nghersohar ditalmostknockedher
    out.Herbodyfr ozeast hepleasureitchedever y
    kartofherbody.Obakengdr il
    ledheruncont r
    oll
    abl
    y
    fuckingherwit
    hhi senti
    redi
    ck.Shegaspedasshe
    rel
    easedinthemostpl easurablewayasherpussy
    narrowedonhi m squeezinghi m hard,herbody
    convulsi
    ng.Hef uvkedherharder, hi
    sbitclenching
    witheachthrustt henhestil
    ledgr unti
    ngashe
    pumpedhi sthickwar m cum insideherf orthe
    secondtime.
    Hegavehert
    hel
    astt
    hrustandst
    il
    leddeepi
    nsi
    de
    her
    .
    “
    Fuck…”
    Hekissedherashisdickspur
    touteverydrop
    i
    nsideher.Hesli
    doutleavi
    ngatrai
    lofhiscum and
    l
    aidbesidesherweak.Hepull
    edhercloser
    .
    “
    Hey…”
    Fi
    ficl
    osedhereyesexhaust
    ed,
    herbodyst
    il
    l
    vi
    brat
    ingsl
    ight
    ly.
    “
    Fif
    i…It
    hinkIl
    oveyou.
    ”
    Atearr
    oll
    eddownhercheekassher
    emai
    nedst
    il
    l
    andfel
    lasl
    eepi
    nhi
    sarms.

    *
    **

    Thatsameni ght
    ,inherdream,Fif
    i’
    sher
    grandmotherwalkedinthedenseforesthearing
    someonecr yi
    ng.Shefoll
    owedt hecri
    esfurtherint
    o
    thefor
    estbutshecouldn’tseem t
    oseeanyone.
    Thecriesgotcl
    oserandcl
    oserasshewal
    ked,
    her
    heartski
    ppedashereyesfel
    lonFi
    fi
    ’smot
    her
    cryi
    ng.
    Shecr
    iedsomuchi
    tbr
    okeherhear
    t.
    “
    Diane!
    ”
    Shegaspedwakingup, hertear
    sroll
    ingdownher
    cheeks.Sheputherhandonherchestshakingthen
    sl
    owlygotdownt hebedr eachi
    ngforherbi
    ble.

    *
    **
    Hoursl
    ater,
    earl
    yint hemorni
    ng, Fif
    iwokeupand
    l
    ookedathim sl
    eeping.Tear
    sfil
    ledhereyes,she
    knewwhatwasgoi ngt of
    oll
    owaf terthi
    s.She
    sl
    owlytookoffhi
    sar m ar
    oundherandgotof fthe
    bedgentl
    y.Shetouchedhisphone, itwasten
    minut
    estofour.Sheputhisphonedown.
    Shequi cklyputonherclot
    hesthenopenedthedoor
    andwal kedout.Shelookedatthedarkdar
    kness
    thenqui ckl
    ywalkedawaydisappear
    ingint
    othe
    darkness.

    Almostanhourlater
    ,shewalkedinsi
    dethehouse
    andlockedthedoorthengotbackinherroom.
    Loratowokeupandl ookedatherwhil
    eRicky
    snoredonthefl
    oor.
    “
    Hey…”
    Fi
    fismi
    led.“
    Whatt
    imear
    ewegoi
    ng?I
    sn’
    titbet
    teri
    f
    wel
    eavei
    nthemor
    ning?
    ”
    Lor
    atonodded.“
    Yes.
    ”
    “Therei
    swat
    er.Let
    ’sbat
    h.Ri
    cky!Wakeup!Wear
    e
    going!
    ”
    Fif
    iwal
    kedoutandbumpedi
    ntohergr
    andmot
    her
    .
    “Fi
    fi
    …”
    “Lor
    atosai
    dit
    ’sbet
    terwel
    eavewhi
    lei
    t’
    ssti
    llearl
    y.
    Shehastoatt
    endtosomet
    hingmoGaborone.”
    “
    Oh…soyouar
    egoi
    ngnow?
    ”
    “
    Yes.
    ”
    Hergrandmot hert
    ouchedherhands.“ Ihadadr eam
    l
    astnight.Idr
    eamtt hesamet hingtwice.
    ”Her
    grandmothersighedtear
    ful
    ly.“Iwanttot el
    lyounot
    togobutIknowyouhavebeenst ruggli
    ng.Iwantto
    prayforyou.”
    “
    Whatdi
    dyoudr
    eam?
    ”
    “
    Idon’
    trememberanymor
    ebut
    …come.Let
    ’spr
    ay.
    ”
    SheledFi
    fit
    othesi
    tt
    ingroom andsatdownwit
    h
    her
    .Theoldwomanclosedhereyesprayi
    ng.
    “FatherIdon’tknowever ythingbutIknowyouar e
    there.Iknowyouseeourt earsandst r
    uggles.I
    knowyouseet heshackl esandbondagest hathol d
    usdown, Iknowyouseeal lthatholdusback. ”She
    pausedashert ear
    sr oll
    eddown. .“
    Youseeal lthat
    wedon’ tsee, LordtodayIpr ayf oryourmer cyupon
    Legauf i
    ’
    sl i
    fe.Iprayf oryourst r
    engthinmy
    granddaught er’
    sl i
    fe.Fathershehasst r
    uggledit’
    s
    enough…shehascr i
    edi t
    ’senough. .“Shecont i
    nued
    prayingcryingwhi leholdingFi f
    i’
    shands.

    *
    **

    Latert
    hatmor ni
    ng,
    Obakengpar kedhiscaratthe
    gateandlookedatFif
    i’
    sgrandfather
    .Hestepped
    outofhiscarandwalkedover.Theoldmanl ooked
    athim smil
    ing.
    “
    Youar
    est
    il
    lher
    e.It
    houghtyoul
    eftwi
    thboFi
    fi
    .”
    Obakengshookhi
    sheadconf
    used.“
    Lef
    t?”
    Theol
    dmansmi
    led.“
    Yes.ToGabor
    one.
    ”
    “
    Uhno.Fi
    fial
    readyl
    eft
    ?”
    “
    Yes.Shedi
    dn’
    ttel
    lyou?
    ”
    “Shetoldmeshewasgoingwit
    hhersi
    ster
    .It
    hink
    sheforgott
    otel
    lmetheywerel
    eavi
    ng.Whatt
    ime
    didtheygo?”
    “
    Ver
    year
    lyi
    nthemor
    ning.Thi
    sgi
    rl
    …”
    Fi
    fi
    ’sgrandmot
    herwal
    kedoutandsmi
    ledat
    Obakeng.
    “
    Youar
    est
    il
    lher
    e?”
    Herhusbandl
    ookedather
    .“Shedi
    dn’
    ttel
    lhi
    m she
    wasgoing.
    ”
    “Shedi
    dn’
    t?Wait
    seLegauf
    i…Idon’
    tunder
    stand
    someti
    mes.Letmecal
    lher
    .”
    Obakengtookouthi
    sphone.“
    Youcancal
    lherwit
    h
    myphone.Mmel esekal
    amoomana, It
    hinkshe’
    s
    j
    ustexci
    ted.”
    Hehandedherthephone.Shedi
    aledFi
    fi
    ’snumber
    andcal
    ledher
    .
    “
    Hel
    lo?
    ”
    “
    Legauf
    i,soyoulef
    tandyoudidn’
    ttel
    lthi
    s
    wonder
    fulyoungmanthatyouweregoing?”
    “
    Mama-
    “
    “
    Whatki
    ndofbehavi
    ori
    sthi
    s?”
    “
    I…he’
    sther
    e?”
    Obakengsmi
    led.“
    CanIt
    alkt
    oher
    ?”
    Fi
    fi
    ’sgr
    andmothergavehimthephone.Het
    ooka
    st
    epbackput
    ti
    ngt hephoneonhisear.
    “
    Hey…”
    “
    Hi.
    ”
    “
    Whathappened?Soyouj
    ustl
    eft
    ?”
    “Youweregoi
    ngtoei
    therwaysoIhel
    pedyou.I
    haveyouwhatyouwanted.Nowyoucanst
    ayaway
    from me.
    ”
    “
    Legauf
    i-
    “
    “Andpleasestayawayf r
    om myf ami
    ly.Don’
    tgi
    ve
    them hopeknowingt her
    e’snot
    hingt
    obehopeful
    about.Iam bl
    ockingyou.”
    “
    Legauf
    i-
    “
    Shehungup.Hecal l
    edheragai
    nbuti
    tdidn’
    tgo
    through.Hetookadeepbr
    eathandt
    urnedtoher
    grandfather
    .
    “
    Iwi
    llseeheri
    nGabor
    one.Iam her
    etohel
    pwi
    th
    t
    hecows.”
    Fi
    fi’
    sgrandf
    athersmi
    led.“
    Thankyouson.Inever
    haveanyonetohelpme.”

    *
    **

    Fifisatatt
    hefrontsi
    twit
    hhersist
    erstaringahead
    whi l
    eLorat
    odroveheadedtoGabor one.She
    thoughtofObakengbutsighed.Hewasgoi ngto
    l
    eaveherei t
    herway.Itwasbett
    erthisway.
    .
    .
    .
    [
    04/
    23,
    05:
    37]'
    :
    Si
    nsUnf
    orgi
    ven
    #8

    Latert
    hatday,
    Fifismil
    edasLorat
    odr ovethrough
    hergateandparkedneart
    hedoor.Fi
    filookedather
    houseastheysteppedoutoft
    hecar.
    Lorat
    otookt
    hei
    rbagsatt
    hebootandsmi
    led.
    “Come…”
    Fif
    ifoll
    owedaf t
    erher
    .Theywal kedinsidethehouse,
    Fif
    ilookedatheryoungersister
    ’shouseand
    fur
    nitur
    e.Mostofherthingswer ewhite,her
    couchesandt hefl
    uff
    ymatont hefl
    oor .Fi
    fitookoff
    hershoesasLor at
    opassedt heopenpl anki t
    chen
    withwhiteki
    tchencabinet
    sandcount ergoi ngdown
    thepassage.
    Fi
    fisl
    owl yf
    oll
    owedbehindherstari
    ngatLorat
    o’s
    hugeplasmamount edonthewall.Hel
    ookedat
    pai
    nti
    ngsont hewallsi
    nthepassagethenwalked
    i
    nsidethebedroom whereLor
    atohadplacedher
    bagont hebed.
    “
    Thi
    sisi
    t.
    ”
    Fifil
    ookedatthebi
    gQueensizebedthent
    he
    dressingt
    ablewhereLor
    ato’
    sfaci
    alcr
    eamswer
    e
    l
    inedup.
    “
    Youcanuset
    hebedr
    oom wi
    thme.
    ”
    Fi
    fismil
    ed.“Youhaver
    eal
    lydonewel
    lforyour
    sel
    f.I
    am happyforyou.
    ”
    Lorat
    osmil
    ed.“
    Thanks.ThoughIcan’
    twaitt
    ost
    art
    wit
    hmyhouseandf i
    nishup.Iwantt
    ostayinmy
    house.”
    Fi
    finodded.“
    Iam pr
    oudofyou.
    ”
    Lorat
    owalkedt
    otheensui
    teandpushedt
    hegl
    ass
    dooropen.
    “Youcantakeashowerhere.Iwil
    lorderus
    somethi
    ngtoeat.Wecangoshoppi ngafterthi
    sto
    getyouni
    cenewcl ot
    hesforyourjobtomorrow.”
    “Youdon’
    tgavetobuymeanyt
    hingLol
    o.Oj
    ust
    needtowash-“
    “Youneednewclot
    hes.Theonesyouhavearetoo
    old,
    mycoll
    eagueisahighcl
    assperson.Idon’
    t
    wantherthinkinglessofyou.Youneedsomeski n
    careproductstoo.Youlooktoooldforyourage.
    Ebil
    eletmebookyoui nforafaci
    aldot heycan
    cl
    eanseyourf ace.Takeashower.Iwillmakeany
    appoint
    mentf oryou.”
    Fif
    iwalkedtogetbagtot
    akeoutherbat
    hingt
    owel
    .
    Lorat
    osnatchedthebagfr
    om her
    .
    “Usemyt hings.Iam thr
    owi ngawayeverythi
    ngi
    n
    thi
    sbag.Goandbat h.Iwilldoyourmakeupwhen
    youaredonet henwewi llgotothemall.Iam
    order
    ingpizza.”
    “
    Ineedmypant
    y.”
    “
    Wewi
    llgetyounewunder
    weart
    oo.
    ”
    Fi
    fisi
    ghed.“
    Lor
    ato,
    youdon’
    thavet
    odoal
    lthi
    s.”
    “Iwantt
    o.Iam goi
    ngtotakecar
    eofyou.Ihaveno
    onebutyou.Goandtakeashower.
    ”
    Fi
    fislowlywalkedinsi
    detheensuit
    ewal ki
    ngonthe
    whiteti
    les.Shetookoffhercl
    othesthenstepped
    undertheshower .Shewashedoffhersweatand
    walkedoutawhi lelat
    ersmell
    ingli
    keLorato’
    s
    showergel
    ,at
    owelwr
    appedar
    oundherbody.
    Lor
    atol
    ookedatherandsmi
    led.
    “
    Youcanweart
    hisdr
    ess.
    ”
    Fi
    fipi
    ckedt
    hedr
    essandputi
    ton.
    “
    Thankyou.
    ”
    “Pi
    zzaisalmosthere.Ibookedanappoi
    ntmentfor
    yousotheywashyourf ace.Tomorrowwhenyou
    goforyourint
    ervi
    ew,shewi l
    lli
    ket
    hefactt
    hatyou
    arecl
    ean.Itol
    dheryouar egoodwithki
    ds.
    ”
    Someonehoot
    edatt
    hegat
    e.Lor
    atosmi
    led.
    “
    Pizza!Iam comi
    ng.
    ”
    Shewal kedout
    .Fif
    ilookedather
    sel
    fonthemir
    ror
    thentouchedherhips.Hernewphoner
    ang,she
    pickedupthecall
    .
    “
    Hel
    lo?
    ”
    “
    Pleasedon’
    thangup…”
    Sheswal
    lowedashespokegent
    lybeggi
    ngher
    .
    “
    Ijustgotanewsi
    m car
    d.Iknowyouar
    escar
    ed,
    I
    don’tblameyou.Youhavebeent hroughsomuch.I
    understandyouhavebeenhur tbefore,maybeeven
    farandbeyond..Iknowyouar ebr oken…Iwantt o
    helpyouhealandshowyounotever yoneist he
    same.Youhaveneverbeenwi thmebef ore…Iam
    notper f
    ect,
    butIwantyou.Iwantyout ogivea
    chance.Letmepr ovemysel f
    …don’ tjudgemeyet. .
    i
    t’ssti
    lltooear
    ly.Iam notsayingtrustmeor
    anything,j
    ustl
    etmeshowyout hatmel ovingyou
    doesn’thavetotakeanythingfrom you.”
    “Youwantt
    oturnmeintoacrazyper
    son.Iam sor
    ry
    youcoul
    dn’
    tgetasecondround-
    “
    “I
    tsnot
    hingt
    odowi t
    hsex!Ididn’
    tcomeforsex.
    Youcaughtmeoffguar
    dlastnight
    .Youaredri
    ving
    mecrazybabe.Canwejustt
    alk…Iam dr
    ivi
    ngto
    Gabsri
    ghtnow.Haveyouarri
    ved?”
    “
    Ididn’tgo..Idecidednottogo.Iwouldappreci
    ate
    i
    tifyoul ef
    tmeal one.Youar emakingt
    hingshard
    f
    ormef ornor eason.Iam beggi
    ngyou.Youar e
    makingt hi
    ngshar dforme.Idon’twanta
    r
    elati
    onship..notwi t
    hyou.”
    Shedroppedthecallandbl
    ockedt
    henewnumber
    .
    Lor
    atowalkedinsi
    de.
    “
    Foodi
    sher
    e.”
    “
    Ok.
    ”
    “
    Areyouok?
    ”
    Fi
    fismi
    led.“
    Iam f
    ine.
    ”
    Theywal
    kedt
    othesi
    tt
    ingr
    oom wi
    thher
    .

    *
    **

    Obakengpi
    ckedhi
    sfr
    iend’
    scal
    lover
    taki
    ngt
    wocar
    s.
    “
    Yeah?
    ”
    “
    IthoughtIsawyourcari
    nFTown.
    ”
    “
    Yeah,
    Iwassor
    ti
    ngsomet
    hing.
    ”
    “
    Ok,
    didyouf
    indher
    ?”
    “
    Yeah.
    .”
    “
    Final
    ly!
    ”
    Obakengsi
    ghed.“
    Yeah…”
    “
    Wasi
    twor
    thi
    t?”
    “
    Yes.Shej
    ustneedsabi
    tmor
    ecar
    ing.
    ”
    “
    Iam comi
    ngt
    oGabst
    omor
    row.
    ”
    “
    Iwi
    llyout
    hen.
    ”
    “
    Sur
    e!”
    Thefri
    endhungup.Heover t
    ookanothercarl
    eani
    ng
    onhisseat.Helookedatt
    hetimedri
    vingthr
    ough
    Gaboronestreet
    s..

    *
    **

    Atthemall,Fi
    fiwalkedbesidehersi st
    erasthey
    walkedfr
    om storecomi ngoutholdingshopping
    bags.Lor
    atopickedaf ewfacialcreams.
    Theywal
    kedt
    othet
    il
    l,
    Fif
    ilookedatt
    hebi
    lli
    nshock.
    “
    Lol
    o,youdon’
    thavet
    ogetmet
    his.
    ”
    “
    Youar
    egoi
    ngt
    olookyourage.
    ”
    Shepaidt hentheywalkedout.Theywalkedtothe
    par
    kinglotandputever yt
    hingintheboot.Theygot
    i
    nthecar .Loratol
    ookedathersister
    .
    “
    Ourf
    aci
    alsnow.
    ”
    Amessagecamethr
    ough.Fi
    fit
    ookoutherphone
    andopenedt
    hemessagefr
    om theunsavednumber
    .
    Number:Idon’
    tknowwhohur tyoubutIam not
    t
    hem.Iam comingthere.Wearegoingtopr
    operl
    y
    t
    alk.Iam comi
    ngther
    e.
    Shedel
    etedt
    hemessageandl
    ookedatLor
    ato.
    “Iwantanewsi
    m car
    d.Andsomemedsf
    rom a
    pharmacy.
    ”
    “Whi
    chmedicat
    iondoyouneedf
    rom t
    he
    phar
    macy?
    ”
    “
    Iwi
    llaskhi
    minsi
    de.
    ”
    Lor
    atonoddedt henwalkedwit
    hherbackinthemal l
    .
    Awhilel
    atertheywalkedtothecarasFif
    iputher
    newsim car
    di nherphonethenshesighedrel
    ieved.
    Theygoti
    nthecar
    .Lor
    atol
    ookedather
    .
    “Icangetyout
    hepi
    ll
    syouwantt
    omor
    row.Whi
    ch
    onesdoyouneed?”
    “
    Itneedsmeexpl
    aini
    ngt
    othephar
    maci
    st.Wecan
    l
    ooktomorr
    ow.”
    “
    Ok.
    ”
    Fif
    ipr
    essedherphonethentext
    edRickywit
    hher
    newnumber.Sheputheroldsim car
    dinherpocket
    .
    Lorat
    ost
    art
    edthecaranddr
    oveoutoft
    hemal
    l
    headedt
    othebeaut
    yspa.

    *
    **

    Meanwhil
    eObakengr
    egi
    ster
    edanot
    hersi
    m car
    d
    t
    hencal
    ledher
    .
    “WelcometotheOrangenetwor
    k,t
    hesubscr
    iber
    youhavedial
    edisnotavai
    labl
    eatthemoment.
    Pleasetr
    yagainl
    ater
    .”
    .
    .
    .
    [
    04/
    23,
    05:
    37]'
    :
    Si
    nsUnf
    orgi
    ven
    #9

    Thefoll
    owi
    ngmor ning,Lor
    atopar
    kedhercari
    n
    fr
    ontofhercol
    league’shousej
    ustout
    sideGabs.
    Lorat
    osmiledstar
    ingatthehugehouse.
    “
    Shest
    aysher
    e.”
    Fif
    ilookedatthehouseandnodded.Thegat esl
    id
    opent henLor
    atodrovein.Shesteppedoutwit
    hher
    bigsistert
    henwalkedtothedoorwhereher
    coll
    eaguewasal r
    eadystanding.
    “
    Hey…”
    Thecol
    leaguesmi
    ledatLor
    ato.“
    Lol
    o…“
    Fif
    iwatchedastheyhugged.Lor
    atol
    ookedatt
    he
    beaut
    if
    ullawn.
    “Yourl
    awni
    sbeauti
    ful
    .It
    hinkIshoul
    dhave
    somethi
    ngl
    iket
    hatatmyhouse.”
    Thecoll
    eaguesmiled.“
    Youshoul
    d.I
    twas10k.I
    t’
    s
    beaut
    if
    ulisn’
    tit
    ?”
    “I
    tis.Sendmehi
    snumbersot
    hathest
    ays
    prepared.
    ”
    “
    Iwi
    llsendi
    t.
    ”
    Lorat
    oturnedt
    oFi f
    i.“
    Thi
    sismybi
    gsi
    ster
    .Legauf
    i.
    Fif
    i,t
    hat
    ’sBanyana.”
    Fi
    fismi
    led.“
    Nicet
    omeetyou.
    ”
    Banyananoddedst
    ari
    ngather
    .“Iam Mr
    s.Let
    sat
    si.
    ”
    Fi
    finodded.“
    Eemma.
    ”
    “
    Yesmam.
    ”
    Fi
    fismi
    ledpol
    it
    ely.“
    Yesmam.
    ”
    “
    Good.Lol
    othankst
    hamma.Iwasst
    ruggl
    ing
    wit
    houtamaid.
    ”
    “
    YouknowIgotyou.Fi
    fii
    sahar
    dwor
    ker
    ,youwon’
    t
    r
    egr
    ethi
    ri
    ngher.
    ”
    Banyanal
    aughed.“
    Ihopeso.
    ”
    Lor
    atot
    ookoutFi
    fi
    ’sbagf
    rom t
    hecarandgavei
    tto
    her
    .
    “
    Seeyou!
    ”
    Fi
    finodded.“
    Thankyou.
    ”
    Lor
    atohuggedhert
    hengotinhercaranddr
    oveof
    f.
    Banyanal
    ookedatFi
    fi
    ’sj
    eans.
    “Ihopeyoudon’tt
    hinkyouaregoingtobewearing
    j
    eansi nmyhouse.Herethereisunif
    orm.Youwear
    uniformthr
    oughouttheweek.Youcoveryourhead
    withadoek.IhopeLorat
    oexplainedtoyouwhatI
    want .Come.
    ”
    Theywal kedinsi
    dethebeaut
    ifulspaci
    oushouse.
    Banyanal edhertot
    heservant’
    squar t
    ersatt
    he
    back.Fifil
    ookedatt
    hesmal lt
    hinmat t
    ressandtwo
    ol
    dbl anketsonthef
    loor.
    Banyanalookedather .Soyouwi llbest ayinghere.
    Yourunif
    ormi sinthebat hroom.I ronitandputi ton.
    Ihavetwokids.Twogi rls.Theybot hgot oschool
    butIwantthem lookingpr esentableever ysecond.I
    wantmyhousecl eanedever yday.Iwantyout o
    movethef urni
    tur
    eever ydaywhenyoucl ean.Iwill
    bechecking.Myl awnneedt obemai ntained,my
    fl
    owersneedtogetwat
    eredever
    ysi
    ngl
    eday.Go
    andtakeyouruni
    for
    m.”
    Fifiwal
    koutandbroughtbacktheunifor
    m.She
    tooktheir
    onnearamet alchai
    r,cupandspoon.
    Shequickl
    yir
    onedthel
    ongbiggr
    eydresst
    henput
    i
    ton.Banyanawatchedassheputt
    hedoekinher
    head.
    “Ok.That’
    syourpl
    ate,
    spoonandcup.Youwi l
    luse
    thatandonlyt
    hatwhil
    eyoustayhere.Youwil
    lnot
    eatinsi
    demyhouse.Youwilleather
    eoroutsi
    de.
    Notinsi
    demyhouse.Anyquest i
    ons?”
    “
    Washi
    ngandi
    roni
    ng?
    ”
    “Yes.Youdoever
    ythi
    ngbutyouwi
    llkeepyour
    dist
    ancefr
    om husband.
    ”
    “
    Yesman.
    ”
    “Perf
    ect.Comeandcl
    eanmyhouse.
    .andIhavea
    pit
    bull
    .Heneedstobefed.He’
    sabi
    taggr
    essi
    ve.
    ”
    “
    Yesmam.
    ”
    Fif
    ifol
    lowedBanyanat
    othemai
    njoyasshef
    urt
    her
    explai
    ned.
    “Youwil
    lcl
    eanever yroom.Therearef i
    ver ooms.
    .
    mygirl
    sshare,thenmybedr oom andt hreeguest
    rooms.Youcleaneveryroom everyday.You
    changemysheet severyday.Ther
    ear ecamer asi
    n
    thehousesoifyouthinkyoucanst ealthinktwi
    ce.
    ”
    Fi
    finodded.“
    Yesmam.
    ”
    “Youdon’
    tbeatmyki
    dsoraskt
    hem t
    ohel
    pyoudo
    yourj
    ob.”
    “
    Yesmam.
    ”
    Themaindooropenedthenamanwal kedin.Fif
    i
    movedbackasBanyanasmi l
    edwalki
    ngovert ohim.
    Shel
    ookedawayast heyhuggedandkissed.
    “
    Heybabe.Thi
    sist
    hemai
    d,Regauf
    i.Regauf
    ithi
    sis
    r
    ragweMimi.
    ”
    RragweMi
    mil
    ookedatherandsmi
    led.“
    Hi.Howar
    e
    you?”
    “
    Iam f
    inet
    hankyou.
    ”
    “Good.If
    orgotmywal
    let
    .Iam goi
    ngoutwi
    tht
    he
    boys.
    ”
    “
    Ihopet
    heydon’
    tmakeyoupayf
    ort
    hei
    rdr
    inks.
    .
    youcan’tbethati
    diotwhopaysforpeopl
    esdr
    inks
    everyt
    ime.Youshoul dl
    ett
    hem payfor
    themsel
    ves.”
    Hewalkedpasthergoi
    ngt
    othebedr
    oom.Banyana
    l
    ookedatFif
    i.
    “Thekidsar
    ewithmymot hert
    hisweekend.Youwi
    ll
    meetthem whentheycomeback.Youcanst ar
    t
    cleani
    ngthehouse.Alsosweeptheyard.Idon’
    t
    wantanydirt
    .Iam payingyousoIexpectyoutodo
    asIsay.”
    “
    Yesmam.
    ”
    Herhusbandwal
    kedoversecondsl
    ater
    .
    “
    Iam goi
    ng.
    ”
    “
    Wher
    eexact
    lyar
    eyougoi
    ng?
    ”
    “
    Babe-
    “
    “Iwanttoknowwhereyouar egoi
    ng.Idon’
    teven
    underst
    andwhyyoucouldn’tgoyester
    day.Todayis
    supposedtobethedaywespendt imetogetherbut
    youcangomot howamodi mo.”
    Hewal
    kedout
    ,ami
    nut
    elat
    erhedr
    oveoutasFi
    fi
    star
    tedcl
    eani
    ng.Banyanagr
    abbedhercarkeyst
    oo
    andherhandbag.
    “
    Iam goi
    ngout
    .Iwi
    llbebackl
    ater
    .Pr
    epar
    elunch.I
    wantt
    oseehowyoucook.”
    “
    Yesmam.
    ”
    Shewal
    kedl
    eavi
    ngFi
    ficl
    eani
    ng.

    *
    **

    Loratodr ovetot hemal lt


    ogethersel
    ffoodwhile
    hummi ngtot her adi
    o.Shepassedbyaf il
    li
    ng
    stat
    iont henpar kedhercarr ol
    li
    ngdownt hewindow.
    Thef uelattendantr ushedover.
    “
    Dumel
    ang.
    .”
    “
    Hi,
    P500.
    ”
    “
    Ok.
    ”
    Sheleanedbackt
    aki
    ngherphoneoutt
    hencal
    led
    Fi
    fionhernewnumber.
    “
    Hel
    lo?
    ”
    “Howisit?Banyanali
    kesthi
    ngssodon’
    tmindher.
    Shetalksalott
    oo,evenatworkmmeIheardher
    husbandhassleptwithever
    yfemal
    earoundher
    i
    ncludi
    nghersister
    stotasoshe’
    sbi
    tter
    .”
    “
    Iwi
    llsur
    vive.
    ”
    “I
    fit
    ’st
    oomuch,
    youcangivemeacallandIwi
    ll
    pi
    ckyouup.Wewil
    lfi
    ndsomethi
    ngel
    se.”
    “
    Ok.Thankyou.
    ”
    “Ialreadyspoket
    oher.Shewi
    llber
    eleasi
    ngyouon
    Fridays.Iwil
    lbepi
    cki
    ngyouwhenIknockoff.
    ”
    “
    Thankyou.
    ”
    Acarparkedbesi deshers, Loratoleanedbackon
    betseatt
    urning.Herhear tskippedasshel ookedat
    awhi t
    eJeept henshesighedal one.Shewasnow
    feel
    ingali
    tt
    lebi tcr
    azyatt hewayshel ookedat
    everywhi
    teJeepwonder i
    ngi fitwashim.
    “
    Okbyesi
    s.”
    “
    Bye.
    .”
    Lorat
    ohungupst ari
    ngatthecar.Thedriverr
    oll
    ed
    downhiswindow, Lor
    atosatupri
    ghtasheopened
    thedoorandsteppedoutofhiscartal
    kinghis
    phone.
    Herhear
    tracedsomuchashespokeonhi
    sphone
    ki
    cki
    nghistyres.
    Obakengpausedt alki
    ngonthephonethenspoket
    o
    thefuelat
    tendantthathadwal
    kedovertohim.
    Loratowatchedashewentbackt othephone
    conversat
    ion.
    Hiscardefi
    nit
    elyl
    ookedli
    ketheoneshehadseen
    i
    nMai t
    engwe.Shet ookherphonet
    hinki
    ngof
    cal
    li
    ngFifibutsi
    ghedputti
    ngherphonedown.
    Shepaidthenst
    eppedoutofhercar
    .Shelookedat
    hertyr
    esthenwalkedovert
    ohim.Obakengtur
    ned
    toherhol
    dinghi
    sphone.
    “Isentyouhername.Herful
    lnames.Iwil
    ltr
    ymy
    l
    uckoverFacebookbutshehasn’tevenaccepted
    myf ri
    endrequest.Gi
    vemeacallwhenyouf i
    nd
    somet hi
    ng.Sure.
    ”
    Hehungupandl
    ookedather
    .
    “
    Hi.
    .”
    Lor
    atosmil
    ed.“
    Hi.Wemetsomet
    imebackwhenI
    wasrudeandevi
    ltoyou.
    ”
    Hechuckl
    ed.“
    Waai
    nnaIhavemovedonpastt
    hat
    .”
    Loratol
    aughed.“Ihavenot.Iam notli
    kethat.You
    caughtmeatthewr ongtime.KooreIhavenot
    stoppedthi
    nki
    ngaboutt hatinci
    dentthatIkeep
    l
    ookingateveryJeepcar ef
    ullywonderi
    ngifit’
    s
    you.”
    “
    Wat
    senwawena.(
    Youar
    ecr
    azy.
    ).
    ”
    Shesmiled.“
    Ijustwant
    edt
    oapol
    ogi
    zef
    ormy
    behavi
    or.”
    Obakengsmi
    led.“
    It
    sok.
    ”
    “MaybeIcouldbuyyoucoffeeorlunchsomet
    ime.
    Tojustapol
    ogizepr
    oper
    ly.Icantakeyournumber
    .”
    “
    Idon’
    tthi
    nkmygi
    rl
    fr
    iendwi
    lll
    iket
    hat
    .”
    Lor
    atol
    aughedembar
    rassed.“
    It
    sok.Iam sor
    ry.
    ”
    Obakengl
    ookedatherthensi
    ghed.“Icant
    ake
    your
    s.MaybeIwil
    lgiveyouacallwhenIwantt
    hat
    cof
    fee.
    ”
    Lor
    atonodded.“
    Anyt
    hingi
    sfi
    ne.
    ”
    Heunlockedhi
    sphoneandgaveitt
    oher .Lor
    ato
    savedhernumberasLol
    othengaveitback.
    “
    Ok.Bye.
    ”
    “
    Shar
    p.”
    Shewalkedbacktohercarandst
    art
    edtheengi
    ne.
    Shelookedathi
    m andwaved,besmil
    edwaving
    backasshedroveoff
    .
    Lor
    atolaughedaloneknowinghewasnotgoi ngto
    cal
    lherthoughsheappreci
    atedthefactthathehad
    j
    usttakenhernumbertosaveherfrom the
    embarrassment
    .ShetextedFif
    i.
    Lor
    ato:Justsawt
    hatguyIt
    oldyouabout
    ,hehasa
    gi
    rl
    Fi
    fi
    :Hedoes?
    Lor
    ato:Yes.Ir
    estmycase buthewasni
    ce
    Fi
    fi
    :Sor
    ry…
    Lor
    ato:Howi
    sitgoi
    ngwi
    thyourguy?If
    orgott
    oask.
    Fi
    fi
    :Itdi
    dn’
    tgoanywher
    e.
    Lor
    ato:Sor
    ry
    Fi
    fi
    :Don’
    tbe Iknewi
    twasn’
    tgoi
    nganywher
    e
    Sheputherphonedownandi
    ncr
    easedt
    hevol
    ume
    dri
    vingt
    othemall.

    *
    **

    Laterthatday,Fi
    fisati
    nherr
    oom eat
    ingwhi
    le
    tal
    kingtoRicky.
    “
    Idon’
    tthi
    nkIl
    ikeyourboss.
    ”
    “
    Aal
    ongasIgetmymoney.
    ”
    Ri
    ckysi
    ghed.“
    Ifyousaysobutdon’thesi
    tat
    etocal
    l
    mewhenyouneedassist
    ance.BythewayBax? ”
    “Iwantnot
    hingtodowiththatper
    sonRi
    cky.Letme
    savemyselfthehear
    tache.”
    “
    Iam sadyouaredoingthi
    s.Maybehegenuinel
    y
    l
    ovesyou.Iunder
    standyourf
    earsbutnotever
    yone
    i
    sthesame.Iwishyouhadgivenhi
    m achance.He
    t
    ravell
    edhundr
    edofki
    lomet
    ersforyou.I
    tcan’
    tbe
    j
    ustlust.
    ”
    “
    Iwantpeace.
    ”
    “
    Ireal
    lyl
    ikedhi
    m,youar
    emaki
    ngami
    stake.
    ”
    “
    Iam not
    .IfIam,
    sobei
    t.
    ”
    “
    Ok.Ihavet
    ogo.I
    sakai
    sher
    e.”
    “
    Shar
    p.”
    Hehungt henFifiwenttoherFacebook.Shel
    ooked
    atthenewf r
    iendrequestshehadthenaccept
    edit
    start
    eddownhernewsf eed.

    WEEKSLATER,
    .
    .
    .
    .
    [
    04/
    23,
    05:
    38]'
    :
    Si
    nsUnf
    orgi
    ven
    #10

    FewWeeksLat
    er…

    AtBanyana’shouse,Fi
    fif
    ini
    shedst
    yli
    ngBanyana’
    s
    daughter
    ’shair
    .Shegrabbedasmallbrushanddi
    d
    herbabyhairsthensmil
    edstari
    ngather.
    “
    Ther
    e!”
    Banyana’
    sdaught
    ersmi
    led.“Il
    iket
    his.Youshoul
    d
    teachmetodoli
    keyoudo.”
    Fi
    fil
    aughed.“
    Iwi
    ll
    .”
    Banyanaopenedt
    hedoorinherfor
    malpant
    sand
    l
    ongheels.Shel
    ookedoveratFi
    fi
    .
    “
    Whatar
    eyoust
    il
    ldoi
    ng?Iam r
    unni
    ngl
    ate.
    ”
    “
    Iam done.She’
    sfi
    nished.Iwasf
    ixi
    ngherhai
    r.
    ”
    Banyana’
    sdaught
    erl
    ookedather
    .“Mamadoyou
    l
    ikeit
    ?”
    “
    Got
    othecarAmo.Want
    ia.Go.
    ”
    Amosl owlygotupthenhuggedFif
    iandhurri
    ed
    boutcarr
    yingherbag.Banyanaangri
    lyl
    ookedat
    Fi
    fi.
    “Didn’tIt
    ellyouIhadameet ingi
    nthemor ni
    ng?
    Youdonot hingr
    ighti
    nt hishouseyetyouar e
    stayingundermyr oof.Alltheseyouaredoingis
    goingt obesubtract
    edfr om yoursal
    ary.Iwon’tgi
    ve
    youP2600! ”
    Banyanawalkedoutbangingthedoor .Fif
    isighed
    thenparkedAmo’shairgelsaway.
    .shewal kedout
    thenpausedstandingbythedoorl
    isteningt othe
    heatedargumentinthesi
    tti
    ngroom between
    Banyanaandherhusband.
    Sheslowlywalkedbacki
    nt hechil
    dren’
    sroom as
    theyarguedsoloudshecouldheareveryword
    exchangedandsheknewt hekidsalways’hear
    dit
    .
    Minutesl
    aterBanyana’scardr
    oveoff
    .Fi
    fif
    inall
    ybe
    walkedoutofthebedroom andwenttot
    hekitchen.
    Shetookitadeepbreat
    hasrr
    agweMi midr
    ankbe
    wateri
    nthekit
    chen.Hetur
    nedtoherandsmil
    ed.
    “
    Hi…”
    “
    Dumel
    ang…”
    “
    Ineverseeyouar
    ound…”
    “
    Iwoul
    dbei
    nmyr
    oom.CanIgi
    veyouspace?
    ”
    Hel
    ookedathert
    hent
    hehi
    deousdr
    ess.
    “
    Doyoul
    iket
    hatdr
    ess?
    ”
    “
    Yessi
    r.
    ”
    “
    Cal
    lmeLor
    i.
    ”
    Fif
    ilookeddownashest
    aredather
    .Lor
    ist
    aredat
    herthensmiled.
    “Youarelongesthel
    pertostayt
    hislong.Youmust
    bestrong.Anyonecanleaveatal
    ltheyell
    ingand
    rudenessthatgoeson.
    ”
    “
    Shei
    sconst
    ant
    lyunderpr
    essur
    e.”
    “
    Evenbefor
    ethepressur
    e.Thi
    siswhoshei
    s.She’
    s
    t
    hatper
    son.”Hesadlysmil
    edt
    henwalkout
    .
    “Iwi
    llbet
    hesi
    tt
    ingr
    oom i
    ncaseyouneedt
    o
    anyt
    hing.
    ”
    “
    Eer
    ra.
    ”
    “Fi
    fi
    ,noneedtotal
    ktomeasifyouar
    etalki
    ngto
    God.Idon’
    tevenknowhowtoyell
    mothowa
    modimo.Ifyoudeci
    det
    hatbeatmeri
    ghtnow,otl
    a
    wina.(
    Youwi l
    lwi
    n.)
    ”
    Fi
    fichuckl
    edr
    aisi
    ngherhead
    Hewal kedoutl i
    ketheentir
    enat i
    ononhis
    shoul
    der s.Hesatdownandst aredattheTV.Fif
    i
    conti
    nuedcl eaning.Shemovedt hefurni
    tur
    e
    cl
    eaning.Awhi lelatershefi
    nishedup.Shelooked
    atLori.
    “Iam goi
    ngt
    ositi
    nmyroom.Woul
    dyoul
    ike
    anythi
    ngbef
    oreIgo?
    ”
    “
    Didyoueat
    ?”
    “
    Ther
    eisbr
    eadi
    nmyr
    oom.
    ”
    “
    Whatbr
    ead?
    ”
    “
    MmagweMi
    miboughtmebr
    eadl
    astweek.
    ”
    “
    Lastweek?Youmeani
    t’
    snowt
    woweeks?
    ”
    “
    Yesbuti
    t’
    sst
    il
    lfi
    ne.
    ”
    Hesi
    ghedsadl
    y.“
    Isn’
    tther
    enof
    oodi
    nthehouse?
    ”
    “
    Iwi
    lleatmybr
    ead.
    ”
    “
    Goandwearsomet
    hingni
    ce.Wewi
    llgoandget
    f
    ood.
    ”
    “
    Rragwe-
    “
    “Shewon’
    tknow.Iam notgoi
    ngtoletyoustar
    ve.
    Goandputonsomething.Iwi
    llwai
    tinthecar.
    ”
    “
    Idon’
    twantt
    olosemyj
    ob.
    ”
    “Youarenotl
    osi
    ngyourjob.Goandputon
    somethi
    ng.Iwil
    lst
    artt
    hecar.”
    “
    MmagweMi
    mi-
    “
    Hestoodup.“Fif
    i,don’
    tthi
    nkaboutBanyana.She’
    s
    nother
    e.Wear egoingtogetyouproperfood.You
    can’
    tsurvi
    veonbr ead.Goandchange.”
    Fi
    fiwal kedt
    oherr oom andtookofft
    hedress.She
    putonhershor tf
    lareddressandpumpst hentook
    offthedoek.Shefixedhersel
    fthenwalkedout
    holdingherphone.
    Lorist
    aredassheappr
    oached.Helookedather
    thi
    ghsthenatherj
    obface.Nowitmadesensewhy
    Banyanawouldhaveherlooki
    ngugly.Tal
    kabout
    i
    nsecur
    it
    ies.
    Fif
    igoti
    nthecarwithhi
    m.Hest art
    edtheengine
    anddroveoutoftheyar
    d.Fif
    ikeptherhandsonher
    l
    apashedr ove,
    herheartr
    acingsli
    ghtl
    y.
    Lor
    ilookedathert
    henl
    ookedbackatt
    her
    oad.
    “
    Whydoyoust
    ay?
    ”
    Fi
    fil
    ookedathi
    m.“
    Rra?
    ”
    Hesmi led.Sheal
    waysaddressedhi
    m wit
    hsomuch
    respectitmadehimlaugh.“
    Whydoyoust ay?I
    knowt hejobdoesn’
    tmakeyouhappy.”
    “
    Iam happy.
    ”
    Loril
    aughed.“That’
    sthebiggestli
    eIhaveever
    heard.Expectf
    rom mywi f
    edenyi ngthatshe’
    s
    cheati
    ngwhenIcaughtherr edhanded.Thatwas
    bigtoo.Behonest.I
    t’
    snotlikeli
    keIwi l
    ltel
    lheror
    somet hi
    ng.”
    “Becausei t’
    sthefi
    rstjobIgaveeverhad.Ithomes
    withconditionsbutit
    ’sbeenweeksandIam st il
    l
    empl oyed.Usuall
    yIwoul dhavelostthej
    obor
    betteryet,nothavegotteni
    tinthefir
    stpl
    ace.”
    “
    Doyouhaveanyqual
    if
    icat
    ion?
    ”
    “
    Yes.I
    nCi
    vilEngi
    neer
    ing.
    ”
    “
    Wow!
    ”
    Fi
    fismi
    led.“
    Yes.
    ”
    “Unempl oymenti sreal.TrustmeIknow.Iam a
    qualifi
    edpi lotbutIcoul dn’
    tgetaj obsoIappl i
    edfor
    anythingt hatcoul dpaybi l
    ls.FirstIappl i
    edatBDF.I
    thoughtmaybeIcoul dgoi ntomi l
    it
    ary.Butt henI
    am nott het allestmanonear thandIam notbuf f
    enough.Idi dn’tgett hat.Ithenmovedonand
    becameasecur i
    tyguar dtogetherwi thmyf r
    iend.I
    wasget t
    ingpai d,that’swhatmat t
    ered.Ther estj
    ust
    didn’tmat ter.That ’
    swhenImetmywi fe.Imether
    whenIwasof fdut yandshewasget tingrobbed.I
    helpedherandatf irstIwasj usthert oyboy.She
    woul dpaymef orit.Ifel
    lforherandvi cever sa.Her
    fatherisanMP.It oldherwhatIwant edandIgota
    j
    obasapol i
    ceof f
    icer.Butitwasn’ tthatsi mple.I
    shoul dhavel efthert hefir
    stt i
    meshecal l
    edme
    namesi ninf rontofmyf r
    iends.Mybestf ri
    end
    neverl i
    kedher .From t hefirstti
    meImether .Iwas
    stubborn.Iwi
    shIhadlist
    ened.Hest ar
    tedhi
    s
    businessandbecauseInevertel
    lthem thet
    rut
    hof
    mymar ri
    age,
    theyt
    hinkalli
    swellandlennaIam
    ashamedt oaskforhel
    p.”
    Hesighedsl owingdownatar edtraffi
    cl i
    ght.“
    It
    s
    noteasyFi fi
    .NowIam st uckinalovel essmar r
    iage
    whereIcl ear
    lyknowt hatAmoi snotmi ne.She
    alr
    eadyhadMi mi whenImether .Amoi snotmy
    daughterbutIcan’tleavebecausei fIleave,Iwil
    l
    l
    osemyj ob.Ihavenot hi
    ng..soIwilljustgobackt o
    thestart
    ingline.
    ”
    “
    Iam sor
    ry.
    ”
    “Don’tbe.Iam theonewhohavest ayedwitht his
    womanf orsomanyyears.ImetherwhenIwas24.
    Iam st i
    llhereandIwatchmywifegetfuckedwi t
    h
    ministers.It
    ’sbeentwoyearswi
    ththisminist
    er .He
    hasawi feandchildr
    enbutmywi f
    ecomesf i
    rstto
    him.SheboughtaRangeRoverl astweek.It’
    s
    arr
    ivingt hi
    sweek.Shesaidsomeonegifteditto
    her.
    ”
    Fi
    fil
    ookedathi
    ssadf
    acewi
    tht
    ear
    sinhi
    seyes.Hi
    s
    voi
    cecar
    ri
    edsomuchpai
    n,i
    tcameoutheavy.
    “Sothat’
    swhyIst ay.Iam goingtohelpyoulookfor
    ajob.Iwouldn’
    twantyouget t
    ingdepressedatt
    hat
    houseandhavingyouconst antl
    ythi
    nkofending
    yourli
    fe.Youarethefirsthel
    perwehaveeverhad
    whohasst ayedforsol ong.”
    Hepar
    kedthecaratt
    hemal
    landsmi
    led.“
    Let
    ’sgo
    i
    nRegauf
    i.
    ”
    “
    It
    sact
    ual
    lyLegauf
    i.
    ”
    “
    What
    ?ButBanyana-
    “
    “
    Iknow.Ij
    ustl
    etherbe.
    ”
    “
    Yournamei
    sLegauf
    i?”
    “
    Yes.
    ”
    “Il
    ikeLegauf
    i.Soundsni
    cer.Ican’
    tbel
    ieveIhave
    beencall
    ingyouRegaufi
    .Youshouldhavetoldme.”
    Theyst
    eppedoutoft
    hecarlaughi
    ng.Theywal
    ked
    i
    nsidet
    hemall
    .Loril
    ookedather.
    “
    Whatdoyouwantt
    oeat
    ?”
    “
    Anyt
    hing.Wecangetbr
    ead?
    ”
    “
    Orsomet
    hingni
    ce.Let
    ’sgetyouNandos.
    ”
    Theywalkedt oNandoswher eheorderedthem
    food.Awhilelat
    ertheywalkedoutsippingthei
    r
    dri
    nkswhilelaughi
    ng.Theywal kedaroundthemal
    l
    asLorishowedherar ound.
    “
    Doyouhaveanychi
    ldr
    en?
    ”
    “
    No.
    ”
    Lor
    i’
    sphoner
    ang.Hepi
    ckedt
    hecal
    lsmi
    li
    ng.
    “
    Sur
    eboy!
    ..
    .Yeah…ok.Shar
    p.”
    Hehungup.“Il
    ikeFr
    idays.Iam goi
    ngt
    oleave
    bef
    oreshecomesback.”
    Fif
    ilaughed.“Il
    ikeFr
    idayst
    oo.Iam goi
    nghome.
    .I
    canf i
    nal
    lybreat
    he.”
    Theywal
    kedtothepar
    kingl
    ot.Lor
    ismi
    ledasa
    whit
    eJeeppar
    kedbesidehi
    scar.
    “
    That
    ’smyf
    ri
    end.
    ”
    Obakengst
    eppedoutofhi
    scarandl
    ookedatt
    hem.
    .
    .
    .
    Doparti
    cipat
    eont
    hei
    nser
    tqui
    ckl
    ysowecanhave
    ourbonuses.
    [
    04/
    23,
    05:
    38]'
    :
    Si
    nsUnf
    orgi
    ven
    #11

    Obakengst eppedoutofhiscarandlookedatthem.
    .
    Fifi
    ’
    shear tski
    ppedastheylaughedhugging.Her
    heartpoundedsomuchi tfeltl
    ikei
    twouldjust
    breakthroughherchestandescape.
    Lor
    ilaughed.“
    Areyounotsupposedt
    obeatwor
    k?”
    “
    Ihadt
    ogot
    oJwanengt
    ocheckoutt
    hatgi
    rl
    .”
    Lor
    ismi
    led.“
    Shei
    snott
    heone?
    ”
    “Yes.”Hel
    ookedatFi
    fiwhowaslooki
    ngdown.
    l
    ookedbacknotici
    nghewaslooki
    ngatFi
    fit
    hen
    smiledpul
    li
    ngFifi
    ’
    shand.
    “Hernamei salsoLegaufi
    .Ijustfoundoutnow
    becauseBanyanabut cheredhername.Al lalongI
    thoughtitwassomet hi
    ngelsewheni t
    ’sactuall
    y
    Legaufi
    .”Lorismiledst
    ari
    ngatFi fi
    .“Thisismy
    fri
    endIwast ell
    ingyouabout.Obakengbutwecal l
    him Bax.BaxthisisLegaufi
    .He’sbeenl ookingfora
    gir
    lnamedLegauf i
    .Maybeit’
    syou.”
    Obakengsmi l
    edstar
    ing.Thedarkshadowoverher
    complexionwasgoneandherski nevenglowed.
    Shelookedsobeauti
    ful,ormaybeitwasjusthi
    m.
    Hisheartpoundedashel ookedather
    .Comeon
    babe.
    .
    Shesl
    owlyrai
    sedherheadandlockedeyeswit
    h
    hi
    m.Obakengswall
    owedfight
    ingnottowalkover
    andj
    ustt
    akeher.
    “
    Dumel
    ang.
    .”
    Loril
    aughed.“
    Isshet
    heone?Maybeshei
    sthe
    one.”
    “
    Idon’
    tknowhi
    m.”
    Lor
    ismi
    led.“
    Ok.Doyouwantt
    owai
    tint
    hecar
    ?”
    “
    Yes.
    ”
    Obakengwat chedasLorilookedatherinawayhe
    j
    ustneverlookedathiswife.Eventhewayhe
    smiledather.
    .heunlockedthecarandopenedthe
    doorforher.Obakenglookedatherasifhewas
    begginghertonotgo.Shequi ckl
    ygotinthecar
    .
    Loricl
    osedthedoorthenwal kedovert
    ohi m.
    “
    Kabocal
    ledme.Iwi
    llbet
    her
    e.”
    ObakenglookedatFi
    fii
    nhi
    scart
    henathi
    sfr
    iend.
    “She’
    sthenewhelper
    ? ”
    Henodded.“
    Yes.She’
    s…di
    ff
    erent
    .I…she’
    sreal
    ly
    ni
    ce.
    ”
    “
    Doyoul
    ikeher
    ?”
    “
    She’
    sni
    ce.
    ”
    “
    Yes.Butdoyoul
    ikeher
    ?”
    “
    Iam mar
    ri
    ed.I
    ssheyourLegauf
    i?”
    “Youget
    ti
    ngmar
    ri
    edisnotafact
    or.Youmi
    ghtbe
    consi
    der
    ingt
    odi
    vorceandbewit
    hher .
    ”
    Lor
    ilaughedt
    urni
    ngt
    oFi
    fi
    .Hesi
    ghed.“
    She’
    sreal
    ly
    beauti
    ful
    .And…shewoul dmakeaper f
    ectpart
    ner
    .
    She’
    sgoodwi t
    hkidsandshe’srespect
    ful
    .Butno.I
    am notconsideri
    ngleavi
    ngmywi fe.Sono.She’
    s
    j
    ustahelper.That’sal
    l.I
    ssheyourperson?”
    Obakengl
    aughed.“
    Yeah.
    ”
    Lor
    ismi
    led.“
    Real
    ly?
    ”
    “
    Yes.
    ”
    “KeenemonyanawaMai
    tengwe?Thehi
    tandr
    un
    one?”
    “
    Yeah.
    ”
    “Ok.Icannowunderst
    andwhyyouar
    eso
    obsessed.She’
    sbeaut
    if
    ul.
    ”
    “Sheobvi
    ouslywon’ttal
    ktomenow.Givemeher
    number.Iwi
    llcal
    lher.Whendoessheknockof
    f?”
    “Todayaroundseven.Hersist
    erpi
    cksherupon
    Fri
    days.Thesist
    erworkclosel
    ywithBanyana.
    ”
    “
    Ok.Andwher
    edoesshest
    ay?
    ”
    “
    Idon’
    tknow.Iwi
    llask.
    ”
    Obakengsi
    ghed.“
    Ok.Thanks.
    ”
    “Iwi
    shIhadknown.Wewoul
    dhavel
    ongf
    ound
    her.
    ”

    Int
    hecar,Fif
    i’sheartpoundedasshewaitedfor
    Lor
    i.Minut
    esl at
    erhegoti nthecart
    henrever
    sed.
    Obakengstaredatthem astheydroveaway.
    Lor
    ilookedather
    .“Ar
    eyouok?
    ”
    Shenodded.
    “Idi
    dn’tknowyouandBaxknoweachother
    .He’
    s
    beenlookingf
    oryouratever
    ycor
    ner
    .”
    “
    Idon’
    twanthi
    m.He’
    shar
    assi
    ngme.
    ”
    Lor
    isi
    lent
    lydr
    ovebackhome.Fi
    fismi
    ledst
    ari
    ngat
    hi
    m.
    “Thankyouf
    ort
    oday.Iwi
    llgoandputonmy
    unif
    orm.”
    Hesmi
    ledback.“
    Youar
    ewel
    come.
    ”
    Shesteppedoutofthecarandwalkedtoherr
    oom.
    Herphonerangasshet ookof
    fhershoes.She
    l
    ookedattheunsavednumberthenpicked.
    “
    Hel
    lo?
    ”
    “Weneedtotal
    k.CanIcomeandpi ckyouuptoday?
    Ihear
    dit
    ’susual
    lyyoursi
    sterwhopicksyouup.
    ”
    “Wehavenot hi
    ngtotal
    kabout.Iwantyout ostay
    awayfrom meObakeng.Iam beggi ngyou.Youare
    makingmyl i
    fedif
    fi
    cult
    …”Tearsfi
    lledhereyes.
    “Pl
    easestop.Youjustwantt
    ohur tme.”
    “Fi
    fi
    …please…whatar
    eyoul
    osi
    nggi
    vingmea
    chance?
    ”
    “Mysani t
    y.Iam goingtogocr azywhenyoust art
    .I
    don’twanttogethur t
    ..
    .Idon’twantt ocr y.”She
    pausedcr yi
    ng.“Ihavebeent hroughenough.
    Please…keagokopa.Pl easel eavemeal one.It
    ’s
    j
    ustnott hefactthatIknowyouar egoingt ohurt
    me, IknowIam noti nyourl eague.Whycan’ tyou
    gof orwomanyouknowyougof or.It
    ’snotl adi
    es
    l
    ikemeobvi ously.Iknowwher eIfal
    linthechar t
    .I
    don’tevenloveyou.Idon’ tknowwhyyouwoul d
    t
    hinkI
    ’
    dfucki
    ngmeansIl
    oveyou.Idon’
    t.
    ”
    “
    Iwantyout
    otel
    lmet
    hatf
    acet
    oface.
    ”
    “Iam gett
    ingar est
    rai
    ningorderwhenIknockof f
    .
    Youar eharassi
    ngmaki ngmyl i
    feslivi
    nghell
    .I
    don’
    twantyou.Whycan’ tyougetthatthr
    oughyour
    headkanaever yoneyousleepwithsuddenlylove
    you?”
    “
    Wanst
    ressa.
    ”
    At earr
    oll
    eddown.“ Pleasestop.Iam beggingyou.
    Stayawayf rom me.Ifyoucomeher eIam goi ngto
    openacaseofhar assment.Iwil
    ltel
    lthem youeven
    forcedyourselfont
    omewhenyoucamet o
    Mai t
    engwe.Iam war ni
    ngyou.Usf uckingdoesn’t
    meananyt hing.”
    Shehungupandqui ckl
    yblockedhim.Shesatdown
    onhermattressholdinghertear
    sthenwenton
    Facebooksearchi
    ngf orj
    obs.

    *
    **
    Lat
    erthatdayatKabo’
    shouse,Obakengpressed
    hi
    sphonedr i
    nki
    ngalcohol
    .Kabolookedathim as
    bebraai
    d.
    “
    Didyouf
    indher
    ?”
    Obakengr
    aisedhi
    shead.“
    What
    ?”
    “It
    hinkyoushouldl etthatgir
    lbe.Acceptyourloss
    andmoveon.Yougavebeenaf terherf
    ortoolong.
    Youcan’tevenseeanyt hi
    ngelse.Thereisaremore
    beauti
    fulgirl
    soutthere,gir
    lswhoar emor e
    beauti
    fulthanher.
    ”
    “
    Nnakebat
    aFi
    fihel
    a.(
    Ionl
    ywantFi
    fi
    .)
    ”
    Kabosi ghed.“Shedoesn’twantarel
    ationshipwit
    h
    you.Ifshedid,shewoul dnothaveblockedyou.
    Youar ewastingyourtime.Shedoesn’twantyou.
    Youneedt ol
    ethergo.Youar einarelati
    onship
    alonelait
    aka.Shedoesn’tevenknowt hereisa
    relati
    onshi
    p.Youpr obablyl
    ookstupi
    di nhereyes.
    Youneedt ohavesexandwashheroutofyour
    mi nd.”
    Obakengcal
    ledLor
    i.
    “Bax…don’tcome.Shewant st oopenacaseof
    harassment .She’sabitemot ional.Shesaysyou
    areharassingherandt hatshedoesn’ twantyou.I
    knowyour eal l
    ylikeherbutIdon’ tthinkshef eel
    s
    thesame.Fr om her eshe’sgoingt othepol i
    ce
    stati
    ontoopenacaseofhar assmentandgeta
    restr
    aini
    ngor der.Diti
    roisgoingt oassi sther
    .Ieven
    feelbadforgivingyouhernumber .Shedoesn’ t
    seem int
    erested.Ithinkyoushoul dj ustleaveher
    alone.Maybet ryagaini nthefuture.Notnow. ”

    *
    **

    Thatsameday, Lor
    atowalkedoutofheroffi
    ce
    carryinghert hings.Shegotonhercarthen
    reversedl ookingatthetime.Shetookoffherheels
    anddr ovehomet oquickl
    ychange.Shehurri
    ed
    i
    nsidet hehouseandf r
    eshenedup.Herphoner ang
    asshegoti nhercar .
    “
    Lor
    atospeaki
    ng,
    hel
    lo?
    ”
    “
    Hey,
    Ithi
    nkImi
    ghtt
    akeyouupont
    hatof
    fer
    .Isi
    t
    st
    il
    lupf
    orgr
    abs?
    ”
    Lorat
    osmiledasherhear
    tski
    pped.“
    Uh.
    .yes.I
    t’
    s…
    theJeepguyri
    ght?
    ”
    “
    Obakeng.
    ”
    Lorat
    osmil
    ed.“Iam Lor
    ato.Wecandot
    hat
    …Idon’
    t
    know.Tomorr
    ow? ”
    “
    Howi
    stoni
    ght
    ?”
    .
    .
    .
    Let
    'squi
    ckl
    ypar
    ti
    cipat
    eandopenr
    oom f
    ormor
    e
    bonuses
    [
    04/
    23,
    05:
    38]'
    :
    Si
    nsUnf
    orgi
    ven
    12

    “
    Howi
    stoni
    ght
    ?”
    Lor
    atot
    houghtofFi
    fi
    .“Toni
    ghti
    sfi
    ne.
    ”
    “
    MaybeIcancomeover
    ?”
    Lor
    atosmi
    led.“
    Ok.
    ”
    “
    Shoul
    dIcomenow?
    ”
    “
    Yes.Ij
    ustgothomef
    rom wor
    k.”
    “
    Ok,
    sendyourl
    ocat
    ion.Keet
    a.(
    Iam comi
    ng.
    )”
    Lor
    atohungupandqui cklysenthimt helocat
    ion.
    Shethoughtofcal
    li
    ngFifibutthentextedher.
    Lorato:Hey.Ihaveaguestathome.Pleaseask
    Banyanat oletyouknockofft
    omorrow.Iwil
    lpi
    ck
    youupt hen.TonightIneedmyhousetomyself.I
    don’twantthingstogetuncomfor
    tabl
    e.
    Shesentthemessaget
    hengotbacki
    nherhouse.
    Fi
    fist
    art
    edcall
    ing.
    “
    Fif
    i…”
    “
    Hi.Banyanajustgothome.She’
    sal
    readyt
    oldme
    t
    owaitforyououtsidehergat
    e.”
    “
    Begher
    .”
    “
    Sheisnotgoi
    ngt
    oletmei
    n.Youknowhowshe
    i
    s.”
    “Butyoucan’
    tcometomyhouset
    oday.Myguesti
    s
    alr
    eadyonhisway.
    ”
    “
    Sowhatam Isupposedt
    odo?
    ”
    “Idon’
    tknowFifi.BegBanyanaorsomethi
    ng.Iam
    sorrybutIcan’
    tcomethereandbringyoutomy
    house.”
    “Lor
    atoi
    t’
    sgett
    ingdar
    k.YouknowIdon’
    teven
    knowanyone.
    ”
    Shesi
    ghed.“
    Letmemakeapl
    an.
    ”
    “
    Thankyou.
    ”
    Loratohungup.Sheputherphonedownandput
    everythingi
    nor der.Shechangedintoalacedress
    thendi dabiti
    fmake- up.Shefixedherhai
    rjustasa
    carhoot edoutside.Shepressedthegateremote
    thenthegat esli
    dopen.
    Hedroveinandparkedbesideshercar
    .Lorato
    openedthedoorashesteppedoutofhiscar.He
    smil
    edapproachi
    ngherdoor .
    “
    Hi…”
    Lor
    atosmi
    ledst
    ari
    ngathi
    m.“
    Hi.Youcancomei
    n.”
    Hewal
    kedi
    nherhouse.Hesmi
    led.
    “
    Nicehouse.
    ”
    “
    Thankyou.Iwasaboutt
    ost
    artcooki
    ng.
    ”
    “Icanhel
    p.It
    ’sbeenawhi
    lesi
    nceIat
    ehome
    cookedfood.
    ”

    *
    **

    AtBanyana’shouse,Fif
    iwaitedout
    sidet
    hegate
    waiti
    ngforhersist
    er.Shelookedar
    oundasitgot
    darkwonderingwhereLoratowas.Shetookouther
    phoneandcal l
    edheragain.
    “
    Thi
    sisaf
    reeannouncement
    -“
    Shedroppedthecallandwai
    ted.Mi
    nut
    eswentby
    thenanhourwentby.Shelookedar
    oundnowsur
    e
    Lorat
    owasn’tcoming.
    Shecal
    ledRi
    cky.
    “
    Fri
    end!
    ”
    Fif
    ismiledstari
    ngatthedarknesst
    henwhisper
    ed.
    “Hi
    .Don’ tyouknowanyoneinGabs?Iam str
    anded.
    Loratowassupposedt opi
    ckmeupatwor kbut
    she’snothere.I
    t’
    salmosttwohoursnow.It
    ’sdark.
    AndyouknowhowBanyanai s.”
    “
    Idon’
    tknowanyone.Cal
    lacab.
    ”
    “
    Idon’
    thavemoney.
    ”
    “Ei
    sh.IusedmylastP100.Idon’tevenknow
    anyoneinGabs.Can’
    tyoucallBax?”
    “
    Iwasr
    udet
    ohi
    m.”
    “Fif
    i,he’
    syourl
    astopti
    onunlessyouwanttoget
    rapedorkil
    ledst
    andingint
    hedark.Youevenhave
    air
    time.Cal
    lhim.
    ”
    Ri
    ckyhungup.

    *
    **

    AtLor
    ato’
    shouse,Obakenghel
    pedLorat
    owasht he
    di
    sheswhil
    etheychatt
    ed.Shecur
    iousl
    ylookedat
    hi
    m.
    “
    Whathappenedt
    oyourgi
    rl
    fr
    iend?
    ”
    Hesmi
    led.“
    Itdi
    dn’
    treal
    lywor
    kaccor
    dingt
    opl
    an.
    ”
    “
    Iam sor
    ry.
    ”
    “
    Soyouar
    enoti
    nar
    elat
    ionshi
    p?”
    “No.I
    t’
    sbeenawhil
    e.It
    hinkmypr
    obl
    em i
    sthatI
    haveexpect
    ati
    onsi
    nmyhead.”
    “
    Whatar
    eyourexpect
    ati
    ons?
    ”
    “Iexpecttobel ovedandbemadet of eelloved
    becausel ennat hat’
    swhatIdo.Idon’ tliketof eel
    l
    ikeIam nowbeggi ngforyourloveorgobemade
    feeli
    nsecur e.Iexpectfait
    hful
    nessandl oyalty.I
    expecttransparency.IknowIcanaf fordmysel fbut
    Ili
    ket obespoi l
    ed.Iwantt obegi venmoney.Iwant
    gift
    s.Iwantt obet akenoutondat es.Kebat alorat
    o
    l
    amomovi eng.( Iwantthatmovieki ndofl ove.)
    That’smypr obl
    em.Iexpectt oomuchandIgi veout
    toomuch. ”
    “Ther
    eisnot
    hingwrongwit
    hhavi
    ngexpectat
    ions.
    Aslongasyouarealsomeeti
    ngt
    heotherper
    son’s
    expect
    ati
    ons.Ofcausethatmoviel
    oveisabitfar
    fet
    chedbutwitht
    her i
    ghtf
    ulper
    son,youcangetit
    .
    Anyonewoulddoanythingfort
    hepersonthey
    l
    ove.”
    Lorat
    osmi
    ledl
    ooki
    ngathim.“Ar
    eyougoi
    ngnowor
    shoul
    dwewatchsomet
    hing?”
    Obakengputhi shandsonherwai stt
    hensmiled.“
    I
    wantt obehonestwithyou.Ri ghtnowIam noti n
    therightspaceforarelat
    ionship.Aser i
    ousone,
    ri
    ghtnowIj ustwantsomet hingwi thno
    expectati
    onswhi l
    ewegett oknoweachot her
    .I
    don’twanttodisappointyousobet t
    eryouknow
    wher ethi
    sisgoingbeforeyour aiseyourhopes.”
    “
    Ok.
    ”
    “
    Ok?
    ”
    Shesmi
    led.“
    Ok.Noexpect
    ati
    ons.
    ”
    “
    Yes.Fornow.WhatIdowit
    hmyl i
    fei
    smyown
    t
    hing.Whatyoudoyour
    sisyourownthi
    ng.
    ”
    “
    Ok.
    ”
    Hel
    eanedoverandki
    ssedher
    .Lor
    atost
    oodonher
    t
    oeski
    ssi
    nghim back.Obakeng’sphonerangon
    t
    hecount
    er,
    hepulledhisl
    ipsfrom Lor
    ato’
    sthen
    t
    ookhi
    sphone.
    Hewal
    kedout
    ,hi
    shear
    tbeat
    ingf
    ast
    .
    “
    Babe.
    .“
    “Ever ymanwhoIhavebeenwi t
    hl ef tme.Ri ght
    from t hebegi nning.Myr elati
    onshi pneverl astmor e
    thant woweeksandmostoft het i
    meIwoul dhave
    beeni nvest ed.Itstart
    sof fnice, afteroneweeki tall
    changes.I thasbeenhappeni ng.Idon’ tknowi fit’
    s
    badl uckorwhatbuti tneverwor ksout .EverytimeI
    tellmysel fIwi l
    ldot hi
    ngsdi f
    ferent l
    ybuti tjust
    neverl asts..Ihavecr i
    edsomuch.Ihavebeenhur t
    andt hat ’
    swhyIdr i
    nk.Youkeepsayi ngyouar e
    differentbutt hat’showanyot herr elati
    onshipof
    mi nest art
    s.Buti tendsonewayort heother.You
    sayyoul ovemenow…butIhavebeent ol
    dt hat
    manyt imes.Ihaveaccept edt hatmaybeIam j ust
    notmeantt obehappysoIavoi dcr yingatallcosts.
    Ihavebeenhur talotIam j ustscar ed.Iam scar ed.
    SoIhaveal ottoloseObakeng.Iam goi ngt oget
    hur tsoIam goi ngt ol
    osemypeace.Iam goi ngt o
    gocrazysoIam l osi
    ngmysani ty.Iwil
    lquest
    ion
    myselfandjustwonderwhat ’swrongwithme.You
    won’
    tloseanything.Iam theonewhowi l
    lnowhave
    topi
    ckupt hepieces.IknowIcan’ tbehappybut
    can’
    tIatleastbeatpeace? ”
    “Iunder st
    andyourf ears.ButIthi
    nkifIwasmeant
    toleaveyou, bynowIwoul dhavel ef
    tbecausei
    t’
    s
    notlikeam gettinganythingfrom youothert
    han
    rej
    ect i
    on.IwishIcanshowyouwhat ’
    sinmyheart
    ,I
    am goi ngcrazy.Wher eareyou?CanIseeyou? ”
    “Iam atyourfri
    endshouse.
    ”Shesni ffed.“Mysister
    wasmeantt opickmeupbutshei snothere.She
    hasaguest .Ihavebeenwait
    ingf orherbecause
    Banyanawon’ tletmestayi
    nherhouseaf terIhave
    knockedoff.Ishouldhaver
    emai nedinMai t
    engwe.
    Ishouldhavelistenedtomygrandmot her.She
    didn’
    twantmet oleave.
    ”
    “Iam comi
    ng.Iwil
    lbetherei
    n…20mi nut
    es.It
    ’sl
    ate.
    There’
    snotraf
    fi
    c.Waitforme.Iam coming.”
    “
    Myphonei
    sat5%.Iwear
    ingj
    eansandabl
    uet
    op.
    ”
    “
    Ok.Iam comi
    ng.
    ”
    Thecal
    lcut
    .Hewal
    kedovert
    oLor
    ato.
    “
    Ihavet
    ogo.Iwi
    llcal
    lyou.
    ”
    “
    Isever
    ythi
    ngok?
    ”
    “
    Itshal
    lbe.Shar
    p.”
    Hehur r
    iedoutthengotinhiscar.Sheopenedthe
    gat
    et henhespedof f
    .Lorat
    otouchedherlips
    smil
    ing.Shetookadeepbr eathsit
    ti
    ng.Minut
    es
    wentbyt henshethoughtofFif
    i.
    Shehur
    ri
    edoutgr
    abbinghercarkeysandphone.
    Shej
    umpedinhercarcal
    li
    ngFifi
    .Sherever
    sedout
    .
    “
    Thenumberyouhave-
    “
    Shecutt
    hecal
    landcal
    ledBanyana.
    “
    Hel
    lo?
    ”
    “
    Hi.I
    smysi
    sterst
    il
    lther
    e?”
    “
    Idon’
    tknow.Iam busyri
    ghtnow.What
    everi
    tis,
    wewil
    ltal
    katwork.Bye.
    ”
    Loratotookadeepbr eat
    hsteppi
    ngonthe
    acceler
    ator.Herphonerangasshesl
    oweddownat
    theredtraf
    ficli
    ght
    .
    “
    Ricky…”
    “Ij
    ustcal ledyout otellt
    hatwhenyouf i
    ndtime…
    l
    ookatyour selfi
    nthemi rror.Takeagoodl ookat
    yoursel f
    .Beatyourchestconf i
    dently.Makesureit
    hurtst hensay‘ Iam awi tch’
    !Sayi tloudlywhil
    e
    beatingyourchest .YoutookFi fiwher eshewas
    safesot hatyoucanabandonhert herewhenal l
    sheknowsi syou.Omol oi.IhopeyouandIdon’ t
    meetanyt i
    mesoonbecauseIam goi ngtopunch
    yourf ace.Ipr omiseyou.Iwi lltoj
    ailforassault
    ,I
    am ready.Secondhandcarhasyout hinki
    ngyou
    breathei nrarifi
    edair.
    ”
    Lor
    atohungupandcont
    inueddr
    ivi
    ng.

    *
    **

    AtBanyana’sgate,
    Fifi
    ’shear
    tpoundedasshe
    l
    ookedatamanwal kingoverfr
    om theother
    dir
    ecti
    on.Behindhim wasanother
    .Shelooked
    caref
    ull
    ynotici
    ngtheywer ef
    ourintot
    al.
    Shewal
    kedbackt
    othegat
    eandr
    angt
    hei
    nter
    com.
    “Regauf
    iIam cal
    li
    ngt
    hepol
    icei
    fyoudon’
    tleavemy
    gate!
    ”
    “
    Ther
    ear
    emencomi
    ng.It
    hink-
    “
    “
    Youar
    ebringingt
    hievest
    omygat
    enow?Heel
    a
    mmago!I
    ja!”
    Fi
    fil
    ookedatt
    hemenappr
    oach,
    herhear
    tpoundi
    ng
    somuch.
    .
    .
    .
    [
    04/
    23,
    05:
    38]'
    :
    Si
    nsUnf
    orgi
    ven
    #13

    AtBanyana’
    sgate,
    Fif
    i’
    sheartpoundedsomuchas
    shewatchedthemenapproach.Shenoti
    cedoneof
    them t
    aki
    ngoutaknif
    e.Shelookedatthebusha
    di
    stantaway,runni
    ngther
    ewouldmakeiteasi
    erfor
    hertobekil
    led.Sherangt
    hei
    ntercom,
    herheart
    poundingdomuch.
    Fi
    fiscr
    eamed.“
    Thusang!Magodu!Thusang!(
    Hel
    p!
    Thi
    eves!Hel
    p?)
    ”
    Shescreamedsoloudt houghsheknewnoonewas
    goi
    ngtocomeout ,worseBanyana’
    shousewas
    i
    solat
    edfrom t
    heotherhouses.Oneofthem
    sl
    appedheracrossthefacesil
    enci
    ngher.
    “
    Founu!
    ”
    Shethrewherhandbagathi
    m andtri
    edt orunbut
    hegrabbedhertopandpunchedherthatfel
    l,
    her
    nosebleedi
    ng.Theydr
    aggedherfr
    om Banyana’s
    hatewhil
    eshescreamed.
    Theypull
    edtothesideofthegatethenoneofthem
    puthishandsonherthroatst
    rangl
    ingherwhil
    ethe
    otherpi
    ckedherhandbagandsearchedit.Hetook
    outthephone.
    “
    Wher
    eist
    hemoney?
    ”
    Theot
    heronel
    ookedathert
    hengr
    opedherbr
    east
    whil
    eFif
    istr
    uggl
    edtobr eathetr
    yingtofi
    ght.
    “Wait
    seomontegore.(Youar esoprett
    y.)I
    fyou
    makenoisewearegoingt okil
    lyou.Ebi
    lesi
    nceyou
    havenomoney,t
    here’
    sonl yonewayyoucanpay
    us.
    ”
    Theonewhowasst r
    anglinggetsmi l
    ed.“
    Olebegaa
    l
    emonate.Ketsenapele.(Shelooksli
    keshe’
    s
    sweet
    .Iam goi
    nginfi
    rst.)Holdher!
    ”
    Thef
    our
    thonel
    ookedar
    oundst
    ari
    ng.
    “
    Maji
    taarevayeng.Let
    ’sl
    eaveher
    .Theywi
    llf
    indus
    i
    fwerapeher
    .”
    “Rape?She’
    spayi
    ngus.Gapewewi
    llj
    ustki
    llher
    andburyher.
    ”
    Acar ’
    sli
    ghtsfl
    ashedoverthem, t
    herel
    uctantone
    quickl
    yranoffheadedtothebush.Thecarst opped
    thenObakengsteppedouthol di
    ngabigknobkery.
    Her anoverandswungithitti
    ngoneofthem inhis
    head.Theyallt
    ookoffrunningtoget
    herwithher
    phone.
    Fi
    fil
    ookedathi
    m sti
    llont
    hegroundshaki
    ng.
    Obakengqui
    ckl
    ypickedherupandthr
    ewherover
    hershoulder
    .Hewal
    kedwi
    thhert
    othecarandput
    herinsi
    de.Hecl
    osedt
    hedoort
    henjumpedinand
    droveoff.
    Hel ookedathert
    ornt
    -shi
    rtbeandherbl
    eedi
    ng
    nose.
    “Di
    dtheydoanyt
    hing?Shoul
    dIt
    akeyout
    othe
    hospi
    tal
    ?”
    Sheshookherheadstil
    linshock.“
    Theyt
    ookmy
    phone.I
    t’
    ssti
    llnew.Thenpunchedme.Buti
    t
    doesn’
    thurt
    .It
    ’snotpai
    nful
    .Theytookmyphone.
    ”
    “
    It
    sok.Wewi
    llgetyouanewone.
    ”
    Obakengdrovet ohi
    shousethenparkedinthe
    garage.Helookedatherreal
    izi
    ngshewasst i
    ll
    shaking.Hegotoutofthecarandcarr
    iedherinsi
    de
    thehouse.
    Hewal
    kedwit
    hhert
    ohi
    sbedr
    oom andpl
    acedher
    ont
    hebed.
    “
    Fif
    i…hey…wear
    ehome.
    ”
    Shel
    ookedathi
    m.“
    Theyt
    ookmyphone.
    ”
    “
    It
    sok.Wewi
    llgetyouanewone.
    ”
    Shebli
    nked,
    real
    it
    ysl
    owl
    yset
    tl
    ingi
    n.“
    Theyt
    ookmy
    phone.
    ”
    “
    It
    sok…”
    Herl
    ipsshookast
    earsfi
    ll
    edhereyes.“
    Whatam I
    goi
    ngtodo?Theytookmyphone?”
    “Wewillgetyouanewone.
    ”Hehuggedher
    .“I
    tsok
    now.Everythi
    ngi
    sok.”
    Herbodyshookasshebr
    okedowncr
    ying.“
    They
    t
    ookit.
    ”
    Hehuggedhertightl
    ywhileshecri
    edwet t
    inghist
    -
    shi
    rt
    .Shecri
    edt i
    llshewasjustsi
    lent
    ,hertear
    s
    wett
    inghi
    st-
    shirt.Overt
    wentyminuteslat
    erhe
    l
    ookedatherthenlaidherdown.
    “
    Iam goi
    ngt
    ogetyouwat
    er.
    ”
    Shegr
    abbedhi
    shandt
    ear
    ful
    l
    y.“
    Don’
    tleaveme.
    .”
    Obakengl
    ookedatherandcuppedherf
    ace.“
    Iam
    notl
    eavi
    ngyou.Iam neverl
    eavi
    ngyou.
    ”
    “
    Youwantt
    ogo.
    .”
    Obakengt
    ookof
    fhershoest
    henhersocks.He
    l
    ookedather
    .
    “Iwanttocl
    eanyouup.Iam t
    aki
    ngof
    fyourcl
    othes.
    Iam notgoi
    ngtohur
    tyou.”
    Heunbuttonedherjeansandpul
    ledoutherj
    eans
    toget
    herwithherful
    lpant
    y.Heswall
    owedandt ook
    offhert
    ornt-shi
    rt
    .
    Heuncl i
    ppedherbrawit
    honehandandt ookitof
    f.
    Hepickedherwarm bodyandwalkedtothe
    bat
    hroom withher.Hepl
    acedheronthetoil
    etseat
    andfil
    ledthebat
    htubwithwar
    m waterbefor
    egently
    pl
    acingherinsi
    de.
    Obakenggent
    lywashedoffthebl
    oodf r
    om hernose
    thenbat
    hedherbody.Helookedathersoi
    led
    cornr
    owandquickl
    yundidthethi
    ckli
    nesthenhe
    washeditwi
    thhisshowergel.
    Fif
    isatst
    il
    lashewashedof
    fthef
    oam f
    rom her
    headgentl
    yasifshewer
    eababy.
    Awhi
    lelat
    erhewal
    kedoutwi
    thher
    ,herbody
    wr
    appedwithat
    owelwi
    thanot
    hert
    owelinherhead.
    Hel
    aidherdownt
    hent
    ookof
    fthet
    owelcover
    ing
    herbody.Obakengqui
    ckl
    ylookedawayashi
    sdick
    sti
    rr
    edinhispantst
    henhetookouthi
    ssweatpant
    s
    andat-shi
    rt
    .
    Hewal kedandhelpedherint
    othesweat pants
    tr
    yingnottolookathersmoothlyshavedp* ssy.He
    helpedherint
    ohist-shi
    rtt
    hentookhisloti
    onand
    l
    otiononlytheski
    nhehadnotcover edup.
    “Yourhai
    risdamp.Idon’
    townabl
    owdr
    yer
    .Ar
    e
    youok?”
    Shenodded.
    “Wewillgetyouanewphonet
    omor
    rowmor
    ning.I
    am sor
    ry.”
    Hesmi
    ledst
    ari
    ngathert
    henhecar
    essedherf
    ace.
    “Imissedyou.Iwasst
    art
    ingt
    ogocrazy.Ihave
    beenlooki
    ng…Ievenwentbackt
    oMai t
    engwe
    thi
    nkingmaybeyouhadwentback.
    ”
    Shet
    ear
    ful
    lyl
    ookedathi
    m.“
    Imessedyourt
    -shi
    rt
    .”
    Helookedatt
    hebloodstai
    nthent
    ooki
    tof
    f.“
    Iwi
    ll
    washit.Ar
    eyouhungry?
    ”
    Sheshookherhead.“
    No.
    ”
    Helaidbesi
    desherandpul
    ledheri
    nhisarms,hi
    s
    armsaroundher.Heti
    lt
    edherchi
    nandlookedin
    hereyes.
    “Youhavebeaut i
    fuleyes.Abeautif
    ulsmile…and
    thewayyoul augh…Ihaven’ thear
    dyoulaughi na
    whil
    enowbuti t’
    scont agious.Youarebeauti
    ful.
    .
    andIcan’tgetyououtofmyheadf r
    om thatnight
    youcall
    edmymot herawhor e.
    ”
    Shelookeddownashamed.Hecuppedherf
    ace
    tur
    ningherhead.
    “Idon’tknowbutIbel ievesomet hi
    nghappened
    whenwef irstmet.From thereIhaven’
    tmanagedt o
    getyououtofmyhead.Atf i
    rsti
    twasj ustthat
    beautifulgirlwhowasatt heparty.Nowi t
    ’smor e
    thanthat .Ican’tgetyououtofmyhead.I tcan’tbe
    normal …Il oveyou.AndIwashur twhenIwokeup
    andyouwer enotther
    e.Iwant edtotel
    lyout hatI
    l
    ovedyou.Idon’ tknowhowmanyt i
    mesyouhave
    heardt his,Idon’tknowt hefutur
    ebutIknowIwant
    toloveyou.IknowIwantt ogiveyouallIcan
    possiblygi ve.Pleasetakeachanceonus…onme. .
    givemeachancet oloveyou.Iwantt oshowyou
    thatIdo.Iam dyi
    ngt
    oshowyout
    hatIl
    oveyou
    babe…”
    Her
    ubbedat
    eart
    hanr
    andownhercheek.
    “
    Tal
    ktome.Takeal
    eapoff
    ait
    h…”
    “
    Youar
    egoi
    ngt
    oleaveme.
    ”
    “
    Iam notgoi
    nganywher
    e…Iam r
    ighther
    e..Idon’
    t
    wantt
    ogoanywhere…Iwantt
    obewi t
    hyou…”
    Hegent l
    ykissedher
    .Fi
    ficl
    osedhereyesrecei
    ving
    thekissasanothert
    earfel
    l.Heki
    ssedhermore
    pull
    inghercloser
    .

    *
    **

    Lor
    atol
    ookedatBanyana.
    “
    Wher
    eisshe?
    ”
    “
    Idon’
    tknow.Shel
    eft
    .”
    “
    Shedoesn’
    tknowanyonebutme!
    ”
    “
    Sohowi
    sthatmyi
    ssue?Lookf
    oryoursi
    sterand
    l
    eavemeal one.Tel
    lhershe’
    sfi
    redwhenyouf
    ind
    her
    .Iam nothappywithherwork.
    ”
    “I
    fanythi
    nghappenst
    omysi
    ster
    ,youar
    ethef
    ir
    st
    suspect.
    ”
    Lor atoturnedandgoti nhercarst il
    ltryi
    ngt ocal l
    Fifibutherphonewasst il
    lnotgoi ngt hrough.She
    rever sedoutthenslowl ydrovear oundl ooki ngat
    thesi deoft heroad.Tearsf i
    ll
    edhereyesasf ear
    madehershake.Shesl owlydrovear oundt hear ea
    sear chingandf i
    nall
    ydr ovetot hepol icecalling
    Obakeng.Hi sphoner angunanswer ed.Shepar ked
    hercaratt hepoli
    cest ati
    onandwal kedi nr eadyt o
    repor tami ssi
    ngper son.
    .
    .
    .
    Let
    ’spar
    ti
    cipat
    equi
    ckl
    yandgett
    henextbonus.
    [
    04/
    23,
    05:
    38]'
    :
    Si
    nsUnf
    orgi
    ven
    #14

    Lor
    atot
    ear
    ful
    lyl
    ookedatt
    hepol
    iceof
    fi
    cer
    .
    “
    Shedoesn’
    tknowanyonebutme.
    ”
    “Factr emai ns,she’
    snotami norandyoucan
    offi
    ciallyreporthermi ssingafter48hour
    s.I
    under standyouar escaredbutatt hi
    smoment,
    there’snot hingIcandof oryou.Isuggestyoustar
    t
    l
    ooki ngf orheronsoci almedi abecauseyouwil
    l
    fi
    ndoutshehasaboyf r
    iendandshe’ swi
    thhi
    m.”
    “
    She’
    snoti
    nar
    elat
    ionshi
    p.”
    “Youwillneverknowthatforsure.I
    t’
    sbeena
    coupleofhours,atl
    eastcomet omorrow.Toni
    ght
    ther
    e’snothingwecando.”
    Atearr ol
    leddownLor at
    o’scheekasshewalkedout
    ofthepolicestat
    ion.Shegotinhercarunsureof
    wheret oevengo.Shest ar
    tedherengi
    neanddr ove
    home, sheparkedhercarandwal kedi
    nsidethe
    housepost i
    ngheronFacebookasami ssing
    person.
    Rickyi
    mmedi at
    elycal
    ledher.Shewatchedasthe
    phonerangfoll
    owedbymessages.Sheputher
    phonedownhol di
    nghertear
    sast heworstcase
    scenar
    ioplayedinherhead.

    *
    **

    Thatsameevening,Obakeng’sphonerang.He
    l
    ookedatFif
    iwhowassl eepingandgentl
    yputher
    headdown.Hesl owl
    ygotof fthebedandpickedhi
    s
    phone.Hewalkedoutpicking.
    “
    Hel
    lo?
    ”
    Lor
    atobur
    sti
    ntoal
    oudcr
    y.Hef
    rownedconf
    used.
    “
    Lor
    ato…”
    “
    Mysisteri
    smi
    ssi
    ng.Ihavebeenl
    ooki
    ng,
    Ican’
    t
    f
    indher
    .”
    “
    Yoursi
    ster
    ?”
    “
    Yes.Ist
    aywi
    thher
    .She’
    snowher
    etobef
    ound.
    ”
    “
    Idon’
    tunder
    stand.
    ”
    “Sheworksasamaidandknocksof
    fonFr
    idays.I
    can’
    tfi
    ndher.
    .she’
    snothome.”
    “
    Howol
    disshe?
    ”
    “
    25.
    ”
    “Don’
    tyout
    hinkmaybeshe’
    swi
    thaf
    ri
    endor
    somethi
    ng?
    ”
    “
    Shedoesn’
    tknowanyoneexpectme.Thepol
    ice
    won’
    thel
    pme.Canyoupleasehelpme?Ineedto
    f
    indher
    .Ibr
    oughtherher
    e…”
    “
    Ican’
    t.Iam hel
    dupher
    e.Butl
    etmecal
    laf
    ri
    end
    whocanassist.
    ”
    “
    Uhok.
    ”
    “
    Iam sor
    ry.
    ”
    Shesniff
    ed.“I
    tsmyfault
    .Ifanyt
    hinghappenst
    oher
    Iwi
    llneverfor
    givemysel
    f.
    ”
    “
    Iam cal
    li
    ngmyf
    ri
    end.
    ”
    Hehungupandcal
    ledLor
    i.
    “
    Hel
    lo?
    ”
    “
    Lai
    taka,
    areyouhome?
    ”
    “
    No.
    ”
    “Ineedyourhelp.Ihavesomeonewhoj ustlosther
    sist
    er,gat
    weshe’ smissi
    ngandthepoli
    cewon’ t
    takeherseri
    ously.Youknowhowitis.Can’tyou
    assist
    ?”
    “
    Whendi
    dshegomi
    ssi
    ng?
    ”
    “
    Today.
    .thi
    seveni
    ng.
    ”
    “
    Ok.Youcansendthei
    rnumber.Iwil
    lasksomeone
    t
    ohelpher
    .Youjustl
    eft
    .Wher
    ear eyou?”
    “Iam sor
    ti
    ngoutmyl
    if
    e.Wewi
    llt
    alk.Iam sendi
    ng
    youhernumber.
    ”
    Loril
    aughedasObakengdr
    oppedthecall
    .Hesent
    hi
    m Lorato’
    snumberandwalkedbacki
    nthe
    bedroom.
    Heswi
    tchedof
    fhi
    sphoneandgotbacki
    nbed.

    *
    **
    Thefol
    lowingmorni
    ng, Lor
    atowokefrom t
    hecouch
    whereshewassleeping.Shetookherphoneto
    checkforanyupdat
    esbutt her
    ewasnothing.
    Tearsfi
    ll
    edhereyes,shesnif
    fedchecki
    ngher
    Facebookpost.Alotofpeoplehadshar
    ed.She
    l
    ookedatRicky’scomment .
    Ricky:AfterGod,Ifearyoumol otsanakewena.I
    alwaysknewyouhadyourmot her’stendenci
    esin
    you.Youpr et
    endasi fyouloveFifiwhendeepdown
    youenj oyherbeingunderyou.Yout ookherf r
    om
    hergrandpar ent
    spr omisingherbetterthennowyou
    takehert hereandleaveherforthewol ves.If
    anythinghappenst oFifi,
    Iam goingt obreakyour
    face.Ot waelabathoyourshi t
    !
    Loratoswal
    lowedthendelet
    edt
    hecomment
    togetherwi
    thther
    epli
    es.Shewi
    pedawayat
    ear
    thathadrol
    leddown.
    Shegotupandwal
    kedoutwi
    thhercarkeys.

    *
    **
    Banyanastar
    edatthewhitewall
    sinherbedroom
    tr
    yingtobl
    ockoutFif
    i’
    sscreamsf r
    om herhead.
    ShegotoffbedandlookedatLorisl
    eepi
    ng.
    Shest
    aredathimforawhile,t
    earsfi
    ll
    edhereyes.
    Hetur
    nedinhissl
    eepfaci
    nganot herdi
    rect
    ion.She
    si
    ghedandwalkedtogetbathroom.
    Awhil
    elatershewal kedoutt
    henputonherclothes
    bef
    oreshesatinfrontofthemir
    ror.Shedidher
    makeuptheninst
    alledherwigwit
    hgl ue.Shel
    aid
    downthebabyhairs.
    Lorit
    urnedwaki
    ngup.Banyanast
    oodupandt
    hrew
    herthi
    ngsinherhandbag.
    “
    Iam goi
    ngoutwi
    tht
    hegi
    rl
    stoday.
    ”
    Henodded.“
    Ok.
    ”
    “Regauf
    iisnotcomingbackhere.Iam goi
    ngt
    o
    havetolookforanot
    hermaid.
    ”
    “
    Why?
    ”
    “
    Idon’
    tli
    kehowshe-
    “
    “Doyoueverli
    keanyt
    hinganyonedoes?Youar
    e
    putt
    ingt
    hekidsthr
    oughthi
    sagain!
    ”
    “
    Why?Becauseyoubewantt
    osl
    eepwi
    thher
    ?”
    “
    Youar
    edement
    ed!
    ”
    “
    Youarecal
    li
    ngmedement
    ed?Justbecauseyou
    wantt
    ofuckher
    ?”
    “
    Iam notdoi
    ngt
    hiswi
    thyou.
    ”
    “ImadeyouandIcandest
    royyouwhenIfeell
    ike
    youusel
    essthi
    ng!Wat
    chhowyout al
    ktome!”
    “
    Youar
    enotFi
    fi
    .Theki
    dshavehadenough.
    ”
    “
    Myki
    ds!Ideci
    dewhathappenswi
    thmyki
    ds!
    ”
    “
    Ifyouf
    ir
    eherIam l
    eavi
    ng.
    ”
    Banyanal
    aughed.“
    Leavi
    nggoi
    ngwher
    e?”
    “Idon’
    tknow.MaybeIwillstaywithBax.Iwanta
    divor
    ce.Youcaneveryt
    hing.Incl
    udingyourki
    ds
    andthejob.Iam t
    ir
    edofthis.”
    Hest
    oodupandwal kedtothebat
    hroom.She
    br
    eat
    hedheavi
    lyst
    aringathim.
    “
    Ohsoyoudeci
    deyouwanttol
    eavenow?Youar
    e
    t
    her
    easonwearei
    nthi
    ssit
    uati
    ontoday.
    ”
    Hefi
    nishedpeei
    ngt
    hent
    ookashower.Banyana
    wal
    kedoutandgoti
    nhercar
    .Shecal
    ledhersist
    er.
    “
    Banyana…”
    “Hesayshewant
    sadi
    vor
    ceaf
    terever
    ythi
    nghe
    did.
    ”
    “Becausehe’snothappy.Lennankabat adivor
    ce.
    Youar eal
    waysyel l
    ingathim gapeever
    yoneknows
    youarecheating.EveryoneknowsthatAmoi snot
    his.He’sj
    ustbeenst ayi
    ngbecauseofthejobbutI
    am happyhe’sfinal
    lydecidedtowalkaway.”
    “
    Aft
    ersl
    eepi
    ngwi
    thmypar
    ent
    s?”
    “Hediditf
    orthej
    ob.Maybeyoushoul
    dhavet
    hat
    conver
    sationwi
    thyourpar
    ent
    s.Youar
    eabusi
    ve
    Banyana.”
    “
    Iff
    ormypar
    ent
    sitwasf
    oraj
    ob,
    whataboutyou.
    ”
    “Forpeace.Ebi
    leheshouldknowt
    hatIam avai
    lable
    forhi
    m.Imadehi mfeelli
    keaman.Igavehim his
    posit
    ionasaman.That ’
    swhy.”
    Banyanahungupasangerandpai
    nchokedher
    .
    Tearsbl
    urr
    edhervi
    siont
    henshestar
    tedt
    hecar
    anddroveoff
    .

    *
    **

    Thatsamemor ni
    ng,Obakengf
    ini
    shedmaki
    ng
    breakfast
    .Hedi
    shedthenputt
    heplat
    eandcupof
    coffeeinatr
    ay.
    Hepickedi
    tupandwal kedwit
    hthetr
    ayt
    othe
    bedr
    oom.Hel ookedatFif
    ist
    il
    lsl
    eepi
    ngt
    henhe
    ki
    ssedherl
    ips.
    “
    Babe…”
    Sheslowl
    yopenedherpuf
    fyeyeswaki
    ngup.
    Obakengsmi
    led.
    “
    Hey…Imadeyoubr
    eakf
    ast
    .Si
    t…”
    Fif
    isatl
    eani
    ngont hepill
    ows.Sherubbedhereyes
    ashegotthebreakfast
    .Fifil
    ookedatt
    hefl
    owerin
    thetr
    ayandsli
    ghtlysmiled.
    “
    Thankyou.
    ”
    “
    Youar
    ewel
    come.
    ”
    Shesl
    owlyat
    edrinki
    nghercof
    feeasObakenggota
    pl
    ast
    icandputi
    tonthebed.
    “
    Igotthephone.Wewi
    llgetyouyoursi
    m car
    d
    l
    ater
    .”
    Fifif
    ini
    shedeat
    ingt
    henopenedt
    heplasti
    c.She
    tookouttheboxoft
    hephoneandlookedathimin
    shock.
    “Thi
    s..i
    t’
    snottheoneIwasusi
    ng.I
    ..t
    hisonei
    stoo
    expensi
    ve.Youcanret
    urni
    t.I
    -“
    “
    Igoti
    tforyou.That
    ’syourphonef
    rom t
    oday
    movi
    ngforward.I
    t’
    sagift
    .”
    “
    Buti
    t’
    stooexpensi
    ve.
    ”
    “
    TheyowedmeanewphonesoIj
    ustwentandgot
    i
    t.I
    t’
    sok.
    ”
    Shel
    ookedati
    tthenathi
    m.“
    It
    sbeaut
    if
    ul.
    ”
    “
    Youar
    ebeaut
    if
    ul.
    ”
    Shesmi
    ledl
    ooki
    ngdown.Het
    ookt
    hephonef
    rom
    herandki
    ssedher.Heputhishandsinsi
    det
    het
    -
    shi
    rtandcuppedhersmall
    breasts.
    “
    Ist
    il
    lbr
    ingnot
    hingt
    othet
    abl
    e…”
    “
    Iloveyou.
    ”
    Hetookofft
    het-shi
    rtandki
    ssedhermore.He
    movedhisli
    pstoherneck.Fi
    ficl
    osedhereyesand
    l
    etoutasli
    ghtmoan.
    Hi
    sphonest
    art
    edr
    ingi
    ngashesuckedherni
    ppl
    es.
    “
    Obakeng…phone.
    .”
    Hepull
    edoutthesweatpant
    sandgotbet
    weenher
    l
    egs.Fi
    fit
    ouchedhisbarechest
    .
    “
    Bax…yourphone…babe…phone…”
    Hesmiledt
    henki
    ssedherbef
    orer
    eachi
    ngf
    orhi
    s
    phone.
    “
    Yah?
    ”
    “Thepol
    icej
    ustcal
    ledme.Theyfoundabody…they
    havecal
    ledmetocomeandi dent
    if
    ymysister
    .”
    .
    .
    .
    [
    04/
    23,
    05:
    39]'
    :
    Si
    nsUnf
    orgi
    ven
    #15

    Obakengki
    ssedFi
    fil
    ist
    eni
    ngt
    oLor
    atocr
    yingover
    t
    hephone.
    “
    Iam soscar
    ed…”
    Heki
    ssedFi
    fi
    ’sneckasLor
    atocr
    iedevenmor
    e.
    “
    Iam sor
    ry…”
    Fif
    ishiveredasheki
    ssedherneckasshetr
    ied
    l
    isteni
    ngt owhohewastalki
    ngtothoughi
    t
    defini
    tel
    ysoundedli
    keafemalevoi
    ce.
    “
    Canyoupl
    easegowi
    thme?
    ”
    “
    Iwi
    llcal
    lyouback.
    ”
    Hedr
    oppedt
    hecal
    landl
    ookedatFi
    fi
    .
    “
    Wast
    hatyourgi
    rl
    fr
    iend?
    ”
    “
    No.Mygi
    rl
    fr
    iendi
    sher
    e.”
    “
    Whowasi
    t?”
    “Afri
    endbutIknowf emalefr
    iendshi
    pscanbe
    questi
    oningsoIam goingtoendit.We’
    veonl
    ybeen
    fr
    iendsforaday.
    ”
    Fi
    fil
    ookedathi
    m.“
    Ther
    e’snoneedt
    oli
    etome.
    ”
    “Iknow.Ionl
    ystar
    tedtal
    kingtoheryest
    erdayaft
    erI
    heardyouwantedarestr
    aini
    ngorderagainstme.I
    wasst r
    essedandhurt
    .”
    “
    Didyousl
    eepwi
    thher
    ?Doyoul
    ikeher
    ?”
    “
    No.Idi
    dnotsl
    eepwi
    thherandIdon’
    tli
    keher
    .She
    wasj
    ustgoi
    ngtobeadestr
    uct
    ion.
    ”
    “
    Youli
    kedherenoughtowantt
    osleepwi
    thher
    .
    Maybeyoushoul
    djustgot
    oher.”
    Hepressedhi
    sbodyonhersi
    sexer
    ti
    ngal
    lhi
    she
    wei
    ghtonher.Shef
    li
    nchedmoani
    ng.
    “Il
    oveyou.Iwouldhavel
    ongwentf orherbecause
    shethrewhersel
    fatmebutIdidn’tbecauseIlove
    you.Kentsekelwalenopa,
    Ididn’tgiveitt
    oanyone
    becauseIloveyou…doyoufeelthat?”Hepressed
    hi
    sdi
    conher.Het ooki
    toutandr
    ubbedi
    tonher
    .
    Shel
    etoutasl
    ightmoan.
    “
    That
    ’sal
    lforyou.Andyouonl
    y…doyouhearme?
    ”
    “
    Ng…”
    Hekissedherlif
    ti
    ngherlegsli
    ght l
    yupandpushed
    i
    n.Shef l
    inchedmovingupwar ds.Obakengsnuck
    hi
    shandunder neathherwaistholdingherinpl
    ace
    andpushedhi mselfi
    nmywi thagr unt.Herwar
    mth
    andti
    ghtnesshadhi sent
    ir
    ebodyshaki ng.
    “
    Fuck!
    ”
    Hepausedandl
    ookedi
    nhereyeswi
    tht
    het
    ipofhi
    s
    di
    ckin.
    “
    Lookatme…”
    Sheslowl
    yopenedhereyes.Obakengsl
    owl
    ysli
    din
    herwetencl
    osedmeat,
    herwallsclampi
    nghi
    m
    ti
    ght
    lyhecouldj
    ustbur
    st.
    Shemoanedindi
    scomfortasherwal
    lsst
    ret
    ched
    outf
    orhi
    mt i
    ght
    lyhuggi
    nghim.
    Hest
    il
    ldeepi
    nsi
    deandki
    ssedherl
    ips.
    “
    Iloveyou…Iknowyoudon’
    tbebel
    ievei
    t…butI
    l
    oveyou…Iloveyousomuch…”
    Hegentl
    ysl
    idoutleavingtheti
    pinandpushedback
    agai
    ngrunt
    ing.Fi
    ficlosedhereyesf
    eel
    ingstuf
    fed.
    Shecoul
    dhardlybreathe.
    Hepul ledherclosertoandconti
    nueddeepstroki
    ng
    her.Skinonskin…t heirbodi
    esagai
    nsteachother.
    Fif
    imoanedsof tl
    y,herp*ssygr
    easi
    nghisdickeven
    mor e.Shemovedunder neat
    hhim movi
    ngher
    fl
    exiblewaist.
    Hegroanedassheki
    ssedhi
    sneck,
    herhandsal
    l
    overhi
    sback.
    “
    Shi
    tbabe…”
    Hisphonest ar
    tedr
    ingingashecontinuedr i
    dingher
    gett
    inglostint
    hepleasurethathadhimlosing
    control
    .Hewasn’tsureifhewasgoingt olastthat
    l
    ong, hesli
    doutandpushedbackgr oaning.
    Fificl
    osedhereyessinkinghernail
    sintohisski
    nas
    het appedaverysensit
    ivespot.Shescreamedthe
    mor ehemovedchangi nganglescontinuousl
    y
    tappingthatspot
    .
    Di
    cfel
    tsogoodherbodyi
    tchedashert
    iescur
    led.
    “
    Ohhh….Obakeng…”
    Shet hrewherheadbackashecont i
    nuedtakingher
    furt
    heri nt
    ocloudnine.Thepleasur
    emul t
    ipl
    iedthat
    tear
    sf i
    lledhereyes.Shehadneverhaditfeelthat
    goodt hatshef el
    tli
    kepul
    li
    ngoutherskin.Anur ge
    topeecameoverherbuti tfel
    ttoogoodshedi dn’
    t
    wanthi mt ostop.
    Soogoodt hateacht hr
    ustbroughtthatpeecloser
    andcloser
    .Hef il
    ledherwithhisentiredi
    ck
    str
    etchi
    ngever ycornerofthatp*ssy.Herp*ssy
    wallsti
    ght
    enedonhi m mil
    kinghim.Hekissedher
    tr
    yingtostopandt akeamomentt odelayhi
    scum
    sohecouldenj oyherforlongerbutsomethingwas
    defi
    nit
    elyi
    nt hatp*ssythathecouldn’tst
    op.
    Fif
    i’
    sbodyfrozeforasecondasi tgotwayt oogood,
    shegaspedasherent ir
    ebodyst i
    ffenedshecould
    hardlymoveamuscl e.Sheclosedhereyest hen
    openedthem wil
    dlyscreaming‘Iloveyou’
    ,her
    orgasm hi
    tt
    ingsi
    dewaysasshesquat t
    ed.Herp*ssy
    narrowedonhimt hathisdi
    cjerkedinher.
    Obakenglostallsenseofcont
    rolfuckingher
    mercil
    essl
    y,hesqueezedherwai stgroani
    ngthen
    st
    il
    ledrel
    easingloadsofcum deepinhercanal.
    Heremainedst
    il
    lti
    llt
    helastdr
    opthenkissedher
    br
    eathi
    ngheavi
    ly.Heslowlysl
    idoutl
    aidpull
    edher
    i
    nhisarmssmili
    ng.
    “
    Iloveyout
    oo.
    ”
    Fi
    ficl
    osedhereyesexhaust
    edandsat
    isf
    ied.
    Hi
    sphonest
    art
    edr
    ingi
    ng.Hesi
    ghed.
    “
    Babe…”
    Hemovedherandki ssedher
    .Helookedather
    breastandsqueezedt
    hem.Fif
    iopenedhereyes
    fl
    inchi
    ng.
    Hekissedher.“Thatwoman. .thefr
    iend.Shejust
    l
    osthersist
    erorsomet hingandshe’saskingmet o
    gowithhertoidenti
    fythebody.Ithi
    nkImi ghthave
    gi
    venherhopeyest erdaybutIwanttomaket hings
    cl
    earintheri
    ghtfulway.Pleasecomewi thme.Ijust
    wanttobetransparent.
    ”
    “
    Obakeng-
    “
    “Pl
    ease…let
    ’sgotoget
    her
    .Idon’
    twantyou
    wonderi
    ngwhatIwasdoingwithheral
    onesobet
    ter
    youarether
    ewithme.”
    “
    Youdon’
    towemeanyt
    hing.
    ”
    Hesmil
    ed.“Ifeeli
    t’
    sonl
    yri
    ghtsi
    ncewebot
    hlove
    eachot
    her.Tellmeyoul
    ovemeagain.
    ”
    “
    Idon’
    tloveyou.
    ”
    Hesmil
    edthenki
    ssedher
    .“Ididn’
    tthi
    nkyouwoul
    d
    t
    ellmet
    hatbutIl
    oveyoumor e.
    ”
    Shesmi
    ledbl
    ushi
    ng.“
    Idi
    dn’
    tsayt
    hat
    .”
    Hepull
    edhersoshegotont opofhi
    m.“
    Ihear
    dver
    y
    wel
    l.Myearshearever
    ythi
    ng.”
    Shelookedathi
    m.“
    Isshebeaut
    if
    ul?Doesshe
    work?”
    “
    Youar
    etheonl
    yoneIsee.
    ”
    Helookedatherashisdickgotharder
    .Hetouched
    herbreastt
    henli
    ftedherupabitandheldhi
    sdick
    upri
    ghtthenpushedherdownoni t
    .
    Shecl
    osedhereyesashewental
    lthewayi
    natan
    angl
    ethathadhershudder
    ing.Sheputherhands
    onhischestandst
    art
    edmovi ngfucki
    nghim…

    *
    **

    Atthepoli
    cestation,Lorat
    osniffedwait
    ingfor
    Obakengtoarrive.Hertearsrol
    leddownasshe
    thoughtofhersisterpossi
    blybeingdead.Itwasal
    l
    herfaul
    t.
    Thepai
    nhurtsomuchshepr
    essedherl
    ipst
    ryi
    ng
    nott
    ocryoutl
    oud.

    Out
    sidethepol
    icestat
    ion,
    Obakengpar
    kedhi
    scar
    t
    henlookedatFif
    i.
    “
    Let
    ’sgoi
    n.”
    Fi
    filookedattheladyjustacr
    osst
    her
    oad.“
    Iwanta
    hotdogwiththatspicysauce.
    ”
    Hel
    ookedover
    .“Iwi
    llgeti
    tforyou.
    ”
    Fi
    fismi
    led.“
    Thankyou.
    ”
    Theysteppedoutoft hecarthenwalkedacr osst
    he
    road.Obakengboughtitforher,Fi
    fi
    ’smout h
    wateredasshewat chedtheladyputthesauces.
    Sheturnedandl ookedattheladysell
    ingsecond
    handclothes.Shemovedovert oseel eavi
    ng
    Obakengwai ti
    ngforthehotdog.

    Meanwhi l
    eLorat
    owalkedoutcal
    li
    ngObakeng.She
    smiledseei
    nghiscarthenl
    ookedaroundashi
    s
    phonerang.Shecutthecal
    lseei
    nghim acr
    ossthe
    roadgett
    ingherahotdog.
    Shesmi
    ledandr
    ushedover
    .
    “
    Hey…”
    Shehuggedhi
    mti
    ght
    ly.
    Fi
    fit
    urnedathersi
    ster
    ’svoi
    ce.Herhear
    tski
    ppedas
    shewatchedt
    hem huggi
    ng.Obakengl
    ookedather
    thenmovedback.
    “
    Hi.
    ”
    “Iam sohappyyouar
    eher
    e.Iam soscared.You
    didn’
    thavetogetmeahot
    dog.Idon’
    tthi
    nkIwi l
    lbe
    abletoeati
    t.
    ”
    Lor
    atot
    urnedt
    owher
    ehi
    seyeswer
    e,shescr
    eamed.
    “
    Fif
    i!
    ”
    ThedressFi
    fiwasholdi
    ngfel
    loffherhandsasa
    tearr
    oll
    eddown.Lor
    atoranoverandhuggedher
    cryi
    ng.
    “OhGod…oht
    hankyouGod.Iam sor
    ry…Iam so
    sor
    ry.
    .”
    Lor
    atost
    eppedbackandcuppedherf
    acemaki
    ng
    sur
    eshewasreal.
    “
    Idi
    dn’tsleep.Iwassoscar
    ed.Wher
    ewer
    eyou?
    Wher
    edi dyousleep?”
    “
    I…”
    Lor
    atosni
    ff
    ed.“
    Iam sor
    ry.
    ”
    Fi
    filookedatObakengwhohadjustconnect
    edt
    he
    dots.Hecursedunderneat
    hhi
    sbreathasFif
    i
    l
    ookedathim.
    Loratol
    ookedathimthensmi l
    edemotionall
    y.“Babe
    thi
    sismysi st
    er.
    .Fi
    fi
    .LegaufibutwecallherFi
    f i
    .
    Fif
    ithat
    ’smyveryspeci
    alfri
    end..t
    heoneIt ol
    dyou
    about…Obakeng.”
    .
    .
    .
    [
    04/
    23,
    05:
    39]'
    :
    Si
    nsUnf
    orgi
    ven
    #16

    Obakengf
    rownedsur
    pri
    sedst
    ari
    ngatLor
    ato.
    “
    What
    ?”
    Lor
    atosmil
    edtear
    ful
    ly.“
    She’
    smysist
    er.It
    hought
    somethi
    nghadhappenedtoher
    .”
    Fi
    fiwi
    pedawayhertear
    sandpull
    eduphi s
    sweat
    pant
    s.Lor
    atonoti
    cedhercl
    othes.
    “
    Wher
    edi
    dyousl
    eep?
    ”
    “
    Atmyhouse.
    ”
    Fi
    fil
    ookedatObakeng,
    herhear
    tpoundi
    ng.
    “
    He…he…hef
    oundmer
    oami
    ngar
    ound.Hehel
    ped
    me.
    ”
    Lor
    atot
    urnedt
    oObakeng.“
    Youf
    oundherwher
    e?”
    “Hefoundmewalkingal
    ongt
    her
    oadf
    rom
    Banyana’
    shouse.
    ”
    “
    Oh…uhok.Wher
    ear
    eyoucl
    othest
    hen?
    ”
    “
    Ithi
    nkyoushoul
    dgoandt
    ellt
    hepol
    icet
    hatyou
    f
    oundher.
    ”
    Lor
    atonoddedt
    hent
    urnedt
    oFi
    fi
    .“Let
    ’sgo.
    ”
    “
    Shedoesn’
    tneedt
    ogowi
    thyou.Justt
    ellt
    hem you
    f
    oundher.
    ”
    Lor
    atolookedatFifithennoddedandwalkedtot
    he
    pol
    icestat
    ion.Lor
    atoturnedbefor
    ewal
    kingthen
    di
    sappearedoutofsight.
    Obakengl
    ookedatFi
    fi
    .
    “
    What
    ’sgoi
    ngon?
    ”
    “
    That
    ’smysi
    ster
    .”
    “
    Theonewhol
    eftyoust
    randed?
    ”
    “
    Idi
    dn’
    tknowal
    lal
    ongshewast
    alki
    ngaboutyou.
    ”
    “
    Whatdi
    dshesayaboutme?
    ”
    “Not
    hingmuch.Shejustl
    ikedyou.Shemetyou
    onceatarest
    aurant
    .”
    “
    Didshealsot
    ellyouImetagai
    nawhi
    lel
    aterand
    t
    oldherIhadagirl
    fr
    iend?
    ”
    “
    Shedi
    dbut
    -“
    “Youwer et
    hegirlf
    riendIwasr efer
    ri
    ngt o.Iam
    sorryyouar ei
    nt hisawkwar dpositi
    onbecauseof
    mebutIonl yj
    ustmetyoursi st
    erandt here’
    s
    nothingbetweenusf orhertoassumeIam her
    boyfriend.Nothi
    nghashappenedexpectf rom a
    kisswhi chInowr egret.Wecameher etoputthings
    strai
    ght ,
    wearest i
    lldoingthatbecauseIloveyou. ”
    “
    Shei
    sgoi
    ngt
    obehumi
    li
    ated.She’
    smysi
    ster
    .She
    hadhadmybackforyear
    s.Al
    waysr
    emainedbymy
    si
    de.She’
    smyfamil
    y.Youdon’
    tdot
    hatt
    of ami
    ly.
    ”
    “Dowhatt ofamily?She’
    snotmyf ami
    ly.Idon’
    towe
    heranythi
    ng.AndIam notl ett
    ingyousacrif
    iceyour
    happinessforher.Ourhappiness.Iam notl
    osing
    you,notwhenIj ustgotyou.
    ”
    Heki
    ssedhert
    henhandedhert
    hehot
    dog.
    “
    Eat
    .”
    “
    She’
    sgoi
    ngt
    ohat
    eme.Shesawyouf
    ir
    st.
    ”
    “AndIlovedyouf i
    rst.I
    t’
    snotli
    keanythi
    ngextreme
    happenedbet weenmeandher .Shewi l
    lgetover
    thi
    s.IneversaidIlovedyou.Iwantyou.Andyou
    only.
    ”Het uckedherhairbehi
    ndherear.
    “
    Eat
    .”
    Shet
    ookabi
    teashef
    ondl
    edherbr
    east
    .
    “
    Babewhydoyouwearabr
    a?”
    Fi
    fil
    aughed.“
    Leavemybr
    eastal
    one.
    ”
    “
    Theyar
    ecut
    e.Manageabl
    e.”
    Shel
    aughed.“
    Mxm.
    .”
    “
    Doesabr
    amakeadi
    ff
    erence?
    ”
    “Yes.Theymakemel ookli
    keIhavesomething.I
    usedtoputsocksinmybr abackthenatschool.
    Kanaot hergi
    rl
    shadnicebigbr
    east.Iwi
    shtheycan
    growjustabit.
    ”
    Hesmi
    led.“
    Ilovet
    hem.
    ”
    Obakengwipethesaucef
    rom t
    hecor
    nerofher
    mouththenki
    ssedher.
    “
    Let
    ’sgot
    othecar
    .”
    Heheldherhandthenwalkedtot
    hecarwit
    hher.He
    openedthefr
    ontdoorforher
    .Shesl
    owlygoti
    nthen
    hewalkedroundandjumpedin.
    Lorat
    owal kedoutminut
    eslat
    erandwal
    kedoverto
    thecar.Sheopenedthefr
    ontdoorandl
    ookedatFi
    fi
    eati
    ngt hehotdog.
    Obakengl
    ookedather
    .“Done?
    ”
    “Yes.Idi
    dn’
    tbr
    ingmycar
    .Youcandr
    opusat
    home.”
    “
    Ok.
    ”
    Lor
    atol
    ookedatFi
    fif
    oracoupl
    eofsecondst
    hen
    cl
    osedt
    hedoorandgoti
    natthebackseat
    .
    Lor
    atosmi
    led.“
    Whathappenedt
    omyhot
    dog?
    ”
    “I
    twasn’tyour
    s.I
    twasFifi
    ’
    s.Youcangetyour
    sel
    f
    one.Shouldwewaitf
    oryou?”
    Shef
    orcedal
    augh.“
    No.I
    t’
    sok.
    ”
    Obakengstart
    edt heengi
    neanddroveof
    f.Fi
    fi
    fi
    nishedherhotdogandwipedhermouthwit
    hthe
    t
    issue.
    Obakengparkedthecarattheshoppi
    ngmalland
    walkedroundthecartoopenthedoorforFi
    fi
    .He
    hel
    pedheroutasLor at
    oalsowaitedt
    ohavet he
    dooropenedforher.
    Obakengl
    ookedatFi
    fii
    nsi
    det
    hecar
    .
    “
    Youwi l
    lwai
    tint
    hecar
    ?Letmer
    olldownt
    he
    windows.
    ”
    Lor
    atoopenedherdoorandst
    eppedout
    .“Iwi
    ll
    comewith.Wher
    eareyougoing?
    ”
    “
    Fif
    ineedsanewsi
    m car
    d.”
    Hehel dFi
    fi’
    shandwalkingwi thherwhileshe
    fol
    lowedbehindli
    keat hir
    dwheel .Fif
    itri
    edt opul
    l
    herhandbuthewasn’ tlett
    inggo.Shewal ked
    besidehimthentheygothert henewsi m card.
    From ther
    etheywalkedt oaclothingstore.
    “
    Getyourselfsomet
    hing.
    ”HelookedatLorat
    owho
    wasfeetfr
    om them t
    hengotcl
    oser.“
    RefuseandI
    wil
    lki
    ssyou.”
    Shewhi
    sper
    edback.“
    Youneedt
    ost
    op!
    ”
    Hesmi
    led.“
    Getyour
    sel
    fsomet
    hing.
    ”
    Shelookedar
    oundthenpi
    ckedablackdr
    ess.She
    l
    ookedatitasLor
    atoappr
    oached.
    “
    That
    ’sni
    ce.Andexpensi
    ve.
    ”
    Obakengl
    ookedatt
    hedr
    ess.“
    Goandt
    ryi
    ton.
    ”
    Shelookedathi
    m aboutgosaysomet
    hingbutthe
    dari
    nglookhehadonhadherturni
    ngl
    ookingfora
    changi
    ngroom.
    Lor
    at opoi
    nted.“
    It
    sther
    e.Let
    ’sgo.I
    t’
    sbeaut
    if
    ul.I
    t
    wil
    llooksogoodonyou.”
    Theywal
    kedt
    othechangi
    ngr
    oom andgoti
    n.
    Lorat
    olookedatherassheundr
    essedandputon
    thebodyhuggi
    ngdr ess.
    “
    Ist
    hatyourguy?
    ”
    Fif
    ilookedather
    ,herhear
    traci
    ng.Lor
    atosmi
    led
    andclosedthezi
    p.
    “I
    tfi
    ts.Youknow..Imethi
    m att
    hatr
    estaur
    antIt
    old
    youabout.It
    oldyouwhenImethim.”
    “
    Lor
    ato-
    “
    “Itol
    dyouIl
    ikedhim…youknowIdo.Ievent ol
    d
    youhowIwasdi sappoint
    edthathehadagir
    lfr
    iend.
    Thenhecall
    edyesterdayandhecameover.We
    kissedandt
    alked.Andnowyouar ewit
    hhi
    m? ”
    “Idi
    dn’tknowhewasyourguy.ButyouknowIhad
    himfir
    stakere.Yousawhi
    scaratMaitengwe.He
    wasthereforme.Hedrovether
    eforme.The
    gir
    lf
    ri
    endhesai dhehadwasme. ”
    “ThenwhenIaskedyouaboutt
    hatguywhydi
    dyou
    sayitdi
    dn’
    tworkout
    ?Whydi dyoul
    ie?
    ”
    “
    Itdi
    dn’
    twor
    kbecauseofmyf
    ear
    s.NotthatIdi
    dn’
    t
    wanthi
    m.Wearetr
    yingt
    omakei
    tworknow.”
    Tear
    sfi
    ll
    edLor
    ato’
    seyes.“
    Whataboutme?
    ”
    Fi
    fisadl
    ylookedather
    .“Iam sor
    ry.
    ”
    “
    SoIam j
    ustsupposedt
    owat
    chyouwi
    tht
    hemanI
    l
    ove?
    ”
    “
    Iam sor
    ry.
    ”
    Atearrol
    leddownLorato’
    seyes.“
    Aftereveryt
    hingI
    gettowatchmysist
    erlovethemanIl ove.Weget
    part
    edbyaman…Ihavedonenot hi
    ngbutl oveyou
    andstandbyyoursi
    de.Ihavetakencareofyou,
    al
    waysputyoui npl
    ansbecauseIloveyou..”
    “
    Lol
    o-“
    “
    YouknowIl
    ovehi
    m.”
    “Whatdoyouwantmet
    odo?Hewant
    sme.Il
    ove
    him.
    ”
    “Webot hdo.Sobet terhegoes.Thenwecan
    maintainoursisterhood.Wear esistersnotfri
    ends
    Fif
    i.I
    t’
    sbetterhedoesn’ tgetanyofusandj ustfi
    nd
    awomanel sewher e.Tellhim youarechoosi ngour
    si
    sterhood.Iwilltellhimthesamet henwecan
    moveonandbehappy.Ret ur
    nt hedr essand
    ever
    ythi
    nghegotyou.Everyt
    hingofhi
    s.Wewil
    l
    fi
    ndotherpeopl
    e.Let
    ’sgo.Weareendi
    ngthi
    sthen
    wegohome. ”
    .
    .
    .
    [
    04/
    23,
    05:
    39]'
    :
    Si
    nsUnf
    orgi
    ven
    #17

    Fi
    fil
    ookedather
    .
    “Orhecanchoosewhohewant s.Iam notgivi
    ngto
    fi
    ghtwithyouoveramanLor ato.Iwi
    llnotsacri
    fi
    ce
    outsist
    erhoodf orsomeonewhomaywakeupand
    l
    eavemesoIt hinkit’
    sonlyf
    airforhi
    mt ochoose.If
    i
    t’syou,Iwil
    lgladlywalkawayfrom t
    hesituati
    on.
    Lethim choose. ”
    “Obviousl
    yhei
    sgoi
    ngt
    ochooseyoubecauseyou
    sleptwit
    hhim.
    ”
    “
    Ifhel
    ovesyou,
    hewi
    llchooseyou.
    ”
    Lorat
    olookedatFif
    itear
    ful
    ly.At
    earrol
    leddown.
    “AndifhechoosesyouthenIshoul
    djustbehappy”
    “Youhavebeenknowi
    ngt
    her
    e’samanIhavebeen
    seei
    ng.”
    “
    Whycan’
    tyousacr
    if
    icet
    hisonet
    hingf
    orme?
    ”
    “
    Iam sayi
    ngl
    ethi
    m choose.
    ”
    “Choosehowwhenyouar eal
    readyonthe
    advantage?Youhavebeensleepingwi
    ththisman.
    Can’tyouseethi
    sisgoingtohurtusboth?Eveni
    f
    hechoosesme, areyougoingtobehappy?”
    “BecauseIl
    oveyouandIwantyout
    obehappy,
    yes.”
    “Iam notyouandIam goi ngtobehur t.Canwe
    pleasej ustenditwit
    hthi
    sguyFifi?Alreadymy
    hear tisbreaki
    ngwhenIseehim doi ngal lthathe’s
    doingf oryou.Pleasecanwejuststopt his…keago
    kopa.( Iam beggingyou.
    )Ar
    ewer eall
    yr uiningour
    sisterhoodoveramanwho’ sobviouslyt wot i
    ming
    i
    s?Whydi dhekissmeordoanyt hingwi thmei fhe
    real
    lyl
    ovedyou?He’
    saplayer
    .Hewant stouseyou,
    useus…canwenotletamancomebet weenus?
    Wewi l
    lmoveonpasthi
    m andfindpeoplewho
    actual
    lyl
    oveus.
    ”
    “He’
    sthefi
    rstmantoeverl ovemel ikethis.He’
    s
    beggi
    ngmef orawhile.Ilovehimt oo.Hemakes
    mehappy.YesIam scar edandIl i
    vei nfearbut
    somehowhemakesmef eelsafe.Ilovehim.It’
    sin
    ever
    ythi
    nghedoes… isitbadt hatIjustwantt obe
    happy…?Evenifi
    t’
    sforashor tperiod.”
    “Sowoul dyour atherbehappywhi l
    eIsi nkinpai n?
    Maybeyoushoul dchooseFi fi
    .Betweenhi m andI .I
    can’
    tbelieveyouevenhavet ochoosebecausei f
    youreallylovedmeyouwoul djustbreakitoffbut
    youwantust ofightoveraman.Iam di sappoi nted
    i
    nyoubecauseIhaveneverhadt othinktwicewhen
    i
    tcomest oyou.Ihaveal waysbeenever ythi
    ngyou
    needandmor e.Event hr
    oughyourunempl oyment …
    Isti
    llmaintainedmyl oveforyou.Idressedyou, fed
    you.Listenedt oyoucr y.Cri
    edwithyou.Wheni t
    comesf ort odot hisonethingforme, youhesi tate.”
    Shesni f
    fed, atearroll
    ingdown.“Andi t’
    sthef act
    thatyoudon’tevenunderstandwher
    emypai nis
    comingf r
    om.Youar ejustconcer
    nedaboutyoursel
    f.
    Youar eself
    ish.
    ”
    Fi
    fitear
    ful
    lyl
    ookedather
    .“Pl
    easedon’
    tmakeme
    dothis.
    ”
    Lor
    atoputherhandsonherfacecr
    ying.Fi
    fiwiped
    awayatearthathadr
    oll
    eddownasherhear tached.
    Shesni
    ffed.
    “Pl
    easebr eakupwi t
    hhim.Iam notstrongenough
    towatchyouandhi m.Iam notyou.Iam notstr
    ong.
    Thepainisalreadytoomuch.KeagokopaFi fi
    .(I
    am beggingyou.)”Shewentdownonherknees.
    “Pl
    easelet’senditwit
    hhim andmoveon.Pl ease…”
    Anothert
    earr
    oll
    eddownFi
    fi
    ’scheekasshel
    ooked
    ather.

    I
    ntheshop,
    Obakengpickedhi
    sri
    ngi
    ngphonewhi
    le
    wai
    ti
    ngfort
    hel
    adies.
    “
    Lor
    i…”
    “
    Hey,
    areyouf
    reer
    ightnow?
    ”
    “
    Yeahwhat
    ’sup?
    ”
    “
    Itol
    dherIwantadi
    vor
    ce.
    ”
    Obakengsmi
    led.“
    Atl
    ast
    !”
    “Yeah.Thingshavenotbeenokforawhilenow.I
    thi
    nkf ort
    helastfi
    veyear
    st hi
    ngshavenotbeenok.
    WhenImar ri
    edBanyanaIloveherandIt
    riedt
    obe
    themanshewant edmetobe.Itcameatacostbut
    IdiditbecauseIwantedhertoseemeasaman
    enough.”
    “
    Iknowbuti
    fyouar
    enothappywal
    kaway.
    ”
    “Iam.Iam t i
    red.Shespoketoherf
    atherbef or
    eI
    gotmyj obandIt houghthewasjustgoi ngt o
    connectmebecauseIwashi ssonin-lawbuthe
    wantedhi sownpaymentf ormetogett hej ob.Idi
    d
    thi
    ngsInevert houghtIwoulddobecauseIwas
    desperate.Notonce…ithasbeengoi ngonsoIcan
    maintainmyj ob.AtthesametimeIhaveawi fe
    whodoesever yt
    hingtodest
    roymef urther.She
    i
    nsultsme.Bel it
    tl
    esme.Shebeat sme.She
    humi li
    atesmei nfrontofpeopl e.Toacer t
    ainext ent,
    Igethersour ceofangerbutt henIdi dforher .For
    us.Iwoul dhaveneverhavedegr adedmysel ftoan
    extentofhavi ngamanf uckmei fIdidn’tfeelunder
    pressuretobeawor kingmanf orher.Shehat es
    thatithappened.Hat esmef ori tbutst i
    lll
    ovesher
    parents.Shecheat sopenl y.IknowAmoi snotmi ne.
    Iknowherf atherbutIst il
    laccept ed.Ican’tdoi t
    anymor e.Herf atherwasher etoday.Hehasat ape
    ofhimf uckingme.I tdoesn’ tshowhi sface, j
    ustme.
    IfIdivorcehisdaught er,
    hewi llhavei tr
    eleasedbut
    thi
    smar ri
    agei sslowlykill
    ingme.Ican’ tstay
    anymor e…Ij ustwantt oendi t.Iwantpeace.I
    shouldhavel i
    stenedt oyou. .”
    “Lor
    i…itdoesn’
    thavet
    oendthatway.It
    ’sgoodthat
    youtol
    dme.Wecanwor kthr
    oughthi
    s.Iam coming.
    Wewi l
    lfi
    gureawayout.”
    “Iam abr
    okenmanBax.Ican’
    thol
    donanymor e.I
    am toobr
    oken.Thepai
    nist
    oomuch.Ican’
    ttakeit
    anymore.
    ”
    “
    Iam comi
    ngt
    her
    e.Wai
    tforme.Wewi
    lldealwi
    th
    t
    hist
    oget
    her
    .It
    ’snott
    ool
    ate.Iam her
    e.”
    “
    Yah…”
    Lorihungup.Obakengqui ckl
    ycalledhi
    m backbut
    hisphonedi dn’
    tgothrough.Helookedupand
    watchedasFi fiandLorat
    owalkedoverbothwith
    reddisheyes.
    HelookedatFi
    fi
    .“Wehavetogo.Wewi
    llcome
    backsomeotherti
    me.Let
    ’sgo.
    ”
    Theyallwalkedout.Heunl
    ockedthecarthenFi
    fi
    gotinatthebackseatwi
    thLorat
    o.Helookedatboth
    ofthem.
    “
    What
    ’sgoi
    ngonher
    e?”
    Lorat
    olookedatFif
    iandnodded.Fi
    fit
    ookadeep
    breat
    hholdinghert
    ears.
    “Idon’ tt
    hinkthisi
    sgoingt oworknotwhenyou
    wer eaf t
    ermysi st
    ertoo.I
    t ’
    sgoi
    ngtocause
    conf l
    ictsbetweenmysi sterandIandIdon’
    twant
    that.Webot hwantthesameper sonandwecan’t
    havehi m bothsoit
    ’sbett
    erweendt hi
    swhil
    eit
    ’s
    sti
    llear l
    y.”
    “
    Legauf
    i,obat
    agot
    shamekel
    amogonna?
    ”
    “
    Rra?
    ”
    “Idon’
    twantawomanwhodoesn’
    thavea
    backbone,
    wankut
    wa?Obatagontena.
    ”
    Lor
    atohel
    dFif
    i’
    shand.“Wewantthesametoyand
    wecan’
    tshar
    eitsoit
    ’sbestwet
    hrowitaway-
    “
    “Ketalethubakacl apar i
    ghtnowgal ebat ago
    tsamekelamogonna.Iam nowat oy?Youknew
    therewassomeone.It oldyouIdidn’twantanyt hi
    ng
    seri
    ouswi t
    hyou.Thatonesecondki ssdoesn’ t
    counttoanything.Itoldyouwher eIst oodwi t
    hyou.
    Iam notyourboyf r
    iend.Ineverpromi sedt obeone.
    Maybeyoumi sint
    erpretedtheenti
    ret hing,Idon’
    t
    blameyouoranyonef oritbutIneversai dIlove
    you.Iam sorrythatLegaufiisyoursist erbutwhenI
    saidIhaveagi rl
    fr
    iendImeanther .Imetherl ong
    back.AndIloveher .Iwanther.”Hel ookedatFi fi
    .
    “Youarebeginningt oannoyme. ”
    “
    Shei
    smysi
    ster
    .”
    “I
    fshereall
    ylovesyout
    henwhydi dsheleaveyou
    st
    randedlastnight
    ?Theguestobvi
    ousl
    ywasme.
    Shedidn’tt
    hinktwiceaboutleavingyoustranded.
    NotthatIam tr
    yingtoar i
    ftbetweenyout wobutdo
    youthinkofshewer einyourposi t
    ionshewould
    breakupwithme?Woul dyoubr eakupwi t
    hmei fI
    wantedyou?”
    Loratotear
    full
    yl ookedathi m.“Il
    oveyou.Youknow
    Ido.Ifyoucan’ tletFifigot
    henyoucanhaveus
    both.Fif
    iandIar eapackage.Iwoul dleaveyouifI
    wereinhershoesbecauseIl oveher.Yester
    dayI
    j
    ustgott ooexci t
    ed.Iwaswr ongbutitdoesn’
    tmake
    meabadper son.Youcan’ tchooseoneofus
    becauseIdon’ tbelieveyouwoul dcallmeifyou
    di
    dn’tfeelanythingf orme.Youcanhaveusbot hor
    l
    eaveusal ltogether .Thechoiceisyoursbutyou
    arenotchoosing. ”
    .
    .
    .
    [
    04/
    23,
    05:
    39]'
    :
    Si
    nsUnf
    orgi
    ven
    #18

    Obakengl
    ookedatFi
    fiandl
    aughed.
    “
    IhaveanemergencyIneedt
    oat
    tend.Tswaho
    wena.(
    Getoutoft
    hecar.
    )"
    Fi
    fil
    ookedathi
    m asheopenedt
    hedoor
    .
    “
    Getoutoft
    hecar
    .”
    Lor
    atol
    ookedathi
    m conf
    used.“
    Ist
    hatayesor
    -“
    “
    Osekawabat
    agompapel a,(Don'
    ttr
    ygobe
    f
    orwar
    dwi
    thme.)Legauf
    i,getoutoft
    hecar
    !”
    Fif
    isl
    owlygotout
    .Hecl
    osedt
    hedoort
    henopened
    thefr
    ontdoor
    .
    “
    Tsena.
    ”
    Shegotinthenhecl osedthedoorandwalked
    roundthecar.Hejumpedi nandreverseddr
    ivi
    ngoff
    .
    Hesteppedont heacceler
    atorheadedtoLorat
    o’s
    housewherebepar kedbyt hegate.
    “
    Iwantt
    otal
    ktoFi
    fial
    one.Goi
    nsi
    deLor
    ato.
    ”
    “What
    everyouwantgosay,
    youcansayi
    ttobot
    h
    ofus.
    ”
    “Iwanttotal
    ktoLegaufial
    one.I
    fwearedoingt
    hisI
    callt
    heshots,notyou.I
    fyoucan’
    thandl
    eit
    ,why
    suggestit
    ?”
    Lor
    atost
    eppedoutofthecarandstoodbyt
    hegat
    e
    wai
    tingf
    orFi
    fi
    .Obakengsighedexhaust
    ed.
    “
    Youar
    est
    ressi
    ngmebabe…”
    “Maybeyoushouldjustbewi
    thherbecauseei
    ther
    way,shesawyouf i
    rst
    .Idon’
    twanttofi
    ghtwit
    hmy
    si
    steroveraman.She’smyblood.
    ”
    “
    Idon’
    twantyoursi
    ster
    .”
    “Butyouwer ewi thherlastnight
    .Youseehowt hat
    actyoudi dlastnighthascompl i
    catedthings?
    Loratohasbeencr ushi
    ngonyouf orsomet imenow.
    Youknewt hat,youcall
    edheryest er
    day,haddi nner
    withherandki ssedher.Yousayi ngyouwant
    nothinghecticfornowwasi nter
    pret
    edintoyou
    don’twantnot hingseri
    ousbutyouar ewi l
    lingtosee
    howi tgoes.That ’
    smysi ster
    .Shehasst oodbyme
    i
    ndar ktimes.Shehasl ovedme.Yesshe’ snot
    perf
    ectbutshelovesme.Herl
    eavi
    ngmest r
    anded
    can’
    tcancelal
    lthegoodshehasdoneforme.You
    don’
    twanttounder st
    andwher
    eIam comingfr
    om.”
    “Iloveyou.Lor iisgoi ngthr oughal ot
    .Osui cidal
    .I
    havet ogot ohim yetIdon’ twantt oleaveyouwi th
    yoursi sterbecauseyouar egoingt olether
    encour ageyou.Iunder st
    andal lyouar esayingbut
    shoul dn’tyourhappi nessal socomef i
    rst?Idon’t
    wantyoubot hbecauseIl oveyouandIam not
    givingt olovehersoi twillbeunf ai
    ronherbecause
    Ican’ tdivi
    demysel f.AndIam notgoi ngtobest ay
    away.Iwi shIwasn’ tf i
    ghtingalone.Youar ewi ll
    ing
    tosacr ifi
    ceyourhappi nessf orsomeonewhowoul d
    nott hinktwiceifroleswer eexchanged.Youknow
    this.Lookatme. .
    ”
    Shet
    urnedt
    ohi
    m.Hel
    eanedoverandki
    ssedher
    .
    “Il
    oveyou.Pleasedon’tquest
    iont
    hat,quest
    ion
    anythi
    ngelse,nott
    hat.Tellmeyoudon’tl
    oveme
    andIwillr
    emovemysel ffrom t
    heequati
    on.”
    “
    Obakeng-
    “
    “
    Tel
    lmeyoudon’
    tlovemeLegauf
    i!Sayi
    tandIwi
    ll
    gl
    adl
    ymoveon.
    ”
    “
    Iloveyoubut
    -“
    “
    Soyouar
    ewi
    ll
    ingt
    oshar
    eme?
    ”
    Shelookeddownr
    ubbi
    nghercheek.Het
    il
    tedher
    cheek.
    “
    Tal
    ktome.Soyouar
    ewi
    ll
    ingt
    oshar
    eme?
    ”
    “
    Idon’
    twantt
    ofi
    ghtwi
    thmysi
    ster
    .”
    “
    Wewi
    llt
    alkl
    ater
    .”
    Shegotof
    fthecart
    henhedr
    oveoff
    .Shet
    ooka
    deepbr
    eathandtur
    nedt
    oLorat
    o.
    “
    Whatwashesayi
    ng?
    ”
    “
    Not
    hing.
    ”
    “Hewastal
    king.Fi
    fit
    hat
    ’swhyIsai
    dweshoul
    d
    breakupwi
    thhim.”
    “Idi
    d!Youaretheonethatsuggestedshari
    ngmy
    boyfr
    iend!Maybeifwestucktotheini
    ti
    alpl
    anal
    l
    thi
    swoul dhavel
    ongended.”
    Theywal
    kedi
    nsi
    det
    hehouse.Lor
    atol
    ookedatat
    Fi
    fi
    .
    “Yourboyfri
    end?He’sal
    somyboyfri
    end.See?We
    arenowf i
    ghtingoveraman.Papasai
    dweshould
    sti
    cktogetherbutwearefi
    ghti
    ng.
    ”
    “
    Takehi
    m!Youcant
    akehi
    m!”
    Loratolookedathersi st
    er.“
    Usshar i
    nghi mi snota
    badidea.We’ veal wayssharedal ot
    .Fr om toysto
    fri
    ends.Wecanmakei twork.Bet t
    eryouknowhe’ s
    notcheat ingbutj ustwit
    hme.Iknowi t
    ’spainful.I
    t’
    s
    alsopai nfult
    ome.Justwat chinghi m kissyouhur t
    butasl ongasyouandIst andt ogether,weshoul d
    bef i
    ne.Hewi llbeourman.Youl ovehim.Il ovehim
    too.Hel ovesbot hofus.Heget stohaveusbot h.
    Wear ealreadycl osesothere’
    snoneedt ofight
    .No
    catfightsorgossi p…nohate.Justloveal ltheway.
    Imagi neifweeverhadt omar ryhim.I t
    ’sasecur e
    plan.Allheneedsi sf
    orhimt oknowt hatwear e
    one.Ei t
    herhet akesusbothorl eavesus. ”
    “
    Hei
    snotat
    oy!
    ”
    “IknowbutwhatIam t
    ryi
    ngtosayisthat
    ,wecan
    sharehi
    m.Haveonerelat
    ionshi
    p.Atl
    eastnoone
    walksawaycr yi
    ng.Youwi l
    lcontinuewithyour
    rel
    ati
    onshi pandIwi l
    lcont i
    nuewi thmine.But
    dif
    ferenceisthatit’
    sthesameman.Wecanmakea
    l
    itt
    letimetableormaybej ustl
    eavehi mtochoose
    whoeverhechoosest hatday.Ifhe’swit
    hmeyou
    wil
    ljusthavet oknowt hathe’
    sspendi ngti
    mewi t
    h
    meandi fhe’
    swi thyou, Iwil
    ljusthavetoknowhe’s
    withyou.Thatwayyt herewon’ tevenbecheati
    ng.
    Wecanal lbehappyt ogether.
    ”
    Fif
    irubbedhereyes.“
    Myheadi
    sachi
    ng.Iam goi
    ng
    tosleep.
    ”
    “Ok.Butdoyouagree?Whenhecal l
    s,weshould
    showhimt hatweagreewi t
    hthi
    sdecisi
    onsothat
    hedoesn’tt
    hinkIam for
    cingyouint
    osayingyes.
    ”
    “
    Wewi
    llt
    alkwhenIwakeup.
    .Iam t
    ir
    ed.
    ”
    Fi
    fiwal
    ktotheguestr
    oom andcrawl
    edont hebed.
    Shelai
    dherheaddownandclosedhereyes,her
    mindworki
    ngovert
    ime.

    *
    **
    Obakengdrovethr
    ought heopengateatBanyana’
    s
    house.Heparkedhiscarandhurr
    iedinsi
    dethe
    house.
    “Lori
    !Lori!
    ”Helookedar oundthenwentupstai
    rs
    searchi
    ngi neveryroom holdi
    ngaknif
    ehehad
    grabbedint hekit
    chen.Heopenedthelastroom
    andwal kedinsidethebedroom.
    Helookedathi
    m si
    tt
    ingont
    hebedandsi
    ghed
    r
    eli
    eved.
    “
    Fuck!Ial
    mosthadahear
    tat
    tack.
    ”
    Lorif
    orcedasmi l
    e.Defini
    tel
    yhanginghi mself
    wasn’tgoingtowork.Maybecaracci dent…
    somethingtomakesur eforafactthathedi ed.Or
    thr
    owinghi msel
    ffr
    om al ongbuil
    ding.Het hought
    ofthehotelsi
    nGabor one…
    “
    Nokeshar
    p.”
    Obakengsatbesi
    dehim.“There’
    snot
    hingwecan’
    t
    fi
    x.I
    tcanallbesol
    ved.Iwishyouhadtol
    dme
    sooner
    .Modalaotwaelabatho.”
    “
    He’
    sanMP.Hecandest
    royyoui
    fhewant
    s.”
    “Wejustneedapr operplan.Youdon’thavetokil
    l
    your
    selfforthesepeople.Theyarenotwor t
    hit
    .We
    cangetyououtoft hisandyoucanwor kwithme.
    Youknowwecanmakei twork.Iknowthe
    companyi snotthatbigbutwecanmakei twork.
    Wecanwor ktoget
    her,asat eam.”
    “
    Idon’
    twantt
    osetyouback.
    ”
    “Setback?Notyou.Youar emyday1.Weusedt o
    stealsweetstogetheratthet uckshoplai
    taka.You
    knowt ogetherwear estronger.Letthem t
    ake
    everythi
    ng.Youwi llst
    artafresh.Comewor kwi t
    h
    me.Let ’
    stakethisfurt
    her .
    ”
    Lor
    ismi
    led.“
    Andt
    het
    ape?
    ”
    “Modal
    aot si
    legonyel
    a.Weneedawayt ogett
    o
    him.Don’
    tstr
    essabouthi
    m.Wewillgethi
    m.”
    Lor
    ismi
    led.“
    OkaeFi
    fi
    ?”
    “
    EishFi
    fiwanst
    ressa.
    ”
    “
    Brokenpeopl
    ehavehardt
    imeacceptingthatgood
    t
    hingscanhappent
    othem.Theyfeelundeservi
    ng.
    Bepatientwithher.Youhaveal ott
    of i
    xbeforeyou
    canenjoyher .Shemayf rust
    rat
    eyounowbutt hat’
    s
    becauseoft hedamaget hatwasdonet oher.It
    ’s
    hardcomi ngoutofthatshell
    .Bepatient
    .Iknowyou
    andimpat i
    ence.Loveherenought ounderstandher.
    Gaai t
    ire.
    ”
    “
    Lor
    atoi
    shersi
    ster
    .”
    “
    Shi
    t!
    ”
    “Theybot
    hknowwhat
    ’sgoi
    ngonnow.Idi
    dn’
    t
    know.”
    “
    Eish,
    aret
    heyf
    ight
    ing?
    ”
    “No.Fif
    iwantsoutbecauseshedoesn’
    twantto
    hurthersi
    ster
    .Andthatdeci
    sionwasinf
    luencedby
    Lorat
    o.”
    “Iki
    ndofunderstand…Imean…youknowhow
    l
    adiesare.Lor
    atoprobabl
    yhadhope.She’
    sbeen
    wantingyousoyoucani magi
    newhatwentthr
    ough
    herheadwhenyouwentt oheryest
    erday.
    ”
    “Shewant
    smet
    odat
    ethem bot
    horbr
    eaki
    tof
    fwi
    th
    Fif
    i.
    ”
    “
    Fif
    ienear
    eng?(
    Whati
    sFi
    fisayi
    ng?
    )”
    “LegaufiwanstressaLor
    i.IwanttowalkawaybutI
    am findi
    ngithardtodoso.Ilovethi
    swoman.I
    don’tevenknowhowi thappenedbutIloveherand
    shekeepsr unni
    ngaway.Iwi shIcangetti
    redbut
    everytimeIlookathereveryt
    hingst
    ops.”
    Loril
    aughed.“
    Monnelengwana.(
    Giveherababy.
    )
    Thatwayyoutrapher
    .”
    Obakengl
    ookedathi
    mthought
    ful
    ly.

    *
    **

    Lat
    erthatdayLor
    atofi
    nishedcookingt
    henwalked
    tot
    heguestroom andshookFifiwhowasfast
    asl
    eep.
    “
    Fif
    i…”
    Fi
    fiopenedhereyesandl
    ookedather
    .Lor
    ato
    smil
    ed.
    “
    Wakeup.Iam donecooki
    ng.
    ”
    “
    Iam nothungr
    y.”
    “
    Youneedt
    oeat
    .Di
    dyout
    hinkabouti
    t?”
    Fi
    fiputherhandsonherf
    ace.Lor
    atot
    ouchedher
    hand.
    “
    Ihavethinki
    ngabouthowt hi
    swil
    lbefun.Itcan
    wor
    k.Iwantittowork..Iwantust
    obehappy
    t
    ogether
    .Iam goi
    ngt oworkonmyj eal
    ousy.”
    Fi
    fi
    ’sphonerangonthebed.Sher
    eachedf
    ori
    tand
    pi
    ckedObakeng’scal
    l.
    “
    Hel
    lo?
    ”
    “
    Iam att
    hegat
    e.Open.Wehavet
    otal
    k.”
    Fi
    fil
    ookedatLor
    ato.“
    He’
    sher
    e.”
    Lor
    atosmi
    ledasFi
    fiputdownthephone.She
    wal
    kedoutoft
    heroom andopenedthegatef
    orhi
    m.
    Hedr oveinandpar kedbesideshercar.Obakeng
    walkedi nandlookedatbothl adi
    esstandi
    ngnextto
    eachot her.HelookedatFif
    i’seyes.
    “
    Areyouok?
    ”
    “
    Iwassl
    eepi
    ng.
    ”
    “
    Let
    ’ssi
    tdown.Weneedt
    otal
    k.”
    Theyal
    lsatdownt
    henLor
    atosmi
    led.
    “
    Fif
    iandIar
    est
    icki
    ngt
    oourdeci
    sion.
    ”
    Obakengl
    ookedatFi
    fi
    .“I
    sthatwhatyouwant
    ?”
    Fi
    fil
    ookeddown.Lor
    atohel
    dherhand.
    “
    Fif
    i…wecanal
    lbehappy.
    ”
    “
    Babe,
    ist
    hatwhatyouwant
    ?”
    Shenodded.“
    Yes.
    ”
    “
    Ok.I
    fthat
    ’swhatyouwantok.
    ”
    Lor
    atosmi
    led.“
    Soyouar
    etaki
    ngusbot
    h?”
    “
    Yes.ButIwantFi
    fit
    omoveoutandst
    ayal
    one.
    ”
    “I
    sn’ti
    tbet
    teri
    fwearetoget
    her?GapeFif
    ican’
    t
    aff
    ordrent
    .Sheworksatastayinj
    ob.”
    “Shei snotgoingbackthere.Iwi
    llf
    indherahouse
    butshewon’ tbestayi
    ngwi thyou.Myrelat
    ionshi
    p
    wi t
    hFi f
    ihasnothi
    ngtodowi t
    hyousamewayour
    relat
    ionshiphasnothi
    ngt odowithher.Iwanttobe
    freewi t
    hwhoeverIwillbewi t
    hatthatmoment .I
    don’twantanythingthatwil
    li
    nfluencej ealousy
    fr
    om eitherpart
    ies.WhatIdoforFi f
    iwi llbe
    dif
    ferentfr
    om whatIdof oryou.Ever yoneshould
    knowt hei
    rplace.Arewegoodwi t
    ht hat? ”
    Lor
    atonodded.“
    Yes.Fi
    fi
    ?”
    Fif
    ibli
    nkedast
    earsfi
    ll
    edhereyest
    henshenodded
    tr
    yingtohol
    dever
    ythi
    ngin.
    “
    Babe,
    ist
    hatokwi
    thyou?
    ”
    Hervoi
    ceshookhershespoke.“
    Yes.
    ”
    “
    Perfect
    .IwantFif
    itoni
    ght
    .Sinceshedoesn’
    thave
    ahouseyet,
    she’scomingwit
    hme. ”
    Lor
    atonodded.“
    Ok.Whataboutme?Youhavebeen
    wit
    hFif
    isincel
    astni
    ght
    .”
    “Iwi
    llt
    alktoyoutomorr
    ow.Andt hat
    ’sanothert
    hing
    Ihadforgott
    en…Iwil
    lbewithwhoIfeelli
    keIwant
    tobewith.Ihavenot
    imetabl
    e.”
    “
    Butwon’
    tat
    imet
    abl
    emaket
    hingseasi
    er?
    ”
    “
    Wear
    enotmar
    ri
    ed.Fi
    fi
    ,l
    et’
    sgo.
    ”
    Hewal
    kedoverandhel
    pedherupt
    henhel
    ookedat
    Lor
    ato.“
    Iwi
    llcal
    lyout
    omor
    row.
    ”
    “
    Ok.
    ”
    HeheldFi
    fi
    ’shandandwal kedoutwi
    thher.Hegot
    i
    nthecart
    henhel ookedather.Shel
    ookeddown
    f
    iddl
    ingwi
    thherfi
    ngers.
    “
    Tal
    ktome…”
    Sheshookherhead.“
    Not
    hing.
    ”
    Hestart
    edthecarandr
    ever
    sedout
    .“Whi
    ch
    cont
    racept
    ionpl
    anareyouon?
    ”
    “
    Uh…I
    …not
    hing.Ij
    ustt
    aket
    heemer
    gencypi
    ll
    .”
    “
    Ok.Il
    oveyou.
    ”
    Shet
    ear
    ful
    lyl
    ookedathi
    m andl
    ookeddown.

    *
    **

    Lor
    atolookedatthefoodshehadcookedthensat
    downinfrontoftheTVwonderi
    ngjustwhatdrew
    hi
    mt oFifi
    .Ithadtobehervagi
    na,
    besidesthatshe
    wasn’
    tof
    fer
    inghi
    m anyt
    hing.
    Hedefi
    nit
    elyli
    kedhermorebecauseofthesex.She
    j
    usthadtowaitforhert
    urnandtheneveryone
    woul
    dbei nthesamelevel
    .
    ShewentonFacebookandopenedt heLadies
    groupshehadjoi
    nedawhi l
    eback.Shescroll
    ed
    downlooki
    ngforthepostshehadseentomakea
    manenjoysextoapointoflovi
    ngyou.
    .
    .
    .
    [
    04/
    23,
    05:
    39]'
    :
    Si
    nsUnf
    orgi
    ven
    #19

    Obakengpar
    kedhiscari nhi
    sgarageandlookedat
    Fif
    iwhowassti
    llsi
    lent.Hesteppedouti
    fthecar
    andopenedt
    hedoorf orher.
    “
    Hey…”
    Shet ur
    nedtohi m.Hehelpedheroutandwalked
    i
    nsidethehousewi thher.Herphonerangasshe
    st
    oodi nhisli
    vingroom.Shetookoutherphoneand
    smiledstar
    ingathergrandmother’
    snumber.
    “
    Mama…”
    “
    Legauf
    i…It
    ri
    edcal
    li
    ngyoul
    astni
    ght
    .”
    Tearsfi
    ll
    edFi
    fi
    ’seyes.Shewal
    kedout
    sideasat
    ear
    rol
    leddown.
    “
    Mama…”
    “
    Howar
    eyou?
    ”
    “
    Iam f
    ine.Imi
    ssyou.
    ”
    Hergr
    andmotherlaughed.“Imi
    ssyoutoo.Your
    gr
    andfat
    heri
    sforcingmet ocuthi
    sdeadlynai
    ls.
    ”
    Fi
    fil
    aughed.“
    PleasecutMr
    .P’
    snai
    lsni
    cel
    y.”
    “EvenifIcutt
    hem ni
    cehest
    il
    lsaysyoucutt
    hem
    better
    .”
    “
    Howi
    she?
    ”
    “
    Hei
    sfi
    ne.Howi
    sthej
    ob?
    ”
    Fi
    fisl
    owl
    ysatdownonhi
    sver
    anda.“
    Fine.
    ”
    “
    Aret
    heyt
    reat
    ingyour
    ight
    ?”
    “
    Yesmama.
    ”
    “
    Iam happy.AndObakeng?
    ”
    Fi
    fil
    ookedatt
    hest
    ars.“
    Hei
    sfi
    ne.
    ”
    “Ihadafunnydream waitse…Idr
    eamtofsnakes.
    Smallsnakes.Alotoft
    hem.Theywereinthatroom
    wedon’tuse.Wherechickensusedt
    osleep.They
    werealot.Andeverywhere.”
    “
    Whatdoest
    hatmean?
    ”
    “Idon’
    tknow.Ioncehearditmeanspr egnancy.But
    Iam notpregnant
    .SoIjustthoughtIwouldcheck
    uponyou.”
    “
    MamaIam notpr
    egnant
    .”
    “Idi
    dn’tsayyouar
    e.Iwasj
    ustchecki
    nguponyou.
    Peoplewhohavesexgetpr
    egnant.
    ”
    “
    Iam nothavi
    ngsex.
    ”
    “Goodforyou.Butwhenyougivebi
    rt
    hyouar e
    cominghereforbot
    setsi
    .Iwi
    llt
    akecareofyou.And
    Ihopehe’
    snotpl
    anni
    ngtomakeyouababymaki
    ng
    machinei
    nst
    eadofdoi
    ngri
    ghtbyyou.
    ”
    “
    MamaIam notpr
    egnant
    .”
    “
    Iknow.Iam r
    efer
    ri
    ngt
    othef
    utur
    e.”
    “
    Ok.
    ”
    “Bytheway,youal
    soneedmat
    erni
    tycl
    othesi
    fyou
    arepregnant
    .”
    “
    Mama-
    “
    “Sor
    ry.Imeanwhenyougetpr
    egnant
    .Ei
    sh.
    .ol
    d
    ageiscatchi
    ngupwi
    thme.”
    “
    Youar
    enott
    hatol
    d.”
    “
    IloveyouFi
    fiandIwi
    llal
    waysbet
    her
    eforyouand
    mygrandchi
    ld.
    ”
    “
    Mama!
    ”
    “
    Inthefut
    ure.Legauf
    i,can’
    tIt
    alkaboutt
    hef
    utur
    e?I
    f
    eelabused.
    ”
    “
    Iam notgoi
    ngt
    ohaveki
    ds.
    ”
    “
    Uhu…ok.Anyways,
    howi
    sLor
    ato?
    ”
    “
    Shei
    sfi
    ne.
    ”
    “Ihopeshe’
    streat
    ingyouwel
    l.Iknowshel
    ovesyou
    but…Iworrysometimes.
    ”
    “
    Don’
    t.I
    t’
    sok.Iam ok.
    ”
    “
    Iwantust
    opr
    ayt
    oo.Iwantt
    opr
    ayf
    oryou.
    ”
    “
    Ok.
    ”
    “DearLor d,Icomebef oreyout hi
    seveni ng,downon
    mykneesgopr ai
    seyouf orbeingawonder fulGod.I
    thankyouf orl
    if
    e.It hankyouf orbl essingsandl ove
    uponourl i
    ves.Ithankyouf orLegauf iandt he
    blessingsyouhavegi venher .LordIcoverLegauf i’
    s
    l
    ifewit hthebl oodofJesus, what everhar mt hatis
    meantf orher ,
    LordIsaymayi tper i
    sh.Iopent he
    doorst hatwer ecl osedonherf ace.Ir et urnthe
    opport uniti
    esthatwer etakenf rom her .Fat herI
    praythatpaveawayf orherandher …andher
    blessing.Ipr ayforyourgui dancei nherl if
    e.Ipray
    forprot ecti
    onuponherl i
    fe.Mayhert hi ngsgowel l
    ,
    maywhati smeantf orherbeher s.Mayshebe
    happy.Mayshepr osper .Mayt hedar kcl oud
    surroundi ngherbedest royedandbur ntt oashes.
    Wet hankyouLordf
    orthi
    s.Wethankyouforyour
    l
    ove.Wet hankyouf
    orherfut
    urefori
    tisal
    ready
    bri
    ght.Wethankyouandconti
    nueprai
    singyou,f
    or
    everandeverAmen.”
    Fi
    fismi
    led.“
    Amen.
    ”
    Hergrandmot herlaughed.“Legauf
    iIam goingto
    prepareyourroom foryousot hatint
    hefuture
    whenyoucomef orbotset
    si,Iam r
    eadyforyouand
    mygr andchi
    ld.Iwi l
    lbethehappiestwomanon
    earthwhenithappens. ”
    “
    MaybeLol
    owi
    llhaveachi
    ldf
    ir
    st.
    ”
    “
    Thatwi
    llal
    somakemehappybuthermot
    her
    woul
    dneveral
    lowhert
    ocometome.”
    “
    Lol
    olovesyou.Shewi
    llcome.
    ”
    “
    Ihopeso.Sowher
    eisObakeng?
    ”
    “
    Athi
    shouse.
    ”
    “Iam happyyoufoundamanwhol ovesyou.That
    manl ovesyouLegaufi
    .He’
    sakeeper .Youwil
    l
    neverfindsomeonewho’ssocrazyaboutyoutoa
    pointthatt
    heydri
    velongdi
    stancesjusttobewit
    h
    you.Gi
    vel
    oveapr
    operchancemybaby.
    ”
    “Mama, whenyoursi st
    erwasst il
    lali
    ve,di
    dyouever
    fi
    ndyourselfsacri
    fi
    cingyourhappi nessforher?
    Likei
    fyouandherl ikedthesamemango, would
    yougiveitt
    ohert omakeherhappyorshar eitwit
    h
    her?Amangoyouf oundf oryourselfbutshealso
    happenedtohaveseenf i
    rstbeforeyousawi t.A
    mangoyour eal
    lywant.”
    “
    Wel li
    twoulddependonjusthowmuchIwantt he
    mango.Ifit
    ’smymangoandIhadi tfi
    rst
    ,itmakesi
    t
    mine,doesn’
    tmatteri
    fyousawi tf
    ir
    st.Youdidn’
    t
    t
    akei t
    .Isawitandtookit
    ,itmakesitmine.”
    “Wouldyouj usteati
    twhil
    eshewatcheswhi
    leshe
    sti
    llwantsthismangotooandthi
    smangocan
    makeyout wof ighti
    fyoueati
    tal
    one.Orwoul
    dyou
    shareitwit
    hher ?”
    “I
    fIreal
    lyreal
    lywantit
    ,it
    ’smi ne.Iam notshari
    ngit
    .
    Shecanf i
    ndanotherone.Mymangoi snottheonl
    y
    mangoonear th.Wemayf i
    ghtbutshewi llbefi
    ne.
    Butatthesamet i
    me,maybei fIdidn’
    twantthat
    Mangot hatmuchtoapoi ntthatIseenor easonto
    reall
    yfi
    ghtfori
    t,maybeIwil
    lsharei
    t.AndifIj
    ust
    didn’
    tcareIwouldgivei
    ttoher.Why?Lorat
    owants
    yourmango? ”
    Fi
    filaughed.“
    No.Ij
    ustaski
    ng.Isawsomet
    hingon
    Facebook.”
    “
    Ok.Iam gett
    ingcol
    d.Iam goi
    ngt
    ogett
    her
    oom
    r
    eadyforyou.
    ”
    “
    Andi
    fitdoesn’
    thappen?
    ”
    “
    Itwi
    ll
    .Bye.
    ”
    Shehungup.Fi f
    ismiledgladshehadgottenher
    sim cardredeemed.ShewentonFacebookand
    l
    ookedatLor ato’
    snewpr of i
    lepi
    ctur
    e.I
    twast hem
    togetheryearsback.Shelookedatthecapti
    onon
    thepictur
    e.
    ‘
    Mybestf
    ri
    end,
    mysi
    ster
    …'
    Sheli
    kedthepictur
    ethenopenedherpostonaj
    ob
    sear
    chinggroup.Shelookedatt
    hecommentunder
    herpost.
    Obakengopenedt
    hedoorandl
    ookedather
    .
    “
    Hey,
    Ior
    der
    edpi
    zza,
    ist
    hatok?
    ”
    “It
    ’sf
    ine.IhadpostedonFacebooklooki
    ngforajob.
    Someonej ustresponded.Shewantsababysi
    tt
    er
    forherdaughterandamai dt
    ohelpar
    oundthe
    house.Banyanai snotgoingtohi
    remeback,Ican’
    t
    paymyownr ent.Ithi
    nkIshouldgo.
    ”
    “Idon’twantyouwor kingforpeoplewhoabuseyou.
    Iam thinki
    ngyoushoul dapplyatafri
    end’swork
    place.ApplywithyourMBAdi pl
    oma.Ialready
    spoket ohi
    m, hewillfi
    ndyousomet hi
    ng,Monday
    youar egoingfori
    nterview.”
    “
    Whati
    ftheydon’
    thi
    reme?
    ”
    “Theywi
    ll
    .IneedyourCVsoIcanemaili
    ttohi
    m
    butMondayyouaregoingf
    oranint
    ervi
    ew.”
    “
    Yout
    hinkt
    heywi
    llhi
    reme?
    ”
    “
    Theyar
    egoi
    ngt
    ohi
    reyou.
    ”
    “
    Areyousur
    e?”
    “
    Yes.Iknowsomeonewhoknowssomeonet
    her
    e.”
    Shelookedathi
    m suspici
    ousl
    y.“
    AndwhatdoI
    havetodotogetthejob?”
    Hesmi
    ledandputhi
    shandsonherwai
    stpul
    li
    ng
    hercl
    osert
    henki
    ssedt
    hecor
    nerofherl
    ips.
    “Ther
    e’ssl
    otIcanthi
    nkof…becauseIam hooking
    youuponitsowhateveryouaredoi
    ngist
    ot hank
    me…”Hekissedherneck.“Ther
    earesl
    oti
    fwayst o
    makemehappy..”
    Shegi
    ggl
    ed.“
    Iam sor
    rybutIam notgoi
    ngt
    osl
    eep
    wit
    hyouf
    orajob.
    ”
    Hepickedherupthenshewrappedherl
    egsar
    ound
    hi
    m smili
    ng.Helookedather
    .
    “Idon’
    twantyoutoshar
    eme.Idon’
    tevenknow
    howt odowhatyouareaski
    ngmetodo.”
    Shetouchedhisbear
    d.“Idon’
    twantyoutodoi
    ttoo
    ..butyouneedtounderst
    andthatLor
    atoismy
    sist
    er.Youki
    ssedher.
    ”
    “
    Itwasn’
    tformor
    ethanasecond,
    Ican’
    tbel
    ieveal
    l
    t
    hisi
    sforamerekiss.
    ”
    “Iam notgoi
    ngtosacr
    if
    icemysisterhood.She’s
    alwayshadmyback.Andi t
    ’sr
    idi
    culoust ohaveus
    fi
    ghti
    ngbecauseofyou.Youareast ranger
    .She’s
    mybl ood.
    ”
    “
    Ast
    rangeryoul
    ove.
    .addt
    hat
    .”
    “
    AslongasIdon’
    tseewhatyoudowi
    thher
    ,Iwi
    llbe
    f
    ine.
    ”
    “
    Youwantt
    ouset
    hist
    oleavemei
    nthef
    utur
    e.”
    “It
    sei thert hatorweendwhat evert hi si
    sandj ust
    pretendi tneverhappenedbecausewhati stheuse
    ofmehavi ngyouandhavemysi stercrying.She’ s
    alwaysgoi ngt oseeyouar oundwi t
    hme.Att heend
    shewi l
    lenduphat ingmeandst artpl ot
    ting
    becauseoft hepai nIwi llbeput tinghert hrough.I f
    shewer eacompl etestrangeri twoul dbe
    under standablebutt hat’smysi ster.I maginei fit
    wer eyourbr other,abr otherwho’ sdoneever ything
    foryou, woul dyour atherhavehi m hur t
    ingwhi le
    yougett obehappywi tht hatwoman?Lor atoi snot
    abadper son.Youputheri nthissi tuati
    on.Thebest
    thingwoul dbeusl eavingyoubecauseyouar ethe
    onewhoent angledwi thsi sters.Iam sadIwi llbe
    shar ingyou.I t’
    sbr eakingmyhear tbecauseI
    thoughtmaybe…j ustmaybeIwi l
    lbehappy.Butmy
    sister’shappi nessal somat t
    erst ome.Asl ongasI
    don’ tknowwhatyoudof orherIwi llbefine.Let ’s
    t
    alkaboutt
    hej
    ob.
    ”
    Hesmi l
    ed.“
    Youmeant othankme?”Hewalkedi
    n
    thehousecarr
    yingher
    .“Iwassayi
    ngther
    earealot
    ofwaysIcanbemadehappy. .
    ”
    Hewhi
    sper
    edsomet
    hingi
    nherear
    .Fi
    fil
    aughed.
    “
    Icandot
    hat
    .”
    Hel
    aidherdownandgotont
    opofherki
    ddi
    ngher
    .

    *
    **

    Thefoll
    owingmor ni
    ngLoratofi
    nishedcl
    eaningher
    housethengrabbedherphonelookingattheti
    me.
    Shewasdyi ngtocallhi
    m butatt
    hesamet i
    meshe
    di
    dn’twanttoseem desperat
    e.
    Shesatdownthencall
    edFi
    fi
    .Herphoner
    angf
    ora
    whil
    ethenshepicked.
    “
    Lol
    o..
    ”
    “
    Sist
    ergi
    rl
    fr
    iendwee…”
    Fi
    fil
    aughedt
    henwhi
    sper
    ed.“
    Stopi
    t…”
    “
    Ng?
    ”
    “
    Sor
    ry,
    whatdi
    dyousay?
    ”
    Lor
    atosmi
    led.“
    Ishewi
    thyou?
    ”
    “
    Who?
    ”
    “
    Ourman.
    ”
    “
    Oh…yes.
    ”
    “Ij
    ustwant edt oaskifyouarecomi ngback.Iwas
    hopingwecoul dwatchNet f
    li
    xandchi ll.Then
    maybel ateronObakengandIcanspendpr oper
    ti
    met ogether .Youknowwehaven’ tdonet hat.I
    knowhe’ sabi thesi
    tantdoconvincehi m.Iwant
    himt oloveust hesame.Hewant syoumor eright
    nowbecausehe’ sgetti
    ngsexf r
    om you.Maybei fhe
    couldgeti tfr
    om bot hofus,hewoul dl oveust he
    same.Maybeyoucansl eepthenIsl eepovert here?
    Somet hing…Idon’ tknow, whatdoyout hink?”
    “
    Idon’
    tknow.Shoul
    dn’
    tyouaskhi
    m?”
    “Idon’
    twantt
    oseem pushyanddesperat
    e.Heput
    youinthepi
    ctur
    efi
    rst
    .Irespectyouashi
    sfi
    rst
    that’
    swhyi t
    ’sbestifyouaretheonet otal
    kt ohim.
    Bytheway, maybeyoucant ellmewhathel i
    kesto
    getmepr eparedsincewear eonet eam.”She
    smiled.“IneverthoughtIwoul deverdot hisbut…I
    am excit
    ed, becausei t
    ’syou.Thiswillbri
    ngusso
    muchcl oser .Ial
    sothinkyoushoul dconvi ncehim
    thatwer emai ntogether.St
    ayingtogether.It’
    sbest
    tohaveust ogetherthanseparated.Whatdoyou
    thi
    nk?”
    “
    Ormaybeweshoul
    djustl
    eavehi
    m.”
    “
    Whati
    fhest
    il
    lchasesyou?
    ”
    “
    Iwi
    llj
    ustr
    ejecthi
    m.”
    “
    Youal
    readyl
    ovehi
    m.It
    hinkleavi
    nghi
    misoutof
    t
    hepi
    ctur
    enow.Tal
    kgohim.”
    Fi
    fisi
    ghed.“
    Iwi
    llt
    alkt
    ohi
    m.”
    “
    Ok.Thanksbi
    gsi
    s!”
    Shehungupt henthoughtofhermother
    ,itwoul
    dbe
    ni
    ceifsheknewhowherandFi fiwer
    egetti
    ngal
    ong
    sowell
    .Shedialedhernumberandputthephone
    onherear.
    .
    .
    .
    [
    04/
    23,
    05:
    40]'
    :
    Si
    nsUnf
    orgi
    ven
    #20

    Lorat
    oswit
    chedonherTVashermother’
    sphone
    rang.Shel
    eanedbackashermot
    herpicked
    “
    Lor
    ato…”
    “
    Mama,
    howar
    eyou?
    ”
    “
    Iam fi
    ne.Canyoubel
    ievet
    hatLegauf
    ist
    il
    lhadnot
    r
    etur
    nedhome? ”
    Shesi
    ghed.“
    Fif
    iisst
    ayi
    ngwi
    thme.
    ”
    “
    Stayi
    ngwi
    thyouwher
    e?”
    “
    Her
    einGabor
    one.Shehadf
    oundaj
    ob.
    ”
    “
    Fif
    ifoundaj
    ob?
    ”
    “
    Yes.
    ”
    “
    Whatj
    obdi
    dshef
    ind?
    ”
    “
    Shewasahel
    pert
    ooneofmycol
    league.
    ”
    “
    Youar
    etheonewhomadehergett
    hej
    ob?
    ”
    “
    Ihel
    pedherl
    ook.
    ”
    “
    Why?
    ”
    “
    Mama-
    “
    “
    Can’
    tshel
    ookf
    orher
    sel
    f?”
    “
    Mamapl
    ease.Ei
    therway,
    shel
    ostt
    hej
    ob.
    ”
    “
    Good.Sheshoul
    dfi
    ndherownj
    obnotuseyou.
    ”
    “
    Idon’
    tunder
    standmama.Youwant
    edhert
    ogeta
    j
    ob.What’
    swrongnow?”
    “Legauf
    ishouldfindherownjob!Noonehelped
    yougetajob.AllIwanthertodoisgetherownjob
    andmaintainherself
    .Whathappenswhenyouand
    yourcol
    leaguefi
    ght ?”
    Lorat
    osi
    ghed.“
    Igetyoubutshel
    ostt
    hej
    obsoi
    t’
    s
    fi
    ne.”
    “
    Howar
    eyou?Youdon’
    tvi
    sitmeanymor
    e.”
    “
    Iwi
    llcome.
    ”
    “
    Imi
    ssmydaught
    er.
    ”
    “Imissyoutoo.
    ”Shet
    houghtoft
    ell
    ingherabout
    Fif
    ithensi
    ghedknowi
    ngshedefi
    nit
    elywouldn’
    tbe
    happy.
    “
    SonowLegauf
    iisst
    ayi
    ngi
    nyourhousef
    orf
    ree?
    ”
    “
    Shei
    slooki
    ngf
    oraj
    ob.
    ”
    “Sheshouldcomebackher
    eorgotoherwi
    tch
    grandmotheri
    nst
    eadofbur
    deni
    ngyou.
    ”
    “Fi
    fiisnotabur
    den.She’smysi st
    erandIwi
    llhel
    p
    her.Thisi
    swhyIdon’tcallorvi
    sit
    .”
    “
    BecauseofLegauf
    i?”
    “
    Becauseyouar
    eal
    waysnegat
    ive.Ihavet
    ogo.
    ”
    “
    Ist
    hatal
    lyoucal
    ledmef
    or?
    ”
    “Iwantedt
    otel
    lyouthatFi
    fiandIar
    ecl
    osert
    han
    everandwearehappy.”
    “
    Mhmm…”
    “
    Yes.Bye.
    ”
    Shedroppedthecal
    landwentonFacebook.She
    scr
    oll
    edthroughget
    ti
    ngdist
    ract
    ed.

    *
    **

    Loriwalkedinthebedroom andlookedat
    Banyana’sphonet hatwasont hebedwi tht
    he
    screenstil
    lon.Heslowlypickedjustasshestar
    ted
    bathingundertheshower.Hesatdownandopened
    herWhat sappbutitneededherfingerpri
    ntt
    ounlock.
    Hewentt omessageshopi ngt ofi
    ndsomet hi
    ng,he
    si
    ghedr eali
    zingshehaddel et
    edeverythi
    ngexpect
    fr
    om amessageshehadj ustsenttoFifi
    .
    Banyana:Ihopeyoursistert
    oldyounott oever
    comet omyhouse.Youar efi
    redandIwon’ tbe
    payingyoubecauseyoudi dn’
    twor kafullmonth
    al
    soIwasnothappywi thyourwor k.Youwer enot
    bathingmykidsproper
    lyandmyhousewasnot
    getti
    ngcleanedt
    hewayIwant edsoi twouldbe
    uselesst
    opayyouf ordoingnothing.Ihopethis
    f
    indsyouwel
    l.
    Lor
    itookadeepbr eathreadi
    ngthemessage,he
    wasn’tevensurpri
    sed.HecopiedFif
    i’
    snumberto
    hi
    sphonet henputdownBanyana’ sphoneand
    wal
    kedoutcal l
    ingFifi
    .
    “
    Hel
    lo?
    ”
    “Hi,keLor i
    .IjustsawthemessageBanyanasent
    you.It’sunfai
    ryouwoul dworkf oral
    mostamont h
    thendon’ tgetpaid.Iam goi
    ngtopayyoui nst
    ead.I
    willgiveyouthef ull
    amountbuti ncashbecausei
    fI
    payt hroughthephoneshewi l
    lsee.”
    “
    Ok.
    ”
    “
    Wher
    ear
    eyou?
    ”
    “
    Iam atObakeng’
    shouse.
    ”
    “
    Icancomet
    her
    e.I
    shet
    her
    e?”
    “Ngng,hel
    eftf
    or…Idon’
    tknow.Buthewi
    llbe
    back.
    ”
    “
    OkIam comi
    ng.
    ”
    “
    Ok.
    ”
    Hegr abbedhiscarkeysandwalkedout
    .Hegotin
    hi
    scaranddr oveoutwhilehi
    swi f
    eshowered.He
    passedt hr
    ougham ATM andcashedoutthendrove
    offheadedtoObakeng’shouse.
    Hecal
    ledherbyt
    hegat
    e.
    “
    Hel
    lo?
    ”
    “
    Hi.Iam byt
    hegat
    e.”
    Thegatesli
    dopent henhedrovein.Hesteppedout
    ofhiscarandwalkedinsidet
    hehouse.Hel ookedat
    Fi
    fiasshewalkedfrom theki
    tchenwearing
    Obakeng’sshi
    rtt
    hatlookedli
    keadr essonher.He
    smil
    ed.
    “
    Hi…”
    “
    Hey.
    .howar
    eyou?
    ”
    “
    Iam f
    ine.
    ”
    “
    Ibr
    oughtyourmoney.I
    t’
    s3k.Youdeser
    vei
    t.
    ”
    Het
    ookouthiswal
    lett
    hengavehert
    hemoney.Fi
    fi
    smi
    ledst
    ari
    ngatal
    ltheP200not
    es.
    “
    Thankyou.
    ”
    “
    Youarewelcome.Youl
    ookgood.Beaut
    if
    ul…ogo
    j
    esangmfanawaka?”
    Fi
    fil
    aughed.“
    Not
    hing.
    ”
    “
    He’
    sagoodguy.Abi
    tshor
    ttemper
    edbutgood.
    ”
    Shesmiledhol
    dinghermoney.Lor
    ilookedather
    smil
    ing.
    “
    Givehi
    m achance.
    ”
    “
    Ok.Howar
    etheki
    ds?
    ”
    “Thei
    rgrandfat
    hert
    ookthem.Buttheyar
    efi
    ne.
    Theyaregoingtomissyou.Iam goi
    ngtomi
    ssyou.
    Ebil
    enkarenkatsamayelewena.”
    Fifil
    aughed.“Youcanalwaysleave.Youaregood
    guy.Youar eagreatper
    son.Youar epati
    entand
    sof t
    .Youneverrai
    seyourvoicegapeyoudon’t
    argueback.Oboinyana, i
    t’
    scute.Youarean
    under st
    andi
    ngperson.Youwi l
    lfi
    ndsomeoneelse.
    ”
    “
    IhavegivenupFi
    fi.I
    fIwal
    kawayal ive,
    It hi
    nkIam
    j
    ustgoi
    ngt obeal
    one.Iam overl
    ove.Iwillnever
    l
    oveagai
    n.”
    “
    Atl
    eastf
    oryoui
    twaswi
    thonewoman.I
    magi
    ne
    ever
    yper
    sonyoumeett
    reat
    ingyoul
    ikeBanyana.
    .”
    “Iwoul
    dhavelongdi
    ed.Idon’
    tknowhowyoudi
    dit
    .
    Iam nott
    hatst
    rong.
    ”
    “
    Youar
    eifyoucoul
    dst
    ayal
    ltheseyear
    s.”
    “
    Ihear
    daboutt
    het
    hieves.Iam sor
    ry.
    ”
    “
    It
    sok.Iam f
    inenow.
    ”
    Hesmi ledstar
    ingather ,shelookedsobeaut i
    ful
    .
    Thathideousuniform alwayshidal lbeauty.She
    smil
    edpushi ngherhai rback.Therewasj ust
    somethingabouther .Hedef i
    nitel
    yknewi fhewere
    i
    nObakeng’ sshoeshewoul dn’tevenent ert
    ainthe
    suggestionofhavinghershar ehim.
    Hemovedback.“
    Letmego.Iwi
    llseeyouar
    ound.
    ”
    “
    Bye.
    ”
    Hewalkedoutandjumpedinhi
    scar.Hetooka
    deepbreat
    hthenrever
    sedanddroveof
    f.

    *
    **
    Lat
    erthatdayLor
    atostaredatherphonewaiti
    ng.
    Shehadbeenwaiti
    ngthewhol edaybutitseemed
    not
    hingwashappening.Shetookadeepbr eat
    hand
    cal
    ledhim.
    Hi
    sphoner
    angf
    orawhi
    lebef
    orehepi
    cked.
    “
    Hel
    lo?
    ”
    “
    Hi.Ij
    ustwant
    edt
    oaski
    fyouar
    ecomi
    ng…”
    “
    Comi
    ngwher
    e?”
    “
    Tomyhouse.OrIcancomet
    oyou.
    ”
    “Iam busyr
    ightnow.Iwi
    llcal
    lyou.Wai
    tformy
    call
    .”
    “
    Ok.
    ”
    Sheputt
    hephonedownandr
    ubbedhereyes.

    *
    **

    ThatsamedayFi
    fispokewi
    thObakengovert
    he
    phone.
    “Iam onmywayback.Whatdoyouwantmet
    oo
    bri
    ngyou?”
    “
    Iam f
    ine.
    ”
    “
    Ok,
    Iwi
    llbet
    her
    eint
    enmi
    nut
    es.
    ”
    “
    Ok.Il
    oveyou.
    ”
    “
    Ok.
    .”
    “
    Okkeng?
    ”
    Shesmi
    led.“
    Iloveyout
    oo.
    ”
    “
    Iwi
    llbet
    her
    eont
    en.
    ”
    “
    Ok.
    ”
    Fi
    fihungupandsi
    ghedcal
    li
    ngRi
    cky.
    “
    Fri
    end…”
    “
    Loripai
    dme.Banyana’
    shusband.Kanashehad
    f
    ir
    edmeandwasn’ tgoi
    ngt
    opayme. ”
    “
    That
    ’sgood.Ihopeyoudon’
    tbuyal
    coholwi
    thi
    t.
    ”
    Fi
    fil
    aughed.“
    No.
    ”
    “
    Ihavebeenwai
    ti
    ngf
    oryourcal
    l.
    ”
    “
    Iam sor
    ry.Il
    ostt
    rackoft
    ime.
    ”Fi
    fiwal
    kedt
    othe
    t
    oil
    ett
    opee.
    “I
    t’
    sok.Aslongasyouar
    eok.What’
    sbeen
    happeni
    ng?Ihopeyousl
    appedLor
    ato,
    thewayt
    hat
    gi
    rli
    s…IhopeGodhelpsmewhenIseeher.
    ”
    “
    Shej
    ustgotexci
    ted.I
    t’
    sok.
    ”
    “Youcoul
    dhavebeenki
    ll
    ed.I
    fyoudi
    dn’
    tdependon
    herthi
    smuchI’
    dsaycutheroff
    .”
    “
    It
    ’sok.
    ”
    “
    Whatdi
    dshesayaboutObakeng?
    ”
    “
    It
    ’sherguy.
    ”
    “I
    t’
    sthesameguy.Heal
    mostsleptwithherbef
    oreI
    cal
    ledhi
    m..weonlyf
    oundoutyester
    day.”
    “
    Nowwhat
    ?”
    “
    Sheloveshim.Shewantsust
    oshar
    ehim.Idon’
    t
    wantt
    of i
    ghtforamanwhenIknowhemightl
    eave
    meinthenearfutur
    e.”
    “
    Legauf
    i,whatdi
    dyoujustt
    ellme?Shewant
    syou
    t
    wotoshareyourboyf
    ri
    end?”
    “
    Yes.Hegaveherhope.
    ”
    “
    So?Heagr
    eedt
    oit
    ?”
    “
    It
    ’sei
    thert
    hatorweendi
    t.
    ”
    “Pl
    easedon’
    ttel
    lmeyoul
    ett
    hatsel
    fi
    shgi
    rl
    convi
    nceyouint
    oit
    ..
    ”
    “Don’tj
    udgeme.I fitdoesn’
    tworkoutIwillst
    il
    lhave
    mysi ster.AsmuchasIl ovehim,Il
    ovemysi ster
    too.Youmaydi sl
    ikeherbutshehasstoodbymy
    sidefordol ong.Whenthingswerereal
    lybadshe
    wast here.”
    “Sowhat?Shoul
    dwenowdr i
    nkholycommuni
    onf
    or
    her?What?Shewesuckhercl
    it
    ?"
    .
    .
    .
    [
    04/
    23,
    05:
    40]'
    :
    Si
    nsUnf
    orgi
    ven
    #21
    InFr
    anci
    stown,
    Ri ckyst
    eppedoutoft
    heclot
    hing
    shophol
    dingaplasti
    cwithhi
    snewheels.
    “Idon’tunder
    stand.Whydoyouowet
    hisgi
    rlyour
    happiness?”
    “Sheismysi ster.Shewi llal waysbemysi ster.
    Therei snowayIwi llbehappywhi leshesinksinto
    depressionofhavi ngt owat chmewi thamanshe
    l
    oves.Whydoweneedenemi eswhenwecanbe
    enemi estoourownsi bl
    ings?Lor atohasalways
    stoodbymer i
    ghtf rom t hebegi nning.Sheismy
    l
    ittl
    esister.Shehast akencar eofme.I t
    ’sbeen
    yearsofunempl oymentbutsheal waysmakessur e
    Ihaveever ythingIneed.Notadayhassheever
    compl ainedwhenIasked, notadayhassheever
    saidno.Evenwi thheral lowancebackwhenshe
    wasatUB, sheal waysshar editwithme.Shet ook
    mef rom thevi l
    lageandhasbeent akingcareofme.
    Idon’tneedt oexpl ainhowt hi
    ngswer ewhenpapa
    died.Youknow, yousawi tbutshewast here,st
    ood
    byme.Shehasal wayshadmyback.Youcan’ t
    cancelever ygoodt hingmysi sterhasdonef orme
    foronesingl
    emi stake.WhenIalmostcommi t
    ted
    suicide,
    shewast here.Shetookcareofmymedi cal
    bil
    ls.Nooneaskedher ,
    shejustdidbecauseshe
    l
    ovesme.I fanyonedoesn’tseeit,Ido.I
    ’drat
    herlet
    him gothanfi
    ghtwi thmysisteroveraman. ”
    Rickysighed.“Legaufibut
    …Igetyou.Ido.And
    maybet hereasonwhyIcan’ tr
    elateisbecausemy
    si
    blingshaveneverl ovedme.Myf amilydisowned
    meandyouar etheonlysi
    sterIhave.Buteven
    wheni t
    ’sli
    kethat,Iwouldneveraskmysi blingto
    l
    etgoamanwhoobvi ousl
    ywasaf terherallal
    ong
    sotomakemehappybecauseIt akecareofher.It
    showst hatthereissomethingwr ongwi t
    hme.I
    shouldbeabl etoletyoubehappy. ”
    “
    IfObakengdidn’
    tkissherrai
    singherhopes,we
    woul
    dn’tbeheretoday.Il
    ovemysi st
    erRicky.
    ”
    “
    Soyouwoul
    drat
    hershar
    ehi
    m?”
    “Event
    uall
    yhei
    sgoi
    ngt
    ochoosehersoIwi
    llt
    hen
    stepback.
    ”
    “
    Andifhechoosesyouinst
    eadbecauseitseemst
    o
    met
    hisguyhadalreadychosen,
    whatthen?.He
    l
    ongchose.Iam sadyouar edoi ngthis.Ireall
    yam.
    AsmuchasIunder standyourr easoningIj ust
    …I
    wishyoucanj ustchoosetol ovehim.Nowhe’ sput
    underpressur
    e.He’s…”Tear sfil
    ledRicky’seyes.“
    I
    wantyout obehappy.Ican’tbel i
    eveLor atowould
    evensuggestit…Iam sosad.Iwasexci tedthi
    nki
    ng
    yourbreakt
    hroughinl ovehadf i
    nall
    ycome.Iam
    real
    lysad.”
    “Obakengknowsaguywhoknowsaguyandhe’ s
    hookedmeuponaj ob.Iam movingoutofFi
    fi
    ’s
    housesoIwon’tgettoseeherdoingswithhi
    m.I
    wil
    ljustmi
    ndmyownbusi ness.
    ”
    “Ihopesheget sintoanaccidentandshebecomes
    cri
    ppledf orl
    if
    e.Ireal
    lyhopeonedayyouwi l
    lsee
    thatasmuchasLor atolovesyou,shelovesyou
    beingunderher .Nosist
    erwhol oveswouldever
    makeyoushar eyourmanwi t
    hher ,
    amanshewas
    j
    ustcr ushingon.ButIam happyf orthej
    ob.”
    “
    Iam exci
    ted.
    ”
    Ri
    ckysmi
    led.“
    Met
    oo.Doyouhaveanyf
    ormal
    wear
    ?”
    “
    Iwi
    llbor
    rowsomeofLol
    o’scl
    othes.
    ”
    “Iwi
    shyoudidn’thavet
    o.Butwhatcanwedo?
    AnywaysIam sohappyforyou.Whenyougett
    he
    j
    obtellt
    hem aboutme.”
    Fi
    fil
    aughed.“
    Iwi
    ll
    .”
    Asoldierpar
    kedinfr
    ontofherthensteppedoutof
    thecarwitht
    hiswif
    e.Rickyconti
    nuedtalki
    ngonthe
    phone.
    “
    Thef
    ast
    eryoust
    aysoont
    hebet
    ter
    .”
    “
    Obakengi
    sher
    e.Wewi
    llt
    alk.
    ”
    “
    Wait
    seIcan’
    tbel
    ieveyouhaveagr
    eedt
    oshar
    ea
    whol
    emealofaman.”
    “
    Atl
    eastIam get
    ti
    ngaj
    oboutofi
    t.
    ”
    Thesoldi
    erwal
    kedpasthim wi
    thhi
    swi
    fe.“
    Idon’
    t
    know.Letmegoanddrink.
    ”
    “
    Shar
    p.”
    Hehungupandputhisphonei
    nhispocketast
    he
    sol
    dierwal
    kedbackal
    oneinhi
    suni
    for
    m.
    “
    Hi…”
    Rickyl
    ookedathi
    m andsmi
    led.“
    Yourwi
    fei
    s
    coming.
    ”
    Hequi
    ckl
    ytur
    ned,
    Rickyl
    aughedandwal
    kedt
    othe
    busst
    opl
    eavi
    nghim smi
    li
    ngalone.

    *
    **

    Obakengwalkedinthehouseholdi
    ngaplasti
    cand
    ashoppingbag.Fi
    fismiledashewalkedoverand
    ki
    ssedherhardthatp*ssythr
    obbed.
    Shecouldn’
    tunderst
    andwhyshewasfeeli
    ngli
    ke
    thi
    saroundhim whenshewasjustokweeksback.
    “
    Igotyousomet
    hing.
    ”
    Hehandedhert
    heshoppi
    ngbag.Fif
    ilookedi
    nside
    t
    hentookoutt
    hebl
    ackbondagedressandheels.
    Shesmi
    led.“
    Ist
    hismi
    ne?
    ”
    “I
    t’
    sforyouri
    nter
    viewt
    omorr
    ow.Yousaid
    somethi
    ngaboutnothavi
    ngcl
    othes.Iwi
    llgi
    veyou
    mycardtomorrowsoyoucandoshopping.”
    “
    Iwasgoi
    ngt
    obor
    rowf
    rom Lor
    ato.
    ”
    “Iwantyoutohaveyourownthi
    ngs.
    ”Hekissedher
    putti
    nghishandunder
    neatht
    heshir
    tthenhe
    touchedherpant
    y.
    “
    Thankyou.Theyar
    ebeaut
    if
    ul…”
    Heslidhi
    shandi nsi
    deherpant
    yandt ouchedher
    p*ssy.Fi
    fi
    ’sphonerangonthecouch.Shelooked
    overandwatchedasLoratocal
    led.
    “
    Lol
    oiscal
    li
    ng.Shewashopi
    ngmaybeyouwi
    llgo
    t
    oher.
    ”
    Obakengki ssedherandpi ckedherl
    egthenputit
    onthecouchwhi letheotherr emai
    nedonthe
    ground.Het ookouthisdickpushingherpanti
    esto
    thesidethencurvedhisbackandpushedt hrough
    herwetflesh.
    Fi
    figaspedstandi
    ngononet
    oeashef
    il
    ledherup
    st
    affi
    ngher.He…
    .

    Obakenggr
    unt
    eddr
    il
    li
    ngheragai
    nstt
    hewal
    lasshe
    roll
    edhereyestobebackspasmi
    ng,herbody
    vibrat
    edi
    nhi sar
    msasshesqueezedhismeat.He
    groanedinherearr
    eleasi
    nghi
    sseedsinsi
    deher.
    Fi
    fi
    ’sphonestart
    edringi
    ngagain.Obakengsli
    dput
    hi
    smeatandki ssedherleavi
    ngherdri
    pping.He
    pi
    ckedherupandpl acedheronthecouchbef or
    e
    wal
    kingtothebedroom.
    Fif
    ireachedforherphoneexhaust
    edandanswer
    ed
    Lorato’
    scall
    .
    “
    Hel
    lo?
    ”
    “Hi
    ,shoul
    dIsl
    eep?I
    shecomi
    ng?I
    shet
    her
    ewi
    th
    you?”
    “
    Cal
    lhi
    m.”
    “Iam goingtoseem desperat
    e.Andal r
    eadyIam
    becausei tf
    eelsl
    ikeIam nowj ustathi
    rdpart
    y.I
    l
    ongaskedi fhecancomeover .Iknowhespentthe
    enti
    redaywi thyou.Ij
    ustdon’tthi
    nkit’
    sfai
    rwhen
    weobvi ousl
    yagreedonsomet hi
    ng.”
    “
    Heisnother
    e.Ispentt
    hedayal
    one.Iam notsur
    e
    wher
    ehewent.Hehasn’tcal
    l
    edmeyet.
    ”
    Lor
    atosni
    ff
    ed.“
    Canyoucal
    lhi
    m andaskhi
    m?”
    “
    Idon’twantt
    oknowwhatyoudowi
    thhi
    m.Pl
    ease
    j
    ustcallhi
    m..
    ”
    “Whatareyoudoingathishousethen?Weshoul
    d
    swapplaces.Hecanfindmet her
    ewaiti
    ng.
    ”
    “Maybeyoushoul dlethim comeonhi sown
    withoutbeingfor
    cedt o.Heknowsaboutyou.You
    arenowabusi ngme.I thastakenal otformeto
    sharet hemanIlovewi thyou,youcan’texpectme
    totellhimtocometoyousohesl eepswi t
    hyou.I
    alsolovehim.Youar ebeinginconsiderat
    eofmy
    feeli
    ngs.”
    “Theni
    t’
    snotwor
    king.Obvi
    ousl
    yit
    ’snotworki
    ng.
    Youcanendit
    .Whereareyou?Iwi
    llpi
    ckyouup.
    Rememberhehasnochanceofchoosing.
    ”
    “Iam notbreaki
    ngupwi t
    hhi
    m becausehewon’
    t
    comet oyouLor at
    o.Yousai
    dweshouldshar
    e.I
    agreed.Him comingtoyoui
    syourjobnotmi
    ne.
    ”
    “SoyouaregoingtogoaheadanddatethemanI
    l
    ove?Youar esel
    fi
    shLegaufi
    .Youaresosel
    fi
    sh,
    I
    can’
    tbel
    ieveyouaremysister
    .Ihavedoneso
    muchf oryou.I
    fyoudon’tl
    eavehi
    m Iam ki
    ll
    ing
    myselfbecauseIam notgoi
    ngtowatchyoube
    happywi t
    hamanIl ovetoo.
    ”
    .
    .
    .
    Par
    ti
    cipat
    equi
    ckl
    ysowehavemor
    ebonuses.
    [
    04/
    23,
    05:
    40]'
    :
    Si
    nsUnf
    orgi
    ven
    #22

    “
    Lor
    atoIam t
    ir
    edoft
    his.
    ”
    “Youareti
    red?Ihavebeent
    ir
    ed.Whycan’
    tyou
    breakwit
    hhim? ”
    “
    BecauseIl
    ovehi
    m.”
    “Ialsodo.Idon’
    twantt
    oloseyout
    oaman.
    Please…”
    “
    Wewi
    llt
    alkt
    omor
    row.
    ”
    “
    Comehome.Youar
    est
    il
    lgoi
    ngt
    osl
    eepwi
    thhi
    m.”
    “
    Hei
    snother
    e.”
    “Wher
    eareyou?Iwil
    lcomeandpickyouup.Wher
    e
    doeshest
    ay?Iwil
    lpi
    ckyouup.”
    “
    Idon’
    tknow.Cal
    lhi
    m andaskhi
    m.”
    “Pleasebreakupwithhim.Ifeell
    ikeIam l
    osingmy
    mindr i
    ghtnow.Ithoughtthi
    swasgoi ngtoworkout
    butyouar enotwil
    li
    ngt omakeitwork.Youjust
    wantt ohurtmeandbr eakme.What ’
    spainf
    ulis
    thatthi
    sisallbeendonebymysi ster.Obonagole
    fai
    rLegauf i
    ?”
    “Youwantedustoshar
    ehi
    m.Justbecauset
    hings
    arenotgoi
    ngyourway-
    “
    “Weareone.Heknewt
    hat
    .Youar
    emonopol
    izi
    ng
    him.
    ”
    “
    Heknowsyouar
    ether
    e.Youar
    eimpat
    ient
    .”
    “Breakupi
    nwithhi
    m.Pl
    ease…Iam beggi
    ngyou.
    Fif
    iyouarehur
    ti
    ngme.Pl
    easedon’
    tdothist
    ome…”
    “
    Iwi
    llbebr
    eakupwi
    thhi
    m.”
    “
    Youwi
    ll
    ?”
    “
    Yes.
    ”
    Lor
    atosni
    ff
    ed.“
    Thankyou.I
    t’
    sfort
    hebest
    ”
    “Yeah.Meani
    ngyoucan’
    tcal
    lhi
    m anymor
    e.You
    andhim ar
    edone.
    ”
    “
    Yes.Youneedt
    otel
    lhi
    m.”
    “
    Iwi
    ll
    .”
    “
    Wecandoi
    ttoget
    her
    .”
    “
    Iwi
    lldoi
    tal
    one.
    ”
    “
    Ok.Icancomet
    her
    eandpi
    ckyouup.
    ”
    “
    No.I
    t’
    sok.Hewi
    lldr
    opmeof
    f.
    ”
    “
    Whati
    fhet
    ri
    est
    oconvi
    ncehi
    m ot
    her
    wise?
    ”
    “
    Iwi
    llhandl
    ehi
    m.”
    “
    Thankyou.Iwi
    llwai
    tforyou.
    ”
    “Don’
    t.Iam notsur
    ewhatt
    imehe’
    scomi
    ngby
    back.
    ”
    “
    Ok.
    .youcancal
    lwhenyouar
    ebyt
    hegat
    e.”
    Obakengwalkedbackt
    yingt
    hest
    ri
    ngsonhi
    s
    sweatpant
    s.
    “
    Iwi
    ll
    .Shar
    p.”
    “
    Ok.
    ”
    Shehungupandswi
    tchof
    fherphone.
    “
    Isever
    ythi
    ngok?
    ”
    Fi
    finodded.
    Obakengwalkedoverandsatbesi desher.“
    Your
    sist
    erhasbeencalli
    ngmeal lday.Youhaveputme
    i
    nanawkwar dposi
    tion.Evental
    kingtoherfeel
    s
    l
    ikeIam cheati
    ng.Idon’tthi
    nkIwillbeabl
    eto
    pret
    endtowanther .
    ”
    “
    Iam sor
    ry.ButIt
    oldherwear
    ebr
    eaki
    ngup.
    ”
    “
    Canwenotgodownt
    hisr
    oadagai
    n?Iam t
    ir
    ed.
    ”
    Fi
    fil
    ookedathi
    m.“
    Thi
    sishur
    ti
    ngher
    .”
    “
    Isi
    tmaki
    ngyouhappy?
    ”
    Tearsfi
    ll
    edhereyes.“Maybesheshouldn’
    tknow
    aboutus.Youshouldn’
    tcallyouf
    rom her
    e.”
    “
    Howl
    ongwi
    llwehi
    dei
    t?”
    “Idon’
    twantt
    ofightwi
    thher.Oemotional.I
    t’
    sbest
    shedoesn’
    tknow.Youdon’ttal
    ktohertoo.”
    Henodded.“
    Ok.Agr
    eed.
    ”
    Hisphonest
    art
    edr
    ingi
    ng.Theybot
    hlookather
    cal
    li
    ng.
    “
    Shoul
    dIanswer
    ?”
    Fi
    finoddedt
    hent
    ookadeepbr
    eat
    h.
    “
    Hel
    lo?
    ”
    “Wheredostay?Iwanttopi
    ckupmysi
    ster
    .Fi
    fi
    doesn’
    twanttodothisanymor
    e.”
    “
    Iwi
    lldr
    opherof
    f.
    ”
    Loratosighed.“Myhear tisbr oken.Ireal
    lywantedit
    towor k.I
    …Ican’ tbeli
    eveonl yaki sshadme
    att
    achedt oyou.I thur
    tssomuchormaybei t’
    s
    becauseIwasl ongimagi ni
    ngyouwaybef or
    eyou
    decidedtogof ormysi ster.It
    ’spai nf
    ulbutwewi l
    l
    befine.Youar etheonel osingout .”
    “
    Iam sor
    ry.Iwi
    lldr
    opherof
    f.Shar
    p.”
    Hehungupandbl
    ockedt
    henumberbef
    oreki
    ssi
    ng
    Fi
    fi
    .
    “
    Youshoul
    dmoveout
    .”
    “
    Iwi
    lll
    ookf
    oraoner
    oom.Lor
    ipai
    dme.
    ”
    “
    Hedi
    d?”
    “
    Yes.Hedroppedof
    fthemoneyandl
    eft
    .Banyana
    wasn’
    tgoi
    ngtopayme.”
    Heki
    ssedher.“
    Iwi
    llhel
    pyouf
    indsomet
    hing
    af
    for
    dabl
    e.”
    “
    Thankyou.
    ”
    Hi
    sphonest
    art
    edr
    ingi
    ngagai
    n.“
    Busi
    ness.Letme
    t
    aket
    his.
    ”
    Hepi ckedthecal
    lstandi
    ngup.Fi f
    iwentt
    ot he
    bedroom andcleanedherselfup.Shewalkedtot
    he
    ki
    tcheni nanot
    hershirt
    .Shef ol
    dedthesl
    eevesand
    star
    tedcooking.Shelookedoutsideandwatched
    hi
    mt alkingonhisphone,histoneseri
    ousandeven
    fi
    rmer .
    Shemovedar
    oundtheki
    tchencooki
    ng.Hewal
    ked
    i
    nminut
    eslat
    erandki
    ssedherneckhuggi
    ngher
    f
    rom behi
    nd.Het
    ouchedherbr
    eastl
    if
    ti
    nghi
    sshi
    rt
    .
    “
    Aren’
    tyouhungr
    y?Ial
    mostdonecooki
    ng.
    ”
    “
    Whatshoul
    dIdo?Icancutandchop.
    ”
    “
    Youcanwai
    t.Iam done.
    ”
    Helookedatherasshemovedar
    oundt
    henshe
    di
    shedforthem.

    *
    **

    Lorat
    olookedatt
    heti
    mewai t
    ing.Anhourwentby
    thenshetri
    edcal
    li
    ngheragai
    nbutthephonedidn’
    t
    gothrough.
    Shetookadeepbr eat
    handstooduppaci
    ng.She
    swit
    chedonherACandl ookedatt
    heTVbored.
    Anotherhourwentby.
    Tearsfi
    ll
    edbyeyesasshel ookedattheti
    me.She
    sni
    ffedandcont
    inuedt owait
    .Acarhooterstart
    led
    her.Shequi
    ckl
    ystoodupandopenedt hegate.She
    walkedoutasFi
    fisteppedoutofthecar.She
    wal
    kedovercar
    ryi
    ngapl
    ast
    ic.Herhear
    tpounded
    assheappr
    oached.
    ShelookedattheJeepasitdroveoff
    .Fi
    fiwal
    ked
    i
    nsidethehouse.ShelookedatFif
    iwear
    inghi
    s
    cl
    othesthenswall
    owed.
    “
    Whatt
    ookyousol
    ong?
    ”
    “
    Hej
    ustar
    ri
    ved.
    ”
    “
    And?
    ”
    “
    It
    ’sover
    .”
    “
    Youar
    enotevensad?
    ”
    “
    Iaccept
    edr
    eal
    it
    y.”
    Fifiwal
    kedinsi
    dethehouse.Lorat
    ocl
    osedt
    hedoor
    thenclosedhergat
    e.ShelookedatFi
    fi
    .
    “
    Takeof
    fhi
    scl
    othes.If
    eel
    li
    keyouar
    elyi
    ng.
    ”
    “
    Lor
    atoIwantt
    osl
    eep.
    ”
    “Why?Whydoyouwantt osleep?Youwer efucki
    ng
    him weren’
    tyou.Youdi
    dn’tbreakupwithhim.Iam
    notstupidFi
    fi
    .Icanseewhat ’
    sgoingon.”
    “
    Andwhat
    ’st
    hat
    ?”
    “
    Youwantt
    oli
    etome.
    ”
    “
    Lor
    atoyouneedt
    odr
    opt
    his.
    ”
    Tearsr
    oll
    eddownLorat
    o’scheeks.“Youwantt
    o
    makemesoundliket
    hebadper sonbutyouarethe
    onehurt
    ingme.Whyareyoubreakingmeliket
    his
    Legauf
    i?”
    “
    Ihavenoreasontol
    iet
    oyou.I
    twasn’
    tgoi
    ngt
    o
    wor
    keit
    herway.”
    “
    ThenwhydoIf eell
    ikeyouarelyi
    ngtome? ”She
    wipedhert
    ear
    swi t
    ht hebackofherhand.
    “Undr
    ess.Iwantt
    oconf
    ir
    mthatyouwer
    ehavi
    ng
    sexwit
    hhim.”
    “
    What
    ?”
    Shel ookedather,tear
    sinhereyes.“UndresssoI
    canconf ir
    m youwer enotsleepi
    ngwithhim.That’
    s
    theonl ywayIwillbeli
    eveyou.Ifyouarenotlyi
    ng
    them undress.Letmeconf i
    rmi t
    .Icouldhave
    pickedyouupf rom hishouse.Yourefused.Why?
    Undr ess.I
    fyousleptwithhim aft
    erweagr eedt
    o
    br
    eaki
    tof
    fIwi
    llneverf
    orgi
    veyou.Undr
    ess.
    ”
    .
    .
    .
    [
    04/
    23,
    05:
    40]'
    :
    Si
    nsUnf
    orgi
    ven
    #23

    Fi
    fil
    ookedatLor
    atoandshookherhead.
    “Whatdoyouwantt odo?Iwasnotsl eepi
    ngwith
    him.Iam notundressi
    ngLorato.Ibrokeupwith
    thatman.Hejustgothomet hendroppedmeof f
    .He
    waswi t
    hhisfri
    ends.Canyoust opthis?Thisi
    snot
    you.Whathasgottenintoyou?”
    “
    Ifyouwerenotsleepi
    ngwi
    thhi
    mthenwhyar
    eyou
    r
    efusi
    ngtoundress?”
    “Iam notgoi
    ngtoundresstoproveapointt
    oyou.
    Youar emysist
    er.Ihavenoreasont
    olietoyou.
    Lorat
    o…youandIar enotstr
    angers,
    wear esi
    ster
    s.
    Thi
    sisnotus.Whendi
    dwet
    urnoutt
    obel
    iket
    his?
    ”
    “If
    eell
    ikeyouarelyi
    ngtome.Thereisnowayyou
    wouldj
    ustsitf
    ormyt hanthr
    eehoursdoi
    ngnothi
    ng
    unl
    esshewaswi thyou.”
    “Youwaitedthewhol eday.Iwanttosleep.
    .Thereis
    nothi
    ngyouar eproving,Iam weari
    nghisclothesso
    i
    t’sonl
    ynor malthatsmellli
    kehim..Iusedhis
    showergel.Hisrollonandeverythi
    ngofhis.Ismell
    l
    ikehim butthatdoesn’tmeanIsleptwithhi
    m.Iam
    ti
    redofthisbackandf ort
    h.Wear edonewi t
    hhim
    solet’
    smoveon. ”
    Fif
    iwalkedpasthergoingt otheguestr oom.At ear
    rol
    leddownLor at
    o’scheek.Shewi pedi toffwit
    hthe
    backofherhandsni f
    fi
    ngt henwalkedt oher
    bedroom whereshelaidont hebed, herheartached
    somucht hatshefoundher selfsi
    lentl
    ycr yi
    ng
    wetti
    ngherpil
    low.

    *
    **
    Meanwhil
    e,Fi
    fil
    aidont
    hebedhol
    dingherphone
    r
    eadingObakeng’
    smessage.
    Obakeng:I
    sever
    ythi
    ngok?
    ”
    Shequi
    ckl
    ytypedf
    aci
    ngup.
    Fi
    fi
    :Yes.
    Obakeng:Iwi
    shIcancomeandt
    akeyou
    Fi
    fi
    : youwi
    l
    lbef
    ine.
    Obakeng:Can’
    tyousneakout
    ?
    Fi
    fi
    : sl
    eep.
    Obakeng:Iam ser
    ious
    Fi
    fi
    :Iam sl
    eepi
    ng.Ihaveani
    nter
    viewt
    omor
    row
    Obakeng:Ididn’tr
    eall
    ygofar
    ,Ithoughtyouwoul
    d
    haveabigfight.Iam cl
    oseby.Let’
    sgohome.Iwil
    l
    ret
    urnyouear l
    ymor ni
    ng
    Fi
    fi
    :Nnaker
    obet
    si,
    yal
    apeng(
    Iam sl
    eepi
    ng,
    go
    home.
    )
    Obakeng:Youcancomet
    hrought
    hesmal
    lgat
    e.OrI
    shoul
    dcomei nst
    ead?
    Fi
    fi
    :Gohome
    Obakeng:Iam comi
    ng.Opent
    hesmal
    lgat
    eforMr
    .
    Fi
    fi
    :ObakengLoloi
    snothappy.Iknowshe’scr
    ying
    i
    nhersleep.Gohome,
    Iwantcomf orther
    ..
    Obakeng:youwi
    llcomf
    ortheri
    nthemor
    ning.
    Fi
    fi
    :Gohome.Goodni
    ght
    .
    Obakeng:Ok.Butjustaki
    ss.Aki
    sst
    henIwi
    llgoI
    pr
    omi se.Iam byt
    hegate.Come.
    Fif
    ilookedatherphone,
    herhear
    tsl
    ight
    lypounding.
    Sheslowlygotupandgentl
    yopenedherdoorthen
    themai ndoor
    .
    Sher ushedtothegat
    ebar efoot
    edhol di
    ngthegate
    keysandunl ockedt
    hesmal lgate.Hesmi l
    edi nt
    he
    darkandpul l
    edhercloserforakiss.Fif
    ist
    oodon
    hertoes,herhandbehindhisheadassheki ssed
    him back.
    “
    Iloveyou…”
    Fi
    fismi
    led.“
    Go.Il
    oveyou.
    ”
    “
    Shi
    t!Youdo?Sayi
    tagai
    n!”
    Shelaughedputt
    ingherhandoverhermout
    h.
    “Ther
    ratsamaya!(Pl
    easego.
    )”
    “
    Sayi
    tagai
    n…pl
    ease.
    .Iwi
    llgo.
    ”
    Fi
    fismi
    led.“
    Iloveyou.Nowgo.
    ”
    Heki
    ssedheragai
    nandsmi
    l
    ed.“
    Iwi
    llpi
    ckyouup
    t
    omorrow.
    ”
    “
    Ok.Iwi
    llt
    ellyouwhenyout
    ocome.
    ”
    “
    Ok.
    ”
    Fi
    ficlosedt
    hedoorandr anbacktothehousegoing
    st
    raighttot
    hebat hr
    oom towashoffhi
    sscent.She
    putonherclothesandwalkedinsi
    deLorat
    o’sroom.
    Shejoinedherinbed.
    “
    Lol
    o…”
    Shet
    ouchedhershoul
    der
    .“Lol
    o…”
    Loloslowl
    yopenedhereyesfr
    om thebriefsl
    eep
    shehadslippedi
    ntowhil
    ecryi
    ng.Fif
    ilookedather
    eyes,awaveofguil
    thi
    tt
    ingher.
    Fif
    icar
    essedhercheek.“
    Iam sor
    rybutatl
    eastwe
    cannowforgethi
    m.”
    “
    Pleasetel
    lmethetr
    uth.Iwon’
    tdoanyt
    hing…or
    f
    ight.Di
    dsleepwi
    thhim?”
    Fif
    iinnocentlylookedather
    .“No.Canweletthi
    sgo?
    Ididn’
    tsleepwi thhim.Hewasn’thomethewhole
    day.Immedi atelywhenhecameIbr okei
    toff
    .”
    Lol
    olookedather
    .“Whywasyourphoneof
    fthen?
    Bot
    hyourphoneswereoff
    .”
    “
    Idon’
    tknowabouthisbutIf
    orgotmychar
    gerher
    e.
    I
    tranoutofbat
    ter
    y.”
    Lor
    atosi
    ghedandr
    ubbedhercheek.“
    Ok.
    ”
    “
    Canwesl
    eepnow?
    ”
    Shenodded.Fi
    fiputherarm ar
    oundherandclosed
    hereyesr
    elaxi
    ng.Lorat
    olookedathert
    henclosed
    hereyest
    hinki
    ng.

    Thefol
    lowi
    ngmorning,
    Lorat
    oputonhersui
    tand
    herl
    ongheelsget
    ti
    ngreadyf
    orworkwhil
    eFif
    i
    wat
    ched.Shet
    ookhersi
    lverwat
    chandputi
    ton
    t
    henputherl
    aptopi
    nherlapt
    opbag.
    Shel
    ookedatFi
    fi
    .“Iwi
    llseeyoul
    ater
    .”
    Fifismi
    led,shehaddonehermakeupupsogood
    thatshedidn’tl
    ookl
    ikeshesl
    eptcr
    ying.
    “
    Bye.
    ”
    Lor
    atot
    ookherphoneandwalkedoutheadedt
    oher
    car
    .Sherever
    sedoutt
    hendr
    oveoffheadedtowor
    k.

    Overanhourl at
    er,Fif
    ifinishedwithhermakeup
    thenstoodupalreadyinherdr essandputont he
    heelsObakenghadgot tenher .Shef i
    xedthelace
    l
    ongsl eevesofthedressandsmi ledstar
    ingat
    hersel
    f.Herphoner angont hebed.Shereachedfor
    i
    tandt ookoneofLor ato’shandbagsandwal ked
    outpicking.
    “
    Iam comi
    ng.
    ”
    “
    Ok…”
    Shepressedthegateremotelocki
    ngthedoorthen
    hurr
    iedovertothecar
    .Hel eanedoverandopened
    thedoorforherassheclosedthegategett
    ingi
    nthe
    car.
    Obakenglookedatherandsmi
    led.“
    Youl
    ook
    beaut
    if
    ul…”
    Fi
    fismi
    led.“
    Thanks.
    ”
    Het
    ouchedherchi
    nandki
    ssedherthendroveof
    f.
    Awhil
    elat
    erhepar
    kedhi
    scarthenkissedher
    .
    “
    Iwi
    llwai
    ther
    e.Theyar
    ewai
    ti
    ngf
    oryou.
    ”
    Fi
    fit
    ookadeepbr
    eat
    hner
    vousl
    y.“
    Ok.
    ”
    “Hey…yougott hi
    s.Youar esmart,youar
    ewel l
    quali
    fi
    ed.Ifthereisanyonewhodeser vesthi
    sjob..
    i
    t’syou.Thej obisyours.Clai
    mit.Todayit
    ’syours.
    Yougott hi
    s.Theyar eluckytohaveyou.”
    Fi
    fismi
    led.Obakengki
    ssedher
    .
    “
    Yougott
    hisbabe.
    .goshowt
    hem.
    ”
    Shesmi
    ledt
    henst
    eppedoutoft
    hecarhol
    dingt
    he
    back.Shet
    ookadeepbr
    eat
    handwal
    kedt
    othe
    doors.
    Obakeng’
    sphoner
    ang,
    hepull
    edhi
    seyesf
    rom her
    andansweredt
    hel
    andl
    inecal
    l
    .
    “
    Hel
    lo?
    ”
    “
    Hi.I
    t’
    sLor
    ato.Ar
    eyouf
    reet
    otal
    k?”
    “
    Hi,
    yeah.
    .”
    “Iam sor
    ryaboutmyoutbur
    styest
    erday.Il
    etmy
    emotionsgett
    hebestoutofme.Iam sorr
    y.”
    “
    It
    ’sok.
    ”
    “IknowFi f
    ibr okeupwi t
    hyou.ButIt hinkIdeserve
    myownf airshot .Youpushedmet ot hesidet he
    pastf ewdays, Ihonest l
    yhavenopr obl em shari
    ng
    youwi t
    hmysi st
    erbutIf eltmoreli
    keat hi
    rdwheel.
    MaybeIwasi mpat i
    entbutIhavehadt heent i
    re
    nightt othi
    nkabouti t.Iwantyout hesamewayFi f
    i
    hadyou.I t
    ’sonl yf airli
    kethat.Ideser veachance
    too.Canwet alkaboutt histoni
    ght?Icancomeover .
    Fifihadherownf airpieceofhappi nesswi t
    hyou.I
    wanti ttoo…maybeaf t
    erthatwecanr econsider
    andt
    ryagai
    n.”
    .
    .
    .
    [
    04/
    23,
    05:
    40]'
    :
    Si
    nsUnf
    orgi
    ven
    #24

    Obakengf
    rowned.
    “
    Areyouser
    ious?
    ”
    “Yes…youhadagr
    eedtothear
    rangementbutyou
    nevergavemeachance.
    ”
    “
    Didn’
    tyoutwoagr
    eet
    hatyouwoul
    dst
    ayaway
    f
    rom me?”
    “Wedid.Butbeforethat,
    youhadagr
    eedtobewit
    h
    bothofusbutyounevergavemeachance.Ifeel
    robbed.Onemomentyouwant edmethent
    henext
    youdidn’t
    .It
    ’snotfai
    r.Youl
    edmeon.Obonagol e
    f
    air
    ?”
    “Whatdi dIpromi seyou?Iwasopent oyou, Inever
    saidIwant edanyt hing.ItoldyouIwasn’ treadyf or
    anythingseriousandt hatmeantIcoul ddoanyt hing
    IwantwhenIwant ed.Youagr eedtoit.Theonl y
    thi
    ngIwi l
    lapologizefori sfornotoff
    icial
    lycut ti
    ng
    ti
    eswi thyoubutIj ustthoughtitwouldn’tbe
    somet hingwe’devenhavet odiscussconsi dering
    younowknewIwast hemanwi thyoursister .You
    obviouslysawmei nMai t
    engwe.Youar esmar t
    enought ohaveconnect edthedots.”
    “That
    ’snotfai
    rforyoutosay.SoIwasjust
    supposedtostepbackbecauseyouaretheper
    son
    Fif
    ihadbeensleepingwit
    h?”
    “
    Wouldyounothaveexpect
    edt
    hesamef
    rom heri
    f
    r
    oleswer
    eexchanged?”
    “Imetyouf i
    rstbeforeFif
    i.I
    fanyonehadt
    ostep
    backconsideringyoutwohadbr okenupwasher.
    Whenyoucamet omyhouseyousai dyouwere
    singl
    e.Ifoundyousi ngl
    e.YouknewIhad
    somethingforyout hat’
    swhyyouevencall
    ed.I
    f
    Legaufididn’
    tcallyouthatni
    ghtyouweregoingto
    sl
    eepwi thme.Youcausedal lt
    hisandnowyoujust
    wanttodr opmel ikethat
    ?It’
    snotfai
    r.Whatdoes
    Fif
    ihavet hatIdon’t
    ?”
    “Idon’ twantt ohur tyouwi thwor dsoranyt hing.IfI
    sleptwi thyout hatnightitwasj ustgoingt obesex.
    Mat t
    eroffact, Ihadj ustcomet ofuckyou.You
    wer eaneasyt arget.MaybeIwoul dnothavesl ept
    withyouagai naf t
    erthat.Ijustneededadest ruction.
    Somet hi
    ngt ohel pmegetmymi ndofLegauf i.You
    wer egoi ngtobet hatpersonandIwoul dn’thave
    car edwhathappenedaf terthatbecausebesi des
    thef actthatyouhaveavagi na,ther
    ewasnot hing
    elset hathadbr oughtmet oyou.Idon’ tloveyou.I
    neverwi llmostpr obably.IloveLegauf i.Ihave
    l
    ovedherf orawhi lenowandIdon’ tevenhavet o
    thinkabouti t.Ir espectyouasLegauf i
    ’ssi ster .
    Not hingelse.Ioweyounot hing.Andyouar enot
    gett i
    nganythi ngf rom me. ”
    Shesni
    ff
    edcr yi
    ng.Obakengcl
    osedhi
    seyest
    aki
    ng
    adeepbreat
    h.
    “
    Lol
    o,l
    et’
    sdr
    opt
    his.Weshoul
    dn’
    tevenbet
    alki
    ng.
    Youhadanagr
    eementwi
    thLegauf
    i.
    ”
    Hehadanot
    hersni
    ff
    ,maybehehadsai
    dtoomuch.
    But
    …
    “Lol
    o…youar ebeauti
    ful
    .Youarereal
    lybeauti
    ful
    andsmar t.Youarethatwomananymanwoul d
    want.Fi
    nanci al
    lyst
    able.Under
    standi
    ng.Someone
    youcanhaveaser i
    ousconversati
    onwith.Youare
    perf
    ectandyouwi l
    lfi
    ndsomeonewhogi vesyou
    whatyoudeser ve.Someonewhol oveyouand
    appreci
    atesyou.Iam sorry.
    .Idon’
    twantt ohurt
    you.
    ”
    “
    Iwi
    shIcoul
    dcont
    rolwhatIf
    eel
    …”
    “
    Iam sor
    ry.
    ”
    “
    Yousl
    eptwi
    thherl
    astni
    ghtagai
    nri
    ght
    ?”
    “
    Stopdoi
    ngthi
    stoyoursel
    f.Youhaveabright
    f
    utur
    eaheadofyou.Youdeservebet
    ter
    .”
    “Iwantyou.
    .Il
    oveyou.Yesit’
    stoosoonbutIl
    ove
    you.Wecanalltr
    yagain.Iwanttot
    ryagai
    n.”
    “Idon’
    tloveyousoyouwi
    llbef
    ine.Don’
    tcal
    lme
    again.
    ”
    Hedr
    oppedt
    hecal
    landcont
    inuewai
    ti
    ng.

    *
    **

    Insi
    dethecompany, Fif
    icontinuedfi
    ll
    ingthe
    questi
    onnaire.Shewentt hroughheranswer sthen
    submitt
    edt hequestionnairethenwalkedout.She
    thoughtofalltheexperiencedpeople,shenow
    wasn’tsureaboutget t
    ingthej ob.
    Shewal
    kedtot
    hecarandgoti
    n.Obakengl
    ookedat
    hersmi
    li
    ng.
    “
    Didyougeti
    t?”
    “
    Theywil
    lcal
    lback.Theypr
    obabl
    yneedsomeone
    wit
    hpr
    operexperi
    ence.
    ”
    “Theywi
    llcal
    lyou.Youar
    easgood,
    theywi
    llcal
    l
    you.”
    Fi
    fismi
    led.“
    Maybe.I
    twi
    llbeni
    cei
    ftheydo.
    ”
    “
    Theyar
    egoi
    ngt
    o.”
    Hest
    art
    edhi
    scaranddr
    oveof
    f.
    “
    Yoursi
    stercal
    ledme.
    ”
    “
    Andsai
    dwhat
    ?”
    “
    Shewant
    swhatIdi
    dtoyou.
    ”
    “
    Shesai
    dthat
    ?”
    “
    Yes.Shewant
    sust
    ocont
    inue.
    ”
    Fi
    fiswal
    lowed.“
    Ithoughtyoubl
    ockedher
    .”
    “
    Shecal
    ledwi
    thal
    andl
    ine.Youneedt
    omoveout
    .”
    “
    Whatdi
    dyout
    ellher
    ?”
    Obakengl
    ookedather
    .“Isai
    dno.
    ”
    Fif
    inodded.Heparkedhi
    scaratt
    heshoppi
    ngmal
    l
    andhandedherhiscard.
    “Getyour
    selfaf
    ewthi
    ngs.Cal
    lmewhenyouare
    done.Iwil
    lcomeandpi
    ckyouup.Il
    oveyou.
    ”
    Fi
    fismil
    ed.“
    Iloveyou.Thankyou.What
    ’st
    he
    budget
    ?”
    “Ther
    e’snobudget.Iam goi
    ngtotal
    ktooneofmy
    cli
    ent
    s,he’si
    ntorealest
    ate,
    maybewecangetyou
    somethingsmallandaff
    ordabl
    e.”
    “
    Thankyou.
    ”
    Heki
    ssedherandhandedhert
    hecar
    d.
    “
    0988.
    ”
    Shesmiledsteppingoutofthecarwit
    hhi scar
    d
    thenhedroveoff.Fifit
    ookoutoft
    hef l
    ip-
    fl
    opsfrom
    herhandbagthent ookofft
    heheels.
    Sheputonherf
    li
    pfl
    opsandwal
    kedt
    othest
    ores.

    *
    **

    InFrancistown, mmagweLor atobathedwi tht he


    smellywat ershehadgot tenfrom thetradit
    ional
    doctor.Shebat hedwithFifi
    ’spantytalkingt hena
    whilelatershedr i
    edherself
    .Shet ookal it
    tl
    ebot tl
    e
    shehadbeengi venandputFi f
    i’
    spant yinside
    togetherwithther emai
    ningint hebucket .
    Sheclosedthebottl
    et i
    ght
    lyandtieditwi
    thablack
    st
    ringthenwalkedwi t
    hitt
    oherbedr oom whereshe
    putitunderherbed.Shesmiledandputonher
    cl
    othesbeforewalkingoutholdi
    ngherbibleheaded
    t
    othel
    adi
    espr
    ayergr
    oup.

    *
    **

    InGaborone,l
    aterthateveni
    ng,Fi
    fipackedaway
    hercl
    othesinherbagt henwalkoutoftheguest
    room asLorat
    odr oveinheryar
    d.
    Mi
    nut
    esl
    atershewal
    kedi
    nthehouse.
    “
    Hi.
    ”
    Fi
    fil
    ookedather
    .“Hi
    .”
    Lorat
    ol ookedather.“Iwanttodr
    opoffObakeng’
    s
    clot
    hest ohishousesowedon’ thaveanyt
    hingof
    hishere.Iam goi
    ngt obaththenIwil
    lqui
    ckl
    ydrop
    them off.
    ”
    “
    Whydoyouneedt ogoyohishouse?Whenhe
    want
    shiscl
    otheshewil
    lcomehere.Heknows
    wher
    eyoustay.
    ”
    “Henotgoi
    ngt
    ocal
    l.Hewant
    stokeepusconf
    used.
    Iwil
    lgo.
    ”
    “Youhavealwaysbeenmani pulati
    ve, al
    waysfound
    awayt ohaveyourway.Atf irstIdidn’tmind
    becauseyougr ewupget t
    ingyourway.Ial ways
    hadtowor ksohar dtogetayesbutf oryouitcame
    soeasil
    y.Ithoughtwouldout growt hatbehaviorbut
    youaresti
    llthatperson.
    ”
    “
    Whatar
    eyout
    alki
    ngabout
    ?”
    “Iknowyoucall
    edObakeng.Iknowaboutyour
    pathet
    icdesper
    ater
    equest
    .”
    “Whatrequest
    ?Sonowhe’ smaki ngt hingsupso
    wef i
    ght?Whywoul dIcal lhim?Ihavenor easonto.
    Iam overhim.Hewant sust of i
    ght.He’ stheone
    whocal l
    edme.Iwasn’ tgoi ngtot ellyout hisbutI
    canseewhatadi cper sonhei snow.Hecal ledme
    wantingtomeetmel atert onight.Hesai dhewant s
    mebutcan’tbecausehedoesn’ twantt ohur tyou
    becauseofyourfears.Itoldhi m Iwasn’ tgoingto
    tel
    lyouand…wow!Ican’ tbel i
    evet his..he’ssick.
    SeewhatImeant ?Ihavenor easont olietoyou.
    Whywoul dIwanthim af t
    erwebr okei toff.Does
    thatmakesensetoyouLegauf i?Hewasj ustusing
    youandyout houghtitwasl ove.”
    Fi
    fiangri
    lysl
    appedheracr
    osst
    hef
    ace.“
    O
    nt
    lwaetswakengLorat
    o?”
    “
    Fi-
    “
    Sheslappedheragai
    nthengr
    abbedherj
    acketand
    angr
    il
    ypunchedher …
    .
    .
    .
    [
    04/
    23,
    05:
    41]'
    :
    Si
    nsUnf
    orgi
    ven
    #25

    Fi
    fit
    hrewanotherpunchasLoratocr
    iednotsur
    e
    howshecouldevenfightback.
    “
    Ont
    lwaet
    swakengLor
    ato?
    ”
    Lorat
    o’sheelbendedasshetri
    edtostepbackt hat
    shesli
    ppedandf el
    ltwi
    sti
    ngherankle.Fi
    fipul
    led
    herweavewhi chwasglueddown.Itpull
    edherskin
    t
    hatshescr
    eamed.
    “
    Repeatwhatyousai
    dagai
    n,l
    iet
    omeagai
    n!”
    “
    Fif
    iwampol
    aya!(
    Youar
    ehur
    ti
    ngme!
    )”
    “Iwi l
    lbeattheliesofyou,nxl
    a!Iknowthewhol e
    truth.Iwaswi l
    lingtosacri
    fi
    cemyhappi nessfor
    youbecauseIl oveyou.Iwaswi l
    li
    ngtolethim go
    andmoveonwi thmylif
    e.Ievenagreedtosharing
    himt omakeyouhappy.Yousai dIshouldbreakup
    wi t
    hhi m sothatyoucangoaf terhi
    m huh?”
    Lorat
    oscreamedcryi
    ng.Fifil
    ethergoandstep
    backshaki
    ngwithanger.Tearsfi
    ll
    edhereyes.
    “
    Youcoul
    dn’
    thandl
    ethathechosemenotyou.
    ”
    “Iam goi
    ngtorepor
    tyougot
    hepol
    ice.Youar
    e
    goingtoj
    ail
    !”
    “I
    fIf
    indoutyoucal
    ledhim again,Iam goi
    ngt
    obeat
    yousohardyouwil
    lnevercallanyone’
    sman
    agai
    n.”
    “
    Iam repor
    ti
    ngyoutothepol
    i
    ce.Youar egoi
    ngto
    j
    ail
    .Youassaul
    tedme.Idi
    dn’
    ttouchyou.Thisi
    snot
    Mait
    engwe.Youaresl
    eepi
    nginjai
    l.Youareyouto
    j
    ailf
    orat
    tacki
    ngme!
    ”
    Sheslowlyst
    oodupandsatdowngr unti
    nginpain
    wit
    hhertwist
    edl eg.Shetookoutherphoneand
    cal
    ledthepol
    ice.At earr
    oll
    eddownFifi
    ’scheekas
    shewatchedher.
    “Hedoesn’
    tloveyou.Ifhedi
    d,hewouldhavelong
    cometoyou.Hehadt hechance.Thechanceto
    havehisbr
    eadslicedonbothsidesbuthedidn’
    t
    cometoyou.Whyi sitsohar
    df oryoutoseeme
    happy?Why? ”
    “Hell
    o?Ihavejustbeenattackedbysi
    ster.Shewas
    tr
    yingtoki
    llme,eventwistedmyankle.Iwantto
    openacase.Ican’twalk,myankleispainful
    .”
    Fif
    iwal
    kedtotheguestroom andsl
    owlysatdown
    tr
    yingt
    okeephertearsatbaybutherheartached
    somuch,tear
    sfi
    ll
    edhereyes.Shepressedherl i
    ps
    tr
    yingt
    oholditi
    nbutt hemoreshedidthemor ethe
    painbl
    ockonherthroathur
    t.
    Shetookherphonef
    rom t
    hebedandcal
    led
    Obakeng.
    “
    Babe…”
    “IconfrontedLor
    ato.Shest
    art
    edl
    yingsoIbeather
    .
    She’scalli
    ngthepoli
    ceonme.”Fi
    fitookadeep
    breath.“Sheisnotevensor
    ry.
    ”
    “Iam comi
    ngther
    e.Ar
    etheycomi
    ngt
    her
    eoryou
    aregoingt
    her
    e?”
    “
    Shewant
    sthem t
    ocome.Lor
    atoi
    smysi
    ster
    ..
    ”
    “Iam comi
    ng.Bet
    terwesol
    veitonourown.Iam
    coming.Don’
    tworr
    y.Il
    oveyouok?”
    Hehungup.Fifisnif
    fedwipi
    ngawayhertear
    swhi
    le
    Lor
    atocont
    inuedt al
    kingonthephone.

    *
    **

    Obakengdr
    ovethr
    oughLorat
    o’sgat
    eawhil
    elat
    er.
    Hi
    sphonerangashesteppedoutofhi
    scar
    .He
    l
    ookedathi
    ssist
    ercal
    li
    ng.
    “
    Hey.
    .”
    “
    Hi,
    Iam al
    mosti
    nGabor
    one.Canyoupl
    easepi
    ck
    meupfr
    om ther
    ank?
    ”
    “
    Whatar
    eyoudoi
    ngher
    e?”
    “
    It
    ’sal
    ongst
    ory.Iwi
    llt
    ellyoual
    labouti
    t.
    ”
    “
    Iam deal
    ingwit
    haser i
    ousissueri
    ghtnow.Iwil
    l
    t
    alkt
    oyoui nabit
    .Ifyouar ri
    vebef
    oreIcal
    l,
    it
    meansIam st
    il
    lheldupsoyouwai ti
    nthewait
    ing
    r
    oom asbusrank.Iwillpickyouupther
    e.Sharp.
    ”
    Hehungupandwal kedinLor at
    o’shouse.Lorato
    tear
    ful
    lyl
    ookedathim,herfaceclear
    lyswollen.He
    l
    ookedatthehandimprintonhercheekandher
    swoll
    eneyesthatl
    ookedhalfclosed.
    Shesnif
    fedcryi
    ng.“
    Sheat
    tackedme.Iwasn’
    t
    fi
    ght
    ingher.
    ”
    “
    Babe!Wher
    eisshe?
    ”
    Hewal
    kedt
    oadoorandopened.Hel
    ookedatFi
    fi
    whowassi
    tt
    ingont
    hebed.
    “
    Hey…”
    Shelookedathi
    m, t
    earsi
    nhereyes.“
    Ishouldn’
    t
    havehither
    .Igotangr
    y.Il
    osti
    t.Ij
    ust
    ..I
    ..“
    “I
    tsok.Wewil
    lsor
    titout
    .Youcanjustapologi
    ze.
    Talki
    toutbef
    oret
    hepoli
    ce.Shei
    sr eal
    lyswoll
    en.
    Youjustneedtoapol
    ogi
    zet
    ohersowecanbur
    y
    thehatchet
    .”
    Hehel
    pedherupandki
    ssedher
    .“I
    tsok.
    ”
    Theywalkedt
    othesi
    tt
    ingr
    oom.Hel
    ookedat
    Lorat
    o.
    “
    Youguysar
    esi
    ster
    s,can’
    tyouj
    ustt
    alki
    tout
    ?”
    “
    Lol
    oIam sor
    ry-
    “
    “Youwerepunchi
    ngme.Youwant
    edt
    ohur
    tme.
    Youdeservet
    obeinj
    ail
    .”
    “
    Youwer
    elyi
    ngt
    omeyout
    wof
    acedsnake!
    ”
    “
    Youarestil
    lgoi
    ngt
    ojai
    l.Youar
    enotget
    ti
    ngaway
    wit
    hthi
    s.”
    Thepoli
    cesir
    enmadet
    hem al
    ltur
    n.Lor
    atopr
    essed
    theremotet
    hent
    hegat
    esl
    idopen.Obakengl
    ooked
    atLorat
    o.
    “Lol
    o…comeon.Ther e’
    sneedforallthis.Wecan
    sortt
    hisout
    .”Het ouchedherface.“Can’twesor ti
    t
    outpeacef
    ull
    y?Ther eisnoneedf orallthis.Wecan
    gotothecli
    nic.Iwil
    lpaythebill
    .Let’
    st alkthi
    sout.
    ”
    “
    Iam notsayi
    nganyt
    hingt
    oher
    .”
    Thepoli
    cecardrovei
    n.Twopol iceoff
    icerswalked
    i
    n.Fif
    isteppedbackf
    earful
    ly.Lorat
    owat chedas
    ObakengheldFif
    i’
    shand.Hertearsfel
    l.
    “
    Sheat
    tackedme.
    ”
    Thepol
    iceof
    fi
    cerslookedatLor
    ato’
    sface,
    evi
    dence
    oft
    heassaul
    tallcl
    ear.
    “
    Shedi
    dthat
    ?”
    Lor
    atonoddedandshowedthem herswol
    lenl
    eg.
    Oneofthepol
    iceof
    fi
    cer
    slookedatFifi
    .
    “
    Whathappenedf
    oryout
    obeatyoursi
    sterl
    ike
    t
    hat
    ?”
    “Shewaslyingtome.Il
    ostcontr
    olofmysel finthe
    midstofmyangerandslappedher .Iwasemot i
    onal.
    Iam notvi
    olent
    .Lol
    oyouknowt his.Iam sorr
    y.It
    wil
    lneverhappenagai
    n.Pleasef
    or giveme.”
    Lor
    atolookedatthepoli
    ce.“
    Idon’
    tfeelsafear
    ound
    her
    .Shewant edtohurtme.Shewaspul l
    ingmyhai
    r.
    Iam pr
    essingcharges.
    ”
    “
    Wear
    eal
    lgoi
    ngt
    ohavet
    ogot
    othepol
    icest
    ati
    on
    andwritestat
    ementsMmemmayouar eunder
    arr
    estforassaul
    t.Youcan’
    tbeatsomeonet
    othat
    l
    evel.
    ”
    Fi
    fil
    ookedatObakeng.“
    Idon’
    twantt
    ogot
    ojai
    l.
    ”
    ObakenglookedatLorat
    o.“Canwet al
    k…j usta
    minut
    e..kekopagobual eenebagolo.Bathobake
    banabamot ho.Si
    bli
    ngsfightallt
    heti
    me.I fther
    e
    arewaysofsolvi
    ngfamilyissueswit
    hinthef amil
    y,I
    thi
    nkitshoul
    dbedone.Kekopat wominut esHela.
    .”
    Thepol
    icenodded.ObakengpickedLoratofr
    om the
    couchwhereshewasseatedthenwalkedwi thher
    gotheguestr
    oom whil
    eFifit
    earful
    lywatched.
    “HowmuchshouldIpayyoutol
    ett
    hisgo?It
    doesn’
    thavet
    ogetthi
    sfar
    .Comeon,thi
    sisyour
    sist
    er.
    ”
    Shefoldedherar ms.“Iwil
    ldropthechar gesifyou
    agreetodot heri
    ghtthing.Dolikeyouhadagr eed
    todo.Weal lgettobehappyt hatway.Wear e
    fi
    ghti
    ngbecauseofyou.Takeusback.Onedayi t
    ’s
    me.Theot herisher.Iam notthatself
    ish.Iknow
    shelovesyout oo.Youneedt odot herightt
    hing.If
    notthenshe’sgoi
    ngtoj
    ailf
    ormonths.Andfor
    assurance,
    youmakelovetomenow.Af tert
    hatI
    wil
    lforgi
    veherthenwecanallbehappy.
    ”
    .
    .
    .
    [
    04/
    23,
    05:
    41]'
    :
    Si
    nsUnf
    orgi
    ven
    #26

    Obakengl
    aughed.
    “
    Whi
    chdr
    ugsar
    eyout
    aki
    ng?
    ”
    “
    Thenshe’
    sgoi
    ngt
    ojai
    l.
    ”
    “
    Isn’
    tLegauf
    iyoursi
    ster
    ?”
    “
    Iwantyout
    odot
    her
    ightt
    hing.
    ”
    “Andthatistobewi
    thyou?Whatmakesyout
    hinkI
    sti
    llwantyou?”
    “
    Idon’
    tmi
    ndshar
    ingyouwi
    thmysi
    ster
    .Il
    oveyou.I
    knowshel ovesyout oo.Idon’
    tunderstandwhyyou
    can’tj
    ustloveusbot ht hesameway.Youcanst op
    thi
    sf r
    om happeni ng.Youcanst opallthefight
    ing
    betweenmysi sterandI.Ifyoudon’tdot heri
    ght
    thi
    ng,she’
    ssl eepinginacel lt
    onightthenmaybe
    shewi l
    lbechar gedtosi xmonthsinjail.
    ”

    *
    **

    Legaufisatatthebackoft
    hepolicevanwait
    ingf
    or
    him.Shesnif f
    edthenhewalkedout.Shel
    ookedat
    him hopeful
    ly.
    “
    Whatshesay?
    ”
    “
    Iwillgetsomeonet
    ogetyouout.Ihaveaf
    ri
    endof
    minewho’salawyer
    .Iam sor
    ry.
    ”
    Shesni
    ff
    edasat
    earr
    oll
    eddown.“
    Thankyou.
    ”
    “
    Iam goi
    ngt
    ogetyououtofher
    e.Il
    oveyou.
    ”
    Shenoddedast
    hepoli
    ceoff
    icer
    sst
    art
    edt
    hei
    rvan.
    Lor
    atoli
    mpedoutandgoti
    nhercar
    .
    *
    **

    Att
    hepol
    icest
    ati
    on,
    Lor
    atol
    ookedatt
    hepol
    ice
    of
    fi
    cer
    .
    “
    Sheatt
    ackedmei nmyhouse.Repeat
    edl
    ypunched
    me.Idi
    dn’
    tfi
    ghtback.
    ”
    Thepol
    iceof
    fi
    cerl
    ookedatbot
    hthesi
    ster
    s.
    “
    Isn’
    tthi
    ssomethi
    ngthatcanbesolvedbetween
    t
    hetwoofyou,aft
    eral
    l,youar
    esist
    ers.Legaufi
    ?”
    Fif
    isighed.“Iam sor
    ryLor
    ato.Iam sor
    ry,
    please
    for
    giveme. ”
    “No.Youar egoingtojai
    lforassaul
    t.Iam pr
    essing
    charges.ThisisnotFranci
    stown.ThisisGaborone
    andyoupayf oryoursi
    ns.”
    Thepoli
    celookedatFi
    fi
    ,hecoul
    dseet
    het
    ear
    sin
    hereyesbutshekeptt
    hem away.
    “
    Ok.
    ”
    Mi
    nut
    esl
    aterLor
    atowat
    chedasFi
    figott
    akenaway
    thensheli
    mpedoutofthepol
    icest
    ati
    onjustas
    Obakengparkedhiscar
    .Shel
    ookedathi
    m ashe
    gotoutofthecar
    .
    Hewal kedpastherinsilence.Shetur
    nedand
    watchedhim walkinsidethepolicest
    ati
    on.Lor
    ato
    gotinhercaranddr ovehome.

    *
    **

    I
    nsi
    dethepoli
    cest
    ati
    on,
    Obakengwal
    kedovert
    o
    Di
    ti
    ro’
    soff
    ice.
    “
    DTweeh,
    mosadiwameokae?
    ”
    “
    Hersi
    sterpr
    essedchar
    gesofassaul
    t.
    ”
    “
    Isn’
    tther
    eawayt
    ogetherout
    .”
    “Getyourpotent
    ialsi
    steri
    n-lawtodr opthecharges.
    Ifnot
    ,gett
    ingheroutwi l
    lprovetobedi ff
    icul
    t.
    Tomor r
    owshewi llgotothesmal lcourtwhereshe
    canbeputi njai
    lfor3mont hs.Thesedayst heytake
    suchissuesveryseri
    ously.Ortheywi l
    lfi
    neher.It
    depends.”
    “
    Fini
    ngheri
    sfi
    ne.Iwi
    llsor
    tthatout
    .”
    “Butchancesareslim.BaxifIwereyouIwoul d
    convincethesi
    sterstodropthecharges.Hercase
    willbeincour
    tat11.Iam stil
    lhere.Lethersi
    ster
    dropthecharges.Tomorrowbef oretenshewil
    lbe
    out.”
    “
    CanIseeher
    ?”
    “
    Ok,
    wai
    t.
    ”
    Hewalkedoutandcamebackwithhert
    henwal
    ked
    out
    .Obakengstoodupandhuggedher.
    “
    Hey…”
    Fif
    ismil
    edrubbi
    nghereyes.“
    Iam sor
    ryf
    orput
    ti
    ng
    youthr
    oughallt
    his.
    ”
    “
    It
    snotyou.
    ”Hecuppedherf
    aceandki
    ssedher
    .“I
    l
    oveyou.
    ”
    At earrol
    leddownhercheek.“Shei
    snotgoingt
    o
    dropt hecharges.Idon’
    tthi
    nkt
    hatcompanywil
    l
    nowt akeme. ”
    “
    Shewil
    ldr
    opthechar
    ges.Youwi
    llbeout
    t
    omor
    rowmorning.
    ”
    “
    Shewi
    llwantsomet
    hingi
    nret
    urn.
    ”
    “Shewi l
    ldoitbecauseyouarehersi
    ster
    .Shewill
    dropthechargestomorrowmor ni
    ng.Ipi
    ckyouup.
    Youar egoingtoworktomorr
    ow.Theycalledbut
    couldn’
    tgetholdofyou.Youaremovingoutfrom
    thathouse.Trustme.Igott
    his.
    ”

    *
    **

    InMai t
    engwe,Fi
    fi’
    sgrandmot
    herwalkedtothe
    highestpoi
    ntoftheyardwhereshecaref
    ull
    y
    cli
    mbedont hebricksandcal
    ledFi
    fi
    .
    “
    Thenumberyou-
    “
    “
    Uhu…”Shecutt
    hecal
    landcal
    ledagai
    n.
    “
    Thenumberyouhavedi
    aledi
    snotavai
    labl
    eatt
    he
    moment
    -“
    Shecutt
    hecal
    landwal
    kedbacki
    nthehouse.
    “
    Legauf
    i’
    sphonei
    sof
    f.
    ”
    Herhusbandl
    ookedather
    .“Maybeshei
    ssl
    eepi
    ng.
    Canyoul
    ethersl
    eep?
    ”
    “
    Iwantedgot
    ellt
    hatherroom i
    sready.Ispoketo
    mmagwePhil
    ip.Shewil
    lstar
    tsewingthebaby’s
    t
    hings.
    ”
    “I
    fLegauf
    isayssheismyotpregnant,
    sheisnot
    .
    Youdreamingsnakesmaynotbeababybutmaybe
    wit
    ches.Wecan’tcel
    ebr
    atesuchthi
    ngs.”
    “Shei
    spr egnant
    .Iwonderwhenthatboywi l
    lgothe
    ri
    ghtt
    hing.Hermagadiwi l
    lbedonehere.Shecan
    haveawhi teweddingl
    ikehermother
    .”Shesmiled
    happi
    lythenstart
    edhummi ngweddingsongs
    danci
    ng.

    *
    **

    Laterthatni
    ght,
    Lorat
    ofini
    shedapplyi
    ngfaci
    al
    creamst oherf
    aceandslowlygotuphopi
    ngthe
    bruiseswouldhavedi
    sappearedbytomor
    row
    mor ning.
    Herphoner
    angf
    rom herbed.Shesl
    owl
    ygotupand
    pi
    ckedhi
    scal
    l.
    “
    Hel
    lo?
    ”
    “
    Iam out
    side.Opent
    hegat
    e.”
    Lor
    atosmi l
    edthenwal
    ktot
    hesitt
    ingroom wher
    e
    shepressedthegat
    eremot
    e.Hedr ovei
    nthenshe
    cl
    osedthegateandwait
    edsmil
    ing.

    *
    **

    Thefol
    lowi
    ngmor ni
    ngatthepoli
    cestati
    on,Lor
    ato
    l
    ookedatthepol
    iceoff
    iceratt
    hefrontdesk.
    “Iam her
    etodropthechargesIpressedyest
    erday.
    Iwasangryandemot i
    onal,nowIhavecalmed
    downandIwantt odropthecharges.Idon’
    twant
    mysistertogotoj
    ail
    .”
    “Youpeoplear ealwayswast i
    ngourti
    me.Wast i
    ng
    ourti
    mei sil
    legal.Wecoul dhavedoneotherthi
    ngs.
    Youwer ebeggedyest erdayandyourefused.Come
    thi
    swaysowecanpr ocessthi
    s.Nextt
    ime,youwill
    belockedupi nstead.Gar at
    lel
    agotshamekagoha.
    Remot
    ir
    ong.
    ”

    Overthi
    rtyminuteslat
    er,
    Fifiwal
    kedoutofthe
    pol
    icestati
    on.TheJeepdr ovebyandstopped.He
    rol
    leddownt hewindowandsmi led.
    “
    Let
    ’sgo.
    ”
    Lorat
    owalkedoutandwat chedasFi f
    igotinhiscar.
    Tearsit
    chedhereyesasshet ouchedherbruised
    neck.Hermindtookherbacktot hatmomentwher e
    shewasf i
    ghti
    ngtokeepbreathingwhilehe…at ear
    rol
    leddownashedr oveoff.
    Sheslowlywalkedtohercarandgoti nthensatat
    theedgeofherseatt onotexertpainonher self
    ,
    alr
    eadywalki
    ngwashar denough.Sheputher
    handsonherfacecr yingaslastnightrepl
    ayedi n
    hermind.Shehadbeensosur eofherdeat hso
    muchshehadst oppedfight
    inghim atsomepoi nt
    andjustl
    ethi
    m bebecauset hemor esher esist
    ed,
    t
    hemor
    ehe….
    Shelookedupwipi
    nghert
    ear
    sthenst
    art
    edt
    hecar
    anddrovet
    oherhouse.
    Shegotonherbedandcl
    osedhereyest
    ryi
    ngt
    o
    for
    geti
    tal
    l…

    THREEMONTHSLATER…
    .
    .
    Goodmorning,Idozedof
    fthi
    nki
    ngIwast
    aki
    nga
    shor
    tnap.Iapologi
    ze.
    [
    04/
    23,
    05:
    41]'
    :
    Si
    nsUnf
    orgi
    ven
    #27

    Lorat
    osati
    nheroffi
    ceduri
    nglunchlooki
    ngthr ough
    Fif
    i’
    sti
    meli
    ne.Shehadn’
    tpost
    edanythinginf i
    ve
    monthsnow.Evenherpr
    ofi
    lepict
    urewasst i
    llthe
    same.
    ShelookedatFif
    i’
    snumberathercont
    actli
    st,
    tear
    s
    fi
    ll
    edhereyes.Shehadneverf
    eltt
    hatl
    onelybefor
    e.
    Shedial
    edhernumberwiththeoff
    icel
    ineand
    cal
    ledher.
    Herphoner
    angacoupl
    eoft
    imest
    henshepi
    cked.
    “
    Hel
    lo?
    ”
    Lor
    atosatpr
    oper
    lyandcl
    ear
    edhert
    hroat
    .
    “
    Hi.
    .hey.Uh…howar
    eyou?
    ”
    “
    Hi.Iam f
    ine.
    ”
    Lor
    atoswall
    owed.“
    Youneverr
    espondt
    omy
    messages.
    ”
    “
    Formypeaceofmi
    nd.
    ”
    Atearrol
    leddownhercheek.“
    Imi
    ssyou.Wher
    edo
    youstay?
    ”
    “
    Iam busyr
    ightnow.Canwet
    alkl
    ater
    ?”
    “
    Areyoust
    il
    lwi
    thObakeng?
    ”
    “
    No.Why?Youst
    il
    lwanthi
    m?”
    “
    No.Iwasj
    ustaski
    ng.I
    …Iwantust
    ost
    artover
    .”
    “Thereisnothingtostar
    tover.Idon’
    twantst
    ress
    Lorat
    o.Ileftyoutogiveyouspace.Iwantpeacein
    myl i
    fe.Aft
    ereverythi
    ngthathappened…Iwant
    peace.”
    “I
    twasnotmyf ault
    .Webothletamancome
    betweenus.Wewer ebot
    hwrongbutIdon’twantus
    todwellonthat
    .Isawhepostedanotherwomanon
    hisFacebookaccount
    .Whereareyouworking?
    ”
    “
    Wewer
    ebot
    hwr
    ong?
    ”
    “YesLegauf
    i.Imetthatguybeforeyou.Youknew
    ther
    ewassomeoneIwant ed.Hecalledmeand
    cametomebef oreyouf i
    nall
    ydecidedtot
    akehim
    seri
    ousl
    y.Hetoldmei thadn’
    tworkedoutwit
    hyou.”
    “Thankyouf orcall
    ingme.Iam gr at
    efulbecauseI
    canseet hatyouhavenotchanged.Iam notangr y
    atyounnaka.Iam j ustsadthatyoust il
    lhavethe
    samement al
    it
    yyouhadasachi ld.Ihopeyouone
    daygr owandl ear
    nmor als.Idon’tblameyouf or
    beingtheki ndofper sonyouar e.Iblameyour
    mot her.Ijustwishshel ovedyouenought oteach
    your
    ightf
    rom wr
    ongbutyouwi
    lll
    ear
    noneday.
    ”
    “Wer
    eyouexpect
    ingmet
    oapol
    ogi
    zewhenIdi
    d
    not
    hingwr
    ong?”
    “
    Nooneexpect
    syout
    oapol
    ogi
    ze.Iam busy.Bye.
    ”
    “I
    fyouwantmetoapol
    ogi
    zet
    henyoualsohaveto
    apol
    ogi
    zetome.Youal
    sohur
    tmyfeel
    ingsLegauf
    i.
    ”
    “
    Bye.
    ”
    “YouareselfcenteredFi
    fi.Youal
    sohurtmeyou
    thi
    nkIam immunet opain?Youwrongedmetoo.If
    ther
    eissomeonewhoneedt oapologi
    zei
    t’
    syou.I
    methimfirst!Therightt
    hingwasforyoutol
    eave
    him.Youaresel f
    ish!”
    Fif
    ihungup.Lorat
    olookeduptryi
    ngtobli
    nkaway
    hertear
    s.Shetookherphoneandcall
    edObakeng.
    Atearrol
    ledasthecal
    lcutbef
    oreitcoul
    devenri
    ng.
    ShewenttohisFacebookprof
    il
    eandl ookedatt
    he
    pi
    ctur
    ehehadpost edinZanzi
    bar.Shecouldn’
    t
    cl
    earl
    ysee,notwi
    ththebigsunhatthatwasinher
    head.
    Shesni
    ff
    edt
    henputherphonedownf
    eel
    ingl
    ike
    somethi
    ngwasstr
    angli
    ngher.Sheswal
    lowedthen
    tookasi
    pofherwater
    ,tear
    sblur
    ri
    nghervisi
    on.

    *
    **

    AlphaMineralCooperateCent er,Fif
    ipar kedher
    boss’
    sRangeRoverandwal kedinsidethebuil
    ding
    walki
    ngpastt herecepti
    onistsmi li
    ngholdingher
    boss’
    slunch.Herr oundbut tshookwi theachstep
    shetookasherhi psswayedsi detosidei nher
    sl
    acks.Shewentupt hestairs,herfourinchheels
    echoi
    ngont het i
    ledfl
    oors
    Shewalkedinsideherboss’soff
    icewhil
    ehespoke
    onthephonethenputhisf oodont het
    able.Mr.
    Ndlovuwrappedupt hecallst
    ari
    ngatherlicki
    nghis
    l
    ips.Sheclear
    edhistablesohecoul deatproper
    ly.
    “
    Thanks.
    ”
    Fi
    fismi
    led.“
    Yessi
    r.
    ”
    Hel
    ookedatherwit
    hasmi l
    e.“
    Iam goi
    ngforatri
    p
    t
    oMaunonFr i
    day.Thatwor
    kshop.Iwast
    hinki
    ng
    maybei
    fyouwant,
    youcancomewi
    thme.You
    won’
    tbedoi
    nganythi
    ngt
    hough.
    ”
    Fi
    fit
    urnedt
    ohi
    m.“
    Idon’
    thavemoneyt
    o-“
    “I
    t’
    sallcoveredbyt hecompany.Youdon’
    thavet
    o
    payforanything.Thinkabouti
    t..
    ”
    Hepull
    edhisfoodcl
    oserst
    ari
    ngatherhi
    ps.“
    We
    wi
    llf
    lyther
    eandcomebackonMonday.Itwil
    lbea
    gr
    eatopport
    unit
    yforyouFi
    fi
    .”
    Fi
    fismi
    led.“
    Iwi
    llt
    hinkabouti
    t.
    ”
    “
    Tel
    lmewhatyoudeci
    det
    omor
    row.
    ”
    “
    Yessi
    r.
    ”
    Fi
    fit
    urnedandwal
    kedout
    .
    Fi
    fiwalkedoutoftheof
    ficeandwenttoherdesk.
    Sheopenedherlunchboxt aki
    ngoutherbil
    tong.
    Shedippedthebil
    tongi
    nhermayonnai seandate
    st
    ari
    ngatt hecomputer
    .
    Herphoner
    ang,
    shel
    ookedatt
    hecal
    lerandpi
    cked
    smil
    ing.
    “
    Hel
    lo?
    ”
    “
    Taot
    sel
    unch.
    (Comeandt
    akel
    unch.
    (”
    Fi
    ficutthecal
    landoutawayherbi
    lt
    ong.She
    qui
    cklywalkedoutgoi
    ngtothepar
    kingl
    otwher
    ehe
    hadparked.
    Heleanedoveropeni
    ngt
    hedoorf
    orher
    .Hesmi
    l
    ed
    ki
    ssingher
    .
    “
    Hey…youl
    ookbeaut
    if
    ul.
    ”
    Hesqueezedherbr
    east,
    Fif
    ifl
    inchedpushi
    nghi
    s
    handof
    f.Obakengki
    ssedherthenhandedherf
    ood.
    “
    Ther
    e.”
    Shelookedi
    nsi
    deal
    readysal
    ivat
    ingandsmi
    led.
    “Thankyou.
    ”
    Herstomachvibr
    atedassomethi
    ngmoved.She
    pausedtouchi
    ngherstomach.
    “
    Areyouok?
    ”
    “
    Ng…If
    eelbl
    oat
    ed.Buti
    t’
    sok.
    ”
    Hesmi l
    ed.“
    Weshoul
    dgetyoucheckedatt
    he
    hospi
    tal
    .”
    “
    It
    sai
    r.Iwi
    llbef
    ine.
    ”
    “
    Babewhati
    fyouar
    ecar
    ryi
    ngJuni
    or?
    ”
    “
    Iam not
    .”
    “
    Areyouadoct
    or?Maybeyouar
    ecar
    ryi
    ngJuni
    or.
    ”
    Shel
    aughedopeni
    ngt
    hedoor
    .“Bye.
    ”
    “
    Iloveyou.
    ”
    Fi
    fismi
    led.“
    Iloveyout
    oo.
    ”
    Sheclosedthedoorandwalkedtowardst
    he
    bui
    ldi
    ng.Shepassedtherecepti
    oni
    stagainwho
    wasnowst andi
    ngwithanotherworker
    .Shesmil
    ed
    goi
    ngf ort
    hestai
    rs.
    Therecept
    ioni
    str
    oll
    edhereyes.“
    Mxm,
    wai
    tset
    his
    gi
    rlt
    hinksshe’
    sspecial
    .”
    Theot
    herwor
    kerl
    ookedather
    .“Fi
    fii
    sni
    ce.
    ”
    “
    Sheisnicebecausesheknowsshei
    ssl
    eepi
    ng
    wit
    htheboss.
    ”
    “
    Uhu!
    ”
    “Iam t
    ell
    ingyou.Ifeelsorr
    yfort
    heguywaJeep.I
    knowhert ype.Sheisusinghi
    m.”
    “Wenammawi l
    lyouhateeveryonewhoworksf or
    Mr.Ndlovubecausehefuckedyou?Noteveryoneis
    l
    ikeyou.Okareot anaproblem wenakabotoxic.
    LetFif
    ibe.Kant
    ekeng?Leduel wagonabaloi?”She
    walkedawaycli
    ckinghertongue.

    *
    **

    Lat
    erthatday,Lorist
    aredasBanyanawalkedwit
    ha
    newmai dinthehouse.Hegrabbedhisphoneand
    wal
    kedoutwi thoutsayi
    ngaword.Shesmi l
    edatthe
    maid.
    “
    Iam comi
    ng.
    ”
    Shefol
    lowedaf
    terhi
    mtohi
    scar
    .“Wher
    ear
    eyou
    goi
    ng?”
    “Ihopeyouknowthedi
    vorceisst
    il
    lgoingtohappen
    whetheryouwanti
    ttohappenornot.Iam movi
    ng
    outtoo.
    ”
    “Youarenotwalkingoutwi
    thanyt
    hing.Ihopeyou
    knowthat.Ever
    ythingi
    smine!
    ”
    “
    Idon’
    twantanyt
    hing.Iwantnot
    hingofyour
    s!”
    Hestartedt
    hecar.Banyanawat
    chedashereversed
    anddroveoff.Shebl
    inkedt
    hentur
    nedandwalked
    i
    nsidethehouse.
    Lor
    idr
    oveof
    fcal
    li
    ngObakeng.
    “
    Lai
    taka.
    .”
    “
    Eit
    a,ar
    eyouhomeal
    ready?
    ”
    “
    No.Iam atwor
    kandf
    rom her
    ekeagot
    sayaMr
    s
    Moj
    alef
    a.”
    Lor
    ilaughed.“
    Okmi
    ster
    ,kebat
    ayourt
    oolbox.
    ”
    “
    Cool
    .Iwi
    llcal
    lyouwhenIam athome.
    ”
    “
    Sur
    e.”
    Lor
    ihungupandcal
    ledFi
    fi
    .
    “
    Hel
    lo?
    ”
    “
    Hey,Iam comi
    ngi
    nten…Ij
    ustspoket
    oBax.Oko
    t
    ir
    ong.”
    “
    Ok.
    ”
    .
    .
    .
    [
    04/
    23,
    05:
    41]'
    :
    Si
    nsUnf
    orgi
    ven
    #28

    Fifiwal
    kedoutoft
    hebuil
    dinghol
    dingherhandbag
    andhurriedt
    oLori
    ’
    scar.Shejumpedin,hesmil
    ed
    stari
    ngather.
    “
    Hey.
    .”
    Shesmi
    led.“
    Hi.
    .uhIdon’
    thavemuch.Justt
    his…”
    Shetookoutanenvel
    opeandhandedi
    ttohi
    m.Lor
    i
    openedandlookedi
    nsi
    de.
    “Youdon’thavetopayanyt hing.KBandIhavet hat
    sort
    edout .Iwasjustt hi
    nki
    ngi fweshouldgot o
    Tsabong,there’
    sani cesmallsaf ar
    ilodgether
    e.It’
    s
    notthatf
    arormaybewecanj ustdoar oadtri
    pup
    North.Wewer ethinkingMaunorShakawe.Wecan
    doeleroadt r
    ip.
    ”
    “Thatsoundsni
    ce.ButIli
    keTsabomgbet t
    er.I
    fIgo
    goMaun, Iwoul
    dhavet oaskforalongerl
    eaveand
    Idon’twantt
    odothatifIhavetotakematerni
    ty
    l
    eavei nt
    hecomingmont hs.
    ”
    Lor
    ipausedandsmi
    led.“
    Youar
    e…?
    ”
    Fi
    fismi
    led.“
    Iam goi
    ngt
    otel
    lhi
    m onhi
    sbi
    rt
    hday.
    ”
    Hesmiled.“
    Wow…he’
    s..he’
    sgoi
    ngt
    obeso
    happy.
    ”
    “
    Ihopehest
    ays.
    ”
    “
    Hewill
    .Helovesyou.Hel
    ovesyoudomuch.Buti
    s
    t
    hatwhatyouwant?”
    “Ithashappened.Ican’
    tchangeit.I
    fhel
    eavesthen
    that’
    sitbutatleastIwi
    llhavesomeonestaywi
    th
    me.Iam pr eparedtobeasinglepar
    enti
    fIhaveto.I
    am ready.”
    Hel
    ookedi
    nhereyesandsmi
    led.“
    He’
    sher
    etost
    ay.
    Hei
    snotgoi
    nganywhere.
    ”
    “
    Hei
    sal
    mosther
    e.Ihavet
    ogo.
    ”
    “
    Shoul
    dIbooki
    natTsabong?
    ”
    “
    Yes.
    ”
    “Ok,youlookbeautif
    ul.Morebeauti
    ful
    .Iguessit
    ’s
    thepregnancy.Ihaveneverseenpregnancylookso
    goodonanyone.Youl ookmorethanjustbeauti
    ful
    ,
    fl
    awless.”
    Fi
    fismi
    led.“
    Bye.
    ”
    “
    Shar
    p.”
    Fif
    ist
    eppedoutofthecarandwatchedhim dr
    ive
    off
    .Fi
    fiwait
    edforacoupleofmi
    nutesthenthe
    Jeepdroveover
    .Shewalkedtot
    hecarandgoti n.
    “
    IjustsawLor
    i’
    sHi
    lux.Washeher
    eseei
    ngyou?
    ”
    “
    Rra?
    ”
    “
    IjustsawLor
    icomi
    ngf
    rom t
    hisdi
    rect
    ion.
    ”
    “
    Idon’
    tknow.Idi
    dn’
    tseehi
    m.”
    Hel
    ookedather
    .“Youdi
    dn’
    t?”
    “
    DidIdosomet
    hingObakeng?
    ”
    Hesighedthenki
    ssedher
    .“Iam sor
    ry.Shoul
    dwe
    getsomethi
    ngbefor
    ewegohome? ”
    “
    NgNg.Youcanj
    ustdr
    opmeof
    fathome.
    ”
    Hestart
    edthecaranddr
    oveof
    fheadedtoher
    house.Heparkedatt
    het
    woandhalfandlookedat
    her.
    “
    Iam sor
    ry.Ij
    ustsawhi
    scarand…Iam sor
    ry.
    ”
    “
    Doyout
    hinkIwoul
    dcheatonyouwi
    thyourf
    ri
    end”
    “
    No.Iam sor
    rybabe.
    ”
    “
    Iam t
    ir
    ed.Iam goi
    ngt
    osl
    eep.
    ”
    “
    Shoul
    dImassageyourf
    eet
    ?”
    Shelookedatherswol
    lenf
    eeti
    nherheel
    s.“
    Iam
    fi
    ne.
    ”
    “
    Iwi
    llmassageyourwhol
    ebody.
    ”
    Shesteppedoutoft hecarandwalkedinsi
    dethe
    house.Hef ol
    lowedbehindandgotinherroom.Fif
    i
    tookoffhershoesthenherclot
    hesandputonone
    ofhistshi
    rt
    st hatst
    ayedinherwardrobe.
    “
    Iam goi
    ngt
    otakeabat
    h.”
    Shewalkedoutholdi
    nghert
    oil
    etr
    ybag.Obakeng
    thought
    ful
    lycal
    ledLori
    .
    “
    Bax…”
    “
    Doyoust
    il
    lwantt
    het
    ool
    box?
    ”
    “
    Igotonefr
    om KB,
    it’
    sok.Isawyourcar
    .It
    hinkyou
    wer
    egoingtopi
    ckFif
    i.
    ”
    “
    Isawyour
    stoo.Wher
    ewer
    eyoucomi
    ngf
    rom?
    ”
    “Ihadwenttoseemyl awyer
    .Iwant
    edtofindout
    howmuchempt yhandedIam wal
    kingoutoft
    he
    mar r
    iage.
    ”
    “
    Letherhaveever
    ythi
    ng.Youwi
    llgetyourown.
    ”
    “
    Yah…l
    etmegohome.Wewi
    llt
    alk.
    ”
    “
    Sur
    e.”
    Obakenghungupandsi ghed, somehowt hef
    sct
    thatatsomepointLorihadl i
    kedFifimadehim
    uneasy.Heundressedthenwal kedtothebat
    hroom
    withatowelaroundhiswai st
    .Hewal kedinsi
    dethe
    steamybathroom t
    hendr oppedt hetoweland
    j
    oinedhuggingherfrom behind.
    Hekissedherneckr
    ubbi
    nghimselfonherbutt
    .He
    tur
    nedheraroundandki
    ssedherpicki
    ngherbody
    up.
    Fificl
    osedhereyesashepr essedhi
    sti
    ponher
    holepushingin.Sheclosedhereyesashesl i
    d
    through.Sheheldhertight
    lywhi l
    ehepushedthe
    restoftheerect
    ioninsi
    de.
    Heki
    ssedher
    .“Il
    oveyou…”
    Hehel
    dherpr
    oper
    lyand…
    .
    Fificlosedhereyesexhaust edashesl i
    dout.He
    kissedhert henhelpedherbat hbeforewalki
    ngout
    withher .Sheslowlycrawledt othebedandlaid
    down.Heputonsomecl othes.Hequickl
    yordered
    thengr abbedherbabyoi landst art
    edmassaging
    herbody.Hemovedondownt oherandmassaged
    her .Shetookadeepbr eathr el
    axingherbody.He
    kissedherneckt henturnedherar ound.
    Fi
    fi
    ’sphoner
    ang,
    sher
    eachedf
    ori
    tandpi
    cked.
    “
    Hel
    lo?
    ”
    “Youwereright.Iam sorr
    y.Iwaswr ong.IknowI
    waswr ong.Ij
    ustwant edhimtoo.Ilovedhim.Iwas
    bli
    ndedbyit.Iam crazy.
    .Iwasn’tt
    hinkingstr
    aight
    nowImi ssyou.Iwanttowor konoursist
    erhood.I
    missyousomuch.Iam sor ry.Iwaswrong.Ihurt
    you.Iwastheself
    ishone.Iam sorr
    y.”
    Fi
    fiopenedhereyes.“
    Lor
    ato-
    “
    Loratosnif
    f ed.“
    Youar eright.Ij
    ust…Iam sor r
    y.I
    wasst uckinmyhead.Ij ust…Iwasr eall
    yhur t
    .I
    shouldhavewal kedaway.Iwi shIhadbut …Iloved
    him.Ijust.
    .Iwashear tbroken.Iam sorr y.Iam so
    sorry.Canwef i
    xt hings…?Iwantust of ixt hi
    ngs
    andbesadcl oseaswewer e.If
    eelsoal one.Ihave
    neverfeltl
    ikethis, IfeelIam goingcr azy.Iam sor ry
    Il
    etamancomebet weenus.Pl easelet’
    sf i
    xthis.
    ”
    Fi
    fisi
    ghed.“
    Ilongf
    orgaveyou.
    ”
    “
    Ifeell
    onel
    y.CanIcomeoverwher
    everyouar
    e.I
    j
    ustwanttohugyou.Iwantt
    oseeyou.Ist
    ayst
    ay
    l
    ong..
    ”
    “
    Ok.Iam wi
    llsendt
    hedi
    rect
    ions.
    ”
    “
    Thankyou.
    ”
    ShehungupasObakengt
    urnedherar
    ound.
    “
    Who’
    scomi
    ng?
    ”
    “
    Lor
    ato.
    ”
    Hekissedher.“
    Shemi
    ghtgetst
    artl
    iesandst
    ay
    t
    hingstohurtyou.
    ”
    “Lor
    atoi
    smysi
    ster
    .Iam t
    ir
    edoft
    hiswarbet
    ween
    us..
    ”
    Heki
    ssedherset
    tl
    ingbet
    weenherl
    egsdr
    oppi
    ng
    t
    hetowel
    .

    AtFifi
    ’shouset
    hirtymi
    nutesl
    ater
    ,Lorat
    othr
    ough
    thegateandparkedwhereabigcar’
    swheelswer
    e
    sti
    lli
    mprint
    edont hegr
    ound.
    Shesteppedoutandl
    ookedbef
    orewal
    kingt
    othe
    door
    .
    Fif
    iopenedthedoor,Lor
    atosmi
    ledhuggi
    ngher
    ti
    ghtl
    y.Shessighed,
    herarmsar
    oundLorato.
    Theywal
    kedi
    nthesmal
    lroom,
    Fif
    ilookedather
    .
    “
    Youl
    ookbeaut
    if
    ul.
    .”
    Lorat
    osmi l
    ed.“
    Youar
    egl
    owi
    ng.Youl
    ook
    beauti
    ful
    .”
    Fi
    fismi
    led.“
    Thanks.
    ”
    LoratosatonthebedandFifit
    ookoutajarf
    rom t
    he
    fr
    idge.Shecouldn’
    tunder
    standhowFif
    ihadgott
    en
    everythi
    ngshehad.
    “
    Wow.
    .howdi
    dyouaf
    for
    dthi
    s?”
    Shetouchedthebedt hencur
    iousl
    ytouchedunder
    thepi
    ll
    ow.Shet ookoutafamili
    arsi
    lverwat
    chand
    l
    ookedatitcareful
    ly.
    “
    Who’
    swat
    chi
    sthi
    s?”
    “
    Mine.
    ”
    Lor
    atolookedather
    ,herheartr
    acing.She
    swal
    lowedstari
    ngatthewatch,herheartpounded
    somuch.
    “ThislookslikeObakeng’swatch.Ar
    eyoust il
    lwith
    him aftereveryt
    hing?Ithi
    nkyouwouldbest upidto
    bewi thhim.I shetheonewhoboughtallthis?If
    yout ookhim backt henyouar
    et hemoststupidest
    personIhaveeverseen.Youwoul dbesost upidto
    t
    akebackamanwhowasthereasontowewer e
    f
    ight
    ing.I
    sthi
    shi
    swat
    ch?Idon’
    tunderst
    and.
    ”
    “
    It
    ’snot
    .”
    Fi
    fist
    oodandst
    oodbyt
    hedoor
    .
    “I
    t’
    shiswatch!St
    oplyi
    ng!Areyoustil
    lfucki
    nghim?
    YouaresuchawhoreLegaufi!Iwonderifheknows
    whatawhor eyouar
    e!Thisi
    shi swatch!Whatare
    youdoingwithhi
    swatch?”
    “
    Lor
    sto-
    “
    Lor
    atopi
    ckedakni
    fe.“
    Ist
    hishi
    swat
    ch?I
    sthi
    shi
    s
    watch
    .
    .
    .
    [
    04/
    23,
    05:
    41]'
    :
    Si
    nsUnf
    orgi
    ven
    #29
    Fi
    fi
    ’shear
    tskippedasshelookedather
    .Lor
    ato
    l
    augheddroppingthekni
    fe.
    “
    Iam j
    oki
    ng!
    ”
    Fi
    fist
    aredatherasshel
    aughed.Lor
    atosmi
    led.
    “Iam j
    oking.Rel
    ax.Iwasj ustpr
    ankingyou.Iwould
    neverhurtyou.I
    jo…Ishouldhavetakenavideo.You
    shouldhaveseenyourf ace.”
    Fi
    fichuckl
    edsl
    ight
    lypi
    cki
    ngherkni
    fe.Sheputi
    t
    awayandtookthewatch.
    Lorat
    osmiled.“
    Iwasj
    ustj
    oking.Idon’teven
    knowingObakeng’
    swat
    ch.Thisisnice.Ili
    keit
    .”
    Fi
    fiputawayt
    hewat
    cht
    henpr
    essedherphoneand
    puti
    tdown.
    “
    Thanks.
    ”
    “ItwasjustaprankFi
    fi
    .Isawi
    tonTikTok.
    ”Lor
    ato
    tookoutherphoneandshowerhersi
    stert
    heprank.
    Fifiwat
    chedthensmil
    ed.
    “
    Wear ebl ackpeopl
    eLorato.Youcan’tprankusl
    ike
    t
    hat.Ialmostpeedmysel fwonderingwhat
    wit
    chcraftyouarepract
    icingtoday.TodayIwas
    goingt
    obeatyousohar
    dIwasgoi
    ngt
    ojai
    lfor
    att
    emptedmurder
    .”
    Lorat
    olaughed.“
    Iam sor
    ry.Isawanopport
    uni
    tyt
    o
    prankyouli
    kethatt
    imeyoutoldmemamawas
    deadonlytosayyouwerejoking.Sor
    ry.
    ”
    Fi
    fir
    elaxed.“
    Ineverapol
    ogi
    zedf
    ort
    hatdi
    dI?
    ”
    Lor
    atoshookherheadsmi
    li
    ng.“
    No.
    ”
    “
    Iam sor
    ry.
    ”
    “
    It
    ’sf
    ine.I
    t’
    sint
    hepast
    .”
    “Iknowbutthef
    actthatyoust
    il
    lrememberi
    t,i
    t
    showsitst
    il
    lbot
    hersyouandIam sorr
    y.”
    “Iam sorr
    ytoo.Aboutever yt
    hing.Idon’
    tknowwhat
    Ishouldhavedone.Maybewal kedawaybecauseI
    l
    ovedsomeonewhodi dn’tloveme.Iam sor r
    yI
    didn’
    twalkawaywhenIr eali
    zeditwasyour
    boyfri
    end.Iam sorryIstayedonbecauseIhad
    hope.Iam sorrythatyouhadt ogettoapointof
    hidi
    ngyourr el
    ati
    onshipfr om me.Iam sorryfor
    everyt
    hing.Forsendingyout ojai
    l.
    ”
    Fi
    fil
    ookedatt
    het
    ear
    sinhereyes.“
    It
    ’sok.If
    orgi
    ve
    you.
    ”
    Loratolookedatherandnoddedlooki
    ngdownas
    anothertearrol
    leddown.Shewipedawaythet
    est
    s
    andsmi ledbravel
    y.
    “
    Imi
    ssedyousomuch.
    ”
    “
    Met
    oo.
    ”
    Lor
    atosatont
    hebed.“
    Wher
    ear
    eyouwor
    king
    now?”
    “
    Oh,
    Ifoundaj
    ob.
    ”
    Lor
    atosmi
    led.“
    Wher
    e?”
    “
    Atami
    ningcompany.
    ”
    “Iam happyforyou.Lordknowshowl ongyou
    wait
    edf ort
    hisopportunit
    y.Iam happyf
    oryou.Thi
    s
    needssomewi netocel ebr
    ate.
    ”
    Fi
    fil
    aughed.“
    Idon’
    tdr
    inkanymor
    e.”
    “
    Why?
    ”
    “Eversi
    nceIstoppeddri
    nkingmyt hingshavebeen
    goingwell
    .Maybei twasthealcoholbri
    ngi
    ngthe
    badluck.Iam sohappy.Ihaveneverbeenthis
    happy.
    ”
    Lor
    atosmil
    ed.“Youl
    ookbeaut
    if
    ul.Pr
    ett
    ierandyour
    hi
    psareful
    ler
    ..
    ”
    “
    Thankyou.
    ”
    Fi
    fi
    ’sphoner
    ang.Shel
    ookedati
    tandpi
    cked.
    “
    Hi…”
    “
    Iam al
    mostt
    her
    e.Ar
    eyouok?
    ”
    “
    Yes.
    ”
    “
    Didshet
    ryanyt
    hingel
    se?
    ”
    Fi
    fiwal
    kedout
    .“Shesaysi
    twasapr
    ank.Ipani
    cked.
    I
    t’
    sok.”
    “
    Iam st
    il
    lcomi
    ngover
    .”
    “
    Okbutwai
    tbyt
    hecor
    nersoshecanl
    eave.
    ”
    “
    Youar
    enott
    ell
    ingher
    ?”
    “
    Notyet
    .”

    *
    Insi
    dethehouseLoratosatstil
    lwaiti
    ngforher
    sist
    ertocomeback.Shel ookedaroundtheroom
    recal
    li
    ngheryear
    sasast udent.Shecur
    iousl
    y
    l
    ookedatthewardrobesomehowwonder i
    ngift
    her
    e
    wereanymaleclothesinside.
    Fi
    fiwal
    kedi
    nthehouse.“
    Hey…”
    Lor
    atosmi
    led.“
    Isever
    ythi
    ngok?
    ”
    “
    Myboyf
    ri
    endi
    scomi
    ng.
    ”
    “
    Itwoul
    dbeni
    cet
    omeethi
    m.”
    Fi
    fil
    aughed.“
    Whati
    fyoumethi
    mfi
    rstandnowyou
    wanthi
    m? ”
    Lorat
    osadlylookedatherandnoddedt
    hent
    ookher
    bag.“Ok.Letmegothen.”
    Lor
    atowal
    kedt
    ohercart
    henl
    ookedathersi
    ster
    .
    “Iknowyoudidn’twantmet ocome, it
    ’sok.Iwi
    ll
    nevercomeagain.Iam justhurtyounowl ookat
    mel i
    kethebadpersonwheni nthepastwe’venever
    foughtli
    kethi
    sbefore.NeverhaveyouandIf ought
    physical
    ly.Wehavearguedlikesist
    erswould.
    Gottenangr yl i
    kesister
    swoul dbuti twasnever
    beenl i
    ket his.Ihavealwaysr espectedyouasmy
    bi
    gsi ster.Ihavel ovedyousomucht hatinmyhead
    Ihaveal wayst oldmysel fther
    ei snoFi fiwi
    thout
    Lolo.Buti fyouwantnot hingt odowi thme, that
    ’s
    sti
    llok.Itprobablydoesn’ tbotheryout hatmuch
    becauseIam notyourmot her’
    sdaught er.Bye.”
    “I
    fIdidn’
    twantyoutocomeIwoul dnothavelet
    youcome.Iam alsohurti
    t’
    sli
    kethis,
    Iwasn’tangry
    atyouorupset.Ij
    ustwantedpeaceLorat
    o.Gake
    bategolwalewena.Ihavealotonmypl ate,
    Ididn’
    t
    havetheener
    gyt okeepfi
    ghti
    ngyou.”
    Atearrol
    leddownLorat
    o’scheek.“Ididn’
    twantt
    o
    fi
    ghtyouanymore.Ij
    ustwantedust omakeupand
    moveon.Iloveyou.Youaremysi ster
    .Myonly
    si
    ster
    .”
    “Iloveyout oo.
    ”Fi
    fihuggedher.Loratosniff
    ed
    wr appingherarmsaroundher.Fifii
    nhaledLorato’s
    fragrance,heri
    nsi
    desturned,shepushedherof f
    runningt othebat
    hroom andkneltdownvomi t
    ing.
    Shewal kedoutminut
    eslater
    .Loratowor r
    iedl
    y
    l
    ookedather .
    “
    Areyouok?
    ”
    “
    Iam f
    ine.
    ”
    Lor
    atostar
    edather
    ,nowmoresuspi
    cioust
    han
    worr
    ied,
    herhear
    tevenr
    aci
    ng.
    “
    Areyoupr
    egnant
    ?”
    “
    No.
    ”
    “Youare.Youhavegainedwei
    ghtandyourf
    ace…”
    ShelookedatFif
    i’
    sdress.
    “
    Youar
    epr
    egnant
    !”
    “
    Shhh!St
    opyel
    li
    ng.Iam not
    .”
    Lor
    atohuggedher
    .“Iam goi
    ngt
    obeanaunt
    !”
    Fi
    fil
    aughed.“
    Iam not
    .”
    Lorat
    osmi l
    edexcit
    edly.“Youar e.Isi
    tObakeng’s?
    Areyouguysstil
    ltogether?”Shesmi l
    ed.“Youare
    ri
    ght?Iwouldbesohappyi fyout wowere,aft
    erallI
    didtorui
    nyourrel
    ationship.Iwast hedevil
    .You
    twolookedgoodtogether.Isithim?Iam sohappy
    forFi
    fi
    .”
    Fi
    fismi
    ledandr
    elaxedevenmor
    e.“
    Itwoul
    dn’
    t
    bot
    heryou?
    ”
    “Botherme?Why?Iwast hereasonyouandhi m
    werenothappy.IwentcrazyIam tel
    li
    ngyou.ButI
    tookt i
    meandref
    lect
    ed.Iwassr ealbi
    tch.An
    enti
    tledone.
    ”
    Fi
    fil
    aughed.“
    Youwer
    e.”
    “
    Isheexci
    tedaboutt
    hebaby?
    ”
    “
    Ihaven’
    ttol
    dhi
    m.”
    “Thisisexci
    ti
    ng.Iam sohappy.Ican’twaittobean
    aunt!”ShehuggedFif
    ilaughing.Atearrol
    leddown
    hercheek,shewipeditoffhuggingherthen
    steppedbackstari
    ngatherst omach.
    .
    .
    .
    [
    04/
    23,
    05:
    42]'
    :
    Si
    nsUnf
    orgi
    ven
    #30
    Fi
    fiwatchedasLor at
    odr
    oveoutoft heyar
    dt hen
    gotbackinherroom.Shelookedattheknif
    et hen
    si
    ghedsitti
    ng.Secondsl
    aterObakengdroveinand
    walkedinthehouse.
    Hel
    ookedather
    .“Ar
    eyouok?
    ”
    Fi
    fismi
    led.“
    Yes.Justt
    ir
    ed.
    ”
    “
    Didshesayanyt
    hing?
    ”
    Fi
    fishookherhead.“
    No.
    ”
    Hegoti
    nbedwi thhert
    hentouchedherwaist.The
    babysl
    ight
    lymovedashepul l
    edhercl
    oser.Fif
    i
    cl
    osedherhol
    dinghimtight
    lyandsl
    owlyfelli
    ntoa
    deepsl
    eep.

    Deepinhersleep,
    Fifisl
    owlyopenedhereyesand
    gr
    untedseati
    ngupi npain.I
    tfel
    tli
    kesomeonewas
    sl
    ashingherabdomenwi thasword.Eachsecond
    t
    hepaini
    ncreased.Shel
    ookedar
    oundt heroom
    l
    ooki
    ngforObakengbuthewasalreadygone.
    Anurgetopushcameoverast
    hepaini
    ncreasedso
    muchthatshescr
    eamed.Shet
    ouchedherbell
    y,i
    t
    wasn’
    tti
    meyet.
    Thedooropenedt
    henLor
    atowal
    kedi
    n.
    “
    It
    ’sokFi
    fi
    .Thebabyi
    sher
    e.”
    Lor
    atoopenedherl
    egsst
    ari
    ngather
    .
    “
    Push!PushFi
    fi
    !”
    Fif
    ilookedatherandgr untedpushing.Thebaby
    sl
    owl ysli
    doutandst ar
    tedcryi
    ngwi thhisdeep
    voi
    ce.Shesighedinr el
    iefandlookedatherbabyin
    Lorato’
    sarmssmi l
    ing.
    “
    Letmeseehi
    m…”
    Loratol
    ookedatherthensmashedt hebabyonthe
    fl
    oor.Fi
    figaspedandscreamedasbl oodspur
    t
    everywhere.Herent
    ir
    ebodyshr i
    ekedasshe
    screamedsol oudst
    aringatherdeadbodyonthe
    fl
    oor.
    “
    Babe!Babe!LEGAUFI
    !”
    Fi
    fi
    ’ssnappedopenasgaspedwaki
    ngupdr
    enched
    i
    nsweat.
    Obakengl
    ookedather
    .“Ar
    eyouok?
    *
    Shelookedathi
    m shaki
    ngwhi
    let
    ear
    srol
    leddown
    hercheeks.
    “
    It
    ’sok.I
    t’
    sok.
    ”
    Herli
    pstr
    embledthenshebur
    sti
    ntoal
    oudcr
    y.He
    huggedhert
    ight
    ly.
    “
    It
    ’sok.I
    twasj
    ustadr
    eam.I
    t’
    sok…i
    t’
    sok.
    ”
    “
    Sheki
    ll
    edhi
    m…”
    “
    Shhh…i
    t’
    sok.
    ”
    Sheslowl
    ycal
    meddownt
    henhel
    ookedather
    wipi
    ngawayhert
    ear
    s.
    “
    Itwasj
    ustadr
    eam.Youar
    eok.
    ”
    Shenoddedfi
    ght
    inghi
    ccups.Hegotupandgother
    aglassofwat
    er.
    Fif
    igul
    peditalldownandsi
    ghed.Heputdownt
    he
    cupandkissedher.
    “
    It
    sok.
    ”
    Sheheldhimti
    ghtl
    yinsil
    encewhil
    eherubbedher
    back.Awhil
    elat
    erherbodyrel
    axedinhisbear
    ms.
    Hekissedherf
    oreheadandpul
    ledherevencl
    oser
    .

    *
    **

    Thef oll
    owi ngmor
    ning,Fifil
    ookedatObakeng
    sl
    eepi ngnexttoher.Shelookedatthetimeand
    sl
    owl ywal kedout
    .Shel ookedattheearl
    ymorni
    ng
    darknessandsatont heverandacall
    ingher
    grandmot her.
    “
    Fif
    i!
    ”
    “
    Mama…howar
    eyou?
    ”
    “
    Iam f
    inemygi
    rl
    .Imi
    ssyou.
    ”
    Fi
    fismi
    led.“
    Imi
    ssyout
    oo.Howi
    sMr
    .P?
    ”
    “
    Hei
    swel
    l.Wear
    efi
    ne.Howar
    eyou?
    ”
    Fi
    fisi
    ghed.“
    Iam pr
    egnant
    .”
    Hergr
    andmotherst
    art
    edul
    ulat
    ing.Fi
    fil
    aughedat
    j
    usthowhappyshewas.
    “
    Final
    ly!
    ”
    “
    Mamamma!
    ”
    “
    Ithoughtyouwer
    e…butGodi
    sgood.Yourr
    oom i
    s
    r
    eady.”
    “
    Ithi
    nki
    t’
    saboy.Hemovesal
    ot,
    he’
    sIt
    hinkf
    our
    .”
    “Godisgood.Whatabl
    essing.Ican’
    twai
    ttomeet
    him.I
    fGodt akesmeaf
    terIholdhim…Iwil
    ldi
    ea
    happywoman. ”
    “
    Youar
    enotdyi
    ngmama.
    ”
    “
    Whati
    sObakengsayi
    ng?
    ”
    “Ihaven’tt
    oldhi
    m yet.ButIam goi
    ngt
    oon
    Saturday.I
    t’
    shisbir
    thday.”
    “
    Oh,
    that
    ’sgood.Hewi
    llknowwhatt
    odoaf
    tert
    hat
    .”
    “Ihadabaddr eam l
    astnight
    .Someonewaski
    ll
    ing
    mybaby.Shet hrewhim onfl
    oor.Ther
    ewasbl
    ood
    everywher
    e.”
    “
    Who?
    ”
    “
    Idon’
    tknow.Idi
    dn’
    tseeherpr
    oper
    ly.
    ”
    “YouneedtoprayFi
    fi
    .Youdon’
    tknowwhatyouare
    fi
    ghti
    ng.OnedayIwon’tbet
    her
    e.It
    hut
    egorapel
    a
    Legaufi
    .”
    Atearrol
    leddown,shesni
    ff
    ed.“
    Pleasepr
    ayf
    ormy
    baby.Iam scar
    ed.
    ”
    “
    It
    sok.Hewi
    llbef
    ine.
    ”
    Fi
    ficl
    osedhereyesl
    ist
    eni
    ngtohergrandmother
    pr
    aying.Shef
    ini
    shedofft
    heprayerandsi
    ghed.
    “Final
    lyagrandchil
    d.Itoldyoudidn’
    tI?Ican’
    twai
    t
    foryoutogof orbotsetsi
    .Ihopeyoudon’tgo
    aroundtel
    li
    ngever yone.Pregnanci
    esareasacred
    thi
    ngs.”
    Fif
    ilaughed.“
    Idi
    dn’
    tal
    ot.Onl
    yRi
    ckyandLol
    o.I
    tr
    ustthem.”
    “Keepitli
    ket
    hat
    .Notever
    yonehast
    oknowyour
    business.
    ”
    “
    Eemma.
    ”
    Fi
    fir
    elaxedl
    ist
    eni
    ngt
    ohergr
    andmot
    hert
    alknon
    st
    op.
    *
    **

    Laterthatmor ning,
    Lor atofi
    nisheddoi
    ngher
    makeuphi dingherswol l
    eneyesbehindhermakeup.
    Shepickedherspect aclesthatshehadn’
    twor ni
    n
    yearsandputt hem on.Shet ookadeepbr eat
    hand
    pickedherhandbagandherl aptopbagthenwalked
    out.Nowwi thherpromot ionsheneededanewcar .
    Sheber ever sedoutandwavedashernei ghbor
    waveddr ivingoutofhi syard.
    Hel i
    kedher,t
    hatsheknewbuthej ustwasn’ther
    type.Shejoi
    nedt her
    oaddr i
    vingthensloweddown
    atat r
    aff
    icli
    ght.Thedri
    verbesidesherroll
    eddown
    hiswindowst ar
    ingather.
    “
    Hi.
    .“
    Lorat
    olookedoverathi
    m andsmi
    ledpol
    it
    elyand
    droveoffcal
    li
    ngFif
    i.
    Herphoner
    angt
    wicet
    henshepi
    cked.
    “
    Hel
    lo?
    ”
    “
    Hi,
    canwegooutf
    orl
    uncht
    oday?Onme…”
    “
    Ican’
    t.Mybossneedsmeal
    lthet
    ime.
    ’
    “Uhu,wheredoyouworkagai
    n?MaybeIcanchar
    m
    himintorel
    easi
    ngyou.
    ”
    “
    Ahno.Andheisgoingforat
    ri
    pl at
    ert
    oday.Ineed
    t
    omakesureever
    ythingi
    sinorder.
    ”
    “Ok.Thenmaybedi nner.Ineedt
    ot el
    lyouallthe
    gossipfr
    om wor k.
    ”Shelaughed.“KanaIdon’thave
    anyonetot ell.Maybewecanevengoandwat cha
    movietoget herordoamovi edateathome.Iwi l
    ldo
    yourpedicur eandmassageyourf eet.Andmaybe
    doyourhai r.Wecaneatathome.Idon’ twantto
    spendtheFr i
    dayalone.
    ”
    “
    Idon’
    tknowi
    fObakenghaspl
    ans.I
    fhedoest
    hen-
    “
    “Please.Ijustwantmysi sterback.YouknowIhave
    noonebutyou.Pl ease…Imissus.Ijustwantus
    back.Igotpr omot edatwork…Ididn’ttel
    lanyone.
    Nott hatIdidn’twanttotel
    lanyone…j ustt
    hatyou
    wer ethefi
    r stpersonIwantedtotellwhenit
    happenedbecauseyouar etheonlyone.Ifeelso
    alone.”
    “
    Wecanwat
    chamovi
    e…”
    Lor
    atosmi
    led.“
    Ok.Shoul
    dIpi
    ckyouup?
    ”
    “
    Ngng,
    Iwi
    llcomet
    her
    e.”
    “
    Ok.Iwi
    llseeyou.
    ”
    Fif
    idroppedt hecall.Loratot houghtful
    lywenton
    Facebookandsear chedf orsomeone.Shesmi led
    fi
    ndinghim, shescr ol
    ledt hroughhi sti
    mel i
    ne
    noti
    cingapi ct urewithhi m andhi sson.Shesmi l
    ed
    sendinghi m af ri
    endr equesti ncreasedthevol ume
    onther adiosi ngingalongasexci tementof
    watchingt hatt womi nuteshappi nesscr ushing.
    TherewasnowayFi f
    icoul dbui l
    dherhappi nesson
    topofhert ear s.Shewasnotevensor r
    yf orthehur t
    sheputhert hrough.Al lshehadt obewassmar t
    er.
    Knowi ngFi f
    iandhergoodhear t,i
    twasgoi ngt o
    makei talleasy.
    Shemovedherbodyf
    rom si
    det
    osi
    ngi
    ng.
    “
    Wegonnal
    eti
    tbur
    nbur
    nbur
    n..“
    .
    .
    .

    Si
    nsUnf
    orgi
    ven
    #30

    Fi
    fiwatchedasLor at
    odr
    oveoutoft heyar
    dt hen
    gotbackinherroom.Shelookedattheknif
    et hen
    si
    ghedsitti
    ng.Secondsl
    aterObakengdroveinand
    walkedinthehouse.
    Hel
    ookedather
    .“Ar
    eyouok?
    ”
    Fi
    fismi
    led.“
    Yes.Justt
    ir
    ed.
    ”
    “
    Didshesayanyt
    hing?
    ”
    Fi
    fishookherhead.“
    No.
    ”
    Hegoti
    nbedwi thhert
    hentouchedherwaist.The
    babysl
    ight
    lymovedashepul l
    edhercl
    oser.Fif
    i
    cl
    osedherhol
    dinghimtight
    lyandsl
    owlyfelli
    ntoa
    deepsl
    eep.
    *

    Deepi nhersleep,Fi
    fisl
    owlyopenedhereyesand
    gruntedseatingupinpain.Itf
    eltl
    ikesomeonewas
    slashingherabdomenwi thaswor d.Eachsecond
    thepai ni
    ncreased.Shelookedaroundt heroom
    l
    ooki ngforObakengbuthewasal readygone.
    Anurgetopushcameoverast
    hepaini
    ncreasedso
    muchthatshescr
    eamed.Shet
    ouchedherbell
    y,i
    t
    wasn’
    tti
    meyet.
    Thedooropenedt
    henLor
    atowal
    kedi
    n.
    “
    It
    ’sokFi
    fi
    .Thebabyi
    sher
    e.”
    Lor
    atoopenedherl
    egsst
    ari
    ngather
    .
    “
    Push!PushFi
    fi
    !”
    Fif
    ilookedatherandgr untedpushing.Thebaby
    sl
    owl ysli
    doutandst ar
    tedcryi
    ngwi thhisdeep
    voi
    ce.Shesighedinr el
    iefandlookedatherbabyin
    Lorato’
    sarmssmi l
    ing.
    “
    Letmeseehi
    m…”
    Loratol
    ookedatherthensmashedt hebabyonthe
    fl
    oor.Fi
    figaspedandscreamedasbl oodspur
    t
    everywhere.Herent
    ir
    ebodyshr i
    ekedasshe
    screamedsol oudst
    aringatherdeadbodyonthe
    fl
    oor.
    “
    Babe!Babe!LEGAUFI
    !”
    Fi
    fi
    ’ssnappedopenasgaspedwaki
    ngupdr
    enched
    i
    nsweat.
    Obakengl
    ookedather
    .“Ar
    eyouok?
    *
    Shelookedathi
    m shaki
    ngwhi
    let
    ear
    srol
    leddown
    hercheeks.
    “
    It
    ’sok.I
    t’
    sok.
    ”
    Herli
    pstr
    embledthenshebur
    sti
    ntoal
    oudcr
    y.He
    huggedhert
    ight
    ly.
    “
    It
    ’sok.I
    twasj
    ustadr
    eam.I
    t’
    sok…i
    t’
    sok.
    ”
    “
    Sheki
    ll
    edhi
    m…”
    “
    Shhh…i
    t’
    sok.
    ”
    Sheslowl
    ycal
    meddownt
    henhel
    ookedather
    wipi
    ngawayhert
    ear
    s.
    “
    Itwasj
    ustadr
    eam.Youar
    eok.
    ”
    Shenoddedfi
    ght
    inghi
    ccups.Hegotupandgother
    aglassofwat
    er.
    Fif
    igul
    peditalldownandsi
    ghed.Heputdownt
    he
    cupandkissedher.
    “
    It
    sok.
    ”
    Sheheldhimti
    ghtl
    yinsil
    encewhil
    eherubbedher
    back.Awhil
    elat
    erherbodyrel
    axedinhisbear
    ms.
    Hekissedherf
    oreheadandpul
    ledherevencl
    oser
    .

    *
    **

    Thef oll
    owi ngmor
    ning,Fifil
    ookedatObakeng
    sl
    eepi ngnexttoher.Shelookedatthetimeand
    sl
    owl ywal kedout
    .Shel ookedattheearl
    ymorni
    ng
    darknessandsatont heverandacall
    ingher
    grandmot her.
    “
    Fif
    i!
    ”
    “
    Mama…howar
    eyou?
    ”
    “
    Iam f
    inemygi
    rl
    .Imi
    ssyou.
    ”
    Fi
    fismi
    led.“
    Imi
    ssyout
    oo.Howi
    sMr
    .P?
    ”
    “
    Hei
    swel
    l.Wear
    efi
    ne.Howar
    eyou?
    ”
    Fi
    fisi
    ghed.“
    Iam pr
    egnant
    .”
    Hergr
    andmotherst
    art
    edul
    ulat
    ing.Fi
    fil
    aughedat
    j
    usthowhappyshewas.
    “
    Final
    ly!
    ”
    “
    Mamamma!
    ”
    “
    Ithoughtyouwer
    e…butGodi
    sgood.Yourr
    oom i
    s
    r
    eady.”
    “
    Ithi
    nki
    t’
    saboy.Hemovesal
    ot,
    he’
    sIt
    hinkf
    our
    .”
    “Godisgood.Whatabl
    essing.Ican’
    twai
    ttomeet
    him.I
    fGodt akesmeaf
    terIholdhim…Iwil
    ldi
    ea
    happywoman. ”
    “
    Youar
    enotdyi
    ngmama.
    ”
    “
    Whati
    sObakengsayi
    ng?
    ”
    “Ihaven’tt
    oldhi
    m yet.ButIam goi
    ngt
    oon
    Saturday.I
    t’
    shisbir
    thday.”
    “
    Oh,
    that
    ’sgood.Hewi
    llknowwhatt
    odoaf
    tert
    hat
    .”
    “Ihadabaddr eam l
    astnight
    .Someonewaski
    ll
    ing
    mybaby.Shet hrewhim onfl
    oor.Ther
    ewasbl
    ood
    everywher
    e.”
    “
    Who?
    ”
    “
    Idon’
    tknow.Idi
    dn’
    tseeherpr
    oper
    ly.
    ”
    “YouneedtoprayFi
    fi
    .Youdon’
    tknowwhatyouare
    fi
    ghti
    ng.OnedayIwon’tbet
    her
    e.It
    hut
    egorapel
    a
    Legaufi
    .”
    Atearrol
    leddown,shesni
    ff
    ed.“
    Pleasepr
    ayf
    ormy
    baby.Iam scar
    ed.
    ”
    “
    It
    sok.Hewi
    llbef
    ine.
    ”
    Fi
    ficl
    osedhereyesl
    ist
    eni
    ngtohergrandmother
    pr
    aying.Shef
    ini
    shedofft
    heprayerandsi
    ghed.
    “Final
    lyagrandchil
    d.Itoldyoudidn’
    tI?Ican’
    twai
    t
    foryoutogof orbotsetsi
    .Ihopeyoudon’tgo
    aroundtel
    li
    ngever yone.Pregnanci
    esareasacred
    thi
    ngs.”
    Fif
    ilaughed.“
    Idi
    dn’
    tal
    ot.Onl
    yRi
    ckyandLol
    o.I
    tr
    ustthem.”
    “Keepitli
    ket
    hat
    .Notever
    yonehast
    oknowyour
    business.
    ”
    “
    Eemma.
    ”
    Fi
    fir
    elaxedl
    ist
    eni
    ngt
    ohergr
    andmot
    hert
    alknon
    st
    op.

    *
    **

    Laterthatmor ning,
    Lor atofi
    nisheddoi
    ngher
    makeuphi dingherswol l
    eneyesbehindhermakeup.
    Shepickedherspect aclesthatshehadn’
    twor ni
    n
    yearsandputt hem on.Shet ookadeepbr eat
    hand
    pickedherhandbagandherl aptopbagthenwalked
    out.Nowwi thherpromot ionsheneededanewcar .
    Sheber ever sedoutandwavedashernei ghbor
    waveddr ivingoutofhi syard.
    Hel i
    kedher,t
    hatsheknewbuthej ustwasn’ther
    type.Shejoi
    nedt her
    oaddr i
    vingthensloweddown
    atat r
    aff
    icli
    ght.Thedri
    verbesidesherroll
    eddown
    hiswindowst ar
    ingather.
    “
    Hi.
    .“
    Lorat
    olookedoverathi
    m andsmi
    ledpol
    it
    elyand
    droveoffcal
    li
    ngFif
    i.
    Herphoner
    angt
    wicet
    henshepi
    cked.
    “
    Hel
    lo?
    ”
    “
    Hi,
    canwegooutf
    orl
    uncht
    oday?Onme…”
    “
    Ican’
    t.Mybossneedsmeal
    lthet
    ime.
    ’
    “Uhu,wheredoyouworkagai
    n?MaybeIcanchar
    m
    himintorel
    easi
    ngyou.
    ”
    “
    Ahno.Andheisgoingforat
    ri
    pl at
    ert
    oday.Ineed
    t
    omakesureever
    ythingi
    sinorder.
    ”
    “Ok.Thenmaybedi nner.Ineedt
    ot el
    lyouallthe
    gossipfr
    om wor k.
    ”Shelaughed.“KanaIdon’thave
    anyonetot ell.Maybewecanevengoandwat cha
    movietoget herordoamovi edateathome.Iwi l
    ldo
    yourpedicur eandmassageyourf eet.Andmaybe
    doyourhai r.Wecaneatathome.Idon’ twantto
    spendtheFr i
    dayalone.
    ”
    “
    Idon’
    tknowi
    fObakenghaspl
    ans.I
    fhedoest
    hen-
    “
    “Please.Ijustwantmysi sterback.YouknowIhave
    noonebutyou.Pl ease…Imissus.Ijustwantus
    back.Igotpr omot edatwork…Ididn’ttel
    lanyone.
    Nott hatIdidn’twanttotel
    lanyone…j ustt
    hatyou
    wer ethefi
    r stpersonIwantedtotellwhenit
    happenedbecauseyouar etheonlyone.Ifeelso
    alone.”
    “
    Wecanwat
    chamovi
    e…”
    Lor
    atosmi
    led.“
    Ok.Shoul
    dIpi
    ckyouup?
    ”
    “
    Ngng,
    Iwi
    llcomet
    her
    e.”
    “
    Ok.Iwi
    llseeyou.
    ”
    Fif
    idroppedt hecall.Loratot houghtful
    lywenton
    Facebookandsear chedf orsomeone.Shesmi led
    fi
    ndinghim, shescr ol
    ledt hroughhi sti
    mel i
    ne
    noti
    cingapict urewithhi m andhi sson.Shesmi l
    ed
    sendinghim af ri
    endr equesti ncreasedthevol ume
    onther adi
    osi ngingalongasexci tementof
    watchingthatt womi nuteshappi nesscr ushing.
    TherewasnowayFi f
    icoul dbui l
    dherhappi nesson
    topofhertear s.Shewasnotevensor r
    yf orthehur t
    sheputhert hrough.Al lshehadt obewassmar t
    er.
    Knowi
    ngFi
    fiandhergoodhear
    t,i
    twasgoi
    ngt
    o
    makei
    tal
    leasy.
    Shemovedherbodyf
    rom si
    det
    osi
    ngi
    ng.
    “
    Wegonnal
    eti
    tbur
    nbur
    nbur
    n..“
    .
    .
    .
    [
    04/
    23,
    05:
    43]'
    :
    Si
    nsUnf
    orgi
    ven
    #31

    “Babe,
    it’
    sbeentwent
    ymi
    nut
    es.Ineedt
    ogot
    owor
    k.
    Ihaveameeting.
    ”
    Fi
    fini
    celyst
    yledherhai
    rthenpi
    ckedasmal
    lbr
    ush
    l
    ayingdownherbabyhairs.
    “
    Iam done.
    ”
    “
    Youhavebeendonef
    orhour
    snow.
    ”
    Shef
    ini
    shedupt
    henst
    oodupsmi
    li
    ng.“
    Iam done.
    ”
    Helookedathert
    hensmi
    ledback.“
    Youl
    ookni
    ce.
    Let
    ’sgo.”
    Shewal kedoutt
    henhel ockedbehi
    ndherasher
    housemat egotdroppedoff.Shesmil
    edatFi
    fi
    carr
    yingherchil
    d.
    “
    Hi.
    .”
    Fi
    fismi
    led.“
    Hi.Seeyou.
    ”
    “
    Shar
    p.”
    Obakenggoti
    nthecarwit
    hherthenrever
    sedand
    ski
    ddedoffl
    ooki
    ngattheti
    me.Infi
    ft
    eenmi nut
    eshe
    par
    kedathisworkpl
    aceparki
    ngspacebeand
    ki
    ssedher.
    “Iwi
    llhaveyourl
    unchdeli
    vered.Iam busytoday.
    Youcanhavet hecar
    ,Iwon’tbeabletopickyouup.
    Ihaveadinnermeeti
    ng.Iwillmeetyouathome. ”
    “
    Lol
    owant
    sust
    owat
    chamovi
    etoni
    ght
    .”
    Het ookadeepbr eath.“
    Iam notcomfor
    tablewith
    yoursist
    erbutthenIshouldhavebeenbet t
    er,Iam
    thereasonforwhat ’
    sgoingonnow.Iam sorryyour
    sist
    erhoodi
    snowawkwar dbutIam not
    comf
    ort
    abl
    ewi
    tht
    hesetup.
    ”
    “Iknowbut..it
    ’sLorat
    o.Whathappenedjust
    showedar aresideofher.She’
    sactual
    lytheni
    cest
    personbutlennaIam thatcomfort
    ablewithi
    tsoif
    i
    tpr ovest
    onotbegoi ngaccordi
    ngtoplan,Iwil
    lgo
    home. ”
    “
    Orcal
    lme.Iwi
    llmaket
    imei
    fit
    ’sanemer
    gency.
    ”
    “Ok.”Hekissedherandsteppedoutofthecar
    .Fif
    i
    j
    umpedovert ot
    hedriver
    ’sseatandrever
    sedthen
    droveoff
    .
    Obakengwalkedtohi
    soffi
    cewherehisPAhad
    al
    readysetupforhi
    svir
    tualmeet
    ing.
    “
    Goodmor
    ning.
    .”
    Hesatdownandl
    ookedatherasshehandedhi
    m
    hi
    scoff
    ee.
    “GetFifi
    ’
    slunchdr oppedoffatlunchhour.Exactl
    y
    atlunchhour.Nothingwithchicken.Shehatesit
    andwon’ teati
    t.Makesuresheget si
    twhilei
    t’
    sstil
    l
    hot.Coldfoodgivesherheartburn.Shementioned
    somet hi
    ngaboutget t
    inghernailsdone,t
    heyarenot
    donesopleasebookherataspaorsomet hi
    ngf or
    hernai
    ls,
    hertoesandalsoamassage.Mor ekela
    el
    evoucherbutsheshouldgotoday.Maybeafter
    work.
    ”
    “
    Shoul
    dIar
    ranget
    ranspor
    tforher
    ?”
    “Shehasthecar.Shewi l
    ldr
    ive.Iwanthertolook
    nicesogetheratthebestplace.Alsosendher
    l
    unchwithflowerstoday.I
    t’
    sherf l
    owerday.Maybe
    withachocolat
    e.”
    “
    Boss,gobat
    amoneyf
    lower
    s.Youputmoneyi
    nto
    t
    hefl
    owers.
    ”
    “
    Ok.Doi
    t.
    ”
    “
    Howshoul
    dIput
    ?”
    “MotsenyetseP2k.Sheneverasksf
    oranyt
    hing.
    Shedeservesit
    .”
    ThePAsmi
    ledexci
    tedl
    y.“
    Ok.
    ”
    “
    Didyout
    alkt
    oRay?
    ”
    “
    Yes,hewil
    lcomebyat1,
    hesayshei
    scoming
    wit
    hhisl
    awyersot
    hatheknowswhat
    ’sgoi
    ngon.
    ”
    “
    Ok,
    cool
    .”
    Shewalkedaf
    terupdat
    inghi
    m onever
    ythi
    ng.
    Obakeng’
    sphonerangaswaitedt
    oconnectt
    othe
    meeti
    ng.Hepickedwit
    hasigh.
    “
    Whatdoyouwant
    ?”
    Ther
    ewasasof
    tlaughatt
    heendoft
    hel
    ine.“
    Aoo
    rr
    a?”
    “
    Obat
    angNei
    so?
    ”
    “
    Iam j
    ustchecki
    nguponyou.Whydoyouhat
    e
    me?
    ”
    Hesi
    ghed.“
    Stop.
    ”
    Neisogiggled.“
    Ok.Ical
    ledt
    osayhappybirt
    hday.
    It
    ’stomorrowbutIwantedtosayitbef
    oreever
    yone
    el
    se.Ihopeyouenj oyyourday.
    ”
    “
    Thanks.Bye.
    ”
    “Wait
    .Ihavebeent
    hinki
    ngaboutus…howthings
    ended.I
    …Iwanttocomeback.Iwanttof
    ixthings“
    “
    Idon’ttr
    ustanyt
    hingt
    hatcomesoutofyour
    mouth.”
    “
    Iam ser
    ious.
    ”
    “
    Yout
    hinkever
    ythi
    ngi
    saj
    okeNei
    so.
    ”
    “Idon’t
    .Youhavetheri
    ghttobeangr ybabe.Idon’
    t
    blameyou.Ijust…Il
    oveyou.That’
    sneverchanged.
    Iwasgoi ngtocomebackthatti
    mebutIgot
    i
    nf l
    uenced.Thi
    stimeIam ser
    ious.Iwantusback.I
    l
    oveyou.Iknowyoul ovemet oo.Iknowyoudon’ t
    beli
    evemebut -“
    “Therei
    ssomeoneel
    se.Shei
    scar
    ryi
    ngmyf
    ir
    st
    born.Il
    oveher
    .”
    “Ihear
    dbutitdoesn’tmat
    ter
    .What’
    shappenedhad
    happened.Idon’
    tblameyoufori
    t.Iam happyyou
    aregoingtobeadad.Iknowyouar egoingtobe
    onehellofasexydad.Youhavealwayshadi ti
    n
    youdaddy..”
    Hesmi
    led.“
    Thanks.
    ”
    “ButIal
    soloveyou.AndIwantyouback.AndIam
    comingback,Iam takingyouback.Youar
    emyman.
    MaybeIwillgi
    veyouasecondbor n.I
    t’
    sal
    ways
    beenyouBax…f r
    om t hefir
    stdaywemetatvarsi
    ty.
    Youhadmyhear tthen, youst
    il
    ldoandIam coming
    backbecauseit
    ’syou.I
    t’
    salwaysbeenyou.I
    messedupi nt
    hepast.Ihavemademi stakes.I
    havehurtyousomuch.Iwantt omakeitright.I
    wanttobeyours…full
    yyours.Iwi
    lldoanything.
    ”
    Obakengclosedhi
    seyesli
    steni
    ngtothewordshe
    al
    wayslongedtohearhersay.Heputhishandover
    chestf
    eel
    inghishear
    tpound.
    “I
    tsnotgoingtowork.Iam notgoingtohurther.
    She’
    st hemotherofmychild.She’snice.Ki
    nd.
    She’
    s…out going.Fr
    eespiri
    ted.She’sspeci
    aland
    shelovesme.Iam notgoingt ohurther.
    ”
    “
    Didyout
    ellheraboutme?
    ”
    “
    Youar
    ejustanex.
    ”
    “Wellt
    ellhernott ohavesomuchhopebecauseI
    am comi ng.What ’
    syoursismi ne,Iwil
    lmot hert
    hat
    chi
    ldandl ovehim.Idon’ tmind..Icausedallthi
    sto
    happen.Iwi l
    ltakeresponsibil
    it
    ybutyou…youar e
    mineBax.Ihandedmyr esignati
    onlett
    er.Iam
    cominghome.Il oveyou.”
    “
    Ihavet
    ogo.
    ”
    “
    Isai
    dIl
    oveyoubabe…”
    Hebi
    thi
    slowerl
    ip.“
    Ilovemygi
    rl
    fr
    iend.
    ”
    “
    Iloveyoumor
    e.”
    Helaughedandhungupput
    ti
    nghi
    shandi
    nhi
    s
    head.

    *
    **

    Lat
    erthatday,Fi
    fif
    ini
    shedpacki
    nghernodded
    l
    aptopinthelapt
    opbag.
    “
    ThankyouFi
    fi
    ..
    byt
    heway,
    wecanst
    il
    lgo
    t
    oget
    her.
    ”
    Shesmil
    ed.“Ican’
    t.Ial
    readyhavecommit
    ment
    s
    butmaybenextti
    me.Haveasaf ejour
    ney.
    ”
    Henoddedt henwal
    kedtaki
    nghisbag.Fi
    fismil
    ed
    watchi
    nghim walkt
    ohiscaranddri
    veoff.She
    walkedtoherworkst
    ati
    onpickedt
    hecompany
    phone.
    “
    Mr.Ndl
    ovu’
    sof
    fi
    ce,
    howmayIhel
    pyou?
    ”
    “HiFif
    i.Ker
    ecept
    ion.Ther
    eissomet
    hingher
    efi
    t
    you.”
    “
    Iam comi
    ng.
    ”
    Fi
    figotupandwalkeddownst
    airst
    ot herecept
    ion
    whereadeli
    veryguywaswait
    ingholdingher
    fl
    owers.Shepausedst
    ari
    ngatthemoney.
    “
    Hi.
    .”
    “
    AreyouMr s.Moj
    alef
    a?Adel
    iver
    yfr
    om Mr
    .
    Moj
    alef
    a.”
    Fi
    fibl
    ushedtaki
    ngthefl
    owers.Shel
    ookedatt
    he
    moneyandlaughed.“
    Isthi
    srealmoney?
    ”
    “
    Eemma.
    ”
    Shesmi l
    edemotional
    .Hewasthefi
    rstmanwho
    hadstayedthi
    slongandhedidever
    ythi
    ngright
    .
    Shelookeduptryi
    ngtokeept
    earsawayholdingher
    fl
    owers.
    “
    Thankyou…”
    “
    Alsoyourl
    unch.
    ”
    Hehandedt
    hef
    ood.Fi
    fit
    urnedandwal
    kedbackt
    o
    herworkst
    ati
    onsni
    ff
    ing.Sheputever
    ythi
    ngonher
    tabl
    eandcall
    edhi
    m.
    “
    Babe.
    ..
    ”
    “Il
    oveyou.Il
    oveever
    ythi
    ngyoudoforme.Ihave
    neverbeentr
    eat
    edli
    kethi
    s.Youmakelovi
    ngyouso
    easy.Il
    oveyousomuchObakeng…”
    “
    Iloveyout
    oo.Eat
    .Iam i
    nameet
    ing.
    ”
    Shegiggl
    ed.“
    Iwi
    llseeyout
    oni
    ghtandt
    hankyour
    proper
    ly.
    ”
    Hel
    aughed.“
    Bye.Il
    oveyou.
    ”
    “
    Iloveyout
    oo.Il
    oveyousomuch…”
    Hehungup.Shet
    ookoutherl
    unchtoget
    herwi
    th
    t
    hebeaut
    yspavouchert
    hathehadboughther
    .

    *
    **

    Thatsameday,Loratofi
    nishedoffset
    ti
    ngupf ort
    he
    dinnerdat
    e.Shef
    inishedcookingthenchangedas
    ti
    memoved.
    Anhourpassed.Someonehootedatt
    hegate,
    shee
    wal
    kedoutopeningthegat
    ethenwatchedasFif
    i
    dr
    oveinwit
    ht heJeep.
    .
    .
    .
    [
    04/
    23,
    05:
    43]'
    :
    Si
    nsUnf
    orgi
    ven
    #32

    Fi
    fisteppedoutoft
    hecarinablacksui
    thol
    dingher
    bott
    leofwaterandphone.Lor
    atosmil
    ed.
    “
    Hey…”
    Fi
    fil
    ockedt
    hecarwal
    kingover
    .“Hi
    .”
    Lor
    atol
    aughed.“
    Sohenowl
    et’
    syoudr
    ive?
    ”
    “
    Onl
    ytoday.
    ”
    “Iseethi
    ngshavechanged.Whoknewget
    ti
    ng
    pregnantwoul
    ddosuch?Ineedtofindmyown
    per
    sonandgetpr
    egnant
    .”
    Fi
    fil
    ookedather
    .“Whatar
    ewewat
    chi
    ng?
    ”
    Lor
    atosmiledl
    eadingheri
    nthehouse.Fi
    fil
    ooked
    att
    hesetupont hefl
    oorwit
    hcushi
    onsont herug
    andsnacks.
    “Wecanchoosef
    rom t
    het
    woIchose.Si
    t.Iam
    comi
    ng.”
    Loratowalkedt
    oherbedr
    oom asFi f
    isl
    owlysat
    down.Loratocamebackminuteslat
    ersmelli
    ng
    dif
    ferent
    .Shesatdownnextt
    oFi f
    iandreachedfor
    theremote.
    “
    Ok,
    wecanwat
    chei
    thert
    hoset
    wo.
    ”
    Fi
    finoddedsneezi
    ng.Sher
    ubbedhernose.Lor
    ato
    smil
    ed.
    “
    Areyouok?
    ”
    “
    Yes.Yourper
    fume.
    ”
    “
    ShouldIchangeagain?IchangedbecauseIhad
    f
    orgot
    tenthatt
    heper f
    umeIhadwast heonewhich
    madeyouvomi tyest
    erday.
    ”
    “
    It
    sok.Iwi
    llbef
    ine.
    ”
    Sheplayedoneoft
    hemovi
    esasFi
    fi
    ’sphone
    vi
    brat
    edr i
    ngi
    ng.
    “
    Hi…”
    “
    Hey,
    areyout
    her
    enow?
    ”
    “
    Yes.
    ”
    “
    Ok.Il
    oveyou.
    ”
    Fi
    fismi
    ledl
    ooki
    ngaway.“
    Met
    oo.
    ”
    “
    Idon’
    tli
    ket
    hat
    .”
    “
    Iloveyout
    oo.
    ”
    “
    Iwi
    llcal
    lyouwhenIam goi
    nghome.
    ”
    “
    Ok.Bye.
    ”
    Shedroppedthecallandputherphonebacki
    nthe
    pocketwatchi
    ngthemovie.
    “Ipr
    eparedussomesnacks.Andj
    uice.
    .shoul
    dI
    pourforyou?
    ”
    Fi
    fiopenedherwat
    erandt
    ookasi
    p.“
    Iam st
    il
    lfi
    ne.
    Thanks.
    ”
    “
    SoyouandObakengneverbr
    okeup?
    ”
    “Lol
    ocanwenotdiscusst
    hesamer
    easonwhywe
    areawkwar
    dtoday?”
    “Iam sor
    ry.I
    t’
    sjustcur
    iosi
    ty.Youshoul
    dknowIam
    happyforyou.”
    “
    Iam happyyouarehappyformebutIdon’
    twant
    t
    oseem li
    keIam r
    ubbinganythi
    ngonyourf
    ace.
    ”
    Loratosmiled.“Youarenot.I
    fyouwer eIwould
    havelongbeenupsetaboutyoucomi ngwithhiscar
    tojustshowt hatyouwont heman.Iam not.Iam
    actuall
    yhappyf oryou.Norelat
    ionshi
    pofyourshas
    l
    astedt hi
    slong.Congratul
    ati
    ons.”
    “
    Thanks.Howi
    swor
    k?”
    Lorat
    oleanedbacksmili
    ngtell
    ingheral
    labouther
    promoti
    onandhowi thappened.
    “Banyanaalmostdi
    edIam t
    ell
    ingyou.Shedi
    dn’
    t
    expectit
    .Iknowshewentandspoketomyboss
    aboutitbutfai
    l
    ed.
    ”
    Fi
    fismi
    ledhappi
    ly.“
    Iam dohappyf
    oryou.
    ”
    “
    Thanks.Icanf
    ini
    shof
    fbui
    ldi
    ngmyhousebutIam
    thi
    nki
    ngofbuyi
    ngacar
    .AbigcarthatshowsIam
    nowaboss.Maybeawhit
    eRubicon.
    ”
    Fi
    fihuggedhersist
    erbutmovedbackasawaveof
    di
    zzinesscaughtupwit
    hher.Shesneezed,
    tear
    s
    fi
    ll
    inghereyes.
    “
    Fif
    iar
    eyouok?
    ”
    Shesneezedagai
    nandst ar
    tedcoughi
    ng.Lor
    ato
    qui
    ckl
    ypouredherjui
    ceadshest r
    uggledt
    oopen
    herwat
    erfeel
    ingasifshewaschoking.
    “
    Take…”
    Themor eLor atogotcloserthemoret hesmell
    overwhelmedherdomuchi twasasi fshewas
    beingsuffocated.Herheadspun, shet r
    iedtomove
    backfinal
    lywi nni
    ngwi thherbot
    tl
    et hengulped
    downherwat erpushingLoratoback.Shesl owl
    y
    gotupsneezi ngagainandt ookoutherphone
    staggeri
    ng,hervisionslowlyget
    ti
    ngbl urry.
    Lor
    atol
    ookedather
    .“Fi
    fi
    …ar
    eyouok?
    ”
    Shepr
    essedherphonecal
    li
    ngObakeng.
    “
    Babe…”
    “
    Iam notf
    eel
    ingt
    oowel
    l.
    ”
    Lor
    atot
    ouchedher
    .“I
    tsok.Shoul
    dIchange?
    ”
    Fif
    inoddedholdingt
    hephone,hervi
    siongoteven
    moreblurr
    y.Sheclosedhereyesunabletobreathe
    i
    n,shegaspedf orbr
    eathwhil
    eLorat
    ot r
    iedgetti
    ng
    hertosi
    tdown.
    Fif
    istagger
    eddr
    oppi
    ngthephone.Lorat
    ohel
    ped
    hersi
    tandhuggedherpul
    li
    ngherheadovertoher
    chest
    .Fifit
    ri
    edt
    opushheroffbutLor
    atohel
    dher
    ti
    ghtl
    y.
    “
    It
    ’sokFi
    fi
    .It
    ’sok.
    ”
    Fif
    ist r
    uggledtobreathegett
    ingevenweaker.
    LoratosighedherFifi
    ’
    sbodygavei n.Shelai
    dher
    unconsciousbodydownandpi ckedFif
    i’
    sphone
    seeingObakengwasst i
    llont
    heline.
    “
    Hel
    lo?
    ”
    “
    OkaeFi
    fi
    ?”
    “
    Her
    e.Shewentt
    othebat
    hroom.
    ”
    “
    Ifanyt
    hinghappenst
    oherIam goi
    ngt
    oki
    llyou.
    ”
    Lor
    atosi
    ghed.“
    Whywoul
    dIdoanyt
    hingt
    omy
    si
    ster
    ?”
    “Iam onmyway.Ibet t
    erfi
    ndheri nonepeace
    Lorat
    obecauseIpromiseyouIam goi ngtokil
    lyou
    i
    fanythinghappenstoher.Iam notjoki
    ng.You
    keeptesti
    ngme.Gi veLegaufiherphone.”
    “
    Shei
    sst
    il
    lint
    hebat
    hroom.Cal
    laf
    terf
    ivemi
    nut
    es.
    ”
    Lor atohungupt hentookFi f
    i’
    sfingerandunl ocked
    herphone.Sheopenedhermessageswi thObakeng
    andr eadthr
    oughr ol
    li
    nghereyes.SheopenedFi fi
    ’
    s
    What sapp,t
    her
    ewasnot hingreall
    yinterest
    ing.She
    openedt hemessagesbet weenFi f
    iandherboss.
    Fifilookedathisprofi
    lepictur
    eimmedi atel
    y
    recogni zi
    nghim.Shel aughed.
    “
    Whatawow…”
    Shecopiedhi
    snumbertoherphoneandopened
    Fi
    fi
    ’schatwit
    hRicky.
    ‘
    Fif
    i’
    :Ri
    cky,
    doyousti
    llr
    emembert
    hatt
    imeIsl
    ept
    wit
    hthr
    eemenforJohnnyWal
    ker?
    Ri
    ckycameonl
    inet
    henopenedt
    hemessage.
    Ricky: heel
    a,don’
    tremi
    ndme.Wehave
    changed,
    wearenewpeople
    ‘
    Fif
    i’
    : Ij
    ustr
    emember
    ed,
    ifanyonef
    indsout
    i
    joo
    Ri
    cky:Waai
    ,howwi
    llt
    heyknow?Noonewi
    llknow.
    ‘
    Fif
    i’
    :Doyoust
    il
    lhavet
    hevi
    deo?
    ”
    Ri
    cky:It
    hinki
    t’
    slongbeendel
    eted,
    whydoyou
    wanti
    t?
    ‘
    Fif
    i’
    :Ij
    ustwant
    edt
    owat
    ch,
    Iusedt
    obecr
    azy
    Ricky:It
    hinkIhaveiti
    nthel
    apt
    opi
    nt hedustbi
    n.
    Thatvideoisnotmeantfort
    hewor
    ld.Ishoul
    d
    delet
    eitcompletel
    y.
    ‘
    Fif
    i’
    :Del
    etebutsendmef
    ir
    stkebone
    Ri
    ckywentof
    fl
    ine.Mi
    nut
    esl
    aterhesentt
    hevi
    deo.
    Ri
    cky:Wat
    chanddel
    ete.Ihavedel
    etedi
    ther
    e.
    ‘
    Fif
    i’
    :Ok.
    Lor
    atodownl
    oadedthevideo.Sheplayeditand
    smil
    edsendi
    ngitt
    oherselfthendel
    etedthe
    messagesandthevideofrom herphone.Sheputi
    t
    downthenwalkedtoherbedroom andchangedand
    camebackholdingaglassofcoldwater.
    Shepour
    edthewateronFifi
    ’sf
    ace.Fi
    figasped
    waki
    ngup.Lorat
    osmi l
    ed.“
    Hi…Obakengiscomi ng.
    Letmeopenthewindows.”
    Lorat
    oqui
    cklyopenedal
    lwi
    ndowsandswi
    tchedon
    theAC.Fi
    fil
    ookedather
    .
    “
    Ithi
    nkIshoul
    dgo.
    ”
    “
    Iam sor
    ry.
    ”
    “
    It
    sok.Theper
    fumeisstr
    ong…t
    oost
    rongf
    orme.
    Wewil
    ltr
    yagai
    nnextti
    me.”
    “
    Shoul
    dn’
    tyouwai
    tforObakeng.
    ”
    Fi
    fipi
    ckedherr
    ingi
    ngphonewal
    kingoutst
    il
    lfeel
    ing
    di
    zzy.
    “
    Hi…”
    “
    What
    ’sgoi
    ngont
    her
    e?”
    “
    Nothing.Justherper
    fume.I
    twasnott
    aki
    ngme
    wel
    l.Iam goinghome.”
    Shegoti
    nthecarbl
    inki
    ng.
    “
    Canyoudr
    ive?
    ”
    “
    Yes.
    “
    “
    Ok.Iwi
    llmeetyouathome.
    ”
    “
    DidIi
    nter
    ruptyourmeet
    ing?
    ”
    “
    No.Themai
    npoi
    ntwasdi
    scussed.
    ”
    “
    Ok.
    ”
    Shestart
    edthecarandrever
    sedoutrubbingher
    eyes.Sheputherphonedownjoi
    ningtheroad
    dri
    vinghome.Shesneezedrubbi
    ngheritchytear
    y
    eyes.
    Sheleanedbackunabletoseeanddr
    ovesl
    owly.
    ShedroveinthroughObakeng’
    sandgat
    eand
    par
    kedt hecar.
    Shegotoffthecarandwalkedtot
    hedoorholdi
    ng
    thehousekeys.Sheunl
    ockedthedoorwal
    kingin.
    Shewal
    kedt
    othebat
    hroom t
    aki
    ngof
    fhercl
    othes.
    Mi
    nut
    esl
    aterObakengwal
    kedi
    nsi
    det
    hehouse.
    “
    Babe!
    ”
    Hewalkedtot
    hebedroom andlookedathercl
    othes
    onthefl
    oor
    .Heopenedthebathroom doorand
    l
    ookedatheri
    nbatht
    ub.Sheturnedtohim and
    smil
    ed.
    “
    Hi…”
    Hesi
    ghed.“
    Whathappened?
    ”
    “
    Theper
    fume.
    ”
    “
    Don’
    tyout
    hinkweshoul
    dgot
    othehospi
    talbaby?
    ”
    “
    Forwhat
    ?”
    “Tojusthaveyouchecked.It
    ’sever
    yone’
    sperf
    ume
    thatyoudon’tl
    ike.
    ”Hetouchedherstomach
    smili
    ng.“Pl
    ease…”
    “
    Iam t
    ir
    ed…gapeIam not
    .”
    Hekissedhersqueezi
    ngherbr
    east
    .“Howdoyou
    know?”
    “
    Ihadmyper
    iod.
    ”
    “
    Youar
    elyi
    ng.
    ”
    Fi
    fil
    aughed.“
    Idi
    d.”
    “
    Canwej
    ustconf
    ir
    m?MaybeIam shoot
    ingbl
    anks.
    ”
    Hehelpedherbat
    hthencar
    riedherout
    .Hisphone
    r
    ang,hetookoutofhi
    spocketthenpi
    cked.
    “
    Hi,
    Iam busy.
    ”
    “
    Busywi t
    hwhat?IjustwantedtosayIam flyi
    ngout
    t
    onight
    .Iwil
    lbethereinthemorni
    ng.Ifigur
    ed
    maybeIcandosomet hingspeci
    alforyou.Iwil
    lbe
    t
    hereinthemorni
    ng.”
    Fifil
    ookedathim ashespokeonthephone.She
    touchedhischest,hel
    ookedathert
    henkissedher
    .
    “
    Bye.
    ”
    Hehungupandki
    ssedherevenmor
    etouchi
    ngher
    body.
    .
    .
    .
    [
    04/
    23,
    05:
    43]'
    :
    Si
    nsUnf
    orgi
    ven
    #33

    Thefollowi
    ngmor ni
    ng,
    Fifiwokeupearl
    ierthan
    usualthengotoffbedt
    akingherphonewith.She
    walkedoutputt
    inginanightgownthencall
    edLori.
    “
    HeyFi
    fi
    …”
    “
    Hi,
    Ijustwokeup.Whatt
    imear
    ewegoi
    ngagai
    n?”
    “
    MeandKabowil
    lleaveat7.Nono,
    Bax’
    ssi
    steral
    so
    want
    stocomewi
    th.Youhavemetherri
    ght
    ?”
    “No.WhenIwassupposedt
    o,shehadchangeof
    plansandhadt
    ogosomewheresoIdidn’
    t.
    ”
    “Ok.Butshewant stocomet ogetherwi t
    hBax’s
    cousin…mor el
    ikebrother
    .Theirfathersofare
    sibl
    ings.Banyanai scomingtoo.Shei si
    nsi
    sti
    ng.”
    Hesi ghed.“Soit’
    sKaboandt hegir
    lhemetl ast
    week, myselfandt hedevi
    l’
    sdaught er.NonoandMJ.
    Andyout wo,wear e8.”
    “
    Ok.Iwant
    edt
    otakehi
    mtogetahai
    rcut
    .”
    “
    It
    sok.Youcancomeaf
    tert
    hat
    .”
    “
    Ok.Bye.
    ”
    “
    Shar
    p.”
    Hehungup.Fifitouchedherst omacht hi
    nking
    aboutt
    heinci
    dentt hepreviousnight.Shejust
    coul
    dn’
    tunderstandwhathadhappened.No
    perf
    umehadeverbeent hatstrongbeforeormaybe
    i
    twasthepregnancymaki ngitallworse.
    Shewal kedtotheki
    tchenwher eshest art
    edbaking
    hercupcake.Shelookedatt heti
    meandwor ked
    evenfaster.Awhil
    elatershedecor atedherl
    it
    tl
    e
    cupcake,putacandleinsideandlititup.
    Shewalkedtothebedroom whereshet
    ookoutt
    he
    l
    it
    tl
    ewhiteenvelopef
    rom herhandbagandst
    art
    ed
    si
    nging.
    “Happybir
    thdaytoyou….Happybi
    rt
    hdayt
    oyou.
    .
    happybir
    thdaytoyouuuu!
    ”
    Obakengwokeasshesangholdi
    ngthecupcake.
    Shesangevenmoresmil
    inggett
    ingcl
    osert
    ohim.
    “
    Blowt
    hecandl
    ebaby.Youwi
    llmakeawi
    shaf
    ter
    t
    hat
    .It
    ’sf
    ini
    shi
    ngf
    ast
    .”
    Hel
    aughedandbl
    ewi
    tout
    .Fi
    fil
    aughed.
    “
    Happybi
    rt
    hday.
    ”
    Hesmi
    led.“
    Thankyou.Wher
    edi
    dyougett
    his?
    ”
    “
    Imadei
    t.Tast
    eit
    .”
    Hesatupr
    ightandt
    ookabi
    te.“
    It
    sreal
    lyni
    ce.
    ”
    “
    Thanks.
    ”
    Hemadehereatt
    oo.Shel
    ickedherl
    ipssmi
    li
    ng.
    “
    Igotyout
    his…”
    Shehandedhi mtheenvel
    ope.Heopenedi tand
    l
    ookedinside.Hetookoutthepapersf
    rom the
    hospi
    talandquickl
    yreadthrough.Hepaused
    hal
    fwayandl ookedather
    .
    “
    Wear
    egoi
    ngt
    ohaveababy?
    ”
    Shenoddedsmi
    li
    ng.
    Heputthepaperdown.“
    Wear
    ereal
    lygoi
    ngt
    ogave
    ababy?
    ”
    Fi
    figotupandl
    if
    tedhert
    opt
    urni
    ngsohecoul
    dsee
    hersi
    de.
    “
    Doyouseet
    hat
    ?”
    Hegotof
    fbedandhuggedhert
    ight
    ly.“
    Yes!
    !”
    Hepi
    ckedherupandt
    wirl
    edwi
    thher
    .Fi
    fil
    aughed.
    Heputherdowni
    nshock.
    “Thankyou…Iam goingtobeaf at
    her.Isuspect
    ed
    i
    tbutthemor eyoubrushedmeof ft
    hemor eIlost
    hope.Iam cal
    li
    ngmyuncl e.Doesyour
    grandmotherknow?”
    “Ng.It
    oldheryest
    erday,
    butIdon’
    tthi
    nkshet
    old
    anyone.
    ”
    “Iam get
    ti
    ngmyuncl esreadybaby.Don’
    twor
    ry
    aboutanythi
    ng.Igotyou.
    ”
    Shelookedi
    nhi
    seyesandsmi
    ledt
    ear
    ful
    ly.“
    Thank
    you.
    ”
    “
    Whatf
    or?BabeIam t
    hankf
    ulone!
    ”
    “No.Thankyou.Forbeingthemanyouare.Youare
    perf
    ect.Ever
    ythi
    ngisjustgoi
    ngsowell
    …Iwanti tt
    o
    remainli
    kethi
    s..Iwantitt
    oalwaysbel
    ikethi
    s.”
    “
    Itwil
    lal
    waysbel
    iket
    his.Ipr
    omi
    se.Ican’
    tbel
    ieve
    t
    his…”
    Shel
    aughed.“
    Ithi
    nki
    t’
    saboy.
    ”
    “
    Iti
    s.I
    t’
    smyboy.
    ”
    Hesli
    ghtlymoved.Fi
    fismil
    edt
    henqui
    cklytookhis
    handandputitonherstomachsohecouldfeelt
    he
    l
    it
    tl
    evibrati
    onst
    hatwenton.Hemovedslight
    ly,
    Obakenggasped.
    “If
    eltthat.That
    ’smyboy!Act
    iver
    ightf
    rom t
    he
    beginning.”
    Fi
    fil
    aughed.“
    Hel
    ikesmovi
    ng.
    ”
    “
    It
    ’si
    nourbl
    ood.
    ”
    Hekissedherpi
    ckingherupandlai
    dheront hebed.
    Hetookofftheni
    ghtgownandtouchedherbell
    y.He
    ki
    ssedit,
    shesmiledthenhegotontopofher
    ki
    ssi
    ngherpushingherlegsopenthem hesankint
    o
    herwarmthandmadel ovetoher
    .

    *
    **
    Loriputt
    hebagsi nthecart
    henwalkedbackinthe
    housewher eBanyanawashuggingherdaughter
    ’s.
    Amol ookedathim andsmil
    edrunni
    ngover.She
    huggedhim buther emai
    nedst
    il
    lnothol
    dingher
    l
    ikehewoul dusuall
    y.
    “
    Byedaddy.
    ”
    “
    Bye.
    ”
    Hepushedherawayandwentt othebedroom
    wherebrushedhishai
    rlooki
    ngathi
    mselfonthe
    mir
    rorthenwalkedout
    .
    Banyanaf
    oll
    owedaf
    terhi
    m.
    “
    Canyoust
    opt
    reat
    ingt
    heki
    dsl
    iket
    hat
    ?”
    “
    Likewhat?Liketheyarenotmi
    ne?Theyarenot
    mine!Theyhaveneverbeenmine.Taket
    hem t
    o
    t
    heirfat
    hersotheycangethisl
    ovebecauset
    rust
    me,it
    ’snothappeningher
    e.”
    Shel
    ookedathi
    mt henangri
    lygoti
    nthecarandhe
    st
    art
    edtheengi
    ne.Herever
    sedoutanddroveoff
    .
    “
    Whenwegett
    her
    e,f
    oronceonyourl
    if
    e,behave.
    Thispar t
    yi snotforyou,youdidnotcont r
    ibut
    e
    anythingtoi t
    .It
    ’sBax’spart
    y.He’scomi ngwithhi
    s
    gir
    lfr
    iend,Legauf i
    .Youaregoingtor espect
    everyonet hereorelseIsweartoGod, ketsil
    egogo
    bolaa.Don’ tt
    alkunlessyouaretalkedto.Nooneis
    goingt otalktoyoueitherwaysonot hingis
    expectedt ocomeoutf r
    om yourmout h.”
    “
    Sowhat
    ?Youar
    etaki
    ngme-
    “
    Hestoppedthecarandl ookedather .“Youare
    goingtot
    alktomewi t
    hrespect.Til
    lthedivor
    ceis
    fi
    nali
    zed,
    youar egoingtorespectme!Ihave
    watchedyoudisrespectmef orlong,notanymore.
    ”
    “Respecti
    snotdemanded!It
    ’sgivenwhendue.
    Whatdoyouhavet hatmakesyout hi
    nkthatyou
    cangetmet or
    espectyou?Havingyourass
    fucked?”
    Lorisl
    appedherhardacrossherf ace.Hepull
    edher
    topandslappedheragain,evenhar der
    .She
    screamedtryi
    ngtofightbackbuthegaveher
    anotherbackslapt
    hatbloodfil
    ledhermouth.
    “
    Lor
    i!Youar
    ehur
    ti
    ngme!
    ”
    Heslappedheragai
    n,eachsl
    apcomi
    nghar
    dert
    han
    t
    helast.
    “Saythatt
    ometoagai
    n.Iam goi
    ngt
    oki
    llyout
    oday.
    Sayitagai
    n!”
    Shelookeddowncr
    yingt
    ryi
    ngt
    opr
    otectherf
    ace
    wit
    hherhands.
    “
    Sayi
    tagai
    n!”
    Shecr
    iedevenmor
    e.
    “
    Youar emakingnoise.Iwi
    llbeatyousomuchyou
    wil
    lnevercryeveragai
    n.Wat hodi
    a.(Youar
    e
    makingnoise.
    )”
    Shepressedherli
    pstoget
    her
    .Her
    eachedf
    orher
    bagatthebackseat.
    “
    Cleanyourf
    acef
    ast
    .Youar
    edel
    ayi
    ngus.
    ”
    Shetookoutherwetwi
    pesandwipedherf
    ace.He
    st
    art
    edthecarandjoi
    nedther
    oad.
    “Youaregoingtorespectme.Iwil
    lteachr
    espect,
    evenifIhavetoki
    llyoutoshowyouwhoIam, Iam
    goingtodoit.Doyouhearme? ”
    Shenoddedt
    ear
    ful
    ly.“
    Iwantt
    ogohome.
    ”
    “
    Youaregoi
    ngtoattendthepar
    tyandyouaregoi
    ng
    t
    obeagoodgirl
    .TryanynonsenseandseewhatI
    wil
    ldot
    oyou.Iwil
    lfeedyoutot
    hepigsal
    ive!
    ”
    Shelookedoutt
    hrought
    hewi
    ndowandspatbl
    ood
    onthewetwiper
    .
    “
    Dri
    nkwat
    er.
    ”
    Hehandedhert
    hebot
    tl
    e,shet
    ooki
    tanddr
    ank
    somesnif
    fi
    ng.

    *
    **

    Lor
    atowat
    chedasherI
    Tguysetupt
    heaccount
    .
    “Ok,sonoonei
    sgoi
    ngt
    oknowi
    t’
    smeusi
    ngt
    his
    account
    ?”
    “
    Yes.Youar
    einvi
    sibl
    e.”
    Lor
    atosmi
    led.“
    Thankyousomuch.
    ”
    “
    Cool
    .Onl
    yusei
    tfr
    om t
    hePCont
    hiswebsi
    te.Don’
    t
    for
    getthataf
    ter24hrst
    hisaccountvani
    shesso
    whateveryouwanttodoshouldbedonewithi
    nthe
    hours.
    ”
    “
    Itwi
    llbedone.Thanks.
    ”
    Hegotupwithhi
    sthi
    ngsandwal
    kedoutasLor
    ato
    pi
    ckedherr
    ingi
    ngphone.
    “
    Mama.
    .”
    “
    Lor
    atowhenar
    eyoucomi
    ngt
    oseeme?
    ”
    “
    Soon.Ihavebeenbusyatwor
    k.”
    “
    Younevercomet
    oseeme.
    ”
    “
    Iwi
    llcomesoon.
    ”
    “
    Wher
    eisLegauf
    i?”
    “Fif
    istol
    emyboyfriendthenmovedoutofthe
    houseafterhegotherajobandnowshei s
    pregnantandhappywi t
    hthemanshestolefr
    om
    me.”
    “
    Shedi
    dwhat
    ?”
    “
    Shest
    olemyboyf
    ri
    end.
    ”
    “Ican’
    tbeli
    evethisevilgir
    l.Shewon’tgetawaywit
    h
    i
    t.Shewi l
    lsuff
    er.Iwil
    lmakesur eofitIswearon
    herdeadmot her’
    sgrave.Shewi l
    lneverseethesun
    attheendofthet unnel.Onlydar
    kdar knessand
    misery.Todaywhent hedayends, shewi l
    lbe
    cryi
    ng.”
    “
    Sheisyetgoingt
    ocr yf
    oreveryt
    hingsheputme
    t
    hrough.She’
    snotevensor
    ry.”
    “
    Don’twor
    rymygi
    rl
    .Iwi
    lldealwi
    thi
    t.Iwi
    lldealwi
    th
    i
    tal
    l.
    ”
    .
    .
    .
    Si
    nsUnf
    orgi
    ven
    #34

    Athairsal
    on,Fi
    fiwatchedasObakeng’
    sbar
    ber
    fi
    nishedupandsmi l
    ed.
    “
    Ther
    e!”
    Obakengst
    oodup.“
    Sur
    eboy!
    ”
    Het
    ookouthi
    swal
    lett
    opaybutt
    heBar
    bersmi
    led.
    “
    Yourbi
    llhasbeent
    akencar
    eof
    f.Seeyounext
    t
    ime.
    ”
    Obakengsmi
    ledandl
    ookedatFi
    fi
    .“Thankyou
    babe.
    ”
    Shesmil
    edthent
    heywal
    kedoutwi
    thhi
    shandon
    herwai
    st.
    “
    Iam coming.Youcanwai
    tint
    hecar
    .Iam dr
    ivi
    ng
    f
    rom her
    ethough.”
    Obakengsmi
    led.“
    Ok.
    ”
    Hewal kedtothecarwhil
    eshewalkedtot
    heshops.
    Hesati nthecarpr
    essinghi
    sphonethenan
    unsavednumbercal l
    edhim.
    “
    Yah?
    ”
    “
    Hey.Wher
    ear
    eyou?
    ”
    Heswal
    lowedthenl
    ookedatt
    helocalnumberand
    putt
    hephoneonhisear
    .“Whatdoyouwant?”
    “
    Ibr
    oughtyourbi
    rt
    hdaypr
    esent
    .”
    “Idon’twantit.Iloveandr espectt
    hewomanIam
    with.Irespectmyr el
    ati
    onshipenought oknowexes
    arenotent er
    tained.Youhadachance, itdidn’twork
    out.Ihaveopenedmyhear tt
    osomeoneel se.She
    l
    ovesme, she’sabeaut i
    fulperson,sherespect sme
    andsomuchmor eIwon’ tbothert
    ell
    ingyou.Al lthat
    makesmecont entandIam notgoi ngtor uinit.
    ”
    “
    Ijustwantt
    ogi
    veyout
    hepr
    esentand-
    “
    “Youcankeepi t
    .Idon’twantit
    .Don’
    tcal
    lme.Iam
    withmyper sonandIwouldl i
    ketomakesur
    eshe
    hasal lmyatt
    enti
    on.Iam gladyouhadasaf
    e
    j
    our ney.Bye.
    ”
    Hehungupwat chingasFifiwalkedover
    .Shegotin
    thecarandputherplast
    icatthebackthendrove
    off
    .
    Shelookedatthetimeandadjust
    edtheseat
    ,her
    handont hesteer
    ingwheel
    .Shelookedathi
    m
    cat
    chinghim star
    ing.
    “
    What
    ?”
    “
    Not
    hing.Youl
    ookbeaut
    if
    ul.
    ”
    Shesmi
    ledt
    hent
    urnedt
    other
    oaddr
    ivi
    ng.

    *
    **

    I
    nTsabong, l
    aterthatmorni
    ng,LoriandKabo
    fi
    nishedset
    ti
    ngupt heoutdoorbreakfastwhil
    e
    Bax’scousi
    nfixedthespeaker
    sfort hemusic.
    Kabo’
    snewgirl
    fr
    iendsati
    nthecarpaint
    inghert
    oe
    nai
    lswhi
    leBanyanasl
    eptinoneoftherooms.
    MJwalkedoverwatchingasKabo’sgir
    lf
    riend
    st
    eppedoutofthecar.HelookedatLori
    .
    “
    Whatt
    imear
    etheyar
    ri
    ving?
    ”
    Lorit
    ookouthi
    sphone.“Fi
    fit
    ext
    edmetenmi
    nut
    es
    backsayi
    ngtheyar
    eclose.Anyt
    imenow.
    ”
    Ar unXdroveoverandparkednearthem.Nono
    steppedoutofthecarwit
    haman, everyonel
    ooked
    surpri
    sed.Shesmil
    edasKabost ar
    edatt heman
    withafrown.Nonowalkedoversmili
    ng.
    “
    Hi,
    IhopeIam notl
    ate.Ihadt
    oasksf
    ri
    endof
    mi
    net
    odr
    opmeof
    f.
    ”
    Theyallwatchedasthemant ookoutherbagsf r
    om
    thecar.Hesmi l
    edandwavedatt hem befor
    edri
    ving
    off
    .Kabosi ghedinr
    eli
    eft
    henl ookedather.She
    wasstillt
    hesamegirlheknew, abitmoregrown
    andnowwi t
    hamor edefi
    nedbodyshape.Shewas
    beauti
    ful,
    asusual.
    “
    Youl
    ookgr
    own.
    ”
    Nonol
    aughedl
    ooki
    ngathi
    m.“
    Thanks.
    ”
    Lorismi
    led.“
    Ithoughtyouwer
    enotcomi
    ng
    anymore.”
    “
    Andmi
    ssmybi
    gbr
    other
    ’spar
    ty?Al
    lforwhat
    ?”
    Shehuggedt
    hem al
    l.Kabo’
    sgi
    rlf
    ri
    endsteppedout
    oft
    hecarandwal
    kedoverstar
    ingatNono.
    Nonowat
    chedasshehuggedKabo.“
    Hi.Iam
    Kabo’
    sgi
    rl
    fr
    iend.
    ”
    Nonol
    ookedathereyebr
    owsandl
    aughed.“
    Hi.
    .“
    “
    Whatar
    eyoul
    aughi
    ngabout
    ?”
    “
    Iam l
    aughi
    ngatmysel
    f.
    ”
    Thegirl
    fr
    iendl
    ookedKabo.“
    Won’
    tyoui
    ntr
    oduceme
    proper
    ly?”
    Hesighedannoyednowquest
    ioni
    ngwhyhehad
    evenbroughther
    .
    “Thi
    si smyf
    riend,
    Sego.Segothat’
    sNono,Bax’
    s
    sist
    er.Andt
    hesearemyf r
    iends.Canwetal
    k?”
    Hepul
    ledherbackt
    othecar
    .
    “Youar
    egoingt
    ohavet ositi
    nourroom oursi
    tin
    t
    hecarmostoftheti
    mei fyouhaveanastyatti
    tude.
    Gapewhatti
    medidyouevenputont hi
    sugly
    makeup?Youdi
    dn’thaveanywhenwecame. ”
    “
    Mymakeupi
    sugl
    y?”
    “Imetyouwi t
    houtmakeup.Nowyoul ookugly.You
    needtowipeof ft
    hatnonsensef r
    om yourface.I
    t
    doesn’
    tsuityou.Doiti
    nthecar .I
    fyouknowyou
    aregoi
    ngtohaveanat ti
    tude,don’tcome.”
    Hewalkedbackgohisfr
    iends.Segowat chedashe
    sai
    dsomethingtoNonosmi l
    ing,shelaughed
    thr
    owi
    ngherheadbackwhi l
    ehest ar
    edatherina
    wayshecouldn’
    tevenunderstand.
    *
    **

    Fifit
    ookaturnseeingthel
    odgefrom adist
    ance.
    Shesmi l
    edparki
    ngatt hef
    rontt
    hensteppedoutof
    thecarwithhi
    m stari
    ngatthebushsurroundi
    ng
    them.
    Obakengl
    ookedather
    .“Babeal
    lthi
    sisf
    orme?
    ”
    Fi
    f ilaughedwal ki
    nginsidet
    helodge.Amansmi l
    ed
    greet i
    ngt hem andgaveherthekeybefor
    ewalki
    ng
    out .Shelookedatt henumberonthekeysandled
    hi
    mt otheirr
    oom.
    “
    Wear
    eher
    e…”
    “
    It
    ’sni
    ce.
    ”
    Fif
    ismi
    led.“
    Iam happyyoul
    ikei
    t.Come,
    letme
    showyousomething.
    ”
    Sheledhimtothebackyar
    d.Theyal
    llookedathi
    m
    andstar
    tedsi
    nging.
    Obakengl
    aughedasNonohuggedhi
    m.
    “
    Hey!Happybi
    rt
    hday!
    ”
    “
    Thanks.It
    houghtyouwer
    eatwor
    k.”
    “
    Coul
    dn’
    tmi
    sst
    hisf
    ort
    hewor
    ld.
    ”
    “Thi
    sismygi
    rl
    fr
    iend,
    Fif
    i.Babet
    hismysi
    ster
    ,
    Nono.”
    Nonol
    ookedatFi
    fi
    .“Hi
    .”
    Fi
    fismi
    led.“
    Hi.Ni
    cemeet
    ingyou.
    ”
    Shenoddedandhuggedherbrotheragai
    n.Nono’
    s
    phonerang,
    shewalkedawaypicking.
    “
    Hel
    lo?
    ”
    Nonoscr eamedl aughingwalkingf
    urtheraway.
    Obakengl aughedbumpi ngshoulderswithhi
    s
    cousin.Fif
    iwatchedt hem astheygreet
    edeach
    otherandf i
    nall
    ysatdown.

    Banyanawokeupasmusi
    cpl
    ayedl
    oudl
    yout
    side.
    Sheslowl
    ygotoffbedandlookedoutt
    hroughthe
    windowstar
    ingathi
    mlaughingwit
    hhisfri
    ends.
    Sheclosedt
    hecur t
    ainandlookedatherswoll
    en
    faceonthemir
    ror.Shesatont hebedreachi
    ngfor
    herphoneasatearroll
    eddowncheek.
    Shecal
    ledhersi
    ster
    .
    “
    Banyana…”
    Banyanacutthecal
    lknowingnoonewasgoingt
    o
    takehersi
    de.Shesl
    owlylaidont
    hebedcr
    yingeven
    mor e.
    Lor
    iwal
    kedi
    nther
    oom awhi
    lel
    aterandl
    ookedat
    her
    .
    “
    Hey…”
    Sher
    emai
    nedst
    il
    lsni
    ff
    ing.
    “
    Ibr
    oughtyouf
    ood.
    ”
    “
    Iam nothungr
    y.”
    “
    Youhaven’
    teat
    en.Youneedt
    oeat
    .”
    Sher
    aisedhervoi
    ce.“
    Iam nothungr
    y!”
    “Iam notbeggi
    ngyouandIwil
    lslapyouifyour
    aise
    yourvoiceatme.Lookatme,
    sitproper
    ly.
    ”
    Sheslowlysatupri
    ght.Helookedatherswol
    len
    facewit
    hnogui l
    tyconsci
    ousatall.
    “Eat.Thenextt
    imeyourai
    seyourvoi
    ce,
    Iam
    slappi
    ngyou.Am Icl
    ear
    ?”
    Shewipedawayat eart
    hathadrol
    lednoddi
    ngbut
    anot
    heronerol
    leddown.Shelookeddownnot
    wanti
    ngtocrybutthemoreshetri
    edtoholditi
    n,
    themoreshegotevenmoreemot i
    onal
    .
    “
    Eat
    .”
    Sheslowl
    yst
    art
    edeati
    ngavoidi
    ngthewoundi
    nher
    mouth.Hewat
    chedhereatt
    il
    lshewasdone.
    “Wearegoi
    ngforadr
    ivetoseesomeGi
    raf
    fesand
    Zebr
    as.Wewil
    lbebacklat
    er.
    ”
    “
    Ok.
    ”
    “
    Let
    ’sgo.
    ”
    “
    Wit
    hme?Theywi
    llseemybr
    uisedf
    ace.
    ”
    “
    Thencoveri
    tup.Wear
    egoi
    ngt
    oget
    her
    .”
    Sheslowl
    ygotupandputonhergl
    assesandabi
    g
    sunhatt
    ohideherf
    ace.
    Theywalkedoutandgoti
    nthesaf
    ariopent
    ruck.
    Theyj
    oinedeveryonei
    nsi
    dethedr
    iverdr
    oveoff
    .

    *
    **

    InGaborone,Lor
    atowatchedast hevi
    deouploaded
    onFacebook.Shesharedittothegroupsshehad
    joinedwi
    ththefakeaccountthensmil
    edasthe
    videogotl
    ikesandshares.

    *
    **

    InFrancist
    own, Rickyf
    ini
    shedhi
    smakeupand
    smil
    edl ookingathissnat
    chedface.Hi
    sphoner
    ang,
    hetooki tf
    rom thebedandanswered.
    “
    Hel
    lo?
    ”
    “
    Ricky,
    isn’
    tthatyourf
    ri
    endont
    hatvi
    deobei
    ng
    f
    uckedbyt
    hreeguys.
    ”
    “
    Huh?
    ”
    Hiscousinlaughed.“Fif
    i!There’
    savideocirculati
    ng
    onFacebook.Thet hreesomeone.Letmesendi tto
    you.It
    ’sFi
    fibeingfuckedbyt hreemen,allofthem
    atthesamet ime.Omongwei nherass,theot her
    oneinherp* ssythentheotherisfucki
    ngher
    mouth.”
    Rickyqui
    ckl
    yhungupandopenedhisFacebook.He
    swall
    owedseei
    ngitshar
    edr
    ightatt
    hetopofhis
    newsfeed.
    “
    Shi
    tFi
    fi
    !”
    Hi
    shear
    tracedashedi
    aledhernumber
    .
    “
    Thenumberyouhave-
    “
    “
    Fuckno!
    ”
    Hecal
    ledLor
    atoi
    nst
    ead.
    “Ri
    cky…haveyouspokentoFi
    fi
    .Ther
    eisavi
    deoon
    Facebook.
    .ohmyGod! ”
    “
    No.It
    hinkshe’
    satherhouse.Canyougoand
    checkonher
    ?”
    “
    Sheisnot
    .It
    hinkshe’
    swi
    thObakengwher
    evershe
    i
    s.”
    Ri
    ckycutt
    hecal
    landsl
    owl
    ysatdown…kneesweek.
    .
    .
    .
    Forgivemef amil
    y,Ihadani nt
    enseheadache
    yesterday.Hadtosleepearl
    y.That'
    syester
    day'
    s
    mor ningandeveninginser
    t.Goodmorning
    [
    04/
    23,
    05:
    43]'
    :
    Si
    nsUnf
    orgi
    ven
    #35

    AttheSaf ar
    ilodgeinTsabong,l
    aterthatdayjust
    beforedawn, ever
    yonewalkedbacki nthelodge.
    LoriwatchedasKabosmi l
    edwithNonowhi l
    ethey
    chart
    ed.Hehadal wayssuspect
    edKabowheni t
    camet oNonoandwhat everi
    twast hatwasgoi ng
    onseemedt
    obest
    il
    longoi
    ng.
    HelookedoveratObakengbutwi t
    hFifial
    ready,hi
    s
    att
    entiont ohissurroundingsalwaysremained
    l
    imited.Lor iwatchedasObakengki ssedFifi’
    sneck
    whileshesmi ledholdi
    nghi shand.Hetouchedher
    waistdr oppingapr operkissonherli
    ps.Hepul l
    ed
    hertot heirroom,Loritur
    nedhi sheadandf ol
    lowed
    Banyanat otheirr
    oom.
    Shel
    ookedathi
    mtaki
    ngof
    fherhatandsungl
    asses.
    “
    Doyoul
    ikeFi
    fi
    ?”
    Loril
    ookedathertaki
    ngof fhi
    st-shi
    rt.“
    Iam noti
    n
    themoodf oryournonsense.Putthatener
    gyinto
    givi
    ngyourbabydaddyhi schil
    dren.”
    Hetookof
    fhi
    sshoest
    henhi
    spant
    swhi
    leshe
    wat
    ched.
    “
    Isawhowyouwer
    elooki
    ngather
    .”
    Het ookoffhi
    sbr i
    efs,Banyanalookedathi s
    weaponandt ookadeepbr eat
    h.Hei gnoredherand
    walkedtotheirbathroom.Hetookaqui ckshower
    andwal kedout,atowelaroundhiswai st.He
    l
    oti
    onedhi
    sbodyanddr
    oppedt
    het
    owel
    .
    Banyanalookedathi
    m wonderi
    ngwhenl astshe
    hadhim deepinsi
    deherwarmthgrunt
    ingont opof
    her.Shepausedreal
    izi
    ngi
    thadbeenmont hssi nce
    theyhadsex.Heputonhisclot
    hesasshewat ched.
    “
    Whenar
    eyouhavi
    ngsexwi
    thme?
    ”
    “Never.Ihateyou.Seei ngyourf acedisgustsmeso
    muchIj ustwi shyouwoul ddiesot hatIneversee
    you.Yourvoi cepissesmeof f.Ihatehearingit.You
    soundl ikeasmel l
    inggoat.Nothingaboutyout ur
    ns
    meon, especi al
    lynotyourusedvagi na.Whoknows
    whatyouf ucki nthecornersofthest r
    eets.Just
    seei
    ngyoumakesmewonderwhyabor t
    ionwasn’ t
    l
    egalizedear lieronbecauseIswearyourmot her
    madeami stakekeepingyou.”
    Banyanaswal
    lowedl
    ist
    eni
    ngt
    ohi
    mtal
    k.
    “Ican’
    twaitt
    oleaveyou.Ican’tbewai tti
    llIdon’
    t
    havetoseeyouever yday.Goodt hi
    ngaboutal lt
    his
    i
    st hatIdon’
    thaveanythingli
    nkingmet oyousi nce
    youdecidedtogoandgeti mpr egnatedoutsideby
    someonewhowi l
    lneverlovenoracceptyour
    chi
    ldr
    en.
    ”
    Hewalkedout.Sheremainedst
    il
    l,
    atearr
    oll
    ed
    downhercheek.Shewipeditof
    fandtookher
    phone.Thenetwor
    kwassobadshecoul dn’
    topen
    anysocialmedi
    aapp.
    Shewal
    kedoutwi
    thherphoneandwal
    kedar
    ound
    l
    ooki
    ngfornet
    wor
    ksoshecouldmakeaphonecal
    l.

    Obakengwat chedhi
    sdicsl
    ideoutofherp*ssy
    l
    eavingatrai
    lofhiscum.Fi
    fitur
    nedandlaidonher
    si
    deasherpussypul sat
    edfrom t
    hehardfuckshe
    hadjustgott
    en.
    Hekissedherneck.“
    Iwillgoandstartabonf
    ir
    e
    out
    sidewiththeguysli
    kewepl annedint
    he
    morning.Ar
    eyouok? ”
    Sheweakl
    ysmi
    led.“
    Yes.
    ”
    “
    Ok.Il
    oveyou.
    ”
    “
    Iloveyout
    oo.
    ”
    Heki ssedherthendressedupandwal kedout.Fi
    fi
    tookherphoneandpausednot i
    cingtherewasno
    networ k.Sheswit
    cheditonandof f
    ,thenetwork
    camet henitwasgone.Sheputherphonedown
    givi
    ngupf i
    guri
    ngmaybet her
    ewasnot hingwrong
    i
    nspendi ngti
    metogetherwit
    houtphonesand
    socialmedi a.

    *
    **

    InGabor
    one,Lor
    atosati
    nherhouser
    eadi
    ngt
    he
    commentsaboutFif
    i.
    Comment
    :Thi
    ri
    ii
    !Asi
    none,
    twot
    hir
    i?
    Comment
    :Isshef
    rom her
    e?
    Comment
    :Kemat
    hat
    a
    Comment
    :Sodisgust
    inganddegr
    adi
    ng!Thi
    s
    womanshoul
    dbeashamedofhersel
    f!
    Comment
    :Ihaveneversodi
    sgust
    ed!
    Comment
    :Mmeyoneecl
    ean
    Comment:i
    maginedat
    ingacommuni
    tyvagi
    nal
    ike
    that
    ?Si
    esI’
    drat
    hergotojai
    l
    Comment
    :Ist
    hisi
    nBot
    swana?I
    jo!
    Mor ecommentscamet hrough,
    Loratosmiled
    readingmorecomment s.Thevi
    deowasal lover
    socialmediaal
    readyandwasget t
    ingenoughofthe
    attenti
    on.
    Shescroll
    eddownhernewsfeedseei
    ngpeopl
    etal
    k
    aboutFif
    i.Shesi
    ppedherwi
    nereadi
    ngthe
    comment s.

    *
    **

    I
    nFranci
    stown,mmagweLor
    atol
    ookedatt
    he
    t
    radi
    ti
    onaldoct
    or.
    “
    Soyoucan’
    thel
    pme?
    ”
    “
    Ihecan’
    tdoanyt
    hing.I
    fIdoi
    twi
    llbackf
    ir
    e.”
    “
    Backf
    ir
    e?Hasi
    teverbackf
    ir
    ed?
    ”
    “Ther
    ei ssomet
    hingblocki
    ngmefrom seei
    ngher
    .If
    Idoanyt hi
    ngi
    tmightbackfi
    ret
    oyou,meoryour
    daughter.”
    “
    Iwantt
    odoi
    tst
    il
    l.Iwanthert
    ojustgocr
    azy.
    ”
    “Iam war
    ningyou.I
    twil
    lbackf
    ir
    e.Mi
    ghtnothappen
    nowbutitwil
    lhappen.
    ”
    “
    Idon’
    tcar
    e.Doi
    t.
    ”
    Thetr
    adit
    ionaldoct
    orgotFi
    fi
    ’spantyandst
    arted
    somethi
    ngtoitwhil
    emmagweLor at
    owatched.

    *
    **

    InTsabong,l
    atert
    hatni
    ght
    ,Ever
    yonesatbythef
    ire
    chatt
    ing.Fi
    fii
    nBax’sl
    apwit
    hhisarmsasaround
    her.
    Nonolookedatherbrot
    herki
    ssi
    ngFifiandlooked
    awaylocki
    ngeyeswithKabo.Shesmiledand
    l
    ookeddown.LoriandMJspokesol oudlaughing
    aboutsomethi
    ngthathadoncehappened.
    Banyanalookedatiteveryonewhoi sseemedtobe
    havi
    nggoodt ime,wit
    ht heunavail
    ablenet
    workshe
    coul
    dn’tevenkeepherselfenter
    tai
    ned.
    Obakenghel dFif
    i’
    swaistki
    ssi
    ngherneck.Herbody
    fel
    tsowar m andsoft
    .Hegentl
    ymassagedher
    breasts.Fi
    fil
    aidonherheadonhi
    sshoulderfal
    li
    ng
    asleep.
    Nonot ookoutherphonesippingherjuiceand
    l
    ookedatt hetwobarsofnetwork.Shesmi ledand
    quickl
    yopenedhermessages.Shequi ckl
    yr epl
    ied
    tohermessagesoverWhat sappthenwenton
    Facebook.Itsl
    owlyopened,sherefr
    eshedhernews
    feedasonebardr opped.
    Shestaredatherphonepat ientl
    ywai t
    ing.Afresh
    pageloadedt henshescrol
    leddowndi str
    act
    ing
    hersel
    ffrom havingtofi
    ndher sel
    fina
    compromi si
    ngposi t
    ionwit
    hherbr other’
    sfri
    end.
    Shefrownedwonder i
    ngwhatvi
    deoalmost
    ever
    yonewastalkingabout
    .Shesenttohersear
    ch
    barandtyped‘
    threesomevi
    deo'
    .
    I
    tsl
    owl
    yloaded.Sheopenedt
    hevi
    deowi
    th10k
    l
    ikesand8.9kcomment s.I
    tplayedasshereduced
    thevolume.Thepoorquali
    tyofthevi
    deoannoyed
    her.Thegir
    lint
    hevideoturnedasshewasaboutto
    gobackt oWhatsapp.
    Herheartskippedasthegi r
    lwit
    hthepinkwig
    l
    aughedbei ngli
    ftedt
    henoneoft hemenl ower
    ed
    herdowninhi serect
    ion.Herheartr
    aced,shel
    if
    ted
    herheadandl ookedatFifisl
    eepi
    nginherbrot
    her’
    s
    arms.
    Shelookedbackatthevideoandwatchedasshe
    gotf
    uckedsenselesslywhil
    etwoothermenwait
    ed
    hol
    dingthei
    rdicksreadytofuckher
    .
    “
    Ist
    hisyouFi
    fi
    ?”
    Herloudvoi
    ceinstant
    lywokeFif
    i.Shetur
    nedand
    l
    ookedatNonoasshehel doutherphoneshowing
    herscreent
    oeveryonewhil
    eincreasi
    ngthevol
    ume.
    Fifiwatchedhersel
    f,conf
    usi
    onandshockrenderi
    ng
    herf r
    om sayinganyt
    hing.Obakengl
    ookedoverabd
    staredatFifibei
    ngpositi
    ontohavet
    wodicksinsi
    de
    her .
    Tear
    sfi
    ll
    edFi
    fi
    ’seyes,
    herhear
    traci
    ng.Shet
    urned
    t
    ohi
    m ashel
    ookedather
    .
    “
    Icanexpl
    ain…pl
    easel
    etmeexpl
    ain.
    ”
    .
    .
    .
    [
    04/
    23,
    05:
    44]'
    :
    Si
    nsUnf
    orgi
    ven
    #36

    Fi
    fil
    ookedathi
    mt ryi
    ngtoholdinhertear
    sbutthe
    vi
    deoconti
    nuedplayingwhi
    leshescreamed.Lori
    st
    oodupandsnat chedthephonefr
    om Nono
    st
    oppingt
    hevideo.
    “
    Whatar
    eyoudoi
    ng?
    ”
    “
    It
    ’sal
    loverFacebook!Ever
    yonehasseeni
    t!
    ”
    “Youcoul
    dshownBaxthevi
    deowhenhewasalone,
    whatareyouachi
    evi
    ngfr
    om showi
    ngi
    tinf
    rontof
    ever
    yone?”
    “Mybrotherneedstoknow…ever
    yoneneedsto
    knowthatwear eherewit
    hcer
    ti
    fi
    edpornst
    arkana
    keprost
    itut
    e?Goodt hi
    ngwenowknow.”
    Fifil
    ookedatObakeng.“Iwasundert heinfl
    uenceof
    drugs.Iwasdoi ngheavydr
    ugst hen.Itwasyears
    backIswear .Iwasnotinmyr i
    ghtfulstat
    eofmi nd.
    Idon’tevenremembereverythi
    ngt hathappened
    thatnight
    .”
    Heputherdownandwal
    kedi
    nthel
    odge.Fi
    fir
    an
    af
    terhi
    m cr
    ying.
    “
    Babe…I.
    .Iknowhowt hi
    slooksli
    ke.Iknowbuti
    t
    wasi
    nthepast.Isweari
    t’
    sinthepast.
    ”
    Hel ookedatherstil
    linmyshock.Fi f
    iheldhishand.
    “Thatisnotmeanymor e.Iwasundert heinfl
    uence
    ofdr ugsthen.Iwasnott hi
    nki
    ngstraight.Babe
    please…Iknowhowi tlooksli
    keri
    ghtnowbuti t
    ’si
    n
    thepast .Isweari
    t’
    sint hepast
    .It
    ’sallinthepast.
    ”
    “Imetyouinabar.Thatnighti
    fIwasn’tthere,t
    hat
    SouthAfr
    icanDJwasgoi ngtof uckyou.Maybe
    wit
    hhisentir
    eteam becauseyouhadbl ackedout.
    Thenyouwonderhowmanyt i
    mesyouhadbl acked
    outinabarorclubbefore.Maybethat
    ’swhyyour
    pastrel
    ati
    onshi
    psneverwor kedoutbecauseyou
    wereprobabl
    ythatgir
    lfr
    iendwhogetsfuckedby
    unknownmenatcl ubs.”
    Tear
    sr ol
    leddown.“
    Itwasnotli
    kethat
    .Itwasthat
    onenightonl
    y.Iwasgoingt
    hroughsomething
    whenyoumetme. ”
    “Soyouwouldbl
    amei
    tonyougoi
    ngt
    hrough
    somethi
    ng?
    ”
    “
    Whydidn’tyoueversayanyt
    hingaboutt
    hatnighti
    f
    i
    tbot
    heredyou?Youcan’tuseitagai
    nstmetoday“
    “Nooneisusinganythi
    ngagainstyouLegauf
    i.I
    t
    j
    ustmakessenset hatyouwouldgetgangbanged
    andthenblameitonsomethi
    ng.Whatwasi t?
    Unemployment?”
    “Ihadlostmyf ather.”Shelookedathim cr
    ying.“
    I
    hadlostmyf ather.Thepainhadbeent oomuch.I
    wentandgott hatwi g.Iwantedtobesomeoneel se.
    Iwantedtoescapet hepain.Ididcocai
    neandot her
    drugsIdon’tevenr emember .Drankandsmokedso
    much.WhenIwokeupIwasi nahotelroom
    naked.
    ”
    “
    Soever
    yti
    meyouwentt
    hroughsomet
    hingyou
    woul
    dbe-
    “
    “I
    twasbackthen.Idon’
    tgotocl
    ubsanymor
    e.I
    don’
    tdri
    nkanymore.Ist
    opped…YouknowIhave
    st
    opped.”
    “It
    hinksomespace.
    ”Hegr abbedhi
    scarkeys.“
    I
    needsomespacetodigestthi
    s.”
    Shest oodi nfrontofhim crying.“Pleasedon’ t
    crucif
    ymef orthepast.ThatFifiinthatvideoi snot
    me.I t
    ’snotmeObakeng.Youknowme.Ther ei s
    onlymuchsel fdef
    enseIcangi vebutdon’ tcrucif
    y
    mef ort hepastbabe.I fyouar eleavingme…i tcan’t
    befort his.Youcan’tuset histoleaveme.I t
    ’snot
    fai
    r.Ihavebeengood, Ihavebeenagoodgi rlfr
    iend.
    Idon’tyel l
    .Idon’tgotocl ubsordr i
    nkalcohol .Iwait
    foryouathome.Icookf oryou.Iwashyourcl othes.
    Ihavebeengood, Idon’tcheat.Youcan’ tdumpme
    forthat.Youcan’ t…it
    ’snotf air
    .”
    Hewalkedpasthergoingt
    ohiscart
    henhedrove
    of
    f.Fi
    fiputherhandsonherf
    acecryi
    ng.Shecoi
    led
    herbodyi
    ntoabal
    lont
    hef
    loor
    .
    Lor
    iwal
    kedi
    nandl
    ookedather
    .
    “
    Fif
    i…”
    Heknel
    tbef
    oreher
    .“Hey…”
    “
    Hei
    sgoi
    ngt
    oleavemewi
    thababy…”
    “
    Hei
    snot
    .Hej
    ustneedssomespace.
    ”
    “
    Heisgoi
    ngtoleaveme.
    .Isawi
    tinhi
    seyes.He
    want
    stol
    eave…”
    “
    Hel
    ovesyou.
    ”
    Lorihuggedherandlethercryi
    nhisarms.She
    fi
    nall
    ykeptquietandjustst
    aredi
    ntonothi
    ng,t
    ear
    s
    rol
    li
    ngdown.
    Loripi
    ckedherupandputheront
    hebed.“
    It
    ’sok.
    Sleep…”
    “
    Ican’
    t.Iam goi
    ngt
    owai
    tforhi
    m.”
    “
    Idon’
    tthi
    nkhe’
    scomi
    ngback.
    ”
    “Thenhewenthome.CanIgohome?Iwantt
    ogo
    home.Ineedtotal
    ktohi
    m.”
    “
    Fif
    i-
    “
    “
    Please.
    .”
    Lor
    inodded.“
    Ok,
    let
    ’sgo.
    ”
    Hewal
    kedoutwi
    thher
    ,Banyanal
    ookedatt
    hem.
    “
    Wher
    ear
    eyougoi
    ngwi
    tht
    hispor
    nst
    ar?
    ”
    “
    Iwi
    llaskMJt
    odr
    opyouof
    f.Shar
    p.”
    “
    Youar
    enotgoi
    nganywher
    ewi
    thher
    !”
    Heangri
    lylookedatherthenl
    ookedatFi
    fi
    .He
    handedherhiscarkeys.
    “
    Wai
    tformei
    nthecar
    .Iam comi
    ng.
    ”
    HehandedFi
    fit
    hecarkeysandpul
    ledBanyanai
    n
    t
    hei
    rroom.
    “
    Didyouj
    ustyel
    latme?
    ”
    “Youarenotgoingtosl
    eepwi
    tht
    hatpubli
    ctoi
    lett
    o
    humili
    ateme!Youarenotgoi
    ngwit
    hher,l
    ethergo
    alonewherevershewant
    stogot
    hislat
    e.”
    “
    Idon’
    toweyouanyt
    hing.Youarenotgoi
    ngtotel
    l
    mewhattodo,
    Iam notoneofyourchi
    ldr
    en.And
    thenexttimeyoucal lFi
    fianyinsultingname, Iwi
    ll
    smoot heryouwi thapi l
    lowtodeat h.Whohasever
    call
    edyounameswhenyougetf uckedlikea
    prosti
    tuteleftri
    ghtandcent er?YougetSTD’ severy
    week,noonecal lsyououtf oryourdi seasei
    nfest
    ed
    hole.I
    nsul tFif
    iandIsweart odaywi l
    lbeyourlast
    daybreat hing.I
    fyout hi
    nkIam j oking,tryme.
    .”
    Helookedatherdaringhert
    o.Tearsfi
    ll
    edhereyes,
    hetur
    nedandwal kedout.Hegotinthecarand
    dr
    oveof fheadedbacktoGaborone.

    *
    **

    Obakengdrovet
    hroughhisyar
    dandsati
    nhiscar
    fi
    ramoment .Hetookouthi
    sphoneandopenedhi
    s
    Facebook.
    Heswall
    owedwatchingt
    hevideot
    oo,t
    enseconds
    i
    ntoi
    t,hest
    oppeditandputhi
    shandsi
    nhishead.
    “
    Fuck!
    ”
    Her
    ubbedhi
    seyesandwal
    kedi
    nsi
    dehi
    shouse
    t
    hengothi
    sbot
    tl
    eofVodkaf
    rom t
    hef
    ri
    dge.
    Hisphonerangashetookagulpandletitburnhi
    s
    thr
    oat.Helookedathi
    sri
    ngi
    ngphoneignor i
    ngit
    .It
    conti
    nuouslyrangf
    orawhil
    ethenhepicked.
    “
    Obat
    ang?
    !”
    “
    Heyr
    elax.I
    t’
    sme.Iam att
    hegat
    e.Openf
    orme.
    ”
    “
    Nei
    sowhatdoyouwant
    ?”
    “
    Opent
    hegat
    e.Ihavebeenher
    eforawhi
    lenow.
    ”
    Hesi ghedt
    henpressedthegater
    emote.Neiso
    droveinandwalkedinsi
    dethehouse.Helookedat
    her,shesmil
    edi
    nhershor tdr
    essandheels.
    “
    Ihear
    d,Iam sor
    ry…”

    *
    **

    Lor
    ilookedatFi
    fihour
    slat
    erdr
    ivi
    ngi
    nGabor
    one.
    “Weallhavet
    hingswehavedonehatwearenot
    proudof…Iwil
    lneverj
    udgeyouf
    orthatvi
    deo.
    ”
    Fi
    fil
    ookedathimt ear
    full
    y.“Iwashigh.It
    ’snotme…
    i
    t’
    sanotherFi
    fiIl
    ongbur ied.Myf at
    herhadjust
    di
    ed.Iwantedtoforgeteveryt
    hing…”
    “
    Ibel
    ieveyou.Andi
    t’
    sok.
    ”
    Shelookedoutthewindowwipi
    ngatearthathad
    rol
    leddown.Loridr
    ovetoBax’
    shousethenfrowned
    l
    ookingattheopengate.I
    nsi
    dewashiscarandan
    unfamil
    iarMazda5.
    Fi
    fi
    ’sheartst
    art
    edr aci
    ngasshel ookedatt
    hecar.
    Somethi
    ngdeepi nhermadeherf earforwhatwas
    wai
    tingforheri
    nsidethehouse.Lorifr
    owned.
    “
    Iwi
    llcal
    lhi
    m out
    .Letme-
    “
    Fi
    fij
    umpedoutofthecarandwalkedtothedoor.
    Herhandsshaki
    ng.Sheopenedi
    twalkingin
    bumpingi
    ntoawomanwear ingt
    hist-
    shir
    tholdi
    nga
    gl
    assofwater.
    Fif
    isil
    ent
    lywalkedpasthergoi
    ngtot
    hebedroom
    wherehewaswal kingoutfr
    om t
    hebat
    hroom,a
    towelonhiswaistdown.
    Thewomanwal
    kedover
    .“Hey…shej
    ust
    …ohhh…
    she’
    sthegi
    rlont
    hatvi
    deo!
    ”
    Fi
    fil
    ookedathimthenhergett
    ingweak.“
    Didyou
    sl
    eepwi t
    hher?Howlonghasitbeen?Andyouare
    al
    readycheat
    ingbecauseofsomethi
    ngthat
    happenedint
    hepast?”
    “Iam ti
    redLegaufi.Iwanttosl
    eep.Whattimewould
    Ihavesleptwithher?Justbecauseyougetfucked
    ateverycornerdoesn’tmeaneveryonedoesthe
    same.Ot herpeopleactual
    lycl
    osethei
    rlegsand
    respectthemselves.”
    .
    .
    .
    [
    04/
    23,
    05:
    44]'
    :
    Si
    nsUnf
    orgi
    ven
    #37

    Fif
    ilookedathi
    mtryi
    ngtohol
    di nhert
    ear
    sbutone
    rol
    leddown.Shetookadeepbreat
    hlooki
    ngdown
    andwi
    pedwi
    tht
    hebackofherhand.
    Itwasthef actt
    hatshehadknownt hatitwasgoi ng
    toendsomeday…butnotl ikethi
    s.Shesni f
    f ed
    wonderingifwhyshehadl etherguarddown…t hat
    happi
    nesshadbeent oogoodtobet rue.Forthe
    fir
    stt
    imeshehadhadhope…anot hertearfell
    .She
    wipeditoffandnodded.
    “
    Ok.Shoul
    dIgo?
    ”
    Hewalkedpastherandsatonthebed.Fi
    fil
    ooked
    att
    hewoman, thest
    rai
    ghtBrazi
    li
    aninherhead
    def
    ini
    tel
    ytol
    ditwouldbeawast eoft
    imeeven
    competi
    ngwithher.
    “
    Whataboutt
    hebaby?
    ”
    “
    Iam start
    ingt
    oquest i
    onever
    ythi
    ng,
    whati
    fyou
    werealr
    eadypregnantbef
    orewehadsex?I
    t
    wouldn’
    tbesurpri
    sing.
    ”
    “Pl
    easedon’tsayt hat
    .Youcancal lmeever yname
    i
    nt hebook,Iwillt
    akeit.Youwantt obreakupwith
    me, f
    ine.Iam nottofi
    ghtyouconsi der
    ingyouhave
    alr
    eadymovedonbutpl easedon’
    tquestionyour
    chil
    d.Youknowhei syour s.
    ”
    “Andhowi ssupposedtoknowf orsurewhen
    obviouslyyoucan’tkeepyourlegsopen?Bona
    mma, youar eembarr
    assi
    ngyour sel
    f.Havesome
    sel
    fr espect.That
    ’st
    heleastyoucandoaf teral
    l
    thi
    s…”
    Fifil
    ookedathimt ear
    ful
    ly.“
    Obakeng,youknowt
    he
    babyi syour
    s.Pleasedenyyourchil
    dbecauseof
    thisvi
    deo.Youar etheonlymanIhavebeen
    sleepi
    ngwi t
    h.”
    “LegaufiIneedspace.Iwi
    llcal
    lyou.CanIgetsome
    sleep?”
    Shel ookedathim unabletoholdi
    nhertear
    s.She
    turnedandwal kedout,herkneesweak.Lor
    i
    steppedoutoft hecar.
    “
    Areyouok?
    ”
    “
    Hesaysmaybet hebabyisnothis.Heist
    heonly
    manIhavebeensleepi
    ngwith.Iswearonmy
    f
    ather
    ’sl
    if
    e.Iwasnotcheati
    ng…i t
    ’shi
    sbaby.
    .”
    Lor
    iwatchedasNeisocl osedt
    hedoorwit
    haf r
    own.
    HehuggedFifiandsighedsadl
    y.Shecr
    iedeven
    morei
    nhi sar
    mshol dinghimti
    ghtl
    y.
    “I
    t’
    sokFi fi
    .Ifhedoesn’tst
    epup,someonewilldo
    hi
    sjobf orhim becauseobviousl
    yhedoesn’
    t
    appreci
    ateagoodt hi
    ngwhenhehasi t
    .”
    Hepull
    edhertothecarandhelpedherinsi
    de
    bef
    oredri
    vingof
    f.Lor
    iparkedatherhouseand
    l
    ookedather.
    “It
    snottheendoft
    heworl
    d.Iknowitf
    eel
    sli
    keit
    butit’
    snot
    .Youhavemadeitt
    hisf
    ar…youwil
    lgo
    far.
    ”
    Fi
    finoddedandsteppedoutoft
    hecarwit
    hher
    handbag.Shesnif
    fedunl
    ocki
    ngthedoorand
    walkedinsi
    deherroom.
    Shetookoutherphoneandopenedamessage
    fr
    om thecompany’
    sHR.Sher epli
    edandanswer
    ed
    herr
    ingingphonetear
    sfi
    ll
    inghereyes.
    “
    Ricky…”
    “
    Fif
    i,Ihavet
    ryi
    ngt
    ocal
    lal
    lday.Iam i
    nthebuson
    mywayt her
    e.”
    Fif
    iputherhandoverhermout
    hcr
    ying.Ri
    cky
    snif
    fed.
    “
    Iam comi
    ng.
    ”
    “Don’
    tIdeser
    vet obehappyt oo?Don’
    tIdeser
    veto
    behappyRicky?Whatdi dIdot oGod?WhathaveI
    donetoGodRi cky?Whenwi l
    lIgetmyblessi
    ngstoo?
    Ihavebeenwai t
    ing,am Imeanttosuf
    fert
    il
    lIdi
    e?Is
    thatmydesti
    nyRi cky?
    ”
    “No.Themostsuccessf ulpeoplewentt hroughalot
    beforet heymadei tout .LookatMaxkanaMar k…
    hest art
    edi nar oom kanayang, t
    heguywa
    Facebook.Whataboutt hatguywaKFC, Idon’t
    knowhi sstorybutIknowhewasr ejectedsomany
    ti
    mesbef oreitworkedout .Lookatt hatguywa
    Mascom . .gatwekeenemangkana?Mycr ush!
    StriveMasi yiwakanakeSt eve?What everIam sure
    hedi dn’twakeupr ich.Yes, someofushavei t
    rough, wehavet ocult
    ivate, weedandwat erour
    plantsmor ethanours.Wehavet oper sonall
    ykeep
    birdsaway.Wehavet odoever ything.Othershave
    i
    teasy.Wej usthavetokeephol dingon. ”
    “Iam t
    ir
    ed…Iam sotir
    edRicky.Iam ti
    red.Iwantto
    rest
    .Mysoulisnothappy.Ever
    ythi
    ngIt ouchgets
    destr
    oyed.Igotamessagefrom work..Ihavea
    hearingkamoso.Theyar egoingthroughf ir
    eme.O
    don’tblamet hem..Idon’tbecausewhowant ssuch
    dramaassoci atedwitht hem?Theymayl ose
    business.Obakengsaysheneedsabr eak.Hei s
    l
    ying, hewant sustobr eakupandIcan’ tblamehi m.
    Whowant sawomanwho’ svaginahasbeenseen
    bytheent ir
    ewor l
    d?Iam pr egnant…andIwi l
    lbe
    j
    oblessal lal
    one.Ican’tgobackt oMai tengweand
    burdenmygr andmot herwi thananot heradditi
    on.
    It
    ’snotf ai
    r.MysisterandIar enotingoodt erms, I
    am tired.Iam notgoingt owat chmychi l
    dsuffer.I
    can’tbringanotherhumanbei ngtot hisli
    fe.Ihave
    nothing..“
    “Youhaveme..YouhavemeLegaufi.Youhaveme
    andwil
    lalwayshaveme.Iam notgoing“
    “
    Iknow.Il
    oveyou.
    ”
    “Pleasewaitf
    orme.Iam comi ng…”Hesni f
    fed
    emot i
    onal
    .“Iam comi
    ng.IloveyouFi f
    i.Youcan’t
    giveup…whatam Isupposedt odowi thoutyou.I
    u
    arethereasonIwakeupever ymorning.Ihaveno
    onebutyou.Pleasewaitf
    orme. ”
    Fi
    fisni
    ff
    ed.“
    Ng…”
    “Iam coming.Rememberwhenwefir
    stmet?I
    n
    standardf
    ive.
    ”Rickyl
    aughed.“
    Doyouremember
    ?”
    Fi
    fil
    aughed.“
    Yes.
    ”
    “
    Ican’
    tleavewi
    thoutyouFi
    fi
    .”
    Anot
    hert
    earrol
    leddown.“
    Iloveyou.Iwi
    llseeyou
    whenyoucome.Takemebackhomet ommama.
    Ok?”
    “
    Iwi
    ll
    .Wewi
    llgobackt
    oget
    her
    .”
    “
    Thankyou.Rel
    ax…Iwi
    llbeher
    ewai
    ti
    ng.
    ”
    “Ok.Whorel
    easedthevideo?Di
    dyousendi
    tto
    someoneaft
    erIsentitt
    oyou?”
    “
    What
    ?”
    “Di
    dyoushowsomeonewhenIsenti
    ttoyou
    yest
    erday?
    ”
    “Youdidn’
    tsendmeanythi
    ng.Whatar
    eyoutal
    king
    aboutRicky?It
    hinki
    t’
    soneoft
    hoseguyswho
    postedit
    .”
    “
    Fif
    iyousai
    dyouwant
    edt
    hatvi
    deol
    astni
    ght
    .I
    senti
    ttoyouoverWhatsappanddelet
    edi
    t.My
    l
    aptop.Yourememberwekepttoopenapoli
    ce
    casebutthr
    udidn’
    ttakeusser
    iousl
    ywhenwetol
    d
    them youweredr
    ugged.”
    Fi
    ficl
    osedhereyes.“
    Lor
    ato…”
    “
    Youshowedi
    ttoher
    ?”
    “No.Shewasusi ngmyphonepr etendi
    ngtobeme.
    Idon’
    thaveanyf ightlef
    tinmeRickyIfoughtand
    l
    ost.Iwi
    llacceptit.Iam goi
    ngt
    or est
    .Bye.
    ”
    ShehungandsentLor
    atoamessage.
    Fif
    i:Ihopeyouachievedwhatyouwant ed.Idon’t
    knowwhatIdi dtoyou..isitObakeng?Youcannow
    havehim.Hei syours.Ineverthoughtyouwould
    everhurtmelikethatandallforaman.Youhave
    hurtmebutit’
    sf i
    nemysi ster.Ihopeyouarehappy.
    Iam notangry…Ihopeyouf i
    ndwhatyouseekf or.
    Shesentthemessageandopenedherwar drobe.
    Sheheldthebabyclot
    hesshehadst art
    edtobuy
    thensayonherbedcrying.Awhi l
    elatershegotup
    andouttherr
    oom inperfectcondi
    ti
    on.Shewr otea
    l
    ettert
    henfol
    deditandputi tonherbedbef ore
    t
    aki
    ngoutt
    heski
    ppi
    ngr
    opeshekeptunderherbed.
    .
    .
    .
    [
    04/
    23,
    05:
    44]'
    :
    Si
    nsUnf
    orgi
    ven
    #38

    Loratosuckedherr edl
    oll
    ipopdrivi
    ngthroughFi
    fi’
    s
    str
    eet.Shelookedatherphonef lashi
    ngagainafter
    theti
    mei thadflashedtenminutesback.She
    rel
    uctantl
    ypickeditupandswi peddownt hescreen
    toreadthemessagest hroughthenotifi
    cati
    onbar.
    Therewer etwomessagesf rom Ri
    ckyandonef rom
    Fifi
    .Shedidn’tevenhavet oopenFifi
    ’s.Shewas
    obviouslybeggingforforgi
    veness.Loratol
    aughed
    alone,i
    twasf unnyhowt hi
    ngscouldjustchangein
    asplitsecond.Thatvideohaddonesomuchmor e
    thanshehadi magined, nownoonewoul deverhir
    e
    her
    .
    Thatwasperfect,
    especiall
    yforsomeoneli
    keFif
    i,
    shewasasel fcenteredpersonandshedeser
    vedit.
    Shedidn’
    tevenapol ogi
    ze.
    Loratoputdownherphonewi t
    houtr
    eadi ngt
    he
    messagesanddr ovethr oughthegate.Sheparked
    thecarandlookedather selfonthemirror
    practi
    cinghersadface.Wasshegoi ngt obe
    requi
    redtocry?Possibly…t oshowhowshet oowas
    hurt.
    Lorat
    oreachedfort
    heeyedroplet
    sandputabi
    tin
    hereyes.Shest
    eppedoutofthecarandwal
    kedto
    thedoor.
    Sheknockedgent
    ly.“
    Legauf
    i?Fi
    fi
    !”
    Lorat
    ogaveupandopenedt hedoorher
    selfwalki
    ng
    i
    n.Shescreamedst ar
    ingatFif
    i’
    sbodywhi chwas
    dangli
    ngfr
    om theroof.Shescreamedevenlouder,
    ter
    rorandshockrunni
    ngt hr
    oughherveins.
    Herbr
    aincl
    oggedasshefr
    oze.Fi
    fi
    ’shousemat
    e
    r
    anoverheari
    ngthescr
    eams.
    “
    Jesus!
    ”
    Shepickedakni
    feki
    ckingof
    fthechai
    rFif
    ihadused
    thenj
    umpedont hebedandcutofft
    herope.
    Shedr
    oppedt
    hekni
    fecat
    chi
    ngFi
    fi
    ’sheavybody.
    “
    Let
    stakehert
    othecar
    !”
    “
    Isshedead?
    ”
    Theroommat el
    ookedatLor
    ato.“Idon’
    tknow!We
    needtotakehert
    othehospi
    tal!
    ”
    “
    Ifshe’
    sdeadthenshecan’
    tgoi
    nmycar
    .Let
    ’scal
    l
    t
    heambulance.”
    “
    Shewi
    lldi
    ewai
    ti
    ngher
    e!I
    sthi
    snotyoursi
    ster
    ?”
    “
    Car
    ryi
    ngdeadbodi
    esi
    sbadl
    uck.
    ”
    TheroommateputFi f
    idownandr anout
    .Shecame
    backsecondslat
    erwithaneighborandf
    ound
    Lorat
    ocoveri
    ngFifiwit
    hablanket.
    “Whatar
    eyoudoi
    ng?Ar
    eyout
    ryi
    ngt
    ofi
    nishher
    off
    ?”
    “Shedoesn’
    thaveapul
    se.She’
    spul
    sel
    ess.She’
    s
    dead!
    ”
    Theroommat etookof
    ftheblanketonFifit
    henthe
    nei
    ghborpickedherupandrushedwi t
    hhert ohi
    s
    carout
    side.Theroommatejumpedi nthenthe
    nei
    ghborgotinhiscarandi
    tskiddedof f
    .
    Loratopi
    ckedt hesui
    cidenote.Shereadthr
    ough
    thenputitdownandl ookedaroundtheroom.She
    pickedFif
    i’
    sphonet olookthr
    oughitbutthe
    fi
    ngerpri
    ntstoppedher.
    Shesi gheddisappoint
    edthenstar
    tedthi
    nki
    ngof
    thefuneral.Asmal l
    gatheri
    ngwasjustfi
    ne.What
    wast hepur poseofabigfuner
    alanywayifyouar
    e
    dead?I twasj ustawasteofmoney.
    Sheopenedthewar dr
    obet hentookoutshi
    rts.
    .
    Obakeng’
    sshir
    ts.Sheputever ythi
    ngbackknowing
    i
    twasonlyamat teroftimetil
    lthedeat
    h
    conf
    irmat
    ionwasof fi
    cial
    lyannounced.
    Lorat
    olookedatthesmallbabycl
    othes…Itseemed
    Fif
    ihadbeengetti
    ngready.Sheputbackin
    wardrobe.Thecl
    otheswouldgoasagi f
    ttothat
    coworkerwhowashavingababyshower .
    Shet
    ookherphoneandpost
    edaboutLegauf
    i’
    s
    passi
    ng.

    *
    **

    AtObakeng’shouse,
    Neisol
    ookedatObakeng
    sl
    eepi
    ng.Fifihadmadethi
    ngssomucheasierfor
    her
    .Allnowshehadt odowasclai
    m hi
    m evengive
    hi
    m achild.
    Shesmil
    edthi
    nki
    ngi
    fit
    …itwoul
    dbeagr
    eati
    deai
    f
    shehadtogi
    vehi
    m achi
    ld.
    Shetouchedhisbeardi
    nhissleepandki ssedhim.
    Shenaughti
    lyl
    ookedathimt henhisdick.Hehadn’t
    doneanythi
    ngtoher.Shehadt ri
    edthecoffeespil
    l
    tr
    ickbuthehadn’
    tseemedi nt
    erested.Evenwhen
    sheworehist-
    shir
    t,not
    hingturnedhim on.
    Shelookedathisdi
    cinhi
    ssweatpant
    s.Maybeshe
    j
    usthadt odoitwhi
    lehesl
    ept
    .Neisobi
    therl
    ower
    l
    ip.
    Wasshenowt
    hatdesper
    atebut
    …
    Shet
    ookof
    fhercl
    othest
    hent
    ookouthi
    sweapon.
    Hecar
    esseditl
    icki
    ngi
    tandwat
    chedhi
    m gethar
    d
    i
    nhissl
    eep.
    Herpussythr
    obbedasshest raddl
    edhim.
    .she
    l
    ookedathim.Obviousl
    yhewasgoi ngtobepi
    ssed
    f
    indi
    ngoutbutwiththepregnancyalr
    eadyt
    herehe
    wouldn’
    tbeablet
    odoanyt hi
    ng
    Shepushedherpant
    ytot
    hesi
    deandsl
    iddownon
    i
    t.

    *
    **

    Loril
    ookedathi
    sphonebadl
    ywanti
    ngtocal
    lher
    andjustfi
    ndouthowshewasbuthedi
    dn’
    twantto
    seem pushy…
    Hesighedli
    steni
    ngtoacardri
    vingi
    n.Mi
    nut
    esl
    ater
    shewalkedinandlookedathi
    m.
    “
    Kabodr
    oppedmeof
    f.
    ”
    “
    Goodf
    oryou.
    ”
    “
    IsObakengatt
    hehospi
    tal
    ?”
    “
    Doi
    ngwhat
    ?”
    “
    Wit
    hFi
    fikanaweshoul
    dsayt
    hebody?
    ”
    “
    What
    ?”
    “Lorat
    ojustannouncedFi
    fi
    ’spassi
    ng.Sheki
    ll
    ed
    hersel
    f.”
    Shehandedhi
    mthephone.

    LoratoPaballo:Iti
    swi thgreatregrett hatIinfor m
    youoft hepassingofmysi st
    er,Legauf iPabal lo.
    Duet othetrendingvideot hathadbeenmaki ng
    roundsonsoci almedi a,mysi sterdeci dedi twas
    besttotakeherl if
    e.Thevi deocompl etelyleftmy
    sist
    erdestroyedt oapoi ntshedeci dedt ot ake
    mat t
    ersint
    oherownhands.Weast hePabal l
    o
    familywouldl i
    keforourpr ivacytober espect edas
    wenavi gat
    eourwayt hr oughthesehar dt r
    ying
    ti
    mes.Thankyou.

    Lor
    iswal
    lowed,
    hiskneesweak.
    *
    **

    Atthebusr ank,
    Rickysteppedoutoft
    hebusslowl
    y
    readingthepost
    ,heslowlysatontheroadas
    everythi
    nginhim gotweak.

    *
    **

    Loratodrovetoherhouseandpar kedhercart hen


    unlockedherphone.Sheopenedal lt
    hemessages
    shewasnowget ti
    ngaftertheannouncementof
    Legaufi’
    sdeath.Shejusthopedthebur i
    alwould
    happenasqui cksothatshewoul dn’tpayal otof
    moneyonsomeonewhocl earl
    ydi dn’tcareabout
    her.Goodr i
    ddancetorubbish!
    .
    .
    [
    04/
    23,
    05:
    44]'
    :
    Si
    nsUnf
    orgi
    ven
    #39

    Thatsameevening,Lor
    irever
    sedoutofthegat
    e
    call
    ingLor
    ato.Herphonerangforawhil
    ethenshe
    picked.
    “
    Hel
    lo?
    ”
    “
    Hi,
    it’
    sLor
    i.Bax’
    sfr
    iend.
    ”
    “
    Oh,
    hi.
    ”
    “
    Wher
    eisFi
    fi
    ?”
    “
    Fif
    iisl
    ate-
    “
    “Wherei
    sshe?Wherei
    sherbody?Whoconf
    ir
    med
    herdeat
    h?Iwantt
    otal
    ktothatdoct
    or.
    ”
    “
    Herbodyisatthehospit
    al.Youcangotherei
    fyou
    wanttoconfi
    rmthenewsthoughIam al
    soonmy
    waytoseeifshecanstaytherewhi
    leweplanher
    f
    uneral
    .”
    “
    Whi
    chhospi
    tal
    ?”
    *
    **

    Atthehospit
    al,Lor
    atopar
    kedhercarandst
    epped
    out.Shewalkedinsi
    deandlookedatt
    he
    recept
    ioni
    st.
    “Goodeveni
    ng.Mynamei sLoratoPabal
    lo.My
    sist
    erwasbroughtinher
    e,Legauf
    iPabal
    lo.She
    committ
    edsuicide.
    ”
    “
    Uh,
    Legauf
    i?”
    “
    Yes.Iwouldt
    oseeheronel
    adyt
    imebef
    oreshei
    s
    t
    akentothemort
    uar
    y.”
    “Uh,
    pleasetakeasit.Iam notsurei
    fwehad
    someonelikethatbutmaybeImi ghtbewr
    ong.Let
    mesee…”
    “
    Ok.
    ”
    Shesteppedbackandsatdowncalmly.Mi
    nut
    es
    l
    aterLoriwal
    kedin.Hel
    ookedather
    .
    “
    Wher
    eisshe?
    ”
    “
    Ijustspoket
    other
    ecept
    ioni
    sts.She’
    sgoi
    ngt
    o
    assi
    stus.
    ”
    “Iwantt
    otal
    ktoherdoct
    or.Mat
    teroff
    act
    ,Iwantt
    o
    seeher.
    ”
    “
    Ok.
    ”
    Ri
    ckywal
    kedi
    nhol
    dinghi
    sbag.Hel
    ookedatLor
    ato.
    “
    Wher
    eisshe?Wher
    eismyFi
    fi
    ?”
    Ther
    ecepti
    oni
    stwal
    kedovert
    othem.“
    Herdoct
    ori
    s
    comi
    ng.”
    Rickylookedathertear
    ful
    ly.“
    Iwantt
    oseeher
    .I
    don’tbeli
    evesheisdead.Wherei
    sshe?”
    “
    Hewi
    llassi
    styou.
    ”
    Lor
    atosni
    ff
    edcr
    ying.Ri
    ckyt
    urnedt
    oher
    .
    “
    Whyar
    eyoucr
    ying?
    ”
    Lor
    atoputherhandsonherf
    acecr
    ying.Ri
    cky
    l
    aughedhyster
    ical
    lyasi
    fhewer
    egonemad.
    “Youarecr yi
    ng?Waitseyouareacer t
    if
    iedwitch.
    Look,Iknewyouwer enotthegr eat
    estpersonon
    earthbuttoday,shem youhaveoutdoneyour sel
    f.”
    Rickyclapped.“
    Thiskindofwitchcr
    aftisfi
    rstclass
    witchcraft.Har
    vardwitchcraft
    .Oxfordwit
    chcraft.
    It’
    snotf i
    reveryoneshem.Thi skindofwitchcr
    aftis
    thet ypethathadsupperwi thJesus.Youareeven
    cryingafterposti
    ngthatvideotodestroyyoursister
    allforamanwhodoesn’ twantyou? ”
    Lor
    ilookedatt
    hem conf
    used.Ri
    ckynodded.
    “Yes.I
    twasher
    .Ihavet
    heevi
    dence.You….Ot
    sil
    e
    gonyela.
    ”
    Lor
    atosni
    ff
    edl
    ooki
    ngathi
    m.“
    Idi
    dn’
    tforanyt
    hing.
    ”
    “
    Youdid!Youwerebusywi
    thFi
    fi
    ’sphonewena
    mol
    otsanakewena!”
    “
    Idon’
    tknowwhatyouar
    etalki
    ngabout
    .Youar
    e
    l
    ooki
    ngforsomeonet
    oblame.I-
    “
    “Otsil
    egonyel agoed!Iam t el
    lingyou.Itol
    dyou, I
    am mor ethanwill
    ingt ogotoj ailf
    oryou.NnaloveI
    am notscaredofjai l
    .Iam goingt opunchyout hen
    beatyousomucht hatwhenyougot ot hepol
    ice
    stat
    ion,theydon’
    tevenhavet oquest i
    onyou.*
    Thedoct
    orwal
    kedover
    .Hel
    ookedatt
    hem.
    “
    Iam Dr
    .Ket
    eng,
    Fif
    i’
    sdoct
    or.
    ”
    Rickyl
    ookedathimtryi
    ngtokeephistear
    saway.“
    I
    wanttoseeher.Iam notgoi
    ngtobeli
    eveshei
    s
    deadti
    llIseeher
    .Iwanttoseeher.
    ”
    “
    Andyouar
    e?”
    “
    Herbr
    other
    .”
    Lor
    atosi ghed.“Iam heronl
    yrel
    ati
    veherebutyou
    cantellus.Ialsowantedtoconfi
    rm howthe
    mortuarywor kshere.”
    Thedoct
    orshookhi
    shead.“
    Mor
    tuar
    y?”
    “
    Yes.
    ”
    “Uh,yoursi st
    erdoesn’
    tneedt hemor t
    uary.Shewas
    broughtinear l
    ieronwit
    hherr oommat ewhoj ust
    l
    eftIbelieve.Shehadt r
    iedtoki l
    lher
    sel
    f.Butshe’s
    ali
    ve.Traumat izedandsti
    llsuici
    debutshe’sali
    ve.
    Andsoi st hebaby.”
    Lor
    atof
    rownedconf
    used.“
    What
    ?”
    “Yes.Itwasacl oseonebutshemadeit
    .The
    hospitali
    sarrangingt
    hatmaybeshecangot oa
    ment ali
    nsti
    tute.Shei
    sverymuchsui
    cidaland
    viol
    ent.Sheseemedt obelosi
    ngit
    .Soit
    ’sbestshe
    get
    sthehel
    psheneedsbef
    oreshegi
    vesbi
    rt
    h.”
    Lor
    inodded.“
    Soshei
    sal
    ive?
    ”
    “
    Yes.
    ”
    Ri
    ckylookedatLor
    ato.“
    Wheredidyougett
    he
    i
    nfor
    mat i
    onyoupostedonFacebook?
    ”
    Lor
    atobl
    inkedconf
    used.“Shehadnopul
    se…Ij
    ust
    ..
    shewasdead.Iswearshewasdead.”
    “
    Areyouadoct
    or?
    ”
    Lor
    atotur
    nedt
    othedoct
    or.“
    Areyousur
    eit
    ’smy
    si
    ster
    ?”
    “
    Legauf
    iPabal
    lo?
    ”
    “
    Yes.That
    ’sher
    …”
    “
    Shei
    sal
    ive.
    ”
    Lor
    atoshookherheadconf
    used.“
    Shewasn’
    t
    moving.
    ”
    “
    Shewasj
    ustunconsci
    ous.
    ”

    *
    I
    nFifi
    ’sroom,Ri
    ckyt
    ouchedhi
    sfr
    iend’
    shand.
    Tear
    sf i
    ll
    edhi
    seyes.
    “
    Hey…”
    Fif
    islowl
    yopenedhereyesst
    il
    ldr
    owsy.Shelooked
    athim wi
    thhal
    fcl
    osedeyes.Ri
    ckyhuggedher.
    “
    Wear
    egoi
    ngt
    obef
    ine…wear
    egoi
    ngt
    obef
    ine.
    ”
    Loriwat
    chedst
    andingbyt
    hedoor
    .Hesighedwi
    th
    rel
    ief
    .Hi
    sphonevibrat
    edi
    nhi
    spocket
    .
    Hewal
    kedoutpi
    cki
    ng.“
    Whatdoyouwant
    ?”
    “
    Shei
    sdead?
    ”
    “
    No.She’
    sal
    ive.
    ”
    “Uhu…ok.Iwantedust
    otal
    k.Whatt
    imear
    eyou
    gett
    inghome?”
    “
    Iam notcomi
    ng.Shar
    p.”
    Hehungupandwal
    kedbacki
    nther
    oom.

    *
    **
    Attheparkingl
    ot,Lor
    atosati
    nhercarconf
    used.
    Shedeletedthepostunsur
    eofwhattoevensay.
    Shelookedatherphoneasmor emessagescame
    thr
    ough.
    Banyanast
    art
    edcal
    li
    ng.
    “
    Hel
    lo?
    ”
    “
    Hi,
    Ijustspoket
    oLor
    i.Hesaysshei
    sal
    ive.
    ”
    “
    Shewokeup.
    ”
    “
    Ah…”
    “
    Yes.Iam sohappy.Iam sohappy…”
    “Yoursist
    eri
    stryi
    ngtot
    akemyhusband.I
    fshe
    thi
    nksshewi l
    lgetawaywi
    thi
    t,shei
    swrong.NnaI
    am goingtosueher.
    ”
    Lor
    atocutt
    hecal
    landst
    art
    edhercaranddr
    oveof
    f.

    *
    Awhi
    lel
    aterRi
    ckywal
    kedoutwi
    thLor
    i.
    “
    Iwi
    lldr
    opyouof
    fatFi
    fi
    ’shouse?
    ”
    Ri
    ckynodded.“
    Please.
    ”
    Theygoti
    nt hecart
    henhedr
    ovet
    oFi
    fi
    ’shouse.
    Rickysmi
    led.
    “
    Thankyou.Your
    eal
    lycar
    eaboutFi
    fi
    .”
    “
    Icanr
    elat
    etoher
    .”
    Ri
    ckynodded.“
    Thankyou.
    ”
    Hegotoutoft
    hecarasFi
    fi
    ’sr
    oommat
    ewal
    kedout
    oft
    hebathr
    oom.
    “Hi,Iam Ri
    cky.Fi
    fi
    ’sf
    ri
    end.Ihadwhatyoudi
    d.
    Thankyousomuch.Al lt
    hankstoyousheisal
    ive
    today.”
    Theroommatenodded.“
    Iam happyshe’
    sal
    ive.
    That
    ’sherr
    oom.”
    “
    Thankyou.
    ”
    Rickyopenedt
    hedoorandwal
    kedin.Shelookedat
    t
    hechaironthefl
    oort
    henswal
    lowedstari
    ngatthe
    rope.
    Sher
    eachedf
    ort
    hel
    ett
    eront
    hebed.

    ‘
    Iam sor
    ry.Ican’
    ttakei
    tanymore.Thepai
    nist
    oo
    muchforme.Iwantt or
    est.Iam t
    ir
    ed.
    ’

    Atearf
    ellont
    hel
    ett
    er.Hef
    oldedi
    tandouti
    taway
    t
    hengotinbedwr
    appinghi
    mselfwi
    thFi
    fi
    ’sj
    acket
    .

    *
    **

    Thefoll
    owingmor ning,Lorat
    olookedatFifi
    sl
    eepingpeacefull
    y.Shet ookadeepbr eat
    h
    wonderi
    ngi fherbeingalivewasevennecessary.
    Shecouldjustsmoot herhertodeath.Shetookone
    ofpi
    ll
    owst houghtfull
    y,herheartr
    acedasshe
    l
    ookedar oundthenpr essedthepil
    lowonFifi
    ’sface.
    .
    .
    .
    [
    04/
    23,
    05:
    44]'
    :
    Si
    nsUnf
    orgi
    ven
    #40

    Loratopr
    essedthepil
    lowonherfacesuf
    focat
    ing
    her.Herhear
    tpoundedasshepressedharder
    ,with
    hernotmakingasingl
    emovement ,i
    tmadeitall
    easier
    .
    Loratoexertedherf or
    cewonderinghowlongshe
    hadpr essi
    ngf or.Thedoorabruptl
    yopened
    fol
    lowedbyRi ckywalkingi
    nholdinghi
    sphone.
    Loratoquicklytookoffthepi
    ll
    owandsmi led
    nervously.
    “
    Hi!
    ”
    Rickylookedatheri
    nshock.“
    Wer
    eyousuf
    focat
    ing
    her?”
    “Huh?Iwanttof
    ixherpi
    ll
    ow.Idon’
    tthi
    nkshe’
    s
    comfort
    abl
    e.”
    “
    Youwantt
    ofi
    xherpi
    ll
    owi
    nherf
    ace?
    ”
    Shelaughed.“
    Ricky!No…I…youdidn’
    tseepr
    operl
    y.
    Anyways,nowthatyouarehere,
    youcandoit.Iwi
    ll
    gi
    veyouspace.”
    Ri
    ckyt
    ookof
    fhi
    sheel
    sopeni
    ngt
    hedoor
    .
    “
    Weneedadoct
    or.Shewast
    ryi
    ngt
    oki
    llmyf
    ri
    end!
    ”
    Lor
    atoswal
    lowed.“
    Iwasf
    ixi
    ngherpi
    ll
    ow!
    ”
    “
    Isawyousmoot hi
    ngherwi
    thapi
    ll
    ow!Doyou
    t
    hinkIam st
    upi
    d.Doct
    or!
    ”
    Lorat
    opickedherhandbag.“
    Youar
    eful
    lof
    nonsense.Iam goi
    ng.
    ”
    “
    Youar
    enotgoi
    nganywher
    e!Isawwhatyouwer
    e
    t
    ryi
    ngt
    odo!
    ”
    Thenur sewalkedin.Ri
    ckypoi
    ntedatFi
    fi
    .“Check
    myfriend.Icaughtthi
    swomansuf f
    ocat
    ingherwith
    apil
    low. ”
    “Iwasn’t
    .Iwasf i
    xingherpil
    low.Youhavebeen
    wantingafightfrom meRi chard!Stopspreading
    l
    ies,unl
    ikeyou, Idon’tbendformar r
    iedmenevery
    nightsotomai ntainmyself,Iworkandifyou
    conti
    nuespr eadingthisli
    e,Iwil
    lpresschargesat
    t
    hepol
    ice.
    ”
    “Don’
    tpresst
    hosechargesasyet
    ,waitti
    llIam
    donewithyousothatwhenyoupresschar ges,
    you
    wil
    lhaveastrongcase.Nur
    se,
    ismyf r
    iendok? ”
    “
    Eemma-r
    ra…”
    “Sheisnotsafehere.If
    oundhert r
    yingtosmoother
    hertodeath.Ihavenoreasont omakeitup.You
    seethatpi
    llowonthegr ound?Shewasusi ngi
    t.
    Don’tyouhavecamer asinhere?”
    “
    Noti
    nther
    ooms.
    ”
    “
    Myf
    ri
    endi
    snotsaf
    e.”
    Lor at
    ol ookedatt henurseandsmi l
    ed.“Iam her
    sister
    .Thi sisthef r
    iend.Hehatesme.Ihaveno
    reasont ohur tmysi ster
    .Iam payi
    ngherbi l
    lsher
    e.I
    l
    oveher .Iam wor ri
    edabouther.Icouldhavelost
    her..“Tear sfi
    ll
    edhereyes.“Shei stheonlyoneI
    have.Iam equal l
    ywor ri
    edabouther.Pleasestop
    attackingmeRi chard.”
    Thenur
    selookedathersadl
    y.“
    It
    sok.ButIam
    goi
    ngtohavetoaskyoubothtogivehert
    imeto
    r
    est
    .”
    Loratonoddedandwalkedout
    .Rickyfol
    lowed
    behindher.Lor
    atounl
    ockedhercarandlookedat
    hi
    m.
    “GBVi sveryserious.Theyt akesuchmat tersvery
    seri
    ously.Yougetj ail
    edf orhit
    ti
    ngawoman, they
    don’tcarewhetheryouuseyourdi cki
    tnot,factis
    thatyouhavei t
    .Iwantyout oputyourhandsonme
    Richard,andFifiwi lll
    ivet oseeyouthrought he
    fencewhi l
    eyour otinj ai
    l.Tryme.Youdon’ tknow
    howf armuchcr uel Icanbe. ”
    Ri
    ckybr
    eat
    hedheavi
    lyl
    ooki
    ngather
    .Lor
    atosmi
    led.
    “
    Youarest
    il
    lholdi
    ngyourshoes.Ithi
    nkyoumi
    ght
    wantt
    oputthem backon.ByeGir
    l!
    ”
    Lorat
    ogotinhercaranddroveof
    f.Sheexhal
    edin
    rel
    ief
    .Herphonerangasshejoi
    nedthemainroad.
    “
    Mama…”
    “
    IsLegauf
    ireall
    ydead?ShouldIst
    artcol
    lect
    ing
    madiamatshidi
    so?(condol
    encesmoney)”
    “
    No.She’
    snot
    .Fal
    seal
    arm.Shewasbutcameback
    t
    oli
    fe.
    ”
    “
    Uhu!Yousee?Itol
    dyouhergr
    andmot
    heri
    sa
    wit
    ch.I
    sshesti
    llpr
    egnant
    ?”
    “
    Yes.
    ”
    “
    Mxm…”
    Lor
    atosi
    ghed.“
    MamaIam dr
    ivi
    ng.Iwi
    llcal
    lyou.
    ”
    “Ok.Nextti
    mewhenshedi
    es,
    tel
    lmesoIcanst
    art
    planni
    ng.”
    Lorat
    ohungupanddr
    ovetoherhouset
    hensaton
    hercoucht
    ypi
    ngonFacebook.

    *
    **

    Thatsamemor ni
    ng,Obakengphone’
    srangagain
    pull
    inghi
    m ourfr
    om thedeepsl
    eephewasi n.He
    tur
    nedfeel
    ingli
    kehehadbeenlif
    ti
    ngbricks.
    Neisomovedcloserasl
    eep.Obakeng’
    sheart
    ski
    ppedashel ookedathi
    mselfunder
    neaththe
    sheet.Hel
    ookedather.Heswall
    owedt r
    yingto
    rememberwhathadhappened…thel
    astthi
    nghe
    recal
    ledwasFi
    fil
    eavi
    ngandgett
    ingevenmore
    drunk.
    Nei
    soopenedhereyesandl
    ookedathi
    m smi
    li
    ng.
    “
    Hi…”
    Obakengsatupr
    ightandr
    ubbedhi
    seyes.“
    Wehad
    sex?
    ”
    Nei
    sosmi
    led.“
    Yes.
    ”
    Obakengshookhi
    shead.“
    No…”
    Hegotof
    fbedandputonhi
    spant
    s.“
    Idon’
    t
    r
    ememberit
    .”
    “
    Youwer
    edr
    unk.Icoul
    dn’
    tst
    opyou.
    ”
    “
    I…”Hel
    ookedather
    .“Fuck!
    ”
    “It
    ri
    edtost
    opyoubutyout
    hreat
    enedme.Iwas
    scared.
    ”
    Heputhi
    shandonhi
    schest
    .“Ihaveagi
    rl
    fr
    iend.
    ”
    “
    Theonewhomadeasext
    ape?
    ”
    Obakengst
    agger
    edback,
    handsonhi
    shead.“
    You
    needt
    oleave.Di
    dweuseacondom?
    ”
    “
    Yes.
    ”
    Henodded.“
    Ok.Youneedt
    ogo.Pl
    ease…”
    Nei
    sogotof
    fthebedandsmi
    led.“
    Doyouhat
    eme?
    ”
    “
    Nei
    so…”
    “
    Doyouhat
    eme?
    ”
    “
    Idon’
    tbut
    -“
    “
    What
    ?”
    “
    Youar
    eunr
    eli
    abl
    e.Iwantsomet
    hingst
    abl
    e.”
    “
    Iam herenow.Iam notgoi
    nganywher
    e.Iam her
    e
    t
    ostay.Iam her
    ebaby…”
    “
    Shei
    spr
    egnant
    .”
    “Iacknowledgethatbutthatdoesn’
    tmeanyou
    shouldbewi t
    hher .Unl
    essyouwantt obewit
    h
    someoneal lbecauseyouhavechi l
    drenwi
    tht
    hem.I
    am here.Iwanttocommi tt
    ous.”
    “
    Iloveher.Ir
    eall
    ydo.Matteroffact,
    besi
    dest
    he
    f
    actthatyouareunrel
    iabl
    e,Idon’tl
    oveyou
    anymor
    e.Iact
    uall
    yregrett
    hesexwehadbecauseI
    l
    ovemyperson.Togetherwi
    thherf
    laws.Idon’
    t
    knowwhat’
    sgoingtohappenbutIam wil
    li
    ngto
    worki
    tout
    .”
    “
    Shewasget
    ti
    ngf
    uckedbyt
    hreemen!
    ”
    “
    Ihavefuckedtwoladi
    esatthesameti
    me.Just
    t
    hatIdi
    dn’tfi
    lmit
    .Weallhaveourfl
    aws.
    ”
    Nei
    sol
    ookedathi
    m.“
    Babe-
    “
    “
    Youneedt
    oleave.
    ”
    “
    Areyousayi
    ngal
    lthatt
    ohur
    tme?
    ”
    “
    Youhavet
    ogo.
    ”
    Neisonoddedthenputonherclot
    hesthenwalked
    outholdi
    ngherhandbag.Shedroveoutthr
    oughthe
    opengate.Obakengl
    ookedaroundthehouse
    searchi
    ngforhi
    sphoneandpickeditup.
    Hel
    ookedatthemissedcal
    lsfr
    om LoriandKabo.
    Hedi
    aledFi
    fi
    .Herphoneisstar
    tedri
    nging.
    “
    Fif
    i’
    sphone,
    hel
    lo?
    ”
    “
    Lor
    ato,
    giveLegauf
    iherphone.
    ”
    “
    Fif
    iisi
    nhospi
    tal
    .Shet
    ri
    edt
    ocommi
    tsui
    cide.
    ”
    Obakengswal
    lowedsi
    tt
    ing.“
    Isshe.
    .-
    “
    “Thedoctorsai
    dsheisf i
    ne.Shej ustneedsspace.I
    gotacallfr
    om thehospit
    alandt heyhavejusttol
    d
    shedoesn’twantanyvisi
    tors.Let’
    sgiveherthe
    spacesheneeds.”
    “
    Whi
    chhospi
    tali
    ssheat
    ?”
    “Shedoesn’twantyouther
    e.Pl
    easel
    et’
    srespect
    herdeci
    sion.Iam beggi
    ngyou.
    ”
    “
    Whi
    chhospi
    tal
    ?”

    *
    **

    Lor
    iwal
    kedinsi
    deFi
    fi
    ’sroom hol
    dingfl
    owers.She
    sl
    owlyt
    urnedandl
    ookedathim.Lorismil
    ed.
    “Hi…Ibri
    bedthenurset
    oletmei
    n.Ij
    ustwant
    edt
    o
    giveyouthef
    lowers.
    ”
    Fi
    fit
    ear
    full
    ookedathi
    m.“
    Thankyou.
    ”
    Heheldherhand.“
    Iam sor
    ry.Forever
    ythi
    ngt
    hat
    happenedt
    oyou.”
    Atearrol
    leddown.Her
    ubbeditof
    f.“
    Iam happy
    youagreedtogotoSbr
    anatogethel
    p.Thi
    sbaby
    deser
    vesahealthymom.”
    Anothert
    earr
    oll
    eddown.Fif
    ilookedawaycr
    ying.
    Lor
    ihuggedher.Shecl
    osedhereyescryi
    ng.
    “
    It
    ’sok.
    .it
    ’sgoi
    ngt
    obeok.
    ”
    Minut
    esl
    aterhel
    etgoandsmi
    led.“
    Youar
    egoi
    ng
    t
    obeok.”
    Hewipedhert
    ear
    sawayandsmi
    led.“
    Iwi
    llbeher
    e
    whenyougetmyrel
    eased.
    ”
    “
    Thankyou.
    ”
    Helookedatherl
    ips…t
    hel
    eanedoverandgent
    ly
    ki
    ssedher.

    *
    **

    Att
    hehospi
    tal
    ,Obakengspoket
    oamal
    enur
    seat
    t
    her
    ecept
    ion.
    “Iam l
    ooki
    ngf
    ormygirlf
    ri
    end.Shewasbr
    ought
    herel
    astni
    ght
    .Legauf
    iPaball
    o.”
    “Oh,Irememberher .Thebeauti
    fulyel
    lowbor
    none
    whol ooksli
    ke…uh..ot eng.ButIhear
    dnovisi
    tor
    s
    areallowed.Iam sorr
    y.”
    “
    Ineedt
    oseeher
    .Iwon’
    ttakel
    ong.Pl
    ease…”
    .
    .
    .
    [
    04/
    23,
    05:
    45]'
    :
    Si
    nsUnf
    orgi
    ven
    #41

    Fi
    fimovedbackconf
    used.Lor
    ihel
    dherhand.
    “Youdon’thavetobeganyonet
    oloveyour i
    ght.
    Loveissomet hi
    ngthathast
    obegivenfreel
    y.I
    fhe
    can’
    tloveyour i
    ghti
    tmeanshedoesn’tdeser
    veyou.
    Andyoudeser vebett
    erthansomeonewhowi ll
    standwiththewholewor l
    dtoatt
    ackyouwhent hey
    throwstones.Youdeservesomeonewhowi l
    lstand
    withyouandhol dyourhand.I
    fhecan’tdoi
    ttoday,
    whenwi l
    lheeverdoi t
    ?”
    Fifibl
    inkedst ar
    ingathi
    m.Thedooropened
    foll
    owedbyObakengwal ki
    ngin.Lor
    imovedback
    from Fifil
    etti
    nggoofherhandasObakengstar
    ed
    suspiciously.
    “
    Whatar
    eyoudoi
    ngher
    e?”
    “
    Iam her
    etoseeher
    .”
    “
    Seeherget
    ti
    ngt
    hatcl
    oset
    oher
    ?”
    “
    Whatar
    eyout
    alki
    ngabout
    ?”
    “
    Iam tal
    kingaboutyoubei
    ngi
    nmygi
    rl
    fr
    iend’
    sface
    l
    iket
    hat,whatisgoi
    ngon?”
    “Iwasjustt
    alki
    ngt
    oher
    ,whatar
    eyout
    ryi
    ngt
    o
    say?”
    “
    Isawhowyouwerecloset
    oher.I
    sthathowyou
    t
    alkt
    opeopl
    e?Br
    eathi
    ngonthei
    rfacesl
    iket
    hat?
    ”
    “
    Yousoundcr
    azy.
    ”
    “
    Otanyel
    athemonnaLor
    i!What
    ’sgoi
    ngonher
    e?”
    “Nothi
    ngisgoi
    ngon,canyoust
    opact
    ingchi
    ldi
    sh?
    Thisisahospi
    tal
    !”
    “Acti
    ngchildi
    shwhenyoulookedlikeyouwere
    abouttokissmygi r
    lf
    ri
    end?”Obakengadvanced
    towardshim,hisangermakinghi
    m shake.“War
    e
    chil
    dish?Whatisgoingonhere?”
    “Canyoustopthi
    s?Yousoundst
    upidBax.Thi
    sis
    yourgi
    rl
    fr
    iend!Whatwoul
    dIbedoingwit
    hher?”
    “
    Thati
    swhatIwantt
    oknow!Whatar
    eyoudoi
    ng
    wit
    hher
    ?”
    Lor
    i’
    sheartpoundedashelookedatObakeng
    get
    ti
    ngevenmor ecloser
    .
    “Iwasjusttalki
    ngtoher,
    sheneededsomeoneon
    hercor
    nersi nceyoudecidedt
    obri
    ngthi
    rdpar
    ti
    es
    i
    ntotherelati
    onship.
    ”
    “Andyoudecidedtobethatper
    son?Andwhatthi
    rd
    part
    yaretal
    kingabout
    ?What ’
    syourbusi
    nessi
    nmy
    rel
    ati
    onshi
    p?”
    “
    Bax-
    “
    “
    Ketsi
    legogothubakafeisiwena,Ihavebeen
    wat
    chi
    ngyoualwaystryi
    ngt obebetterwit
    hmy
    woman!Whatwereyoudoingwithher ?”
    “
    Youar
    eover
    react
    ing,
    askher
    !”
    “Iam notaski
    ngheranyt
    hing!Iam t
    alki
    ngt
    oyou
    aker
    e!”
    “Shet ri
    edtokillherselflastni ght.Icanrelat
    eto
    whatshe’ sgoingt hrough.Iwasj usttr
    yingtotalkto
    heraboutt hi
    s.Iwoul dneverhi tonyourwomanBax.
    Comeon…i t
    ’sme.Wedi dn’tmeetyest erday.Why
    wouldIt ryanddest roywhatyouhavewi t
    hher
    knowi nghowmuchyoul oveher ?Ifshewasn’ tyour
    gir
    lIwoul dnotevenbeher e!Thi si
    syourwoman!I
    am disappointedyouwoul dt hinkIam af t
    eryour
    gir
    lfr
    iendwhenIhavemyowndemonsIam deal ing
    with!Youknowmebet terthant hat.
    ”
    ObakenglookedathimthenlookedatFifiwhowas
    st
    ar i
    ngatthewalli
    nsil
    ence.Helookedatt hemarks
    aroundherneckandsteppedback.Lorisighedand
    quickl
    ywalkedout.
    Obakenghel
    dFi
    fi
    ’shand.“
    Idi
    dn’
    tsl
    eepwi
    thher
    .
    Cof
    feespi
    ll
    edonherdr
    ess.That
    ’swhyshewas
    weari
    ngmyt-shi
    rt
    .”
    Fi
    fit
    urnedt
    ohi
    m andnodded.
    “Iam sorr
    y.I
    …yester
    dayIwasover whel
    med.Iam
    sorr
    yaboutwhatIsaid.Ij
    ustdi
    dn’tknowhowto
    dealwithmygir
    lf
    ri
    end…Iam sorry.
    ”
    “
    Youhavenot
    hingt
    obesor
    ryabout
    .It
    ’sok.
    ”
    “
    Ishouldnothavespokent
    oyout
    hatway…noti
    n
    f
    rontofmyex.”
    “
    Shei
    sbeaut
    if
    ul.
    ”
    “
    Iloveyou.
    ”
    Fif
    ibl
    inked.“
    Iam fi
    ne.Youdon’thavet
    osaywhat
    youdon’tmean.Iunder
    stand.
    ”
    “
    Babe-
    “
    “No.Iunderst
    andObakeng.Ido.Thepr oblem isme.
    It’
    salwaysbeenme.I t
    ’sok.Youdon’thavetost i
    ck
    withme.Iknewi twasgoingtohappen.Onewayor
    theother.Iwi
    llpi
    ckupt hepi
    eces.It’
    sok.Iwil
    lbeok.
    Itwil
    lgetbett
    er.Notnowbutitwill
    .”Tearsrol
    led
    downt henshesmi l
    ed.“Youcangobackt oyour
    ni
    cegi
    rl
    fr
    iend.Pl
    easedon’
    tfeelpr
    essur
    edt
    obe
    wi
    thme.”
    “
    Iloveyou.Iunder
    standwhyyouwoul
    dquest
    ion
    menowbutIl oveyou.Iwantyou.
    ”
    “
    Youdon’
    t.Youf
    eel
    sor
    ryf
    orme.
    ”
    “
    Fif
    i-
    “
    “YouwilldoDNAtestswhenhe’
    sbor
    n.Justknow
    him bei
    ngyoursdoesnotfor
    ceyout
    odoanything
    youdon’twanttodo.
    ”
    “Legaufi
    ,Iloveyou.Iknowhe’ smi ne.Yest
    er dayI
    wasnoti nmyr i
    ghtfulstat
    eofmind.Iwasi nshock
    andIreact edinthewor stmanner.ButIsweart o
    you,Ididn’tcheat.Shefoundmeonmywor ststat
    e,
    butIdidn’tdoanyt hi
    ngwi t
    hher.Iswear.Iloveyou.
    Whathappenedyest erdaydidn’
    ttakeawaymyl ove
    foryou.”
    “Youdeservebet ter.Youdeservewaybetter.Iam
    notthatpersonf oryou.Iam sorry.
    ”Sheputher
    handsonherf acecr yi
    ng.“
    Iam sorry.Lor
    atowi l
    l
    notstopasl ongasIam wi thyou.Iwantpeace.I
    j
    ustwantpeace.Il oveyoubutIcan’tanymor e…I
    t
    ri
    ed.Ican’
    t.Idon’
    twantt
    oli
    vel
    iket
    his.
    ”
    “
    Youar
    enotbr
    eaki
    ngupwi
    thmeLegauf
    i.
    ”
    “
    Ican’
    t.Iam sosor
    ry.Pl
    easego.
    ”
    “
    Legauf
    i-
    “
    “
    Go.Please.Kekopaotsamaye.Iam notgoi
    ngt
    o
    wai
    ttobehur t
    .Pl
    easego.”
    Shepr
    essedtheemer
    gencybut
    ton.Twonur
    ses
    wal
    kedinasshesni
    ff
    ed.
    Obakengl
    ookedather
    .“Youarenotbreaki
    ngup
    wit
    hme.Youar eemot
    ionalr
    ightnow,Iunder
    stand.
    Youarenotbr
    eakupupwithme.Iloveyou.”
    Hekissedhersal
    tyli
    psandwal
    kedout
    .Legauf
    i
    t
    urnedtohersidesni
    ffi
    ng.

    *
    **

    Lor
    ator
    elaxedi
    nfr
    ontofherTVcal
    li
    ngObakeng.
    “
    Hel
    lo?
    ”
    Lor
    atosatupr
    ight
    .“Hi
    ,i
    t’
    sLor
    ato.Di
    dyouseeher
    ?”
    “
    Wher
    eyout
    heonet
    hatpost
    edt
    hatvi
    deo?
    ”
    “
    Rra?
    ”
    “
    Youhear
    dme!
    ”
    “No!Iwoul dneverdot hat.I
    sthatwhatFifisaid?I
    wouldneverdot hatt oher.Iknowourrelationshi
    p
    hasbeenshakyl atel
    y.IknowIhaven’tbeent he
    bestsisterlately.ButIwoul dneverpubli
    sh
    somethi ngliket hatforthewhol ewor
    ldtosee.Il ove
    mysist er.Il
    ovehersomuch.ButIdon’ tbl ameher
    fort
    hinki ngIwoul d.IhavebeenunkindbutIwoul d
    neverhumi l
    iateherl i
    ket hat
    .”
    “
    IfIfi
    ndoutitwasyou,youaregoi
    ngt
    owi
    shyou
    wereneverbor
    n.Ipromiseyou.
    ”
    “I
    fitwasmedon’ thesitatetokil
    lme.Imi ghtaswel
    l
    di
    ei fIcandot hattomyownbl ood.IloveFi f
    iso
    much.Il ovehermor ethananything.Yes, Ihave
    donesomeuni magi nablethi
    ngsbutIwoul dnever
    gothatfartohur tmyownsi ster.She’
    st heonly
    si
    blingIhave.Wi thoutherIhavenot hing.”
    “
    Whydi
    dyoucal
    l?
    ”
    Shesni
    ff
    ed.“
    Ijustwant
    edt
    ofi
    ndouthowshei
    s.”
    “
    Shei
    sfi
    ne.
    ”
    “Thankyou.Bye.Ohbyt heway,pleasewar nFif
    i
    aboutBanyana.Shet oldmet hatLoriandFifiar
    e
    alwaystoget
    herliket heyarehavinganaf fair
    .She
    saysnowLor iisallaboutFi f
    ieverycorner.Butyou
    knowhowBanyanai stwi st
    ed.Shesai dshewant s
    tosuehersoj usttellFif
    itostayfarfrom that
    woman.”
    Shehungupandpi
    ckedhermot
    her
    ’si
    ncomi
    ngcal
    l.
    “
    Hel
    lo?
    ”
    “Iam comi ngtoGabor one.Iwantt ohelpgetwhat
    youdeser ve.Ispoket osomeone.Shegaveme
    somet hi
    ngt hatwi l
    lhelpyougeteverything.Legauf
    i
    willsuff
    erforther estofherli
    fe.Shewi l
    ldiejust
    l
    ikehermot herdied.Shewillgocrazyjustlikeher
    mot herwentcr azyandbeusedbyever ymant hen
    eventuall
    ydi e.
    ”
    “
    Legauf
    i’
    smot
    herwascr
    azy?
    ”
    “Yes.Shewascrazyt
    henshedied.Iwil
    ldot
    he
    samet hi
    ngIdidonhert
    oherdaughterandt
    he
    unbornchil
    d.”

    *
    **

    Obakengdr ovetoLori’
    shouse.Thegat eopenedas
    Banyana’scardr oveout
    .Her ever
    sedletti
    ngher
    passfir
    stthenhedr oveintheyardandpar kedhis
    carbehindLor i
    .Hesteppedoutandwal kedinthe
    house.Lorilookedathim wal
    kingfrom thekit
    chen
    holdi
    ngagl assofwat er
    .
    Obakengsighed.“Idon’
    twantt ofi
    ghtwit
    hyoubut
    i
    fyouforceme, Iwon’thesit
    ate.What’
    sgoingon?
    DoyouwantLegauf i?LietomeandIam goi ngto
    punchyousot hi
    nkt wi
    ceaboutyouranswer .
    ”
    .
    .
    .
    [
    04/
    23,
    05:
    45]'
    :
    Si
    nsUnf
    orgi
    ven
    #42

    AtLori
    ’shouse,
    Loril
    ookedatObakengjustas
    Banyana’
    syoungestdaught
    erwalkedfr
    om the
    ki
    tchenalsohol
    dinghercupofwater
    .
    Obakengsmi
    led.“
    Heyki
    ddo!
    ”
    Shesmi
    ledshyl
    y.“
    Hi…”
    Lor
    isi
    ghed.“
    Youcanst
    artt
    hemovi
    e.Si
    t.
    ”
    Sheputherwateront
    hetabl
    eandsatont
    hecouch.
    Lor
    iputhisgl
    assdownthenwal
    kedoutwi
    th
    Obakeng.
    “Pleasedon’
    teverthreat
    enmei nmyhouse.The
    kidsarealwaysaroundandIdon’twantthem to
    witnessviol
    ence.Youdon’tunder
    standthi
    snowbut
    Iam sureyouwi l
    lassoonasyouhaveachi ld.I
    don’twantLegaufi
    .Ithoughtwewer edonewith
    that.
    ”
    “
    Iam notst
    upi
    dLor
    i.Iwi
    llki
    llyou.
    ”
    “Idon’twantyourgirlf
    ri
    end.Ihavemyownt roubled
    Iam dealingwith.Youdon’ thavet othreatenme
    aboutLegauf i
    .Idon’tevenlookatherl i
    ket hat.Isee
    asisterinherBax.Shef eel
    slikef ami l
    y.Iwi l
    ltakea
    stepbacki fIam overst
    eppi ngmyboundar i
    es.Her
    tryi
    ngt ocommi tsuici
    dewasj ustat r
    iggerforme,
    whenyouwal kedinatt hehospi tal,Ihadbeen
    prayingforher.Prayermakesi teasy.Idon’ twant
    ustof i
    ghtoverthis,Ihaveal otIal readyfight i
    ng.I
    havenobusi nesswant ingLegauf i
    .Tr ustme. ”
    Obakenglookedinhissincer
    eeyest hensi
    ghed.“I
    thi
    nkit
    ’sbestyoukeepyourdistance.Iunder
    stand
    youandIbel i
    eveyoubutIam notcomf ort
    abl
    ewi t
    h
    youbeingclosetoher.I
    tdoesfeelli
    keyouwanther
    butIam choosingtobel
    ieveyou.Youar emy
    brot
    her.
    ”
    Loriputhishandsinhispocket
    .“Iam gl
    adt
    hat
    ’si
    n
    thepastnow.IpromisedIwouldwatchamovie
    withher
    .”
    “
    Howf
    ari
    sthedi
    vor
    ce?
    ”
    “It
    sinprogressbutherfat
    herhasbeenmaking
    thi
    ngsdiff
    icult
    .Itseemsthatt
    alkdi
    dn’
    thel
    p.Buti
    t’
    s
    ok.Iwil
    ldealwithhim.”
    “
    Cal
    lmei
    fyouneedmanpower
    .”
    Lor
    ilaughed.“
    Sur
    e.Goandbewi
    thFi
    fi
    .”
    “Ican’
    thel
    pbutfeel
    Ipushedhert
    othat
    .Shewant
    s
    ustobreakup.
    ”
    “Sheisjustgoi
    ngthroughdomuch.Gi
    veherti
    me.I
    am surewhenshecomesbackf r
    om Sbranashe
    wil
    lbemuchbet ter
    .”
    “
    Ihopeso.
    ”
    Obakeng’
    sphonevi
    brat
    edr
    ingi
    ng.Hesi
    ghedseei
    ng
    Nonocall
    .
    “
    Wewi
    llt
    alk.
    ”
    “
    Sur
    e.”
    Obakengwal
    kedt
    ohi
    scarpi
    cki
    ng.“
    Yeah?
    ”
    “
    Hi,
    guesswhoIam havi
    ngl
    unchwi
    th?
    ”
    Hegoti
    nthecar
    .“Who?
    ”
    “
    Nei
    …she’
    sback!
    ”
    Obakengst
    art
    edt
    hecaranddr
    oveof
    f.“
    Iknow.
    ”
    “Andyoudidn’
    ttel
    lmethatmyf
    riendi
    sback?Kana
    Obakengbefor
    eyoustart
    eddat
    ingher
    ,shewasmy
    fri
    end.
    ”
    “
    Shecoul
    dn’
    ttel
    lyouher
    sel
    f?”
    “
    Ij
    o!Anyways,shesaysshe’sbackf
    orgood.Ican’
    t
    wai
    tforyoutwotofi
    xthings.Mamaissoexcit
    ed.”
    “Ihavesomeoneinmyli
    fealr
    eady.Ihopeyouar
    e
    notgivi
    ngheranyfal
    sehope.
    ”
    “
    Someonewhohasasext
    ape?
    ”
    “
    That
    ’snotyourbusi
    ness.
    ”
    “
    Areyouseri
    ousl
    ytel
    li
    ngmeyouar
    egoi
    ngt
    o
    r
    emainwit
    hthatgi
    rlwho…wow!
    ”
    “Mindyourownbusi
    ness.Whenar
    eyouevengoi
    ng
    back?”
    “Sheisgoi
    ngt
    oembar
    rassyou.She’
    spr
    obabl
    y
    sleptwi
    tht
    hewhol
    eworl
    d.”
    “
    Legauf
    iismygi
    rl
    fr
    iend,
    ifyouhavenot
    hinggoodt
    o
    sayabouther
    ,don’
    tsayanyt
    hing!
    ”
    “
    Wow!Ok.Don’
    tsayIdi
    dn’
    ttel
    lyou.
    ”
    “
    AndifIfi
    ndoutt
    hatyouaresl
    eepingwit
    hmy
    f
    ri
    end,youar
    ebothgoingt
    ocry,nxl
    a!”

    *
    **

    Attheout
    doorr
    estaurant
    ,Nonor
    oll
    edhereyes
    l
    ist
    eningt
    ohim yel
    l.
    “
    Whatdoyout
    hinkIam?
    ”
    “Iam t
    ell
    ingyou.Letmef
    indoutthatyouar
    e
    sleepi
    ngwithKabo.Youwil
    lhat
    eme. ”
    Shedr
    oppedt
    hecal
    landsi
    ghedasNei
    sol
    ookedat
    her
    .
    “
    Whatwashesayi
    ng?
    ”
    “
    Youknowhowhei s.Iam sohappyyouar
    eback.I
    missedyousomuch.”
    Nei
    sosmi
    led.“
    Met
    oo.Ij
    usthopeyourbr
    otherandI
    wil
    lbeabl
    etofi
    xthi
    ngs,i
    fnotthencomi
    ngback
    her
    ewouldhavebeenusel
    ess.Iqui
    tmyjobf
    or
    hi
    m.”
    “
    NnammaIam notsur
    eifIwoul
    dqui
    tUKf
    ora
    man.
    ”
    Neisol
    aughed.“Lovebabes..l
    ove.Icoul
    dn’
    tdoit
    anymoreespeci
    allyaft
    erIheardthathehadmoved
    onwithacolor
    edgi r
    l.
    ”
    “Waai
    i,nowther
    e’snot
    hingspeci
    alaboutheri
    fshe
    cangetfuckedl
    iket
    hat.
    ”
    “
    Shei
    ssobr
    ave.
    ”
    Nonoshookherheadsippi
    ngherwine.“
    Sheisa
    sl
    utandIwantherfarf
    rom mybrot
    her!Youaret
    he
    womanforhi
    m.”
    “
    Youar
    ejustsayi
    ng.
    ”
    Nonosmi led.“Iam seri
    ous.Youarehi
    ssoulmat
    e.
    Thatprostit
    utedoesn’tdeser
    vehim.Sheshoul
    dgo
    toabrothelwher eshebelongs.
    ”
    Nei
    sol
    aughedsl
    ici
    ngt
    hroughherst
    eak
    *
    **

    Lat
    erthatdayatthehospi
    tal
    ,Fi
    fihel
    dRi
    cky’
    s
    phonetal
    kingwit
    hhergrandmother.
    “
    Iam f
    inenow.
    ”
    Hergr
    andmothersni
    ff
    ed.“Myarmsareal
    ways
    openf
    oryouLegaufi
    .Ifandwheni
    tgetst
    oohard,
    comehome.Comet ome.”
    Fi
    fiwi
    pedat
    eart
    hathadr
    oll
    eddown.
    “
    Myhomei
    syour
    sLegauf
    i.Thi
    sisyourhome.Ok?
    ”
    “
    Yes.
    ”
    “I
    ft hatboywon’tsuppor
    tthebaby,wewil
    l.Wewill
    sellacowort wo.Wehaveal ot.Wewil
    lsellt
    hem
    alli
    fwehavet o.”
    “
    Youdon’
    thavet
    omama.
    ”
    “Iwil
    l.Icant akecar
    eofyouLegauf i
    .Youaremy
    chil
    d.Icant akecareofyou.Youarenotabur den.
    Youwi llneverbeaburden.Pleasecometome.
    Pleasecomehome.Iwi l
    ltakecareofyou.Please
    comet ome.Idon’
    twantst
    ranger
    sar
    oundt
    hat
    baby.Comehome.”
    “
    Eemma.
    ”
    “
    Iwi
    llwai
    tatt
    her
    oad.
    ”
    “
    Ok.Bye.
    ”
    “
    Bye.
    ”
    Fi
    figaveRi
    ckybackt
    hephone.Ri
    ckysmi
    led.“
    Iam
    gl
    adyoudidn’
    tsi
    gnthatf
    orm.
    ”
    Fi
    fisi
    ghed.“
    Idon’
    tthi
    nkIwi
    llevercomebackher
    e.”
    “Ihat
    eGaborone.Goodthi
    ngIhadpackedallyour
    clot
    hes.Whatwil
    lhappentoyourpr
    oper
    ty.
    ”
    “Sel
    litsoIcanbuyt
    hebaby’
    sthings.Idon’twant
    anyoneknowingIwenthome.He’sgoingtolookf
    or
    me.”
    “It
    rustmama.Shewi
    llt
    ellhi
    m youar
    enott
    her
    e.
    Butthebaby-
    “
    “Lor
    atowil
    lnotst
    opatanything.She’
    sgoingto
    wanttoharm mybaby.Iam goingtokeepthem
    awayfrom hi
    m.”
    “
    EvenObakeng?
    ”
    “
    Ifhe’
    stheint
    hepict
    ureLor
    atowi
    llhar
    m hi
    m.Iwi
    ll
    t
    akecareofhi
    m.”
    Ri
    ckysi
    ghed.“
    Iunder
    stand.
    ”

    *
    **

    Loratowaitedf orhermotheratther
    ank.Shelooked
    atthebusshewasi ndr
    ovet hr
    oughtherankthen
    parked.Shest eppedoutofthecarandwat chedas
    hermot hersteppedoutholdingherbag.
    Shewal
    kedoversmi
    li
    ng.“
    Youl
    ookbeaut
    if
    ul.
    ”
    Lor
    atosmi
    led.“
    Thankyou.
    ”
    Theygotinhercar
    .MmagweLor
    atol
    ookedar
    ound
    thecarsmil
    ing.
    “
    Yourcari
    sni
    ce.
    ”
    Lor
    atostar
    tedt
    heengineanddrovet
    ogethouse.
    Hermotherwal
    kedinsti
    llsmi
    li
    ngandpr
    oud.She
    l
    ookedatherdaught
    er.
    “Iam sohappyyouhaveal
    lthi
    s.Yourf
    atherwoul
    d
    havebeenproud.”
    “
    Thankyou.
    ”
    Hermot
    herputherbagdownandt
    ookoutabot
    tl
    e
    wit
    hbl
    ackfl
    uidi
    nside.
    “Thi
    siswhatIt
    alki
    ngabout
    .Youneedt
    omakeFi
    fi
    dri
    nkthi
    ssothatshel
    oosesit
    .”
    Lor
    atof
    rowned.“
    Whati
    sthat
    ?”
    “
    Afri
    endofminegavei
    ttome.Mi
    xitonherdr
    ink
    t
    henit
    ’sdone.
    ”
    “
    Shewon’
    tseeme.
    ”
    “
    Youneedt
    ofi
    ndaway.
    ”
    Lor
    atogott
    hebot
    tl
    eandsi
    ghedt
    hought
    ful
    ly.
    “
    Soyouar
    etheonewhoki
    ll
    edhermot
    her
    ?”
    “
    Sheki
    ll
    edher
    sel
    f.
    ”
    “
    Aft
    eryougavehert
    his?
    ”
    “
    Itwasf
    ort
    hebest
    .”
    “
    Idon’
    tthi
    nkIwantFi
    fit
    odi
    e.She’
    smy-
    “
    “
    Shei
    snotyouranyt
    hing!
    ”
    “
    Weshar
    ethesamef
    ather
    .”
    “
    Sowhat
    ?Don’
    tyouwantt
    obehappyLor
    ato?
    ”
    “
    Idon’
    twanthert
    odi
    e.”
    “
    Thatgir
    lisnotyoursi
    ster
    !Doesshel
    ookl
    ikeyour
    f
    ather
    ?”
    “
    Mama-
    “
    “
    Shei
    snotyourf
    ather
    ’schi
    ld!
    ”
    .
    .
    .
    [
    04/
    23,
    05:
    45]'
    :
    Si
    nsUnf
    orgi
    ven
    #43

    Thefoll
    owingmor ni
    ng,Lorat
    oopenedhergat
    ein
    themorningalr
    eadydressedforwork,
    shewatched
    asRickywalkedin.Shetookadeepbreat
    h.
    “
    Whatdoyouwant
    ?”
    “
    GivemeFi
    fi
    ’sphone!
    ”
    “I
    fFi
    fiwantsherphone,
    shewil
    lgeti
    ther
    sel
    f.I
    t’
    s
    notl
    ikeshecan’
    tcomehereaker
    e?”
    “
    Heymol
    oikewena!Gi
    vemet
    hatphone.
    ”
    Lorat
    ounl
    ockedhercar
    .“Iwi
    llgi
    vemysi
    sterher
    phoneper
    sonal
    ly.
    ”
    Ri
    ckyangril
    ysnatchedLor
    ato’sbagandopenedit
    t
    hendisposedeverythi
    ngi
    nsideontheground.
    “
    Whatar
    eyoudoi
    ng?
    !”
    Rickypi
    ckedFi f
    i’
    sphonet henlookedatalit
    tl
    e
    bottl
    ewit
    hsomef l
    uidinside.Hefrownedthen
    walkedoutputti
    nghisf r
    iend’sphoneinhi
    s
    handbag.Loratoangri
    lylookedathim bef
    ore
    pi
    ckingherthingsfr
    om thegr ound.

    *
    **

    Att
    hehospi
    tal
    ,Ri
    ckyhandedFi
    fiherphone.
    “
    Itooki
    t.
    ”
    Fi
    fismi
    led.“
    Thanks.
    ”
    “
    Itookpi
    ctur
    esoft
    hefur
    nit
    ure.Letmesendt
    hem
    t
    oyousoyoupostthem.
    ”
    FifigotherphoneandopenedherWhat sapp.Al ot
    ofmessagescamet hrough.Shesighedt hankf
    ulfor
    thef i
    ngerprintunlockonal lherapps.Rickysentthe
    picturesthenshest ar
    tedpost i
    ngthem i
    nFacebook
    groups.Ri cky’sphoner angthenhewal kedout
    picking.Fifi
    ’salsophoner angasshepost edmor e
    ofherf urnit
    ure.Shepi ckedherhousemat e’scal
    l.
    “
    Hel
    lo?
    ”
    “Hi
    .Iam seei
    ngyouaresel
    li
    ngyourfur
    nit
    ure.CanI
    buyyourchestofdr
    awersandmicr
    owave?”
    “
    Yes.Bot
    hoft
    hem wi
    llgof
    orP1200.
    ”
    “
    Iwi
    llt
    akei
    t.CanImakepaymentnow?
    ”
    “
    Yes.
    ”
    “
    Thanks,
    letmedoanewal
    let
    .”
    Fi
    fismi
    ledt
    hencomment
    edundert
    hechestof
    dr
    awer
    sandmi
    crowavewi
    th‘
    SOLD.
    ’
    Shepostedherqueenbedtoget
    herwi
    ththerestof
    thet
    hingsgl
    adRickyhadtakenthepi
    ctur
    es.
    Herdoct
    orwal
    kedi
    n.Hesmi
    led.
    “
    Hi.
    .”
    Fi
    fismi
    led.“
    Goodmor
    ning.
    ”
    “
    Areyousur
    eyouwantt
    ogohomei
    nst
    ead?
    ”
    “
    Thecounsel
    orher
    ehasbeendoi
    ngagoodj
    ob.
    ”
    “
    Pleasedon’
    tki
    llyour
    sel
    f.Therei
    ssomuchmor et
    o
    l
    ivefor
    .Li
    keyourbaby.Yourgayfr
    iend.
    .andal
    ot
    more.”
    Fi
    finodded.“
    Thankyou.
    ”
    “
    Her
    ear
    eyourdi
    schar
    gef
    orms.
    ”
    Fif
    isi
    gnedt hem.Minut
    eslatershewalkedoutof
    thehospi
    talwithRi
    ckyandgoti nthecombithat
    wasparkedbyt hehospi
    tal
    ’sentrance.
    “
    Wear
    egoi
    ngt
    odayr
    ight
    ?”
    Fi
    finodded.“
    Yes.I
    fot
    hert
    hingsar
    enotbought
    ,I
    wi
    llaskmyr
    oommat
    etokeept
    hem f
    orme.
    ”
    “
    Whatar
    ewegoi
    ngt
    onameourbaby?
    ”
    Fi
    fismi
    led.“
    Idon’
    tknow.
    ”
    “
    Richar
    disagoodname.
    ”
    Fi
    fil
    aughed.“
    NgNg…”
    “
    Whynot
    ?Ri
    char
    dissexy.
    ”
    Awhi l
    elat
    ertheysteppedoutofthecombiand
    walkedtoherhouse.Theywalkedinthr
    oughthe
    yar
    dasFi f
    iansweredacall.
    “
    Hel
    lo?
    ”
    “Fi
    fi
    ,it
    ’sMr.Ndl
    ovu.Don’
    tbot
    hercomingfort
    he
    heari
    ng.Thecompanyhasmadeadeci si
    ontonot
    wanttogetassoci
    atedwi
    thsuchdrama.”
    “
    Eer
    ra,
    Iunder
    stand.
    ”
    “
    But
    …Icant
    ryandf
    ightf
    oryou.
    ”
    “
    Oh.
    .?”
    “
    Yes.Maybetobeputatanotherbr
    unch.Butthat
    won’
    tbeeasy.Wecandiscussitt
    onightmaybeuh..
    atahotel
    ?Sowecanf i
    ndaposi t
    ionforyouther
    e.I
    thi
    nkyouhavet al
    entLegauf
    i.Iwouldn’
    twantthat
    tal
    entt
    ogot owaste.Youarebril
    li
    ant.Andit
    ’s
    roughoutther
    e.Jobsarehardtof i
    nd.Iwoul
    dnot
    wantyoutostruggl
    e.”
    “
    Soweshoul
    dmeetatahot
    elf
    ort
    his?
    ”
    “Yes.Haveadrinkortwo.Nothingiseasyt hese
    daysLegaufi
    .Therewerepeopl ewhocoul dhave
    gottenyourj
    obbutyourboyfriendhadt omake
    thi
    ngshappenf oryoutogetthatjob.Hepai da
    heft
    yamount .OfcauseIwouldhaveaskyout opay
    me..look,
    wewilldi
    scussallt
    hatinper son.
    ”
    “
    Iam f
    ine.
    .butt
    hankyou.
    ”
    “
    Youhaveasext
    apemaki
    ngroundsFi
    fi
    .Fi
    ndi
    nga
    j
    obi
    sgoingt
    obehardf
    oryou.
    ”
    “
    Iwi
    llmakeapl
    an.
    ”
    “
    Goodl
    uckonyourf
    utur
    eendeavor
    s.”
    Hehungup.Ri
    ckyl
    ookedather
    .
    “
    Ever
    yonei
    nGabor
    onei
    sgoi
    ngt
    ohel
    lIswear
    .”
    Heunl
    ockedt
    hedoorandwal
    kedi
    n.Fi
    fif
    oll
    owed
    behi
    ndhi
    m andsatdownopeni
    ngtheposi
    ti
    ve
    comment
    sonherFacebookposts.
    Shesmi
    ledr
    epl
    yingt
    othecommentundert
    hebed.
    Legauf
    i:I
    t’
    saQueensizedbed.P2000.It’
    sthr
    ee
    monthsold.Recei
    pti
    savail
    able.PayP2200andit
    wil
    lcomewi t
    hat wopl
    atestove.
    Repl
    y:Thanks.Iwanti
    ttoday.Imovi
    ngandgakena
    bol
    ao
    Repl y:Iam al sosell
    ingacar pet
    ,P100.Asmall
    tablewher eyoucanputt hestove.P200.Ashoe
    rack, P350.Af anP100.Ki t
    chenutensil
    s.Pot
    s,
    plates, knivese.t
    .c,allforP400.Youcanget
    everyt hing,incl
    udingt hebedandst oveforP3700.
    Repl
    y2:Iwantt
    hef
    an,
    wher
    ear
    eyou?
    Repl
    y1:Iwi
    llt
    akeever
    yforP3600.Igavecash.
    Wherear
    eyou?

    *
    **
    Lor
    atol
    ookedatt
    henur
    sewi
    thaf
    rown.
    “
    Whatdoyoumeanmysist
    erwasdi
    schar
    ged?
    Wasn’
    tshegoi
    ngt
    oSbr
    ana?”
    “
    No.
    ”
    “
    Why…?
    ”
    “Shehadtherightt
    osayno.Andourcounsel
    or
    approvedofherdeci
    sion.
    ”
    “Butsheisdepr
    essedandsui
    cidal
    !Youwanthert
    o
    kil
    lhersel
    f?”
    “
    Wedon’
    tfor
    cepat
    ient
    stodowhatt
    heydotwant
    t
    odo.
    ”
    “Theri
    ghtdeci
    sionwast
    heonet
    hatwoul
    dhel
    pher
    stayal
    ive!
    ”
    “Weunderstandyourconcer
    nsbutwecan’
    tfor
    ce
    yoursi
    stert
    odowhatshedoesn’twant!Wearenot
    thepol
    ice.
    ”
    Lorat
    olookedatherangr
    il
    y.“
    Iam goi
    ngtosuet
    his
    hospi
    tali
    fanyt
    hinghappenstomysist
    er.
    ”
    Shet
    urnedandangr
    il
    ywal
    kedoutcal
    li
    ngLegauf
    i.
    Sheclosedhereyesr
    eal
    izi
    ngshewaspr
    obabl
    y
    bl
    ockedagain.
    Shegoti
    nhercaranddr
    ovet
    oherhouse.

    *
    **

    AtFifi
    ’shouse,Loratol
    ookedatthewindows
    wit
    houtcur t
    ains.Sheparkedhercarandstepped
    outjustasObakeng’swhi t
    eJeepdrovethr
    oughthe
    gate.Lorat
    olookedatFifi
    ’shousemateasshe
    walkedoutofherr oom.
    “
    Wher
    eisFi
    fi
    ?”
    “
    Shel
    eft
    .”
    Obakengwal
    kedover
    .“Hi
    ,wher
    eisFi
    fi
    ?”
    “
    Shel
    eftwi
    thhert
    hings.She’
    smovedout
    .”
    Obakengt
    ookadeepbr
    eat
    hwal
    kingbackt
    ohi
    scar
    cal
    li
    nghernumber
    .
    “
    Hel
    lo?
    ”
    “
    Babe,
    wher
    ear
    eyou?
    ”
    “Iam goi
    ngaway.It
    hinki
    t’
    sbestyouandIdon’
    t
    haveanycont
    act.
    ”
    “
    Legauf
    i,Iam noti
    nthemoodf
    orj
    okes.
    ”
    “Iam goi
    ngtoabortthebaby.Itwasami
    stake
    gett
    ingpregnanti
    nthefi
    rstplace.
    ”
    “Legaufi
    ,i
    fyoudoanyt
    hingt
    omychi
    ldyouandI
    aregoingtofi
    ght
    !”
    “
    Bye.
    ”
    “
    Legauf
    i!
    ”
    Shehungup.Obakengangr
    il
    ygoti
    nhi
    scarmaki
    ng
    acal
    landdroveoff
    .

    *
    **

    Atbusr ank,Fi
    fit
    hrewouthersim cardast hebus
    droveout.Sheclosedhereyesholdinghert ear
    s.
    Painblockedherthroat
    ,sheopenedhereyesand
    l
    ookedoutt hroughthewindow,t
    earsr ol
    li
    ngdown.
    Rickyhel
    dherhandandl
    eanedbackwatchingt
    he
    busjoi
    ntheroadtaki
    ngt
    hem backupnort
    h.

    FI
    VEMONTHSLATER
    .
    .
    .
    [
    04/
    23,
    05:
    45]'
    :
    Si
    nsUnf
    orgi
    ven
    #44

    FI
    VEMONTHSLATER…

    AttheGabor oneHighCour t
    ,Lor
    iwalkedoutofthe
    courtr
    oom wi t
    hKaboandObakeng.Banyana
    walkedoutwi thhersist
    erandpassedLoriashe
    cel
    ebrated.Shesniffedgett
    ingi
    nhercar,hersi
    ster
    gett
    inginont hepassengerseat
    .
    “Youcan’
    tcry.Youbroughtthi
    sonyoursel
    f.Lookat
    him wi
    thhi
    sf r
    iends…helookshappy.
    ”
    Banyanalookedoverandst ar
    edatthem,herhear
    t
    aching.Sherubbedatearthathadrol
    leddownand
    droveoffashersist
    erpressedherphone.
    “Thenewspaperhaspostedaboutpapaagain.I
    can’
    thel
    pbutf eel
    he’
    salreadydead.Noonegoes
    missi
    ngforfourmonths.
    .someonekill
    edhim.”
    Banyanaatt heredt r
    aff
    icli
    ght
    , herheadaching.
    Thelightturnedtogreen,sheeasedherf ootonthe
    acceler
    atoranddr ovetohersister’
    syard.She
    parkedinfrontofthegate.Hersi st
    erl
    ookedather.
    “
    Whatdi
    dyourPIsay?
    ”
    “
    Hecan’
    tfi
    ndhi
    m soIst
    oppedhi
    mfr
    om l
    ooki
    ng.
    ”
    “
    Why?
    ”
    “
    Hei
    sexpensi
    ve.Ican’
    taf
    for
    dit
    .”
    “Youcan’
    taf
    for
    dit
    ?Yetyoucanaf
    for
    dyourhouse
    andcars!
    ”
    “
    Ican’
    taf
    for
    dhi
    m anymor
    e.Ihaveki
    ds!
    ”
    “Youar
    ethemostselfi
    shper
    sonIhadevermet
    .
    Thatmanisyourf
    ather-
    “
    “Wasmyf at
    herti
    llhedeci
    dedt
    oruinmymar r
    iage!I
    wil
    lnotwastemymoneyonsomeonel ikehim.If
    youwanthimfound,lookf
    orhi
    m your
    self!Your
    motheri
    salsothere!
    ”
    “
    Youknowallt
    hemoneywasf
    rozenbyt
    hest
    ate,
    wedependonyou.
    ”
    “Ihavemyownpr oblemsinlife.Ihavet
    ogo.Ift
    he
    poli
    cecan’
    tfindhim,wewi l
    ljustannouncehi
    m
    dead.He’
    sbet t
    eroffdeadanyways.Hehadcancer.
    Hewasst i
    llgoi
    ngtodie.”
    Banyana’
    ssist
    erangr
    il
    ygotoutofcar
    .Banyana
    rever
    sedanddroveof
    fcal
    li
    ngLori.
    “
    Yeah?
    ”
    “
    Amo?
    ”
    “
    Youaregoi
    ngt
    ohavet
    otakeyourdaught
    ert
    oher
    f
    ather
    .”
    “
    Youar
    eal
    lsheknows.
    ”
    “
    Doyour
    eal
    lyexpectmet
    ofat
    heryourchi
    ld?
    ”
    Tearsf
    il
    ledhereyes.“
    Youar
    eherf
    ather
    .Sheonl
    y
    knowsyouLori.
    ”
    “I
    ntr
    oducehertoherr
    ealfat
    her.Ican’
    thelpyou.I
    wantnothi
    ngtodowithyou.Yourchil
    drenincl
    uded.
    Theywil
    lunder
    standi
    nthefuture.I
    sthereanythi
    ng
    el
    se?”
    “
    Doyouhat
    eme?
    ”
    “
    Yes.Ver
    ymuch.Bye.
    ”
    Hehungup.Banyanaputherphoneonherlapand
    sni
    ff
    edwipi
    ngawayt ear
    sthathadwethercheeks.

    *
    **

    Obakengpressedhisphonedr
    ivi
    ngwi
    thonehand
    wit
    hLoriseatedbesi
    deshim.
    Hecal
    ledanumberandputt
    hephoneonhi
    sear
    .
    “
    Hel
    lo?Anyt
    hing?
    ”
    “No.Idon’
    tthi
    nkshe’
    sher
    e.Al
    lIseei
    sanoldlady
    andanoldman.Nooneevercomes.Theyst
    ay
    al
    one.
    ”
    Obakengsi
    ghed.“
    Andt
    hegayf
    ri
    end?
    ”
    “No.He’
    sjusthavi
    nganaf
    fai
    rwi t
    hamar r
    iedman
    andsomeguy.There’
    snoFif
    i.Evenatt
    hestep
    mother’
    shouse.”
    Obakengtouchedhi
    sover
    grownbear
    d.“
    Ok,
    t
    hanks.”
    “
    Sur
    e.”
    Hehungf
    rust
    rat
    ed.Lor
    ilookedathi
    m.
    “
    Sti
    llont
    oher
    ?”
    “
    Shei
    scar
    ryi
    ngmychi
    ld.
    ”
    “
    Oneshesai
    dshei
    sabor
    ti
    ng?
    ”
    “
    Shedi
    dn’
    tmeani
    t.Shewon’
    t.
    ”
    “
    Don’tyout
    hinki
    t’
    sti
    meyoujustmovedon?Idon’
    t
    t
    hinkshewantst
    obefound.
    ”
    “
    Ijustwantmyson.Iwantmyson.
    ”
    Obakengpar
    kedthecarandwal
    kedinsi
    dehis
    company.Hewentst
    raightt
    ohi
    soff
    iceiswhi
    leLor
    i
    wal
    kedovert
    ohisoff
    ice.Hesatdownt
    aki
    ngout
    hi
    sphoneandcal
    ledRicky.
    “
    Hi,
    whatdoyouwant
    ?”
    “
    Didyout
    alkt
    oFi
    fi
    ?”
    “
    Lor
    i,pl
    easel
    eavemyf
    ri
    endal
    one.
    ”
    “
    Look,
    Ijustwantt
    otal
    ktoher
    .”
    “Fi
    fif
    oundajobinZimbabwe!Shemovedt
    her
    e.
    Sheishappyther
    e.”
    “
    InZi
    mbabwe?
    ”
    “
    Yes.I
    nuh…Har
    are.Shewor
    kst
    her
    enow.Andshe
    i
    shappy.
    ”
    “
    Wher
    einHar
    are?
    ”
    “Idon’
    tknow.Ij
    ustknowi
    t’
    sinHar
    are.Nowst
    op
    bother
    ingme.”
    Rickyhungup.Lor
    iputhi
    shandsonhi
    sfacet
    oin
    defeat
    .

    *
    **
    Att
    heprivat
    ecli
    nic,Nei
    sol
    aidont
    hehospi t
    albed
    whi
    leNonosmi l
    edstari
    ngatt
    hescreen.Thedoct
    or
    movedtheprobearoundNei
    so’
    sstomach.
    “Ther
    earethef
    eet
    …thehands…head…and
    heart
    beat
    …”
    Nonosmil
    edl
    ist
    eni
    ngt
    othehear
    tbeat
    .Nei
    so
    gi
    ggl
    ed.
    “
    Whatgenderi
    sthebaby?
    ”
    Thedoct
    ormovedt
    hepr
    obeagai
    n.“
    Uh…i
    t’
    sagi
    rl
    .”
    Nei
    sosmi
    led.“
    Ihaveal
    wayswant
    edagi
    rl
    .”
    Nonol
    aughed.“
    Iam goi
    ngt
    obeacoolaunt
    .”
    Thedoct
    orhandedNonoat i
    ssuet
    owi
    peher
    sel
    f
    bef
    oreshegotdownthebed.
    Sheputonherdr
    essasNonosmi
    led.
    “
    Obakengneedst
    oknowaboutt
    his.
    ”
    “
    Hei
    sgoi
    ngt
    obeupset
    .Iam scar
    ed.
    ”
    “
    Hewi
    llgetoveri
    t.
    .thebabyi
    sal
    readyher
    e.Hei
    s
    won’
    thaveachoicebutt
    oacceptt
    hisl
    it
    tl
    eangel
    .I
    wi
    llt
    ellhi
    m wi
    thyou.
    ”
    “
    ThankyouNono.
    ”
    Theladi
    eshuggedbef
    oresi
    tt
    ingi
    nfr
    ontoft
    he
    doct
    or.

    *
    **

    Loratowal
    kedoutofheroff
    iceduri
    ngl
    unchhour
    tal
    kingtot
    hebuil
    dersatherpl
    ot.
    “
    Iwil
    ldropof
    fmoremat
    eri
    alonSat
    urday.Al
    so
    i
    nspectmyhouse.
    ”
    “
    Okmadam.
    ”
    “
    Bye.
    ”
    Thebuil
    derhungup.Lor atogotinhercarand
    openedherFacebookt ocheckonFi f
    i’
    stimel
    inebut
    ther
    ewasstil
    lnothing.Shewentt oRicky’
    sprof
    il
    e
    andther
    ewasst i
    llnopicturesofhim wit
    hFif
    i.
    Shest
    art
    edhernewwhi
    teRubi
    conanddr
    oveof
    f
    headedt
    oherl
    ateaf
    ter
    noonmeet
    ingatt
    henew
    companybr
    unch.
    Shesl oweddownget t
    ingcaughtintheluncht raf
    fi
    c.
    Agr oupofsoldiersinanopent r
    uckbesi dehercar
    l
    ookedather .Lor at
    oputonhersungl assesand
    l
    ookedoveri nt
    er ested.Hertypewascer tainlynot
    them.Hertypewast heoffi
    cemenwhowor esuit
    s
    withtheint
    entiont olookgood.Menwhower equiet
    butcouldfucklikenobody’ sbusiness.Menwho
    drovebigcars…
    Shesighedleaningbackonherseat
    .Asol
    dier
    coul
    dn’taf
    fordher,no.Thet
    raf
    fi
    cslowl
    ymovedas
    shedroveslowly.
    Halfanhourl ater
    ,shetookaturnescapi
    ngt he
    Gabor onet
    raffi
    cheadedt ot
    hevenue.Somehow
    sheknewLegauf iwaswithhergrandmothereven
    thoughhergr andmotherhaddeniedwhenshewent
    there.Somethingjustt
    oldherLegaufiwasthere.
    Hiding.
    Lor
    atoparkedhercaratt
    hevenueasshethought
    ofwhyLegaufiwouldhi
    debehi
    ndhergrandmother
    .
    Shesi
    ghedandwal
    kedi
    nsi
    det
    hebui
    ldi
    ng.

    *
    **

    Laterthateveni ngi
    nMai tengwe, showersofr ai
    n
    thathadst art
    edear l
    ieronhadt urnedintoheavy
    rai
    nwi ththunder .I
    trai
    nedsomuch, eachraindrop
    soundedl i
    keaf oot
    steps.Fif
    ilai
    donherbed
    sweatingwhi lenaked.Thepar affinl
    ampi nher
    room enabl edhergrandmot herwhowaskneel i
    ng
    betweenherl egst oseeeverything.Fifil
    ookedat
    hergrandmot heroutofbreath.
    “
    Mama-
    “
    “
    Shh…youar
    ecl
    ose.Pusht
    hisbabyout
    !”
    Thecontr
    act
    ionhitagai
    nsli
    cingherintopieces,Fif
    i
    scr
    eamedpushing.Thebaby’
    sbigheadsl owl ysli
    d
    outcr
    acki
    ngherfoll
    owedbyt herestofthebody.
    Fif
    i’
    sgrandmothersmil
    edpicki
    nghi
    m upashe
    cri
    edwithadeepvoicecoveredi
    nblood.Fi
    fil
    ooked
    athergrandmotherf
    eel
    ingsomethi
    ngelsecome.
    “
    Mama!Somet
    hing!Somet
    hingi
    scomi
    ng,
    Ifeell
    ike-
    “
    Shethrewherheadbackpushingagai
    n.Her
    grandmother
    ’smouthdr
    oppedasanotherbabysl
    id
    outfol
    lowedbysoftf
    emalecry.
    Hergr
    andmot
    herl
    ookedatbot
    hki
    dsi
    nshock.
    “
    JesusChr
    ist
    !Ist
    her
    eanot
    heroneLegauf
    i?”
    Fif
    igrabbedthesheetstaki
    ngabr eatherfol
    lowed
    byapush.Thel astti
    nybabyslidout.Fif
    i’
    s
    grandmothergaspedcatchingher,t
    hewi ndgrazed
    herskinthatsheletoutaveryweakcr y.
    Fif
    ibreathedheavi
    lysl
    owl
    yslippingoutof
    conscious.Herl
    oudbreat
    hingdieddowntil
    lshe
    j
    ustlaidstil
    lbewit
    hnosoundcomi ngfrom her
    .
    “
    Fif
    i!
    ”
    Sher
    emainedsti
    llwhi
    lehert
    ri
    plet
    scr
    iedabovet
    he
    l
    oudheavyrai
    n.
    .
    .
    .
    [
    04/
    23,
    05:
    45]'
    :
    Si
    nsUnf
    orgi
    ven
    #45

    Fi
    fi
    ’sgr
    andmot
    hershookFi
    fi
    .
    “Fif
    i.Wakeup,t
    hekidsarehungry.”Sheshookher
    again.Fi
    fisl
    owlyopenedhereyes.Her
    grandmothersmil
    ed.
    “
    Wakeupmychi
    ld.
    ”
    Shebl
    inkedt
    henremember
    edandl
    ookedar
    ound,
    shewasnowdressed.
    “Icl
    eanedyouupandhaveti
    edyourbel
    ly.Ihadt
    o
    sti
    tchyou.Theboywasbi
    g.”
    Hergrandfat
    hersmil
    edholdi
    ngthegi
    rl
    sinhi
    sar
    ms.
    Fi
    fi
    ’sgrandmotherpi
    ckeduptheboy.
    “
    Theyar
    ethr
    ee.
    ”
    Fi
    fiswal
    lowed.“
    Howam Igoi
    ngt
    otakecar
    eof
    t
    hreeki
    ds?
    ”
    “
    Iam ther
    e.Yourgr
    andfat
    herisher
    e.Weareher
    e
    f
    oryou.Thisi
    sablessi
    ngFif
    i.Don’
    tcr
    y.“
    Hergrandmotherputt
    hebabydownt
    henhel
    psi
    t
    bef
    oreputti
    ngtheboyinherar
    ms.
    At earrol
    ledFi f
    i’
    scheekasshelookedatherbaby.
    Hergr andmot hertookt
    heweakoneandputheri n
    Fifi
    ’sotherarm.Sheunbut t
    onedFif
    i’
    sdressand
    tookoutherswol l
    enbreast
    .Fi
    fibr
    oughtherkids
    closersot heycouldsuckonher.Shefr
    ownedat
    thepainf l
    inching.
    “
    Fort
    hemi
    lkgocomeout
    ,theyhavesuck.Let
    t
    hem.
    ”
    Hergrandmotherhelpedherbr
    ingthem cl
    osert
    o
    herbr
    east.Hergrandmotherwatchedsmil
    ing.
    “
    Whatdowenamet
    hem?
    ”
    Fi
    filookedatherbl
    anklyt
    ryi
    ngtodealwitht
    hepai
    n
    ofherbabiessucki
    ngonhernipples.Her
    grandmothersmil
    ed.“Youwil
    ldecide.
    ”
    *
    **

    Thefoll
    owingmor ni
    ng,Obakengfi
    nishdr essi
    ngfor
    workthenpickedhislapt
    opbagandwal kedoutof
    hi
    sbedr oom.Hisphonerangthenhepi cked
    walki
    ngoutside.Heopenedthegatepickingthecal
    l.
    “
    Mal
    ome.
    .”
    “Obakeng,
    Isawyourmessagelastni
    ght
    .Why
    didn’
    tsayanyt
    hingal
    lal
    ong?”
    “
    Idi
    dn’
    tknowwhatt
    otel
    lyoubecauseshej
    ustl
    eft
    .”
    “Soareyousur
    ethatt
    hebabyisthereandisal
    so
    your
    s?Weheardaboutthatgi
    rlofyour
    s.”
    “
    Thebabyismine.Idon’tt
    hinkshedidanyt
    hingt
    o
    t
    hebaby.She’
    severyt
    hing,nott
    hat.
    ”
    “Thi
    sonewi
    llbedi
    ff
    icul
    t.Whatdi
    dyouwantust
    o
    do?”
    “IwantustogotoMaitengwe.Toconfi
    rmift
    here’
    s
    nobaby.IfIhaveachi
    ldoutther
    e,Idon’
    twantt
    o
    abandonhim.”
    “
    Ok.Letmet
    alkt
    oyouruncl
    esandyourf
    ather
    .”
    “
    Thankyou.Ial
    sowantherback.
    ”
    “
    Uhu!
    ”
    “
    Wedi
    dn’
    treal
    lybr
    eakup.Iwantherback.
    ”
    “
    IthoughtIhear
    dyourmot
    hert
    alkaboutt
    hatgi
    rl
    wholeftyou.
    ”
    “
    Nei
    soi
    snoti
    nthepi
    ctur
    e.IwantFi
    fi
    .”
    “
    Obat
    agonyal
    a?(
    Youwantt
    omar
    ryher
    ?)”
    “
    Ifpossi
    bleyes.
    ”
    “
    Doyouhavet
    hemoney?
    ”
    Obakengsmi
    led.“
    Eer
    ra.
    ”
    “
    Ber eadyt
    ost andyourgroundbecausenoone
    l
    ikesthi
    sgir
    l.Ialsodon’
    tli
    keherbutift
    hat
    ’syou
    want,i
    t’
    sok.”
    “
    Thankyou.
    ”
    “
    Okmyboy.
    ”
    Hehungupandfr
    ownedasacardr
    ovei
    n.Nono
    st
    eppedoutwi
    thNei
    so.
    “
    Whatdoyouwant
    ?”
    “
    Ist
    hathowyougr
    eetyoursi
    ster
    ?”
    “
    Areyounotsupposedt
    obei
    nMaunatwor
    k?”
    “Iam onl
    eave.I
    t’
    sniceseeingyou.Imi
    ssedyou.
    ”
    Nonohuggedhim andsmiled.
    “
    Ibr
    oughtNeiwi
    thme.
    ”
    “
    Todowhat
    ?”
    “Shehassomethi
    ngsheneedst
    otel
    lyou.It
    hinkwe
    canallj
    ustsi
    tdown.
    “
    Saywhatyouar
    eher
    eforandgo.Whatdoyou
    wantNei
    so?
    ”
    Nei
    soopenedherhandbagandhandedhimthe
    pi
    ctur
    esfr
    om t
    hescan.Hetookthem outand
    l
    ookedatt
    hem conf
    used.
    “
    What
    ’st
    his?
    ”
    “
    Iam pr
    egnant
    .Fi
    vemont
    hsandi
    t’
    sagi
    rl
    .”
    “
    It
    swho’
    sgi
    rl
    ?”
    “
    Our
    s.Idon’
    tknowwhathappenedbutweuseda
    condom t
    hatni
    ght
    .”
    Obakenglaughed.“
    Ifweusedacondom whatar
    e
    youdoinghere?”
    “
    YouaretheoneIsleptwi
    th.She’
    syour
    s.Maybe
    t
    hecondom bur
    st.Idon’
    tknow.”
    Obakengbreat
    hedheavil
    yst
    aringather
    .She
    rubbedherl
    it
    tl
    ebel
    lytear
    ful
    ly.
    “I
    fyoudon’
    twanttobepar
    tofherl
    if
    e,i
    t’
    sst
    il
    lok.I
    canmotherheral
    one.
    ”

    *
    **

    InMai t
    engwe, Fif
    ilai
    donhersidest
    ari
    ngatall
    threeofherkids.Shecouldn’
    tunder
    standwhyGod
    hadt ogiveherthreekidswhenshecouldbar
    ely
    takecareofher sel
    f.
    Tear
    sfil
    ledhereyes,sheslowl
    ygotof
    fbedand
    knel
    tdownont hefloorcr
    ying.
    Sheputherhandst
    oget
    herandl
    ookeddown
    unsur
    eofhowt oevenst
    artprayi
    ng.Shedoubt
    ed
    heevenlist
    enedt
    oherprayer
    s,shewastoomuch
    ofasinner.
    “GodIt hankyouf
    ormyki dsbutyouknowIhave
    nothingtomyname.Whatwi llIgi
    vethem?Iam at
    myl owestGod,whatam Isupposedtogowith
    thr
    eebabi eswhodependonme? ”
    Hergrandmotherwal
    kedinholdi
    ngabowlof
    motogo(sof
    tporri
    dge).Fi
    fisl
    owlygotup,
    thepai
    nif
    st
    it
    chesmakingherslowlygetbackonthebed.
    “
    Youneedt
    oeatsot
    hatyouhaveenoughmi
    lkf
    ir
    t
    hem.
    ”
    “
    Iam sohungr
    y.Wher
    ear
    eyest
    erday’
    slef
    tover
    s?”
    “
    Youneedt
    oeatpor
    ri
    dgeLegauf
    i.
    ”
    “
    Iam sohungr
    y.”
    “
    Eatmot
    ogo.I
    t’
    sgoodf
    oryou.
    ”
    Hergrandmotherhandedhertheporr
    idge.She
    st
    art
    edeatingslowly.Hergr
    andmothersmiled.
    “
    Whatar
    eyounami
    ngt
    hem?
    ”
    “
    Etsi
    leYaoneYame.
    ”
    Hergr andmothersmiledhappi
    ly.“Per
    fect
    .Weneed
    togot othecli
    nicnowsonur seswhoar esti
    ll
    practi
    cingcanpr oper
    lyhel
    pus.Someofusar e
    reti
    redsoldi
    ers,wenotthatperfect
    .”
    Fifisi
    gheddreadinggoingoutsidewonder ingif
    Obakeng’spersonwasst il
    loutside.Shereachedfor
    herphonestaringattheonebarofnet work.She
    tookapictur
    eofherki dsthensentt oRicky.It
    ti
    ckedonce..thentwice.

    *
    **

    InFrancist
    own,Rickyassist
    edacust
    omerinthe
    boutiquesmil
    ing,
    het ookouthi
    sphoneasthe
    customerwalkedoutwi t
    hwhathehadchosefor
    her.
    Heopenedapictur
    efr
    om Fif
    iandscr
    eamedt
    hathi
    s
    col
    leaguel
    ookedathi
    m st
    art
    led.
    “
    Tri
    plet
    s!Wehavet
    hreebabi
    es.Thi
    ri
    !Myf
    ri
    end
    gavebi
    rt
    htot
    hreebabi
    es!
    ”
    Thecoll
    eaguelaughedasRi
    ckywal
    kedoutt
    he
    shopcall
    ingFi
    fi.
    “
    Hel
    lo?
    ”
    “
    Theyar
    ebeaut
    if
    ul!Iam comi
    ngt
    omor
    row.
    ”
    Fi
    fil
    aughed.“
    Idi
    dn’
    texpectt
    hem.
    ”
    “
    Dil
    otsaObakeng.
    ”
    “
    IwonderwhatIam goi
    ngt
    ogi
    vet
    hem.
    .”
    “Weareal
    lther
    esweet
    y.Wewi
    llhel
    p.Whatar
    ethey
    cal
    led?
    ”
    “
    Etsi
    leYaoneYame.
    ”
    “
    Beaut
    if
    ul…Ican’
    twai
    ttoseet
    hem.
    ”
    “
    Don’
    tpostt
    hem.Lor
    atoi
    sst
    il
    lal
    ive.
    ”
    “Thatgir
    lpract
    iceswitchcraf
    tIam t
    ell
    ingyou.Iwil
    l
    neverforgett
    hatblackflui
    dthatwasinherbag.”
    “
    What
    everi
    tmaybe,
    Iwantherf
    arf
    rom me.
    ”
    “Sheshoul
    dnotevent
    ryi
    tbecauset
    hist
    imeIam
    goingt
    obeather
    .”
    Fi
    fil
    aughed.“
    Bye.
    ”
    “
    Byef
    ri
    end.
    ”
    Ri
    ckywal
    kedbackt
    othebout
    iquesmi
    li
    ng.

    *
    **

    Loratopackedherbagsinherbagt hatmor
    ning.
    Shegoti nhercarthenr
    eversedoutanddroveoff
    .
    Shelaterjoi
    nedtheA1roadandst eppedonthe
    acceler
    atorheadedNorth.Thi
    sti
    meshewoul d
    catchthem bysurpri
    se.
    .
    .
    .
    [
    04/
    23,
    05:
    46]'
    :
    Si
    nsUnf
    orgi
    ven
    #46
    Att
    hehospi
    tali
    nMait
    engwe,Fi
    fil
    aidont
    hebedas
    t
    henur
    secheckedherst
    it
    ches.
    “
    Thi
    sisper
    fect
    .Yourgr
    andmot
    heri
    sanur
    se?
    ”
    “
    Wasanur
    se.Sher
    eti
    redyear
    sback.
    ”
    Thenursesmi
    led.“
    Sheisgood.Igi
    vehert
    hat
    .
    Doesn’
    tshewantajob?
    ”
    Fi
    fismi
    led.“
    Andwhowi
    llhel
    pmewi
    thmyki
    ds?
    ”
    Thenur
    sel
    aughedasFi
    fisl
    owl
    ygotof
    fthebed.
    “
    Ok,ever
    ythi
    ngisi
    norder
    .Wewillgi
    veyouformula
    t
    ohelpyou.Isawt
    heyarewear
    ingboysclot
    hing.
    ”
    “
    Ithoughti
    twasonebaby.
    ”
    “Isee,t
    herearedonatedbabyclotheshere.The
    hospit
    alwillgi
    vesomethi
    ngandsomebl ankies.
    Otherwiseeveryt
    hingi
    sperfect
    .Youar eblessed
    thammawena.Thr eei
    sablessing.”
    “
    Thankyou.
    ”
    “
    ButYame…t
    hel
    astoneaker
    e?”
    “
    Yes.
    ”
    “
    Sheisgoingtoneedmor
    eat
    tent
    ion.She’
    sti
    nyand
    f
    ragi
    le.Butshewi
    llgr
    ow.
    ”
    Fi
    finodded.
    “
    Thei
    rfat
    her
    ?”
    “
    Hei
    snoti
    nthepi
    ctur
    eanymor
    e.”
    “Ok.Justknowyoucanal wayscl
    aim chi
    ldsuppor
    t.
    Youcant akehimtocourtandIpromiseyou,he
    won’tpayanythi
    nglessthanP1500.Thecourt
    takessuchmat t
    ersser
    iousl
    ynowadays.”
    “
    Eemma,
    thankyou.
    ”
    Thenur
    sescr
    ibbl
    edaf
    ewt
    hingsonFi
    fi
    ’scar
    d.
    “
    Gett
    hatf
    rom t
    hephar
    macysi
    de.ByeFi
    fi
    .”
    Fi
    fismil
    edget
    tinghercar
    dandslowlywal
    kedout
    .
    Hergrandmot
    herandgrandf
    athersmil
    ed.
    “
    Wecangonow?
    ”
    Fifinodded.Theystoodup,hergrandfat
    herhol
    ding
    thegirlswhilehergr
    andmotherheldtheboy.Fi
    fi
    slowlywal kedovert
    othepharmacyandgother
    medi cati
    onbeforeshegott
    het hr
    eebagsof
    Tsabanaandt
    hreet
    insoff
    ormul
    ami
    lk.
    Theywal kedt
    othedonkeycart.Theygotin,her
    grandfat
    herhandedhert
    hebabi esthenjumpedin
    asFifimovedclosert
    ohergrandmot heratt
    heback.
    Hergr
    andmot
    herl
    ookedather
    .
    “
    Don’
    tyout
    hinkheneedst
    oknownow?
    ”
    “
    Who?
    ”
    “Thei
    rfather
    .Youneverreal
    lytol
    dmewhat
    happenedbackinGaboronebutit’
    sonlyfai
    rhe
    knowsabouthischil
    dren.It
    ’st
    herightt
    hingtodo
    mygirl.
    ”
    Fifil
    ookedatherdaught
    ers.“
    Isheal
    lowedt
    osee
    them? ”
    “
    Notyetbut
    -“
    “Thenit’
    suselessmama.Iwillt
    ellhi
    m whenhei
    s
    all
    owedt otel
    lhim.He’
    sstubborn.AssoonasIt
    ell
    him,hewi l
    lfl
    yhereanddemandt oseehis
    chil
    dren.
    ”
    “
    Iwi
    llt
    alkt
    ohi
    m andexpl
    aini
    ttohi
    m.”
    “
    Obakengdoesn’
    tli
    stent
    oanyoneoncehi
    smi
    ndi
    s
    madeup.
    ”
    “Legaufi
    ,canyoust
    opassumi
    ngthi
    ngsandlethi
    m
    actonhisown?Heneedstoknowthathehas
    chil
    dren.
    ”
    “
    Lor
    ato-
    “
    “Lor
    atoandhermotherwi
    llnotcomeanywher e
    nearmygrandchi
    ldr
    enunlessIam dead.Thatboy
    needstoknowthathehadchildr
    enhere.Iwi
    llt
    alk
    tohim.Gi
    vemehi snumber.”
    “
    Mama-
    “
    “Givemehisnumber
    .Iwil
    ltal
    ktohi
    m.Iam goi
    ngto
    callhi
    m.Youcan’
    thi
    deinthehousefor
    ever
    .He’
    s
    thefat
    her
    .”
    Fifil
    ookeddowntearsfil
    li
    nghereyes.Athome, Fif
    i
    l
    aidonherbedwi thherkidsandsniff
    edstari
    ngat
    them.Yamemovedsl i
    ghtl
    ywakingupcr yi
    ng.Fifi
    pickedherupandbroughtherclosertaki
    ngouther
    breast.Shewassotinyitworr
    iedher.Shewasn’t
    evensur ehowhergrandmotherwasbat hi
    ngtheir
    ti
    nybodi es.
    Shesl owlysuckedonthebreast,hereyescl
    osed.
    Fi
    f itouchedhersmallhandthenl ookedatt
    he
    Etsil
    e.Hehadsl eptaf
    tert
    heinjectionatt
    hehospi
    tal
    .
    Sheputherhandonhi
    schesttochecki
    fhewas
    st
    il
    lbr
    eathi
    ngthensi
    ghedr
    elaxi
    ng.
    Hergr
    andmot
    herwal
    kedi
    n.
    “
    Wher
    eishi
    snumber
    ?”
    “
    Mama-
    “
    “
    Yourgr
    andf
    atherwi
    llt
    alkt
    ohi
    m.”
    “MamacanIdoitatmyownt i
    me?Imovedaway
    fr
    om Gabor
    onebecauseofthi
    sman.Nowyouwant
    himtocomeandcomplicat
    emyli
    feevenmor
    e.”
    “Legauf
    i,youshoul dhavethoughtaboutt hatbefore
    youhadsexwi thhim.Whenhewasont opofyou,
    yourli
    fewasnotget t
    ingcomplicatedakere?When
    youusedt osneakoutoft hishouseatni ght,your
    l
    ifewasst i
    llnotcompl i
    cat
    edaker e?Iwil
    lnotl etyou
    keepawayf r
    om hiskids.I
    fhedoesn’ twantthem,
    that’
    sfi
    ne.Atl eastt
    henweknowwher ewest and.
    ”
    “
    Hei
    sgoi
    ngt
    obr
    ingLor
    atobacki
    nmyl
    if
    e.Ij
    ust
    wantpeace.Iwantpeacemama.Can’
    tIhavet
    hat
    ?”
    “Iwantyout ohavepeacebutnotbykeepingt
    heir
    fat
    heraway.Nextt hi
    ngweraisechi
    ldr
    enwholack
    fat
    herfigureallbecauseofwhat?Iwanthi
    mto
    denythechi l
    drenthenwewi l
    lmoveon.He
    deservestoknowhehasnotone, nott
    wobut.
    .”she
    putupt hr
    eef i
    ngers.
    “
    Hei
    sgoi
    ngt
    ocompl
    icat
    emyl
    if
    e.”
    Fi
    fi
    ’sgr
    anddaught
    erwal
    kedi
    n.
    “
    Mogatsaka…goandli
    edown.Iwi
    llst
    aywi
    thFi
    fi
    .I
    wil
    lhel
    pher.Goandl
    iedown.
    ”
    Shesighedt
    henwalkedout
    .Fi
    figr
    andf
    athersmi
    led
    andsatdownstar
    ingather
    .
    “
    Youl
    ookbeaut
    if
    ulMsP.
    ”
    Fi
    fismi
    led.“
    Thankyou.
    ”
    “
    Iunder
    standyou.
    ”
    Hesatdownbesi desFif
    i.“Iknow.Iknowwhatyou
    aregoi
    ngthrough.Youhavegi venuponhappiness
    andnowallyouwanti speace.”Heheldherhand.
    “WeallwantyourhappinessFifi
    .Iwantyoutobe
    happy.Iwantyoutoknowyouwi l
    lal
    wayshave
    yourgrandmotherandI.Wewi
    llal
    waysstandwit
    h
    youmychi l
    dbecauseyouareourchi
    ld.Doyousti
    ll
    rememberyourf at
    her
    ?”
    Fi
    finodded.
    “Hewasaf reeman.Heli
    kedtolaugh.Lovedt
    o
    danceandhavefun.Helovedyou…hecal l
    edyou
    hist
    reasur
    e…youwer ehi
    st r
    easure.Rememberhi
    s
    l
    ove?”
    Tear
    sfi
    ll
    edFi
    fi
    ’seyes.“
    Yes.
    ”
    “Ifthereisachancemygi r
    l…ifthereisachance…
    l
    ett hem f eeli
    ttoo.Not
    hingcanevercompar etoa
    father’slove.Ifhecan’
    tdoit,
    Iwi l
    lstepinbutifhe
    can…l ethim.Lethiminhischil
    dren’sli
    fe.Theyalso
    deser vetobel ovedandcheri
    shedbyt hei
    rfather
    .
    Theydeser veitmygirl
    .”
    Fif
    isni
    ff
    edl
    ist
    eni
    ngt
    ohergr
    andf
    atherspeak
    cal
    mly.

    *
    **
    I
    nGaborone,
    Obakengsati
    nhisoff
    iceemail
    inga
    r
    eportt
    oacertai
    ncompany.Hi
    sphonerang,he
    l
    ookedatt
    heunsavednumbercal
    li
    ngandpicked.
    “
    Yah?
    ”
    “
    Moj
    alef
    a,whatar
    eyoupl
    answi
    thyourchi
    ldr
    en?
    ”
    Obakengqui
    ckl
    ysatupr
    ightatFi
    fi
    ’sgr
    andf
    ather
    spoke.
    “
    Rra?
    ”
    “
    Youheardme. .Youcan’
    tgivemygranddaught
    er
    t
    hreeki
    dsandwal kaway,unlessi
    t’
    swhatyour
    f
    athert
    aughtyou.”
    “
    No.
    ”Heswal
    lowed.“
    I…Iam l
    ost
    .”
    “Fi
    figavebir
    thtot
    ri
    plet
    slastni
    ght.Iam gi
    vingyou
    exactl
    y48hourstodosomet hi
    ng,i
    fnotthenwewi ll
    acceptthatt
    hesechi
    ldr
    enareoursandwewi l
    ltake
    careofthem.”
    Theoldmanhungup.Obakengst
    oodup,
    hishear
    t
    beatr
    aci
    ng.
    Heswal
    lowedandcal
    ledhi
    m backbutthecal
    l
    di
    dn’
    tgothr
    ough.Het
    ookadeepbr eat
    handcall
    ed
    hi
    suncl
    e.
    “
    Obakeng…”
    “Fi
    figavebir
    thtomychi l
    dren.Hergrandf
    ather
    cal
    led.Theyarenothappy.Theygaveme48hour s
    todotherightt
    hing.Iwantmychi l
    drenandmy
    woman. ”
    “Nei
    so’
    suncleal
    socal
    ledyourf
    ather
    .Itseemsyou
    havebeenbusy.
    ”
    “
    Nei
    so’
    suncl
    e?”
    “Yes.Andtheyarenothappy.Theysai
    dthisti
    me
    aroundyouar emarr
    yingthei
    rdaught
    erbecause
    theywon’tal
    lowyoutokeepusinghereverychance
    youget.”
    “
    Itwasami
    stake!
    ”
    “Onethatr
    esultedinpregnancy.Ihopeyouar enot
    for
    getti
    ngthatyourfat
    her’sfarm wasgivent ohim
    becauseyouwer edati
    ngt hatgi
    rl.Herfatherwil
    l
    destr
    oyyourfatherinseconds.Becar efulwhenyou
    deci
    debutifIwereyouIwoul
    dchooseNei
    so.Your
    fat
    heri
    sindebtedtohi
    m.”

    *
    **

    Onherwayt oMaitengwe, Lor atol ookedatt hetime


    thenl ookedatt hetrucki nf rontofher .She
    i
    ndi catedgoi ngtotheot herl anet henst eppedon
    heraccel er
    atorovertakingt hef irsttruck.Shegot
    backi nherl aneascar scamef rom t heopposi t
    e
    directionappr oached.Shei mpat i
    ent lyl ookedatt he
    l
    astt rucki nfrontofher .Shei ndi catedagai nand
    goti nt heotherlanet oover takei t.Shel ookedatt he
    oncomi ngcarandspedevenmor et ryingt oget
    backi nherl anebef oreitcoul dappr oach.The
    oncomi nglorryhoot ed,Lor atoswayedt hecart ot he
    sideoft heroadmi ssingt hel orrybyj ustani nch.
    Herhear tskippedasbul lranf rom t hebushes, she
    swayedhercarbacki nther oadl osi ngcont rolfora
    splitsecond, anincomi ngBenzhoot ed.Lor ato
    screamedt urningthewheelt ot hesi det aki
    ngt he
    caroutoftheroadagainasshehi ttheBenz
    pushingi
    tintothet
    ruck.Theoverspeedingwhite
    Rubiconswervedasshel ostcontr
    olheadedfort
    he
    bigMurulaonthesideofther oad.
    .
    .
    .
    [
    04/
    23,
    05:
    48]'
    :
    Si
    nsUnf
    orgi
    ven
    #47

    TheBenzdr i
    veveeredhercaroutofr oadsteppi ng
    ont hebr eaks.Shewat chedtheRubi concrushon
    thetree.Herbodyf r
    ozeasherbl oodwentcol d.The
    othert r
    uckst oppedadi st
    ancef r
    om theacci dentas
    shest eppedout .Sheslowlywal kedovertot hecar
    andl ookedatt hewindshieldthathadshut t
    er ed
    thent hedr i
    verwho’sheadwasagai nsttheai rbag,
    blooddr ippingfrom herhead.
    Sher anbackt ohershakingt hengrabbedher
    phonecal li
    ngtheambul ance.TheZi mbabwean
    truckdriverranoverandl ookedather.Hetri
    ed
    openingt hedoorasmor ecarsstopped.Helooked
    attheBenzdr i
    vertal
    kingtothepolicethen
    continuedpul l
    ingthedoortoopeni t.Anot
    herdri
    ver
    whohadst opperiedovertohelp.Theybothpull
    ed
    thedoorwi thdomuchf orceopeningit.
    Thetruckdri
    verl
    ookedatthebl
    ood,hi
    sheartr
    aci
    ng.
    Hetookouthissmallkni
    fefr
    om hi
    spocketandcut
    theseatbel
    t.
    “
    Hel
    lo!
    ”
    Hetouchedherandslowlygotheroutofthecar.He
    pl
    acedheronthegroundandl ookedather.His
    handshookasheputi tonhernecktofeelforher
    pul
    se.
    TheBenzwomanlookedovert
    ouchedhismuscled
    shoul
    der
    .“Theambul
    anceiscoming.I
    ssheal
    ive?”
    “
    Idon’
    tknow.It
    hinkyou.
    ”
    Shelookedathi
    m andcl
    ear
    edhert
    hroatasher
    minddrif
    ted.
    *
    **

    I
    nMai tengwe,
    Fifil
    ookedatherphoneringing,
    only
    Rickyandhergrandparentshadhernewnumber .
    Shewat chedi
    tri
    ngknowi ngitwashim.Ithadbeen
    ri
    ngingforawhil
    enow.
    Hecutthecallandcal
    ledagain.Shet
    ookadeep
    br
    eathandfinall
    yanswered.
    “
    Hel
    lo?
    ”
    Hesi
    ghed.“
    Hi.Yourgr
    andf
    athercal
    led.
    ”
    “
    Ihear
    d.”
    “CanIpl
    easevi
    deocallyou?Iwantt
    oseet
    hem?I
    am onmywaythere.
    ”
    “
    Iwi
    llsendyoupi
    ctur
    es.
    ”
    “Whydidn’
    tyout
    ellme?It
    ’snotl
    ikeIwasgoi
    ngt
    o
    abandonmychil
    drenoryou.
    ”
    “Iwantedt
    opr
    otectmysel
    ffr
    om anyt
    hingt
    hat
    bother
    smypeace.Youmeanthavi
    ngLorat
    oinmy
    spaceandconst
    ant
    lyhavi
    ngt
    opr
    ovemysel
    f.
    ”
    “
    Sowear esti
    lll
    ett
    ingLor
    atocont
    rolour
    r
    elat
    ionship?
    ”
    “
    Ichosemychi
    ldr
    en’
    ssaf
    etyandmypeace.Idon’
    t
    r
    egreti
    t.
    ”
    “Iloveyou.Iwishyouknewhowmuchyoul eaving
    hur tme.IwishyouknewhowmuchIl oveyou.Ke
    rengLegauf i
    ?Arewejustgotoletourrel
    ati
    onship
    sinkallbecauseofsomeoneelse?”
    “Atleastyouwon’tbeinarel
    ati
    onshi
    pwit
    h
    someonewhocan’ tcl
    oseherl
    egsandgetfucked
    cornertocorner
    .Thebabyisawake.Bye.
    ”
    Shehungupandputherhandsonherf
    ace.

    *
    **

    Lat
    ert
    hatday,
    Lor
    ical
    ledObakengwal
    kingoutof
    hi
    smeeti
    ng.
    “
    Hel
    lo?
    ”
    “
    Mist
    er,
    okae?
    ”
    “
    Ist
    hemeet
    ingdone?
    ”
    “
    Yes,
    butwher
    ewer
    eyou?
    ”
    “
    Iam goi
    ngt
    oseeFi
    fi
    .”
    “
    Fif
    i?Wher
    e?”
    “
    Mai
    tengwe.Shegavebi
    rt
    htot
    ri
    plet
    s.”
    “
    Wow!It
    houghtyourPIsai
    dshewasnott
    her
    e.”
    “
    Ilongsuspect
    edshewashi
    dingi
    nthehouse.
    ”
    “
    Ok,
    soyouguysar
    efi
    xingt
    hings?
    ”
    “
    That
    ’st
    hepl
    an.
    ”
    “
    AndNei
    so?
    ”
    “
    Iwi
    lldealwi
    tht
    hatwhenIcomeback.
    ”
    “Doyouthi
    nkFi
    fiwi
    llt
    akeyoubackr
    egar
    dlessof
    Neisobei
    ngpr
    egnant?
    ”
    “IwantDNAt est
    sont
    hatchi
    ld,
    til
    lthenIwon’
    t
    beli
    evethebabyismi
    ne.
    ”
    “
    Ok,
    tel
    lmehowi
    tgoes.
    ”
    “
    Sur
    e.”
    Loriputhisphonei nhispocketwalki
    nginsidehis
    offi
    ce.Awhi lel
    aterhewalkedoutknockingof faft
    er
    everyoneelseandl ockedthedoors.Hewalkedt o
    hiscargladthecour thadgrantedhimthecar.He
    gotinanddr oveoff.Heslowedatt heredtr
    affic
    l
    ightandl ookedbesideshim.Hef r
    ownedst ari
    ngat
    KaboandNonoki ssinginhiscar.Kabotookof f
    unawar ethenLoricall
    edhim.
    “
    Sur
    eboy!
    ”
    “
    Eit
    a,wher
    ear
    eyou?
    ”
    “
    Sti
    lli
    nJwanengatt
    hewor
    ktr
    ip,
    what
    ’sup?
    ”
    “
    Not
    hing,
    Ijustt
    houghtIsawyourcar
    .”
    “
    Wher
    e?Iam nothome.
    ”
    “Youcan’tbelyi
    nglikethatandst
    il
    ldr
    ivi
    ngint he
    str
    eetsofGaboronel i
    keyouarethepr
    esident.He’s
    goingtofindout.I
    t’
    snotgoingtobenicebecauseI
    j
    ustdon’tknowhowyoucaneasi l
    ybesleepingwith
    Nonoforightunderournoses.”
    “
    Areyouwi
    thhi
    m?”
    “
    No.Wat
    choutmi
    ster
    .”
    “
    Thanks.
    ”
    Lorihungupdistr
    acteddrivingtowher
    ehewas
    renti
    ng.Hewalkedinsidehishouseminut
    esl
    ater
    andgr abbedabeerfrom hisfri
    dge.

    *
    **

    Justafterdawn, Obakengdr
    ovepastanaccident
    scene.Hel ookedatthewhit
    eRubiconthatwas
    againsttheMur ulat
    reeandshookhishead
    wonder i
    ngifanyonehadsurvived.
    Hetookoffhi
    stieandr
    oll
    eddownhi
    swi
    ndows
    headedf
    orMaitengwe.

    *
    **

    Neisostar
    edatherl
    apt
    opcall
    ingObakeng.The
    phonerangforawhi
    lebef
    oretheanswered.
    “
    Yeah?
    ”
    Shesmi l
    ed.“
    Hi…Imeanttocal
    lyouearl
    ieron.I
    di
    dn’tknowyouwouldtakeact
    ionassoonas
    possibl
    e.”
    “
    Whatact
    ion?
    ”
    “
    Papatol
    dmethatyouruncl
    esar
    eset
    ti
    ngadat
    eso
    t
    hatt
    heycome.
    ”
    “
    Comet
    odowhat
    ?”
    “
    Fort
    hebaby.
    ”
    “
    Nooneiscomi
    ngtoyourf
    ami
    lyt
    il
    lIam sur
    ethat
    t
    hebabyi
    smine.
    ”
    “
    Yout
    hinkIam t
    ryi
    ngt
    ofor
    cet
    hebabyonyou?
    ”
    “
    Idon’tknowbutyouar
    etheonewhosai
    dweused
    acondom ri
    ght
    ?”
    “Bax, anyt
    hingcouldhavehappenedt ot
    hecondom.
    Rememberi twasf orcedsex.Youusedf orceonme.
    Your apedme.I fyouwantt obethatper
    son, i
    t’
    sfine.
    Iwillgladl
    ygoandr eportrapeatthepol
    ice.And
    who’ sevenf or
    cingyout obear esponsi
    blefather
    ?
    Ifyoudon’ twantther esponsi
    bil
    it
    y,sayso!Iam not
    goingtobegyout odot her ightthi
    ng,Iwil
    lfi
    nda
    mant ofatheryourchi
    ldsi nceyouwoul dhave
    fai
    led.Aft
    erforci
    ngyour selfonme, youstil
    lwantt
    o
    explai
    nhowIgotpr egnant ?Maybet hecondom
    burstbecauseyouwer et oor ough!
    ”
    “
    Wewi
    llt
    alkwhenIcomeback.
    ”
    Hehungup.Neisolookedatherphoneandouther
    handoverherbump.

    *
    **

    InMait
    engwe, Obakengsl
    oweddownappr oachi
    ng
    thegat
    et hateveni
    ng.Hepar
    kedhiscarandtooka
    deepbreathbeforest
    eppi
    ngoutofthecar
    .
    Hest eppedoutwi tht
    hepl ast
    icbagsfullofgrocer
    y
    andbabyf ood.Thedogbar kedashewal ked
    throughthegat e.I
    tbarkedgetti
    ngclosertohim
    thensniffedhislegsandst ar
    tedwiggli
    ngit’
    stail
    .
    Hechuckl
    edandknockedonthedoor
    .Fi
    fi
    ’s
    gr
    andfat
    heropenedt
    hedoorandsmil
    ed.
    “
    Youngman.
    .”
    “
    Dumel
    ang…”
    “
    Thatwasf
    ast
    .Comei
    n…”
    Obakengwalkedin.Fi
    fi
    ’sgr
    andmot herwal
    kedf
    rom
    t
    hekitchenholdi
    ngaplateofbogobeandsourmil
    k
    “
    He’
    sal
    readyher
    e?”
    “
    Hei
    sver
    yresponsi
    ble.
    ”
    Obakengsmil
    edgr
    eet
    ingher
    .Shelookedathi
    m
    unabl
    etokeepast
    rai
    ghtf
    ace.Shesmiled.
    “Howareyoumyson?Iam sohappyt oseeyou.Si
    t
    down.Si
    tmychild.Letmef eedmmagweEt si
    le.
    RragweMothusi
    ,takethoseplast
    icst
    othekit
    chen.
    ”
    Obakengl
    ookedatFi
    fi
    ’sgr
    andf
    ather
    .“Icandoi
    t.
    ”
    “Okmyboy.It
    ’sl
    ikeyouknowmybacki
    sinpi
    eces.
    Ican’
    tcar
    ryanyt
    hinganymore.
    ”
    Obakengtooktheplast
    icst
    otheki
    tchenandwal
    ked
    backtothesi
    tt
    ingroom.
    Theol
    dmansmi
    ledhappi
    ly.
    “
    Sitdown.Howar
    eyou?
    ”
    Hesatdown.“
    Iam fi
    ne,
    yourgr
    anddaught
    erwas
    t
    heonlythi
    ngstr
    essi
    ngme.”
    “
    Shehasbeenst
    ressi
    ngusal
    l.
    ”
    Obakenglookedoveratthedoorasababycried.
    Fi
    fi
    ’sgrandmotherwalkedoutandlookedat
    Obakeng.
    “Youcancomeandseet
    hem.Buttheyar
    est
    il
    l
    small
    .Theywer
    ebornl
    astni
    ght
    .”
    Hest
    oodupandwalkedtothebedr
    oom wher
    eFi
    fi
    wasl
    yingont
    hebedfeedi
    ngthebaby.
    Hergr
    andmotherclosedt
    hedoorandwal kedaway
    asObakengstar
    edatbabies.Fi
    fikeptherhead
    downstar
    ingatherson.
    Hesatont
    heedgeoft
    hebedst
    ari
    ngatt
    hem i
    n
    shock.
    “
    Theyar
    eal
    lmi
    ne?
    ”
    Fif
    iremainedsil
    ent.Hegentlypi
    ckedYaoneasi
    f
    shecouldjustbreak.Hert
    inybodyscaredhi
    m.He
    l
    ookedatt heti
    niesti
    fthem al
    lscar
    edtoevenpi
    ck
    herup.
    “
    Theyar
    esmal
    l.Theyar
    eal
    lgi
    rl
    s?”
    Fi
    fit
    ookoutherni
    ppl
    efr
    om Et
    sil
    e’
    smout
    handout
    hi
    m down.
    “
    Theboy.
    ”
    ObakengputYaonedownandl
    ookedathi
    ssoni
    n
    t
    otaldi
    sbel
    ief
    .
    “
    Imadet
    hreebabi
    es…humans.Theyar
    eour
    s.”
    Fi
    fil
    ookedathi
    m ashet
    ouchedYame’
    ssmal
    lhand.
    “
    Whatdi
    dyoucal
    lthem?
    ”
    “Et
    sil
    eYaoneYame.
    ”Shepoi
    ntedatt
    hem asshe
    sai
    dthei
    rnames.
    “Il
    iket
    hose.Ican’
    tbel
    ieveImadebabies.Al
    latt
    he
    sametime.Iwonderwhichsexthatwas.”
    “
    Theonewehadher
    e…ourf
    ir
    stt
    ime.
    ”
    Hel
    ookedathersmi
    li
    ng.“
    Thehitandrunone?I
    r
    ememberthat
    .IwassohurtandIfel
    tused.
    ”
    “
    Youej
    acul
    ated.
    ”
    “St
    il
    l.Butyoudi
    tchedme.Atsomepoi ntI
    questi
    onedmyskill
    .Ithoughtmaybeyouwer
    enot
    sat
    isfi
    edormaybet hatIt
    ookitt
    oofar.
    ”
    “
    Youscar
    edme.That
    ’sal
    l.
    ”
    Hemovedovert
    ohersi
    de.“
    Scar
    edyouhow?
    ”
    “Idon’
    tusual
    lygetpeopl
    elikeyouwant
    ingme.SoI
    thoughti
    fIsl
    eptwithyou,youwouldl
    eavebecause
    youwouldhavegottenwhatyouwanted.”
    Hel
    ookedi
    nhereyes.“
    Andt
    hist
    ime?Whatwasi
    t?”
    Shel
    ookedi
    nhi
    seyes.“
    Youl
    eftme…”
    “
    Idi
    dn’
    tleaveyou.
    ”
    “Youdi
    d.Youl ef
    tme.Idon’tbl
    ameyou.Butyoudid
    andIdidn’
    twanttowaitf
    oryout oproper
    lydoi
    tand
    hurtme.Bett
    erImadethingseasyforyou.”
    Hesi
    ghed.“
    Iloveyou.
    ”
    “
    YouandIwon’twor
    k.Iknowbecausei
    t’
    snott
    he
    f
    ir
    stt
    imeIhavebeenherebef
    ore.
    ”
    “
    It
    ’sthef
    ir
    stt
    imeyouhavebeenher
    ebef
    orewi
    th
    me.”
    “Ican’t
    .Beingwithyoumeansconst antplott
    ingand
    fi
    ghtingwithmysi ster.Beingwithyoumeans
    holdi
    ngmybr eat
    hwonder ingwhenyouwi lll
    eave
    me.Idon’twantt oliveinf ear
    .Iam constantl
    y
    scared.Il
    iveinfear.Nott hatIdoubtyourlovef or
    mebutIam scar edbecausei talwaysfall
    sapar t.
    ”
    “
    Ital
    waysf
    ellapar
    tint
    hepastbutnotwi
    thme.Gi
    ve
    memyownchance.Ideser
    veittoo…”
    Het ouchedherchinandFrenchkissedher.The
    dooropened, hequi
    cklymovedawayashe
    grandmot herwal
    kedin.Fi
    fil
    ookeddownr ubbing
    herlips.
    “
    Ibr
    oughtyouwat
    er.
    ”
    Sheputt
    hegl
    assdownandwal
    kedout
    .Hesi
    ghed.
    “
    Ican’
    tbel
    ieveImadebabi
    es…”

    *
    **

    Atthehospi
    tal
    ,thet
    ruckdr
    iverl
    ookedattheti
    me.I
    t
    hadbeenhoursnowandhecoul dn’
    tunderst
    and
    whatwast
    aki
    ngl
    ong.
    Hi
    sphoner
    ang,
    hel
    ookedatt
    hecal
    lerandpi
    cked.
    “
    Wakupi
    ?”
    “
    Ndi
    ri
    kuuya.
    ”
    “
    Unosvi
    kanhasi
    ?”
    “
    No.Maybemangwana.
    ”
    Anur
    sewal
    kedover.“
    Dumel
    ang,
    bahedi
    tse.Doct
    or
    obat
    agogobona.
    ”
    Thetr
    uckdriverst
    oodup.“
    Iwi
    llcal
    lyou.
    ”Hehung
    upandlookedatthenur
    se.
    “
    Thedoct
    ori
    sdone?
    ”
    "
    Yes.Hewant
    stot
    alkt
    oyou.
    ”
    Hefol
    lowedhert
    othedoct
    orsof
    fi
    cethenhewal
    ked
    i
    n.Thenursewal
    kedbackt
    ohercoll
    eague.
    “I
    joookebat
    amonnawamoZi mbabwe,
    bat
    hong
    di
    dyouseethatman!Dammi
    t!
    ”
    Thecol
    leaguel
    aughed.“
    Omont
    egor
    e.Godcr
    eat
    ed
    hi
    m wit
    hintent
    ion.
    ”
    “Andhei spacking.Tlhammayoudon’thavetolook
    forit
    .It
    ’sjustt
    her e.Bat
    hongnnamysoulmateisin
    Zim.Dar kandhandsome.He’sali
    ttl
    edirt
    ybutit
    ’s
    thatdir
    tythatt
    ur nsyouon.Iwoul
    dgiveittohi
    mi f
    hewant sit.
    ”
    Thecol
    leaguel
    aughed.“
    Heel
    a!”
    “Iam tel
    li
    ngyou.Thatmani
    sthel
    oveofmyl
    if
    e.Hi
    s
    voice!Yer
    r!”
    Theycont
    inuedt
    alki
    ngwhi
    legi
    ggl
    ing.

    Thedoct
    orl
    ookedatt
    het
    ruckdr
    iver
    .
    “Eveni
    ng…Iam notal
    lowedtodothi
    sbutbecause
    youcameher ewit
    hherandyouaretheonlyher
    e
    forher
    ,Iam goi
    ngtoupdateyou.What
    ’syour
    name?”
    “
    Munashe.I
    ssheok?
    ”
    “
    Shewasbl
    eedi
    ngi
    nter
    nal
    ly.Wemanagedt
    ost
    op
    t
    hatbut
    …”
    “
    Butwhat
    ?”
    .
    .
    .
    [
    04/
    23,
    05:
    49]'
    :
    Si
    nsUnf
    orgi
    ven
    #48

    Thedoct
    orsi
    ghed.
    “Shehadoxygendepr i
    vedfr
    om herbr
    ainf
    orawhi l
    e
    thatherbrai
    nsuffer
    edalotofdamagebecauseher
    hearthadstoppedbeati
    ng,i
    notherwor
    dsshewas
    cli
    nical
    lydead.
    ”
    “Doct
    or,
    Idon’
    thaveadegree,
    justexpl
    aint
    omei
    n
    simpl
    etermssoIunder
    stand.
    ”
    “
    Thelongerherbr
    ainst
    ayedwithnooxygen,
    the
    mor
    et hedamageworsened.Herbr
    ainbegun
    swellingduet ocer ebralhemor r
    hage.Meani ngher
    brai
    nwasbl eedinginternally.Wemanagedt ost op
    thatandcont roltheswel l
    ingbutt il
    lshewakesup,
    wewon’ tknowj usthowser i
    oust hedamagei s.
    That’si fshewakesup, chancesar ethatherbrain
    mayevent uallydiethoughatt hemomentwear e
    l
    ooki ngatherbei ngincoma.I fshemakesi t,she
    maysuf ferast rokeormayneverhaveherl ower
    bodyback.Shemayhavel osthermemor y,
    either
    tempor ar il
    yorper manently, shemayst ar
    thavi ng
    hall
    uci nat i
    onsandpossi blydi eatt heend.Iwantt o
    explainever yt
    hingbutIt hinkyouunder st
    andwhatI
    am tryingt osay.
    Hetookadeepbreath.“Ishouldhavemovedtothe
    si
    deforher
    .Ij
    ustdidn’tunderstandwhatshewas
    doi
    ng.”
    “
    Ithappens.Al
    lwecandoispr
    ay.Ifshesur
    vives
    t
    henext24hour s,
    weshoul
    dprai
    seGod.”
    “
    Thankyou.Am Ial
    lowedt
    oseeher
    .”
    “Iwi
    llal
    lowyou.Shei
    sget
    ti
    ngtransfer
    redt
    o
    Gaboronesoyoucanseeherbefor
    eshegoes.
    ”
    “
    Thankyou.
    ”

    Munashewal kedinsideLorat
    o’sroom andlookedat
    herconnect
    edt omachi neswaiti
    ngtobe
    tr
    ansfer
    redtoGabor one.Helookedatherface,she
    wasbeautif
    ulbuthej ustcoul
    dn’tunderst
    andwhy
    shehadbeeni nthatrush.Hetouchedherhandand
    si
    ghedhopingshesur vi
    ves.
    Hisphonerang,helookedatt
    hecal
    lerandl
    ooked
    atLorat
    o.Hekissedherhandandwalkedout
    pi
    ckingthecal
    l.
    “
    Yes?
    ”
    “Maivakovari
    kur
    waraMunashe.Ndi kukumbirao
    kut
    iuwuye.Inhandi
    chazvigone.(
    Yourmot heris
    si
    ckMunashe.Iam beggingyoutocome.Ican’ tdo
    i
    tanymore.)
    ”
    “
    Isai
    dIam comi
    ngMi
    chel
    le!Ndi
    bhur
    urukeher
    e?
    (
    Shoul
    dIf
    ly?”
    “
    Wakabvir
    ir
    akareuchi
    tiur
    ikuuya,
    nanhasiher
    e?
    (
    Youlongsaidyouar
    ecomi ng.Ti
    llnow?
    )”
    “Iam worki
    ngtopayherbi ll
    sMi chel
    le.Iam worki
    ng
    totakecareofyou.Ifyoucan’tbepat i
    entwit
    hme,
    l
    eave.Don’tter
    ror
    izemyl i
    fe.YouandIdon’ thavea
    chil
    dsoyoumi ghtaswel lgo.”
    “
    Iam goi
    ng!Ther
    ear
    ebet
    termenoutt
    her
    e!”
    “Ok,
    bye.Letmef
    indyououtofmyhousewhenI
    gett
    here.
    ”
    “
    It
    syourmot
    herwhowi
    llsuf
    fer
    ,notme.
    ”
    “
    Isai
    dleavemyhouse!
    ”
    Hehungupandwalkedtot
    herecept
    ion.“
    Hi.CanI
    pl
    easehaveapaperandapen.
    ”
    Therecept
    ionistsmiledandgavehim.Hequi
    ckl
    y
    wri
    tesomethingt henfol
    dedthepaper
    .
    “Pl
    easeputt
    hiswi
    tht
    hatwoman’
    sbel
    ongi
    ngs.
    Thanks.
    ”
    “
    Eer
    ra.
    ”
    Hehur
    ri
    edoutandgoti
    nhi
    str
    uckanddr
    oveof
    f
    unawar
    eoft
    heeyesonhi
    m.

    *
    **

    Obakengwat chedasshebr eastfedYame.Hi s


    daughtel
    ookedl ikeshewasstrugglingand
    somehowhej ustwantedt
    odot hel aborforher
    .
    Sheslowl
    yf ellasleepi
    nhermot her
    ’sarms.
    Obakengpickedt hebabyandplacedherdown.
    Fi
    fiyawnedandl aiddownexhausted.Hereyes
    sl
    owlyclosedasshef el
    lasleep.Hecover
    edher
    wi
    thami niblanketandtookpictur
    es.
    Hesighedf eel
    ingsleepytoothenhet ookof fhi
    s
    shoesandj acketandlai
    dbehi ndFif
    i.Hel ookedat
    thekidscheckingifever
    ythi
    ngwasokt henputhis
    arm aroundherclosinghi
    seyessl eeping.
    Awhi l
    elat
    erFifi
    ’
    sgrandmotherwal
    kedi
    nther
    oom
    andlookedatthem.Shelookedatt
    heki
    dsand
    smil
    edwal ki
    ngouthummi ng.
    *
    **

    Thatsameevening,Lorisati
    nhishousethi
    nki
    ngof
    her.Hecouldn’
    tunderstandwhyitwassohardto
    for
    gether.Hescrat
    chedhi sheadcal
    li
    ngObakeng
    butthecalldi
    dn’
    tgothrough.
    Hescrol
    ledthr
    oughhi
    scontactli
    stl
    ooki
    ngfor
    someonetojustf
    uckandtakeouthi
    sfrust
    rat
    ions
    on.HepausedasBanyanacall
    ed.
    “
    Whatdoyouwant
    ?”
    “Hi
    ,Ij
    ustsawLorato’
    scaronFacebook.Seemsshe
    hadanaccident
    .Isshedead?Di
    dFifit
    ellyou
    anyt
    hing?
    ”
    “Idon’
    tknowwhatyouaretalkingabout.Ihaven’
    t
    spokentoFif
    iinawhi
    le.Idon’tknow.Lookf or
    gossipel
    sewhere.
    ”
    “
    Ican’
    tsl
    eep.
    ”
    “
    Ican.Bye.
    ”
    Hedroppedthecal
    landcont
    inuedscr
    oll
    ingt
    hrough
    hi
    scontact
    s.
    *
    **

    Thefol
    lowi
    ngmorni
    ng,mmagweLoratoshookher
    headasthemanonthephoneexpl
    ainedt
    oher
    whathappenedt
    oherdaught
    er.
    “
    Ismydaught
    ergoi
    ngt
    odi
    e?”
    “Shei
    sali
    veandwast
    ransf
    err
    edt
    oGabor
    one.I
    t’
    s
    besti
    fyouar
    ewit
    hher
    .”
    Thecallerdr
    oppedthecall
    .MmagweLorat
    oqui
    ckl
    y
    dressedandwalkedout.Sheknewj
    ustt
    heper
    son
    whowoul dsaveherdaughter
    .

    Att
    hetradi
    ti
    onaldoct
    or’
    shut,
    theol
    dwoman
    l
    ookedatmmagweLor ato.
    “
    Ican’
    thel
    pyouonthi
    sone.I
    fshei
    smeantt
    odi
    e
    t
    henshewil
    ldi
    e.Onl
    yGodcansaveher
    .”
    “
    Butyouhaveal
    wayshel
    pedme.
    ”
    “Yes.Butnotonsuchmatter
    s.Iam sor
    rythis
    happenedtoyourdaught
    erbutIwarnedyou.Itold
    youitwouldbackf
    ir
    e.Theresul
    tshavestart
    ed.”
    “
    Rever
    sei
    tthen.
    ”
    “I
    tcan’
    tber
    ever
    sed.Youj
    usthavet
    odealwi
    thi
    t
    now.”
    “
    Somydaught
    ershoul
    djustdi
    e?”
    “
    Youshouldhavethoughtaboutt
    hatwhenyou
    wereher
    easkingmet ohel
    pyoukillLegaufi
    .Al
    if
    e
    wil
    lbecl
    aimed.Maybeit’
    syourdaughter’
    s.”
    “
    Youcan’
    tlett
    hathappen!
    ”
    “Godist
    heonewho’sgoi
    ngt
    ol eti
    thappen.Notme.
    Iam sosor
    rybutt
    herei
    snot
    hingIcandot ohel
    p
    you.
    ”
    “
    WhataboutFi
    fi
    ?”
    “Therei
    ssomethi
    ngblocki
    ngmef r
    om doi
    ng
    anythi
    ngtohersoIcan’
    tdoanyt
    hing.
    ”
    “
    Wil
    lshebehappy?
    ”
    “Shewi llbebecauseyouar enott heretomakeher
    l
    ifemi serable.Yourlifeistheonemi ser
    able.Your
    daught er’
    slifewillconti
    nuehangi ngont hethread
    andi fshedi es,knowyouki l
    ledher .Itwasyour
    doingst hatkill
    edher .Youbr okeupasi sterbond.
    Youf eastedonLegauf i’
    stear s.Yout ookher
    mot her’sli
    fe.It
    ’sallgoingtocomebackt oyou.I
    warnedyou.Andi t’
    sgoi ngtobepai nful
    .”
    “
    Wil
    lFi
    finowbesuccessf
    ul?
    ”
    “
    Yes.Andexpectt
    hewor
    st.
    ”

    MmagweLor at
    owal kedtoherhousel at
    erthat
    mor ni
    ng.Shewal kedinsi
    deherhouseandpaced
    upanddown.Shewal kedt oherbedroom and
    packedherclothesinherbagbef or
    eshewal kedout
    goingtotherank.

    *
    **
    Thatmorni
    ng,Fif
    iwokeupt ohergrandmother
    dressi
    ngherchi
    ldren.Fi
    fisi
    ghedr
    ealizi
    ngObakeng
    wasalsonotinbedwi t
    hher.
    “
    Wher
    eisObakeng?
    ”
    “Hel
    pingyourgrandf
    atherout
    side.Hei
    sagood
    man.Ar esponsi
    bleman.Ifor
    gotwhyweare
    supposedtonotli
    kehim.”
    Fi
    fil
    aughed.“
    Youar
    eat
    rai
    tor
    .”
    Hergr
    andmotherl
    aughed.“
    Hei
    sagoodmanFi
    fi
    .A
    goodf
    ather
    .”
    Hergrandmot
    herputthekidsbesi
    desherand
    walkedout
    .Fi
    fil
    ookedatthem andsmil
    ed.
    Obakeng’sphoner angbesi
    deher .Shecur
    iousl
    y
    l
    ookedati tandreachedforit.Thephonef
    inal
    ly
    stoppedri
    ngingthensheunl ockeditasamessage
    camet hr
    oughf r
    om hisuncle.
    Shecuri
    ousl
    yopenedi
    tli
    steni
    ngt
    ohi
    mlaughi
    ng
    out
    side.
    .
    .
    .
    [
    04/
    23,
    05:
    49]'
    :
    Si
    nsUnf
    orgi
    ven
    #49

    Obakengwal
    kedi
    nwhileFifir
    ereadthemessage
    agai
    ninconf
    usi
    on.Shelookedathim.
    “
    Youruncl
    esentamessage.Idon’
    tunder
    stand.
    Whati
    shesaying?
    ”
    Shehandedhi
    mthephonet
    henhel
    ookedatt
    he
    message.
    Malome:IhearyouObakengbutatt hesamet i
    me
    Neiso’
    spregnancyi spr
    ior
    ityatthemomentf orus.
    Let’
    sdealwithitthenwewi l
    lseeaboutt hose
    babiesmmeIwassuggest ingwej ustfocuson
    Neisothi
    sside.Tot awearenotsur eifthosebabies
    areyoursespeciall
    yknowingthatgirl.
    Heswal
    lowedandl
    ookedather
    .Fi
    fisl
    owl
    ygotof
    f
    bed.
    “
    Whati shet
    alki
    ngabout
    ?Whoi
    sNei
    so?I
    sshea
    r
    elat
    ive?”
    Het
    ookadeepbr
    eat
    h.“
    No.Si
    tsoIexpl
    aint
    oyou.
    ”
    “
    No.Tel
    lme.Andyouar
    efr
    eet
    odoDNAt
    est
    son
    t
    hem.”
    “
    Idon’
    tneedt
    odot
    hat
    .Iknowt
    heyar
    emi
    ne.
    ”
    “
    Ok.Who’
    sNei
    so?
    ”
    “
    Pleasesi
    tdownbabe…”
    “
    Obakeng,
    whoi
    sNei
    so?
    ”
    Hetouchedherhands.“
    Remembert
    hatni
    ghtof
    yoursextape…?
    ”
    “
    Thati
    sNei
    so?Shei
    spr
    egnant
    ?”
    Hetookadeepbr eat
    h.“YesbutIdon’teven
    remembersleepingwithher .WhenIwokeupshe
    wasther
    e.Thel astthi
    ngIr ememberf r
    om t
    hatni
    ght
    i
    syouleavingandmedr inkingmore.Idon’
    t
    rememberhavingsexwi thherthat’
    swhyIwantto
    doDNAt ests.
    ”
    Fi
    finoddedpul
    li
    ngherhandsf
    rom hi
    s.“
    Ok.
    ”
    “
    Iwi
    llsor
    titout
    .”
    “
    Ok.
    ”
    “
    Babe-
    “
    “
    Don’
    tyout
    hinkyoushoul
    dbewi
    thyourf
    ami
    ly?
    ”
    “
    Babe,
    please…”
    “
    Yousawt
    heki
    ds.Idon’
    tknowwhatel
    sei
    sther
    e.”
    “
    Iloveyou.
    ”
    “Yourexi
    swai t
    ingforyou.YouandIbr okeup.Iam
    notevengoingtoquestionyou.If oundherhalf
    nakedinyourhouse.Ilefthersti
    llinyourhouse.
    Youwantedhert or
    emai n.Youmi ghtnotr
    emember
    sleepi
    ngwit
    hherbutshe’ scarryi
    ngyourbaby. ”
    “Whatifshei
    snot
    ?Whati
    fshe’
    sjustt
    ryi
    ngt
    ofor
    ce
    herbabyonme?”
    “
    Thenyouwi
    lldealwi
    thi
    tal
    one.
    ”
    “
    Fif
    i-
    “
    “
    Iwon’
    tst
    opyouf
    rom bei
    ngaf
    ather
    .YouandIar
    e
    done.Wehavebeendonesodon’ tf
    eell
    ikeyouwere
    bei
    ngputunderpr essur
    e.Youcangotoher.She’
    s
    carr
    yingyourbaby.Youknowsheis.
    ”
    “
    Legauf
    iIl
    oveyou.Pl
    easest
    oppushi
    ngmeaway.
    ”
    “Nooneispushingyouaway.Youar
    eexpecti
    ng
    anot
    herbaby.Thatshoul
    dbeyourpr
    ior
    it
    y.”
    Fif
    islowlygotbackont
    hebed.Helookedather
    sadly.Fi
    fil
    ookedawayrubbi
    ngateart
    hathad
    fal
    len.

    *
    **

    Nonowalkedi
    nsi
    deNei
    so’
    sof
    fi
    ceasshespokeon
    herphone.
    Nonosmil
    edsi
    tt
    ingonthechai
    ropposi
    teheras
    Nei
    soputdownherphoneandsmil
    ed.
    “
    Hi.
    ”
    Nonol
    ookedar
    oundt
    heof
    fi
    ce.“
    Yourof
    fi
    cei
    sbi
    g.”
    “
    Yeah.Wher
    eisyourbr
    other
    ?Ical
    ledhi
    sof
    fi
    ce
    t
    odaybuthe’
    snoti
    n.”
    “Idon’
    tknow.Maybehewenthome.It
    hinkpapa
    call
    edhim.”
    “Areyousure?KanaIhear
    dthathi
    sothergi
    rl
    fr
    iend
    staysinFr
    ancist
    own.Don’
    tyouthi
    nkhewent
    there?
    ”
    “
    Todowhat
    ?Theybr
    okeup?
    ”
    “
    Shewaspr
    egnant
    .Maybeshegavebi
    rt
    h.”
    “IdoubtitwasevenObakeng’
    schi
    ld.Don’
    twor
    ry
    aboutthatone.
    ”
    “
    Ok.
    ”
    “
    Isn’
    tther
    eanyvacanci
    esher
    e?Iwantt
    ocomeand
    workthi
    sside.
    ”
    “
    Ther
    eisnot
    hingbuti
    fsomet
    hingcomesup,
    Iwi
    ll
    r
    ecommendyou.”
    Nonosmi
    led.“
    Thankyou.Mma,
    yourof
    fi
    cei
    sso
    bi
    g.”
    Neisosmil
    edthenpressedherphonebor
    ed.Nono
    conti
    nuedchat
    tingal
    lalonewhil
    eNeisot
    ypedon
    herphone.

    *
    **

    Lor
    ipar
    kedhi
    scaratwor
    kcal
    li
    ngObakeng.
    “
    Hel
    lo?
    ”
    “
    Howdi
    ditgo?
    ”
    “
    Theyar
    ebeaut
    if
    ulandsmal
    l
    .”
    Lor
    ilaughed.“
    Congr
    atul
    ati
    ons!
    ”
    “YeahbutFi
    fisawamessagef
    rom myuncl
    eabout
    Neiso.
    ”
    “
    Eish,
    whatdi
    dshesaynow?
    ”
    “
    Ongadi
    le.
    ”
    “
    Youcheat
    edonher
    .”
    “Unti
    lNeisogivesbi r
    th,Iam notbelievi
    ngthatthe
    babyismi ne.Idon’tremembersl eepingwithher.
    Kebatagoduel amagadi .Fi
    fii
    sst ubborn.Shewon’t
    l
    istentoanything.Iwillt
    alktohergr andfat
    herabout
    i
    t.
    ”
    Lor
    isteppedoutoft
    hecarandwal
    kedi
    nsi
    det
    he
    bui
    ldi
    ng.
    “
    Ihopeyouwi
    nlai
    taka.
    ”
    “
    Sur
    e.”
    Lor
    iputhi
    sphonei
    nhi
    spocketwal
    kingt
    ohi
    sof
    fi
    ce.

    *
    **

    Banyanascroll
    edthecommentsonFacebookabout
    theRubiconaccident
    ,shewentbackt
    otheother
    pict
    ure.Ther
    ewasnodoubti twasLorat
    o’scar
    .
    Somehowshefoundher
    selfworr
    ying.Shebi
    ther
    l
    owerli
    pandsentLor
    iapictur
    eofthecar.
    Banyana;Iknowyoudon’twantt
    otalkt
    omebut
    pl
    easecheckwi t
    hFi
    fii
    fthat’
    snothersi
    ster
    ’scar
    .
    Banyanast
    oodupandwalkedoutofherof
    fi
    ce.She
    wentovert
    other
    ecept
    ion.
    “
    Jenny,
    isn’
    tthi
    sLor
    ato’
    scar
    ?”
    Banyanashowedher
    .
    “
    Idon’
    tknow.Isawi
    ttoo.I
    tlooksl
    ikei
    tthough.But
    wher
    ewasshegoing?”
    “Shewasgoi
    ngupNorthtoseehergr
    andpar
    ent
    s.
    Thisr
    oadkeyoneyagonekwa.”
    “
    Eishbat
    hong.Iam soscar
    ed.
    ”
    Banyanawalkedbackt
    oherof
    ficeandsatdown
    tryi
    ngtogetbackt
    oworkbutt
    hemor eti
    mepassed
    themoreshegotevenmoreworri
    ed.

    *
    **

    Laterthatday,
    anotherdoct
    orl
    ookedatLorat
    o’s
    testresul
    ts.Helookedathi
    scol
    leagueandshook
    hishead.
    “
    Herwaki
    ngupi
    sami
    racl
    e.”
    “
    InsuchcasesIal
    waysswit
    chingofft
    hemachine
    i
    smuchbettert
    hanputt
    ingherthr
    oughthi
    stor
    tur
    e.
    Eveni
    fshemakesi
    t,herl
    if
    ewi
    llneverbet
    he
    same.
    ”
    “Thisisagover nmenthospit
    al.Unl
    esstheymove
    hertoadi f
    ferenthospi
    tal
    ,sheisgoingtoget
    disconnectedont hemachine.Dil
    otsagovy
    l
    aitaka.”
    Thedoct
    orscont
    inuedchat
    ti
    ngast
    heyl
    ookedat
    herr
    esul
    ts.

    *
    **

    InMait
    engwe,Obakengsati
    nhi scarmaki
    nga
    phonecal
    l.Hi
    syoungunclepicked.
    “
    Bax!
    ”
    “
    Malome,kanabopapababat
    agompat
    elet
    sa
    mosadi
    .”
    “
    Ihear
    d,t
    hatt
    allone?
    ”
    “
    Yes.KanaIam notevensurei
    fthatpr
    egnancyi
    s
    mine.Idon’
    trememberhavi
    ngsexwithher
    .She
    keepssayi
    ngIr
    apedherbutIdon’
    tremembershi
    t!
    ”
    “
    Wenaobat
    ang?
    ”
    “
    IwantFifi
    .Andourchi
    ldr
    en.Shegavebi
    rt
    hto
    t
    ri
    plet
    s.”
    “
    Thi
    ri
    !?
    ”
    “
    Eer
    ra.
    ”
    Helaughed.“ That’
    smyboy.Look, l
    etmetalktomy
    br
    others.Iknowyourf atherj
    ustneedsconvinci
    ng.
    Don’
    tpanicandIknowhowyougetwhenupsetso
    j
    ustkeepqui et.Iwil
    lhandlei
    t.
    ”
    “
    Thankyou.
    ”
    “
    Gasegoreonyal
    eonce?Threeki
    dsi
    sacompl
    ete
    f
    amil
    y.TsamosadiObakeng.
    ”
    “
    Kebat
    agonebutmmagweEt
    sil
    eost
    ubbor
    n.”
    “Youshoul
    dknowhowt ohandleyourperson.
    Womenl i
    kethings.Gethersomet
    hingnice.Gi
    ve
    hermoney.Theylovemoney.Giveherlotsofi
    tthen
    takei
    tfr
    om there.
    ”
    “
    Eer
    ra.
    ”
    Hehungupt
    hendudanewal
    let
    .

    *
    **

    Fif
    iopenedherpict
    uresofherki
    ds.Amessage
    camethrough,sheopeneditandgasped.
    FNB M OBAKENGsentyouP5000. 00.Getcashat
    CashPluspart
    nerorPressPROCEEDatFNBATM.
    PIN78160,i
    svali
    dfor16hrs.I
    fPI
    Nexpired,
    dial
    *130*
    392#
    .
    .
    .
    [
    04/
    23,
    05:
    49]'
    :
    Si
    nsUnf
    orgi
    ven
    #50

    Fi
    fisatupr
    ightst
    ari
    ngatt
    hemoney.Her
    gr
    andmot
    herwal
    kedwi
    thi
    nabowl
    .
    “
    Kemot
    ogomama?Iam nothungr
    y.”
    “I
    tsnot.RragweEtsil
    eboughtit
    .It
    ’s.
    .okare
    spaghett
    ibutitdoesn’
    ttakel
    ongcooking.
    ”
    Fi
    fismil
    edasshegotcloser
    .Shest
    ret
    chedher
    handsandsmil
    edlooki
    ngatthenoodl
    es.
    “
    Thankyou.Iam sohungr
    y.”
    Shetookt heforkandstart
    edeating.Her
    grandmot herwatchedhereatasifshehadnot
    eatenforyears.Shequickl
    yfini
    shedthenli
    ckedher
    l
    ipssmi l
    ing.
    “
    Thankyou.
    ”
    “Youshouldthankhi
    mforbuyi
    ngthoset
    hings.He
    boughtalotandsomebabyclot
    hes.
    ”
    Hergrandmot
    hersatdown.“
    Iwantt
    otal
    ktoyou
    Legaufi
    .”
    Fi
    fil
    ookedather
    .“Whati
    sit
    ?”
    “
    Heisgoingt
    ogiveuponwanti
    ngyouandmoveon
    i
    fyoukeeppushi
    nghi
    m away.Whydon’
    tyouwant
    him?Whati shel acking?Hewasaf teryouwhen
    youhadnot hi
    ng.Hel ovedyouregardlessofyour
    sit
    uati
    on.Hel ovedyouwi t
    hdustthatstartedfrom
    yourfeett
    oyourwai st.Youranfrom him buthe
    foundyoust i
    ll
    .Andnowyouar esti
    llr
    ejectinghim.
    Why?Don’tyoubel i
    evei nhappi
    nessLegauf i
    ?”
    “
    Youdon’
    tunder
    stand.
    ”
    “
    Makemeunder
    standt
    hen!
    ”
    “
    It
    ’scompl
    icat
    ed.
    ”
    “Legauf i
    ,tellmewhatyourpr oblem wi t
    hhimi s.If
    youdon’ tlovehi m,sayso.Letmet ellyou
    somet hing, youar eunempl oyedwi ththreekids.
    Youhaveamanwhol ovesyouandwhowant st o
    fatherhischi ldren,ifhemeet ssomeoneel se, you
    aregoi ngt ocr y.Hisat t
    enti
    oni snowgoi ngt obe
    divided.Menl ikehim mar ry.Hewi l
    lmar ryherandI
    promi seyou, youwi llhangyour sel
    fandt hi
    st i
    me
    actuallydiebecauseyouwon’ tbeabl etowat chhi m
    giveever ythingt hatcouldhavebeengi ventoyou
    beinggi vent oanot herwoman.Yourchi l
    drenwi l
    l
    notgett heirf ather’
    sf i
    rstl
    ove.Herki dswi l
    lbecause
    heisclosertothem.Youwi l
    lforeverbejustababy
    mama.Apr idef
    ulonetoo.Youwi l
    lnowber eporti
    ng
    tohiswife.Yourkidswil
    lgetwhathi swifewillhave
    chosen.Youwi llt
    urni
    ntoabitterperson.Ifyou
    expecthimt obegyouforever
    , youarewr ongmy
    chil
    d.”
    “
    Iwaswi l
    li
    ngtoraisemykidswithouthi
    m.He
    i
    mpregnatedanotherwoman.Iam notgoingtoget
    i
    ntof
    ightsfi
    ghti
    ngf orhi
    m.Ihavealotofskel
    etons
    i
    nmycl oset
    .I’
    dratherbeal
    onethanbewi thaman
    whomightcheatonmeorl eaveme. ”
    “Ver
    ywellt
    hen.Youwil
    lremembermywor dsone
    dayLegauf
    i.Ipr
    omiseyou.Youwillr
    emembermy
    wordsoneday.Bytheway,he’
    sleavi
    ngtoday.
    ”
    Shetookt
    heemptybowlandwal
    kedout
    .Mi
    nut
    es
    l
    aterhewal
    kedi
    n.
    “
    Hey.
    ”
    Shewat
    chedhim ashepickedhi
    schi
    ldr
    enoneby
    onet
    henfi
    nal
    lylookedather.
    “It
    oldmyuncl
    esaboutt
    heki
    ds.Theyar
    egoi
    ngt
    o
    come.Iwantt
    hem t
    ousemysurname.”
    “
    Ok.
    ”
    “Thankyouf ormakingmeaf ather
    .Icannever
    thankyouenoughf orgivi
    ngmet hreekids.You
    havegivenmet hebiggestgif
    tever.Iam happy.
    Theyarebeaut i
    ful
    .Ijustwi
    shwecoul dallbe
    toget
    her.Likeafamily.Iwi
    shyoucoul dseejust
    howmuchIl oveyou.Iwantourkidstogr owup
    withamot herandfatherunderoneroof.”
    “
    Andyourotherchi
    l
    d?Theonewhoyouar
    ehavi
    ng
    wit
    hanot
    herwoman? ”
    “Ifshe’
    sminewhichIhi ghlydoubt,Iam notgoi
    ng
    toabandonherbutf actremainsthatIdon’tl
    ove
    Neiso.Idon’
    tunderstandanythingbecauseIdon’t
    rememberhavingsexwi t
    hher.Nomat terhow
    drunkIwas,itj
    ustdoesn’ tmakesensethatIcan’t
    rememberhavingsexwi t
    hher.”
    “
    Ifsheisyourchi
    ld,
    she’
    sgoi
    ngt
    oli
    veunderyour
    r
    oof?”
    “
    Shewi
    lll
    ivewi
    thhermot
    her
    .”
    Hegotcloserandti
    lt
    edherchi
    n.“
    Let
    ’sgi
    vei
    ta
    chance.Pl
    ease..
    ”
    Heki ssedherl i
    ps.Fif
    iclosedhereyesr ecei
    vingthe
    kiss.Heki ssedhermor etouchingherthickthighs
    ashi sdickfil
    ledhispants.Het ookherhandand
    placedi tonhiserecti
    on.Fifiunzi
    ppedhi spantsand
    touchedi tnaughti
    ly.Hegr untedinhermouthas
    shest rokedhim.
    Hebitherl
    ipascontinuedst
    roki
    ngit,hegroaned
    minut
    eslat
    erthrust
    inginherhand.Sheclosedher
    eyesasspurtouthi
    scum onherchest .
    “
    Ahhf
    uck!
    ”
    Shelookedathim andgotoffbedinherni
    ghtdress.
    Helookedatthebabyfatthatmadeherhipsful
    ler
    andgotherbuttevenmoret hi
    cker
    .
    Shetookafaceclot
    handwipedher
    sel
    fthenwi
    ped
    hi
    m andputitbackinhi
    spants.
    Shekissedhi
    m gent
    lytouchi
    nghisbeard.“
    Ifyou
    don’
    twantmeanymor e,youcanalwayssayso.”
    “Iwantyou.Iam goi
    ngt
    olookforabiggerhouse.
    Afterconf
    inementwear
    egoingtoli
    veunderone
    roof.
    ”
    ThedooropenedthenRi
    ckywalkedinholding
    bal
    loons.Hel
    ookedatObakengthenthekids.
    “
    Uhu…It
    houghti
    twasover
    .”
    Fi
    fismi
    led.Obakengki
    ssedheragai
    n.
    “
    Iam goi
    ng.
    ”
    “
    Iwi
    llwal
    kyou.
    ”
    “
    No.
    .it
    ’sok.Il
    oveyou.
    ”
    Fi
    fismi
    led.“
    Iloveyout
    oo.
    ”
    Hest
    oodupandwal
    kedt
    othedoor
    .Ri
    ckymoved.
    “
    Hi!
    ”
    Obakengsmi
    ledst
    ari
    ngatRi
    cky’
    sdr
    essi
    ng.“
    Hi.
    ”
    Hewal
    kedout
    .Ri
    ckyr
    anovert
    otheki
    ds.
    “Theyar
    esobeauti
    ful
    !Youchosether
    ightman.
    Babydaddyout
    didhimsel
    f.Youf
    ixedt
    hings?
    ”
    “Ilovehi
    m.Andever yonel
    ikeshi
    m.Andwehave
    kidsnow.Idon’tt
    hinkIwil
    lbeablet
    owat
    chhim
    l
    oveanot herwoman.”
    “
    Hei
    stheone.Hemakesyouhappy.
    ”
    “
    ThatwomanIt
    oldyouabout
    …she’
    spr
    egnant
    .”
    “Seenow?Itoldyouthatyoushoul
    dn’
    thavel
    eft
    thatwomaninthehouse.Ifi
    twereme,Iwoul
    dhave
    draggedheroutwit
    hherhair.
    ”
    “
    Hedoubtsi
    t’
    shi
    sbaby.Hedoesn’
    tremember
    f
    ucki
    ngher.
    ”
    “
    80%chancesar
    ethatt
    hebabyi
    swhi
    te.
    ”
    Fi
    fil
    aughed.“
    Iwoul
    dbesohappyi
    fshei
    s.”
    “Mma, kanaIpassedanacci dentsceneonmyway
    her
    e.Thataccidenthasbeent rendi
    ngonFacebook.
    Awhi t
    eRubiconhitatree.Idoubtanyone
    sur
    vived.”
    Fi
    fiswal
    lowed.“
    Lol
    oboughtawhi
    teRubi
    con.Let
    meseeit.”
    Ri
    ckyshowedher
    .Fi
    fiswal
    lowedzoomi
    ngi
    n.
    “Ricky…that
    ’smysi
    ster
    ’scar
    .That
    ’sLol
    o’scar
    Ricky.”

    *
    **
    I
    nPandamat engalat
    erthatday,
    mmagweLor
    ato
    walkedinsi
    deasmal lroom wheret
    heMal
    awi
    an
    t
    raditi
    onalhealersat
    .
    Shetookof
    fhershoeshol
    dingherhandbag.He
    l
    ookedatherasshesatdown.
    “Dumelang.Ineedyourhel
    p.Mydaughterwasi
    na
    caracci
    dent.Ineedyoutosaveher.Andmaket
    his
    onedieinst
    ead.”Sheshowedhim apict
    ure.
    TheMalawi
    anmannodded.“Icandot
    hat
    .Butyou
    payP6000deposi
    tbef
    oreIdo.
    ”
    “
    P6000?
    !”
    “Yes.Ifyoudon’tfi
    nishoffpayment,
    Iwillsendmy
    l
    at egrandf
    athertosuckyoursoul.Alr
    eady,you
    havepayP500f orgetti
    nginmyhut.Ifyoudon’t
    havethatP500, Iwil
    lhavetosleepwithyouto
    pleasetheancestors.”
    .
    .
    .
    [
    04/
    23,
    05:
    49]'
    :
    Si
    nsUnf
    orgi
    ven
    #51

    MmagweLor
    atol
    ookedathi
    minshock.
    “
    But
    …Idon’
    thaveP600.
    ”
    “
    Howmuchdoyouhave?
    ”
    “
    Ionl
    yhaveP3500.
    ”
    “I
    tmeansIwil
    lhavetosleepwithyout
    hewhol
    e
    ni
    ghtt
    opleasetheancestor
    s.”
    Sheswal
    lowedasherhear
    tpounded.“
    Ihavet
    ogo
    backt
    oGaborone.
    ”
    Hestoodupthenwalkedt othecor
    neroftheroom
    andopenedabasket.Het ookoutabigblacksnake.
    Shescreamedasithissedstari
    ngather
    .
    “Thi
    sismygrandfather
    ,Mul
    enga.Hedi
    edlong
    backbuthi
    sspir
    itli
    veson.I
    t’
    sei
    thermeorhim.
    ”
    “
    Idon’
    twanti
    tanymor
    e.”
    “
    Youst
    il
    lhavet
    opayf
    orconsul
    tat
    ionf
    ee.
    ”
    MmagweLor
    atol
    ookedatt
    hesnakeshaki
    ng.
    “
    Iwi
    llgi
    veyouP3500.
    ”
    “Ok..
    butyourdaughteri
    sgoi
    ngtodie.Isawi
    t.She’
    s
    dyingintwodays.Icansaveher
    .”
    “Idon’
    thavemoney.Can’
    tthi
    sonebet
    heoneyour
    grandf
    athersl
    eepswit
    h?”
    Sheshowedhi
    m Fi
    fi
    ’spi
    ctur
    e.
    “No.Ithastobeyou.Ifyoudon’twantmy
    grandfat
    herthenit
    ’sme.Ifyouwalkoutwi
    thout
    doinganythi
    ng,yourdaughteri
    sdying.
    ”
    Shehel
    dherbagt
    ight
    lyasheputt
    hesnakeback.
    “
    Iam ol
    d-“
    “
    Theancest
    orsdon’
    tmi
    nd.I
    t’
    sok.
    ”
    Het
    ookoutabl
    anketandl
    aidi
    tont
    hef
    loor
    .
    “Youcantakeof
    fyourcl
    otheswhi
    leIstar
    t
    prepar
    ingthemi
    xtur
    etosaveyourdaughter
    .”
    “
    Wil
    lthi
    sonedi
    einst
    ead?
    ”
    Helookedatt
    hepict
    ureandnodded.“Yes.
    Ever
    ythi
    ngyouhavecomef orwi
    llhappen.
    ”
    Hestartedmixi
    ngthi
    ngs.Shesl
    owl
    ytookof
    fher
    cl
    othes.Helookedather
    .
    “
    Liedown.
    ”
    Shelaiddownnakedt henhetookoffhisown
    cl
    othes.Shel ookedathisharddi
    ckashegr abbeda
    smallbott
    le.Hewal kedoverandkneltbef
    oreher
    andpouredt heoili
    nhi shandsandrubbeditonhis
    di
    ck.Heopenedherl egsandlookedather.
    “Theancestorswi
    llbewor
    kingasIwor
    kon
    you..
    justr
    elax.
    ”
    Hepr
    essedhi
    ser
    ect
    iononherandpushedt
    hrough.

    *
    **

    Lat
    erthatni
    ght
    ,Fif
    ichangedherdaught
    er’
    sdiaper.
    Sheputherdowngentl
    yandcoveredherwiththe
    sof
    tblanki
    eObakenghadbought.
    Shelaiddownandst aredatthewal
    lthi
    nki
    ngofher
    si
    ster.Shereachedforherphoneasitr
    angthen
    pi
    ckedwhi speri
    ng.
    “
    Hel
    lo?
    ”
    “
    Hey,
    aret
    heki
    dssl
    eep?
    ”
    “
    Yes.
    ”
    “
    Imi
    ssyou.Andt
    hem.Imi
    ssyousobad.
    ”
    “
    Idot
    oo.
    ”
    “
    Iwantyou.
    ”
    “Wecan’tdoanyt
    hingnow.Ineedt
    ohealf
    ir
    st.Iam
    sti
    lli
    nconfi
    nement.
    ”
    “
    Howl
    ong?
    ”
    “
    Thr
    eemont
    hs.
    ”
    “
    Shi
    t!
    ”
    “
    Etsi
    lewast
    oobi
    g,Ihadt
    ogetst
    it
    ches.
    ”
    “
    Hei
    sli
    kehi
    sfat
    her
    .”
    Fi
    fismi
    led.“Hetookal
    mostal
    lthespace.That
    ’s
    whyYamei sti
    ny.Mypoordaught
    erwaspushedt o
    t
    hecorner
    .Shepr
    obabl
    ywasn’
    tget
    ti
    ngenough
    f
    ood.
    ”
    Obakengl
    aughed.“
    Orshei
    sjustnat
    ural
    lysmal
    l
    .”
    “
    Thedoctorsai
    dsheisgoi
    ngtogrow.Thecl
    othes
    wegotf
    rom thecl
    ini
    caret
    oobig.
    ”
    “
    Whatcl
    othes?
    ”
    “Idi
    dn’tknowIam washavi
    ngthr
    eebabies.Ihad
    onlycateredt
    oonebabysothecl
    ini
    cgaveussome
    from t
    hedonationt
    ank.
    ”
    “Iwil
    larr
    angeforcl
    othes.Maybethat
    ’swhyi
    t
    shouldhavebeenagoodi deatot
    ellmewewere
    expecti
    ngababy.”
    “
    Thankyou.Isawsomet
    hingonFacebookt
    oday.
    ”
    “
    Yeah?
    ”
    “
    Lorat
    owasinvol
    vedinacaracci
    dent
    .It
    hinkshe
    wasonherwayhere.
    ”
    “
    Iam sor
    ry.
    ”
    “
    Idon’
    tknowifshe’sok.Someonesaidshewas
    t
    ransf
    err
    edtoMarinainaverycri
    ti
    calcondi
    ti
    on.
    ”
    “Iam notget
    ti
    nginvolvedbabe.Asksomeoneel
    se
    becauseIam notgoinganywherenearher
    .”
    “Youdon’
    thavet
    oseeher
    .Ij
    ustwantt
    oknowi
    f
    she’
    sok.”
    “Idon’
    twantt
    ogetanywher
    ecl
    oset
    othatwoman
    Legaufi
    .”
    “Iknow.SodoI .Ij
    ustwanttoknowi
    fshe’
    sok.I
    can’tpr
    etendIdon’tcar
    e.AsmuchasIdon’twant
    tobut…please.Youdon’thavet
    oseeher
    .”
    “
    Iwi
    llasksomeonet
    ocheck.
    ”
    “
    Ok.Thankyou.
    ”Sheyawnedexhaust
    ed.
    “
    Iloveyou.
    ”
    Fi
    fismi
    ledcl
    osi
    nghereyes.“
    Iloveyout
    oo.
    ”
    “
    Myuncl
    esshoul
    dbecomi
    ngnextweekend.
    ”
    “
    Ok.Thankyouf
    ort
    hemoney.
    ”
    “
    Youdeser
    vemor
    ethant
    hat
    .”
    “Iwasthi
    nkingmaybeafterconf
    inementIst
    art
    sell
    ingcl
    othesandshoes.Wigstoo.
    ”
    “
    Ili
    ket
    hat
    .”
    “
    Iam goi
    ngt
    okeept
    hatmoneysoIcanusei
    t.
    ”
    “Ok,Iwi
    llgi
    veyoumore.Buyi
    ngandsel
    li
    nghas
    alwaysbeenasuccessf
    ulhust
    le.
    ”
    “
    Ng…”
    “
    War
    obal
    a?”
    “
    Ng.
    .bye.
    ”
    Fif
    idroppedthecal
    lashel
    aughedt
    henshesi
    ghed
    fal
    li
    ngasleep.

    *
    **

    Thefol
    lowi
    ngmorni
    ng,
    Obakengwal
    kedi
    nhi
    s
    off
    icet
    alki
    ngont
    hephone.
    “
    Obakengsoyouwantust
    oignor
    eNei
    so?
    ”
    “
    PapaIam notsurei
    fthebabyi
    smine.Idon’
    twant
    t
    opaydamagesf orababywho’
    snotmine.Can’
    twe
    j
    ustwai
    tti
    llshegi
    vesbir
    th.
    ”
    “Thati
    snothowitwor
    ksObakeng.Youknowt
    hat
    ’s
    nothowitworks.
    ”
    “Idon’
    thavemoneyt opaydamagest othatfamily.I
    havethreebabi
    eswi thFi
    fi
    .Ineedtobudgetthings
    proper
    lybecausethreebabi
    esmeansmor emoney
    needed.Ihavetopaydamagesf orthosebabies
    andkebat agonyala.”
    “Iam proudofyou.She’ sabeaut if
    ulwoman.Iam
    proudyouar echoosi ngtost andwithherandlove
    her.Ihavenot hi
    ngagai nstthatgir
    l.I
    fyouloveher
    youl oveher.Butplease,alsotrytounderst
    and
    whatIam t ell
    ingyou.Ifyouar esayingyoudon’t
    haveenoughmoneyf orNei sothencanwehel pyou?
    Iwillhelpyou.”
    “IwantDNAt estsfir
    st.Ifshet r
    ulyismydaught er,I
    wil
    lt akeresponsibi
    li
    ty.Youwon’ thavetofor
    ceme.
    Iwilltakeresponsibi
    li
    tyaut omaticall
    y.Justl
    ikeIam
    doingwi thmmagweEt si
    le.Iknowt hosebabiesare
    myr esponsibil
    it
    y.Iwant edt hem andt heyar
    emi ne.
    Iwantt omar ryher.”
    “
    Ther
    eisnot
    hingmor
    eIcansayaboutNei
    so.Ihave
    tri
    ed.Wewilli
    nfor
    mt hef
    amil
    ythatyouwantDNA
    testsf
    ir
    st.Myyoungbrot
    herspoketobeabout
    Legaufi
    .Wewi l
    lsendamessengerandfi
    ndout
    whenwecancome.Doyouhaveenough? ”
    “Yes.Ibel
    ieveso.I
    fanyt
    hingi
    sleftf
    orthatmoney,I
    wast hi
    nki
    ngmaybeIcanbuyherat inycar.Maybe
    aVitssoshe’sabletomovearoundeasil
    ywitht
    he
    babies.
    ”
    “Thatwoul
    dbewonder
    ful
    .Iam pr
    oudoft
    heman
    youarebecomi
    ng.
    ”
    Hesmi
    led.“
    Thankyou.
    ”
    “Yourmot
    heri
    snothappy.Youknowsheisbest
    fri
    endswi
    thNei
    so’
    smother.IhopemmagweEt si
    le
    knowsshe’
    snotgoi
    ngtogetthewarmest
    welcome.
    ”
    “
    Iwi
    llwar
    nherbef
    orehand.
    ”
    Obakeng’
    sPAwal
    kedi
    n.
    “
    Papa,
    wewi
    llt
    alk.
    ”
    “
    Ok.
    ”
    Hedr
    oppedt
    hecal
    landl
    ookedather
    .
    “Ther
    eisawomanoutsi
    de.Shewant
    stoseeyou.
    Shesayshernamei
    sNeiso.
    ”
    “
    Letheri
    n.”
    ThePAwal
    kedoutf
    oll
    owedbyNei
    sowal
    kingi
    n.
    “
    Whatdoyouwant
    ?”
    “Iwantyoutostoptreat
    ingmel i
    keIsl
    eepar
    ound
    Obakeng.Youareembar rassi
    ngme.Whycan’tyou
    j
    ustbear esponsi
    bleperson?”
    “Til
    lIknowi fshe’sr eallymine,Iwil
    lremaininthe
    background.Iwi llpaydamagesandt ake
    responsibil
    it
    yonceshe’ sborn.Assoonasshe’ s
    born,wewi lldoDNAt ests.Theyshouldbeableto
    showusever ything.Ri ghtnowIr emainunsure.
    Mor eforthef actthatyousai dweusedacondom. ”
    “
    Condomsar
    enot100%saf
    e.”
    “Per
    fect
    .Nowwewi l
    lwaitti
    llyougivebi
    rt
    h.”He
    smil
    ed.“Wewi
    llt
    alkthen.Cl
    oset hedooronyour
    wayout.”
    Neisoangr
    il
    ywalkedout.Shewalkedtohercarand
    gotinasherangerr
    ose.Tearsf
    il
    ledhereyes,she
    putherhandsonherf
    acet
    ryi
    ngnott
    ocr
    ybutt
    ear
    s
    st
    il
    lfel
    l.
    Shesni
    ff
    edt
    henst
    art
    edhercaranddr
    oveof
    f.

    AMONTHLATER….
    .
    .
    .
    Goodmor ning,t
    hankyousomuchf orallt
    helovel
    y
    messagesyouguyssent .Iam goingtoreplyto
    them al
    l.Ienjoyedmyself,
    thankyouf oral
    lowing
    met i
    meof fourbookbutwecont i
    nuenow.Il ove
    youall,
    commentandl i
    keaf t
    erreadi
    ng.Good
    morning
    [
    04/
    23,
    05:
    49]'
    :
    Si
    nsUnf
    orgi
    ven
    #52
    AMONTHLATER

    Fif
    istoodbythewindowpeepingfrom thesmall
    cornerandwatchedasObakeng’suncl
    eswal kedin
    theyardweari
    ngsuitsj
    ustaft
    er5a.m.Shebither
    l
    owerl i
    pwatchingt
    hem kneel
    ,herheartpounding.
    Yameki ckedherti
    nyl egswaki ngupcr yi
    ng.Fi f
    i
    remainedbyt hewindowi nherni ghtdr esswat ching
    theprocessi
    on.Theywer estil
    lkneeling.Yame
    tur
    nedherheadl ookingf orhermot her’sbr eastand
    cri
    edevenmor enotfi
    ndingi t
    .Fificlosedt hecur t
    ain
    andrushedoverbef oreshecoul dwakeEt sil
    eand
    Yaoneorevenbet ter,
    bringhergr andmot herinthe
    bedroom.Shesatont hebedandt ookhert hentook
    outherswollenbreast.Yame’ scriesdieddownas
    Fif
    iputheni ppl
    einhermout h.
    Herdooropenedt
    henRi
    ckywal
    kedi
    n.
    “
    Youri
    n-l
    awsar
    eher
    e.”
    Fi
    fismi
    led.“
    Ihopei
    tgoeswel
    l.
    ”
    “
    Itwi
    ll
    .Ican’
    tbel
    ieveyouar
    eget
    ti
    ngmar
    ri
    ed.
    ”
    Fif
    ilaughed.“
    Met oo.Ithoughthewasjustt
    alki
    ng.
    Kanahesai dhe’
    snott aki
    ngmet ohishouseunless
    Iam hisri
    ghtf
    ull
    y.”
    Rickyl
    ookedatFifi’
    sstyl
    edhai
    randsmiled.“
    Iam
    sohappy.Itoldyou,hewasdif
    fer
    ent.Hegaveyou
    threemusketeer
    sandnowhe’ sput
    ti
    ngar i
    ngonit.
    ”
    Fif
    ismil
    edlookingatherchi
    ldr
    en.Tearsfi
    ll
    edher
    eyes.“
    Ithoughthewasjustl
    iketherest
    .Isti
    llwor
    ry
    butIam happy.
    ”
    “
    Youshoul
    dbe.
    ”
    “
    Ihopehe’
    snotbei
    ngchar
    gedal
    ot.
    ”
    “Don’tst
    ressaboutt
    hat.Iam sur
    ehepl
    anned
    everythi
    ngwelli
    nadvance.”
    Yameslowlyf
    ellasl
    eep.Fi
    fipi
    ckedherupand
    pl
    acedheronthebedjustashermother’
    sstep
    si
    sterwal
    kedi
    n.
    Shesmi
    led.“
    Mygi
    rl
    …”
    Fi
    fismi
    led.“
    Aunt
    y…”
    Ri
    ckyst
    oodupandwal
    kedout
    .Fi
    fi
    ’sauntsatdown.
    “Iam sohappyforyou.Iam happyyourstep
    mot heri
    snothere.Iam sur
    eshewouldhaveme
    thrownoutinsul
    ti
    ngmeandcal li
    ngmeal lsor
    tsof
    namesi fshewerehere.
    ”
    “
    Iam happyshei
    snother
    etoo.
    ”
    Herauntsmi l
    ed.“ Mysisteri
    shappywher evershe
    i
    s.IknowIf ai
    ledherwi thyou.Shehadwant edme
    totakeyoubutyourf at
    herandst epmot herref
    used.
    Yourstepmot hermadesur eIwouldnevergetclose
    toyou.Ithi
    nkt hat’
    swhyIcan’ thavechi
    ldrenofmy
    own.It’
    smypuni shment.”
    “
    Iknowyout
    ri
    ed.I
    twasnotyou.
    ”
    Herauntsnif
    fed.“Wel
    l…youstil
    ltur
    nedouttobea
    verybeaut
    if
    ulgirl
    .Iam sohappy.Ihearhei
    sa
    charmer.
    ”
    Fi
    fismi
    led.“
    Hei
    sagoodman.
    ”
    “Andt
    hati
    swhatwewant
    …yourmot
    heri
    shappy.I
    knowshei
    s.”
    Thedooropenedt
    henherfat
    her
    ’ssi
    sterwal
    kedi
    n
    wit
    hherverymuchmaroonsynt
    heti
    cweavewhich
    waspul l
    edtoherforehead.Thebol
    dblackthi
    ck
    eyebrowsstoodoutt hemostandthatt
    oobr i
    ght
    concealermadeitallworsebutt
    hen…onlyheraunt
    coulddoallthatandstil
    lhavet
    heconfi
    denceto
    l
    ookdownonot herpeople.
    “Sethunya,youar eher e?Ididn’
    tknowyouwoul dbe
    comi ng.Iam surprised.Notaf t
    erhowyou
    abandonedmybr other’sdaughterwhenyoursist
    er
    died.Moneywi llalwaysbr ingpeopletoget
    heraker
    e?
    Ret alal
    ar eberekagomakal ahela!”
    “Syl
    via,
    it’
    sni
    cet
    oseeyou.Youl
    ookgood.Iwi
    llsee
    youFifi
    .”
    Fi
    fiwat
    chedashermot
    her
    ’ssi
    sterwal
    kedout
    .
    Syl
    vial
    ookedatFi
    fi
    .
    “Youshouldbath.Soonwewi l
    lbecomi ngtodress
    you.Alsothebabies.Yourmotherin-l
    awwi l
    lbe
    here.Dresst
    hebabi esinni
    cebeaut i
    fulcl
    othes.We
    don’twanthert
    ot hinkwearepoor.Thatladyisf ul
    l
    ofherself
    .Sheneedst oseethatwear ewelloff!
    ”
    “
    Eemma.
    ”
    “
    Good.Youl
    ookbeaut
    if
    ul.Putmakeup.That
    womanneedst oseethatyoudidherasonaf avor.
    Wherewi l
    lhegetathi
    ckyell
    owbor nl
    ikeyouwith
    nicesofthai
    r?Theyneedtoseethati
    fitwer
    en’tfor
    you,theseki
    dswouldbeugly.”
    “
    Eemma.
    ”
    Sheturnedandwalked.Fi
    fibi
    therl
    owerli
    p
    l
    aughing.Herphonevibr
    atedri
    ngi
    ng.Shereached
    fori
    tandpickedsmil
    ing.
    “
    Hel
    lo?
    ”
    “
    Mrs.Moj
    alef
    a…”
    Fi
    fibl
    ushedsi
    tt
    ingont
    hebed.
    “
    Rra?
    ”
    “
    Iloveyou.
    ”
    Fi
    fil
    ookedathernai
    ls.“
    Iloveyout
    oo.
    ”
    “
    Iam hol
    dingmybreat
    h.Ican’
    twai
    ttohol
    dyoui
    n
    myarmsandcallyoumine.
    ”
    “
    Iam al
    readyyour
    s.”
    “Ngng,wenayouarenottobetr
    ust
    ed.Youcan
    changeyourmindaboutusanyt
    ime.Youl
    ike
    br
    eaki
    ngupwi
    thme.Thi
    sti
    met
    her
    eisnol
    eavi
    ng
    me.Youar
    est
    uckwi
    thme.”
    Fi
    fil
    aughed.“Iam neverl
    eavi
    ngyou.Notaf
    teryou
    gaveal
    lthesekids.
    ”
    “
    Iam onmyway.Ican’
    twai
    ttoseeyou.
    ”
    “
    Met
    oo.
    ”
    “
    Iloveyou.
    ”
    “
    Iloveyout
    oo.Sendmenudes.
    ”
    Fif
    ilaughedhar
    der
    .“Whathappenedt
    otheonesI
    sentyester
    day?
    ”
    “
    ThammaIal
    readysawt
    hoseones.Sendmor
    e.Let
    meseemygoods.
    ”
    “
    Comeandseet
    hem f
    acet
    oface.Youar
    edr
    ivi
    ng
    t
    oo.
    ”
    “
    So?Youneedt
    omot
    ivat
    emebaby.
    ”
    “
    Mot
    ivat
    eyout
    owhat
    ?”
    “
    Todrivef
    aster.Sendnudes.Letmeseei t
    .Iam
    f
    il
    li
    ngupthetank.SendsoIhel pmyselfbefor
    eIget
    t
    hereandgettempted.Doitfastorbet
    teryet,
    Iam
    doi
    ngavi
    deocal
    l.
    ”
    Hedroppedthecall
    .Fif
    isi
    ghedandsatonthebed
    ashecall
    edbackwi t
    havideocall
    .Shehel
    dher
    cameraatangl
    eopeningherlegsandpushedher
    pant
    ytosidepicki
    ng.
    Hesmi
    ledst
    ari
    ng.“
    Babe,
    takeof
    fyourpant
    y.”
    Fi
    fipushedherpantydownandopenedherlegs.He
    l
    ookedatherclosedli
    psunzi
    ppi
    nghispants.
    “
    Spr
    eadi
    toutbabe…”
    Fif
    isli
    dherfinger
    sbet
    weenherp* ssyl
    ipsand
    spreaditf
    orhim.Shel
    ookedathisdicandgentl
    y
    rubbedherself
    .Hi
    sheartpoundedassherubbed
    hersel
    f.
    Hergrandmotheropenedthedoorwal
    kingi
    n.“
    Fif
    i,
    youshouldgetreadytosothatwhenwecometo
    dressyou,wejust…”
    Fi
    fidroppedherphoneandqui
    ckl
    ygotup.Her
    gr
    andmot herl
    ookedathert
    henherpant
    yas
    Obakenghungup.
    “
    Uhu…”
    Fi
    fiki
    ckedherpantyunderthebedasher
    gr
    andmotherlookedather.
    “Mmaapar apant
    y.Wi ndwil
    lfi
    llyourst
    omachi
    fyou
    staywi
    thoutapanty.Takeyourpanty.”
    Fif
    isl
    owlyknel
    tandt
    ookherunder
    wearwi
    shi
    ngf
    or
    theear
    thtoopenupandswal
    lowher.
    “Ihopeyouar enotplanni
    ngtodothatwit
    hthat
    man.Youar estil
    lheali
    ng.Youcannotbesti
    cki
    ng
    yourfi
    ngerinyourvaginatoo.Wheredoyougetal
    l
    thi
    sbehavior.Ketsonedilot
    saGaborone?”
    Fi
    fishamef
    ull
    yputonherunder
    wearast
    heol
    d
    womanshouted.
    “Areyounotembar
    rassedtodoi ti
    nfrontoft
    he
    kids?Youri
    n-l
    awsareoutsi
    de!Siesman!”She
    walkedoutmumbli
    ng.Fif
    ipickedherphoneand
    openedamessagefrom Obakeng.
    Babe: butwhywouldn’
    tyoul
    ockthedoor
    ?
    Shoul
    dwet
    ryagai
    n?Lockt
    hedoorthi
    sti
    me
    Fif
    icli
    ckedhert
    ongueandl
    aiddownf
    aci
    ngher
    chil
    dren.
    .
    .
    .
    [
    04/
    23,
    05:
    50]'
    :
    Si
    nsUnf
    orgi
    ven
    #53

    InGaborone,BanyanalookedatLor
    atoconnect
    ed
    tomachines.Shetouchedhercoldhandand
    squeezedithopi
    ngf oranysi
    gnbutasusualshe
    remainedsti
    ll
    .
    “Lolo…youhavetowakeup.Thecompanyi s
    thinki
    ngofstoppi
    ngpayingforyourmedicalbil
    ls.
    Yourmot hercan’
    taff
    ordthebil
    lsnei
    thercanyour
    sister
    .Youhavetowakeup.Ihavef oughtforyou.
    It’
    syourturntofi
    ghtnow.”
    Banyanafi
    xedhersheet
    sthenwalkedoutandgot
    i
    nhercar.Shetookherphoneandcallmmagwe
    Lor
    ato.
    Herphoner
    angt
    wicet
    henshepi
    cked.
    “
    Hel
    lo?
    ”
    “
    Hel
    loMme,
    it’
    sBanyana.
    ”
    “
    Mydaught
    er…”
    “
    Howar
    eyou?
    ”
    “
    IsLor
    atoawake?
    ”
    Shecl earedhert hroat
    .“ No.Andthecompanyi s
    planningt ostopf undi
    ngt hehospit
    albill
    s.Theyare
    j
    ustt ooexpensi veandt hereisnosignt hatshewill
    wakeup.Whent heywant edtoswit
    chof fthe
    machi nesatt hegovernmenthospi talwet houghti
    t
    wasbecauset heydidn’twanttokeepheront hei
    r
    machi nesf ortoolongt hat’
    swhywet r
    ansf er
    redher.
    Wer eallythoughtbynowshewoul dbeshowi ng
    signsofr ecoverybutt hebill
    satthi
    shospi talar
    e
    toomuchf orthecompany. ”
    “
    Whatdoest
    hismean?
    ”
    “I
    tmeansthecompanyi
    sgoi ngtostoppayi
    ngt
    he
    hospi
    talbi
    ll
    sandyouwi
    llhavetotakeover.
    ”
    “
    ButIdon’
    thavet
    hatki
    ndofmoney.Iam j
    ustanol
    d
    woman.
    ”
    “
    Iam sor
    ry.
    ”
    “
    Soyouar
    ejustgoi
    ngt
    oletherdi
    e?”
    “
    Wedi
    dal
    lwecoul
    d.Iam sor
    ry.
    ”
    “
    Iwantmydaught
    er…”
    Banyanabl
    inkedtear
    ful
    ly.“
    Iam sor
    ry.Wewi
    llcal
    l
    youwhenwest oppayment.”
    Shehungupandputherhandsonherf
    ace.

    *
    **

    IntheA1road,Lor
    ilookedatt
    hetimeandsighed
    knowinghewasgoingt obesl
    ight
    lyl
    ate.Hi
    sphone
    rangashesloweddownatat raf
    fi
    cli
    ght.
    “
    Yeah?
    ”
    “
    Hi.Younevercal
    ledmeback.
    ”
    “
    Whoi
    sthi
    s?”
    “
    Dudu,
    wemetl
    astweekat
    -“
    “
    Isai
    dIwasgoi
    ngcal
    l?
    ”
    “Eht
    lher
    rawena.
    .it
    ’sFri
    day.Let
    ’sgooutlatert
    oday.
    Youcancomeandpi ckmefrom myfri
    end’shouse
    soweallgot
    ogether.
    ”
    “
    Iam busy.
    ”
    “
    Babycomeon…youknowGabsonFr
    idays.
    ”
    “Iam busy.Wher
    edi
    dyouevengetmynumber
    .I
    nevergaveitt
    oyou.
    ”
    “
    From yourbusi
    nesscar
    d.”
    “Iam abusyper
    sonandIneversai
    dIwasgoi
    ngt
    o
    callyou.
    ”
    Lorihungupandblockedhernumbert hencal
    led
    Obakengbuthisnumberdidn’
    tgothrough.Heput
    hisphonedownsteppingontheaccelerat
    orheaded
    toMaitengwe.

    *
    **

    I
    nMai
    tengwe,
    Fif
    i’
    sgr
    andmot
    herl
    ookedatal
    lthe
    rel
    ati
    vesthathadfi
    ll
    edtheiryar
    d.Shel
    ookedatt
    he
    bigcarsparkedout
    sidethegateandsmil
    ed.
    I
    noneofhercarsoutsi
    detheyar
    d,mmagwe
    Obakengsati
    nthecarwit
    hafrown.
    “Idon’
    tbel
    ievethi
    swomangavebir
    tht
    othr
    ee
    babiesnat
    urall
    y.Thatol
    dwomandi
    dsomethi
    ng.
    ”
    Herhusband’sbrot
    her
    ’swif
    elookedather.“
    Those
    babi
    esarefrom Godandtheyarebeaut
    iful
    .”
    “
    Theyaretool
    ightincompl
    exi
    on.Mysoni
    snot
    l
    ightoncompl
    exion.”
    “
    Thei
    rmot
    heri
    sli
    ght
    .She’
    sbeaut
    if
    ul.
    ”
    “Iwil
    lneveracceptt
    hatpornst
    ar!Never
    !Nei
    therwil
    l
    Ieveracceptthoseki
    ds.Obakenghasembarrassed
    thi
    stime.”
    Thebr
    other
    ’swi
    fesi
    ghedl
    eani
    ngbackont
    heseat
    .
    “Tobri
    ngusheretomarryagir
    lwho’svaginahas
    beenseenbytheenti
    rewor
    ld!Draggi
    ngournamei n
    mud!Wearenothavingabigwedding!Ican’
    thave
    peopl
    eknowingthi
    siswhatheismar r
    ying.I
    ref
    use!
    ”
    “
    Sheseemsl
    ikeshehasabeaut
    if
    ul-
    “
    “Idon’tcar eaboutherbeauty!Shei
    sagolddi gger!
    Apr ostit
    uteandshehast r
    appedmyson.I t
    ’snot
    normalt hathewoul dchooseheroverawel loffgir
    l
    l
    ikeNei so.Aver ysmartwomanwhowor ks.Ver y
    beautiful.Idon’
    tbeli
    eveit
    .Thi sf
    amil
    ydid
    somet hing.Toevent hi
    nktheywouldchargei s28k
    forthi
    st hing?Nxla!Theyareopport
    unist
    s.”
    MmagweObakengl ookedatFif
    i’
    srel
    ati
    vesangr
    il
    y
    whil
    eseatedint
    hecar.Shetookherphoneand
    cal
    ledherson.
    “
    Thenumberyouhavedi
    aledi
    snotavai
    labl
    eatt
    he-
    “
    Shedr
    oppedt
    hecal
    landf
    oldedherar
    ms.

    *
    **

    Insi
    dethehouse,Fif
    i’
    sauntsfi
    nisheddr
    essingher
    i
    nherGer manprintski
    rtt
    hathuggedhercurves
    andalongsleevedwhiteshi
    rtt
    uckedin.Theyput
    onatsâl
    eoverhershoul
    der
    sandadoeki
    nher
    head.
    Fi
    fisl
    ippedherfeetint
    oherbl
    ackheel
    s.Her
    gr
    andmot herwalkedinandsmil
    ed.
    Fi
    fiemoti
    onall
    ysmiledli
    steni
    ngtotherel
    ati
    ves
    si
    ngingoutsi
    de.Hergrandmotherwal
    kedoverand
    huggedher.
    “
    TheLor
    dhasdonei
    t.
    ”
    Tear
    sfi
    ll
    edhereyes.Syl
    viawal
    kedi
    nandsmi
    led.
    “
    Beaut
    if
    ul…yournewr
    elat
    ivesar
    ewai
    ti
    ngout
    side.
    ”
    Fi
    fil
    ookedathergr
    andmot
    her
    .“I
    sObakengher
    e?”
    “
    Ithi
    nkso.Isawacarar
    ri
    ve.It
    hinki
    t’
    shi
    m.”
    Fi
    fismi
    led.“
    Ok.
    ”
    Theyallwalkedout.Fi
    fitookadeepbreat
    hasthey
    walkedoutside.Thefr
    iendsandfami
    lygather
    ed
    sangevenlouder .

    ‘
    kokokomat
    swal
    e
    Ar
    i’
    buyel
    imor
    ago
    Resenam akot
    i
    Heykokokokomat
    swal
    e
    Ar
    i’
    buyel
    imor
    ago
    Resenamakot
    i
    Ar
    ibuyel
    imor
    ago
    Kokokokomat
    swal
    e
    Ar
    i’
    buyel
    imor
    ago
    Resenamakot
    i
    Ar
    i’
    buyel
    imor
    ago
    Rer
    i’kokokokomat
    swal
    e
    Ar
    i’
    buyel
    imor
    ago
    Resenamakot
    i’

    Fi
    fismileddanci
    ngwithherauntsjoi
    ningint
    he
    si
    nging.Shelookedaroundtr
    yingt
    of i
    ndObakeng
    butshecouldonlyseeLorif
    rom adist
    ant.He
    l
    ookedatherandsmi l
    ed.Shesmi l
    edbackand
    conti
    nuedt
    ol ookar
    ound.Thephotogr
    apher
    snappedpi
    cturesastheydancedsmil
    ing.
    Thesongdi eddownast heMojal
    efarel
    ati
    ves
    walkedover.Fif
    ismil
    edtryi
    ngtolookfr
    om behi
    nd
    them buthewasn’tt
    here.RragweObakengsmil
    ed
    putti
    nghishandstogetherr
    especti
    vel
    ytoget
    her
    withhisbrother
    s.
    Fif
    ilookedathergrandmotherasaMoj al
    efaaunt
    whisperedsomethingtoher.Fi
    fimovedclosert
    o
    herast heMojal
    efaauntwalkedaway.
    “
    Wher
    eisr
    ragweEt
    sil
    e?”
    “Theyaresayi
    nghe’
    srunni
    ngl
    ate.Heshoul
    dbe
    hereanyti
    me.”
    Fi
    fif
    ixedhert
    sâle.“
    Hisphoneisnotgoi
    ngt
    hrough.
    Whatifsomet
    hinghappened?”
    “
    Don’
    tthi
    nkl
    iket
    hat
    .”
    MmagweObakengwalkedoveri
    nherbeauti
    ful
    Germanpri
    ntdr
    esswi
    thhertsâl
    eoverher
    shoul
    der
    s.
    “
    Iam sor
    rybutIt
    hinkmyson’
    sabsencespeaksa
    l
    ot.Ifhewant edtobehere, hewouldbeher eri
    ght
    thi
    smoment .Hefeltf
    orcedt omarrythiswoman
    whosl eepswi thtwomenatt hesamet imeandl et’
    s
    them takevideos.Whowoul dwantt omar r
    ysuch?
    Wear eyetgoi ngtodoDNAt est
    sont hosechil
    dren.
    Youbet ternotspendourmoneysoear lybecause
    wear egoi ngtocomef orit.Obakengisnother efor
    areason.Hedeci dedotherwiseandashi sfamily
    wear egoi ngtostandwi t
    hhi m.Thisgatheri
    ng
    shouldcomet oanend.”
    Fi
    filookeddownasmmagweObakengspokel oudl
    y.
    RragweObakengt urnedanddraggedhi
    swi
    feaway.
    Obakeng’syoungestuncl
    elaughed.
    “Al
    coholal wayshitsusal
    ldi
    ff
    erentl
    y.Donotmind
    her.Let’
    scontinue.Heisonhi
    sway.Howcanhe
    changehi smindwhenhehaschosent hi
    sbeaut
    if
    ul
    beautif
    ulflower?Mosadiomontleyoolenel
    e
    mmei lekae?”
    OneoftheMojal
    efaaunt sstar
    tedsi
    ngi
    ngthen
    ever
    yonejoi
    nedin.Fif
    iforcedasmil
    eandmoved
    herbodyfr
    om si
    det osideholdi
    nghert
    ear
    s.
    .
    .
    .
    [
    04/
    23,
    05:
    50]'
    :
    Si
    nsUnf
    orgi
    ven
    #54

    Fi
    fi
    ’sgrandmot
    herhel
    dherhandandsqueezedi
    t
    smil
    ing.
    “
    Hei
    sher
    e.”
    Fif
    iraisedherhead,herheartski
    ppedasthewhit
    e
    Jeeppar kedoutsi
    dethegate.Hesteppedouti
    nhis
    suitandwal kedoverf
    ixi
    nghist i
    e.
    HebumpedshoulderswithLoriast
    heaunts
    ul
    ulat
    ed.Tear
    sfil
    ledFi
    fi’
    seyesasshelookedat
    hi
    m, r
    eli
    efsl
    owlycalmi
    ngherdown.Hisfather
    wal
    kedoverwithhimleavi
    nghi swi
    fei
    nthecar.
    Fif
    i’
    sgr andmot
    herstart
    edanothersongand
    everyonejoi
    nedin.Obakengapproachedt
    henhe
    knel
    tdownwit
    hhisf
    atheranduncl
    esgreet
    inghisi
    n
    -l
    aws.Hel
    ookedupl
    ockingeyeswi
    thhersmili
    ng.
    Fif
    istaredathim bar
    elyheari
    ngwhather
    grandfatherwassayi
    ngast earsgli
    stenedi
    nher
    eyes.TheMoj al
    efamengotupt henhewalkedover
    andhuggedher .
    “
    Hey…”
    Shebur
    iedherheadonhisshouldertr
    yingnotto
    cr
    ybutemotionschockedhert
    hattearsrol
    leddown.
    Heki
    ssedherneck.“Iam sorr
    yIam l
    ateMma
    Moj
    alef
    a..Iam sor
    rybabe.”
    Herubbedherbackasever yonestar
    edsmil
    ing.
    Ever
    yonejoi
    nedinsi
    ngingloudly.Hemovedback
    andwipedawayhertears.
    “
    Iloveyou.Iam her
    enow.
    ”
    Fif
    isniff
    ed.Obakengl ookedatherli
    psthenleaned
    overandki ssedher
    .Fifil
    ookeddownshyl yknowing
    everyonewaswat ching.Shesmiledli
    cki
    ngherl i
    ps.
    Obakengt ookouttheengagementr i
    ngfrom his
    pocketandsl idt
    hediamondr i
    ngonherf i
    nger.
    Ulul
    ati
    onsstar
    tedinthemi dstofthesi
    ngi
    ng.Fif
    i
    l
    ookedatherringshaking.Obakengheldherhand
    andjoi
    nedinthedancing.Fifil
    augheddanci
    ng
    al
    onghisside.
    Thecameramanst oodfeetfr
    om them hol
    dinghi
    s
    cameraandcont
    inuedtakingpict
    ures.

    Meanwhil
    einthehouse, Ri
    ckystoodbythewi ndow
    t
    akingpi
    ctur
    esofhisf r
    iendsmili
    ng.Heturnedand
    l
    ookedatthebabi
    eswhower estil
    lsl
    eepi
    ngt hen
    t
    urnedbacktothecelebrat
    ion.Hewatchedhis
    f
    ri
    endasshesmi ledhappil
    ydancing.

    *
    **

    Latert
    hatday,Fi
    fi
    ’sgrandmot
    hersmiledstar
    ingat
    theMojal
    efa’
    sgetti
    nginthei
    rcarsgoing.She
    l
    ookedoveratthetentwherethepeoplehadbeen
    seat
    ed.
    Syl
    viawal
    kedover
    .“I
    twentwel
    l
    ..”
    Theol
    dwomansmi
    l
    ed.“
    Godi
    sgr
    eat
    .”
    “Idon’
    tlikeLegauf
    i’
    smotherinl
    aw.Wheredoesshe
    getsayingsuchhorri
    blet
    hingsaboutour
    daughter?”
    “Somebattl
    esarenotwor
    thitSylvi
    a.Godi
    sin
    contr
    ol.Hehasdonesowell
    f orus.
    ”
    Sylvi
    alookedar oundmakingsurenoonewas
    taki
    nganything.Fifi
    ’
    sgrandmotherwalkedi
    nsi
    de
    thehousegoi ngtoherbedroom wher
    eher
    grandchi
    ldrenwer e.

    Inthei
    rcar
    ,mmagweObakengangr
    il
    ylookedather
    husband.
    “
    Ican’
    tbel
    ieveyoul
    etObakengmar
    ryt
    hiswoman!
    ”
    “
    Thatwomani
    sthemot
    herofhi
    schi
    ldr
    en!What
    ’s
    wrongwi
    thyouwoman?
    ”Heraisedhi
    svoice.“How
    coul
    dyouembarr
    assmeli
    ket
    hatinfr
    ontoft he
    peopl
    e?Howcoul
    dyouembar
    rassourfamily?”
    “
    Idi
    dn’tembarr
    assanyone,Iwasn’
    tlyi
    ng!Thatgi
    rl
    i
    saprosti
    tut
    e.Apornst
    ar!
    ”
    “Youar egoingt
    ohavet omakepeacewi thit
    becausei ntwomonths,shewil
    loffi
    cial
    lybea
    Mojalefa.Ifi
    twasn’
    tforthef
    actthatsheissti
    lli
    n
    confinement,wewouldhavedoneever yt
    hing
    today.”
    “
    Youhavel
    etdownthi
    sfamil
    y.Af
    tereveryt
    hing
    r
    ragweNei
    sodidf
    orus,t
    hisi
    sthethanksheget?”
    “SoIshoul dforcemysont omar ryawomanhe
    doesn’ tlovebecauseofwhatt hatwoman’ sfat
    her
    didf orme?Iwi llneverforcemysont omar r
    ya
    womanhedoesn’ tl
    ove.Never !Legaufii
    sObakeng’s
    wife, whetheryoul i
    keitornot.Shei sgoingtobea
    Moj alefa,justli
    keyou.Whet heryoulikeherornot,i
    t
    won’ tstophi mf rom mar r
    yingher .Hehaschosen
    andIwi llnotletyoubet hedevi linhi
    smar ri
    age.Let
    mehearyousayanyt hi
    ngabouther ,Iwi
    llt
    akeyou
    backwher
    eIf
    oundyou!
    ”
    MmagweObakenglookedoutt
    hroughi
    tthewi
    ndow
    boi
    li
    ngwi
    thanger
    .

    Fi
    fisati
    nthecarwit
    hObakengholdi
    ngt
    hebi
    g
    bouquetoff
    lower
    shehadgottenher
    .
    “
    Thesear
    ebeaut
    if
    ul.Thankyou.
    ”
    Helookedatherbeaut i
    fulf
    ace.“Youareso
    beauti
    ful.Iam sorr
    yIwasl at
    e.Igotst
    oppedi
    na
    roadblock.Ididn’
    tthi
    nktheywoulddelaymel
    ike
    that
    .Iam sorry.”
    “
    Ithoughtyouwer
    enotcomi
    ng.Iwasscar
    ed.
    ”
    “
    Iam sor
    ry.Youl
    ookedbeaut
    if
    ult
    odayMma
    Moj
    alef
    a.”
    Fi
    fismi
    led.“
    Yout
    oo.
    ”
    Hetouchedherthi
    ghkissingher
    .Hesli
    dhishand
    under
    neathherski
    rt.Fi
    fihel
    dhishandashe
    r
    eachedf
    orherpant
    ies.
    “
    Babe…”
    “
    Wai
    t…”
    Hepushedherpant
    ytot
    hesi
    deandt
    ouchedher
    p*
    ssywithagrunt
    .
    “
    CanIseeyoul
    ater
    ..
    ?”
    “
    Wear
    enotal
    lowedt
    ohavesex…”
    Hesmiledki
    ssinghercheek.“
    Whosai
    dIwantust
    o
    havesex?Imissyou.
    ”
    “
    Waaka,
    (Li
    es)youwantt
    ocor
    nerme.
    ”
    Heki
    ssedherl
    ipsandt
    ookhi
    shand.
    “Ipr
    omise.Iwil
    lbr
    ingsomefoodt
    henwecan
    watcht
    hest ar
    s.Iwil
    lcomewit
    hLori
    ’
    scar
    .Ar
    ound
    11?”
    Fi
    fisi
    ghed.“
    Ihavet
    ohealbef
    orewegavesex.
    ”
    “
    Wear enotdoinganyt
    hing.Ipr
    omise.Iwi
    llcome
    l
    ater
    .Rickywi
    llremai
    nwi t
    hthekids.
    ”
    Fi
    fil
    ookedathi
    m andnodded.“
    Ok.
    ”
    Heki
    ssedherbef
    oreshest
    eppedoutoft
    hecarand
    wal
    kedtot
    hehouse.
    Obakengupdatedhi
    spr
    ofi
    lepictur
    eonhi
    ssocial
    mediaplat
    for
    msanddroveofffoll
    owi
    ngbehi
    ndLori
    .

    *
    **

    InFranci
    stown,mmagweLoratosatonherveranda
    l
    ookingaroundtheyar
    d.Shehadneverthoughtshe
    wouldeverbeforcedt
    osell
    thehousebutifi
    tsaved
    herdaughter
    ,shewaswil
    li
    ngtodoit.
    Herneighborwalkedthr
    oughhergat
    e.Sherol
    led
    hereyesalreadyanymoreast
    heneighbor
    approached.
    “MmagweLor
    ato,
    soyoudon’
    ttel
    lust
    hegood
    news?
    ”
    “
    Whatnews?
    ”
    “
    GoreLegauf
    iwasnyal
    wa!Congr
    atul
    ati
    onstsal
    a.
    Whoknewitwoul
    dworkoutsowellf
    orher
    ?”
    MmagweLor atolookedatherconf
    used.“
    Legauf
    i
    di
    dn’
    tgetmar r
    ied.Sheisatthevi
    ll
    agewit
    hher
    wi
    tchgrandmot her
    .”
    “Orenei
    lej
    ustshowedmepi
    ctur
    es.Legauf
    io
    nyetswi
    !”
    “
    Legauf
    iisnotmar
    ri
    ed.
    ”
    “Shei
    s.Toaver yhandsomeman.Shel
    ooked
    beaut
    if
    ul.Justl
    ikehermother
    .”
    “Rose,pl
    easeleavemyhouse.Iwon’
    thaveyouand
    yourdaughterspreadi
    ngl
    ies.
    ”
    Rosewal
    kedawayl
    aughi
    ng.“
    Thechi
    ldyoucur
    sed
    somuchmadeit
    .Godworksmir
    acul
    ousl
    y!”
    MmagweLoratowal
    kedi
    nherhouseandtookher
    phonefr
    om t
    hechar
    gert
    hencal
    ledFi
    fi
    ’s
    grandmot
    her
    .
    “
    Hel
    lo?
    ”
    “HowdidLegauf igetmarr
    iedi
    nmyabsence?Iam
    hermother!Howcoul dyougetmydaughter
    ’s
    magadipaidinmyabsence?Iam hermother!Iam
    comingthere.Iam taki
    ngmydaught
    er.Andifyou
    t
    hinkyouar egoingtokeepthatmoneytoyoursel
    f,
    t
    hinktwice.ItookcareofLegauf
    ifr
    om theti
    meshe
    wasababy.Al lt
    hatmoneyismine.Iam coming
    t
    here.Legaufiiscomingwithme!”
    .
    .
    .
    [
    04/
    23,
    05:
    50]'
    :
    Si
    nsUnf
    orgi
    ven
    #55

    “Dor othy,don’ttestme.Ifyour eall


    ywantt oseemy
    witchcr af
    t,tryme.Iam t el
    lingyou.Iwillburnmy
    Bibleandwal knakeddoyouhearme? !Iwillr
    idea
    broom.Don’ ttestme!Iwat chedyouinsultmeal l
    theseyear sandkeptqui et,Iwatchedyout orment
    myonl ygr andchildallt
    heseyear sandkeptqui et.I
    wat chedhowyoudr ovemysont ohisdeathand
    keptqui etbutt histi
    mear ound, l
    epantynkaer wala
    mot logongDor othy!Nkat samayamabel eadul e
    nxust
    ru!
    ”
    “
    Irai
    sedLegauf
    i-
    “
    “Youraisedherwhere?Wheredidyour ai
    seher
    wenaf i
    rstbornyagaSatan?Legauf
    iismydaughter
    andyouwi llnotcomeanywherenearherorIswear
    toGod,Iwillbeatyousohardyouwillseeyour
    motherwal ki
    ngfrom t
    hedead.”
    “
    Ideser
    ve-
    “
    “Youdeservetodie!Rekahemaosul e!Godfor gi
    ve
    mebutwena!WenaIwoul drej
    oiceyourdeath.You
    arethemostwi ckedwomanIhaveevermet !You
    deservetocryforallt
    hepainyoucausedus!I fyou
    wantt oseehowcr azyIam,comef ormygr andchil
    d
    Dorothy!Comef orherandkamodi moIwi l
    lsellmy
    soultothedevi
    l!”
    “
    Fif
    i-
    “
    “SayhernameagainandIwi l
    lsl
    apyout
    hroughthe
    phone!Wehavewat chedyoudoasyoupleaseal
    o
    theseyear
    s,notanymore.
    ”
    MmagweLor
    atosni
    ff
    ed.“
    Mydaught
    eri
    sdyi
    ng!
    Thatmoneycanhel
    pher
    .”
    “Helpher
    ?Youar ecr
    azy!Iam goingtot akethat
    moneyandbuymysel feveryt
    hingIhaveever
    wanted.Ketl
    arekadiwiki
    .Youar enotget t
    ing
    anythi
    ngfrom t
    hatmoney.Iwillpr
    ayf orLoratobut
    Fif
    i’
    smoneyyone…Iam sor ryswiriheart.
    ”
    “Youhaveal
    wayslovedFif
    imorethanLor
    ato.How
    canyouhateyourowngranddaught
    er?
    ”
    “Hate?Osekawankol egamma.Il oveallmy
    grandkidsthesame.Event hoset
    hatIknowar enot
    Paballo’
    s.Ilovethem al
    lthesame.Youar ethe
    problem.Ehhh!Pr obl
    em kewena!Nowyou
    rememberFi f
    ibecausemoneyisinvolved.Allal
    ong
    youwant ednot hi
    ngtodowi t
    hher.Keepi tl
    ikethat
    !”
    Shehungup.MmagweLor atolookedatherphone
    thoughtful
    ly.Shedeser
    vedthatmoney.Shehad
    caredforthischil
    d!Matt
    eroffact,shedeser
    ved
    everylastcent.

    *
    **
    Ri
    ckywat
    chedasFi
    fichangedYaone’
    sdi
    aper
    .
    “Ihadmamatel
    li
    ngsomeoneshewi
    llf
    lynakedi
    f
    shehasto.
    ”
    Fi
    fipausedandl
    ookedathi
    m.“
    What
    ?”
    “
    Iam t
    ell
    ingyou.
    ”
    Fi
    fil
    aughed.“
    Iwonderwhoi
    twas.
    ”
    “
    Met
    oo.Whoeveri
    twasgott
    oldal
    lofi
    t.
    ”
    Fif
    ifi
    nishedthent
    hrewthediaperi
    nthepl
    asti
    c.She
    si
    ghedsi t
    ti
    ngstar
    ingatherr
    ing.Ri
    ckysatbesi
    des
    herandhuggedher .
    “
    Iam sohappy.
    ”
    Fi
    figi
    ggledtaki
    ngherphone.“
    Met
    oo.Iwantt
    ocal
    l
    Banyana.”
    “
    Aboutwhat
    ?”
    “
    Iwantt
    oknowi
    fshei
    sshowi
    ngsi
    gnsofr
    ecover
    y.”
    “Youaregoi
    ngt
    oheaven.Mehel
    lismyhome
    becausei
    fIwer
    eyouIswearIwouldn’
    tbemoved
    byt
    hisgi
    rl
    ’scondi
    ti
    on.Iam st
    il
    lnot
    .”
    Fi
    fidi
    aledBanyanaandputt
    hephoneonherear
    .
    “
    Hel
    lo?
    ”
    “
    Hi.Howi
    sLol
    o?”
    “Ahmmai t’
    snotl
    ooki
    nggood.Yoursi
    steri
    snot
    showinganysi
    gnandt hecompanywantst
    ostop
    payi
    ngthehospit
    albi
    ll
    s.”
    “
    Why?
    ”
    “I
    tstooexpensi
    ve.I
    t’
    sthousandsofpul
    aperday
    Fi
    fi.
    ”
    “
    Can’tyouaskt
    hem t
    ohol
    donf
    oral
    it
    tl
    ewhi
    le
    l
    onger?”
    “Iam.Ihavebeentryi
    ng.Allwecandoishopeshe
    showsasmal lsi
    gn.Ifshedoestheywi
    llbel
    ieveshe
    i
    sr ecover
    ing.
    ”
    “
    Thankyou.Foral
    lyouhavebeendoi
    ng.
    ”
    “
    It
    sok.Congr
    atul
    ati
    onsbyt
    heway.
    ”
    Fi
    fismi
    led.“
    Thankyou.
    ”
    “
    IsLor
    ither
    e?”
    “
    Hewas.Hel
    eftwi
    thever
    yoneel
    se.
    ”
    “
    Washeal
    one?
    ”
    “
    Yes.
    ”
    “
    Ok.Thanks.
    ”
    “
    Youar
    ewel
    come.
    ”
    Fi
    fit
    urnedt
    oRi
    ckyput
    ti
    ngherphonedown.
    “
    What
    ?”
    “Nothi
    ng.Ij
    ustf
    indi
    tshocki
    ngthatyouwoul
    d
    nurseandcaref
    orasnakeknowingverywel
    lwhen
    i
    tgetswelli
    twil
    lbi
    teyou.
    ”
    “Mecar i
    ngaboutmysi sterdoesnotmeanIwantt o
    beclosetoher.Idon’thatehereitherf
    orwhatshe
    did.Yesit
    ’ssadthatourrelati
    onshipcametothat
    pointbutiti
    swhatitis.Iam sorryIam nott
    hat
    personthathol
    dgr udges.It
    ’sjustwhoIam.”
    Ri
    ckysmi
    led.“
    Youar
    egoi
    ngt
    oheaven.
    ”
    Fi
    fi
    ’sphoner
    ang.Shelookedatt
    heunsaved
    numberandpicked.
    “
    Hel
    lo?
    ”
    “
    Legauf
    i?”
    “
    Eemma,
    who’
    sthi
    s?”
    “
    It
    sNei
    so.Canwet
    alk?Womant
    owoman.
    ”
    Fi
    fit
    ookadeepbr
    eat
    h.“
    HowcanIhel
    pyou?
    ”
    “
    Youknowyouar
    ewast
    ingyourt
    imer
    ight
    ?”
    “
    HowcanIhel
    pyou?
    ”
    “Whattoyout hi
    nki
    sgoi
    ngtohappen?Thathe’
    s
    goingtoloveyouandst
    aywit
    hyou?Youdon’tfear
    heartbr
    eakakere?”
    “
    Iam l
    ost
    .”
    “
    ObakengandIwher
    etoget
    herf
    oryear
    s.Sweet
    y
    t
    hatmanismine.
    ”
    “
    Ok.HowcanIhel
    pyout
    hen?
    ”
    “Helpyoursel
    fanddel
    eteyour
    sel
    ffr
    om t
    his
    becausehe’sgoingt
    ocomebackwherehe
    belongs.
    ”
    “
    Andwher
    eist
    hat
    ?”
    “Tome.Baxhasbeenmi ne.
    .hewil
    lbemi
    neti
    llt
    he
    endoft
    ime.Iam aboutt
    ogivebi
    rt
    htomydaughter
    .
    Youwil
    lseethen.
    ”
    “
    Ok.
    ”
    “
    Youmustt
    hinkj
    ustbecausehi
    suncl
    escame-
    “
    “Hisentirefami lycamebutok.Ihi ghl
    ysuggestyou
    holdonandgi vebirth.Ifhedoesn’tcomebackt o
    yout henyouandIar egoi ngtohavet otalk.Iam
    MmaObakengMoj alefa,Obakengi snol ongerj
    ust
    Obakeng, he’samar ri
    edmanandIam t hewoman
    i
    nhi slif
    e.Wewi l
    lhavet osett hi
    ngsrightdowecan
    wor ktogethermovi ngforward.Please,til
    lthendon’
    t
    callme.Iwi lldiscussyourcal lwithmyhusband
    though, butwast hereanyt hi
    ngelse?”
    “
    Youar
    ewast
    ingyourt
    ime!
    ”
    “
    Cal
    m down.St
    ressi
    snotgoodf
    ort
    hebaby.
    ”
    “
    Hei
    sgoi
    ngt
    oleaveyout
    rustme.
    ”
    “Wewil
    lsee.Thankyou.Haveyour
    sel
    fal
    ovel
    y
    day.
    ”
    Fi
    fihungupr
    oll
    inghereyes.
    “
    Iwi
    shshegi
    vesbi
    rt
    htoadeadbaby!
    ”
    Ri
    ckyl
    aughed.“
    YeswenammaMoj
    alef
    a!”

    *
    **

    I
    nGaborone,Nei
    sosati
    nhercarf
    anni
    ngherf
    ace
    wit
    hherhandashermakeupmelt
    edoff
    .
    Shedi
    aledObakeng.
    “
    Hel
    lo?
    ”
    “
    Soyoumar
    ri
    edher
    ?”
    “
    Yes.Whatdoyouwant
    ?”
    “Youdenyyourchi
    ldt
    henmar
    ryapr
    ost
    it
    ute,
    how
    stupi
    dareyou?”
    “
    Keeptal
    kingaboutmywi
    fel
    i
    ket
    hat
    .Ket
    sil
    egogo
    t
    hubakaclapa!
    ”
    “
    Iam goi
    ngtothepoli
    cestat
    iontoopenacase.
    Molat
    ogaobole.Iam goi
    ngtoreportyouf
    orrapi
    ng
    me.Youarenotgoi
    ngtorapemet hendenyyour
    chi
    ld.Iam goi
    ngt
    orepor
    tyou!
    ”
    .
    .
    .
    [
    04/
    23,
    05:
    50]'
    :
    Si
    nsUnf
    orgi
    ven
    #56

    “
    Ok.Goahead.
    ”
    “
    Youar
    egoi
    ngt
    ojai
    l!Evi
    dencei
    sthi
    sbaby.
    ”
    “
    Look,
    Iam i
    nthemi
    ddl
    eofsomet
    hing.Bye.
    ”
    Hedroppedthecall
    .Shetear
    ful
    lylookedather
    phone.Hersi
    stersentheramessage.
    Naomi:CheckBax’
    snewpr
    ofi
    lepi
    ctur
    eon
    Facebook.
    Nei
    soopenedherFacebookandwentst raightto
    Obakeng’
    spr of
    il
    e.Shel
    ookedatapict
    ureofhi m
    andLegaufiastheysmi
    ledatoneanother.Neiso
    l
    ookedatLegauf
    i’
    sri
    ng,
    tear
    sfi
    ll
    inghereyes.
    Sheopenedt hecomment sandal otwere
    congrat
    ulat
    ingthem.At eardroppedonthescr een.
    Shebitherl
    owerl i
    ptryi
    ngt onotcrybutthemor e
    shefoughtitthemoretearsrushedtohereyes.She
    putherhandsonherf acecrying.Minut
    eslatershe
    star
    tedhercaranddrovet othepoli
    cestati
    on.
    Sheparkedhercarandsni
    ffedsteppingoutt
    hen
    walkedi
    nsidet
    hepolicest
    ationgoingtothef
    ront
    desk.
    “
    Dumel
    ang.Iwoul
    dli
    ket
    oopenacaseofr
    ape.
    ”
    Themanatthefr
    ontdeskl
    ookedather
    .“Youwant
    toopenacaseofrape?
    ”
    “
    Amanr
    apedme.Iam her
    etoopenacase.
    ”
    “Ok,whendi
    di thappen?Ihopeyouhavenot
    bathedawaytheevidence.
    ”
    “I
    thappenedawhil
    eback.Herapedme,t
    hisi
    shi
    s
    baby.Iwasscar
    ed,het
    hreat
    enedtohur
    tme.Iwant
    toopenacasenow.”
    “
    Awhi
    lebackwhen?
    ”
    “Thi
    sbabywasar esul
    t.Heforcedhi
    mselfonme
    andhisl
    if
    econti
    nuedlikenothi
    nghappened.Iwant
    toopenacase.
    ”

    *
    **

    Rr
    agweObakengl
    ookedatObakengandsmi
    led.
    “Iam proudofyou.Thatfamil
    yisthekindoffamil
    y
    anyonewouldwantt omar r
    yinto.Iam notsur
    e
    aboutherinourfamil
    y.Ihopeyouar eablegostand
    withyourpersonbecauseifnot…Idon’tseeit
    working.”
    Obakengsmi
    led.“
    Icanhandl
    emyf
    ami
    ly.
    ”
    “
    Good.NowwewaitforNei
    sot
    ogi
    vebi
    rt
    handsee
    whatt
    odo.DoesFi
    fiknow?
    ”
    “
    Yes.
    ”
    “
    Good.Letusgetgoi
    ngsowecanstar
    tpr
    epar
    ing
    f
    ort
    hewedding.Iam pr
    oudofyou.
    ”
    Obakengsmi
    ledashi
    sfat
    hergoti
    nthecar
    .Hi
    s
    mot
    herl
    ookedathi
    m.
    “
    Ourever
    yone,
    whyher
    ?”
    “Iloveher.Iheardwhatyoudidatt hePaball
    os.If
    youhar assmywi feagainIwi
    llgladlycutyouoff
    myl if
    e.Fifiismywifeandshe’snotgoing
    anywher e.Ifyoucan’
    thandl
    eit,keepyourdistance
    from us.”
    “Iam yourmot
    herObakeng,
    whodoyout
    hinkyou
    arecutti
    ngof
    f?Doyouhaveanot
    hermot
    herout
    ther
    e?”
    “No.ButIwillpr
    otectmyfamil
    yfr
    om youwith
    everyt
    hinginme.Youwi l
    lnotembar
    rassherl
    ike
    thateveragain.
    ”
    “
    Youar
    emaki
    ngahugemi
    stake!
    ”
    “
    Iwi
    lll
    ear
    ntol
    ivewi
    thi
    t.Papadi
    d.Tr
    avelsaf
    ely.
    ”
    Hi
    smotherl
    ookedathiminshock.“
    Ateyousayi
    ngI
    wasamist
    ake?Obakengdoyouseehowyouar e
    t
    alki
    ngt
    ome?Iam yourmother!
    ”
    Hehuggedherki
    ssi
    nghercheek.“
    AndIl
    oveyou.
    Bye.
    ”
    Hewal
    kedovert
    ohi
    scaranddr
    oveof
    f.Shegoti
    n
    t
    hecar
    .
    “
    Didyouhearhi
    m cal
    lmeami
    stake?Hedoesn’
    t
    r
    espectmeanymore.
    ”
    “
    Iam sureifyour
    especthi
    sfami
    ly,
    hewi
    llgl
    adl
    y
    r
    espectyou.”
    “Iwi
    llneveracceptt
    hatgir
    lnomatterwhat
    .Itwon’
    t
    getanywhere.Itwon’
    t!I
    t’
    sgoingt
    oendandwheni t
    does,Iwil
    lbetheretosayItol
    dyouso.”

    *
    **

    Thateveni
    ng,Fif
    ifi
    xedf
    ormulamil
    kinher
    chi
    ldr
    en’sbot
    tlesandwalkedt
    oherbedr
    oom.She
    l
    ookedatRicky.
    “
    Mil
    k.I
    ncaset
    heywakeupbef
    oreIam back.
    ”
    “
    Ok.Comebackqui
    ckl
    y.”
    “
    Iwi
    llt
    ry.Wagont
    senyadi
    ngal
    oObakeng.
    ”
    Ri
    ckyl
    aughed.“
    Ican’
    tsayIbl
    amehi
    m.”
    Fifiputonherpyj
    amapant
    sandlongassl
    eeved
    top.Obakenglai
    ddownonthemattr
    esspr
    essi
    ng
    hisphone.
    “
    Theweddi
    ngi
    str
    endi
    ng.
    ”
    Fif
    ifi
    xedherchil
    drenandlai
    ddown.Hourswentby
    asshef el
    lasl
    eep.Herphonevi
    brat
    edunderneat
    h
    herpil
    lowwakingherup.Shetooki
    tandpicked
    whisperi
    ng.
    “
    Hel
    lo?
    ”
    “
    Come.Iam out
    side.
    ”
    “
    Ok.
    ”
    Shehungupandl
    ookedatRickywhowassl
    eepi
    ng
    wit
    hhismout
    hopen.Sheshookhim.
    “
    Ricky.Getont
    hebedwi
    tht
    heki
    ds.Iam comi
    ng.
    ”
    “
    Ok.
    ”
    Rickygotonthebedandl ookedatthekidsasFifi
    snuckout.Shehurri
    edtothegat egladthedogwas
    attheback.Shelookedatmet hewhi t
    edoublecab
    refl
    ect
    edbyt hemoonandhur riedover.Hepushed
    herdooropenthenshejumpedi nandgentl
    yclosed
    i
    t.
    Obakengsmil
    edt
    henreversedwi
    tht
    hel
    ight
    sof
    f
    anddroveof
    fswi
    tchi
    ngthem on.
    “
    Hey.
    .“
    Fi
    fismi
    led.“
    Hi.Wear
    enotdoi
    nganyt
    hing.
    ”
    Hel
    aughed.“
    Eemma.
    ”
    “
    Iam ser
    ious.
    ”
    Hekeptqui
    etanddr
    ovef
    orawhi
    let
    henpar
    kedat
    t
    heri
    ver.
    “
    Wai
    ther
    e.”
    Hesteppedoutt akingof fhi
    scapthenwentt othe
    back.Minuteslaterhewal kedoverandopenedt he
    doorforherthenpi ckedherup.Fifismil
    edatthe
    l
    itt
    lesetupont hecar gobed.Hepl acedherinsi
    de
    ontheairmat t
    resst hathadathrowoveri tand
    somepi l
    lows.
    Fif
    ilookedatt
    hebasketofsnackst
    hatwasbesi
    de
    theparaff
    inl
    ampsmili
    ng.
    “
    Thi
    sisni
    cebabe.
    ”
    Hejumpedinthenopenedt hebasketandpoured
    herj
    uicei
    nagl ass.Fif
    itooki
    tandsippedwatchi
    ng
    hi
    m dishsnacksforthem.
    Fif
    itookanot
    hersi
    prel
    axi
    ng.Hesatbesi
    desher
    andkissedher
    .
    “
    Iam goi
    ngbackt
    omor
    row.
    ”
    “
    Alr
    eady?
    ”
    “
    Thecompanyisgrowing,
    it’
    sbusy.Ihavethi
    nking
    t
    oexpandandlookint
    oInsurance.Ij
    ustneedto
    t
    argetmyi
    nvestor
    s.”
    Fi
    fismil
    ed.“YouknowIcanberesourcef
    ulri
    ght?
    Youexpandingmeansyouneedmor ehands.Ican
    beproduct
    ive.
    ”
    Hekissedhercheek.“
    Iknow.Iam happyIhave
    you.
    ”
    “
    Whoar
    eyout
    arget
    ingasi
    nvest
    ors?
    ”
    Hel eanedbackont hepill
    owonwi t
    hheronhi s
    chestast heydiscussedhisbusinessplan.She
    l
    istenedcar ef
    ulandgavehi m point
    ers.Awhilel
    ater
    Fif
    if i
    nishedherthi
    rdglassofjuicethensmiled.
    “Ihavetogetgoi
    ng.Mamal
    ikeschecki
    ngupont
    he
    kidsatnight
    .”
    Hetookherglassandputitawaythenf
    rench
    ki
    ssedher.Herbodyquickl
    yreact
    edtohistouch.
    Hegotont opofherget
    tingbet
    weenherlegs.
    Hekissedherhardersl
    idinghi
    shandinsideher
    pantsandpanti
    es.Fif
    iclosedhereyesashe
    touchedherf
    lowingri
    ver.
    Shewassowetandr eady,shewasri
    ghtwherehe
    wantedher
    .Somehowshef el
    tsoar
    ousedever
    y
    touchhemadegotherbreathi
    ngheavi
    ly.
    Hefl
    ickedhercl
    itgent
    lyashi
    sdi
    ckf
    il
    ledhi
    spant
    s.
    Shemoanedsoftlyunder
    neat
    hhi
    m.
    Obakengpul
    ledoutherpant
    stoget
    herwi
    thher
    pant
    y,Fi
    fil
    ookedathim.
    “
    Babe,
    wecan’
    t-
    “
    “
    Shhh…”
    Heopenedherlegsandleanedoversuckingher
    .
    Fi
    ficl
    osedhereyeswit
    hherhandonhi shead.She
    movedherwaistunder
    neathhim moaning.He
    tonguerol
    ledoverherashemuf f
    edherkissi
    ngher
    p*ssyasiftheywerelips.Hepushedaf i
    ngeri
    n
    slowly,
    herpussyclampi ngithard.Hegroaned
    i
    magi ni
    nghisdickinthattightness..f
    uck!
    Hetappedherupperpl
    ates,
    sheshri
    ekedcl
    osi
    ng
    hereyesashetappedherg-
    spor
    t.Fi
    figr
    abbedthe
    thr
    ow, hert
    oescur
    li
    ng.
    .
    “
    Babe…”
    Fif
    imoanedloudergett
    ingcloser
    ,herai
    sedhis
    headandunzippedhispantsthentooki
    tout.Fi
    fi
    putherhandonhischestasher ubbedhimsel
    f
    gl
    idingbet
    weenherwetsl i
    t.
    Shewassowarm..hecoul
    dimagi
    nebeingi
    nsi
    de.I
    t
    hadbeenawhi
    leandhewasgoingbackwit
    hout
    get
    ti
    ngit
    .
    “
    Obakengpl
    ease…”
    Hepushedherhandsof fandcontinuedr
    ubbing
    hi
    msel fonher,
    shegrabbedhisbicepsspasming,
    herlegsshaki
    ng.Hekissedherandpushedather
    sti
    tchedentr
    ance.
    Fi
    fif
    li
    nchedashepressedherdownhooki
    ngher
    l
    egonhisarm andpushedmore.
    “
    Obakeng!
    ”
    Shepushedhischest
    ,heputhi
    swei
    ghtonher
    st
    retchi
    ngherent
    ranceopenwi
    thhi
    sdickand
    #removed.

    htt
    ps:
    //www. f
    acebook.
    com/gr
    oups/
    809549596663
    175/?
    ref=shar
    e_group_
    li
    nk
    .
    .
    .
    [
    04/
    23,
    05:
    51]'
    :
    Si
    nsUnf
    orgi
    ven
    #57

    Fi
    fisnuggledcl
    osert
    oObakeng’
    swar
    m bodyi
    nher
    sl
    eepearlymorningwit
    hafl
    eeceont
    op.Heki
    ssed
    hercheek.
    “
    Babe…wakeup.
    ”
    Fi
    fisl
    owl
    yopenedhereyeswaki
    ngup.Obakeng
    smil
    edki
    ssi
    ngher.
    “
    Letmedr
    opyouof
    f.
    ”
    Shet
    ouchedhi
    schestwi
    thasi
    gh.“
    Ok…”
    Hecar
    essedhert
    high.“
    Imi
    ssedyou.
    ”
    “
    Wewer
    enotsupposedt
    ohavesex…”
    “
    It
    ’sbeenawhi
    le.Imi
    ssedyou.ButIwasgent
    le.
    ”
    Hekissedhershoul
    der.“Nei
    soiscl
    aimingIraped
    her
    .Mepayi ngmagadiforyouhasangeredherso
    much.Ithi
    nkshe’sgoi
    ngt oopenacase.”
    “
    It
    sbeenawhi
    le.Doyout
    hinkshehasacase?
    ”
    “Theytakesucht hingsser
    iousl
    y.Chancesar et
    hat
    shemayt akemet ocourtbutit
    ’sherwordagainst
    mine.Idon’ tevenr ememberhavingsexwi t
    hher.
    It
    ’seit
    hershedi ditonceIpassedoutorshe’sjust
    l
    yingtryi
    ngt opinthepregnancyonme.Ij usthave
    topreparedf orit
    .”
    “
    Shecal
    ledmesayi
    ngyouar
    egoi
    ngt
    ocomeback
    t
    oher
    .”
    “
    Iam sor
    ry.
    ”
    “I
    tsok.Ij
    usthopethebabyi
    snotyour
    s.Idon’
    t
    wanttodealwit
    hthatwoman.Icanal
    readyt
    ell
    she’
    sgoingtobeapr obl
    em.
    ”
    “
    Iam sor
    ryIam put
    ti
    ngyout
    hrought
    his.
    ”
    Heki
    ssedher
    .“Let
    sgo.
    ”

    Obakengpar kedadist
    ancefr
    om t hegate.Fif
    i
    smil
    edreceivingakissandsteppedoutoft hecar
    .
    Shequickl
    yr anbackandwentt oherwi ndow.She
    knockedgent l
    y.Ri
    ckyopenedthewi ndow.
    “
    Thewhol
    eni
    ght
    ?”
    “
    Didshecome?
    ”
    “
    No.
    ”
    Fif
    iranbacktothedoorandsnuckbackin.She
    ti
    ptoedtoherroom andcl
    osedthedoor
    .Ricky
    movedfrom thebed.
    “
    Yousmel
    lli
    kesex.Goandbat
    h.”
    Fi
    figrabbedherbathi
    ngsetandwenttothe
    bathroom.Shewalkedoutovert
    hir
    tyminut
    eslat
    er,
    atowelaroundherbodyjustashergr
    andmother
    walkedoutofherbedroom.
    “
    Youar
    eawake?
    ”
    “
    Eemma.
    ”
    “Howdidthekidssl
    eep?Icoul
    dn’
    twakeupl
    ast
    night
    .Iwasjustt
    ootir
    ed.
    ”
    Fi
    fismi
    led.“
    Theyar
    efi
    ne.
    ”
    “
    Ok.Youl
    ook…di
    ff
    erent
    .”
    “
    Ma?
    ”
    “
    Youl
    ook…al
    ive.
    ”
    Fi
    fil
    aughed.“
    Iam happy.
    ”
    “
    Soam I.Don’
    tmi
    ndwhatpeoplesay.Mymot heri
    n
    l
    awneverli
    kedme.Mat
    teroff
    act,Idon’
    tthi
    nkshe
    l
    ikedanyonebutIknewt hatmyhusbandl ovedme,
    herhatingmewasnott hati
    mpor t
    anttome.I
    alwaysavoidedherbecauseIdecidedshewould
    notstealmypeace.”
    Fi
    fismi
    led.“
    Iexpect
    edhernotl
    iki
    ngme.
    ”
    “Good.Nowyouf ocusonyourf
    ami
    ly.Goandput
    onclothes.Lepant
    y.”
    Fi
    fil
    aughedwal
    kingbackt
    oherr
    oom.

    *
    **

    Thatsamemor
    ning,
    Nei
    sosatonherbedt
    alki
    ngt
    o
    herl
    awyer.
    “
    Sohecangetawaywi
    thi
    t?”
    “Yes.It’
    shiswordagainstyour
    s.Youar egoi
    ngto
    comeacr ossasabit
    terex.Howcomeyouopena
    caset hedayhemar ri
    eshisgir
    lfr
    iend?Thoseare
    thequest i
    onstheywil
    lask.Atleastifther
    ewasany
    evidenceoft her
    apeorifhecamet oyourhouse.
    Butitwasathi shouse.Youwentt here.Youhave
    beencommuni cati
    ngwithhim,tr
    yingtogethimt o
    acceptyourchi
    ld.Hemaybr i
    ngitup.WhatIwoul d
    havesuggestedwaswaittil
    lyougivebir
    th.That
    waywecandoDNAt est
    sandpr ovethebabyi shi
    s.
    Rightnowthecaseistri
    cky.It
    ’shi
    swor dagainst
    yours.
    ”
    “
    Buthecan’
    tgetawaywi
    thi
    t.
    ”
    “
    Hecan.Hedef
    ini
    tel
    ycan.
    ”
    “
    Whati
    fIr
    ecordhi
    m sayi
    ngsomet
    hing
    i
    ncr
    imi
    nat
    ing?
    ”
    “
    Gethi
    mtoadmi
    tfor
    cinghi
    msel
    font
    oyou.
    ”
    “
    Ok.
    ”
    “
    Wewi
    llt
    alk.
    ”
    Thel
    awyerdr
    oppedt
    hecal
    l.Nei
    sodi
    aledNono.
    “
    Hel
    lo?
    ”
    “
    Heysunshi
    ne,
    areyouar
    ound?
    ”
    “
    No.Iam i
    nMaunatwor
    k.”
    “
    Look,
    somethi
    nghascameupatwork.I
    r
    ecommendedyouandIam posi
    ti
    vet
    hejobi
    s
    your
    s.”
    “
    Real
    ly?
    ”
    “
    Yes.Anyways,Iaskedthem t
    ogi
    veyouacal
    lbutI
    t
    hinkyoushoul
    dpl anni
    ngyourmove.
    ”
    Nonoscr
    eamedi
    nexci
    tement
    .“Yes!
    ”
    Neisol
    aughed.“
    Anywho,
    whydi
    dn’tyout
    ellme
    yourbr
    otherwasget
    ti
    ngmar
    ri
    ed?”
    “
    Ithoughthewoul
    dchangehi
    smi
    ndmmei
    twon’
    t
    l
    ast.
    ”
    “
    Iam sohur
    t.He’
    sevendenyi
    ngt
    hebaby.
    ”
    “
    Hei
    snoti
    nhi
    sri
    ghtsenses.I
    t’
    sgoi
    ngt
    oend.
    ”
    “
    Maybeyoucanhel
    pme.
    ”
    “
    Yes.Anyt
    hingl
    ove.
    ”
    Nei
    sosmi l
    ed.“
    Ihaveaperfectplan.Iwil
    lcal
    lyou
    andtel
    lyouabouti
    t.Getr
    eadyf ortheint
    ervi
    ew.”
    “
    Thankyouf
    ri
    end!
    ”
    “
    Youar
    ewel
    come.
    ”
    Nei
    sohungupt
    henst
    oodupt
    hought
    ful
    ly.
    *
    **

    Latert
    hatday,
    mmagweLor atomarchedthr
    ough
    thegatei
    nMaitengwe.Sheknockedonthedoor
    thenopenedwalki
    ngin.
    Shelookedatt
    heol
    dmant
    ryi
    ngt
    ochange
    channel
    sonTV.
    “
    Dumel
    ang…”
    Helookedather,j
    ustseei
    ngherfacetookhi
    m back
    tohowshehadl ethersondiesoshecanspendall
    hismoneyandselleveryt
    hingi
    nhisname.Tears
    fi
    ll
    edhiseyes.
    Fi
    fi’
    sgrandmot
    herwal
    kedfr
    om t
    hebedr
    oomsand
    putherhandi
    nherwai
    st.
    “I
    sthedevi
    ltest
    ingmeoram Inotseei
    ngr
    ight
    ?”
    Sherubbedhereyesandl
    ookedatMmagweLor at
    o.
    “
    Iam notseei
    ngri
    ght.No.Thi
    sisnothappeni
    ng.I
    n
    myhouse!?Wena?!
    ”
    “Iam hereformydaught er
    !Pleasegivememy
    daughtersothatIleave.Al
    sobr i
    ngmymoney, allof
    i
    t.Idon’twanttofi
    ghtwi t
    hyou.Gi vewhatbel
    ongs
    tosci
    ssor sbacktoscissors!
    ”
    Fi
    fi
    ’sgr andmot
    herlaughedlikeamadwoman.
    Someoneknockedont hedoor.Fi
    fi
    ’sgrandf
    ather
    walkedovertotheyoungmani nasuithol
    dingared
    boxwr appedwitharedribbon.
    “
    Areyouwi
    thher
    ?”
    Themanshookhi shead.“
    Nosir.Dumelang,
    wear
    e
    l
    ookingforMrs.Legauf
    iMojal
    efa.Wehavea
    del
    iver
    yforher.
    ”
    “
    Mogatsaka,pl
    easecal
    lFi
    fi
    .Iam set
    ti
    ngt
    hef
    og
    f
    reef
    orthisone.
    ”
    MmagweLoratolaughed.“
    Iam notgoi
    nganywher
    e
    wi
    thoutmydaughter!
    ”
    Fifi
    ’
    sgr andmotherangril
    ywal kedtoherkit
    chen
    thenputhermagwi nyapotont hestove.Shetooka
    bottl
    eofoi landempt i
    edeverythi
    nginside.She
    switchedonherst oveshakingwi t
    hangert al
    king
    alone.
    Fif
    i’
    sgrandf
    atherwal
    kedt
    oFi
    fi
    ’sbedr
    oom and
    knockedgentl
    y.
    “
    MsP!
    ”
    Fi
    fiopenedt
    hedoor
    .“Papa…”
    “
    Amani
    slooki
    ngf
    oryouout
    side.
    ”
    Fif
    ifoll
    owedhergr andfat
    herwhi
    leRickytook
    pi
    ctureswithEtsi
    le.Fif
    ifr
    ownedstari
    ngatmmagwe
    Lorato.Hergr
    andfatherpoint
    edatthedoor.
    “
    Him.
    .”
    MmagweLorat
    osmi
    led.“
    Fif
    i,Iam her
    etot
    akeyou
    homemybaby.
    ”
    Fi
    fii
    gnor
    edheri
    nconf
    usi
    onwal
    kingt
    otheman.
    “
    Dumel
    ang…”
    “
    Goodday…”
    Hehandedhert
    hebox.“
    Youcancome…”
    Fif
    ifol
    lowedhim out
    side.Shefr
    ownedstari
    ngat
    thewhitebrandnewAudiA1Spor t
    backinthe
    middleoftheyardwit
    habi gri
    bbonaroundit
    .
    Themansmi led.“
    Thekeysarei
    nsidet
    hebox.Mr
    .
    Mojal
    efaaskedust ohavei
    tdel
    iver
    edtoyou.
    ”
    MmagweLorat
    owalkedoutandsmil
    ed.“
    Isi
    tour
    car
    ?ThankGodIdon’
    thavetouset
    hebusagai
    n!”
    Fi
    fi
    ’sgr
    andmot
    herwal
    kedouthol
    dingt
    hepotofhot
    oi
    l.
    “Mol
    oiokae?Iam goi
    ngt
    ofr
    yyout
    odayt
    okol
    oshi
    kewena!
    ”
    .
    .
    .
    [
    04/
    23,
    05:
    51]'
    :
    Si
    nsUnf
    orgi
    ven
    #58

    MmagweLor
    atol
    ookedatt
    hehotoi
    l.
    “
    Ifyou-
    “
    Fi
    fi
    ’sgr
    andmot
    herspl
    ashedherwi
    tht
    heoi
    l.She
    scr
    eamedj
    umpi
    ngandf
    ell
    .
    “
    Iam bur
    ning!
    ”
    Shegotupscr
    eamingrunni
    ngaround.Thedel
    ivery
    manwatchedinpur
    econfusi
    on.Fif
    i’
    sgrandmother
    walkedt
    othebackoft
    heyardwhereshecame
    backwit
    hthedog.
    “
    Out
    !”
    “
    Iam r
    epor
    ti
    ngyou!
    ”
    Sher
    anout
    .Herhusbandl
    ookedather
    .
    “
    Didyoubur
    nher
    ?”
    “
    Itwaswar
    m oi
    l.Iwi
    shIdi
    d!Wi
    tch.
    ”
    Helaughed.“Ok.Doyour
    emembert
    hatt
    imeyou
    al
    mostbur ntme?”
    Shesmi
    led.“
    Ishoul
    dhavebur
    ntyou.
    ”
    Theylaughedtogether.Fi
    fil
    ookedatthecarwitha
    fr
    own.Sheopenedt heboxandt ookoutthecar
    keys.Fi
    fi
    ’sheartpounded,tear
    sf i
    ll
    edhereyes.
    “
    Obakeng?
    ”
    Thedel
    iver
    ymannodded.“
    Yesmam.
    ”
    At
    earf
    ell
    .“ButIdi
    dnot
    hingt
    odeser
    veacar
    ..
    ”
    Theoldcouplel
    ookedatthecar
    .Fif
    iwal
    kedback
    i
    nsidethehouseandcal
    ledhim whi
    leRi
    ckyl
    ooked
    atherconf
    used.
    “
    Whatar
    ethosekeysf
    or?
    ”
    Fi
    fit
    oherbedwher
    enet
    wor
    kwasbet
    ter
    .

    *
    **

    Obakenganswer
    edhi
    sphonedr
    ivi
    ng.
    “
    Babe…”
    “
    Whati
    sgoi
    ngon?Whati
    sthi
    s?”
    “
    What
    ’swhat
    ?”
    “
    Thi
    scar
    .”
    “
    Oh,
    it’
    syour
    s.”
    “No.I
    t’
    stoomuch.Isn’
    titt
    ooexpensi
    ve?Iknowyou
    arepayi
    ngforl
    oans.Idon’
    twantyoutohavemore
    debt
    s.”
    “Iboughti
    twi
    thcash.Wear
    efi
    nanci
    all
    yst
    abl
    e.I
    t’
    s
    ok.”
    “Thi
    scaristoomuch.Iwasfinewit
    houtone.You
    canselli
    tandhelppayforot
    hert
    hings.Iam not
    worki
    ng.Youcan’twast
    emoneyonmel iket
    his.
    Youcanusei tt
    odootherthi
    ngs.
    ”
    “MmagweEt sil
    e,thati
    syourcar .Tohelpyoumove
    around.Itwasr i
    ghtwithinmybudget .It
    ’sasmall
    carandcanf ityouandourki ds.Idon’twantyou
    struggl
    ingtomovewi t
    ht hr
    eekids.Youdon’thave
    touseadonkeycar t.I
    tdidn’
    tcostmemuch.My
    kidsarenotwal ki
    ngar oundinthesun.”
    “
    Idon’
    tdeser
    vei
    t.
    ”
    “
    Youdeser
    veever
    ythi
    ng.Il
    oveyou.
    ”
    Hervoi
    ceshookasshespoke.“
    Idon’
    t…i
    t’
    stoo
    much.”
    Obakenglookedattheti
    meandsteppedont
    he
    accel
    erat
    ormor eheadedtoGabor
    one.
    “
    Youar
    emywoman.Youdeser
    vei
    t.Youdeser
    vei
    t
    andmor e.Ther
    eisar
    oadbl
    ockahead.Iwi
    llcal
    l
    you,
    Iloveyou.”
    “
    Iloveyout
    oo.
    ”
    Obakengreducedhisspeedanddrovethr
    oughthe
    roadbl
    ockgladtheydi
    dn’tst
    ophi
    m.Hi sphoner
    ang
    again,
    helookedatBanyanacal
    li
    ngandpicked.
    “
    Yeah?
    ”
    “Hi.Ij
    usttr
    iedcall
    ingFifibutt
    hecalldi
    dn’tgo
    thr
    ough.Ithinknetwork.ButIjustgotacallf
    rom
    thehospit
    al.Lol
    oiswaki ngup.Iam onmywayt o
    seeher.”
    “
    Ok.Iwi
    llt
    ellher
    .”
    “
    Thanks.Congr
    atul
    ati
    onsbyt
    heway.
    ”
    “
    Thanks.
    ”

    *
    **

    Banyanawalkedi
    nsidet
    hehospit
    alandwentover
    thefr
    ontdeskwhereanursewas.
    “
    Iam her
    etoseeLor
    atoPabal
    lo.
    ”

    Banyanawalkedi
    nsi
    deLorat
    o’snewroom,t
    hist
    ime
    shewasnotconnectedtomachi
    nesandshewas
    breat
    hingonherown.Shesmil
    edwalki
    ngovert
    hen
    heldherhand.
    “
    Lol
    o…”
    Shet
    ouchedherf
    ace.“
    Lor
    ato.I
    t’
    sBanyana.
    ”
    Lorat
    omovedherhand.Banyanasmi
    ledasshe
    openedhereyes.
    “
    Lor
    ato…Lol
    o…”
    Lor
    atobl
    inkedsl
    owly.Thedoct
    orwal
    kedi
    n.He
    l
    ookedatBanyanaandsmiled.
    “
    Hi.
    ”
    Banyanasmi
    led.“
    Shei
    sgoi
    ngt
    obeoknow?
    ”
    Hel
    ookedatLor
    atoandsmi
    led.“
    Shei
    sgoi
    ngt
    obe
    f
    ine.Howar
    eyou?
    ”
    Hetookoutapenandpokedherf
    eet
    .Hesmi
    led
    andtouchedherhand.
    “
    Squeezemyhand.
    ”
    Lor
    atomovedherhandj
    ustsl
    ight
    ly.Hesmi
    led.
    “Whatasqueeze!Justr
    elax.I
    t’
    sok.Yourbodyis
    exhaust
    ed.Iam goi
    ngtoputyout orest
    .Whenyou
    wakeupyouwi l
    lbeabletospeak.Wear eget
    ti
    ng
    holdofuhyourmotherandsister
    .”
    Thedoct
    orwal
    kedout
    .Hel
    ookedatBanyana.
    “
    Hey,
    canIaskyousomet
    hing?
    ”
    Banyanaf
    oll
    owedhi
    m outwhi
    lesmi
    li
    ng.
    “
    Yourfr
    iendorcol
    leaguei
    spar
    alyzed.Fr
    om her
    wai
    stgoingdown.
    ”
    “
    Wil
    lsheeverwal
    k?”
    “
    Likel
    ynobutt
    her
    e’sapossi
    bil
    it
    y.”
    Banyananodded.“
    Andherbr
    ain?
    ”
    “
    Herbr
    aini
    sper
    fect
    lyf
    ine.Justt
    hatherl
    if
    ewi
    ll
    neverbethesameagain.Weexpectedwor sebut
    Godcamet hr
    ough.Wewil
    ltel
    lheronceherf ami
    ly
    getshere.Shewil
    lgett
    heemotionalsupportshe
    needs.Rightnowitmayaf
    fecthermor ebecause
    sheisalone.”
    “
    Ok.
    ”
    “
    That
    ’sal
    l.
    ”
    Hetur
    nedandwalkedaway.Banyanawal
    kedback
    i
    ntheroom andsmil
    ed.
    “
    Iam sohappyyouar
    eawake.
    ”
    Lor
    atolookedathertr
    yingt
    osaysomet
    hing.
    Banyanaheldherhand..
    “
    Takeiteasy.Youhadacaracci
    dentonyourwayto
    Mai
    tengwe.Youhavebeenhereforamonth.Soon
    wearegoinghome.”
    Lor
    atost
    aredwhi
    leBanyanacont
    inuedt
    alki
    ng.

    *
    **
    Laterthatday,
    Obakengwal
    kedi
    nsi
    dehi
    shouse
    tal
    kingwi t
    hLori
    .
    “
    Youboughtheracar
    ?”
    “Notexactl
    y.Khanwasowi ngme.Heletmechoose
    somethingthatgoeshandinhandwit
    hthemoney
    heowesme.I fIwasgoi
    ngt obuyf
    rom mypocketi
    t
    wasgoingt obesomethingwaysmall
    er.
    ”
    “
    Shemustbesohappy.
    ”
    “
    Shei
    sinshock.
    ”
    Ani
    ncomi
    ngcal
    lmadehi
    sphonevi
    brat
    e.
    “
    Letmeanswert
    his.
    ”
    Hedr
    oppedLor
    i’
    scal
    landpi
    ckedhi
    ssi
    ster
    ’scal
    l.
    “
    Nono,
    whatdoyouwant
    ?”
    “Nei
    sogotmeaj obi
    nGabor
    one.Iam comi
    ngf
    or
    anint
    ervi
    ew.Ineedapl
    acet
    osleep.
    ”
    “
    Ok.
    ”
    “
    Iam nothappyt
    owi
    tht
    hewomanyouchose.
    ”
    “
    Sowhat
    ?”
    “
    Nei
    so-
    “
    “Neisowhat?Obat agombor awena.Stayunhappy
    then.Iam happy.Ifyouarecomi ngtomyhouset o
    bringupNeiso,don’tbotheryoursel
    f.Fi
    ndyoursel
    f
    elsewheretosleep.Ifyoucan’tr
    espectmywife
    thenstayaway.Iam notgoi ngtoall
    owyout o
    abusemywi f
    e.”
    “
    Iwasj
    ustsayi
    ng-
    “
    “
    Keepyouropi
    nionst
    oyour
    sel
    f.
    ”

    *
    **

    Ri
    ckywal
    kedi
    nsi
    deFi
    fi
    ’sr
    oom smi
    li
    ng.
    “
    Thatcargi
    rl
    !”
    Fi
    fil
    ookedathi
    m hol
    dingherdaught
    eri
    nherar
    ms.
    “
    Shhh…”
    “
    Weneedt
    otakeadr
    ivear
    ound.
    ”
    Fi
    fiputherdaught
    erdown.Yaoneopenedhereyes
    andl
    ookedather
    .Fi
    fismi
    led.
    “
    Sleep.
    ”
    Sheki
    ckedherl
    egsst
    ari
    ngathert
    henputherf
    ist
    s
    i
    nhermouth.
    “
    Sleepbaby…”
    Shemadef
    aintbabysounds.Ri
    ckysmi
    led.
    “Yourcari
    sbeautiful.Youshoul dsaythankyou
    anddrivei
    t.Iunderstandyouar einshock.You
    haveneverhadanyt hingbei ngdonef oryou.But
    thi
    sishowot hermenar e.Thr eekidsarealot,he
    wantstomaket hi
    ngseasi erf oryou.Yougavehi m
    thr
    eekids.Three,
    youdeser vemor e.I
    fyoudon’ t
    acceptthi
    scar,Iwillaccepti tonyourbehalf.”

    *
    ***

    Meanwhil
    eoutsi
    de,apol
    icevandrovei
    nthrough
    thegat
    ethenmmagweLor at
    osteppedoutofthe
    carwit
    hthepoli
    ce.
    “
    Thewomanwhot
    ri
    edt
    oki
    ll
    mei
    sher
    e.”
    Fif
    isygrandmotherwalkedoutandlookedatthe
    poli
    ceoffi
    cers.Shestart
    edcryi
    ngthenthrew
    hersel
    font heground.
    “Thankyouforcoming.Idi
    dn’
    tknowwhatt odo.
    Thiswomancameandt ri
    edtokillme.Myhusband
    andgranddaughterar
    emywi tnesses.Shet
    ri
    edto
    kil
    lme.”
    .
    .
    .
    [
    04/
    23,
    05:
    52]'
    :
    Si
    nsUnf
    orgi
    ven
    #59

    Theoldwomancri
    edsomucht
    hatt
    hepol
    ice
    off
    icer
    ssi
    ghedsadl
    y.
    “Sheismyl ateson’
    swife.Af
    termysondi
    ed,
    she
    soldever
    ythingthatbel
    ongedtohi
    m,she
    abandoneduscalli
    ngmeawi t
    ch.Shecametoday
    demandingmygr anddaughter
    ’smagadimoneyand
    whenIrefused,
    shestrangledme.Shetri
    edtoki
    ll
    me.”
    MmagweLor atoshookherhead.“
    Thatisnott
    rue!
    Waaka!Idi
    dn’tt
    ouchyou.Youwant edt
    oburnme
    wi
    thoil
    .Youspill
    edoilonme.”
    Thepoliceoffi
    cerslookedatMmagweLor at
    oand
    shookhishead.“ Thi
    sseemsl i
    keaf amilyi
    ssueyou
    cansolvebetweenyour sel
    ves.I
    fweknewyouwer e
    accusi
    ngt hi
    sol dwomanwewoul dnothavecome.
    Youhavewast edourti
    meandpet rol.Ronagare
    tsenemodii ssuestsamalapaabat ho.”
    Thepoli
    cegotbackinthei
    rvananddr
    oveof
    f.Fi
    fi
    ’s
    grandmotherl
    ookedatMmagweLorat
    o.
    “
    Leavemyyar
    d!”
    “
    Wher
    eisFi
    fi
    ?Fi
    fi
    !”
    Shepausedasababycriedfr
    om thehouse.Fi
    fi
    ’s
    grandmot
    hert
    ookoffherdoekthengrabbedanaxe.
    “
    Isai
    dgo!
    ”
    Sherai
    sedt
    heaxeandwentst
    rai
    ghtt
    ommagwe
    Lor
    atobewhomovedback.
    “
    Ifyou-
    “
    Fif
    i’
    sgr andmot
    herthrewt heaxeather.Mmagwe
    Lorat
    oj umpedasitmi ssedhertoesjustbyaninch.
    Fif
    i’
    sgr andmot
    herpickedahandf ulofsoiland
    thr
    ewi tatherf
    acethenpi ckedheraxe.
    “
    Iam goi
    ngt
    ochopyout
    oday!
    ”
    MmagweLor
    ator
    anoutoft
    heyar
    dscr
    eami
    ng.
    “
    Iwantmydaught
    er!Fi
    fi
    !”
    “Out
    !Youkil
    ledmyson!Youmi
    str
    eatedhis
    daughter
    .Whatmor
    edoyouwantfrom meDorothy!
    ?
    What?Doyouwanttokil
    lme?Whenisitgoi
    ngtobe
    enough?When?”
    MmagweLor ator
    ubbedhereyes.“
    Idi
    dn’
    tki
    llmy
    husband.Il
    ovedhi
    m.”
    “Youkill
    edhim!
    ”Tearsfil
    ledhereyes.“ Youki
    ll
    ed
    him becausehewantedtol eaveyou.Youhavet he
    nervetocomebackher eaf t
    ereverythi
    ngyoudid.If
    youstepintomyyardagai n,Ipromiseyou,Iwi
    ll
    haveyouf
    ordi
    nnert
    oni
    ght
    .”
    MmagweLor atolookedatt hehouseandwalked
    away.Fifi
    ’sgrandmot herturnedt
    oherhusband
    tear
    ful
    ly.Shedr oppedt heaxeandwalkedbackin
    thehousewi t
    hhi m holdingherhand.
    Fi
    fi
    ’sgr
    andmotherwal
    kedt
    oFi
    fi
    ’sbedr
    oom and
    l
    ookedather
    .
    “
    Iam sor
    ry.
    .thenoi
    sewokehi
    m up?
    ”
    Etsi
    let
    urnedhi
    sheadonhismother
    ’schest
    .“I
    t’
    sok.
    Thankyoufordeal
    ingwi
    thher
    .”
    “
    Iwi
    lldoanyt
    hing.
    ”
    Rickysmil
    ed.“Iwasr
    eadytoj
    oinyououtsi
    de.Iwas
    goingtopunchherMrsP,
    IwasJackieChanher.
    ”
    Theoldladyl
    aughed.“
    TodayIwasr
    eady.Thebaby
    i
    squietnowFifi
    .Puthi
    m down.
    ”
    Sheputhi
    m downandl
    ookedatgr
    andmot
    her
    .
    “
    Ihavet
    ogetsomet
    hingf
    orRi
    ckybyt
    heshops.
    ”
    Theol
    dl adysmiled.“
    Iknowyouwantt
    odri
    veyour
    newcar.It
    ’sbeauti
    ful
    .Heissuchal
    ovel
    yman.”
    Fifismi
    led.“I
    tsbeaut
    if
    ult
    hought
    her
    ewasno
    reasonto.”
    “Hehadhisownr easonsto.What everthose
    reasonswere,showappr eciat
    ion.Thankhi m.
    Appreci
    atethethingshedoesf oryou.Heknows
    whyhedi di
    t.Iam sur ehejustdidn’tgetthecarf
    or
    yououtofnowher e.It
    ’sbeauti
    ful.Iwillst
    aywith
    them.Go.”
    Fifiputonherf l
    ipfl
    opsandpi ckedherpurse
    toget herwit
    hthecarkeys.Theywal kedout,
    Fif
    i
    unlockedt hephoneandgotinsi de.Shesmil
    ed,her
    hear traci
    ng.Rickygoti
    nont hepassengerseat.
    “
    It
    ’sbeaut
    if
    ulr
    ight
    ?”
    Fif
    inoddedt
    earf
    ull
    y.Shel
    eanedbackemot
    ional
    .
    “Noonehaseverdonethi
    sforme.
    ”
    “
    Mor
    ereasonwhywel
    ovehi
    m.”
    Fif
    ilaughedasat earr
    oll
    eddown.Shestar
    tedthe
    engineandreversedoutthr
    oughtheopengate.Her
    grandmotherwatchedasshedroveoffsmil
    ing.She
    turnedandwalkedbackinthehousewhereEtsil
    e
    wasal r
    eadycryi
    ng.
    *
    **

    Lat
    erthatdayinGabor
    one,
    Lor
    isati
    nhi
    scarand
    cal
    ledRicky.
    “
    Hel
    lo?
    ”
    “
    Hi,
    canIspeakt
    oFi
    fi
    .”
    “Yes…Fi
    fi
    ,Obakeng’
    sfr
    iend….Theonewasdoubl
    e
    cab.”
    “
    Hel
    lo?
    ”
    Lor
    ismi
    led.“
    Hi…howar
    eyou?
    ”
    “
    Iam f
    ine,
    thankyou.
    ”
    “
    Youl
    ookedbeaut
    if
    ulyest
    erday.
    ”
    Fi
    fil
    aughed.“
    Thankyout
    houghIl
    ookedf
    at.
    ”
    “
    Thebabyf
    atmakeyoul
    ookgood.
    ”
    “
    Thanks.Thankyouf
    orcomi
    ngt
    oo.
    ”
    “I
    tsok.I
    twasni
    ceseei
    ngyouaf
    terIwast
    oldyou
    arei
    nZimbabwe.
    ”
    Fi
    fil
    aughed.“
    ItwasRi
    cky.
    ”
    “Iunderst
    andwhy…i
    t’
    sok.Yourbabi
    esar
    e
    beauti
    ful.
    ”
    “
    Waai
    ,Igavet
    hem compl
    exi
    onhel
    a.”
    “
    Youdi
    lut
    edmyboy’
    sfeat
    ures.
    ”
    Shel
    aughed.“
    Howar
    eyou?Di
    dyouf
    inal
    ly
    di
    vor
    ce?”
    “
    Yes.Iam l
    egal
    lysi
    ngl
    e.Feel
    samazi
    ng.
    ”
    “
    Iam happyf
    oryou.Youdeser
    vei
    t.
    ”
    “
    Thanks.Ar
    eyouhappy?
    ”
    “
    Iam ver
    yhappy.Thankyou.
    ”
    “Iam happyifyouare.Iwonderwhatwoul
    dhave
    happenedifIwasn’tBax’sf
    ri
    end.Youwoul
    dhave
    nevermethimt hatday.”
    “
    Idef
    ini
    tel
    ywoul
    dn’
    thavet
    hreeki
    dsr
    ightnow.
    ”
    Hesmil
    ed.“Maybe…Ipr
    obabl
    ywoul
    dhavef
    il
    edf
    or
    t
    hatdi
    vorcefast
    ert
    hanIdi
    d.”
    “
    Why?
    ”
    “BecauseIwouldhavefear
    edsomeonewoul dtake
    youawaywhi l
    eIfoughtBanyana.Iwouldhave
    movedoutassoonasIcanwi t
    hf ear
    .”
    “
    Lor
    i…”
    “
    Iam st
    il
    lhappyit
    ’sObakeng.Hewi
    lll
    oveyout
    he
    wayyoudeservet
    obeloved.”
    Fi
    fisi
    ghed.“
    Youcan’
    ttal
    kli
    ket
    hat
    .”
    “
    Iknow.Ij
    ust
    …IsometimeswonderbecauseIam
    i
    nlovewit
    hyou.Nott
    hatIwantt
    oruinwhatmy
    f
    ri
    endhaswit
    hyou…”
    “
    Youcan’
    t…pl
    easest
    op.
    ”
    “
    Iwonderhowi
    twoul
    dbei
    fyougavemeachance.
    ”
    “
    Stopi
    t…pl
    ease.
    ”
    “
    Doyoueverwonder
    ?”
    “
    No…pl
    ease.
    .”
    “Youcanstil
    lgi
    vemeachance.Youhavenothing
    tolose.Youdon’thavet
    oleavehi
    m.Iknowyoulove
    him.Ilovehi
    mf oryoutoo.
    ”
    “
    Pleasest
    op.Iam hangi
    ngup.Youcan’
    tsaysuch
    t
    hings.He’
    syourf
    ri
    end!
    ”
    “Thatmakesthingsevenmor eeasi
    er.Hewon’t
    suspectanyt
    hing.Look,t
    hinkabouti
    t.It
    ’snot
    wrongtohaveyourbr eadbutt
    eredonbot hsi
    des.I
    f
    youneedanything,cal
    lme.”
    Hehungupandst
    eppedoutofhi
    scar
    .

    *
    **

    Atthehospit
    al,Lor
    atolai
    donthehospit
    albed,her
    eyesmovedar oundashermindtookherbackgo
    thatday…thattr
    uck…theMercedes…thetr
    ee.Tears
    fi
    ll
    edhereyes.
    Shet r
    iedtomovebutshecoul dn’tseem tofindt
    he
    energytoo.Shefoundhersel
    fwonderi fanyonehad
    toldFif
    i.Ort
    heydidn’
    t.KnowingBanyana, mayshe
    didn’
    tandallal
    ongmaybeFi fididn’tknow.
    At
    earf
    ellont
    hepi
    ll
    ow.Thedoct
    orwal
    kedi
    n.
    “
    Hi…”
    Fi
    fit
    ookadeepbr
    eat
    handsl
    owl
    yopenedher
    mouth.
    “
    Fi.
    .Fi
    .”
    “
    Fif
    i?Who’
    sFi
    fi
    ?”
    “
    Si.
    .st
    er.
    ”
    “
    Oh.
    .Legauf
    i?”
    Anot
    hert
    earf
    ell
    .Hef
    ixedherpi
    ll
    ow.
    “Yourmotherwascal
    ledmi
    nut
    esback.Iam sur
    e
    Legauf
    itoo.”
    Shecl
    osedhereyesasmor
    etear
    sfel
    l.Thedoct
    or
    hel
    dherhand.
    “Iam sur
    eshewillcomeassoonasshehear
    syou
    areawake.She’
    salwayscal
    li
    ng.
    ”
    Lor
    atoopenedhereyes.Thedoct
    orsmi
    led.
    “Iam gl
    adyour emembereverythi
    ng.Everyt
    hingi
    s
    fi
    nebutyouar eparalyzedwai
    stgoingdown
    meaningyoucan’ tmoveyourlegsorwalk.Youmay
    neverwalkagain.Thereisapossi
    bili
    tyt
    hatyour
    l
    egsmayneverf unct
    ionthewaytheyusedt o.
    ”
    Shel
    ookedathi
    m wi
    ldl
    y.“
    No…”
    “
    Iam sor
    rybutwear
    egr
    atef
    ulyouar
    eal
    ive.
    ”
    Mor
    etear
    sfi
    ll
    edhereyes.“
    No!
    ”
    .
    .
    .
    [
    04/
    23,
    05:
    52]'
    :
    Si
    nsUnf
    orgi
    ven
    #60

    InFranci
    stown,Fif
    iwalkedoutoft
    hehairsalonwi
    th
    hernewhai r
    styl
    e.Rickysmil
    edwalki
    ngbesideher
    .
    “
    Wel
    ookhotf
    ri
    end!
    ”
    Fi
    fil
    aughed.“
    Iam t
    ir
    ed.Mamai
    sgoi
    ngt
    oshout
    .I
    havetogo.
    ”
    “
    Youcandr
    opmeof
    fathome,
    Imi
    ssmyman.
    ”
    “
    Yourmar
    ri
    edman?
    ”
    “
    Yes.Themar
    ri
    edmanwhospoi
    lsme.
    ”
    “
    Ihopehi
    swi
    fedoesn’
    tcomef
    oryou.
    ”
    “
    Ifshedoes,
    thenIwi
    llpr
    etendIam notgay.
    ”
    Fi
    filaughedunlocki
    nghercarjustasanot
    hercar
    parkedbesideshers.Thedr
    iverst
    eppedoutjustas
    Fi
    fiapproachedherdoor.Helookedatherand
    smiledassheopenedherdoor .
    “
    Hi…”
    Fi
    fismi
    ledback.“
    Hel
    lo?
    ”
    Hel
    ockedhi
    scar
    .“Il
    ikeyourcar
    .”
    “
    Thankyou.
    ”
    Hechuckledst
    ari
    ngathersmil
    e.“
    Youar
    epr
    ett
    y.
    Yourhusbandi
    sal uckyman.
    ”
    Fi
    fismil
    edthengoti
    nhercar
    .Ri
    ckyl
    ookedather
    st
    aringatt
    heman.
    “
    Whataman!Lookathi
    szi
    p!”
    Fi
    fistar
    tedherenginelooki
    ngathi
    m.Hewassti
    ll
    st
    aringwithasmi l
    e.Hereyeswentdownt
    ohi
    szip.
    Shequickl
    yreversedanddroveoff
    .
    “
    Wast
    hat
    ..
    ?”
    Rickyl
    aughed.“Whataman!He’
    sZi
    mbabwean.Hi
    s
    accenti
    stotalsel
    lout
    !Ij
    omodi
    mowame!”
    Fi
    fismi
    led.“
    Thatt
    hingl
    ookshumongous!
    ”
    “
    Humoeng?Hey!That
    ’smul
    ti
    pleor
    gasmsr
    ight
    t
    her
    e.”
    “
    Heobvi
    ousl
    yhasawi
    feandf
    iveki
    dsi
    nZi
    m.”
    “
    Iwoul
    dn’
    tmi
    ndhi
    m.”
    Fi
    fil
    aughed.“Iam cont
    entwit
    hmyman.Honestly
    i
    t’
    sdiff
    icul
    ttoseeanyone.He’
    sal
    lIt
    hinkabout
    .”
    “GapeObakengl
    ooksl
    ikehehasat
    emper
    .Oscar
    y
    nyana.
    ”
    “Hel
    ikeshi
    st hi
    ngsi
    nacer
    tai
    nway.Hi
    stemperi
    s
    cont
    roll
    abl
    e.”
    “
    Ormaybeyouhaven’tseenhi
    mr eal
    lyl
    osei
    t.His
    t
    ypecankil
    l.Oqui
    etandreser
    ved.Whenhelooses
    i
    t,wedon’
    twanttosee.
    ”
    Fi
    fil
    ookedatRi
    cky.“
    Thatmancancont
    rolhi
    mself
    .
    Hehashisfl
    awsbutlosi
    nghi
    stempert
    oapointof
    ki
    ll
    ingsomeonei
    snothi
    m.I
    tcanneverbehi
    m.”
    Ri
    ckyshr
    ugged.“
    Youknowhi
    m bet
    terbutt
    hatZi
    m
    man…Ij
    o!”
    Fif
    ilaugheddr
    ivi
    ngt
    oRi
    cky’
    shouse.Shepar
    kedat
    thegate.
    “
    Byef
    ri
    end.Iwi
    llcomeagai
    n.”
    “
    Ok…”
    Rickysteppedoutofthecart
    henFi
    fidroveof
    f.She
    reachedforherphoneandcall
    edObakeng.
    “
    Heybabe…”
    Shesmi
    led.“
    Hi.Iam i
    nFr
    anci
    stownwi
    thmynew
    car
    .”
    “
    Real
    ly?
    ”
    “Yes.Iwentoutf oradrive.Thankyouf orgett
    ing
    met hi
    scar .It
    ’sbeaut
    ifulandIappr eci
    ateit
    .Iam
    notusedt ohavingpeopl edothisforme,
    somet i
    mesi tcanlooklikeIdon’tappreci
    ateit
    .Ido…
    i
    tjusttakesmeawhi l
    et oacceptt hethi
    ngsyoudo
    formebecauseIam notusedt oit.Thankyou.It
    ’s
    mor ethanjustbeauti
    ful.IneverthoughtIwould
    onedayownacar
    .”
    “
    Getusedt
    oitbecauseIam notgoi
    nganywher
    e.”
    Shesmi
    led.“
    Iloveyou.
    ”
    “Il
    oveyoutoo.Bythewaydi
    dyougetthemorni
    ng
    aft
    er.Idon’
    tthi
    nkweneedanot
    heraddi
    ti
    on.
    ”
    Fi
    fil
    aughed.“
    Ithoughtwewer
    emaki
    ngEt
    sil
    ea
    br
    other
    .”
    “No.Thr
    eeisalot.It
    hinkwedon’
    tneedmor
    e.We
    arefi
    neli
    kethi
    s.”
    “
    Igott
    hepi
    ll
    .It
    ’sf
    ine.
    ”
    Hesi
    ghedwi
    thr
    eli
    ef.“
    Ok.
    ”
    “
    Lol
    oisawake.Butshei
    spar
    alyzed.
    ”
    “Iam notgoi
    ngtoseeher
    .Canwenothavet he
    Lorat
    odr amaagai
    nbabe?It
    ’sexhaust
    ing.
    ”
    “
    Iknow.Iwasj
    ustt
    ell
    ingyou.
    ”
    “
    Ok.Goodf
    orher
    .”
    Fi
    fit
    ookadeepbreat
    hwonderingi
    fitwoul
    dbea
    goodideat
    otel
    lhi
    m aboutLor
    ibutaft
    ert
    hat
    hospi
    talscene,shecoul
    dn’
    tbesureofhisreact
    ion.
    Sheturnedherheadstoppi
    ngattheredtr
    affi
    cli
    ght.
    Thepoliceoff
    iceri
    nthecarbesi
    deshersrol
    led
    downhi swindow.
    “
    Stopont
    henextst
    op.Iam behi
    ndyou.
    ”
    Sheswall
    owed.“
    Babe,
    Iam hangi
    ngup.Thepol
    ice
    havest
    oppedmebecauseIam dr
    ivi
    ngwhil
    eonthe
    phone.
    ”
    “
    Don’
    thangup.Iwi
    llt
    alkt
    ohi
    m.Pul
    lover
    .”
    “
    Ok.
    ”
    Thetraf
    ficl
    ighttur
    nedgr eenthenshedrovet
    ot he
    nextbusstopandpar ked.Shewatchedhimthrough
    therear
    viewmi r
    rorashewal kedover.
    “Omofounungmmewakgwet sa.Doyouknowthat
    di
    str
    act
    ioni
    swhymostcaraccident
    shappen?
    ”
    Shehandedhi
    mthephone.“
    Myhusbandwant
    sto
    tal
    ktoyou.
    ”
    Heputt
    hephoneonhi
    sear
    .“Mor
    ena.
    .”
    Fi
    fiwatchedhi
    m ashemovedfr
    om hercart
    alking.
    Hestoodbyhiscart
    henaminut
    elaterhewalked
    backt
    oherandhandedhert
    hephone.
    “
    Nextti
    meIam goingtochar
    geyou.Youdon’
    tdr
    ive
    whi
    lebusyonyourphone.Pi
    ckone!
    ”
    “
    Yes.Thankyou“
    Fi
    fiputt
    hephoneonherear
    .“Hel
    lo?
    ”
    “
    Gohome.Iwi
    llcal
    lyoul
    ater
    .Dr
    ivecar
    eful
    ly.
    ”
    “
    Eer
    ra.
    ”
    Sheputdownt
    hephoneanddr
    oveof
    f.

    *
    **

    InGabor
    one,
    Nei
    solai
    dont
    hehospi
    talbedast
    he
    doct
    ordi
    dascan.
    “
    Ther
    eshei
    s..
    ”
    Neisosmi
    ledl
    ookingatthescreen.“Shehasnot
    beenmovi
    ng.Ithoughtsomethingiswrong.
    ”
    Thedoctormovedthethr
    obandsmi
    ledast
    hey
    bot
    hli
    stenedtotheheart
    beat
    .
    “
    Wel
    l,
    Ithi
    nkshe’
    sjustt
    ool
    azyt
    omove.
    ”
    “
    Iwaswor
    ri
    ed.
    ”
    “
    Youar
    eal
    lgood.
    ”
    “
    Thankyou.CanIgetpi
    ctur
    es?Iwantt
    oshowher
    f
    ather
    .”
    “
    Yes,
    Icandef
    ini
    tel
    ygetyoupi
    ctur
    es.
    ”
    “
    Thankyou.
    ”

    Nei
    sowalkedoutt
    hehospi
    talawhil
    elat
    erandgot
    i
    nhercarcal
    li
    ngObakeng,
    herphonealr
    eadysett
    o
    r
    ecord.
    “
    Whati
    sit
    ?”
    “
    Iwentt
    othescan.Doyouwantt
    oseeher
    ?”
    “
    Itol
    dyouIwi
    llseeheronceyougi
    vebi
    rt
    h.”
    “Shei
    sbeauti
    ful
    .Shehasn’
    tbeenmovingbutshe’
    s
    bealr
    ight
    .Shehastoastr
    ongheart
    beat.
    ”
    “
    Ok,
    cool
    .”
    “
    Iam goi
    ngt
    onameherRenae.
    ”
    “
    Ok.
    ”
    “Shei
    syour
    s.Ihavenor
    easont
    ofor
    cet
    hisbabyon
    you.
    ”
    “
    Ihaveever
    yri
    ghtt
    onotbesur
    e.”
    “Howdoyouevensayt
    hatwhenyouf
    orced
    your
    sel
    font
    ome? ”
    “
    Thatl
    inei
    sget
    ti
    ngol
    d.”
    “
    Your
    apedme!
    ”
    “I
    tsyourwor dagainstmine.Idon’
    tevenr
    emember
    sleepingwithyou.Youcamet omyhouse,It
    oldyou
    toleaveandyoudi dn’
    t.Idon’
    tevenknowwhatyou
    want edti
    llnow.”
    “
    Youar
    egoi
    ngt
    ojai
    l.
    ”
    “
    It
    snotgoi
    ngt
    omakemewantyoubutt
    ry.
    ”
    Hehungup.Nei sosentt
    herecor
    dingt
    oherlawyer
    .
    Thelawyeropenedthemessagethencal
    ledher
    secondslat
    er.
    “
    Wil
    lthatwor
    k?”
    “Heisnotadmit
    ti
    ngt
    oanyt
    hing.Gethi
    mtosayyes,
    IrapedIyou.
    ”
    “
    Hei
    snotdenyi
    ngi
    tei
    ther
    .”
    “Thecourtwi
    llnotconsi
    deritasevidencesoit
    ’s
    goodaswehavenot hi
    ng.Ther apewon’twor
    k.It
    ’s
    j
    ustgoingtodraghisnamet hroughthemudbut
    he’snotgoi
    ngtojail
    .”

    *
    **

    Lat
    erthateveni
    ng,mmagweLor atospatsali
    vaona
    smallpi
    eceofclothfeel
    inghermouthgetf oamy.
    Shesighedfeel
    ingexhaustedthoughrel
    ievedthat
    Lor
    atowasnowawake.Nowshecoul dgobackt o
    workandsendhersomemoney.
    Hermout hgotfoamyagaint henshespatonthe
    samepi eceofclot
    h.Shestoodupcr avingsoi
    land
    walkedoutsi
    det oherbackyard.Shepickedastone
    goi
    ngt otheanthil
    l.Shehi
    titacoupleoft i
    mesand
    putthesoi
    linherhandt
    henwal
    kedbacki
    nher
    houseeati
    ng.
    Herstomachturnedasshesatdown.Shequickl
    y
    gotupandrant oherbat
    hroom asever
    ythi
    ngshe
    hadeatencameback.Sheopenedhermout hlet
    ti
    ng
    i
    toutinthetoi
    let.
    Shewashedhermouthknowi
    ngi
    twashermot
    her
    i
    n-l
    awbewitchi
    ngher
    .

    TWOMONTHSLATER…
    .
    .
    .
    [
    04/
    23,
    05:
    53]'
    :
    Si
    nsUnf
    orgi
    ven
    #61

    TwoMont
    hsLat
    er…
    InFranci
    stown,
    mmagweLorat
    olookedather
    daughterwhowassi
    tt
    ingi
    nherwheelchai
    rst
    ari
    ng
    attheTV.
    “
    DidyoucallFi
    fi
    ?Ihear
    dsheisgett
    ingmarri
    ed
    t
    oday.Iam sur
    eshewon’tt
    urnyouawayifyougo
    t
    here.
    ”
    Loratosighedexhausted.“
    Mamapl ease,
    aft
    er
    everythi
    ngyouthinkshewi l
    lletmeatt
    endher
    wedding?Shewon’ tsendmeawaybutIdon’ tt
    hink
    shewoul dwantmet here.”
    “
    Shei
    smar
    ryi
    ngyourboyf
    ri
    end!
    ”
    Loratotur
    nedtoher .“
    Hewasnotmyboyf ri
    end.I
    don’tevenknowwhatgotoverme.Hewasnotmy
    boyfri
    end.Heneversaidwewer ei
    narelati
    onshi
    p.
    Itwasjustanunfortunat
    ethathewasthesameguy
    whowasaf t
    erFif
    i.Hechosehernotme.Ishould
    haveacceptedthat.Hewasnevermine.”
    “
    Butyousawhi
    mfi
    rst
    .”
    “
    Hel
    ovedherf
    ir
    st.Pl
    easest
    opt
    his.
    ”
    “
    Legauf
    idoesn’
    tdeser
    vet
    ost
    ayhappywi
    thyour
    man!
    ”
    “Legaufideservestobehappy.Mat teroffact
    ,she
    deservesmor et
    hanj usthappi
    ness.Sheismy
    sist
    er.Iwillnotletyoupoisonmeagai nstmysist
    er
    l
    ikeyoudi dt hel
    astt i
    me.”
    Loratopushedherwheelchai
    rtoherroom.The
    room sheusedtosharewithFif
    igrowingup.She
    closedherdoorandsighedtear
    ful
    ly.Tearsgentl
    y
    roll
    eddownhercheeks.Sheswal l
    owedt hentook
    herphonefrom herl
    ap.
    Shetookadeepbreat
    handcal
    ledhergrandmother.
    Thephonerangf
    orawhilet
    henfinal
    lygotanswer.
    “
    Hel
    lo?
    ”
    “
    Mme…i
    t’
    sLor
    ato.
    ”
    “
    Oh,
    howar
    eyoumygi
    rl
    ?”
    “
    Iam f
    ine.
    ”
    “Ihear
    dyoucan’twalkbutdon’tl
    osefait
    h.Wit
    hGod,
    anythi
    ngispossi
    ble.JesuswokeupLazar usf
    rom
    thedead.Whatwil
    lstophimfrom makingyouwalk?
    Not
    hing!I
    t’
    sonl
    yhewhocandoi
    t.
    ”
    “
    Amen…howar
    eyou?
    ”
    “Iam fi
    nemygirl
    .Iam j
    ustr
    unni
    ngaroundf
    oryour
    sist
    er.Youwer
    esupposedtobeher
    e.”
    “Idon’
    twanttor
    uinherday.Iam onawheel
    chai
    r.I
    am aburden.
    ”
    “Never
    !Iwi
    llpushyou.Youaremyson’
    sdaught
    er.
    Youaremychi l
    d.Iwi
    llputyouonmybacki
    fIhave
    to.
    ”
    Lorat
    osni
    ff
    ed.“
    Iam f
    arnow.CanIpl
    easespeakt
    o
    Fif
    i?”
    “Yes.Themake-
    upwomanusfi
    nishi
    ngup.Weare
    alr
    eadyinFr
    anci
    stownf
    ort
    hecommi ssi
    oner
    ’s
    offi
    ce.
    ”
    “
    That
    ’sni
    ce.
    ”
    “
    Hol
    donmygi
    rl
    …”
    Lor
    atohel
    dthephoneandwai
    ted.

    *
    **
    Fi
    fil
    ookedathergr
    andmotherhandi
    nghert
    he
    phonewhil
    eshesatonthebedinawhit
    ewedding
    gown.
    “
    Hel
    lo?
    ”
    “
    Hi…”
    Fi
    fipaused.“
    Lol
    o?”
    Lorat
    osniff
    ed.“Hey…uhIjustwantedto
    congrat
    ulat
    ionsandthatIam happyf
    oryou.You
    deser
    vet obehappy.Yourti
    mehascome.Iam
    happythatyouarefi
    nall
    ygoingtohaveyourown
    famil
    y.”
    Tear
    sfi
    ll
    edFi
    fi
    ’seyes.“
    Thankyou.
    ”
    “Ial
    sowant edtoapologi
    zef
    oreveryt
    hing.I
    fInever
    meantitinthepast,
    Imeanitnow.Iam sosorry.I
    am real
    lysorr
    y.I…Iwasamonst er
    .”
    “
    Ilongf
    orgavei
    tal
    l.Howar
    eyou?
    ”
    “
    Iam f
    ine…Iwi
    llbef
    ine.
    ”
    “
    Banyanat
    oldmeyoul
    ostyourj
    ob.Iam sor
    ry.
    ”
    “Iexpectedit
    .Myr ecoveryistaki
    ngtoolong.But
    myImanagedt ofi
    nishoffmyhousewi thmy
    savings.Iputtenantsinsi
    de.Iwil
    lsurvi
    veonthat
    andal sotr
    ytopaybackt hebank.”
    “
    Soonyouwi
    llbebackonyourf
    eet
    .”
    “
    Yes.Haveabeaut
    if
    ulday.
    ”
    “
    Thankyou.
    ”
    “
    Bye.
    ”
    Loratohungup.Fif
    ilookedupt
    ryi
    ngt
    okeepher
    tearsaway.Sheputthephonedownast
    hemakeup
    arti
    stfi
    nishedup.
    “
    Omont
    legor
    emonyadi
    .”
    Fi
    fil
    ookedather
    sel
    font
    hemi
    rr
    orandsmi
    led.
    “
    Ilookbeaut
    if
    ul.Iam scar
    ed.
    ”
    Themake-upart
    istwal
    kedoutt
    henFi
    fi
    ’s
    grandmot
    herhel
    dherhand.
    “
    Youl
    ookbeaut
    if
    ul.Iam sohappy.
    ”
    Fif
    istoodupashergrandmotherr
    eachedf
    orthe
    vei
    l.Shepinnedi
    tinFi
    fi
    ’shai
    randstart
    edul
    ulat
    ing.
    Fi
    filaughedstari
    ngatherselfonthemirr
    or.The
    dr
    essf itherper
    fect
    ly.Shetouchedherbeauti
    ful
    ly
    st
    yledhai randsmil
    ed.
    “
    Let
    ’sgoMr
    s.Moj
    alef
    a…”
    Theywalkedout.Rel
    ati
    veswhohadgather
    edatt
    he
    l
    odgestaredasshesteppedout
    .Herauntr
    ushed
    overul
    ulat
    ing.

    *
    **

    Obakengsteppedoutoft
    hecaratthe
    commissioner
    ’sof
    ficewi
    thLor
    i.Kabowalkedover
    i
    nhissuitandsmiledbumpi
    ngshoulder
    swi t
    h
    Obakeng.
    “
    Themanoft
    hemoment
    !”
    Obakengl
    aughedf
    ixi
    nghi
    sbowt
    ie.“
    Sur
    emi
    ster
    !”
    Lor
    ismi
    led.“
    Fif
    iiswor
    thi
    t.She’
    sagoodwoman“
    Obakengnodded.“
    Ican’
    tbel
    ievekeanyal
    a.”
    Kabol
    aughed.“
    Imagi
    ne.Af
    termyacoupl
    eof
    mont
    hsofdat
    ing.
    ”
    “
    Ifyouknowyouknow.
    ”
    Kaboshookhi
    shead.“
    Weknow,
    wej
    ustdon’
    thave
    money.
    ”
    “
    Butmoneyf
    ort
    ravel
    ingyouhave.
    ”
    Lor
    inodded.“Hedoes.Whatwer
    eyoudoi
    ngi
    n
    CapeTownlastweek?”
    “
    Itwasawor
    ktr
    ip.
    ”
    “
    WaakakanaMi st
    er!Youwer
    ewi t
    hagi
    rl
    .Idon’
    tli
    ke
    t
    hisnew.She’
    shighmaint
    enance.
    ”
    Kabosmil
    edl
    ooki
    ngatObakeng.“
    Shei
    sal
    ovel
    y
    per
    son.
    ”
    “
    Ithoughtyouwer
    ebuyi
    ngat
    axi
    .”
    Lor
    ilaughed.“
    Heusedt
    hemoneyt
    ogot
    o
    CapeTown.”
    Obakengj
    oinedi
    n.“
    Theothert
    imeyouboughtan
    i
    Phone.Thi
    swomani sgoi
    ngtofi
    nishyourmoney.
    ”
    Obakeng’
    suncl
    ewal
    kedoverandwhi
    spered
    somethi
    ngtohi
    m.Hesmil
    edwatchi
    nghisuncl
    e
    wal
    kaway.
    “
    Let
    sgoi
    n.Theyar
    eher
    e.”
    Lorit
    urnedhisheadasthefi
    rstPabal
    locardrove
    thr
    ough.Theywalkedinsi
    dethebuil
    dingatthe
    commi ssi
    oner’
    soff
    iceasmorecarsdr ovet
    hrough.

    *
    **

    InGaborone,
    atapri
    vatehospi
    tal
    ,Nei
    sosweated
    l
    yingonthehospi
    talbed.Shet
    hrewherheadback
    exhaust
    ed.Themidwifel
    ookedather
    .
    “Nei
    so,ther
    eisababyi
    nsideyou.Thatbabywant
    s
    t
    ocomeoutnow.Youar egoingtohavetopush.
    Holdthebedrai
    lsmygi
    rlandpush!”
    Nei
    sohel
    dthebedr
    ail
    sandgr
    oanedpushi
    ng.
    “
    Mor
    e!Mor
    e!”
    Hepushedevenmor e.Thebaby’sheadslidout
    .
    Themi dwi
    fecaughtheri
    nherarms.Shel ookedat
    thebabyandfrownedatherpurpli
    shbluei
    shskin.
    Shecutt
    heumbi
    li
    calcor
    d,herhear
    tpoundi
    ng.
    Neisolookedovert
    ear
    ful
    ly.“Iwantt
    oseeher.
    PleasecanIhavemybabydaddycal l
    ed.Iwanthi
    m
    toseeher.Letmeseeher.”
    Themidwi
    fel
    ookedatt
    hest
    il
    lbabyasmor
    enur
    ses
    l
    ooked.
    Neisoworri
    edlylookedatt
    hem.“I
    severyt
    hingok?
    Letmeseemybaby.Whyi sshenotcryi
    ng?She
    shouldcr
    yright?Ababyshouldcry.Whyisshenot
    cryi
    ng?”
    Themidwi
    fel
    ookedathersadl
    y.“
    Iam sor
    ry…i
    t’
    sa
    st
    il
    lbor
    n.”
    Nei
    sol
    ookedatherconf
    used.“
    Whatdoyoumean?
    ”
    “
    Shei
    snotal
    ive.
    ”
    Nei
    soshookherhead.“
    Shei
    sal
    ive.She’
    sfi
    ne.
    ”
    “
    Iam sor
    ry-
    “
    “
    Givememybaby!Gi
    vememybaby!
    ”
    Themidwi
    fequicklycl
    eanedt
    hebabyandwrapped
    herwi
    thasmallblankett
    henhandedhert
    oNeiso.
    Neisoheldherinherarmsandl
    ookedathercl
    osed
    eyes.Tearsf
    il
    ledhereyes.
    “Hey…”Shetouchedhercheekshaki
    ng.Tear
    sfel
    l
    asherheartr
    aced.Shecareful
    lyfi
    xedthesmal
    l
    blanket
    .
    “
    Comeon…movef
    orme…“
    Themidwifesadl
    ywat
    ched.Nei
    sol
    ookedather
    ,her
    tear
    srol
    li
    ngdown.
    “Shei
    sfi
    ne.Icarri
    edherf
    or9months.She’
    sfi
    ne…
    she’
    s…she’
    sfine.Mybabyi
    sfi
    ne…”
    “
    Iam sor
    ry.
    ”
    Neisoshookherheadcryi
    ng.“
    No.She’
    sfi
    ne…
    she’sf
    ine.Mybabyisfi
    ne.”
    .
    .
    .
    [
    04/
    23,
    05:
    53]'
    :
    Si
    nsUnf
    orgi
    ven
    #62

    Inherfi
    tandf lar
    edwhi teweddinggownwi t
    han
    overski
    rt
    ,Fifismil
    edst andi
    ngbesidesObakengas
    thecommi ssioneroff
    iciat
    edtheirweddi
    ng.He
    smil
    edst ar
    ingatt hem.
    “
    Youcanki
    sst
    hebr
    ide!
    ”
    Fifishyl
    ysmi l
    edasObakengt urnedherar
    ound
    thenleanedoverandf r
    enchkissedherasthei
    r
    aunt ’
    sulul
    atedincel
    ebrat
    ion.Shepull
    edherli
    ps
    awayl ooki
    ngdowngi ggli
    ng.
    Awhilelatert
    heyallwal
    kedout.Fi
    fil
    ookedat
    Obakeng’smotherwhohadasourexpr essiononas
    shewalkedbesidesherdaught
    erwhol ooked
    annoyedandbor ed.
    Fif
    ilookedatherfat
    herin-
    lawwhowaschat t
    ing
    wit
    hhergr andfat
    hersmili
    ngthensmil
    ed.Theother
    rel
    ativessangweddingsongsastheywalked
    headedt othecar
    s.
    Obakengki
    ssedhercheek.“
    Hey…”
    Fi
    fismi
    led.“
    Yourmom doesn’
    tlookhappy.
    ”
    “Don’
    tmindher
    .That
    ’sj
    usthowshei s.
    ”Heki
    ssed
    her.“
    Youlookmor
    ethanjustbeaut
    if
    ul….
    ”
    Fi
    fismi
    ledt
    ouchi
    nghergown.“
    Thankyou.
    ”
    MmagweObakenggl aredatFif
    iunabl
    etohideher
    hatred.Shelookedatthemer maidbodyhugging
    dressthatlookedwayt ooexpensivef
    orher.She
    couldn’tunderst
    andwhyObakenghadt ochoosea
    pornstarwhent her
    ewer ebett
    erwomenoutt her
    e.
    Herhusbandputhi
    sarm ar
    oundher.“
    Peopl
    ear
    e
    watchi
    ng.Stopl
    ooki
    ngatherl
    ikeyouwantt
    o
    murderher.
    ”
    “
    SoIshoul
    dpr
    etendt
    obehappy?
    ”
    “Whyshouldyoupret
    endwhenyoucangenui
    nel
    y
    behappyforourson?”
    “
    Iam nothappywi
    tht
    hewomanhechose.
    ”
    “
    Sheistheonehewants.Whydoyouhavet
    obe
    t
    hisper
    sonDimakat
    so?Why?”
    Theywal
    kedt
    othei
    rcarandgoti
    naseveryone’
    s
    el
    segoti
    nacarandjoi
    nedthet
    raf
    fi
    ctothevenue.
    MmagweObakengl ookedatherhusband.“Iam not
    goingtoacceptsomeonewhosl eptwit
    hent i
    re
    populat
    ionofmeni nBotswana.Youcanal r
    eadytel
    l
    she’sagolddigger
    .KooreIdon’tunder
    stand
    Obakeng.”
    “Youwer enotavi
    rgi
    nwhenIfi
    rstmetyou.Wit
    h
    yourhist
    ory,whoknewhowmanymenyouhad
    sleptwit
    h.Youworkedi
    nanightbarent
    ert
    aini
    ng
    men. ”
    “
    Iwasj
    ustadancerandasi
    nger
    .Iwasn’
    t-
    “
    “Youwerenotasi
    nger
    .Youweredancinghalf
    nakedf
    ormen!Iknowitdi
    dn’
    tjustendatdanci
    ng.
    ”
    “
    Areyout
    ryi
    ngt
    ocompar
    emet
    othatgi
    rl
    ?”
    RragweObakengsi ghed.“Ijustwantyout ostop
    att
    ackingt hatgirl
    .Iwantyout okeepyourhat eto
    yourself.Noteveryonemustknowyouhat eyour
    son’swi fe.I
    t’
    ssadt hatyouwoul dhateherwhen
    youwer ewelcomedwi thnothingbutloveinmy
    family.Mymot herlovedyoudespi teyour
    backgr ound.Iam tiredoftalki
    ngaboutt hi
    s.Ifyou
    won’taccepther ,it
    ’sfine.Iwil
    laccepther.Wago
    kgori
    siwaaft
    erthi
    s.I
    fyoucan’tdothehonor
    sand
    playyourr
    oleasamot her
    ,tel
    lusnowsoIcallyour
    si
    stertodothehonor
    s.”
    “
    Iam notgoi
    ngt oaccepther
    .Cal
    lwhoeveryou
    wantt
    ocallJoseph.
    ”
    RragweObakenglookedathert
    hent
    urnedbackt
    o
    t
    her oaddi
    sappoi
    nted.

    I
    nKabo’scar,
    Nonopressedherphoneseatedat
    t
    hebackwithheruncl
    eseatedatt
    hefrontseatwi
    th
    Kabochat
    ti
    ngaboutasoccergame.
    Nonoleanedbackstar
    ingatNei
    so’
    slastseen.I
    t
    wasofyester
    day.Shewenttohercont
    actsand
    cal
    ledher.
    “
    Thenumberyouhave-
    “
    Shedroppedthecal
    landsighed.Kabolookedather
    thr
    oughtherear
    viewmirr
    orwonder i
    ngwhatshe
    wasdoingonherphone.Thedistantrel
    ati
    onshi
    p
    wasreal
    lyt
    aki
    ngalotfr
    om hi
    m.Hesuspect
    edt
    her
    e
    wassomeonewhokeptherenter
    tai
    nedi
    nMaun
    t
    houghhedidn’
    thavepr
    oof.
    Andt hefactthattheycoul dn’
    tdisclosetheir
    rel
    ationshipmadehi m quest i
    ont hefut
    ure.Het ook
    aturnf ol
    lowingthecar si
    nf rontofhim.Mi nutes
    l
    aterhedr ovet hr
    ought hehot elentr
    anceand
    parkedhiscar .Theyallsteppedoutasanusher
    walkedoverandl edthem tohot el’
    sbackyardwhere
    thebeaut i
    fuloutdoorset-
    upwas.
    OneofFi f
    i’
    scousintookoutherphoneandt ook
    pict
    uresaseveryonetookaseat.Kabolookedat
    herasshet ooksomeselfi
    es,sheturnedandl ocked
    eyeswithhim bef
    oreshylyl
    ookingaway.Hesmi led
    taki
    ngaseatont heroundtablewit
    hLor iandthe
    restoft
    hebr i
    demaidsandgr oomsmen.Fi fi
    ’
    s
    cousinjoi
    nedthem i
    namat chingbri
    desmai d’
    s
    dress.
    Nonof
    osatontheroundtabl
    ewithherpar
    ent
    s.She
    l
    ookedatKabost
    aringatFi
    fi
    ’scousi
    nandangri
    ly
    l
    ookedaway.
    *

    Fifist
    eppedoutoft hecaratt hehot
    el'
    sparki
    ngl ot
    withhergrandfat
    her .Helookedatherandhel dher
    handsmi l
    ing.Anothercarpul l
    edoverthenRicky
    steppedoutinaslimf itsui
    tandheels.Ricky
    rushedoverandhuggedher ..Fif
    ismil
    ed.
    “
    Hey.
    .”
    Ri
    ckygiggl
    ed.“Youlookli
    ket
    hemostbeaut
    if
    ul
    br
    ideIhaveeverseen.”
    “
    Youl
    ookhot
    .”
    “
    Iam her
    etosnat
    chsoul
    s.”
    Theylaughed.Rickywentbehi
    ndFi
    fiandl
    if
    tedt
    he
    tr
    ailofherover
    skirt
    .
    Fi
    fihel
    dhergr
    andf
    ather’
    shandtaki
    ngadeep
    br
    eath.Hesmi
    ledr
    ubbinghiseyes.
    “
    Iam sohappyIam gi
    vingyouawayt
    oagood
    man.
    ”
    Fi
    fismi
    ledback.“
    Iam st
    il
    lyourMsP.
    ”
    Helaughedthenhuggedher
    .Fif
    icl
    osedhereyesso
    notgocry.Hergr
    andfat
    herl
    ethergoandsmiled.
    “
    Let
    ’sgoi
    n.”
    Theywal kedinsidethehot elgoi
    ngtothebackyar
    d
    wit
    hRi ckybehind.Fifismiledstari
    ngatObakeng
    whowasst andingbyt heent r
    anceleadi
    ngtothe
    backyardinhisbl acktuxedo.Helockedeyeswith
    herassheappr oachedandsmi l
    edrubbinghi
    s
    handst oget
    her.
    Hergr
    andf
    atherhandedheroversmil
    ingast
    he
    camer
    amancapt ur
    edthemoment .
    Ri
    ckyletgoandwal kedtowardshi
    sseat
    .Fi
    fi
    ’s
    gr
    andfatherwentandsatbesideshi
    swif
    e.Obakeng
    smil
    edcuppinghiswi f
    e’sf
    ace.
    “
    Hi…”
    Fi
    fismi
    ledt
    ear
    ful
    ly.“
    Hel
    lo…”
    “IthankGodf ormakingmedr i
    veherethatday.I
    hadwant edtocomet hefol
    lowingdaybutdecided
    otherwise.I
    fIdidn’
    tcomethatnight
    ,Iwouldhave
    notmetyou…Godbroughtyout
    ome…hemadeyou
    forme…IloveyousomuchMmaMojal
    efa…I
    wouldn’
    thavei
    tanyot
    herway.”
    Atearr
    oll
    eddownFi
    fi
    ’scheek.Hewi
    pedi
    tof
    fand
    ki
    ssedher.
    Sheclosedhereyeski ssi
    nghim back.Hedr
    oppeda
    babykissonherlipsthenheldherhandandledher
    towhereeveryonewasseat edasChr i
    sti
    naPer
    ri
    'sA
    ThousandYearsPl ayed.

    *
    **

    Nei
    socradl
    edherdeadbabyi
    nherar
    ms.Her
    motherl
    ookedather
    .
    “
    Nei
    …”
    Shel
    ookedawaysilent
    lycr
    ying.Hermot
    hersni
    ff
    ed
    st
    ari
    ngatherdaughter
    .
    “
    Baby…l
    ethergo.Lett
    hem t
    akeher
    .”
    Nei
    soshookherheadcr
    ying.“
    Mybaby.
    .”
    “
    Iknow…Iknow…Iam her
    e.Iam sor
    rymygi
    rl
    .”
    Shegent
    lytookthebabyfrom herandhandedher
    tot
    henursestowhot ookheraway.Neiso
    scr
    eamedcr yi
    ng.Hermotherhuggedherti
    ghtl
    y.
    Nei
    so’
    sbodyshooksomuchasshecr i
    ed.
    Hermot hercl
    osedhereyes,
    herownt
    ear
    sfi
    ll
    ing
    hereyes.
    “
    Iam sor
    ry…Iam sor
    rybaby.
    .”
    Shehyster
    ical
    lycri
    edt i
    llshecoul
    dn’tanymor
    e.Her
    mothergentl
    ylaidherdownandwi pedherown
    tear
    s.Shesniff
    edast henursewalkedin.
    “
    Iam goi
    ngt
    osedat
    eher
    …”
    Neiso’smot
    hernoddedandwat chedasthey
    i
    njectedher
    .Secondsl
    aterherdaughter
    ’sbr
    eat
    hing
    cal
    meddown.Thenur sesighedsadly.
    “
    Iam sosor
    ry.
    ”
    Neiso’
    smothernodded.“
    Thankyou.Uh…i
    sthe
    babyprematur
    e?”
    “
    No.
    ”
    Neiso’
    smothernoddedwi
    thasi
    ght
    hencal
    ledher
    husband.
    “
    Hel
    lo?
    ”
    “
    Theyhavesedat
    edher
    .”
    “
    Ok.Iam onmyway.
    ”
    “
    Thi
    sbabyi
    snotObakeng’
    s.”
    “
    Shei
    snot
    ?”
    “No.I
    fitwerethenshehadtobeapr ematur
    e.Thi
    s
    oneisafullbaby.I
    tdoesn’
    tmakesense.Shemight
    havesuspecteditwasn’
    tbutknowi
    ngyourdaughter
    shewasnotgoi ngtobackdown.”
    “Thetruthwil
    lembarr
    assus.Si ncet
    hebabyi sdead,
    Idon’tthi
    nkther
    eisanyr easontodi
    sclosethat.
    Let’
    sjustfocusonburyingher.Whetherthatf
    amily
    showsupordoesn’ t
    ,itdoesnotmatter.
    ”
    “Ok.NowIst
    art
    ingt
    osuspectt
    hiswhol
    erape
    stor
    y.”
    “Hedi
    dn’
    trapeher
    ,buthesl
    eptwi
    thher
    .ThatI
    know.
    ”
    “Idon’
    tunderst
    andNei
    sosomet
    imes.Thi
    sis
    obsessi
    on.”
    “
    Shewi l
    lgetoverhim.It’
    slove.Shereal
    izesshe
    madeami stake.Letherl
    earnfrom i
    t.Iam al
    most
    t
    here.Wewi l
    ltal
    k.”
    “
    Ok.
    ”
    Hehungupt
    henshel
    ookedatherdaught
    ersadl
    y.

    *
    **

    Atthewedding,Sithel
    o’sFor everpl
    ayedthr
    ought
    he
    bigspeaker
    s, Fi
    fidancedbesi deherhusband
    toget
    herwithherbr i
    desmai dsandthegroomsmen.
    Withtheoverski
    rtoff,i
    tlookedl i
    keshewasina
    dif
    fer
    entgown.
    *

    Meanwhil
    einoneofthehotelr
    ooms,mmagwe
    Obakengknockedonthedoorhol
    dingherhandbag.
    Al
    adyopenedt
    hedoorandsmi
    led.
    “
    Dumel
    ang.
    .”
    “
    Iam Obakeng’
    smot
    her
    .Thegr
    oom.Iwantt
    osee
    t
    heki
    ds.”
    “Iam sorr
    ybutIwast oldnottoallowanyonenear
    thetr
    iplet
    sunl
    essit
    ’st heirmotherorgr
    andmother
    .I
    am j
    ustanannyf ol
    lowi nginst
    ructi
    ons.
    ”
    “
    Heel
    a!Thosechi
    ldr
    enaremygr andchi
    ldr
    en.Iwant
    t
    oseethem.Movefrom t
    hisdoor!
    ”
    Sheshovedt henannyandwalkedin.Shelookedat
    thetri
    plet
    swithafrownonherface.Shelooked
    closel
    y,Yaoneopenedhereyesandlookedather
    thensmi l
    edputt
    ingherf
    ingeri
    nhermout h.
    MmagweObakengpickedherup.Yaonesmiled
    evenmor
    e.MmagweObakengsmi l
    edthensat
    downhol
    dingheri
    nherarms.
    Fi
    fi
    ’sgr
    andmot
    herwalkedi
    nmi nutesl
    ateron.
    MmagweObakenglookedather.
    “
    Uhu!Doyout
    hinkIwi
    llki
    llt
    hem?
    ”
    Fi
    fi
    ’sgr
    andmot
    hersmi
    led.“
    No.Iam j
    usther
    eto
    checkont
    hem.Idon’
    twantFi
    fit
    owor
    ryaboutt
    hem
    whenIam her
    e.”
    MmagweObakengputYaonedownandwal
    kedout
    .
    Herphoner
    angasshewalkedbackt
    owher
    e
    ever
    yonewas.
    “
    Hel
    lo?
    ”
    “Hell
    o,it
    ’sNei
    so’
    smother
    .Ij
    ustcall
    edtol
    etyou
    knowt hatNei
    sogavebi
    rt
    htoastil
    lbor
    nbabygir
    l.
    Shehasbeensedatedandcan’
    ttal
    knowbutwe
    justt
    houghtyoushoul
    dknow.”
    “
    Iam sosorr
    ytoheart
    his.Iwil
    lpassthemessage
    t
    othefamil
    yimmediat
    ely.I
    fther
    eisgoingt
    obea
    f
    uner
    alorsomethi
    ng,wewoul dl
    iketobepar
    tofit
    .”
    “
    Eemma.Wewi
    llkeepyoui
    nfor
    med.Thankyou.
    ”
    MmagweObakengwal
    kedbackt
    oherhusbandand
    satdown.
    “
    Nei
    sogavebi
    rt
    htoast
    il
    lbor
    nbaby.
    ”
    Rr
    agweObakengl
    ookedather
    .“Mi
    nusone
    pr
    obl
    em.
    ”
    “
    Whatdi
    dyousay?Thatbabywasour
    gr
    anddaught
    er.
    ”
    “Isai
    dminusonepr obl
    em.Nowmysoncanf ul
    lybe
    happywithouthavi
    ngtoworr
    yaboutNei
    so.Iam
    happytoo.”
    “
    Youar
    eunbel
    ievabl
    e!”
    RragweObakengtur
    nedhisatt
    ent
    ionbackt
    othe
    danci
    ngandsmiledclappi
    ng.
    .
    .
    .
    [
    04/
    23,
    05:
    53]'
    :
    Si
    nsUnf
    orgi
    ven
    #63

    Justaf
    terdusk,aftert
    hebigcel
    ebrat
    ion,Obakeng
    hel
    dFifi
    ’shandst andi
    nginfr
    ontofeveryonewhile
    hol
    dingthemicwi ththeot
    herhand.Somepeopl e
    hadalr
    eadyleftthoughmadehershy, shelooked
    downasObakengspoke.
    “We,mywi f
    eandIj ustwanttot hankeveryonewho
    camet ocel
    ebratethi
    sdaywi thus.Yout ooktime
    offyourper
    sonalli
    vedtocelebr at
    eourper sonal
    l
    ives.Iwanttothankmyuncl e,uncleD,thankyou
    forbeingmynumber1suppor ter.
    ”
    Obakeng’
    syounguncl
    erai
    sedhi
    sthumbsup.
    Obakengwenton.
    “Ialsowantt othankmyi n-l
    awsforsuchbeaut i
    ful
    woman, ebil
    enkarenkaduel amagadibekel ebeke. ”
    Thecr owdl aughed.Hesmi l
    edatandl ookedatFi fi
    .
    “Iwanttot hankmybeaut if
    ulwifeforagreeingto
    beingmi neevent houghitwasafteralotof
    convincingandbeggi ng.Iwoulddoitagaingi ven
    thechance.Ihaveneverbeenmor ehappier.Ican’t
    waitforust ostartourl
    ivestoget
    her.Ican’twai tt
    o
    wakeupwi thyour i
    ghtbymysi deeverymor ni
    ng.I
    can’twaitforustogr owoldtogether
    .”
    Het i
    lt
    edherchinandkissedher
    .Fi
    fiki
    ssedhim
    backandsmi l
    edlookingdownasthei
    raudience
    screamed.Shelaughed.
    “
    Thankyouagai
    n,ever
    yone.Lekamoso!
    ”
    Heputthemicdownt hent
    ookoffhi
    sjacket
    walki
    ngtowar
    dsLori.Ther
    estofhi
    sgroomsmen
    st
    oodup.Everyonestar
    edi
    nconfusi
    on.
    Rickyst
    oodupthengrabbedachairandputi
    tI
    fr
    ontofever
    yone.HewalkedoverandtookFi
    fi
    ’s
    hand.
    “
    What
    ’sgoi
    ngon?
    ”
    “
    Come…si
    t.
    ”
    Fif
    isatonthechairaseveryonestared.The
    groomsmenalltookofftheirj
    ackets.TheDJst art
    ed
    pl
    ayingaNigeri
    asongast heyal
    lstoodinf r
    ontof
    herdanci
    ng.Fif
    iputherhandonhermout hstari
    ng
    athermandancing.
    Fi
    fi
    ’scousi
    nsallwatched,
    oneofhercousi
    ns
    gi
    ggledtoherf
    riend.
    “
    Imagi
    nebei
    ngmarri
    edt
    othat
    .Lookathowhei
    s
    movi
    nghi
    swaist
    .”
    Thefri
    endwhohadbeeneyeingObakengl
    aughed.
    “Ihopeyourcousi
    nknowst
    hatsuchmenareour
    type.
    ”
    Thecousinlaughed.“
    Idoubti
    t.Thi
    sguyi
    stoogood
    l
    ooki
    ngf orher.
    ”
    Thefri
    endsmi
    led.“
    Waytoogoodlookingforher .
    Ebil
    enmaamanwi thari
    ngonhisfingerturnsme
    on.Theyar
    eal
    wayscutewhentryi
    ngt orejectyou.”
    Thecousi
    nlaughedevenmor
    e.“
    NnaIwantt
    he
    fr
    iend.
    ”
    “
    Whi
    chone?
    ”
    “
    Thebestman.Onal
    ethatt
    hing.
    ”
    Thefri
    endlookedoveratLor
    idanci
    ngthensmil
    ed.
    “Wai
    tsethesemenmma…butt hegroom i
    stheoneI
    am t
    ell
    ingyou.Iam goi
    ngtofuckhi
    m. ”
    Anot
    hercousi
    nwhohadbeenl
    ist
    eni
    ngl
    ookedat
    t
    hem fedup.
    “Galeswabe?Youwantf uckhim wher
    eol emaswe
    yaanawena? !SoTsameyoubr i
    ngyourwhoring
    fr
    iendstocomedest r
    oyotherpeopl
    e’
    sli
    ves?Don’t
    youhaveshame?Atl easti
    fyoubathedIwouldhear
    youaboutsleepi
    ngwi t
    hhim butonkgalegwafa
    helagapeoleswe!”
    Tsamel
    ookedather
    ,herhear
    tpoundi
    ng.“
    Bonol
    o-“
    “Don’
    tBonolome!Youdi
    sgustme!Tsal
    eswel
    a
    gagoleotsamaye!
    ”
    Tsamegotupandwal kedaway.Bonolotookadeep
    breathanddidanot
    hercal
    lbacktoherboyfr
    iend
    thenlookedatt
    hemendancing.Shefoundher sel
    f
    stari
    ngatKaboastheydanced.
    FifilookedatObakengasheunbut tonedhi sshi
    rt
    thent ookitof
    f.Sheblushedashegotcl oser.He
    pulledherupandputherhandonhi schest .Fi
    fi
    blushedevenmor ecaressi
    nghim.Het urnedher
    aroundandbendedherover .Fi
    fibi
    thislower
    l
    aughi ngashemovedhi swaistbumpingi ntoher
    but t
    .
    Shenaughti
    lymovedagainsthim.Peopl escreamed
    whil
    eRickytoget
    herwithUsherswat chedeveryone
    makingsurenoonewast akingvideosofpictures.
    Therestofthementookofftheirshi
    rts.Obakeng
    movedawayf rom Fi
    fit
    henjoinedhisgroomsmen
    danci
    ngtil
    lthesongended.
    Fi
    fil
    aughedput
    ti
    ngherhandsonherf
    ace.TheDJ
    playedSisterBethi
    na.RickylookedatFi
    fiand
    j
    oinedheri nfrontofeveryonedanci
    ng.Fif
    ilaughed
    recall
    ingthei
    rolddays.
    Sheslowlyrel
    axedandst art
    eddancing.Ricky
    l
    ookedatherknowi nglysmil
    ingthentheystarted
    dancingthei
    rdance.Theymovedt ogetherlaughi
    ng.
    Everyonejoi
    nedinsingingalongastheelderslef
    t.

    ‘
    Hehbar
    esi
    dl’
    ubushabet
    hu
    Hehbar
    esi
    dl’
    ubushabet
    hu
    Hehbar
    esi
    dl’
    ubushabet
    hu
    Hehbar
    esi
    dl’
    ubushabet
    hu
    Hohsbhebhal
    abant
    wanahhebar
    e
    Hebar
    esbhebhal
    abant
    wanahhebar
    e
    Hebaresbhebhal
    abant
    wanai
    nthemi
    nti
    mehebar
    e
    hebar
    e’

    Fi
    fidancedeff
    ort
    lessl
    yasifshewasnotinheel
    s.
    KabolookedatFi
    fi’
    scousi
    nwhowasst andi
    ngfeet
    awaysmi
    li
    ng.Hewal
    kedoverandt
    ookherhand.
    “
    Oshy?What
    ’syourname?
    ”
    Bonol
    osmi
    led.“
    Bonol
    o.”
    Kabosmi
    led.“
    ComeanddanceNol
    o.”
    Shesmi l
    edbr eathinginhiscologneunsur eofwhat
    tosay.Shehadnot icedhim st
    aringf orthelongest
    ti
    me.Hepul ledherwher eeveryonewasdanci ng
    singi
    ng.Shel augheddanci ngshylywi thhim behind
    her.Sheloosenedupmi nuteslateranddanced
    evenmor estaringatFifinowdanci ngwi thherman.
    Theyhadt heirshirtsonagain.TheDJpl ayed
    anothersongast hecrowdwentcr azy.Hesmi led
    stari
    ngatthecr owddanci ngsingingt helyri
    cs.

    ‘
    l
    embambayay’
    zol
    o
    I
    yon’
    i
    vel
    eyangkhoboza
    Yangdi
    d’i
    nqondo
    Yadl
    alangomqondo
    I
    yon’
    i
    vel
    eyang’
    khoboza
    I
    yon’
    i
    vel
    eyang’
    khoboza’

    TheDJj
    oinedi
    nsi
    ngi
    ngt
    oo.
    Nonol ookedaroundt
    ryi
    ngtospotKabobutshe
    couldn’
    tseeanythi
    ngwit
    heveryonedancing.The
    walkedaroundtryi
    ngt
    ofindhi
    mt hensighedgivi
    ng
    up.Shetookoutherphoneandtextedhim.
    Nono:Iam i
    nthi
    shot
    el.Room no.15.
    Shewal kedinsi
    dethehotelast
    heDJchangedt he
    songandpl ayedBujoMujo’smarr
    yme. TheDJ
    exci
    tedlyjoi
    nedthecrowdsingi
    ngalongwhile
    dancingtheoldschooldancest
    epswi t
    heveryone
    el
    se.

    *
    **

    Lor
    atosmil
    edwatchingthevi
    deosf r
    om Fi
    fi
    ’s
    weddi
    ngseatedonherwheelchair
    .Hermother
    wal
    kedfr
    om herbathroom wi
    pinghermouth.
    “Ihavebeenbewi
    tched!HowcomeIst
    art
    edf
    eel
    ing
    sickaft
    erl
    eavi
    ngMai t
    engwe?
    ”
    Loratol
    ookedathermot
    her
    .“Maybeyouar
    e
    pregnant
    .”
    “Pregnant?Areyoucr
    azy?I
    fyoufeell
    ike
    disrespect
    ingmedon’
    tsayanyt
    hing!Nxl
    a!”
    Shewalkedawayshout
    ing.Lor
    atol
    ookedbackat
    herphoneandsmil
    edshari
    ngthevi
    deoonher
    ti
    meli
    ne.
    .
    .
    .
    [
    04/
    23,
    05:
    53]'
    :
    Si
    nsUnf
    orgi
    ven
    #64

    Latert
    hateveni
    ng, Fi
    fismiledwalki
    ngi nsi
    deher
    room att
    hehotel.Shet ookoffhershoesandtooka
    deepbreathrel
    ievedfrom thepainoftheheel
    s.She
    l
    ookedar
    oundt
    her
    oom exhaust
    ed.
    Shewal kedt
    othebathr
    oom andreachedfora
    showercaphummi ngthenfi
    ll
    edthebatht
    ubwith
    water.Awhil
    elat
    ershewalkedoutwithatowel
    aroundherwetbody.
    Someoneknockedonherdoor,shequi
    ckl
    yst
    ood
    upandopened.Obakengsmil
    ed.
    “
    Hey…”
    Shemovedf rom t
    hedoorandlethimin.Helooked
    atherbodycoveredwit
    honlyat owelt
    henmoved
    cl
    oserandkissedherdroppi
    nghertowelonthe
    fl
    oor.Hepickedherupandplacedheronthebed,
    hi
    scoldringtouchi
    ngherbareskin.
    Sheunbutt
    onedhi sshi
    rthelpi
    nghi
    mt akeitoff
    .Fi
    fi
    unhookedhisbeltt
    henputherhandinsidehis
    pantsandtouchedhisdick.
    Obakenggruntedontopofherki ssi
    ngher.He
    hadn’
    ttouchedhersi
    ncet hatti
    meandj usthavi
    ng
    herunderhim dr
    ovehim wild.
    Fi
    fi
    ’sgr
    andmot
    herknockedont
    hedoor
    .
    “
    Fif
    i!
    ”
    Obakengtookouthi
    sdi
    ckandki
    ssedherpushi
    ng
    atherent
    rance.
    “
    Fif
    i!Ar
    eyoui
    nther
    e!”
    Hergr
    andmotherknockevenmor
    e.Hepushedher
    l
    egstoherchestand…

    *
    **

    Fif
    i’
    sgrandmotherwal
    kedbacktoherroom wher
    e
    hergrandchi
    ldr
    enwhere.Herhusbandl
    ookedather
    .
    “
    And?
    ”
    “
    Ican’
    tfi
    ndher
    .”
    “
    Fif
    ijustgotmar
    ri
    ed.Shei
    swi
    thherhusband.
    ”
    Shesi ghed.“Wear eof
    fi
    cial
    lytaki
    nghertohernew
    familytomor r
    ow.Thereisnorush.Theyhaveallt
    he
    ti
    mei nt heworld.Ij
    ustwantedhertobreastf
    eedt
    o
    herchi l
    dren.Theyhavebeendr i
    nki
    ngthisfakemi
    lk
    allday.”
    “
    Hejustmarr
    iedher.Irememberhowexcit
    edIwas
    t
    ofi
    nall
    ycal
    lyouwi fe.Idi
    dn’
    twai
    tforanyt
    hing.I
    t’
    s
    t
    hesame.Letthem be.”
    Theol
    dladyt
    ookthebott
    leoffor
    mul
    ami
    lkt
    hen
    pi
    ckedYameandstar
    tedfeedi
    ngher
    .

    *
    **

    Nonolai
    donherbedlonel
    ywonderi
    ngwher ehe
    Kabowas.Thepart
    yhadended.Shetookherphone
    andcall
    edhi
    m buthi
    snumberwasstillnotgoi
    ng
    thr
    ough.
    Shegotof
    fbedandwalkedout
    .Shewenttothe
    hot
    el’
    sbackyar
    dandl
    ookedaroundbutt
    herewas
    noone.
    Shewalkedbackt
    oherr
    oom andsendhi
    ma
    message.
    Nono:Ican’tbel
    ieveyouwouldwaitmeupal lni
    ght
    l
    ikethi
    s.Isawyoul ooki
    ngatthatgir
    l…Ihopeyou
    arenotcheati
    ngonme, ifyouare,
    forgetus.
    Shesentt
    hemessageandl
    aidonherbedst
    il
    l
    wai
    ti
    ng.

    *
    **

    Inthenextr oom, KabogruntedontopofBonol


    o
    fucki
    ngher .Shecl osedhereyesmoaningwit
    hhim
    betweenherl egs.Herpussyspasmedashef ucked
    hermor e,
    herbr eastsbouncedwitheachthr
    ust.
    Shethrewherheadbackpul l
    ingt
    hesheetsashe
    groanedandst il
    ledempt yi
    nghisseedsinacondom.
    Bonolot
    urnedbreat
    hingheavi
    ly.Kabot
    ookof
    fthe
    condom andpi
    ckedanotherone.

    *
    **

    InGaborone,
    Banyanascrol
    ledt
    hroughthepict
    ures
    andvideosoftheweddi
    ng,sheopenedLori
    ’
    s
    pict
    ureandsmi l
    ed.
    Helookedgoodandbuf f
    .Waybet t
    erthanwhenbe
    wasapol i
    ceoffi
    cer.Shelookedattherestofthe
    pi
    ctur
    esandsi ghedrecall
    ingherwedding.Her
    phonerangthenshecl osedhereyesansweringher
    mother’
    scall
    .
    “
    Mama…”
    “Thepoli
    cecal
    led.Theyf
    oundsomet
    hingi
    nthe
    Gaboronedam.”
    “
    What
    ’ssomet
    hing?
    ”
    “Idon’
    tknow.Theyaresayi
    ngi
    t’
    sabody.They
    suspecti
    t’
    syourfat
    her’
    sbody.
    ”
    Banyanat
    ookadeepbr
    eat
    h.“
    Ok.
    ”
    “Theyaredoi
    ngi
    tint
    hemorni
    ng.Youcancome
    andpickmeupsowegotoget
    her.
    ”
    “
    Ok.
    ”
    Hermot
    hersni
    ff
    ed.“
    Hedi
    dn’
    tdeser
    vet
    his.
    ”
    “
    Iam busy.Iwi
    llseeyout
    omor
    row.
    ”
    Banyanahungupsitt
    ingonhercouch.Shelooked
    atLori
    ’
    spict
    ureunabl
    et oshakeof
    fthefeel
    inghe
    hadsomet hingtodowi ththedisappearance.He
    wasnaturall
    yasof tperson,thekindofmanyou
    wouldyellorscream atwhilehe’squiet
    .But
    somewher edeepdownhehadt hatpersonali
    tythat
    wouldki
    llsomeone.Shebar elysawtheper sonali
    ty
    buthehadi tinhim.
    Shetri
    edt orecallwhathadhappenedherf at
    her
    haddisappeared.Sher ememberedcomi nghome
    andhiml eavi
    ngaf tertheyhadabi gfight
    .Heonly
    camebacki nt hemor ningbutnothingseemedoff
    abouthim.
    Shet wi
    stedherl ipst
    ryi
    ngtorememberanyt
    hing
    elsebutnothingcamet omi
    nd.Shel
    ookedatthe
    restoft
    hepi cturesoftheweddi
    ngandwentto
    Obakeng’sprof i
    le.
    Shelookedathi spi
    ctur
    esthoughtf
    ull
    y…maybehe
    hadbeenanaccompl i
    cekil
    li
    ngherfather
    .He
    def
    init
    elycould.Hehaditinhim.Hecouldki
    ll
    someone…orhehaddonei tallal
    one.Thewaythey
    wereclose,shecouldn’
    tputi
    tpasthim.
    Shet
    ookadeepbr
    eat
    hfeel
    ingl
    ikeshewasl
    osi
    ngi
    t
    thenputherphonedownandl
    ookedatt
    heTVbut
    hermi ndt
    ookherbackt
    oherf
    ather
    ’s
    disappear
    ance.

    *
    **

    Thef ol
    lowi ngmorning,MmagweObakeng’ ssi st
    er
    helpedthedécorcompanysetupf ort
    hewel coming
    ofthebr ideinherhomeatPal apye.Herheel s
    echoedasshewal kedonherpavementwal king
    overtot heMoj al
    efarel
    ati
    vesthathadar r
    ived.She
    greetedt hoseshehadn’tgreet
    edsmi l
    ingwhi lethe
    unmar ri
    edl adi
    escookedbyt hefir
    e.
    Herbr
    otherin-
    law’
    syoungbr
    otherl
    ookedather
    wit
    hasmi l
    e.
    “
    Youknowi
    tshoul
    dhavebeenyour
    ight
    ?”
    Shel
    aughed.“
    Osi
    mol
    otseKen!
    ”
    Hefol
    lowedbehi
    ndher
    .“Youknowmybr
    other
    l
    ovedyou.”
    Di
    makat
    so’
    stwi
    nsi
    sterl
    ookedathi
    m smi
    li
    ng.“
    Your
    br
    otheri
    smysi
    ster
    ’shusbandandIam happyi
    n
    mypeace.”
    “
    Hel
    ovesyoust
    il
    l.
    ”
    Shet ur
    nedasmor epeoplewalkedi nthr
    oughher
    opengat e.Herbr
    otherin-l
    awwal kedt hr
    ought he
    gatewithhissist
    er.Wamesmi ledashe
    approached.Hewasagi nggracefull
    yandl ooked
    mor ehandsome, sofineheactuallyremindedherof
    thatactor…whatwashi snameagai n?Shesi ghed
    stari
    ngathisbody, getdefi
    nit
    elywasgoi ngt othe
    gym.
    Hepol
    it
    elyhuggedherasKenwal
    kedaway.
    “
    ThePabal
    lo’
    sar
    eal
    mosther
    e.Yoursi
    sterr
    efused
    t
    ocome.”
    Wamesmil
    edmovingback.“
    It
    ’sfi
    ne.Iwi
    llbeher
    mot
    heri
    n-l
    aw.OkaeObakeng?”
    Theybot
    htur
    nedandl
    ookedatObakengwal
    king
    over
    .Hesmil
    ed.
    “
    Dimamzo!
    ”
    “
    Myboy…”
    Shel
    aughedhugginghi
    sbigbody.Hisdeepvoi
    ce
    madeherl
    aughevenmor e,
    justyest
    erdayhewas
    j
    ustasmallboy.
    “
    Younevervi
    sitme.Why?
    ”
    Obakengl
    ookedathersmi
    li
    ng.“
    Iloveyou.
    ”
    Shel
    aughed.“
    Tel
    lmewhyyounevervi
    sitme!I
    ja…
    youl
    ookhandsome.
    ”
    RragweObakengl
    aughed.“
    Weal
    lknowwher
    ehe
    t
    akesitf
    rom.”
    Wamel aughed.“Icer
    tainl
    ydo.Youlookli
    ketwi
    ns.
    Ourvisi
    torsarealmosthere.Let
    ’sgeti
    norderf
    or
    them.Wedon’ twantthem thi
    nki
    ngwear e
    disor
    ganized.
    ”
    ShefixedObakeng’st
    ieandsmi l
    ed.“
    Iam pr
    oudof
    you.Iam sur
    eshei sbeauti
    ful
    .Ican’
    twai
    ttosee
    theki
    ds.Iheardtheyarethr
    ee.”
    Hesmil
    ed.“
    Yes.It
    hinkIam donewi t
    hchi
    ldr
    en.
    Godgavememyblessingsallatonce.
    ”
    “Good.Nowallyouhavetodoisbeamanandt ake
    careofyourf
    amily.Ican’
    twai
    ttomeether
    ,Ihear
    d
    she’
    sli
    ghtski
    nned.Kel
    ekut
    wane?
    ”
    Obakengl
    aughed.“
    Ehh.
    ”
    “
    Goandsi
    tdownwi
    thyouruncl
    es.
    ”
    Rr
    agweObakengl
    ookedatherwit
    hasmi l
    eand
    wonder
    edwhyGodhadn’
    tlethi
    m meetherfi
    rst
    .
    Shetur
    neditandwalkedi
    nsi
    deherhousei
    na
    Ger
    manpr i
    ntdress.

    ThePabal losparkedtheircar sadistantawayf rom


    theiri
    n-law’shouse.Theyst eppedoutwi ththeir
    bride,someaunt ’
    scarryingbl anketsontopoft hei
    r
    headswhi l
    eotherscarri
    edpi ll
    ows.Fi f
    i’
    s
    grandmot herhandedherat radit
    ionalbroom (lefel
    o
    kaSet swana)andapar aff
    inlampt henfixedher
    tsâleanddoek.
    Shepickedabagandputi
    tontopofherheadwhi
    le
    anot
    hermarri
    edrel
    ati
    vepi
    ckedametaldi
    sh.
    Allthemar r
    iedwomeni nt hei
    rbl
    uetraditi
    onalwear
    l
    ookeduni form wit
    htheirtsâl
    e’
    sont heirshoulder
    s,
    theirr
    ingsseati
    ngper f
    ect l
    yonthei
    rfingers.The
    unmar ri
    edrelat
    ivesandf amil
    yfri
    endssangal ong
    enjoyi
    ngt hemselves.
    ‘
    Heel
    anmat
    swal
    etl
    ogel
    atseo
    Mongwast
    soneoet
    la
    Heel
    amosut
    ele
    Mosut
    hel
    ele,
    mosut
    hel
    ele,
    Mosut
    hel
    ele,
    mosut
    hel
    ele
    Keyo,
    oet
    la'

    Meanwhi l
    efr
    om t
    heothersi
    de,
    theMojal
    efa
    rel
    ati
    vessangbythei
    rgateast
    hePaball
    os
    approached.
    ‘
    Lennakenyet
    si
    Lennakenyet
    si
    Lennakenyet
    si
    Lennakenyet
    si'

    ThePabal
    losgotcl
    oserandcl
    osersi
    ngi
    ng.
    ‘
    Semot
    shwer
    etshwer
    esenat
    la
    Semot
    shwer
    etshwer
    esenat
    la
    Semot
    shwer
    etshwer
    esenat
    la
    Ngwanaot
    shwer
    wekesenat
    la’

    TheMoj al
    efassteppedoutmeetingtheirin-l
    aws.
    Fi
    fismil
    edast heytooktheirl
    uggagefrom t hem.
    Shelookedupandsmi l
    edlocki
    ngeyeswi thher
    man.Shebl ushedlooki
    ngdownashewi nkedather
    .
    Fi
    fi
    ’sgr
    andmothernudgedherwit
    hherel
    bowas
    bot
    hfamil
    iessangonesongtoget
    heri
    nunison.
    Obakengwal
    kedoverandhuggedher
    .Fi
    fismi
    led
    bur
    yingherf
    aceonhischestast
    heaunt
    sulul
    ated
    ont
    opoft
    hesi
    ngi
    ng.
    Hekissedherthenheldherhandandledheri
    nsi
    de
    theyard.Ther
    estofthefamil
    iesf
    oll
    owedinsi
    de
    dingi
    ngevenlouder
    .

    Lat
    erthatdayaf
    terallt
    hecelebr
    ati
    on,Fif
    isatdown
    wit
    hherauntsontheweavemat stogetherwit
    hthe
    Mojal
    efaauntswhil
    eallthemensatont hechair
    s.
    Fif
    ikeptherheaddownf
    eel
    ingal
    leyesonherwhi
    le
    herauntspoke.

    *
    **

    I
    nherfather
    ’scar
    ,Nonoopenedal
    lthewi
    ndows
    t
    alki
    ngtoNeiso.
    “
    Haveyouar
    ri
    vedbyt
    het
    urn?
    ”
    “
    Yes.Ihavej
    ustt
    urned.Iseear
    edt
    uckshop.
    ”
    “
    Ok, gostr
    aight,t
    akeyourfi
    rstl
    eftthenyoursecond
    r
    ight.Youwillseethecat
    simmedi atel
    y.Wearethe
    f
    ift
    hhouse.”
    “
    Ok.Iwi
    llbet
    her
    ejustnow.
    ”
    “
    Shar
    p.”
    Nonosteppedoutoft
    hecar,minut
    eslat
    erNeiso
    dr
    oveoverandparkedhercar
    .Shesteppedoutina
    l
    ongdress.Nonosmil
    ed.
    “
    Hi…”
    Nei
    sisi
    ghed.“
    Wher
    ear
    ethey?
    ”
    “
    Insi
    de.Bakgor
    osangwet
    si.
    ”
    “
    IguessIam ont
    ime.
    ”
    Nonowal kedinsidetheyardwi t
    hNeiso.Fi
    fiturned
    astheywal kedover,shetookadeepbr eat
    h
    wonder i
    ngwhatwasgoi ngon.Everyoneelseturned
    star
    ing,Neisolookedatthem thenstoodinfrontof
    everyone.ShelookedatFi f
    ithenatObakeng.Tear s
    fi
    ll
    edhereyesasshest aredathim.
    .
    .
    .
    [
    04/
    23,
    05:
    54]'
    :
    Si
    nsUnf
    orgi
    ven
    #65

    ObakenglookedatherthenatNonoangr
    il
    y.Hi
    s
    fat
    herpull
    edhishanddownashewasaboutt oget
    up.Heclearedhi
    sthroatget
    ti
    ngup.
    Nei
    solookedathi
    m.“
    Iam her
    etoi
    ntr
    oduce
    mysel
    f.
    ”
    Heshookhi
    shead.“
    Don’
    twor
    ry.Iwi
    lldoi
    tforyou.
    ”
    Het ur
    nedt oeveryoneandclearedhi st
    hroat.
    “Bagolo,forgivemef ort
    hisdisrupti
    on,Iknowhow
    i
    mpor tantt hi
    sceremonyi sbutpl easeall
    owmet o
    i
    ntroduceyout oNeiso.Obakeng’sexgi r
    lfr
    iend.She
    wascar ryingObakeng’schil
    dbutunf or
    tunatel
    ylost
    t
    hebabyl astnight.Iam sur
    prisedandal so
    i
    mpr essedatherst rengththatshei salreadyupand
    aboutdespi t
    ehavi ngt ohavegi venbi r
    thlastni ght.
    Butaboveal l,
    Iam mor econcer nedabouther
    arri
    valatt hispar ticularjuncture.Nonetheless,I
    standonbehal fofmyf amilyandext endour
    condol encesont hel oss.Wear eyetgoi ngt ot al
    k
    withyourf ami lyandpl anawayf orward.Iam sur e
    Obakengl eMmaMoj alefabeingmmagweEt sile
    willbet hereint hesepl anni
    ngs.Mychi l
    d,Ican’ t
    i
    magi neyourl oss.Orhowyouar efeel
    ing.Ipr ay
    thatGodhel psusal laswedealwi ththisloss.Wi t
    h
    thatbei ngsaid, Ifeeli t’
    sonlyrightifyoust arted
    witht hegrievingpr ocessasObakengandhi swi f
    e
    settl
    eandweshal lj
    oi nyouinadayort wo.Kea
    l
    eboga.Nonof o, pleasel eadheraway.Uh, wecan
    continue.”
    Neisohear
    tpoundedasanauntst
    oodupandl ed
    herawaywhil
    ethekgorosocer
    emonycont
    inued.
    Tear
    sfil
    ledhereyesandroll
    eddownhercheeks.
    Shetur
    nedherheadandwat chedasFifist
    oodup
    andwalkedovertoObakengwhol eanedoverand
    ki
    ssedherwhilether
    elat
    ivescheered.Apainf
    ul
    l
    umpst ubbor
    nlysatonhert
    hroatastearsr
    oll
    ed
    down.Sheswallowedbei
    ngledoutsi
    dethegat
    e.
    Unabletohol
    ditin,sheputherhandsonherf
    ace
    cr
    ying.Theauntsighed.
    “Whatyoudidwasver yembar r
    assi
    ng.You
    embarrassedyoursel
    ftotheful
    lest
    .Nooneisgoing
    tor
    espectyouaf t
    erthi
    s.Pleasegeti
    nyourcarand
    gommaet sho.”
    Nonowalkedbehi
    nd.“Mmeaunt yi
    sitr
    ightthatwe
    cel
    ebr
    atewhil
    eNeilostherbaby?I
    sitr
    ight?
    ”
    “Soweshoul dst opandcr y?Cr yoverachi l
    dwear e
    notevensur eifshewasour sornor ?Shouldthe
    worldstopbecauseNei sogavebi r
    thtoadeadchi ld?
    Sheisnotthef irstpersont oloseababynei t
    heri s
    shethelast.Al otofwomenhavebeeni nher
    posit
    ion.Theydi dn’tdie.Neisoshoul dhavewai ted
    butbecauseshei sverysmar tshedeci detocome
    thi
    nkingwewi lldropever ythingtoattendt oher.
    Thatisnotgoingt ohappen.Notnow, notever.We
    arebusywi t
    hourdaught erin-l
    awandwewi l
    lnot
    robhertheat t
    ent i
    onandl ovesheshoul dbe
    r
    ecei
    vingt
    oday.
    ”
    Shet
    urnedt
    owal
    kawaybutl
    ookedatNono.
    “Becaref
    ulofyouracti
    ons.Youwillr
    emembert
    hem
    oneday.Noteveryt
    hingthatgl
    it
    ter
    sisdi
    amondmy
    gir
    l.Mostar
    estones.”
    Shewalkedbacktotheot
    herl
    adies.Nei
    socri
    ed
    evenmor e.Nonowr
    appedherar
    msar oundher
    comfor
    tingher

    *
    **

    Justbef
    oreduskthatsameday,Fif
    isatinthe
    si
    tti
    ngroom wi
    ththeothermarr
    iedladiesr
    eceivi
    ng
    advi
    cewhileObakengsatwit
    hthemeni naroom
    bei
    ngtaughthowtohandlehisfamily.
    Fi
    fikeptqui
    etr
    ecei
    vingadvi
    cefr
    om ever
    ymarr
    ied
    l
    ady.Theauntwhowasmar ri
    edtot
    heyounguncl
    e
    smil
    ed.
    “Mygir
    l,awomanshoul dalwayshavehermoney
    ontheside.Yourhusbanddoesnotneedtoknow
    that.I
    t’
    snoti mpor tantforhimt oknow.Thatmoney
    i
    smeantt ohol dyout hroughwhent hingsturn
    south.Saveasmuchasyoucan, makeyourown
    moneymydear .Heshoul dknowt hatyoucant ake
    careofyour selfandt heonlyt hi
    nghecangi veyou
    thatyoucan’ tgiveyour sel
    fisdic.Keephi m onhi s
    toes.Beamyst ery.Lethi m alwayswonder .Bean
    exciti
    ngwife.Sexi snotonlydoneont opoft hebed.
    Havesexanywher eandever ywhere.Evenint r
    affi
    c,
    apolapantyandr idehim.Lethi m crushonyou
    whilemarri
    edt oyou.Whenyouar ejogging,go
    behindatreeandbendover .Eveninthepeopl e.
    Pullyourpant ytot heside,l
    ethi mfil
    lyouupand
    ri
    dehi m.Heshoul dn’tevenhavet heener gytothink
    aboutwhor es..”
    Anotherauntnoddedandaddedmor e.“Menar e
    naturalsexlover
    s.Barat
    akuku,gi
    vei ttohim.It
    ’s
    his.I
    twasmadef orhi
    m.Donotlimithim.That ’
    shis
    food.Fuckt heshi
    toutofhi
    m.Ifheget sitathome,
    hehasnor easontogeti
    tanywher
    eel se.Trai
    nyour
    dog.”
    Anot
    herauntsmi
    ledi
    nagr
    eement
    .“Andasmuch
    asyouwanthimf edthatway,makesureheis
    gett
    ingpr
    operfood.Goodfood.Ever
    ymanl ovesa
    goodmeal.Lethi
    ml ovecominghometoadel i
    cious
    mealthat
    ’st
    oppedwi t
    hadelici
    ousdesserti
    nthe
    bedroom.
    ”
    Fif
    i’
    sauntl
    ookedather.“Don’
    tbedisrespect
    ed.
    Knowandst andyourgr
    ound.Beingawi fedoesn’
    t
    meanyouar enowaDust bi
    nofrubbish.Heshould
    knowhisli
    mi t
    s.”
    Fifi
    ’sgrandmot hersmi led.“Andasmuchasyou
    shouldnotal l
    owf ordi srespecttot akeplace, also
    respectyourhusband.Knowandunder standhei s
    theman.Asmuchasyoucandoever ythingf or
    yourself,
    hei sst i
    llthemanwhobr oughthi suncl es
    toMai t
    engwet ocl aim you.Hegaveyout hatt i
    tl
    eof
    Mr s.Respecthi m, lethimf eelrespected.Tr ustme,
    i
    t’sthelit
    tlethingst hatkeephi m content.Onebei ng
    respect.Wor shiphi sgr ound.Lethi m knowt hatat
    homehe’ st reatedl i
    keGod.Theyl ovethat .Know
    yourplaceashi swi fe.St andwithyourman
    becausei fyoudon’ t,whowi ll?Menar edi fferent
    creatur
    es, theyarel ikechi l
    dren.Yout rainachi ld
    Fif
    i.Youshoul dbepat ient
    …beabl et ounderst
    and.
    Heshoul dn’tfeell
    ikehe’sinacour troom whenhe
    i
    swi thyou.Beopenmi nded,haveaki ndheart
    .He
    maybeamanbuthei shuman…l ethi m beabl
    eto
    behimsel fwithyou.Butaboveal l,knowmyar ms
    arealwaysopenf oryou.Youdon’ thavet ost
    ay
    whereyouar enothappybecauseyouf earwhat
    peoplewi l
    lsay.Mydoor sshallf
    oreverbeopen.”
    Fi
    fismil
    edast
    headvi
    ceswentonforawhil
    e.Her
    motheri
    n-l
    aw’
    stwi
    nsi
    stersmi
    ledhol
    dingherhand.
    “Allt
    hesebeaut i
    full
    adieshavesai ditall.Youareso
    beaut i
    ful
    .Iam happymysonchoseyou.Icansee
    why…youar esobeaut if
    ul.IthankGodf orhehas
    blessedmyf amily.Ijustwantyout oknowt hatas
    muchasyourf amilyisleavingyoubehi nd,yousti
    ll
    havef amil
    y.Anewf amilyandwewi l
    lloveand
    cherishyouasmuch. ”
    Thetalki
    ngcarri
    edonf orawhile.Herf
    amilyfi
    nal
    ly
    stoodupandwal kedoutleavi
    ngherbehind.
    Minuteslat
    erhergrandmotherwalkedbackin
    holdi
    ngtwobabiesinherar mswhi l
    eFi
    fi’
    saunt
    carri
    edEtsi
    le.Wamest oodupandgott hegir
    lsas
    t
    heaunthandedFi
    fiherson.
    Fi
    fit
    earful
    lywat
    chedashergrandmotherwal
    ked
    outwit
    hheraunt.Shetookadeepbr
    eathstar
    ingat
    Wamesi tdownholdi
    ngthegi
    rl
    s.
    “
    Theyar
    egor
    geous…”
    Fifir
    ubbedhereyeshol
    dinghersont
    oherchest
    feeli
    ngemoti
    onal.

    *
    **

    Kabodroveof
    ffr
    om Pal
    apyet
    hateveni
    ngcal
    li
    ng
    Bonol
    o.
    Shepi
    ckedatt
    het
    hir
    dri
    ng.“
    Hel
    lo?
    ”
    “
    Hey,Ihavebeent
    ryi
    ngtocal
    lthewholeday.I
    t
    houghtyouwerecomingt
    otheKgoroso.
    ”
    “
    No.Mymothercame.Iam notmar
    ri
    ed,
    thatevent
    i
    smost
    lyf
    orthemarri
    ed.”
    “
    Nextt
    imemaybei
    twi
    llbeyourKgor
    oso.
    ”
    “
    Ihaveaboyf
    ri
    end.
    ”
    “
    Sowhat
    ?”
    “Whathappenedlastnightwasnotsupposedt
    o
    happen.Iwantt
    of orgeti
    thappened.
    ”
    Hesmi
    led.“
    Wel
    lit
    ’sgoi
    ngt
    ohappenagai
    nebi
    lekea
    gogot
    sayamogoene.”
    “
    Youhavet
    ost
    opcal
    li
    ngme.
    ”
    “
    Wher
    edoyoust
    ay?
    ”
    “
    Ser
    owe.Why?
    ”
    “Iwanttoseeyou.I
    t’
    sei
    therIam goi
    ngtocomet o
    youoryouaretheonecoming.Thinkabouti
    t,Iwi
    ll
    callyou.
    ”
    “
    Iam happyi
    nmyr
    elat
    ionshi
    p.”
    “
    Enj
    oyyourl
    astdaysi
    nthatr
    elat
    ionshi
    p.”
    Hehungupandpi
    ckedani
    ncomi
    ngcal
    l.“
    Yah?
    ”
    “
    Wher
    edi
    dyougo?
    ”
    “
    Ilef
    t.Idon’
    tthi
    nki
    t’
    swor
    king.It
    hinkweshoul
    d
    j
    ustendit.
    ”
    Nonol
    aughed.“
    Areyoubr
    eaki
    ngupwi
    thme?
    ”
    “
    Yes.Ican’
    tdot
    hehi
    deandseekgameanymor
    e.”
    “
    Youar
    epat
    het
    ic.Shar
    prr
    a.Mxm.
    ”
    “
    Bye.
    ”
    Hedroppedthecal
    landst
    eppedont
    heaccel
    erat
    or
    dr
    ivi
    ngtohishouse.

    *
    **

    MmagweLoratosatinf
    rontofthemi r
    rort
    hinki
    ngof
    t
    hepossi
    bil
    it
    yofbeingpregnant.Sheswal
    lowed
    r
    ecal
    li
    ngtheMalawiant
    raditi
    onaldoct
    or.
    Hehadn’tusedacondom buthehadsaidhis
    ancestor
    s…shebitherl
    owerli
    pwor r
    iedl
    y.Herhear
    t
    star
    tedraci
    ngthemoreshethoughtofit
    .
    Sheputherhandsi
    nherheadf
    eeli
    ngdizzyasi
    t
    madesense.Shetr
    iedt
    othi
    nkofanyother
    expl
    anat
    ionbutwit
    hthewayhecouldn’
    tst
    opwhil
    e
    ontopofhim.
    Heri
    ntest
    inest
    wist
    ed,shequicklygotupand
    r
    ushedtoherbathr
    oom andletital
    louti
    nthetoi
    let
    .
    Lor
    atowheeledher
    sel
    foverandl
    ookedather
    motherwor
    ri
    edly.
    “
    Mama…ar
    eyouok?
    ”
    “
    Yes.Iam f
    ine.
    ”
    “
    Maybeweshoul
    dgot
    othehospi
    tal
    .”
    “
    Iam Lor
    ato!It
    oldyout
    hatol
    dwi
    tchi
    sbewi
    tchi
    ng
    me!
    ”
    Shewalkedoutandbangedherdoorangr i
    ly.Lor
    ato
    l
    ookedatherconfusedandsi ghedgoi
    ngtoher
    room.Shesl
    owlygotherselfonherbedusingher
    upperbodyt
    hensighedclosinghereyes.

    Inherbedr
    oom,mmagweLor atoputonhershoes
    andwalkedoutwit
    hherhandbaggoingt
    ousual
    tr
    adit
    iondoct
    ortosor
    toutherprobl
    em.
    .
    .
    .
    [
    04/
    23,
    05:
    54]'
    :
    Si
    nsUnf
    orgi
    ven
    #66

    Thatsameevening,
    WameshowedFi
    figot
    her
    oom
    shewouldbesleepi
    ngi
    n.
    “Iknowyouar enotusedtomebutIcanhelpwit
    h
    thekidstonightsothatyouandObakengcanfr
    eely
    talkaboutthefutur
    ewi t
    houtwor
    ryi
    ngaboutthe
    kids.
    ”
    Fi
    fir
    espect
    ful
    lyl
    ookedather
    .“Thankyou.
    ”
    “Myroom i
    sdownthepassage.I
    fyouneed
    anyt
    hing,
    knockandIwi
    llhel
    pyou.”
    “
    Eemma.
    ”
    Shesmi
    led.“
    Todaywasawonder
    fulday.Iam
    happyIgott
    hehonor
    s.Iknowmysisteri
    s…well
    sheisher
    sel
    fbuther
    eyouaref
    oreverwelcome.
    ”
    “
    Thankyou.
    ”
    “Ok,yourwaterhasbeenpreparedi
    ntheensuit
    e.
    Haveabat handsleep.Yourhusbandi
    ssti
    llbusy
    withhisuncl
    esoutside.Iam sur
    ehewil
    lbecomi ng
    t
    obedsoon. ”
    Fifinodded.Shewal kedoutthenFifisighedl
    ooking
    aroundt heroom.Shet ookoffhertsâlethenher
    dressandf oldedeveryt
    hing.Shewal kedtothe
    ensuitewher ethebatht
    ubwasf il
    ledwi thwater
    .
    Thef i
    rstcl
    asstreatmentmadehersmile.She
    bathedthenwalkedoutdr yi
    ngherbodylist
    eningto
    theradiooutsi
    de.Itseemedthefunhadn’treal
    ly
    stopped.Sheopenedherbagandt ookoutherni ght
    dress.Sheyawnedput ti
    ngitonandgotunder neat
    h
    thecleanduvetcovers.

    *
    **
    Obakenglaughedoutsi
    dewithhisuncl
    esandLori
    .
    Theyounguncletookouthisphoneandpressedi
    t
    smil
    ing.Hestoodupputti
    nghiscanofbeerdown.
    “
    Iam going.Gat
    weIhavehadenoughdr i
    nks.Bax,
    I
    wil
    lseeyoumyboy.Iam proudofyou.Remember,
    ahappywi f
    eisahappyhome.Lori
    ,regobatel
    e
    mosadi?
    ”
    Lor
    ilaughed.“
    No.Iam st
    il
    lgood.
    ”
    “
    Ok.Iwi
    llseeyouboys.
    ”
    Hequicklywal
    kedawayansweri
    nghi
    swi
    fe’
    scal
    l
    .
    Lor
    ilookedatObakengdr
    unk.
    “
    Youar
    elucky.
    ”
    Obakengsmi
    led.“
    Iam…Ican’
    tbel
    ieveIam a
    marri
    edmannow.”
    “Andyougettocal
    lFi
    fiyourwife.Whatmor
    ecoul
    d
    bebett
    er.Youhavehi
    tthejackpot.
    ”
    “Thankyouboy!Iam t
    ir
    ed.Fi
    fimustbewai
    ti
    ngf
    ir
    ne.Wewi l
    ltal
    ktomor
    row.”
    “
    Sur
    e.”
    Obakengwalkedinsi
    dethehouseasLorigulped
    downtherestofhisbeert
    oforgethi
    sthoughts.

    Obakengwal kedinsi
    det hebedroom andlookedat
    Fifisleepi
    ng.Hetookof fhiscl
    othesheadedt othe
    bat hroom wherehetookaqui ckshowerbef or
    e
    j
    oini ngherinbed.Helift
    edherni ghtdressand
    touchedhershavedp* ssyrubbi
    nghi mselfonher
    but t.
    Hel
    if
    tedherl
    eg#r
    emoved.

    htt
    ps:
    //www. f
    acebook.
    com/
    groups/
    809549596663
    175/?
    ref=shar
    e
    .
    Fi
    fir
    oll
    edhereyestothebackconvul
    singasher
    or
    gasm thr
    ashedherbody.
    Obakenglookedatherasherbodyvibrat
    edwit
    hher
    pussyclampinghim har
    d.Hegaveheracouple
    mor epowerf
    ulthr
    ustsandsti
    ll
    edfi
    ll
    ingherup
    groani
    ng.
    Shelookedathi
    m breat
    hingheavi
    ly.Hesl
    idoutand
    smil
    edkissi
    ngher.
    “
    Hey…”
    Fif
    ismil
    edbli
    nki
    ngtr
    yingt
    okeephereyesopen.He
    chuckl
    edandpull
    edherupthebedandpul
    ledher
    bodyinhisar
    ms.
    “
    Iloveyou…”
    Fi
    fiputherar
    m aroundhi
    m happi
    lyandcont
    ent
    l
    ett
    ingeveryguar
    ddown.

    *
    **

    Thatsameevening,mmagweLor atol
    aidonthe
    fl
    oorashertradi
    ti
    onalhealerpockedametaltool
    thr
    oughhervagina.Shefli
    nchedinpainasthe
    nakedladyconti
    nued.
    Shepickedanot
    hermet
    alt
    oolandcont
    inued
    pocki
    ngwhileshegr
    unt
    edinpain.

    *
    **

    I
    nherhouse,
    Banyanacal
    ledLor
    iunabl
    etosl
    eep.
    “
    Hel
    lo?
    ”
    Shetookadeepbreath.“
    Hi.Ij
    ustwantedt
    ot el
    lyou
    myfatherhasbeenfounddeadinthedam.Itseems
    hewasmur der
    ed.”
    “
    Andwhyar
    eyout
    ell
    ingmet
    his?
    ”
    “
    Ijust
    …Ij
    ustwant
    edyout
    oknow.
    ”
    “Ok.Nowt
    hewor
    ldcanbr
    eat
    hewi
    thoutpeopl
    eli
    ke
    him.”
    “
    Didyoudoi
    t?”
    “
    No.ButIwi
    shIdi
    d.”
    “
    Mamai
    spl
    anni
    ngt
    hef
    uner
    al.
    ”
    “
    Ok.
    ”
    Banyanaputherhandoverhermout
    h.“
    Iam sor
    ry.
    ”
    “
    It
    sint
    hepast
    .Iam overi
    t.
    ”
    “Iam not.Ihat
    edt hatyoul eti
    thappenf ort
    he
    l
    ongestt i
    me.Ihat edyoubecauseIknewi twasstil
    l
    happening.Ihatedyouf orit…Ihatedyoubecause
    youcouldhavesai dno.Ilovedyouwhenyouhad
    nothing…youdidn’ thavetobeapol iceman.Ihated
    seeingyoubecauseever ytimeIlookedatyouI
    recall
    edyouwi t
    hmyf at
    herandmot her.Ist
    il
    lthi
    nk
    aboutitandIhat eyouever yti
    meIdo. ”
    “
    Whydi
    dyoust
    aywi
    thmei
    fyouhat
    edme?
    ”
    “
    BecauseIl
    ovedyoust
    il
    l.
    ”
    “
    Iam gl
    adwear
    edone.
    ”
    “Soneti
    mesIalsofeelgl
    adthatit
    ’sover.But
    sometimesIcrybecauseIsti
    lll
    oveyou.Iwi shIcan
    j
    ustfull
    yhateyou.SometimesIwi shIsti
    llhadthe
    pri
    vil
    egetohurtyou.
    ”
    “
    Seekhel
    p.”
    “
    Iam.
    ”
    Lor
    isi
    ghed.“
    Butyoushoul
    dknowIal
    sohat
    eyou.
    AndIam gl
    adyourf
    atheri
    sdeadandt
    hathedi
    ed
    l
    iket
    hat
    .”
    “
    Met
    oo.
    ”
    Lorichuckl
    edandhungup.Banyanasni
    ff
    edt
    hen
    l
    aiddownsi l
    ent
    lycr
    ying.

    *
    **

    Thefoll
    owingmorningNei
    solaidonherbedwhi
    le
    hermothersatbesi
    deherhol
    dingaplat
    eofsoft
    porr
    idge.
    “
    Nei
    ,youneedt
    oeat
    .”
    “
    Icanseet
    heyar
    ehappyIl
    ostmychi
    ld.
    ”
    “
    Don’
    tmi
    ndt
    hatf
    ami
    ly.
    ”
    “
    Howcantheycel
    ebrat
    ewhenIl
    ostmybabymama?
    I
    t’
    sli
    ket
    heydon’
    tevencar
    e.”
    “
    Nei
    ,i
    tdoesn’
    tmat
    ter
    .Weshoul
    djustmoveon.
    ”
    “
    Let
    sseei
    ftheywi
    llcel
    ebr
    atewhent
    heyal
    sol
    ose
    t
    hosebabi
    es.
    ”
    Hermotherlookedather
    .“Canyoustopact
    ingli
    ke
    thevi
    cti
    m!ThatbabywasnotObakeng’s!Youhave
    noreasontobesomad.Hedoesn’ tl
    oveyou,l
    et’
    s
    moveon!”
    “Helovesme.Hef
    eelsheneedst
    obewi
    thher
    becauseoft
    hosebabi
    es!
    ”
    “
    Youneedt
    ost
    opt
    his.
    ”
    “
    IfIcan’
    thavehi
    m,shet
    oowon’
    t.
    ”
    “Al
    lthi
    sisheartbr
    eaktal
    king.Pl
    easeeat…Iknow
    youarehurt
    ing.Butl
    if
    eneedst ogoon.Iam sor
    ry
    hedidn’
    tchooseyoubutitiswhatiti
    s.”
    Nei
    sol
    aidherheaddownsni
    ff
    ing.

    FOURMONTHSLATER…
    .
    .
    .
    [
    04/
    23,
    05:
    54]'
    :
    Si
    nsUnf
    orgi
    ven
    #67

    FOURMONTHSLATER…

    Fif
    iparkedhercaratthelocat
    ionshehadbeensent
    ,
    shelookedatthegatethencalledt
    hecust
    omer
    seatedinhercar
    .
    “
    Hel
    lo?
    ”
    “
    Hi,
    it’
    sFi
    fi
    .Iam byt
    hegat
    e.”
    “
    Ok,
    Iam comi
    ng.
    ”
    Fi
    fihungupthenlookedatherki
    dsatt
    hebackseat
    .
    Et
    sil
    esmiledrai
    singhisar
    ms.Fif
    ismil
    ed.
    “
    No…Iam notl
    if
    ti
    ngyoubi
    gguy.
    ”
    Thegatesl
    idopen.Fi
    fiopenedthedoorand
    st
    eppedoutofhercar.Thecustomersmiled
    walki
    ngoverwit
    hhersisterasFif
    iopenedtheboot
    weari
    ngaoneoft
    hedr
    essesshewassel
    li
    ngand
    herst
    il
    ett
    os.
    “
    Hil
    adi
    es…”
    Thesist
    erssmiled.“
    Hi,wait
    sethewayyourclothes
    alwaysl
    ookgoodonyou, gonkopot
    sadibodytsa
    Inst
    aQueenswhent heyadverti
    secl
    othes.I
    talways
    l
    ooksgoodt i
    ll
    yout r
    yiton.”
    Fi
    fil
    aughed.“
    Ifyougetyoursi
    ze,theclot
    hingwil
    l
    l
    ookgoodonyou.Sot hesearethedressesyou
    wanted.Si
    ze34.It
    ’sbackl
    esstooli
    keyousaw.”
    Sheshowedt
    hem.Thesi
    stersmi
    led.
    “Thi
    sisbeaut
    if
    ul.Iwantt
    hisoneandt
    hepur
    ple
    heel
    s.Si
    ze6.”
    Fi
    fir
    eachedf
    oroneoft
    heboxesofshoes.
    “
    Ther
    e.Bot
    hthedr
    essandshoesar
    eP790.
    ”
    Thesi
    stersmiledt
    aki
    ngt
    heshoes.“
    Bathongift
    his
    mandoesn’taskmetomarr
    yhimtonightkeago
    l
    owa.”
    Fi
    fil
    aughed.“
    Lennankal
    owa.
    ”
    Thesisterquickl
    ydidPay2cel
    ltowhil
    eFif
    i’
    sini
    ti
    al
    customertookal ookatthedr
    esses.Shet
    ookouta
    blacksparkl
    ingeveninggown.
    “Wow!Howmuchi
    sthi
    sone?Ihaveneverseeni
    t
    bef
    ore.
    ”
    “
    It
    spar
    toft
    heexcl
    usi
    vest
    ock.I
    t’
    sP1200.
    ”
    Thecust
    omersmiledhol
    dingt
    hedr
    essi
    nherar
    ms.
    “Canwenegot
    iat
    e?”
    Fi
    fismi
    ledpushi
    ngbackherl
    ongst
    rai
    ghtweave.
    “
    P1000.
    ”
    Thecust
    omersmi
    led.“
    CanIdol
    ayby?
    ”
    “
    Yes.
    ”
    “
    Ok.Ri
    ghtnowIhaveP700.
    ”
    “That’
    sok.Letmewr
    it
    eyoudownandwr
    it
    eyour
    sist
    erarecei
    pt.
    ”
    Fi
    fit
    ookoutherrecei
    ptbookandquickl
    ywr i
    te
    downthesi
    ster’
    srecei
    pt.Shewrot
    ethelayby
    paymentr
    eceiptandhandedtohercust
    omerasshe
    al
    sodidPay2cell
    .
    “Thankyoul
    adi
    es.Nextweekt
    hebagswoul
    dhave
    arri
    ved.
    ”
    Hercust
    omerl
    aughed.“
    WenaFi f
    iohetsamadia
    r
    onammaahh…yourwi gisgor
    geous.
    ”
    Fi
    fismil
    ed.“
    It
    s100%Br
    azi
    li
    an.22i
    nchesl
    iket
    his
    oneisP2800.
    ”
    Thesist
    erswal
    kedawaylaughi
    ng.“
    ByeFi
    fi
    !Mot
    ho
    obatamadiarent
    eyaanong.”
    Fi
    fismil
    edandclosedherboott
    hengotinhercar
    .
    Shestar
    tedhercaranddroveof
    fsmil
    ing.
    Herphoner
    angasshejoi
    nedthemainr
    oad,she
    pi
    ckedandspoket
    hecar’
    sBluet
    oot
    hspeaker.
    “
    Hel
    lo?
    ”
    “
    Hi,
    IhopeIam notcat
    chi
    ngyouatt
    hewr
    ongt
    ime.
    ”
    “
    No.Iam onmywayhome.Howar
    eyou?Howar
    e
    t
    helegs?
    ”
    Loratosi
    ghed.“Iam notbad.Mamahasn’
    tbeen
    feel
    ingwellandshe’
    sst i
    llr
    efusi
    ngf
    ori
    stogoand
    seeadoctor.”
    “
    Iknowhowshehat
    eshospi
    tal
    s.”
    “Yeah,
    butuhIwant
    edt
    oaskf
    orhel
    pwi
    th
    something.
    ”
    “
    Whati
    sit
    ?”
    “Ihaveanappoi
    ntmentwit
    hadoct ori
    nGabor one
    tomorrowandIwaswonderingifyoucan
    accommodatemewhi l
    eIam there.Al
    lthepeopleI
    usedtoknowhavealll
    eftmeandBanyanai snot
    around.”
    “
    Youwantt
    osl
    eepi
    nmyhouse?
    ”
    “
    Ifi
    t’
    sok.I
    fit
    ’snot
    ,Iunder
    stand.
    ”
    “Iwi
    llhavet
    otal
    ktomyhusbandf
    ir
    st.Iwi
    llget
    backatyou.
    ”
    “Ok.Thankyou.Isawt
    het
    ri
    plet
    sonFacebook.
    Theyaregrowing.
    ”
    Fi
    fismi
    led.“
    Theycannowcr
    awl
    andbr
    eakt
    hings.
    ”
    Lor
    atol
    aughed.“
    Youhaveal
    ongwayt
    ogo.
    ”
    “
    Iknowmma.
    ”
    “
    Uh,
    Iwi
    llwai
    tforyourcal
    l.Thankyou.
    ”
    “
    Yeah.
    ”
    ShehungupasFif
    idrovestraighthome.She
    l
    ookedatherki
    dsget
    tingrestl
    essknowingthe
    cryi
    ngwasaboutt
    ostartwhiletheysatonthei
    rcar
    seats.
    Mi nutesl
    atershepressedthegat eremoteand
    drovet hr
    oughthegate.Shepar kedhercarand
    steppedoutoft hecar.Sheunlockedthedoorand
    car r
    iedherchil
    drenonebyonei nsidethehouse.
    Shet ookoffherheelsandsighedexhaust ed.Her
    phonest art
    edringi
    ng.
    Fi
    fismi
    ledpi
    cki
    ng.
    “
    Hel
    lo?
    ”
    “
    Hey,
    howdi
    ditgo?
    ”
    Fi
    fismil
    edstaringatEt
    sil
    elyi
    ngont
    hemat
    tr
    ess
    fi
    ghti
    nghissleep.
    “ImadeoverP2500.Thenewst
    ocki
    ssel
    li
    ngl
    ikef
    at
    cakes.
    ”
    “I
    fyoucanmakeoverP2500babethenwhat
    ’s
    st
    oppingyouf
    rom openi
    ngastor
    e?”
    Fi
    fisatdown.“
    Whataboutt
    heki
    ds?
    ”
    “
    Weneedt
    ofi
    ndanannywhocanhel
    pus.Ei
    ther
    way,
    wear
    enotexact
    lycoppi
    ng.
    ”
    “
    Wear
    enot
    ?”
    “
    Whenlastdi
    dwejustrel
    axandbewi
    thoutdeal
    i
    ng
    wit
    honeortwochi
    ldr
    en.Weneedhel
    p.”
    “
    Idon’
    twantanot
    herwomani
    nmyhome.
    ”
    “
    Why?Youshoul
    dhavear
    eason.
    ”
    “Myhouseisalr
    eadysmal
    l
    .Wear
    egoi
    ngt
    obe
    over
    crowded.
    ”
    “
    Shecanuset
    hecot
    tage.
    ”
    “
    Thecot
    taget
    hatwehaver
    ent
    edout
    ?”
    “Wearenotgetti
    ngmuchf r
    om thatcott
    age.She
    canstayther
    e.Thiswil
    lal
    sohelpyou.Youar e
    amazingbabebutyoualsoneedabr eak.Ican’
    t
    rememberthelastti
    meIhadreall
    ysatisf
    yingsexal
    l
    night
    .Thequicki
    esarenotdoi
    ngusanyj ust
    ice
    anymore.Imissyou.”
    Fi
    fit
    ookadeepbr
    eat
    h.Obakengl
    aughed.
    “
    Babe,
    doyout
    hinkIwi
    llsl
    eepwi
    tht
    henanny?
    ”
    Sheclosedhereyesl
    aughing.“
    No.I…Iam not
    comfort
    ablewit
    htheidea.That
    ’sal
    l.
    ”
    “Wecangetanolderper
    sonandal
    soi
    nst
    all
    camerasi
    nthehouse.”
    “
    45andabove.
    ”
    “
    40andabove.
    ”
    “
    45.
    ”
    “
    42.Sheshoul
    dbeabl
    etomanaget
    hreeki
    ds.45i
    s
    t
    ooold.
    ”
    “
    42andabovei
    sfi
    ne.MmagweThaboonce-
    “
    “
    No!NotmmagweThabobabe.Nother
    .”
    “
    Why?
    ”
    “
    Shei
    sunhygi
    eni
    c.Shewi
    llf
    eedmychi
    ldr
    endi
    rt
    .”
    “
    Icant
    rai
    n-“
    “No.Butther
    esomeoneIknowj
    ustt
    hatshe’
    s
    younger
    -“
    “
    No.42!Wennar
    raobat
    ama14.Keagana.
    ”
    “
    Iloveyou.
    ”
    “
    Theywi
    llsnat
    chyouf
    rom me.NgNg.
    .“
    Hel
    aughed.“
    Noonei
    ssnat
    chi
    ngme.
    ”
    “
    Idon’
    twantt
    owor
    ry…Iwantt
    osl
    eeppeacef
    ull
    y.”
    “Ok.Wewi l
    lsomeone.Iwast
    hinkingmaybewe
    dropthekidsatDi
    mamzo’shouset omorr
    ow.Doa
    roadtri
    p.Havesometimetoourselvest
    hencome
    backonMonday. ”
    Fi
    fismi
    led.“
    Iwoul
    dli
    ket
    hat
    .”
    “
    Ok.Ihavespokent
    ohersowewi
    lll
    eavei
    nthe
    mor
    ning.”
    “
    Ok.
    ”
    “
    Iloveyou.
    ”
    “
    Iloveyout
    oo.
    ”
    Fif
    iputherphonedownst i
    llsmi l
    ingandlookedat
    al
    lherthreekidssl
    eepi
    ngont hemattressthi
    nki
    ng
    aboutLorato.I
    twaspoint
    lesst oevenbr i
    ngupthe
    i
    ssuet oObakeng,hewasgoi ngtosaynowi t
    hout
    hesit
    ati
    ng.
    *
    **

    Thatsamemor ning,Kabopar
    kedhi
    scaratthe
    primar
    yschooli nSerowethenst
    eppedoutofhis
    carholdingthreeNandospaperbags.Heputonhi s
    capwal kingtowar dstheadmi
    nandlookedatt
    he
    recept
    ionist.
    “
    Hi,
    Iam her
    etoseeMs.Moi
    la.
    ”
    “MsMoi l
    aisi
    nhercl ass.4B.Uset hebackdoort
    hen
    gostrai
    ghtwitht
    hepavement .Youaregoingtosee
    agreenJojotankonyourl ef
    t.Theclassbesides
    thatt
    ankisherclass.
    ”
    “
    Thankyou.
    ”
    Kabowalkedoutusi
    ngthebackdoorandwal kedtil
    l
    hecoul
    dseetheJojotank.Hewalkedovertothe
    cl
    assandstoodbythedoorstar
    ingatherteaching.
    “Awhatofsi
    nger
    s?”Bonolofaci
    nghercl
    ass.
    “Someonei
    sgett
    ingabigstar.Whoi
    sthat
    someone?YesRonni
    e..“
    “
    Acr
    owd?
    ”
    Bonol
    osmiled.“
    Acrowd….Mmmmhhhhhh…a
    cr
    owd,notexact
    lybutyougetast
    ar.
    ”
    Shewalkedovert
    othest
    udentandputast
    arti
    nher
    book.
    “
    Anot
    hert
    ry?Awhatofsi
    nger
    s?YesHappy.
    ”
    “
    Achoi
    r!
    ”
    Bonolocl
    appedherhandshappi
    lyt
    urningherhead
    tot
    heshadowonhercl assdoor
    .Shelookedathim
    i
    nshockt henhesmil
    ed.Shetur
    nedtoherclass
    smil
    ing.
    “
    Happyget
    sabi
    gst
    ar!Let
    ’scl
    apf
    orHappy!
    ”
    Thecl
    asscl
    appedinst
    ylesi
    ngi
    ngasBonol
    oputa
    bi
    gstari
    nHappy’
    sbook.
    “
    Iam comi
    ng.Ever
    yoneget
    sast
    ari
    fnoonet
    alks“
    Shequickl
    ywal
    kedoutandl
    ookedathi
    m wi
    th
    di
    sbel
    ief.
    “
    Whatar
    eyoudoi
    ngher
    e?”
    “
    Idi
    dn’
    tknowyouwor
    espect
    acl
    es.
    ”
    Shel
    ookedathi
    ssmi
    le.“
    Whatdoyouwant
    ?”
    “
    You.Onkganel
    ang?
    ”
    “
    Ihaveaboyf
    ri
    end?
    ”
    “
    Sowhat
    ?Youar
    enotmar
    ri
    ed.
    ”
    “
    Iam happy.
    ”
    “
    Icanmakeyouhappi
    er.
    ”
    “
    Iam f
    inewi
    tht
    heamountofhappi
    nessIhave.
    ”
    “
    Ibr
    oughtyoul
    unch.
    ”
    Bonol
    olookedatt
    heNandos.“
    Youneedt
    ost
    op.
    ”
    “
    Iloveyou.
    ”
    “
    KaboI
    -“
    Hepushedhert
    othesi
    deandki
    ssedhert
    hen
    smi
    led.
    “
    Whatt
    imedoyouknockof
    f?”
    “Youjustcan’tki
    ssme.Ther
    earestudent
    s
    ever
    ywher e!That
    ’snothowyoubehave!
    ”
    “
    Whatt
    imedoyouknockof
    f?”
    “
    Iam not
    -“
    “
    Iwi
    llki
    ssyouagai
    n.”
    “
    Youar
    eter
    ror
    izi
    ngme.
    ”
    “
    Yourl
    ipsar
    esweet
    .Whatt
    imedoyouknockof
    f?”
    “
    At3.Pl
    easego.Iam busy.
    ”
    Hehandedhert hefoodandwalkedaway.Bonolo
    tookadeepbr eatht
    henwalkedbackinherquiet
    class,herhear
    traci
    ng.Shecoul
    dn’tunderst
    and
    whyGodhadbr oughtsuchamant oher.She
    closedhereyestaki
    ngadeepbreathtryi
    ngtobrush
    offthateff
    ecthehadonher.

    *
    **

    Nonosati
    nhercousi
    nshouseinGaborone
    wonder
    inghowlongshewasjustgoi
    ngtoseatnot
    doi
    nganythi
    ng.
    Sher
    eachedf
    orherphoneandcal
    ledNei
    so.
    “
    Hel
    lo?
    ”
    “
    Hi.Am Ievergoi
    ngtogetcal
    ledbacksoIst
    art
    worki
    ng?KanaIhavebeenseati
    ngdoingnot
    hing.
    ”
    “Ij
    ustspoketothem.Unfor
    tunat
    elyt
    hatposi
    ti
    on
    wasgi ventosomeoneel
    sebutIneedaPAsoyou
    arestarti
    ngonMonday.Iwasabouttocal
    lyou
    babes.”
    Nonosmi
    led.“
    Real
    ly?
    ”
    “
    Yes!
    ”
    “
    Final
    ly!
    ”
    Nei
    solaughed.“
    Itol
    dyouIgotyou.Andyoursalary
    i
    sgood.Thecherryont
    opisthatwewil
    lbewor king
    t
    ogether
    .”
    “
    Iam soexci
    ted.
    ”
    “Uhbutcanyoudosomethingformetomorr
    ow?
    RememberIt ol
    dyouIhadplanofhowIcanget
    yourbr
    otherback…”
    “
    Yes.
    ”
    “Ineedyourhelp.Iknowi
    t’
    stoomucht
    oask.I
    fyou
    can’tt
    hat’
    ssti
    llfi
    ne.”
    “
    Ican.Iwi
    lldoi
    t.What
    everi
    tis.
    ”
    Nei
    sol
    aughed.“
    Comeovert
    oni
    ght
    .Iwi
    llf
    il
    lyoui
    n.”
    “
    Ok.
    ”
    Nei
    sohungup,
    Nonoj
    umpedscr
    eami
    nghappi
    ly.

    *
    **

    Latert
    hatday,Lorat
    olookedathermotherl
    yingon
    herbed,ablanketoverher
    .Sheputherhandover
    herfor
    ehead.
    “
    Mama…Ibr
    oughtf
    ood.
    ”
    Hermot
    hergr
    unt
    edt
    urni
    ng.“
    Iam f
    ine.
    ”
    “
    Youneedt
    oeat
    .”
    “
    Iwantt
    osl
    eep.Iwi
    lleatwhenIwakeup.
    ”
    Lorat
    osighedthenwal kedout
    .Shelookedather
    phonechecki
    ngi fFi
    fihadn’
    tcall
    ed.

    *
    Meanwhi l
    ehermothersl
    owlygotof
    fbedpushing
    herbigstomach.Sheopenedherwardr
    obeand
    tookthemixtur
    eshewasdr i
    nki
    ngtokil
    lthebaby
    andgulpedital
    ldown.Shesatdownast hebaby
    kickedevenmore.
    Shejustcouldn’
    tunderst
    andhowthi
    sbabywasstil
    l
    al
    ivedespit
    eeverythi
    ngshehaddone.I
    tjustdi
    dn’
    t
    makesense.
    .
    .
    .
    [
    04/
    23,
    05:
    54]'
    :
    Si
    nsUnf
    orgi
    ven
    #68

    Loratot
    ookadeepbr eat
    hsit
    ti
    nginherwheelchai
    r
    andslowlygotup.Herphysi
    cianhadsaidhewas
    seeingpr
    ogress.Pai
    nshotfr
    om underneat
    hher
    f
    eet
    ,shescr
    eamedsi
    tt
    ingdownbr
    eat
    hingheavi
    ly.
    Shetookadeepbr eat
    hholdinghertear
    s.She
    sni
    ffedrubbi
    ngatearthathadroll
    eddownher
    cheek.Herphonerangonherbed, shemovedher
    wheelchai
    randreachedfori
    t.
    Shet
    ookadeepbr
    eat
    hpi
    cki
    ng.
    “
    Hel
    lo?
    ”
    “Hi
    .IspoketoObakengandhei snotcomfort
    abl
    e
    wit
    htheideaespecial
    lyaf
    terever
    ythi
    ngthat
    happenedinthepast.
    ”
    “
    Oh…Iunder
    stand.Thankyou.
    ”
    “
    Icanbookyoui
    ntoal
    odgesoyoucanst ayt
    her
    e
    whi
    leyouar
    eher
    e.Iwi
    llcovert
    hecost
    s.”
    “
    Thankyou.
    ”
    “
    Youar
    ewel
    come.
    ”
    Fif
    ihungup,Lorat
    oheldherphoneasatearf
    ell
    .It
    seemedeveryt
    hinghaschanged.Shewasnowthe
    oneontherecei
    vingend.Notadayhadshehas
    everi
    maginedhersel
    finthatposi
    ti
    on.
    Shebitherl
    owerli
    pandputherhandsonherf
    ace
    cryi
    ng.Shecoul
    dn’tevenr
    ememberwhyshehad
    beengoingtoMait
    engwethatday.

    *
    **

    Bonolowal kedoutofherclassroom knocki


    ngof
    f
    holdi
    ngherhandbagandherpaperbagsofNandos.
    Shewal kedtothegate,oneofthestandard7
    teacher
    sr ushedoverholdi
    nghisbag.
    “
    Hey…”
    Bonol
    osmi
    led.“
    Hi.
    ”
    “
    Idi
    dn’
    tseeyout
    oday.
    ”
    “
    Iwasset
    ti
    ngt
    heendoft
    ermt
    est
    s.”
    “
    Ican’
    twai
    ttogoonhol
    idaywai
    tse.
    ”
    Bonololaughedastheywalkedoutthr oughthegat
    e.
    ShelookedatKabo’scarandwat chedhi m st
    epout
    oft
    hecar .Shetookadeepbr eathashermal e
    col
    leaguelookedtoowit
    hhisl ongsleevedshirt
    t
    uckedi
    nhi
    sjeans.
    Kabof
    ixedhi
    scap.“
    Iam her
    etopi
    ckyouup.
    ”
    Bonolotookadeepbr
    eathhol
    dingherhandbag.“
    I
    am f
    ine.Myhouseisovert
    her
    e.”
    “
    Iknow.Ket
    sil
    egogot
    saya.
    ”
    Bonol
    olookedathercol
    league.“
    Wewi
    llt
    alk
    tomor
    row.”
    Hel
    ookedatKabot
    henatBonol
    o.“
    Ok.Shar
    p.”
    Hetur
    nedandwalkedaway.Kabot
    ookherhandbag
    andopenedt
    hedoorforher
    .
    “
    IhaveamanwhoIl
    oveandIr
    espectmy
    r
    elat
    ionshi
    p.”
    Kabosmi l
    ed.“
    DidIsayanyt
    hingaboutyour
    rr
    elat
    ionshi
    p?Tsena.
    ”
    Bonologotinhiscar
    , hecl
    osedt
    hedoorandwal
    ked
    roundthecarthendroveoff
    .
    “
    Howl
    onghaveyoubeent
    eachi
    ngher
    e?”
    “
    Twoyear
    s.”
    “Youaregood.Icanonlyi
    maginewhatki
    ndofa
    parentyouwil
    lbecome.Howlonghaveyoubeena
    teacher
    ?”
    “
    Takeyourf
    ir
    stt
    urnr
    ight
    .Thr
    eeyear
    s.Il
    ove
    t
    eachi
    ng.
    ”
    Het
    ookt
    hef
    ir
    str
    ightt
    urn.
    “
    Thet
    hir
    dhouseonyourl
    eft
    .”
    Hedrovetheopengat
    eandpar
    kedbesi
    desabl
    ack
    HondaFit
    .
    “
    Youshar
    e?”
    “
    Yes.Thankyouf
    ordr
    oppi
    ngmeof
    f.
    ”
    “
    CanIcomei
    n?”
    “
    Myboyf
    ri
    end-
    “
    “Iknowyouhaveaboyf r
    iend.Noneedtokeep
    tel
    li
    ngmethat.CanIcomei n?Areyoutur
    ningme
    awaywhenIdr oveal
    lthewayhereforyou?”
    “
    Myr
    oom i
    ssmal
    l.
    ”
    “
    CanIpl
    easecomei
    n…”
    Bonolol
    ookedathi m andsteppedoutofthecar.He
    fol
    lowedheri
    nsidehol di
    ngherhandbagandt he
    Nandospaperbag.Shel edhimt oherr
    oom.Kabo
    walkedi
    nandsmi ledlookingaroundthecleanr
    oom.
    Heputherthi
    ngsdownandl ookedather
    .
    “
    Yourroom i
    snice.
    ”Hegotcl
    osertoher.Bonol
    o
    movedbackti
    ll
    herbackwasagainstt
    hewal l
    .
    “Iam notgoingt
    odoanyt hingyoudon’twantmet
    o
    do.”Hesmi l
    edpinchinghercheek.“
    Butyour
    boyfr
    iendisnothere.Whathedoesn’tknow
    shouldn’
    thurthi
    m.”
    “
    Idon’tcheat
    .Whathappenedatt
    heweddi
    ngwasa
    mist
    ake.”
    Hekissedherneckweakeni
    ngher
    .“I
    tdi
    dn’
    tfeell
    ike
    amistake.
    ”
    “
    Iwasgoi
    ngt
    hroughal
    ot.
    ”
    Hekissedt hecornerofherli
    psbef or
    esweepi ngof
    f
    herli
    pswi t
    hhisandki ssedherhard,hishandson
    herwaist.Bonoloclosedhereyesr ecei
    vingthe
    i
    ntensekiss.Hemovedhi shandsdownt oherl i
    ps
    thengropedherassl ett
    ingherfeelhi
    sgrowing
    er
    ect
    ion.
    Hepul ledupherdressandsl i
    dhishandi nsideher
    wetp* ssy.Herheartr
    acedsomuch, hermi nd
    suddenl ybecamemusht hemoreheki ssedherand
    touchedher .Ever
    yform ofresi
    stanceflewoutof
    herbrai n.
    Bonoloclosedhereyesmoani ng,
    Kaboopenedhis
    zipandtookouthi sweaponthenpushedherpanty
    tothesi
    deandf i
    ll
    edherpussywithhisdi
    ckasshe
    gaspedfli
    nching.Heheldherwaistandcurvedhi
    s
    backeasingoutthenpushedbacki nagai
    n.Shelet
    outamoanasherbodyvi brat
    edinhisarms.
    Hel
    ookedatherthensli
    doutandputhisdi
    ckback
    i
    nhi
    spantswhileshethrobbedwant
    ing.
    “
    Yourhousemat
    eknowsyourboyf
    ri
    end?
    ”
    Bonol
    inoddedshaki
    ng.Kaboki
    ssedhercheek.
    “
    Ok.Idon’
    twantt
    oputyoui
    nanawkwar
    dposi
    ti
    on.
    Wecanstop.
    ”
    Shelookedathi
    m confused.I
    thadn’
    tseemedhe
    car
    edmoment sback.Tearsfi
    ll
    edhereyes.
    “
    Pleasest
    opt
    oyi
    ngwi
    thmyemot
    ions.
    ”
    “
    Doyouwantmet
    ofi
    nishup?
    ”
    “Whywereyouput t
    ingi
    tinifyouknewyouwouldn’
    t
    fi
    nishwhatyoustart
    ed?Idon’tknowwhoyouthi
    nk
    youarebutIam notgoi
    ngtol etyouuseme.
    ”
    Hesmi
    led.“
    Ongal
    etsidi
    ck?I
    fyouwantme,
    say
    so.
    ”
    Hisphoner
    angi nhi
    spocket
    .Hel
    ookedatNono
    cal
    li
    ngandpicked.
    “
    Hi.
    .”
    “
    Hi.Iam atyourhouse,
    okae?
    ”
    “
    Iam wi
    thmygi
    rl
    fr
    iend,
    what
    ’sup?
    ”
    “
    Gir
    lf
    ri
    end?Whatgi
    rl
    fr
    iend?
    ”
    “
    Whatdoyouwant
    ?”
    “
    Ineedapl
    acet
    ost
    ay,
    Igotaj
    obsoi
    twon’
    tbef
    or
    l
    ong.
    ”
    KabolookedatBonol
    o.“
    Mygi
    rl
    fr
    iendwon’
    tli
    kei
    t,
    sor
    ry.Ihavet
    ogo.”
    Hehungupt henpickedBonoloupandputheron
    thebedalreadyunzippingherdress.Het ookitof
    f
    andunclippedherbra.Herbodywasj ustashe
    remember ed.Hepulledoutherpantiesandt ookhis
    t-
    shirtt
    hensettl
    edbet weenherl
    egst akingouthis
    dick.Hekissedherpushinghisdickinherhoneypot .

    *
    **

    Thatevening,Fi
    fidi
    dt hedishesint
    heki tchenwhil
    e
    Obakengwat chedaf ootbal
    lgamewi thLor ii
    nthe
    l
    ivi
    ngr oom.Shef i
    nishedupt henwalkedt othe
    bedroom whereshel aidonthebedcal l
    ingRicky.
    Hi
    sphoner
    angf
    orawhi
    lebef
    oreheanswer
    ed.
    “
    Heyf
    ri
    end.
    ”
    Fi
    fismi
    led.“
    Areyousi
    ck?
    ”
    “
    No.Why?
    ”
    “
    Yousounddown.
    ”
    “
    Iam f
    ine.Justt
    ir
    ed.Canwet
    alkt
    omor
    row,
    Iam i
    n
    t
    hemi
    ddl
    eofsomet
    hingher
    e.”
    “
    Whatar
    eyoudoi
    ng?
    ”
    “
    Iwi
    llcal
    lyou.Shar
    p.”
    Rickyhungup.Fif
    icall
    edhi
    m agai
    nandt
    hist
    ime
    anothervoi
    ceanswered.
    “
    Rickyi
    sbusy.Hewi
    llcal
    lyout
    omor
    row.
    ”
    “
    Pleasegi
    vehi
    m hi
    sphone.
    ”
    “
    Didn’
    tyouhearwhatIsai
    d?Hewi llcal
    lyou
    t
    omorrow.Ar
    eyouhi sgi
    rl
    friend?Idon’tl
    ikethi
    s
    f
    ri
    endshi
    pofyours.Hewillcallyoutomorrow.”
    Fi
    fisatupr
    ightasacol
    dchi
    llr
    andownherspi
    ne.
    “
    Iwantt
    otal
    ktohi
    m.”
    Hehungup.Shetr
    iedt
    ocal
    lagai
    nbutt
    hist
    imet
    he
    cal
    ldi
    dn’
    tgothr
    ough.

    *
    **

    Lat
    ert
    hatsameeveni
    ng,
    Nonosati
    nNei
    so’
    shouse
    l
    ist
    eni
    ngt
    oheri
    nshock.
    “
    Youwantmet
    obur
    nLegauf
    iandt
    heki
    dsi
    nsi
    de
    t
    hehouse?
    ”
    “No…youar et
    akingitoutofcont
    ext
    .Thefirewill
    burnthem.Butifyoudon’twantt
    odoit,
    it’
    sf i
    ne.I
    waswi l
    li
    ngtopayyou.P10k.GapeIhadbr ought
    yourcontr
    act.
    ”
    Nonoswal
    lowedst
    ari
    ngather
    ,herhandsshaki
    ng.
    .
    .
    .
    [
    04/
    23,
    05:
    55]'
    :
    Si
    nsUnf
    orgi
    ven
    #69

    Anhourlat
    er,
    Obakengj
    oinedFi
    fiandpul
    ledher
    cl
    oserki
    ssi
    ngherneck.
    Fi
    fit
    urnedandl
    ookedathi
    m.“
    Ithi
    nkRi
    cky’
    s
    boyf
    ri
    endi
    sabusi
    nghi
    m.”
    “
    Ithoughtyouspoket
    ohi
    mlastweek.
    ”
    “Idi
    d,butnowIam sureheisabusinghi
    m.He
    answeredRicky’
    sphone.BabeIknowmyf r
    iend.
    That’
    snottheRickyIknow.”
    “
    Let
    ’ssayhei
    s,Ri
    ckyhast
    hechoi
    cet
    owal
    kaway.
    ”
    “
    Somet
    hingi
    swr
    ong.Ineverl
    ikedt
    hatman.
    ”
    ObakengsqueezedFif
    i’sbreast
    .“Canbe.Buti
    f
    Rickyi
    snotdoinganythingaboutitt
    henther
    eis
    nothi
    ngyoucando.”
    Thebabycr
    iedt
    hrought
    hebabymoni
    tor
    .Fi
    fi
    smil
    ed.
    “
    It
    ’syourt
    urn.
    ”
    Hel
    aughedgett
    ingof
    fbedandwal
    kedtothei
    rroom.
    Hel
    ookedatYaonewhowasstr
    uggl
    ingtosit
    .
    Hepickedherupasshesmiled.Hewal kedwi
    thher
    backtothebedr
    oom.Fi
    fipausedput t
    ingonher
    l
    inger
    ieashewalkedi
    n.Hesmi led.
    “
    Thatl
    ooksgoodonyouon.
    ”
    Fif
    ilaughed.“
    Whatar
    eyoudoi
    ngwi
    tht
    hebaby
    here?”
    “Idi
    dn’
    tknowwewer egoi
    ngt
    ohavesex.
    ”He
    smil
    ed.“Iam comi
    ng.
    ”
    “
    Makesur
    eshesl
    eeps.
    ”
    Helookedatherthenqui ckl
    ywalkedoutsmi l
    ing.
    Fif
    ifini
    shedupthenturnedont hespeakerinthei
    r
    bedroom.Sheplayedsof tvent
    il
    atormusicthenput
    downt hevol
    umesl i
    ghtl
    y.Shel ai
    dont hebedand
    waitedforhi
    m.Hewal kedbackt wentyminutes
    l
    aterandsmi l
    edexcit
    edly.
    Hegotont
    opofhersmi
    li
    ng.
    “
    Iloveyou…”
    Fif
    ismil
    ed.“
    Iloveyout
    oo.Wher
    ear
    ewegoi
    ng
    tomorr
    ow?”
    “
    Youwi
    llseewhenwegett
    her
    e.”
    Heki
    ssedherget
    ti
    ngbet
    weenherl
    egs.

    *
    **
    InMaitengwe,Fi
    fi
    ’sgr
    andmot herwokeupi nthe
    earl
    yhour soft
    hemorning.Shelookedather
    husbandpeaceful
    lysl
    eepingandr eachedforher
    bibl
    e.Sheopenedaverseunabl et
    or emembert o
    whatshehadnoer ndreamingaboutbuti thadlef
    t
    herwor r
    ied.
    Herhusbandt
    urnedi
    nhi
    ssl
    eept
    henopenedhi
    s
    eyes.
    “
    Whati
    swr
    ong?
    ”
    “
    Myhear
    tisheavy.
    ”
    “Youareal
    wayswor
    ryi
    ng.Pl
    easel
    et’
    ssl
    eep.
    Everyonei
    sok.
    ”
    Sheputawayherbi
    bleandl
    aiddown.“
    Iwi
    llcal
    lFi
    fi
    tomor
    row.”
    “Fi
    fii
    sfine.Shei
    shappy.Wespoket
    ohert
    heot
    her
    day.She’sfi
    ne.
    ”
    “
    Iwi
    llcal
    lherst
    il
    l.
    ”
    Sheclosedhereyesandpr
    ayedsi
    lent
    lyt
    il
    lshe
    event
    uall
    ysosleptagai
    n.
    *
    **

    Justbef
    ore5inthemorni
    ng,Obakeng’
    sphoner
    ang
    wakingFi
    fiup.Shel
    ookedathi
    m.
    “
    Babe…phone.
    ”
    Hesl
    owl
    yreachedf
    ori
    tpul
    li
    nghercl
    oser
    .
    “
    Hel
    lo?
    ”
    “Hi
    .Ij
    usthadafi
    ghtwit
    hBena,sheki
    ckedmeout
    andIdon’
    tknowwheretogo.
    ”
    “NonofoItol
    dyounott
    o…”Hesighed.“
    Idon’
    t
    underst
    andwhyyouquityourj
    obinMaunandbe
    unemployedher
    e.”
    “Neisohadpr
    omi
    sedmeaj
    ob.Canyoucomeand
    pickmeup?”
    “
    Letmemakeapl
    an.
    ”
    “
    Pleasecome.
    ”
    “
    Ok.
    ”
    HehungupandlookedatFi
    fi
    .“Nonohadafight
    wi
    thourcousi
    n.Sheki
    ckedherout.Letmegoand
    pi
    ckherup.
    ”
    “
    Icango.Maybei
    fit
    ’smewhopi
    cksherup,
    shewi
    ll
    l
    ikemebet
    ter
    .”
    “
    Nonoi
    srude.
    ”
    “
    It
    ’sok.Iwi
    llpi
    ckherup.
    ”
    Fif
    igotoffbedjustasEtsi
    lecri
    edthroughthe
    monitor.Hegotupandwal kedoutwhileFi
    fiputon
    herpyjamasthengrabbedtheJeep’scarkeys.
    Obakengwal kedi
    nthebedr
    oom holdinghi
    m.Etsi
    le
    turnedandlookedathi
    smotherr
    aisingherar
    ms
    cryingevenmore.
    Fi
    fismi
    led.“
    Heybi
    gguy!
    ”
    Hecri
    edevenmor est
    ari
    ngather
    .Fi
    fit
    ookhim and
    hel
    dhi minherar
    ms.Hecal
    meddownbr eat
    hing
    heavi
    ly.
    “Hehasafavori
    tepar
    entandIcant
    ellyounow
    babe…it
    ’snotme.”
    Fi
    fil
    aughed.“
    Hei
    smypr
    otect
    or.
    ”
    “
    Ihavemygi
    rl
    s.Iam per
    fect
    lyf
    ine.
    ”
    “Iwi
    llgowit
    hhim.Hewi
    llhel
    pdi
    ssol
    vet
    het
    ensi
    on.
    Bri
    nghiscarseat
    .”
    Sheputhi m downandputajacketonhim.She
    checkedhisdiaperbef
    orewalki
    ngoutwithhim.
    Obakengputhi m onhi
    sseatthenbel
    tedhim whi
    le
    Etsi
    lelookedathim.
    Obakengsmi l
    edandclosedt
    hedoorasFi f
    igoti
    n
    thecarhol
    dingherphone.Helookedatherand
    kissedher
    .
    “
    Justi
    gnor
    eher
    .”
    Fi
    fismi
    led.“
    Iwi
    llhandl
    eher
    .”
    “
    Iloveyou.
    ”
    Shechuckl
    ed.“
    Iwi
    llbef
    ine.Di
    rectme.
    ”
    Hequi
    ckl
    ygavehert
    hedi
    rect
    ions.
    “
    Cal
    lmewhenyouar
    ri
    ve.
    ”
    “
    Ok.
    ”
    Heclosedthedoorasshestar
    tedtheengi
    nethen
    shedroveoutashewalkedbackinthehouse.
    *
    **

    I
    nablackCTIgol
    fthatwasparkedont
    hesideof
    t
    heroad,t
    hetwoguysinsi
    dethecarwat
    chedasthe
    whi
    teJeepdr
    oveoutthencal
    lednumber.
    “
    Thewhi
    teJeephasl
    eft
    .”
    “Per
    fect
    .Ther
    ear
    epeopl
    elef
    tint
    hehouse.Youcan
    goin.
    ”
    “
    Ok.
    ”
    “Makesur
    enooneseesyou.Aft
    eryouar
    edone
    comeandgett
    herestofyourmoney.
    ”
    “
    Ok.
    ”
    Thetwoguyswor etheirfacemasksandst epped
    outofthecareachholdinga25l i
    tt
    lebott
    leofpet r
    ol.
    Oneoft heguysfi
    ddledwi t
    ht hesmallgateholding
    awirethenopeneditgentlyandwal kedinside.They
    walkedtothedoor.Theonewi t
    hthewi r
    esmi led
    star
    ingattheunl
    ockedbur glarbarsthenopenedi t
    andlookedatthedoor.Het ookoutakeyand
    unl
    ockedt
    hedoorbef
    orewal
    kingi
    n.
    Theyqui etl
    yopenedthei
    rbottl
    esandpouredthe
    petrolallover
    .Theyopenedthe48kggascylinder
    thengr abbedthehousekeyslocki
    ngwhoeverwas
    i
    ni nside
    Theychangedtheburgl arbarlocksandlockedit
    .
    Throughtheki
    tchenwi ndow, oneofthem tookout
    hi
    smat chesandliti
    tthent hr
    ewi ti
    nsidethehouse
    onthefloor
    .

    *
    **

    Fi
    fistoppedthecaratt
    hebusstop.Nonoqui
    ckl
    y
    walkedoverandgotinthecarsmi
    li
    ng.Shefr
    owned
    st
    aringatFif
    i.
    Fi
    fismi
    led.“
    Hi.Sor
    ryIkeptyouwai
    ti
    ng.Ther
    ewas
    anacci
    dentalongt
    heway.”
    Nono’
    shear
    tski
    pped.“
    Wher
    eismybr
    other
    ?”
    “Hei
    switht
    hegi
    rl
    sathome.Heaskedmet
    opi
    ck
    youup.
    ”
    Fif
    i’
    sphonerang,
    shel
    ookedathernei
    ghborcal
    li
    ng
    andpicked.
    “
    Hi…”
    “
    Fif
    i,ar
    eyoui
    nthehouse?
    ”
    “
    Ma?
    ”
    “Ihavecal
    ledt
    hepoli
    ce.Thefi
    rebri
    gadeisonthe
    way.Getablanket
    .Awetone.Coveryoursel
    ves
    withit
    .Myhusbandisgoingt
    odrivethr
    oughthe
    gate.
    ”
    Fi
    fif
    rownedconfused.“
    What?Iam nothome.I
    t’
    s
    Obakengandthegirl
    s.What
    ’sgoi
    ngon? ”
    “
    Fif
    ithehousei
    sonf
    ir
    e…”
    Nonol
    ookedathershaki
    ng.“
    What
    ’sgoi
    ngonFi
    fi
    ?”
    “Myfamil
    yisi
    nsi
    deGr
    ace…whatar
    eyousayi
    ng?I
    s
    heout?
    ”
    “
    Idon’
    tknow.Thebur
    glarbar
    sar
    elocked.
    ”
    Fif
    itookashar pU-t
    urnandst
    eppedont
    he
    acceler
    atorheadedbackhome.
    .
    .
    .
    [
    04/
    23,
    05:
    55]'
    :
    Si
    nsUnf
    orgi
    ven
    #70

    Fif
    i’
    snei ghborsteppedontheaccelerat
    orgoingfor
    theclosedgat edestroyi
    ngit
    .Thesecurit
    yalarm
    i
    mmedi atel
    ywentof fashepar kedonthesi
    des.
    Somepeopl estoodont hesi
    dewat chi
    ngast he
    thr
    eebedshousewentupi nflames.Horror
    ref
    lecti
    ngi nthei
    reyes.
    Gracer
    anoverwiththel
    onghosepi
    pefr
    om her
    houseasherhusbandst
    eppedoutoft
    hecar.
    Sheconnectedt
    hehosepi
    pet
    ot het
    apeandopened
    asthehusbandrant
    othebur
    ninghouse.
    “
    Don’
    tgett
    oocl
    oseFr
    ank!
    ”
    Somethingblewupthehouseandahugesmoke
    shotoutthr
    oughthewindowsbreaki
    ngt
    hem.
    *
    **

    Fif
    idrovel
    ikeamadwoman, herbr
    ainspinning.Her
    phonerangasshedrovethrougharedt r
    affi
    clight
    .
    ShelookedatObakengcall
    ingandquickly
    answeredalmostdr
    oppingthephone.
    “
    Hel
    lo?Babe!
    ”
    “
    Hey…”
    Hesoundedsocal
    m,shet
    ookadeepbr
    eat
    h.“
    Are
    t
    hekidsoutt
    oo?”
    “
    Yes.
    ”
    “
    OhLor
    d!Iwasl
    osi
    ngi
    t.Iam shaki
    ng.
    ”
    Hesof
    tl
    ylaughedt
    hencoughed.“
    It
    ’sok.
    ”
    Tear
    srol
    leddownhercheeks.“
    Iam…GodIwasso
    scar
    ed.I
    smycarok?”
    “
    Yes.Sl
    owdown.Iknowyouar
    espeedi
    ng.
    ”
    Fi
    fil
    aughedt
    ryi
    ngt
    ohol
    dhert
    ear
    s.Shepul
    ledover
    ont
    hesi
    deandbr
    okedowncr
    ying.
    “
    Iwassoscar
    ed…”
    “
    It
    sok.Don’
    tcr
    y.”
    “Iwasl
    osi
    ngmymi
    nd.Di
    dIl
    eavet
    hegasopen?I
    knowIfor
    get
    -“
    “No.Itwasn’
    tyou.I
    twasaf
    aul
    tint
    hehouse.Il
    ove
    you.”
    “
    Iloveyout
    oo.Il
    oveyousomuch.
    ”
    “Ihavebeenmeaningtogetyouinthebusinessso
    youcanseehowwear edoingbutIj
    ustthoughtI
    woul dl
    etyoufi
    ndyourfeetwit
    hthebuyi
    ngand
    sell
    ingbecauseyouar
    er eal
    lydoi
    ngwell
    .Ididn’t
    thi
    nkyouhadi ti
    nyou.
    ”
    Fi
    fichuckl
    ed.“
    Iam ahust
    ler
    .”
    “
    Iknow.AndIknowwi
    thorwi
    thoutmeyouwi
    ll
    makeit
    .”
    “
    Idon’
    twantt
    omakei
    twi
    thoutyou.
    ”
    “
    Iknow.Doyourememberwhenwefi
    rstmet
    ?Iwas
    j
    ustt
    hinki
    ngoft
    hefi
    rstt
    imeIlai
    dmyeyesonyou.
    Youwer
    eont
    opoft
    abl
    esdanci
    ng.
    ”
    Fi
    fil
    aughedr
    ubbi
    nghert
    ear
    s.“
    Iwasdr
    unk.
    ”
    “IthasbeenyousincethatnightandIcannever
    thankGodenoughf orbri
    ngingyouinmyl i
    febabe…
    Iwouldn’thavei
    tanyotherway. ”
    Fif
    isnif
    fed.“Iam l
    uckyt
    ohaveyout
    oo.Iam so
    Lucky.IneverknewIcoul
    deverbet
    hishappy.
    ”
    “Il
    oveyouMmaMoj al
    efa.Thankyouf
    orgi
    vingme
    beauti
    fulki
    ds.IwishtherewasawayIcanjust
    thankyouproperl
    y.”
    “Youdo.Throughlovi
    ngme.Yourl
    oveisenoughfor
    me.It’
    senough.”Tear
    srol
    leddownhercheeks.“
    We
    aregoingt
    obeok. ”
    “Weare.Wear
    e…guesswhatIam st
    ari
    ngatr
    ight
    now?”
    “
    What
    ?”
    “
    Ourweddi
    ngpi
    ctur
    efr
    ame.
    ”
    Fi
    fismi
    led.“
    Youmanagedt
    ogeti
    t?”
    “
    Idi
    d.It
    hinkIam goi
    ngt
    okeepi
    twi
    thme.Iwoul
    d
    mar
    ryyouagai
    nifIcoul
    d.”
    Fi
    fil
    aughed.“
    Met
    oo.
    ”
    Hecoughed.“
    Ok,
    Ihavet
    ogonow.
    ”
    “I
    stheambul
    ancet
    her
    e?Di
    dn’
    ttheki
    dsi
    nhal
    ethe
    smoke?”
    “
    No.Wear
    efi
    ne.
    ”
    “YouknowYamehasaprobl
    em breat
    hing
    someti
    mes.Maybeweshoul
    dtakehertothe
    hospi
    tal
    .”
    “
    Ok.Il
    oveyou.
    ”
    “
    Iloveyoumor
    e.”
    “
    IsNonowi
    thyou?
    ”
    “
    Yes.Doyouwantt
    otal
    kgoher
    ?”
    “
    Yes.
    ”
    Fif
    ihandedhert
    hephone.Nonowi
    pedhert
    ear
    s
    andsnif
    fed.
    “
    Hel
    lo?
    ”
    “
    Heyki
    ddo.
    ”
    Shechuckl
    ed.“
    Iam abi
    ggi
    rlnow.
    ”
    Helaughed.“Iknow.Pleasegetaj ob.Orgobackto
    Maun.Nei sowil
    lonlyshowi nt
    erestwhenit’
    s
    benefi
    cialtoher
    .Iknowt hatwoman.Choosebet t
    er
    fr
    iends.
    ”
    “
    Ok.
    ”
    “
    Don’
    tgiveFi
    fiahar
    dtime.She’
    sonl
    ytryi
    ng.AndI
    l
    oveher
    .Canyouloveheronmybehalf
    ? ”
    “
    Ng…”
    “
    Thanks.Gi
    veherbackt
    hephone.
    ”
    NonogaveFi
    fibackt
    hephone.“
    Hey…”
    “
    Iam goi
    ngt
    osl
    eepnow.Iwi
    llseeyou.
    ”
    “
    Ok.Iam al
    mosthome.
    ”
    “
    Ok.Il
    oveyou.
    ”
    “
    Iloveyout
    oo.
    ”
    Hehungup.Fif
    ilaughed.“
    Iam sor
    ryt
    oformy
    dr
    ivi
    ng.Iwasscared.
    ”
    Nononodded.Fi
    fist
    art
    edt
    hecarandj
    oinedt
    he
    r
    oadwhi
    leNonopr
    essedsentNei
    somessage.
    Nono:Iwantnothi
    ngt odowithyou.Obakeng
    al
    mostdiedinthatfi
    re.Youaresickandtwist
    ed.I
    can’
    tbel
    ieveIevenagreedtokil
    li
    nginthefi
    rstpl
    ace.
    YouaretheworsthumanIhaveevermet .Ihope
    Obakengnevercomesbackt oyou.
    Fi
    fir
    elaxeddr
    ivi
    nghome.
    “
    Youar
    egoi
    ngt
    ohaveawonder
    fulst
    aywi
    thus.
    ”
    Nonol ookedatherandr emainedinquiet.Fi
    fi
    smi l
    edthenst oppedstaringatthesmokeasshe
    tookat urntowardsherhouse.Shepar kedthecar
    herhear tr
    acingandl ookedatthehugef iret
    hatthe
    fi
    refighterswast r
    yingtocont r
    ol.Sheclosedher
    eyesandt ookadeepbr eath.Shesteppedoutoft he
    carareandt ookEt si
    lewhoi swassl eepi
    ngout.The
    neighborslookedather .
    Fif
    isighedt
    ryi
    ngt
    obespotherman.Gr
    acewal
    ked
    over.
    “
    Hey…”
    Fi
    fisi
    ghed.“
    Hi.Wher
    eisObakeng?
    ”
    Gr
    acel
    ookedather
    .“Noonehasgot
    teni
    nsi
    deyet
    .”
    “Hecameout
    .Ispoket
    ohi
    m.Hewasoutwi
    tht
    he
    kids.
    ”
    “
    Hecal
    ledyou?
    ”
    “Yes.Hemustbesomewher e.Hastheambulance
    arri
    ved?Iam worr
    iedaboutYame.Ithi
    nksheneeds
    toseethedoctor
    .Shehaspr obl
    emsbreat
    hing.
    ”
    Fi
    fiwal
    kedbacktothecarandtookoutherphone.
    Shecal
    ledhi
    m whil
    estari
    ngatthefir
    egladhercar
    hadbeenpushedawayfrom t
    heit.
    “
    Thenumberyouhave,
    -
    “
    Gr
    acelookedather
    .Fi
    fisi
    ghed.“Hi
    sphonei
    sof
    f.
    Maybebewenttothehospi
    tal
    .”
    “
    Fif
    inoonecameoutofthehouse.Isawt
    hef
    ir
    e
    wheni
    tstar
    ted.Noonecameout.
    ”
    “Ispoket
    ohim minut
    esback.Hei
    sout
    .It
    hinkhe
    alr
    eadywentt
    ot hehospi
    tal
    .”
    Fif
    ilookedar
    ound.Apol
    iceof
    fi
    cerwal
    kedovert
    o
    her.
    “
    Dumel
    ang.
    .“
    “Hel
    lo,
    didanambul
    ancecome?Myhusbandsai
    d
    hewasoutminut
    esbacktoget
    herwi
    thmyki
    ds.”
    Thepoliceoffi
    cershookhishead.“
    Noonecame
    out.I
    fthereisanyoneinsi
    de,heorshei
    sst
    il
    linsi
    de
    becausealldoorswerelocked.
    ”
    “No.Myhusbandi
    sout.It
    hinkhe’
    ssomewher
    e..
    ”
    Shewalkedar
    ound.“
    Babe!Babe!
    ”
    Gr
    acepul
    ledFi
    fit
    othesi
    de.
    “
    NoonecameoutFi
    fi
    .Iam sor
    ry.
    ”
    “
    Ispoket
    ohi
    m.”
    “
    Idon’
    tthi
    nkhecameout
    .”
    Fi
    fismi
    led.“
    Grace.
    .Ij
    ustspoket
    ohi
    m.He’
    sout
    .”
    Gracesadl
    ylookedather
    .“Iam sor
    ry.Noonecame
    out.
    ”
    Fif
    ilaughed.Thenstopped.“
    Iwast
    alki
    ngt
    ohi
    m.He
    sai
    dhewassl eepi
    ng.Heisnoti
    nsi
    de…”
    Tear
    sfi
    ll
    edGr
    ace’
    seyes.“
    Iam sor
    ry.
    ”
    “
    Whyareyoucr
    ying.Myhusbandi
    sher
    e.Hei
    s
    f
    ine.
    ”
    Shewal
    kedar
    oundt
    hrought
    hecr
    owd.“
    Obakeng!
    ”
    .
    .
    .
    [
    04/
    23,
    05:
    55]'
    :
    Si
    nsUnf
    orgi
    ven
    #71

    Fif
    ihel
    dhersonpr
    operl
    ylooki
    ngar
    ound.She
    tur
    nedandGracel
    ookedather
    .
    “
    Fif
    i…”
    “Pl
    easehol
    dhi
    m.Ican’
    tlookproper
    lyhol
    dinghi
    m.
    Therei
    stoomuchsmoketoo.
    ”
    Gracet
    ookthebabyandswall
    owedasFifiwal
    ked
    t
    hroughthegat
    ebutthepol
    icehel
    dherback.
    “
    Youar
    enot
    -“
    “Iam l
    ooki
    ngformyhusbandandchi
    ldren.Noone
    i
    st el
    li
    ngmeanythi
    ng.Hewastheoneinsidet
    he
    housebuthecameout.I
    …”
    Fi
    fil
    ookedatt
    hehouseinfl
    ames.Sheunl
    ockedher
    phoneandcal
    ledhi
    m agai
    n.
    “
    Thenumberyouhavedial
    edisnotavail
    abl
    eatt
    he
    moment
    .Pl
    easetryagai
    nlater
    ,thankyou.
    ”
    “Noonecameoutofthehouse.Thebur
    glarbaris
    sti
    lll
    ockedmeani
    ngwhoeveri
    sinsi
    deisinsi
    de.”
    Fi
    fishookherhead.“
    Ispoket
    omyhusband
    minutesback.Hesai
    dheisout.Hei
    snoti
    nthe
    house.”
    “
    Allbur
    glarbar
    sar
    elocked.
    ”
    Fi
    fipushedhi
    m offandwal
    kedt
    hroughhergate
    passi
    nghercar.Oneoft
    hefi
    ref
    ight
    erswalkedover
    .
    “
    Mam-
    “
    “Iam looki
    ngformyhusband.Andmyt woki
    ds.
    Babies.Theyaretr
    ipl
    ets.Theboywaswit
    hme.The
    gir
    lswer ewit
    hhim.”
    “
    Wher
    ewer
    ethey?
    ”
    “I
    nsi
    debuthesaidhewasout.Andthathewas
    sl
    eepi
    ng.Iam t
    ryi
    ngtol
    ookforhim butIcan’
    tfi
    nd
    hi
    m.”
    Thef
    ir
    efi
    ght
    erl
    ookedather
    .“What
    ’syourname?
    ”
    “Legauf
    iMojal
    efa.MyhusbandisObakeng
    Mojalef
    a.Ourki
    ds…t wogi
    rl
    s.Babies.Yameand
    Yaone.Theyarewit
    hhim.Ijustneedhelpf
    indi
    ng
    him.Noonewant stohel
    pme. ”
    “Ok.
    .Iwil
    lhel
    pyoul
    ook.Theywer
    einsi
    det
    he
    house?
    ”
    Shenodded.“Yes.Hewasinside.Iwentt
    ocoll
    ect
    mysist
    erin-
    law.Ilef
    thi
    m herebutIspoketohi
    m.”
    Shetookoutherphoneandopenedhercal
    llog.
    “Her
    e.Here….Ispoket
    ohim.”
    Thefi
    refi
    ghterlookedatt
    heti
    meoft hecal
    l.“We
    wereher
    etenmi nut
    esbef
    orethat
    .Ifhegotouti
    t
    meanshegotoutbef oret
    hatbutal
    ldoorsinand
    bar
    sarestil
    llocked.
    ”
    Fi
    fil
    ookedathi
    m.“Hesaidhewasoutwi
    tht
    hekids.
    Andthatt
    heywereok.Hesai
    dhewasok.Besai
    d
    hewasok…t hatweweregoi
    ngtobeok…”Tear
    s
    fi
    ll
    edhereyes.“
    Heisf
    ine.Ij
    ustneedt
    ofi
    ndhim.”
    “
    Noonecameout
    .”
    Fif
    isteppedbackshaki
    ngherhead.“
    Ispoket
    ohim.
    Ispoketohim.Heisout…Ij
    ustneedtofi
    ndhim.
    ”
    “
    Iam sor
    ry-
    “
    “Ineedtof i
    ndmyhusband.He…It hinkhewentto
    thehospital
    .Myyoungestdaughter…shehas
    troubl
    ebreathi
    ng.Hemayhavet akenhertothe
    hospit
    al.Ispoket
    ohim.”
    “
    Iam sor
    ryMr
    s.Moj
    alef
    a.”
    “
    Therei
    snot
    hingtobesor
    ryabout
    .Ineedhel
    p
    f
    indi
    ngmyhusband!
    ”
    Shet
    urnedandwal
    kedout
    .Gr
    acel
    ookedather
    .
    “
    Fif
    i…”
    “
    Iam goi
    ngt
    othehospi
    tal
    .”
    GracehandedEtsi
    let
    oherhusbandandr
    anafter
    Fif
    iwhowaswal ki
    ngtot
    heJeep.Shepul
    ledher
    andheldherhands.
    “Legaufi
    !Hei si
    nt her
    e!Yes,
    youspoket
    ohi
    m but
    heisinside!Iam sorr
    y.Iam sor
    ry!
    ”
    Fi
    fist
    aredatherbl
    ankl
    y.
    “Iam sorr
    y!Iam sor
    ryLegaufi.Heisnotout.Hei
    s
    notout.Thegir
    lsarenotout.Allbur
    glarbar
    sare
    l
    ocked.”
    “Ispoketohi
    m.Ispoket
    ohi
    m.”Fi
    fimumbl
    edt
    o
    hersel
    f.“
    Ispoket
    ohim.)
    “
    Iknow…IknowandIam sor
    ry.
    ”
    Fif
    ismil
    edt
    henl
    ookedatherr
    ing.Shel
    aughed.
    “No.”
    Gracehuggedher.Fi
    fishookherhead.“No.No..
    youdidn’
    tseehi
    ml eave.Justbecauseyoudidn’
    t
    seehimleave…i
    tdoesn’tmeanhei snotout
    .”
    “
    Legauf
    i…he’
    sgone.
    ”
    “Gonewher e?Ispoketomyhusband.Hesai
    dhei
    s
    out.Ihear
    dhim….Hei sout
    .”
    “
    Godhel
    pus…“Gr
    acel
    ookedathert
    ear
    ful
    ly.
    Fi
    fishookherhead.“
    Ispoket
    ohi
    m.Idi
    d…Iam not
    crazy.Mymani snotinthathouse.”Tear
    sfi
    ll
    edher
    eyes.“ Heisnoti
    nthere.Mykidsar enoti
    nthere
    Grace.Theyar enot.Hesaidhegotourwedding
    picturefr
    ame.Itwasaf t
    eryoucalledme.Iwas
    alreadyonmywayback. ”
    “Idon’
    tknowwhat ’
    sgoi
    ngonFi
    fibutnoonel
    eftt
    he
    house.IwishIknewwhatt
    otel
    lyou.
    ”
    “Don’tt
    ellmeanythingGr ace.Becausemyhusband
    i
    ssomewher ewaiti
    ngf ormeandIam wast i
    ngti
    me.
    Theyar eprobabl
    ycrying.Hecan’ thandl
    ethem
    alone.Heneedshelp.”
    Lori
    ’
    scarpull
    edover,hest
    eppedoutandputhis
    handsonhisheadstari
    ngatt
    hehouseupinflames.
    Hiskneesgotweakasheslowlysatont
    heground,
    hi
    senergyseepi
    ngout .
    Fi
    fiwalkedt
    ohim.“
    Let
    sgothehospit
    al.Ispoket
    o
    Obakeng.Hesai
    dhewasout.Wi
    ththekids.”
    Loril
    ookedathi
    m,t
    ear
    sinhi
    seyes.Fi
    fishookher
    head.
    “
    Weneedt
    olookf
    orhi
    m.Idon’
    tthi
    nkhe’
    sher
    e.”
    Loriputhi
    shandsonhisface.Fi
    fil
    ookedat
    everyonest
    ari
    ngather
    ,herheadspinningand
    aching.
    Thepol
    icewal
    kedt
    oher.“
    Wear esor
    ryaboutyour
    l
    ossbutwehaveafewquest
    ions-
    “
    “Whatl
    oss?Whatdon’
    tyouunder
    stand?
    !Ispoket
    o
    him!Heisal
    ive!
    ”
    Someonet
    ookherphoneandr
    ecor
    dedFi
    fiyel
    li
    ng.
    “
    Hei
    sal
    ive….Hei
    sfi
    ne.Ij
    ustneedt
    ofi
    ndhi
    m.”
    Shelookedar
    oundandwalkedt
    othecar.Herl
    egs
    gotheavi
    erasshewal
    ked.Shecal
    ledhi
    m agai
    n.
    “
    Thenumberyouhave-
    “
    Shecutthecallshaki
    ng.Lor
    igotupandwalked
    towardsherandhandedherhisphone.Fi
    fit
    ookit
    andlookedatthemessage.
    Bax:Hey.Iwantt ocallbutatextisbet
    ter.Youare
    mor et
    hanj ustafri
    endt ome, youaremybr other
    .
    AndIwi l
    lforeverappreci
    atethetimeIhadwi thyou.
    Youwer eoneoft hehighli
    ght
    si nmyl i
    fe.InyouI
    foundalotandl earntalot
    .Ihopei nmynextl i
    fe,
    we
    meetagai n.Pl easet ellFifii
    twasn’ tpai nf
    ul .Notf or
    meort heki ds.Shei sgoi ngt ocryandl osehope,
    tel
    lhernott o.It hinkIwasj ustaseasoni nherl i
    fe.
    Orvi sever sa.Idi edahappyman.Ineverknewt hat
    wasat hingbutIdi edhappyl ait
    aka.Whatmor e
    couldIhavewant ed.Ihadt hemostbeaut ifulwi fe
    andbeaut ifulkids.Iwoul dchooset hem al loveri fI
    could.Tel lherIl oveher .Somucht oo.Shewas
    amazi ng.Thel astmont hshavebeent hebestofmy
    l
    ife.Icoul dhaveneverguessedi twoul dendl i
    ke
    thisbutthat ’
    sjustl if
    e.Tel lhernott ocr ytoomuch.
    Shewi l
    lfindamanwhowi l
    lloveher .Iknowhei s
    there.Tellhert otakecar eofEt si
    le,herpr ot ector.
    Teachherhowt hingsar edoneatwor k.That ’
    sher s.
    TellherIam l ookingoverher ….Meandt hegi rls.Til
    l
    wemeetagai n…
    Fi
    fishookherhead.Shegotof
    fthecarand
    st
    aggeredtr
    yingtowalkbackt
    othehouse.
    Shescr
    eamedashepul
    ledherback.Gr
    acehugged
    her
    .
    “
    No…no!Obakeng!No!No!
    ”
    “
    Iam sor
    ryFi
    fi
    ..
    ”
    “
    No!
    ”
    Shescr eamedcr yingasherenti
    rebodyshook
    vi
    olently.From adi stanceNonojustst
    ared,her
    brai
    nf ail
    ingt ocompr ehendwhatwasgoi ngon.She
    l
    ookedatFi fiheasshecr i
    edsomucht hathe
    everyonej uststaredather.
    .
    .
    .
    [
    04/
    23,
    05:
    55]'
    :
    Si
    nsUnf
    orgi
    ven
    #72

    Gracehel dFi
    fit
    ightl
    y,herowntearsr
    oll
    ingdown.
    Fi
    fifoughthergriptryi
    ngtogot ot
    heburninghouse.
    Herhear tbr
    okeintomi l
    li
    onpi
    ecesasthefire
    pr
    ogr esseddestroyi
    ngeveryt
    hing.
    Shecr
    awl
    edscr
    eami
    ng.Gr
    acesatdownhol
    ding
    hert
    ight
    ly.
    “
    Iam sor
    ryFi
    fi
    .”
    “
    Obakeng!
    ”
    Loril
    ookeddowncryi
    ng.Fif
    iki
    ckedherlegsf
    ight
    ing
    offGrace.Thef
    emalepol
    iceof
    ficerhel
    pedGrave
    holdherdown.
    “
    Leaveme!Obakeng!
    ”
    Aladywhost ayeddownthest r
    eetsnif
    fedcryi
    ng.
    Neisodroveoverandsloweddownst ari
    ngatthe
    burni
    nghouse.Herhandsshookwhi l
    eheramount s
    sweated.ShelookedatFi
    ficr
    yingthenatthehouse.
    Shestoppedthecarshakingthensteppedout.The
    fi
    rewassobi g,shehadneverseensuchabi gfir
    e
    befor
    e.Shestaggeredbackinhercar,herhandover
    hermouth.
    Shesteppedont heacceler
    atoranddroveof
    f.Nono
    satdown,tear
    sfill
    inghereyesthoughshecoul
    dn’
    t
    yetfi
    ndtheenergyt oopenhermout handcr
    y.She
    coul
    dn’tseem t
    or ememberhowyouevencr y.
    Fi
    figaspedunabl
    etobr
    eat
    he.Thet
    wol
    adi
    eshel
    d
    herdownbutshekeptf ighti
    ng,herstrength
    start
    li
    ngbothofthem.Shecoughedunabl eto
    breatheasherheartpoundedf astandhar dagai
    nst
    herchest.SheGrace’
    sdr essteari
    ngitfighti
    ngto
    breathe.
    Shegaspedtryi
    ngtogetupbutt het
    woladies
    overpower
    edherandthemor etheypushedher
    downt hemoreshegotweak.Sheslowlymeltedi
    n
    thei
    rhandsandstoppedmoving.
    Gr
    acesni
    ff
    ed.“
    Ithi
    nkshe’
    sfai
    nted.
    ”
    Thepoli
    ceof
    fi
    cersatonherbut
    tandlethert
    ears
    rol
    ldownatl
    ast
    .Gracewipedherswi
    ththebackof
    herhand.
    “
    Weneedanambul
    ance.
    ”

    Lor
    iwatchedastheambulancedroveoffwit
    hFif
    i
    asthesunbegunri
    sing.Thefi
    rewasslowlyget
    ti
    ng
    manageable.
    Lor
    i’
    sphoner
    ang.Het
    ooki
    toutandpi
    ckedKabo’
    s
    cal
    l.
    “
    Lor
    i,what
    ’sgoi
    ngon?
    ”
    “
    Baxi
    sgonemi
    ster
    …Baxi
    sgone.
    ”
    “
    Gonewher
    e?What
    ’sgoi
    ngon?
    ”
    “
    Hei
    sgoneKabo….He’
    sgone.
    ”
    “
    Gonewher
    e?Iam onmyway.What
    ’sgoi
    ngon?
    ”
    “Thehousewasonf
    ir
    e.Hewasi
    nsi
    de…wi
    tht
    he
    gir
    ls…”
    “
    Lor
    iwhatar
    eyousayi
    ng?Idon’
    tunder
    stand.
    ”
    “Hewasinthehouse.It’
    sover
    …he’sgoneKabo…
    Baxotsamail
    e..
    ”Lorisnif
    fedr
    ubbi
    nghistear
    s.“
    Bax
    i
    sgone.”
    “
    Lor
    i…Idon’
    tunder
    stand.Ispoket
    ohi
    m maabane.
    ”
    “
    Baxi
    snomor
    elai
    taka.
    .he’
    snomor
    e.I
    t’
    sover
    .”
    “
    Lor
    i…comeon…don’
    tjokel
    iket
    hat
    ..
    ”
    “
    Andhi
    sgir
    ls…i
    t’
    sover
    ..
    ”Lor
    ilookeddowncr
    ying.
    “
    Oil
    eBax….“
    *
    **

    Onhi
    swayfr
    om Serowe,Kabost
    oppedt
    hecari
    n
    t
    hehi
    ghway.Bonol
    olookedathi
    m.
    “
    Lor
    iwar
    eng?Osekawat
    shamekayal
    o.”
    Lor
    icr
    iedl
    oudl
    y.“
    Hei
    snotcomi
    ngback.
    ”
    Bonolowatchedhi
    m stepofoutoft
    hecarasatear
    rol
    leddown.Sheisst
    eppedoutofthecarwor
    ri
    edly.
    “
    Kabo…”
    Kaboshookhi
    shead.“
    Lor
    i…”
    “
    Hei
    sgone.
    ”
    “
    NotBax.NotBax…”
    “
    Thegi
    rl
    sar
    egonet
    oo.
    ”
    “NotBax…”Mor
    etear
    sfi
    ll
    edKabo’
    seyes.“
    Eseng
    Bax..
    ”
    “
    Oil
    e…”
    Kabosati
    nther
    oadhol
    dingt
    hephone.
    *
    **

    InMaun,rragweObakengcal
    ledNonoagai
    nbuther
    phonerangunanswered.Hedial
    edLor
    iandthi
    s
    ti
    meitrang.
    Het
    ookadeepbr
    eat
    hasLor
    ianswer
    ed.
    “
    Hel
    lo?
    ”
    “Lor
    i,Iam hear
    ingObakeng’
    shousebur
    ntdown.I
    s
    hetherewithyou?”
    Lor
    iremai
    nedqui
    et.
    “
    Lor
    i?Hel
    lo?
    ”
    “
    Thehousebur
    ntdown.
    ”
    “
    Eish… i
    shewi
    thyou?AndFi
    fiandt
    heki
    ds?
    ”
    “
    Shehasbeenadmi
    tt
    ed.
    ”
    “
    Wasshebur
    nt?
    ”
    “
    No.
    ”
    “
    IsBaxwi
    thyou?
    ”
    “
    No.
    ”
    “
    Iam tryi
    ngtocallhi
    m buthi
    sphonei
    snotgoi
    ng
    t
    hrough.Iwanttotal
    ktohim.”
    “
    Ithi
    nkyoushoul
    dcomet
    oGabor
    one.
    ”
    “
    Yes.Iam dr
    ivi
    ng.Iam wai
    ti
    ngf
    orhi
    smot
    her
    .”
    “
    Ok.
    ”
    “
    Whenyougett
    ohi
    m,l
    etmet
    alkt
    ohi
    m.”
    Lor
    isni
    ff
    ed.Rr
    agweObakengf
    rowned.
    “
    Lor
    i,i
    sever
    ythi
    ngok?
    ”
    “
    Justcome.
    ”
    “
    What
    ’swr
    ong?I
    sheok?
    ”
    MmagweObakengwal
    kedoverhol
    dingher
    handbag.
    “
    Iam done.Let
    ’sgo.
    ”
    “
    Lor
    i,what
    ’swr
    ong?
    ”
    Lotihungup.RragweObakengl
    ookedathi
    sphone
    thenwalkedoutworr
    iedl
    y.
    Nonocal
    ledback.Hepi
    ckedget
    ti
    ngi
    nhi
    scar
    .
    “
    Nonof
    o..
    ”
    Nonobrokedowncryi
    ng.Shecri
    edsomuchr r
    agwe
    Obakengputhi
    shandoverhischestashi
    sli
    mbs
    gotcol
    d.

    *
    **

    Neisopacedinherhouseshaking.Sherubbedher
    handstogetherthensatdownonlytostandup.Her
    i
    ntesti
    nestwistedpai
    nfull
    yastear
    sitchedhereyes.
    “
    HeisfineNeiso…youar
    ejustpani
    cki
    ng…he’
    s
    f
    ine…he’sf
    ine.He’
    sok.
    .he’
    sfine…”
    Sheslowl
    ysatonherfl
    oort
    henlai
    ddown,herhear
    t
    beat
    ingabnor
    mall
    y.Shegotupandpaced.
    “He’
    sfi
    ne.He’
    sok.Cal
    m down…cal
    m down…cal
    m
    down…”
    Shecont
    inuedt
    alki
    ngt
    oher
    sel
    fli
    keamadwoman.

    *
    **
    Atthehospit
    all
    atert
    hatmor ni
    ng,Lor
    ilookedatFif
    i
    whowassl eepi
    ng.Heheldherhand.Shesl owly
    openedhereyes.Shelookedaroundwithaf r
    own.
    “
    Lor
    i…”
    Hef
    orcedasmi
    le.“
    Hey…”
    Shet
    ookadeepbreat
    h,hermemor
    yfoggy.She
    cl
    ear
    edhert
    hroat
    .“What’
    sgoi
    ngson?
    ”
    Hel
    ookedather
    .“Uh.
    .youf
    aint
    ed.
    ”
    “
    Oh…wher
    e’sObakeng?I
    sheher
    e?”
    Helookedatherconf
    used.Thedoct
    orwal
    kedi
    n.
    Lor
    ilookedathi
    m.
    “
    She…”
    Fi
    fisatupr
    ight
    .“Ar
    eyouok?Wher
    eisObakeng?
    ”
    Thedoct
    orsi
    ghed.“Themindcanplayt
    ri
    cksonus.
    I
    tist
    ryi
    ngtoprot
    ectherfr
    om thecr
    ushi
    ngmemory.
    HiFi
    fi
    …yournameisFifir
    ight
    ?”
    Fif
    inodded.“
    Yes.Wher
    eismyhusband?I
    she
    here?
    ”
    “
    Liedown.Rel
    ax.Andt
    akeadeepbr
    eat
    hforme.
    ’
    ”
    Fif
    ilai
    dbackdownandt ookadeepbreat
    h.She
    l
    ookedatLoriconf
    used.Thedet
    ecti
    velookedat
    Lori
    .
    “Sel
    ecti
    vememor y.Thebrai
    nworksinmyst eri
    ous
    ways.Shewillr
    emember …Ithi
    nkweshoul dlether
    be.Ti
    llsomeoneclosetohercantel
    lher.Wedon’ t
    wantherhavingaheartat
    tackanddying.”
    Fifilookedatthem.“
    Loriwherei
    sObakeng?Hashe
    wentt oPalapyetodropofft
    hekids?Ishoul
    dget
    ready.Whenhecomesbackwear egoingona
    sur pri
    setri
    p.”
    Lorisadl
    ylookedather
    ,tear
    sfi
    ll
    edhi
    seyest
    hathe
    tur
    nedandwal kedout.
    .
    .
    .
    [
    04/
    23,
    05:
    55]'
    :
    Si
    nsUnf
    orgi
    ven
    #73

    AtSSKI nt
    ernati
    onalAirpor
    t,RragweObakeng
    walkedovertoLori’
    scarwithhiswifebehi
    ndhim.
    Hejumpedi natthefrontwhilemmagweObakeng
    t
    ookt hebackseat.
    Rr
    agweObakengl
    ookedathi
    m.“
    Wher
    eishe?
    ”
    Lorist
    art
    edthecarinsi
    lenceandrever
    sedoutof
    theparki
    ngspacethendroveoff
    .
    “
    Lor
    i,wher
    eisObakeng?
    ”
    Loridr
    oveinsil
    encesl i
    ppingintohisownwor d.A
    whilel
    aterheparkedatt hegate.Thef i
    rewasgone
    butthepoli
    cewasst i
    llthere.Theyallsteppedoutof
    thecar.
    Lorisnif
    fedandpoi
    ntedatt
    hehouse.“
    Hei
    sin
    there.
    ”
    Rr
    agweObakengl
    ookedathi
    m conf
    used.“
    Hei
    s
    wher
    e?”
    “
    Insi
    de.
    ”
    MmagweObakengl
    ookedatt
    hebur
    nthouse.“
    Wit
    h
    t
    hepol
    ice?
    ”
    Lorishookhishead.“
    Hewasinsi
    dewheni
    tburnt
    down.He, YaoneandYame.Theybur
    ntwi
    tht
    he
    house.”
    MmagweObakengshookherhead.“
    No.Wher
    eis
    myboy?
    ”
    Lorirubbedhiseyesandwalkedbacktohiscar
    .
    MmagweObakengl ookedatherhusbandthenat
    thehouse.Sheopenedt hegatet
    ryi
    ngtorunover
    butthepolicehel
    dherback.
    “
    Mysoni
    sint
    her
    e!Mysoni
    sint
    her
    e!Myson!
    ”
    “Iam sorr
    ymam butnoonei
    sal
    lowedi
    ntot
    he
    scene.”
    “
    Iwantmyson.Mysoni
    sint
    her
    e.Hei
    sint
    her
    e!”
    “
    Iam sor
    ry.
    ”
    MmagweObakengscr
    eamedcr
    ying.“
    Obakeng!
    ”
    RragweObakengstaggeredbackasshockand
    confusi
    onmadeithardforhimtothi
    nk.Hetur
    ned
    toLoriwhowascryi
    ngstandingbyhiscart
    hen
    l
    ookedathi
    swi
    fecr
    ying.
    Heshookhisheadnotwanti
    ngtobeli
    eve…unabl
    e
    tobel
    i
    eve.MmagweObakengcr i
    edthatthe
    nei
    ghbor
    swalkedoutofthei
    rhousesyetagai
    n.

    *
    **

    Gracel
    ookedoverandwal kedbacki
    nherhouse,
    shehadn’
    tstoppedcr
    ying.Herhusbandl
    ookedat
    her.
    “
    Est
    il
    eissl
    eepi
    ng.
    ”
    Shenodded.“Idi
    dn’tunderstandwhatwasgoi ngon
    atfi
    rst…Isawthefireinthekit
    chen.I
    twassobi g…
    thecurtai
    nswerebur ni
    ngand…”Shebi therl
    ower
    l
    ip.“I
    …Iwas…If roze.Ishoul
    dhavecal l
    edthepoli
    ce
    ri
    ghtthen.Thefi
    rewasonl yinthekit
    chenthen.
    Maybet heycoul
    dhavebeensaved. ”
    Gr
    ace’
    shusbandhugged.“
    Youdi
    damazi
    ng.
    ”
    “Amazi
    nghow?Heisdead…soar
    ethebabi
    es.I
    coul
    dhavedonewaybet
    ter.
    ”
    “
    Babe-
    “
    “
    Weshoul
    dhave…Ishoul
    d-“
    “Babe,therewasnot hi
    nganyonecoul ddo.Hemost
    probablywoul dnothaveescaped.Thef i
    reclosed
    himin.Iknowyouf eelbad.SodoI .Hewasagr eat
    fri
    endact uall
    y.Hewasagr eatperson.Butthere
    wasnot hinganyonecoul ddo.Thef i
    reescal
    ated
    wayt ooqui ckl
    y…”
    Gracerubbedhercheek.“
    Theyareallgone…al
    lat
    once.It
    ’sunf
    air
    .Theyjustgotmarr
    ied.Theyar
    e
    newlyweds.I
    t’
    snotevenayear…it’
    sunf ai
    r.
    ”
    “
    Iknow.Ican’
    timagi
    newhatshe’
    sgoi
    ngt
    hrough.
    .”
    Gracesatdownandputherhandsonherface
    shaki
    ng.Acryescapedt
    hroughherl
    ips.Her
    husbandsatdownhuggi
    ngher.

    *
    **

    MmagweObakengcri
    edonherkneeswhi
    leher
    husbandst
    oodbyt
    hegat
    e,handsinhi
    shead.
    Tearsf
    il
    ledhiseyesashet
    ri
    edi
    magi
    newhatmi
    ght
    havehappened.
    Atearfel
    l.Hecouldsti
    llhearObakengtalki
    nginhi
    s
    head.Hislaught
    er…anothertearf
    ell
    ,painslowl
    y
    consuminghim mixedwi t
    hdisbel
    ief
    .
    Thehousehadbeenbur nttothegr
    ound.Hestar
    ed
    att
    hepoli
    cethentur
    nedt ryi
    ngtocomeintot
    erms
    wit
    hwhathewasseei ng.
    “
    Wher
    eisFi
    fi
    ?”
    “
    Atthehospi
    tal
    .Shehadf ai
    ntedbutnowshecan’t
    r
    ememberanything.Thedoctorsaysherbr
    aini
    s
    t
    ryi
    ngtoprot
    ectherfrom t
    hecrushingmemory.
    ”
    “
    Takemet
    her
    e.”
    Hewalkedt
    othecar
    .Lor
    ijumpedi
    nanddroveoff
    l
    eavi
    ngmmagweObakengwhowasst i
    llcr
    ying.

    Att
    hehospi
    tal
    ,rr
    agweObakengwal
    kedi
    nFi
    fi
    ’s
    room.Lor
    isteppedoutgi
    vingthem space.He
    l
    ookedathersleepi
    ngthentouchedherhand.Fi
    fi
    slowl
    yopenedhereyes.
    Shequi
    ckl
    ysatupr
    ightstar
    ingatherf
    atheri
    n-l
    aw.
    Shel
    ookedbehi
    ndhim hopingt
    oseeObakengbut
    hewasn’
    t.
    “
    IsObakengwi
    thyou?
    ”
    Thecl
    earconf
    usi
    oni
    nhereyessaddenedhi
    m.
    “
    Theywon’
    tletmel
    eave.
    ”
    “
    MmaMoj
    alef
    a..
    ”
    “
    Wher
    eishe?
    ”
    Thedoct
    orwal
    kedi
    nsecondsl
    aterwi
    thLor
    i.
    “
    Dumel
    ang…”
    RragweObakenglookedatherandnodded.The
    doctorhel
    dFi
    fi
    ’shand.
    “
    Fif
    i…doyour
    ememberwher
    eyouwer
    elastni
    ght
    ?”
    “
    Yes.Athome.Wi
    thmyhusbandandki
    ds.
    ”
    “
    Doyour
    ememberwhathappenedt
    odayi
    nthe
    mor
    ning?
    ”
    Fi
    fiopenedhermout
    htot
    alkbutnot
    hingcamet
    o
    mind.
    “
    I…”
    “
    Takeadeepbr
    eat
    hin….I
    n…out
    …cl
    oseyoureyes.
    ”
    Fif
    icl
    osedhereyesandt
    ookadeepbr
    eat
    hinand
    exhal
    ed.
    “
    Relax…youar
    ewaki
    ngup…i
    t’
    sint
    hemor
    ning…
    whatdi
    dyoudo?”
    Fi
    fi
    ’shear
    tst
    art
    edr
    aci
    ngasshet
    ri
    edt
    oremember
    .
    “
    Aphonewasr
    ingi
    ng…Obakeng’
    sphonewas
    r
    ingi
    ng.
    ”
    “
    Ther
    ewego…whatdi
    dhedo?Justr
    elax…”
    “He…heanswer
    ed.Hi
    ssi
    sterneededhi
    mtopi
    ck
    him up.
    ”
    Sheopenedhereyes.“
    Yes.AndIsai
    dIwouldgo.
    Etsi
    lecr
    iedsoIwentwit
    hhimthen…”Shepaused.
    “
    Iam sor
    ryFi
    fi
    ..
    ”
    Fi
    fil
    ookedatherasever
    ydet
    ailcamebackt
    oher
    .
    Thehouse…thefi
    re.
    “
    Myhouseisonf
    ir
    e.Myhusbandi
    nsi
    de.Mykids!
    Weneedt
    ogethi
    m out
    .Weneedtogett
    hem out.
    ”
    “
    Iam sorr
    yforyourl
    ossFi
    fi
    .Butthehousebur
    nt
    wit
    hthem.Youfaint
    edatt
    hescene.”
    Fi
    fil
    ookedatLor
    i.“
    Lor
    i…”
    Lor
    isni
    ff
    ed.“
    Iam sor
    ry.
    ”
    Fi
    fishookherhead.“
    No.
    ”
    Shegotof
    fbed.“
    No.Hei
    sfi
    ne.Ihad…I
    …”
    “
    Hesai
    ditwasn’
    tpai
    nful
    .”
    “
    Stop!Getout
    !Getout
    !”
    Hesl
    owl
    ywal
    kedout
    .Fi
    fil
    ookedatherf
    atheri
    n-l
    aw.
    “Hei
    sinsi
    de…wi
    tht
    hekids.Weneedt
    ohel
    pthem.
    ”
    Hert
    earswar
    medhercheeks.
    “
    Thehousei
    sgone.
    ”
    “
    Did.
    .isheout
    ?”
    Heshookhi
    shead.“
    Ther
    eisnot
    hing.
    ”
    Fifishookherhead.“Therecan’tbenot
    hing.Heis
    there.Thegir
    lsarethere.Ther
    ecan’tbenothi
    ng.I
    needt ogotohim.Heneedsme. ”
    “Thepoli
    cesaidthefi
    remayhavecl
    osedhi
    minand
    hecouldn’
    tgetout.Theyar
    esayi
    ngmaybehe
    star
    tedthefi
    re.
    ”
    “Thati
    scrazy!Thati
    scrazy!Ineedt
    ogettohi
    m.I
    needtogettohim.Ineedtogettomykids.
    ”
    “
    Ther
    eisnot
    hing.
    ”
    Hertear
    srol
    ledtoherneck.Shest
    eppedbackher
    handoverhermouth.His‘Il
    oveyou’
    s’r
    angatthe
    backofherhead.
    “No…Ijustmethim.Myki ds…theyar
    ebabies.They
    aresmall
    …t hey…no.Hejustmarri
    edme.”Fif
    i
    shookherhead,moretearsrol
    li
    ngdown.“No!I
    j
    ust…wej ustgotmarr
    ied.
    ”
    RragweObakengl ookedatherassheshut
    ter
    ed
    down.Hewal kedoverandhuggedher.Shepi
    nched
    herselfr
    eal
    lyhardwantingtowakeupasthe
    ni
    ght mareswall
    owedher .
    Shescr
    eamedcr
    ying.“
    Iwantmyhusband!
    ”
    Hetight
    enedhi
    sgr
    ipar
    oundher
    , herbody
    shudder
    edinhi
    sar
    msasshecried.

    *
    **

    Atthescene,
    thedet
    ecti
    vewal
    kedoverandl
    ooked
    ar
    oundwi t
    hacoll
    eague.
    “I
    tseit
    herhest ar
    tedt
    hef irewit
    htheintent
    ionto
    endhislif
    eorhewasmur der
    ed.Thi
    sf i
    rewasa
    mixt
    ur eofgasandpetrol.Andfunnyhowi tstar
    ted
    fr
    om thekitchenandclosedhimi natthe
    bedrooms.”
    Hi
    scolleagueshookhishead.“
    Isuspectt
    hewife.
    Hejustmarri
    edher.Howcomeshel eftt
    hehouse
    j
    ustbeforewethehouseburntdown?”
    “
    Wher
    ewasshewheni
    thappened?
    ”
    “Shehasn’
    tbeenquesti
    onedyetbutIsuspectshe
    plannedi
    tal
    landlockedhiminthenlef
    tleavi
    ngthe
    fi
    reendhim.”
    “
    Andherchi
    ldr
    en?
    ”
    “Shegetsever yt
    hingherhusbandownedbecause
    shehadnot hingtohernameexpectf rom thecarhe
    boughther.Thebusi ness,hi
    shouse,hismoney…
    i
    t’snotanacci dent.I
    t’
    sher.Iknowit
    ’sher.The
    chil
    drenar
    ej ustsmal lhumptoher.
    ”

    *
    **

    Neisopackedhercl
    othesi
    nherbagthenreached
    forherphonetoseewhatpeopl
    eweresaying.Her
    phonerang,shel
    ookedatNonocal
    li
    ng..
    “
    What
    ?”
    “
    Youki
    ll
    edhi
    m.”
    “Li
    stentome, i
    fIgodown, Igodownwi thyou.AndI
    haveaver ygoodalibi
    .Ifyout ryme, youwi l
    lsuff
    erI
    promiseyou.IfIwereyouIwoul dbesmar t.The
    onlysuspectherei
    sLegauf i
    .Uset hattoyourown
    advantage.Shekil
    ledhim.Tel lthepol i
    ceyour
    brotherwasnothappywi thher .Tellthem she
    marri
    edhimforhismoney.Sheisgoi
    ngtoj
    ail
    becauseapar
    tfr
    om her
    ,theyhavenooneel
    seto
    suspect
    .”
    .
    .
    .
    [
    04/
    23,
    05:
    56]'
    :
    Si
    nsUnf
    orgi
    ven
    #74

    Fi
    ficri
    edsomuchti
    llshecoul
    dn’
    tbreat
    he.The
    doctorwal
    kedwi
    thanursethent
    ookaninj
    ecti
    on.
    “
    Wear
    egoi
    ngt
    ohavet
    osedat
    eher
    .”
    Fi
    fishookherheadcryi
    nginRr agweObakeng’
    s
    arms.Thedoctormovedcloserandinj
    ect
    edher.
    Theyallwat
    chedhercalm downandslowlysli
    pout
    ofit
    .
    RragweObakengli
    ftedhi
    sdaught
    eri
    n-l
    awandlai
    d
    heronthebed.Herubbedhi
    stear
    yeyes.The
    doct
    orl
    ookedathi
    m.
    “
    Mycondol
    ences.
    ”
    Heswal l
    owedt henlookedatFi
    fiandcoveredher
    beforewalki
    ngoutwi thweakknees.Hewentt othe
    carwhereLoriwasandgoti nfeeli
    ngeveryt
    hing
    aroundhim crumble.
    “
    Idon’
    tunder
    stand…whathappened?
    ”
    Lor
    itookadeepbr eat
    h.“
    Idon’tknowbutIknow
    sheisinnocent
    .Shewouldneverhurthi
    m.She
    l
    ovedhi m.”
    “Hewoul dn’tkil
    lhimself
    .Obakengwashappy.He
    washappy.Ispoket ohi
    m yesterday.Hesai dhe
    want edtotakeFi f
    ioutforfr
    eshai r.Hesaidhe
    mi ssedhiswi f
    eandj ustwantedherf arfr
    om
    everyone..farfrom ever
    ythi
    ng.Hewasgoi ngt o
    takehertoal odge.Hehadal readybookedt hem
    there.I
    twasgoi ngtobeasur pri
    sef orher.Hesaid
    shedeser vedit.Thatwasasuperwoman.He
    l
    aughedabouthowhenevert houghthewoul dever
    havet ocallsomeonewi fe.Heact uall
    ynever
    thoughthewoul deverwakeupatwi thhisclothes
    i
    roned.Havebreakfastr
    eady.Haveeveryt
    hingdone
    forhi
    ml i
    kehowFi f
    iwasdoingit.Hewouldn’tki
    ll
    himsel
    f.Heiswashappy.Idon’tbel
    ieveit
    .”
    “Someonebr okei n.Itcoul dhavebeenFi fiandt he
    kids.I twasmeantt obeherandal lthekids.She
    saysNonocal ledaski ngt obepi ckedupf rom
    Bena’ shouse.Thatt heyhadaf i
    ghtandshehad
    beenki ckedout .Sheof fer
    edtogo.Hewast heone
    whowasmeantt ogo.TodaywasFi fi
    ’sl
    astday
    aliveincl udi
    ngt heki ds.Icanonl yt hinkofone
    per sonwhowoul dwantFi fidead.I t’
    stoomuchofa
    coi ncidencethatt hefirewoul dst artintheki tchen.
    Andt hegasal sohappenedt obeopen.Theot her
    doori si ntheli
    vi ngr oom.Howcomet hefirest art
    ed
    i
    nt heki t
    chengoi ngt ot hesitt
    ingr oom blocki ngal l
    door s?I t’
    snotacoi nci dence.Thatf i
    recaughton
    tooqui ck.”
    RragweObakengl
    ookedathim.“Iam notgoi
    ngt o
    beli
    evemysonisdeadti
    lli
    t’
    sproven.Idon’
    tbel
    ieve
    i
    t.”
    “Heknewhewasdyi
    ng.Hesentmeamessage.He
    knewwhatwascomi
    ngforhi
    m.Itwasal
    readyt
    oo
    l
    atet hen.It
    riedcall
    inghim buthi
    sphonewasof f
    .”
    Lorilaughedasat earfel
    l.“Heknewwhatwas
    comi ng.Ial
    waysj okedabouthowhei sadeep
    sl
    eeper …”Lorisni
    ffed.“
    Hesai dhediedhappy.He
    probablymadei teasyforthegirl
    s.Maybe
    suffocatedthem t
    henwai tedforhi
    sdeath.
    ”
    Apoli
    cecarpull
    edover.MmagweObakengst
    epped
    outwi
    thoutshoes.Shewal
    kedovert
    oLori
    ’
    scar.
    “
    Sheki
    ll
    edmyson!Sheki
    ll
    edhi
    m!”
    RragweObakengl
    ookedatherweak.Shescreamed.
    “Sheki
    ll
    edmyson!Sheneedstogetarr
    ested.She
    hadeverymoti
    vet
    okil
    lhi
    m.Shekill
    edhim.”
    Loril
    ookedatr
    ragweObakeng.“
    Fifidi
    dn’
    tdoi
    t.I
    knowshedidn’
    t.Shewoul
    dnever.”
    MmagweObakengcontinued.“
    Shewant
    edhi
    s
    t
    hings.Hi
    smoney.Shekil
    ledhi
    m.”

    *
    **
    Att
    hescene,t
    hefi
    refi
    ght
    erscuti
    ntothemetal
    bur
    glarbar
    sandki
    ckeddowntheburntdoor
    .The
    r
    oofwasgoneandal mostall
    thehouse.The
    l
    andl
    ordstoodout si
    dethegate,herhandsonher
    wai
    stwatching.Theywalkedpastthekitchengoi
    ng
    t
    owhatlookedl i
    kethesit
    ti
    ngr oom.
    Oneoft
    hef
    ir
    efi
    ght
    ersl
    ookedatt
    hebur
    ntdoor
    .
    “Ther
    eisanotherdoor
    .Coul
    dn’
    thehavef
    oughtt
    o
    usethatone?
    ”
    Theot herf i
    ref ighterbehindhim chuckl ed.“Don’t
    playwi thfirelaitaka.Uswhoar eout si
    det hehouse
    cansayal lwewantbutt heonei nsidei sfacedwi t
    h
    thesituat i
    on.Al ldoorswer elockedsoi fthi
    swas
    notsui cide,itwasmur der.Whoeveri tislockedhi m
    i
    nsidet hehouse.Yes, hecoul dhaveusedt hatother
    doorbutr emember ,
    thefirewasf astandhehad
    twobabi eswi thhim.Hecoul dmostpr obablysave
    himselfandgetbadi njur
    ieswhilefightingtobr eak
    thedoorbutt hekidswoul dhavedi ed.Ordi dwhat
    hedid, reali
    zedt hathewasl ockedi nside,callusin
    hopest hatwecomeont imeandsavehi m.The
    problem wast hatburglarbar.Thelockoni tisnota
    j
    oke.Andoursyst em leyonei spoor .Imean, we
    arri
    vedwhenobvi ouslywhoeverwasi nsidewas
    dead.Weshoul dhavelonggot t
    eninthehousebut
    weareonl ygett
    ingpermissi
    onnow.Ial wayssay, i
    f
    yourhousei sburni
    ngandnei ghbor
    sdon’tcomet o
    yourrescue,wewi l
    lar
    rivewheneverythi
    nghas
    beendestroyed.Thatmanhadachoi ce,
    eithersave
    himselfandthekidsdieorstaywithhiskids.So
    whil
    ewai ti
    ngforhelp,
    hecalledeveryonehecoul d
    thi
    nkofandsai dgoodbyes.”
    “Eish…andi
    nsuchhousest
    her
    eisnowher
    eto
    hide.”
    “Nowher etorun.Iheardpeopl
    eoutsi
    detal
    king
    aboutallhecouldhavedone,thi
    sisfi
    rewear e
    tal
    kingabout.I
    t’seasi
    ertosayanyt
    hingwhenyou
    arenotfaci
    ngt hefi
    re.
    ”
    Theywal
    keddownt
    hepassageandwal
    kedi
    nsi
    de
    thef
    ir
    str
    oom.
    “
    Mast
    erbedr
    oom.
    ”
    Everyt
    hingwasbl ackandburnt.Theycouldhardl
    y
    recogni
    zeanything.Theywalkedtoanotherdoor
    andwal kedi
    nsidetheensui
    te.
    Thecei
    li
    nghadf
    all
    enont
    opoft
    het
    ub.Theywal
    ked
    i
    ntheirpr
    otect
    ivecl
    othingbreathi
    ngthr
    ought he
    masksthenremovedthebur ntcei
    li
    ngfrom thetub.
    Oneofthem pausedstari
    ngatthehalfburntwet
    bl
    anketandwhatseemedl ikeaheadundert he
    bl
    anket.
    “
    Ist
    hat
    …”
    “
    Don’
    ttouch!Cal
    lthepol
    icei
    n.”
    “
    Maybehe’
    sbeal
    ive!
    ”
    Her emovedt heblanketandlookedatthemani n
    thetubfullofwaterholdingtwobabiesinsi
    de.One
    ofthefir
    ef i
    ghtert
    ookof fhisgl
    oveandputhi shand
    onhi sneckthenshookhi sheadsadly.Hetouched
    thebabiesandmovedback.
    “Heatandsmoke…t
    heyaredead.Let’
    slookatthe
    otherr
    oomsthenwego.Ei
    sh…thisispainf
    ul.
    ”

    *
    **

    Nei
    sosati
    nherhouset
    ryi
    ngt
    ocoverhert
    racks.
    Maybei
    fshef
    oundamannoonewoul dsuspect
    her.I
    twoul
    dshowt hepoli
    cet
    hatshehadno
    i
    ntenti
    onofki
    ll
    inganyone.
    Sheneededasol
    idpl
    an.Shet
    hought
    ful
    lycal
    led
    Nono.
    “
    Hel
    lo?
    ”
    “
    Ishel
    ate?
    ”
    “
    Noonesur
    vived.
    .hei
    sgone.Iki
    ll
    edmybr
    other
    .”
    “
    Nono.
    .”
    “
    Iki
    ll
    edhi
    m…Iki
    ll
    edhi
    m.”
    “
    Nono-
    “
    “
    Iki
    ll
    edhi
    m.”
    “
    No.
    .Nono.
    .”
    “Icall
    edhim…i
    tshouldhavebeenFifi.
    .Iki
    ll
    edthe
    kids.Iki
    ll
    edmybrot
    her.Idon’
    tdeser
    vetoli
    ve.”
    “
    Iam sor
    ry.Iwi
    llseeyouatwor
    konMonday.
    ”
    “
    Wor
    k?Wor
    kwhenmybr
    otheri
    sdead?Wor
    k?”
    “
    Wewi
    llt
    alk.Bye.
    ”
    Nei
    sohungupandsavedt
    her
    ecor
    dingsmi
    li
    ng.
    Nonocal
    ledherback.
    “
    Hel
    lo?
    ”
    “
    Iam goi
    ngt
    othepol
    ice.
    ”
    “Youwantt
    obesent
    encedt
    odeat
    hbecause
    someonedi
    ed.
    ”
    “Thatsomeoneismybrot
    her.Youcan’
    tberoaming
    aroundlikeyoudodi
    dnotki
    llhi
    m.Iam goi
    ngto
    reportyou.”
    “Youaregoingtojai
    lbecauseyouarean
    accompliceandyouhavenoevidence.Iam get
    ti
    ng
    myl awyerinonthi
    s.Maybeitwoul
    dbeni cetohave
    bothyouandFi f
    iinj
    ail
    .”
    “
    Youar
    enotget
    ti
    ngawaywi
    tht
    his!
    ”
    “Idi
    dnothi
    ngwr ong.Iwasathomewi thmymot her
    .
    Ihaveastrongali
    bisweety.Youareplayi
    ngwith
    yourownfreedom.Youknowi twas…”Shepaused.
    “Nono,Iam al
    sohurti
    ng.Idon’tbel
    ieveheishead.
    Maybeheescaped. ”
    “
    Escapedwhenyourpeopl
    elockedhi
    min?
    ”
    “
    Ihavet
    ogo.
    ”
    Nei
    sohungupandcal
    ledherl
    awyer
    .
    .
    .
    .

    Si
    nsUnf
    orgi
    ven
    #75

    KaboparkedhiscaratObakeng’shouse.Hishear
    t
    racedashestaredattheburnthouse.Bonol
    o
    l
    ookedimmedi atel
    ynoti
    cingLegaufi
    ’
    scar.
    “
    Wasever
    yonei
    nthehouse?
    ”
    Heshookhisheadf eeli
    ngsomethingsitonhi
    s
    thr
    oat.Heslowlytosteppedoutandlookedatt
    he
    house.Bonolo’
    sphoner angasKabostoodbythe
    gate,
    handsonhi shead.Shepicked.
    “
    Hel
    lo?
    ”
    “
    Hey,
    Iam aboutt
    oleavesoIcomet
    her
    e.Keemet
    si
    basi
    .”
    Bonolosi
    ghed.“Iam i
    nGabor
    one.Mycousin’
    s
    houseburntdownandIthi
    nkherhusbandwas
    burnti
    nsi
    de.”
    “Ei
    sh,
    butt
    hisistheonl
    yti
    meIgetgoseeyou.Af
    ter
    t
    hatwewaitthr
    eemonths.Shoul
    dIcometo
    Gabor
    one?
    ”
    “I
    twi
    llbetooexpensi
    veforyou.Iam sor
    rybutshe
    al
    soneedsme.It’
    sthatcousi
    nwhowasget t
    ing
    marr
    ied.
    ”
    “
    Icancomet
    her
    e.Imi
    ssyou.
    ”
    “Wherewil
    lwestay?KanaFifi
    ’
    shouseisinashes.
    RightnowIam hopi
    ngthatIgetaccommodati
    on
    fr
    om thehusband’
    sfr
    iend.Hopeful
    lyhi
    swif
    e
    agrees.
    ”
    “Ihaveal i
    ttl
    emoneysaved.Wecansleepata
    l
    odge.I t
    ’stonightaker
    e?Tomor
    rowyouaregoi
    ng
    backright?”
    “
    Yes.
    ”
    “
    Per
    fect
    .Icanaf
    for
    doneni
    ghti
    nGabor
    one.Iam
    comi
    ng.Il
    oveyou.
    ”
    “
    Iloveyout
    oo.
    ”
    Shetookadeepbr eat
    hthenlookedatKabowho
    nowhadhi shandsonhisface.Shesteppedoutof
    thecarandhuggedhim unabletoi
    maginewhathe
    wasgoingthrough.

    *
    **

    AtLor
    i’
    shouse,mmagweObakengwi
    pedhert
    ear
    s
    wit
    hthebackofherhand.
    “
    Hewaski
    ll
    ed!
    ”
    RragweObakengl ookedathiswife.“Whywoul dFi
    fi
    ki
    llherownkids?Canyouhearyour sel
    f?Iam not
    surpri
    sedthatyouwoul devensaysucht hi
    ngs
    becauseyouhat eFif
    i.Youhavealwayshat edher.
    Andnoonehaspr ovedit’
    sObakengi nthehouse.
    Maybet her
    ewasnoonei nthehouse. ”
    “
    Shei
    sresponsi
    ble!
    ”
    “Iam notgoi
    ngt
    oletyouatt
    ackthatpoorgi
    rl
    !
    Obakengchoset
    hatgirl
    !Helovedher!Hel
    oves
    her.
    ”
    “
    Shewasaf
    terhi
    smoney.
    ”
    Rr
    agweObakengst
    oodupwi
    thLor
    i’
    scarkeys.
    “
    Wher ear
    eyougoing?Weshouldbeinf
    ormi
    ng
    r
    elat
    ivest
    hatoursonwasmurdered!
    ”
    “
    Til
    lther
    eisevidencet
    hathei
    sdead,
    Iam not
    t
    ell
    inganyone!
    ”
    Hewalkedoutandgoti
    nthecart
    hendr
    oveof
    f.Hi
    s
    phonerangt
    henhequickl
    ypi
    cked.
    “
    Hel
    lo?
    ”
    “
    Arewespeaki
    ngt
    oMr
    .Moj
    alef
    a?”
    “
    Yes.
    ”
    “Wej ustwantedtot
    ellyout
    hatyoursonwasf ound
    i
    nonepi eceint
    hehousetogetherwiththekidsbut
    unfortunatel
    ynotal
    ive.Mycondolences.Wewer e
    askingifyoucouldcomeandi denti
    fyhim andthe
    ki
    ds.Thankyou. ”
    *
    **

    AtBusr ank,Lorat
    oheldherbagsit
    ti
    ngvonher
    wheelchairandcall
    edFif
    i.Thephonerang
    unanswer edsti
    ll
    .Shecal
    ledheragainandthi
    sti
    me
    sheanswer ed.
    “
    Hel
    lo?Fi
    fiIhavear
    ri
    ved.
    ”
    “Hi
    .Fif
    ican’
    ttal
    know.Ihavebeenseei
    ngyouwer
    e
    cal
    li
    ngbutFif
    iisnotabl
    etotal
    kri
    ghtnow.Whoar
    e
    you?”
    “
    Hersi
    ster
    .Issheok?
    ”
    “
    Ifyouar
    ehersi
    ster
    ,pl
    easecomet
    othehospi
    tal
    .”
    Lor
    atoswal
    lowed.“
    Issheok?
    ”
    “
    Isuggestyoucomet
    othehospi
    tal
    .”

    *
    **
    MmagweObakenglookedatNonoasshewalked
    i
    nsi
    deLori
    ’
    shusband.Nonotear
    ful
    lyl
    ookedather
    mot
    herandst
    art
    edcrying.
    Hermotherwal
    kedoverandhuggedher.Nonocr
    ied
    somuch,herhear
    tachi
    ng.Hermothersni
    ffed
    cr
    yingt
    oo.
    “
    Ihel
    pedNei
    soki
    llhi
    m.”
    Hermot
    herf
    rownedandst
    eppedback.
    “
    What
    ?”
    “Neisocall
    edmesayi ngshehadapl anofgetti
    ng
    Obakengback.Shesai dshecouldarrangeforFif
    i
    andt heki
    dstogetbur nti
    nthehouse.Iwas
    supposedt ogetObakengoutofthehousedot hat
    Neiso’speopl
    ecanbr eakinandstar
    tthefir
    ebutFi f
    i
    camei nst
    eadofObakeng. ”
    MmagweObakengputherhandoverhermout
    hin
    shock.
    “
    Iam goi
    ngt
    othepol
    ice.
    ”
    “
    You…you…no…”
    Nonol
    ookedathermot
    hercr
    ying.“
    Iam sor
    ry…”
    “
    No.
    ”
    “
    Itwasnotmeantt
    obehi
    m.
    “
    No…”
    “
    Itwasmeantt
    obeFi
    fi
    .Itwassupposedt
    obeFi
    fi
    .”
    MmagweObakengslowlysatdown,
    tear
    sbl
    urr
    ing
    hereyesi
    ght
    .Nonocr
    iedevenmore.
    “
    Itwasn’
    tmeantt
    obehi
    m.Iam goi
    ngt
    othepol
    i
    ce.
    ”
    “
    Andgot
    ojai
    l.Am Il
    osi
    ngbot
    hmyki
    ds?
    ”
    “
    Iam sor
    ry.
    ”
    “
    Whati
    sNei
    sosayi
    ng?
    ”
    “
    Thatweshoul
    dbl
    ameLegauf
    i.
    ”
    “
    Yes.Shei
    stheonl
    ysuspect
    .”
    “
    Ispoket
    oObakeng.Iam notgoi
    ngt
    oli
    e.”
    “Youwil
    lgot ojai
    lforaverylongti
    meNonof o!The
    poli
    cewon’tfi
    ndanyt hi
    ng.Eit
    herwayitwasmeant
    tobeher.Lethergot oj
    ailbecausesheisnot
    gett
    inganythi
    ngfrom myson’ sthi
    ngs.
    ”
    *
    **

    Att
    hepoli
    cestati
    on,t
    heyoungdet
    ecti
    vesat
    t
    hought
    ful
    lyi
    nhi sof
    fi
    ce.Theol
    derdet
    ect
    ive
    wal
    kedinandlookedathi
    m.
    “Theyar
    eont
    hei
    rwayt
    ogett
    hewi
    fe.Iwi
    llquest
    ion
    her.
    ”
    “Idon’
    tthinki
    twasher.Itwasnother.Someone
    brokei
    nt hathouseassoonasshel eft
    .Sheused
    herhusband’scar.Whoeveritwasthoughti
    twas
    thehusbandandassumedt hewif
    ewasi nsi
    de.
    ”
    Theolderdet
    ect
    ivefr
    owned.“
    Andwhywoul
    d
    anyonewanttoburnheri
    nsi
    de?”
    “Exboyfr
    iend.SomeonebutIdon’
    tbuythatit
    ’sher
    .
    Theyjustgotmarri
    edandherbabi
    esdied.”
    “
    Shetookherfavor
    it
    echi
    ldandlefttheotherones
    t
    odie.I
    twouldhavebeentoosuspicioustotake
    t
    hem al
    lsoshetookone.
    ”
    “
    Andf
    orwhat
    ?”
    “
    Hisasset
    s.Fori
    nsur
    ancemoney.
    ”
    Theyoungdetecti
    veshookhi
    shead.Thatwoman’
    s
    cr
    ieswerenotfake.

    *
    **

    RragweObakengl ookedatthebodycover
    edwi t
    ha
    blackbag.Thepoli
    ceoffi
    cerunzippedt
    heback.He
    swallowedstari
    ngathisson’sf
    ace.Tear
    sfil
    ledhis
    eyes.Thepolicezi
    ppedhim up.
    “Wewi l
    lwaitf
    orhi
    saut
    opsyresult
    sbutt
    hey
    suspectheatandt
    hesmokekil
    ledthem.
    ”
    Rr
    agweObakengputhi
    shandsonhi
    sfacecr
    ying.
    “
    Thegi
    rl
    sar
    eher
    e.Two…”
    Hewipedhist
    earssni
    ff
    ingthenlookedatt
    hegi
    rl
    s
    noddi
    ng.Thepol
    iceof
    fi
    cersighed.
    “
    Iam sor
    ryf
    oryourl
    oss.
    ”

    *
    **
    Atthehospi
    tal
    ,Lor
    atol
    ookedathersi
    sterandhel
    d
    herhand.
    “
    Fif
    i…”
    Sheshookhergentl
    y.Fi
    fislowlywokeup.She
    l
    ookedaround.Lor
    atosmiled..
    “
    Hey.
    .”
    Fif
    ilookedather.Tearsfi
    ll
    edhereyes.“Theyar
    e
    sayingObakengisdead.Hei snot.Theywon’tl
    ist
    en
    tome.Theywon’ tli
    stentome.Everyonekeeps
    sayingheisdead.Hei snot.Ispoketohim.Hesaid
    wewer egoingtobeok. ”
    “
    Fif
    i-
    “
    Fi
    fishookherhead.“
    Hei
    snot
    .Ispoket
    ohi
    m.Hei
    s
    fi
    ne.”
    Thepol
    icewal
    kedi
    n.Lor
    atol
    ookedatt
    hem
    conf
    used.
    “
    Dumelang,weareher
    etotakeyouf
    orquest
    ioni
    ng.
    Wear
    esor r
    yforyourl
    oss.
    ”
    Thedoct
    orwal
    kedi
    nwi
    thFi
    fi
    ’sdi
    schar
    gef
    orms.

    *
    **

    Att
    hepoli
    cestat
    ion,
    thedetect
    ivel
    ookedatFi
    fi
    ,her
    t
    earsnotmovi
    nghim abit
    .
    “Whathappenedt oObakeng?Star
    tri
    ghtfr
    om the
    beginni
    ng.Justknoweveryfi
    ngerpoint
    satyou.IfI
    wereyouIwoul djustt
    ellt
    hetr
    uthandpleadguil
    ty
    foralessersent
    ence.”
    Hel
    ookedatherwi
    thaser
    iousf
    ace.“
    Star
    ttal
    king.
    ”

    ADAYLATER…
    .
    .
    Goodmorning,j
    ustgotf
    reedf
    rom Facebookj
    ail
    .
    Let
    'scont
    inue
    [
    04/
    23,
    05:
    56]'
    :
    Si
    nsUnf
    orgi
    ven
    #76

    ADayLat
    er…

    Thel
    awyerl
    ookedatRr
    agweObakeng.
    “Theyaregoingtoreleaseherebil
    egoodthi
    ngthey
    keptherther
    enowwehavesomet hingt
    ouse.They
    arelazyt
    odopr operinvest
    igat
    ionssotheyt
    ryto
    getthefi
    rstper
    sont heysuspect.
    ”
    “
    Thankyou.
    ”
    “It
    ’sok.Ther ealmur dereri
    sthere.Ial
    sodon’t
    believeyoursonki l
    ledhi msel
    f.Peopleusual
    lyhang
    themsel ves.Oroverdose.Theychooset heeasy
    wayout .Thelesspainfulway.Hedi edapainful
    deat h.Alloft
    hem.”
    RragweObakengnoddedandsi
    ghed.“Thankyou.
    Wear egoi
    ngnowr i
    ght
    ?Idon’
    twantinthosecel
    ls
    foranot
    hersecond.
    ”
    “
    Yes.
    ”
    Thelastst
    oodupandwalkoutwit
    hrragwe
    Obakenglocki
    nghisdoor
    .Rr
    agweObakeng
    answeredhisr
    ingi
    ngphoneget
    ti
    nginhiscar
    .
    “
    Hel
    lo?
    ”
    “
    Hi.I
    sFi
    fiout
    ?”
    “
    Wear
    egoi
    ngt
    ogetherout
    .Thel
    awyeri
    sposi
    ti
    ve.
    ”
    Wamesi ghed.“ThankGod.Ithi
    nkEtsi
    lecanfeelhi
    s
    parents’
    sabsence.Hissi
    ster
    stoo.Heisbecoming
    rest
    less.
    ”
    “
    Iknow.Thankyouf
    ort
    aki
    nghi
    m.”
    “Hei sgrandson.IknowIwasnotObakeng’sreal
    mot her,
    Ijusthappentol
    ookli
    keherbutEtsil
    eismy
    grandson.”
    “
    Thankyouf
    oryourhel
    p.”
    “I
    t’
    sok.Iknowthisi
    shardforyou.Iam sor
    ry.Ist
    il
    l
    can’
    tbel
    ieveheisgonebutwewer ebl
    essedto
    havehi
    mi nourli
    ves.
    ”
    “
    Yes.
    ”
    “I
    fyouneedanyt
    hing,cal
    lme.Iam al
    wayst
    her
    e.
    Youdon’
    thavetodealwit
    hital
    lal
    one.”
    “
    Thankyou.
    ”
    Hehungupandtookadeepbreat
    hthenst
    art
    edhi
    s
    caranddr
    ovebehi
    ndthel
    awyer.

    *
    **

    MmagweObakengsati nLor
    i’shousestar
    ingi
    nto
    nothi
    ng.Nonolookedatherthenleanedbackon
    thecouch,
    hereyesclosed.
    Shetear
    full
    ysighedopeni
    nghereyesthenl
    ooked
    athermotherwholookedlosti
    nhert
    houghts.
    “Ispoket ohim.Hecal l
    edwhenFi f
    iwasdrivi
    ng.He
    spoket oher.Icouldhearhi m.Her emi
    ndedherof
    thedayt heyhadf i
    rstmet .Hesaid.
    .hesaidhe
    wouldmar r
    yheragai nifhecouldandthathewas
    thankfulfortheki
    dsshegavehi m.”Nonosniffed.
    “Helovedher .Heaskedmenott obehar donher .
    Shedoesn’ tdeservetobei njai
    lwhenshedi d
    not
    hingwr
    ong.Wasl
    ovi
    nghi
    m wr
    ong?
    ”
    Hermot
    herl
    ookedather
    .“Sowhoshoul
    dgot
    o
    j
    ail
    ?”
    “Iwasanaccompl
    iceonhi
    smur
    der
    .Hedi
    dn’
    twant
    Neiso.Hehat
    edher.
    ”
    “
    SoNei
    soshouldgotojai
    l?Shewasn’
    tther
    ewhen
    t
    hei
    nci
    denthappened!St
    opstr
    essi
    ngmeNonofo!
    ”
    Nonolookedawaylet
    ti
    ngtear
    srol
    ldown.She
    sni
    ff
    edstari
    ngatthewall
    s.Hermot
    herlookedat
    her
    .
    “Thatwomanbroughtbadlucktohim wit
    hher
    prost
    it
    uti
    on.Iwoul
    dratherhaveheri
    nj ai
    lthanwi
    th
    myson!”
    “Obakengi
    sdeadandyouwouldratherf
    ocuson
    yourhatef
    orFi
    fit
    hangett
    ingj
    usti
    ceforyourson?
    Whatkindofamotherar
    eyou?”
    “
    Aft
    erki
    ll
    ingmysonyou-
    “
    “Iwasanaccompli
    ce.Nei
    soki
    ll
    edherandyouar
    e
    prot
    ect
    ingherst
    il
    l.
    ”
    “
    Iam pr
    otect
    ingyou!Iam pr
    otect
    ingyou!Youar
    e
    goi
    ngtoj
    aili
    fyousayanythi
    ng.Youthi
    nkNei
    soi s
    goi
    ngtogotojai
    l?Shewon’tgotoj
    ail
    .Shewas
    usi
    ngyouandifyousayanythi
    ngyouaredef
    ini
    tel
    y
    goi
    ngdownalone.”
    “SoFif
    iistheoneyouwouldrat
    hergetsj
    ail
    ed?My
    brot
    herlovedher
    .That’
    sthemotherofhi
    schil
    dren.
    Etsi
    lewil
    lnotsuf
    fer
    .”
    “
    Whatchi
    ldr
    enbecauset
    heyar
    edead?
    ”
    Nonol
    ookedathi
    smotherthenst
    oodupand
    wal
    kedout.MmagweObakengfol
    lowedaf
    terher
    .
    “I
    fyoudoanyt
    hingandIwi
    llgl
    adl
    ydi
    sownyou!Do
    youhearme?Iwil
    ldi
    sownyou!
    ”
    Nonowalkedoutthr
    ought hegate.Mmagwe
    Obakengstagger
    edbackint hehouse,sheputher
    handoverherchest
    ,tear
    sf i
    ll
    inghereyes.

    *
    **

    Kabol
    ookedatBonol
    owhosatatthefrontseat
    wit
    hherboyf
    ri
    endatt
    hebackseathol
    dinghisbag
    onhislap.Bonolotur
    nedt
    ohi
    m,hewi
    nkedather
    ,
    sheblushedturni
    ngaway.
    Kabopar
    kedatbusr
    ank.Herboyf
    ri
    endsmi
    led.
    “
    Thankyousomuch.
    ”
    “
    It
    sok.
    ”
    Theboyf
    ri
    endsteppedout
    .Kaboqui
    ckl
    ydr
    oppeda
    ki
    ssonBonolo’
    sli
    psandsmiled.
    “
    Iwi
    llseeyoubef
    oret
    heendoft
    heweek.
    ”
    “
    Ok.
    ”
    Kabol
    ookedattheboyf
    ri
    endl
    ooki
    ngathi
    sphone.
    Kaboki
    ssedheragai
    n.
    “
    Go.
    ”
    Bonol
    osteppedoutoft
    hecarandj
    oinedher
    boyf
    ri
    end.
    “
    Wai
    tset
    hatguyi
    sagoodguybabe.
    ”
    “
    Ng…”
    “
    Ican’
    tbel
    ievehel
    etussl
    eepi
    nhi
    shouse.
    ”
    Bonol
    olookedathi
    m.“
    Let
    sgo.
    ”
    Theywalkedt
    othebusandpaidf ortheti
    cket
    sthe
    doorandgoti
    nthebus.Shelookedatherboyfri
    end
    unabl
    etostopher
    sel
    ffrom comparingthem.
    Hesmiled.“
    Imissyou.Iam sadt
    hatper
    iodcame
    butIl
    oveyou.”
    Bonol
    osmi
    led.“
    Iam sor
    ry.Il
    oveyout
    oo.
    ”

    *
    **

    Kabodrovebackt
    ohi
    shouset
    alki
    ngt
    oLor
    iont
    he
    phone.
    “
    Obakeng’
    sfathergotal
    awyerandt
    heyar
    egoi
    ng
    t
    ogetherout.
    ”
    “
    ThankGod.Shedi
    dn’
    tki
    llhi
    m.”
    “No.Nei sodid.Iknowi t
    ’sher .Icanfeelit
    .Itwasa
    whol eplanwi t
    hNonof o.Ispoket oBena, theygot
    i
    nt oafightaboutNei so.Ithappenedj ustbefor
    e
    theysleptthenear l
    ymor ningNonol ef
    t.Noone
    kickedherout .Thenshecal ledBaxsayi ngshe’s
    beenkickedout ,thatsheneedsal if
    t.Obakengwas
    goi
    ngtogetherbutunf ortunatel
    yhedidn’t
    ,hiswife
    di
    dwi t
    hhiscar .WhenFifidroveoff,
    whoeverwas
    hi
    redtodoi twast ol
    dassoonast hewhit
    eJeep
    l
    eaves,doit.Fif
    iwasmeantt odi ewit
    hallherkids.
    Neisoprobablythoughtnowi tcoul
    dbehert urn.
    ”
    “
    Whati
    sNonosayi
    ng?
    ”
    “
    Iwantherreletwohel
    a.Shei
    sgoingtot
    ellme
    whathappened.Noonei
    sgett
    ingawaywi
    ththi
    s.”
    “
    Nei
    sopr
    obabl
    yinf
    luencedher
    .”
    “
    Shewi
    lll
    ear
    nthehar
    dway.
    ”
    “
    Ijustdr
    oppedof
    fNol
    oandherboyf
    ri
    end.
    ”
    Lor
    ichuckl
    ed.“
    Whatwasgoi
    ngon?
    ”
    “
    Hecamet
    oseeher
    .”
    Lor
    ilaughed.“
    Youar
    egoi
    ngt
    ohel
    l.
    ”
    “Waaiyonekeyame.Iam j
    ustwaiti
    ngforNoloto
    endit
    .Theirl
    ongdist
    antr
    elat
    ionshi
    pwillworkto
    myadvantage.I
    t’
    sonlyamatterofti
    met i
    lli
    tal
    l
    ends.
    ”
    “
    Sur
    elai
    taka.
    ”
    Kabohungupdrivi
    nghome.Het
    houghtofNono
    t
    hensighedl
    ett
    ingitgo.

    *
    **

    Att
    hepoli
    cestat
    ion,
    thelawyerl
    ookedattheolder
    det
    ect
    ivewhi
    lehewaitedfi
    rFif
    itobebroughtout.
    “Youaregoi
    ngtoloseyourj
    obwena.Iam happy
    youkeptmycli
    enthereunl
    awful
    .Youhavenothi
    ng
    onher,wewil
    lmeetincourt
    .Let
    lwael
    abatholona.
    ”
    Apoliceof
    fi
    cerbroughtFi
    fiover
    .Thel
    awyerl
    ooked
    atherandsighed.
    “
    Hi…”
    Fifil
    ookedathim andnodded.Shegotherthi
    ngs
    backt hent
    heywal kedout.Rr
    agweObakeng
    steppedoutifhi
    scarst ar
    ingathert
    hem l
    ookedat
    thelawyer.
    “
    Thankyou.
    ”
    “
    Youar
    ewel
    come.
    ”
    RragweObakengopenedt hecardoorf
    orherand
    helpedhi
    sdaughterin-
    lawinsi
    de.Hewalkedr
    ound
    thecarandgoti
    nt hendroveoff
    .
    “
    Doyouwantanyt
    hingt
    oeat
    ?”
    Fif
    ishookherhead.“Iwantt
    oseemykidsandmy
    husband.Theysaidtheywer
    efounddead.Idon’
    t
    beli
    evethem.Idon’t
    .”
    Heswalloweddr i
    ving.“
    Hewasmovedtoa
    mortuar
    ylastnight.Doyouwantust
    opassby
    seei
    ngthem? ”
    Shel
    ookedathi
    m.“
    Iwantt
    oseehi
    m.”
    Henoddeddr
    ivi
    ng.

    *
    **

    Atthemorgue,amanledthem wheret heywer


    e.
    RragweObakengtookadeepbr eat
    hf eeli
    ng
    heavi
    nessinweighhi
    m downf urt
    her.Theman
    openedthedoortoaroom.Theywal kedinwit
    hhi
    m.
    Fifi
    ’
    shear tracedasheopenedabi gdrawersl
    ight
    ly.
    Shel ookedathim, herhandsshaki
    ng.Shel
    ookedat
    herfatherinlawthent ur
    nedbacktoObakeng.She
    touchedhi sface.
    “
    Babe…Babe…”
    Rr
    agweObakengst
    eppedbackt
    ryi
    ngt
    okeep
    hi
    msel
    ftoget
    her
    .
    Fi
    fishookherhead.“
    No…Obakeng.No…”
    Hertear
    sfel
    lonhi
    m.Sheshookt
    hedeadbody
    cr
    ying.
    “Obakeng!Obakeng!Comebackt omebabe…God
    bri
    nghim back.
    .Bringhim back.Yousai
    dther
    ewas
    noleavi
    ngthisti
    mear ound…comebackt ome.”
    Theywatchedhercryholdi
    ngont ohim.Rragwe
    Obakengsnif
    fedrubbinghiseyes.Herheart
    wrenchi
    ngcri
    esbr oughtt
    earstohiseyes.
    “
    Comebacktome….GodwhathaveIdonet
    oyou?
    WhathaveIf
    indt
    odeser
    vet
    his?
    ”
    Themanopenedtherestoft
    hedrawerswit
    hthe
    gi
    rl
    s.Fi
    fil
    ookedatherki
    dsdroppi
    ngtoherknees
    shesl
    owlycr
    awledoverandhyst
    eri
    cal
    lycr
    iedt
    il
    l
    shecoul
    dn’
    tanymore.
    RragweObakengwalkedovert
    owher
    eshesi
    tt
    ing
    onthefl
    oorandpi
    ckedherup.
    “
    Thankyou.
    ”
    Hewalkedoutwi
    thherandputherinthecar.He
    goti
    nanddrovet
    oahot elknowingt
    akingherback
    toLor
    i’
    shousewasthewor sti
    deaever
    .

    Atthehotel
    ,rr
    agweObakengl
    edFifii
    nsi
    dethehot
    el
    room.Fi
    fisatdownonthebedsi
    lentl
    ycr
    ying.
    “Yourgr andmotheri sonherwaywi t
    hyour
    grandf ather.It
    oldthem thismorni
    ng.Yoursister
    hadt ol eavelastnightthoughsheaskedtokeep
    i
    nf ormed.Yourf riendsaidheisonhi sway.Iam
    sorryFi fi.Iwi
    shitwasal ladream…Iwi shwecoul d
    alljustwakeup.Iknowyoudi dn’
    tkil
    lhi
    m.Et si
    lei
    s
    withyourot hermot heri
    n-l
    aw.Wet ookhimfrom
    yournei
    ghbor
    s.”
    Helookedathertear
    sandsatbesi
    desher
    .“Godwi
    ll
    seeusthroughthi
    s.”
    “Hehatesme.Godhatesme.Hewil
    lstr
    ipmeof
    f
    ever
    ythingIhave.Hewant
    smedead.”
    Hepul l
    edheri nhisarms,Fi
    fihel
    doncr yi
    ng.Her
    tear
    ssl owlywethisshir
    t.Herubbedhistearswit
    h
    thebackofhi shandunabletostopthem.Het oo
    couldn’tunderst
    andwhyGodwoul dtakehim away
    from everyone.Hisonl
    yson…
    Hewipedof fanothertear
    .“Goddoesn’
    that
    eyou
    Fi
    fi
    .Idon’tknowwhyhel etthi
    shappenbutit
    ’snot
    hat
    e.Hewi llneverputusthroughwhatheknows
    wecan’thandle.”
    “
    Ican’
    thandl
    eit
    .Ican’
    t.Ican’
    tdot
    hisanymor
    e.”
    Hecuppedherf aceandl ookedather.“Youar enot
    alone.YouhaveEt si
    le.Youhaveyourgr andparent
    s.
    Youhaveme.Iam her eandIwi l
    lst
    andwi t
    hyou
    throughthi
    s.Don’tfeelal
    one.”Hesniff
    ed.“Iam
    ri
    ghthere.Wewi l
    ldealwi t
    hthepaintogether.
    ”
    Hewi pedawayhertearsthentookouta
    handkerchi
    effr
    om hispocketandwipedhernose.
    “Youdon’thavetohandleital
    one.Matt
    eroff
    act,I
    won’tall
    owyout ohandl
    eitalonewhenwear eal
    l
    ther
    e.”
    Sheputherheadonhi
    sshoul
    der
    .
    “
    Iwantt
    hepai
    ntogoaway.
    ”
    Her ubbedherbackfight
    inghisownemot ions.Her
    criesslowlydi
    eddownasshebr eathedonhi sneck.
    Het ri
    edtolayherdownbutshecl ungont ohi sshi
    rt
    .
    Hel etherbeandjusthel
    dherf orthelongesttime
    ti
    llherbreathi
    ngwascalm.Hepul ledawayand
    l
    ookedi nhereyesthentuckedherhai rbehindher
    ear .
    “Sl
    eep.Iwil
    larr
    angef
    orf
    ood.Whenyouwakeup
    youwilleat
    .”
    “
    Iam nothungr
    y.”
    Helaidherdownonthebedandpulledherupthe
    bedtothepil
    low.Heputherheadonthepil
    low.
    Tearsfi
    ll
    edFifi
    ’
    seyesagainasshel
    ookedathim.
    “
    Fif
    i…r
    est
    .”
    Hi
    sphonevi
    brat
    edf
    rom hi
    spocket
    .
    “
    Youcango.Thankyou.
    ”
    Hel
    ookedi nhereyes,hi
    shear
    traci
    ng,hecl
    osed
    t
    heinchesbetweenthem gr
    azedhisli
    psonhers
    t
    henreall
    ykissedher.
    Sheclosedhereyesashertearsfellandputher
    handonhischestkissi
    nghim back, hermind
    shutt
    ingdowneveryothert
    hought ,
    want i
    ngto
    for
    getit
    .Hekissedhermoredeepeni ngthekissas
    herbodycaughtaflame.
    RragweObakeng’sweaponsayharderthanbef
    ore
    fi
    ll
    inghi
    spants.Hepull
    edaway,hisheartr
    aced
    sweatformedonhisfor
    ehead.Fi
    fil
    ookedathim,
    herravi
    shedli
    psslowl
    ypart
    ed.
    Hel eanedoverandkissedheragai nfocusinghis
    mi ndonthewaysheki ssedhim.Shet ouchedhis
    shoulderspull
    inghim ont opofher.Withhurri
    ed
    moves, hepull
    edoutherpyj amas,shequickl
    y
    kickedthem off,
    thei
    rbr eathi
    ngfastandheavy.He
    touchedherwar m bodyassheunbuckl edhisbel
    t
    thenputherhandinsideandt ouchedit.Hetookout
    l
    etti
    ngitdropheavi
    lyonhert highs.I
    thardlyfi
    ther
    handandi twassohar d.Herubbedt hemonsteron
    heroverf
    lowingwetnessand#r emoved.(Ki
    ndlyj
    oin
    thegroupandwaitthere,thescenewi l
    lbepostedat
    night
    .)

    htt
    ps:
    //www. f
    acebook.
    com/gr
    oups/
    809549596663
    175/?
    ref=shar
    e_group_
    li
    nk

    *
    **

    Atthepoli
    cestati
    on,
    Nonowalkedi
    nrubbi
    ngher
    handstogether
    .Shetookadeepbr
    eat
    hstandi
    ngby
    thefr
    ontdesk.
    “
    Dumel
    ang,
    Iam her
    etor
    epor
    tacr
    ime,
    amur
    der
    .”
    .
    .
    .
    [
    04/
    23,
    05:
    56]'
    :
    Si
    nsUnf
    orgi
    ven
    #77

    Thef emal
    epoli
    ceoff
    icerl
    ookedatNonoaf
    tershe
    fi
    nishednarr
    ati
    nghadhappened.
    “Soyouwereanaccompl i
    cetothemur der?Would
    youhaverepor
    tedifyoursi
    steri
    n-l
    awact ual
    lydi
    ed?
    Becausenowitseemsyouar eherebecauseit’
    s
    yourbrot
    herwhodied.”
    Nonoswal
    lowedt
    ear
    ful
    ly.
    “Ican’tbeli
    evewehavepeopl ebagotswanal
    e
    wena.Howdoyouhat esomeonet
    oapointof
    wantingt hem dead?Youhadeveryint
    ent
    iont
    okil
    l
    herandherchi l
    dren.Whatki
    ndofahumanbeing
    areyou? ”
    “
    Iwasn’
    tthi
    nki
    ngst
    rai
    ght
    .”
    “Youwer e!Youwer
    ethinki
    ngstrai
    ght.Youar
    ean
    evilper
    son.Youdeser
    vet oroti
    njai
    l.Whatki
    ndof
    hat
    redi
    sthi
    s?Sowereyougoingtobehappyi
    fshe
    di
    ed?Youweregoi
    ngtorej
    oice?Huh?
    ”
    Shel
    ookeddowncr
    ying.
    “Osekawal el
    a!Youareanevilper
    sonmonyanake
    wena.Ihaveneverseensuchbefore.Justwait
    ther
    emma, wearegoi
    ngtopickyourfriend.Bot
    hof
    youaregoingtoroti
    npri
    son.”
    Nonosnif
    fedast hepoli
    ceof
    fi
    cerpr
    essedthe
    l
    andli
    ne.Nono’sphonerang,
    shesni
    ffedt
    akingi
    t
    outandpickedLori
    ’scal
    l.
    “
    Hel
    lo?
    ”
    “
    Areyouathome?
    ”
    “
    No.
    ”
    “
    Wher
    ear
    eyou?Iwantt
    otal
    ktoyou.
    ”
    “
    Iam att
    hepol
    icest
    ati
    on.
    ”
    “
    Doi
    ngwhat
    ?”
    “
    Repor
    ti
    ngmysel
    f.
    ”Shel
    ookedupcr
    ying.
    “
    Youdi
    ditwi
    thNei
    sodi
    dn’
    tyou?
    ”
    “
    Itwasami
    stake.
    ”
    “
    Thef
    ir
    ewasmeantf
    orFi
    fir
    ight
    ?”
    Shebur
    sti
    ntoal
    oudcr
    y.Lor
    isi
    ghed.
    “Butwhy?Whatdi
    dFi
    fidot
    oyou?Idon’
    t
    underst
    and.
    ”
    Shecr
    iedevenmor
    e.
    “
    Andnowyouki l
    ledyourbrot
    her.Al
    lforwhatNono?
    Whendi
    dyoubecomet hi
    sperson?Tothinkofhow
    muchhelovedyou.”
    “
    Imadeami
    stake.
    ”
    Lor
    ihungup.Thepol
    iceof
    fi
    cerl
    ookedather
    .
    “Comethi
    swaymmasoyoucananswerf
    oryour
    cri
    mes.Ihopet
    heyhangyou.Sat
    an.
    ”

    *
    **

    RragweObakengdr
    essedupandcoveredhi
    s
    daught
    eri
    n-l
    awwithasheett
    henwalkedout
    .He
    puthishandonhi
    schestastheneardeat
    h
    exper
    iencehehadhadontopofherfl
    ashedinhi
    s
    mind.Hetookadeepbreat
    hasguil
    tyweighedhi
    m
    down.
    Hestil
    lcouldn’
    twraphismindoverwhathadjust
    happened.Hequickl
    ywalkedtohiscarandsighed.
    Hecouldn’thel
    pbutthi
    nkObakengwaswat ching.
    Tearsfi
    ll
    edhiseyesthenhestar
    tedhiscarand
    droveoff
    .
    Hisphonerang,heswal
    lowedtaki
    ngitouti
    fhi
    s
    pockett
    henlookedathi
    swifecall
    ing.
    Het ookadeepbr
    eat
    handpi
    cked,
    hishear
    t
    pounding.
    “
    Hel
    lo?
    ”
    “
    Nonoi
    satt
    hepol
    ice.
    ”
    “
    Doi
    ngwhat
    ?”
    “Idon’
    tknow.Sheisconfused.She’shurt
    ing.Sheis
    goingtosaythi
    ngstothepoliceandmakei tlook
    l
    ikeshekil
    ledherbr
    other.Sheisblamingherself
    .”
    “
    Ok.Iwi
    llgoandgether
    .”
    “Theyhavel
    ockedherup.Br
    ingal
    awyer
    .Theonl
    y
    guil
    typer
    sonherei
    sLegaufi
    .”
    “Howmanyt
    imesdoIhavetotel
    lyouthatFi
    fidi
    dn’
    t
    kil
    lhi
    m?Whywoul
    dshekil
    lherchil
    dren?
    !Nxla!
    ”
    “
    Thenhowcome-
    “
    “
    Howcomewhat ?Ifyouhavenot
    hingt
    osaycl
    ose
    t
    hatsewagemouthofyours!
    ”
    Hehungupandt ookadeepbr
    eat
    hanswer
    inghi
    s
    youngerbr
    other
    ’scal
    l.
    “
    Ken…”
    “
    Hi,
    howi
    sever
    ythi
    ng?
    ”
    “
    Fine.Imanagedt
    ogetFi
    fiout
    .”
    “
    Obakengi
    satpeaceknowi
    ngyouar
    ether
    e.”
    Rr
    agweObakengsl
    oweddownbyt
    het
    raf
    fi
    cli
    ght.
    “
    Yes.
    ”
    “Shoul
    dwestar
    tplanni
    ngforthefuner
    als?Theyar
    e
    donewitht
    heautopsyt
    hingakere?”
    “
    Yes.
    ”
    “
    Maybenextweekend.Toget
    herwi
    tht
    hegi
    rl
    s.”
    “
    Ok.
    ”
    “
    Iknowit’
    spai
    nful
    .Iam r
    ighther
    e.Iwi
    llhel
    plesson
    t
    heburden.
    ”
    “
    Mysoni
    soneofKen.
    ”
    “Iam sor r
    y.Youhadr ai
    sedagoodman.Noonewi l
    l
    forgett hat.
    .orhim.Wewi l
    lneverf orgetthemanhe
    was.Ihadspokent ohi ml astweek.He…”Ken
    pausedandchuckl ed.“ Hewaswi ththekidsand
    saidt hatFifiwasi nTanzani aget t
    ingherst ockfor
    selli
    ng.Hewasdeal ingwi t
    hal lthreeofhiskids
    aloneand. .
    ”Hel aughedt ear full
    y.“HesaidEt sil
    e
    didn’tlikehim.Hehadexpect edEt sil
    etobecl oseto
    him buti twasact ual lyt
    hegi rlshewascl oseto.But
    hewashappy.AndIcant ellyounowt hathedi ed
    happy.Ther eisnot hinghewoul dt akeback, he
    ratherwoul ddoital lagain.Hi sdeathisan
    unfortunat ebecauseGodt ookhi mtooear l
    ybutI
    celebr atehisli
    fe.Thatboywasagi f
    tfrom God.”
    “
    Hewas.
    ”
    “
    Iwi
    llst
    artt
    hear
    rangement
    s.”
    “
    Thankyou.
    ”
    Hehungt
    hendr
    oveof
    fcal
    li
    ngbackhi
    swi
    fe.

    *
    **

    MmagweLor
    atosmi
    ledhappi
    lyst
    ari
    ngatLor
    ato.
    “
    Godwor
    ksi
    nmi
    racl
    es!
    ”
    Lor
    atof
    rowned.“
    Fif
    ijustl
    ostherhusband!
    ”
    “Thehusbandt
    hatshoul
    dhavebeenyour
    s.She
    deser
    vestosuf
    fer
    .”
    “Hewasnevermi
    ne!Hewasnevergoi
    ngt
    obemine.
    Heneverl
    ovedme.It
    ooneverl
    ovedhi
    m.Stop
    cur
    singFi
    fi
    .”
    “Howdoyoudefendherwhensheneverevencame
    toseeyouwhenyoumostneededher?Whenwi l
    l
    youunderst
    andt
    hatshehat
    esyou?”
    “
    Fif
    idoesn’
    thateyou.Youhateher.Il
    oveyou.
    Maybeyoushouldtakeyourener
    gyandputiton
    r
    egist
    eri
    ngthatpr
    egnancybecauseifyouthi
    nkIam
    goi
    ngtotakecar
    eofher
    ,thi
    nkt
    wice.Idon’
    thave
    moneytowaste!
    ”
    Hermot
    herl
    ookedatherangr
    il
    y.“
    Whatdi
    dyouj
    ust
    sayt
    ome.”
    “Goandregi
    steryourbabyatthehospi t
    alsothey
    canhel
    pyout akecareofitbecauseifyouthi
    nkthat
    chi
    ldi
    sgoingtobemyr esponsibi
    li
    ty,
    forgeti
    t.
    ”
    “
    Obual
    emangLor
    ato?
    ”
    “Iam t
    alki
    ngt
    oyou!Ican’
    tbel
    ieveyoumademe
    beli
    eveyouar
    esi
    ckwhenyouj ustpregnant
    !”
    “
    Getoutofmyhouse!
    ”
    “
    Papalef
    tthi
    shouseforFi
    fiandI.I
    fther
    eisanyone
    whoshoul
    dpackherbagsit’
    syou!”
    MmagweLor atol
    ookedatheri
    ntheover
    sized
    dressbr
    eat
    hingheavi
    lyt
    hroughherbi
    gswol l
    en
    noseandwalkedaway.

    *
    **
    Att hehot eli
    nGabor one, Fi
    fi sl
    owlywokeupl at
    er
    thatday, shesatupr ightthenf rownedatt hepain
    bet weenherl egs.Shel aiddownandl ai
    donher
    side, tearsf i
    ll
    inghereyes.Al lthoughtsfi
    lledher
    mi ndasshel aidonthebed.Shecoul dj
    usthang
    her selfandendherl ifebutt hethoughtofherson
    beingabusedmadeherhear tacheevenmor e.Or
    maybeshecoul djustkillbothoft hem.That
    actual lysoundedl ikeabet terplan.Shelookedat
    herr ingaspai nstr
    uckherdeep.Shebur iedher
    headont hepi ll
    owcryingaspai nsuckedoutt heli
    fe
    outofher .

    TWOWEEKSLATER…
    .
    .
    .
    [
    04/
    23,
    05:
    56]'
    :
    Si
    nsUnf
    orgi
    ven
    #78
    TwoWeeksLat
    er

    InMaun, theMoj al
    efarelati
    vesgatheredinRr agwe
    Obakeng’ syar di natent.Insidewit
    ht hethr
    ee
    coffins,relati
    vessatst i
    llli
    steni
    ngasObakeng’ s
    olderuncl ef i
    nishedtalkingwhi l
    eothersnif
    fed
    tearfull
    y.Fi f
    isatbesideshergr andmot herwith
    Rickyont heot hersidewhi l
    eshest aredattheir
    picturespl acedinf r
    ontoft hem.
    ShelookedatObakeng’
    ssmi
    leadl
    ookeddown,
    tear
    sroll
    ingdown.
    Loristoodupwi t
    hKabotogivetheirlastwordsand
    stoodinfrontofever
    yone.Lor
    iclearedhisthroat
    andr ubbedhiseyes.
    “Mynamei sLori,andthi
    sismyf ri
    end..Kabo.We
    wereBax’sf r
    iends.BaxandImeti nhighschoolr e
    bal
    af orm 4koMaunSeni or.Wecl i
    ckedont hefi
    rst
    day.Ihadcomeal lthewayf r
    om Ghanzi .Mymot her
    hadfoundaj obi nMaun.Wewer eti
    ghtfrom then
    goingforward.Teachersdidn’tl
    ikeust ogether,
    they
    call
    edusabadcombi nationbutwhatt heydidn’t
    knowi sthatIhadf oundmysel fabr other.Someone
    Icouldalwaysl eanon.Someonewhohadmyback
    nomat terwhat .Baxwasnat urall
    yagoodper son.
    Hewascar ing,hewaski ndbuthewassomeone
    whoknewwhathewant edandhe’ dalwaysgof orit
    nomat terwhat .”Loril
    ookeddownhol dinghistears.
    “Icanneverf orgethow…”At earr ol
    leddown.“ Ican
    neverforgethowyouhel dmybackboy! ”Helooked
    thepicture.“WhenIt houghtt herewaswayout ,
    you
    hadmeboy, youhel dmyhand.Whenl ifeshowed
    medust ,
    youwer ealwayst heretohelpmeupand
    dustme.Lai takaitwast ooear l
    y,west il
    lhadmor e
    plans.
    ”
    Kaborubbedhi
    sbackmovi
    ngclosersnif
    fi
    ng.Lor
    i
    l
    ookedbackatthecr
    owdst
    aredatFifi
    .
    “Monthsback,wewerewat chi
    ngafoot
    bal
    lgameat
    Kabo’shouse.Hesaid‘
    Ialwaysfear
    edmarriagebut
    Imettheone.Igetexci
    tedtogohome.’Hewas
    happy.Hewashappywi thwhereli
    fewastaking
    him.Hesentmeat extt
    hatdayandhesaidhedi ed
    ahappyman.Hewasn’ tlyi
    ng.Hewashappy.There
    i
    sal otIcoul
    dsayandIcant akethewhol eday…he
    wasagr eatman. ”Het urnedt ot
    hepi cturecrying.
    “Youwer eamazingboy!Lookatwhatyouar edoing,
    youhavemecr yinglait
    aka.”Hechuckl edcrying
    thentur
    nedt oever yone.“Iwanttotellyouaboutt he
    ti
    mewewer ecaughtst eal
    ingbut…”Hepaused
    l
    aughing.“Beforeyougohomet hinkinghewas
    perf
    ect,youshoul dknowhewasat hieftoo.
    ”
    Kabochuckl
    ed.“
    Agoodone!
    ”
    Thecr
    owdl
    aughed.
    Lor
    ilookedatKaboandsmi led.“
    Agoodonebut …
    Hewasanamazi ngbr
    other,awonderf
    ulfatherand
    agreathusband.Hewasal otofever
    ythi
    ngandwe
    wil
    lneverforgethi
    m.Neverbecausehelefta
    l
    egacy…t i
    llwemeetagai
    n!”
    Kabodi
    dasal
    utesi
    gnalt
    henwal
    kedt
    ohi
    sseat
    wit
    hLor
    i.
    Theyoungunclest
    oodup.“
    Nowt
    imet
    oheari
    t
    fr
    om hi
    swife,
    Legaufi
    .”
    Hesatdowm.Fifi
    ’sgr
    andmotherst
    oodupand
    hel
    pedherup.Theysl
    owlywalkedt
    othefr
    ont
    .Fi
    fi
    fi
    xedhert sâl
    ethatwasonhershoul derswit
    ha
    doeki nherheadandherlongflar
    edbl ackdress.
    Shel ookedatObakeng’spi
    ctur
    ewi t
    hr eddi
    sheyes
    thenhehergi r
    ls.Tear
    sroll
    eddownasshemoved
    closer.
    “Iremember …Ir ememberwhenwef i
    rstmet.Ido.I
    nevert houghtyouwoul dbet heonef orme.You
    wer etoohandsome…t oogood.That ’
    swhyI
    rej
    ectedyou.IknewIl ovedyoubut ..Ifear
    edf ormy
    heart.Ishouldhavesai dyest hefir
    sttimeyou
    asked.Ishoul dhavesai dyes..Whatam Igoi ngto
    dowi thoutyou?Whoam Igoi ngbackt o?I
    t’
    snot
    fai
    r.Yousai dyouwoul dneverl eave.Yousaidt hi
    s
    ti
    met her ewasnol eaving.Youneedt ocomeback…
    Godpl ease..
    ”shel ookeddowncr yi
    ng.Her
    grandmot herheldhert i
    ghtl
    y.Loratoputherhand
    overhermout hwat chi
    nghersi st
    ercry.
    “Pl
    easecomebacktome…Godpl easebri
    nghi
    m
    back..
    Iwi
    llgot
    oChurch…IswearIwil
    lgoto
    church…”
    Ther
    ever
    endl
    ookeddownrubbinghi
    seyes.
    MmagweObakengst
    aredatheremoti
    onl
    ess.
    Fi
    fistaggeredtoYame’spi
    cture.“Idon’
    t
    understand…mamat heywerej ustbabi
    es…why
    wouldGodt akethem f
    rom me?Theywer ej
    ust
    babi
    esmama…whydoeshet akeallfr
    om me?God
    hasrobbedmemama…hehaski ll
    edmemama. .he
    haskill
    edme. ”
    Ri
    ckylookeddownwear
    inghi
    sgl
    assesandwi
    ped
    awayhistear
    s.
    Fifihel
    dYaone’
    spict
    ure.“
    Myki
    dswer
    etooyoung.
    .
    theywer et
    ooyoung.
    .”
    Everyonesni
    ffedasshecriedinfrontofthem.Her
    grandmotherhuggedherti
    ghtly.Minuteslat
    ershe
    l
    ookedateveryonebreat
    hingheavi l
    y.Shewi ped
    awayhertearswhichkeptroll
    ingdown.
    “Ihavebeenprayi
    ngtowakeup…Iwanttowake
    up…Godhasr eapedoutmyheart…hehast
    akenit
    allf
    rom me.Hehastakenever
    ythi
    ngfr
    om me…he
    hastakenfr
    om me..”
    Shecover
    edherfacewi
    ththet
    sâl
    ecryi
    ng.Her
    grandmot
    herhel
    pedherbackt
    oherchai
    rwhil
    eshe
    cr
    ied.
    RragweObakengwhohadal
    readyspokenl
    ooked
    downrubbi
    nghistear
    s.

    Atthegraveyar
    d, everyonesangast hecof f
    ins
    sl
    owlygotloweredi ntothegrave,Fi
    ficri
    edl i
    kea
    madwomanwat chingthecof f
    insgetlowered.
    Rel
    ativesheldhertocal m herdown.Ther everend
    st
    oodi nfr
    ontofever yoneandst ar
    tedpraying.
    “Father
    ,yousai dthereisti
    meforeveryt
    hing.Time
    toborn..t
    imet odie.Timetobehappyandt imet o
    cry.Fat
    herwear eatthetimegocry.HelpusLor d,
    youcanseet hewoundi nourheart
    s.Helpus, st
    and
    withusatt hi
    sdi f
    fi
    cultti
    me.Fat
    herIputyour
    daughterinyourhands. .
    ”
    Fi
    fishookherheadt
    ryi
    ngt
    ocl
    oser
    .
    “
    Taket
    hem out
    !Taket
    hem out
    !Mama!
    ”
    Therever
    endevenmoreasshecri
    ed.Hef
    ini
    shed
    thencl
    oserel
    ati
    veswal
    kedovert
    hrowi
    nghandful
    ofsoi
    linsi
    det
    hegr
    ave.
    Ri
    ckyheldFif
    i’
    shandwhil
    ehergrandfatherhel
    dher
    ot
    herhand,hergr
    andmotherbehi
    nd.Fifil
    ookedat
    Obakeng’
    sgraveandt
    hrewhersel
    font heground.
    “
    No…no…”
    Shetri
    edtogetinsi
    de,usi
    nghi smanl
    ystr
    engt
    h,
    Rickypul
    ledherbagandhelpedherupthenmoved
    withhert
    ot her
    estoft
    hegr aves.
    Themenpi ckedshovel
    sandstart
    edfil
    li
    ngt
    he
    graveswithsoi
    l.Hercr
    iespi
    ecedthr
    ough
    everyone’
    schest.
    MmagweObakengsniff
    edstandi
    ngbesidesher
    husbandwit
    hnooneathersidebutal
    most
    ever
    yonewithFi
    fi
    .Nooneseemedconcernedabout
    herdaught
    erwhowasinjai
    l.
    Loratomovedherwheel chairtot
    ryandgetcl oserto
    hersist
    erbutwithallthepeoplest
    anding,she
    couldn’
    tseem t
    ogetanywher ecl
    oser.Sheslowl y
    gotoffthewheelchairandf el
    lonthegroundt hen
    draggedhersel
    fwithherupperbodyt owher eFifi
    wassi t
    ti
    ngonthesoi lcryi
    ng.Shetouchedher
    si
    ster
    ’shand.Fi
    fil
    ookedatherandcr
    iedmor
    e.
    Lor
    atohuggedhercryingsi
    lent
    ly.

    Laterthatday,aft
    erpeoplehadeat
    enagain,
    rel
    ativessatinthebigsitt
    ingr
    oom,Fi
    fiseat
    edon
    thefloorwit
    hot herl
    adies.
    Theol
    deruncl
    est
    oodup.
    “Todaywasaver ydi ff
    icultday.It
    ’sst i
    llisdif
    f i
    cult
    andit’
    sst illgoingtobedi f
    fi
    cultasweacceptour
    l
    oss.Thr eeatago.Iwantt othankever yonewho
    camet oday.Notsol ongagowewer egat heredfor
    hisweddi ngandt odaywear egat heredt osendhi m
    away.MayGodhel pusal l
    .Uh…butr ightnowwe
    aregather edt odiscusst hewayf orwar d.Ispoket o
    mybr other ,rr
    agweObakengt oear l
    ieront otalk
    aboutwhathappensnow.Obakengl eavesbehi nda
    wifeandason.Thei rhousebur ntdownbutI
    understandhewasbui l
    dingathi splot .Andal so
    thatheleavesbehi ndhi scarandmost lyhis
    company.Wedi scussedever yt
    hingwi t
    houtany
    negot i
    ati
    onordi scussi
    onwhat soeverislef
    tforhis
    wife.It
    ’slegalt
    hathasi tallasshewashi sspouse
    andt hattheywer emarriedincommuni tyof
    property.Thismeansever ythinghel eaves,
    i
    ncludingal lhi
    smoneyi sl efttohiswifeandchild.
    ”
    MmagweObakengst
    oodup.“NEVER!OVERMY
    DEADBODY!
    ”Shespatonherti
    ledf
    loor
    s.“
    NEVER!
    ”
    RragweObakenglookedatherangri
    ly.“Di
    makatso,
    IsweartoGod,Iwil
    lburr
    yyouwithmyhands!Do
    youhearme?Fifii
    sgoingtogetever
    yt hi
    ngbecause
    i
    tbelongst
    oher .
    ”
    “Shedidn’
    tworkf
    oranyt
    hing.Allshedi
    dwasto
    spendhismoney.Shedeservesnotasi
    ngl
    ethebe
    from hi
    shardear
    nedmoney. ”
    Rr
    agweObakeng’
    syoungerbr
    otherwal
    kedi
    nwi
    tha
    mani
    nasuit.
    “
    Bagolo,
    thismansaysheisObakeng’
    slawyer
    .He
    i
    sheretoreadt
    hewillsot
    hatt
    hereisnofi
    ghti
    ng.
    ”
    Themanwalkedi
    nandsatdownasallr
    elat
    ives
    l
    ookedathi
    m.Heopenedhi
    ssuit
    caseandtookout
    t
    hewi
    ll
    .
    “Mynamei sPat
    ri
    ckUyapo.IwasObakeng’ slawyer
    andit
    ’smydutytoletyouinonwhathewant ed.He
    hadwantedtoupdateiti
    nthelastdays,
    unfor
    tunat
    elywenevergottoupdateitsowehave
    theol
    done.”
    Theyal
    llookedathi
    m.
    “Thi
    si sthewi l
    lofObakengMoj al
    efa.Il eave
    everythingthatisinmynamer espectf ull
    yt omy
    sist
    er ,Nonof oMojalefa,mymot herDi makat so
    Mojal efaandmyf atherJosephPakoMoj alefa…”
    Thel awyerl ookedatt hem.“Andt hat’
    si t.But
    Obakenghadwant edt ochangei talltoget herand
    puthi swi f
    eandt hreeki dsonthewi ll
    .”
    MmagweObakengsmi l
    ed.“Al
    lthatyouar
    enow
    sayi
    ngi
    sunnecessar
    y.Thankyou.”
    .
    .
    .
    [
    04/
    23,
    05:
    56]'
    :
    Si
    nsUnf
    orgi
    ven
    #79

    Thel
    awyerl
    ookedatMmagweObakeng.
    “Uh, Iam sayi ngt hatbecauseIt hinkther ightthi
    ng
    todoi smakesur esheget sIthinkhal fof
    everythi ngsoshecant akecar eofher sel fandher
    son.Thatwayweavoi dcour t
    , i
    fMr s.Obakeng
    Moj alefawi shest ogot ocour t,Iam her et omake
    suresheget sever yt
    hingasshei smar riedi n
    communi tyofpr operty.Ifwecont estit,99%
    chancesar ethatthej udgewi lldeci det hatt hewi l
    l
    i
    ni nval i
    dandvoi dasi twasmadewaybef orehe
    wasmar r
    ied.MrsLegauf i
    ’sMoj alefawi llget
    everythi ngthatbel ongedt oherhusbandbutwecan
    dot her ightthingwi thoutgoi ngt ocour t.Don’ t
    forgett hatoneoft hepeopl eint hewi l
    lwasan
    accompl i
    cetohisdeat hsoaut omat i
    callyshei s
    disqual i
    f i
    edf r
    om get ti
    nganyt hingassheki l
    ledhim.
    Thisi saf amil
    ymat t
    er ,discussi tandt el lmewhat
    youdeci de.Mr s.ObakengMoj alefa,Iwi llbet her
    e
    toprovi
    deyouwi t
    hanyi nfor
    mationyoumyneed,
    shouldyoudecidetogot ocourt
    ,al
    ertmesoweall
    star
    ttheprocessassoonaspossi bl
    e.Thankyou,
    onceagain,mycondolences.”
    Hepackedhi
    sbagandwal
    kedout
    .
    RragweObakengl ookedathisbrother
    .“Thereisno
    needforcourtandfight
    ing.Fi
    fiwil
    lgeteveryt
    hing
    thatherhusbandlef
    tbehind.”
    MmagweObakengl
    ookedathi
    m.“
    Thel
    awyer
    -“
    “I
    ncaseyoudi dn’tunder st
    andwhathesai dsince
    youdr oppedoutatst andar d2, hesaidthatwil
    lis
    oldandcan’ tbeused.Legauf iismarriedin
    communi t
    yofproper tythereforesheisent i
    tl
    edto
    everythi
    ngObakengl eft.Heal sosaidifyourefuse,
    hewi l
    ltakeyout ocour trepresenti
    ngFi f
    iandyou
    willnotgetasinglethebe. ”
    MmagweObakengl ookedathi
    m angr
    il
    y.“Shei
    snot
    supposedt
    ogetanythi
    ngsheneverworkedfor
    .”
    “Youneverworkedf
    oranythi
    ngtooDimakatso.You
    aredist
    urbi
    ngourpr
    ogress.I
    fyoucan’
    tli
    sten,walk
    out.
    ”
    MmagweObakengt ur
    nedandwal
    kedout
    .Rr
    agwe
    Obakengl
    ookedatever
    yone.
    “Bagol o,kekopamai tshwar elo.Pleasef orgiveme
    andmywi f
    e.Li keIsai d, Legauf iwi l
    lgetever ythi
    ng.
    Iunder st
    andt hatr ightnowshehasnowher eto
    stay,Iwoul dsayshest aysher ebutt hesi t
    uation
    won’ theal lowsoIhavedeci dedt ol etherst ayin
    oneofmypr oper tiesi nGabor one.Ial r
    eady
    arrangedwi tht het enant ssot heymoveout .It’
    sa
    spaci oust wobeds, Iwillarrangef orproper tyand
    alsogi veheral lthemoneyt hatcamei nt hrough
    mat shi di
    so.Uht heot hert hingi sthatLegauf i
    cannotbeal oneatat i
    mel i
    ket his.Sheneedsal lt
    he
    l
    oveandsuppor tshecangetsoIhadaskeduh
    Obakeng’ sot hermot her,Wame, togobackt o
    Gabor onewi thFi fiandr emai nbyhersi det i
    llshe
    canbeonherown. ”
    Fif
    i’
    sgr andmot hernodded.“
    That’
    sok,andwe
    appreciatehowyouar est
    andingwit
    hour
    grandchild.Ihaveneverbeenmor ehappi
    ert
    hatFi
    fi
    hasaf atherin-l
    awlikeyouwhocanst andwi
    thher
    al
    lthetimel ikethi
    s.MayGodbl essyoubuti
    f
    possi
    ble,
    Iwasaski
    ngi
    fIcanst
    aywi
    thheri
    nst
    ead.
    ”
    Theunclenodded.“Thatisfine.
    .thatisdefi
    nit
    ely
    fi
    ne.Legaufi
    ,mydaught er…weknowi tcan’
    tbe
    easytobeinyourpositi
    ont oday.Itcannotbeeasy
    todealwit
    hal ossli
    kethis.ButObakeng’sabsence
    doesnotmeanyouar enotoutdaught eranymore.
    Youareourchi l
    d.YouareaMoj alefaandwewi l
    l
    standwit
    hyoucomewhatmay. ”
    Fi
    finoddedl
    ooki
    ngdown.

    *
    **

    Loratosatonherwheelchai
    rout
    sidepressi
    ngher
    phone.Banyanawalkedoverinherbl
    ackdressand
    heels.
    “
    Hi.
    .“
    Lor
    ator
    aisedherheadandl
    ookedather
    .“Hi
    ..
    ”
    “
    Howar
    eyou?
    ”
    “
    Iam f
    ine,
    your
    sel
    f?Youl
    ookgood.
    ”
    Banyanasmi
    led.“
    Thanks,
    Iam good.Youl
    ook
    ni
    ce.”
    Lor
    atol
    aughed.“
    Thankyouf
    orbei
    ngni
    ce.
    ”
    Banyanalaughedt
    oo.“Thammayoust
    il
    llook
    gorgeous.Howareyourl
    egs?
    ”
    “
    Theyr
    egai
    nedf
    eel
    ingbutIst
    il
    lwal
    k.”
    “
    Don’
    tbet
    oohar
    donyour
    sel
    f.
    ”
    “
    Yeah,
    howi
    swor
    k?”
    “
    Fine.Bor
    ingbutf
    ine.
    ”
    “Atl
    eastyouar
    eget
    ti
    ngpai
    d.Youar
    eher
    ewi
    thuh.
    .
    Lori
    ?”
    “No.Iwish.Butno.Iam her
    eal
    one.It’
    ssosad.I
    can’
    timaginemyselfinFif
    i’
    ssi
    tuat
    ion.Ican’
    t
    i
    magi nelosi
    nganyofmydaught er
    s.It
    ’ssopainf
    ul.
    ”
    “
    She’
    sbeent
    hroughal
    ot.I
    t’
    spai
    nful
    .”
    “
    Iti
    s.Ei
    shmma.Buti
    twasgoodseei
    ngyou.Letme
    t
    alkt
    oLori
    .”
    “
    Ok.
    ”
    Banyanawal
    kedovert
    oLor
    iwhowasst
    andi
    ngf
    eet
    fr
    om her.
    “
    Hey.
    .”
    Lor
    ilookedatheri
    nsi
    lence.
    “
    Iam sorr
    y.Iknowhowmuchhemeanttoyou.I
    t
    houghtyoutwometinvar
    sit
    yfort
    hel
    ongestt
    ime.
    ”
    “
    That
    ’swhatwet
    oldpeopl
    e.Wemetbef
    oret
    hat
    .”
    “
    Iam sor
    ry.Iam sosor
    ry.
    ”
    “
    Thanks.
    ”
    “Iknowhehat
    edme.He’
    spr
    obabl
    ywonder
    ingwhat
    Iam doi
    ngher
    e.Hewasagr
    eatguy.
    ”
    “
    Yeah…”
    “Don’tkil
    lyoursel
    f.Yousti
    llhaveadaughter
    .Iknow
    hedon’ tt
    hinkshe’syoursbutsheis.Sheneedsyou.
    Whenandi fyoudecidetostepup,she’sal
    ways
    goingtobet here.Bye.
    ”
    Banyanat
    urnedandwal
    kedt
    ohercar
    .
    *

    Laterthatday,al
    mosteveryrelati
    vedr oveoff
    .Fif
    i
    walkedoutwi t
    hhergrandparents,Rickytogether
    withRr agweObakengandLor ato.Rr agweObakeng
    unlockedhisToyotaSequoiadoubl ewi t
    hhuge
    tyr
    esandacanopy.
    “Iwil
    ldropyouallof
    fatthel
    odgethenpickyouup
    i
    nt hemorningandtakeyouwhereveryouwil
    lbe
    going.
    ”
    Ri
    ckyl
    ookedatRragweObakeng.“Iam goi
    ngt
    o
    Fr
    anci
    stownbutIwil
    lgetabus.I
    t’
    sok.”
    Fifi
    ’sgr
    andfat
    hernoddEd“Iwil
    lgowit
    hthi
    syoung
    mansoIgobackhome.Thankyousomuchf or
    yourhospi
    tali
    tyandki
    ndness.MayGodcont
    inue
    blessi
    ngyou.”
    Lorat
    osqueezedFifi
    ’shand.“
    Iwillal
    sogoback
    tomorrow.Iam goi
    ngtoFranci
    stownt oodoIwi
    l
    l
    gowiththem.”
    Rr
    agweObakengnodded.“
    It
    sok.Iwi
    lldr
    opyouof
    f
    attherankandthengowithFi
    fiandher
    grandmothertoGabor
    one.Uhtwocangotomy
    brother
    ’scar
    .”
    Kenwal kedoverandunlockedhiscar.Ri
    ckyand
    Loratowentoverwhi l
    eFif
    igotatthebackseatwit
    h
    hergrandmot herwhowashol di
    nghersonwhi l
    eher
    grandfatherhotinatt
    hefrontseat
    .
    Rr
    agweObakengst ar
    tedthecaranddr oveoffwith
    hi
    syoungerbrotherdri
    vingbehi ndhi m.Hest oreat
    gl
    anceatFif
    ithr
    ought her earvi
    ewwhi l
    edr i
    ving.
    Minut
    eslat
    erhepar kedatt helodgej ustashi s
    br
    otherpar
    ked.RickyhelpedLor atowhileFif
    i
    st
    eppedoutwithhergr andparent s.
    “
    UhFi
    fi
    ..canIpl
    easet
    alkgoyouf
    orami
    nut
    e.”
    Fi
    fitur
    nedandlookedathi
    m asever
    yonewalked
    i
    nsidethel
    odgehehadbookedoutforthem.
    “
    Canwet
    alki
    nthecar
    ?”
    Fi
    figotbackint
    hecarwi
    thhi
    m.Het
    ookadeep
    br
    eathstari
    ngather
    .
    “
    Iwi
    llar
    rangewi
    tht
    hel
    awyersoyougetwhat
    belongstoyouandEtsil
    e.Hedeservest
    oli
    vethe
    l
    ifehisfat
    herworkedhardfor.Youal
    sodeser
    veit
    .I
    willst
    andwithyouthr
    ought hi
    s.”
    Fi
    fil
    ookeddownr
    espect
    ful
    ly.“
    Eer
    ra.
    ”
    Helookedatherandswal
    lowednotsur
    eifaski
    ng
    wasagoodi dea.
    Heclear
    edhi
    sthroat
    .“Ial
    sowant edt
    oaski
    f…i
    f
    youwereon.
    .uhhanycontracept
    ion.
    ”
    “
    Eer
    ra.
    ”
    “Ok.Iwil
    lseeyoutomorr
    ow.Iam sorr
    ythat
    happened.Icr
    ossedthel
    ine.I
    twi
    llneverhappen
    again.
    ”
    Fif
    inoddedgui
    lt
    il
    ythenr
    ubbedof
    fat
    ear
    .“Thank
    you.”
    Hetouchedherhand.“Hei
    slooki
    ngoveryou.They
    al
    lare.He’
    sri
    ghtther
    einyourhear
    t.
    ”
    Anothertearr
    oll
    eddown.Shesniff
    ed.Hel eaned
    closerandhuggedher.Fi
    fibi
    therl
    owerliptryi
    ngto
    keepitinbuthertear
    sfel
    lnonet
    heless.
    Rr
    agweObakeng’
    shear
    tpoundedagai
    nsthi
    schest
    ashehel
    dheri
    nhi
    sar
    ms.
    .
    Hewrappedhi
    sarmsaroundholdi
    ngcomf or
    ti
    ng
    her
    .Heslowl
    yletgomi
    nutesl
    aterandletgo.
    “
    Goandr
    est
    .”
    Shest
    eppedoutoft
    hecart
    henhestar
    tedhi
    scar
    anddr
    oveoff
    ,hi
    shandonhischest
    .
    .
    .
    .
    [
    04/
    23,
    05:
    57]'
    :
    Si
    nsUnf
    orgi
    ven
    #80

    Fifi
    ’sgr
    andmot herbat
    hedhergr anddaughterand
    helpedheroutofthebathtubthenwi pedherdr y
    beforehel
    pingherchangei nt
    oherni ghtdress.Fif
    i
    l
    aiddownont hebed.Et si
    lesmiledlookingather
    thenmovedcl osertoher.
    Fif
    islowl
    ysmiledwit
    hswoll
    eneyeswonderi
    ngi
    fhe
    couldsenset
    hatsomethi
    ngwasoff.Sher
    ubbedhi
    s
    cheekashegiggled.
    Het urnedtohersi
    deandgr abbedhismother’
    s
    dresst r
    yingt
    oeatit.Fi
    fi
    ’sgrandmotherl
    ookedat
    them thendaybesidesFifir
    unningherhandinher
    hair.
    “Iam notgoinganywhere.Iam goi
    ngtoberight
    herewithyou.Iknowyoul ovedhim wi
    thal
    lyoural
    l.
    Helovedyout oo…helovedyousomuch.Doyou
    rememberwhenhecamet oseeyouandyouwer e
    dustyfrom headtohai
    r?”
    Fi
    gichuckl
    edt
    ear
    ful
    ly.“
    Itwasonl
    ymyf
    eet
    .”
    Hergrandmot
    herl
    if
    tedherheadandputi
    tonher
    l
    ap..
    “Yes..buthelovedyout hen.Helovedyouwhen
    youhadnot hi
    ng.Stil
    llovedyounomat terhow
    manyt i
    mesyour anfr
    om hi m…hedi d.Idon’tknow
    butIthinkGodbroughtt hatmantoyousoyoucan
    openyourhear tt
    olove.Hewasbr oughttoyouf ora
    reason.Toteachyout hatloveshouldjustbe
    eff
    ort
    lessmygi rl
    .Youshouldn’thavet otr
    ysohar d.
    Loveisbeauti
    ful.Loveisl
    ove.Movi ngonf rom t
    his
    i
    sgoingtobehar dbutIam heretohol dyourhand
    thr
    oughit.Iam heretosharethebur denwithyou.”
    “
    Hewasmyever
    ythi
    ng.
    ”
    “Iknow.Healsotaughtyoutobest r
    ong.Youhave
    Etsi
    leandheneedsyoumor et hananythi
    ng.He’
    s
    l
    ostaf at
    her
    .He’slosthi
    ssisters.Wearegoingt
    o
    havetobestrong.”
    Fifipul
    ledhersonherchest,helookedatherand
    l
    aughed.Fi f
    ismil
    edandki ssedhim.Hel aughed
    evenmor ethrowinghisheadback.Fifit
    ookadeep
    breathkeepinghertear
    saway.

    *
    **

    Atahotel,
    Bonol
    olookedatKaboashewal
    kedout
    i
    fthebathroom.
    “
    Fif
    iisl
    uckytohaveafat
    heri
    n-l
    awl
    iket
    hat
    .The
    wayhestandsf
    orher…”
    “
    That
    ’st
    hemanhei
    s.”
    “
    Inevert
    houghtt
    heMoj
    alef
    a’swer
    ethatr
    ich.
    ”
    Kabogotundert heblanketjoiningher.“
    Rragwe
    Obakengisaf armer.Heownsabi gfarmthat
    pr
    ovideseverythi
    ngandanyt hing.Hehasan
    or
    chardatthecent r
    aldistr
    icttooandl ot
    sofcatt
    le.
    Hewor kedhardtobewher ehei stoday.
    ”
    Bonol
    omovedcl
    oserandputherar
    msar
    oundhi
    m.
    “I
    twasabeautifulsendof
    f.Idi
    dn’
    tknowhi
    m but
    nowIfeell
    ikeIdo.”
    “
    Youwoul
    dhavel
    ikedhi
    m.”
    “
    Ifeelsor
    ryf
    orFi
    fi
    .”
    “
    Shewi
    llpul
    lthr
    ough.Weal
    lwi
    ll
    .”
    Kabokissedher
    ,Bonol
    o’sphonestar
    tedri
    ngi
    ng.
    Kabol
    iftedherl
    egpull
    inghercl
    oserandburi
    ed
    hi
    mselfinsi
    deherassheclosedhereyesmoani
    ng.

    *
    **
    Latert
    hatni
    ght,
    RragweObakengl
    aidonthebed
    faci
    ngthecei
    li
    ng.MmagweObakenglookedathi
    m.
    “
    Whydi dyoutal
    ktomeli
    keIwasadog?Thenaf t
    er
    t
    hatyouturnandtr
    eatmysi
    sterl
    ikeshe’
    syour
    wif
    e.”
    “
    Dimakat
    soIwantt
    osl
    eep.
    ”
    “
    Tel
    lmewhy.Doyouwantmysi
    ster
    ?”
    “
    Idon’twantyoursi
    ster
    !Idon’
    tevenunderst
    and
    whathappenedtoyou.Youwereneverl
    ikethi
    s.”
    “
    Youembar
    rassedme.
    ”
    “Becauseyoucan’tbehavel
    ikeawomanyourage.I
    sti
    lldon’
    tunder
    standwhyyouhateLegauf
    iso
    much.Why? ”
    “
    Shewasneverri
    ghtfi
    tforObakeng.Idon’
    tknow
    whatyouseeont
    hisgi
    rl.
    ”
    “
    Iseealot
    .Waylot
    .Canyoul
    eaveheral
    one!At
    l
    eastnowyouar
    enotfor
    cedt
    olikeher.
    ”
    “
    Whatar
    ewegoi
    ngt
    odoaboutNono?
    ”
    “
    Itol
    dyou,
    Nonof
    oisnol
    ongermychi
    ld.Idon’
    t
    haveachil
    dliket
    hatsowor
    ryaboutyourchi
    ld
    al
    one.Don’
    tinvol
    veme.Tomethat’
    sthemurderer
    whokil
    ledmyson.”
    “
    Shemadeami
    staker
    ragweObakeng.
    ”
    “Shehadeveryintent
    iontoki
    ll
    .Shewantedt oki
    ll
    Fifi
    .Andnowt hatIknowthehatr
    edcanr eachto
    thatpoi
    nt,Iwi
    lldoanythi
    ngtoprotectFi
    fif
    rom
    peoplel
    ikeyou.”

    *
    **

    InFranci
    stown,mmagweLor at
    ogruntedi npainall
    aloneinherhouse.Sheclosedhereyespul li
    ngthe
    sheetsasthepushingurgecameagai n,the
    aborti
    onpill
    sseemedtohavewor kedf asterthan
    shehadt houghti
    twould.
    Sheputtheclothinhermouthandpushed, herl
    egs
    open.Herbabysl i
    ppedcoveredinblood.Mmagwe
    Lorat
    oraisedherheadbreathingheavil
    yadher
    babystar
    tedcrying.
    Shelookedather ,sheseemed…nor mal.Shelooked
    l
    ikear ealbaby.Shecriedevenmor ecover
    edin
    blood.MmagweLor ato’sheartracedasshestared
    atherexpectingsomet hinginhumanet ohappen.
    Therewasnowayt hebabycoul
    dbenor
    mal.She
    reachedfort
    hescissorsandcutt
    heumbi
    li
    calcor
    d.
    Shepickedthebabyshaking.
    Ther ewasnowayshecoul dkeepi t.Shepl
    acedit
    ont hebedthenr eachedforthepi l
    lowshakingthen
    presidedthepil
    lowonherf ace.Thebabyki ckedher
    l
    itt
    lelegs.MmagweLor atopr essedevenmor eti
    ll
    therewasnomovement .Shesl owlytookofft
    he
    pil
    lowandl ookedatt hesti
    llbaby.
    Shepickedupherupatandpl
    acedheronthefl
    oor
    thent
    ookoffthesheet
    sonthebedandrol
    ledher
    upinthesheets.
    Shecl
    eanedherroom andchangedhercl
    othes
    bef
    orewalki
    ngouthol
    dingthedeadbaby.
    Shetookoutablackplasti
    cbinfrom t
    hekitchen
    andwalkedoutofthehousewi thherspade.She
    walkedoutofhergat
    ej ustaf
    termidni
    ghtand
    wal
    kedt
    othenear
    bybush,
    herhear
    traci
    ng.
    Sheputt hedeadbabydownandst arteddigging.
    Shestoppedatt hebigenoughholeandt hr
    ewt he
    babyinsidelikei
    twasadogt henfi
    ll
    edt heholewith
    soi
    l.Shegr abbedfall
    enbranchesoftressandput
    ontopbef orehurr
    yingbacktoherhouse.She
    cl
    osedt hedoorbehindherandt ookof fhershoes,
    herheartracing.
    .
    Shelockedherdoorandwalkedtothebat
    hroom t
    o
    cl
    eanher sel
    fupl
    ikeshehadn’tki
    ll
    edahuman
    bei
    ng.
    .
    .
    .
    Goodmor
    ning
    [
    04/
    23,
    05:
    57]'
    :
    Si
    nsUnf
    orgi
    ven
    #81
    Thef
    oll
    owi
    ngmor
    ning,
    RickyhuggedFi
    fiatt
    her
    ank.
    “
    Iwi
    shIcoul
    dcomewi
    thyou.
    ”
    Fif
    itouchedhi
    sface.“Hedoesn’
    tdeser
    veyou.You
    deservewaybett
    erthansomeonewhor ai
    sedhis
    handsonyou.”
    “
    Whenever
    ythi
    nghasf
    ail
    ed,
    Iwi
    llmar
    ryyou.
    ”
    Fi
    fil
    aughedandsi
    ghed.“
    Bye.
    ”
    Rickyl
    ookedathi
    sfr
    iendsswol
    leneyes.Hehugged
    heragai
    n.
    “
    Iloveyouf
    ri
    end.
    ”
    Fi
    fismi
    led.“
    Met
    oo.Thankyouf
    orcomi
    ng.
    ”
    “
    Iwi
    llal
    waysbet
    her
    eforyou.
    ”
    Hewal kedt
    othebus.Fi
    fistar
    edupthebus,
    Lorat
    o
    wavedatheralr
    eadyseatednextt
    othei
    r
    gr
    andfather
    .Fi
    firai
    sedherhandandwavedback
    smil
    ing.
    Sheturnedandwalkedt
    or r
    agweObakeng’scarand
    satatt
    hebackwithhergrandmother
    .Rragwe
    Obakengstart
    edt
    hecaranddr oveof
    f.Hestopped
    atthemallt
    henquickl
    yst
    eppedout .Hewalked
    backtothecarhol
    dingapaperbackoffastf
    ood
    anddri
    nks.Hegotbackinthecarandturnedtothe
    l
    adies.
    “
    Igotsomef
    ood.
    ”
    Fi
    fi
    ’sgr
    andmot
    hersmi
    led.“
    Thankyou.
    ”
    RragweObakengstart
    edthecaranddr
    oveoutof
    theparki
    ngl
    otthenjoi
    nedtheroadt
    aki
    ngthem
    backtoGaborone.

    *
    **

    I
    njail
    ,Nonosati
    nthecel
    ll
    yingdowncr
    ying.Nei
    so
    l
    ookedather.
    “
    Ihopeyouknowyouar
    egoi
    ngt
    opr
    isonal
    one.
    ”
    Nonoremai
    nedst
    il
    lsni
    ff
    ing.Nei
    sol
    ookedather
    angr
    il
    y.
    “
    Ican’
    tbel
    ieveyouar
    ethisst
    upi
    d.Myl awyeri
    son
    t
    opofmycase.Iam notgoi
    ngtojai
    l.Osematl
    a
    mot
    hokewena.
    ”
    Nonoremai
    nedsil
    entasherhear
    tisachedsomuch
    shecoul
    dn’
    tevengett
    heenergytocryoutl
    oud.

    *
    **

    Latert
    hatday,
    justbef
    oredusk,
    rragweObakeng
    drovetheagatei
    nGaboroneandpar kedhi
    scari
    n
    fr
    ontofthetwobedshouse.
    Hesteppedoutofthecarthenopenedthedoorf
    or
    Fi
    fiwhosteppedoutwithEtsi
    le.Heledt
    hem tot
    he
    doorandunlockedbef
    orewalkingin.
    Hecl
    ear
    edhi
    sthr
    oatst
    ari
    ngatt
    hef
    urni
    tur
    e.
    “Igotyouafewthi
    ngssoyoucanhavesomewher
    e
    tostart
    .Youcanli
    veher
    ewhil
    eyougather
    yoursel
    f.”
    Fi
    fi
    ’sgr
    andmot
    hersmi
    led.“
    Thankyou.
    ”
    “
    Uh,t
    hemat shi
    disomoneyi
    sP15k.Iwilldeposi
    t
    t
    hati
    ntoyouraccount
    .Pl
    easedon’
    tfearaskingfor
    help.Evenifi
    t’
    sfi
    nancialhelpthoughIam goingto
    payingEtsi
    le’
    smaintainancemoneyever ymonthso
    thatyouarecomfortable.Iam notsur
    ehowt he
    companywor ksbutIam mor ethansurewhenyou
    fi
    nallydeci
    detostepin, Lor
    iwil
    lbetheretoshow
    you.”
    “
    Thankyou.
    ”
    Fi
    fi’
    sgr andmot
    her’
    sphonerang,sheanswer
    edit
    st
    eppi ngoutsoshewouldn’
    twakeupthebaby.
    RragweObakengt ookEt
    sil
    eint
    ohi sar
    msand
    smiled.
    “Hel
    ookssomuchlikehi
    sfat
    her
    .Come,
    letme
    showyoutoyourr
    oom.”
    Heledhert
    othemast
    erbedr
    oom t
    henputt
    hebaby
    down.
    “Thi
    sisit
    .Ifyouneedanythi
    ng,
    youcancal
    lmeor
    anyoneyoufeelcomfor
    tablewi
    th.
    ”
    Fi
    finoddedl
    ooki
    ngdown.
    “Pl
    easedon’
    tki
    llyour
    sel
    f.Iknowt
    hisishar
    dfor
    youandnooneexpectsyoutobestr
    ong
    t
    hroughoutbutdon’
    tki
    llyour
    sel
    f.Ther
    eisal
    ot
    morelef
    tforyou.
    ”
    “
    Eer
    ra.
    ”
    Hel
    ookedatherwanti
    ngtohugherbutbr
    ingaway
    f
    rom herseemedl
    ikeabet
    teri
    dea.Hemovedback.
    “Ok.Ishoul
    dgetgoing.Thereisgoodi
    ntheki
    tchen.
    Ihadgroceryboughtforyou.
    ”
    “
    Thankyou.
    ”
    Hewal
    kedoutandl
    ookedatFi
    fi
    ’sgr
    andmot
    her
    .
    “
    Iwi
    lll
    eaveyout
    oset
    tl
    e.”
    “
    Thankyousomuchf
    oral
    lyouhavedone.
    ”
    “
    It
    ’sokmme.Iwi
    llseeyou.
    ”
    Hehurri
    edoutandgoti
    nhi
    scarj
    ustashi
    swi
    fe
    cal
    led.
    “
    Hel
    lo?
    ”
    “
    Wher
    ear
    eyou?
    ”
    “
    Iam dr
    oppi
    ngof
    frel
    ati
    ves.
    ”
    “
    Soyouj
    ustl
    eftwi
    thoutsayi
    nganyt
    hing?
    ”
    “Di
    makatso,
    youmakei
    tdi
    ff
    icul
    tformet
    osay
    anyt
    hing.
    ”
    “Whichpr
    oper
    tywher
    eyousayi
    ngLegauf
    iwi
    llst
    ay
    at?
    ”
    “ShewentbacktoMaitengwewit
    hhergr
    andmot
    her
    .
    Pleasel
    eavethepoorgir
    lal
    one!
    ”
    “
    Ehe…Iwantt ousewhat
    everamountIam get
    ti
    ng
    f
    rom Obakengtogetal
    awyerfr
    om mydaughter.
    ”
    “Youar
    enotgett
    inganythi
    ng.Legauf
    iwi
    llt
    akei
    tal
    l
    andrai
    seEt
    sil
    ewi t
    hthatmoney.”
    “
    Allofi
    t?”
    “
    Yes.Makepeacewi
    thi
    tbecausei
    t’
    sal
    lher
    s.”
    “
    Pako,
    Nonof
    oisyourdaught
    er!
    ”
    “Shekil
    ledmyson.Idon’
    tcar
    e,Iwil
    lbechi
    ldl
    ess
    becausethatonei
    snotmychild.
    ”
    “
    Shewasi
    nfl
    uenced.
    ”
    “ShewantedFi
    fidead.Ther
    eisnoi
    nfl
    uencether
    e.I
    am dr
    ivi
    ng.Iwi
    llseeyouwhenIgethome.”
    Hehungupandst
    eppedont
    heaccel
    erat
    ordr
    ivi
    ng
    backt
    oMaun.

    *
    **

    Lor
    ical
    ledFi
    fiseat
    edi
    nhi
    shouse.
    “
    Hel
    lo?
    ”
    “Hi
    .Wenevergotachancet
    ospeak.Iam sorr
    y.I
    am r
    eal
    lysor
    ry.Iknowyoul
    ovedhi
    m.Hel ovedyou
    asmuchorevenmor e.
    ”
    “
    Thankyou.
    ”
    “
    Areyoubacki
    nGabor
    one?
    ”
    “
    Yes.
    ”
    “
    Ok,
    Iwi
    llcomeandseeyout
    omor
    row.
    ”
    “Ok,t
    hankyou.Pl
    easedon’tt
    hinknowthathei
    s
    deadyoucantryyourl
    uck.Idon’
    twanttobe
    disr
    espect
    ed.
    ”
    “
    Ofcausenot.Iam notgoi
    ngtodothat
    .Iwasoutof
    l
    inebackt
    hen.Idon’tknowwhathadgott
    eni
    ntome.
    Iam sor
    ryi
    tevenhappened.
    ”
    “
    Ok.
    ”
    “
    Bye.
    ”
    Shehungupt
    henhesi
    ghedr
    egr
    ett
    inghi
    spast
    act
    ions.

    *
    **

    InFr
    ancist
    own,Lor
    atol
    ookedathermot
    her
    ’sbel
    ly
    andthenather
    .
    “
    Wher
    eist
    hebaby?
    ”
    “
    Whatbaby?
    ”
    “
    Yourbaby.Wher
    eist
    hebaby?
    ”
    “
    Therei
    snobaby.HowmanytimesshouldIt
    ellyou
    t
    hatLor
    ato?Canyoust
    opdi
    srespect
    ingme?”
    “
    Ther
    e….Youwer
    epr
    egnant
    .Isawt
    hatbel
    ly.
    ”
    “
    Yousawi
    twher
    e?Huh?Wher
    e?”
    Lor
    atoshookherhead.“
    Wher
    eist
    hatbaby?I
    t’
    sfi
    ne.
    Iwi
    llt
    akecar
    eofi
    t.Iwi
    llsayi
    t’
    sfi
    ne.Wher
    eisi
    t?”
    “
    Lor
    atot
    her
    eisnobaby!St
    opi
    t!
    ”
    “Di
    dyouthrowheraway?Wher
    eyouevendue?Di
    d
    youabor
    t?”
    “
    Iwasneverpr
    egnant
    .”
    “
    Youwer
    e.Whatdi
    dyoudot
    othebabymama?
    ”
    “MentionababyagainandIwi
    llsl
    apyou.Iwasnot
    pregnant.Whatareyout
    ryi
    ngt
    osayaboutme?
    ThatIsleeparound?”
    Shewal kedawayandl ockedhersel
    finherbedroom.
    Loratoputherhandsonherf acewonder i
    ngwhat
    hadhappened.Shewheel edher
    selft
    oherr oom
    thenopenedherwar drobe.Herhandbagfelll
    ett
    ing
    outthecontentsinsi
    de.Sheslowlypicked
    everythi
    ngthenthepieceofpaper.Sheopenedi t
    andr eadwhatsadwr i
    tten.

    ‘
    Hi,Idon’tknowi
    fyouwillgett
    hisbutifyoudo,my
    namei sMunashe,Iwasinthetruckyoualmosthit
    .
    Idon’tknowyoubutIhopeyoumakei toutal
    ive
    becauseyouarebeaut
    if
    ul.I
    fit
    ’sok,
    pleasetel
    lmeif
    youmadei tt
    hatwayIcanstopworryi
    ng.Thanks.
    Munashe’

    Lorat
    ol ookedathisnumberunderneat
    hhisname
    thenreachedforherphone.Shebitherl
    owerli
    p
    andtypedhi m ashortmessaget
    hensentit
    .
    Shelookedatherphonewai
    ti
    ngf
    orar
    esponsebut
    ther
    ewasnon.
    Sheputonbackherdr
    essthenherphonest
    art
    ed
    ri
    ngi
    ng.Shel
    ookedattheZi
    mbabwenumberand
    pi
    cked.
    “
    Hel
    lo?
    ”
    “
    Hi,
    thi
    sisMunashe,
    am Ispeaki
    ngt
    ouh…Lor
    ato?
    ”
    “Yes.Thankyoudomuchf ortakingmeoutofthe
    car.Ineversawthel
    it
    tl
    elet
    teryoul ef
    t.Isawi
    t
    today.ThankyouandIam well.Paral
    yzedbut
    ali
    ve.”
    “
    Iam sor
    ryaboutt
    hat
    .”
    “
    It
    ’sok.
    ”
    “
    Iam atr
    uckdr
    iver
    ,maybeonedaywhenIdri
    ve
    t
    hroughBot
    swanaIwi
    llpassbyseei
    ngyou.
    ”
    “
    Ok.Thankyou.
    ”
    “
    ByeLor
    ato.
    ”
    Hehungup.Sheslowl
    ysmiledatt
    hevoi
    cet
    hen
    l
    aughedt
    akingoutadresst
    owear.

    *
    **

    Laterthatni
    ght,Fi
    fil
    ookedatEtsil
    esleepi
    ng
    besidesher.Thesuicidet
    houghtsfi
    ll
    edherhead.
    Shel ookedatthepi
    llow.
    Shecouldj
    ustsuff
    ocat
    ehimthenhangher self.
    Etsi
    lesl
    owl
    yopenedhiseyeshungr
    y.Fifireached
    fort
    hebott
    leoffor
    mulaandpull
    edhim closerso
    shecouldf
    eedhim.
    Herphoner
    ang,
    sher
    eachedf
    ori
    tandpi
    cked
    Lor
    ato’
    scal
    l.
    “
    Hi.
    .”
    “Mmayouwon’ tbel
    ieve…rememberwhenIcr ushed
    withmycar,someZim herosavedme.Ineverknew
    heleftal
    ett
    er.Ij
    ustsawitsoItexthi
    mt otel
    lhi
    m
    thankyouandthatIam al
    ive.Fi
    fi
    !Hisvoi
    ce!”
    Fi
    fismi
    ledasLor
    atoscr
    eamed.
    “Hey!He’
    sli
    ke‘Hit
    hisisMunashe..
    ’Fi
    fimma,I
    checkedouthi
    sprofi
    le.Isentt
    hepi
    cturet
    oyou.He.
    .
    whatawow! ”
    Fi
    fil
    aughed.“
    Youar
    ecr
    azy.Hehasawi
    fe.
    ”
    “
    Kannaper
    sonal
    lyIdon’
    tmi
    ndpol
    ygamy.
    ”
    “
    Lol
    o!”
    “
    Iam tel
    li
    ngyou.Idon’
    tmind.HonestlynnaIthinkI
    wantt
    obei napolygamousrelat
    ionshi
    pbutwi t
    ha
    manwhoknowshowt ohandletwowomeni naway
    t
    hatensurest
    hereisfi
    ght
    ing.Loveusboth.”
    Fi
    fil
    aughed.“
    Ij
    o!NnaIcan’
    t.
    ”
    “Anyways,openhispict
    ure.Maybeyouknowhi
    m.I
    don’twantthatsi
    tuat
    ionagai
    n.”
    Fif
    iwentonherWhatsappandopenedthepi
    ctur
    e.
    Shelookedathi
    sfamil
    iarf
    acewonderi
    ngwhere
    shehadmethim.
    “
    He’
    sgoodl
    ooki
    ng.Shootyourshot
    .”
    Lor
    atolaughed.“
    Iwil
    lwaitt
    il
    lhecomest o
    Bot
    swana.Hopefull
    ybythenIwillbewalki
    ng.Heel
    a
    mma, guesswhat?Yourmotherwaspregnantwhen
    al
    lal
    ongwet houghtshewassick.”
    “
    Youl
    ie!
    ”
    “Iam t
    ell
    ingyou.Ij
    ustcamebackandt hereno
    babyandt hest
    omachi sgone.Moghelisact
    ingal
    l
    sort
    sofshady.”
    “
    What
    ?”
    “
    AndyouknowwhoIsuspect
    ?Rr
    agweThabang.
    ”
    Thesist
    ersbursti
    ntolaught
    er,Et
    sil
    elookedathi
    s
    motherstar
    tl
    ed.Fi
    fidubbedhisback.
    “
    Waaka!
    ”
    “
    Iam t
    ell
    ingyou.Il
    ongt
    oldyou.
    ”
    Lor
    atocont
    inuedt
    alki
    ngasFi
    fil
    augheddi
    str
    act
    ed.
    TWOYEARSLATER…
    .
    .
    .
    [
    04/
    23,
    05:
    57]'
    :
    Si
    nsUnf
    orgi
    ven
    #82

    TwoYear
    sLat
    er…

    I
    nGabor
    oneHi ghCourt
    ,Nono’
    shear
    tpoundedas
    t
    hej
    udgelookedatever
    yone.
    “It
    ’sveryi
    nhumant hatanyonewoul dpl
    antoend
    notonel i
    febutfourlivesbecauseofhatr
    ed.
    Not hi
    ngcanjustif
    ytaki ngone’
    slif
    eandtheref
    ore
    thedefendantissti
    llfoundguilt
    yforbri
    ngan
    accompl i
    cetoherbr other’
    smurderandshall
    cont
    inueservi
    ngherFi
    veYear
    ssent
    ence.Cour
    t
    adj
    ourned!
    ”
    MmagweObakenglookeddowntearf
    ull
    yast he
    j
    udgegotupwhil
    ethejour
    nal
    ist
    stookpict
    ures.The
    pr
    isonguar
    dshel
    dNonoasshecr i
    edbeing
    dr
    aggedaway.
    MmagweObakengstoodupandwal
    kedoutoft
    he
    cour
    twi
    tht
    helawyer
    .
    “She’
    salmostdonewi t
    hhersent
    ence.Iknowit
    ’s
    hardforyoubutther
    eisnothi
    ngwecando.Allwe
    candonowi shope.Hopethatmaybegetsoutfr
    om
    goodbehavior
    .”
    MmagweObakengnodded.“
    Thankyou.
    ”
    “
    Haveagoodday.
    ”
    Hewal kedt
    ohiscarasmmagweObakengweakly
    walkedtoherni
    ece’
    scar.Shegoti
    nthecart
    hen
    tookoutherbl
    oodpressur
    epil
    lsanddr
    ankasher
    niecel
    ookedather.
    “
    Whatdi
    dtheydeci
    de?
    ”
    “
    Itdi
    dn’
    twor
    k.Thankyou,
    youcandr
    opmeof
    fat
    t
    her
    ankmychi
    ldsoIgobackhome.
    ”
    “
    Eemma.
    ”
    “Idon’
    tunderst
    andwhyNonol
    etNei
    soi
    nfl
    uence
    herli
    kethat
    .”
    Benasighed.“
    Ihadlongtol
    dNonotost
    opthatt
    oxi
    c
    fr
    iendshi
    p.Shedidn’
    twanttol
    ist
    ent
    ome.”
    MmagweObakengsni
    ff
    ed.“
    Noonecar
    esaboutmy
    daught
    er.
    ”
    Benal
    ookedatherauntandhuggedher
    .“Iam
    sor
    ry.
    ”
    MmagweObakengputherhandsonherf
    acecr
    ying.

    *
    **

    AtFif
    iFashions,
    Fif
    iparkedtheJeepandst epped
    outofthecartyi
    ngherlongcurl
    yhair.Herphone
    rangthensheansweredwiththeBluetoot
    hspeaker
    i
    nherear .
    “
    Fif
    ihel
    lo?
    ”
    “
    Hi,
    am Ispeaki
    ngt
    oFi
    fiwaFi
    fiFashi
    ons?
    ”
    “
    Eemma,
    thi
    sisshe.
    ”
    “ThammaIjustsawthepict
    ur esoft
    henewst
    ock.I
    haveaneventcomingupandIneededthatwhi
    te
    eveni
    nggown.Isitst
    il
    lavai
    lable?
    ”
    Fifipul
    leddownherbodycondressthathuggedher
    tonedbodyasshewal kedinsi
    dethebuil
    dinginher
    6inchst i
    let
    tos.
    “
    Yes,
    iti
    sst
    il
    lavai
    labl
    e.I
    t’
    sP2500.
    ”
    “Yes,
    canIcomebyt
    hebout
    iquesoIcanf
    itand
    pay?”
    “
    Yesyoucan.Thankyou.
    ”
    “
    Eemma.
    ”
    Fi
    fiwal
    kedi
    nsi
    deherbout
    ique.Theshopassi
    stant
    smil
    ed.
    “
    Bossl
    ady…”
    Fi
    fismi
    led.“
    Hi,someoneisgoi
    ngtocomef
    ort
    he
    whit
    egown.It’
    ssti
    llher
    eaker
    e?”
    “
    Yes.I
    t’
    sst
    il
    lher
    e.Thoseot
    herdr
    essesaar
    eal
    l
    gone.
    ”
    Fi
    fismi
    led.“
    Inonl
    yaweek?
    ”
    “
    Wai
    tsemmaebi
    lewear
    erunni
    ngoutofst
    ock.
    ”
    Fif
    iwalkedt
    oheroff
    iceandsatdownreachi
    ngf
    or
    thesal
    esbook.Shesmil
    edlooki
    ngatt
    henumbers.
    “Ok…i
    tmeansIhavet
    oordermoret
    hings.Ican’
    tgo
    backt
    oThai
    landwhenIcamebackl
    astweek.”
    “
    Ok.
    ”
    Fi
    fi
    ’sphonerang,shel
    ookedatRi
    ckycal
    li
    ngand
    pi
    ckedgoingthr
    oughthebooks.
    “
    Hi.
    .”
    “
    Hey,
    areyoubusy?
    ”
    “
    No.What
    ’sup?
    ”
    “
    Igotaj
    obataSaf
    ariCampasabeaut
    yther
    api
    st.
    ”
    “
    Youknowhowt
    omassage?
    ”
    “
    No.ButIam l
    ear
    ning.
    ”
    “
    Areyousur
    eit
    ’sl
    egi
    t?”
    Ri
    ckyl
    aughed.“
    It
    skegi
    t,t
    heonl
    yli
    eismyCV.
    ”
    Fi
    fil
    aughedtoo.“Yesbut
    …whatifyouget
    ki
    dnappedorraped?Orkil
    ledbywi
    ldani
    mals.
    ”
    “Fi
    fi,i
    t’
    slegit.Thecampishir
    ing.Iwantt ogo.Gape
    thesalaryisgood.Iam arecepti
    onistr i
    ghtnow,my
    salarycan’taffor
    dmeaBr azi
    li
    anwi g.Thisisnot
    thelif
    eIdeser veandIbumpedi ntot otheabuser
    yesterday.Iwantt obef
    arfr
    om t hatman. ”
    Fi
    fisi
    ghed.“
    Ok.
    ”
    “
    Don’
    twor
    ryaboutmebabe,
    howi
    sbusi
    ness?
    ”
    Fi
    fismil
    ed.“
    Iam t
    hinki
    ngofgetti
    ngabiggershop.
    AndIwanttost
    arteit
    heraneventpl
    anning
    busi
    nessorgoi
    ntotravel
    .”
    “
    Iwouldsayeventpl
    anni
    ngt
    henpaveyourwi
    lli
    nto
    t
    ravel
    .”
    “
    Yeah.Obakengwoul
    dsopr
    oud.
    ”
    “Hewould.Heis.Youprovedtoever
    yonethatyou
    coul
    ddoi twi
    thoutthei
    rson’smoneythoughi
    fI
    wereyouIwouldhavet akenever
    ycent.
    ”
    “Andhavet
    hem ki
    llme?Iam happywi
    ththe
    arr
    angement
    .WhenEtsil
    ecomesofage,hewil
    ltake
    whatbel
    ongstohim.Ever
    ylastcentofwhathi
    s
    f
    atherworkedhar
    dfor.
    ”
    “
    SoFat
    heri
    n-l
    awi
    sst
    il
    lpayi
    ngmai
    ntenance?
    ”
    “
    Ng.
    ”
    “
    Wai
    tset
    hatmani
    smycr
    ush.
    ”
    “
    Osi
    mol
    otse.
    ”
    “Iam t
    ell
    ingyou.Besi
    desthefactt
    hatheisasnack
    andthatheissexy,hi
    scharact
    erissexy.
    ”
    Fif
    ilaughed.“
    Letmegoandpi
    ckmysonf
    rom
    schoolrra.Wewil
    ltal
    k“
    “
    Byef
    ri
    end!
    ”
    Fif
    ihungupt henwentthroughthesalesbook
    properl
    ydoublechecki
    ngever,oncesatisf
    iedshe
    gotupandwal kedoutofheroffi
    celockingbehi
    nd
    her.Shelookedathershopassist
    ant.
    “
    Iwi
    llbebackt
    olockupl
    ater
    .”
    “
    Eemma.
    ”
    Fi
    fiwalkedoutandunlockedhercart
    hengoti
    n.
    Shestartedherengi
    neanddroveoffl
    ooki
    ngatthe
    t
    ime.

    AtEtsi
    le’
    spre-school
    ,Fifist
    eppedoutoft
    hecarand
    walkedtoherson’sclass.Etsi
    ledr
    oppedthetoycar
    hewashol di
    ngandr anovert oher
    .Fi
    fil
    aughed
    pi
    ckinghim up.
    “
    HeyMr
    .Moj
    alef
    a!”
    “
    Wear
    egoi
    nghome?
    ”
    “Yessweety…goandgetyourbag.
    ”Sheputhi
    m
    downandwat chedasherantogethi
    sbag.Hi
    s
    teacherwal
    kedoversmi
    li
    ng.
    “
    Hi,
    youar
    eri
    ghtont
    ime.
    ”
    Fi
    fismi
    led.“
    Eemma.
    ”
    “Yoursonissosmar
    t.He’
    sgoi
    ngt
    obeahear
    t
    breakert
    hisone.
    ”
    Fif
    ilaughed.“
    Hewi
    llbeagent
    lemanl
    ikehi
    s
    fat
    her.”
    Et
    sil
    ewalkedbackcarr
    yinghi
    sbag.Hi
    steacher
    smil
    ed.“
    ByeEtsi
    le.
    .”
    Hewavedather
    .“Bye.
    ”
    Fi
    fismiledandwalkedt
    othecarwithhi
    m.He
    l
    ookedsomuchl i
    keObakeng,
    hewasphot ocopyof
    hi
    sfather.Fi
    fit
    ookadeepbreathandopenedthe
    doorforhim.
    “
    Geti
    n.”
    Hecl i
    mbedin,Fi
    ficl
    osedt
    hedoorjustanot
    hercar
    parkedbesi
    deshers.Amansteppedoutinhissui
    t
    stari
    ngather.
    “
    Shoul
    dn’
    thebest
    rappedonhi
    sseat
    ?”
    Fi
    fil
    ookedathi
    m.“
    Hest
    aysst
    il
    l.
    ”
    “
    Sowhat?Gasengwana?Anythingcanhappeni
    n
    t
    hecar
    ,whyareyoubei
    ngreckless?”
    Hetookof
    fhisjacketandthrewi
    tinhi
    sBenzt
    hen
    r
    oll
    edthesl
    eevesofhi sshi
    rt
    .
    “
    Kebual
    ewena,
    kewenammagweET?
    ”
    Fi
    fiswal
    lowed.Hesmi
    ledt
    henl
    aughed.
    “Osekat
    soga,
    keat
    sameka.Iam hi
    sbestf
    ri
    end’
    s
    Dad.
    ”
    “
    Nat
    han?
    ”
    Hesmil
    ed.“
    Yeah,
    Iam Tef
    obytheway.I
    t’
    sa
    pl
    easur
    efi
    nall
    ymeet
    ingmyson’
    scrush.
    ”
    Fif
    ilaughedrel
    axing.“KanaNat
    eoncewrotemea
    l
    etter.Icoul
    dn’
    tevenreadwhatwaswrit
    tenmmeI
    thi
    nkt hedrawi
    ngwasmeandhi m.Gokwadil
    we
    NathanandETmom. ”
    Tef
    olaughed.“
    That
    ’smyboy.Ihavebeencur
    ious
    wonder
    inggorewho’
    sthi
    swomanmyboycan’ tl
    ive
    wit
    hout
    .”
    “
    Heel
    arr
    a!Kesat
    soga!
    ”
    Theybot
    hlaughed.Tef
    osmi
    ledatEt
    sil
    e.
    “
    Heychamp,
    what
    ’sup?
    ”
    “
    Iam f
    ine.
    ”
    “
    Good.
    ”
    Tef
    olookedatFi
    fi
    .“Youar
    egorgeous.Idon’tbl
    ame
    myboy.Maybeweshouldplansomethingforthe
    boysinthef
    utur
    e.Asleepoverorsomethi
    ngi
    f
    that
    ’sokwit
    hyou.Icantakeyournumber.
    ”
    “
    Yeah,
    Etsi
    lewoul
    dlovet
    hat
    .”
    Fif
    igavehi
    m hernumber
    .Tefosmi l
    ed.“Ni
    ce
    meeti
    ngyoummagweEt sil
    e.Don’tfor
    gethi
    sseat
    tomorr
    ow.Boysareadangerousbreedsometi
    mes.”
    “
    Iwon’
    t.Thankyou.
    ”
    Fi
    figoti
    nhercarthenst
    art
    edtheengi
    neanddr
    ove
    of
    fasTefowalkedtothecl
    ass.

    *
    **

    MmagweLor at
    osati
    nherhousest
    ari
    ngattheTV.
    Shefannedher
    sel
    fwi
    thawettowelt
    ryi
    ngtocool
    her
    selfdown.
    Sheyawnedexhaustedf
    rom al
    lthesl
    eepl
    essni
    ght
    s
    thensl
    owl
    yfel
    lasleeponthecouch.
    Ababyst
    art
    edcryi
    ng.Shel
    ookedaroundshaki
    ng
    ast
    hebabycri
    edevenmore.Shel
    ookedaroundthe
    househear
    ingt
    hecr
    iesever
    ywher
    ethenshe
    walkedout
    .
    ShescreamedasmmagweFi fiappearedi
    nfr
    ontof
    herhol
    dingthebabyshehadki l
    led.Cover
    edi
    n
    bl
    ood,mmagweFi fiopenedhermout handabig
    bl
    acksnakecameoutofhermout h.
    MmagweLor atoscreamedturningthenfel
    lofft
    he
    couchwakingupdrenchedinsweat .Shelooked
    aroundbr
    eathingheavi
    lywit
    hf eart
    henababy
    star
    tedcr
    ying.Shecrawledbackterri
    fi
    ed.Hercri
    es
    soundedl
    iketheywerefrom t
    hebedr oom.Shegot
    upandranoutofherhouser unningawayf r
    om it
    .
    .
    .
    .
    [
    04/
    23,
    05:
    57]'
    :
    Si
    nsUnf
    orgi
    ven
    #83
    AtFNBi nGabor one, Lor
    atowalkedoutofhersmall
    offi
    ceinherbl uesuitknocki
    ngof fandhertwoinch
    blockheel.Shewal kedoutandunl ockedFi
    fi’
    sAudi
    holdingherlaptopbag.Shegoti nthenstar
    tedher
    engineanddr oveof fheadedtothemal l
    .
    Shepar
    kedhercarandst
    eppedoutpi
    cki
    ngacal
    l.
    “
    Hel
    lo?
    ”
    “HiLol
    o,keMiso.UhIj
    ustsawyourmot her
    .Itl
    ooks
    somethi
    ngi swrongwi
    thher
    .Iam notsurebutshe
    keepsscreaming.
    ”
    “
    Mama?
    ”
    “
    Yes.I
    t’
    sbeenhappeni
    ngqui
    etal
    otl
    atel
    ybutt
    oday
    mmaitseemsworse.
    ”
    “
    Youmeanmymot
    her
    ?”
    “Yes.Wai
    tset
    hewaysheisrunningi
    t’
    sli
    ke
    somethi
    ngischasi
    ngher
    .Peoplearel
    aughi
    ngat
    her.
    ”
    Lor
    atot
    ookadeepbr eat
    h.“
    Iam atwor
    katt
    he
    moment.It
    hinki
    t’
    sbeingal
    onesomuch.Canyou
    pl
    easeassi
    stherhome.”
    “
    Ok,
    Iwi
    llt
    ry.
    ”
    “
    Thankyou.
    ”
    Misohungupt henLol
    owalkedinsidethemall
    .She
    walkedthr
    oughthesuper
    mar ketandpickeda
    coupleoft
    hingsthenwal
    kedt otheti
    ll
    .
    Herphonerangagai
    nasshewal
    kedtothecar
    .Her
    hear
    tskippedt
    henshequi
    ckl
    ypi
    cked.
    “
    Hel
    lo?
    ”
    “
    Hey,
    Iam i
    nBot
    swana,
    canIpassbyseei
    ngyou?
    ”
    Lorat
    osmi l
    ed.“
    Youwantyourwi
    fet
    ocal
    lme
    thr
    eateni
    ngmeakere?
    ”
    “
    Howwoul
    dsheknow?
    ”
    Loratoputherplast
    icsi
    nsi
    det
    hengoti
    nand
    start
    edtheengine.
    “Youj
    ustwanttosleepwit
    hme.KooreIam
    begi
    nningt
    othinkyouhaveagi
    rl
    fr
    iendinever
    y
    count
    ryyoupassthrough.
    ”
    Munashelaughed.“
    Ijustcr
    ossedt
    heborderf
    rom
    SA.Iwi
    llbetherei
    nlessthananhour
    .”
    “
    Ok.
    ”
    Shehungupandqui ckl
    ydrovetoherhouse.She
    par
    kedinfrontoft
    hebachelorpadandhurri
    ed
    i
    nsideherhousetoprepar
    eforhim.

    AcarstoppedatLor at
    o’sgat
    ethenhesteppedout
    hol
    dingshoppingbagsandwal kthr
    oughthegate
    asthecardroveoff.Heknockedonherdoorand
    movedback, Lor
    atoopenedthedoorandsmi l
    ed.
    Hesmi
    ledbi
    ti
    nghi
    slowerl
    ip.
    “
    Hey.
    .”
    Lor
    atol
    ookedatt
    heshoppi
    ngbagst
    henhi
    m.
    “
    Hi.
    ”
    “
    Comeher
    e..
    ”
    Lor
    atomovedcloserandhuggedhim.Hewrapped
    hi
    sarmsaroundherkissi
    ngherneck.Shesmil
    ed
    bl
    ushi
    nginhisarms.
    Shemovedbackandopenedthedoorwi
    derf
    urhi
    m.
    Munashewal
    kedinandputdowntheshoppi
    ng
    bags.
    “
    Igotyouaf
    ewt
    hings.Ihopet
    heyf
    it
    .”
    Lor
    atoclosedt
    hedoort
    hent
    ookoutt
    hecl
    othes
    smil
    ing.
    “
    Theyar
    ebeaut
    if
    ul.War
    eRut
    endowon’
    tknow?
    ”
    Hesmil
    edandpull
    edhercl
    oser
    .“Forgett
    hatone.
    Youl
    ookbeaut
    if
    ul…ver
    ybeauti
    ful
    .”
    Heki
    ssedhersqueezi
    ngherbr
    east
    .Lor
    atopushed
    hi
    shand.
    “
    Icooked.
    ”
    “
    AndIam hungr
    y.Imi
    ssedyou.
    ”
    “
    Doyouhaveanot
    hergi
    rl
    fr
    iendanywher
    eel
    se?
    ”
    Munashechuckl
    ed.“
    DoIl
    ookl
    ikeIsel
    ldi
    ck?
    ”
    “Ij
    ustwantt
    oknow.I
    sther
    eanyoneel
    seexpect
    yourwif
    e?”
    “No.Ot
    herthanyou,
    ther
    eisnoone.Youar
    emy
    onlygi
    rl
    fr
    iend.
    ”
    Hepickedherupandki
    ssedher
    .Lorat
    owrapped
    herarmsaroundhi
    m asheki
    ssedhermor
    eandl ai
    d
    herdown.
    Lorat
    ocl
    osedhereyesunderneathhi
    m knowinghe
    wasnotgoi
    ngtostopti
    llherpussywasthoroughl
    y
    used.

    *
    **

    Thatsamenight,Fi
    fisati
    nf r
    ontoftheTV.The
    coupl
    eonTVki ssedtouchingoneanother.She
    si
    ghedwatchingputti
    nghert hi
    ghstogether
    .Ithad
    beenawhil
    esi nceshelastservi
    cedherself
    .
    SheswitchofftheTVandwalkedtoherbedr
    oom.
    Fi
    fiopenedherlaptopandwentt
    othehiddenfol
    der
    .
    Shetookoffeveryt
    hingandl
    aidonthebed
    watchi
    ng.
    Herphonevibr
    ated.Sher
    eachedfori
    taboutt
    o
    swi
    tchitof
    fthenpickedt
    heunsavednumber.
    “
    Hel
    lo?
    ”
    “
    Hi…IhopeIam notdi
    stur
    bingyou.KeTef
    o.”
    “
    No.I
    t’
    sok.
    ”
    “Nat
    hanandIaregoingf
    orcampingtomorrow.It
    ’s
    j
    ustbef
    oreTsabong.Wehaveafarmt her
    e,Iwas
    wonder
    ingifETcoul
    dcomewith.Youcanal so
    comewith.
    ”
    “
    Uh,Ithinkit
    ’sagoodi
    deabutIgetbusyon
    weekends.”
    “
    Fif
    iri
    ght
    ?”
    Fi
    fismil
    ed.“Yes.Wait
    sebathongEt
    sil
    eot samayaa
    bol
    elabatholei
    nalakacor
    nertocor
    ner.”
    Tef
    olaughed.“
    Wel
    ldoyouknowwhyt
    heyar
    ethi
    s
    cl
    ose?”
    “
    HesaidsomethingaboutNathannothavi
    nga
    mom l
    ikehedoesn’thaveadad.”
    “Iam sor
    ryaboutyourhusbandandyourgi
    rl
    s.I
    cameacrossthearti
    cle.
    ”
    Fi
    finodded.“
    Thankyou.
    ”
    “
    Ilostmywi
    feaf
    terNat
    hanwasbor
    n.He’
    sknown
    onl
    ymer
    ightf
    rom t
    hebegi
    nni
    ng.
    ”
    “
    Iam sor
    ry.
    ”
    “
    Isawyoust
    il
    lwearyourr
    ing.
    ”
    Fifil
    ookedatherri
    ng.“
    Yes.Hemaynotbeherebut
    Iam hiswife.Heputi
    tonmyfinger
    .Idon’
    twantt
    o
    takeitoff
    .”
    “Iknowthefeeli
    ng.Ionlytookoffmi
    neIt
    hinktwo
    mont hsback.Forthetr
    ipwecangoonedayand
    comebacki fthat
    ’sok.Itwouldbeni
    cei
    fEtsi
    le
    camet oo.
    ”
    “
    Hewould.Ij
    ust…Idon’twantmysonandIt ot
    ake
    meawayfrom yourbondi
    ngwithyourson.
    ”
    “I
    tdoesn’
    t.It
    hinkNat
    ewoul
    dpr
    eferEt
    sil
    eoverme
    anyday.”
    Fi
    fismi
    led.“
    Ok.Whatcanwebr
    ing?
    ”
    “Uhnot
    hing.Justyour
    sel
    vesandcampi
    ngcl
    othes.
    Alsobl
    ankets.
    ”
    “
    Ok,
    food?
    ”
    “
    Wegoti
    tcover
    edt
    hissi
    de.
    ”
    “
    Andwher
    edowemeet
    ?”
    Theycont
    inuedpl
    anni
    ng.Fi
    fismi
    led.
    “
    Ok.Wewi
    llseeyout
    omor
    row.
    ”
    “
    Thankyouf
    oragr
    eei
    ng.
    ”
    Fi
    fichuckl
    ed.“
    Youar
    ewel
    come.
    ”
    “
    Ican’
    twai
    ttot
    ellyourper
    son.
    ”
    Shelaughed.“
    Ij
    a,kanaNat
    eoser
    iousHel
    a.Hesees
    afut
    ure.”
    Tef
    olaughedtoo.“
    Idon’
    tblamehim.He’
    sfocused.
    Hesawgor et
    heseli
    tt
    legi
    rl
    swilldel
    ayhi
    sprogress
    i
    nli
    fe.
    ”
    “
    Wenarramustoi
    nfl
    uencangwanadi
    lot
    sedi
    maswe.
    ”
    Tef
    olaughedl
    ouder
    .“Iam cooldad.
    ”
    “
    NgNg,
    obadi
    nfl
    uencerwena.
    ”
    “It
    rytobef ri
    endl
    yaspossiblesohetel
    lsme
    everyt
    hing.Imean,gapehelatheskyi
    sthel
    imi
    t.
    ”
    Fi
    fil
    aughed.“
    Youar
    edanger
    ous.
    ”
    “
    Youwillneverknow,
    maybeEt
    sil
    eli
    keshi
    s
    t
    eacher
    .”
    “
    Notmyboy.Hel
    ovesmeonl
    y.Hei
    smyl
    it
    tl
    eman.
    ”
    “
    Lesi
    mol
    otsedisi
    ngl
    emot
    her
    s.”
    Fi
    fil
    aiddownl
    aughi
    ngcl
    osi
    ngherl
    apt
    op.
    “
    Whatshoul
    dwedo?Wear
    eal
    onei
    nthi
    s.”
    Theyconti
    nuedchat
    ti
    ngasFif
    ilaughedt
    urni
    ngt
    o
    hersi
    dethenstar
    edatthewal
    l.

    *
    **

    MmagweLor atosatinherhousethefol
    lowi
    ng
    mor ni
    ng.Thecrieshaddisappear
    ed.Shesatint
    he
    sit
    ti
    ngr oom l
    ookingaroundthenslowl
    ygotupand
    reachedforherringi
    ngphone.
    “
    Hel
    lo?
    ”
    “
    Mama?
    ”
    “
    Ma?
    ”
    “
    It
    sLor
    ato…”
    “
    Lor
    ato?
    ”
    “
    Mama,
    keLor
    ato.What
    ’sgoi
    ngon?
    ”
    “
    Lor
    ato…”
    “
    Yes.What
    ’sgoi
    ngon?
    ”
    “
    Thebaby…”
    “
    Thebaby?Whatbaby?
    ”
    “
    Thebaby.
    .”Shel
    ookedar
    oundshaki
    ng.
    “
    Mama,
    whatbaby?
    ”
    “
    Thebabyi
    scr
    ying.Shewant
    stoki
    llme.
    ”
    “
    Whowant
    stoki
    llyou?
    ”
    “
    Shewant
    stoki
    llme.
    ”
    “
    Who?
    ”
    “
    Shei
    scomi
    ng…”
    MmagweLor atodroppedthephonemumbl i
    ng
    al
    one.Shelookedaroundthehousefeel
    ingeyedon
    herthought
    herewasnoone.Shel ookedather
    handsandscreamedst ar
    ingatt
    heblood.Sheran
    tothebathroom andstart
    edwashingthem
    vigorousl
    y.Sheraisedherheadandlookedatt
    he
    mi r
    ror.
    MmagweFif
    iscreamedbehi
    ndherthather
    mmagweLorat
    o’sbodyshri
    ekedasshefaint
    ed,
    peer
    unni
    ngdownt het
    il
    es.

    *
    **

    Lor
    atofini
    shedmakingbreakfastf
    orMunashewho
    wassti
    llsl
    eepthencal
    ledFifi
    .
    “
    Hel
    lo?
    ”
    “
    Hey,
    Munasheot
    sil
    e.”
    Fi
    fil
    aughed.“Fi
    nall
    y.Wait
    semmaIdon’t
    under
    standyourrel
    ati
    onshipwi
    tht
    hisman.
    ”
    “
    Met
    oo.Butt
    hesexi
    sgood.Gapehespoi
    lsme.
    ”
    “
    Hei
    sshady.
    ”
    “
    IjusthopeIam t
    heonl
    ysi
    dechi
    ck.
    ”
    “Don’
    tbehopeful
    .Hemaychooset
    oendi
    tandgo
    backtohi
    swife.”
    “
    Iam hopef
    ulnot
    .It
    hinkIl
    ovehi
    m.”
    “Becaref
    ulanduseacondom.RememberNat
    han?
    Etsi
    le’
    sfr
    iend?
    ”
    “
    Ng.
    .whathappened?
    ”
    “
    Imethisdadyesterdayandhe’
    sscoolguy.He
    i
    nvi
    tedEtsi
    leandItoacampingtri
    pwit
    hthem.”
    Lor
    atosmi
    led.“
    Go.Getsomef
    reshai
    r.Havef
    un.
    ”
    “
    Wear
    eaboutt
    oleave.
    ”
    “
    Tef
    oisani
    cename.
    ”
    “
    Ifyoudi
    dn’
    thaveMunasheIwoul
    dhookyouup.
    ”
    Lor
    atosighed.“
    No.Iam good.Iam sur
    eyoucan
    useafr
    iend.”
    “
    Ok.Wewi
    llt
    alk.
    ”
    “
    Shar
    p.”
    Fif
    ihungupt henLor
    atocar
    ri
    edt
    hebreakf
    astt
    othe
    bedroom whereMunashewassl
    eepi
    ng.
    Shekissedhi
    m waki
    nghi
    m up.Munashesmi
    led
    touchi
    ngherchi
    n.
    “
    Hey.
    .”
    “
    Breakf
    ast
    .”
    Hesatupr
    ightandl
    ookedathi
    sfoodsmi
    li
    ng.
    “
    Thi
    slooksgood.
    ”
    Hest
    art
    edeat
    ingwhi
    leshei
    slookedathi
    m.
    “
    Doesyourwi
    feknowt
    her
    eissomeoneel
    seher
    e?”
    “
    No.
    ”
    “
    Itol
    dyout
    hatIdon’tmi
    ndshari
    ngyouwi
    thher
    r
    ight
    ?Heri
    nZim andmehere.
    ”
    Heputhi
    spl
    ateont
    hesi
    deandpul
    ledhercl
    oser
    .
    “
    She.
    .shei
    sdi
    ff
    icul
    t.
    ”
    “
    Soam Igoi
    ngtobeasidef or
    ever
    ?OrIam j
    ustt
    hat
    womanyoufuckwheneveryouareinBot
    swana?
    ”
    “Iam goi
    ngtobehonestwit
    hyou.It’
    sgoingtobe
    hardtobeli
    evebutt
    hat’
    sthetr
    uth.Ihadnever
    cheat
    edonmywi f
    etil
    lImetyou.Never
    .Itr
    yto
    makesur eyougett heattent
    ionandl oveyou
    deser
    ve.Iam stil
    lstruggli
    ngmanagi ngtwowomen,
    Ij
    ustneedt i
    me.OnceIam sur eIcanhandl eitf
    ine,
    Iwil
    ltel
    lherandmar ryyou.Idon’
    tmi ndthis
    arr
    angement .Herthereandyouher e.Ijustneed
    ti
    me.”
    “
    Ok.
    ”
    Hepull
    edhercloserf
    orakisst
    hent ookofft
    he
    ni
    ghtgownandt ookofft
    heduvetthatwascover
    ing
    hi
    snakedness.Hepull
    edhercloserontopofhi
    m,
    Lor
    atotookadeepbreathandslowly…

    *
    **

    Fif
    ipackedherover
    nightbagwhi
    leEt
    sil
    elookedat
    herimpati
    ent
    lywanti
    ngt ogo.
    Fi
    fiti
    edherbootsthengrabbedherphoneand
    walkedouthol
    dingthebag.Etsi
    lesmil
    ed.
    “
    Wear
    esl
    eepi
    ngt
    her
    emama?
    ”
    “
    Yes.Iam comi
    ng.
    ”
    Fi
    f iwalkedbacki
    nthehouse.Et
    sil
    elookedatt
    he
    gat easacardrovet
    hrough.Hi
    sgrandfat
    her
    steppedoutofthecar.
    Etsi
    lescreameddroppi
    nghissmallbagandran
    overtohim.RragweObakenglaughedpi
    cki
    nghim
    upandt hrewhimintheai
    r.
    Et
    sil
    egaspedintheai
    randl
    aughedashi
    s
    gr
    andfat
    hercaughthi
    m.
    Fi
    fiwal
    kedouthol
    dingami
    nibl
    ankett
    henl
    ookedat
    hi
    m.
    “
    Mamal
    ook!
    ”
    Rr
    agweObakengsmi
    led.“
    MmaMoj
    alef
    a.”
    Fi
    ficlear
    edhert
    hroatandsmi
    led.“
    Dumelang.I
    di
    dn’tknowyouwouldbecomingtoday.
    ”
    “IhadanemergencyIhadt
    oat t
    endtoher
    ethenI
    thoughtIwoul
    dpassbyseeingyouandhi
    m.Are
    youtwogoingsomewhere?
    ”
    Etsi
    lenodded.“
    Yes.Wear
    egoi
    ngwi
    thmyf
    ri
    end’
    s
    daddy.”
    Rr
    agweObakengsl
    owl
    ynodded.“
    Ok.That
    ’sni
    ce.“
    Fi
    f il
    ookedathi
    m.“ Hi
    ssoni sEtsi
    le’
    sbestfri
    end.
    Theyar egoi
    ngonacampi ngtr
    ipsotheyinvi
    ted
    Etsil
    ebuthecan’tgoalone.”
    RragweObakengl
    ookedEt
    sil
    esmi
    li
    ng.“
    Youar
    e
    goingcampi
    ngbigguy?
    ”
    “
    Yes.
    ”
    Et
    sil
    elookedathi
    smom.“
    Mybal
    l!
    ”
    Hi
    sgrandf
    atherputhi
    m downt
    henher
    anbacki
    n
    t
    hehouse.
    RragweObakengl
    ookedatFi
    fi
    .“Hei
    ssosmar
    t.At
    t
    hisageObakengcoul
    dn’
    ttal
    k.”
    Fi
    fismi
    led.“
    Het
    akesaf
    terme.
    ”
    RragweObakengsmi led.“Iam sure.
    ”Helookedat
    her.“Ifyouar
    ereadytomoveon, don’
    tbeashamed.
    Thef amilywon’
    thol
    di tagai
    nstyou.Weunder st
    and
    thatoursonisnolongerhereandyouneeda
    compani onbyyoursi
    de. ”
    “Heisnotmyboyf
    ri
    end.Wej
    ust
    ..Ionl
    ymethi
    m
    yest
    erday.
    ”
    Henodded.“
    Ok.Buti
    fyouwi
    sht
    omoveon…doi
    t
    f
    reel
    y.Li
    fei
    stooshor
    t.
    ”
    “
    Eer
    ra.
    ”
    “
    Othert hant
    hat
    ,areyoutwook?I
    sthe
    maintenancemoneyenough?He’
    sgrowi
    ng.He
    mightneedmore.”
    “
    It
    sst
    il
    lfi
    ne.He’
    sfi
    ne.Thankyou.
    ”
    “
    Andyou?
    ”
    “Iam al
    sofine.Thebusi
    nessisdoingver
    ywel
    l
    .I
    am thi
    nkingofgett
    ingabiggershop.
    ”
    “
    Doyouneedmoneyf
    ort
    hat
    ?Icanassi
    st.
    ”
    “
    It
    ’sok.Ihaveenoughsaved.
    ”
    “
    Youshouldnottapi
    ntoyoursavi
    ngsunl
    essit
    ’s
    r
    eal
    lynecessar
    y.Abiggerspacemeansmorerent
    .
    I
    fyoufi
    ndtheplace,
    letmeknowsoIcanassist.
    ”
    Et
    sil
    ewal
    kedouthol
    dinghi
    sbal
    l.
    “
    Areweal
    lgoi
    ng?
    ”
    RragweObakenglaughed.“
    Nobi
    gguy.Iwi
    llcome
    andseeyouproperl
    ynextti
    me.
    ”
    “
    Ok.
    ”
    Rr
    agweObakengl
    ookedatFi
    fi
    .“Ok.Havef
    un.
    ”
    Heturnedandwalkedbacktohi
    scarthendroveout.
    Fi
    fit
    ookadeepbr eat
    handputeveryt
    hingi
    nt hecar.
    SheputEtsi
    leonhisseatt
    henstr
    appedhim befor
    e
    j
    umpinginanddrivi
    ngoff.
    .
    .
    .
    [
    04/
    23,
    05:
    57]'
    :
    Si
    nsUnf
    orgi
    ven
    #84

    Atthefarm,Fif
    idr
    ovethroughagatefoll
    owing
    Tefo’scar
    .Heparkedfurt
    herint
    othebush,Fif
    i
    parkedbesideshi
    scarthensteppedoutandhelped
    hersonout.
    Et
    sil
    ewalkedovert
    oNat
    hansmi
    li
    ngexci
    tedl
    y.Tef
    o
    smil
    ed.
    “
    Thi
    sisi
    t.Wher
    ear
    eyourbags?
    ”
    “
    Int
    heboot
    .”
    “
    Keept
    hem t
    her
    e.Letmesetupourt
    ent
    s.”
    Hetookof
    fl
    oadedtent
    sfr
    om t
    hel
    andcr
    uiserand
    st
    art
    edsett
    ingup.
    “
    Doyouneedhel
    p?”
    “
    Haveyoueverdonet
    his?
    ”
    Fi
    fishookherhead.“
    ButIcanl
    ear
    n.Whatshoul
    dI
    do?”
    “
    Ok,
    comet
    hissi
    de.
    ”
    Shewal
    kedoverandst
    art
    edhel
    pinghi
    mfol
    lowi
    ng
    i
    nstr
    uct
    ions.

    *
    Lat
    ert
    hatday,Fi f
    ihel
    pedtheboysputonthei
    r
    j
    acket
    sasi tgotevendar
    kerthoughthef
    ir
    esti
    ll
    madeitpossibl
    etoseeeveryt
    hing.
    Nat
    hansmi
    ledst
    ari
    ngathert
    henwal
    kedovert
    o
    wher
    eEt
    sil
    esadsi
    tt
    ingt
    ryi
    ngt
    oeathi
    sfood.
    Tef
    osatbesi
    desherandhandedherapl
    ateoft
    he
    meathehadbraai
    d.
    “
    Howi
    sit
    ?”
    Shesmiledl
    ooki
    ngupatt
    hestars.“I
    t’
    sreal
    lyni
    ce.
    Remindsmeofmygrandpar
    ents.”
    “
    Wher
    ear
    ethey?
    ”
    “
    Mai
    tengwe.
    ”
    “
    Andher
    eIt
    houghtyouwer
    eal
    ocalbr
    eed.
    ”
    Fi
    fil
    aughed.“
    Wai
    i,
    Iam al
    lthewayf
    rom upNor
    th.
    ”
    “
    Ishoul
    dhaveknownaf
    teryoust
    art
    edt
    hisf
    ir
    e.”
    “Youshoul
    dhave.Myhusbandisf
    rom…wasf rom
    Toteng.
    ”Fi
    fismi
    led.“
    Butyouwoul
    dneversuspect
    i
    t.”
    Tef
    osmiledstar
    ingather
    .“Youareverybeaut
    if
    ul.
    Youdon’
    tlookli
    keyouarearoundhere.
    ”
    “
    Thankyou.
    ”
    “
    Soi
    t’
    sjustyouandEt
    sil
    e?”
    “
    Yes.Justusbuthisf
    ather
    ’sf
    atheri
    spr
    esenti
    nhi
    s
    l
    if
    e.Myfatheri
    n-l
    aw.”
    Hesi
    ppedhi
    sdr
    inkst
    ari
    ngatt
    heboyst
    alki
    ng.
    .
    “
    That’
    sgood.Mywi
    fe’
    sfami
    l
    ywant
    snot
    hingt
    odo
    wit
    hmyboy.”
    “Mymot
    herin-
    lawhat
    esme,
    somet
    imest
    hinkshe’
    s
    goi
    ngt
    okil
    lyou.”
    “
    Event
    houghhe’
    sdead?
    ”
    “
    Shehat
    esme.
    ”
    “
    Maybeyoushoul
    dconsiderkeepi
    ngyourdist
    ance
    f
    rom t
    hef
    amil
    y.Someti
    mesi t’
    sbestt
    oletgo.”
    *Myf atheri
    n-l
    awi
    s..hewant
    stobet
    her
    efor
    Etsi
    le..
    ”
    “
    Soi
    tshoul
    dbeatt
    hecostofyourpeace?
    ”
    Fi
    fil
    ookedathi
    m.“
    Hei
    snotl
    ikehi
    swi
    fe”
    “
    Yesbuthi
    spr esencemeansyoudealwithhi
    swife
    whocanki
    llyouImean, t
    hedaughteral
    readyt
    ri
    ed.”
    Fi
    fichuckl
    ed.“
    Theyst
    ayi
    nMaun.
    ”
    “
    Somepeoplearejustevi
    lFif
    i.Anddoyour eali
    ze
    t
    hemoreyouseehi m,themor eyouwon’thealor
    moveon.That
    ’swhathappens.Itwil
    ltakeyoueven
    l
    ongert
    oacceptthesit
    uati
    on.”
    “Ican’
    tkeephi
    mf r
    om hi
    sgrandson.IwantEtsi
    let
    o
    knowhisfamil
    y.Tobepartofi
    t.Heisafather
    fi
    guretohim.Heplayst
    herol
    eofaf at
    hertomyson.
    AslongasIam notseei
    ngthewifeIam f
    ine.”
    Tef
    osmi
    ledadmi
    ri
    ngherasshespoke.Fi
    fil
    aughed.
    “
    What
    ?”
    “
    IseewhatNat
    hansees.
    ”
    Shethr
    ewherheadbackl
    aughi
    ng.“
    Youhave
    st
    art
    ed.”
    Tef
    olookedatt
    heboysf
    all
    ingasl
    eep.
    “
    Letmeputt
    hem gobed.
    ”
    Hestoodupandwal kedtothem andcarri
    edthem
    oneatati
    met othetentswhileFi
    fir
    elaxedonher
    campchaireat
    ing.Tefowalkedbackandsatdown.
    “
    Theyar
    esl
    eepi
    ng.
    *
    “Theymustbet
    ir
    ed.Thankyouf
    ori
    nvi
    ti
    ngEt
    sil
    e
    andI.”
    “
    Youar
    ewel
    come.
    ”
    Fi
    fi
    ’sphonerangf
    rom herhoodi
    espocket
    ,shet
    ook
    i
    toutandstoodupputt
    ingherpl
    atedown.
    “
    Hel
    lo?
    ”Shewal
    kedawayhol
    dingt
    hephone.
    “MmaMoj al
    efa,IhopeIam notdistur
    bingyou.I
    forgottotel
    lyouearli
    erwhenIspoket oyou.Ihave
    beenupdat i
    ngmywi l
    landthereisafarm Iwanted
    togiveObakeng.Myf ather
    ’sfarm butsi
    ncehe’snot
    there,Iwasthinki
    ngtoputiti
    nyouandEt si
    le’
    s
    names. ”
    “Youcanputonl
    yEt
    sil
    e.Idon’
    twantt
    obeaccused
    ofanyt
    hing.
    ”
    “
    Youknowpeopl
    ewi
    llal
    waysbepeopl
    eri
    ght
    ?”
    “
    Idon’
    twantt
    obebur
    nti
    nahousewi
    thmysonal
    l
    f
    orafar
    m.”
    “Not
    hingli
    kethatwi
    lleverhappentoyou.It
    oldyou,
    Iwon’tl
    etanyt
    hinghappentoeitherEt
    sil
    eoryou.I
    wantedyoutoseethefarm soyouknowwher eit
    i
    s.”
    Tef
    olookedoveratFi
    fi
    .“Hey,
    dri
    nk?
    ”
    Fi
    fit
    urnedt
    ohi
    m andnoddedt
    henwal
    kedf
    urt
    her
    away.
    “
    Iwil
    lcal
    lagainsoIcanar
    rangef
    oryout
    oseet
    he
    f
    arm.Goodnight.
    ”
    Hedroppedthecall
    .Fif
    iputherphonebacki
    nher
    pocketandwalkedbacktoTefo.
    “
    Areyouok?
    ”
    Shesmi
    led.“
    Yes.Thanks.
    ”
    Hehandedhert
    hedr
    inkasshesatdown.

    *
    **

    Thef ol
    lowi
    ngmorni
    ngLor
    atosatonheryogamat
    tal
    kingtohermot
    her.
    “
    Whoar
    eyouseei
    ng?
    ”
    “
    Fif
    i’
    smot
    her
    .”
    Lor
    atotookadeepbr
    eat
    h.“
    Youar
    eseei
    ngher
    wheremama?”
    “
    Shekeepsf
    oll
    owi
    ngme.Shewant
    stohur
    tme.
    ”
    “
    Mana,
    mmagweFi
    fii
    sdead.
    ”
    “
    Shei
    sfol
    lowi
    ngmear
    ound.Shewant
    stoki
    llme.
    ”
    “
    Mama,
    shei
    sdead!
    ”
    “
    Shewant
    stoki
    llme!She’
    sfol
    lowi
    ngme.
    ”
    “Pl
    easegoandseeadoct or
    .TheoneIusedt osee.
    Youareseei
    ngdeadpeople.Itcan’
    tbenor
    mal .
    Gatweyouarer
    unningaroundl i
    keamadwoman.
    Goandseethedoctorandgetpill
    ssoyoustop
    seei
    ngdeadpeopl
    e.”
    “
    Iam notcr
    azy.
    ”
    “Idi
    dn’tsayyouar
    ecr
    azybutyouareseei
    ngdead
    people.Youneedt
    oseeadoctor
    .Ican’
    tcomether
    e.
    Iam atwork.”
    “
    Iki
    ll
    edhert
    hat
    ’swhyshewant
    stoki
    llme.
    ”
    Lor
    atot
    ookadeepbr
    eat
    h.“
    Youcan’
    tsayt
    hat
    mama.”
    “Iki
    ll
    edher.Imadehergocr
    azyandwhenshe
    wasn’tdyi
    ng,Imadeaplant
    oendherl
    if
    e.Iki
    ll
    ed
    her.
    ”
    Lorat
    ogotup.“
    Youneedt
    o…stayhome.Don’
    tgo
    anywher
    e.Iwil
    lbr
    ingt
    hedoct
    ort
    oyou.”
    “Iwasgoingtokillherbabybutyourgr
    andmot her
    tookherbeforeIcould.Whenshewasbr oughtback,
    shewasbi g.Andyourf at
    herl
    ovedher.
    ”
    “
    Thedoct
    orwi
    llcomet
    her
    e.”
    “Iki
    lledt
    hebaby.Iki
    ll
    edher
    .Ibur
    iedheratt
    hebush.
    Ikil
    ledher.
    ”
    Lor
    ato’
    shandsshookasshehel
    dthephone.
    “Pl
    easedon’
    tleavet
    hehouse.Don’
    tsayanyt
    hingt
    o
    peopl
    e.”
    “Iam theonewhocausedbadl ucki
    nFifi’
    slif
    e.Iam
    theone.Iwentt oawi t
    chdoct
    orwhohelpedme.I
    wast heonewhoal waysmademenleaveheraf ter
    usingher .Iam theonewhomadesureshecoul dn’t
    getaj ob.Iam theonewhomadeherlif
    emi serable.
    Iwant edhertodi e.
    ”
    “
    Mama…”
    “Yourfatherwant edtoleavemesoIpoi sonedhi
    m
    todeath.Thepoi sonwor kedslowly.Iwoul
    dputa
    bitever
    ydayt i
    llhedied.Ikil
    ledhim.”
    Lorat
    oputherhandoverhermout
    h,t
    ear
    sfi
    ll
    ingher
    eyes.
    “
    Iam t
    heone!Idi
    dit
    .Itwasme!
    ”
    Tear
    sfel
    lasLor
    atol
    ist
    ened.
    .
    .
    .

    Si
    nsUnf
    orgi
    ven
    #85

    Lor
    atosni
    ff
    ed.
    “
    Stayathome.Don’
    tgoanywher
    e.”
    Shehungupandst
    agger
    edbackweakl
    y.She
    sl
    owlysatdownput
    ti
    ngherhandsonherf
    aceas
    herhear
    traced
    Shet houghtofherfat
    her’
    sdeath.Hergrandmot
    her
    accusinghermot herofki
    ll
    ingherf
    atherwasthe
    reasontheywer enotanymore.
    Shestil
    lcouldrememberherf at
    her’
    sdeath.Hehad
    beensickforthelongestti
    me.Tearsfel
    lasitall
    fi
    nall
    ymadesensewhyhermot hernevertookhim
    tothehospit
    albutratherkepthi
    mi nthebedroom.
    Hehadbeeninpai
    nwhendied.Somuchpai
    nthat
    t
    hememor yst
    il
    lhaunt
    edher
    .
    Lor
    atobi
    therl
    owerl
    ipandbur
    sti
    ntot
    ear
    scr
    ying.

    *
    **

    Latert
    hatmor ni
    ng,
    Loriwalkedoutofhishouseand
    droveoffgoFifi
    ’
    shouse.Hel ookedatt
    heJeepasi t
    droveinthenheparkedbehindher.Helookedather
    steppi
    ngoutofthecarinhert i
    ghtj
    eansandal ong
    sl
    eevedt op.
    Hegotoutofhi
    sasFi
    fiopenedt
    hedoorf
    orEt
    sil
    e.
    “
    Hey.
    .“
    Fi
    fismi
    led.“
    Hi.
    ”
    Et
    sil
    esmi
    ledasLor
    ipi
    ckedhi
    m up.
    “
    Heybuddy.
    .wher
    ear
    eyouguyscomi
    ngf
    rom?
    ”
    “
    Campi
    ng.
    ”
    Loril
    ookedatObakeng’
    sresemblanceandsmiled
    l
    ookingatFif
    iwhowasget t
    ingherover
    nightbag
    fr
    om thecar.
    “
    Youwentcampi
    ngal
    one?
    ”
    Fif
    icl
    osedthebootsmi
    li
    ng.“
    No.Wi
    thEt
    sil
    e’
    sfr
    iend
    andhisdad.
    ”
    Lorinoddedthenputhi
    m downasFi
    fiunl
    ockedt
    he
    door.Etsi
    ler
    aninsi
    dethehouse.
    Lor
    isi
    ghed.“
    IthoughtIcoul
    dtakehi
    m out
    .”
    “
    That
    ’sal
    ri
    ght
    .Letmecl
    eanhi
    m up.
    ”
    “
    Soyouar
    eal
    readydat
    ing?
    ”
    “
    What
    ?”
    “
    Youaredat
    ing?I
    sn’
    titt
    oosoon?Youst
    il
    lhavet
    he
    r
    ingon.
    ”
    “
    Iam notdat
    ing.
    ”
    “Iam suret
    hatdadi
    spr
    obabl
    ylooki
    ngf
    or
    somethingmore.
    ”
    “
    Idon’
    tthi
    nkso.
    ”
    Lor
    inodded.“
    Ok.Don’
    tyouwantt
    ocomewi
    th?
    ”
    “
    No.Iam t
    ir
    ed.
    ”
    “
    Ok.
    ”
    Fi
    fi
    ’sphonerang,
    shepickedTef
    o’scal
    lsmi
    li
    ng
    whi
    lewalki
    nginthehouse.
    Lor
    isteppedbackwonder
    ingifhi
    mtell
    ingherhow
    hefeel
    swouldbetooearl
    ybecausenowi tseemed
    shewasopeninguptotheideaofmovi
    ngon.
    Shewal
    kedoutmi
    nut
    esl
    aterwi
    thhi
    m.
    “
    Ok,
    byeET.
    ”
    “
    Bye!
    ”
    Lor
    ipi
    ckedhi
    m up.“
    Byemommy.
    ”
    Fifismiledandwalkedinsi
    deherhouseexhaust ed.
    Shet ookashowert henchangedi
    ntohershirtsand
    atopt hensatinfr
    ontoftheTV.Sheswitchedi ton
    andl aiddownwatchingamovi et
    hatbadjust
    started.Sheyawnedandclosedhereyesfall
    ing
    asleep.

    *
    **

    Inprison,
    Nei
    sol
    ookedathermot
    herwhohad
    visi
    ted.
    “
    Didyout
    alkt
    omyl
    awyer
    ?”
    “Yes.Hesai
    dappeal i
    ngr
    ightnowwillbel
    ikeadding
    fi
    reintot
    hepetr
    ol.”Shel
    ookedatNeiso’
    spurpl
    ish
    eye.“Andsi
    nceobviousl
    yyouaregetti
    ngintof
    ights,
    youwon’tbegett
    ingoutearl
    ierf
    orgoodbehavior
    .”
    “I
    t’
    sroughi
    nher
    e.Ican’
    tst
    ayher
    e.Iam goi
    ngt
    o
    di
    e.”
    “Neiso,youshoul
    dhavethoughtaboutbef
    ore
    planningwhatyoudi
    d.Youkill
    ed3peopleatonce.
    Didyouexpectaroundofappl
    ause.20year
    sal ot
    .
    Youbett
    erstartmaki
    ngthi
    splaceyourhome.”
    Nei
    soshookherheadcr
    ying.“
    No.
    ”
    “
    Your
    eapwhatyousowmygi
    rl
    .Iam goi
    ng.
    ”
    Hermotherst
    oodupandwal
    kedawayasshecr
    ied
    evenl
    ouder.

    *
    **

    Wamef i
    nishedprepar
    ingbreakf
    astthent
    ookoff
    herapr
    onr emai
    ningwithherfl
    orall
    it
    tl
    efl
    areddr
    ess
    andheels.
    Shewalkedtoherphonet
    hencalledhi
    m wit
    hno
    gui
    ltatal
    lofcal
    li
    nghersi
    ster
    ’shusband.
    Rr
    agweObakenganswer
    ed.“
    Wame.
    .“
    “
    Hi,
    howf
    aryou?
    ”
    “
    Iam st
    il
    linGaborone.Iwaswait
    ingf
    ort
    hel
    awyer
    t
    osortoutafewthingsforme.
    ”
    “
    Ihavef
    ini
    shedmaki
    ngbr
    eakf
    ast
    .”
    “
    Iam sor
    ry.Youcanputi
    taway,
    Iam st
    il
    lcomi
    ng.
    ”
    Shesmi
    led.“
    It
    ’sok.Iwi
    llmakel
    unch.
    ”
    “
    Ok.Iwi
    lleati
    tal
    lwhenIar
    ri
    ve.
    ”
    “
    Ok.Bye.
    ”
    Hehungup.Sheremovedthebr
    eakf
    astsetupand
    st
    art
    edwit
    hlunchhummi ng.

    *
    **

    RragweObakengdrovethr
    oughFi
    fi
    ’sopengat
    eand
    parkedbesi
    deshercar
    .
    Hesteppedoutholdi
    ngt
    hedocumentfr
    om the
    l
    awyerthenknockedonthedoor
    .Heknockedagai
    n
    secondslat
    er.
    Hest
    eppedbackli
    steni
    ngtof
    ootst
    epsappr
    oach
    t
    hedoor
    .Fif
    iopenedrubbi
    nghereyes.
    Shel
    ookedatherf
    atheri
    n-l
    awandswal
    lowed.
    “
    Idi
    dn’
    tknowyouwer
    ecomi
    ng.
    ”
    RragweObakengl ookedathershor
    tst
    henher
    yel
    lowt highs.Hi
    seyeswentupt ohert
    opthathad
    hernipplesshowing.
    Het
    ookadeepbr
    eat
    htr
    yingt
    olookel
    sewher
    e.
    “
    Ibroughtyout
    his.Takeal
    ookati
    t.I
    t’
    s..i
    t’
    sfort
    he
    f
    arm.”
    Fi
    finot
    icedhi
    sdi
    scomf
    ort
    .“Youcancomei
    n.”
    Sheopenedthedoorwiderandhurr
    iedtoherroom
    wheresheputontr
    ackpantsandat -shi
    rt
    .Shewent
    backandfoundhi
    mi nhersit
    ti
    ngroom just
    standi
    ng.
    “
    Youcanseat
    .Woul
    dyoul
    ikeanyt
    hingt
    odr
    ink?
    ”
    “NoIam fi
    ne.Ishoul
    dgetgoi
    ng.Readt
    hrought
    his
    andpleaseconsi
    dersi
    gni
    ng.”
    “
    Eer
    ra.
    ”
    “
    IsEt
    sil
    eher
    e?”
    “
    No.Lor
    itookhi
    m ear
    li
    eron.
    ”
    Rr
    agweObakengsmi
    led.“
    Ok.Iam goi
    ngnow.
    ”
    Hequickl
    yhurr
    iedoutandgotinhiscar.Fif
    istood
    byherdoorandwatchedhim dr
    iveoff.Shelooked
    att
    hedocumentandr eadthr
    ought henputitdown
    andwalkedtot
    hegatet ocl
    oseit.
    Shewalkedbackinherhouseandpi
    ckedTef
    o’scal
    l
    al
    readysmil
    ing.
    “
    Hi.
    .”
    “
    Hey,si
    ncewear enowfri
    ends,
    Iam goi
    ngt
    oattend
    t
    hedesertr
    aceinamonth.Howaboutweallgo
    t
    oget
    her?Ithi
    nkitwoul
    dbenice.”
    Fi
    fismi
    led.“
    Iwoul
    dlovet
    hat
    .”

    *
    **

    InFrancist
    own,t
    hedoctorwal
    kedoutofmmagwe
    Lorato’
    shousealit
    tl
    eshakent
    hencall
    edLor
    ato
    gett
    inginthecar
    .
    “
    Hel
    lo?
    ”
    “
    Hi.Ij
    ustsawyourmot
    her
    .Igavehersomepi
    ll
    sto
    helpwiththehal
    luci
    nating.Sheisrest
    ingnow.
    .she
    keptsayingababywascr yi
    ng.Thi
    smaybecaused
    byat r
    aumat i
    ceventthathappenedinvolvi
    nga
    baby.Sheneedst ogetpr operhel
    p.”
    “
    Ok,
    thankyou.
    ”
    Hehungupanddroveoffl
    ooki
    ngar
    oundt
    ojust
    makehewasaloneinhi
    scar.

    AMONTHLATER…
    [
    04/
    23,
    05:
    58]'
    :
    Si
    nsUnf
    orgi
    ven
    #86

    AMont
    hLat
    er.
    .

    Fi
    fifi
    nishedt aki
    ngpi
    cturesoft
    heshoesthathad
    j
    ustcomei n.Sheputawaythepair
    sandstart
    ed
    posti
    ngt hem onFacebookputt
    ingpri
    ces
    underneatheachpictur
    e.
    ShelookedoveratEtsi
    lewhowasput ti
    ngonhis
    shoes.Shesmiledashebithisl
    owerli
    pfocusedon
    whathewasdoi ng.Helookedsuchl
    ikehisf
    ather
    ,it
    wasasi fhehadmadehi m al
    one.
    Fi
    fiopenedhercamer
    aandt
    ookapi
    ctur
    e.
    “
    Heybaby,
    come,
    letmehel
    pyou.
    ”
    “
    No.
    ”
    Shewat chedhim st
    ruggl
    eonhisown.Thewayhe
    couldspeakalwaysamazedhim butmaybei
    twas
    taki
    nghimt oschoolatanear
    lyage.Atal
    mostt
    hree
    hecouldgoont alki
    ng.
    Herphoner
    angt
    henshet
    urnedpi
    cki
    ng.
    “
    Hel
    lo?
    ”
    “
    Hi,Nat
    eandIar
    eonourwayt
    her
    e.Ar
    eyouguys
    r
    eady?”
    “
    Yes.
    ”
    “
    Ok,
    seeyoui
    ntenmi
    nut
    es.
    ”
    Tefohungup.Fif
    ist
    oodupandwal
    kedtoher
    bedroom wher
    eshetookt
    hebagwi
    ththei
    rcl
    othes.
    Tefodrovei
    nthr
    oughhergat
    eawhi l
    elat
    erand
    st
    eppedoutofhiscar
    .Heknockedonthedoor
    .Fi
    fi
    openedwithasmil
    e.
    “
    Hi.
    .”
    “
    Hey,
    ready?
    ”
    “
    Yes.Et
    sil
    elet
    ’sgo.
    ”
    Tefolookedi
    nsidethehouseandst aredatt he
    pi
    cturesofObakengont hewallwi ththei
    rweddi ng
    pi
    ctureframeinthemi ddle.Fi
    fismi ledwalkingout
    withhersonthenlockedt hedoor .Tefopicked
    Etsi
    leandputhim withhissonatt hebackwhi l
    e
    j
    umpedi nont hepassengerseat .Hegoti nt hecar
    andstartedr
    eversi
    ngjustasanot hercardr ovein.
    Fi
    fil
    ookedatLor
    iashedr
    ovei
    n.
    “
    That
    ’sObakeng’
    sfr
    iend.Letmet
    alkt
    ohi
    m.”
    “
    Ok.
    ”
    Fi
    fiqui
    cklyst
    eppedoutoft
    hecarandwal
    kedover
    goLori
    s’scar
    .
    “
    Hi.
    .”
    Lor
    ilookedatTef
    o’scar
    .“Who’
    sthat
    ?”
    “
    Afr
    iend.
    ”
    Hef
    rowned.“
    Afr
    iend?
    ”
    “Yes.Wear
    egoingout.Wewi
    llbebackonSunday.
    Didyouwantanyt
    hing?”
    “
    Wher
    ear
    eyougoi
    ng?
    ”
    “
    Tot
    hedeser
    trace.
    ”
    Lor
    iswall
    owed.“Doyout
    hinki
    t’
    sagoodi
    dea?You
    bar
    elyknowthi
    sguy.”
    “
    Iknowhi
    m.Wear
    egoodf
    ri
    ends.
    ”
    “Si
    ncewhendoyoudosuchkindoffr
    iends?You
    neverdi
    dthatwi
    thBax.Ar
    eyouseei
    nghim? ”
    “
    Idon’
    tthi
    nkIl
    ikeyourt
    one.
    ”
    “Iam j
    ustconcernedLegauf
    i.Idon’
    twantyou
    gett
    ingusedandei t
    herway,youdon’tknowwhat
    hisi
    ntent
    ionsare.”
    “Icanl
    ookaftermyself
    .Youar ebei
    ngunnecessary
    ri
    ghtnow.JustbecauseIletyouinEtsi
    le’
    sli
    fe
    doesn’
    tmeanyoucannowor dermearound.Iam a
    gr
    ownadul
    t.
    ”
    “
    Iam justl
    ooki
    ngoutf
    oryouandEt
    sil
    e.Iam not
    f
    ight
    ingyouFif
    i.
    ”
    “
    Iam f
    ine.Mysonisfi
    ne.Thanks.Icanlookaf
    ter
    mysel
    fbutIappr
    eci
    ateyourconcerns.
    ”
    Henodded.“
    Areyouseei
    nghi
    m?”
    “
    Hei
    saf
    ri
    end.Wehavet
    ogo.
    ”
    “Iknowyoudon’tli
    kemebutIcar eaboutyouand…”
    Het ookadeepbreath.“
    Ijustwantyoutobehappy.
    YoudeservetobehappyFi fi
    .Iwantyouhappy.
    ”
    Fi
    fil
    ookedathi
    m.“
    Idon’
    that
    eyou.
    ”
    Henodded.“
    Ok.Iwi
    llseeEt
    sil
    ewhenyoucome
    back.
    ”
    HereversedasshewalkedbacktoTef
    o’sandgoti
    n.
    Tef
    odr oveoutthenst
    eppedoutandcl
    oseditt
    he
    gat
    ebef oreget
    ti
    nginthecar
    .
    “
    Hewant
    syou?
    ”
    Fi
    fil
    ookedathi
    m.“
    Who?
    ”
    “
    Yourl
    atehusband’
    sfr
    iend.
    ”
    Fif
    ismil
    edasTef
    odr
    oveof
    f.“
    No.Hei
    sjust
    concer
    ned.
    ”
    “
    Wher
    eyoucl
    osebef
    oreyourhusbandpassedon?
    ”
    “
    No.Hehasbeenf
    ri
    endswi
    thmyhusbandal
    l-
    “
    “
    Was.
    ”Tef
    osmi
    led.
    Fi
    fismil
    ed.“
    Sor
    ry.Ij
    ust
    …hewasf
    ri
    endswi
    thmy
    husband.
    ”
    “I
    t’
    sok.I
    ttaketi
    meget
    ti
    ngusedt
    oit
    .Youst
    il
    lkeep
    hi
    spict
    ures?”
    “
    IwantEt
    sil
    etoknowhi
    m.”
    “Thereasonwhyyoust il
    lrefert ohimi npresent
    tenseinbecauseyouwantt okeephi m al
    ive.The
    fir
    ststeptohealingiscomi ngi ntotermsthathe’s
    reall
    ygoneot her
    wi seyouwi llnevermoveon.
    Acceptingthatheisgonei syout akingoffthatri
    ng
    onyourf i
    nger.”
    Fi
    fit
    urnedherhead.“
    It
    ’s…I
    t’
    snoteasy.
    ”
    “It
    ’snotbutt
    rustme,i
    t’
    snecessary.Lethi
    mrestin
    peace.Moveon.Stayawayfrom peoplewho
    remindyouofhim.Youdon’tneedthem remi
    nding
    youthathe’
    snomor e.”Helookedatherandsmi
    led.
    “Youlovedhi
    m butatthesamet i
    met heshowmust
    goonIam sur ehewouldalsowantyoutomoveon
    withyourwit
    hyourli
    fe.”
    Fifil
    ookedathi mthensi ghed.“Thosepeoplewho
    remindmeofhi m aretherebecauseofmyson.I
    can’tstopObakeng’ sfatherf
    rom want i
    ngtobepart
    ofEtsile’
    sli
    fe.Et
    sileisaMoj alefa.Hi
    sfatherdi
    d
    ri
    ghtbyhi m.LoriwasObakeng’ sfri
    end.Hetold
    himselfhewoul ddowhathi sfri
    endwoul dhave
    donei frol
    eswer ereversed.Ican’tst
    ayawayf r
    om
    them.”
    “
    Youneedt
    ochooseyourpeace.
    ”
    “
    AndIhave.Il
    ongdi
    d.”
    Tefosmi l
    edandlookedattheboysatthebackseat
    .
    Fi
    filookedoutthr
    ought hewi
    ndow.Herphone
    vi
    brated.Shetookitoutandpi
    ckedRicky’
    scall
    .
    “
    Fri
    end…”
    “Hey…Iam atthemalldoi
    ngali
    tt
    leshoppi
    ngformy
    j
    ob.Ithi
    nkyourmotherisher
    e.Sheistheoneand
    she’
    seati
    ngfrom bi
    ns.Okarewastsenwa.”
    “
    What
    ?”
    “Iam t
    ell
    ingyou.She’
    scr
    azyandshe’
    stal
    kingto
    somethingorsomeone…butt
    herei
    snoone. ”
    “Idon’
    tknowwhat
    ’sgoi
    ngon.Lor
    atonevert
    oldme
    anythi
    ng.”
    “
    Hermotheri
    scr
    azykakwano.She’
    samad
    woman.
    ”
    “
    Iwi
    llaskher
    .It
    ’sapr
    obl
    em.Whati
    sshesayi
    ng.
    ”
    “
    Ican’
    thearawor
    dbutshe’
    stal
    king.
    ”
    “
    Letmecal
    lLor
    ato.
    ”
    “
    Shar
    p.”
    Fi
    fihungupandcal
    l
    edLor
    ato.
    “
    Hel
    lo?
    ”
    “Hi.Ij
    ustspoketoRi
    cky.Gat
    wemamai
    sgoi
    ng
    crazy.I
    sither?
    ”
    “Idon’
    tknow.It
    hinkso.Shedoesn’twantt
    odr
    ink
    hermedicat
    ionf
    orhall
    ucinat
    ions.
    ”
    “
    Whatcausedi
    t?”
    “Thebabythatdi
    sappear
    ed.Shekeepssayinga
    babyiscr
    yingandsomeot hernonsense.
    ”
    “
    Whatdi
    dshedot
    othebaby?
    ”
    “Idon’
    tknow.Justt
    hatt
    hebabyi
    scr
    ying.It
    hink
    shegaveheraway.”
    “Shouldn’
    tyougot
    her
    e?She’
    seat
    ingf
    rom t
    he
    bins.
    ”
    “
    Munashesai
    dhe’
    sonhi
    swayher
    e.”
    “
    So?Yourmot
    heri
    ssi
    ck.
    ”
    “
    Iwi
    llcal
    lsomeonet
    otakeherhomeandf
    orceher
    t
    odr
    inkherpil
    ls.
    ”
    “Lor
    atoIt
    hinksomei ssuesneedyouper
    sonal
    ly.
    Theyarepersonal
    .”
    “Iam notstoppingmyl i
    feforthatFi
    fi
    .Ifyouwantto
    gothere,go.Eitherway,shetookcareofyou.She’
    s
    yourmot hertoo.”
    “Idon’
    twantdr
    amainmylif
    e.Shecal
    ledmeaf
    ter
    Obakeng’
    sburi
    alt
    ell
    ingmeshewashappyt
    hey
    died.
    ”
    “
    Iam busyFi
    fi
    .Iwi
    llseeher
    .”
    “
    Ihopehei
    swor
    thi
    t.
    ”
    Fi
    fihungupandl eanedi
    nbackst
    ari
    ngatahead.
    Tefolookedather.
    “
    Areyouok?
    ”
    “
    Iam f
    ine.Whenar
    ewegoi
    ngback?
    ”
    “
    OnSunday.
    ”
    Shenoddedandl
    ookedaheadashedr
    oveheaded
    tot
    hedesert
    .

    *
    **

    Kabol
    ookedatLor
    idr
    inki
    nghi
    sbeer
    .
    “
    Soshe’
    smovi
    ngon?
    ”
    “
    Yes.
    ”
    “
    It
    ’sbeenawhi
    lesi
    nceObakengdi
    ed.Iam sur
    eshe
    i
    sready.
    ”
    “
    Iam j
    ustwor
    ri
    edbeabouther
    .Youneverknow
    peopl
    e.”
    “
    Fif
    iwil
    lbefi
    ne.I
    t’
    snotl
    ikesheisachi
    ld.Lether
    moveon.I
    t’
    stime.Howl
    ongwi l
    lshecr
    yf orBax.
    ”
    “Shedeser
    vessomeonewhowi
    lll
    oveherj
    ustl
    ike
    Baxdid.
    ”
    “MaybebutIam sur eshewillfi
    ndsomeonewho
    wil
    lloveherjustr
    ight.Youneedt ost
    opworryi
    ng
    aboutFif
    ili
    keshe’sababy.Fi f
    iisagrownup.”
    Lorisippedhisbeerwonder
    ingwhatshewas
    possiblydoingwit
    hthatmanthenhepaused
    thoughtful
    ly.

    *
    **

    Latert
    hatday,Lorat
    olookedattheti
    mesit
    tingi
    n
    herhouse.Hestil
    lhadn’
    tarri
    vedthoughwhenthey
    hadlastspokenhehadsai dhe’
    scrossi
    ngthe
    Zambianborder.
    Shepickedherphonet
    oseeifther
    ewasany
    messagebuttherewasnot
    hing.Hour
    ssl
    owl
    ywent
    byasshesatwai
    ti
    ngf
    orhi
    m.
    Herheartskippedascarlight
    srefl
    ectedthr
    oughher
    curt
    ain.Shelookedatthetimereali
    zingi
    twasonly
    aft
    ereight.Sherushedtothedoorandwat chedhi
    m
    ashewal kedinthroughthegate.
    Hesmil
    edappr
    oachi
    ngwhi
    let
    hecardr
    oveof
    f.He
    ki
    ssedher
    .
    “
    Hey.
    ”
    Lor
    atol
    ookedathi
    m sul
    king.Munashesmil
    edthen
    ki
    ssedheragai
    npushi
    ngherinsi
    dethehouse.
    “
    Hey…”
    “Youdidn’
    tcal
    ltot
    ellmeyouar
    enotgoi
    ngt
    oar
    ri
    ve
    earl
    ier
    .”
    “Iam sor
    ry.Ihadabr
    eakdownandmyphonei
    sof
    f.
    Iam sorr
    ybabe.”
    “Ner
    raarewej ustwast
    ingt
    imehere?Ifso,i
    t’
    sok.
    SayitsothatIknowandstopexpect
    ingitalotf
    rom
    you.
    ”
    “
    Iam sor
    ry.Ishoul
    dhavecal
    led.
    ”
    “Ican’
    tdothi
    sanymor e.Iwantt
    oknowwhatwear
    e
    doing.Isawpict
    uresofyouandyourwi
    featt
    he
    Karibadam.”
    “
    Areyoust
    alki
    ngmywi
    fe?
    ”
    “Yes.Il
    ikeknowi
    ngwhatIam deal i
    ngwit
    h.Idon’t
    thi
    nkthisissomethingseri
    oustoyousoIthi
    nkwe
    shouldj
    ustendit.Iam ti
    redofbeggi
    ngtobeloved.
    ”
    “Iam sor ry.Ispoketomyuncleandt ol
    dhim about
    you.Buthesai dtheyhavetomeetyouf i
    rstandmy
    wifetoo.Soi fyouareser
    iousaboutwantingust o
    goof f
    icial,wewi l
    lgotoZimbabwetogetherthenI
    canintroduceyout omyfamilyandmywi f
    e.After
    that,
    Iwi llpaybr i
    depri
    ceandmakei toff
    icial
    .”
    Lor
    atosmi
    led.“
    Ok.
    ”
    Munashehel
    dherwai
    st.“
    Sowear
    egoodnow?
    ”
    Shenodded.Heki
    ssedhert
    aki
    ngof
    fherdr
    ess.

    *
    **
    Fif
    iwalkedinsi
    deherroom atalodgeatThe
    Kalahar
    ideserthol
    dingEt
    sil
    ewhowassl eepi
    ngin
    herarms.Tefofoll
    owedwithherbagsandputthem
    down.
    “
    Getsomesl
    eep.Wewi
    llgot
    other
    acei
    nthe
    mor
    ning.
    ”
    Fi
    fil
    aidhersondownandl
    ookedathi
    m.“
    Ok.
    ”
    Tefosighed.“Iam sorryf
    orcomingonal i
    tt
    let
    oo
    muchear li
    eron.It
    ’sjustt
    hatIhavebeenwhereyou
    areandsomehowIj ustwanttomaket hi
    ngseasi
    er
    foryou.”
    “Thankyoubutall
    owmet ot
    akethel ongwaygo
    reachwhereIam supposedtoreach.Istil
    llove
    Obakeng.He’snother
    ebutIsti
    lllovehim.ButIwi l
    l
    heal.OnedayIwouldhaveacceptedt hatIl
    ost.”
    Helookedatherl
    ips,
    Fif
    ist
    eppedbackashemoved
    cl
    oser.“
    Ineedti
    me.”
    Tef
    onodded.“
    Ok.Seeyoui
    nthemor
    ning.
    ”
    Heturnedandwalkedout.Fi
    fisatdownandlooked
    atherri
    ng.Fi
    fi
    ’sphonerang,
    shel ookedatWame
    cal
    li
    ngandsmi
    ledpi
    cki
    ng.
    “
    Mama.
    .”
    “
    Hidaught
    er,
    didEt
    sil
    ecl
    oseschoolt
    oday?
    ”
    “
    Eemma.Iwasgoi
    ngt
    obr
    inghi
    m onMondayi
    nthe
    mor
    ning.
    ”
    “
    Waaidon’
    tsweat
    ,Iam t
    aggi
    ngwithyourf
    atheri
    n-
    l
    awtoGabssoIcanpickhi
    m up.
    ”
    “Iam atCent
    ralKal
    ahar
    ideser
    tri
    ghtnow.Iam
    comingbackonSunday.”
    “
    Ohok.
    ”
    “
    Iam sor
    ry.
    ”
    “
    Don’
    tbemygi
    rl
    .Ihadal
    readytol
    dyourf
    atheri
    n
    l
    awtopi
    ckmeupinthemorni
    ng.”
    Fi
    fismi
    led.“
    Mot
    her
    s!”
    “
    What
    ?”
    “
    Youand.
    .Idon’
    tmi
    nd.
    ”
    Wamelaughed.“
    Iwi
    sh.Ibl
    ewi
    tbackt
    henwhenhe
    want
    edme.HeusedtowantmebutIt
    hink
    Obakeng’
    sdeat
    hjust.
    .yeah,
    Idon’
    tthi
    nkhefeel
    s
    t
    hesame.Iam tr
    yingbuthe’
    sbli
    ndtoit
    .Ormaybe
    t
    hisalonet
    ri
    piswhatweneed.”
    “
    Youneverknow.
    ”
    “Hemetmysi sterfi
    rstt
    henme.Het houghtIwas
    her
    .Wef elli
    nl ovethenhefoundouthewasseei ng
    usbothunknowi ngl
    y.Ideci
    dedtol eavehimforher
    .
    IwishIdidn’
    t.Butshewasal readypr egnantwi
    th
    Obakeng.Wewer eonl
    y16.Iregretit.
    ”
    “
    Iam sor
    ry.
    ”
    “I
    t’
    sok.Iwi
    llgowi
    thhi
    mtoGabor
    oneandsee.Iwi
    ll
    seeyou.
    ”
    “
    Eemma.
    ”
    Fif
    ilookedatherphoneassadnesscr eepedi
    n.She
    l
    ookedatt hewall,t
    earsfil
    li
    nghereyes.Shel ooked
    downr ubbinghereyes.Shedi aledObakeng’ s
    numberwhi chwasst i
    llsavedas‘ babe’andcall
    ed
    himlikesheusuallydi
    dot hertimeswai ti
    ngtobe
    tol
    dt hatt
    henumbershehasdi aledwasnot
    avail
    ablethentexthi
    m afterthatpour ingouther
    heart.
    Herhear
    tski
    ppedasi
    trang.
    .
    .
    .
    [
    04/
    23,
    05:
    58]'
    :
    Si
    nsUnf
    orgi
    ven
    #87

    Herhear
    tski
    ppedast
    hephoner
    ang.
    Af
    emal
    evoi
    cepi
    cked.“
    Hel
    lo?
    ”
    Fif
    ilookedatthenumbert
    ojustmakesureitwas
    theonet henputt
    hephonebackonherear.
    “
    Uhhel
    lo.
    ”
    “
    HowcanIhel
    pyou?
    ”
    “
    Iam sorry.Thiswas…”Herheartsankasi
    t
    r
    egist
    eredthatobviousl
    yhisnumberhadbeen
    r
    ecycl
    ed.Tear sfi
    ll
    edhereyes.
    “
    Hel
    lo?
    ”
    “Iam sorryforcal
    li
    ng.I
    tusedtobemyhusband’ s
    numberbef orehepassedon.Ijust
    ..Isomet
    imes
    j
    ustcall.Iguessitwasgivenaway.Iam sor
    ry.
    ”
    “
    Oh.
    .it
    ’sok.Iam sor
    ry.
    ”
    Fif
    isni
    ffed.“
    Iam sorr
    y.Iwi
    lldel
    etei
    tjustnow.Iam
    sorr
    y.Ineverexpecti
    tri
    ng…Ijust
    ..
    ”
    “I
    t’
    sok.Iunder
    stand.Igott
    hissi
    ncar
    dtwomont
    hs
    back.
    ”
    “
    Eemma.
    ”
    “
    Whendi
    dhepass?
    ”
    “
    Twoyear
    sback.Twoyear
    sago.
    .”
    “Iam sor
    ry.Youcanal
    waysi
    fyouwantto.I
    t’
    sok.I
    can’
    timaginehowyoufel
    twhenyouheardi
    tri
    ng.
    ”
    Fi
    fir
    ubbedatearthathadrol
    leddown.“Myhear
    t
    wasraci
    ng.Idon’
    tknowwhatIt hought
    …that
    maybeitwasabigmi st
    ake.
    ”
    “
    Iam sor
    ryf
    oryourl
    oss.
    ”
    “
    Thankyou.Bye.
    ”
    Fi
    fihungupt
    henputherhandoverhermout
    h
    crying.Shel
    aidonthefl
    oorandrol
    ledhersel
    fint
    oa
    ballcryi
    ng,t
    hepainfeel
    ingsof
    reshli
    keithad
    happenedyesterday.

    *
    **

    Thefol
    lowingmorni
    ng,Lor
    ato’
    sphonerang,
    she
    movedf r
    om Munasheandpickedt
    hecall
    .
    “
    Hel
    lo?
    ”
    “Hey,
    it’
    sMiso.MmaIcan’tkeepr
    unningafteryour
    mother.Youneedt
    ocomeandhavehercheckedi n
    koSbranaorsomewherebecauseshe’
    sclearlyl
    ost
    i
    t.Sheisseei
    ngthi
    ngsebi
    lennawasnt shosa.”
    “
    What
    evershei
    sseei
    ngi
    snotr
    ealaker
    e?”
    “Idon’tknowanymore.Ican’
    tdoitanymore.Your
    mot herisscar
    ingme.Shesaysthingsand…Iam
    sorry.Ican’
    t.
    ”
    “
    Iwi
    llpayyou.
    ”
    “
    NgngIam nowhavi
    ngni
    ght
    mar
    es.Ican’
    t.
    ”
    “Canyoujustl
    ockheri
    nsidet
    hehouse?Iwi
    llt
    ry
    andcomeassoonasIcan.Justmakesureshe
    doesn’
    tleavet
    hehouse.
    ”
    “
    Ok.Iwi
    lll
    ockheri
    nsi
    de.
    ”
    “
    Thankyou.
    ”
    “Butpl
    easecome.Thesi
    tuat
    ioni
    snotl
    ooki
    ng
    good.”
    “
    Ok.Thankyou.
    ”
    MisohungupthenLorat
    olai
    ddownfrustr
    ated.
    Munashetur
    nedpull
    inghercl
    oser
    ,hi
    sdickalready
    hard.
    .
    .

    Awhi lelat
    erLor
    atofi
    nishedcookingandgavehi m
    hisplatewhil
    ehespokeont hephonei nShona.
    What everhewassayingseemedt ense,helookedat
    hisfoodandsmi l
    edatherstil
    ltal
    king.The
    conversati
    onwentforacouplemor emi nut
    est hen
    hehungup.
    “
    Hey,
    thankyou.Iam goi
    ngt
    oZi
    mtoni
    ght
    .Ar
    ewe
    goi
    ngt
    oget
    her
    ?”
    “
    Mymom i
    snotf
    eel
    ingt
    oowel
    l.
    ”
    “
    Ok.Thenwecangosomeot
    hert
    ime.
    ”
    “
    Ifwegot
    oday,
    whenwi
    llwebecomi
    ngback?
    ”
    “Justaweek.Soeveryonegetst
    oknowyou.Idon’
    t
    wantasituationwher
    eIhavemarri
    edawomanwho
    theydon’tknow.Mywifeneedst
    omeetyouand
    acceptyou.”
    “Ok.Wecangotot
    henIwi
    llcomebackandgot
    o
    Franci
    stown.
    ”
    “
    Ok.That
    ’sst
    il
    lwor
    ks.
    ”
    Lor
    atosmi
    ledexci
    ted.“
    Ok.Letmest
    artpacki
    ng.
    ”

    *
    **

    Thatsamemor ni
    ng,
    Fif
    i’
    sgrandmotherst
    oodin
    fr
    ontofthest
    oneholdi
    ngherphoneanddial
    edFif
    i.
    Thephoner
    angf
    orawhi
    let
    henshepi
    cked.
    “
    Mama…”
    “
    Fif
    i,howar
    eyou?
    ”
    “
    Iam f
    ine.Howar
    eyou?
    ”
    “
    Yousounddown.I
    sever
    ythi
    ngok?
    ”
    “
    Yes.
    ”
    “
    Ijustwant
    edt
    ohearyourvoi
    ce.
    ”
    “
    Imi
    ssyou.Howar
    eyou?
    ”
    “
    Iam f
    ine.Oneofyourgrandf
    ather
    ’scowi
    ssi
    ck.He
    i
    ssowor r
    iedebi
    lehi
    sbloodpressurei
    shi
    gh.
    ”
    “
    Can’
    thesel
    litbef
    orei
    tdi
    es?
    ”
    “
    Sel
    l?Asi
    fhel
    ist
    enst
    oanyone.
    ”
    Fi
    fil
    aughed.“
    Heshoul
    dsel
    lit
    .”
    “
    Howi
    sEt
    sil
    e?”
    “
    Hei
    sfi
    ne.Ver
    ytal
    kat
    ivebutf
    ine.
    ”
    “Thati
    sgrowing.Soonhewi
    llbeabi
    gman.Wer
    e
    youcryi
    ng?”
    “
    Iwi
    llbef
    ine.
    ”
    “
    Itwi
    llgetbet
    teri
    nti
    me.
    ”
    “
    Yes.
    ”
    “
    Myai
    rt
    imei
    sfi
    nishi
    ng.Bye.
    ”
    “
    Bye.
    ”
    Shehungupandgotof ft
    hestoneal
    mostf al
    li
    ng.
    Shewal kedtothehouse.Shewalkedinsideher
    bedroom whereherhusbandwasbedr idden.She
    sadlylookedathim knowingi
    twasonlyamat t
    erof
    ti
    me.Tear sfi
    ll
    edhereyesasshesatdownhol di
    ng
    hishand.

    *
    **

    Att
    heKal ahar
    ideser
    trace,
    Fif
    ismil
    edasoneof
    car
    sr aci
    ngspedpastthem.Shesnappedapi
    ctur
    e
    asEtsil
    echeeredwit
    hTefoandNate.
    Shelaughedt
    aki
    ngpi
    ctur
    esasmor
    ecar
    sspedpast
    them.
    “
    Iam goi
    ngt
    otakepi
    ctur
    est
    hatsi
    de.Iam comi
    ng.
    ”
    Tef
    onoddedstari
    ngatherasshesmiledhappi
    ly.
    Shewalkedawaythenhetookouthi
    sringi
    ngphone
    andpi
    ckedhisfr
    iend’
    scal
    l.
    “
    Eit
    a..
    ”
    “
    Okgonne?(
    Didyoumanage?
    )”
    “No.IthinkIshouldjustgivehertimebecauseIcan
    tel
    lshe’sstart
    ingtoloseinterest
    ..i
    fevershewas
    i
    nterested.Shestil
    lhaspicturesofhim alloverher
    wall
    s.Sher eferstohiminpr esenttenseebil
    eokar e
    Iam chasingaf t
    eramar ri
    edwoman. ”
    “
    Itol
    dyou,
    justf
    uckhi
    m outofhersyst
    em.
    ”
    “
    Sheisnott
    hatki
    ndofandt
    hei
    ssuei
    sbot
    her
    ing
    me.
    ”
    “
    Womenar ebui
    ltdi
    ff
    erent
    ly.Mmei fIwer
    eyouI
    woul
    dfuck.Al
    lsheneedsisdick.
    ”
    Tef
    olaughed.“
    Ohemi
    lewena.
    ”
    “Iam t
    ell
    ingyou.Af
    tert
    hatyoust
    artarel
    ati
    onship
    andmar r
    yher.Youarealr
    eadyaperf
    ectfamil
    y.”
    “
    Goshar
    pmonna!
    ”
    Tef
    olaughedhangi
    ngupj
    ustasFi
    fiwal
    kedback.
    “
    Youshoul
    dseeal
    lthepi
    ctur
    esIt
    ook.
    ”
    Hesmi
    led.“
    Letmesee.
    ”
    Shehandedhi
    mt hephone.Fi
    fismi
    ledl
    ooki
    ngNat
    e
    wholookedabi
    tlost
    .
    “
    Hey,
    areyouok?Wher
    eisEt
    sil
    e?”
    Nat
    epoi
    ntedatt
    hecr
    owd.Fi
    fiwal
    kedovert
    ohi
    m
    smi
    li
    ng.
    .
    “
    Etsi
    le!
    ”
    Shel
    ookedar
    ound.“
    Etsi
    le!
    ”
    Tef
    oputhi
    shandonherwai
    st.“
    Hewasher
    e.”
    Fi
    fil
    ookedar
    oundt
    henwal
    kedar
    ound.
    “
    Etsi
    le!
    ”
    Theymovedaroundsear
    chi
    ngf orhi
    m.Acoldchi
    ll
    randownherspi
    neasshelookedaroundnot
    fi
    ndi
    nghim.
    .
    .
    .
    [
    04/
    23,
    05:
    58]'
    :
    Si
    nsUnf
    orgi
    ven
    #88

    Tef
    olookedather
    .
    “
    Hey…cal
    m down.Iam sur
    ehei
    sher
    e.”
    “
    Wher
    e?Wher
    eismyson?
    ”
    “
    Fif
    i-
    “
    “Youcan’tt
    ellmetocalm whenIcan’
    tfi
    ndmyson!
    ”
    Fif
    icont
    inuedlooki
    ngaroundpanicki
    ng.She
    walkedovertooneofthesecuri
    tymembers.
    “
    Dumelang…Icameher
    ewi
    thmysonandIcan’
    t
    f
    indhi
    m now.
    ”
    “
    Howol
    dishe?
    ”
    “Twogoi ngf
    orthr
    ee.Isn’
    tther
    eawayIcancall
    himthroughsomethi
    ngloud.He’sver
    ysmar
    t.He
    wil
    lhearmeifIcal
    lhim.”
    “Unf
    ortunat
    elythere’
    snot
    hingl
    oudenough.Wej
    ust
    havetolookforhim.Whatishewear
    ing?”
    “Bl
    ackjeans,
    aIr
    onMant-
    shir
    t.He’
    sli
    ghton
    complexi
    onanduh…bl
    acksneaker
    s.”
    “
    Wear
    egoi
    ngt
    ost
    artl
    ooki
    ngf
    orhi
    m.”

    AnHourLat
    er…

    Tefowalkedbackwit
    honeofthesecur
    it
    yguar
    ds
    fr
    om thebush.Fi
    fir
    ushedovert
    ohim.
    “
    Wher
    eishe?
    ”
    Thesecur
    it
    yguyshookhi
    shead.“
    Noonecanf
    ind
    hi
    m.”
    Fi
    fishookherhead.“
    No.
    ”
    “
    Wehaveal
    ert
    edt
    hepol
    ice.
    ”
    Tef
    olookedatFi
    fi
    .“Wear
    eyout
    ofi
    ndhi
    m.”
    “Il
    eftyouwi
    thmysonf
    orj
    ustami
    nut
    eandyoul
    ost
    him!”
    “
    Fif
    i-
    “
    “Howcomeyoursoni sther
    eandmi neisnot ?Does
    i
    tmakesenset oyou?Iwasgonef oronlyami nut
    e!
    Justaminuteandmysondi sappears?Etsi
    lewould
    neverwonderal
    one!”
    Thesecur
    it
    ylookedather
    .“Wear
    etr
    ying-
    “
    “
    Mysonismi
    ssi
    ng.Youcan’
    ttel
    lmeyouar
    e
    t
    ryi
    ng.
    ”
    Shet ookadeepbr
    eathast
    earsfi
    ll
    edhereyes.Fear
    oflosinghi
    m madehersoweak,
    tearsr
    oll
    eddown
    hercheeks.
    “
    He’
    sal
    lIhave.
    ”
    Fi
    fit
    urnedandwal
    kedar
    oundcal
    li
    nghi
    m.
    “
    Etsi
    le!Et
    sil
    e!”
    Anot
    herhourwentbyast
    heyl
    ookedatever
    ycor
    ner
    ,
    nowwit
    hthepoli
    ce.
    Fi
    fit
    ookoutherphonecr
    yingandcal
    ledanumber
    .
    “
    MmaMoj
    alef
    a..
    ”
    “Iwenttothedesertr
    acewithafri
    end.Hi
    ssonis
    Etsi
    le’
    sfri
    end.Iwastaki
    ngpictur
    esandIlef
    thi
    m
    withbothkidsbutnowEtsi
    leismissi
    ngandwe
    can’tf
    indhim.”
    “
    Youcan’
    tfi
    ndhi
    m?”
    “Wehavebeenlooki
    ng.Ican’
    tfi
    ndhi
    m.”Sheouther
    handoverherf
    acecryi
    ng.
    “
    Wher
    ear
    eyou?
    ”
    “
    Kal
    ahar
    iDeser
    t.
    ”
    “Iam l
    eavi
    ngPal
    apye.Iam dr
    ivi
    ngt
    her
    eri
    ghtnow.
    Don’tcr
    y.Hewil
    lbefound.
    ”
    “
    Ican’
    ttakeofonet
    hingObakengl
    eftf
    orme.
    ”
    “
    Iwi
    llbet
    her
    einf
    ourhour
    sorso.
    ”
    Hehungup.Fi
    fiwi
    pedhert
    ear
    sandcont
    inued
    l
    ooki
    ng.

    *
    Hourslat
    er,
    theheli
    copterwentaroundt
    hearea
    sear
    chingwhil
    ethedesertracerescuet
    eam wal
    ked
    ongroundalsosear
    ching.
    Thepol
    icequest
    ionedTef
    o.
    “
    Hewaswi t
    hmyson.Ipi
    ckedacall
    ,i
    tdidn’
    teven
    t
    akemorethanmeaminute.WhenIt
    urnedback,he
    wasnott
    here.
    ”
    “
    Butyoursonwas?
    ”
    Tefosi
    ghed.“Ihavenoreasontohurthi
    m.Iact
    uall
    y
    l
    ovehim.IfIwantedtohurthi
    m, whywouldIwai
    t
    fort
    odayofalldays?
    ”
    “
    Becausenoonewoul
    dsuspectyou.Ther
    ewer
    ea
    l
    otofpeopl
    eher
    e.”
    “Heisj
    ustachil
    d.Iwoul
    dneverhurthi
    m.Ishoul
    d
    havekeptaneyeonhim butIwoul
    dneverhur
    t
    him.
    ”
    “Wearetakingyouwithtothepol
    icest
    ati
    onmor
    ena.
    Idon’
    tunderstandyourst
    ory.Howcomeonechi
    ld
    goesmissingandyoursremain?”
    *
    Meanwhiletr
    iedtocontr
    olhert
    ear
    sbutthemore
    shethoughtofneverf
    indi
    ngherson,t
    hemoreshe
    foundhersel
    fsinki
    ngint
    oadeephole.
    Theot
    herpol
    iceof
    fi
    cerl
    ookedather
    .
    “
    Ifhei
    sher
    e,wewi
    llf
    indhi
    m.”
    “
    Hewoul
    dneverwonderof
    fal
    one.Iknowmyson.
    ”
    “Thenitmeanst
    her
    ear
    echanceshehasbeen
    kidnapped.
    ”
    “
    Iwasgoneforl
    esst
    hanami
    nut
    e.I
    twasj
    ustl
    ess
    t
    hanaminut
    e.”
    Fi
    fi
    ’sphoner
    ang,
    shet
    ooki
    toutandpi
    cked.
    “Iam her
    e.Wher
    ear
    e…ok,
    Iseeyou.Any
    progr
    ess?”
    “
    No.
    ”
    Fi
    fiwatchedasrragweObakengparkedhi
    scart
    hen
    hesteppedoutandwalkedoverwit
    hWame.He
    l
    ookedatFifihewhowasi nmytears.
    “
    Whathappened?
    ”
    “
    Hej
    ustdi
    sappear
    ed.
    ”
    Thedesertr
    escueteam wal
    kedovert
    othem,
    oneof
    theToyot
    adriver
    sholdi
    ngachil
    d.
    “
    Ist
    hishi
    m?”
    Fif
    ilookedathersonandranover,
    herheartr
    aci
    ng.
    Thedr i
    verhandedhimtoher
    .Fif
    iheldherdown
    ti
    ghtlycryi
    ngwakinghi
    m up.
    Thedriversmiled.“Hei
    sok.Wegavehi
    m water.
    Thechopperl ocatedhi
    m.Someonewastr
    ying
    something.”
    Wamesi ghedreli
    evedthestart
    edt owalkovert
    o
    hugFifibutr
    ragweObakengpul l
    edFif
    iinhisar
    ms
    befor
    esheappr oach.Shesmiledandr ubbedFi
    fi
    ’s
    backasshecr i
    edinherfatherin-l
    aw’
    sar ms.
    Et
    sil
    elookedathi
    smot
    herconf
    used.
    “
    Mama…”
    Fif
    irubbedhert
    ear
    sonr
    ragweObakeng’
    st-
    shi
    rt
    andlookedathi
    m.
    “Hey…youhadl eftme.Don’
    teverdot
    hatagai
    nok?
    Don’tevereverl
    eavemommy. ”
    Et
    sil
    esmi
    led.“
    Iam hungr
    y.”
    Fi
    fisni
    ff
    edchecki
    nghimtomakesur
    eever
    ythi
    ng
    wasok.RragweObakengsmi
    led.
    “
    Hei
    sfi
    ne.I
    t’
    sok.
    ”
    “
    Ishoul
    dn’
    thavel
    efthi
    m.”
    Wameshookherhead.“
    Youar
    ehuman.He’
    sbeen
    f
    ound.
    ”
    Real
    izi
    nghewassti
    llhol
    dingherinhi
    sarms,
    rr
    agweObakengl
    etgoandst eppedbackthen
    l
    ookedatTef
    oputt
    ingoneandonet oget
    her.
    Het
    urnedhi
    sat
    tent
    ionbackt
    oFi
    fi
    .
    “
    Areyoust
    il
    lst
    ayi
    ngher
    e?”
    Fi
    fishookherheadt
    ear
    ful
    ly.“
    Iwantt
    ogohome.
    ”
    Etsil
    elookedatNat
    ewhowasst
    andi
    ngwi
    thhi
    s
    father
    .
    “
    Nat
    e!”
    Nat
    esmil
    edhappi
    ly,
    bot
    hki
    dsunawar
    eofwhatwas
    goi
    ngon.
    Fi
    fistol
    eaglanceatTef
    ogui
    lt
    il
    yashest
    ooda
    di
    stancefr
    om her.
    “
    Iam sor
    ry.
    ”
    Hesmi
    led.“
    It
    ’sok.Idon’
    tbl
    ameyou.
    ”
    Thepol
    icewal
    kedoverandsmi
    ledatEt
    sil
    e.
    “
    Canhet
    alk?
    ”
    “
    Yes.
    ”
    “
    Canyouaskhi
    mifheknowswhot
    ookhi
    m.”
    Fi
    fil
    ookedatEt
    sil
    e.“
    Whot
    ookyou?
    ”
    “
    Aladyt
    aki
    ngmet
    odaddy.
    ”
    “
    Doyouknowher
    ?”
    Heshookhi
    shead.
    “
    Ok.Wasi
    tinacar
    ?”
    “
    No.
    ”
    “
    Wer
    eyouwal
    king?
    ”
    “
    No.
    ”
    Fi
    fihel
    dhi
    mti
    ght
    ly.“
    Shewascar
    ryi
    nghi
    m.”
    “
    Doesheknowcol
    ors?
    ”
    “
    Notver
    ygoodati
    t.Hei
    sgoi
    ngf
    ort
    hree.
    ”
    “Kanayaanongi
    tmakesthingsdif
    fi
    cultf
    orus.
    Obviousl
    ysomeonehadkidnappedhim.”
    “
    Hewon’
    tknow.
    ”
    “Ok.Wewil
    ldoi
    nvest
    igat
    ions.Maybesomeonesaw
    someone.
    ”
    “
    Thankyou.
    ”
    Thepoli
    cewalkedaway.Wamel edFi f
    itothecaras
    rr
    agweObakengwal kedovertoTef o.Fif
    igoti
    nt he
    carandstar
    edatTefosmili
    ngwi thhimt henrragwe
    ObakengwalkedoverasFifiset
    tledatthebackseat
    holdi
    ngherson.
    “
    Ourbagsar
    eatt
    hel
    odge.
    ”
    “
    Ok.
    ”
    Wamesatatthefr
    ontseatwi
    thhi
    m ashedr
    oveof
    f
    headedbackt
    othelodge.

    *
    **
    Lor
    ihel
    dhi
    sphonet
    alki
    ngt
    oawoman.
    “Icouldn’
    tdoit.Thehel
    icopt
    erwasmovingar
    ound.
    Idon’twanttogot oj
    ail
    .Isawthem t
    akehi
    m.Ithi
    nk
    theytookhim backtohismother
    .”
    “
    Iam notpayi
    ngyou.
    ”
    “I
    t’
    sfi
    ne.Icoul
    dn’
    tgot
    ojai
    lforonl
    yonet
    housand.I
    havechi
    ldr
    en.”
    Thewomanhungup.Lor
    isatdownfeel
    ingli
    ke
    somehowObakengwaswatchi
    ng.Herubbedhis
    eyesandcal
    ledher
    .
    Fi
    fi
    ’sphoneram unanswer
    ed.Heputhi
    sphone
    downfeel
    ingst
    upid.

    *
    **

    Latert
    hatevening,
    Lor
    atosmiledatt
    heborderas
    herpassportgotst
    ampedattheZim bor
    dersi
    de.
    Shewalkedoutwi t
    hMunashe.
    Shet
    ookoutherphoneandl
    ookedatt
    het
    ime.
    “
    Whatt
    imear
    ewegoi
    ngt
    oar
    ri
    ve?
    ”
    Hekissedhercheek.
    .“I
    nthemorning.Ihopeyou
    packedenoughdressesandski
    rt
    s.”
    “
    Idi
    d.”
    “Good.Thingsar
    eal
    it
    tl
    edi
    ff
    erenti
    nZi
    mbabwebut
    youwilll
    earn.
    ”
    Lor
    atosmi
    led.“
    Ok.Il
    oveyou.
    ”
    Munasheki
    ssedherl
    ips.“
    Iloveyout
    oo.
    ”

    *
    **

    InGaborone,r
    ragweObakengparkedinfr
    ontofher
    dooratFif
    i’
    shouse.HelookedatEtsi
    lewhowas
    sleepi
    ng.
    “
    Iwi
    llpi
    ckhi
    m up.
    ”
    Hesteppedoutandt
    ookEtsi
    lefr
    om herar
    ms.Fif
    i
    st
    eppedoutthenunl
    ockedherdoorandswit
    ched
    ont
    hel
    ight
    s.Shel
    edhi
    mtohi
    sroom.
    Rr
    agweObakenggent
    lyl
    aidhi
    m downt
    hencover
    ed
    hi
    m wi
    thhi
    sduvet
    .
    “
    Heshoul
    dbef
    ine.
    ”
    Fi
    finodded.“
    Thankyou.
    ”
    “Iwil
    ldoitagai
    n.Ithinkuh.
    .maybeyoucanbea
    l
    itt
    lebitmorecaref
    ul.Idon’
    tblameyouf
    orwhat
    happenedtodaybutIam justsayi
    ng-
    ”
    “Iwi
    llbemorecar
    eful
    .Youareright
    .Al
    otcoul
    d
    havebeenavoi
    dedifIkeptaneyeonhi
    m.”
    Hel ookedathertryi
    ngt okeepdi stancebetween
    them.Shesl i
    ghtl
    ymovedf rom thedoort ogivehim
    room andlookeddown.Hewal kedt othedoorthen
    turnedtoherclosingdistancebet weenthem
    pressingheragainstthewal l
    .
    Fi
    fihel
    dherbr
    eat
    hashet
    il
    tedherchi
    n.
    “
    Fif
    i-
    “
    Foot
    stepsapproached,
    Fif
    imovedf
    rom hi
    m and
    st
    oodbyt hebedasWamewal kedi
    n.Shesmiled.
    “
    Hei
    ssl
    eepi
    ng?
    ”
    Rr
    agweObakengnodded.“
    Yes.It
    hinkIwi
    llsl
    eepat
    aguesthouset
    oni
    ght
    .”
    Wamel ookedatFif
    i.“
    Can’
    tweallsl
    eephere?It
    hink
    wejusthavetorest
    .Yourf
    atheri
    n-l
    awdroveall
    day.
    ”
    “Eemma..uhhecanuset
    heguestr
    oom si
    ncet
    he
    bedinherei
    ssmall
    .”
    Wamesmi l
    ed.“
    Icanshar
    ethebedwi
    thyouFi
    fi
    .
    Thatshoul
    dbefi
    ne.
    ”
    “
    Eemma.
    ”
    “
    Per
    fect
    .”
    .
    .
    .
    [
    04/
    23,
    05:
    58]'
    :
    Si
    nsUnf
    orgi
    ven
    #89
    Fi
    fiwal
    kedf r
    om thebathroom l
    atethatnighti
    nher
    ni
    ghtdress.Sheswitchedofft
    helightandj oi
    ned
    Wamewhowasal r
    eadysleepi
    ng.Sher eachedher
    phoneandopenedhermessages.Lor at
    o’s
    messagecaughtherat t
    enti
    on.
    Lor
    ato:Hey,
    Iam onmywayt oZi
    mtomeet
    Munashe’sf
    ami
    ly.Iwi
    llbebacki
    naweek.
    Fi
    fit
    ookadeepbr
    eat
    handt
    ext
    edher
    .
    Fif
    i:Hi
    .Iam seei
    ngyourmessagejustnow.Ihope
    youhavesomemoneysavedupi ncasethi
    ngsdon’
    t
    goyourway.Ialsohopeyouareawar et
    hatZim
    l
    adiescanfight
    .Youareaboutt
    ocauser uckusi
    n
    someone’smarri
    age.Ij
    usthopeyouknowwhatyou
    aregoi
    ngt obedeal
    ingwit
    h.
    Shesentthemessageandputthephonedown
    exhaust
    ed.Shecl
    osedhereyestr
    yingtosleepbut
    hourswentbyasshestar
    edatthewall
    .Shesl owly
    gotupandwalkedoutofherbedr
    oom closingthe
    doorgentl
    ybehi
    ndher.
    Shewal
    kedi
    nsi
    deEt
    sil
    e’
    sroom andl
    ookedathi
    m
    sl
    eepi
    ng,hi
    sli
    ttl
    ebodyl
    yingacr
    ossthebed.She
    fi
    xedhi
    m andlai
    ddownwi t
    hhim.Shesl
    owlyfel
    l
    asl
    eep.
    Inhersl
    eep,Et
    sil
    eturnedandstar
    tedtal
    kingl
    oudly
    whil
    efastasl
    eep.Fi
    fiopenedhereyesandlooked
    athi
    m ashesmi l
    edsleepi
    ng.
    Thedoorgentl
    yopenedt henr
    ragweObakeng
    walkedi
    n..
    Fif
    ilookedathim.
    Hewhi
    sper
    ed.“
    Oh.
    .youar
    eher
    e.Ihear
    dhi
    mtal
    k.”
    Fifismil
    edandwhisper
    edback.“
    Hetal
    ksi
    nhis
    sl
    eep.Whateverhewasdoi
    ngduringt
    heday…he
    saysit.
    ”
    RragweObakengsmi l
    edback.“Oh,
    IthoughtI
    wouldjustcheckuponhi
    m.Hi sfat
    herwasjustl
    ike
    t
    hatgrowingup.”
    “
    Hewas?
    ”
    RragweObakengcl
    osedthedoorandnodded.“
    He
    stoppedwhenhewasaround9.Ihadhear
    dhim
    tal
    kabouthavi
    ngsex.
    ”
    “
    At9?
    ”
    RragweObakengl aughedwhisperi
    ng.“Yes.The
    fol
    lowi
    ngmor ni
    ngal adycame.Appar ent
    lyher
    daughterwasplayinghousewithotherki
    ds.Myson
    i
    ncludedandObakengwasobvi ousl
    ythefatherand
    herdaughterwasthewi f
    e.”
    Fif
    igotoffbedlaughi
    ngt
    ryi
    ngt
    okeepi
    tdown.“
    He
    nevert
    oldmet hat.
    ”
    “Hewouldnever.Backthenwebeli
    evedi
    nbeating
    chil
    drenandIbeathim.Inst
    eadofhi
    m behavi
    ng,he
    becameananimal soIjustl
    ethi
    m be.Hetur
    nedout
    great
    .”
    Fif
    ismiled.“Hewasper fect
    .Andst ubborn.And
    persuasive.Hefol
    lowedaf t
    ermef ormont hsand
    nevergaveup.Inevert houghtIcouldeverl ovet
    he
    wayIdi d.Hewasmyever ythi
    ng.”Tearsfil
    ledher
    eyes.“I
    twasn’thealt
    hybutIcoul dn’thel
    pitbutlove
    him.Hemadei teasyformet olovehi m.
    ”
    “
    Andt hat
    ’showl
    ovei ssupposedt
    obe.Al
    otofus
    wishedweexper
    iencedthat.
    ”
    Fi
    fi
    ’sbedr
    oom dooropened,rr
    agweObakeng
    swi
    tchedofft
    heli
    ghtinEtsi
    le’
    sroom.
    *

    WameapproachedEtsi
    le’
    sdoorandgentlyopened
    i
    t.Shel
    ookedatthedar
    kr oom wonder
    ingifFi
    fiwas
    wit
    hhim.
    Behi
    ndt hedoor
    ,Fi
    fihel
    dherbreat
    h,herheadon
    rr
    agweObakeng’schest,hi
    shandsonherwai st
    .
    Sheslowlycl
    osedi
    t,Fif
    iswall
    owedandwhi sper
    ed.
    “
    Shei
    sgoi
    ngt
    otheguestr
    oom.
    ”
    Theypausedli
    steningt
    ohisdooropeni
    ngthen
    cl
    osing.Wamewal kedbackt
    oFifi
    ’sbedr
    oom
    wonderingwher
    ehehadwent .
    “
    Shel
    ovesyou.
    ”
    Hewhisperedback,
    hishotbr
    eat
    hbrushi
    ngher
    neck.“
    Iknow.Hersist
    eri
    smywife.Di
    makat
    so
    wouldkil
    lher
    .”
    Fi
    fimovedfrom hi
    m sli
    ghtlybreaki
    ngtheircont
    act
    .
    RragweObakeng’sheartpoundedfastert
    hanusual
    ashebreat
    hedinherf l
    ower yscent
    .Feeli
    nghis
    eyesonher,
    Fifit
    ookanot
    herst
    epbackt r
    yingt
    o
    fi
    ghtof
    ftheint
    ensit
    yshei
    swasf eel
    ing.
    RragweObakenghel
    dherhand.“Iam goingt
    o
    sl
    eep.Youshoul
    dgetsomesleeptoo.It
    ’sbeena
    l
    ongday.”
    “
    Eer
    ra.
    ”
    Hetookast
    epoverandpressedheragai
    nstt
    he
    wal
    lgivi
    ngi
    n.Fi
    ficl
    osedhereyesas#removed.
    .
    Wamecl osedt hedoorasFificonvulsedholdi
    ng
    himt i
    ghtly.RragweObakengdr i
    ll
    edherbackand
    for
    thassheexpl odedlosi
    ngherbr eathcl
    amping
    him hardasever ythi
    nggotblurr
    y.Theout si
    dedoor
    opened,hef uckedherharderandmoanedher
    namer eleasingloadsofhiscum insideher.
    Hehel
    dhert
    ight
    lymaki
    ngsur
    eshegotever
    ythi
    ng.
    “
    Fif
    i!
    ”
    Fi
    fif
    eltsomet
    hingpul
    li
    ngher
    .
    “
    Legauf
    i!
    ”
    Fifisnappedhereyesopenandl ookedatWame
    breathingheavil
    ydrenchedinsweat.Shel
    ookedat
    herconf used.Wamel aughed.
    “It
    houghtyouwer
    edead.I
    t’
    s9i
    nthemor
    ning.Ar
    e
    youok?”
    Fi
    fil
    ookedaroundr
    eal
    izi
    ngshewasonEt
    sil
    e’
    sbed.
    Wamesmi l
    ed.
    “
    Youar
    esweat
    ing.Whatwer
    eyoudr
    eami
    ng?
    ”
    Fif
    ilookedar
    oundthencl
    osedhereyes…dr
    eam…
    sheshookherhead.
    “
    Idon’
    tremember
    .”
    Sheslowlysatupr
    ightconf
    used.Wamewal kedout
    thenFif
    igotbedunsureofwhatwasrealandnot.
    Shehur r
    iedbacktoherbedr oom thenwalkedi
    nside
    thebathroom.Shequi ckl
    yt ookoffherpantyand
    sli
    dherfinger
    sbetweenherp* ssyli
    pstouchi
    ngthe
    wetness.Shebroughtt hefingerstohernoseand
    swall
    owedevenmor econf used.Shesni f
    fedher
    pantybutshecouldn’tseem t osmel l
    anythi
    ngelse.
    Shet
    ookof
    fhercl
    othesandst
    oodundert
    he
    shower ,sheleanedagainstthewallwonderi
    ngwhy
    shewoul devendream ofsuchthings.Besi
    desthe
    factthatithappeningthefi
    rstti
    mewast hebiggest
    mistakeever ,i
    twasmor ethanjustataboo.Thi
    s
    wasObakeng’ sfat
    her.Tearsfi
    ll
    edhereyes.
    Shewalkedoutofthebathroom minut
    eslat
    erand
    washedhernightdressandunderwear.

    *
    **

    Inthesit
    ti
    ngroom, r
    ragweObakengsatatthe
    cornerofthecouchasFif
    iwalkedoutf
    rom her
    bedroom.Shelookedathimtr
    yingtofi
    gureout
    whathadbeenr ealandwhatwasn’t
    .
    Hestoodup.“MmaMoj al
    efa.
    .Iwantedtoaski
    fyou
    havethatdocumentandi
    fyousighedit
    .”
    Fi
    fil
    ookedathimf eel
    ingevenmoregui
    lt
    yof
    cr
    ossingtheli
    neeveni nherdr
    eam t
    hathadf
    elt
    morethanjustreal
    .
    “
    Eer
    ra.Letmebr
    ingi
    t.
    ”
    Shewalkedtoherbedr
    oom andbroughtbackt
    he
    bi
    genvelope.Hetooki
    tandsmil
    ed.
    “
    Thankyou.Iam goi
    ngt
    orunaf
    ewerrandst
    henI
    wil
    lcomeandpickWamesowecango.”
    “
    Eer
    ra.
    ”
    Hegrabbedhi
    scarkeysandwal
    kedout
    .Wame
    smi
    led.
    “
    Etsi
    lei
    sout
    side.
    ”
    “
    Ok.
    ”
    Fi
    fiwalkedbacktoherbedr
    oom andsatonthebed.
    Sheslowlywentdownonherkneesthenstart
    ed
    prayi
    ng.
    “Godhel pmebecomeabet t
    erperson.Helpr emove
    allt
    hesi nf
    ulthought
    sinmyheadandcl eansemy
    soulwi t
    hholybloodofJesus.Helpmebecomea
    bettermothertomyson.Letmewal kintheright
    ful
    path.Helpmenotdr eam ofsi
    nfulthingsbutmost
    ofall,hel
    pmer idofanysinf
    ulfeel
    ingsImayor
    maynothave.Hel pmedealwithgrieveI’
    mt he
    ri
    ght f
    ulway.MayInotseekashoul dert
    ocryoni n
    si
    nfulways.I
    nthenameofJesusChr
    istIpr
    ay,
    Amen.”
    .
    .
    .
    [
    04/
    23,
    05:
    59]'
    :
    Si
    nsUnf
    orgi
    ven
    #90

    Fi
    fismi
    ledwat
    chi
    ngEt si
    lej
    umpinthecarwi
    th
    Wame.RragweObakengwalkedover
    .
    “Ihavetakenthatdocumentt
    othel
    awyer
    .Hewi
    ll
    sorteveryt
    hingout.
    ”
    “
    Thankyou.
    ”
    “
    Letusgo.Bye.
    ”
    Hewalkedtot
    hecar.Fi
    fiwavedatthem then
    rr
    agweObakengstar
    tedthecarandreversedout
    .
    Shewalkedi
    nthehousejustasli
    ghtdroplet
    sof
    r
    ainf
    ell
    .
    Fi
    ficonnectedherphonetot
    hespeaker
    sand
    st
    artedplayi
    ngPsquare.
    Shemovedherwai
    stdanci
    ngal
    onewhi
    lesi
    ngi
    ng
    al
    ong.

    ‘
    Sogi
    mmedat
    ,gi
    mmedat
    Il
    ikedat(
    gir
    lIl
    ikedat
    )
    Gi
    mmedat
    ,(makeyougi
    mmedat
    )
    Il
    iket
    hat
    ,Gi
    rli
    nwant
    ouch
    I
    ’
    mreadyt
    obebur
    nt'

    Fif
    ipressedherphoneandopenedhermessages.
    Shesmi l
    edlooki
    ngatthepeopl emakingor
    dersof
    theshoes.Shegotherordersheetand
    communi cat
    edwithhercustomerswr i
    ti
    ngdown
    everyonewhomadepayment .Shestoodupawhile
    l
    aterandputallt
    heshoest hathadbeenboughtin
    herboot.
    Shechangedint
    oapairofjeansandat-shi
    rtt
    hen
    walkedoutput
    ti
    ngonhercap.Shejumpedi nher
    caranddroveoutt
    odeli
    vertheshoes.
    Herphoner
    ang,
    shel
    ookedatTef
    ocal
    li
    ngand
    pi
    cked.
    “
    Hel
    lo?
    ”
    “
    Hey,
    areyouhome?
    ”
    “No.Iam doingdel
    iver
    iesbutEt
    sil
    elef
    ther
    grandpar
    ents.”
    “
    Ok.CanIseeyoul
    ater
    ?”
    “Iam sti
    llt
    ryi
    ngtoacceptmylossandheal
    .Iam
    notintherightst
    atei
    fmindtobeinarel
    ati
    onshi
    p
    asyet.AndIdon’twanttost
    ri
    ngyoualong.
    ”
    “
    Iknow.Canwebef
    ri
    ends?Iwantt
    owai
    tforyou.
    ”
    “
    Tef
    o…”
    “Pl
    ease…Iwanttowait
    .Let
    ’sjustbef r
    iends.No
    moreputt
    ingyouunderapressure.Iswear.Canwe
    domoviestoni
    ght?
    ”
    Fi
    fismi
    led.“
    Ok.
    ”
    “Iam sorryaboutyest
    erday.Ishoul
    dhavekeptan
    eyeont hem.Igotdist
    racted.
    ”
    “I
    twasn’tyourf
    ault
    .Itcoul
    dhavebeenme.Iam
    sorr
    yforhowIspoket oyou.Iwasj
    ustscar
    ed.You
    arecomingover?”
    “
    Yes.
    ”
    “
    Ok.Seeyoul
    atert
    hen.
    ”
    “
    Ok.
    ”
    Fi
    fihungupandpi
    ckedani
    ncomi
    ngcal
    l.
    “
    Hel
    lo?
    ”
    “
    Hi,
    howi
    syourson?Wemetyest
    erday.
    ”
    Fi
    fir
    ecogni
    zedt
    hevoi
    ce.“
    Thedr
    iver
    ?”
    Hel
    aughed.“
    It
    sjustahobbybutyeah.
    ”
    “Heisf
    ine.Thankyousomuchf
    orj
    oini
    ngt
    he
    sear
    chteam andhelpi
    ng.
    ”
    “
    It’
    sok.Howcoul
    dIhavenotwhenyouwer
    ecr
    ying
    l
    ikethat
    ?”
    Fi
    fil
    aughed.“
    Iwassoscar
    ed.It
    houghtIhadl
    ost
    hi
    m.”
    “Iunder
    stand.Youhadever
    yri
    ght
    .Iam gl
    adhe’
    sok.
    Areyouok? ”
    “
    Iam f
    ine.Thankyou.
    ”
    “
    Ok,
    shar
    p.”
    “
    Eer
    ra.
    ”
    Helaughedt
    henhungup.Fi
    fismi
    ledhangi
    ngup,
    herhandonthewheel
    .

    *
    **

    InZimbabwe, Lorat
    olookedaheadasMunashe
    drovefurtheri
    ntothebushusingagravelroadina
    cartheyhadgot t
    eninHar ar
    e.Shewasn’tevensure
    wheret heywereheadedtoexpectt
    hef actthati
    t
    wasf araway.
    Het ookatur
    nanddr oveforawhil
    e.Hesl
    owed
    downt aki
    ngatur
    ni ntoayardwi
    ththreet
    hat
    ched
    roofhutsandaproperhouseinthemiddl
    e.
    Twokidsr anaroundtheyar di
    nshortsandno
    shoesplaying.Lor
    atowat chedasaladyst epped
    outofoneoft hehutsfi
    xingherthewr appershe
    hadontopofherdr ess.Asmal lchi
    ldcrawl edout
    ofthehouseandhel dthewoman’ sleg.
    Lor
    atol
    ookedatMunashe.“
    Whoi
    sshe?
    ”
    “
    Mybr
    other
    ’swi
    fe.Let
    ’sgo.
    ”
    Munashesteppedoutoft
    hecar .Lor
    atoopenedthe
    doorandgotoutoft
    hecarinherbodyhuggi ng
    dressandadoekinherhead.Thewomanl ookedat
    Lorat
    othenMunashewhopi ckedthesmallbaby
    smili
    ng.
    Thewomanl
    ookedatLor
    ato.
    “
    Kondevapiava?(
    Who’
    sthi
    s?)
    ”
    “
    Shamwar
    iyangu.(
    Myf
    ri
    end.
    )”
    “Shamwariyako?Shamwar
    iyekupi
    ?(Yourf
    ri
    end?
    Fri
    endfr
    om wher e?
    )”
    Helookedatt
    hebaby’smucusandjusthowshe
    wasdirt
    yandsmeltofpee.Heputherdown.
    “
    Hindavamwanaanet
    svi
    nasoMemor
    y?(
    Whyi
    s
    t
    hebabysodi
    rt
    yMemor
    y?)
    “Ndomugezesakaoneapedzakutamba.Hapana
    sipo.(
    Ibat
    hheronceaftershe’
    sdonepl
    ayi
    ng.
    Thereisnobat
    hingsoaping.
    )”
    “Mwanaanet svi
    na.UnehuchapaMemor y.Hona
    tsvi
    nainemwana.(Thi
    schil
    disdirt
    y.Youarever
    y
    scruf
    fy.Lookathowshe’
    sdirt
    y.)
    ”
    “UsadekundinzwaMunashe!Anetsvi
    nabecause
    handitihaut
    umuremari
    .Ti
    gezenei?Nemvura?
    (Don’ttr
    ymeMunashe!She’sdi
    rt
    ybecauseyou
    don’tsendmoney.Whatshoul
    dwebat hwit
    h?Just
    water?)
    Thetwokidswhohadbeenr
    unni
    ngar
    oundr
    anover
    scr
    eaming.
    “
    Daddy!Daddy!
    ”
    Loratowat chedashehuggedt hetwoboysin
    confusion.Hel aughedasbothki
    dsspokeatthe
    samet ime.Fr om theot
    herhutaverydar
    kin
    compl exi
    onheavi l
    ypregnantwomansteppedout
    pushingherbi gstomachout.
    Shesmiledwalki
    ngovertoMunashebuthersmi
    le
    di
    sappearedasshelookedatLor
    ato.
    ShelookedatMunashe.“
    Daddy,
    mauya.
    .(Daddy
    youhavecome.)
    ”
    Munasheletgooft
    heboysandsmi
    ledatt
    he
    pr
    egnantwoman.
    “
    Mimbaunokuf
    it
    asei
    .(Pr
    egnancyf
    it
    syouver
    y
    wel
    l.
    )”
    Shesmi
    led.“
    Ndangandakusuwa.(
    Imi
    ssedyou.
    )”
    “
    Neni
    .(Met
    oo.
    )”
    Memorycli
    ckedhert
    ongue.“Hanziauyane
    shamwar
    i.(Hesayshebroughtafri
    end.
    )”
    Thepregnantladyl
    ookedatLor
    ato.“
    Ndi
    yani
    ?
    (Who’
    sshe? )
    ”
    “
    Shamwar
    iyangu.(
    Myf
    ri
    end.
    )”
    Sherubbedherbi
    gbel
    ly.“
    Mai
    gur
    ukuHar
    are
    var
    ikuvazi
    va?
    ”
    “
    Nomat
    ter
    ,ndat
    iishamwar
    iyanguhandit
    i?
    (
    Nomat
    ter
    ,di
    dn’
    tIsayshe’
    smyf r
    iend?
    )”
    Lor
    atomovedcl
    oser.“Munashe,
    goi
    ragal
    ang?
    (Munashe,
    what
    ’sgoingon?)
    ”
    Hetur
    nedt
    ohert
    henpul
    ledhercl
    oserhol
    dingher
    hand.
    “
    Ifor
    gott
    otellyousomethi
    ngbutit’
    snot
    hinghect
    ic.
    Mymotherl
    iveshere.I
    nthathut
    .”Hepoi
    nted.
    Lor
    atonodded.“
    Ok.
    ”
    “Andthi
    sisMemor
    y,t
    hoset
    woboysandt
    hebaby
    areherki
    ds.
    ”
    “
    Yourbr
    other
    ’swi
    fe?
    ”
    Memoryl
    aughed.“
    Brot
    herwi
    ves?Mwar
    ibur
    ukai
    musekemashur
    aaMunashe.(
    Godcomedownand
    l
    aughatMunashe’
    sdoi
    ngs.
    )
    Lor
    atosmi
    led.“
    It
    ’sni
    cet
    omeetyou.
    ”
    Memoryl
    ookedather.“
    Watii
    ?(Whatdidyousay?
    )
    Ni
    ce?Ari
    kut
    ichi
    iachit
    aurazvi
    singanzwi
    ke.(
    What
    i
    sshesayi
    ngthatIcan’
    thear?
    )”
    Nomatt
    erlookedatMemor
    y.“
    Ari
    kumhor
    esa.(
    She’
    s
    gr
    eet
    ingyou.)”
    Memor ylookedatLorato.“Me…”Shepoi ntedat
    Munashe.“ Me.
    .he..youar emyhusband.Iam
    wives.Memyhusbandandwi fe.Chil
    dren.Me…him
    chil
    dren.
    ”Shepointedatt hechil
    dren.“Bi
    gonelike
    thi
    s.”Sheputherintheair.“School.
    ”
    Lor
    atol
    ookedatMunashe.Nomat
    termovedcl
    oser
    .
    “Mynamei sNomat t
    er.She’sMemor y.Munashe
    i
    s…hei smeandMemor yhusband.Weare..
    toget
    her.Everyone.Hehadt hreewoman.Ihave3
    chil
    d.Anotherwomani nHararewit
    honechi l
    d.The
    bigone.MeIam t hesmal lone.Memor yi
    s…
    middle.
    ”
    Lor
    ato’
    sst
    art
    edr
    aci
    ng.Munashel
    ookedatFi
    fi
    .
    “
    Iwasgoi
    ngt
    otel
    l.If
    orgot
    .”
    .
    .
    .
    [
    04/
    23,
    06:
    00]'
    :
    Si
    nsUnf
    orgi
    ven
    #91

    InZimbabwe,Lor
    atol
    ookedatMunashef
    eel
    inga
    bitofdi
    zzy.
    “
    For
    gott
    otel
    lmewhat
    ?”
    Het
    ookadeepbr
    eat
    h.“
    They.
    .“
    “Theyarewhat?Tal
    kolesagohemahemaokar e
    setswanwa.(
    Talkandst
    opbreat
    hingl
    ikeyouar
    e
    outofit
    .)
    ”
    “
    Babe-
    “
    “
    Heywena,wareolebetsi
    gompolel
    aeng?Oseka
    wabatagonti
    rasematl
    aMunashe.(
    Whatdi
    dyou
    f
    orgett
    otel
    lme?Don’tyoudar
    etr
    yandmakemea
    f
    ool.
    )”
    “
    Theyar
    emywi
    ves.Butt
    heydon’
    treal
    lymat
    ter
    .”
    “
    Whatdoyoumean?Theyar
    enoti
    mpor
    tant
    ?How?
    ”
    “Theydon’
    treall
    ycountbecauseIdi
    dn’
    tpay
    anythi
    ngforthem.”
    “
    Yett
    heyst
    ayher
    egi
    vingyouki
    dsl
    eftr
    ightand
    center
    ?Thisonei spregnant,
    ist
    hatnotyour
    s?I
    f
    theyarenotreal
    lyimportantwhydoyoukeep
    sleepi
    ngwiththem? ”
    Munashesighed.“
    Thi
    sist
    hesi
    tuat
    ion.Ineversai
    d
    Iwasperf
    ect.
    ”
    “Whydidn’
    tyoutel
    lmeyouhavet hreewives?
    Becauseyoudefi
    nit
    elydi
    dn’thi
    deRutendo.Why
    hidet
    heotheronesbecauseIthi
    nkIwasopenwi t
    h
    youandIgaveyouenoughr oom t
    obet r
    ansparent
    withme.”
    “
    Iam sor
    ry.
    ”
    “I
    t’
    sok.It
    ’sfi
    ne.Theyarenotimpor
    tant,
    Igeti
    t.I
    wantyoutotakemet otheonewho’simport
    ant
    becauseakeretheseonesdon’
    tmatter
    ?”
    “Rut
    endodoesn’
    t…sheisver
    ydi
    ff
    icul
    t.Youwon’
    t
    beablet
    ostayther
    e.”
    “Di
    ff
    icult
    ?Idon’
    tcare,t
    hereasonwearehereisfor
    youtointr
    oducemet oyourwif
    eandyourmot her
    .
    NomatterandMemor yarenotimpor
    tant
    ,fi
    ne.Take
    metot heimpor
    tantone.
    ”
    “
    Ican’
    ttakeyout
    her
    ebecause-
    “
    Loratosnat
    chedthecarkeysfr
    om hi
    m.“I
    fyouar
    e
    notthenyouaregoingtotakemebackhome.
    ”
    “Takeyoubackwher e?Yousaidyouwant edto
    shareme,thereyougo.Iam nott aki
    ngyou
    anywherebecauseyouwant edt ocomeher e.Idon’t
    havemoneyt owastesof amili
    ari
    zeyourselfwith
    yourenvi
    ronment.Wewi l
    lgobackont hedaywe
    agreedwewi l
    lgoback.Andt hi
    sbet t
    erbet helast
    ti
    meyour aiseyourvoi
    ceatmeort al
    ktomel i
    ke
    youaretal
    kingtoyourfri
    end.Iam not,respectme.”
    Loratolaughed.“Sonowyouwantt oshowmet hat
    youcanbeatwomen?Br i
    ngi tonPapa, Ihavehands.
    Okar eyoudon’ tknow, therraIam seniorhlanyist
    o.
    Noonecanbecr azierthanme.Iwi l
    lkil
    lyou,I
    promi seyou.Nnamamawal oya,i
    t’
    snotevenal i
    e
    shem.Mymot hercanbewi tchgoet!Tryme, tr
    y
    beatingmeandyouwi llseewhatmymot her
    ’s
    thi
    ngscando.Shedoesn’ tsleepwhenot her
    mot hersaresleeping,sher idesbroomst hatifyour
    mot herdoesn’
    tpr acti
    cewi t
    chcraf
    t,it
    ’sgoingtobea
    problem.”
    “
    Areyout
    hreat
    eni
    ngme?
    ”
    “Threat?MyguyIam t ell
    ingyouwhatwi l
    lhappen,i
    f
    youar enotcar efulyouwi llgocrazyandevent ual
    ly
    die.Ifyouar enottakingmeback, youarealsonot
    goinganywher e.Youwi l
    lstayherewi t
    hmeandby
    theway, Ihaveyourpasspor t
    .Tellmewhenyouar e
    readyt oreturnmewhenyougotme.I fyouthi
    nk
    youwi llgetanewone, youaredreami ngbecausele
    yoneI DIhavei t.”
    “
    Lor
    ato,
    don’
    ttur
    nmei
    ntosomet
    hingIam not
    .”
    “Youhaveal
    readyt
    urnedmeint
    osomethi
    ngIam
    not.I
    fyouar
    egoingtobeatme,
    doitnow.
    ”
    Nomat t
    erlookedatthel
    ightski
    nnedwomanwi t
    h
    herhandonherst omach,shewassol i
    ghtand
    beauti
    ful
    .Shealsohadani cebody.Shesighednot
    evensurpri
    sedthatther
    ewasanot herwoman
    thoughwithMunasheshewaspr obabl
    ynotthe
    onlyone.
    MemorylookedatNomat
    ter
    .“Var
    ikut
    ichi
    i?(
    What
    ar
    etheysaying?
    )”
    “
    Hanzii
    suhat
    inabasa,
    anebasandi
    Rut
    endo.
    Ari
    kudakudzokerakumbakwake.(
    Heissayi
    ngwe
    don’
    tmatter
    ,theonlyonewhomatt
    ersi
    sRutendo.
    Shewantstogobackhome. )
    ”
    Memor ysi
    ghedwalki
    ngbackinherhut.“
    Ngaaende
    nekut
    ipanohaagar
    e.(Sheshoul
    dgobecausehere
    shewon’tst
    ay.
    ”
    MunashelookedatLor
    ato’
    sbeautif
    ulf
    ace,
    she
    wasn’
    tshowingasignofsadness.Hesmil
    ed.
    “
    Ok.Doyouwantt
    omeetmymot
    her
    ?”
    “
    What
    everwor
    ksf
    oryou.
    ”
    “
    Iam sor
    ryIl
    ied.
    ”
    “Don’ tbesor ry.It houghtyouwoul dbel i
    kethis.I
    reall
    ydi d,youar eshady.Ij ustthoughtyouwer e
    betterthant hatbecauseIknowal otofZim men
    whoar erealmen, Ijustthoughtyouwoul dbepar t
    ofthatpopul ation.Igaveyout hestagetobehonest
    withme, kotengyout houghtyouwoul dbringher e
    them I ’
    dbehopel ess.Iam nothopel essnna,you
    willreturnwher eyougotme.Iam sowai t
    ingfor
    yout oputyourhandsonme, Isweart obeyou, your
    wiveswi l
    lbur ryyoudear .”
    Helookedatherasshespokecal
    mlyt
    hent
    ookher
    handlooki
    ngatNomatter
    .
    “
    Mamavar
    ipo?(
    Ismymot
    herar
    ound?
    )”
    “VaendakwaMaiJi
    mmykunokumbi r
    ahupfu.
    Mauyanechikaf
    u?(Shewentt
    oJimmy’smothert
    o
    askformaizemeal
    .Didyoubr
    ingfood?
    )”
    “Handi
    nakuwanamukanawekut
    enga.
    (Idi
    dn’
    tgets
    chancetobuy.
    )”
    Nomatternoddednotsur
    pri
    sed.Sher
    ubbedher
    eyest
    hensmi led.
    “
    Come.Ishowyoubedr
    oom.
    ”
    Lor
    atolookedatherthenfol
    lowedherasherhips
    swayedfrom si
    detoside.Nomat t
    erwalkedtothe
    mainhouseandopenedadoor .Shewalkedin,
    Lor
    atofoll
    owedbehindandlookedi nsi
    de.Nomatter
    cl
    osedthedoorandst oodagainsti
    t.
    “Thi
    soneMunashebedroom.Ihavebedroom.
    Memor yt
    oo.We…”Shepausedaspainchokedher .
    “Munasheis…i
    snotsendingmoney.Hedon’tcar
    e.
    Therai
    nnotther
    ethecropsdi
    e.Hedon’tcar
    e.It’
    s
    hard.”Tearsr ol
    leddown.“ Weeatnot hi
    ng.It
    ’shard.
    Myf atherisnothavi ngmoneyf orschoolforme.
    Munashet oldmyf atherthatschoolhepayf orme.
    Hedi dn’
    t…hehe…r apememakemewi fe.Iam 22
    years.Hegi vemechi l
    dren.IstherejobinBot swana.
    Icancook…andandwash.Myf ri
    end..shewent
    Botswana.Iwantt ocomet oyou.Pleasehel pme.I
    hearEnglish.Tal ki
    ngishar d.Iworkhar d.
    ”
    “
    Youneverwentt
    oschool
    ?”
    “Igo.Grade7Ist
    opbecausenomoney.Memor
    y
    don’tgo.”
    “
    Rut
    endo?
    ”
    “Rutendoisgoi
    ngtoschoolandisworki
    ngbigj
    ob.
    Shest ayi
    nginHar
    are.Sheworks.Shedon’
    tcome
    here.”
    “Ok.Doyouhaveaphone?Iwantt
    ocal
    lmysi
    ster
    .
    Doyouhaveairt
    ime?
    ”
    “
    Yes.Butsmal
    l.Iwantt
    ocal
    lmama.Youcancal
    l.
    ”
    Nomattert
    ookoutasmal
    l phoneandhandeditt
    o
    Lor
    ato.Lor
    atoqui
    ckl
    ydi
    aledFifi
    ’snumber
    .Itr
    ang
    t
    wicet
    henFi
    fipi
    cked.
    “
    Hel
    lo?
    ”
    “
    Hi,
    Iam i
    nZimbabwegatwekoChi
    weshe.Hel
    ied
    t
    ome,hehasthr
    eewives.
    ”
    “
    Doyouhavemoney?
    ”
    “
    Yes.I
    fIam notbacki
    naweek,
    lookf
    orme.I
    -“
    Thecal
    lcut
    .Nomat
    terl
    ookedather
    .
    “
    Air
    ti
    me.
    ”
    Fi
    fical
    ledbacki
    mmedi
    atel
    y.
    “
    Hel
    lo?
    ”
    Sheburstoutl
    aughi
    ng.“
    Itol
    dyouaker
    e?Munashe
    l
    onglookedshady.
    ”
    “
    Kebaket
    sidif
    orei
    gner
    a.”
    “Notal
    lZi
    m menar elikethat.RememberSt eel
    ?
    ThatguyIdatedinvarsi
    ty.Hewasagr eatguy.He
    l
    ovedme.Ther eisaholidayIdidn’
    tcomeback
    home,IwenttoZimi nGwer u.Hisfamil
    ywasl ovel
    y
    ebi
    leIwasalreadyawi f
    e.Thepr oblem wasmebut
    hewasagr eatguy.NotallZimbabweanmenar e
    l
    ikethat,i
    t’
    sonl
    yaf ew.I
    t’sthesameasher e,
    monnawamot swanawilltort
    ureyout i
    llyoutel
    l
    yoursel
    fyouaredonewithmenbutt here’sal
    ways
    thoseoneswithgoodint
    ent i
    ons.ShouldIcomeand
    getyou?MaybeIcanevengetaf ewt hingstosell
    from Zi
    m.”
    “
    Yes.Comeandgetme.
    ”
    Fif
    ilaughed.“Iam coming.WametookEt
    sil
    e.Ihope
    youhavel eantthatpol
    ygamyisanogo.”
    “MmekanaIdon’ tmi ndpolygamyFi f
    i.Iwantthat
    kindofpolygamywher eamancant akecar eofme
    andmysi sterwives.IfMunashecoul ddoi t,I
    wouldn’
    thaveapr oblem.Hedoesn’ ttakecareof
    hisfamil
    y.Theot herwi fesaysherapedherand
    madeherawi fe.Shedi dn’
    tgotoschool .Bothof
    them di
    dn’t.Theonewhowenti st
    heonehe’ s
    alwaysparadingar oundwi t
    h.”
    “KanaMmeZi m ment akecareofthei
    rfamili
    es.
    He’stheonlyoddoneout .Zi
    m menknowhowt o
    l
    oveandl oveproper
    ly,hewil
    lmakeyouf eell
    ikeyou
    aretheonlyonewithagooddi cgape.Evenifyou
    ar
    enotonl
    yone,
    gat
    wet
    heyar
    eli
    keZul
    umen.
    ”
    “
    Comeandgetme.
    ”
    “Ok.Letmeprepar
    e.Iwantt
    ocrossthebor
    der
    beforetheycl
    osef
    ortheni
    ght.War
    ewhereare
    you?”
    “
    Chi
    weshe.
    ”
    “
    Ok.What
    ’shi
    ssur
    name?
    ”
    “
    Mar
    ufu.
    ”
    “
    Ok.Iam comi
    ng.Ial
    sowantt
    osee.
    ”
    “
    Bye.
    ”
    Fi
    fihungup.Lor
    atol
    ookedatNomat
    ter
    .
    “Mysist
    eri
    scomi ng.WhenIgo,Iwil
    lgi
    vesome
    moneysothatafteryougi
    vebirt
    hyoucanalso
    come.Whowillyouleaveyourchi
    ldr
    enwit
    h?”
    “Munashemot
    her.Shet
    akecar
    eoft
    hem.Iwor
    k
    andsendmoney.
    ”
    Loratonodded,Munasheopenedthedoorand
    l
    ookedatbot hoft
    hem.Nomat terwi
    pedawayher
    tearsaway.
    “
    Urikuchemei
    ?(Whyar
    eyoucr
    ying.
    )”
    “
    Handi
    zi.(
    Iam not
    .)
    ”
    Nomatt
    ert
    urnedandwalkedoutwi
    thherphone.
    Munashel
    ookedatLor
    ato.
    “Mymotheri
    snother
    e.Youwi
    llmeetherwhenshe
    comesback.
    ”
    “
    Eer
    ra.
    ”
    “Ihavet
    ogot oHar
    aresoIcant
    ellRutendoabout
    you.Iwi
    llcomebackandt
    akeyouwi t
    h.”
    “
    Whoareyoul
    eavi
    ngmewi
    thher
    e?Wewi
    llgo
    t
    oget
    her
    .”
    “Ij
    ustcan’
    tshowupwi
    thyou.Ineedt
    osof
    tenher
    upbefore-
    “
    “Go.ButIam notgivi
    ngyouanythi
    ng.Nott
    hecar
    keysoryourpassportoryourI
    D.Obatagontwael
    a
    wena.Mysisterisonherwaytogetme.”
    “Soyoualreadycalledher.Thi
    siswhyyoucan
    neverbeawi fe.Youdon’tbehavel
    ikeawi f
    e
    materi
    al.Andt hat
    ’swhyyouwi l
    lnevergetmar
    ri
    ed.
    ”
    “I’
    drathernotgetmar ri
    edthanhaveyouf ora
    husband.Youshoul dhavebeent hankingGodf or
    evenhavi ngmedearbecauseyouar enotmyt ype.
    Besidesdi c,
    whatel sedoyouhave?Yout hink
    buyingmecl othesfrom CBstoresiseverythi
    ng?I
    havemetbet termyguy, waybet t
    erthanyouandI
    am wayaboveyourl eague.Warewi f
    emat eri
    al?You
    arenotevenhusbandmat eri
    alselokewena!Sa
    gagokegober ekagonyobahel aokgwet sadit raka,
    othermenwearsui tsandcant akecar eofthei
    r
    famili
    es.Kebonedihusbandmat er
    ial
    ,youaref ar
    from i
    t!”
    “
    Whodoyout
    hinkyouar
    etal
    kingt
    o?”
    “Iam tal
    kingt
    oyou,If
    eelsorr
    yf orboNomatter,
    i
    magi negoingar
    oundthi
    nkingyouhaveaman
    kantegagonasepe.Sagagokegonaseni ornyobist
    .
    Yourmot heri
    ssuff
    eri
    ngwithallyourbur
    dens,you
    shouldbeashamedofyourself
    ,Iam suresheis.”
    Munasheangril
    yslappedheracrosst
    heface,
    Lorat
    o’shear
    tstar
    tedpounding,
    shegrabbedhis
    ball
    sandtwist
    edthem hard.Hetri
    edpushi
    ngher
    offbutshepul
    ledthem har
    derashescreamedin
    agony.Hepunchedsohar
    dthatherheadspunas
    herfacewentnumbwit
    hpainbutsheheldon
    pul
    li
    ngandt wi
    sti
    nghi
    m more.
    “
    Lor
    ato!
    ”
    Heputhishandsonherneckst r
    angl
    ingher.She
    twi
    stedthem har
    dnowpul l
    ing,
    thepainweakened
    himthatheletgoofherneck.
    “
    Iam sor
    ry!Iam sor
    ry!
    ”
    Sheletgoandkickedhi
    m bet
    weenhi
    slegs
    breat
    hingheavi
    ly.
    “
    ”Iam notyourordi
    narygi
    rl
    ,Iam ar
    ealKalanga
    woman.Ifyouthoughtyoufoundaweakl
    ing, you
    wereverywrong.Youcan’
    tdoshitt
    ome.Ot anyela
    mosono!”
    .
    .
    .
    [
    04/
    23,
    06:
    00]'
    :
    Si
    nsUnf
    orgi
    ven
    #92

    Loratot
    ouchedhercheekandwalkedoutwit
    hthe
    carkeys.Shelookedatt
    heki
    dsplayi
    ngoutsi
    de.
    Tearsburnthereyes,
    Memorywalkedoutofherhut
    .
    Loratot
    ookadeepbr eat
    handbl
    inkedawayher
    tearswatchi
    ngher.
    Memor yclickedhertonguewalkinginthehouse.
    Loratowal kedtot hecarandgotin.Shelocked
    herselfinsideholdingherbr
    eath.Tearsfil
    ledher
    eyesandr oll
    eddownhercheeks.Shet ookoffthe
    doekinherhead.
    Sheputthekeyi
    ntheigni
    ti
    onandstar
    tedt
    he
    engi
    ne.Munashewalkedoutasi
    fhewascarr
    ying
    somethi
    ngbetweenhisl
    egs.Hewal
    kedtoheri
    n
    pai
    n.
    “
    Babe-
    “
    “
    Iam goi
    ng.Getawayf
    rom t
    hecar
    .”
    “Wait
    .IknowIfuckedup.Ishoul
    dnothavel
    ied,
    I
    shoul
    dhavejusttol
    dyouthetrut
    h.”
    “Idon’
    tcareanymor
    e.Iam goi
    ng.Iam notgoi
    ngt
    o
    stayhere.
    ”
    “Thereisnoenoughpetroli
    nt hi
    scart
    otakeyou
    anywher e.Wait
    …Iam notgoingtodoanyt
    hingto
    you.Ijustwanttoi
    ntr
    oduceyout omymot her
    .Look
    atthePet r
    ol.I
    t’
    sonempty.”
    “Idon’
    twantt
    obeintr
    oducedtoyourmot
    her
    becauseIam dumpi
    ngyou.”
    “
    Wewi
    llgot
    oHar
    are.
    .Iwi
    llt
    akeyout
    oRut
    endo.
    ”
    “Idon’
    twanttomeetheranymor
    e.Idon’
    twantyou
    anymore.Iwantt
    ogohome. ”
    Hesighed.“
    Ther eisnopetrol
    .Youwon’tgetfar.I
    hadaskedsomeonet osourcemewithpetrol.
    .heis
    coming.Iam sorry.Iwi
    llr
    etur
    nyou.IloveyoubutI
    fear
    edthefactthatIhaveallt
    hesewiveswillturn
    youoff.
    ”
    “Whattur
    nsmeof fareyourl
    iesandthewayyou
    don’
    ttakecareofyourf
    amilyandthewayyouthi
    nk
    youcanraiseyourugl
    yhandatme. ”
    “
    Itr
    ytot
    akecar
    eoft
    hem.Igi
    vet
    hemoneyt
    o
    Rutendoandshe’
    ssupposedt
    obuyt
    hem f
    oodbut
    shedoesn’
    t.
    ”
    “Andyouar efi
    newi t
    hthatbecausetheyarenot
    thatimport
    ant.Ihopetheysoonreali
    zethei
    rwort
    h
    andleaveyou.Gaosepehelawena. ”
    “
    Iam notbutRut
    endoi
    smyf
    ir
    stwi
    fe.She-
    “
    “
    Iwi
    llsleepi
    nt hecar.Mysi
    stershoul
    dbear
    ri
    ving
    t
    omorrowmor ning.
    ”
    “
    Iloveyou.
    ”
    Lorat
    ot ur
    nedoffthecarandsi
    ghedasherst
    omach
    grumbledinhunger.
    Shetookof
    fhershoesandadj
    ust
    edt
    hecarseatdo
    shecoul
    dli
    edown.
    Munashewat chedhert
    henslowlywalkedtot
    he
    house.Nomatterl
    ookedathim ashewalkedi
    nhis
    room.Sheignoredhi
    sgruntsandwalkedtoherhut
    unbother
    ed.
    Munashe’
    sphonerangaslai
    ddown,
    hel
    ookedat
    Rut
    endocall
    ingandsi
    ghed.
    “
    Hel
    lo?
    ”
    “Hanziwaunzahur
    enyowani
    .(Ihear
    ingyouhave
    broughtanewwhore?
    )”
    “
    Ndakanet
    a.(
    Iam t
    ir
    ed.
    )”
    “Busykutiwunzi
    radzacrossaborderzvako.
    Handisat
    indakamboonazvakadai.(Busybri
    nging
    usthosethathavecrossedtheboarder.
    )Ihopeyou
    keepnonsensedzakof arf
    rom me.”
    “
    Whosai
    dIam br
    ingi
    nghert
    oyou?
    ”
    “Iam t
    ell
    ingyouinadvance.NowIseewhyyou
    didn’
    ttel
    lkut
    iyouwerecomi ng.Youwer
    etr
    yingt
    o
    avoidme.”
    “Whathappenedt
    othemoneyIgaveyout
    osend
    home?”
    “
    Ipai
    drent,
    schoolf
    eesyaNokuandal
    sobought
    f
    ood.Thatmoneywasnitenough.
    ”
    “
    Rut
    endo-
    “
    “Yes.I
    twasnotenough.Ihadnot
    hingt
    ogi
    vet
    hem.
    Ineedmoretoo.
    ”
    “Mymotheri
    sst
    arvi
    ngandyouj
    ustdon’
    tcar
    e
    handi
    ti
    ?”
    “Yourmotherhasthosetwobabymaki ngmachines
    whoknownot hingaboutcont
    racepti
    ves.Lett
    hem
    takecar
    eofhersincetheydonothingbutgivebi
    rth
    everyweek.
    ”
    Munashehungupandswi
    tchedof
    fhi
    sphone.

    *
    **

    InPalapye,
    Wamedi shedlunchandwalkedwi
    th
    rragweObakeng’
    splateoutsi
    dewherewasseated
    pressi
    nghisphone.
    “
    Food.
    ”
    Heputawayhi
    sphoneandsmi
    led.“
    Thankyou.
    ”
    Wamewentbackandt
    ookherpl
    atet
    henj
    oinedhi
    m
    out
    side.
    “
    OkaeEt
    sil
    e?”
    “
    Sti
    llsl
    eepi
    ng.It
    hinkhe’
    sti
    red.
    ”
    Rr
    agweObakengnodded.“
    Ok.
    ”
    Wamesmi
    led.“
    Hei
    sObakeng’
    sphot
    ocopy.
    ”
    Hesmi
    led.“
    Heis.Themor
    ehegr
    owst
    hemor
    ehe
    l
    ooksl
    ikehi
    sfat
    her.
    ”
    “
    Doyout
    hinkFi
    fii
    sfi
    nal
    lymovi
    ngon?
    ”
    “
    Idon’tknow.I
    fso,Iam happy.Shecan’
    tcr
    y
    f
    orever.Shei
    ssti
    llyoungandbeauti
    ful
    .”
    “
    Andshehadbeenal
    onef
    ort
    ool
    ong.
    ”
    “Yes.Whenevershei
    sreadyIwi
    llgi
    vehermy
    blessi
    ngs.
    ”
    Wamenoddedandsmi l
    ed.“Iam happyObakeng
    gott
    oexperi
    encewhatloveisbeforehedied.Ial
    so
    wantthesame.Iam get
    tingold.
    ”
    Rr
    agweObakengl ookedather
    .“Youar
    enot
    .You
    ar
    esti
    llbeaut
    if
    ul.
    ”
    Wamesmi l
    edevenmor
    e.“
    Idi
    dn’
    tthi
    nkyounot
    ice
    anymor
    e.”
    “
    Ido.Youar
    easbeaut
    if
    ulasyouwer
    e.”
    Shemovedcloserputt
    ingherpl
    atedown.“
    Imadea
    mist
    akebackthen.Ishoul
    dhavefoll
    owedmyhear
    t
    andj
    ustl
    ovedyou.
    ”
    Hel
    ookedather
    .“That
    ’si
    nthepastWame.
    ”
    “
    Ist
    il
    lloveyou.
    ”
    Heputt
    hepl
    atedown.“
    Yoursi
    ster
    -“
    “Shedoesn’
    thavetoknow.Noonehastoknow.We
    canbehappytogether
    .Weloveeachot
    her
    .Iknow
    i
    t’swrongbutIl
    oveyousomuchPako.Iknowyou
    don’
    tloveDimakat
    so.”
    Helookedinhereyes.“
    Idon’t.Idi
    datsomepoint
    butIdon’t
    .Ial
    solovedyouatsomepoi ntandIthi
    nk
    apartofmestil
    ldobutrightnowmyhear tist
    orn.I
    am..ther
    eis…”
    Wameheldhishand.“
    Ist
    her
    esomeoneel
    se?You
    cant
    ellme.
    ”
    “
    No.Ther
    eisnoone.But
    …”
    “
    Doyouwantsomeoneel
    se?
    ”
    Wame’sphonerang.Shet
    ooki
    toutf
    rom herbr
    a
    andpi
    ckedFif
    i’
    scall
    .
    “
    Fif
    i.
    .”
    “
    Mama, Iam onmywayt
    oZimbabwe.Mysi
    ster
    wasinvol
    vedwit
    haZi
    mbabweanman.Iam goi
    ng
    t
    otakeher.”
    “
    Zimbabwei
    ssof
    ar.Dr
    ivecar
    eful
    ly.
    ”
    Rr
    agweObakengl
    ookedatWame.
    “
    CanIt
    alkt
    oher
    ?”
    “
    Yourf
    atheri
    n-l
    awwant
    stot
    alkt
    oyou.
    ”
    “
    Oh…ok.
    ”
    Wamehandedhi
    mthephone.
    “
    MmaMoj
    alef
    a…”
    “
    Eer
    ra.
    ”
    “Pl
    easebecaref
    ul.Youar
    egoi
    ngt
    oaf
    orei
    gnl
    and.
    Becauti
    ous.
    ”
    “
    Iwi
    llbe.Thankyou.
    ”
    “
    Ifanyt
    hinghappens,
    cal
    l.Anyt
    hingatal
    l.Justcal
    l
    me.”
    “
    Ok.
    ”
    “
    Bye.
    ”
    Hehandedt
    hephonet
    oWameandgul
    peddome
    wat
    erasWamehungup.
    “
    Ist
    her
    esomeoneel
    se?
    ”
    Het
    houghtofhi
    sanswerf
    oracoupl
    eofseconds.
    “
    No.Youareagoodwoman.Youdeser
    vebetter
    t
    hantobesecondbest
    .Iam t
    oool
    dtobetr
    yingto
    j
    iggl
    etwowomen.”
    Wamenodded.“
    Eat
    .”
    Het
    ookadeepbr
    eat
    handcont
    inuedeat
    ing.

    *
    **

    Latert
    hatnighti
    nZi mbabwejustaf
    termi dni
    ght
    ,the
    Jeepcruisedint
    hedar kheadedtoHarare.Fi
    fi
    l
    ookedar oundal
    laloneintheroadwithnothi
    ngbut
    thefor
    estinhersides.Onceinawhileacarwould
    dri
    vegoingtheoppositedir
    ecti
    onofwher eshewas
    going.
    Somet
    hingadi
    stanceawayf
    rom hercaughther
    att
    ent
    ion,shebri
    ghtenedherli
    ght
    sandlookedat
    thewomanst oppinghercar
    ryi
    ngwhatseemedlike
    ababy.Fi
    fislowlysloweddownappr
    oachingherin
    themiddl
    eofnowher e.
    .
    .
    .
    [
    04/
    23,
    06:
    00]'
    :
    Si
    nsUnf
    orgi
    ven
    #93

    Thewomanr anint
    otheroad,Fi
    fisteppedonher
    accelerat
    orandswervedthecaroutgoingoutof
    roadthenbackinasat r
    uckapproachedf r
    om t
    he
    otherside.Hehoot
    ed,Fif
    ifl
    ashedherlight
    swants
    speedingaway.
    Shelookedatherrearvi
    ewmi r
    rorbutther
    ewasno
    oneanymor e.Sheputherhandoverherchestas
    herheartbeathar
    dagainstherchest.Herhands
    wereevenshaki
    ngasshet
    ri
    edt
    ofi
    gur
    eoutwhat
    hadhappened.
    Shechangedhermusi
    ctogospel
    .

    *
    **

    Thef oll
    owingmorning,Lor
    atoslowl
    ywokeupint
    he
    car.Shel ookedar
    oundandt ookadeepbr
    eat
    h
    hungr yandexhausted.
    Nomat terwal kedoutofthehouse.Lorat
    owat ched
    herasshewal kedtoherhut.Mi
    nuteslat
    ersmoke
    cameout .Loratosteppedoutoft
    hecarlockingit
    behind.Shewal kedovertoNomatter
    ’shutthen
    knockedont hedoor .
    Nomat
    terl
    ookedatherandsmi
    led.“
    Hel
    lo.
    ”
    “
    Hi.CanIcomei
    n?”
    “
    Yes.
    ”
    Lor
    atowalkedi
    nandsatonthebui
    ltsl
    abbench
    goi
    ngroundherwal
    lti
    llwher
    eherplat
    eswere
    ni
    cel
    ydi
    spl
    ayedonabui
    ltsor
    tofki
    tchenshel
    ves.
    Nomat
    tersmi
    led.“
    Ibr
    ingyouf
    oodyouwer
    esl
    eep.
    ”
    Lor
    atonodded.“
    Thankyou.
    ”
    “
    Memor
    ytookt
    hef
    ood.Sor
    ry.Youwantbat
    h?”
    “
    Yespl
    ease.
    ”
    Nomat t
    erstoodupandwal
    kedout.Shecameback
    minuteslat
    erwit
    hametalt
    inofwatert
    henputi
    ton
    t
    hef i
    re.
    Nomat t
    er’
    sphonest
    art
    edri
    ngi
    ng.Shel
    ookedatt
    he
    unsavednumbercal
    li
    ngandpi
    cked.
    “
    Hel
    lo?
    ”
    “
    Hi,
    canIpl
    easet
    alkt
    oLor
    ato.
    ”
    Nomat
    terhandedt
    hephonet
    oLor
    ato.
    “
    Hel
    lo?
    ”
    “Hey,
    what’
    sthesur
    nameagai
    n?Ihavebeendr
    ivi
    ng
    forawhi
    lenowmmai nt
    hedark,
    Idon’
    tknowwhere
    Iam.”
    “
    Mar
    ufu.
    ”
    “
    Iseesomel
    ady.Letmeask.
    ”
    Lor
    atohel
    dthephoneasFi
    fiasked.
    “Lol
    o,Ihavet
    odr
    ivefur
    ther
    .Iwi
    llcal
    lagai
    n.It
    hinkI
    sawaghostatni
    ght.
    ”
    “
    Wher
    e?”
    Fi
    fil
    aughed.“
    Heel
    amma!Iwi
    llt
    ellyoui
    ja.
    ”
    Lor
    atol
    aughed.“
    Ok.Cal
    lwhenyougetl
    ost
    .”
    “
    Ok.
    ”
    Fi
    fihungupasNomat
    terpour
    edt
    hehotwat
    eri
    na
    bucket
    .
    “
    Youwantcol
    d?”
    Lor
    atost
    oodupandt
    ouchedt
    hewat
    er.“
    Yes.Justa
    bi
    t.
    ”
    Nomat t
    erpour
    edsomecol dwatert
    henpi ckedt
    he
    bucketandwalkedoutwit
    hit
    .Lorat
    of ol
    lowedher
    outsi
    detowhatlookedl
    ikeapitl
    atr
    ine.Theywalked
    i
    nsidetheti
    nyroom.
    “
    Youbat
    hher
    e.”
    “Ok.Thankyou.Iam goi
    ngt
    ogetmyt
    oil
    etr
    ysoI
    bath.
    ”
    Lorat
    ohurr
    iedtot
    hecar
    .Sheunlockedi
    tandtook
    outhert
    oil
    etr
    ybagandadress.Shewal
    kedtothe
    room.
    Nomat t
    erwal
    kedoutleavingherbat
    hing.Munashe
    wal
    kedoutofthehouseandl ookedatNomat ter
    wal
    kinginherhut.Helookedatthecarnoti
    cingFifi
    wasn’ti
    nthecar.Hefoll
    owedNomat terandsighed.
    “
    Ari
    kupi
    ?(Wher
    eisshe?
    )”
    “
    Ari
    kugeza.(
    Shei
    sbat
    hing.
    )”
    Het
    urnedandwal
    kedwher
    ehewasbat
    hing.
    “
    Babe.
    .”
    Heopenedt hedoorandwal kedin.Loratoignored
    him andcontinuedbat
    hing.Minuteslatershe
    reachedforat owel
    andwi pedherbodydr ywi tha
    towel.Sheloti
    onedherbodythenst ar
    teddr essing
    whilehestared.
    “
    Canwet
    alk?
    ”
    “
    Ihavenot
    hingt
    osayt
    oyou.
    ”
    “
    Babe,
    please.
    ”
    “
    Munashe,
    Isai
    dIhavenot
    hingt
    osayt
    oyou.
    ”
    Sheputonhershoesandcombedherhai r
    .Lorat
    o
    pickedthecl
    othesshehadbeenwearingandher
    toil
    etr
    ybagthenwalkedouthol
    dingeveryt
    hing.
    ThewhiteJeepdrovethr
    oughandparkedbesi
    des
    thecart
    heyhadused.Loratosmi
    ledhappi
    ly
    watchi
    nghersist
    erstepout
    .
    Fi
    fibursti
    ntol
    aught
    er,Lol
    owal
    kedovert
    oher
    si
    sterandhuggedher.
    Munashesadl
    ywatchedastheyhel
    deachot
    her
    ti
    ght
    ly,
    somehowtherewasnopleadi
    nghi
    scase
    anymore.
    Nomat t
    erwal
    kedoutandlookedatt
    hecolor
    edlady.
    Probabl
    ythesi
    ster
    .Shewassol i
    ghtincompl
    exi
    on
    shealmostl
    ookedli
    keshewaswhi t
    e.
    Fi
    fismi
    led.“
    Itol
    dyouso!
    ”
    Lor
    atol
    aughed.“
    Iam sohappyyouar
    eher
    e.”
    Fif
    iopenedt
    heboot
    .Lorat
    oputherclot
    hesinsi
    de
    andgotherbagf
    rom t
    heothercar
    .Shetookout
    Munashe’spasspor
    tandIDandputitontopofthe
    carwit
    hthecarkeysbefor
    eputt
    ingherbagsin
    Fif
    i’
    scar.
    Fi
    fil
    ookedatMunashe.“
    Hi.
    ”
    “
    Hel
    lo.Howar
    eyou?
    ”
    “Iam f
    ine.Icametotakewhat
    ’smi
    ne.Hercheeki
    s
    brui
    sed,youhither
    ?”
    Lorat
    osi
    ghed.“
    Hewant
    edt
    otr
    yme,
    kehake
    tswer
    edibol
    o.”
    Fi
    fil
    aughed.“
    Good.
    ”
    Nomat
    terl
    ookedatLor
    ato.Lol
    olookedatFi
    fi
    .
    “That’
    stheotherwifemma,appar
    entl
    yhepr
    omi sed
    topayherfeesbutr at
    hermadeherawif
    egi
    vingher
    kidsatever
    ycor ner
    .”
    Agr eenCRVdrovethroughandpar
    kedbehindthe
    othercar.Al
    adysteppedouttyi
    ngherbr
    aidsint
    oa
    ponytail
    .
    “
    That
    ’st
    heoneIknow.
    ”
    Fi
    finodded.“
    It
    ’spr
    obl
    em.Shoul
    dwego?
    ”
    “
    Nomat
    tercome.
    .”
    Nomat
    terwal
    kedovert
    oLor
    atowhohel
    dherhand.
    “
    Iwi
    llcal
    lyou.
    ”
    “
    Thankyou.
    ”
    Lor
    atolethergo,Nomatterwalkedtoherhut
    hol
    dingthemoneyt hathadbeenplacedinherhand
    whi
    leRutendolookedatthesister
    s.
    “Nhasiwakat
    indovaunzi
    ravar
    unguhehMunashe.
    .
    Bothofyouarehereformyhusband?
    ”
    Theyignor
    edhergetti
    ngintheJeep.Fif
    ist
    artedthe
    engi
    neandr ever
    sedthendroveoffandRutendo
    l
    aughedclappingherhands.
    “
    Theyar
    eal
    readygoi
    ngsback?
    ”
    Munashepi ckedt
    hecarkeysandhi
    spasspor
    t
    togetherwi
    thhisI
    Dandwal kedi
    nsi
    det
    hehouse
    sadly.

    *
    **
    Fi
    fil
    ookedathersi
    ster
    .
    “Ican’tbel
    ieveyouwouldchooseamanoverf
    ami
    ly
    again.Wher eisyourmot
    her?”
    “
    Athome.
    ”
    “
    Youhadnoti
    metogoandseeherhuthadal
    lthe
    t
    imei
    ntheworl
    dtot
    ravelt
    oZi
    mf ordi
    c?”
    “
    Mamawi
    llbef
    ine.
    ”
    “
    Youdi
    sappoi
    ntmesomet
    imes.Thi
    swomani
    syour
    mot
    her
    .”
    “
    Imadeami
    stake.
    ”
    Fif
    isi
    ghed.“I
    t’
    sfi
    ne.Iwanttopasst
    hroughHar
    are
    andseeifIcan’
    tgetanyt
    hingf
    orsel
    li
    ng.”
    “
    Ok.
    ”
    Fif
    itur
    nedupherradi
    oandbouncedherhead
    enjoyi
    nghermusi
    c.

    *
    **
    InMaitengwe, Fi
    fi
    ’sgr
    andmotherlookedather
    husbandt hatsamemor ni
    ng.Shetouchedhiscold
    handandcl osedhereyesastearsfil
    ledhereyes.
    Sheslowl
    ysatont
    hebednextt
    ohi
    sdeadbodyand
    cr
    ied.
    .
    .
    .
    [
    04/
    23,
    06:
    01]'
    :
    Si
    nsUnf
    orgi
    ven
    #94

    Afterhoursofcrying,Fi
    fi
    ’sgrandmot herstoodup
    andwal kedout.Shecamebackwi t
    habucketand
    towelandwi pedherhusbandbef or
    ef i
    xinghimthen
    shecover edhim withablanket.Shewal kedoutand
    satinthesitt
    ingroom forawhi lenotsureonwho
    gocallfir
    st.
    Shepi
    ckedherphoneandwal
    kedoutcal
    li
    ng
    Legaufi
    .Thenumberdi
    dn’
    tgot
    hrough,
    shedi
    aled
    herdaughter
    .

    *
    **

    Lateri
    ntheeveni
    ng,Fi
    fidrovefrom t
    heboar
    dert
    o
    Franci
    stownyawningexhausted.
    Lorat
    olookedather
    .“Youcansl
    eepathome
    toni
    ght.
    ”
    “
    Iam goi
    ngt
    oMai
    tengwe.Iwantt
    oseeMrP.
    ”
    “
    Youcanal
    waysgot
    omor
    row.
    ”
    “Idon’
    twantyourmot
    hert
    orui
    nmyday.I
    ’
    drat
    her
    sleepi
    nalodge.”
    “
    That
    ’sourf
    ather
    ’shouse.
    ”
    “I
    tsyourmother
    ’shouseLor
    ato.Iwi
    llnotst
    ay
    underthesameroom wit
    hsomeonewhoenj oysmy
    miser
    ies.”
    Lor
    atokeptqui
    etasFi
    fipar
    kedatthegat
    e.She
    l
    ookedattheli
    ght
    swhichwereoffi
    nthehouse.Fi
    fi
    si
    ghed.
    “Pl
    easeassistyourmot
    herbef
    oreyougobackt
    o
    Gaborone.I
    fyoudon’t
    ,noonewil
    l.
    ”
    “
    Thankyouf
    orcomi
    ngt
    otakeme.
    ”
    Fif
    ismiled.“
    It
    ’sokt
    houghIknowyouwoul
    dhave
    neverdonethesameforme.”
    Lor
    atol
    ookedather
    .“Iwoul
    d.”
    “No..youwouldnot.Andit
    ’snotasecret
    .Therewas
    atimeyouwoul d.Befor
    eObakengyouwoul d.
    ”Fif
    i’
    s
    phoner ang.Shepi
    ckedthecallasLor
    atohugged
    herthensteppedoutofthecar.
    “
    Hel
    lo?
    ”
    “Legauf
    i,wehavebeent
    ryingtocallyout
    hewhol
    e
    day!”Herauntscr
    eamedthroughthephone.
    “
    Iwast
    ravel
    ing.Whathappened?
    ”
    “
    Yourgr
    andmot
    herwant
    stoseeyou.
    ”
    “
    Ok.Iam comi
    ng.
    ”
    “
    Youcancomet
    omor
    row.Gabor
    onei
    sfar
    .”
    “
    Iam al
    readyi
    nFr
    anci
    stown.Iam comi
    ngt
    her
    e.”
    Fi
    fidr
    oppedt
    hecal
    landspedof
    f.

    Loratowalkedtothedoorthenlift
    edthestonein
    fr
    ontoft heverandahthentookoutthekeys.She
    unlockedthedoorandwal kedinsidethedarkhouse.
    Shet ouchedthewallswit
    chingont heli
    ght.
    Herheartski
    ppi
    ngasshelookedatthemessinthe
    house,i
    twasasifthi
    eveshadbrokeni
    n.Thefunky
    smelli
    ntheairmadeherputherhandoverhernose.
    “
    Mama!
    ”
    Lorat
    olookedar oundthenlookedatthepi
    leof
    humanf aecesont hefloor
    .Herinsi
    destwi
    stedwi
    th
    di
    sgustasshequi ckl
    ylookedaway.Shewalkedt
    o
    hermother’sbedroom andopenedit.
    Sheswitchedonthel
    ight
    .Hermotherleapedf
    rom
    thefl
    oorwhereshehadbeenlyi
    ngscreaming
    naked.
    Lor
    atoscr
    eamedst
    art
    ledme.“
    Mama!
    ”
    MmagweLor
    atol
    ookedar
    oundt
    henmovedback
    f
    ear
    ful
    ly.
    “I
    twasn’tme…Idi dn’
    t….
    itwasn’
    tme..i
    t’
    scomi
    ng!
    It
    ’sgoingtokil
    lme!It
    ’scoming!I
    t’
    sgoingt
    oki
    llme.
    Idon’twanttodie…”
    Lorat
    owatchedhermotherasshecr
    ied.Tear
    sfi
    ll
    ed
    hereyest
    hensheswit
    chof ft
    heli
    ght
    .
    Hermot
    her
    ’scr
    iesdi
    eddown.
    “
    Mama…”
    “
    Itcan’
    tseemei
    nthedar
    k.”
    “
    Mama…i
    t’
    sLor
    ato.
    ”
    “
    Hide.
    ”
    Lorat
    oputherbagsdownandwal kedoutcl
    osing
    thedoorbehindher.Shewalkedt
    ot heot
    herroom
    andlookedaround.Itseemedunt
    ouched.Shetook
    offhershoesandlaidonthebed.
    Shewentongoogl
    etosear
    chhermot
    her
    ’s
    sympt
    oms.
    *
    **

    Fif
    ifrownedthatnightaft
    ermidnightdr i
    vinginsi
    de
    hergrandpar
    ent’syard.Carswerepar kedi nsi
    dethe
    yard.Sheparkedhersthenwalkedi nsidethehouse.
    Herauntl
    ookedather
    .
    “
    Youar
    eher
    e…”
    “
    Eemma.Wher
    eismama?
    ”
    “
    Int
    hebedr
    oom.Shewant
    stoseeyou.
    ”
    “
    What
    ’shappeni
    ng?
    ”
    “
    Not
    hing.Goandt
    alkt
    oher
    .”
    Fif
    iworri
    edl
    ywalkedt
    ohergr
    andmot
    her
    ’sbedr
    oom
    andfoundhersi
    tti
    ngont
    hebed.
    “
    Fif
    i…youar
    eher
    e.”
    Fi
    fiwal
    kedoverandsatbesi
    desher
    .
    “
    Mama…”
    Fi
    fi
    ’sgr
    andmot
    herhuggedhert
    ight
    ly,
    sot
    ightt
    hat
    Fi
    figotemot
    ional
    .
    “
    Whathappened?
    ”
    Hergrandmot
    hersi
    l
    ent
    lyhuggedherast
    ear
    sfi
    ll
    ed
    Fi
    fi
    ’seyes.
    “
    Mama…”
    “
    Godhast
    akenhi
    m.”
    “
    Who?Godt
    ookwho?
    ”
    Fi
    fil
    ookedathershaki
    ng.“
    Who?
    ”
    “Hewasn’twell
    .Hehadaskedwedonotst r
    essyou
    becauseheknewyouwoulddropeveryt
    hingandtr
    y
    andhelp.Helovedyoudomuchhejustwantedyou
    worryfr
    eeandhappy.”
    Fif
    ilookedar
    oundt
    heroom andshookherhead.
    “Mama…whatareyousayi
    ng?Idon’tunder
    stand.
    ”
    “WhenIwokeupt
    hismor
    ning,
    hewasgone.Iam
    sor
    ry.
    ”
    Fif
    ilookedathert
    ryi
    ngt
    odigestwhatshehadj
    ust
    sai
    d.Tearsroll
    eddownhercheeks.
    “
    Butyousai
    dhewasf
    ine.
    ”
    “Ididn’twanttostressyoumygi r
    l.Iknowit
    ’s
    painfulbutitwashi sti
    me.Hewoul dn’
    thavewanted
    uscr yi
    nglikethi
    s..notyou.Helovedyoumor ethan
    anythingandhe..hewoul ddoanythi
    ngforyou.He
    woul dstophisli
    fef oryou.Hel
    ovedyoumygi rl
    .
    Youwer ehisMsP.Hi soneandonl y.
    ”
    Fi
    filookedather,
    tear
    ssteami
    ngdownhercheeks.
    Hergrandmotherhuggedherti
    ghtl
    yaswecr
    ied
    si
    lentl
    yunabletorel
    easeanysound.

    *
    **

    Thefol
    lowi
    ngmor ni
    ng,Lorat
    ofinishedcleani
    ngt he
    houseandsighedsmell
    ingthecleaningdetergents.
    Shewalkedtohermother’
    sbedroom andl ookedat
    her.
    “
    Mama.
    .”
    “Ineedtotellever
    yone.Shewant smet ot
    ell
    everyone.Ihavetogoandt el
    lthem orsheisgoi
    ng
    tobeatme. ”
    “
    Who?
    ”
    “
    Her.”Shepoi
    ntedbehi
    ndLor
    ato.Lor
    atot
    urnand
    l
    ookedatthedoor.
    “
    Noonei
    sgoi
    ngt
    obeatyou.
    ”
    “Sheis.Ineedt
    otel
    lpeopl
    e.Ineedtotel
    lthem what
    Idid.Idon’
    twantt
    ogetbeaten.Ihavet
    otell
    people.”
    .
    .
    .
    [
    04/
    23,
    06:
    01]'
    :
    Si
    nsUnf
    orgi
    ven
    #95

    Loratolookedathermot herasshebangedher
    headagai nstt
    hewall.Shewalkedoutofher
    mot her
    ’sbedroom call
    ingadoctor
    .
    “
    Hel
    lo?
    ”
    “Goodmorni
    ng,i
    t’
    sLorat
    o.Di
    dyouseet
    he
    symptomsIsentyou?
    ”
    “
    Yes,
    it’
    spossi
    blecaseofschi
    zophr
    eni
    a.”
    “
    Cani
    ttr
    eat
    ed?
    ”
    “Yesbutsheneedst obeadmi t
    tedandmonit
    ored.
    Thisisaser i
    ouscase.Ifi
    ndeedshehas
    schizophreni
    a,att
    hemomentshei sdangert
    o
    herselfandthosearoundher.
    ”
    “
    Aret
    her
    enopi
    ll
    stokeepi
    tundercont
    rol
    ?”
    “Ther
    ear ether
    ebutli
    keIsai
    d,sheneedstobe
    admittedataplacewher
    ehercondit
    ioncanbe
    monitored.
    ”
    “
    She…shei
    svi
    olentsoIcan’
    tbr
    ingheranywher
    e“
    “Shecanbesedat
    edthengetadmi
    tt
    ed.Iwoul
    dsay
    doitnow,t
    hesoonert
    hebett
    er.
    ”
    “
    Ok.
    ”
    “Thiscan’tbeeasybutgett
    ingheradmitt
    edi nt
    oan
    asylum i
    st hebestt
    hingyoucandof orher.Youar
    e
    helpingher.”
    “
    Ok.Thankyou.
    ”
    “
    Shoul
    dIor
    gani
    zet
    hatf
    orher
    ?”
    “
    Yes.
    ”
    “
    Ok.
    ”
    Lorat
    ohungupandl ookeduptear
    ful
    lyl
    ist
    eni
    ngt
    o
    hermotherscreami
    nglikeamadwoman.She
    di
    aledFif
    isit
    ti
    ng.
    “
    Hel
    lo?
    ”
    “
    Mamahasgonecr azy.Thedoct
    ori
    ssayi
    ngshe
    mighthaveschi
    zophreni
    a.”
    Fif
    isi
    ghed.“ Getheradmitt
    edkoSbranaor
    somewher e.Schizophr
    eniacanbeputunder
    contr
    ol.I
    t’
    sament ali
    ll
    ness,shei
    snotdyi
    ng.
    ”
    “Iam scar
    ed.Shekeepssayingt
    hings.Idon’
    tthi
    nk
    sheknowsi swhatsheisevensayi
    ng.”
    “Sheprobablydoesn’
    t.Getherhel
    p.MrPpassedon
    yest
    erday.”
    “
    What
    ?”
    Fi
    fisni
    ff
    ed.“
    Yes.Iam i
    nMai
    tengwe.Wear
    e
    pl
    anni
    ngt
    hef
    uner
    al.
    ”
    “
    Iam sor
    ry.Iknowyoul
    ovedhi
    m.Idi
    dtoo.
    ”
    “
    Iwi
    llcal
    lyoul
    ater
    .Getyourmot
    herhel
    p.”
    “
    Ok.Iwi
    llcomet
    her
    eassoonasIcan.
    ”
    Fi
    fidr
    oppedt
    hecal
    lasmmagweLor
    atoscr
    eamed
    more.

    *
    **

    InMaun, mmagweObakengsatonherbedst ar
    ing
    atherson’spict
    ures.RragweObakengwalkedout
    ofthebathroom andlookedatherasshecri
    ed
    sil
    entl
    ystari
    ngatapi ct
    ureofbothObakengand
    Nonost andi
    ngtogetherlaughi
    ngatsomethi
    ng.
    Hest
    art
    eddr
    essi
    ng.Shel
    ookedathi
    m.
    “
    Whenar
    eyougoi
    ngt
    oseeNono?
    ”
    “
    Toseet
    heper
    sonwhoki
    ll
    edmyson?
    ”
    “
    Shedi
    dnotmeant
    oki
    llhi
    m.”
    “Shemeanttoki
    llsomeone.Shewant
    edf
    our
    peopl
    edead.Four!”
    “
    Shewasbei
    ngi
    nfl
    uenced.
    ”
    “No.Shejusthat
    edLegauf isomuchthatshecoul
    d
    kil
    lherandherchil
    dren.Ineverwantt
    oseethat
    mur der
    er.
    ”
    Shewipedthetear
    sthathadr
    oll
    eddown.“
    Thati
    s
    yourdaught
    er!
    ”
    “Sheisdeadt ome.Dead.Iam disappoi ntedshe
    wasgi venonlyfi
    veyearsformur deringthree
    peopleincoldblood.Shedeservedmor ethanthat
    .
    Waymor ethanthat.Mysonwillnevercomeback.
    Hediedaver ypainfuldeat
    h.Sheki l
    ledhis
    daughterstoo.Whatkindofanevi lpersoncando
    that
    ?Shei sveryevilanddeser
    vest or otinpri
    son.
    ”
    Hef
    ini
    sheddr
    essi
    ng.
    “Iwil
    lbegoi ngtoFr anci
    stownt omor r
    ow.Fifi
    ’
    s
    grandfatherpassedon.Idon’ tknowi fyou
    rememberhi m,t
    hemanwhot ookt heroleofbeing
    Fif
    i’
    sfather.Iwil
    lbegoi ngtoof fermysuppor twit
    h
    acoupl eofrelat
    ives.Legaufii
    sst il
    lourdaughter.
    ”
    “
    Idon’
    tunder
    standhowyoucanl
    oveLegauf
    imor
    e
    t
    hanyourowndaughter
    .”
    “
    Legauf
    iisnotamurder.Shei
    snothat
    eful
    .Andshe
    i
    sthemotherofmygrandson.
    ”
    “Legauficanneverbeyourdaught
    er!Nonoi
    syour
    daughterwhetheryouli
    keitornot
    .”
    “Nonof
    oki l
    ledmyson.Unl
    essshecanbr i
    nghim
    backfr
    om thedead,shewi
    llf
    oreverbedeadtome.
    Ihavedisownedher
    !”
    MmagweObakengl ookedatObakeng’
    spi
    ctur
    es
    sni
    ff
    ingasherhusbandwalkedout.

    DaysLat
    er…

    Atthefuner
    al,
    Fif
    istoodnextt
    ohergrandmother
    holdi
    ngherhandast hecof
    fi
    ngotl
    ower ed.Fi
    ficri
    ed
    si
    lent
    lywipi
    nghertearswit
    hhert
    sâle.Shewat ched
    t
    hecof
    fi
    ngodownr
    ecal
    li
    ngObakeng’
    scof
    fi
    n.
    Itwasthedisbel
    ieft
    hatshewasbur yi
    nghim…
    buryi
    ngt hel
    oveofherli
    fe.Themanwhohadl oved
    herwithouthol
    dingback.Heldherhandandl
    edher.
    Shest i
    llcouldn’
    tunderst
    andwhyGodhadt aken
    him awayf rom her
    .Hergr andmot
    herhuggedher
    ti
    ghtlyast heycri
    edtogether.

    *
    **

    Loratoparkedhercarwit
    htheotherfl
    eetofcars
    backathome.Shest eppedoutofthecarjustas
    anothercarparkedbesi
    deshers.
    Amanst
    eppedout
    .
    “
    Hel
    lo.
    .”
    Lor
    atol
    ookedathi
    m.“
    Dumel
    ang.
    .”
    “
    Doyouknowwher
    ethebur
    iali
    s?It
    hinkIam l
    ate.
    ”
    Lor
    atonodded.“
    Yes.Let
    ’sgo.Iam al
    sol
    ate.
    ”
    Lor
    atol
    ockedhercarandst
    art
    edwal
    kingwi
    thhi
    m.
    “
    Didyouknowmygr
    andf
    ather
    ?”
    “
    No.Iam Fi
    fi
    ’sf
    ri
    end.Youmustbehersi
    ster
    .”
    Loratosmi
    led.“Yes.Idi
    dn’
    tknowFi
    fihadmal
    e
    fr
    iends.What’
    syourname? ”
    “
    Tef
    o.”
    Shenodded.“
    Iam Lor
    ato.
    ”
    Theywalkedt
    othegr
    aveyar
    daspeopl
    est
    art
    ed
    comingback.
    “
    Shi
    t!Imi
    ssedi
    t!
    ”
    Loratohur
    riedandsi
    ghedar
    ri
    ving.Fif
    iwassti
    ll
    standingt
    herewit
    hthei
    rgr
    andmot her
    .Lor
    ato
    l
    ookedatTef o.
    “
    It
    ’sdone.Letmegoandt
    alkt
    oher
    .”
    Lorat
    owalkedovert
    oFi
    fiandhuggedbot
    hherand
    hergrandmot
    her.
    Theyhel
    deachot
    hert
    ight
    lyf
    orawhi
    let
    henf
    inal
    ly
    l
    etgo.
    “
    Iam sor
    ryIcamel
    ate.Iwas-
    “
    Thei
    rgr
    andmot
    hersmi
    led.“
    It
    ’sokmygi
    rl
    .Heknew
    youl
    ovedhi
    m.”
    Lorat
    onoddedt
    henl
    ookedathersi
    ster
    .“Tef
    oo
    tsi
    le.
    ”
    Fi
    fitur
    nedtoTef
    oandwalkedovert
    ohim asLor
    ato
    walkedbackt
    othehousewit
    hthei
    rgrandmot
    her.
    “
    Hi…”
    “
    Hey,
    Igotl
    ost
    .Iam sor
    ry.
    ”
    “
    It
    ’sok.Idi
    dn’
    tthi
    nkyouwoul
    dreal
    lycome.
    ”
    “
    Wel
    lIam her
    e.Iam sor
    ryf
    oryourl
    oss.
    ”
    “
    Thankyou.Let
    ’sgo.
    ”
    Theywentbacktothehouse.Fi
    fiwal
    kedtot
    he
    backwherefoodwasbeingcookedwithapl
    ateand
    di
    shedforTefo.Lor
    atowal
    kedovertohim.
    “
    Youar
    ebei
    ngi
    nsi
    det
    hehouse.Who’
    sthatf
    or?
    ”
    “
    Tef
    o.”
    “
    Iwi
    llgi
    vei
    ttohi
    m.Go.
    ”
    Loratogotthepl
    ateasFifihurri
    edinsi
    dethehouse.
    Shewal kedtohergrandmother’
    sbedroom and
    walkedin.Hergrandmotherlookedathersi
    tti
    ngon
    thebed.
    “
    Mama…”
    “Awayf or
    wardi
    sabouttodiscussed.Youraunt
    wantsmyhusband’scows.Shesaysi t
    ’sher
    i
    nherit
    ed.Shei
    sgoingtofi
    ghttotakewhatmy
    husbandandIworkedsohardtohave.”
    “
    Shecan’
    ttakeanyt
    hing.
    ”
    “Shecan’ t
    .ButIam nowol dandsoonIwi l
    lalso
    rest.Shewi l
    ltakeitthenbecauseshei stheonl y
    survivingchildIhave.Iwantt ochangeowner ships
    ofthet hingsIownbef oreIdie.Shewillhavet hi
    s
    housei fhappent odie.That’
    sallshewi l
    lget.Asf i
    r
    thef ar
    m andever ythi
    ngi ni
    t,sheshouldforgetit.
    Butt hat’snotwhyIcal l
    edyou.”
    Hergrandmotherstoodupholdi
    ngherhusband’
    s
    j
    acket.Shesmiledputt
    ingi
    toverFi
    fiwhowas
    al
    readysmili
    ng.
    “
    Hehadal
    wayswant
    edt
    ogi
    vei
    ttoyoubecause
    hal
    foft
    het
    imeyoucameher
    e,youwor
    eit
    .”
    Fi
    fil
    aughedt
    ear
    ful
    ly.“
    Hel
    ovedi
    t.
    ”
    “Hemor
    ethanl
    ovedi
    t.Thi
    sjacketi
    sal
    mostyour
    age.
    ”
    Theybot
    hlaughed.
    “
    Takei
    t.I
    t’
    snowyour
    s.”

    *
    **

    Out
    side,
    Lor
    atowalkedovert
    oTef
    oathi
    scar
    hol
    dingapl
    ate.Shesmi
    led.
    “
    Hi,
    Ihavebr
    oughtyouf
    ood.
    ”
    Tef
    olookedatherandsmi
    led.“
    Thankyou.
    ”
    “
    Fif
    iiscomi
    ng.She’
    sdeal
    ingwi
    thaser
    iousi
    ssue
    i
    nsi
    dethehouse.
    ”
    Lorat
    owatchedasther
    elat
    iveswal
    kedi
    nsi
    deoft
    he
    house.Tef
    olookedt
    oo.
    “
    Arentyougoi
    ng?
    ”
    “Idon’tt
    hinki
    t’
    sappr opri
    ateconsi
    deri
    ngIcamelate.
    AndInevergott hechancet obondwithhim.Fi
    fi
    deservestobeinsidethere.Idon’
    t.Wher
    edidyou
    meetFi f
    i?”
    “
    Mygoestot
    hesameschoolwi
    thher
    s.Theyar
    e
    f
    ri
    ends.
    ”
    Loratosmiled.“
    OhIsee.That
    ’snice.Inever
    thoughtshewoul dopenupagai
    naf terObakeng’
    s
    death.Ihopeyoul i
    veuptot
    hestandar dshehas
    setbecauseshei sgoi
    ngtobelookingf ort
    hati
    na
    man. ”
    “
    Whatwashel
    ike?
    ”
    “Hewasoneofyourqui etbutfir
    m peopl e.Heput
    heraboveanyt hi
    ng.Hewoul ddoanyt hingf orFifi
    ,
    that’
    showmuchhel ovedher .Hecoul ddrivef r
    om
    Gabscomi ngheretoseeher .Heevenboughthera
    car,hewasever ythi
    ng.Shewant sthat.Mat terof
    fact,shewouldset t
    lewithanyonewhomakesher
    feeljustl
    ikeObakengmadeherf eell
    ike.”
    Tef
    osighed.“Iguessthat
    ’swhyshest
    il
    lref
    erst
    o
    hi
    mi npresentt
    ense.”
    “Yes.Shel
    ovedhi
    m mor
    ethananyt
    hing.Shel
    oved
    him somuch.
    ”
    “
    Ial
    solostmywifeawhil
    eback.I
    tdidtakemea
    whi
    let
    oadjustsoIcanr
    elat
    emostlytohowshe
    f
    eel
    s.”
    “Atl
    eastyoucanrel
    ate.I
    t’
    sagoodt
    hing.Iam sor
    ry
    aboutyourwi
    fe.
    ”
    “
    Iam f
    inenow.Iaccept
    edr
    eal
    it
    y.”
    “
    Soyouhaveonechi
    ld?
    ”
    “
    Yes.
    ”
    “Thi
    sisper
    fect
    .Ifyoutwocomet oget
    heryouwil
    l
    beacompletef
    ami l
    y,yoursonsareal
    readyf
    ri
    ends.
    Icanhel
    pyouwi nherheart.
    ”
    Tef
    osmi
    led.“
    Wher
    ehaveyoubeenal
    lthi
    swhi
    le?
    ”
    Lor
    atol
    aughedastheyconti
    nuedchat
    ti
    ngst
    andi
    ng
    si
    debysidel
    eani
    ngagainsthiscar
    .
    .
    .
    .
    Si
    nsUnf
    orgi
    ven
    #96

    Lat
    ert
    hatday,rel
    ati
    vesdispersedgett
    ingint
    heir
    car
    sanddrivi
    ngoff.Fif
    igrandmotherspoket
    oFi f
    i’
    s
    i
    n-l
    awsthanki
    ngthem fortheirpr
    esenceasFifi
    wal
    kedtoTefo’
    scar .
    “
    Hi.Iam sor
    ryIwas-
    “
    “
    It
    ’sok.Iunder
    stand.
    ”
    “
    Didyougetf
    ood?
    ”
    “
    YesIdi
    d.Yoursi
    sterbr
    oughtmesome.
    ”
    “
    Ok…wher
    eisshe?
    ”
    “
    Idon’
    tknow.
    ”
    Fif
    ismiled.“
    Thankyousomuchforcomi
    ng.I
    appreci
    ateit
    .Iam goi
    ngt
    obestayi
    ngbehi
    ndwit
    h
    mygr andmother
    .”
    “
    Ok.Ihavet
    ogot
    owor
    ktomor
    row.
    ”
    “
    Iunder
    stand.Youcomi
    ngt
    odaywasenough.
    ”
    Shemovedcloserandhuggedhim.From adi
    stance
    RragweObakengwatchedastheyhugged.
    Fif
    i’
    sgrandmot
    hersmi
    led.“
    Ihopeyout
    ravel
    safel
    y.”
    Hetur
    nedbacktoherandsmi
    led.“
    Thankyoudo
    much.Uh,l
    etmespeaktommaMoj al
    efat
    henwe
    wi
    lll
    eave.
    ”
    Fi
    fi
    ’sgrandmothersmilednoddi
    ng.Rr
    agwe
    ObakengturnedtoFif
    iwhowasnowwavi ngast
    he
    man’scardroveoff
    .
    Hewalkedovert
    oherashi
    syoungerbr
    other
    wal
    kedtothecar.Rr
    agweObakengl
    ookedatFi
    fi
    .
    “
    MmaMoj
    alef
    a..
    ”
    Fi
    fismi
    led.“
    Idi
    dn’
    tknowyouwer
    egoi
    ngt
    ocome.
    ”
    “Wear
    esti
    llf
    amily.Wewil
    lfor
    everbefamily.We
    cameher
    etostandwithyouinthesedi
    ff
    icult
    ti
    mes.
    ”
    “
    Thankyou.Thankyousomuch.
    ”
    Helookedinhereyesthenwi
    thoutt
    hinki
    nghugged
    her
    .Fificl
    osedhereyesasheengul
    fedheri
    nhis
    ar
    ms,shewrappedherarmsar
    oundhi
    m br
    eat
    hing
    i
    nhiscol
    ogne.Heletgoandcl
    ear
    edhi
    sthr
    oat
    .
    “
    Wear
    enowgoi
    ng.
    ”
    Fi
    finoddedl
    ooki
    ngdown.“
    Thankyou.
    ”
    Hetur
    nedandwalkedtohiscar
    .Hegoti
    nhi scar
    ,
    hi
    syoungerbr
    otherl
    ookedathi
    m ashedroveoff
    .
    “
    Thatwasal
    onghug.
    ”
    Rr
    agweObakengl
    ookedathi
    m.“
    What
    ?”
    “
    Not
    hing.Butyouknowi
    twoul
    dbe…i
    t’
    s…”
    “
    Whatar
    eyousayi
    ng?
    ”
    Theyoungerbr
    othersi
    ghed.“Somethi
    ngsare…
    somesinscanneverbeforgi
    ven.Andt
    heycan
    causealotmoredamagethanyoucanthink.Al
    ot
    ofdamage.”
    “
    Whatsi
    ns?
    ”
    “Youheardme.Iwon’ ttel
    lyouagai
    n.Youshould
    noteventhinkaboutit
    .Youcannevereventhink
    aboutit
    ,it
    ’s.
    ..I
    t’
    sdisgusti
    ng.I
    t’
    sverydi
    sgust
    ing!”
    Rr
    agweObakengl
    ookedathi
    m.“
    Whatar
    eyou
    taki
    ngabout?I
    fyouwon’tcomeoutintheopen
    aboutwhatyouaret
    ryi
    ngtosay,keepquiet
    .”
    “IsaidwhatIsai d.Youheardme!Godwi l
    lnever
    forgiveyou.Noonewi l
    lfor
    giveyou.Youwi l
    lbe
    causi ngbadblood.Besidesthat,bei
    ngrespectf
    ul
    won’ tkil
    lyou.Youcan’tbehavelikeahorny
    l
    ovest ruckteenager.AndIwillpunchyouifIsee
    youget ti
    ngt ooclosenextt
    ime.Okar eotatswamo
    tseleng.”
    “
    Youar
    est
    il
    ltal
    king?
    ”
    Hekeptqui
    etandf
    oldedhi
    sar
    ms.

    *
    **

    Lat
    erthateveni
    ng,Fi
    ficover
    edhergrandmother
    whohadf al
    lenasl
    eepthenwalkedtoherroom
    whereLorat
    owassi t
    ti
    ngont hebedholdi
    ngher
    phone.
    “
    Shei
    ssl
    eepi
    ng.
    ”
    Lor
    atoputdownherphone.“
    Howi
    sshe?
    ”
    “
    Shei
    sok.Bet
    tert
    hanme.
    ”
    Fifit
    ookoffhercl
    othesandwrappedat owel
    aroundherbody.Lorat
    o’sphonerang,
    Fifil
    ookedat
    thescreenthenfr
    owned.
    “
    Who’
    sthi
    sTef
    owho’
    scal
    li
    ng?
    ”
    Lor
    atolooked.“
    Oh,it
    ’syourTef
    o.Hewant
    edt
    odo
    somethi
    ngniceforyou.”
    “
    Ok,
    whyi
    shecal
    li
    ngyout
    hen?
    ”
    “
    Heneededhel
    pwi
    thi
    deas.
    ”
    Fi
    fisatdownbesi
    deshersi
    ster
    .“Canwet
    alk?
    ”
    “
    Yes.Di
    dIdosomet
    hingwr
    ong?
    ”
    “
    No.ButIwoul
    dappr
    eci
    atei
    fTef
    oremai
    nedmy
    f
    ri
    endonly.
    ”
    “
    Iwasn’
    tgoi
    ngt
    odoanyt
    hingFi
    fi
    .”
    “
    IknowbutIj
    ustwantTef
    obei
    ngmyf
    ri
    endonl
    y.”
    “
    Ok.Iam sor
    ryi
    fIover
    steppedmyboundar
    ies.
    ”
    “I
    t’
    sok.Socanyouki
    ndl
    ytel
    lhi
    m youcan’
    thel
    p
    hi
    m. ”
    “
    Yes.
    ”
    Fi
    fihandedhert
    hephone.Lor
    atocal
    ledhi
    m back.
    “
    Hey.
    .”
    “Hi,
    Iwon’tbeabletohel
    pyououtofr
    espectf
    ormy
    sist
    er.Iam sor
    ry.
    ”
    “
    Ohok.
    ”
    “
    Bye.
    ”
    Lor
    atohungupanddel
    etedt
    henumber
    .
    “
    Ther
    e.Iam sor
    ry.
    ”
    Fi
    fismi
    led.“
    Thankyou.Iam goi
    ngt
    obat
    h.”
    Fi
    fist
    oodupandwal kedout
    .Lor
    ato’
    sphone
    vi
    brat
    ed.Sheopenedthemessagefr
    om Tef
    o.
    Tefo:Hi,
    isever
    ythi
    ngok.IhopeIdi
    dn’
    tcauseany
    problemsbetweenyouandFifi
    .
    Lorat
    o:No.It
    ’sok.
    .wear
    egood.
    .Fi
    fidoesn’
    tli
    ke
    shari
    ngfr
    iends.
    Tef
    o:Igeti
    t.I
    t’
    sok.
    Lor
    ato:Iwi
    llst
    il
    lhel
    pyou.
    Fi
    fiwal
    kedbackon.Lor
    atoputdownherphone.
    “
    Ifor
    gotmyt
    oil
    etr
    ybag.
    ”
    Shet
    ooki
    tandwal
    kedoutwi
    thherr
    ingi
    ngphone.
    Lor
    atosi
    ghedt
    hensavedhi
    snumberas‘
    FNBboss’
    .

    Meanwhi
    leFi
    fipi
    ckedWame’
    scal
    l.
    “
    Mama.
    .”
    “
    HiFi
    fi
    .Iam sor
    ryIcoul
    dn’
    tcome.
    ”
    “
    It
    sok.Howi
    sEt
    sil
    e.”
    “Hei
    sfi
    ne.Hei
    sst
    andi
    ngher
    ewant
    ingt
    otal
    kto
    you.
    ”
    Fi
    fismi
    led.“
    Ok.
    ”
    “
    Hel
    lomama…”
    “
    Hibaby,
    howar
    eyou?
    ”
    Hest
    art
    edt
    alki
    ng.Fi
    fil
    aughedashewenton
    t
    alki
    ngabouthi
    sday.
    “
    Imi
    ssyou.
    ”
    Fi
    fismi
    led.“
    Met
    oo.Doyouwantt
    ocomeback?
    ”
    “
    No.Iwantt
    opl
    ay.
    ”
    Fi
    fil
    aughedast
    heyspokrmor
    e.Samet
    ookt
    he
    phoneminut
    esl
    ater
    .
    “
    Hi.
    .”
    “
    Mama.
    .”
    “
    Mycondol
    ences.
    ”
    “
    Thankyou.
    ”
    “Ineedt ot
    alktoyouaboutsomething.Idon’
    tknow
    i
    fi t
    ’sri
    ghttotalkaboutt
    hisbutIf
    eel…it’
    sabout
    yourfatheri
    n-law.Ican’
    thel
    pbutfeelyoutwoare
    closerthanitshouldbe.
    ”
    Fi
    fiswal
    lowedl
    ist
    eni
    ngt
    oher
    .
    .
    .
    .
    [
    04/
    23,
    06:
    01]'
    :
    Si
    nsUnf
    orgi
    ven
    #97

    Fi
    fisatontopoft
    het
    oil
    etseatt
    ryi
    ngt
    ocont
    rolher
    br
    eathing.
    “
    Ma?
    ”
    “Youlostyourhusband.Iknowhi sfat
    herprobably
    remindsyouofhi m buti
    t’
    sal i
    ttl
    equesti
    oni
    ngt hat
    yourfatherin-
    lawwouldber eadytodropwhatever
    heisdoi ngforyou.Ij
    ustdon’twantyoutobeso
    dependantonhi m.Youshoul dbeabletost
    andon
    yourown. ”
    “
    Idi
    dn’
    treal
    izeIam get
    ti
    ngt
    oocl
    oset
    ohi
    m.”
    “Hetol
    dmeyouwantt oexpandyourshopandt hat
    hewantstohel pyouwi t
    htherent.Ontopoft hathe
    gaveyouaf arm.He’spayingP4500f orEt
    sileevery
    month.That’
    smor ethanenoughFi fi
    .It
    ’salot.
    P1000isenoughf orEtsi
    lebecauseyouar ealsoan
    acti
    veparentandrragweObakengi snotEtsile’
    s
    fat
    her,j
    usthi
    sgr andf
    ather
    .Ijustwantyoutobe
    caref
    ulandalsostandonyourown.Obakengi s
    gone.Youcan’tkeepongetti
    nghandouts.”
    “Ihearyou.Tobehonestit’
    snotevennecessaryfor
    himtopayEt si
    le’
    smaintenancebecauseIcantake
    careofmysonal one.Iwil
    ltal
    ktohim andtakea
    stepback.”
    “
    Iknewyouwoul
    dunder
    stand.
    ”
    “
    Eemma.Wast
    her
    eanyt
    hingel
    se?
    ”
    “
    No.That
    ’sal
    l.
    ”
    “
    Ok.Gosi
    ame.
    ”
    Fi
    fihungupandt
    ookadeepbr
    eat
    hcal
    li
    ngr
    ragwe
    Obakeng.
    “
    MmaMoj
    alef
    a..
    ”
    “
    Hel
    lo…IhopeIdi
    dn’
    tcat
    chyouatt
    hewr
    ongt
    ime.
    ”
    “No.Ij
    ustdroppedof
    fmybrot
    heri
    nFr
    anci
    stown.I
    am aboutt
    oheadt oMaun.
    ”
    “
    Ok.
    ”
    “
    Isever
    ythi
    ngok?
    ”
    “Yes.Wamejustcal
    ledmeandmader eal
    izethat
    youaredoingfarmuchmorethanyoushoul dbe
    doingforme.Youdosomucht hatIappreci
    atebutI
    thi
    nkit’
    sti
    meIt r
    ytomanagealone.
    ”
    “
    Whatdi
    dshesay?
    ”
    “
    Maybeyoushouldst
    oppayi
    ngmai
    ntenance.Ican
    t
    akecar
    eofEtsi
    le.
    ”
    “Etsi
    lei
    saMoj al
    efa.Iwi
    llneverstoptaki
    ngcareof
    him.Yougavebirt
    ht ohi
    m. .t
    akingcareofyou
    meanst aki
    ngcareofhim.Iwillconti
    nuedoingwhat
    Idoforyouandhim.Not hi
    ngi sgoingtostopme.”
    “
    Idon’
    twantt
    ofi
    ghtwi
    thanyone.
    ”
    “Wameiscaughtupinherf
    eel
    ings.Shewantedme
    tost
    artanaf
    fai
    rwit
    hher.Shet
    hinkseveryonei
    sher
    competi
    ti
    on.
    ”
    “
    Becauseshel
    ovesyou.
    ”
    “
    WhenyougobacktoGabor
    one,
    takeEt
    sil
    e.Ineed
    t
    oshowyousomethi
    ng.Whenar
    eyouleavi
    ng?”
    “IthoughtIwouldst
    ayacoupl
    eofdayswi
    thmy
    grandmot her
    .”
    “
    Ok.Tel
    lmewhenyoul
    eaveFr
    anci
    stown.
    ”
    “
    Wher
    edoyouwantt
    otakeme?
    ”
    “
    Youwi
    llseewhenwegett
    her
    e.”
    “Wecan’
    tbetoget
    heral
    one.I
    twi
    lll
    ookl
    ikewear
    e
    get
    ti
    ngtoocl
    ose.”
    “
    Fif
    i…”
    “
    Rra?
    ”
    “
    Tel
    lmewhenyoul
    eaveMai
    tengwe.
    ”
    Shet
    ookadeepbr
    eat
    hasherhear
    tpounded.“
    That
    ni
    ght
    -“
    “
    Wear
    enotgoi
    ngt
    otal
    kaboutt
    hatni
    ght
    .”
    Tear
    sfi
    ll
    edhereyes.“
    Wecan’
    tbeal
    onet
    oget
    her
    .”
    “
    Cal
    lmewhenyoul
    eaveMai
    tengwe.
    ”
    “
    Wamesai
    dwear
    eget
    ti
    ngmor
    ethancl
    ose.
    ”
    “
    Iwillsor
    tthatout
    .It
    ’st
    hel
    astt
    imeshesayssuch
    t
    hingstoyou.”
    Hehungup.Fi
    fiputt
    hephonedownandrubbedher
    t
    ear
    s.Shetookalongbat
    handwalkedt
    oherr oom.
    Sheputonherpyj
    amasasLor
    atopr
    essedher
    phone.
    “
    Areyouok?
    ”
    Fi
    fil
    ookedather
    .“Yes.
    ”
    Fi
    ficr
    awledi
    ntothebedandcoveredherselfwi
    tha
    bl
    ankett
    henclosedhereyesf
    orci
    ngherselfto
    sl
    eep.
    Herphoner
    angwaki ngherup.Shel
    ookedatTef
    o
    cal
    li
    ngandpicked.
    “
    Hel
    lo?
    ”
    “Hi,
    didIcauseanyf
    ri
    cti
    onbet
    weenyouandyour
    sist
    er?
    ”
    “No.Loloismysi sterandassisters,wetalkthings
    out.Iam notcomf ort
    ablewit
    hmysi sterbeing
    fr
    iendswithyou.It’snothi
    ngintense.Youj ustneed
    torespectthat
    .”
    “
    It
    sok.Ihearyou.Idi
    dn’
    tknow.
    ”
    “
    Nowyoudo.Haveyouar
    ri
    ved?
    ”
    Hel
    aughed.“
    No.Iam st
    il
    lfarbutIcal
    lyouwhenI
    do.
    ”
    “
    Ok,
    dri
    vecar
    eful
    ly,
    ther
    ear
    eani
    mal
    sint
    her
    oad.
    ”
    “
    Ok,
    sleep.Bye.
    ”
    Fifihungupandputherheaddownwhi
    leLor
    ato
    typedonherphone.

    *
    **

    WameputEtsil
    edownl at
    erthatnightandcover
    ed
    hi
    m withaduvetbef
    orewalkingoutoftheroom.
    Shewalkedt
    oherbedroom andsatont hebed.She
    unl
    ockedherphoneandcalledrr
    agweObakeng.
    Hi
    sphoner
    angf
    orabewhi
    lebef
    orehepi
    cked.
    “
    Hel
    lo?
    ”
    “
    Hel
    lo…”
    “
    Wame,
    isever
    ythi
    ngok?
    ”
    “
    Yes.Howdi
    dthef
    uner
    algo?
    ”
    “
    Itwentwel
    l.WhenLegauf
    ileavesMai
    tengwe,
    she
    i
    sgoi
    ngt
    opassbyt
    aki
    ngEt
    sil
    e.”
    “
    Ishest
    il
    lnotonhol
    iday?
    ”
    “HeisbutIthi
    nkit’
    sbestMmaMoj al
    efar
    emains
    withhersontoavoidconfl
    ict
    .Okaretaki
    ngcareof
    Etsi
    leist
    akingalotfr
    om youthoughnooneasked
    you.”
    “
    Pako.
    .-
    “
    “AndwhatdoyoumeanwhenyousayIam get
    ti
    ng
    closet
    omydaught
    erin-
    law?
    ”
    Wamet ookadeepbr eat
    h.“
    Imeantt
    hatsheshoul
    d
    notbeverydependantonyou.
    ”
    “Iwi
    llstandwi t
    hmydaught eri
    n-lawbecauseno
    oneisdoi ngthat.Iwil
    lnotabandonher .Iwil
    lkeep
    sendinghermoneyf orEtsi
    le,i
    t’
    sr i
    ghtf
    ull
    yhis.That
    moneyi sf r
    om themoneyhi sfatherlef
    t.Etsi
    lewil
    l
    notsufferwhenIam al ive.
    ”
    “It
    hinkIam bei
    ngmi sunderst
    ood.Iwasj ustsayi
    ng
    youshouldstoptaki
    ngcar eofEtsi
    le.Il
    oveEtsil
    e.
    AndIwanthimt ohavet hebest.
    ”
    “
    ThenIam happywear
    eont
    hesamepage.Iam
    notgoi ngtost ar
    tar el
    ati
    onshi pwithyou.I fIam
    goingt ogot ohellforsi
    nning, Iwil
    lnotalsobur nfor
    sleepingwi t
    hyou.Idon’ tevenl oveyou,Ionce
    thoughtIdi dbutIdon’tanymor e.Stopcompet ing
    withMmaMoj al
    efaandEt sil
    ef ormyat t
    ent i
    on.
    Theywi l
    lalwayscomef i
    rsttome. .Andt hishad
    betterbet helastti
    meyoubr ingsucht opicsto
    Legauf i
    .Ifyouar eti
    redoft akingcareofherson,
    sayso. ”
    Wametookadeepbreat
    h.“Ihearyou.Iam sor
    ryi
    fI
    cr
    ossedt
    heli
    ne.It
    houghtIwaslookingoutforFi
    fi
    .”
    “Looki
    ngoutforherhow?Bytel
    li
    nghert
    hatIam
    doingtoomuchformygrandson?”
    “
    Iam sor
    ry.Iwaswr
    ong.
    ”
    “
    Cont
    rolyourj
    eal
    ous.Goodni
    ght
    .”
    Hehungup.Wamel
    ookedupt
    aki
    ngadeepbr
    eat
    h.

    *
    **

    Thef
    oll
    owi
    ngmor
    ning,
    Fif
    i’
    sgr
    andmot
    herwal
    kedi
    n
    theki
    tchenwher
    eFi
    fiwasdi
    shi
    ngsof
    tpor
    ri
    dge.
    Shesmi l
    ed.
    “
    Itsmel
    lsdel
    ici
    ous.
    ”
    Fi
    fit
    urnedandsmi
    led.“
    Imadei
    thowyoul
    ikei
    t“
    “Thankyoumygir
    l.Whenar
    eyougoi
    ngbackt
    o
    yourbusi
    ness?
    ”
    “
    Iam goi
    ngt
    ost
    ayher
    ewi
    thyou.
    ”
    “
    Ngng,
    doi
    ngwhatwi
    thmeher
    e?”
    “
    Taki
    ngcar
    eofyou.
    ”
    “
    ButIcant
    akecar
    eofmysel
    f.
    ”
    “
    Iwantt
    ohel
    pyou.
    ”
    “Yourl
    ifecannotstopf ormeFi f
    i.Iwi
    llbef
    ine.You
    wil
    lbefine.Wewi l
    lbef ine.GodisawonderfulGod.
    Iwil
    lpraisehimforgivingamanl i
    kemyhusband.I
    am 70year sol
    d.Iwilldiehappy.Iwil
    lnotcrybut
    rat
    herpraisehim.Youshoul ddothesame.And
    l
    eavemyhousewhi l
    eati t.
    ”
    Lor
    atowal
    kedi
    nal
    readydr
    essedupal
    ready.
    “
    Youar
    eleavi
    ngmygi
    rl
    ?Takeyourbi
    gsi
    sterwi
    th.I
    wanttobealone.
    ”Shetookherporri
    dgeandwal
    ked
    out.“
    LeavesoIenjoymycondolencesmoneyi
    n
    peace.Okarelet
    abaproblem.
    ”
    Loratolaughed.“
    Ihavetopassbyathomei
    n
    Francistown.Iwi
    llseeyoui
    nGabs.”
    Fi
    finodded.“
    Ok.
    ”
    Lor
    atohuggedherandwal
    kedoutpi
    cki
    ngacal
    l
    smil
    ing.
    .
    .
    Fami l
    yIam battli
    ngfatigue,Iam t
    aki
    ngmedicat
    ion
    thathelpsmer estatnightthat’
    swhyIam f
    ail
    ing
    nightinser
    ts.Pleasebearwi t
    hme.
    [
    04/
    23,
    06:
    01]'
    :
    Si
    nsUnf
    orgi
    ven
    #98

    Lat
    ert
    hatdayinPalapye,Fi
    fipar
    kedhercarat
    Wame’shouse.Shesteppedoutoft
    hecarand
    wal
    kedt
    othedoorasWameopenedt
    hedoor
    .
    “
    Fif
    i.
    .”
    “
    Mama.
    .”
    “
    Comei
    n.”
    Fi
    fif
    oll
    owedheri
    nsi
    det
    hehouse.Wamesmi
    led.
    “
    Whyar
    etaki
    nghi
    m?Hej
    ustcame.
    ”
    “
    RragweObakengsai
    dIshoul
    dtakehi
    m.”
    “
    Why?
    ”
    “
    Hedi
    dn’
    tsaywhy.Justt
    hatIshoul
    dtakemyson.
    ”
    “Yester
    dayIwasnotsayi
    ngheshoul
    dn’tsupport
    Etsi
    le.AllIwassayi
    ngwast
    hatsomethingsaretoo
    much. ”
    “
    Iunder
    stand.Andyouwer
    eri
    ght
    .”
    “
    Ithinkhemisunderst
    oodeveryt
    hing.Buti
    t’
    sok.I
    wil
    lexpl
    aintohi
    mi nperson.
    .overthephonehe
    wouldn’
    tunder
    stand.”
    “
    Eemma.
    ”
    “
    Etsi
    le!Mama!
    ”
    Et
    sil
    eranfrom t
    hebedr
    oom car
    ryi
    ngat
    oy.Fi
    fi
    smil
    edpicki
    nghim.
    “
    Hey…”
    Shet
    ickl
    edhi
    m maki
    nghi
    mlaugh.Fi
    fiki
    ssedhi
    m.
    “
    Saybye!
    ”
    “
    Bye!
    ”
    Wamesmil
    ed.“
    Hopef
    ull
    ynextt
    imehest
    ays
    l
    onger
    .”
    “
    Eemma.
    ”
    “
    Imadel
    unch.Shoul
    dIdi
    shf
    oryou?
    ”
    “
    Iam fi
    ne.Ihadeat
    enwhenIl
    eftMai
    tengwe.Iam
    f
    ine.
    ”
    “
    Ok.
    ”
    WamehandedFi f
    iEtsi
    le’
    sbagt
    henshewalked
    out
    side.Fi
    fiputhersononherseatandwavedat
    Wameget t
    inginthecar .
    Fi
    f ist
    art
    edhercaranddroveof
    f.Fi
    fit
    ookadeep
    breathdri
    vingt
    oGaboronewhil
    eEtsil
    epl
    ayedatt
    he
    backseat.
    *
    **

    InGaborone,Lor
    atothrewoutever
    ythi
    ngthat
    belongedtoMunashe.Shesmi l
    edputt
    ingi
    tinthe
    binthenwalkedbackinsi
    dethehouse.
    Shesatdowncal
    li
    nganof
    fi
    ceatSbr
    ana.
    “
    Hel
    lo?
    ”
    “Dumelang,
    canIpl
    easet
    alkgoDr
    .Ncube.I
    t’
    s
    Lorat
    oPaballo.
    ”
    “
    Thi
    sishe.Howar
    eyou?
    ”
    “
    Iam f
    ine.Howi
    smymot
    her
    ?”
    “Wehavet osedatedheratt
    hemoment.Shewas
    havi
    nganepi sode.Wearegoingt
    oputherunder
    medicat
    ion.”
    “
    Ok.Thankyousomuch.
    ”
    “
    Justdoi
    ngmyj
    ob.
    ”
    Lor
    atohungupandpi
    ckedani
    ncomi
    ngcal
    l.
    “
    Hi.
    .”
    “
    Ijustsawyourmessage.Youcancomebyko
    t
    ir
    ongandtakemycar d.Areyousur
    eshel
    ikes
    t
    hat?”
    “Iknowmysist
    er.Sheisgoi
    ngt
    olovei
    t.It
    hink
    she’scomi
    ngbacktoday.
    ”
    “
    Ok.Youcancomeandt
    akemycar
    d.”
    “
    Ok.
    ”
    Tefohungup.Loratoexci
    tedl
    ywalkedtothe
    bathr
    oom tofr
    eshenup.Awhi l
    elatershewalked
    outinadressandheelswithhermakeuponf leek.
    Sheunlockedthecarandstar
    tedtheengine.

    AtTefo’sworkpl
    ace,Lor
    atowalkedi
    nsi
    dehi
    soffi
    ce
    carr
    yingherhandbag.Tefol
    ookedatherwr
    appi
    ng
    hiscallsmi
    li
    ng.Heputthephonedownsmili
    ng.
    “
    Hi.
    .”
    Tefosmi l
    edstar
    ingather
    .Therewasnodoubtt he
    oldersi
    sterwasmoreprett
    ierormaybeitwasjust
    thatFif
    iwasli
    ghteri
    ncompl exi
    on.Lor
    atosmil
    ed
    back.
    “
    Hi.Youar
    eanaccount
    ant
    ?”
    “
    Mat
    hsi
    smyt
    hing.
    ”
    “
    Idi
    dFi
    nance.
    ”
    “
    Impr
    essi
    ve.
    ”
    Lorat
    osmil
    ed.“I
    twasalwaysmyf
    ather
    ’sdr
    eam.
    Fif
    idi
    dCivi
    lEngi
    neer
    ing.
    ”
    “
    Beaut
    ywi
    thbr
    ainshuh?
    ”
    “
    Whatmor
    ecanyouwant
    ?”
    Tefost
    ooduptakingouthi
    swal
    let
    .Het
    ookouthi
    s
    bankcardandhandeditt
    ohim.
    “
    Her
    e.”
    Lorat
    osmi l
    ed.“
    Ok.Iwil
    lgetthepresentforher.You
    candot hemovieni
    ghttoni
    ght.Shewillbelonely
    toni
    ght.Shewil
    lneedcompany.Youwi llgi
    vethe
    gif
    ttoherthen.
    ”
    “
    Ok.
    ”
    “
    Bye.
    ”
    Shetur
    nedandwalkedoutwhil
    ehestar
    ed.Lor
    ato’
    s
    phonevi
    brat
    edasshegotinthecar
    .
    FNBBoss:Byt
    heway,
    youl
    ookbeaut
    if
    ul.
    Lor
    atosmi
    ledt
    henst
    art
    edt
    hecaranddr
    oveof
    f.

    *
    **

    Latert
    hatday,atFi
    fi
    ’shouse,Rr
    agweObakeng
    knockedonthedoor,Fi
    fiopenedthedoori
    nherhot
    pantsandtanktop.
    “
    Ispoket
    oWameandshet
    oldmeyout
    ookEt
    sil
    e.”
    Fi
    fiswal
    lowedasherhear
    tski
    pped.
    “
    CanIcomei
    n?”
    Fi
    fist
    oodbyherdoorherhandsshaki
    ngasshe
    l
    ookedathi
    m.
    “
    Please.
    .”
    Et
    sil
    ewalkedoverandsmil
    edlooki
    ngathis
    gr
    andfat
    her.Fif
    imovedf
    rom thedoorasRragwe
    Obakengpickedhi
    m.Shewalkedtoherbedroom.
    Hewal
    kedi
    nsi
    det
    hehousecar
    ryi
    ngEt
    sil
    e.
    “Si
    thereandwai
    tforme.Letmet
    alkt
    omama.
    Take.
    .”
    HehandedEt
    sil
    ethephone.Et
    sil
    esmi
    ledexci
    tedl
    y
    openi
    ngagamingapp.
    Hewalkedt
    othebedr
    oomsandknockedonher
    door
    .
    “
    MmaMoj
    alef
    a..
    ”

    Insi
    dethebedroom Fi
    fit
    ookadeepknowingexact
    ly
    whatshewasgoi ngtostay.Sheopenedt
    hedoor
    andlookedathim.
    “
    Canwet
    alk?
    ”
    “
    Ican’
    tgoanywher
    ewi
    thyou.Youcant
    akeEt
    sil
    e
    hutIcan’
    tgoanywherewit
    hyou.Pl
    ease
    underst
    andmyposit
    ion.
    ”
    Hel
    ookedatherwi
    thasi
    gh.“
    Iunder
    stand.But
    -“
    “
    Butnot
    hing.Ican’
    t.I
    t’
    swr
    ong.Youar
    emyf
    atheri
    n
    -
    law.
    ”
    “
    Arewedoi
    nganyt
    hingwr
    ong?
    ”
    “
    Yes.Yes…youcan’taskmethat
    ,ther
    e’sal
    ot
    wrongwearedoing.Youneedt
    ostopcomingher
    e.
    I
    t’
    sbett
    erthatway.”
    Heputhishandsonherwaistandpushedinsi
    de
    herbedr
    oom thencl
    osedt
    hedoor .Fi
    fit
    ear
    full
    y
    l
    ookedathim.
    “
    Iam yourdaught
    er.
    ”
    “
    Fif
    i,cal
    m down.I
    t’
    sok.
    ”
    “
    Not
    hingaboutwhatyouar
    edoi
    ngi
    sok.
    ”
    “
    Andwhatam Idoi
    ng?
    ”
    “Youcan’
    tlookatmeli
    kethat
    .Youdon’
    tlookat
    yourdaughterl
    iket
    hat
    .Wamewasr i
    ght
    .Thisis-
    “
    Hel
    eanedoverandki
    ssedher
    ,hi
    sbear
    dti
    ckl
    ingher
    ski
    n.Fif
    iheldherbreathashekissedherdelicat
    ely
    pul
    li
    nghercloser,hi
    shandsar oundherwaist.She
    putherhandsonhi smuscledshoulder
    sast heir
    l
    ipsmovedagai nsteachother
    .
    .
    .
    .
    [
    04/
    23,
    06:
    01]'
    :
    Si
    nsUnf
    orgi
    ven
    #99

    Fif
    i’
    shear tpoundedsomuchashekissedher.Hi
    s
    di
    ckgotsohar ditf
    il
    ledhi
    spant
    sashebackedher
    againstthewall.Hi
    shandswentdowntoherround
    buttthengetsqueezedbeasherpussyfl
    ooded
    Sheputherhandsonhisarms,herni
    pplesget
    ti
    ng
    harder
    .Hekissedsogoodherpussythr
    obbedfor
    att
    enti
    on.
    Hepul
    ledhi
    sli
    psf
    rom her
    sbr
    eat
    hingheavi
    ly.
    “Canyoupleasecomewi
    thme.Iwi
    llr
    etur
    nyou
    home.Please.
    .”
    “
    Whati
    fpeopl
    efi
    ndout
    ?Theywi
    ll
    -“
    “
    Shh.
    .fi
    ndoutwhat
    ?Nothi
    ngisgoingon.Mma
    Moj
    alef
    apl
    easeputonsomeclot
    hes,l
    et’
    sgo.
    ”
    Etsi
    lecal
    ledhi
    smot herfrom out
    side.Het ooka
    deepbreatht
    ocallf
    ixingthemonst erinhispant
    s
    andwalkedtoouttoat t
    endtohisgr andson.
    Fif
    iputherhandsonherface,herpussyt
    hrobbi
    ng
    sosti
    ll
    .Shetookoffhercl
    othesandgotinthe
    shower.
    Awhi l
    elat
    ershewal kedoutdressedi
    nadr ess
    holdi
    ngasmal lt
    raveli
    ngbagandEt si
    le’
    sbag
    RragweObakengt urnedandlookedather.
    Hest
    oodupwi
    thEt
    sil
    e.
    “
    Youar
    eready?
    ”
    “Yes.ButIwantt
    odr
    opof
    fEt
    sil
    eataf
    ri
    end’
    s
    house.”
    “
    Ok.
    ”
    Theywal
    kedout
    ,Fi
    fil
    ockedthedoorandgoti
    nhi
    s
    carwi
    thhi
    m.Herphonerangashedroveout.
    “
    Hel
    lo?
    ”
    “
    Hi,
    Iam knocki
    ngof
    f,ar
    eyouhome?
    ”
    Fi
    fit
    ookadeepbr
    eat
    h.“
    No.Whatdi
    dyouwant
    ?”
    “It
    houghtwecoulddoamovi
    eni
    ght
    ..keepyou
    company.Whereareyou?
    ”
    “Ij
    ustl
    eftt
    hehouset ogof
    oradri
    ve.Iam notsur
    e
    whereIam headed.Canwedot
    hemovi eswhenI
    comeback?”
    “
    Yes.Wi
    llyoucal
    lmewhenyougetback?
    ”
    “
    Yes.
    ”
    “
    Ok,
    bye.
    ”
    Hehungup.Fifit
    urnedt
    oRr
    agweObakengwho
    wasj
    ustdri
    ving.
    “
    Wher
    eisyourf
    ri
    end’
    shouse?
    ”

    *
    AtGrace’
    shouse,Fif
    ist
    eppedoutwit
    hEtsil
    eandhi
    bagandwalkedthroughtheopengat
    ewithhim.
    Sheknockedonthedoort henGr
    aceopened.She
    smil
    ed.
    “
    Ohhey!
    ”
    Fi
    fismi
    led.“
    Hi.Ibr
    oughtyouaf
    ri
    end.
    ”
    Gracel
    aughed.“
    Mybestbuddy.Wai
    tseyoursoni
    s
    socutemma.HiET!
    ”
    Et
    sil
    eshyl
    ysmi
    led.Gr
    acel
    aughedt
    aki
    nghi
    sbag.
    “
    Thankyouf
    orbr
    ingi
    ngmecompany.
    ”
    “It
    hinkIwi
    llpi
    ckhi
    m upt
    omor
    rowi
    fnott
    heday
    aft
    er.”
    “
    Ok.Who’
    sthat
    ?”
    Fi
    fismil
    ed.“Justafr
    iend.Wewil
    ltal
    k.Thankyou.I
    am sor
    ryfordroppi
    nghim of
    fli
    kethi
    s.”
    “I
    t’
    sok.Iam sor
    ryaboutyourgr
    andf
    ather
    .Hewasa
    greatman.
    ”
    Fi
    fismi
    led.“
    Hewas.
    ”
    Theyhuggedbr
    ief
    lyt
    henFi
    ficr
    ouchedbef
    oreher
    son.
    “Hey,mommywil
    lcomeandtakeyoutomor
    row.
    Youaregoi
    ngt
    oplaypl
    ayst
    ati
    onwi t
    huncl
    eFrank
    ok?”
    Etsi
    lesmil
    edexci
    tedl
    y.Fi
    fihuggedhimt
    henwalked
    backtothecarasGracewalkedint
    hehousewi
    th
    Etsi
    le.
    RragweObakenglookedatherasshegoti
    nthecar
    t
    henhedroveoff.

    *
    **

    Lorat
    osatinherhouseposti
    ngpi
    ctur
    esofhersel
    f
    onFacebook.Herphonerangassheedi
    tedoneof
    herpict
    ures.
    “
    Hel
    lo?
    ”
    “
    Hey,yoursi
    sterwentforadrivesot
    hemovi
    eni
    ght
    won’
    tbehappeningtonight
    .”
    “
    Whodi
    dshegowi
    th?
    ”
    “
    AloneIt
    hink.
    ”
    “
    Iam sor
    ry.Can’
    tyousavei
    tfort
    omor
    row?
    ”
    “
    Iwi
    ll
    ,butt
    hankyouf
    oryouref
    for
    ttoday.
    ”
    “
    It
    ’sok.
    ”
    “Ihadorder
    edfood,
    doyouwantsome?You
    deservesome.
    ”
    “
    Iwasaboutt
    oor
    derpi
    zza.
    ”
    “
    Shoul
    dIdr
    opt
    hef
    oodoveratyourhouse?
    ”
    “
    No.Letmecomeandcol
    lecti
    t.Thankyou.
    ”
    “
    Iwi
    llsendyout
    hepi
    nlocat
    ion.
    ”

    *
    **

    AtTef
    o’shouse,
    Tefoopenedt
    hedoorf
    orLor
    ato.
    Shesmil
    edinherpyj
    amas.
    “
    Hi.
    ”
    Tefomovedfrom thedoorlet
    ti
    ngherin.Lor
    ato
    walkedinandlookedatthemoviesetuphehad
    done.Shesmiled.
    “
    Thi
    sisbeaut
    if
    ul.Shewoul
    dhavel
    ovedi
    t.
    ”
    “
    Hopef
    ull
    y.”
    “Tr
    ustme,shewasgoi
    ngt
    olovei
    t.Fi
    fii
    snota
    dif
    fi
    cul
    tperson.
    ”
    “
    Thef
    oodi
    sher
    e.”
    Hewalkedt
    ohi
    skit
    chen,
    Lor
    atolookedatt
    he
    pi
    ctur
    eofhi
    ssononthewal
    landfoll
    owedhim.
    “
    Yoursoni
    sreal
    lyhandsome.
    ”
    Tef
    osmi
    led.“
    Itr
    unsi
    nthef
    ami
    ly.
    ”
    Lor
    atol
    aughed.“
    Icansee.
    ”
    “
    Her
    eist
    hef
    ood.
    ”
    Lor
    atol
    ookedatwhathehadboughtandsmi
    led.
    “
    Your
    eal
    lywental
    lout
    .”
    Tef
    otookoutabot
    tl
    eofwi
    ne.“
    Ievengott
    his.
    ”
    Lor
    atosmi
    led.“
    Iam sor
    ry.Tomor
    rowFi
    fiwi
    llbe
    her
    e.”
    “
    Doyouwantagl
    ass?Iwi
    llgetanot
    herbot
    tl
    e.”
    “
    Ok.
    ”
    Hepour
    edt
    wogl
    assesofwi
    net
    hendi
    shedf
    or
    t
    hem.
    “
    Ther
    e…”
    Lor
    atosmi
    ledget
    ti
    nghergl
    asst
    hensi
    pped.
    “
    Whatwer
    eyougoi
    ngt
    owat
    ch?
    ”
    “
    Ihadsel
    ect
    edsomemovi
    es.
    ”
    Theywalkedtot
    hesetyouandsatdownhol
    ding
    thei
    rpl
    atesandglassesofwi
    ne.
    Lor
    atol
    ookedatt
    hemovi
    esonhi
    sTVscr
    een.
    “
    Thi
    sshoul
    dbeni
    ce…”
    Hesel
    ect
    edi
    t.“
    Thi
    sone?
    ”
    “
    Yes.
    ”
    Hest
    art
    edpl
    ayi
    ngi
    twhi
    let
    heyar
    echat
    ti
    ng.
    *
    **

    Laterthatevening,
    Rr agweObakengsl oweddown
    dri
    vingtowar dsalodgei nTul
    iBlock.Heparkedt he
    carmi nutesl
    ateratthelodgeandt ookadeep
    breathstari
    ngatFifiwhohadf al
    lenasl
    eepbesides
    him.Het ookadeepbr eatht
    hinki
    ngofhisdecision,
    thi
    swashi sson’swife.Whatkindofapersondi d
    thi
    smakehi m?
    Fifisti
    rredi
    nhersleep,helookedatherfacethen
    herlips.Shewasver ybeauti
    fulandhemadeher
    feelthingsheneverknewhecoul dactuall
    yfeel
    .Fif
    i
    movedagai nthenopenedhereyes.
    Shel
    ookedar
    oundr
    eal
    izi
    ngt
    heyhadst
    opped.
    “
    Wehavear
    ri
    ved.
    ”
    Fi
    fil
    ookedatt
    hel
    ight
    s.“
    Wher
    ear
    ewe?
    ”
    “
    Tul
    iBl
    ock.
    ”
    Hest eppedoutofthecart
    henwal kedr
    oundand
    openedt hedoorforher
    .Hepickedherbagand
    walkedwi t
    hherinsidet
    helodge.
    *

    I
    nt hei
    rroom, Fi
    fiopenedtheglasssl
    idingdoorand
    l
    ookedout si
    deasacol dbebreezebrushedherski
    n.
    RragweObakengwal kedinsecondslaterand
    l
    ookedather .Fi
    fitur
    nedandl ookedathim.
    “
    It
    ’sni
    ce.
    ”
    Heputherbagonthebed.“Iwantedustobefar
    fr
    om ever
    yoneandever
    ything.Wedon’thavet
    odo
    anyt
    hingyouar
    enotcomf ort
    ablewit
    h.”
    Hegotcl
    oserandputhi
    shandsonherwai
    st.
    “Iknowthisiswr onginalllevel
    s.It’
    sabomi nat
    ion
    butIcan’
    tst opwhatIam f eeli
    ng.Ihavetriedever.I
    tri
    edavoidingyou,Iwentt ochurcht ogetprayed,I
    thoughti
    fIdi dn’
    tthi
    nkaboutyoui twouldgoaway
    butitwon’tgoaway.I fIam feeli
    ngt hi
    salone,Ican
    retur
    nyoubackt oyourhouse. .
    ”
    Shelookedathim,herpal
    mssweati
    ng.Heleaned
    overandkissedherwit
    hint
    ent
    .Fi
    ficl
    osedhereyes
    aski
    ssedmor
    ebreathi
    ngheavi
    ly.Heunzippedher
    dr
    essandpul
    ledi
    tdownlet
    ti
    ngi tpoolt
    othefl
    oor.
    Fi
    fi
    ’smi
    ndshuteveryt
    hingoutashet
    ookof
    fher
    br
    aandsqueezedherbreast
    .
    Fifiunbutt
    onedhi
    sshir
    tandhelpedhimtakeoff
    .
    Shet ouchedhismuscl
    edchestthenhi
    sbiceps,
    therewasnodoubthewasgoi ngtothegym.
    Hepickedherasthewr
    appedherarmsaroundher
    her
    .Hepl acedheront
    hebedandlaidherdown,
    hi
    slipsonhers.
    Heslidhishandinsi
    deherpantyandtouchedher
    sl
    ipperyjui
    ces.Hepull
    edoutherpanti
    esandst ar
    ed
    atherp*ssy,hi
    sheartpoundi
    ngwhileprecum wet
    hi
    spant s.
    Heleanedoverandswepthi stonguebetweenher
    p*ssylipsmakinghershudderatthef
    eeling.He
    unzippedhispantsandtookouthisblackthi
    ck
    weapon, i
    twassohar dit
    ’svei
    nsstuckoutmor e.
    Helookedinhereyespul
    li
    nghercloserandki
    ssed
    hergett
    ingontopofheropeningherl
    egsmore.He
    ranhisthi
    cknessonhersl
    itand..
    #removed.
    .
    .
    .
    [
    04/
    23,
    06:
    59]'
    :
    Si
    nsUnf
    orgi
    ven
    #99
    #r
    emoved

    Helookedi nhereyespulli
    nghercl oserandki
    ssed
    hergetti
    ngont opofheropeningherlegsmore.He
    ranhisthicknessonherslitpart
    ingherpussyli
    ps.
    Fif
    ilookedbet weenthem watchingitrubonher
    wetness.
    Shelookedathim ashemassagedhercl itthenhe
    presseditatherent
    rance.Hersoftfl
    eshslowly
    stret
    chedashepushedi tin.Fi
    fil
    ookedathim, her
    heartraci
    ngassher ecal
    ledthetearhehadl ef
    tthe
    l
    asttime.
    Henot
    icedhert
    ensi
    ngashepushedt
    het
    hickdi
    ck
    headt henleanedoverandkissedher .Hepushed
    mor e,Fi
    fisankherteethint
    ohislowerl i
    p,herhand
    onhi schestashest r
    etchedherfleshevenmor eto
    fi
    tin.
    Theti
    pslidi
    nt hathegrant
    edinhermouth,
    the
    warmthandtightnessofherpussyal
    most
    par
    alyzi
    nghim.
    Justbeinginsidefeltl
    ikeheaven,helookedather
    facewonder i
    ngj ustwhatwasi nsi
    dethatpussy.
    Shewhi mperedsof tl
    yunderneathhim.Hepushed
    herhairbackexposi ngherface.Ever
    ythingabout
    herinwasper fect.
    Sheslowl
    yst
    ret
    chedherhandandt
    ouchedhi
    s
    bear
    d.
    “
    Begent
    le…”
    Helookedatherandpushedmor eofhisthickness
    str
    etchinghermor
    eandmor e.Thepleasureofher
    warm meatsnuggl
    inghi
    m hadhim shiveri
    ngal most
    cummi ng..
    Fif
    iwat
    chedhim ashegr
    antedhopelessontopof
    herwi
    thhi
    sdickdiggi
    ngi
    ntoherpainful
    lyand
    sweet
    ly.
    Hepausedt aki
    ngi ti
    n,hisli
    psonherneck.Fif
    i
    rubbedhisshoulders,Daddysli
    doutti
    llt
    hetipwas
    l
    eft,hecir
    cledi
    trubbingherwal l
    s.Hesli
    dital
    lout
    andwat chedasherf l
    eshstret
    chedagainforhi
    m.
    Fifiletoutasoftmoanmaki nghim shiver,
    hisli
    tt
    le
    hear tpoundi
    ngsomuch.Hegent l
    yt hrustwit
    honly
    thet ip,
    Fif
    imovedherwai stunder
    neathhi m asthe
    teasinggotherwant i
    ngthebigmachi nedeep
    i
    nsi dehermor ethanever
    .
    Hepushedi
    nanext
    rai
    nchasherpussygoteven
    wet
    ter
    .
    Shemovedmor edesperat
    eandthrobbing.He
    tappedherg-
    spor
    t.Fi
    fisankhernai
    lsintohi
    sski
    n
    moaningmore.
    “
    Daddy….
    ”
    Shepull
    edhi
    mforakiss,herf
    ingersi
    nhishead.He
    pushedi
    nmoreoft
    hicknessinfil
    li
    nghercanal
    .
    Shi
    t…Fi
    fi
    ’smouthdroppedopenwithmoret
    han
    hal
    fofi
    tlodgeddeepi
    nside.Shef
    eltt
    hor
    oughl
    y
    st
    uff
    ed.
    “
    Awww…”
    Helookedatherthepl
    easur
    emakinghim shake.He
    wasn’tsur
    ewhatitwasbuti
    tfel
    tsori
    ght,soright
    yetwrongthoughhecoul
    dn’
    tbri
    nghimselftostop.
    Everysoundshemadecoul djustmakehim cum.
    Hecoul dn’
    trememberhowmanyt imeshehad
    dreamtandi maginedofbei
    ngwithherli
    ket
    hat
    aftert
    hef i
    rstt
    imebutnothi
    ngcouldcomecloset
    o
    thefeel
    ingofbeinginsi
    deherphysi
    call
    y.
    Heslidoutandpushedbacki
    npushi
    ngitdeeperti
    ll
    ther
    ewasnospacel ef
    tforhi
    mtogo.Fi
    fipushed
    hischest
    .
    Hepushedherhanddownmovi nghi swaistsli
    ding
    hismachi neinandoutofher ,herjui
    cescover i
    ng
    hisdic.Heheldherwai stthr
    ustingintoher,hi
    s
    waistmovi ngli
    kewat erwaves.Thepl easur
    e
    i
    ncreasedashert ightwall
    shuggedhi m more.His
    ball
    st i
    ngledashet hrusti
    ntoherunabl etostop
    himself.Heslidoutforasecondandt ookabr eath
    thenpushedbacki ntoher.
    Hiscum camerushi
    ngthr
    oughmaki nghim gr
    unt
    stuf
    fi
    nghersomuchshef l
    inchedbutcoul
    dn’tgo
    anywhereashi
    scum fi
    ll
    edherup.Itfel
    tsogoodhe
    di
    dn’tst
    op.
    Fi
    fir
    elaxedwit
    hherpussystr
    etchedfordaddy.He
    gr
    unteddiggi
    ngdeeperanddeeperint
    oher.
    Fif
    isqueezedherbreastashisdickpushedsweetly
    i
    nsideher.Hisdickrubbedever
    ycornerinsideher
    ,
    hermoansgotl ouderasheDaddydi sheditgood
    Heslidoutandletmedr ophi
    tt
    inghi
    sthi
    ghs,
    thei
    r
    j
    uicesmixedtogetherl
    eakedout.
    Hesteppeddownont hebed, hi
    spantsdroppi
    ng.
    Hesteppedoutofthem andpulledherwi
    thoneleg
    t
    otheedgeofthebed.Fi f
    ilookedatthet
    hickbi
    g
    machineal
    lhardandwet .
    Daddyputherl
    egst
    oget
    herandpushedt
    hem t
    oher
    chest
    .
    Helookedatherpussyl
    ipsandpushedbacki
    nto
    hersweetness.
    Achi
    llr
    andownhi
    sspi
    neatt
    hepl
    easur
    e.He
    cur
    vedhisbackandwat
    chedhi
    msel
    fsi
    nkdeeper
    i
    ntoher
    .
    Fif
    iscreamedpul l
    ingthesheet s.Hest arted
    thrust
    ingdr
    ill
    ingintoherwi t
    hnodi sturbance, j
    ust
    hermoans.Fif i
    lookedatthecei li
    ngt earsf i
    ll
    ingher
    eyesashef uckedhersogood, shewasn’ teven
    sureofwhattodowi thherself
    .Herbodyf el
    tasi t
    hadcaughtfireashef uckedhergr unti
    ngand
    groaningwi
    thever ythrustdeepi nside.
    Fi
    ficl
    osedhereyestr
    yingtohol
    ditinandenjoyi
    t
    morebutitkeptcomi
    nglikeanear
    thquake.
    “
    Daddy….Oohhh….“
    Dicfel
    ttoogood,toogooditalmostfeltli
    kea
    dream.Hewenthar der
    ,hi
    shear traci
    ngsomuch
    thenhepickedherupandpl acedheront hefl
    oor
    andhookedherot herl
    egst
    illpluggedin.Hefucked
    hersensel
    essly,
    hisarmsbear oundherwai st
    .
    TearswetFifi
    ’
    scheek,pleasureoverwhelmingher .
    Herbodyfrozethensheconvul sedvi
    olentl
    yl osi
    ng
    bal
    ancebuthehel dti
    ghtertapi
    ngeverysweetner ve
    i
    nsidethatpussy,shescreamedaswaveaf terwave
    ofor
    gasm hither
    .Shegaspedunabl
    etounder
    stand
    whatherbodywasfeel
    ing.
    “
    Daddy!
    ”
    Shegaspedhol di
    nghimtightl
    yhernailsscr
    atchi
    ng
    hi
    sski n,t
    helastwaveofpleasureknockedherout
    ofbreath,hesl
    idoutandpushedbacki nmaking
    herbreakdowncr yi
    nglet
    ti
    ngi tal
    loutonhisdic.
    Hest il
    ledinsideherr oar
    inglett
    ingloadsandl oads
    ofthicksemeni nsi
    deher .Hepusheddeeperasal l
    hisveinsst uck.Fif
    ilookedathimf eelingiti nside
    andt hefeelingofhavi nghim gi
    veittoherf eltmor e
    thanjustgood.Daddysl idoutami nutel aterashi s
    cum dr oppeddownherpussyt othef l
    oor .He
    pickedherupandputheront hebed, hisdi cksemi
    hard.
    Heturnedherar
    oundandputapil
    lowonher
    stomachsohecouldravi
    shhermore,
    heki ssedthe
    backofherneckpushi
    ngthr
    oughherclosedt hi
    ghs
    anddeepinsi
    deagain…
    .
    .
    [
    04/
    23,
    06:
    02]'
    :
    Si
    nsUnf
    orgi
    ven
    #100

    Atthel odgeinTul iBl


    ock,Fifi
    wokeupt hef
    ol l
    owing
    mor ningonthebi gkingsizedbedwi thasheet
    cover i
    nghernakedness.Shel ookedaround
    real
    izingshewasal oneinbed.Thedooropened
    thenr ragweObakengwal kedinholdingatr
    ayof
    breakfast.Fi
    fisatupright
    , hi
    sthicksemenlicking
    outfrom herp* ssy.Herthighshurttoo,matterof
    fact,everypartofherbodyhur t
    .
    Hesmi
    led.“
    IthoughtIwoul
    dgetyoubr
    eakf
    ast
    .”
    Fif
    ipul
    ledthesheett
    oherchestathim.Hesatnext
    toher,
    Fif
    ilookedatt
    hepl
    atefulloff
    oodandamug
    ofcoff
    ee.
    Shepi
    ckedt
    hemugandt
    ookasi
    p.“
    Thankyou.
    ”
    Rr
    agweObakengl
    if
    tedherchi
    nthendr
    oppedasof
    t
    ki
    ssonherli
    psthatt
    urnedint
    oanint
    ensefr
    ench
    ki
    ss.Shet
    ouchedhisbicepki
    ssi
    nghi
    m back.
    Herp*ssytwi
    tched,
    shepul
    ledawayandsi
    ppedher
    cof
    feewithasli
    ghtshysmi
    le.
    “
    Iwashopi
    ngmaybewecangof
    oragamedr
    ive.
    ”
    “
    Thatwoul
    dbeni
    ce.
    ”
    “
    Ok,
    eat
    .”
    Fifisl
    owl
    yatewhil
    ehewatchedher.Fi
    fif
    ini
    shedup
    thengotuppul
    li
    ngthesheetwi
    th.
    “
    Iam goi
    ngt
    obat
    h.”
    “
    Ok.Ar
    eyouok?
    ”
    “
    Yes.
    ”
    Fif
    ipickedhert
    oil
    etr
    ybagandwalkedtot
    he
    bathr
    oom.Shet ookadeepbr
    eat
    ht hendr
    oppedt
    he
    sheetandstoodundert
    heshower
    .
    Shelat
    her edherbodywi thsoaptryi
    ngtonotthi
    nk
    butguil
    tysl owlycr
    eptin.Sur
    elyObakeng’
    ssoul
    wasnotr est i
    nginpeace.Notwit
    hhersleepi
    ngwi t
    h
    herfat
    heri n-l
    aw.Howwoul dsheeverexplai
    nitto
    anyone.
    Ther
    ewasnot
    hingwor
    set
    han-
    Fif
    isnappedoutofi
    tfeel
    inghi
    shardbodyagai nst
    herback.Heki
    ssedherneckpull
    inghercloserto
    hi
    sownnakedbody.Wat errandownont hem.
    “
    Don’
    tover
    thi
    nki
    t.
    ”
    Hetur
    nedheraroundandcuppedherface.“
    Don’
    t
    t
    hinkofi
    tli
    ket
    hat.Iam Pako.Youar
    eFifi
    .”
    “
    Keat
    shaba.
    .”
    “
    Youdon’
    thavet
    obescared.Iam her
    ewi
    thyou.
    Wear
    etoget
    heri
    nthi
    s.”
    “
    Ifpeopl
    efi
    ndout
    ..
    -“
    “Andhowwi llt
    heyfi
    ndoutbecauseIam notgoing
    totel
    lanyone.Noonehast oknow.Idon’tt
    hinkI
    canfighti
    toffanymore.Idon’
    twantto.
    ”
    Hegentl
    ypushedheragainstt
    hewall
    .“Wedon’ t
    havetof
    ightit
    …butf
    ornow, canweforgetabout
    ever
    yoneelse…cani
    tjustbeus..
    ?”
    Shel
    ookedathi
    m backedagai
    nstt
    hewal
    l,
    hehada
    fr
    eshcutinhishead,hishairwassti
    lli
    nhi
    sent
    ir
    e
    head.Hi
    sgoateebear dhadbitsofgr
    eyhair
    sbut
    wit
    htheblackhair
    ,itdidn’
    tshowthatmuch.
    Heputhi
    shandaroundherl
    it
    tl
    ewai
    stwi
    thherhead
    r
    eachi
    nghisbr
    east.
    “
    KissDaddy…”
    Fi
    figaspedattheDéjàvufeeli
    ng.Sheslowlystood
    onhertoesandkissedhim.Hepi ckedher,t
    he
    st
    eam ofthewarm waterfi
    ll
    ingthebathroom
    cr
    eati
    ngaslightfogastheykissed.
    Heheldhishardweaponandgui dedintohersweet
    warm honeypot.Fi
    fibur
    iedherheadonhi s
    shoul
    derashe#r emoved.(Bot
    hr emovedscenes
    wil
    lbepostedatthegrouptomorrow.)
    .

    Fif
    iwalkedoutofthebat
    hroom af
    tert
    hest
    eamy
    sessi
    on.Sheloti
    onedashewalkedout.
    “
    Wearegoi
    ngf
    orthegamedri
    veinf
    if
    teenmi
    nut
    es.
    Wast
    her
    eanyt
    hingyouwant
    ed?”
    “
    No.Idi
    dn’
    tbr
    inganycampi
    ngcl
    othes.
    ”
    “
    Wewi
    llbei
    nthevant
    hewhol
    eti
    me.I
    t’
    sok.
    ”
    Fi
    fidroppedt
    hetowelanddressedashestole
    gl
    ancesatherperf
    ectbodywithstr
    ipesofher
    st
    retchmarkonherbutt
    .
    Fi
    diputonashortyell
    owdresswit
    hpokerdot
    s.He
    qui
    ckl
    ydressedt
    urningaway.Theywal
    kedout
    minut
    eslat
    er.
    HehelpedherintheSafaricant hatwaswai ti
    ng
    outsi
    deforthem.Thedrivergoti nsmi l
    ing,with
    boththei
    rri
    ngson, t
    heyjustlookedlikeanor mal
    coupl
    e.Heintroducedhimselfthenst artedthevan
    anddrivei
    ntothewi l
    der
    ness.Rr agweObakengt ook
    offhi
    shatandputi ti
    nFifi
    ’s.
    Fi
    fismi
    led.“
    Thankyou.
    ”
    Heputhi
    sar
    m aroundherpulli
    nghercl
    oser
    ,Fi
    fi
    t
    ookadeepbreat
    handrelaxed.

    *
    **
    InGaborone,
    Lor
    atoyawnedwakingupfr
    om Tefo’
    s
    couchwhereshehadfal
    lenasl
    eep.Shel
    ookedat
    him sl
    eepi
    ngint
    hecarpet.
    Shegotof
    fthecouchandshookhi
    m.
    “
    Tef
    o..
    ”
    Tef
    osnappedhi
    seyesopenwaki
    ngup.Lor
    ato
    smil
    ed.
    “
    Ihavet
    ogo.
    ”
    Hegotupl
    aughi
    ng.“
    Whendi
    dwesl
    eep?
    ”
    Lor
    atol
    aughed.“
    Whenwest
    art
    edt
    hatser
    ies.
    ”
    “
    Shi
    t.
    ”
    “
    Ihavet
    ogo.
    ”
    Tef
    osmi
    led.“
    Lastni
    ghtwasf
    un.
    ”
    “
    Yes.Ihavet
    ogo.Idon’
    twantFi
    fif
    indi
    ngmeher
    e.”
    “Shenor
    mallycal
    lsbef
    orecomi
    ng.AndIhavet
    he
    gotowork.
    ”
    “
    Shemightwanttosur
    priseyou.Idon’
    twanther
    f
    indi
    ngmehere.Oursi
    sterhoodisfi
    nal
    lybackto
    nor
    mal
    .”
    “
    Whathadhappened?
    ”
    “
    Weoncewereseei
    ngt
    hesamemanunknowi
    ngl
    y.
    Wedr
    if
    tedapar
    t.
    ”
    “
    Didheknow?
    ”
    “No.Itwasamess.Wetriedpolygamy,itdi
    dn’
    t
    workout.Hehadafavori
    teandendedupmar r
    ying
    her.Weonlyf
    ixedt
    hingsafterhedied.
    ”
    “
    Youshar
    edhi
    m?”
    “Yes.Ididn’
    tmind.Itwaswi thmysisteraf
    teral
    l.
    HonestlyIdon’
    tthinkIwillevermindshari
    ng
    anythi
    ngwi t
    hmysi st
    er.SoIwashappyi twasher.
    Andheseemedhecoul daffordbothofusbuthe
    couldn’
    thandleit
    .”
    Tef
    osmi
    ledshocked.“
    Soyoudon’
    tmi
    ndshar
    inga
    di
    c?”
    “No.Idon’
    t,
    asl
    ongasthemancanhandl eus.Can
    aff
    ordus.Canl
    oveusequal
    ly.Honest
    lyIdon’
    t
    mind..
    ”
    “
    AndFi
    fi
    ?”
    “She’
    sabi tonthejeal
    oussi
    debutwit
    haproper
    manthatcansi therdownandmakeher
    underst
    andt hesetupandwhatshewant
    s,shewi
    ll
    comear ound.”
    Tef
    osmi
    led.“
    Wow!Ok…”
    Lor
    atosmi
    led.“
    Ihavet
    ogo.Bye.
    ”
    Shepickedherphoneandwal
    kedoutwhi
    lehe
    watchedwit
    hasmi le.

    *
    **

    InTuliBl
    ock,
    Fifismi
    ledstar
    ingatt
    hegiraf
    fesa
    dist
    antfr
    om them.Shepressedhert
    highstoget
    her
    pressed.
    “
    Iwantt
    opee.
    ”
    Rr
    agweObakengki
    ssedhert
    henl
    ookedatt
    he
    dr
    iver
    .
    “I
    sthereanywher
    ewher
    ewecanr
    eli
    eve
    oursel
    ves?”
    Thetourguidewhohappenedt
    obet
    hedr
    iver
    noddedstoppingt
    hevan.
    “
    Yes.
    .”
    Rr
    agweObakenghel
    pedout
    .Shel
    ookedathi
    m.
    “
    Iwi
    lldot
    her
    e.Youcanwai
    ther
    e.”
    “
    Idon’
    tmi
    ndaccompanyi
    ngyou.
    ”
    Fi
    figi
    ggl
    ed.“
    Keshy.Iam comi
    ng.
    ”
    Sherushedtothenearbythor
    ntreeandhi
    dbehind
    i
    t.Shesquatt
    edpeeing.Adeeploudgrowlmadeher
    tur
    n,herhear
    tskippedasshelookedatt
    hebig
    Leopardst
    andingfeetfr
    om her.
    .
    .
    .
    [
    04/
    23,
    06:
    02]'
    :
    Si
    nsUnf
    orgi
    ven
    #101
    Fif
    iquickl
    ygotupaspeer andownherthighs,ter
    ror
    madeherheartskipsomuchashar ppainst r
    uck
    herchestasascream sl
    ippedthr
    oughherlips.
    TheLeopar
    droar
    edthatt
    hegroundshook.Thetour
    gui
    dejumpedoutoft
    he.Vanandpull
    edrragwe
    Obakengbackal
    mostfal
    li
    ng.
    “Getbacki
    nthevan.Iwi
    llt
    akeher
    .Ican’tsavet
    wo
    peopleatt
    hesamet i
    me.Icandoone.Letmedo
    whatIam tr
    ainedf
    or.
    ”
    Rr
    agweObakengl
    ookedathi
    m.“
    Shei
    sindanger
    !”
    “
    Andwear
    ewast
    ingt
    imear
    gui
    ng.Geti
    nthecar
    .”
    Thetourgui
    dewal
    kedovert
    oFi
    fiandt
    ouchedher
    head.
    “Don’tmakenoise.I
    t’
    snothungr ybutitcanattack
    andsaveyouf orlat
    er.Pullyourpanti
    esup.Slowly.
    .
    actlikeyoucan’
    tseeit.It
    ’sok.Calm down.Wear e
    allgett
    ingoutofher
    et odayandyouwi l
    lhavenice
    sexlater.
    ”
    Fif
    isl
    owlypul
    ledupherwetpant
    ywi
    thonehand
    shaki
    ng.
    “
    Slowl
    y,l
    et’
    sgobackt
    othevan.Let
    ’sgo.
    ”
    Theyslowl
    ymovedback.I troar
    edagainthatFif
    i
    missedherstepfal
    li
    ngonherbut t
    .Shequickl
    ygot
    upstagger
    ing.TheLeopardtookastepforward,t
    he
    tourgui
    dedraggedFifiasshealmostf
    ellagai
    nin
    fear.
    RragweObakengpickedherupandputheri
    nsi
    de
    thengotinasthet
    ourguidejumpedbacki
    nand
    droveoffl
    eavi
    ngtheLeopardstandi
    ngi
    nonespot
    .
    “
    Ithi
    nkwehavehadenough,
    takeusback.
    ”
    Thetourgui
    del
    aughed.“Suchthi
    ngshappen.I
    t’
    sa
    shameshegottoexper
    ienceitf
    ir
    sthand.They
    don’
    tusuall
    yat
    tackhumans.”
    RragweObakengnoddedhol
    dingFi
    fii
    nhi
    sar
    ms.
    “Justt
    akeusback.
    ”

    *
    **

    InMaun,mmagweObakengtr
    iedcalli
    ngher
    husbandbuthi
    sphonewasst
    illnotgoi
    ngthr
    ough.
    Shescr
    oll
    edt
    hroughherphoneandcal
    ledLor
    i.
    “
    Hel
    lo?
    ”
    “
    Myboy,
    isr
    ragweObakengt
    her
    e?”
    “No.Ihaven’
    tseenhi
    m.Di
    dhesayhewas
    coming?”
    “Nobutheisnotbackhome.Hewassupposedt o
    becomebackyesterdayf
    rom Maitengwe,ebi
    leI
    didn’
    tevenknowwhathewasdoi ngther
    ebecause
    Obakengisdeadandther
    eisnothingconnect
    ingus
    tothatf
    amily.
    ”
    “Ihadt
    ravel
    edoutofthecount
    ry,
    whatwashe
    doingi
    nMaitengwe?”
    “Idon’
    tknow,someonebet
    weenLegauf
    i’
    s
    grandf
    atherandgr
    andmotherdi
    ed.
    ”
    “
    Idi
    dn’
    tknow.Ij
    ustgotback.
    ”
    “Ican’
    tgethol
    dofhim.Iam worr
    iedsomethi
    ng
    couldhavehappened.Letmet
    alktohisbr
    other
    .
    Thankyoumyboy. ”
    Shehungupandcal
    ledherbr
    otheri
    n-l
    aw.
    “
    Hel
    lo?
    ”
    “
    Kennedy,
    okaePako?
    ”
    “
    Iam Di
    makat
    sohowar
    eyou?
    ”
    “
    Wher
    eisyourbr
    other
    ?”
    “
    Idon’
    tknow.Wepar
    tedwaysi
    nFr
    anci
    stown.
    ”
    “I
    shewithWame?Someonetol
    dmet hatt
    hese
    daysokareor
    atagot
    shamekel
    atengko.”
    “
    Idon’
    tknow.
    ”
    “Younyonyo!Yout
    hinkIdon’
    tknowyoupr
    efermy
    sist
    eroverme?”
    “
    Itshoul
    dhavebeenWame.
    ”
    “
    Itshoul
    dhavebeen?Wantwael
    amosi
    manyanake
    wena.Wher
    eismyhusband?”
    “
    Idon’
    tknow.
    ”
    Shedr
    oppedt
    hecal
    langr
    il
    yandcal
    lhert
    winsi
    ster
    .
    “
    Kat
    so.
    .”
    “
    Wame,
    letmespeakt
    omyhusband.
    ”
    “
    Hei
    snother
    e.”
    “Obatagont ena,kar
    eletmespeaktomyhusband!
    Ihaveletyoudoasyoupl easef
    ort
    oolongwaitse.
    Kooreot shamekelamot ogoyameyaanong!Nnela
    Pakofounu!”
    “
    Kat
    sohei
    snother
    e.”
    “Koorejustbecauseyouarebarr
    enandnoone
    couldmar r
    yyou, youj
    ustdeci
    dedtobeahone
    wreckerhuh?”
    “
    Yourhusbandi
    snother
    eDi
    makat
    so.
    ”
    “
    Don’
    tyougett
    ir
    edmor
    ebakewena!
    ”
    “
    Itwasachoi
    cenott
    ohaveki
    ds.
    ”
    “Gonnachildl
    essgasechoice,
    youar ebar
    ren!
    Wombl ess!Andmychildr
    enwi l
    lneverbeyour
    chil
    dren.
    ”
    “
    Chi
    ld?
    ”
    “Chi
    ldr
    enausi,
    nnaIpushedouttwokids!Two.My
    husbandwil
    lneverbeyour
    s.Youwil
    lneverrepl
    ace
    me!”
    “
    Yourhusbandi
    snothere.Idon’
    tknowwherehei
    s.
    Maybei
    fyouactual
    lypai
    dattent
    ionyouwoul
    d
    r
    eal
    izei
    t’
    sact
    ual
    lynotmehewant
    s.”
    Wamedr oppedthecal
    l.MmagweObakengcl
    osee
    hereyesangri
    lywonderi
    ngwher
    ehewasorwhohe
    waswi t
    h.

    *
    **

    I
    nGabor
    one,
    Lor
    ipar
    kedatFi
    fi
    ’sgat
    ethencal
    led
    Fi
    fi
    .
    “
    Thi
    sisaf
    reeannouncementf
    rom-
    “
    Hecutt hecallandlookedi
    nsi
    det heyar
    dthrough
    thegate.TheJeepwaspar kedoni t
    susualspot.He
    pressedherintercom andwai
    ted.Hecall
    edher
    offi
    celi
    nestandingbyt hegat
    e.
    “
    Fif
    iFashi
    ons,
    hel
    lo?
    ”
    “
    Hi,
    isFi
    fii
    n?”
    “
    No.She’
    str
    avel
    edbutwehavest
    ockatt
    heshop.
    ”
    “I
    t’
    sherfr
    iend.Iam atherhouseand…wher
    edi
    d
    shego?”
    “Shedi
    dn’
    tsayt
    houghshesai
    dshewi
    llbebacki
    na
    dayort
    wo.”
    “
    Ok,
    thanks.
    ”
    “
    Eer
    ra.
    ”
    OneofFifi
    ’
    snosynei
    ghborwal
    kedpasthi
    m wi
    th
    herdog.
    “
    Dumel
    ang.
    .ar
    eyoul
    ookf
    orsomeone?
    ”
    “
    Yes.Thel
    adywhost
    aysher
    e.”
    “Iknowyou.Ar eyouherboyfr
    iend?Ifyouar ebe
    verycareful
    .Thatwomanal wayshasdi f
    ferentmen
    i
    ndi f
    ferentcarscomingher
    e.Everydayt here’sa
    car.Womenl ikeherwil
    lgi
    veyouAi ds.Lastweeki t
    wasaBenz.Thenabi gdoublecab.Justyest erday
    awhi t
    ebi gLandRovercameatni ghtandt ookher.
    She’snotback.Ebil
    eketserenumberpl ate.Ke
    B562BEZ. ”
    “
    ALandRover
    ?”
    “Yes.Aver
    ybi
    gone.Shel
    eftwi
    tht
    heman.Tal
    lman.
    Isawital
    l.
    ”
    Lor
    isl
    owl
    ynodded.“
    Andhowdi
    dyouseei
    t?”
    “Icl
    imbedmybucket
    .She’
    swi
    ld.Youneedt
    obe
    verycar
    eful
    .”
    “
    Anddoyougetpai
    dfort
    his?
    ”
    Shel
    ookedathi
    m sur
    pri
    sedathi
    sannoyedt
    one.
    “
    NobutIj
    ust
    ..I
    -“
    “Letmecat
    chyoustal
    kingheragai
    n..don’
    tyou
    haveali
    fet
    oli
    ve?”
    “
    Thi
    sismybr
    other
    ’shouse-
    “
    “
    Ket
    agogat
    akakol
    oi!Nxl
    a!”
    Sheturnedandquickl
    ywal kedawaywi t
    hherdog.
    Lor
    isighedandgotinhiscarcalli
    ngrragwe
    Obakengbuthisphonedidn’tgothrough.Thecar
    def
    ini
    telywashis.Lor
    ireversedanddrovebackto
    workwonderingwherehehadt akenFifi
    .
    Hegotbacki
    ntheof
    fi
    cet
    hatusedt
    obeObakeng’
    s
    t
    hendial
    edanumber.
    “
    Lor
    i…”
    “
    ThemonnaMor i
    skidoyoustil
    ldothatt
    hingof
    t
    racki
    ngpeopl
    e’
    swher eabout
    swiththei
    rnumbers?
    Ineedhel
    pfi
    ndi
    ngsomeone.
    ”
    .
    “Themonnadoyoustil
    ldothatt
    hingoftr
    acki
    ng
    peopl
    e’swher
    eabout
    swi t
    hthei
    rnumbers?Ineed
    hel
    pfindi
    ngsomeone.”
    Tef
    oparkedhi
    sBenzbehindhi
    m andsteppedout
    oft
    hecarwhil
    eLor
    iwatchedhi
    m gett
    ingannoyed.
    “
    Yeah,buti
    fthephonei
    sof
    fIcanonl
    ytr
    ackupt
    o
    t
    helastl
    ocati
    onshewasat
    .”
    “
    Ok,
    letmesendyouhernumbersoon.
    ”
    “
    Sur
    e..
    ”
    Lor
    ist
    eppedoutofhi
    scarpi
    ssed.

    .
    .
    [
    04/
    23,
    06:
    02]'
    :
    Si
    nsUnf
    orgi
    ven
    #102
    Tef
    osi
    ghed.
    “
    Eit
    a..
    ”
    “
    Sur
    e.”
    “
    IsFi
    fii
    n?”
    “
    No.Oneobat
    ang?
    ”
    “
    Iam her
    eforFi
    fibutt
    hat
    ’snotyourbusi
    ness.
    ”
    “Fi
    fij
    ustlostherhusband,
    whyareyouusi
    ngyour
    chi
    ldtotakeadvantageofherpai
    n?”
    “Mmekananothi
    ngisgoi
    ngtostopme.Goodt
    hing
    yourf
    ri
    enddi
    edsothatIcannowhaveher.
    *
    “
    Otanyel
    awar
    eng?
    ”
    “Youhear dme.Idon’tevenknowwhyyouar eFifi
    ’
    s
    l
    ifedomuchl i
    kethisunlessyouwantyourfri
    end’s
    wife.Andi ft
    hat’
    sthecasei tmeansyoualways
    want edherevenbeforehedi ed“Tefosmil
    ed.“You
    arenotgoi ngtogether.Notever.Yourj
    obwillbeto
    wat chothermenlovingher.”
    Tefo’
    sphoner
    ang,
    het
    ooki
    toutpr
    essi
    ngFi
    fi
    ’s
    i
    ntercom.
    “
    Hel
    lo?.
    .yeah?Post
    ponei
    t,cool
    .”
    Hehungupandcal
    ledFi
    fiagai
    n.
    “Thi
    sisafreeannouncementf
    rom Mascom,the
    numberyouhavedialedi
    snotavai
    labl
    eatthe
    moment-“
    Tefosighedhangi ngupt henlookedathercar
    throughthegate.Het urnedandgoti nhiscarand
    droveoffleavi
    ngLor ievenmor epissed.Hegotin
    hiscarisanddr oveoffcalli
    ngMor iski
    .

    *
    **

    AtFNBLor at
    otri
    edhersister
    ’snumberagai
    nbuti
    t
    sti
    llwasn’
    tgoi
    ngthrough.Sheworri
    edl
    ysent
    anothermessagethencall
    edTefo.
    “
    Hey.
    .”
    “
    Hi,
    didyouseeher
    ?”
    “
    No.Buthercari
    satherhouse.Isawsomeguy
    t
    her
    ewithadoublecab.Kemang?Shortguy.
    ”
    “
    Ithi
    nki
    t’
    sLor
    i.HewasObakeng’
    sfr
    iend.
    ”
    “
    Ok.Idon’
    tthi
    nkshe’
    sar
    ound.
    ”
    “Maybeshewentt
    oMai t
    engwe.Iwi
    llcal
    lmy
    grandmot
    herandask.
    ”
    “
    Ok,
    thanks.
    ”
    Tefohungup.Lor
    atol
    ookedatherphonetr
    yingto
    thi
    nkofwhereshemighthavegonewit
    houthercar.

    *
    **

    I
    nTuliBl
    ock,Fi
    fiwal
    kedoutofthebat
    hroom,
    r
    ragweObakenglookedatherandsmil
    ed.
    “
    Areyougood?
    ”
    Fi
    fismil
    edback.“
    IthoughtIwasgoi
    ngt
    odi
    e.I
    twas
    huge.
    ”
    “
    Youar
    eok.I
    t’
    sal
    ri
    ght
    .”
    Hewrappedhi
    sarmsaroundher
    .Fificl
    osedher
    eyesi
    nhisar
    ms,shesnuggl
    edcloserrel
    axi
    ng.
    RragweObakengmovedherf
    acej
    ustal
    it
    tl
    ebi
    tand
    ki
    ssedher
    .
    “
    Areyoubusyatwor
    k?”
    “
    Notmuch,
    Ihavesomeonewhohel
    psmear
    ound.
    ”
    “
    Andhowi
    sbusi
    ness?
    ”
    “
    It
    sfine.Isti
    llwanttomovetoabiggerspace.
    MaybeafterthatIcanst
    artsomet
    hingelse.
    ”
    RragweObakengpickedherupandsatdownont
    he
    couchi
    ntheroom putti
    ngheronhi
    slap.
    “
    Whatdoyouwantt
    ost
    art
    ?”
    “
    Iwast
    hinki
    ngmaybeanevent
    scompany.
    ”
    “That
    ’ssmartbutIwouldnotadviceyoustart
    somethingl
    ikethatbecauseit
    ’samost l
    yseasonal
    company.Iwouldsaygoi ntopropert
    y.Realest
    ate.
    Youhaveadegr eeinCivi
    lEngineeri
    ng.”
    “
    Idon’
    thaveenoughmoneyf
    ort
    hat
    .”
    “Moneyisnotapr obl
    em.Icanhel pyou.Allyou
    needisstar
    tupcapi t
    al.Regi
    sterthecompany.Iwil
    l
    handl
    ethefinanceswhi l
    eyouf i
    ndyourground.I
    haveaf ri
    endi ntheparl
    iament.Icanfi
    xupat ender
    thenfrom thereyoucanbui l
    dtownhousef l
    ats.That
    willbeyourfixedmoney.Whent hati
    srunning,then
    youcanst artwhateverelseyouwant.”
    Fi
    fishookherhead.“Youhavedonesomuchf
    or
    mealready.Ican’
    t.
    ”
    “Lookatme…”Hecuppedherf ace.“
    Iwanttotake
    ofyou.Iwantyouhappy.Iwantyoutohappy.Let
    daddytakecareofyou.
    ”
    “
    That
    ’sgoi
    ngt
    oneedal
    otofmoney.
    ”
    “Moneyisnotanissue.Icanaf
    fordtotakecar
    eof
    you.Letdaddyt
    akecareofeveryt
    hing.
    ”
    Hepull
    edhercl
    oserandki
    ssedher
    .Fi
    fit
    ouchedhi
    s
    bear
    d.
    “
    Itf
    eel
    swr
    ongt
    otakeyourmoney.
    ”
    “
    Youhavenot hi
    ngtofeelgui
    lt
    yabout.Iam goi
    ngto
    t
    akecareofyou.Youarenotgoingtostruggl
    ewit
    h
    mehere.Lookatdaddy..
    ”
    Fi
    fil
    ookedathi
    m.Het
    uckedherhai
    rbehi
    ndherear
    ki
    ssi
    ngher.
    “Youdon’thavet
    oworryaboutanyt
    hing.Iwil
    l
    handl
    eit.Iwil
    ldoanyt
    hingf
    oryou.Youar e
    beaut
    if
    ul.”
    Sheblushedashepi nchedhercheek.Heonly
    pul
    ledhercloserki
    ssingunabl
    et ogetenoughof
    her
    .Het ookoffthet
    owelcoveringhernakedness
    andsqueezedherbreast.
    Hetookouthi
    sthi
    ckdickt
    henl
    if
    tedherbut
    tcheeks
    andlower
    edhergent
    lyonit
    …

    *
    **

    Lor
    ilookedatMor
    iskiashet
    appedhi
    slapt
    op.
    “
    Andther
    e..she’
    supat
    …Tul
    iBl
    ock.Atal
    odge.Let
    me…”
    Hequi
    ckl
    ywor kedonhislapt
    opthengr
    abbeda
    pi
    ecei
    fpaperandwrotethelodgename.
    “
    Shewasl
    asther
    e.”
    Lor
    ilookedatt
    hename.
    “
    Whataboutt
    heot
    hernumber
    ?”
    “
    Alsot
    her
    e.”
    Loriswal
    lowed.“
    Okt
    hanks.Iwi
    llsor
    toutt
    he
    payment.
    ”
    “
    Sur
    e.”
    Lor iwal
    kedoutwonder i
    ngifther
    ewasapossi bi
    li
    ty
    that …butno.Fuckwhatwasheevent hinki
    ng!That
    wasObakeng’ sfather…themanwhoal soraised
    him.Hewoul dnever …Hecouldhavedroppedof f
    Fifither
    ef orareason..butbotht
    hei
    rphoneswer e
    bot hoff.
    Hegoti
    nhi
    scaranddroveof
    fheadedt
    oTul
    iBl
    ock.
    Hi
    sphoner
    angashejoinedt
    heA1.
    “
    Kabo.
    .”
    “
    Iam t
    hinki
    ngofpr
    oposi
    ng.
    ”
    “
    Fif
    i’
    scousi
    n?”
    “Yes.Obakengpr
    ovedt
    omet
    hatmar
    ri
    agei
    snotal
    l
    bad.”
    Lor
    ismi
    led.“
    Iam pr
    oudofyouboy.
    ”
    “Youneedtof
    indsomeone.Obvi
    ousl
    yFi
    fiwon’
    t
    comearound.
    ”
    “Shewil
    l.Ij
    ustneedachancetoshowherIcan
    l
    oveher.ThemonnaIhavelovedFif
    ifr
    om whenshe
    wasamai d.Iam i
    nlovewit
    hthatwomanandIwill
    bepati
    entwithher.
    ”
    “
    Don’
    thur
    tyour
    sel
    fint
    hepr
    ocess.
    ”
    “
    Givemet
    ime.That
    ’smywoman.
    ”
    “I
    fyousl
    eepwi
    thmywi
    fewhenIdi
    e,Iwi
    llhaunt
    you.
    ”
    Lor
    ilaughedt
    henhungupdr
    ivi
    ng.

    HOURSLATER…
    .
    .
    .
    [
    04/
    23,
    06:
    02]'
    :
    Si
    nsUnf
    orgi
    ven
    #103

    Hour
    sLat
    er

    Latert
    hatday,Lorat
    otookadeepbr
    eat
    handcal
    led
    hergrandmother.
    Herphoner
    angacoupl
    eoft
    imesbef
    oreshepi
    cked.
    “
    Hel
    lo!
    ”
    “
    Hel
    lo,
    keLor
    ato.
    ”
    “
    Mychi
    ld,
    howar
    eyou?
    ”
    “
    Iam f
    ine.TheLor
    dist
    her
    eforme.
    ”
    Lor
    atosi
    ghed.“
    Amen.I
    sFi
    fit
    her
    e?”
    “
    No.Shel
    eftt
    hedayyoul
    eft
    .”
    “
    Yesbutshehasgonemi ssi
    ngwit
    hETandIcan’
    t
    f
    indheranywher
    e.Herphoneisof
    f.
    ”
    “
    Iam sur
    eheshei
    sfi
    ne.Shei
    sok.
    ”
    “Maybesomethi
    nghappenedtoherorshecoul
    d
    havedonesomethi
    ngtohersel
    f.
    ”
    “Fif
    iwil
    lneverdoanyt
    hingt
    oher
    sel
    fwhenshehas
    Etsi
    le.
    ”
    Lor
    atot
    ookadeepbr
    eat
    h.“
    Eemma.
    ”
    “Tel
    lhert
    ocallmewhensheget
    sback.Don’
    twor
    ry.
    Sheisfi
    ne.”
    “
    Eemma.
    *
    Lorat
    oputdownherphoneknowingshewas
    defi
    nit
    elyrepor
    ti
    nghermi
    ssi
    ngifshewasst
    il
    lnot
    backbyt omorr
    ow.
    Shel
    ookedatherTVwor
    ryi
    ngoverhersi
    ster
    .

    *
    **

    Thatevening,Fif
    ilai
    dinRragweObakeng’sarmson
    thebedl i
    steni
    ngtohimt al
    k.Hehadadeepl ow
    voice,evenwhenangr yhisvoi
    ceneverr
    oseabove
    that.
    Hi
    swidechestvi
    brat
    edwheneverhespoke,
    ther
    e
    wasj
    ustsomethi
    ngabouthi
    m shehadneverseen
    i
    nanyone…maybei
    twast
    hemat
    uri
    ty.
    .shewasn’
    t
    r
    eal
    lysure.
    Herubbedherhi
    psti
    llt
    alki
    ng,hi
    stouchsendi
    ng
    goosebumpsthr
    oughoutherbody.
    Shel ookedi
    nhiseyesshesmi l
    ed.Hepaused
    tal
    kingthendroppedakissonherl i
    ps.But
    ter
    fl
    y
    eruptedinherstomachunexpectedl
    y.
    Sheshyl
    ypul
    ledherl
    ipsf
    rom hi
    sandputherhead
    onhi
    schestwit
    hherhandonhisbi
    cep.
    “
    Howi st
    hecar
    ?It
    ’snowol
    d,i
    sitst
    il
    lwor
    kingj
    ust
    f
    ine?
    ”
    “
    Yes.Itwasmakingsomesoundl
    astmont
    hbutI
    t
    ookitforser
    vici
    ngandi
    t’
    sfi
    nenow.
    ”
    “
    Youl
    ikebi
    gcar
    s?”
    Fifismiled.“Yes.Idi
    dn’tknowIli
    kedbigcar
    sti
    llI
    starteddrivi
    ngt heJeepfullt
    imebutwhenIbecome
    veryf i
    nanciall
    ystable,
    Iam goingtobuymysel
    fa
    GLECoupe. ”
    “
    Thati
    saver
    yni
    cecar
    .”
    Aknockont
    hedoorhadFi
    fir
    aisi
    ngherhead.
    RragweObakenggotof
    fthebedandwrappeda
    t
    owelinhiswaistt
    henwalkedt
    othedoorwhi
    leshe
    rel
    axedonthebed.
    Thelodgestaffl
    ookedathim.Sheswal lowed
    star
    ingatnakedchestthenmovedback.“ Good
    evening,wearesosorr
    yf orthedist
    urbancebut
    ther
    ei samanout si
    del
    ooki ngforyouSir.
    ”
    “
    Looki
    ngf
    orme?
    ”
    “
    Yes.Uhhi
    snamei
    sLor
    i.
    ”
    RragweObakengfr
    ownedashi
    shear
    tski
    ppeda
    hut.Hecl
    ear
    edhisthr
    oat
    .
    “
    Didyout
    ellhi
    m Iam her
    e?”
    “
    Hesawyourcar
    .”
    “
    Ok.Iam comi
    ng.
    ”
    Sheturnedandqui
    cklywalkedaway.Rragwe
    Obakengwalkedbackintheroom andputonhi
    s
    campingshort
    sandat -
    shirt
    .
    “
    Wher
    ear
    eyougoi
    ng?
    ”
    Heputonhi
    sshoest
    henki
    ssedher
    .
    “
    Letmehandl
    esomet
    hingout
    side.Iam comi
    ng.
    ”
    “
    Isever
    ythi
    ngok?
    ”
    “
    Yes.
    ”
    Hewalkedoutandwalkedout
    sidewher
    eLor
    iwas
    st
    andi
    ngbyhiscarpressi
    nghisphone.
    *
    Meanwhil
    einsidetheroom Fi
    figotoffbedthen
    t
    ookherphoneandswi t
    cheditonstanding.
    Messagesrol
    ledin.Shesatdownr eplyi
    ngGrace
    t
    hencall
    edLor at
    o.
    “
    Hel
    lo?Fi
    fi
    !”
    “Hi
    ,Isawyourmessages.Iam f
    ine.Ij
    ustneeded
    somefreshai
    r.
    ”
    “
    Oh.
    .Iwaswor
    ri
    ed.Wher
    ear
    eyou?
    ”
    “
    Iam ar
    ound.Don’
    twor
    ry.Iam f
    ine.
    ”
    “
    Whenar
    eyoucomi
    ngback?
    ”
    “
    Iam notsur
    eyet
    .”
    “
    Ok.
    ”
    “
    Bye.
    ”
    Fi
    fihungupthenswi
    tchedof
    fherphoneandgot
    backinbed.

    Out
    side,
    Lor
    ifacedr
    ragweObakeng.
    “
    Mamai sl
    ookedf oryou.Shei
    sworr
    iedsomet
    hing
    mighthavehappenedt oyouwhenyouwereonyour
    waybackfrom Francist
    own.”
    “It
    oldherIwouldbegoi ngaroundchecki
    ngon
    business.Ican’
    tjustsi
    tinMaun.Peoplewil
    ltake
    advantageofthat.”
    Loril
    ookedatt
    heext
    endedl
    odge.“
    Thi
    sis
    beauti
    ful
    .”
    “
    Yes.Ihadt
    oaddmor
    erooms.Buthowdi
    dyouf
    ind
    me?”
    “IwasonmywaytoMait
    engwetoseeFi
    fiwhenI
    gottol
    dshei
    snoti
    nther
    e.SoIt
    ookatur
    nand
    t
    houghtIwouldresthere.It
    hensawyourcar
    .How
    wassheatthefuneral
    ?”
    “Ver
    ysad.Shelostherfather
    …thatmanwasher
    fat
    herbutshewil
    lbefine.Weareallpr
    ayi
    ngf
    or
    her.
    ”
    “Iwentt
    oseeherbutshe’snothomet houghhercar
    i
    s.Averynosyneighborwalkedoverandtol
    dme
    shelef
    twit
    hyou.Iam gladIfoundyou.MaybeIcan
    j
    ustgowhereversheisnow.”
    “It
    ookherfrom herhouse.Idi
    dn’
    twantherdyi
    ng
    wit
    hstressinthathouse.It
    houghtmaybeshe
    wouldenjoysomef reshai
    rherebutshesai
    d
    somethingaboutgoingtoseeafri
    endsomewhere.I
    l
    etherbe.Acarpi ckedherup.
    ”
    Lor
    ilookedathi
    m andnoddedasi
    tal
    lmadesense.
    “
    Ok.Ihopeshe’
    sok.
    ”
    “Sheisfi
    ne.Fi
    fii
    snotachil
    d.Al
    lroomsherear
    e
    bookedtoni
    ght.Youaregoi
    ngtohavet
    osleepat
    thetentl
    odgetoni
    ght.
    ”
    “
    It
    ’sf
    ull
    ?”
    “Yes.Acompanyi
    sher
    ewi
    thi
    t’
    swor
    ker
    s.Howi
    sit
    goingatwor
    k.”
    “
    Ver
    ywel
    l.
    ”
    “Good.Iknewl et
    ti
    ngyourunthecompanywast he
    bestdecisionImade.Obakengt r
    ustedyou.You
    knewwhathewant ed.Youwereatruebrotherbut
    youshoul dn’tstr
    essoverMmaMoj alef
    alikethi
    s.
    Liveyourlife.
    ”
    “
    Eer
    ra.
    ”
    “
    Good.Iwi
    llseeyoumyboy.
    ”
    RragweObakengwalkedbackinthelodge.Lor
    igot
    i
    nt hecaranddr
    oveoff.Theonl
    yfri
    endshehad
    wasRi cky.
    Hetookhi
    sphoneandcalledhi
    m buthi
    sphone
    di
    dn’tgot
    hrough.Lor
    ipi
    ckedanincomi
    ngcal
    l.
    “
    Mor
    iski
    ..
    ”
    “
    Sur
    e,di
    dyouf
    indher
    ?”
    “
    No.She’
    snother
    e.”
    “
    Real
    ly?Herphonewasj
    ustswi
    tchedonandshe’
    s
    st
    il
    lther
    e.”
    “
    She’
    sther
    e?”
    “
    Yes.
    ”
    “
    Okt
    hanks.
    ”
    Lori
    ’
    sheartpoundedasshetookaU-turnbackthen
    thel
    odge.Hesteppedoutandwalkedinsi
    de.The
    l
    adybytherecepti
    onlookedathi
    m.
    “
    Ther
    eisno-
    “
    “
    IknowbutIf
    orgott
    ogi
    vehi
    m somet
    hing.I
    t’
    sver
    y
    i
    mport
    ant
    ..
    ”
    “
    Letmecal
    lhi
    mforyou.
    ”
    “
    No,youdon’
    thavetodot
    hat
    .HeknowsIam her
    e.
    Wher
    eishisr
    oom? ”
    “
    Iam sor
    rybutIhavet
    ocal
    lhi
    mforyou.
    ”
    Lor
    isi
    ghed.“
    Ok,t
    hankyou.Iam sor
    ryf
    ormaki
    ng
    youworksomuch.
    ”
    “
    It
    ’sok.
    ”
    Shest
    oodandwal
    kedt
    other
    ooms.Lor
    isl
    owl
    y
    f
    oll
    owedherandwat chedasshewalkedtohi
    s
    r
    oom andknocked.Loriqui
    ckl
    yfol
    lowedher
    ,she
    l
    ookedathi
    m withafrown.
    “
    Sir
    ,youhavet
    ogoback-
    “
    Lor
    iignor
    edherandopenedt
    hedoorwal
    kingi
    nsi
    de.
    .
    .
    .
    [
    04/
    23,
    06:
    02]'
    :
    Si
    nsUnf
    orgi
    ven
    #104

    I
    nTuliBl
    ock,Lorii
    gnor
    edherandopenedt
    hedoor
    wal
    kingi
    nside.
    Hisheartpoundedashelookedatt
    heemptyr
    oom.
    Hewalkedinsidethenrr
    agweObakengwal
    kedout
    ofthebathroom st
    il
    ldr
    essed.
    Hel
    ookedatLor
    iconf
    used.“
    Youar
    est
    il
    lher
    e?”
    Ther
    ecept
    ioni
    stt
    ookadeepbr
    eat
    h.“
    Ihadasked
    hi
    mtowaitatt
    he-“
    “
    It
    ’sok.Youcango.
    ”
    HelookedatLor
    iwhowasl ookingatr
    ragwe
    Obakengsuspi
    ciousl
    y.Hesniff
    edtheaircat
    chinga
    whif
    fofherperf
    umei ntheai
    r.Hecouldhardl
    ykiss
    i
    t.
    Helookedar
    oundt
    her
    oom t
    ryi
    ngt
    ounder
    standbut
    coul
    dhe?
    “
    Isever
    ythi
    ngokLor
    i?”
    Lor
    ilookedathi
    m.“Woul
    dyoueverst
    artanaf
    fai
    r
    wit
    hyourson’swif
    e?”
    “
    What
    ?”
    “BecauseIknowFif
    iisher
    eandt herei
    sJowayI
    wouldwanttothi
    nkyouaresleepingwit
    hyour
    daughteri
    n-l
    aw.I
    t’
    sunimaginabl
    e.”
    “Areyouaski
    ngmei
    fIwoul
    dsl
    eepwi
    thmmagwe
    Etsi
    le?
    ”
    Lor
    ichuckl
    ed.“
    Woul
    dyou?
    ”
    “
    Doyour
    eal
    izewhoyouar
    etal
    kingt
    o?”
    “IknowLegauf
    iisher
    e.WhatIdon’
    tunderst
    andis
    whatshewouldbedoingherewi
    thyou.Outoff
    anyoneshecouldbewit
    h,i
    t’
    syou.Idon’
    t
    underst
    and.
    ”
    “
    Andwher
    edoyouseeLegauf
    iher
    e?”

    Meanwhi l
    einthebat
    hroom,Fif
    i’
    sheartpoundedso
    muchlisteni
    ngtoLori
    ’
    svoice.Shelookedaround
    andtherewasnowher etoevenhideifshewanted
    to.
    Herhandsshooksomuchassheimagi
    nedwhat
    wouldhappeni
    fpeopl
    efoundout
    .

    I
    nther
    oom,
    Lor
    ilookedevenmor
    e.
    “
    Iknowshei
    sher
    e.Icanf
    eeli
    t.
    ”
    “
    Ofeel
    angwena?
    ”
    Loriwalkedpasthi
    m andwalkedi
    nsidethe
    bathroom.Helookedatthet
    ubfil
    ledwit
    hbubble
    waterwithtwoglassesofwi
    ne.RragweObakeng
    fol
    lowedhim keepi
    nghiscal
    m.
    “
    Getout
    !”
    Loril
    ookedatthewater,
    hisbr
    ainwor
    kingover
    ti
    me.
    Hewal kedoutthenl
    ookedatt
    heopensli
    dinggl
    ass
    door.
    “
    Boy,
    ifyoudon’
    t-
    “
    “
    OkaeFi
    fi
    ?”
    “
    Idon’tknowwhatyouhavebeensmoki ngbutyou
    wil
    lnottal
    ktomel i
    keIam yourf
    ri
    end.Boyrespect
    me,Iam notyouragemate.”
    “IknowFi f
    iishereandIcanproveitgaobata.My
    onlyquest ioniswhatshewouldbedoi ngherewit
    h
    youal one.Iseeyouasmyf at
    herandIwoul dnever
    disrespectyou, t
    hat’
    swhyIam sti
    lltal
    kingt
    oyou
    withr espect.
    ”
    “
    Areyoudr
    unk?
    ”
    “Who’
    stheowneroft
    heot
    hergl
    assi
    nthe
    bat
    hroom?”
    “
    Myl
    adyf
    ri
    end.I
    fIwer
    eyouIwoul
    dgo.
    ”
    “Andwhereisthi
    sladyfri
    endofyours?Doesshe
    alsousethesameper f
    umeasFifibecausei
    tsmell
    s
    l
    ikeherperf
    umeint heair
    .”
    “Shelef
    t.Howdoyouknowtheper
    fumeMma
    Mojalef
    auses?Ar
    eyoutheonewhoboughti
    tfor
    her?
    ”
    “
    Shelef
    t?Ineverpassedacaronmywayher
    e.
    Wher
    edidshego? ”
    “
    Youar
    eget
    ti
    ngt
    oobi
    gforyourshoes!
    ”
    Loril
    ookedaroundt heroom t
    henlookedathi
    m,hi
    s
    heartr
    acing.Itf
    eltevenwrongtoaskbut
    somethingjustwasn’tri
    ght
    .
    “
    Areyousl
    eepi
    ngwi
    thFi
    fi
    ?”
    “
    Getoutbef
    oreIpunchyou.Ont
    wael
    a
    mosi
    manyanakewena.”
    “Wherei
    sFifit
    hen?OrmaybeIshouldaskmyguy
    tot
    rackherexactl
    ocat
    ion.BecauseIknowshei
    s
    somewherehere.
    ”
    “Youar everydisr
    espectful.AftereverythingIhave
    donef oryou,thi
    sisthethanksIget ?Bei ngaccused
    ofsl
    eepi ngwithmydaught erin-law.Boyyouwoul d
    benot hi
    ngr i
    ghtnowi fIdidn’ttakecar eofyou.I
    haveneverbeent hisdisrespect edinmyl i
    fe.Leave
    mypr opertybecauseifyoudon’ t,ketsi
    legogogat a
    molala.Ont l
    waetswakengyourshi t?
    !Nxl a,get
    out!
    ”
    “Iam notgoinganywher ewit
    houtFif
    i.Whatareyou
    doingwi t
    hyourdaught eri
    nlawthatyouwould
    bringhertoapl acesofaraway.Youarealwaysat
    Fifi
    ’shousecomet ot
    hinkofit
    .Youarealways
    aroundher ….ObakenglongdiedsoIdon’t
    under st
    andwhyyouwoul dbesoclosetoheraft
    er
    allthi
    swhi l
    e.Ihopeit
    ’snotwhatIam thi
    nking
    becausei fi
    tis,youar
    egoingt oseej
    usthow
    disrespectf
    ulIcanget.
    ”
    Hewalkedtothesli
    dingdoorandlookedout
    side
    buti
    twasjustdarkness.Hewalkedbackint
    he
    r
    oom shaki
    ng.
    Loriwal
    kedoutt
    akingouthi
    sphonet
    henwal
    ked
    outtohi
    scarcal
    li
    ngFifi
    .
    “
    Thenumberyouhave-
    “
    Hecutthecal
    landwal
    kedovert
    orr
    agwe
    Obakeng’
    scarcal
    li
    ngKabo.
    “
    Boy…”
    “
    IfoundFifi
    .She’
    sher
    eatal
    odgewher
    eBax’
    s
    f
    atheri
    s.”
    “
    What
    ?”
    “Andsomet hi
    ngdoesn’tf
    eel
    rightl
    ait
    aka.MaybeI
    am crazybut..whatwoul
    dshebedoi ngher
    ewith
    him baletwohela?”
    “
    Whati
    sshesayi
    ng?
    ”
    “Ihaven’
    tseenher.Iam out
    side,Iam goi
    ngwait
    here.Theywil
    lcomeoutwhet hertheyli
    keornot
    .”
    “Doyouthi
    nkmdalai
    s..butno.Hewouldnever.I
    t
    soundswrongt
    oeventhinkabout.Baxwashisson.
    Thatwomanisl
    ikehi
    sdaught er
    .Shehasachild
    wit
    hObakeng.Thi
    sisAf
    ri
    caLor
    i.Sucht
    hingsdon’
    t
    happenher
    e.”
    “Somethi
    ngi
    snotri
    ght.Herphonei
    swasj
    ustt
    oo
    swit
    chedonandsheishere.
    ”
    Fi
    fiwalkedoutoft
    helodgetyi
    ngt helodge’
    snight
    gown.Lorit
    urnedheari
    ngfootsteps.Hishear
    t
    poundedmor eashelookedather.
    “
    Letmecal
    lyoubackboy.
    ”
    “
    Sur
    e.”
    Heputhi
    sphoneawayst
    ari
    ngather
    .Fi
    fif
    oldedher
    ar
    ms.
    “
    Ihear
    dyournoi
    se.
    ”
    “
    Whatar
    eyoudoi
    ngher
    e?”
    “
    Ineededabr
    eat
    her
    .”
    “
    Wit
    hyourf
    atheri
    n-l
    aw?
    ”
    “
    Alone.He’
    sjusther
    emaki
    ngsur
    eIdon’
    thur
    t
    myself
    .”
    “
    Theywhydi
    dhedenyyoubei
    ngher
    e?”
    “BecauseIaskedhedoesn’
    ttel
    lmeanyone.I
    wantedtobemyal oneanddealwi
    thmyemot i
    ons
    alone.
    ”
    Hel
    ookedathersuspi
    ciousl
    y.
    “
    Wher
    eisEt
    sil
    e?”
    “
    Wit
    hGr
    ace.
    ”
    “
    Somet
    hingi
    snotr
    ight
    .”
    “I
    frragweObakengdidn’
    tcometomyhousewhen
    hedidIdon’
    tknowwhatIwoul dhavedone.If
    eel
    l
    ikeGodkeepstakingever
    yonefr
    om me.Ican
    neverbehappy.I
    t’
    stoomuch.Thepainistoomuch.
    Ijust…”
    Fi
    fiputherhandsoverherf
    aceandst
    art
    edcr
    ying.
    “Gobot
    lhoko…Ijustwantt
    odi
    e.Ican’
    ttaket
    his
    pai
    nanymor e.
    ”
    Lor
    ihuggedherr
    ubbi
    ngherback.
    “
    It
    ’sok.
    ”
    Fi
    disni
    ff
    edandmovedback.
    “
    DidyouknowObakengwant
    edt
    obr
    ingmeher
    e
    t
    hedayhedi
    ed?
    ”
    Lor
    ishookhi
    shead.
    Fif
    isadl
    ysmi led.“
    RragweObakengt houghti
    t
    wouldbeni cetobri
    nghere.Forcl
    osure.He
    wouldn’
    tleavebecausehei sworr
    iedaboutme.
    He’sagreatman.Howdi dyouknowIwasher e?I
    heardyouwer enotaround.
    ”
    “Yeah,
    Iwasonawor ktr
    ip.
    ”Lor
    isi
    ghed.“
    Iwas
    alr
    eadyover
    thi
    nkt
    his.
    ”
    “
    Ijustwant
    edt
    obeal
    one.
    ”
    “
    Sohehasal
    adyf
    ri
    end?
    ”
    “Idon’
    tknow.Ithi
    nkso.It
    hinkit
    ’sWame.They
    havebeengetti
    ngwaymor ethancl
    ose.
    ”
    “
    Oh…Isee.Iwasworr
    iedaboutyou.Yournei
    ghbor
    t
    oldmeyoulef
    twit
    hhim.”
    “Oh.
    .thenosyone.Mxm.Thankyouf
    orcomi
    ngt
    o
    seeme.”
    Fi
    fimovedcl
    oserandhuggedhi
    m.Loriswal
    lowed
    putt
    inghi
    sar
    msar oundher
    .Fi
    fimovedback.
    “
    Ithi
    nkIwillsl
    eepandleavet
    omorrow.If
    eelbad
    f
    ordraggi
    ngEtsil
    e’
    sgrandfat
    heri
    ntomymess. ”
    Lor
    ilookedatherwethai
    runabl
    etoshakeof
    fa
    cer
    tainfeel
    ing.
    “
    Areyouok?
    ”
    “
    Yeah.
    .justt
    ir
    ed.
    ”
    “Youaresooverprot
    ect
    ive,
    it’
    scut
    e.Maybeyou
    shoul
    dsleephere.Wecangobacktoget
    her
    tomorr
    ow.”
    Henodded.“
    Yeah.
    .butIhear
    dit
    ’sf
    ullher
    e.”
    “
    Iam sur
    esomet
    hingcanbedone.
    ”
    “Fif
    i…youwoul dneverdot hattoObakengr i
    ght?I
    mean…outofanyt hingyoucando, youwoul dnever
    sleepwi t
    hhisfatherri
    ght?Helovedyousomuch…
    youwoul dn’tgobehindeveryone’sbackt osl eep
    withhisfatherakere?Youwoul dn’tdisr
    especthi m
    tothatlevelwouldyou?Yousmel lli
    kethebubbl y
    wat ert
    hatwasi nhisroom.Icouldsmel lyour
    perfumei nther
    e…i tdoesn’
    tmakesense…your
    storydoesn’tmakesense.AndIdon’ tbelieveit.
    ”
    .
    .
    .
    [
    04/
    23,
    06:
    03]'
    :
    Si
    nsUnf
    orgi
    ven
    #105

    Fi
    fif
    rowned.
    “
    SoyouthinkIwouldsl
    eepwithmyf
    atheri
    n-l
    aw?
    WhywouldIdothattoObakeng?
    ”
    “Idon’
    tknowFi f
    i.Whatyouaresayingdoesn’
    tmake
    sense.Youwouldhaver emainedwithyour
    grandmotherift
    hepainwast oomuch.Andwhy
    wasyourper f
    umesmel l
    inginhisroom?”
    “Am It
    heonlyonewi
    tht
    hatper
    fume?Andhowdo
    youevenknowit’
    smyperf
    ume?”
    “Iam notst
    upi
    dLegaufi
    .Yourstor
    iesdon’
    taddup.I
    am j
    usttryi
    ngt
    ounderstand…”
    “Youar everypat hetic.Iwouldneversl eepwi thmy
    fat
    heri n-l
    awbutbel ievewhateveryouwantt o
    beli
    eve.Yourpr obl em isthatIam notgi vingyoua
    chanceandIwoul dneverdot hat.IfIhadt omove
    on,i
    tdef ini
    tel
    ywi llnotbewi thyoupapa.Wa
    makat saLor i
    ,koor eeverymanyouseewi thmei s
    suspicioustoyoubecauseyout hinktheyar etaki
    ng
    yourplace.Iwi l
    lneverl oveyouorbewi thyou.You
    arenotanywher ecl osetobeingmyt ype.Andnot
    everyonei sli
    keyou, Iwouldneversl eepwi thmy
    fat
    heri n-l
    awbutIwoul dn’
    tsayt hesameaboutyou.
    Iam sur pri
    sedyoucanhol dyourshi t!
    ”
    Lor
    iswal
    lowedst
    ari
    ngather
    .
    “
    Thatwasn’
    tbychoi
    ce.
    ”
    “Andwhoknowst hat?Maybeitwasn’tchoiceat
    fi
    rstbutyoumusthaveenj oyedbeingfuckedinthe
    asssomucht hatyouleti
    tgoon.Notever yonei
    s
    l
    ikeyou.Idon’tappreci
    ateyouraccusati
    on.DoI
    l
    ookl i
    keIsleepwithmyf at
    herin-
    law?”
    Lor
    ilookedather
    .“I
    fyouwant
    edt
    obeal
    one,
    then
    whyishehere?”
    “Iam notgoi
    ngt oexpl
    ainmysel ftoyou.Beli
    eve
    whateveryouwantt obel
    ieve.Iam verydisgust
    ed
    youwoul daccusemeofsuch.Il ovedmyhusband
    fori
    ryourowni nf
    ormati
    on.Istil
    llovehim.Heknew
    that
    …”Tearsfil
    ledhereyes.
    “Ij
    ust
    …”Herubbedhisface.“
    Iam sor
    ry.Ij
    ust…it
    l
    ookssuspi
    cious.Hedeni
    edyoubeingherethough
    Icoul
    dsmellyouinhi
    sroom.”
    “Ididn’
    tevenbri
    ngt hatperfumeher e.Doyouwant
    tosearchmyr oom soIshowyout heoneIam
    using?Andwhat everhiswat erwassmel l
    ingis
    whateverybathingwat erherewoul dsmel lli
    keif
    youaddt hesalt
    spr ovi
    dedbyt helodge.Thatman
    i
    sasgoodasmyf ather.Iam ver ydisappoint
    edyou
    woul dt
    hinkofmeast hetypet hatwoul ddoitsuch.
    Ithoughtyouknewmebet t
    erthant hat.”
    Lorilookedather.“Iam sorry.Ijust
    …Iam sorry.
    Maybeyouar eri
    ght..Igetwor r
    iedaboutevery
    maket hatapproachesyoubecauseIgenui nel
    ylove
    you.Iloveyou,youknowt hat.Ihavelovedyoufor
    thelongestti
    me.Iwi shIcoul djustswit
    choffmy
    feel
    ingsandnotf eelanythingforyou.Iam
    def
    ini
    tel
    ygoi
    ngcr
    azyoveryou.
    ”
    “Iam nothavi
    nganaf
    fai
    rwi
    thmyf
    atheri
    n-l
    aw.
    Pleasedon’t
    …-“
    Lor
    ibreat
    hedout.“
    Iam sor
    ry.AndIneverl
    iked
    whathappenedwit
    hBanyana’sfat
    her
    .”
    “
    Iknow.Iam sor
    ryf
    orsayi
    ngt
    hat
    .If
    elti
    nsul
    ted.
    ”
    “
    IloveyouFi
    fi
    .”
    Atearrol
    leddownFi
    fi
    ’scheek.“
    Ican’
    tlookatyou
    l
    ikethat
    .”
    “Why?IknowIcanloveyout
    hewayyoudeserveto
    beloved.Icanl
    oveyouj
    ustl
    ikehedi
    dormore.”
    Fi
    fisni
    ff
    ed.“
    Iam sor
    ry.
    ”
    “Ijustneedachancet
    opr
    oveit.Ij
    ustneedyout
    o
    givemeachance.Youwil
    lneverknowtil
    lyougi
    ve
    i
    tachance. ”
    RragweObakengwal kedout.Fi
    fisi
    ghedsteppi
    ng
    back.Lor
    ilookedathimthenbackatFifi
    .
    “Iam sorr
    y.Ican’
    tlookatyoubeyondt hefactthat
    youwer eBax’sbr
    other.Idon’
    tfeelanyt
    hingforyou.
    Ineverdid.Idon’tthinkIwi l
    l.TefoandIhavea
    bondf orming.Iwantt ogivet hatachance.Iwould
    appreciat
    ei ti
    fyour espectedt hat.Iam goi
    ngt
    o
    sl
    eep.Thankyouf orcomi ngt oseeme.Iam sor r
    y
    aboutwhatIsai d.Ididn’tmeani t
    .”
    “Wai
    t..
    ”Hehel
    dherhand.Rr agweObakengcl
    ear
    ed
    hist
    hroat
    .Fi
    fipul
    ledherhandandwalkedbacki
    n
    thel
    odge.
    Rr
    agweObakengl
    ookedatLor
    iwhosi
    ghed.
    “
    Iam sor
    ryf
    orwhathappened.
    ”
    “
    It
    ’sok.I
    fyoul
    ikedFi
    fi,
    whydi
    dn’
    tyouj
    ustt
    ellme?
    I
    t’
    snotwrongt
    ol i
    keher.
    ”
    “
    Idi
    dn’
    tknowhowt
    otel
    lyou.
    ”
    “Sheisstil
    lgri
    evi
    ng.Giveherspace.Shewil
    lcome
    around.Youshouldnotputherunderpressure.
    Thatwayyouwi l
    lst
    arttoannoyher.Iwi
    llbegladif
    i
    t’syouwhot akesover.It
    hinkthatwayIwon’thave
    toworryaboutEtsil
    eknowingit’
    syou.Iwil
    lhelpyou
    i
    fIhavet o.”
    Lor
    ilookedathi
    m nowashamed.
    “I
    t’
    sok.Iam di
    sappoint
    edyouwoul daccuseof
    sl
    eepi
    ngwithmydaught eri
    n-lawbutIwil
    lleti
    tgo.
    Youneedtostopbeingemotional
    .Ihavesomeone
    i
    nmyl i
    fe.
    ”
    “
    Iam sor
    ry.
    ”
    “I
    t’
    sokmyboy.Iwi
    llt
    alkt
    omybr
    otheraboutyour
    si
    tuat
    ion.
    ”
    “
    Thankyou.
    ”
    “
    Iguessnowt hatyousawherther
    eisnoneedtol
    ie
    t
    oyou.There’
    sar oom.Youcansleepher
    e.Iam
    l
    eavingtomor
    rowear l
    ymorni
    ng.MaybeifMma
    Mojalef
    aisal
    sogoing,shewi
    llgowit
    hyou.”
    “
    Eer
    ra.
    ”

    *
    **

    Inanotherroom,Fi
    fil
    aidont
    hecoldbedalone.An
    hourwentbyasshel ai
    ddown.Theroom tel
    ephone
    rang.Shereachedfori
    tonbedsi
    deandpicked.
    “
    Hel
    lo?
    ”
    “
    Areyouok?
    ”
    Fi
    fit
    ookadeepbr
    eat
    h.“
    Iam f
    ine.Di
    dhebel
    ievei
    t?”
    “
    Yes.Heisnotani
    ssue.Wear
    egoi
    ngt
    ohavet
    obe
    morecar
    eful
    .”
    “
    Maybet
    hisi
    sasi
    gnt
    hat
    …Iam scar
    ed.
    ”
    “
    Iam comi
    ng.
    ”
    Hehung.Fi
    fiputt
    hetel
    ephonedownandl
    aiddown.
    Minut
    eslat
    erhewalkedi
    nandlockedt
    hedoor
    .
    Hej
    oinedheronthebedpul
    li
    ngbot
    hoft
    hem under
    t
    heduvet.Hehel
    dherinhi
    sarms.
    “
    Tel
    ldaddywhatyouar
    escar
    edof
    .”
    Fif
    ilookedathim.“
    Ifanyonefi
    ndsout
    …Ican’
    teven
    begintoimaginewhatwil
    lhappen.
    ”
    “Noonewillfi
    ndouti
    fwearecaref
    ul.Iwil
    lmake
    surenoonefindsout
    .Ever
    ythi
    ngwillbeunder
    contr
    ol.Al
    lyouneedtodoistr
    ustme.”
    Fi
    fisl
    owl
    yrel
    axedi
    nhi
    sar
    ms.Heki
    ssedhersof
    tl
    y.
    “
    Daddyl
    ovesyou…”
    Fi
    fibl
    inkedhear
    ingt
    hewor
    ds.Hesmi
    led.
    “
    Youdon’
    thavet
    osayanyt
    hing.Wewi
    llbef
    ine.
    ”

    *
    **

    I
    nthenextr
    oom, Lor
    ilai
    dont
    hebedr
    estl
    ess
    wonder
    ingwhathecoulddot
    oshowherhewas
    wort
    hit
    .
    Nowt hathethoughofit,hemusthaver eal
    lyl
    ooked
    crazyaccusingthem.Evenr r
    agweObakenghad
    saiditwasok, heknewheneededt oproperl
    y
    apologize.Hesighedandcl osedhiseyes.He
    openedt hem thi
    nkingoftheperfume…andhowshe
    smelt.Maybeheshoul dhavecheckedinsidethe
    water.Chancesar ethatshecouldhavebeeni nthe
    bathtub.Maybet hatwouldexplai
    nherwethai r.
    FuckLor
    i… shewouldn’
    tdot hat.Hetur
    nedwi
    tha
    si
    gh.ShelovedObakeng…therewasnowayshe
    wouldsl
    eepwithhi
    sFat her
    …bi thisf
    ather
    .
    FOURMONTHSLATER…
    .
    .
    .
    [
    04/
    23,
    06:
    03]'
    :
    Si
    nsUnf
    orgi
    ven
    #106

    FourMont
    hsLat
    er…

    Fifiparkedhercaratthegovernmentoff
    icesear
    ly
    mor ningthensteppedoutwithherhandbagandthe
    requireddocument st
    oapplyforatender.
    Shesteppedoutoft hecarpull
    ingherpencilski
    rt
    thathadriddenoverherwidehipswhileshesatin
    thecarthenwalkedinsi
    det hebuil
    dinglocki
    ngher
    car.
    Shesmi
    ledappr
    oachi
    ngt
    her
    ecept
    ion.
    “
    Goodmor
    ning,
    Iam her
    etoappl
    yfort
    het
    ender
    .”
    Therecept
    ioni
    stsmi
    led.“
    Secondf
    loor
    .Thel
    ast
    dooronyourlef
    t.
    ”
    “
    Thankyou.
    ”
    Fificatwal
    kedt otheelevat
    or,hersi
    xinchsti
    let
    tos
    echoingont hef l
    oor.Shetookadeepbr eat
    hast he
    elevatorwhiskedherupt henshesteppedouton
    thesecondf loor.

    Awhi lel
    aterFi
    fiwalkedoutandgotinhercar.She
    tookadeepbr eathoutandsmi l
    ed.Herphonerang
    from herhandbag.Shetookitoutandpicked
    Lorato’
    scallr
    eversi
    ngout.
    “
    Lol
    o…”
    “
    Hi.Tshi
    digotpromoted.Wai
    tseIf
    eelFNBi
    snot
    t
    akingmeseriousl
    y.”
    “Sucht
    hingst
    aket
    imeLol
    o.Youcan’
    tjustget
    promot
    ed.”
    “Iam ahardworkerFi
    fi
    .AndIknowmywor t
    h.Iam
    notgoingtobeanassistantfor
    ever
    .Koor
    eIcan’t
    doanythingwi
    thmysal ary.
    *
    “I
    thasn’tbeenayeart
    here.Youneedtor
    eall
    yprove
    your
    selfwor t
    hbef
    oreyouthinkofpr
    omoti
    on.”
    “
    Didyouappl
    y?”
    “
    Yes.IhopeIgeti
    t.
    ”
    “Wai
    tseIsti
    llcan’tbel
    ieveyouhavet
    wocompani
    es.
    Andthatyoubuiltathreebedsinamatt
    eroff
    our
    months.
    ”
    “Don’
    tgett
    oohappy.Iam payi
    ngbackt
    hebank.I
    hopeIgett
    hetender
    .”
    “Iam cr
    ossi
    ngf
    inger
    swi
    thyou.Howi
    sthe
    bouti
    que?”
    Fifismileddri
    ving.“Doi
    ngverywell.Iam happywe
    arenowl ocat
    edatamal l.I
    tmakesf i
    ndingusmuch
    easier.Thewi gsaresel
    li
    nglikehotcakes.IwishI
    startedthisearl
    ier
    .Iam thi
    nkingofturni
    ngthethr
    ee
    bedsi nt
    oanur seryformommi eswhocan’ tafford
    taki
    ngt hei rki
    dst oapr eschool.IspoketoGr ace
    anddoyouknowshehasadegr eeinearl
    y
    chil
    dhood.Icanhi reher,shewast ell
    ingmeshei s
    ti
    redofbei ngahousewi fe.Athreebedscancat er
    forasmanyki ds.Iwi l
    lpaintt
    hehouse.Theyar dis
    bigsoIcanevenputapoolf orswimmi nglessons.
    Apl aygroundandapar kinglot.I
    magi nei
    fIhave30
    kidsandt heyal lpayP1500permont h.That’
    s45k
    permont h.Minuswhatneedst hepreschoolt orun
    andmai nt enance, that
    ’smaybeyout o25kpr ofit
    s.”
    “
    Wai
    tset
    hatsoundsl
    ikeapr
    ofi
    tabl
    epl
    an.
    ”
    “
    Ishoul
    ddot
    hat
    .IncaseIdon’
    tgett
    het
    ender
    .”
    “
    Ok,
    byt
    heway,
    howar
    eyouandTef
    o?”
    “Wear egreatebi leIam thi
    nki
    ngifsur
    pri
    singhim
    withdinnert onight.He’
    sbeenbusywithahectic
    projectl
    ately,hehasnotbeenhi mself
    .Iam sure
    Natewi l
    llovet hecompany.Wai t
    sethatboyisso
    cute.”
    Lor
    atol
    aughed.“
    Iam sur
    e.Doyoul
    ovehi
    m?”
    “
    Whyar
    eyouaski
    ng?
    ”
    “
    Iam j
    ustcur
    ious.
    ”
    “
    Hei
    sani
    ceper
    son.Il
    ikehi
    m.”
    “Ok,anywayl
    etmeheadt
    owor
    kmmaandwor
    kfor
    peanuts.
    ”
    Fi
    fil
    aughedthenhungupheadedt
    oherbout
    ique
    wi
    thmor est
    ockinherboot
    .

    *
    **

    Lor
    atol
    ookedatTef
    o.
    “
    Fif
    isaysshei
    sgoi
    ngt
    osur
    pri
    seyout
    oni
    ght
    .”
    Tefof i
    nisheddr essi
    ngandheldherwaist
    .“Don’
    t
    yout hi
    nki t
    ’sbestifItel
    lher
    ?Withyoupregnant,
    the
    tr
    uthwi l
    lcomeoutsoonerorl at
    er.Andhonest
    lyI
    don’tseeanyf utur
    ebetweenFif
    iandI.Shehas
    compl etel
    yf r
    iendzonedme. ”
    “
    Maybeshei
    snowcomi
    ngar
    ound.
    ”
    “Andwhatshoul
    dhappenifsheis?Iam goingt
    o
    chooset
    hewomanwho’ scarryi
    ngmychi l
    d.”
    “Whyshouldyouchooseanyt
    hingwhenyoucan
    havei
    tall
    ?”
    Tefosi
    ghed.“
    Doyouhonest
    lyt
    hinkshewil
    lagree
    toshari
    ngmewhenwehavebeensneakingbehind
    herbackal
    lal
    ong?
    ”
    “Youneverknow.Whatifshegi
    vesi
    tatry.Al
    lyou
    needistoconvincehert
    hati
    tcanworkandI
    promi
    seyou, i
    twill
    .”
    “
    Andwhati
    fIdon’
    twant
    ?”
    “
    Youdon’t?YouknowIwi l
    lnotal
    waysbeablet
    o
    t
    akecareofyou,i
    nsteadofhavi
    ngtosuf
    fer
    ,youwi
    ll
    j
    ustal
    ter
    nate.Youdon’twantt
    hat?”
    “Idon’twantyouf i
    ghti
    ngwi thFif
    ibecauseIhavea
    feeli
    ngit’
    sgoi ngtohappen, worsetell
    inghert
    hatI
    wantyoubot h.Fi
    f iisj
    ustnotthatki
    ndofwoman.
    That’sahar dwor kingindependentwomanwhocan
    affordherself.Al
    lsheneedsi smanwhocanl ove
    herandf uckhergood.Andsheknowsshecanget
    theloveshedeser ves.
    ”
    Lor
    atol
    ookedathi
    m.“
    Can’
    tyougi
    vehert
    hatt
    hen?
    ”
    Tef
    osi
    ghedthenki
    ssedher
    .“Let
    ’sgo.Ineedt
    opi
    ck
    upmycar
    .”

    *
    **

    MmagweObakengf inishedmaki ngherhusband


    breakfastthatmor ning.Shedi shedforhim and
    placeditont hediningr oom tableasherhusband
    walkedf r
    om t hebedr oom wear ingsomechino
    pantsandagol ft-
    shi rtt
    uckedi n.Shelookedatthe
    shoest henthewat chandt hehati nhishead.She
    hadneverseent hosebef ore.
    “
    Wher
    edi
    dyougett
    hosecl
    othes?
    ”
    Hesmi
    led.“
    Iboughtt
    hem somet
    imeback.
    ”
    “Uhu,si
    ncewhendoyouknowhowt
    opi
    ckni
    ce
    clot
    hesforyour
    sel
    f?”
    Hel
    aughed.“
    Kengonnyat
    sa?
    ”
    “
    Youl
    ookr
    eal
    lyni
    ce.Yousmel
    lni
    cet
    oo.
    ”
    “
    Thankyou.
    ”
    “
    Imadebr eakf
    ast
    .Iwast
    hinki
    ngwecoul
    dgot othe
    f
    arm hereinMaunandst
    aytheref
    ort
    heweekend.
    I
    t’
    sFriday.WecancomebackonMonday.
    ”
    “Thatwouldbeeagr eatideabutIt
    oldyouIam
    goingtothebigfar
    mt oseehowt hi
    ngsar egoing.I
    can’tbel
    ieveIal
    mostlostthatf
    arm becauseofthat
    mur der
    ousgirl
    .Goodthingherfat
    herisnotthat
    kindofaman. ”
    MmagweObakengsmi
    led.“
    Wecangot ogether
    .”
    Shewal
    kedcl
    osert
    ohi
    m andtouchedhishand.
    “
    Ireal
    lymi
    ssyou.
    ”
    “Imissyout oobutIwon’tevengett
    ineforyou
    whenIam t here.Iwi
    llt
    ryi
    ngtoseeifeveryt
    hingi
    s
    i
    nor der.Maybewecangot oChobewhenIcome
    back.”
    MmagweObakengsmi
    led.“
    Chobesoundsni
    cer
    .”
    “Yes.Butaf
    terIf
    ini
    shatt
    hef
    arm,
    Iwast
    hinki
    ngI
    cangoandseeEt si
    le.
    ”
    “
    Can’
    twedoDNAt
    est
    sto-
    “
    “
    Youhavest
    art
    ed.I
    t’
    stooear
    lyf
    ornonsense.That
    boyl
    ooksexact
    lyl
    ikehi
    sfat
    her
    !”
    MmagweObakengsi
    ghedr
    eal
    izi
    nghewasget
    ti
    ng
    angr
    y.
    “
    Sitdownandeatwhi
    leyourf
    oodi
    sst
    il
    lwar
    m.”
    “Ihavelostmyappet
    it
    e.Iwi
    llseeyouwhenIcome
    back.”
    Hewal
    kedbacktot
    hebedr
    oom andwalkedout
    wi
    thasmal
    lbag.MmagweObakenglookedathi
    m.
    “
    Pako,
    Iwokeupear
    lyt
    ocookf
    oryou.Kekopaoj
    e
    t
    her
    ra.
    ”
    Helookedathert hensighedsit
    ti
    ng.Shewal kedto
    thebedroom andqui ckl
    ychangedintothenewf ul
    l
    l
    aceunder wearthatcoveredherbum andbr ashe
    hasbought .Shelookedhersel
    fonthemi rrorthen
    tooktheblockheelsandwor ethem justl
    ikeshe
    hadread.Shet ookagownandputi tontopt hen
    ranpinkli
    pstickonherlips.
    Shesl
    owlywalkedout
    ,herl
    egsshaki
    ngasi
    fshe
    wasgoi
    ngtofall
    .
    Shewal
    kedt
    othedi
    ningt
    abl
    ehol
    dingont
    othe
    wal
    ls.Shel
    ookedathi
    m ashespokeonhi
    sphone.
    “I
    thasarri
    ved?…Iwanti ttoday.Iwil
    lsendyout
    he
    l
    ocati
    on.Makesur ei
    t’
    sni cel
    ycoveredand
    decor
    ated.Good.Thanks.”
    Sheapproachedhi
    m,rr
    agweObakenglookedather
    thenshedroppedt
    hegownandheldherwaist
    smili
    ngashismouthdr
    oppedopeninshock.
    .
    .
    .
    [
    04/
    23,
    06:
    03]'
    :
    Si
    nsUnf
    orgi
    ven
    #107

    MmagweObakengsmi
    ledhol
    dingherwai
    stwi
    th
    bot
    hhands.
    “
    Doyoul
    ikei
    t?”
    Hel
    ookedatherunder
    weart
    henbr
    aandsmi
    led.
    “
    Youl
    ookni
    ce.I
    sthatanewpant
    y?”
    “
    Ng…”
    “
    It
    ’sar
    eal
    lyni
    ceunder
    wear
    .”
    Shelookedathim wait
    ingforaction.Rr
    agwe
    Obakengsippedhisteaandf i
    nishedupeati
    ng.He
    st
    oodupnot ici
    ngtheheelstoo.
    “
    Ver
    yni
    ce.Letmegetgoi
    ngsoIcanar
    ri
    veear
    li
    er.
    ”
    “
    Uhu,
    wat
    samaya?
    ”
    “
    Yes.
    ”
    “
    Ist
    hisnotni
    ceenoughf
    oryou?
    ”
    Hel
    ookedatt
    heni
    tcl
    icked.
    “
    Ehe…Ididn’tknowt hat
    ’swhyyouwereshowing
    memogat saka.I
    t’
    sr eal
    lyni
    ce,whydi
    dn’
    tyoushow
    melastni
    ght?Gol ebaka,mothoakanaalebal
    adij
    o
    t
    sabagolo.”
    “
    Gol
    ebaka,
    whyar
    eyoui
    nahur
    ry?
    ”
    “I
    fIfi
    nishf astt
    henIwi l
    lcomebackearl
    iersowe
    cangot oKasane.Maybeyoushoul dpacktheseso
    wetaket hem with.Youlookr
    eal
    lyni
    ce.RightnowI
    am al
    readyr
    unni
    ngl
    ate.
    ”
    “
    Gat
    weweshoul
    dbespont
    aneous.
    ”
    “
    Iagr
    ee.Iwi
    llseeyou.
    ”
    Hekissedhercheekandwal kedout
    .Mmagwe
    Obakengtookoffthepai
    nfulshoesandoutont he
    gown.Shewalkedoutandf oundhim dr
    ivi
    ngout.
    Shetookadeepbr eat
    handwal kedoutofthehouse.

    *
    **

    Lat
    erthati
    nGaborone,Fi
    fipar
    kedhercarather
    houseandsteppedoutwit
    hEtsil
    e.Shewalked
    i
    nsidethehousepicki
    ngacall
    from anunsaved
    number.
    “
    Hel
    lo?
    ”
    “
    Gir
    l!
    !”
    Fi
    fil
    aughed.“
    Ricky!
    ”
    “
    Fri
    end,
    Ihavet
    otel
    lyousomet
    hing.
    ”
    “
    Thertawenahaven’
    tyoumadeenoughmoney?I
    missyousomuch.”
    Rickylaughed.“
    Imissyout
    oof
    ri
    end,
    koor
    etheUS
    doll
    arsaresonice.
    ”
    Fi
    fil
    aughed.“
    Imi
    ssyoumuch.
    ”
    “Iknow.Iam sor
    ryaboutMr
    .Pf
    ri
    end.Ir
    eal
    lywi
    sh
    couldcome.”
    “
    Iknow.I
    t’
    sal
    ri
    ght
    .”
    “
    Heywena,
    Imetaman.
    ”
    “
    Ser
    ious?
    ”
    “Yes.HisnameisHenry.Tal
    landgoodlooking.I
    methimt hreemont
    hsback.Wespokenyana, ebil
    eI
    wascr ushi
    ngbutnna,
    Iam professi
    onal
    .He
    promisedhe’dcomebacktotakemeoutf orcoff
    ee.
    Hecamebackandhewant sme. ”
    “
    Ser
    ious?
    ”
    “Yes.Whit
    eguy.Ri
    chandni
    ce.Hewant
    smet
    ogo
    backwithhim.
    ”
    “
    What
    ?”
    “
    Yes.AndnnaIam sor
    eady.
    ”
    “
    Wher
    eishef
    rom?
    ”
    “
    Amer
    ica.
    ”
    “
    Whati
    fhe’
    sher
    eto-
    “
    “Heisagoodguy.Ihavedonemyr esearch.Fif
    inot
    ever
    yonehasbadintenti
    ons.Youshoul dmeethi m.
    Andit’
    snotli
    keIcan’
    tdefendmysel fagainsta
    whit
    eguy.Youshouldletloosefr
    iendandembr ace
    l
    ove.Lovecomesindiff
    erentforms.Kant ewhenare
    yougoingtotel
    lmewhoyouar edating.Waitse
    yourpi
    ctur
    es…youar egl
    owi ng,
    sexyandhappy.
    Youlookli
    keawomanhavi nggoodsex. ”
    “
    Osi
    mol
    otse.Ther
    eisnoone.
    ”
    “
    Waaka!HenryandIar egoi
    ngtobei
    nMaunf ora
    f
    ewdayst henwewillcometoGabssoyoucanli
    e
    t
    omef acetoface.
    ”
    Fi
    fil
    aughed.“
    Ican’
    twai
    ttoseeyou.Imi
    ssedyou
    somuch.”
    “
    Metoof
    ri
    end.Weshoul
    dgooutwai
    tse.
    .onel
    ast
    t
    ime.
    ”
    Fi
    fil
    aughed.“
    Kanawena.
    .”
    “
    Hibi
    ri
    !”
    “
    Ij
    a,l
    etmef
    reshenup.Iam goi
    ngt
    ocheckupona
    f
    ri
    end.
    ”
    “
    Okmot
    howame.
    ”
    Fif
    ihungupsmi
    li
    ngt
    hencal
    ledTef
    obewal
    kingt
    o
    herbedr
    oom.
    “
    Hel
    lo?
    ”
    “Hi
    .Iwasthi
    nkingmaybewecandodi
    nnert
    oni
    ght
    .
    Witht
    heboys.ETandIcancomenow.Ar
    eyou
    guyshome.”
    “YesbutcanIcomeover
    ?Iwantt
    otal
    ktoyou
    aboutsomethi
    ng.
    ”
    “
    Isever
    ythi
    ngok?
    ”
    “
    Yeah.
    ”
    “
    Ok,
    thencomewi
    thNat
    e.”
    “
    Hei
    snotwel
    l.Iwi
    llcomeal
    one.
    ”
    Hehungupbef
    oreshecoul
    dsayanyt
    hing.
    *
    **

    Tef
    odroveFi
    fiopengateandt
    ookadeepbr
    eat
    h
    st
    eppi
    ngoutofthecar.
    Hewal
    kedtothebedoorandknocked.Fi
    fiopened
    t
    hedoorwear
    inganapron.Shesmil
    ed.
    “
    Hi,
    comei
    n.”
    “
    Canwet
    alkf
    ir
    st.
    ”
    “
    Ok.
    ”
    Het
    ookanot
    herdeepbr
    eat
    hthenl
    ookatherr
    ing.
    “Idon’
    tthinkIcanwai tanymore.I
    tdoesn’tseem
    l
    ikeyouar ecloset omovi ngonandIunder st
    and
    butIcan’tdothewai t
    inggameanymor e.Youstil
    l
    behavelikeamar ri
    edwoman.Iam al sohumanand
    Ihaveneeds.Needst hatobviousl
    yneedt obe
    sati
    sfi
    ed.Thisf r
    iendshipistaki
    ngalotfrom mesoI
    thi
    nkit’
    sbesti fIletyoube.”
    Fi
    fisi
    ghed.“
    Idi
    dn’
    treal
    izei
    twast
    aki
    ngal
    otf
    rom
    you.Iam sor
    ry.
    ”
    “Youhavenoreasontobe.It
    ’sok.Iguesspeopl
    e
    dealwi
    thlossdi
    ffer
    ent
    ly.It
    hinkit
    ’sbestIgi
    veyou
    space.
    ”
    “
    Ist
    her
    esomeonetoelse?Thereissomeoneisn’
    t
    t
    her
    e?Shewasatyourhouselastni
    ghtaker
    e?”
    “
    Yes.Ther
    eissomeone.Andshe’
    spr
    egnant
    .”
    Fi
    fismil
    ed.“
    Congrat
    ulat
    ions.Fi
    nal
    lyNat
    eget
    sa
    si
    bli
    ng.Iam happyf
    oryou.”
    “
    Thanks.Sot
    hat
    ’si
    t?”
    “
    Yeah.Iam happyyoufoundsomeonewhocan
    r
    eal
    lyloveyou.Ihopeshecanal
    soloveNat
    e.”
    “
    Shedoes.
    ”
    “
    Per
    fect
    .Iam sohappy.
    ”
    “
    Ok,
    shar
    p.”
    “
    Bye.
    ”
    Shewavedashegoti nhiscaranddroveof
    f.Fi
    fi
    walkedbackinherhousepressedherr
    emote
    cl
    osingthegate.
    Herphonevibr
    ated,shepickedi
    tupandopeneda
    message.Shesmiledthendelet
    editandcal
    led
    Grace
    “
    Fif
    i…”
    “
    Hi,
    areyoubusyt
    oni
    ght
    ?”
    “
    Hi,
    no.What
    ’sup?
    ”
    “
    Canyoubabysi
    t?”
    “Yes..soonEt
    sil
    ewi
    llhaveaf
    ri
    endwheneverhe
    visi
    ts.”
    “
    Youar
    epr
    egnant
    ?”
    “
    Wegotasur
    rogat
    e.”
    “
    Iam sohappyf
    oryou.
    ”
    “Iam exci
    ted.Youcanbr
    inghi
    m over
    .Wher
    ear
    e
    yougoing?”
    “Theownerofthepl
    otIhavebeeneyei
    ngjust
    text
    ed.Icanvi
    ewkamososobet t
    erIsl
    eepther
    e
    andcomebackear l
    ymorning.
    ”
    “Ok,
    Iam f
    rom t
    hemal
    l.Icanpassbycol
    lect
    ing
    him.
    ”
    “
    Per
    fect
    .”
    Fi
    fil
    ookedatEt
    sil
    e.“
    AuntyGr
    aceisonherwayto
    pi
    ckyouup.Youaregoi
    ngtosleepovert
    her
    e.”
    Hepausedpl
    ayi
    ngwi
    thhi
    stoyandl
    ookedather
    .
    “
    Yes!
    ”
    Fi
    filaughedt
    henwal
    kedt
    ohi
    sroom andqui
    ckl
    y
    packed.
    Twent
    ymi nutesl
    aterGracedrovet
    hroughtheopen
    gat
    e.Fi
    fiwalkedoutinheelsandshortf
    lar
    eddress.
    “
    Hi.
    .”
    Gr
    acel
    ookedather
    .“Youl
    ookbeaut
    if
    ulmma.
    ”
    Fi
    fil
    aughed.“
    Waai
    i.
    .”
    “
    Youl
    ookni
    ce.
    ”
    “
    Thankyou.Al
    sof
    orbabysi
    tt
    ing.
    ”
    “
    Idon’
    tmi
    nd.
    ”
    Etsi
    legoti
    nthecarwi
    thGracet
    hent heydr
    ove.Fi
    fi
    walkedbacki
    nthehouseandgrabbedherhandbag
    andphonewalki
    ngout.
    Shegoti
    nhercarthenrever
    sedoutanddr
    oveof
    f
    headedt
    otheAir
    port.
    .
    .
    .
    [
    04/
    23,
    06:
    03]'
    :
    Si
    nsUnf
    orgi
    ven
    #108

    InKasane,Fif
    i’
    sfli
    ghttoucheddownandr andown
    therunwaythenf i
    nall
    ystopped.Awhilel
    ateral
    lthe
    passengerssteppedoutofthefli
    ghtandchecked
    out.Fi
    fihel
    dherhandbagwal ki
    ngoutoft
    heai r
    port
    .
    Amani nasuithurr
    iedoverandwalkedbesidesher.
    “
    Hey…”
    Fi
    fit
    urnedt
    henf
    rownedbef
    oresmi
    li
    ng.Hel
    aughed.
    “Youdon’
    tlookl
    iket
    hewomanwhohadl
    osther
    sonatadesertr
    acemont
    hsago.
    ”
    Fi
    fismi
    led.“
    Hi…Abel
    ang?
    ”
    “
    Abang.
    ”
    “Yes…wow. .t
    heguywhofoundmyson.Wai
    tseI
    don’tknowwhereIwoul
    dbeifyoudi
    dn’
    tgooutof
    yourwayt ofi
    ndmyson.
    ”
    “I
    t’
    salri
    ght
    .WhenIsawyouatt hedeser
    traceebi
    le
    Iwassureyoucanbemyt ypeyaanongokareobo
    Thuli
    Phongol
    o’ssi
    steryaana.”
    Fi
    fil
    aughedastheywal
    kedoutoftheair
    por
    t.She
    l
    ookedatthewhit
    eRangeRoverparkedi
    nfrontand
    l
    aughed.
    “
    Bye!
    ”
    Abangwat chedassheopenedt heRangeRover’
    s
    cardoorandgotin.Helookedatthemani nsi
    deas
    sheclosedthedoorthenthecardroveof
    f.Abang
    smil
    edal onescr
    atchi
    nghishead.

    *
    **
    Lor
    atol
    ookedatTef
    o.
    “
    Whatdi
    dshesay?Wassheangr
    y?”
    “
    No.Shewashappyf
    orme.Genui
    nel
    yhappy.
    ”
    “
    Didyout
    ellhert
    hatyoust
    il
    lwanther
    ?”
    “No.BecauseIwantyouonl y.Iam f
    inewithyou
    only.Igetthatmaybeit’
    saf antasyt
    oshar eaman
    wit
    hyoursi sterbutIdon’
    twantsuchasi tuat
    ion.I
    won’tbeabl etohandleit
    .Idon’twanttwowomen
    i
    nmyl i
    fe.Iwantmysont ohaveanor malhome
    andf amil
    y.”
    “
    ButyouknewwhatIwant
    edbef
    orewest
    art
    ed
    t
    his.
    ”
    “Nothingwasgoi
    ngtoguarant
    eeyoursi
    stersayi
    ng
    yes.Doyouhonestl
    ylookatFi
    fiandbel
    ieveshei
    s
    thetypetowantt
    oshareaman? ”
    “
    Yes.Shehadagr
    eedwi
    thObakeng.
    ”
    “
    Becauseshelovedhim.Sheobviouslydi
    dn’twant
    t
    olosehi
    m.Babewhycan’ tyoujustletFi
    fibeand
    f
    ocusonus?Wecanbehappy.Wedon’ tneeda
    t
    hir
    dparty.NnaIam happywit
    hyou.Idon’ twant
    anyoneel
    se.Ij
    ustwantyou.
    ”
    Lorat
    otookadeepbr eath.“Thenit
    ’snotgoingto
    workbecauseIhonestlythoughtyouwould
    convi
    nceFifiot
    herwise.I
    tseemsyoudi dn’teven
    makeanyef for
    ttokeepher.Ilongtol
    dyouwhatI
    wanted.I
    t’
    snotlikeIam presenti
    ngsomethingnew
    here.
    ”
    “Whywon’
    titwor
    k?Becauseyouar
    enotshar
    ing
    dic?
    ”
    “
    BecauseyouandIcoul
    dwor
    kwi
    thFi
    fionboar
    d.I
    t
    oldyouthat
    .”
    “Youarer
    eal
    lybreakingupwi t
    hmebecauseyour
    sist
    eri
    snotpar
    toft hisr
    elat
    ionshi
    p?”
    “
    Itol
    dyouwhatIwant
    ed.
    ”
    Pakolaughed.“
    Soyouarealwaysgoingtogof or
    whoevershedateshopi
    ngwhoeveritistakesyou
    both?What’
    syourobsessi
    onwithFi
    fi?”
    “Idon’
    thaveanyobsessionwit
    hFifi
    .She’
    smy
    sist
    erandthere’
    snothingwr
    ongaboutmy
    prefer
    ences.Youfai
    ledtodowhatyousai
    dyouwi
    ll
    dosother
    e’snoreasont
    okeepdoingwhatwear
    e
    doi
    ng.Iam goi
    ngtodoanabort
    ion.”
    “
    Youar
    enotgoi
    ngt
    oki
    llmychi
    ld.
    ”
    “
    Thebl
    oodcl
    ot?Iam get
    ti
    ngr
    idofi
    t.
    ”
    “
    ThenIam goi
    ngt
    orepor
    tyout
    othepol
    ice.
    ”
    Lor
    atoangr
    il
    ylookathi
    m.“
    Getout
    !”
    “
    Ifanyt
    hinghappenst
    omychil
    dandyouare
    r
    esponsibl
    e,t
    rustme,
    youar
    egoingt
    ojai
    l.
    ”
    Hewalkedout.Lorat
    otookadeepbreathand
    t
    houghtful
    lycal
    ledFif
    ibuthernumberdi
    dn’tgo
    t
    hrough.
    Loratosi
    gheddi
    sappoi
    nted.Herphonest
    art
    ed
    ri
    nging.
    Lor
    atolookedatSbranacal
    li
    ngt
    heni
    gnor
    edt
    hecal
    l
    wal
    kingtoherkit
    chen.

    *
    **
    Kabol ookedatLor
    ithateveni
    ngwhil
    etheywat
    ched
    soccerthoughhecouldseehisfr
    iendwas
    dist
    racted.
    “
    What
    ’sup?Gor
    il
    eng?
    ”
    Lor
    ilookedatKaboandsippedhisbeer
    .“Ican’
    t
    hel
    pbutsuspectFif
    iissl
    eepingwit
    htheoldman.”
    “
    Lor
    i,comeon.Canyoul
    ett
    hatgo?
    ”
    “
    Ihavebut…i
    t’
    sfinei
    fshedoesn’
    twantme.Iget
    t
    hat.Butt
    her
    e’sj
    ustsomet
    hingoffKabo.
    ”
    “That
    ’shi
    sson’swif
    e.Howdoesheevenst
    artt
    o
    getontopofher?
    ”
    Lorigulpeddowntherestofhisbeer.“Iwasgoi ng
    toseeEt si
    let
    odaybutIsawherdr i
    vingoff.She
    wenttot heai
    rpor
    tandflewout.Theonl yfl
    ightat
    thatti
    mewasgoi ngtoMaun.Shel eftEtsi
    lewithher
    fri
    end,theonewhousedt obeherneighbor.The
    fri
    endsaysFifiwentt
    ovi ewaplotjustoutside
    Gabs.”
    Kabolookedathi
    m.“Whati
    fshehasmovedon?I
    t
    hinkshehasandit’
    snotwi
    thherf
    atheri
    n-l
    aw.
    ThatoneIwi l
    lneverbelieve.Hewoul dneverdot hat
    .
    That’
    sjusti
    nsul t
    inglait
    aka.Youar ethinkingtoo
    muchaboutt his.Youar egoingtogocr azy.Isaw
    Banyanabyt hewayatt hegym lastnight.Shei s
    l
    ookingbeautifulebi
    leokar eguywagym wamo
    bata.Iknowal othappenedbet weenyouandt hat
    womanbutIr eall
    ythinkthebreakbetweenyout wo
    wasneeded.Youshoul dwor kthingsoutandst op
    chasingaft
    eryourf r
    iend’swife.
    ”
    Lor
    iopenedanot
    hercanofbeerandswal
    loweda
    gul
    p.

    *
    **

    Atathat
    chedlodgeonthebankoftheChobeRiver
    i
    nKasane,Fif
    ilookedar
    oundtheroom t
    hentook
    pi
    ctur
    esthatshewouldpostwhenshewasbackat
    home.
    Daddyfi
    nishedt
    alki
    ngonhi
    sphonethenswi
    tched
    of
    fhisphonetomakesureshegotal
    lhi
    satt
    enti
    on.
    Fi
    fismi
    led.“
    It
    ’sbeaut
    if
    ul.
    ”
    Helookedatherbeautyfacet henthatdressthat
    madehim seethosebeaut i
    fulyel
    lowthighseasily.
    Hertoesnail
    swerenicelyshapedandpai nt
    edwi th
    whit
    eandt hesandalheelsshewor emadeherf eet
    evenmoresexier.
    Heputhi shandsonherwai standkissedher,
    thoughshehadputi nheels,sheremainedshorter
    thanhim.Herbodyshi ver
    edabi tashereal
    lykissed
    herpull
    inghercloserashisheartbeatwentfaster
    .
    Heki
    ssedhercheekandsmi
    led.“
    Imi
    ssedyou.
    ”
    Fi
    fibl
    ushed.“
    Met
    oo.
    ”
    “Iwantt
    otakeyouout
    .Iwantt
    oshowyou
    somethi
    ng.
    ”
    Fi
    fismi
    ledfi
    xinghi
    ssui
    t,shehadneverseensui
    ts
    l
    ooksogoodt hewayt
    heyalwayslookedgoodon
    hi
    m.“Ok.”
    Het
    ookherhandandl
    edherout
    .
    .
    .
    .

    Si
    nsUnf
    orgi
    ven
    #109

    Attheparki
    nglotofthelodge,Fi
    filookedaround
    thentur
    nedtohim onlyseeingonecaront hewhole
    parki
    nglotcover
    edwi t
    habl ackcloth.
    “
    Wher
    eist
    hecar
    ?”
    Amanwalkedoverandsmi
    led.“Goodeveni
    ngMr .
    andMr
    s.Mojal
    efa…Mrs.Mojal
    efa,t
    hisi
    syours.
    ”
    ThemanhandedFifial
    it
    tl
    eboxt
    iedwit
    har
    ed
    ri
    bbon.Shel
    ookedatDaddysmi
    li
    ng.
    “
    Whati
    sthi
    s?”
    “
    Ial
    sodon’
    tknow.
    ”
    Fi
    fiopenedtheboxthenfrozeasst
    aringatt
    he
    MercedesBenzcarkeys.Themant ookofft
    he
    bl
    ackont hecarexposi
    ngthebrandnewwhi t
    e
    MercedesBenzGLECoupe.
    Fif
    i’
    smouthdroppedopeni
    nshockasherheart
    ski
    ppedabital
    mostgivi
    ngherahear
    tat
    tack,her
    kneesweak.
    Fi
    fist
    agger
    edbackal
    mostf
    all
    ing.Heputhi
    sar
    m
    ar
    oundher.
    “
    HappyBirt
    hday…Iknowit
    ’sonl
    ytomorr
    owbutI
    t
    houghtIwoul
    dgiveitt
    oyoubefor
    etheday.
    ”
    Fi
    fishookherheadunabl
    etogetawor
    dout
    .Tear
    s
    fi
    ll
    edhereyes.
    “Youcan’t
    …youdon’thavet
    odoal
    lthi
    s.Il
    oveyou…
    youdon’thavet
    o.”
    Heswal
    lowed.Hehadneverhear
    dhersayi
    t.He
    t
    ookadeepbreat
    h.
    “Il
    oveyoutoo.Iwantt
    omakeyouhappy.Allowme.
    All
    owmet otakecareofyou.That
    ’smydut
    y.”
    Tear
    sfl
    oodedhercheeks.
    “I
    t’
    stoomuch.Idon’
    tevendohal
    foft
    het
    hingsyou
    doforme.
    ”
    “
    Youbeingwithmeisenough.Idon’
    tremember
    whenIwaslastt
    hishappy…Ihaveneverbeent
    his
    happy.Il
    oveyousomuch.Iwantt
    odot
    his.
    ”
    Hewrappedhi
    sarmsar
    oundherandhel
    dher
    t
    ight
    lyasshecr
    ied.

    Fr
    om thelodgegl
    asswal
    ls,
    thewor
    ker
    swat
    ched
    smil
    ing.
    Therecepti
    oni
    stlaughedwat
    chi
    ngasFi
    fisl
    owl
    y
    walkedaroundthecar.
    “
    Mjol
    oisnotascam.I
    t’
    snot
    .”
    Hercol
    leaguel
    aughed.“
    Someofuscanf
    orgett
    hat
    ki
    ndofloveshem.”
    “Nyaalewenawabonagor ei
    t’
    salwaysgir
    lsl
    ikeher
    whogetsuchlove.Koor
    ekelekut
    wane,shehasa
    nicebodyandshe’
    sbeauti
    ful
    .Someofus…”
    Theybothlaughedt
    henconti
    nuedwat chi
    ngasFi f
    i
    goti
    nthecarandstart
    edtheengine.Shestepped
    outcr
    ying.Themankissedher,
    therecept
    ionist
    watchedashishandwentdowntoherwai
    st.She
    hadneverseenamankissanot
    herwomansogood
    thati
    teventur
    nedheron.
    Thewayhet ouchedherandwrappedhi
    sbigarms
    aroundherbodymadeherwonder.Hewas
    probabl
    ythetypethatonl
    ygotof
    fyouaft
    erproper
    ly
    usingyou.
    Hercol
    leaguet
    ookoutherphoneandt
    ookapi
    ctur
    e
    oft
    hem andthecar
    .
    Therecept
    ioni
    sttur
    ned.“
    Heel
    a,youar
    enot
    supposedtodothat!
    ”
    “
    Iam notgoi
    ngt
    oposti
    t.Iwantt
    oshowThabang.
    ”
    Therecepti
    oni
    stlaughed.“Thaboi
    snotrichmma.
    Don’tputhi
    m underpressure.Hej
    ustgotajob.
    Let
    ’sgoandsitdown. ”

    Out
    side,
    Fif
    isni
    ff
    edunabl
    etobel
    ieve.
    “
    It
    ’sbeaut
    if
    ul.Iwasgoi
    ngt
    ost
    artsavi
    ngf
    ori
    t.
    ”
    “Nowyoucanusethatmoneyanddosomet
    hing
    product
    ivewi
    thi
    t.
    ”
    Hewipedawayhert
    ear
    s.“
    Youdeser
    veal
    lni
    ce
    t
    hings.
    ”
    Hecl osedthecardoorandlockedthecarthen
    walkedwi t
    hherinsi
    dethelodge.Fifi
    ’
    slegsshook,
    shepausedandt ookoffthepencilheel
    s.Daddy
    pickedherupandputheroverhi sshoulderashe
    l
    aughed.
    Hewalkedwi
    thherbackt
    othei
    rroom t
    henourher
    down.
    “
    Shoul
    dIorderusfood?Iwashopi
    ngwegooutbut
    wecanhavethef
    oodhere.”
    Fi
    finodded.
    Hetookofft
    heti
    eunbutt
    oni
    ngt
    wobutt
    onsofhi
    s
    whi
    teshir
    t.Hesatdownont
    hecoucht
    aki
    ngthe
    l
    odgephone.
    Fi
    fil
    ookedattheshoppi
    ngbagsont
    hef
    loor
    .He
    l
    ookedovertoo.
    “
    Ihadsomeonegetyouaf
    ewt
    hings.
    ”
    Fif
    iwal
    kedt
    otheshoppi
    ngbagsandl
    ooked
    thr
    oughsmi
    li
    nghappi
    ly.
    Shetookouttheheelsi
    nsideandsatonthebed
    putt
    ingthem onwhil
    ehemadeacal l
    .Fif
    ismil
    ed
    thentookhersi
    m cardl
    essphoneandopenedthe
    camera.
    Shelookedathi
    mthroughthephonethenrai
    sed
    herl
    egcoveri
    nghishandsomefaceandtooka
    pi
    cture.
    Shesmi l
    edbl
    urr
    ingthepicturesothatnoonecoul
    d
    evenguesswhoitcouldbet henconnectedher
    phonetothel
    odge’sWi-Fiandpostediton
    Facebook.
    Sheswi
    tchedoffherphonet
    henst
    oodupand
    wal
    kedovertohim.
    Shesatonhisl
    apashehel
    dthephonet
    alki
    ng.She
    ki
    ssedhisj
    awthenhi
    sneck.
    Sheki
    ckedofftheshoesandkissedhi
    sli
    psashi
    s
    di
    ckgothar
    di tcoul
    dbursthi
    spants.
    Hewr appedupt hecal
    lputti
    nghishandsonher
    wai st.Heunzi ppedherdr essandtookitoffthen
    cuppedherbr east.Fi
    fiunbutt
    onedhisshirtashe
    kissedherneck.Het ookofftheshi
    rttogetherwit
    h
    thej acket.Shepushedhi sbackonthecouchhe
    coul dli
    edownt hensheunhookedhisbel tand
    pulledhi szipperdown.
    Sheswall
    owedt aki
    ngitoutthenstrokedhi
    m wi
    th
    herhandwatchi
    ngashi sprecum oozedout.He
    breat
    hedheavi
    lylyi
    ngdown, Fif
    ileanedover
    openi
    nghermout hand-removed.

    *
    **

    I
    nGabor one,Lor
    iopenedFif
    i’
    spi
    ctur
    eson
    Facebookthathadoverthr
    eecommentsal
    ready.
    Helookedatherlegthentheblur
    redmanont he
    pict
    ure.Hezoomeditintr
    yingtofigur
    eoutwhoit
    couldbebuthecouldbarelyseeanythi
    ngexpect
    fr
    om thefactt
    hatwhoeveritwaswear i
    ngablue
    suit
    .
    Heswal
    lowedhar
    dopeni
    ngt
    hecomment
    s.
    Comment
    :Cousi
    ewee!
    Comment
    :That
    ’showyoupostaman
    Comment
    :Hebanna!
    Comment
    :Sohappyf
    oryouf
    ri
    end
    Comment
    :Letusseehi
    m.
    Comment
    :Yer
    r!
    Hewentonr eadingthecomment sashisbl
    ood
    pressurer
    isewhilehi
    sheartpumpeduncontroll
    abl
    y.
    Tearsblur
    redhisvisi
    onashegotabi tdi
    zzy.He
    swallowedagai
    nf eel
    inghi
    sthroatt
    ight
    enwi t
    hpain.
    .
    .
    .
    [
    04/
    23,
    06:
    03]'
    :
    Si
    nsUnf
    orgi
    ven
    #110
    Loratoopenedhersi ster
    ’spi
    ctureandlookedat
    Fif
    i’
    sl eg.Shelookedatthemanont hepi ct
    ure
    curiously.Shezoomedi nthepict
    uretryingtoat
    l
    eastseehi sbodystruct
    uresi
    ncehisf acewas
    cl
    ear l
    yhi ddenbutshecouldn’
    tseeanyt hing.She
    l
    ookedatt heshoesthenzoomedoutt hepi ctur
    e
    bit
    ingherl owerli
    p.
    Fif
    ineverspokeaboutanymanexpectf
    rom Tef
    o.
    OrcoulditbeLori
    ?Butthatshoewasj
    ustt
    oobig.
    Loriwasshort.
    Lorat
    oleanedbackonhercouchandtri
    edcal
    li
    ng
    herbutthenumberdi
    dn’
    tgothrough.

    *
    **

    Thatsameeveni ng,t
    helodgeworkerwalkedinside
    herhouset hateveni
    ngholdi
    ngherphone.Shesat
    downt henwentonFacebook.Shescr ol
    ledthrough
    herti
    mel i
    neforawhi l
    eboredthenfi
    nall
    ywentt oa
    famousFacebookpaget hatalwayspostedpeopl e’
    s
    probl
    ems.
    Shesentt
    headmi
    nthephot
    osshehadt akenear
    li
    er
    onatworkandwr
    oteamessageunder
    neath.
    ‘
    Admi n, postmeasanonymousho.Kant ewhyi sit
    hardtodol i
    ket hatman?Koor ewhyi si tthatot her
    mendoal lrightt hi
    ngsf ort hewoment heyl ive
    meanwhi l
    eot hersdon’ t.Ear l
    ierkot i
    rongI
    wit
    nessedt hismangi ftinghi swi fewithacar .The
    wif
    eomont eandwel lt akencar eof.Themanl ooks
    ol
    dert hanherbutyoucanseet hatthesepeopl e
    genuinelyloveeachot her .Koorewhycan’ tallmen
    j
    ustlovet heirwoment hewayt hatmanl oveshi s
    wif
    e.Nnat otagaket lhal oganye.Men, answerho!
    Relapile,thi
    ski ndofl ovei sther ebathong, it’
    snot
    i
    nmovi es.Iam notf i
    ght ing '
    Shesentthemessage.Mi
    nut
    eslat
    ert
    headminof
    thepagepost
    edatherpagewit
    hmorethan350k
    fol
    lower
    s.
    Shewatchedasthecommentstar
    tedfloodingand
    l
    aidonherbedtaki
    ngoutasmallpacketofGo
    SlowsshehadboughtforP1.
    00andater eadi
    ngat
    thecommentsl
    aughing.
    Comment
    :Naar
    egomokeGLE?
    Comment:Nyaa,
    lewenawabonagor
    ethi
    swoman
    i
    sbeaut
    if
    ul.
    Comment
    :Uhu!Lewenaj
    olakesugardaddymma
    i
    ja
    Comment
    :Whydoesaman’sl
    ovegetj
    udgedby
    howmuchisi
    nhi
    spocket
    ?
    Comment
    : gat
    wekebomanghoneba?
    Comment :Hecanafforddoi
    ngnicet
    hingsf
    orher
    .
    Otherpeopl
    earesti
    lltr
    yingt
    ofi
    ndthei
    rfeet
    .
    Appreci
    atewhatyouget
    Comment
    :Bat
    hongt
    hismanyer
    rrr
    !
    Comment
    :Shepr
    obabl
    ymar
    ri
    edhi
    mformoney
    Comment:Guys,i
    sthi
    sladynottheonewhowas
    tr
    endi
    ngyearsbackaf
    terherhusbandandki
    ds
    wereki
    ll
    edinafi
    re?
    Repl
    y1:Keene!
    Repl
    y2:Uhu,
    enekeenenxust
    ru
    Comment
    :Wai
    tseot
    herwomenar
    ebl
    essed
    Comment
    :BENZ
    Comment
    :Ist
    hati
    nBot
    swana?
    Comment
    :GasemonyanawaFi
    fiFashi
    ons?
    Someonerepl
    iedwi
    thascr eenshotoft
    hepi
    ctur
    e
    Fi
    fihadpost
    edearl
    ieron.
    Comment
    :Hernamei
    sLegauf
    iPMoj
    alef
    a,sear
    ch
    her
    Shel
    aughedr
    eadi
    ngmor
    ecomment
    s.

    *
    **

    Thatsameevening,
    Bonol
    owatchedamovi
    eam
    wait
    ingforKabowhohadwenttowatchaf
    oot
    bal
    l
    gamewithLori.
    Sheslowlyatepopcor
    nwatchi
    ng.Themoviesoon
    camet oanend.Sheyawnedthenpi
    ckedherphone
    buti
    twasj ustaf
    ter9.
    Shecrossedherlegont
    hecouchgoi
    ngon
    Facebook.Sheopenedapostaf
    ri
    endhadshar
    ed
    ofthepopul arpaget henreadascomment s
    continuedtopile.Sheopenedt hepict
    ures.Her
    heartskippedasshel ookedathercousinwit
    hher
    fatherinlaw.Theot herpict
    uretheywereeven
    kissing
    Herhear
    tpoundedsomuchasherhandsshook.
    Shescrol
    ledtothecommentsect
    ion,
    herhear
    t
    poundi
    ng,almostvi
    brat
    ing.
    Comment
    :Gat
    wei
    t’
    sherf
    atheri
    n-l
    awl
    ona!
    Comment
    :Heel
    ang!Gat
    wekeng?
    Comment
    :Thatmanl
    oveshi
    swi
    fe,
    thosear
    ethe
    menwewant.
    Repl
    y:Gat
    wei
    t’
    snotherhusband.I
    t’
    sherFat
    heri
    n-
    l
    aw.
    Repl
    y2:Nyaabat
    hong,
    laaka.
    Reply3:Got oherti
    meli
    ne.KeeneLegauf
    iP
    Mojalefa.Scrol
    ldownyouwil
    lseeherweddi
    ng
    pi
    ctures.It’
    sherfat
    heri
    n-l
    aw.
    Bonol
    ojumpedoffthecouchandwenttoher
    cont
    actsal
    mostdroppi
    ngherphone.Shequi
    ckl
    y
    t
    appedFi
    fi
    ’snumberandputt
    hephoneonherear
    “Thi
    sisafr
    eeannouncementf
    rom Mascom, the
    numberyouhavedi
    aledi
    snotavail
    ableatthe
    moment.Pl
    easetr
    yagainl
    ater
    ,thankyou.”

    *
    **

    BanyanaopenedherFacebookandt
    appedont
    he
    postherworkmatehadtaggedheri
    n.
    Shereadthepostatt
    hepopul
    arpageandt
    henher
    col
    league’
    scomment.
    Col
    league:Heywena,isn’
    tthi
    sLor
    ato’
    ssi
    sterwho
    marri
    edLori’
    sfr
    iend?
    Banyanaopenedt
    hepi
    ctures,
    hermout
    h
    i
    mmedi at
    elydr
    oppi
    ngopen.
    “
    Jesus!
    ”
    Shewenttohercont
    actsandcal
    ledLor
    atoaf
    ter
    taggi
    ngheratt
    hepost.
    “
    Hel
    lo?
    ”
    “Lol
    o,kegot
    agi
    leonapostmof
    acebook.Checki
    t
    outnow!”
    “
    What
    ’sgoi
    ngon?
    ”
    “
    Fif
    i!She’
    sdat
    ingr
    ragweBax?
    ”
    “
    Huh?
    ”
    “
    Got
    oFacebook.
    ”
    Shehungupandwentbackt
    othepost
    .

    *
    **

    Lorat
    oopenedt hepostBanyanahadtaggedheron
    andquickl
    yread.Shetappedthepict
    ures.Herbody
    fr
    ozeasshel ookedatthepi
    ctur
    es.
    “
    Fif
    ino….
    ”
    Herheartbeatasshelookedatthecommentsand
    i
    tseemedpeopl enowknew.Shewentt oherphone
    hookthendial
    edFifi
    .Nowi tmadesense.I
    tmade
    perf
    ectsense.
    “
    Thenumberyouhave-
    “
    Shecutt
    hecal
    landhur
    ri
    edoutt
    oherwi
    thhercar
    keys.

    *
    **

    Kabopi
    ckedBonol
    o’scal
    l.
    “
    Babe…”
    “
    KanaFi
    fii
    str
    endi
    ng.
    ”
    “
    Why?
    ”
    “Okareshei
    sinar
    elat
    ionshi
    pwi
    thr
    ragwe
    Obakeng.
    ”
    “
    What
    ?”
    “Someonepost
    edt
    hem att
    hatpage.Iment
    ioned
    you.
    ”
    Kabohungupt
    henlookedatLoriwhowas
    watchi
    ngt
    hematchwithalongsadface.
    Heopenedhi
    sFacebookandopenedt
    hepostt
    hat
    nowhadover2kshar
    es.
    “
    Fuck!
    ”
    Lor
    itur
    nedt
    ohi
    m.“
    What
    ?”

    *
    **

    InPalapye,Wameviewedthepict
    uresagehadbeen
    sentbyachur chmate.Shequi
    ckl
    ystoodupasa
    coldchil
    lrandownherspineassheletoutal
    oud
    far
    t.
    Sheopenedallpi
    ctur
    es,
    herl
    egsshaki
    ngt
    henqui
    ck
    cal
    ledhersi
    ster
    .
    “
    Hel
    lo?
    ”
    “
    Pakoi
    ssl
    eepi
    ngwi
    thLegauf
    i!
    ”
    .
    .
    .
    [
    04/
    23,
    06:
    04]'
    :
    Si
    nsUnf
    orgi
    ven
    #111

    InKasane,
    unawareofturmoi lt
    hatwasbrewing,Fi
    fi
    l
    aidpeacef
    ull
    yinRragweObakeng’ sarms,herleg
    betweenhi
    swiththeotheroneont op.Hissoft
    breat
    hingt
    oldherhehadf al
    lenasleep.
    Shekissedhischestrubbi
    nghisshoulderwhil
    esoft
    musicplayed.Hegentlymovedinhissleepand
    heldherti
    ghtl
    yi nhi
    sarms.Shelookedatherring
    onherfingerthensl
    owlytooki
    toff,t
    earsfi
    ll
    ingher
    eyes.
    Shesnif
    fed,f
    orsuresheknewhehadwant edher
    happy.Maybenotwitht
    hemanshewasi nlove
    wit
    hnow.Sher ubbedatearof
    f.RragweObakeng
    sl
    owlyopenedhiseyesandlookedather
    .
    Fi
    fismi
    led.“
    Ican’
    tsl
    eep.
    ”
    “
    Areyouok?
    ”
    Fi
    finoddedastear
    sf i
    ll
    edhereyes.“Iam happy.I
    am sohappy.Iam sohappy….Butitfeel
    stoogood
    t
    obet
    rue.
    ”
    Heki
    ssedher
    .“Iam happyt
    oo.Il
    oveyou.
    ”
    Shetookadeepbr eathasat earroll
    eddown.“Il
    ove
    youtoo.Iloveyou…butl ovingyourhurtsbecauseI
    knowIcan’ teverhaveyou.Nott hewayIwantt o
    haveyou.Youwi l
    lneverreall
    ybemi ne.AndIknow
    i
    t’
    soutofyourcont r
    ol.Wecan’ tbegi
    ntomakei t
    work.Iknow…”
    Helookedatherandcuppedherf ace.“
    Youcan
    haveme.Inanywayyouwantt ohaveme.Iwil
    l
    di
    vorce.Myfat
    herwasasmar tman.Iam marr
    ied
    ourofcommunityofproper
    ty.Ihavenothi
    ngtolose.
    Wecanmovef araway.Startafr
    esh.”
    “
    WhataboutEt
    sil
    e?”
    “Hewi l
    lcomewith.Whatwil
    lstopusfrom bei
    nga
    famil
    y,Iknowitwon’tbet
    heusualfamilybutEtsi
    le
    cal
    lsmeDad.YesIam hi sgrandfat
    herbutIcanbe
    afather.Wedon’
    thavetobeper f
    ect.
    ”
    “Andjustleaveever
    ythi
    ng?Everyt
    hing?Whatabout
    yourbusiness?Mybusinesses?Whataboutthat
    ?”
    “
    Theycanst
    il
    lrun.Wedon’
    thavet
    obet
    her
    eal
    lthe
    t
    ime.
    ”
    “
    Etsi
    lewi
    llgrowupandf
    indoutt
    hatyouar
    ehi
    s
    f
    ather
    ’sf
    ather.
    ”
    “
    Wewouldhavel
    ongtol
    dhim.Itwon’
    tbeasecret
    .
    I
    tcanwor
    k.Youj
    ustneedt
    ogiveitachance.
    ”
    Fi
    fishookherhead.“Ican’
    t.Ican’
    t…i
    t’
    s…Ican’
    t.I
    l
    oveyoubutIcan’t.
    ”
    “Shh…don’tcr
    y.I
    t’
    sok.Thenwecanjustbe.Iknow
    stol
    enmoment saresometi
    mesnotenoughbutI
    am worki
    ngonsomet hi
    ngthatcanwor
    kforyouand
    I.
    ”
    Shetookadeepbr eat
    hmovi ngbackinhisarms.
    Sheclosedhereyesastearsrol
    leddown.Itfel
    tli
    ke
    herhappinesswasnotgoingtoreachveryfarandit
    scar
    edhersomuchbutnotmor et hani
    thurt.
    RragweObakengt urnedherheadandkissedher
    gett
    ingont opofher.Heopenedherlegsandsli
    d
    hi
    sweapondeepi nsideher.Shedr
    oppedherri
    ng
    andwr appedherarmsar oundhim moani
    ng‘Daddy’
    i
    nhi sear.
    Hekissedhermoreandgentl
    ymadel ovetoher,
    thei
    rbodi
    esmovingeachother.Fi
    fir
    anherfinger
    s
    downhisbackmovingherwaistunderneat
    hhim.
    Hesqueezedherbr
    east,
    hisl
    ipsonherneckwhi
    le
    hel
    etoutdeeplowgrunt
    sinherear
    .
    Heraisedhi sheadandl ookedatherunder
    neat
    h
    him.Fifipull
    edhimf orakiss,hegr
    oanedhermout
    h.
    Heslidhi shandunder neat
    hherwaistanddug
    deeperintoher.Fif
    iclosedhereyesatthe
    unexplainablepl
    easure.Shethrewherback
    spasmi ng.
    Hekeptthesamer hyt
    hm r
    idi
    ngheror
    gasm t
    hen
    st
    il
    ledf
    il
    linghercanal
    .
    Hekissedherandsl
    idouthi
    sweaponandpul
    led
    herontopofhim.

    *
    **

    I
    nMaun,MmagweObakeng’
    shear
    tracedsomuch
    t
    hatshef
    oundher
    sel
    funabl
    etobr
    eatheasshe
    viewedthepictur
    eshert
    winsi
    sterhadsenther
    .Her
    armpitssweatedsomuchthatt
    heMascom yell
    owt
    -shi
    rtshewaswear i
    nggotdamper.
    Herhandsshooksomuchthenshetri
    edcall
    inghi
    m
    agai
    nbuthisnumberdi
    dn’
    tgothrough.Nowital
    l
    madesense…ital
    lmadesense.
    Shewal kedtothebedroom andopenedthe
    wardrobe.Shegrabbedachai randcli
    mbedont op
    ofitt
    hent ookoutal
    lthebagst hrowi
    ngthem onthe
    fl
    oor,angertaki
    ngover.
    Shereachedf ort hebigbagandgotof fthechair
    withit
    .Sheopenedt hebagandl ookedatt heAK47
    i
    nsidebr eat
    hingheavi l
    yasi fshehadbeenr unning.
    Shetookoutt hebl ackgunt henputitbacki nthe
    bagandchangedi nt
    oaj eanandat -
    shi rtthen
    walkedouthol dinghergunwi t
    hthecarkeyst oher
    ToyotaSur f
    .Shemanual lyunlockeditandputt he
    gunatt hebackseatandgoti nthecar .Shest art
    ed
    theengine,i
    thadbeenagessi nceshel astdrove
    hercar.Shet ookadeepbr eathandr ever sedout
    thendroveof f.
    *
    **

    I
    nGabor
    one,
    Lor
    ilookedatt
    hepi
    ctur
    es.
    “
    Iam goi
    ngt
    her
    e.”
    “
    Shei
    sprobablyonherwayback.Yout
    hinkshe’
    d
    r
    emai
    nthere?
    ”
    “Ican’tbel
    ievet
    hatbastar
    dwoul
    dsleepwit
    hher!
    Hewaswi thherthatni
    ghti
    nTul
    ibl
    ock.Shewasin
    t
    hatr oom.Iknewi t.
    ”
    Kaboputhi
    shandsonhi
    shead.“
    Fuck!
    ”
    “
    Andcanyoubel
    ievehemademesoundcr
    azy?
    ”
    “Ican’
    tbelieveFif
    iwoul ddothi
    stoBax…af ter
    everyt
    hingBaxdi df orher
    .Ther
    e’snodisrespect
    thatsurpassesthis.Hemustbet ur
    ninginhis
    grave.
    ”
    “Heforcedheri
    ntoi
    t.Al
    oneFi
    fiwouldnever
    .It
    ’sal
    l
    hisdoi
    ngr i
    ghtf
    rom t
    hedayBaxdied.Sonofa
    bit
    ch!”
    *
    **

    Thefol
    lowi
    ngmorning,Fi
    fiputonadressr
    ragwe
    Obakenghadboughtforher.Hel
    ookedatherand
    smil
    ed.
    “
    Youl
    ookbeaut
    if
    ul.
    ”
    Fi
    fismi
    led.“
    Thanks.
    ”
    Sheswitchedonherphonet ocheckonherpictur
    e.
    SheconnectedtotheWiFithenopenedher
    Facebook.Herheartski
    ppedatthefi
    rstpostonher
    ti
    meli
    ne.
    “
    What
    ’swr
    ong?
    ”
    Fi
    fitappedthepict
    uresandopenedt
    hem.Her
    phonefellf
    rom herhandsasshescr
    eamed.
    “
    What
    ’swr
    ong?
    ”
    “
    Someonesawus!Someonet
    ookpi
    ctur
    es.
    ”
    RragweObakengpi
    ckedherphoneandl
    ookedat
    t
    heclearpi
    ctur
    es.
    Fif
    ilookedathim,hereyeswi
    deopen.“People
    know…ever yoneknows!Someonetookpictur
    es
    yester
    day.”
    Fi
    figr
    abbedt
    hecarkeysandherhandbag.
    “
    Ican’
    tst
    ay.
    .Ihavet
    ogo!
    ”
    Hegrabbedherhand.“Li
    stentome.List
    en…Iknow
    youarescar
    ed.Peoplearetal
    king.
    .Iknowbut
    maybethisi
    sourchance.”
    “Ourchance?Ourchance?Areyouli
    steni
    ngto
    yoursel
    f!
    ?Ourchance?!Peopl
    earetal
    kingaboutme!
    Again!Mynameisbeingdraggedinthemud!Again!
    Ourchance?”
    “Wecanel ope.Star
    tafr
    esh.Iam notaf
    rai
    dof
    choosingyou.Iloveyou.Wecandealwiththi
    s
    toget
    her.”
    “Youarenotthinkingstr
    aight…youarenot.”Tear
    s
    fi
    ll
    edhereyes.“Iam thatgirlwit
    hthesextape.They
    arealr
    eadybringingthatback..nowIam here
    fucki
    ngmyf atherin-l
    aw?!”
    “
    Peopl
    ewi
    llal
    waysbepeopl
    e.Theywi
    llal
    wayst
    alk.
    Nextweekitwi
    llbesomeoneelse.Iwil
    ltaket
    he
    bl
    amef ort
    hisone.Iwantyou…Iloveyou.”
    “
    Iam goi
    ng!
    ”
    Shet
    ookherphone.
    “
    Fif
    i-
    “
    Fi
    fiwal
    kedoutandhur
    ri
    edt
    ohernewcar
    .
    .
    .
    .
    [
    04/
    23,
    06:
    04]'
    :
    Si
    nsUnf
    orgi
    ven
    #112

    Fi
    fithoughtf
    ull
    yinser
    tednewsim cardinherphone
    dri
    vingheadedtobackhome.Sheswi tchedonher
    phonewi t
    hherlegont heaccel
    erat
    or.
    Shequi
    ckl
    ydi
    aledGr
    ace.“
    Hel
    lo?
    ”
    “
    Hi,
    it’
    sme.
    ”
    “
    OhJesus,
    Itr
    iedcal
    li
    ngyoual
    lni
    ght
    .”
    “Iam sor
    ry.Iam onmywayt
    opi
    ckhi
    m upbutIam
    sti
    llf
    ar.
    ”
    “
    Youneedt
    odel
    etet
    hatpi
    ctur
    eonFacebook.
    ”
    “
    Ideact
    ivat
    edt
    heaccount
    .”
    “
    ThankGod.Ar
    eyouok?
    ”
    “
    Iam f
    ine.
    ”
    “
    Ok,
    seeyouwhenyougether
    e.”
    “
    Ok.
    ”
    “Idon’tthi
    nkit’
    sloveFifi
    .Ther ei
    snol ovel i
    kethat
    .
    It
    ’s…cr azi
    ness.Madness.I t
    ’sabomi nati
    on.Thereis
    nowayyoucaneverst andandsayyouwer einlove
    withthisman.Youwer ejustlooki
    ngf orclosureand
    comf ortatthewrongplaces.Idon’ tt
    hinkheeven
    l
    ovesyou, he’
    sprobablyalsolookingforcomf ort
    becauseyouar etheonlyonehebel i
    evesfeelsthe
    painhef eels.
    ”
    “It
    hinkIwoul
    dhavear
    ri
    vedbef
    oret
    heendoft
    he
    day.”
    “Nowyouj ustgaveeveryonepowertohateyou.
    Yourmot herin-l
    awnowhasapr operreasontohat
    e
    you.Ican’tbeli
    eveyouwoulddothatObakeng.He
    l
    ovedyou.Hel ovedyousomuchFi f
    i.
    ”
    “
    Seeyou.Letmedr
    ive.
    ”
    Fi
    fihungupt
    hent
    hought
    ful
    lycal
    ledRi
    cky.
    “
    Hel
    lo?
    ”
    “
    Hi.I
    t’
    sme.
    ”
    “
    Hey,
    Ihavebeent
    ryi
    ngt
    ocal
    lyou.Okae?
    ”
    “
    Iam onmywayt
    oGabor
    one.
    ”
    “
    Ok,
    met
    oo.
    ”
    “
    Wer
    en’
    tyousupposedt
    ocomeaf
    ewdaysl
    ater
    ?”
    “No.Yoursi
    tuat
    ioni
    sanemergency.Youneed
    someonewhocanf i
    ghtbyyoursi
    de.”
    Fi
    fil
    aughedatsadl
    y.“
    Ithi
    nkIl
    ovehi
    m.”
    “Notyouthink.Youlovehim.Ican’
    tbel
    ieveout
    everyt
    hingyoucoulddo,youcouldfal
    lforyour
    fat
    herin-l
    aw,notthatIbl
    ameyoubecausehe’ sa
    dzaddybutf r
    iendyoufuckedupbigti
    me.Butatthe
    samet ime…wedon’ tchoosewhom wel ove.Iwi sh
    wecoul d,Iwi shl ovejusthadamanual .Agot o
    guideline.Buti tdoesn’ tsowej usthavet olearn
    eachday.Iknowyouar escar ed.Youar eterrif
    ied.
    Youar epani cking.Youar et hinkingofever yone
    elsebutyour sel f
    …canyoust opf orasecondand
    thinkofyou.Ofwhatyouwant .Forgetwhat ’
    s
    mor all
    yr i
    ght ,noonei sgoingt oheaven, expectyour
    grandmot her.Wear eal lsi
    nner sonewayort he
    other.Andt hef unnyt hingaboutGodi sthatever y
    sinwei ghst hesanewei ght .Whet heryoust eal
    sugarorachi ld…si nisst i
    llthesamewei ght..soif
    youwer etochooseyourhappi ness,youandIwi ll
    bur nthesame. ”Hel aughedmaki ngFi f
    ilaugh.
    “Chooseyoursel
    f.Thatmanisnotrel
    atedt oyou,
    hissonisdead.Theonlythi
    ngconnectingyout o
    himisET.Youcanbeaf amil
    y.Heremai nsET’s
    grandf
    atherandyourlover
    .Li
    fegoeson. ”
    “
    Cal
    lmewhenyouar
    ri
    ve.
    ”
    “
    Ok.Igotyou.
    ”
    Fi
    fismi
    ledt
    henhungup.Shel
    eanedbackspeedi
    ng
    t
    henconnectedherphonetot
    hecarandpl
    ayed
    Mir
    ror
    sbyJust i
    nTimberl
    akeashernewwheel
    shi
    t
    t
    heroadhardandfast.

    *
    **

    RragweObakenggoti
    nsi
    detherent
    alcarmaki
    nga
    phonecal
    l.Hest
    art
    edtheengi
    neanddroveoff
    .
    “
    Hel
    lo?
    ”
    “
    Iwantt
    hedi
    vor
    ce.
    ”
    “
    Ok.Iwi
    llmakesur
    etogi
    veheracal
    l.
    ”
    “
    Thankyou.
    ”
    Hehungupandpi
    ckedhi
    syoungerbr
    other
    ’scal
    l.
    “
    Ican’
    tbel
    ieveyou!
    ”
    “Youcansayal lyouwantt osayt
    odayKennedy, I
    am notgoingtost opyouoranyoneelsebutitwil
    l
    notchangehowIf eel
    .It
    ’snotgoi
    ngtomakeme
    changemymi ndandIam goi ngt
    ochoosemy
    happinessthi
    st i
    mear ound.Imarr
    iedDimakatsoto
    savethefamilyt
    heembarrassment.Youknewwho
    exactl
    yIwanted.Thi
    sti
    meIam notgoi ngt oputt
    he
    famil
    ybeforeme.Iam choosingLegaufiandIam
    goingtostandbyhersi
    de.It
    ’sfi
    neifIdon’thave
    anyone’ssuppor
    t.
    ”
    “
    Shei
    syourdaught
    eri
    n-l
    aw!
    ”
    “Obakengdied.Shewasmydaught
    eri
    n-l
    aw.Now
    she’
    sjustthewomanmysonhadmar r
    ied.AndI
    l
    oveher .
    ”
    “Idon’
    tthi
    nkshelovesyou.Youjustt
    ook
    advantageofhergr
    ieve.WhenIgetmyhandson
    youIam goingtopunchyou.Howdar eyou
    disr
    espectObakengli
    kethi
    s?”
    “Iwi
    llbeatyousohardi
    fyoutr
    yit.Youseem to
    haveforgott
    enwhoIam.Noonei sfor
    cingyouto
    supportmebutwhetheryoudoornot,Iam st
    il
    l
    choosingFif
    i.
    ”
    “
    WhyFi
    fi
    ..
    ?”
    “
    Idon’
    tknowwhy.I
    t’
    sjusthert
    hatmyhear
    tchose.
    ”
    “
    Youar
    esi
    cki
    fyout
    hinkwhat
    everyouhavegoi
    ng
    onwi t
    hMmagweEt sil
    eisok.I
    t’
    sabomi nati
    on,
    it’
    sa
    taboo.Idon’tknowwhobewi tchedyoubutyou
    needser i
    oushel p.Whatwil
    lyoutel
    lEtsi
    le?Doyou
    real
    izetheresomanypeopl ethatyouhave
    humi l
    iat
    edthrought hi
    s?Didyoualwayswanther ?
    Evenhewasal ive?Youaredemented.
    ”
    “
    It
    ’sf
    ine.Cal
    lmeanythi
    ngyouwantt
    ocal
    lme.I
    t
    won’
    tchangehowIfeel
    .”
    RragweObakenghungupt hencall
    edFif
    i.Her
    numberdidn’tgot
    hrough.Hetr
    iedherot
    her
    number.Herphonerangacoupleofti
    mesbefore
    shepicked.
    “
    I-
    “
    “Shhdon’tsayanyt hi
    ng.IknowIwasnoti magini
    ng
    ourlove.Iknowitwasnotj ustinmyhead.Iknow
    youfelti
    ttoo.Youf eelwhatwehave.Ri ghtnowI
    knowwhat ’sit
    ’slooki
    nglike,
    Ican’tblameyouf or
    beingscared,Iam scaredtoobutIwantyou.Idon’ t
    thi
    nkIcaneverl oveanyonet hewayIl oveyou.As
    muchasi tcanal lbewrong…Ist i
    llwantyou.Isti
    ll
    l
    oveyou.Wecanal waysstartanew…wecan
    alwaysbehappy.Wedon’thavetoli
    vebyanyone’s
    standards…Iwil
    ldoanyt
    hingforyoubutIwil
    lnot
    forceyoutobewithmewhenyoudon’ twantto.
    Andi fyouwantus…youknowwhatt odo.Iam
    goingtostopchasi
    ngyouunlessyouwantmet o.”
    Hehungupandt ookadeepbreathdri
    ving.Soft
    shower
    sofrai
    nf el
    l.Thesof
    tshowersslowlytur
    ned
    i
    ntoheavyr
    ainthathesloweddownabi t.

    *
    **

    InGaboronelatert
    hatdayjustaf
    terdusk,
    Fif
    idrove
    i
    nt heGaboronestreet
    sheadedtoherhouse.She
    thought
    ful
    lylookedatherphonethencall
    edher
    grandmother.
    “
    Heel
    l
    o?”
    “
    Mama…”
    “
    Fif
    i…”
    “
    Howar
    eyou?
    ”
    “
    Fifi
    …whati
    sthi
    sIam hear
    ing?Tel
    lmei
    t’
    snot
    t
    rue!
    ”
    Fi
    fiswal
    lowed.“
    Ma?
    ”
    “
    Tel
    lmei
    t’
    snott
    rue.
    ”
    “Pleaseprayf orme.IknowGodwon’ tl
    ist entoany
    prayersfrom me.Iam goi ngt odosomet hingfor
    me.Iknowal otofpeopl ewi llnotagr eewi t
    hitbutI
    havebeent hinkingand…Ihaveneverbeenhappi er.
    Maybe. .maybeObakengwasbr oughttomef ora
    reason.Hewasmama…hesai dit.Hesai d…hesai d
    hewasher ef orar eason.Tot eachmet hatl oveis
    thereandIhavef oundi t
    .Iknow…IknowIf oundit
    atthewor stpl acebuti ti
    st here.Il ovehim.Il ove
    him somuch.IneverknewIcoul dbecapabl eof
    l
    ovi ngaft
    erObakeng.ButIl ovehi m.AndIam sor r
    y
    forthehumi liati
    onandembar rassmentyouar e
    goingtogot hroughbecauseofme.Iwi llnever
    showmyf acet oyou, Ihaveputyout hrough
    enough.Iam t akingEt si
    lewith.Iwi l
    lst
    ar tafresh
    somewher ewher eIwillnotbej udged.”
    Hergr
    andmot
    herbr
    okedowncr
    ying.“
    Fif
    i…i
    jooo
    modi
    mowament
    huse!
    ”
    Fi
    fisni
    ff
    edcr
    yingt
    oo.“
    Iam sor
    ry.
    ”
    “
    Whatki
    ndofl
    ovei
    sthi
    s?”
    “
    Onet
    hatIwant
    .”
    Fif
    ipressedhergat
    eremoteanddrovethr
    oughthe
    yard.Acarimmediat
    elydr
    oveinbehindher
    .She
    fr
    ownedhol di
    ngthegater
    emote.
    “MmagweObakengi
    sher
    ewi
    thhersi
    ster
    .Iam
    cal
    li
    ngt
    hepol
    ice.
    ”
    Fi
    fihungupand999.Shewatchedasmmagwe
    Obakengsteppedoutwi
    thWame.Shest
    eppedout
    i
    fthecartal
    kingtot
    hepoli
    ce.
    “
    Dumelang,
    mynameisLegauf
    iMojal
    efa.Ihave
    i
    ntr
    uder
    satmyhouse,
    twoladi
    es,
    Ineedhelp.”
    Wamewal kedoverangr
    il
    ythensnat
    chedthephone
    andthrewitont
    hegroundslappi
    ngFif
    iacr
    ossthe
    face.
    “
    Lebel
    etekewena!
    ”
    Fi
    fihel
    dhercheek.“
    Youar
    eyout
    ojai
    lfor
    assaul
    ti
    ngme.Thepol
    icei
    sont
    heway!
    ”
    MmagweObakengangril
    ytookouthergunand
    shott
    henewcar’
    swindow.Thegunwentoffwit
    ha
    l
    oudbangthatWamescreamed.
    “
    Dimakat
    so!
    ”
    “
    IfNonof
    ofai
    ledt
    oki
    llyou,
    Iwi
    llnotf
    ail
    !”
    Fi
    fi
    ’shear
    tpoundedsomuchi tf
    eltl
    ikeshewas
    goi
    ngtoswall
    owit.Sher
    aisedherhandsshaki
    ng.
    MmagweObakengl ookedatherangr
    il
    ythent
    hecar
    herhusbandhadbought.
    “
    Geti
    nthecar
    .Now!
    ”
    Sheshott
    heground.PeewetFi
    fi
    ’spant
    yasWame
    l
    ookedathersi
    sterhor
    ri
    fi
    ed.
    “
    Iam notgoi
    ngt
    ojai
    lDi
    makat
    so!
    ”
    “Iwi
    llshootyout
    oo.Geti
    nthecar
    .Bot
    hofyou,
    Now!”

    *
    **
    AtFif
    i’
    shouse, thi
    rt
    ymi nut
    eslat
    er,t
    hepolicecar
    dr
    ovet hroughtheopengate.TheBenz’sengine
    wasstillr
    unningwiththedooropen,t
    heother
    windowshotandwi t
    hherphoneont heground.
    Thepol
    icel
    ookedar
    ound.
    “
    Noonei
    sher
    e…”

    *
    **

    Inthebushneart
    heGaboronedam,Wamelooked
    atDimakat
    soshakingst
    ari
    ngatthebl
    oodonher
    sist
    er.
    “
    Wear
    egoi
    ngt
    ojai
    lformur
    der
    …youki
    ll
    ed…”
    Tear
    sfi
    ll
    edDimakatso’
    seyest
    henshel
    ookedatt
    he
    bl
    oodal
    loverherhands.
    “Myson…itshoul dhavebeenher.Weneedtobury
    herbody…nothingwillhappent
    ousifwebur yher
    body.Wecant hrowherinthedam.Shewillsi
    nk
    andneverbef
    ound.
    ”
    .
    .
    .

    Goodmor
    ning
    [
    04/
    23,
    06:
    04]'
    :
    Si
    nsUnf
    orgi
    ven
    #113

    Lat
    ert
    hatevening,
    Dimakat
    socoveredajokewit
    h
    Wamethenpickedhergunbreat
    hingheavi
    ly.
    Wamel ookedathersist
    erint
    hedark,t
    ears
    gl
    isteni
    ngi nhereyes.Thegunshot
    ssti
    llranginher
    head…t hewayFi f
    ihadscreamedwiththefir
    st
    bull
    etthatmissedherwi t
    haninch…theblood..
    Tear
    srol
    leddownhercheeks.
    “
    She’
    sdead.
    ”
    Di
    makatsograbbedWame’shandanddr aggedher
    t
    othecar.Theygoti
    nthenshelookedatWame.
    “Anyonecouldhaveki
    ll
    edher.Iam dr
    ivi
    ngback
    home.Iwilldr
    opyouoffthenIwil
    lgohomet he
    poli
    cewon’tknow.”
    “
    Whati
    ftheyf
    indherbody?
    ”
    “I
    tdoesn’tmeananythi
    ng.There’snot
    hingthatsays
    i
    t’
    sus.Shei sdead.Shecan’
    ttalk.Somethi
    ngwoul d
    haveeatenherbythen.
    ”
    Wameshookherheadcryi
    ng.“
    Wet ouchedher
    …we
    t
    ouchedher
    .Theywil
    lfi
    ndourfi
    ngerpri
    nts!
    ”
    “Noonewi llf
    indanyf i
    ngerwhatofyours.I
    t’smovi e
    thi
    ngs.Itdoesn’thappeninAfr
    ica.Theywon’ tf
    ind
    anythi
    ngifshe’seaten.Don’
    twor r
    y.Stopcrying.”
    Dimakatsotookadeepbreat
    h,herhandsalso
    shaki
    ng.Shest ar
    tedt
    heengi
    neandr ever
    sedout
    thendroveoff.

    *
    **
    Lorat
    ocalledFi
    fiagai
    nthatni
    ghtnowwor ri
    ed.Her
    l
    astseenwasf rom t
    heprevi
    ousday.Shetooka
    deepbreathandsentheranothermessagethough
    somethinginhermadeherwor rymoreandmor e.
    Herphoner
    ang,
    shej
    umpedqui
    ckl
    ypi
    cki
    ng.
    “
    Hel
    lo?
    ”
    “
    Hi.I
    t’
    sGr
    ace.
    ”
    “
    Oh,
    hi!
    ”
    “Hi
    .UhIhadspokent oFifiear
    li
    eron.Sheshould
    havebeenher
    ebynowpi ckingEtsi
    lebutshesti
    ll
    hasn’
    tcomeandEt si
    lei
    snowcr yi
    ng.WaitseIdon’
    t
    knowwhybutforthefir
    stt i
    meeverhe’scryingf
    or
    her.
    ”
    “
    Ok,
    Iam comi
    ngt
    opi
    ckhi
    m up.
    ”
    “
    Ok.Di
    dyouspeakt
    oher
    ?”
    “
    Notyet
    .”
    “
    Ok.
    ”
    Lorat
    ohungupandwal kedoutmi
    nut
    esl
    aterwi
    th
    herphoneandcarkeys.
    *

    AtGrace’
    shouse,Lor
    atosteppedoutofthecarand
    walkedtothedoor
    .Graceopenedbefor
    eshecoul d
    knockholdi
    ngEtsi
    lei
    nherar ms.
    Lor
    atosmi
    led.“
    Hey!
    ”
    Et
    sil
    elookedatherwi
    thasl
    ightsmi
    le.Lor
    ato
    l
    aughedgetti
    nghim.
    “
    Youar
    esoheavy!
    ”
    “
    Iwantmama.
    .”
    “Youwantmama?She’
    sdr
    ivi
    ng.She’
    scomi
    ngt
    o
    getyout
    henyougohomewit
    hmama…”
    “
    Mamai
    scomi
    ng?
    ”
    Lor
    atonodded.“
    Yes.Shewi
    llcomeandt
    akeyouat
    myhouse.”
    Lor
    atogothi
    sbagt
    hensmi
    led.
    “
    Thankyou.
    ”
    “
    Youar
    ewel
    come.
    ”
    Lorat
    owalkedtohercarchatt
    ingwi
    thEt
    sil
    e.She
    puthiminsi
    deandreversedoutwhi
    leEt
    sil
    eplayed
    avideogameonherphone.
    Lor
    atodrovetoFifi’
    shousethensl
    oweddown
    l
    ookingatthepoli
    cecar spar
    kedout
    sidet
    hegate.
    Herheartstar
    tedracingasshest
    oppedhercarnext
    toapoli
    ceof f
    icer
    .
    “
    Dumel
    ang.
    .what
    ’sgoi
    ngon?Mysi
    sterst
    aysher
    e.”
    “
    Yoursi
    sterst
    aysher
    e?”
    Lor
    atonodded.“
    Yes.Hernamei
    sLegauf
    i.Legauf
    i
    Mojal
    efa.
    ”
    Thepol
    iceof
    fi
    cersi
    ghedl
    ooki
    ngather
    .
    “
    Pleaseman,
    mayyoust
    epoutoft
    hecarf
    ora
    minut
    e.”
    Lor
    atol
    ookedathi
    m.“
    Whathappened?Wher
    eis
    mysist
    er?

    *
    **
    Thefoll
    owi
    ngmorni
    ng,adetect
    ivel
    ist
    enedt
    othe
    recor
    dedcal
    lhadmadetothepoli
    ce.
    “Ther
    e’ssomeoneel
    seher
    e.Whoi
    sthi
    s
    Dimakatso?
    ”
    Hiscolleaguelookedathim.“Themot herin-law.
    Nonof oisherdaughterwhowasar r
    estedf or
    burningherbrotheri
    nt hehouse.Thebr otherwho
    wasmar ri
    edtoLegaufi.Thefi
    rehadact uallybeen
    forherandherchi l
    drenbutinsteaditki
    lledher
    brotherandtwochi l
    drenleavi
    ngLegauf iwithone.”
    “Isee…soshewasf
    ini
    shi
    ngoffwhatherdaught
    er
    start
    ed…ok.Gat
    weonakae?
    ”
    “
    Maun.
    ”
    “I
    fshewasherei
    tmeansshecoul
    dhavewentback
    bynow.Cal
    ltheMaunPol
    ice.Wear
    eputt
    ingouta
    WantedAl
    ert
    .”
    Thedet
    ecti
    vel
    ookedatFif
    i’
    spi
    ctur
    eandsi
    ghed
    hopi
    ngitwasnott
    oolat
    e.
    *
    **

    InMaun, Dimakatsodr
    ovet hr
    oughhergat elat
    er
    thatmorning.Herhear
    tskippedasshel ookedat
    thepoli
    cecarparkedbesidesherhusband’sandit
    seemedhewashome.Shel ookedatthebloodon
    hersel
    f.Sheswallowedthenstart
    edreversing.
    Herhusbandwal kedoutwiththepoli
    ceasshe
    reversedout.Thepol
    iceoff
    icerr
    aisedhi
    shandto
    gethertostop.Herhandsshookasshesatinher
    carlookingatthepet
    rolwhi
    chdownt oempty.
    Twopoli
    ceof
    fi
    cerswal
    kedovert
    oherorand
    openedt
    hedoor
    .
    Theyl
    ookedatt
    hebl
    oodonherhandsandher
    cr
    eam t
    -shi
    rt
    .
    “
    Areyouok?
    ”
    Shel
    ookedatt
    hem shaki
    ng.“
    Y-Yes.
    ”
    “Wherei
    sthi
    sbl
    oodcomi
    ngf
    rom?Di
    dyouhur
    t
    your
    self
    ?”
    Rr
    agweObakengwal
    kedover
    .Hel
    ookedatt
    he
    bl
    oodonher
    .
    “
    Wher
    eisLegauf
    i?Who’
    sbl
    oodi
    sthi
    s?”
    Shel
    ookedathi
    m unabl
    etoopenhermout
    h.

    *
    **

    Atthepol
    icestat
    ion,
    Dimakat
    sosati
    nthe
    i
    nterr
    ogat
    ionroom witht
    hepoli
    ceof
    fi
    cer
    .
    “Youkeepi ngqui eti
    snotgoi ngtohelpyou.Wear e
    goingt otransferyout oGabswher eyouwi l
    lbe
    chargedpr oper l
    yformur der.Youcouldmake
    thi
    ngseasi erforyourselfandnotbedi ffi
    cult
    becauseyouar egoingt ojail
    .Someonei smissi
    ng.
    Andyouknowwher eshei s.Andyouar egoingto
    payf orwhat everyoudi dt oher.Theleastyoucan
    doist alkandatl eastgetal essersentencefor
    cooper ati
    on.Thebl oodyouhaveonyourhands
    wentf ortesting.Wewi llsoonknowi fit’
    sLegaufior
    not.”
    Di
    makat
    soswal
    lowedt
    hencr
    ying.“
    ItwasWame.
    Myt winsi
    ster
    .Shedraggedmet oGabor
    oneaf t
    er
    tel
    li
    ngmet hatmydaughteri
    n-l
    awwassleeping
    wit
    hmyhusband.Ij ustwant
    edtoscareheroffso
    sheleaveshim al
    one,Wametookthegunangril
    y
    andshother.”
    “
    Shotyourdaught
    eri
    n-l
    aw?
    ”
    “
    Yes.Shemissedthefi
    rstti
    met henLegaufitr
    iedt
    o
    r
    unbutsheshothershoulder.Legaufif
    ellt
    hen
    t
    hat
    ’swhenItouchedhersot hatIhelpherbut
    Wametoldmet ogetawayfrom her.”
    “
    Ok.Sowher
    eisherbody?
    ”
    “Wamehear dvoicest
    henhewer anof
    ftohi
    de.We
    tr
    iedgoingbacktowherewelef
    therbodybutgot
    l
    ostbutwef oundadogthathadgott
    enshotand
    buri
    editandleft
    .”
    “
    Soyoul
    eftyourdaught
    eri
    n-l
    awt
    odi
    e?”
    “
    Shewasal
    readydead.BecauseWamewoul
    dn’
    tlet
    mehel
    pher
    .Ididn’
    twanttokil
    lher
    .”
    “
    Andt
    heguni
    nyourcari
    stheweapon?
    ”
    “
    Yes.
    ”
    “
    Wher
    eisWame?
    ”

    *
    **

    Latert
    hatdayinPalapye,Wamelookedatthepol
    ice
    offi
    cershaki
    ng,hereyessti
    llr
    edandswoll
    enfrom
    cryi
    ng.
    “I
    twasDi makatso.Mysi ster .Ithoughtwehadbeen
    goingt oscareoffFifibutshet ookoutagunwhen
    wegott oFif
    i’
    shouseandhadusdr ivetoabush
    wit
    hFi fi.Whenwegott heret hat’swhensheshot
    Fif
    i.Wehear dvoicest henr ant ohidebutwe
    couldn’tfi
    ndwher ewehadl efther.Wej ustf
    ounda
    dogsheacci dentall
    yshotbecauseshehadbed
    shootingaroundt hebusht oscar eof fFi
    fi
    .We
    buriedthedogandl eftFi
    fi
    ’sdeadbodyi nthebush.
    ”
    “
    Thi
    sbush,
    wher
    eisi
    t?”
    “
    AttheGabor
    onedam.Dimakat
    sohadwant
    edust
    o
    t
    hrowheri
    nsi
    deifwefoundher
    .”
    “
    Soyouandyoursi
    stermur
    der
    edher
    ?Insi
    mpl
    e
    t
    erms?
    ”
    Wamel ookedathi
    m cryi
    ng.“
    Idi
    dn’
    twantherki
    ll
    ed.
    Idi
    dn’tknowDimakatsowasgoi
    ngtoshoother
    ..I
    di
    dn’tknowIswear.
    ”

    *
    **

    AtthebusharoundtheGaboronedam,thepolice
    hel
    icopt
    erwentaroundsear
    chingwhil
    et heother
    poli
    ceoff
    icer
    swalkedongroundsearchingforFif
    i’
    s
    deadbody.
    .
    .
    .
    [
    04/
    23,
    06:
    04]'
    :
    Si
    nsUnf
    orgi
    ven
    #114
    Tef
    olookedatLor
    atoasshecr
    ied.
    “Thereweregunshot
    sont
    henewcar
    .Whati
    fshe
    kil
    ledher
    ?”
    “Canyoubl
    ameher?NowitmadesensewhyFifi
    wasalwaysbewi
    thhi
    m.Ital
    lmakesperf
    ectsense
    babe.
    ”
    “Shehasnorightt
    oat
    tackFi
    fi
    ,sheshoul
    dat
    tack
    herhusband!
    ”
    “Fi
    fiisherdaughterin-
    law.That’
    sthewomanher
    sonmar ri
    ed.Thereisnobet r
    ayalworsethant
    his.
    Nowi tmakessensewhyshewoul dn’
    topenher
    heartforanyoneelse.”
    “Thatwomanhat edFi
    fir
    ightfr
    om thegetgo.Yes
    Fif
    iwaswr ongbutshewasnotalone.Whydoesn’ t
    sheshootherhusband?Youar ej
    ustbit
    terbecause
    Fif
    ididn’
    tgiveyouachance.”
    “Babecomeon, whyshoul dIbebutterabout
    someonewhoneverwant edme?Al lIam sayi
    ngis
    thati
    tal
    lmakesper fectsense.Hewasal ways
    aroundher,hewasal waysthefir
    stpersonshe
    wouldcallwheneversomet hi
    nghappened.Itwas
    j
    ustalltoomuch.I tmakessensenowbecause
    obvi
    ouslyhewasherl over.Thereisnothi
    ngt hat
    j
    ustif
    ieswhatshewasdoi ngandpeopl etake
    betr
    ayaldiff
    erent
    ly.Ifshe’
    sdead, Iwouldn’tbl
    ame
    themotherin-l
    awf irki
    ll
    inghere.Imaginethesame
    pussythatwasr i
    dingyoursonbei ngt
    hesame
    pussytorideyourhusband. ”
    Lorat
    otear
    ful
    lyl
    ookedathim,hiswordsfeeli
    ngl
    ike
    aknif
    eontoherheart
    .Atearrol
    leddownasshe
    tur
    nedbacktohercar.Et
    sil
    elookedather.
    “
    Arewegoi
    ngt
    omamanow?
    ”
    Lor
    atosni
    ff
    edandf
    orcedasmi
    le.
    “
    Yessweet
    y.”
    Shestart
    edthecarhol
    dinghert
    ear
    sanddr
    ovet
    o
    thepol
    icest
    ati
    on.
    ShesteppedoutwithEtsil
    ethenwalkedi
    nsidet
    he
    pol
    icestati
    on.Lor
    ilookedatherasshewalkedi
    n
    wit
    hEtsile.
    “
    Heybuddy!
    ”
    Hepi
    ckedEt
    sil
    eup.“
    What
    ’sup?
    ”
    “
    Iwantmama.
    ”
    “Ok.Wearegoingtogetyoumommy.”Lor
    ilooked
    atLorat
    owho’seyeswereswol
    len.
    “
    Hasshebeenf
    ound?
    ”
    Hesi
    ghed.“
    No.Notyet
    .Theyar
    esear
    chi
    ngon
    wher
    ewaslast
    .”
    “
    Wher
    e?”
    “AtGabor
    onedam.Theysuspecti
    tshemaybeal
    ive.
    Iknowshe’sal
    ive.
    ”
    Atearr
    oll
    eddownLor
    ato’
    scheekasshet
    ri
    edt
    o
    hol
    dheremoti
    ons.
    “Hey…wear
    egoingtofi
    ndher.She’
    sok.Sheisone
    str
    ongwoman.Thi
    sisnothowitends.Notl
    ike
    thi
    s.”

    *
    **

    Latert
    hatday,Bonoloscr
    olledt
    hroughher
    Facebook,shepausedseeinganarti
    cleatThe
    Voi
    ceNewspaperaboutFi
    fi
    .
    Sher
    eadt
    hroughi
    tal
    landl
    ookedatKabo.
    “
    Ever
    yoneknows.
    ”
    “
    Ever
    yonewoul
    d.Iwonderi
    fshe’
    sreal
    lydead.
    ”
    “Thehel
    icopteri
    sst
    il
    lsear
    chi
    ng.Ispoket
    oLor
    ato,
    shewascr yi
    ng.”
    “
    Ijustcan’
    tbel
    ieveshewoul
    dsl
    eepwi
    thherf
    ather
    i
    n-l
    aw.”
    “
    Youdon’
    tchoosewhom youl
    ove.
    ”
    “
    That
    ’snotl
    ove!
    ”
    “Howi si
    tnotl
    ove?Ifi
    t’
    snotl
    ovet
    henevenwhat
    LorihasforFi
    fii
    snotl
    ove.
    ”
    “
    Bonol
    ohowdoyoul
    ookatmyf
    atherandhavesex
    wit
    hhi
    m?”
    “Theyprobablyfellinl
    oveinthemi dstof
    comf ort
    ingeachot her
    .Ithappens.Theypr obably
    tri
    edtor esi
    sti
    tti
    lltheycouldn’
    tanymor e.Andt hat
    ’s
    thethingaboutlove…youcan’ tcontr
    olit.
    ”
    “
    Youcan.Youcancont
    rolyourf
    eel
    ings.Baxmust
    becr
    yingwher
    everhei
    s.”
    “I
    fhe’
    scr
    yingthenhe’sbeencryi
    ngforawhil
    enow.
    Howdoyoufinditr
    ightforLor
    itowantFif
    i?”
    “Becauseit
    ’ssomethi
    ngthatmakessense.Lori
    was
    j
    ustaf r
    iend,morel
    ikeabrother
    .What’
    swrongwi t
    h
    him wanti
    ngtoloveandtakecareofFi
    fi
    ?Itusedto
    happenbacki nt
    heday.”
    “Iam sur
    err
    agweObakengal
    sowant
    edt
    obehi
    s
    son’
    skeeper.
    ”
    “Obuamasepa.Thi
    sisabomi
    nat
    ion.I
    t’
    sat
    aboo.
    Kebosat
    anism gomo.
    ”
    Bonol
    osmi
    led.“
    Iwi
    llneversl
    eepwi
    thyourf
    ather
    babe.
    ”
    “Thenwhyar
    eyoudef
    endi
    ngnonsense.Basadil
    e
    JoSatanl
    ona.
    ”
    Bonol
    oputt
    hephonedownandki
    ssedhi
    m.
    “
    Rel
    axbabe.
    .it
    ’sok.Iam notFi
    fi
    .Il
    oveyou.
    ”
    Shegotont
    opofhi
    m hest
    raddl
    inghi
    m.
    *
    **

    Atthescene,Wamesteppedoutoft
    hepoli
    cecar
    ,
    herwri
    stsinhandcuf
    fs.Shesni
    ff
    edcryi
    ng.
    “
    Let
    ’sgo.Showuswher
    eithappened.
    ”
    Wamewal kedi
    nt hebushwi tht
    hepolice.She
    l
    ookedaround,t
    hingsnowl ookeddi
    fferentnowthat
    t
    herewasdayli
    ght .Shecouldn’
    tbesurewher ei
    t
    r
    eall
    yhappened.
    Herlipsshookasshewalked,t
    hepoli
    cedogs
    behindsnif
    fingwhi
    lesol
    dier
    sfoll
    owedbehi
    nd
    holdingguns.
    Shel
    ookedar
    ound.
    “
    Idon’
    trememberwhere.Itl
    ooksdif
    fer
    entnow…i
    t
    wasatnight
    .Wecoul
    dn’tseeproper
    ly.
    ”
    “Oryouar
    elyi
    ngandyouknowwher
    eexact
    lywher
    e
    sheis.
    ”
    Shecr
    iedshaki
    ngherhead.“
    Shefel
    lontheground.
    Shewasmoving.Ther
    ewasbloodever
    ywhere.”
    “
    Youprobabl
    ybur
    iedherandal
    lthi
    sist
    owast
    eour
    t
    ime.
    ”
    “Wedidn’
    tbur
    yher
    .Maybesomet
    hingat
    eher
    body.
    ”
    “
    Youaregoingt
    ojai
    lforaver
    ylongt
    ime.O
    t
    shamekesabat
    homosadikewena!”
    Wanebrokedowncr
    ying.“
    Idi
    dn’
    tki
    llher
    …Idi
    dn’
    t.I
    t
    wasnotme.”
    Thepoli
    cedogsbarkedfurt
    herinthebush.Theyal
    l
    fol
    lowedwher
    eitwasdi ggi
    ng.Thepolicewal
    ked
    overandst
    art
    eddiggingout.Theystoppedand
    l
    ookedproper
    ly.
    Thedet
    ect
    ivewor
    kingonthecasewalkedoverand
    l
    ookedi
    nsi
    de.Helookedatadogthenturnedt
    o
    Wame.
    “
    Thedogi
    sher
    e.Wher
    eisLegauf
    i?”
    “
    Wef oundthedogafterwefai
    ledf
    indi
    ngFi
    fi
    .We
    wer
    ej ustwal
    kingar
    ound.”
    Thedet
    ecti
    vel
    aughed.“Youarewastingyourown
    ti
    mebecauseyouaregoingt
    ojailei
    therway.I
    fwe
    don’
    tfi
    ndher ,
    wewi l
    lassumeyouarewithhol
    ding
    i
    nfor
    mat i
    onsot hatwi
    llbeanot
    herchar
    geont opof
    themurder.
    ”
    “
    Idi
    dn’
    tki
    llher
    .Itwasnotme!
    ”

    *
    **

    RragweObakengarri
    vedatt
    hescene.Afemal
    e
    poli
    ceoff
    icerwal
    kedovert
    ohim ashest
    eppedout
    ofthecar
    .
    “
    Mor
    ena,
    noonei
    sal
    lowedher
    e.”
    “
    Hasshebeenf
    ound?
    ”
    Thepoli
    ceofficerlookedathi mrecognizi
    nghim
    fr
    om thepict
    urest hatwer et
    rending.Thepict
    ures
    di
    dhtdomuchj usticeforhim.Nowt hatsfewas
    l
    ookingathim sheei bderedjusthietheson
    probabl
    ylookedlike.
    Shehadnevercomeacrosssuchhandsomeness
    bef
    ore,hisbear
    dmadehim evenmoregoodlooki
    ng.
    Shelookedathiswi
    fechestthenhereyeswent
    downt
    ohi
    szi
    p.Sheswal
    lowed.
    “
    What
    ’sgoi
    ngon?Hasshebeenf
    ound?
    ”
    “
    No.Notyet
    .Theyar
    elooki
    ng.
    ”
    Theytur
    nedasthr
    eepoli
    ceoff
    icer
    swal
    kedback
    wit
    hWame.Wanel ookedatRr
    agweObakengand
    cr
    iedevenmore.
    “
    Idi
    dn’
    tki
    llher
    .Pakoi
    twasKat
    so.Idi
    dn’
    tki
    llher
    .”
    Helookedathersadl
    ythenlookedawayrubbi
    nghis
    eyes.Wamecriedmorelooki
    ngathim asshehit
    draggedaway.
    “
    Itwasnotme…youhavet
    obel
    ieveme.Gasenna!
    ”

    *
    **

    InMaitengwe,Fif
    i’
    sgrandmothersatonherbed
    holdi
    ngherbible,tear
    sinhereyes.Shetookadeep
    breat
    handopenedaver se.
    Herphoner
    ang,
    sher
    eachedf
    ori
    tandpi
    cked.
    “
    Hel
    lo?
    ”
    Lor
    atostar
    tedcryi
    ngonthephone.Theold
    woman’sheartski
    ppedasherkneeswentcol
    d.
    “
    Lor
    ato…whati
    swr
    ong?
    ”
    Shecr
    iedevenmor
    e.

    THREEMONTHSLATER…
    .
    .
    .
    [
    04/
    23,
    06:
    05]'
    :
    Si
    nsUnf
    orgi
    ven
    #115

    Thr
    eeMont
    hsLat
    er…

    Bonol
    otookadeepbr
    eat
    hhol
    dinghermot
    her
    ’s
    handinherGermanpri
    ntweddinggown.Shetooka
    deepbreat
    h,herpr
    egnancybumpshowingjusta
    l
    it
    tle.
    Hermothersmiledthentheysl
    owlywal kedoverto
    theai
    slewhereKabost oodwit
    hLor iwait
    ingforher
    .
    Shecareful
    lyst
    eppedont hegreenlawnataevent s
    gownwi t
    hherbeautif
    uldresst
    rail
    ingbehind.
    Kabosmil
    edst
    ari
    ngassheapproached,shel
    ooked
    sobeaut
    if
    ulwi
    thherweavecur
    ledni
    cely.
    Hetookadeepbr
    eat
    hashermot
    herhandedher
    over
    .
    Bonolosmi ledhol di
    nghishandst henlookedatthe
    guests.Shel ookedatLor atowho’sbumpwasbi g.
    Shehadgai nedsomuchwei ghtthatsheevenhad
    neckrolls.Besidesherwashergr andmot herwho
    washol dingEt si
    leinherar ms.Theol dwomanwas
    i
    nandoutoft hehospitalthatLoratohadt otakeher
    i
    n.Fifi
    ’sdisappear ancewast akingahuget oreon
    her.
    Bonol
    otookadeepbreat
    hnotwant
    ingtorui
    nher
    moodthi
    nkingofFi
    fi
    .Shesmil
    edasthepast
    or
    st
    art
    edt
    alki
    ng.
    Ont hef
    rontr
    ole,
    Loriwatchedhisfri
    endsmil
    e
    stari
    ngi
    ntoBonolo’
    seyes.Thepastoropenedthe
    ceremonywit
    hapr ayer
    ,thelastt
    imehehadbeenat
    aweddinghadbeenatBag’ swedding.
    Hestillcouldn’
    tfor
    getjusthowhi sboyhadbeenso
    exci
    ted…sohappy.Somehowhesomet i
    meswoke
    uphopi ngitwouldbeadr eam.Nowwi thFi
    fi
    possiblydead,hefeltli
    kehehadf ai
    ledhisfr
    iend.
    Hehadf ai
    ledtoprotectedObakeng’
    sf amil
    y.
    Hel ookeddownandsni ffed.Bonolo’
    sbestgi r
    lwho
    wasseat edbesideshiml ookedathim heari
    nghim
    sniff.Lor
    irubbedhiseyesl ooki
    ngdown, shehad
    beenwat chinghim andthesadnessi nhiseyes
    didn’tmissher.I
    twasasi fhewascar r
    yingthe
    enti
    rewor ld’
    sweightonhi sshoulder
    s.
    Shet
    ouchedhi
    sback.“
    Hey…”
    Lor
    irai
    sedhi
    sheadandl
    ookedathersmi
    li
    ng.She
    smil
    edback.
    “
    It
    ’sok.Iam notj
    udgment
    al.
    ”
    “
    What
    ?”
    “Iam notjudgmental
    .Somethingi
    swrong.Ican
    seeitinyoureyes.It
    ’sok.Maybewecandodr i
    nk
    toni
    ght.”
    “
    Iam good.
    ”
    “Youaredepr
    essed.Youneedaf
    ri
    endLor
    i,Icanbe
    yourf
    ri
    end.”
    Lor
    ilaughed.“
    Iam notdepr
    essed.
    ”
    Shesmi l
    ed.“Youlostyourfri
    end…yourf r
    iend’
    swi f
    e
    whom yout houghtyoucouldprotectandtakecare
    of.Youprobablyfeell
    ikeyouhavef ai
    ledyourfr
    iend.
    Youkeepwonder ingwhatyoucoul dhavedone
    bett
    er.Ihavebeenobser vi
    ngyou.It’
    sok.Iam
    j
    udgment al.Andit
    ’soknottobeok.Let ’
    sdodr i
    nks
    l
    ateron.”
    “
    Youar
    eashr
    ink?
    ”
    Shel
    aughed.“
    Shi
    ri
    nki
    ?No.NoIam not
    .ButIcan
    beafr
    iend.
    ”
    “
    Iam f
    ineDi
    dint
    le.
    ”
    Di
    dismi
    led.“
    Wecangot
    othehot
    elwher
    eIam
    st
    ayi
    ngt
    oni
    ght
    .Ther
    e’sani
    cebart
    her
    e.”
    “
    Areyout
    ryi
    ngt
    osl
    eepwi
    thme.
    ”
    Shelaughed.“No.Iam j
    usttr
    yingtobeafri
    end.But
    i
    t’
    soki fyouaregood.Iwil
    lsaynicethi
    ngsabout
    youonyourf uner
    alaft
    eryouhavehungyourself
    .”
    Loril
    ookedatherandlaughedt
    urningtohi
    sfr
    iend.
    Didist
    oleaglanceathi
    m andsmiledrel
    axi
    ng.

    *
    **

    I
    nprison,Nonosmi ledwal
    kingt
    owher ehervisi
    tor
    waswai t
    ing.Shesloweddownrealizi
    ngitwasher
    f
    ather.Shehadn’tseenhiminyearsnow.Tears
    f
    il
    ledhereyesaseachst epgotheavier
    .
    Shesl
    owl
    ysatdownt
    ryi
    ngt
    ofi
    xher
    sel
    f.
    “
    Papa.
    .”
    RragweObakengl
    ookedather
    .Het
    ookadeep
    heavybr
    eath.
    “
    Why?
    ”
    Tear
    srol
    leddownhercheeks.“
    Ihavenoexcuse.
    ”
    “
    Why?Why?
    ”
    “Ihavenoexcuse.Iam sorr
    y.”Shebrokedown
    cryi
    ng.“Iam sor
    ry.
    .Iam sorr
    y..Iam sor
    ry.
    .papaI
    am sorr
    y.”
    “Youkil
    ledyourownbr ot
    her
    .Yournieces…Theydid
    nothi
    ngt oyou.Legauf
    ihadnotdoneanythi
    ngt o
    you.Why?Di dshetakeanyt
    hingthatwasyours?
    Why?”
    Nonocri
    edevenmor
    e.Rr
    agweObakengt
    ooka
    deepbr
    eath.
    “Ifor
    giveyouf orthepainyouputmet hrough.I
    forgi
    veyouf ortakingawaymysonandmy
    grandchil
    drenf r
    om me.If orgiveyouformypeace.
    Yourmot herandIar edivorcing.Iam movingaway.
    Shewi l
    lprobablyjoinyouher eanyti
    mesoon.Ihope
    youfindpeace.Bot hyouandyourmot her
    .Ihope
    youfindpeace. ”
    “
    Ididn’
    twantObakengt
    odie.Il
    ovedmybrot
    her.I
    l
    ovedhim somuch.AndIsawhiminmydream.He
    f
    orgavemeandhewant smetobehappy.Heisthe
    r
    easonwhyIhavenotki
    ll
    edmysel
    f.Idofdeser
    tto
    l
    ive.
    ”
    “
    Youcangr
    eethi
    mformenextt
    imeyouseehi
    m.”
    Hestoodupandwal kedaway.Nonoputherhands
    onherfacecryi
    ngemotional
    ly.Seei
    nghi
    m was
    enough…itwasenoughandshewasgoi ngtobe
    bett
    eronceshewasout .

    *
    **

    Lorat
    owalkedtot
    hecarpushingherbigbumpwith
    hergrandmot
    herandEtsi
    le.Theygoti
    nFif
    i’
    sJeep,
    Lorat
    oatthefr
    ontseat
    .
    Hergrandmothergotinatt
    hebackwi t
    hEtsi
    leand
    remainedinsil
    encewhil
    eEtsil
    erest
    edhisheadon
    hisgrandmother’
    schest
    .Lorat
    ostart
    edthecarand
    drovehome.
    Theywalkedi
    nsidethehouse,hergrandmother
    walki
    ngtotheguestroom wi
    thEtsil
    e.Lorat
    opicked
    herri
    ngi
    ngphone.
    “
    Heybabe…”
    “
    Hi.
    ”
    “
    ”Ar
    eyoubackf
    rom t
    heweddi
    ng?
    ”
    “Yes,thatweddinglookedsorushed.Okarei
    twas
    notplannedpr oper
    ly.Ij
    ustdon’
    tunderst
    andhow
    Bonolowoul dgoaheadandgetmar r
    iedwhenmy
    sist
    erismi ssi
    ng.”
    “Comeonbabe…Soshoul
    dthewor
    ldst
    opspi
    nni
    ng
    becauseFi
    fii
    smi
    ssi
    ng?”
    “Fi
    fiishercousi
    n!Shedoesn’
    tcar
    e.She’
    sso
    sel
    fish.
    ”
    “
    Ok.Thenlet’
    snott
    alkabouther
    .Maybei
    t’
    sagood
    t
    hingbecausenowyouknowwher eshef
    all
    s.”
    Lor
    atosi
    ghed.“
    Ok.
    ”
    “
    Howar
    eyouf
    eel
    ingt
    oday?
    ”
    “
    Iam f
    ine.
    ”
    “Iwasthi
    nki
    ngmaybeIcant
    akeoutforsomef
    resh
    air
    .Somewherewher
    eyoucanrel
    ax.
    ”
    “
    Andmygr
    andmot
    her
    ?”
    “Shewil
    lbef
    ine.Shewi
    llhaveEt
    sil
    eandt
    he
    nanny.
    ”
    “KanaEt
    sileisgoi
    ngwi thrr
    agweObakeng.He’
    s
    movingandgetaskedi fhecoul
    dtakehi
    mt henhe’
    s
    bri
    nghim backforhol
    idays.”
    “
    Whoagr
    eedt
    oit
    ?”
    “
    Mmedi d.Fi
    fiwouldn’
    t…Fif
    iwon’
    tmi
    nd.Whenwe
    f
    indher
    ,hewi l
    lret
    urnher
    .”
    “
    Ok.Il
    oveyou.
    ”
    “
    Iloveyout
    oo.
    ”
    Loratohungupandwal kedovertot
    heguestr oom.
    Shesl i
    ghtopenedthedoorandwatchedher
    grandmot herpr
    ayi
    ngforFif
    iwit
    hEtsil
    e,aski
    ngGod
    toprotectFif
    iwher
    evershewas.
    Shewal
    kedt
    oherbedr
    oom cal
    li
    nghermot
    her
    ’s
    nur
    se.
    “
    Hel
    lo?
    ”
    “
    Hel
    lo,
    it’
    sLor
    ato.Howi
    sshe?
    ”
    “
    Thesame.She’
    snott
    alki
    ngst
    il
    l.
    ”
    Lor
    atot
    ookadeepbr
    eat
    h.“
    Didsheeat
    ?”
    “
    Abit.Shei sjuststar
    ingatnothi
    ng.IknowIam
    j
    ustanur selookingafteryourmotherbutt
    her
    eis
    t
    hispastorcomi ngandhecanhel pher .
    ”
    “Don’
    ttakemymot
    heranywher
    e.She’
    sfi
    net
    heway
    sheis.
    ”
    “
    Ok.
    ”
    “
    Good.Iwi
    llsendmoneyf
    ormor
    epamper
    s.”
    “
    Ok.
    ”
    Shehungupdi
    dat
    ransf
    er.

    *
    **

    InAust r
    ali
    a,Sydney,Rickyplacedabi gpi
    ctur
    e
    frameofhi m andFifionthewal l
    .Itwasthem t
    he
    dayt heyhadgr aduated.Atearrol
    leddownashe
    smiled.
    Henrywal
    kedoverandsmi
    led.“
    That
    ’syourf
    ri
    end
    babe?”
    Ri
    ckysmi l
    edtearf
    ull
    y.“
    That
    ’smysist
    er.She…”
    Ri
    ckylaughed.“Wewereabombtogether.Iknow
    wher
    eversheis,she’
    snothi
    ngwi
    thoutme. ”
    Henr
    yhuggedhi
    m.“
    Iknowt
    hisi
    shar
    donyou.
    ”
    Rickysmiled.“That’
    smygi r
    l.Iknowshe’sthere.
    ThisisFifi
    .It
    ’s…she’sadi ehar dthi
    sone.Nobul let
    cankillt
    hisone.Iam notevenwor r
    ied…thi
    sismy
    baby…af ir
    ecr acker
    .Abi tti
    mi d,butwhoisn’
    t?But
    dying…thatoneIwi llneverbelieveshe’
    sdeadt i
    llI
    seeherint hecoffi
    nnotmovi ng.”
    Henr
    ysmi
    led.“
    Ibel
    i
    eveyou.
    ”
    Ri
    ckyf
    ixedt
    hepi
    ctur
    efr
    amesmi
    li
    ng.

    *
    **

    InGaborone,l
    atert
    hatday,rragweObakeng
    steppedoutofhiscarattheGaboronedam.Lorat
    o
    parkedtheJeepbesideshim andsteppedwi
    thher
    grandmother,
    allt
    heirheart
    spounding.
    Apol
    iceof
    fi
    cerwal
    kedovert
    othem.
    “Dumel
    angbagolo,t
    hankyouf
    orcomi
    ngassoon
    asyouallcoul
    d.”
    Lor
    atonodded.“
    Wher
    eisshe?I
    sither
    ?Isi
    tmy
    si
    ster
    ?”
    “
    Areyousur
    eyou-
    “
    “
    Isi
    tither
    ?Iwantt
    osee.
    ”
    Hesighedandledthem t
    otheshor
    eit
    fthedam
    wher
    et heot
    herpoli
    ceoffi
    cer
    swerestandi
    ng
    st
    ari
    ngatsomet hi
    ngthatwasinabl
    ackplast
    ic.
    Lorato’
    sheartpoundedsomuchast heyslowl
    y
    approached.Hergrandmotherhel
    dherhand
    shakingprayi
    ngal i
    tt
    lehi
    tlouder
    .
    Thedet
    ect
    ivel
    ookedatt
    hem.
    “
    Wef oundthi
    sbody.Wej
    ustwant
    edyout
    oident
    if
    y
    i
    fit
    ’sher.
    ”
    Theyopenedt heplasti
    c.Lorat
    oscreamedj umping
    back.TheyalllookedatFif
    i’
    sdisfi
    guredface,you
    couldbarel
    yseet hefaceproperl
    ybutitwasher .
    Fif
    i’
    sgrandmot herdroppedonherkneesasr ragwe
    Obakengstaredi nshockstari
    ngatthedisfi
    gured
    body.
    Thedet
    ect
    ivecover
    edherup.
    “
    Iam sosor
    ryf
    oryourl
    oss.
    ”
    Lorat
    oscreamedcryi
    ng.Tearsrol
    leddownr r
    agwe
    Obakeng’
    scheekswhil
    eFifi
    ’sgrandmothershook
    herheadmut t
    eri
    ngal
    one.Shelookedattheskies,
    fr
    eshtear
    sf al
    li
    ngtot
    heground.
    .
    .
    .
    [
    04/
    23,
    06:
    05]'
    :
    Si
    nsUnf
    orgi
    ven
    #116

    Lor
    atocri
    edsomuchasthepoli
    cetookt
    hebody
    away.Hergr
    andmot
    herhuggedherti
    ght
    lycr
    ying
    wit
    hher.
    Rr
    agweObakengsni
    ff
    edasFi
    fi
    ’sgr
    andmot
    herl
    ed
    Lor
    atotothecar
    .Heswall
    owedasablocksaton
    hi
    sthroatt
    henheweakl
    ywalkedt
    ohiscar.
    Hisphonevi
    brat
    ed,
    het
    ooki
    toutandpi
    ckedLor
    i’
    s
    cal
    l.
    “
    Lor
    i.
    .”
    “
    Isi
    ther
    ?”
    Rr
    agweObakengsni
    ff
    ed.
    “
    Isi
    t?”
    “
    Yes.
    ”
    “
    No…Ial
    sowantt
    oseeher
    .”
    “
    Thepol
    icet
    ookherbody.
    ”
    “
    Iwantt
    oseeher
    .Iwi
    llbel
    ievewhenIdo.
    ”
    “
    Iam sor
    ry.
    ”
    “Youki
    ll
    edher
    .Ifyouhadrespect
    edLegaufiasyour
    daught
    eral
    loft
    hiswouldnothavehappened!”
    “
    IloveLegauf
    i.Il
    ovedher
    .Iwoul
    dnever
    -“
    “
    Youar
    enotgoi
    ngt
    ogetawaywi
    thi
    t.
    ”
    Lor
    ihungupupset
    .Rr
    agweObakengst
    art
    edhi
    scar
    ,
    hi
    shandsshaki
    ng.
    Hi
    sphoner
    angagai
    n.
    “
    Kennedy.
    .”
    “
    Isi
    ther
    ?”
    “
    Yes.
    ”
    “
    Iam sor
    ry.Idon’
    tevenknowhowt
    ocomf
    ortyou.
    ”
    “
    Shei
    sgone.
    ”
    “
    Iam t
    rul
    ysorry.IknowIwasagai
    nstwhatyoudi
    d
    wit
    hherbutIam sorry.
    ”
    “
    Iloveher
    .”
    “
    Itwi
    llgetbet
    ter
    .Wamewi
    llbesetf
    ree,
    maybet
    his
    i
    syourchanceto-“
    “I
    fit’
    snotFi
    fit
    heni
    twon’
    tbeanyone.I
    t’
    sal
    ways
    goingtobeher!
    ”
    “
    Shoul
    dIcomet
    her
    e?”
    “
    Iam f
    ine.
    ”
    “Youar
    enotfi
    ne.Iwi
    llcomet here.Youneedt
    he
    suppor
    tbef
    oreyoust
    artsleepingwithFi
    fi’
    s
    gr
    andmot
    herseeki
    ngcomf
    ort
    .”
    “
    Youdon’
    thavet
    ocome.Justr
    ejoi
    ceherdeat
    h.”
    “Iam notgoi
    ngt
    orejoi
    ceyourpai
    n.Youar
    emy
    brot
    herandyouaregri
    evi
    ng.Iam comi
    ng.
    ”
    Kennedyhungup.Rr
    agweObakengr
    ever
    sedand
    droveof
    f.

    *
    **

    Att
    heweddi
    ng,
    Lor
    ihur
    ri
    edt
    ohi
    scarcal
    li
    ngKabo.
    “
    Boy.
    .”
    “Theyar
    esayingthebodyf
    oundi
    sFi
    fi
    ’s.Idon’
    t
    beli
    evei
    t.Iwantt
    oseeher.
    ”
    “
    Shoul
    dIcomewi
    thyou?
    ”
    “No.It
    ’sf
    ine.Iwanttoseeher.It
    ’sj
    usthar
    dto
    bel
    ieve…itdoesn’
    tfeel
    …it’
    s..Iam goi
    ngtoseeher
    .”
    “
    Ok.Cal
    lme.
    ”
    “
    Shar
    p.”
    Hej
    umpedi
    nhi
    scaranddr
    oveof
    f.

    *
    **

    Loratosl
    owlywalkedinsi
    dethehousecryi
    ng.Her
    grandmotherl
    aidherdownandr ubbedherbel
    ly
    gl
    adGr acehadtakenEtsi
    le.
    “
    Lor
    ato…youneedt
    otakehear
    tmydaught
    er.
    ”
    “
    Mysi
    ster
    …”
    Hergr
    andmothersnif
    fedcryi
    ngtoo.Lor
    atocri
    edso
    muchti
    llshef
    ellasl
    eepinhergr
    andmot her
    ’sar
    ms.
    Hergrandmot
    herlaidherdownandsatont
    hefl
    oor
    weakandconfused,herbrai
    nsl
    owlyt
    ryi
    ngtowr
    ap
    i
    tsel
    faroundt
    hesituati
    on.
    ShelookedatLor
    atosl
    eepi
    ngt
    hencover
    edherwi
    th
    afl
    eece.
    *

    TwoWeeksLat
    er…

    Atthefunerali
    nMai tengwe,ontopofFif
    i’
    scoffi
    n
    washerpicture.Loratosadl
    ywat chedasher
    grandmother’
    schur chmember ssang.Shelooked
    atthepict
    uresilent
    lycryi
    ng.
    Somehowi tfel
    tsurr
    eal.
    .shecouldsti
    llhearher
    si
    sterl
    aughing.
    .tal
    king.I
    tfel
    twrong…i tfel
    tso
    wrongbeingtherecryi
    ng…itfel
    twrongt oeventhi
    nk
    ofhersi
    sterasdead.
    Thechur
    chl
    adi
    essangsomuchwi
    thever
    yoneel
    se
    j
    oini
    ng.
    Shelookedattherel
    ati
    vesthathadgat
    heredt
    ocr y
    hersi
    ster.Theyal
    lsatunderashadeasifbur
    ying
    hersi
    sterwasanor malthi
    ngtodo.
    Hergr
    andmot
    herhel
    dherhand.
    “
    Lor
    ato…”
    Lor
    ator
    emai
    nedst
    il
    lst
    ari
    ngatt
    hecof
    fi
    n.
    *
    Meanwhil
    eLorist
    aredatFi
    fi
    ’spor
    trai
    t.Besi
    desher
    s
    i
    twasherandObakeng.Herubbedhiseyesas
    Kaborubbedhi
    sback.
    Thepai
    nallcamebackbreaki
    nghi
    mf urt
    her
    .His
    l
    ipst
    rembledashelookedatt
    hecoffi
    n.Hetur
    ned
    andwalkedoutoft
    hetentt
    henwalkedtohi
    scar.
    Heputhishandsonhi
    sfacecryi
    ng.Kabofol
    lowed
    hi
    m outandhuggedhi
    mt i
    ght
    lyashecried.
    Kabosni
    ff
    edhol
    dinghi
    sfr
    iend.

    *
    **

    Inthetent,
    RragweObakengsatatthefarbackwi
    th
    hisbrother
    .Theyallwat
    chedthespeeches
    happening.Kennedyhel
    dhisbrot
    her’
    shand
    showingsupport.
    Awhi
    lel
    atert
    hePabal
    losl
    if
    tedFi
    fi
    ’scof
    fi
    nand
    wal
    kedtot
    hevanout
    sidewi
    thi
    twhi
    leever
    yone
    f
    oll
    owedsadl
    ysi
    ngi
    ng.
    TefoheldLorat
    o’shandandf
    oll
    owed.Hekissedher
    cheekholdi
    ngherhand.Shehadbeencr
    ying
    everydaysi
    ncetheysawthebody.
    Theyal
    lwentt
    othegr
    aveyar
    dsi
    ngi
    ngsadhymns.
    OneofFi
    fi
    ’scousi
    nssi
    ghedsadl
    y.
    “
    Thi
    sispai
    nful
    .”
    “MmennaIwoul dhaveprobabl
    ydonethesameifI
    wereFifi
    ’
    smotheri
    n-l
    aw.Imagineyourson’
    swif
    e
    sl
    eepingwit
    hyourhusband.WhatFif
    ididwas
    wrong.”
    “
    Shedi
    dn’
    tdeser
    vet
    odi
    ethewayshedi
    d.”
    “Shedeservedit
    .Koorepeoplel
    ikeFifit
    hink
    becauseshe’sbeauti
    fulshewil
    ljustgetawaywi
    th
    everyt
    hing.That
    ’snothowitworks.”
    “
    Shedidn’
    tdeser
    vetodi
    eli
    ke.Idon’
    tcareabout
    whatshedi
    d,noonedeser
    vestobekil
    ledl
    ikethat
    .”
    *

    Lorat
    ohuggedTefocryingasFifi
    ’
    scoffingot
    l
    ower ednextt
    ohergrandfat
    her’
    sgrave.Other
    rel
    ati
    veshuggedhergrandmotherwhowasal so
    cryi
    ng.
    Lor
    ilookeddown,
    hist
    ear
    sfal
    li
    ngt
    othegr
    ound
    whi
    lehestoodwit
    hKabo.
    RragweObakengsni
    ff
    edf i
    xinghishatwhil
    e
    Kennedysangwit
    heveryoneelsestar
    ingatFi
    fi
    ’s
    pi
    cturef
    rame.

    *
    **

    I
    njai
    l,
    Dimakat
    sol
    ookedatherl
    awyer
    .
    “Iwast
    her
    ewhenhegoteverythi
    nghehasnow.
    HowcanyousayIam notget
    ti
    nganyt
    hing?
    ”
    “Youar
    enotbecauseyouaremarr
    iedoutof
    communit
    yofpropert
    y.Ever
    yoner
    emainswith
    what
    ’st
    hei
    rs.
    ”
    “Hewoul
    dbenot
    hingi
    fitwasn’
    tforme!Imade
    him!
    ”
    “Youarestil
    lnotgetti
    nganyt hing.Butthatshoul
    d
    betheleastofyourwor riesbecauseyouar emost
    probabl
    yfacingdeathsent ence.Youki l
    led
    someonei ncoldblood.Ref usedtotellt
    hepolice
    whereyouandyoursi sterburi
    edherandnowshe
    hasbeenf ound.Youki l
    ledheri ncol
    dbl oodand
    hadherrotinthedam. ”
    “Idi
    dn’tt
    hrowherbody.Il
    efti
    tont
    hegr
    ound.I
    swear…”
    “
    Ican’
    trepr
    esental
    iar
    !Youhavebeendenyingalot,
    l
    ooknow!Youaregett
    inghung.Youcant
    rustthat
    .”
    “
    Idi
    dn’
    tbur
    yherbody.IswearIdi
    dn’
    t.
    ”
    “Iam notgoingtoletyouembar rassme.Thest at
    e
    givesaf r
    eelawyer.Youwillwaitforthatone.Unt
    il
    youar ereadytotel
    lmet hetrut
    h, Iam not
    representi
    ngyou..”
    “
    Idon’
    twantt
    ogetki
    ll
    ed.
    ”
    “
    Didyout
    hrowherbodyi
    nthedam?
    ”
    Dimakat
    sol
    ookedatherf
    ear
    ful
    lyandbl
    urt
    edi
    tout
    ..
    “Yes.
    ”
    “Ok.Youar
    egoi ngtotel
    lmeeveryt
    hingthat
    happenedt
    hatni ght
    .Wewil
    lpleadguil
    tyandask
    foramerci
    fulsentence.
    ”
    “
    WhataboutWame?
    ”
    “
    Shei sanaccompl
    ice.She’
    sfi
    ne.Shewon’
    tbei
    n
    j
    ailf
    orlongert
    hanyou.”
    Dimakatsol
    ookedathercr
    ying.“
    Iwantedt
    oscar
    e
    heroff
    .Shooti
    ngherwasnotpartoft
    heplan.
    ”
    “Whatwaspartornotpartoft
    heplandoesnot
    matt
    eranymore.Wear ej
    ustfi
    ghti
    ngagainstdeat
    h
    sent
    encebutyouaregoingtojai
    lforaver
    ylong
    ti
    me.

    *
    **

    Lat
    ert
    hatday,
    Lor
    atosati
    nhersi
    ster
    ’sr
    oom af
    ter
    al
    mostever
    yonehadl
    eft
    .Shesni
    ff
    edhol
    dingFi
    fi
    ’s
    sweat
    er.
    Hergr
    andmot
    herwal
    kedi
    nhol
    dingapl
    ateoff
    ood.
    “
    Ibr
    oughtyoufood.
    ”Shesatdownbesi
    desher
    .
    “
    Youneedtoeat.
    ”
    “
    Iam nothungr
    y.”
    “Hungr yornot ,youar egoi ngtoeatbecauseyou
    arenowundermycar e.Fifiwoul dhavewant edyou
    toeat .Yoursisterlovesyou.Shel ovedyouso
    much.Ther e’
    sal otthathappenedbet weenyout wo
    butsheal wayst ookyoubacki nherar ms.Tef oisa
    goodguy.Ihear dyouwantapol ygamous
    relati
    onship.It’
    sal lniceinyourheadr i
    ghtnow
    whenyoui magi nei torwhenyoui magi neddoingit
    withyoursi sterbuti twon’tbesoni cewhent hat
    manhasaf avor i
    te.Andchancesar ethati
    twon’ tbe
    you.Theot herwomanwi l
    lgetmor e…shewi llget
    mor eofever ythingyougetl essof .Polygamyi sn’t
    justaboutshar ingamanLor ato.It
    ’saboutal otof
    things.Andnowi twon’ tbeFi f
    iwhomayf eelsorry
    foryou, whoeveri tist hatyouwi llbeshar i
    ngaman
    wit
    hmi ghtwanthi
    m allf
    orhersel
    f.Ifobat
    a
    pol
    ygamy, yaEswati
    nibecausehere…youwil
    lcr
    y.
    OrlookforJacobZuma.”
    Lor
    atol
    ookeddown.
    “Youhavefoundagoodman.Youhaveast abl
    ejob.
    Youareabouttobeamother
    .Begrat
    efulandthank
    God.Noweat .
    ”
    Loratosmil
    edsli
    ghtl
    ytaki
    ngherpl
    ate.Her
    grandmotherwal
    kedoutthenshet
    ookherphone
    andcalledhermother
    ’snur
    se.
    “
    Hel
    lo?
    ”
    “
    Howi
    sshe?
    ”
    “
    Thesame.
    ”
    “
    Ok.
    ”
    Shehungupandsi ghed,i
    twasbett
    erhavi
    ngher
    l
    iket
    hatthanhersayingever
    ythi
    ng.

    *
    **
    Bonol
    oputonherseat
    bel
    tasKabodr
    oveof
    f.
    “SoFif
    ilef
    tever
    ythi
    ngtoEtsi
    lethenputrr
    agweBax
    astheguardi
    antoever
    ythi
    ngt i
    llEt
    sil
    ebecomesof
    age?”
    Bonol
    onodded.“Him andhergrandmother.I
    t’
    san
    updat
    edwil
    l.Shelovedhim.Andhel ovedhertoo.
    Peopl
    edon’
    twantt oseeitbutt
    hoset wowherein
    l
    ove.”
    “
    Itwaswr
    ong.
    ”
    “
    Yes…butt
    hei
    rlovewasr
    eal
    .”
    “Andnowshedi
    edfori
    t.Thi
    sisAfr
    ica.Youdon’
    t
    getawaywi
    thhur
    ti
    ngpeopleli
    ket
    hat.”
    Bonololookedathi
    m wit
    hasmileandtur
    nedont
    he
    radi
    o.Shesmi l
    edsi
    ngingtoawell
    knownsong
    happil
    y,herri
    ngonherfi
    nger
    .

    *
    **

    Lor
    isati
    nhi
    scarf
    orawhi
    leot
    hercar
    slef
    t.
    Hi
    sphoner
    ang,
    bepi
    ckedi
    tupandputi
    tonhi
    sear
    .
    “
    Yeah?
    ”
    “
    Hi,
    it’
    sDi
    di.Ihear
    daboutyourl
    oss.Iam sor
    ry.
    ”
    “
    Thanks.
    ”
    “I
    fyouneedsomeonet otal
    kto,Iam her
    e.Pl
    ease
    don’
    tki
    llyour
    sel
    f.Funeral
    saredepressi
    ng.
    ”
    Lor
    ichuckl
    ed.“
    Iam goodbutt
    hanks.
    ”
    “
    Wher
    ear
    eyou?
    ”
    “
    Iam onmywayt
    oGabor
    one.
    ”
    “
    Ok.Cal
    lmewhenyouar
    ri
    ve.
    ”
    “
    Ok.
    ”
    “
    Bye…”
    Hehungupandst ar
    tedthecarthenr
    ever
    sedand
    dr
    oveoffheadedbacktoGaborone.

    *
    **
    Thef oll
    owingmorni
    ngatORTambo, Pakoheld
    Etsil
    e’shandastheygoti
    ntheBrit
    ishairpl
    ane.
    Theysatdowni nfir
    stcl
    ass.Et
    sil
    elookedathim
    st
    illnotknowingwhatwasgoingon.
    Hesmi
    led.“
    Wher
    ear
    ewegoi
    ng?
    ”
    Pakosmi
    led.“
    It
    ’sasur
    pri
    se.Youwi
    llsee.
    ”
    “
    Aret
    her
    evi
    deogames?
    ”
    “
    Yes.Ther
    e’sever
    ythi
    ng.
    ”
    “
    Yes!
    ”
    Pakol aughed.Minut
    eslat
    ertheairhost
    essstar
    ted
    tal
    king.PakoquicktypedFi
    fi
    ’sgrandmothera
    message.
    Pako:Wear
    enowl
    eavi
    ng.
    .
    Theol
    dladyqui
    ckl
    yrepl
    ied.
    Fi
    fi
    ’sgrandmother:I
    tiswell
    .Passmygreet
    ings.I
    am notangr
    y…j ustdi
    sappoi
    ntedandhurtt
    hatit
    hadtocomet othis.
    Hesighedknowi
    ngshewast
    houghshehadpl
    ayed
    ever
    ythi
    ngsowell
    .
    HeputonEtsi
    le’
    sseatbel
    tthenhi
    sandswi
    tched
    of
    fal
    ldevi
    ces.
    Thepil
    otaspoket
    hrought
    hespeakeri
    ntheBr
    it
    ish
    ai
    rways.
    “Ladi
    esandgentl
    emen,thisi
    sBoeing777-300
    headedtoNewYorkCity,USAtaki
    ngoffwithme
    yourcapt
    ain,
    JohnYarnerandmyco- -
    pil
    ot,Ryan
    Berny.
    ’
    RragweObakengl ookedoutsidethewindow
    smili
    ng,happi
    nessandexci tementmakinghim
    smile.Yes,
    somesi nswereunf or
    givabl
    ebutalotof
    peopleweregoingtohellforalotdif
    fer
    entt
    hings,
    sowhynotbur nknowi ngyouwer ehappy?
    Theplanerandowntherunwayandtookoff,
    he
    rel
    axedwithnoounceofguil
    tyi
    nhim…hewas
    choosinghi
    mselfandhishappi
    nessandthefact
    thatshewouldbewait
    ingforhi
    m madethedeal
    evensweeter
    .

    *
    **THEEND*
    **
    .
    .
    Thankyou, li
    keIal wayssay, al
    lgoodthingscome
    toanendandher ewear eagain..Iwouldliket o
    thankallthebreadwi nnersthatkeptuswellf ed,I
    alsowantt othankyouf orsupport
    ingmeand
    readingmywor k,youguysar enothingshor tofthe
    best.Whatar ollercoast
    ercontroversi
    albook.I
    enjoyedthisonemor ethananyt hi
    ngbutnowl et’
    s
    goandcl eanseoursoul sandourmi nds keepan
    eyeont hepagef orthenewbook.Loveyoul ot
    s!!
    Fez

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