ToFor

giv
eOrNot
?

Hell
o.Mynamei sTshegofatsoMotswasele
(notarealname/
person)fr
om Molepolol
e.
Wannar eadmyli
festory
..
..
letsmeetdail
yat
11am and6pm.
Thereareaf ewpeopl ewhom I 'm notsurei
fI
wantt oforgi
v eornot:mybr other,myex
boyfri
end,mybestf r
iendandmyexhusband.
Pleasehelpmedeci dewhet hertoforgi
vethem
ornot.Atsomepoi ntIwasoutf orsweet
revengebutt henIwoul dstopandwonderi fI
shouldletkarmadeal wit
hthem onmy
behalf.
..
..
enjoy!

ToFor
giv
eOrNot
?

NO.1
Tshegoopenedt hegateandsawhermot her
sit
ti
ngont heverandah.Shebecameabi t
nervousbecausehermot herhadwar nedher
nottocomehomeaf t
ersunset.Sheknewv ery
wellthathermot herisasoftspokenperson
andwon’ tscr
eam atherbutshef el
tashamed
fordisrespecti
ngherandcomi nghomel ate.
Sher educedherwal ki
ngspeedasshe
approachedhermot her.
.
Tshego:
mama(
shesai
dner
vousl
y)
Hermot her:(
wit
hasarcast
icsmil
eacrossher
face)t
hesuni ssti
l
lhi
ghinthesky,
hakere
Tshegofatso!
Tshego:Im sor
ryf
orcominghomeaftersunset
mother.Iwaswatchi
ngtel
evi
sionatMma
Biki
esplace
Hermother
:andthati
ssupposedtomakei
t
okayf
oryoutocomehomet hist
ime?
Tshego:
Iapol
ogi
semama.I
’
m sor
ry
Hermother
:Tshegofatsodontgetusedto
br
eaki
nghouserules.DoImakemy sel
fcl
ear
?
Tshego:
yesmama.
Hermother
:washyourhandst
hengoandget
yourf
oodfr
om theki
tchen
Tshego:
thanky
oumama
Hermot her
:haker
emmey ouknowver
ywel l
thataft
ereati
ngyouhav
etowashthedishes,
doy ourhomeworkandt
akeabathbef
orey ou
sleep?
Tshego:
yesmama
Hermot her
:Tshegother
easonwhyIwantyou
todothingswellonti
meissothaty
oucan
sleepearl
yandbef r
eshf
orschoolt
henextday
Tshego:
Iunder
standmama
Hermother
:youpl
aytoomuchforafor
mthr
ee
st
udent
.YouaresuchababyTshego
Tshego:
yourl
astbornandyouronlydaught
er
(smil
i
ngasshetestedhermother)doyoulove
me?
Hermot
her
:whatdoy
ouwant
?
Tshego:
hel
pmewi
tht
hedi
shespl
ease!
Hermother
:youareverytr
ickyTshego.The
onl
ythi
ngIcandot ohelpyouistosither
ewit
h
youwhi
leyoudothedishes
Tshego:
(gi
ggl
i
ng)y
oudontl
oveme
Hermother:Il
oveyoumoret hanyoucan
under
stand.Maybeyouarewai t
ingf
ormeto
di
ebeforeyoucanreal
izethat
Tshego:
no!Il
oveyoumama.Youar
ethebest
motheri
ntheworl
d
Hermother
:Tshegogoandgety
ourf
ood
al
ready
Tshego:
(shegi
ggl
edf
ir
st)y
esmama
(
shemov
edal
i
ttl
ebi
ttomakewayf
or
Tshegofat
sotogetintheki
tchen.Shesmiled
l
ookingatherdaughterwhoisalsoherbest
fr
iend)

(ThenextdayTshegof
atsowalkedint
othey
ard
hummi nghappi
ly
.Hermot herwashome
alr
eady)
Tshego:
hel
l
omama
Hermother:hel
lodaught
er.Youar
egoingtobe
averyt
allgi
rlTshego.Ar
ey out
hetal
l
estinyour
cl
ass?
Tshego:
(openi
ngherschool
bag)nomama
Hermot
her
:real
l
y?
Tshego:t
herei
sthi
sguyinmycl
ass,
hei
stal
l
er
thanever
yonei
nschool
Hermother
:buty
ouar
ethet
all
estgi
rli
nyour
cl
ass?
Tshego:
(shei
ntent
ional
l
ybr
ushedawayt
he
topi
c.Tshegoi sat al
lski
nnygirlandbecauseof
thatherclassmat escall
edherallsort
sof
namest ot easeher :Tal
ly,
Mr sspider
,Bones,
Many ekeny eke,spokomat hambo.)mama!I
wantt oshowy ousomet hing(shehandedher
papers)
Hermot
her
:(smi
li
ng)Ihopeyourschool
isnot
aski
ngf
ormoneybecauseI
m broke
Tshego:
nope(
shesmi
l
ed)r
ead
Hermother:
(shewentthr
oughthepapers
si
lent
lyandsmil
ed)t
hanky ouTshego.I
m pr
oud
ofyou.Onedayyouaregoi
ngtobeanur seand.
Tshego:mamaIsai
dIwantt
obeasoci
al
workerorat
eacher
.
Hermother
:Iknow.Iwantyout
obeanurse.
Youwouldl
ookbeauti
fuli
nthewhi
tenur
se’
s
uni
for
m
Tshego:i
fIdontbecomeasoci
alwor
ker
,Im
goi
ngt obecomeat eacher
Hermother:(
smil
i
ng)Mi ssMotswasel
e.What
subj
ectwil
lyoubeteaching?
Tshego:sci
ence.MamaI
m sadbecauseIf
ell
shortofget
ti
nganAbyjustonemark
Hermot
her
:dontwor
ry,
nextt
imey
ouwi
l
lget
al
lAsmynurse
Tshego:
prayf
orme
Hermot
her
:Ial
way
sdo(
shesmi
l
edhappi
l
y)
(Tshegoputherpaper sbacki nherbagand
wentt ot hebedroom tochangeheruni form.
Hermot herstoodbyt hedoorsmi l
i
ngather
daughterwhohadj ustmadeherpr oud.She
wonder edwhyshecoul dnothav esuchacl ose
andper fectrelat
ionshipwithherson, Tshegos
brother.ShehadTshegosbr otherwhenshe
wasat eenagerandal thoughshest ay
edwi t
h
him atsomepoi ntinherlif
e,thepeopl ewho
hadt helastsayi nhisupbringingwer eher
brothersandpar ents.Shewasl i
keasi stert
o
herownchi ldwhowas16y earsy oungerthan
her.Coulditbebecauseoftheiragediff
erence
orwasi tbecauseheisaboyt hatswhyt hey
cantconnect ?Ther
eareti
meswhenshef eel
s
thatherownsonwant stocont rolher
)

THEBEPHATSHWA

Br
other
:Ihav
entcheckedmymot
heri
nawhi
l
e
Wi
fe:
butwewentt
oseeherl
astmont
h
Brother
:Iknow.Molepol
olei
sjustafew
ki
lomet r
esawayfr
om ThebephatshwayetI
neverreall
ymaket
imet oseemymot her
Wi
fe:
wewi
l
lseehermont
hend
Br
other
:youar
eri
ght
.Maybeweshoul
dbuyher
gr
oceri
eswhenwegotoseeher
Wi
fe:
yes
Brot
her
:Ihav
entbeentaki
nggoodcar
eofher
orgi
venhermuchatt
enti
on
Wif
e:becausey
ouhavey
ourownfami
l
ynow.
Ordoyouwanttobemamasboy?
Brother
:aoDimphomma, thatsinsensit
ive.She
i
smymot her.Youalwaystalktoyourmot her
overthephoneandnotamont hpassesby
withoutuscheckingonheranddr opping
groceri
esortoil
etri
est
oher .Doesthatmake
youmamasgi r
l?(heaskedlookingint
oher
eyes)
Wif
e:Idontwantust
oendupar
gui
ngabout
si
l
lythi
ngs.
Br
other
:andmymot
heri
ssi
l
lyt
hings?
Di
mpho:
Letusgot
obed
Br
other
:ij
o!
Wi
fe:
what
?
Br
other
:not
hing
*
I'
m notsur
eift
hisinser
tpostedaut
omati
cal
l
y
t
hismorni
ngornot.Idon'
tseeitont
hepage*
*
ToFor
giv
eOrNot
?*

Hell
o.Mynamei sTshegofatsoMotswasele
(notarealname/
person)fr
om Molepolol
e.
Wannar eadmyli
festory
..
..
letsmeetdail
yat
11am and6pm.
Thereareaf ewpeopl ewhom I 'm notsurei
fI
wantt oforgi
v eornot:mybr other,myex
boyfri
end,mybestf r
iendandmyexhusband.
Pleasehelpmedeci dewhet hertoforgi
vethem
ornot.Atsomepoi ntIwasoutf orsweet
revengebutt henIwoul dstopandwonderi fI
shouldletkarmadeal wit
hthem onmy
behalf.
..
..
enjoy!
NO.2
Tshegoandhi smot herweresleepingonthe
samebedl i
ketheydideverynight
.Tshego
heardhermot herwhizzi
ngwhi let
ryingt
o
breathe.Shetr
iedtoignoreitbutthewheezi
ng
gotlouder.
Tshego:
mamawhat
sal
lthatnoi
se?Ar
eyou
okay?
Hermot
her
:Imf
indi
ngi
tdi
ff
icul
ttobr
eat
he?
Tshego:
doy
ouwantwat
ermay
be?
Hermot
her
:yes
(Tshegogotoutofbedandt ookajugofwat er
from thefl
oor .Shepouredhermot hersome
wat eri
nagl ass.Shegav ehermotherthewat er
todr i
nk.Aft
erdr i
nkingt
hewat erhermot her
s
situati
onwor sened.Shebegant ocoughand
startedthr
owi ngupaswel l
)
Tshego:
(scar
ed)whatshoul
dIdomama?
Hermot
her
:cal
lyouruncl
e.I
m notf
eel
i
ngwel
l
atal
l
Tshego:ok(
shetookhermothersphonefr
om
underthepi
l
lowandtri
edtodial
heruncles
number )
Hermot
her
:do.
it
..
fast
Tshego:owaii
,yourai
rt
imeisfi
nished.Letme
goandcallRaBiki
eatleasthehasacarhecan
rushyoutothehospit
al
Hermot
her
:it
s..
lat
e
Tshego:I
m notscaredofthedar k(
shesaid
spri
ngi
ngtoherfeetandputtingonherclot
hes
thatwer
eont hechairnextt
ot hebed)
Hermother
:(af
tercoughi
ngbadl
yandt
hrowi
ng
upint
hebucket)Tshegono
(Tshegounlockedthedoorandranout
.
RaBikieshousewasaf ewmetresaway.Fear
didntevencrossTshegosmind.Al
lshewas
thi
nkingofwassavi
nghermothersl
if
e.She
knockedonthei
rdoorandRaBi
kieopened)
RaBiki
e:Tshegof
atsowhatdoy
ouwantt
his
l
ate?
Tshego:
(outofbr
eat
h)mamai
sver
ysi
ck
RaBi
ki
e:whati
swr
ong?
Tshego:
pleasecomeandhel
pher
(RaBi
ki
ecalledhiswi f
eandi naf ewminutes
Tshegosatinbetweent hem inthei
rToyota
bakki
e.Whent heygott oTshegosmot her
s
house,MmaBi kiewenti nsi
detheroom and
askedTshegot ostandout si
de.Shefoundmma
Tshegoonthef l
oor.Shei maginedtheworst
.
Shewentbackout side)
MmaBiki
e:Tshegogoandwaket
henei
ghbour
s
upandt
ell
them yourmot
heri
ssi
ck
(
aft
erTshegol
eft
)
RaBi
ki
e:doy
out
hinkweshoul
dtakehert
othe
hospi
tal
?
MmaBiki
e:yes,
butIthi
nksheisnomor
e.
Comeandcheckherpul
se,I
m scar
ed
(RaBiki
ewenti
nsidetheroom andcheckedher
pul
seandhecouldnotfeelit
.Hetookherand
putheri
nsi
dehisvan.Theneighbour
swal kedi
n
asthecarwasabouttoleave
RaBi
ki
e:wear
erushi
nghert
othehospi
tal
Nei
ghbor
:ok
MmaBi ki
e:pl
easestaywit
hTshegoher
eor
takehertoyourhouseunti
lwecomeback.We
aretr
yingtogetholdofheruncl
e
Nei
ghbor
:al
ri
ght
(Tshegosilent
lyprayedf
orhermother
.Shewas
hopefulthathermotherwasgoingtol
ive.I
nher
thoughthermot herwasgoi
ngt obegi
vena
sprayli
ket heoneherlat
eunclehadandallwas
goingtobewel l)
HOSPI
TAL

(
aft
er15mi
nut
es)
RaBi
ki
e:RaPul
e
Uncl
e:howi
sshe?I
m wor
ri
ed
RaBiki
e:hei
!Thedoct
orconf
ir
medourwor
st
fear
s
Uncl
e:what
!
RaBi
ki
e:i
tisv
eryunf
ort
unat
e
Uncl
e:somyonl
ysi
steri
sdead?
RaBi
ki
e:y
es
Uncl
e:Jesus!Howam Igoi
ngt
ofaceTshego?
RaBikie:
letmecomeandf etchyou,t
hedoct
or
wantstoseeyou.Fr
om t
her ewehav etogot
o
yournephewshousetor
elayt hesadnews
Uncl
e:Jesus!
RaBiki
e:i
tshard.Al
i
veonemi nut
eandgonet he
next
.It
sunbeli
evabl
ebecausewewat chedBTV
newswithherandTshegojustafewhours
back
Uncl
e:l
etmet
ell
myf
ami
l
ywhi
l
ewai
ti
ngf
ory
ou
RaBikie:int
hemeantime,Iwi
llt
ell
mmaThabo
aboutthesituat
ionsi
ncesheist
heone
remainingathomewithTshego
Uncl
e:t
ell
hernott
otel
lTshegoy
et
RaBi
ki
e:ok

THEBEPHATSHWA

(Thetwomenandawomanknockedont he
doorandaf
terawhi
l
ethedooropened)
Tef
o:dumel
ang
Al
l
:hel
l
oson
Tef
o:uncl
eyourcal
lscar
edme.Whati
sgoi
ng
on?
RaPul
e:canwegeti
nsi
det
hehousepl
ease
Tefo:
ok(heopenedthedoorforthem andt
hey
al
ljoi
nedDimphowhowassi t
tingonacouch.
Theyexchangedgr
eeti
ngswit
hher )
RaPul e:mychildr
enwehadtocomeandsee
youint hemiddleoft
heni
ghtbecauset
her
eisa
bigproblem athome
Tefo:
(ver
yner
vous)i
smymot
herandTshego
okay?
RaPul
e:no
Tefo:whatiswrong?Ical
l
edmymot heri
nthe
eveningandshesoundedfine.Shedi
dntsay
anythingwaswrongwithTshego
RaPul
e:y
ourmot
herpassedonanhourago
Di
mpho:
what
!
Tef
o:no!
RaBiki
e: wearesorr
ytosaythi
sbuty our
motherislat
e.Shefel
lsi
ckinthemiddleofthe
ni
ghtandbyt heti
meTshegocalledforhelpshe
wasalreadygone.Thedoct
orconfi
rmedi t
Tefo:ohGod.Ishoul
dhav egonetoseeher
whenIwast hi
nkingabouther(hel
ookedat
Dimphoandshehopedhewasnotgoi ngto
bl
amehert hathi
smot herdi
edbeforehecoul
d
vi
sithim)
Dimpho:Im sorr
y(shest
art
edcryi
ngandMma
Pulehuggedhertocomforther
.mmaPule
hersel
fwascr y
ing)
RaBiki
e:weleftTshegowi
thhernei
ghborand
sheispr
obablyworri
ed.Wearehopi
ngthatyou
wil
lcometoMol epol
olewi
thus
Tef
o:def
ini
tel
y
*t
hefir
stfewinser
tswi
llbeveryshor
t.I
nser
ts
wil
lbecomelongerast
hestoryunfol
ds*
ToFor
giv
eOrNot
?

NO.3

MmaThabor eceivedacal landaf terthecallI

couldtellt
hatshewasdown.It r
iedt oaskheri f
i
twasf r
om t hehospi talbutshedeni ed.Anhour
l
aterwewer est i
llwai
tingandIwaswor ri
ed.
Twocar sdr ov einanot herhourlater .Myuncl e
andhi swife,RaBi ki
eandmmaBi kie,my
brotherandhi swi fe,j
oinedus.Ii mmedi atel
y
knewsomet hingwasup.I nmymi ndmy
mot herssi
tuat ionhadwor sened;deat hdidnt
crossmymi ndt heywer eallinasomber
moodt heygr eetedusandIwascal ledintothe
room bymyuncl eswi feandmybr other
swi fe.
Wel eftmynei ghborandot hersi
nt he
v
erandah.
..
.
MmaPul e:Tshegof
atsomychil
d,wear
eback
fr
om thehospit
al(v
oicebr
eaki
ng)wedonthav
e
anygoodnewsf oryou
(
mysi
steri
nlawbur
sti
ntot
ear
sandIj
oinedher
)
Me:
aret
heysay
ingshei
sgoi
ngt
obef
ine?
MmaPul
e:no
Me:
whatdot
heymean?
MmaPule:
yourmot
herwasal
readydeadwhen
wear
ri
vedatt
hehospi
tal
Me: no(Ibegantocr yandIcouldhearmy
neighbourscryi
ngout si
de.Theladiestri
edto
consolemebuti twasnotwor ki
ng.Myuncl e
walkedintotheroom andIr antohim.He
huggedmeandIcr iedonhischest .Theonly
personIwast heclosesttointhefullyardat
thatti
mewasmyuncl eandIbelieveits
becauseheandmymot herwer everyclose)
RaPul
e:i
tshal
lbewel
lmychi
l
d
Me:
whydi
dntt
heyputheri
nICU?
RaPul
e:shemusthav
edi
edher
e
MmaPule:wewil
lhav
etoputheadst
oget
her
andseewhatt
odo.

(Peopl ewer eal r

eadypl anningonwhatt odo
whileIwasst i
lltr
y i
ngtodi gestthenews.Iwent
under cov erandsuddenl ytheblanketshadher
scent .I
fIdi dntdief rom emot i
onaltr
aumat hat
dayt henIwi ll
nev erdiefrom emot i
onaltr
auma.
Byt het imet hesunwasoutt hewhol eyar
dwas
fi
ll
edwi thpeopl e.Somepeopl eIusedt ovisit
withmymot her,othersIusedt ohearherand
unclet alkingabout .Iwast ryi
ngt omakesense
ofwhatwashappeni ngbutmyheadwasj ust
spinning.Mysi sterinlawof feredmesof t
porridgebutIdi dnteatit.Myappet it
ehadgone.
Ofcour seIf el
thungr ybutIhadbi gger
problemst hanhunger.Iwasntev enwor r
ied
aboutmyf ormthreeexamst hatIwasduet o
writeinthr
eeweeks.Imi ssedschool t
hat
Fri
day .Myunclehadassur edmet hatshe
woul dinf
orm myt eacheraboutmysi tuati
on.
Afterschool myclassmat escamet oseeme
andal lwecoulddowascr y.Icouldnottalkt
o
them andt heycouldnott alktome)
RaPule:
wet hankyouforcomingt
oseehermy
chi
l
drenbutIthinkyoushoul
dgohomenow.It
s
get
ti
nglate
MmaPul
e:y
ouar
eri
ght
.
RaPule:pr
ayermeet
ingswil
lst
artt
omor
row.If
youwantyoucancomet omorr
owat5pm for
thepr
ayermeeti
ng
Them:
yessi
r
MmaPul e:
befor
ey oul
eaveletmeofferyou
somebreadanddrinkmykids.Wereall
y
appr
eci
ateyoursuppor
t
(aftert heyat etheyeachgav emeahug.Myhug
wi t
hmybestf ri
endLent l
el astedthel ongest.
Shegav emeonel ongsadl ookbef oreshe
huggedmeagai nandl eft.Thewhol eweekendI
wassur roundedbyst ranger s.Mybr otherand
hiswi fewer est r
anger stome.Theyhar dly
visi
teduswhi l
emymot herwasal iveandIonl y
wentt ot heirplaceonce.Icoul dbecl oset omy
uncl eswi f
ebutwehadal way sf ai
l
edt oconnect
becauseshei sast rai
ghtt alkerandsheof ten
say st hingsIdontl ike.Myuncl ewel lhewas
mypi ll
arofst r
ength.If el
tf reeandcomf or
table
aroundhi m.RaPul eisav er ykindandsof t
spokenper sonl i
kemyl atemot her,evenhi s
ownchi l
drenpr eferredhimt ot hei
rmot her
.The
weekwentbysl owlyandIdi dntgot oschool
thewhol eweek.Iwasal way sinbedt ryi
ngt o
makesenseofwhathadhappenedt omy
mot herandaski ngGodendl essquest ions.
Lent lev i
sitedmeev er
ydayandmyuncl ewoul d
forcemet ot akeherhal fwayj ustsot hatI
couldgetoutofbed.Iwouldwal
khertoher
houseonlytocomebackhomebr okenand
cry
ing.Fri
daycameandt hatwasthedaybefor
e
mamasf uneral
ever
yonewasbusyont hatdayI
wasnotbusybutmyt hought
swere)
Di
mpho:
youneedt
otakeabat
h
Me:
Iwi
l
lbat
hatni
ght
Dimpho:(
giv
ingmeaplast
icbag)youneedto
bathnowsothatwecanal
lgotothemor t
uar
ty
Me:
(tear
srol
l
ing)Idontwannago
Di
mpho:
weal
lhav
etogoTshego
Me: eemma( Iwipedthet
earswitht
hesleeve
ofmyt -
shi
rt
.Ididntwanttogotothemor t
uary
atall.Iwasscaredandhurti
ng.Thethoughtof
seeingmymot herisacof
finscar
edmeand
hurtme)
Di
mpho:
arenty
ougoi
ngt
oopent
hepl
ast
icbag?
Me:
whati
sinsi
de?
Dimpho: comeonTshego.Iboughtyoutwo
dresses,twoblazer
sandshoes.Youcanwear
onedr esstodayandtheot
heronetomorrowf
or
thefuneral
Me:
eemma
Dimpho:It
houghty
ouwer
eatl
eastgoi
ngt
o
openthepl
asti
cbag
(Iopenedt heplast
icbag.UsuallyIfel
texci
ted
whenmum boughtmenewcl othesbutthis
ti
mei twasdi ff
erent.Idi
dntwantt oatt
endthe
funeralandIdidntev encarewhetherIhad
somet hingnewt owearornot .Igotangryeach
ti
meDi mphoorherhusbandwhohappenst obe
mybr othertri
edtoactal l
nicebecausethey
neverreall
ycaredaboutuswhenmum wasst i
l
l
ali
ve)
Dimpho:y
ouar
elosti
nthought
.Itshal
lbewel
l
Tshego
Me:
whenandhow?
Di
mpho:
Godal
way
shasaway
Me:
Ineedt
otakeanap
Di
mpho:i
tsti
meup.Wear
eleav
ingf
ort
he
mort
uar
yinanhour
Me:
eemma.Iwi
l
lgoandbat
h
(sherubbedmybackandl
eft
.Icr
iedunt
ilI
couldcrynomore

Anhourandahal
flat
er.
.

Isl
owl ywalkedtowardsthecof fi
n.Mybr ot her
andDi mphower ewalkinginfrontofme.Lent l
e
waswal kingnexttome.Behi ndmewasmy
uncleandhi swif
e.AsIcamenear ert
othe
coffi
nmykneesbecameweak.Il ookedather
andmyhear tbr
oke.Shewor eaf loralj
acket
andabl ueshirt
.Ihadnev erseent hecl
ot hes
before,t
heywer eprobabl
yboughtmybr other
andhi swi f
et omakemymum l ookpr esent able
i
nhercof fi
n.Itbaf f
lesmehowt heynev erreal l
y
caredaboutmum andIandal l ofasuddent hey
pretendt ocar e.Thet houghtthatIwasnev er
goingtohav eaconv ersationwi t
hmyot her
againhitme.Iwasgoi ngt oseeherf ort hel ast
ti
met omor r ow, i
nacof fi
nagain.Suddenl yI
founditdi f
ficulttobreat he.Whati fIwashav i
ng
thesamepr oblem shehadbef or eshedi ed?
Fearengul fedmeandmyuncl eswi fe, mma
Pulehel dmebef oreIcoul dlandont hef loor.I
couldhearpeopl ecr yi
ngbutt hei rvoiceswer e
veryfaintasi ftheywer ecryi
ngatadi stance. .
NO.4

Icl
osedmyey esthemomentthecof fi
nwas
l
ower edi ntothegrav
e.Mychestbecame
compr essedasi fsomeonewassitt
ingontop
ofit
.Br eathingbecameachall
enge.Ibecame
scaredandIwai l
ed.Lent
lesmum helpedmeup
andwemov
edawayf r
om thecr
owd.She
hel
pedmei
ntohercar
.Shetal
kedt
ome..
MmaLent
le:
Im sor
rymychi
l
d
Me:whoisgoingtot
akecar
eofme?Whoam I
goi
ngtostaywit
h?
MmaLentl
e:usual
lyi
nasit
uat
ionli
kethi
sthey
wi
l
laskyourbrot
herandhi
swifet
otakeover
Me:
Im notusedt
othem
MmaLent
le:
whodoy
oupr
efert
ost
aywi
th?
Me:
mymum
MmaLent
le:
.
Me:
Im af
rai
dofmmaPul
e
(Ihaveneverfel
tcomf or
tabl
earoundmyuncl
es
wife.shetal
ksloudl
yandshei soft
en
i
nsensiti
ve.Sheusedt ocomplai
nthatmymum
spoilsmeandshouldany thi
nghappentomy
mum I m goi
ngtosuffer.
.)
MmaLentl
e:theel
der
swill
discusstheissue
andt
heywil
ldeci
degorewhatisbestforyou
mygi
rl
Me:
Im goi
ngt
osuf
fer
MmaLent
le:
Im her
eify
ouneedany
thi
ng
Me:
eemma
(wesawt hecr
owddi sper
sing,
theywere
walkingt
othecars.MmaLent l
estar
tedthe
engineandshefoll
owedthehearse.
.wewere
goingbacktomyempt yhome)

Intheeveni
ngaf t
erpeopl ehadlefttherewasa
shortmeeti
ngwher ei twasdecidedt hatmy
uncleandhiswifewi l
l r
emainatmymot her
s
houseforaweek.I twasdeci dedthatIwi l
l
spendtheweekwi t
ht hem andafterthatIwil
l
mov einwit
hmybr otherandhiswi f
e
permanentl
y.Ifel
tlikeIwaspr essedbet weena
rockandahar dplace.Ididntwanttost aywith
mmaPul ebutagainIdidntwantt ostaywi th
Dimpho.Ial wayspercei
vedherast hi
ssnob
thatl
ookeddownuponmymot herandI .
Apparentlymybr ot
herusedtoassi stmymum
fi
nanciall
ybeforeDimphocamei ntothepi ct
ure.
Mybr otheristheonewhobui l
tthe2andhal f
thatmymot herandIstayedi
n.Idi dntreall
y
haveachoi cebuttogowher everitwasdeci ded
thatIshouldgo.IfoundLentl
ewai t i
ngtosee
meaf terthemeet i
ng
Lent
le:
higi
rl
Me:
hi
Lent
le:
howdi
ditgo?
Me:
Im goi
ngt
ost
ayatThebephat
shwa
Lent
le:
aft
ery
ourexamsr
ight
?
Me:
Im mov
ingnextweekend
Lent
le:
eish!I
t’
sgoingtobedif
fi
cul
tformeto
seeyouandoffersuppor
tonceyoumovether
e
Me:andI
m af
rai
daf
tert
heexamsIwon’
tsee
any
oneIknow
Lentl
e:maybemum cantal
ktoyourbrot
herso
thatyoucanvi
situssomeweekends
Me:
thatwi
l
lbeni
ce
Lent
le:
howar
eyouf
eel
i
ng?
(
Ist
art
edcr
ying)
Me:
Im scar
ed
Lent
le:
Im scar
edt
oo
Me:
whati
sgoi
ngt
obecomeofme?
Lent
le:
yourmum wil
lbewatchi
ngov
ery
out
he
whol
et i
me.Dontwor
rytoomuch
Me:
whyme?
(wi
thtear
si nhereyesshehandedmeapl ast
ic
ful
lofgoodies.Webothwentquietaseachone
ofuswast hinki
ngabouthowthingsweregoi
ng
tobe)
DAYSLat
er.
..

Teacher
:whati
sthev
alueofx?
Lent
le:
8
Teacher:
ver
ycorr
ect
.Iseethaty
ouar
eready
foryourmat
hsexam Lent
le
Lent
le:
Iam si
r
Teacher
:Tshegof
atso?
Me:
Teacher
:Tshego?
Me:
..
Lent
le:
(el
bow)si
rist
alki
ngt
oyou
(Ihadbeenlosti
nmyownt houghtsandhad
notheardanythi
ngt
heyweresaying.Wewere
revi
singf
orourmathsexam butIwasasgood
asabsent)
Me:
sir(
tear
sst
art
edf
il
li
ngmyey
es)
Teacher
:ar
eyouokTshego?
Me:(withtear
smeetingunder
neathmychin)I
m
oksi
r( Iwastry
ingt
okeepittoget
herbutmy
br
eakingv oi
cewassell
ingme)
Teacher
:but(
thesi
renr
escuedme)y
oucanal
l
go.Remainbehi
ndTshego
Me:
yessi
r
(
aft
erev
ery
onel
eft
)
Teacher:st
ayst
rongmygirl
.Yourmothers
deathisnotwel
ltimedandIf
earthati
tisgoi
ng
toint
erfer
ewit
hy ourst
udi
es
Me:
(wi
pingt
ear
s)y
essi
r
Teacher
:howi
sev
ery
thi
ngathome?
Me: Idontknow(Isatonthechairandcri
ed
unti
l Imanagedtocalm mysel
fdown.mostof
ourrelat
ivesusedtocomet oourhouseto
checkusbuti tdi
dnthel
pmeatal l.Iwas
surr
oundedbyst ranger sandImi ssedmymum
sobad.Ihar dl
yate.Ispentmostofmyt i
meat
homei nbedcryi
ng.Atschool Ineverreall
y
tal
kedt oanyoneexceptLent le.Iattended
revi
sionclassesev er
y daybutInev erhear d
anythingthatwasbei ngdi scussedorr evised.
Thepai nIwasgoi ngt hroughwasunbear abl
e
andt hethoughtthatinadayLent l
ewal kedinto
theclassroom withapl ateoff ood.Shegav e
met hef ood)
Lent
le:
her
eisy
ourl
unchmyl
ove
Me:
thanksbutI
m nothungr
y
Lentl
e:Tshegoyouhavetoeat
.Mum saysthe
reasonwhyy ouar
ealwayshavi
ngaheadache
i
sbecausey oudonteat
Me:
Idontf
eel
hungr
y
Lent
le:
eatt
hemeatatl
east
Me:
Im ok
Lent
le:
Im goi
ngt
obuyy
ousomej
uice
Me:
Im ok
Lent
le:
youar
egoi
ngt
odr
inkt
hej
uiceTshego
Me:yes(Ismi
ledbecausewhatshewasdoi
ng
andsayi
ngremindedmeofmymum)
(
honest
ly,
Lent
lehasbeenmypi
l
larofst
rengt
h)

NO.5

THEBEPHATSHWA

Dimpho: goi
ngt
oMolepol
oleev
erydayi
staki
ng
i
tstallonme.Ial
way
scomebackhome
exhausted
Tef
o:t
hat’
swhyIhadsuggestedthatwemove
toMol
epol
oleunt
ilTshegomovesinwit
hus
Di
mpho:
youknowIcan’
tst
ayatMol
epol
ole.I
wi
l
lonl
yst
ayt
her
eaf
terourhousei
scompl
ete
Tefo:ok.Hav
eyoupr
epar
edt
hespar
eroom f
or
Tshego?
Di
mpho:
noty
et.Haker
eIal
way
sgether
eti
red
Tefo:wewill
gotoMol epol
oleabitl
ate
tomorrowsothatyoucanhav eti
metoprepar
e
theroom f
orherinthemorning
Di
mpho:forhowl
ongi
sshegoi
ngt
obest
ayi
ng
wi
thus?
Tef
o:whatki
ndofquest
ionsi
sthat
?
Di
mpho: I
’m notbei
ng……aor
ra!I
t’
sjustan
i
nnocentquesti
on
Tefo:unti
lshei
smatureand
…. wai
tse…….Di
mphowhatki
ndofquest
ioni
s
thatnemma?Don’ ty
ouwantmysist
ertost
ay
withus?
Dimpho:Iwanthert
ostaywi
thus.I
’
m anxi
ous
aboutr
aisi
ngateenager
Tef
o:Tshegoi
snotapr
obl
em chi
l
d
Di
mpho:
Iknow.Ihopewewi
l
lrai
seherwel
l
Tef
o:(r
ubbi
ngherback)t
akei
teasyl
ove.We
wil
lbefi
ne
Dimpho:
Ihopeso…..
idon’
tknowhowtoreach
outt
oher.ekar
eshehasshutever
yoneout
Tef
o:shewi
l
lcomear
ound.I
tcan’
tbeeasyf
or
her
Di
mpho:
rai
singat
eenager
..
..
..
.
Tef
o:Igetasensethatyounev
erli
kedmy
motherandyoudon'twantt
ostaywit
hmy
si
ster
Di
mpho:
let
'sj
ustsayt
hosear
eyourt
hought
s
Tefo:Dimogot hi
sisachanceformetoknow
mysi sterandbondwit
hher,somethi
ngI
regret.
..
.
Di
mpho:l
etmenotf
ightf
ory
ourat
tent
ion
pl
ease
(
Tef
ogav
eherast
ernl
ookandkeptqui
et)

Thef
oll
owi
ngday
…….

(Iwasanxiouslywait
ingformybrotherandhi
s
wifetocomeandf et
chme.mycl otheswere
packedinasmal lsui
tcase.Myuncleandhis
wifeweregoingtocontinuestay
ingatmy
mot her
’shouseforanotherweek.Myuncle
walkedintotheroom…..)
Uncl
e:Icanseey
ouar
ewor
ri
edandaf
rai
d
Me:
Idon’
twantt
ogot
oThebephat
shwa
Uncl
e:Iknowmychi
l
d.Iwishther
ewasanot
her
way.Youknowt
hesi
tuat
ionatmyhouse
and……
Me:
I’
m notcomf
ort
abl
ear
oundt
hem
Uncl
e:Iknow.Tshegofat
somychildI’
m her
e
fory
ou.Thebephatshwaisnott
hatfarsowe
will
alwaysseeeachother
.Ihavet
alkedt
oyour
brothersot
hathecanletyoucomeandvisi
tus
everyweekendbutonl
yaftery
ouaredonewith
yourexams
Me:
thanky
ou
Uncl
e:ar
eyour
eadyf
ory
ourexams?
Me:
Ican’
twr
it
eexams….
.
Uncl
e:dowhaty
ouhav
etodomychi
l
d.
Me:
…….
.
Uncl
e:mayt
heLor
dst
rengt
heny
ou
Me:
……

(wehear dacarpar
kingoutsideandIknew
therewasnowayout .mybr otherandhi
swif
e
greetedusandtheystay
edunt i
llat
eint
he
evening.Welef
tMolepololearound8pm.I
musthav esl
eptonthewaybecausewhenI
wokeupwewer eatagat eandt heywer
etwo
armyof fi
cer satt hegat e.Mybr ot
hergr eeted
them andwepr oceededi ntot hecamp.I twas
mysecondt i
megoi ngt omybr other’
shouse.I t
wasat hr
eebedr oomedhouse.Thef urniture
wasni ce.Itremi ndedmeoft hehouset hat
belongedt ot hewhi tepeopl emymot herwas
wor ki
ngfor .Dimphoshowedmemybedr oom
andIst ar
tedpacki ngmyf ewcl ot
hesi nthe
closet.Aft
erpacki ngmycl ot hesIgot
undercoverandf ellasleep.St oryofmy
l
ife…….deathnotbepr oudf orr obbingmeof fa
l
ov i
ngpar ent)

(Iwasf indingitv er
yhardtoadjusttoli
feat
Thebephat shwa.Hav i
ngtocatchabust o
Mol epololeever ymorni
ngwasst r
aini
ngme.
Mostoft hestudent sItr
avel
ledwi t
hkneweach
otherandsav edeachot herseats.BecauseI
didn’thaveaf riendIneverhadaseatsoI
alway sstoodbet weentheseatsandheldonto
therailf orsupport.Ispentmostofmyt imeat
school wi thLentl
eev enthoughIdi dn’treall
y
enjoyhercompany .Iwantedt obeal onemost
ofthet ime.Mymot her’
sdeathhadt akenthe
j
oyoutofmyl i
fe.Athome, thingswer e
awkwar d.Mybr otherandhiswi f
ewer et r
yingto
reachoutt omebuti twasnothel ping.Ispent
ti
mei nmyr oom cryingandIhadzer oappet i
te.
Thef ollowingweekexamsst arted……Ihadnot
beenst udy ingformyexams.Iwoul d
somet i
mest r
ytost udybutonl ytofindmy self
readingt hesamel i
nemanyt i
meswi thout
under standing…….Iwasal waysbl ankwhi l
e
writi
ngmyexams…….
No.7

MOLEPOLOLE

Uncl
e:howi
sTshegocopi
ng?
Tefo:i
t’
sdiff
icul
ttot
ell
becausesheisv
ery
reser
ved.Shespendsmostofherti
meinher
bedroom
Uncl
e:thatmeansshehasn’
tset
tl
edor
adj
ustedyet
Tef
o:It
hinksot
oo
Uncl
e:howi
ssheandDi
mphoget
ti
ngal
ong?
Tefo:
tot
alikeIsai
dTshegokeepstoher
self
andsheprefer
sherowncompany .Ev
en
Dimphohersel
fseemstofi
ndithardtor
eachto
her
Uncl
e:Iunder
stand(
hecl
ear
edhisthroat)son,
pl
easetakever
ygoodcar
eofyoursister
Tef
o:Ipr
omi
seIwi
l
l
Uncle:yourmotherwil
lbeveryhappywher
ever
sheis.JustknowthatTshegoisyour
responsibi
li
ty(
helookedint
oTefo’sey
es)bl
ood
i
st hi
ckerthanwater
Tefo:
(helookeddownbecauseheknewt
hat
hi
sunclehadr eadDimphov
erywel
l)I
under
standcompl et
ely
Uncl
e:y ourhomeisTshego’
shomenowand
whateverhappenstoTshegowewi
llpoi
nta
fi
ngeraty ou
Tef
o:Iwi
l
ltakegoodcar
eofher
Uncle:t
hankyou.Idon’
tknowifi
tistoosoonto
bri
ngthisupson……haveyouthoughtabout
howy ouandyoursist
eraregoi
ngtoshareyour
mother’
sbelongi
ngs?
Tefo:y
esIhaveuncl
e.Mum di
dn’
thavemuch
tohername….
totai
tisj
ustt
hehouseandthe
fur
nit
urei
nit
Uncl
e:t
rue
Tefo:IhavedecidedthatTshegowil
lget
every
thing.I
’m alr
eadybuil
dingmyownhouse
soitwillbesel
fishformenott ol
eave
every
thingtoher
Uncle:
ohohoh!(handshake)mayGod
abundant
lybl
essyoumychi l
d
Tef
o:t
hanky
ouuncl
e
Uncl
e:di
dyoudi
scusst
hedeci
sionwi
thy
our
wif
efi
rst
?
Tef
o:noIhav
en’
tbutIwi
l
lletherknowabouti
t
Uncle:
Iwishyouhaddiscusseditwi t
hherfi
rst
.
Anyway,goandtalkt
oherabouti tbeforewe
fi
nal
izeitandt
ell
otherelderswhowi ll
be
wit
nesseswhenwet ransferthepropert
yto
Tshego’sname
Tef
o:Iwil
luncl
e.(helookedathi
swr i
stwatch)
i
t’
sgett
inglat
e,It
hinkIshouldbeleav
ingnow
Uncl
e:Tshegomustber
eady
Tef
o:Iwi
l
lgoandcal
lher
Uncl
e:kant
edon’tyouhav
eproperpubl
i
c
tr
anspor
tatThebephat
shwa?
Tef
o:t
her
eissupposedt
obebuti
t’
snot
r
eli
abl
esopeopl
ehi
tchhi
ke
Uncl
e:Isee.I
’m askingbecauseTshegocaught
ari
defrom somedi sorder
lyboysyest
erdayand
shewasv er
ysadwhenshear ri
vedhere
Tefo:Iwil
lseewhattodo.Iknowafewofmy
fr
iendswhocommut efrom Mol
epol
olesoIcan
al
way saskforalif
tfrom t
hem j
ustt
omake
surethatsheissafe
Uncl
e:t
hatwi
l
lbegr
eat

(
minut
esl
aterIgoti
ntomybr
other
’scar
)

Tef
o:gat
wewhathappenedy
est
erday
?
Me: someguyswantedtohar
assme.They
didn’tt
ouchmeoranythi
ngbutt
heywere
sayingthi
ngst
hatpi
ssedmeof f
Tef
o:cany
oui
dent
if
ythem wheny
ouseet
hem
Me:
eer
ra
Tef
o:i
fweev
ercomeacr
osst
hem l
etmeknow
Me:
eer
ra
Tef
o:wer
etheypr
oposi
ngorwhat
?(hesmi
l
ed)
Me:
……….
Tef
o:Tshegomysistert
hedayyoudecideto
st
artdat
ingdon’
tdat
eanar myoff
icerand
worseonewapriv
aterank
Me:
eer
ra
Tefo:
Iwantt hebestforme.Lookforsomeone
whocanbeabl et otakegoodcareofyou.
Hakereyouseet hatI’
mtakinggoodcareof
Dimpho.AtleastDimphol i
vesacomfortabl
e
l
if
e.Iwantthesamef oryou
Me:
eer
ra
(mybrotherwentonandont el
l
ingmet
hatI’
m
tooyoungtostartdat
ingandhowsomemen
arewolves.WewenttoeatatKFCandhonest
ly
fort
hefir
stti
meIwasconnect
ingwit
hmy
brot
herandfeel
ingcomf
ort
abl
earoundhi
m.I
wasevenfreetoeatmyKFC)
Tef
o:soy
oul
i
keKFC?
Me:
yessi
r
Tefo:ok.Whatkindoffooddi
dmum l
i
ke?(
I
couldseejusthowsadhewasashewas
askingmet hequest
ion)
Me:shel
i
kedKFCaswell.Weusedt
obuyi
t
ev
erymonthwhenshegotpai
d
Tefo:ok.IwishIhadbeenthereformymot her
.
Ifeell
ikeIneverknewherandit’
ssadt hatIwil
l
nevergetthatchance.Iwon’
tmaket hesame
mistakewithyou.SometimesIwonderi fmum
fel
tthatIabandonedher.Didsheevertalk
aboutme?
Me:yessir
.Sheusedtosayshewi shedshe
hadacloserel
ati
onshi
pwithyou.Sometimes
shewouldsayshehasprobabl
ydone
somet
hingt
oupsety
ou…or
….
Tefo:andIwasn’tangryatheratal
l.Iwas
dist
ractedbutsomet hi
ngs(hekeptquietand
myhear tbrokebecauseall
thethi
ngshewas
sayingseemedt ocomef r
om thebottom ofhi
s
heart)
Me:I’
m sor
ry.Idon’
tthi
nkshewasangr
yaty
ou
ei
ther
Tef
o:it’
sapi t
ythatwenoti
cesomet hingswhen
i
t’
salreadytoolat
e.(hecl
earedhi
st hroat)I
havedecidedtogiveyouevery
thi
ngt hat
bel
ongedt omum.Thehouseandf urnit
ure
Me:t
hankyouv erymuch( If
oundmy self
smi
li
ngbecauset hathousehasall
the
memori
esIcreatedwi t
hmyl ov
ingmot her)
Tefo:
anothert
hing,whenyouwrot
eyourexams
youweregoingthroughal
ot.Doyout
hinkyou
wil
lmakeit?
Me:
(sad)no
Tef
o:wewi
llseehowtheresul
tswil
lcomeout.
Howwasyourperf
ormancethr
oughoutthey
ear?
Me:
itwasok.Iusedt
ogetaB
Tef
o:t
hent
hatmeansev
eni
fyoudon’
tdowel
l
i
twon’
tbet
hatbad.
Me:I
’
m notopt
imi
sti
c.Idi
dn’
tfi
nishwr
it
ingany
ofmypaper
s
Tefo:hei
!Ift
heresul
tsarebadIwi
llsendy out
o
apriv
ateschoolsothatyoucanei
therrepeat
yourformthreeordoyourfor
mfour
Me:
thanky
ousomuch
(
hisphoner
ang)
Tefo:hel
lobabe……youarenotangryatme
anymore……..
ok…….weareatMaf enyat
lal
a
mall…….wewil
lwaitfory
ou……ari
ght…..
lovey
ou
too.
(
aft
erthecall
mybrotherwasal
lsmilesandI
washappytoo.Whenevert
heyf
ightIblame
my
sel
f)
NO.8

THEBEPHATSHWA

Tef
o:ar
eyouOK?
Di
mpho:
yah,
I'
m good
Tef
o:canyoustopr
unni
nghomet oyour
motherwhenev
erwehaveamisunderst
sndi
ng
Di
mpho:
Ineededabr
eak,
somef
reshai
r
Tef
o:weshoul
dlear
ntor
esol
veouri
ssuesi
na
matur
emanner
Di
mpho:lookwhoi
stalki
ng.Doy
out
hinkit'
s
matur
eforyout
oteachTshegot
odi
srespect
me?
Tef
o:ahah!
Di
mpho:
yes,
that
'swhaty
oudi
d.It
oldTshego
t
hatshecan'
tgotoMolepol
olethenextthi
ng
y
oudecideshewil
lgo.Youarebasi
call
y
t
eachi
ngherthatmyrul
esdon'tmatt
er
Tef
o:whatwasthereasonagai
n?Imeanwhy
wasn'
tshesupposedtogo?
Dimpho:I'
m notgoi
ngtoexpl
aini
ngmy
reasoni
ngagainbecausei
tdoesn'
tmat
ter
Tefo:I
'
m sorr
ymylove.Icanactual
lyseehow
badlyt
hisi
ssuehasaff
ectedyou.I'
m sorr
ylov
e
Di
mpho:
it'
sOK.
Tef
o:(
smi
l
ing)aki
ss?
Di
mpho:
mxm!(
shegav
ehi
m aqui
ckki
ss)
Tef
o:befor
eIforget,IhavedecidedthatTshego
mustgetever
ythi
ngt hatbel
ongedt omy
mother
.Sheisbasicall
yinher
iti
ngev er
ythi
ng
Di
mpho:
what
!?
Tefo:hakerewehaveourownhouset
hatwe
arebuil
dingatMolepol
oleso.
..
.
Di
mpho:
soshecannev
erbui
l
dherown?
Tef
o:It
houghty
ouwer
egoi
ngt
obeokaywi
thi
t
Di
mpho:
yout
houghtwr
ong
Tef
o:Di
mpho.
..
..
..
Di
mpho: howdidyoumakesuchadeci
sion
wi
thoutconsul
ti
ngme?
Tef
o:l
i
keIsai
dIt
houghty
ouwoul
dn'
tmi
nd
Di
mpho:
wel
lImi
nd
Tefo:Di
mphoi t
'smymot
her
'spr
oper
tywear
e
tal
kingabout
Di
mpho:
thepr
oper
tymyhusbandbui
l
t
Tef
o:t
hatwasbef
orewegotmar
ri
ed
Dimpho:hadyounotbui
ltt
hathouseIcoul
d
havehadthetypeofweddi
ngIwantedbutI
coul
dn'
tbecauseyoualr
eadyhadaloan
Tef
o:what
'
sdonei
sdone
Di
mpho:
justl
i
ket
hat
?
Tef
o:y
es
Di
mpho:Isweart
oyou,
youar
egoi
ngt
oregr
et
t
hisbi
gti
me
Tef
o:what
'
sthatsupposedt
omean?
Dimpho:it
'ssupposedtomeant hatIwi
llal
so
makesomedeci si
onsandnotexpectyouto
nei
thercomplainnorhaveaninput
Tef
o:whydoy
oul
i
kef
ight
ingwi
thmeDi
mpho?
Dimpho:yoursi
stermustmov
eoutofmy
housebecauseshehadherOWNhouse
Tef
o:t
aket
hatback
Di
mpho:no!Ev
ersinceyoursi
stercamet
ost
ay
wi
thuswearealwaysfi
ghti
ng
Tef
o:acceptherasapar
tofourf
ami
l
yandt
he
di
sagr
eement swil
lst
op
Dimpho:
nev
er.Ishoul
dn'
tfi
ndherher
ewhenI
comebackf
rom work
Tef
o:may
bey
oushoul
dn'
tcomebackaf
teral
l
Di
mpho:
whatt
he.
..
.
Tef
o:I
'
mti
redofbeggi
ngy
ouand.
..
.
Di
mpho:
mxm!

(Iwasunder
coverbutnotf
astasl
eepwhen
Dimphowalkedint
omybedr oom)
Di
mpho:
Tshego!
Me:
mma?
Di
mpho:
whatt
imedoy
ouwakeup?
Me:.
..
..
.(al
thoughIhadananswertoher
questi
onIdidn'
tanswerbecauseIcoul
dsense
heranger)
Dimpho: Fom t
omor r
owyoumustwakeup
whenwewakeupathal f4.Youneedtostar
t
helpingmet oprepar
ebr
eakfastf
oryour
brother.Gapeyouneedtocl
eanthehousevery
earl
y.Youknowv er
ywellt
hatTefo'
sjuni
ors
alwayscomeheretopickhi
m up.Doy ouwant
them t
ofindthehousedi
rt
y?
Me:
nomam
Di
mpho:
good.Wakeupandst
artcl
eani
ng.
Me:
yesmam
Di
mpho:don'
tcookl
unch.Youwill
cookint
he
ev
eni
ng.MakesureIf
indthefoodwarm
Me:i
fIdon'
tcookwhatwil
labut
iTef
oeatwhen
hecomeshomef orl
unch?
Di
mpho:
Idon'
tknow
Me:
..
..
..
..
.
Di
mpho:
myl
aundr
yisi
nthebasket
Me:
eemma
(sheleftwit
houtsay
inggoodby eandIputona
pairofjeansandat-shi
rt
.Ijo!Shehadmessed
upt hekit
chenbefor
eshel eft.Mybrotherf
ound
mei
ntheki
tchen)

Tef
o:mor
ning
Me:
mor
ning
Tef
o:whatdi
dDi
mphosayt
oyou?
Me:..
..
..(
IkeptquietbecauseIdi
dn'
twantt
o
causeconfli
ctsbetweenthem)
Tef
o:Tshego!
Me:shesai
dImustcl
eant
hehouseanddo
l
aundry
Tef
o:onl
y?
Me:
shesai
dIshoul
dalwayswakeupv
eryear
ly
t
omakeyoubr
eakfastandcl
ean
Tef
o:any
thi
ngel
se?
Me:
(shocked)no
Tef
o:OK.It
houghtshehadsai
dsomet
hingel
se
Me:
nosi
r
Tef
o:OK.
Me:
(tear
y)Ihear
dyouar
gui
ngt
hismor
ning
Tef
o:don'
twor
ry
Me:
doy
ouar
guebecauseofme?
Tef
o:notr
eal
l
y.I
t'
sourownper
sonal
issues
Me:
canImov
etoMol
epol
ole?
Tefo:noTshego.Youcan' t.RaPulehasmany
ki
dsinhi scar eal
ready.Gapehishomeisnot
conducivef orrai
singachil
d.TshegoIwon'
tlet
youber aisedbysomeoneel sewhenI '
m al
i
ve
andIwillnotl ety
ougr owupinashebeen.
Me:
eer
ra
Tef
o:don'
twor
ryaboutmeandDi
mpho
Me:
yessi
r
Tef
o:gobackt
obed
Me:
shesai
d..
..
Tef
o:andI
'
m say
inggoandr
est
Me:
eer
ra
Tefo:I
'
m goingtoGlenvall
eytodayandIwil
lbe
comingbackjustbefor
elunch.Don'
tworr
y
aboutcooki
nglunch,Iwil
lbri
ngyousomepizza
Me:t
hanky
ou(If
oundmysel
fsmi
li
ngbecauseI
hadl
ongwant
edtot
ast
edebonai
spizza)

2MONTHSLATER.
..
.
NO.11

(Iwokeupaf t
erDimphol eftforwor k.Iavoi
ded
herasmuchasIcoul d.Idon’ tknowwhybutI
blameherformysi t
uation.Mol l
ycr i
edf r
om
Dimpho’sbedroom soIwentt oattendtoher.I
changedhernappyandcar ri
edhert omy
bedroom.Lisawaswi deawake.Weal lwentto
theloungewhereIswitchedont heTVand
madeLisatowat chcart
oons.IputMoll
yonmy
backsothatIcouldstar
tcl
eaningthehouse.
Thetel
ephonerang)
Me:
hel
l
o
Voi
ce:hi
babe.I
t’
smePuso
Me:ohhi
Puso:
howdi
dyousl
eep?
Me:
ver
ywel
l
Puso:
didy
oudr
eam aboutme?
Me:
no
Puso:
Idr
eamtabouty
ou
(
webot
hlaughed)
Me:
arey
ouser
ious?
Puso:yes.Youwer
eal
lIwast
hinki
ngofl
ast
ni
ght.
Me:
ehe!
Puso:
canIcomeandgi
vey
ouahug
Me:youwi
llgetmei
ntotr
oublewi
thmybrot
her
.
No.(
deepdownIwantedthehugsobad)
Puso:Iwi
ll
askmyfri
endtokeepaneyeonyour
br
otherwhil
eIcomeandseeyou….
justf
or5
minut
es
M:
ok
(Aftert hecal lIrushedt omybedr oom andput
Mol lyont hebedandgav eherar attl
etokeep
herbusy .Iputonmyf av ourit
ejeansandLev i
st
-shirt.Iwentt oDi mpho’ sbedr oom andspr ayed
herper fumeonmyt -
shirt.Iwantedt oimpr ess
mypr incechar ming.Hear ri
vedaf t
erabout15
mi nut esandweshar edahugbef orehesat
down.Wechat t
edf oragood40mi nutesbef or
e
hel eft.Idi dn’twanthi mt oleavebuthehadt o.
Afterhel ef tIfedt hekidsandst artedcleaning.
Around8am t hephoner angandIbecame
ner vousknowi ngt hatitwaspossi blymypr ince
char
ming.Il
ist
enedatt
ent
ivel
ytothe
conver
sat
ionbetweenmybrotherandt
hecal
l
er)

Tefo:hell
o…..
nosir
…….wedon’thaveaStev
e
here…….youhavecall
edtheMotswasel
e
resi
dence……ok……Ithinkyougotthewr
ong
number …..
oksir
…..
bye.
(Abreathedasighofreli
efaf
tert
hecall
.Iknew
forsur
et hatt
hecall
erwasPuso.Hehadpl ayed
hisgamesowel l.If
eltpr
oudofmyprince
charming)

THENEXTDAY

(
Pusocal
l
edmeear
lyi
nthemor
ningagai
n)
Me:
hibabe
Puso:
wow!Thanksbabe(
Igi
ggl
edshy
ly)I
dr
eamtabouty
ouagain
Me:
Idr
eamtabouty
out
oo
Puso:
tel
lmeaboutt
hecont
entoft
hedr
eam
Me:i
nthedream youhadcal
l
edmeandwe
wer
etal
kingjustt
hewaywear et
alki
ngnow
Puso:
Tshegoy
ouar
ever
ytr
icky
.Howar
eyou
mybabe?
Me:I
’m gr
eatnowthatyouhavecal
l
ed(bei
ng
addr
essedasbabealwayssentmetoheav
en
andback)
Puso:
whenar
eyoucomi
ngt
oseewher
eIst
ay?
Me:Idon’
tknowbecauseI
’
m al
way
swi
tht
he
ki
ds
Puso:youcanbr
ingt
hem al
ong.Actual
l
yyou
cancomenow, y
ourbrot
heri
sleavi
ngforGl
en
val
ley
Me:
giv
emeanhour
Puso:
alr
ightbabe.Iwi
l
lpassbyt
ohel
pyou
wit
hMolly
Me:
ok
Puso:
Ilov
eyou
Me:
Ilov
eyout
oo

(Aftert hecal lIwasov ert hemoon.Iwi shedI

coul dcal lLentleandt ellherthatIf i
nall
yhav ea
boy friend.Lateronwewentt owher ePuso
stay ed.Itwasj ustacommonmi lit
arybar r
ack,
not hingt owr i
tehomeabout .Hehadabed, side
tables, asmal l standthathadahomet heatre
andaTV.Heof feredussomej uiceandbi scuits
andswi t
chedonacar toonchannel fortheki ds.
Iaskedi fIcoul dusehi sphonet ocal l
myf r
iend
andhewasokwi thit
.Weshar edapassi onat e
kissbef orehel eftusathi shouset ogobackt o
wor k.Hesai dhewasgoi ngtobegonef orthi r
ty
mi nut esatt hemost .Af t
erhel eftIturnedhi s
houseupsi dedownl ookingforagi r
l’
s
belongi ngs.Al thoughhehadt ol dmet hathe
brokeupwi t
hhisgir
lfr
iendIcoul dnotbelieve
him.Ididn’tfi
ndanythi
ngi ncriminat
ing.Ithen
searchedhi sphoneandt herewasnot hing
exceptoldmessagesbet weenhi m andhisex-
gir
lfr
iend.Thelastcommuni cati
onbetweent he
twooft hem wast hr
eemont hsago.Icalled
Lentl
e)

Me:
gir
lf
ri
end
Lent
le:
(scr
eami
ng)ohmywor
d!Tshegoi
sthat
you
Me:
inf
lesh
Lent
le:
andy
ousoundhappy
Me:
Iam happy
Lent
le:hav
etheyf
inal
l
ydeci
dedt
osendy
ou
backtoschool
?
Me:
owai
i
Lent
le:
what
’smaki
ngy
ouhappyt
henmyl
ove?
Me:
Ihav
efoundaboy
fri
end
Lent
le:
(lowv
oice)oh
Me:
youdon’
tsoundhappyf
orme
Lent
le:
becauseIdon’
tknowmuchabouthi
m
Me:heishandsome,char
ming, heloveski
ds,
heoft
enasksmeaboutmyf utureplansandhe
i
sgenuinel
yconcer
ned,helovesme
Lent
le:
whatdoeshedof
oral
i
ving?
Me:
hei
sanar
myof
fi
cer
Lent
le:
whi
chr
ank?
Me:
pri
vat
e
Lent
le:
aoTshegomma
Me:(di
sappoi
nted)Ihadact
ual
lybor
rowedhi
s
phonetocal
lyou.Letmenotspendall
his
ai
rti
me.Bye
Lent
le:
Tshego!
Me:
bye
(Iwaspi ssedoff.IhadexpectedLentletobe
happyf orme.Whycan’ tpeopl
ebehappyf or
me?I ’
m notleavingPusoj ustbecauseheisa
pri
vate.Iknowt hatmybr otherhasissueswi
th
boprivateaswel l.Whocar es?
..
..
..
.Pusocame
backwi thsomegoodi esinaplast
icbagandwe
hadagoodt ime.Wet alkedandIconnected
withhim.Iwasi nl ov
e……)
Puso:
baby
Me:
rra?
Puso:
youdon’
tlookashappyasy
ouwer
e
whenyouar
ri
vedhere
Me:
thecal
lImadeputmymoodof
f
Puso:
mindshar
ing?
Me:
Idon’
twantt
oshar
e
Puso:
Tshego!
Me:it
oldmyfri
endabouty
ouhopi
ngshewas
goi
ngtobehappyformebutshei
snot
Pusi
:why
?
Me:
ahh!
Puso:
shepr
obabl
yaskedaboutmyoccupat
ion
Me:
yes
Puso: TshegoIknowwear myof f
icer
shav ea
reputati
onofbr eaki
ngladiesheartsbutIswear
toyout hatI’
m diff
erent.Ihavenoi nt
ention
what soeverofplayi
ngwi thyourheart.
Tshegof atsoIknowy oursituat
ionandi twoul
d
bev erycruelformet oplaysomeonel ikeyou
Me:
thanks
Puso:youneedt odev elopat hi
ckskinjustfor
dati
nganar myof f
icerandwor seoneofav er y
l
owr ank.Peoplearegoi ngt osayal
l sort
sof
thi
ngstoy ou.Mygi r
lfr
iendl ef
tmef ormyboss
(hekeptquietandIcoul dt el
lhewasbecomi ng
emotional
)wellshei spr egnantwi
thhi schi
l
d
Me:
I’
m sor
ry
Puso:I’
m withyounowanditsact
ual
ly
di
srespectf
ulofmet obetal
ki
ngaboutmyex
andmour ni
ngmyr el
ati
onshi
pinfr
ontofy
ou
Me:
…….
Puso:
Ilov
eyou
Me:
Ilov
eyout
oo
(
wesharedakissandahugbef
oret
ookushal
f
way
.Ihadsuchabeauti
ful
day)
NO.9

Ihadfai
ledmyf ormt her
eexamsdi smallyandI
wastakingthenewsr eal
lyhard.Thisotherday
mybr ot
hersentmet oMol epololetodeposit
moneyf orDimpho'
smum.Whi l
eIwasatt he
busstopIsawmyf ormerclassmat es.They
werecomi ngbackfrom school.Iwishedt he
eart
hcouldopenupandswal lowmet osav e
mef r
om theshameandembar rassment.
Ket
so:
Tal
l
y
Me:
hel
l
o
(al
lofthem greetedmehappi l
y.Someofthem
conti
nuedwi t
ht hei
rjourneyaf
tergr
eet
ingme
butKetsoandLent leremainedbehi
ndforali
tt
le
chat)
Ketso:Motseter
epanemmawhathappenedt o
you?(si
lence)youusedtoper
for
m bettert
han
boBoipelobuttheyaredoi
ngfor
mf ourwena
youarejusthome
Lent
le:
Ketsoyouarebei
ngi nsensi
ti
ve.I
fyou
l
ostyouronl
yparentj
ustbeforeyourexams
woul
dy ouhavepassedthoseexams?
Ket
so:
oh.Ihadf
orgot
ten.I
'
m sor
ryTal
l
y
(Ibegant osobsi lent
ly.WhatKetsosaidwas
thepainfultruth.Ideservedt
obei nfor
mf our
.
Myf utur
el ookedbl eak.Mybrotherhad
promisedt ot akemet oschoolbuthewasquiet
aboutitandIwasscar edtoapproachhim.
Aft
erImanagedtocal
m downKet
sol
eftandI
hadali
tt
lechatwi
thLent
le)
Lent
le:
youhav
ebecomeast
rangermyf
ri
end
Me:Iknow.Thingsareabi
ttough.Atl
easti
fI
hadacellphoneIwouldbeableto
communicatewithyou
Lentl
e:y
ouarer
ight
.Whydon'
tyouv
isi
tme
nextweek?
Me: Di
mphodoesn'
twantmetovi
sitpeopl
eand
shedoesn'
twantanyonecomi
ngt
oherhouse
i
ncludi
ngmycousins
Lentl
e:Di
mphoisawitch.Iknewshewasnot
goingtot
reaty
ouri
ght(tear
swerefi
ll
i
ngher
eyes)
Me:don'
twor
rymyf
ri
end.I
'
mtaki
ngt
hingsas
t
heyare
Lentl
e:yourbr
otherpromisedt
otakey
ouback
toschool.Whathappened?
Me:
may
beDi
mphor
efused
Lent
le:
andt
hat
'si
t?
Me:
ah!
Lent
le:
Tshegowhatar
eyougoi
ngt
odowi
th
ther
estofyourl
i
fe?
Me:
Idon'
tknow(
Iswal
l
owedapai
nful
lump)
Lentl
e:Isuggesty
ouasky
ourbr
otherabouthi
s
promise
Me:
I'
m af
rai
d
Lentl
e:don'
tbe(
shortsi
lence)ory
oucanask
youruncl
etotal
ktohim
Me:
(Ismi
l
ed)that
'sabr
il
li
anti
dea.Letmego
t
omyuncl
e'spl
acenow
Lent
le:
great
.It
'sget
ti
ngl
atef
ormeaswel
l
.Let
mecatchataxihome
(weshar
edahugandasIwasheadi
ngtomy
uncl
e'
shomemyheartwasfi
l
ledwit
hjoy
.I
managedtotal
ktomyunclewhot
hencal
l
ed
mybrother
.Aft
ert
hecal
l
...
..
)
Uncle:heisgoi
ngt
odi
scusswi
thDi
mphoand
getbacktoyou
Me:
owai
i
i.
Uncl
e:what
?
Me:
Dimphoi
sgoi
ngt
osayno
Uncl
e:t
hent
heywi
l
lhav
etoexpl
aint
ome
(
wet
alkedf
oraf
ewmi
nut
esbef
oreIl
eft
)

THEBEPHATSHWA

(icoul
dhearmybrotherandDimphogi ggli
ng
whileIwasi
nmybedr oom.Fort hewholeweek
theyhadbeenver
yhappyandl ov eydovy
.
Someoneknockedonmybedr oom doorandI
wenttoopen.Mybrotheraskedmet oj
ointhem
i
nthel
oungeandIdi
d)
Tef
o:uncl
ecal
l
edme
Me:
eer
ra
Dimpho: Tshegoyouarebeingdi sr
espectful
andsendi ngthewrongmessageaboutust o
people.Whatwerey oui
nsinuatingbyr unni
ngto
youruncleabouttheschoolissueinsteadof
tal
ki
ngt ous?
Tef
o:t
akei
teasyDi
mpho.
Di
mpho:
ij
o!.
..
.
(
hegav
eheral
ookt
hatsi
l
encedher
)
Tefo:IknowIpr
omi
sedt
oassi
sty
out
ogoback
toschool.
..
.
Di
mpho:
oh,
youdi
d?
Tef
o:Di
mphoandIar eexpect
ingourfi
rstchil
d
soweareprepari
ngf
orthechil
d'
sarri
valand
i
t'
sputt
ingastrai
nonourfi
nances.Wit
ht hat
sai
d,wewon'tbeabl
etopayforyourstudies.
(
sil
ence)
Tef
o:I
'm notsay i
ngwear enevergoi
ngtobe
abl
etohelpyou.Wear enotinaposi
ti
ontohelp
nowbutwewi l
l defi
nit
elyhelpy
ouinthefut
ure.
Doyouunderstandmygi r
l?
Me:
eer
ra
Tefo:
Itoowantt
oseey
oumaki
ngsomet
hing
outofyourl
i
fe
Me:
wil
lyoubeabl
etohel
pmenexty
ear
?
Tef
o:y
es
Di
mpho:
hopef
ull
y
Me:
OK
(aft
erthet alkIwentbackt omybedroom wher
e
Icri
edt earsofshame, sorrowanddefeat
.The
thoughtofst ayingathomef ort
hewholeyear
wasdev astati
ng.SometimesIwishedmyuncle
waseducat edandempl oyedbecauseIknowhe
wouldgot ogreatlengt
hst ohel
pme)
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Ihadhonest l
ythoughtmybr otherwasgoingto
sendmet oschoolthefol
lowingyearbuthe
didn'
t.Aft
erDimphogav ebirthshestayedat
hermot her'
shousef or2mont hsbefor
emov ing
backt ostaywit
hus.Ihelpedherwi t
hallthe
domest i
cchoresandt aki
ngcar eofthebaby.
Whenshef i
nall
ywentbackt owor kIwasdoing
everythi
ngbymy selfandIwasov er
whelmed.
FortunatelyformeLi sawasnotacr ybaby.
Dimphof ell
pr egnantagai nandgav ebirt
hwhen
Li
sawasay earol dandagai ntheycouldnot
sendmet oschool .Iwasnowt akingcareof2
chil
dren.Somet i
mesIwoul dwonderi fmy
brotherthoughti twasagoodt hingtomakeme
hishousehel pandnanny .Icouldseet he
unfair
nessi nt hesi tuati
onbutIhadnowher eto
go.Onegoodt hi
ngaboutt hesituati
onwast hat
Dimphowasal i
ttl
emor el ovi
ngt owardsme
andnowandt henshewoul dbringmesnacks
orbuymecl othes.Shewaspr obablybuy i
ngme
sothatIwoul dt reatherki dswel l
.Iwantedto
l
ookf oraj obbuti twasn'tpossi blebecauseI
wast aki
ngcar eof2babi es
NO.10
THEBEPHATSHWA
(Ihear
daknockont hedoorandIwentt oopen
thedoor.Iwashol
dingMoll
ywhileLi sawas
standi
ngnexttome.Twoar myofficerswer e
standi
ngbythedoor.Theybothgreetedmeand
oneofthem deci
dedtotaketheconv ersat
ion
furt
her)

Guy
:ar
etheyhi
ski
ds?
Me:
yessi
r
Guy:mhm!Theylookexact
lyl
i
kehi
m.Howar
e
yourel
atedt
ohi
m?
Me:
I’
m hi
ssi
ster
Guy
:oh.Ar
eyoust
ayi
ngwi
thhi
m?
Me:
yessi
r
Guy:oh.Ioft
encomeherebuti
t’
smyf i
rstt
ime
toseeyou.Anyway
,wehavebeensentt
o
del
ivert
hese
Me:t
hanky
ou
Guy:sincey ouar
ehol
dingt
hebabymaybeI
shoul
dj ustputt
hepl
asti
csi
ntheki
tchen
Me:
eer
ra

(Afterput ti
ngt hepl asti
cbagsi nthekitchen
theybidmegoodby eandl ef
t.TheguyIhada
conv er
sat ionwi thkeptongi vi
ngmest r
ange
l
ooks.Af tertheyl eftImadesomemi lkforthe
gir
ls.Lisaf edonherbot tl
ewhi l
ewat ching
cartoons.Mol l
ywasf eeli
ngrestl
essandcr ying
alot.Mybr otherwasoutonawor ktri
pwhi l
e
Dimphowasonl ygoingt obehomel ateaswas
herhabi tespeci allywhensheknewmybr other
wasnotar ound.Ideci dedt otakethekidsout
forsomef reshai rhopingthatMol l
ywoul dcalm
down.Li sawal kedbesi desmesl owlywhi l
e
Mol l
ywasonmyback.Atl eastshewasn’ t
cryi
ngany mor e)
Guy:hel
l
o(hewasappr
oachi
ngmef
ormt
he
back)
Me:
hel
l
o
Guy
:ohi
tisy
ou.Wemeetagai
n
Me:
hi
Guy
:taki
ngawal
k?
Me:
yessi
r
Guy
:(hepi
ckedMol
l
y)whati
syourname?
Me:
Tshegof
atso
Guy
:theycal
lyouTshegof
orshor
t,r
ight
?
Me:
theydo
Guy
:Iam Puso
Me:
eer
ra
Guy
:ar
eyoust
udy
ingorwor
king?
Me: no.I
’
mt aki
ngcareoftheki
ds(Ihat
edbeing
askedthatquest
ionbecausei
talwaysmade
mef
eel
usel
ess)
Guy:(
heclear
edhist
hroat
)Isee.Don’tyou
wanttost
udy,Imeangbackt oschool
.You
l
ooktooyoungandtoobri
ll
iantt
obest ayi
ngat
home
Me:
Iwantt
o
Guy
:but
Me:
Idon’
thav
ethemeans
Guy
:meani
ng?
Me:Idon’
thav
emoneyf
orschool
fees.I
t’
sa
l
ongstory
Guy
:I’
m av
erypat
ientper
son
Me:ok.Iwantt
ogobacktoschool
.Mybr ot
her
wassupposedtohel
pmebuthiswife….
.t
hey
hav
etwokidssotheycan’
thel
pmeatt he
moment
Guy:
doyouknowt
haty
ourbr
otherear
nsal
ot
ofmoney
?
Me:
Idon’
tknow
Guy
:hei
soneoft
hebi
gbosses
Me:
ehe?
Guy
:hemustgetser
iousabouty
ourf
utur
e
Me:
…….
Guy:
canwewalktotheshopsothatIcanbuy
youadr
inkandbuysomebiscui
tsfort
hisone.
Doyouwantbi
scui
tsbaby?
(Moll
ynodded.Wewal kedtot
heshopwherehe
boughtmeachocol at
eandjui
ce.Hebought
somebi scui
tsandcheesecur
lsf
orthegi
rl
s.He
thenaccompaniedusbackhome.Twohouses
befor
eourhouse…..)
Me:t
hankyou(
Iwasbasi
call
ygoi
nghi
m cues
t
hatt
hisi
showfarhecango)
Guy:(
smili
ng)Igeti
t.Yourbrothercanbever
y
di
ff
icul
t.Sotel
lmeTshego, arewegoi ngt
o
meetagain?
Me:
Idon’
tthi
nkso
Guy
:why
?
Me:
Idon’
twantt
ogeti
ntr
oubl
e
Guy:Iunderst
andcompl
etel
y.CanIhav
eyour
cel
lumber ?
Me:
Idon’
thav
eacel
lphone
Guy
:howcanIgethol
dofy
ou?
Me:
youcan’
tgethol
dofme
Guy:aomma.Howdoesyourbr
othergethol
d
ofyouwhenhewant
stochecki
fthekidsare
okay?
Me:
hecal
l
smeont
het
elephone
Guy
:good.CanIhav
ethenumber
?
Me:nonono.youwantt
ocal
lmewhenmy
brot
herandhi
swif
earehomeandgetmei
nto
tr
ouble?
Guy
:someon.Iwor
kwi
thy
ourbr
othersoIwi
l
l
knowwhenhei
sar
oundandwhenhei
snot
.
Relax
Me:
ok
(Igav
ehimthenumberandhesav edi
tinhi
s
seemingl
yexpensi
vecel
lphone)
Guy
:canIgetahug?
Me:
…..
(Befor
eIknewi thehadembracedmeinhis
musculararmsandt hesmel
lofhiscol
ogne
fi
ll
edtheair.Li
sawasstandi
ngnexttous
eati
ngbiscuit
swhileMoll
ywassleepi
ng
peaceful
l
yonmyback)
Guy
:wewi
l
ltal
k,haker
ebabygi
rl
Me:
eer
ra
Guy
:sayy
esbaby(
hesai
dsmi
l
ingsar
cast
ical
l
y)
Me:
ij
o!
Guy
:youar
esoshy
Me:
letmegobef
ore……
Guy
:by
ebabe
(Hegav eMol lyahighf i
veandgav emeanother
hugbef orehel eft
.Ialr
eadylovedaf ewofhis
qualit
ies.Heseemedt olovekids;heshowed
concer naboutmyf ut
ure;hewashandsomei n
hisownway ……t hemomentIunl ockedthedoor
thephoner angandwhenIanswer edI
discover edthatitwashi m.Wechat tedabi
t.
Thatni ghtIsleptlikeababyandmyhear twas
fi
lledwi thjoy.Iwasf eel
ingdif
ferentinani
ce
kindofway )
NO.12

IhavebeendatingPusof orafewweeksnow
andIhaveneverexperiencedthiskindof
happi
ness.Whenev erI’
m wit
hhi m Ifeel
free
andIcanevendi scusssensi
ti
v eissueswith
hi
m.Atonepoi ntheaskedaboutmymum andI
openedupt ohim.Fort hef ir
stt imeIf eltthat
someoneunder st oodthepai nIwasgoi ng
through.Hewast her
ef orme, comf ort
ingme
andassur i
ngmet hatmostpeopl ewhohav e
l
ostt heirbelovedonesgot hroughwhatIam
goingt hrough.Thenextdayhegav emesome
document sonber eavement .Af terr eadingt he
document sIbegant ofeel normal .Befor ethatI
usedt ot hi
nkIwasnotnor mal becausemy
uncleandbr otherseemedt ohav esnappedout
ofthegr ievingpr ocessv eryqui cklywhi l
eIwas
sti
llstr
uggl i
ng.…. .whenev erItal kaboutmy
brotherorhi swi fePusobecomesr eallyangr y.
Hesay smybr otherandhi swi fehav eturned
mei ntoasl ave.Thi sguybel iev esi nmeandmy
abili
ti
es.Heal way stel
lsmenott ogi veupon
l
ife.Hebel ievesi fIcanbegi venasecond
chancet ost udyIcanbecomeany thingIwant .
That’smyPusof ory ou,mypi l
larofst rength,
myanchor ,myst rongtower ……bynowI ’
m used
tosneaki ngar ound.Idon’ tfeart hatmybr other
will
catchmewi thPuso.Pusoseemst oknow
howt oplaythesneaki
nggamev erywell
.hi
s
fr
iend,John,i
sourgatekeeper,
heinformsus
whent hecoastisnotcl
ear.Aspernorm,he
call
edmei nthemor ni
ng….

Me:
(yawni
ng)hel
l
olov
e
Puso:
hel
l
osl
eepyhead
Me:
(Igi
ggl
ed)don’
tst
artwi
thme
Puso:
(hegi
ggl
edt
oo)Il
ovey
ou
Me:
Ilov
eyoumor
e
Puso:
howdi
dyousl
eep?
Me:
ver
ywel
lthanks.Your
sel
f?
Puso:
Idr
eamtabouty
ou
Me:
mxm!
(
wegi
ggl
edl
i
keschool
kids)
Puso:
somet
imesIwi
shIcoul
djustsendy
ou
aníl
ovey ou’messageinthemiddl
eofthe
ni
ghtsothaty oucanactual
l
yseewhatImean
whenIsayt herear
enightswhenIsl
eepver
y
l
atebecausey ouarei
nmymi nd
Me:
xoxoxo!Thanky
ouf
orl
ovi
ngme
Puso:
andy ouaresolovabl
e.IwishIcoul
d
communicatewithyoumore.Iwantyoutosend
memessagest hatIcangothroughwherev
erI
missyou
Me:Isharet
hesamesent
iment
s.Thi
slandl
i
ne
t
hingisnotwor
king
Puso:
youneedacel
lphone
Me:
ij
o!Youwantmybr
othert
oki
l
lme
Puso:Tshegost
opwor
shi
ppi
ngthesepeopl
e.
Thei
rli
vesaremovi
ngf
orwar
dandy our
sisata
st
andstil
l
Me:
…….(
Ikeptqui
etbecausepai
nful
asi
twas,
it
wast
heplai
ntrut
h)
Puso:
ok,
thatwasabi
tinsensi
ti
ve.Sor
ry
Me:
itst
rue
Puso:
any
way
,thi
nkabouti
t
Me:
Iwi
l
l
Puso:TshegoweekanannammaIam aman
andthatasi
deIhaveal
readytast
edsexsoi
na
rel
ati
onshi
pIexpectt
obei nt
imate
Me:
(Ican’
tsayIdi
dn’
tseei
tcomi
ng)eer
ra
Puso:
arey
our
eadyornot
?
Me:
I’
mready
Puso:
babyar
eyousur
e?
Me:whati
sgoi
ngtohappeni
fI’
m notr
eadyt
o
hav
esexwithy
ou?
Puso:Iwon’
tli
eandsayIwil
lpr
act
icechast
it
y,I
wil
lbasi
call
ybely
ingt
omy sel
f
Me:
soy
ouwantsex
Puso:
Tshegot
lhemmay
oucanbedeep
Me:
I’
mjustaski
ng
Puso:
yesIwanti
t.Ar
eyour
eady
?
Me:
yes
Puso: babydon’tf
orceyoursel
f.Iknowforgir
ls
l
osingv ir
gini
tyisasigni
fi
cantthi
ng.Don’tdoit
topleasemeorbecauseI ’
m askingfori
t.Do
youy oursel
ffeelr
eady?
Me:
Ido
Puso:
sodoest
hatmeanwecanst
artbei
ng
i
nti
mate?
Me:
yes
Puso:
thanksl
ove.
Me:
HIVandpr
egnancy
?
(
hel
aughedhar
dbef
oreanswer
ingmyquest
ion)
Puso:
whataboutt
hem?
Me:
beser
ious
Puso:
Idon’
tdounpr
otect
edsex.ButIt
hinkwe
shoul
dtestf
orHI
Vfi
rstbecauseacci
dent
scan
happen
Me:
oki
es
(Wecont i
nuedt al
kingf orabout15mi nut
es.
Justaft
erIfini
shedt al
kingtohim Dimphoand
Tefodrovein.Ilef
tt hem withthekidstogoand
restinmybedr oom.Mymoodwashi ghandI
couldn’
tstopsmi l
ing.Ipr et
endedtobesmi l
i
ng
atthekids)

Di
mpho:
whati
sgoi
ngonwi
thy
ourl
i
ttl
esi
ster
?
Tef
o:whatdoy
oumean?
Di
mpho:
shei
sgai
ningwei
ght
Tefo:
sheisandI’m happyforher
.Kanashe
usedtobesothin.Peoplemusthavebeen
thi
nki
ngthatI
’m nottaki
nggoodcareofher
Di
mpho:
sheseemshappy
Tef
o:shei
shappy
Di
mpho:
whatcoul
dbegoi
ngonwi
thher
?
Tef
o:Ithi
nkshehasfi
nal
l
yaccept
edmy
mother
’sdeat
handisnowmovingonwi
thout
her
Di
mpho:
Tshegoi
sdat
ing
Tef
o:no(
heshookhi
shead)
Di
mpho:
shei
s
Tef
o:whydoy
ousayt
hat
?
Di
mpho:
thi
shappi
nesscanonl
ybebecauseof
aman
Tefo:let’
sberealisti
c,Tshegoi stakingcar
eof
twover ysmallkids.Thataside,shedoesal lt
he
housechor esfrom cleani
ngt olaundr yt
o
cooking.Sotel
l megor ewi t
ht hatkindof
schedulewherewi l
lshefindti
met odate?
Di
mpho:youcl
ear
ydon’tunder
standbig
t
eenager
sli
keher
.It
hinkIshoul
dt al
ktoher
Tef
o:aboutwhat
?
Di
mpho:
dat
ing?
Tef
o:l
ove,
pleasel
ett
hechi
l
dbe
Di
mpho:andwhenshef
all
spr
egnantorget
s
i
nfect
edwit
hHIV….
.
Tef
o:di
dyougett
hem wheny
oust
art
eddat
ing?
Di
mpho:
sor
ry?
Tef
o:y
ouhear
dme
Dimpho: f
ine.Iwil
ll
etherbebutj ustknowtwo
thi
ngs.Ifshefall
spregnantshewi l
lhaveto
l
eav emyhousebecauseI ’m notgoingtobe
forcedt
ohandl esit
uati
onsIcouldhav e
prevent
ed.Secondly,myhousei snotahospit
al
Tefo: (
rai
sedvoice)stopit!Stop!Youalway s
thi
nkoft hewor stforTshegobuty ounever
thi
nkoft hewor stwithyoursibli
ngs.Your
brotherisaweedheady etyounev erwantme
totalkaboutit.Leavemysi st
eral one.Whatever
problem thatmayar i
seIwi l
ldealwi thi
tli
kea
br
othershoul
d.Sogetof
f!
(Li
sacr i
edandDi mphopi ckedherup.tefo's
hshout i
ngmi ghthav escaredher.Tefowent
outsideandaf teraf ewsecondsher eversedhis
caroutoft hey ard…..iwasinmybedr oom
l
isteningtomybr otherscreamingathiswi fe.I
knewt hatwer ear guingaboutme.Whenev er
mynamecameupbet weenthetwooft hem
therewasf ir
e.Idon’ tcareanymore)

John:y
ourgi
rl
fr
iendl
ookschi
l
ledanddownt
o
eart
h
Puso:
skwat
a?
John:
(hesmi
l
ed)dot
ell
Puso:
honest
ly,
thatgi
rli
sev
ery
thi
ngIwant
John:
Icant
ell
.Youaremuchhappi
ert
han
whenyouweredat
ingthatwi
tch
Puso:
Iam.Tshegoi
ssuchanangel
John:andIknowf
orsur
ethani
nyoushehas
foundagoodman
Puso:
thanksbr
o.cany
oubel
i
eveI
’
m herf
ir
st?
John:
asi
nshei
sst
il
lpur
e?
Puso:
pur
easpur
ecanbe
John:
wow!Takegoodcar
eofhert
hemonna
Puso: y
ouknowme.Iwi llt
akecareofmynewl y
founddiamond.Tshegohasgonet hroughalot
andshei ssti
ll
goi
ngthroughalot.SometimesI
don’tknowhowt ohel
pherorifI’
m doing
enoughf orher
John:
whatdoessheneed?
Puso:Ihav
enotreal
lyasked.Shet
ell
smet hatI
makeherhappybutIgetasensethatshe
needsmorethanalovi
ngboy f
ri
end
John:
Idon’
tfol
l
ow
Puso:
herhomeenv
ironmenti
snoti
deal
John:
ohy
ah.Ev
ent
hewayshedr
essest
ell
sit
Puso:
(caughtof
fguar
d)meani
ng?
John:sheist
ooplai
nand…Idon’
tknow….
.she
doesn’
tlookl
ikesomeonewhostayswi
tha
major
Puso:
Maj
orMot
swasel
eisf
ail
i
nghi
ssi
sterbi
g
ti
me
John:t
hatmuchIcant
ell
.Yethecl
aimstobe
wellof
f,mi
ght
yandpowerful
andresponsi
ble
Puso:owai
,hiswif
ehashi
mr ightwher
ehe
wantshim.Nowonderheisobsessedabout
poweratwork,hei
scont
roll
edbyhiswifeat
home
John:
Idon’
tli
ket
hatguy
Puso:
athi
shousehei
sanewbor
nbaby
NO.13
(
phoneconv
ersat
ion)
Puso:
babygi
rl
Me:
babyboy
Puso:
(hel
aughed)anypl
ansf
ort
heweekend?
Me:
wait!Mybrotherandhiswi
fear
egoi
ngt
o
Mmaphashal
alaonFr i
day
Puso:
great
Me:
soI
’
m al
lyour
s
Puso:Icanf
inal
l
yhav
emycooki
eandact
ual
l
y
eati
t
Me:
ij
oo!
Puso:
soy
ouwi
l
lbef
reet
hisweekend
Me:
forsur
e(Isai
dwi
thal
otofexci
tement
)
Puso:
ok.Iwast
hinki
ngofsomet
hing
Me:
what
?
Puso:
howaboutwegot
oGabor
oneonFr
iday
andcomebackonSunday
?
Me:
itsoundsgr
eat
Puso:cool
.Andi
tisgoi
ngt
obeaf
unf
il
led
weekend
Me:
don’
tgetmeexci
ted
Puso:youshouldbeexcit
edbecauseI’mtaki
ng
yououttowatchamov i
ng,wearealsogoi
ngto
doabitofshopping,
sleepinalodgeandhave
funandmoref un
Me:
itsoundsexci
ti
ng
Puso:
youar
egoi
ngt
olov
eit
.Youar
egoi
ngt
o
enj
oyit
Me:
ok(mycheekswer
ehur
ti
ngf
rom t
he
smi
l
ing)
Puso:
Ilov
eyoubabe
Me:
Ilov
eyout
oo
Puso:
Iwast
hinki
ngy
oucoul
dmeetmysi
ster
.
Shest
aysi
nGabor
one
Me:
eish!
Puso:
what
?
Me:
not
hing
Puso:
wil
lyoumeether
?
Me:
yes
Puso:
babykanaI
’
m ser
iousaboutus
Me:
Icansee
Puso:
don’
tyoumi
ssdaddy
?
Me:Imisshi
m sobad.Can’
thesneakt
ocome
andseeme?
Puso:
nooo.Yourbrot
heri
sinafoul
moodand
whenheisl
ikethi
swedon’tt
akechances
Me:
thatdoesn’
tsoundl
i
kehi
m
Puso:
whatdi
dyoudot
ohi
m?
Me:
hehadaser
iousar
gumentwi
thhi
swi
fe
l
astni
ght
Puso:
itmakessense
Me:
thoset
woar
eal
way
sar
gui
ng
Puso:
andi
t’
snotheal
thy
Me:
it’
snot
Puso:
Ihav
etogomyl
ove.Lov
eyoubabe
Me:
lov
eyoumor
ehoney

(Wef i
nishedtalkingandIwentbackt odoing
thelaundry.Tomysur pri
se,Pusocheckedon
me25mi nuteslat er
.Iwasst i
lloutsidedoing
l
aundr y
.Hepi ckedLi sawhowaspl ayi
ngwi t
h
wetsoil.Heplay edwi t
hheral i
ttl
ebef ore
putt
ingherdown.Mol l
ywassl eepinginsidethe
house.ItookMol l
ybyt hehandandweal lgot
i
nsidethehouse.PusoandIwentt omy
bedroom wher ewebeganki ssing.Iwantedhi m
sobadandIknewhewant edmeaswel l
butwe
coul
dnotdoi
t)
Puso:
let
’sst
opi
ther
elov
e
Me:
youar
eri
ght
Puso:
ther
ightt
imeandpl
acewi
l
lcome
Me:
yes
Puso:
weneedt
odoiti
nanenvi
ronmentwher
e
wewil
lbot
hbef
reesot
hatwecanenjoyi
t
Me:
yes
Puso:(t
ouchi
ngmyni
ppl
es)kar
eyouar
eso
ready
Me:
…….
.(
Ilookeddownshy
ly)
Puso:
letmegobackt
owor
kdar
li
ng
Me:
okbabes
Puso:
Ilov
eyou
Me:
lov
eyout
oo
Puso:
(qui
ckki
ss)soy
ouar
egoi
ngt
owashal
l
t
hosecl
othes?
Me:
yes
Puso:
andcook?
Me:
yes.Why
?
Puso:Idon’
tli
kethi
sonebit.Any
way,youwil
l
haveenoughtimetorestov
ertheweekend
Me:
andal
ott
odoonMonday
Puso:
howcome?
Me:
let
’sdr
opi
t.
(Hekissedmeagai nandwal kedout.Pusois
thesamehei ghtasme.Heiscof feecolour
ed
withascor pionchest.Fr
om hisbodyst r
uctur
e
andthewayhewal ksonecant el
lthatheisan
armyof f
icer.Hehassweetr eddishli
ps.Above
all
,Il
ovet hef actt
hathecaresdeeplyaboutme
andlovesme)
MOLEPOLOLE

Uncl
e:hel
l
oson
Tef
o:hel
l
ouncl
e
Uncl
e:Ihopeal
lofy
ouar
ewel
l
Tefo:wearedoi
ngv
erywel
luncl
e.Howar
ethey
thatsi
de?
Uncl
e:wear
eok.Ij
ustcal
l
edt
othanky
ou
Tef
o:f
or?
Uncle:
taki
nggoodcareofyoursi
ster
.Heela
Tshegoisglowi
ngandisev
engainingweight
Tef
o:oht
hat
Uncl
e:myniecelookshappyanditpl
easesmy
hear
t.Ihav
ebeenst r
essedbecauseshewas
ski
nnyandshelookedunhappy
Tefo:sheseemshappynowaday
sandyouar
e
ri
ght,
sheisbecomingtheol
dTshegot
hatwe
know
Uncl
e:keept
hegoodj
obupson
Tef
o:t
hanksuncl
e
Uncl
e:passmyr
egar
dst
oher
Tef
o:Iwi
l
luncl
e
Uncl
e:by
eson
Tef
o:by
euncl
e
(aft
ert hecallTefowasv erydistur
bed.Heknew
verywel lthatTshego’shappinesshadnothing
todowi t
hhi m andifanythi
ngDi mphoandhi m
weret akingsomet hi
ngf r
om thehappiness.He
couldnothel pbutwonderwhyTshegowas
glowingal lofasudden…..)
Tefo:(tal
ki
ngt ohimself
)aslongasi ti
snota
bl
oodypr ivat
eoraser geantI
’m ok.Rai
sing
Tshegoi nami l
it
arycampi snotagoodi dea
waitse.Sheisvulner
able
(
Johnwal
kedi
n)
John:
sir(
hesal
uted)
Tef
o:y
espr
ivat
e
John:
Ineedy
oursi
gnat
ureher
esi
r?
Tef
o:ok(hetookapenfr
om hi
spocketand
si
gned)I
’m goi
nghome.Cal
lmeifsomebody
l
ooksforme
John:
yessi
r(sal
ute)
(assoonasTef
olef
tJohncal
l
edPusot
owar
n
him)
Puso:
skwat
a!
John:
thedev
ili
sleav
ingt
heof
fi
ce
Puso:
oht
hanks.I
’
m atmyr
oom
John:
youar
ewi
thTshego?
Puso:
no.shei
satherhouse
John:
oh.It
houghtyouwer
ebusy
…you
know….(
hegi
ggled)
Puso:
no.Tshegoi
snotcheap.Iwantt
omake
herf
ir
stt
imev
eryspeci
al
John:youareri
ght.Ij
ustwant
edtowarnyou
becauseIthoughtyouwerest
il
latt
hepyt
hon’s
house
Puso:
(hegi
ggl
edfi
rst
)Ij
ustar
ri
vedatmyr
oom
fr
om t
hepyt
hon’
shouse
John:
ok
Puso:
thanksskwat
a
John:
sur
eskwat
a
NO.14

(Ipreparedthekidsandpackedt hei rbags.

OnceIwasdonepr eparingtheki
dsIt old
Dimphoandshei nstructedmet oputt hebags
i
nt hecarwhi chIdid.Moment sl
at ersheand
mybr otherbidmegoodby eandl eft.Iwashed
t
hedi shesandcl eanedt hekit
chen.Myf inger
wasal it
tlebitpai
nfulfrom theprickingthat
wasdonewhenwedi danHI Vt estt heprev ious
day .Webot htest edHI Vnegat ive.Iqui ckly
tookabat h.Iwor eapai rofjeansandat -shi rt
andsomepumps.Icombedmyshor thairand
appl i
edVasel inet omyl ips.Iwentt oDi mpho’ s
room t ogetherper fume, unfort
unat elyforme
shemusthav et akeni twi t hher.Iputapai rof
j
eansandat -
shirti nmybackpack.Iwant edt o
packanot herpai rofj eansbuti twasf aded.
InsteadIputanot hert -shi rti
nsidet hebag.Isat
ont hecouchwai tingf orPusot ocal lme.Af ew
mi nuteslateracarhoot edatt hegat eandmy
hear tskippedt hinkingi twast hemi ght ycoupl e.
Irushedt othebedr oom andputmybagi nt he
closet .Il
ookedt hr ought hewi ndowand
realisedthatitwasast r angecar .Ther ewasa
knockatt hedoor .Itwasmypr i
ncechar mi ng….)
Puso:
arey
our
eadybabes?
Me:
yes.Whosecari
sthat
?
Puso:
myf
ri
end’
s.Hei
sgoi
ngt
oGabssoI
askedf
orar
ide
Me:
ok
Puso:
wher
eisy
ourbag?
Me:
int
hecl
oset
(Pusotookmybagandwewentt ojoi
nhi s
fri
endandt hef
ri
end’
sgirl
fr
iendintheircar.I
wassmi l
ingall
thewaytoGabor one.Iwasso
excit
ed.Pusokeptonrubbi
ngt heinsi
deofmy
thi
ghmaki ngariv
erf
lowdownt her
e)
Puso:
arey
ouok?
Me:(
Iwhi
sper
ed)t
her
eissomeel
ect
ri
ccur
rent
f
lowi
ngi
nmybody
Puso:
(hebi
thi
slowerl
i
psmi
l
ing)Il
ovey
ou
Me:
Ilov
eyout
oo
(Hisf
ri
endturnedtolookatusandIlooked
down.Wear r
ivedatGaboronear
ound5pm.Hi s
fr
ienddr
oppedusatOasi sMotel
.Itwasmy
fi
rstt
imesl
eepi ngi
nahotelandIwasov ert
he
moon.We‘ madelove’
–wel l
Ithoughti
twas
goingtobepainfuli
nthebegi nni
ngand
pleasurabl
eattheendbutt hatwasnotthe
case.Itwaspainful
throughout)
Puso:
babe
Me:
yes
Puso:Iknowthiswasnottheni
cestexper
ience
butIpromiseyouthatwi
thti
meyouwi l
lenjoyi
t
Me:
Iknow
Puso:(hol
dingmychi
n)howabouttakinga
bat
ht henwecangoouttohaveourdinner
befor
ewegoandwat chamovieatRiverwal
k
Me:
(smi
l
ing)sur
e
(Ienjoyedthemeal.Itwasnicetoeatfoodthat
Ididn’tcook.Bei
nginaci nemawasanexciting
experienceforme.Iwast hri
ll
ed.Mybabe
wouldt ouchmyt hi
ghandki ssmyneckinthe
dark.Whenev erhedidthatmymusclesdown
therewoul dsortofcont ractandIwoul d
experienceabi tofpain.Wewentbackt othe
mot elandhemadel ov etomeagai n.Thewhole
processwasundeni ablypai nful
.Thenext
mor ni
ngwewentt oAirpor tJuncti
onmal l
where
heboughtmesomecl othesandaper fume.We
thenwentt oGameCi tymal lwherehebought
met wopai rsofshoesandsomebasi cmakeup
–al ipstickandey ebrowpenci l
.Wewentt
backt othemot el
wher eIt ookabat hand
changedi ntothenewcl othes.Ilookedsogood
i
nmynewcl othes)
Puso:
(taki
ngapi ct
ureofme)mybabygi
rl
l
ooksdiff
erent
….sophist
icat
ed
Me:
andIf
eel
beaut
if
ul
Puso:
youl
ookbeaut
if
ul
Me: whatam Igoi
ngtodowit
hthesecl
othes?I
f
Itakethem homeDimphoi
sgoingtoaskme
questi
ons
Puso:youwil
lkeept
hem atmyhouseandwear
them whenev
erwegoout
Me:ok(Iputonthesti
l
letosandwal
kedar
ound
theroom t
opract
icewalkingont
hehi
ghheel
ed
shoes)
Puso:
Karewitht
hoseshoesonyouareast
all
asIam (
giggl
i
ng)Ihopeyouwon’
tfal
l
.
Me:
Iwon’
t
Puso:
pract
icemor
elov
e.Goandwal
kout
side
Me:
youar
eri
ght
Puso:
somet
hingi
smi
ssi
ngwi
tht
hatl
ookmy
l
ove
Me:
what
?
Puso:
hai
r?Makeup?
Me:
Idon’
tknowhowt
oappl
ymakeup
Puso:
ok.Mysi
sterwil
lhel
pyouwitht
hat
.We
needt
odosomethingaboutt
hathai
r
Me:
Ican’
t….
Dimphowi
l
lfr
eakout
Puso:ever
yt i
meIheart
henameDi
mphoIf
eel
l
ikescreaming
Me:
………
Puso:wewi
llbuyawi
gsothatyoucant
akei
t
offwhenwegettoMol
epol
ole
Me:
ok.I
’
m sor
ryf
or….
Puso:
itsf
inel
ove

(Wev isit
edhissi steratUBwher eshei sa
fourthyearstudent .BeingatUBbr okemyhear t
.
Ihadhopedt hatonedayIwasgoi ngtobea
studentatUBaswel l.Mymoodi mprovedabit
afterImethi ssister.Shewaski ndandl ov
ing
l
ikeherbr other.Pusowentt obuyusf oodand
hissisterusedt hechancet oteachmehowt o
applymake- up)
Hi
ssi
ster
:mybr
othercan’
tst
opt
alki
ngabout
y
ou
Me:
ao!
Hi
ssi
ster
:yes.Her
eal
l
ylov
esy
ou
Me:
Iknow
Hi
ssi
ster
:tl
hemmadon’
tbr
eakhi
shear
t
Me:
Iwon’
t
Hissist
er:
mmewenay
oul
ookl
i
keani
ce
person
Me:
…..
(
ThedooropenedandPusowal
kedi
n)
Puso:
heebanna!Mygi
rl
fr
iendl
ooksl
i
keaTV
per
sonal
i
ty
Hissi
ster
:that
’st
hewor
kofmyownhands
buddy
Me:
thanks
Puso:
okho!Keagokgabakawenat
oni
ght
.We
ar
egoingtoRhapsody
s
Hi
ssi
ster
:me?
Puso:
tagal
ongsi
s
Hissi
ster
:yeahy
eah!Letmegot
akeaqui
ck
showerandgetr
eady
(
assoonasshel
eftPusowasal
lov
erme)
Me:
babymymakeup
Puso:kanajaanongIcan’
ttouchy
ouasIpl
ease
orki
ssy ou
Me:
youar
esor
ight
Puso:
youl
ookbeaut
if
ul
Me:thanks.Youlookhandsomey our
sel
f.When
youchosethatt-shi
rtIt
houghti
twasuglybuti
t
l
ooksgoodony ou
Puso:
trustme

(Sundaycameandwehadt ogobackt
o
Thebephatshwa.Puso’
sfr
iendgav
eusari
de
agai
n.Theystoodout
sidet
hecart
alki
ngwhi
l
e
wethegir
lssatint
hecar)
Fr
iend:
ist
hatadr
opandpi
ckorwhat
?
Puso:(
looki
ngar
ound)whatar
eyout
alki
ng
about
?
Fr
iend:
wher
eist
hegi
rly
oucamewi
thonFr
iday
?
Puso:
Tshego?
Fr
iend:
yes
Puso:
int
hecar
Fr
iend:
it’
snother
Puso:
let
’sgoandask

(
Insi
det
hecar
)
Puso:
Tshegodoy
ouwantsomet
hingt
odr
ink
mylove?
Tshego:
yes,
thanky
ou
Fr
iend:
soi
t’
sher
Puso:
Idon’tchangegirl
s.Hehasbeensayi
ng
i
t’
snotyou.Het houghtIhav
epickedadi
ff
erent
gi
rl
Me:
…..
(Ismi
l
edshy
ly)
Fri
end:y
ahi t
’sher
.Ij
ustsawt
hegapbet
ween
herfr
ontteet
h
Gir
lf
ri
end:soyouthoughti
t’
sadi
ff
erentgi
rl
?I
coul
dtell
it’
sthesamegirl
Fri
end:ahahah!Tshegoy
oul
ookdi
ff
erent
completel
y
Gir
lf
ri
end:shel
ookssobeaut
if
ul.Shel
ooksli
ke
ababiedoll
.Gi
rly
ourmakeupisonpointand
yourhai
rissobeaut
if
ul
Me:
thanks
Puso:
(smi
l
ing)Iknowhowt
otakegoodcar
eof
awoman
Fr
iend:
yousur
edo
Gi
rl
fr
iend:
ther
ragett
ips
(weallburstoutlaughing.Whenwear ri
vedat
Thebephatshwawewentst raighttoPuso’ s
room wherewemadel ove.Wheni twast i
me
formet ogot omybr ot
her’
shouseIl iterall
y
cri
edandIcoul dtellthatmyboowast ouched.
Hecalmedmedownandassur edmet hatone
dayIshallbehappy .Ihaddi sconnect edt he
tel
ephonewhenIl eftsothatmybr othercoul d
notreachme.Ihadal soleftthelightson.Ihad
l
eftmybeaut if
ulwi gandclot hesatPuso’ s
house.Itookabat handwor emyol dcl othes.I
cookeddinnerandwentst raighttobed.My
moodwasv erylow)
NO.15

(t
henextdayv
eryearl
yinthemorningDi
mpho
wokemeup.Islowlyandcaref
ull
ygotoutof
bedt
oav oi
dwakingMoll
yup.DimphoandTefo
sleepwi t
hLisawhileIsleepwi t
hMol l
yandI
thinkit
’sbecauseMol l
yf eedsatnightwhil
e
Lisasleepsthroughoutthenight.I’
mt heone
whohast owakeupatni ghttofeedthebaby
andchangehernappy .Iusedt odothesame
withLisabeforehersisterwasbor n.Stor
yof
myl if
e)
Me:
goodmor
ning
Dimpho: mor ning(
shesmi l
edandIknewi t
’s
becauseshewant edhelp)canyouir
onthese
(poi
nting)clotheswhil
eItakeaquickbath.We
arri
vedv er
yl at
elastni
ghtsoIcouldnotprepar
e
fortoday.
Me:
eemma
Di
mpho:prepar
esomethi
ngformet
oeatat
workwhenyouaredonei
roni
ng
Me:
eemma
Di
mpho:
howwasy
ourweekend?
Me:
bor
ing
Dimpho:y
oumusthav emi ssedt
hegirl
s(she
gavemeaf akesmil
ebeforesherushedtothe
bathr
oom.Mybr ot
herj
oinedme)
Tef
o:hel
l
oli
tt
lesi
s
Me:
goodmor
ning
Tef
o:howwasy
ourweekend?
Me:
longandbor
ing
Tef
o:Ithoughtasmuch.Wet
ri
edcal
l
ingy
oual
l
weekend
Me:
Ial
sot
houghty
ouwer
egoi
ngt
ocal
lme
Tefo:
may bether
eissomethi
ngwr ongwi
tht
he
phonebecauseitcoul
dn’
tconnect
Me:
ok
(
hewentt
oinspectt
hephone)
Tef
o:oh,
thecor
disdi
sconnect
ed
Me:
ehe
Tef
o:Ihav
econnect
edi
t.I
tsf
inenow
Me:
eer
ra

(
Aft
ert
heyl
eftf
orwor
kPusocal
l
edme)
Me:
mor
ning
Puso:
yousoundl
ow
Me:
Ifeel
sad
Puso:
why
?
Me:
Idon’
tknow.Idon’
tli
kebei
ngher
e
Puso:
Iknowmyl
ove
Me:
canIaskf
orsomet
hing?
Puso:
def
ini
tel
ybabe
Me: canyouassi
stmet
ogobackt
oschool
nextyear
?
Puso:
li
kepayf
orapr
ivat
eschool
?
Me:
yes
Puso:babyIcan’
t.RememberIt
oldyout
hatI
’
m
al
soregist
eri
ngforschool
nextyear
Me:
Iunder
stand
Puso:
Iwi
shIcoul
dhel
p
Me:eerr
a.Can’tyouatl
eastpayBOCODOLso
t
hatIcandodistancel
earni
ng
Puso:Iwi
l
lthi
nkabouti
t.Howmuchdoesi
t
cost
?
Me:
Idon’
tknowbutIcanf
indoutf
rom Lent
le
Puso:
findoutandl
etmeknow.
Me:
Ifi
t’
scheapwi
l
lyoupayf
orme?
Puso:li
keIsaidIwill
hav et
olookatmybudget .
GapeIwantt ogetaloanandbuymy sel
facar
andgivemum somemoneysot hatshecan
fi
nishourhouse.ThatmeansIwi l
lbeearning
ver
yl i
tt
lebecausetheloanwil
lbededucting
Me:
ok
Puso:
soy
ourbr
otherdoesn’
twantt
ohel
p
Me:
Ihav
enev
eraskedhi
m agai
n
Puso:
why
?
Me:heknowsIwantt
ogobackt
oschool
but
hedoesn’
tcar
e
Puso:
im sor
ryl
ove.Il
ovey
ou
Me:
Ilov
eyout
oo
(Afterthecal lIf
eltsoooosad.Isensedt hat
Pusodi dn’twannahel pmeorwon’ tbeableto
helpmebuthedi dn’twantt
ot ellme.It
’son
day sli
ket hiswhenIf eel
li
kelockingDimpho’ s
kidsinsidet hehouseanddi sappeari
ngintothin
air.I
fmypl anAf ail
sthenIwillhavetoconsider
planB....
..Mhmh)

Puso:
tel
lmesomet
hing
John:
yesskwat
a
Puso:
woul
dyoupayy
ourgi
rl
fr
iendschool
fees?
John:
itdepends
Puso:
onwhat
?
John:manyfactors.Mmegonei t
’sabi
gri
sk.
WhatifIpayforherthenaf
tershegets
educat
edshel eav
esme?
Puso:
that
’swher
emyconcer
nis
John:
evenawi
fecandi
vor
cey
ouaf
tery
ouhel
p
her
Puso:
exact
ly
John:
arey
ouconsi
der
ingassi
sti
ngTshego?
Puso:
sheaskedmet
oassi
sther
John:
eish!
Puso:
what
?
John:
wit
hTshegoi
t’
sdi
ff
erent
.If
eel
sor
ryf
or
her
Puso:
Ifeel
sor
ryf
orhert
oo
John:buty
ourr
elat
ionshi
pisnewsoy oucan’
t
sayyouknowherorcompletel
ytr
usther
Puso:
myt
hought
sexact
ly
John:
it’
sat
oughoneskwat
a
Puso:butsheneedsmyhelpandI'
m gonnaf
eel
badknowinggoreItur
nedherdown
John:
thi
nkcar
eful
l
yabouti
t.
Puso:ahhhei
,bannabat
lhol
abaj
ewahelamo
l
ennant ekej
ewe.Somemenhavelostmor
e
thanIwil
lbel
osing
John:andwecan’texact
lysayi
twil
lbeal
oss
becauseTshegocanturnoutfi
neandbey
our
l
ifepart
ner
Puso:i
tcangoei
therway
.ButIcan’
taf
for
d
pr
ivat
eschool
John:
dist
ancelear
ningthen.I
fshecanatl
east
haveabett
erformthreecert
if
icat
e
Puso:
yah.Shei
sabr
ightper
soni
t’
sjustt
hat
….
mxm!
John:
howcoul
dmaj
ordot
hist
ohi
sownsi
ster
?
Puso:
onedaykar
mawi
l
llocat
ehi
m
John:
andI
’
m wai
ti
ngf
ort
hat

(Idi
dn’
tseePusot hatdaybecausemybr ot
her
spentl
it
eral
lythewholedayathomesl eepi
ng.
Hesaidthejourneyhadmadehi mti
red.The
nextday….
.)

Puso:
eses!
John:
what
?
Puso:Isti
l
lcan’
tbel
iev
ethatI
’
m goi
ngonat
ri
p
fort
wof ul
lmonths
John:youar
eonl
ygoi
ngt
obebackaf
ter
Chri
stmas
Puso:
andt
hat
’swhatpi
ssesmeof
f
John:
arey
ouscar
edTshegomi
ghtcheat
?
Puso:(
shakinghishead)no.shel
ookst
oo
i
nnocentforthat
John:
Idon’
tthi
nkshewi
l
lcheat
Puso:
shei
sgoi
ngt
obel
onel
y
John:
that
’st
rue
Puso: Iwonderhowshei sgoi ngt ocope
withoutme.Iknowf orsuret hatpy t
honi snot
goingt oal
lowhert ogoandst aywithheruncle.
Kegor etheywillbegoi ngonhol idaykobo
DurbanandNami bialeavingt hechildalonein
theirhouse.Tshegoi stheirnanny ,t
heirsecuri
ty
guar d,
thei
rslave…tot hem shei snotaper son.
Sies!Bloodymongr els
John:somethi
ngmustbedonef
orTshegot
o
getoutoft
hatsit
uat
ion
Puso:must
.NowI
’ml
eav i
ngfort
womonths
andit
’sgoi
ngt
obedi
ff
icul
ttocommuni
cate
wit
hher.Sheisgoi
ngtobelockedupi
nthat
housemiser
ableandhur
ti
ng
John:
can’
tyoubuyheracel
lphone?
Puso:
shei
saf
rai
dofherbr
other
John:
shewi
l
lhi
dei
t.Tshegoi
ssl
owl
eene
Puso:
shei
stoo….
shewor
shi
pst
hosepeopl
e
John:andi
t’snotr
ight
.Whathav
eyoudeci
ded
abouthel
pingher?
Puso:Idon’tknow.TotaI'
m br
oke.It
’snotf
air
thatPythonearnssomuchmoneyandnnawi th
theli
tt
lethatIearnIhavetopayforhi
ssist
er’
s
studi
es.
John:
li
stentoyourgut,i
fyoudon’
tfeel
li
ke
doi
ngitt
hendon’t.Idon’
tthi
nkTshegowil
l
l
eaveyoujustbecauseyoucoul
dnothelpher
Puso:Iwi
llt
hinkaboutit
.Ebil
elet
sgotot
he
l
ibr
arysothatIcangooglegorehowmuchwil
l
payi
ngforherstudi
esthroughBOCODOLcost
John:
soy
ouwi
l
lhel
pher
?
Puso:
honest
ly,
Idon’
tthi
nkIwi
l
lhel
pher
(
ther
ewasabr
iefsi
l
ence.Pusowasl
osti
n
t
hought
)
John:
whatar
eyout
hinki
ng?
Puso:
pleasetakecar
eofmygi
rl
fr
iendsi
nce
youwil
lbearound
John:
Iwi
l
lbutIdon’
tthi
nkshewi
l
lcheat
Puso:I
'm noteventhinkingaboutthat
.She
mightneedaf ewthings.Iwil
lleav
ey ouwi
th
somemoneysot haty oucanbuyhergoodies
nowandt hen
John:
oht
hat
.Icaneasi
l
ydot
hat
Puso: maybeitwil
lcheerherupandshowher
thatImightbeawaybutwear est
il
lver
ymuch
connected.kegorei'
m goingtoNcoj
anefort
wo
mont hsleavi
ngTshegobehind.Bei
nganarmy
offi
cerisrubbi
sh.I
'mlookingfor
wardto
compl
eti
ngmyst
udi
esandf
indi
ngabet
terj
ob
John: andtheunf
air
nessofiti
sthatboPython
wouldgof orafewweeksandgetanot her
Pythont ocomeandrepl
acehim whichshows
thattheythemsel
vescantbearbei
ngawayf or
thatl
ong
Puso:
mxm!

NO.15

(TefoandDi mphohadt r
avel
ledt
o
Mmaphashal alatoatt
enddimphosuncl es
funeral
.theyhadtakentheki
dsalong.Iwas
aloneathome.Wedeci dedthatPusoshoul d
spendtheweekendwi thmeatTef oshouse.I
knowwewer ebecomingabitcarelessbutI
guessitsbecausewewant edtouseev ery
chancewegott othemaximum)
Puso:i
managedt
ofi
ndoutaboutBOCODOL
fees
Me:
(myhear
tski
pped)ok
Puso:
theyar
enott
hatbad
Me:
ok
Puso:
Ithi
nkIcanaf
for
dtopayf
ory
ou
Me:(Istoodupsmi
li
ngandgav
ehi
m at
ight
hug)thankyousomuch
Puso:
youar
ewel
come
Me:Im goi
ngt
odomyf
ormt
hreeagai
nnext
year
Puso:
yes.
Me:y
ohyoh!Yoh!Pusot
hankyousomuch.I
pr
omisey
outhatIwil
lst
udyhardandpass
Puso:
wontyouneedat
utor
.Icantaf
for
dto
payatut
or
Me:
Ibel
i
evei
fIwor
khar
denoughIcanmakei
t
onmyown
Puso:ifyousayso.Gonemmewherearey
ou
goingtogettimetostudywheny
ouhav
etodo
everyt
hingaroundt
hishouse
Me: Iususal
lyhaveti
mei ntheeveningwhen
Tefoisaround.Hedoesntmi ndtaki
ngcareof
hischil
dren.GapeIcanalwaysstudywhenthey
takeanapi ntheaft
ernoon.Icancreatet
ime(I
smiled)
Puso:
yousoundsohappy
Me: Iam veryhappy .AslongasIcanimprove
myf ormt hreegradesIwi l
lbeok.Ev
enifIdont
gotof ormf ourIcanal waysfi
ndaplacei
na
vocationalcoll
egeasl ongasmymar ksare
good
Puso:goodt
hinki
ng.TshegoIhopeonceyour
l
ifet
akesshapeandy oubecomesuccessf
ul
youwontfor
getaboutme
Me:
Iwont
.Ar
eyouwor
ri
edt
hatImi
ghtl
eav
e
y
ou?
Puso:IknowgorewhatI
m doi
ngi
snodi
ff
erent
fr
om putti
ngaropear
oundmyneck
Me: dontsayi
tli
kethat
.Im notusi
ngy ou(
a
partofmewasangr ybutanotherpart
understoodwherehewascomi ngfrom)
Puso:
any
way
.i
m hungr
y
Me:
Icooked.Letmebr
ingy
ourf
ood
Puso:
thanksl
ove
(hefol
l
owedmet othekitchenwherehe
washedhishands.Iwarmedhi sfoodandwe
wentbacktothesit
tingroom.Iwat chedhi
m
eati
ngandheseemedt oenjoyhi
sf ood)
Puso:
youar
eagoodcookTshego
Me:
thanks.Ihadt
ogoal
loutbecauseIknew
mymanwascomi ng
Puso:
(hesmil
edbutIcoul
dtellt
hatther
ewas
somethi
ngbot
her
inghim)thanksbabe.Ther
eis
asoccermat
chatMol
epolol
espor
tscompl
ex
t
omor r
owandIwashopi
ngwecouldatt
end
Me:
sur
e
Puso:
great
.
Me:
ohIf
orgott
oser
vey
ousomej
uice
Puso:
bri
ngi
t
Me:
comi
ng
(hefinishedeat i
ngt henhehadhi sjui
ce.We
thenwal kedt otheshopt obuysomesnackst o
munchonwhi lewat chingamov i
ethatnight.
Wemadel ovewhenwegotbackhomeandI
real
lyenj oyedit.ov ert i
meIbegant oenjoyl
ove
maki ngandmymani ssuchagent lesouland
heisal wayscar ef ultousecondoms.Hesay s
thereisnochi ldi nhi splansatthemoment
becausehewant stogetadegr ee,getabetter
j
ob, buildhimsel fahouse, getmar r
iedand
may bet hatswhenhecanst artafamily.Ial
so
plant obettermygr ades, gotocol l
ege,fi
nda
j
ob,Godwi
l
li
nggetmar
ri
edandst
arthav
ing
ki
ds)

THENEXTDAY.
..

(aft
erthesoccermat chwewenteatatKFC
beforeweheadedbackt oThebephatshwa.I
alwaysfeelsorel
axedwhenI m aroundPuso.I
somet i
mesf or
getthatthi
sissupposedt obea
secretaff
air
.Athome. .
)
Puso:
Ihav
esomebadnewsf
ory
oubabe
Me:
ok
Puso:
dontbesoner
vous
Me:
im not
Puso:
youar
e
Me:
no(
Ideni
edev
ent
houghIwassoner
vous)
Puso:
im goi
ngawayf
or2mont
hs
Me:
(inshock)2mont
hsor2weeks?
Puso:
(hegi
ggl
edf
ir
st)2mont
hsasi
n8weeks
Me:
wher
ear
eyougoi
ng?
Puso:
wor
ktr
ip.Wear
egoi
ngt
oNcoj
ane
Me:(t
earsfor
medi
nmyeyes)soIwontseey
ou
atal
lfort
hetwomont
hs
Puso:
yes,
unf
ort
unat
ely
Me:ohGod(tear
sroll
eddownmycheeks.I
coul
dnotbegint
opictur
eli
fewi
thouthi
m)
Puso:Iknowhowpai
nful
thi
sismyl
ove.I
f
ther
ewasawayofavoidi
dngit
..
Me:mylif
eisgoi
ngtobeempt yandmiser
abl
e
wit
houtyou.Soyouaregoingt
ospend
Chri
stmasandnewy earaway?
Puso:
Imleavi
ngi
ntwoweekssoIwil
lbeback
her
ebetweenChr
ist
masandnewyear
Me:
ohhhh(
Iwasdev
ast
edandIcoul
dseet
hat
hewasal
sot
aki
ngi
thar
d)
Puso:somethingposi t
iveisgoingtocomeout
ofthi
smyl ove.Forthet i
met hatIwil
lbeawayI
wontbespendi ngmoneysoI m goi
ngt obeabl
e
tosaveforyourstudies
Me:
(Ismi
l
ed)ok
Puso:
takegoodcar
eofyour
sel
fwhi
leI
m away
.
Dontl
etPyt
honandDimphogett
oyou
Me:
Pyt
hon?
Puso:
(hesmil
ed)that
stheni
cknamet
heyhav
e
gi
venyourbr
otheratwor
k
Me:(
Ifoundmysel
flaughi
ng)It
hinkheisrat
her
al
ostsheep.Al
ostsheepthati
sconfusedwith
apyt
hon
Puso:atworkwehaveonl
ybeenexposedt
ohi
s
snakesidenott
hesheepsi
de
Me:
Inev
ert
houghthewast
hatbad
Puso:
hei
s,t
rustme.(
put
ti
nghi
shandi
nmy
panti
es)kanat
hatmeansweshoulduseev
ery
l
itt
lechancewegetbecausewear
enotgoi
ng
tobeinti
matef
orav er
ylongti
me
Me:
(ki
ssi
nghi
m)andy
ouar
esor
ight
(
Thephoner
angwhenwewer
est
il
lmaki
ngl
ove)
Puso:
ignor
eit
Me:
itsmybr
other
Puso:
Iknow
Me:
Ihav
etot
akei
t
Puso:
youdonthav
eto
Me:
baby
Puso:
cany
ouf
ocusonwhatwear
edoi
ng
pl
ease
Me:
sor
ry
(t
hephonerangunti
li
tdi
sconnect
ed.We
fi
nishedmaki
nglov
eandwecuddled.The
phonerangagai
nandthi
sti
meIpickedit
)
Tef
o:hel
l
oli
tt
lesi
ster
Me:
hel
l
o
(Il
ookedatPusoandther
ewasanexpr
essi
on
ofdisgustonhi
sface)
Tef
o:howar
eyou?
Me:
Imf
ine
Tefo:
wearecomi
ngt
omor
row.Whatshoul
dwe
bri
ngyou?
Me:
not
hing
Tef
o:nandos?
Me:whati
snandos?(
Isai
ditwithanangr
yand
sar
cast
ict
oneandPusosmiled)
Tef
o:(
hecl
ear
edhi
sthr
oat
)it
schi
cken
Me:
Idontwanti
t
Tef
o:what
swr
ongTshego?Ordoy
ouwant
KFC?
Me: nogi
rlofmyagewouldbeexcit
edbecause
ofbomandoswhenpeopl eherageare
studyi
ngtoshapethei
rfut
ure(
Iknewwhat
nandoswasIjustwantedtomockmybr ot
her
.
PusoalwaysbuysmenandosorKFCwhenhe
goestoGaborone)
Tef
o:goodni
ght
Me:
sleepwel
l
Tefo:(heclear
edhisthroat
)wewil
ltal
kwhenI
gettheretomorrow.Icansenset
hatyouar
e
angryatme
Me:Im notangryaty
ou.I
m angr
yathowli
fei
s
tr
eati
ngme.Dayi nanddayoutI
m bui
l
ding
peopl
esfuturesand.
Tefo:Tshego,
wewi l
ltal
kwhenIgett
her
e.Ican
senseyourangerand.
.
Me: t
herei
snothi
ngtotal
kabout.I
nmy
experi
encet
alki
nghasneverhel
ped
Tef
o:Tshegopl
ease
Me:
goodni
ght
(
Icutt
hecal
landPusol
ookedatmei
nshock)
Puso:
babywhatwast
hat
?
Me:
whatIshoul
dhav
elongdone
Puso:Ineverunder
stoodwhenyousai
dy our
br
otherisnotasstrongandaspowerf
ulashe
pr
etendstobe
Me:
hei
sDi
mphosbi
gbaby
NO.16

Tef
o:Tshegoy
ousoundedangr
yyest
erday
Me:
...
.
Tefo:IknowIpromisedtotakeyoubackt o
schoolbutIdi
dn'tkeepmypr omise.Icoul
dn't
takeyoubacktoschoolbecauseI '
mt r
yingto
fi
nishoffmyhousei nMolepolol
eandatt he
samet imeI'
mr aisingthegir
lsso. .
wehadnot
plannedforMollysohav ingherdisruptedour
plans..
ican'
taf
for dtotakeyoubackt oschool
now.Gi vemeunt i
l endofnextyeart ofi
nishmy
project
sandhelpy ou
Me:
...
Tef
o:Tshegopl
easet
ryt
ounder
stand
Me:
I'
m goi
ngt
olookf
oraj
ob
Tef
o:wher
e?
Me:anywhere,
pref
erabl
yMolepol
olebecauseI
al
readyhaveaccommodati
oninMolepolol
e
Tefo:
whatki
ndofaj
obdoy
oui
ntendl
ooki
ng
for
?
Me:anyki
ndofajobfrom secur
it
yof
fi
cert
o
cl
eanert
oshopassi
stanttomaid
Tefo:butbei
ngamaidwil
lbet
hesameasy
ou
taki
ngcareofourchi
l
dren
Me:
it'
snott
hesamebecauseIwi
l
lbepai
dand
t
hatwayIwi
l
lbeabl
etosav
eformyst
udi
es
Tefo:
buti
t'
sthesamebecauseaf ternexty
earI
wil
lbeabl
etopayforyourst
udies.Imeant hey
wil
lbepay
ingyouI'
m notpayi
ngy oubutIwi l
l
sendyout
oschool
Me: whati
fyoupr
omi
semeandnev
erkeep
yourpromi
se?
Tef
o:Iwi
l
lkeepmypr
omi
se
Me:
awor
disnotenoughf
orme
Tef
o:ei
sh!Tshegowhatdoy
ouwant
?
Me:aj
ob
Tef
o:i
fwepayy
ouwi
l
lyoust
ay?
Me:
yes
Tef
o:ok.Iwi
l
l t
alkt
oDi
mphosot
hatwecan
st
artpayi
ngyou
Me:
thanky
ou
Tef
o:ar
ewegoodnow.Ar
eyoust
il
langr
yat
me?
Me:
notany
mor
e
Tef
o:I
'
m sor
ryf
ornotkeepi
ngmypr
omi
se
Me:
it'
sok
Tef
o:t
hanks
Me:youarewel
come.IfDi
mphodecidesthat
youcantpaymethensheshoul
dst
artlooki
ng
f
oramai d
Tef
o:wear
egoi
ngt
opayy
ou
Me:
thanks
(Aft
erourweirdconv er
sati
onTefokepton
giv
ingmewei rdlooks.Hewaspr obably
wonderingwhereIgott hecour
aget oconfr
ont
him andthi
siswher eIgotmycour age.
...
)

Puso:
babes
Me:
babes
Puso:
howdi
ditgo?
Me:
(smi
l
ing)i
twentv
erywel
l
Puso:
tel
lmemor
e
Me: It
oldhi
m exact
lywhatyoucouchedmet
o
say.nnekesamohemi se,nekesamof e
chance.Ipr
essedhi
mi nt
oacorner
Puso:
that
'smybabygi
rl
.Ial
waystel
lyout
hat
youar
east r
ongper
soni
t'
sonlyt
hatyoudon'
t
knowit
Me:
andy
ouwer
eri
ght
Puso:
sot
heywi
l
lst
artpay
ingy
ou?
Me:
hesay
shewi
l
ltal
ktohi
swi
fe
Puso:
andi
fsher
efuses?
Me:
li
key
ousai
d,Ihav
etobebol
dandwal
kout
Puso:don'
tev
enfearbecauseIwi
l
lbewi
thy
ou
ever
ystepoftheway
Me:
promi
se?
Puso:
Iam apr
omi
sekeeper
Me:ok.i
ftheyaskmehowmuchIwantt
hem t
o
payme.
Puso:
2,000
Me:
(shocked)t
hat
'sal
ot.
Puso:
howmuchar
eyout
hinki
ng?
Me:
1,000
Puso:that'
sthecorrectamountbut.
.youhave
beenwor ki
ngforthem wi t
houtpayforyear
sso
theother500isforallthoseyear
sthat'
swhy
I
'm sayi
ng2,000
Me:
ift
heyr
efuse?
Puso:t
hent hat'
swheny oucangodownt o
1,
500.Youhav et ost
arthighsothatwhenyou
godownt heythinkyouareconsiderat
ewhenin
act
ualfactthatwasy ourori
ginal
pri
ce
Me:
Pusoy
ouar
ever
ytr
icky
Puso:
I'
mreal
i
sti
c
Me:(Il
aughed)doy
out
hinkt
heycangi
veme
1,
500?
Puso:t
heymusti
ftheyknowwhat
'
sgoodf
or
them
Me:
ok.
Puso:now, y
ouwi l
lneedtoopenanor
ange
moneyaccountsot hatyoucansavet
hemoney
fort
uit
ion.Iwil
lpayyourschoolf
eest
henyou
canpayat utor
Me:yoh,I'
m sohappy.Ev
ery
thi
ngisfal
li
ngr
ight
i
ntoplace.Idon'
tknowhowtothankyou
Puso:byrespecti
ngmeandnotcheat
ing.
Hangingaroundmeunti
lI'
mfi
nancial
l
ystabl
e
enoughtomar ryyou
Me:
Ipr
omi
seI
'
m gonnamakey
ouhappy
Puso:Iwi
l
lbever
yhappyandmakey
ouv
ery
happyaswel
l
Me:Pyt
hon'
scari
sout
side.Letmego.He
pr
obabl
ywenttopi
ckDi
mphof r
om t
hebus
st
op
Puso:(l
aughi
ng)Ihopey
ouwon' tcal
lhi
m by
thatnamegett
ingmeintroubl
e

Lat
ert
hatni
ght
..

(Iwat
chedcart
oonswit
hthegir
lswhi
l
eDi
mpho
andTefowereint
hei
rbedroom)
Tef
o:Ineedt
otal
ktoy
ouaboutsomet
hingv
ery
i
mportant
Di
mpho:
(qui
ckki
ss)i
tsoundsser
iousmyl
ove
Tefo:It
alkedt
oTshegoear
li
eron.Remember
thatshewasangr
yatmewhenIcal l
ed
Di
mpho:
yah
Tef
o:It
alkedt
ohert
otr
yandest
abl
i
shgor
e
whywassheangr y
.Well
sheisangr
ybecause
wehaven'
ttakenhert
oschooll
i
keIhad
pr
omised
Dimpho:Tef
oourbui
l
dingpr
ojectisnot
complet
eandwehavetwosmal l
babies
Tefo:It
oldhert
hat.Shewant
sust
opayherf
or
taki
ngcareofourkids
Di
mpho:
hercousi
ns?
Tef
o:y
es.honest
lyIunder
standwhyshewant
s
pay
Di
mpho: Tefowefeedyoursist
er,
bat
hher,
cl
othher
, gi
vehershel
terandweshouldpayher
ontopofthat?
Tefo:sheinsi
ststhati
fwedon'
tpayhert
hen
sheisgoingtolookforaj
ob
Dimpho:Iwi
llnotpayyoursi
sterwhenIhave
beentaki
ngcareofherandprovidi
ngforher
Tef
o:comeonDi
mpho
Dimpho:
don'
tcomeonme.Lethergoandl
ook
foraj
ob
Tef
o:can'
tweat
leastpayher500pul
a
Di
mpho:
500pul
aforwhat
?
Tefo:Di
mphowesendyourmot
hermoney
everymont
hcan'
twedothesameforTshego?
Di
mpho:
doy
ouf
eedmymot
her
,cl
othherand.
.
Tef
o:Di
mphopl
ease
Dimpho:
tel
lyoursi
stert
hatshei
sfr
eet
olook
foraj
ob
Tef
o:atl
eastt
hinkabouti
tDi
mpho.500pul
a
won'
thur
t
Dimpho:ifwepayher500pulathenshemust
equall
ycontr
ibut
einthehouse.Shemust
contr
ibut
etowardsfood,
DSTVebi l
eshe
watchesTVmor ethanwedo
Tef
o:whyar
eyousodi
ff
icul
t?
Di
mpho:
whyi
syoursi
sterbei
ngsel
fi
sh?
Tef
o:doy
ouknowt
hathowy
out
reatmysi
ster
hur
tsme?
Dimpho:ebi
lehermov i
ngoutofourhousewi l
l
beablessi
ngbecauseev ersinceshecamewe
havenopeace.I'
mr eadytohav eapropermai
d
notaspoil
edbrat.Tel
lherthatsheisfreet
ogo
Tef
o:j
ustl
i
ket
hat
Di
mpho:i
fyoudon'
twantt
otel
lhert
henIwi
l
l
t
ell
hermysel
f
Tefo:somet
imeswhenIl
ookatyouorthi
nkof
youIwonderwhatIsawi
nyouthatmademe
decidetomarr
yyou
Di
mpho:
whatdi
dyouj
ustsay
?
Tef
o:y
ouhear
dmer
ight
Dimpho:
Icoul
dpr
ett
ymuchaskmy
sel
fthe
samequest
ion
Tef
o:onedayI
'
m goi
ngt
obeatt
hatr
udeness
andpr
ideoutofy
ou
Dimpho:
andyouar
ewrongi
fyouthi
nkIwi
l
l
fol
dmyhandsandwat
chyoudoit
(Isawmybr otherstormingoutoft hehouse
andIknewt heyhaddi scussedmyi ssue.Iwas
getti
ngusedt othi
skindofbehav ior.Ithi
nkmy
brothermar ri
edDimphobecauseshei s
beautif
ulandt hatwast hewor stmistakeofhi s
l
ife.Honest l
yspeaking;jeal
ousdown; Dimpho
i
soneoft hev erybeauti
full
adiesIhav eev er
seen.Shor thairornot,makeupornott hislady
i
sdamnbeaut if
ul!
)
NO.18

Di
mpho:
sowhatdowedonow?
Tef
o:about
?
Di
mpho:
themai
ddi
dn’
tcome
Tef
o:Iknow
Di
mpho:
Ican’
tmi
sswor
ktoday
Tef
o:met
oo
Dimpho:youarethebossaty ourwor kpl
ace.
Whydon’tyougot her
eforafewmi nutesand
comebackt otakecareofthekids.It’
sbett
er
formetobel at
eforworkthant omi sswork
alt
oget
her
Tef
o:l
uckyy
ou
Di
mpho:
(shout
ing)cany
ouwor
kwi
thmeher
e
Tef
o:Dimphoi
fitwasn’tf
oryoursel
fi
shness
mysist
erwoul
dbetakingcareofourkidsand
wewouldbest
ressfreehaker
e
Di
mpho:canwepl
easepl
anaheadandst
op
l
ooki
ngback
Tef
o:wehavetolookbackbecauseal
mostal
l
par
ent
sarecry
ingbecausehelper
sdumpthei
r
ki
ds
Di
mpho:
pleasegosot
haty
oucancomeback
quickl
y.Ican’
tmi
sswor
k.YouknowI
’
m on
probati
onatmynewjob
Tef
o:l
eav
emeoutofit.Mysi
sterhasbeen
doi
ngagreatj
obt
aki
ngcareofourchi
ldr
en.
Di
mpho:
nott
hatagai
n
Tef
o:butwhat
?Hee?
Di
mpho:
eish!
Tef
o:wecoul
dhavedeci
dedtogiveTshego
1,
000pul
aandavoi
dallt
hisst
ress
Di
mpho:
arey
ougoi
ngt
ohel
pmeornot
?
Tef
o:Iwi
l
lsee
Di
mpho: gonowandcomebackinanhour.I
wi
llcal
lmybossandtel
lhert
hatIwi
l
lbelate
Tef
o:ok
(Tef
oleftforwor
kandfourhoursl
aterhewas
notbackandhisphonewasof f
.Di
mphocalled
him onhisworkphonebutshewasinfor
med
thathehadgoneonadayt ri
ptoMogodi tshane
camp.Shef eltoverwhel
medbyt heki dswho
couldnotstopcr yi
ng.Shewonder edhow
Tshegomanagedt oclean,cookanddol aundry
whilet
akingcar eofthekidswhenshecoul dn’t
getanythi
ngdone.Shegav ethekidsall
egex
andinnot i
met heywer ebothasleep.Shecried
hersel
ftosleep)
.
.
.
.
.
.
Puso:
hel
l
osi
r
Uncl
e:hel
l
oson
Puso:
I’
mlooki
ngf
orRaGodi
’
spl
ace
Uncl
e:RaGodi
?
Puso:
yessi
r
Uncl
e:what
’shi
ssur
name?
Puso:
Mot
lhabi
Uncl
e:owai
i
,Idon’
tknowt
hatsur
name.
Puso:
thedi
rect
ionsI
’
mfol
l
owi
ngpoi
ntt
othi
s
yar
d
Uncle:
youar
elostmyson.Idon’
thav
eachi
l
d
bythenameGodi
Puso:
ok.CanIhav
eagl
assofwat
erpl
ease?
Uncl
e:okson
(
heshout
edatTshegot
obr
ingagl
assofwat
er)
Me:
(ner
vous)dumel
ang
Puso:
hel
l
o
Uncl
e:Tshegodoy
ouknowanyGodi
?
Me:
Godi
stay
sthatsi
de(
poi
nti
ng)hi
smot
her
worksatt
hepostof
fi
ce.Theyar
enewher
eI
t
hink
Uncl
e:t
hat
’swhy
.Wi
l
lyoushowhi
m wher
eGodi
st
ays?
Me:
yesuncl
e,Iwi
l
l
Uncle:don’tgowit
hhim mychi
l
d;peopl
eof
todaycan’tbetr
usted
Me:
yesuncl
e.Wat
er?
Uncl
e:gi
vei
ttohi
m?
Me:
her
eisy
ourwat
ersi
r
Puso:
thanks
(aft
erhedrankthewaterIwenttoputt
heglass
i
nt hehousethenhefoll
owedmeundert he
pretenset
hatIwasgoingtodir
ecthim)
Me:
babyy
ouar
esot
ri
cky
Puso:Imi
ssedy
ousobadt
hatIhadt
otakemy
chance
Me:
Ilov
eyou
Puso:
Ilov
eyout
oo.Whenar
eyoumov
ing?
Me:
overt
heweekend
Puso:
ohok.Ihadcomet
obuyy
ougr
ocer
ies
Me:
(smi
l
ing)t
hanks
Puso:orshouldIgiv
eyouthemoneysot
hat
youcanbuyf oryour
sel
f?
Me:
no.wewi
l
lbuyaf
terImov
eout
Puso:okl
ove.Gobackhomeandleav
eafter
about15minut
es.Iwi
ll
waitf
oryouatthe
j
uncti
on
Me:
okl
ove.Il
ovey
oubabe
Puso:
Ilov
eyout
oo
(Iwentbackhomesmi li
ng.t
hefactthatPuso
wentthroughal
lthetr
oublehewentt hr
ough
j
usttoseemeandt al
ktomemademef eelhi
s
deeploveandcareforme.Ifel
tthatIcoul
d
tr
usthi
m.Afterafewmi nutesIwenttojoi
nhim.
Wewenttothemal lt
ogetherwherehebought
mesupperandsomesnacks.Ibecamet eary
whenhelef
t.Ihadgottenusedt ohi
m andthe
bondwehadwasv er
yv er
ystrong)
.
.
.
.
.
(Tefoar
ri
vedhomet of i
ndthehouseinamess.
Hewentt otheki
tchenhopingtofindsome
foodbuttherewasnof ood;onl
ydirt
ypotsand
dishesf
rom yest
erday.Hewentt othebedr
oom
andassoonasheopenedt hedoorDi mpho
wokeup)
Tef
o:hi
Di
mpho:
(tear
y)howcoul
dyou?Howcoul
dyou
dot
hatt
ome?
Tef
o:dowhat
?
Di
mpho:
youpromisedtocomebackandt
ake
t
heki
dssothatIcoul
dgotowork
Tefo:
becausey
ourj
obi
smor
eimpor
tantt
han
mine?
Di
mpho:
I’
m onpr
obat
ion
Tefo:theny
oumustst
artmakinggood
decisi
onsknowi
ngt
hatyouareonprobat
ion
Di
mpho:
(cr
ying)Imi
ghtl
osemyj
ob
Tef
o:r
athery
out
hanme
Di
mpho:
Ican’
tmi
sswor
kagai
ntomor
row
Tefo:
buti
fyoudon’tf
indahel
pert
oni
ghtIsee
youmissi
ngworktomorrow
Dimpho:
Tefothesearenotmykidsal
onebut
youmakeitappearasift
heyar
enotyourki
ds
Tef
o:t
hesear
emyki
dsandIdon’
tneedt
obe
remindedofthat
.Iwaswill
ingt
opaymysi st
er
sothatshecantakecareofmysisterbutmy
wifebeingt
hemi ssknowital
ldeci
ded
otherwi
se
Di
mpho:
fine,
tel
lTshegot
ocomeback
Tef
o:Tel
lTshego!
Di
mpho:
(wi
pingt
ear
s)askher
Tef
o:t
hat
’sbet
ter
Di
mpho:
whyar
eyoubei
ngl
i
ket
his?
Tefo:y
ouaretheonewhotoldTshegothatshe
i
sfreetogo.Maybeyoushouldbetheone
tel
l
inghert
ocomeback
Di
mpho:
Ican’
t
Tefo:
youcanify
ouar
eser
iousaboutgoi
ng
backtowork
Dimpho:
(cal
mvoi
ce)ifi
t’
smetel
li
ngherto
comebackshewon’
tcomeback,
pleasedoit
onmybehalf
Tefo:t
hepr
oblem i
sthaty
ouwantt
otel
lher
.
Tryaski
ngher
,maybeitwil
lwor
kout
Di
mpho:
Ican’
t
Tefo:
ehemma.Pl
easecl
eant
hehousebef
ore
yousleep
Di
mpho:
I’
mti
red
Tef
o:Iwasn’
taski
ngy
ou.Iwasor
der
ingy
ou
Di
mpho:
(snappi
ng)Isai
dI’
mti
red
Tef
o:continuet
alkingt
omeli
kethatandy
ou
wil
lbestuckwit
ht heki
dsunt
il
….
Di
mpho:
fine,
Iwi
l
lcl
ean
Tef
o:t
hanks
Di
mpho:
arey
ougoi
ngt
otal
ktoTshegoornot
?
Tef
o:ar
eyouwi
l
li
ngt
opayher
?
Di
mpho:
yes,
500?
Tef
o:(
giggl
i
ng)y
ouar
enotser
ious
Di
mpho:
okf
ine.Wewi
l
lgi
veher1,
000
Tefo:
whyar etheki
dssleepi
ngatthist
ime?
haker
eTshegohadt rai
nedthem sucht
hatthi
s
ti
met heyar
eawakesot hatIcanspendti
me
wit
hthem afterwor
k
Dimpho:may
betheyar
eti
redbecauset
hey
spentt
hedaycr
ying
Tef
o:somuchf
oramot
her
Di
mpho:
don’
tsayt
hat
Tef
o:It
rustt
hatfrom t
odayonwar
dsy
ouwi
l
l
val
ueandappreci
ateTshego
Di
mpho:
Iwi
l
l
Tef
o:good
Di
mpho:
soar
eyougoi
ngt
ocal
lher
?
Tef
o: I
’
m sti
l
lthi
nki
ngabouti
t.HowdoIcal
lher
andtel
lhert
hatsheshoul
dcomebacktobe
pai
d1,000whenshehadsaidshewant
s2,000?
Di
mpho:
…….
.
NO.
17

Tefo:Tshegomysi st
erDi mphoandIt
alked
aboutyourrequestandwehav ecometot he
concl
usionthattot
ar i
ghtnowwecan’taffor
dto
payyoubecauseourf inancesar
eti
ght
Me:(
itwasasi
fmywhol
ewor
ldwascr
ushi
ng
downonme)yessi
r
Tefo:notthatwedon' twantt opayy oubutas
mysi sterIt
houghtweshoul dhelpeachot her
forthesakeofbr otherl
ysisterl
ylove.I
fwest ar
t
att
achingcost stohelpi
ngeachot herthenit
becomesapr oblem.GonemmeIdo
understandthaty oudesperatel
ywantt ogot o
school.Sonowt hatwecan’taffordtogivey ou
whaty ouwant ,what’
snext ?
Me:
(tear
y)Idon'
tknow
Di
mpho: gapei
fyougotoschool
nexty
earwho
wi
llhel
puswi t
htheki
ds?
Me:(angerwassl
owl
ybui
l
dingupi
nsi
deofme)
Idon'
tknow
Dimpho:tot
agapey ouar
ebeingunfai
rTshego.
Youstayinourhouse,webuyyoufoodand
cl
othes,
toil
etr
yyetwehaveneveraskedyouto
payus.Whywoul dyoudemandthatyoupayus?
Me:
Iwantt
osav
ethemoneyf
orschool
Di
mpho:
butwesai
dwewi
l
lsendy
out
oschool
.
Me:youhav
eal wayspr
omi
sedmet
hatbuty
ou
nev
erkeptyourpromi
se
Dimpho: f
acti
swecan’tpayyou,
weare
fi
nanci
allyst
rai
ned;wecan’
tpayourownbl
ood
forhel
pingus.That
sanono!
Me:(
Dimphowasr
ubbi
ngmet
hewr
ongway
)
i
t'
sok.
Tef
o:wehopey
ouunder
stand
Me:
...
Di
mpho: Ibel
i
evewear
edonewi
thour
di
scussi
on
Tef
o:y
es
(Tef
olookedatmeandIcoul
dsensehi
s
anxi
ety
)
Me:
canIpl
easegot
otheshop?
Di
mpho:
whatar
eyougoi
ngt
odoatt
heshop?
Me:
myr
oll
oni
sfi
nished
Di
mpho:
don'
ttakel
ong
Me:
eemma.canIpl
easehav
e20pul
a?
Tef
o:ok(het
ookouthi
swal
l
etf
rom hi
spocket
andgav
emet he20pul
a)
Me:
thanky
ou
(
Iwentstr
aighttoPuso'shouse.Ibur
sti
ntohi
s
r
oom andstartedcr
ying.Hetri
edtoaskme
whatwaswr ongbutallIcoul
ddowascry.My
pl
anhadf ai
l
edandsomehowIwasscar
edt
o
tr
ustPuso)

Puso:(r
ubbingmyback)babyI
'
m dy
ingwi
th
worryhere.What
'
sgoingonnemma?
Me:
theysayt
heywon'
tbepay
ingme
Puso:
damni
t!
Me:
whatdoIdonow?
Puso:
leav
e
Me:
andgowher
e?
Puso:
toy
ourmum'
shouse
Me:
whowi
l
lbet
aki
ngcar
eofmet
her
e?
Puso:
babyhaker
eIsai
dIwi
l
ltakecar
eofy
ou
Me:buyy
oual
way
scompl
aint
haty
oudon'
t
ear
nmuch
Puso:
aoTshegonomatt
erhowbrokeIam I
canst
il
laf
for
dtobuyy
ougrocer
iesandtoi
l
etry
Me:
ok
Puso:
youdon'
tsoundconv
inced
Me:
andi
fyoul
eav
eme?
Puso:
babesI
'm notl
eav
ingy
ou.Youar
ethe
onewhowil
ll
eaveme
Me:
I'
m notsur
eaboutt
hispl
an
Puso:Tshegounl essy outakethatri
skyouwil
l
al
way sbestuckwi ththosepeopl eand10year
s
fr
om nowt heirki
dswi llbegrownandt heywi
ll
notneedy ouanymor esot heywillt
hrowyou
out.st
artbuil
dingy ourli
feTshego
Me:
ok
Puso: hakeret
hepl anistoscarethem by
walkingoutsot hattheybecomedesper ateand
callyoubackandst ar
tpayi
ngyou.That '
splanA
andifitfail
swest artconsi
deri
ngplanB.y ou
stayaty ourmum' shouseandIt akecareofyou
whileyouar el
ookingf oraj
ob.
Me:(
smi
l
ing)Iunder
stand.SowhatmustIdo
now?
Puso:
gobacktothathouseandtel
lthem t
hat
youar
eleav
ing.Tel
lthem t
haty
ouaregoingto
fi
ndajob
Me:
andwher
edoIgo?
Puso:fornowgot oyouruncle'
shouseand
expl
aineveryt
hingtoyouruncle.Then
tomorrowyoucangoandcl eany ourhouseand
Iwil
ldropoffgrocer
ies
Me:
thatsoundsgood
Puso:(
smili
ngback)andIwi
l
lbeseei
ngy
ou
wheneverIwantt
o
Me:
exact
ly
(
hegent
lypushedmeont
othebedandgoton
t
opofme)
Puso:
sincey
ouar
eher
ecanIgetsome?
Me:
Itol
dthem I
'
m goi
ngt
otheshopsoi
fIdont
r
etur
nqui
ckl
y.
..
Puso:(
Frenchki
ss)I
'
m capabl
eofdoi
ng2
minut
enoodles
(webot
hlaughed.Weundressedandmadelov
e
ver
yqui
cklythenIl
efthi
shousetogoback
home)

Di
mpho:
whatt
ooky
ousol
ong?
Me:
..
..
Di
mpho:
wher
eist
her
oll
on?
Me:
...
..
Di
mpho:
Tshegowher
ear
eyouf
rom?
Me:
thebush
Tefo:
(al
ert
)whatwer
eyoudoi
ngi
nthebush
l
it
tl
esist
er?
Me:
sit
ti
ngandt
hinki
ngaboutmyl
i
fe
Di
mpho:
hehehe!I
jo!
Me:
I'
m goi
ngt
ost
ayatMol
epol
ole
Di
mpho:
what
?
Me:
I'
mleav
ingnow
Tef
o:Tshego!
Me:
I'
m sor
ry.Icantt
aket
hisanymore.Iwi
l
luse
t
hemoneyyougav emeastranspor
tfee
(Iwenttomyroom andtheyfol
l
owedme.It ook
myclothesfr
om thecl
osetandstar
tedpacking
them.Allmyclot
hesandshoesfiti
ntoaplasti
c
bagandabackpack)
Tef
o:Tshegonnakacanwer
econsi
dert
his
Dimpho:Tshegoyouarebeingcr
uel
.Howcan
youdropusliket
his?Wherearewegoi
ngt
oget
amaidinaday ?
Tshego:
that
'snotmypr
obl
em
Tef
o:wewi
l
lpayy
ou,
pleasest
ay
Di
mpho:
youar
ely
ingt
oher
Tefo:canyoustopit
!stopi
t!Whatar
eyou
goingtodowiththekidswhenyoucan’
tev
en
feedorbat
hethem?
Di
mpho: nomothercanf ai
ltotakecar
eofher
ki
ds.Letyoursi
stergo.Sheprobablyt
hinkswe
ar
edesperate
(Li
sami ghthavebeenscaredbytheshouti
ng.
Shewal kedtomeandspr eadherhands
wantingmet oli
fther
.Inst
eadIkissedheron
theforehead)
Me:Iwil
lal
waysl
ovey
ounnana.Ihav
etodo
t
his.Beagoodgi
rl
Li
sa:
Tshoo
Me:
sor
rynana
(Ili
ft
edmyl uggageandwalkedoutthedoor.
LisacriedandMol l
yjoi
nedher.AsIwasclosing
thegat eIsawmybr otherl
ookingatmethrough
thewindow.If oundPusowai t
ingf
ormeatt he
busst op)
Me:
it'
sdone
Puso:
itwi
l
lbeal
essont
othem
Me:howdi
dyouknowIwasgoi
ngt
obeher
e
t
histi
me?
Puso:Ihavebeenwai t
ingfory
ouhereformor
e
than30minutes.Iknewy ouweregoi
ngto
event
uall
ycome
Me:
ok
Puso: Ibor
rowedmyf ri
endscarsothatIcan
dropy ouoff.It
houghtyouweregoi
ngt obe
carr
yingheav yl
uggage
Me:
owai
i
!Thi
sisev
ery
thi
ngIown
Puso:
arey
our
eadyt
ogo?
Me:
yes
Puso:
don'tbeanxi
ous,
bigdaddyi
sher
ewi
th
youever
ystepoftheway
Me:
thanks(
Ismi
l
edner
vousl
y)
(whenwear r
ivedinMol epololewechi l
led
togethert alki
ngandpl anni ngourf ut
ur e.Af ter
aboutt wohour sPusol eftandsai dhewoul d
borrowt hecaragai nt henextdayt ocomeand
buymet hi ngsI '
m gonnaneed.Hedr oppedme
offbymyuncl e'sgat eandev er yonewas
shockedt oseemewi t
hmybags.Iexpl ained
everythi
ngt omyuncl eandhi swi f
e.Theysai d
theywi l
ldi scussmyi ssue, talkt omybr other
beforeaf i
nal decisioncoul dbemade.That
nightwedi nedonv eryl i
ghtsor ghum meal and
theyser vedeachoneofusav erysmal l portion.
SkinnyasIam, Ieatal ot.I
tt ookmel ongt of all
asleepbecauseoft hehunger .Myuncl ehas
manychi l
dr enandonl yt wooft hem ar e
empl oyed, oneasashopassi stantandt he
otheroneasacl eanersol ifeisqui tedi ffi
cult.
Bothmyuncl eandhi swi fear eunempl oy ed.Hi s
wiferunsashebeen.Theyhav emany
gr
andchi
l
dren)
.
.
.
.
(
thatdayDimphopost
edonf
acebookl
ooki
ng
f
oramai d)
NO.19

(Isl
eptinthesi
tt
ingr
oom wit
hmycousi
n’
stwo
daughters.Wewerewokenupbyal
oudknock
onthedoor )
Me:
(scar
ed)whoi
sthat
?Uncl
e?
Chi
l
d:(
scr
eami
ng)papa!
(
itwasst
il
ldar
kout
sidesot
heknockscar
edus)
Voi
ce:
it’
sme.Di
mpho.Tshego
(
Myuncl
ejoi
nedusf
rom hi
sbedr
oom)
Uncl
e:what
’sgoi
ngon?
Me:
ther
eissomeoneatt
hedoor
Uncl
e:whoar
eyou?
Di
mpho:
uncl
e,i
t’
smemmaLi
sa
Uncl
e:mmalisawhatdoy
ouwantsoear
lyi
n
themorni
ng?
Di
mpho:
pleaseopent
hedoorf
orme.
(
myuncleopenedt hedoorandDimphowalked
i
nholdi
ngsleepyLisabythehandandcar
rying
Mol
lywitht
heot herhand)
Uncl
e:whatarey
oudoingwi
tht
heki
dsi
nthe
dar
k?Andit’
srai
ning
Di
mpho:
Iwantt
otal
ktoTshego
(
Iwasont
hemat
tr
essont
hef
loor
)
Me:
I’
m her
e
Li
sa:
Tshoo
(Li
sawal kedtomeandIpul ledherbyherl it
tl
e
coldhandandputherunder cov er.Sheheld
ontomyt -shir
tli
keascaredchild.Mol l
yheard
myv oiceandshecr i
ed.Hermot herhandedher
tomeandshebecamequi et.Iputher
undercoveraswel l
andtherewasast rong
smellofurine.Themattr
esswast oosmallf
or
thefi
veofus)
Di
mpho:
(sobbi
ng)uncl
e?
Uncl
e:daught
er?
Dimpho:canyoupleaseaskDi mphotolook
aftermyki
ds.Imissedwor kyest
erdaybecause
therewasnoonet otakecareofthem.Ican’
t
missworkagain.Unclepl
ease
Uncl
e:Tshegoisher
eandIbel
i
eveshei
s
l
ist
eni
ng.Tshego?
Me:
uncl
e,Di
mphoknowsmycondi
ti
ons
Dimpho:Ido(
wipi
ngt
ear
s)Ineedy
ourhel
p
Tshego
Uncl
e:whatdoy
ousayTshego?
Me:uncl
eDimphosai
dsheisfinewit
houtme
andshechasedmeoutofherhouseli
keadog
Dimpho:Iwaswr ongandI’
mr eal
l
ysorr
y.Can
youpleasehel
pmef ort
oday?Wewil
ltal
k
aboutitwhenIcomebackf r
om work
Me:
onl
yfort
oday
.Fort
odayonl
ymmaLi
sa
Dimpho:y
es.CanIgonow?I
’
m goi
ngt
obel
ate
forwor
k
Me:wherear
ethei
rbags?Theysmel
l
…..
thei
r
t
oil
etr
ies?
Dimpho: l
etmegoandgett hei
rbagsf
rom t
he
car.Il
eftthem becauseIwasn’
tsurei
fyou
weregoingt oagree
Me:
…..
(Sherushedoutandcamebackwi ththebags.
Shethengaveme50pul asothatIcoul
dbut
meatf ort
hefamil
y.Ibought10pulaair
ti
me
andstol
emyuncl
e’
sphone.Ir
echar
gedand
cal
ledPuso)
Puso:
hel
l
o
Me:
babei
t’
sme.Ist
olemyuncl
e’
sphone
Puso:
(hel
aughed)andy
ouar
eint
het
oil
et
Me:
howdoy
ouknow?
Puso:
thatecho
Me:
ij
o!Li
sten.Shecametoaskmeforhel
pthi
s
mor
ningwi
that ai
lbet
weenherl
egs
Puso:
Dimpho?
Me:yes.Shemissedworkyest
erdaysotoday
shecamet oaskmetolookaft
erthekids.
Puso:
yesy
esy
es.Ourpl
ani
swor
kingf
ine
Me:
yes
Puso:soareyoucomi
ngbackt
o
Thebephat
shwa?
Me:
ift
heyagr
eet
opayme
Puso:
good
Me:seei
ngDimphocry
ingandbeggi
ngf
ormy
hel
phumbledme.ij
o!
Puso:
andshemustapol
ogi
se
Me:
shewi
l
lnev
er
Puso:
shewi
l
l.Ourpl
anwor
kedbabe
Me: i
thaswor
ked.Forsur
eIwi
l
lbest
udy
ing
nextyear
Puso:
I’
m happyf
ory
oumyl
ove
Me:
I’
m happyf
ormy
sel
f.Thanksal
otl
ove
Puso:
thepl
easur
eismi
ne
(
Ihear
dfoot
steps)
Me:
someonei
scomi
ng,
Ihav
etogo
Puso:
Ilov
eyouangel
Me:
Ilov
epr
inci
e
Puso:
mpchwaa!
Uncl
e:whoi
sint
her
e?
Me:
it’
smeuncl
e
Uncl
e:whoar
eyout
alki
ngt
o?
Me:
Iwassi
ngi
ng.Ar
etheki
dsawake?
Uncl
e:no.I
’
mlooki
ngf
ormyphone,
hav
eyou
seeni
t
Me:I’
m sorr
yuncle.Li
sawantedtopl
aywi
thi
t
soIhi
dit.If
orgottogivei
ttoyou
Uncl
e:ehe!Youwi
l
lfi
ndmeatt
hehouse
Me:
eer
ra
(i
tal
waysamazesmehowmyuncl ecanj
ust
deci
detohaveaconv
ersat
ionwi
thuswhi
lewe
arei
nthetoi
l
et)

LATERTHATDAY……

(
DimphoandTef
ocamet
omyuncl
e’
shouse.
weexchangedgr eet
ings.Thekidsrantothei
r
dadandignoredtheirmum.Ihadbat hedthem
andappl
iedtheirscentedlot
ion.Theysmell
ed
l
ikel
it
tl
eprincessesandt heywerebubblyagai
n)
Tefo:mygi
rl
ssmel
ll
ikeagar
den.Thanky
ou
Tshego
Me:
wel
comesi
r
Uncle:thesetwoar eangels.Tshegobathedand
fedthem owaii,theyspentthewholeday
playi
ngwi thotherkidswit
houtacar einthe
world.ButLisakeptonchecki ngifTshegowas
around
Tefo:butgat
wet
heywer
ecr
yingt
hewhol
eof
yester
day
Uncl
e:t
heyhav
ebeengoodgi
rl
s
Tef
o:Di
mphot
osav
eti
mepl
easet
ell
uncl
ewhy
weareher
e
Di
mpho:
(looki
ngdown)wear
est
ruggl
i
ngwi
th
thekidssowehav
ecomet
oaskf
orTshego’
s
help
Uncl
e:hel
p?
Di
mpho:
butwewi
l
lbepay
ingher
Uncle:
howmuch?Tshegowant stosav
efor
school
.KanaTshegoisgr
owingold,
sheneeds
togobacktoschoolandf
ini
sh.Howmuchar e
yougoingt
opayher?
Di
mpho:
1,000
Tef
o:weagr
eedon1,
500.
Di
mpho:
(embar
rassed)If
orgot
Tefo:
weknowt hatTshegohasaskedf or2,
000
butwehonest
lycan’taf
fordthatatt
hemoment
sowehumblyrequestthatsheagreetothe
1,
500off
er
Uncl
e:t
hat
’supt
oTshegot
odeci
de(
hel
ooked
atme)
Tef
o:pl
easemysi
sterhel
pusout
Me:
it’
sfi
ne
Tef
o:(
smi
l
ing)t
hanky
oul
i
ttl
esi
ster
Di
mpho:
thanks
Uncle:pleasemakesur ethatyouhonory our
promisebypay ingTshego.Again,Tshegoisa
humanbei ngwi thfeel
i
ngsandl i
keanyot her
personsheget stir
ed.Justbecauseyouwi llbe
payingheri tdoesn’tmeany oushouldtreather
l
ikeasl ave.DoImakemy selfcl
earDimpho?
Di
mpho:
(wi
pingt
ear
s)y
esuncl
e
Uncl
e:Tef
o?
Tefo:thehonesttrut
histhatweoweTshegoan
apologyforlyi
ngtoherandf ormakingherwor
k
wit
houtpay .Tshegonnakawesi ncerel
y
apologise
Me:youarefor
giv
en( Puso’
sadvicecr
ossedmy
mind)weneedtodiscussthetermsofmy
ser
viceandputi
tdowni nblackandwhit
e
Tef
o:f
airenough
Uncle:
(smil
i
ng)obabal
etswemotogolowame
banna.Youhav
ehadenoughTshegofatso
Me:
(smi
l
ing)Ihav
elear
ntnott
otr
ustpeopl
e
Tefo:wewilldi
scusst
het
ermsandt
henIwi
l
l
draftacont
ract
Me:let
sdiscusst
hem her
esot
hatIseei
fI
agr
eetothem ornot
.
Tef
o:ok
(Wediscusstheter
msandcondi t
ionsand
whenwewer edoneIt
ookmybagsandt heki
ds
bagsandwel eftf
orThebephat
shwa.Iwasso
happy.Di
mphowasqui etonourwayt o
ThebephatshwaandIdidn’
tcar
e)
NO.20

AWEEKLATER.
..
.
EversinceIcamebackDi mphohadbeenqui et
andabi tdi stant.Il ikei tthatwaybecauseshe
doesn'tcont rolmemuchany mor eandshe
knowsv erywel lthataf tercooki ngdi nnermy
j
obf orthedayi sdone.Ist il
lsleepwi thMol l
y
though.Mybr otherl i
terallybeggedmet osleep
withMol lybecauseIcant akebet tercareofher
becauseDi mphoi sl azy .
..
...
..
..Ift hereis
anythingnearper fectonear thitismy
rel
ationshipwi t
hPuso.Iknowwi thouta
shadowofdoubtt hatt hisguyl ov esmeandI
l
ov ehim wi thev er yf ibreofmysoul .Thet i
me
forhimt ogoont het ri
phadcomeandi twas
thesaddestt imeofmyl i
fe.Thatpar t
icular
weekendIhadv isitedmyuncl ei nMol epolole
butleftSundaymor ningsot hatIcoul dspend
thedaywi t
hPuso.Iwentt ohi shouseandwe
j
ustchi l
ledi nhisr oom.Hi smoodwasabi tlow.
Wewer ebot hr est ingont hebednakedaf t
era
l
ovemaki
ngsessi
on.
Me:
Ihav
enev
erseeny
oul
i
ket
hisbef
ore
Puso:
goi
ngonat
ri
pal
way
sdoest
hist
ome
Me:
ao!
Puso:yah.i
nt hepastIusedt
owor
ryt
hatmy
gi
rl
fri
endwillcheat
Me:
soy
out
hinkImi
ghtcheat
?
Puso:Isai
dinthepastbabe.RightnowI'mIm
worri
edaboutyourwellbeing.Howareyou
goi
ngt ocopewit
hstresswhenI '
m away?Are
yougoingtobeabletostandupf oryour
sel
f?
I
’m worri
edaboutsuchthings
Me:(t
ouchinghischin)don'
tworr
ylove.IknowI
hav
ey oursupportandthosecal
l
sar egoingto
makeadi f
fer
ence
Puso:
takegoodcar
eofy
our
sel
fpl
ease
Me:
Iwi
l
l
Puso:
don'
tl
etDi
mphogett
oyou
Me:
owai
i
i,shei
sababyt
heseday
s
Puso:atl
eastI
'
mleav
ingwhent
hingsar
ebet
ter
fory
ou
Me:
yah
Puso:Tshegopleasedon'tbetemptedwhen
themoneycomes.Iknowy ouhavebeen
depri
vedofalotofthingssincestayi
ngwit
h
yourbrot
herbutpleaseuset hemoneywisel
y.If
youcanatleastsaveat housandeverymonth
anduse500f oryoursel
f.
Me:
Ipr
omi
sey
out
hatIwi
l
lsav
e
Puso:spendsomeony oursel
fthough.St
art
doi
ngy ourhai
randst
opl ooki
nglikemy
boyf
ri
end
(hel
ikest
easi
ngmebecauseIkeepmyhai
r
shor
tandnatur
al)
Me:
(Il
aughed)st
opi
t!
(hegotoutofbed,openedt hecl
osetandtook
outagiftboxandhandedi ttome.Ij
umpedf or
j
oy .Thelastt
imeIrecei
vedawel lwr
appedgift
wast heyearmymum di ed,onmybirthday
)
Puso:
wit
hthi
sgi
ftI
'
m mar
kingmyt
err
it
orymy
l
ove
Me:(
Ilaughedhar
d)yourl
oveformeandmy
l
oveforyouhaveal
readymarkedt
heter
ri
tor
y
Puso:
(hel
ookedatmeandsmi
l
ed)ar
eyou
goi
ngtoopeni
t?
Me:wow!Il ov
ethemessage'Il
oveyouTshego
andIwillal
waysdo.Iwil
lal
waysfeelyourl
ove
andpresenceevenwhenwear eapart
.Justso
youknow, mylovef
oryourunsdeeperthanyou
caneverunderst
and'wow!
Puso:
Ilov
eyoubabe
Me:
Ilov
eyoumor
e
(
weki
ssedbef
oreIopenedmygi
ft
)
Puso:
yourhandsar
eshaki
ng
Me:I
'm exci
ted.I
'
m emot
ional
.Yeahhhhh!
Cel
l
phone
Puso:
y esl
ove.Thelastt
hingIwantwhi
l
eI'
m
awayiscommuni cat
ionbr
eakdown
Me: ebi
l
eIhadplannedt
obuyasimpl
e
cel
lphonewhenIgetpai
d(smi
l
ing)t
hisl
ooks
expensi
ve
Puso:
it'
snot
Me:hehehehe.I'
m goingtoswipei
tthewayI
al
waysseeDimphoswi pi
nghers.Hehehe!Oh
God!Doesi
thavefacebookandwhatsapp?
Puso:yesIhaveev
ensubscri
bedforamonth.
Youwillneedt
oopenafacebookaccountand
anorangemoneyaccount
Me:
Iwi
l
l.Hel
pmeopenaf
acebookaccount
Puso:Tshegohakereyouknowt
hatsoci
al
medianeedsdisci
pli
ne?
Me:
Iknowv
erywel
l
.
Puso:
great
(bythet i
meIwentbackhomeIcoul duse
Facebookandapp.Pusohadt aughtmet he
basics.Ili
kedandf oll
owedsomanypagesl i
ke
askr akgadi,
toforgiv
eornot ,youthof
Botswana, fi
ghtcri
mei nGabor one, secrets.All
thepagesLent lealwayst al
kstomeabout .I
couldnotwai ttostartreadi
ngt hi
sbookwr i
tten
byLor atoKenosicall
edt oforgiveornot .Lentle
can'tstoptalki
ngaboutt hebook.Bor edom was
goingt obeat hi
ngoft hepast.Iwasnol onger
goingt owatchrepeatsofr epeats.Thatni ghtI
chattedwi t
hmyboount i
l12mi dnight)

I
nthemor
ning.
..
.

Col
l
eague:
arey
our
eadyf
ort
hel
onel
i
ness?
Puso:
(hegi
ggl
ed)Icannev
erber
eadybutI
havet
odowhatIhavetodo
Col
league:
truet
hat.Ihopeyourgi
rl
f r
iendis
st
rongenoughtoresistt
hesevul
tures,army
of
ficer
s!Bynowtheyknowy ouaregoi ngandat
l
eastoneofthem i
stargeti
ngyourgirl
!
Puso:
I'
m notwor
ri
edaboutt
hat
Col
l
eague:
yout
rusther
?
Puso:
Ido
Col
l
eague:
Icannev
ert
rustawoman
Puso:
Tshegoi
snott
hecheat
ingt
ype
Coll
eague:t
hatment
ali
tywi
l
lsendy
ougagai
f
shecheatskanamonna
Puso:
owai
i
,notmyTshego
(
Johnj
oinedt
hem)
John:
saf
ejour
neyguy
s
Puso:
sur
eskwat
a
John:
howi
sTshego?
Puso:sheisfinefornow.Sheisexcit
edabout
chat
ti
ngwi thmeandherf r
iendovert
henew
phonebutIknowoncet heexcit
ementdi
esshe
wil
lst
artfeeli
nglonelyandbored
John:youar
eri
ght
.Ibel
i
eveshewi
l
lbef
ine
though
Puso:
shehastobef i
nenowthatwehave
managedt
oresol
v eherpr
essi
ngissuesandour
owncommunicat
ionissue
John:
sur
esbudah.Seey
ouaf
terChr
ist
mas
Puso:Iknow.eish!Letmecal
lmybabebef
oreI
geti
ntothattr
uck

GABORONE

Col
l
eague:
youdon'
tl
ookokDi
mpho
Di
mpho:
Idon'
tfeel
okei
ther
Col
l
eague:
whati
sgoi
ngon?
Di
mpho:
Ihavebeengi
venawr
it
tenwar
ningf
or
mi
ssi
ngworkonMonday
Coll
eague:
I'
m sor
ryf
ri
end.Whathappened
kant
e?
Dimpho:Tef
o'ssist
eristheonewhohasbeen
taki
ngcareofthekidsbutthatSundayshe
deci
dedgoreeneebi l
eshewi l
lnolongerhel
p
us
Col
l
eague:
whathappenedf
orhert
osayt
hat
?
Di
mpho:
(shocked)not
hing
Col
l
eague:
wher
eisshenow?
Dimpho:Ihadtoli
ter
all
ybeghertocomeback
andhelpus.guesswhat!shedemandst
hatwe
payher
Coll
eague:haker
emmey ouhavebeengi
vi
ng
herpocketmoneyandt
akingcar
eofher,
why
woul
dshedemandpay
?
Di
mpho:
..
..
..
Col
l
eague:
youhav
entbeengi
vi
ngherany
thi
ng?
Dimpho:haker
ewear
edoi
ngev
ery
thi
ngel
se
forher
Coll
eague:
notevena500pulamma
Motswasel
e.Yourhusbandi
samaj
orf
orcr
ying
outl
oud
Di
mpho:hadIknowny ouweregoingtoj
udge
meIwouldhavenotsharedmyissueswi
thyou
Colleague:I'
m notj
udgi
ngyou.Istay
edwithmy
l
itt
lecousinaf t
ershecomplet
edherfor
m 5.
Shewast aki
ngcareofmychildandIusedto
giveher1,000pulaeverymonthandIusedto
feelthemoneywasl it
tl
ebecauseifi
twasa
properhelperIwouldhavebeenpayi
ngmor e
Di
mpho:
shei
soursi
sternotcousi
n
Col
l
eague:
giv
ethechi
l
dwhatshedeser
ves
mmaorelseyouwill
findyourki
dsl
ockedupi
n
t
hehousealoneandcryi
ng
Di
mpho:
...
Col
l
eague:
gapey
ouhav
ebeen.
..
Di
mpho:
canwedr
opi
t?
Col
l
eague:
oh
Dimpho:whyiseverybodyt
aki
nghersi
de;
you,
Tefoandthei
runcle
Coll
eague:
iti
snothersi
debutt
hesi
deoft
he
tr
uth

ToFor
giv
eOrNot
?

NO.21

Iwaswi
tht
hegir
lspl
ayi
ngwithabal
loonwhen
wehear
daknockonthedoor
.Iwenttoopen
andasusual
itwast
hei
rr
it
ati
ngJohn
John:
hel
l
oTshego
Me:
hel
l
oJohn
John:
youar
epl
ayi
ngwi
tht
heki
ds?
Me:
Iwantt
hent
ogett
ir
edandsl
eep
John:
kar
eyouar
ever
yst
rat
egi
c
Me:(Igi
ggl
ed)Ihav
etobe.(
toLi
sa)t
hrowt
he
bal
l
oont oMoll
ymygir
l
Li
sa:
no
Me: y
ouar eacleverpri
ncess.Gi
veyoursister
mygi r
l(Li
sathrewt hebal
loonatMoll
ywho
becameexcited)claphandsforyour
selfclever
gi
rl
John:
youhav
eagoodr
elat
ionshi
pwi
tht
hem
Me:
Ido
John:
Iboughty
ousomesnacks
Me:
Pusoshoul
dst
opspoi
l
ingmet
hismuch
other
wiseIwi
l
lbev
eryf
atbyt
het
imehecomes
back
John:
I'
mtheonewhoboughtt
hem
Me:that
'sv
eryconsi
der
ateofy
ou.t
hanks.Li
sa,
chi
ps!
John:youarewel
come( hetookmyphonefrom
thechair
)Pusohasbeenbraggingt
hathehas
boughtyouacell
phonekantehemeansa1,000
pulaphone
Me:
ist
her
eany
thi
ngwr
ongwi
thi
t?
John:t
hisi
spoorqual
ityphone.event
he
pi
ctur
equali
tyi
spoor.Idoubtithasmemor
y
Me:Ili
keitandi
twor
ksper
fect
lyf
orme.i
t'
sa
pr
eciousgif
t
John:
thi
sguymustgetser
ious
Me:
hei
s
John:
hei
snot
.
Me:ij
o!Li
sagiv
ennanachips.Gi
veher
(
clappi
nghands)goodgi
rl
(
Lisahappi
l
ycl
appedhandsf
orher
sel
f)
John:
andIl
ongtol
dhi
mtobuyy
ouaphone
andhedi
dn'
tl
ist
en
Me:
I'
mt heonewhoresi
stedbecauseback
t
hem Iwasscar
edofmybr ot
herandhiswi
fe
John:ehe!IfIwer
ehim Icouldhav
efoundyou
aproperjobbynowandr entedyouahouse
somewher ewhereyouwillbecomfor
tabl
eand
fr
ee.
Me:I
'
m okher
enow.Thi
ngsar
enotasbadas
t
heyusedt
obe
John:t
hisguyi
snotser
iousabouti
t.Iknowi
t,
I
'm hi
sfri
end
Me: Ithinkheisser
iousandnothi
ngy
ousayis
notgoi ngtochangehowIperceiv
ehi
m orour
rel
ationship
John:theonlythi
ngheknowsi stocompl ain
abouty oursexgameandhowhef eels
responsibl
eforyoufinanci
all
yevent houghhe
himselfisgoingthr
oughf i
nanci
alhar dshi
ps
Me:(Iputt
heball
oondowntryi
ngt
odi
gest
whatJohnhadjustsai
d)ahah!
John:ifIwer
ehi
m Iwasgoingtoteachyoua
fewtri
cksandstopcompl
aini
ng.Idon'
tbel
iev
e
peopleshoul
dcomplai
naboutthi
ngstheycan
change
Me:
whydi
dhet
ell
yout
hataboutme?
John:wearef
ri
endshakerenemmasohe
confi
desi
nme.pleasedon'
ttel
lhi
m
Me:
whynot
?
John:Tshegot heguywasconf idi
nginmesoi f
youtellhi
mt hatIt oldyouthenheisnotgoing
toconfi
dei nmeagai n.hakerebytel
li
ngyouI'
m
hel
pingy ousot haty oucanupy ourgame.
I
magi neifyoudi dn'tknowatallgorewhats
t
urni
nghi
m of
f
Me:
soi
ttur
nshi
m of
f?
John:
yah
Me:buthenev
ersai
danythi
ngt
ome(
Iwas
angr
yandembarr
assed)
John:
youknowhowmenar
e
Me:
howcoul
dhe!
John:
Ihav
etogo.enj
oyt
hesnacks
Me:
thanksal
ot
John:
any
time

(
phoneconv
ersat
ion)

Di
mpho:
hel
l
odaddy
Tef
o:hel
l
olov
e
Di
mpho:
arey
ouf
reet
otal
k?
Tef
o:y
esmyl
ove
Dimpho: ner
rawhydoesitseem l
ikeyou
alwaystakeyoursi
ster
ssi
de?Tshegodoesnot
respectmethewaysheusedt obecauseyou
alwaystakehersi
de
Tefo:babyI
'
m nottaki
ngTshegossi
dei
m
taki
ngthesi
deofthetrut
h
Dimpho:buti
tmakeshert
otr
eatmewi
thl
ess
respect
Tefo:Idon'tthi
nkTshegodisrespectsy
oumy
l
ov e.I
niti
all
yTshegowasv eryscaredofyoubut
theseday swhatsheisdispl
ay i
ngisnotfearbut
respect.Babykanathereisadiffer
ence
betweenf earandrespect
Dimpho:itmakesmeuncomf ortabl
e.Ekareshe
hastakencontr
ol ofmyhouse.i
tfeelsasi fshe
i
st heoneinchargenowandt hefactthaty ou
l
ist
ent oherandsupporthermakesitwor se
Tef
o:t
hepr
obl
em i
swi
thy
ourper
cept
ionmy
l
ove
Di
mpho:
no,
iti
snot
Tef
o:i
tis.Wewi
l
ldi
scusst
heissuepr
operl
y
whenmewemeetlat
ermylov
e.Dontstr
ess
Dimpho:thanks.sowear
epay
ingher1,
500
nextweek?
Tef
o:It
hinkwhoev
erget
spai
dfi
rstmustpay
her
Dimpho:nowewil
lpayhernextweek.Let
'
spay
t
hebi l
l
s,buf
oodandneccesit
iesf
orthebabi
es
fi
rst
Tef
o:ok
Dimpho:can'
twepayher1,
000haker
eyousaw
howtightourbudgeti
s?
Tef
o:doy
ouwantanot
herwar
ningatwor
k?
Dimpho:t
hisi
swhatImeanwhenIsayy
out
ake
Tshego'
sside
Tefo:babywhatI
mtryi
ngt osayisweshould
payTshegoaswehavepr omisedherot
herwise
ther
eisgoingtobeaproblem.Babyyouknowit
Di
mpho:but1,
500i
sal
ot.Tshegoi
snotdoi
ng
muchathome
Tefo:andwhenshehadlef
tusyouwer
enot
copingbecausei
tsnotmuch?
Di
mpho:
1,500i
sal
ot
Tefo:I
'
m notnegot
iat
ingonthi
sone,
nextweek
Tshegoisget
ti
ngher1,500
Dimpho:
Iunder
stand.Sowhoi
sgoi
ngt
ogi
ve
hert
hemoney?
Tefo:Ithi
nkyoushouldbetheonegiv
ingher
themoneysot hatshecanseeyouappreci
ate
hereffort
s.Gapeyoubeingthewomanofthe
housemustbet heonewor ki
ngwit
hTshego
closel
ynotme.
Di
mpho:
ok.t
hat
'sf
ine
Tef
o:Il
ovey
ouwi
fey
.Don'
tst
ress
Di
mpho:
Ilov
eyout
oo
Tef
o:mmey
ouseem abi
tdownt
heseday
s
Di
mpho:
thesi
tuat
ionathomewor
ri
esme
Tefo:
wewi lltal
kaboutitf
acetofacesot
hatI
canseeifthereisanyt
hingIcandotomakemy
wif
ecomf ortabl
einherownhome.Hakere
sweetlov
e
Di
mpho:
(gi
ggl
i
ng)t
hanksbabe

(MyphonerangandthemomentIsawPuso'
s
pict
ureont
hescreenmybloodboi
led)

Me:
hel
l
o
Puso:
babyl
ove
Me:
.
Puso:
hel
l
olov
e
Me:Iwil
lst
artwatchi
ngpor
nogr
aphi
cvi
deosso
t
hatIcanimprov
emysexgame
Puso:
ahah!
Me:
.(Iwasf
uri
ous)
Puso:
Tshegoi
tsPuso
Me:
Iknowi
tsy
ou
Puso:youar
etal
kinginpar
abl
es.Whatdoes
pornogr
aphyhav
et odowit
hanythi
ng?
Me:
ithast
odowi
thev
ery
thi
ng
Puso:babyIcanfeelt
haty ouareangrybuti
ts
nothel
pingforyoutoscream atmebecauseI
don'
tknowwhatt hegistofthematteris
Me: Pusot heonlytimeIev eraskedforhel
p
fr
om y ouwaswhenr egar
dingschool f
ees.I
havenev eraskedf ormoneyf rom youfor
anythi
ngel se.Yougav emey ourmoney
becausey ouwant edt onotbecauseIasked.I
havelearnttoacceptwhatIdonthav e
Puso:Tshegopl
easetellmewhatt
heissuei
s
becauseyoucantshoutatmeaboutt
hingsI
dontevenunder
stand
Me:
whatdi
dyout
ell
John?
Puso:Johni
smyf
ri
endsowet
alkaboutal
ot
ofthi
ngs
Me: thingslike(mi micki
nghi shoarsev oice)
"Tshegoi sabur dentoapoi ntthatIfeelI'm hi
s
fathernow"" Tshegowant stochowmymoney "
"Tshegoi spoori nbed"howdoy oucomf ort
ably
discussoursexl ifewithyourfri
end?Kegor eby
nowhal fofBDFknowsgor eTshegohasno
i
deaast owhati ssupposedt ohappeni nbed.
AllalongIhav ebeengi vi
ngallofmet oy ou
thinki
ngy ouareenj oyi
ngitkantewenay ouar e
notsat isfi
ed?
Puso:
Tshegowai
t.di
dJohnt
ell
youal
loft
hat
?
Me:
whatdoy
out
hink?
Puso:
Tshegot
obehonestwi
thy
ou,
Ihav
e
neverdi
scussedoursexl
i
fewi t
hJohn.Theonl
y
thi
ngIsharewithhi
m wasthatyouar
epureand
thatwaslongagowhenwemet .
Me:
sohei
smaki
ngi
tup?
Puso:yesandaboutmoney .Ididntt
el l
himthat
youareaburden.Iaskedforhisadviseafter
youaskedmet ohelpyou.heist wi
stingmy
words
Me:
whomustIbel
i
evenow?
Puso:l
ookhereTshego,bel
i
evewhoev
eryou
wanttobeli
eve.Iwi
l
laskJohnwhyhesai
dall
thoset
hings
Me:
bye
Puso:
wai
tseee!by
e
(
Icutt
hecal
l
)
No.22
Col
l
eague1:
what
'
swr
ongwi
thmmaMaj
or?
Col
league2:
IthoughtIam t
heonl
yone
not
ici
ngthechanges
Col
league1:
mostpeopl
eher
edo.Shei
sabi
t
qui
etandwit
hdr
awn
Coll
eague2:sheis.Thewri
ttenwarninghas
humbledher
.Shewasbegi nningt
ot hinkt
hat
sheisaGodoft hi
splace
Col
league1:(whi
speri
ng)appar
ent
lyshehas
al
solostherpowerathome
Col
l
eague2:
ser
iousl
y?
Col
l
eague1:
yes
Col
l
eague2:kanaIwaswonder
inghowawhol
e
maj
orcanbecontr
oll
edbyawoman
Col
league1:notany
more.Shehasbeen
st
ri
ppedoffherpower
(
theynot
icedt
hatDi
mphowasappr
oachi
ng)
Coll
eague2:t
heguybasi
cal
l
yst
art
edhi
s
busi
nessfr
om not
hing
Col
l
eague1:
hei
shi
ghl
yfav
our
ed
Di
mpho:
ladi
es
Col
l
eague2:
hel
l
ommaMot
swasel
e
Col
league1:hidear.Kar
eyouar
echi
l
ledt
hese
day
s?( shewinked)
Di
mpho:
whi
chguywer
eyout
alki
ngabout
?
Col
l
eague2:
someguyy
oudon'
tknow
Di
mpho:
we'
rey
out
alki
ngaboutme?
Col
l
eague1:
no
Coll
eague2:
whywoul
dyout
hinkwewer
e
tal
ki
ngaboutyou?
Di
mpho:
bye.I
'
m of
ftomyof
fi
ce
Col
l
eague1:
alr
ight
Col
l
eague2:
ok
(
aft
ershel
eft
)
Coll
eague1:benicetopeopl
eonyourwayup
becauseyoumightneedthem ony
ourway
down
Col
league2:
(hi
ghf
ive)Icoul
dnothav
eputi
t
bet
ter.
(meanwhi l
eDi mpholockedherof fi
cedoorand
threwher selfheavil
yont hechai
rcrying.She
stronglyfeltthatshewast hetopicof
discussioni ntheoffi
ce.Shethoughtof
applyingforl eavetogetawayf r
om of f
ice
gossipbutt hethoughtofspendingday sat
homewi thTshegoandt hekidsdidn'
tsitwell
withher .Shewi pedthetearsandappl i
edmake
upagai nbef oreopeningtheoffi
cedoor )

(
phoneconv
ersat
ion)
John:
Pusoski
!
Puso:okhudunemonna?
opostof
fi
ce?Ot
say
a
oaise?(ar
eyouamessenger
?)
John:areyoutal
ki
ngaboutt
heconv
ersat
ion
thatIhadwit
hTshego?
Puso:whatmakesmeangryi
sthefactt
haty
ou
l
ied.Inev
ersai
dTshegoi
snotgoodinbed
John:
shedi
dn'
thearmepr
oper
ly
Puso:
wer
eyout
ryi
ngt
oscor
epoi
ntsorwhat
?
John:
Iwasj
oki
ngwi
thTshego
Puso:
didy
out
ell
hert
haty
ouar
ejoki
ng?
John:
Iwi
l
ltel
lher
Puso:
Icanseey
ouri
ntent
ions
John:
Iwasj
oki
ng
Puso:i
fy ouwantarel
ati
onshi
pwi t
hTshego,
stopbeingacowardandtel
lher.Don'
tusemy
namet owinherlov
ebecausemynamewon' t
hel
pyout
osust
aint
hel
ove
John:don'
tbeangryskwat
a.Youknowme,
I
can'
tdothatt
oy ou
Puso:
Idon'
tthi
nkIt
rusty
ou
John:
aoskwat
a!
Puso:Ican'
tbel
i
eveyouwait
edformet
oleav
e
sothatyoucoul
dplayy
oursi
ll
ygame.
John:skwat
athi
ngsar
enott
hewayt
hey
appear
Puso:
ngngng!
John:Ididn'
tthinkt
hisi
ssuewasgoi
ngtobe
blownoutofpr opor
ti
on.Letmecal
lTshegoand
tell
herthati
twasaj oke
Puso:Iwil
lnevert
rustyouagain.Youknowhow
muchTshegomeanst omey etyouwantto
makeamov eonher.Dudewhaty ouaredoi
ng
i
sev i
landit
'st
hewor stthi
ngamancandot o
another
John:
thi
sisamisunderstanding.Icannev
er
makeamov eonyourgi
rldfr
iend
Puso:i
fyouknowwhat'
sgoodfory
ouabort
yourpl
ans.Don'
tev
enbegi
ntounderest
imat
e
whatIcandotoyoushoul
dyoucar
ryonwith
yourev
ilpl
an.
John:
letmet
alkt
oTshegoandgetbackt
oyou
Puso:
bye
John:
bye
(
aft
ert
hecal
lJohncal
l
edTshego)

Tshego:
hel
l
o
John:
hiTshego.Nemmajaanongy
out
old
PusoaboutwhatIt
oldy
ou?
Tshego:
isheangr
yaty
ou?
John:
heisandnowhesay
sI'
m badmout
hing
hi
m becauseIwanty
ou
Tshego:I'
m sor
ry.Iwasangr
yathim soI
coul
dn'tkeepwhatwediscussedbet
weenus
John:
hei
sfur
ious
Tshego:
sor
ry.
John:
it'
sok
Tshego:
hedeni
est
ell
i
ngy
oual
lthet
hingsy
ou
sai
d
John:
wher
edi
dIgett
hem t
hen?
Tshego:
that
'st
het
hing
John:don'tt
ellhi
mt hi
ngswediscussnextt
ime
becausenowi tpaint
sabadpictur
eaboutme.
I
magi nethatri
ghtnowmybestf ri
endthi
nksI'
m
makingamov eonhisgir
lf
ri
end
Tshego:
sor
ryt
her
ra
John:
arey
oust
il
langr
yathi
m?
Tshego:y
es.I
'm pi
ssedbecausehepercei
ves
meast hi
sdesti
tut
ewhoischowinghismoney
whenshecan'
tev
ensat
isf
yhi
minbed
John:
andhemakesi
tasi
fhei
sbuy
ingsex
fr
om you
Tshego:
imagi
ne
John:
doy
oust
il
ll
ovehi
m?
Tshego:ofcourse.Idon'tt
hinkloveis
somethingyoucanj ustsnapoutof .Il
ovehi
m
buti
tfeelsasifthi
sangeri sreduci
ngthelov
eI
haveforhim
John:
Iunder
stand.
Tshego:canyoupleasetal
kt oPusoandgett
o
thebott
om ofthi
s.Doy outhinkhel
ovesme?I
mean,doy outhi
nkheisseriousaboutme?
John:Idon'
tknow.Letmet
alkt
ohi
m andgett
o
thebott
om ofthei
ssue
Tshego:
thanks
John:any
timeTshego.I
sther
eany
thi
ngy
ou
need?
Tshego:
no.I
'
m good
John:
letmeknowi
fyouneedany
thi
ng
Tshego:
whyar
eyoubei
ngsoki
ndt
ome?
John:
becausey
ouar
emyf
ri
end'
sgi
rl
fr
iend
Tshego:
ohOK
John:
bye
Tshego:
bye
(aft
eranalyzi
ngt hesit
uati
onwi t
hJohnIfel
t
veryangry.Theconv er
sati
onmademequest i
on
Puso'sloveforme.Pusocal l
edbutIdi
dn'
ttake
hiscallbecauseIwasst i
l
lpissed.Hecal
l
edme
againintheev eni
ng)

Puso:
hel
l
obabe
Me:
(of
fmood)hi
Puso:
youhav
en'
tbeent
aki
ngmycal
l
s
Me:
Iwasbusy
Puso:
Tshegowhat
'sgoi
ngonwi
thy
ou?
Me:
not
hing.Whatdoy
oumean?
Puso:youdon'
tcommuni
cat
ewithmeasmuch
asyouusedtoandwhenwetal
kyouseem not
i
nterest
ed
Me:
PusoI
'
m angr
ywi
thy
ou
Puso:andt
omet
hatmeansy
oubel
i
eveJohn
overme
Me:i
fyoudi
dn'
ttellhi
mthet
hingshesai
d
wher
edidhegetthem
Puso:
hei
stwi
sti
ngmywor
ds
Me:
whi
chmeansy
ousai
dsomet
hingt
ohi
m
Puso:
asaf
ri
endy
es
Me:
soy
ouf
indi
tokt
odi
scussmel
i
ket
hat
?
Puso:TshegoI'm doneexplai
ningmy selft
oyou.
Li
keIsaid,bel
ievewhoevery ouperceiveasa
vi
ablesourceofinformat
ion.I'
mv ery
di
ssapoi
ntedi
nyou
Me:
I'
m al
sodi
ssapoi
ntedi
nyou
Puso:
Im goingtotel
lyoumypercepti
onofthi
s
i
ssueandputi tt
orest
.Johnistr
yingtomakea
moveony ouandt owinyourl
oveheisdraggi
ng
mynameont hemudandabr i
cat
ingli
es
Me:
..
..
.(t
her
ewasal
ongsi
l
ence)
Puso:Icanseeyouareenter
taini
ngJohnsoI
wil
lwithdr
awabi tf
rom y
oubecausey ouhave
al
readywithdr
awnfrom me.Iloveyoubuti
fyou
choosemyf ri
endovermethen...
.
Me:
(conf
used)babywhatar
eyousay
ing?
Puso:whatI
'm say
ingi
s,JohnwantsyousoI
'm
gi
vingyouspacetodeci
deifyouwanthi
m or
not
Me:
Idon'
twanthi
m
Puso:
..
..
..
.
Me:
PusoIdon'
twantJohn
Puso:youknowwher etofi
ndmeoncey ou
havemadey ourmind.Bei
ngi nthebushis
str
essfulonitsownsoIdon' tthi
nkIcanhandle
anyotherstressorespeci
all
yast r
essort
hatcan
beeasilyavoided
Me:
let
'snotr
usht
omakedeci
sions
Puso:
wearenotmaki
nganydeci
sionsher
e.
Wearetaki
ngt
imetot
hink
Me:
whatdoesi
tmeanf
orus?
Puso:
yout
hinkabouti
tanddeci
de
Me:
PusoIl
ovey
ou
Puso:
buty
oudon'
tl
ovemeenought
otr
ustme
Me:
I'
m sor
ry
Puso:
Ihav
etogo.By
e
Me:
wai
t
Puso:
bye
(
aft
erPusocutt
hecal
lIwasconf
usedand
scar
edofl
osi
nghi m.Idecidedt
ocall
Lentl
e
andaskf
orhelp.Shebasical
lyt
oldmethatshe
shar
esPuso'
ssentiments)

No.24

(
phoneconv
ersat
ion)
John:
baby
Me:
sies!
John:
Tshego
Me:
youar
easl
i
ther
ingsnakey
ouf
ool
John:
babywhat
'sgoi
ngon?
Me:don'
tbabyme.Goandbabyt
hegi
rly
ou
wer
ewi t
hyester
day
John:oht
hat
.Haker
enemmaIsai
dshei
smy
cousi
n
Me:
Idon'
tcar
eifshei
syourbedbuddyornot
.
Johnstayawayfrom me.Af
tert
hiscal
lI'
m
del
eti
ngy ournumberfr
om myphoneandy ou
shoul
ddot hesame
John:maybeweshouldtal
kfacetof
ace
becauseyouareshouti
ngandIcan'
tmake
senseifwhaty
ouar esayi
ng
Me:(cal
m)OK.Letmemakemy selfcl
ear.I
'
m
noti
nter
est
edinyouandIcanneverdateaman
l
ikeyousofor
getaboutme
John:
whatdoy
oumeany
oucannev
erdat
ea
manli
keme?
Me:ther
eisnothi
ngt
oli
keabouty ou.Ther
eis
not
hingappeal
i
ngaboutyourpotbell
yand
yel
l
owt eet
h
John:
youar
ebei
ngdi
srespect
ful
now
Me: sincey
ouhavebeenboast
ingaboutbei
ng
abletoassistmefi
nanci
all
ymaybeyoushoul
d
uset hatmoneyf
orgym andwhit
eni
ngyour
teet
h
John:
Iwast
ryi
ngt
ohel
pyoudest
it
ute
Me: dest
it
uteornot,factisIcanneverfall
for
you.Youneedsomeser i
ouscounsel
ingmy
brot
her.Yourwitchcr
aftisatanotherlevel
.You
needsomest rongdeliverancebyapower f
ul
manofGod.Youar eadi sgrace
John:
(snappi
ng)shutup!
Me: y
ouar etheonewhoshoul dshutupand
stopdispl
ayi
ngy ouryell
owt eeth.Howcoul
d
youdot hatt
oy ourf ri
end.JustbecauseIam a
desti
tuteyouthinky oucant akeadvant
ageof
me?Thi nkagain
John:
shutupmai
d!
Me:yesIam mybrot
her'
smaidandit'
sOKas
l
ongasIdon'tsel
lmysel
ftousel
esssnakesl
i
ke
you
John:i
m gl
ady ouaredi
splay
ingthi
sst
reet
behavi
orofyoursnowbecauseIwasgoingto
marryyouthi
nkingyouar
eawel l
behavedgi
rl
Me:(laughing)mar ryme?Mar ryme?Orwer e
yougoi ngtohy pnoti
zemeandmar rymewhi l
eI
wasst il
lout.TrustmeIwasgoi ngtodivor
ce
youthemomentIgotoutoft hathy pnot
icstate.
Marr
ymemyf oot.Youar edelusionalandthat's
whyIi nsi
sty ouaskf orhelp
John:
evenPusodoesn'
tdeser
vey
ouy
ou
moron
Me:
(shout
ing)getof
f!Sl
i
ther
ingsnake.St
upi
d
f
ool
.Youaresucha..
..
.
(Ihear dsomesoundandIknewmyai r
timewas
fi
ni shed.Ididn'tgiveup.Ist art
edf l
oodinghis
appwi thinsults.Idi
di tuntilheblockedme.I
criedmyhear toutandf el
tbetteraft
erthat
.I
didn'twantt ocommuni catewi thPusobecause
Icoul dtellthathedi dn'twantt otal
ktome.
Thatev ening..
...)

Di
mpho:
youdon'
tl
ookOK
Me:I
'
m notfeel
i
ngwell(shel
ookedi
ntomy
ey
es)Ihav
eperiodpai
ns
Di
mpho:
oh.Atl
easty
ouar
enotpr
egnant
Me:(shewasrubbi
ngthewrongwayonaver
y
badday)wasIsupposedt
obepregnant
?
Di
mpho:
sor
ry
Me:IAM ASKI
NGI
FI'
M SUPPOSEDTOBE
PREGNANT
Di
mpho:
TshegoIdon'
tappr
eci
atet
hatt
one.
Me:
Idon'
tappr
eci
atewhaty
ouj
ustsai
dtome.
Di
mpho:
kgm!Kgm!Ihav
eyourpay
Me:
thanks
Dimpho:(
shetookthemoneyoutoft
hepocket
ofherbl
azer
)ther
ey ougo
Me:thanks(Icount
edthemoneyandi
twas500
pul
ashor t
.Il
ookedather)
Di
mpho:
ist
her
eany
thi
ngwr
ong?
Me:
howmuchdi
dweagr
eeon?
Di
mpho:
1,000
Me:
weagr
eedon1,
500
Di
mpho:
no
(alumpblockedmythr
oat.Itisdur
ing
moment sli
kethi
swhenIwoul dthi
nkoftheone
personwhom Ihavel
earnttorel
yon.Inev er
knewhowmuchPusomeantt omeunt i
lthat
snakesl
ither
edint
oourrelat
ionshi
p..
..
)
Me:
letmegoandaskLi
sa'
sfat
her
Dimpho:no.Ihadfor
got
tenbutnowI
remember(smili
ng)Iwi
l
lgiv
ey out
her
emai
ning
500nextmont h
Me:wenev
eragr
eedt
hatIwi
l
lbepai
din
i
nst
all
ment
sso..
..
(Istoodupandtookal
lmyclot
hesfr
om t
he
closetandt
hrewthem ont
hebed)
Di
mpho:
whatar
eyoudoi
ng?
Me:
I'
m doi
ngwhatIshoul
dhav
elongdone
Di
mpho:
Tshegocanwet
alk
Me:mmawee, Imightl
ookl
i
keast upidf oolt
o
youbutI
'm not.Iknowmyworth.Itooneedt o
bui
ldmyfutureandIneedastarti
nl i
fe.Clear
ly
youcan'
taffor
dt opaymesoIbetterleave.
Di
mpho:
butIwi
l
lgi
vey
out
her
emai
ningmoney
Me:youknowwher et
ofindmeonceyouhave
mymoney .FornowIhopeyoudon'
tgetanot
her
wr
it
tenwar ni
ngatwork.
Dimpho:(sheputherhandi
nsidetheot
her
pocketofherbl
azer)her
eisthe500
Me:he!He!Youhadthemoneybutyoudidn'
t
wanttogiv
emet hemoneybecauseaccordi
ng
t
oy ouIdon'
tdeser
vethatmoney?
Di
mpho:It
houghtyouwer
egoi
ngt
oletmeuse
t
hemoneyand..
..
Me:
(Isnat
chedt
hemoneyf
rom herhandand
puti
tinthepocketofmybackpack)I
'
m goi
ng.
Lookforsomeonewhodeservesyourmoney
Di
mpho:
Tshegowai
t
Me:
bye
(
Ifoundmybr
othersi
tt
ingi
nthel
ounge)
Tefo:t
hebags?(
hewasbot
hsur
pri
sedand
concer
ned)
Me: I'
mt i
redofyoupeopl etaki
ngmef or
granted.Iworksohar danddot hebestt hatI
cant ohelpyouy ety oudon'twanttodot he
samef orme.I '
m 20y ear
sol dandIhav ebeen
stayi
ngwi thyouf orfouryearsyetIhav e
nothingtoshowf oritexceptyoursuccesses.
(t
earswer enowf reelyst
reamingdownmy
cheeks)weagr eedy ouwillpayme1. 5buty ou
decideIdeserve1000i nstead
Tef
o:butDi
mphowe.
..
.
Di
mpho:
I'
m sor
ry.Icanexpl
ain
Tef
o:expl
ainwhatj
aanong?
Me: explainthatTshegoisti
redofbei
ngtaken
advant ageofandshei sleavi
ng.Fi
ndsomeone
whodeser vesyourloveandmoneybecauseI
don't.Ihaveenought roubl
esofmyownsoI
don'twant .
...
.Youknowwhat ..
..
.Goodl
uck
(Iopenedthedoorandwalkedout
.Mybrother
walkedpastmeandbl ockedt
hegatesothatI
couldnotopenit
)
Tefo:
Tshegopl
easest
aysot
hatwecansor
t
thi
sout.
(Iwentbacki
ntothehouseandt hethr
eeofus
sattoget
hert
odiscusstheissue.It
oldthem a
pieceofmymindandbyt hetimeIwasdone
Dimphowascrying)
N0.23

NCOJANE
(Theteam wassitt
ingunderatreehavingfun.
Somewer esharingjokeswhil
eotherswere
playi
ngmor abar
aba.Oneoftheguy sreal
ized
thatPusowasnotamongt hecrewanddeci ded
tocheckonhi m)
Col
league:
aoskwata!Whyar
eyouseat
ing
al
oneandlosti
nthought
?
Puso:
Imj
ustt
ir
ed.Iwantt
orel
ax
Col
l
eague:
arey
oumi
ssi
nghomeal
ready
?
Puso:
notr
eal
l
y
Col
l
eague:
whati
sgoi
ngon?
Puso:
not
hing
Coll
eague:skwatawehavebeenwor ki
ng
toget
herforali
tt
leoverayearandIcantel
l
wheny ouarenotyour
self
Puso:ther
eissomet
hingeat
ingmeup.I
thoughtIwoul
dbestr
ongenough.
.but
iti
shar
d
Col
l
eague:
soundshect
ic.Whati
sit
?
Puso:
Johni
smaki
ngmov
esonmygi
rl
fr
iend
Col
l
eague:
whoi
sJohn?
Puso:
Pri
vat
eMmol
oki
John
Coll
eague:nothat
snotpossi
ble.Thatguyi
s
yourbestfr
iendwhatmakesyouthinkhewant
s
yourgi
rlf
ri
end?
Puso: heistell
ingmygi r
lfr
iendsomeoft he
thi
ngsIt al
kedt ohim aboutandt heworstthi
ng
i
st hatheisf eedi
ngherlies,twist
ingmywor ds.
RightnowTshegoandIar efighti
ngbecauseof
him
Col
l
eague:
deal
wit
hthi
sguyonceandf
oral
l
Puso:howdoIdeal
wit
hhim whenI
mthi
sfar
?
I
tisli
kemyhandsaret
ied
Col
l
eague:
youar
eri
ght
Puso:
Im sit
ti
ngherewonder
inghowmuch
morearm heiscausi
ng
Col
league:
andwhyi
syourgi
rl
fr
iendl
i
steni
ngt
o
hi
snonsense?
Puso:Tshegoisnaï
veandgul l
i
blethatswhy
Johnisdoingwhatheisdoing.Imadea
mistakeoftel
l
ingJohnever
y t
hingabout
Tshegoandnowhei staki
ngadv antageofher
weaknesses.
Col
l
eague:
wehav
etomakeapl
an
Puso:whenIgobacki
n2monthsIwill
be
si
nglel
ookingatt
hepacei
nwhicht
hingsar
e
moving
Col
league:dontwor
ry.Wewoul
dhavemadea
pl
anandl ongimpl
ementedi
tbythen
Puso:
doy
ouhav
eany
thi
ngi
nmi
nd?
Coll
eague:
(hest
aredatPusoandsmi
l
ed)y
ou
knowme
Puso:
shar
ewi
thme
Col
l
eague:
let
sgof
orawal
ksot
hatIcanshar
e
mypl
answi
thy
ou

THEBEPHATSHWA

Tef
o:canyoupleasegoandbuymepai nki
l
ler
s
att
heshop.Ihaveaheadachef
rom hel
l
Me:
yessi
r
Tef
o:It
rustt
hatt
hispl
acei
ssaf
e
Me:
eer
ra
Tef
o:comebackqui
ckl
y
Me:
yessi
r
(Mybrot
hergavememoneyf orthepi
ll
s.WhenI
openedthedoorIreal
i
zedthatitwasalr
eady
darkout
side.Ir
ushedtotheshopandbought
somepanadosandmademywayback.Af ew
metresf
rom theshopIsawJohnt al
ki
ngt oa
gir
lmyage)
John:
heyy
ou
Me:
hel
l
ows
John:(
tot
hegi
rl
)goandbuy
,youwi
l
lfi
ndme
here
Gi
rl
:shoul
dIbuyy
ouany
thi
ngt
odr
inkbabe?
John:
no
Gi
rl
:ar
eyousur
ebabe?
John:
theshopi
saboutt
ocl
ose,
hur
ryup
(
thegi
rlhur
ri
edi
ntot
heshop)
John:Idi
dntthi
nkIwasgoi
ngt
oseey
ou
walki
ngaroundthi
slat
e
Me:Ihadt
ocomeandbuypainki
ll
ersf
ormy
br
other
.Hehasat
err
ibl
eheadache
John:
oh
Me:ni
ceseei
ngy
ou.Letmegoandgi
vehi
mthe
meds
John:
Iwi
l
ltakey
ouhal
fway
Me:
Ithoughty
ouar
ewai
ti
ngf
orher
John:
notr
eal
l
y
Me:
youdi
dnti
ntr
oduceus.I
sshey
ourgi
rl
fr
iend?
John:
noshei
smycousi
n.Wear
ever
ycl
ose
(
aswewer
ewal
ki
ngal
ongt
her
oad)
Me:
yourcousi
nispr
obabl
ylooki
ngf
ory
ou
John:Iwill
findheratmyroom.Kant
ewhy
doesntPusoenr ol
lyouinapr
ivat
eschool
?You
l
ookbr i
ght;youlookli
kesomeonewhocando
wellatschoolandmakesomet hi
ngoutofher
l
if
e
Me:apar
tfrom thathesayshedoesnthave
enoughmoneywear eonthevergeofabreak
up.Wehavent.
thingsaresourbetweenus(I
wasbecomingemot ional
)
John:
real
l
y!
Me:(
shocked)y
ousoundexci
tedandyouare
ev
ensmili
ng.It
houghty
ouweregoingtof
eel
sor
ryf
orus
John:dontbeaty
oursel
fforwhati
shappening
betweenthetwoofyou.maybeiti
sforthebest.
Tshegoyouneedamanwhocani nvesti
nyour
fut
ureandtakegoodcareofyou.
Me:
aret
her
esuchmenonear
th?
John:
Im her
e
Me:
mxm!
John: Im seri
ousTshego.Youar eagood
personandy oucanmakeagoodwi f
eit’
sonly
thatPusoi st
akingyouforgrant
ed.Ifyouwere
mygi rlf
riendIwouldproposemar r
iagetoyou,
takey oubackt oschoolandgiveyoua
comf ortablel
ife
Me:
(If
rowned)I
m conf
usedJohn
(Johngrabbedmeandbefor
eIcoul
dfi
gureout
whatwashappeninghi
sli
pswereonmineand
histonguewant
edtomakeawaybetweenmy
pressedli
ps.Imov edmyheadbackandt r
iedto
setmy sel
ffrom histi
ghtgri
pbutcoul
dnt
.His
armswer earoundmywai standhi
smember
wasr ubbi
ngagai nstmemaki ngme
uncomf or
table)
John:
baby
,Il
ovey
ou.
Me:l
etgooffme(
Isai
dasIst
ruggl
edt
oset
mysel
ffr
ee)
John:
giv
emeachancetoshowy
out
ruel
ove
andgi
veyouabet
terl
i
fe
Me:ify
oudontl
etgoof
fmeI
m goi
ngt
o
scr
eam
(
hesl
owl
yletgoof
fme)
John:I
m seri
ousTshego.Ilov
eyouandI
bel
iev
ey oudeser
vebettert
hanthatf
ool
who
can’
thelpyouwit
hanything
Me:
youar
ethef
ool
(
Isl
appedhi
m har
dacr
osst
hef
aceandr
anas
f
astasIcoul
d)

Tef
o:whyar
eyoubr
eat
hingsof
ast
?
Me:
I..
..
..
came.
..
..
..
..back.
..
..
..
.runni
ng.
..
..
..
..
Tef
o:ar
eyouscar
edoft
hedar
k?
Me:no..
..
..
..
..Iwantedtocome.
..
..
..
..
..
.andgi
ve
youthepil
l
sas. .
..
..
..qui
ckl
yasIcoul
d
Tef
o:buty
ouhav
ebeengonef
orl
ong
Me:
thequeuewasl
ong.Huuuuh!
Tef
o:oh.I’
m goingtotaket
hemedsandrestin
myroom.I’mlockingt
hedoorsothatt
hegir
ls
won’
tharassme.Iwi l
lunl
ockwhenDimpho
comes
Me:i
t’
sfine.Iwi
l
lkeept
hegi
rl
sent
ert
ained
whi
l
ey ourest
Tef
o:t
hanky
ousomuch
(
Aft
erhel
eftIcoul
dnotst
opt
hinki
ngabout
whatJohnhaddone.Ev ery
thingPusosai dwas
becomingcl ear.I
niti
all
yitwashar df ormet o
beli
evewhenLent leandPusoadv isedt hat
Johnwasi nterestedinme.Thet houghtofhi m
disgust
edme.Ev enifIweresi ngleIwoul d
neverconsi derJohnwi thhispotbel l
yand
yell
owt eeth.PusoandIhadnott al kedsincewe
foughtov erthephone.Iwant edt oapol ogiseto
him andtell himthatIwaswr ong.It ri
edcal li
ng
him buthedi dntt
akemycal l
s.Latert hatni ght
ataround10pm Ical l
edPusoagai nandhe
didntpi
ckhi sphone.Ther eal
itythatImi ght
havelostagoodmanf orhisselfi
shf r
iendhi t
mesohar dandIf oundmy selfcrying.Ideci ded
tosendhi m amessage. .
babyI
mv erysorryfornotbeli
evi
ngyou.You
wereri
ghtaboutJohn.Hei snotatr
uef r
iend
andIknowforaf actthathetol
dmel i
esabout
youwit
htheintenti
onofbr eaki
ngusup.Ihav e
beenafoolandIwonderi fIhavel
ostyouf or
goodornot .BabeIbel i
eveyou.Younev ertol
d
Johnaboutoursexl i
feandy ouneversaidI
burdeny ou.Ibeli
ev eyou.Babypleasef or
give
me.I m nothingwithoutyou.Iwaswr ongandI
understandwhyy ouar eangryatme.Johnt ried
tokissmet odayandi tmademer eal
izethat
youwer erightallalong.PusotherraIm nothing
wit
houty ouandIr efusetoloseyou.Iloveyou
andim sor r
yf orbeingangryatyou.babepl ease
for
giveme’
(whenIwokeupt henextdayPusohadnot
respondedtomymessageandIwas
disappoi
nted,wor
riedandangryatmysel
ffor
beingafool.
whatifheneverfor
givesmeorhe
forgi
vesmebutdoesntt akemeback?)

No.26

(
phoneconv
ersat
ion)
Puso:
guesswhat
Kenal
emang:
youar
ewi
thher
Puso:
noty
et.I
’
minmyr
oom dr
oppi
ngmybag
Kenal
emang:
it’
sgoi
ngt
obel
i
ttoni
ght
Puso:
it’
sgoi
ngt
obel
i
tthi
sweekend
Kenalemang:t
hat’
smyman.Iwant
edt
ohear
thathappyvoi
ceskwat
a
Puso:thanky ousomuchskwat a( hepr essed
hisphonebet weenhi searandshoul derand
usedhishandst ol ockthedoor)wheny ousaid
youwer emaki ngapl anIdi
dn’tthi
nky oumeant
thi
s.Thanky ousomuch.Youmaki ngsur ethat
IseeTshegobef oretheendoft het womont hs
i
st hebiggestgiftandIwillf
orverbet hankf
ul t
o
youmycol league
Kenal
emang:
don’
twor
rydude.
Puso:
sur
e
Kenal
emang:
remembernott
olett
hatsnake
pi
ssy
ouof
f
Puso:Iwonderwhyhehasbeencal
l
ingmeof
f
thehook
Kenal
emang:
don’
tev
ent
akehi
scal
l
s
Puso:I
’
m notaboutto(
walki
ng)I
’
m nowonmy
waytothepr
incess’
shouse
Kenal
emang:
sur
esbal
e

(hefi
nishedt
alki
ngt
oKenal
emangandcal
l
ed
Tshego)
Me:
babes
Puso:
myangel
.Wher
ear
eyou?
Me:i
nmyroom.Haker
eyouknowIonl
yanswer
myphonewhenI
’
mi nmybedroom
Puso:
whatar
eyoudoi
ng?
Me:resti
ng.Theseday
sIdon’tworkl
ikea
donkey.Iknockof
fat6.Any
thingIdoaft
er6
pm wi
l
lbeoutoft
hegoodnessofmyhear
t
Puso:
wenamaan.Lookt
hrought
hewi
ndow
Me:
(conf
used)whi
chwi
ndow?
Puso:
yourbedr
oom wi
ndow
Me:
mxm!
Puso:
babydoi
t
Me:
why
?
Puso:
please.Ther
eisasur
pri
sef
ory
ou
(
Ilookedt
hroughthewi
ndowandsawmyman
walki
ngonthestr
eetsl
owl
y.Iscr
eamed)
Me:babyist
haty
ou!ohmywor
d!Whatar
eyou
doi
nghere?
Puso:
Ihav
ecomet
oseet
heoneandonl
y,
mmaBoardsel
f
Me:
Iwantt
obewi
thy
ou
Puso:
youwi
l
lsnuggl
eoutatni
ght
Me:me?Iwi
l
lbewi
thy
oui
nlesst
han30
mi
nutes
Puso:
butt
hef
ami
l
yisnotsl
eepi
ng
Me:
Idon’
tcar
e
Puso:
don’
tgety
our
sel
fint
roubl
e
Me:
Iwon’
t.wooooooozaFr
iday
!
Puso:(helaughed)whathappenedt
omyshy
andreserv
edTshego
Me:
letmemakeapl
anqui
ckl
y.l
aterl
ove.
Puso:
lat
er
(Imov edaroundt heroom thi
nkinghard.Apl an
struckmymi nd.al l
theclot
hesPusohad
boughtmewer eathishouse.Ialsohad
toil
etr
iesthere.TheonlythingIhadtocar ry
alongwasaj acketandmycel lphone.Itooka
smal lbl
ackpl ast
icbagandputmycel lphone,a
pairofsneaker s,
ajacketandjerseyinside.i
wentt otheloungeandopenedt hefrontdoor…..
)
Di
mpho:
wher
ear
eyougoi
ng?
Me:i
m goingtothrowrubbishi
ntotheoutside
bi
n.I
tslef
tover
sfrom lunchanddinnersoifI
don’
tputi
toutsi
det hekit
chenwil
lsmellbadly)
Di
mpho:
youar
eri
ght
(
Iputt
heplast
icinsi
det
hebi
nandwentback
i
nsi
dethehouse.Iwasnowwai
ti
ngf
ortheri
ght
t
ime)
Dimpho:i
joIf
orgotmybl
ouseatt
hewashi
ng
l
ine.Pl
easegoandgeti
tforme
Me:
(cheer
ful
smi
l
e)nopr
obl
em atal
l
(shelookedatmesur prisedandIstoodupt o
goandgetherbl ouse.Ididgettheblousefrom
thewashingli
ne.Ihungt heblousenicelyonthe
doorknob.Iwentt othedustbinandquickly
tookoutmypl asti
cbag.Ir unandjumpedt he
fenceandremember edt hegoodol ddayswhen
highjumpwasmygame.That ’
swhereIgott he
nicknameMot setserepa.Istoppedrunning
whenIwasabi tfarf
rom homeandIputmy
sleeper
sinthepl
asti
candputonmysneakers.
Iwasnowr eadyfort
heroad.Ir
anallt
hewayto
wher ePusost
aysandit’
sabitf
ar.WhenIgot
thereIsl
oweddownt ocatchmybreat
hbefor
eI
knockedonhisdoor)
Puso:
whoi
sit
?
Me:
mmaBoar
d
(heopenedthedoorandl
if
tedmeupcheerf
ull
y.
Hewouldkissme, swi
ngmearound,ki
ssme
agai
nand……. hewassohappyandIwas
ecst
ati
c)
Puso:
pleaset
ell
mey
ouar
esl
eepi
ngov
er
Me:
whenar
eyougoi
ngbackt
oNcoj
ane?
Puso:
onMonday
Me:
wel
l
,int
hatcaseI
’
m goi
ngbackonMonday
Puso:
youar
eki
ddi
ngr
ight
Me:
I’
m deadser
ious.I
’
m al
lyour
sthi
sweekend
Puso:
youcan’
tdot
hatTshego
Me:
wat
chmedoi
t
Puso:
(hel
ookedatmewi
thaser
iousf
ace)do
youmeani
tTshego?
Me:ever
yword.St
opwi t
hthequesti
oni
ng.I
missedyousobad(Il
eanedoverandki
ssed
hi
m)
Puso:
(emot
ional
)Il
ovey
oummaBoar
d
Me:(rest
ingmyheadonhi schestandfeel
ing
l
ikeIhadconqueredeart
handitssorrows)I
knowandIal soknowthatIl
oveyoumor ethan
Icar
edt othi
nk.RaBoard
(
webursti
ntoaboutoflaughtert
hatendedi
n
adeepemoti
onal
ful
fi
ll
i
ngFr enchkiss)

TEFO’
SHOUSE
(Tef
ohadarr
ivedhomeafewminut
esbackand
hewaseat
ing.hecoul
dnoti
cet
hatDimphowas
pani
cki
ngabit)
Tef
o:Li
sagoandcal
lTshegomygi
rl
(usual
l
yLisawouldrunt
oTshego’
sroom t
ogo
andcallherbutt
hist
imeshedi
dn’
t)
Puso:
gomygi rl
.run!(Pusowoul
dnev
ergot
o
bedwit
houtseei
nghi ssist
er)
Di
mpho:
shei
snothome
Tef
o:wher
eisshe.I
ts11past10
Dimpho:Isenthert
ofetchmybl ousef
rom t
he
washingli
neandshedidn’tcomebacktothe
house.shehungthebl
ousebyt hedoor….
.
Tefo:andy
oudi
dn’
ttel
lmewhenIgother
e
because….
.
Dimpho:
Ithoughtshewasj
ustpl
ayi
ngnaughty
andshewasgoingtocomebackint
othehouse
soon
Tefo:becauseshehappenst
obeav
ery
naughtychil
d
Di
mpho:
no
Tef
o:Di
mphowher
eismysi
ster
?
Di
mpho:
Idon’
tknow
Tef
o:whatdi
dyoudot
oher
?
Di
mpho:
Idi
dn’
tdoany
thi
ng
Tef
o:whatdi
dyousayt
oher
?
Dimpho:(
shebecamescar edwhenshesawhi s
demeanorcomplet
elychanging)Ididn’
tsay
anyt
hingt
oher.Iswearwedi dn’
tfight,
shejust
di
ssapear
ed
Tef
o:wher
ear
ehercl
othes?
Di
mpho:
inhercl
oset
Tefo:youmusthav
edonesomethi
ngter
ri
ble
enoughtomakeherrunawayf
rom home
l
eav i
ngever
ythi
ngbehi
nd
Di
mpho:(handstr
emblingandtear
sfi
l
li
ngher
ey
es)Idi
dn’tdoanyt
hingbadtoher
Tef
o:l
i
keIwoul
dbel
i
evey
ou
Di
mpho:
Iswear
Tefo:andI’
m actual
l
ywor r
iedbythef
actthat
youdidn’
tbothertotel
lmewhenIgothere.
WhatifTshegoiskidnappedandtheminutes
thathavepassedcountinwhetherwefi
ndher
ali
veordead
Di
mpho:
Idi
dn’
tthi
nkofi
tthatway
Tefo:youdidn’
tthinkabouti
tatal
l
.youar
e
probablyhappythatyougotri
dofher
Di
mpho:
Tef
o….
Tefo:shutup!(wi
thtremblinghandshedial
ed
hisuncle’
snumber )uncl
e!Wear enotwell
.
Tshegoi snothomeandi tsunli
kehertobe
outsi
dehomet hi
slate….
.eerra…….
idon’
t
know…..
(af
terthecal
lhet
hrewhi
mselfontothecouch
heavi
lyandputhi
shandsonhishead)
No.25

(Thef oll
owingdayIwokeupwi t
haheadache
from hell,l
i
kemybr otherwoulddescr i
bei t
.I
wasact ual
lywokenupbyMol lycryi
ng.Dimpho
hadgonet oworkwithoutbotheringtowakeme
up.Per hapsthemissil
esIfir
edathert he
previousnighthadhitherinther i
ghtplaces.I
attendedt oMoll
y.Myphoner angjustafterI
fi
nishedf eedi
ngthekids)
Me:
(tear
y)hel
l
o
Puso:
Tshego
(Ibursti
ntotear
s.Iwasfeel
i
ngover
whelmed
andhearingPusocallmebabemademev ery
emot i
onal.Hetr
iedtal
ki
ngtomebutIcoul
dnot
tal
kback.Al l
Icoul
ddowascr y
.Heevent
uall
y
cutthecallandsentmeamessage.
‘
Takei
teasymylove.Letmeknowwhenyou
ar
einagoodposit
iontospeak.Il
ovey
ou’
Itookalongt i
met ocalm downbutIhadt o
forcemy sel
ftocalm downandbest rong
becauset hegi
rlswerecryi
ngtoo.Icalmedthe
girl
sdownandoncet heywereokandwat ching
cartoonsIsendPusoacal lmeback)
Puso:
hel
l
obabe
Me:
hi
Puso:
whati
sgoi
ngon?Youscar
edme
Me:
Iwasf
eel
i
ngov
erwhel
med
Puso:
bywhat
?
Me:It
houghtyouwer
ecall
i
ngt
osayi
t’
sov
er.I
knowIdon’
tdeser
veyou
Puso:
whodeser
vesme?
Me:someonewhocanactuall
y….
someonewho
won’tputy
outhr
oughwhatIputyouthr
ough.I
shouldhav
etr
ustedandbel
i
evedy ou….
.(he
i
nter
rupt
edme)
Puso:
stopt
hatnonsense
Me:
but
…..
Puso:babypl ease.Ihav eforgivenyou.Baby
pl
easedon’ tstress.Takewhathappened
betweenusasal earningcurve.Let’
sjustsayi
t
di
dn’tbreakusbuti tratherst
rengthenedus.
Let’
susewhatJohndi dassomet hingthatwil
l
bri
ngust ogetherr atherthanbreakusapar t
Me:
soy
ouar
egoi
ngt
ofor
giv
emej
ustl
i
ket
hat
?
Puso:
ift
abl
eswer
etur
nedwoul
dyouf
orgi
ve
meornot?
Me:
Iwoul
dhav
efor
giv
eny
ou
Puso:
why
?
Me:
becauseIl
ovey
ou
Puso:exact
ly.I
’
mf or
giv
ingyoubecauseIlov
e
youbutIwon’tli
eandsayyoudidn’
thurtme
Me:
I’
m sor
ryf
orhur
ti
ngy
ou
Puso:don’
teverdoi
tagai
nbecauseify
oudoit
agai
nIdon’tt
hinkIwi
ll
for
giv
ey oueasi
l
yli
ke
I’
m doi
ngnow
Me:
Ipr
omi
seIwon’
tdoi
tagai
n
Puso:(
helaughed)t
lhemmaTshegost
opbei
ng
abigbaby
.Mat ur
e!Growup!
Me:
Iwi
l
l
Puso:
other
wisehowar
eyou?
Me: I
’
mf i
ne(Idi
dn’
twanttoburdenhim wi
thmy
i
ssuesgapethefactt
hatIhadtoldDimphomy
opini
onofhermademef eelbet
ter)
.Howare
you?
Puso:
goodcompar
edt
othepastf
ewday
s
Me:
sor
ry
Puso:it
’sok.Ihavecutti
eswi t
hJohnsoifhe
approachesyouagainjustknowthati
thas
nothi
ngt odowithme
Me:Idon’
tthi
nkhewantsanyt
hingtodowith
me.Isl
appedhim andsai
dsomet er
ri
blet
hing
t
ohim
Puso:
youdi
dwhat
?
Me:
Iwasangr
y
Puso:heebanna!(
hetal
kedt
osomeoneinthe
backgr
ound)babywee,wewil
ltal
klat
ermyl
ove,
l
etmeat t
endtothisguy
Me:
okl
ove
Puso:
byef
ornow
Me:
byebabe
(aft
erthecallIl
it
eral
lydanced.Inevert
hought
ourissuewasgoi ngtober esol
vedeasi
lyl
ike
that.IsentPusoscreenshotsofthe
conv er
sati
onbetweenmeandJohn.Whenhe
call
edmel at
erwehadagoodl aughaboutit
)

(
PHONECONVERSATI
ON)
Tef
o:queen
Di
mpho:hell
o( sof
tsobs)Tef
oIdon’tl
i
ket
he
wayy
oursistertal
kedtomelastni
ght
Tef
o:whatexact
lydi
dn’
tyoul
i
ke?
Di
mpho: ever
ythi
ng.Shewasbei
ng
di
srespect
ful
Tef
o:Idon’tt
hinkshewasbeingdi
srespect
ful
mylove.Shewasjustvent
ingout
Di
mpho:
soi
t’
sfi
nef
orhert
oventoutonme?
Tef
o:becausey
ouar
etheonewhowr
ongedher
Di
mpho: soi
t’
sfineforhert
osayI
’
m sel
fi
sh,
I’
m
ev
il
,I
’m sel
f-
conceit
e……
Tef
o: Di
mphoIneverheardTshegosay
ingthat
.
Ordi
dshesaythosethingstoyouwhenitwas
j
ustthetwoofyou?
Di
mpho:
no.shedi
dn’
tuset
heexactwor
dsbut
t
hat
’swhatshewassay
ing
Tefo:
behonestwi
thme,
doyouthi
nki
twas
ri
ghtfory
outowantt
ogi
veTshegoat
housand
j
ustbecause…….
Di
mpho:
shedoesn’
tdeser
ve1,
500
Tef
o:f
ine,
sui
tyour
sel
f
Di
mpho:
whatdoy
oumean?
Tefo:Dimphount i
lyouleanto,t
ruthf
ull
yand
wit
houtbi as,assessyoursituat
ionandyour
att
itudetowar dsTshegot herei
snotmuchIcan
dofory ou.I’
m actuall
ytir
edoftreati
ngmy
si
sterli
keshei scrap
Di
mpho:
ahah!
Tef
o:don’
tactsur
pri
sed.Ithi
nky
oushoul
dlook
aty
oursel
fint
hemi r
rorand……
Di
mpho:thanky
ouformaki
ngi
tcl
eargor
e
whosesi
deareyouon
Tef
o:asl
ongasy
ouar
ewr
ongIwi
l
lmai
ntai
n
thatyouar
ewrongandnott
akey
oursi
dej
ust
becauseyouar
emywi f
e.
Di
mpho:
bye
Tef
o:wear
enotdone
Di
mpho:
Isai
dby
e
Tef
o: f
oroncecanyouconsi
derot
herpeopl
e
andlookatthi
ngsobj
ect
ivel
y
Di
mpho:It
hinkweshoul
dletyoursi
stergoso
t
hatwecanfindapr
operhousehelp
Tefo:
doyouthi
nktherei
sany
onewhocan
handl
eyourat
ti
tude?
Di
mpho:
ahah!
Tefo:countyourselfbl
essedtohaveTshego
hel
pingy oubecauseifi
twasanot herper
sonhe
orshecoul dhavelongbeatenyouor
di
sappear ed
Di
mpho:
soIam amonst
er?
Tef
o:y
ouar
esay
ingi
tyour
sel
f
Di
mpho:
(angr
ytone)t
hisi
sfarf
rom ov
er
Tef
o:Di
mpho…….
(
Thecal
lhadbeendi
sconnect
ed)
Tefo:
(tal
kingtohimself
)ahheei
!I’
mti
redof
Dimpho’schil
dishbehavi
our

(
Aft
ertal
kingt
oTshegofort
hehundredt
hti
me
t
hatday,
Pusodeci
dedtocal
lJohn)
John:
skwat
a
Puso:
yahskwat
a
(
sil
ence)
John:
howi
sthet
ri
p?
Puso:f
unandenj oyabl
eespeci
all
yaf
ter
l
earni
ngthatmyenemyhasbeenputr ight
wherehebelongsinhell
John:
pleaseal
l
owmet
oexpl
ain
Puso:howisy
ourcheek?Er
engmpamay
a
ngwanyanamomonneng
John:
Pusowee………
Puso:you,ahhhh!Iwi
l
lnev
ertr
ustyouandIcan
neverpercei
veyouasmyfri
end.NowIknow
exactl
ywhoy ouare
John:
Iwasj
ustt
empt
ed
Puso:t
heny ouareaweakli
ngbecauseyou
can’
tfi
ghttemptati
onev
enwheni tthr
eatenst
o
dest
royyoursocall
edfr
iendshi
p
John:
I’
m sor
ry
Puso:
youshoul
dbe
John:
don’
tlett
hiscomebet
weenus
Puso:
Idon’
tkeepenemi
es,
Ikeepf
ri
ends.
John:Ist
rongl
ybel
i
evet
hatwecanst
il
lbe
fr
iends
Puso:
fri
endswi
thwho?Ebi
l
eaf
tert
hiscal
lI’
m
t
ell
i
ngy
ourbabymamaaboutwhaty
oudi
d
John:
pleasedon’
tdot
hat
Puso:I
’
m doingitasy ourf
ri
end.Ican’twatch
myfri
enddoingthingsthatdest
royhisfuture
wit
houtdoingsomet hi
ngaboutit
.Justtreatit
asonefri
endlooki
ngoutf oranother
John:
youcan’
tdot
hat
Puso: i
fyoucandot hatt
omygi rl
fri
endIcando
that.Letmedestr
oyy ourr
elati
onshi
plikeyou
nearlydest
royedmineandaf t
erthatwewi l
lbe
evenandi nanexcell
entposit
iontoconti
nue
withourcursedfr
iendshi
p
John:
…….
Puso:withorwit
houty ourper
mission,
Tasha
hastoknowwhaty ouareupto.Ineverthought
youarethekindthattakesadvant
ageofl onel
y
andvulnerabl
ewomen.Shameony ou
John:
got
ohel
l
!
Puso:af
tery
ou,
rapi
st!

NO.27

TEFO’
SHOUSE

(
phoneconv
ersat
ion)
Tef
o:shei
sst
il
lnothome
Uncl
e:shehasn’
tcal
l
ed?
Tefo:
no.gapeshedoesn’
thaveacell
phone
so…ei
sh!Kantemmewhydi dn’
tIbuyhera
cheapcel
lphoneatl
east
Uncle:yourmot
heri
sprobablytossi
ngand
turni
nginhergr
aveespeci
all
yifTshegoran
awayf r
om homebecauseofthewayy ourwif
e
treat
sher
Tef
o:(
giv
ingDi
mphoast
ernl
ook)notsol
ong
agoItoldDi
mphot olett
hechi
ldbe.
SometimesIwonderwhyDimphohat esmy
fami
lysomuch.Tshegocantjustdi
sappear
i
ntothinai
r,somet
hingmusthavepushedher
todowhatshedid
Uncl
e:mythought
sexact
ly.Whati
fshei
s
ki
dnapped?
Tef
o:Idon’
tthi
nkso
Uncle:maybeweshoul
drepor
ttot
hepol
i
ce
becausethi
sisunl
i
keTshego
Tefo:yes.WhenTshegoisangr
yshetell
sus
thatsheisleavi
ng.Thi
s……no….
.wehaveto
reporthermissi
ng
Uncl
e:It
hinksot
oo
Tef
o:butt
heymi
ghtt
ell
ust
owai
tfor24hour
s
Uncl
e:eheeee!Lent
le!
Tefo:y
ouarer
ight
.Shemi
ghtknowwher
e
Tshegois
Uncl
e:y
esy
es.cal
lher
Tef
o:Idon’
thav
ehernumber
Uncle:
Imi ghthav
eit.letmegoandaskNdot
o
checkifshecanfinditinmyphone
Tefo:
ifTshegodidn’
tstorei
tiny
ourphonethen
askNdot ochecktheoutgoi
ngcall
regi
ster
Uncl
e:ok
Tef
o:t
hanky
ouf
ory
oursuppor
tuncl
e
Uncl
e:i
m hopefult
hatLent
lewil
lgi
veusalead.
Sheisver
yclosetoTshegoandIbel
iev
ethey
di
scussalotofthi
ngs

ATTHEB&B

Puso:y
ourbr
othermustbepani
cki
ngwher
ever
heis
Me:
lethi
m pani
c
Puso:
babyy
ouar
ecr
uel
,doy
ouknowt
hat
Me:t
heymustj
ustchi
l
l.Iwi
l
lbebacki
nti
meon
Monday
Puso:(
hegiggl
ed0t
hisnewTshegofat
soi
sso
naught
y.I
’
m goingt
omi sshersobad
Me:(ki
ss)andI
’
m goi
ngt
omi
ssRaBoar
dso
bad
(
weki
ssedagai
n)
Puso:
hav
eyousav
edmoneymma?
Me:
youmi
ssedoutonal
otoft
hings
Puso:TshegoIhopey
ouhav
esav
eda
thousandatl
east
Me:Isavedallt
hemoney
.KanaDimphowanted
togi
veme1, 000……(
myphonerang)i
tsLent
le.
CanItakeit
?
Puso:surebabe.Ebil
eIneedt
odrai
nmypi
pe
sothatitcangetreadyf
oract
ion
Me: angwanaat shele.Somuchsexfor……(I
remember edJohnsay ingmysexgamei s
boringsoIdecidednott ocomplai
norpassthe
badj okeIwasaboutt opass.Hewenttothe
bathroom whenIpickedt hecal
l
)Moghel
Lent
le:Moghelwherear
eyouker
ayakagor
e
Pusoisnotaround?
Me:
whatdoy
oumean?
Lent
le:Moghel
y ouruncl
ej ustcal
l
edmei n
pani
cksayingy
ouar emi ssingandtheyhav
e
beentothepol
icestati
on
(
Icoul
dnotst
opl
aughi
ng)
Me:
theydi
dwhat
?
Lent
le:
haker
egat
wey
ouj
ustdi
ssapear
ed
Me:RaBoar disar
oundf
ortheweekendsoI’
m
chi
ll
i
nginal odgewit
hhi
mrightnexttome(I
sai
dsli
ppingmyhandunderPuso’sunder
wear
andhekissedmyneck)
Lentl
e:mmemmay
ouhav
ebeenr
epor
ted
missi
ng
Me:
ahhei
!
Lentl
e:atl
eastcal
lyouruncleandt
ell
himyou
arefi
nebecauseheisblaminghimsel
fand
emotional
.Yourbr
othercal
ledmecryi
ngasin
cryi
nghohohohoho!
Me:
wit
hhi
sdeepv
oice(
Isai
dsmi
l
ing)
Lent
le:
Moghel
cany
oubeser
ious
Me:
whatdi
dyout
ell
them?
Lent
le:
Itol
dthem Idon’
tknowwher
eyouar
e
Me:soi
fIcall
theywi
l
lknowt
haty
oumi
ght
hav
econtact
edme
Lent
le:
Idoesn’
tmat
ter
Me:
itmat
ter
stome
Lent
le:
Tshegopl
ease
Me:
okMoghel
Lent
le:
doitf
ormeMoghel
.Easyoni
tgi
rli
tcan
l
eaveababyint
her
e
Me:
notwhenmymani
sthi
scar
eful
(wesharedal
aught
erbef
oresay
inggoodby
eto
eachother
)

Puso:MmaboardtlhemmaLent
leisr
ight
.Just
cal
lthem andt
ell
them y
ouar
efine
Me:
Iwantt
oteacht
hem al
esson
Puso:
andwhyi
syouruncl
epar
toft
hel
esson?
Me:
…….
.
Puso:
y ouruncledi
dnothi
ngwrongandhehas
beenyourpil
larofsuppor
t.Doi
tforhi
m atl
east
(
hisphoner
angbef
oreIcoul
danswer
)

Puso:
it’
sastrangenumber(helookedatme
pr
obablytosayhehopesIhaven’tgothi
mint
o
t
roubl
e.Hepi
ckedt
hecal
l
)hel
l
o
Voi
ce:
hel
l
oskwat
a.Wher
eist
hegi
rl
?
Puso:
whoi
sthi
s?
John:wher
eisTshego?Asy ouarekeepingher
rememberthatyouar myoff
icershavea
reput
ati
onoflockingyounggirl
sinyourrooms.
Howdoy outhinkPy t
honwil
l r
eactifheknows
Tshegoiswit
hy ou?
Puso:
Johnwhatdoy
ouwantf
rom me?
John:bri
ngTshegobackhome.Ebil
eyouare
supposedtobeontri
p,whyar
ey ouloi
ter
ing
aroundandki
dnappi
ngthepoorchil
d?
Puso:kidnappingisastrongwor d.It
hought
ki
dnappingmeanssomeonewast akenbyforce,
i
nvoluntari
ly
.Any waymay bemyEngl ishi
spoor .
Againthechi l
dyouaretalki
ngabouti s2
decadesoldandaccor dingtoourBot swanalaw
sheisallowedt odat
eandenj oysex,hakere
baby.i
m goi ngtoaddressallapectsofyour
concerns.Thelastone,i
m notatNcojaneand
mybossi sv er
ymuchawar eofitandhe
grantedmet hepermissi
on.Myconfidenti
al
reasonsformet obeherearevali
d.
John:y
ouarepl
ayi
ngaverydanger
ousgame.
YouknowhowPy t
honi
s.Sowhenar ey
ou
tel
l
ingTasha
Puso:
oht
hat
…..
John:y
esthat.Dar
etell
TashaandPy t
honwil
l
beonyourcase.Youwillbidt
hisj
obgoodby
e
andjoi
ntheunemployedy out
h
Puso:
yout
hinky
ougotmehaker
e?
John:Igoty ouri
ghtwhereIwanty
ou.Count
yoursel
fblessedbecauseri
ghtnowI’m not
goingtotellPyt
honthatyouarewi
thhissist
er.
Pushonewr ongbutt
onandy ouwi
llhave
pythontodeal wi
th.
Puso:
backt
osender
.BDFwi
zar
d!
John:
don’
tsayIdi
dn’
twar
nyou
(
aft
ert
hecal
l
)

Puso:
thi
sguyi
saf
terme
Me: i
m goingtocal
lmyuncl
et ogetJohnoff
myback.ifJohntel
lsmybrotheraboutusI
swearim goingt
ocryrapej
usttodraghis
reput
ati
onont hemud
Puso:
Tshego
Me:tr
ustmeont hi
sone.I
’
m nol ongergoi
ngto
beanyone’
sdoormatandIhav ebeenangryf
or
waytoolong.I
t’
sti
meformet oteachafew
peopl
ewhoIam andwhatI’m cabapl
eof
Puso:
mmaboar
d!
Me:l
etJohntouchyouandhewil
lhav
emet
o
deal
wit
h.Stupi
dfool.Yel
l
owteet
h
(Pusol
aughedhar
d.Ical
l
edmyuncletolethi
m
knowI’
m okandhewasv er
yemot
ional
)
Me:don’
twor
ryaboutmeuncl
e.I
’
m okayandI
wi
ll
gobacktoTefo’
shouseonMonday
Uncle: Tshegoyoushouldn’thavedonet hat.
Whaty oudidisimmat ur
e.From her eyoumust
callyourbrotherandtell
himt haty ouarefi
ne
becauseheandhi swifearefighting.He
beli
ev esDimphodi dsomethingt hatmadey ou
runfrom home.Cal lhermygi rl
.doi tf
ormemy
niece
Me:
Iwi
l
ldoi
tuncl
e
Uncle:
gonemmesent
lentl
ehel
awher
eare
Tshego?Whoar
eyouwit
handwhatar
eyou
doi
ng?
Me:
I’
minBot
swana.I
’
m al
one
Uncl
e:t
haty
oungboybet
terbenotpl
ayi
ngy
ou
(
hel
aughedandIlaughedtoo.Wesai
dgoodbye
t
oeachother
.If
eltasenseofrel
i
efaf
tert
alki
ng
t
omyuncl
e.Raboar
dwasv
eryhappy
)
Puso: yousee,y ouhav
edonet her i
ghtthi
ng
andnowwecanr el
axandenjoyourt wonights
andoneday .Im goi
ngtomi ssyousobad( he
saidkissingmeandget ti
ngont opofme.Iwas
readyf orhi
m wi thmysoulandmyf l
esh,r
eady
togivei tal
ltothemanwhomakesmywor ld
spin.Theonewhomakesear thlookli
kea
paradise)

NO.30

(Thenextdaymyunclepai
duswhatseemed
l
ikeasurpri
sevi
sit
.Itwasonl
ymeandthegi
rl
s
athome)
Uncle:
Tshegof
atsomydaught
erIwantust
o
tal
k
Me:
eer
ra(
Iwasl
ooki
ngdown,
ashamed)
Uncle:whaty
oudidisv
erywrong.Wehadev
en
report
edyoumissi
ngtothepol
ice
Me:
Imv
erysor
ryuncl
e
Uncl
e:Iwanty
out
oopenupt
ome.Wer
eyou
wit
haboy?
Me:
..
..
Uncl e:Tshegof atsoy ouar e20y ear soldand
definitel
yhithar dbyhor mones.I ’m notgoingto
sither eandpr etendt haty ouar et ooy oungto
date.Youar eoldenought odateandsomegi rl
s
yourageal readyhav eki dswhi l
eot hersare
mar ried.Iev entoldyourbr othert hi
smor ning
thatweshoul dstopt reatingy oul i
keachi l
d
becausey ouar enol ongert hey oungnaï ve
Tshegof at
so.It oldhimt hatit’
shi ghtimewe
acceptr ealityandst opact i
ngbl ind.Ireminded
himt hatwheny ourmot herwasy ouragehe
was4y earsold
Me:
eer
ra(
Irai
sedmyheadt
olookathi
m)
Uncl
e:Tshegof
atsomydaught
er,
arey
ou
seei
ngsomeone?
Me:
yesuncl
e
Uncl
e:whereishefr
om?Howol dishe?For
howlonghaveyoubeenseeinghi
m?Wer eyou
wit
hhim dur
ingtheweekend?
Me:
..
..
..
Uncl e:Iunderst
andi fyoudonotwantt o
discloseal otofinf
or mati
on.Nowt hatIknow
thaty ouaredatingIdontwanty outopully
our
disappear i
ngstuntsbecauset heyare
disrespectful
.From nowonwar dsitwi
llbe
uncleIwantt ogoandspendt heweekendwi t
h
myf ri
endfinemyni ece,youcango
Me:pl
easedontt
ell
abut
iTef
othatI
m seei
ng
someone
Uncl
e:thatsadiffi
cul
tone.Iwishyouhada
goodrelat
ionshi
pwi t
hDimphosot hatyou
coul
dbef reearoundher.Att
hispointy
ouneed
awomanwhocanunderstandy
ou, gi
veyou
adv
iceaboutl
i
feandcov
erforyou.ei
sh!Your
mumsdeathwasunti
mely.
Me:
(sobbi
ng)Imi
ssher
Uncle:Iknowmygi rl.Takegoodcar eof
yoursel
fTshego.Ther ear ewolv
esoutt her
e.
Remembert hatwear eli
v i
ngintheeraofHIV,
unplannedpr egnanciest hatl
eadtobackstreet
aborti
on,disappearingbabydaddi es,passi
on
ki
ll
ings..
becar eful
,bev igil
ant
Me:
eer
ra.Ar
eyougoi
ngt
otel
labut
iTef
o?
Uncl
e:maybet
hisshoul
dbeourli
tt
lesecr
et
but
.youar
emakingthi
ngshar
dforme
Me:
please
Uncle:okok.Goandmaket eaf
ormewhi
l
eI
waitforyourbr
otherandhi
swif
e.
Me:
eer
ra
(
whi
l
ehewasdr
inki
ngt
eawechat
tedhappi
l
y.
Hewasupdat ingmeaboutwhathasbeen
happeningatMol epol
ole.Myuncl
eissucha
stor
yteller.Hewil
ltel
lmet hemostbor
ingst
ory
i
nani nteresti
ngwayusi nghi
sdeepSet
swana
prover
bs)

I
NTHEEv
eni
ng.
..
..

(Di
mphoandTef ohadgivenmyuncl
ean
accountofwhathappened)
Uncle:Ihearyoumychi l
dren.Whathappenedi s
ashameandwear eall(
helookedateachone
ofus)tobebl amed.Tshegofatsodisappeari
ng
l
ikethatwasdi sr
espectf
ul.Youdisrespect
ed
yoursisterandbrot
herandy ouneedt o
apologisetothem f
oryourunbecomi ng
behavior.Makesureitnevereverhappens
agai
n.Doy ouhearme?
Me:
yesuncl
e
Uncl
e:kneel
her
e(poi
nti
ng)andapol
ogi
se
Me:Isi
ncerel
yapologi
seformybehav
iorandI
pr
omisethatIwi
llneverdoitagai
n
Tef
o:wher
ewer
eyou?
Uncl
e:shehast
oldme.Let
sleti
tli
e
Tef
o:ok.Apol
ogyaccept
ed
Di
mpho:
apol
ogyaccept
ed
Uncle:DimphoIm greatl
ydisappoint
ediny ou
mychi l
d.Foryoursist
ertobedi sappear
ingl i
ke
thi
smeansy oudonthav eahealthyrel
ationshi
p
withyoursist
er.Di
mphoy ouaresupposedt o
beTshegosbestf r
iendsot hatyoucanadv i
se
her.Dimphomychi ld,acceptyoursist
erandf il
l
hermot her
sgap.Iknowi t’
snotaneasyt ask
butanat t
emptatthet askwill
makeal lthe
dif
ference
Dimpho:(
wipi
ngt ear
s)y
ouar
eri
ghtuncl
e.Iwi
l
l
corr
ectmymistake.
Uncle:Iwil
lbeveryhappy.Iwor
ryalotabout
Tshego.It’
sli
keshei sl
eftt
ofendforhersel
fal
l
byherselfi
nthiscruelworl
d
Di
mpho:
Im sor
ryTshego.Let
’sst
artaf
resh
Me:
(wi
pingt
ear
s)eemma.I
m sor
ryt
oo
(
myuncl
elookedatusandsmi
l
ed)
Uncle:asfory ouTefo,Imlostforwor ds.
Dimphowee, thenexttimethi
smanhi t
syou,
evenifheslightlypushesyou,packy ourbags
andgohome.Youar enotany onespunching
bag.I’
m notgoi ngtofaceyourf amil
yexplaini
ng
woundst hatcoul dhavebeenav oi
ded.Mywi f
e
doesntknowhowasl apfeel
sl i
kebecauseI
havenev erhither.Thesehandsar emeantt o
massagemyol dwomanandwi pehert earsnot
causehert ocr y
.Dimpho?
Di
mpho:
rra?
Uncle:YOUARENOONESPUNCHI NGBAG.You
deserv
et obel
ovedandr
espect
ed.Your
mi
stakesmustnev
erbecor
rect
edbyv
iol
ence
(
Istartedsobbi
ng.Whatmyunclehadsai
d
r
emi ndedmeofwhatPusosaid.Pusoisareal
man, nott
rash)
Tefo:I
m sorr
ymyl ove.Iwil
lnev
erassaul
tyou
againnomatterhowangr yIam.Pl
easefindi
t
i
ny ourhear
ttoforgi
vemeandputt hisbehi
nd
us
Di
mpho:
(smi
l
ing)y
ouar
efor
giv
en
Uncl
e:LEGONEYOUHI
TTHI
SPOORCHI
LDFOR
NOTHING.NOTHI
NG!
Tef
o:Imreal
l
ysorr
y.I
m disappoint
edi
nmysel
f
andashamedofwhatIdi
d.Im sorr
yDi
mpho
Uncle:Tef oyouhav esetaverybad
precedencef orTshego.Agi r
lchil
dmustnev er
l
earnv i
olencef rom home.Byexposi ngherto
vi
olencey ouar et eachi
ngherthatshedeserves
tobebeat enwhi chi swrongatalll
evels.What
hasgot t
eni ntoy oukante?
Tef
o:(
facedown)I
m sor
ryuncl
e
Uncle:youmustbe.Tshegofatsodontev erleta
mandot hatt
oy ou.Amanwhot ouchesy ou
deservesanightinapoli
ceholdingcellandsix
l
ashesonbar ebut t
ocksthenextday.Idont
careifthemani syourbr
otheroryourhusband.
Doy ouunderstand?
Me:
(smi
l
ing)y
esuncl
e
Uncle:youchil
drenmakemet alktoomuch.My
wifeisprobabl
yhomebynowandl onel
y.
Tshegomakemesomet easot hatIcango
backtoMol epol
olekophuadi
t holekotl
adie
thunyanggosenamar u
(
weal
ll
aughed)
Tef
o:wewi
l
lgoanddr
opy
ouof
funcl
e
(
Icoul
dhearthethr
eeofthem chatt
ingl
oudly
whi
leIwasmakingtea.Thatni
ghtIchat
ted
wi
thRaboar
d.)
Me:
arey
oucal
mtoday
?
Puso:
yahIam
Me:
good.IwantmyRaboar
dback
Puso:
Raboar
disbackmmaboar
d
Me:
great
Puso:
youruncl
eisi
ntel
l
igentandwi
se
Me:heis.Headdressedthi
ssit
uati
onamicabl
y
andfr
ankly.Hedi
dnttakeanyonesside
Puso:
wow!Il
ovet
heol
dman
Me:heremindedmeofyou.wai
tseIshoul
d
havel
ist
enedtoyouwhenyousaidIshoul
dcal
l
home
Puso:
it’
swat
erundert
hebr
idge
Me:
Itol
dhi
m abouty
ou
Puso:
whataboutme?
Me:
Ijustadmi
tt
edt
oseei
ngsomeone
Puso:
ehe?
Me: t
hatoldmanistr
icky
.Weweretal
ki
ngand
thenIfoundmysel
fadmitti
ngt
ohav
inga
boyfr
iend
Puso:ol
dpeopl
earewiseandexper
ienced.
Dontunder
est
imat
ethem
Me:never
.OnedayIwanttohaveagreatjob
andtakecar
eofmyuncle.Heisl
ikeafathert
o
me
Puso:t
hedaywegetmar
ri
edwemustbuyhi
m
anicesui
tandshoes
Me:
andani
ceger
manpr
intdr
essf
orhi
swi
fe
Puso:
def
ini
tel
y
Me:somyuncleknowsgoret
her
eisRaboar
d
ev
enthoughhedoesnthav
eanydet
ail
s
Puso:
wenaImusti
ntr
oducey
out
omymot
her
thi
sDecember
Me:
ser
ious?
Puso:yes,
haker
eItoldyout
hatmysi
sterhas
al
readytol
dheraboutyou
Me:
wow!
Puso:
Iwanty
out
obeMmaBoar
dpr
oper
Me:
Ilov
eyouRaboar
d
Puso:haker
ey ouarepr
epari
ngy
ourmi
ndset
forschool
.Januar
yishere
Me:I
m soready
.Nextyeart
hist
imeIwi
l
lbe
wai
ti
ngformyresul
ts

AFEW WEEKSLATER.
..
..
NO.28

Tefo:
Dimphoexpl
ainonet
hingtome,j
ustone
thi
ngandIwil
ll
eaveyoual
one.Iwi
ll
notbother
youagai
n
Di
mpho:
eish!
Tef
o:whatdi
dyoudot
oTshego?
Di
mpho:
not
hing
Tef
o:(heslappedherhardacr
ossthef
ace)
whatdidyoudot oherdamnyou!
Di
mpho:(handplaceonthehurti
ngcheek)I
di
dn’
tev
enar guewithheronthatday
Tef
o:(
anot
herhotsl
apacr
osst
hef
ace)don’
t
l
iet
ome!
Dimpho:(cry
ing)Tefoyouarehurt
ingme.(she
coveredbothhercheekswithherhandsi
n
anti
ci
pationofanotherhotsl
ap.Tefo’
sphone
rang)

Tef
o:hel
l
ouncl
e
Uncl
e:y
ousoundwor
kedup
Tef
o:Iam
Uncl
e:what
’swr
ongnow?
Tefo:uncl
eit
s9am andwesti
l
ldon’tknow
whereTshegois,
whatshei
sdoingandifatal
l
sheisok
Uncl
e:Tshego?
Tefo:y
esuncl
e.Haker
ewear
elooki
ngf
or
Tshego
Uncle:Tshegocal
ledmeear li
ert
otel
lmesheis
fi
ne.shewasev engiggli
ng.Shesai
dshewas
goingtocally
ouaf t
ertal
kingtometolety
ou
knowshei sfi
ne
Tef
o:shedi
dn’
tcal
lme
Uncl
e:Tshegoi
sget
ti
ngoutofhand
Tef
o:atl
eastshei
sfi
ne.Wher
eexact
lyi
sshe
andwhoisshewit
h?
Uncl
e:sherefusedtotel
lbuti
tsoundsl
i
keshe
i
shappy.Itcanonlybeaboy
Tefo:
forherownsakeIhopeshedoesn’
tcome
backpregnant
Uncl
e:I
’
m worr
iedaboutt
hattooandIpl
ant
o
si
tdownwit
hheranddiscussitwi
thher
Tef
o:IhopeIhadgot
tenthi
sinf
ormat
ionabi
t
ear
lybecausei
tisal
i
ttl
ebitl
ate
Uncl
e:whatdoy
oumean?
Tefo:ei
sh!Wehavetogobackt
othepol
i
ceand
tel
lthem shei
sfi
ne
Uncl
e:Ihav
eal
readydonet
hat
Tef
o:t
hanky
ouuncl
e
Uncle:
sleepwel
lmychi
l
dren.Tel
lDi
mphot
o
rel
axnow
Tef
o:Iwi
l
l.By
e

(Di
mphowascov
eri
ngf
acewi
thaheadscar
f
cry
ing)
Tefo:I
’
m sorr
ymylove(
hetri
edtorubherback
butshepushedhi
shandof
fherback)
Di
mpho:
youhur
tmeTef
o.
Tef
o:(
kneeli
nginf
rontofher)andI
’
m si
ncer
ely
sor
ryl
ove.Iwaswrongineveryway
Dimpho:Inev
ert
houghty
ouar
eawoman
basher
Tef
o:i
m not
.Babypl
easef
orgi
veme
Dimpho:
soifyoursi
sterwasf
ounddeadi
na
bushsomewhereyouweregoi
ngtothi
nkI
’m
behi
ndit
?
Tef
o:no
Dimpho:don’
tli
etome!ifyoucanhitmeso
badfornotknowingwher
ey oursi
steri
s….
Tefo:sweethear
tI’
m sorr
y.Ihadnorightt
o
assaulty
ouandIpr omiseyouthatIwil
lnever
doitagain
Dimpho:Idon’
tthi
nkIwantthi
smarri
age
anymore.Whatist
hepointofbei
ngmarr
ied
andnotenjoyi
ngmymar r
iagenotev
enonce?
Tef
o: l
et’
snotr usht
osaysomedeepand
ser
iousthings.BabyIsuggestwef
ocusonus
andnotletTshegogetbetweenus.
Di
mpho: I’
m goi
ngtobed.Ineedt
orestand
t
hink.Thi
sisnotwhoIam andthi
sisnotwhatI
wantinli
fe
Tef
o:I
’m br
ingi
ngyousomei
cef
ory
ourcheeks
mylov
e.I’
m sorr
ylov
e

(
Sundaywasourlastdaytoget
herandwemade
t
hebestoutofit
.wewentshopping,at
eout,
wat
chedmov i
esinPuso’slapt
op,hadsexandI
meanlot
sofit
.thatni
ght…….)
Puso:
mycousi
niscomi
ngt
opi
ckusat3am
Me:
ahhhh!
Puso:r
emembert
hetrucki
sleavi
ngat5am so
wehavetobei
nthecampatleast30mi
nut
es
ear
ly
Me:soI
’
m goi
ngt
oknockondi
mpho’
sdoorat
4am
Puso:yeslov
e.Sothatshecanprepar
ehersel
f
forworkfr
eelyknowi
ngthatyouarebackt
o
takecareoftheki
ds
Me:
ok
Puso:
(gent
lysqueezi
ngmychi
n)i
m goi
ngt
o
missyoummaboar d
Me:
met
ooRaboar
d
Puso:
4mor
eweeksmyl
ove
Me:
andt
hat
’showmanyday
s
Puso:mhmh!Facti
s,Iwi
l
lcomebackandwe
wil
lenj
oyour
selves
Me:
true!
Puso:ar
en’
tyouscar
edofgoi
ngbackhome
af
terwhatwedid?
Me:
notscar
edbutabi
tanxi
ousaboutmy
br
other
’sr
eact
ion
Puso:
Isee.Il
ovey
ouTshegof
atsoMot
swasel
e
Me:
Ilov
eyouPr
ivat
ePusoRaser
ura
Puso:onedayy
ouwill
beTshegof
atso
Motswasel
e-Raser
ura
Me:myhusbandt
obe’ssur
namedoesn’tst
art
wit
hadashsoim goi
ngtobeTshegof
atsoPul
e
Raser
ura
Puso:
that
’smybabygir
l.mmaboar
dsel
f.Bone
ofmybones,f
leshofmyfl
esh
Me:
exact
ly
Puso:r
emembert
haty
ouowey
ourf
ami
l
yan
apol
ogymylov
e
Me:
IknowandI
m goi
ngt
oapol
ogi
se
Puso:nowthatt
heyknowthatyouaredat
ing
nextt
imtyoumustaskforper
mi ssi
on
Me:
andsayi
m goi
ngwher
e?
Puso:
tel
lthem y
ouar
egoi
ngt
ogetl
aid
Me:
Puso(
Isai
dsl
appi
nghi
schestpl
ayf
ull
y)
Puso:
onaser
iousnot
e,l
i
etot
hem or
somethi
ng
Me:
ok.IhopeLent
lewi
l
lcov
erf
ormenextt
ime
Puso:shewil
l(heFr
enchkissedme)weneed
tosl
eeplove.Atl
eastf
orfourhour
s
Me:
youar
esor
ight
(Imov edmynakedbodycl oset ohi
sandwe
cuddled.Wewokeupar ound2am, madelove
andst art
edget
ti
ngr eadyfortheroad.We
arr
ivedatThebephatshwaar ound4:30.The
guysdr oppedmeoffathome.Iknockedont he
doorandTef oopenedf orme….)
Tef
o:(
angr
ytone)wher
ear
eyouf
rom?
Me:
I’
m sor
ry
Tef
o:sor
ryf
orwhat
?
Me:(t
eary)I’
m sor ryfordisr
especti
ngy
ou.I’
m
wrongforjustdisappearingandIpromiseIwi
ll
notdoitagain.Isincerel
yapologise
Tef
o:Tshego!
Me:
rra(
Ianswer
edwi
pingt
ear
s)
Tef
o:i
sthi
showourmot
herr
aisedy
ou?
Me: i
thasnothingtodowithher.pleasedon’
t
i
nvolveherbecausey oudon’
tknowherenough
tobeabletoattri
butemybadbehav i
ortoher
parent
ing(IknewIhadhithim hard)
Tef
o:wher
ear
eyouf
rom?
Me:
im sor
ry
Tef
o:whower
eyouwi
th?
Me:
pleasef
orgi
vemef
ordi
srespect
ingy
ou
(Di
mphojoi
nedus.shel
ookedv
erysadandher
eyeswer
epuff
y)
Me:
mmagweLi
sdai
m sor
ryf
ormi
sbehav
ing.
I
mreal
l
ysor
ry
Dimpho:doyouknowhowmuchIhav
epai
dfor
yourdi
sappear
ingact
?
Tef
o:babypl
ease.Yousai
dyouhav
efor
giv
en
me
Me:mmagweLisaI
’mv
erysor
ryandIpr
omi
seI
wi
ll
neverdoi
tagai
n
Di
mpho:
doy
ouhav
eaboy
fri
end?
Me:
no
Tef
o:t
henwher
ewer
eyou?
Me:
…….
.
Tefo:
letusprepar
eforwor
kmyl
ove.Idon’
t
thi
nkwewi l
lgetanswer
s

(
aft
ertheywentt
othebathr
oom Iwentt
omy
r
oom andcal
ledRaboar
d)
Puso:
tel
lmehedi
dn’
ttouchy
ou
Me:
nohedi
dn’
t
Puso:
thatmeansy
ourapol
ogywor
ked
Me:Ievenhadcr
ocodi
let
ears.Honest
lybabeI
don’
tthi
nkwhatIdi
diswrong
Puso:
babe
Me:no.theyar
eindeni
ali
ftheyt
hinkatt
heage
of20I’
m notdati
ng
Puso:
youar
ehar
dheadedmmaBoar
d
Me:
what
ever
.Youhav
en’
tlef
tyet
?
Puso:wearel
eav
inganymi
nut
eandI
’
m
exhaust
ed
Me:youwil
lbef
inel
ove.Saf
ejour
neyandknow
t
hatIlov
eyou
Puso:
thanksbabe.Lov
eyoumor
e
Me:
cheer
s!
Puso:
cheer
smywomanempower
ment
(
Ilaughedouthar
d.Di
mphoopenedt
hedoor
.
Fort
unatel
yformeIhadal
readyhi
ddenmy
phone)
Di
mpho:
whatar
eyoul
aughi
ngat
?
Me:
Lisar
eleasedsomegasi
nhersl
eepand
smi
l
ed
Di
mpho:
(shaki
ngherhead)beent
her
edone
t
hat
Me:
…….
Di
mpho:Ihopey
oudon’
tfal
lpr
egnant
Me:
…….
NO.29

(
Ist
oodinfrontofTef
oandhiswi
feandIknew
t
imefori
nterr
ogati
onhadcome)
Tef
o:Tshegowher
edi
dyouspendt
heweekend?
Me:
...
Tef
o:(
shout
ing)dontkeepqui
etwhenI
m
t
alki
ngt
oyou.I
m goi
ngtoaskyouf
orthel
ast
t
ime.Wher
ewereyouthewhol
eweekend?
Me:
...
.
Tef
o:Tshego!
Me:
...
.
Di
mpho:
Tshegodoy
ouhav
eaboy
fri
end?
Me:.(
Iwaslooki
ngdownthewholeti
me.Icoul
d
notansweranyoft
hei
rquest
ions)
Tef
o:whoi
she?
Me:
...
Tef
o: Tshegof
atsoIwi
l
lhi
tyousohar
dthatyou
wil
ltel
lmeev er
ythi
ngi
ncl
udi
ngwhatIdont
wanttoknow.WHEREWEREYOU?
Me:
...
(whenIwasl
eastexpect
ingi
t,Tef
oslappedme
hardacr
osst
hefaceandIfel
ltotheside)
Tef
o:openy
ourst
upi
dmout
h,damny
ou!
Dimpho:
Tef
o!I
sthiswhoy ouhav
ebecome?So
youaret
het
ypethatbeat
swomenandchil
dren?
Tef
o:.
..
(Ifel
tawar mfl
uidf
lowi
ngf
rom mynoseandI
usedt hebackofmyhandt
owipei
t.i
twas
blood)
Dimpho:l
ookwhaty
ouhav
edone.Howdoyou
dothatt
oawomanTefo?Howoneart
hareyou
capabl
eofthi
s?
Tefo:
lookwhatyoumademedo!Lookatwhat
youaretur
ningmeint
o
(hegr
abbedthecarkeysfr
om thecof
feet
abl
e
andstor
medoutofthehouse.Iwas
emoti
onall
ynumb.Icouldnotevencr
y)
Di
mpho:
goandwashy
ourf
aceTshego
Me:.
(Iquiet
lywenttothebathroom t
owashmy
f
ace.Isatonthetoil
etseatcry
ing.Di
dIdeserv
e
t
hebeating?Iaskedmy sel
foverandoveragai
n.
Iwentt omybedr oom wher eIthrewmy sel
fon
thebedandcr iedoutloud.Dimphot ri
edt o
opent hedoorbutitwasl ocked.Iwantedtobe
alone.Ispenttheeveninglockedupi nmyr oom
cryi
ng.Icriedunti
lIfel
lasleep.Meanwhi l
e,Tef
o
camebackhomear oundmi dnight.
.)

Di
mpho:
weneedt
otal
k
Tef
o:y
es
Di
mpho:
youwer
ewr
ongt
obeatTshego
Tef
o:I
m sor
ry
Dimpho:
Tef
othethi
ngisonceyoubeatj
ust
onewomanyouaregoi
ngtoseeall
theother
womenaspunchi
ngbags
Tef
o:Isai
dIm sor
ry
Di
mpho:
youneedt
oapol
ogi
set
oTshego
Tef
o:whati
swr
ongwi
thy
oukant
e?
Dimpho: not
hingiswrongwi t
hme.( t
ears
meet i
ngunderneathherchin)y ouhitmeaf ew
daysbackandIknowj usthowembar rassi
ng,
painfulandhumili
ati
ngitis.Youcan’ thitachil
d
toapoi ntwhereshegetsanosebl eed.Yes
Tshegowaswr ongforleavinglikethatbutshe
didntdeserv
ewhaty oudi dtoher .Whati fwhat
youjustdidisgoingtopushhert orunf rom
homef orgood?
Tef
o:wher
eisshe?
Di
mpho:shehasbeenl
ockedupi
nherr
oom
cr
ying
(
Ihear
daknockonmydoorbutIkeptqui
et)
Tefo:Tshegoopent
hedoorsot hatwecan
tal
k.Tshego.
canwepleaset
alk.
Tshegof
atso
Me:
.
Dimpho: maybey oushoul
dtal
ktoheri
nthe
morning.RightnowIdontthi
nksheisi
nagood
spacetot al
k
Tef
o:Tshegomyl
i
ttl
esi
steropent
hedoor
Di
mpho:
leav
eheral
onef
ornow
Tef
o:whati
fshedi
sappear
stoni
ght
!
Di
mpho:
ahh!

(
Thenextmor
ningDi
mphoknockedonmydoor
)
Dimpho:
TshegoIm goi
ngt
oworkandthe
chi
ldr
enareawake(
Ihadsl
eptal
one)
Me:
Im comi
ng
(
Iopenedt
hedoor
.Di
mphost
oodt
her
ehol
ding
Mol
ly)
Di
mpho:
(pani
cki
ng)howar
eyou?
Me:
.
(herey
eswerefi
xedonmypi l
low.Ial
sol
ooked
atthepil
l
ow.I
thadbloodst
ains)
Dimpho:youhav
edrybloodonyournoseand
cheek.Goandwashyourface
Me:
eemma
(Iwenttowashmyf aceandwentbackt othe
bedroom.Iputt
hebloodst ainedpill
owinthe
washingbasket
.It
hengotunder coverandthe
kidsjoi
nedme.All
thet hr
eeofusf el
lasl
eep.I
waswokenupbyTef osvoice)
Tef
o:Tshego
Me:
rra(
Iwasshaki
ngt
err
ibl
y)
Tef
o:whati
sthatony
oursheet
s?
Me:( mynosemusthav
ebeenbleedi
ngagai
n
becauset
hesheet
swerest
ainedwithbl
ood)
Tef
o:howar
eyouf
eel
i
ng?
Me:
fine(
tear
sescapedmyey
es)
Tefo:
Im sor
ryf
orhi
tt
ingy
oubutwhaty
oudi
dis
wrong
Me:
eer
ra
(Tef
owentbackt oworkandIcl
eanedthe
house,bat
hedt hekidsandf
edthem.Mynose
wasstil
lbleedi
ngandIwaswor ri
ed.Ipushed
somet i
ssueintomynosestri
l
lssothatitcoul
d
absorbtheblood.Tefocamehomef orl
unch)
Me:
shoul
dIbr
ingy
ourf
ood?
Tef
o:what
’st
hatony
ournose?
Me:t
issue(Isai
dcover
ingmynosebecauseI
t
houghtitt
urnedhi
m off)
Tef
o:y
ournosei
sst
il
lbl
eedi
ng?
Me:
eer
ra
Tefo:maybeIshoul
dtakey
out
oadoct
or.How
areyoufeel
ing?
Me:
dizzyandt
ir
ed.Ihav
easer
iousheadache
Tef
o:l
etmet
akey
out
oadoct
or
Me:
eer
ra
Tef
o:I
m sor
ry
Me:
Im sor
ryt
oo(
Iwast
ir
edoff
ight
ing)

(wewenttoseeadoct or
.Tefodi dntgobackt o
work,hestayedhomel ookingafterthegirls
whil
eIrested.MybodywasweakandIwasi n
pai
n.Thedoct orhaddoneapr egnancytest,
Tefohadinsisted,
anditcameoutnegat ive.
WhenIwokeupIf oundanot eTef owrot efor
me.Hehadt akenthegir
lsforawal k.Myphone
hadbeenof fbecauseIdidntfeelli
ketalkingto
Puso.ThemomentIswi tchedmyphoneon, hi
s
messagesf l
oodedmyphonesoIdeci dedt o
cal
lhim)
Puso:babyIhavebeenworri
edaboutyou?Ar
e
youintr
ouble?Whywasy ourphoneof
f?
mmaBoar dtlhemmay ouscar
edme
Me:
(cr
ying)hehi
tme
Puso:
who?
Me:
mybr
other
Puso:
whatdoy
oumeanhi
tyou?
Me:hesl
appedme.Ihavebeenhavi
nganose
bl
eedsi
ncelastni
ght
.Iwenttoseeadoct
or
Puso:
..
Me:
Puso?
Puso:whodoesyourbr
otherthi
nkhei
s?Wher
e
doeshegetthegut
stohityou?
Me:
heapol
ogi
sed
Puso:
sot
heapol
ogyi
smeantt
otakeawayt
he
pai
nandt
hehumi
li
ati
on?
Me:
hei
ssor
ry.BabeIhaddi
srespect
edhi
m
Puso:
soy
oudeser
vedabeat
ing?
Me:
no
Puso:Tshegof
atsoy
ouneedt
ogetoutoft
hat
house
Me:
babepl
easecl
am down
Puso:
Tshegof
atsoy
oudontdeser
vet
obe
beat
en.Iwi
ll
neverr
aisemyhandt
oyouandno
oneshoul
ddothatt
oy ou
Me:
Iknow
Puso: (hisv oi
cewasr ai
sed)nextt imehedoes
thatrepor thimt othepol i
ce.Tshegof atsono
manshoul dev erraisehishandt oyouno
mat terhowangr yheisaty ou.Itdoesntmatter
i
fy ouhav ecommi t
tedthewor stsinorcrime,
nooneshoul dev erbeaty ouandgetawaywi th
i
tTshegof atso.( i
nacal mv oice)babyknow
yourwor t
h.Youar easpeci alpersonandy ou
deser vespeci al t
reatment.Youar ehumanand
youwi llalway smakemi stakesbuti tdoesnt
meany oushoul dbeassaul ted;youmustbe
correctedwi t
hl oveandr espect
Me:
eer
ra
Puso:
howar
eyouf
eel
i
ng?
Me:
li
ghtheaded
Puso:
Ilov
eyoubabe.It
hinkIneedt
ocal
m
down,col
l
ectmy selfandtal
ktoyoulat
erwhen
I
mi nabetterspace.Il
oveyouTshego
Me:Il
oveyoutoo.Hemademet
estf
or
pr
egnancyandit
snegat
ive
Puso:babywehav
ebeenpl
ayi
ngsaf
e
remember
Me:
Ilov
eyou
Puso:
Ilov
eyoumor
emmaBoar
d.Mpchwaa!
(
Ismi
l
edwi
tht
ear
sinmyey
es)
NO.31

Thingshadbeenal otbetterathomesi nceour

unclesatusdownandt al
kedt ous.Dimpho
tol
eratedmeandIhav eaccept edherjustas
sheis:lazy,
contr
oll
i
ngandj udgmental
.Things
weref i
nebetweenmeandmybr otheraswell.
Mybr otherandhi
swi f
ewer egoingawayf or
festi
veseason.Theywer egoingtospend
Chr i
stmasatSwakopmundandnewy ear’sev e
atDi mpho’ spar ents’ home.Theagr eementwas
thatIshoul dgoandst aywi thmyuncl eandgo
toThebephat shwanowandt hent ocheckt he
house.st ayingatmyuncl e’shousedi dn’tfeel
sogood.myuncl e’sf ami l
yisv erybi gandt here
wasnoor dergener all
y .Wewoul dcookwi t
h
verybi gpotsandt her ewasal waysal otofwor k
todobecausemyuncl ehasmany
grandchi l
dren.Addi ngont othatmyuncl e’
s
wi f
er unsashebeensoaf ternoonswer eal ways
packed.Someoft hecust omer stalkedt ousi n
awayt hatmademeuncomf ortable.Theonl y
ti
meIenj oyedwer emor ni
ngswhenwewer e
hav i
ngourbr eakfast .Wewoul dallsi tundera
treeshadeeat i
ngandmyuncl ewoul dpass
j
okes.Al l
theki dsl ov edhim.myuncl e
slaught er
edagoatf orusf orChr i
st mas.We
wer esupposedt ohav efunandal lbutt here
wassomet hingmi ssingi nmy
l
ife…..Raboar d……. hecal l
edmesev er altimes
dur
ingt
heday
)
Me:
Raboar
d
Puso:
mmaboar
d
Me:
howar
eyoumyl
ove?
Puso:
I'
m bor
edher
e.
Me:
atl
eastwear
ecount
ingday
snow
Puso:
andIwi
l
lbeoutoft
hisbor
ingpl
ace.
Me:(smi
l
ing)Ican'
twai
tfort
hat
.Thethought
ofy
oucomi ngmakesmev er
yexci
ted
Puso:metoo.Ireal
l
ywantt
ospendsome
qual
it
yti
mewi thyou
Me:
met
oo
Puso:sohowarewegoingt
odoit?Idon’twant
youdi
sappear
ingli
keyoudi
dtheothert
ime.we
shoul
dfindabet
terpl
an
Me:
kar
eyoudi
dn’
tli
ket
hatonebi
t
Puso:
Iwascaughtbet
weenwant
ingt
ospend
ti
mewit
hyouanddoi
ngther
ightt
hingby
aski
ngy
outogobackhome
Me:andhowdidy ouendupmakingt
he
deci
si
onthatIshoul
dstaywi
thyou?
Puso:
lov
eov
ercamel
ogi
c
(
webot
hlaughed)
Me:Iwi
l
lmakeapl
an.Iwi
l
laskLent
let
ocov
er
upf
ormesomehow
Puso:pl
easedotalktoher.Iwil
lbeofff ora
fewdayssoifyoucanspendt woorthr eeday s
withme.butIdef
ini
tel
ywantt ospendnew
yearsev
ewithyou.Iwanty outoberightnex tt
o
mewhenImakemywi shesforthenewy ear
Me:wow!Iwi
l
ldef
ini
tel
ymakeapl
an
sweet
hear
t
Puso:
okl
ove
Me:
whatar
eyouwi
shi
ngf
or?
Puso:
fory
out
ogobackt
oschool
andpass
andt
hesamef
orme.
Me:
Ili
ket
hat
Puso:Iwantabr
ightf
utur
eforBoar
dandhi
s
si
bli
ngs
Me:(
Ilaughed)Ihopey
ouar
eser
iousabout
t
hatname
Puso:
Ican’
tbeRabor
adwhent
her
eisnoBoar
d
Me:ok.wewil
ltal
klat
ermybabe.Ther
eisa
pi
l
eofdisheswait
ingformet
owash
Puso:
enj
oy!
Me:
don’
tst
art
Puso:
byel
ove
Me:
lov
eyou
Puso:
lov
eyoumor
e
(ther
eisal
way ssomet
hingmagicalabout
talki
ngtoPuso.NomatterhowstressedIam I
alwaysendupsmi l
i
ngandmymoodwoul dpi
ck
fr
om 0to100i nstantl
y.Tal
kaboutbei
ng
smit
ten.ThatafternoonLent
lecametocheck
me)

Lentl
e:Moghel
otsent
sev
at(
youhav
egai
ned
weight)
Me:
Ihav
e
Lent
le:
(touchi
ngmyt
ummy
)hel
l
oli
tt
leone
Me:
owai
i
!Ther
eisnot
hingi
nther
e
Lent
le:
arey
ousur
e?
Me:PusoandIarecar
eful
.GapeIt
est
edf
or
pr
egnancyaf
ter
….
Lent
le:
aft
ert
hatscandal
(shel
aughed)
Me:
Ihav
en’
thadi
nfort
hreef
ull
weeksnow
Lent
le:
Moghel
Me:themmaebil
eIneedy
outocoverupf
or
me.Iwantt
ospendsometi
mewithPusowhen
hecomesbutIdon’
twantt
odot
hingst
hewayI
di
dlastt
ime
Lent
le:
oh.Thatshoul
dbeeasy
Me:
(smi
l
ingandhuggi
ngher
)thanksl
ove
Lent
le:any
time.Thewayyoulovethi
sguy
scar
esme.mmel eenehelovesyoualot
.You
guysshoul
dgetmar r
iedal
ready
Me:westil
lhav
et obui
l
dourfut
ureand
i
ndiv
idual
ident
it
iesbef
orewecantaket
hat
st
ep
Lent
le:
youcandot
hatwhi
l
emar
ri
ed
Me:owai
i
!Anyway,
warewhat
’sgoi
ngon
bet
weenyouandChar
li
e?
Lent
le:
I'
m br
eaki
ngupwi
thhi
m
Me:
aomma.why
?
Lentl
e:Idon’
tthi
nkhewantsmeanymor e.heis
cheati
nganddoingal
lsor
tsofdi
srespectf
ul
thi
ngs.ThewayIseethi
ngshewantsmet oget
t
ir
edandgi
veup.Ihav
ethr
owni
nthet
owel
Me:
doesheknow?
Lentl
e:Idon’
tevenhavet
otel
lhim.Wehaven’
t
tal
kedforthr
eedays.Kegor
eifIdon’
tcal
lhe
doesn’
tbother
Me:
Iwashopef
ulaboutt
hisr
elat
ionshi
p
Lentl
e: mxm!I ’
mv eryunluckyinlove.Ifi
nda
niceguyhedi scovershisexi spregnantand
goesbackt oherf orthei
rchild’
ssake.Ifind
anotheronehel iestomeabouthi sidenti
tyand
j
ob.WhenIt houghtIhadf inal
lyfoundsomeone
whoi ssingl
eandhonest ,andhehast urnedout
tobet hewor st
Me:chomeetheysayy
ouhav et
okissafew
ugl
yfrogsbef
oreyouf
indpr
incechar
ming
Lent
le:
youhav
en’
tki
ssedasi
ngl
efr
og
Me:
mmey
ouar
eri
ght
Lent
le:
luckyy
ou
Me:
Iam l
uckyi
ndeed
Lent
le:
so,
arey
ouget
ti
ngr
eadyf
orschool
?
Me:Iam.Pusosay
swhenhecomesbackwe
mustgoandbuybooksandotherst
udy
mater
ial
whil
ehesti
llhasmoney
Lent
le:
Pusoi
ssobae
Me:
mybabei
sbae
(
wel
aughedl
i
ket
hebestf
ri
endswear
e)

NCOJANE

Kenal
emang:
(si
ngi
ng)Pel
oyameeko
Ramotswa
Puso:
(si
ngi
ng)pel
oyameekoMol
eps
(
theysangthesongandafewothersj
oined
t
hem singi
ngfr
om thei
rowntent
s.Theysang
f
oragood20mi nutes)
Kenal
emang:
Tjov
ii
ii
tj
o!
Puso:
wear
ecount
ingday
spapa
Kenal
emang:
final
l
y,f
inal
l
y
Puso:Iwil
lfor
everbethankf
ult
oyoufor
makingitpossi
bleformetoseeTshegoebf
ore
endoftri
p
Kenalemang:don’
tworr
ybuddy.Iwasworr
ied
becausevul
tureswer
ehoveri
ngoverher
Puso:
vul
tur
esi
ndeed
Kenal
emang:
i'
m goi
ngt
obewi
thmywi
feand
ki
dsinafewdays
Puso:
wifeandki
ds!(hesmi
l
ed)onedayIwi
l
l
besayi
ngthesamething
Kenalemang: youshouldman.Mar
riagei
sa
goodt hingprovi
dedthetwopeopl
eloveone
another,arecommittedandwantt
hebestfor
eachot her
Puso:
youar
ebl
essedmyman
Kenalemang:Iam butremembert hatever
y
rel
ati
onshi
pgoest hroughchall
engesandas
l
ongasy oufi
ghtthem togethernotnextto
eachotheri
t’
scool
Puso:y
ahneh.ObonawenaifIcancont
inuet
o
hangaroundy
ouI
’m goi
ngt
ol ear
nalot
Kenal
emang:
(hegi
ggl
ed)Ihopeso
Puso:
Iwantt
oint
roduceTshegot
omymot
her
Kenal
emang:
youar
ereal
l
yser
iousabouther
Puso:Iam.Shei
sthefi
rstgi
rlIwi
l
lbe
i
ntroduci
ngtomymother
Kenal
emang:
nexty
ear
,it
’st
heweddi
nghaker
e
Puso:
money
,madi
,machankur
a,zaka
Kenalemang:
don’tent
ert
aint
hatment
ali
ty
becauseamarri
agecerti
fi
cat
ecost
sfour
typul
a
Puso:
haveyouf
orgot
tenwhosesi
sterTshego
i
s.Pyt
hon!
Kenal
emang:hecangotothebushand
swall
owawi l
dcatorsomethi
ng,
nexty
eary
ou
ar
eget t
ingmarr
iedt
oTshego
Puso:
(smi
l
ing)mmaBoar
d

DAYSLATER…….
No.33

ThatdayIwasgoi ngt omeetPusosf amil

yandI
wasbothexcitedandscar ed.Iwashappy
becausetomebei ngi ntroducedt oPusos
famil
ymeantt hathewasser iousaboutour
rel
ati
onshi
pandact uall
yt akingittoanother
l
evel.HoweverIwasscr aredbecauseIwasnt
surehowhisfami l
ywasgoi ngt orespondt ome.
Pusowasposi ti
vethatt heywer egoingtolove
mebutIwasntsur eaboutt hat.Anyway ,
wecan
neverbesureuntilwegett here.Pusohad
boughtmeal ongf l
oraydr essandshor tsleev
e
j
acketspeci fical
l
yforthefamil
yv isi
t.He
want edmet omakeagoodi mpression.Iwore
thedr esswi t
hbluepumps.Iputonmyl ong
straightweav eandjustali
tt
lebitofmakeup.I
l
ookedl i
keasuperwoman.Hepi ckedmef rom
Mol epol ol
eandwepassedbyAi rportJunct
ion
mal lonourwayt oBokaa.Justaswewer e
wal kingar oundthemal l
Isawmybr otherand
hisf ami l
y

Me:
babel
ook
Puso:
rel
axl
ove
Me:
IswearLi
sai
sgoi
ngt
orecogni
zeme
Puso:
dontpani
c
Me:
babe!
Puso:
putony
oursungl
asses
Me:
(Iputonmysungl
asses)ok
Puso:
now,
thesepeopl
edontexpectt
oseey
ou
i
nGabor onesot heywontt hinkitsyou.another
thi
ngisthattheyhav eneverseeny oul ooki
ng
thi
sglamor oussot heyaregoingt odoubtits
you(t
heywer egett
ingcloser)Im goingtostop
andgreetMaj orMot swasel
e, wenajustwav e
andcontinuewalking.Iwill
cat chupwi thyou
Me:
okl
ove
Puso:
bebol
danddontpani
c
Me:
ok
Puso:Mor
ena(
boss)
.Hel
l
omadam,
hel
l
oli
tt
le
ones
Me:hel
l
o(Isai
danxi
ousl
yandmov edon.It
ook
myphoneoutofmyhandbagandpret
endedto
beonacal
l)
Di
mpho:
hel
l
o
Tef
o:hi
Li
sa:(spreadi
ngherhandsf
orPusot
oli
fther
up)uncle!
Di
mpho:
sheknowsy
ou?(
shewassur
pri
sed)
Puso:
alot.Ial
way
spl
aywi
thherali
tt
lebi
t
whenbosssendsmet
oyourhouse
Tef
o:hei
sri
ght
.Hegoest
omyhouseal
ot
Puso:
what
syournameagai
n?
Li
sa:
Lisa
Uncl
e:sor
rybaby.uncl
ealway
sforgetsyour
name(toDimpho)Ialway
smixtheirnames
Di
mpho:
(smi
l
ing)Isee
Tef
o:howar
eyou?
Puso:
im doi
ngv
erywel
lsi
r
Tefo:
Iseeyouarebackf
rom t
het
ri
pebi
l
eyou
arewit
hyourper
son
Puso:
(smi
l
ing)y
essi
r
Di
mpho:
shei
sbeaut
if
ul(
shesmi
l
ed)
Puso:
thanky
ou.andhumbl
e
Tef
o:andhot
Di
mpho:
andwhat
!
(
theyl
aughed)
Tef
o:i
tsr
udet
okeepabeaut
if
ull
adywai
ti
ng
Puso:
yessi
r,ebi
l
ewear
einahur
ry
Tef
o:i
twasni
cemeet
ingy
ou
Puso:
sameher
e.By
eLi
sa,
byeMol
l
y
Ki
ds:
bye

(
Pusowal
kedf
astt
ocat
chupwi
thme)
Me:
thatwascl
ose
Puso:andtheyar
ecompl
i
ment
ingmeabout
yourbeaut
yandclass
Me:
whowoul
dhav
ethought
?
Puso:
idi
ots
(
wegi
ggl
edhappi
l
y.Weboughtwhatwehadt
o
buyandheadedtoBokaa.Asweappr
oached
theyar
dIfel
tuncomfort
able)
Me:
whati
ftheydontl
i
keme?
Puso:
whati
fyoudontl
i
ket
hem?
Me:
babycomeon
Puso:
youcannotbelikedbythewholewor
ld.
Whatmatt
ersisthatweloveeachother
Me:
Iguessy
ouar
eri
ght
Puso:
Iknowt
hatf
oraf
act
(wef oundt
hefamil
ygatheredunderatr
ee.
therewasabout10people.Theysatar
ounda
nicel
ydecorat
edtabl
e)
MmaPuso:mybabi
es(shestoodupt
ohugus
andev
ery
bodyel
sehuggedus)
Puso:
(smi
l
ing)l
afami
l
ie
Si
ster
:wemi
ssedy
oubr
a
Puso:
Imi
ssedal
lofy
ou
(t
hekidscameoutoft hehouseandthey
huggedPusoslegs.Theyseemedv er
yhappyto
seehim.hegreet
edt hem happi
l
y.Hetookhi
s
ti
meswi ngi
ngeachoneoft hem ar
ound)
MmaPuso: si
tdownmychil
d(Idi
d)Pusoput
thoseki
dsdownwewanttoeat.Wecoul
dnot
eatwit
houtt
hetwoofy
ou
(
Pusosatnextt
omeandr
ubbedmyt
high)
Puso:peopl
ethi
sismmaBoar d.Herreal
name
i
sTshegofatsoMotswasel
e.Sheismy
gi
rl
fri
endandIplantohusbandheroneday
(i
jo!Thatf eltsogood.t herewerehandshakes.
Ifel
tlikeal itt
leprincesi napalace.Wesat
aroundt hebi gtableeat ing.Il
i
stenedtothe
familytalkingandIf eltasifIwasapartof
them forr eal.Thatev eningPusoandhi s
sibl
ingsaskedhi smum t o'
goonexile'
the
exactlanguaget heyused.Shewast ospend
thenightathersi ste'splaysothatwe
youngst erscouldpar t
yandhav ef un.PusoandI
wer etheoneswhodr oppedherof father
sister
'spl aceinPuso'snewchar coal pol
ov i
vo.
Shepr ay edforthecar .
..
..
..
.Thenightwasl i
t.
Pusoandhi stwobr ot
hersand1si st
erwere
drinki
ngwi newhi l
etherestofuswer edri
nking
nonal cohol i
cdrinks.Pusowast ipsy.He
danced, hescr eamed. .
..
.Nowandt henhe
woul dpul lmef r
om mychai rforcingmet o
dancewi thhim.Whataf amil
y..
..Whatani ght.
..
.
Whatar ecept i
on)

AVANIHOTEL

Tef
o:t
hatgi
rlr
emi
ndedmeofmysi
ster
Di
mpho:
whi
chgi
?
Tef
o:Puso'
sgi
rl
fr
iend
Di
mpho:
oh!Soy
ouar
ebusyt
hinki
ngabout
ot
herpeopl
e'
sgi
rl
fr
iendswhi
l
eI'
mri
ghther
e
wi
thyou
Tefo:ther
eisnoneedtogetjeal
ousbabe.I'
m
j
ustsay i
ngthegi
rlr
emindedmeofTshego.
Seeinghermademet hinkgorei
fTshego
becomessuccessfuli
nlif
eshewill
lookthat
beauti
fulandel
egant
Di
mpho:
yes
Tef
o:Tshegomustgobackt
oschoo
Dimpho:shewi
l
lgot
oschool
.Shei
sver
y
deter
mined
Tef
o:t
rue
Dimpho:
ifdat
ingdoesn'
tder
ail
hershewi
l
l
pass
Tef
o:Idon'
tthi
nkshei
sdat
ing
Di
mpho:
thenwher
ewasshet
hatt
ime?
Tef
o:pr
obabl
ywi
thf
ri
ends
Di
mpho:
don'
tbei
gnor
ant
Tef
o:.
..
..
..
.
Dimpho:It
hinkyoushodstopsendi
ngyour
j
unior
stoy ourhouse.ThewayLi
sawas
comfort
ablewiththatguymademe
uncomfort
able
Tef
o:comeonPusoi
shar
mless.Hewi
l
lnev
er
hur
tmykids
Dimpho:I
'
m notthi
nki
ngaboutthekids.I
'm
concer
nedaboutTshego.Whati
ftheytake
advant
ageifher
?
Tefo:
Ionl
ysendtheonesIt
rust
,li
kePuso,
JohnandKenal
enang
Di
mpho:
ify
ousayso
Tefo:mysist
ermustmakesomet
hingoutof
herli
fe.Wewerewrong.
..
..
.
Dimpho:enough!Youarebusytal
kingabout
Tshegogoingbacktoschoolbutsayi
ngnothi
ng
aboutwhoi
sgoi
ngt
otakecar
eofy
ourchi
l
dren
Tef
o: It
hinkweshouldsendthem t
oschool
.
Ourhouseisfi
nishedsooncewemov eto
Molepolol
ewecanf i
ndgoodschoolsf
orthem
Di
mpho:sowewi
l
lbepay
ingschool
,Tshego,
t
axi
..
..
Tefo:Iwl
dropthem of
fatschodail
y.Asf
or
Tshegowedon'thavetopayher1,500
anymorebutweneedtogivehersomethi
ng
everymonthf
orherupkeep
Di
mpho:
howmuchi
ssomet
hing?
Tef
o:500pul
a
Di
mpho:
that
'st
oomuch
Tef
o:aoDi
mpho!
Di
mpho:
ij
a!
NO.32
MYUNCLE’
SHOUSE

Me:uncl
e,canIpl
easegot
oMol
epol
olel
ater
t
oday?
Uncl
e:yesmychi
l
d.goandchecki
fthehouse
i
sinorder
Me:I
'
m goingt
osleepatThebephat
shwa.CanI
comebackaft
ert
woday s?
Uncle:(
hesmil
ed)i
sther
eaneedt
ospendt
wo
daysthere?
Me:notreall
y(myheartwasbreaki
ng.Puso
wasarr
ivingthatni
ghtandIwantedtospend
twodayswi t
hhim bef
orehewenthomet osee
hismum)
Uncl
e:ok
Me:
canIspendani
ghtt
her
eatl
east
?
Uncle:
(hegiggl
ed)ar
eyour
eal
l
ygoi
ngt
o
Thebephat
shwaTshego?
Me:
yesuncl
e
Uncl
e:ar
eyousur
e?
Me:youcancal
lmeont helandli
nesot
haty
ou
canbesurei
m atThebephatshwa
Uncl
e:i
sheanar
myof
fi
ceratThebephat
shwa?
Me:
(pani
cki
ng)who?
Uncl
e:comeonTshego.Iknowy
ouwantt
ogo
andseehim
Me:
…….
Uncl
e:y
oucangoandspendsomet
imewi
th
hi
m mychi
l
d.bewiseTshego
Me:
(smi
l
ing)y
esuncl
e
Uncl
e:l
eav
eroom f
ordi
ssapoi
ntment
Me:
yesuncl
e
Uncl
e:whenar
eyoul
eav
ing?
Me:I'
m goi
ngt
ocooklunchf
ir
st.Iwi
l
lleav
e
af
terwashi
ngt
hedishes
Uncle:youareahardworkermychil
dandever
si
ncey oucamet ostaywithusourhousei
s
al
way sclean.Thaty
oungboyshouldbeseri
ous
aboutyoubecausey ouareoneofakind
Me:
…….
Uncl
e:i
t'
sfi
nemychi
l
d
(Istar
tedwi ththepot
s.Afterever
yonehad
eatenIcleanedt heki
tchen.It
henpr epared
my selfandleft
.Iwassmi l
ingallt
hewayt o
Thebephat shwa.Iwasgoingt ospendt henight
withRaboar d.Theonewhobr ingsjoytomy
heart…….)
.
.
.
.
.
(
ast
het
rucksappr
oachedThebephat
shwat
hey
st
art
edsi
ngi
ng)
Ronakana
Ronar
eat
sena
Ret
senakamahega
Hel
eleeeeeel
e
Sut
ahoo,
sut
aregor
ogi
l
e
(thetruckparkedandtheyj
umpedoffhappil
y.
Theydancedandsangandwhent heyhad
enjoyedthemselvesthei
rbossaddr
essedthem.
Af t
erthateachonetookhisbel
ongi
ngsand
theydispersed.PusoandKenal
emangleft
together)
Kenal
emang:
I’
m goi
ngt
ospendt
oni
ghtat
Ramotswa
Puso:
isn’
titt
ool
atet
otr
avel
?
Kenal
emang:
notwhenmyf
ami
l
yisi
nmymi
nd.
Puso:
Isee.I
’
m goi
ngt
oputmybagsi
nmy
r
oom andgoandcheckTshego
Kenal
emang:
sur
eskwat
ta
Puso:
passmyr
egar
dst
othef
ami
l
y
Kenal
emang:
Iwi
l
l.sayhi
toTshego
Puso:
Iwi
l
l
Kenal
emang:
goeasyont
hegi
rl
Puso:
shei
stheonewhoshoul
dgoeasyonme.
(
theybot
hlaughed)
Kenal
emang:
wewi
l
ltal
kmyguy
Puso:
sur
eskeeem

(
Ihadfal
lenasl
eeponthecouchwhi
lewai
ti
ng
f
orPuso.Iwokeuptoaknockonthedoor
)
Me:
whoi
sit
?
Puso:
mokadi
athol
o
Me:
yeahhhhhh!(
Iscr
eamedi
nexci
tement
.I
unl
ockedthedoorandassoonasIopenedt
he
doorPuso’
scolognef
il
ledt
heair
)
Puso:
mybabbbby
Me:
babeeees
(hehuggedmeandIhel dont ohi mti
ghtl
y.He
smashedhi sl
ipsagainstmi neandwewer eall
ov ereachother.Heuntiedmygownandt here
wasnot hi
ngunderneathi t
.Hegent l
ypushed
meont hecouchandqui cklyt oofof
fhis
clothes.Themachinewasal readyup;i
tsev er
readyany way.Hetookoutt heskwat acondoms
from thebackpocketofhi sj eansandwemade
l
ov e)
Puso:
huh!
Me:
(smi
l
ing)i
ndeed!
Puso:
Ilov
eyou
Me:
Ilov
eyoumor
e
Puso:
Imi
ssedy
ousomuchmyl
ove
Me:Imi
ssedy
oumor
e.(
smi
l
ing)y
ouar
eher
e
now
Puso:
I’
m her
elov
e
Me:whenar
eyougoi
ngont
hisl
ongbor
ingt
ri
p
agai
n?
Puso:
I'
m ski
ppi
ngnexty
ear
Me:
yeahhh!
Puso:Idon’
tknowift
heywi l
lsendmeont hi
s
tr
ipagainsi
nceIwanttoenrollf
orschool.
AnywayIsti
llhav
etodiscussitwit
hmyboss
andnotif
yaboutmyint
entionsinwrit
ing
Me:
ok
Puso:
Iboughty
ousomesnacks
Me:
I'
m goodf
ornow.Icookedf
ory
ou
Puso:
it'
stool
atef
oraheav
ymeal
.Iwi
l
leati
n
themorni
ng
Me:
aret
her
esweet
sint
hepl
ast
icbag?
Puso:
yes
Me:
Icanhav
ethose
Puso:(
hepickedt
heplast
icbagandpassedi
t
toti
me)thereyougo
Me:thanks(Iopenedthepacketandputt
wo
sweetsinhismouth.Hekissedmeandpushed
theothercandyi
nmymout h)
Puso:Iwantt
oappl
yforal
oan.Haker
eIt
old
you?
Me:
yes
Puso:Iwanttobuyacarandhel
pmymum
fi
nishourhouseathome
Me:
that
’sgr
eat
Puso:
Ineedacarf
orschool
.
Me:
okl
ove.Congr
atsi
nadv
ance
Puso:
thanks.Ar
eyour
eadyt
omeetmymum?
Me:
Iguess
Puso:
yousoundunsur
e
Me:
becauseIwon’
tbeabl
etoi
ntr
oducey
out
o
myfami
ly
Puso:gatweifagirldoesn’
tintr
oduceyouto
herfamil
ythenmakeherpr egnantsothather
famil
ycanintroducethemselvestoyouand
yourfamil
y
Me:(pl
ayfull
ysl
appedhi
m ont
hechest
)don’
t!
Schoolbefor
echil
d
Puso:
Iwasj
oki
ng
Me:
Iknow
Puso:youshoul
dmaket i
mesot hatwecan
checkstudymater
ial
satthebookstor
esin
Gabs
Me:onceIgetthosebooksI
'
m gonnast
art
st
udyi
ngrightaway
Puso:
kar
eyouar
esomot
ivat
ed
Me:
Ihav
esav
ed2,
500.Thi
smont
hDi
mpho
pai
dmewi
thoutaf
ight
Puso:that’
sgreat
.2,500isalotofmoney .Go
rayagorewhenIgett heloanIwil
lgiv
ey outhe
schoolfeesandbuyt hestudymateri
alandy ou
canuset hemoneyy ouhav etopayatutor.
Ebil
eweshoul dstar
tlookingforatut
or
Me:(
smi
l
ing)y
es.int
hreey
ear
sIwi
l
lbedone
wi
thmyf
ormfive.
Puso:
theny
oucangot
oter
ti
ary
Me:
wher
ewi
l
lIgetmoneyf
ort
ert
iar
y?
Puso:foraslongasI
'm al
i
veyouwi
llgoto
tert
iar
yschoolonewayortheot
her
.Ebil
eby
thenwewi l
lbemarri
ed
Me:
mymum woul
dbesopr
oudofme
Puso:
shewi
l
lbesmi
l
ingf
rom hergr
ave
(
wetalkedunt
il4am.fantasi
zingaboutour
f
utur
eandmaki ngser
iousplans)
NO.33
BOKAA

(
wewokeupt
osomeoneknocki
ngont
hedoor
)
Puso:
whoi
sit
?
Sist
er:Char
it
y.Ihav
epr
epar
edbat
hingwat
er
foryouandTshego
Puso:
thanksalot
.Tshegowi
ll
bat
hfi
rst
.Iwi
l
l
bat
hafterher
.shei
scoming
Char
it
y:al
ri
ght

Puso:
Ihav
eat
err
ibl
eheadache
Me:it
’snotcal
l
edaheadache,
itscal
l
eda
hangover
Puso:
(hegi
ggl
ed)mxm!Got
akeabat
h
Me:
ok
(
iwaswear
ingmypant
iesonl
y)
Puso:
ifi
twasn’
tfort
hishangov
erIcoul
dbe….
.
Me:
stopi
t!
Puso:
heebanna!
Me:
letmegoandbat
hbef
orey
ougetnaught
y
Puso:
letmet
akeanap

(Iwenttotakeabat handwhenIwasdoneI
wentbackt oourbedroom.Iwai tedforPusoto
goandbat hbeforeItookoffthet oweland
appli
edloti
ontomybody .Idi
dn’twannamake
l
ov etohim.Hehadbeenkeepi ngmebusy
sincehecamebackandIneededabr eak.He
camebackandf oundmedr essedup)
Puso:gat
weIshoul
dtel
lyout
hatbr
eakf
asti
s
ready
Me:
Ican’
tgoal
one.
Puso:
wai
tformet
hen
(wefoundthewhol efamilywaiti
ngforus.We
exchangedgreet
ings.Wet hensatdownandt he
wholefamil
yhadbr eakfast.Justbef
oreweleft
Puso’smum askedt oseeus)
MmaPuso:
howar
eyouPusi
?
Puso:
I'
m goodmum
MmaPuso:
youdon’
tlookgood
Puso:
I'
mti
redf
rom par
tyi
ng
MmaPuso:
ok(
looki
ngatme)howar
eyoumy
gi
rl
?
Me:
I'
mfi
net
hanky
ou
MmaPuso: I
'
m alsodoi
ngfine.Kanawenev
er
real
l
ysatandtal
kedsoidon’tknowmuch
abouty
ouexceptforwhatChari
tytol
dme
Me:
eemma
MmaPuso:
soy
ouar
eaMot
swasel
efr
om
Mol
epol
ole?
Me:
(anxi
ous)eemma
MmaPuso:
whatdoy
oudof
oral
i
vingmychi
l
d?
Me:
i……(
Pusoi
nter
rupt
ed)
Puso:shei
sgoingtoschoolnextyear
.She
di
dn’tdowel
linherfor
mt hr
eebecauseher
mum diedj
ustbefor
eshewr oteherexams
MmaPuso:
(shesmi
l
ed)howol
dar
eyoumy
gi
rl
?
Me:
I'
m 20
MmaPuso: okoh.It
houghtPusowasdef
ili
ng
you(si
lence)dogobacktoschoolmygi
rland
bui
ldyourfutur
e
Me:
yesmama
Puso:
shei
sgoi
ngt
hisJanuar
y
MmaPuso:Isee(si
l
ence)mychi
ldr
en,wear
e
l
iv
ingi
ntheendti
meswhererel
ati
onshi
psar
e
ver
yunstable.Bef
ait
hful
tooneanotherand
useprot
ecti
onwhenhav i
ngsex(Il
ookeddown
shyl
y)Tshego?
Me:
mma
MmaPuso: youarethegir
lchil
dandif
pregnancyoccursyouaretheonewhowi ll
carr
y
thechil
dwithorwithoutaman’shelpsoplease
takegoodcar eofyour
sel
f.Fini
shyourschool
fi
rstandthat
’swheny oucanhav eachi
ld
Me:
eemma
MmaPuso: Pusi,Ial
wayssaythisandy ouar
e
probabl
yexpect
ingitfr
om me.Itisalwayswi
se
tohaveachil
dafteryougetmarried.Gone
mmePusowhatar eyouwait
ingfor ?
Puso:(scr
atchi
nghishead)ei
shmama!I’
m not
ready
.Isti
llhav
et oshapemyownfut
urebefor
e
Icancommi tmy sel
ftoany
one
MmaPuso:ar
ewet
alki
ngaboutany
oneor
Tshego?
(
IlookedatPuso)
Puso:
sor
ry.Tshego
MmaPuso: Iwil
lneverf
orceyoutogetmar
ri
ed
butoncey
ouf eelr
eadydon’tdel
ay
Puso:
eemma
(
Theol dwomangav eusal onglect
ureabout
r
elat
ionshi
ps.Bythetimeshewasdonewi thus
wehadi nf
ormati
onov er
load.Puso’
sbrother
l
ookedatusandl aughed)

Br
other
:whatdi
dshesay
?
Puso:
don’
tfor
gett
owearacondom
(
Theyl
aughedl
i
kenaught
yli
tt
leboy
s)
Br
other
:(t
ome)wel
comet
oourf
ami
l
y.
Me:
thanks

(
Wehadl
unchwi
tht
hef
ami
l
ybef
orePusoandI
bidthem goodbtyeandwentbackt o
Molepolole.WestoppedatGabor onet obuya
fewthings.WearrivedatMol epol
olelatei
nt he
eveningandPusopar kedhiscarafewhouses
awayf r
om myuncl e’shouseandwesati nthe
carchatti
ng.Hissistercal
ledhim andhet al
ked
toherabi tbef
oregiv i
ngmet hephone)
Me:
hel
l
o
Char
it
y:si
steri
nlaw
Me:
(Igi
ggl
edshy
ly)hi
Chari
ty:
mycousi
nishav
ingabri
dal
shower
nextmonthandy
ouarei
nvit
ed
Me:
thanky
ousomuch
Char
it
y:Iwi
l
lsendy
out
hei
nvi
tat
ionv
ia
what
sapp
Me:
thanky
ou
Char
it
y:muchl
ovehey
Me:
lov
eyout
oo
(Puso’
ssist
eri
ssuchagoodper
sonandIget
alongwit
hhersowell
)
Puso:
whatwast
hat
?
Me:invi
tat
iont
oabr
idal
shower
.Yourcounsi
n’
s
br
idalshower
Puso:
Idon’
tthi
nky
oushoul
dgo
Me:
(shocked)why
?
Puso:babyy oucanonl yatt
endourimmedi ate
famil
yev ent
snotev entsforthedi
stantfami l
y.
I
tsnotl ikeI'
m stoppingyoufrom bondingwi t
h
myot herr el
ati
ves.Youknowhowr elat
ivesare.
Soont heywi l
lbethrowingshadesand
gossi
pi ngabouty ouandt hat’
swhati'mt r
ying
toavoid.
Me:
oh
Puso:whenwegetmarri
edIwantpeoplet
obe
cur
iousabouty
ou.Idon’
twantasi
tuat
ion
wherepeopl
ewouldhaveal
readyf
ormed
i
mpr
essi
onsandper
cept
ionsabouty
ou
Me:
thanksf
orpr
otect
ingme
Puso:
I'
m gl
adyouunder
stand(
hel
eanedov
er
andki
ssedme)
Me:
sowhatam Igoi
ngt
osayt
oChar
it
y?
Puso:Iwi
l
lexpl
ainev
ery
thi
ngt
oher
.Don’
t
worry
Me:
okl
ove
(PusoleftandIwenthome.Iwasi nav erygood
mood.Ideci dedtocallLentl
eandsharemy
experi
encewi thher.Shewascur i
oustoknow
aboutmyj ourneybutIdidn’
twantt ocall
her
whenPusowasar oundbecausehehad
cauti
onedmeaboutshar ingexperi
enceswi t
h
fri
ends.Johnhadt aughthim agoodlesson)
Lent
le:
moghel
,happynewy
ear
Me:happynewy
earmoghel
.Youdon'
twanna
know
Lent
le:tel
lmet
lhemma.Youhav
ebeen
i
gnoringme
Me:Iwasbusywi thbae.MmaIhadt heti
meof
mylife.I
twasthefir
strealpart
yIhaveattended.
Puso'sfamil
yissolovi
ng.Hismum accept ed
meandIf eelli
keherdaughterforr
eal.
Apparentl
yPusoisthemostr esponsi
bleand
wellbehavedofal
lhissibl
i
ngs.Ifeelsoblessed
Lent
le:
youar
ebl
essedi
ndeedmyf
ri
end
Me:
Iam
Lent
le:nnammaIhavenot
hingtot
ell
.Ispent
newy ear
'sev
eathomewatchi
ngTV.
Me:thi
syeary
oumustf
indyour
sel
fadecent
guy
.That'
smywishf
oryou
Lent
le:
nemmawhatdidyoudot
ofindsucha
goodman?IneedaPusoi
nmyli
fe
Me:owai
ii
,Idi
dnothi
ng.Goddeci
dedt
hatI
mustatl
easthav
ealovingmansi
nceIdon'
t
hav
east
rongsuppor
tsy
stem
Lent
le:
wenay
ouar
ebl
essed
Me:
yout
ooar
ebl
essedmyf
ri
end
Lent
le:
byemoghel
Me:what'
swr
ongmyf
ri
end?Yousoundv
ery
st
ressed
Lent
le:
myl
i
fei
samess.Ihav
etogo.
..By
e
Me:
Lent
le!
(It
ri
edcall
i
ngLent l
eagainbutshedidn'
tpi
ck
mycallsoIthoughtIshoul
dgivehersome
space)
NO.34

MOLEPOLOLE

(
Begi
nni
ngofFebr
uarywemovedtoMolepol
ole.
Mybr
other
shousewascompl
ete.I
twasa
di
ffi
cul
tti
mef ormeandPusobecausewewer e
usedtoseei
ngeachot heroft
en.Hechecked
meonhi swayfrom Gaborone)
Puso:heybabe(
hel
eanedov
erandweshar
ed
alongkiss)
Me:
hel
l
obabes
Puso:
howar
eyouset
tl
ingi
n?
Me:
Im doi
ngf
ine.
Puso:t
hatsgreat(
hesai
drubbi
ngmyback)
.Di
d
youcontactt
heguy?
Me:(
Ibecamehappy)y
esIdid.Hehasagreed
t
ohelpmeforf
ree.Iwi
llbeseei
nghi
mt hr
ee
t
imesaweek
Puso:
that
sgr
eat
.Iwentt
oschool
wit
hhi
m.
Me:
hehaspromisedtogiv
emesomestudy
mat
eri
alsl
i
keprevi
oustest
sandexams
Puso:t
hatwi
ll
bev er
yhelpf
ul.Sowesti
l
lhav
e
tofi
ndatut
orfort
heothersubject
s?
Me:
notreal
ly.Theguyrunsagroupsohesaid
t
her
eareothertutorsi
nthegr
oupwhowillhel
p
mewit
htheot hersubj
ect
s
Puso:
that
sni
ce
Me:
Im st
art
ingt
omor
row
Puso:
that
squi
ck
Me:y
es.HesaidImust
ntthi
nkt
hatIhav
e11
mont
hsbecauseDecemberi
sout
Puso:heisri
ght.Letmegi
vey
ousomet
hing
befor
eIforget
Me:(
eat
ingachocol
atehehadbr
oughtme)ok
l
ove
(hegotoutoft
hecarandopenedt
heboot
.He
camebackcarryi
ngabox)
Puso:
ther
eyougo
Me:
ist
hiswhatIt
hinki
tis?
Puso:
yesmmaBoar
d.Rev
isi
onbooks
Me:t
hanky
ousomuchmybabe.Wooooow!I
l
oveyou
Puso:
Ilov
eyout
oomybabe
Me:
whenar
eyouappl
yi
ng?
Puso:
inamont
hort
wo
Me:
goodl
uckmyl
ove
Puso:thanksbabe(
hegentl
ysqueezedmy
hand)Ihavetogomylove.I
m ondutytoni
ght
Me:ok.Iwi
l
lmakeapl
ant
ocomeandcheck
you
Puso:l
etmeknowwheny
ouar
efr
eesot
hatI
cancomeandpicky
ou
Me:okbabe( Il
eanedov
erandki
ssedhim on
theforehead.Heheldmychi
nandpull
edme
towardshim andgavemeakissthatl
eftgoose
bumpsonmybody )
Puso:
Ilov
eyou
Me:
Ilov
eyoumor
e

THEBEPHATSHWA

(Pusopassednextt
oJohnandanot
her
coll
eague.Hedi
dntstopt
hecar
,hej
ustwav
ed
atthem)
Col
l
eague:
arenty
ouf
ri
endswi
thhi
m any
mor
e?
John:hakerehehasboughtacarsohet
hinks
heisbettert
hanther
estofus
Coll
eague:
Idontthi
nkt
hecarhaschangedhi
s
behavi
ororat
ti
tude
John:
Iknowt hi
sguy ,
Iwasoncehi
sfr
iend.He
i
scompletel
ydiff
erentfr
om t
heper
sonheused
tobe
Col
l
eague:buthei
sst
il
lani
ceguy
.Hegr
eet
s
menicel
y
John:
wai
tandsee
Col
l
eague:
ok
John:
hei
sdat
ingPy
thonssi
ster
Col
l
eague:
ehe?
John:
yes.Heboughtt
hiscart
oimpr
esst
hegi
rl
Coll
eague:butthatgir
ldoesntl
ookt hattype.I
nevert
houghtshecoul dbethekindt hatneed
tobeimpressed.Ithoughtshei
sj ustahumbl e
gir
l
John:
dontbesonaï
ve.Lookscanbedecei
vi
ng
Col
l
eague:
Iguessy
ouar
eri
ght
John:
Iam
Col
league:Inev
ert
houghtPy
thonwouldal
low
hi
ssistert
odateapri
vat
e.Heebaaannna!
John:
thet
hingist
hatPy
thondoesntknow.i
ts
asecr
etaf
fair
Col
l
eague:
IknowPy
thonwoul
dnev
eral
l
owi
t
John:thi
sguyt hi
nkshehasmadei tinl
if
eand
helooksdownuponme.hedoesntknowt hatI
candestroyhi
mi naninstant
.KanaifIt
ell
Pythonabouttheaffai
rthi
ngswil
lneverbet he
samef orhi
m
Col
l
eague:
andwhywoul
dyout
ell
Pyt
hon?
John:
tot
eachPusol
esson
Col
l
eague:
soy
ouar
easni
tch?
John:
nobut
.
Coll
eague:(hestoppedtolookathim)guy sli
ke
youareverydangerous.Iwouldneverkeepa
fr
iendwhot hr
eatenstospil
lotherpeoples
secret
swhenhei sangr
y,never!Iwi
llt
rustyou
becauseyoumi ghtdothesamet ome.Dude!
John:
(smi
l
ing)t
hat
snothow.
.
Col
league:
peopl
eli
key
ouneedt
obuydr
esses
andwearthem
John:
dontcr
ossme
Colleague:y
ouar eri
ghtt
osayIshouldnot
crossy oubecauseIdontknowwhatyouhave
againstmet hatyoucanusetodest
royme
John:
what
syourpr
obl
em kant
e?
Col
l
eague:
ist
hist
her
eal
you?
John:
aet
sekmaaan!
Colleague:nnapapai fy outryt
odestroyme
youwi ll
getdoublepor tion.Tot
aebil
eIshould
warnPusoabouty ou.Pusoi sahar
ml essguy
.
Im beggingtobelievey oumusthavedone
somet hingharmful t
ohi mf ort
hefr
iendshi
pto
end.
John:
dontt
estme

(Iwasinmybedroom wi
tht
hegirl
s.Iwas
study
ingandt
heyweredist
urbi
ngme.Itook
oneofmyoldnotesandcuttwopages.It
hen
gaveeachoneofthem t
odrawandthey
becamever
yexci
ted.Mybr
otherknockedandI
i
nvit
edhi
mi n)
Tef
o:hel
l
ows
Li
sa:
daddyl
ook
(TefolookedatwhatLisahaddrawnandhe
gav eherahi ghfi
ve.Mol
lyt
ooshowedher
fatherherjumbledupdrawi
ngandhisfat
her
compl i
ment edhertoo)
Tef
o:(
smi
l
ing)Iseey
ouar
ever
ybusy
Me:
eer
ra
Tef
o:whatar
eyoust
udy
ing?
Me:
mat
hs.Il
i
kemat
hs
Tefo:thatsgreat.Icanseehowseri
ousyouare
abouty ourstudiesandIseeyoudoi
ngverywel
l
becausey ouhav eav er
yheal
thyat
ti
tude
towardsy ourstudies
Me:
eer
ra
Tefo:(
holdi
ngmyr evi
sionbook.Kar
eyouev
en
boughtrevi
sionbooks
Me:
eer
ra.Ihav
ebeensav
ingf
ort
hem
Tef
o:t
hatswonder
ful
.Whatcar
reerpat
hdoy
ou
wantt
ofoll
ow?
Me:(smili
ng)Iwantt obeat eacher ,social
workeroranur se.Idonthavemoneyf orthe
coursesbutIknowi fIwor khardandsav eIcan
beabletodot hecour seIwant .IfIhavet owor
k
andgot oschool partti
meIwi lldoit.some
peoplearedoingitandi t
swor kingf i
neforthem
Tef
o:t
hat
sver
ytr
ue
(
DimphoknockedandIi
nvi
tedheri
naswel
l
)
Di
mpho:
whatar
eyouguy
sdoi
ngher
e?
Tef
o:canyoui
maginet
hatTshegoisbusy
st
udyi
ngandIm her
edi
stur
bingher
Dimpho:oh!Wher
edi
dyougett
hesebooks
Tshego?
Me:
Iboughtt
hem wi
thmysav
ings
Tef
o:shei
sdet
ermi
ned
Di
mpho:howmuchhav
eyoubeensav
ingeach
mont
h?
Tef
o:t
hat
sper
sonal
tlhe
Dimpho:Inevert houghthersavi
ngswas
enoughtopayt utorial
s,payschoolf
ees,t
axi
far
etotutor
ialv enueandbuysomany
expensi
vebooks.Kanat hesebooksare
expensi
ve(holdingt hem onebyone)andshe
boughtbooksf orlit
eral
lyall
thesubj
ects
Tef
o:thewayyouli
keanaly
zingand
i
nvest
igat
ingpeopl
esf
inances
Di
mpho:
whatdoy
oumean?
Tefo:sometimesyouhavetot
akeiteasyand
notthinktoomuchabouthowpeopleareabl
e
toachievewhattheyhav
e.Kar
ewheni tcomes
tomoneymyl ov
e.
Li
sa:
mummyl
ook.
Di
mpho:
okmygi
rl
Li
sa:
itsni
cemummy
Di
mpho:
yes
Me: (l
ookingatmybrother
)canyoupleasebuy
them colouri
ngbooksandpenci
l
s.Lisali
kes
colouri
ng.
Tef
o:howmuchar
ethey
?
Me: i
tdependsont
henumberofpagesandt he
quali
tyofpaper
.Cr
ayonscostabout10pul
aa
packet
Tef
o:howmanycol
our
ingbooksdot
heyneed?
Me:
ify
oubuyt
wobookswi
thmanypages.
.
Dimpho:youdonthav
etobuythosemyl ov
e.I
cantpr
intcoul
ouri
ngpagesf
orthem atwork
Me:
that
sst
il
lfi
ne.col
our
ingpenci
l
s?
Tef
o:Iwi
l
lgi
vey
oumoneyt
omor
row
Me:
eer
ra
Di
mpho:
canwepl
easegoandsl
eep
Tef
o:okl
ove

MONTHSLat
er.
..
..
.
NO.35

Me:
howdi
dIper
for
m?
(
hesmi
l
edandIbecamev
eryner
vous)
Tut
or:
whatdoy
out
hink?
Me:t
hetestwasdiff
icul
tsoIdon'
tthi
nkIdid
wel
l
.Ineedtostudythetopi
cmore.Ihope.
..
.
Tut
or:
slow-
down-
please
Me:Ican'
taf
for
dtofai
l
.Ihavetopassmyfor
m
t
hreeandpassver
ywell
.IwanttogetAs
Tut
or:
youwi
l
lgetAs(
hesai
dhandi
ngmet
he
paper
)
Me:
what
!
Tut
or:
yes
Me:
80%
Tutor
: kantehowdi
dyoufai
lyourf
ormt
hree
thefi
rsttimeyouwrot
e?
Me:Il
ostmymotheraf
ewweeksbefor
eexams
soi
couldnotst
udyorf
ocusonmyschool
work
Tutor
:nowIunderst
and.Youal
waysscorev
ery
highmarks.Tl
hemmagoasf arasyoucanwit
h
school
.Youarecapabl
e
Me:Ir
eal
l
ywantt
ogof
arbutmoneymi
ghtbe
apr
obl
em
Tut
or:
ifyouhavet
owor
kandst
udyatt
he
sameti
medoi t
Me:
Iwi
l
l
(
myphoner
ang.I
twasPusot
ell
i
ngmet
hathe
i
swai
ti
ngf
ormeout
side)
Me:
Ihav
etogo.Myboy
fri
endi
sout
side
Tut
or:
luckyguy
Me:
nocomment
(Isai
dgr
abbi
ngmybag.Ibi
dmyt
utorgoodby
e
andwenttomeetPuso)

Me:
hel
l
oRaboar
d
Puso:
(hesmi
ledandl
eanedov
erf
oraki
ss)
hel
lommaBoard
Me:
(rubbi
nghi
sback)howi
smybabedoi
ng?
Puso:
I'
m sot
ir
ed
Me:
sor
ryl
ove
Puso:i
fyouhadadri
ver
sli
censeyouwere
goi
ngtodr i
vet
oGabs.I
'
m exhaust
edbutI
'm on
dutyt
onight
Me:
onedayi
soneday
Puso:
gor ayagorewhil
ewai ti
ngforyourform
thr
eeresul
tsy oushoul
dattenddri
vinglessons.
Eveni
fitsfortwomonths;justsothatyoucan
l
earnthebasicsaboutdri
vi
ng
Me:
(smi
l
ing)Iwoul
dreal
l
ylov
ethat
Puso:
Iwi
l
lmakeapl
anbabe
Me:
isdr
ivi
ngdi
ff
icul
t?
Puso:
dri
vi
ngt
hiscarisnotdif
fi
cul
tbecausei
t
hasanaut
omat
ictransmi
ssion.Dr
ivi
ngacar
wit
hamanualt
ransmissi
onisquit
echall
engi
ng
Me:Isee.Sowhat
’sr
eal
l
ydi
ff
icul
t?Changi
ng
gear
s?
Puso:
(hegiggl
edbef
oreanswer
ing)
umhhhhhhy
es
Me:(
beami
ngwi
thexci
tement
)Igotan80f
or
t
hatt
est
Puso:
(wi
desmi
l
e)ser
ious?
Me:
yes.Iwasn'
texpect
ingi
t.It
houghtIhad
got
tent
hef
ormul
awr
ong
Puso:
mybabygi
rl
,thepr
incessofmypal
ace,
mmaBoar
d
Me:
I'
m sopr
oudofmy
sel
f
Puso:
andI
'
m pr
oudofy
ou
(
whenwearri
vedatthecol
l
egeandIcoul
dtel
l
t
hatPusowasabitdown)
Me:
babe?
Puso:
lov
e?
Me:
Iknowt
heyhav
eadmi
tt
edy
ou
Puso:
butt
heydi
dn'
tcal
l
,smsorpostal
ett
ert
o
me
(Pusohadappliedf orapar
ttimecoursei
n
accounti
ngandf inancebuthehadnothadany
responsefrom anyofthetert
iar
yinst
it
uti
onshe
hadappliedfor
)
Me:
canIcomewi
thy
ou?
Puso:
nomylove.Buty
oucant
akeawal
k
ar
oundcampus
Me:
Iwantt
ocomewi
thy
ouandsuppor
tyou
Puso:
ifi
tsbadnewsImi
ghtneedabi
tofspace
Me:ok(Ilookedathi
ssadface)ev
ery
thi
ng
shal
ltur
noutf i
nemylove
Puso:
thanks
(wegotoutofthecarandhel ockedt hecar.I
walkedaroundthecapussmi l
i
ngv i
suali
zing
my sel
fasacoll
egest udent
.Af terabouttwenty
minutesmyphoner ang.ItwasPusot ell
ingme
thathewaswaitingformei nthecar .Isawa
tuckshopandboughtt wodrinksf orus.whenI
gottothecarIcouldtell
hewasnothappy )
Me:(gi
vi
nghim coke)maybethi
swil
lmakey
ou
al
ertsothatwhenyoudri
vebackto.
..
..
Puso:
theyr
eject
edme
Me:
no
(Il
ookedathi
sfaceandhewassadand
seri
ous)
Puso:
(bur
sti
ngi
ntol
aught
er)Imadei
t
Me:
wai
t
Puso:
Ihav
ebeenadmi
tt
ed.I
'
m st
art
ingi
ntwo
weeks
Me:myaccount
ant(
huggi
nghi
m)I
'
m pr
oudof
you
Puso:
(smi
l
ing)onceIgraduat
eI'
mleav
ingmy
j
obandIwon'tl
ookback.
Me:
congr
atsbabe!
Puso:
thankslove(hol
dingmyhands)thankyou
ver
ymuchf oryoursupport
.Itmeansalott
o
me
Me:wesuppor
teachot
her.Wear
egoi
ngt
obe
st
udyi
ngnextt
oeachother
Puso:
cany
oui
magi
ne
(
wewentbackt
oMol
epol
olef
ull
ofsmi
l
es)

(
phonecal
l
)

Di
mpho:
kant
ewher
edoesTshegogetmoney
?
Tef
o:Tshegohasal
way
sbeensav
inghaker
e
Dimpho:doyoumeant
hatt
hemoneyshe
savedi
tsenought
omeetal
lherexpenses?
Tef
o:howam Isupposedt
oknow?
Dimpho:Tshegowear sexpensi
veclot
hes,she
catchesataxitoandfrom t
heturor
ial
venue,
shehasallthesestudymateri
als
Tef
o:shesav
edf
oral
loft
hose
Di
mpho: Tef
odontacti
gnor
ant
.Whati
fyour
si
steri
sgett
ingmoneyfr
om aman?
Tef
o:al
lwomendo
Di
mpho:
dontcomet
omecr
yingt
omor
row
whenamanhaskil
l
edy
oursi
stercl
aimi
nggor
e
shewasusi
nghi
m
Tef
o:whoki
l
ledy
ou?
Di
mpho:
Ihav
eal
way
shadmyownmoney
Tef
o:andInev
ergav
eyouanymoney
?
Dimpho:
soTshegoi
sal
l
owedt
ogetmoney
fr
om men
Tef
o:Di
mphol eaveTshegoalone.Wecoul
dnot
hel
pherf
inancial
l
ysoletthechil
dbe
Di
mpho:wewant
edt
ohel
pherbutshewas
i
mpat
ient
Tef
o:andi
twasunder
standabl
e
Di
mpho:Icanbetmybl
oodonthi
sone:Tshego
i
sdat
inganoldermanwhohasmoney
Tefo:
aslongasheissi
ngl
ethenIdontseethe
needtoworr
y.Lookher
eDimpho,I
m bustyher
e
atwork
Di
mpho:
bye
Tef
o:by
elov
e
(af
tert
hecallTef
oshookhishead.somet
imes
hehimselff
ail
edtounder
standthewomanhe
i
smar r
iedto)

MOLEPOLOLE

(Ihadjustarri
vedhome;t
het axi
hadjust
droppedt heki
dsoffaswellsoIwashelpi
ng
them changeintocomfor
tablecl
othes.my
phoner ang)
Me:
moghel
Lent
le:
(sof
tsobs)
.
Me:
Lel
e..
gir
lf
ri
end
Lent
le:
hehasababymama
Me:
Tshepo?
Lent
le:
y es.hedidn'
ttel
lmeaboutthebaby.he
i
swiththel adyandshejustpost
edhim on'
sis
i
sthisyourman'
Me:
what
?
Lentl
e:I
'
mti
redofbei
nghear
tbr
okenTshego.
Tlhemmaaskyourmantofi
ndmeaboy fr
iend
Me:
may
bey
ouneedabi
tofbr
eakt
oheal
Lent
le:
canIhav
ePusosnumber
?
Me:maybeIshoul
dtalkt
ohim abouti
tfi
rstso
t
hatyourcal
lwon'
tshockhi
m
Lent
le:
Ineedaman,aproperman,
adecent
man.Someonel
ikePuso
Me:
(tomy
sel
f)ohok.That
swei
rdnow
NO.36

Boss:
congr
atul
ati
onsy
oungman!
Puso:
thanksy
ousi
r
Boss:Ihav
ebeenobser
vingyouandIcansay
forsur
ethaty
ouaregoi
ngplaces.
Puso:
thanky
ousi
r!
Boss:
wher
ear
ethel
ett
ers?
Puso:
(handi
nghi
mthet
wol
ett
ers)her
esi
r
Boss:
(her
eadtheletter
s)goodgoi
ngson.I
m
pr
oudofyou.Keepitup
Puso:
thanky
ousi
r
Boss:Iwil
lwri
teasuppor
tingl
ett
erandgi
vei
t
totherel
evantaut
hor
it
ies
Puso:
oksi
r
(
ther
ewasaknockont hedoorandt
heper
son
wasinv
itedi
n.i
twasJohn)
John:
sir
!(sal
ute)
Boss:hel
l
oy oungman( t
oPuso)y
oucango
now.Congratsonceagai
n!
Puso:
thanky
ousi
r(hesal
utedandmadehi
s
wayoutl
eavi
ngJohnwonder
ingwhyhewas
bei
ngcongr
atul
ated)
John:f
orgi
vemeifIm outofl
inesi
r.Hav
ethe
promoti
onsbeenannouncedalr
eady?
Boss:
no.why
?
John:becauseIhear
dyoucongr
atul
ati
nghi
m
(poi
nti
ngtot hedoor
)
Boss:
dontwor
ry.HowcanIhel
pyou?

(Iwasr
eadi
ngt hesamel
inemanyt i
mesandI
knewIwastir
ednow.Ineededtotakeabr
eak.I
deci
dedtocal
lmybaejustforcont
rol
)
Puso:
mmaboar
d
Me:
Raboar
d
Puso:Ihav
ejusthandedmylet
terandthe
admissi
onlet
tert
omybossandhei sv
ery
happyforme.hesaidhewi
ll
wr i
tealet
tert
o
backmeup
Me:
ohok
Puso:ifIgetaposit
iveresponsei
tmeansIwi l
l
begivenspeciall
eavetowr i
temytestsand
exams, Iwi
llbeexcusedfrom dut
ysomet imes
andIwi l
lnotgoont hel
ongt r
ipatleastduri
ng
thecourseofthesemest er
Me:oh.NowIunder
standwhyyoual
wayswrit
e
tot
hem andmakethem awar
eofyourpl
ans
andengagement
s
Puso:
yah
Me:
babywee,
kanat
her
eisasi
tuat
ion
Puso:
Dimphoagai
n?
Me:no.Lent
lei
salwayssay
ingsheenvi
esme.
Sheneverst
opstal
ki
ngabouthowresponsi
ble
andl
ovingyouare
Puso:
whatsensedoy
oumakeofal
lthat
?
Me:
Ididntt
hinkmuchabouti
tunt
ilsheasked
f
oryournumber
Puso:
Ithoughtshehadmynumberfr
om t
he
ti
mewheny ouusedtocal
lherwi
thmyphone
Me:
haker
eshel
ostherphone
Puso:
whydoesshewantt
otal
ktome?
Me:shesay
sshewant
stoasky
out
ofi
ndhera
boy
fri
end
Puso:t
hisisstr
ange.Lent
leandIar
enotcl
ose
andIwouldntevenknowthekindofguy
sui
tabl
eforher
Me:
areshewant
ssomeonel
i
key
ou
Puso:gi
vehermynumbersothatIcanhearher
out?Doesshehav
eboundar
ies?
Me:It
houghtshehadthem unt
ilshesuggest
ed
t
hatyoushoul
dfindheraboyfr
iend
Puso:
let
snotr
eadt
oomuchi
ntot
hesi
tuat
ion.
Giv
ehermynumber
Me:ok.IhopeIdontr
egr
ett
his.Kanagi
rl
sar
e
t
ri
cky
Puso:
ify
oucantt
rustLent
let
hent
rustRaboar
d
Me:
ify
ouputi
tthatway
Puso:
sendmehernumber
Me:
ok
Puso:
Ilov
eyoubabe
Me:
Ilov
eyousweet
hear
t

(
aft
erPusogotLent
lesnumberhecal
l
edher
)

Lent
le:
hel
l
o
Puso:
hel
l
oLent
le
Lent
le:
hi.Whoi
sthi
s?
Puso:
Puso,
Tshegosboy
fri
end
Lent
le:
ohhi
.Howar
eyou?
Puso:
Im doi
ngv
erywel
l
.Howar
eyou?
Lent
le:
notsogood
Puso:
school
?
Lent
le:
no
Puso:
what
sup?
Lent
le:
rel
ati
onshi
ps
Puso:
oh.What
sgoi
ngon?
Lent
le:
Imfrustrat
edbyboyfr
iendst
lher
ra.
KanannaImr eadytoset
tl
eandenjoyastabl
e
andpermanentrel
ati
onshi
pbutImeetplayer
s
(someoneknockedandPusoopenedt hedoor
whilesti
ll
tal
kingt
othephone.Kenal
emang
enteredandsatonachair
.Pusowaivedathim
andhewai vedbackandsmil
ed)
Puso:
ithappenst
oal
otofpeopl
e
Lentl
e:nerradontyouhaveafr
iendwhoi
s
responsi
bleandlov
ingli
keyou
Puso:
hei
smar
ri
ed
Lent
le:
yourbr
other
?
Puso:owaiii
i
,wearedif
ferent.Tota
rel
ati
onshipsar
ecomplicatedsooneneedsto
makeherownchoi cesanddeci si
onssot
hat
ther
ewillbenoblamewhent hingsgowrong
Lent
le:
Iknow.Iknowitsj
ustthatIadmi
rey
our
char
actersoIt
houghtyoucouldhookmeup
wit
hsomeonelikeyou
Puso:
doy ouknowthatIcoul
dbebehav
ingt
he
wayIam becauseofTshego?
Lent
le:
Ibett
odi
ff
er.That
syourchar
act
er
Puso:askmyex-gir
lf
ri
endaboutmeandshe
wil
lhavealotofnegati
vet
hingst
osay
Lent
le:
ao!
Puso:yes.That
swhyt her
eisasayingthatone
mansf oodmightbeanothermanspoison.I
maybel ovi
ngandv er
ykindtoTshegobut
di
ffer
enttoanothergi
rl
Lent
le:
ok
Puso:gapedonthopf r
om oner el
ati
onshipto
another.Taketi
met oheal other
wiseyouare
goi
ngt obecomedesper at
eanddot hingsthat
youwi l
lregretl
aterordatethewrongmeni f
yougetwhatImean
Lent
le:
thanks
Puso:
fort
hel
ect
ure
Lent
le:
(shegi
ggl
ed)t
hat
snotwhatImean
Puso:
Iknow.goodl
uck
Lent
le:
thanks.by
e
Puso:
bye
(
aft
ert
hecal
l
)

Kenalemang:
whoar
eyoul
ect
uri
ngabout
rel
ati
onshi
ps?
Puso:
Tshegosfr
iend.Gat
wear
esheenvi
es
meheeweeIshouldfi
ndheramanl
ikeme
Kenal
emang:
oldt
ri
ck
Puso:
exact
ly.
Kenal
emang:
soy
ouhav
eaf
eel
i
ngshemi
ght
beaft
ery
ou?
Puso:
yes.Igav
ehert
hatl
ect
urei
ntent
ional
l
y
Kenal
emang:
youdi
dwel
l
Puso:
nnatl
hepapakewagammaBoar
d.I
bel
ongtoonel
adyandonel
adyonl
y
Kenal
emang:
(handshake)t
hat
smyman
Puso:
sowhat
sup?
Kenal
emang: kanaIhavebeenlaughingmy
l
ungsout.Johnt hi
nksthebossfavoursy
ouand
youaregoi
ngt obepromotedbecauseheheard
thebosscongratul
ati
ngyou
Puso:
thatguyi
sasnake
Kenal
emang:
Itol
dhi
mtohisfacet
hatwhathe
i
sdoingi
ssameasappl
yi
ngforadegreei
n
wi
tchcr
aftandI
m scar
edbecauseoncehe
gr
aduates
Puso:(
helaughedhar
d)Johnisst
ressing
hi
mselfbyobservi
ngmyli
feandkeepingcheck
ofever
ythi
ngIdo
Kenalemang: I
m goi
ngtobuyaMer cedesbenz
andthedayi tcomesim gi
vi
ngityousothat
youcandr i
veittoworkforaweekjustto
confuseyourenemies
Puso:Iseet
hem shoot
ingmedead.Mi
l
itar
y
i
ntel
li
gencewil
lbeonmycase
(
theybot
hlaghed)
Kenal
emang:
whocar
es?
Puso:
yahneh
Kenal
emang:
theyneedt
obet
aughtal
esson
Puso:
str
aight
AMONTHLATER.
..
.

NO.37

(Pusoparkedhiscarunderat
reeshadeand
Johnparkedhiscarri
ghtbehi
ndhis)
Puso:
skwat
a!
John:
hi
Puso:
I'
mleavi
ngi
nanhour
.Wi
l
lyoucomeand
moveyourcar
?
John:
(gi
vi
nghi
m anast
ylook)no
Puso:
(smi
li
ng)butyourcari
spar
kedbehi
nd
mycarandIdon'
thaveawayout
John:
mov
eyourcaroutofmypar
kingspot
Puso:
yourpar
kingspot
?
John:
yes
Puso:
butIhavebeenpar
kingi
nthi
sspotev
er
si
nceIboughtmycar
John:andyouboughty
ourcaraf
terIbought
mine,
r i
ght
?
Puso:
(tr
yingt
owal kaway
)ify
ouar
elooki
ngf
or
afi
ghtyouwon'tgeti
t
John:
theny
ouandIwi
l
lknockof
fat7pm
Puso:
youar
ebei
ngunf
air
John:
Isai
dmov
eyourcaroutofmyspot
Puso:youknowwhat
,Idon'thavet
imeforpet
ty
thi
ngs.Ionl
yhav
eti
mef orseri
ousthi
ngs
John:
li
ket
heni
ghtschool
youhav
eenr
oll
edi
n?
Puso:
I'
m notdoi
ngt
hiswi
thy
ou.mov
eyourcar
pl
ease
John:
nemonnawhathasgot
teni
ntoy
ou?
Puso:
hee!
John:
yout
hinkj
ustbecausey
ouar
eMaj
or
Set
shogo'
sfav
ori
tey
oucanwal
kal
lov
erus
Puso:
I'
m notany
one'
sfav
ori
te
John:
boot
li
cker
Puso:I
'm goingt
oi gnor
ethefactt
haty
ouare
i
ntent
ionall
yprovokingme.youwil
lmeety
our
matchoneday
John:
what
ever
!
(Johnrev
ersedhi scarandPusodi dthesame.
Johnparkedinthespotwhi l
ePusoparkedhis
carinadif
ferentspot .Pusowalkedbehi
nd
Johnastheyent eredt hebui
ldi
ng.Theysaw
Tefoandtheysal uted)
John:si
rcanIseey
oupr i
vat
elyi
nyourof
fi
ce.I
havesomethi
ngtotel
lyou
(Pusofel
tasharppai
ncutti
ngthroughhi
sheart
.
hesensedthatJohnwasgoingtobadmouth
him.hewentbacktothecarparki
ngandcal
led
Tshego)
Me:
Raboar
d
Puso:
babywee
Me:
ok.Whati
swr
ong?
Puso:
kanaJohnhasbeent
ryi
ngt
opi
ckaf
ight
wit
hme
Me:
Ihopey
oudi
dn'
tgi
vehi
mthesat
isf
act
ion
Puso:
noIdi
dn'
t
Me:
theni
gnor
ethef
ool
Puso:
heisintheoffi
cetal
ki
ngt oy
ourbrot
her
aswespeak.Hetoldyourbrot
hert
hathehas
somethi
ngi
mpor t
anttotel
lhim
Me:
whatdoy
out
hinkhei
stel
l
inghi
m?
Puso:heisdef
ini
tel
ytel
l
inghi
m aboutour
rel
ati
onshi
p
Me:
hecan'
t
Puso:
thi
sguyi
scapabl
eofdoi
ngt
hat
Me:
andwhatwoul
dhebenef
itf
rom i
t?
Puso:
hewant
stosepar
ateus
Me:
tel
lhi
m Isai
dgoodl
uck
Puso:y
ourbrotheri
sgoingt
obei
nourcasei
f
Johndiscl
osesouraff
air
Me: maybei
t'
shighti
meheknowsaboutus.
nnaebil
eI'
mt i
redofhi
dingandsneaki
ngoutt
o
spendti
mewi t
hy ou
Puso:
itmi
ghthav
eimpl
i
cat
ionsonmyj
ob
Me:
how?
Puso: hemightsabot ageme.Tlhemmay ou
don'tknowy ourbrotherthewaywecol l
eagues
knowhi m.Het reatsarmyoffi
cersofthepri
vat
e
rankli
kedirt
.Heal way sboast
sgor eenenone
ofhisgirl
sisgoi ngtodateaprivat
e
Me:(Iwasbecomingworri
ed)doy
out
hinkJohn
canactual
l
ytel
lTefoaboutus?
Puso:
yes
Me:don'
tyouhav
epol
i
ciest
hatcanpr
otecty
ou
f
rom Tef
o?
Puso:it
'
sdi f
fer
enther
emyl
ove.I
twi
l
lbeal
ong
di
rty
,tediousbatt
le
Me:
sowhatshoul
dwedo?
Puso:
let
swai
tandsee
Me:Idon'
tmindmybrotherf
indingoutaboutus
butI
'
m worri
edabouthi
m harassingyouat
work
Puso:
let
swai
tandseemyl
ove
Me:
okbabe
Puso:
don'
tst
ress,
okay
Me:
I'
m wor
ri
ed
Puso:
Iam abi
gguybabe,
Iwi
l
lmakeapl
an
Me:
arey
ougoi
ngt
oletJohngetawaywi
thi
t?
Puso:I
'm notgoi
ngt
owast
emyener
gyont
hat
snake
Me:
what
everhappensIl
ovey
ou
Puso:
Ilov
eyout
oommaboar
d
Me:
okbabe.By
e
Puso:
byesweet
hear
t

LATERTHATDAYATTEFO'
SHouse.
..
..

Di
mpho:
youl
ookst
ressedmaj
or
Tef
o:I
'
m st
ressed.Tshegoi
sdat
ingasol
dier
Di
mpho:
Itol
dyou(
shesmi
l
ed)
Tef
o:y
ouknowt
heguy
?
Dimpho:
no.It
oldy
out
haty
oursi
steri
sseei
ng
someone
Tefo:
shei
sdat
ingapr
ivat
e.Amer
epr
ivat
e
Dimpho
Di
mpho:
andwher
edoest
hepr
ivat
egett
he
money
?
Tef
o:t
hatguyhasbet
ray
edme
Di
mpho:
how?
Tef
o:Iusedt
osendhi
mtomyhousetrust
ing
hi
m kant
eheissl
eepi
ngwi
thmysi
ster
Di
mpho:
whoi
she?
Tef
o:Puso
Di
mpho: hedoesn'tl
ookli
keabadguythough.
pr
ivat
e!ij
ooo!Tshegodoesn'
thaveaj
obandi f
heistofal
lpregnantbyapri
vat
eitwi
l
lbea
di
saster
Tefo:exact
ly.Pri
vatesearnpeanuts.Icantake
careofTshegount ilsheisabett
erwomanbut
i
fshehasdeci dedt osleepwit
hboPr ivat
ethen
sheandherki dsaregoi ngt
obemybur denfor
l
ife.Shehasnof uture
Di
mpho:
that'
swhatIhav
eal
waysbeentryi
ng
t
owarnyouabout
.Ial
waysf
ussaboutTshego
dati
ngbecausei
fshef
all
spr
egnanti
tsgoi
ngt
o
backfi
reonus
Tefo:
Pusohasdisrespectedmewai
tse.Andt
o
thi
nkthatheusedtosleepwit
hmysisteri
nmy
ownhouse.eses!
Di
mpho:
theydi
dthat
?
Tef
o:t
hat'
swhyshenevercompl
ainedabout
bei
ngl
eftal
onei
nourhouse.damnitTshego!
Dimpho:Tshegoisnotseri
ousaboutl
i
fe.Ihope
shedoesn'
tfall
pregnant
Tefo:i
fshef
all
spregnantshemustl
eav
emy
house.Wecan'
thavetwof ami
l
iesi
nonehouse
Di
mpho:
sowhatar
eyougoi
ngt
odo?
Tefo:Ihaven'
tthoughtaboutity
et.Iknowhow
I
'm goingtodealwiththatguybutasfor
Tshego..
..
..
Di
mpho:
what
every
oudodon'
tassaul
ther
Tef
o:Iwon'
t.Whatdoy
out
akemef
or?
Di
mpho:t
alktoherandi
nst
ructhert
oendt
hat
st
upi
drel
ati
onshi
p
Tef
o:Tshegocanbest
ubbor
n
Di
mpho:
thenki
ckheroutofourhouse
Tef
o:r
eal
l
y?
Dimpho:ify
oudeci
detogoeasyonTshego
thendon'
tcomerunni
ngtomewhenshef al
l
s
pregnant
Tef
o:doy
out
hinkshei
ssexual
l
yact
ive?
Dimpho:l
ookwhatIfoundinherphone
yest
erday
.checkt
hisscreenshotout
Tefo:(
readingal
oud)"babysincey oumov edto
MolepsIsleepwithmyhandsbet weenmyl egs"
"whyworryhakerewealway scov erupforthe
l
osttimeRaboard.lol
"sies!Ican'
tcontinue
readi
ngthis.What'
swrongwi ththisgir
l?
Dimpho:
Tshegoi
sagrownwomanandIt hi
nk
shemustmoveoutofourhouse.weneed
space
Tef
o:andwher
ewi
l
lshego?
Di
mpho:t
oherhouse.haker
eyouchangedt
he
pr
oper
tyt
ohername
Tef
o:don'tyouthinkhermovi
ngtostayal
one
wil
lmaket hesit
uati
onworse?Shewill
be
sl
eepi
ngwi ththatpri
vat
easmuchasshe
pl
eases.Tshegoneedst obedi
sci
pli
ned
Di
mpho:
Icoul
dn'
tagr
eemor
e
Tef
o:somyownsi
steri
ssexual
l
yact
ive?
Di
mpho: Iknewshewassexuall
yact
ivet
he
momentshest ar
tedbei
ngrudeand
di
sappeari
ngfrom home
Tef
o:sowewer elooki
ngforachi
l
dwhenshe
wasri
ghtunderournoses.
Dimpho:comingt
othi
nkofi
t.
.t
heti
meTshego
di
sappearedshewasi
nThebephat
shwa?(
clap
once)
Tefo:Tshegoisv
erydisr
espectful
andIwi
l
lnot
l
etherdot hi
stome.(screaming)noti
nmy
house!
NO.38

Puso:
(sal
ute)si
r!
Tef
o:whatdoy
ouwant
?
(f
rom Tefo'
satt
it
udePusocoul
dtel
lthatJohn
hadspil
ledthebeans)
Puso:
Sir
!Theli
stofpeopl
ewhoar
egoi
ngt
obe
ondutyt
hisweeki
sout..
.
Tefo:andyouthi
nkIdon'
tknowt
hat
.(snappi
ng)
cutyourst
ory.Whatdoyouwant
?
Puso:
I'
m wr
it
ingat
estt
hisweekend
Tef
o:so?
Puso:(
helookedtaTefoi
ndisbel
i
ef)si
r,canI
beexcusedfr
om dutysot
hatIcanbeableto
wr
it
ethet
est
?
Tef
o:no
Puso:sirwi
thduer
espect
,Ii
nfor
medy
our
off
iceinwri
ti
ngabout
Tef
o:whatcomesf
ir
st,
yourst
udi
esory
ourj
ob?
Puso:
...
..
Tef
o:Iaskedy
ouaquest
ion
Puso:
myj
ob
Tef
o:t
henactl
ikey
ourjobi
syourpr
ior
it
yand
st
opbeingast
oryt
ell
er
Puso:
sir
!I
Tefo:
(looki
ngathi
m wi
thaf
acef
ull
ofanger
)
behaveyoursel
f
Puso:
Idon'
tfol
l
ow
Tef
o:leav
emyoffi
ce.Thi
sconv
ersat
ioni
sov
er
soIneedtowor
k
Puso:
yessi
r!(
hesal
utedandl
eft
)
Tef
o:(speaki
ngtohimsel
f)bl
oodyfool
.You
sl
eepwithmysisterandt
hinkyouwil
lgetaway
wit
hit

(
PusometKenal
emangatt
hepar
kingl
ot)

Puso:
thi
sguyi
sunbel
i
evabl
e
Kenal
emang:
whopi
ssedy
ouof
f?
Puso:IsweartoyouthatJohnhast
oldmaj
or
aboutourrel
ati
onshi
p
Kenal
emang:
damni
t!
Puso:I'
m ondut
ythi
sweekendy etI
m
supposedtobewri
ti
ngatest.Iwenttotr
yand
asktobeexcusedfr
om dut
yandPy thonwas
ver
yrudet ome
Kenal
emang:
ser
ious!
Puso:
wai
tseeee!Het
oldmet
omyf
acet
hatI
'
m
ondutyandit
snotnegot
iabl
e.Hedi
dntcar
e
aboutmyreasons
Kenalemang:osedir
il
eJohn.Johnhas
defi
nitel
ysai
dsomethingnegat
iveaboutyou.
Pyt
honsat t
it
udeisareact
iontowhateverhe
wastol d
Puso:nowI '
m notsurei
fhedisclosedaboutmy
rel
ati
onshipwithTshegoorheliedaboutme
bei
ngSet shogo'
slapdog
Kenal
emang:somepeopl
earecruel
.Let’
sstop
thi
nki
ngaboutthi
ngswedonthaveanswersto
andfocusonmakingapl
an
Puso:
I'
mthinki
ngofsneaki
ngoutt
ogoand
wri
tet
hetestandcomeback
Kenal
emang:t
hatwi
llbeari
skymove.Pyt
hon
i
sgoingt
omoni t
ory
out omakesur
ey oudont
goandwri
te
Puso:youar
eri
ght
.Aobannna!Ipai
dmoneyf
or
nothi
ng
Kenal
emang:
whatdoy
oumean?
Puso:
t hewayIseeitIwon’
tbeabl
eto
completemystudi
es
Kenal
emang:papaweee,t
heycal
lmeMrBr
ains.
Wenastudyf
oraspecial
test
Puso:wi
llt
heyal
lowmetowr
it
easpeci
alt
est
j
ustbecauseIwasatwor
k
Kenalemang:nobuttheywi
llal
l
owy outowri
te
aspecialt
estbecauseyouwil
lgiv
ethem
medicalpr
oofthatyouwerenotfi
ttowri
te
Puso:
youhav
ebr
ains
Kenal
emang:kanakegor ewenayoudontwant
todoany
thingunethi
cal.Papawhendesper
ate
ti
mesapproach,usedesperat
emeasures
Puso:t
hist
imeIhav
enochoi
ce.Iwontev
en
pr
etendtobehol
y
Kenalemang:
wear
egoi
ngt
obeatt
heseguy
sat
thei
rowngame
Puso:
yahneh.
Kenal
emang:
didy
ouaskTshego?
Puso:
about
?
Kenal
emang:i
fherbr
otheri
srudet
oheraswel
l
theni
tmeansheknowsaboutthet
woofyou
Puso:oh.Ift
her
ewassomet hi
ngshecoul
d
havecall
edme.Eish!Ihopemybabei
snotin
tr
oubl
e
Kenalemang:
y ouguyswill
befine.Ifyouf
ight
toget
heryouwi l
lwinbuti
fyouletthesepeopl
e
getbetweenyouy ouwil
ll
osethef i
ght
Puso:
youar
eri
ght
Kenal
emang:
now,l
etsgobackt
owor
kbef
ore
Pyt
honcomestoswal
lowus
Puso:
Iwassost
ressed.Thanksf
ory
ourhel
p
Kenal
emang:
wenay
ouowemebi
gti
me
Puso:
Ido(
hechuckl
ed)
(l
atert
hatdayPusodeci
dedt
ogoandsee
Tshego..
..
.)
Puso:
(hel
eanedov
erandki
ssedme)heybabe
Me:
(smi
l
ing)hel
l
osweetl
ove
Puso:
Iboughty
ouseswaa
Me:
thanksl
ove
Puso:i
t'
samazi
nghowladi
esl
ovef
oodfr
om
ourki
tchenwhi
l
ewedon'tl
i
ket
hefood
Me:Il
i
kethei
rseswaa.Soy
oucameal
ltheway
her
etogi
vemesonemeat
Puso:
yes(
hesmi
l
ed)
Me:
Ifeel
lov
edandspoi
l
edr
ightnow
Puso:
whoi
sgoi
ngt
ospoi
lyoui
fIdon'
t
Me:
exact
ly
Puso:
howi
syourbr
other
?
Me:
hei
sfi
ne.
(si
l
ence)t
hat
'sast
rangequest
ion
Puso:
(withawor
ri
edl
ookonhi
sface)t
her
eis
somethi
nggoi
ngon
Me:
(Ist
oppedchewi
ng)mhmh
Puso: y
ourbr
otherwasveryr
udetomeatwor
k
todayandIsuspectJohnsai
dsomet
hingt
o
him aboutme
Me:
heeeee!
Puso:
howi
shi
sat
ti
tudet
owar
dsy
ou?
Me:
Idi
dn'
tseehi
mlastni
ghtandt
hismor
ning.
Puso:
Iwonderi
fJohnt
oldhi
m aboutusornot
Me:
let
'swai
tandsee
Puso:i
fhehastol
dhim aboutust
henhei
s
defi
nit
elycomi
ngforyou
Me:mybr
othert
houghtIwasnev
ergoi
ngt
o
dat
e
Puso:
it'
snotabouty
oudat
ing.I
t'
saboutme.
Me:
whatabouty
ou?
Puso:
myr
ank
Me:
mxm!Hecangohanghi
msel
fifhewant
s
Puso:babedon'
ttakethi
sli
ght
.Pythoni
s
sabot
agingmydr eams.Heist
ryi
ngtofr
ust
rat
e
myeffort
sofstudying
Me:
don'
tgi
vehi
mthatsat
isf
act
ion
Puso:
hemi
ghtt
alkt
oyouabouti
ttoni
ght
Me:
I'
mreadyf
orhi
m
Puso:
arey
ousur
e?
Me:
yes.
Puso:
what
'
syourpl
an?
Me:I
'
mjustgoingt
oadmitt
hatI
'
m dat
ingy
ou
andt
ryt
oreasonwit
hhi
m
Puso:t
hat'
sdanger
ous.Denyt
her
elat
ionshi
p
unt
ilwehaveadefi
nit
eplan
Me:
ok
Puso:
bepr
epar
edf
ort
hewor
stl
ove
Me:
Iwi
l
ltr
y
Puso:(hol
dingmychin)nomatterhowbadt he
si
tuati
onget sj
ustknowthatIl
ovey ouandIwill
neverstoplovi
ngyou.Youwill
alwaysbemy
number1.Ihav eneverl
ovedawomant hewayI
l
ovey ou
Me: (Iwasbecomi ngemot i
onal)Iknowhow
muchy oul oveme.Icandoubtal otoft hingsin
myl i
febutnoty ourl oveforme.Il ovey outoo
babe.Yesy ouar eapr ivat
ebutt omet hat
doesn'tmeanmuch.Whati simpor t
antt omei s
thefactt hatyoul ovemeandt hatwear egood
together.Iwi l
lnev erbeashamedofy ou
becauseofy ourrank.Mybr ot
heri samaj orbut
hehasn' thelpedmemuchi nlife.Youwi t
hy our
l
itt
lesalar yhastransf or
medmyl i
feandshaped
myf uture.IloveandIwi llal
way srespecty ou
asmyboy fri
end.
Puso:(
smi
l
ing)mhm.I
nyouIhav
efoundal
i
fe
part
ner
Me:
(smi
l
ing)soy
ouhav
en'
tbeenawar
e?
Puso:(
hegiggl
ed)Ihav
etogobackandst
udy
formytest
Me:
itwasgoodseei
ngy
oumyl
ove
Puso:
samehere.Swal
l
owt
hatmeatsot
hatI
canki
ssyouandgo
Me:
(af
terswal
l
owi
ng)nowt
hat
'
sfunny
Puso:
(hel
eanedoverandFrenchkissedme)I
l
oveyoubabe(anot
herki
ss)myt entisup
Me:(
touchi
nghi
spackage)kar
etheseday
swe
ar
estar
ving
Puso:
true.
Me:
any
wayl
etmego
Puso:
Ilov
eyou
Me:
lov
eyoumor
e
(weshar
edanotherki
ssbef
orehel
eft
.WhenI
gothome..
..
.)

Me:
goodev
eni
ng
Di
mpho:
hi.Wher
ear
eyouf
rom?
Me:
Iwentt
oseeNt
sheno
Di
mpho:
oh.Naar
eTshegoar
eyoudat
ing
Me:
no
Di
mpho:
yout
hinky
ouar
esmar
thaker
e?
Me:
no
Di
mpho:
Kat
ewher
ear
eyouf
rom?
Me:
..
..
..
Di
mpho:
soNt
shenodr
ivesapol
o?
Me:
..
..
..
Dimpho:andt
hemessagesIf
oundi
nyour
phone.
..
..
ngngng.
Me:
youwentt
hroughmymessages!
Dimpho:doyouwantababy?(si
l
ence)si
nce
youaresexual
l
yacti
vej
ustknowthatonceyou
becomepregnanty
ouwil
lhavetomov eoutof
myhouse
Me:andwhenthatt
imecomesIwi
l
lmov
eou,
wi
thpleasur
e
Di
mpho:
whatdi
dyouj
ustsay
?
Me: Di
mphoI '
mt i
redofyourat
tit
udetowar ds
me.Ifyoudon'twantmemakei tcleartome.
Don'tpret
entt
ohav eaccept
edmewheny ou
haven't
.YesI'
m boundtofal
lpregnantatsome
poi
ntbecauseIam awoman.
Di
mpho:
you.
..
..
Me: (
Iint
err
upt
edher)soyouwantt
otel
lme
thatyouwereahol
yv i
rgi
nwhenyouwer
emy
age?
Di
mpho:
Tshego!
Me:justdeci
dei
fyouwantmeornotandl
etme
know.
Di
mpho:
whathasgot
teni
ntoy
ou?
Me: that'
sagreatquesti
onactuall
y.You
controll
ingandjudgementalat
ti
tudehave
gottenintome.I'mfedup.Dowhaty ouhave
l
ongwant edtodo.Younev erl
ovedmymum so
Inev erexpect
edy out
olovemesi nceI'
m her
offspr i
ng
Di
mpho:
(tear
y)st
opi
nsul
ti
ngme
Me: I'
m noti
nsult
ingyoubuttel
li
ngy
oumy
percepti
onofyou.ShouldIleav
enowordoy
ou
sti
l
l havetoconsultwi
th.
..
..
.
Di
mpho:
youar
egoi
ngt
oregr
ett
his
Me:
thatIknow
(
shewentt
oherbedr oom sobbing.Ial
sowent
t
omybedroom cr
ying.Isatont hebedgoing
t
hroughmymessagesf eel
inginvaded.How
couldshegothroughmymessages.It hen
cal
ledPusoandaf tertal
ki
ngt ohim If
eltabi
t
cal
m.Hehadr eassuredmet hatwhatever
happenshewi l
lbethereformeandIknewhe
meantit.Tef
ocamehomel ate.
..
..
)
Tef
o:babewhyar
eyoucr
ying?
Dimpho:yoursi
sterhasbeeni
nsul
ti
ngme.I
sawherinacarwi t
hamanandwhenIt r
iedt
o
caut
ionherabout..
..
..
.
Tefo:
thi
sisgett
ingoutofhandandi
tst
ops
ri
ghther
e,r
ightnow
Di
mpho:
Idon'
twantheri
nmyhouse
Tef
o:.
..
..
Di
mpho:
Ican'
tl
iv
eli
ket
his
Tefo:l
eaveever
ythi
ngtome.Tshegothi
nksshe
i
sagr ownwomanbutI '
m goi
ngtoshowher
thataslongasshestay
sundermyroofsheisa
chil
dli
keanyother
NO.39

(
someonebur stopenmybedr oom andI
j
umpedf r
om thebedscared.Iwasscar edthat
i
tmightbeburglar
s.Evenaft
erreali
zingthatit
wasmybr ot
herIcouldnotcalm down)
Tefo:
(heswit
chedont
hebedr
oom l
i
ght
)we
needtotal
k
Me:
(hol
dingmychest
)yessi
r
Tef
o:whydi
dyoui
nsul
tDi
mpho?
Me:
Idi
dn'
t
Tef
o:soshei
sly
ing?
Me:
..
..
..
Tef
o:Tshegof
atso!
Me:
rra?
Tefo:youarenotgoi
ngtobehav
eli
kethati
nmy
house.thi
sisDimpho'
shouseandyouarenot
goi
ngtodisr
espectmywi
fei
nherhouse.do
youhearme?
Me:
yessi
r
Tefo:i
fIhavetochoosebet
weenyouandmy
famil
yIwill
choosethem.Dimphocomes
befor
ey oui
nmyl i
fe.Doyougett
hat?
Me:
(tear
drop)y
essi
r
Tef
o:whoi
sPuso?
Me:
Idon'
tknow
Tef
o:(
scr
eami
ng)don'
tpi
ssmeof
f!don'
t!
(Mol
lywokeupandcri
ed.Ir
ubbedherback
hopi
ngshewouldsl
eepagai
n)
Me:
shhhhh!Sl
eepnana.sl
eep.
Tefo:f
orhowl onghaveyoubeensleepingwit
h
Puso?Wher edoyougett hegut
stodat emy
coll
eagues?Whatfutur
edoy outhi
nky ouare
goingtohavewithamer epri
vat
e?Soy ouare
sexual
lyacti
ve?
Me:...
.(Il
ookatmybr ot
herwithtear
yey es.I
hadalwaysthoughtIwasreadyforhim but
ther
eIwas, f
rozenanddumbf ound)
Tef
o:answermyquesti
ons.Don'
tyouknow
howtotal
kanymore?
Me:
I'
m notdat
ingPuso
Tef
o:whoar
eyoudat
ing?
Me:
noone
Tefo:Tshegofatsostoplyi
ngtomebecauseI
havealltheinf
ormationaboutyouandPuso.
Howdar ey ousleepwiththatpr
ivat
einmy
house?Youar edisgusti
ngTshegofatso
Me:
I'
m sor
ry
Tef
o:f
orwhat
?
Me:
...
..
(Ihonestl
ydidn'
tknowhowtoanswerhim.my
brotherwasfuri
ousandIwasscaredthathe
wasgoi ngtobeatme.Iwassoscared)
Tefo:I
'm goingtogivey
ouoneinstr
uct
iont
hat
youmustf ollow.I
fyoudon'
tdoasIcommand
youto..
..
..
.(heshookhishead)Lor
dhavemercy
!
Doy ouunder st
and?
Me:
nosi
r
(
Idi
dn'
tknowwhatt
oexpect
)
Tef
o:y
ouar
egoi
ngt
obr
eakupwi
thPusor
ight
now
Me:.
...
(Iraisedmyheadandlookedathi
m.he
wasli
terall
yhover
ingoverme.fr
om hisf
aceI
coul
dtellthathemeantit
)
Tef
o:whatdi
dIsay
?
Me:
I'
m notdat
ingPuso
Tef
o:whoar
eyoudat
ing?
Me:
John
Tef
o:whatt
hehel
l
Me:
het
ri
edt
orapemet
heot
hert
ime.I
becamescar
edofhi
m soIagr
eedt
odat
ehi
m
Tefo:
God(heleanedagai
nstt
hewallandI
knewwhatIhadjustsai
dhadhithi
m har
d)
Me:Iwillbr
eakupwithhim.IswearIwi
ll(
Iwas
becomingscaredbecauseIwaslyi
ngabout
somethingbig)
Tef
o:t
hisi
smessedup!st
upi
dboy
(heshoutedashewasl eavi
ngmyr oom.Iwas
rel
ievedthathewasgonebutaf raidt
hathewas
goingtodiscoverthetr
uthandcomebackf or
me.Icoul dnotevenprocessmyemot ions
becauseIhadt oconsoleMollywhowascr ying.
Herf at
herhadstartl
edher.Aft
ertheyl
eftfor
wor kIcal
ledPuso)

Puso:
babyl
ove'
Me:
(Icr
iedandhewasquitethewholeti
me.
t
hemomentIcalm downIcouldnotst
op
tal
king)I'
mintrouble.PusoImi ntr
ouble.He
want sustobreakup.Il i
edtohim.Itoldhim
thatI'
m dati
ngJohnandIknowwhenhef inds
thetruthheisgoingt oassaul
tme.I'm scared.
I
'm soscared(Istartedcryi
ngalloveragainand
hetriedtoconsoleme)
Puso:babyy ouneedtocalm down.don'tmake
anydecisions.Whatev
erhappensjustknow
thatIwilbetheref
oryou.youdon'tneedto
worrytoomuchandst r
essmyl ov
e.Baby ?
Me:
rra?
Puso:br
eatheindeep(Idid)out(
Idid)i
nagain
(Idi
d)out(Idi
d)doitunti
lyouarecalm sot
hat
wecant al
kabouteveryt
hing
Me:(Iconti
nuedbr eathingandwhenIf el
tbet
ter
Ist
artedtal
king)mybr otherconf
ront
edme
aboutourrel
ationship
Puso:
washeangr
y?
Me:
hewasr
agi
ngandhei
nst
ruct
edmet
o
l
eav
eyoubutIl
i
edandsai
dI'
m notdat
ingy
ou.
Puso:
eish!
Me:Ili
edandsai
dI'
m dat
ingJohnandi
tst
art
ed
af
terhetr
iedt
orapeme
Puso:
(shocked)baby
Me: Iknow(sobbi
ng)IknowI m wr
ongtoli
e
withbigthi
ngsli
kethat.Iwant
edtogetbackat
JohnandIwasal sotry
ingtofindawayoutof
thatdif
fi
cul
tsit
uati
on
Puso:
Iunder
standmyl
ove
Me:
Im sor
ry
Puso:i
t sokbabe.Theypushedyouint
oa
corner
.Listen,
ify
ourbrot
herasksaboutJohn
againtell
himthetrut
h.Lyi
ngaboutsexual
assaul
tat t
emptisaseri
ousthinganditcanget
youint
ot roubl
e
Me:
Im scar
ed
Puso:
babyIknowt
hisi
shar
dfory
ouandi
ts
hardf
ormeaswel
l
.weneedt
obest
rongand
sti
ckt
oget
her
Me:i
m notl
eav
ingy
ounomat
terwhathappens.
I
m not
!
Puso:
andi
m notl
eav
ingy
ouei
thermmaBoar
d
Me:
(Il
aughed)Raboar
d
Puso:
Ilov
eyoubabe
Me:
Ilov
eyoumor
e
(PusoandItal
kedforover15minut
es
brai
nstormi
ngsoluti
onstoourpr
obl
ems.Af
ter
tal
kingtohi
m Icall
edLentl
e)

Lent
le:
moghel
Me:
moghel
Imi
ndeept
roubl
e
Lent
le:
whati
shappeni
ng?
Me:TefoandDimphoknowaboutmy
r
elat
ionshi
pwit
hPusoandTefowasscr
eami
ng
atmeear
lyi
nthemor
ningkabo3am
Lent
le:
hepr
obabl
ydi
dntsl
eep
Me:
ij
o!
Lent
le:
sowhat
syourpl
an?
Me:I
m notl
eav
ingPusot
lhemma.Pusoi
s
mi
ne
Lent
le:howseri
ouswasTef
owhenhesai
dyou
mustleavePuso?
Me:
hewasv
eryser
iousandi
tscar
edme
Lentle:
haker
emmey ouknowthatt
herei
s
goingtobealotoft
roubl
efory
ouifyoudont
l
eav ehim
Me:soIshoul
dleav
ePusof
orwhatgood
r
eason?
Lent
le:
didhesaywhyy
oumustl
eav
ePuso?
Me:nopebutIknowi
thassomet
hingt
odowi
th
hi
srank
Lentl
e:butIunderst
andwhereyourbrothers
angeremer gesf
rom.Whenourparentsr ai
seus
theywantthebestforussowhent heyseeus
headi
ngf ordest
ruct
iontheyt
rytohelpus
Me:
Idontt
hinkIf
oll
ow
Lent
le:
maybeyourbrot
heri
srespondi
ngt
he
wayheist
oprotecty
ou
Me:ar
ey ousayi
ngPusoisnotgoodformeand
bydat
inghimim bei
ngsel
f-
destr
ucti
ve?I
sthat
whatyouaresayi
ng?
Lent
le:
noy
oudi
dntgetmer
ight
Me:
hel
pmeunder
standwhaty
ouar
esay
ing
Lentl
e:maybeIdidntputmywordsmy
percept
ion.
.wel
ll
etmesayy oumisunder
stood
me
Me:t
hat
swhyim say
ingsayi
tinawayt
hatI
wi
ll
under
stand
Lent
le:
Iwasj
ustsay
ingt
hatTef
oisbei
ngan
ov
erpr
otect
ivebr
other
Me: whi chi swr ongbecauseIdontneed
protectionr i
ghtnow.I fanythingIneed
protectionf rom Tef ohi mself.Ihavebeen
datingPusof ortwoy earsnowandwear e
doingv erywel l
.infact, dati
ngPusohasgi ven
meconf idence, Ifeel l
ikeIhav ebothf
inanci
al
andemot i
onal suppor t,mydr eamshav e
becomeal iveagai n..andy ouknowwhatI
actuallydontneedt oexpl aint hi
stoyou.bye
Lent l
e(sar castical
ly)t hanky ouv er
ymuchf or
beingmyshoul dert ol eanonBESTFRI END
Lent
le:
arey
ouangr
yatme
Me:notatal
l
.howdoIbecomeangryatyou
whenyouaretal
ki
ngsomuchsense.Bye
moghel
Lent
le:
Tshego!
(
Icutt
hecal
l
)
NO.40

John:
sir
!(sal
ute)
Tef
o:.
(hel
ookedathi
m wi
they
esf
ull
ofdi
sgust
)
John:
sirIhear
dyouwantt
oseeme
Tef
o:(
grabbi
nghi
m byt
hecol
lar
sofhi
s
car
moufl
ageshi
rt
)whatdi
dyoudotomysi
ster
?
John:
(br
eat
hingwi
thdi
ff
icul
ty)Idon'
tfol
l
ow
Tef
o:howdar
eyoul
i
etome?
John:
Idon'
tfol
l
ow
Tefo:
whydi
dyoul
i
eandsayTshegoi
sdat
ing
Puso?
John:
theyar
edat
ing
Tef
o:(
bangi
nghi
m agai
nstt
hewal
l
)st
opl
yi
ng
tome
John:I'
m notl
yi
ng.YesIoncet
ri
edt
okissher
becauseshewasleadi
ngmeonbutthat'
sas
f
arasIwent
Tef
o:whyar
eyousl
eepi
ngwi
thmysi
ster
?
John:
I'
m not
Tef
o:stopl
yi
ng!Howdar
eyout
ri
edt
orapemy
si
ster
!
John:
(shocked)what
!
Tefo:Tshegosay
syoutr
iedt
orapeherand
becauseshewasscar
edofyousheagreedto
dateyou
John:
shei
sly
ing
Tef
o:pr
ovei
t(shaki
nghi
mvi
gor
ousl
y)
John:
Icanpr
ovei
t
Tef
o:how?
John:si
rIpromiseyou,Iwillbr
ingyoupi
ctures
ofPusoandTshegot ogetherandifyouwantto
seethem y
ourselfIcanarrangethataswell
Tef
o:(
hel
etgoofhi
m)ar
eyouser
ious?
John:
yessi
r
Tef
o:(
sad)whydi
dyout
ryt
orapeher
?
John: hehehe!Ihavenevert ouchedTshegoin
thatway .Sheisl
yi
ngandi fy oudon'tbel
i
eve
met hencal l
bothofussot hatyoucanbey our
ownj udgeofwhoi stel
l
ingt hetrut
h
Tef
o:sot
hatmeansPusoi
ssl
eepi
ngwi
thmy
si
ster
?
John:
andi
t’
sbeent
woy
ear
s
Tef
o:ohmyGod!
John:
I'
m sor
rysi
r
Tefo:(
hit
ti
ngt
het abl
ewi
thhi
sfi
st)t
hisboyi
sa
snakeandhetakesmeforaf
ool
John:
I'
m sosor
rysi
r.I
’
m sor
ry
Tef
o:pl
easel
eav
e.Ineedsomespacet
othi
nk
John:doyousti
llwantt
oseef
ory
our
sel
fthat
theyaredat
ing?
Tef
o:Iwi
l
lgetbackt
oyou
John:
thanky
ousi
r
Tef
o:go!
(Tef
ot hr
ewhi msel
fheavil
yonthechai
r.Heput
hishandsont opofhisheadt
hinki
ngdeepl
y
andexperienci
ngallki
ndsofemoti
ons.
Meanwhi l
e,JohnbumpedontoPuso)

John:
(toKenal
emang)si
r
Kenal
emang:
skwat
a
Puso:whatar
eyoubenef
it
ingf
rom t
ryi
ngt
o
dest
royus?
John:
whatar
eyouonabout
?
Puso:
doesi
tmakey
ousl
eepbet
teratni
ght
?
John:
tsek
Puso:
enj
oyi
twhi
l
eitl
ast
s
John:
nemonawar
ewhat
'
sup?
Puso:Iknowyouar et
heonewhot oldmajor
Motswaseleaboutmyrel
ati
onshipwithhis
si
sterandyoudiditwi
thmali
ciousintent
John:me(
poi
nti
ngt
ohi
schest
)mal
i
cious
i
ntent
?
Puso:y
oudiditpur
posefull
yknowi
ngthathe
wasnotgoingtobeimpressedandyouknew
ver
ywellt
hatIwasgoingtogetintr
oubl
eonce
heknowsaboutus
John:
youar
edel
usi
onal
Kenalemang: JohnI '
m goingtospeakt oy ouas
yourconcernedel derbrotherandy our
coll
eague.Skwat athisisnothowy ouare
supposedt otreatyourcolleagues.I fyou
conti
nuewi ththiskindofbehav iory ouwill
creat
eal otofenemi esf oryourselfandy ouwil
l
feeli
solat
edbecause. .
John:
whatar
eyout
ryi
ngt
osay
?
Kenal
emang:
peopl
ewhol
i
kesabot
agi
ngand
snit
chi
ngontheircol
l
eaguearepronet
obei
ng
fi
redorfor
cedtoresi
gnprematur
ely
John:
wewi
l
lseeaboutt
hat
Kenal
emang:i
fyoucont
inuewi
tht
hisbehav
ior
youwil
lremembermeonedaywhenyourworl
d
i
supsidedown
John:youwishbutIcanassur
eyouthaty
our
wishesarenevergoi
ngtocometrue
Puso:
Kenal
emanglet
'sl
eav
ethi
sguyal
one.l
et
hi
m doashepl
eases.
John:
mxm!
Puso:li
keIal
wayssay,I
'
m notyourmatch
becauseIdon'
thavei
tonmet ofi
ghtortopl
ay
di
rtybutonedayyouwil
lmeetyourmatch
John:
don'
thol
dyourbr
eat
h
Puso:
(shaki
nghi
shead)onedayi
soneday
John:
arey
out
hreat
eni
ngmenemonna?
Puso:
notatal
l
John:
goodbecauseIwasgoingtor
etal
i
ateand
youwerenotgoi
ngtoenj
oyitonebi
t
Kenal
emang:
kar
eyouhav
emadei
tinl
i
fe
John:canIpl
easegobacktowor
k(hesai
d
for
cingawaybetweenthem)
Kenal
emang:
impi
mpi
joubl
oodyf
ool
!
John:orayasemataseobapi
l
engl
esoneseo.
Sayitt
ot hatf
ool
nexttoy
ou
Puso:
yourt
imewi
l
lcome
John:
aft
ery
our
s

LATERTHATDAY.
..
..

(
phoneconv
ersat
ion)
Tef
o:pr
ivat
e
John:morena( boss)
.Si
r,Pusohasj
ustleftthe
campandIt hinkheiscomingtoMolepololeto
seeyoursist
er
Tef
o:wher
edot
heyusual
l
ymeet
?
John:
justf
oll
owy
oursi
sterwhenshel
eav
es
home
Tef
o:ok
John:
thanky
ousi
r
Tef
o:by
e

(Ital
kedtoPusobr i
efl
yont hephone.hewas
basical
lytel
l
ingmet hathewaswai t
ingf orme
atthejuncti
on.ItoldTefothatIwasgoi ngt o
getabookf rom oneoft hepeopleIstudywi th
andhesai dit'
sfine.Igoti
ntoPusoscarandwe
kissedli
keweusual l
ydowhenwemeet .Hehad
boughtmeadr inkandachocol at
e.Itwashot
soweopenedt hecarwi ndowsandsati nt he
carchat
ti
nghappi
ly
.Ialway
sgetst
ressedwhen
I'
m al
onebutt
hemomentI '
m wi
thPusomy
probl
emsseem small
andmanageable)
Me:(l
aughi
ng)sowhenGodrest
edonthe
sev
enthdaySatancr
eat
edyourt
ribe
Puso:
(laughi
ng)Tshegost
opi
t.f
acebooker
s
ar
esosav age
Me:aii
ii
ii
i!I
notherwordst
heyaresayi
ng
Bakgatl
aarerudebecausetheywer
ecreatedby
thewrongpersononthewrongday.I
'm gl
adI
am aMokwena
Puso: Tshegof
atsoMot swasel
estopit!(
he
pl
ayfullysl
appedmyt high.Hewaslaughingas
hewasdoi ngi
tandIwasl aughi
ngtoo.Our
l
aught erwasint
errupt
edbyt hecardoor
opening.Therehewas, Tefohi
mself)
Tef
o:whati
sthi
s?
(
PusoandIkeptqui
et)
Tefo:
Tshegofatso,
thi
sli
tt
ledi
rtyaff
airends
ri
ghther
erightnow.Puso,goandlookforyour
ty
pe.Thi
sisov er
Puso:
sir
..
Tef
o:shutup!Tshegol
et'
sgohome.Youhav
e
someexplai
ningtodo
Puso:
sirIcanexpl
ain.Pl
ease.
Tefo:Ihav
enothi
ngt osayt
oy oupr
ivat
e.Dr
ive
yourcheapcarasfarawayfr
om her
easy ou
can
Me:
thi
sisnotf
air
Tefo:unf
airwaswheny
ouaccusedJohnof
tr
yingtorapeyou
Me:
Iwasn'
t.
Tef
o:(
snappi
ng)l
et'
sgo!
Me:
no
Puso:
gomyl
ove(
Ilookedathi
m andhe
wi
nkedandIknewhemeantt
hathewi
l
lmakea
pl
an)
Me:
bye
Puso:
fornow
Tef
o:hur
ryup!

TWOWEEKSLATER.
..
.
ToFor
giv
eONot
?

NO.41

(Despitewhatmybr otherandhiswif
ewer e
putt
ingust hr
oughwewer estil
lgoi
ngstrong.
wedi dn'tfeelmuchpressur
e.Wedidn'tsee
eachot heroftenandthatmadeour
communi cati
onverystr
ong.Wewer ealways
call
i
ngeachot herandchatti
ngviawhatsapp.
Eventhoughwehardl
ysaweachotherwewere
notworri
edbecauseourbookswer
ekeepi
ngus
busy)

THEBEPHATSHWA

Puso:
sir
!(sal
ute)
Tef
o:(cal
m)tell
mesomet
hing,
howdoy
ou
wantmetotalktoy
ou?
Puso:
about
?
Tef
o:mysi
ster
Puso:honest
lysi
r,Idon'
tknowwhyy ouareso
keentobreakusup.Ihavenotdoneanythi
ng
wrongtoyouandI'm noti
ll
-t
reat
ingy
oursist
er
Tef
o:ohhhh!
Puso:si
rwi
thduerespect,Ihavenotdone
anyt
hingwr
ong.Actual
ly,
Ihav ebeenhelpi
ng
yoursi
ster
.I'
mt heonewhoassi stedhert
ogo
backtoschool.IpayherschoolfeesandI
boughtheral
lthestudymat er
ial
ssheneeded
Tef
o:whatar
eyout
ryi
ngt
osay
?
Puso:I
'
m say
ingIdon'
tseeareasonwhyy
ou
don'
twantmetodateTshego
Tef o:l
ookhereANGEL, eversinceyoudatedmy
sistersheisarebel
.Ihavebeeni nf
ormedt hat
youhav ebeenseeingherf ortwoyearsand
(sil
ence)looki
ngback,Tshegost ar
ted
mi sbehavi
ngaroundthattime.Shewould
disappearfrom home,shet al
kedtomeany how,
car etocommentont hat?
Puso:sirIl
oveyoursi
sterandIdon'
tintendto
playwit
hherorinfl
uencehernegati
vely
.AllI
am askingi
sforyoutogivemeachancet o
showy ouhowmuchIl oveyoursist
erandcare
abouther
Tef
o:shutupbecausey
ouar
enotmaki
ng
sense.Iwantmysistertodatesomeonewhoi s
capableoftaki
nggoodcar eofher.Iwantmy
si
stertoliv
eacomf ort
ableli
feandwi t
hyour
sal
aryy oucannev
ergivehert hat
Puso:si
rthat
'swhyI'
m studyi
ng.I
'm st
udy
ing
sothatIcanprov
idebett
erforTshego
Tefo:wi
thy
ourst
upidlongdi
stancedegree?
Papawee,l
ongdi
stanceisnotproperschool
i
ng.
Gotthat
?
Puso:
buti
tcanopendoor
sforme
Tefo:
Idon'
twantt
oar
guewi
thy
ou.Doy
oul
i
ke
yourj
ob?
Puso:
no.Idon'
tli
kemyj
obatal
lespeci
all
y
si
nceI'
m bul
li
ed
Tef
o:bul
l
iedbywho?
Puso:
peopl
ewhoar
ecapabl
eofbul
l
ying
Tefo:(
helaughedsar
cast
ical
ly)doyouknow
thatwi
thoutthi
sjoby
ouar enothi
ng?
Puso:
Iknowv er
ywell
sirt
hatiswhyI '
m st
il
l
doi
ngthisj
obthati
scausi
ngsomuch
emoti
onalpai
nandstr
ess.(cl
enchinghisj
aws)
i
tpaysthebil
l
sandmyschool fees
Tefo:doyouknowthati
fyoucont
inuewhaty
ou
aredoingyouwil
ll
osethi
sjob?
Puso:
Godwi
l
li
ngy
es
Tefo:yout
akethi
ngsforgr
ant
ed.Leav
eTshego
aloneandIwi
ll
leavey
oualoneandyouwi
ll
keepyourj
ob
Puso:
canIgonow?
Tef
o:y
oucangopr
ovi
dedmymessagei
scl
ear
toy
ou
(Pusosi
lent
lywal
kedoutofTef
o'sof
fi
ce.The
fi
ghtwasbeginni
ngtogett
ohim.hecal
led
Tshego)

Me:
Raboar
d
Puso:
(lowv
oice)hel
l
obabe
Me:
arey
ouokl
ove?
Puso:
notatal
l
Me:
letmeguess,
itsTef
oagai
n.
Puso:
youar
esor
ight
.
Me:
kant
ewhatdoeshewantf
rom y
ou?
Puso:
therei
sonl
yonet
hinghewant
s;f
orme
tol
eaveyou
Me:
tlher
ray
ouar
egoi
ngnowher
e
Puso:(
hechuckl
ed)t
odayIf
eel
tir
edand
dr
ained
Me:
babyweagr
eedt
hatwewon'
tl
ett
henget
t
ous
Puso:
hei
sthr
eat
eni
ngmyj
ob
Me:buty
oucan'
tloseyourjobovermybr
other
s
l
it
tl
eobsessi
onaboutusbreaki
ngup
Puso:
ifhewant
stodoi
thecandoi
t.I
'
mver
y
wor
riedbecauseIhav
eal
oant
opayandi
fI'
m
t
olosemyj ob
Me: youknowwhat ,whenTef ocomeshome
I'
m goingtosithi
m downandt r
ytoreasonwit
h
him.I'
m goingtotellhi
m exactl
yhowIf eel
aboutwhathei sdoingandI '
m goi
ngtomakei t
verycleart
ohimt hatIwil
lstopseei
ngy oufor
myownr easonsnotbecausehei sfor
cingme
tobreakupwi thyou.shameonhi m.
Puso: pl
easewhenyouconf
ronthi
m doi
tina
respectf
ulmanner
Me:
Iwi
l
ltr
y
Puso:
babypl
ease
Me:
okokIwi
l
lber
espect
ful
andhumbl
e
Puso:
that
'sbet
ter
.Ot
her
wisehowi
sev
ery
thi
ng?
Me:ever
ythi
ngisokay.Di
mphohasnotbeen
t
roubl
i
ngmesi ncethatti
me
Puso:
that
'sgood.Di
mphoi
sacowar
danddont
ev
erletherbul
l
yyou.Butr
emembert
hatshei
s
ol
derthanyousoevenwhen.
.
Me:
wenar
ra
Puso:
what
?
Me:
not
hing
Puso:
Ilov
eyoummaboar
d
Me:Ilov
eyout
oo.Anot
hercal
li
scomi
ng.I
ts
Lent
le
Puso:
Idon'
ttr
ustt
hatgi
rl
Me:mebei ngme,It
oldheri
nav er
ysar
cast
ic
waythatsheisnotagoodfr
iend
Puso:t
hereisnoneedtobesar
cast
icj
ustbe
st
rai
ghtforwar
dwithher
Me:
ifshecont
inuesIwi
l
lbedi
rectwi
thher
Puso:
okl
ove.By
esweet
hear
t
Me:
byel
ove
(
Ipi
ckedLent
lescal
l
)

Me:
hel
l
o
Lent
le:
moghel
Me:
hi
Lent
le:
youdon'
tsoundpl
easedt
ohearf
rom
me
Me:becauseIdon'
tunder
standyou.i
fIdi
dn'
t
knowbetterIwasgoi
ngtothinky
ouareagai
nst
myrel
ationshi
pwithPuso
Lent
le:aomma!Lel
ethat
'showy
oumakei
t
l
ooklike
Me:
Lel
ethat
'showy
oumakei
tlookl
i
ke
Lent
le:
IknowPusolovesyouandy
oul
ovehi
m
tooandIhav
enoreasonto..
..
.
Me:thenwhyar
en'
tyousuppor
ti
ngus.I
nst
ead
ofsuppor
ti
ngusyouar
eencouragi
ngmeto
l
eav
ePuso
Lentl
e:Isuggest
edt
hatbecausei
twascausi
ng
probl
emsbet weeny
ouandy ourf
ami
ly
Me:Isee.Notsol
ongagoyouwant
edtodat
e
Pusoandnowhedeservest
obedumped
Lent
le:
(rai
sedv
oice)Inev
erwant
edt
odat
e
Puso
Me:
buty
ouar
eint
erest
edi
nhi
m
Lent
le:
no!y
ougotital
lwrong.Iwassay
ingI
needamanlikehi
m,nothi
m
Me: t
herei
snopointi
nar
gui
ngwithyou
becauseyouandIknowv
erywel
lthaty
ouar
e
l
ying
Lent
le:
I'
m notl
yi
ng
Me:kar
eyouarepr
ayingf
ormet
oleav
ehi
m so
t
hatyoucandat
ehim
Lentl
e:st
opthatTshego.Stopit
.Icannever
dateapri
vat
esodon' teventhi
nkgoreIcanbe
i
nter
est
edi
nyourman.Hei
syourt
ypenotmy
t
ype
Me: andt
hef
unnyt
hingi
sthaty
ourt
ypesar
e
causingy
ousomuchstr
ess
Lent
le:
whati
swr
ongwi
thy
oukant
eTshego?
Me:whati
swr
ongwi
thmei
syouwant
ingt
o
br
eakusup
Lentle: y
ouar ebeginningtopissmeoff.Iwas
theref oryouwheny ouhadnot hi
ngandnow
thaty outhinkyouar esomet hi
ngandyouar e
undert heill
usionthaty ouhaveaperf
ectguy
youaccusemeofst upidthi
ngs.Gotohell
with
yourusel essprivat
e
Me:cor
rect
.Thepr
ivat
eandareinseparabl
eso
i
fitmeansgoi
ngtohel
ltoget
herthenthat'
sfi
ne
byme
Lent
le:
yout
hinky
ouar
esmar
t
Me:
atl
eastIhav
ebeendat
ingonepr
ivat
efor
twoyears.Hemightbeuselessbuthetreats
merightandwearegoingst r
ong.Thesame
can'
tbesaidaboutyou.Youhavesleptwithhal
f
ofGaboroneandthewholeofMol epol
ole
Lent
le:shutupmaid!YesI'
m notluckyi
nlove
butIhavesomethi
ngt ofal
lonandIwi l
lnev
er
bedependentonaman.I 'mjustaboutt
oget
mydegr eeandbesomeone, you?
Me:
lennaI
'
m aboutt
ohav
emygoodJC
Lentl
e:(l
aughi
ng)JCmyfoot
.Goandwor kina
chi
neseshopalready
.Ordoyoupr
eferbei
ng
yourbrot
hersmaid?
Me: youandIaredone.goandl ookforafri
end
whoi sadegreeholderl
ikeyou.whi l
eyouareat
i
tkeeponopeni ngyourlegswi deforeachand
everyJackandJill
.Ihopetheycont i
nuelyi
ngto
youabouttheirj
obsandwhot heyare.Stupi
d
fr
iendwithauselessdegree
Lent
le:
got
ohel
lmmaPr
ivat
e.Lef
orm 5l
ele
f
ormt
hree,
whatamat
ch.Af
ami
l
yofpov
ert
y
Me:
got
ohel
l
(Icutthecal l
.Iwasboi l
ing.Ipl
ayedsome
musi ct ocalm my selfdown.Pusocal l
edme
afteraboutt wohour sandIt ol
dhim aboutmy
conv ersati
onwi thLent l
e.Mymanwasv ery
happysay i
ngt hathehadbeenl ooki
ngf oraway
tobr eakusupbecausehehasabadf eeli
ng
aboutLent le.Aftertalki
ngt oPusoIfeltmuch
better)
NO.42

Puso:
sir
!(sal
ute)
Tef
o:mor
ningpr
ivat
e
Puso:
mor
ningsi
r.
Tef
o:Howar
eyou?
Puso:
(sur
pri
sed)I
’
mfi
nesi
r
Tefo:
Icall
edy
ouher
ebecauset
her
eisa
si
tuat
ion
Puso:
yessi
r
Tef
o:ther
eissomeonewhoi sonatr
ipat
Ncoj
aneandhehasf al
l
ensicksoheneedst
o
comebackhereformedical
att
ent
ion
Puso:
yessi
r
Tefo:nowweneedar
epl
acementf
orhi
m andI
thoughtofy
ou
Puso:soyoumeanImustgoonat
ri
pto
Ncojane?
Tef
o:y
ouunder
stoodmev
erywel
l
Puso:
butsi
rI’
m wri
ti
ngmyexamssoon.Wi
ll
I
bepermi
tt
edtotr
avelbackt
owri
temyexam?
Tef
o:no
Puso:
Ican’
tgoont
hatt
ri
p
Tef
o:t
hat
’si
nsubor
dinat
ionandIdon’
thav
eto
expl
aint
oyouwhatt
hei
mpl
i
cat
ionsar
e
Puso:
forhowl
ongwi
l
lIbegone?
Tef
o:haker
eat
ri
pis2mont
hsl
ong
Puso:
but
…..
Tefo:Ihavedel
iveredamessagetoy
ou.You
areleavi
ngtomor r
owearlyi
nthemorni
ng.
Thereisacarleavingat5am t
ogoandfet
ch
thepersonandy oumustbeinit
Puso:
nosi
r!
Tef
o:t
hat
’supt
oyou
Puso: Iwil
lwri
teal et
terexplai
ningwhyIcan’ t
got oNcojane.Iwroteal et
teri
nf ormingthis
establ
ishmentaboutmyi ntent
ionst ofurt
her
myst udiesandIwasgr ant
edper mi ssi
on.Even
whenIwasadmi ttedIinformedt hisoffi
cethatI
havebeenadmi t
tedandmadei tcl eart
othem
gorewhatki ndofsuppor tdoIneed.Iwi llwri
te
anotherlett
ertocompl ainaboutt heunfair
tr
eatment
.Youar
ebul
l
yingmeandt
reat
ingme
unfai
rl
y
Tefo:
goaheadandwr it
et hel
ett
er.Hakereyou
areasel
f-madeaut
hornow.Youmustbe
famousforwri
ti
ngattheheadof f
ice.Yourf
il
e
mustbealmostful
l(helaughed)
Puso:
whyar
eyoudoi
ngt
hist
ome?
Tef
o:wear
edon’
ttal
ki
ng
(hepickedhisphoneanddi all
edhiswif
e’s
number .HetalkedtoDimphount i
lPusogave
upandl efthi
sof f
icefeel
i
ngwor noutand
defeated.PusocalledTshego)

Me:
Raboar
d
Puso:
hi
Me:
arey
ouokayl
ove?
Puso:
I’
mleav
ingt
omor
row
Me:
wher
eto?
Puso:
Ncoj
anef
ort
womont
hs
Me:
buty
ourexamsar
enear
Puso: yourbrot
herhasorderedmetogot o
Ncojanef ortwomont hsandifIgoi
twil
lbe
consideredinsubor
dinati
onand……youknow
what
(hebecamequietandIkeptqui
ett
oo.Idi
dn’
t
knowhowt oconsolehi
m orhel
phim.He
soundedshat
teredandItoowassad)
Me:
can’
tyoudosomet
hingabouti
t?
Puso:Ithoughtofwr i
ti
ngaletterbutthemor eI
writ
ethemor emyi magegetstaint
ed.Ihav e
beenwr i
tingmayl et
ter
ssincemyf ightwith
yourbrotherstart
ed.GapeIfeeldemot iv
atedto
writ
ebecausenooneev erdoessomet hi
ngto
resol
vemyi ssues
Me:
I’
m sor
ryl
ove
Puso:TshegoI’mt i
redoffightingandIfeel
defeat
edrightnow.I’mleavingf orNcoj
ane
tomorrowandt hatmeansI ’m kissi
ngmyf ut
ure
goodbye.Iwil
lalwaysbet helookeddown
pri
vate
Me:
onedayy
ouwi
l
lbepr
omot
ed
Puso:Iwil
lnotbepromotedbecauseyour
br
otherismakingsuret
hatmyf i
leisdi
rt
y
Me:(
Iwasworr
iedbecausehewastal
ki
ngasif
hei
saboutt
ogiveuponus)areyougoi
ngto
l
eav
eme?
Puso:Ihavetochoosebet
weenmyjobandyou
Tshego.Yourbrot
herhasal
waysmadethi
sone
cl
ear
Me:
sowhatar
eyouchoosi
ng?
Puso:
you
Me:(
smil
ingwi
tht
ear
yey
es)t
hanky
ouso
muchPuso
Puso:Tshegochoosi
ngyoumeansI
’
m keepi
ng
myjobandf or
goingmydreams,
myper
fect
fut
ure
Me:
Iknowbabeandi
tmeansal
ott
ome
Puso:Tshegowhati
fIchoosey
ouandy
ou
deci
det oleav
emeonceyoubecome
successful
Me:babyIpr
omi
set
hatIwi
l
lnotl
eav
eyou.I
pr
omise
Puso:ev
enthoughthat
’snotguar
ant
eed,
it’
sa
ri
skI’
m wil
l
ingtot
ake
Me:t
hankyoubabe.Il
ovey
ouandIpr
omi
seI
won’
tdi
sappoi
ntyou
Puso:
thanks
Me:
Ilov
eyou
Puso:Il
oveyoumore.Kenal
emanghasj
ust
walkedi
nletmetal
ktohim
Kenal
emang:
war
ewhat
’shappeni
ngskwat
a?
Puso:
iml
eav
ingt
omor
rowmyguy
Kenal
emang:
thi
sguyi
soutt
ofi
ght
Puso:
hei
sandIhav
edeci
dedt
ost
opf
ight
ing
Kenal
emang:
don’
tgi
veupt
hateasi
l
y
Puso:
whatdoy
ousuggestIdo?
Kenal
emang:
wri
teanur
gentl
ett
ert
ohi
sboss
Puso:
inmyexper
iencet
hathasnev
erhel
ped
Kenalemang:t
heymightnotresol
veyourissues
butyouaresl
owlybuil
dingyourcasewit
ht he
l
etterandonedayi
twillwor
kf oryou
Puso:If
eeldef
eat
edandIt
hinkIshoul
djustgo
onthatt
rip
Kenal
emang:youarenotsol
vingany
t hi
ngPuso.
Aslongasyouaresti
llwi
thTshegothatguyi
s
goi
ngtoconti
nueharassi
ngyou
Puso:
I’
m emot
ional
l
yexhaust
ed
Kenalemang:I’
m goi
ngtotypethatl
ett
er.I
nthe
meant i
medon’tgoonthatstupi
dtri
p.Why
doesn’thesendhisst
upi
dJohnont hattri
p?
Puso:
Ihav
ethr
owni
nthet
owel
Kenalemang:pleasedon’
t(si
l
ence)notwhen
I
’my ourfr
iend.No!Wearegoingtofi
ghtthi
sto
thebitt
erend

(
thatev
eni
ngwhenTef
ocamehomeIdeci
ded
t
otalkt
ohim)
Me:canIpl
easet
alkt
oyouaboutwhati
s
happeni
ngbet
weenyouandus
Tef
o:us?
Me:
meandPuso
Tef
o:I
’
mli
steni
ng
Me:
whydon’
tyouwantust
odat
e?
Tef
o:I
’
m don’
texpl
aini
ngt
hatTshego.Doy
ou
t
hinkIenj
oyt
aki
ngcar
eofy
ouatt
heageof21?
Me:butIdon’
tunder
standhowi
tisl
i
nkedt
o
Puso
Tefo:ift
hatstupidPusowasabet termanyou
wouldbemar r
iedandaty ourownhousebut
becausehei suselessyouaresti
l
lundermy
roofandundermycar e.Al
lhedoesisopen
yourlegsforwhat
Me: (Ifel
tver
yof f
ended)soy ouhaveapr obl
em
stayi
ngwi thmeandt akingcareofmey etyou
don’thaveapr obl
em withmer aisi
ngy ourkids;
cleaningyourhouse;cookingforyou;doing
yourlaundry;hel
pingyourkidswithhomewor k?
Tef
o:y
ouhav
enor
ightt
otal
ktomel
i
ket
hat
Me: (
calm)abutiTefoIhavebeendati
ngPuso
forovertwoyearsnowandhehasbeen
treat
ingmer i
ghtsocany oupl
easereconsi
der
yourdecisi
on.Hehashelpedmet ogobackt o
school;hei
shelpingmet obui
ldmyfuture
Tef
o:so?
Me: noonehaseverdonet
hatforme.please
don’tsendhi
m onatri
poratl
eastifyousend
him al
lowhimtocomebackandwr it
ehis
examssot hat
…..
Tefo:youseem toknowt oomuchaboutwhat
i
shappeni ngatBDF.Pusomusthav efor
gott
en
thattheemploymentcontracthesignedhasa
clauseonconfident
ial
i
tyandIkeepwonder i
ng
whyhedi shessomuchi nformati
ont oci
vi
ll
i
ans
Me:
RaLi
sapl
ease
Tef
o:Pusoi
sgoi
ngonat
ri
p,per
iod!
Me:
youar
ecr
uel
,doy
ouknowt
hat
?
Tefo:
Iwil
lhi
tyousohar
dyoubl
eedmor
ethan
youdidl
astt
ime
(Ikeptqui
etandl
eftformybedroom.TotaI
don’twanttobebeatenbecausei
tsdegradi
ng,
humi l
i
ati
ngandthelastti
mehehitmei tl
eftme
angr
yandwi
thaper
manentemot
ional
scar
)

NO.43

(Pusowasl i
steningtotheconv er
sation
betweenhi scolleaguesquietly.Hehadr efused
togoont hetri
pandhewasawai ti
ng
discipl
inaryhearingandhewasn' tsurewhatt he
consequencesofhi sinsubordinationwer e
goingt obe.Themor ehet r
iedt oignorehis
stressorsthemor et
heydest royedhi m sil
ently)
Coll
eague1:
(looki
ngatapaper
)Di
ntwahas
beenpromot
edagain
Coll
eague2:
thatonedeserv
esapr omoti
on.
Theguyisahardworkerandrescui
ngthatchi
l
d
deserv
esapromoti
on
Col
l
eague1:
youar
ever
yri
ght
Col
l
eague2:
hei
sat
ypi
cal
sol
dier
;theshi
eldof
t
henat
ion
Col
league1:unli
kesomepeopl
ewhogot
pr
omot edforsni
tchi
ng
Coll
eague2:hehehe!Kanat
hatonei
sacl
ear
caseofcorr
upti
on
Coll
eague1:
estr
aight
.Thewhol
ecr
ewhasnot
beenpromot
edexcepthi
m
Col
league2:t
hisguyi
saseri
ouswizar
dandhi
s
wit
chcraf
tcombinedwi
thsni
tchi
ngscor
edhi
m
aquickpromot
ion
Col
league1:Pyt
honmustbet heonewho
adv
ocatedforandnecessi
tat
edhispr
omoti
on
Colleague2:Python'
smindi
stwisted.Whathe
i
sdoi ngisactuall
yfool
i
shbecauseonedayall
thesethingsmightcomebacktohaunthim
Col
l
eague1:
theydef
ini
tel
ywi
l
l
Col
l
eague2:
abuseofpoweri
sreal
.
Col
l
eague1:
iti
s
(
hewinkedathiscoll
eagueandtheybot
h
l
ookedattheabsentmindedPuso)
Col
l
eague2:
arey
ouokayskwat
a?
Puso:
I'
m good
Coll
eague1:skwatadon'
ttakethisguyt
oheart
.
hewantstofrust
rat
eyoubut .
..
..don'
tgi
vehi
m
thatsat
isf
act
ion.
Puso:
don'
twor
ry
Col
l
eague2:
wear
ewor
ri
edskwat
a
Puso:
ther
eisnoneedt
o
Col
l
eague1:
ok
Col
l
eague2:
ify
ousayso

(Promotionshadbeenannouncedandalmost
all
t hepeoplewhoj oinedBDFwit
hPusohad
notbeenpr omot ed.Johnwastheonl
yonewho
waspr omot ed.Pusoknewwhatthatmeantf
or
him.Hehadbeendeal ingwi t
hTef oandnow
thatJohnhadbeenpr omot edandwasar ank
abovehimi tmeantJohnwashi sseni
orandhe
knewf orsuret
hatJohnwasgoi ngtoabusehi
s
power.Hef el
tal
lhisstrengthleav
inghim)

OFFI
CE

Tef
o:cl
oset
hedoor
John:
yessi
r!
(
heshutt
hedoorcl
osed)
Tef
o:(
smi
l
ing)congr
atul
ati
ons
John:
thanky
ousi
r
Tefo:It
oldyouthatIam at
rust
wort
hyperson.I
keptmypr omi
seandnowy ouhavetokeep
yours
John:
Iknowsi
randIwi
l
lkeepmypr
omi
se
Tef
o:Iwi
l
lneedaf
ewf
avour
sfr
om y
ou
John:
oksi
r
Tefo:
ifyouhelpmeoutyouwil
lgetanot
her
promoti
oninlesst
hanthr
eeyears
John:
thanky
ousi
r
Tefo:
Iknowpeopl
eintopoff
icesandIcanpul
l
afewstri
ngsf
oryouifyouworkwell
withme
John:
countmei
nsi
r
Tefo:
Iadvocat
edfory
ourpr
omotion
i
ntent
ional
l
ytoteacht
hatmoronalesson
John:
andhei
sver
yfr
ust
rat
ed
(
Tef
olaughedandJohnj
oinedhi
m)
Tef
o:goodnowheknowswhatt
odo
John:
hedoes.I
'
m sur
ehedoes
Tef
o:mhm!
John:
whatareyougoi
ngt
odosi
nceher
efused
togotoNcoj
ane?
Tefo:don'
twor r
yaboutthat.Heisduef
or
disci
pli
naryheari
ngsoonandt rustmewhenI
saythingslookverybadforhim
John:
mhm!(
hesmi
l
ed)
Tef
o:y
oucangobackt
owor
k
John:
thanky
ousi
r
Tef
o:enj
oyy
ourday
John:
thanky
ousomuchsi
randenj
oyy
ourday
too
(ashewaswalki
ngt
ohi
scarhemett
hreeof
hiscol
l
eagues)
Col
league1:y
ouwentt
oaskf
oranot
her
pr
omot i
on?
(
theguy
slaughed)
John:
behav
eyour
sel
f
Col
league2:orwhat
?Youwi
l
ltr
eathi
mli
key
ou
ar
et r
eati
ngPuso
John:
mxm!
Coll
eague3:youar
eluckyPusoisasoft
ie.Tr
y
thatononeofusandseehowf astwewill
messy ourl
i
fe
John:
howcanamer
epr
omot
ioncauseso
muchjeal
ousy
?
Col
l
eague1:
jeal
ousy
Coll
eague3: wear
enotjealousofy
ou.Weare
angrybecauseyouwer
epr omotedunf
air
ly
Col
l
eague1:
wai
t
Col
l
eague2:
what
?
Col
league1:heel
athemonnaar
eyousl
eepi
ng
wit
hmaj or
(
theot
her
slaughed)
Col
league1:Idi
dn'
tknowy
ouar
eint
omen.So
Pyt
honis..
John:
youar
egoi
ngt
opayf
ort
his.Youdon'
t
messwi
thmeandgetawaywi
thi
t
Col
league3: t
ouchoneofusandwewi ll
deal
wit
hy ouquickerthanfast(
hepokedhim wi
th
hi
sindefinger)tl
olakegokgaol
e.Arentyou
goi
ngt odefendyourself
Col
league1:weboughtyouadr essanda
pet
ticoatcomeandfi
tthem af
terwork
Col
league3:y
ouforgott
oment
ionthered
st
il
let
os.Pl
easecomeandfi
taf
terworkbaby
(theyburstoutlaughi
ngandJohnwal ki
ngaway
seething.Theyhadhumi l
i
atedhim andhewas
wor r
iedthattheyweregoingtospreadt
he
rumort hathewasdat i
ngPy t
hon)

PUSO'
SROOM

Kenal
emang:youhavebeenquiett
hewhol
eday
.
Evenourcol
l
eaguesareworr
iedabouty
ou
Puso:
I'
m anx
iousaboutt
hedi
sci
pli
nar
yhear
ing
Kenal
emang:
don'
tworryGodwi
l
lspeakf
ory
ou.
Hewil
lmoveonyourbehal
f
Puso:
ift
hisguycanpr
omotesomeonethenhe
i
scapabl
eofmakingsuret
hatIgetf
ir
ed
Kenal
emang:
Isai
dGodwi
l
lseey
out
hrough
Puso:Ihopeso.I
fIlosemyjobI'
m confused
skwata.Att
hispoi
ntI'
m wonderi
ngifIshoul
d
real
l
ysacrif
icemyjobforTshego
Kenal
emang:
whatdoy
oumean?
Puso:
ther
ear
eti
meswhenIt
hinkofl
ett
ingher
go
Kenal
emang:(
shocked)what
!Doy
oumeany
ou
havest
oppedl
ovingher?
Puso:Il
oveTshegoandmylov
eforhergr
ows
str
ongerbyt
hedaybutatt
hispoi
ntIf
eel
hel
pless
Kenal
emang:
don'
tl
eav
eTshego
Puso:
Idon'
thav
epeace.Mysoul
andmi
ndar
e
tr
oubl
ed
Kenal
emang:
Icompl
etel
yunder
stand
Puso:
rightnowthequesti
onI
'm aski
ngmy self
i
swhetherlosi
ngmyf ut
ureov
eragi r
lisworthit
.
Kenal
emang:
don'
tent
ert
ainsucht
hought
s
Puso:
Pyt
honhasmer
ightwher
ehewant
sme
Kenal
emang:
don'
tgi
vehi
mthev
ict
ory
Puso:thi
sissteal
ingmypeaceandi tweakens
meonadai l
ybasis.I
'
mt i
redofbeing
embarrassedinfr
ontofmycolleaguesever
y
day,I
'
mt ir
edoff i
ghti
ng.I
'
m exhausted
Kenal
emang:(
helookedatPuso.Thewayhe
hadsai
ditmadehimfeeldeepl
ysorr
yforhi
m)
skwat
a!
Puso:myj
obhasl
ostmeani
ng,
Imi
ghtaswel
l
resi
gn
Kenal
emang:
no!Howwi
l
lyoupayy
ourl
oan?
Howar
eyougoi
ngt
opayf
ory
ourst
udi
es?
Puso:
t her
eisnopointinst
udy
inganymore.
WhenIwr otemytesttwoIwasv er
yst
ressed
andIfail
edall
myt est
sdismal
ly.Sowhat'
sthe
poi
ntofstudyi
ng?
Kenal
emang:thi
nkt
histhr
oughPuso.Don'
t
makedeci
sionswhi
leangry
Puso:
Im ser
iousl
ythi
nki
ngofwal
ki
ngaway
fr
om i
tal
l
Kenal
emang:
andTshego?
Puso:
itseemsl
ikeIcan'
thav
ebothTshego
andmyjobsoI'
mf or
cedtochoose
Kenal
emang:
that
sat
oughdeci
siont
omake
Puso:i
tis.Il
oveTshegobutt
heoddsar
e
agai
nstus
Kenal
emang:youspeakl
i
kesomeonewho
wantstol
eav
eTshego
Puso:
Idon'
twantt
oleav
eherbut
.ihav
eto
makeadecisionandIhavet
omakeacar ef
ul
deci
si
on.Intheenditwi
ll
eit
herbeTshegoor
myjob,notboth.
(
Kenal
emangst
aredatPusof
eel
i
nghi
spai
n)
NO.44

PUSOS'
ROOM

Me:
didn'
tyoumi
ssme
Puso:
Imi
ssedy
oumyl
ove
Me:butIdon'
tseet
hehappi
nessony
ourf
ace.
Theusualgl
owismissi
ng
Puso:
Ihav
eal
oti
nmymi
nd
Me:
isi
taboutt
hisaf
ter
noon'
shear
ing?
Puso:
yes
Me:
sor
ry
Puso:
ifIl
osemyj
obwhati
sgoi
ngt
obecome
ofme?
Me:wewil
lst
ruggl
etoget
herunt
ilsomet
hing
comesup
Puso:
(smil
ing)t
hanksl
ove.Yoursuppor
t
meansalottome
Me:
any
timel
ove
(Imovedcloserandst
art
edFrenchki
ssi
nghi
m.
Iwashopingthatwewouldendupmakingl
ove
butt
hemachi newouldnotgetup)
Me:(Ist
oppedki
ssi
nghi
m)hav
eyoul
ost
i
nter
estinme?
Puso:
notatal
l
Me:
buty
oucan'
t.
..
Puso:babyl
i
keIsaidI
'm goi
ngt
hroughal
ot
andI'
m notf
unct
ioni
ngatall
Me:
I'
m sor
ry
Puso:t
hanks.Wewil
ldoi
twhenI
'
minabet
ter
spaceemoti
onal
ly
Me:(It
ookoutaplast
icbagf
rom myhandbag
andgavei
ttoPuso)myunclesl
aught
ereda
donkey
Puso:(
openingt
hebag)sot
hisi
sbi
l
tongmade
fr
om donkeymeat?
Me:
yes(
Isai
dchuckl
i
ng)
Puso:
okl
etmet
ast
eit
Me:(
afterl
aughi
nghar
d)I
'
m ki
ddi
ng.I
t'
smade
f
rom cowmeat
Puso:
eveni
fitwasdonkeymeatIwasst
il
l
goi
ngtoenj
oyit
Me:
I'
m bl
essedt
ohav
eamanl
i
key
ou
Puso:
(chewi
ng)wear
ebot
hbl
essed
(wesatonthebedchatt
ingal
thoughther
ewas
notmuchtotal
kabout.Pusowasnotgood
companybecausehi
smi ndkeptdri
ft
ingonand
off
.Befor
eIleftIt
ri
edmyl uckagainbutthe
machinewouldnotgetup.Igaveupandwent
tocat
char i
detoMol epol
ole.Hesentme
messageswhileIwasonmywayt oMol epol
ole)
Puso:Ihav
enev
erbeent
hisembar
rassedi
n
fr
ontofyou
Me:
whatembar
rassedy
ou?
Puso:
Isawhowmuchy
ouwant
edt
omakel
ove
tome
Me:
Iunder
standy
oursi
tuat
ionsoi
tisf
ine
Puso:i
t'
snotf
ineTshego.If
eel
li
kehal
faman
ri
ghtnow
Me: i
tfeelsli
key
ouar emyboyfr
iendwhois
goingthroughalotandneedsmysupportand
reassurance
Puso:
wow!Thanksbabe.Il
ovey
ou
Me:
Ilov
eyouRaboar
d
Puso:
mmaboar
d
(
whi
leIwasstil
lchat
ti
ngt
oPusoLent
lesent
meaninbox)
Lent
le:
Tshegocanwepl
easechat
Me:
about
?
Lentl
e:I
'm nothappywi
tht
hewayt
hingsended
betweenus
Me:
eemma
Lentl
e:Tshegowehavebeenf
ri
endssincewe
wereyoungandIbel
ievewecanbefr
iendsti
l
l
theend
Me: Lentl
ewehav eal
readysai
dhur t
fult
hings
toeachot herandwecan'tt
akethem back.I
havehurty ouandyouhavehurtmeandIdon' t
thi
nkt hi
ngscangobackt owheretheywer e
Lentl
e:Ibel
iev
ethingscangobackt owhere
theywere.Wejusthavetoacceptt
hatwesaid
somest af
ftoeachotheroutofangerandnone
ofusmeanti
t
Me:
Iunder
stand
Lent
le:
sowhatdoy
ousay
?
Me: r
ightnowI '
m notinav erygoodst
atet
o
thi
nkclearl
yaboutt heissue.CanIdi
gesti
tand
getbacktoy ou?
Lentl
e:Iwoul
dreal
l
yli
ket
hatTshego.Iwantmy
fr
iendback
Me:
eemma
Lent
le:
doest
hatmeant
hatwear
egood?
Me:Lentl
edon'tr
ushthi
ngs.Let'
staket
hings
onestepatati
me.LikeIsai
dI'm goi
ngthrough
alotandri
ghtnowIcan'
tfocusonus
Lentl
e:Iunder
stand.Goodl
uckwi
thy
our
rel
ati
onshipwit
hPuso
Me:
(shocked)t
hanks
Lent
le:
Imeani
tandI
'
m say
ingi
tfr
om t
he
bot
tom ofmyhear
t
Me:
ok
Lentl
e:Iwil
lbewai
ti
ngtohearf
rom y
ouTshego.
Thisfr
iendshi
pmeansalott
ome
Me:
eemma
Lent
le:
Imi
ssmyf
ri
end;
Imi
ssTshego
Me:wewil
lchatsomeot
hert
ime.I
'
mmi
nthe
mi
ddleofsomethi
ng
Lent
le:
thanksf
ort
hechat
Me:
cool
i
es

(Itookallmycl ot
hesoutofmycl osetand
startedpackingthem ni cel
y.Iwasanxiously
wai t
ingforPuso'scal l
.Myt houghtswereracing.
Whati fheloseshi sjob?Am It heonecausing
him allt
hesepr oblems?I fwewer etoseparate
howwi l
lIcope?Thet houghtswer edi
stur
bing
andIwant edt odistr
actmy sel
fbywor ki
ng
alt
houghi twasn'treall
yhelping.Iswitchedon
theradi
oandpl ay edmusi cloudlyandt he
songsmanagedt odi st
ractmeal i
ttl
ebi t
.An
hourlaterIcheckedmyphoneandr eali
zedthat
Pusohadcal ledme.Imi ghthav enotheardthe
phoneringingbecauset her adiovolumewas
tooloud.Icall
edhi m back)
Puso:
(sadt
oneofv
oice)hel
l
o
Me:babe(t
earsbuil
tupinmyeyesi
nst
antl
y.
Thetoneofhi
svoiceconfi
rmedmyworstf
ear
s)
Puso:
howar
eyou?
Me:
(wi
pingt
ear
s)howdi
ditgo?
Puso:
Ihav
elostmyj
ob
Me: ohno( breaki
ngv oice)I'm sosorr
y.Ibl
ame
my sel
fforev er
ythi
ng.May beweshoul dhave
stoppedseei ngyou.IfeellikeIdestr
oyedyour
futur
e.Iwillhavetolookf oraj obandseehowI
canhelpy ou
Puso:
babe
Me:
I..
(deepbr
eat
h)
Puso:
I'
m ki
ddi
ng
Me:
whatdoy
oumean?
Puso:
yourbr
otherl
ostt
hecase
Me:
aor
ra,
howcoul
dyoupl
ayl
i
ket
hat
?
Puso: sor
rybabe.I ’
m keepi
ngmyj obandithas
beenmadecl earthatIshouldbegiventi
meoff
formyt estsandexamsandIshoul dbe
excusedf r
om dutyonweekendst hatIhave
classes.MajorSetshogowasv er
ysupporti
ve
andhel pf
ul.Helit
erall
yrescuedmef rom t
he
l
ion'sden
Me:
wow!That
'sgr
eat
Puso:wereyouseri
ousl
ygoingt
obl
ame
your
selfi
fIhadlostmyjob?
Me:
yes.Iwasal
readyf
eel
i
nggui
l
ty
Puso:don'teverblameyour sel
fforthi
ngsli
ke
thi
slove.Iam abi gmanwhomustt ake
responsibi
l
ityforhisact
ion.Idothingsknowing
thereareconsequences
Me:(scr
eaming)y
eaaaaaah!Sat
anandhi
s
br
otherhav
elost
Puso:
(af
terl
aughi
nghar
d)y
ourbr
othersay
s
i
t'
snotover
Me:
tel
lhi
m hecangoandhang
Puso:Li
keKenal
emangwoul
dsay,Godwil
l
cont
inuetomoveonmybehal
fandprov
emy
i
nnocence
Me:
Kenal
emangi
ssuchagr
eatper
sonmyl
ove
Puso:
hei
s.Hewaswi
thmet
hroughi
tal
l
Me:
Ist
hatt
hesmel
lofv
ict
ory
?
Puso:
ohy
esi
tis.
Me:
I'
m sohappyf
ory
ouRaboar
d;f
orus
Puso:
I'
m happyf
ormemyl
ove
Me:
Ihav
ebeensost
ressed
Puso:
youcanchi
l
lnow.Wewi
l
ltal
klat
erl
ove
Me:
okmybabe.Lov
eyou
Puso:
lov
eyoumor
e

(Tefodr oveinandhef oundmei nthelounge

witht hegirl
s.Theyr ant ohim andhel i
ft
edboth
ofthem.Hedi dn'tbot hergreetingmeandI
didn'tcare.Losingthecasewi ll t
eachhimt o
stopmessi ngwi t
hot herpeopl esjobs.Hetook
hiskidsandwentt ohi sbedroom wi t
hout
sayingawor dtome.Ical ledmyuncl eandtold
himt hatthereisanur gentmat terthatIwould
l
iket oseehi m about .Mymi ndwasmadeup,
enoughi senough)

NO.46
(Pusowenttohisr
oom duri
ngl
unchtime.he
call
edtoTshegoandtheyhadalonghappy
chatwhichwasint
err
uptedbyaknockonthe
door)
Puso:
therei
ssomeoneknocki
ngmmaboar
d,
l
etmeattendtot
hem
Me:
lov
eyousweett
hing
Puso:kar
eyouhavestart
edcal
li
ngmeallthose
namesagainbecauseIgavei
ttoyoul
egone
thewayyouwantit
Me:
arey
out
ryi
ngt
osay
..
(
theknocki
ntensi
fi
ed)
Puso:
letmeat
tendt
ohi
m
Me:
bef
orehebr
eaksdownt
hedoor
.Lat
erl
ove
Puso:
lat
er
(
heopenedt
hedoor
)
Puso:(shockedt
oseeTef
oathi
sroom)si
r!
(sal
ute)
Tefo:Mrthereisamagazinemissingfr
om t
he
stor
er oom soateam hasbeendispat
chedto
searchforthem.JohnandIwereassignedt
o
searchyourroom
Puso:
ohok.(
Conf
ident
ly)y
oucansear
ch
(
Tef
oandJohnst
art
edsear
chi
ng)
John:
her
etheyar
e
Puso:
what
?
Tefo:(
movingt
owher
eJohnwas)Pusoher
e
arethebul
l
ets
Puso:
youar
emi
staken
Tef
o:howdoy ousaywearemi st
akenwhent
he
bul
let
sar
erighther
einyourr
oom hi dden
bet
weenyourbooksandwellcovered?
Puso:
Inev
ert
ookbul
l
etsf
rom t
hest
orer
oom
Tef
o:ar
eyoupl
anni
ngt
oki
l
lmeormysi
ster
?
Puso:IswearIdontknowhowt
hosebul
l
etsgot
ther
e
Tefo:l
etmecall t
heintel
li
genceguysot hathe
cancomeanddohi sjob.Youwillexplainhow
thebul
letsgothereandy ouwil
lalsoexpl ain
whyitcantbeeasyf oryoutostealbulletswhen
youworkinginthatsecti
onandbasi callytaki
ng
careofthem
Puso:
IswearIdontknowhowt
hebul
l
etsgot
her
e
Tef
o:may
bet
heywal
ked
John:
cal
lthemi
l
itar
yint
ell
i
gence
Tef
o:kanay
ouaregoi
ngtolosey
ourjobandgo
toj
ail
.Howcoul
dyoudosuchastupi
dthi
ng?
Puso:Idi
dntdoany
thi
ngwrong.Thet
woofy
ou
pl
antedthesei
nmyhouse
John:y
ouar
ecr
azy
.Howar
eyougoi
ngt
opr
ove
that
?
Puso:
kar
eyouar
econf
ir
mingmysuspi
cions
John:
Mor
enamaket
hecal
l
(Tefomadeacallandtalkedtosomeoneandi t
soundedseri
ous.Pusofeltdef
eated.Hefel
this
wor l
dcrumbl
ingdown.Heknewhewasnot
goingtoprov
ehisinnocenceandt hi
sisl
i
teral
l
y
theendofhim)
Tefo:
mmeIf eel
sor
ryf
ory
ou.l
et’
sst
ri
keadeal
(hesmil
ed)
Puso:I
m notst
ri
kinganydealbecauseIm
i
nnocent.Godwil
lprov
emyi nnocence
John:
youwil
lmeetot
heri
nnocentpeopl
einj
ail
i
fyoukeeppl
ayi
nghardt
oget
Tefo:ifwedontstr
ikeadealbefor
ethe
i
ntell
igenceguycomesitstheendofyoupapa.
Thinkofy ourr
eput
ati
on.
Puso:
what
’st
hedeal
?
Tef
o:l
eav
emysi
sterandIwi
l
lcov
erf
ory
ou
Puso:no.t
her
eisnot
hingt
ocov
erbecauseI
m
i
nnocent
Tef
o:f
ine
(
ther
ewasaknockont
hedoor
)
Puso:
Iwi
l
lleav
eher
Tef
o:ar
eyousur
e?
Puso:
Ipr
omi
se
Tef
o:good.(
louder
)Comei
n
Man:
hel
l
o.Di
dyouf
indt
hest
olenbul
l
etsher
e?
Tef
o: no.hewantedtogiv
eust roubl
ewhenwe
wantedtosearchhisroom butheevent
ual
l
y
agr
eed
Man:
ok.Di
dyousear
chhi
sroom t
hor
oughl
y?
Tefo:yeswedidasyoucanseet
hatwet
urned
every
thingupsi
dedown
Man:
andt
her
ewasnot
hing?
Tef
o:y
es
Man:
whywer
eyoubei
ngdi
ff
icul
t?
Puso:becauseIf
eltt
hatmypr
ivacywi
l
lbe
i
nvaded
Man:
youar
epl
ayi
ngwi
thf
ir
e
(thet
hreeofthem lef
thisr
oom andhel ocked
thedooraft
ertheyleft
.hesatonhisbedcr yi
ng
l
ikeababy.het hencall
edKenal
emangwho
camet ohi
sroom injust10minutes.Hetold
Kenal
emangwhathadhappened)

Kenal
emang:
theseguy
sar
ecr
uel
andnowI
fearf
ory
ousafet
y
Puso:whatar
etheygoi
ngtodonext
?Ki
l
l
Tshegoandpint
hemurderonme?
Kenal
emang:t
hisi
sget
ti
ngseri
ousandl
i
keI
sai
dIfearf
oryoumybr
other
Puso:If
earf
ormyself
.Idontthi
nkIwil
leverbe
thesameaft
ert
hisexper
ience.I
’
ml eav
ing
Tshego
Kenal
emang:
shei
sgoi
ngt
obecr
ushed
Puso:I
ml eavi
ngher
.Bei
ngwithheriscausing
mealotoft r
oubl
eandheadache.Ican’
ttakei
t
anymore
Kenal
emang:
butTshegoher
sel
fhasdone
nothi
ngwr
ong
Puso:no.Icant(
hisphonerang)hel
l
o.y
es.
.y
es
si
r.
i’
m aware..
eerra.
eebye
Kenal
emang:
whoi
sthatandwhyar
eyout
ense?
Puso:i
twasPy t
hontell
i
ngmet hatifIdar
et el
l
anyoneaboutwhathappenedIwil
lbeintroubl
e
Kenal
emang:
dev
il
!
Puso:
Iml
eav
ingTshegoandl
eav
ingt
hisj
ob
Kenal
emang:
youar
enott
hinki
ngst
rai
ght
Puso:I
mt al
ki
ngevery
thi
ngthat
st oxi
coutof
mylif
e.I
fIhavetogoandli
veinthecatt
lepost
tofi
ndpeacethensobeit
Kenal
emang: It
hinkweshoul
dgoandseet
he
chapl
ain.Youneedaprof
essi
onal
tohel
pyou
Puso:
letmemaket
hiscal
lfi
rst
Kenal
emang:
whodoy
ouwannacal
l
?
Puso:
Tshego(
hesai
ddi
ali
ng)

Me:
Raboar
d
Puso:
hel
l
oTshego
Me:yousoundsadmyl
ove.Hasany
thi
ng
happened?
Puso:
Ithi
nkwemustbr
eakup
Me:whynowPuso.It
houghtourt
hingsar
e
okaynowandweevenmanagedtomakelove
yest
erday
.Baby
?
Puso:
TshegoIcantbewi
thy
ouany
mor
e
Me:
babyy
ouar
ejoki
ngr
ight
Puso:TshegoifIdontletgoofyouImightl
ose
myjobandf i
ndmy selfinjai
l
.Ihav
ealr
eadylost
theonethi
ngIv al
uedt hemost,myst
udies
Me:PusoIdontunder
standy
ou.HasTef
odone
any
thi
ngtoyou?
Puso:
no
Me:
youhav
efal
l
enoutofl
ovewi
thme?
Puso:
no
Me:
thenwhyshoul
dwebr
eakup?
Puso:becausewecantbetogetheranymore.I
needpeaceandIneedhappinessbutIhave
real
i
zedthatforasl
ongasIam wi thyouIwil
l
nothavethose
Me:(sobbi
ng)soy
ouar
eser
iousaboutt
he
br
eak-up?
Puso:
yes
Me:haveIdoneany thi
ngwrong?Am Iputti
ng
youunderpressure?YesIcomplai
nedthatyou
dontmakelovet omeasof t
enasy ouusedto
andIwaswr ongt ocomplai
n.Babesorr
y
Puso:
Tshegof
atsoIcantbewi
thy
ou
Me:
Pusono!
Puso:
theoddsar
eagai
nstus
Me:whatodds?Iknowi
thassomet
hingt
odo
wi
thmybr ot
her
Puso:
Tshegopl
easeunder
stand
Me:Iref
usetounderstandsomethi
ngstupi
d
l
iket
hisandIm notbreaki
ngupwi t
hyou.Il
ove
youandmyl ovefory
oui snotl
i
keabuttonthat
youcanjustdeci
detoswi t
choff
Puso:
byeTshego
Me:I
m comingt
oseey outomorr
owPuso.I
l
oveyouandIwi
llnotl
etyousl
ipawayf
rom me
l
ikethat
.It
oldyout
hatendofthi
smonthIm
mov i
ngoutofmybrot
herspl
aceandforusthat
meanswewi l
lbefr
eetoseeeachother
.Baby
i
...
.
(Ir
eali
zedt hatIhadbeent al
kingtomy self.The
call
hadl ongbeendi sconnected.Isatonthe
couchcry i
nglikeali
ttl
ebaby .icouldnotwai t
forthenextdaysot hatIcouldgoandseePuso
andhearhi m outandconv i
ncehi m nottoleave
me.Isendhi m manymessagesexpl ai
ningto
him howmuchIl ovehim andwhywehav eto
betogether.Icouldnotunder st
andgor ewhat
hasgotteni nt
oPusoal lofasudden)
NO.45

MYUNCLES'
PLACE

Uncl
e:Tef
oyoursist
eraskedmet
osetthi
s
meeti
ngupbecauseshehassomeconcer
ns
t
hatneedourat
tent
ion
Tef
o:y
esuncl
e
Uncle:
Tshegof
atsomydaughtert
ell
y our
brot
heraboutt
heconcer
nsthatyoutoldus
about
Wif
e:y
esTshegof
atso,
befr
eemygirl
sot
hat
t
hismatt
ermaybeputtor
estf
orgood
Me: eemma.Thanky ouuncleforconveni
ng
thismeeti
ng.Therearesomei ssuesbetween
meandmybr otherandmmaLi sa.Lastni
ghtRa
Lisadidn'
ttal
ktome, notevenahel l
o.
Tef
o:di
dyousayhi
tomewena?
Uncl
e:l
etherf
ini
shmyson
Me: (f
acingdown)Ihav
ebeenseei ngsomeone
whoi sworkingwit
hRaLisaanditseemslike
theissuedoesntsi
twellwit
hhim andbecause
ofthathehasbeenmaki ngthi
ngshardforthi
s
person.Yester
dayhewasf aci
ngadisci
pli
nary
hear
ingandheal
mostl
osthi
sjob.
Tefo:soIandmywifehavebeencall
edher
eto
tal
kaboutmysist
ersboyfr
iend.Keseka
bonyatsi
jwagaTshego.Reall
y?
Uncl
e:i
fIhear
dTshegori
ghtsheisworr
iedt
hat
youmightmaket
hepoorboylosehi
sjob
Tefo:wit
hduer espectuncl
eIwill
notsither
e
andtalkaboutwhathappensatmypl aceof
work.BDFt hi
ngsarediscussedat
Thebephatshwanother e
Dimpho:uncl
ey oumi ghtnotbeawarebut
whenTef owashiredhesi gnedacl
auset hat
i
nhibi
tshimfrom discussi
ngwor kr
elated
i
ssueswi t
hcivi
l
ianssoIdontt hi
nkthisisa
goodplacetodiscusssuch
Uncl
eswif
e:Iunder
standmychi
l
d.I
ssuesof
themil
i
tar
yaresensi
ti
ve
Uncl
e:Tshegomydaught
eri
tseemsl
i
keIwont
beabl
etohelpyounow.
Me: Iunderst
anduncl e.MaybeIdidntmaket hi
s
cl
earatt hebeginning.Thereasonwhyt he
personsjobisthr eat
enedisbecauseRaLi sa
doesntwantmet odatehim andIfai
lto
understandthev ali
dreasonbehindthat
Tefo:uncl
eitbaff
lesmethatDimphoandIhav
e
beensummonedt oyoury
ardtotal
kabout
Tshegosboyfri
end.Whatmessageareyou
sendi
ngt oDimphoaboutourfamil
y?Thatt
her
e
i
snoor der?
Uncl
eswi f
e:i
fyouputi
tthatwayi
tdoesnt
seem r
ight
Tef
o:i
tsnotr
ight
Uncle:weareli
vingint
hemoder nti
mesTef o
myson.Wej usthavetoacceptthatti
meshav e
changed.Wear eli
vi
nginanerawher eit
sbetter
toknowy ourchil
dsboyfr
iendt
hant oact
i
gnor ant
.Agai
n,Tshegoisnolongertheli
tt
le
gir
lthatshewassowecantpr etendasifsheis
st
il
lal
i
ttl
egi
rl
Tef
o:soi
tsfi
nef
orTshegot
obri
ngamant o
myhouseandsl
eepwit
hhiminmyhouse?
Uncle: t
hatsnotwhatIm saying.Ifshedoes
thatthensheisbeingdisrespectful.WhatIm
sayingisdontinter
fer
einheraf fair
sasl ongas
sher espectsyou
Di
mpho:
uncl
e,i
fTshegof
all
spr
egnant
Uncl
eswi
fe:
andt
hat
smywor
stf
ear
Dimpho:wecantsayt
oachil
d,gooutt
her
eand
sleepwi
thamanbecauseyouareol
denough
todoit
Uncleswif
e:andasi
tisnowi
tappear
sasif
thatist
hemessaget
hatwearesendi
ngt
o
Tshego
Uncle:
Tshegomygi r
lIdontknowhowt ohelp
youanymorebecausethesepeoplear
erefusi
ng
toseethi
ngsfr
om mypoi ntofvi
ew.From what
Tshegot ol
dmeshehasbeenseei ngthisyoung
manf ormor et
hant
woy ear
sy etshehasnot
fal
lenpregnant
.Whati
ssowr ongabout
all
owingTshegotobewithamant hatshe
l
ov es?
Tefo:notinmyhouse.Idontwantmy
daughterstol
ear
ncrookedway s
Me:
canIpl
easemov
eoutofy
ourhouse?
Tef
o:sot
haty
oucangoandsl
eepwi
tht
his
manasyoupl
ease?
Uncl
e:Tef
othat
snothowy
out
alkt
oyoursi
ster
Dimpho:Tshegomysi st
eryouarenotworki
ng
andy oucantsust
ainyour
self
.Wherewil
lyoube
goingandhowar eyougoingtosur
viv
e?
Me:I
m mov i
ngtomymot her
shouse.Iwil
lsee
howIwillsurvi
ve.Iwil
llookforajoborsel
l
somethi
ngf oraliv
ing.Idontthi
nkIcandie
fr
om hungerwhenIhav ehandsandamout h.
SomayIpl easegobackandf et
challmythings!
Uncl
e:hei
hei
!Idontl
i
kewher
ethi
sisgoi
ng
Tef
o:i
tsf
ine,
youcanmov
eout
Dimpho: Tef
oy oucantjustsaythat.Wehav e
kids,whoisgoingtopreparethem inthe
mor ni
ngandwhoar etheygoi ngtof i
ndhome
whent heycomebackf rom school?(kneel
ingin
fr
ontofme)Tshegomysi st
erpleaseallowus
tofindahelperbef
orey oumov eout
Me:
no
Uncl
eswi
fe:
dontbur
nthebr
idgesTshego
(wediscussedtheissueatlengthuntilwecame
toaconcl usi
onthatIwill
staywiththem forone
andahal fmonthsjustuntil
theyfindananny
andtheywi ll
payme2, 000forthemont h.I
coul
dt el
lthatTefowasnotpl easedatal l
.Aft
er
themeetingIwentst r
aighttoMolepolole,Iwas
fedup)
(
Phoneconv
ersat
ion)

Tef
o:.
cany
oui
magi
ne!
John:youar
eri
ghtsi
r,i
tsv
erydisrespect
ful
.
Yourunclei
swrongf
orenter
tai
ningthis
Tef
o:heal
way
stakesTshegossi
de
John:
that
sbad.
Tef
o:Pusohast
urnedmysi
steri
ntoar
ebel
and
i
tfr
ustr
atesme
John:
Tshegousedt
obeamodel
chi
l
d
Tef
o:exact
lyunt
ilshemett
hisdev
il
John:andaswespeakTshegoi
sri
ghther
ein
thecamp
Tefo:
thatstherespectImtal
kingabout
.Hehas
beengiventheauthori
tytotr
ampleovermeand
i
t’
swr ongineveryway
John:
can’
tthest
upi
dPusoseet
hathei
s
br
eakingahappyf
ami
l
yandcomi
ngbet
ween
si
bli
ngs?
Tefo:weneedtol
auncht
hatpl
anandt
eachhi
m
alessonofali
fet
ime
John:
whendoy
ouwantmet
odoi
t?
Tef
o:ASAP
John:
ok
Tef
o:whendoy
out
hinky
oucandoi
t?
John:hel
i
kest
aki
nghert
othebusst
opsoIwi
l
l
doitt
hen
Tefo:
thanks.Nexty
eary
ouar
eget
ti
nganot
her
promoti
on
John:
thanky
ousi
r

PUSO'
SROOM

Me:
endofnextmont
hIwi
l
lbemov
ingout
.I
smel
lfr
eedom andi
tsmel
l
ssoni
ce
Puso:
final
l
y.Weshoul
dhav
edonet
hisal
ong
ti
meago
Me:weshoul
dhave.St
upi
dme!WhatwasI
wai
ti
ngforal
lal
ong?Tobeabused?
Puso:l
etsnotl
ookbackwi
thregret
s.Iwonmy
case,
youmanagedtoputyourfootdown
Me:
andt
hiscal
l
sforacel
ebr
ati
on
Puso:Iwi
shwecoul
dcel
ebr
atei
tinst
yle.I
tsa
pi
tyIm br
oke
Me: t
heki
ndofcelebr
ati
onIwanti
sverycheap.
(Igotont
opofhim andunzi
ppedhi
sjeans)i
t’
s
beenawhilebabe
Puso:
whati
fIdi
sappoi
nty
ou?
Me:y
ouarenolongerov
erwhel
medsot
hisl
i
ttl
e
manmustbehave
(Isai
dmassagi
ngi
tsti
pandIwat
chedhi
sface
asheenj
oyedmetouchi
nghi
m.themomenta
fr
ownappear edonhi sfacetheli
ttl
emanst ood
up.Ismiledathi
m andhebi thi
slowerli
p.I
openedadr awerandgav ehim acondom and
waitedforhi
mt oinsertit
.Unfort
unatel
ythetent
col
lapsedwhenhewasst i
ll
tryi
ngtoinser
tthe
condom)
Puso:
sor
ry
Me:
whatwentwr
ong?(
Iwasv
erydi
sappoi
nted)
Puso:
mymi
ndi
snotcl
earenough
Me:
eish!
Puso:
Im sor
ryf
ordi
sappoi
nti
ngy
ou
Me:may
bey
oudontf
eel
thesameaboutme
any
more
Puso:TshegoIl
ovey
ouandIwi
l
lnev
erst
op
l
ovingyou
Me:
ahh!
(Ist
art
edtouchi
nghim agai
nanditgotup.t
he
samethinghappenedwhenhetr
iedtoweara
condom.I
thappenedaboutthr
eet
imesandI
wassothi
rst
yIfeltl
i
kecryi
ng)
Puso:babeIcanseehowmuchy ouwantme.
Letmedof lesht
ofleshandoncetheer
ect
ion
i
sv er
ystrongIwil
lputonacondom
Me:
whati
fyouendup
Puso:
(hei
nter
rupt
edmewi
thaki
ss)IswearI
wont
(wet r
ieditanditwor ked.Bel
i
ev eme, wehad
threeper f
ectr
ounds.Hewoul dst ar
twi thout
protecti
onandputonacondom whent hings
gotheat ed.Welefthisroom around5pm and
hedeci dedtodropmeof fatMol epolole.We
wer esohappyt ogether)

PUSO'
SROOM

(
Johnunl
ockedt
hedoorqui
ckl
y.hequi
ckl
y
plantedthem andcov er
edthem nicel
ysothat
Pusowi l
l notseethem.Afterhewasdonehe
l
ockedt hedoorandt oldTefothattheoper
ation
wentsmoot hl
yandTef ocouldnotstopsmil
ing.
Infactbot hofthem (
TefoandJohn)couldnot
stopsmi l
ing)
NO.47

Kenal
emang:
washehel
pful
?
Puso:
who?
Kenal
emang:monnay
ouar
eabsentmi
nded.
Thechapl
ain
Puso:oh.Hewasv eryhel
pful
.Wet
alkedandhe
wasmaki ngsense.Heaskedmesomeofthe
quest
ionsthatyouaskedme
Kenalemang:
whatdi
dhesayabouty
ou
resi
gningf
rom y
ourj
ob?
Puso:
het
oosay
sit
’snotagoodi
deaandIcan
onl
yresigni
fit
’swel
lpl
anned.It
oldhi
mthatI
hav
ef ear
Kenal
emang:
and?
Puso:hesai
dthefir
stthi
ngIneedt
odoi sto
haveaspeci
alrel
ati
onshi
pwithGodandthenI
canlear
nwhoGodi sandbegintot
rusthi
m
Kenalemang:andhei
sri
ght
.Soy
ouar
enot
resi
gninghaker
e?
Puso:
no
Kenal
emang:
good.Ihav
eani
dea
Puso:
ok
Kenal
emang:
may
bei
twi
l
lbebet
teri
fyougoon
tr
ansf
er
Puso: evenifIrequestatr
ansf
erPy
thonwil
lnot
recommendi tbecausehewantsmenextto
him sot hathecant or
tur
eme.heknowsthati
fI
mov ef arfr
om him TshegoandIwi
ll
getback
together
Kenalemang:forgetPython.HeisnotaGod.I'
m
goingtowri
teal ett
erthatrequest
sfort
ransf
er
thenwenay oujustsignitandsubmiti
ttoMajor
Setshogo
Puso:
(smi
l
ing)may
bet
hatcanwor
k
Kenal
emang:andthenIwi
l
lst
artl
ooki
ngfor
somebodythaty
oucanswapwithi
ncasethe
tr
ansf
erbounces
Puso:
that
sbet
terandIf
eel
ali
tt
lebi
thopef
ul
Kenal
emang:
youwi
l
lbef
inemyboy
.
Puso:
Ihopeso
Kenalemang:seekGodandgi v
ehim al
lyour
burdensandhewi l
ltakecar
eofthem
Puso:
Iwi
l
l.Ipr
omi
seIwi
l
l
Kenal
emang:
aboutTshego?
Puso:
Ilov
eTshego,morethanIhaveever
l
ovedagir
lbutherbr
otherhast
akensomething
awayfr
om meandev er
ytimeIthi
nkofTshego
Ifeel
IknowitswrongbecauseTshegohas
beengoodt ome.Ipercei
veMajorMotswasel
e
asaanakeandev eryt
imeIthinkofTshegoI
thi
nkofhowt hesnakeisgoingtobi
temeand
kil
lmewi t
hitspoi
son.Thist
hinghasmademe
wannastayawayf r
om Tshego
Kenal
emang:
Tshegodoesn'
tdeser
vet
his
Puso:Idontdeser
vet
ogot
hroughsomuch
ei
ther
Kenal
emang:youar
esor
ight
.Thi
sissucha
sadsi
tuat
ion
Puso:
iti
s
Kenalemang:onedayJohnandMot
swasel
ewi
l
l
getthei
rpayment
Puso:andIhav
ebeenwai
ti
ngf
oroneday
for
ever
(
someoneknockedsof
tl
yont
hedoor
)
Puso:
cantIhav
epeacei
nmyownr
oom.Ahah!
(
shout
ingwi
thal
otofanger
)comei
n!
(
Tshegoopenedt
hedoorslowl
y.Shegr
eet
ed
t
hem andst
oodattheopendoor)

Kenal
emang:
Im of
ftomyr
oom
Puso:
sur
e
Kenal
emang:
byeTshego
Me:
bye
(
aft
erhel
eft
)
Puso:
youcanhav
easeat
Me:
thanks(
tear
swer
ebur
ningmyey
es)
Puso:
howar
eyou?
Me:
(sobbi
ng)I
'
m notf
ine.Whyar
eyoul
eav
ing
me?
Puso:
I'
m deal
i
ngwi
thal
otr
ightnowandIneed
somespace
Me: Iunderstandthatalotofthi
ngsarenot
goingwel li
ny ourl
if
ebabebutt her
eisa
dif
ferencebet weenneedingspacetosort
yourselfoutandwant i
ngmeoutofmyl i
fe
Puso:
andwhat
sthedi
ff
erence
Me: (Ilookedathim andhewasv erycold
towar dsme)t hedif
ferenceisthatIcangive
youspaceandnotbot heryouknowingv erywell
thatwear est
ill
togetherbutifwearetobr eak
uptheni tmeanswewi l
lneverbetogetherandI
cantbewi thy
ouany mor e.Pusopleasedon't
l
eav eme.Ibegy ou
Puso:(
touchedbyherwor ds)Tshego
somethi
nghappenedandIal mostwentt
o..
..
..
.
somethi
ngt er
ri
blehappenedtomeandIdon't
thi
nkIwil
lrecoverf
rom it
Me:
whatdi
dmybr
otherdot
oyou?
Puso:
not
hing
Me:
thenwhyar
eyoudoi
ngt
hist
ome?
Puso:
Tshegof
atsowecantbet
oget
her
Me:wecantbet
oget
herorwemustt
akea
br
eak?
(Ibur
stintotears.Myheartwasbr eakingi
nto
smalll
it
tlepieces.Icouldtel
lthatsomethi
ng
hadhappenedandPusowasf i
ndingithar
dto
dealwit
hi tbuthim nottel
l
ingmewhat
happenedwasn' thelpi
ngmysi tuati
on)
Puso:
Idon'
tknow
Me:
Pusohav
eIev
erdoneany
thi
ngbadt
oyou?
Puso:
no
Me:t
henwhyarey
ouhur
ti
ngmebadl
yli
ket
his?
(
Iwascry
ing)
Puso:
i'
m sor
ry
Me:PusoIhavenot
hing.Ihavenoparents;my
motherdi
edwhenIneededherthemost ;Ihav
e
nev
erknownmyf at
her;Ionl
yhaveabr ot
her
whoisbul
lyi
ngmeanddoesn' tr
eal
lycareabout
me.Ihav enothi
ngPusoandIam nothi
ng.You
aretheonlypersonIcoul
dtr
ustandrel
yonand
i
fy ouleavemeIwi l
lbeasgoodasdead.PUSO
ISWEARTOYOUI FYOULEAVEMEI 'M GOING
TOKI LLMYSELFANDPLEASEDON' TBLAME
YOURSELFFORMYDEATH( Ist
ooduptoleav
e)
Puso:
Tshego
Me:
byePuso
(
hestoodupandblockedt
hedoor.Hehugged
meti
ghtl
yandIcri
edonhisshoul
der.Icoul
d
f
eel
histear
sdrenchi
ngmyt -
shi
rt
)
Puso:
Tshegowhatar
eyousay
ing?
Me: i
tsoverf
orme.Ihavef
oughtf
ornothi
ng
overtheyear
sandit
stimeformetoacceptt
hat
i
tsov er
.
Puso:
pleasedon'
tki
l
lyour
sel
f.I
'
m notl
eav
ing
you
Me:
dontpr
etendt
olov
emebecausey
oudon'
t
l
ovemeany
mor
e.Lov
eshoul
dnotbef
orced
(Pusopull
edmet ot hebedandwer easoned
witheachother .Weendedupdeci di
ngt hatwe
shouldkeepi tl
owunt il
thedustset t
les.Att he
endIunderstoodt hathestil
l wantedt obewi t
h
mebutmybr otherwasmaki ngt hi
ngshar dfor
him.Wehaddeci dedtokeepi tlowunt il
Puso
goesont r
ansf er.ItisnotwhatIwant edbuti t
wasbet t
erthanabr eakup.Wechat tedf or
aboutanhourbef oreIlefthisr oom alonet ogo
tothebusst op.Iwasabi trelievedandIcoul d
tel
lthathewasf eeli
ngal otbet ter
.Tef o'
scar
passednextt omeandr eversed)

Tef
o:(
openi
ngt
hecarwi
ndow)Tshegof
atso
Me:
rra?
Tef
o:geti
nsi
de
Me:
Igoti
nsi
dehi
scarandcl
osedt
hedoor
Tef
o:whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?
Me:Icametofet
chmythi
ngsf
rom Puso's
house.Hehasl
eftmel
i
keyoul
ongwant ed
Tef
o:oh
Me:
whyar
eyousocr
uel
?
Tefo:
Tshegoyouaremysist
erandIlov ey oua
l
ot.Iwantwhat
sbestfory
ou.Youwont
under
standnowbecauseyouaresti
ll
y oung.I
wantyoutomarryamanwhoi sri
ghtfory ou.
Someonewhohasmoneyandst atus;someone
whocanmakey ouhappy
Me:Iunder
stand.That
swhyyoumar
ri
eda
womanwi t
hmoneyandstatus?
Tef
o:i
tsdi
ff
erent
Me:
how?
Tefo:amanissupposedtoprovi
deforhi
s
famil
y.I
fawomanwor ksitsbecauseshewant
s
tonotbecauseshehastoprovi
de.Ido
ev
eryt
hinginmyhouse.Di
mpho'
smoneyisher
money,shehel
pswhenshewant
sto.Don'
tyou
wantt
hatkindofl
i
fe?
Me: no.Iwanttohel
pmyhusband.Iwanta
manwhol ovesmeuncondit
ional
l
y.Moneyand
st
atusar enotasimpor
tantt
omeasl oveand
fr
iendshipare.
Tef
o:t
hat
sachi
l
dtal
ki
ng
Me: Istoppedbei ngachi l
dt hedaymymot her
died.From thatdayonwar dsIbecameanadul t
whohadt ot akecar eofherselfi
nawor ldful
lof
vi
per s.Theoneper sonwhowassupposedt o
seemyneedsnev ersawmyneeds; hewas
supposedt ounder standmywant sbuthenever
did;hewassupposedt ol
oveme
uncondi t
ionall
ybuthenev erdid;hewas
supposedt ohel pmebuthet ookadvantageof
me.
Tef
o:Tshegof
atso!
Me: t
hent her
ei ssomeonewhoknowsand
understandsmyneedsandwant sbuthecant
helpbecausehedoesnthav ethemeans.And
thenthereisthisoneper sonwhoknowsand
understandsmyneedsandwant sandhasthe
capacit
yt ohelpbutawal lhasbeenerect
ed
betweenhi m andi .mydest i
nymov er
.Letme
askyousomet hing;ifIdontwakeupt omorr
ow
whatwi l
lyout el
l t
hewor ldaboutme?
Tefo:whatar
ey out
alki
ngabout?(her
educed
thespeedofthecarandlookedatme)
Me:whatdoy ouknowaboutTshegoapar tfr
om
thefactthatshewasgoodi nkeepingyour
houseandt alkingcar
eofyourchi
ldren?What
areherdreams?Whatar eheraspirati
ons?
Whatar eherlikesanddi
sli
kes?
Tef
o:ar
eyousui
cidal
Tshego
Me:byki
l
li
ngmy sel
fIwoul
dhav
egivenmy
enemi
espoweroverme.bakai
poka.Iwoul
d
hav
eabort
edmydr eams,forwhat?Iwill
notkil
l
mysel
fnomatterhowstr
ongt hethoughtsar
e.I
hav
etoli
vetoshamemyenemi es;onebyone.
Tef
o:Tshegoi
m noty
ourenemy
Me: noy ouar enot( Isai
dsmi l
i
ng)y ouar emy
brotherwhoi shelpingmet oachi evemy
dreamsandl ov ingmeuncondi t
ionall
y.AndI
feellov edrightnow.Mymot herisv eryhappy
wher evershei sbecausey ouandy ourwi feare
givi
ngmeav erygoodl i
feandbr ingi
ngmeup
perfectly.Smi l
emummyy ourdaught eristhe
happi estper sonev erandshedoesn' tevenfeel
thegapy ouleft.Yoursoni stakinggoodcar eof
mel ikehet ookcar eofy ou.remembert hatyou
neverl ackedbecausehewasagoodchi ld.
remembert haty ouwer everycloset ohis
preciousandwonder fulwif
e.
Tefo:(
hishandswer
eshaki
ngbadl
y)st
opi
t
Tshego!Shutup!
(hepul
ledhiscart othesideoftheroadand
rest
edhisheadont hesteeri
ngwheel f
orwhat
seemedlikeforever.Hetookabot t
leofwat er
anddrankthewat erbeforedri
vingagain.There
wasutmostsi l
encei nthecar)

FOURWEEKSLATER

NO.48

THEBEPHATSHWA

Chapl
ain:
it’
syourl
astdayher
e
Puso:yessir
.Ij
ustcametothanky ouforbei
ng
ther
eformei nt
histryi
ngt
ime.Ifitwasn’
tfor
youandKenalemangIwouldhav edonethe
worstortheworstcoul
dhavehappenedt ome
Chapl
ain:(pat
ti
nghisback)youar
estrongand
i
ntel
li
gent.Whereveryouar
egoingIseeyou
becomingsuccessful
Puso:honestly
,Idon’
tbeli
evewhaty ouare
sayi
ng.I’
ml eavi
ngthispl
acewithoutanything.
OrshouldIsayI ’
mleavi
ngthispl
acebr oken
anddesolat
e.Ihav edebt
stopaybutnopl an.
Chapl
ain:
whenonedoorcl
osesanot
heral
way
s
opens
Puso: Iam happythatI’
ml eavi
ngthi
splace
beforetheunthinkablehappensbutI
’m anxi
ous
becauseI’m nowgoi ngtobemymot her
’s
burden
Chaplai
n:t
rustGodmychi
l
d.Remembert
o
cont
inueonthisj
our
neywi
thGodwhi
leathome
Puso:Iwi
l
l.Thankyousomuchsi
r.Ineedt
o
seesomeonebefor
eIgo
Chapl
ain:bebl
essedasy
ougoson.MayGod
fi
ghtourenemi
esandopendoor
sfory
ou.Be
bl
essedwi
thsuper
nat
ural
speed
Puso:
whati
sthat
?
Chapl
ain:
whenGodpushesthi
ngsf
ast
ert
hana
humanmi ndcancompr
ehend
Puso:
(smi
l
ing)t
hanky
ousomuch
Chapl
ain:
keepi
ntouch
Puso:
Iwi
l
l

(t
heysharedahug.From t
hechapl
ain’
sof
fi
ce
Pusoheadedstr
aighttoTefo’
sof
fi
ce.He
knocked….
)
Tef
o:comei
n
Puso:
(openi
ngt
hedoor
)goodaf
ter
noon
Tefo:ahah!(heseemedscar
edandshockedat
thesamet i
me)
Puso:I’
m sor
ryf
orst
art
li
ngyousir
.Youseem
shockedandscar
edtoseeme.Iknowyou
nev
erwantt
olayy
ourey
esonmeev
er.
Tef
o:t
hatnott
rue
Puso:canIpleaseseeTshego?Idon’ tmeanto
disr
espectyou.Iknowy oudon’twantme
anywherenearTshegobut …….ijustwanttotel
l
herthatI’
m sorr
ythatt hi
ngsendedt heway
theydid.CanIpleasepassbyy ourhousetobid
hergoodby e.Idon’tknowwher et hi
scruel
worldistaki
ngmef rom here.JustincaseI
neverseeheragain
Tef
o:shemov
edoutaweekago
Puso:oh(hebecamequi
etwonderi
ngwhether
tobel
i
ev ehi
m ornot
).Maj
orMotswasel
e?
Tef
o:y
es
Puso:
whydoy
ouhat
emesomuch?
Tef
o:Idon’
that
eyou
Puso:
whydidy outakeawaythet
hreemost
i
mportantt
hingsformyfut
ure?
Tef
o:Idon’
tunder
stand
Puso:youtookTshegoawayfrom me(he
swall
owedhar d)If
ail
edmystudi
esbecauseof
whatyouwer eputt
ingmethr
ough,Ihadto
resi
gnfrom myjobunwil
l
ingl
ybecauseyou
werethreat
eningme……
Tef
o:It
hinky
oushoul
dgo
Puso:
Godi
snotaf
ool
Tef
o:……….
Puso: f
orallt
hethi
ngsthatyoudidtomeIpray
thatyougetthem i
nthreef
old.Iwi
ll
neverev
er
forgi
vey ouandJohn.Never!
Tef
o:pl
easego(
ashamed)
Puso:mayl
if
etr
eaty
out
hreet
imest
hewayy
ou
tr
eatedme
(helef
tTefo’
soffi
cetobi
dhisothercol
leagues
goodbye.Hestoodatashor
tdistancel
i
st eni
ng
tothei
rconver
sati
on)
Col
l
eague1:
hel
l
obabe
Coll
eague2:
don’
ttal
ktomaj
or’
swomanl
i
ke
that
John:
stopi
t
Coll
eague1:y
ouneedtofindy
oursel
fahotguy
l
ikeme.Majorismar
ri
edsodon’tdependt
oo
muchonhim.Whatdoy ousay?
Col
l
eague2:
tal
ktousl
ove
John:
…….
Coll
eague3:t
henextt
ri
pImustgowit
hyou
babe.Ineedmybl
anket
swar
ml ove
John:
youar
egoi
ntopayf
orr
uini
ngmyi
mage
Col
l
eague1:
thel
overboyi
mage?
(
theybur
stoutl
aughi
ng)
Puso:
hel
l
oboskwat
a
(
theyal
lhuggedPusohappi
l
y)
Col
l
eague2:
youar
eleav
ingskwat
a?
Puso:
I’
m onmyway
.Icamet
osaygoodby
e
Coll
eague3:f
aret
heewel
lmyman.Don’
tregr
et
thedeci
siony
oumade
Col
l
eague1:
yah,
don’
t
Col
league3:
infact
,rej
oicef
orl
eav
ingt
he
l
ovebir
dstothei
revi
lpl
ans
Puso:
don’
tbest
ranger
sguy
s
Coll
eague1: wewon’tbestranger
sbecause
youmi ghtbecomerichandhireusonedayso
thatwet oocanleav
et hi
spalacet
othequeen
andking
(t
heylookedatJohnandlaughed.Puso
l
aughedt oo.Hemovedclosert
oJohn.The
di
stancebetweenthem wasquieti
nti
midat
ion)
Puso:onedayyouandIaregoingt
omeetand
whereverwearegoingt
omeetIwill
be
tr
amplingyouundermyfeet
.Iaskgoddayand
ni
ghtt ogi v
emeandoppor t
unitytoseemy
enemi esbei ngrightundermyf eet .Everyman
shall
bepai dfort heirdeeds.AsmuchasIshal l
bepaidf ormycowar dbehav i
oury oushal l
be
paidfory ourbol dness.Thebol dnesst omake
surethatIl oseev er
y thi
ngandsuf fer.Wewi l
l
meetont heot hersi deandwhenwedo……. (he
whistl
edandt hewhol ecrewjoinedhim
whistl
ing.Pusobumpedont ohim wi t
hhi s
shoulderandmadeapeacesi gn.Theot her
col
leaguesmadeapeacesi gnt ooandt hey
cheeredasPusowal kedawayt akingeachst ep
wit
hpr i
deandconf i
denc.Pusohi mself
wonder edwher ehegott hecour age.Meanwhi le
nooneknewwher eJohnhaddi sappear edtoo,
noonesawhi ml eaving)
Coll
eague2: babehassomemagi
c.Wher
edi
d
shedisappearto?
Col
l
eague3:
(shout
ing)babeeee….
.babe!
(
theyl
aughedagai
n)
UNCLE’
SHOUSE(
lat
ert
hatev
eni
ng)

(Imovedoutofmybrother
’shouseaweekago.
Hewast r
yingtobeni
cetomebuti twasn’
t
worki
ng.I’
m angr
yandresent
fultowar
dsmy
brot
herandheknowsit)
Tef
o:wewer
ejustchecki
ngony
oumysi
ster
Me:
…..
Tef
o:howar
eyoudoi
ng?
Me:
fine
Uncle:Idon’tt
hinkTshegoi
sfineatal
l
.Fort
he
weekt hatshehasbeenstayi
ngwithusshe
hasn’tbeenherself
Tef
o:whati
sgoi
ngon?(
feel
i
nggui
l
ty)
Uncle:sheisalwaystear
y,sherefusest oeat
,
shesleepsal ot
,andshehardlytalks.Lookat
her;shehaslostalotofweight.Shei salway
s
exhausted.ThewayTshegoi spainsme.She
want stomovetoherhousebutIhavebeen
stoppingherbecauseIdon’
tthi
nkshecanstay
al
one.Tshegohasnost rengt
hatall
.Ionce
stayedwithTshegoandshewasahar dworker
butthisTshego….(
heshookhishead)
Tef
o:Tshegoar
eyoudepr
essed?
Me:
………
Di
mpho:canIpl
easehav
eawor
dwi
thTshego
al
one?
Uncle:
please.Youareawomanmay beshewi
l
l
openupt oyoubut ….
.(
hekeptqui
etashe
remember edthatTshegoandDimphodon’
t
haveagreatrelati
onshi
p)
Di
mpho: TshegocanIpleaset
alktoyou.Iknow
I
’mthelastpersonyouwanttotal
ktobut
pl
easeTshego.Please
Uncle:Iwaswaiti
ngformywi fetocomeback
from Shakawesothatshecant al
ktoherbutI
thinkTshegoneedstobeattendedtoquickl
y.
Tshegopl
easegoandt
alkt
oyoursi
ster
(Di
mphost
oodupandIf
oll
owedher
.wesat
behi
ndt
hehouse)

Dimpho:TshegocanIpl
easeasky
ouaf
ew
quest
ions?
Me:
ok
Di
mpho:doy
ouhav
ecr
avi
ngs?
Me:no,
Idon’
thaveappet
ite(
Itookoutacandy
f
rom mypocketandputi
tinmymout h)
Di
mpho:
buty
ouenj
oysweet
s?
Me:
yes
Di
mpho:
whenl
astdi
dyouhav
eyourper
iod?
Me:
Idi
dn’
tmi
ssmyper
iod
Dimpho:doyouknowthatyoucanhav
eyour
peri
odswhil
eyouarepregnant
Me:
youhav
elongwi
shedf
ort
hatandt
hat
’s
probablywhyyoui
nsi
stthatIam pregnant
,
hakere.Mmawee,I’
m notpregnantsotakeyour
i
ntervi
ewelsewher
e
Di
mpho:
I’
m sor
ryf
or……
Me:
noneedt
obe
(
Ist
oodupandl
eftandshef
oll
owedme)
Me:
I’
m goi
ngt
osl
eep
Tef
o:but
…..
(AsIwal kedawayIheardmyuncl easki
ngTefo
toleav emeal one;gi
vemespace.Isatont he
bedcr yingreplay
ingtheconversati
onIhadwit
h
Dimpho.Ther ewerealotofthingsIdi
dn’t
underst andaboutmybody .Itr
iedtoconvi
nce
my selfthatI’
m notpregnantbutwhatif
…..
i
thoughtoft hedangerousgamePusoandI
played…. .)
NO.49
(Ididn'tsleept hewhol eni ght.Theconv ersat i
on
Ihadwi t
hDi mphowaspl ayinginmyheadandI
somehowf el tpr egnant .Ialsor eadabout
depr essionandt hewayi twasdescr i
bedwas
exact l
yhowIwasf eeling.SoIcoul dbebot h
depr essedandpr egnant .Fearst ruckme!i fat
allIam pr egnanthowam Igoi ngt obeabl et o
takecar eofaf at herlesschi l
d.Ist opped
communi catingwi t
hPusowhenIr ealizedt hat
hewasnol ongeri ntome.Ical l
edhi m buthe
nev ercalledmeal thoughhewoul dtakemy
calls.Mostoft het i
mehewoul dignor emy
messages.Ev ent uall
yIst oppedcommuni cat i
ng
withhi m hopi nghewoul dmakeanef for tto
cont actmebutt hatwasi t.Iwentt ot heshopt o
buyapr egnancyt estkit.Af terbuy i
ngt heki tI
wentt omymot her shomet ot est .Ifollowedt he
i
nst ructi
onsandwai tedf ort her esults.Two
l
inesappear edandIknewi tmeantIam
pregnant .If eltdi zzyandsatont hef l
oor .Ionl y
had3, 000pul ai nmyaccount .Ihadsav edt he
moneyf ormyst udiesbutIdi dn'tregi
ster
becauseofwhatIam goi ngthrough.Can3,000
pulabuyt hi
ngsIneedf orpregnancyand. .
my
thoughtswerer aci
ng.Ideci dedt ocal
lPusoand
tel
l hi
m aboutthepr egnancybuthi sphonewas
off.Ical
ledKenalemang)
Kenal
emang:
hel
l
oTshego
Me:
(sobbi
ng)hel
l
o
Kenal
emang:
what
'
sgoi
ngon?
Me:Ihavebeent
ryi
ngt
ocal
lPusobuthi
s
phoneisof
f
Kenal
emang:
oh!Whatdoy
ouwantf
rom hi
m?
Me:
rra?
Kenal
emang: sorr
ythatcameoutwr ong.Puso
hasactuall
ychangedhiscell
numberbecause
hedoesn'twantanyonefrom hi
spastbotheri
ng
hi
m
Me:
incl
udi
ngme?
Kenal
emang: Tshego,Pusoisgoingthr
ougha
l
otmysister.Justgi
vehim ali
tt
lebitofti
met
o
sor
thimselfout
Me:ok.sincehedoesntwantanyt
hingtodo
wi
thmewhi chmeansIcanttal
ktohim pl
ease
t
ell
himt hati'
m pr
egnant
Kenal
emang:
what
!
Me:
it'
shi
schi
l
d
Kenal
emang:
Iknowt
hatf
orsur
e.God!
Me:
pleasepasst
hemessage
Kenal
emang:TshegoI'
m sor
ryt
haty
ouar e
goi
ngthr
oughthisal
one.ist
her
eanythi
ngIcan
dotohel
p?
Me:youcanhel
pbyt
ell
i
nghi
m aboutt
he
pr
egnancy
Kenal
emang:
Iwi
l
ltel
lhi
m nownow
Me:
thanks
Kenal
emang:
howar
eyou?
Me:
Ihav
etogo
(af
terthecallIconti
nuedt ositont hecol dfloor
cryi
ng.Myenemi esaregoingt obeov erthe
moon.Howam Igoi ngt
or ai
set hechi ld?Ifelt
l
ikeitwast heendofme.Iwasst illpondering
overmyi ssuewhenmyphoner ang: Raboard
call
i
ng.thenameRaboar dbroughtsomany
memor iesandIf oundmy selfcrying.Icouldn't
eventalktoPuso.Imanagedt ot alkt ohim
whenhecal l
edforthefourthtime. .
)

Me:
(sobbi
ng)hel
l
o
Puso:
(hear
tbr
oken)hel
l
oTshego
Me:
eer
ra
Puso:
Kenal
emangcal
l
edme
Me:
eer
ra
Puso:
howdoy
ouknowy
ouar
epr
egnant
?
Me:
Itest
ed
Puso: TshegoI '
m nolongerwor ki
ng.My
sibl
ingshadt otakeloansandt opupt hei
rloans
topayf ormyl oan.I
'm brokeandt her
eis(v
oice
breaking)Idon'thaveanymeanst orai
sea
chil
d.Icantprov i
deforachi l
dfinanci
all
yand
psychological
ly.
..
..
..
..
.I'
m...
..
..
..Tshego
Me:
whatshoul
dwedo?
Puso:Ihat
etosayt
hisbutwewi
l
lhav
etoabor
t
thechi
ld
Me:
Puso!
Puso:fi
netel
lmehowy ouaregoi
ngt
orai
se
thatchi
l
d.Doy ouhav
eaplan?
Me:
no!
Puso:
thent
hisi
stheonl
ywayout
Me:wil
lyoutakemet
oapr operdoct
ort
odoi
t.
Idon'
twannadoastr
eetabort
ion
Puso:
TshegoIdon'
thav
emoney
.Themoney
I
'
mleftwi
thr
ightnowis500pul
aandtaki
ng
y
outoadoct
orisgoingt
ocostmoret
hanthat
Me:buti
fit
sthatkindofabor
ti
ont
henImi
ght
nev
erhavechi
ldren.
Puso:
peopl
ehav
edonei
tbef
oreandt
heyhav
e
ki
ds
Me:
other
shav
edonei
tandt
heyar
est
ruggl
i
ng
t
oconcei
ve
Puso:(snappi
ng)TshegoIal
readyhaveenough
probl
emsbecauseofy ouandIwi l
lnotl
etyou
ki
ckmeev enwhenI'
m alr
eadydown.Dot he
abort
ionorrai
sethechil
dony ourown
Me:
itsf
ineIwi
l
lrai
set
hechi
l
dal
one
Puso:
whyar
eyoudoi
ngt
hist
ome?
Me:
doingwhat
?HakereI
'm say
ingIwi
ll
rai
se
t
hechi
l
donmyown.I '
m notamurder
Puso:
bye
Me:
bye
(Ithoughtlongandhar dabouthisproposaland
Istil
lcouldn'
tallowmy selft
odoi t
.Icouldn'
t
takethatr i
sk.ididn'
tknowhowIwasgoi ngto
raisethechildbutIcouldnotkil
l t
heinnocent
blood.IthoughtofDi mpho.Tefo..
..
..
.howam I
goingt oexplai
nmy sel
ftothem.doIreal
lyhave
toexplainmy selftothem?No)

THEBEPHATSHWA

(
phoneconv
ersat
ion)
Di
mpho:
hel
l
olov
e
Tef
o:heybabe.Ihavealway
smeantt
oasky
ou,
howisthenewhelper?
Dimpho:
sheisnotasgoodasTshegobutI
bel
iev
esheistr
yingherbest
Tef
o:ok
Di
mpho:
Tef
oyoursi
steri
spr
egnant
Tef
o:no!
Di
mpho:
shei
s
Tef
o:di
dshet
ell
you?
Di
mpho:shei
sdeny
ingi
tbutIcant
ell
shei
s
pr
egnant
Tef
o:(
hitt
ingt
hetable)t
hisi
swhatIhave
al
waystal
kedabout.Whereist
hefooli
shPuso
now?Heee?Unemployed,br
okeanduseless.
HowisTshegogoingtorai
sethechi
ld?
Dimpho:pl
easedon'
taskmet
otakeTshego
andherchi
ldbackTef
o
Tefo:butshei
smysi
sterandIhav
enochoi
ce
buttohelpher
Di
mpho:
itwi
l
lhav
etobemeorhernotbot
hof
us
Tef
o:f
ine,
Iwil
lcar
eforherwhi
l
eshei
sst
ayi
ng
atmyuncl
eshouse
Di
mpho:
ify
oukeepspoi
l
ingTshegol
i
ket
hat
whenandhowwill
shel
ear
nthatsheisa
womannow.Tshegoi
s21forcr
yingoutl
oud
Tefo:Ihaveneverhel
pedTshegoandmy
mot hermustbecryi
nginhergr av
eri
ghtnow.I
blamemy selff
orever
y t
hingthati
shappeni
ng
toTshegor i
ghtnow.IfIhad
(
somebodyknocked)
Tef
o:Ineedt
oat
tendt
osomet
hing
Di
mpho:
Tef
owe.
.
Tef
o:wewi
l
ltal
kabouti
tathome.by
e
Di
mpho:
bye
Tef
o:(
aft
ert
heal
l
)comei
n

(
Johnopenedt
hedoorandsal
uted)
John:
sirIhav
ecomet
ocompl
ain
Tef
o:about
?(hewassur
pri
sed)
John:
bul
l
ying
Tef
o:bul
l
ying?
John:
yessi
r
Tef
o:ar
eyoubecomi
ngasi
ssy
?
John:
nobut
Tefo:Ihaveabi
gissuet
hatI
'
m deali
ngwi
thsoI
don'thaveti
metobabysi
tbi
gbabies.
John:
sirt
heyar
eaccusi
ngmeofdat
ingy
ou
Tef
o:dat
ingme?
John:
yessi
r
Tefo:(
snappi
ng)whati
swr
ongwi
thy
ou?Let
thosefool
sbe
John:
yourr
eput
ati
on
Tefo:
Iwil
ldealwit
hthosemoronswhenIhave
ti
met owast
e.RightnowIhaveaver
ypressi
ng
i
ssuetoponderonandy ouar
eadist
ract
ion
John:
(ashamed)oksi
r
Tef
o:cl
oset
hedoorbehi
ndy
ou
John:
yessi
r
(Aft
erJohnl
eftTef
owalkedar
oundhi
sof
fi
ce
overwhel
medwithwor
ry)
Tef
o:ifi
tistruet hatTshegoi
spr
egnantt
henI
havet
ot akeov erbecausePusoi
snotworki
ng.
I
fhefindsaj obwi l
lheagreet
ohel
pTshego
wit
hthechild?
Twoday
slat
er
NO.50

(Ihadt houghtIhadmademymi ndupabout

keepingt hebabybutthingswer ebecomi ng
diff
icultformeev er
yday .Iweighedt hepros
andconsofkeepi ngthebabyandt omei t
seemedl ikether
ewasmor etoloset hangain.I
knewt hatoncet hepregnancyst art
edshowi ng
Dimphowasgoi ngtomakesur et hatIhearher
opinion.Iav oi
dedPusoscal l
sfort woday s.I
didntrespondt ohismessagesei t
her.Ifi
nall
y
deci
dedt
otakehi
scal
l
)
Puso:
hel
l
obabe
Me:
babe?
Puso:TshegokanaIst
il
l l
ovey ou.Ist
ayedaway
fr
om youbecauseyourbrotherwashar assi
ng
andsabotagi
ngmebuti tdoesntmeanIl ove
youanyless
Me:
ehe?
Puso:
arey
oust
il
ldeci
dingt
okeept
hebaby
Me:
Im notsur
e
Puso:babyt
lhemmawecantaf
for
dachi
l
d
ri
ghtnow.Dothi
sonet
hingf
orme
Me:
whatifInev
erhav
eki
dsagai
nbecauseof
t
heabor
ti
on?
Puso:
thenwewi
l
ladopt
Me:
im conf
usedher
e.Ar
ewest
il
ldat
ingornot
?
Puso:
li
kei
m say
ingwedi
dntbr
eakupbecause
Inolongerl
ovey
ou.Webrokeupbecauseof
yourbrot
hersoi
fyoust
il
lwantme.
.
Me:
Iwanty
ou
Puso:thenwecanst artafr
eshbutmywor r
yis
thathavi
ngachi l
dnowwhenIcantsuppor tthat
chil
dwillprovet
oy ourbrot
hert
hatIm usel
ess
l
ikehebel i
eves
Me:
ok.Iwi
l
ldoi
t
Puso:
thanksmmaBoar
d
Me:youarewelcome( Ismil
edbecauseIhada
feel
i
ngthataloadthatIhadbeencarry
inghad
beenli
ft
edoffmyshoul der
)
Puso:
shoul
dIor
gani
set
hepi
l
ls
Me:
itsf
ine
Puso:
howam Igoi
ngt
oseey
ousi
ncey
oust
ay
wit
hyouruncl
e?
Me:
Iwi
l
lmov
eoutt
oday
Puso:
thankyousomuchfordoi
ngt
hisf
orme.I
wil
ldr
opthepil
lsof
ftomor
row
Me:
ok(
smi
l
ing)Il
ovey
ou
Puso:
Ilov
eyoumor
emmaBoar
d
Me:im goi
ngtotel
lmyunclet
hatim movi
ng
out
.howof t
enarewegoingtoseeeachother
si
nceyoustayinBokaa
Puso:
wewi
lldi
scussev
ery
thi
ngt
omor
row
whenwemeet
Me:
okl
ove
Puso:
thanky
oubabe.Il
ovey
ou
Me:
Ilov
eyoumor
e
(af
tertalkingtoPusoIwasal lsmil
es.It
oldmy
unclethatIwant edt
omov eoutandheonly
agreedaf teralotofconvi
nci
ng.Heaskedme
whyIwaswear ingasmileal
lofasuddenandI
tol
dhimt hatIwasf eel
i
ngmuchbet ter
)
TEFOSOFFI
CE

(
Phoneconv
ersat
ion)
Di
mpho:
hel
l
osweet
hear
t
Tef
o:hel
l
omyl
ove.Howi
swor
k?
Di
mpho:
wor
kisf
ine
Tefo:t
hat
sgood.Iwantt
otal
ktoy
ouabout
Tshego
Di
mpho:
whatabouther
?
Tef
o:ar
eyousur
eshei
spr
egnant
?
Di
mpho:
100%
Tefo:kanaIbl
amemy sel
fthatIcausedthe
breakupbetweenherandPuso.Idontthink
Pusoisgoingtohel
phertoraisethechi
ldand
thatmeansTshegoisgoi
ngt obeonherown
unlessIhel
p
Di
mpho:
makey
our
sel
fcl
earTef
o
Tefo:kanaPusoresignedbecauseofthewayI
tr
eatedhim andnowhei sunemployedand
broke.Tot
aev enifhewantedtohel
pTshegohe
wontbeablet ohelpher
Di
mpho:
andhowi
sthatmypr
obl
em
Tef
o: cany
oupleasegi
veTshegoMol
lys
cl
othesandcanyougiv
eherMolly
sbabyst
uff
?
Di
mpho:
Icangi
vehersome
Tef
o:whynotal
l
?
Dimpho:Ival
uesomeofMolly
sbabyst
uffandI
dontt
hinkIcangiv
ethem t
oanyone
Tefo:
itsf
ine.wewi l
lhavetobuyherever
ythi
ng
sheneedsforpregnancyandtakecareofher
aft
erthebabycomesbecause
Di
mpho:
Tef
othat
sal
ott
oask
Tefo:I
mt heonl
ycl
osefami
lyTshegohasand
honestl
ysheoncesai
dsomethingstomethat
mademe. .
ihav
eneverr
eal
l
ytakengoodcare
ofTshegoorsuppor
tedhersoIguessIshoul
d
makeituptohernow
Dimpho:hav
eyouf
orgot
tenhowt
ightour
budgeti
s?
Tef
o:noIhav
ent
Di
mpho:havey
oufor
got
tenhowexpensi
vei
tis
t
otakecar
eofanewbor
n
Tef
o:Ihav
entf
orgot
ten
Dimpho:
sowheredoy
out
hinky
ouar
egoi
ngt
o
gett
hemoney?
Tef
o:Iwi
l
lgi
vehermypocketmoney
Dimpho:t
hatsupt
oyou.Dontthi
nkyouwi l
lask
formoneyfr
om meaf
tergi
vingyoursi
steryour
money
Tef
o:Iwont
Dimpho:
whydoy
ouwantt
otaket
hisbur
den
Tefo?
Tefo:Tshegoi
smysisterandanythi
ngthat
happenstohertheey
esoft hesoci
etywil
lbe
onme
Di
mpho:
ok
Tef
o:goodl
uck

BOKAA

Pusosmum:
PusomysonI
m concer
nedabout
you
Puso:
Im al
soconcer
nedaboutmy
sel
f
Pusosmum:youst
resstoomuch.It
oldyou
thatwear
egoi
ngtohelpinev
erywaypossi
ble
Puso:Iknowmum.Icanthel
pbutf
eel
thatIam
aburdentoyou
Pusosmum:achi
l
dcannev erbur
denhi
s
mother
.Youar
earesponsi
blechi
l
dPusoandI
knowyouaredependi
ngonmenowbecause
youhaveasit
uat
ion
Puso:r
ightnowIf
eelt
hatev
eryt
hingt
hatcan
gowronginmylif
eisgoi
ngwrong.
Pusosmum:
youwi
l
lfi
ndanot
herj
ob
Puso:
that
snotwhatI
m wor
ri
edabout
Pusosmum:
whatar
eyouwor
ri
edaboutt
hen?
Puso:
Tshego
Pusosmum:
whatabouther
?
Puso:t
hissi
tuati
onhasturnedmei nt
oaliar
andacrook.Inevert
houghtIwil
lusedecepti
on
togetmyselfoutofast
ickysi
tuat
ion
Pusosmum: Pusot
her
eissomet
hingy
ouar
e
hi
dingf
rom me
Puso:
Ineedmoney
Pusosmum:
howmuch?
Puso:
500pul
a
Pusosmum:
whatdoy
ouneedt
hemoneyf
or?
Puso:Iwi
l
lgi
vey
oubackt
hemoneyi
nthe
eveni
ng
PusoSmum:
Iwi
l
lgi
vey
out
hemoney
Puso:
Im goi
ngt
oseeTshegoatMol
epol
ole
tomor
row
Pusosmum:
ohok
Puso:
Iwi
l
lgi
vepeopl
eal
i
ftsot
hatIcan.
Pusosmum:
dontr
efundme.
Puso:
thanky
ou
PusoSmum:
whenwi
l
lyoust
artappl
yi
ngf
or
j
obs?
Puso:
Iwi
l
lst
art
Pusosmum: Pusoyouhavetostar
tlooki
ngf
or
ajob.Dontl
ett
hissadnessdest
royyou
Puso:
Iwont
.Mam kanaIonl
yhav
eBGCSEso.
Pusosmum:
dontl
i
mity
ourGod
Puso:
eemma
PusoSmum:
yourGodi
sbi
ggert
hany
our
si
tuat
ion
Puso:
eemma
Pusosmum:
whatar
eyougoi
ngt
oseeTshego
about
Puso:thi
ngsbetweenmeandTshegodidntend
wellsoIwanttogoandendthi
ngsproper
lyso
thatIcanhavepeaceofmi
nd.If
eelbadfor
l
eav i
ngherthewayIdid
Pusosmum:
ist
hatnecessar
y
Puso:
youwontunder
stand
PusoSmum:
itsokson
(af
tert
heconversat
ionwit
hhi
smotherPuso
cal
ledhi
scousintoorgani
set
hepi
l
ls)
ToFor
giv
eOrNot
?
N0.51

(Pusofoll
owedt hedir
ecti
onsTshegohadsent
him andhemanagedt ol
ocatethehouse.itwas
a2andhal fhouseinav er
ybigy ar
d.Therewas
l
onggr assintheyard.Hecouldhardl
ymakehi s
wayt othehouse.HeknockedandTshego
i
nv i
tedhimin)
Me:
Rraboar
d(Iwassmi
l
inghappi
l
y)
Puso:
mmaBoar
d
Me:
youdon’
tlookt
hathappyt
oseeme
Puso:
butIam happymyl
ove
Me:
Idon’
tfeel
thehappi
ness
Puso:
(ki
ssi
ngme)I
’
m st
ressedoutbabe.
Me:
Iknow.t
hingswi
l
lwor
kout
Puso:
Ihopeso
Me:
(looki
ngt
hrought
hewi
ndow)ar
eyou
sel
l
ingy
ourcar
?
Puso:y
es.IneedmoneysoIdon’
thav
ea
choi
cebuttosel
lmycar
Me:
I’
m sor
ry
Puso:
(huggi
ngme)i
t’
sfi
nel
ove
Me:
I'
m gonnal
ookf
oraj
obaf
tert
hisi
sdone
Puso:
goodl
uck.Ial
sowantt
ost
artdr
oppi
ng
offmyCV
Me:
goodl
uck
Puso:(
giv
ingherapl
ast
icbag)Ihav
ebr
ought
yousomegoodies
Me:
thankyoubabe(
kiss)t
hisr
emi
ndsmeof
t
heoldti
mes.
Puso:
li
feusedt
obesogood.
Me:
whatar
ethemat
erni
typadsf
or?
Puso:
Iboughtt
hepil
l
s.here(t
aki
ngasmal
l
br
ownpaperandhandingi
ttoher
)
Me:
(mymooddr
opped)howdanger
ousar
e
t
hey
?
Puso:
theyarenotdangerous.Gatwey ouar
e
goi
ngtobleedalotsoIwasadv icedtobuythe
mater
nit
ypadssot haty
oucanuset hem
Me:
oh.Shoul
dIcookf
ory
ou?
Puso:
no.I
'
m actual
lyl
eav
ingnow.Ihav
eto
hel
pmymot herwi
thsomethi
ng
Me:
Ithoughty
ouwer
egoi
ngt
osl
eepov
er
Puso:I
'
m sorrybabe.Iwi
l
lcomeandv
isi
twhen
Ihavet
ransportmoney
Me:
soar
ewe……
(Ihuggedhim andFrenchkissedhim.Ithen
sli
ppedmyhandi nsi
dehispant sandmassaged
themachine.Itri
edallt
hetacticsIknewbutit
wouldnotgetup)
Puso:
Ist
il
lhav
ethatpr
obl
em
Me:
(di
sappoi
nted)oh
Puso:maybewhent hestor
minmyl i
fei
sov
erI
wil
lbeabletofunct
ionagai
n.Idon’
thav
ea
desi
reforsexatall
Me:
ok
(
After30minut
esPusoleft
.hewentt
oEngen
f
il
li
ngstat
iontofuel
thecar
)

Puso:
boss
At
tendant
:boss
Puso:
150daa
At
tendant
:tabr
azen
Puso:
sur
e
Attendant:
ther
eisacompeti
ti
onboss.I
fyou
fuelwith200pulayouent
eracompet
iti
onand
standachancet owinatr
act
or
Puso:owai
i
,papaIhavebadl
uck.Ev
enifIent
er
thecompet
iti
on10ti
mesIwil
lnotwint
he
compet
it
ion
Att
endant
:tr
yyourl
uckbr
azen.Youwi
l
lnev
er
know
Puso:
ok.Makei
t200t
hen
At
tendant
:sur
ebr
azen.Goodl
uckmybr
other
Puso:
thanks
At
tendant
:letmewashy
ourwi
ndscr
eenbr
azen.
Soyouaresell
ingi
t?
Puso:
yesbr
azen
At
tendant
:howmuch?
Puso:
howmuchar
eyouwi
l
li
ngt
ogi
veme?
At
tendant
:owai
i
,Iwasj
ustaski
ng
Puso:
onedayi
sonedaymyman

Lat
er….
..
(
Ifol
l
owedt
hei
nst
ruct
ionst
hatPusohadgi
ven
me.Iwai
tedfort
hepi
l
lstost ar
tworki
ngbutby
ev
eningt
herewasnosign.Ical
ledPuso)
Me:
hel
l
oRaboar
d
Puso:
hiMmaboar
d.Ij
ustgothome
Me:ok.Theguywhosol
dyout
hepi
l
lsswi
ndl
ed
you
Puso:
whydoy
ousayt
hat
?
Me:Iinser
tedt
hepi
ll
simmediat
elyaf
tery
ou
l
eftbutupnowther
eisnot
hingi
shappening
Puso:
real
l
y?
Me:
(laughi
ng)may
behesol
dyoupanado
Puso:
soy
ouf
indi
tfunnyandamusi
ng?
Me:
no
Puso:
thenactl
i
kei
t
Me:sor
ry.Yousai
dthepi
l
lswi
l
lst
artwor
king
af
tert
wohour s
Puso:
that
’swhatIwast
old.Gi
vet
hem af
ew
mor
ehour
s
Me:
ok
Puso:
bye
Me:
whyar
eyousnappi
ngatme?
Puso:
sor
ry
Me:
bye
Puso:
TshegoI
’
mver
ysor
ry
Me:
it’
sfi
ne

UNCLE’
SHOUSE

Wi
fe:
hav
eyouseenTshegot
oday
?
Uncl
e:y
es.Iwentt
ocheckhert
hismor
ning
Wi
fe:
howwasshe?
Uncle:sheseemsal otbet
ter
.Shewasabi
t
happierthanusual
Wi
fe:
that
’sgood.Di
dshesayany
thi
ngt
oyou?
Uncl
e:no.why
?
Wif
e:otl
alakamat
lhoame.Shemi
ghtbe
pr
egnant
.
Uncl
e:(
shocked)ao!
Wif
e:I
’
m notsureabouti
tthoughbutt
her
eis
somet
hingabouther
Uncl
e:l
et’
swai
ttohearf
rom her
Wi
fe:
mhm
Uncle:Iam ali
tt
lebitdisappoint
ed.Iwas
hopefulaboutherfuturesinceshepassedf
orm
thr
eebuti fshei
spr egnant
Wi
fe:
I'
m say
ingIsuspectshei
spr
egnant
Uncl
e:ngngng.Mypoorni
ece
Wi
fe:
may
bet
heboy
fri
endwi
l
lhel
pher
Uncl
e:weshal
lseeaboutt
hat
Wi
fe:
whydi
dyoul
etTshegomov
eout
?
Uncl
e:shewasi
nsi
sti
ng
Wi f
e:Idon’tknowhowTshegomanagesto
sleepinthatplace.t
heyar
disful
lofgr
assas
tallasmeandt hehousei
sver
ydusty
Uncl
e:shesai
dshewi
l
lcl
ean
Wi
fe:
Tshegocan’
tcl
eart
haty
ard
Uncl
e:Iwi
l
lfi
ndt
imet
ohel
pher
Wi
fe:
Ibett
her
eisabi
gsnakei
nthatgr
ass
Uncl
e:Iwi
l
lhel
pher
.Pl
easet
akei
teasy
Wi
fe:
ok
Uncl
e:kanaifTshegoi
spr
egnanti
tmeansshe
wil
lhavetocomebackher
e
Wife:andIal
readyhaveal
otonmypl ate.Nosi
i
sexpecting,
notsolongagoIwastakingcare
ofPalesaandhernewbornbaby.bathungI’
m
ti
red
Uncl
e:wher
eel
sewi
l
lshego
Wif
e:Dimphomustpl
ayherr
oleasTshego’
s
si
ster
Uncl
e:buty
ouandIknowv
erywel
lthatshe
won’
t
Wi
fe:
Iknowbut
……
Uncl
e:(
int
err
upt
ing)doi
tforTshego
Wi
fe:
hai
!
Uncl
e:Iknowt
hatt
hisi
stoomuchf
ory
ou
Wi
fe:
whenwi
l
lIr
est
?
Uncl
e:t
hisi
ssooooosad.
Wif
e:i
tis.Tshegomusthavetakencar
eof
her
sel
fknowinghersi
tuat
ion
Uncl
e:whati
sdonei
sdone
Wif
e:Di
mphohasl ongcompl
ainedaboutthi
s
andweall
thoughtshewasbei
ngdiff
icul
t
(
ther
ewasal
ongsi
l
ence)
NO.52
(Iwokeupandpr essedmyphonet ocheck
whatt i
mei twasandi twas2313hr s.Ihad
somest omachcr ampst hatmadei tdiff
icul
tfor
met ofallasleepagain.Around6am t hepains
i
ntensifi
edandIst ar
tedbleeding.Itookused
thepadst hatPusohadboughtme.Iwoul d
experi
encet hemostsev erepainsanda
pressurethatmademef eell
ikepassingur i
ne.
WhenIgott othet oi
l
ethugecl otsdroppedinto
thetoil
et.IcalledPusoi ntheev eni
ng……
Puso:
hel
l
o
Me:
hibabe
Puso:
aret
hepi
l
lswor
king?
Me:yestheyar
ewor king(sobbing)PusoI
'mi
n
al
otofpainandI’mv eryscared.Ther
earebi
g
bl
oodclotscomingout
Puso:
apparent
lyt
hati
ssupposedt
ohappen.
Don’
tbescared
Me:
ok
Puso:
takepai
nmedi
cat
ion
Me:
itdoesn’
tseem t
owor
k
Puso:
taket
woev
eryt
hreehour
s
Me:Iwil
l(Igr
oanedi
npai
n.Thepai
nwas
unbear
able)
Puso:
best
rongmyl
ove
Me:
ok
Puso:
mmaBoar
d
Me:
rra
Puso:
Ilov
eyou
Me:
(moani
ngbecauseoft
hepai
n)ee
Puso:
Iwi
l
lcal
lyoul
ater
Me:
pleasedo
Puso:
Iwi
l
lbabe.Il
ovey
ou
Me:
Ilov
eyout
oo
(Af ewmi nutesaf tert alkingtoPusoIhear d
someoneknocki ngandIi gnoredtheper son.I
wasi ntoomuchpai nandIdi dn'twantto
i
nt eractwithany one.Ihear dmyuncleaski ng
mynei ghbourifshehasseenme.Imusthav e
drift
edi nt
odeepsl eepbecauseInev erhear d
theendoft hei
rconv er sation.Ihadfall
enasleep
ont hecol dcementf loor .Somehowt hecold
seemedt omaket hepai nsubsi de.Itri
edto
standupbutf elttooweak.Ical ledPuso……)

Puso:
mmaBoar
d
Me:
PusoI
’
minpai
n
Puso:
babebest
rong
Me:(
myhandswer
etr
embl
i
ng)t
hepai
nist
oo
much
Puso:
taket
hepai
nki
l
ler
s
Me:
Ihav
etakent
hem butt
hepai
nwon’
tst
op
Puso:
itwi
l
lst
opev
ent
ual
l
y
Me:
(sobbi
ng)af
terhowl
ong?
Puso:
Idon’
tknow
Me:
buty
oushoul
dknow
Puso:
Iwi
l
laskt
heguy
Me:
whydon’
tyoucomeher
ei’
m scar
ed?
Puso:
Idon’
thav
ebusf
are
Me:IhavesomemoneyinmyorangeaccountI
wi
ll
r ef
undyou.Bor
rowmoneyf
rom your
mother
Puso:
Iwi
l
l
Me:
yousai
dyouwi
l
lcal
lbuty
ounev
erdi
d
Puso:
Idon’
thav
eai
rt
ime
Me:bor
rowmoneyf
ortr
anspor
tandai
rt
ime.I
wi
ll
giveyout
hemoneyback
Puso:
okl
ove
Me:If
eel weak,I
’
m bl
eedi
ng,
andI
’
m shaki
ng.
Thi
sbleedingist
oomuch
Puso:
aret
hesani
tar
ytowel
sfi
nished?
Me:
no
Puso:uset
hem baby
.Iwi
l
ltr
ytobet
her
eby
eveni
ng
Me:
ok.Thanks
Puso:
Ilov
eyou
Me:
Ilov
eyout
oo
(Aft
ertalki
ngtoPusot hepainsseemedto
worsen.Idon’tknowwhenIhowImanagedt o
fal
lasl
eepbutIdi d.I
nt hemorni
ngaround6am
myuncl eknockedont hedoorandIdidn’
topen
forhi
m.Thr eehoursafterhelef
tIgather
ed
str
engthandcal l
edhim becauseIknewhewas
worri
edaboutme)

Me:
hel
l
ouncl
e(It
ri
edt
osoundcheer
ful
even
t
hought
hepai
nswer
eint
ense)
Uncl
e:mydaught
er
Me:
Ihear
dyoucamel
ooki
ngf
orme
Uncl
e:wher
eareyouTshego?Ihavenotseen
youf
orawhileandI
’mreal
lyworr
ied
Me:Ilef
tearl
ytogoanddr
opj
obappl
i
cat
ions
atGoaborone
Uncle:oh!That
’sgoodmychi
l
d.Youshoul
d
haveletmeknow
Me:I
’m sorr
yuncl
e( t
her
ewassil
enceasIwas
hi
tbystruckbyi
ntensepai
ns)
Uncl
e:Tshego….
mygi
rl
….Tshego
Me:
hel
l
ouncl
e.I
sitt
henet
wor
k?
Uncl
e:maybe.Areyouok?Yournei
ghboursai
d
youvi
sit
edthetoi
letv
eryof
ten
Me:
Ihaddi
arr
hoeabutI
’
m oknow
Uncl
e:Iwantt
ogot
othecat
tl
epostandI
woul
dhav
elov
edt
oseey
oubef
oreIl
eav
e
Me:I
'm goi
ngtocomebacklatebecausei
m
dr
oppingappl
i
cati
onsi
nseveralpl
aces
Uncl
e:i
t'
sfi
nemygirl
.Iwi
l
lseey
ouwhenI
comebacknextweek
Me:
okuncl
e
Uncle:
askyourcousi
nst
osl
eepwi
thy
oui
fyou
feel
scaredatni
ght
Me: Iwi
ll
uncle(
Ifel
tli
kecut
ti
nghim shor
t
becausethepai
nwasunbearabl
e)
Uncl
e:makesureyouseeyourcousi
nsev
ery
daysothatIcanbesur
ethatal
liswel
l
Me:
Iwi
l
luncl
e.Thanks
Uncl
e:Imi
ssy
oumychi
l
d
Me:Imi
ssyout
ouncle.Letmeputmyphonei
n
mybagbef
oret
heysnatchit
Uncl
e:ok.By
e
Me:
bye

(.
...
..
..Iwokeupf r
om thefl
ooragainthenext
mor ning.Thef l
oorwasamess.Ther ewas
bloodal lov
ert hefl
oorandIwasf eel
ingl
ight
headedanddi zzy.Icl
eanedthefl
oorandaf ter
cl
eani ngIfeltl
ikeallt
heenergyIhadwasgone.
Irestedabi tbeforebathi
ngwithcoldwater.I
call
edPuso…)
Puso:
hel
l
oTshego
Me:
youdi
dn’
tcomehaker
e
Puso:
Icoul
dnotf
indmoneyf
ort
ranspor
t
Me:
oh.Andy
oudi
dn’
tcal
lei
ther
?
Puso:
Ist
il
ldon’
thav
eai
rt
ime
Me:ify
oudon’
twanttocomeandseemej
ust
saysoandst
opplay
inghideandseek
Puso:Tshegopl
easet
ryt
ounder
standmy
si
tuat
ion
Me: becauseI’
mver
yunderst
andi
ngorbecause
yoursituat
ioni
sworset
hanmine?(myvoi
ce
wasbr eaki
ngandIwasshaki
ngter
ri
bly
.Ihada
badheadache)
Puso:
whatdoy
ouwantmet
odo?
Me:Ineverwantedt
ocommi tabor
ti
oninthe
f
ir
stplacebutyoutr
ickedmeintoi
tandnowI'm
i
nital
one
Puso:
sor
ry
Me:(sobbi
ng)I’
m notf
eel
i
ngwel
latal
l
.I’
m
goi
ngt oScot
ti
sh
Puso:
Tshegoy
oucan’
tgot
othehospi
tal
Me:i
t’
seasyf oryout
osayt hatbecausey
ou
don’
tfeelthepai
nI’
mf eel
i
ng( shout
ingwi
tha
weakvoice)haker
e!
Puso:
babyifyougotot
hehospi
tal
theywi
ll
fi
ndoutaboutwhatwedi
dandwewi l
lgot
ojai
l
Me:
andwemustgot
ojai
lbecausewe
commi
tt
edacr
ime
Puso:
TshegoI
’
m comi
ngnow.Wai
tforme
Me:
I’
m donel
i
steni
ngt
oyou.By
e
Puso:
Tshegoy
oucan’
t
(
cal
lended.Hecal
l
edme….
)

Me:
hel
l
o
Puso:pl
easedon’
tgot
othehospi
tal
.I’
m
l
eavingBomaaaswespeak
Me:al
lofasuddenyouhav
eairt
imetocal
lme
andpet
rol
tocomeherebecauseyoudon’
t
wantmetogotothehospi
tal
Puso:
Tshego…….
Me:y
ouareunbel
i
evabl
e.Youandmear
edone
andI
’
m of
ftothehospi
tal
.By
ecowar
d
(Icutt
hecal
landi
mmediatel
ycall
edataxi
to
pickmefr
om home.Iwal
kedtothetaxi
wit
ha
l
otofdif
fi
cul
ty.Meanwhi
l
ePusocal
l
ed
Kenal
emang…..)

Kenal
emang:
for
merskwat
a
Puso: (
panicki
ngandspeaki ngv eryfast)my
brotherI’mi ntroublepleasehelpme.Iasked
Tshegot oabor tthebabyandnowshei snot
wel landshei soneherwayt othehospi tal
and
i
ft heyf i
ndoutaboutwhatwedi dit’
sov erforus.
Pleasegot oherhouseandst opher.I’m
wai t
ingf ormybr othertobr i
ngthecar .I’
m
comi ngt oMol epololeonceIgett hecar .
Kenal emangIknowy ouhav edoneal otforme
al
readybutPl easemybr otherhelpmeout .
pl
ease
Kenal
emang:
I’
m di
sappoi
ntedi
nyouPuso
Puso:
Iknow.I
’m al
sodisappoi
ntedi
nmysel
f.
Pl
easehel
pmeonel astti
me.Iknowthi
sist
oo
muchtoaskbut…….
Kenal
emang:
youar
eony
ourown
Puso:
please
Kenal
emang:
no.deal
wit
hthi
soneony
ourown
Puso:
bye
Kenal
emang:
bye
NO.53

(If
oundaf ewpat i
entswaiti
ngf orhel
patthe
hospi t
alsi
nceitwasaf terhours.Iwaswalki
ng
wit
hal otofdif
fi
cultyandsomeonewhohad
accompani edapat i
entassistedmet osi
tdown.
Shewentt ocallt
henurse.Shecamebackand
helpedmet owalkintotheconsultati
onr
oom.
Shel eftaf
terIsatdown)
Nur
se:
hel
l
o
Me:
hell
o(If
eltdi
zzysoIr
est
edmyheadont
he
t
abl
e)
Nur
se:
whati
swr
ong?
Me:
Ihav
eaheav
yper
iod
Nur
se:
howheav
y?
Me:v
eryheav
y
Nur
se:howmanysani
tar
ytowel
sdoy
ouusei
n
anhour
?
Me:
I'
m notsur
e.Ihav
eusedmany
Nurse:f
orhowl
onghav
eyoubeenbl
eedi
ng
heavi
ly
?
Me:oneday….Twoday
s….
.(
shel
ookedatme)
t
hreedays
Nur
se:
howmanyday
s?(
shesnapped)
Me:
thr
ee
Nur
se:
li
eont
hatbedandl
etmeexami
ney
ou
(
Itookof
fmyjeansandgotontopofthebed
whil
eshewassti
ll
putt
ingongl
oves)
Nur
se:
(looki
ngatme)whyar
eyouusi
ng
mat
erni
typads?
Me:
………
Nur
se:
what
’sy
ourname?
Me:
Tshego….
.Tshegof
atso
Nur
se:
whathav
eyoudone?
Me:
not
hing
Nurse:howdoyouexpectmet
ohel
pyouwhen
youarenothonestwi
thme.WHATHAVEYOU
DONE?
Me:
not
hing
Nur
se:
fine,
goandwai
tout
side
Me:mma?( Iwaspani
cki
ngbecauseshehad
nott
ouchedme)
Nur
se:Isai
ddr
essandgoandwai
tforme
out
side
Me:
eemma
(
wit
hal
otofdi
ff
icul
tyImanagedt
odr
essandI
heldont oobjectsasIwalkedtothewait
ing
area.Whenpeopl esawmeappr oachi
ngalone
theyreactedwithshock.Isatdown.Two
peoplemov edf r
om thei
rchairsandhel
pedme
l
ieont hethreechair
s.Iwast ossi
ngandturni
ng.
Thepai nwast oomuch)

Lady
:mysi
stery
ouar
ebl
eedi
ngbadl
y
Me:
eemma
Lady
:may
beweshoul
dcal
lthenur
se
Lady2:
thatnur
sedoesn’
tseem t
obe
i
nter
est
edinhelpi
ngthepoorchi
l
d.
Lady
:whatshoul
dwedo?
Lady2:
Iwi
l
lgoandl
ookf
oranot
hernur
se

(
thelastthi
ngIremember:
everyt
hingwas
movi
ngi ncir
clesi
ncl
udi
ngthechairsIwas
r
esti
ngon.ThenIheardafarawayv oi
ce:
‘hol
d
her
,shei
sfal
l
ing’
Thatwasi
t.
(whenIwokeupIwasonabedandt her
ewere
threepeoplenextt
othebed.Itr
iedt
omov emy
handandi twaspainful
.Ther
ewasapacketof
bloodhangingnexttome)
Man:
shei
sawake
Nur
se:
hel
l
o
Me:
hel
l
o
Man:goandtellt
hedoctort
hatshei
sawake.
Don’
teverdothatagai
n
Nur
se:youheal
thworker
sar
eencour
agi
ngt
his
mer
cil
essbehavi
our
Man:doIneedtoremi
ndy
ouaboutt
heet
hics
ofy
ourprofessi
on?
Nur
se:
what
ever
(
shel
eft
)
Man:
hel
l
oTshegof
atso
Me:
hel
l
o
Man:
howar
eyouf
eel
i
ng?
Me:
weak.Hasany
onecomel
ooki
ngf
orme?
Man:
no.wer
eyouexpect
ingsomeone?
Me:
yes
Man:
may
beheorshei
sst
il
lcomi
ng
Me:
hei
spr
obabl
yonhi
sway
Man:
best
rong
Me:
thanks
(
Anot
hermanwal
kedi
n)
Man:
Tshego
Me:
rra
Man:
howar
eyouf
eel
i
ng?
Me:
tir
edandweak
Man:
youhav
elostal
otofbl
ood.Youscar
edus
kanadoy
ouknowt
hat
?
Me:
no
Man:y
ouweregone.Dead.(
ext
endinghi
shead)
wel
comebacktothel
andoftheli
vi
ng
Me:(shaki
nghi
shandworri
ed,
fear
ful
,
pani
cking,
sad,
empty…)t
hanks
Man:
I’
m DrMat
lhogonol
oSei
so
Me:
eer
aa
Man:
(tot
henur
se)y
oucangomyman.Thanks
Man:
sur
eDoc
(
aft
erhel
eft
)
DrSei
so:Tshegof
atsowee,Iwanttohelpy
ou
tot
hebestofmyknowledge,skil
l
sandabil
ity
andIcanonlyhel
pyouifyouarehonestwi
th
me,ok?
Me:
(tear
y)y
essi
r
DrSei
so:
nowTshego,
tel
lmeashonest
lyas
possibl
egorewhathappened.Rememberi
m
askingwitht
heint
enti
onofhelpi
ngnot
persecut
ingyou
Me:
eer
ra.
DrSei
so:
tel
lme
Me: (wipi
ngtears)Iwaspr egnantandmy
boy f
ri
endsuggest edthatIabortthebaby
becausehei sunempl oyed.Ididn’
twantt
odoit.
Hedecei vedmei ntobeli
evingthathewil
lbe
thereforme.I’m sorr
y.Pleasedon’tr
eportme
tothepolice.IknowIcommi tt
edacr i
mebut
please…..
ihavenoone
DrSeiso:
good.Nowt
hatyouhavetol
dmet
he
t
ruthIwil
lknowhowbestt
ohelpyou
Me:
arey
ougoi
ngt
orepor
tme?
DrSei
so:
(smi
l
ing)no.I
’
m goi
ngt
ohel
pyou
Me:
thanky
ou.Iwi
l
lnev
erdoi
tagai
n
DrSei
so:
nev
er
Me:
eer
ra
DrSei
so:nowIwantyoutel
lmewhatyouused,
whenandhowsothatIcanhavemoredet
ail
s
andknowhowtohelpyouexact
ly
Me:
eer
ra
(Idi
vulgedalltheinf
ormat i
ontoDrSei so.Idid
notleaveany t
hingout.ItwasonlyafterItol
d
him every
thi
ngt hatIthought:
whati fheis
aski
ngmesot hathecanhav eallt
hedet ail
s
whenr eport
ingmycaset othepoli
ce?It hought
ofabscondingf rom t
hehospital
butIwast oo
weakandIdi dn’tknowwher emycl otheswer e.
Icouldnotabscondwear i
nghospitalgowns)

BOKAA

(Pusotr
iedTshego’
sphoneagai
nbuti
twasstil
l
offai
r.Whenheheardthenoi
seofacarengi
ne
hebecamescar
edt
hinki
ngi
twast
hepol
i
ce
l
ooki
ngforhi
m.)
Puso’
smum:
Pusowhati
seat
ingy
ouup?
Puso:
not
hing
Puso’
smum:y
ouar
eont
heedgeandi
t’
sbeen
afewday
snow
Puso:
I’
m ok
Puso’smum: whyar
eyoual
way
slooki
ngat
yourphone?
Puso:
I’
m expect
ingacal
l
Puso’
smum:
from?
(
hebr
okedownandcr
ied)
Puso:
I’
m sor
rymama
Puso’
smum:
whati
shappeni
ngPusi
Puso:
Tshegowaspr
egnant
Puso’
smum:
was?
Puso:
yesmama
Puso’
smum:
ohmyGod.Shehadami
scar
ri
age!
Puso:
no
Puso’
smum:whathappened?
Puso:
Iaskedhertoabor
tbecausewedon’
t
havet
hemeanst orai
seababy
Puso’
smum:
youwhat
!
Puso:I
'm sor
rymama.Thepol
i
cemi
ghtcome
l
ookingformeanyt
ime
Puso’
smum:
whati
shappeni
ng?
Puso:shewasweakandsicksoshewentt o
thehospit
alandnowherphonei
soff.Whatif
shehasdied?Shesai
dshewasbleedingbadly
.
Hervoicewasweakandshaky
Puso’
smum:
Pusomychi
l
dwhy
?Pusowhy
?
Puso:
I’
m sor
rymama.Iwasscar
ed
Puso’
smum:
youri
ssuesar
ebecomi
ngt
oo
muchf
orme
Puso:
canIpl
easegoandseey
ourpast
or?
Puso’
smum:
cal
lhi
mfi
rst
Puso:canIuseyourphone?Ionl
yhave2pula
l
eftandIusethemoneyt ochecki
fTshego’
s
phoneisst
il
lunavai
labl
e
Puso’
smum:
goahead.I
’
m goi
ngt
orest
Puso:
I’
m sor
rymama
Puso’smum:whydidn’ty
ouletmer ai
sethat
chil
difyoudi
dn’
twanthim orher
.?Pusoy ou
havedonetheunt
hinkabl
eandifthatpoorchil
d
diesyou….
.
Puso:
mamano!
NO.54

BOKAA
(Pusotr
iedTshego'sphoneforthehundredt
h
ti
mebuti twasstil
loff
.Hecov er
edhimselfwit
h
asheetandst ar
tedsobbing.Hewasaf r
aidto
checkTshegoatMol epol
ole.Hehadevent r
ied
call
i
ngLent l
ebutshehadnotspokent oTshego
i
nal ongtime.Hismotherknocked.
...
.)
Puso'
smum:(
car
ryi
ngapl
ate)her
eisy
our
br
eakfast
Puso:
(sni
ff
ing)Iwi
l
leatl
ater
.Puti
t..
..
..
Puso'smum: Pusono.therei snospacetoput
theplat
ebecausef oodispil
ingupiny our
bedroom.Lunchfrom yesterday,
dinnerfr
om
l
astnightandnowt hisbreakfast
.
Puso:
Iwi
l
leatt
hem
Puso'
smum:
theyhav
egonebad
Puso:
yesmama
Puso'
smum: I
'm notl
eav
ingunt
ily
oueaty
our
br
eakfast
.Si
tupandeat
(hi
smum pul
ledachai
randsatdown.He
deci
dedt
ositupandeatsothathecoul
dget
ri
dofher
)
Puso:
I'
m doneeat
ingnow,
youcango
Puso'smum: Pusowhatisdoneisdonemy
chi
ld.Justaskforf
orgi
venessf
rom Godand
mov eonwithyourl
ife
Puso:I
'm notworri
edaboutbei
ngforgi
venfor
mysins,I
'm worri
edaboutTshego'
shealt
hand
mentalwellbei
ng
Pusosmum:
thengoandseeher
Puso:
aft
erwhatIdi
dtoher
?
Pusosmum: rat
hernowthannever.I
sitbet
ter
toleaveherf
orthedeadf
orgoodort ohumble
yoursel
fandgobacktoapol
ogize?
Puso:
I'
mtooashamedofwhatIdi
d
Pusosmum:iti
snor
mal t
ofeelt
hatwaybuti
t’
s
notnor
malt
obeparal
ysedbytheshame
Puso:mamaIneedt
orest
.Mysoul
isweakand
weary
Pusosmum:Ineedtogethelpfory
ouas
qui
ckl
yaspossi
ble.Idon'
tknowthi
sPusoand
hescar
esme
Puso: thi
sPusoishur tbey
ond.Hehasgi v
enup
onlife..
hehasbeenpushedi nt
oadeepdar k
holeandhei shopelessaboutli
fe.ThisPuso
thoughthewasr unningawayfrom poisonous
snakesbuthef ell
intoadeephol e(ashewas
sayingallthi
shisfacewasexpressionlessand
hisey eswerefi
xedont hewall
)
Pusosmum: t
hisi
sgetti
ngoutofhandnow
(shesai
dtaki
ngoutherphoneanddial
i
nga
number)

HOSPI
TAL
(Iwassi t
ti
ngonast onecr yingwhenIhear d
someonecal lingmyname.Il ookedupandsaw
mymot her.Iwant edtot ell
hert hatlif
eisvery
harshonme.Iopenedmymout ht otal
kbutshe
putherhandonmymout htost opmef r
om
tal
kingthenshewi pedmyt earswi thbothher
hands.Shet henl ookedatmydr yfaceand
smiled.Shet ur nedar oundandst ar
tedwalki
ng
away .Ishout edatherandcr i
edatt hesame
ti
me.Iwant edhert owai tforme.If el
tahand
touchingme)
Me:
mama!
DrSeiso:(
heswall
owedahugel umpandt ooka
deepbreathbef
orerespondi
ng)sor
ryfor
scar
ingyou.Wereyouhav i
ngabaddream?
Me:(
wipi
ngsweatof
fmyf
acewi
tht
oil
etpaper
)
eer
ra
DrSei
so:
sor
ry.Hasany
onecheckedony
ou?
Me:
(tear
y)no.onl
yoneper
sonknowst
hatI
'
m
her
ebuthedoesn'
tcar
eaboutme.Hewon'
t
cometoseeme
DrSei
so:
babydaddy
?
Me:
yesdoct
or
DrSei
so:for
getaboutt
hatusel
essf
ool
.Wher
e
i
syourfamil
y?
Me:Ican'
treachmyuncl
ebecauseIf
orgotmy
phoneathome.Heisdyi
ngfr
om worr
ying
aboutmewher ev
erhei
s
DrSei
so:
ishey
ouronl
yfami
l
y
Me:Ihaveabr
otherbuthei
sonhol
i
daywi
thhi
s
wi
fe.Ist
ayal
one
DrSei
so:
(pul
li
ngachai
r)Tshegoy
ouseem to
begoi
ngthr
oughalot
.Tel
lmeaboutyourl
i
fe
(
Itol
dhim ev
ery
thingaboutmyl
i
fe;
from t
he
t
imemum wasal i
vetonowandheseemed
t
ouched)
DrSei
so:
doy
ouhav
etoi
l
etr
y?
Me:
no
DrSei
so:
soy ouhav
en'
ttakenabat
hsi
nce
bei
ngadmit
ted?
Me:
yessi
r
DrSei
so:Iwi
l
lgoandbuyy
out
oil
etr
ydur
ing
l
unchhour
Me:
thanky
ou
DrSei
so:
(gi
vi
ngmehi
scel
l
phone)cal
lyour
uncl
e
(
itr
iedcal
l
ingmyuncl
e)
Me:
hisphonei
sof
f.hi
sbat
ter
ymi
ghthav
edi
ed
DrSei
so:
ok.i
sther
eany
thi
ngel
sey
ouneed
fr
om t
hemall
?
Me:
nosi
r.Toi
l
etr
yonl
y
DrSei
so:al
ri
ght
.TshegocanIasky
ou
somet
hing?
Me:
yessi
r
DrSei
so:
whatdoy
ouwanti
nli
fe?
Me:Iwantagoodl i
fe.Iwantt
obeloved;
tobe
l
ovedgenuinel
y.Idon'
twantpeopl
etotol
erat
e
meorpretendtoloveme
DrSei
so:
that
'sadi
ff
icul
tone.I
sther
eany
thi
ng
Icandof
oryou?
Me:
hel
pmet
ofi
ndaj
ob
DrSei
so:nowyouaret
alki
ng.kanay
ousai
dyou
haveJCandyougotaB?
Me:
(smi
l
ing)y
essi
r
DrSei
so:Iwil
ltal
ktoafewpeopl
e.Hopef
ull
y
oneofthem wi
llbeabl
etohel
p
Me:
thanky
ousomuchDrSf
iso
DrSei
so:
Sei
so
Me:
sor
ry
(
Ismi
l
edandhesmi
l
ed)
DrSei
so:
I'
m of
ftot
hemal
l
Me:
eer
ra
(DrSeisocamebackl at
erandhehadbought
mev eryt
hingIneededf oraproperbath.hehad
evenboughtmet wopant i
es,abra,sandal
s,a
bandagedr ess,l
eggingsandat opdress.Iwas
sohappy .Thenextdayt henursetoldmet hatI
hadbeendi schargedsoImustt akeabat hand
getready.Itookabat handwor ethered
bandagedr ess.Ifel
thappy.IwastoldthatDr
Seisoaskedt oseemebef oreIleave)
DrSei
so:
(smi
l
ing)y
oul
ookbeaut
if
ul
Me:t
hanky ousomuch.(f
acedown)thankyou
f
ornotreport
ingme.Andagai
nthankyoufor
t
hetoi
letr
yandclot
hes.Ir
eall
yappr
eciat
e
DrSeiso:youarewelcome( uncomf or
table
si
lence)Tshegopleasetakecar eofyoursel
f
andfocusonbui l
dingyourfuture.Youarean
i
ntell
igentgi
rldon'
tall
owy ourselft
obeder ai
led
Me:
Ipr
omi
seIwon'
t.Pl
easedon'
tfor
gett
o
hel
pmef
indaj
ob.I
'
m al
sogoi
ngt
odr
opof
fmy
CVs
DrSei
so:
Iwon'
tfor
get
.
Me:t
akemynumberandgi
vemey
our
ssot
hatI
canr
emindy
ou
DrSei
so:Ial
readyhav
ey ournumber
.Iwi
l
lcal
l
yousothaty
oucanhav emine
Me:thankyou.Ineedanykindofjobsot hatI
cansaveandregisterf
orschoolnextyear.any
ki
ndofjob;househelp,cl
eaner
,securi
tyguar d,
DrSei
so:
Iunder
stand
(
Kenal
emangwal
kedi
n)
Kenal
emang:
hel
l
osi
r,hi
Tshego
Me:
hi
DrSeiso:hel
l
osi r
.Ishouldgetgoing.goodl uck
Tshegoandt akegoodcar eofyoursel
f.Please
takethosepi
llsasinst
ructedandunt i
ltheyare
allf
ini
shed
Me:
Iwi
l
l.t
hanky
ou
DrSei
so:
bye
Me:
bye

Kenal
emang:Iseeyouarenotwear
inghospi
tal
gowns,ar
eyoudischar
ged?
Me:
eer
ra
Kenal
emang:
oh.Howar
eyouf
eel
i
ng?
Me:
howdoy
ouknowI
'
m her
e?
Kenal
emang:
Pusocal
l
edmeandaskedmet
o
comeandseeyou
Me:
soy
ouar
eher
eonhi
sbehal
f?
Kenal
emang: no.Irefusedtocomewhenhe
askedmet obecauseIwant edhi
mtoownupt o
hismist
akes.I'
m onlycomingnowbecauseI
fel
tguil
ty
Me:
about
?
Kenalemang:
Iknowy ouTshego.What
happenedbet
weeny ouandPusoaside,y
ouare
someoneIknowandIshouldchecky ouwhen
youareadmit
tedinhospi
tal
Me:
oh
Kenal
emang:
Pusodoesn'
tev
enknowI
'
m her
e
Me:
ok
Kenal
emang:
howar
eyouf
eel
i
ng?
Me:I
'm ok.thedoctorcounsel
edmesoIdon' t
f
eelthatoverwhel
med.Phy si
call
yIsti
l
lfeel
weakbutthedoctorsaidIwill
bef i
ne
Kenal
emang:that'
sgoodtohear.Doyouneed
anyt
hing?I
sthereanyt
hingIcandoorgiv
eto
hel
p?
Me:
Ineedar
idehome
Kenal
emang:
ok.Iwi
l
ldr
opy
ouof
f
Me:
thanky
ou
(Iwentt of et
chpi l
lsfr
om t hepharmacyand
Kenal emangdr oppedmeof fathome.Hegav e
me500pul aandt oldmet hati
twasf rom hi
m
notPuso.Iwant edtobelievethathewas
helpingmeonhi sownaccor dbutitwas
dif
ficult.Hewasconcer nedt hatIstay
edi na
yardt hatlookeddeser t
edandIl i
edandt old
himt hatimf etchingmyst aff
.Itol
dhim Istay
withmyuncl e.Ichargedmyphoneand
switchedi ton.therewer emi ssedcall
sfrom my
uncle, mycousi ns,Tef
o, Dimpho, Pusoand
messagesf r
om Puso)

"
youshoul
dnothav
egonetothehospi
tal
.Now
y
ouaregett
ibgmeint
otr
oubl
e"
"
Tshegoanswery
ourphoneandtel
lme
whet
hert
oexpectthepol
i
ceornot"
‘
Tshegopl
easet
alkt
ome’
‘
Il
iedt
oyouwhenIsai
dify
oudoi
twewi
l
lst
art
afr
esh.It
'shardf
ormetobewithy
ouaf
terwhat
happened.Ihopeyouwi
l
lfor
giv
emefor
decei
vingyou’
(
Iwentthr
oughall
hismessagesandswi
tched
myphoneoffagai
n)

NO.55

(
Phoneconv
ersat
ion)

Puso:
hel
l
o
Kenal
emang:
hiskwat
a.Howar
eyou?
Puso:i
m notdoingver
ywell.Thankyoufort
he
cal
l.It
houghtyouneverwantedanyt
hingtodo
wit
hme
Kenal
emang:
nev
eri
sast
rongwor
d
Puso:
thanky
ouf
ory
ourki
ndness
Kenalemang:Pusoimv er
yverydi
sappoi
ntedi
n
you.Howcouldy ouaskTshegotocommit
abort
ionndleavehertodieal
one?
Puso:whatdoy
oumeandi
e?(
hishandsst
art
ed
shaki
ng)
Kenalemang:whaty
oudidwast hesameas
l
eavinghertodi
e.Andt
ot hi
nkthatyouwant
ed
tostopherfr
om goi
ngt
ot hehospit
al!
!Ngng
ng!shameony ou
Puso:Iwast ooscar ed.Iwasscaredofgoingto
j
ail
.Iwasal soashamed. .
theabort
ionis
bother
ingmeal ot.Idream aboutthechil
dand
i
nmydr eamst hechildisaskingmewhyi m
suchacr uelperson
Kenal
emang:
youneedhel
pyour
sel
f
Puso:
canIpl
easeasky
ousomet
hing?
Kenal
emang:
goahead
Puso:
hav
eyouhear
dany
thi
ngf
rom Tshegoor
abouther
.Imeany
ouwor
kwi
thPy
thonsoy
ou
mighthav
e..
Kenal
emang:
Icheckedheratt
hehospi
tal
yest
erday
Puso:
real
l
y?
Kenal
emang:yes.shewasdi
schargedy
ester
day
andIdroppedheratsomedeser
tedhouse
Puso:t
hat
swher
eshest
ays.I
t'
sshermot
her
s
house
Kenal
emang:youandMajorMot
swasel
ehav
e
dest
royedt
hatpoorgi
rl
Puso:
IknowandIwi
l
lnev
erf
orgi
vemy
sel
ffor
i
t
Kenal
emang:
whaty
ouhav
edonei
sdi
sgust
ing
Puso:
im sor
ry
Kenal
emang:
tel
lthatt
oTshego
Puso:
herphonehasbeenof
fsi
nce.
.idontknow
howt
oreachher
Kenal
emang:
youmessedup,
wena!
Puso:
pleaset
ell
mehowshei
sdoi
ng?
Kenal
emang:
shesur
viv
ed
Puso:
eish!
Kenal
emang:
Ihav
etogo
Puso:
thanksal
ot
Kenal
emang:
sur
e
(Pusofel
tal
it
tl
ebitbet
terafterhear
ingthat
Tshegowasbackhomesaf ely.Hetr
iedher
numberagai
nandthist
imei twasav ai
labl
e)

Me:
Pamel
awhy
?
Puso:
hel
l
oTshego
Me:
Pamel
awhy
?
Puso:
Tshegoi
t'
sme(
wor
ri
edt
hatshemi
ght
hav
elosthermi
nd)
Me:
Pusowhy
?
Puso:
whoi
sPamel
a?
Me:
anenemyt
hati
sof
tenmi
stakenf
oraf
ri
end
Puso:
I'
mver
ysor
ryf
orwhatIhav
edonet
oyou.
Me:consi
dermeaf
ooli
fIev
erf
orgethowy
ou
bet
rayedmeanddi
scar
dedme
Puso:
Iwasscar
ed
Me:Iknow.Cowardsl
ikeyoul
i
veoutoffear
.I
betyoumessedyourpant
stheti
mey ouwere
scar
ed
Puso:
..
..
..
..
.
Me: IhateyousomuchPuso.Ifi
twasn'
tfor
yourdeceptionIwoul
dnothaveki
ll
edmychil
d
Puso.Youar easnakeandever
yti
meIthinkof
youIf eell
i
kethrowi
ngup
Puso:
Iwr
ongedy
oui
nsomanyway
s.Iwi
l
l
under
standifyounev
erfor
giv
emebecause
whatIdidtoyouhaslef
tawoundi
nyoursoul
Me:whatwassodif
ficul
taboutt
ell
i
ngmet
hatI
shoul
drai
sethechi
l
donmyown?
Puso:Tshegoyouwon'tunder
stand.Itwoul
d
havebeensuchashamef orme...
..Iwouldhav
e
neverl
etyourai
sethechil
dalone
Me:
soi
twasy
ourchoi
cet
omake?
Puso:
I'
m sor
ry
Me:youknowwhatSat an,del
etemynumber
fr
om yourphoneandf orgetIeverexi
sted.Iwi
l
l
dothesame.Evenifithappenst hatwemeet
pret
endyoudon'tknowme.
Puso:
I'
m sor
ry
Me:l
ety
oursor
ryrai
semybabyfrom t
hedead
andmaybeIwi
l
lunderst
andwhatitmeans
Puso:Iknowyouwon'tbel
i
evemebutt he
abort
ionispai
nful
formetoo.Undernormal
ci
rcumst
ancesI
woul
dnothav
emadey
oudoi
t
Me:
lennaIam af
ool
forl
i
steni
ngt
oyou
Puso:
becauseIdecei
vedy
ou
Me:Ilovedy ousomuchPuso.Youweremy
f
ir
stboy fr
iendandmyevery
thi
ng.Ili
ter
all
y
worshippedthegroundy
ousteppedon.
Puso:Iknow.Iknowverywell
andi
t'
sashame
thatIt
ookadvantageofyourl
ovef
orme
Me: y
oudi d.Ihat
eyoufortworeasons:
decepti
onandt aki
ngadvantageofme.Iwi
l
l
nevereverforgi
veyou
Puso:
Iunder
stand
Me:st
ayawayfr
om me.act
ual
l
y,pr
etendI
nev
erexi
sted
Puso:
Iwi
l
lal
way
slov
eyou
Me:don'
tpat
ri
onisemey ouusel
essand
shamel
essdog.Fotsek!Shesh!Ntl
ekwa
(hisai
rtimefi
nished.Hestoodl
ookingathi
s
phonewi thTshego'sl
astwordsplayi
ng
repeatedlyi
nhisears.Hi
smum f oundhi
mina
state.
..
..)
Pusos'
mum:
Puso
Puso:(st
art
led)Iunderst
andwhyshedoesn't
wantanythi
ngtome.Shewi l
lneverf
orgi
ve.She
resent
sme.Ihav ehurtherbadl
y.
Hismum: l
etherbemyson.Youhav
ecaused
enoughdamage
Puso:Iknow.Iwil
lnev
erf
orgi
vemysel
ffor
whatIdidtoherandmychil
d
Hi
smum:
don'
tbet
oohar
dony
our
sel
f
Puso:
Iam abadperson.Amur der
er.Iki
l
ledmy
ownchil
dandendangeredTshego'
shealthand
l
if
e.Whatifshenev
erconcei
vesagain?
Hi
smum:
yout
hinkt
oomuch
Puso:hehehe!Ideser
veany
thi
ngbadt
hat
'
s
gonnacomemyway
Hi
smum:
Godwi
l
lfor
giv
eyou
Puso:
howcoul
dI?
Hismum:Ithoughtt
alki
ngt
othepast
orand
goingt
ochurchwasgoingt
obehelpf
ul
Puso:
not
hingcanhel
pmeatt
hispoi
nt.
Hi
smum:
Puso!
Puso:
I'
mtaki
ngawal
k
Hi
smum:
I'
m comi
ngwi
thy
ou
Puso:
why
?
Hi
smum:
just
..
..
.

(Ideci
dedtosi
tonthevarandahforfreshai
r.I
hadspendtheaft
ernoonsleepi
ng.Isawmy
uncleatt
hegateandwonder edwhatIwas
goingtosayt
ohim)
Uncle:(smi
li
ng)myni ece.Tshegot heruri
I
havedbeenwor r
iedabouty ou.Ithoughtof
report
ingyoumissingbuty ourbrother
cauti
onedmeagai nstithopingthaty ouareup
toyouroldtr
ickandlookaty ou.Youar ehere
Me:
(tear
y)Ihav
ebeenhospi
tal
i
sed
Uncl
e:ao!Whydi
dn'
tyoucal
lme?
Me:
myphonewasi
nthehouse
Uncl
e:whatwaswr
ongmybaby
?
Me:
Ihadami
scar
ri
age
Uncl
e:i
j
oooooo!
Me:I'
m sorryforfall
i
ngpregnantuncl
e.Iknow
youaredisappointedinme
Uncl
e:Iwasgoi
ngt
orai
set
hatchi
l
dli
kei
twas
myown
Me:
(fi
l
ledwi
thr
egr
et)Iknow
Uncl
e:ar
eyouok?
Me:
Iwi
l
lbef
ine
Uncle:don'
tworr
ytoomuchaboutthel
ossmy
chi
ld.Godwi l
lgi
veyouahusbandandmany
ki
ds
Me:
eer
ra.Thanky
ou
Uncl
e:best
rong
Me:
Iwi
l
l.Whoi
smyf
ather
?
Uncle:
(hetookawhil
ebef
oreanswer
ing)onl
y
yourmotherknows
Me:
youmusthav
ehear
dsomet
hingabouthi
m
Uncle:
yourmotherwentt
owor katFranci
s
Townandshecamebackpr egnant.She
ref
usedtotel
luswhoimpregnatedherunti
lwe
gaveuponasking.
Me:
youdon'
tknowhi
m?
Uncl
e:no.Nooneknowshi
m
Me:
oh
Uncl
e:whynowTshego?
Me:Iwaswai
ti
ngtogrowol
derandaskherbut
shedi
edbef
oreIcoul
daskher
Uncle:
Iunderstandmychil
d.Bri
ngmeaspade
sothatIcanclearthegr
assaroundt
hehouse
atl
east.
Me:
yesuncl
e
Uncle:
andmakeamor r
owpat
hf r
om thehouse
tothetoi
l
et,
thegat
e,t
hewat
ertap(hesmiled)
Me:eerra.I'
m goi
ngtol
eav
eyoutogoandbuy
teai
ndr
idientsandsomebr
eadsothatwecan
eat
Uncl
e:ar
eyoust
rongenough?
Me:
yesuncl
e
Uncl
e:al
ri
ght

(
onmywayf
rom t
het
uckshopImetTef
oand
hi
swi f
e.Theyoffer
edcmear i
dwhi
chwasv
ery
hel
pfulbecauseIwasver
yti
red)
Di
mpho:
youl
ookpal
eandt
hinTshego
Tef
o:t
hat
'snotpol
i
te
Me:
becauseIhav
ebeenhospi
tal
i
sed
Di
mpho:
real
l
y?
Me:
yesr
eal
l
y
Tef
o:wedi
dn'
tknow
Me:
nooneknew
Dimpho:wasi
tint
ent
ional
?Imeandi
dyou
i
ntent
ional
l
yhi
dethefactt
haty
ouwerein
hospi
tal
?
Me:no.Myphonewasi
nthehouseso.
..
..I
di
dn'
thavemyphonewi
thme
Di
mpho:
oh.Wer
eyousi
ck?
Me:
Ihadami
scar
ri
age
Di
mpho:
real
l
y?
Tef
o:I
'
m sosor
ryt
oheart
hat
Me:
eer
ra
Di
mpho:
soy
ouwer
epr
egnant
?
Me:i
sitpossi
bletohav
eami
scar
ri
agewhen
onei
snotpregnant?
Di
mpho:
no
Tefo:Tshegoi
sti
redofy
ourquest
ions.St
op
gri
l
lingher
Di
mpho:whatdodoct
orssaycausedt
he
mi
scar
ri
age?
Tef
o:Di
mpho
Me: i
t'
sfine,Iwi
llanswerher.Itwascausedby
str
ess.Thest r
essofl osi
ngaboy fri
end,bei
ng
i
mpr egnatedbyamanwhoi sunempl oyed,
lack
ofsocialsupport,
pressureofwant i
ngpeopleto
ovemeandacceptme, t
hepainoflosinga
motherandhav ingnof amil
y.Theanxiety
causedbyknowi ngthatmyenemi esaregoing
torejoiceandtellmet hattheyhavelongtold
met hatmyboy friendisuselessness.My
mot herdiedatthewr ongtime.Hadshel iv
ed
j
ustt womor eyear smyl i
fewouldbedi f
ferent
.I
couldbef ari
nlife.Thinki
ngaboutt hi
skindof
thi
ngsmakesme. ..
..
.Peoplearecruelandself
centered.ShouldIgoon?
Di
mpho:
yousoundangr
y
Me: y
esIam andt her
earethreepeoplethatI
havedeci
dedt ocutoutofmyl i
fe.Iwoul
d
rat
hernothavethem inmylif
ethanhav ethem
andbemi ser
able
Di
mpho:
whoar
ethey
?
Me:
Iwon'
ttel
l
.Youbet
hej
udge
Di
mpho:
ok
(
whenwegothome)
Tefo:
wewil
lfi
ndy
ouatt
hehouse.Ineedt
o
tal
ktoDi
mpho
Me:
OK.Uncl
eisher
e
Tef
o:wear
ecomi
ng
(
Ilef
t)
Tef
o:(
angr
ytone)whatwast
hat
?
Di
mpho:
what
?
Tef
o:st
oppl
ayi
ngdet
ect
ive.Doy
ouhearme?
Di
mpho: Icanbetmybl
oodont
hisone:
your
si
sterabort
ed
Tef
o:shutup!
Di
mpho:
ij
o!
Tefo:
youaret
her
easonwhyshei
sdeci
dingt
o
cutmeoff
Di
mpho:
howso?
(heopenedt
hecardoori
gnor
ingDi
mpho'
s
quest
ion)
(
phoneconv
ersat
ion)
Me:
hel
l
o
DrSei
so:
Tshego?
Me:
rra?
DrSei
so:
DrSei
soher
e.Howar
eyoudoi
ngmy
si
ster
?
Me:
I'
m weakbutf
ine
DrSei
so:OK.Ihavetal
kedtoafri
endofmine
whoownsacompanyandhei spromi
singt
o
hi
reyobutthatwil
lonl
ybenextmonthbecause
Iwantyout
or ecov
erful
ly
Me:
that
'sf
ine.I
t'
sgr
eatact
ual
l
y
DrSei
so:
I'
m gl
ady
ouar
ehappy
Me:
Ithoughty
ouwer
enev
ergoi
ngt
ocal
l
DrSeiso:
youshouldlear
ntot
rustagai
n.How
ar
ey ouadjust
ingathome
Me:
ver
ywel
l
DrSeiso:
don'tt
hinkyoucandependony
our
brot
herbecauseheisnotrel
i
able.Hi
swi
fei
sa
snake
Me:
Iknow
DrSeiso:don'
ttakeyourbabydaddyback.In
fact
,takeabreakfrom r
elat
ionshi
psunti
lyou
havehealed
Me:
Inev
erev
ent
hinkaboutdat
ng
DrSei
so:goodf
oryou.I
'
m goi
ngtoadopty
ou
asasi
sterandmakesurey
ouachi
eveyour
dr
eams
Me:
thanky
ousomuch
DrSei
so:letmeknowify
ouneedhel
pwhet
her
mater
ial
oremotional
Me:
Iwi
l
l.Thanksal
ot
DrSei
so:
youar
emybabysi
ster
Me:
thanksbr
other
DrSei
so:
chatl
ater
.
Me:
ok
DrSei
so:
doy
ouhav
efi
daty
ourhouse?
Me:notr
eall
y.Ihaven'
tfoundt
imet
ogoand
buyt
hem butIhavesomemoney
DrSei
so:
oh.Sendmeal
i
standIwi
l
lseewhat
t
odo
Me:
eer
ra.Manyt
hanks
DrSei
so:
youar
ewel
come
(aft
ertalki
ngtoSei soIwasal l smil
es.Ilookat
Tefoandhewasf arfrom thedef i
nit
ionofa
brother.Il
ookedathi sf akewife,mxm!Isang
happilyasIwasmaki ngt eaformyuncl e.He
wascl eari
nggrasswhi leTefowassi tti
ngona
chairchatt
ingwi t
hhim.Lazyf ats!
)
AMONTHLATER.
..
..
NO.57
(Iwokeupv eryear l
yint hemor ni ngand
preparedmy sel f
.Itookat axitot hepl aceSeiso
haddi rect edmet o.WhenIgott hereIf ounda
fri
endlyl adywhogav emet hecont racttoread.
AfterIr eadt hecont r
actshet ookhert ime
explainingi ttomeagai n.Iexpressedt hatIwas
happywi tht hecondi tionsandsi gnedt he
contract .Shegav emet heuni form andIwor ei
t
ri
ghtt her e.Wet henwentt othest orewher eshe
i
ntroducedmet othemanagerandt hewor kers
andIst ar tedt hev erysameday .Ilooked
beautiful inmyuni form.Il ookedt all
,slender
andbeaut i
ful.Ihad20pul ai nmypocketandI
waspl anni ngt ospend10pul aonl unchanduse
theremai ningmoneyt ocat chat axi home.I
waspl anni ngt obuyf atcakeandsoup.Dur i
ng
l
unchIgotacal lf
rom Sei so..
...
.)

Me:
hel
l
obr
other
DrSei
so:nowt
hat
'swhatIwantt
ohear
.Howi
s
t
hejob?
Me:
it'
sfi
ne.Il
i
kei
t
DrSei
so:
great
.
Me:thanky
ousomuch.If
eel
bigandi
mpor
tant
r
ightnow
DrSei
so:andthi
sisjustthebegi
nni
ngofgood
t
hingst
hatarecomingy ourway
Me:
wai
tseIf
eel
sohopef
ult
oday
DrSei
so:I
'mleav
ingthehospi
tal
now.Hav
eyou
hadyourl
unchal
ready?
Me:
no
DrSei
so:
whatshoul
dIbuyy
ou?
Me:
not
hing
DrSei
so:
not
hing?
Me:
youhav
eal
readydonemor
ethanenough
f
orme
DrSei
so:
Tshegof
atsoIhat
ethatl
i
ne.
Me:
afatcakeandsoup
DrSei
so:
mxm.Seey
oui
nabi
t
Me:
ok
(15minut
eslaterheparkedr
ightinfrontoft
he
shopandIwentt oj
oinhiminhiscar.hehad
boughtmeaf ull
meal andadri
nkf r
om Spar.He
wasalsohavi
ngameal .Wesatthereeati
ng
andchatt
ing)

DrSei
so:
whatki
ndofahusbanddoy
ouwant
?
Me:
Idon'
twantaman
DrSei
so:
yourwhol
eli
fe?
Me: r
ightnowIcan'tt
hinkofamanandIwon'
t
knowwhatki ndofamanIwantbecauseIhav
e
nointerestwhat
soeverinmen
DrSei
so:
whi
chi
sunder
standabl
egi
venwhat
y
ouwentt
hrough.Soy
oudon'
tval
uemar
ri
age?
Me:ri
ghtnowt heonlyt
hingIval
ueiseducat
ion.
Iwanttogeteducatedandfi
ndav er
ygoodjob
DrSei
so:
that
'sni
ce.andgetmar
ri
ed?
Me:may
beonedaywhenIfeel
lonel
yandbor
ed
Iwi
l
lwantsomecompany
DrSei
so:
andsome.
..
..
..
..
..
.Get
ti
ngl
aidy
ou
know
Me:
ahahah!
DrSei
so:
youhav
etast
edi
tyouknowhowi
tis
Me:(
facedown)t
emporarypl
easur
et hatcan
l
eav
eonewi t
hpermanentemoti
onalscars
DrSei
so:
youst
il
lneedt
oheal
Me:afterf
indi
ngthi
sjobIf
eltsadsomehow.
MaybeIshouldhavekeptt
hechil
d.ImeanI'
m
worki
ngnowandIwasgoi ngtobeableto
pr
ov i
deforthechi
ld
DrSeiso:
ifyouhadnotdonewhatyoudidyou
wouldhavenotmetmeandIwoul dnothav
e
foundthi
sjobfory
ou
Me:(
Ilookedi
ntohi
sey
es)y
ouar
eri
ght
.You
ar
esor i
ght

I
NSI
DETHESt
ore.
..
..
.

Assi
stant1:
heel
athe,sothi
snewsecur
it
y
guar
disdati
ngDrSeiso.
..
.?
Assi
stant2:
itseemsso
Assi
stant1:
wonder
sshal
lnev
erend
Assi
stant2:myquest
ioni
s:whyletherworkas
asecuri
tyguar
dwhenhecanaffordtohelpher
fi
nanci
all
y?
Assi
stant1:
somewomendon'twantt
orel
yon
aman.Ormay behei
sst
ingy
Assi
stant2:
youmi
ghtber
ight
.
Assist
ant1:
buttheyounggi
rli
sbeauti
ful
,
j
ealousdown.shehasabodytodi
ef or
Assi
stant2:
ski
nnyasshei
s
Assi
stant1:
Iwoul
drat
herbeski
nnyt
hanhav
e
abigtummy
Assi
stant2:
let
'sgetbackt
owor
k
Assi
stant1:
ij
o!Bany
ada.Ibetshei
sthesi
de
chi
ck

(RaPul
earri
vedhomewit
htwobunchesof
spi
nachandfoundTef
owait
ingf
orhim ont
he
ver
andah)
Uncl
e:hel
l
onephew
Tefo:
hel
l
ouncl
e.Wher
edi
dyougett
hespi
nach
fr
om?
Uncl
e:Tshego'
sbacky
ardgar
den.Sheev
enhas
t
omat
oesandgr
eenpepperi
nhergar
den.
Tef
o:t
hat
'sgood.
Uncle:Tshegoisabrai
nychil
dit'
sjustthatshe
dependedonpeople.Itol
dhertobesel f-
reli
ant
anddosomet hi
ngaboutherl
if
eandl ook( he
sai
dr ai
singthespi
nach)
Tef
o:t
hat
'sgr
eat
Uncl
e:howar
eyou?
Tefo:wear enotdoi ngwel lathomeuncl e.As
youknowt hatourhelperdidn'tpitchsowear e
str
ugglingwi t
ht hekids.Ihadt ogoon
emer gencyleavesot hatIcanspendt wodays
wit
ht hechi l
dren.Di
mphowi l
lalsoapplyfor
l
eav efrom wor ksothatwhenIgobackt owork
shecant akecar eoft hechil
dren
Uncl
e:i
t'
sapr
obl
em.Wher
ear
etheynow?
Tef
o:t
heyar
epl
ayi
ngbehi
ndt
hehouse
Uncl
e:butt
heyar
egoodki
ds.Ispendt
heday
wit
hthem yest
erdayandtheyarej
ustgoodki
ds.
Iwonderwhytheirnannydeci
dedt
ogo
Tef
o:sheandDimphodidn'
tseeey
etoey
e.My
wif
eisaverydi
ff
icul
tper
son
Uncle:
tobehonestwi
thyou,
youchoset
he
wrongwomanf orawi
fe
Tef
o:IknowandI
'
m ev
enl
osi
ngi
nter
esti
nher
Uncl
e:don'
tlett
hedevi
lst
ealpeaceinyour
marr
iage.Whydontyougoforcounsel
i
ng?
Tefo:wewil
lgo.(si
lence)unclecanyouask
Tshegotoassistuswiththekids.Shecan
comet oourhouseinthemor ningandleavei
n
theeveni
ng.Wewi l
lpayher2,000.Totasince
Tshegolef
tthi
ngsar ehardathome
Uncl
e:owaii
.Shecall
edmethismorni
ngsaying
shehasfoundajobandsheisst
art
ingtoday
.
ShewasalreadygonewhenIwentt
opickthe
spi
nach
Tef
o:wher
edoesshewor
k?
Uncl
e:shelaughedwhenIasked.Shesay
sshe
wil
lpassbymypl acet
ogivemedet ai
l
swhen
sheknocksoff
Tef
o:oh.
Uncl
e:shesoundedv
eryhappy
Tef
o:shemustbe.Wemustst
artl
ooki
ngf
ora
hel
per
.Doyouknowanyonewhocancomeand
workf
orus?
Uncl
e:t
heproblem i
sifIasksomeoneIknowt o
hel
pyouDimphowi l
ltr
eatherli
ket
rashandthe
per
sonwil
lresentmeforrecommending.
..
..
..
Tefo:
Iknow.Di
mphoi
smessi
ngt
hingsupbi
g
ti
me
Uncl
e:gof
orcounsel
l
ing
Tef
o: Iwi
llt
alkt
oherabouti
tbecauseIhav
e
l
ostinter
estcompl
etel
y
Uncl
e:don'
tent
ert
aint
hat
.Shei
sabeaut
if
ul
woman.Thepr
obl
em i
sherchar
act
er
Tefo:ver
yt rue.SometimesIgett ot
hinkthati
fI
wasmar riedt oadif
ferentwomanIwoul dnot
havedonesomemi stakesthatIhav
emade.I
couldcaredf ormymum andshewoul dhave
hadabet terli
fe
Uncle:mysisterhustl
edforherselfandher
chil
d.Shedidn'thavemuchbutshewashappy
becauseshehadadaught erwhowasherbest
fr
iend.Tshegowashermot her'
ssour ceofj
oy
andpride.I
fatal l
itst
ruethatthedeadcansee
whatishappeni nghereonearththenmysi st
er
hasnopeacewher eversheis
Tefo:thisissueiscausingmesomuchpain
andIr egretnothelpi
ngmymum.Andi t'
sworse
becauseatonepoi ntTshegowasangr
yatme
andshet ol
dmehowdi sappoi
ntedi
nmemy
mot herwas.
Uncl
e:atl
easty
oubui
l
dherahouse
Tef
o:ahouseInev
erpl
ast
eredorconnect
ed
el
ectr
ici
tyt
o?
Uncl
e:buti
t'
ssomet
hing
Tefo:aft
erbuil
dingt hathouseDimphodeci ded
thatIhaddonemor ethanenoughf ormy
mot herthat
'swhyIst oppedhelpingher
.
Somet i
mesIwonderwhyIl etDimphoinfl
uence
met odosomet hingsev enthoughIcansee
thattheyareagainstmybel ief
s
Uncl
e:becausey
oudonthav
eabackbone
Tef
o:.
(t
hewor
dspi
ercedr
ightt
hroughhi
shear
t)

BOKAA

(
Pusowaswat er
ingthegardenwhenhi sphone
r
ang.Heplantedsomev egetabl
esandsold
t
hem sothathecoul dhavemoneyf orsmall
t
hingsheneededl i
ketoil
etry
, ai
rt
imeand
tr
anspor
tfar
eforwhenhegoest
odr
opof
fhi
s
CVs.)
Puso:
hel
l
o
Cal
l
er:
myman
Puso:
hi.Whoi
sthi
s?
Cal
l
er:
arey
ounotl
i
stei
ngt
other
adi
omyman?
Puso:
no
Cal
l
er:
comeondude
Puso:
what
'
sonr
adi
o?
Cal
l
er:
youar
emi
ssi
ngongr
eatst
aff
Puso:
whoi
sthi
s?
Cal
l
er:
DjSl
yfr
om RB2
Puso:
(sur
pri
sed)Sl
y?
Call
er:
yes.Mybr
otherIhav
ethegr
eat
estnews
foryou
Puso:
ok
Cal
l
er:
youhav
ewony
our
sel
fat
ract
or
Puso:
whatki
ndofapr
anki
sthi
snebanana?
Call
er:
hav
eyouev erent
eredacompet
it
ionat
EngenPet
rol
Stat
ion
Puso:
Ican'
tremember
Cal
l
er:
monnabeseri
ous.Youf
uel
l
edwi
th200
Pul
aatEngenMol
epol
ole
Puso:eheeeeee!Ir
emember
.Ido.YesIent
ered
thecompetit
ion
Cal
ler
:congrat
ulat
ionsmyman.Thet
ract
orand
i
tsaccessor
iesareyour
s
Puso:
God!God!Yahweh!Myking!Jehov
aJi
reh!
Godofmir
acl
es!Theancientofdays
NO.56

(
stayi
ngathomeonmyownhaddoneme
wonders.Ihadf
inal
l
yaccept
edwhatPusohad
donet omeandl etgoof fhim.Howev er, t
he
angerandr esent mentt owar dshi mi sst il
l t
here.
Someday swhenIt hinkabouthi m Iget
sooooooangr y .Wehav enev ert alkedsi ncet he
ti
meIwasdi schar gedf rom t hehospi tal.Dr
Seisohasbeensuchagoodbr ot herashe
woul drefert ohi msel f.Idon' tseehi m of t
en
becauseofhi sj obandheseemst oalway s
tr
av elwhenhei sonl eav eorof ff rom wor k.he
doescal lmeof tent hough.I 'm slowl y
dev el
opingi nter esti nhi m but ..
..
..heisnotmy
type;I'
m noteducat edandIdon' thav eaj ob.
Agai nhehasn' tgi venmeanysi gn. .
..
..
..so. .
..
..
.
any way..
..
...myphoner angar ound4am andI
didn'tpi
ckt hecal l
whenInot i
cedi twasDi mpho
calli
ngme.Ihat emybr ot herandDi mpho.She
mi ghthavet oldmybr ot hert hatIhadan
abor t
ionbecausemybr othert r
iedt oconf ront
meaboutt hei ssue.Inear l
ychoppedhi shead
off..I
twasahugef ightbet weenmeandmy
brotherandIt ol dhi mt hathei sdeadt ome.
Theyhavev i
sit
edmet wi
ceandonbot h
occasi
onsIdidn'tsayawor dtot hem unti
lthey
l
eft.Mybrotherhastri
edt oapologiseforthe
accusati
ons..
..
..
...
ihateTefo.IknewDi mpho
neededmeandt hat'
swhyhewascal l
i
ngmeat
4am.shecal l
edsev eral
timesandIi gnoredthe
cal
lsthatwerefoll
owedbyamessage:

"morningTshego.Mysi sterI'
m stranded, t
he
hel
persentmeamessagel astnightsay i
ngshe
i
snotcomi ngev ersoI
'm stuckwi t
ht hekids.
Cany oupleasel ookaf
terthem forthi sweek,I
wil
ltakethem t omymot herduringt he
weekend.Pl easehelpme, I
'm desper ate"

(Idi
dnotr
espondtothemessage.Sheknocked
onmydooraroundpastf
ive)
Me:
whoi
sit
?
Di
mpho:
mysi
steri
t'
sme,
Dimpho
Me:
whatdoy
ouwant
?
Dimpho:Ihav
ebeentr
yingt
ocal
lyouandIev
en
sentyouamessage
Me:
whatdoy
ouwant
?
Di
mpho:
Ineedhel
pwi
tht
heki
ds
Me:
sor
ryIcan'
thel
p
Di
mpho:
Tshegopl
ease.Youar
emyonl
yhope
Me:youtol
dmybrot
herthatIam amurder
er
andIki
ll
edmyownchil
d.aren'
tyouaf
raidIwi
l
l
ki
ll
yourchi
ldr
en?
Di
mpho: Tshegopleasewewi
ll
tal
kaboutt
hat
whenIknockoff.Ihavet
oapol
ogi
setoyou
Me:
takey
ourki
dst
owor
k.
Di
mpho:
Tshegopl
ease
Mol
l
y:Tshogo
Me:
hel
l
oli
tt
lepr
incess
Di
mpho:
theymi
ssy
ouTshego
Me: i
t'
sapi t
ybecausethei
rparent
streatme
l
iketrash.Kemodii
diyoomabel amalatsi
nga.
takeyourkidst
owor kandletmeenjoymy
sleep
Dimpho:Icouldbetakingthem t
oy ouruncl
e'
s
placebutIdoubtyourcousinswil
ltakegood
careofthem.Thatplaceisalways.
.
Me: becarefulthere.Youaretalki
ngaboutmy
beloveduncleandhi skids.HadPusonotbeen
chasedawaymay behewoul dhav emarri
edme
andIwasgoi ngtocal l
hisunclemyuncl eto
showt hatIhaveaccept edhisfamily.(
sil
ence)
I'
m notgoingt oopent hisdoorforyouso
pleaseleave
Di
mpho:
please
(shest
oodatt hedoorbeggi ngmeunt i
l she
gaveup.Icoveredmy sel
fwithasheetlaughing.
Howsweeti srev enge?Hear dt
hekidscr yi
ng
asshewasl eavingandIf el
tsorr
yforthem butI
coul
dn'
t.
..
...
ij
ustcoul
dn'
t)

(
phoneconv
ersat
ion)

Tef
o:hel
l
olov
e
Dimpho:(pani
cki
ng)I
'
m dr
ivi
ngt
owor
kandI
'
m
veryl
ate
Tef
o:haker
eyouwer
ereadywhenIl
efthome?
Di
mpho:
Tshegor
efusedt
ohel
pmewi
tht
he
ki
ds
Tef
o:Ao!
Di
mpho:
yes
Tef
o:wher
ear
etheynow?
Di
mpho:
aty
ouruncl
e'
spl
ace.I
'
m wor
ri
edabout
t
hem
Tef
o:i
tsj
ustf
ort
hisweek
Di
mpho:tal
ktoyoursi
sterpl
ease.Noonecan
t
akegoodcareofourki
dsthewayTshegodoes.
I
ftheki
dswerewithTshegoIwasn'tgoi
ngt
o
worr
yatall
Tefo:Tshegohaschanged.Shedoesn'
tcar
e
aboutusany moreandthethi
ngsshesaystous
hurtsalot.Let
'sl
eaveheral
one,wewil
lmakea
plan.Iwil
lgetadayofftomorr
owandtake
them toMmaphashalala
Dimpho:Ihav
ealreadytalkedt omum andshe
i
ssayingsheisbusyprepar i
ngf ort
hechur
ch
conf
erencesoshecan'ttaket hem
Tef
o:y
ourmum?
Di
mpho:
yes
Tef
o:andwear
egi
vi
nghermoneyev
erymont
h?
Di
mpho:
itsnotl
i
kewear
ebuy
ingherhel
por
..
Tef
o:sheisnotget
tinganyt
hingf
rom ust
his
month.Chur
chwill
givehermoney
Di
mpho:
Tef
oyouar
eov
err
eact
ing
Tef
o:I
'
m goingt
ogi
vethemoneytowhoev
eri
s
goi
ngtohel
puswit
htheki
ds.Per
iod.
Di
mpho:
may
beshewi
l
lreconsi
der
Tefo:
thewaywet akecar
eofyourmothershe
shoul
dbeoffer
ingushelpwi
thoutushavi
ngto
ask
Di
mpho:
baby
..
..
.
Tefo:tel
lhershei
snotgettinganythi
ngfr
om us
sothatshewontbei nconveni
encedthismont
h
end.I'
m notargui
ngwithyouont hi
sone,your
mot heri
snotgett
ingasinglethebefr
om us
andI '
m goi
ngtomakesur eofthat
Di
mpho:
I'
m dr
ivi
ng.By
e

(
DrSei
socheckedonme)
DrSei
so:si
stersi
ster(
hegav
emeahug.Hi
s
col
ogne.ohmywor d)
Me:
brot
her(
Ismi
l
ed)
DrSei
so:
youl
ookl
onel
y
Me:butI
'
mfi
ne.f
acebooki
skeepi
ngme
company
DrSei
so:
Ihaven'
tseenyoui
nawhil
eyoulook
muchbet
terebi
leyouar
egai
ningwei
ght
Me:ei
sh!Ihadl
ostal
otofwei
ght
.Si
ze26was
bi
g
DrSei
so:
what
!Doy
oueatmme?
Me:
myappet
it
eisbacksoy
esIdoeat
DrSeiso:that
'sgreat
.Tal
ki
ngaboutappet
it
e.I
havejustknockedoffandI'
mveryhungr
y.I
s
ther
eany t
himgt oeat?
Me:
no
(helookedatmeandIl ookeddown.hemi ght
havethoughtIwasl yingbecausehestoodup
andwentt othekitchen.Hecamebackwi tha
plat
eoff oodthatIhadputont hestov
e)
DrSei
so:
whati
sthi
s?
Me:
youcan'
teatt
hat
DrSei
so:
because?
Me:
itsj
ustr
iceandsoup
DrSei
so:
andi
t'
sfoodne?
Me:Idi
dn'
tthi
nky oucaneatt
hiski
ndoff
ood.
Ther
earenosaladsandmeat
DrSeiso:nnammaIgrewupwi thoutasil
ver
spoon.Weusedt ohav
et hiski
ndofmeal .Ebi
le
i
t'
stakingmebackdownt hememor ylane.
Whenwewer el
uckywewoul dhav eri
cewith
mayonnaiseandtomatosauceandt hat
happenedonceinawhile
Me:
ao!
DrSei
so:
yes.I
'
mj ustaguynextdoorsoyou
mustl
ear
ntorelaxwhenyouarearoundme.
Me:
ok
DrSei
so:
whyar
eyourpot
s..
..
.
Me:(Ididn'
tl
ethi
mf i
nish)Iwil
lwashthem and
scr
ubt hem.That
'swhyI'm say
ingyoucan'
teat
her
e
DrSei
so:
don'
tyouuseast
ovef
orcooki
ng?
Me:no.Idon'
thavecookinggas.I
t'
sfi
nished.
Myunclebroughtmelotsoffi
rewoodandt hat
i
swhatIusef orcooki
ng
DrSeiso:
andy
ourbr
otherdoesn'
tknow
because?
Me:
eveni
fheknewhewoul
dnotcar
etohel
p
DrSei
so:
soy
oudon'
tthi
nkIwi
l
lhel
p
Me:
I'
mlost
DrSeiso:ouchthathur
ts.WhenItal
kabout
yourbrothery
out hi
nkI
'mtalki
ngaboutyour
bloodbrother
?
Me:
yes
DrSei
so:t
hatmeansy
ouhav
en'
taccept
edme
asabrot
her
Me:
Ihav
e.Iwasabi
tconf
used
DrSei
so:whywoul dItal
kaboutTef
o?I'
m
gonnafi
nisheat
ingthenwewillgoandbuy
cooki
nggas
Me:
no.y
ouhav
eal
readydoneal
otf
orme
DrSeiso:youmustbej oking.NnammawhenI
needhelpfr om y
ouI '
m goingt ocomeandask
forhel
pwi thouthesit
ation.Don'tbesurpr
ised
onedaywhenIbr ingalaundr ybasketf
ullof
dir
tyclot
hes
Me:
(smi
l
ing)Iwoul
dlov
etohel
p
DrSeiso:Iwi
llbuyy oucookinggas.Youar e
star
ti
ngwor ktomor rowsoy oucan'tt
ellmethat
wheny ouknockof fat8y ouwillgooutsi
deto
cookorwar m waterf orbat
hing
Me:
(exci
ted)y
ouf
oundmeaj
ob?
DrSei
so:
yes
Me:
(st
andi
ngup)r
eal
l
y?
DrSeiso:yes.i
t'
snothi
ngbi
gTshegobutitwil
l
keepyoubusyandputmoneyi nyouraccount
.
I'
m st
ill
try
ingtofindyouaper
fectj
ob
Me:
asl
ongasi
tsaj
ob
DrSei
so:youwi
llbeworkingasasecuri
tyguard.
Youwon'
tbeworkingatnightt
hough.Youwill
beworki
nginashopduringtheday
Me:yoooh!Thati
swonder
ful
.Thanky
ou,
thank
you
DrSei
so:
youar
enotgoi
ngt
oaskaboutsal
ary
?
Me:evenift
heypayme500I
'
m st
il
lgoi
ngt
o
t
akethejob
DrSei
so:
its1,
800
Me:
arey
ouser
ious?
DrSei
so:
Idon'
tj
okewi
thser
iousi
ssuesl
i
ke
t
hat
Me:
soy
ouar
eser
ious?
DrSei
so:kebonemot
it
iel
omol
eyagont
ir
ela
kenwe.
(Iwenti ntothekit
chenanddi l
utedwil
disl
and
concent rat
eddr i
nkforhim andgavehimto
drink.Wewentt obuygast oget
her.Hebought
mesomecannedf oodli
kebeefandf i
shsinceI
didn'tnothav eafri
dgeandt hehousedidnot
hav eelectri
cit
yconnected)
NO.58

ATWORK

Guy
:hel
l
o
Me:hel
l
o.(
smi
l
ing)canIpl
easet
iey
ourpl
ast
ic
bag?
Guy:sur
e(hehandedi
ttomeandIseal
edi
t
wit
hasellot
ape)
Me:
that
sit(
Ismi
l
ed)
Guy:Ihaveneverseeny
ouher
ebef
ore(
he
spokeinSetswana)
Me:
ahah!
Guy
:what
?
Me:
youspeakSet
swana,
fluentSet
swana
Guy
:yes.Iam aMot
swana
Me:
how?
Guy
:whatdoy
oumeanhow?
Me:
ahah!
Guy
:Iknowy
out
hinkI
m whi
teorAmer
ican
Me:
yes
Guy:wel
l
,Iam apur
eMot
swana.Ni
cemeet
ing
you
Me:
mypl
easur
e
(
heext
endedhi
shandf
orashake)
Guy
:Iam TonyVanDerMer
we
Me:
ohhhhhk!
Guy
:youcancal
lmeTony
Me:
Tony
Guy
:youar
e?
Me:
Tshego
Guy
:Tshegof
atsoneh
Me:
Igive.NowIbel
i
evei
twheny
ousayy
ouar
e
aMotswana
Guy
:ni
cemeet
ingy
ouTshego
Me:
mypl
easur
esi
r
(Il
ookedathi
m ashewal
kedaway
.Guesswho
Isawnext.
.)
Di
mpho:
lookatt
hedoor
Tef
o:what
?
Di
mpho:
Tshego
Tef
o:Tshegof
atso!(
hest
oppedwal
ki
ng)
Di
mpho:
let
sgoandgr
eether
Tef
o:(
wal
ki
ng)buthow?
Di
mpho:
li
fe!(
shecl
appedt
wice)
Tef
o:hel
l
oTshego
Me:
(smi
l
ing)hel
l
o
Di
mpho:
hiTshego
Me:
hel
l
o
Di
mpho:
youwor
kher
e?
Me:(
smi
li
ng)y
esmadam.Thi
siswhati
s
f
eedi
ngme
Di
mpho:
ok
Tef
o:howar
eyou?
Me:
(smi
l
ing)Ican'
tcompl
ainatal
l
.Li
fei
sgood
Di
mpho:
real
l
y?
Me:what
sther
etocompl
ainaboutwhenIhav
e
aj
ob?
Tef
o:whencanIcomeandseey
ou?
Me:owai
i,Icomet
owor
kver
year
lyandknock
of
fveryl
ate.
Tef
o:doy
ouwor
kweekends
Me:Ido.Youknowhowbei
ngasecur
it
yof
fi
cer
i
sli
ke
Tef
o:ok.
(
thewhi
teguycameoutoft
heshop)
Me:canIpl
easehel
pacustomer(Iasked
l
ooki
ngatthem smi
li
nghappi
ly
)
Di
mpho:
alr
ight
.Seey
ou
Tef
o:seey
ou
Me:
great(
toTony
)youar
edoneshoppi
ng
Tony
:ohy
ahi
m done
Me:
Ihopey
ouenj
oyedy
ourshoppi
ng
Tony:Idi
d,thankyou(hegavemeachocol
ate)
thankyouforthegoodservi
ce.Youar
eso
fri
endl
y.Keepthatsmil
e
Me:
thanky
ousi
r.Idef
ini
tel
ywi
l
l
Tony
:cheer
s!
Me:
cheer
s!

BOKAA

(Pusowal
kedi
ntot
hey
ardwear
ingt
hebi
ggest
smile)

MmaPuso:
(smi
l
ing)t
hatsmi
l
e
Puso:
mamai
twasnotapr
ank
MmaPuso:
Jesus!
Puso:
Ihav
ewonat
ract
or
MmaPuso:Lor
dwet
hanky
ou.Whatar
eyou
pl
anni
ng?
Puso:
Ihav
emanypl
ans
MmaPuso:
may
bey
oucansel
li
tand
Puso:nonono!I m notsell
i
ngthatdiamond
mama.Thatt ractori
sgoingtobringmemoney
andmakemer i
ch.It
sgoingtostopallt
hese
regr
etsthatIhavebeenhav i
ngaboutleavi
ng
BDF
MmaPuso:
itssoni
cet
oseey
ouhappyagai
n
myson
Puso:
thi
sist
hebegi
nni
ngoft
hegoodl
i
fe
MmaPuso:
Iwantt
oknowt
hepl
ans
Puso:im st
art
ingali
feoffar
mingmama.This
pl
oughingseasonIm goi
ngtobeploughi
ngthe
fi
eldsofBakgatl
a.CanIuseyourf
arm si
nce
MmaPuso:itsfi
neebi
leIhav
ebeenwor
ri
ed
t
hati
tsnotbeingputi
nuse
Puso:great
.im goi
ngtocl
eary
ourf
arm,
repai
r
thefenceandplough.
MmaPuso: thatsoundsint
erest
ing.Iwonderi
f
youhav econsideredt
hatdoingallt
hatwil
l
requir
elotsofmoney ?Youneedmoneyf or
dieselandcl
ear i
ngthebushes
Puso:
Iwi
l
lhav
etobor
rowmoney
MmaPuso:Iandyoursi
bli
ngsar
ebr
oke.
Haker
eyouknow?
Puso:Iknow.Iwi ll
havetoborrowfrom
someoneandpaywi t
hinter
est.Onewayorthe
otherIm goingtogetmoneyt obuil
dthi
sdream
ofbeingaf armer.I
fonlyIcangetmoneyfor
thi
sseasonIwi llbefi
ne
MmaPuso: keepthi
nki
ngson.Ibel
i
eveGodhas
al
readybl
essedyourpl
ans.Rememberthatwe
canplanasmuchaswewantbutGodi sthe
ul
ti
mat
edoer
Puso:IknowandIhavest
art
edpray
ingabouti
t
(smil
i
ng)theLordhasr
ememberedmeandhas
wipedmyt ear
s
MmaPuso:
thi
sist
hesameGodI
m al
way
s
t
ell
i
ngy
ouabout
Puso:
Godofmi
racl
es(
hissmi
l
edi
ed)
MmaPuso:
dontwor
ryaboutmoney
Puso:
Ili
mit
edGodmum
MmaPuso:
how?
Puso:Iki
ll
edmyownchi l
dbecauseItrustedin
myownabi li
ti
esnoti
nthewisdom ofGod.I
wasgoingtomakemoneybef oreTshegogav e
bir
thandIwasactual
lygoi
ngtobeabl etotake
careofherandmybaby
MmaPuso:
dontcr
yov
erspi
l
ledmi
l
k
Puso:
andnowIhav
elostTshegof
orgood
MmaPuso: that
sthedevi
ltr
yingtomi
nimi
ze
yourbl
essi
ngs.Dontent
ert
ainhim
Puso:
im goi
ngt
ogi veTshegosomemoney
whenIgetmyfi
rstchecque
MmaPuso:t
hat
suptoyoubutpl
easedont
t
hinki
twi
l
lbeeasyf
orhert
otakeyouback
Puso:Iknowshewonttakemeback.Iwi
llj
ust
I
m nottryi
ngtobuyherl
ove.May
beitwil
lmake
mef eelabi
tbet
ter
MmaPuso:
ify
ouputi
tthatway
Puso:Ineed50pulamama.Ineedtorecharge
myphoneandcallsomeonewhomi ghtloanme
moneyf ormypr
oject
s(smi
li
ng)Im onfi
re.Im
chasi
ngpaper
MmaPuso:
onewor dfr
om abov
eand
ev
ery
thi
ngf
all
sint
oplace
Puso:
myf
athermymaker
.
(
WhenIknockedof
fDrSei
sowaswai
ti
ngf
or
mebyt
hedoor )
Me:
ohhi
!
DrSei
so:
hel
l
oli
tt
lesi
s
Me:
howar
eyou?
DrSei
so:
goodgood!y
ou?
Me:
tir
edf
rom st
andi
ngbyt
hedooral
lday
DrSei
so:(hel
aughed)welcomet otheworldof
workl
it
tl
esist
er.It
houghtsinceim alr
eadyin
themal
lIshoul
dpickyouanddr opy ouhome.I
camewithafri
endbutheleft
Me:
oh.Thanksal
ot
DrSei
so:
sur
e
NO.59

Tef
o:IsawTshegoy
est
erday
Uncl
e:Ial
sosawher
.Shecameher
einher
uni
for
m
Tefo:sowhenshesai
dshehasfoundajobshe
meantthatshehasf
oundajobasasecuri
ty
guard?
Uncl
e:y
es.ohmyni
ecei
sov
ert
hemoon
Tef
o:howcanshebeovert
hemoonwhenshe
i
sworkingasaguar
duncl
e?
Uncl
e:t
ellme,
betweenbeingamaidandbei
ng
asecur
it
yguardwhichoneisbet
ter
?
Tef
o:none
Uncl
e:bei
ngasecur
it
yguar
d,i
nmyopi
nion,
is
bet
tert
hanbei
nganunpai
dmaid
Tef
o:Iknowwhaty
ouar
eref
err
ingt
ouncl
e
Uncl
e:I
m gl
ady
oudo
Tefo:gonemmeIhav eletmysisterdown.I
shouldhavesentTshegotoschool.Shei
sa
bri
ll
iantchi
l
d.shewouldhavedonewel l
.
Uncl
e:exact
ly
Tefo:canty
out al
ktoherandtel
lhert
oleav
e
thatj
obsot hatIcansendhert
oschool?
Uncl
e:noIcant
Tef
o:butIwantt
ohel
pheruncl
e
Uncle:
letTshegoexperi
encelif
eandlearnto
dependonher sel
f.wecantteachhertodepend
onpeoplebecauselikeIal
way ssay,
theyare
notrel
iabl
e.
Tef
o:Iunder
stand
Uncl
e:mhm!
Tef
o:Ir
egr
etnothel
pingTshego
Uncl
e:i
tsnott
ool
atet
ohel
pher
.It
snev
ert
oo
l
ate
Tef
o:shewontal
l
owmet
ohel
pher
Uncle:
andIdontbl
ameher
.shepr
obabl
y
doesnttr
usty
ou
Tef
o:andi
tshar
dtomakehert
rustmeagai
n.
Uncl
e:myhandsar
eti
ed
Tef
o:(
worr
iedl
ook)Ihav
eadr
eam t
hat
s
bot
her
ingme
Uncl
e:whati
sthedr
eam about
?
Tef
o:i
nthatdream mamawi pesTshego;
stear
s
andaf
tershedoesitshegiv
esmeanangr y
l
ookandwalksawaysi l
ent
ly
Uncl
e:y
ourancest
orsar
enothappyTef
o
Tef
o:par
ti
cul
arl
ymymot
her
Uncl
e:evenwhenshewasst
il
lal
i
veshewas
nothappyabouty
ou
Tef
o:whatshoul
dIdo?
Uncl
e:dowhati
sri
ghtbyy oursi
ster
.Tef
odo
youmeantotel
lmethatyoucanterecta
tombst
onefory
ourmother
Tef
o:(
smi
l
ing)y
ouar
eri
ghtuncl
e.At
ombst
one
canmakemef
eel
bet
ter
.
Uncl
e:t
akecar
eofy
ourmot
her
shomeson.
Makeherpr
oud
Tef
o:I
m oni
tuncl
e
Uncl
e:andhel
pyoursi
ster

(
phoneconv
ersat
ion)

Kenal
emang:
paperchaser
Puso:
mymai
nman
Kenal
emang:
howdoesmoneyf
eel
iny
ourhand?
Puso:
itf
eeeeeeel
ssogoooooood
Kenal
emang:
Iknow
Puso:
Ineedy
ourhel
pMr
.youar
emyl
asthol
e
Kenal
emang:
whatcanIdot
ohel
p?
Puso:
Ineedmoney
Kenal
emang:
buty
ouar
ethepaperchaser
Puso:
noty
et.Ineedmoneyf
ordi
esel
Kenal
emang:
heeemonnakaay
ouar
etal
ki
ng
bi
gbucks
Puso:
true.Cany
ouhel
p?
Kenal
emang:
mysav
ingsaccounti
sempt
yas
ofnow
Puso:Iknowthi
sistoomucht
oaskbut
,can
yougetaloanforme?
Kenal
emang: IcanbutIwi l
lhav
et otal
ktomy
wif
efir
st.YouknowIcan' tmakeanymaj or
deci
si
onwi thoutconsul
ti
ngherf i
rst
Puso:
Iunder
stand
Kenal
emang:i
fIt
ur nyoudownjustknowthat
i
t'
samutualdeci
sion.Don'
tbl
amemywi f
efori
t
Puso:
Iwon'
t
Kenal
emang:
sur
e
Puso:
Ipromi
seIwi
l
lcl
eart
hel
oanassoonasI
getmoney
Kenal
emang:
Itr
usty
oumyman
Puso:
thanky
ou
Kenal
emang:
howmuchmoneyar
ewet
alki
ng
about
?
Puso:
50k(
hef
rowned)
Kenal
emang:
OK.Letmet
alkt
othequeen
Puso:
thanks
Kenal
emang:
sur
emyman.Ot
her
wisehowar
e
you?
Puso:
I'
m muchbet
terskwat
a.Thesmel
lof
moneyhasheal
edme
Kenal
emang:
(hel
aughed)Iknow
Puso:
hav
eyouseenTshegor
ecent
ly?
Kenal
emang:
no
Puso:
ok
Kenal
emang:
youst
il
lmi
ssher
?
Puso:
eishbr
a!Thatgi
rlwi
l
lal
way
shav
espace
onmyheart
Kenalemang:
Iknow.It
hinky
ouneedt
oletgo
though
Puso:
event
ual
l
y
Kenal
emang:
yah.
Puso:
howar
ethi
ngsatt
hecamp
Kenal
emang:(
hel
aughedl
ongandhar
d)l
et'
s
notgother
e
Puso:
Iknow
Kenal
emang:onet
hingIcansayisJohnisnot
enj
oyi
ngthecompanyofhiscol
leagues
anymore.
Puso:
real
l
y
Kenal
emang:
wewi
l
ltal
kwhenwemeet
Puso:
sur
e
Kenal
emang:
sur
e

Theot
hersi
deoft
hecamp.
..
..
..
.

Col
league:
didyouseePriv
atePusoon
Bot
swanat el
evi
sionl
astni
ght?
John:
Isawhi
m
Coll
eague:
(whist
li
ng)winni
ngat
ract
orj
ustl
i
ke
that(
hewhist
ledagain)
John:
youdon'
tj
ustwi
n
Col
l
eague:
meani
ng?
John:ohe'
sit
semongwesengwe(
hemust
havebri
bedsomeone)
Col
l
eague:
sti
l
l,hei
sfamnl
ucky
John:
mhm!
Coll
eague:y
oudon'
tseem i
nter
estedi
nthi
s
subj
ect.Tel
lmesomethi
ng,whathasPuso
donet
oyou
John:l
sit
iny
anael
eyacl
aima(
het
hinkshi
ghl
y
ofhimsel
f)
Col
l
eague:
Ithi
nkhei
nti
midat
esy
ou
John:
notatal
l
Col
l
eague:
hedoes
John:whatcanint
imi
dat
emeaboutaf
ormer
pri
vat
ewhoi sunempl
oyed?
Coll
eague:
soonhewi
l
lbemaki
ngmor
emoney
thanwemakehere
John:
far
mingi
snotf
ort
hef
ainthear
ted
Coll
eague:
theonet hi
ngy oufai
ltoseei
sthat
Pusoisawisehar dworkingyoungmanandhe
i
sgoingtoli
t er
all
ytur
nt hattr
actori
ntoa
moneymaki ngmachine
John:
mxm!
Col
l
eague:
nowondernoonel
i
kesy
ouher
eat
wor
k,y
ouhav
eanev
ilhear
t
John:
got
ohel
l
Col
l
eague:
ngngng!
John:mycoll
eagueshatemebeauseIhave
potent
ial
andI'
m movingupthel
adderqui
ckl
y
Coll
eague:skwat
athatat
ti
tudei
sgoi
ngt
oget
youinalotoftr
oubl
e
John:
ify
ouhav
enot
hingt
osayshutup!
Col
league:
oedayy
ouwi
l
lneedt
ohearmy
voi
ce

(Iwasst
andi
ngbythedoorasusual
whenone
ofmycoll
eaguesj
oinedme)
Col
l
eague:
youhav
ethebodyofamodel
Me:
thanks.
Col
l
eague:
yourt
ummyi
ssof
lat
Me:
Thanks
Col
l
eague:
canIasky
ousomet
hing?
Me:
eemma
Col
l
eague:
arey
ouDrSei
so'
sgi
rl
fr
iend
Me:
no
Col
l
eague:
youar
ely
ing
Me:
I'
m not
.Hei
sjustaf
ri
end
Coll
eague:
hakeremmey
ounot
icet
hathei
s
i
nterest
edinyou?
Me:
hei
snot
Col
l
eague:
hei
s
Me:
whyar
eyouaski
ngal
lthi
s?
Col
l
eague:
I'
mjustt
ryi
ngt
omakeconv
ersat
ion
Me:
ok
Col
league:i
fDrSeisoev
erasksy
ououthow
wil
lyourespond?
Me:
hewi
l
lnev
eraskmeout
Colleague:si
nceyouarenotint
erest
edinhi
m
canI .
..
..
.imeanyouwon'tmindifIgi
vehima
hintofhowIf eel
abouthim?
Me:
thi
sconv
ersat
ionmakesmeuncomf
ort
abl
e
Col
l
eague:
why
?
Me:(t
oacustomer)hell
odear.CanIpl
ease
seal
thatpl
ast
icbag?(Ismi
ledatthecust
omer
)
Cust
omer
:hel
l
o.Thanks(
shesmi
l
edback)
Col
l
eague:
chatl
ater
.
(t
heconv er
sat
ionbet
weenmeandtheshop
assi
stantwasweir
dbutitgotmet
hinki
ng.
..
..
.)

AMONTHLATER.
.

NO.60

(
Itwasmydayof
fsoIwasj
ustathome.Dr
Seisovisi
tedme.Hearr
ivedwhil
eIwasstil
l
takingabathinmybedr
oom.WhenIwasdoneI
foundhim sit
ti
ngonaplast
icchai
runderatree
shadeeating)
DrSei
so:
hel
l
o
Me:
hi.Whatar
eyoueat
ing?
DrSei
so:
food
Me:
whoser
vedy
ou?
(Isai
dsmil
inglooki
ngathim.Theguyisnot
handsomeatallbuthehasaheartofgol
d.He
hasalongchinandafunnyhead)
DrSei
so:er
engthirddegreemogonna?( what
s
wit
hathousandquestions).Wheredidyouget
t
hesourmilk?Eses!Thisisthereal
thing
Me:
Igoti
tfr
om myuncl
e.
DrSei
so:
canIt
akesomehome?
Me:
sur
e.Ebi
l
emyuncl
eiscomi
ng.
(
Myunclej
oinedus.Heexchangedgreet
ings
wi
thusandIint
roducedhi
mt oSeiso)

Me:
uncl
ethi
sismyf
ri
end.Hei
sDrSei
so
Uncl
e:ehe?Af
ri
end?
Me:uncl
eImeanfri
endinthereal
sense.Hei
s
notmyboyf
ri
end.I
m notdati
nghim
Uncl
e:ehemychi
ld.(
heshookSei
soshand)i
ts
ni
cetomeetyouson
DrSei
so:
thanky
ouuncl
e
Me:DrSei
soistheonewhohel
pedmetof
inda
j
ob.Sei
sothi
sismyuncle,
inf
acthei
smy
f
ather
DrSeiso:
itsni
cetofinal
lymeetyouuncl
e.
Tshegoisalwayst
alkingabouty
our
Uncl
e:mypl
easur
eson.Nowt
ell
me,
arey
oua
doct
or?
DrSei
so:yesuncl
e.Iam adoct
oratScot
ti
sh
Li
vi
ngstoneHospi
tal
Uncl
e:(shaki
nghi
shand)dumel
athat
ngwanaka.It
ssoni
cetomeetyou
DrSei
so:
mypl
easur
euncl
e
(
Tef
oscarpar
kedatt
hegat
e)

Uncle:
Im onmywaytot
hef ar
m mygirlsoI
wantedtobidy
ougoodbye.Iwil
lbebackon
Fr
iday
Me:
okuncl
e.
(Ist
oodupandwentinsi
det
hehouseandcame
backwit
haplast
icbagandgav
eittomyuncl
e)
Me:
youwi
l
lhav
esomet
eaatt
hef
arm
Uncle:ohTshego.Thanky ouver
ymuchmy
chi
ld.Kar eyouhaveboughtmeev er
ythi
ng:
sugar,tea,cremor
a.Godblessyoumychi l
d
Me:(
giv
inghi
m 100pul
a)t
hisi
syourt
ranspor
t
f
are
Uncle:
(ki
ssi
ngmyhand)Godbl
essy
ou
abundant
lyTshegof
atso.

(Tef
oandhisfamil
yjoinedusandweall
exchangedgr
eet
ings.Thegirl
swer
ev er
yhappy
toseeme.Theyfoughttositonmylap)
Uncl
e:Tef
omysonIm al
readyonmywayout
.
I
m goingt
othef
armforafewdays
Tef
o:okuncl
e
Uncl
e:Ihav
etol
eav
enowbef
orei
tget
sdar
k
Tef
o:t
rav
elsaf
elyuncl
e
Uncl
e:t
hanky
ou.By
emmaLi
sa,
byegi
rl
s
Di
mphoandt
hegi
rl
s:by
e
Uncl
e:(
shaki
nghi
shand)byDrSei
so
DrSei
so:
Im onmywayoutaswel
l
.Iwi
l
ldr
op
y
ouof
fatt
hehi
ki
ngspot
.
Uncl
e:t
hanky
oumychi
l
d
DrSei
so:
Tshegowee,
Iwi
l
lcal
lyoul
ater
Me:
thecont
ainer
?
DrSei
so:
eheeee!Youknowwhat
,Iwi
l
lpassby
l
atert
ogeti
t
Dimpho:Ihavebeenwonderi
ngi fit
sy ouornot.
Youoncehelpedmewhent hislit
tlegirl
(poi
nti
ngatMolly)hadanall
ergicreacti
on.Do
yourememberhim babe?Hehel pedust heti
me
wetookMol l
ytothehospi
talaround2am
Tef
o:Idontr
emember
Dimpho:i
tsni
cet
omeety
ou(
shesmi
l
ed
happi
ly
)
DrSei
so:
thepl
easur
eismi
ne
Di
mpho:
Idi
dntknowy
ouknowTshego
DrSei
so:
wear
ever
ycl
ose.Shei
sli
kemyl
i
ttl
e
si
ster
Dimpho:t
hat
sni
ce.I
m hersi
steri
nlawandt
his
i
smyhusbandherbrot
herandthesear
emy
daught
ers
(Tef
owasqui
etthewhol
et i
me.Aft
erDimpho
andSei
sohadthei
rsmal
ltal
kSeisoanduncl
e
l
eft)

Di
mpho: Isawyoucar
ryi
ngaspadeear
lyi
nthe
morni
ng.Wherewereyougoi
ng?
Me:i
tsmydayoffsoIwentt
ocl
eart
hegr
ass
ar
oundmymothersgrav
e
Tef
o:oht
hat
sgr
eat
.
Di
mpho:
wer
eyout
hinki
ngabouther
?
Me:I
m alwaysthi
nki
ngabouther
.EversinceI
movedhereImakesureIgother
etoclean
whenihaveti
me
Tef
o:act
ual
l
yther
easonwear
eher
eist
otel
l
youthatwewantt
oer
ectat
ombst
onef
orour
mother
Me:
(smi
l
inghappi
l
y)wow!That
sgr
eat
Tef
o:Iknow.Wemustst
artpl
anni
ng
Me:
yessi
r
Tefo:(
giv
ingmeanenvel
ope)youcanl
ookat
thetombstonesont
hepaperi
nsi
deandchoose
one
Me:
ok.Whati
syourbudget
?
Tef
o:15ki
ncl
udi
ngf
ood
Di
mpho:
15,
000?
Tef
o:y
es.Iwi
l
lgetasmal
ll
oan
Dimpho:makei
t5,
000sot
hatwedonthav
eto
getaloan
Tef
o:wewi
l
lbuya5konef
ory
ourmot
her
(
okthatwasver
yharshandDimphokeptqui
et.
I
fther
eisonemarr
iageIdontdesi
rei
t’
sthi
s
one.Ibr
oket
hesi
l
ence.
)
Me:oh.Eish!Imi
ghtnotbeabl
etohel
p
f
inanci
all
ybecause
Tef
o:Iunderst
andmysi
ster
.Kanay
ourj
ob
pay
sy oupeanuts
Me:eer
ra(t
hatmomentwhenbei
ngbel
i
ttl
e
wor
kstoyouradv
ant
age!
)
Tefo:Ithi
nkbecauseyouknewmymother
mor ethanIdi
dy oucandeci
deonwhatwe
shouldengrav
eont hetombstone
Me:
(smi
l
ing)whatanhonour
!
Tef
o:wel
ldeser
ved
Me:
thanks.CanImakey
out
ea?
Dimpho:
not
hanks.Weshoul
dbeonourway
home
Tef
o:(
standi
ngup)Li
sal
et’
sgo
Li
sa:
no.I
m sl
eepi
ngwi
thTshego
Me:(smili
ng)I
m notwor
kingt
omor
rowsot
hey
cansleepover
.
Di
mpho:
thanky
ousomuch
Tef
o:TshegoIr
eal
lyappr
eci
atet
his,
from t
he
bot
tom ofmyhear
t
Me:
youar
ewel
come
(Aft
ertheyleftIt
houghtlongandhardabout
mybr other
.hewasr eal
lytry
ingtoreachoutt
o
meandmay beIshoul
dgivehim asecond
chance.Ihadcookedf orthekids)

Me:
Lisa,
sitpr
oper
lyandeatmygi
rl
Li
sa:
Imf
ull
Me:ify
oufini
shy ourf
oodIm goi
ngt
ogivey
ou
myphonesot hatyoucanpl
ayagame.Ther
eis
abeauti
ful
gir
l i
nmyphone.sheneedst
obe
bat
hedand.
Li
sa:
Iwi
l
lfi
nisheat
ing(
shest
art
edeat
ing
qui
ckl
y)
Me:
slowdownLi
sat
hepr
incess.Mol
l
y?
Mol
l
y:hee
Me:
saymma
Mol
l
y:ma
Me;
goodgi
rl
.Iwi
l
llendy
oumyphoneaswel
l
Mol
l
y:ee
(Ilookedatthem cl
osel
y.Lisahadlostwei
ght
.
Lisaisachubbychildbutoflat
esheisabit
skinny.Moll
yhasalwaysbeent i
ny.Ir
ecei
veda
callfr
om mycolleague)

Me:
hel
l
ows
Col
l
eague:
hi
Me:
what
sup?
Col
l
eague:
mmat
hewhi
teguycameher
etwi
ce
Me:kanayout hi
nkwhenthatguycomest
othe
shopit
’sbecausehei
slookingforme
Col
league:mmahewasl ooki
ngforyou.Hegot
i
nsidetheshopwalkedar
oundaimlessl
yand
l
eft
.Hecamebackaf t
er2hoursanddidthe
samet hi
ng.Hedi
dntbuyanythi
ng
Me:thatguyi
snoti
nter
est
edi
nmel
i
key
ou
guy
st hi
nk
Coll
eague:t
hatguyusedt ocometot heshop
onceinawhilebutnowhei saregular.Gapehe
nevert
alkedtoanyoneofusexceptt osayhi
butheseemst oenjoychatt
ingt
oy ou
Me:
youar
eimagi
ningt
hings
Col
league:heisi
nter
estediny
ou.Nomancan
buyyouachocolateeveryt
imeheseesy
ouif
heisnotint
erest
edinyou
Me:
ij
o!
Col
l
eague:
gapey
ouhav
etheki
ndofbodyt
hat
whi
tepeopl
epr
efer
Me:
thatguyisnotmyty
pet
lhemma.Iam a
mer
esecuri
tyoff
icer
Col
league:
lovei
sast
ranget
hing.Gapehecan
marryyouandmakeyouahousewife.Youwi
l
l
j
ustrel
axathomeandchowhismoney
Me:Inevereverwantt
obeahousewife.I
wouldrat
herbeguardi
ngpeopl
esshopsthatsi
t
atsomeoneshousedependi
ngonthefor
surv
ival
Col
league:Tshegot
lhemmay
ouar
e
opi
nionated
Me:Ihaveleantmyl
essont
hehar
dway
.Li
fei
s
notajoke
Col
l
eague:
wewi
l
ltal
kwheny
oucomet
owor
k
Me:
ok
Col
l
eague:
byel
ove
Me:
byeby
e
(
Lisawasalr
eadyhol
dingmyphonedemandi
ng
t
oplaywit
hit)
ToFor
giv
eOrNot
?

NO.61

TEFOSHOUSE

Tefo:
didyousaytheguywefoundatTshegos
houseyest
erdayi
sadoctor
?
Di
mpho:
hei
sadoct
oratScot
ti
sh.
Tef
o:ao(
hesai
dsmi
l
ing)
Dimpho:
gapeTshegoaddr
essedhi
m asDr
Seiso
Tef
o:doy
out
hinkhei
sjustaf
ri
end?
Di
mpho:
yes
Tef
o:It
hinkhei
sdat
ingTshego
Di
mpho:
no,
theyar
enotdat
ing
Tef
o:howdoy
ouknow?
Di
mpho:
just
..
Tef
o:maybehel
i
kesmysi
sterandwant
sto
dat
eher
Di
mpho:
whyar
eyoui
nter
est
edi
nthi
sissue?
Tef
o:i
twoul
dbeni
ceifheandTshegocandat
e.
Hehasagoodj
obandheseemslikeani
ceguy
Di
mpho:
stoppl
ayi
ngmat
chmaker
Tef
o:t
heyar
etoget
heral
ready(
hesmi
l
ed)
Dimpho:weshoul
dbetal
ki
ngaboutourown
i
ssueswenayouaref
ocusingonot
herpeopl
es
busi
nesses
Tef
o:Tshegoi
smybusi
ness
Di
mpho:
Tef
o:kanaIhav
elongt
oldTshegot
hatshe
deservesagoodman.DrSei soisgoodforher ,
notPuso.Theguyhasagoodj obandcant ake
verygoodcareofTshego.KanaIhav enoticed
thatt
hekindofli
feTshegoislivi
ngisbeyond
whatshecanaffordlooki
ngathersalary.Thats
meansDrSeisoishelpingher
Dimpho:.
(hel
ookedathi
m wi
they
esf
ull
of
anger
)thi
sisget
ti
ngtomenow
Tefo:
imagi
neTshegobei
ngmarri
edtoadoct
or
notanar
myoffi
cerofapri
vat
erank.Si
es!
Di
mpho:
soy ouaregoi
ngtogetal
oant
oer
ect
at
ombstonefory
ourmother
?
Tef
o:y
es
Di
mpho:
aloanTef
o?
Tef
o:yes.Woul
dyounotdot
hesamef
ory
our
mother
?
Dimpho:Idontknowbecauset
heseday
sshe
doesntgetasingl
ethebef
rom me
Tef
o:andy
ouknowwhy
Di
mpho:
howy
out
reatmehur
ts
Tef
o:Iknow.For
givemebecauseIhadt
odoit
tot
eachyourmothert
ostoptr
eati
ngusli
ke
ATM.
Di
mpho:
itscr
uel
Tef
o:letmest opbeingcr
uel
.Wewil
lgi
vey our
mum at housandeverymont
handathousand
wil
lgotot hetombstonel
oan
Di
mpho:
Tef
o:deal
ornodeal
?
Di
mpho:
itsf
ine
Tefo:
andthi
swil
lbeapermanentar
rangement
.
Oncethel
oanisdoneIwi
l
l st
il
luset
hemoney
athome
Di
mpho:
buti
tsnoty
ourhomeany
mor
e
Tef
o:i
tsTshegoshousebutmyhome
Di
mpho:
heeee!(
shecl
appedt
wice

ATWORK

Me:
(smi
l
ing)hel
l
oTony
Tony
:hel
l
oTshego.Howar
eyou?
Me:
Imf
ine.Your
sel
f?
Tony
:Im per
fect
Me:
cool
Tony
:wher
ewer
eyouf
ort
hepastt
woday
s?
Me:
Iwasof
fdut
ysoIwasj
ustathome
Tony
:howwashome?
Me:
homei
ssweet
Tony:
Icamelooki
ngf
ory
ousecr
etl
y.Imi
ssed
thi
sbeaut
if
ulf
ace
Me:
(shy
ly)ok
Tony
:youl
ookbeaut
if
ul.Il
i
key
oursmi
l
e
Me:
thanks
Tony
:canIhav
eyourcel
lnumber
?
Me:
whydoy
ouwantmynumber
?
Tony:comeonTshego.Iwanttochatwi
thy
ou.
Iwanttogett
oknowy oubett
er
Me:
ah!
Tony
:pl
easeTshegof
atso
Me:
no.Ican’
t
Tony
:what
?Doy
ouhav
eaboy
fri
end?
Me:
yes
Tony:
may bet
hatguyisnotser
iousabouty
ou,
I
m seri
ousaboutyou
Me:
hei
sser
iousaboutme
Tony
:thenwhydoeshel
ety
ouwor
kasaguar
d?
Me:
becauseIwantt
o
Tony:youaretoobeaut
if
ultobewor kinghere
Tshego.Iwouldkeepyouathomeandmake
sureIt
akev er
ygoodcareofy ou.Iwouldlov
e
tocomehomet othi
sbeaut
ifulfaceandsexy
bodyeveryday.
Me:whatIli
keaboutmyboy fr
iendi
sthathe
under
standsmev er
ywell.HeknowsIm nott
he
ty
pethatwantstostayathomeanddependon
hi
m evenforsani
tar
ytowels
Tony:
canIhaveyournumber
?Wecangofor
l
unchordi
nnertoget
herandt
alkmor
eabout
thi
s
(
Ilookedatmycol
l
eagueandshewassmi
l
ing
l
i
keaf ool
)
Me:
no
Tony
:Tshegof
atsopl
ease
Me:
Icant
Tony
:Im notgoi
ngt
ogi
veupony
ou
Me:
youar
ewast
ingy
ourt
ime
Tony
:Iwoul
drat
herwast
emyt
imet
hangi
veup
onagir
lofy
ourcal
i
ber
Me:
ij
o!
Tony
:chocol
ate?
Me:(
smi l
i
ng)canyoupl
easegoTony
.Thi
sis
myplaceofwork
Tony
:li
keIsai
d,I
m notgoi
ngt
ogi
veupony
ou
(hewentinsi
detheshopandboughtmea
chocol
atewhichItr
iedt
orefuse.Heshov
edt
he
chocol
ateinmypocketandleft
)

Me:
what
?
Col
league:
nemmawhyar
eyoudoi
ngt
hist
o
hi
m?Kanabeingmar
ri
edt
oawhit
eper
sonisa
pr
ivi
lege
Me:
ah!
Col
l
eague:
doy
ouhav
eaboy
fri
end?
Me:
no
Coll
eague:buty
oucanttur
nthi
sguydownif
youdonthaveaboyf
riend.Doyoumeanyou
dontfeelany
thi
ngf
orhim?
Me:
it’
scompl
i
cat
ed
Col
l
eague:
no,
wai
t!Youar
eseei
ngDrSei
so
Me:
no!
Col
l
eague:
youar
eint
erest
edi
nhi
m?
Me:heisli
keabr
othert
omebutIt
hinkI
m
dev
elopi
ngsomethi
ngforhi
m
Col
l
eague:
buthei
snotgi
vi
ngasi
gn?
Me:
no
Col
league:t
henheisnoti
nter
est
ed.Thewhi
te
guyisheadoverheel
s
Me:Ican’
tdat
eawhit
eguymma.KanaIwent
asf
arasformthr
ee
Coll
eague:i
st hatr
eal
l
yt hereasonwhyyouare
tur
ninghim down?Doy oufeelyoudontdeser
ve
him?
Me:hemustgoandl ookforhi
stype.DrSei
so
t
oo,heist
ooeducatedforme.TotaIm not
r
eadytost
artdat
ing.Ishouldbui
l
dmyf utur
e
f
ir
st
Coll
eague:y
outhinktheseguysaregoi
ngto
waitfory
oufor10y ear
swhileyouarecl
aimi
ng
tobebusybuil
dingyourfut
ure
Me:Ihavejustcomeoutofcompl
i
cat
ed
r
elat
ionshi
pso
Col
l
eague:
Tshegost
opbei
ngsosl
ow
Me:
ahah!
Col
l
eague:
atl
eastgi
vehi
myournumber
Me:
no

BOKAA
Pusosmum:
goandt
akeabat
h
Puso:
isi
tthatbad
Pusosmum:
yousmel
ll
ikeaf
armf
ull
ofpi
gs
Puso:
mama!
Pusosmum:
howi
sitgoi
ng?
Puso:
yourfar
misjustt
oobig.Sofarwehav
e
managedtocl
earaquart
erofitIt
hink
Pusosmum:
youar
edoi
ngwel
lson
Puso:thanksmum (
hel
ookedathi
smum
smil
ing)
Pusosmum:
whati
sit
?
Puso:
Kenalemangandhi
swi
fehav
eagr
eedt
o
getal
oanforme
Pusosmum:
yeaaaah!That
sgr
eat
Puso:
Iam sohappymama.
Pusosmum:
Icani
magi
ne
Puso:
wear
emeet
inghi
slawy
ert
omor
row
Pusosmum: t
hat
sgreat
.Payt
hem assoonas
yougetmoneymychil
d
Puso:im goingtocleartheloanwi t
ht hemoney
Iwil
lgetfrom thegovernmentf orploughi
ng
peopl
esf i
elds.Thatmeansnexty earthemoney
thetr
actorwi l
lmakewi l
lgoi nt
omypocketsoI
canbuyanot hertr
actorifthemoneyi senough
Pusosmum:
goodt
hinki
ng
(hewalkedtot
hebathr
oom taki
nghi
st-
shi
rtof
f
smil
ingwithahear
tful
lofhope)
NO.62

ATWORK
Kenal
emang:
Tshego
Me:
hel
l
o
(
hesmi
l
edandgav
emeahug)
Kenal
emang:
itsgoodt
oseey
ou.Howhav
eyou
been?
Me:
(smi
l
ing)Ihav
ebeendoi
ngv
erywel
l
Kenal
emang:i
t'
sgreattohearthatmysist
er.I
havebeenwor
riedaboutyoubutIcoul
dn't
comeandseeyoubecauseIf el
tyoumightnot
l
ikeit
.Iknowy
ouassociatemewi thPuso
and.
..
..
.
Me: don'
twor
ry.I
'm overever
ythi
ngthat
happenedandI'
mf ocusingonrebui
l
dingmyli
fe.
Iwon'that
eyoujustbecauseyouarePuso'
s
fr
iend
Kenal
emang:
hear
ingt
hati
ssuchar
eli
ef
Me:
howi
syourf
ami
l
y?
Kenalemang: wearedoi
ngverywel
l.Thanky
ou
(br
iefsi
lence)Iseeyouarei
nunif
orm
Me:
yes.Iwor
kher
enow
Kenal
emang:
that
'sgr
eat
Me:
eer
ra
(
sil
ence)
Kenal
emang:
it'
sni
cetoseeyouaft
ersucha
l
ongti
me.Youlookbeaut
if
ulandmuchhappi
er
Me:
Ihavel
earntnott
ocrywhenli
fethr
ows
l
emonsatme.Imakelemonadeoutofthem
Kenal
emang:
that
'sagoodat
ti
tuder
ightt
her
e
(
Tonywal
kedi
nandgr
eet
edus)
Me:
it'
sni
cet
oseey
ou
Kenal
emang:
mypl
easur
e.Enj
oyy
ourday
Me:
thanky
ou
(
hegav
emeanot
herhugbef
orehel
eft
)

Tony
:howar
eyou?
Me:
I'
m gr
eat
.I'
mleav
ingf
orl
unch
Tony
:oht
henmyt
imi
ngi
sgood
Me:
howso?
Tony
:Tshegoweneedt
otal
kpl
ease
Me:
ok
Tony
:let
'sbuyl
unchandsi
tImycar
Me:
fine
(
Iwenttothepaypointandtol
dthebossthat
I
'
m goingoutf
orlunch.TonyandIgotsome
l
unchandwenttositinhisAudi
)
Tony
:(eat
ing)howi
sthef
ood?
Me:
nice
Tony
:ar
eyouagoodcook?
Me:
notr
eal
l
y.Ij
ustcookt
hebasi
cst
aff
Tony
:ok.weneedt
otal
kaboutus(
hel
ookedat
me)
Me:
Tony:Tshegoplease.Iwantt
ogettoknowy ou
bett
erandhopef ul
l
ygetintoarel
ati
onshi
pwith
you.Il
ikeyouandIst r
ongl
ybeli
evethatwecan
begoodt oget
her
Me:y
oubarel
yknowme.whatmakesy
ousay
t
hatyouknowme?
Tony:whenIfi
rstlaidmyey esony ouIloved
whatIsee.Youarebeaut i
fulandy ouhavea
ni
cebody .aswebegani nteract
ingIfel
linlov
e
wit
hyourcharacter.Youseem tobeasweet
per
son
Me:
donty
ouhav
eagi
rl
fr
iend?
Tony
:(hehesi
tat
ed)no
Me:
arey
ousur
e?
Tony
:yes.Sowhatdoy
ousay
?
Me:
youhav
eagi
rl
fr
iend
Tony
:noIdon'
t.Webrokeupaf ewday
sback.
I
twasalongdi
stancer
elat
ionshi
pandi
twasn'
t
wor
king
Me:
oh
Tony
:whatdoy
ousay
?
Me: I'
mf rom averycomplicatedrelati
onshi
p
thathasl ef
tmeshat ter
ed.Ihav ebeenbet r
ayed
i
nt hemostpai nfulway(alumpbl ockedmy
throat)anddeceived.(myv oi
cest art
ed
breaking)Ifeel
thatIneedabi tofti
met oheal
Tony:
(deepbreat
h)Icansenseyourpainand
I
'mreall
ysor
ryamanputy outhr
ought hat
.
Me:
thanks
Tony
:canwebef
ri
endsatl
east
?
Me:
canIt
hinkabouti
t?
Tony:TshegoI
'
mtal
ki
ngaboutbasi
cpl
ain
fr
iendshi
p
Me:Idon'
twannagi
vey
ouf
alsehopeorl
ead
youon
Tony
:don'
tyouf
eel
any
thi
ngf
orme?
Me:I'
m notsur
eaboutthatbecauseIhave
bl
ockedanyfeel
ingsImighthavetowardsmen
Tony:
I'm notgoi ngtogi
veupony ouTshego,
I
m not.WhenIl ookatyouIseemywi f
eandI
promi
semy selfthatIwi
llnotrestunt
ilmyri
ng
i
sont hatli
ttl
ef i
nger(hesmiled)
Me:(
Ismiledbecausewhathehadj
ustsai
d
wassoooooosexy)giv
emet i
me
Tony
:howmucht
ime?
Me:
twoy
ear
s
Tony
:what
?
Me: Ineedtofi
nishmyst udi
esf
ir
standi
t'
s
goingtotaketwoy ear
s.Ihavet
odomyform
fourandfive
Tony
:buty
oucanf
ini
shwhi
l
ewear
etoget
her
Me:I
'
m af
raidther
elat
ionshi
pmi
ghti
nter
fer
e
wi
thmystudies
(bythet i
meIwentbackt owor kIhadnotgi ven
TonymynumberandIhadr efusedt ot
ellhi
m
wher eIstay.SomehowIf eltmuchsaf eraround
DrSei soandI m hopingthathewi llgi
vemea
sign.Itsnotli
keIdontf eelanythingforTony, i
ts
j
ustt hatIli
keSei somor ebecauseIknowhi m
betterandIlikehi schar
acter)

TEFO'
SHOUSE

Tefo:babyi
ronthi
sshi
rtf
orme.I
'm at
tendi
nga
funer
altomorr
owbefor
egoingt
owor k
Dimpho:
goandt
ell
Tshegot
ohel
pyoubecause
Ican'
t
Tef
o:whatar
eyouonabout
?
Di
mpho:askyoursi
stert
odoitbecausey
ou
ar
ealwayswi
thhertheseday
sandshehelps
wi
thever
ydecisi
on.
Tefo:
Dimphowear epl
anni
ngmymot
her
s
tombstoneunv
eil
i
ngandIhavet
owor
kcl
osel
y
wit
hmysi st
er
Di
mpho:
thencont
inuet
owor
kcl
osel
ywi
thher
Tef
o:r
eal
l
y?
Di
mpho:
yes
Tefo: y ouarebeginningtopi ssmeof fwithy our
stupidbabyat ti
tude.Fory earsIl
istenedt oy ou
anddi deverythingtopleasey ouandav oi
d
beingi nconf l
ictwithyoubutl ookatwhatt hat
hasdonet ome.Mymum di edunhappy
becauseIhadnegl ectedher .Mysisterisa
secur ityoff
icerbecauseIhadnegl ectedheras
well becauseofy ou.Ifai
ledmymum andf ailed
mysi stertopleasemywi fehopingshewi llbe
satisfiedbutshei sforevercompl aining.Iswear
thatIm goi ngt odome.
Di
mpho:youdon'tl
ovemeanymoreTef
oso
j
ustsayi
tsothatIcansety
oufr
eefory
out
obe
wi
thagi
rly
oul
ove
Tef
o:youmightber i
ght.Ihavefal
l
enoutof
l
ovewithy
oupar t
icul
arlyyourcharact
er.There
i
snothi
ngformet olikeaboutyourpersonali
ty
Di
mpho:
thenl
etmef
ree
Tef
o:t
heonlythingIst
il
lli
keaboutyouisyour
l
ooksbutunf
ortunat
elythelooksdontgi
vemy
homethatwar
mt h
Di
mpho:
may
beweshoul
djustdi
vor
ce
Tef
o:what
every
oudeci
de
Dimpho:
ifIdidn'
thavekidswi
thyouIwoul
d
havel
ongleftyou.Ideser
vebet
tert
hanthi
s
Tefo:don'
tl
ett
hekidsbeyourreasonfor
stayi
nginanunhappymarr
iage.Justwal
kout
andleavemewiththeki
ds.
Di
mpho:
I'
m ser
iousl
yconsi
der
ingl
eav
ingy
ou
Tefo:I
'm ser
iousl
yimagini
nghowbeaut
if
ulmy
l
if
ei sgoi
ngt obewithoutyou
Di
mpho:
I'
m mov
ingt
oLi
sasbedr
oom
Tefo:
whatev
erpleasesyoumadam.Youare
i
mpossibl
etoli
vewi t
handIhavet
ri
edmybest
butmybestdoesntseem t
obegoodenough
Di
mpho:
Ihav
eal
sot
ri
edmybest
Tef
o:thenwehav
etr
iedandf
ail
edsowemust
j
ustaccepti
t

DRSEI
SO'
SHOUSE

DrSei
so:
(ki
ss)i
tsni
cet
ohav
eyouher
ewi
th
me
Sophi
e:Iknowbabe.
DrSei
so:
Ilov
eyou
Sophi
e:Il
ovey
out
oo
DrSei
so:i
m gl
adyouaredonewi
thy
ourst
udi
es
andbackhomeforgood
Sophie:y
oudon' tknowhowhappyIam tohav
e
fi
nishedschool.Iwasworri
edt
hatyoumight
becomet oolonelyandendupcheat
ing
DrSei
so:l
ookatmeproper
lyandt
ell
mei
fI
haveacheat
ingv
ein
Sophie:
(shel
aughed)Iwaswor
ri
edabouty
our
rel
ati
onshi
pwithTshego
DrSei
so:I
m noti
nterest
edi
nTshegoatal
l
.To
mesheisli
keasister
Sophie:
Ibel
i
evey
ou.sowhenam Imeet
ingt
his
Tshego
DrSei
so:
wewi l
lvi
sithert
omorr
ow.Fort
oday
l
etsst
ayindoor
sandcatchup.
Sophi
e:okl
ove
DrSei
so:
(ki
ss)Imi
ssedy
oubabe
Sophi
e:Imi
ssedy
out
oomyl
ove
NO.63
(
PHONECONVERSATI
ON)

Puso:
skwat
a
Kenal
emang:
howar
eyouskwat
a?
Puso:
I'
m doi
ngv
erywel
l
Kenal
emang:
that
'sgr
eat
.GuesswhoIsaw
yest
erday
Puso:
Tshego
Kenal
emang:
cor
rect
Puso:
howi
sshe?I
ssheokay
?
Kenal
emang: shel
ookedasbeautif
ulasusual
.
Shesti
l
llookedbeaut
iful
inhersecuri
tyuni
for
m
Puso:
secur
it
yuni
for
m?
Kenalemang:yes.Shewor
ksasasecur
it
y
off
icer.SheworksatWool
wort
hs
Puso:
ser
ious?
Kenal
emang:
yes
Puso:
hasshegi v
enuponherdr
eam of
complet
ingherBGCSE?
Kenalemang:
Idon'
tknow.Wedi
dn'
ttal
kabout
that
.
Puso:
damni
tPuso,
youdest
roy
edher
Kenalemang:Pusodon'
tbeatyoursel
fabout
thi
s.LikeIsai
dTshegolookedhappyand
content.Shehasgai
nedweight
Puso:Tshegoshouldn'
tgi
veuponherdreams.I
knowjusthowmucheducat i
onmeanst oher
(si
l
ence)may besheissavi
ngforherst
udi
es
Kenal
emang:
that
'swhatIt
hought
Puso:
Ishoul
dgi
vehersomemoneyonceIget
pai
d
Kenal
emang:
thatwi
l
lbeawr
ongmov
eMr
.Let
thegi
rlbe
Puso:
Ican'
t
Kenal
emang:Tshegohasf
orgot
tenabouty
ou
soyoubet
terdothesame
Puso:
didshesayt
hat
?
Kenal
emang:
yes
Puso:
ok(
hear
tbr
oken)
Kenal
emang:Ishoul
dn'
thav
ecal
l
edy
out
otel
l
youabouther
Puso:atl
eastIknowhowshei
sdoi
ngev
en
thoughI'
m nothappy
Kenal
emang:
forgetaboutTshegoandmoveon.
I
t'
stimeyouf
indagirl
fri
endandmov eonwi
th
l
if
e
Puso:i
'm noti
nterestedi
ngir
ls.IwantTshego
backbutIknowshewi l
lnotl
ookatmet wice.
SofornowIwi l
lfocusonmaki ngmoneywhi l
e
wait
ingforTshegot oheal
Kenal
emang:
youar
eexpect
ingt
oomuchand
i
t'
ssgoi
ngt
obr
eaky
ourhear
t
Puso:
Iwi
l
lnotgi
veuponTshegot
hateasi
l
y
Kenal
emang:
youhur
ther
Puso:
Ihurtherandt
hat
swhyIwantt
omakei
t
uptoher
Kenal
emang:
what
everwor
ksf
ory
ou.Igot
tago
man
Puso:
sur
eskwat
a

MAFENYATLALAMALL

(
ayounghandsomemanwal
kedt
oDi
mphos
t
abl
e)

Youngman:
hel
l
o(hesmi
l
ed)
Di
mpho:
hi(
shesmi
l
edback)
Youngman: Ijustcametocompli
mentyou.you
l
ookbeauti
ful.Nol etmecor
rectt
hat
,youare
beaut
if
ul
Di
mpho:
thanky
ou(
shesmi
l
ed)
Youngman:
(handshake)I
m Thor
isokgosi
etsi
l
e
Di
mpho:
DimphoMot
swasel
e
Youngman:
mhm?andy
ouar
emar
ri
ed
Di
mpho:
unf
ort
unat
ely(
shel
ookedsad)
Youngman:
troubl
einpar
adi
se?
Di
mpho:
yah
Youngman:
ist
hatwhyy
ouar
eeat
ingal
one?
Di
mpho:yah.Ineedsomespacet
othi
nkt
hings
t
hroughandgetsomefreshai
r
Youngman:y
oudontneedspace,
youneeda
shoul
dert
ocryon
Di
mpho:
Idonthav
eany
oner
ightnow
Youngman:
Icanbet
her
efory
ou
Di
mpho:
thanks
Youngman:doy
ouknowwhatcanhel
ptocl
ear
yourmi
nd?
Di
mpho:
no
Youngman:
atr
ipt
oKasane
Di
mpho:
youar
esor
ight
Youngman:(gi
vi
ngherhi scel
l
phone)saveyour
numberher
esot hatwecanorgani
sethattr
ip
bef
oreyoucommi tsui
cide
Di
mpho:
doIl
ookt
hatbad?
Youngman:
youseem t
obei
nast
ate
Di
mpho:
ups!
Youngman: dontworr
y,t
hemake-upi
sdoi
nga
greatj
ob,
itsjustt
hatIl
ookedbey
onethemake
up
Di
mpho:
ok
Youngman:
dri
nk?
Di
mpho:
cokepl
ease
(
hesmi
l
edashewal
kedt
owar
dst
hecount
er)

SEI
SO'
SHOUSE

DrSei
so:babe(myheartski
ppedabeat
)meet
myli
tt
lesist
erTshego
Sophie:
ohhiTshego.Sei
sot
alksal
otabout
you(shegav
emeahug)
DrSei
so:(
hol
dingmyhand)don'
twor
ry,
it'
s
goodst
aff
Me:
(Ismi
l
ed)i
fyousayso
Sophi
e:(
hug)ni
cet
omeety
oul
i
ttl
esi
ster
Me:
mypl
easur
e
Sophi
e:shei
sbeaut
if
ul
DrSei
so:
shei
s
Me:
thanks
DrSei
so:
Sophi
ehasbeenst
udyi
ngInTr
ini
dad
andnowshei
sbacki
nthecount
ryf
orgood
Me:
ohl
ovel
y(If
orcedasmi
l
e)
Sophi
e:y
ouhaveabeaut
if
ulsmileTshego(
she
smil
ed)t
hegapbet
weenyourteethmakesyour
smil
ebeaut
if
ul
Me:
thanks.Youar
ebeaut
if
uly
our
sel
f
Sophi
e:t
hanky
oudar
li
ng
DrSeiso:
may
beweshoul
dhav
edi
nner
t
ogether
Me:
nextt
ime.
..
.
DrSei
so:
comeonTshego
Me: Iwi
llj
oiny
ouguy
snextt
ime.Myuncl
ehas
askedtoseemesoIcan'
tgotohi
shouselat
e
atnight
DrSei
so:
OK,
youwi
n
Sophi
e:t
omorrowI
'
m prepar
ingdel
i
ciousf
ood
andyouaregoi
ngt
ojoi
nus
DrSei
so:
shemustj
oinus
Me:Iwil
l
, def
ini
tel
y(myhear
twasbr
eaki
ngand
al
lIwantedwast ogohome)
Sophi
e:gr
eat
DrSei
so:
let
'sdr
opherof
f
Sophie:
OKbabe(theysharedaquickkissand
atthatmomentIaccept
edt hatDrSei
sowill
al
way sbemybrother
,nothi
ngmor e)
DrSei
so:
arey
ouOK?
Me:
I'
m gud,
justt
ir
ed
DrSei
so:
ok
(t
heydroppedmeof fatmyuncl e'shouseand
aft
erthei
rcardisappearedIhurriedhome.I
neededtoprocessthef actt
hatSei sohasa
gi
rlf
ri
end.Whydi dn'
thesayany thingabouther
al
lalong?It
houghtofTony .
..
..
..
.Heseemsl ike
aniceguybuti t
'shardformetotrustaman.
DidIturnTonydownbecauseIcan' ttr
usthim
ordidIdoitbecauseIwashopi ngthatDrSeiso
andIwi l
lbecomeani tem?Themor eIthought
aboutallt
hesethemor eIr
eali
zedthatIam not
readyforarelat
ionshi
p.Icri
edmy sel
ftosleep.I
wokeupt oaknockont hedooraround8pm )

Tef
o:hel
l
osi
s
Me:
(yawni
ng)hel
l
o
Tef
o:y
ourey
esar
eswol
l
enwhat
'
swr
ong?
Me:
theyar
epai
nful
Tef
o:t
heyar
ereddi
sh
Me:
wher
ear
ethegi
rl
s?
Tef
o:t
heyar
est
il
lpeei
ng.Theyar
ecomi
ng
Me:
ok
(
thegi
rl
scamer
unni
ngt
omeandwemadea
gr
ouphug)
Li
sa:
I'
m hungr
y
Me:
shoul
dIcooksof
tpor
ri
dgef
ort
hem?
Tef
o:no.Let
'sgot
oKFC
Me:
OK.Wher
eismmaLi
sa?
Tef
o:shelef
thomethi
smor
ningandshehasn'
t
cal
l
edtotell
uswhenshewi
l
lbecoming
Me:
isev
ery
thi
ngOKbet
weent
het
woofy
ou?
Tef
o:no
Me:Iknowy
ouusedt
oar
gueal
otespeci
all
y
aboutme
Tefo:
tobehonestwithyoumysist
erDimpho
andIhaveneverbeencompl
etel
yhappy.Our
happi
nesshasalwaysbeenshor
tli
ved.Ir
egr
et
bei
ngmar r
iedtoDimpho
Me:
isi
tthatbad?
Tef
o:i
tis.Wher
eissher
ightnow?Shedoesn'
t
careaboutt
hekids.Shet
hinksdoingthei
rhai
r
nicel
yandbuyi
ngthem ni
ceclothesshowsshe
caresbuti
tdoesn'
t
Me:maybey oushoul
dtal
ktouncleaboutt
hese
i
ssuesbecauseyoulookst
ressed
Tef
o:Iwi
l
ltal
ktohi
m
Me:
pleasedo.Howi
sthenewnanny
?
Tefo:ah!SheandDi
mphoar
eal
way
sateach
other
'sthroat
Me:
what
'
sthei
ssue?
Tefo:Dimpho'slazi
ness.Sheisl
eavi
ngmont
h
end.Atleastshetoldusinadvanceunl
i
ket
he
othertwowhoj ustdisappear
ed
Me:i
t'
sal
mostl
i
key
ouhav
eanewhel
perev
ery
mont
h
Tefo:
andthathasshowedmehowmuchcr
ap
youendur
edfrom Di
mpho
Li
sa:
I'
m hungr
y
Me:
weshoul
dgetgoi
ng
Tef
o:l
et'
sgo
(
thi
ngsbet
weenmeandmybr
otherar
ereal
l
y
i
mprovi
ng)
No.64

TONY'
SHOUSE

Tony
:thatsmi
l
est
ell
smet
hatt
hingsar
eback
ontr
ack
DrSei
so:
theyar
eman
Tony:y
ouguysaresogoodt
oget
her
.Whathad
gott
enint
oyou?
DrSei
so:shehadl
eftmebecauseIcheated.
Kanammemycheat ingdi
dn'tmeanthatIl
oved
herl
ess.Iwasl
onel
yandmi serabl
ebecause
shewasf ar
Tony
:tel
lmeabouti
t
DrSei
so:l
ongdist
ancerelat
ionshi
pisf
or
peopl
eli
keyouTony,notus.
Tony
:it
'shar
dformeaswel
l
DrSei
so:
buty
ouandQueenar
epl
ayi
ngy
our
gamever
ywel
l
Tony:notanymore.Queeni
sdoinghermast
ers
degreeandit
'sputt
ingastr
ainonour
rel
ati
onshi
p
DrSeiso:doesithav
eanythi
ngtodowithyou
feel
i
ngt hatshedoesn'
tgi
veyouatt
ent
ion?
Tony:y
es.I
t'
sherwor
k,herMBA,
herf
ami
l
y
thenme
DrSei
so:
doessheknowhowy
ouf
eel
abouti
t?
Tony
:sheknowsbuti
t'
snothel
ping
DrSei
so:
idi
dn'
tknowy
ouar
egoi
ngt
hroughso
much
Tony:IhavebeengoingtoFranci
stownever
y
weekendhopingthatthi
ngswilli
mprove
but
...
..
..
.Ihaveevenstar
tedadmiri
ngother
l
adies
DrSei
so:
anyl
adyi
npar
ti
cul
ar?(
hesmi
l
ed)
Tony:
therei
sthi
sonegi r
lI'
m cr
azyaboutbut
shedoesn'
tseem i
nter
estedinme
DrSei
so:
may
bey
ourpunchl
i
nesucks
Tony:
Istar
tedbybuyi
nghersomechocol
ates
bef
oreIcouldmakeamove
DrSei
so:
ifchocol
atedi
dntmov
ehert
henshe
i
snotaproperwoman
Tony:sheisagreatwoman.Shesaysher
prev
iousrel
ati
onshiphur
therbadl
y.It
hinkshe
i
safraidtolov
eagain
DrSei
so:
shame,
that
ssadman!
Tony:whenshetal
ksaboutshebecomesr eal
ly
sad.It
ri
edtoshowherthatIm di
ff
erentbutshe
i
snotconv
incedatal
l
DrSeiso:
tel
lmesomethi
ng,i
fshegivesy
oua
chanceandfi
ndsoutt
hatyouarest
il
ldat
ing
Queenwhatsgoi
ngtohappen?
Tony:
IwanttodumpQueenbuti tsnoteasy.
QueenandIhavebeentogetherforfouryear
s
andIfeel
li
kei
fIleaveherIwill
bebet ray
ingher
DrSei
so:myadv icetoy
ouis,
focusonbuil
ding
yourr
elat
ionshi
pwi t
hQueenandfor
getabout
t
hisnewgi r
l
Tony:youradv
icewontwor k.Ihav
eknownt his
gi
rlforafewmonthsandIt ri
edhardtoignore
herbutit
snotworking.Ihavebeentr
yingtofi
x
myrelati
onshi
pwithQueenf ormanymont hsno
butahhh!
DrSei
so:deci
dewhet
heryouwantt
oleav
e
Queenandstar
twi
ththenewgi
rl
Tony:Iwoul
dchoosest
art
ingwi
tht
henewgirl
butshedoesntev
enwanttogi
vemehercel
l
number
DrSei
so:
(hel
aughed)t
hatgi
rli
snoti
ntoy
ou
Tony:shei
sint
erest
edi
t’
sjustt
hatherpasti
s
i
nter
feri
ng.
DrSei
so:
Iwantt
omeett
hisgi
rl
.
Tony
:letmesor
tthi
ngswi
thherf
ir
st
DrSei
so:ok.Canyouj
oinusfordi
nner
t
omorrow?Al i
tt
lewel
comeforSophi
e
Tony
:sur
e.
DrSeiso: i
twi
llbey
ou,myself
,Sophi
eandmy
l
itt
lesister
.DrJamesandhisgir
lf
ri
endar
enot
sureiftheywil
lmakei
t
Tony
:ok.MustIbr
ingsomet
hing?
DrSei
so:
nope.Justbr
ingy
our
sel
f
Tony:
surebuddy.Iwi
l
lfi
nall
ygettomeett
he
l
it
tl
esist
eryouhavebeental
kingabout
DrSei
so:
asweetl
i
ttl
ethi
ng
ATWORK

Lent
le:
myf
ri
end
Me:
hel
l
o
(shehuggedmet
ightandki
ssedmeonbot
h
cheeks)
Lent
le:
hel
l
ogi
rl
fr
iend
Me:
hiLent
le
Lent
le:
howhav
eyoubeen?(
shewasf
ull
of
smil
es)
Me:
Ihav
ebeenwel
l
Lent
le:
gir
lyouar
egl
owi
ngandy
oul
ook
cont
ent
Me:(smil
i
ng)honestl
yIm content.Il
i
veonmy
own,Ihaveal
lthefr
eedom, Ihaveajob;
what
morecouldIaskfor
Lent
le:
yahneh.Howf
arar
eyouwi
thschool
?
Me:owaii
,Istoppedaft
ermyjuni
orcert
if
icate.I
wasgoingthroughalotsoIdi
dntmanaget ogo
backtoschoolthi
syear.Ipl
anstar
ti
ngin
Januar
y
Lent
le:
that
sgr
eat
Me:I
m savingmoneysot
hatIcanpayt
utor
s
andpayschoolf
ees
Lent
le:
that
sagr
eati
dea.
Me:Idesper
atel
ywantt
ohav
eaf
ormf
ive
cer
ti
fi
cate
Lent
le:
youshoul
d
Me:
Iwi
l
l.Howi
sev
ery
thi
ngony
oursi
de?
Lentl
e:ev
ery
thi
ngisgr
eat.I
m donewit
hmy
studi
esandIwi
llbegr
aduati
nginafewmont
hs
Me:
congr
atul
ati
onsmyf
ri
end(
Igav
eherahug)
Lent
le:
thanky
ou.Tshegot
lhemmacanwebe
f
ri
endsagain.t
obehonestwi
thy
ou,Iwasnot
i
nter
estedi
nPuso.Iwant
edhimtof
indmea
man.You
Me:i
tdoesntmatt
erany
mor
e.PusoandIar
e
nott
oget
heranymore
Lentl
e:canIgi
vey
ouanhonestopi
nionmy
fr
iend
Me:
yah
Lent
le:Pusol
ovedy oudearl
yitsjustthatt
her
e
wastoomuchpr essurefr
om outside.Your
brot
hermessedy ourr
elat
ionship
Me: y
oudontknowanythi
ngmyf ri
end.There
aresomethi
ngsthathappenedbetweenme
andPusothatwerehi
sowndong, nopressure
nothi
ng.
Lent
le:
Im sor
rymyf
ri
end
Me:
itsok
Lent
le:
arey
ouseei
ngany
one?
Me:
nopeandI
m notsear
chi
ng.You?
Lent
le:
Imi narelat
ionshi
pandthi
ngsarej
ust
soperf
ect.Ihavebeenseeingt
heguyforafew
monthsandIcantcompl ai
n
Me:
im happyf
ory
ou
Lent
le:
canwebef
ri
endsagai
n?
Me:
itsf
ine
Lent
le:
(hug)t
hanky
ousomuchmyf
ri
end.Lov
e
you
Me:
lov
eyout
oo
Lent
le:
arey
oust
il
lusi
ngt
hesamenumber
?
Me:
yes
Lent
le:
Iwi
llcall
you.Ihav
etor
un(
hug)i
twas
ni
cemeeti
ngy ou

DI
MPHOSWORKPLACE
(
what
sappconv
ersat
ion)
Thor
iso:
hel
l
obeaut
if
ul
Di
mpho:
hel
l
ohandsome
Thor
iso:
howar
eyoudoi
ng?
Di
mpho:
soso
Thor
iso:
whatcanIdot
ocheery
ouup?
Di
mpho:
Idontknow
Thor
iso:
whatar
eyoudoi
ng?
Di
mpho:
typi
ngar
epor
t
Thor
iso:
sendmeapicsot
hatIcanseehow
youl
ookwhenyouar
ebusy
(
shesentapi
c)
Di
mpho:
thi
sismewhenI
m atwor
k
Thor
iso:
youl
ookbeaut
if
uli
nthatsui
t
Di
mpho:
thanky
ou.Sendmey
ourpi
c
(
hedi
d)
Thor
iso:
that
smebabe
Di
mpho:
youar
eanar
myof
fi
cer
?
Thor
iso:
yes.Di
dntIt
ell
you?
Di
mpho:
no.wher
ear
eyoubased?
Thor
iso:
Thebephat
shwa
Dimpho:wait
!Youpr
obabl
yworkwi
thmy
husband.Tef
oMotswasel
e,doy
ouknowhi
m?
Thor
iso:
youar
emaj
orMot
swasel
eswi
fe?
Di
mpho:
yes.Doy
ouwor
kwi
thhi
m?
Thori
so:
notreal
l
ybutIhav
emethi
m acoupl
e
ofti
meshereatwor
k
Di
mpho:
ok
Thor
iso:
isi
tgoi
ngt
obeapr
obl
em
Di
mpho:
Idontt
hinkso
Thor
iso:
asl
ongaswebehav
e,r
ight
?
Di
mpho:
yah
Thor
iso:
sowhenar
ewemeet
ing?
Di
mpho:
cany
oucomet
oMol
epol
oleaf
terwor
k?
Thor
iso:
def
ini
tel
y
Di
mpho:
wewi
l
lmeetaf
terhour
sthen
Thor
iso:
Ilov
eyou
Di
mpho:
Ilov
eyoumor
e.
(
sheputt
hephoneawaysmi
l
ing)

2pm &8pm
NO.65

TEFO'
SHOUSE

(
Tefosatont
hebedwat
chi
ngDi
mphoappl
yi
ng
make-
up)
Tef
o:ar
eyougoi
ngsomewher
e?
Di
mpho:
isn'
ti
tobv
ious?
Tefo:
Dimphot
hegi
rl
sneedy
ourl
oveand
att
enti
on
Di
mpho:
Iknow
Tef
o:whydon'
tyoumaket
imef
ort
hem t
hen?
Di
mpho:
haker
eIseemyki
dsev
eryni
ght
Tefo:Dimphoyoucomebackhomelat
eev
ery
nightandtheki
dsneverr
eal
l
yspendti
mewit
h
you
Dimpho:It
oldyouthatit
'shecti
catworkthat'
s
whyIknockoffveryl
ate.Iknockoffl
atethenI
havetotr
avelbacktoMol epol
olef
rom
Gaboroneandnowy ouwantmet ospendtime
wit
hthekids.ComeonTef o
Tefo:Iknowthi
ngsarehecti
cforyouduringthe
week,that'
swhyI'
m suggest
ingthatyoucreate
ti
mef ortheki
dsduri
ngweekends.Dimphoi t'
s
aSaturdayandyoushouldbespendingti
me
wi
tht
hegi
rl
s
Dimpho: (shout
ing)TefoIknockof flateever
y
day,Idriv
eal ongdistanceever
yday ,Ihar
dly
havet i
met omy self
.Cany oupleasest opgui
lt
tr
ippingmeandl etmehav efunforachange?I
will
spendt imewi t
hthekidstomor row
Tef
o:ok
(
Moll
ywal
kedi
ntot
her
oom andhuggedher
mum)
Mol
l
y:mummy
Di
mpho:hel
l
awena,
thesepant
sar
ewhi
te.
Move!
(
Mol
l
ymov
edbackast
ear
sfi
l
ledherey
es)
Tef
o:shei
sjustachi
l
dDi
mpho
Di
mpho:
mxm!
Tef
o:what
'
sgoi
ngonwi
thy
ou?
Di
mpho:
(taki
nghermakeupbagandhandbag)
Iwi
l
lfi
nisht
hisi
nmycar
Tefo:(
huggingMoll
y)mummyhast obe
somewheremygi r
l.Shewi
ll
spendtimewi t
h
youtomorrow.Howaboutgoingoutfori
ce
cream?
Mol
l
y:(
smi
l
ing)i
t’
sni
ce
(
Lisawal
kedi
ntot
her
oom)
Tefo:Li
sagoandtellaunt
ytopr
epar
eyouso
thatwecangoforicecream
Li
sa:
yeahhhhhh
Tef
o:gohur
ryupgi
rl
s!
(
Thegi
rl
sranoutoft
her
oom chuckl
i
nghappi
l
y)
Di
mpho:
bye
Tefo:Ican'
tbel
i
eveyouDi
mpho.Iknowyou
don'tl
ovemeany mor
ebutwhathavet
heki
ds
donetoy ou?
Di
mpho:
don'
tst
artok.Don'
t!
Tef
o:enj
oyy
our
sel
f
Di
mpho:
Iwi
l
ldef
ini
tel
y
Tef
o:l
i
feohl
i
fe.
(
Dimphowalkedoutleavi
ngTef
olooki
ngather
wi
theyesf
ullofanger)

Lat
erdur
ingt
heday
..
..
..

TEFO'
SHOME

(Tefosatonapl asti
cchairwat chi
nghis
daughtersplayi
ngwi t
htheirbicycl
es.Hi
smi nd
keptwonder i
ngoffbuthet ri
edbyal lmeansto
playwiththem acti
vel
y)
Li
sa:
fuel
mycarpl
ease
Tefo:
..
..
..
..
.(Absentminded.Hewasdeepl
y
thi
nki
ngabouthi swif
e'sbehavi
or)
Li
sa:hel
l
o.Fuel
mycarpl
ease,
(shet
ouched
Tef
o)
Tef
o:oh.Howmuchdoy
ouhav
e?
Li
sa:
50t
hebe
Tefo:
(hegi
ggledashetookanoldhosepipe
andpret
endedtobeafuelat
tendant
)it
’sdone
youcangomadam
(
Mol
l
ypar
kedherbi
cycl
enextt
oTef
o'schai
r)
Mol
l
y:f
uel
Tefo:yourcardoesn'tneedf uel
.Letmecheck
thety
repr essure(hepretendedtobechecki
ng
tyr
epressur e)i
t'
sdoney oucango.Hav easafe
j
ourney(hesmi ledatMol ly
)
(thegir
lschuckl
edhappi
lyast heyr
odetheir
bicycl
esgoingaroundt
hehousebef orecoming
tothepetrolst
ati
onagai
n.meanwhi let
heir
fatherwasinalotofemotionalpai
nandhehad
manyquest i
onsinhismind)
GLENVALLEY

Thor
iso:t
hatwasawesome(
hesai
dput
ti
ngon
hi
sbrief
s)
Dimpho:t
hanks.Ienj
oyedi
ttoo(shepul
l
eda
sheett
ocoverhernakedbody)
Thor
iso:
I'
m gl
ad.Whatt
imear
ewegoi
ngback?
Di
mpho:
shoul
dwer
eal
l
ygoback?
Thori
so:babyy
ouar
emar
ri
edsowehav
etobe
car
eful
Di
mpho:
Iknow.Il
ovespendi
ngt
imewi
thy
ou
Thor
iso:
Iknowbabe(
heki
ssedheront
heneck)
Di
mpho:
Ilov
eyou
Thoriso:
Ilov
eyoutoo.May
bewecanleav
e
around7pm andyoucanbehomeat9pm
Di
mpho:
9pm i
stooear
lyf
orme.Iwantt
obe
homearound11pm.Iwantt
ofi
ndt
hatman
andhi
skidsfastasl
eep
Thor
iso:
youdon'
twanthi
m haker
e?
Di
mpho:
atal
latal
l
Thori
so:hakeremmey ouknowIcan'
tcommi
t
toyouful
lybecauseIhaveababymama.We
arej
ustpassingti
mebasical
ly
Di
mpho:Iknowandt hear
rangementi
sfi
neby
me.Wearejusthav
ingfun
Thor
iso:
I'
m gl
adweunder
standeachot
her
Dimpho:
lewenarr
a,don'
tmakei
tsobor
ingby
const
ant
lyr
emindi
ngme
Thor
iso:
(hegotontopofherandst
art
ed
ki
ssi
ngher)sor
ryl
ove.Sor
rybabe

SEI
SO'
SHOUSE
DrSei
so:
myf
ri
endwi
l
lbej
oini
ngusshor
tl
y.
Me:
ok
Sophi
e:okl
ove
(
anA4dr
ovei
n)
DrSei
so:
ther
ehei
s
(thecarremi
ndedmeofTony '
scarbutIdidn'
t
thinkmuchaboutitunt
ilIsawhim get
ti
ngout
oft hecar
.DrSei
sowentt ohel
phim carr
ysome
plasti
cbagsfrom t
hecar)
Sophi
e:doy
ouknowhi
m?Youl
ooksur
pri
sed
Me:
kindof
.It
'sasmal
lwor
ldwel
i
vei
n
Sophi
e:y
ah.Hei
sSei
so'
sbestf
ri
end
(
Tonyl
ookedatmeandst
opped)
Tony
:ist
hisy
ou?
Me:
hi(
Iwasshy
)
DrSei
so:
soy
ouknowmyl
i
ttl
esi
sterTony
?
Tony
:thi
sismyTshego
DrSei
so:
wai
t
Sophi
e:guy
sI'
m her
e
Tony:
it'
sherSei
so.Shei
stheoneIwast
alki
ng
about
DrSei
so:
dudet
hisi
smyl
i
ttl
esi
ster
Tony
:ohwow!
DrSeiso:l
etmeputyouont hemapmyl ov
e.My
l
it
tlesist
eri
sthemyster
iousgir
lTonyhasbeen
t
alkingabout
Sophi
e:ohr
eal
l
y?
DrSei
so:yes.TonyIdi
dn'tknowy
ouwer
e
t
alki
ngaboutTshegoallalong
Tony:letmegoandputt
hesepl
ast
icbagsi
n
thekit
chenandcomebacktogi
veTshegoa
properhug
(
hel
eftandcameback)
DrSeiso:Imusti
ntroduceyouproperly.Sophi
e
andTonyknoweachot her
,Sophieknowsy ou
Tshegoandnow; Tshegothisismybestf ri
end
Tony,Tonythi
sismysweetl it
tl
esisterTshego
Tony:hell
oTshego,i
t'
snicet
omeetyouagain
(hesmi l
edandgentl
ypul
ledmebymylefthand.
Istoodupandhehuggedme)t hi
sti
meyou
won'trunawayfrom me
Me:
hel
l
oTony
Sophi
e:tel
lmesomethingguy
s;ar
eyou
i
nter
estedinoneanot
her?
Tony:
Ilov
ethi
sgi
rlbutshedoesn'
twantme.
Guysputi
nagoodwordf orme
(
theyl
aughed)
DrSei
so:
thi
sismysi
sterandmyf
ri
endcan'
t
dat
emysist
er
Tony:don'
ttel
lmey ouar
egoi
ngt
omar
ryy
our
si
sterandgiveherki
ds
Sophi
e:y
ewwww!
Tony:
exactly(hehuggedmywaistandl
ooked
i
ntomyey es.Ifel
tshyandl
ookeddown)it
'sso
goodtoseey ouTshego
Me:
mypl
easur
e
DrSei
so:
leav
ethechi
l
dal
one.l
et'
sgobr
aai
somemeat
Sophi
e:t
heguyl
i
kesy
ouTshego
Me:
..
..
..
.
NO.66

DRSEI
SO'
SHOUSE

(
theguy
swer
ebr
aai
ngt
hemeat
)
DrSei
so:
youar
eunusual
l
yqui
et
Tony:I'
mtr
yingtoaddoneandonetomaket
wo.
I
'm basi
cal
l
yt r
yingt
oaddthei
nfor
mati
onyou
gavemet othei
nformati
onTshegogavemeso
thatIcanf
igur
eoutwhat'sgoingonwit
hher
.
Tshegoisanicegir
landI'
mf all
i
ngreal
l
yhar
d
forher
DrSeiso:shei
sagoodperson.andshei
s
si
ngle(hesmil
ed)unav
ail
ableandnot
sear
ching
Tony
:di
dyouhav
etoaddt
hat
?
DrSei
so:
justsoy
ouknow(
hewi
nked)
Tony:
whatexact
lyhappenedt
hatbr
okeTshego
sobad?
DrSeiso:whaty ouneedtoknowi sthatTshego
wasbet r
ayedbyherexboy f
riendinthemost
hurt
fulway .WhenImethershewasbr okenand
hopelessthat'
swhyIdecidedt ocaref orher
andhelphergat hert
hebrokenpi eces.Theguy
di
dtheunt hinkabl
etoTshegoandi thaslefther
wit
haper manentemot ionalscar
Tony
:Isee.Whatexact
lydi
dhedo?
DrSei
so:
Iwon'
tgoi
ntospeci
fi
cdet
ail
s
Tony :
Isometimesfor
getwhoy ouare;
the
secretkeeper
.IknowI'
m notgoingt
ogetmor
e
thanwhaty ouhaveal
readyt
oldme
DrSeiso:
youwon'
t.Tshegoi
stheonewhowi
l
l
t
elly
ouaboutit
,notme
Tony
:ok.Il
ovey
oursi
ster
DrSei
so:y
ouhav
eQueen(concer
nedf
ace)
.I
wil
ldoany
thi
ngt
opr
otectTshego
Tony
:ifIl
eav
eQueenwi
l
lyoul
etmedat
eher
?
DrSei
so: def
ini
tely.YouareaniceguyandI
knowyouwi l
l t
reatmysisterr
ightbutr
ight
now..
..
.(heshookhi shead)
Tony:
Iknow.i
fonl
yIcanbef
ri
endswi
thherf
or
now
DrSei
so:goodi
dea.Pleasedon'
tdat
eTshego
whi
leyouarest
il
ldat
ingQueen
Tony
:IswearIwon'
t(smi
l
ing)shei
sbeaut
if
ul
DrSei
so:
shei
s
Tony
:Il
oveher
DrSei
so:
soy
oukeepsay
ing
Tony
:Ipr
omi
seIwon'
tbr
eakherhear
t
DrSei
so:
yout
alkasi
fshei
syour
sal
ready
Tony:
Iwon'
tsl
eepunti
lshei
smi ne.Ial
way
s
pi
ctur
eherwi
thmyringonherf
inger
DrSei
so:
gonemmey
oucanmakeagr
eat
coupl
e
Tony
:nowy
ouar
etal
ki
ngmyl
anguage
DrSei
so:shei
sfragil
eTony,
sheneedsl
ove,
pamperi
ngandnurtur
ing,
don'
thur
ther
Tony
:IswearIwon'
t
DrSei
so:
Icant
ell
shef
eel
ssomet
hingf
ory
ou
Tony
:real
l
y?(
hesmi
l
ed)
DrSei
so:
yes.
Tony
:ohwow!Queeni
twasgoodknowi
ngy
ou
DrSei
so:
notsof
astbuddy

I
ntheki
tchen.
..
..

Sophi
e:i
sTonyi
nter
est
edi
nyou?
Me:
yes
Sophi
e:so?
Me:
what
?
Sophi
e:ar
eyoui
nter
est
edi
nhi
m?
Me:
kindof
Sophi
e:l
i
ttl
esi
s,t
hat
'snotananswer
Me:
it'
scompl
i
cat
ed
Sophi
e:how?
Me:
tel
lmeaboutTony
Sophi
e:Tonyi
sani
ceguy
;hei
sjustanor
dinar
y
guy
.
Me:
doeshehav
eagi
rl
fr
iend?
Sophie:y
oudidn'theart
hisf
rom me.From what
Iheardfr
om Seiso,Tonyandhi
sgir
lfr
iendare
breaki
ngup.Thingshavenotbeenwor ki
ng
betweenthem
Me:
sot
heyar
est
il
ltoget
her
?
Sophi
e:I
'm notreall
ysur
eaboutt
hatone.You
canaskhimy oursel
f
Me:
hesay
stheybr
okeup
Sophie:
Iknowaboutaweekagot hei
r
rel
ati
onshi
pwasgoingthr
oughar oughpat
ch
soIguesstheymi
ghthavebrokenup
Me:
ok.Howf
arar
eyouwi
tht
hechakal
aka?
Sophi
e:I
'
m al
mostdone
Me:
ok.Tel
lmemor
eaboutTony
Sophi
e:honest
ly,
Tonyi
sani
ceguy
.Iknowhe
i
snotthecheati
ngtype.Hehadbeenwi
thhis
ex-
gir
lf
ri
endforyear
s.Hehasagoodheart
Me:
any
thi
ngnegat
iveabouthi
m?
Sophie:I'
m goingt ogi vey out hisinformat i
on
abouthi m butyoubet hej udgeofwhet herit
’s
negativeorpositive.Itwillbasi call
ydependon
whoy ouareandwhaty oul ikeordi sli
ke.Tony
smokes. .
..
...
..
..
.cigarettes( shel ookedatme
probablytoseemyr eaction) ,
hedr i
nksal cohol
,
helikesfun,helikespar t
yingandat tendingchill
sessionsandot heract ivi
ties
Me:
(smi
l
ing)ok
Sophie:hei
sav eryquietguy .heonlytal
ks
whenhei swit
hSei so.Whenot herguysjoi
n
them hebecomesqui et.Oh!Andhel i
kesmusic.
Whenwear ehav i
ngachi llsessionhewi l
lbe
l
isteni
ngtousandl ist
eningtomusi catt
he
samet i
meandt appinghisr i
ghtlegt obeexact
Me:
youar
ever
yobser
vant
Sophie:Tonyi
sanint
eresti
ngguyifyouknow
whatImean.WhenIf i
rstsawhim Iwonder
ed
aboutthiswhi
teguywhospeaksfluent
SetswanasoIobserv
edhi m al
ot
Me:
oh(
Iwassmi
l
ing)
Sophie:
don'
tbef
ool
edbyhisl
ooks,Tonyisa
ty
picalMot
swanawhoeat
ssorghum por
ri
dge
Me:
asi
nmot
ogo?
Sophi
e:t
ingl
egone
Me:
ohwow!Hesoundsi
nter
est
ing
Sophi
e:hei
sani
ceguy
.Il
ovehi
schar
act
er
Me:
ok
(wef i
nishedcookingandputt hef
oodinservi
ng
dishes.Wet hentookthedishesoutsi
de.The
guyshadal readyputthemeati naser
vingbowl
aswel l
.Wedi shedforthem andweallsat
downeat i
ng.Welist
enedtomusi cwhil
eeati
ng.
Idon'tknowi fi
twasintent
ionalorwhatbutI
foundmy sel
fsit
tingnextt oTony .Hedidn'tsay
mucht omeandIunder stoodthequietness
Sophiewasdescr ibing.Itwasabeaut i
fulnight
andIenjoyedeverymoment .Aroundmi dnight
wedecidedtocal litanight.DrSeisotrusted
Tonyenought olethi m dropmeof f)

Tony:
Ithoughtyoul
ookedbeaut
if
uli
ny our
uni
for
m.Youl ookmuchmorebeauti
ful
inyour
ownclot
hes
Me:
thanks
Tony
:am Igoi
ngt
ogety
ournumber
?
Me:
sur
e
Tony
:real
l
y?
Me:
yes,
bef
oreIchangemymi
nd
(
hegav
emehi
sphoneandIsav
edmynumber
)
Tony:t
hanky
ousomuchTshego.CanIcal
lyou
anyt
ime?
Me:
sur
e
Tony:Iwasseri
ouswhenIsaidIl
oveyou.Ij
ust
needthatonechancetoshowyouthatI
'
m
di
ffer
entandIwill
treaty
oudif
fer
entl
y
Me:
buty
ouknowmyr
easonsr
ight
?
Tony:
Idobut
..
..
..
.comeonTshego.i
sai
dIcan
hel
pyouachi
eveyourdr
eams
Me:
giv
emeabi
toft
ime
Tony
:2y
ear
s?
Me:(
Igi
ggl
ed)Iwi
l
llety
ouknowwhenI
'
m
r
eady
Tony
:ok.l
etmenotpushmyl
uck
Me:
youbet
ternot
(
webot
hgi
ggl
ed)
Tony
:lef
torr
ightt
urn?
Me:
rightt
urn.Thi
rdhouseony
ourl
eft
(
hest
oppedatmygat
e)
Tony
:ther
eisnooneathome?Imeant
hel
i
ght
s
ar
eoff
Me:
Ist
ayal
one
Tony:oh.Letmeaccompanyyoutothehouse
andleaveonceIcanseet
hatever
ythi
ngisin
order
Me:
Iwi
l
lbef
ine
Tony:(hegotoutofthecarandopenedt hecar
doorformeandcl osedi taft
erIgotout
.he
openedthegateandl etmei nbeforeheclosed
i
t.hethenlockedhiscarandweheadedt ot he
house.hewaitedbythedoorasIwasunl ocking
i
t.Ifel
tembarrassedbecausehewasgoi ngt o
seethatIdon'
thav eelectr
ici
tyandourhousei s
notplast
ered)
Me:
youcangonow
Tony
:swi
tchont
hel
i
ght
(
Itookt
heboxofmat
cheswher
eIusual
l
yputi
t,
r
ightbyt
hedoorf
rame)
Me:
youcangonow
Tony:ok(Icoul
dsenset
hathi
smoodhad
dropped)besafe
Me:
Iwi
l
lbef
ine
Tony
:comegi
vemeahug
(
weshar
edal
onghug)
Tony
:haveal
ovel
yni
ghtbabe.CanIcomeand
pi
ckyouupanddr
opyouoffatworktomor
row
Me:
I'
m of
ftomor
row
Tony
:oh.CanIcomeandseey
ou?
Me:
no
Tony
:canIcal
l
?
Me:
sur
e
Tony:thanks.Hal
fal
oafofbr
eadi
sbet
tert
han
nothi
ng
Me:
exact
ly
(wegiggled,sharedanot
herhugbef
orehel
eft
.I
str
uggledt ofal
lasleept
hatni
ght
.TonywaslI
wasthinkingabout)
Me:(tal
kingloudl
y)t
akei
teasyTshegof
atso.
Focus!Focus!

TEFO'
SHOUSE

(
Dimphoar
ri
vedhomear
oundmi
dni
ght
)
Tef
o:Di
mpho!
Di
mpho:
heee?
Tef
o:i
t'
spastmi
dni
ght
Dimpho:(
taki
ngoffhershoes)i
fyouhav
e
anyt
hingt
osay ,
sayital
ready
Tef
o:ar
eyoucheat
ing?
Di
mpho:
Idon'
tconsi
deri
tcheat
ingbecausewe
agr
eedthatthingsar
enotwor kingbetweenus.
Kant
edidntweagr eethatdi
vorceisthebest
wayoutofthismiserabl
esit
uation?
Tef
o:wehav
en'
tev
enst
art
edt
hepr
ocess
Di
mpho:
whatar
ewewai
ti
ngf
or?
Tef
o:soy
ouar
eser
iousaboutdi
vor
ce?
Dimpho:
yes.Will
youst
artt
hepr
ocessor
shoul
dIstar
tit
?
Tef
o:It
hinkweshoul
dseeacounsel
or
Di
mpho:
it'
sali
tt
letoolat
efort
hat(
shesmi
l
ed
t
aki
ngof
fherearr
ings)
NO.67

(IwokeuplatebecauseIst
ruggledt osl
eept he
previ
ousni
ght.Ibathedver
yquickly,appl
ied
l
otionanddressed.Iwassti
ll
applyingabi tof
makeupwhenIhear daknockont hedoor .I
wasgoingtobel at
eforworksoIdi dn'
twanna
openthedoorf orwhoeverwasknocki
ng.iwalk
toworkev er
ymor ni
ngandittakesagood15
minutes.Ionlycat
chataxiaft
erworkbecauseI
knockofflateandtir
ed)
Tony
:Tshego
Me:
(Ismi
l
ed)whoi
sthat
?
Tony
:Tony
Me:
mor
ning(
Iopenedt
hedoorf
orhi
m)
Tony
:hel
l
o(hegav
emeahug)howwasy
our
ni
ght?
Me:
I'
mlat
eforwor
k
Tony
:howl
ate?
Me:
Ihav
etobeatwor
kat7
Tony
:buti
tsonl
y6:
40
Me:
itt
akes15mi
nut
esf
ormet
ogett
owor
k
Tony
:youwal
k?
Me:
yes
Tony
:why
?
Me:i
tsmyexerci
se.Agai
nusi
ngataxi
toand
f
rom wor
kisexpensi
ve.I
.Sav
ingf
ormystudi
es
Tony:ar
ey ousurei
t'
sOKt
owal
kthatdi
stance
ever
ymor ning?
Me: y
ah(Ihatethi
ski
ndofconv
ersat
ions
becausetheysomehowmakemedemot ivat
ed)
Tony
:Ibr
oughty
ousomebr
eakf
ast
Me:
wher
edi
dyoubuyt
hebr
eakf
astt
hisear
ly?
Tony:youtakemef orgrant
edwai t
se.Iwokeup
at5sot hatIcoul
dprepareaf ul
lEngl
ish
breakf
astforyouandthisisthethankyouIget
?
Me:
Idi
dn'
tthi
nky
ouknowhowt
ocook
Tony
:whodi
dyout
hinkcooksf
orme?
Me:
(smi
l
ing)Idon'
tknow.CanIgo?
Tony:I
'
m droppingyouof
f.youcanhav
eti
meto
eaty
ourbreakfastsi
nceI
'm dr
oppi
ngyouof
f
Me:
thanks
(Iar
ri
vedatwor k10mi nutesearl
yandIused
theti
met ohavemybr eakfastandchatwith
Tony.Heisav eryi
nter
estingandcaringguyI
mustadmi t
.Afteral
lSeisoisnottheonlycar
ing
guyintheworldsoIbet t
erstopcryi
ngforhim
andacceptthatheiswi t
hsomeoneel se)

(
phoneconv
ersat
ion)

Tony
:heybuddy
Sei
so:
hey(
hey
awned)
Tony:t
hatyawnsay
sal
otaboutwhat
happenedl
astni
ght
Sei
so:y
ahneh.I'
mli
vi
ngtheli
fe.I
t'
ssoni
cet
o
wakeupnextt
oSophieev
erymorning
Tony:nowyouunderst
andwhyInol
ongerwant
thi
slongdi
stancenonsense?
Sei
so:
Ido.Idomyman
Tony
:Ididn'
tcal
ltodi
scussyourni
ght
.Ar
en'
t
youworr
iedaboutTshego?
Sei
so:
whatabouther
?
Tony
:youhav
ebeent
oherpl
ace,
right
?
Sei
so:
yes
Tony
:I'
m nothappywi
thherl
i
vingcondi
ti
on
Seiso:Tshegoi sdoingfi
ne.sheusedtostay
withherbrot heri
nahouset hati
ssupposedt o
becomf ortablebutitwasnot.Shehadital
l,TV,
radio,
elect
r i
citybutshewasnthappy.Sheis
muchhappi ernow
Tony
:I'
m notconv
inced
Sei
so:y
ouwannapl ayhero?(hel
aughed)so
youwereatTshegoshousethismorni
ng?
Tony
:yes.Ij
ustdr
oppedheratwor
k
Sei
so:
Tonypl
ease.Youhav
eQueen,
stop
l
eadi
ngt
hepoorchi
l
don
Tony
:I'
m donewi
thQueen
Sei
so:
doessheknowi
t?
Tony:no.I
'
m wai
tngf
ort
shegot
ogi
vemeay
es
then.
Seiso:
trustmeont hi
sone, i
fTshegohear
sthat
therei
sQueeni nthepict
uresheisgoi
ngto
dropyouf ast
erthanyoucanprocess
Tony
:Iwi
l
lseewhatt
odo
Sei
so:
pleasedo
Tony:y
oudon'tsoundhappyaboutmeaski
ng
yoursi
sterout
Sei
so:becausether
ei sanot
hergir
lint
he
pi
ctur
e.Tshegoisfragil
eandIfeelt
hati
t'
smy
dut
ytoprotecther
Tony:Iwi
l
ldotheri
ghtt
hing.Igott
ogo,
my
l
ectur
ehasstar
ted
Sei
so:
lat
er

TEFO'
SHOUSE

(
Asusual
Dimphocamehomev
eryl
ate)
Tef
o:Di
mphowher
ear
eyoucomi
ngf
rom?
Di
mpho:
wor
k
Tef
o:at11pm?
Di
mpho:
yes
Tef
o:Di
mphoar
eyoucheat
ing?
Di
mpho:
I'
m get
ti
ngt
ir
edoft
hisquest
ion
Tef
o:Dimphokanawear
est
il
lmarriedand
whatyouar
edoingi
spur
edi
srespect
Di
mpho:asf
arasI
'
m concer
nedwear
e
di
vor
cing
Tef
o:ehe?
Di
mpho:
yes
Tef
o:ar
eyoudi
vor
cingt
heki
dsaswel
l
?
Di
mpho:
Tef
oI'
mti
redok.Ineedt
osl
eep
(herphonebeepedandTefojumpedtogeti
t.
Dimpholookedathim andsmil
ed.Hetri
edt
o
readthemessagebutthephonerequi
reda
securi
tycode)
Tef
o:unl
ockt
hisphone
Di
mpho:
no
Tefo:whendidy
oust
arthav
ingsecur
it
ycodei
n
yourphone?
Dimpho:canIpleasesl
eep?Ihavetowakeup
at4am soIcan'tbeansweri
ngtoughquest
ions
atthi
sti
meoft henight
Tefo:
Dimphoy
ouar
egoi
ngt
oregr
etev
ery
thi
ng
youaredoi
ngt
ome
Dimpho:
Ithi
nkIshoul
dmov
etot
hespar
e
bedr
oom
Tef
o:(thr
owingt hephoneather )what
ever
sui
tsyou.Mov etonightsothatIcansl
eepwi t
h
mygir
lsandgi vethem adoubledoseofl ov
eto
compensateforthegapl ef
tbytheirmother
Di
mpho:youl
i
kebl
owi
ngt
hingsoutof
pr
opor
ti
on
(sheputallhercl
othesi
nabigl
aundrybasket
andmov edt hem t
othespar
ebedroom.Tefo
watchedherasshecamebackf ormoreofher
personalbelongi
ngs)
Tefo:maybei
t’
sbet
tert
hiswaybecausey
ou
don'tev
enwantmetotouchyou
Di
mpho:whohasappet
it
eforsexwhent
hey
ar
ethi
sti
red?
Tef
o:Di
mphoy
ouhav
echangedov
erni
ght
Di
mpho:
what
ever
Tefo:
maybeIshouldbet
hankful
thatyou
ref
usetomakelovetome.Youareprobabl
y
sav
ingmef
rom STI
s
Dimpho:(angr
y)shutup!Yoursi st
eristheone
whowi l
lgetSTIs.Isawherwi t
hawhi teman
whenIhadnotev enfi
nishedprocessi
ngthe
factt
hatsheisdat i
ngSeiso
Tef
o:Tshegoissi
ngl
esoshei
sfr
eet
odat
e
whoevershewant
sto
Di
mpho:
exceptPuso
Tef
o: (
hotsl
apacr
osst
hef
ace)shutupy
ou
whore!
Di
mpho:
didy
ouj
usthi
tme?
Tef
o:babeI
'
m sor
ry(
remor
sef
ul)
Dimpho:
youwi
l
lbesor
rywhenI
'
m donewi
th
you
Tef
o:ar
eyoucal
l
ingt
hepol
i
ce?
Di
mpho:
no.
(
sheputhercl
othesbackonandl
eft
.Tef
o
waitedforherunt il
hef el
lasleepar ound4am.
hewokeupat6am andhel pedt hehelperto
preparethekidsf orschool.Hedr oppedthe
kidsatschool andwentt owor k.Hest ayedi
n
theoffi
cebrieflyandwentt ot hehospi tal
.A
doctorgavehimt woday ssickl eaveandhe
wentbackhomewher ehef oundhi suncle
waiti
ngforhim)

Uncl
e:Tef
ohe?
Tef
o:uncl
e?
Uncl
e:wher
edi
dyourwi
fesl
eep?
Tef
o:Idon'
tknow
Uncl
e:whatdi
dyoudoabouti
t?
Tefo:Ihav
ebeent
ryi
ngt
ocal
lherbutshei
snot
taki
ngmycall
s
Uncl
e:yourwi
fesl
eptatmyhouse.car
eto
expl
ainwhy?
Tef
o:uncl
e,Di
mphocomeshomel
ateev
ery
ni
ghtandshenegl
ect
stheki
ds
Uncl
e:andt
hatwar
rant
sphy
sical
abuse?
Tef
o:nouncl
e
Uncle:TefowhatdidIsaytoyouaboutbeati
ng
yourwife?(si
l
ence)doy ouknowthatDimpho
wasr eadytorepor
tyouatthepoli
cestati
on
andIbeggedherony ourbehalf
Tef
o:(
sad)Iwi
l
lnotr
aisemyhandt
oheragai
n
Uncl
e:goodbecausei
fyoudoIper
sonal
l
ywill
seetoi
tthaty
ougetagoodwhippi
ngatthe
cust
omarycourt
Tef
o:(
swal
l
owi
ngapai
nful
lump)y
esuncl
e
Uncl
e:war
ewhat
'
sgoi
ngoni
nthi
shouse?
Tefo:Di
mphocomeshomeaf termidni
ghtona
dai
lybasis.Shehasmov edtothespare
bedroom.Shedoesn'tcareabouttheki
ds
anymore.Ihavetr
iedtal
kingtoherbutit
'snot
hel
ping.Accor
dingt
oherweareasgoodas
di
vorcedsoshebehavesasshepl
eases
Uncl
e:hei
!Nowyouhav
emessedupt
hei
ssue
byassaul
ti
ngher
Tefo:Iwon'
ttouchheragai
n.Iwil
lj
ustwat
ch
herdoingasshepleases.I
t'
sfi
ne
Uncle:
hei,
IwishIcoul
dhel
pbut(heshookhi
s
head)Dimphoiskeenondi
vor
cingyou
Tefo:shecangoaheadi
t'
sfi
ne.IswearDimpho
hasfoundanothermant
hat'
swhyshet r
eats
mel i
keanothi
ng
Uncle:
focusonr
aisi
ngy
ourchi
l
drenandi
gnor
e
herson
Tefo:i
gnor
eherhowwhenwest
ayi
nthesame
house?
Uncle:
shesaidsheismov i
ngout.Ineedtogo
andseeherparentssothatwecansitandtal
k
aboutthi
sissuebecauseIdon'
tseeitendi
ng
peacef
ull
y.I
tneedst
obeaddr
essed
Tef
o:eer
ra
(af
terhisuncleleftTefosatonhisbedt hinki
ng
hard.HeknewDi mphowasadi ff
icul
tpersonto
dealwithbutherr ecentbehavi
orwason
anotherlev
el.Hesuspect edthatDimphoi s
cheati
ngandt hat'
swhathur thimt hemost )
NO.69

(TonyandSei
sohadcomet ocheckif
every
thi
ngwasgoingwell
.i
twasgoingtobe
mymot her
'st
ombstoneunvei
l
ingthenextday
.
Theyhadbeenver
yhelpf
ul)
Sei
so:It
houghtQueenwasgoi
ngt
ofi
ndi
t
di
ff
icul
ttoacceptt
hebr
eakup
Tony
:it
'sdi
ff
icul
tforher
Sei
so:Ithoughtshewasgoi
ngt
obei
mpossi
ble
andthr
owt antr
ums
Tony:shei
ssad.Shewascal
li
ngmeever
y
secondapol
ogizi
ngandwheni
tbecamet
oo
muchIblockedher
Sei
so:
doy
oumeany
oudon'
tfeel
any
thi
ngf
or
her
?
Tony:l
et’
snotgothere.Breaki
ngupwi t
h
someonedoesn'tmeany oudon'tf
eelanyt
hing
fort
hem.inthi
scaseIst i
lll
oveherbutwecan't
betoget
her
Sei
so:ok.what
'sgoi
ngonbet
weeny
ouand
Tshego?
Tony
:I'
m st
il
lwai
ti
ngi
nthebusst
op
(
theyl
aughed)
Sei
so:
ist
hebusy
ouar
ewai
ti
ngf
orcomi
ngor
not
?
Tony
:Ihear
dthesoundofi
tsengi
nesoi
tson
i
tsway
Sei
so:
youar
eri
ght
.Thewayt
het
woofy
ouar
e
cl
ose.
..
..
..
Tony :Idon'
twannal i
e,weareget
ti
ngv eryver
y
cl
oseandI '
m enjoy
ingever
ymoment .Tshegois
beginningtoloosenupandI'mlovi
ngit.Sheis
developingsomet r
usttowardsmeandi t
warmsmyhear t
Sei
so:
youbr
eakherhear
t,Iki
l
lyou
Tony
:Iknow.y
ouknowme,
I'
m har
mless
Sei
so:
youguy
smakeagoodcoupl
e
Tony
:Iknow

(
Iwal
kedi
nont
hem)
Sei
so:
youl
ookt
ir
ed
Me:I
'
m exhaust
edbutIst
il
lhav
eaf
ewt
hingst
o
do
Tony:wearemor
ethanwi
l
li
ngt
oassi
st.
Shopping?
Me: ohyes.Youcancol
l
ectsconesfrom t
he
bakeryandthefl
owersf
rom t
heflor
istat
Mafenyatl
alamall
.
Sei
so:
consi
deri
tdone
Me:
thanky
ousomuchguy
s
(myunclej
oinedus.hegreetedSei
soin
SetswanaandTonyi nEngli
sh.Her
eact
edwit
h
shockwhenTonyr espondedinSet
swana)

Tony
:dumel
amal
ome(
hel
l
ouncl
e)
Uncl
e:ahah!Buty
ouar
ewhi
te
(
theconv
ersat
ionwasi
nSet
swana)
Tony
:Iam awhi
teMot
swana
Uncl
e:kanaIhaveseenyouher
eforafewday s
andIcouldn'
tbri
ngmysel
ftogr
eetyoubecause
myEnglishisver
ypoor
Tony
:It
houghty
oudi
dn'
tl
ikeme(
hechuckl
ed)
Uncl
e:(handshake)notatal
lmyson.Nowt
hatI
knowyouspeakSet swanaIcansi
tand
conv
ersewi t
hy ou
Tony
:yessi
r
Uncl
e:di
dyouhearmegossi
pingabouty
ou?
Tony:y
esuncl
e.Youandt
heoldmenwere
wonderi
ngwhereI
'mfr
om andhowIknow
Tshego
Uncl
e:(helaughedhard)youareverysl
i
ppery
.
Thatmeansy ouarealwaysli
steni
ngtopeopl
e
di
scussingyouinsetswana
Tony
:yesandi
fit
'shar
mlessIkeepqui
et
Uncl
e:(
anot
herhandshake)wher
ear
eyouf
rom?
Tony
:I'
m TonyVanDerMer
wef
rom Wer
da
Uncl
e:ohhhhh.Ar
eyoualsoadoct
oratScot
ti
sh
l
iket
hisone?(hesmil
edatSei
so)
Tony
:no.Iam al
ect
ureratMCE
Uncle:
( hewhist
led)y
ouyoungmenar
e
educated.Heeebanna.
(
Iwasli
steni
ngatt
heconv
ersat
ionbetween
t
onyandmyunclewit
hawidesmileacrossmy
f
ace)
Uncl
e:Sei
somyson,thi
ngsaregoi
ngv
erywel
l
.
Wearejustwai
ti
ngf
orthebigday
Sei
so:
eer
ra
Uncl
e:youhav
ebeenv
eryhel
pful
andI
'
mreal
l
y
gr
atef
ul
Sei
so:
thanky
ouuncl
e

(whi
lewewer esti
llt
alki
ngTef owalkedin.he
seemedt i
psysoIrushedtohim andf or
cedhim
togotomybedr oom andrest.Il
efthimint he
room andwentbackoutside.TonyandSei so
wereleavi
ngtogoandr unaf ewerrands.My
uncl
ecalledme)
Uncl
e:whati
sgoi
ngonwi
thy
ourbr
other
?
Me:
Ithi
nkhei
sdepr
essed
Uncl
e:hedr
inksal
ot
Me:
ever
ysi
ngl
eday
Uncle:maybehei
str
yingt
ocopewi
tht
he
separat
ion
Me:
buti
t'
sdest
roy
inghi
m
(
Tef
ojoi
nedus)

Uncl
e:It
houghty
ouneededsomer
est
Tef
o:I'
m goi
ngtospendtheni
ghther
esoI
bet
tergoandseemygirl
sbefor
etheysl
eep.
Me:
oh.Can'
tyouj
ustcal
lthem?
Tef
o:Ineedtoseethem.Ineedt obether
efor
mybabies.Ri
ghtnowI'm all
theyhav
eandI
hav
etobet her
eforthem ful
ly
Uncl
e:weunder
standmynephew
Me:
shoul
dIaskSam t
odr
ivey
ou?y
ouseem.
.
Tef
o:Idr
ovemy
sel
fher
efr
om t
hebar
Me:
ok
Uncl
e:dr
ivesaf
ely
Tef
o:l
ater
(
hewalkedtohiscarandi
nnotimehewas
r
ever
singoutoftheyar
d.Athi
shouse.
..
)

Tef
o:hel
l
oaunt
y.Wher
ear
emygi
rl
s?
(thegir
lsmusthaveheardhi
svoice.Theycame
runningtohi
m andheli
ftedbot
hoft hem and
kissedthei
rli
tt
lef
oreheads)
Tef
o:howar
ethepr
incessesdoi
ng?
Li
sa:Idi
dn'tcolourout
sidet
hepictur
edaddy
.I
di
ditli
keyout aughtme.Teachersai
dI'
ma
goodgir
l.i
..
..
.
Mol
l
y:daddy
.i
..
..
..i
fini
shedf
ood
Tef
o:Ihav
ebr
il
li
antgi
rl
s
(
Hespentanhourwiththem bef
oregoi
ngback
t
ohi
smot her
'shouse)

BOKAA

(
phoneconv
ersat
ion)
Kenal
emang:
sol
olo(
sol
dier
)
Puso:
your
emi
ndmeoft
hegoodol
dti
mes
Kenalemang:
yahnehbef
oreJohnandPuso
happened
Puso:
Iwi
l
lnev
erf
orgett
hoset
wo
Kenal
emang:Motswasel
e'
swor
ldi
s
'
somersaul
ti
ng'
Puso:
real
l
y?
Kenalemang:haker
eItol
dy outhatthewife
walkedoutleavi
nghimtoraisethekids?
Puso:
yahy
out
oldme
Kenalemang:
hei
sver
yst
ressed.Hei
saheav
y
dri
nker
Puso:owai
i
,Idon'tf
eelany
thi
ngf
orhi
m.Isti
l
l
remembervi
vi
dlytheti
mewhenheandJohn
plant
edamagazineinmyroom.Hehehe!
Kenal
emang:
kar
mai
sdeal
i
ngwi
thhi
m
Puso:
hebr
okeusup,
hedeser
vesi
t
Kenal
emang:
hehaslostalotofwei
ghtand
ever
yoneatt
heoff
iceisconcer
nedabouthi
m
Puso:
lethi
mfeel
thepi
nch
Kenal
emang:
enoughabouthi
m
Puso:enough.Ist
il
lgetangr
ywhent
henames
ofthosetwoarement i
oned
Kenal
emang:
what
'
sthatnoi
senemonna.I
t'
s
i
rri
tat
ing
Puso:
ohI
'
m onat
ract
ormyman.I
'
m chasi
ng
paper
Kenal
emang:
Ithoughtt
hepl
oughi
ngseason
wasover
.
Puso:i
thasbeenext
endedsoI
'
mtaki
ng
advant
age
Kenal
emang:kar
eyouaregoi
ngt
ober
ich
befor
eendofthi
syear
Puso: al
lthemoneyisgoingtowardsmydebt s.
I'
m goingtopaybackev eryonewhohashelped
me.I'm onlygoi
ngtohav emoneythenext
ploughingseasonbutatleastIwi
l
l bedebtf
ree
andnotabur dentoanyone
Kenal
emang:
youar
eri
ght
.Iwasj
ustchecki
ng
onyou
Puso:
seey
out
omor
rowkwat
a
Kenal
emang:
sur
esbudah
68
(Il
eftt
hestoreinahurr
y.Ihear
dacarhoot
ing
andIturnedaroundtol
ook,i
twasTony'
scar.I
walkedtowardsthecar
)

Me:
hel
l
o(seei
nghi
m al
way
smakesmehappy
)
Tony
:hel
l
ows(
hesmi
l
edandIsmi
l
edback)
Me:
howwasy
ourday
?
Tony:hect
ic.I
t'
sthebeginni
ngoft
hesemest
er
so..
yah.Howwasy ourday?
Me:
itwasok
Tony
:geti
nsi
de,
Iwi
l
ldr
opy
ouof
f
Me:
thanks
(
ont
heway
)
Tony
:doy
oul
ovey
ourj
ob?
Me:
notr
eal
l
y.I
'
m ser
vingnot
iceact
ual
l
y
Tony
:why
?
Me:Ineedt
ostartst
udyingnextyearsowi
th
t
hiski
ndofjobIwon'tbeabletostudy
Tony
:oh.
Me:
butIstil
lneedt
omakemoneysoIi
ntendt
o
r
unatuckshop
Tony
:that
'sagr
eati
dea
Me:
yah
Tony
:canIaskyousomet
hing?(
Inodded)do
youf
eelany
thi
ngforme?
Me: I
'
m goi
ngtobehonestwit
hy ou.Ihave
devel
opedstr
ongfeel
i
ngstowardsy oubutIj
ust
cantbri
ngmysel
ftotr
ustyou
Tony
:why
?
Me:theotherti
mewhenIaskedy ouifyouhave
agir
lfr
iendyouhesitatedbef
oreansweri
ngand
wheny oueventual
l
yt oldmethatyoudonthav
e
agir
lfr
iendIcouldnotbeli
eveyou.Doyouhave
agir
lfr
iend?
Tony: Iwantt obehonestwi t
hy ou.Ihavebeen
seei
ngt hi
sot hergir
lforafewy earsbutour
rel
ationshipisnotf ul
fi
ll
inganymor e.Shestay
s
i
nFr ancistown.Iusedt ogot heremost
weekendst ocheckherbutshehar dlycomesto
seemebecauseshei sstudyi
ngt owardsher
mast ers.Ifeelthatsheistoobusyf ormesoI
wantt obr eakupwi thher
Me:
soy
ouar
est
il
lwi
thher
?
Tony
:yesbutIwantt
obr
eakupwi
thher
Me:wel
l,
youhav
eagir
lf
ri
endTony
.ther
eisno
needt
oyouknowwhat
..
icant
Tony
:canwet
alkaboutt
hisTshego
Me:
butwear
etal
ki
ngabouti
t
Tony:i
fy ouagr
eetodat
emeI
'
m gonnal
eav
e
thatgi
rlandbewit
hyou
Me:
ifIdont
?
Tony
:I'
m st
il
lgoi
ngt
oleav
eher
Me: thisistoomuchf ormeTony .Idontthi
nkI
canhandl ei
t.Youshoul dnothav eledmeon
wheny ouknowv erywel lt
hatyouar ei
na
rel
ationship.Idon'twantt ofindmy sel
f
compet i
ngwi t
hot hergirl
sbecausei tdestr
oy s
thelit
tleself-
esteem Ihav e.Sheisst udying
towar dsamast ersdegr eeIonlyhav emyJC.
Sheal readyhasadegr eeandagoodj ob
obv i
ously.(voi
cecr acking)Idontwantt ofi
nd
my selfcompet i
ngwi thanygi rlbecauseIdont
standachanceofwi nning.TonyIhav enothing
tooffery ou
Tony
:al
lIwanti
syourhear
t
Me:Idonthaveaheartanymore.Ihavesmall
br
okenpiecesthatI
mt r
yingt
osewt oget
her
.
Tony
:(huggi
ngme)Ilov
ey ouTshego.Dont
compareyour
sel
ftoanyone
Me:IcantTony.Icant
.Idontt
hinkIwi
l
lev
erbe
f
itenoughtohandlepain(
tear
drop)
(hetookouthi
sphonef
rom hi
spocketand
dial
edanumber)

Tony:helloQueen. ..
...I
m good, y ourself.
...
..
wel
l
Iwouldl i
ket ocomeandseey out his
weekend. .
..
...yesit’
sser ious.
...
...ithastodo
wit
husbasi cally,i
tsaboutmeandy oucanI
comeonSat urday?..
...
..
..
...
iwantt omakei ta
daytrip,Idontwannaspendaweekendi n
Ghetto…ok....Idontknow. .
..
..wewi l
l t
alkwhenI
getthere..
..
..patiencepl ease..
..
... i
m notangry
Queen. .
.i
t’
sf i
ne.seey ouonSat ur day..
.noyou
di
dntdoany thingwr ong. .
..
...
takei t
easyalri
ght..
...bye.
...
...
Queenby e.
(
aft
ert
hecal
l
)

Tony
:TshegoI
'
m goi
ngt
oendt
hingswi
thher
onSatur
day
Me:
ift
her
ewasnome,
wer
eyougoi
ngt
oleav
e
her
?
Tony:It
hinkso.Thi
ngsbetweenmeandher
havenotbeengreatl
atel
y
Me:
ok
Tony
:sowhatdoy
ousay
?
Me:
Ist
il
lneedt
imet
osor
tmy
sel
fout
Tony
:ok.Let
sgoandgr
ababi
te
Me:
thanks.CanIasky
ousomet
hing?
Tony
:yes
Me:i
fwearet
odat
ewhatwoul
dyouexpect
f
rom me?
Tony :
(hesmiled)Ijustwantyout
oloveme,
respectmeandbef ait
hful
tome.Iwantyouto
achieveyourdreamsaswel l.Got
oschool
,pass,
getagoodj oby ah
Me:
that
sit
?
Tony
:yes.Whatwoul
dyouexpectf
rom me?
Me:(t
eary)Iwanttobel oveduncondit
ional
l
y,I
wantyoutoprotectmeandst andupf orme, I
wantyoutobesuppor t
iveespecial
lyconcer
ning
mydreams, Iwantyoutoacceptmej ustasI
am,Idontwanty outoforcemeordecei veme
suchthatIendupdoingt hi
ngsthatIwouldnot
havedone
Tony
:li
ke?
Me:Iwantyout
oconsi
dermyemoti
onsi
n
ev
erydeci
siony
oumakeaboutus
Tony
:ok
Me:
isi
tsomet
hingy
oucando?
Tony
:sur
e
Me:notnow,t
hough.I
mtal
ki
ngaboutt
het
ime
whenIwil
lbereadyt
odat
eagai
n
Tony
:that
sfi
ne.Iwi
l
lwai
t
Me:
soy
ouar
eleav
ingher
?
Tony
:yes.Iknowi
tsgoi
ngt
obr
eakherbutI
cantst
aymi
ser
abl
eli
ket
hisanyl
onger
Me: howar eyougoingtobepat
ientandwait
formewheny oucantbepati
entandwaitfor
hertof i
nishhermaster
sandgiveyouthe
att
entiony ouwant
?
Tony
:it
sdi
ff
erent

(Tonydr oppedmeof fathomeaf terwehadour

dinner.Hemadesur eIwasi nthehousesafel
y
beforehel ef
t.Afewmi nut
eslaterwhil
eIwas
stil
lchatti
ngwithLentl
ev i
awhat sappsomeone
knocked)

Me:
whoi
sit
?
Tef
o:Li
sasdad
Me:(Iwor
eagownandopenedt
hedoorf
orhi
m)
hel
l
o
Tef
o:hel
l
osi
ster
.Howar
eyou?
Me:
Imf
ine.Youl
ookt
ir
ed
Tef
o:i
t’
snotf
ati
que,
itsdepr
essi
on
Me:
what
’sgoi
ngon
Tef
o:Di
mphohasmov
edout
Me:
(sur
pri
sed)ahah!
Tef
o:shehasmov
edout
Me:
wher
ear
etheki
ds?
Tef
o:Il
eftt
hem wi
thourhel
per
Me:
soshel
eftt
heki
dsbehi
nd?
Tef
o:y
es
Me:
wheni
sshecomi
ngbackf
ort
hem?
Tefo:
shesaysIshouldrai
setheki
ds.I
t’
sfi
ne
forDi
mphot oleavemebecauseIwas
becomingphysical
l
yabusi
vetowar
dsherbutt
o
walkawayandnotsayanythi
ngtotheki
ds
Me:
yoh!That
scr
uel
Tefo:Li
sawasaskingmeaboutherearl
i
eron
andIgottonguet
ied.SheaskedmeifDi
mpho
doesntl
ovethem anymore
Me: yoh!Thi
sisheavy.ButDimphohasnever
beenact i
vei
nthegirl
slives.Yesshewas
presentasamot herbutshewasntreal
lycl
ose
tothem.Shehasal waysbeenbusywi t
hher
staff
Tef
o:Tshegoi
thur
ts.It
hinkshehasanew
boy
fri
end
Me:
sowhatar
eyougoi
ngt
odo?
Tefo:Ihavet alkedtouncl
eandhet al
kedt oher
parents.Wear emeet i
ngthisweekendandi f
shest i
llmaintainssheisdonewithmeI m
gonnal ethergo.I t
spainf
ulespeci
all
ythatther
e
arekidsinvolvedbutifshewantstogowhoam
Itostopher
Me:Iknowthepainofbr
eakupandIst
il
lcan’
t
heal
from t
hebreakup.
Tefo:(
helookedatmewi
thsadey
es)I
m sor
ry
forwhatIdi
dt oy
ouandPuso
Me: whenIlostPusoIexperiencedthesame
kindoffeeli
ngsIexperi
encedwhenmum di ed.I
feltal
oneanddeserted.Hopehadl eftme.Iwas
surroundedbypeoplebutIfeltl
onelyandsad.
Tefo:andi t
’sexactl
ythesameki ndoffeeli
ng
Im experi
encing.Mywor ldiscrumbl i
ngdown
onmeanddontev enhav ethestrengthtodo
anythingaboutit.Dimphoisbringingmeshame.
Sheisembar r
assingmeandbel i
ttli
ngme.If eel
l
essofaman.I mf i
l
ledwithregrets.All
along
Dimphoandt hegirl
swer etheonl ypeoplewho
mat t
eredtome.Shei sgonenow. l
ookat
me. .
crushedanddesper ate
Me:
thi
ngswi
l
lwor
koutatt
heend
Tefo:i
fthisisKarmat henIneedt oseehim
facetofaceandapol ogisef
orallmywr ong
doingssot hatheorshecanl essenthi
spain
Me:
youar
ever
yst
ressed
Tef
o:Iam
Me: maybeweshoul
dpost
ponethetombst
one
unveil
i
ngsothaty
oucandealwi
thyourf
amily
i
ssues
Tef
o:nono.Ineedtodothi
sformymotherand
mysel
f.I
m hopi
ngitwil
lmakemefeel
alit
tl
ebit
bet
ter
Me:ok.West
il
lhav
eaf
ewweekst
oor
gani
ze
ev
eryt
hing
(Imadecoff
eeforhi
m andafterdri
nki
ngt
he
coff
eehelef
t.Icoul
dtel
lhewasl osi
ngwei
ght
.
Mybr ot
herl
ookedmiser
able)

TONY'
SHOUSE

(
phoneconv
ersat
ion)
Queen:
whati
sitt
haty
ouar
ecomi
ngt
otal
kto
meabout?
Tony
:wecan'
tdi
scussi
tov
ert
hephone
Queen:
atl
eastt
ell
mewhati
tsabout
Tony
:Isai
dit
saboutus
Queen:
Tonyar
eyoul
eav
ingme?
Tony
:wewi
l
ltal
konSat
urday
Queen:Iknowy ouhaveal
waysbeen
complai
ningthatIgi
veall
myattent
iont
omy
famil
yandmybooksbutIpr omi
seIm gonna
changethat
Tony
:Imi
nthemi
ddl
eofsomet
hing
Queen:
yourt
onei
scold.
Tonynomancanl
ove
methewayyoudo.Pl
easedontl
eav
eme
Tony
:wewi
l
ldi
scusst
hisonSat
urday
Queen:
ok.Il
ovey
ou
Tony
:by
e
AMONTHLATER.
..
..
NO.70

(theunveili
ngcer emonywasbeaut iful.
Surprisi
nglyIdidn'tev encr y.Iwassohappy
thatmymot her'slasthomel ookedbeaut if
ul
anddecent .Thepr oceedi ngwentv erywell
.the
décorwassuper .Thet ombst onehadmy
mot her'
spicture.Int hepi ct
ur eshewassmi li
ng
andshel ookatpeace.Ii magi nedthatshei s
probablyfeeli
ngt hesamewaywher eversheis.
Iwassi tt
ingbet weenTef oandSei so.Mol l
ywas
sitt
ingonmyl apwhi l
eLi sawassi t
tingonhi s
daddy '
slap.Myuncl e'ssonr eadthei nscri
pti
on
ont hetombst oneonbehal fofmyuncl e
becausei twaswr i
tteni nEngl ish:

"
mayt
hesoul
oft
heher
oinef
indet
ernal
peace.
Youwereawomanofhonorandi
nter
gri
tyand
youl
egacyl
i
veson.Youwi
llal
way
sbemi ssed
andr
ememberedmum"

Wewenthomet ohavesomer ef
reshments.I
t
wasonl yt
hent hatIbegantonot i
cethatsome
peoplewerepr esent
.AtadistancewasDi mpho
andTef owhoseemedt obehav i
ngadeep
conversat
ion.Tefowascar r
yingMol l
yand
hol
dingLisa'shand.Lisaappearedtobehiding
behi
ndherf ather.
Di
mpho:
comeher
ebaby
.Comeandgi
ve
mummyahug
Li
sa:
no.y
oudon'
tl
ikeme.Youdon'
twantme
Di
mpho:
Ilov
eyou
Li
sa:
no
Dimpho:
Tefowhyareyoupoi
soni
ngmy
chi
ldr
enagai
nstme?youthi
nkdoi
ngt
hist
ome
wil
lmakememov
ebackt
othatmi
ser
abl
e
house
Tefo:
youaref
reet
omakewhat
ever
assumpt
ionsy
ouwantt
o
Di
mpho:(pul
l
ingMol
l
yfrom Tef
o)comeher
e
mybaby
.comeherepri
ncess
Mol
l
y:(
cry
ing)daddy
Tef
o:Di
mphopeopl
ear
elooki
ngatus
Di
mpho:
Idon'
tcar
e.Theybet
terst
artmi
ndi
ng
t
hei
rownbusi
ness
Tefo:
what'
sgoi
ngonwit
hyoukant
e?You
behavel
i
kesomeonewhoisl
osi
ngit

(
herphoner
ang)
Dimpho: hell
o.whereshouldwemeet ?.
..
..
..
..
..
ah
ah..
wherei sshefrom? .
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
.t
ellt
hatperson
togoback.haker eyoudi dn'
tinvi
teher,kanarra
youinv
itedher ?.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
.I
'm notshouti
ng
hakerewehadorpl ans, whyareyoumessi ng
them now? .
...
..
..
.ahahahhei !
...
..
..
..
..
.whowoul d
notbe?...
..
..
..
..
..
..
...
..
..
..
..
.youknowwhat ,
fine.suit
yoursel
f..
..
..
..i
t'
st i
mey out el
lherthatshecan' t
comet oy ourhousewi thoutanappoi nt
ment ..
..
.
yesI'm angry.
..
.

(Tefol
ookedatherandsmi l
edbef
orewal ki
ng
awaywi t
hhisdaught
ers.Meanwhi l
e..
...
iwas
sit
ti
ngwithSeisoandTony .Wewerechat ti
ng
happil
yandlaughi
ng.Seisoalwayshasaf unny
stor
ytotell
).
Seiso: sot
hatguyhadbeenont hequeuesi nce
mor ning.WhenIcamebackf rom l
unchI
gatheredcourageandaskedhi mifhehadbeen
assistedandhesai dyes.Iaskedhim gorehow
comehehasbeenont hequeueforhours.The
l
adywhowasbehi nghim onthequeuel aughed
andt oldmethattheguyhasbeent el
li
ngpeople
thattheycangoinf ir
st.
Tony:
(laughi
ng)hi
sinj
ect
ionphobi
awasqui
et
bad
Seiso:youshoul
dhaveseenhi m whenIwas
prepari
ngtheinj
ect
ion.
..
..
..shhhhhh!Huuuuuu!
Mhhhhhhhh!Andhewasr ubbingherhands
together
(
weal
ll
aughed)
Me:It
houghki
dsweret
heonl
yoneswhoar
e
af
rai
dofinj
ect
ions
Sei
so:
evenadul
ts
Voi
ce:
hel
l
o
(Itur
nedaroundt
oseethepersonwhowas
greeti
ngusandguesswhoitwas:Puso)
TonyandSei
so:
hel
l
o
Puso:
hel
l
oTshego
Me:
...
.
Puso:
canIpl
easet
alkt
oyou?
Me:
no
Puso:
please
Me:Ihav
enothingtosaytoy
ou.ther
eis
not
hingyouandIcantal
kabout
(
TonyandSei
sol
ookedatoneanot
her
)
Puso:
TshegopleaseIneedapr
ivat
emoment
wit
hyou.j
ustf
or5mi nutes
Me:
(snappi
ng)Isai
dno
Puso:
please
Me: Tshegoisdead.Youlef
thertodiei
nthi
s
veryhouse.sogo!now!(Iwastearyand
breathi
ngwithdif
fi
cult
y)
Tony:mybr othercanyoupl
easel
eav
e.Youcan
tel
lthatsheisupsethaker
e
Puso:Ij
ustneedaf
ewmi
nut
eswi
thher
,
pr
ivat
ely
Tony
:youcanchooset
oleav
etheeasi
l
yor
..
..
..
.
Sei
so:
(st
andi
ngup)papawee,
leav
e!
Puso:
TshegoI
'
m sor
ry
Me:
(shout
ing)Ihat
eyou!Ihat
eyousomuch
Puso:
IknowandIdeser
vei
t
Tony
:cany
oupl
easel
eav
e?
(Sei
sostoodupandheldPuso'
shand.He
gentl
ypull
edhishand,
Pusofol
l
owedhim al
lthe
waytothegate)

Kenal
emang'
scar
..
..
..

Puso:
shewant
snot
hingt
odowi
thme
Kenal
emang:
leav
eheral
one
Puso:har
danddif
fi
cul
tasi
tisI
'
m cl
osi
ngt
his
chapt
erofmyli
fe
Kenal
emang:
goodf
ory
ouskwat
a
Puso:i
t'
sov erbet
weenmeandTshegoandI
bet
teracceptthat
Kenal
emang:
goodmov
e
Puso:
Iwi
l
lnev
erev
erf
orgi
vepy
thonandhi
slap
dog
Kenalemang:
theyar
enotwor
thi
t,i
gnor
ethe
fool
s
Puso: whoev
ert hi
nksPy thonspaini
stoomuch
mustbej oki
ng.Iwi shthi
sguyt heworst
.Iwi
ll
onlyfeelt
hatjust i
cehasbeendoneonce
Pythonhaslosthi sj obli
keIwasf or
cedto
resi
gnf r
om mi ne.Di mphol eav
inghi
mi s
nothi
ngIswear .Thewor stisyettocomefor
him.hemustf eel thepainIf el
t
Kenal
emang:
don'
tdot
hatt
hemonna.Don'
t
cur
se
Puso:
backt
osender
,doubl
edose
Kenal
emang:
Puso!
BACKATHOME

Sei
so:
isi
thi
m?
(
Inodded)
Tony
:yourex?
(
Inoddedagai
n)
Sei
so:
shameonhi
m
Tony:don'
tleti
tstr
essyouTshego.Your
mother'
sunv ei
l
ingwasbeauti
ful
don'tl
et
anyonepoll
utethi
sbeauti
ful
memor y
Me:(
smil
ing)y
ahneh.CanIseet
hepi
ctur
es
yout
ook?
(
Tonygavemehisphone.Iwassmili
ngasI
wasscr
oll
i
ngthr
oughthepict
ures)
Sei
so:t
hisguyl
i
kest
aki
ngpi
ctur
esandhei
s
goodati
t
Me:
thepi
ctur
esar
esoper
fect
Tony
:thanks
Me:
ther
eisnosi
ngl
epi
ctur
eofy
ou
Sei
so:
Ihav
eaf
ewpi
ctur
esofhi
minmyphone
Tony
:sendt
hem
Sei
so:
Iwi
l
l
Me:
Ineedpi
ctur
eswi
thy
our
ra
(asthethr
eeofuswer etaki
ngpict
uresmy
moodbecameupl i
ft
ed.Tefoandmyuncl e
j
oinedusandt hephotoshootcont
inued.Tony
andSeisolef
t.Lentl
echeckedonme)

Me:
ishey
ourboy
fri
end?
Lent
le:
(smi
l
ing)y
es
Me:ohwow!Theguyi
shot
.Oababa,
ke
pher
eher
e
Lent
le:
Iknowchomi
andhei
ssoki
nd
Me:
moghel
isi
nlov
e
Lentl
e:Iam andf
orachangeI
m genui
nel
y
happy
Me:
doIhearweddi
ngbel
l
s?
Lent
le:
itst
oosoonbuthei
sgi
vi
nghi
nts
Me:
Imt
hebestl
adymama
Lent
le:i
tgoeswi
thoutsay
ing.Mybestf
ri
end,
myrideordie
Me:
Ibet
terst
artsav
ingf
ort
hedr
esses
Lent
le:
hol
dyourhor
sesmi
ss.Soy
ouandTony
?
Me:
I'
m consi
der
ing.
youknow
(
wel
aughedandshegav
emeahi
ghf
ive)
Lent
le:
ok.Youhav
ebeensi
ngl
efort
ool
ong
mma
Me:andIenj
oyedi
t.Nostr
ess.Ist
il
lhav
etot
ell
Sei
soaboutmyint
enti
onsfi
rst
Lent
le:
why
?
Me:
thisguyisl
i
kearealbr
othert
omeandI
f
eelf
reetoshar
eever
ythi
ngwithhi
m
Lent
le:
ok
Me:
didy
ouseePuso?
Lentl
e:Idi
d.Shame,
Ifel
tsor
ryf
orhi
m.Tshego
theguylov
esy ou
Me:hecanshov
ehi
slov
edeepunder
groundf
or
al
lIcar
e
Lentl
e:whatexact
lyhappnedbet
weent
het
wo
ofyou?
Me:
alot
.Idon'
twannat
alkabouti
t
Lent
le:
ok

ToFor
giv
eOrNot
?
NO.71

BOKAA

(
phoneconv
ersat
ion)
Kenal
emang:
howar
eyoumybr
other
?
Puso:
Isur
viv
ed,
im sur
viv
ing
Kenal
emang:
justf
orgetaboutwhathappened
andmoveon
Puso:Ii
ntendtodoexactl
ythat
.Il
oveTshego
butIr
eali
seitsti
meIletgo
Kenal
emang:
that
’sagr
eatt
hingt
odof
or
your
sel
f
Puso:yah.Idon’
tthi
nkTshegowil
leverf
orgi
ve
meorlov emebacksoIjusthavetoaccept
whatIcantchange
Kenal
emang:
trueman.Youhav
etr
iedandi
t
di
dn’
twor
k.
Puso:
Mot
swasel
edest
roy
edme
Kenal
emang:don’
tgivehi
mthatpower
.Work
har
dinli
feandprovetohi
mthathedoesn’
t
havepoweroveryou
Puso:that’
sexact
lywhatIint
endtodo.Ihave
toshowhi mthatwhathedidtomedidn’tki
l
l
meitinsteadmademest ronger
.
Kenal
emang:
that
’st
hespi
ri
t.
Puso:kant
ewhoar
ethoseguy
swhower
ewi
th
Tshego?
Kenal
emang:
Ihav
enoi
dea
Puso:
doy
out
hinkshei
sdat
ingoneoft
hem?
Kenal
emang:
Idon’
tknow
Puso:
sopTshegomi
ghthav
emov
edon?
Kenal
emang:
that
’swhyy
oushoul
dmov
eon
too
Puso:It
hinkshei
sdat
ingt
heguywi
thaf
unny
head
Kenal
emang:
Pusot
hat
’snoti
mpor
tant
Puso:youareri
ght.Ipr
ayf
orGodtomakeme
for
getaboutTshegocomplet
ely
Kenalemang:
hewi
l
lhel
pyout
oacceptt
he
breakup
Puso:
Iregr
etgoi
ngt
otheunv
eil
i
ng
Kenal
emang:y
ouhadt
o.Atleastnowy ouhav
e
cl
osur
e.HowwasMotswasele’
sreact
ionwhen
hesawyou?
Puso:
helookeddown.Ithi
nkhewasashamed.
Whenyousaidhehaslostwei
ghtIdi
dn’
tthi
nk
youmeantgorehei
sthatthi
n
Kenal
emang:
thi
sisl
i
fe.Youhur
tyougethur
t
Puso:
true.
Kenal
emang:
wewi
l
ltal
kmymai
nman
Puso:
sur
eskwat
a
Kenal
emang:
tada

SEI
SO’
SHOUSE

Sei
so:t
her
eissomethi
ngi
'
m pl
anni
ngandI
wanty
outobepartofi
t
Tony
:ok
Sei
so:
itsTshego’
sbi
rt
hdaynextmont
h
Tony
:oh,
Idi
dn’
tknow
Sei
so:
that
’swhyi
mtel
l
ingy
ou.
Tony
:thankshey
.Iwi
l
lseewhatt
odo
Sei
so:
yes,r
emembery
ouneedt
oscor
epoi
nts
toi
mpressher
Tony
:andshei
shar
dtoi
mpr
ess
Sei
so:
oncebi
tt
ent
wiceshy
Tony:t
hatguycausedal
otofdamage.Andhe
hadthegutst
oshowupattheunvei
li
ng
uni
nvit
ed
Sei
so:t
hat
’satopicf
oranotherday.Wel
l,i
m
pl
anni
ngasurpri
sebir
thdaypart
yforTshego.
Letmecor
rectt
hat,abir
thdaybash
Tony:
doyouthi
nkshewil
ll
iket
hat
.Tshego
seemsabitr
eser
vedandnover
youtgoi
ng
Seiso:It
hinki
t’
sbecauseallherl
if
eshehas
beendeniedthechancetoexplor
ehersel
f.I
t’
s
wor t
hatry
Tony
:ok.So,
howcanIhel
p?
Sei
so:
wit
hor
gani
zi
ng
Tony
:that
’seasy
Sei
so:
Iwi
l
lpayf
orev
ery
thi
ng
Tony:l
eavet
hecakeandt
hemeatt
ome.Iwi
l
l
takecar
eofthose
Sei
so:
(smi
l
ing)al
ri
ght
Tony
:(smi
l
ing)i
m act
ual
l
yexci
tedabouti
t
Sei
so:metoo.From her
eIwil
lhav
etogoand
tal
ktoherbr
otheranduncl
esothatherf
ami
l
y
cangracet
heevent
Tony:goodt
hinki
ng.Shei
sver
yfondoft
he
uncl
e
Sei
so:
shei
s.Sophi
ewi
l
lhel
pmet
opl
an
Tony:
goodgood.Whatki
ndofgi
ftdoy
out
hink
wil
li
mpressher
?
Sei
so:consi
derherneedst
heny
ouwon’
tgo
wrong
Tony
:br
il
li
ant
.
Sei
so:
cheer
sbr
o!(
Fistbump)

GABORONE

(
phoneconv
ersat
ion)
Di
mpho:
hel
l
obabe
Thor
iso:
hi
Di
mpho:youhav
enetbeent
aki
ngmycal
l
sandI
waswor
ri
ed
Thor
iso:
don’
tyouowemeanapol
ogyDi
mpho?
Dimpho:
Idoandt
hat
’swhyIhav
ebeencal
l
ing
younonstop
Thor
iso:
I’
mli
steni
ng
Dimpho:
babyI’
m sor
ryformybehavi
or.I
shoul
dnothav
eshoutedatyouovert
hephone
Thori
so:Idon’
tcareaboutthatandIdon’
tlet
suchthi
ngsgettome.Mostwomenshoutat
thei
rmenwhent heirangr
y.Mybabymama
doesthataswell
Di
mpho:
butIt
houghtIshoul
dapol
ogi
sef
or
t
hat
Thoriso:no.y
ouneedtoapol
ogi
sef
ornot
respecti
ngmyr el
ati
onshi
pwi
thmybabymama
Di
mpho:
aor
ra!
Thori
so:Dimphohav eal
waysmadeitcl
earto
youthatthereissomeoneinmylif
eandy ou
andIshouldr especther
.Mybabymamacal l
s
theshots,ok.
Di
mpho:
sowhatam It
oyou?
Thor
iso:l
et’
sgett
hisst
raight,
youaremarri
ed,
youhaveyurownfamil
y.Iwill
beafoolt
oleave
mybabymamaormesst hingswit
hherfora
marr
iedwoman
Di
mpho:
ifIdi
vor
ce?
Thor
iso:
takei
seasy
Di
mpho:
whatdoy
oumean?
Thori
so:I
’m comingtoGabstomor
row.How
abouttal
ki
ngf acetofacet
hen?
Di
mpho:
that
’sf
ine
Thor
iso:
Ilov
eyou
Di
mpho:
babe!
Thor
iso:
what
?
Di
mpho:
Ithoughty
ouwant
edt
oleav
eme
Thor
iso:
no.Ij
ustwant
edt
osett
her
ecor
d
st
rai
ght
Di
mpho:
ok.Il
ovey
out
oo
Thor
iso:
cheer
s!By
e
Di
mpho:
byel
ove

MYHOUSE

(Acarparkedatt
hegat
eaf
ewmi
nut
esaf
terI
arr
ivedhome)
Tef
o:hel
l
o
Me:
hir
raagoLi
sa
Tef
o:howi
sev
ery
thi
ng?
Me:ever
ythi
ngisgoingverywell
.Ihav
ejust
ar
ri
vedhomef r
om thetutor’
shouse
Tef
o:t
hat
’sgood
Me:im sor
ryt
oaskt
hisbutwhatwasgoi
ngon
bet
weeny ouandmmaagoLisa?
Tefo:ah!Thekidswer
eref
usi
ngt
ogot
oherso
shethinksim behi
ndi
t
Me:
shei
sbei
ngunr
easonabl
e
Tef
o:shei
s
Me:
whatdoy
oupl
ant
odoaboutt
hissi
tuat
ion?
Tefo:IthoughtmaybeDimphowi l
lcomeback
homeonedaybutIwasl ist
eningt
oherhavi
ng
aconv ersat
ionwi
thsomeoneonherphoneand
i
tappear sli
kesheisdati
ngsomeonewhoi sin
arelat
ionshipaswellormarri
ed.I
m donewit
h
her
Me:
buty
oucan’
tjustsayi
tver
bal
l
y
Tef
o:IknowIhav
etodosomet
hingabouti
t
Me:i
m worri
edabouty ou.Ithi
nkyoushoul
d
addr
essthi
sissue;
takeact i
ononceandforal
l
.
Maybeitwi
lleaseyourpain
Tef
o:Iwi
l
lhandl
eit
Me:
pleasedoandgoeasyont
heal
cohol
Tefo:Iwil
l.Ihav
etoadmi
tthatInowneed
professi
onalhel
p
Me:youdo.Dri
nki
ngdoesn’
tsolv
eanythi
ng.
Li
saandMollyneedy
ou.Pleasedoi
tforthem
Tefo:
mybosshasalreadyar
rangedf
ormet
o
seeapsy
chol
ogistnextweek
Me:
that
’sgood.Let
’st
rustshewi
l
lhel
p
(hi
sphoner angandhepi
ckedthecal
l
.He
tal
kedt othecal
l
erandmovedawayfrom me.
Aft
ert hecall
heseemedhappyandwasall
smiles)
Me:
itmusthav
ebeenav
eryi
mpor
tantcal
l
Tef
o:v
eryi
mpor
tant(
hesmi
l
edandl
ookedi
nto
myey
es)
Me:
atl
easty
ouhav
esomet
hingt
osmi
l
eabout
Tef
o:Ido.Doyouknowthaty
ouarebl
essed
andyouareablessi
ngi
nmylif
e?
Me:
wher
eist
hatcomi
ngf
rom?
Tef
o:f
rom abov
e
Me:
ther
eissomet
hinggoi
ngonher
e
Tef
o:Tshegoyouarebl
essedwit
hagoodheart
.
Youfor
gavemeev enaf
terIt
reat
edyoubadl
y.
Ri
ghtnowy ouar
emypill
arofsuppor
t
Me: t
hanks.Ihavel
onglongedt
ohavethi
skind
ofrel
ati
onhipwit
hy ousoIwoul
dnothavelet
thi
sopportuni
typassmeby

WEEKSLATER……….

*
WEARECHANGI
NGGEARSTHI
SEVENI
NG*
NO.72

(
phoneconv
ersat
ion)
Me:
hel
l
o
Sei
so:
hey(
yawni
ng)
Me:
tir
ed?
Sei
so:
yah.Myshi
ftendedaf
ewmi
nut
esago.
Me:
ok
Sei
so:
themmacomeandcookf
orme.
Me:
Iwi
l
lcomear
ound6
Sei
so:
why
?
Me:Ineedtor
estabi
t.LennaIj
ustgothome
f
rom thet
utor
Sei
so:themmacomeandcooknowsot
hatI
caneatbef
oresl
eepi
ng
Me:
OK
Sei
so:
Iwi
l
lcomeandf
etchy
ounow
Me:
cool
Sei
so:
seey
oui
nabi
t
Me:
oki
es
(
aft
ert
hecal
l
...
..
.)
Seiso:
guy
sI'
m goi
ngt
ofet
chher
.Isev
ery
thi
ng
ready?
Sophie:
ofcour
se.Wear
ejustwai
ti
ngf
ort
he
pri
ncess
(hewavedanddr
oveaway
.AtTshego'
s
house.
..
..
.)
Me:y
ouar esay
ingy
ouj
ustknockedof
fbuty
ou
ar
edressedup
Seiso:
Iwantedt
ogoandbuyf
oodatt
hemal
l
thenyoucr
ossedmymind
Me:
ok
Sei
so:
canwegonow?
Me:
sur
e
(
ont
heway
..
..
..
..
)
Sei
so:
didIsayhappybi
rt
hdayt
oyou?
Me:
athousandt
imes(
Ismi
l
ed)
Sei
so:
Ijustwant
edt
obesur
e.
Me:youar
esurenow.Youwokemeupwitha
bi
rt
hdaysong,
yousentmeasweeeetmessage.
WhatmorecanIaskfor
?
Sei
so:
agi
ft
Me:
bri
ngi
t
Sei
so:
it'
sathome
Me: ohwow!Ifeelblessedtoday
.Myuncle
cal
ledme, mybrothercall
edme, Tonydel
i
ver
ed
chocolat
esandflowers
Sei
so:
real
l
y?
Me:yes.Wherei
shekant
e?Hei
snot
r
espondingt
omymessages
Sei
so:
Ihav
en'
ttal
kedt
ohi
mtoday
Me:
may
behei
sbusy
.
Sei
so:
may
be

BOKAA

MmaPuso:
Puso?
Puso:
mma?
MmaPuso:
youar
enoty
our
sel
ftoday
Puso:
isi
tthatobv
ious?
MmaPuso:
yes.What
'
swr
ong?
Puso:
it'
sTshegof
atso'
sbi
rt
hdayt
oday
MmaPuso:
shame,
poorgi
rl
Puso:
Iwonderhowherdayi
sli
ke
MmaPuso:Iprayt
oGodeversingl
edayabout
youmyson.Ial
waysaskGodtoblessy
ouwith
agoodwoman.Herwomanwhowi l
lbri
ngyou
happi
nessandeaseyourpai
n.OnedayGod
shal
lanswermypray
ers
Puso:t
rustmewhenIsayI'
m sl
owlyget
ti
ng
ther
e.I
t'
sjustt
hatt
isdaybr
oughtmealotof
memories
MmaPuso: OKson.Doy oumeant
hatal
lthose
beaut
if
ulgi
rl
satchurch.
..
..
Puso:
owaii
i
,hol
ditt
her
emum.Thosegi
rl
sli
ke
cl
aimi
ngtobehol
yandit
'sat
otal
tur
nof
f
MmaPuso: notreal
ly,
it'
sbecausey
ouar
east
il
l
obsessedaboutTshego
Puso:Il
ovedTshegowi
thmyever
ythi
ngbuther
br
other.
..
..
..
.Thatmani
sasl
i
theri
ngsnake
MmaPuso:
letgo.
..
..
Puso:
Iwi
l
lmum
MmaPuso:
thesoonert
hebet
ter
Puso:
eemma.I
'
m goi
ngt
omybedr
oom.I
'
m so
t
ir
ed
MmaPuso:goi
ngt
oamemor
ial
ser
vice
Puso:
lat
ermum
(
Hepr
ayedi
nhi
sroom.
..
..
)
"DearGod, pleasepr otectTshegof atso.It
'sher
birt
hdayt oday .,
maket hedayj oyfulforher .
BlessherLor d.Father ,Tshegov alueseducat i
on
verymuch, fatherpleasebl esshersucht hather
dream ofbecomi ngeducat edconest opass.
Strengthenhersot hatshecanov ercomeany
challengesheconesacr oss.(deepsi gh)i
fshe
i
smi neletmehav eheragai n.I
fshei snotmi ne,
blessherwi t
hgoodmanwho. .
..
..LordTshego
i
ssupposedt obemi ne"( therewasal ong
sil
enceasPusowast hinkingaboutt heirgood
ti
mes.Hest oodupandwal kedoutofhi sroom.
Hismot herwasst i
llinthel ounge)
MmaPuso:
wher
ear
eyougoi
ng?
Puso:
tobuyai
rt
ime
MmaPuso:
OK.Bequick.RememberI
'm goi
ng
t
othememori
alser
voesoIneedthecar
Puso:
yesmama

SEI
SO'
SHOUSE

(sei
soopenedt hecarwindowsandreducedthe
radi
ov olume.Heopenedthegateandrever
sed
i
nt othey ar
dwhichsurpri
sedme.WhileIwas
sti
llshockedIhear
dpeopleshouti
ng,'
surpr
ise'
Me:what'
sgoingon(Isai
dlooki
ngatmyuncl
e
andcousi
nsthrought
heopenwindow)
Sei
so: (
singing)goTall
yit'
syourbir
thday
.We'
re
gonnapar tyli
ke,i
t'
syourbirt
hday
,wegonnasi
p
savannalikeit'
syourbi
rthday
Me:
(smil
ingl
ooki
ngathi
m)Godwhatdi
dIdo
t
odeser
vesomuchlove?
Sei
so:
ourpat
hscr
ossed
Me:God( Iwastear
y.Ilookedaroundandsaw
Lent
le,Tefoadhiskids,Tony,Sophi
e,my
uncl
e'swifeandafewot herpeople)
Sei
so:
(si
ngi
ng)happybi
rt
hdayt
oyou
(thecrowdj oi
nedhim si ngi
ngahappybirthday
song.Wegotoutoft hecarandj oi
nedothers.
Thepar t
ywasl i
ii
i
itt
ttt.Thedecorwasamazi ng,
thefoodwasdel i
cious, thecompanywas
gteaaaat.Ther
ewer eaf ewspeechesbymy sel
,
Seisoandmyuncl e.Tef owast i
psyso..
..
..Li
sa
andMol l
ycouldnotwai tformetocutthe
cake..
..
)
Mol
l
y:aunycake
Me:
yesbabyI
'
m goi
ngt
ogetakni
fe
Li
sa:
thel
i
pst
ickont
hecake,
isi
tar
eal
li
pst
ick?
Me:
no(
giv
ingi
ttoher
)youcaneati
t
Mol
l
y:me?
Me:
gett
hemi
rr
or
(
Mol
l
ysmi
l
edshet
ookabi
te)
Mol
l
y:y
ummy
Me:
soooooy
ummmy
Tony
:doy
oul
i
kei
t?
Me:areyouki
ddingme?Il
oveit.Whoev
erdi
d
t
hiscakeisgi
ft
ed.ThusGucci
baglookssor
eal
Tony
:Iknow.I
'
m gl
ady
oul
i
kei
t
Me:
andi
t'
ssobi
g
Tony
:Iwanty
out
oenj
oyi
tti
l
lnextweek
Me:
til
lnextmont
h
(oureyeslockedandt herewaschemi str
yther
e.
SophiejoinedusandTonygav eusspace.She
j
ustwant edapieceofcakeandshel efttoj
oin
Seiso.Wehadabr aaisessi
ont hatni
ght.My
unclehadcont r
ibutedagoat..
..)

Tony
:howi
sit
?
Me:
great
.I'
m enj
oyi
ngmy
sel
f
Tony
:good.Yourbr
otheri
s..
..
Me:
hei
ssodr
unki
t'
sembar
assi
ng
Tony
:hecanbar
elywal
k
Me:
let
'st
akehi
m home
Tony:goodidea.Youcandri
vehi
scar,Iwi
l
l
fol
lowyouwi t
hmycarsot hatwecancome
backtoget
herinmycar
Me:
whowi
l
ldr
iehi
scar
?
Tony
:It
hinki
t'
sbesti
fyoudr
ivehi
m
Me:
Ican'
tdr
ive
Tony
:oh.Iwi
l
ltal
ktoSei
so
Me:
ok

TEFO'
SHOUSE
(
Sei
sosuppor
tedt
hedr
unkTef
oint
ohi
shouse)
Sei
so:
whi
chonei
syourbedr
oom?
Tef
o:Ineedt
oseemybabi
esf
ir
st
Sei
so:
wher
ear
ethey
?
Tef
o:t
hisr
oom (
hepoi
nted)
(hesupport
edhim andtheywalkedt
othekids'
bedroom.Seisoopenedthedoorandfoundthe
kidscuddl
i
ng)
Sei
so:
thesi
ster
s
Tefo:mydaughter
s(heki
ssedeachoft
hem on
thefor
ehead)nowwecangot omyroom
Sei
so:
whi
chonei
sit
?
(
heshowedSei
sot
her
oom)
Tef
o:l
onel
yroom
Sei
so:
itshal
lbewel
l
Tef
o:may
be
(hehitt
hebedstartedsnori
ng.Sei
sotookoff
hisshoesandhelpedhimt osl
eepcomfort
ably
andleft
.Atmyhousei ntheweehoursofthe
morninginTony
'scar..
..
..)

Tony
:wear
eher
e
Me:
(yawni
ng)I
'
m exhaust
ed
Tony
:met
oo.Seey
out
omor
row
Me:
soy
ouwon'
tbeseei
ngmet
oday
?
Tony
:oh,
Ifor
gotgor
ewear
einanewday
Me:
yah
Tony
:seey
oul
ater
Me:
lat
er
(ourey
esl ockedandt hechemistr
yint
ensi
fi
ed.I
l
eanedov erforakissandher eadmewel l
.Our
l
ipsmetandIf el
thiscoldhandsonmyneck.I
brokethekissadl ookedathim andhe
smashedhisl
i
psonmineagai
n.Hepul
l
edaway
andgotsomethi
ngf
rom t
heback
Tony
:her
eyougo
Me:
what
'
sthi
s?
Tony
:yourgi
ftmyl
ove
Me:
(smi
l
ing)t
hanks
(
Iopenedt
heboxandt
her
ewasal
apt
opi
nsi
de
Tony
:youneedt
hisf
ory
ourst
udi
es
Me:
Ido.Thanky
ousomuch.Thanks
Tony
:any
time
(weshar
edanot
herlongkisst
hatl
eftme
dri
ppi
ngwetdownthere)
Tony
:doest
hismeanany
thi
ng?
Me:
yes
NO.73
TEFO'
SHOUSE

Nanny
:hel
l
oRaLi
sa
Tef
o:hel
l
o.Howar
eyou?
Nanny
:I'
mfi
ne.Howar
eyou?
Tef
o:Ihav
eat
err
ibl
ehangov
er.
Nanny
:thepar
tywasawesome
Tef
o:(
smi
l
ing)y
ah,
itwasgr
eat
Nanny
:Li
sa'
smum call
edmeveryear
lythi
s
morni
ngsay
ingIshoul
dpr
epar
ethekids
Tef
o:f
orwhat
?
Nanny:shewantstospendtheweekendwi
th
them.Youdon'tknowanyt
hingaboutt
hat
?(she
askedinshock)
Tef
o:no
Nanny:
whatar
rangementsdidyoumakewith
herr
egardi
ngt
hekidsbecauseshei
sharassi
ng
me?
Tef
o:whatdoy
oumeanshei
shar
assi
ngy
ou?
Nanny :
yester
dayshecall
edmeandi twas
noisybecauseIwasatthepart
yandshe
shoutedatmesay i
ngIshouldnott
akeher
chi
ldrentoparti
eswit
houtherper
missi
on
Tef
o:shei
scr
azy
Nanny:canyoupleasedeal
wit
hthi
sissue
becauseit
sgetti
ngtomenow.Idon'
twantto
becaughtinthecrossf
ir
e
Tef
o:Iwi
l
ltal
ktoher
Nanny
:agai
n,Ihaven'
thadaweekendof
ffor
al
mosttwomont hsnow
Tef
o:IknowandI
'
m sor
ryaboutt
hat
Nanny:Ineedt
imeoffbecauseIalsohave
chi
ldr
enandIneedtoseet hem.Atleasti
fIcan
begivenoneweekendoffeverymont ht
ogo
andseemychildr
enandbuyt hingsfort
hem
Tefo:
Iunder
stand.Thepr
oblem i
sthati
fIgiv
e
youaweekendoffther
ewill
benoonet otake
car
eofthekids
Nanny:youcantakecar
eoft
hem orask
Tshego.Ir
eall
yneedtobeof
fnextweekend
Tef
o:Iwi
l
lmakeapl
an
Nanny
:thanky
ou
Tef
o:wher
ear
ethegi
rl
s?
Nanny:theyaresti
l
lsl
eepi
ng.Theypl
ayedatl
ot
atthepartysoIthi
nkt
heywereveryt
ir
edwhen
theywenttobed
Tef
o:ok.Iwi
l
lresol
veal
lthei
ssuesy
oubr
ought
up
Nanny
:yessi
r.Thanky
ou.
Tef
o:y
ah
Nanny
:yourbr
eakf
asti
sint
heov
en
Tef
o:t
hanks
(hetookabot tl
eofbeerf
rom t
hefri
dgeand
openedit.thenannyl
ookedathimfeel
i
ngsorr
y
forhim.clear
lyhewasnotcoping)

(
phoneconv
ersat
ion)

Di
mpho:
thanksf
ort
heout
ingmyl
ove
Thor
iso:
any
timebabe
Di
mpho:
Ihadsomuchf
un
Thor
iso:
Ireal
i
zed.(
hisphonebeeped)
Di
mpho: eventhoughyouhadtoi
ntr
oduceme
asyourcousintoyourf
ri
ends
Thor
iso:
undercov
ert
hingsmyl
ove.
Dimpho:
onedayIshal
lbei
ntr
oducedpr
oper
ly,
haker
e?
Thor
iso:
babewee,t
herei
sanimport
antcal
l
comi
ng.Letmetakei
tandcal
lyoubackaft
er
Di
mpho:
whoi
scal
l
ing?
Thor
iso:
Juni
or'
smum
Di
mpho:
mxm!
Thor
iso:
byef
ornowl
ove

(Iwasstar
ingatmyphonewonder
ingwho
mighthavedepi
sit
edthe2,
000Pul
ainmy
orangemoneyaccountwhenmyphonerang)
Me:Di
mpho?(Iwassur
pri
sed.Ipi
ckedt
hecal
l
any
way)Li
sa'
smum
Di
mpho:
hel
l
oTshego
Me:
hi.Howar
eyou?
Dimpho:I
'm doingv
erywell
,thanky
ou.Ican'
t
complai
natall.Howareyou?
Me:
I'
m super
Di
mpho:
especi
all
yaf
tert
hepar
tyy
ouhad
Me:
youknewabouti
t?howcomey
oudi
dn'
t
at
tend?
Di
mpho:Iwasnotinv
ited.Whydi
dn'
tyoui
nvi
te
metoyourpar
ty?
Me:itwasasurpr
isepar
tyso,Idi
dn'
tknow
abouti
taswell
.Wheredidyouhearabouti
t?
Dimpho:Isawthepi
ctur
esi
nTef
oandSei
so'
s
facebookwal
ls
Me:
ohok
Di
mpho:
arey
ouandSei
sodat
ing?
Me:
no
Di
mpho:
buthet
hrewy
ousuchamassi
vepar
ty?
Me:
yes.br
other
lysi
ster
lyl
ove
Di
mpho:
Iwasn'
tbor
nyest
erday
Me:
thel
adyi
nthepi
nkdr
essi
shi
sgi
rl
fr
iend.
Di
mpho:
oh.Ar
eyouseei
ngsomeone?
Me:I'
m st
il
lwai
ti
ngf
orper
missi
ont
ost
art
dat
ing
Dimpho:
ouch!Ihav
etogo.Ihav
eani
mpor
tant
cal
lcoming
Me:
sur
e
Di
mpho:
bye
Me:
cheer
s
(
Irecei
vedacal
lfr
om Tef
oimmedi
atel
yaf
ter
)

Me:
hel
l
o
Tef
o:hi
bir
thdaygi
rl
.Yourpar
tywasl
i
ttt
tt
t
Me:
Iknow.t
hankst
oal
lofy
ouf
oror
gani
zi
ngi
t
Tefo:
youarewel
come.I
'
m cal
l
ingt
oapol
ogi
se
formybehavi
or
Me:
whatbehav
ior
?
Tef
o:Igott
oodr
unkl
astni
ght
Me:
itwassoembar
rassi
ng
Tef
o:sor
ry
Me:sorr
ydoesn'
tcuti
tforme.st
opdr
inki
ng,
if
youcantst
opreduce
Tef
o:i
mtr
ying
Me:yousai
dy ouwer
egoingtoseea
psy
chologi
st,
whathappened?
Tef
o:I
m seei
ngherMondaymor
ning
Me:
shoul
dIcomewi
thy
ou?
Tef
o:no
Me:
Idontt
rusty
ouwi
l
lgo
Tef
o:Iwi
l
lgo,
formyki
dssake
Me:
pleasedo
Tef
o:kanaIboughty
ouagi
ftandf
orgott
ogi
ve
i
ttoyou
Me:
ohr
eal
l
y?
Tef
o:y
es
Me:
whatki
ndofagi
ft
?
Tef
o:acel
l
phone
Me:yeaaahhhhh.Ebi
l
ekanat
hisonehasa
br
okenscreen
Tef
o:andIknowMol
l
yist
heonewhobr
okei
t
Me:
true
Tef
o:shoul
dIbr
ingi
t?ar
eyouhome?
Me:
yesI
m home

(30mi nuteslaterTefobroughtthephone.Iwas
overthemoon.Wet henwentt oSeisoshouse.I
wantedt ohelpSophi ewiththecleani
ngand
seemynewman.Whenwegott herehewas
notin.hisphonewasof fandthewayImi ssed
him.sophi ehadal r
eadycleanedsoIassi st
ed
bycooki ngpapandmaki ngchakalakawhi l
e
Tefobr aai
edsomemeat .Sei
soandTef ower e
tal
ki
ngaboutTef ossi
tuati
on.Seisowast ry
ing
toadviseTef o.Sophiewasi nthebathroom
bathing.Whi l
eIwasst il
lcookingIl ooked
throught hewindowandIsawhi mhewas
wal ki
ngoutofhi scar .hewor ebl uenav ybl ue
shor t
s,ar edgolft-
shi r
tandbr ownsandal s
Tonyi sPusoshei ght .Hismuscul arbodywas
doingjust i
cetothecl othes.ahewaswal kingto
wher eTef oandSei sower est andinghe
brushedhi shairwithhi sfingersandi tturned
meon.Thi sr
elati
onshipi sgonnabedi fferent
alt
oget her.Minuteslaterhewal kedintot he
kit
chenandweshar edal ongpassi onate
Frenchki ss)

Me:
yourphonei
sof
f
Tony:i
t’
sonnow.Ij
ustswi
tchedi
ton.Ihadnot
real
i
zedthati
twasoff
Me:
oh(
smi
l
ing)Iwaswor
ri
ed
Tony:i
t’
sni
cetobel
ovedhey(
hesmi
l
edandI
smil
edback)
Me:
howdi
dyousl
eep?
Tony:
li
keababy
.Iact
ual
l
yov
ersl
ept
.Iwokeup
anhourago
Me:
real
l
y?
Tony:whowouldnotov
ersl
eepaf
tershar
inga
passi
onat
ekisswit
hawomanhel ovesso
much
Me:
Idi
dntsl
eep
Tony
:why
?
Me:Iam exci
tedaboutthelaptopsoIwas
pr
essingi
tthewholenight.Iwaswr i
ti
ngmy
bi
rt
hdayinmyj our
nal.(
smi l
ing)Ihav
ealapt
op
Tony
:ouch!
Me:
what
?
Tony:
Ithoughty
ouweregoi
ngt
osay
,yeahhhhI
haveamani nmyli
fe
Me:
(Il
aughed)al
apt
opandaman
Tony
:youar
esonaught
y(weki
ssedagai
n)
Me:
Ilov
eyou
Tony
:Il
ovey
oumor
e
(hehuggedmywai standIr
est
edmyheadon
hischestandi
tfel
tli
kehome)
Me:
mypot
sar
ebur
ning
Tony
:ok(her
eleasedmeandIswi
tchedt
he
st
oveof
f)
Me:
Im wai
ti
ngf
ort
hemeatf
rom t
heguy
s
Tony
:theyar
eal
mostdone
Me: al
right(Iwentbacktothepl
acewher eIf
elt
Ibelong,hischest.Hehuggedmywai stagai
n
andpr essedmeagai nstt
hewallaswegoti n
thelongestkissev er
.Tef
obargedint
ot he
kit
chenandTonyl etgooffme)
Tony
:ups!sor
ry
Tef
o:(
smi
l
ing)y
oudi
dnthav
etost
oponmy
account
Tony
:(hecl
ear
edhi
sthr
oat
)yah
Tef
o: i
m goingtof
etchmygirl
sandthei
rnanny
sothattheycangetoutoft
hehouseandget
somef r
shair
Me:ok.butI
m goingtodi
shoutfoodnow.
Ev
erythi
ngisready,
Iwasjustwai
ti
ngfort
he
meat
Tef
o:i
tsok.Iwi
l
leatwhenIcomeback.gapeI
hav
etobuysomedrinks
Me:
ok
Tef
o:sur
e
Tony
:sur
e
(assoonasheleftwediditagain.ohGosh!I
enjoy
edthem ki
sses.Sei
sowal kedinonus)
Sei
so:
hehehe(hewhi
stl
ed.Thi
sti
meTony
di
dntl
etgoof
fme)
Tony
:aha!
Seiso:Icanbor
rowy
ouoneoft
hebedr
ooms
(helaughed)
Tony
:wear
enotatt
hatl
evel
yet
Sei
so:Iwasjoking.Iknowyouar
eseei
ngmy
si
sterbutIwi
llnotletyouhav
eheri
nmyhouse
Tony
:Iknewi
t
(
theybot
hlaughedandIl
ookeddownshy
ly)
NO.75

(Iswitchedthecarengi
neoffandgotoutoft
he
car.IsawTony '
scar.Isai
dbyetothel
earner
s
andt heinst
ruct
orandleft
)
Tony
:hel
l
odar
li
ng
Me:
heysweet
hear
t
(
hegotoutoft
hecarandhuggedme)
Tony
:am Iget
ti
ngt
hatki
ssornot
?
Me:t
her
ear
epeopl
eher
e.Theyar
elooki
ngat
us
Tony
:getused
(hegentl
ygrabbedmebyt heneckandwe
Frenchki
ssed.Aft
erthekissIlookedar
ound
andsawot herl
earner
slookingatussmili
ng)
Me:Idon'
tthi
nkIwill
getusedt
othi
spubl
i
c
di
spl
ayofaffect
ion
Tony:cal
li
twhatevery
ouwant
.I'
m al
way
s
gonnagetthatki
ss
Me:
ok.Imi
ghtaswel
laccepti
tandgetusedt
o
i
t
Tony:mypoi
ntexact
ly.Howar
ethedr
ivi
ng
l
essons?
Me:exci
ting.ThedayIputthekeyintheigni
ti
on
andstar
tedt heengi
ne.
..oh.
...
my..
..word!
Tony
:youar
eexci
ted
Me:
Iam.Icanmov
eacarf
rom onepoi
ntt
othe
ot
her
Tony:(smi
li
ng)i
fmycari
spar
kedinthe
scorchi
ngsuncany
oumov ei
tandparki
tunder
theshade?
Me:
Ican
Tony:onedayIwil
lgi
veitt
oyouandobser
ve
youdoingi
t.Act
uall
y,whenwegethomeI'
m
gonnaleav
ethecaratthegat
eandyouwil
l
havetoparki
tproper
ly
Me:
Iwi
l
l
Tony
:sot
odaywear
egoi
ngt
omyhouse?
Me:
nopr
obl
em
Tony
:whyhav
eyoubeenr
efusi
ngt
ocomet
o
myhouse?
Me:becauseIt
houghtifIcomeher
eyoumi
ght
demandsexwhenI'm notready
Tony
:asi
nfor
cey
ou?
Me:
no.asi
nbei
ngscar
edt
osayno
Tony
:youshoul
dbefreear
oundmeandst
op
mewhenyoudon'tl
i
kesomethi
ng
Me:
I'
mfr
eenow.Ihav
ereal
i
zedt
haty
oul
i
sten
t
ome
Tony
:ok
(
Hestoppedatt
hegateandgotoutoft
hecar
.
Weswappedseats)
Tony
:st
artt
hecar
Me:
ok(
Ismi
l
edandst
art
edt
heengi
ne)
Tony
:goon
(Idi
dasIwast aughtandthecarst
arted
mov ingsl
owly.Inoti
cedthathewasholdingon
tothehandbrake.Idroveslowl
yunti
lIparked
thecarunderthet r
eeshadeandkil
ledthe
engine)
Me:
yeahhhhhh
Tony
:mybabei
saf
astl
ear
ner
Me:(
Frenchki
ss)t
hanky
oubabef
ort
hel
i
fe
t
imeskil
l
Tony
:youar
ewel
comemyl
ove
(Igav
ehimt hecarkeysandwegoti nsi
dethe
house.heshowedmehi sbedr oom andIsaton
thebed.Heleftmetogotot hebathroom t
o
bathandIwentthroughhiscloset
.Whenhe
cameback)
Me:
thatwasqui
ck
Tony
:real
l
y?(
babyki
ss)
Me:
TonyIhav
ebeengoi
ngt
hroughy
ourcl
oset
Tony
:andy
ouf
oundQueensbel
ongi
ngs?
Me:
yes.Ar
eyoust
il
lseei
ngher
?
Tony:no.Ibr
okeupwi t
hherov
ert
hephoneso
shenevergothert
hings.
Me:
wheni
ssheget
ti
ngt
hem orwhenar
eyou
t
aki
ngt
hem t
oher
?
Tony
:dot
heybot
hery
ou?
Me:
yes
Tony
:Iwi
l
lcal
lherandmaket
hear
rangement
Me:
thanks
Tony
:rel
axbabe.QueenandIar
edone
Me:
ok
(hesatnexttomeandweshar edalongkiss.
Hegent l
ypushedmeont ot hebedandgoton
topofme.wecont i
nuedkissingbutIwasnot
comf or
tabl
ebecauseIknewhemi ghtwantto
makel ovet
ome.Icouldn'tconcentr
ateonthe
kiss)
Me:
(br
eaki
ngf
rom t
heki
ss)babe
Tony
:mhm
Me:
rememberourdi
scussi
on?
Tony
:don'
twor
ry
(hestart
edkissi
ngmeagai n.whenhefi
nal
l
y
brokethekisshisunder
pantswerewet
.He
wentbackt othebathr
oom.Irecei
vedacal
l
from Lent
le.
)

Me:
moghel
Lent
le:
hel
l
omoghel
.Howar
eyoumoghel
?
Me:
I'
m doi
ngv
erywel
l
.your
sel
f?
Lent
le:
I'
m doi
nggreatmyf
ri
end.Howi
sthe
newrel
ati
onshi
p?
Me:
Ican'
tcompl
ainmyfr
iend.Wearest
il
lin
t
hehoney
moonphaseandy ouknowhowiti
s
Lentl
e:Ido.I
'm sohappyforyoumyfriend.I
hopethishappi
nessisrealanditwi
l
llast
for
ever
Me: t
hat'
smyprayer
.Tonyseemsdi
ff
erentand
I
'm hopef
ulaboutus
Lent
le:
I'
m al
sohopef
ult
oo
Me:
howi
syourr
elat
ionshi
pgoi
ng?
Lentl
e:i
t'
sgoingverywel
lmydear.Fora
changeI'
m happyinarel
ati
onshi
p
Me:I'
m happyfory
ou.Youdeser
vet
he
happi
nessatlongl
ast
Lent
le:
Ido.Ihav
ebeent
hroughal
ot
Me:
haker
e
(
thedooropened)
Lent
le:
agi
rldeser
vesabr
eak
Me:(
Tonywasbusyki
ssi
ngmyneck)Ihav
eto
gogi
rl
Lent
le:
byel
ove
Me:
bye
(
aft
erthecallweki
ssed.Ev er
yt i
mewekissI
l
ongtomakel ovet
oTonybutIwontmakel ov
e
t
ohim unt
ilIknowIm safe.Wehav eagr
eed
t
hatwewillgoforHIVtesti
ngt omorr
owandwe
wi
l
lseeadoct
ort
oinser
tal
oop)

BOKAA

(Pusoqui et
lywentthr
oughTshego'sfacebook
profi
le.Shehadnotbeenv eryacti
veon
facebook.Shehadnotpost edanythi
ngin
mont hs,however,somepeopl ehadtaggedher
.
Therewer epict
uresofthebirt
hdaypartyal
l
overTshego'swall)
Puso:
oh.Someonet
hrewherapar
ty
(helookedcloselyatthepict
uresand
remember edthef aceoftheguywhot agged
Tshego.Itwast heguywi thafunnyhead, the
onehesawatt heunv ei
li
ng.Her ecognizedthe
whiteguyaswel l.From t
hepictureshecoul d
tel
lthatTshegohadagoodt ime.Shewasal l
smiles.Hecontinuedgoingthrought heposts
andt her
ewasoneposti nwhichTshegowas
taggedinthatcaughthisatt
ention.Thewhit
e
guyhadpost edapictureofhim andTshego
withacapt i
on"t
hatmomentwhenIcan' tkeep
sti
llbecauseweareof f
ici
all
ydat i
ng".Heput
thephoneawayandt houghtl
onganddeep
beforehedecidedtocallKenalemang)
Kenal
emang:
moneymaker
Puso:
hel
l
oskwat
a
Kenal
emang:
yousoundl
ow.What
'sgoi
ngon?
Puso:
IjustcheckedTshego'
sfacebookpr
ofi
l
e
Kenal
emang:
Ithoughtsheunf
ri
endedy
ou
Puso:shedidbutIcanstil
laccessherpr
ofi
l
e
becauseherpri
vacyis.
..
..
..
..
Kenal
emang:
stopdoi
ngt
hatt
oyour
sel
f
Puso:
Tshegohasmov
edon
Kenal
emang:
isshedat
ingagai
n?
Puso:
yah.Shei
sdat
ingt
hewhi
teguy
Kenal
emang:
ao!
Puso:
yah
Kenal
emang:
har
dymymai
nman
Puso:Ican'
tbel
iev
emychapt
erwi
thTshegoi
s
abouttogetcl
ose
Kenal
emang:
closet
hechapt
erandmov
eon
Puso:t
hat'
swhatI'
m goi
ngt
odori
ghtnow.
Hardasiti
s,Ial
sohavet
omoveon
Kenal
emang:
nowy
ouar
etal
ki
ng
Puso:Ican'
tbel
i
eveTshegoandIar
edonef
or
good
Kenal
emang:
itwasn'
tmeantt
obe
Puso:
andIhav
ebeendeny
ingt
hatf
ormont
hs
now
Kenal
emang:
it'
sti
met
omov
eon
Puso:
yahneh.Idon'tbl
ameTshegot
hough.I
di
dthemosthorri
blethi
ngt
oher
Kenal
emang:
Pusoi
thappened,
accepti
tand
moveon
Puso:
byGod'
sgr
aceIbel
i
eveIwi
l
lmanage
Kenal
emang:youwil
lmymainman.Whydoy
ou
behav
eli
keitwasyourf
ir
stbr
eakup?
Puso:myrel
ati
onshi
pwithTshegowas
di
ffer
entandIl
ovedherwit
hmywhol ebei
ng
Kenalemang: i
fyoudon'
tletgoof
fTshegoyou
wil
lfail
toreceivel
oveevenwhenit'
sri
ghti
n
fr
ontofy oureyes
Puso:
true.Sor
ryf
orbur
deni
ngy
ou
Kenal
emang:
whatar
efr
iendsf
or?
Puso:
cheer
sbuddy
.
Kenal
emang:
sur
eskeem

MMANKGODI
Junior'
smum:youar
escar
cet
heseday
s.We
hardlyseey
ou
Thor
iso:
youknowt
henat
ureofmyj
obmyl
ove
Juni
or'
smum:
younev
erusedt
obeondut
yso
manyti
mes
Thor
iso:
Iknow.mmeebi
l
eIwi
l
lbeondut
y
agai
nnextweekend
Juni
or'
smum:
God!
Thor
iso:
Iknow
Juni
or'
smum: Any
way,therei
snot
hingwecan
do.Thejobf
eedsthef
ami l
y
Thori
so:(babyki
ss)y
ouarethemost
under
standingwomanint
hiswhol
ewidewor
ld
Juni
or'
smum:
real
l
y?
Thor
iso:
yes
Juni
or'
smum:
thenst
opcheat
ing
Thor
iso:
comeonbabe.Whenwast
hel
astt
ime
y
oucaughtmecheat
ing?
Juni
or'
smum:
gonei
t'
sbeenawhi
l
e
Thor
iso:
kar
eyoudon'
ttr
ustmeany
mor
e
Juni
or'
smum:
I'
mtr
yingt
otr
usty
ouagai
nbut
i
tshard
Thori
so:Iknowbabe.Kanay
oudon'
tbel
i
eveI
'
m
ser
iousaboutyou
Juni
or'
smum:
ahah!
Thoriso:
endofthi
smont
hI'
m sendi
ngmy
parentstoy
ourhome
Juni
or'
smum:ar
eyousay
ingwhatIt
hinky
ou
aresay
ing?
Thori
so:ty
pical
Setswanamarri
agepr
oposal
.I
havealr
eadytal
kedtomymum andsheis
supposedtoseemyunclethi
sweek
Juni
or'
smum:
babe.
..
..
.
Thor
iso:
Iwantt
omakey
oumi
nesot
haty
ou
canst
opst
ressi
ng
Juni
or'
smum:
God!Babe.
Thor
iso:
Ilov
eyou
Juni
or'
smum:
Ilov
eyout
oo
NO.74

MYHOUSE

Tef
o:f
orhowl
onghav
eyoubeendat
ingTony
?
Me:
(shy
ly)si
ncet
hepar
ty
Tef
o:oh.Heseemsl
i
keani
ceguy
Me:
Iguess
Tef
o:It
houghty
ouwer
edat
ingSei
so
Me:Ineverdat
edhi
m andhehasnev
erbeen
i
nter
estedinme
Tef
o:Ibel
i
evey
ouno(
sil
ence)shoul
dIsay
goodl
uckorcongr
atsi
nyournewr
elat
ionshi
p?
Me:Iguessbot
h.Ineedlucksot hatt
hingscan
workoutformeandacongr at
ulati
onsfor
dat
ingsuchawonderful
man( Ismi l
ed)
Tef
o:congr
ats
Me:
thanks
Tefo:Ihav
etogoandspendsomet
imewi
thmy
babies
Me:
passmyr
egar
ds
Tef
o:Iwi
l
l
(ashewaswal
ki
ngt
ohi
scarDi
mphocal
l
ed
him..
...
)

Tef
o:hel
l
o
Di
mpho:
Iwantmyki
ds
Tef
o:ahah!
Di
mpho:
don'
tactsur
pri
sed.Whydon'
tyou
wantmet
oseemyki
ds?
Tef
o:hav
eIev
erst
oppedy
ouf
rom seei
ngt
hem?
Di
mpho:
I'
m sendi
ngsomeonet
ofet
cht
hem
Tef
o:no
Di
mpho:
youseewhatI
'
mtal
ki
ngabout
Tefo:
Dimphojustbecivi
landmeetmetoget
theki
ds.I
'
m notgivi
ngmyki dst
ostr
anger
s.
Youmustbeoutofy ourmind
Dimpho:Tef
o,Li
saandMol l
yaremychil
dren
andIneedtoseethem whenev
erIwantt
o
Tef
o:sui
tyour
sel
f
Di
mpho:
Tef
o!
Tef
o:ify
ouwanty ourki
ds,comet oourhouse
tof
etchthem andbri
ngthem backtothehouse
Di
mpho:
Idon'
twantt
ocomet
othathouse
Tef
o:har
dy
Di
mpho:
sies!
Tef
o:mxm!

(Meanwhi leiheardthegat eopeningandI

l
ookedt hr
ought hewi ndow,itwasmyoneand
only.Iunlockedthedoor .Iwastakingabat
hso
Ihadl ockedthedoor .HeknockedandI
unlockedt hedoorandi nvit
edhimi n)
Tony
:dar
li
ng
Me:
babe
(
hepl
ant
edaki
ssonmycheek)
Tony
:justf
ini
shedbat
hing?
Me:
yah
Tony
:goi
ngsomewher
e?
Me:
nope,
agi
rlhast
olookgoodal
lthet
ime
Tony
:(hesmi
l
ed)Il
ovet
hat
(It
ookt
hebucketthatwasful
lofdi
rt
ywater
andwentout
side.WhenIcamebackthebig
met
albathwasout
side.Hehadt
akeni
toutof
t
hebedroom)
Me:
thanks
Tony:
any
time.Ar
eyoust
il
lgoi
ngt
orunat
uck-
shop?
Me:
I'
m notsur
eany
mor
e
Tony
:why
?
Me: becauseIspendalotoft
imeaway .Iatt
end
tutor
ialsi
nthemor ni
ngandaft
ernoonsot he
tuck-shopwil
lbeclosedmostoftheti
me.mme
kanaIhav etomakemoneysot hatIcanpay
tutor
ialsandsust
ainysel
f
Tony:
don'
twor
ryaboutt
hatIwi
l
lpr
ovi
def
or
you
Me:
ifwebr
eakup?
Tony
:wewon'
t
Me:
noTony
,Ihav
etobei
ndependent
Tony
:Iunder
standcompl
etel
y
Me:
I'
m gl
ady
oudo
Tony:
whydon'
twe.
..
...
iknowyoudontt
rustme
ful
l
ybutIpr
omiseI
'
m gonnatakecar
eofyou.
Me:
eish!
Tony
:Iwanty
out
ost
arty
ourdr
ivi
ngl
essons
Me:
...
..
Tony
:don'
tyouwantt
oknowhowt
odr
ive?
Me:
Idobut
,.
..
..
Tony:
nobuts.Ihav
eal
readyt
alkedt
ot heguy
andhesay
sy oucanst
artonMondayifyou
want
Me:
(smi
l
ing)r
eal
l
y?
Tony
:yes.Ar
eyoui
nornot
?
Me:
I'
min
Tony
:gr
eat.Iwi
l
lpayhi
m sothaty
oucanst
art
onMondaymorni
ngalr
eady
Me:
ok.Tony
?
Tony
:dar
li
ng
Me:
thanksbabe
Tony
:Il
ovey
ou
Me:
Ilov
eyout
oo
(westart
edkissi
ngandthemomentIf
elthi
m
hardonthetowelIhadwrappedmy
sel
fwithI
broketheki
ssandmov edback)
Tony
:ist
her
eapr
obl
em?
Me:
yes
Tony
:whati
sit
?
Me:
I..
...
.i
’
m notr
eadyf
orsex
(Tonyl
aughedver
yhar
dandIbecame
embarr
assed)
Tony
:whendoy
out
hinky
ouwi
l
lber
eady
?
Me:
Idon'
twantababy
Tony
:met
oo.
Me:
Iwantt
ofi
nishmyst
udi
esf
ir
st.
Tony
:Iwantachi
l
dwi
thi
nwedl
ock
Me:
(smi
l
ing)wow!Il
i
ket
hat
Tony:Iguesswemustusedoublepr
otect
ion.A
condom isnot100%saf
e.Youknowthatri
ght?
Me:
Ido.
Tony:Iwantyoutousesomethi
ngthatnot
hormonall
ikeIUD.Any
wayit
supt oyouto
deci
deitsyourbody
Me:
cany
ouar
ranget
hatf
orme?
Tony:defi
nit
ely
.Oncethati
ssor
teditmeanswe
can.
..
...
(helookedr
ighti
ntomyeyes)
Me:
may
be
Tony
:ist
her
eany
thi
ngel
seTshego?
Me:
yes,
pleasedon'
tbr
eakmyhear
t
Tony
:Iwon'
tanddon'
tbr
eakmi
ne
Me:
(Ismi
l
ed)Iwon'
t
Tony
:(hehuggedmywaist)getdr
essedsot
hat
wecangooutforf
reshair
Me:
OK(
babyki
ss)
(Iputonmypai rofjeans,golft-shi
rtand
sneakersandwegoti nthecarl.Wedr ove
aroundthev i
l
lage.Hedeci dedhewant edafew
beerssowest oppedatabarandhebought
somebeer sandsof tdri
nksf orme.Hehadonl y
onecampi ngchairinhiscarsohesati nthecar
withthedooropenedwhi l
eIsatont hechai
r.
Wel i
stenedtomusi candhadshor t
conversati
onshereandt here.Hecoul dnotstop
stari
ngatme.Theenv ir
onmentwassor el
axing
andIf el
tsohappy )

TEFO'
SHOUSE
(
phoneconv
ersat
ion)
Nanny
:myf
ri
endI
'
mti
redoft
hispl
ace
Fr
iend:
youneedt
hemoneymyf
ri
end
Nanny
:Imi
ssmychi
l
drensobad
Fr
iend:
it’
sbeenl
ongwi
thoutseei
ngt
hem
Nanny
:honest
ly,
I'
mfedupwi
tht
hispl
ace
Fr
iend:
thatguyl
eenemustgethi
sactt
oget
her
Nanny:t
heguyi
sok,
Ihav
eapr
obl
em wi
tht
hat
bossywoman
Fr
iend:
fami
l
ypol
i
ticsi
sapr
obl
em
Nanny
:Imjustwai
ti
ngtogetpai
dnextweek
t
henIm goi
ngtodi
sappearf
rom t
hispl
ace
Fri
end:atl
eastt
ellhi
mthatyouar
enotcoming
backtothathecanseewhattodowi
ththekids
Nanny:that
snotmyprobl
em.WhyshouldIcar
e
aboutanotherwomanski
dswhenmykidsare
suff
eri
ng?
Fr
iend:
theyshoul
dgi
vey
ouaweekendof
f
Nanny
:Im donewi
tht
hisdr
unkar
dandbossy
wif
e
Fr
iend:
Iunder
stand
Nanny
:letmewashBDfuni
for
m mma
Fr
iend:i
tsl
i
key
ouar
emar
ri
edt
oanar
my
of
ficer
Nanny
:imagi
ne!
Fr
iend:
byemyf
ri
end
Nanny
:by
e

DAYSLATER.
..
..
NO.77

(
Tonywasl
eav
ingsoIwalkedhi
mt ohiscar
.He
l
eanedont
hecarandIst
oodinfrontofhi
m)
Me:
I'
m goi
ngt
omi
ssy
ou
Tony
:met
oo
(hepul
ledmetowar
dshim andhuggedmy
waist
.Irest
edmyheadwhereitbel
ongs,
onhi
s
chest
)
Me:
Ilov
eyouTony
Tony
:Il
ovey
oumor
ebabe
(wekissed.I
'
m get
ti
ngusedtoki
ssi
nghimin
publi
cnow.Iknowmyneighbour
'swer
e
probabl
ysomewherewatchi
ngusbutIdudi
nt
care)
Me:
can'
tyousl
eepher
e
Tony
:Iwantt
owat
chagamet
oni
ght
Me:
oh.Woul
dyousl
eepher
ethough?
Tony
:yes.Why
?
Me:
becauset
her
eisnoel
ect
ri
cit
y
Tony
:don'
twor
ry
(
Ist
art
edki
ssi
nghi
m andher
eadt
hesi
gnal
wel
l
)
Me:
kgm kgm
Tony
:doy
ouwantme?
Me:
badl
y
Tony
:(hechuckl
ed)Icant
ell
(
heputhishandi
nsi
demypy j
amapant
s.I
r
ubbedmyhandagainsthi
sswol
l
enpantsj
ust
t
oteasehim)
Me:
doy
ouwantme?
Tony
:sobad
Me:
yah
Tony
:andy
ouar
edr
ippi
ngwet
Me:
babyI
'
mreadyf
ory
ou,
forus
Tony(heki
ssedme)howaboutgoi
ngt
omy
house?
Me:
letmel
ockt
hehouse
Tony
:ok

(
phoneconv
ersat
ion)

Thor
iso:
hel
l
olov
e
Di
mpho:
heybabe
Thor
iso:
howar
eyou?
Di
mpho:I
'
m gr
eatnowt
hatwear
etal
ki
ng.I
mi
ssyou
Thori
so:
Imi ssy
out
oo.Shoul
dIcomet
oGabs
aft
erwork?
Di
mpho:
yeahhh.Iwoul
dlov
ethat
Thor
iso:
Iwil
lbor
rowsomemoneyf
orpet
rol
fr
om myfri
end
Di
mpho:
arey
oubr
oke?
Thor
iso:
deadbr
oke
Dimpho:
andyouar
ebor
rowi
ngmoneyj
ustt
o
comeandseeme?
Thor
iso:
whenl
ovecal
l
s
Di
mpho:
xoxoxo
Thor
iso:
yougeti
tnow
Di
mpho:yah.Youdonthav
etobor
rowmoney
l
ove.Howmuchdoy ouneed?
Thor
iso:
200pul
awi
l
ldo
Di
mpho:
Iwi
l
lmakei
t500
Thor
iso:
thanksbabe
Dimpho:
youcan'
tbebor
rowi
ngmoneywhenI
havemoney
Thor
iso:
Ilov
eyou
Di
mpho:
Ilov
eyoumor
e
Thor
iso:
seey
oul
aterl
ove
Di
mpho:
OK.Babe?
Thor
iso:
myqueen
Di
mpho:
Ihav
edeci
dedt
odi
vor
ceTef
o
Thor
iso:
oh
Di
mpho:
I'
m seei
ngmyl
awy
erl
atert
oday
Thor
iso:
arey
ousur
eabouti
t?
Di
mpho:
Iam
Thor
iso:
ok
Di
mpho:Ihavethoughtaboutitandmymi ndis
madeup.Mylif
ehasbeenal otbettergener
all
y
si
ncemovingoutofhishousihearyoubabe.
Thori
so:Thati
syourdeci
siont
omake.Hakere
ther
eisnooneandnothingput
tingpr
essur
eon
youtodi
v or
ce?
Di
mpho:
no.I
'
m doi
ngi
tformy
sel
f
Thor
iso:
good.Wewi
l
ltal
kabouti
tlat
ert
oday
Di
mpho:
alr
ight
.
Thor
iso:
lat
erl
ove.By
e
Di
mpho:
bye

TONY'
SHOUSE

(Iimmedi
atel
ycover
edmy sel
fwit
hasheet .He
tookofft
hecondom andwenttothebat
hroom.
Hecamebackwi pi
nghisfacewit
hawetf ace
cloth)
Tony
:babe
Me:
mhm (
Iwasf
aci
ngt
heopposi
tedi
rect
ion)
Tony
:comeonbabe,
lookatme
Me:
yes(
Ifacedhi
sdi
rect
ionandsmi
l
edshy
ly)
Tony
:Idi
dn'
tknowy
ouar
esoshy
Me:
it'
smyf
ir
stt
imewi
thy
ou
Tony
:(hechuckl
ed)Il
ovey
ou
Me:
Ilov
eyout
oo
(
hegotunder
cov
erandwecuddl
ed)
Tony
:wantsomet
hingt
odr
ink?
Me:
no,
thanks
Tony
:cool
.Youar
esl
eepi
ngov
err
ight
?
Me:
ify
ouwantmet
o
Tony
:Iwanty
out
o
Me:
ok
Tony:
andIhopey
ouwi
l
lbesl
eepi
ngher
ever
y
oft
en
Me:
(smi
l
ing)y
ah
Tony
:I'
m goi
ngt
owat
cht
hegamel
ove
Me:
enj
oy
Tony:y
oucanwat chamoviei
nmyl
apt
op.I
t
doesn'
trequi
reapasswor
d
Me:
thanks
(
Ical
l
edLent
lel
ater
..
..
.)
Lent
le:
moghel
Me:
hel
l
omoghel
Lent
le:
howi
sit
?
Me:
guesswhat
?
Lent
le:
what
?
Me:
wedi
dit
(
wegi
ggl
edl
i
kenaught
yschool
kids)
Lent
le:
tel
lmemor
e
Me:
nope
Lent
le:
det
ail
sdet
ail
smoghel
Me:
Iwasv
eryshyt
lhemma
Lent
le:
howcome?
Me:
Idon'
tntknow.Heev
ennot
iced
Lent
le:
buthowwasi
t?
Me:
hei
sagent
leman.Het
ookt
hingseasy
,
mi
ssi
onar
y
Lent
le:
(shel
aughed)It
houghtguy
sli
kehi
m go
wil
dinbed
Me:It
hinki
t'
sbecausehenot
icedt
hatIwasn'
t
comet
elycomfor
tabl
e
Lent
le:
may
be
Me:
yah.I
m sl
eepi
ngi
nhi
shouset
oni
ght
Lent
le:
longov
erdue
Me:
wenakana
Lentl
e:y
ah.Iwasbeginni
ngtowor
ryt
hatt
heex
gi
rlf
ri
endisst
il
lonthepict
ure
Me:f
orsomer easoIt
rust
edhi
m whenhesai
d
t
heybrokeup
Lent
le:
OK.Enj
oygi
rl
Me:
def
ini
tel
y.Thi
sshy
nessmustgo
NO.76
BOKAA

Kenal
emang:
moneymaker
Puso:
didy
ouseet
henot
if
icat
ion?
Kenal
emang:
yes,
Idi
d.Thanksman
Puso:
thanksal
otf
ory
ourhel
pman
Kenal
emang:youaremostwel
come.Andy
ou
addeda6thousand?
Puso:eishmany ousacr
if
icedal
otf
orme.
Gett
ingal oanf
orsomeoneelsei
sahuge
sacr
ifi
ce
Kenal
emang:
mywi
fei
sver
yhappy
Puso:
tel
lherIsai
dthanky
ou
Kenalemang:the6t
housandpul
asai
dabet
ter
thankyouthataver
balone
Puso:
(laughi
ng)y
ahneh
Kenal
emang:
thanksman.Wi
thy
ouIcanr
isk
becauseIknowy
oupayf
ait
hful
l
y
Puso:
haker
e.IknowIcancountoy
oursuppor
t
Kenal
emang:
anyt
ime.Will
youhav
emoneyf
or
di
eself
ort
hecomingseason?
Puso:Ishould.Ihavepai dal
lmydebtswit
hthe
paymentIgotf r
om t hegovernment
.I’
m
off
ici
all
ydebtf r
ee.Ihav eevenpai
dmymum
andmysi bl
ingsallthemoneyt heybor
rowed
meandhopedmewi th
Kenal
emang:
that
'sgr
eatman.Thi
ngsar
egoi
ng
wellf
ory
oumyman
Puso:whentheJohnsandtheTef
osofthi
s
worl
dpushy outowar
dsyourbl
essi
ngandyou
ar
ecryingt
hinki
ngtheyar
edestr
oyi
ngyou
Kenalemang:andt
hat
'swhatIhavealwayssai
d
toyou.peopl
earemerel
yshutt
ingwindowsof
yourl
ifenotknowi
ngt
hatGodisgoingtoopen
adoubledoor
Puso: agaragedoor(t
heylaughed)I
'mm
actuall
ywaiti
ngforatrucktocomeandpick
bagsofbeans.I'm sel
l
ingthem tomakemoney
fordieself
orthenextploughi
ngseason
Kenal
emang:
that
'st
hewayt
ogomyman
Puso:
whenar
eyoucomi
ngt
ogety
ourbags?
Kenal
emang:y
ouknowhowthi
sjobis.OnceI
getafr
eeweekendI
'
m comi
ngfort
hem
Puso:
Iwi
l
lwai
ttohearf
rom y
ou
Kenal
emang:
sur
e
Puso:
cheer
s!

(
tal
ki
ngt
oQueenwhi
l
edr
ivi
ng)
Queen:
Tonyhi
,hi
Tony
:hel
l
oQueen
Queen:
it'
ssogoodt
ohearf
rom y
ou
Tony
:yah
Queen:
howhav
eyoubeen?
Tony:
Ihavebeenok.Ical
l
edr
egar
dingy
our
bel
ongings
Queen:
oh
Tony:weshouldmakeanar
rangementsot
hat
youcangetthem
Queen:
doy
ouwantmet
ocomeandf
etcht
hem?
Tony:ori
fther
eisanyoney
ouknowt hatwi
ll
be
tr
avell
i
ngfrom Gabst
oGhettoIcangiv
ethem
totheper
son
Queen:
oh.Iwi
l
lmakeapl
an
Tony
:thanks.Howhav
eyoubeen?
Queen:
TonyI
'm hur
ti
ngandthefactthaty
ou
movedonver
yquickl
yisnothel
ping
Tony
:I'
m sor
ry
Queen:
hassheal
way
sbeent
her
e?
Tony
:no.whenwebr
okeupIwasi
nter
est
edi
n
herbutt
henshewasj
ustaf
ri
end
Queen:
Isee.I
t’
ssohar
dformet
oacceptt
he
br
eakup
Tony
:youar
east
rongper
sony
ouwi
l
lbef
ine
Queen:
that
'sv
erysar
cast
ic
Tony
:Ihav
etogo
Queen:
doyouthi
nkit
’sfai
rthaty
oubr
okeup
wit
hmeoverthephone?
Tony:r
ememberIwant
edtocomet
oyouso
thatwecoul
dtal
kbuty
ousai
dyouwer
etoo
busy?
Queen:Iwasbusywithassi
gnment
sandIwas
al
soprepari
ngforexams
Tony
:oh.Ihav
etogo
Queen:
ok.Iwi
l
lmakeapl
an
Tony
:thanky
ousomuch
Queen:
alr
ight
.By
e
Tony
:by
e

(
whenIsawTony'
scarpar
kingatthegat
eI
l
ockedt
hehouseandwenttojoi
nhim.asusual
weshar
edadeepkiss)
Tony
:dar
li
ng
Me:
sweet
hear
t
(
Iappl
i
edl
i
pst
ickt
omyl
i
psagai
n)
Tony
:ar
eyour
eady
?
Me:
yup.You?
Tony
:I'
mready
(
Inoti
cedthathehadl
ipst
ickonhi
sli
pssoI
r
ubbeditoffwi
thmythumb)
Me:
IguessI
'
m gonnabedoi
ngt
hisal
lthet
ime
Tony
:andIl
i
keitwheny
oudot
hat
.Ishoul
d
ki
ssyoumore
Me:
mor
e?
Tony
:(hel
aughed)y
ousoundshocked
Me:i
fki
ssescoul
dki
l
ltheny
ouandIwoul
dbe
dead
Tony
:ver
yfunny
(wearri
vedatTebelopeleHI Vt estingand
counsel
ingcentr
eandj oinedt hequeue.People
l
ookedatuswhenwewal kedin.Iwonderi f
peopleareal
waysst ari
ngatTonybecausehe
speaksSetswanaorbecausehei sdati
nga
blackwoman.Any way,wer egi
st eredand
waitedtobecall
edin.mi nutesl aterwetest
ed
andwaitedfort
her esult
s)
Counsel
or:
whatr
esul
tsar
eyouant
ici
pat
ing?
Me:
negat
ive
Counsel
or:
fory
ouorf
orhi
m?
Me:(l
ooki
ngattony)f
orbot
hofus(
Ilookedat
Tonyandhenodded)
Counsel
or:
sir
?
Tony
:negat
ivef
orbot
hofus
Cousel
l
or:
andt
her
esul
tsar
e..
..
..
..
..
..
.
Me:
(looki
ngatt
her
esul
ts)negat
ive
Tony
:negat
ive
Counsel
or:
youar
ebot
hHI
Vnegat
ive
Me:
yesssssss
(TonyandIhuggedandweshar edababyki ss.
Thecounselorwentontoeducateusonhowt o
maintai
nthenegati
veresul
ts.Minutesl
aterwe
l
eftthecent
retogoandseeagy nae.The
doctori
nser
tedtheIUDandwel eftthepl
ace)
Tony
:youdon'
tl
ookok.Whatwentoni
nther
e?
Me:
whydi
dnt
1youwantt
ojoi
nme?
Tony
:andwat
chsomebodydoi
ngal
lthatt
oyou?
Me:arey
ougoingt
obet
her
ewhenIdel
i
verour
babi
esoneday
?
Tony
:honest
ly,
I'
m notsur
e
Me:
Idi
dn'
tknowy
ouar
eacowar
d
Tony:
Ican'
tst
andt
oseey
oui
npai
nor
di
scomfort
Me:
xoxoxo!That
'
ssosex
y
Tony
:yougetmenow(
hesmi
l
ed)
Me:
Ido.I
twasn'
tpai
nful
Tony
:buty
ouf
rowned
Me:justthethoughtofsomeoneputt
ingt
heir
tool
sdownt hereand..
..
..I
twasuncomfor
tabl
e
andirt
it
ating
Tony:ok.St
opnow.Maybeweshouldgoand
havelunchsomewher
esothatwecangohome
andrest
Me:
yah(
Ismi
l
ed)
Tony
:what
?
Me:
wear
eHI
Vnegat
ive
Tony
:thosear
ether
esul
tsar
eexpect
ed
Me:
congr
atst
ous

DI
MPHO'
SPLACE

Fr
iend:
wher
edoy
ouhi
demyf
ri
end?
Di
mpho:
mmekanaIdon'
thi
de
Fr
iend:
Ihar
dlyseey
ou
Di
mpho:
it'
snewl
ove,
(shesmi
l
ed)
Fr
iend:
kar
etheben10i
sdoi
ngev
ery
thi
ngr
ight
Di
mpho:(
smil
ing)hei
s.Hei
shandsome,
good
i
nbed,
lov
ingandcari
ng
Fr
iend:
ist
hebabymamast
il
li
nthepi
ctur
e?
Di
mpho:
don'
ttal
kaboutt
hatone
Fr
iend:
arewhat
'shi
spl
an?
Dimpho:Ithi
nkhedoesn'
twantt
oleav
eher
becausetheyhav
eakidtoget
her
Fri
end:butyoulef
tTef
oev
ent
houghy
ouhav
e
twokidstoget
her
Di
mpho:Ithi
nkthefactthatI
'm sti
ll
marri
ed
makeshi
mt hi
nkthatI'
m notseriousabouthi
m
t
hat'
swhyheissti
llwit
ht hebabymama
Fr
iend:
sowhat
'sy
ourpl
an?
Di
mpho:obv
iousl
y,t
odi
vor
ceTef
o.I
'
m done
wi
thTef
o
Fr
iend:
arey
ousur
eit
'st
her
ightdeci
siont
o
make?
Dimpho:Il
oveThori
sosomuchandIwi
l
ldo
anyt
hingandever
ythi
ngt
obewithhi
m
Fr
iend:
Iknowbut
..
Dimpho:i
jomma,nobut
s.I'
m donewithTefo
andIwanttost
artt
hedi
vorceprocesssothat
Thori
socanseehowser
iousIam abouthi
m
Fr
iend:
theki
ds?
Di
mpho:
Tef
ocangett
hei
rsol
ecust
ody
becausehei
sal
readyt
aki
ngcar
eoft
hem
anyway
Fr
iend:
justl
i
ket
hat
?
Di
mpho:
yes.It
rustTef
owi
tht
heki
ds.
Fr
iend:
buty
ouar
ethei
rmot
her
Dimpho: givi
ngTef osolecustodydoesn'
tmean
Iwillbeneglecti
ngmyki ds,no!heisthei
r
parentandIwi ll
visi
tthem whenI ’
mf r
eeand
buyt hem whatevertheyneed.HakereI'
m
payingtheirschoolfees
Fri
end:
don'tr
usht
omakedeci
sions,
thi
nk
thi
ngsthr
ough
Di
mpho:
Ihav
ethoughtabouti
t
Friend:getasmuchadvi
ceasyoucan.Idon'
t
trustThori
so.It
hinkhel
oveshi
sbabymama
toomuchandhewi ll
notl
eaveher
Di
mpho:buthewil
l.haker
eIjustt
oldy
ougor
e
whatmakeshi
m nottoleaveher
Fr
iend:
yourr
easoni
ngmyf
ri
end.
.
Di
mpho:
wat
cht
hespace,
Thor
isoi
smi
ne
Fri
end:t
hemmahi
remyl
i
ttl
esi
stert
olookaf
ter
yourki
ds
Di
mpho:
theki
dshav
eamai
d
Fr
iend:
ift
her
eisanopeni
ngl
etmeknow
Di
mpho:
andkanay
oursi
steri
sgoodwi
thki
ds
Fr
iend:
youknowhermose
Dimpho:Iwi
ll
defi
nit
elyconsi
derherebi
leI
don'
tli
kethel
it
tl
ewitchwhoistakingcar
eof
mykids
Fr
iend:mysist
er'
sbabydaddydeniedthe
pr
egnancysomysi sterhast
otakeany
av
ailabl
ejobsothatshecansupportherchi
l
d.
Di
mpho:
Iwi
l
lconsi
derhermyf
ri
end.Don'
tyou
worr
y
Fr
iend:
thanks
NO.78

Tony
:(hesmi
l
ed)goodmor
ning
Me:
real
l
y?
Tony
:di
dIsaysomet
hingwr
ong?
Me:
yes
Tony
:real
l
y?
Me:Tonywewereupall
nightandwemade
l
oveagaintwohour
sagosoy oucan'
tactasi
f
wejustwokeup
Tony:
(hemovedcl
oserandournosest
ouched)
andsomeonewasn'
tshythi
sti
me
Me:I'
m becomi
ngmor
ecomf
ort
abl
ear
ound
you
Tony
:that
'snott
her
eason
Me:
what
'
sther
eason?
Tony
:Idi
dn'
tdomi
ssi
onar
yst
ylesoy
ou
enj
oyedy
our
sel
fandl
etl
oose
Me:
thi
sconv
ersat
ioni
scl
osed
Tony
:(l
aughi
ng)webothenjoyedhaker
emme.
I
twasaf unf
il
ledexper
ience
Me:
itwas(
Iki
ssedhi
m).I
'
m st
arv
ing
Tony:youmeanyouwantmoreofme?(
he
chuckl
ed)metoo.I
'
m hungr
y
Me:
letmegoandmakebr
eakf
ast
Tony:Iwi
l
lhel
pyou.May
bewecant
akeabat
h
fi
rst
Me:
ok
Tony:
weneedt ogoandbuyy
oupropertoil
etr
y
si
nceyouwil
lbespendi
ngmostofyournight
s
her
e..
anddays
Me: ebi
l
eIalway
ssmelll
ikeamanaf
terusi
ng
yourrol
lonandbodyl
oti
on
Tony
:Iknow
(
hegotoutofbedandl
i
ftedmeupandwal
ked
t
othebathr
oom)

FRANCI
STOWN

Fr
iend:
Queen
Queen:
hee?
Fr
iend:
arey
ouokay
?
Queen:
no
Fr
iend:
whati
sgoi
ngon?
Queen:
(wipi
ngt
ears)Tonyhasmov
edonandi
t
i
shardformetoaccept
Fr
iend:
(hug)best
rongmydear
.Youwi
l
lget
ov
erhim
Queen:Ihavebeentr
yingt
ogetov
erhi
m buti
t
i
shard.I’
m hurt
ing
Fr
iend:
butt
her
eisnot
hingy
oucando
Queen:Iknow.Studyi
ngkeptmev er
ybusyand
i
tappearedasifIwascopingbutnowthatI
m
notthatbusyIam begi
nni
ngtoreali
zet
hatIm
notoverTony.Il
oveTony
Fr
iend:
buthehasmov
edon
Queen:
nomancanev
erl
ovemet
hewayTony
di
d
Fr
iend:
that
'snott
rue
Queen:
Tonyi
saspeci
alman
Fr
iend:
andt
her
ear
emanyspeci
almen
Queen: hecall
edmet heotherdaysay
ingI
shouldgetmybel ongi
ngsfrom hi
shouseand
eversincethen.
.(
shecried)
Fr
iend:t
hepainisnor
malandnatur
alandi
twi
l
l
goaway.Takeiteasy
.Heal
ingt
akesti
mebuti
t
wil
lcome
Queen:
I'
mthi
nkingofgoingtoseehi
m sothat
wecantal
kaboutthi
sissue.Maybei
fhesees
me
Fr
iend:
no.no.no.f
orgetaboutt
hatst
upi
didea
Queen:
mybel ongi
ngsareathi
shouseand
maybeifIgoandfetcht
hem Icangetachance
t
otalktohim andr
easonwithhi
m
Fri
end:Iwantyoutostopthatt
hought
.I'
m
goingtocol
lectt
hosethi
ngs.Don'
tgothere
becauseyouaregoingtocomebackbroken
Queen:atl
eastIwil
lhaveclosur
e.Maybei
twil
l
hel
pmeacceptt hatIcan'
thavehim.ormaybe
hewil
lfeel
sorryforme
Fr
iend:
Queenst
opi
t!Justst
op!
Queen:youdon'
tunder
standhowIfeel
.You
don'
t(shecover
edherfacewit
hherhandsand
cri
ed)

MAFENYATLALAMALL
(Ican’
tgetusedtopeoplest
ari
ngatus
wheneverI’
m withTony.Atf
ir
stIt
houghti
ts
becauseTonyisthekindofguywhopubli
cly
displ
ayshisaff
ecti
onforme.Wewerequeuing
topay..
..
..)
Tony:(
huggi
ngmef r
om behi
nd)ar
eyousur
e
youhaveputev
ery
thingyouwant
edtobuyi
n
thet
rol
ley
?
Me:
yah
Tony:(ki
ssedmycheekfr
om behi
nd)al
ri
ght
(anot
herkiss)Ineedt
osmoke
Me:
okl
ove
Tony
:thequeuei
sabitl
ongsoIwi
l
lbebackon
ti
metohelpyouwit
hthet
rol
l
ey
Me:
okbabe
(hel
eft
.hetookabitl
ong.Ipai
dwi t
hthemoney
hehadgivenme.i
pushedt heheavytr
oll
eyal
l
thewaytowheret
hecarwaspar ked.Isawone
ofmyf ormerclassmatesinanurse'
suni
form
andIfeltverysadbecauseIusedtoperf
orm
bett
erthanheratschool y
etsheisanurseand
I'
m st
il
lstruggli
ngtogetmyBGCSEcer ti
fi
cate)
Gi
rl
:Tshegof
atsoMot
swasel
e
Me:
Keol
ebogi
l
eNt
hwal
ang
(
weshar
edahug)
Gir
l:gi
rly
oul
ookbeaut
if
ul.Nemmawher
edo
youwork?
Me:
owai
i
,I'
m unempl
oyed
Gi
rl
:whi
chcour
sedi
dyoudo?
Me:
I'
m wr
it
ingmyf
ormf
ivenexty
ear
Gir
l:Tshegof
atsoyouarely
ing.Andthecary
ou
arestandi
ngnextt
o...
..(
shelookedatthe
tr
oll
ey)Tshegoyouarelyi
ng
Me:I'
m not.Icanseey
ouar
eanur
se.Congr
ats
dar
li
ng!
Gir
l:t
hanks.Ar
ey ouser
iouswhenyousayy
ou
arenotemployedandyoudon'
thav
eany
qual
ifi
cat
ions?
(
IsawTonycomi
ngandIsmi
l
edbackathi
m)
Me:
yes.askLent
le
Gi
rl
:youwi
l
lmakei
tmydear
Tony:(
smi
li
ng)hel
l
o(hehuggedmywai
stf
rom
behi
ndandki
ssedmyneck)
Gi
rl
:hi.(
inSetswana)nowondery
ouare
gl
owing,youaredati
ngawhit
eperson
Me:
kgm kgm
Tony
:(i
nSet
swana)Ihear
dthat
Gi
rl
:(shocked)ahah
Me:t
hisi
smyboyfr
iendTony.Babet
hisi
smy
f
ormercl
assmat
e,Keolebogi
l
e
Tony
:ni
cet
omeety
ou
Gi
rl
:mypl
easur
e
Tony:
sorr
yItooklong.Iwasonacal
l.Butbabe
youdi
dn'
thavetopusht hi
sheav
ytr
oll
ey.You
shoul
dhavewait
edf orme
Me:
it'
sfi
nemyl
ove
Tony:(
unlocki
ngthecar
)letmeputthem i
nthe
carwhil
ey oucat
chupwithKeol
ebogil
e
Me:
thanksbabe
Tony
:(babyki
ss)gr
eat
(
Tonybegant
oputt
hegroceri
esint
hecar
whi
l
eIhadachatwi
thKeolebogi
l
e)

Gi
rl
:youar
esol
uckyTshego
Me:
owai
i
Gir
l:f
orreal
.Youhav
eal
ovi
ngman,
youl
ook
beauti
ful
Me:
youhav
eagoodj
ob
Gi
rl
:yahl
i
fei
sver
ytr
icky
.Whenonedepar
tment
functi
onswellther
eisnothi
ngtowr it
ehome
aboutinotherdepart
ments.CareerwiseI
'm
doingverywellandI'
m goi
ngbackt oschool
againsoonbutmyl oveli
fesucks.Ihaveachi
ld
whosef at
herisnowheretobef ound
Me:that
'sl
i
femydear
.I'
m st
ruggl
i
ngt
obui
l
da
car
eer
Gi
rl
:atl
easty
ouhav
eaman
Me:t
herel
ati
onshi
pisst
il
lnewsoIdon'
tknow
wher
eit
'sgoi
ng
Gir
l:t
rustmewhenIsaythi
s,thi
sguylovesyou
t
lhemma.Icanseehisloveforyour
adiati
ng
fr
om hiseyes
Me:
weshal
lsee
Gi
rl
:hei
sdone.Gi
vemey
ournumbersot
hat
wecant
alk
(
Igav
ehermynumberandt
ookher
sandwent
t
ojoi
nmymaninthecar
.mylov
eforTony
gr
owsdeeperev
eryday
)

BOKAA

Puso'
smum:
whati
sint
hatbookkant
e?
Puso:
thi
sbooki
sver
yver
yimpor
tant
Puso'
smum:
what
'
sini
t?
Puso:
myl
i
fepl
ans
Puso'
smum:
letmesee
Puso:
youar
egoi
ngt
othi
nkI
'
m cr
azy
Puso'
smum:
why
?
Puso:
thepl
ansIhav
ear
est
range
Puso'
smum: t
ryme(shesmil
ed)i
tissogood
toseeyoumoti
vat
edaboutl
i
feagainand
worki
nghar
d
Puso:
li
fegoeson
Puso'smum: (
sheopenedt hebookandread
thefi
rstpagesi
lent
ly)soyouplantobuy
anothertr
act
ornextyear?
Puso: yesmum.I fIsel
ltheremai ning30bags
ofbeansIwi ll
hav eenoughmoneyf ordieself
or
thisyearwhi chmeansIwon' tbeowi nganyone
sinceIwoul dnothav eborrowedmoneyf or
diesel.Thatmeanswhat evermoneyIgetnext
yearwi l
lbemi nesoIwi llr
einvestthemoneyby
buy i
nganot hertract
or.Thefollowingy earthe
twot r
actorswi ll
givemeenoughmoneyt obuy
my selfacarandaf arm
Puso'
smum:
(smi
l
ing)y
oudi
dwel
lbyr
esi
gni
ng
fr
om BDF
Puso:
butbackt
heni
tdi
dn'
tseem t
hatway
.
Puso'smum: Iknow.Youhavemadea5year
pl
anbutal lIseearecars,
ahouse,
afar
m,two
tr
actors.
..
..
..
..
.wi f
eandchil
d?
Puso:
noti
nthenearf
utur
e
Puso'
smum:
Puso?
Puso:
Idon'
twannar
ushi
ntomar
ri
age
Puso'
smum:
youwi
l
lneedawi
fe.Yourown
famil
y
Puso:t
hatIdon'
tdi
sput
emum (hefl
ippeda
pageandcameacrossacel
lnumberand
smil
ed)
Puso'
smum:
what
?
Puso:wemi ghtbeont
osomethi
ngher
e(he
savedthenumberinhi
sphone)
NO.78

(Tef
oknockedandnooneinvi
tedhimin.he
openedthedoorandsawabigsui
tcaseanda
smallbag.Heknockedont
henanny'
sbedroom
andfoundhercryi
ng)
Tef
o:hel
l
o
Nanny
:hel
l
o
Tef
o:whati
sgoi
ngon?ar
eyouokay
?
Nanny
:yourwi
fecal
l
edt
oinsul
tme
Tef
o:Di
mpho?
Nanny
:yes
Tef
o:whatdi
dshesay
?
Nanny:shesay
sIdon'ttakepropercareofher
ki
dsandshesuspectsthatI'
m sleepi
ngwi t
h
youthat'
swhyIdon'
trespecther.Shesaidalot
ofthi
ngs
Tef
o:I
'
mreal
l
ysor
ryaboutt
hat
Nanny:RraagoLi sathi
sjobisanightmar
efor
me.apartf r
om thefactthatIdon'
tgett
imeoff
,
yourwif
ei nsul
tsmet .I
'm nothappyi
nthi
s
houseandIt hi
nki t
'sbestIgohomet omykids
today
Tef
o:buty
oucan'
tl
eav
emest
randedwi
tht
he
ki
ds
Nanny
:yourwi
fesai
dshei
sbr
ingi
ngsomebody
t
omorrowmorni
ng
Tef
o:nonsense(
hewasf
uri
ous)
Nanny:I
'm sor
ry,
Ihavetogot oday.Ihopeyou
under
standthatI
'm notl
eavingmyj obbutI'
m
bei
ngkickedoutofmyj ob.Pleasepaymemy
wageforthismonthbecauseI 'mleavingt
onight
Tef
o:pl
ease.
..
..
..
.
Nanny
:no

(
het
ookhi
sphoneoutofhi
spocketanddi
all
ed)

Di
mpho:
hel
l
o
Tefo:
Dimphowee, si
nceyouhav
edecidedthat
youdon'twantPolokoanymorewhatareyou
goi
ngt odowiththekids?
Di
mpho:
Itol
dhert
hatI
'
m br
ingi
nganewnanny
t
omor
rowmor
ning
Tef
o:andIdon'
thav
easayi
nthat
?
Dimpho:Tefoweee,
thoseki
dsaremineaswel
l
andIcan'
thavethem t
akencar
eofsomeoneI
dontt
rust;
someonewhodoesn'tr
espectme
Tef
o:t
hesekidsareundermycar e.Youcan'
t
makesuchdecisi
onswithoutconsult
ingme
Di
mpho:butIj
ustdid.Shewi
l
lcomef
ir
stt
hing
t
omorr
owmor ning
Tefo:andwhoi
sgoi
ngt
opr
epar
etheki
dsf
or
school?
Dimpho:t
hei
rfatherwhoclai
msthathet
akes
bett
ercar
eofthem morethanIdo
Tef
o: I
'
mfedupwit
hyouDi
mpho.Ihav
ebeen
pat
ientwi
thy
ou,
enoughi
senough
Di
mpho: exactl
y,Ihav
ebeenpat i
entwit
hy ou
t
oobutnowIhav edecidedIwantoutofthis
marr
iage.Iwishwedi dn'
thaveki
dstogetherso
t
hatIcoul
djustcutt
ieswi
thy
oucompl
etel
y
Tefo:
youcansti
l
lcutt
ieswithme,it
'snotl
ike
youaregi
vi
ngtheki
dsattent
ionorsupport
anyway
Di
mpho: whi
leweareati
t,Iwentt
oseemy
l
awyeraboutthedi
vor
cesohewi l
lcal
lyou
t
omorrow
Tefo: whyareyououttodestroyme?Youar e
divorcingmeandit'
sadiffi
cultandsadthi
ng
formeandasi ft
hatisnotenoughy ouare
kickingthenannyIwascomf ortabl
ewit
hout.I
willbedeali
ngwiththediv
orceandanewnanny
atthesamet ime
Dimpho:Tefoyouareanar
myoffi
cerandthisi
s
nothi
ngcompar edt
osit
uat
ionsy
ouhav ebeen
tr
ainedt
of ace
Tef
o:goaheadanddi
vorcemeDi mpho.Iwil
l
makepeacewit
hit
.I'
m notcr
y i
ngforyou,
Ifeel
sor
ryformyki
dsbutIguesstheywil
lgetused
t
ogr
owi
ngupwi
thoutamot
her
Di
mpho:
I'
m notdead;t
heyj
usthav
etoaccept
t
haty
ouandIstayapar
t
Tef
o:Iwi
l
lbewai
ti
ngf
ory
ourl
awy
erscal
l
Di
mpho:
great
Tef
o:goodl
uckDi
mpho
Di
mpho:
youar
etheonewhoneedsi
t
(aft
erthecal lhet r
iedtoconv incethenannyto
stayonemor eni ghtbutsher efused.Heputher
bagsi nthecar ,gaveherherwagewi t
hanextra
500pul aandwentt odropherof fatthebust
stop.Theki dscr i
edwhent heysawherl eavi
ng.
Het ookthem t oKFCf ordinnerandicecream
buthecoul dtell t
hatthistimef oodcouldnot
comf ortthem, parti
cularl
yLisa.Thenext
day..
...
..
.)

TONY'
SHOUSE
(wehadj
usthadourmor
ninggl
orysowej
ust
cuddl
edchat
ti
ng)
Tony
:Il
ovey
ousomuchTshego
Me:Il
oveyoumor eTony(Icoul
dfeel
thel
ove
hewastal
kingaboutdeepinmybones)
Tony
:ar
eyouupf
orcy
cli
ng?
Me:
(exci
ted)yes,
yes.I
'
mlooki
ngf
orwar
dto
t
heexper
ience
Tony:Il
i
kecycl
i
ngandIusedtodoitwi
thSei
so
ever
ySatur
daymorni
ngoreveni
ngbacki
nthe
dayswhenwewerebothl
onely
Me:Isee.Thel astti
meIr odeabicycl
ewas
whenIwasi npri
mar yschool
.Iusedtobe
i
nvit
edt othehousewher emymot herwor
ked
asahel persothekidsusedt oborr
owmet hei
r
bi
cycles.Ilovedit(
IsmiledasIrememberedmy
pasti
nahappyway )
Tony
:youar
egonnal
ovei
tagai
n
Me:
Ibel
i
eveso
Tony:
weneedt
odoi
tver
year
lywheni
tsnot
ver
yhot
Me:
alr
ight
Tony
:(babyki
ss)l
et'
sgetoutofbed
Me:
yup
(hekissedmeonemor etimeandwebot hgot
outofbed.Hepr epar edbathingwat erforus
whileImadet hebedandgotr i
doft heused
condoms.Webat hedt ogetherwhi cht akesv er
y
l
ongascompar edtowhenIbat hal one.wehad
ourbreakfast.Whi l
eIwascl eaningt heki t
chen
Tonyt ookoutthebi kesanddi dever ythi
ngt hat
wasnecessar y.Ijoinedhim whenIwasdone.
thebicycl
eswer eal readyint hevanhehad
broowedf rom Seisoandwedr oveaway .We
stoppedont her oadsi denextt othef amous
Kobokwecav e)
Tony
:letmehel
pyoul
ove
Me:
thanksbabe(
Icoul
dnotst
opsmi
l
ing)
(Het henhel
pedmet oputonthehelmetand
thenputonhi s.Hegav
emeabot t
leofwater
andt ookone.themomentthebicycl
estar
ted
mov ingIwasov ert
hemoon.Hewascy cli
ng
behindme)
Tony
:ev
ery
thi
nggoi
ngoksweet
hear
t?
Me:
yeaaahhhh(
Iscr
eamedhappi
l
y)
Tony
:I'
m gl
adt
oseey
out
hishappy
Me:
thi
sisal
i
fet
imeexper
iencef
orme
(
wechi
tchat
tedhappi
l
yasweenj
oyedourspor
t)

(
phoneconv
ersat
ion)

John:
sir
Tef
o:howar
eyou?
John:
finesi
r
Tef
o:di
dtheygi
vey
out
hesof
tloan?
John:
yessi
r.Thanky
ouv
erymuchf
ory
our
hel
p
Tef
o:Ineedy
out
ohel
pmewi
thsomet
hing
John:
oksi
r
Tefo:asyouareawaremywi feandIare
separat
edandshehasmov edoutofourhouse.
now,therei
ssomeoneshei sseeingandshe
hasproposeddivor
ce.Letmesayshehas
star
tedthediv
orceprocess.Herl
awyercal
led
meanhourago
John:
I'
m sor
ryt
oheart
hatsi
r
Tefo:all
alongIdi
dntknowwhereshest ay
sbut
shehassentanewhel pert
hroughandthe
personhasgivenmeheraddress.Iwantyouto
fol
l
owDi mphoaroundandgavemei nf
ormati
on
ont heguysheisdati
ng
John:
oksi
r
Tef
o:Iwi
llt
akecareoft
heexpenses.Ij
ust
wantt
oteachthoset
woalesson
John:
I'
m oni
tsi
r.Ar
eyousui
ng?
Tefo:
no.i
twi
l
lappearasi
fIm cr
yingf
or
Dimpho.
John:
ok
Tef
o:Iwi
l
lsendy
out
headdr
essnow
John:
oksi
r
Tef
o:by
e
John:
bye

FRANCI
STOWN

Queen:I
'm goinghomel
ove.Iwi
l
lbeback
Sundayevening
Fr
iend:
okl
ove.Youneedt
ogetoutal
i
ttl
e
Queen:
yah
Fr
iend:
passmyr
egar
dst
oyourf
ami
l
y
Queen:
Iwi
l
l.t
hanks
Fr
iend:
saf
ejour
ney
Queen:
sur
elov
e
(shehuggedherhousemat eandl ef
t.sheput
herhandbagi ntheboot,
gotinsi
dethecarand
buckledup.shet ookashor
tprayeraskingf
or
trav
elli
ngmer ci
esandrever
sedoutoft heyard.
Atthepetrolstati
on)
At
tendant
:mmaagoT(
hesmi
l
ed)
Queen:
hel
l
o.Ful
ltankpl
ease
At
tended:
okmmaagoT.t
aki
ngal
ongj
our
ney
?
Queen:I
'm goi
ngtoMolepol
ole(shesai
d
l
ookingatTonyspi
ctur
ewi t
hTshegothathe
post
edfewmi nut
esback.sherememberhow
sheusedt
oenj
oycy
cli
ngwi
thTony
)
Att
entendent
:yoh!That
'sf
ar.Youmi
ghtaswel
l
buysomesnacksmmaagoT
Queen:
(smi
l
ing)y
ouar
eri
ght
.Somesweet
s
andacoket
okeepmeawake
At
tendant
:haker
emmaagoT

NO.79

TONY'
SHOUSE

(Ihadfal
l
enasl
eepont hecouch.Tonywas
seati
ngonthecouchandIwassl eepi
ngonthe
couchwithmyheadonhi sl
ap.Iwaswokenup
byaknockonthedoor)
Me:
whoi
sit
?(Iwasst
il
lsl
eepy
)
Tony
:Idontknow.I
'
m notexpect
ingany
one
Me:
(yawni
ng)shoul
dIgoandsl
eepi
nthe
bedr
oom?
Tony:
nolove.It
houghtwewer
egoi
ngout
.
gapethegameisalmostov
er
Me:
ok
(
theknockper
sist
ed)
Tony
:comei
n
(thedooropenedandi sawaf amil
i
arface
althoughIdidntknowexactl
ywhereIhadseen
theper sonbefor
e.Tonylookedatt
helady
dumbf ounded)
Queen:
hel
l
o(shel
ookedsad)
Tony
:hi
Queen
Queen:
(tome)hel
l
o
Me:
(for
cedsmi
l
e)hi
Tony
:Idi
dn'
tknowy
ouwer
ecomi
ng
Queen:
itwast
hespuroft
hemomentdeci
sion
(
Isatupr
ight
)
Tony
:youmayhav
easeat
Queen:
thanks
Tony
:howcanIhel
pyou?
Queen:Tonyweneedt
otal
kaboutwhat
happenedbet
weenus
(
theybot
hlookedatmeandIf
eltoutofpl
ace)
Tony:Queen,y
oucantcomet
omypl
ace
unannounced.
Queen:I
m sorr
yaboutthat
,li
keIsai
d,Ij
ust
can
wepleasetal
kinpr
ivat
e
Me:
(rel
uct
ant
ly)may
beIshoul
dgohome
Tony
:nomyl
ove.Justgot
othebedr
oom
(
Iwenttothebedr
oom butIcoul
dst
il
lhear
t
hem t
alki
ng)

Queen:
TonyIlov
ey ouandIneedy
oui
nmyl
i
fe
(
shesaidwi
pingtears)
Tony
:Iknowt
hatbut
..
..
..
..
..
.Ihav
emov
edon
Queen:
Iknowyoualwayscomplai
nedt
hatI
don'
tgi
veyouat
tent
ion.I
'
mr eadyt
ocorr
ect
that
.
Tony
:it
'st
ool
atequeen
Queen:
Tonypl
ease
Tony:l
ikeIsai
dI'
m seei
ngTshegosowecan'
t
getbacktoget
her
Queen:
don'
tyoul
oveme?
Tony
:pl
ease
Queen:Iknowyoustil
ll
ov emeandwecan
makethingswork.Ourloveshoul
dcountf
or
something.Hav
ey oustoppedlov
ingme?
Tony
:Ist
il
ll
oveyouQueenbuti
tdoesn'
tmean
weshoul
dbetoget
her
.
(hear
ingt
hatmademefur
ious.It
ookmy
handbagandwentt
othel
ounge)
Queen:
Tonypl
ease
Me:
(cl
ear
ingmyt
hroat
)I'
m goi
nghome.By
e
Tony
:Tshegoar
eyouangr
y?(
hebl
ockedmy
way)
Me: I
'm notgoingtositi
nyourbedr
oom l
ikea
stupi
dlockedupchi l
dandlist
entoyouconfess
yourovrforanotherwoman
Tony
:Tshegoy
ouar
etheonl
ywomanf
orme.
Me:
Ineedt
ogo
(
Iopenedt
hedoorandTonyhel
dmyhand)
Tony:i
tdoesn'tmeananyt
hingmyl ove(
to
Queen)pleaseleav
e.Youaredi
srespect
ing
Tshegobycomi ngtomyhouseunannounced
andtal
kingaboutusworki
ngthi
ngsout
Queen:
Tony
?
Tony:
getyourclothesandl
etmeoncey
ou
havel
eftsothatIcancomebackt
omyhouse
(Ipul
l
edmyhandsl
ight
lyandTonyf
oll
owedme.
Befor
eunl
ocki
ngt
hecarhehuggedme)
Tony:
IloveherbutIcanneverbewithher.Im
bei
nghonestlove.Lov
ingsomeonedoesn' t
meanonehast obewi t
htheperson.I
'm sorr
yif
thi
shurty
oulove
Me:i
t'
sOK.Iwaswor
ri
ed.What
'st
heway
f
orward?
Tony
:I'
m goi
ngt
oy ourhousewi
thy
ou.Wewi
l
l
comebackwhensheisgone
Me:
Ithoughty
ouri
ssuewi
thherwasov
er
Tony:
Ithoughtsot
oo.(kissi
ngme)don'tl
et
thi
sworryyouanddon'
tletitdest
royt
hegood
thi
ngwehav e
Me:
(smi
l
ing)Iwon'
t
Tony
:that
'smybabygi
rl
(
heopenedt
hecardoorformeandIgoti
nsi
de
t
hecar
.Ashewasdrivi
ngoutIsawQueen
standi
ngatt hedoorbrokenhearted.If
eltsorr
y
forher
.Iev enaskedTonyt ocall
herandf i
nish
thei
rdiscussion.Nomat erhowsorryIfeelf
or
QueenI '
m notodingmymant oher.Il
oveTony
andIcan'tlosehim,atleastnott
oanot her
woman)

TEFOSHOUSE

Tefo:kanaIwasnotf
ormal
l
yinf
ormedabout
yourcominghere
Nanny
:yessi
r
Tef
o:whoi
sgoi
ngt
opayy
ou?
Nanny
:Di
mphosai
dshewi
l
lpayme
Tef
o:howmuch?
Nanny
:shesaid2,
000pul
abecauseIwi
ll
be
doi
ngever
ythi
ngaroundt
hehouseandworki
ng
mostweekends
Tefo:ehemma.Di mphoi
sunbeli
evabl
e.She
refusedtopaymysist
er1,
500yetshepaysyou
2,000.(si
l
ence)Soyoubr
oughtachil
dalong?
Nanny:Di
mphosai
dit
'sf
inef
ormet
obr
ingmy
daught
er
Tef
o:r
eall
y?Tell
me,howdoyoupl
antotake
car
eofmychildr
enwhenyouar
eal
readytaki
ng
car
eofyours?
Nanny:Iwi
l
lmakesur
eIdoev
ery
thi
ngI
'
m
supposedt
odo
Tef
o:t
hat
'snotpossi
ble
Nanny
:whatshoul
dIdo?
Tef
o:Isuggesty
out
aket
hechi
l
dback
Nanny
:yessi
r
Tefo:Iwantsomebodywhocantakegoodcar
e
ofmygi r
ls.Someonewhowi
llgi
vethem
undiv
idedattent
ion
Nanny
:yessi
r
Tef
o:onel
astt
hing
Nanny
:yessi
r
Tefo:whathappensinmyhouser emai
nsr
ight
hereinmyhouse.Dimphoi snotpar
tofmy
famil
ysoIwi l
lappr
eciat
eitify
oukeepmy
pri
vacyfr
om her
Nanny
:yessi
r
Tefo:(
feel
i
ngsorryf
orher)i
sther
eany
onewho
cantakecareofy
ourchi
ldathome?
Nanny
:yessi
r
Tef
o:t
hent
aket
hechi
l
dback
Nanny
:yessi
r
Tef
o:t
hat
'sal
l
Nanny
:OK(
shewi
pedt
ear
s)
Tefo:I
'm sor
ryi
fI'
m bei
nghar
dony ou.I
'
m
angryatDimphofornotcommuni
cati
ngwit
h
me
Nanny
:Iunder
stand.Si
rIdesper
atel
yneedt
his
j
ob.
Tef
o:y
ouhav
ethej
ob,
don'
twor
ry.
Nanny
:thanky
ou
Tef
o:wear
edone
Nanny
:eer
ra

(
TonysleptatmyhousebecauseQueenwas
r
efusi
ngtoleave)

No.80

Tony
:dar
li
ng?
Me:
yes?
Tony
:youhav
ebeenqui
ett
hewhol
eday
Me:
notr
eal
l
y
Tony
:what
'sgoi
ngonTshego?
Me:TonyIdon'twantdramainmyli
feandno
matt
erhowmuchIl ov
ey ouIwi
l
lnotal
low
mysel
f.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
Tony
:isi
taboutQueen?
Me:
yes
Tony:butbabeIcameherewithyou,slepthere
andspentmywhol edaywit
hyouj ustsothat
youcanseet hatI
'
m donewit
hQueen.Ihav e
chosenyouandIwi l
lal
wayschoosey ou
Me:butt
heext
haty
oust
il
ll
ovei
saty
our
house
Tony
:al
one
Me:(Ishookmyheadoutoff
rust
rat
ion)sothi
s
i
showi t'
sgoi
ngtobe?Queencomest oyour
houseandweruntoavoi
dher
Tony:
(touchedmychi
n)whatdoy
ouwantme
todobabe?
Me:
gohomeandconf
ronther
Tony
:let
'sgot
hen
Me:
leav
emeoutofi
t
Tony
:ok
Me:
may
beIshoul
dcomewi
thy
ou.
Tony
:Il
ovey
ou
Me:
thanks
Tony
:what
'st
hatsupposedt
omean?
Me: i
tmeantal otwhenyousaidyouitback
then,befor
eIknewthatIsharethi
ssamel ove
withyourex.Theexthatyousti
lll
oveisatyour
housebecausesheknowsy oul
oveherandshe
probablywantstousethelovet
oheradv ant
age.
Tony:IpromiseI'
m gonnahandlet
hisi
ssue
appr
opriatel
y.Youareri
ght.Let
'
sgoandsee
her
Me:
youar
egoi
ngt
oseeher
,I'
mjustgoi
ngt
o
getmyl
apt
op

(
phoneconv
ersat
ion)
Sei
so:
hel
l
oQueen
Queen:hiSei
so.Doy
ouknowt
hatIam i
n
Moleps?
Sei
so:
Idi
dn'
tknowt
hat
Queen:Icametoyourhousel
ooki
ngf
orTony
l
astnightbutt
her
ewasnoone
Sei
so:Iwasatwork.Iknockedof
fint
he
morni
ng.Sophi
eisatGabs
Queen:oh.Sei
sokanaIcameheretotal
kto
Tonybuthedoesn'
twanttogivemehisear.He
l
eftmeinhishouseyest
erdayandhasn'
tcome
back
Seiso:
(shocked)oh.Clari
fysomet
hingf
orme,
areyouandTonyst i
llseei
ngeachother
?
Queen:nobutIt
houghtwecoul
dtal
kandf
ix
t
hings
Sei
so:Isee.Ihonest
lyt
houghty
ouandTony
weredoneandhei swit
hsomeoneel
senow.
Queen:
yesbut
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..Canyoupl
easet
alk
t
ohim.Iknowheli
stenstoy ou
Sei
so:
Ican'
t
Queen:
please
Sei
so:QueenIdon'
twanttogetinv
olvedint
his
messbutIwil
lhavetobecauseTshegoismy
si
ster
.
Queen:
ohshei
syoursi
ster
?
Sei
so:y es.Iwouldnothaveall
owedTshegoto
dateTonyi fIknewhewasst i
llwi
thyou.I
'
m
undertheimpr essi
onthatyouandTonyareno
l
ongerani tem
Queen:
I'
m sor
ryt
obot
heryou.Icant
ell
thatl
i
ke
yousai
dyouwon'
tbeabl
etohelpme
Sei
so:
honest
yIwon'
t
Queen:
washecheat
ingonmewi
thher
?
Seiso:no.Youarenowst arti
ngtolookfor
tr
oublewher et
her eisnone.Tonyhasbeen
persuingmysisterforsomet i
mebutI..
...
..
..
..
..
..
..
Youknowwhat ,
TshegoandTonyst ar
ted
datingaft
erhebr okeupwi t
hy ou
Queen:
ok
Seiso:Queen,Iknowit
'shar
danddev
astat
ing
butpleaselethi
m be.Hehasmovedonsoy ou
too..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
.
Queen:
Igeti
t.By
e
Sei
so:
nohar
dfeel
i
ngsr
ight
?
Queen:
bye
Sei
so:
bye
(
shesatdownandcr i
ed.Thefactt
hatTonyhad
l
eftheri
nhishousetobewithanothergi
rl
madeherreal
izewhathemeantwhenhesai d
l
ov i
ngherdoesn'tmeant heycanbet oget
her
.
Withaheav yheartshesatdownandwr ot
ehim
alonglett
erpouringoutherfeel
ings.Sheput
thelet
teronthebed, t
ookallherbelongi
ngs
andleft
)

TEFO'
SHOUSE

(Tef
oar ri
vedhometofindthenewnanny,
Charit
y,play
ingwi
thhiskids.Thei
rpl
ay
remindedhim oft
herelat
ionshi
pbetween
Tshegoandt heki
ds)
Char
it
y:pl
ayt
hatl
astcar
dMol
l
y
(
Mol
l
ydi
dthat
)
Char
it
y:Li
sa,
Mol
l
ywont
hisr
ound
Li
sa:
(huggi
ngher
)goodgi
rl
Char
it
y:gr
ouphug
(
theyshar
edahug)
Tef
o:t
heyhav
ebondedwi
thy
ouv
eryqui
ckl
y
Char
it
y:t
heyar
eeasyki
ds
Tefo:t
heydi
dn'
thav
ethi
sbondwi
tht
he
previ
oushel
per
.
Char
it
y:oh.Shoul
dIbr
ingy
ourf
ood?
Tef
o:pl
ease
(hefol
lowedhertothekitchen,washedhis
handsandwentbackt othel oungewhil
eshe
wasstill
warmingthefood.Shet hentookthe
foodtohim andsetthetable)
Char
it
y:t
her
eyougo
Tef
o:thanks(
hesmil
edlooki
ngatthefood.I
t
wassevencol
orsl
i
ketheywouldsay)
Char
it
y:wel
come
Tef
o:l
ooksdel
i
cious
Char
it
y:t
hanks
Li
sa:daddy
,aunt
ysay
sshecanbakeacakel
i
ke
peopl
eonTV.Canshebakeacakef
orus?
Tef
o:def
ini
tel
y(t
oher
)youdon'
tneedt
oaskf
or
per
missi
on
Char
it
y:Iwi
llneedsomeingr
edi
ent
sthatwe
don'
tnthav
ei nthehouse
Tef
o:wewi
l
lgot
othemal
landbuyt
hem l
ater
Char
it
y:y
essi
r
Li
sa:
youar
east
ardaddy
Tef
o:t
hanksNana.

TONY'
SPLACE

Tony
:hercari
snother
e.Shehaspr
obabl
ylef
t
Me:
may
be
(
wef
oundt
hel
ett
ershehadwr
it
ten)
Tony
:shel
eftanot
e
Me:
ok
(Tonyreadthelet
tersi
lent
ly.Iwasobser
ving
him buthedidn'
tdispl
ayanyemot i
ons)
Tony
:al
ri
ght
Me:
what
?
Tony:
accor
dingt
othel
ett
ershehasaccept
ed
thebr
eakupandshei
sgone
Me:
canIr
eadt
hel
ett
er?
Tony
:sur
e
(hegavemet hel
ett
ert
oread.WhenIwas
done.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
)
Me:
it'
ssad
Tony
:yah
Me:
shoul
dIst
artpr
epar
ingdi
nner
?
Tony
:yesl
ove
Me:
Ilov
eyou
Tony:nowthat
'swhatIwanttohear
.(heki
ssed
me)Iloveyouandpleasedon'
tl
etanyoneor
anyt
hingint
imi
dateyou
Me:
Iwon'
t(Ismi
l
edandhesmi
l
edback)

(
phonecal
l
)
Lady
:hel
l
o
Puso:
hel
l
o.Howar
eyou?
Lady
:I'
mfi
ne.Whoi
sthi
s?
Puso:
Iam Puso.Idon'
tthi
nky
ouwi
l
lremember
mynamethough.
Lady
:howmayIhel
pyouPuso?
Puso:Ioncecametoyourschool
droppingoffa
quotat
ion.Iwant
edt
osupplyyourschoolwit
h
far
m produce
Lady
:oh.Ir
emembery
ouMrPuso.Di
dthe
schoolheadgetbackt
oyour
egar
dingt
he
proposal
Puso:
noty
et
Lady
:butIgavehert
hedocument
s.Iwi
l
lfol
l
ow
i
tupwithher
Puso:t
hanksbutt
hat
'snott
her
easonwhyI
'
m
cal
li
ng
Lady
:ok
Puso:
Iwoul
dli
ket
oseey
ou
Lady
:when?
Puso:
anytimethi
sweek.Whenar
eyouf
ree?
I
t'
spersonalst
aff
Lady:
Icanmaket
imet
oseey
out
omor
row
aft
erwork
Puso:
thanks.Ti
me
Lady
:5:
30?
Puso:
per
fect
Lady
:seey
out
hen
Puso:
cheer
sandt
hanky
ou
Lady
:by
e
Puso:
bye
(
aft
ert
hecal
l
)
Lady
:heeechomeee,
doy
ouknowgor
ewho
j
ustcal
led?
Col
l
eague:
tel
lme.
..
..
..
.Thatsmi
l
e
Lady:
theveget
abl
eguy
..
..
..
..
..
.Ohmyword.
..
..
..
..
Idi
dn'
tthi
nkhewasgoi
nngtocall
.God.
Col
l
eague:
Itscl
eart
hatt
hisonei
sgoi
ngt
oget
agr
eencard
Lady
:wi
thoutpl
ayi
nghar
dtoget

For
giv
eOrNot
?
NO.81

(
Dimphowentt
opi
ckThor
isof
rom t
hebusr
ank)
Di
mpho:
hel
l
olov
e
Thor
iso:
hil
ove
Di
mpho:
(qui
ckki
ss)war
ewhat
'
sthest
ory
?
Thor
iso:
wearebecomi
ngcar
elesst
oapoi
ntof
ki
ssi
nginpubl
i
c
Di
mpho:
Idon'
tcar
eany
mor
e
(Johnwaswatchi
ngthem f
rom adi
stancebut
hedidn'
tmanagetoseeThori
so'
sfaceproper
ly)
Thor
iso:
Ist
il
lcar
ebecauset
hatguycansue
me
Di
mpho:
(shesmi
l
ed)y
ouar
esuchachi
cken
Thor
iso:
wehav
etobecar
eful
Dimpho:
thedi
vor
ceprocesshasst
art
ed.One
daywewill
wal
karoundthemall
sfr
eelyhol
ding
hands
Thor
iso:
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
Di
mpho:
youl
ookst
ressed,
what
'
sup?
Thori
so:mycarisdeadandt
hegar
agesay
s
theycanfi
xitf
or10,000
Di
mpho:
that
'swhyy
ouusedabust
oday
?
Thor
iso:
yah.Andt
hei
ssuei
sst
ressf
ul
Di
mpho:
atl
eastt
heywi
l
lfi
xit
Thori
so:andit'
sgonnatakel
ongbecauseI'm
brokeri
ghtnow.IhavealoanthatI
'
mf i
nishi
ng
i
n2mont hsandthat
'swhenIcanbeabletofix
thecar
Di
mpho:
(shocked)2mont
hs!
Thor
iso:
yes
Di
mpho:
Icanbor
rowy
out
hemoney
Thor
iso:
ser
ious?
Di
mpho:
comeonbabe,
what
'
sthei
mpor
tance
ofbei
nginar
elat
ionshi
pifwecan'
thel
pone
anot
her?
Thor
iso:
Ilov
eyoubabe
Dimpho:Il
oveyoutoo.Ihav
etotakegoodcar e
ofyousothatJuni
or'
smum doesn't
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
Thor
iso:
don'
twor
ryabouther
Di
mpho:
buty
ouar
est
il
lwi
thher
Thori
so:andyouar
est
il
lmar
ri
edt
o
Motswasele.
Di
mpho:
butI
'
mint
hepr
ocessofdi
vor
cinghi
m
(
Dimphopar
kedt
hecari
nfr
ontoft
hehouse)
Thor
iso:
canIt
aket
hiscal
lpl
ease.Iwl
findy
ou
i
nthehouse
Di
mpho:OKlove(shel
ockedt
hecarandwent
i
nsi
dethehouse)

(
phonecal
l
)
Thor
iso:
lov
eofmyl
i
fe
Juni
or'
smum:
soont
obehusband
Thor
iso:
Imanagedt
ofi
nd10t
housandpul
a
l
ove
Juni
or'
smum: doy
ouhav
etopayt
hemoney
wit
hint
erest
?
Thor
iso:
notatal
l
Juni
or'
smum: t
hat'
sgoodbeauseIdon'
twant
ustostar
veaf
terourweddi
ng.
Thor
iso:
wewon'
tst
arv
emyl
ove
Juni
or'
smum:
wher
edi
dyougett
hemoney
?
Thori
so:Ibor
rowedfrom acol
league.Iwi
l
l
deposi
tthemoneyI.Youraccount
Juni
or'
smum: OKbabe.Ipr
omi
seIwi
l
luset
he
moneywisel
y.
Thor
iso:
Itr
usty
oumyl
ove
Junior
'smum:thanksbabe.Oncethebusi
ness
star
tsmakingprof
itI
'm goi
ngtolot
sandlotsof
money .
Thor
iso:
Iknowmyl
ove.Wewi
l
lchatl
ater
Juni
or'
smum:
lat
ermyl
ove

TEFO'
SHOUSE

Tef
o:youchangedt
hef
urni
tur
ear
rangementi
n
myroom?
Nanny:
Idid.Ishoul
dhav
easkedf
ory
our
per
missionfi
rst
Tef
o:noi
t'
sfi
ne
Nanny:whenIwascleaningyourroom I
real
i
zedthattherewasalotofhiddendust
undert
hefurnit
uresoI.
..
..
..
..
..
..
Tef
o:(
smi
l
ing)i
t'
sOK.I
tfeel
sdi
ff
erent
.Thank
y
ou
Nanny
:(smil
i
ngback)youar
ewelcome.I
t
houghtyouwer
egoingtobeangry
Tefo:no,
notatal
l
.It
'swor
kingmagicf
orme.
Changeisgoodsometi
mes.Theroom doesn'
t
remindmeofDimphoanymore.
Nanny
:ok
Tef
o:howar
eyou?
Nanny
:I'
m doi
ngwel
l
.I'
m adj
ust
ingwel
l
Tef
o:t
hat
'sgr
eat
.Howi
syourchi
l
ddoi
ng
Nanny
:ver
ywel
l
.Thanky
ou.Shoul
dIbr
ingy
our
f
ood?
Tef
o:y
espl
ease.Thecakewasdel
i
cious
Nanny
:real
l
y?
Tef
o:y
es.CanIhav
eapi
ecel
ater
?
Nanny
:yes.Bef
oreMol
l
yfi
nishesi
t
Tef
o:don'
tgi
vehert
oomuchsugar
Nanny:It
oldthem i
t'
sgoi
ngt
obeaSat
urday
eveni
ngtreat
Tef
o:good.I
'
m goi
ngt
obr
ingy
ourf
ood
(f
orthef
ir
stt
imeinav er
ylongt
imeTef
ofeltat
homeandrel
axed.Hehadnothadal
cohol
fora
whil
ebuthewascopingfi
ne)

MYHOUSE

(
Tonywassmokinghi
sci
gar
ett
e,Iwaswat
eri
ng
myvehet
abl
es)
Me:
Ican'
tbel
i
evet
heseki
ds
Tony
:whi
chki
dsmyl
ove?
Me:myuncl
e'
sgrandkids.Theypi
ckveget
abl
es
f
rom mygar
denbuttheyneverwateri
t
Tony
:tal
ktot
hem
Me:
Idi
dbutt
heyst
il
ldon'
twat
er
Tony
:ki
dswi
l
lal
way
sbeki
ds
Me:haker
e.Wai
tseIwi
shIhadabusi
ness
pr
oject
Tony
:why
?
Me:
Ineedmoney
Tony
:for
?
Me:I'
m usedt
ohav
ingmyownmoneyand
sav
ing
Tony
:butIgi
vey
oumoneyev
erymont
h
Me:IknowbabeandIwi
l
lal
waysbegr
atef
ul.I
needtodosomethi
ngwi
thmyl
i
fe
Tony
:youar
etaki
ngy
ourdr
ivi
ngl
essonsand
st
udyi
ng
Me:
yah.If
eel
li
ket
her
eissomet
hingmi
ssi
ng
Tony:
Ihavebeenhav
ingthisi
deaforawhi
le
andIthi
nki
tcanworkforyou,
prov
idedyoul
ike
i
t
Me:
(Ist
oppedcul
ti
vat
ing)l
et'
sheari
t
Tony
:howaboutsel
l
ingcl
othes
Me:
secondhandcl
othes?
Tony:
no.Youcanor
dercl
othesonl
i
neandsel
l
them.
Me:
Ilov
ethati
deabutI
'
m gonnaneedcapi
tal
Tony:youwon'tneedmuchcapi
tal
because
customersar
egoi ngt
opaydeposi
twhenthey
order
Me:
wher
edi
dyoul
ear
naboutt
his?
Tony:mysi
sterusedtohavethebusi
ness.I
don'
tknowwhyshest oppedsel
li
ngbecause
shewasdoingverywell
.MaybeIshoul
dget
moreinf
ormati
onfrom her
Me:
please
Tony:onsecondt
hought
.Youshoul
dtal
ktoher
your
self
Me:
I..
..
..
..
..
.
Tony:sheknowseveryt
hingabouty
ouev
en
thoughyouhavenevermet
Me:
oh.Thanky
oubabe
Tony
:Il
ovey
ou
Me:
Ilov
eyout
oo
(t
herearet
wot hi
ngsIl
iket
hemostaboutTony
:
heli
stenswhenItal
kandhehasmybest
i
nter
estathear
t.Themanofmydreams)

*bearwit
hmel oyalreaders.I
t'
shecticatwork
soIdon'tpostonti
meandt heinsertskeep
gett
ingsmaller
.Idon'tevengetthetimet or
ead
comment s.Thi
ngswi l
lgetbetternextweek*
NO.83

TONY'
SHOUSE
Tony
:howdi
ditgomyl
ove?
Me:
ahh!
Tony
:I'
m sor
ryl
ove.Youwi
l
lgetcust
omer
s
Me:
(shout
ing)y
eaaaaaahhhhh
Tony
:what
'sgoi
ngon?
Me:
thedeal
isseal
ed
Tony
:real
l
y?
Me:
yessss
Tony
:congr
atsbabe
Me:
thanksl
ove
Tony:busi
nessi
sfi
nal
l
ymov
ingandI
'
m happy
fory
ou
Me:
forus
Tony
:indeed
Me:
it'
sthr
eeweddi
ngsandt
heyar
egoi
ngt
obe
buyi
ngever
ythi
ngf r
om me.Fr
om shoest
o
handbagst
oclothes
Tony
:that
'sl
ovel
y
Me:i
tis.I
'
m goi
ngtomakealotofpr
ofi
tand
buymymanal ovel
ybi
rt
hdaygi
ft
Tony
:Il
ookf
orwar
dtot
hat
.
Me:I'
m goi
ngtosogener
ouswhenIbuythegi
ft
.
Mymani ssogoodtomeandhedeserv
esthe
best
Tony
:(t
easi
ng)ar
eyousur
eaboutt
hat
?
Me:
nev
erbeent
hissur
e
Tony
:it
'sgoodt
oheart
hat
Me: honest
ly,TonyI'
m content
.Youmakeme
happyandy ouhav eal
way sshownint
eresti
n
bui
ldingmyf utur
e
Tony
:youar
emi
stakent
her
esweet
hear
t
Me:
meani
ng?
Tony
:it
'snoty
ourf
utur
e,i
t'
sourf
utur
e
Me:xoxoxo!That'
swhyIl
oveyousomuch.
Youal
waysvisual
i
zemeinyourfut
ure
Tony:IdobecauseIseeusmar
ri
edi
nthenear
fut
ure
Me:
Tshegof
atsoVanderMer
we
Tony
:Mr
sTony
(
weshar
edal
aught
erf
oll
owedbyaki
ss)
Me:
I'
m abi
tanxi
ousaboutt
omor
tow
Tony
:rel
axandbr
ingt
hatdr
ivi
ngl
i
censehome
Me:
huh!
Tony
:goandgeti
tsweett
hing
Me:
Imust
Tony:sot
haty
oucanuset
heaudi
whenI
'
m at
work
Me:
cany
our
eal
l
yletmedr
ivei
t?
Tony
:buty
ouof
tendr
ivei
twhenwet
rav
el
Me:
Imean.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
.
Tony:youcanalwaysdropmeatwor
kanduse
thecardur
ingthedaytogofory
ourt
utor
ial
s
Me:
I'
m humbl
ed
Tony:(
qui
ckki
ss)ify
oustil
ldon'
tknowhow
gener
ousIam bynowthenyoudon'tknowme
atal
l
Me:
Ilov
eyouTony
Tony
:Il
ovey
out
oo
Me:
letmest
artwi
tht
hedi
nneral
ready
.

TEFO'
sHOUSE

Char
it
y:y
oul
ookwor
ri
ed
Tef
o:Iam wor
ri
ed
Char
it
y:mi
ndshar
ing?
Tefo:
I'
m worr
iedt
hatt
hedi
vor
cei
staki
ngl
ong
tobefinal
i
zed
Char
it
y:i
sn'
ti
titcant
akeupt
o2y
ear
s
Tefo:Dimphoi
sdel
ayi
ngev
ery
thi
ngbyf
ight
ing
forthi
shouse
Char
it
y:di
dn'
tyousayy
ouar
egi
vi
ngi
ttot
he
gi
rl
s?
Tefo:that
'showi t
'ssupposedt
obe.Dimphoi
s
fi
ghti
ngbecauseI '
mt heonewhoi st
aki
ngcar
e
ofthekidssoi tmeansIcanstayher
ewith
them unti
ltheyaremat ur
eenough
Char
it
y:t
hat
'st
ough
Tefo:Iwantthedivor
cetobefi
nal
izedsothat
wecandat efreel
y.GapeIdon'
twantpeopl
e
thi
nki
ngt hatyouaretheonewhocausedthe
div
orce
Char
it
y:wehav
ebeencar
eful
Tef
o:Iknow.Youar
eagoodwomanandIdon'
t
wantyoutobeimpl
i
cat
edint
hismess
Chari
ty:Idon'
twantt
obei mpl
icat
ed.Dimphoi
s
alunat
icandifsheeverf
indsoutaboutusshe
wil
lcausedrama
Tefo:notbef
oreIcausedr
amai
nherl
i
fe.Ihav
e
alotofinf
ormati
ononher
Char
it
y:don'
tusei
tagai
nsther
.Leti
tgo
Tef
o:shei
sluckybecauseofy
ou
Char
it
y:i
t'
snotwor
thi
t
Tef
o:Char
it
yit
'snotf
airt
hatAr
efadoesn'
tst
ay
wit
hyou.
Char
it
y:i
t'
sli
fe
Tef
o:l
i
fedoesn'
thav
etobet
hisway
Char
it
y:ah!
Tef
o:wearegoi
ngt
ofet
chherdur
ingt
he
weekend.
Chari
ty:i
twoul
dbeni
cetospendtheweekwi
th
herheresot
hatmymothercanr
est
Tef
o:shei
smov
ingher
eper
menant
ly
Char
it
y:Idon'
tunder
standnd
Tefo:
asl ongasy
ouar
eher
eshemustbeher
e.
Iowey outhat
Char
it
y:t
hanky
ousomuch
Tefo:Char
it
yyoulov emykidswit
hally
our
heartandyougiv
et hem t
hebestcar
esoImust
dothesamef oryou.
Char
it
y:t
hanks
Tef
o:t
ell
yourmum t
opr
epar
eheronSat
urday
Char
it
y:(smi
l
ing)I
'
m goingt
obest
ayi
ngwi
th
mychil
dunderoneroof
Tef
o:andherst
epdaddy
(
theybothl
aughedandendedupst
eal
ingaki
ss
whenthegi
rl
sweresti
ll
outsi
depl
ayi
ng)
(
phoneconv
ersat
ion)

Thoriso:Ist
il
lcan'
tbel
i
evethatJuni
or'
smum
organizedevery
thi
ngonherownwhi l
eIwas
awayonat r
ipfor2months
Fr
iend:
youhav
eagoodwomanr
ightt
her
e
Thori
so:
Ido.I
t'
sapi
tyIhav
ebeent
aki
ngher
forgr
ant
ed
Fr
iend:
stopf
ool
i
ngar
oundpl
ease
Thor
iso:
I'
m Di
tchi
ngDi
mpho
Fr
iend:
good
Thori
so:
it'
smybigdayt
omor
rowandIWantt
o
st
artonacleansl
ate
Fri
end:that
'swhatr
ealmendo.Haveyout
old
herthatyouareget
ti
ngmarr
iedtomor
row
Thor
iso:
no
Fr
iend:
ahah.Why
?
Thori
so:Idon'
twanthert
ocauset
roubl
e.Iwi
l
l
tel
lheraft
er
Fr
iend:
pleaset
ell
her
Thor
iso:
Iwi
ll
.(hi
sphonebeeped)speakoft
he
devi
l
.Letmetakehercal
l
Fr
iend:
lat
ergr
oom
Thor
iso:
lat
ermyr
ighthandman

Di
mpho:
hel
l
olov
e
Thor
iso:
heyl
ovi
e
Di
mpho:
Imi
ssy
ousobad
Thor
iso:
Imi
ssy
out
oo
Di
mpho:
thi
str
ipmustendnow
Thor
iso:
onemor
eweekmyl
ove
Di
mpho:
Ifeel
lonel
y
Thor
iso:
I'
m goi
ngt
omakei
tupt
oyoubabe
Di
mpho:
Iknowmyl
ove
Thor
iso:
whatar
eyoudoi
ng?
Di
mpho:
wat
chi
ngt
hisbor
ingTV
Thor
iso:
yousoundl
onel
y
Dimpho: Iam l
onel
y.Wait
seyouhelpedmewi
th
thi
sdi v
orce.It
houghti
twasgoingtobe
overwhelmingbuti
t'
snotbecauseIhavey
ouby
mysi de
Thori
so:letmeat
tendtosomet
hingl
ove.We
arepatr
olli
ngt
hearea
Di
mpho:
wewi
l
ltal
klat
erl
ove
Thor
iso:
lat
er(
aft
ert
hecal
l
)mxm!
NO.82

TEFO'
SOFFI
CE
John:
sir
!(hesal
uted)
Tef
o:comei
n.Doy
ouhav
eany
thi
ngf
orme?
John:
notr
eal
l
y
Tef
o:expl
ain
John:wel
lIfoll
owedMmaMotswasel
efrom
herhousetothebusr
ankwher
eshepickeda
seemingl
yyoungman
Tef
o:y
oung?
John:y
essi
r.It
hinkt
hemani
fyoungert
han
yourwi
fe
Tef
o:whoi
sthi
sguy
?
John:Ididn'
tgettoseehi
sfacebutIcapt
ureda
fewunclearpict
ures
Tef
o:l
etmesee
(t
heybot
hexaminedt
hephot
osbutcoul
dnot
getmuchfr
om t
hem)
John:
Iwasabi
tfarf
rom t
hem
Tef
o:mhm.Thepict
uresar
enotv
erycl
ear
.
Wheredi
dtheygo?
John:t
oDimpho'sr
entedhouse.Theguymi ght
havesl
eptatDi
mpho'shousebecausewhenI
l
eftar
oundmidni
ghthewasstil
linthathouse
Tef
o:sot
her
eisaman?
John:
thatonei
nsur
eof
Tefo:I
'm nolongeri
nter
est
edi
nDimphoandI
cannevertakeherbacknomatt
erwhatbutI
feeldi
srespect
ed
John:
it'
stot
aldi
srespect
Tef
o:i
tisand(
heshookhi
shead)
John:
whatar
eyougoi
ngt
odo?
Tefo:keepdiggi
ng.Onceyougetenough
i
nformationIwil
lseewhattodo.
John:
doy
oui
ntendt
osue?
Tef
o:i
twi
l
ldepends.Youmi
ghtf
indt
hatt
he
guyi
sjustabr
okeoppor
tuni
stwhocan'
tpay
meifIsuehi
m
John:
true
Tef
o:keepdi
ggi
ng
John:
def
ini
tel
y
Tef
o:Ican'
tbel
i
eveDi
mphoi
scheat
ingf
reel
y
John:
I'
m di
sappoi
ntedi
nher
Tef
o:thi
sdi
vorcemustcomet
hroughal
ready
.
I
'mtir
edoft
hiswoman
John:
yessi
r
Tef
o:t
hanky
ousomuch
John:
youar
ewel
comesi
r

GABORONE

Puso:
hel
l
oKgomot
so
Kgomot
so:
hel
l
o
(
theysmi
l
edateachot
herandshar
edahug)
Puso:
letmeapologi
zef
ornotbei
ngabl
eto
meetyouyest
erday
Kgomot
so:
it'
sok
Puso:
howhav
eyoubeen?
Kgomot
so:
Ihav
ebeendoi
ngv
erywel
l
.Your
sel
f?
Puso:
Ihav
ebeengr
eat
.Let
'
sgoandhav
e
di
nner
Kgomot
so:
ok
(t
heywenttoDrosrest
aur
antwher
etheysat
eati
ngandchat
ting)
Puso:
howi
syourj
ob?
Kgomotso:it
'sf
ine.I
tget
shect
icsomet
imes
butIsur
viv
e
Puso:
whatdoy
oudokant
e?
Kgomot
so:
Ihel
pwi
thev
ery
thi
ngf
rom doi
ng
messengerduti
estosecr
etar
ial
ser
vicest
o
assi
sti
ngteacher
s
Puso:
(smi
l
ing)y
oudon'
thav
eaj
obdescr
ipt
ion
Kgomot
so:
youcansayt
hat
Puso:(
smili
ng)Iwantt
oknowmoreabout
Kgomotso.WhoisKgomotso?(
hest
aredather
andsheookedawayshyl
y)
Kgomot
so:
(gi
ggl
i
ng)wher
edoIst
art
?
Puso:
may bebyt
ell
i
ngmei
fyouar
eseei
ng
someone
Kgomot
so:I
'
m noti
nar
elat
ionshi
patt
he
moment.
Puso:
whynot
?Abeaut
if
ull
adyl
i
key
ou
Kgomotso:i
tdi
dn'
tworkoutbet
weenmybaby
daddyandIsoweseparat
edwhenIourbaby
was2mont hsol
d
Puso:
whatwast
hepr
obl
em?
Kgomotso:west
arteddr
if
ti
ngapar
twhenIwas
pr
egnantandhefoundsomeoneel
se
Puso:
soy
oust
il
lcommuni
cat
ewi
thhi
m?
Kgomotso:
yes.It
alktohi
m whenthechi
ld
needssomethi
ngalt
houghhedoesn'
tal
ways
hel
p
Puso:t
henextti
mey outalkt
ohimt el
lhi
mthat
Pusoisver
ygrat
efulthathel
eftsucha
beaut
if
ulwomanf orhim
Kgomot
so:
(chuckl
edshy
ly)i
j
o!
Puso:
I'
m ser
ious.Whydi
dn'
tyoudat
eaf
tert
he
br
eakup?
Kgomot
so:
Iwant
edt
otakedonet
imet
oheal
Puso:
OK.
Kgomot
so:
youhav
en'
ttol
dmeabouty
our
sel
f
Puso:I
'
mjustanor
dinar
yguywhoi
sint
o
far
ming
Kgomot
so:
doy
ouhav
esomeonei
nyourl
i
fe?
Puso:
ifIdi
dwewoul dnotbeher
ehav
inga
gr
eatti
meliket
his.
Kgomot
so:
Iguesst
hatmeansy
ouar
esi
ngl
e?
Puso:
Iam
Kgomot
so:
kids?
Puso:
nope.I
syour
saboyoragi
rl
?
Kgomot
so:
agi
rl
,10mont
hsol
d
Puso:
oh.I
sshebeaut
if
ull
i
key
ou?
Kgomot
so:
shel
ooksmor
eli
keherdad
Puso:
oh.So.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
.
Kgomot
so:
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
.
Puso:Ineedachancetogettoknowy
oubet
ter
andtogetmuchclosertoyou.
Kgomot
so:
that
'sf
inebyme
(
thei
rey
esl
ockedandt
heconnect
ionmade
t
hem chuckl
eatt
hesamet
ime)

TONY'
SHOUSE

(Tonycoul
dnotmanaget opickmefrom t
he
tut
ori
alvenuesoItookataxitohi
shouse.The
doorwasslight
lyaj
arsoIdidn'
tbot
hert
oknock)
Me:
thebaeeeeeeeee
(
ther
ewasawomansi
tt
ingont
hecouch)
Me:
hel
l
omadam
Ol
dwoman:
hel
l
oTshego(
shesmi
l
ed)
Tony
: hel
l
obabe.(
hecameclosert
omeand
pl
antedakissonmyfor
ehead)
Me:
hi
(t
heoldwomanandTonystart
edI.Af
ri
kaans
andIhadnoideawhatt
heywereonabout.The
woul
dlookatmeandsmi l
e)
Tony
:(smi
l
inghappi
l
y)meetmymum
Me:
dumel
amma
Tony'smum: hel
lomychi l
d.OhTonyshei s
youngandbeaut iful
.OhhhhhhhhTony!(she
couldnotcont ai
nherhappiness)comeheremy
chi
ld( shegavemeal ongmotherl
yhug.Tony
wasl ookingussmi l
i
ng)
Tony:sheisaniceper
sonmum.Shehasa
beaut
iful
character
Tony
'smum:
Ilov
eher
.Howar
eyoumychi
l
d?
Me:
I'
m wel
l
Tony
'smum:t
hat'
sgoodt
ohear
.Tonycan'
t
st
optal
ki
ngaboutyou
Me:
yesmam (
IlookedatTonyandhewi
nked)
Tony
:It
oldy
out
haty
ouar
egoi
ngt
olov
eher
Tony
'smum:
Ilov
eheral
ready
.PoorKent
.
Tony
:wear
egoi
ngt
oGabor
onemyl
ove
Me:
oh.Whenar
eyoucomi
ngback?
Tony
: I
m goingwithyou.Wearegoingt
omeet
mysistersothatshecangiveyoumore
i
nfor
mat ionaboutthebusi
ness
Me:
oh
Tony:
wewil
lthenhav
edi
nnerwi
thmyf
ami
l
y
bef
orewecomehere
Me:
ok
(hepul
ledmebyt hehandandIf
lowedhi
mto
thebedroom whereweshar
edalong
passi
onatekiss)
Tony:
ifmymum wasn' ti
nthel
oungeIwas
goi
ngto.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
.(heki
ssedmeandsqueezed
mybums)
Me:st
opTony.Youwanty
ourmum t
ohearme
scr
eaming?
(
webot
hlaughed)
Me:
Ineedt
owearsomet
hingni
ce
Tony
:OK.(
qui
ckki
ss)y
ouwi
l
ljoi
nuswheny
ou
ar
edone
Me:
ohmywor
d,y
ourmum i
sbeaut
if
ul
Tony
:li
ket
hef
utur
eMr
sVanDerMer
we
(l
wasf l
atter
ed.Icouldal
readypict
uremy sel
f
wit
hhisringonmyf inger
.IsthataproposalI
'm
smell
i
ng?

TEFO'
SHOUSE

(Tef
owasabsentmi ndedso.Cehewast ry
ing
tofi
gureoutwhot heguyDi mphoisdat
ingis.
Meanwhile,
Charit
yputt hegir
lst
obedandwent
backtotheloungetowat chUzal
o)
Tef
o:ar
etheysl
eepi
ng?
Char
it
y:peacef
ull
y
Tef
o:I
ndeed.Whati
sthi
ssoapi
ecal
l
ed?
Char
it
y:Uzal
o
Tef
o:t
heykeepy
ouent
ert
ained
Char
it
y:t
heydo
(hecouldnotresi
stt
heurgesohemov edand
satnexttoher.Hehel
dherhandandsqueez ed
i
tgent l
y.Hel
eanedforwardandthei
rli
ps
touched.Bot
hofthem wereveryhungr
y .Tef
o
l
ift
edherandwentt ohisbedr
oom)
Tef
o:i
sitOK?
Char
it
y:notonherbedi
nherbedr
oom
Tef
o:(
hesai
dsmi
l
ing)y
ouar
especi
aland
uni
que
Char
it
y:t
hanky
ou
(minut
esl
atert
heywer
enextt
oeachot
her
naked)
Tefo:areyousur
eaboutt
hisbecauseI
m sur
e
aboutthismysel
f.
Char
it
y:I
'
m sur
e
Tef
o:sot
hef
eel
i
ngi
smut
ual
Char
it
y:i
tis
Tef
o:Ij
ustmadetheassumpt
iont
haty
oudon'
t
hav
eamani nyourl
if
e
Char
it
y:no,
Idon'
t
Tef
o:wher
eisy
ourbabydaddy
?
Char
it
y:hedi
sappear
edaf
terl
ear
ningt
hatIwas
pr
egnant
Tef
o:I
'
m sor
ryt
oheart
hat
Char
it
y:t
hanks.
Tef
o:I
'
mfeel
i
ngsl
eepy
Char i
ty:
y oucan'
tsleepinthi
sroom.Theki ds
can'tfi
ndusont hesamebedwhent heywake
up.Wehav etoprotectthei
rfei
ngs.Idon'
tthi
nk
theyaredonepr ocessingthebreakupyet.We
will
conf usethem
Tef
o:i
fyouar
enotagoodwomanthent
her
eis
nogoodwomanl
efther
eonear
th.
(shesmil
ed.Hekissedherbeforet
aki
ngt
he
usedcondom andgoingtohisroom)

3mont
hsl
ater
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
.
NO.84

(
Johnhadcheckedononeofhiscol
l
eagues
whoworksi
nadi f
fer
entsect
ion
Thepeoplehewor kswithinthesamesecti
on
di
sl
ikeandisol
atehim sohepr efer
stosoci
ali
ze
wi
thcoll
eaguesfrom othersecti
ons)
Col
league1: (
browsi
ngt
hroughf
acebook
pi
ctures)skwata
Col
l
eague2:
whati
sit
?
Col
l
eague1:
theguy
shav
est
art
edpi
ctur
esof
Nt
wa'
sweddi
ng
Col
l
eague2:
letmesee
(
theguy
swentt
hrought
hepi
ctur
es)
Col
l
eague1:
thel
adyi
sbeaut
if
ul
Col
l
eague2:
shei
s
Col
l
eague1:
Iwonderwhatshesawi
nthi
sguy
.
Col
l
eague2:
thi
sguyi
sawomani
zer
Col
l
eague1:
aser
iousone
Col
league2:
Ihopehechangesaf
terhi
s
wedding
Col
l
eague1:azebraneverl
osesi
tsst
ri
pes.
Maybeshehasaccept
edhim ashei
s
Col
league2:
maybe.Notsol
ongagohewas
dat
ingasugarmama
Coll
eague1: heel
atl
hemona,kanaIf
orgott
o
tel
lyou.Thatladyi
smajor
'swif
e
Col
l
eague2:
whi
chmaj
or?
Col
l
eague1:
Mot
swasel
e
Col
l
eague2:
youar
ely
ing
John:
guy
swhatar
eyout
alki
ngabout
?
Col
l
eague1:
kanay
ouwor
kwi
thMot
swasel
e?
John:
Ido
Col
l
eague2:
heandt
hewi
fear
edi
vor
ced,
right
?
John:
it'
snotf
inal
yet
Col
l
eague1:
oh
John:ar
eyousuret
heguyist
heonewhohas
beendati
ngMotswasel
e'
swif
e?
Coll
eague2:
youar
etheonl
yonewhodoesn'
t
know.
John:
canIseet
hepi
ctur
eagai
n?
Col
league1:
I'
mver
ysur
ethaty
ouknowt
his
guy
(t
heyhav
ePusot
hephoneandheexami
nedt
he
pi
ctur
es)
John:
ooooooohhhhhhhhhhh!
Col
l
eague2:
what
?
Col
l
eague1:
whati
sit
?
John:
Iremembert
hisguy
.It
'shi
m.
(hetookouthisphonebr
owsedthr
oughthe
pict
uresandfoundtheonet
hathadDimpho
andThoriso)
John:
thi
sishi
m,r
ight
?
Col
l
eague2:
yes.Wher
edi
dyougett
hispi
ctur
e
John:
Ihav
etogo.What
'
sthi
sguy
'sname?
Col
l
eague1:
pri
vat
eThor
isoNt
wa
Col
l
eague2:
stopdi
shi
ngouti
nfor
mat
ion
John:
Ihav
etogo,
it'
sur
gent
(
hel
eftqui
ckl
y)
Coll
eague1:
thi
sguyi
sact
ingst
rangeal
lofa
sudden
Col
league2:(
put
ti
nghishandsatt
hebackof
hi
shead)Ifor
gotthatt
hisguyi
sMotswasel
e'
s
l
apdog
Col
l
eague1:
real
l
y?
Col
l
eague2:
ourcol
l
eaguei
sint
roubl
e
Col
league1:
doy
out
hinkhei
sgoi
ngt
opi
mp
hi
m?
Col
l
eague2:
thi
sguyi
sdanger
ous
Coll
eague1:i
fhedoest
hatNt
wawi
l
lsor
thi
m
outniceandsl
ow

TEFO'
SOFFI
CE

Tef
o:howar
eyouset
tl
ingi
n?
Col
l
eague:
ver
ywel
l
.Ican'
tcompl
ain
Tef
o:good.Hasy
ourf
ami
l
ymov
edher
eal
ready
?
Col
l
eague:
theyhav
e.Imanagedt
ofi
nda
school
fort
heki
ds
Tef
o:t
hat
'sgood
Col
league:
mywifei
stheonewhosebusi
ness
hasbenndisr
upt
edbythet
ransf
er
Tef
o:whatki
ndofbusi
nessi
sshedoi
ng?
Col
l
eague:
shei
sahai
rdr
esser
Tef
o:shewor
ksi
nahai
rsal
oon?
Coll
eague:no.Thecust
omercomet oour
house.Sheprefer
sitt
hatwaybecauseshe
managestot akecar
eofthehomeandwor kat
thesametime.Thekidswaysfi
ndherhome
Tef
o:whydon'
tyouopenahai
rsal
onf
orher
?
Col
league:
wewereint
hepr
ocessofdoi
ngt
hat
andthenboom!Tr
ansf
er
Tef
o:t
hisconv
ersat
ionhasbroughtmevery
i
mport
antanswerst
hatIhavebeenlooki
ngfor
Col
l
eague:
how?
Tef
o:canIt
rusty
ou?
Col
l
eague:
def
ini
tel
y
Tefo:mywi fei sdivorci
ngme.Shehasl ong
mov edoutofourmat ri
moni alhomeanddat ing
someguywhosei denti
tyI'
m stillt
ryingtofind
out.SoI'm secr et
lyseeinganot herlady.This
newl adyiscl osetoper f
ect.Shel ovesmyki ds
andshei sv erygoodt ome.Weconnecti na
wayt hatIhav enev erconnectedwi thany
woman.Ihav ebeenuncomf ortabledati
ngher
becauseinitiall
y..
..
.Letmesayshei smymai d.I
havebeenuncomf ortablewiththef actthatshe
doesn'thaveacar eerorqual i
fi
cations
Col
league:t
hat
'snoti
mpor t
anti
narel
ati
onshi
p.
Whatmat t
ersi
slove,
fri
endshi
pand
commi t
ment.
Tefo:youarer
ight
.Dimphohadi
tal
l-
quali
fi
cati
ons,
beautyandagoodj
ob-butI
wasn'thappyi
nmymar ri
age
Col
l
eague:
mypoi
ntexact
ly
Tefo:Ihav
ebeenwonderingifIwil
lbeablet
o
openlydat
eheroncethedivorcei
soverand
ther
eisnor easont
ohide
Coll
eague:f
orgetaboutt
hatandl
oveand
appreci
atet
hisgoodsoul
Tef
o:agoodsoul
indeed.
Coll
eague:justhel
phert ofi
ndsomet hingtodo
tokeepbusyandmakeal i
vi
ng.Don'tev en
underest
imatethesesimplejobs.Idon'tworry
aboutsomesmal l
project
s,shetakescar eof
them.Ionlyworryaboutbuil
dingahouse
knowingthatshewi l
lfi
nanceli
tt
leprojectsli
ke
ti
li
ng,decor
Tef
o:t
hanky
ouman
Col
l
eague:
I'
m gl
adIcoul
dhel
p.Lov
eyour
woman
Tef
o:Iwi
l
l
(
ther
ewasaknockont
hedoor
=
Col
l
eague:
comei
n
John:
(sal
uti
ng)capt
ain!Maj
or!

(
Phoneconv
ersat
ion)

Di
mpho:
Thor
iso?
Thor
iso:
mma?
Di
mpho:
(fumi
ng)whati
sgoi
ngon!
Thor
iso:
Iwasgoi
ngt
othey
ou
Di
mpho:
and?
Thor
iso:
Ithoughty
oumi
ghtcausedr
ama
Di
mpho:soitwasbetterformet
ofi
ndout
t
hroughFacebookaccordi
ngtoy
ou?
Thor
iso:
li
keIsai
dIwasgoi
ngt
otel
lyou
Di
mpho:
youar
easnake,
aser
pent
Thori
so:
Dimphocanwemeetandt al
kabout
thi
ssomeotherdaybecause.
..
..
..
..
.
Dimpho: Ihopeyoudi
dn'
tusemymoneyto
mar r
yher .Youar
esupposedt
ohav
epaidthe
fi
rstinst
allment
Thor
iso:
Dimphonotnowpl
ease
Di
mpho:
didy
ouev
erl
oveme
Thor
iso:
tlhemmacanwet
alknextweek
Di
mpho:bri
ngmymoneyalongwhenwecome
t
otal
k.Bri
ngev
erysi
ngl
ethebeyouoweme
Thor
iso:
bye
Di
mpho:
getof
f
(sheputt
hephoneont
het
abl
eandcr
iedi
n
disbel
i
ef)

MYHOUSE
(Li
fehasbeensogoodt omeorshoul dIsay
Tonyhasbeensogoodt ome.Il acknothi
ng.
From him Igetl ov
e,suppor t
, andalmostallmy
mater i
al needs.heistheper fectboyf
ri
end.its
becauseofTonyt hati nowhav eapassport,i
'
m
l
earninghowt odriveandi hav emyown
business.Ispendal lmyni ghtsatTony '
splace
evenwhenhei snotaround.Howev er,
Ihave
notnegl ectedmymot her'
shouse.i sti
llcl
ean
theyardandt hehouseandi somet i
messpend
myday st her
e.ihavenev erbeent hi
shappy ,
i
meanwher eeveryt
hingisgoi ngsowel l
;school,
rel
ationshi pandli
feingener al)
NO.85

(
phoneconv
ersat
ion)
Puso:
mymai
nman
Kenal
emang:
far
mer
Puso:
howar
eyou?
Kenal
emang:I
m doi
ngv
erywel
l
.You?
Puso:
I'
m doi
ngwel
ltoo
Kenal
emang:howi
sther
elat
ionshi
pgoi
ng?
HowisMotso?
Puso:
Mot
soi
sdoi
ngwel
l
.Wear
eok
Kenal
emang:noman,
that
'
snott
heanswerI
wasexpect
ing
Puso:
whatanswerwer
eyouexpect
ing?
Kenal
emang:y ourrelati
onshi
pisafewmonths
ol
dsoIexpectedy out obeexcit
edandal
lbutI
don'
tsenset
heexci tement
Puso:Motsoi
sagoodper
sonandwegetal
ong
well
.Il
oveher
Kenal
emang:
but
..
..
..
.
Puso:Idon'tknowman.Myhear ti
snotful
l
y
i
ntotherelati
onshi
p.Theseday sal
lIt
hink
aboutismoney .I
'm busychsi
ngpaper
Kenal
emang: don'
tbetoobusymakingal
i
ving
toapointwhereyouendupforget
ti
ngtol
iv
e
Puso:
mmekanat
hat
'swhati
shappeni
ngt
ome
Kenal
emang:i
sMot
sonotcompl
aini
ng?
Puso:
no.ev
ery
thi
ngseemsf
ine
Kenal
emang:
whati
sgoi
ngon?
Puso:myrelat
ionshi
pwit
hMot
soi
sjustcol
d.I
t
doesn'
thavethatthi
ng
Kenalemang:ar
eyouf
ail
i
ngt
oconnectwi
thher
becauseTshego.
Puso:
I'
m ov
erTshegot
hat
swhyI
m dat
ing
Motso
Kenalemang:maybeli
keyousaidyouaretoo
focusedonthebusi
nessandnotony our
rel
ati
onshi
p.Youneedtolear
ntobalancethem
Puso:
Iwi
l
ltr
y
Kenal
emang:
doy
oul
oveher
?
Puso:
IdoandIknowshel
ovesme
Kenal
emang:
dontnegl
ecty
ourr
elat
ionshi
p
Puso:
Iwi
l
lwor
koni
t
Kenal
emang:great.KanaIf
orgott
otel
lyou.
Motswasel
e'
sestrangedwif
ehasbeencheat
ing
onhim wi
thPr
ivat
eNt wa
Puso:
pri
vat
e?
Kenal
emang:
youhear
dmecor
rect
ly
Puso:wheredoeskar
mast
ay?Ineedt
ogoand
shakeherhand
Kenal
emang:
hedi
dn'
tcomet
owor
ktoday
Puso:hemustbehumi
l
iat
edandembar
rassed.
Eses!
Kenal
emang:whatgoesar
oundcomesback
ar
ound
Puso:t
hatonei
sforbreaki
ngmeandTshego
up.Cankar
mavisi
thim agai
nandmakehi
m
payf
ori
ndi
rect
lyf
orci
ngmet
oresi
gnf
rom my
j
ob
Kenal
emang:t
hewhol
emor
ningpeopl
ewer
e
tal
ki
ngabouti
t.

(TonyanxiouslywaitedforTshegointhecar.
thedri
vingschool carapproached.Afew
minuteslaterTshegoandt heexaminergotout
ofthecar.Tshegowentst raightt
oTonyscar)
Tony
:di
dyoupassmyl
ove?
Me:
(sadf
ace)no
Tony:(
huggingme)dontst
ress.y
ouwi
l
lgett
he
dri
vi
nglicence
Me:
may
be
Tony
:whatmi
stakesdi
dyoumake?
Me:
alot
Tony
:letmeseet
hepaper
(
Ihandedt
hepapert
ohi
m andheunf
oldedi
t)
Me:
(smi
l
ing)ah!
Tony
:(l
ooki
ngatme)l
i
ar!Youpassedt
het
est
.
Me:
(smili
ng)y
eaaaaaahhhhhhhhhh.Ipassed
t
hetest
Tony
:It
houghty
ouhadf
ail
ed
Me:
me,
fai
l
ing!Hel
lno!
Tony
:congratsbabe(
hehuggedmeandki
ssed
myforehead)
Me:thanksl
ove.Thanky
oufory
oursuppor
t
bot
hf i
nanci
alandemoti
onal
Tony:youarewel
comebabe.I
tsmy
responsi
bil
i
ty
Me:
I'
m donewi
thdr
ivi
ngl
essons
Tony
:let
sgoandmakethatl
i
censebabe.Ebi
l
e
youwil
lbedr
ivi
ngwhenwegohome
Me:
I'
m exci
ted.I
'
m gonnabedr
ivi
ngwi
thout
f
earofbei
ngcaughtbyt
hecops
Tony
:that
'st
hebeaut
yofi
t
Me:
I'
m sohappyf
ormy
sel
f
Tony:
I'
m happyf
oryou.Nowyouwi
l
lhav
e
moremoneyinyourpocket
.
Me:
whatdoy
oumean?
Tony:t
hemoneythathasbeengoi
ngtowards
yourdr
ivi
ngl
essonswil
lnowgostrai
ghti
ny our
pocket
Me:Tonyy
ouaredoingal
otf
orme.WhatcanI
dot
omakey ouhappy?
Tony
:I'
m happy
Me:
Iwantt
oshowappr
eci
ati
on
Tony:youdon'thaveto.Lov i
ngme,respecting
meandgi vingmey ourundi v
idedat
tenti
onisall
thatIneed.Youkeepingmyhousecl ean
makingsureI'm al
way scleanandpresentable
andcookingdelici
ousf oodformeisjusta
cherr
yontop.(
whi
sper
ing)andgiv
ingmethe
cooki
ethewayIwanti
t,whenev
erIwanti
t
Me:
(pl
ayf
ull
yhi
tt
inghi
m)st
opi
t!
Tony
:congr
atsdr
iver
!
Me:
thanksf
ell
owdr
iver
.

(
phoneconv
ersat
ion)

Tef
o:(
fur
ious)howcoul
dyou?
Di
mpho:
Tef
o
Tef
o:Ist
il
lcantbeli
eveyoul
eftmeforaman
whoismuchy oungert
hanyou.apr
ivat
elegone
Di
mpho:
I'
m sor
ry
Tef
o:noy
ouar
enotsor
ry
Di
mpho:
Iam.
Tef
o:howcoul
dyoubr
ingmesomuchshame?
Di
mpho:
I'
m sor
ry
Tefo:
Idi
dn'
tevengotoworkt
odaybecauseI
knowever
ybodyi
sgoingt
obetal
kingaboutme.
YouareashameDimpho
Di
mpho:
howdi
dtheyknowaboutt
heaf
fai
r?
Tefo:
Idontknow.Youarefool
i
shify
outhink
youandIaretheonlyonewhoknowsaboutt
he
i
ssue.Youlef
tmef oramanwhowasengaged?
Di
mpho:
Idi
dntknow
Tef
o:whatdi
dyouuset
oat
tracthi
m?
Di
mpho:
Igenui
nel
ylov
edhi
m
Tefo:youar
eastupi
dwomananditi
ssad
becauseyourst
upi
dit
yisdr
aggi
ngmynamei
n
themud
Di
mpho:Iwasst
upi
dtothi
nkhelovedmeas
muchasIl
ovedhi
m.it
sonlynowthatIr
eal
i
ze
t
hathedi
dntl
oveme.
Tef
o:heusedy
ou
Di
mpho:
hedi
d(shest
art
edsobbi
ng)hehur
t
me
Tef
o:y
oumadet
hebedDi
mpho,
li
epeacef
ull
y
oni
t
Di
mpho:
I'
m hur
ti
ng
Tef
o: Ihonest
lydontcar
e.All
Icareabouti
s
makingsurethatyouandthatpr
ivat
epayfor
whaty oudidt
ome
Di
mpho:
whatar
eyougoi
ngt
odo?
Tefo:I'
m def
ini
tel
ysui
ngthatpri
vatefor
wreckingmarri
age.Wi
thyou.Iwontleaveyou
untouchednotaft
erwhatyouputmet hr
ough
Di
mpho:
I'
m sor
ryTef
o
Tefo: andyoudi
dntevencareaboutour
chil
dr en.I
'
m goi
ngtomakesur ethatour
divorcegoesthr
oughandIswearonmy
mot hersgravet
hatyouwil
lnotgetcustodyof
thekids.
Di
mpho:
Tef
oI'
m sor
ry.Iact
edf
ool
i
shl
y
Tef
o:andy
ouar
egoi
ngt
opaydear
lyf
ori
t
Di
mpho:
canwemeetandt
alk
Tef
o:aboutwhat
?
Di
mpho:
Ineedt
oapl
ogi
set
oyou
Tef
o:i
tsnotnecessar
y.By
e
Di
mpho:
Tef
o!
Tef
o:sheshe!

MMANKGODI

Juni
orsmum:Iusedt
odoubty
ouandInev
er
pi
ctur
edusget
tingmarr
ied
Thor
iso:
aomma!
Juni
orsmum:
thedoubti
sgonenow.Iam Mr
s
Thor
isoNt
wa
Thor
iso:
mywi
fe
Juni
orsmum:myhusband(
shel
ookedather
weddi
ngri
ngandsmil
ed)
Thor
iso:
youar
ever
yhappy
Juni
orsmum:whowouldnotbehappywhen
shehadsuchabeaut
if
ulweddi
ngday
Thor
iso:
.
Junior
smum:
youdontl
ookashappyasIhad
expected
Thor
iso:
Imt
ir
edl
ove.
Juni
orsmum:Iunderst
andbabe.Atl
easty
ou
haveaweekofrestbef
oregoi
ngbacktowork
Thor
iso:
Ibel
i
evei
tsgonnahel
p
Juni
orsmum:
itsgoingt
oworkmagi
c.(
smil
i
ng)
wearegoi
ngt
or ai
seourchi
l
dinal
ovi
nghome
Thor
iso:
Idesi
ret
hatmor
ethanany
thi
ng
Juni
orsmum:
itsdone.
Thor
iso:
(hi
sphonebeepedandher
eadthe
messagesi
lent
lywi
thaworri
edl
ookonhisf
ace)
"somebodymusthav et ol
dMot swasel
eabout
youandhiswi fe.Hedidntshowupatwor k
todayandrumorhasi tthathewantstosue.
Theguyhast akenabigf al
landahugeknock
tohisi
ntegri
ty.Imtel
li
ngy ousothatyouknow
whatyouwi l
lfindwheny oucomebackt owork"

NO.86

TEFOS'
HOUSE

Char
ity
:(shel
ookedathim wi
they
esf
ull
ofpi
ty)
youknockedof
fearl
ytoday
Tef
o:(
taki
ngof
fhi
sshoes)y
es
Charit
y:(si
tt
ingnextt
ohim ont
hebed)babe
youknowy oucant al
ktomeaboutwhatis
botheri
ngyou
Tef
o:Char
it
ythi
ngsar
egoi
ngf
rom badt
o
worse
Char
it
y:howwaswor
k?
Tef
o:Iwantt
oresi
gn
Char
it
y:why
?
Tefo:
Ithi
nkalotofpeopl
e,especi
all
ymy
j
unior
sknowaboutwhathappenedbet ween
Dimphoandthatyoungman.Theywer egi
vi
ng
menastylooks
Char
it
y:weretheyreal
l
ygivi
ngy
out
hosel
ooks
orwereyouimagini
ngit?
Tef
o:i
tdoesn'
tmat
terbabe.
Char
it
y:i
tdoes
Tef
o: i
tdoesn'
tmatterbecauseIf
eltl
ikea
not
hingatworktoday.Dimphohas..i
have
nothi
nglef
tChari
ty.Noi
ntegr
it
y,nostat
us,
nothi
ng.Myjuni
orsmustbeveryhappythata
pri
vat
ehashumbl edme
Char
ity
:Ithi
nky
ouar
ebei
ngt
oohar
don
your
self
Tefo:i
naj oblikeminest atusiseverything.
Thatyoungmanhashumi li
atedme,
embarrassedme, st
rippedmeof fmydi gnit
y
andlef
tmef eeli
nglikeausel esspieceofpaper.
Idon'
tthinkIcansur vivethisone;i
tsbel owthe
bel
tandi thurt
ssobad.I '
m goingtor esign
Chari
ty:
babethi
nkabouti
tcaref
ull
ybeforeyou
deci
de.Don'
tuseyouremoti
ons,berat
ional
abouti
t
Tef
o:Ihav
etot
hrowi
nthet
owel
Char
it
y:whatpl
ansdoy
ouhav
e?
Tef
o:none
Char
it
y:Tef
oI'
m notwor
king,
Icompl
etel
y
dependonthemoneyLisa'
smum giv
esme.I
f
bothofusareunemploy
eddoyouthi
nk2,
000
pul
acansustainthef
amily
?
Tef
o:i
tcan'
tbutIwi
l
llookf
oranot
herj
ob
Char
it
y:andyouknowi
tsnoteasyt
oget
anot
herjob
Tef
o:Iknowbutmymi
ndi
smadeup
Charit
y:wear
egoi
ngt
osuf
ferbabe.Pl
ease
reconsi
der
Tef
o:I
'
m don'
tdi
scussi
ngt
his
Char
it
y:It
hinky
ouar
emaki
ngami
stake
Tef o:(
tear
y)Iknowexact
lyhowitmusthav
e
feltli
keforPri
vat
ePusotoresi
gnwit
houtany
plans
Char
it
y:whoi
sPuso?
Tefo:someoneIhur
tverybadl
y.Whati
s
happeningt
omei t
sjustmetasti
ngmyown
medicine
Char
it
y:don'
tbet
oohar
dony
our
sel
f
Tefo:(cov
eri
nghi
sfacewi
thhi
shands)l
ife
though.Canyoupl
easegi
vemeabitofspace?
(shekissedhim andgavehisbackal i
tt
lerub
beforeleavi
ng.Helockedthebedroom door,
cov er
edhisfacewithatowelandcried.Outof
frustr
ati
onheaskedf orThori
so'
snumberf rom
Johnandcal l
edhim)

Thor
iso:
hel
l
o
Tef
o:Pr
ivat
e
Thor
iso:
whoi
sthi
s?
Tef
o:howdoessl
eepi
ngwi
thanot
herman'
s
wif
efeel
sli
ke?
Thor
iso:
whoi
sthi
s?
Tefo:
I'
mtheestr
angedhusbandt
othewoman
youhavebeensl
eepi
ngwith
Thor
iso:
sir
..
..
..
.
Tef
o:y
our
ecent
lygotmar
ri
edr
ight
?
Thor
iso:
yessi
r
Tefo:howwi l
lyoufeel
ifyoudi
scover
edt
hat
yourwifeissl
eepingwit
honeofy our
coll
eagues?
Thor
iso:
I'
m sor
ryf
ort
hepai
nIhav
ecausedy
ou
si
r
Tefo:howwouldyoufeel
ifyourwi
fe
abandonedyouwitht
wolitt
leki
dstorunaway
wit
hy ourcol
l
eague?
Thor
iso:t
otaIhavewrongedyouandwronged
mywi f
e.Idon'
tknowhowt of
ixthi
sand
Tef
o:y
ouhav
eear
nedy
our
sel
fal
awsui
t
Thor
iso:
sir
,canwepl
easeagreeaboutt
his
bet
weenoursel
veswi
thoutt
akingi
ttocour
t
Tefo:andyournewlyweddedwif
emusthear
aboutthi
ssot hatshecanknowtheki
ndof
per
sony
ouar
e
Thor
iso:
sirpl
ease,
canwesol
vet
hisbet
ween
thet
woofus
Tef
o:youshoul
dhavet
houghtabouti
tbef
ore
sl
eepi
ngwithmywif
e
Thori
so:sirIwr
ongedy ouandIdon'tknowhow
toapologi
setoyou.Ishoul
dn'thav
esl eptwi
th
yourwife
Tef
o:buty
oudi
d
Thor
iso:
andIdon'
tfeel
proudatal
l
.Ir
egr
eti
t
Tefo:youwil
lregr
etevenmorewhenmyl
awy er
contactsy
ouandy ourwif
egetst
oknowabout
i
t
Thor
iso:
sircanweset
tl
et hi
soutofcour
t.
Maybewecanmeetandt alkanddeci
deonhow
muchIcanpayyouascompensat i
on
Tef
o:I
'
m noti
nter
est
ed
Thor
iso:
sirpl
ease
Tef
o:Iwantyout
obeembar
rassedt
hewayy
ou
embarr
assedmeatwor
k
Thor
iso:
I'
m sor
rysi
r
Tef
o:expectacal
lfr
om myl
awy
er.By
e
Thor
iso:
sir
(that'
showt hecallended.Thor isosatdown
thinki
ngaboutt heconv ersat
ionandt he
possibleconsequences.Heknewv erywellt
hat
i
ft henewsr eachedJuni orsmum i twasgoing
tobet heendoft hei
rnewmar r
iagebecause
shehadf orgivenhimf orcheatingseveral
times.
Amomentoff unruinedev er
ything)

GABORONE

(shedial
edanumberinherphoneandgot
disappoi
ntedwhent
hecallcoul
dntgot
hrough)
Fr
iend:
what
sgoi
ngon?
Kgomotso:I
'mtry
ingtocall
Pusobuthi
s
numberisnotgoi
ngthrough
Fri
end:may
behei
satt
hef
arm andt
her
eisno
networ
k
Kgomot
so:
wehav
en'
ttal
kedf
ort
hreeday
snow
Fr
iend:
didy
ouguy
shav
eaf
ight
?
Kgomot
so:
no
Fr
iend:t
henther
emustbeav
ali
dreason.Don'
t
befrust
rat
ed
Kgomot
so:
hei
!Idon'
tthi
nkPusoi
sint
ome
Fr
iend:
whydoy
ousayt
hat
?
Kgomotso:ourcommunicati
onisnotsogood.
Hehardl
yhast i
mef orme.Heisal
way sbusy
wit
hhisproj
ects.Someti
mesIfeell
ikeI'
min
thi
srel
ati
onshipalone
Fr
iend:
soy ouarecompl
aini
ngabouthi
m not
gi
vingyouhist
imeandatt
ention
Kgomot
so:
yes.
Fr
iend:
doy
oudoubthi
slov
efory
ou?
Kgomot
so:
Idon'
tknow.
Fr
iend:
doy
oul
ovehi
m?
Kgomot
so:
alot
Fr
iend:
Ithinky
oushouldsi
tdownwi
thhi
m and
makehim awareofhowyoufeel
Kgomot
so:
onl
yifhehadt
imet
oli
sten
Fr
iend:
justt
ry
Kgomot
so:
mxm!
Fr
iend:It
hinkheistoofocusedonmaking
moneywhi chmakeshim neglectot
her
i
mpor t
antareasofhisl
i
fe
Kgomot so:youmightberight.Tohim moneyis
everyt
hing.Alt
houghIhardlyspendquali
tyti
me
withhim hedoestakecareofmyneeds.hei s
payingmysonsschool fees,hetakescareofal
l
myfinancial
needsand..
..
..
..
..
...
tobehonest
wit
hy ou,wedon'tl
ackanythi
ngexcepthi
slove
andattent
ion
Fr
iend:
kant
ewhycan'
tamanhav
eital
l
?
Kgomot
so:
youcanaskt
hatagai
n
Fri
end:myboyf
ri
endspoil
smewithlov
eand
att
enti
onbuthedoesn'
tgivememoneyunl
essI
begandwhenhedoesgi v
ememoneyhegi v
es
mehalfofwhatIaskedf
or
(
theybot
hlaughed)
Kgomotso:
may
beweshoul
dshar
ethem so
thatwe.
Fr
iend:
itwoul
dbeaper
fectcombi
nat
ion
(
theyl
aughedagai
n)
Kgomotso:IswearI
'
m notgoi
ngt
ogi
veupon
Puso.Heisagoodguy
Fri
end:heis.I
t'
sonl
ythatmoneyi
sthecent
re
ofhisuni
verse.May
behehasbeenhurtt
hats
whyhedoesn'twantt
oinvesthi
semot
ionsi
na
rel
ati
onshi
p.Whatcausedthebr
eakup
betweenhi
m andhisex
Kgomotso:Ihav
enoidea.WhenItrytoaskhim
hedismi
ssesme.henev erwant
stotalkabout
i
tandsomet i
mesIgettothinkt
hathesti
lll
oves
her
Fr
iend:i
tdoesn'
tmat
terbecauser
ightnowhei
s
wi
thy ounother
Kgomotso:
butifhei
ssti
ll
hunguponhert hen
i
tcoul
dbet her
easonourrel
ati
onshi
pist
his
col
d
Fr
iend:
tal
ktoy
ourman
Kgomot
so:
Iwi
l
l.

(Iwait
edforTonyi
nthecarparki
ng.Itwas
l
unchhoursoIwenttopickhim sothathe
couldgohomeandhav el
unch.Henev ercomes
homeduringt hei
r10oclockbreakbecauseI
wouldbeattendingatutori
alsoIpack
somethi
ngforhi mt oeatattheoff
ice.He
appear
edwit haf emalecol
league)
Tony
:hel
l
olov
e
(hekissedmeontheli
psandopenedt
hecar
door.Hegent
lypul
ledmyhandandIgotoutof
thecar)
Me:
hel
l
o
Lady
:hel
l
o(shesmi
l
ed)
Tony:(
wit
hhisarm ar
oundmywai st
)babethi
s
i
smycol l
eagueLebo.Lebot
hisi
smygi r
lf
ri
end
Tshego
Lebo:
hell
oTshego(hug)Ihav
el ongwant
edt
o
meetyou.Ni
cetofi
nall
ymeety ou
Me:
mypl
easur
e
Lebo:youaredoingagreatjobwi
tht
hisguy
.He
eatsheal
thy
, hesmokesless,hei
sal
waysclean
andpresentabl
e,hei
smuchhappierandheis
l
ivel
y.Ihavebeenpester
inghi
m aski
nghi
m
gorewhoist hewomanbehindthi
shappi
ness
anditssonicetofi
nal
lymeetyoumysist
er
Me:
thanky
ou
Tony:babeLeboismycolleagueandofal l
my
coll
eaguesshei
st heoneI
m cl osestt
o.Weare
fr
iends.Youhav
en'tmetherbecauseshehas
beenoutofthecountr
yforthreemont hs
Me:
ok
Lebo:
Ileav
ef orjustt
hreemont
hsandcome
backtoadif
ferentTony.Amuchhappi
erTony
Tony:thi
swomanhere(ki
ssedmycheek)i
sthe
reasonbehi
ndt
hishappi
ness.Shemakesme
sohappy
Lebo:keepitupmysister
.Tonywhenareyou
poppingthequesti
on.Orareyouwai
ti
ngfor
anothermant osnat
chherawayfrom y
ou?
Tony
:Tshegoi
snott
heki
ndt
hathetsnat
ched
away
Lebo:butdudeifshemakesy
out
hishappy
thendorightbyher
Tony
:Leboy
ouar
etal
kat
ive
Lebo:ij
o!Icant
ell
youar
enotr
eady
.No
pressur
e
Tony:t
hanky ou.Letmegoandhavemy
del
ici
ouslunchandspendabitoft
imewi
thmy
babe
Lebo:
ok.Nosex,
other
wisey
ouwi
l
lcomeback
toworkt
ir
ed
(Il
aughedoutloudandTonyl aughedaswel l
.
j
ustlikeme,Tonyhasal otofenergyanddriv
e
forsex.Wemakel oveinthemor ni
ngbeforehe
comest owork,thenwehav eaquicki
eduring
l
uncht i
menear l
yev erydayandwemakel ove
againatni
ghtbef orefal
li
ngasleep.Whenour
moodi shi
ghlikewhenwear eonholi
daywe
makelovecountl
essti
mes.Noneofcompl
ain
becauseourener
gylev
elsmatch)
NO.87

GABORONE

Kgomot
so:
comei
n
Puso:
(openi
ngt
hedoor
)daddyi
sher
e
Kgomotso:ahhhhhhh!(
Sher
ant
ohi
m and
huggedhim)
Puso:
(li
ft
ingher
)hel
l
obaby
Kgomot
so:
Imi
ssedy
ou
Puso:
im sor
ryf
ordi
sappear
ingl
i
ket
hatmy
l
ove
(hebegankissi
ngherandonethi
ngledtothe
other
.Theyendedupmaki ngl
oveonthecouch
andforbothofthem i
tfel
tabi
tdif
fer
ent.Ther
e
wasabi
tofconnect
ion.Af
tert
hedeed.
)
Kgomotso:wher
ehav
eyoubeenandwhywas
yourphoneof
f?
Puso: Iwentt
oSouthAfri
cat
obuytr
act
orpart
s.
Ithoughtitwasgoi
ngtobeaonedaytr
ipbuti
t
turnedouttobeathreedayt
ri
p
Kgomot
so:
arey
oucheat
ing?
Puso:
babeno
Kgomot
so:
buty
ouact
ingst
range
Puso:butIhaveav
ali
dreasonf
ormy
di
sappearance.
Kgomot
so:
Pusoy
ouar
enotbei
nghonestwi
th
me
Puso:
babyIam.Mypasspor
tisi
nthecar
.Ican
goandgeti
t
Kgomot
so:
youwentt
oSout
hAf
ri
cawi
tha
woman
Puso:
sear
chmyphone
Kgomot
so:Pusoy
oudontl
oveme.Youarenot
commit
tedt
ome.Doyouregr
etbei
ngwit
hme?
Puso:no(lookingint
ohereyes)babeIknowI
haventbeengiv i
ngyouat
tenti
onandIwantto
corr
ectthat.ButtobehonestwithyouI
m not
cheati
ngony ou
Kgomot
so:
doy
oul
oveme?
Puso:Ido.Il
oveyoubabe.WhatIhavereal
ized
i
sthatIhavebeengiv
ingmypr oj
ectat
tenti
on
and..
babeIwanttocorr
ectthat
Kgomotso:pl
easedobecauseIwasbegi
nni
ng
tothi
nkthaty
ouarenoti
ntome
Puso:
Im sor
rysweet
hear
t
Kgomot
so:PusoIval
ueti
meandat
tent
ion
moret
hanIvaluemoney
Puso:
true.Ihav
ebeenacti
ngasifgivi
ngy
ou
moneywillcompensat
eforat
tent
ion
Kgomot
so:
Im gl
ady
ounot
iced.
Puso:
(ki
ssi
ngher
)sor
ryl
ove.Iboughty
ouand
myboysomeclot
hesi
nSouthAfri
ca
Kgomot
so:
real
l
y?
Puso:yes.Theplast
icbagsareinmycar.I
wantedtocomeandapol ogisefordi
sappear
ing.
Idi
dntwanti tt
oappearasifIm buyi
ng
for
givenesswithmater
ialt
hings
Kgomot
so:Il
ovey
ou(
shesmi
l
edhappi
l
y)
Puso:
Ilov
eyout
oobabe

(
PHONECONVERSATI
ON)

Thor
iso:
hel
l
oDi
mpho
Di
mpho:
(cr
ying)y
ouusedmeanddi
scar
ded
me
Thor
iso:
Im sor
ryDi
mpho
Di
mpho:
whydi
dntyouatl
eastt
ell
met
haty
ou
wer
eget
ti
ngmar
ri
ed?
Thori
so:l
i
keIsai
dIt
houghty
oumi
ghthav
e
causeddr
ama
Dimpho:t
ell
mey
oudi
dntusemymoneyf
or
yourweddi
ng
Thor
iso:
noIdi
dnt
Di
mpho:
youar
ely
ing
Thor
iso:
Iusedthemoneyt
ofi
nanceJuni
ors
mumsbusiness
Di
mpho:
youar
eadog
Thor
iso:
Dimphoy
ourhusbandi
ssui
ngme
Di
mpho:
Iknow
Thor
iso:
canyoupl
easeconv
incehi
mtoset
tl
e
i
toutofcour
t
Dimpho:Ihav
enothi
ngtolosesother
eisno
pointi
nconvi
nci
nghim.Ihavel
ostmyhusband
andchildr
enwhileyoudidntdoanything.Tel
l
youwhat ,
I'
m goi
ngt otel
lyourwif
eaboutusso
thatyoucanloseherjustl
ikeIhavelostmy
husband
Thori
so:I'
m nott
heonewhomadeyoulose
yourhusband.WhenImetyouy
ouwerealr
eady
havi
ngissuesandreadyt
omoveout
Dimpho:i
fyoudi
dntdecei
vemeIwoul
dnot
havestar
tedt
hediv
orceprocess
Thori
so:don'
tbl
amemebeacauseIal way
s
askedift
herewasanyext
ernal
pressuref
ory
ou
todiv
orce
Di
mpho:
youar
eadog
Thor
iso:
Dimphoweee
Di
mpho:
Iwantmymoneyt
oday
.Doy
ouhear
me?
Thor
iso:
whatmoneyar
eyout
alki
ngabout
?
Di
mpho:
Thor
isoy
oubor
rowed10t
housand
pulaf
rom meandbynowy
oushoul
dhav
epai
d
thefi
rsti
nst
all
ment
Thor
iso:
doy
ouhav
epr
oof
?
Di
mpho:
what
!
Thor
iso:
Inev
erbor
rowedmoneyf
rom y
ou
Dimpho:youcandecidenott opaymeallt
he
othermoneyyoutookf rom mebutyoumust
paymet he10thousandbecauseIborrowed
thatmoneyfr
om amot shel
ogroupandthe
moneyisearni
nginterest
Thor
iso:
DimphoI
'
m st
ressedcany
oupl
ease
st
opharassi
ngme
Dimpho: i
fyoudon'
tpaymeyourwi f
eisgoing
toknowwhatwehav ebeendoing.I'
m goi
ngto
tell
herthewholest
oryandbackitupwithour
pictur
es
Thor
iso:
Dimphopl
ease.
Di
mpho:
thechoi
cei
syour
stomake
Thor
iso:
Iwi
l
lseewhatt
o
Di
mpho:
sat
an!

TONY'
SHOUSE

Tony
:don'
tyoumi
ssy
ourbr
other
?
Me:Imisshi
m sobad.Hi
swor
kschedul
eis
cr
azysometi
mes
Tony:hemissesy
ouandwant
stospendsome
qual
i
tytimewithyou
Me:
soundsst
range
Tony
:wher
eisy
ourpasspor
t?
Me:
Tonywhat
'sgoi
ngon?
Tony:whatgoingoni
sthaty
ou,mysel
fSophi
e
andyourveryownbrot
herar
egoingto
Bloemfont
ein
Me:
(gr
inni
ng)Isomet
imesf
orgethow
spont
aneousy
oucanbe
Tony
:therei
saf
est
ival
,amusi
cfest
ival
thatwe
ar
eattendi
ng
Me:
soundsf
ant
ast
ic
Tony
:getyourpasspor
treadybecausewear
e
l
eavi
ngtomorrow
Me:
whatwoul
dbewi
thouty
ou
Tony
:youwoul
dbesi
ngl
eandwai
ti
ngf
orme
Me:(
Ihuggedhi
m andspoi
l
edhi
m wi
thaki
ss)I
l
oveyousomuch
Tony:
Iloveyoumor e.I
naf
ewmonthsyouwil
l
bewri
t i
ngyourexamssowewon'
tbeablet
o
havefun
Me:
youar
ever
yri
ght
Tony:babeweneedt
ost
artpl
anni
ngf
orour
fut
uretoget
her
Me:
meani
ng?
Tony
:(hel
ookedatmeandsmi
l
ed)
Me:
sayi
t
Tony
:what
?
Me:
expl
ain
Tony
:wewi
l
ltal
kabouti
twhenwecomeback
Me:
I'
m cur
ious
Tony
:whatIwantedtosayi
sthatweshoul
d
pl
anourfi
nancesandseewhatwecanachi
eve
andwhatwewon'tbeablet
oachiev
e
Me:
I'
m swi
mmi
ngi
napool
ofconf
usi
on
Tony:Iwi
l
lcl
eart
heconf
usi
onwhenwecome
back
Me:
pat
ienceTshego!Pat
ience!
Tony:thatmybabygi
rl.Iwonderhowspending
therestofmyli
fewit
hy ouisgonnafeel
li
ke.I'
m
curi
ous
Me:
ohmywor
d.Tony
!
Tony:
thatwasahunchmylov
e.Youhavebeen
doi
ngwi del
yduti
eswheny
ouarenotawi
fesoI
muststartpl
anni
ng
Me:areyoupr
oposi
ngmar r
iage?Iknowt
his
soundsf
orwar
d,but
..
..
..Ar
ey ou?
Tony
:noty
etl
ove.I
'
mthi
nki
ngabouti
t
Me:t
hanksf
orconsi
der
ingspendi
ngy
ourl
i
fe
wi
thme
Tony:
youmakemev er
yhappysoIshoul
dwor
k
towar
dsmaki
ngthi
shappi
nesspermanent
Me:
Iwoul
dlov
etospendal
lmyl
i
fewi
thy
ou
Tony
:thankslov
e.Iknowwhent
hedaycomes
youwon'tt
urnmedown
Me:
Iwoul
dbesohappy
Tony:
loveyou(Ileanedont hefr
idgeandhe
ki
ssedme.Icouldn'tcontai
nmyexci t
ement.
Tonyi
st hepi
ctureperfectpar
tnr
r:lov
ing,
under
standi
ng,romantic,
spont
aneous..
...
..
..
..
..
..
..
..Heisthetypethatcan
l
ookatmybr aidsanddeci dethathewant sto
seemybraidsbeingbl ownbyt hewindsowe
wodgocy cl
ing)

(
phoneconv
ersat
ion)

Tef
o:hel
l
ouncl
e
Uncl
e:myson.Howar
eyou?
Tef
o:I
'
mfi
ne
Uncl
e:Idoubty
ouar
efi
ne
Tef
o:whydoy
ousayI
'
m notf
ine?
Uncl
e:becauseofwhati
sgoi
ngonbet
ween
youandDimpho
Tef
o:i
t'
snothingnewuncl
e.Di
mphomov edout
oft
hehouse,sheisdi
vor
cingme,
she.
..
..
..
..
.
Uncl
e:herpar
ent
swer
eher
e
Tef
o:whatdi
dtheywant
?
Uncle:
theycamet
oapol
ogi
zeonbehal
foft
hei
r
daughter
Tef
o:(
laughi
ng)j
okeoft
hey
ear
Uncl
e:I
'
m ser
ious.Theyhav
ejustl
eft
Tef
o:whatdi
dyousayt
othem!
?
Uncle:It
oldt
hem t
hatIneedt
otal
ktoy
oufi
rst
.
Withthatsai
dyoumustcomeandseeme
Tefo:unclethi
sissuedoesn'tneeddiscussi
on.
Dimphol eftmeandIwi l
l nevertakeherback.I
f
shethinksIwil
ltakeherbackt henshemust
wakeupf r
om herdeepsleep
Uncl
e:y
oumustf
indt
imet
ocomeandseeme
Tefo:Idon'
tthi
nkther
eisaneeduncl
e.Them
thatt
hedivorceisgoi
ngahead
Uncl
e:pl
easecomeandseeme.
Tef
o:Iwi
l
lpassbyl
ater
Uncl
e:t
hanky
ouson
Tefo:
youarewel
comeuncl
e.Whatshoul
dI
bri
ngyou?
Uncl
e:I
'm OKson.Tshegowashereinthe
morni
ngandsheboughtmegr ocer
ies
Tef
o:OK.Iwi
l
lgi
vey
oumoney
Uncl
e:t
hanky
ouson
NO.88

TEFOSHOUSE

(ToTef ossur prise,Di

mphopai dhim avi
sit
.She
l
ookedf earf
ul andhur ti
ng.Whenshegr eeted
him shewasal readyt ear
y .Shehadnomake- up
onwhi chwasv eryunusual .Herhai
rwasshor t
andshewassi mpl ydressed.Tef ocoul
dalready
tel
lthatDi mphowashav ingahar dti
me.
Meanwhi l
e,Dimphor eali
zedt hatTefol
ooked
dif
ferent.Hehadgainedabi tofwei ghtandhe
l
ookedmuchbet t
erthanhedidwhenshel ast
sawhi m atthei
rlawyersoff
ice.Thehouse
l
ookeddi f
fer
entandv er
yclean.Thegi r
ls
colouri
ngbookswer eont hetable.Outof
embar rassmentshepagedt hrought hebooks
whileexchanginggreeti
ngswi t
ht hev erycal
m
andr el
axedTef o)
Di
mpho:(at
eardr
oppedonLi
sasbook)I
m her
e
t
oseetheki
ds
Tef
o:t
heyar
enother
e
Di
mpho:
wher
ear
ethey
?
Tef
o:t
heywentt
oKopongwi
tht
hei
rnanny
Di
mpho:
whenar
etheycomi
ngback?
Tef
o:i
ntheev
eni
ng
Di
mpho: ohhh!(shor
tsi
l
ence)Iwanttosee
t
hem t
odaysoIcantgobackwi thoutseei
ng
t
hem.(sobbing)Imisst
hem
Tefo:Idontthi
nkyouwillbeabletoseethem
todaybecausetheyusuall
ycomev eryl
atein
theevening.Youcancomet omorrowifyou
wantt ospendthedaywiththem oryoucan
pickthem nextweekSaturday
Di
mpho:
canIpl
easesl
eepov
er?
Tef
o:(
shocked)sl
eepov
er?
Di
mpho:
yes,
sot
hatIcanspendani
ghtwi
th
t
hem.
Tef
o:no!t
hati
sabi
gno
Dimpho:rr
agoLisaIwanttowi
thdr
awthe
div
orcecasesothatwecanworkonour
marri
age.Ithi
nkweshouldgof
orcounsel
i
ng
l
ikeyouoncesuggested.
Tefo:
thatwasthen.Youmov edoutofour
matri
monialhouse,hadanaf fai
rwithmyjuni
or
whois5y ear
sy oungerthanyou,indi
rect
ly
for
cedmet oresignfrom myjob,neglect
edmy
chi
ldr
en,andeventuall
ydecidedthatyoudont
wantany
thi
ngtodowit
hmeatallsoy
ou
st
art
edthewhol
ediv
orcepr
ocess
Di
mpho:Iwascr
ueltodothattoyou.Ihave
l
ear
ntt
hatthegr
assalwayslooksgreeneron
t
heout
sidebuti
tisnotal
waysgreen
Tefo:ifyouwithdrawt hecase, Imyselfwi
ll
star
tthepr ocessafresh.Di mphoIdontwant
youandi fwedi dnthav ekidstogetherIwould
notbet alki
ngtoy ouatall.Thismar r
iagei
sov er
formeandi t
sonl ynowt hatyouar egonethatI
real
izethatIwasnev erhappyint hi
smar r
iage
Dimpho:(worr
ied)ar
eyouseei
ngsomeone?I
s
shebett
erthanme?
Tefo:betweenbeingt
her
efort
hekids,
legal
batt
le,hear
tbreakandmyjobwher
ewi l
lIfi
nd
ti
met oseesomeone?
Dimpho: Tef
oIpr omiseyout
hatIwillbeagood
wife.Ihavereal
i
zedmostoft hemistakesIdid
andI mreadytocorrectt
hem.Ineverlikedand
acceptedy ourfamilyespecial
lyTshego.Iknow
Idiscouragedy oufrom taki
ngcareofy ourl
ate
mot her(sobbing)IknowIwascont rol
l
ingbut
Imr eadytochangeal lthatandbet heperf
ect
wife.Ijustneedthatonechance.Nomancan
beasgoodt omeasy ouwer e
Tefo:youarewastingbothy
ourt
imeandmine.
Wear edone.Isthereany
thi
ngel
sebef
oreyou
l
eav emyhouseandgi vemespacet
orest
beforethegi
rlscomeanddemandmy
undivi
dedattent
ion?
Di
mpho:
Im st
ruggl
i
ngf
inanci
all
y
Tefo:
maybeyouar
ebet t
er.Ihaver esi
gned
fr
om myjobandI
mf aci
ngpov er
ty.Thi
smonthI
wil
lbeget
ti
ngmyverylastsalary
Di
mpho:
(shocked)y
our
esi
gned?
Tefo:yes.Icoul
dnotstandtheshameand
embar r
assmentthatyouputmet hr
ough.Ij
ust
couldnt
Di
mpho: Iwasgoi ngtot
elly
outhatI
m
st
ruggli
ngf i
nanci
all
ysoIwontbeablet
opay
Chari
ty2,000pulaanymore.
Tefo:
bytheti
met hi
sdivorcegoesthr
oughIwi l
l
beunemploy
edsobepr eparedtopayme
al
imonyandalsopaychil
dmai nt
enance( he
st
oodup)wear edonetalki
ng.Seeyourselfout
(Tef
owenttohi
sbedroom andlockedthedoor
.
Dimphosatont
hecouchcryingunti
lshegave
upandwenttohercar
.Shecall
edChar i
ty)

Char
it
y:hel
l
ommagoLi
sa
Di
mpho:
hel
l
o.Icamet
oseemybabi
es
Charit
y:oh.(
shefel
tfr
ust
rat
edupont hinki
ng
thatTefoandDimphomightgetbacktogether
)
Lisasdadsaidi
twasokayformet otr
av el
with
them soIcametoKopongwiththem tocheck
myf amil
y
Di
mpho:
whatt
imear
eyoucomi
ngback?
Char
it
y:ar
ound7pm
Di
mpho:
that
slat
e
Char
it
y:Lisasdadsai
dit
sok.Hesai
dhewi
l
l
pi
ckusfrom thebusst
op
Dimpho:Char
it
ymysi
steri
smyhusbandseei
ng
someone?
Char
ity:(
alar
med)ei sh!I
..Idontfeel
comfort
ablediscussingthatwithy ou.Pl
ease
askhim
Di
mpho:
sohei
sseei
ngsomeone?
Chari
ty:mmaagoLi sapleasedontgetme
i
nvolved.Myjobistotakecareofthegir
lsand
anyt
hingelsedoesntconcernme
Dimpho:IknowbutIwanttoyoutohel
pmeas
yoursi
ster
.RememberthatIhel
pedyouwhen
youwerebrokeandcoul
dntprovi
deforyour
chi
ld
Chari
ty:
(feel
i
ngguilt
y)Iwi
ll
foreverbet hankf
ul
fort
hatbutIm notgoi
ngtogetinvol
v edinwhat
happensbetweentwomarri
edpeopl e.
Dimpho: myhusbanddoesntwantmebackand
(chari
tysmil
ed)thatt
ell
smethatther
eis
anotherwoman
Chari
ty:
notthatIknowof .Ihaveneverseen
anywoman,Imeanhenev erbri
ngswomen
homeifheisseeingsomeonet hentheymeet
el
sewherewiththeperson( af
tergiv
ingthe
answershegotwor r
iedthatDimphomi ghtadd
1and1)
Di
mpho:
doeshespendni
ght
sout
sidehome?
Chari
ty:
tal
ktoyourhusbandandl
eav
emeout
ofyouri
ssuespl
ease.
Di
mpho:
justdomet
hisf
avour
Charity:
thenIwi
llhav
etot el
lhimthatIgave
yout heinf
ormat
ionbecauseIdontwantt ot
ake
sides.I’
mjustamaidhir
edt otakegoodcareof
t
hegi
rl
s
Di
mpho:
ok.By
e
Char
it
y:by
e
(Chari
tybreathedasighofreli
efaft
erthecall
butshecoul dnotshakeoffthefeel
ingthat
soonDi mphomi ghtbeontoher.meanwhi l
e,
DimphosentJuni orsmotheraninboxon
facebook)

THORI
SOSHOUSE

(hi
snewwi f
eopenedthedoorwit
houtknocki
ng
andstoodatthedoorwi
thtear
sinhereyes)
Juni
orsmum:
(cal
m)howcoul
dyoudot
hatt
o
me?
Thor
iso:
(smi
l
ing)hel
l
owi
fey
Juni
orsmum:
whati
sitt
hatshehast
hatIdont
hav
e?Whatdoal
lthesewomenhav
ethatIdont
hav
e?
Thor
iso:
babyIl
ovey
ou
Juniorsmum:buty
oudontl
oveenought
o
respectmeandourmar
ri
age
Thor
iso:
whatdi
dshet
ell
you?
Juni
orsmum:
ever
ythi
ng.Youknowwhathur
ts
themost
?
Thor
iso:
.
Juniorsmum: t
hef actthatwhil
ewereprepar
ing
forourweddingy ouwer est
il
lseii
ngher
.no,
thatdoesnthurtasmuchasi thurtst
olearn
thatIopenedmybusi nesswithmoneyy ougot
from yoursi
dechi ckthemoneyt hatyouare
currentl
ydenyi
ngandr efusi
ngtopay
Thor
iso:
pleasef
orgi
veme
Juni
orsmum: andIwi
ll
hav
etospendt
her
est
ofmylif
efor
givi
ngyou?
Thor
iso:
thi
sist
hel
astt
ime
Juni
orsmum:t
hel
astf
ewt
imesy
ousai
ditwas
thel
astt
ime
Thor
iso:
thi
sti
meImeani
t
Juni
orsmum: andthelastti
meyoumeanti
t.
From her
eIm goi
ngtotellmypar
ent
sthatt
his
shameofamar ri
ageisover
Thor
iso:
babel
etswor
kont
hisonourown
Juni
orsmum: i
m al
sogoi
ngt
opayt
hatwoman
hermoneyback
Thor
iso:
babe
Juni
orsmum:youandIshoul
dstartt
hinki
ng
abouthowwearegoi
ngtoco-par
entJunior
Thor
iso:
dontmakedeci
sionswheny
ouar
e
angr
y
Juni
orsmum: I
m notangr
y.I’
m di
sappoi
nted,
fr
ust
rated,
ashamedandhurti
ng.Ishoul
dhave
madethisdeci
sional
ongtimeagobutIwas
t
oomuchofaf
ool
todot
hat
Thor
iso:
Imtheonewhoi
sfool
i
shf
orcheat
ing
onsuchagoodwoman
Juni
orsmum:agoodwomanwhoi
snotgood
enoughf
or.
.
(alumpbl ockedhert hroatstoppingherf rom
tal
king.shet ookof fherr i
ngandt hrewitat
Thorisoandl ef
t.emot i
onsov erwhelmedher
whenhesawhi scar.shewentbackt ohis
house.shet ookabatandsmashedt heTV.
Thorisokeptont ell
inghert ost opandshe
promui sedhi mt hatift
ouchedher ,thebatwas
goingt olandonhi shead.Whenshewasdone
withtheTVshesmashedt her adio.Thori
so
tri
edt ohol dherandshehi thim har donthe
shinandt hepainov erwhelmedhi m.She
grabbedakni fefrom thetableandwentout side.
Shest artedbyst abbingallthef ourcartyres
withakni fe.Thensheusedt hebatt osmashal l
thecarwi ndows.Somepeopl esawherand
wentt ocal lThori
so.Theyadv isedhi mt ocall
mi l
itarypol icebuther efuseduntilJuniorsmum
hadmanagedt oleav ethecamp.Someone
decidedt ogoaheadandcal lmili
tarypolicebut
Thor isoref usedtot el
lthem whohaddonei t
.
Hewaspr ot ecti
ngthewomanhehur t.The
policet ookhi mt othehospi t
alwher ehewas
attendedt oandaf terthattheytookhi mt othe
celltospendaf ewni ghtsthereforrefusingto
disclosei nformat i
ononsomeonewhowas
causi ngdi srupti
onandmi sbehavingina
mi l
li
tarycamp)

BLOEMFONTEI
N

(weweresitt
ingoncampchai r
shav i
ngagood
ti
me.TonyandSei sowerehavingwinewhi
le
SophieandIwer ehavi
ngjui
ce.Therewassome
softmusicpl
aying.Tonyknel
tinfr
ontofme
andmassagedmythighgi
vi
ngmegoose
bumps.Iwaswear
ingmybum shor
ts)
Me:
(smi
l
ing)babyar
eyout
ipsy
?St
opi
t!
Sei
so:
ifIwer
eyouIwoul
dnotst
ophi
m
Me:
buty
ouguy
sar
eher
e
Sophi
e:andwehav
etobeher
ethi
sver
y
moment
Tony
:(holdi
ngar i
ngonhi
sfi
nger
)cany
oube
mywifelegal
lynow?
(Il
ookedatSeisowhowasshoot
ingav
ideo.
Sophiewastakingpi
ctur
es)
Me:
tony
?
Tony:Iwoul
dliketospendtherestofmyli
fe
wit
hy ouTshegofat
soMot swasel
e.Wil
lyou
marryme?
Me:(
smili
ng)ohyes.YesTonyVanderMerweI
woul
dli
ketospendtherestofmyli
fewit
hyou.
I
tsayes.Ther
eisnothi
ngIwantmorethanto
beapar
tofy
ourl
i
fe.Yes,
yes,
yes,
yesami
l
li
on
ti
mes
(andheslippedt heringonmyf inger.Asilver
piecewit
hacl earstone.Hehel pedmet ost and
upandweki ssed.Af ewoft hehot elstaff
j
oinedusandt heybr oughtacakewi ththem.
ThatmeansTonyhadl ongpl annedi t
.Thef irst
personIwant edt oshar et henewswasmy
uncleandhewasov ert hemoon.It hencalled
Lentl
eandshewast hri
lled,mymai dofhonour .
Whatar emar kableday ;Tshegof atso
KebonyetsalaVanderMer we)

3MONTHSLATER.
No.89

TEFO'
SHOUSE
(Tef
owaspassingbythebathr
oom whenhe
hear
dsoftsobs.HeknockedandChar
it
yinv
ited
himin)
Tef
o:babewhyar
eyoucr
ying?
Chari
ty:
thi
ngsaret
oughTef o.Youshoul
dhave
l
ist
enedtomewhenIt oldyounottoleav
eyour
j
ob.Thekidsar
esuffer
ing
Tefo:y
ouar er
ight
.Ishoul
dhav
eli
stenedt
oyou
babe.I
’m sosorr
y
Char
ity
:youref
usedt
heal
i
monyt
hatwas
ri
ght
full
yyour
s.Why?
Tef
o:becauseIdi
dn'
twantDimphotofeelbi
g
andgoaroundtel
l
ingpeopl
ethatshesuppor
ts
me
Chari
ty:l
ookatusnow.Wear einthissituati
on
becausey ourpr
ideandegoarealwaysatt he
for
efront.TefoI’
m ol
dIcanstandthisbecause
Iunderst
and.LisaandMoll
ydon'tunderstand
andithurtsthem.Justy
ester
dayLisawas
aski
ngmewhythei
rschool
saresti
l
lcl
osed
whenot
herki
dsaregoi
ngtoschool
Tefo: I
'm goingtoBDFheadquar terst
his
mor ningtoaskgor ewhatiscausingthedel
ay.
Ifatleasttheycoul dpaymemoneyf ormy
l
eav eday ssot hatIcantakethekidsbackto
school .Thatmoneyshoul dtakethisl
ong.
Someonei ssabot agi
ngme
Chari
ty:Ihaveusedall
mysav ingsandIhave0
pulai
nmyaccount .Doy oueverwonderwhat
wewi l
ldoifther
eisanemer gencybecausefor
thepastthreemonthswehav ebeenli
vingon
mywagef r
om Dimphowhi chi
snotenough?
Tef
o:Dimphoisr
efusi
ngt
opaychi
l
d
maint
enance
Char
it
y:Idon'
tthi
nkshei
srefusi
ng.Di
mphois
i
ndebtsaswell.Remembershehadtopayy
our
l
awyerandhers
Tef
o:canIhav
e50pul
afort
ranspor
t?Iwantt
o
got
oheadquar
ter
s
Char
it
y:Tefothe50pul
aIhav
eist
hel
ast
moneyinthehouse
Tefo:mythi
ngsar
enotmovi
ng.I
fsomeone
couldbuymycarat
least
Chari
ty:
whyar ey
ousel
li
ngthebakki
ewhen
yousayyouwanttoopenabutcher
yand
super
mar ket
?Youar
egoingtoneedthecar
Tef
o:Pr
ivat
eNt
wal
eenei
sref
usi
ngt
opayme
Char
it
y:hei
sbr
oke
Tef
o:canIhav
e50pul
a?
Char
it
y:gett
hemoneyf rom mypur
se.Pl
ease
makeaplan.I
’m dr
ained
Tef
o:I'
m sor
ryf
orput
ti
ngy
out
hrought
hisbaby
.
I
'mreal
lysor
ry
Chari
ty:
itisok.Pleaselearntoli
stent
ome.I
am amer emai dbutitdoesn'tmeanmybrains
ar
enotwor king.Howonepl ansandli
vest
heir
l
i
fedoesn'
trequi
readegr
ee
Tef
o:I
'
m sor
ryf
orput
ti
ngy
out
hrought
his
Char
it
y:i
t’
sok.Goandheart
hem out
Tef
o:ok.Il
ovey
oubabe
Chari
ty:
Ilov
ey outoo.El
ectri
cit
yislow.Pl
ease
buyus10pul ael
ectr
ici
ty.40pulawill
be
enoughforyoutogot oMolepolol
eandtravel
back
Tef
o:Iwi
l
l
Char
it
y:Iwi
ll
switchthef
ridgeof
fsot
hat
el
ect
ri
cit
ycanlast.Weneedmoney
Tefo:Iwi
llbor
rowsomef
rom Tshegoev
en
thoughIhatei
t
Chari
ty:her
ewegoagai
n.swall
owt hatpr
ide
andbor r
owmoneyf
rom yoursi
ster
.Wear e
star
ving.
Tefo:
Iwill
.Iwil
lgotoherhousewhenIcome
backfrom Mogodi
tshane
Char
it
y:pl
easedot
hat
Tefo:(
looki
ngintohereyes)t
hankyousomuch
forbei
ngwi t
hmeev enintoughti
meslikethis
one.Iknowmostwomenwoul dhaveleftme
butyouareherebymysi desuppor
ti
ngmei n
everywaypossibl
e.Don'
tlosehear
tmyl ove,
soonourliv
eswouldhavegonebackt onormal.
Ipromise
Charit
y:iti
shar d(shesobbedandhehugged
her)Ifeelsorr
yf orthekids.Thedi
vor
cehas
al
readyaf fect
edt hem andnowt hi
s
Tef
o:t
hanksf
orcar
ingsomuchaboutmyki
ds.
Il
oveyou
Char
it
y:Il
ovey
out
oo.Go
Tef
o:l
atermyl
ove

DI
MPHO'
SHOUSE
Fr
iend:
Ihav
eal
ett
erf
ory
ouher
e
Di
mpho:
(anxi
ous)whatl
ett
er?
Fri
end:
yousoundanxi
ousmyf
ri
end.Whati
s
goi
ngon?
Di
mpho:
Ihaven'
tpai
dchi
l
dmai
ntenancef
or
t
womonths
Fr
iend:
why
?
Dimpho: I'
m st i
l
lpayi
ngmotshelogroupthe
moneyIbor rowedforThori
so.Thewifehas
promisedt opaymebackbutshehasn' t.She
call
edy esterdaytosaysheishopingthat
businesswi l
l st
artmaki
ngprofi
tthismonth.I
haven'tfi
nishedpay i
ngthel
awy er
s
Fr
iend:
IwishIcoul
dhel
pmydearfri
end.You
wi
llbefi
ne.Howmuchisthemai
ntenance?
Dimpho:I'
m supposedt
ogiveTefo3,
000pula
ever
ymont hbutIhavebeengi
vinghi
mt he
usual2,
000pulawhichmeansIowe2,000pula
andthewayhehat
esmehemi
ghtgoand
repor
tme
Fr
iend:
youwi
l
lrecov
ermydearf
ri
end
Dimpho:
Icanr
ecovermoneybutmyreput
ation
andfami
lyi
snotsomethi
ngIcanev
errecover.
Fr
iend:
justwor
kony
ourr
elat
ionshi
pwi
tht
he
ki
ds
Di
mpho:
I'
mtr
ying
Fr
iend:
(smi
l
ing)bi
gup.Readt
hel
ett
er
Dimpho:(
shequi
etl
yreadt
hel
ett
er)oh.I
t'
s
nothi
ng
Fr
iend:
canIsaysomet
hing?
Di
mpho:
yes
Fri
end:tl
hemmast ar
tpackagingyoursel
fnicel
y.
Youarebackint
hemar ketsoy oushouldst
art
dressi
ngupandlooki
ngnice.Youwi l
lnever
knowwhoy oumightmeet
Dimpho:youareright
.Tef
oisst i
l
lsi
ngletl
he
mma.IaskedLi sasomequestionsabouther
dadandfrom thelookoft
hingsdaddydearest
i
sstil
lsi
ngle.That'
swhyIpackagemy sel
f
ni
celywhenIgott ohi
shouse
Fr
iend:
don'
tdot
hatt
oLi
sa
Di
mpho:haker
ethest
upi
dmai
dref
usest
ogi
ve
meinf
ormati
on
Fri
end:i
t'
snev
eragoodi
deat
ouseki
dsi
nyour
batt
le
Di
mpho:
desper
atet
imes

TONY'
SHOUSE

(Iar
ri
vedhomefr
om theexam cent
retofind
Tonyweari
nganapr
onbusyint heki
tchen)
Me:
youar
ecooki
ng(
Ismi
l
ed)
Tony
:yes
Me:
ohok
Tony
:what
?
Me:
youhar
dlycook
Tony:mybabyiswrit
ingherexamswhich
meansshehast ospendti
meonherbooks.
From t
odayunti
lyouaredonewithy
ourexamsI
will
becookingnganddoingmostofthe
domesticchor
es
Me:
thanky
ousomuchbabe
(weFrenchki
ssed.It
hensatont
opoft
he
kit
chencount
er)
Tony
:howwast
heexam?
Me:
itwasok.
Tony
:doy
out
hinky
ouwi
l
lpasst
hepaper
?
Me:
wit
hanA
Tony
:(smi
l
ing)t
hat
'smyf
iance
Me: Ioweitt
omy
sel
ftopassandgot
ocol
l
ege
nextyear
Tony
:(wor
ri
ed)y
ah
Me:
onemor
emont
handwewi
l
lbemar
ri
ed
Tony
:(smi
l
ing)Il
ookf
orwar
dtot
hat
.
Me:metool
ove.Ican'
twait(
Ismi
l
edandhe
l
ookedatmeandsmi l
edback)
Tony
:Iwentt
oyourmum'
shouse
Me:
howf
arar
ethey
?
Tony:theyaredone.Itookpict
ures.Myphone
i
sinthebedr oom chargi
ng.Theywillbeput
ti
ng
thefl
oortil
estomor r
owandt henpainti
ngwil
l
fol
low
Me:
I'
m comi
ng
(
Iwenttogetthephoneandst
art
edbr
owsi
ng
t
hroughthepi
ctur
es)
Tony
:it
'sdonenow
Me:(smil
ingfrom eartoear)ohmyword!The
houseissobig.Ididn'
tthi
nkitwasgoi
ngto
l
ookthisbigwheni t'
scomplete.
Tony:
(hesaidlooki
ngatt hepi
ctures)Iknewit
wasgoingt
obet hi
sbigbabe.Threebeds, one
wit
hamast erensuit
e,ki
tchen,di
ning,double
gar
ageandt wobathrooms.It'
sbiglove
Me:
it'
snotbi
g,i
tshuge
Tony
:wenowhav
etowai
tforBPct
oconnect
el
ect
rici
ty
Me:Ihopet
heywouldhaveconnect
edbyt
he
t
imewecelebr
ateourweddi
ng
Tony:I
'm pushi
ngt
hem andusi
ngmy
connect
ions
Me: gr
eat.Somepeopl
earegoodatwhatt
hey
do.Theytransfor
medasi
mpletwoandhal
fto
thi
s.It
'samazing
Tony
:tr
ulyamazi
ng
Me:
yourpot
sar
ebur
ning
Tony
:(heswi
tchedt
hest
oveof
f)gosh!

THEBEPHATSHWA

Col
l
eague:
wel
comebackskeem
Thor
iso:
thanksskwat
a
Col
l
eague:
thesuspensi
oni
sfi
nal
l
yov
er
Thoriso:
iti
sov
erMr.r
atherthesuspensi
on
thanhandJuni
or'
smum tothepoli
ceonasilv
er
plat
ter
Col
l
eague:
shemustbegr
atedul
toy
ou
Thori
so:ifonl
ybei
nggr
atef
ulmeantusget
ti
ng
backtogether
Col
league:
shei
sst
il
lhur
ti
ng,
shewi
l
lcome
ar
ound
Thor
iso:
Ihopeso.
Col
l
eague:
don'
tcommi
tsui
cide
Thor
iso:
(hegi
ggl
ed)i
sitt
hatobv
ious?
Col
l
eague:
iti
s.Youar
enoty
our
sel
flat
ely
Thor
iso:
thi
ngsar
ehect
ic
Col
l
eague:
Iknow.Hangi
nther
e
Thori
so:Mot
swasel
eisbr
eat
hingdownmy
neckaboutt
hemoneyIowehi
m
Col
league:
can'
tyouf
indawayofnotpay
ing
hi
m?
Thori
so:no.wemadeal
egal
agr
eementsoI
havetopayhim
Col
l
eague:
Isee
Thori
so:IknowDimphoi
stheonewhot ol
d
Juni
or'
smum aboutouraff
airbutwhot
old
Motswaseleaboutt
heaf
fai
r?
Col
l
eague:
youdon'
tknow?
Thor
iso:
no.andI
'
mlooki
ngf
ort
heper
son
Col
l
eague:
doy
ouwantt
oknow?
Thor
iso:
that
'st
hewhol
epoi
ntofaski
ng
Col
league:
whatar
eyougoi
ngt
odowi
tht
he
per
sononceyouknow?
Thor
iso:
Ijustwantt
oknow
Col
league:
ther
eisonlyonetr
ait
ori
nthewhol
e
campanditisJohnfr
om sect
ion16
Thor
iso:
whycouldn'
tIthi
nkofhi
m?I'
m goi
ng
tobr
eakhisyel
l
owt eet
h!Wheredi
dhegett
he
i
nfor
mation?
Col
l
eague:
eish!Idon'
tknow
NO.90

MYUNCLE'
SHOUSE

Uncl
e:Tshegof
atsomydaught
ery
ouar
e
bl
essed
Me:
Iknowuncl
e.If
eel
ver
ybl
essed
Uncle:i
tisv
eryuncommonf orabr
ide'
sf ami
ly
torecei
ve10headsofcatt
leasbri
deprice.We
areusedtothestandar
d8cows
Me:
Iknowuncl
e
Uncl
e:t
hatmanr
eal
l
ylov
esy
ouTshego
Me:hedoesuncl
e.Tonyl
ovesmewi
thhi
s
ev
eryt
hing
Uncl
e:hehast
ransf
ormedy
ourmot
her
'shouse.
Me:Iwi
ll
foreverbet
hankf
ult
ohi
mfort
hat
.
Tonyi
sav er
ygoodman
Uncl
e:heismychi
ld.Tshegofat
somychil
d
pl
easelovet
hatmanandr especthi
m.bea
goodwife
Me:Iwi
llal
waysrespectmyhusbandandl
ove
hi
m andhim al
one.
Uncl
e:the..
..
.(
helookedatapi
eceofpapert
o
seeTony'ssurname)theVanderMer
we'swent
al
loutf
ory
ou
Me:(Il
aughed)uncl
earey
ouev
ergoi
ngt
oget
Tony
ssur nameri
ght?
Uncle:
mmekanaI'mlookingati
tonapi
eceof
papertomakesur
eIgetitri
ght
Me:y
ouar epronounci
ngi
tasi
fit
'sSet
swana.
I
t'
sAfr
ikaans
Uncl
e:whatam Isupposedt
osay
?
Me:
t hevispronouncedasanFandt hewisv
.
t
helett
errshouldbepronouncedst
rongl
y
Uncl
e:sayi
t
Me:
fanda-rme-
r-
ve
Uncl
e:f
andamer
ve
Me:
that
'sbet
ter
(
webot
hlaughed)
Uncl
e:(
hewinkedandwebothlookedatTef
o
whowasdeepinthought
.Idoubthehear
dhalf
ofwhatwewer esayi
ng)Tef oandhav edeci
ded
thatSei
somustgetonecowf rom bogadisi
nce
hehascontr
ibutedaloti
nt heweddingandhe
hasbeenacti
ngl i
kearealbrot
her
Me:
real
l
y?
Uncl
e:I
'
m ont
her
ightt
rackhaker
eRaLi
sa?
Tef
o:
Uncle:
Tef
o(hetouchedhi
sshoul
derandhe
becamestar
tl
ed)sorr
y
Tef
o:i
t'
sok
Uncl
e:what
'swr
ong?
Tef
o:I
'
mjustt
ir
ed
Uncl
e:Iwastel
l
ingTshegot
hatsinceSeisohad
donealott
ohelpherwehavedecidedtogiv
e
hi
m acow
Tef
o:i
t'
str
ueTshego
Me:
thanks.Sei
sohasev
enopt
edt
obuymean
addi
ti
onal
dressf
ormybi
gday
Uncle:hetoldusmychi l
d.Thatmani sagood
manandhi m bei
ngf r
iendswi t
hyourhusband
saysal otaboutthepersony ouareabouttoget
marriedto.Mysi st
ermustbel ookingdownat
youandsmi l
ing
Me: shewasgoi ngtobeproudofme.Sheused
tosay, Tshegoyouaresotal
l.St
opgrowingor
elseyouwon' tf
indahusbandbecauseyouwil
l
betallerthanal
lmen
(myuncl
eandIlaughedagai
n.Tef
o'smi
ndhad
dri
ft
edoffagai
n)
Uncl
e:l
it
tl
edi
dsheknowt
haty
ouwer
egoi
ngt
o
meetsuchat
all
guy
Me:
ourki
dsar
egoi
ngt
obev
eryt
all
Uncl
e:t
rue.(
wel
ookedatt
hequi
etTef
o)Tef
o!
Tef
o:uncl
e!
Uncl
e:what
'sbot
her
ingy
ou?
Tefo:(
yawni
ng)I'
m exhaust
ed.TshegocanI
seeyouforafewminutesbefor
eIgohomeand
rest
Me:
ok
(
wemov
edawayf
rom myuncl
e)

Tef
o:ni
cewor
kyouar
edoi
ngatmama'
shouse
Me:
thanky
ou
Tef
o:howar
ethepr
epar
ati
onsgoi
ng?
Me:theyar
egoi
ngv
erywel
l
.Mostt
hingsar
e
done
Tef
o:gr
eat
.Exams?
Me:theyaregoingv
erywell
.Theyar
enotas
di
ff
icultasIhadant
ici
pat
ed
Tef
o:t
hatmeansy
ouwi
l
lpass
Me:
def
ini
tel
y
Tef
o:y
ouhav
eabr
ightf
utur
emysi
ster
.Youar
e
sobl
essed.Hol
dont
othebl
essi
ngt
ight
ly
Me:
Iwi
l
l.Thanky
ou
Tef
o:Ineedy
ourhel
p,desper
atel
y
Me:
ok
Tefo:Iknowyouareprepar
ingfory
ourwedding
andspendingalotofmoney.Yourbudgeti
s
probablyti
ght
Me:
it'
sver
yti
ght
Tefo:cany oupleaselendme1, 000pul amy
sist
er.Iwasexpect i
ngsomemoneyf rom my
formerempl oy
erbutIhav en'
treceivedthe
money .Ihadnotsubmi t
tedmyr et
urnsatBURS
andthat'swhat'
scausi ngt hedelayinpayment.
I'
m brokebutIneedt ogot oGabor oneandsort
everyt
hingout
Me:
noneedt
oexpl
ain.Doy
ouuseFNB?
Tef
o:no,
Iusest
andar
dbank
Me:
oh.ThenIshoul
dewal
ett
hemoney
Tef
o:Idon'
thav
eai
rt
ime
Me: (
thereal
i
tyt
hatmybr otherwasverybroke
hitme)oh.Wewill
got otheATM togetherso
thatIcanwit
hdr
awt hemoneyandgi veittoyou.
Iwill
dropyouof
faty ourhousr
Tef
o:t
hakyuverymuch.Iwi
l
lgi
vey
oubackt
he
moneyonceIr
ecei
vemymoney
Me:
eer
ra.I
sev
ery
thi
ngok?
Tef
o:f
inanci
all
yno.wear
est
ruggl
i
ng.
Me:
ist
her
eany
thi
ngIcandot
ohel
p?
Tef
o:l
endmet
he1,
000andwewi
l
lbef
ine
Me:
arey
ousur
e?
Tef
o:v
erysur
e.Thanky
ouv
erymuchTshego
Me: y
ouaremostwel come(Ilookedatmywrist
watch)Tonyisabouttoknockoff.Letmego
andbidunclegoodbye
Tef
o:ok
KGOMOTSO'
SHOUSE

Kgomot
so:
thanky
ouf
orbuy
ingmysoncl
othes
Puso:
nowor
ri
esl
ove.Yoursoni
smysonkana
j
ang?
Kgomot
so:
true
Puso:
ishi
sfat
herst
il
lnotcont
ri
but
ing?
Kgomot so:Ihavegivenuponhi m.Ihav en'
t
call
edhi minthreemont hs.Iusedtocont act
him andbegf orhismoneybecauseIwas
str
ugglingwiththechil
dbutsi ncey ouhav e
beenhel pi
ngmeal otf
inancial
lyIdecidednot
tostressmy sel
fbyaskinghi mf orhelp
Puso:yah.Leav
ehi
m al
one.Iwi
l
ltakecar
eof
bothofyou
Kgomot
so:
(shesmi
l
ed)t
hanky
ousomuch
Puso:youar emostwelcomemyl ove.(
looki
ng
atthesleepingchil
d)whydon'
tyouenrollhi
min
schoolsot hatyoudon'
thavet
ostressabout
wholooksaf terhi
m
Kgomot
so:
it'
sexpensi
ve
Puso:
isn'
ti
tpeopl
ewhoworki
nschool
sdon'
t
havet
opayschoolfees?
Kgomotso:
inourschool
wehav
etopay
.We
onl
ygeta10%discount
Puso:
ist
hatso?
Kgomotso:
yes.Other
wiseIcoul
dhav
elong
enr
oll
edmysoni nschool
Puso:
Iwi
l
lpayhi
sfees,
enr
oll
him
Kgomot
so:
babe?
Puso:
lov
e
Kgomotso:
youdon'
tknowhowmuchl
oady
ou
havet
akenoffmyshoul
der
s
Puso:
any
timebabe.
Kgomot
so:
youar
ever
ygener
ous
Puso:
Idon'
twanty
oust
ressi
ngov
ert
hingst
hat
Icant
akecar
eof
Kgomot
so:
wow!Thatsoundsv
eryr
omant
ic
Puso:
letmeknowi
fyouneedany
thi
ng
Kgomotso:
oncehest
art
sschoolIwi
ll
need
somemoneytobuyhi
m snackst
hathecan
car
ryt
oschool
Puso:
mopako?
Kgomot
so:
yes
Puso:(smil
ing)I
'm notapar
entsoIdon'
tknow
someoft hesethi
ngs.NowthatIam ast
ep
parentIwil
lknowthem
Kgomot
so:ofcour
se.(
smi
l
ing)doy
ouwant
ki
dsofyourown?
Puso:
notany
timesoon
Kgomot
so:
why
?
Puso:Iwantt
ohaveki
dswhenI
'
m mar
ri
edand
fi
nanci
all
yver
yst
able
Kgomot
so:
Iwantt
womor
eki
ds
Puso:
Ial
sowantt
wo
Kgomot so:asl
ongasIhav eagoodmanwhoi s
responsibl
eIwoul
dnotmi ndgi
vinghi
m kids.
Someonest abl
eandresponsi
bleli
keyou
Puso:
oh.Idon'
twantki
dsany
timesoon.
Maybein5year
stocome
Kgomot
so:
what
!
Puso:
yes
Kgomotso:
Iwanttobedonewi
thchi
l
dbear
ing
i
nthenext5year
s
Puso:
nnat
hat
'swhenIwantt
ost
arthav
ing
ki
ds
Kgomot
so:
(di
sappoi
nted)ourl
i
fegoal
sand
pl
ansnev
ermat
ch
Puso:
don'
tworr
y,t
hatswhyther
eare
compromi
sesandsacr
if
icesi
nrel
ati
onshi
ps
(Kgomot solookedatPusowi theyesf ul
lof
questi
ons.Pusowasbusyr espondingt oan
smsonhi sphone.shewonder edwhyshewas
notfeel
ingfulfi
ll
edi nthei rrelati
onshipeven
thoughPusoi sal oving, caringandgener ous
man.Initi
all
yshecompl ainedt hathewasn' t
givi
nghermuchat tentionbutt heseday she
checksherv eryoftenbutst illt
hereisno
connecti
onandshef eelsal ittl
ebitlonely
)

THEBEPHATSHWA

(Thori
sofoll
owedJohn'
scarf rom thegateto
theparki
nglot.Hewai
tedf orJohnt ogetoutof
hiscarbefor
ehehimselfgotoutofhi sowncar
andfoll
owedhi mtohi
sr oom.Af t
eridenti
fyi
ng
theroom Johnstaysinhewentbacktohi
scar
andleft
.Whenhegothomehemi xedthe
concocti
onsinabot t
leandputi
tint
hecloset
wait
ingforthefol
lowingday
.Hethenputthe
maskov erhisf
aceandsmi l
ed)
Thor
iso:
goty
oudog!Pay
backt
ime

NO.91

TONYSHOUSE

Tony
:babet
hereissomet
hingi
mpor
tantt
hat
weneedtot
alkabout
Me:
ok.Shoul
dIbewor
ri
ed?
Tony
:Iknowwhatev
erim goi
ngtoaskf
orf
rom
youmightmakey
ouv er
yupset
Me:
youwantt
opost
ponet
heweddi
ng
Tony:hel
lno.i
mlooki
ngf
orwar
dtobei
ngy
our
husband
Me:
whati
sitbabe?
Tony:
Iwantt
oasky
ouf
orahugef
avour
.A
hugeone
Me:
soundsscar
y
Tony
:itconcer
nsy
ourdr
eamsandy
ourf
utur
e.
Me:ok(Iwasbecomi
nganxiousbecauseI
di
dntknowwhattoexpect
)
Tony:Iknowhowmucheducationmeanst o
youandIknowy ouwanttogotocol
legenext
year
.Ialsowanttoseeyougr
aduati
nginthe
fut
ureandgett
ingagoodjob
Me:
but
.
Tony:IknowIpromisedtosendyoutocol
l
ege
nextyearbutIwoul
dliket
orequestt
hatweput
thatonhold
Me:
(itwasasi
fhewast
ear
ingmyhear
tapar
t)
doyoufeart
hatwhathappenedbet
weenQueen
andyoumighthappenbet
weenus
Tony
:no,notatal
l
.Youhav
ebeenstudyi
ngbut
youmanagedyourti
mever
ywel
l.Icant
complai
nlov
e
Me:
whydonty
ouwantmet
ogot
ocol
l
ege?
Tony:Iwanty
outogot
ocoll
ege.Ido.Iwas
thi
nki
ngthatmay
beyoucoul
dpostponethatby
2years.
Me:
(int
err
upt
ing)why
?Tony
Tony
:Iwantababy
Me:
(Il
ookedathi
m)ser
iousl
y?
Tony
:yes
Me:
whynow?
Tony:giv
emeababynowandt hengot o
coll
ege.Thebabywil
lkeepmebusywhi ley
ou
arestudyi
ng.Agai
nIthi
nkitsbetteri
fwehav ea
chil
dbeforeyoust
artyourstudi
essot hatt
hey
ar
enoti
nter
rupt
ed
Me:
soy
ouwantababyr
ightaway
?
Tony:Iwantahoneymoonbaby .Letshavea
babynextyear,
thenthey
earaft
ery oucangot o
col
legeandIpromiseIwil
lbehandsoni nthe
upbri
ngingofourson
Me:
ourson
Tony
:whatdoy
ousay
?
Me:
soIwi
l
lbegoi
ngt
ocol
l
egeaf
ternexty
ear
Tony
:ify
ouagr
eewi
thmyr
equest
Me:Tonyyouhav ealreadydonesomuchf or
me.youmakemehappy ,
youspoilme,y
oul ove
me,yougenerouslyextendedmymot hers
houseeventhoughwear ennotyetmarr
ied,you
suppor
tedmei nmyst udi
esand(tear
y)whynot
dothsonethingforyout oshowappreciat
eion?
Tony
:babe!I
sthatay
es?
Me:
(smi
l
ing)abi
gyes.Lethav
eachi
l
dnext
yearandIwil
lgot
ocollegethatot
hery
ear
whent hechi
l
disayearold
Tony
:yeaaaahhhhhhh!Hel
i
ftedmeandswung
mearound.I
m goingtobeadaddy
.
Me: wearestart
ingafamily(t
heaborti
on
crossedmymi ndbutIdismisseditbecause
Seisohadassuredmet hatallwaswellandI
shouldnthav
eapr obl
em conceivi
ng)
Tony
:Il
ovey
oubabe.Mot
hert
omyki
ds
Me:
Ilov
ey ouwhatnamear
ewegoi
ngt
ogi
ve
t
hebaby?
Tony
:Joy
,Gr
ace,
Gif
t,Lekgot
la
Me:
Ili
keal
lthenames
Tony
:(hekissedme)youmademet
hehappi
est
manali
ve.ThankyouTshego
Me:youaremostwelcome(ki
ssi
nghim)how
aboutwestar
ttr
yingassoonaspossi
ble
Tony
:li
ke(
hecuppedmyboobswi
thhi
shands)
Me:
wehav
etor
emov
etheI
UD
Tony
:Iwi
l
lmaket
heappoi
ntment
(
weki
ssedandendedupmaki
ngsweetl
ove)

BOKAA

(Pusowasv erytiredsohedeci dedt otakea

nap.Hehadt ravelledt osout hAf r
icatobuy
somef arm machi ner yandhecameback
exhaust ed.Hedr eamtofTshegoget ti
ng
mar r
ied.Shewor eabeaut i
fulwhi l
eweddi ng
gownandwasget tingmar ri
edt oawhi teguy .
hewasst andingatt hebackoft hehall
witnessingtheev entwi thtearsi nhi seyes.the
pastoraskedi fther ewasany onewhohada
vali
dr easonthatcoul dst opTshegof r
om
getti
ngmar r
ied.Het riedtor aisehi shandbut
Tshegogav ehim ar eprimandi ngl ookthat
madehi m nottoobj ectt othemar ri
age.
Someonenextt
ohi
m whi
sper
edt
ohi
sear
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
*
***
***
**
Lady
:butshei
syour
s
Puso:
yesshei
sbuthehashernow
Lady
:ar
eyougi
vi
nguponher
?
Puso:
whatshoul
dIdo?
Lady
:fi
ghtf
orher
Puso:
how?
Lady:wal
ktot
hepast
orandt
ell
himt
hatshei
s
your
s
Puso:
andsayshei
smi
nehow?
Lady
:thi
nk
Whil
ehewasdeepi
nthoughthehear
dthe
past
ort
alki
ng
Past
or:Ipr
onouncet
hem husbandandwi
fe.
YouarenowTshegofat
so
Mi
chael
Lady
:yout
ookt
ool
ongt
hinki
ng
Puso:
no!
Lady
:iti
sdone
Puso:
isi
ttool
atet
hough
Lady
:son,
accepti
t,i
twasnev
ermeantt
obe
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
**
Puso'
smum:
(scr
eami
ngathi
m)Puso!Puso!
Puso:noooooooooooooooooooooo!(
he
scr
eamedoutl oud.Hetr
iedtoopenhisey
es
butthesweatgotintohi
seyes.Hewipedthe
sweatwithhi
st -
shir
t)
Puso'
smum:
arey
ouhav
ingabaddr
eam?
Puso:
ahor
ri
bleone
Puso'
smum:
whati
sitabout
?
Puso:
Iwasf
all
i
ngof
fat
ract
or
Puso'
smum:pr
ayhar
dmyson.Cancelt
hat
dr
eam int
hemi
ght
ynameofJesusri
ghtnow
Puso:
yesmama
Puso'
smum:
foodi
sready
.Washy
ourf
aceand
j
oinus
Puso:
eemma
(aft
erhi
smum leanedagai
nstt
hewal
l
.Hef
elt
drai
nedandl
ackedenergy)

(
phoneconv
ersat
ion)

Char
it
y:hel
l
o
Tef
o:l
ove
Char
it
y:(
weakandemot
ional
l
ydr
ained)r
ra?
Tefo:I
m comi
ngtofet
chyouandtheki
dsinan
hourandahal
f.Bat
htheki
dsanddressthem
well
.Youtoomustl
ookgoodbecauseImtaki
ng
y
ouandt
heki
dsout
Char
it
y:di
dyougett
hemoney
?
Tefo:y
es.Igotmoneyf
ort
heleaveday
smy
l
ove.Iwanttotakey
ouandtheki
dsoutfor
shoppi
ng
Char
it
y:shoul
dntwebecar
eful
whenspendi
ng
themoney
Tefo:dontworr
ylov
e.Youdeser
vet
obespoiled.
Therestofthemoneywil
lbeinmyaccounti
n
thenext48hours
Char
it
y:t
hankGod
Tefo:pr
epar
ey oursel
fforshoppi
ngl
ove.Thi
sis
theendofpovertyforus.
Char
it
y:f
inal
l
y
Tef
o:y
oucansayt
hatagai
n.Il
ovey
oubabe
Char
it
y:Il
ovey
out
oo.Howmuchi
sthemoney
?
Tef
o:i
tsqui
teal
ot.Mor
ethanIexpect
ed.Four
t
housandpul
amor
e
Char
it
y:what
?
Tef
o:yes.Wecanst
icktoourbudgetandspoi
l
our
sel
veswitht
heextr
amoney
Char
it
y:Gabor
oneher
ewecome
Tefo:tomorr
owthekidsar
egoi
ngbackto
school andt
hatmeanswecanhav
etimetoour
sel
v es
Char
it
y:i
tsbeenhect
icwi
tht
het
hreeoft
hem
ar
ound
Tefo:Iknow.Starti
ngtomorr
owyoucanhav
e
ti
mef oryoursel
f.Youwill
havet
heti
meand
resourcest
of acebook
Char
it
y:wow!Il
ookf
orwar
dtoabet
terl
i
fe
Tef
o:f
orgoodl
ove
Char
it
y:t
hanksbabe
Tef
o:Iam t
heonewhoshoul
dbet
hanki
ngy
ou
f
oryourpat
ience,l
oveandsupport
.Iwonder
whatIwoul
dhav ebeenwit
houtyou
Char
it
y:Il
ovey
ou
Tef
o:Il
ovey
oumor
ebabe

John'
sROOM

(Aroundmi dnightJohnhear dsomef unnynoise

atthedoor.Itsoundedasi fsomeonewas
fi
ddlingwit
ht hedoor .Helistenedcaref
ull
ybut
thenoisestopped.Het houghtitmightbeint
he
room nexttohi s.Thedoorswungopenedanda
manwear ingamaskst oodatt hedoor)
John:
whoar
eyou?
Funnyv
oice:
yourwor
stni
ght
mar
e
John:
whatdoy
ouwant
?
Funnyv
oice:
topourt
hisaci
dov
ery
ourst
upi
d
f
ace
John:
whathav
eIdonet
oyou?
(Thorisotriedt oopent hecont ainerbutJohn
j
umpedathi m andt hecontainerfellfrom hi
s
hands.Af ightensuedandnoneoft hem was
wining.Ev entuallyThorisomanagedt oPush
Johnt owar dsthewi ndowandwi t
hal lhi
smight
hepushedJohnt hrought heopenwi ndow.He
grabbedt hecanf rom thef l
oorandr anoutas
fastashecoul d.Ther ewasal oudscr eam as
Johnf ellheav i
lyont hegr oundfrom t hefi
rst
fl
ooroft hebui lding.Byt het i
mepeopl ewoke
uptoseewhatwashappeni ngThor i
sowasi n
hisroom.Hehadmanagedt oquietl
ygetinand
outofhi sr oom wi t
houtany onenoticing)
NO.92

THEBEPHATSHWA
Col
l
eague1:
kanaJohni
sinI
CU
Col
l
eague2:
kant
ewhathappened?
Col
league1:iti
ssuspect
edt
hathewant
edt
o
commi tsui
cide
Col
l
eague2:
ahah!
Col
l
eague1:
yes
Col
l
eague2:
whatcoul
dhav
ebeent
hepr
obl
em?
Col
league1:nooneknows.Thepol
i
cear
est
il
l
i
nvesti
gati
ng
Col
league2:Iwonderwhatcoul
dhavepushed
hi
mt oapointofwanti
ngtotakehi
sownlif
e
Col
league1:
thi
sguyhasmessedupbi
gti
me.
Maybeitwashi
ssi
nscomingbackt
ohaunt
hi
m
Coll
eague2:
youmeanwhathedi
dtoPr
ivat
e
Puso?
Col
l
eague1:
yesandappar
ent
lyhehasbeen
i
nvol
vedwi
thMaj
orMot
swasel
e
Col
l
eague2:
Idon'
tbel
i
evet
hatst
ory
Coll
eague1:si
ncemajorr
esi
gnedt
hisguyhas
beenoverl
ystr
essed
Col
l
eague2:
(hel
aughed)becausebaehasl
eft
Col
l
eague1:
(hel
aughed)y
ah
Col
l
eague2:
howbadar
ethei
njur
ies?
Col
league1:ver
ybadappar
ently.Heacquir
ed
ani
njurytot
hehead,afewbrokenribs,
broken
l
imbs
Col
l
eague2:
kegor
ehei
sinpi
eces
Col
l
eague1:
appar
ent
lyi
tlooksbad
Colleague2:heshoul
dhavetakenthequi
ckest
route.Kanahehasaccesstoguns.Wit
hagun
i
twoul dhavebeenphaa!Tuu!Andheisa
sniper
Col
l
eague1:
hei
sacowar
d.Al
lheknowsi
sto
bul
l
yhi
scol
l
eaguesandhi
debehi
ndhi
sbosses
Col
l
eague2:
true

MYUNCLE'
SHOUSE

Seiso:t
heweddingi
sintwoweeksuncl
e.I
s
thereanyt
hingel
sel
eftt
hathast
obedone?
Uncle:asf
arasIknoweverythi
ngisok.The
onlythi
ngslef
tar
ethosethatwil
lbedoneon
thebigday
Sei
so:
alr
ight
.Uncl
eIneedaf
avour
Uncl
e:I
'
mli
steni
ngmyson
Seiso:kanaIdon'
thav
eaf ar
my etsoIdon'
t
knowwher eI'
m goi
ngtokeepthe2cowst hat
thatthefamil
ywil
lbegiv
ingme
Uncl
e:eheee!That
Sei
so:
yesuncl
e.Iwaswonder
ingi
fyoucoul
d
keepi
tformeunt
ilImanaget
osor
tmy
sel
fout
.
Uncl
e:t
hatwi
l
lnotbeapr
obl
em atal
lson
Sei
so:t
hankyouuncl
e.Iwi
l
lassi
sty
ouwi
th
pay
ingtheher
dman
Uncle:Iwil
lbegr
atef
ul son.Apparent
lyt
he
cowsar easpeci
albreedandt heywil
lneed
specialcar
e
Sei
so:
whi
chbr
eed?
Uncle:Idon'
tknow.Al
lIknowi sthatt
heyare
nottheusualTshwanabreed.It
'sacross
betweenTswanaandsomet hingelse.Tef
o
wouldr emember
Sei
so:ok.Iwi
llaskhi
m.I
mver
yexci
tedabout
st
art
ingfarmi
ng
Uncl
e:amanmusthav
eaf
arm
Sei
so:
trueuncl
e.
Uncl
e:nowtel
lme,y
ourfr
iendi
sgett
ing
marr
ied.Whenar
eyougetti
ngmar
ri
ed?
Sei
so:
Iwantt
osendmypar ent
stoSophi
e'
s
par
ent
saft
erTshego'
swedding
Uncl
e:(
handshake)good.Ver
ygood
Sei
so:myshi
ftst
art
sat2pm uncl
esoIbet
ter
l
eavenow.
Uncl
e:i
t'
sfi
nemyboy
.Thanky
ouf
orpassi
ngby
Sei
so:
youar
ewel
comeuncl
e.By
e
Uncl
e:by
eson

(Tonyhadgonef orhisbasket ballpracti

ceso
Tefopi ckedmeandwewentt omyuncl e'
s
place.hewaswi thChari
ty.Ili
keChar it
yal ot.
Shei sani cepersonandwecl ickv erywellitis
j
ustt hatwehar dlyspendtimet ogether.Char i
ty
andIwer esupposedt oattendasmal l
sessi on
thatTony '
sf amil
yhador ganizedf ormeathi s
cousin'shouseinGabor one)
Me:
hel
l
o
Char
it
y:(
smi
l
ing)br
ide
Me:
hel
l
oChar
it
y
Tef
o:hi
MrsVanderMer
we
Me:hel
lo.atl
easty
ouknowhowt
osayi
t
pr
operl
y
(
weal
ll
aughed)
Char
it
y:howar
eyou?
Me:
I'
mver
ywel
lthanks.Wher
ear
ethegi
rl
s?
Char
it
y:t
hegi
rl
sar
eatschool
Me:
alr
ight
Tef o:(
dri
vi
ng)gi
veherthemoney .Tshegomy
sisterwearever
ythankful.Youcametoour
rescueandwer eal
l
yappr eciat
e.Wewere
stranded
Me:(r
ecei
vi
ngmoneyfr
om Chari
ty)t
hankyou
ver
ymuchgoodpeopl
e.I'
m gl
adIcouldhel
p
(
wear
ri
vedatmyuncl
e'
spl
aceandf
oundhi
m
si
tt
ingunderat
reeshadeprepar
ingsomemut
i.
Weexchangedgreet
ings)
Tef
o:whati
sthatf
or?
Uncl
e:Igi
vei
ttochi
l
drenwhohav
enoappet
it
e
Tef
o:oh.Mygi
rl
shav
eahugeappet
it
e
Uncl
e:t
hent
heydon'
tneedi
t
Me:whydon'
tyouusebonesl
i
keot
her
t
radi
ti
onal
doctor
s?
Uncle:kengakaeet shotswangwanaka.Iwas
onlytaughtthesetraditi
onalmedicinebymy
fat
herbuthedi dn'tteachmeany t
hingbey ond
thi
s.Ionlyknowchi ldren'
sil
lnessesandt he
medicinesthatcuret hem.Icanonl ytell
gore
whatiswr ongwithy ourchil
dbyl i
steningtoyou
describi
ngthesy mpt oms
Me:
ok.y
ouspeci
ali
zei
nhel
pingki
ds?
Uncle:y
es.youmeanyoudidn'
tunder
standthi
s
eventhoughwestay
edtogetherf
orsolong
Tshego?
Me:nouncl
e.Ihadassumedthatovertheyears
youwer
egoingtoadvanceyour
selfandstart
usi
ngbones
Uncl
e:no.
Me:si
ncey oudealwit
hki
ds,
doy oual
sodeal
wit
hmat er
nal pr
obl
emsli
kei
nfer
til
i
ty,
post
-
par
tum depressi
on?
Uncl
e:no.
Tefo:i
t'
sinter
esti
ng.Sojustl
ikewest
ern
doctor
sy oualsospeci
ali
ze?
Uncle:wedo.Othersspeci
ali
zeinkil
li
ng,
others
i
nheal i
ng,ot
her
si nmarri
ages,other
sinhel
ping
peoplefi
ndjobs
(
weal
ll
aughed)
Tef
o:Tshegoanduncl
e,I
'
m her
etot
ell
you
somet
hingimpor
tant
Uncl
e:okson
Tefo:Char
it
yandIarespeci
alki
ndoff
ri
ends
(heseemeduncomfort
able)
Me:real
l
y?(
Isai
dsmil
i
ngl
ooki
ngatChar
it
ywho
l
ookeddownshyl
y)
Tefo:Char
it
yhasbeengoodwit
htheki
dsand
shehasbeenrunni
ngmyhomesmoot hl
y.Our
rel
ati
onshi
phaschangedandnowsheismy
gir
lf
ri
end
Me:
congr
atsguy
s.Thi
sisawesome
Uncle:Iheary
ouson.Youdidwellforyour
self
.
Thingsneverreal
l
yworkedbetweeny ouand
Dimpho.Ihavealwaysbeenobserv
ingCharit
y,
sheisagoodper son.
Tef
o:shei
suncle.Iknowi
tmi
ghtseem l
i
keI
movedontoosoon
Uncl
e:it
'sokson.Wemenarescar
edof
l
onel
inesssowemov eonver
yfast
.Char
it
y?
Char
it
y:uncl
e?
Uncl
e:wel
comet
othef
ami
l
y.
Char
it
y:t
hanky
ouuncl
e(Tef
ohel
dherhand)
Uncle:Tshegoisyoursistereventhoughitsnot
off
icial
.OnethingI'
m goingtoaskf rom youis
tobecloseandbet hereforeachot her.Famil
y
i
sv eryimport
antandsoci alsupportmakeslif
e
mucheasi ert
hanitis
Us:
yesuncl
e
Uncl
e:Tefo,
takegoodcar eofChar i
tyand
prot
ectherf
rom yourex-wife.Idon'
tmeanthat
thetwoofyoushoulddisrespecther
(myunclewentonandongi v
ingall
thethreeof
usalecture.WhenhewasdoneChar i
tyandI
wenttomyhouset ofetchTonythenwewent
tofet
chLent l
eatherhouseandweal lwentto
Gaborone.Iwaswearingmyr edshort
s,white
sti
l
let
osandawhi tetop.Ihadmadesur ethatI
l
ookedgr eat)
Cousi
n:shel
ooksbeaut
if
ulTony
Tony
:It
oldy
out
hatIknowhowt
ochoose
Cousi
n:nowIunder
standwhaty
oumeant
(t
heycarri
edthewhol
econversat
ioni
n
Afr
ikaansleav
inguswonder
ingwhati
twas
about)
Tony:don'
twor
rybabe,
onceIputari
ngoni
t
thel
anguagewil
lcomeautomat
ical
l
y
Sist
er:sheshoul
dknowthelanguagebynow
Tony.Thepil
lowist
hebestteacher
;unl
ess
ther
eissomet hi
ngwrongi
nthebedroom
Tony
:hol
dit
Tony'
smum:leavemychi
l
drenal
one.t
heywer
e
wait
ingf
ormarri
age
(
theyal
lbur
stoutl
aughi
ng)
Tony
:mum knowsbet
ter
Tony
'smum:
guy
swecal
l
edy
ouher
esot
hat
wecangett oknowTshegoandspendabi tof
ti
mewithher.Weunder st
andthatther
ewill
be
nobri
dalshowersowehav edeci
dedtomake
thi
ssmallsessi
ontoshowerTshegowi thgi
fts
andbondwi t
hher.Tshego?
Me:
mma?
Tony:wel
comet othef
ami
l
ymychi l
d.Thisi
s
yournewfamil
yandwehaveal
readywelcomed
you.f
eelf
reearoundus
Me:
thanky
ou
(thesessi onwasamazi ngandIwouldchoosei t
ov erbridalshowerany time.Tony'scousi
nt ol
d
meaboutt hefamilyhistoryandintr
oduced
them t ous, anot
hercousi nt ol
dmeaboutt he
char actersofthefami lymember sandother s
woul dchi pintoadd, Tonydescr i
bedmy
char actertothem andIwasamazedt hathe
knowsmesowel l,andt heyshoweredmewi t
h
giftsper fumes,jewellery,booksonmar r
iage
etc.af
terthatwechil
l
edplay
ingmusi
cwi
ning
anddining.Itwasawesome)

2WEEKSLATER.
..
..
..
..
..
..
NO.93

(therewasnochur chser vi
cesi nceTonyandI
arenotmember sofanychur ch.int hemor ning
whenwel efthomemymot her '
scousi nblessed
theday .Iwaswear ingaf isht ai
ldresst hatwas
ami xtureofblueger manpr intmat er ialand
whi t
elace.Wewentt otheDCsof ficewher ewe
metTonyandhi sfami l
y.Tonycoul dnotst op
smi l
ingwhenhel ookedatme.hecoul dnei t
her
takehi seyesof fme.Hel ookedhandsomei n
hisblackChi nopant sandaGer manpr intjacket
thatmat chedmydr ess.whilewewer esi tti
ng
nextt oeachot herinthemar r i
agehal lhekept
compl imenti
ngmeonhowbeaut i
ful Ilooked.
SeisowasTony 'swit
nesswhi l
eLentlewasmy
witness.Thepastorst
artedtheceremonywi th
awor dofprayerandwentaheadt osharea
wor dofencouragement.Aft
erthattheDC
explai
nedmar r
iagetousi nt
hel egalcontext
andal sogaveawor dofencouragement .Then
i
twast i
metomakeourv ows
Tony :Tshegof at soKebony etsalaMot swasele
(peopl er eactedwi thshockwhent heyhear d
him pr onounci ngmySet swananamessowel l
)I
l
ov ey ouandbecauseofwhati shappeni ngnow,
thiswi l
lforeverbet hegreatestmomentofmy
l
ife.Wi ththisring( hesaidslowl ysli
ppingitint
o
myf ingerl ookingi tomyey es)Iwantt hewor ld
toknowt haty ouar eapartofmeandIam a
par tofy ou( ululations)
.Youar emybet terhalf
,
mycompl eteness.Il oveyouandsoshal li
tbe
forasl ongasIl ive.Nowai t,evenindeat hI'
m
sti
ll goingt obedecl ari
ngmyl ovefory ou
(ululations)Ilov ey ouMr sTonyVanderMer we
Me: (
sli
ppingt her i
ngont ohi sfi
nger)Ifeel
specialbecauseofy ou.If eel lovedbecauseof
you.Tonyv anDerMer we, ifIwer egiven
anotherchancet ochooseamanIwoul d
choosey ouagai nandagai n.y ouaremysol id
rock,mycompl eteness.I fther eisgoingtobea
bestwifet i
tl
et henitshoul dbewonbyme
becauset helov eandr espectIhav efory ouis
beyondhumancompr ehensi on.Whydi dIplay
hardtogetkant e?(laught er)Icouldhav elong
foundmyhappi ness.Il ovey ouandIwi llal
way s
do
(IbetTonyhasalway sbeenwai ti
ngforthe
momentwhenwewer etoldt hatwecankissto
sealthemarri
ageof fi
cial
ly.Iwasabi tshy
becausemybr othersanduncl ewerepresent
butboyTonygav etheki sshi sall
.Ther
ewas
singi
ngandululati
onsandwedancedt owar ds
thecars.Wewentf oraphot oshoott henhome
wherewehadourdel i
ciousl unchinamar quee.
Theweddingcelebrati
onwasheldatmy
mother
'splace.Thehousewassobeaut i
ful
.
Themarqueewaspi t
chedinsi
deourbi
gy ar
d.
Ther
ewer emor epeoplethanIhadant
ici
pated.
Myunclewasbeami ng.I
twassuchabeautiful
day)

BOKAA

(
phoneconv
ersat
ion)
Kenal
emang:
skwat
a
Puso:
skwat
a
Kenal
emang:
heel
atl
hemonna
Puso:
what
?
Kenal
emang:kanay ouarenol
ongerf
ri
ends
wit
hTshegoonf acebook?
Puso:
no.i
t'
sbeenl
ongwi
thoutv
isi
ti
ngher
pr
ofi
l
eandIdon'
tthi
nkIwi
l
lev
erv
isi
tit
Kenal
emang:
shei
sget
ti
ngmar
ri
edt
oday
Puso:
what
?
Kenal
emang:yes.someonepost
edapi
ctur
e
congr
atul
ati
ngher
Puso:
shei
sget
ti
ngmar
ri
edt
othewhi
teguy
?
Kenal
emang:
howdi
dyouknow?
Puso:
Idr
eamtabouti
t
Kenal
emang:
kar
eyouar
ebecomi
ngapr
ophet
Puso:(
crushed)shei
ssomeone'
swi
feaswe
speak
Kenal
emang:
shei
s
Puso:
li
feohl
i
fe!
Kenal
emang:
itwasnev
ermeantt
obe
Puso:
nowIbel
i
evet
hat
.SoTshegoi
smar
ri
ed?
Kenal
emang:
shei
s,man.
Puso:
sheisgoi
ngt
ospendt
her
estofherl
i
fe
wit
hanot
herman
Kenalemang:Idon'
tknowwhet
hert
osay
for
tunatel
yorunfor
tunat
ely
Puso:
itdoesn'
tmat
ter
.Godbl
essher
Kenal
emang:
wel
lsai
d
Puso:
Ilov
edTshegowithmyhear
tbutcl
ear
ly
shewasnevermeantt
obemine
Kenal
emang:
truet
hat
Puso:
thatwhi
teguyact
edf
ast
Kenal
emang:Tshegoisnott
hetypethaty
oul
et
goother
wisei
twillbet
heworstmist
ake
Puso:
ifIknewt
hatbackt
hen
Kenalemang:t
heoddswereagai
nsty
ouguy
s
yoursit
uat
ionwaster
ri
ble.
Puso:boJohnwer
eoutt
ofi
ghtwi
tht
hei
r
ever
ythi
ng.Howi
shedoi
ng?
Kenal
emang:
nochange,
nopr
ogr
ess
Puso:
hehasntr
egai
nedconsci
ousness?
Kenal
emang:
no
Puso:
itssad
Kenal
emang:ver
ysad.Thatmeansall
alonghe
wastry
ingt
omakehimselffeel
bett
erby
dest
royi
ngother
s
Puso:
myt
hinki
ngexact
ly

I
ntheev
eni
ng.
..
..
..
..

(thetentwasdecor atedwithli
ghts.Wewant ed
tohav eourrecept
ionathome.Fort he
recepti
onIwor eaf i
sht ai
lweddinggown.My
husbandwor eawhi t
ejacketandblackpants.
Ther ecept
ionwasamuchmor erelaxed
atmospherewi thveryfewf or
maliti
es.The
recepti
onev entwasst r
ict
lybyinvit
ationwe
want edittobesmal landi nt
imateandt hat s
exactlyhowi twas.Iwassur pri
sedt osee
Dimphoatt herecepti
on.Tefomusthav e
l
istenedt omyuncl eandi nvi
tedDimpho.I twas
notonl yTonyandIwhower eall
ov ereach
other.Lentlewaswi t
hhernewboy friend,
Sophi eandSeiso,TefoandChar ity
, Dimphohad
comewi thhersister
Tef ogaveChar i
tyapl ate
fullofsnacksandagl assofjui
ce.Heknel ti
n
frontofherandDi mphowat chedinhor roras
theyshar edakiss)
Si
ster
:(shocked)ahah!
Di
mpho:
Char
it
y!(
shewasequal
l
yshocked)
Si
ster
:sot
hisgi
rli
sdat
ingy
ourexhusband
Di
mpho:thatmeanstheyhav
ebeendat
ing
si
nceshemovedintomyhouse.
Si
ster
:whatabet
ray
al
Di
mpho:(tear
y)Ihavebeenpay
inghersomuch
moneykantesheisbusyenj
oyi
nghersel
fwi
th
myhusband
Si
ster
:gi
rl
sar
edeep
(af
terChari
tyhadhersnacksandj
uiceTef
o
hel
pedhert ostandupandhehuggedherwaist
astheydancedt othesl
owromanti
cmusic.
TefolookedatDimphoandignor
edher)
Di
mpho:Ican'
tst
andt
his.Let
'
sgo(
shesai
d
st
andi
ngup)
Si
ster
:no,
wai
t
Di
mpho:
I'
mleav
ing.
Si
ster:
tlhemmawait.t
hatguyhasbeen
wi
nkingatmet hewhol
enight.Lewenayouar
e
si
ngleand..
(Di
mphowasalreadywalki
ngaway
cr
ying)

(Meanwhi
l
e, Pusovisi
tedTshegosprof
il
eand
sawthepi
ctures.Tshegolookedbeaut
if
uland
ver
yhappy.Tearsslowlyt
rickl
eddownhis
cheeksasthereali
zati
ont hathelostagood
womanhi thi
m.t hefactthathisr
elati
onshi
p
wit
hKgomot sowasnot hi
ngt owrit
ehome
aboutaddedsalttothewound.Hepr ayed.
..
..
..
)
Puso: TshegobelongstosomebodyelseLord.
Givemeagoodwomant orepl
aceher.if
Kgomot soisthewoman, thenchangeour
rel
ationshi
p,makei tf
ulf
il
li
ng.Lor
d..
..
..
...
.(
he
couldntholditt
ogetheranymoresohecr i
ed)
NO.94

MYUNCLE'
SHOUSE

(TonyandIweregoingtoNami bi
aforour
honeymoon.Wewer ebothveryexci
tedabout
thehoneymoonandbeingmar ri
ed.Theweek
thatwehadspentasahusbandandwi f
ewas
wonderful
.Wewentt omyuncle'shousetosay
goodbyetohi
m sincewewer egoingtobegone
f
oral
mostt
woweeks)
Uncle:
Inev erbel
iev
edthesay i
ngthata
daughterisasourceforri
chesuntilr
ecent
ly
now.Mykr aalbecamef ul
li
nstantl
yandwitha
beauti
fulbreedfort
hatmat t
er.Thankyouson
i
nlaw
Tony:
youarewel
comeuncl
e.I
fyoutakegood
car
eofthem y
ouaregoi
ngt
osellt
hem foral
ot
ofmoney
Uncl
e:Ii
ntendt
odoexactt
hat
Tony
:that
'sgr
eat
.
Me:uncl
easwetol
dyou,
wear
eleav
ingf
ir
Namibi
atoday
Uncl
e:oh.Gowel
lmychi
l
dren.
Us:
thanky
ouuncl
e
Uncl
e:enj
oyy
oursel
ves.
Me:
thanksuncl
e.
Uncle:howar
ey outrav
eli
ng?Iunder
standt
hat
theplacei
sveryfar
.
Tony:it
'sv er
yfaruncl
e.Weareusi
ngourown
car.Tonightwewi l
lbesl
eepi
ngatWerdatosee
myf amily.Wearegoingtospendt
wodayswith
them
Uncl
e:Isee.Passmyr
egar
dst
oyourf
ami
l
ymy
son
Tony
:Iwi
l
l
Uncle:Werdai
sveryfaraswel
l.Thet
imewe
tookTshegotooff
ici
all
yhandhertoyourf
amil
y,
wet r
avel
edasifwewer egoi
ngtotheendof
theworld
Me: i
t'
sfaruncl
e.Uncle,t
hepeopl
ewhoar e
supposedtorentthehousewil
lbecomingon
Fri
day.Wewantt oleaveyouwit
hthekeysso
thatyoucanhelpthem
Uncl
e:t
hat
'sf
inemychi
l
dren
Me:t
heyhavealr
eadysignedthel
easeso
what
'sl
efti
sforthem t
omov ein
Tony
:ift
her
eisapr
obl
em y
oucancal
lus
Uncl
e:Iwi
ll
hel
pthem.Don'
twor
ry.Enj
oy
your
sel
ves
Us:
thanky
ouuncl
e
Uncl
e:y
ouar
emostwel
come
(
webi
dhi
m goodby
eandwentt
oourcar
)
Me:
canIdr
ivef
rom her
etoJwaneng?
Tony
:fi
nel
ove
Me:
(smi
l
ing)Il
ovey
ouhubby
Tony
:Il
ovey
oumor
ewi
fey
(weshar eapassionatekissbefor
eIsatbehind
thest eeri
ngwheel .Heopenedmydr inkand
placedi tonthecanhol der.Heopenedhisdri
nk,
i
ncr easedt her
adiov ol
umeandwehi tther
oad.
Singingl i
keacrazycoupl ealongt
heway )
THEBEPHATSHWA

Col
l
eague:
youar
eback?
Thor
iso:
yah
Col
l
eague:
what
'
sgoi
ngonneskwat
a?
Thor
iso:
thoseguy
swant
edt
opl
aygameswi
th
me
Col
l
eague:
whatwasi
tabout
?
Thoriso:
apparentl
yJohnisoutofcomaandhe
sayssomeonepushedhi m outoft
hewindow
buthedidn'tntseewhothepersonwas.Now
theyareinv
est i
gat
ingany
onewhomi ghthav
ea
reasontodot hatt
ohim
Col
l
eague:
sot
heysuspecty
ou?
Thor
iso:
yes.Any
way,t
heyf ail
edtocreat
eali
nk
bet
weenmeandt hei
ncident.Thatguyhas
manyenemiesandIwonderi
fthei
ntendt
o
har
assthewholemil
i
tar
ycamp
Coll
eague:youar
eri
ghttherebecauset
wo
ot
herguy sf
rom t
heothersect
ionwere
i
nterr
ogated
Thor
iso:
that
'sbul
l
Col
l
eague:
Iknow
Thoriso:
Iaskedt hegorehowdotheyknowf or
surethatJohn'
smemor yisst
il
li
ntactaft
ert
he
accident
.Gapet hatguywashall
ucinat
ingat
somepoi ntaft
erhewokeup
Coll
eague:y
ouar
ever
yint
ell
i
gent
.Howdi
dthey
answerthat
?
Thoriso:
theysai
dtheyhavetoconsulthi
s
doctoragai
n.Thoseguyswastedmyt ime.They
cal
ledmyal i
bisandtheyconf
ir
medt hatIwas
whereIsaidIwas
Col
l
eague:
appar
ent
lyoneoft
heguy
ssai
dhe
sawaguyr
unni
ngoutoft
hebui
l
ding
Thor
iso:
thesameguysay
stheguyi
sshor
tbut
l
ookatme.Am Ishor
t?
Coll
eague:
thei
rinv
est
igat
ionsar
ehi
tt
inga
deadend
Thori
so:
lett
hem cont
inuechasi
ngghost
s
haker
eit
stheirj
ob.
Col
l
eague:
true.Youmar
ri
age?
Thor
iso:It
hinkshewi
l
lcomear
ound.Shei
snot
asangryassheusedt
obe.
Col
l
eague:
that
'spr
omi
sing
Thori
so:itis.IswearIwil
lnevercheatagain
andifJunior'
smum t akesmebackI '
m goi
ngto
tr
eatherlikeaqueen.Iputthatwomant hr
ough
alotandIdon' tbl
ameherf orreact
ingtheway
shedid
Col
l
eague:
enemmeshel
ovesy
ou
Thor
iso:
shedoesandIhav
ebeent
aki
ngt
hat
l
ovef
orgr
ant
ed
Col
l
eague:
stopf
ool
i
ngar
ound
Thor
iso:
Ihav
est
opped.
Coll
eague:bet
weenthetwoofus,didy ouhave
anyt
hingtodowithJohn'
sinci
dent.Iknowhow
agrayyouwerewheny oufoundoutthatheis
theonewhot dMajorMotswasel
eabouty ou
andhiswife
Thor
iso:
doy
ouseeamur
der
erwheny
oul
ook
atme
Col
l
eague:
noof
fensei
ntendedskwat
a
Thor
iso:
off
enset
aken
Col
l
eague:
apol
ogi
es
Thor
iso:
sur
e

HOSPI
TAL
(
hewalkedbetweent
hebedsandst
oppednext
t
oJohn'sbed)
Puso:
hel
l
o(hesmi
l
ed)
John:
(shocked)Pr
ivat
ePuso
Puso:
remov
ethepr
ivat
eti
tl
e
John:
whaddoy
ouwant
?
Puso:
toseey
ou
John:
youhav
eseeme,
go.
Puso:
notbef
oreIt
ell
yousomet
hing
John:
sayi
tandgo
Puso:Godhasav engedforme.Major
Motswasel
elosthiswifeandjobjustl
ikelost
Tshegoandmyj ob.Howbeaut i
fuli
sthat?
John:
wher
edoIf
itI
?
Puso:howdoesitf
eell
yi
ngont
hatbed
hel
plessl
yandhopel
essl
y?
John:
youar
ehar
assi
ngme.
Puso:j
ustsoyouknow,youcan'tr
unawayfr
om
me.Ihavemadeahugedi scov
erythatt
he
womanI '
m dat
ingi
syourcousin.
John:
Idon'
tcar
e
Puso: youmustcar ebecauseI'
m goi ngtobe
toocloset oyouforcomf or
t.Youar egoingto
seeandhearaboutal lmysuccesses.Youand
Mot swaselethoughtyouwer edestroyingme,
l
itt
ledidy ouknowt hatyouarestrengthening
me.I '
m strongandsuccessfulbecausey ou
pushedmet owardsmydest iny.Wecan' tsay
muchabouty oursuccessesexceptt hatyour
i
nappr opri
atepromot i
onsarebeing
i
nvestigatedwhichgivesweighttot heideathat
yout r
iedtocommi tsuici
de
John:
(shocked)howdi
dyouknowt
hat
?
Puso:Ihav
ebeenfl
owingyouwi
thi
nter
estt
o
seekarmadeal
ingwi
thyou
John:
tsek
Puso:y
ouhaveki
ssedyoujobgoodby
e.I
sn'
tit
bet
tert
oresi
gnwit
htheli
tt
ledi
gnit
yyouhav
e
l
eft?
John:
nur
se!(
hescr
eamed)
(
Pusosmi
l
edandwal
kedaway
)

TEFO'
SHOUSE

Char
it
y:i
t'
sDi
mphocal
l
ing
Tef
o:pi
ckt
hecal
l
(
phoneconv
ersat
ion)
Char
it
y:hel
l
o
Dimpho:y
ouareasl
i
ther
ingsnake.Youar
ea
shame.Howcoul
dyoudatemyhusband?
Char
it
y:exhusband
Di
mpho:
youbr
okeusup
Char
it
y:y
oudi
dity
our
sel
f
Di
mpho:
shameony
ouy
ouhusbandsnat
cher
.
Char
ity
:shameony
ouf
orbr
eaki
ngy
our
marr
iage
Di
mpho:
I'
m goi
ngt
ogety
ouf
ort
his
Char
it
y:i
sthatat
hreat
?
(
Tef
osnat
chedt
hephonef
rom Char
it
y)
Tef
o:stopmakingfool
i
sht hr
eat
sDi
mpho.You
hadyourchanceandmisusedit
Di
mpho:
ourmai
dTef
o?
Tef
o:i
famai dcansnat
cheryourhusbandt
hen
i
tgoestoshowhowl owyourstandar
dis
Di
mpho:Idontwantt
hatwomanany
wher
enear
myki
ds.
Tefo:butshepractical
l
yrai
sedthem andt
hey
areclosert
ohert hanyou.Char
it
yandIare
gett
ingmar r
ied
Di
mpho:
no!Nooooooooo!
(
shecutt
hecal
l
)
Tef
o:Idi
dn'
tsayi
ttomakey
ouj
eal
ous
Char
it
y:(
smi
l
ing)y
es!
NO.95

(Ithasbeen2mont hsofbl i
ssforTonyandI .
ourhoneymoonhol idaywasper fect
.Ilovemy
Tonysomuch.Theysaymenchangeaf t
er
mar ri
agebutmi nehasntchanged.Theonl y
thingthat
sdiff
er entisthatsi
nceI m now
mar ri
edtohim Ifeel Icantr
usthim mor eand
ourloveforoneanot herhasreachedamuch
deeperlevel
.Irecei vedacallfr
om Tony )
Me:
hubby
Tony
:wi
fey
Me:
arey
oudonewi
thbasket
bal
lpr
act
ice?
Tony
:noty
etl
ove.
Me:Ithoughty
ouwant
edmet
ocomeabdf
etch
you?
Tony:
noty
etl
ove.Don'
twor
rymycol
l
eaguewi
l
l
dropmeof
f
Me:
oh,
that
sfi
net
henmyl
ove
Tony
:Wer
eyoul
i
steni
ngt
othenews?
Me:
no
Tony
:ther
esul
tsar
eout
Me:
yoh!
Tony
:what
?
Me:
cany
oucheckf
orme?
Tony
:Iwi
l
l.Ar
eyouanxi
ous?
Me:
ver
y
Tony
:chi
l
lbabe.Iknowy
oupassed
Me:
howdoIcheckt
her
esul
ts?
Tony
:letmecheckandgi
vey
ouf
eedbackj
ust
now.
Me:
okl
ove(
Itookadeepbr
eat
h)
Tony:r
elaxsweethear
t.Youwor
kedv
eryhar
d
andIknowy ouhavedonewell
Me:
pleasechecknow

(
PHONECONVERSATI
ON)

Char
it
y:daddy
Tef
o:hel
l
olov
e
Char
it
y:hi
daddy
.Howi
syourday
?
Tef
o:l
ousy
Chari
ty:
bepat
ientmyl
ove.Thi
ngswi
l
lwor
kout
event
uall
y.
Tef
o:i
mtr
yingt
obepat
ient
.
Charit
y:ohbeforeIfor
get.Twocustomer
sjust
walkedinandI'm hel
pingthem whi
chmeansIm
goi
ngt oknockofflate
Tef
o:i
tsokl
ove
Chari
ty:
theyar
ebr
idemai
dssot
heyar
edoing
thei
rhai
rfort
heweddi
ngwhi
chi
stomorr
ow.
Tef
o:whatt
imear
eyouknocki
ngof
f?
Chari
ty:It
hinkar
ound10pm.Thei
rhai
rst
yles
mighttake2hourseacht
o..
Tefo:Isee.Letmecookthenf
etcht
hekids
fr
om school.Iwill
comebackhomesothatthey
eatthenwewi ll
cometothehai
rsal
oontokeep
youcompany
Char
it
y:t
hanky
oumybodyguar
d
Tef
o:y
oushoul
dpaymef
ori
t
Chari
ty:
Iwill
mybodyguard.Nomatterhow
ti
redIam whenIgethomeim goi
ngstr
aightto
thebedroom andy
oucanimaginewhatsgoing
t
ohappent
her
e
Tefo:(
smil
ing)t
hat
'smygi
rl
.Shoul
dwebr
ing
youfood?
Chari
ty:
no.Iwi
l
leatwhenIgethome.Aj
uice
wil
ldo
Tef
o:consi
deri
tdonemypr
incess
Char
it
y:t
hanksdaddy
Tef
o:any
timel
ove
(
aft
ert
hecal
l
)

Customer:Ihear
dthewhol
econv
ersat
ion.I
sit
yourbabydaddy?
Char
it
y:hei
smyboy
fri
end.
Cust
omer
:youdonthav
eki
dst
oget
her
?
Char
ity
:no.hehas2ki
dsf
rom hi
smar
ri
ageand
Ihav
eonechild
Cust
omer
:oh.Hesoundscar
ingandv
ery
r
esponsi
ble
Charity:Iwon’ tli
e,heisr esponsi ble,l
ovingand
cari
ng.Dontbel ievethemy ththatdi vorceesare
tr
ash.Mymani sadi vorceeandt lhemma
beli
ev emewhenIsayt hedi vorcehasmoul ded
himf orme.Hei sthemanhewaswhenIf irst
methi m.Ther eisaradical tr
ansf or mati
oni n
him.Ioper at
et hesaloonenehei sunempl oyed
atthemomentwai ti
ngt oopenabusi nessso
heishomemostoft hetime.Mymandoesnt
minddoi nganyki ndofdomest icchor eswhen
Im busyl iketodayandhi slovef ormy
chil
d..(shesmi led)
Cust
omer
:youguy
sshoul
dgetmar
ri
edal
ready
Char
it
y:t
hingsar
est
il
labi
ttoughf
inanci
all
y.
WedependonwhatImakehere
Cust
omer:
marri
agei
scheap.Justgot
otheDC
anddoy
ourthi
ng
Char
it
y:het
alksabouti
tbutdoesntt
aket
he
f
ir
stst
ep
Customer :hewi l
l,
don'
tworry.NnammaI
enjoyedmymar ri
ageonlyforafewday
s.I
discoveredthatmynewlyweddedhusbandwas
cheatingsoIbr okeupwithhim
Char
it
y:ar
eyouguy
sdi
vor
cing?
Cust
omer :
noneofushast al
kedaboutthe
di
vorceorini
ti
atedt
heprocess.If
eelsorr
yfor
megapehi ssonlov
eshim.Somet i
mesI
wonderwhethertofor
giv
ehim andworkthings
outwit
hhim ornot
Char
it
y:doy
out
hinkhehaschanged
Cust
omer
:It
hinkso
Char
it
y :
thenitwouldbeami staket
ol eavehim
whenhehaschanged.Kanay ouwil
lbel et
ti
ng
anot
herwomanenj oyt
hesweatofy ourlabour.
I’
mtalki
ngfrom experi
encehere
Cust
omer
:kanammey
ouar
eri
ght
.GapeIst
il
l
l
ovehi
m andwear
est
il
lmar
ri
ed.
Char
it
y:y
ousee.Butobser
vehi
mfi
rst
Customer:
youknowwhatletmecallmyman
sothathecancomeandseemeher e.Heisi
n
Thebephat
shwaandhedoesntknowthatIam a
bri
demaidhereinMol
eps
Char
it
y:y
ougogi
rl
.Hi
ghf
ive

(
PHONECONVERSATI
ON)

Lent
le:
hel
l
omoghel
Me:
moghel
!
Lent
le:
someonei
sagoodmood.What
sup?
Me:
youhav
enthear
d?
Lent
le:
what
?
Me:
Ipasssed
Lent
le:
ohmy
.Congr
atsmoghel
.
Me:
Iobt
ained39poi
nts
Lent
le:
(shocked)what
!
Me:y
ousoundshocked.Nev
erunder
est
imat
e
me
Lent
le:
congr
atsgi
rl
.Im happyf
ory
ou
Me:thanksgi
rl
.Im ov
ert
hemoon.Col
l
egeIsee
you
Lent
le:
arey
oust
il
ltr
yingf
orababy
?
Me:yup.Ihavetogetpr
egnantf
astsot
hatI
cangotov ar
sit
y
Lentl
e:t
ruemoghel
.Ihav
egi
venupon
rel
ati
onshi
ps
Me:t
heri
ghtonewil
lcomemyl
ove.Letal
l
t
heseMrWrongpass
Lent
le:wenammakanay ouhavealwaysbeen
l
uckyinlove.Pusol
ovedyoudear
lyand
Me: Pusohurtmethemma.Any way,Il
ethi
m
hurtme.ForgetaboutPuso,
hebelongsi
nthe
past
Lent
le:
true.Tonyl
ovesy
ouhaker
e?
Me:
hedoes,
nodoubtatal
l
Lent
le:ever
y t
imeIvisi
ty ouguysIcomeback
homecr y
ingaskingmy selfwhyIcantf
indsuch
agoodman.Yourmanl ovesyouandIli
kehow
heisnotafrai
dtokissy ouinfr
ontof
Me:
nemmahavey
ouf
orgot
tent
hatI
m mar
ri
ed
t
oawhi
teman?
Lent
le:
hei
strul
ywhite.Youarel
uckymyf
ri
end.
Ronawehavenothi
ngtotell
,nost
ory
Me: youhaveacareerandagoodjob.Youar
ea
teachermyfri
end,
t hatshoul
dcountf
or
somet hi
ng
Lent
le:
owai
i
i
(
mymanopenedt
hedoorandIcutLent
leshor
t.
Ebil
eIhadbeenlooki
ngf oranexcusetocuther
short
.Idontwanthersadnesstospoil
mygood
mood)
Me:
(huggi
nghi
m)Ipassed
Tony:
(ki
ssonthefor
ehead)mybabypassed.
Congr
atul
ati
onst
ous.
Me:
thi
siswor
thcel
ebr
ati
ng
Tony:
thatswhyIbroughtcakeandabot
tl
eof
champagne.Di
nnerisonmemyl ov
e
Me:
thanky
oubaby
Tony:I
m planni
ngahugepartytocelebr
atet
his
l
ongawaitedsuccessmylove.Forhowmany
year
shavey oubeenyear
ningfort
his?
Me:
sinceIwas17.If
inal
l
ymadei
t
Tony :
mybabemade.Univ
ersi
tyherecomesmy
wife.Weshoul
dmakethatbabytoni
ghtsothat
nextyeart
hist
imey
ouwi l
lbeapplyi
ngfor
varsi
ty
Me:
shoul
dIundr
essnow?
Tony
:(hel
aughed)Tshegoy
ouar
ecr
azy
(
webot
hlaughed)
Me:wear
enotmakingl
ovet
omakeababy,
we
shoul
dmakel
oveasawayofcel
ebr
ati
ng
Tony
:youar
esor
ight
(Hest
art
edki
ssingmeandunbuttoni
ngmytop.
Weheardacarengineandl
ookedthr
ought
he
cur
tai
n,i
twasSeiso)
Me:
wrongt
imi
ng
Tony:
hei
scomi
ngt
ocongr
atul
atey
oui
n
per
son
Me:heshoul
dhav
edel
ayedcomi
ngher
ebyj
ust
30minut
es
(
Sei
soknockedandt
heyi
nvi
tedhi
min)
Sei
so:
mysist
erhasmadeit.(
givi
ngmeacake
andacar
dinanenvel
ope)I
m proudofy
ousi
s.
Gobatl
apesonyana.Ahugepar
tywi
l
ldot
o
cel
ebr
atet
hishugeachiev
ement
Tony
:youar
etal
ki
ngman!
(Theyfi
stbumpedandIwatchedthem wi
tha
widegri
n.Seisogavemet
helongestwarmest
hugthatlef
tmef eel
i
ngpr
oudofmy sel
f)

BOKAA

Puso:(hol
dingherchi
n)y
ouhav
enev
erdone
thatbefor
e
Kgomot
so:
what
?
Puso:
kegel
s
Kgomot
so:
Iknow
Puso:
what
sdi
ff
erentaboutt
oday
?
Kgomot so:
nothi
ngmuch.Ihavetol
dmy self
thatIwanttomaket
hisrel
ati
onshipful
fi
ll
i
ng
andIwil
ldoany
thi
ngandev
ery
thi
ngt
oseet
hat
happeni
ng
Puso:
(hesmi
l
ed)l
etsst
artaf
reshbaby
Kgomot
so:
let
s(shesmi
l
ed)
Puso:
whatshoul
dIi
mpr
ovebabe
Kgomot so:
Iwanty ourat
tent
ionandl
ove.Baby
Iknowy ougiv
emel ot
sofmoneyt omakesure
thatIl
i
vecomf ort
ablybutIwantmorethan
money.Iwanty ou
Puso:not
edmyl
ove.Ishoul
dst
opbei
ngt
oo
busyandgiv
emywomanat t
ent
ion
Kgomotso:
pleasedot
hat
.Whatshoul
dI
i
mprove?
(
hisphoner
ang)
Puso:l
etmet
aket
hiscal
lbabe.I
tst
het
ract
or
dr
iver
Kgomot
so:(qui
ckki
ss)okmylov
e.Letme
ser
veusdr
inkswhil
eyouar
etaki
ngthecal
l
Puso:
(smi
l
ing)nakedChef(
theybot
hgi
ggl
ed)

TWOMONTHSLATER.
..
..
.

No.96

(Iwashavi
ngaphoneconver
sati
onwit
hLentl
e.
Iwassit
ti
ngontheki
tchencount
erwhi
leTony
wasmar i
nat
ingt
hemeat)
Me:
howwaswor
kmoghel
?
Lent
le:
wor
kwasv
eryni
ce.Ienj
oywhatIdo
Me:atleastt
her
eissomet
hingt
hatmakesy
ou
happy
Lent
le:
myj
obmakesmehappymoghel
Me:
that’
sni
ce.Forhowl
ongar
ey oupl
anni
ng
t
ostaysi
ngl
e.I
t’
sbeentwomonths
Lent
le:
say
ssomeonewhowasoncesi
ngl
efor
howmanyy
ear
s?
Me:
itwasn’
tev
enay
eargi
rl
.
Lent
le:
Idon’
twantany
thi
ngser
iousf
ornow.I
j
ustwantamanwhocangi v
emeachild
Me:
Idon’
tunder
stand
Lentl
e:eveni
fhedoesn’
tbecomeapar
tfort
he
chi
ld’
slif
eIdon’
tmind
Me:
nomoghel
,youar
elosi
ngi
tnow
Lent
le:
butI
’
m ser
ious
Me:Idon’
tlikethei
dea.Youaresti
ll
youngso
yousti
l
lstandachanceoffindi
ngsomeone
whowilll
ovey ouandmakey ouhappy
Lent
le:
all
thegoodonesar
etaken
Me:
Idon’
tagr
ee.
Lent
le:
wewil
ltal
kaboutitwhenwemeetbut
j
ustknowt
hatim ser
ious
Me:
okl
ove
Lent
le:
ist
her
eabuni
ntheov
en?
Me:Ihopeso.Iwassupposedt
ohav emy
per
iodsyest
erdaybutt
herei
snothi
ng
Lent
le:
may
bey
oushoul
dtest
Me:
Iwi
l
lbuyt
het
est
ingki
t
Lent
le:
okmoghel
.Goodl
uck
Me:
thanksmyl
ove

(
Tonywaslooki
ngatmest
rangel
ywhenI
f
ini
shedt
hecall
)
Me:
whati
sit
?
Tony
:yourf
ri
endi
swei
rd
Me:
how?
Tony
:hehopsf
rom oner
elat
ionshi
ptoanot
her
Me:babythat
’si
nsensi
ti
ve.Hehasn’
tfoundt
he
r
ightone
Tony
:may
beheshoul
dtakeabr
eak
Me:
that
’swhatshei
ntendst
odo
Tony
:butshesay
sshewant
sachi
l
d
Me:i
m goi
ngt
oconv
incehert
ost
opt
hatcr
azy
i
dea
Tony
:pl
easedo.
(Iwasbr
owsingthrought
hepi
ctur
esinmy
phoneandIhappenedtocomeacrosspi
ctur
es
ofm par
ty)
Me:sotel
lmebabe,areyougoi
ngtothr
owme
apart
yeveryt
imeIachiev
eamilest
one
Tony
:andev
eryy
earony
ourbi
rt
hday
Me:
Tony
Tony:yoursuccessesaremysuccessesand
theyshouldbecelebr
ated.I
t’
snotdi
ffer
ent
from whatyouhavebeendoingforme.You
alwaystakemeoutonahol idayf
ormybi r
thday
Me:yourbir
thdayisi
mpor
tantt
omebecausei f
youwerenotbornIwoul
dnothavefoundthi
s
happi
ness.That’
swhyil
oveandrespecty
our
mothersomuch
Tony
:(smi
l
ing)l
ovey
oubabe
Me:Il
oveyoumor
e.Tonydi
dyouknowt
haty
ou
ar
ecrazy
?
Tony
:noIdon’
t.Whatdi
dIdo?
Me:
youboughtmeacar
Tony:babeIwantedt orewardy ouforahard
work.Again,whenyougot ocol l
egey ouwil
l
needy ourowncar.Ithasbeeneasyf orusto
shareacarbecausewear estayingtoget
herbut
oncey ougotouniversi
tyit
’sgonnabedi ff
erent
.
Also,Idon’
twantyouwal ki
ngi nthescorchi
ng
sonwi thmychil
d
Me:
doy
out
hinkI
’
m pr
egnant
?
Tony
:notmeani
ngt
obeaThomasbutl
et’
s
wai
taf
ewmoreday
s.Let
’snotcel
ebr
ate
pr
emat
urel
y
Me:youar
eri
ght
.Il
ovemycarsomuch.Myr
ed
l
it
tl
eangel
Tony:I
’m gl
adyoul
ovei
tbabe.Iwasaf
rai
dyou
mightnotli
kei
t
Me:
why
?
Tony
:becauseit
’saToy
otav
itzf
rom
Mogodi
tshane
Me:(
smi l
i
ng)Idon’
tcarewher
eitcomesfr
om.
WhatIcareabouti
sthatt
hecarwasbought
wi
thsomuchl oveandit
smine.Youmakeme
t
alkt
oomuch.I ’
mthir
sty
(
Iwal
kedt
othef
ri
dget
ogetwat
er)
Tony
:babe
Me:
doy
ouwantwat
er?
Tony
:youhav
eabl
oodst
ainony
ourpant
s
Me:what?(Iwasbot
hshockedand
di
sappoi
nted)
Tony:
abloodst
ain.Youhav
est
ainedt
he
count
er
Me:ohno(Icoul
dn’
tfi
ghtthetear
sthatwer
e
bur
ningt
hebackofmyey es)
Tony
:Tshego
(Isatont
hef
loorcr
ying.Tonysatnextt
ome
andmademer estmyheadonhi schest
)
Tony
:babedon’
tdot
hatt
oyour
sel
f.
Me: t
helongeri
ttakestoconcei
vet
hel
owert
he
chancesofmegoi ngtocol
lege
Tony
:say
swho?
Me:
TonyImustbepr
egnantbynow
Tony:
mustisast r
ongwor k.Relaxl
ove.(he
massagedmyback)goandcl eanyoursel
fup.I
wil
lcl
eanthekit
chencounter.Onedaywewi l
l
havet
hatbaby.Don’tputy
our sel
funder
pressure.Lookatme( Idid)ourbabyisont he
way .OnlyGodcandeci dewhent hatbabywi l
l
come.I nthemeant i
mel et’
senjoyeachother
beforethatbabycomesandst art
scrying
throughoutthenight
.Wal karoundnakedinour
housebef orewehav eanannyandar efor
cedt o
alwaysbedr essed.Weshoul dmakel oveinthe
kit
chenbecauseoncet hekidscomewear enot
goingtobeabl etodothat .Ourpri
vacywil
l be
gone
(
Tonyhandl
edthei
ssuesowel
l
.If
oundmy
sel
f
l
ooki
ngathi
m smil
i
ng)

GABORONE

Puso:
babeBOCODOLr
egi
str
ati
oncl
osest
his
week
Kgomot
so:
whatr
egi
str
ati
on?
Puso:Ithoughtyouwer
egoingtochangeyour
mindandr egi
stert
ore-
wri
teyourf
orm 5to
i
mpr oveyourpoint
s
Kgomot
so:(angr
ytone)haker
elastt
imeIt
old
yout
hatI
’m noti
nter
estedi
nstudyi
ng?
Puso:
why
?
Kgomotso:
Iwasstr
uggi
ngatschool
soIdon’
t
thi
nkev
enifIwr
it
eIwill
pass
Puso:
Iunderst
andbabe.Whydon’ty
ouatl
east
doacourse,
somethi
ngpract
ical
Kgomot
so:
no
Puso:
doy
oul
i
key
ourj
ob?
Kgomot
so:
yes
Puso:si
nceyouareacookmaybeyoucandoa
cour
seoncateri
ngsothaty
ouhavea
qual
if
icat
ioni
nsomethi
ngyoul
ike
Kgomot
so:
Idon’
twantt
ost
udy
Puso: Idon’
tthi
nkyoucanstruggl
ewhendoi
ng
cul
inaryartsbecausey
oualreadyhav
ea
passionandy ouareanat
uralchef
Kgomotso:
Pusowee,fort
helastti
me,
I’
m not
i
nter
est
edinstudy
ingsostoppushi
ngme
Puso:I
’m notpushi
ngy
ou.I
’
mjustt
ryi
ngt
o
convi
ncey ou
Kgomot
so:
stopconv
inci
ngme
Puso:babykanaifyouhav
eaqual
i
ficat
iony
ou
wil
learnabettersal
ary
Kgomot
so:
andy
out
hinkIdon’
tknowt
hat
Puso:
babeI
’mreadytopayf
ory
ourst
udi
es.
Pl
easeuset
hischance
Kgomot
so:
no!
Puso:babeIam abusi
nessmanandt herear
e
ti
meswhenbusinessdoesn’
tdowel
l andduring
thoseti
mesImightnotbeabl
etoprovidefor
you.Iwantyout
ostudyandhaveaqual i
fi
cat
ion
sothaty oucanhav eabetterjob.Itwi
ll
giveme
asenseofsecur it
yknowingt hatmywi feor
gir
lfr
iendisaprofessi
onalwi t
haper manentjob
andadecentsal arybecausethenIwi l
lknow
thatIcandependonherwhent hings
…………………………….
Kgomotso:(
shouti
ng)ifyouwanttodat
ea
prof
essi
onalt
hengoaheadandl eavemealone.
i
mt i
redofyoupushingmet odosomethi
ngI
don’
twant.Gobackt oschool
ify
ouwantto
andleav
emeal one
Puso:
don’
tshoutatme
Kgomot so:t
hereisnomajorwhoev
er
sabotagingyourst
udi
esanymoresogobackt
o
schoolandleavemealone.
Puso:
don’
tusemypastagai
nstme
Kgomotso:
whynot
?Lookhere,i
fyouwantto
hel
pmei mprov
emyli
fepaymydr i
vi
nglessons
andbuymeacarandstopbl
abberi
ngabout
pr
ofessi
onal
nonsense
Puso:
Idon’
tappr
eci
atehowy
ouar
etal
ki
ngt
o
me
Kgomotso:
andIdon’
tappr
eci
atey
out
ryi
ngt
o
cont
rol
myl i
fe.
Puso:
I’
m goi
nghome
Kgomot
so:
yesgo.
(
Pusot
ookhi
swal
l
etf
rom t
hebedandl
eft
)

TEFO’
SHOUSE

Tefo:IhadhopedthatbynowIwoul
dhave
foundajobandy ouwouldbel
iv
ingabet
terl
i
fe
Chari
ty:
babet
hingswillt
urnoutf
ine.The
sal
oonismaki
ngpr of
itandwearelivi
ng
comfort
abl
y
Tef
o:y
ouhav
ebeenagoodgi
rl
fr
iendandmy
desir
eisformetogiv
ey ouali
febett
erthanI
gavedimpho.Di
mphousedt ohaveitallbutshe
wasn’tgoodtomeandnowIhav efound
someonewhoi sgoodtomeandIcan’ tprovi
de
forher
Char
it
y:don’
tbesosad
Tef
o:If
eel
li
kewear
ebur
deni
ngy
ou
Chari
ty:youarenotburdeningmebecauset he
moneyIusedt oopent hesaloonwasfrom you.
Youinvestedint
hisbusinessy oumustsitback
andenjoytheprofi
ts.(
looki
ngi nt
ohiseyes)
babewhat ’
sreal
lyworryi
ngy ou?Isi
tbecause
I’
mtheonewhohasani ncome
Tef
o:yesbutthat
’snotmymai nworr
y.Iwant
tomarr
yy oubutI
’m scaredthati
fIusemy
sav
ingsthenwewi l
lbeleftstr
anded
Char
it
y:don’
tusey
oursav
ingsl
ove
Tef
o:butIwantust
ogetmar
ri
ed
Char
it
y:(
smi
l
ing)amar
ri
agecer
ti
fi
cat
ecost
s
40pul
a
Tef
o:comeonbabe
Chari
ty:
no,seriouslybabe.Let’
sgetmar r
ied
andhavejustasmal l
lunch.Wewon’ tev
en
spendmoret han5,000pul a.Whatwedoi sbuy
ourcl
othesandr ings,getmarri
edandhav ea
smalll
unchwi t
hourf ami l
i
estocelebrat
e
Tef
o:bogadi
?
Char
ity
:oncey
ougetajobandourfi
nances
i
mprovewecanstar
tthi
nki
ngaboutthat
.For
nowlet’
sdowhatwecanaff
ord
Tef
o:t
hat
’sar
eli
ef.(
smi
l
ing)l
et’
sdoi
t
Char
it
y:(
smi
l
ingback)makemey
ourwi
fel
ove
Tefo:l
etmenotwast
eti
me,
I’
m goi
ngt
oseemy
uncler
ightaway
Char
it
y:Il
ovey
ou
Tef
o:Il
ovey
out
oo
(
aft
erhelef
tChari
tysanghappi
l
ywhi
l
eir
oni
ng
t
hekids’
school
unifor
m)
NO.97

BOKAA
(
Phoneconv
ersat
ion)

Kenal
emang:
what
'
sgoi
ngonskwat
a?
Puso:
Ifeel
li
kebei
ngsi
ngl
efort
her
estofmy
l
if
e
Kenal
emang:
that
'scr
azyandy
ouknowi
t
Puso:
butpossi
ble
Kenal
emang:
whathasKgomot
sodone?
Puso:Kgomot sodoesn'
thav
eavisi
onabout
herl
ife.Sheli
vesfr
om handtomouthandshe
pref
ersitthatway
Kenal
emang:
thatmeansshei
sver
y
comf
ort
abl
e
Puso:Iwastel
li
nghertofi
ndacour seshecan
dotoimproveherl
i
fe..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..I
jo!She
near
lybitmynoseoff
Kenal
emang:
shedoesn'
twantt
ost
udy
?
Puso:
yes.Shesay
stheonlyschool
shei
s
goi
ngtoatt
endisdri
vi
ngschool
Kenal
emang:
(hel
aughed)t
hatgi
rlhasal
oose
scr
ew
Puso:
youcansayt
hatagai
n
Kenal
emang:soshewant
sadr
iver
'sl
i
cense
andthat
'si
t?
Puso:yes.Ebi
l
eareIshoul
dbuyheracari
fI'
m
ser
iousaboutimpr
ovingherl
i
fe
Kenalemang:
hohoho!That
'
sar
edf
lagr
ight
ther
e
Puso:
shet
hinksshecanuseme
Kenal
emang:
leeneshei
shopel
essi
nli
fe
Puso:shedoesn'
twanttoimproveherli
featal
l.
KanaTshegowasmot i
vat
edinli
fe.Shehad
beaut
iful
dreamsaboutherfut
ure,it
'sonl
ythat
theoddswereagainsther
Kenal
emang:t
ruebutyouknowIhatei
twhen
youcompar
eKgomot sotoTshego
Puso:Motsoist
oosl
owandIdon'
tseeour
fut
uretoget
her
Kenal
emang:
accepherwi
thherf
laws
Puso:Idon'tknowman.Youshoul
dhavehear
d
thewayshewasshout i
ngatme.Ifel
tli
kea
naughtyschoolboy
Kenal
emang:
soshedoesn'
trespecty
ou?
Puso:
notr
eal
l
y.Idon'
tknowwhatgott
oher
Kenal
emang:
shehasn'
tapol
ogi
sed?
Puso:
Idon'
tthi
nkshei
sgoi
ngt
oapol
ogi
ze
Kenal
emang:whatexact
lyi
sgoi
ngonbet
ween
youandKgomotso?
Puso:
Idon'
tthi
nkwear
ecompat
ibl
e
Kenal
emang:tryhar
derman.May
bethe
probl
em i
sthatyouwanthert
obeli
keTshego
Puso:
nowomancanbel
i
keTshego.
Kenal
emang:
exact
ly.AcceptKgomot
sof
or
whosheis
Puso:andIdon'
tl
iket
hedemot
ivat
edper
son
sheis.

(
phoneconv
ersat
ion)

Tef
o:John
John:
soy
ouhav
emynumber
?
Tef
o:y
esIdo
John:
Ihav
ebeencomf
ort
ingandconsol
i
ng
mysel
fwi
ththet
houghtt
haty
oumi
ghtnothav
e
mynumber
Tef
o:sor
ryman
John:Iwasadmi t
tedi
nhospi
tal
formont
hsbut
younevercheckedme
Tef
o:t
hingswer
eabi
thect
iconmysi
de
John:weret
heyhecti
csucht
haty
oucoul
dnot
evengiv
emeacal l
?
Tef
o:sor
ryman
John:
I'
m di
sappoi
ntedi
nyou
Tef
o:I'
m sor
rymyman.I
'
m sosor
ry.Imeantt
o
cal
lyou
John:Ifoughtyourbattl
es.It
houghtIcoul
d
l
eanony oubuty ouhaveshownmey ourtrue
col
ors.Ididter
riblet
hingstopeopl
e,forwhat?
Tefo:
im sor
ryfornotof
fer
ingy
ousuppor
t.Ar
e
youatThebephatshwa?
John:
doi
ngwhat
?
Tef
o:y
ouhav
en'
tgonebackt
owor
k?
John:
ngngng
Tef
o:ar
eyoust
il
lsi
ck?
John:Ican'
tgobackt
owor
kbecauseofmy
i
njur
ies
Tefo:
I'
m sor
rytoheart
hat
.Ist
her
eany
thi
ngI
candotohelp?
John:
findt
heper
sonwhodi
dthi
stome
Tef
o:butt
hat
'st
hej
obofpol
i
ceof
fi
cer
s
John:
soy
ouar
enotgoi
ngt
ohel
pme
Tefo:
I'
m sorr
yJohn.Ican'
thel
pyouwit
hthi
s
one.I
sthereany
thi
ngelseIcandotohel
p?
John:
no.I
t'
sfi
ne
Tef
o:wher
ear
eyou?Iwannacomeandseey
ou
John:
ther
eisnoneed
Tef
o:pl
ease
John:t
hereisnoneed.Goaheadandenjoy
your
self
.Ihavel
ostmyj obandI
'm wheelchai
r
bound.
..
..
Tef
o:whatdoy
oumean?
John:I
'm payi
ngf
orfi
ghti
ngyourbat
tl
es.I
t'
s
notfai
rbecause(
hisv
oicest
artedbr
eaki
ngand
hekeptquiet
)
Tef
o:don'
tl
osehear
tmybr
other
John:
Icreat
edenemiest
hinki
ngIhav
eafr
iend
oratl
eastabrot
heri
nmebutlookatme
Tefo:
Ipr
omiseyouthatf
rom t
odayi
ngoingto
gi
veyoulot
sofsupportt
ocompensat
eforthe
ti
mewhenIcouldn'
t
John:
thanks.
Tef
o:t
her
eisnoneedt
o
John:
thi
ngsar
ever
yhar
dforme
MYHOUSE

(Iwasbeginni
ngtoworr
ythatIcoul
dnot
concei
ve.Ical
ledSei
so)
Sei
so:
li
tt
lesi
s
Me:
(lowmood)hel
l
obr
o
Sei
so:
yousoundst
ressed,
whoshoul
dIpunch?
Me:(Il
etoutasof
tgi
ggl
e)I
'
mfaci
ngt
o
concei
ve
Sei
so:
whatdoy
oumean?
Me:wehav
ebeentry
ingt
oconcei
vesi
nceour
weddi
ngwi
thoutl
uck
Sei
so:
it'
stoosoonf
ory
out
osayy
ouar
efai
l
ing
Me:
canIasky
ousomet
hing?
Sei
so:
goon
Me:t
hattimewhen...
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..Youoncesai
d
ev
eryt
hingisfi
ne.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..Yousaidnoharm
wasdoneafter
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
.
Sei
so:
Isawt
hatcomi
ng
Me:
whati
f.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
Sei
so:r
ememberIdidt
horoughtestsaft
ert
he
i
nci
dentandIt
oldyout
hatevery
thingisok
Me:
buthowcomeIcan'
tconcei
ve
Sei
so:ithappensTshego.Somecoupl
esmay
haveapr obl
em concei
vi
ngatthebegi
nni
ng.I
t
happens
Me:
OK
Sei
so:
arey
ouwor
ri
ed?
Me:
yes
Sei
so:
don'
twor
ry.
Me:
Ican'
thel
pit
Sei
so:
int
hatcasewecanr
unt
est
sandscans
agai
n
Me:
thatwi
l
lbev
eryhel
pful
Sei
so:
Iwi
l
laskmycol
l
eaguet
oassi
sty
ou
Me:
please
Sei
so:
ory
oudon'
tmi
nd.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
.
Me:
Sei
so
Sei
so:
sayabut
i
Me:
whatwer
eyougoi
ngt
osay
?
Seiso:Iwasgoi
ngtoaskify
oudon'tmind
openingthosel
egsformesothatIcan
check..
..
..
..
.
Me:
Sei
so!
Sei
so:Tshegoy ouar
emyl
i
ttl
esi
ster
so.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
Me:
whatki
ndofabr
otherar
eyou?
Sei
so:onethatcar
esal
ot.Ot
her
wisehowi
s
marr
iedli
fe?
Me:Iwoul
dsayper
fecti
fitwasn'
tfort
hisl
i
ttl
e
i
ssue
Sei
so:
howi
sTonyt
aki
ngi
t?
Me:
sur
pri
singl
yhei
sjustcal
m andpat
ient
Sei
so:
thent
her
eisnoneedt
owor
ry
Me:
let
'sdot
het
est
sfi
rst
Sei
so:
OKsi
s.I
'
m oni
t
Me:
thanky
ousomuch
Sei
so:
any
thi
ngf
ory
oubabysi
ster
Me:
lov
eyoubr
o
Sei
so:
lov
eyour
ightback
Me:
cheer
s!

DI
MPHO'
SHOUSE

Di
mpho:
hei
sget
ti
ngmar
ri
ed(
shebur
sti
nto
t
ear
s)
Hermum:
Lisa'
sdad?
Di
mpho:
yesmama
Hermum:
toChar
it
y?
Di
mpho:
yes
Hermum:Idi
dn'
tthi
nkhewasgoi
ngt
omar
ry
t
hatmai
d
Di
mpho:
that
'st
het
hingmama.I
'
mrepl
acedby
amai
d
Hermum:
leti
tgo
Di
mpho:
Ist
il
ll
ovehi
m
Hermum:
youdeser
vebet
tert
hanhi
m mychi
l
d
Di
mpho:IhopeIwi
l
lfi
ndamanwhoi
sbet
ter
t
hanTef
o
Hermum:
youwi
l
l.Wheni
stheweddi
ng?
Di
mpho:
Idon'
tknow.
Hermum:
ignor
ethem mychi
l
d
Di
mpho:
it'
shar
d.Char
it
yisgoi
ngt
orai
semy
ki
ds
Hermum:
fightf
ory
ourki
ds
Di
mpho:i
t'
stoolat
e.It
'st
ool
atet
ofi
x
ev
ery
thi
ngthat
sbroken
Hermum:
thenl
etgo
Di
mpho: Ist
il
lcabrbel
i
eveChar
it
yandher
si
sterdi
dthi
st ome
Hermum:
wit
ches!
!!
!
NO.98

MYHOUSE

Tony
:babe?
Me:
(sad)l
ove?
Tony
:isi
tmeorar
eyousad?
Me:
TonyIcan'
tgi
vey
ouachi
l
d.
Tony
:whydoy
ousayt
hat
?
Me:
Ishoul
dbepr
egnantbynow
Tony
:itcoul
dbeanyoneofusmyl
ove
Me:
whati
fit
'
sme?
Tony:t
henwewil
ltr
yot
hermeans.Babyt
her
e
i
stechnol
ogyt
oaidus
Me:
(smi
l
ing)t
hanky
ou
Tony:(
hol
dingmyhands)Iwill
notleaveyoufor
notbei
ngabletogi
vemeachi ld.Thatwoul
dbe
ver
ycruel
.ItookavowandsaidIwi l
lbewit
h
youinsi
cknessandinheal
th
Me:thankyou.Pl
easekeepyourpr
omi
sei
n
caseIfai
ltogi
veyouachil
d
Tony:t
hat'
sv er
ysi
ll
y.BabeIhavenev
erhada
chi
ldorimpregnat
edanyone.I
tcoul
dbeme.
Whati
fI'
minf
ert
il
e?
Me:Iwi
l
lst
ayi
nthi
smar
ri
ageandmaket
his
wor
k.
Tony
:andnev
erhav
eababy
?
Me:i
twon'
tmat
terbecauseIhav
eyouandy
ou
makemehappy
Tony
:let
'sbepat
ient
.
Me:
OK.Tony
?
Tony:
lov
elywi
fe(hegav
emeasmi
l
ethat
warmedmybrokenhear
t)
Me:sothemoreti
meItaket
ofal
lpregnanti
t
meansImightgotocol
l
egeatal
aterdate?
Tony:nope.Ify
ouconcei v
elateyoucangot o
col
legewhilepregnant
.Ifwedon'tfal
lpr
egnant
thi
syearwecanst il
ltr
ywhi l
eyouareincol
lege
Me:
(smi
l
ing)r
eal
l
y?
Tony
:babeIknowhowmuchget
ti
nga
quali
fi
cati
onmeanst oyouandI'
m gonnamake
sureyourdream comestopass
Me:
(tear
sfl
owi
ng)Il
ovey
ouTony
Tony:(
wipi
ngmytearswit
hhisthumbs)Ihat
e
seei
ngyousadTshego.I
tbreaksme
Me:I
'
m sorr
y.I'
m act
ual
l
ycr
yingbecausewhat
youj
ustsai
dtouchedme
Tony:
whetheryouarecryi
ngbecausey
ouar
e
sadorhappy,
itst
il
lbreaksme
Me:sor
rybabe.Ishoul
dn'
tbecr
yingwhenI
hav
esuchal ov
inghusband.
Tony
:youshoul
dn'
t
Me:
youar
egoi
ngt
obel
atef
ory
ourl
ect
ure.
Tony:Iwi
l
lonl
yleav
eonceI
'
m sur
eyouar
e
okay
Me:
I'
m okaysweet
hear
t.
(
IFr
enchki
ssedhi
m andsmi
l
ed)
Tony
:Icangonow
Me:
lov
eusomuch
Tony
:lov
eyoumor
e

(
aft
erhel
eftIcal
l
edSei
so)
Me:
anynewsf
orme?
Sei
so:
ohy
ah(
sil
ence)
Me:
youar
emaki
ngmeanxi
ous
Seiso:
goty ousil
ly
.Theprel
i
mi nar
ytestresul
ts
showt hatever
ythi
ngisi
nperfectshape
Me:
huh!Whatar
eli
ef
Sei
so:
iti
shey
Me:
doIst
il
lneedt
odoi
ntensi
vet
est
s?
Sei
so:f
ornowIwoul
dsayno.Wai
taf
ewmor
e
months
Me:
thanky
ou.If
eel
rel
i
eved
Sei
so:I'
m soproudofmybuddy.Notalotof
menwoul dbesosuppor
ti
veinthiski
ndof
si
tuat
ionespeci
all
ywhentheyknowaboutyour
past
Me:
myhusbandi
soneofaki
nd
Sei
so:
hei
s.Yougoty
our
sel
fagoodman
Me:
Idi
dbr
o
Seiso:gomaket
hatbabyandst
opmaki
ng
excuses
Me:thatexactl
ywhatI'
m gonnado.Candleli
t
di
nnerwithslowmusicinthebackground,smal
l
pi
ecesofclothcover
ingmybodyj ustali
tt
lebi
t
Sei
so:
stopi
t.Myf
iancei
snotar
ound
Me:
har
dybr
o
Sei
so:
letmegetbackt
owor
k
Me:
sur
ebr
o.Manyt
hanks
Sei
so:
youar
ewel
comemyl
ove
(aft
ertalkingtoSeisoIf el
trelievedandf ullof
mot i
vation.Iwenttothemal l.Iwant edtospoi l
mymanandshowhi m howmuchIappr eciate
him.Iboughtmeatandhi sf avorit
eexpensi ve
wine.WhenIgothomeIspi cedt hemeatj ust
thewayhel i
kesi t
,cutthemeati ntosmal lstr
ips
andputi tinthemachi net odr y.Iwasmaki ng
bolti
ngf orhim.Mymani saser i
ousmeateat er.
Ithentookoutt wocampchai r
sandat abl eand
putthem i ntheshelt
er.Iplacedscent ed
coloredcandl esonthet ableandwai tedf orhim
toarriv
e.Iwor emybum shor ts,acropt opand
heelswi thasomemakeup.I t'
smoment slike
thi
sonet hatblowsMrVanDerMer we'smi nd
away .Talkaboutknowi ngy ourmanandbei ng
abletokeept heromancebur ning?)

BOKAA
(
phonecal
l
)
Puso:
hel
l
o
Kgomot
so:
Puso?
Puso:
I'
m her
e
Kgomotso:
babyIwoul
dli
ket
oreal
l
yapol
ogi
ze
toyou
Puso:
(si
l
ence)f
or?
Kgomot
so:
Ishoul
dnothav
eshout
edaty
ou
Puso:especial
l
ybecauseIwast
ryi
ngt
ohel
p
youbuil
dy ourfut
ure
Kgomot
so:
Iknowy
ouwer
edoi
ngi
tingood
fai
th
Puso:
doest
hatmeany
ouar
etaki
ngmyof
fer
?
Kgomotso:babepl
easeli
stentomeandt ryt
o
underst
andwhereI
'm comingfrom.Inev
er
wanttosetmyfooti
nschool agai
n.Ihat
e
school
Puso:
why
?
Kgomot
so:becauseIwi
l
lnev
erpass.I
twi
l
lbea
wast
eofyourmoney.
Puso:youneedtothi
nkofot
herway
sof
makingmoney.Shoul
dIopenabusi
nessf
or
you?
Kgomotso:no.I
'm notbusi
nessminded.Just
payformydrivi
nglessonsandbuymeacar .I
wil
lbeverygrat
eful
Puso:Icanpayfory
ourdr
ivi
ngl
essonsbutI
can'
taffor
dtobuyyouacar
Kgomotso:
cany
oubeabl
etobuyi
tint
he
fut
ure?
Puso:(f
rowni
ng)l
et'
snotcountourchi
ckens
befor
etheyar
ehatched
Kgomot
so:
any
way
,thanky
ou
Puso:
whendoy
ouwantt
ost
artdr
ivi
ngl
essons?
Kgomot
so:
tomor
row
Puso:
Iwi
l
lewal
ett
hemoney
Kgomot
so:
thanky
oubabe.Il
ovey
ou
Puso:
Ilov
eyout
oo
(whent
heyweredonetal
ki
ngPusoshookhis
headwonder
ingwhatKgomot
sowasupt o)

GABORONE

Uncl
e:.
..
..
..
..
..
.i
m goi
ngt
oseeDi
mpho'
sfami
l
y
onSatur
day
Tef
o:y
esuncl
e
Uncl
e:Ineedtounderst
andafewthi
ngsbef
ore
Igoandseethem,that'
swhyIcal
l
edthem
Tef
o:y
esuncl
e
Uncle:
tobeginwit
hwhatki
ndofamar
ri
age
haveyouplannedfor
?
Tef
o:asy
ouknowuncl
e,I
'
m unempl
oyedand
moneyi
sapr obl
em.Wejustwantt
osi
gnatt
he
DC'
soff
iceandhaveasmalll
unch
Uncl
e:Iunderstandmyson.Youdon'tneedto
puty
ourselfunderfi
nanci
alpr
essur
ej ustt
o
i
mpresspeopl e
Tef
o:t
hanky
ouf
orunder
standi
ng
Uncle:
youcanalwayspaybr
idepr
icel
aterand
haveaweddingofyourdr
eams
Tefo:
Ihopesouncle.Ididn'
tknowi
twasgoi
ng
tobethi
shardt
ofindaj ob
Uncl
e:somet
hingwi
l
lcomet
hrough
Tef
o:Ihopeso
Uncle:haveyout al
kedtoDimpho.Ast
he
mot hert
oy ourchil
drenshedeser
vest
oknow
thatyouaretakingthisbi
gstep
Tef
o:It
hinksheknows
Uncl
e:how?
Tef
o:sheaskedmei
fit
'st
ruet
hatI
'
m get
ti
ng
marr
ied
Uncl
e:whatdi
dyousay
?
Tef
o:Idi
dn'
trespondt
ohersms.
Uncle:son,dothingsr
ight
.Tellherbecausethe
kidsstil
lconnectyouand.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..I
t'
s
therightthi
ngtodo
Tef
o:Iwi
l
ltel
lher
Uncl
e:doi
tmyson.Bet
hebi
ggerper
son.
Tef
o:y
esuncl
e
Uncl
e:Char
it
yisagoodwomanshedeser
vesa
goodman
Tef
o:Iwi
l
lbegoodt
oher

4MONTHSLATER.
..
..
..
.
Uncl
e:t
hatwi
l
lpl
easemyhear
t
NO.99
TEFO’
SHOUSE

Tef
o:ar
eyouokay
?
Char
it
y:notr
eal
l
y
Tef
o:i
sitaboutt
heDi
mphosaga?
Char
ity
:yes.Whydoy
out
hinkt
heDCwant
sto
seeus?
Tef
o:It
hinkDi
mphowant
stost
opt
heweddi
ng
Char
it
y:buywhy(
tear
y)
Tef
o:wewi
l
lhearherr
easonst
oday
Char
it
y:t
hisi
swei
ghi
ngmedown
Tef
o:t
akei
teasymyl
ove
Char
it
y:shewantstohumili
ateus.Chancesar
e
wemightnotgetmarriedi
fshekeepscoming
upwit
hherdelaytact
ics
Tef
o:butwewi
l
lgetmar
ri
edev
ent
ual
l
y
Char
it
y:ah!
Tefo:
babyl
eav
eDi
mphof
orme.Iwi
l
lsor
ther
outni
cel
y
Char
it
y:ev
eryt
hingwasgoingver
ywel
lunt
il
Di
mphodecidedthatwecan’
tgetmar
ri
ed
Tef
o:babypl
easest
opst
ressi
ng
Char
it
y:how?
Tef
o:l
eav
eev
ery
thi
ngt
ome
Charit
y:wearesupposedtobegett
ingmarr
ied
i
nt woweeksandi t
’sscar
ythati
ssuesar
e
beginni
ngtocropoutofnowhere
Tef
o:i
ssues?
Char
it
y:dealwit
hDi
mpho’si
ssuefi
rstt
henwe
candealwit
htheot
heronel
ater
Tef
o:whati
stheot
heri
ssue?
Char
it
y:Ar
efa’
sfat
herdoesn’
twanty
out
o
adopt…….
(shebur
sti
ntot
ear
s)
Tefo:peopl
ecanbecruel
andsel
fi
sh.Whendi
d
youlear
naboutt
his?
Chari
ty:mymothercalledmet hi
smor ni
ngto
tel
lmethatArefa’sgr
andparentswereatour
housesayingt
heyapologisefornottaki
ngcare
ofthechil
dandt heywanttostartbei
ng
i
nvolved
Tef
o:di
dtheysayany
thi
ngaboutadopt
ion?
Chari
ty:
indi
rect
lyyes.Apparentl
ytheysai
dthey
wanttopaymyf amilysothatthechil
dcanuse
thei
rname
Tef
o:God!
Chari
ty:
Iwi
sht
her
ewassomet
hingIcando
abouti
t
Tef
o:l
et’
snotfi
ghthi
m.Thechi
l
dcanusehi
s
sur
namebutconti
nuetost
aywi
thus
Char
it
y:whati
fiti
nter
fer
eswi
thourmar
ri
age
andpeace?
Tefo:wewi ll
crossthebr
idgewhenweget
ther
e.Let’sbestrongandfi
ghtourenemi
esas
ateam love.Wecanwi nthi
s.Team
Mot swasele?
Char
ity
:(f
istbump)Team Mi
otswasel
e(she
smil
ed)
Tefo:
thissurnameisyour
snomatterwhatt
he
enemysay s.I
nexactl
ytwoweeksy
ouandIwi l
l
bemar r
iedcomewhatmay
Chari
ty:
Iwi
shIhadt
hesameconf
idenceas
you
Tefo:rel
axbabeandwat
chmepl
ayt
hisgame.
don’tstr
ess
KGOMOTSO’
SHOUSE
(
what
sappconv
ersat
ion)

Guy
:hel
l
obeaut
if
ul
Kgomot
so:
hel
l
other
e.Whoi
sthi
s?
Guy:yougav
emey
ournumberatt
hedr
ivi
ng
schoolt
oday
Kgomot
so:
oh.Thepol
i
ceof
fi
cer
?
Guy
:lol
.Yes
Kgomot
so:
howar
eyou?
Guy
:good.You?
Kgomot
so:
per
fect
Guy
:canwemeet
?
Kgomot
so:
wher
eandwhen?
Guy
:wow!Today
Kgomot
so:
fine
Guy
:BBSmal
li
nanhour
Kgomot
so:
cool
Guy:I
’
m actual
l
yexci
tedaboutmeet
inga
beaut
if
ull
adyli
keyou
Kgomot
so:y
ouar
emaki
ngmeshy
Guy :
I’
m ser
ious.TotaevenwhenIaskedfor
yournumberIwasj ustt
ryi
ngmyluck.Idi
dn’
t
t
hinkabeaut i
full
adyli
keyouwouldlookatme
t
wi ce
Kgomot
so:
comeon
Guy
:doy
ouhav
eaboy
fri
end?
Kgomot
so:
yesbuti
t’
snotwor
kingout
Guy
:what
’sgoi
ngon?
Kgomotso:wearet
oodi
ff
erentsowecl
ashon
alotofi
ssues.
Guy
:I’
m mar
ryi
ngy
ounexty
ear
Kgomot
so:
youdon’
tknowme
Guy:gi
vemef ourmonthsandIwillknowyou
ver
ywell.OnceIunder
standyourpersonal
i
ty
whyshouldIdelaymarr
yingy
ou?
Kgomot
so:
heeee!
Guy:I’
m notthetypethatkeepsawomanf or
fouryearsasifsheisstudyi
ngtowardsa
degreeinrel
ati
onshipmanagement .
Kgomotso:
hahahaha.That
’sv
eryf
unny
.Why
ar
en’
tyoumarr
iedt
hen?
Guy:Ihav
ebeenmeet i
ngthewrongones.The
dayImeetther
ightoneI’
mt y
ingtheknowri
ght
away
Kgomot
so:
ok(
shesmi
l
edhappi
l
y)
Guy
:whenIf eel
thatarelati
onshipi
snot
wor
kingIletgoofftheperson.Ther
eisnopoi
nt
i
ntr
yingveryhardinvai
n
Kgomot
so:youar
esor
ight
.Somet
imeswet
ry
fort
ool
ong
Guy
:exact
ly.Wear
est
il
lmeet
ing,
right
?
Kgomot
so:sur
e.Idon’
thav
eananny
.CanI
br
ingmysonalong?
Guy
:def
ini
tel
y.Letmemeett
hel
i
ttl
emanwho
mi
ghtendupbecomi
ngapar
tofmyl
i
fe
Kgomot
so:
alr
ight
y.Lat
er
Guy
:lat
erl
ove
MYHOUSE

(
Tonyarr
ivedhometofi
ndmecrying.Iwas
f
eel
ingoverwhel
medandhopel
ess)
Tony
:babe?Tshego?
Me:
rra?
Tony
:whyar
eyoucr
ying?What
’sgoi
ngon?
(hehel
pedmetostandupandhemademer est
myheadonhischest.Hesl
owl
ymassagedmy
back)
Me:
I’
m notpr
egnant
Tony
:youar
eony
ourper
iods?
Me:
yes
Tony
:babebest
rong
Me:Tonyi
thasbeenmonthsoft ry
ingandever
y
monthal
lIgeti
spanti
essoakedinbloodand
ey
essoakedintear
s.Whycan’tIconcei
ve?
Tony:t
herightquest
ioni
swhycan’
twe
concei
ve.Don’tmakeity
ourpr
obl
em because
i
t’
sourproblem
(Irai
sedmyheadsli
ghtl
yandlookedatTony
.
Hel ookedi
ntomyeyesbef
oregivi
ngmeababy
kiss)
Me:
thi
sisgoi
ngt
obr
eakusup
Tony:i
fweletit
.Ifwedon’
t,
wewi
l
lst
ay
toget
herf
orever
Me:
promi
se?
Tony:yes.It
hinkweshoul
dgoandseeadoct
or
sothatwecangetchecked
Me:Iagr
ee(Isai
dthatconfident
lybecause
Sei
sohadassuredmet hatevery
thi
ngisperfect
)
Tony
:ift
hepr
obl
em i
swi
thme?
Me:
I’
m st
ayi
ngi
nthi
smar
ri
agenomat
terwhat
Tony:I
’m al
sostayi
ng.Iwon’
tleav
eyouj
ust
becauseyoucan’tgi
vemekids
Me:
met
oo(
Ismi
l
edandhesmi
l
edback)
Tony:t
hat’
swhyIcan’tstopemphasisingt
hat
weshouldnotl
etthi
sbr eakusup.Wecan
adoptachi
ldorr
aiseotherpeopl
e’skids
Me:
Iwoul
dnotmi
ndt
hat
Tony:
fornow, Iwi
llmakeanappoi
ntmentwit
h
adoctorsothatwecanbothgetcheckedand
wecant akei
tfrom t
here
Me:
thanky
ou
Tony
:youar
esost
ressed.Let
’sgocy
cli
ng
Me:
thatwoul
dbeni
ce
(
weki
ssed)
Tony
:youcangoaheadandst
artappl
yi
ngf
or
col
l
egel
ove
Me:
arey
ousur
e?
Tony:yes.Wecan’tputyourl
i
feonholdjust
becauseitdi
ff
icul
tforustoconcei
ve.No.
Me:
thanky
ousomuchl
ove
Tony:doyout
hinkyoucanmanagebei
ngawif
e,
anexpect
antmotherandast
udentatt
hesame
ti
me
Me:
Ipr
omi
sey
out
hatIcanmanage.Ican
Tony
:thenwhywai
tfory
out
ofal
lpr
egnant
Me:
exact
ly

LENTLE’
SHOUSE
Lentl
e:howwouldyouf
eel
ify
oudi
scov
ered
thatI
’m pr
egnant
?
Hermum:Lent
ley
ouareol
denough,
youar
e
maki
ngyourownmoneywhi
chmeansyoucan
af
fordtocar
efory
ourchi
l
d.Whywoul
dImake
afuss?
Lent
le:
Ithoughtyouwer
egoi
ngt
osayImust
haveachil
daftermar
ri
age
Hermum: i
twouldbeunfai
rbecausey
our
r
elat
ionshi
psdon’
twork
Lent
le:
sot
ruemum
Hermum:butt
ellme,i
fyouweretohav
eachi
l
d
whowol
ditbesincey
ouaresingl
e?
Lentl
e:im notl
ooki ngforaboyfr
iendtobe
honest.I’
mlookingf orsomeonewi t
ha
desi
rablecharacterwhoIcanmakeachi ldwi
th.
Evenifthepersondoesn’ twantt
or ai
sethe
chi
ldwi t
hmei tsfine.
Hermum:t
hat
’saverybadi
dea.Whyar
eyoui
n
ahur
ryt
ohaveachil
d?
Lent
le:
Ifeel
lonel
y
Hermum:
may
bey
oushoul
dst
artamast
ers
pr
ogr
amme.Gobackt
oschool
Lent
le:
Idon’
tthi
nki
twi
l
ltaket
hel
onel
i
ness
away
Hermum: Lent
lemydaught ery ouwillbe
makingabigmistake.Erasethatthoughtfr
om
yourmindnow.Don’trushany t
hing.Youwill
fi
ndagoodboy f
ri
end.Youj ustneedt obe
pati
ent
Lent
le:
eemma
Hermum:
pleasedon’
tdoi
t
Lent
le:
Iwon’
t
(
hermum gaveitheral
li
nsensiti
zi
ngherabout
t
hebadconsequencesofrai
singachi
l
dalone)
NO.100

DC'
SOFFI
CE
DC:
hel
l
oMrMot
swasel
e
Tef
o:goodmor
ningsi
r
DC:
doy
ouknowt
hisl
ady
Tef
o:ver
ywel
l
.hernamei
sdi
mpho.Shei
smy
exwif
e
DC:good.Ihavecall
edyouherebecause
Dimphosay sshehassomeconcernsthati
n
hervi
ew..youaregett
ingmarr
iedintwoweeks,
am Ir
ight
?
Tef
o:y
ouar
eri
ghtsi
r
DC:
wel l
,accordi
ngtoheryoucannotget
mar
riedbeforetheconcer
nsareaddressed
Tef
o:ok
DC:mmayoucangoaheadandst
atey
our
concer
nst
ohi
m
Di
mpho:
Iwantcust
odyofmychi
l
dren
Dc:
buty
oudi
dntst
atet
hati
nyourl
ett
er
Dimpho:
Iwil
lnotl
etmychi
ldr
enber
aisedby
anot
herwomanwhilei
m al
i
ve
DC:
whogav
ehi
m cust
odyofy
ourchi
l
dren?
Tef
o:t
hanky
ou
Di
mpho:
DC:t
hatoneisbeyondme.t heonlyper
sonwho
hast
helegal
righttorever
sethatdeci
sioni
sthe
onewhomadei toranyonewithequalpower
s
Tefo:
ifyouwantt
ochal
l
engei
tDi
mphogo
backtocour
t.
Di
mpho:
Iwi
l
lgobackt
ocour
t
DC:arey
ouawar
ethatt
her easoni
snotvali
d
enought
ost
ophimfrom gett
ingmarr
ied?
Di
mpho:
itsv
ali
d
DC:
itsnot
Di
mpho:y
oucanttaket
hatbi
gst
epwhi
l
ether
e
i
sani
ssueofcust
odypendi
ng
DC:inmyper ceptiont
hereisnocustodyissue
pending.Asiti
s,Tefohasfullcust
odyoft he
chi
ldrenandchallengi
ngthatisadiff
erentissue
al
togetheranditshouldnotstophimfrom
gett
ingmar r
ied
Dimpho:Iwil
ltakei
ttocour
tbecausey
oudont
seem eagert
ohelpme
DC: eemmay ouhaveev er
yrighttoappealthe
i
ssuei fyoudontfeelsati
sfi
edandi nthi
scase
courtisthenextbeststep.Thisi
ssuewasnot
statedinthelet
tersonowt hatit
sdonel et
s
focusoni ssuesyoustatedinthelet
ter
Dimpho:youandy ournewwifecannotst
ayin
mychil
drenshouse.Remembert hatyouhav
e
beenstay
inginthathousebecauseyouwere
taki
ngcareofthem
Tef
o:andmytaki
ngcar
eoft
hem st
opaf
terI
marr
yChari
ty?
Di
mpho:
Char
it
ycannotst
ayi
nmychi
l
drens
house
Tefo:thatwontbeapr oblem.Char ityandIwi ll
mov eoutoft hathousebutsi ncewewi llbe
renti
ngt oaccommodat ey ourkidsIwi l
lgoback
tocourtsot hatyouincreaset hemoneyy oupay
formai nt
enanceorasanal t
er nat
iveIgett he
moneyf r
om therentaltohel pmei nr ai
singthe
kids.Rememebert hatim unempl oyedso. .
Di
mpho:
youar
eev
il
Tef
o:whil
ewear eatit
,Im notmarr
iedt
otwo
womensot her
ecanonlybeoneMma
Motswasel
eusingthesurname..
Di
mpho:
youar
ebei
ngpet
tyandsi
l
ly
Tef
o:gobacktoyourmaidensur
nameplease
andmakesureyoudoitbefor
eIgetmar
ried
(t
heDCqui et
lyobser
v edthem tearingeach
otherapartbeforei
nterveni
ng.Afterthelong
heateddiscussioni
twasdeci dedt hatTefocan
goaheadandgetmar ri
edandDi mphocango
andchall
engethedeci
sionsmadebythecour
ts
regar
dingTefosst
ayinthehouseandcust
ody
ofthegir
ls)

DOCTOR'
SOFFI
CE

Doct
or:
wel
l
,ev
ery
thi
ngl
ooksf
inesof
ar
Tony
:that
'sar
eli
ef
Me:buthowcomewehav
en'
tbeabl
eto
concei
ve?
Doct
or:l
et'
swaitf
ort
heresult
sfort
heot
her
t
estssothatwecanbesure
Me:
ok
Doctor
:usuall
ywegetwor
ri
edi
fpeopl
ehav
e
beentr
yingforay
ear
Tony
:(l
ooki
ngatme)i
t'
snotay
ear
Doct
or:
exact
ly.Let
'snotwor
ryt
oomuchf
or
nowbecausebei
ngwor
ri
edcancausei
ssues
Tony:
(hol
dingmyhand)Ial
way
stel
lhernott
o
st
ress
Me:
I'
mtr
yingnott
owor
rybuti
t'
shar
d
Doct
or:
youshoul
drel
ax
Me:
Iwi
l
ltr
y
Tony
:no.Youwi
l
ldoi
t
Me:Iwil
lmyl
ove(
Ismi
l
edandheki
ssedmy
hand)
Doctor:
from t
odayt r
ymakingl ovenotababy
becauseifyoufocusonmaki ngababyy ouwil
l
beputti
ngyourselvesunderpressur
e
Tony
:ver
ytr
ue
Doctor
:Iwi
l
lgiveyousuppl
ement
sjust(
she
shr
uggedhershoul
ders)
Me:ar
ethesuppl
ement
sgoi
ngt
oincr
easehi
s
l
ibi
do?
Doct
or:
def
ini
tel
y
Me:
ohno!
(
theyl
aughed)
Doct
or:
what
?
Me:
hei
sener
get
ical
ready
Doct
or:
I'
m ki
ddi
ng
Me:
ohok
Doct
or:Iwil
lcal
lyouwhent
her
esul
tsoft
he
ot
hertest
sareready
Tony
:thanky
ousomuchdoct
or
Doct
or:
youar
emostwel
come
Me:
thanky
ou
Doct
or:
cheer
s.
(whenwel ef
tthedoctor'
sofficeTonywasi n
highspiri
ts.Hetookmeoutf orlunch.Themore
diff
erentdoctorssayeveryt
hingseemsf i
nethe
mor eIgetcomf ort
ed)
TEFO'
SHOUSE

Si
ster
:whatki
ndofbr
idei
sthi
s?Wher
eist
he
gl
ow?
Char
it
y:ahmma!Wear
efaci
ngchal
l
engesand
If
eelover
whel
med
Si
ster
:don'
tl
etDi
mphopul
lyoudown
Char i
ty:
I'
mtry
ingbutit
'shar
d.Kanai
fwear
e
kickedoutoft
hishouseitmeanswehav
eto
rentandwecan'taf
fordit
Si
ster
:ist
hesal
onnotdoi
ngwel
l
Char
it
y:i
t'
sdoi
ngwel
l
.
Si
ster
:theny
oucanaf
for
dtor
ent
Chari
ty:
Ithi
nkthef
actthatTefoisunemployed
i
sgetti
ngtomenowbutIcan' ttalkt
ohim
abouti
tforf
earofbr
uisi
nghisal r
eadybr
uised
ego
Si
ster
:isheact
ivel
ylooki
ngf
oraj
ob?
Charit
y:hehasbeenappl
yi
ngandhewas
i
nvitedforani
nter
viewt
wicebuttheyhav
en'
t
cal
ledhim whi
chmeanshedidn'tdowell
Si
ster
:hewi
l
lfi
ndaj
ob.
Char
it
y:Ihopeso
Sist
er:don'tst
resskaDi
mpho.Don'
tgi
veher
thatsati
sfacti
on
Char
it
y:Iwon'
t
Si
ster
:cheerup
Chari
ty:
Iwil
ltr
y.I
fthi
ngsgetreal
l
ybadwewi l
l
havetosel
lTefo'
scarandbuyaplot
.Butwher
e
arewegoingtogetmoneyforbui
ldi
ng?
Si
ster
:tl
hemmasomet
hingwi
l
lcomet
hrough
Char
it
y:I
'
m becomingti
redoft
hissi
tuat
ion.
Di
mphospentthebestyear
sofTEFO'Sl
ifewit
h
hi
m butshewon'
tl
etmewhat
everi
slef
tofhi
m
Si
ster
:(wor
ri
ed)aomma
Chari
ty:whenDimphowasmar ri
edtoTefo,
Tefohadmoney ,di
gnit
yandrespect
.Nowhe
haslostevery
thi
ng.RonaboCharit
ywearejust
picki
ngupincompletepi
ecesandtryi
ngt
oglue
them toget
her
Si
ster
:Chachapl
easedon'
tdoubty
ourf
uance.
Heistr
yinghi
sbest
.All
shal
lbewell
Char
it
y:Ihopeso
Sister:Godhashi sreasonformakinghim go
throught hi
s.Hewi l
lcomeoutoft hissi
tuation
humbl eandthatwayhei sgoingtoappreciate
you.May beifhewasn'tgoi
ngt hr
oughthishe
woul dnotbesuchagoodf iance.Tefoisagood
man, hissi
tuati
onistheonethat'
sundesirable.
Lear ntoseparatehimf r
om hissit
uati
on.
Char
it
y:i
t'
smaki
ngsense
Si
ster
:hangi
nther
e
Char
it
y:Iwi
l
l.
Sist
er:Ihav
etogobackt
oKopongbef
orei
t
getsdark
Char
ity
:thanksforcomingt
oseeme.If
eel
alot
l
ight
eraftert
alki
ngtoyou
Si
ster
:that
'swhatsi
ster
sar
efor

(
phoneconv
ersat
ion)
Kgomot
so:
hel
l
o
Puso:
babyI
'
m aty
ourhouse
Kgomotso:I
'
m nothome.Youshoul
dhav
e
cal
ledbef
orecoming
Puso:
wher
ear
eyou?
Kgomot
so:
I'
m ataf
ri
end'
shouse
Puso:
canIcomeandpi
cky
ou.Imi
ssy
ou
Kgomot
so:
no.Ij
ustgother
e
Puso:canIseeyouj
ustf
or10mi
nut
es.Imi
ss
thatbeaut
if
ulf
ace
Kgomotso:PusoI
'
m atJohn'
smot
her
'shouse
andIdoubtyouwantt
oseehim
Puso:
OKby
e
Kgomot
so:
I'
m sor
rybabe
Puso:
bye

NO.101

MYHOUSE

Me:
howdi
dthi
ngsgobet
weeny
ouandDi
mpho?
Tef
o:act
ual
l
ythat
'st
her
easonwhyI
'
m her
e
Me:
ok
Tefo:
TheDcsai dDimphodoesn'
thaveastrong
casebutshecangobacktocourtifshest
il
l
wantstopursuethei
ssue.
Me:
Isee.Doy
out
hinkshewi
l
lgot
ocour
t?
Tefo:
yes.Act
uall
ythat
'swhatIwantt
otal
kto
youandyourhusbandabout
Me:
Tonyhasgonet
oseeSei
so
Tef
o: oh.MaybeIcanjustt
alkt
oyouandy
ou
wil
ltalktohi
m abouti
t
Me:
it'
sfi
ne,
Iwi
l
ltel
lhi
m whatwedi
scussed
Tefo:t
hanky ou.TshegokanaDimphowantsus
outofthathouseandt hatmeansi
fshewins
thecasewewi llbehomeless
Me:t
hat
'ssad
Tef
o:rememberthatI
'
mt heonewhobui
l
dthe
twoandhal
fformymot her
Me:
eer
ra(
thatcaughtmeof
fguar
d)
Tefo:wecan'
tbehomel
esswhenIhav
ebui
l
t
thathousef
ormymother
Me:
butTonyext
endedi
t.
..
..
.
Tef
o:Iappr
eciatethat
.TshegoI'myourbrother
andyoucan'
tleavemehopel essespeci
all
y
whenIhavecontri
buted.
Me:butyousai
dIcangett
hehouseandt
he
housei
sinmyname
Tef
o:Iknow.WhenIgaveyouthathouseI
di
dn'
tknowthatIwasgoingt
obehomel essat
somepoint
Me:doyouwantthehousebackorwhat
?I
don'
tunder
stand
Tef
o:Idon'
twantt
hehouseback
Me:
whatdoy
ouwant
?
Tefo:
Iwanttogoandstayi
nthathousei
f
Dimphowinsthecase
Me:
forhowl
ong?
Tef
o:unt
ilIcanaf
for
dtobui
l
dmy
sel
fahouse
Me:
whataboutwhatTonyhascont
ri
but
ed?
Tef
o:Idon'
tknow
Me:
eish!I
fDi
mphol
osest
hecase?
Tef
o:t
henIwon'
tbot
hery
ou
Me:
ok.Iwi
l
ltal
ktoTonyabouti
t
Tef
o:t
hanky
ouv
erymuch.Iwi
l
lbeonmyway
Me:
eer
ra
Tef
o:by
e
Me:
bye.Passmyr
egar
dst
othegi
rl
s
(Icriedmyhear toutaf t
erTefoleft
.my
mar riageisalr
eadyt aki
ngast r
ainbecauseof
thef ail
uretoconceiveandnowt hi
s.Ial
ready
feel alotofpressuretoconceivewhichmaybe
i
nt erferi
ngwithmyabi l
i
tyt
oconcei veandnow
Tef owant stostressmedr aggingmychances
ofconcept iontobelowzer o.If
eltIcoul
dn't
handl
ethei
ssueal
onesoIcal
l
edTony
)

Tony
:don'
ttel
lmey
ouar
emi
ssi
ngmeal
ready
Me:
(sobbi
ng)babecany
oucomebackhome
Tony
:ar
eyoucr
yingl
ove?
Me:somethi
ngupsetmeandIwantt
otal
kto
youabouti
t
Tony
:whati
sitl
ove?
Me:
Tef
owant
stomov
eint
oourhouse
Tony
:whi
chhouse?
Me:
mymot
her
'shouse
Tony
:what
?
Me:Di
mphodoesn'
twantChar
it
ytost
ayi
nthei
r
ol
dhousesohehasnowher
etogo
Tony:Tshegoasf
arasIknow,
thathouseis
your
slegall
yandi
tdoesn'
tmat
terwhetherTef
o
cont
ri
butedornot
.Whenwegotmar ri
edyou
ownedthathouse,sothatmakesitours.I
ext
endedthehousebecauseIknowi t'
sy our
s.
Tef
oisnotmov ingint
othathouse,per
iod!
Me:Ihatehim.Tefohasn'
tchanged.(
cry
ing)i
t
hasbroughtbackmemor i
esofhowheand
Dimphousedt otr
eatme
Tony:babe,
takei
teasy
.Don'
tgety
our
sel
f
workedup.babe?
Me:
rra?
Tony :
I'
m cominghomenow.Dontall
owhimto
str
essy ou.Babey
ouknowv er
ywellt
hatwe
don'tneedthi
sstr
ess.Leav
eyourbr
othert
ome
Me:
thanks
Tony
:I'
m comi
nghomenowmyl
ove
Me:
ok
(Tonycamehomequi ckl
yandIcri
edonhis
shoulder.Heconsol
edandcomf or
tedme.We
thendiscussedthei
ssuewhenIwasmuch
mor ecl
am.ThewayTonywasangr y
, Icoul
dtel
l
thathewasn'tgoingtoplaygameswi thTef
o.
Atsomepoi nthi
swhol efacehadt urnedred
andhewast alki
ngt omei nAfr
ikaansandI
couldn'
tunderst
andany t
hing)
Tony
:(r
ubbi
ngmyshoul
der
s)I
'
m notangr
yat
youl
ove
Me:
Iknow
Tony:yourbr
othermustnotpi
ssmeoff
becauseIalr
eadydisl
i
kehimfort
het
hingshe
di
dt oyou
Me:
don'
ttakei
ttoohar
d
Tony:Icanpr
omi
seyouonet hi
ng;onceI'
m
donewithTef
ohewi
llnottouchyouagain.I
t'
s
ti
mesomeoneputst
hisstupidex-
soldi
erinhi
s
pl
ace.Hehaswal
kedalloveryouandenoughis
enough
Me:
thanky
ouf
ordef
endi
ng
(whil
ewewer estil
ltalkingSeisocame.Tony
hadtoldhi
m aboutTef o'ssuggesti
onorwasi t
arequestandSeisowasal sofur
ious.Inever
knewhowcr azythet wocangetwhent heyare
toget
herunti
ltoday)

KGOMOTSO'
SHOUSE

(Pusoarr
ivedatKgomot
so'shousear
ound5am
andther
ewasnosi gnofKgomotsoandthe
chil
d.Hecall
edher)
Kgomot
so:
(yawni
ng)hel
l
o
Puso:
mor
ningbabe.
Kgomot
so:
mor
ningl
ove
Puso:
Imi
ssy
ou.Wher
ear
eyou?
Kgomot
so:
I'
m home
Puso:
home?
Kgomot
so:
yes
Puso:(angr
y)Kgomotsostopl
yi
ngtome
becauseI'
m atyourpl
aceandt
herei
snoone
Kgomot
so:
Isai
dhomenotmyr
ent
edhouse
Puso:
whatdoy
oumeanhome?
Kgomot
so:
I'
m atmymot
her
'spl
ace
Puso:
yousl
eptt
her
e?
Kgomotso:
Pusopleasedontspoi
lmyday
.Isi
t
wrongt
osleepatmymot her
shouse?
Puso:yougotmeconf
usedbecausey
our
st
oriesdi
dn'
taddup
Kgomotso:
Itol
dy ounott
ocometomyhouse
wit
houtcal
l
ingbecauseIknewy
ouwer
egoing
toendupaccusi
ngmeofcheati
ng
Puso:
didIsayy
ouar
echeat
ing?
Kgomotso:y
ouar
eimpl
yi
ngi
twi
thy
our
quest
ions
Puso:i
fyouar
enotcheat
ing,
whyar
eyou
workedup?
Kgomot
so:
Pusodon'
tst
artok
Puso:
Kgomot
sowhat
'sgoi
ngonbet
weenus?
Kgomot
so:
yout
ell
me
Puso:
canIpl
easeseey
out
oday
?
Kgomotso:youhavealr
eadyspoi
l
edmymood
soIdon'
tfeell
ikeseei
ngyou
Puso:
Kgomot
so
Kgomotso:
Iwil
lseeyousomeot
hert
imewhen
I
'm muchmorecalm
Puso:wehaven'
tseeneachotherforaweek
Kgomotsoandit'
snotheal
thy
.Ourr el
ati
onshi
p
i
sgoingthr
oughar oughti
meandweshoul dbe
seei
ngeachothermoreandwor ki
ngonour
i
ssues
Kgomot
so:
Isai
dnott
oday
Puso:
arey
oust
il
li
nter
est
edi
nme?
Kgomot
so:
yes
Puso:
arey
ousur
e?
Kgomot
so:
don'
tst
artagai
n
Puso:
bye
Kgomot
so:
bye
(
aft
ert
hecal
l
)

Kgomot
so:
mxm!Hewant
stopi
ssmeof
f
Tumel
o:chi
l
llov
e.i
shej
eal
ous?
Kgomot
so:
Ithi
nkhesuspect
sthatI
'
m cheat
ing
Tumel
o:l
eav
ehi
m
Kgomotso:Tumel
oourr
elat
ionshi
pisst
il
lnew
soIdon'
tknowwherei
t'
sgoingso.
Tumel
o:Isee
Kgomot
so:
noof
fensei
ntended
Tumelo:Iunder
stand.
.butyousai
dthi
ngsar
e
notgoodbetweenthet woofyou
Kgomotso:
oncethi
ngsbet
weenmear
epr
ovi
ng
tobegoodIwil
ll
eavehi
mforyou
Tumel
o:(
smi
l
ing)okbabe
Kgomot
so:
let
'sst
opt
alki
ngabouthi
m
Tumel
o:y
ouar
eri
ght
.Ist
hebabyst
il
lsl
eepi
ng?
Kgomot
so:
letmegoandcheckhi
m?

(
meanwhi
l
e,Pusocal
l
edKenal
emang)

Kenal
emang:
mymai
nman
Puso:
Kgomot
soi
sshowi
ngmedust
Kenal
emang:
what
'
shappeni
ng?
Puso:Kgomotsohasbeendodgi
ngmet
he
wholeweek.
Kenal
emang:
shei
scheat
ing
Puso:It
hinkso.Shei
snotatherhouseaswe
speak
Kenal
emang:
wher
eist
hebaby
?
Puso:that
'swhatconf
usesme.Canshegowi
th
thebabytoaboy f
ri
end?
Kenal
emang:
yes
Puso:
Iwi
l
lobser
vehercl
osel
y
Kenal
emang:
ifshegi
vesy
oupr
obl
emsj
ustl
et
hergo
Puso:
andIwi
l
lbedonewi
thgi
rl
s
Kenal
emang:
don'
tl
osehope
Puso:
dat
ingi
srubbi
sh
Kenal
emang:
butsexi
sgood
Puso:
(hegi
ggl
ed)sexcanbebought
Kenal
emang:
soka!
Puso:
Iwi
l
ltal
ktoy
oul
ater
.I'
m of
ftoSA
Kenal
emang:
sur
emymai
nman6
NO.102

TEFO'
SHOUSE

(
Phoneconv
ersat
ion)
Tef
o:hel
l
o
Cal
l
er:hel
losi
r.CanIpl
easet
alkt
oTef
o
Motswasel
e?
Tef
o:speaki
ng
Cal
ler
:youar
etal
ki
ngtoCat
her
inef
rom
Gabor
oneCit
ycounci
l
Tef
o:(
hesmi
l
ed)y
esmam
Cal
l
er:
hav
eyouappl
i
edf
oraj
obher
e?
Tef
o:y
esmadam.Yes
Cal
l
er:si
ryouarei
nvi
tedt
oandi
nter
viewon
Wednesdayat10am
Tef
o:t
hanky
ou.t
hanky
ousomuch
Cal
l
er:
att
heheadquar
ter
s
Tef
o:Iwi
l
lbet
her
e
Cal
l
er:
Iwi
l
lsendansmsf
orr
efer
ence
Tef
o:t
hatwi
l
lbegr
eat
Cal
l
er:
bye
Tef
o:hav
eagr
eatday
.By
e
(char
it
ywaslooki
ngathi
m hopinghewas
goingtot
ell
herwhatt
hecallwasabout
)

Char
it
y:soundedl
i
kegoodnews
Tef
o:(
smi
l
ed)i
tist
hegr
eat
estnewsev
er
Char
it
y:whatwasi
tabout
?
Tef
o:Ihav
ebeeni
nvi
tedt
oaj
obi
nter
viewat
Gabor
oneci
tycounci
l
Chari
ty:
Godisgreat
.Ihavebeencr
yingt
oGod
aski
nghimtogiv
ey ouajob
Tef
o:Iknowy
ouhav
ebeenmyi
nter
cessor
Chari
ty:
thi
sisnotanint
erv
iew,
itsj
usta
for
malit
y.Thej
obisyoursi
nJesusname
Tef
o:Il
i
key
ourf
ait
h
Char
it
y:Ihav
etheki
ndoff
ait
hthatcanmov
e
mountai
ns
Tefo:Il
oveyouandI
'
m whatIam becauseof
you.Youaremysour
ceofstr
engt
hand
i
nspirat
ion
Char
it
y:asasoont
obewi
fei
tsmyr
ole
Tef
o:I
'
m gl
adIf
oundy
ou
Char
it
y:t
hatmeanswewi l
lnol
ongerhav
eto
movetoTshego'
shouse
Tef
o:l
et'
snotr
unt
omadedeci
sionsand
concl
usi
ons
Charit
y:babei
fyoufi
ndaj
obwecanaf
for
dto
rentourownhouse
Tefo:
wecan'
trentahousewhenIhav
ebui
l
ta
house
Chari
ty:babywhaty
ouaredoi
ngisbasi
cal
ly
youtry
ingtosti
rupafi
ghtwit
hTshegoandher
husband.
Tef
o:I
'
m ent
it
ledt
othathouse
Chari
ty:
Tefowear enotenti
tl
edtothathouse.
yesyoubuil
titbuti
tbelongstosomeoneelse
now.Whyar eyoubeingsocruelt
oy oursi
ster
?
Icanaff
ordtorentusat woandhalfwhether
yougetthi
sjobornot
Tefo:
doy ouknowhowitfeel
sli
ketosee
someoneliv
ingof
fyoursweatwhenyouare
str
uggli
ng?
Char
it
y:y
ouar
ejustpi
cki
ngupaf
ightwi
thy
our
si
sterandherhusband.Tef
o,l
ett
hisissuer
est
.
Gapey ouar
emaki ngdeci
si
onsasifDimpho
hasalr
eadywont hecasewhenshehasnteven
l
aunchedthecase
Tef
o:whati
fshewi
ns?
Char
it
y:whati
fshel
oses?
Tef
o:i
fshel
oses,
greati
fshedoesntt
henI
hav
eto
Char
it
y:(
upset
)leav
ethepoorchi
l
dal
one
Tefo:
ther
eisnothi
ngli
kepoorchi
l
d.Tshegoi
s
l
ivi
ngaluxur
iousli
fe
Char
it
y:i
sthi
sjeal
ousyorwhat
?
Tef
o:let'
sstoptal
ki
ngaboutt
hisi
ssuebef
ore
westartfi
ghti
ngwithwor
ds
Charit
y:l
etmemaket hi
scleartoyou.i
fyou
mov etoTshego'shouseI'
m notmov i
ngwith
you.Ican'
tmov efr
om onewoman' shouseto
anotherwoman'shouse.Iwillgoandrentatwo
andhalf.Youwill
movealone.I
'm notgoi
ngto
putTshegot hr
ought
hatandstartand
unnecessaryfi
ghtwi
thher.No!MyGodwi ll
see
met hr
ough
Tef
o:Char
it
y
Char
ity:
takeitorl
eav
eit.Hel
ookedatChar
it
y
andreal
izedhowseri
ousshewas)

JOHNSMOTHERSHOUSE

John:
whoi
sthatguy
?
Kgomot
so:
(shy
)whi
chguy
?
John:
theonewhoj
ustdr
oppedy
ouof
f?
Kgomot
so:
Tumel
o
John:
youknowt
heki
ndofanswerIwant
Kgomot
so:
Ist
art
eddat
inghi
mrecent
ly
John:
youbr
okeupwi
thPuso
Kgomot
so:
notr
eal
l
y
John:
meani
ng?
Kgomotso:Il
oveTumel
over
ymuchbutPusoi
s
aniceguy
John:Ihavehadmyf i
ght
swithPusobuttobe
honestwit
hy ouimt heonewhofoughtPuso
andheneverf oughtmeback.Pusoisanice
guy
Kgomotso:Iknowbutwejustdontcl
i
ck,we
dontconnect
.Pusoisaveryni
ceguy;hei
s
humbleanddownt oear
th
John:
that
'shi
m
Kgomot so:that
'st
hereasonwhyI'
m notl
eaving
him eventhoughIhavestar
teddat
ingTumelo.I
can'
tleavePusobef or
eIknowTumel owel
l
John:
ifhef
indsout
?
Kgomot
so:
Ihopehedoesn'
t
John:
butt
her
eist
hatpossi
bil
i
ty
Kgomot
so:
eish.Iknow
John:whyar
ey oukeepi
nghi
m wheni
t'
scl
ear
thaty
ouhavefall
enoutofl
ovewi
thhi
m?
Kgomotso:If
eelsor
ryf
orhi
m becausehe
hasn'
tdoneanyt
hingwr
ong.
John:
isi
tabouthi
smoney
?
Kgomot
so:
no!
John: behonestwithy
our
selfatleasti
fyou
can'tbehonestwithme.Webot hknowt heguy
i
sv erysuccessful
andhaslotsofmoney
Kgomotso:arey
ousuggesti
ngthatIam agol
d
di
gger
?( angr
y)i
sthatwhatyouaresayi
ng?
John:
no.Ineedt
ouset
hebat
hroom
Kgomotso:
andy
ouwantt
hisgol
ddi
ggert
o
hel
pyou?
John:
Kgomot
sothechoi
ceofwhethery
ouhel
p
meornoti
syour
s.Soareyougoi
ngtohelpme
ornot
?
Kgomotso:nev
erev
ersuggestwhaty
ou
suggest
ed
John:
themmaI
'
m pr
essed
Kgomotso:
y oucan'tbethrowingshadeswhen
youcan'
tevenassistyoursel
ftotheloo
John:throwi
ngshades?(
hegi
ggl
ed
sarcast
ical
ly
)
Kgomotso:r
emembery
oudependonusf
or
ever
ythi
ngsobewi
se
John:
Iwasn'
tbor
ndi
sabl
ed,
beart
hati
nmi
nd
Kgomot
so:youknowwhat,
Ishoul
dbeonmy
wayhome.Letmetakey
outothebat
hroom
andgohome
John:
thanky
ou

DOCTOR'
SOFFI
CE
Doctor:l
etmenotwast
eyourt
imeandgi
vey
ou
yourfeedback
Tony
:(l
ooki
ngatme)pl
ease
Doct
or:
arey
our
eady
?
Me:
no
Tony
:yes.babyr
elax
Doctor:
letmenotmakeyouanxi
ous.Your
resul
tsarebackandt
heyar
eperf
ect
Me: y
eaaaaahhhhhhhhhhh(Iwassorel
ieved
becauseIhadheardsomest or
iesl
ikeabort
ion
canleaveascaronone'swombr ender
ingthem
i
nfert
il
eornotbeingabletocarr
yachil
dtot er
m)
Tony
:(ki
ssi
ngmyhand)wear
ecl
ear
edl
ove
Me:
yesbabe
Tony:butdoc,
howcomewehav
en'
tbeenabl
e
toconcei
ve?
Doct
or:
def
ini
tel
ysur
ether
easonsar
enot
bi
ologicalormedical.Wemustst ar
t
consideri
ngotherpossibl
ereasonsprobabl
y
psychologi
calreasonsli
kestress
Tony:regar
dingt
hatonewehav ebeendoi
ng
wellunti
lhi
sbrot
herstart
edthrowingst
upi
d
tant
rumsaboutaf r
eakinghouse
Doct
or:
shedoesn'
tneedst
ressatt
hispoi
nt
Tony:shedoesn'tandthat
'swhyIintendt
osee
herbrotherandshowhimt hatIam amixt
ureof
aMokgal agadif
rom TsabongandaBoerf r
om
Transvaal
(
thedoct
orl
aughed)
Me:
Tonydon'
tgetwor
kedup
Tony
:Iwi
l
lremainworkedupunt
ilIputt
hat
st
upi
dmaninhisplace
Doct
or:
eli
minat
eanypossiblest
ress,
tensi
onor
pr
essur
eandthi
ngsarel
ikelytoworkout
Me:
ok
Doct
or:
somet
imesf
ait
hcanhel
p.
Tony
:meani
ng?
Doctor
:ther
earecoupleswhofai
ledto
concei
vebutoncetheystar
tedgoingt
ochur
ch
andprayi
ngtheyconceiv
ed
Tony
:howdoy
ouexpl
aint
hat
?
Doctor:well
,fai
thgivespeoplehopeandhope
takesoffthepressure.Agai
n,pray
ercanactas
acopingmechani sm theref
orebuff
eri
ngone
againststr
essandl eadi
ngtoagoodment al
stateforconcepti
on
Me:
thatmeansweshoul
dst
artgoi
ngt
ochur
ch
myl
ove
Tony
:(hel
aughed)y
esmyl
ove
Me:
I'
m ser
ious
Tony
:(st
il
ll
aughi
ng)I
'
m al
soser
ious
Doct
or:consi
deri
t.Somepeopl
ebeliev
et hat
t
heycantconcei
vebecauseofspi
ri
tualreasons
l
i
kewi
tchcr
aftsochur
cht
akesof
fthebel
i
ef
Tony
:itmakessense.Canwi
tchcr
aftwor
kon
me?
Me:
docpl
easest
ophi
m
(
weall
laughed.Myhusbandcanbeapieceof
wor
ksometimesbutIl
ovehimjustasheis)
NO.103

(
phoneconv
ersat
ion)

Me:
Lel
e
Lent
le:
howar
eyoumoghel
?
Me:
greeeeeeaaaaaat
!
Lent
le:
youar
einav
erygoodmoodt
oday
Me:
Iam
Lent
le:
arey
oupr
egnant
?
Me:
no.Noty
et
Lent
le:
ok
Me:wewenttoseet
hedoct
ory
est
erdayand
ev
eryt
hingi
sperf
ect
Lent
le:
that
'sni
ce
Me:Ibel
i
evet
hatsoonwearegoi
ngtohav
ea
l
it
tl
evanDerMerwerunni
ngar
ound
Lent
le:
butyouhav
en'tbeenabl
etoconcei
ve.
Whatcoul
dbetheproblem?
Me:t
herei
snopr
obl
em atal
l
.God'
sti
ming
moghel
Lent
le:
it'
swor
ryi
ngt
hough
Me:
wor
ryi
ngwho?
Lent
le:
me
Me:omobony
eng.Iwantt
ost
artappl
yi
ngf
or
col
l
ege
Lent
le:
youcan'
tcombi
necol
l
egeand
pr
egnancy
Me:ot
herl
adi
eshav
edonei
tandmanaged,
why
notme?
Lent
le:
Tshegocol
l
egei
snotaj
oke
Me:Inev
ersai
diti
s.Nemmawhat
'
swr
ong
wi
thyou?
Lent
le:
Iwasj
ustt
ryi
ngt
oadv
icey
ou
Me:
Idon'
tneedy
ouradv
ice
Lent
le:
sor
rymma
Me:
Lent
ledoy
oumeant
haty
oucan'
tbehappy
f
orme?
Lent
le:
I'
m happyf
ory
ou
Me:y
ouhav
eaf
unnywayofshowi
ngi
t.Any
way
,
by
e
Lent
le:
Tshegodon'
tbemadatme
Me:
byeLel
e
Lent
le:
I'
m sor
ryi
fIof
fendedy
ou.I
twasn'
tmy
i
ntent
ion
Me:
it'
sfi
ne
Lent
le:
arewecool
?
Me:
yah
Lent
le:
Ilov
eyoumyf
ri
end
Me:
bye
Lent
le:
bye

KGOMOTSO'
SHOUSE

(sheheardt
hesoundofacarengi
neandwhen
shelookedshesawPuso'
scar)
Kgomotso:
Tumel
oit
'smyboy
fri
end.Get
dr
esssed
Tumel
o:may
beweshoul
dlethi
m knowabout
us
Kgomotso:
no.Pleasegetdr
essedandpr
etend
asify
ouwerelookingf
orhel
p
Tumel
o:(
get
ti
ngdr
essed)r
elax
Kgomot
so:
Ican'
taf
for
dtol
osehi
m
Tumel
o:whataboutme?
Kgomot
so:
ahhhhhh!
(
PusoknockedandKgomot
soi
nvi
tedhi
min)
Puso:
hel
l
o
Tumel
o:hi
bro
Kgomot
so:
(ner
voussmi
l
e)hel
l
olov
e
Tumel
o:(
bor
ed)couzywee,
Ihav
etogo
Kgomot
so:OKcouzy.Babet
hisi
smycousi n
Tumel
o.Tumel
othisismyboyfr
iendPuso
Tumel
o:ni
cet
omeety
ou
Puso:
mypl
easur
e
Kgomot
so:
sayhi
toy
ourbr
otherJohn
Tumel
o:Iwi
l
l.
Puso:Iusedt
obehisclosefr
iendbutnev
er
hear
dhi mtal
ki
ngabouthisbr
othernamed
Tumelo
Tumel
o:ao?
Puso:
yes.Howi
shedoi
ng?I
sheget
ti
ngbet
ter
?
Tumel
o:hei
sfi
nenow.I
twasacaseofbadf
lu
Puso:
(wit
haf r
own)doy oumeant
hathei
son
awheelchai
rbecauseoffl
u?
Kgomotso:
nobabe.Johnhadfl
uafewdays
backt
hat'
swhyIwasalwaysathi
shouse.Go
Tumi
Tumel
o:by
e
Kgomot
so:
byecouzy
Tumel
o:by
e
(
hel
eft
)
Kgomot
so:
babey
ouhav
en'
tpai
ddr
ivi
ngschool
Puso:
I'
m br
oke
Kgomot
so:
whenwi
l
lIgett
hemoney
?
Puso:John'
selderbrotheri
sKgotsoandhis
twoyoungerbrother
sar eTshepoandKabel
o.
Hisonlysi
steri
sMar ea.Whoi sTumel
oagain?
Kgomot
so:
ohhi
m
Puso:
yeshi
m
Kgomot so:
heishishal
fbrot
her.Heprobabl
y
nevertal
kedabouthi
m becausetheymet
recent
ly
Tumel
o:Isee
Kgomotso:kanaitmeansIwon'
tbegoi
ngt
o
dr
ivi
ngschoolthewholeift
hismont
h
Puso:
unf
ort
unat
ely
Kgomot
so:
Iwi
l
lmakeapl
an.Ar
eyouangr
y?
Puso:
why
?
Kgomot
so:
I'
mjustaski
ng
Puso:
I'
m good.(
standi
ngup)Ihav
etogo
Kgomot
so:
sosoon?
Puso:yes.KgomotsoImi
ghtappearl
i
keaf
ool
butI
'm not.Justsoy
ouknow
Kgomot
so:
babywhatdoy
oumean?
Puso:I'
m goi
ngtopr
aytomyGodtoputt
oli
ght
ever
ythi
ngthati
shappeni
ngi
nthedar
k
Kgomot
so:
I'
m notcheat
ing
Puso:
yesy
ouar
enot
.Seey
ou
Kgomot
so:
when!
?
Puso:y
ouwil
ltel
lmewheny
ouar
eser
ious
aboutme.
Kgomot
so:
butI
'
m ser
ious
Puso:t
hent
ell
mewheny
ouar
ever
yser
ious
aboutme
Kgomot
so:
Ilov
eyouPuso
Puso:
that
'sv
erycheap.By
e
Kgomot
so:
lov
e
(
Pusowal
kedoutandcl
osedt
hedoor
)

TEFO'
SHOUSE

(wefoundTefoandChar i
tyatt
hei
rhome.The
kidshadgonetoplaynextdoor
.Weexchanged
greet
ingswit
hthem)
Tony
:bigbr
other
,Tshegotol
dmet haty
ou
cametoseeusconcerni
ngthehouse
Tefo:
yesIdid.Thatpl
acewil
lalwaysremai
n
mymot her'
shouse.GapeIbui
ltthehouset
hat
youextended(si
l
ence)
Tony:
itwoul
dbenicetoknowexact
lyt
heki
nd
ofhel
pyouneednotthehi
stor
y
Tefo:Iwanttomovei
ntomymother'
shousei
f
thecourtdeci
det
hatIcan'
tst
ayi
nthehouse
I
'm st
ayingin
Tony
:mov
ingi
ntot
hathousei
simpossi
ble
Tef
o:I'
mtal
ki
ngaboutt
hehouseIbui
l
tformy
mother
Tony:youaretal
kinghistory
.Thehousey ouare
tal
ki
ngaboutusedt obel ongtomywi feand
nowIalsoowni tbecauseI '
m marr
iedtoherin
communi t
yofproperty.Evenify
out akethe
l
egalrouteyouwillnotwinthecase.Youshould
beaskingforaccommodat i
onni
cely
Char
it
y:l
ove,Tonyi
sri
ght.Weshouldnotmake
demandsbecausei
t'
sthei
rhousenow.
Tefo:
thi
sissuei
sact
uall
ybetweenmeandmy
bl
oodsist
erandIwoul
dliket
oresol
vei
twit
h
heral
one
Me:Icannotmakeanydeci sionswithoutmy
husband.Evenifhehadnotcont r
ibuted
towardsthehouse..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
.
Tefo:soyouarechoosi
ngast
rangerov
erme,
yourbloodbr
other
?
Me:thi
sstr
angerismyhusband.Tomeheus
notastr
angerbecauseIknowhim well.Thi
sis
themanwhohashel pedmet ofi
nishmyf ir
m 5.
Heisthemanwhocoul dtel
lthatIneededlove
andsuppor
t.hegavemet hekindofhelpthat
peopl
ewhower esupposedtobecl osetome
coul
dnotgiveme.
Chari
ty:canwepl easenotbringthepasti
nto
thi
s.Tshego,thi
sismyst and: I
'
m notmoving
i
ntothathouse.IfthingsgethardIwil
lgoand
rentahouse.Thathousebel ongstoyourf
ami l
y
andIwillnev
erdisrespectyourfamil
yli
kethat
Me:
thanky
ou
Tef
o:wher
eisy
ourl
oyal
ty?
Char
it
y:ont
hesi
deoft
het
rut
h
Tef
o:Ican'
tmarryawomanwhoi snotloyal
to
me.Iwil
lnotspendt
herestofmyli
fewitha
womanwhosi deswi
thmyenemi es.I
'
m not
sui
ci
dal
Tony
:sowear
eyourenemi
es?
Tef
o:y
oudeci
de(
hest
oodupandl
eft
)
Me:I'
m sor
ryt
hatthi
sseemst
oimpacty
our
r
elat
ionshi
pbadl
y
Char
it
y:don'
twor
ry.Yourbr
otherget
scr
azy
someti
mes
Me:
whati
fhecal
l
stheweddi
ngof
f?
Chari
ty:mypr
ayert
oGodhasal waysbeenthat
i
fheismi ndl
ett
hemarriagehappenbuti
fhe
usnottheonescat
tert
hemar r
iagebef
oreit
happens.
Me:
(smi
l
ing)y
ouani
nspi
rat
ion
Tony
:shei
s
Chari
ty:l
earntopr
ayandalway saskfor
wisdom fr
om Godineveryt
hingyoudo.Ver
y
i
mpor t
ant:al
waysprayforyourhusband
Me:(
looki
ngatTony
)I'
m goi
ngt
ost
artpr
ayi
ng
f
orhi
m
Chari
ty:heshoul dpr ayy ouaswel l
.Tef
ohasa
dif
fi
cul
tchar acter.Hei sst ubbornandfullof
pri
debutIl ovehim.I 'm hopefulthatGodwi ll
ei
therteachmehowt oaccepthi scharacteror
changeit.Ilovehim.Behi ndthatstubbornness
i
sal ovi
ngmanandagoodf ather.Ever
yonehas
ashortcomi ngaf terall
.
(wesatwit
hCharit
yf orabout20minut
es
get
ti
nginspi
rat
ionfrom her.Shei
sanamazi
ng
per
son.I
nourcar..
..
...
..
.)

Tony:ev
ery
onear
oundusi
stal
ki
ngabout
chur
chandGod
Me:
younot
iced?
Tony
:yes.May
bei
t'
sasi
gn
Me:let
'sacceptChar
it
y'
sinv
itat
ionandgot
o
chur
chwi t
hheronSunday
Tony
:I'
min
Me:
good.Iwi
l
lcal
lher
Tony:whowoul
dhav
ethought
.Usgoi
ngt
o
chur
ch
(
wel
aughed)
Me:may
bet
hat
'swhathasbeenmi
ssi
ngi
nour
l
iv
es
Tony:t
rue.Event
hedoct
orgaveahintabout
.
I
t'sj
ustthatt
hedoct
orwasn'
tstr
aightf
orwar
d
l
ikeCharit
y
Me:
let
'sdot
hismyl
ove
Tony
:yes.Sunday
,it
'sadat
e
Me:
UCCSAhel
l
o
Tony
:hel
l
o
(welaughedandendedupki
ssi
ng.Meanwhi
l
e
atTefo'
shouse.
..
..
..
..)

Tef
o:howcoul
dyouembar
rassmel
i
ket
hat
?
Char
it
y:babethatwasnottheint
enti
on.Ij
ust
want
edtomakemyposi t
ioncl
ear.BabeIhav
e
al
waystoldyouthatwhenitwasthetwoofus
Tef
o:I'
m di
sappoi
ntedi
nyouChar
it
y.Ver
y
di
sappoi
nted
Char
it
y:Iknow.I
stheweddi
ngof
f?
Tef
o:.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
.
Chari
ty:
Ineedt
oknowsot hatIcanst
art
packi
ngmybagsandleav
e
Tef
o:andgowher
e?
Chari
ty:
home.Tefotherei snopointinstay
ing
i
fyouarenotsur
eaboutme.Iwoul dhatetoget
marri
edfort
hesakeofi t.Iwantamanwhowi l
l
l
ist
entomeandappr eciatemyi deas.Evenifhe
doesn'
tendup.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
Tef
o:t
heweddi
ngi
son
Chari
ty:
Tef
oyouaremyGodsenthusband.
Evenwhenwefi
ghtIknowi
t'
sjustahi
ccupin
ourr
elat
ionshi
p
Tefo:
(smi
li
ng)Ihavenev
erdatedastubbor
n
womanbefore.Somet
imesIdon'
tknowhowt o
handl
eyou
Char
it
y:andIhavenev
erdat
edast
ubbor
nman
whoisful
lofpr
ide
Tef
o:Char
it
y!
(hegr
abbedherf
rom behi
ndandki
ssedher
neck)
Char
it
y:sor
ry
Tefo:youneedsomedisci
pli
newena(hesai
d
sl
ippinghi
shandunderherskir
t)I
'
m not
pursuingt
hehousei
ssueanymor e
Char
it
y:andy
ouowey
oursi
steranapol
ogy
Tef
o:don'
tpushi
t
Char
it
y:mhmmhm!Thatf
ingeri
swor
king
wonder
s
Tef
o:r
iverNi
l
etel
l
sital
l
.
(Chari
tytur
nedaroundandt
heyst
art
edki
ssi
ng.
Lisaopenedthedoor)
Lisa:t
heyarekissi
ng(sheranoff.Tef
olocked
thebedroom doorandtheyfi
nishedwhatthey
start
ed)

2MONTHSLATER.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
NO.104

SEI
SO'
SHOUSE

Sei
so:(
hemov
edbackandl
ookedathercl
osel
y)
babyar
ewepr
egnant
?
Sophi
e:whydoy
ouask?
Sei
so:
otlal
akamatl
hoame.Iknowt
hisbody
sowel
landwhent
herear
echangesI
'
mt hefi
rst
t
onot
ice
Sophi
e:I
'
m 5day
slat
e
Sei
so:
wear
epr
egnant
Sophi
e:no.wear
est
il
lpl
anni
ngourweddi
ng
Sei
so:
buthei
sher
e
Sophi
e:ebi
l
eit
'sahe
Sei
so:
(smi
l
ing)Ihav
emadeawhol
eper
son
Sophi
e:It
hinkweshoul
dtestf
ir
st
Sei
so:
Iam av
eryr
eli
abl
etest
Sophi
e:t
lher
raIcan'
tbepr
egnant
Sei
so:
why
?
Sophi
e:becauseIwantt
ogetmar
ri
edf
ir
st
Sei
so:babywearegetti
ngmar
ri
edinamonth
andthatmeansbytheti
meyoustar
tshowi
ng
wewi l
lbemarr
iedal
ready
Sophi
e:t
heni
t’
snotgoi
ngt
obeawhi
te
weddi
ng
Sei
so:
why
?
Sophie:wewi
l
ldoi
tatal
aterdat
ewhenI
'
m not
pregnant
Seiso:
(touchi
nghertummy)youhave
i
nconveniencedusbuddybutdaddyi
ssor
eady
foryou
Sophi
e:(
smil
ing)I
'
mfeel
i
ngexci
tedbutwest
il
l
needt
otest
Sei
so:
goaheadandtestj
ustt
oconf
ir
m.I
’
m
goi
ngtobeadaddy
Sophi
e:I
'
m goi
ngt
obeamummy
Sei
so:
wear
egoi
ngt
obepar
ent
s
Sophi
e:(
wor
ri
edl
ook)wear
epr
egnant
Sei
so:
andi
t'
swor
ryi
ngbecause
Sophi
e:TonyandTshego.
Sei
so:
weshoul
dnott
ell
them y
et.I
t’
sgoi
ngt
o
hur
tthem
Sophi
e:li
fei
snotfair
.Wewer enott
ryi
ngfora
babyyetwearepregnant
.TonyandTshego
havebeentr
yingf
orever
Sei
so:i
t'
snotfai
r.Ronawewer
etaki
ngar
iskby
hav
ingunpr
otect
edsex
Sophi
e:weunconsci
ousl
ywant
edababy
Seiso:Il
iket
hat.IpraythatTshegof
all
s
pregnantsoon.It
'sbeginni
ngtogett
oTony
al
thoughhehi desitfr
om her
Sophie:t
heywi l
lfal
lpregnant
.Haker
ethe
doctordidn'
tfi
ndany t
hingwrongwit
heit
herof
them.it
'sjustatestofthei
rmarri
age
Sei
so:
yah.I
'
m begi
nni
ngt
ogetwor
ri
ed
Sophie:weshoul
dbest
rongf
ort
hem and
supportthem

GAMECI
TYMALL
(TonyandIwer ewal
kinghandinhandwhenI
sawPusowi thaladyandachil
d.weignored
eachotheronlytomeetinanot
hershop)
Puso:
hel
l
oTshego
Me:
hiPuso
(
sil
ence)
Puso:
howhav
eyoubeen?
Me:
Ihav
ebeenv
erywel
l
.Howhav
eyoubeen?
Puso:okIguess.(
bri
efsi
l
ence)Iseey
ouar
e
marri
ed
Me:
ohy
ah.t
hisi
smyhusbandTony
Puso:
hel
l
o
Tony
:wehav
emetbef
ore
Puso:yah(
sil
ence)by
e.I
twasni
cemeet
ingy
ou
af
tersuchalongti
me
Me:
pleasur
e.By
e
(
aft
erPusoandhi
sfami
l
ylef
t)
Tony:
whywerether
eawkwar
dmoment
s
bet
weenyouandhim?
Me:becauseIhaven'
tfor
giv
enhim soIwas
wonderi
ngwhethertotal
ktohi
m ornot
Tony:l
eti
tgol
ove.What
everhappened
happened
Me:youareright
.Haveyouev
erwonder
edhow
Queenwil
lreacti
fyouandherev
ermet?
Tony:Ihaveneverreal
l
yt houghtabouti
tbutI
bel
iev
ei twil
lbeawkwar d.Itwouldbesi
mil
arto
whatjusthappenedbetweeny ouandt
hatguy
.
Shemusthat emewher ev ersheis
Me:
enoughaboutourpast
Tony:yes.BabeIsawabeauti
ful
babycotand
carseatatGameSt or
es.Whydon'
twebuyitf
or
ourbaby?
Me:
whati
fwear
enoty
etpr
egnant
?
Tony:Idon'
tcar
e.Seei
ngt
hecotandt
hecar
seatwil
lgiv
eushope.
Me:
(smi
l
ing)l
et'
sgoandbuyt
hem
Tony:andafewclot
hesf
rom Ackermans.A
yel
lowlit
tl
eromper,
smal
lli
tt
lesocks.
Me:youusedt
obuyt oy
sandnowy
ouar
e
buy
ingbi
ggert
hings
Tony
:I'
m get
ti
ngal
i
ttl
eimpat
ientandexci
ted
aswell
Me:metoo.I
'
m exci
tedbecausetherei
sno
r
easonf
orusnottofal
lpregnantandimpat
ient
t
hatwearenotpr
egnantalr
eady
Tony
:exact
ly.Letgobuyt
hem babe
Me:sinceIhavebeenadmi t
tedatBoit
ekanel
o
Col
lege,can'
tItel
lthem t
hatIacceptt
hei
r
admissionbutIwil
lstar
tnextyear
Tony
:wher
eist
hatcomi
ngf
rom?
Me:
Idon'
tknow.
..
..
..
..
..
..
.May
beI
'
m gonnawant
tospendali
tt
lemoret
imewi
thmyl
i
ttl
eper
son
heorsheishere.
Tony:wewil
ltal
kabouti
tathomelov
e.Let
'
s
focusonshoppi
ngandhavi
ngfun

PUSO'
SCAR

Puso:
ishebuckl
edup?
Kgomot
so:
no
Puso:
aoKgomot
somma
Kgomot
so:
ahah!
Puso:thechi
ld'
ssafet
ycomesfir
st.Youar
e
buckl
edupbuthei snot.Howcoul
dy ou
sacri
fi
cehissaf
etyli
kethat?
Kgomot
so:
whati
syourpr
obl
em kant
e?
Puso:
doIhav
eapr
obl
em?
Kgomot
so:
whoi
sthatgi
rl
?
Puso:
whi
chgi
rl
?
Kgomotso:
theoneyouhav
ebeenhav i
ng
awkwar
dsilentmoment
swith?Theonewit
ha
whit
eguy
Puso:
ohher
.It
'smyex
Kgomot
so:
andy
oust
il
ll
oveher
Puso:Ican'
ttakeyourmoodswi
ngsany
mor
e.
Areyoupregnant?
Kgomot
so:
it'
sasi
mpl
equest
ion,
answeri
t
Puso:
no
Kgomotso:t
henwhydi dn'
tyoui
ntroducemeto
herwhensheint
roducedherhusbandtoyou?
Puso:
Ifor
get
.Itsl
i
ppedmymi
nd
Kgomot
so:
arey
ouashamedofme?
Puso:
no
Kgomotso:
(shout
ing)don'
ttr
ytol
i
etome
damnyou
Puso:
wat
chy
ourt
one
Kgomotso:
orwhat
?Ican’
tbel
i
evey
ouar
e
cr
yingf
oryourmar
ri
edex
Puso:Kgomot
so!(
hecal
l
edhernamewi
than
angryt
one)
Kgomot
so:
what
?
Puso:
Kgomotso:t
akemehomesincey
ouar
e
ashamedofme.Takemehomeandgoand
chaseaf
teryourpr
eci
ousex
Puso:atl
eastshei
smyex.Iwonderi
fwecan
saythesameaboutsomepeopl
e
Kgomot so:whatdoy oumean?( shewas
speakinginacalmv oicebecauseshe
suspectedthatPusowasont osomet hi
ngandi
t
scaredher)
Puso:
buoyyy
y y
yy!Letmebuckleyouupand
gi
veyouyogisi
pmybuoooooy .Haker
efana?
(
thechi
l
dgi
ggl
edhappi
l
y)

TEFO'
SHOUSE

Char
it
y:husband
Tef
o:beaut
if
ulwi
fe
Char
it
y:howdi
ditgol
ove?(
shesmi
l
ed0
Tefo:ver
ywell
.babefr
om tomorr
owonwar
ds
ourli
vesarechangi
ngforgood
Char
it
y:t
ell
met
hegoodnews
Tef
o:Isi
gnedt
hecont
ract
Char
it
y:y
eaaahhhhhh!Mymani
sof
fi
cial
l
y
empl
oyed
Tef
o:Iam myl
ove.Youdon'
twantt
oknowhow
muchyourmanwil
lbeearni
ng?
Char
it
y:howmuchi
sitgoi
ngt
obe?
Tef
o:19t
housandaf
tert
ax.
Char
it
y:what
!
Tef
o:y
es.
Char
it
y:ohmyGodt
hat
sal
otofmoney
Tef
o:i
tismyl
ove
Char
it
y:whenar
eyoust
art
ing?
Tef
o:t
omor
row
Char
it
y:wow!Thi
sGodi
sal
i
ve
Tef
o:thankyouforyourpray
ersandsupport
mylove.Oncetheprobati
onisoverI
m gett
inga
mort
gageandbui l
dingyouav er
ybighouse.
Char
it
y:Iwoul
dbev
erygr
atef
ul
Tefo:
youar
eagoodwi
feandy
oudeser
vet
he
best
Char
it
y:t
hanky
ouf
orl
ovi
ngme
Tefo:Il
oveyoubecauseyouar
emysour
ceof
supportandconf
idence,
youar
emyi
nter
cessor
andmyconsci
ence.Ihav
eani
dea
Char
it
y:I
'
mli
steni
ng
Tefo:
sinceIhav
ef oundagoodpayi
ngjobI
thi
nkweshoulduset het
wentyfi
vet
housand
wesav edt
obuyy ouasmallcar
Char
it
y:r
eal
l
y?
Tef
o:yes.haker
eIwil
lbeusingt
hiscart
o
commutetoGaborone.Youneedacartofet
ch
ki
dsfr
om schoolandrunyourer
rands
Char
it
y:(huggi
nghi
m)t
hanky
oubabe.Yes,
buy
methatcar
Tefo:
fornowi
tsasmal
lcar
,nexti
twi
l
lbeabi
g
house
Char
it
y:whenGodsmer
cyandf av
ourf i
nal
l
y
l
ocat
esyouandleav
esyouspeechless.

(
PHONECONVERSATI
ON)
Lent
le:
moghelar
eyoucomi
ngt
othecr
usade
toni
ght
?
Me:I'
m notsureyetbecausewearesti
lli
n
Gabs.Wemi ghtarr
ivei
nMol epol
olev
erylat
e
Lent
le:
oh.Howaboutt
omor
row?
Me:
Iwi
l
ltr
ytoat
tend
Lent
le:
thanky
ou
Me:
guesswhoIsaw?
Lent
le:
who?
Me:
Pusoandhi
sli
tt
lef
ami
l
y
Lent
le:
fami
l
y?
Me:
yes,
him,
hisgi
rl
fr
iendandchi
l
d
Lent
le:
ishemar
ri
ed?
Me:
Idontt
hinkso.Theyhadnoweddi
ngr
ings
Lent
le:
Goodf
orhi
m
Me:
yah.Letmet
alkt
oTonyaboutt
hecr
usade
Lent
le:
alr
ight
y
(Tonysai
dwewontbeabletoatt
endt
he
crusadebecausewear
eti
red)
1
NO.105
MYHOUSE
(Myperiodwast woday slat
eandmyf ingers
werecrossedhopingthatIm pregnant
.Tony
andIhadst ar
tedacultureofprayi
ngandwe
hadstartedgoingtochurch.Wewer every
hopef
ul aboutfal
li
ngpregnant.Iwasabit
moody )
Tony:(huggi
ngmefr
om behi
ndandki
ssi
ngmy
neck)howaboutwe.
Me:
wewhat
?
Tony
:gotoourbedroom andgiv
eeachother
someat
tent
ion,
playsoftmusicandmakelove
Me:
Im sor
rybabe.Idontf
eel
li
kei
t
Tony
:babewhat
’sgoi
ngon?
Me:
Imt
ir
ed
Tony:
aoTshegomma.Yest
erdaywemadel
ove
onl
yonce
Me:Tonydower
eal
l
yhav
etomakel
oveev
ery
si
ngl
eday?
Tony:
butt
hatswhatwehavealway
sbeen
doi
ngandyounevercompl
ained
Me:
okf
ine,
Ican’
tdoi
tany
mor
e
Tony
:why
?
Me:
(Isnapped)Isai
dImt
ir
ed
Tony
:(l
i
fti
nghi
shandsi
nsur
render
)aski
es
(hewenttotheki
tchentodr
inkwat
erandI
guessitwastocalm hi
msel
fdown.Icoul
dtel
l
thathewasupset)
Me:
Tony
Tony
:Im her
e
(
Iwentt
otheki
tchen)
Me:Im sorr
yforsnappi
ngatyou.I
twas
unnecessar
yanduncall
edfor
Tony
:youhav
ebeenmoodyl
atel
ymyl
ove.
Whatsgoi
ngon?
Me:Idontknow.May
beI
m anxi
ousabout
get
ti
ngmyper i
ods
Tony
:(smi
l
ing)y
ouaretwodaysl
ateandy
ou
ar
emoody.Whatcoul
dbecausi
ngthat
?
Me:
doy
out
hinkI
m pr
egnant
?
Tony
:yup
Me:
real
l
y?
Tony
:yes
Me:
let
sgott
othebedr
oom andt
est
Tony:nowait(
hestart
edkissi
ngmeandev en
thoughIwasnti
nthemoodf orsexIkissedhi
m
backandtri
edbyallmeanstogetinthemood)
Me:
Ilov
eyoubabeandIhopeI
m pr
egnantf
or
r
eal
Tony
:It
hinkwear
epr
egnant
.Icanev
enf
eel
it
i
nmyblood
(Il
aughedathim.wewentonki ssingandIm
theonewhost ar
tedundressinghim.het hen
pull
edmydr essupandt ookitoff.themoment
hepulledmypantiesdown,thereitwas:blood
stai
nsonmypant ies.Helookedatme
hopelessl
yandIlookedathimi ntears)
Me:
Im sor
ry
Tony
:ther
eisnoneedt
oapol
ogi
se
(whenIlookedathi sf aceIsawdespai rand
suppressedanger .Irant othebat hroom and
l
ockedmy sel
f.Isatont hetoiletseatcryi
ngmy
heartout.Iwasdev ast ated.Heknockedont he
doorandIt ol
dhimt hatIwascl eaningmy self
.I
couldnotstandt oseehi m brokenlikethat.Al
l
alonghehadbeenact i
ngst rongbutt odayI
coul
dtellt
hathewasnottaki
ngitwel
l
.Ther
e
wasat i
mewhenIprayedandhopedthatmy
peri
odwill
comeanditdi
dntbutthi
sti
meIwas
pray
ingandhopingt
hati
tdoesntcomeandit
came!)

(
phoneconv
ersat
ion)
Me:
hiLent
le
Lent
le:
what
'swr
ongmoghel
Me:
I'
m notpr
egnant
Lent
le:
I'
m sosor
ryl
ove
Me:
Lent
leIwi
l
lnev
erhav
eki
ds
Lent
le:
don'
tsayt
hat
Me:
buti
t'
sthet
rut
h
Lent
le:t
lhemmacometochur
cht
oni
ght
.These
fi
rechur
chesar
ever
yhel
pful
Me:
Ili
kemai
nli
nechur
ches.Idon'
tl
ike
mi
racl
es
Lentl
e:j
ustcomethisonceandyoucandeci
de
goreyouneverwanttocomeagain
Me:
OK.Letmet
alkt
oTony
Lentl
e:thanksforconsi
deri
ng.Youmightfi
nd
thatyoujustneeddeli
ver
anceandprophecy
Me:
Idon'
ttr
ustt
hesepr
ophet
s
Lent
le:
justcomeandseef
ory
our
sel
f
Me:
Iwil
ltr
ytocome.Iwi
l
lcal
lyouaf
tert
alki
ng
t
oTony
Lent
le:
OK.Theser
vicest
art
sat9pm
Me:
OK.By
e
Lent
le:
bye

(Iwentt
oourbedr
oom t
ot r
yandtal
ktoTony
buthewasonthephonetal
kingt
oSeiso)
Tony
:that
'swhyshehasgai
nedabi
tofwei
ght
?
Sei
so:
yes
Tony:congr
atsman.Youar
egoi
ngt
omakea
greatdad
(
alumpbl
ockedmyt
hroat
)
Sei
so:
thanksman.Howar
eyoucopi
ng?
Tony:man,
thi
sti
mei
t'
sdi
ff
erent
.If
eel
over
whelmed
Sei
so:
yahneh
Tony:I
'mfai
li
ngtounderst
andwhywecan' t
concei
veandhonestlyt
hethoughtofbei
ng
chi
ldl
essforl
if
efreaksmeout
Sei
so:
takei
teasyman
(
Ibur
sti
ntot
ear
s)
Tony:
Tshegoisher
ecryi
ng.Shemighthav
e
beenl
ist
eningt
oourconver
sati
on.Letme
att
endtoher
Sei
so:
sur
eman.Iwi
l
lcomeandseey
ou
Tony
:thanks
(
aft
ert
hecal
l
)

Me:
isSophi
epr
egnant
?
Tony
:yes
Me:
andnoonet
oldme?
Tony:
(huggingme)babewet
houghti
twas
goi
ngtostressyou
Me:
Iunder
stand.Ar
eyougoi
ngt
oleav
eme?
Tony
:no,
why
?
Me:
becauseIcan'
tfal
lpr
egnant
Tony
:arey
ougoi ngtol
eav
emebecauseIcan'
t
makeyoupregnant
Me:
buty
ouar
enoti
nfer
ti
le.Thedoct
orsai
dit
Tony
:di
dthedoct
orsayy
ouar
einf
ert
il
e?
Me:
no
Tony
:good.
Me:
let
'sv
isi
tLent
le'
schur
ch
Tony
:when?
Me:t
onight
.Shesaidwepr obabl
yneed
pr
ophecyanddel
iverance
Tony
:I'
m wi
l
li
ngt
otr
yany
thi
ngt
hatmi
ghthel
p
Me:
thanks.
(af
tert
heconver
sati
onIcall
edLent
let
olether
knowthatwearecomingtochur
ch)

BOKAA

(Pusorecei
vedat
extmessagefr
om Kgomot
so
andthemessagewasconfusi
ng)
Kgomotso:Ilovey
oubabe.Thanksfort
aki
ng
meout.Ienjoyedmysel
fandIlookf
orwardto
spendi
ngsomequal i
tyt
imewithyoutomorr
ow.
Iwi
shwecoulddatefreel
y,wit
houthavi
ngt
o
hi
de.
(themessageendedwithsomel ov
e
emoj
is.Pusodeci
dedtocallKgomotso)
Puso:
hel
l
o
Kgomotso:
tlher
rait
'sl
ateandIwassleepi
ng.
Pusoi
t'
s11:30pm andI'
m worki
ngtomorrow
Puso:
hakereyouaret
heonewhoj ustsentme
amessage.Soyousendmessagesiny our
sl
eepsinceyousai
dyouwer
ef astasl
eep
Kgomotso:ohthat
.Imissedy
ousoIsentt
hat
message.I
tshouldhav
ebeendel
iv
eredhours
ago.
Puso:
oh!Di
dwespendt
hedayt
oget
her
?
Kgomot
so:
no.Why
?
Puso:
arewemeet
ingt
omor
row?
Kgomot
so:
younev
ercal
lfi
rst
,youj
ustcome
Puso:
oh!Ar
ewedat
ingi
nsecr
et?
Kgomot
so:
babewhat
swi
tht
hequest
ions.
Puso:youar
echeat
ingKgomotsoandt
hat
messagewasnotmeantforme.Goodl
uckwi
th
yournewman
Kgomot
so:
Puso,
Puso
Puso:readthemessageandt
ell
megorewhat
kindofafoolwoul
dnotbeabl
etoreal
i
sm t
hat
theyarebei
ngcheatedon.
Kgomot
so:
Icanexpl
ain.
Puso:
ther
eisnoneedt
oexpl
ain.
Kgomot
so:canyoucomet
oGabor
onesot
hat
wecantal
kabouti
t?
Puso:
no
Kgomot
so:
babypl
ease.
Puso:goodni
ght.Ihav
eabusydayt
omor
row
atthefar
m.Bye
Kgomot
so:
babe
(t
herewasat onesi
gnal
ingtheendofthei
rcal
l
.
Pusosatonthebedwonderingwherehewent
wrongforKgomotsotocheatonhim)

#bracey our
selvesfort
onight
.Thi
ngsare
gett
inghecticthisweek.Thecont
enti
snotf
or
sensit
ivereaders.#

CAUTI
ON:
CONTAI
NSVI
OLENCE

NO.106

(wechangedi ntodecentclothesandlef
tfor
church.wedidntt alkmuchont hewayto
church.wewer ebot hsadandhopeless.We
fol
lowedt hedirecti
onsLentl
ehadgivenusand
arr
ivedatchurch.Theser vi
cehadlongstart
ed.
Wewer eusheredt oourseat
sandbef or
elong
Lent
lecametogreetus.Mymoodhad
i
mprovedali
tt
lebitbutTonywasst
il
ldown)
Prophet:
ther
eisacoupl
ehere,
youhav
ebeen
tr
yingtoconcei
vef
orawhil
einvai
n
(
myheartski
ppedabeatandTonyl
ookedat
me.Iwastr
embli
ng)
Prophet:
ifyouar
ehere,standupsothatGod
canaddressyoursi
tuat
ion.Godrev
ealsto
redeem
Tony
:(hol
dingmyhand)l
et'
sst
andupbaby
Me:
ok
(wesprungtoourf
eetandthecongregati
on
clappedhandsf
orus.thepr
ophetwasay oung
managedabout22i fmyeyesjudgedhisage
well)
Pr
ophet
:iti
swel
l
Tony
:amen
PUSO'
SMOTHER'
SHOUSE

Kgomot
so:
hel
l
o
Puso:
hi.Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?
Kgomot
so:
canwepl
easet
alk?
Puso:
mymot
heri
shome
Kgomot
so:
I'
m sor
ry
Puso:youcan'tcomeherewhenmymot heri
s
aroundbecauseIhaven'
tint
roducedy
outoher
andIdon'ti
ntendtodothatanyti
mesoon
Kgomot
so:
Pusopl
ease.
..
..
..
Puso:
let
'
sgo
(theygotinsi
dePusoscaranddroveaway.
Pusopar kedhiscarunderat
reeshadeal
ong
theroad)
Puso:
yousai
dweneedt
otal
k
Kgomot
so:
Iwantt
oapol
ogi
se
Puso:
for
?
Kgomotso:
Ihavebeencheat
ingony
ou.You
wereri
ghtt
hatmessagewasnotmeantf
oryou
(si
l
ence)pl
easef
orgi
veme
Puso:
for
?
Kgomot so:
bei
ngunf
ait
hful
(tear
str
ickl
eddown
hercheeks)
Puso:whati
sitt
hatIdon'
thav
ethatt
hatot
her
guyhas?
Kgomot
so:
hegi
vesmeat
tent
ion
Puso:howdoIgi
veyouat
tent
ionwheny
ou
neverwantt
oseeme?
Kgomotso:I
'
m sorr
yPuso.I
’
m goi
ngt
oleav
e
hi
m.Pleasefor
giv
eme
Puso:andhowwi
l
lIt
rustt
haty
ouwi
l
lnotcheat
agai
n?
Kgomotso:IswearIwon’
tcheat
.Ihav
elear
nt
mylesson
Puso:
whoi
she?
Kgomot
so:
youdon'
tknowhi
m
Puso:
what
'
shi
sname?
Kgomot
so:
(wi
pingt
ear
s)Tumel
o
Puso:
(smi
l
ing)John'
sbr
other
?
Kgomotso:
Ili
edt
oyou.Hei
snotJohn'
s
br
other
Puso:
soy
ouhav
ebeensl
eepi
ngwi
thhi
m?
Kgomot
so:
onceort
wice
Puso:
whatdi
ff
erencedoesi
tmake?
Kgomot
so:
pleasef
orgi
veme
Puso:
Ifor
giv
eyoubutwear
edone
Kgomot
so:
that
'snotf
orgi
veness
Puso:
iti
s
Kgomot
so:
youcan'
tsayy
ouhav
efor
giv
enme
andl
eav
eme
Puso:
Ican
Kgomotso:pl
easef
orgi
vemeandgi
veme
anot
herchance
Puso:
didy
ouusepr
otect
ion?
Kgomot
so:
...
..
..
..
..
.
Puso:
didy
ouusepr
otect
ion?
Kgomot
so:
mostoft
het
ime
Puso:y
etyousl
eptwi
thhi
m onceort
wice.get
outofmycar
Kgomot
so:
Pusopl
ease
Puso:
(shout
ing)getoutofmycarbecauseI
needt
ogoandt estforHIV.Getout
!

SEI
SO'
SHOUSE

Sei
so:
TonyandTshegohav
egonet
ochur
ch
Sophie:
Ihopetheygett
hehel
pthatt
heyneed.I
feel
sorryf
orthem
Sei
so:
it'
sasadsi
tuat
ion
Sophi
e:Iknow.Icantevenbegi
ntoi
magi
ne
whatt
heyar egoi
ngthrough
Sei
so:
Tshegoknowsy
ouar
eexpect
ing
Sophi
e:howdi
dsher
eact
?
Sei
so:
shei
sdev
ast
ated.
Sophi
e:If
eel
sosor
ryf
orher
Sei
so:
Ibeli
eveandtr
ustt
hatt
heyar
eget
ti
ng
hel
pwherevert
heyar
e
Sophi
e:thosetwol oveeachot
hert
obi
tsandI
alway
spr aythatnothi
ngshoul
dcomebet
ween
them.Theyinspir
eme
Sei
so:
met
oo
Sophi
e:Icantwai
ttoheari
ftheygothel
pornot
Sei
so:
wewi
l
lcal
lthem t
omor
row.Theysai
d
t
heser
vicei
sgoi
ngt
oendaf
termi
dni
ght
Sophi
e:ohwel
l
.Tomor
rowt
hen
Sei
so:
yah.

CHURCH

Pr
ophet
:doy
ouwantGodt
ogi
vey
ouachi
l
d?
Tony
:pl
ease
Me:
yes
Prophet
:ther
eisasecr
ety
ouar
ehi
dingf
rom
yourspouse
(hewaslooki
ngatbot
hofusandTonygot
conf
used)
Tony
:asecr
et?
Prophet
:noty
ou.myst
atementwasdi
rect
edat
her
Me:
I'
m nothar
bour
inganysecr
et
(
Tonywasl
ooki
ngatmepuzzl
ed)
Prophet:t
her eisagravesinyouhave
commi tt
edt hatyourhusbanddoesn'
tknow
aboutandt hatsinistheonethati
spreventi
ng
youf r
om concei v
ing.DoyouknowwhatI '
m
tal
kingabout ?
Me:
not
hingcomest
omymi
nd
Prophet:
Iam try
ingtobediplomati
caboutthe
i
ssue.Any way
,youneedt oconfessthi
ssinso
thatyoumaybef orgi
venandhav ethatchi
l
d
thatyouwantsobad.Youar emar r
iedtoa
goodmanwhoi sverysupporti
ve
Me:
I'
mlost
Pr
ophet
:hav
eyouev
erbeenpr
egnant
?
Me:
(mykneeswentweak.Tonywasl
ooki
ngat
mewit
hafrown)y
es
Pr
ophet
:whathappenedt
othechi
l
d?
Me:
...
..
..
..
..
Prophet:I
'
m notdoi
ngthi
stoputyout o
humili
ateyou.I
’
m doingi
ttoshamet hedevil
.
Oncey ouhaveconf
essedthi
ssinyouwi l
lfal
l
pregnant
.Whathappenedtothechi
ld?
Me:
Iabor
tedt
hechi
l
d
(
Tonyl
etgooffmyhandandmov
edbackabi
t.
t
hecongr
egat
ionst
art
edmaki
ngnoi
se)
Prophet:youdidwell
byconf
essi
ngmy
daughter.Nowkneeldownandaskf
or
forgi
venessfrom God
(
Isl
owl
ywentdownonmyknees)
Me:Lordforgi
vemefortheabor
ti
ont
hatI
committed.Pl
easef
orgi
vemeandhelpmeto
concei
ve
Prophet
:iti
sdonemychi l
d.Thisconfession
hasbeenblocki
ngy ourpr
egnancy.Nowt hat
youhaveconfessedgoandmaket hatbaby
(Peoplecheer edandulul
ated.Ist
oodup.Iwas
sti
llt
hinkingabouthowLent leandTonywere
goingtoper ceivemenowt hattheyknewwhatI
haddone.Al lalongIhadthoughtTonyknows
aboutmypast .Ifel
tahotslapacrossmyface.I
stumbledandf el
lonmybums.Il ookedatTony
andhisf acehadt urnedr
ed)
Prophet
:takei
teasymanofGod(
thepr
ophet
saidget
ti
ngbetweenmeandTony)
Tony:Tshegof
atsol
et'
sgohome(
hesai
d
walki
ngaway )
(Ihurr
iedoutofchurchfoll
owinghim.Tonywas
alr
eadyinthecarandt heenginewasr unning.
AssoonasIsati nthecaritstart
edmov i
ng.
Thedoorwasst il
lopenandIhadnotbuckl ed
up.Theusherstri
edt orunaft
erthecarcar ryi
ng
mybagbutt hecarincreasedspeed.Iclosed
thedoorquickl
y.Hejoinedthemai nroad
withoutcl
eari
ngandwasal mosthitbyanot her
car.Thedri
verhootedathim angri
ly.Iwas
scaredf ormyl i
fe.If i
ddl edwi t
ht heseatbel t
tryi
ngt obuckl eupbutIwasn' tmanagi ng.My
handswer et r
embl ing.WhenwegothomeI
remai nedi nt hecart r
y i
ngt of i
gureouthowI
wasgoi ngt ocalm hi m down.Whi leIwasst i
ll
thinkinghegotoutoft hecarandbangedt he
door .Hewentt omysi deandIpeedonmy
dress.Ihav enev erbeent hisscar edi nmyl i
fe.
Hepushedmeoutoft hecarandbangedt he
passangerdoorandl ockedt hecar .Hel it
erall
y
draggedmeoutoft hecarandIf eltashar p
painonmyt oe.Hel ockedt hehouseandi t
startedr ainingbl owsandsl aps.Initiall
yItri
ed
tobl ockt hebl owsandsl apst opr otectmyf ace
butIgott iredandcoi ledup.Heki ckedmel ikea
dog.Atsomepoi nthet ookouthi sbel tandI
couldf eel themet alpar toft hebel tlandingon
mybody .Iwasscr eami ngatt het opofmy
voice.Someoneknockedandt r
iedt oopent he
doorbutcoul dn'tbecausei twasl ocked.I
stoppedscr eami ng.Myv oicewasr oughand
barel
yaudibl
e.Icoul
dhearpeople'
svoices
outsi
de.Someonemusthav epushedthedoor
breaki
ngit
.Whileournei
ghborwast r
yingto
helpmeIheardthesoundofacarengi ne)
NO.108

BOKAA

(
phoneconv
ersat
ion)
Puso:
hel
l
o
Kgomot
so:
hel
l
oPuso.Howar
eyou?
Puso:
I'
mfi
ne.
Kgomot
so:
Iwasj
ustchecki
ngony
ou
Puso:
thanks
Kgomot
so:
Puso?
Puso:
madam
Kgomotso:
I'
m sor
ry.Ishoul
dnothav
echeat
ed
onyou
Puso:youarenotsor
ryf
orcheati
ng.Youare
sorr
ybecauseyougotcaught
.Ibeti
fIdidn'
t
seethatmessageyouwouldsti
l
lbeenjoyi
ng
yourTumelo
Kgomot
so:
Pusopl
easef
orgi
veme
Puso:
Ihav
efor
giv
eny
ou
Kgomot
so:
thanks
Puso:
youar
ewel
come
Kgomot
so:
Idontknowwhoel
set
oaskf
orhel
p
Puso:
soy ouhavet
hegut
stoaskf
orhel
pfr
om
meaftert
reat
ingmeli
keafool
Kgomot
so:
(sobbi
ng)mysonsschool
feesi
s
due
Puso:
tel
lTumel
o
Kgomot
so:
Pusopl
ease
Puso:
I'
m br
oke
Kgomot
so:pl
easepayf
orhimt
hismont
h.Iwi
l
l
makeaplanf
ornextmont
h
Puso:oneot
lhal
efi
l
engakabol
wet
soosabo
tl
hal
efa?
Kgomot
so:
Idon'
tunder
stand
Puso:
thi
sfool
isi
mpor
tantt
oyoubecausehe
i
samoneymachine
Kgomot
so:
I'
m desper
ate
Puso:
Iwi
l
lseewhatt
odo
Kgomot
so:
thanky
ou
Puso:
bye
Kgomot
so:
thanks.By
e.Thanks

TONY'
SHOUSE
(Myf amilywasimpat i
entlywai
tingforTonys
family.TefoandSeisost empersweref l
yi
ng
high.Myuncl ehadwar nedthem tobeont heir
bestbehav i
or.Tonyandhi sfamilywererunning
l
at esoseisohadt oleave,hewaswor kingthat
after
noon.Ireceivedacal lf
rom Lentl
e)
Me:
hel
l
o
Lent
le:
hel
l
oTshego
Me:
hi
Lent
le:
howar
eyoumyf
ri
end?
Me:
Isur
viv
ed
Lent
le:
im sor
ryf
ornotcomingt
oseey
ou.I
m
scar
edtocomeandseey ou.
Me:
why
?
Lent
le:
Iblamemy selff
orwhathappened.I
fI
hadnotinvi
tedy
out ochur
ch,youandtony
woul
dbeok
Me:
dontbl
amey
our
sel
f.
Lent
le:
I'
m sor
rymyf
ri
end
Me:
itsok.It
houghty
ouwer
egoi
ngt
ojudgeme
f
ort
heabor t
ion
Lent
le:
friendsdontj
udgeeachot
her
.Weal
l
makemi stakesmyfri
end
Me:
thanksf
ory
oursuppor
t
Lent
le:any
timemyfri
end.Whereist
ony
?Hav
e
youtal
kedaboutwhathappened?
Me:
Ihav
en'
tseenhi
m si
nce
Lent
le:
wher
eishe?
Me:hi
smum saystheyar
eonthei
rwayher
e.I
t
seemsli
kehewenttoWerdat
hatni
ght
Lent
le:
oh.Wearesti
ll
busyatchur
ch.Iwi
l
lsee
youoncethecr
usadei
sover
Me:
thanksdear
.Thanksal
ot
Lent
le:
any
timemybestf
ri
end
Me:
thanks
Lent
le:
bye
Me:
bye

CHURCH

Past
or:
yourspi
ri
tist
roubl
ed
Pr
ophet
:ver
ytr
ue
Past
or:
what
sgoi
ngon?
Pr
ophet
:al
ot.If
eel
li
keI
m notcal
l
edt
obea
pr
ophet
Past
or:
(fr
owni
ng)wher
eist
hatcomi
ngf
rom?
Prophet
:whathappenedher
eaf
ewday
sagoi
s
tr
oubli
ngme
Past
or:
thef
ightbet
weent
hatmanandhi
swi
fe?
Prophet
:Iwenttoseet
hatl
adyy
est
erday(
he
shookhishead)
Past
or:
isi
tthatbad?
Pr
ophet
:henear
lyki
l
ledher
Past
or:
itssosad
Pr
ophet
:Ibl
amemy
sel
fforwhathappened
Pastor:butyouweredoi
ngitt
osavethei
r
marriage.It
snotl
ikeyoudidi
tonyourown,
you
werel i
steni
ngtoi
nstr
ucti
onsfr
om God
Pr
ophet:
Ithi
nkImustt
akeabr
eakf
rom t
he
mi
nist
ry
Pastor
:don'
t.Youwi
l
lbegi
vi
ngt
hedev
ila
chance
Pr
ophet
:Icantcont
inuel
i
ket
his
Pastor:
Prophet,t
hismi nistr
yistough.Whatwe
needtodoistobev i
gilantandnotmakesur e
thatwedontlettheenemypul lusdown.No
mat t
erhowhar ditgetsdontgiveup.Manyl i
ves
needtobesav ed,manysi t
uati
onsneedtobe
changedandy ouhav ebeenchosent odothat
Pr
ophet
:butwhydoesmyhear
tfeel
soheav
y
Past
or:
itspar
toft
hepackage
Pr
ophet
:If
eel
weak
Past
or:t
hiscal
l
sfori
ntensepr
ayer
smanof
God.Let
stakeitt
ogodinpray
er
Pr
ophet
:ok
(
thet
womenknel
tdownandst
art
edpr
ayi
ng)

MYHOUSE

(Bytheti
met onyandhismum arri
vedIwas
fastasl
eep.Iwokeuptov oi
cesinthel
ounge.
Theywereexchanginggreet
ings)
Myuncl
e:howwast
hej
our
ney
?
Tony'
smum: itwassuchanemotional
jour
ney
.
Molepol
olehasneverbeent
hisf
ar
Myuncl
e:t
her
eisasi
tuat
ionher
ethat
..
Char
it
y:uncl
e,Idon'
tmeant
oint
err
uptyoubut
canwemay bestar
twit
hawordofpray
er
Myuncle:
thanky
oumychil
d.Thanky
ouso
much.Goaheadandpr
ay
(
Chari
typr
ayedt
heki
ndofprayert
hatlef
tmein
t
ear
s.Ihear
dsomeonesobbi
ngaftert
hepray
er)
Myuncle:wehavecall
edyouherebecause
somethi
nghappenedbetweenTonyand
Tshegoandthesi
tuati
onisverybadsowefel
t
i
tneededtobeaddressedurgent
ly
Tony
'suncl
e:weunder
stand
Myuncl
e:di
dTonyt
ell
youwhathappened?
Tony'
suncl
e:no.hesay
shedoesntwantt
otal
k
abouti
t
Tony'
smum:
hedi
dntshar
eany
thi
ngwi
thme
ei
ther
Myuncl
e:ok.Char
it
ycal
lTshegomychi
l
d
(
Char
it
yknockedandIi
nvi
tedhi
mint
omy
bedroom.Iputonmygownandsl eepersand
fol
lowedher .ThemomentIwal kedintothe
l
oungeev erybodywentdeadqui et
.Tonysmum
brokeint
ot ears.Thegownexposedmybr ui
sed
armsandl egs.Myf acewassti
llswoll
enandI
hadasor eonmyl owerli
p.Myl
ef teyewasred
andtherewasabl uebrui
sear
oundi t)
Myuncle:
thi
sist
hesi
tuat
ionwecal
l
edy
out
o
at
tend
Tony
'suncl
e:Tonyi
sthi
syourdoi
ng?
Tony:Icantdecidet
oassaultTshegoforthe
sakeofit.askherwhatshedidtodeservethi
s?
Tef
o:deser
ve?
Tony
:yes
(Iwaslooki
ngatTonyandIcoul
dnotseemy
husbandinhim.al
lIwasseei
ngwasav er
y
angrystr
anger)
Tony
'smum:
whathappened?Tel
lmeson
Tony
:Tshegohadanabor
ti
ony
ear
sago,
bef
ore
wemet
Tef
o:what
?
Tony
:yesshedi
d
Tef
o:i
sitt
rueTshego?
Me:
(wi
pingt
ear
s)y
es
Tefo:youkil
l
edachil
dTshego!It
hought
Dimphowasl yi
ngwhenshesaidyouwere
pregnantandyout
erminat
ed.Soyoudidi
t
Me:myboyfr
iendhadl
eftme.Idi
dntknowhow
Iwasgoi
ngtotakecar
eofthechil
d.Iwas
af
rai
dofyouandDimpho.Ishoul
dnthavedone
i
t
Char
it
y :l
et’
snotj
udgeherTef
o.Shehasmade
amistakeandit
’si
nthepast
Tony:it
’snoti
nthepastbecausethati
sexactl
y
thereasonwhywehav ebeenhav i
ngdif
fi
cul
ty
conceivi
ng.If
eelv
eryembarrassedbecause
hal
fofthi
svi
l
lageknowst
hatI
m mar
ri
edt
oa
murder
er.
Tony'
smum: (
angrytone)Idontcarewhether
Tshegoki l
led10peopleorwhatTony ,she
doesntdeser v
ethis.Nowomandeser vesthis
ki
ndoft reatmentdamny ou!Isthi
swhoy our
l
atefatherandIraisedyoutobe?
Tony
:.
..
..
Tony'
smum: answerme.Whaty ouhavedone
i
sinhumaneanddisgust
ing?Whatkindofan
ani
mal ar
eyou?Areyouat er
ror
ist
?
Tony
'ssi
ster
:mum pl
easecal
m down
(Tempersranhighandnomat t
erhowmuchmy
uncletr
iedtocontrol t
hesituat
ionhefail
ed.
Tonysmum wasv er yangryathim andshout
ing
athim.Atsomepoi ntitwasCharit
ypissedoff
butinav er
ycalm andr espectf
ulmannertell
i
ng
Tonythatheislessofaman.Thent her
ewas
Tefo,hetol
dmehowmuchshameIhav e
broughtourf ami l
yandhowmymot heris
probablytossingandt urninginhergrav e
becauseofwhatIdi d.Myuncl ewastr yi
ngby
allmeanst obeneut ral.AfteranhourIf elttir
ed
andIcoul dnotsi tont hecouchany mor esoI
askedt obeexcused.I twasdeci dedt hateach
familymustdi scusst hei ssuefurt
herand
decideont hewayf orwar d.Itwasalsodeci ded
thatonlyoneper sonmustpr esentthev iews
andopi ni
onsoft hei
rr espectivef
ami l
iest o
avoidwhathadj usthappened.Iwentt ot he
bedroom tosl eep.Atni ghtTony smum asked
met omov etot hespar ebedr oom.Iwentt o
sleepinthespar ebedr oom andshemov edal l
myt hingstot hesamer oom.Ikepton
wonder i
ngwhati tmeant .SheandTony ssi st
er
sleptwithmei nthesamer oom whil
eTony s
unclesleptint heotherr oom.Tonyoccupi ed
themai nbedr oom) .
NO.107
(Mynei ghbour spleadedmet or eportTonyt o
thepol i
ceandgot ot hehospi t
al butIrefused.I
fear edthatrepor t
ingTonywasgoi ngtocr eate
al otofpr obl
emsandSei somi ghtl osehi sjobif
i
twasdi scoveredt hathecov eredacr i
me.
Agai nIdi dn’
twantt orepor tTonybecauseI
knowheassaul t
edmebecausehewasangr y
andhehasev eryrighttobeangr ybecauseIhi d
i
mpor tantinformat ionfr
om hi m.Thepeopl e
from chur chcamewi thLent lebutIl ocked
my selfi
nmyr oom andr efusedt oopenf or
them.Whent hehousewentqui etIknew
ev eryonehadl ef
tsoIwentt othebat hroom and
tookawar m bath.Mywhol ebodywasbl ueand
redandIwasi nal otofpai n.Tony ’
sphonewas
offsoIsenthi m messagest ryingt oexplainmy
posi ti
onhopi nghewoul dunder st and)
“
I’
m sor
ryyouhadtofindoutabouttheabor
ti
on
t
hisway.Ihadhonest
lythoughtSei
sotol
dyou
abouti
tbecauseImethi m whenIwasadmi t
ted
i
nhospitalaft
ertheabort
ion.Butofcour
seit
wasmyr esponsibi
li
tytot
ellyouasyourpar
tner
andIsi
ncer el
yapologi
sefornottel
li
ngyou”
“Tonycanyoupleasecomebackhomesot hat
wecant al
kaboutthi
s.IknowIhavehumi
li
ated
andembar r
assedyouandIdon’tbl
ameyouat
allf
orassaul
ti
ngme.Iftableswer
etur
nedI
wouldalsobeveryangr
y”
“TonyIl
oveyouandIhopewewi l
lgetpastt
his.
Pleasef
indi
tinyourhear
ttof
orgi
veme.Ilove
you”
(
Itookthr
eepainki
ll
ersandsomehowI
managedtofal
lasl
eep)

WERDA

(
Tonyr
eadt
hemessagesandcal
l
edSei
so)
Sei
so:
tel
lmet
hegoodnews
Tony
:soy
ouknewabouty
oursi
ster
’sabor
ti
on
Sei
so:
yousoundv
eryangr
y
Tony:somuchf orafri
endSeiso.Youletme
marryyoursisterknowingver
ywel lt
hatshe
hadcommi t
tedaborti
on.Shameony ouman.
Evenwhenwewer estr
uggl
ingtoconceiveyou
neverbotheredtotell
meabouti t
Sei
so:
itwasnotmypl
acet
otal
ktoy
ouabouti
t
Tony:i
twasy
ourpl
aceasmysocal
l
edbest
fr
iend.
Sei
so:
no
Tony:Ican’
tbeli
eveyouprot
ectedyoursi
sterat
theexpenseofmyhappinessyetyousaywe
arebestfri
ends.Shameonyou
Seiso:Ikeepmypati
ents’
secret
s.Iguar
dthei
r
secret
swi thsomuchjeal
ousybecausemyjob
meansal ott
ome
Tony
:say
sthef
renemy
Sei
so:canwemeetandt al
kaboutthi
sTony.
I
’m comingtoyourhouser
ightnow.What
happenedatchurchl
astni
ght?
Tony:youandyoursi
sterar
eunbel
i
evabl
eand
I
’m donewithher
.
Sei
so:
hohoho.Tonywhat
’sgoi
ngon?
Tony:thebi
gdir
tysecretbet
weeny
ouandyour
preci
ousli
tt
lesi
steri
soutandIhav
elost
i
nteresti
nher
Sei
so:
don’
tmakedeci
sionswheny
ouar
eangr
y
man
Tony
:I’
m donewi
thbot
hofy
ou
(hecutt
hecallwi
thoutgi
vi
ngSeisoachanceto
sayanyt
hing.Her
eceivedacal
lfr
om Lent
le)
Tony
:whatdoy
ouwant
?
Lent
le:
hel
l
oTony
Tony
:hi
Lent
le:
howar
eyou?
Tony:di
dyouknowabouty
ourbestf
ri
end’
s
secr
et?
Lent
le:
no.
Tony
:don’
tli
etome
Lentl
e:IswearIdi
dn’
tknowandIam as
shockedasyouare
Tony
:Tshegoisasnake.Ican’
tbel
ieveshe
di
dn’
ttel
lyouevent
houghy ouarebestfr
iends
Lent
le:
Tshegoi
sav
erysecr
eti
veper
son
Tony:t
hankyou.AndIcan’
tspendther
estof
mylif
ewithsomeoneli
keherbecauseIdon’
t
wanttoalway
swonderwhatshecouldbe
hi
dingfr
om me
Lent
le:I
’m sosor
ryt
haty
ouf
oundoutt
heway
youdid
Tony
:Iguesst
hesecr
etwasal
way
sgoi
ngt
o
fi
ndi
tswayout
Lent
le:
howar
eyoucopi
ng?
Tony:
yoh!I’
m angryLentl
e.I
’
m soangry.I
’
m
di
sappoi
ntedinmywi feandIfeel
ashamedfor
bei
ngmarriedtoher
Lent
le:
Iunder
stand.Peopl
earebusyki l
li
ngkids
whenwedesperatel
ywantkids.Tshegoshould
nothavet
akenagoodmanl i
keyouf orgr
anted
whenpeoplel
i
kemear ecr
yingforhalft
heman
youare
Tony
:Tshegodoesn’
tappr
eci
ateme
Lent
le:
shewast
edaper
fectmar
ri
age
Tony:shedi
dandmymi
ndi
smadeup.I
’
m
don’
twithTshego
Lent
le:
thi
sisunf
orgi
vabl
e
Tony
:iti
s.Lookmymum i
sher
e
Lent
le:
ok.Ij
ustwant
edt
oknowhowy
ouar
e
copi
ng
Tony
:thanksf
orbei
ngsoki
nd.
Lent
le:
youar
ewel
come
Tony
:by
e
Lent
le:
bye

Tony
’smum:yest
erdaywheny
oucameher
e
youwer
ever
yangry
Tony
:yesmama
Tony
’smum:
andy
ouar
est
il
langr
y
Tony
:yesmama
Tony
’smum:
whathappened?
Tony:I
’m notr
eadytot
alkabouti
tnow(
hesai
d
l
ight
ingacigaret
te)
Tony
’smum:
wher
eisTshego?
Tony
:Mol
epol
ole
Tony’
smum: di
dsomet
hinghappenbet
ween
youandher
?
Tony
:yes
Tony
’smum:
whathappened?
Tony
:Iwi
l
ltel
lyouwhenI
’
mready
Tony’
smum: Tonyyouneedtot
ell
mebecause
Icantel
lthatwhatev
eri
tisit
sbi
gandknowing
you………………Tony ?
Tony
:mamapl
ease.Gi
vemespace
Tony
’smum:
wil
lyout
ell
met
oday
?
Tony
:yes
Tony
’smum:
hav
eyoueat
en?
Tony
:Idon’
tfeel
hungr
y
Tony’
smum:Iknowyouar eangr
yandhurt
ing
buty
oucan’
tli
veoncigaret
tesal
one.I
’
m going
topr
epar
eyousomethingtoeat
Tony
:………………………………….
MOLEPOLOLE

(Iwashav i
ngaser iousnosebl eed.Mybody
wasi nser i
ouspai nandIwasf eeli
ngv eryweak
andl i
ghtheaded.Icoul dnotgetoutofbed
becauseoft hedi zziness.Somebodyknocked
ont hedoorbutIf eltt ooweakt ogoandsee
whoi twas.Ial sodi dn’ tf
eellikeseei ngany one.
Theper sonopenedt hedoorandcal ledmy
name.I twasSei so.Heopenedt hebedroom
doorandst opped.Hewasst ar i
ngatme
withoutsay ingany thing.Iwaswear i
ngmybr a
andpant iesonl ybecausecl othesmadet he
painsonmybodywor se.Ididn’ twantany thing
totouchmyski n.Isawt earsf or minginSei so’
s
eyesbef orehewal kedout ,
tocr yIguess.I
swal l
owedhar d.Myt hroatwasv erypainful
becauseatsomepoi ntTonyst rangledme.I
heardSei sot al
kingt osomeoneont hephone
butIwasf
aili
ngtoguesswhohewastal
kingto.
Hewasaskingthem t
ocometoourhouseri
ght
away.Hemadeseveralcal
l
sact
ual
ly
.Thelast
cal
lhemade……………………………. )
Sei
so:
(br
eaki
ngv
oice)whatdi
dyoudot
oher
?
Tony
:whatdoy
out
hink?
Sei
so:Idon’
tcar
ewhethershehi
dmur derfr
om
orcheat
edorwhatev
ershedoesn’
tdeservethe
beati
ngyougaveher
Tony
:youar
eri
ght
Sei
so:
thenwhydi
dyoudoi
t?
Tony
:shedeser
veswor
set
hatwhatIdi
dtoher
Sei
so:
whatt
hef
**k
Tony:nextti
meyouwil
lknownott
ocov
ery
our
si
ster
’sdirt
ysecr
ets
Sei
so:
im goi
ngt
ogety
ouf
ort
his
Tony
:br
ingi
ton
Sei
so:
wher
ear
eyou?
Tony
:it
’snoneofy
ourbusi
ness
Sei
so:
Tshegoshouldr
eportyoutot
hepoli
ce.
I
nfact
,shemustrepor
tyoutothepol
ice
Tony:
tel
lhert
ogoahead.I
t’
sapi
tywewon’
tbe
abl
etoshareapol
i
cecell
Sei
so:
tsek
Tony:
tel
lhert
orepor
tmeandherabor
ti
on
casewil
lst
art
Sei
so:
youar
eev
il
Tony
:al
lofusar
e
Seiso:
IswearTony,I
’
m goi
ngtol
ookforyou
andwhenIfindyou……………………….
(heshookhis
head)
Tony
:I’
mreadyf
ory
oudude.Isai
dbr
ingi
ton
Sei
so:
shameony
ouwomanbasher
Tony
:shameony
ouf
ami
l
yofmur
der
s.You
hav
ebl
oodony
ourhands
Sei
so:I’
m goingtogety
ouf
ort
hisandIswear
I
’m gonnaleavenotr
ace
Tony:goaheadandki
l
lmel
i
key
ouki
l
ledher
chi
ld
(t
heair
ti
mef i
nishedi
nter
rupt
ingt
hei
rheat
ed
conv
ersat
ion)

Afteraboutanhourmyuncleandhiswi f
e,my
brotherandhi
swifeandSophiearr
ivedatmy
house.Theystoodbymybedsi dewithout
anyoneofthem sayi
nganythi
ngtome.t heyal
l
l
eftandIheardthem tal
ki
nginthel
ounge

Uncl
e:t
hev
anderMer
wesneedt
ocomeher
e
ASAP
Sei
so:
theyneedt
o
Tef
o:wher
eisTony
?
Sei
so:heref
usedt
otel
lmewher
ehei
sbutI
don’
tthi
nkheisar
ound
Tefo:
Ineedt
oseehi
m ASAP.Ineedt
osee
Tony
Seiso:don’
tgethi
m befor
eIdobecauseIdon’t
thi
nky ouwil
ldohim anyj
ust
ice.Ineedtomake
thatguypayforwhathehasdonet oTshego
Uncl
e:don’
tpayvi
olencewithvi
olence.The
mostimpor
tantt
hingrightnowi
st ofind
medi
calhel
pforTshego
Sei
so:
letmemakeaf ewcal
lsandseei
fanyof
mycol
leaguescanhel
pher
Tef
o:shemustr
epor
tthi
sdog
Uncl
e:Tef
o,t
hisi
snott
het
imef
ort
hat
(Meanwhil
e,Char
it
ysneakedi nt
omyr oom and
star
edprayi
ngforme.Iwast akentoScotti
sh
Livi
ngst
oneHospit
alwhereIwasat tendedtoby
oneofSeiso’
scoll
eagues.Ihadlostalotof
blood.Iwasadmi tt
edov er
nightanddischarged
thenextdayi ntheeveni
ng.Iwasn’tfeeli
ng
betteratal
l.Noonehadsai dmucht ome.The
onlyquesti
ont heyaskedmewaswhydon’ tI
reportthem andmyanswerwasal way s:
Ineed
totalktohimf i
rst
.Iknowit’
sasi l
lyanswerto
thenextpersonbutt omeitmakesal otof
sense)

#LoyalreadersIfeel t
heneedt oapologiseto
youbecauseIdon’ tthinkIwi l
lbeabletowr i
te
l
ongerinserts.Kindlybearwi t
hmeandadj ust
yourmindsett othisinsertl
ength.Bewar ned
thatonday swhent hingsarehect i
cImi ghtpost
evenshorterinsert
s.Hal faloafisbett
erthan
nobread#
NO.109

(
phoneconv
ersat
ion)
Tony
:hi
Lent
le
Lent
le:
hel
l
o.howar
eyou?
Tony
:I'
m pi
ssedof
f
Lent
le:
whathappened?
Tony:I
'm hav
ingameeti
ngwit
hTshego'
sfami
l
y
todayandIdon'
tl
ookfor
wardtoi
tatall
Lent
le:t
hemeet
ingi
snecessar
ysot
hata
deci
sionont
hewayfor
wardcanbemade
Tony:
Iknowit'
snecessary
.WhatIhateabout
thi
smeetingi
sthatnobodywant
sto
under
standhowIfel
tandwhyIreactedtheway
Idi
d
Lentl
e:Iknewtheyweregoingtoruntojudge
you.Peopleal
waysdothat.Theywon'teven
consi
derwhattheotherpersonhascontri
but
ed
tothesit
uati
on
Tony:
exactl
y.Thanky
ousomuchf
or
under
standi
ng
Lentl
e:youarenotabadper
sonTonyit
'sjust
theci
rcumstancesbr
oughtt
heworstoutofyou
Tony:exact
lyLent
le.Ihaveneverr
aisedmy
handtoawomanbef orebuttheymakeitasi
fI
goaroundhitt
ingwomen
Lent
le:
theyar
ewr
ong
Tony
:theyar
e
Lent
le:
don'
tl
osehear
t
Tony:thankyousomuchf
oryoursuppor
t
Lent
le.Itmeansalott
ome.
Lent
le:
afr
iendsf
ri
endi
saf
ri
end
Tony
:I'
m goi
ngcr
azy
Lentl
e:Icani
magi
ne.I'
m sor
ryi
fthi
ssounds
for
wardbutwhathav
ey oudeci
ded?Ar
ey ou
for
givi
ngher?

(
phoneconv
ersat
ion)
Sei
so:
li
tt
lesi
ster
Me:
hel
l
o
Sei
so:
howar
eyou?
Me: Iam amessSei so(myv oicest art
ed
breaking)Iam amess.Tef oisjudgingme, Tony
can'tevenl ookatme, mybodyi si npainand..i
don'tseemy selfrecoveri
ngf r
om t his
humi l
iati
on.Myf amilyisembar rassedandt he
whol evil
lagepr obablyknowsaboutwhatIdi d
andSei somyt hingsarefall
ingapar tandIdon't
knowwhatI '
m goingt odo
Sei
so: Tshegof
atsobestr
ongknowthatno
matterwhatotherpeopl
edoorsayt
oy ou,
I'
m
her
et osupportyou
Me:
thanky
ou
Sei
so:don'
tyouwantt
hisguyt
opayf
orwhat
hedidtoyou
Me:
Iwantt
oleti
tgo
Sei
so:ar
eyouscar
edt
heywi
l
lar
resty
ouf
or
abor
ti
on?
Me:yesandno.yesI
'm scar
edofgoi
ngto
pr
isonbutIdon'
twantTonytogeti
ntr
oubl
e
Sei
so:
doy
oust
il
ll
ovehi
m?
Me:
yes,
pleasedon'
tj
udgeme
Sei
so:Iunder
stand.Don'
tbeaf
rai
d,y
oucan'
tgo
topr
ison
Me:
how?
Sei
so: i
twillbediff
icul
tforanyonetopr ov
ethat
youinducedt heaborti
on.InyourrecordsI
i
ndicatedthatit'
sspontaneousabor t
ionso
rel
ax
Me:
thanks.I
'
m st
il
lnotr
epor
ti
nghi
m
Sei
so:Whatdoyout
hinki
sthebestwayoutof
thi
ssi
tuat
ion?
TEFO'
SHOUSE

Tefo:Ican'
tbel
i
eveTshegocommitt
edan
abort
ion.Sheki
ll
edi
nnocentbl
ood
Char
it
y:(
snappi
ng)Tef
o!
Tef
o:Tshegohashumi
l
iat
edus.Iam so
embarr
assed
Chari
ty:l
ett
hebl
amel
essbet
hef
ir
stonet
o
thr
owt hest
one
Tef
o:IknowIam asi
nnerbutabor
ti
on
Char
it
y:andwhosai
donesi
nisbet
tert
hant
he
ot
her?
Tefo: DimphousedtotellmethatTshegomight
havet erminat
edapregnancyandIdidntbel
iev
e
her.infactweendeduphav i
ngaser i
ous
argumentbecauseIt houghtshewasbeing
pettyandi mpossi
ble
Chari
ty:
leti
tgoTefo.Tshegohasdonewhat
shehasdone,l
eti
tgo.isjudgi
nghergoi
ngto
changewhatshehasdone
Tef
o:buti
twi
l
lst
opherf
rom doi
ngi
tnextt
ime
Char
it
y:Ihat
eitwheny
ouactl
i
keMrPer
fect
.
Tef
o:I
'
m notper
fectbutIwi
l
lnev
erev
erdo
somethi
ngs
Char
it
y:thenthatmeansyouwil
lneverbeinthe
samepredicamentt
hatTshegofoundhersel
fin
Tefo:whyar
eyoucov
eringupf
orher
?What
Tshegohasdonei
sevil
andembarr
assi
ngand
shemustownuptoit
Chari
ty:
onedayy oushallneedy oursi
stersoas
youcri
ti
cizeandpersecut
eherr emembert hat
youmightneedherinthef ut
urejustli
keyou
onceneededherhelpdesperately
Tef
o:y
ounev
ert
akemysi
deany
way
Char
it
y:whoam It
ojudge?Iwi
l
lnev
ert
hrow
t
hef
ir
stst
onebecauseI
m notcl
ean
Tef
o:r
athery
out
hanme

MYHOUSE

(
Myfami
lyhadabr
iefmeeti
ngwi
thmebef
ore
t
het
wofamili
esmet.Att
hemeet
ing)
Myuncle:thankyouf oragreei
ngtomeetwi t
h
usagai
n.Wear ehopingthatattheendofthis
meeti
ngt heissuebeforeuswi l
lberesol
ved.
MrsMot swaselepleaseleaduswithaprayer
(
Char
it
ypr
ayed)
Myuncl e:astherepresentat
iveofourfamilyI
wouldl i
ketosummar i
zedwhatwehav e
discussedasIpresentittoy ou.weunderstand
thatyoursonwasv eryangryanddefi
nitel
y
embar assedwhensheassaul t
edourdaught er
butitdoesntwarrantwhathehasdone.Wear e
notproudofwhatTshegodi dandwepr ay,
bel
ieveandhopet hatshewill
nev ereverdoit
again.Tshegongwanakadontev ercommi tan
aborti
onagain.Wear ehereasyourf amil
yandI
bel
ievewecoul dhavehelpedwit
ht hatbaby.Do
youhearme?
Me:
yesuncl
e.I
'
m sor
ry
Myuncle:now,
asTshegosfamil
ywedonot
tol
erat
ewhatTonyhasdonetoTshegoandwe
hopethathewi
llnev
ereverdoi
tagai
n.Tony
?
Tony
:si
r?
Myuncl
e: don'
tev
er,don'teverl
ayyourhandon
mydaughteragai
n.Letthisbethefirstandthe
l
astt
imebecauseifyoudoi tagain,Imy sel
fwil
l
seet
oitthatyoupay.Doy ouunderstandme?
Tony
:yessi
r
Myuncl
e:whatdoy
ouhav
etosay
?
Tony
'suncl
e:poi
nti
ngf
inger
sisnothel
ping.
Uncleyouhav
esaiditwell
.nowIthi
nkwhati
s
l
eftisf
orustohearwhatthesetwosay
concer
ningwhatwi
llhappenfr
om here
Me:
canIpl
easet
alk?
Tony
'suncl
e:goaheadmychi
l
d
Me: Iwouldl
iketoapologi
set obot
hf amil
ies
fortheshamet hatIhaveputyouthrough.Im
ashamedofwhatIdi dandifIcoul
dIwoul d
reversei
t.Pl
easef i
nditi
nyourheartstoforgiv
e
me
Uncl
es:
youar
efor
giv
en
Me: Iwouldli
ket osincer
elyapologisetomy
husband.TonyIhav eputy out hr
oughal otand
Im sorr
y.IthoughtSeisohadt oldyouabout
whatIdid.Ithoughty ouknew.Inev ersaid
anythi
ngabouti twhenwewer ef ai
li
ngto
conceivebecausedoct or
shadsai deveryt
hing
i
sf i
newi t
hus.Youar eri
ght,Ishouldhavetold
youaboutitev enthoughitsinmypast .I'
m
sor
ry
Tony
'suncl
e:whatdoy
ousaymynephew?
Tony
:Iwantdi
vor
ce
(t
herewasdeadsil
encei
ntheroom.Hel
ooked
atmeandIlookedathi
m.Icouldt
ell
hewas
seri
ous)
Tony'
smum: tonydontmakedeci
sionswhen
youareangr
y
Tony:mum, mymi ndi
smadeup.Ihavethought
aboutthi
sandtheonlywayoutoft
hisi
s
di
vorce.TshegoandIaredone
Tony'
suncle:
for
getwhatoursonhasjustsai
d.
Heisangryandhi
smindisnotclear
Tony
:Imeani
t
Me:TonyIl
ovey
ou.Pl
easedontdot
hist
ome.
Dontbr
eakmyhear
tli
kethi
s
Tony
:Idon'
tthi
nkIcanev
erf
orgi
vey
ouTshego
(Thedi scussionwentonandonandTony
mai ntai
nedhi sstance.Iwasdy i
ngi nside.Tony
askedmet omov eoutofhi shouseandI
refused.Thef inalagreementwast hatIwi l
l
occupyt hespar ebedr oom whileTonyoccupi es
themai nbedr oom.Tony '
smot herdeci dedthat
shewoul dstaybehi ndandspendt woweeksi n
Mol epololetonur semebackt oheal th.Shewas
alsowor riedthatIm notsaf ear oundTony
becausehewasst il
langry.Tony '
ssi sterhad
cookedf oreverybody .Myf amilyleft
i
mmedi at el
yaftertheyat e.Iwasl eftwi t
hTony
andhi sfami l
y.Itriedt oapologisetoTony )

Me:
TonyIl
ovey
ou.Pl
easef
orgi
veme
Tony
:no
Me:
pleasedontdi
vor
ceme
Tony
:mymi
ndi
smadeup
Me:
ist
il
lbel
i
evei
nus.Wewer
egoodbef
ore
t
hisandwecangobackt
owher
ewewer
e
Tony
:wewer
eli
vi
ngal
i
e
Me:
hav
eyoust
oppedl
ovi
ngme?
Tony
:yes
Me:
when?
Tony
:thedayIdi
scov
eredt
her
eal
you
Me:
dontj
udgemebasedonmypast
Tony
:yourpasti
scost
ingmemyf
utur
e
Me:
Tonypl
ease
(heli
tacigaret
teandwentbacki
nsidet
he
housebecauset hesmokemademecough
badlyandwhenIcoughedmywhol ebody
becamesor e)

AWEEKLATER.
..
..
No.110
(Ihadbeenst ayi
ngi nthesamehousewi t
h
Tonyandhi smot herfortwoweeksbutTony
andInev erhadaconv ersation.EvenwhenI
greetedhi m henev err
esponded.Myuncl eand
Seisocheckedonmeal otbutIcan' tsaythe
sameaboutTef o.Heonl ycamet oseemeonce
andhedi dn'
tevenspend5mi nutes.Chari
ty
musthav eforcedhi mtocomeandseeme.
Char i
tyhadbeenmypi ll
arofstrength.She
encour agedmenott ogiv eupinlif
e.Lentle
visi
tedmeonl yonce.Shecl aimedt obebusyat
wor k.
)
Tony
'smum:
youseem t
obedoi
ngal
otbet
ter
mychil
d
Me:eemma.If
eel
muchbet
terphy
sical
l
y.If
eel
abi
tstr
ong
Tony
'smum:
that
'sgr
eat
.Emot
ional
l
y?
Me:
thef
actt
hatTonyhasn'
tfor
giv
enme,
isnot
tal
ki
ngtomeandhaspr oposeddi
vor
cekill
sme.
Isti
l
llovehim andIwantt
ospendtherestof
mylifewit
hhim
Tony
'smum:
that
'sat
oughone.
Me:Iwon'
tgi
veuponmymar
ri
age.Notwi
thout
afi
ght
Tony'
smum:
giv
ehi
m abi
tofspaceandt
ime
fi
rst
Me:
eemma
Tony
'smum:
I'
mleav
ingonFr
idayTshego
Me: eemma( Iknewshewasgoingtogoback
toWer dat
hatweekbutheari
nghersayi
t
hersel
fmademeemot i
onal
.wehaveastr
ong
bond)
Tony
'smum:
wil
lyoubef
ine?
Me:
eemma.I
'
m goi
ngt
omi
ssy
ou
Tony'
smum: TshegoIdon'
tthinkl
eavi
ngyou
her
ewi t
hTonyisagoodthing.Tonyusedt
o
haveat err
iblet
emperwhenhewasy oungbut
ashegr ewuphemanagedt ocont
rol
it.I
'
m
worri
edt hatmay behemightnotbeableto
control
hist emperaroundyouespeci
all
ywhen
i
t'
sy ouandhi m only
Me:
Iwi
l
lbef
inemum
Tonysmum:
thewayt hi
ngsar
e,Idon'
tseeTony
hel
pingy
ouf
inanci
all
y
Me:
Iwi
l
lusemysav
ings.
Tony'
smum: t
herei
snoneed.Iwi
l
lsendyou
moneynextweeksothaty
oucanbuywhatev
er
youneed
Me:
thanky
ou
Tony'
smum: don'
thesi
tat
et ocal
lmeify
ou
needanyt
hingmychil
d,beitmoneyora
shoul
dert
ocr yon
Me:
yesmama
Tony
'smum:
Tshegoy
oucan’
tspendy
ourday
s
l
ockedupinthi
shousethi
nki
ngaboutyour
probl
ems.Whatar
ey ougoi
ngtodotokeep
busy?
Me:Ihadregist
eredforacomputercour
seat
thel
ibr
ary,
Iwi l
lfol
l
owupt ocheckift
heyst
il
l
havespaceforme
Tony
'smum:
howmuchdoesi
tcost
?
Me:
it'
sof
fer
edf
orf
ree
Tony'
smum: okay
.Iwi
l
lgi
vey
oumoneyf
or
pet
rolandl
unch
Me:
thanky
oumama.CanIaskf
oraf
avour
?
Tony
'smum:
yesmychi
l
d
Me:pleaseconv
inceTonynott
odi
vor
ceme.I
cantl
i
v ewit
houthim.Il
ovehi
m
Tony'
smum: Iknowmychi l
d.Iknowthatver
y
well
.LikeIsai
d,let'
sgiv
ehim spaceandti
met o
healandwewi llt
akeitfr
om t
here
Me:
thanksmum
Tony
'smum:
youar
ewel
comemychi
l
d
(Tony'
smum isanamazi ngperson.f
orthe
weekthatshest
ayedwi thusIwasshower ed
withmother
lyl
ove.Icannev ert
hankthi
s
womanenoughf orbeingthereformeinthi
s
desperat
eti
meofneed)

(
phoneconv
ersat
ion)

Lent
le:
hi
Tony
:hel
l
oLent
le
Lent
le:
howar
eyou?
Tony
:i'
m.l
et'
snotgot
her
e.
Lent
le:
it'
ssogoodt
ohearf
rom y
ou
Tony
:todayIdeci
dedtocal
lyoubecausey
ou
al
wayscallmetocheckhowI'
m doing
Lent
le:
ok
Tony
:howar
eyou?
Lent
le:
I'
m soso
Tony
:what
'shappeni
ng?
Lent
le:
li
fei
shappeni
ng
Tony
:ar
eyougoi
ngt
hroughadi
ff
icul
tti
me?
Lentl
e:yes.Ihav
ealwaysgonethr
ougha
di
ffi
cultti
me.I'
m bei
ngcrazy(
shegiggl
ed
nerv
ously)
Tony
:Idon'
tthi
nkso
Lent
le:
TonyIwantababybutIdon'
tev
enhav
e
aboyfr
iend
Tony:
youandIboth.IwantababybutIdon'
t
thi
nkIwi
ll
eversl
eepwi t
hTshegoagai
n
Lent
le:
arey
ouguy
sdi
vor
cingorwhat
?
Tony
:I'
m di
vor
cingher
Lentl
e:I
'
m sor
ryy
ourmar
ri
agehadt
oendl
i
ke
thi
s
Tony
:itwasn'
tamar
ri
age,
itwasal
i
e
Lent
le:
sti
l
l,I
'
m sor
ry
Tony:y
ah.Ineedsomeonetotal
kto.Ineed
advi
ceandIwanttotal
ktosomeoneIcant r
ust
.
Someonei'
m comfort
abl
earound
Lent
le:
ok.Whendoy
ouwantt
omeet
?
Tony
:howaboutt
omor
row?
Lent
le:
finebyme
Tony
:5pm
Lent
le:
goodf
orme.Wher
e?
Tony
:maf
eny
atl
alamal
l
Lentl
e:Ican’
tbeseenwit
hyoui
npublicpl
aces
becauseTshegomightnotl
i
kei
tifshehears
aboutit
.
Tony
:It
endt
ofor
gett
hatI
'
m st
il
lmar
ri
edt
oher
.
Lent
le:
Howaboutmyhouse?
Tony
:that
sfi
ne
Lent
le:
sur
e

SEI
SO'
SHOUSE

Seiso:i
fIhadmoneyIwasgoingtopay
Tshegosschool
feesinafarawayinst
it
uti
onso
thatshemovesawayfrom Tony
Sophi
e:It
hinkt
heyneedt ocont
inuebei
ng
cl
osetoeachothersothatt
heycaneventual
l
y
workonthei
rdi
ffer
ences
Sei
so:
Ifearf
orhersaf
ety
Sophi
e:Idon'
tthi
nkTonyi
sthatcr
uel
Sei
so:
Idontt
rusthi
m any
mor
e
Sophie:
havey
out
ri
edt
osi
thi
m downand
reasonwit
hhi
m?
Sei
so:
athousandti
mes.Hedoesntwantt
otal
k
tomesoIlethi
m be.Henev
ert
alkstomelet
al
onegr
eetmewhenI
'
m athi
shouse
Sophi
e:t
hisi
snotgood
Sei
so:i
t'
snot
.That
'swhyIf
earf
orTshegos
saf
ety
Sophie:
doy outhinkTshegoandTonywil
lev
er
getbacktogether?Imeandoy outhi
nkt
heywil
l
beabletoresolvethei
rdi
ffer
ences?
Sei
so:
Idon'
tthi
nkso
Sophi
e:why
?
Sei
so:Ihavenev
erseenTonyt
hisi
rr
ati
onal
and
fur
iousbef
ore
Sophi
e:shame
Sei
so:
yah.
Sophi
e:Tshegol
ooksbet
tert
hatshedi
dlast
week
Sei
so:
shemustgetbet
terf
ast
.
Sophi
e:mhm!
GABORONE

(amessager
epor
tedi
nKgomot
so'
sphoneand
shej
umpedforj
oy)
kgomot
so:
(scr
eami
ng)y
eaaaaay
!
Fr
iend:
whati
sit
?
(
herphonebeepedagai
n)
Kgomot so:(
shest
oodupanddancedasshe
sang)hell
omybaby ,
hell
omybaby,hel
lomy
baby,hell
omybaby(deepvoi
ce)hel
lohel
l
o
hel
lohello
Fr
iend:
(ir
ri
tat
ed)whati
sit
?
kgomot
so:
myBaei
sbae
Fr
iend:
what
?
Kgomotso:
Pusohasj
ustdeposi
tedmoneyin
myaccount(r
eadi
ngt
hemessageoutloud)'
I
hopethemoneyisenought
ocov eral
lyour
expensesi
ncl
udi
ngdrivi
ngl
essons.Pl
easesee
whattodonextmonth'
Fr
iend:
andy
ouar
ehappybecause?
kgomot
so:becausePusohasasoftspotf
or
meandsoonhewoul dhavef
orgi
venme
Fr
iend:
buthesay
sfornextmont
hyou.
..
..
..
..
..
..
Kgomot so:
becauseheisbroke.Kanahehad
saidhewon'tbeabletohel
pbecauseheis
broke.Mymanhust l
edmoneyf orme
Fr
iend:
don'
tgety
ourhopesupMot
so
kgomotso:er
engjal
asemot
sal
eng?Jeal
ousy
doesn'
tlookgoodonyou
Fr
iend:
ok
Kgomot
so:ebil
eI'
m breaki
ngupwithTumel
o.
Pusomustfi
ndmesi ngleandav
ail
abl
etohi
m
whenhecomesback
Fr
iend:
don'
trush
Kgomotso:nomancanlovemethewayPuso
doesandnomancanspoilmethewayPuso
skidi
d.Tumelomustj
ustexi
tmyli
fe
Fr
iend:
youar
edel
usi
onal
Kgomot
so:
ebi
l
eI'
m cal
l
ingmyPusor
ightaway

(
phoneconv
ersat
ion)

Puso:
hel
l
o
Kgomot
so:
hi.Igott
hemoney
.Thanky
ousoso
somuch
Puso:i
t'
sapleasur
e.Thisi
sthel
astt
imeI'
m
sendi
ngyoumoney .Pl
easemakeaplanf
or
nextmonth
Kgomot
so:
Iwi
l
l
(
sil
ence)
Puso:
ist
her
eany
thi
ngel
se?
Kgomot
so:
Nanami
ssesy
ou
Puso:Kgomot
so'
spl
ease.That
'
snotgonna
work
Kgomot
so:
I'
m ser
ious
Puso:
bye
Kgomot
so:
Puso
(
aft
ert
hecal
l
)

Fr
iend:
Itol
dyou
kgomot
so:
hei
sst
il
langr
y.Hewi
l
lcomear
ound.
Fr
iend:
Idon'
tthi
nkhei
sst
il
li
ntoy
ou
Kgomotso:
nomansendshisexmoneyunl
ess
hest
il
lhasfeel
i
ngsf
orher
Fr
iend:
youar
eheadi
ngf
orsel
fdest
ruct
ion
kgomotso:
Idon'tcare.(
smi
l
ing)canwet
alk
aboutsomethi
ngelse?
Fr
iend:
ok

AMONTHLATER.
..
..
..
..
..
..

ToFor
giv
eOrNot
?

NO.111

SEI
SO’
SHOUSE

Sophi
e:Nt
shego.Howar
eyou?(
shesmi
l
edat
me)
Me:(gi
vi
ngherahug)hel
l
ohel
l
o.I
’
m doi
ngok.
Your
self
?
Sophi
e:Ican’
tcompl
ain
Sei
so:
comeher
eli
tt
lesi
ster
(
weshar
edal
onghug)
Me:
howi
smybel
ovedbr
otherdoi
ng?
Sei
so:
I’
m doi
ngv
erywel
l
Sophi
e:y
oul
ookdi
ff
erentNt
shego
Me: I’
mtryi
ngnottotakethingst
oohard.Gape
thecomputercourseiskeepingmebusyand
takingmymi ndawayfrom negat
ivet
houghts.I
enjoythecourse
Sei
so:Iknewi
t.Mostofusthi
nkwhenweknow
howtotypeadocumentandsavei
tweknow
howtouseacomputer
Me:youcansayt
hatagai
n.Howi
sthe
pr
egnancygoi
ng?
(
theyl
ookedateachot
her
)
Sophi
e:f
ine
Me: guysrel
ax.Youdon’thaveto.Bef
ree
aroundme.Ishoul dn’
tbethereasonf
oryounot
toenjoyyourpregnancy.Ihav
eacceptedt
hatI
cannev erf al
lpregnantsodon’tworry.Theonly
thi
ngI ’mf ail
i
ngt oacceptisthatTonywants
divorce.Iwi l
lneveracceptthatIhavepromised
my selfthatIwillfi
ghtformymar ri
agewi t
hall
thatIcan
Sei
so:
doy
out
hinki
t’
swor
thi
tthough?
Me:fornowi
tswor
th.Ican’
tgi
veupwi
thout
t
ryi
ng
Sophi
e:Iwoul
ddot
hesamei
fIwer
eyou
Me:
Ican’tgiv
eupwithoutaf
ight
.Now,
howi
s
t
hepregnancygoi
ng?
(
theyl
aughedagai
n)
Seiso:wel
l
,I’
m exci
tedaboutbecomi
ngaf
ather
.
Ican’twai
ttomeetmychi l
d
Me:
itmustf
eel
ver
yni
ce
Sophi
e:i
tfeelssogoodknowi
ngt
hatt
her
eis
l
if
egrowinginsi
deofme
Sei
so:
andshesay
snowt
hatshei
scar
ryi
ngl
i
fe
i
nsi
deofhershehast ogi
vet
hatli
feut
most
car
e.Shehaschangedherdi
et,
shehasst
art
ed
doi
ngli
ghtexer
cises
Sophi
e:t
hisi
sthebestgi
ftIcangi
vet
othi
s
l
it
tl
eone
Me:
canIt
oucht
het
ummy
Sei
so:
goahead
Sophi
e:asi
fit
’sy
ourt
ummy
Sei
so:wearemar
ri
edi
ncommunityofpr
oper
ty,
sowhatbel
ongst
oyoubel
ongst
ome
Me:theweddi
ngt
hatImissedbecauseIcoul
d
notshowmyswol
lenfacetopeopl
e.Cani?
Sophie:sure.Don’tworr
y.I
twasnothingbig.A
smalllunch.Wear egoingtohaveourbig
weddingwhent hebabyisoneyearol
dandbe
warnedy ouaret hebestl
ady
Me:thankyouguys.If
eelhonour
ed.Thanksa
l
ot.Ican’
twait(
touchi
nghertummy)thi
sis
beaut
if
ul.I
t’
sjustsoamazi
ng

TEFO’
SHOUSE

Charit
y:tl
herrar
emembertobri
ngLisa
propel
lercray
onsfr
om Gabor
one.Icantf
ind
them here
Tef
o:what
sthat
?
Chari
ty:cr
ay onst
hatyoutwist
.Youwil
lfi
nd
them atPeporshoprit
e.Justt
ell
them t
hatyou
wanttwistablecr
ayons
Tefo:
ok.Iwi
l
llookf
ort
hem dur
ingl
uncht
ime
tomorr
ow
Chari
ty:
buyforal
lthet
hreeoft
hem ot
her
wise
ther
eisgoi
ngtobewor l
dwar3
Tef
o:y
ouar
eri
ght
Char
it
y:don’
tfor
get
.Hav
eyouseenTshego
r
ecent
ly?
Tef
o:noti
nawhi
l
e.
Charit
y:Isawheryest
erdayatt
hemal l
.She
l
ooksmuchbet ter
.KanaIhavebeenv er
ybusy
.
ForthepastfewdaysIhaveonlybeental
ki
ng
toherthrought
hephone
Tef
o:oh
Char
it
y :
shelooksmuchbet
terandhappi
er.She
wasfrom school
Tef
o:oh
Char
it
y:whati
sitTef
o?
Tefo:di
dn’ty
ouaskherwhatshei
sst
il
ldoi
ngat
thatman’shouse?
Char
it
y:ar
eshewant
stof
ightf
orhermar
ri
age
Tef
o:apartf
rom t
hefactthatt
hatmannear
ly
ki
ll
edhersheshouldbeashamedofwhatshe
di
d
Char
it
y:l
eti
tgoah!
Tef
o:t
hatguydoesn’
twantTshegoandshe
mustj
ustl
etgobefor
ehekil
lsher
Char
it
y:Tshegoi
sdi
vi
nel
ypr
otect
ed
Tefo:Idon’
tthi
nkthatguywil
lfor
giv
eher
.Gape
nomanwi l
lwanttostaywi
thawomanwho
can’tgi
veherchil
dren
Char
it
y:soi
fIcan’
tgi
vey
ouachi
l
dyouwi
l
l
l
eaveme?
Tefo:it
’sdif
ferent.Ialr
eadyhav etwochil
dren
soev enifIdon’thaveanymor echil
dreni
tsfi
ne.
Again,youhaveachi l
dalreadywhichshows
thatwear ebothf ert
il
e
Chari
ty:
inmylit
tl
eunderst
andi
ngthatprophet
madeTshegot oconf
esssothatGodcan
for
giv
eherandopenherwomb.Somyf ait
h
tel
l
smet hatTshegowil
lhaveachi
ldinthenear
fut
ure
Tef
o:wewi
l
lseeaboutt
hat
Chari
ty:
Godreveal
storedeem.Thatprophecy
wasnotmeanttoembar r
assTshegoandl eav
e
heri
nfert
il
e.I
twasmeantt or
eleaseherfr
om
thebondageofi
nfer
ti
li
ty
Tef
o:amenmmamor
uti
Char
it
y:whydoy
ouhat
eTshegosomuch?
Tefo:Idon’that
eher.Ihatewhatshedidand
thefactthatsheexpectsTonytofeelsor
ryfor
andactasi fnothi
nghappened.Tshegomust
takeresponsibi
li
tyf
orwhatshedidandst op
expecti
ngev ery
onetobeJesusandactasi f
nothi
nghashappened
Charit
y:I
’m wai
ti
ngfort
hedaywhent hi
sGod
thatIser
vewill
changethathear
tofy
ours
Tefo:
Chari
tyyouhi
debehi
ndGodandactbl
i
nd
towar
dsreali
ssues
Char
it
y:Iwoul
drat
hert
hant
hatactl
i
keaj
udge
oft
hiswor
ld.Whoam ItojudgewhenIdat
eda
manwhenhewasst i
llmarri
ed.Iknowmypast
soIwon’
tactl
ikeIam asaint

KGOMOTSO’
SHOUSE

Fr
iend:
goaheadandt
est
Kgomot
so:
im scar
ed
Fr
iend:
doi
tmyf
ri
end.Ther
eisnoot
herway
Kgomot
so:
whati
fim pr
egnant
?
Fr
iend:
theny
ouwi
l
lhav
etoaccepti
t
Kgomotso:andr
aiset
wochildrenonmyown?
kanat
hischil
dwil
lbefat
her
less.Pusodoesn’
t
wantmeandIdumpedTumel o
Fr
iend:
test
(
Kgomotsotest
edandtheywai
tedfort
he
r
esul
ts.Onel
ineappear
edandafewseconds
passedbef
oreanot
herl
i
nest
art
edf
ormi
ng
sl
owly)
Kgomot
so:
yooooooh!
Fr
iend:
itst
wol
i
nesmyf
ri
end
Kgomot
so:
I’
m pr
egnant
Fri
end:yes.warewhenwer
eyousupposedt
o
getyourperi
od?
Kgomot so:myperi
odi snotr
egularsoI’
m not
sure.LastmonthIonlygotafewdr opsandI
thoughtitwasbecauseIwasstressed
Fri
end:
tryt
othi
nk.Whendi
dyougetapr
oper
peri
od?
Kgomot
so:
Idon’
tknow.IthoughtIwasn’
t
get
ti
ngapr
operper
iodbecauseI’
m str
essed
Fr
iend:
whendi
dyoul
astsl
eepwi
thPuso
Kgomot
so:Ihav
eal
way
sbeensl
eepi
ngwi
th
bot
hofthem
Fri
end:butyouandPusobrokeupandyou
conti
nuedsleepi
ngwithTumel
owhichmakesi
t
hi
ghlyli
kel
ythatthechi
ldi
sTumelo’
s
Kgomot
so:
thechi
l
disnotTumel
o’s
Fr
iend:
howdoy
ouknow?
Kgomot
so:
itcoul
dbePuso’
schi
l
d
Fr
iend:
how?
Kgomotso:
letmel
ookatt
hecal
endarandt
ry
toremember
Fri
end:
don’tf
orcet
hechi
l
dont
oPusoi
fyou
real
i
zethati
t’
snothi
s.
Kgomot
so:
letmedomycal
cul
ati
ons

MYHOUSE

Me:
moghel
Lent
le:
hel
l
omoghel
.Youmustbet
hinki
ngIam
awi
tch
Me:
Iknowpeopl
ear
ebusy
.
Lent
le:
Ihav
ebeenv
erybusymyf
ri
end
Me:
atl
eastwet
alkov
ert
hephone
Lent
le:
andt
hatcount
sforsomet
hing
Me:
true.
(Tonycameoutofhi
sbedr
oom andgr
eet
edus.
hewascoldanddist
ant
)
Tony
:hel
l
o
Me:
hi
Lent
le:
hel
l
o
(
secondsl
aterIhear
dhi
scardr
ivi
ngout
)
Lent
le:
howi
sev
ery
thi
ng?
Me:Ican’
tsayev
ery
thi
ngi
sfi
ne,
butwear
e
get
ti
ngthere
Lent
le:
how?
Me:
youl
ookshocked
Lentl
e:yes.kanathi
sGodisamazi
ng.Hecan
turnasi
tuationl
ikeyour
sint
oamotherof
testi
monies
Me:Tonynev erusedtotal
ktomebutthese
dayshegreetsme.ev ersi
ncehi
smotherlef
t,
heeatsfoodthatIcook.Heall
owsmet owash
hi
sclothesandironthem.
Lent
le:
that
’ssomet
hing
Me:itis.From nottalki
ngatallt
ot his.Weare
headingsomewher e.HismotherandIt hought
hewasnotgoi ngtoassistmebuthedoes.He
boughtgr ocer
iesjustli
keweusedt obuythem
andheev enboughtmet oi
l
etr
iesthismont h
Lent
le:
Isee.Ihav
efoundaman
Me:t
hat’
sgreatmyf
ri
end.Ihopei
twor
kst
his
t
imearound
Lent
le:
Iknowi
t’
sgoi
ngt
owor
k
Me:whoi
sthi
smanmyf
ri
end?Kar
eebi
l
eyou
ar
eglowi
ng
Lent
le:
I’
m glowi
ngbecauset
hisguyi
slov
ing
andcari
ng.Ihav
eknownhimforawhil
e
Me:atl
easti
t’
ssomeoney
ouknowsot
hings
ar
eli
kel
ytoworkout
Lentl
e:I
’mver
yhopef
ulaboutt
hisnew
rel
ati
onshi
p
Me:
I’
m happyf
ory
ouchomee
Lentl
e:I
’m happyformysel
f.Ihaveal
wayshad
acrushonhi m buthewaswithsomeoneel
se
butheisavail
ablenow
NO.112

BOKAA

(
Byj
ustl
ooki
ngatherPusocoul
dtel
lthatshe
wasdi
str
essed)
Kgomot
so:
thanky
ouf
oragr
eei
ngt
oseeme
Puso:
whati
sthi
sabout
?Itsoundedur
gent
Kgomot
so:
Ihav
easi
tuat
ion
Puso:
andhowi
sitmyconcer
n?
Kgomot
so:
I’
m pr
egnant
(Pusost
aredatKgomotsoandnoneofthem
saidaword.Kgomotsofai
l
edtofi
ghtthetear
s
thatwer
eburningherey
es.Shel
etthem r
oll
)
Puso:
don’
ttel
lmei
t’
smychi
l
dbecausei
t’
snot
Kgomot
so:
itcoul
dbey
ourchi
l
d
Puso:
(heshookhi
shead)coul
d?
Kgomot so:I
’m notsur
ehowf aral
ongIam wi
th
thepregnancyandIhav ebeentr
yingt
ofi
gure
outgorewhenwast helastt
imewehadsexbut
I
’mf ai
li
ng
Puso:
letmet
ell
youonet
hingI
’
m sur
eof
;the
per
sonwhomadey
oupr
egnanti
sTumel
o.
Kgomot
so:
itcoul
dbey
ou
Puso:youusedt
orefuset
oseemeandy ou
sl
eptwithmeonceinawhile.Whenwast
he
l
astti
mewehadsex?
Kgomot
so:
Ican’
tremember
Puso:
youcanr
emember
,it
’sonl
ythaty
oudon’
t
wantt
o
Kgomot
so:
Ithi
nki
t’
syourchi
l
d
Puso:whatdi
dTumelosaywheny
out
oldhi
m
thaty
ouarepregnant
Kgomot
so:
Ihav
en’
ttol
dhi
m
Puso:mmeheshoul dhavebeent heper
sonyou
wentto.I
’m notr
esponsi
blesopleasegoand
di
scussthepregnancywi
ththeresponsi
ble
per
son
Kgomot
so:Idon’tknowi
fit
’sy
ourchi
ldor
Tumel
o’sbecauseIwassl
eepi
ngwithbot
hof
y
ouatt
hesamet
ime.
Puso:
sies!Si
nceIknowletmetel
lyou,
thi
s
chi
ldi
sTumelo’sandyouarewast
ingyourt
ime
Kgomot
so:
whati
fit
’sy
ourchi
l
d?
Puso: i
t’
snotmine.Butsinceyoususpecti
t’
s
mychi ldl
et’
swaitfort
hechi l
dtobebornso
thatwecandoaDNAt estandtakei
tfrom
there.Unt
ilt
hendon’tbotherme
Kgomot
so:
Puso…………
Puso:
DNAornot
hing.Wear
edone.CanI
pl
easego?
Kgomot
so:
no.
Puso:
callmeaftert
hechi
ldi
sbor
nsot
hatwe
candothetest
.Goodluck
Kgomot
so:
justl
i
ket
hat
?
Puso:
yes.pl
easegetoutofmycar
Kgomot
so:
(shesobbed)canIpl
easecal
m
downf
ir
st?
Puso:sur
e.Letmel eaveyoutocalm down.
smsmewheny ouarecal
m sot hatIcancome
andgetmycar .I’
m goi
ngintothatshop(he
sai
dpointi
ng)
Kgomot
so:
ok

LENTLE’
SHOUSE

(
phoneconv
ersat
ion)

Lent
le:
hel
l
obabe
Cal
l
er:
hil
ove.Howi
syourday
?
Lent
le:
baaaaaaad
Cal
l
er:
what
sup?
Lent
le:
ner
raar
eyougoi
ngbackt
oher
?
Cal
l
er:
nono.whydoy
ouask?
Lentle:becauseIhadaconv er
sati
onwithher
yesterdayandshet oldmehowy outakecareof
her.youbuyherst affand……………………………. .
Cal
l
er:
shegoti
tal
lwr
ong.Iwasj
ustbei
ngki
nd
Lent
le:
real
l
y?
Cal
ler
:act
uall
yIdi
dbecauseIf
eel
gui
l
tyt
hatwe
ar
ebetray
ingher
Lent
le:
shebet
ray
edy
ouf
ir
st
Cal
ler:Iknow.MaybeIgavehermixedsi
gnal
s.
I
’m gonnat el
lhert
hati
t’
sovertoni
ght
Lentl
e:pl
easedobecauseshei
sbecomi
ng
hopeful
Cal
ler
:Iwil
ldoi
t.Whil
eonthat
,stopchecki
ng
her
.Ithi
nkshemightbecomesuspi
cious
Lentl
e:don’
tyouknowt hesay i
ngthatyou
shoul
dkeepy ourenemiesclosersothatyou
canmoni t
orthem.ByremainingclosetoherI
cangett
oknowwhenshebecomessuspi
cious
Call
er:
ify
ouputi
tthatway.Am Iseei
ngy
ou
l
aterorar
eyougoi
ngt ochur
ch?
Lent
le:
Iwon’
tbegoi
ngt
ochur
chf
orawhi
l
e
Cal
l
er:
why
?
Lentl
e:youwantmycousi
nt othr
owbombsat
me.Idon’twantt
ofi
ndmy selfi
nTshego’
s
si
tuati
on
Call
er:
youareri
ght.Thatguyi
sdeepandhe
seesdeepl
yhiddenthi
ngs
Lent
le:
exact
ly.Shee!Myper
iodst
art
edt
oday
Cal
l
er:
oh
Lent
le:
I’
m di
sappoi
nted.Ar
en’
tyou?
Cal
l
er:
noty
et.Youmusthav
epat
ience
Lent
le:
Ihav
edownl
oadedanov
ulat
iont
racker
Cal
ler
:that
’sgood.weshoul
dfal
lpr
egnant
qui
ckl
y
Lent
le:
wemust
.Iwantachi
l
dsobad
Cal
l
er:
youandIbot
h
Lent
le:
Im goi
ngt
obuysuppl
ement
s
Cal
l
er:
okl
ove.Shei
sher
e,l
etmet
alkt
oher
Lent
le:
ok.l
ovey
ou
Cal
l
er:
lov
eyou

(
Iparkedmycarundertheshade.Tonywasi
n
f
rontofthehousesmoking)
Me:
hel
l
o(Ismi
l
ed)
Tony
:hi
.CanIpl
easet
alkt
oyou?
Me:
ok
Tony
:goinsi
dethehouse,
Iwi
l
lfi
ndy
out
her
e.
I
’mfi
nishi
ngthi
s
Me:
ok
(
Iwenti
nsi
det
hehouseandsatont
hecouch.I
wasv er
yexci
tedt
hatwewer efi
nall
ygoingt
o
tal
k.Whil
eIwassti
llf
antasi
zi
ngaboutusbeing
backtoget
herheopenedthedoor.Hesatona
couch)
Tony:
Tshegoweneedt
otal
kaboutwhati
s
goi
ngonbetweenus
Me:
thanky
ouforf
inall
y……………………f
ort
alki
ng
t
ome.CanIpl
easestart
?
Tony
:ok
Me: Iwoul dl
iket ostartoffbyapologizingf or
hur t
ingy oulikethatandembar rassingy ou.I’m
reall
ysor ry.Pleaseknowt hatidon’thatey ou
forhi t
ti
ngme.Iunder standyouwer eangr y.I
guessIdeser vedi tforwhatIdid.ihonest ly
didn’tknowt hatSei sohadnott ol
dy ouabout
the………………. theabor ti
on.Therewasat ime
whenIt alkedtoSei soabouty oubei ngpat ient
andhehi ntedt hatnotal otmencanst ayi na
relati
onshi pandbesuppor t
iveevenwhent hey
knowwhatt hei
rwiveshaddone.It houghthe
meantyouknowonl ytolearnrecentl
ythathe
himsel
fthoughtIhadtol
dy ou.(Itookadeep
breat
h)Ital
ktoomuchsor ry.Whatdi dyouwant
ustotal
kabout?
Tony:hesaysyouwerehispat
ientandno
matterhowclosewewereasfriendshewoul
d
notgamblewithhisj
obbytel
li
ngmeabout
thi
ngsthathappenedbet
weenhi m andhi
s
pati
ents
Me: Imisunderstoodhi.Anyway.That’
snotan
excuse.CanIpl easeexplai
nmy sel
f.ImeanI
feeltheneedtot el
lyouaboutthe
cir
cumst ancesthatledtomedoi ngwhatIdid
Tony
:Idon’
tthi
nkt
her
eisneed.I
tdoesn’
t
matt
er
Me:(Ismil
edbecauseIknewmyhusbandwas
goi
ngt of
orgi
veme)ok
Tony
:Tshego,
Idon’
tthi
nkwecangobackt
o
wher
ewewer
e
Me:
(shocked)Idon’
tunder
stand
Tony:Idon’
tthi
nkIwilleveracceptwhatyou
havedoneandl i
vewithitpeaceful
ly.Whaty
ou
havedoneisunforgi
vableandIt hi
nkweshould
goourseparateways
Me:(tear
y )butwehav ebeenl
iv
ingtogether
peaceful
l
yandwear eget
ti
ngal
ongf i
ne.tonyI
knowy ouwi l
lforgi
vemeandim gonnapr ovet
o
youthatwhathappenedwasa
misunderstanding
Tony
:Iwantdi
vor
ce
Me:
Tony
,no!
Tony:I’m ser
iousTshego.Ihavethoughtlong
andhar daboutthi
sanddi vorcei
stheonlyway
out.Ithi
nkwenotst aytogetherwhil
eI’m
processingthediv
orce.Ipl
ant ofi
lefordivor
ce
thi
sweek
Me:soy
ouar
eser
ious?(
tear
swer
ebl
i
ndi
ngmy
ey
es)
Tony
:yes.Cany
oupl
easemov
eout
?
Me:
andgowher
e?
Tony:
toy
ourbr
other
’shouseory
ouruncl
e’
s
house
Me: y
ouknowv er
ywellthatTef
owill
not
accommodatemebecauseIoncer efusedt
o
accommodatehim.Ican’tgobackt
omy
uncl
e’shouseatmyage.Ican’t
Tony
:may
bey
oushoul
dgoandst
aywi
thSei
so
Me:SeisoandSophiehavebeenver
ykindto
mesoIdon’ twantt
otakeadvant
ageofthei
r
ki
ndness.Idon’
twanttocrampthei
rspace
Tony
:sowherewil
lyougobecausewecan’t
st
aytoget
her
.It
’sgi
vingy
ouwrongsignal
s
Me:
whatdoy
oumean?
Tony
:wher
ear
eyougoi
ngt
ogo?Kanat
hisi
s
ani
nst
it
uti
onalhouseandithasbeenal
locat
ed
tomenotyou,
soitwon’tmakesenseformet o
moveoutandl
eaveyouhere
Me:
Iwi
l
lmov
etoourhousei
nNewt
own
Tony:Tshegoy
ouknowthatt
hemoneyf
rom
ther
entgoestothel
oan
Me:butthat’
stheonl
yplaceIcango.Ihav
e
nowhereelsetogo.Whatdoyousay?
Tony:wecanst
aytogetherunt
ilwefi
nda
sol
uti
onbutpl
easejustknowthatyouandIar
e
done
Me:
yes
Tony
:good
(InmyheartIwashappyt hathewasl ett
ingme
staybecauseIperceivedi
tasachancef orme
todothebestt hatIcantowinhim back.aft
er
thetal
khel ef
thomeandIcal ledCharit
y)
Char
it
y:Tshegowhati
shappeni
ng?
Me:
I’
m hur
ti
ng.Thi
sispai
nful
(Iwascr
ying)
Char
it
y:whati
sgoi
ngon?
Me:hewant
sdi
vor
ceandhei
sfi
l
ingf
ori
tthi
s
week
Chari
ty:
onewisethingyoucandof oryour
sel
f
i
stoprayforyourhusband.I
fheisy our
sGod
wil
lbri
ngbackhomebuti fheisnottheonefor
yougodwill
lethi
m go.
Me:Goddoesn’
tli
keme.Hewon’
tev
enl
i
stent
o
me
Char
it
y:Godl
ovesy
ouTshego,
alot
Me:ifhelov
esmethenwhydi
dhereveal
a
secr
etthati
sbr
eaki
ngmymarri
age?
Charit
y:Ithi
nkt hepersonwhodeliv
eredthe
prophecylackswi sdom.It’
snott
heprophecy
thatbreaki
ngy ourmar r
iagebutt
helackof
wisdom behindi t
Me:
I’
m goi
ngcrazyher
e.Hewantedtot
hrow
meoutoft
hehouseareIshoul
dstaywi
thyou
Char
it
y:heiscr
azy.I
’
m comingt
oyourhouse
nowmyl ov
e.Hanginther
e
Me:
thanks
NO.113

TEFO’
SHOUSE

(
phoneconv
ersat
ion)

Char
it
y:hel
l
ommaagoLi
sa
Di
mpho:
hel
l
o
Char
it
y:howar
eyoudoi
ng?
Di
mpho:
Iwantt
heki
dsonFr
iday
Char
it
y:wehav
eor
gani
zedanout
ingwi
tht
hem
f
orSat
urday
Di
mpho:Iwasn’
taski
ng.I
’
mtell
ingy
out
hatI
wantmychi
ldr
enfort
heweekend
Char
it
y:Iwi
l
ltel
lTef
osot
hatwecanseewhat
todo
Di
mpho: don’
ttel
lmet hatyouaregoingto
di
scusswithTefobecauset her
eisnothi
ngto
di
scuss.Whatisther
et odi
scusswhena
motherwantsherchi
ldren?
(Tef
ostoodatthedoorandChar
it
yputDi
mpho
onloudspeaker
)
Char
it
y:cany
oucal
m downpl
ease
Dimpho:Don’
ttel
lmetocal
m down.Yout
hink
youarespeci
altoTef
obutyouar
enot.
Char
it
y:whatdoest
hathav
etodowi
thany
thi
ng?
Dimpho:i
thastodowi t
hthefactthatyouli
ke
pl
ayingpr
eciouswif
e.ekar
eokol oti
lwele
bogadiosabontshetswaabothetha.Youare
notpr
oper
lymar
ri
ed.
Char
it
y:If
eelyourf
rust
rat
ionandenvy.I
’
m
sor
ryyouplay
edwithagoodmar r
iageDi
mpho
Di
mpho:
whatdi
dyouj
ustsay
?
Charit
y:Iam v er
ywi seandowi ngtothatIwill
notbef ool
ishandbr eakmyhappymar ri
age
withmyownhands.Wor seoff,
withat oyboy
that’
sengaged.Whatwer eyouthi
nking.And
thecherryont op;abandonmyownchi ldrenand
l
aterthrowt antr
ums.Heee!Thatmomentwhen
thekidscallmemummyandcal ltheperson
whocl ai
mst obethei rmother‘
Dimpho’.NeedI
saymor e?
Dimpho:y
ouareawitchandy
out
ookmy
husbandwit
hyourmuti
Chari
ty:
what ever.Wearegoi ngtoLily
’spett
ing
far
m withthekidsonSat urday.Don’tworryyou
canhavet hem nextweekendMO- THE-R.byeI
havebetterthi
ngstodot hant othanwastemy
ti
mebyar gui
ngwthafool
.Tal
ktoy
ourex-
husbandaboutt
heki
ds.
Di
mpho:
fot
sek!Fot
sek!
(
Dimphocutt
hecal
l
)

Tef
o:(
smi
l
ing)whatwast
hat
?
Char
it
y:Char
it
yput
ti
ngsomeonei
nherr
ight
ful
pl
ace
Tef
o:wher
eistheChar
it
ywhol
et'
sDi
mpho
wal
kall
overher?
Char
it
y:Di
mphoi
sget
ti
ngt
omet
heseday
s
Tefo:
aft
ert
hatIdon’
tthi
nkshewi
l
lmesswi
th
youagai
n
Char
it
y:If
eel
badf
ort
alki
ngt
oherl
i
ket
hat
Tefo:atl
eastshedoesn’
tknowt
haty
ouar
e
regret
ti
ng
Char
it
y:Ishoul
dn’
tlethergett
ome
GABORONE

Tumel
o:y
oudon’
tlookwel
l
.Ar
eyouok?
Kgomot
so:(sheshookherhead.t
ear
shad
for
medinhereyes)no
Tumel
o:I
’
m sor
ry.Whati
shappeni
ng?
Kgomot
so:
I’
m pr
egnant
Tumel
o:what
?
Kgomot
so:
yes
Tumel
o:i
sitmybaby
?
Kgomot
so:
Idon’
tknow
Tumelo:
wel
lthat
’sat
oughonenow.Howmany
months?
Kgomot
so:
Idon’
tknow
Tumel
o:It
hinki
t’
sPuso’
schi
l
d
Kgomot
so:
it’
syourchi
l
d.
Tumel
o:whydoy
ousayt
hat
?
Kgomotso:Ihar
dlysleptwithPusotheti
me
thatweweretogether.Ispental
otofti
mewit
h
youandIwasalway sar gui
ngwit
hhim sowe
neverr
ecal
lgotint
imat e
Tumel
o:howmanyti
mesdoesonehav
etobe
i
nti
matetomakeababy
?
Kgomot
so:
…………………………………….
Tumelo:t
hel
astper
sonyousl
eptwi
thwas
Pusoremember
.Kanayoudumpedmebecause
youandPusowerebackt
oget
her
Kgomot
so:weneverr
eall
ygotbackt
oget
her.I
l
efty
oubecauseIt
houghthewasgoi
ngtotake
meback
Tumelo:nnammakanaIhavemov edonso
evenift
hechil
dismi
neIwon’tgetback
toget
herwit
hyou
Kgomotso:
wil
lyouatl
eastassi
stmewi
tht
he
chi
ld?
Tumel
o:i
fI’
m sur
eheorshei
smi
ne
Kgomot
so:
butnowt
hatwedon'
tknow?
Tumelo:it
’shar
dformetodecide.Whati
fItake
careofthatchi
l
dandreali
zet
hatit'
ssomebody
el
se’schil
d.DoesPusoknowaboutthe
pregnancy?
Kgomot
so:
yes
Tumel o:
soyourant
ohimfi
rstandwhenhe
turnedyoudownyoucamet
ome, thel
ast
resort
?
Kgomot
so:
whatdoy
ouwantmet
odo?
Tumel
o:Idon’
tknow.Letmegohomeand
sl
eeponit
.Wewi l
ltal
ktomor
row
Kgomot
so:
ok
Tumel
o:don’
tst
resst
oomuch
Kgomotso:
Ican’
tstopst
ressi
ngbecauseI ’
m
goi
ngtohaveasecondfather
lesschil
d.Ican’
t
aff
ordt
oprovi
deformyotherchild,
whatmor e
oftwo?
Tumel
o:l
etmegohomeanddi
gestt
his
Kgomot
so:
eer
ra
Tumelo:(
giv
ingher100pul
a)goandspoi
l
your
self
Kgomotso:thanks.Iwi
ll
savethemoney
becauseIdon’tknowthedi
rect
ionmyli
fei
s
taki
ng
Tumel
o:ok.

(
phoneconv
ersat
ion)

Puso:
Tshego!
Me:
hel
l
o
Puso:
hel
l
oTshego.
Me:
youst
il
lhav
emynumber
?
Puso:y
es.Inev
erdel
etedi
t.Inev
ert
houghty
ou
st
il
lhavemynumber
Me:
Ihav
eit(
Ist
art
edcr
ying)
Puso:whyarey
oucr
yingnemma?What
’s
happeni
ng?
Me:Pusoy
ouhavedestroy
edmyl
i
fe.y
ouhav
e
dest
roy
edme.I
'
mf i
nished
Puso:
whatdoy
oumeanTshego?
Me: Ididn’
twantt
odotheabor
tionandyou
deceivedmeandIendedupdoingitandnow
I
'm pay i
ngfori
t
Puso:I
’m sor
ryTshego.I
’
mreal
l
ysor
ry.Il
i
vet
o
regr
etdoi
ngthattoyou
Me:
Ican’
thav
eki
dsbecauseoft
heabor
ti
on
Puso:
what
?
Me:Ihavebeent
ryi
ngf
orachi
l
dandIcoul
dn’
t
concei
ve
Puso:
I’
m sosor
ry
Me: myhusbandknowsabouttheabort
ionand
heisleavi
ngme.Ihavenot
hingPusobecause
ofyou.Iam l
osi
ngthemanwhomeanst he
worldtome.Heisdiv
orci
ngmePusoandI ’
m
breaki
ngdown.Mylif
e………………………( Icri
edso
bad)
Puso:si
nceI
’mt heonewhocausedal
lthese
probl
emsforyoutakemebackbecauseI
underst
andyoursi
tuat
ion
Me:
arey
oucr
azy
?
Puso:TshegoI ’
mt hereasonwhyy ouwillnev
er
havekidssolet’
sgetbackt ogetherbecauseI
understandyoursi
t uat
ion.Idon’tmind
spendingtherestofmyl if
ewi thyouina
chi
ldl
essmar ri
agebecauseI ’
mt hereason
Me:
Idon’
twanty
ou.Iwantmyhusband
Puso:
comeonTshego
Me: youareli
vi
ngagoodlif
ewhileI'
m here
pay i
ngforourmist
akewit
hmymar r
iage,
my
dignit
y,myconfi
dence,
myr eput
ati
onandmy
future
Puso:
I'
m notl
i
vingagoodl
i
feTshego.Thi
ngs
ar
ehardformeaswell
.
Me:
how?
Puso:Inev
erreal
l
ygotov eryou.May bei
fIhad
foundagoodwomanaf t
ery outhingswould
havebeengoodbutIhaven'tbeenlucky
Me:
atl
easty
ouknowy
ouwi
l
lhav
eki
ds
Puso:ri
ghtnowmyexgirl
fri
endispr
egnantand
sheisnotevensur
eifi
t'
smychildornot
becauseshehasbeencheati
ng
Me:
sor
ry
Puso:
let
'
sfor
giv
eeachot
herandt
ryagai
n
Me:
I'
m ov
ery
ou.Il
ovemyhusbandal
ot.
Puso:
letmetakeyoutoaf
ert
il
it
yspeci
ali
st,
maybetheycanhel
p.
Me:
Idon'
tknow
Puso:I
'
m wi
l
li
ngt
opaynomat
terhowmuchi
t
cost
s
Me:
letmet
hinkabouti
t
Puso:
ok.CanIcal
lyou?
Me:
I'
mtheonewhowi
l
lcal
lyoy
Puso:
Iwi
l
lbewai
ti
ng
NO.114

TWOMONTHSLATER.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..

PUSO'
SMOTHER'
SHOUSE

(
Puso'
smot
herwasenj
oyi
nghert
eawhenshe
sawst r
anger
swal ki
ngint
oheryard.They
exchangedgreeti
ngsandthest
rangers
explai
nedthereasonfort
hei
rvi
sit
)
Puso'
smum: y
esyouareatt
heri
ghthouseand
thePusot
hatyouar
etal
ki
ngabouti
smyson.
Kgomot so'
suncl
e:thankyou.Ngwanawagago
tl
hagetsekogannakemmeebi leoset se
(Yoursonjumpedthroughourfenceandinthe
processther
ewassomedamagei ncur
red
Puso'
smum: Puso?WhywouldPusodot
hat?
(sheaskedt
her het
ori
cal
questi
onwit
hafr
own
onherface)
Kgomot so'
sfat
her:noti
nthel
iteral
sense.Isee
youareconfused.Letmeputitinastr
aight
for
war dway.OurSetswanal
anguagecanbe
confusing
Kgomotso'
suncle:
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..Wear
eher
eto
repor
tapregnancy
Puso'
smum:
Pusohasi
mpr
egnat
edsomeone?
Kgomotso'sf
ather
:eemmawehav eadaughter
bythenameKgomot so.Sherecent
lyr
epor
ted
tousthatshei
spregnantanduponquesti
oni
ng
sheledushere
Puso'
smum:
Iunder
stand
(
sil
ence)
Kgomotso'
suncl
e:weapol
ogi
zef
orcomi
ng
wit
houtpri
ornot
ice
Puso'
smum: it
'sfi
nebuti
twouldhavebeen
bet
teri
fyouhadinfor
medmet hatyouare
comingsothatIcoul
dfi
ndsomeonetobehere
wit
hme
Kgomot
so'
sfat
her
:nxae!
Kgomot
so'
suncl
e:weapol
ogi
ze
Puso'smum: i
t'
sfi
ne.Mysonhasneversaid
anythi
ngtomeaboutexpecti
ngachil
d.I'
m
shockedbythenewsbutIcan'
tsayIdon'
t
welcomethenews
Kgomot
so'
suncl
e:t
hanky
ou
Puso'smum:Iwil
lgoandseehi
suncl
etorelay
therepor
tandal
sohaveawordwit
hhim about
i
t
Kgomot
so'
suncl
e:wewoul
dreal
l
yappr
eci
ate
Puso'
smum:
eer
ra.CanIof
fery
ousomet
hing
todri
nk?
Kgomot
so'
sfat
her
:pl
ease.
Puso'
smum:
alr
ight
.Iwi
l
lbeback
(
whi
l
etheywer
ehav
ingj
uiceandsandwi
ches)
Kgomotso'
suncl
e:doeshehav
eanyot
her
chi
ldr
en?
Puso'smum: no.Ebil
eIwasnotawar ethathe
i
sdat i
ng.Pusoisv er
y..
..
..
..
..
..Idon'
tknow
whethertosaytoosecretiveortoorespect
ful
.
Hewoul dneverbri
ngagi rlhomeoral l
owmet o
seehim withagirl
.Heonlyi nt
roducedonegir
l
tomebuti tneverworkedout .
Kgomot so'
sf at
her
:maybethatexperi
ence
taughthim nottoi
ntr
oducegir
lstoyou
Puso'
smum:
may
be
Kgomot
so'
suncl
e:whatdoeshedof
oral
i
ving?
Puso'
smum: heismainl
yacommer ci
alfar
mer
buthedoesothersmal
lbusi
nessesontheside
Kgomot
so'
sfat
her
:oh
Puso'
smum:
doesKgomot
sohav
eot
herki
ds?
Kgomot
so'
sfat
her
:yes.Sheal
readyhasone
chi
ld
Puso'
smum:
whatdoesshedof
oral
i
ving?
Kgomot so'sfather
:shewasworkinginapure
school butshehadt ol
eaveherj
obbecauseof
thepr egnancy .Sheworkedasacooksosince
shef ellpregnantshereact
sstr
onglytosmell
event hesmel l off
ood.Shewasforcedtol
eave
herjob
Puso'
smum:
Isee
(t
heyconti
nuestal
ki
ngandwhentheoldmen
weredoneeati
ngtheyl
eft
.Shedeci
dedtocal
l
herson)

Puso'
smum:
hel
l
oPusi
Puso:
hel
l
omum
Puso'
smum:
arey
ouwi
nni
ng?
Puso:notr
eal
ly
.I'
m goi
ngt
oneedmor
ebr
icks
andbagsofcement
Puso'
smum:oh.Yousai
dthehouseissmall
buti
tseemsl
i
keit'
sgoi
ngtobeverycost
ly
Puso:
andi
t'
smessi
ngmybudgetup
Puso'
smum:mythought
sexact
ly.Whenar
e
youcomi
nghome?
Puso:
why
?
Puso'
smum:
youhadv
isi
tor
s
Puso:
(shocked)v
isi
tor
s!
Puso'
smum:
yes.Af
ami
l
y
Puso:
whatdi
dtheywant
?
Puso'
smum:Iwi
l
ltel
lyouwheny
ougether
e.
Whenarey
oucominghome?
Puso:
I'm comi
ngt
hatsi
del
atert
obuybui
l
ding
mater
ial
Puso'
smum:
OK.Wewi
l
ltal
kwheny
ougether
e
son
Puso:
nowy
ouhav
emademeanxi
ous
Puso'
smum: i
t'
snothi
ngbi
g.Don'
twor
ry.I
t'
s
notbadnews(smi
li
ng)bl
essi
ngs
Puso:
whatdi
dtheywant
Puso'
smum:
wewi
l
ltal
kson.By
e
Puso:
bye

WERDA
Tony'
smum: (
shouti
ngatthedog)getoff
.Why
diesi
thav
etocomeandwagi t
stai
lnexttome.
Sheshman!(
shethrewabrickatt
hedogbut
thedogmanagedtododgeit)
Tony
'ssi
ster
:mum,
Ihavenev
erseeny
ou
tr
eat
ingt
hedogsobadl
y
Tony
'smum:
it'
sir
ri
tat
ingme
Tony
'ssi
ster
:mummywhatisit?Idon'
tthi
nk
i
t'
saboutt
hepoordog.What
'sbother
ingyou?
Tony
'smum:
Tony
Tony'
ssist
er:
Iknow.Hi
srecentbehav
iori
s
upset
ti
ng
Tony
'smum:
whycan'
thef
orgi
vet
hepoorchi
l
d?
Tony'
ssister
:letmeknowwheny
ouf
inda
soundreasonf ort
hat
Tony
'smum:
Tshegoi snotabadper
son.Yes
shemademi
stakes,
sowhat
Tony
'ssi
ster
:Tshegoi
sagoodwoman.It
hink
t
her
eissomet
hingdest
ruct
ionTony
Tony
'smum:
daggamay
be?
Tony
'smum:
awoman
Tony'smum: whoeverthatwomanis,
sheis
l
yingtoherselfi
fshethinksI
'
m goi
ngtoaccept
her.YesifTonydiv
orcesTshegoandfi
nds
anotherwomanIwi ll
acceptthewoman
provi
dedshehadnot hingtodowit
hthedi
vorce
Tony'
ssi
ster
:don'
tgett
oowor
kedup.Iwasj
ust
thi
nki
ngoutl
oud
Tony'
smum: Tonyi
sst
ressi
ngmeandI
'
m
scar
edforhi
m
Tony
'ssi
ster
:I'
m al
soscar
edf
orhi
m
Tony'smum: whenyourfatherpassedonTony
wasdev ast
ated.Heresor
tedt ovi
olenceand
drugsandthatnearl
ydestroyedhisfutur
e.He
fai
leddi
smal l
y,hewasexpelledatoneschool
andsuspendedt wi
ceattheot her
.Whatifhe
goesbackt
othatemot
ional
placeagai
n?
Tony
'ssi
ster
:thi
sti
mei
t'
sdi
ff
erentmum
Tony
'smum:
how?
Tony'
ssister
:Idon'
tthi
nkhei
sdepressedor
str
essed.Isawthem onmywayfr
om Gabsand
hewasOK.Yeshesmokesal otbuthei sdoj
ng
bett
erthanIexpect
ed
Tony
'smum:
that
'scomf
ort
ing
Tony'
ssi
ster
:Tshegoi
stheonewhoi
snot
doi
ngwell
Tony
'smum:
poorchi
l
d
Tony
'ssist
er:
shesay sshecanseet
hather
marr
iageisoverbutshehasnowheret
ogo.
Tony'
smum: shemustmov etoherhouse,her
mother'
shouse.Tonymustst
opthisloan
nonsense.Di
dshehavefoodandtoil
etr
ies?
Tony'
ssist
er:
yes.Shesay
sTonybuy
sher
ever
ythi
ngsheneeds.
Tony'
smum: atleasthei
sbei
ngr
esponsi
ble
andcompassionate.
Tony'
ssister
:Iboughthersomecl ot
hes,shoes,
accessor
iesandperfumes.Ithoughttheymight
cheerherupandshowhert hatwecar e
Tony
'smum:youdi
dwell
mychi
l
d.Isendher
1,
000pul
aev
er ymont
h
Tony'
ssister:
shet ol
dme.Shesaysshewi
l
lbe
donewit
hhercomput ercour
sei
naweekand
shewil
lstartlooki
ngforajob
Tony
'smum:
that
'sgood.Hassheagr
eedt
othe
di
vor
ce?
Tony'
ssist
er:shesaysifTonylet
'shert
akethe
housethenshewilll
eavehiminpeacebecause
shecanseethathehasl osti
nter
estinher
.She
i
sforcedtoacceptthati
t'sov
er
Tony
'smum:
andwhati
sTony
'sst
ance?
Tony
'ssi
ster
:hei
sref
usi
ng.Hewant
sthe
houset
obesol
d
Tony'
smum: hewantsdiv
orceshewant
sthe
house.Whycan'
thegiv
eherwhatshewants
al
sogetwhathewants?
Tony'
ssist
er:Ialsothoughti
twasthatsimpl
e,
buti
t'
snot.Wewi l
lkeeppray
ingf
orthem.I
don'
tthi
nkthisisgoingtoendpeaceful
lybut
anyway.
..
..
..
..
OURHOUSE

(Icoul
dnotsl eepthatnightbecauseTonywas
nothome.Al t
houghwedon' tbecomeintimate
orsitt
ogetherchatti
ngTonyhasnev ergiven
measi gnthathecoul dhav emov edonunt i
l
now.Ilookedatt heti
meandi twas5am but
therewasnosi gnofTony .Thethoughtthathe
couldhavefoundanot herwomanandpr obably
atthewoman' splacetroubledmeanddepr i
ved
meofmysl eep.Ithoughtofcalli
nghim butI
stoppedmy sel
fbecauseIhadnor i
ghttoask
him wher ehewassi ncewear epracti
cal
lynot
together.Earl
yinthemor ni
ngar ound6am I
heardthesoundi fhiscarengine.Iwasboili
ng.I
couldhearhi m st
ruggli
ngtounlockthedoorso
Iassistedhim.Themomentheopenedt hedoor
Icaughtast rongsmel l
ofalcohol)
Tony
:I'
m sor
ryIam al
i
ttl
ebi
tdr
unk
Me:
ali
tt
lebi
t?
Tony:(
hegiggled)y
ahwell
,I'
mly
ing.I
'm
over
drunk.Iwentover
boar
dpart
ying
Me:.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
.(Iwasreli
evedt
hathewasnot
atanot
herwoman' shouse)
Tony
:howar
eyou?
Me:
whatdoy
out
hink?
Tony:Tshegoyouwerethewomanforme.You
haveeveryt
hingIwanti
nawomanandmor e.
Yourespectedme,gavemeyourt
imeand
att
enti
on,youl
ovedmegenuinel
yandy ouwere
thebesti
nbed.Idatedafewgir
lsbutnone,
not
evenone,comescloset
owhaty ouare
Me:
(tear
y)but
Tony:t
wothi
ngs.1.Youwer enev erhonestwi
th
meandIcannev ert
rustyou,never.(t
hewords
ri
ppedmyheartapart
.2.Youf ai
l
edt ogiveme
onethi
ngIwantedthemost :
achi ld
Me:thatmansai
difIconf
essIwi
l
lbeabl
eto
f
all
pr egnant
Tony:wel
lit
'sal
it
tl
etool
ate.Thedamagehas
al
readybeendone
Me:l
et'
stryforababyandifIdon'
tmanageto
f
all
pregnantint
hreemonthsyoucanleaveme
Tony
:I'
m nol
ongeri
nter
est
ed
Me:
please.
Tony
:itcannev
erwor
kbetweenus.The
womanIl ov
edwit
hmyevery
thi
ngcan'tgi
veme
whatIWan...
..
..
..
..
.Onewomanhasev er
ythi
ng
exceptshecan'
tgivemetheonepreci
ousthi
ng
Iwantthemost.Thenanotherwomanhas
nothi
ngtogivemeatallexceptt
heone
preci
ousgif
t
Me:whatareyousaying(
Iwaswonder
ingi
fI
hear
dhim cor
rect
ly)
Tony:
act
uall
yIm asking:whycan'
tonewoman
havei
tal
landgiv
ei tallt
ome?
Me:
hav
eyoumov
edon?
Tony
:I'
mt al
ki
ngt oomuch.(hegi
ggl
ed)l
etme
goandsleepthi
sstressof
f
Me:
Tonywear
enotdonet
alki
ng
Tony
:Idon'
twantmydrunkennessandmybi
g
moutht
ogetmei nt
roubl
e.NightTshego
Me:..
..
..
..
..(
Iwat
chedhim disappeari
ntothe
passage.Soheisseeei
ngsomeone?. ..
..
..
..
..
..
.I
havetoknowwhot hatpersonisandsueher .
Whoev eri
tishaschosent
opaymycoll
egefees.
I
fthereisonethi
ngIhavetowal
koutofthi
s
marri
agewi t
hismoneyandahouse)
NO.115

BOKAA

Puso:
im anxi
ous.Whov
isi
tedme?
Hi
smum:
doy
ouknowanyf
ami
l
yfr
om Ot
se?
Puso: mamaIdeal wit
hmanypeoplei
nmy
business.Whocamel ooki
ngforme?(
hewas
bothimpatientandanxi
ous)
Hi
smum:
doy
ouknowagi
rlnamedKgomot
so?
Puso:
Kgomot
so!(
hewasi
ntot
alshock)
Hi
smum:
yes
Puso:
Iknowher
Hi
smum:
wel
lherf
ami
l
ywasher
e
Puso:
her
etodowhat
?
Hi
smum:
tor
epor
tapr
egnancy
Puso:
Kgomot
somustbej
oki
ng.Hei
spl
ayi
ng
si
ll
ygames
Hi
smum:
what
sgoi
ngon?
Puso:
mamat
hatchi
l
disnotmi
ne
Hi
smum:
andy
ouknowt
hishow?
Puso:Kgomotsodoesntknowwhot hef
atherof
herchil
disandbecauseshethi
nksImthefool
thatsheper
ceiv
edmet obeshedecidestopin
thechil
donme.no!(hewasfumi ng)
Hismum: cal
m downandexpl
ainwhat
happened.I
tswrongt
odenyachil
d
Puso:thatchil
disnotmi ne.Kgomotsocheat
ed
onmeandIl efther
.Shehar dl
ysl
eptwithme
becauseshewasbusywi t
hhernewboy f
ri
end.I
askedhergor ewhof at
hersherunbornchi
ld
andshesai dshedoesntknowbecauseshe
wassl
eepi
ngwi
thbot
hofusatt
hesamet
ime
Hi
smum:
whatki
ndofagi
rli
sthi
sKgomot
so?
Puso: sheexposedmetosexual
lyt
ransmit
ted
diseases,wantedmeformymoneyandasi f
thatisnotenoughshenowwantsmet otake
careofanothermanschil
d.shameonher
Hi
smum:
sowhatdowedo?
Puso: j
ustgobackt othatf
amilyandt ellthem
thatIsaidther
ewer etwoofussoIdontt hink
thatthechil
dismi nesowewi l
lwaitfort he
chil
dt obebornandt hendoaDNAt estand
takeitfr
om there.unt
ilt
hen,Kgomot sos
pregnancymeansnot hingtome.nothi ng!
Hismum:whati
ftur
nsoutt
obey ourchi
l
dbut
younev
ert
ookparti
nthepr
egnancy
Puso:thenKgomot soistobl
ame.Ifit
smy
chi
ldl
etDNApr oveit,t
henIwil
l domyduti
es
andresponsi
bil
it
iesasaf at
her.Iwi
ll
notget
backwi t
hKgomot so,nev
er!
Hi
smum:
Iunder
standmyson
Puso:andt
hent el
lme,whydi
dntKgomot
so
i
nform methatherpar
entswer
ecomingher
e?
Hismum:thi
sKgomotsogi
rlsoundsl
i
ke
someonewhocantbetr
ust
ed
Puso:shetakesmeforaf
ool
butI
m goi
ngt
o
teachheralesson
Hi
smum:
dontpuni
shy
ourchi
l
dint
hepr
ocess
Puso: i
tcouldbeanyothermanschi l
d.goback
touncleandt el
lhi
m everyt
hingandgobackto
thatfamil
yandt el
lthem t
hattheyshoul
dnot
expectanythingfr
om meunt il
DNAsay si
tsmy
chil
d
Hi
smum:
Iwi
l
ldot
hat
Puso:ImadeTshegofat
sokil
lmyownchild.a
chil
dthatIdi
dntneedaDNAt oprov
ethatit
wasmi ne.I
fshethi
nksIcanki
llmychi
ldand
takecareofanot
hermanschil
dthenshehas
someseri
ousdel
usi
ons.Kgomotsowantl
wael
a.
Shet
hinksI
m herpl
ayground.St
upi
dfool
Hismum: Pusocalm down.Iknowthemoment
youstar
ttal
kingaboutyourpastwi
th
Tshegof
atso
Puso:Tshegofat
sosmar ri
ageisintroubl
e
becauseofme.Shei sonthebrinkofdivorce
becauseshecanthavekidsbecauseoft he
abort
ionItr
ickedherint
ocommi tti
ng.IfIhave
moneyt ospendthenitwil
lbeeitheron
Tshegofat
soseducationorfer
ti
lit
y.Ioweher
thatmuch
Hismum: canwet
alkmoreabouti
tPuso.Hav
e
youbeencommunicat
ingwi
thher?
Puso:Ihav
ebeenwai
tingforhercal
lfort
wo
monthsnow.Letmecallher
Hi
smum:
Pusowai
t
Puso:
mamawai
t
TEFOSHOUSE

(Tef
oarriv
edhomel at
earound10pm which
wasv er
yunusual.Hi
sphonewasoff.Theki
ds
werefastasl
eep.Someoneknockedonthe
door)
Char
it
y:whoi
sit
?
Tef
o:i
tsmemyl
ove
Char
it
y:(
aft
erunl
ocki
ngt
hedoor)aoTef
orr
a,
whydoyoucomehomethisl
ate?
Tefo:babyhakereIusedpubl
i
ctr
anspor
tsoi
t
takeslong.Gapeit
smonthendsother
ewas
shortageofbuses
Char
it
y:whyi
syourphoneof
f?
Tefo:mybatt
rydi
ed.Ifor
gottochar
gei
tatt
he
off
ice.Babei
m notcheat
ing
Chari
ty:
Iwasntthinki
ngthatyouarewi
tha
woman.Iwast hi
nkingthatsomethi
ngbad
mighthavehappenedtoy ou
Tefo:i
m okmylove.Ifi
twasDi
mphoshewas
goingtoi
nsul
tmet oget
herwi
thmymum.The
momentIswitchedmtphoneonIwasgoi
ngt
o
fi
ndmessages
Char
it
y:whydidyoul
eaveyourcarknowi
ngthat
publ
i
ctranspor
tisapr
oblem ar
oundthi
sti
me
Tef
o:comeandseet
her
easonwhy
Char
it
y:whati
sit
?
Tef
o:come
(t
heybot
hwentoutsi
det
hehouse.t
herewasa
bl
uemazda3parkedonthesi
deofthehouse)
Char
it
y:(
smi
l
ing)whati
sthi
s?
Tef
o:i
tsmywi
fesnewcar
Char
it
y:(
widesmi
l
e)r
eal
l
y?
Tef
o:yesmylove.Nomoretaxif
ormywifeand
ki
ds.Tef
oswifewontbeseenintaxi
sanymore.
agoodwifedeser
vestobepamperedandlov
ed
Charit
y:(huggi
nghi
m)babethanky
ou.Iwasnt
expecti
ngt hi
s.Soy
oul
ist
enedwhenI
expressedhowmuchIlovedamazdasedan
Tefo:whenitcomest oyouIli
stentoever
y
detai
l
.Thisgiftcoul
dhavelongcome, I
str
uggledtofi
ndy ourfav
ori
tecoluor
Char
it
y:Il
ovei
t.Thankyou(
sheFr
enchki
ssed
hi
m)Icantgot
osl eep
Tefo:
waket
heki
dsupsot
hatwecant
akea
dri
ve
Char
it
y:ohmywor
d!Ihav
eacar
Tef
o: youdo.Babey oudeservemorethanthi
s.
Youwer ethereformewhenIwasatmy
weakestpointandyounev ercomplai
nednor
di
srespect
edme.Ist i
l
lrememberthatatsome
poi
ntIcompl etel
ydependedony ouformoney.
I
nyouIhav
efoundapr
eci
ousj
ewel
Chari
ty:
thanky
oumyl ove.Thanksal
otf
or
l
ovingme.Ihadgivenuponmenaf t
erAr
efas
fat
herplay
edhideandseekwithme
Tefo:youarewelcomelove.Tomorr
owIm
payingforthepl
ot.St
artt
hinki
ngaboutt
heki
nd
ofhousey ouwant
Char
it
y:y
eahhhh!Thi
sGodi
sal
i
ve.I
mfi
nal
l
y
goi
ngtohavemyownhouse
Tef
o:yesmylove.Ordoyouwantaproper
weddi
ngfi
rstsothatDi
mphocanstop..
Chari
ty:
weddingforwhat?Idontcarewhat
Dimphosays.Yesnobogadi waspaidforme
butf
actismymar ri
ageismuchhappi ert
hatt
he
marri
ageshehad.Iwantar oofovermyhead
Tefo:
Iwasjustaski
ngeventhoughIal
ready
knewtheanswer.Mysuperwoman.My
amazinggr
ace
(
theyshar
edalaught
erandakissbef
oret
hey
wenttowaket
hekidsupforadri
ve)

MYHOUSE

(Wewer eint hel

oungewat chi
ng7delaan.We
usual
lywat chedthesoapietoget
herbuthar
dly
tal
kedtooneanot her
.Tonywasdistr
actedby
herphone.Hewaschat ti
ngonhisapp,smil
ing
andlaughingandIf el
tjeal
ousbecauseI
suspectedhewaschat t
ingwithawoman.His
phonerang)
Tony:hell
o..
...
.hell
o.yesdontwor r
ychil
l
.takeit
easy.
wear ewat ching7del aanyouthi
nkt oo
muchandst r
essov ernothi
ng..t
hereis
nothi
ngpleaseokayf i
neIm comingov erto
provethattoy ou.
.youknowIcantsayt hat I
know.okayfine,Im coming.Bye
(Ifoundmy sel
fstari
ngathim.myi nsti
nctstol
d
met hathewast alki
ngtoawomanandI
want edtoknowwhot hesnakewas.Ifeltso
angry .Hewentt ohisbedroom andIcould
catcht hesmellofhisper f
ume.Hecameback
tothel oungedresseddi f
ferent
lyandsmelli
ng
nice.Ilookedathim wi t
htearyeyes.Myphone
rang)
Me:
hel
l
o
Puso:
hiTshego
Me:howar
eyou?(myvoi
cewasbr
eaki
ng.Tony
wav
edatmeandleft
)
Puso:
Im notsogood.You?
Me:
Im notwel
latal
l
Puso:
phy
sical
l
yoremot
ional
l
y?
Me:
emot
ional
l
y.
Puso:
hasany
thi
nghappened?
Me:
Ithi
nkmyhusbandi
shav
inganaf
fai
r.Thi
s
mannev erl
ovedmePuso.Imadej ustone
mistakeandhedoesntwanttoforgivemeand
i
nsteadhechoosestohaveagirlf
riendandhe
i
snotev enhi
dingi
tfrom me.Wear enotyet
di
vorcedandheisalr
eadyinlov
ewi t
hsomeone
el
se.Iwanttoknowwhot hegir
lis
Puso:
stopst
ressi
ngabouthi
m andcomeback
tomemmaboar d
Me: (
heari
ngt henamemmaboar dmademecr y
becauseitremindedmeofthegoodol dti
mes)I
hatemenandIdontwantamani nmyl if
e
anymore.thismanbet t
erpr
ocessthi
sdivorce
fastsothatIcanfinal
l
yhavemyf r
eedom
Puso:atl
eastyouhaveaccept
edt
hatt
he
marri
ageisnotworki
ng
Me:
Idonthav
eachoi
ce.Whydi
dyoucal
lme?
Puso:(
caughtof
fguar
d)oh.Ihav
ebeenwai
ti
ng
fory
ourcall
Me:
(sur
pri
sed)mycal
l
?
Puso:yes.r
ememberIof
fer
edt
otakey
out
oa
fer
ti
li
tyspeci
ali
st
Me:
itsnoti
mpor
tantany
mor
e.Idontwanta
man
Puso:
achi
l
d?
Me:r
ightnowIwantthi
sdivorcetobeov
erso
t
hatIcangotocol
legenextyearandbui
l
dmy
f
utur
e
Puso:
canIgi
vey
oumoneyf
orcol
l
eget
hen?
Me:
no
Puso:
whyTshego?
Me:becauset
hemoneywi
l
lkeepusconnect
ed
andIdontwantt
hat
Puso:IswearIwi l
lgiv
eyouthemoneyand
l
eavey oualone.TshegoIf
eelbadforwhatIdi
d
toyou.giv
ingy outhemoneywil
lhelpmesleep
bet
teratnight
Me:
Iwi
l
lgetbackt
oyou
Puso:
pleasedo
Me:Iwil
l.I
minabadspacet
oday
.Ineedt
ime
t
othink
Puso:
okdear
.Keepwel
l
Me:t
hanks.Iev
enf or
gott
oasky
ouwhyy
ou
ar
enotdoingwell
yoursel
f
Puso:dontwor
ryaboutme.At
tendt
oyour
i
ssuesdear
Me:
ok.By
e
Puso:
bye
(Tonydi dntcomehomet hatnightandIsplept
ont hecouchi nt
heloungewi t
habr okenheart.
knowi ngahusbandt haty ousti
lll
oveis
divorcingy ouisapainf
ulthingbutknowinghe
hasal readymov edonev enbeforethedivorce
i
sshat teri
ng.Knowi
ngt hatatthesnapof
fi
nger sy oucanbereplaced.Ij
o!)
NO.116

TEFO'
SHOUSE

(
Tef
oandhiswifeandki
dswer
ehav
ingasmal
l
f
amil
ysessi
on)
Tef
o:wai
tseIhav
eabi
gfami
l
y
Char
it
y:wear
eonl
y5
Tef
o:5enought
ohav
eabr
aai
sessi
ononour
own
Char
it
y:butwemusthav
etwomor
eki
ds
Tefo:t
headvantageofbeingmarri
edt
oamuch
youngerwomani sthatIcanwai
t10morey
ear
s
befor
ehavinganotherchil
d
Char
it
y:10y
ear
s?
Tefo:Iwasjoki
ng.Let
’sf
ini
sht
hebui
l
ding
proj
ectfi
rst
Char
it
y:t
henwecanhav
eachi
l
d?
Tef
o:i
fyouwant
Char
it
y:Iwant
Tef
o:donedeal
(theysmiledateachot her.Chari
tyconti
nuedt
o
mi xthechakal
akaingredientswhileTefo
attendedtothemeat .Theki dswereplayi
ng
wi t
haball.Tef
oobser vedasLi saandMol l
y
threwtheballbetweent hetwooft hem not
i
ncl udi
ngArefainthepl ay
.Ar ef
arantoTefo)
Ar
efa:
daddy
Tef
o:Li
sapl
aywi
thAr
efa
Li
sa:
eish!
Tef
o:what
?
Li
sa:
shestr
ugglest
ocat
cht
hebal
l
.Pl
ayi
ng
wi
thheri
sbori
ng
Tef
o:t
henf
indagamet
hatshet
oocanpl
ay
Li
sa:
Ihav
eani
dea
(sherani
ntothehouseandcamebackwi
th
Arefa'
sbi
cyl
e)
Li
sa: nanathisisyournewcaranddaddyisa
cop.Hei sgoingtocheckyourl
icenceandty
re
pressure.(
shel i
ft
edArefaandputheronthe
bi
cy cl
e)got othecop.Mummyi sthepetr
ol
attendant
Char
it
y:what
!
Tef
o:Li
sawear
ebusy
Li
sa:
toodl
es!Gonana.Dr
ivef
ast
(
Tef
oandChari
tylaughedatArefarodestr
aight
t
owher
etheywerewhi l
ethetr
ickyLisaand
Mol
l
ycont
inuedthrowi
ngtheballateachother)
Tef
o:Li
sakel
ejebej
ebe
Char
it
y:ebi
l
elet
'spl
aysomemusi
c
Tef
o:pl
ayt
hecopwhi
l
eIt
aket
her
adi
oout
side
Char
it
y:y
ouguy
sar
enotf
air

BOKAA

Hi
smum:
wear
ebackson
Puso:
eemma
Hi
suncl
e:wer
elay
edt
hemessage
Puso:
eer
ra
Hismum: thosepeopl
ewereinshockPuso.
Thatgi
rlhadnottol
dthem t
hetrut
h
Hi
suncl
e:t
heywer
eembar
rassed
Puso:I
'
m notgoi
ngt
oletKgomot
soputme
thr
oughthi
s
Hi
smum:
sowhatdowedonow?
Hisuncle:
Isuggestwewai
tfort
hechil
dtobe
born.Gapethati
swhatwehavetol
dthem
Puso:
thanky
ou
Hismum: whati
fthechil
dturnsoutt
obe
Puso'
sbutwenev erdi
danythingt
ohelpdur
ing
thepr
egnancy?
Puso:
theni
t'
sKgomot
sosf
aul
tnotmi
ne
Hismum: Pusothosepeopl
earest
ruggl
i
ng
f
inanci
all
yespeci
all
ythatKgomot
soisno
l
ongerworking
Puso:that'
snotmyproblem.Kgomot
sonever
appreci
atedme.Shethrewmyl ov
ebackatmy
faceandIdon'tcar
eabouther
Hisuncl
e:mynephew,don'
thav
esuchacr
uel
hear
t.Hel
pheratleast
Puso:
ifIhel
pKgomotsoandi
ttur
nsoutthe
chi
ldi
snotminesheandTumelowil
lhav
eto
paymeback.ever
yli
tt
let
hebe
Hi
smum:
thi
sisget
ti
ngcompl
i
cat
ed
Hi
suncl
e:butt
heboyi
sbei
ngf
air
Puso:
thanky
ouuncl
e
Hismum:
letmemakey
ouruncl
esomet
hingt
o
eat
Puso:
Icookedf
ory
ou
Hi
smum:
thanky
ouson
Puso:
youar
ewel
come
Hisuncl
e:youaresuchagoodmanmynephew
anditbr
eaksmet hatyoucantf
indadecent
mant omarryandestabl
i
shagoodhomewi th
Puso:onedayGodwill
giv
emeagoodwi
fe.
Actual
lyt
hesignsar
ether
e
Hi
suncl
e:I
'
mlost
Puso:
youwon'
tunder
standuncl
e.
Hismum: kanaoncehest
art
sspeaki
ngi
nthese
parabl
eshewon'tst
op

MYHOUSE
(I
twasmi dni
ghtandTonywasnothome.Iwas
goingcr azy.Iwantedtoknowwhot he
disrespectfulwomani sandwhyshet hinksshe
canmesswi thmymar ri
ageandgetawaywi th
i
t.It houghtofcall
ingChar i
tybutIknewTef o
wasgoi ngtomakei tanissue.Ididn'twantt o
callLent l
ebecauseshehadbeenact i
ngdi stant
l
at ely.Whent hi
ngsgotov erwhel
mi ngf ormeI
calledLent l
e)
Lent
le:
(sl
eepyv
oice)hel
l
o
Me:
hiLent
le(
Ist
art
edsobbi
ng)
Lent
le:
arey
oucr
ying?
Me:
Lent
leI
m hur
ti
ng.Ineedsomeonet
otal
kto
Lent
le:buti
t’
slat
eTshego.Canwet
alki
nthe
morning?
Me:
Tonyi
snothomeandi
t’
shur
ti
ng
Lent
le:
tlhemmat
ryt
osl
eep.Wewi
l
ltal
k
t
omor
rowmor
ning
Me:Lent
leIneedt
oof
fl
oadj
ustf
oraf
ew
mi
nutes
Lent
le:
Tshegopl
ease
Me:
pleaseLent
le
Lentl
e:myfri
endIpr
omiseIwi
l
l comet
oyour
housefi
rstt
hingt
omorr
owmor ning
Me:
ok
Lent
le:
tryt
ogetsomesl
eep
Me:
Icant
Lent
le:
wat
chamov
ieorpl
aysomemusi
c
Me:
Iwi
l
l
Lent
le:
nightl
ove
Me:
night
(aft
ertal
kingtoLent
leIfeltwor
se.Ifel
tli
keno
onewant edtobethereforme.perhapspeopl
e
thoughtIwasbeingunreasonabl
e.Ical
led
Seisoandwet alkedatlength.Luckyformehe
wasondut ysohewasawake.Af tertal
kingt
o
him Itr
iedtosleepbutIcouldnot.Around3am
Iputonmygownandwentt oLentleshouse.as
IapproachedthehouseIsawTony scar.I
stoppedmycari ndisbeli
ef.Il
ookedatt he
regist
rati
onnumber .I
twashi scarwithouta
doubt)
Me:
soLent
lei
sdat
ingmyman?
(Igotoutofmycarandknockedont hedoor.I
knockedpersi
stentl
yunti
lLentl
eopenedthe
door.Tonywasst andi
ngbehindherwit
ha
towelwrappedaroundhiswaist)
Me:
Tonywhatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e
(Lentl
ebangedthedoorandlockedit
.Iwent
backhomebl i
ndedbytears.Iwasinpar
ti
al
denial
.Meanwhil
e,atLent
leshouse..
)
Lent
le:
babyshecaughtus.ohmywor
d?She
knowsaboutus
Tony
:Ishoul
dhav
etol
dher
Lent
le:
whatdoy
out
hinkshei
sgoi
ngt
odo?
Tony
:Idontknow.butTshegoi
shar
mless
Lent
le:ohmywor
d.Wher
edoy
out
hinkshehas
goneto?
Tony
:toherbr
other
shouse
Lent
le:
thi
sisbad

(whenIgothomeIcr i
edsohar d.Af tercryingI
fel
tabi tbett
er.Isatont hecoucht hinking.
WhileIwasl ostint houghttheangerst arted
buil
dingagain.Iwentt othekit
chenandt ooka
knif
et henIwentt ot heroom wher eTonykeeps
histhings.WhenIwasdoneIgoti nsi demycar
andwentt oLentleshouse.Ipar kedmycara
fewmet r
esfrom Lent l
eshouse.Iopenedt he
gateandwenti nsidethey ar
d.Istatedwi t
h
Lentlescar.Isl
ashedal l
thefourt yreswi t
ha
bigkni
febef
oremov i
ngt oTonyscaranddoing
thesame.Aft
erthatIt
ookt hebasebal
lbatand
star
tedsmashingLent
lescarwindows.They
musthaveheardthenoise.Thedooropened
andTonywalkedtowardsme)
Me:darecomenearmeandIwil
lhi
tyouso
har
dy ourheadwi
l
lspi
n.St
upi
dmanwi t
ha
spi
ri
toflust
(Lentl
ewasst andingatthedoor .Ichargedat
herandshel ockedthedoor .IchargedatTony
andshescr eamedatLent l
et oopent hedoor
forher.Sheopenedt hedoorandher ushed
i
nsidet hehouse.If oughtwithhim untilhe
overpower edmeandmanagedt olockt hedoor
.
Iwentar oundt hehousesmashi ngthewi ndows
onebyone.Tonymusthav ecalledSeiso.Iwas
busyhitti
ngt heircarswit
hthebaseal lbatwhen
IheardSeisosv oi
ce
Sei
so:l
i
ttl
esi
ster
,cal
m downpl
ease.Cal
m
down
Me:thi
sb**
*hhasbet
ray
edme.I
m goi
ngt
oki
l
l
bot
hofthem.
Sei
so:t
heyarenotwor
thit
.Youcantgotojai
l
tol
eavethem t
oenj
oyeachother
.Theyar
enot
wort
hit.l
etsgo
Me: Ok(Iputthebatdownandcr i
edliket
he
l
itt
leorphanIwas.Seisoli
ter
all
yli
ftedmeand
putmei nhiscaranddrovemet ohishouse.he
wentbackf ormycarwithSophie.Hegavemea
pil
landwhileIwasstil
ltel
l
inghim howIfeelI
fel
toverpoweredbysleepandIdozedof f
.
NO.117

LENTLE'
SHOUSE

Lent
le:
whatar
ewegoi
ngt
odo?
Tony:ther
eisnoot
herway
,wej
usthav
eto
repai
rourcars
Lent
le:
andl
ethergot
hateasi
l
y?
Tony
:whatdoy
ousuggest
?
Lent
le:
Iwantt
orepor
ther
Tony
:buty
oucan'
t
Lent
le:IcanandIwill
becauseshedest
roy
ed
mypr oper
ty.Shehastopayfori
t
Tony
:comeonLent
le.Wedi
dherwr
ong
Lent
le:
whyar
eyoushi
eldi
ngher
?
Tony
: becauseshecoul
dhavesuedy oufor
marr
iagewr ecki
ngbutshechosenotto
Lent
le:
I'
m notl
ett
inghergetawaywi
tht
his
Tony:youar
ebei
ngi
rr
ati
onal
andi
mpossi
ble
ri
ghtnow
Lent
le:
Idon'
tcar
e
Tony
:ify
our
epor
ther
,leav
emeoutofi
t
Lentl
e:real
l
yTony
?Don'
ttel
lmet
hisi
showi
t'
s
goingtobe
Tony
:whatdoy
oumean?
Lentl
e:ar
eyougoi
ngt
opr
otecty
ourwi
fel
i
ke
thi
s
Tony:youarebei
ngunfair.Lentl
e,Tshegowas
yourbestf
ri
enduntill
astnight.Weshouldbe
ashamedofourselv
esf orwhatwear edoing.
Lent
le:
soy
oust
il
ll
oveher
?
Tony:I
'
m overTshegobutitdoesn'
tmeanI
can'
tseewhenI'
m beingunfai
rtowardsher
Lent
le:
may
bey
oushoul
dgobackt
oher
Tony:
shei
sst
il
langr
y.I
'
m scar
edshemi
ght
har
m me
Lent
le:
yety
ouar
edef
endi
ngher
Tony:
(hesnapped)cany
out
hinkr
ati
onal
l
yfor
oncei
nyourli
fe?
Lent
le:
soI
'
m bei
ngi
rr
ati
onal
now?
Tony
:yes.I
fyougoandr
epor
therj
ustknow
t
hatI
'
m notgoi
ngt
obey
ourwi
tness.
Lent
le:
kant
ewhathasgot
teni
ntoy
ou?
Tony:
Lentl
eyouar
eapi
eceofwor
k,doy
ou
knowthat
?
Lentl
e:ohr
eal
l
y.Takey
ourt
hingsandl
eav
emy
house
Tony
:wi
thpl
easur
e(hest
oodup)
Lent
le:
soy
ouar
eleav
ing?
Tony
:I'
m notl
eav
ing,
I'
mfol
l
owi
ngy
our
command
Lent
le:
Isai
ditoutofanger
Tony
:therearecertai
nthi
ngsy
oudon'
tdoor
sayt
ome.I 'm goi
ngtomyhouse.I
'
m not
homelessremember ?
Lent
le:
I'
m sor
ry
Tony
:har
dy
GABORONE

puso:
doy
out
hinkwhaty
oudi
disr
ight
?
Kgomotso:no.I
'
m sor
ry.Myparent
swer e
aski
ngaboutthepr
egnancyandIdidn'
tknow
whattodo
Puso:soyoudeci
dedt
odi
rectt
hem t
othef
ool
'
shouse?
Kgomot
so:
I'
m sor
ry
puso: whydi
dn'tyouwarnmethatyouwere
sendingyourparentstomyhouse?(br
ief
si
lence)ri
ghtnowi tfeel
sasi
fI'
m denyi
ngmy
pregnancy
Kgomot
so:
I'
m sor
ry
Puso:
wehav
etoputanendt
othi
s
Kgomot
so:
how?
puso:
youmustgot
odoct
orf
orascansot
hat
wecanknowhowf aryouare.I
fthepr
egnancy
i
snewt henit
'snotmine.Ifi
t'
sabitol
dthenit
's
ei
thermineorTumelo's.
Kgomot
so:
eer
ra
Puso:
immediat
elyaf
tert
hechi
l
disbor
nIwant
aDNAt est
Kgomot
so:
wer
ra
puso:ri
ghtnowIdon'tknowi ft
hisi
smychild
andIknowI '
m goi
ngtof eelbadifi
ttur
nsoutt
o
bemychi l
dandIdidn'thelpduri
ngthe
pregnancy
.
Kgomot
so:
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
.
Puso:I
'm goingtohelpyouwiththebasicsthat
youneedlikethechil
d'scl
othes,
toil
etr
ies,
mater
nitywear..
..
..
.
Kgomot
so:
(smi
l
ing)t
hanky
ouv
erymuch
puso:asIwi
ll
behelpi
ngyouI
'
m goi
ngt
okeep
eachandever
yrecei
pt.
Kgomot
so:
why
?
Puso:onceDNAsaysthechi
ldisnotmi ney
ou
wil
lhavetopaymeeverysi
nglethebe.Youand
thebaby'
sfat
her
Kgomot
so:
eer
ra
puso:
wear
ecl
earhaker
e?
Kgomot
so:
eer
ra
Puso:
whydidn'ty
ousendy
ourpar
ent
sto
Tumelo'
shouse?
Kgomot
so:
theywi
l
l
puso:
theywi
l
lwhat
?
Kgomot
so:
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
.
Puso:youareplayi
nggameswit
hyourpar
ent
s.
Anyway,that
'snotmyconcer
n.I
t'
snoneofmy
busi
ness
Kgomot
so:
Ifeel
ashamedofmy
sel
f
puso:
youmust
Kgomot
so:
wil
lyouev
erf
orgi
veme.
Puso:
Ihavefor
giv
enyoubutIcanneverbe
wit
hyou.Fort
hefi
rstt
imeIunder
standthe
meani
ngofthis
Kgomot
so:
I'
m sor
ry
puso:
Ihav
etogo
(
het
ookout500pul
aandgav
eitt
oher
)
Kgomot
so:
thanky
ou
Puso:goanddot heult
rasoundscananduse
thechange.Iwanttoseethescanpr
int
out
Kgomot
so:
Iwi
l
lbr
ingi
ttoy
ou
puso:
pleasedo.
Kgomot
so:
Iwi
l
l
Puso:
bye
Kgomot
so:
bye
SEI
SO'
SHOUSE

(Ihear
dmyuncl etal
kingt
oSeiso.Igotdr
essex
andwentt ojoi
nthem.Ihadj
usttookalong
warmr el
axingbath)
Me:
goodmor
ninguncl
e
Uncl
e:mor
ningmygi
rl
Me:
mor
ningbr
other
Sei
so:
mor
ning.Howdi
dyousl
eep?
Me:li
keababy(
smil
i
ng)t
hatpi
l
lknockedme
outandt
ookawayal
lmytr
oubl
es
(
theyl
ookedateachot
her
?)
Uncl
e:Tshegof
arsi
arey
ouokay
Me: uncl
eLent
lebetr
ayedme.Butt
hefactt
hatI
causedhavoctothei
rbel
ongi
ngsmakesme
feelbett
er
Sei
so:
aren'
tyouaf
rai
dtheywi
l
lrepor
tyout
o
t
hepol
i
ce?
Me:notatal
l
.Theywi
ll
thenhavetoexpl
ain
whatmyhusbandwasdoingatt
hathouse
Uncle:
youshoul
dnothavedonewhaty
oudi
d
sothatyoucoul
dsuethatgi
rl
Me:Ibl
under
edbuti
thel
pedmet
osl
eepat
ni
ght.
Sei
so:
don'
tdoi
tagai
nTshego
Me:Iwon'
tbecauseIwanttobui
l
dahome
wr
eckingcaseagai
nstLent
le
Uncle:
lett
hem bemychi
l
d.Godwi
l
ldeal
wit
h
them
Me:nouncl
e.Lentl
ehaschosentopayformy
degr
eeandIwon'tdenyhert
hatchance
Sei
so:
Tshegoy
ousoundangr
y?
Me:
notr
eal
l
y
Sei
so:
Tshegoadmi
tit
,youar
eangr
yand
hur
ti
ng
Me:I
'm emoti
onall
ynumb.Ri
ghtnowIwant
moneyandrevenge.I
t'
spaybackt
ime
Sei
so:
canIbookcounsel
i
ngf
ory
ou?Youscar
e
me
Me:
ify
ouwantt
o
Uncl
e:goaheadandbookf
orher
Me:
fine
Sei
so:Iam goi
ngtobookfory
oubecauseI
doubtyouwil
lhandl
ethi
swell
Me:
OK
Uncl
e:Iwaswor
ri
edt
hatIwasgoi
ngt
ofi
ndher
i
nastate
Sei
so:shewasi
nast
atel
astni
ghtuncl
e.She
wasraging
Me:IwasshockedandIcoul
dnotstomachthe
bet
ray
al.It
houghtmyexboyfr
iendwasbei
ng
par
anoi
dwhenhesai
dLent
lewant
edhi
m
Uncl
e:Lent
lei
sasnake.Shei
stheshedev
il
Me:
Iwi
l
lgetherf
ori
t
Sei
so:
youneedt
ocal
m down
NO.118

MYHOUSE

(Sei
soaccompani
edmetomyhouse.Tonyhad
call
edt
osayhewantst
otal
ktome.Wef ound
himint
helounge)
Me:
hi
Tony
:hel
l
o
Sei
so:
hel
l
oTony
Tony
:hi
Me:
youwant
edt
oseeme
Tony
:yes.I
npr
ivat
e
Me:
Sei
socany
ou.
..
..
..
..
..
Sei
so:
it'
scool
.Iwi
l
lbei
nthecari
fyouneed
me
Me:
thanks.
(
Sei
sol
eftust
otal
k)

Tony:Iwoul
dli
ket
oapol
ogi
zef
ordat
ingy
our
fr
iend
Me:(Ibecameemot
ional
)whydi
dyouchoose
her
?
Tony
:Iguesssheav
ail
edher
sel
fatat
imewhen
Iwasver
yweak
Me:
hav
eyoual
way
sfel
tsomet
hingf
orher
?
Tony:notatal
l
.Ithi
nkwhatat
tract
edmet oher
wasthatwebot hwant
edthesamet hi
ng:
a
chi
ld
Me:
sinceIdi
dn'
twantababy
Tony
:Tshegoplease.Ibet
rayedyouandIwoul
d
l
iket
osincer
elyapologi
zeforthebet
ray
al
Me:asl
ongasyouar
esti
ll
dati
ngherIcannot
f
orgi
veher
.Youar
easki
ngfort
oomuchf rom
me
Tony:Iknow.Iwasjustt
ryi
ngmyl uck.Iwant
youtoknowt hatbei
ngwithLentl
edoesn't
meant hatIdontf
eelsor
ryforyouorguil
tyfor
bet
rayingyou
Me:ehe!Sowhat
'sthewayf
orwar
dsi
ncey
ou
hav
ef oundnewl
ove?
Tony
:I'
m mov
ingout
Me:
wher
ear
eyougoi
ngt
ost
ay?
Tony
:Idon'
tfeel
comf
ort
abl
etel
l
ingy
ou
Me:
soy
ouar
emov
ingi
nwi
thher
?
Tony
:yes.
Me:ohwow!(Icl
appedmyhandst
hreet
imes)
shewi
ns!Yeahhh!
Tony
:TshegoIknowt
hisi
spai
nful
fory
ou
Me: youknowwhat'spai
nful?Thefactthatshe
hasbeenpr et
endi
ngtobet hereforme( I
stoppedfi
ghti
ngthetear
sandl etthem rol
l)
Tony
:I'
m sor
ry
Me:pl
easegoandtelly
ourlawyerthatI'
mready
t
oacceptyourof
fer
.Valuethehouseandpay
memyhalfsothatIcandissappearfr
om your
l
if
e
Tony
:ar
eyousur
eaboutt
his?
Me: 109%.I'
m donecr yi
ngf orspil
l
edmi lk.The
TonyIknew, theonet hatl
ov edmewoul dnev er
sleepwithmyf ri
end.Ican'tcryforthi
sst r
anger.
Notany more.I'
ml et
tingyouf r
eeTony .Gobe
withherandhav eal ongmi ser
ablerel
ationshi
p
that'
sbuil
tonmyt ears.
Tony
:Tshego.
..
..
..
..
..
Me: Iwil
l beexpecti
ngacal lf
rom yourlawyer
stranger.Startl
ooki
ngf ormoneysot hatIcan
startmyst udiesnextyear.Ican'thavesomany
ti
tles-divorcee,murderer,uneducated,or
phan--
onet i
tl
ehast ogoandi tshouldbet heonethat
Ihav econtrolover
.Helpmegeteducat ed
Tony
:Iwi
l
ltal
ktohi
m
Me:
ok.Doy
ouneedhel
ppacki
ngy
ourt
hings?
Tony
:no.Theyar
eal
readyi
nthecarIbor
rowed
Me:
great
Tony
:Idon'
tbl
amey
ouf
orv
andal
i
zingmycar
Me:
Idon'
tbl
amemy
sel
fei
ther
Tony
:I'
m sor
ry
Me:
goal
ready
(af
terTonyl
eftIcri
ed.Ihadbeenpretendi
ngt
o
bestrongi
nfrontofhim butIwasbreaki
ng
downi nsi
de.Iwil
lneverfor
giveLentl
eforwhat
sheisdoingtome.Whi leIwascryingmypain
outSeisowalkedandhequi et
lygavemeahug.
AtleastIwasgoingtostayaloneinthehouse
whichmeantt hatIwasgoingtobef r
ee)

LENTLE'
SHOUSE

Lent
le:
wel
comehomehoney(
shesmi
l
ed)
Tony
:thi
sdoesn'
tfeel
goodatal
l
Lent
le:
stay
ingwi
thmedoesn'
tfeel
good?
Tony:
I'
m sti
l
lmar r
iedandy
ouar
esupposedt
o
beherbestf
riend
Lent
le:
shedest
roy
edmycar
Tony
:don'
tyouf
eel
gui
l
ty
Lentl
e:Tonyi
fyoudon'
twantt
ost
aywi
thme
thengobacktoher
Tony
:myl
i
fei
scompl
i
cat
ed
Lent
le:
arey
ouf
li
ngi
nlov
ewi
thheragai
n?
Tony
:no
Lent
le:
thenactl
i
kei
t
Tony
:sheishurt
ing.Shei
spr
obabl
ycr
ying
wher
eversheis
Lentl
e:(
shouti
ng)canwestopt
alki
ngabouther
.
Ify
ouwanttocontinuest
ayi
ngwithmethenwe
mustnevertal
kabouther
Tony:
..
..
..
..
..
..
..(
hisf
acesl
owl
ytur
nedr
edashe
st
aredather)
Lent
le:
Tony
?
Tony
:mhm!
Lentl
e:I
'
m sor
ryf
orshout
ingaty
ou.I
'
mreal
l
y
sorr
y
Tony
:don'
trepeati
t
Lent
le:
wil
lyouev
erl
ayy
ourhandonme?
Tony
:youmeanbecauseI
'
m abusi
veandi
t'
sin
mynatur
e
Lent
le:
I'
m sor
ry.
Tony
:it
'sOK.Ineedt
otakeanap
Lent
le:
arey
oust
ressed?
Tony
:al
ot

(Sei
sohadgonetowork.Iwasal
oneinTony's
housetryi
ngt
oplanwhatI'
m goi
ngtodowith
therestofmyl
if
e.Someoneknockedonthe
door)
Char
it
y:hi
li
tt
lesi
ster
Me:
hel
l
o
Tef
o:hi
Me:
hel
l
orr
aagoLi
sa
Chari
ty:
yourf
acel
ookspuf
fy.Hav
eyoubeen
cr
ying?
Me:
yes.I
'
m hav
ingabadday
Char
it
y:doy
ouwannashar
e?
Me:
Tonyhasmov
edi
nwi
thLent
le
Chari
ty:(
tear
y)I
'm sor
rytohearthat
.Lentl
eisa
snake.Shewil
lgetherpayback,
don'tst
ress
Me:i
thurt
ssobad.Thisbet
rayali
s..
..
..
..
..(
I
wi
pedtear
sandstoppedtal
king)
Tef
o:whydon'
tyousueher
?
Me:Idon'
thavet
hestr
ength.Iwantt
his
marri
agetoendsot
hatIcanstartmyli
fe
af
resh
Chari
ty:
Ili
ket
hat.St
upi
dTonyandevLent
le
deser
veeachother
Me:Itol
dhimt osel
lthehouseandgi
vememy
shar
esot hatIcani
nvesti
nmyeducati
on
Tef
o:y
ouwhat
?
Char
it
y:It
hinki
t'
sagooddeci
sion.Fi
ght
ing
doesn'
thel
p
Tef
o:t
hat
'scr
azy
.Whatdi
dhesay
?
Me:hesayshewant
stobuymeoutsoIsai
dhe
cangoahead
(
ij
o!Al
lhel
lbr
okel
oose)
Tefo:howdar eyouTshego!Howdar eyougive
mymot her'
shousetoast r
anger .Idon'thavea
housebecauseIspentt hefi
rstfewy earsofmy
workinglif
epayingtheloanthatIt ooktobuild
thathouse.Doy outhi
nkIbuiltthathouseso
thati
tcanbei nheri
tedbystranger s?
Char
it
y:babydon'
tscr
eam ather
Me:I
'm sor
ryr
raagoLi
sa.It
hinkt
hisi
sthebest
wayout
Tefo:youdon'tthink.Youareself
ishTshego.I
havebeenr egrett
ingnotsendingyoutoschool
andhelpingyout obuildyourf
uturebutIdon'
t
regreti
tanymor e.Youdeservetobethestupid
housewi
fet
haty
ouar
e
Char
it
y:Tef
o!
Me: (Iwasscr eami
ngatt hetopofmyv oice)
youthinky ouhavecont rolovermyf uturebut
youdon' t
.Lookaty ou,yout r
iedtosabot ageme
buther eIam.Ihavef ormf iv
ecer t
if
icateandI
didverywel l
.WhenIgett hemoney from TonyI
will
gi v
eittoy ousothaty oust opmaki ngnoi se
aboutt hestupiddi
l
api datedhousey oubui l
df or
mymot her.Mymot herdeser vedbettert han
that.
...
..
..
..
.
Tef
o:shutupy
oumur
der
er
Me: yesIkil
ledmyownchi l
d.Iwaswi ll
i
ngto
keept hatchil
dbutbecauseIhadnof amil
yI
kil
ledmychi ld.Idi
dn'
twantmychi ldtogo
throughwhatIwentt hroughatthehandsof
family.Il
ovedPusoandhel ovedmebut
becausehewasamer eprivat
ey outhoughthe
didn'tdeser
vemeandy oudest r
oyedhim.You
ar
eactuall
ytheonewhomur der
edmychi l
d.
Youandyourstupidexwif
e.YoupushedPuso
overt
heedgeandhegav euphisjob.Howwas
hesupposedtotakecar
eofachildwhenhe
wasunemployedandbrokenbecauseofone
man.Hee!
Tef
o:y
out
hink.
..
..
..
..
..
..
Char
it
y:guyspl
ease(
shewasshocked,
di
sappoi
ntedandhur
t)
Tefo:Iwantmyhouseback.Idon'
tbui
l
d
housesforst
ranger
s
Me:goandgeti
t.Doy
ouseemecar
ryi
nga
house?
Tefo:allyouknowi showt oshoutatmewhen
youcandot hesamet hingtoLenewhoi s
probablyhavingsexwi t
hy ourhusbandright
nowanggi vi
nghimt hebabyt hatyoufai
ledto
givehim.Youar eaf oolandthat'
swhyy oulose
allt
hepr eci
ousthingsiny ourli
fe
Me:(whatTefohadj ustsai
dhadhur
tmeso
badthatIdi
dn'
thav etheenergyt
oscream at
hi
m)y ouaredeadt ome.Thisdaymarksthe
endofmeandy ou.Thisver
ymomentI '
m
bury
ingwhateverli
nkwehad.Getoutofmy
house
Char
it
y:canwepl
easecal
luncl
etoassi
st?
Me:Idon'thav
eissueswi
thyouChar i
tyj
ustso
youknow.Iknowitwil
lbedi
ffi
cttolovebothof
uswhenwear edeadtoeachother.Goodluck.
Tefogetoutofmyhousebefore.
..
..
..
.
(hestoodup,
lookedatmef
rom headt
otoe
andleft
.Char
it
yhuggedmeandflowedhi
m)

AMONTHLATER.
..
..
..
..
.
NO.118

MALL
(IsawTony'
scarintheparki
nglotandwhenI
l
ookedclosel
yInoti
cedthathewaswi thLent
le.
Ideci
dedtogoandst eal
herpeacejustfor
contr
ol)
Me:
hel
l
oTony
Tony
:hi
Tshego
Me:
hel
l
obestf
ri
end
Lent
le:
..
..
..
..
..
..
.(shel
ookedaway
)
Me:
howhav
eyoubeenTony
?
Tony
:Ihav
ebeenOK.You?
Me:
I'
m doi
ngv
erywel
l
Tony
:cool
Me:
I'
m sor
ryt
obot
hery
oubutIneedy
ourhel
p
Tony
:ok
Me:Iknowthi
sist
oomuchtoaskespeci
all
y
consi
deri
ngwhati
sgoi
ngonbetweenus
Tony
:whatdoy
ouwantTshego?
Me:Ineed500pula.Thereisnofoodi
nthe
houseand.
..
..
..
.(Iwaslyi
ng.Ij
ustwant
edto
pi
ssLentl
eoff)
Tony:t
hereisnoneedtoexpl
ain(
hetookout
hi
swalletandgavemehisbankcard)doy
ou
st
il
lremembermypi nnumber?
Me:
Ido
Tony:
goandwi
thdr
aw1,
000andbr
ingbackt
he
car
d
Me:
yoh!Thanksman
(Ir
ushedtot heATM,wit
hdr
ewt
hemoneyand
gavehim backhiscar
d)
Tony
:I'
m gl
adIcoul
dhel
p
Me:
Ireal
l
yappr
eci
atey
ourhel
p
Tony
:any
time
Me:
anypr
ogr
essont
hecase?
Tony
:thi
ngsar
eabi
tsl
ow
Me:
OK.Iwi
l
lwai
ttohearf
rom y
ou
Tony:Iwi
l
llety
ouknowoncet
her
eisanew
devel
opment
Me:
Iwi
l
lappr
eci
ate
Tony
:wehav
etogo.Cheer
s!
Me:
cheer
s!
(
Ismil
edatLentl
ewhowassul
ki
ng.AsTony
wasdr
ivi
ng.
..
..
..
..
.)
Lent
le:
whatwast
hatTony
?
Tony
:whatdoy
out
hink?
Lent
le:
youar
est
upi
dify
oucan'
tseewhatshe
i
sdoing
Tony
:di
dyouj
ustcal
lmest
upi
d?
Lent
le:
mxm!
Tonypressedtheaccel
erat
orandLentl
egot
worr
iedknowingthatTonyiscapabl
eof
phy
sical
viol
ence)

TEFO'
SHOUSE

Tef
o:y
ouar
eov
erl
yqui
ett
oday
Char
it
y:ther
eisasensi
ti
vei
ssuet
hat
'
s
bot
heri
ngme
Tef
o:whati
sitaboutmyl
ove?
Char
it
y:y
ouandy
oursi
ster
Tef
o:don'
tgeti
nvol
vedi
nsi
bli
ngr
ival
ry
Char
ity
:I'
m nottr
yingt
ogeti
nvol
ved.I
'
m
worr
iedaboutthetwoofy
ou
Tef
o:l
etsl
eepi
ngdogsl
i
e
Char
it
y:Tef
oI'
m caughti
nthecr
ossf
ir
e
Tef
o:becausey
ouchooset
o
Char
it
y:Tshegohasnotdoneany
thi
ngwr
ongt
o
meandIdon'
twantt
ocutt
ieswi
thher
.
Tef
o:wher
edoesy
ourl
oyal
tyl
i
e?
Char
it
y:wi
thbot
hofy
ou
Tefo:TshegoandIdon' tseeeyet
oeyeandI
don'tt
hinkther
ewi l
leverbepeacebet
weenme
andher.Howdoy ouintendhandl
i
ngbothofus
whenwecan' tsharethesamespace
Char
it
y:Godwi
l
lgi
vemet
hegr
aceandwi
sdom
Tef
o:ament
othat
.
Char
it
y:Tef
other
ival
ryi
sdest
roy
ingy
ouruncl
e.
Tef
o:hemustjustacceptt
hatTshegoandi
are
bet
terof
fwi
thouteachother
Char
it
y:i
t'
shar
dforhi
m
Tef
o:Iknowi
t'
shar
dbuti
tdoesn'
tmeani
t'
s
i
mpossibl
e
Char
ity:
Iwi
llnotst
opprayi
ngf
ort
het
woofy
ou
unt
ilsomet
hinghappens
Tefo:t
henyouar
egoi
ngt
odev
elopsor
eson
yourknees
Chari
ty:
I'
m notgi
vi
ngup.Youneedeachot
her
Tefo
Tef
o: asl
ongasTshegoisnott
hesourceoft
he
ai
rthatIbr
eat
h,Icanl
ivewit
houther
Char
it
y:y
ourmot
hermustbev
erysadwher
ever
shei
s
Tef
o:wearenott
hef
irstsi
bli
ngst
ofi
ghtand
def
ini
tel
ynott
hel
ast
.
Chari
ty:
thi
sisver
ysad.Woul
dy ouenj
oy
watchi
ngLisaandMoll
yfi
ght
ingthewayyou
andTshegoarefi
ght
ing?
Tef
o:dr
opi
tChar
it
y
Char
it
y:OK
Tef
o:t
hanky
ou
#all
owmetopostt
hismicromi
niski
rt
.Iwi
l
l
post2l
ongi
nser
tstoni
ght,
6pm &9pm.#
NO.118

MALL

(IsawTony'
scarintheparki
nglotandwhenI
l
ookedclosel
yInoti
cedthathewaswi thLent
le.
Ideci
dedtogoandst eal
herpeacejustfor
contr
ol)
Me:
hel
l
oTony
Tony
:hi
Tshego
Me:
hel
l
obestf
ri
end
Lent
le:
..
..
..
..
..
..
.(shel
ookedaway
)
Me:
howhav
eyoubeenTony
?
Tony
:Ihav
ebeenOK.You?
Me:
I'
m doi
ngv
erywel
l
Tony
:cool
Me:
I'
m sor
ryt
obot
hery
oubutIneedy
ourhel
p
Tony
:ok
Me:Iknowthi
sist
oomuchtoaskespeci
all
y
consi
deri
ngwhati
sgoi
ngonbetweenus
Tony
:whatdoy
ouwantTshego?
Me:Ineed500pula.Thereisnofoodi
nthe
houseand.
..
..
..
.(Iwaslyi
ng.Ij
ustwant
edto
pi
ssLentl
eoff)
Tony:t
hereisnoneedtoexpl
ain(
hetookout
hi
swalletandgavemehisbankcard)doy
ou
st
il
lremembermypi nnumber?
Me:
Ido
Tony:
goandwi
thdr
aw1,
000andbr
ingbackt
he
car
d
Me:
yoh!Thanksman
(
Irushedt
otheATM,
wit
hdr
ewt
hemoneyand
gav
ehi
m backhi
scar
d)
Tony
:I'
m gl
adIcoul
dhel
p
Me:
Ireal
l
yappr
eci
atey
ourhel
p
Tony
:any
time
Me:
anypr
ogr
essont
hecase?
Tony
:thi
ngsar
eabi
tsl
ow
Me:
OK.Iwi
l
lwai
ttohearf
rom y
ou
Tony:Iwi
l
llety
ouknowoncet
her
eisanew
devel
opment
Me:
Iwi
l
lappr
eci
ate
Tony
:wehav
etogo.Cheer
s!
Me:
cheer
s!
(
Ismil
edatLentl
ewhowassul
ki
ng.AsTony
wasdr
ivi
ng.
..
..
..
..
.)
Lent
le:
whatwast
hatTony
?
Tony
:whatdoy
out
hink?
Lent
le:
youar
est
upi
dify
oucan'
tseewhatshe
i
sdoing
Tony
:di
dyouj
ustcal
lmest
upi
d?
Lent
le:
mxm!
Tonypressedtheaccel
erat
orandLentl
egot
worri
edknowingthatTonyiscapabl
eof
physi
calvi
olence)

TEFO'
SHOUSE

Tef
o:y
ouar
eov
erl
yqui
ett
oday
Char
it
y:ther
eisasensi
ti
vei
ssuet
hat
'
s
bot
heri
ngme
Tef
o:whati
sitaboutmyl
ove?
Char
it
y:y
ouandy
oursi
ster
Tef
o:don'
tgeti
nvol
vedi
nsi
bli
ngr
ival
ry
Char
it
y:I
'
m nott
ryi
ngt
ogeti
nvol
ved.I
'
m
wor
ri
edaboutt
het
woofy
ou
Tef
o:l
etsl
eepi
ngdogsl
i
e
Char
it
y:Tef
oI'
m caughti
nthecr
ossf
ir
e
Tef
o:becausey
ouchooset
o
Char
it
y:Tshegohasnotdoneany
thi
ngwrongt
o
meandIdon'twantt
ocuttieswi
thher
.
Tef
o:wher
edoesy
ourl
oyal
tyl
i
e?
Char
it
y:wi
thbot
hofy
ou
Tefo:TshegoandIdon' tseeeyet
oeyeandI
don'tt
hinkther
ewi l
leverbepeacebet
weenme
andher.Howdoy ouintendhandl
i
ngbothofus
whenwecan' tsharethesamespace
Char
it
y:Godwi
l
lgi
vemet
hegr
aceandwi
sdom
Tef
o:ament
othat
.
Char
it
y:Tef
other
ival
ryi
sdest
roy
ingy
ouruncl
e.
Tef
o:hemustjustacceptt
hatTshegoandi
are
bet
terof
fwi
thouteachother
Char
it
y:i
t'
shar
dforhi
m
Tef
o:Iknowi
t'
shar
dbuti
tdoesn'
tmeani
t'
s
i
mpossibl
e
Char
ity:
Iwi
llnotst
opprayi
ngf
ort
het
woofy
ou
unt
ilsomet
hinghappens
Tefo:t
henyouar
egoi
ngt
odev
elopsor
eson
yourknees
Chari
ty:
I'
m notgi
vi
ngup.Youneedeachot
her
Tefo
Tef
o: asl
ongasTshegoisnott
hesourceoft
he
ai
rthatIbr
eat
h,Icanl
ivewit
houther
Char
it
y:y
ourmot
hermustbev
erysadwher
ever
shei
s
Tef
o:wearenott
hef
irstsi
bli
ngst
ofi
ghtand
def
ini
tel
ynott
hel
ast
.
Chari
ty:
thi
sisver
ysad.Woul
dy ouenj
oy
watchi
ngLisaandMoll
yfi
ght
ingthewayyou
andTshegoarefi
ght
ing?
Tef
o:dr
opi
tChar
it
y
Char
it
y:OK
Tef
o:t
hanky
ou

#all
owmetopostt
hismicromi
niski
rt
.Iwi
l
l
post2l
ongi
nser
tstoni
ght,
6pm &9pm.#

NO.119

LENTLE'
SHOUSE

Lentl
e:Tonyhowcoul
dyouhumi
l
iat
emel
i
ke
that
?
Tony
:whatdoy
oumean?
Lent
le:
Tshegowasaski
ngf
ort
hatmoneyso
thatIcanseehowmuchpowershest
il
lhas
overyouandyoupr
ovedherr
ight
Tony
:Tshegoisunempl
oyedunl
ikey
ou.Iknow
whensheasksformoneyfr
om meit
'sbecause
shei
sinneed.
Lent
le:
shewasdoi
ngi
ttogett
ome
Tony:youar
ewrong.I
fTshegowantedtoget
youforwhatwearedoi
ngshewouldjustsue
you
Lent
le:
andpayt
hel
awy
erwi
thwhi
chmoney
?
Tony
:canwel
eti
tli
epl
ease?
Lent
le:
wait!Whydidyougi
veher1,
000when
shehadaskedfor500pul
a?
Tony:Lent
leI'
m st
il
lmarri
edtoTshegoandwe
sti
l
lshareevery
thi
ngmysal aryi
ncluded.Ican
neverbewithTshegobutitdoesn'
tmeanIwi l
l
l
ethersuff
erespecial
l
ywhenIcanhel p
Lent
le:
youdon'
thav
eabackbone
Tony
:shutup!
Lent
le:
y ouar
ejustl
ikeaworm.Ican’tbewit
ha
manwhocan' tst
andupformeletalonefor
hi
mself.Youareashameandanexcuseofa
man
Tony:
whatdidyoujustsay
?( hi
swholeface
tur
nedredastheangerbui
ltupinsi
deofhim)
Lentl
e:maybeyoushouldgobackt oyour
pri
ncess.Youst
ayinmyhousey etyounev
er
contr
ibut
etowardsgrocer
iesbutyoujump
whenTshegowant ssomething
Tony:
youshouldhavet ol
dmet hatyouneed
metocontri
butetowardsgrocer
ies.Iassumed
youdon'
tneedmyhel pbecausey oualwaystel
l
mehowdependentTshegoi sandhow
i
ndependentyouare
Lent
le:
nowIunder
standwhyGoddoesn'
twant
togi
veyouachi
ld
Tony
:(hesl
appedherhar
dacr
osst
hef
ace)say
i
tagai
nandseewhatIwi
l
ldot
oyou
Lentl
e:youareinf
ert
il
eTony .Youtr
iedfora
chi
ldwithTshegoanddi dn'
tworkout.Iam
tr
yingforachil
dwithyouandnot hi
ngis
happening.Car
etoexplainthat
?
Tony
:Ishouldn'
thav
elef
tTshegof
ory
ou.You
ar
eadisgracetowomanhood
Lentl
e:leavemyhouse.Idon' tneedapar asi
te
l
ikeyou.y oulef
ty ourestr
angedwi f
einthe
i
nstit
uti
onal houset haty
ouwer eall
ocatedso
thatyoucancomeanddependonmeandhi t
met othankmef ormypol i
teness?Hell
no!
Tony
:(hotsl
ap)Ihat
east
upi
dwomanwi
tha
l
oudmout h
Lent
le:
Tonyy
ouar
ehur
ti
ngme
Tony
:Iknow
Lentl
e:(
wipi
ngt
ear
s)It
hinky
oushoul
dgot
o
yourhouse
Tony
:no.
Lent
le:I
'm cal
l
ingthepol
ice.Ican'
tshar
espace
wit
hy ouwheny ouaret
hisangry
Tony
:andwhatmademet
hisangr
y?
Lent
le:
Tonypl
easel
eav
e
Tony
:ifIl
eav
eI'
m nev
ercomi
ngbackher
e
Lent
le:
pleasego
Tony
:by
eLent
le.I
twasni
ceknowi
ngy
oubr
ief
ly
Lent
le:
pleasego
(af
terTonyl eftshewentst
rai
ghtt
oher
bedroom andl ookedather
sel
fint
hemi r
ror
.
shestart
edcr y i
ngwonderi
ngwhatshehad
gott
enher selfint
o)

MYHOUSE

(
Iwasst
il
lenj
oyi
ngmyf
oodwhenIsawTony
's
carparki
nginf
rontoft
hehouse.heknocked
andIinvi
tedhi
min)
Tony
:hi
Tshego
Me:
hel
l
o
Tony
:howar
eyou?
Me:fi
ne(
hestoodinthemiddleoft
helounge
seemi
ngl
ylost
)areyoulooki
ngforsomethi
ng?
Tony
:notreall
y.Ohy
ah,
Ihav
ecomet
ofet
chan
i
mportantpaper
Me:
arey
ouokay
?
Tony
:no.Lent
leandIhadaser
iousf
ight
Me:I
'm sor
ry.canIdi
shf
ory
ou?Idon'
tknow
whyIsometimescooksomuchf
oodwhenI
st
ayalone
Tony
:yest
hanks
Me:
comi
ng
(
asIwasdi
shi
ngf
orhi
m It
houghtal
otabout
whatwasgoi ngonwi t
hhim.hedi dn'tlook
happyatall.onethingI'
m sureofist hatIdon'
t
wanthim back.Tonyhasputmet hroughal ot
andI'm bett
eroffwithouthi
m.Ican' tstay
mar r
iedtoamanwhoi scapabl
eofdat ingmy
bestfri
end.Nope.Igav ehimthef oodandI
watchedhim eating.i
twasasi fhehadnot
eatenfordays.Noneofmybusi nessany way.
Aft
ereat i
ng..
)
Tony:I
'm..
..goi
ngt
othemal
l
.Doy
ouneed
anyt
hing?
Me:no.themoneyy
ougav
emei
smor
ethan
enough
Tony
:dr
ink?
Me:
Iboughtadr
ink
Tony
:al
ri
ght
.By
e
Me:by
e(aft
erhelef
t)gobacktoyourLentle,
t
hetwoofyoudeserveeachother
.(hear
ingthat
t
heywerehavi
ngseri
ousfight
smademeso
happy
)

BOKAA

Hismum:y
ouhav
en'
tupdat
edmeabout
Kgomot
so
Puso:thescandidn'
thel
pmuch.Accor
dingto
thedateont hescant
hechi
ldcoul
dbemi neor
Tumelo's.I
tdidn'
tsol
veany
thi
ng
Hi
smum:
sowhati
sthewayf
orwar
d?
Puso:shesay
sTumel
osay
shei
snoti
na
posi
ti
ontohelp
Hi
smum:
so?
Puso:
Imighthav
etohel
pherf
inanci
all
yunt
il
shegi
vesbi
rth
Hi
smum: It
hinkt
hat'
sagooddeci
sionson.I
t
woul
dhur
tmet oknowthaty
ouwerenotther
e
f
oryourchi
l
dbefor
eheorshewasbor
nifatal
l
t
hechil
disyour
s
Puso:I
'
m goingtobuyever
ythi
ngKgomot
so
needsforpr
egnancyanddel
iver
y
Hi
smum:
Godbl
essy
oumychi
l
d
Puso:
ift
hechi
l
di snotminet
henshehast
o
paymeever
ysingl
ethebe
Hi
smum:
Idon'
tthi
nkshecanbeabl
etopay
Puso:butshewi
l
lhav
etopayme.Sheandt
he
chi
ld'
sfather
Hi
smum:
ift
hechi
l
disy
our
s?
Puso:
...
..
..
Hi
smum: whatar
eyougoingtodoi
fyou
di
scov
ert
hatthechi
l
disyours?
Puso: Ihonestl
ydon'
twantthatchi
ldtobemi ne
andi twil
lhurtmebadly
.Kgomot soli
edtome
sayingshewasonapi l
landnowshei s
pregnant.Ithi
nkshefel
lpregnanti
ntent
ional
l
y
t
hinki
ngthechi
l
disgoi
ngt
oti
emet
oher
f
orever
Hi
smum: butt
hat'
showt
hingsar
egoi
ngt
obe
i
fthechi
l
disyour
s
Puso:Ihatetoeventhinkabouti t
.Idon'twant
anyt
hingtodowi thKgomot so.IpraytoGod
ever
ydaythatthechil
dshoul dnott ur
nouttobe
mine.Itol
dGodt hati
ft hatchil
ddoesn'ttur
n
outtobemi neI'
m goingt ostopsinni
ngand
commi tmyt i
me,mymoneyandmyhandst o
hi
swor k
Hi
smum:
remembernott
opr
omi
seGodi
nvai
n
Puso:
it'
snoti
nvai
nmum
Hi
smum:
ify
ousayso
Puso: t
hisi
smydailyprayer
.I'
mtir
edofbeing
playedandhurt
.IhavetoldGodthatIwanthi
m
tofindmeagoodwomanandunt i
lthenI
m6
goingtostayawayfrom women
Hi
smum:
(smi
l
ing)t
hat
'shear
tbr
eakt
alki
ng
Puso:
nomum.Imeani
t.Ir
eal
l
ymeani
t
Hi
smum:
weshal
lsee.
Puso:
wat
chme
Hi
smum:
ok

MYHOUSE

(Iheardthesoundofhi scarengi ne.Iwentto

unlockthedoorbecausehedi dn'thaveakey .
Hegav emeal lthekeysthet i
mewhenhe
thoughthehadmov edoutf orgoodandf orreal
.
Afterafewmi nutesthecarengi newasst il
l
runningsoIwentt ocheckifhewasok.t he
driver
sdoorwasopenandbot hhi sfeetwere
ont hegroundbuthisbodywasst i
lli
nthecar .
hisheadwasr estingonthest arri
ngwheel .I
knewhewasbey onddrunk.Ishookhi m andhe
r
aisedhi
shead)
Tony
:Lent
le
Me:
it'
smeTshego
Tony
:howar
eyoumydar
li
ng?
Me:
goandsl
eepi
nthehouse
Tony :Tshegoshei sturni
ngmei nt
oanabusi ve
partner.Youhav enevershoutedatme.y ou
alwaysr emainedcalm whenIwasangr yand
thatwayImanagedt ocomedownt oy ourlev
el.
Shei sdiffer
ent.It
houghtshewasgoi ngt ogi
ve
meachi ldbutifhercharact
erisundesir
able
andatt hesamet i
meshecan' tgi
vemeachi l
d
what '
sthepoi ntofbeingwit
hher
Me:sheisyourchoicepapa,
don'
tgetme
i
nvol
ved.I'
mtheinferti
l
eTshegowho..
..
..
Tony:t
odaymor ethananyot
herdayIr
egr
et
walki
ngoutofthisdoor
.NowIhavetogoback
tothemonster
Me:(athoughtcrossedmymi nd)Tonyyouare
toodr
unkt odri
ve.Justgeti
nsidethehouse
andsleep.t
hisi
sy ourhouseafter
all
.
Tony
:andi
tusedt
obeourhouse
(Isuppor t
edhi m andl edhi mt ohi sbedr oom.
Het ookof fhiscl othesr emai ningwi t
hhi sbr ief
s.
Assoonashi sheadhi tthepi llowhest art
ed
snor ing.Iwentbackout sidet oswi t
cht hecar
engi neof fandl ockt hecar .It henwentback
i
nsi det hehouse, tohisbedr oom.Seei nghi m on
thebedandseei nghi spackagemademe
remembert hegoodol dt i
mesandI
remember edjusthowhungr yIwas.Iputt he
carkey snextt ohi sphone.It hent ookhi s
phoneandwentt hroughpi ctur esandv i
deos.I
sentmy sel
fqui t
eanumberofpi ct
uresand
videosandscr eenshot soft hei rconversat i
ons.
Iwascol l
ecti
ngammuni ti
on.It ookoffmy
clothesandj oinedhi m ont hebed.Iwasn' tsure
howIwasgoi ngt odoi tbutIknewIwasgoi ng
t
odoi t
.Isli
ppedmyhandunderhisbri
efsand
t
hemachi nejer
ked.Iki
ssedhi
sneckandhe
t
urnedaroundandembr acedme.Heki
ssedmy
f
orehead)
Me:
Tonyi
t'
sme
Tony
:Iknowmyl
ove.Doy
ouwantme?
Me:
yes,
badl
y(Ipr
essedt
hephone)
Tony
:Il
ovey
ou
Me:
thanks
Tony:Imissedyousobad.Imi
ssedproperl
ove
making.Thespeci
almomentsbetweenmeand
you
Me:
shhh!Iputmyf
ingeronhi
sli
psandgoton
t
opofhi
m
Tony
:Imi
ssedt
hissobad
(
Imadel ov
etomymanj ustthewayhelikes.
Hedi
dn'thavemuchstr
engthbecausehewas
t
oodrunksoItookcont
rol
.NotonlydidIsati
sfy
him, Ialsodeal twithmyownst arv at
ion.We
nut t
edatt hesamet i
meandIwhi sper edaf ew
wor dsbef oreIpr essedt hephone.If elt
disgustedasIwi pedhi sf l
uidsof fmyt hi
ghs.
ThatmomentIr ealizedt hatIwasov erhi m.I
didwhatIdi df ortwor easons: t
ot each
someoneal essonandt oquenchmyt hir
st.I
l
ef thim ashewasandwentt ot hebat hroom
wher eIshower ed.It henwentt omybedr oom.I
satont hebedandpr essedsend." Withdraw5,
4, 3,2,1, messagesent ".Ismi l
edandst ar
ted
goingt hr oughLent leandTony 'spi ct
ures.I
knowTonyl i
kesmaki ngsext apessoIwent
throught hev ideosIhadf orwardedt omyphone
tochecki fIforwar dedt her i
ghtonesandwal l
la!
Ihadmanagedt osendmy sel
fthr eeclearsex
videocl ipst hatshowedt heirfaces)
Me:missi
onaccompl
i
shed(
Isai
dbef
ore
dozi
ngoff
)
LENTLE'
SHOUSE

(Thebeeponherphonemadehergr abher
phonequi ckl
y.shewasf ail
i
ngtosl eepbecause
Tonywasnott akinghercal
lsandnot
respondi
ngt ohermessagesofapol ogy.When
sheheardt hebeepshej umpedhopi ngitwas
Tonytell
inghert hathewascomi ngt osleepat
home.Shel i
stenedt otheaudi
or ecordi
ngwi t
h
tearsi
nherey es.Att heendoftheclipwas
Tshego'sv oi
ce
"t
hemani smi neandIdon' tcarewhetheryou
wil
lgivehi
mt hechil
dt hatheneedsdesper at
ely
hewillal
waysbemi neandev eryti
meyoumake
hi
m angryorsadheknowswher etor
un;toa
pl
acethatgiv
eshi m comf ort
;tothewomanhe
hastakenvowswi t
h"
(
Lent
lel
i
stenedt
othecl
i
pagai
nandcr
ied)
NO.120
MYHOUSE

(Tonyopenedhiseyesandwasalmostbl i
nded
bythelighti
ntheroom.Helookedaround
confusedwonderi
ngwherehewas.Her eal
ized
thathewasi nhi
shouse.hewonderedwhyhe
wasnaked)
Tony
:no.t
ell
mei
tdi
dn'
thappen
(
hisphoner
ang)
Tony
:hel
l
o
Lent
le:
babypl
easecomehome
Tony
:what
'sgoi
ngon?
Lent
le:IknowIsai
dsomet err
ibl
ethi
ngst
oyou
yest
erdayandI'
mr eal
l
ysorry
.Ineedto
apol
ogisetoyouinperson
Tony
:Ineedt
osor
tsomet
hingher
efi
rst
Lent
le:
whati
sit
?
Tony
:Iwi
l
lcal
lyouback
Lent
le:
pleasekeepy
ourpr
omi
se
Tony
:Iwi
l
l
Lent
le:
ok.by
e
Tony
:by
e
(
Tonycutt
hecallandputonhi
scl
othes.he
wentt
othelounge)

Tony
:Tshego
Me:
rra
Tony
:cany
oust
epher
eforamoment
Me:
(Ij
oinedhi
mint
hel
ounge)mor
ning
Tony
:mor
ning.Whathappenedl
astni
ght
?
Me:
Idon'
tknow.whydoy
ouask?
Tony
:Iwokeupnaked
Me:
..
..
..
..
Tony
:Tshegodi
dwemakel
ove?
Me:
yes
Tony:
soyout
ookadv
ant
ageofmewhenIwas
ver
ydrunk
Me:
webot
hwant
edi
t
Tony:buty
oumusthav
ereal
i
zedt
hatIwasv
ery
drunk
Me:
...
..
..
.
Tony
:Tshegohowcoul
dyou?
Me:
yousai
dyouwant
edme
Tony
:wow!That
sal
owev
enf
ory
ou
Me:
...
..
..
.
(Iwatchedhiml eaveregret
ti
ngwhatIhaddone.
beingangryandbi t
tercanpushonei nt
odoing
thi
ngst heyneverimagineddoing.Theway
Tonydescr i
bedwhathappenedmademef eel
asi
fIhadrapedhi
m.Ordi
dIrapehim?Hewas
j
ustbei
ngdipl
omati
cwhenhesaidItook
adv
antageofhi
m)

LENTLE'
SHOUSE

(Wi
thshakyhandssheheldthepregnancytest
ki
tandobservedasthesecondl
ineformed.She
smil
edtohersel
f.Hersmil
ewasinterr
uptedby
aknockonthedoor)
Lent
le:
whoi
sit
?
Tony
:Tony
Lent
le:
comei
n
Tony
:(openi
ngt
hedoor
)mor
ning
Lentl
e:(
giv
inghi
mt het
estki
t)t
hisshoul
dbe
enoughtoexpl
ainmyerr
ati
cmoods
Tony
:ist
hiswhatIt
hinki
tis?
Lent
le:
yes
Tony
:(smi
l
ing)ar
ewepr
egnant
?
Lent
le:
yes.Ij
ustt
est
edposi
ti
ve
Tony
:(l
if
ti
ngher
)fi
nall
y.Fi
nal
l
y!(
hetouchedher
tummy)ohmyword.Somyspermisinhere
Lent
le:
(smi
l
ing)y
es
Tony
:ohmyGod!
.Wear
epr
egnant
Lentl
e:Idi
dn'
tthi
nky
ouwer
egoi
ngt
obet
his
happy
Tony
:why
?
Lent
le:
becauseofwhathappenedl
astni
ght
Tony:
Iactual
lyhi
tapregnantwoman.I'
m such
abadperson(huggi
ngher)I'
m sosor
rybaby.
I
'mreall
ysorr
y
Lent
le:
Ishoul
dn'
thav
esai
dthet
hingsIsai
dto
you
Tony
:it
'st
hepr
egnancyhor
mones.I
fbei
ng
hormonalmeanst
aki
ngal
lthosei
nsul
tst
hen
bri
ngthem on
Lent
le:
ser
iousl
y?
Tony
:yes.Wear
epr
egnant
Lent
le:
I'
mfi
nal
l
ygoi
ngt
ohav
eachi
l
d
Tony
:met
oo.
(hewenttothebedroom andcamebackt othe
l
ounge.hetookaringoutofhispocketand
knel
tinfr
ontofher)
Lentl
e:babywai
t(shecov
eredhermout
hwi
th
herhand)
Tony :
(holdingt heri
ng)Lent le,wit
hthisringI
promisethatIwi l
lbet herefoy ouandourchi l
d.
Ipromisey out hatassoonast hedivorceis
overyouandIar egettingmar r
ied.Thisisnota
mer eri
ng, i
tismypr omi setoyou.Youhav e
gi
v enmeav erypreciousgi f
tandIwi ll
forever
appreciat
ei t.Youhav ej ustbri
ghtenedmy
f
utur
eandmademydul l
dayaremar
kabl
eday
.
Whatdoyousay
?(heaskedki
ssi
nghert
ummy)
Lent
le:(asheslippedtheringi
ntoherr
ing
fi
nger)ItoopromisethatIam goingt
omake
youhappierthananyot herwomanhasever
madey ou.Il
ov eyou
Tony:
youhav
ealr
eadymademeext
raor
dinar
il
y
happy
.Il
oveyoumore
(
theyki
ssedandendedupmaki
ngl
ove)
Lent
le:
youar
enoty
ourusual
sel
f
Tony
:isi
tthatobv
ious?
Lent
le:
yes.What
'sgoi
ngon?
Tony
:it
'snoti
mpor
tant
Lent
le:
doesithaveany
thi
ngt
odowi
thhav
ing
sexwit
hTshegolastni
ght
?
Tony
:what
!
Lent
le:
sher
ubbedi
tinmyf
acebysendi
ngme
acl
i
p
Tony
:sher
ecor
dedus?
Lent
le:
yesandi
nthatcl
i
pyouconf
essedy
our
l
oveforher
Tony:butIwasdrunk.Shetookadvant
ageof
me.ebil
eshecan'trecor
dmewi thoutmy
consentandshar
et hecli
p
Lent
le:
that
'sTshegofory
ou.Idon'twanttol
et
i
tgettomef ort
hesakeofmypr egnancy
Tony
:don'
tst
ressmyl
ove,
Iwi
l
lsor
titout
Lent
le:it
'scall
edr
apeandt
her
ightt
hingt
odo
i
stor eporther
Tony:
Idon'tneedt
hepoli
cetosor
tthi
sonef
or
me.Iwil
lsorti
tmysel
f.Iwi
ll
beback
Lentl
e:Ton.
..
..
..
.y(
shesmiledseei
nghi
m
gett
inginhi
scaranddr
ivi
ngawayatahi gh
speed.Foramomentshewasscar edt
hathe
wasgoingtobumpont hegate)
MYHOUSE

(Ihadspentthewhol emor ningt hinki

ngabout
whati haddoneandi wasn' tfeelingproudof
my sel
f.Theguil
toverwhelmedme.Ihad
observedthatbei
ngbi tt
erandangr yatLentl
e
wasmaki ngmedot hingsI'
m notpr oudof .
From breaki
ngpropertytomaki ngsexv ideos.I
wasst i
lll
osti
nmyownt hought swhent hedoor
burstopen.Tonywasseet hing)
Tony:whydi
dyout akeadv ant
ageofmewhen
youcouldcl
ear
lyseet hatIwastodrunkt
o
makeanysounddeci sion?
Me:
becausey
ousai
dyouwant
edme
Tony:
( hesnappedst
art
li
ngme)don'
tl
iet
ome
youcrook
Me:
I'
m notl
yi
ng
Tony
:wher
eist
heaudi
ocl
i
p?
Me:
inmyphone
Tony
:br
ingt
hatphone
Me:
pleasedon'
tbr
eakmyphone
(heplayedthecli
pandIstoodi
nfrontofhim
frozenwait
ingforhi
mt odotheworst.He
slappedmesohar dthatIbi
tmylowerlip)
Tony
:whyt
hehel
ldi
dyousendt
hist
oLent
le?
Me:
I'
m sor
ry
Tony:(
hepushedmeandpinnedmeagainstt
he
wall
)whydidyoushar
esuchapri
vat
evideo?
Me:
I'
m sor
ry
(hestr
angl
edmeuntilIst
art
edcoughing.Helet
gooffmeandhitmehar dacr
ossthefacewith
thebackofhi
shand.Igotaninst
antnosebleed)
Tony
:youar
epat
het
ic
Me:
...
..
.
Tony:
stopstr
essi
ngmygir
lf
ri
end.Ordoyou
wanttoki
ll
herbabyl
i
keyoukil
l
edy our
s?
Me:.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..(
IlookedatTonywi
tht
ear
sinmy
ey
es)
Tony
:pl
ayasfarawayf
rom Lent
leasy
oucan.
Doyouhearme?
Me:
yes
(
hehitmehardagai
nandthi
sti
meever
ythi
ng
wentdar
k.Iwokeupfr
om t
hefl
oor
.Myhead
washeavyandmyvisi
onwasbl
urr
y)
Tony
:st
ayawayf
rom Lent
le.I
sthatcl
ear
?
Me:
yessi
r
(af
terheleftIwenttotakeabat handchanged
i
ntocleanclothesthatwerenotbloodst ai
ned.I
fel
tangrytowardsTony .Thefir
sttimehehitme
Ibeli
evedthatIdeserveditbutthi
st i
meIdon't
bel
ieveIdeserveitandthatiswhatmademe
fur
ious.It
houghtofr eport
inghim butdeci
ded
toletgo.Itooksomepai nkil
ler
sandf ellasl
eep.
Iwokeupi ntheeveningwit
habl eedingnose
andat erri
bleheadache.Iwasn'thurt
, Iwas
angry.AsIwasr ecall
ingmyconv ersationwith
TonyIr emember edthathesaidLentlei s
pregnant.Isatonthebedcr yi
ng)

LENTLE'
SHOUSE

Tony:
(massagi
ngthebackofhishand)I
'm
sor
ryforsl
eepi
ngwit
hher.Ihadnoexcuse
Lentl
e:I
'
m sor
ryf
orpushi
ngy
our
ighti
ntoher
hands
Tony
:Ishoul
dlear
ntocont
rol
myanger
Lent
le:
youshoul
d
Tony
:Iwanty
out
omeetmymum andsi
ster
Lent
le:
(smi
l
ing)r
eal
l
y?
Tony
:yesl
ove.I
t'
sti
memyl
i
ttl
eboymeet
smy
fami
ly
Lent
le:
doy
out
hinkt
heyar
egoi
ngt
oli
keme?
Tony:i
ftheyl
ovemet heymustl
oveme.They
knowhowmuchIst r
uggl
edtohaveachi
l
dso
theyhavenoreasonnottol
oveyou
Lent
le:
let
’sdoi
t
Tony:thatsmybaby.Themot
hert
omyv
ery
fi
rstchil
d,myfut
urewife

AMONTHLat
er.
..
..
..
.
NO.121

(Lentlehadfall
enasl
eepi
nthecaraf
tercr
ying
herhear tout
.tonywaspl
ayi
ngmusicsoft
ly.He
noticedthatshewasawake)
Tony
:Lent
le?
Lent
le:
hm!
Tony:
Im sor
ryaboutwhathappened.I
mreal
l
y
sor
ry
Lentl
e:whathappenednowt
haty
ourf
ami
l
y
doesntwantme?
Tony
:forthef
ir
stt
imei
nav
eryl
ongt
imeImi
ss
myfather
Lent
le:
I'
m sor
ry
Tony:Igettothi
nkthatifmyf at
herwasst il
l
ali
vehewoul dunderst
andwhatI m going
thr
ough.Clearl
ymymot herandmysi sterdont
wanttoconsiderhowIf eel
Lent
le:
I'
m sor
ry.Howf
arar
ewe?
Tony
:wear
e40ki
l
omet
resawayf
rom Jwaneng
Lent
le:
wear
est
il
lfar
Tony:
maybeweshoul
dsleepi
nJwanengand
st
artt
hej
ourneyt
omorr
ow
Lentl
e:i
t'
sfi
ne.Asl
ongasI
'
m noti
nWer
daI
'
m
fi
ne.Iwantt
opee
Tony
:can'
tyouhol
ditunt
ilwer
eachJwaneng?
Lent
le:
no.t
hepr
essur
eist
oomuch
Tony
:shoul
dIst
op?
Lent
le:
yes
(Tonyst
oppedont
her
oadsi
deandescor
ted
Lentl
e)
Lent
le:
(shescr
eamed)noooo!
Tony
:whati
sitl
ove?
Lent
le:
I'
m spot
ti
ng
Tony
:whatdoy
oumean?
Lent
le:
ther
eisbl
oodonmypant
ies
Tony
:(pani
cki
ng)whatdoesi
tmean?
Lentl
e:Imightbel
osi
ngt
hebaby
.let
srusht
o
thehospi
tal
Tony
:let
shur
ryt
othecar
(t
heygoti
nsi
det
hecarandTonydr
oveatav
ery
hi
ghspeed)
Tony
:ar
eyouokay
?
Lent
le:
Ihav
ecr
ampsi
nmyt
ummy
Tony
:hangi
nther
elov
e.

MYHOUSE

(Ir
ecei
vedacal
lfr
om Puso.Idi
dntr
eall
yfeel
l
iketal
ki
ngtohi
m butIdeci
dedtoanswerhis
cal
lanyway
)
Me:
hel
l
o
Puso:
hiTshego
Me:
hi
Puso:
howar
eyou?
Me:
good
Puso:
youdontsoundgoodatal
l
Me:
(Ist
art
edsobbi
ng)Iwi
l
lbef
ine
Puso:
what
sbot
her
ingy
ou?
Me:
not
hingi
sgoi
ngr
ighti
nmyl
i
fe
Puso:
howcanIhel
p?
Me:
that
sthet
hing.Noonecanhel
pme
Puso:
what
shappeni
ng?
Me: thepr
ocessofdiv
orceistaki
ngforeverand
Ifeelli
kemyli
fei
satast andsti
l
lbecauseof
that.Agai
nit
snotli
keIhavesomewher etogo
butIwantoutofthi
smar ri
age
Puso:
may
bey
oucanr
entahouse
Me:
Lent
lei
spr
egnantwi
thmyhusbandschi
l
d
Puso:
what
!
Me:
theyhav
emov
edi
ntoget
her
Puso:ohgosh!RememberIusedt
otel
lyout
hat
Lent
lewasinter
est
edinme
Me:
andInev
erbel
i
evedy
ou
Puso:
yoh!Lent
lei
sdeep.Whatar
eyougoi
ngt
o
doabouti
t?
Me:
Ihav
elodgedahomewr
ecki
ngcase
Puso:
yoh!
Me:
shocki
ngIknow.Theydeser
veeachot
her
.
Puso:l
if
eisgoi
ngt
ohumbl
ethoset
woIcan
assur
eyou
Me:
howar
eyou?
Puso:
Im doi
ngmuchbet
tert
hani
nthepast
Me:
Im happyf
ory
ou.Wecantbot
hbesad
Puso:
haker
e.
Me:
yah
Puso:
Ijustwant
edt
ohearhowy
ouar
edoi
ng
Me:
thanks

HOSPI
TAL

(Tonysatinthewait
ingareaanxiousl
y.Lent
les
handbagwasonhi slap.herphonerangand
shetookitouttoanswerit)
Tony
:Lent
lesphonehel
l
o
Cal
ler
:hel
losi
r.CanIspeakt
oLent
le
Ngwanakhumo
Tony
:whoi
sthi
s?
Cal
ler
:ohsor
ry.Youaret
alki
ngt
ot hecour
t
cl
erkfr
om Mol
epolol
emainkgot
la.My.
Tony:
Lent
lei
sadmit
tedi
nhospi
tal
.Shewont
beabl
etotal
ktoy
ou
Cal
l
er:
oh.Sor
ryt
oheart
hat
Tony
:whati
sthecal
labout
?
Cal
ler
:tel
lhert
hatsheneedst
ocomeandsee
KgosiMokwenaassoonasshepossi
blycan.
Tony
:regar
ding?
Cal
ler
:shewi
l
lfi
ndoutwhenshecomest
his
si
de
Tony
:isev
ery
thi
ngok?
Cal
l
er:
Iwi
shheraspeedyr
ecov
ery
.By
e
Tony
:by
e
(ThedooropenedandTonyst
oodup.t
he
doctorwal
kedtowardshi
m)
Tony
:howi
sshe?
Doct
or:
shewi
l
lbef
ine
Tony
:thepr
egnancy
?
Doct
or:
fol
l
owmet
omyof
fi
cesi
r

KOPONG
Lent
le'
smum: mybrot
heryouneedt
ot al
kto
Lent
le.Whatsheisdoingi
scomplet
elywrong.I
havetri
edtotal
ktoLentl
esomanytimesbut
shedoesntwanttoli
stentome
Lent
le'
suncl
e:Iwi
l
lhav
etogot
oMol
epol
ole
andtal
ktoher
Lentl
e'smum: youmust.Idontunderst
and
Lentl
esdesperati
on.Howdoesanor mal
womansl eepwithherbestfr
iendshusbandand
fal
lpregnantbyhim?
Lent
le'
suncle:
Ihavebeenonearthfor61year
s
andall
theseyear
sIhaveneverseenanythi
ng
l
ikewhatLentl
eisdoi
ng
Lent
le'
smum: Lent
lehasbroughtmenothi
ng
butshame.Ihavemadeitcl
eartohert
hatIm
notgoingt
ohelpherwit
hthechil
d
Lentl
e'
suncle:youshoul
dnt
.Ify
oudopeopl
e
aregoingt
ot hi
nkyouencour
agewhatshei
s
doi
ng
Lentl
e'
smum: exact
ly(
herphoner
ang)speak
ofthedevi
l(f
orthef
ourt
htimeshelett
he
phoneri
nguntil
thecal
lended)
Lent
le'
suncl
e:answerherpleaseandl
ether
knowthatIwanttoseeher.shemustcometo
myhouse
(t
hephonerangagai
nandLent
lesmum puti
t
onloudspeaker
)
Lent
le'
smum:
hel
l
o
Tony
:hel
l
omadam.I
sthi
sLent
lesmum?
Lent
le'
smum:
yes.HowcanIhel
pyou?
Tony
:Im Tony
,Lent
lesf
ri
end
Lent
le'
smum:whatki
ndoff
ri
endandwhatar
e
youdoi
ngwit
hherphone
Tony
:Lent
lei
sinhospi
tal
Lent
le'
smum:
hospi
tal
?
Tony
:Jwanengmi
nehospi
tal
Lent
le'
smum:
whati
sshedoi
ngt
her
e?
Tony:(
tookadeepbreat
hbef
oreanswer
ing)
shehadami scar
ri
age
Lent
le'
smum:
ehe
Tony
:eemma
Lent
le'
smum:
ok
Tony
:ok
Lent
le'
smum:
bye.St
upi
dwhi
teman
NO.122

MYHOUSE

(Ihadnotbeenfeel
ingwel
lforawhilebutIwas
pushingmysel
ftofunct
ionandignori
ngwhat
mybodywast el
lingme.Sei
soalway stel
l
sme
thatIhav
ebeenexposedtostressfora
prolongedper i
odoft i
meandmybodywas
getti
ngexhaust ed.Hecouldber i
ght
.Iwason
thebedf eel
i
ngt i
redandemot i
onalwhenI
receivedacal l
from Puso.Seei
nghisnameon
thescr eenofmyphonet ur
nedmeof f)
Me:
hi
Puso:
hel
l
o.howar
eyou?
Me:
Im ok
Puso:
arey
ousl
eepi
ng?Yourv
oicesounds
sl
eepy
Me:
yahI
m st
il
lrest
ing
Puso:
elegor
ewhatt
imedoy
ougetoutofbed
Me:
any
time
Puso:
youdonthav
epl
ansf
ort
oday
?
Me:
no
Puso:
other
wisehowi
sev
ery
thi
ng?
Me:
fine
Puso:nemmawhyar
eyougi
vi
ngmeshor
t
answers?
Me:
Idi
dntknowy
ouwantl
onganswer
s
Puso:
yousoundmoodyt
oday
Me:
PusohowcanIhel
pyou?
Puso:
Iwasj
ustchecki
ngony
ou
Me:
Imf
ine.By
e
Puso:
Tshego
Me:I
m noti
nthemoodt
otal
kandi
tsnotl
i
ke
wearef
ri
ends
Puso:
sor
ry
Me:
yah
Puso:
bye
Me:
bye(
aft
ert
hecal
l
)Pusocanbesoi
rr
it
ati
ng.
(si
nceknowingaboutLent
lespregnancyIhav
e
beenstruggl
ingemoti
onal
l
yandi tsworseint
he
mornings.Ij
ustwantt
obel ef
talonetodrown
i
nmyt hought
s.SeisooftensayshefearsthatI
mightbedepr
essed,severel
ydepressedashe
of
tenemphasizes.I
fit
sdepr essi
onIwil
lsurvi
ve
i
t)

HOSPI
TAL

Tony
:heybabe(
heki
ssedheront
hecheek)
Lent
le:
hel
l
o
Tony
:howar
eyouf
eel
i
ng?
Lent
le:
(tear
sescapedt
hesi
desofherey
es)
sad
Tony
:Idontknowhowt
ocomf
orty
oubecause
I
m al
sohurti
ng
Lent
le:
(cr
yingattal
ki
ngatt
hesamet
ime)Il
ost
mybabyTony .Whyme?
Tony
:babel
etsnott
ort
ureour
sel
veswi
thsuch
quest
ions.Letusbest
rong
Lent
le:
Icant
.Thi
sist
oopai
nful
forme
Tony
:Ibl
amemyf
ami
l
yfort
his?
Lent
le:
Idontbl
amet
hem
Tony:t
heyaretheoneswhocauset hi
s
miscar
ri
age.Theywerenotki
ndtoy ouandI
coul
dtell
thatyouwereover
lyst
ressedonour
wayback
Lent
le:
Idi
dntt
akei
tthathar
d
Tony :buty oudidbabe.Thedoct orsay st he
mi scarr
iagecoul dhav ebeencausedbybot h
phy si
calandemot ionalstressors.Weputt he
pregnancyatr iskbyt ravel
lingsuchal ong
distanceespeci al
lyinthef irsttr
imest erwhi ch
i
sv er
ysensi t
ive.Theemot ionalstressy ouwere
exper i
encingmi ghthav ealsocont ribut ed.
Appar entl
yy ourbloodpr essur ewast oohi gh
Lent
le:
Idontbel
i
evesucht
heor
ies
Tony:butt
hinkabouti
tmyl
ove.It
hinkt
he
doct
orisri
ght
Lent
le:
hei
swr
ong.Tshegoi
sbehi
ndt
his.
Tony
:how?(hewasshockedbuthet
ri
edt
o
hi
detheshock)
Lentl
e:Tshegosuncl
eisatradit
ional
doct
orand
Isuspecttheydi
dsomethi
ngt omakemel ose
thechil
d
Tony
:Idontknowaboutt
hat
Lentl
e:t
hatswhyImtell
ingyou.Tshegodid
somethi
ngformetohav eami scar
ri
age.Ebil
e
mymot heri
sref
usingtoassistmebecause
Tshegosuncl
ewenttoourhouset otel
lmy
mum towarnmet ostayawayf r
om you
Tony :(
hethoughtoft
ell
ingheraboutthecal
l
thatsummonedhert othekgotlabuthe
decidednotto.hewonderedifbyanychanceit
hadany thi
ngtodowithTshego)allal
ongI
thoughtTshegowasokwi ththedivor
ce
Lentl
e:nowy
ouknowt
her
eal
answer
.Ihat
e
Tshego
Tony
:(hecl
ear
edhi
sthr
oat
)
Lent
le:(
cry
ing)howcouldTshegobesocr
uel
?
Shekil
l
edherchildandnowshekil
ledmi
ne
Tony
:babypl
easet
akei
teasy
Lentl
e:howdoItakeiteasywhenIhavel
ost
somethingsopr
ecioustome.Ilostmychi
ld
befor
eIhadachancet oholdherorhi
minmy
handsTony
Tony:
(tear
sformedi
nhi
sey
esandhel
ooked
uptofi
ghtthem
Lentl
e:(
shesawhowemot i
onal
hewas
becoming)I
m cal
l
ingher
Tony
:who?
Lent
le:
Tshegof
atso
Tony
:Idontt
hinkt
hat
sagoodi
dea
Lent
le:
itsagoodi
deabecauseTshegohast
o
knowthatI
m awar
eofherevil
tact
ics

(
phoneconv
ersat
ion)

Me:(Iwasshockedtor ecei
veacal
lfr
om Lentl
e.
Idi
dntansweratfi
rstbecauseIwassti
ll
debati
ngwhethert
ot akethecal
lornot
)hell
o
Lent
le:
howcoul
dyoubesocr
uel
?
Me:
whatar
eyouonaboutLent
le
Lentl
e:Iknowy
ouar
ether
easonIhada
miscarr
iage
Me:
ohy
ouhadami
scar
ri
age
Lent
le:dontacti
nnocent
.Iknowy
ouhav
ebeen
wait
ingforthi
skindofnews
Me:If
eel
sor
ryforTonybecausehewant
eda
chi
l
dsobadandhewasexci t
edandmaking
yourtummyhi sDP(IkeptquietasIv i
suali
zed
Tonysdp.Tshegowaswear ingaT- shir
tthat
almostreveal
edherbabrel
yv i
sibl
ebabybump.
Tonyshandwasonhert ummy .Thestatuswas:
thepreci
ousgift
.
Lent
le:
noyoudont.Actual
ly
,youar
eal
lowedt
o
l
aughbecauseIknowjusthowhappyy
ouare
Me:
im nott
hatev
il
Lent
le:
donty
ougett
ir
edofki
l
li
ngchi
l
dren.
Me: Iki
l
ledmyownchi
ldbecauseIwasinabad
spacebutGodknowsIwouldneverki
l
lanot
her
womanschild
Lent
le:
buty
ouandy
ouruncl
edi
d
Me:(fur
ious)l
eav
emyuncl
eoutofy
our
nonsense.
Lent
le:Iknowyouruncl
egaveyouwhatevery
ou
usedtocausemymi scar
ri
agebecauseheisa
tr
adit
ionaldoct
or
Me: myuncl
eisnott hatki
ndofdoct or
actual
ly
,
rat
herthancausingyourmiscarr
iageIwould
haveaskedmyuncl etogivemesomet hi
ngthat
wouldhelpmet oconceiverat
herthan
somethingt
hatwouldcausesomeoneel sepain
Lent
le:
(scr
eaming)st
opact
ingsmar
tbecauseI
knowwhoy ouare
Me:exactl
y.Youknowmesowel l
.Youknow
mystrengt
hsandweaknessesandthati
swhy
youwereabletosteal
myhusband
Lentl
e:Idi
dntst
eal
him,
hel
efty
oubecauseof
yourstupi
dit
y
Me:well
,youdontneedtoexpl
aingoredi
dhe
cometoy ouordidyougotohim.youdonthave
toexpl
ainthatnow,
theri
ghtti
mewi l
lcomeand
whenitcomes, y
ouaregoi
ngtoregretmessi
ng
wit
hTshego
Lent
le:
(cr
ying)whatdoy
oumean?
Me:
youwi
l
lunder
standwhent
het
imei
sri
ght
(Tonysnatchedthephonef rom Lentl
eandcut
thecall.Hecoul
dnotst omachtheirargument
any moreandhewaswor r
iedthatthecallhe
receiv
edonbehal fofLentl
ewasr elat
edtothe
threat
sTshegowasmaki ng)

Tony:l
ove,dontdot
hist
oyour
sel
f(hewi
ped
hert
ears)
Lent
le:
Ijustwant
edhert
oknowt
hatI
m hur
ti
ng
Tony:
butnowy
ouar
eev
enmor
ehur
t,deepl
y
hur
t
Lent
le:
atleastsheknowst
hatIknowwhatshe
andheruncledid
Tony:dontcal
lheragai
nplease.Wedontneed
thi
s.Weneedpeacef ul
andquietti
metoheal
Lent
le:
Ihat
eher
.Ihat
eTshegof
orki
l
li
ngmy
chi
ld
Tony
:shei
snotwor
thi
t
Lent
le:
Tshegoneedst
obepuni
shedf
ort
his
Tony:howsoondoy
out
hinkwecanst
artt
ryi
ng
foranot
herbaby
?
Lent
le:
what
?
Tony:l
ove,
youknowj
usthowmuchIwanta
baby
Lent
le:
Iwantababyt
oobutIt
hinkweshoul
d
wait
Tony:
forwhat
?It
hinkassoonasthedoct
or
saysyouar
efi
neweshouldtr
yforanot
herbaby
Lent
le:whydontwewai
tfory
ourdi
vor
cet
obe
fi
nal
ized
Tony
:whatdi
ff
erencewoul
ditmake?
Lent
le:Tony
,Ithi
nkweshouldwait
.Ithi
nkwe
needtogettoknoweachotherandbodali
tt
le
bi
tbeforewecantryf
orababy
Tony
:Idontt
hinkso
Lentl
e:I
mt i
redoflookingovermyshoul der
becauseIknowthatyouar emar r
iedtoTshego.
Gapeoncey ouaredivorcedTshegowi l
lhave
nomot i
vetocauseanot hermiscarr
iage
Tony:(al
thoughhedidntagreewiththetheor
y
thatTshegohadsomet hi
ngt odowi t
hthe
miscarri
agehechosenott ovoiceouthi
s
opini
on)whatwi l
lbetheuseofst ayi
nginthi
s
rel
ati
onshipifyoudontwanttogiv emeachild?
Lentl
e:Ithoughtyoulovemeandt hat
swhyyou
arewithme.r i
ghtnowitsoundsasifyouar
e
onlywithmesot hatIcangiveyouachil
d
Tony
:youar
ebei
ngpar
anoi
dnow
Lent
le:
Im notref
usi
ngtomakeanot
herchi
l
d,
thet
imingisnotver
yconv
eni
ent
Tony:
ify
oucan’tgi
vemeachildt
henl
etme
knowsothatIcanseewhatt
odo
Lent
le:
whatdoy
oumean?
Tony:ar
ewegoi
ngt
otr
yforanot
herchi
l
dor
not?
Lent
le:
wewi
l
ltr
y
Tony
:Ihav
etoseethedoct
orandaskhi
m gor
e
whencanwest
artt
ryi
ng
Lent
le:
ok
(
ther
oom wentqui
et.Temperswer
ehi
ghbut
t
heywer
etryi
ngtocontrol
them)

Tony:It
oldmymum andsi
steraboutt
he
miscarr
iage
Lentl
e:theymusthav
ebeenv
eryhappyt
ohear
aboutit
Tony
:..
..
..
Lent
le:
whatdi
dtheydo?Theyul
ulat
edorwhat
(
anurseopenedthedoorr
escui
ngTonyf
rom
t
hefuri
ousLent
le).
2weeksl
ater
..
..
..
..
..
NO.123

LENTLE'
SHOUSE

Tony
:Lent
ley
oul
ookv
eryst
ressed
Lent
le:
Ihav
eal
otonmymi
nd
Tony:sharewit
hmesot
hatIcanhel
pwher
e
possi
blelove
Lent
le:Idontf
eel
readyt
ogobackt
owor
k
tomorr
ow
Tony
:what
syourwor
stf
ear
?
Lent
le:
peoplear
esayingbadt
hingsaboutme
outt
hereespeci
all
ypeopl
eatwork
Tony
:andy
ouknowt
hishow?
Lentl
e:mycol
l
eagueswhocamet
ocheckme
tol
dme
Tony:
andIbett
heydi
diti
ntent
ional
l
ytohur
t
you
Lent
le:
theywer
eprepar
ingmeforwhati
m
l
ikel
ytofi
ndwhenIgobacktowork
Tony
:Idon'
tthi
nkso
Lentl
e:somepeoplethinkIdeser
vedt
ohavea
miscarr
iagebecauseyouaresomeoneel
ses
husband
Tony:crap!Tel
lyouwhat ,
kill
them wi th
ki
dndness.Tomor rowwheny ougot oworkyou
musty oureyourbestdr
essandshoesand
makesur ethatyourmakeuphi desthis
pai
n.t
henwearasmi letoconf usetheenemy.
Theyareexpectingtoseey oumi serabl
e,why
notshowt hem theopposit
e?Lent l
e:
Lent
le:
(shesmi
l
ed)whatwoul
dIbewi
thout
you?
Tony
:letmet
hink.
.
Lent
le:
dont(
shesmil
edbutt
hesmi
l
e
di
sappear
edqui
ckl
y)
Tony
:whatnow?It
houghtwehadsol
vedt
he
i
ssue
Lent
le:
itsnotev
enhal
fofwhat
seat
ingmeup
Tony
:whatel
sei
sbot
her
ingy
oul
ove?
Lent
le:
ourf
ami
l
ies
Tony
:dontworr
yaboutmyf
ami
l
y,t
heywi
l
l
comearound
Lentl
e:Idontthi
nkso.Howcantheysupport
Tshegoandnotcaremuchabouty ou.Imeanif
theycandot hi
stoyouthenwhatmoreofme?
Tony
:theywil
lcomearound.It
hinkweshoul
d
beworri
edaboutyourmum
Lentl
e:Iwonderi
fImadetheri
ghtdeci
sionby
choosingamanov ermymother
Tony:andIwonderi
fitsf
airforanypar
entto
askthei
rchi
ldtochoosebetweenthem and
thei
rpart
ner
Lent
le:
youar
esor
ight
.Itwasntf
airatal
l
Tony:i
tsnot
.Babewehav eeachot
herwhy
worr
yabouttherestoft
heworld
Lent
le:
truehey
.Wecantf
orcepeopl
etol
oveus
Tony
:nowecant
Lent
le:
thent
her
eisTshego.Gosh!
Tony
:Tshegowi
l
lbehi
stor
ysoon
Lent
le:butbef
oreshebecomeshi
stor
yIwoul
d
havepaidheralotofmoney
Tony
:sadbutt
rue
Lent
le:
Idreadt
hiscase.IknowTshegoi
sgoi
ng
towini
tandIwil
lhavetopayherlot
sofmoney.
Tony
:payhersot
hatshecanl
eav
eusal
one
Lent
le:
arey
ougoi
ngt
ohel
pmepayher
?
Tony:honestl
y,myfinancesar
equietti
ght
.
Remembert hatImighthavetotopmyexisti
ng
l
oanandgetanot herloansothatIcanpay
Tshegohershareandkeept hehouse?
Lent
le:
soy
ouwontbehel
pingme?
Tony
:Im sor
rybutno
Lent
le:
Tony
!Thi
sisnotmymess,
itsourmess
Tony:IknowandIdontdenyt
hatatall
.
Remembert hatI
m pay
ingmylawyerand
Tshego's.
Lent
le:
...
..
..
Tony:maybeIshoul
dgiveyoubackwhat
ever
moneyyouaregoingtogiv
eTshegoonceIm
fi
nanci
all
yfr
ee
Lent
le:
thatwi
l
lbehel
pful

MYHOUSE
Sei
so:gi
venwhaty
ouaregoingt
hroughi
tsa
sur
pri
sethaty
ouaregai
ningwei
ght
Me:
itshocksmeaswel
l
Sei
so:
whenwasy
ourl
astper
iod?
Me:
lastweek
Sei
so:
howwasi
t?
Me:
ij
o!
Sei
so:
I'
m ser
iousTshego.Ineedt
oknow
Me: i
twasveryl
ight
.Thef
ir
stdayitwasjusta
fewdropst
henitybecameabitf
lowyont he
secondday
, t
hir
dandfour
thdayitwasjust
drops
Sei
so:
thepr
evi
ousmont
h?
Me:samething.May beithastodowit
hbeing
st
ressedordepressed,whatev
eryoucall
it
Sei
so:
no,
itdoesnthav
etodowi
tht
hat
.It
hink
y
ouar
epr
egnant
Me:
byt
hehol
yspi
ri
t
Sei
so:
Tshegodoy
ouhav
eaboy
fri
end?
Me:
no.Sei
so.
.
Sei
so:
Tshegoy
ouar
epr
egnant
.Whosechi
l
dis
i
t?
Me:
Sei
soIcan'
tbepr
egnant
Sei
so:whodi dyousleepwit
h?Hakereyouar
e
say
ingy oudonthaveaboyfri
endandyou
haventbeensleepi
ngwithTony?
Me: thattimewhenTonyhi tmeagai nandI
refusedt odiscussitwit
hy ou.(
Iwasbecomi ng
veryemot i
onalandembar rassed)Tonycame
homedr unkandIsl eptwit
hhi mtogetbackat
Lentle.Icapturedanaudioandsenti ttoher
.
Tonybecamef uri
ousand( Iwipedatear)he
basicall
ysai dIrapedhim eventhoughwhenwe
didithesai dhewant edme.IknowwhatIdi d
waswr
ongandIr
egr
eti
t.I
m notpr
egnant
Seiso:
hakeremmeyouknowthatthatone
roundisenought
omakeyouconceive?
Me:
IknowbutI
minf
ert
il
e?
Sei
so:
forthel
astt
imeTshego,
youar
efer
ti
le
andpr
egnantaswespeak
Me:
(smi
l
ing)no
Seiso:yes.l
etusgoandtest
.Ifyouar
e
pregnantyouoweme1, 000pula
Me:
deal

(
phoneconv
ersat
ion)

Kenal
emang:
war
ewhat
sgoi
ngonnemonna?
Puso:
Tshegoi
sgoi
ngon
Kenal
emang:
youandTshegoar
epl
ayi
ngcat
andmouse
Puso:kanammewehavebeengett
ingal
ong
fi
neebil
emyhopeaboutget
ti
ngbackwit
hher
wasrestor
ed
Kenal
emang:
andt
hen?
Puso:
mmaBoar
disv
erymoodandIdontknow
Kenal
emang:Idontbl
ameher
.Any
oneinher
si
tuat
ioni
sboundtobecomemoodyl
iket
hat
Puso:
nemonnawhatshoul
dIdo?
Kenal
emang:
howbadi
sthesi
tuat
ion?
Puso:i
tsbadtoapointwher
eIdialhernumber
andcutthecal
lbef
orethephoneri
ngs
Kenal
emang:
(hel
aughed)y
ouhav
emademy
day.
Puso:
ser
ious?
Kenal
emang:Icanti
magi
net
heTshegoy
ouar
e
tal
ki
ngabout
Puso:
it’
snotl
i
keherandi
twor
ri
esmesobad
Kenalemang:
doy
out
hinki
t’
ssomet
hing
ser
ious?
Puso:Imthi
nki
ngbosev
eredepr
essi
on,
sui
cidal
it
y
Kenal
emang: nowthat
snotfunnyany
more.
Dontyouthinkmaybeit
’sherhor
mones,
per
iodsl
adiesstaf
f
Puso:
no.Tshegowasnev
ermoodyev
enwhen
shewasovul
ati
ngori
nherper
iod
Kenal
emang:may
besheneedsadoct
ort
o
checkherout
Puso:y
ah.ButhowdoIconv
incehert
oseea
doct
or?
Kenal
emang:
nowt
hat
sadi
ff
icul
tone
Puso:
iti
s
Kenal
emang:
justt
alkt
oher
Puso:
Iwi
l
ltr
y
Kenal
emang:y
oushouldfi
ndawomanaty
our
chur
chandfor
getaboutTshego
Puso:
notaf
terwhathasbeengoi
ngon
bet
weenmeandher .i
m hopef
ul
Kenal
emang:
tlhemonnayouhav
ewast
ed
manyyear
swaiti
ngformmaBoar
d
Puso:
Itr
iedt
omov
eonandl
ookwher
eitgot
me
Kenal
emang:
Kgomot
sowasami
stake
Puso:
ami
staket
hatImi
ghtbet
iedt
oal
lmy
l
if
e
Kenal
emang:canshegi
vebirt
halreadysot
hat
weknowifyouarethef
atherornot
Puso:Idontl
ookf
orwar
dtot
hebi
rt
hoft
hat
chi
ld
Kenal
emang:
Ifeel
youman
Puso:any
way
,letmecont
inuet
ochaseaf
ter
paper
Kenal
emang:youmust
ntonl
ychaseaf
tert
he
paper
,youmustal
soburnt
hepaper
Puso: Im waiti
ngt oburnt hepaperwithTshego.
I
mr eadyformmaBoar dwi thmyev er
ything.I
m
maki ngthismoneyf orher.ThedayTshego
getsadi vorcecer t
if
icat
eIdecl ar
ethatshei s
goingt obemi ne.Tl
hemonnat heheav ensare
l
isteningtot hi
sdecl ar
ation.Tshegoisdivorci
ng
thatguysot hatshecanbewi thme.Im about
toclaim backwhatt helocusthadeaten
Kenal
emang:t
hewayyouloveTshego.
God
mustgiv
eyouTshegoal
ready
Puso:
heal
readyhas.
Kenal
emang:
mywi
fei
sher
eman
Puso:
passmyr
egar
ds

No.124
MYHOUSE

Sei
so:
goandt
est
Me:
I’
m anxi
ous
Sei
so:
what
’smaki
ngy
ouanxi
ous?
Me: Ibeli
eveeveryt
hingyousaybecausey ou
areadoct orandmybr otherandrightnowi m
convincedthatI’
m pregnantbecausey ouare
theonewhosuggest edthatIcouldbepr egnant
.
Im anxiousbecauseifatallt
estnegativeto
pregnancyim goingtobedistraught.
Sei
so:i
m sureabouti
t.t
est
ingi
sjustt
oval
i
dat
e
mycli
nical
judgement
Me:
ok
Sei
so:
cany
ougoal
ready
(hesmil
edandIsmil
edback.Iwenttothe
bathr
oom andputafewdropsonthetest
erand
wentbacktothel
ounge)
Seiso:It
houghty
ouwer
egoi
ngt
owai
ttosee
theresul
ts
Me:i
mv er
yanxi
ous.Goandseewhatt
he
r
esul
tsare
Seiso:
whowoul
dhav
ethoughtt
hatmysi
steri
s
suchacowar
d?
Me:
don’
tok(
myhandswer
etr
embl
i
ng)
Sei
so:l
etmedot hehonour
.Ift
hetestcomes
backnegat
ivei
mr esi
gni
ngfrom myjob
(hewentbacktothebathroom andcameback
holdi
ngthetestwi
thoutshowingemoti
ons)
Me:
whati
sit
?
Seiso:(
heextendedhi
shandforashake)
congrat
ulat
ionsthemother
to………………………. whatar
ey ougoi
ngtocal
lhi
m
orher?
Me:
beser
ious
Sei
so:
youar
epr
egnant
Me: yeahhhhhhhh!(Iscr
eamedhappi
l
yand
gavehimt helongesthugever
)soIam
pregnant?
Sei
so:
yup.Andbythelookoft
hingsy
oucoul
d
bebo2monthspregnant
Me:
howcomeIdi
dn’
tpi
cki
t?
Seiso:becausey ouwer efocusedonthepain.
I
nitial
lyyourpregnancymi mickeddepressedso
i
ttrickedme.butf orabout3weeksnowIknew
forsurethatyouar epregnantbutIwasn’tsur
e
howt oconf r
onty ou
Me:
why
?
Seiso:formanyr easons.Ithoughty ouhav ea
secretaffairsothepregnancymi ghtbear esult
oftheaf f
airandy oumightbedev astat
edt o
discoverthatyouarepr egnant.It
houghtt he
l
astt i
mey ousleptwit
hTonywasbef orehe
badlyassaul t
edy ou
Me:
eveni
fthi
spr
egnancywasar
esul
tofa
secretaf
fai
rIwasgoi
ngt
ocel
ebr
atei
t.I
’
m
goingtohaveababy!
Sei
so:I
’
m goi
ngtohaveanepheworani
ece.
Doyouwantaboyoragi
rl
?
Me:
Iwantachi
l
d
Sei
so:
Iknow
Me:
wooooow!I
’
m pr
egnant
Sei
so:
ohy
esy
ouar
e.Congr
atsonceagai
n
Me:
thankshey
Seiso:l
etmeleaveyoutocel
ebr
ateyour
pregnancy
.Ihavetotakeanapbef
oregoingt
o
wor k
Me:
thanky
ousomuchf
ory
oursuppor
t
Sei
so:
yout
hinkIhav
ebeensuppor
ti
ve?
Me:
alot
Sei
so:t
hiswasnothi
ng.Wai
tunt
ilmynephewi
s
her
e.Nounti
lthi
stummystar
tsbul
ging
Me:ohmywor d!If
eell
ovedri
ghtnow.Iwil
l
f
oreverbet
hankful
forhavi
ngyouinmylif
e
Sei
so:
Ilov
eyoul
i
ttl
esi
s
Me:
lov
eyour
ightback
(wesharedahappyhugbef orehelef
t.Ideci
ded
tocal
lTonyandsharet henewswithhim.the
quest
ionis:i
fhedecidesthathewantstocome
backbecauseim pr
egnant,wil
lIt
akehim back?
)

LENTLE’
SHOUSE

(
phoneconv
ersat
ion)
Me:
hel
l
oTony
Tony
:hi
Tshego
(Lentle’
sheadwasr
est
ingonTony’
slap.As
soonasshehear dt
henameTshegoshesat
upright)
Me:
canIpl
easeseey
ou?
Tony
:whati
sthi
sabout
?
Me:
Ican’
ttel
lyouov
ert
hephone
Tony
:ok.Iwi
l
lmaket
ime
Me:
it’
sur
gent
Tony
:howur
gent
?
Me:
Ineedt
oseey
out
oday
Tony
:Idon’
tthi
nkIcanmakei
ttoday
Me:itwon’ttakel
ong.Ij
ustneedt
otell
you
somet hi
ngthatwon’
twastemorethan5
minutesofyourti
me.
Tony
:fi
ne.Iwi
l
ljoi
nyoui
n30mi
nut
es
Me:
thanky
ousomuch
Tony
:youar
ewel
come
Me:Cheer
s!(
Ifai
ledt
ocont
rol
myemot
ionssoI
gi
ggl
edhappi
ly)
Tony
:isev
ery
thi
ngok?
Me:t
hingsar
ebet
tert
hant
heyhav
eev
erbeen.
Seey
oui nabi
t
Tony
:sur
e
(
aft
ert
hecal
l
)

Tony
:thi
siswei
rd
Lent
le:
whati
swei
rd?
Tony:Tshegoisi
nav er
ygoodmood.She
soundsveryexci
ted.
Lent
le:may
beshehasf
oundaj
obor
somethi
ng
Tony:
maybe.Butt
henwhatdoesshewantt
o
tel
lme?
Lentl
e:Ihopeshewant
stotel
lyouthatnow
thatshehasfoundaj
obshewillst
opcryi
ngfor
youanddependingonyou
Tony
:Iwi
l
lhearf
rom her
Lent
le:
I’
m goi
ngwi
thy
ou
Tony:Idon’
tthi
nkshewil
lbecomf or
tabl
eto
di
scusswhateveri
tisi
nyourpresence
Lent
le:
lethersayt
hather
sel
f
Tony:don’
tyout
hinkyourpr
esencewi
l
lmake
thi
ngsawkwardforal
lofus
Lent
le:
Ican’
ttr
ustTshegoar
oundy
ou
Tony
:ok.I
fshedoesn’
twanty
oupr
esent
?
Lent
le:t
henshewon’
tbeabl
etot
ell
you
whatev
eriti
s
Tony :Lent
leIt
hinkyouarebeingunfai
rand
disrespect
fult
oTshego.Itwon’tl
ookgoodfor
met ogotomywi fewit
hmygi rl
fr
iend
especiall
ywheny ouguyssti
l
lhaveahome
wr ecki
ngcase
Lent
le:
Idon’
tcar
eaboutt
hest
upi
dcase
Tony:
Lent
ledoy
ouknowt
haty
ouar
eadi
ff
icul
t
per
son
Lentle:youconfuseassert
ivenessfor
aggressionandt hat
’swheretheprobl
em i
s.I
’
m
assertiv
esoI ’
m abletoboldystandupfor
my selfandI………………………………. .
Tony
:it
’sok
Lent
le:
letmegoandgetr
eady
Tony
:sur
e

MYHOUSE

(Ianxi
ouslywait
edforTonytoarr
ive.Tomy
shockanddismayhear ri
vedwit
hLent l
e.The
pregnancyhormonestookoverandIbeganto
boil
)
Me:
hel
l
oTony
Tony
:hi
Tshego
(Idi
dn’tbot
hert
ogr eetLent
leandshedidn’
t
greetmeaswell.Therewasal otoft
ensi
on
betweenmeandLent l
e)
Me:
canIpl
easet
alkt
oyoui
npr
ivat
e
Tony
:Lent
lecany
ou…………………….
.
Lent
le:
no!
Tony
:pl
ease
Lent
le:
Isai
dno!
Me:anyway
,Iwant
edt
otel
lyout
hatI
’
m
pr
egnant
Lent
le:
whatt
heheck!(
shest
art
edgi
ggl
i
ng)
Tony:
oh(Icoul
dtel
lthatTonywasshocked
andnumb)
Me:
that
’sal
lthatIwant
edt
otel
lyou
Tony
:whosechi
l
disi
t?
Lent
le:
goodquest
ionbabe
Me:
it’
syour
s
Lent
le:
wonder
sshal
lneverend.Tonyhav
eyou
beensl
eepi
ngwit
hherbehindmyback?
Tony
:nobabe.Tshegowhatdoyoumeani
t’
s
mychil
d?Wehav en’
tsl
eptt
oget
her
Me:
wedi
dthet
imey
oucamehomedr
unk
Lent
le:
kareebil
ey ouknowthedayt
hechil
d
wasconcei
ved.Areyouref
erri
ngtot
herape?
Me:
rape?
Lentle:
taki
ngadv
ant
ageofsomeonet
hatdr
unk
i
sr ape
Me:canyoushutupbecauseI
’
mtal
ki
ngt
o
Tonynotyou
Lent
le:
Tonyt
hisi
snoty
ourchi
l
d.Icanbetmy
bl
oodonit
Tony
:Iwi
l
lhav
etogoandt
hinkabouti
t
Lent
le:
ther
eisnot
hingt
othi
nkabout
Me:sinceyoubroughtyourgir
lf
riendandsheis
makingitimpossi
bleforustodiscussthei
ssue
ami
cabl y
,Iwil
ltal
ktomyl awyeraboutit
Tony
:youdon’
thav
eto
Me:
Ido.Youcango
Tony:Iwoul
dli
ket
odi
scusst
hiswi
thy
ou
fur
ther
Me:
youwi
l
ltal
ktomyl
awy
erabouti
t
Lent
le:
let
’sgoTony
Tony:Lentl
ecany oushutup!Shutup!HakereI
tol
dyout oremainbehindbutyouchoseto
fol
lowmesot hatyoucanmisbehave.Shutup
befor
ey oudri
v emeofftheedge.Whatkindof
awomanar eyoukante.Bl
oodyfool.
(wi
thhert
ail
bet
weenherl
egsLent
lewal
ked
out
)
Tony
:TshegocanIcal
lyout
omor
rowsot
hat
wecantal
k?
Me:
it’
sok
NO.125

MYHOUSE

(
phoneconv
ersat
ion)
Me:
hel
l
omum
Tony
'smum: hel
l
omydar
li
ngdaught
er.How
ar
eyoupreggy?
Me:
(Igi
ggl
ed)I
'
m doi
ngf
inemama
Tony
'smum:
takev
erygoodcar
eofy
our
sel
f
Me:
Iwi
l
lmama
Tony
'smum:Iwastal
ki
ngt
oTonyandhenot
maki
nganysense
Me:
eemma
Tony
'smum:
Ibel
i
evehei
sst
il
ldi
gest
ingt
he
news
Me:eemma.Hesai
dImustmeetwi
thhi
mlat
er
t
oday
Tony'
smum:
that
'sgood.May
behewi
l
lspeak
sense
Me:
eemma
Tony'smum: y
oumustgoandr
egi
stert
he
pregnancyatt
hecl
i
nic
Me:
I'
m pl
anni
ngt
ogot
omor
rowmor
ning.
Tony'
smum: OKdaught
er.Letmeknowi
fyou
needany
thi
ng
Me:
Iwi
l
l
Tony'
smum:eveni
fit'
sasi
l
lycravi
ngletme
know.Youar
ecarr
yingmygrandchi
ld
Me:
Iwi
l
lmama
Tony
'smum:
lov
eyou.Takecar
e
Me:
lov
eyoumum
(thewayt hiswomanshower smewi thlove
amazesme.Shel ovesmeuncondi tionall
y.She
doesn'tcar ewhet herI '
m sti
llwi
thhersonornot .
Istoodi nfrontoft hemi rrorandtookof fmyt -
shirt
.Ithenl oweredmyski r
tandobser vedmy
tummy .Therewasn' tmucht osee.Awav eof
excitementhi tmeev erytimeIthoughtof
havingachi ld.Lent l
e'sissuewasnol onger
botheringmemuchbecauseIwasst i
ll
exper i
encingthej oyofbei ngpregnantwhenI
thoughtIwasi nferti
le.Iwasabi tner v
ousabout
themeet i
ngIwasgoi ngtohav ewithTonyl ater
.
Ifhesay sweshoul dgetbackt ogether..
..
..
..
..
..
..
CanIr eall
yf orgi
vehi m! ?)

LENTLE'
SHOUSE

Tony
:I'
m goi
ngsomewher
e?
Lent
le:
wher
ear
eyougoi
ng?
Tony
:Iwi
l
lbebackshor
tl
y.
Lent
le:
Iam aski
nggor
ewher
ear
eyougoi
ng?
Tony
:toaf
ri
end'
shouse.I
'
m checki
ngaf
ri
end
Lent
le:
real
l
y?
Tony:i
hatei
twheny
oubecomet
hisi
nsecur
e.
Dontbeli
ket
hat
Lent
le:
ok
Tony
:(ki
ss)Il
ovey
oubabe
Lent
le:
Ilov
eyout
oo.Tony
?
Tony
:sweetl
ove
Lentl
e:Ihav
echangedmymind.Idon'
tthi
nkI
needmor eti
metoheal
.I'
mreadytost
artt
ryi
ng
forababy
Tony
:oh
Lent
le:
Ithoughty
ouwer
egoi
ngt
obeexci
ted
Tony
:I'
m happy
.Wewi
l
ldi
scussi
tmor
ewhenI
comeback
Lent
le:
OKbabe.Lov
eyou
Tony
:lov
eyoumor
e
(hekissedherbef oreheleft
.10mi nuteslater
shegoti ntohercarandl ef
t.Herinsti
nctswer e
tel
li
nghert hathemighthavegonet osee
Tshego.I ndeedshesawhi scarpar kedinfront
ofTshego' shouse.Jealousytookthebet t
erof
herandshedeci dedtogoandseekhel p.She
knewshemi ghtnotgethellbutshedecidedto
takeherchance)

Lent
le:
shal
om couzy
Cousi
n:shal
om
Lent
le:
longt
ime
Cousi
n:yah,wehav
en'
tseeneachot
heri
na
ver
ylongti
me
Lent
le:
true.Howar
eyou?
Cousi
n:I
'
m gr
eat
.You?
Lent
le:
I'
m notdoingwel
l
.Di
dyouheart
hatI
hadami scar
ri
age?
Cousi
n:Ihear
d.I
'm sor
ryy
ouhadt
ogot
hrough
suchapainf
ull
oss
Lent
le:doyouthi
nkTshegohadanyt
hingt
odo
wit
hit?Hakereyouar
eaprophetandyouknow
hi
ddensecret
s
Cousi
n:shehadnot
hingt
odowi
thi
t
Lentl
e:(
disappoint
ed)Iknowthi
sisgoi
ngto
soundri
diculousbutIneedyout
oprayforme
Cousi
n:butyoucanpr
ayf
ory
our
sel
f.Al
lofus
havet
hatgrace
Lent
le:
Iknow.Atleastassur
emet
hatTonywi
l
l
notgobacktoTshego
Cousin:whatGodhasputt
oget
herl
etnoman
putassunder
Lentl
e:butt
heywer
eal
readyapar
twhenI
star
tedseei
nghi
m
Cousin:t
hedayyoustar
teddat
ingthi
sguy
peoplebegant
odoubtmeandbel i
evedthatI
brokeTshego'
smarr
iagesothatyoucanbe
withhim.
Lentl
e:I'
m sorr
ytoheart
hat
.YouandIknow
thatyoudidn'
tdothat
Cousin:Lentl
eGoddoesn' tl
ikewhaty ouare
doing.RightnowGodi stell
i
ngmet otel
lyou
thatheisthefathert
ot hefather
less
Lent
le:
isshegoi
ngt
ogetbackwi
thTonyornot
?
Cousi n:
stophur t
ingthepoorwoman.Anyway
eveni fyoutr
yy ourtr
ickstheywon'
twork
becauset herearetwopeopl epr
ayi
ngforher
andt heprayersarestrongenoughyosustai
n
her.Shei sdi
vinel
yprotected.
Lent
le:
whatshoul
dIdoner
ra?Whatadv
ice
canyougi
veme?
Cousi
n:don'
tgi
vei
ntof
lesh.Gobackt
oyour
cr
eator
Lent
le:
that
'sact
ual
l
yav
erygoodadv
ice
Cousin:
it'
sapi
tyy
ouarenotsay
ingt
hatf
rom
thebott
om ofy
ourhear
t.
(hercousi
nconti
nuedtowarm heraboutt
he
consequencesofherbehav
iornuthewasjust
hit
ti
ngabr i
ckwall
)

MYHOUSE

Tony
:hel
l
oTshego
Me:
hiTony
.Howar
eyou?
Tony
:I'
m goodIguess
Me:
OK(
sil
ence)
Tony:
behonestwi
thme,
ist
hechdy
ouar
e
car
ryi
ngmine?
Me:
yes
Tony
:howsur
ear
eyou?
Me:
theonl
ymanIsl
eptwi
thi
syou
Tony
:I'
m notconv
inced
Me:
whatar
eyout
ryi
ngy
osayTony
Tony:
whatI
'
m say
ingi
sthatI
'
m notsur
eift
he
chi
ldi
sni
ne
Me:
ohwow!
Tony
:IneedaDNAt
estt
obesur
e
Me:
..
..
..
..
..
..
Tony
:that
'st
heonl
ythi
ngt
hatcanconv
inceme
Me:
andwecanonl
ydoi
toncet
hechi
l
dusbor
n?
Tony
:yes
Me:soyouwon'
tbehel
pingmedur
ingt
he
pr
egnancy
?
Tony
:no
Me:andaf
terDNAconf
ir
mst
hatt
hechi
l
dus
your
s?
Tony:(
hewasquitef
orawhi
l
e)howwast
he
chi
ldconcei
ved?
Me:
ahah!
Tony:Idon'
tthi
nki
twi
ll
beeasyf orMrto
acceptorbondwit
hachil
dconceivedoutof
rape
Me:
rape!(
Ifel
tver
yangr
y)
Tony:
yes.Yout
ookadvantageofme.Ihav
e
tr
iedt
oforgi
veyoubutIcan'
t
Me:sowhethert
hechi
ldi
syour
sornoty
ou
wantnot
hingtodowit
hhi
m orher
?
Tony
:Im sor
ryIcan'
t
Me:
ok
Tony
:yah
Me:
hav
eIev
erbeenunf
ait
hful
inourmar
ri
age
Tony
:It
hinkImustl
eav
enow.
Me:
soy
ouar
egoi
ngt
oabandony
ourownf
lesh
andbl
ood?
Tony
:theci
rcunst
ancesdon'
tfav
orme.
Me:
OK
(Iswal
l
owedhar
dasIf
oughtt
het
ear
s)
Tony
:goodl
uck
Me:Ihaveal
readyt
alkedt
omyl
awy
eraboutt
he
pr
egnancy
Tony
:by
e
(af
tertheconv er
sationImademymi nd
up..
..
..
..
...
imleavi
ngTony '
shouseforgood.I
choset olosehim andgainmyfreedom and
happiness)
NO.126

(
phoneconv
ersat
ion)
Me:
hel
l
ouncl
e
Uncl
e:hel
l
omydaught
er.Howar
eyou?
Me:
Im notsur
euncl
e.OnemomentI m happy
t
henextmomentIm anxi
ousandsad.
Uncl
e:appar
entl
ypregnancydoest
hat
.Dont
worr
y,youwil
lbefi
nemychi l
d
Me:Ithi
nkIneedt
owal kawayfrom t
hisdead
marri
ageonceandforall
sothatIcanhavemy
peaceandstar
tpl
anningmyli
fe
Uncl
e:Ihav
ebeenwai
ti
ngt
oheart
hatmychi
l
d
Me:eerra.Andt
hefi
rstst
epshouldbemovi
ng
outoft
hismanshousebutthequest
ioni
s
wheredoIgo?
Uncl
e:TshegoIdontneedtoremindyout
hat
youhaveahome.Myhomei syourhomeand
mydoorisalwaysopenforyou
Me:
thanky
ouuncl
e
Uncl
e:doy
ouwantt
omov
einwi
thus?
Me:
yesunclebutonl
yforamont
hwhi
l
eIl
ook
f
oraroom t
orent
Uncl
e:noTshego.Thi
sisyourfi
rstpr
egnancy
andwewontallowyoutostayal
one.no!
Me:If
eel
li
kei
mtoool
dtobest
ayi
ngwi
thy
ou
and.
Uncl
e:achi
ldnev
erget
stoool
dforherpar
ent
s.
Whenareyoumovingi
n?
Me:
canImov
ethi
sev
eni
ng?
Uncl
e:y
esmychi
l
d
Me:canIpleasefi
xthebackroom f
ormysel
f
andstayinitsot
hatIcanfeelfr
eeand
comfort
able?
Uncle:
that
sav
erybr
il
li
anti
deaact
ual
l
y.
Bri
l
li
ant!
Me:
ok.buti
m st
il
lmov
ingi
ntoday
Uncl
e:that
sfine.Iwi
l
lgoandtal
ktoRaKabo
andheargorehowmuchwi l
lhechar
geusfor
fi
xi
ngtheroom
Me:
thanky
ouuncl
e.Onel
astf
avour
Uncl
e:okmychi
l
d
Me:canIopenat
uck-
shopandr
uni
tsot
hatI
canmakemoneyfort
hebaby
Uncl
e:t
hat
sokmychi
l
d
Me:ther
ear
ereadymadet
uck-
shopssoIwi
l
l
buyone.
Uncl
e:good.Ihavebeenthi
nki
ngofsell
i
nga
cowandgi v
ey outhemoneysothaty
oucan
buyever
ythingyouneedf
orthebaby
Me:
ther
eisnoneeduncl
e
Uncle:Iwantt odoitTshego, f
ory ouandforthe
chi
ld.Im goingtostartl
ookingf orabuyertoday
.
Iwil
l notal
lowy outostrugglewhenIhav ethe
meanst ohel pyou
Me:
thanksy
ouuncl
e
Uncl
e:y
ouarewel
comemychi l
d.Iwi
ll
askNki
tocr
eat
espacef
oryourbel
ongi
ngs.
Me:
im onl
ybr
ingi
ngcl
othesandaf
ewt
hings.I
wi
l
lbr
ingf
urni
tur
eoncet
hebackr
oom i
sdone
Uncle:okmychi l
d.Ihavebeenwai t
ingf orthi
s
moment .Thatmanhasmadey ousuf fer
TshegoandIbel i
ev eyouarebett
erof fwithout
him.heandt hatgi
r lhav
enoshameandIhope
nextmont ht
hechi efwil
lbefai
randj udget he
casefair
ly
Me:Ibel
i
evej
ust
icewi
l
lpr
evai
l
.
Uncl
e:i
twi
l
l
Me:
Ihav
etof
ini
shpacki
ng
Uncl
e:okmychi
l
d.Il
ookf
orwar
dtohav
ingy
ou
her
e
Me:
thanksuncl
e
(af
tertal
ki
ngtomyuncl
eIf
eltr
eli
evedand
happy.It
hendeci
dedt
ocal
lTony)

Tony
:hel
l
o
Me:
hi.It
alkedt
omyl
awy
eraboutt
hehouse
Tony
:whataboutt
hehouse?
Me:TonysinceI
m pregnantwi
thyourchi
ldi
ts
onl
yfai
rthatwegiv
et hehousetothechi
l
d
Tony
:butwear
enotsur
eit
smychi
l
d
Me:mylawyersai
dwecandoDNAt estaf
ter
t
hechi
ldisbornbutt
henthatmeansthehouse
wi
ll
notbegiventoanyoneofusunt
il
Tony
:whyar
eyoudel
ayi
ngt
hisdi
vor
ce?
Me:
Im notdel
ayi
ngi
t
Tony
:youare.I
sitbecausey
oudontwantme
tomarr
yLentl
e
Me:TonyIhavel
ostint
eresti
nyou.Idontf
eel
any
thi
ngtowardsyouexcepthat
redandanger
soIdontcar
ewhoy ouchoosetomar r
y
Tony
:st
opy
ourdel
ayt
act
ics
Me:
itsnotadel
ayt
act
ic.I
m put
ti
ngt
hebest
i
nter
estofourchi
l
d..
Tony
:poi
ntofcor
rect
ion,
yourchi
l
dnotmi
ne
Me:areyoudeny
ingy
ourchi
ldtopl
easeyour
gi
rl
fri
endorarey
ousayi
ngthi
sfrom t
hebott
om
ofyourhear
t?
Tony:Icantwai
ttoseey
ououtofmyl
i
fe.I
m
ti
redofyou
Me:andItoocantwaitt
obeoutofyourli
fe.
Any
way ,
Im movingoutofy
ourhousetoday
Tony:(
hesoundedsur
pri
sed)youar
emov
ing
out!Wher
eareyougoi
ngtostay?
Me:Im goi
ngt
orentar
oom somewher
eint
he
vi
l
lage
Tony:butyoucanjustst
ayi
nthathouse
becauseIdontst
ayi ni
tany
more
Me: no.Ineedtomov eonandf ormetodot hat
Ineedt ocutti
eswithyouallt
ogetherandIcant
doitwhenIst i
llst
ayinyourhouse
Tony
:it
sfi
ne
Me:Iwil
lonl
ytakemyclothesfornow.Iwi
l
l
comeforthefur
nit
ureonceIm set
tl
ed
Tony
:whi
chf
urni
tur
e
Me: y
oudontneedt owor ry,I
m notgreedy.Iwi
ll
onlytakethefur
nit
urethatmymot herl
eftfor
me.Iwi l
lneverf
ightforyourbelongi
ngswi t
h
you.I
mf i
ghti
ngforthehousebecausef ormei t
hassomespeci almemor iesandalsobecauseI
wantt osecureMYchi l
dsf ut
ure
Tony
:Isee
Me:
that
sal
lIwant
edt
odi
scusswi
thy
ou
Tony
:al
ri
ght
.Thanks
Me:
bye
Tony
:by
e

TONYSHOUSE
Lent
le:
whowast
hat
?
Tony
:Tshego
Lent
le:
whatdoesshewant
?
Tony
:not
hing
Lent
le:
whydi
dshecal
l
?
Tony
:tot
ell
met
hatshei
smov
ingout
Lent
le:
(smil
ing)oh.Canwemov etothathouse
si
nceit
sbiggerandmor espaci
ous?
Tony
:no
Lent
le:
why
?
Tony
:becausemydi
vor
cei
snotov
er
Lent
le:
whocar
es?
Tony:Tshegoyourhomewr ecki
ngcasewi
ll
be
oninaf ewweeksandy oukeeponwanti
ngto
addmor eweighttoTshegoscase.I
fwemove
i
ntothatcaseitsgoi
ngto.
Lent
le:
fine.Wewontmov
e
Tony
:good
Lentl
e:TonyI
mt i
redofusalwaysfi
ghti
ng.Thi
s
negati
veener
gyisnotheal
thyanditmight
reducemychancesoffal
li
ngpregnant
Tony:theprobl
em wit
hy ouist
hatyouarevery
shorttemperedanddisr
espect
ful
.Youthink
becauseyouar ei
ndependenty
oudonthav eto
respectaman
Lentl
e:i
thurtsbutitstrue.Ineedt
ostartafr
esh
withyouTony .IknowIal waysscr
eam atyou
andsayhur t
fulthi
ngstoy oubutIswearfrom
todayIm goi
ngt orespectyou
Tony
:dot
hatandIwi
l
lbemor
ethanpl
eased
Lent
le:
canIsaysomet
hing?
Tony
:goahead
Lent
le:
canyoust
opbeingvi
olent
.Ial
waysget
scar
edwhenyouareangr
ybecauseIknowyou
mi
ghtendupsl
appi
ngme
Tony
:butIhi
tyouonceonl
y
Lentl
e:y
esbuty
ouhav
ethr
eat
enedt
obeatme
sever
alti
mes
Tony:I
m sor
rylove.Iwi
llworkonthat
.Lets
st
artafr
esh(helookedatherandsmiled)
Lentle:(
smil
i
ngback)thankyousomuch.I
knowy ouareagoodmanTony .Youusedt
o
l
oveTshegoandspoi lher
.youhadthe
champi onmarr
iageandthat
swhatIwantf
or
my self
Tony
:doy
ouknowwhyi
twor
ked?
Lent
le:
no
Tony:
becauseTshegowasv eryrespect
ful
.
WhenIgotangryathershewouldkeepquiet
andwithdr
awandthatgavemet imet ocal
m
down.Tshegowasveryrespect
ful.
Lent
le:
Iam goi
ngt
orespecty
oumor
ethanshe
di
d
Tony:andanothert
hingIl
ikedaboutherist
hat
sheishumble.Evenwhenherbusinesswas
makingmoneyshenev ert
houghtthatnowshe
i
sindependentsoshecanwal kal
loverme.she
remainedhumbleandwoul daskmet odeci
de
onwhatweshoul dusethemoneyf or.
Lent
le:
Isee.Iwi
l
lhumbl
emy sel
f.Wil
lyoulove
meandspoilmethewayyoudidforTshego
Tony
:sur
e.
Lent
le:
Ilov
eyou
Tony
:Il
ovey
out
oo
Lent
le:
tonewbegi
nni
ngs
Tony
:tonewbegi
nni
ngsmyl
ove
(t
heykissedandt
her
ewasadeepconnect
ion
betweenthem)
(Isatinmycar .mybagswereont hebackseat
andsomewer einthecarboot.Ilookedatthe
houseonel astti
me.Formet hehousehadbot h
painfulandhappymemor i
es.Iwasbi ddingmy
oldlifegoodbyeandstar
ti
ngmyl i
feonacl ean
slate.Myphonei nt
err
upt
edmyt houghts.)
Puso:
himmaBoar
d
Me:waitsethatnameal
waysbr
ingsme
beaut
if
ul memor i
est
hatwer
eshortl
i
ved
Puso:
mmekanawecanst
il
lcr
eat
enew
memories
Me:
Idontknowaboutt
hat
Puso:
yousoundabi
tcal
mtoday
Me:
dontst
art
Puso:
what
sgoingonwithyounemmaBoard.
Onemomenty
ouar ehotthenextmomenty
ou
ar
ecold
Me:
Im pr
egnant
Puso:
youar
ewhat
?
Me:
Im expect
ingachi
l
d
Puso:
whosechi
l
disi
t?
Me:
myhusbandschi
l
d.aor
ra!
Puso:(shockedanddisappoi
nted)soy
ouand
thatguyarebacktogether
?
Me:
no
Puso:buty
ouhavebeensl
eepi
ngwi
thhi
m
whil
ehewassleepi
ngwit
hLentl
e
Me:
no
Puso:
what
sgoi
ngon?
Me: t
ocutthel
ongstoryshor
t,Isl
eptwi
thhim
oncetogetbackatLentl
eandthatshowIfeel
pregnant
Puso:
ishetakingy
oubacknowbecausey
ou
ar
ecarry
inghischi
ld?
Me:
hesay
sit
snothi
schi
l
d.i
tsal
ongst
orysoI
hav
edecidedtomoveoutofhi
shouseand
moveonwi t
hmyli
fe.I
m notev
engoingt
o
bot
herhi
m aboutt
hechil
d
Puso:
(smil
ing)Isee.Ar
eyouhappyaboutt
he
pr
egnancy
?
Me:(Igi
ggled)ar
eyouki
ddingme.I m sohappy.
KanaIthoughtIwasgoi
ngtodielonelywit
hno
onetoleanonbutnowIm gonnahav eachil
d
andthi
schildwil
lbet
heclosestr
elati
veIhave.I
feel
overthemoon
Puso:
canIhel
pyour
aiset
hatchi
l
d.Idontmi
nd
Me:l
etsbefr
iendsf
ir
st.MaybeIwi
ll
beabl
eto
f
orgi
veyouandlear
ntotrusty
ouagain
Puso:ohmyword!Tshego!Doyouknowwhat
thatmeanst
ome?Ther eisl
iv
ingGod
somewhereandheanswersprayer
s.
Me:
PusoIwasntsay
ingl
etsst
artdat
ing
Puso:
Iunder
stoody
ouper
fect
ly.
AMONTHLat
er.
..
..
..
..
.
NO.127

AMONTHLATER

KGOTLA(
CUSTOMARYCOURT)
Chief
:Ihav
eheardbot
hsidesofthestoryand
i
nmyopi ni
onthedef
endantdoesnthaveacase
atall
Cr
owd:
mhmh!
Chief:t
onymychi l
d,whatyouhavedonet o
yourwifei
sv er
ycruel.Mencheatandnotthat
wecondonei tbutcheati
ngyourwif
ewi t
hher
bestfri
end(heshookhisheadandt hecrowd
start
edmurmur i
ng)Tony?
Tony
:chi
ef?
Chief:t
hisisnothowy oust artahome.The
mov eyouhav emadei sv eryv erywr ong.Andit
baffl
esmet hatyouareact uallyrej
ectingyour
pregnantwifetoebwi thherconni vi
ngf r
iend.
Anyway ,i
tsnotformet odeci deifthechildis
yoursornot.Youhav ebr oughty ourmot her
shame( helookedatt onysmot her)dontwor ry
mama, ourchi l
drensbehav iordontal ways
refl
ectourupbr i
nging
Tonysmum: t
hanky ou(
shewipedt
ear
swi
th
thecor
nerofherheadscar
f)
Chi
ef:
Tshegof
atso?
Me:
chi
ef
Chi
ef:
dontlett
hisdemot
ivat
eyouortaket
he
j
oyoutofyourl
if
e.maybethi
smarr
iagewas
nev
ermeanttobe
Me:
thanky
ouchi
ef
Chi
ef:
Lent
le?
Lent
le:
chi
ef?
Chi
ef:
Ifi
ndy
ougui
l
tyofhomewr
ecki
ng
(thecrowdclappedhandsandt her
ewasabi t
ofnoise.Lentl
elookedatTonyandt ears
formedinherey es.Shel
ookedathermot her
andunclewhower esmil
ingateachot her.At
thatmomentshef el
tasi
fthewor l
dcoul dopen
upandswal lowher )
Chief:Ifi
ndyougui l
tyforhomewr eckingLentl
e.
YesTonyandTshegof at
sowerealreadyhaving
mar i
talprobl
emswheny oustart
eddat inghi
m.
Youdat edTonyatat i
mewhenhewashur tby
hiswifeandv ul
nerable.Evenafoolcanseet hat
youtookadv ant
ageofhi spainbecausey ou
haddesi r
edtohav ear el
ati
onshi
pwi thhim.
Bakwena, am Il
ying?
Cr
owd:
no!
Chief
:thankyou.whatpi
ssesmeoffi
sthat
evenaftert
hiscasewasrepor
tedy
ouconti
nued
tosat ywit
hTshegofatsoshusbandandt hat
goest oshowjusthowdet er
minedy ouwer eto
breakt hi
soncehappyhomeandhow
disrespectf
uly
ouaretoTshego.Thei ssuey a
goreTshegobr okeyourcarisnotr elevantto
thiscase.Youcantakei tupwiththepol iceif
youwantt obut..
any
way .Tshegofat so?
Me:
chi
ef?
Chief
:thi
smanpai
d8cowsaspr
idepr
ice,
am I
ri
ght?
Uncl
e:nomychi
ef.Wer
ecei
ved10headsof
cat
tl
e
Chi
ef:
10?
Uncle:yeschi
ef,
10andt
hecowswer
eofav
ery
special
breed
Chi
ef:
ist
hatso?
Uncl
e:y
eschi
ef
Chi
ef:
sincey
ouar
etheonewhogav
ethe
f
amil
ythecowsyouprobabl
yknowgor
ehow
muchdoesonecowcost
Tony
:7,
000pul
aeach
Chi
ef:
ehe!
Tony
:yeschi
ef
Chi
ef:
secr
etar
y,pl
easemul
ti
ply7,
000pul
aby
10
Secr
etar
y:70,
000pul
a
Chi
ef:
arey
ousur
e?
Secr
etar
y:y
eschi
ef
Chief
:good.Lent
leNgwanakhumo,Ihavefound
youguil
tyofhomewrecki
ngandIor dery
out o
payTshegofat
soVanderMer we70,
000pul aas
compensati
on.
Lent
le:
im nothappywi
tht
hev
erdi
ctandI
woul
dliketoappeal
Tony
:chi
ef,
Iwi
l
lgoanddi
scussi
twi
thherf
ir
st
Chi
ef:
yesmychi
l
d,y
ouhav
ether
ightt
oappeal

(
aft
ert
hecour
tsessi
on)
Lent
le:
thi
smanf
avour
edTshego
Tony:It
hinkhewasbei
ngf
air
.Whatwedi
dto
Tshegoisashame
Lentl
e:hewasbeingunfai
r.Doesachi
efhave
thepowertochargemesomuchmoney ?I
thoughtheyhav
el i
mit
edpowers
Tony
:wewi
l
lhav
etof
indoutaboutt
hat
Lent
le:
Iwantt
oappeal
thecase
Tony
:Lent
lej
ustpayTshegoandl
ett
hisgo.
Lenl
te:
no!
Tony:Lentl
eyouarepregnantandy ouneedto
takeverygoodcareofyoursel
f.Theappeali
s
goingtoputastrai
nony ouandy oumightend
uphav i
nganothermiscar
ri
age
Lent
le:
wher
eam Igoi
ngt
ogett
hemoney
?
Tony
:youmustgetal
oan
Lent
le:
Imustgetaloanf
orTshegoandpayi
t
fort
henext6year
s
Tony
:whatchoi
cedoy
ouhav
e?
Lent
le:
appeal
Tony
:st
opwast
ingt
imeandappl
yforal
oan
Lent
le:
sinceI
m appeal
ingIdontevenhav
eto
worr
yaboutpayi
ngbeforethesetdate
Tony
:youknowwhat
,goaheadanddowhat
youwant
Lent
le:
wil
lyousuppor
tme?
Tony
:Idontknow

(Iwenttodropmyuncl e,
hiswi
feandafew
otherr
elat
ivesathome.Ithenwentt
othe
shopstobuyt hem somethi
ngt
oeat.Imet
Lent
lescousi
nattheshop.Ipr
etendednotto
seemebutIstoppedwhenIheardhim cal
li
ng
myname)
Cousi
n:Tshego!
Me:
hel
l
o
Cousi
n:hi
.Howar
eyou?
Me:
Imf
ine
Cousi
n:canIt
alkt
oyou?
Me:aboutwhat
?Youwantt
odigmor
esins
f
rom mypast.Whatdoy
ouwantmet
olosethi
s
t
imearound?
Cousin:Iknowy ouar esti
llangryatmebutt hat
doesntwor rymemuch.Mywor ryisthatyou
wereaboutt odevelopf ai
thinGodandt hewayI
handledthingsdestroyedthelit
tlefai
thyouhad.
Im worri
edabouty oursoul becauseitwas
abouttobesav edandnowy oudontbelievein
God
Me: youareveryr
ight.Idontbeli
eveinGod.
Godhashi schosenpeopl ethatheprot
ectsand
favoursl
ikeLentl
e.YourGodsawi tf
itt
otake
myhusbandawayf rom meandgi vehimto
Lentl
e.
Cousin:Goddoesntappr ov eTonyandLentl
es
rel
ati
onshi p.I
nfactwhatt heyaredoinghas
madeGodv eryangr
y( br
iefsil
ence)
congratulati
onsony ourpregnancy.Canyou
seethatgodopenedy ourwombaf tert
he
confession?
Me:
canIgonow?
Cousi
n:Godsay
s
Me:
dontst
art
,pl
easedont
!
Cousin:Iknowy ouwontbeli
evethisbutGod
saysheknowsy ouandallt
hedesiresofyour
heartandhehasr el
easednotabr eakt
hrough
butmanybr eakthr
oughsinyourli
fe.Hesay she
wil
ltouchev er
yareaofyourli
fe:
yourfinances,
yourrelat
ionshi
ps,yourcareer
.Ever
y
departmentinyourli
fe.Hesay shehasseen
yourtearsandheardy ourcri
esandheis
rest
oringeveryt
hingthatthedevi
lhastaken
awayf rom you
Me: Ihavelostmymot her
shouse,
an
opportuni
tytostudy,
ahusband,amother
.Can
yourGodr eplacet
hat?
Cousi
n:hesay
syesbutnoti
nthewayy
ouar
e
thi
nki
ng
Me:
whatdoeshemean?
Cousi
n:i
tshal
lber
eveal
edt
oyou.shal
om
womanofGod
Me:(Il
ookedathim speechl
essl
y.Iwast
ryi
ng
t
omakesenseofwhathewassay i
ngandI
wantedtobeli
evehi
m becausesomeofthe
t
hingshehadsaidtomei nthepasthadcome
t
opass)by e
#BUMSHORTS#
MONTHSLATER.
..
..
..
..
..
.
NO.128

TONY'
SHOUSE

Tony
:ar
eyour
eady
?
Lent
le:
noty
et
Tony
:OK.Letmesi
tandwai
tfory
ou
Lent
le:
15moreminut
es.Bei
ngpr
egnanthas
i
t'
sowndisadv
ant
ages
Tony
:whathasmydaught
erdonenow?
Lentl
e:Idon'
tl
ookgoodi
ncl
othesbecauseof
thi
shuget ummy
Tony:butsomepr
egnantwomenknowhowt
o
dressfort
hei
rpr
egnanci
es
Lent
le:
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
.
Tony
:di
dIsayany
thi
ngwr
ong?
Lent
le:
Iknowy
ouar
etal
ki
ngaboutTshego
Tony:I
'
mtal
ki
ngaboutpr
egnantl
adi
esi
n
gener
al
Lent
le:
I'
mready
Tony
:youar
enotput
ti
ngonmakeup?
Lent
le:
no
Tony
:notev
enal
i
pst
ick?
Lentl
e:TonyI
'm al
waysti
red.Idon'
thav
e
str
engthfort
hingsl
ikemakeup
Tony
:it
'sOKl
ove
Lent
le:
oh,
Ifor
gotsomet
hingi
mpor
tant
Tony
:what
?
Lent
le:
myengagementr
ing
Tony
:It
houghty
ousai
dit
'ssmal
land
uncomf
ort
abl
e.
Lent
le:
Ineedt
oweari
tot
her
wisegi
rl
swon'
t
knowwhoIam
Tony
:issomeonef
eel
i
ngi
nsecur
e?
Lent
le:
whowoul
dnotfeeli
nsecur
ewi
thsucha
bi
gtummyandswol
lenli
ps
Tony:
thi
smi ghtsoundstrangebutIl
ovethe
wayyoulook.I
talwaysremi ndsmethaty
ouare
car
ryi
ngsomet hi
ngspecial(qui
ckki
ss)
Lent
le:
thankslov
e(sheputonherr
ingwi
tha
bi
tofastruggl
e)
Tony
:shoul
dIbuyanewone?
Lent
le:
no.Ibi
l
iev
eit
sgoi
ngt
ofi
twel
laf
terI
gi
vebir
th
Tony:OKbabe.Il
ovey
ou.Youandt
hel
i
ttl
e
angel
Lent
le:
wel
ovey
out
oo
Tony
:let
'sgoandhav
efun
Lent
le:
Ihopet
heweddi
ngi
sgoi
ngt
obef
un

UNCLE'
SHOUSE

(
Sei
sohadcometopickmeup.Wewer
egoi
ng
t
ohi
sfri
end'
sweddi
ng)
Seiso:
thatmat
erni
tydr
essl
ooksgoodony
ou
preggy
Me:
justbecausey
oupai
dfori
t
Sei
so:
Iknewi
twasgoi
ngl
ookt
hisgoodony
ou.
Me:
flat
ter
ymybr
other
Sei
so:
I'
m ser
ious.Whodi
dyourmakeup?
Me:
moa
Sei
so:
youar
egood
Me:
howi
sSophi
eandt
hebaby
?
Seiso:
theyaredoi
ngfi
ne.Sheisangryatme
becauseIchosetoat
tendtheweddinginst
ead
ofchecki
ngthem
Me:
xoxoxo!Youar
eat
err
ibl
ehusband
Sei
so:
atl
eastIam agoodbr
other
Me:agoodbrothert
hat
'st
aki
ngmetoa
weddi
ngthatmyexhusbandandexbestf
ri
end
ar
eatt
ending?
Seiso:
Iwantthem t
oseehowbeaut
if
ul my
sist
erisandhowhappyshei
sdespi
telosi
ng
thehouse
Me: t
lher
raaft
erthischil
disbornI'
m pressi
ng
forDNAtestandclaimingthathouseback.
Gapegotil
weifthechildturnsouttobehisthe
moneyhegivesmewi l
lneedtobei ncr
eased
Seiso:
wenamoghel
.It
houghty
ouhadl
etgoof
thehousei
ssue
Me:
wat
cht
hespace.Shoul
dIcar
rymy
emer
gencybag?
Seiso:
yesy es.Alt
hought
hecal
endarsay
sy ou
aregiv
ingbirthinthr
eeweeksy
oucanactuall
y
gi
v ebi
rthanytime.
Me:
youar
eri
ght
(
Iwentbacki
ntot
hehouset
ogetmybagt
hen
wel
eft)

BOKAA

(
phoneconv
ersat
ion)
Me:
hel
l
looooooo
Puso:
mmaBoar
d
Me:waitselei
naleolanvor
vaa.Haompi t
saka
l
onekeai di
bala.Thatnamebringsbackalotof
beaut
if
ul memories.
Puso:
Iknow.Iuset
henamet
oscor
epoi
nts
Me:
andi
t'
swor
king
Puso:
real
l
y?
Me:
yes.
Puso:whenshoul
dIcomeandseeyou?Kana
onceyougiv
ebirt
hIwon'
tseey
oufornothree
months
Me:Irunaclot
hingbusinessandasuccessful
t
uckshopsoIcan' taf
fordtobeinsecl
usionfor
t
hatlong.Ot
herwisethi
slit
tl
epri
ncewillstar
ve
Puso:It
houghty
ousai
dthatguyi
spay
ing
al
imony
Me:y
eshedoes.Hegiv
esme1,500ev
ery
mont
handIam sav
ingthemoneyf
ormyangel
Puso:
Isomet
imesf
orgethowst
ingyy
oucan
be
Me:
it'
snotcal
l
edst
ingy
,it
'
scal
l
edsav
ing
Puso:
youneedt
ospoi
lyour
sel
f
Me.Ido.Ispoi
lmy
sel
fwi
tht
hemoneyIwor
k
har
dfor
Puso:don'
tbebusi
nessmi
ndedbecauseIwant
youtogotoschool
Me:
I'
m goi
ngt
oschool
nextsemest
er.
Puso:
that
'smybabygi
rl
.Mmaboar
d
Me:Raboard(t
hewayI'
m developi
ngfeeli
ngs
f
orPusoscaresme.Ihaven'
ttoldhi
mt hough.
MaybeIjustf
eell
onel
y)
Puso:
whenshoul
dIcomet
oMol
eps?
Me:
tomor
row
Puso:
ser
ious?
Me:
don'
taskmeagai
nbecauseImi
ghtchange
mymind
Puso:
I'
m goingt
owakeupat3am sothatIcan
l
eaveBokaaat5am andbet
her
everyearl
yand
l
eaveaslat
easpossibl
e
Me:
wer
aboar
d
Puso:whydi
dn'
tyouputyourf
ullphot
oonyour
dp?Thatdr
essl
ooksbeauti
ful
.Sendmeafull
Pic
Me:Iwi
l
l sendi
tassoonasI'
m seat
ed.I
'
m
wai
ti
ngformybrotheri
nthecar
.Heisgreet
ing
t
hewholeofMolepolol
e
Puso:
hemustcont
estf
orpakanent
ari
anseat
.
Me:Youcansayt
hatagai
n.Her
ecomest
he
dev
il
.Ihav
etogo
Puso:
byemmaBoar
d

Sei
so:
kar
eyouar
eal
way
sont
hephone
Me:
Iwast
alki
ngt
oPuso
Sei
so:
arey
ousur
eyouar
ejustf
ri
endswi
thhi
m?
Me:
yes.
Sei
so:
(hecl
ear
edhi
sthr
oat
)Ibel
i
evey
ou(
he
wasbei
ngsar
cast
ic)
Me:
lookwhoi
sri
ghti
nfr
ontofus
Sei
so:
anot
herpr
eggy
Me:
andherhusbandt
obe
Sei
so:
don'
tfeel
sad
Me:
Idon'
t
(Lentl
ewasst ar
ingatmesoTonyturned
aroundt oseewhoshewasstar
ingat.Oureyes
l
ockedandIl ookedawaywhi
leTonylooked
down.Bot hTonyandLent
lewer
esitt
ingdown.
Lentl
et ookTony'
shandandpl
aceditonher
tummy )
Seiso:
gothaaaaaaat
abannnnnna.I
t'
stoughi
n
thedati
ngindust
ry
Me:
haker
e
Sei
so:
nowt
ell
mewhyshei
sdr
essedl
i
kean
ol
dwoman?
Me:
may
beshei
sone
(welaughed.Noneofusgr eetedeachot her .
Thet i
meTonyandIdi v orcedwef oughtbi ter l
y.
Hedeni edmychi l
d, accusedmeofr apinghi m
andev enment ionedt heabor tion.Hewant edt o
putall t
hesedownasr easonsf ordivorce.I
decidedt of ightdi r
tyt oo.Ibr oughtupt he
Lentleissueandt hebeat ings.I twasr eallybad.
Bythet imewewer egr ant edt hedi vorcewe
werenotont akingterms.Onet hingIknowf or
sureist hatt heyar ebot hbr okeandI '
mr ich.I
i
nvest edt hemoneyLent l
epai dme.Wi t
ht he
moneyTonypai dmeasmyshar eoft hehouseI
boughtmy selfapl otwher eI'm bui l
dingmy sel
f
anicebachel orpad.I '
m goi ngt ouseLent le's
moneyt of inancemyst udies.Thent hereist he
ali
mony .Tonywi l
lbegi vi
ngmemoneyev ery
mont hf orqui teaf ewy ear s.Itwasr uledt hathe
mustgi v ememont hlyal l
owanceunt ilI
'
m
workingandf inanciallyst able.I '
m notaboutt o
l
ookf oraj obbecausenexty earI'
m goingto
school .Imi ghthav elostthehouset ohim butI
beli
ev eit'sat empor aryloss.Lentle'
scousin
hadt oldmet hatGodsay sImustl etTonykeep
thehouse.Il etthehousegof orthesakeof
peacenotbecauseLent le'scousinsaidso.I
don'ttrusthi m onebi t.
..
...
.Backt othesubject
ofweddi ng...
..
...
.Tonycoul dnotkeephi seyes
offme.Thecompl imentsIgotf r
om peopl e
mademef eel beauti
fulandconf ident.Lent
le
andherTonyl eftearly.
..
...
...
..
..
..
..
.)

NO.129

LENTLE'
SHOUSE

Tony
:Lent
lewhyar
eyousad?
Lent
le:
(sobbi
ng)I
'
mti
redoft
hissi
tuat
ion
Tony
:whatsi
tuat
ion?
Lent
le:
this.Tonywear ebothst
ruggl
i
ng
fi
nanci
all
yandot herpeopl
ecansee
Tony
:whoi
sot
herpeopl
e?
Lent
le:y
esterdayattheweddingmycousi
nwas
aski
ngmegor ewhydon'tIbuyni
cemater
nit
y
wear.If
eltembarrassed
Tony:
wewi l
lfi
nishourl
oansandt
hingswi
l
lgo
backtonor
mal
Lent
le:
aft
erhowmanyy
ear
s?
Tony
:wej
ustneedt
obepat
ient
.
Lent
le:i
tscar
esmet hatI
'
m goingt
ohavea
babyandImightnotbeablet
ogivemychi
l
d
ever
ythi
ngshewantsandneeds
Tony
:butI
'
m sav
ingf
ort
hebaby
Lentl
e:y
ouaresavingf
orthev er
ybasicsTony
andwesometimesuset hosesavingswhen
thi
ngsarev
erytough.Wehav en'
tboughtbi
g
thi
ngsli
keababycot,carseat
.kantewhydi
d
youletTshegotaket
hethi
ngsy oubought
knowingthatt
hatchi
ldi
snotyour s?
Tony
:letherbe
Lent
le:ev
erytimeItal
kaboutTshegoyou
prot
ecther.(
raisi
nghervoi
ce)andwhatt
hehel
l
wasgoingonbet weenthetwoofyouatt
he
wedding?
Tony
:whatdoy
oumean?
Lent
le:
youcoul
dnott
akey
ourey
esof
fher
Tony
:youar
eimagi
ningi
t
Lent
le:
I'
m not
.Youar
esopat
het
ic.
Tony
: Iwaslookingatherbecauseev
ery
body
el
sewasl ookingatherbecauseshewas
wear
ingani cedress
Lent
le:
real
l
yTony
?Real
l
y?
Tony
:Lent
lewhatdoy
ouwantmet
osay
?
Lent l
e:yourex-
wifewasl ooki
ngglamorousina
designerdressbecauseshehar v
estedmoney
fr
om bot hofus.(sobbing)doyouknowhow
painfuli
tistoseey ourenemyglowingbecause
ofy ourmoneywheny ouaresobrokethatyou
can'tevenbuythingsy oucrav
e?
Tony:babyIpromiseyouthatonceIf
ini
sh
payi
ngthefir
stloanI'
m gonnamakeituptoy
ou
Lentl
e:andt
hatmeansIwi
l
lbest
ruggl
i
ngl
i
ke
thi
sformanyyear
s
Tony:Iwi
l
ltal
ktomymot
herandseei
fshecan
assi
stus
Lent
le:youknowhowmuchshehat esme.She
i
sobv i
ouslygoingtosayno.ifi
twasTshego
maybeshewasgoi ngtohelpher
.Yourmother
andsist
erwillneveracceptme
Tony
:theywil
loncet
heygett
omeetourl
i
ttl
e
cr
ossbreed
Lent
le:
Ihat
ethi
sst
ruggl
eandIbl
amey
ouf
ori
t.
MaybeifIhadnevermetyouIwoul
dbedoi
ng
ver
ywell.Iwasdoingwel
lformy
sel
fbef
oreyou
cameintothepi
cture
Tony:
whatar
eyousay
ingexact
ly?(
hewas
get
ti
ngangr
y)
Lent
le:
let
'
sdr
opi
t
Tony:thankyou.Youcan'tbl
amemebecause
youli
teral
lyt
hrewy oursel
fatmeand
sometimesIwonderi fyouevergenui
nel
ycar
ed
aboutTshego.
Lentl
e:dotstartwithme.Dont!Youhav e
broughtmepov ert
yandshameandsomet imes
Iregr
etbeingwi thyou.IsawyoulovingTshego
andspoili
ngherandIt houghtmay beyouwere
goingtodot hesamef ormebutno!Lookatme.
Justtakeacl oselookatme.I'
mint att
ers
becauseofy ou.eish!(
shesai
dhol di
ngt he
l
owestpar tofherabdomen)
Tony
:Lent
lear
eyouokay
?
Lent
le:
Ifel
tashar
ppai
nher
e
Tony
:let
'sgoandseeadoct
or
Lent
le:
aoooo!
(
hehel
pedhert
ostandupandsuppor
tedheras
t
heywal
kedtowheret
hecarswer
eparked)
Tony:
canweusey
ourcar
?Mi
nei
slowonf
uel
and
Lent
le:
God!Thekey
sar
eint
hedr
aweri
nour
bedr
oom.Aooooo!

HOTEL

(IsawTefoandhisfamil
yandIwenttogreet
them.asusualTefogavemeacol dat
ti
tudebut
IdontcareanymorebecauseIhav
eSeiso.The
kidswereveryhappyt
oseeme)
Li
sa:
aut
nywheni
sthebabycomi
ng?Iwantt
o
f
eedhi
m abot
tl
e
Char
it
y:(
shocked)whatbabyLi
sa?
Lisa:
gatwewhensomebodyhasabi
gtummy
l
ikethisi
t'
sbecauset
heyhav
eababi
esinsi
de
Mol
l
y:y
ewwww!
Tef
o:Li
sast
opi
t
Me:
Lisacany
ousur
viv
einaper
sonst
ummy
?
Li
sa:
no
Me: t
henwhywoul dy
outhinkababycan
survi
veinatummy ?I
t'
snotpossibl
e.Ther
eisa
shopforbabiesj
ustl
i
kethereareshopsfor
toys,
clot
hesandfood
Li
sa:
oh!Mycl
assmat
eswer
ely
ing
Me:
theywer
ely
ing
Char
it
y:howhav
eyoubeen?
Me:
ver
ygood
Char
it
y:t
lhemmay
ouar
egl
owi
ng.Ekar
eyou
ar
enotpr
egnant
.Somuchgr
aceTshego
Me:
(Igi
ggl
ed)t
hanks
(NissanNavara,
topoftherange,pi
mpedi
nan
orangishcol
ourparkednextt
ous.wealll
ooked
thecarbecauseitwassobeautif
ul)
Char
it
y:wow!Ni
cecar
.
Me:
tlhemma
(Pusogotoutoft
hecarsmi l
ing.Tef
ostaredat
himinshock.Hestar
tedoffbygivi
ngmeal ong
hugthenheshookCharit
yandTef oshand)
Puso:hell
oLisa.Youar
esogr ownup.thelast
ti
meIsawy ouyouwereverysmallandcouldnt
pronounceTshegosnamepr operl
y.You
addressedherasTshoo.(
hel i
ft
edher)howar e
younana?
Li
sa:
imf
ineuncl
e
Puso:
doy
our
ememberme?
Li
sa:
nouncl
e
Puso:andlookatl
i
ttl
eMolly
.Hel
l
obabyMol
l
y
(heputLi
sadownandl i
ft
edMoll
y
Mol
l
y:hel
l
ouncl
e
Puso:andl
ookatthi
sone.whatsinthatbot
tl
e?
(heputMoll
ydownandpickedArefawhowas
giggl
i
nghappil
y)i
tsgoodtoseeyouagainafter
suchalongti
me
Me: (smil
ing)thepleasur
eismi ne.(Iwas
admi ri
ngthewayPusowasi nteracti
ngwitht
he
ki
ds.Icoul dal
r eadyi
maginethel ovehewas
goingt ogivemychi l
d)MeetChar it
y,shei
smy
brotherswife.
Puso:
(abi
tsur
pri
sed)hel
l
oChar
it
y
Char
it
y:hi
.
Li
sa:youhav
eani
cecaruncl
e.Canwego
i
nside?
Puso:
cool
(
heunl
ockedt
hecarf
ort
hem andt
heyal
l
happi
lygotinsi
de.hehel
pedl
i
ttl
eAr
efat
oget
i
nsidethecar)
Me:
Char
it
ythi
sisPuso
Char
it
y:(
smil
ing)If
inall
ygett
oconnectt
he
nametothef
ace.HelloPuso
Puso:Iwantt
obel
i
evewhat
evert
hatwassai
d
aboutmewasgood
Chari
ty:
yesohy
es.I
tsal
way
sPusot
hisPuso
that
Puso:
ohr
eal
l
y
Tef
o:It
hinkwemustgo
Chari
ty:
wecameforbreakf
astsowearedone.
l
etusloveandl
eav
ey ou.i
twasnicemeet
ing
you.Li
salet
sgo
Lisa:
aaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhh!Uncl
ewi
l
l
youtakeusonaj oyri
deoneday
Puso:
def
ini
tel
y.Tal
ktoaunt
yTshegoandy
our
mummyaboutit
Li
sa:
yeahhhhh!
(
Aref
awascr
ying)
Puso:
whyi
sshecr
ying?
Li
sa:
shesawsomesnacksi
nyourcar
Puso:
oh!Youshoul
dhav
etol
dme
(hewentbacki nsi
dethecarandgavetheki
ds
thesnacks.Theywalkedtothei
rcarhappi
ly
eati
ngsweet s)

Puso:
howar
eyoummaboar
d
Me:Im sohappyt
oseey
ouagai
n.Youl
ook
di
ff
erentgore
Puso:yout
oolookdi
ffer
ent
.Youlookl
ikegi
rl
s
onglamourmagazi
nes.Wherei
stheTswana
chi
ckenImetyear
sago
Me:
mmekanathechi
ckenchangedt
he
momenti
tmety
ou
Puso:y
ouar
eri
ght
.Byt
het
imewebr
okeupy
ou
werehot
Me:
enough.I
sthi
syourcar
?
Puso:
yes
Me:
Pusoar
eyouadr
ugdeal
er
Puso:
(hegi
ggled)no.Iam acabbagedeal
er,
a
tomat
odeal
er.Achickendealer
Me:(l
aughing)stopi
t.Gosh!Dudey
oul
ook
di
ff
erentandrich.
Puso:
let
sgoandeat
(aswewer eeati
ngIsharedwi thhim aboutmy
j
ustendedmar ri
ageandt hefrict
ionbetween
meandmybr other
.fort
hef i
rsttimeheopened
upt omeaboutwhatactuallyledhimt oresi
gn
from hi
sjob.Hehasnevershar edthatsadand
painful
partofhisl
i
fe)
Me:
Iwi
shy
ouhadbeenopenwi
thmet
hen
Puso:
Iwasntt
hinki
ngst
rai
ght
.Iwasv
ery
depr
essedatt
hatt
ime.
Me:
Im sor
ryt
oheart
hat
.
Puso:i
tsal
li
nthepast
.Im oknowandenj
oyi
ng
mylif
e.
Me:
howdi
dyougett
hisr
ich?
(heshar edhisjour neyt oricheswithmeandI
fel
tmot ivat
edandencour aged.Heal sotoldme
thattheywer egoi ngf orDNAt estthefoll
owing
day.Wespendt hewhol edayt ogether.We
wouldt akeadr i
v ear oundt hev i
ll
age,have
l
unchatar estaurant ,takeanot herdri
ve..
helef
t
i
nt heev eni
ng)
Puso:
Ihat
egoi
ngbackt
omyl
onel
yfar
m
Me:itwasni
cespendi
ngti
mewi
thy
ou.Youar
e
st
il
lthesameol
dRaboard
Puso:(
hesmi l
ed)andyouarest
il
lthesameold
mmaboar d,
thr
ivi
ngunderstr
essand
det
erminedtomakesomet hi
ngoutofyourl
i
fe
(beforeheleftwesharedal onghugt hatlef
tto
adeeppassi onateki
sst hatleftt
heri
v ert
hat
hasbeendr yf ormonthsflowing.I
fIdidntknow
betterIwouldhav et
houghtmywat er
shad
broken)
NO.130

GABORONE

Doctor
:justoutofcur
iosi
ty,
doy
out
hinkt
he
chi
ldhasy ourr
esemblance?
Puso:
no
Kgomot
so:
hedoes
Doct
or:
any
way
,lookscanbedecei
vi
ng.
Puso:
truet
hat
Doct
or:
whatr
esul
tsar
eyouexpect
ing?
Puso:
letGod'
swi
l
lbedone
Kgomot
so:
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
.
Doctor:(
hesensedtheanxiet
yandt ensi
onand
decidednott
oaskfurtherquest
ions)let
'sget
str
aighttot
heissue
Puso:
please
Doctor
:herearetheresul
ts.Asyoucansee
theyar
einaseal edenvel
ope.(hepl
acedthe
envel
opeinfrontofthem)youcanopenit
Puso:
openi
t
Kgomot
so:
(shakyv
oice)openi
tyour
sel
f
Puso:OK( heopenedandst
art
edreadi
ng.He
thenpassedtheenvel
opetoKgomotsowho
browsedthrough)
Kgomot
so:
whati
sthi
ssay
ing?
Puso:
docpl
easei
nter
pret
ether
esul
ts.
Doctor:accordi
ngt ot
heresul
tsyouarenott
he
fat
her.Chancest haty
ouarethesechil
d'
sfat
her
areverymi ni
mal.Youarenotthefat
her
basi
cal
l
y
Puso:
God.GOD.
Kgomot
so:
no
Doct
or:
thi
suswhatt
her
esul
tshav
econcl
uded
Puso:
I'
m nott
hef
atherKgomot
so
Kgomot
so:
howaccur
atear
etheser
esul
ts
Doctor
:qui
etaccurat
e.MaybeIshoul
dgi
vey
ou
spacetodi
scusstheissue
Kgomot
so:
thanky
ou
Doct
or:
cal
lmewheny
ouar
edone
Kgomot
so:
wewi
l
l
(
thedoct
orl
eft
)
Puso:
doy
ouwantanot
herDNAt
est
?
Kgomot
so:
no
Puso:t
hismeanst
hatt
hisUSt
heendofour
j
ourney
Kgomotso:soIoweyouthemoneyyouhav
e
beencontr
ibut
ingt
owardschi
l
dsupport
?
Puso:
yes.
Kgomotso:
andt
hismeanst
hatt
hisi
sTumel
o'
s
chi
ld?
Puso:
Ihopeso
Kgomot
so:
it'
shi
schi
l
d
Puso:
ngwanaoi
tsi
weser
etokemmaagwe
Kgomot
so:
Idon'
thav
emoneyt
opayy
ou
Puso:
Iknow
Kgomotso:
Iwi
l
ltal
ktoTumel
oandseei
fhe
canhel
p
Puso:
Iwasnotdoi
ngi
tforyou.Iwasal
so
doi
ngitt
oeasemyconsci
ence.Don'
tpayme
Kgomotso:
arey
ousur
e?(
shebl
i
nkedandt
ear
s
dr
opped)
Puso:
I'
mver
ysur
e.Don'
tpaymeasi
ngl
ethebe
Kgomot
so:
thanky
ouv
erymuch
Puso:
it'
sfi
ne.Kgomot
so?
Kgomot
so:
rra?
Puso:bestrongforyourchi
ld'
ssake.Don'
ttake
thi
sasaf ai
lureorareasontogiveuponli
fe.
Treati
tasat estofy
ourstrengt
h.Aboveall
,
seekthefaceofGod.
Kgomot
so:
canIv
isi
tyourchur
cht
hisSunday
Puso:
nopr
obl
em atal
l
Kgomot
so:
thanks
Puso:
Ithi
nkwear
edone.
Kgomot
so:
eer
ra
Puso:Iwi
llgi
veyou3,000pul
athaty
oucanuse
whil
esort
ingyoursel
fout
Kgomotso:
youareagoodper
sonPusoabdI
wishIhadt
reat
edyouri
ght
Puso:
don'
tcr
yforspi
l
ledmi
l
k.SeekGodabdhe
wi
l
lrev
eal
thebeaut
if
ulpl
anshehasf
ory
ou
Kgomot
so:
Iwi
l
l.May
beweshoul
dcal
lthe
doct
or
Puso:
yah

HOSPI
TAL

Tony
:howar
eyouf
eel
i
ng?
Lent
le:
I'
m okay
Tony
:Iwaswor
ri
ed
Lent
le:
met
oo
Tony:
Lentl
eweshouldl
earnnott
ostr
esstoo
muchespecial
l
yyou.Wecan'
taff
ordt
olose
thi
schil
d
Lent
le:
wecan'
t
Tony
:Lentl
eIloveyou.Pleasedon'
tdoubtmy
l
oveforyou.Youandthischil
dmeant hewor
ld
t
ome(
hel
eanedabdki
ssedherneck)
Lent
le:
xoxoxo.Ineededt
oheart
hat
Tony:y
eswearegoi
ngthr
oughaver
yver
y
di
ffi
cul
tti
mebutt
hisi
stempor
ary
Lent
le:
Iknowbabe
Tony
:tomeTshegoi
shi
stor
y
Lent
le:
don'
tent
ert
ainher
.
Tony
:Iwon't
.Iseeshehast
hati
mpactony
ou
soIwil
lst
ayaway
Lent
le:
pleasedo
Tony
:Il
ovey
ou(
her
ubbedherbump)
Lent
le:
Ilov
eyoumor
e
Tony
:wewi
l
lmaket
hisr
elat
ionshi
pwor
kmy
l
ove
Lent
le:
wemust .Iwi
sht
hingsbet
weenuscoul
d
beli
kethi
sfor
ever
Tony
:met
oo.Hasy
ourmum comet
oseey
ou?
Lent
le:
no
Tony: mymum call
ed.Shewon'
tmakeitbutt
he
factthatshecal
l
edtocheckift
hebabyisOK
givesmehope
Lent
le:
soshewasconcer
nedaboutt
hebaby
?
Tony
:rememberthatwi
tht
hechi
l
dwelistshe
di
dn'
tcareatal
l
.Formethi
susagoodsign
Lent
le:
weshal
lsee
Tony
:whenar
etheydi
schar
gingy
ou?
Lentl
e:thedoctorsayshei
skeepi
ngmeher e
foranotherni
ghtsothathecanobserveme.He
i
sst i
ll
concernedwithmybloodpressure
Tony
:oh.If
eel
lonel
ywi
thouty
ou
Lent
le:
xoxoxo.If
eel
lov
edandcar
edf
orr
ight
now
Tony
:don'
tdoubtme
Lent
le:
Iwi
l
lnev
er.Iwi
l
lbeonbedr
estf
ort
he
nextt
woweeksaccor
dingt
othedoct
or.
Tony:Iwil
lseei
fIcangetti
meof ff
rom work
sothatIcangiv
eyoumyf ul
lsupportandcar
e
Lent
le:
Ilov
eyou
Tony
:lov
eyousweett
hing.

(
PHONECONVERSATI
ON)

Puso:
mmaboar
d
Me:
raboar
d.Imi
ssy
ou
Puso:
Imi
ssy
out
oo.Shoul
dIcomet
oMol
eps?
Me:
no
Puso:
thatmeansy
oudon'
tmi
ssme
Me:
Ido.I
shey
ourchi
l
d?
Puso:
yes
Me:
theni
t'
sadr
aw,
1-1
Puso:
meani
ng?
Me:youandIbri
ngachil
deachi
ntothi
s
r
elat
ionshi
p.Gagonat
siset
saMotswana
Puso:
(hel
aughed)Iwasj
ustpul
l
ingy
ourl
eg.
Heusnotmine
Me:
oh
Puso:
I'
m sogl
adKgomot
soi
soutofmyl
i
fe.
Me:
wasi
tthatbad?
Puso:
yes.If
eel
sor
ryf
ort
hechi
l
dthough
Me:metoo.KanalennaIst
il
lhav
etogo
t
hrought
hatprocess
Puso:
don'
tdoi
tmyl
ove
Me:Ineedt
odoitsothatTonyknowst
hatI
'
m
nott
hecheati
ngt
ype
Puso:
whati
fhefi
ndsoutt
hatt
hechi
l
dishi
s
andst
art
shar
assi
ngyou?
Me:
Idi
dn'
tthi
nkabouti
tli
ket
hat
Puso:
lethi
m be.I
'
m goi
ngt
otakecar
eoft
hat
l
it
tl
eboy
Me:
thanky
ou
Puso:
wai
tandsee
Me:
Iknow.Iknowy
oucanmakeagoodf
ather
Puso:
I'
m goi
ngt
obet
hegr
eat
estdadt
oyou
fat
her
Me:Ifeel
verycomfor
tedr
ightnow.Tsek!I
'
m
l
ett
inggooffthatf
ool
Puso:
doi
ttoav
oidst
ress
Me:
def
ini
tel
y
Puso:
ilov
eyou
Me:
thanks
Puso:
wenammaboar
d
Me:
raboar
d
(
webot
hgi
ggl
edl
i
kel
ovest
ruckt
eenager
)
NO.131
2WEEKSLATER.
..
..
..
.

(ihadspentt henightatSei
do'shouse.Iwas
withSophi eandtheirador
ablebaby.Seidowas
onni ghtshif
t.Iwokeupv eryeasyi
nthe
mor ningbecauseIhadar unningstomach.
Seisof oundmesi tt
ingonthecouchwhenhe
camebackf rom wor k)
Sei
so:
whyar
eyouupsoear
lypr
eggy
?
Me:
myt
ummyhasbeenr
unni
ngsi
nce4am
Sei
so:
whatdi
dyoueat
?
Me:
theusual
.AndIf
eel
nauseous
Sei
so:
isi
tver
ybad?
Me:nott
oobadbutIalsohaveaterr
ibl
epai
n
onmylowerback.Ri
ghtonthewaist
Sei
so:
forhowl
onghav
eyoubeenexper
ienci
ng
t
hepai
n?
Me:lastni
ghtIwenttosleepbecauseoft
he
pai
n.Ekareit
'si
ntensi
fyi
ng
Sei
so:oh.(
hef
rowned)whatt
imedi
dyougot
o
bed?
Me:
10
Sei
so:t
hatmeansy
ouhav
ebeeni
nlaborf
or9
hour
sormore
Me:
labor
?
Sei
so:
thosear
elaborpai
ns
Me:
aren'
ttheysupposedt
obeont
het
ummy
?
Sei
so:
it'
sdi
ff
erentf
ordi
ff
erentwomen
Me:
(smi
l
ing)somybabywant
stocome
Sei
so:
thel
i
ttl
emani
sreadyt
ost
ophi
ding
Me: ohmyGod(Ismil
edandcov
eredmymout
h)
Ican'twai
ttomeetmypr
ince
Sei
so:
mynephew
Me:
so?
Sei
so:t
akeaver
yquickbat
hsot
hatIcant
ake
youtot
hehospi
tal
Me:
OKok.Cal
lChar
it
yanduncl
eandt
ell
them
I
'ml
abor
.Iwi
ll
cal
lPuso
Sei
so:
thi
sPusoguyi
sdr
ivi
ngy
oucr
azy

UNCLE'
SHOUSE

Uncle:
Tshegoi
sinl
abor
.Sei
sohast
akenhert
o
thehospi
tal
Hi
swi
fe:
mayGodpr
otecther
Uncl
e:shei
ssaf
einGod'
shands
Hiswife:
sheis.Imustgoandcl
eanherr
oom
sothatshefi
ndseveryt
hingi
nor
der
Uncl
e:thatwi
l
lbehel
pful
.Ther
eissomet
hing
worr
yingme
Hi
swi
fe:
whati
sit
?
Uncl
e:It
hinkTshegohasaboy
fri
end
Hi
swi
fe:
shedoes
Uncl
e:whendi
dshemeett
hisnewboy
fri
end
Hi
swi
fe:
Ihav
ebeenwonder
ing
Uncle:
Tshegoshouldhavenotrushedtoget
i
ntoar el
ati
onshi
p.Ri
ghtnowitappearsasif
thi
smanhasal waysbeenther
ei nherl
if
e.
Hi
swi
fe:
truet
hat
Uncl
e:shei
sconf
ir
mingTony
'ssuspi
cions
Hi
swife:
sheis.Tonyhasal
way
sbeenadamant
t
hatt
hechil
disnothis
Uncl
e:apartofmet r
ustsTshegoanddoubt
s
shecancheatbutanotherpar
tsayswhati
f
Hi
swi
fe:
what
'sdonei
sdone
Uncl
e:I
'
m scar
edgorewhatift
hechi
l
disbor
n
andhel
ooksnothi
ngli
keTonyorDNAsayst
he
chi
l
disnotTony
's
Hi
swi
fe:
don'
tthi
nkt
oomuchaboutt
hei
ssue
Uncl
e:It
rynott
o
Hi
swi
fe:
weshal
lsee

TEFO'
SHOUSE

(Tef
owastaki
nganapinthei
rbedr
oom.
Chari
tywasi
nLisa'
sbedr
oom pr
ayi
ngfor
Tshegoandt
hebaby)
"Lordheav enlyfather,
IcoverTshegof atsand
herunbor nchildwi t
hthebl oodofJesus.I
surrenderev ery
thingtoy oumyf ather.Supply
herwi thplentyofstrengthfather
.Wet hanky ou
forsust ai
ningherupt ot hi
spoint.Wet hanky ou
fatherforweknowy ouhav ealr
eadyanswer ed
ourpr ayers.Wet hanky ouforyourmer cy,grace
andf avor.InJesusnameIhav eprayedamen"
(shethenwenttothebedroom wher
eshefound
Tefogroani
ngandsweat i
ng.Heseemedtobe
havingabaddream)

Char
it
y:honey
..
..
..Tef
o..
..
..
..
.Honey
.
(hewokeupandhel
ookedar
oundseemi
ngl
y
conf
used)
Char
it
y:wasi
tabaddr
eam?
Tef
o:y
es
Char
it
y:whatwasi
tabout
?
Tefo:mymot herhadv i
sit
edus.Shewas
chatt
inghappi l
ywi t
hTshegoandSei so.I
twas
asifIdidn'texist.Thenshesai dshewant edto
useabat hroom.Shewashol dingTshego's
baby.Iext endedmyar mstor eceiv
et hechil
d
butshel ookedatmewi t
haser iousfaceand
shookherhead.Shet henSaudshedoesn' t
tr
ustmeandhandedSei sothebaby .Shet ook
l
ongt ocomebackandwhenIaskedwher eshe
i
st heysai
dshewasn'tgoi
ngt othebathroom
butshehadgonebackt oherresti
ngplace.I
start
edcryi
ng.Whatdiesi
tmean?( hetooka
towelandwipedthesweatoffhisfor
ehead
Charit
y:youneedtoknowonet hing:l
ackof
for
givenessisli
kecanceritdestr
oy sfr
om
i
nside.Iteat
syouupunt i
ly ouarefini
shedand
i
tbringtearsandheart
achet othoseinvol
ved.
Tefoyouneedt ofor
giveforthesakeofy our
i
nnerpeace?
Tef
o:ar
eyougoi
ngt
ochur
cht
oni
ght
?
Char
it
y:(
smi
l
ing)Iam
Tef
o:canIgowi
thy
ou?
Char
it
y:i
twi
l
lpl
easememor
ethanany
thi
ng
Tef
o:t
hanks
Chari
ty:y
ouareaGodthatanswersbyf
ir
e.Lor
d
thankyousendi
ngconf
usi
ont ot
heenemy's
camp
(
Tefol
ookedatherconf
used.Hecoul
dnot
makesenseofwhathewassayi
ng)

BOKAA

Puso:
mum I
'
m goi
ngt
othef
arm
Hi
smum:
ao!
Puso:t
her
eissomet
hingIneedt
odot
her
eand
i
t'
surgent
Hi
smum:
oh!
Puso:
Iwi
l
lbebackt
omor
row
Hi
smum:
OKson.I
'
m goi
ngt
obebor
edher
e
al
one
Puso:
goandchecky
oursi
ster
Hi
smum:
no,
Iwi
l
lli
stent
other
adi
o
Puso:
OK.By
emum
Hi
smum:
bye
(
hisphoner
angwhenhewasi
nhi
scar
)

Puso:
mymai
nman
Kenal
emang:
monnawhatyouhavedonef
or
meandmywi f
ehasl
eftushumbl
ed
Puso:foryouIwi
lldoanyt
hingmybrot
her.You
werethereformewhenIhadnoone.Ebil
eifit
wasn'
tf oryoumybusi
nesswouldnotbewhere
i
tisnow
Kenal
emang:butpayi
ngourki
dsschool
fees
fort
hewholeter
m...
..
..
..
..
.
Puso:br
oyouneededhelpandasy
ourbr
otherI
hadtocometoyourrescue
Kenal
emang:
thanksman.Iwi
l
lnev
erev
er
for
getthi
s
Puso:
any
timeman.I
'
mleav
ingf
ort
hef
arm
Kenal
emang:
ok
Puso:
Tshegoi
sinlaborsoIneedt
obeal
one
wit
hGodandint
ercedeforher
Kenal
emang:
yourl
ovef
ort
hiswomani
spur
e
andrar
e
Puso:
Ihav
enev
erst
oppedl
ovi
ngTshego
Kenal
emang:
yout
womustgetmar
ri
edal
ready
Puso:Iwantt
opopt
hequest
ionassoonas
possi
ble.
Kenal
emang:
dot
hatbef
oret
heysnat
chedher
agai
n
Puso:
andabuseher
.Ihav
etogomyman
Kenal
emang:
sur
ethebr
other
.

HOSPI
TAL
2AM
(Iwasexhaustedandwor
ri
ed.Igav
ethepush
allmystr
ength)
Mi
dwi
fe:
youdi
dwel
l
.Hei
s..
..
..
..
..
Doct
or:
(hecl
ear
edhi
sthr
oat
)ei
sh!
Me:
isev
ery
thi
ngOK?
Doct
or:
wewi
l
llety
ouknow
(Igotver
ywor r
ied.Thebabycameoutand
cri
ed.themidwifedisappear
edwi
thhi
m befor
e
Icouldseehim)
Me:
Iwantt
oseehi
m
Doct
or:y
ouwil
lseehi
m af
tershei
sdone
washi
nghim
Me:
isev
ery
thi
ngOKwi
thhi
m?
(
anot
hermi
dwi
fewal
kedi
ntot
her
oom)
Doctor
:hel
pmeher
e.Ineedt
omakeaqui
ck
cal
l
Mi
dwi
fe2:
ok
(
out
side)
Doct
or:
DrSei
so
Sei
so:
tel
lmemysi
sterdel
i
ver
edsaf
ely
Doct
or:thedel
i
ver
ywassaf
ebutt
her
eisabi
t
ofaproblem
Sei
so:
whati
sit
?
Doct
or:
doy
ouhav
eal
bini
sm i
nyourbl
oodl
i
ne?
Sei
so:
(hel
aughedl
ongandhar
d)Idon'
tbl
ame
you
Doct
or:
for
?
Sei
so:
pani
cki
ng.
Doct
or:
themonnaanswerme
Sei
so:
int
err
acial
mar
ri
agesar
erar
e.Tshego
wasmarr
iedtoawhi
teguy
Doct
or:
sil
l
yme
(
theybot
hlaughed)
Sei
so:
wher
eisshe?
Doctor:
sheisanx i
ous.Wet ookt
hechi
l
daway
fr
om herbeforeshecouldseehim.Wewanted
togi
v eherabitofcounseli
ngbefor
ewecoul
d
handher"thechil
dwithalbi
nism"
(
theyshar
edanot
herl
aught
er)
Sei
so:
goandgi
vemysi
sterherchi
l
d
Doct
or:
sur
e
(Sei
solaughedunti
lhiscoll
eaguecutt hecall
.
Thedoctorwentbackandexpl ai
nedeveryt
hing
tothenurseandthetookthechi l
dtoTshego.
Theytookthechil
dtoher...
..
..
..Iwasstil
lonthe
bedwor r
iedaboutmybaby .Icouldn'
teen
concentr
ateonthepainfrom thestit
ches)
Doct
or:
her
eisy
ourbabymma
Me:
isheokay
?
Doct
or:
hei
sper
fect
(hehandedmemybabywr appedinablue
blanket
.Iuncover
edhim andexami nedhim
closel
ybeforesmil
ingandkissinghisl
it
tl
e
fragi
lehand)
Me:heseemsfi
neandper
fect
.Hehas10l
i
ttl
e
f
inger
seven.Whatwaswr
ong?
Doct
or:
wet
houghthehadal
bini
sm
Me: (aft
erlaughi
nghar d)ouch!(t
helaughter
wasmaki ngthesti
tchespainful
)evenifhehad
i
tIwasgoi ngtoacceptandl ovehim.Heismy
perfectgift
.Iwasstil
lgoingtobeov er
joyed.(t
o
thebaby )hell
obabyLebone.Meetmummymy
l
ov e.Ihavesomuchl ovetogiveyouyoung
man.Youhav ejustli
tupmyl if
e.I'
m gonnaliv
e
foryou
Midwi
fe:(
wipi
ngy
ear
s)xoxoxo.Thi
sisj
ust
beaut
if
ul
NO.132
HOSPI
TAL

Seiso:hel
l
ol i
ttl
eLebone(heuncover
edthe
recei
vi
ngbl anketandst
oodstarr
ingatmybaby
)
Me:
Sei
sogot
owor
k
Sei
so:
I'
m atwor
k
Me:
wear
enoty
ourpat
ient
s
Sei
so:
any
onei
nthi
shospi
tal
ismypat
ient
Me:
youar
edi
stur
bingus
Sei
so:
thi
sguyl
ooksexact
lyl
i
kehi
sdad
Me:
comeonSei
so,
youcan'
ttel
lthaty
et
Sei
so:
thi
shai
r(hewhi
stl
ed)
Me:
Ilov
ethi
sli
tt
leman
Seiso:metoo.Inafewy ear
sIwil
lbesending
himt obuysugaratafarawaytuckshopinthe
scorchi
ngsun
Me:
forwhatgoodr
eason?
Sei
so:ashi
suncleIwi
l
lbet
eachi
nghi
mtobe
st
rongandresi
l
ient
Me:
ij
o!
Sei
so:
didy
out
ell
Tonyaboutt
hebaby
?
Me:
no
Sei
so:
OK
Me:hedoesn'
tneedtoknow.Hesai
dheisnot
i
nter
est
edinthechil
dsoI'
m notgoi
ngt
obother
hi
m
Sei
so:
Iunder
stand
Me:
thanks
Sei
so:
letmegot
omywar
d
Me:
cool
i
es

TONY'
SHOUSE
(
phoneconv
ersat
ion)
Tony
:hel
l
omummy
Hi
smum:
hel
oson.Howar
eyou?
Tony
:I'
mfi
ne.Lent
lei
sal
sodoi
ngwel
l
Hi
smum:
doy
ouknowt
hatTshegohasgi
ven
bi
rt
h?
Tony
:Idi
dn'
tknow
Hi
smum:
shedi
dn'
ttel
lyou?
Tony
:no
Hi
smum: herbabyi
stwodaysold.Shenamed
t
hebabyboyLeoneGif
tMotswasele
Tony:
Isee.SoTshegohaschangedher
sur
name?
Hi
smum:
yes.i
t'
syourbabyTony
Tony
:howdoy
ouknowmum?
Hismum: shesentmeapi
ctur
eoft
hebaby
.He
hasyourhair
Tony
:oh!
Hi
smum:
sowhatar
eyougoi
ngt
odo?
Tony
:sendmeapi
ctur
efi
rst
Hi
smum:OK.Wewi
l
ltal
kaf
tery
ouseet
he
pi
ctur
e
Tony
:OK.Sendnow
(hismum senthim api
ctur
eofbabyLebone.He
staredatthephotowit
hmixedemoti
ons.His
mum calledagain)
Hi
smum:
didy
ouseet
hepi
ctur
e?
Tony
:yesmama
Hi
smum:
and?
Tony
:hei
smi
newi
thoutdoubt
Hi
smum:
sowhat
'st
hewayf
orwar
d?
Tony
:Idon'
tknow
Hismum: doyoumeant ot
ell
methaty
ouar
e
goingt
oignor
ey ourchi
l
dTony?
Tony
:Ineedt
imet
othi
nkabouti
t
Hi
smum:
NGngng
Tony
:pl
easedon'
tputmeunderpr
essur
e
Hi
smum: OK.I'
m comingtoseeTshegoi
na
f
ewdays.Iwanttospendsomequalit
yti
me
wi
thherandt
hebaby
Tony
:ok
(
Lent
lewal
kedi
n)
Hi
smum:
wewi
l
ltal
k
Tony
:OKmum.By
e
(heputt
hephoneonthet
able.Hestar
edatt
he
pict
urewi
thhi
shandsonhishead)

Lent
le:
what
'sup?
Tony
:Tshegohasgi
venbi
rt
h
Lent
le:
when?
Tony
:twoday
sback
Lent
le:
ist
hist
hechi
l
d'spi
ctur
e?
Tony
:yes
Lent
le:
itseemsl
i
kehei
syour
s
Tony
:hei
smi
ne,
nodoubt
Lent
le:
(di
ssapoi
nted)y
oh!
Tony
:theDNAt
esti
snotnecessar
y
Lent
le:
whatdoesi
tmeannowt
hatt
hechi
l
dis
your
s?
Tony
:Idon'
tknow
Lent
le:
arey
out
hinki
ngofget
ti
ngbackwi
thher
?
Tony
:wher
eist
hatcomi
ngf
rom?
Lent
le:
I'
mjustwor
ri
ed
Tony
:no
Lent
le:
thanks.Doy
ouwantt
obei
nvol
vedi
n
t
hechi
l
d'sl
i
fe?
Tony
:Idon'
tknow
Lent
le:
Tonyy
oumustmakedeci
sions
Tony:Lent
leIheardaboutthisaf
ewminut
es
agoandalreadyyouaretel
lingmetomake
deci
si
ons?( shecoul
dtellt
hathewaspi
ssesof
f)
Lent
le:
sor
ry
Tony:
Idon'tt
hinkTshegowi
l
lal
l
owmet
obea
par
tofthatchi
ld'
slif
e
Lent
le:
doy
ouwantt
obeapar
tofhi
sli
fe?
Tony:Tshegodi
dn'
tev
enbot
hert
otel
lmet
hat
shehasgivenbi
rt
h
Lent
le:
whot
oldy
ou?
Tony
:mymum
Lent
le:
ohOK.I
sitaboyoragi
rl
?
Tony
:it
'saboy
Lent
le:
ohwow
Tony
:achi
ldisachi
ldwhetherboyorgir
l.Don'
t
bedi
scour
agedbecausey
ouar ecarr
yingagirl
Lent
le:
I'
m not
.
Tony:
good.Appar
ent
lyt
hechi
l
ddoesn'
tusemy
sur
name
Lent
le:
didy
ouwanthi
mtousey
oursur
name?
Tony:
notr
eal
l
y.Tshegochangedhersur
name
qui
ckl
y
Lent
le:becauseshei
sdivor
cedandt
her
ewas
nopointinkeepi
ngyoursur
name
Tony
:tr
uet
hat
(
sil
enceprevai
ledaseachoneoft
heanal
yzed
t
hesituat
ion)

CHARI
TY'
SHOUSE

Tef
o:If
eel
dif
fer
ent
Char
it
y:how?
Tefo:Idon'
tfeel
asheav
yandwear
yasIal
way
s
feel
Char
it
y:howcome?
Tef
o:t
heser
monf
rom l
astni
ghtspoket
ome
Char
it
y:i
twasapower
ful
ser
mon.
Tef
o:I
tmademesel
fint
rospect
Char
it
y:and?
Tef
o:Ihav
ebitt
ernessi
nmysoul
andmypr
ide
i
smydownf al
l
Char
it
y:y
oh!
Tef
o:what
!
Chari
ty:
I'
m humbl
ed.Ihav
ebeenpray
ingf
or
thi
sday.Adaywhenyoureyeswi
l
lbeopen
Tef
o:t
hanky
ouf
orpr
ayi
ngf
orme
Char
it
y:t
hat
'smyr
oleasy
ourwi
fe
Tef
o:Ineedt
ofor
giv
e,t
oapol
ogi
zeandkeygo
Char
it
y:y
esmyl
ove
Tefo:whent hepastorsaidwemustturnt
he
tabl
esaroundandpi ctureifwewil
lenj
oyi
tif
peopletr
eatedust hewaywet reatt
hem,t
wo
peoplecrossedmymi nd
Char
it
y:whoar
ethey
?
Tef
o:PusoandTshego
Char
it
y:amen.MayGodblessyoumir
eand
moreforbei
nghonestwi
thyour
sel
f
Tef
o:howdoIappr
oacht
hem!
?
Chari
ty:
let
'spr
ayforguidance.Fi
rstweneedto
prayt
hattheyopenthei
rheartsforfor
giv
eness
befor
eyoucanapproacht hem
Tef
o:y
ouar
eri
ght
Char
it
y:wemustpr
ay
Tef
o:mhm?
!Howi
ssheandt
hebaby
?
Char
it
y:per
fect
lyf
ineebi
l
etheyar
ebei
ng
di
schar
gedtoday
Tef
o:wonder
ful
.
Char
it
y:I
'
m pr
oudofy
ouTef
o
Tef
o:t
hanks
NO.133

DAYSLATER.
..
..
..
.

TEFO'
SHOUSE

Tef
o:I
'
mthi
nki
ngal
otaboutTshego
Char
it
y:whatabouther
?
Tef
o:I
'
mjustwonder
ingi
fshecanf
orgi
veme
Char
it
y:y
ouwi
l
lnev
erknowunt
ily
out
ry
Tef
o:can'
tyout
alkt
oheronmybehal
f?
Char
ity
:no.y
ouhav
etof
acey
ourdemons
your
self
Tef
o:butwher
eandhowdoy
oust
art
?
Char
it
y:j
ustt
ryi
tmyl
ove
Tefo:Iwi
l
l.Yest
erdayatthecounsel
i
ngsession
Ireal
i
zedalotofthingst
hatyoualwayst
alk
about
Char
it
y:l
i
ke?(
shesmi
l
ed)
Tef
o: someti
mesIpickfightswit
hpeopl
e,I
'
m
opi
nionated,
Ihaveneverreall
ybeent
her
efor
myfami l
yofori
gin
Charit
y:t
rue.Atleastyouhaveaccept
edthat
aboutyouandy ouwi l
lstar
tworki
ngonit
.
Anythi
ngpositi
ve?
Tef
o:y
ah.Iam ar
esponsi
blef
ami
l
yman
Chari
ty:exact
ly.Andthat'swhatIli
kethemost
aboutyou.Eveni fIweretodietodayIwoul
d
notworryonebi tabouttheki
dsbecauseIknow
y
ouwi
l
ltal
kev
erygoodcar
eoft
hem
Tef
o:r
eal
l
y?
Charit
y:yes.yourloveforyourfamil
yof
creat
ionisamazi ng.Andy ouareagood
husbandTef o.Yeswedoar guesomet i
mesbut
i
fy oulookclosel
ywear gueaboutotherpeopl
e
l
ikeTshegonotaboutus
Tef
o:Idi
dn'
tnot
ice
Char
it
y:t
hat
'showi
tis.(
shesmi
l
ed)I
'
m
pr
egnant
Tef
o:(
hesmi
l
ed)what
?
Char
it
y:y
es
Tef
o:butweonl
ytr
iedt
hispastmont
h
Char
it
y:whenGodwant
stobl
essy
ouhedoes
Tef
o:soI
'
m goi
ngt
obeaf
athery
etagai
n!
Char
it
y:y
es
Tef
o:(
exci
ted)andt
hischi
l
disv
eryspeci
alt
o
me
Char
it
y:why
?
Tef
o:heorshei
smyl
astbor
n
Char
it
y:sowear
edone?
Tef
o:y
es.Whatdoy
out
hink?
Char
it
y:y
ah.Fouri
squi
teanumber
Tefo:yoh!(
hel
ookedatherandsmi
led)
every
thingi
sgoi
ngperf
ectl
yforme
Char
it
y:i
tis
Tefo:
Ihopet hechil
dwilll
ookexactl
ylikeme.
Kanafrom t
hepicturesIcantel
lthatTshego'
s
chi
ldlooksexactl
yli
keTony
Charit
y:youdenyachil
d,t
hat'
swhathappens.
Godknowshowt odoav i
sibl
eDNAtest.Atest
thatbecomesobvioustoever
yone
Tef
o:v
eryt
rue
(
phoneconv
ersat
ion)
Me:
Raboar
d
Puso:
mmaboar
d.Howi
smot
her
hood?
Me:
Ilov
emot
her
hoodbuti
tist
ir
ing
Puso:
isheacr
ybaby
?
Me:
hecr
iesatni
ghtbutsl
eepsdur
ingt
heday
Puso:
stupi
dhi
m
Me:
(Il
aughedal
i
ttl
e)y
oucansayt
hatagai
n.
Puso:
doy
ouneedany
thi
ng?
Me:
nope.Wear
egood.
Puso:kanacul
tur
all
yagoati
ssupposedt
obe
sl
aughterdf
orthenewmothert
ofatt
enher
Me: Puso!Cany ouguysstopwiththegoats.My
unclehasalreadysl
aughteredoneandSeiso
sayshei ssl
aughteri
ngonewhent hisoneis
fi
nished.Tony'
smum i scomingagainnext
mont handleeneshewant stoslaughteragoat
f
orme
Puso:
wow!Youar
ewel
ltakencar
eofmos
Me:
Iam
Puso:whenshoul
dIsendmypar
ent
stoy
our
uncl
e?
Me:
todowhat
?
Puso:
I'
m pr
oposi
ngmar
ri
age
Me:
no.noty
et.
Puso:
(di
sappoi
nted)why
?
Me:i
t’
stoosoon.Let
’sgett
oknoweachot
her
f
ir
st.
Puso:
Iknowy
ouTshego.
Me: y
ouknowt heoldTshego.Theteenage
TshegoandlennaIdon'tknowthisnewr i
ch,
fancy,
sophi
sti
catedPuso
Puso:
Iam t
hesameol
dPuso
Me:
wehav
en'
tev
enst
art
eddat
ingy
et
Puso:
ahah!El
egor
ewhathav
ewebeendoi
ng?
Me:
wehav
ebeenf
ri
ends
Puso:
fri
endswhoki
ssed?
Me:
your
eadt
oomuchi
ntot
heki
ss
Puso:
Tshegot
lhemmay
ouar
ebei
ngunf
air
Me:
takei
teasyPuso
Puso:ok.Letmeknowwheny
ouar
ereadyf
or
marri
age
Me:
Iwi
l
l
Puso:Il
oveyoummaboar
dandtherei
s
nothi
ngIwantmor
ethant
ospendther
estof
myl i
fewi
thyou
Me:Iknow.Ihavebeenmar
ri
edandbur
ntsoI
woul
dliket
ot akei
teasy
Puso:
Iunder
stand
Me:
thanks
WORK

Col
league:Iknowyouareaqui
etper
son
nat
urall
ybuttodayyouaret
ooqui
et
Tony
:I’
mtr
oubl
ed
Col
l
eague:
wannashar
e?
Tony:may be.Myexwi fehasgivenbi
rt
htoa
chil
dwhol ooksex act
lyli
keme.whenshewas
pregnantIdoubtedthechildwasminebutnow
i
tsobv i
oust hatt
hechildismine
Col
l
eague:
congr
atsnewdad(
shesmi
l
ed)
Tony :Idon'tthi
kIdeser v
ethat.Iwasnev er
thereforherdur ingpregnancyandIputher
throughal ot.Idivor
cedherwhenshewas
pregnantwi thmychi l
dandevent ookher
mot her'
shousef rom her
.nowt hechil
disborn
andIdon' tknowwhatt odo.Shenev ereven
botheredtot ellmet hatt
hechildisborn.my
motheristheonewhotol
dme.Wor se,
thechil
d
i
saboyandt heoneI
'
m expect
ingi
sagi r
l.The
wayItreat
edTshego(hebecameemotional
andkeptquiet)
Col
l
eague:
shemustbehur
ti
ng
Tony:Ihurtherbabdl
y.Iusedt ophysi
call
y
assaul
therandIi mpregnantedherfri
end
becauseshecoul dnotfal
lpregnantandwhenI
l
earntthatsheoncecommi t
tedanabor t
ionI
becamemadather
Col
l
eague:
thi
sisdeep
Tony :thewomanIam wi t
hri
ghtnowhas
nothingt oof
ferme.Sheisdisr
espectful
and
hasnot hi
ngt
ooffermebasicall
y.Ilef
tTshego
becauseshecoul dnotgiv
emeababybutapar t
from thatshewasaper f
ectwife.Perf
ectint
he
realsense
Coll
eague:
itsoundsasi
fyouwantTshego
back
Tony
:It
hinki
t'
stool
atet
ohav
eherback
Col
l
eague:
buti
t'
swor
that
ry
Tony
:Iam ashamedt
ogobackcr
awl
i
ngt
oher
Col
l
eague:
buti
t'
swor
thi
t
Tony:
iti
s.Iknowshewi l
lnevertakemeback
aft
erwhatIputhert
hrough.Onlyifshecoul
d
permi
tmet obeapartofmychi l
d'sli
fe
Col
l
eague:
thatoneshoul
dbepossi
ble
Tony
:ei
sh!
Coll
eague:j
ustt
alkt
oheraboutthebabyandi
f
sheturnsy
oudownt aket
helegalr
oute
Tony:Ididn'
twantittogothatf ar
.Whenwe
di
v or
cedIdidn'twantanyt
hingt odowi ththe
pregnancybecauseIbeli
evedt hechi l
dwasnot
mine.Again,If
eltandbeli
evedt hatifit
'sminei
t
wouldhav ebeenconceiv
edoutofr ape
becauseTshegot ookadvantageofmewhenI
wasdr unk
Col
l
eague:
didy
our
esi
stheratt
hatt
ime?
Tony
:fr
om t
her
ecor
dingshemadeIwant
edher
Col
league:
dude,youneedaprof
essionalto
hel
py ouwit
hthi
sone.Goforcounsell
ing
Tony
:youmi
ghtber
ight
Coll
eague:don'
tdwel
ltoomuchonyour
mistakes,
workonthewayfor
ward
Tony:that'
swhatIwanttodo.Andtheworst
thi
ngisthatwhatIhavedonehassouredmy
rel
ati
onshipwithmymum.Ri ghtnowI'
mi na
badfinanci
alsit
uat
ionandmymum say sshe
wil
lnothelp.Shebasi
call
ysaysIhavemademy
bedsoImustl ieonit
.shehasdiver
tedherl
ove
andattenti
ontothebabyand
Tshego.Gapemyf amilyhasnotaccepted
Lentl
e.Rightnowmymum andmysi st
ersdps
areofthenewbaby .ebi
letheychangethedps
every
day.Iguesstheygetpictur
esofthechil
d
veryoft
en.Ithur
tsmet hatIcanhaveaccessto
mychil
d.Iwaitforthem t
ochanget
hei
rDPS
andsavethepictur
esinmyphone
Col
league:
thi
sissosad.Ther
emustbeaway
out
Tony
:Ibel
i
eveso
Col
league:youneedsomeseriouspr
ofessi
onal
hel
p:psychologi
cal
andlegal
Tony:Iwil
lcal
lmyl
awy
erandal
sobook
counsel
ing
Coll
eague:
dothatmybrot
her
.Don'
tbeaf
rai
dto
askforhel
pfr
om methough.
Tony
:Iwi
l
l.Thanksal
ot

LENTLE'
SHOUSE

(
phoneconv
ersat
ion)
Cousi
n:shal
om couzy
Lent
le:
shal
om.Ineedhel
p?
Cousi
n:howcanIhel
pyou?
Lentl
e:Ineedyoutoprayf orme.( sobbi
ng)
Tshegohasachi l
dandt hechi l
disTony '
sso
I'
m worri
edthatTonymi ghtleavemef orher.he
haschangedsincelearni
ngaboutt hechi
ld.he
spendsalotofti
mel ookingatt hechil
d's
pict
ures.
Cousi
n:y
oucan'
tsepar
ateachi
l
dfr
om hi
s
fat
her
Lent
le:
whati
fhegoesbackt
oTshego?
Cousi
n:l
etGod'
swi
l
lbedone
Lent
le:
Ilov
ehi
m andIcan'
taf
for
dtol
osehi
m
Cousi
n:l
etGod'
swi
l
lbedone
Lent
le:
prayf
orme
Cousin:
whenItr
ytopr
ayf
ory
out
hegr
ace
bouncesbackt
ome
Lent
le:
whatdoest
hatmean?
Cousi
n:i
tmeansgracehasdepar
tedfr
om you.
youar
efarf
rom God.youri
nequi
ti
eshavecome
bet
weenyouandyourGod
Lent
le:
whatmustIdo?
Cousi
n:dor
ightbyGod
Lent
le:
leav
eTony
?
Cousi
n:i
fbei
ngwithhimi
sseparat
ingy
ouf
rom
Godthenl
eavehi
m, i
fnot
,st
ay.
Lent
le:
ok.Thanks
Cousi
n:shal
om.

WEEKSLATER.
..
..

NO.134
(Iwantedt
omeetPusosoIcameupwi
than
excuse)
Me:
mama
Tony
'smum:
daught
er
Me:doyousti
ll
remembert
hatI
'
m goi
ngt
o
Gabor
onetoday?
Tony
'smum:
yesmychi
l
d
Me:Imightcomebackabi
tlat
e.Gat
weatUB
wehavetoapplyonl
i
nesother
emightbea
l
ongqueue
Tony'
smum: OKmychi
l
d.CanIr
emai
nbehi
nd
wit
hthechi
l
dordoyouwantt
ogowit
hhi
m?
Me:
nomama.
Tony
'smum:
hei
stooy
oungt
otr
avel
Me:eemma.Ihav
eexpr
essedenoughmi
l
kfor
hi
m
Tony
'smum:
goodgi
rl
.Getr
eadymychi
l
d
Me:
thanksmum
Tony'
smum: Il
ovebei
ngar
oundhi
m.Hei
s
suchasweetchi
ld
Me:
hei
s
Tony'
smum:(l
ooki
ngar
ound)y
ouhav
eani
ce
housemychi
l
d
Me:
thanky
oumama.
Tony'
smum: Ili
kehowy oualwaysputyour
moneyt ogooduse.Tonyear nsalotbutt
here
i
snot hi
ngtoshowf oritexceptt
hehouseyou
hel
pedhi m bui
ldandthecarIhelpedhimtobuy.
I
fitwasn'tforushewoul dnothaveany
possessi
ont ohisname
Me:hewil
lrecov
erfr
om t
hedebtsandl
et'
s
hopehewouldhavel
ear
ntalesson
Tony'
smum:
wil
lyouev
ert
ell
him aboutt
he
chi
ld?
Me:
hesay
shewant
snot
hingt
odowi
tht
he
chi
l
d
Tony
'smum:
sai
d
Me:
I'
m notawar
ethathechangedhi
smi
nd
Tony
'smum:
hedi
d
Me:
Ineedt
oleav
enow
Tony'
smum: makesur
eyoueataheal
thyl
unch
andsnacksi
nbetween
Me:Iwi
l
lmum ( Ismi
l
edather
)enj
oy
gr
andmotherhood
Tony'
smum:
(shegi
ggl
ed)Ii
ntendt
odoexact
ly
that
Me:(heldLebone'
sl i
tt
lehandandheopened
hi
sey es.Iki
ssedthelit
tl
ehand.Iwasgoingt
o
missmyboy .Hest art
edcryi
ngandIfel
tbadfor
l
eavinghim)x oxoxo.SorryBone
Tony
'smum:
gobef
orey
oust
artcr
ying
Me:
youar
eri
ght(
asIwaswal
ki
ngt
owar
dst
he
doorIhear
dhert
alki
ngt
oLebone)
Tony'smum: don'twor
rygrandson.Grandmais
ri
ghther ewit
hyou.What'
smaki ngy oucrymy
boy.Isitthewetnappyoristhi
sli
ttl
et ummy
empt y?Orcany ouact
ual
lyseset hatmummy
dearesthasleft
?

HOSPI
TAL

(Tonywalkedi
ntot
her
oom hol
dingf
lower
sin
hishand)
Tony
:hel
l
onewmum
Lentl
e:heybabe.Youdidn'
trespondt
omyapp.
Isentyouherpict
uresonapp
Tony:
let
'sseeher(
hemov
edt
hebl
anket
)hey
you
Lent
le:shei
ssosweet
.Babywef
inal
l
yhav
ea
baby(shesmil
ed)
Tony
:(st
ari
ngatt
hebaby
)myl
i
ttl
egi
rl
Lent
le:
(wor
ri
ed)Tony
?
Tony
:lov
e?
Lent
le:
youar
enotasexci
tedasIhadi
magi
ned
youwould
Tony
:I'
m exci
ted
Lent
le:
yourr
eact
ioni
scol
d
Tony
:I'
mjustexhaust
ed.Shedoesn'
tl
ookl
i
ke
me?
Lent
le:
ist
hatwhat
'
sbot
her
ingy
ou?
Tony
:no.Notatal
l.Shehasabi
tof
..
..
..She
l
ooksli
kebothofus
Lent
le:
youwant
edhert
olookl
i
keTshego'
s
baby
Tony
:no.
Lent
le:
ify
oudon'
tl
ikemychi
l
djustsayi
t
Tony
:Lent
let
hisi
smychi
l
dtoo.
Lent
le:
what
ever
Tony:i
syourmot
hercomi
ngt
ohel
puswi
tht
he
baby
?
Lent
le:
no
Tony
:sowhatar
ewegoi
ngt
odo?
Lentl
e:wewil
lhav
etohustl
e.Ihav
ebeen
readi
ngbooksonbabycar
e
Tony:
Iwillaskmymum ifshecanhel
pusat
l
eastfort
hef i
rstf
ewweeks
Lent
le:
li
keshewi
l
lcar
etoassi
st
Tony
:Idon'
tappr
eci
atey
ourat
ti
tudet
owar
ds
mymum
Lent
le:
it'
snotanat
ti
tude
Tony
:it
'swhat
?
Lentl
e:let
'
sdropi
tOK.Youar
enotgoi
ngt
o
holdthebaby
?
Tony
:shei
stoot
iny
Lentl
e:rememberthatyouandIar egoi
ngtobe
taki
ngcareofthi
schild.Wear egoi
ngtobath
him anddoevery
thingthatneedstobedone
betweenthetwoofus
Tony
:weshoul
dhav
ehi
redahel
per
Lent
le:
andpayherwi
thwhat
?
Tony:
ther
ewegoagain.YesI'
m broke,
sowhat
?
Am It
hefi
rstper
sont
obebr oke?
Lent
le:
go
Tony
:thanks.Ineededt
oheart
his
Lent
le:
yahr
un
(Tonywal
kedoutl
eav
ingLent
lesobbi
ng.He
call
edhi
smum)

Hi
smum:
hel
l
oson
Tony
:hi
mum
Hi
smum:
arey
ouokay
?
Tony
:Ineedt
oseey
ou
Hi
smum:
what
'
sgoi
ngon?
Tony
:Ineedt
oseey
ounow
Hi
smum:
I'
m atTshego'
shouse.
Tony
:gi
vemedi
rect
ions
Hi
smum:
Iwi
l
lsendt
hem shor
tl
y
Tony
:thanks

GABORONE

Puso:
I'
m done
Me:thanks.Whatwoul
dIhav
edonewi
thout
you?
Puso:
youwouldhav
egivenupandwentback
hometothel
i
ttl
eangel
Me:
ther
eyouar
eri
ght
Puso:t
hatqueuewaslong.I
m gladImanaged
tocomesothatIcoul
dassisty
ou
Me:
I'
mtheonewhoi
sgl
ad
Puso:her
eiay
ourr
ecei
pt(
hehandedhert
he
paper
s)
Me:
thanksal
ot
Puso:
arewest
il
lgoi
ngt
oBoi
tekanel
o?
Me:
nott
oday
.Mybacki
ski
ngme
Puso:
youneedt
orestmyl
ove
Me:
butIst
il
lhav
etodr
ivet
oMol
eps
Puso:
no.I
'
m dr
ivi
ngy
out
her
eandcomi
ngher
e
bybus
Me:t
hat'
ssosweet
.Iwi
l
lcomet
oBoi
tekanel
o
onFr
iday
Puso:(
smil
i
ng)t
hatmeansI
'
m gonnaseey
ou
onFri
day
Me:
ofcour
seRaboar
d
Puso:
let
'
sgoandhav
eourspeci
all
unchbef
ore
yougo
Me:
Icannev
ersaynot
othat
Puso:
that
'smybabygi
rl
,mymmaboar
d
Me:
myr
aboar
d
Puso:
andt
her
eispr
eboar
d
Me:
preboar
d?
Puso:y
es.Leboneusawar
m upbef
orewe
haveBoar
d
Me:(Il
aughed)dudey
ouar
ecr
azybutIl
ove
you
Puso:
Ilov
eyout
oo
(
hel
eanedov
erandweshar
edaki
ss)

MYHOUSE
Tony
:wow
Hi
smum:
it'
sawowi
ndeed
Tony:Tshegohasabeaut
if
ulhouseandi
t'
swel
l
fur
nished
Hi
smum:
Tshegoknowshowt
ousemoney
wi
sel
y
Tony:shedoes.Thet
imeIwaswi
thherIwas
neverbroke
Hi
smum: Iknow.Howi
sLent
leandt
hebaby
?
Whatdi
dyounameher?
Tony
:Idon'
tknowwhatshenamedher
Hi
smum: Tonywhat
'
sgoi
ngon?Openupt
ome,
I
'myourmum
Tony
:Il
i
keLebonemor
ethant
hatchi
l
d
Hismum:Tonyyouar
eacti
ngcrazy.Theyar
e
yourki
dsandyoumustl
ovethenequall
y
Tony
:Ican'
t.Apar
tfr
om t
hef
actt
hatLebonei
s
aboyhehasmyt
ruer
esembl
ance.Hel
ooks
exact
lyl
i
keme
Hismum:si
nceTshegoi
snother
eyoucan
comeandseeLebone
Tony
:thanky
ousomuchmum.I
tmeansal
ot
tome
(
theywentbacki
nsi
det
hehouse)
Hi
smum:
ther
ehei
s
Tony
:(her
emov edthebl
anketandst
ood
st
ari
ngatLeone)wow!Mytruecopy
Hi
smum:
her
esembl
esy
oui
nev
eryway
Tony
:hedoes.CanIwakehi
m up?
Hi
smum:
it'
sok
Tony:
(hel
if
tedLeboe)hel
l
obaby .Myown
fl
eshandbl
ood.Mypumpkin.Il
oveyoutot
he
moonandback
Hi
smum:
youar
ebecomi
ngemot
ional
Tony
:Iam mum.Tshegoi
snevergoi
ngt
oal
l
ow
metobeapartoft
hischi
l
d'sl
i
fe
Hi
smum: It
ri
edtal
ki
ngtoherbutsheblocked
mebef
oreIcoul
devensayanyt
hingaboutyou
Tony
:Iknow
Hi
smum:
youl
ovehi
m?
Tony
:Ido.Iwi
l
lnotr
estunt
ilIhav
eaccesst
o
hi
m
Hi
smum:
don'
thar
assTshego
Tony
:Iwi
l
lbegent
le
Hi
smum:
doy
ouwantherback?
Tony
:yes
Hi
smum:
youpl
ayedwi
thagoodchance
Tony:
Idi
dandIli
vet
oregr
eti
tev
erysogl
r
minut
eoftheday
Hi
smum:
Idon'
tknowwhatt
osay
NO.135
LENTLE'
SHOUSE

(t
hebabyhadbeencr
yingf
orawhil
eandbot
h
Lent
leandTonywer
ebecomingi
rr
it
ated)
Lent
le:
tlher
rahel
pmewi
tht
hebaby
Tony
:whatdoy
ouwantmet
odo?
Lentl
e:holdherandr
ockher
.May
beshewi
l
l
stopcryi
ng.
Tony
:shei
stoot
iny
.Ican'
thol
dher
Lentl
e:butyouhav
epi
ctur
esofy
ouhol
ding
Tshego'sbaby
Tony
:whatwer
eyoudoi
ngi
nmyphone?
Lent
le:Iwentthroughyourphonebecauseyou
havebeenactingweirdlat
ely
.SoTshegohas
al
lowedy outobeapar tofherbaby
'sli
fe?
Tony
:don'
tev
ergot
hroughmyphone.Wher
e
di
dyoul
ear
nmysecur
it
ypat
ter
n?
Lent
le:
ist
hatwhyy
oudon'
tcar
eaboutWar
ona?
Tony
:canIpl
easebr
eat
he?
Lentl
e:TonyIhav
eat er
ri
blebackache,
Ineedt
o
rest
.Pleaset
akethebaby
Tony:Lentl
eIt ol
dyouthatI
'm goi
ngt ohel
py ou
withevery
thingbutnotthebabyherself
.Icl
ean,
Icook,Idolaundrysothechil
disyour
responsi
bil
it
y .
Lentl
e:Ist
il
lwonderaboutt heki
ndofper son
yourmotheris.Sheisaroundbutsheisnot
bother
edbyt hefactthatweareinexper
ienced
parent
sstruggli
ngwithanewbor nbaby.
Tony
:whatabouty
ourmot
her
?
Lent
le:yourmotherhasshowedgorewhi
ch
chi
ldisherfav
orit
e.Shehasn'
tevenbot
her
edt
o
comeandseemychi l
d
Tony
:shesai
dshewi
l
lcome
Lent
le:
when?
Tony:wheni
syourmot
hercomi
ngt
oseey
our
chi
ld?
Lent
le:
youdestr
oyedmeTony.Youareacur
se
i
nmyl i
fe.Youbr
oughtmepov
ertyandyou
sour
edmyr el
ati
onshi
pwi
thevery
bodywho
matt
erstome.
Tony
:ohr
eal
l
y?
Lent
le:
yes.Andr
ightnowIhat
eyousomuch
Tony:Ihateyout oobecauseyouhav erui
ned
mybeaut i
fulfamily
.Rightnowthequest i
onI
'm
aski
ngmy sel
fis,whatdidIseei
ny ou?Tshego
i
sbetterthany ouineverywaypossible
Lent
le:
atl
eastInev
erki
l
ledki
ds
Tony
:Andsheneverf
ell
pregnantbyamar
ri
ed
man.Lent
lei
sthi
schi
ldmine?
Lent
le:
(shocked)what
!
Tony
:isWar
onamydaught
er?
Lentl
e:(
tear
sfil
ledherey
es)Tony
,no.Tel
lme
thi
sisnothappening.
Tony
:Idoubtshei
smi
ne
Lent
le:
youcan'
tdot
hist
ome,
notnow
Tony:answerasi
mpl
equest
ion:
isWar
onamy
chi
ldornot?
Lent
le:
God(sheputt
herestl
essbabyonthe
matt
ressandst
art
edsobbing.Tonyl
eft
)

MYHOUSE

Hi
smum:
hel
l
oTony
Tony
:hi
mum
Hismum:(concer
ned)whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?
Tshegoi
shome
Tony
:Iwantt
oseeher
Hi
smum:
aboutwhat
?
Tony
:Lebone
Hi
smum:
Tony
!
Tony
:mum l
etmedot
his,
formy
sel
f
Hi
smum:
letmet
alkt
oherf
ir
st
Tony
:ok
(
Tonysatonachai
rinthevar
andahwhil
ehis
mum wenti
nsi
dethehousetotal
ktoTshego)

Hi
smum:
ishegi
vi
ngy
out
roubl
e?
Me:
no.Iwaschangi
nghi
snappy
Hi
smum: OK.t
her
eissomeoneher
etoseey
ou
mybaby
.
Me:
someone?(
Pusocr
ossedmymi
nd)
Hi
smum:
yes.Tony
Me:
Tony
!
Hi
smum:
yesmychi
l
d
Me:
whatdoeshewant
?
Hi
smum:
hesay
shewant
stot
alkt
oyou
Me:
ahah!
Hi
smum:
pleasegi
vehi
m achance
Me:
OK.Tel
lhi
mtocomei
n
Hismum:t
hanks.Iwi
l
lgi
vey
out
wosome
space.
Me:
ok
(
Tonywal
kedi
ntot
her
oom)

Tony
:hel
l
oTshego
Me:
hi
Tony
:Icamet
otal
ktoy
ou
Me:
about
?
Tony
:twot
hings
Me:
I'
mli
steni
ng
Tony
:bef
orewest
artt
alki
ng,
canIpl
easesee
hi
m?
Me:whywouldy
oubei
nter
est
edi
nachi
l
dbor
n
outofr
ape?
Tony:t
obehonestwi t
hyou, eversi
nceLeone
wasbor nIdon'thavepeace.Iwantt obeapar t
ofhisl
ife.Ever
ydayt hatpasseswi t
houtme
seei
nghi mfeelslikeI'
ml osi
ngouton
somethingofgr eatimportance.Iknowwithout
doubtthatLebonei smychi ld
Me: bornoutofrape.Haker eItookadv ant age
ofy ouwheny ouwer edr unk.Youwer e
sat i
sf yi
ngyoursexual hungerwi t
hmybest
fri
endwhi l
eIwassl eepingal oneeverysi ngle
night .Oh,kanaI'
m notmeantt odesir
esex.My
needswer enotattendedt oandwhenIt riedto
attendt omyneedsi twascal ledrapeand
consequent l
ythechildbor noutthatrapewas
reject edri
ghtaway.(Igott ooemot ional)I
wat chedy outakecar eofmyexbestf ri
end
whenshewaspr
egnantwhi
leIwasl
onel
y.You
putmethr
oughal
otTony.Whynow?
Tony
:si
ncethefi
rstt
imeIsawLebone'spi
ctur
e
asmymum' sdpmypeacewasstolen.Il
ove
hi
m,morethanIhaveev
erimagi
ned
Me:
sowhatdoy
ouwantmet
odo?
Tony
:pl
easel
etmebeapar
tofmychi
l
d'sl
i
fe
Me:
ohr
eal
l
y?
Tony
:pl
ease
Me:
no!
Tony
:Ibegy
ou.
Me: l
eavemychil
dalone.Goandtakecareof
thechil
dyouhavewithLentl
e.Thi
schil
dis
mineandmi neal
one.That'
swhyIdidn'
teven
botheryouwhenIgavebir
th.
Tony
:ast
hef
atherIwantt
obei
nvol
vedi
nhi
s
l
if
e
Me:
ast
her
eject
edmot
herI
'
m say
ingno.
Tony
:IknowIhav
ewr
ongedy
ou.
..
..
..
Me: t
hereisnopointdi
scussi
ngthi
sbecause
I
'm notabouttochangemymi nd.
Tony:
Ibel
iev
ewecansolvethi
sbet
weenthe
twoofuswit
houthav
ingt
oinvol
vel
awyer
s.
Me:ohwow!Youar
eal
readyt
hreat
eni
ngme
wi
thlawy
ers?
Tony
:I'
m nott
hreat
eni
ngyou.I
'
m desper
atet
o
beapartofmyson'
sli
fe
Me:
Idon'
tcar
e
(t
herewasl
ongsi
l
ence.Lebonewokeupand
cri
ed)
Tony
:canIhol
dhi
m?
Me:
whyar
eyouhar
assi
ngus?
Tony
:pl
ease
Me:
goahead
(
hegentl
ytookthechi
l
dfrom hi
sbabycot
.I
waspi
ssedoffsoIwentt
ositoutsi
de)

Hi
smum:
isev
ery
thi
ngOK?
Me: no(
Iwassobbi
ng)howdi
dTonyknow
aboutmysonandhowdoesheknowwhereI
stay
?
Hi
smum: I'
m sosor
ryTshego.Igav
ehi
m al
l
t
hati
nfor
mat i
on.
Me:
ok
Hi
smum:
I'
m sor
ry
Me:it
'sf
ine(
Iwasl
yi
ng.If
eltl
i
kescr
eami
ngat
her
)
Hi
smum:
wher
eishe?
Me:
insi
det
hehousewi
thLebone
Hi
smum:
letmeseei
fLebonei
sok
Me:
eemma
(shewentbacki
nsi
det
hehouse.Meanwhi
l
e,I
call
edPuso)

Me:
hel
l
o
Puso:
mmaboar
d
Me:hi
(Iwassobbi
ng)Tonywant
sLeboneand
hei
shere
Puso:
eish!Whatdoy
oumeanhewant
shi
m?
Me:hesay
shewantstobeapartofi
sli
feand
hei
salr
eadyt
hreat
eni
ngmewithlawyer
s
Puso:t
hat'
sat oughone.Asthechi
ld'
s
biol
ogi
calf
atherhehasar i
ghttobeapar
tof
thechi
l
d'sl
ife.
Me:buthedi
dn'
thav
eresponsi
bil
i
tydur
ing
pr
egnancy
Puso:hedid.Youcanactuall
ysuehi
mf orthe
expensesyouincur
redaloneduri
ngthe
pregnancy
,Ithi
nk.Iwi
llaskmylawyerabouti
t
Me:Idon'
twantLent
let
obeapar
tofmychi
l
d's
l
if
einanyway.
Puso:
akanat
her
eist
hatt
oconsi
der
Me:that'
swhatworriesme.IknowifTonygoes
tocourthemightwinthecasebutt
het hought
ofhavi
ngLentlerai
semychi l
d!
Puso:babywee,l
etmetal
ktomylawyerand
askhi
mt ocall
yousothathecanadv
iceyou
accor
dingl
y
Me:
thanky
ou
Puso:
mmaboar
d?
Me:
rra?
Puso:don'
tstressf
ornow.Idon'
twanty
ou
feedi
ngthatchil
dyourst
ress
Me:
(Igi
ggl
ed)Iwon'
t
Puso:
goodgi
rl
.Raboar
dlov
esy
oummaboar
d
Me:
Ilov
eyout
oo.
(Ihadnotreal
izedthatTonywasstandi
ngnext
tome.Hel ookedatmei nshockandIdidn'
t
care.Hehaddef i
nit
elyhear
dthel
astpartofour
conversat
ion)

Tony
:I'
mleav
ing
Me:
OK
Tony:Icanseet
hatourdiscussi
onhasmade
yousadandangry,
Iapologize
Me:
OK
Tony
:Il
ovehi
m Tshego.Hemeanst
hewor
ldt
o
me
Me:
achi
l
dbor
noutofr
ape
Tony:i
fIcoul
dtakethosewordsbackIwas
goi
ngto.I'
m sor
ryforal
lthepai
nandmiser
yI
putyouthr
ough
Me:
sorr
ywon'ttakeawayt heemotional
pain,
t
hephy
sical
pain,theabuse,thet
rauma,the
shame, t
helonel
iness,
thedi vor
ceestat
us,t
he
i
nfidel
i
tyaccusati
ons,thefactthatyousl
ept
wit
hmysocal l
edbestf r
iend.Canit
?
Tony
:no.Ihav
etogo
Me:whyareyout
ell
i
ngmebecauseInev
er
i
nvi
tedyoutomyhouse
Tony
:Ideser
vei
t
Hi
smum:
Ithi
nky
oumustl
eav
eTony
Me:
heknowsexact
lywhathemustdo.
NO.136

MYHOUSE
(
Tony
'smum wasl
eav
ingt
hatday
)
Hi
smum:
Tshego?
Me:
mma?
Hismum:Iknowyouar
eangr
yatme.Ican
senset
heanger
Me:
I'
m not
Hi
smum: whatIdi
diswr
ongandy
ouhav
e
ev
eryr
ightt
obeangry
Me:Tonywasneverther
eformeatanypoi
nt
dur
ingmypregnancyandit
'
snotf
airt
hathe
hasaccesst
omychi l
d
Hismum: I
'
m sorr
ymychi l
d.Finditi
ny our
hearttofor
giveme.Iwaswr ongtoinvit
eTony
hereandgivehim accesst
oy ourchi
ld.Iwas
verywrong.Igott
empt edbecausehewasi na
state
Me:
it'
sfi
ne
Hismum: f
orgi
vememychi l
d.I
'm goingback
homewithaheavyhear
tbecausethingsarenot
OKbetweenmeandy ou
Me:
it'
sOKmama.Iwi
l
lbef
ine
Hismum:OK.Tonyof
fer
edtotakemeto
Gabor
onebutIt
oldhi
mthathecan'
tcomeher
e
soI
'
m cat
chi
ngat
axi
tot
hebusr
ank
Me:i
t'
sfi
ne,
hecancomeandf et
chyou.Ican'
t
makeyoust
ruggl
ewi
thal
lthesebags
Hi
smum:
thanky
oumychi
l
d
(
shecal
l
edTony
)

Hi
smum:
hesay
shewi
l
lbeher
ein30mi
nut
es
Me:i
nthatcasecanIgetsomet
hingf
rom
Char
it
yquickl
y?
Hi
smum:
takey
ourt
imebaby
Me:
thanks

(Icamebackhomet
ofi
ndTonychangi
ng
Lebone'
snappy)

Tony
:hel
l
oTshego
Me:hi
.(mymooddr
oppedt
ozer
o)wher
eis
mama?
Tony
:int
hebat
hroom
Me:
ok
Tony:
(li
fti
ngLebone)wear
edonemyboy
.You
ar
elookinggr
eatbuddy
(
myphoner
angandIpi
ckedt
hecal
l
)

Me:
hel
l
o
Puso:
ist
hatt
hewayt
oanswerme?
Me:
howar
eyou?
Puso:
good.Ar
eyoudown?
Me:
Imanagedt
otal
ktoy
ourl
awy
er.
Puso:
ok
Me:hesay
sTonyhasr
ightov
erLeboneashi
s
f
ather
Puso:
whi
chi
str
ue
Me:
butnotf
air
Puso:
Iknowmmaboar
d
(
int
hebackgr
ound)
Tony
:takeapi
ctur
eofusmama
Hi
smum:
youar
eobsessedwi
thhi
m
Tony:
Iwantav
erygoodpi
ctur
ebecauseI'
m
goi
ngtomakei
tmyFacebookprof
il
epict
ure
Hismum:remembert
oaskf
orTshego'
s
permi
ssi
onfi
rst
Tony
:Iwi
l
l
Hismum : Tonydon'
tcarr
iedaway.Remember
thatTshegoisst
il
lbat
tl
ingwithaccept
ingy
ou
aspartofLebone'
sli
fe
Tony:don'
twor
rymum.Thi
spi
ctur
eisnotgood
enough
(
wehadbeenl
i
steni
ngt
othei
rconv
ersat
ion)
Me:
mxm!
Puso:
ist
hatTony
?
Me:
yes.
Puso:
what
'
sgoi
ngont
her
ekant
eTshego?
Me:
Ican'
twai
tforTony
'smot
hert
ogo
Puso:
sohei
saty
ourhouseenj
oyi
nghi
msel
f
Me:
don'
tputi
tthatway
Puso:
Tshegowhatexact
lyi
sgoi
ngon?
Me:hehascomet of
etchhi
smum.I'
mfrom
Chari
ty'
shouseandt
hisi
swhatIf
oundi
nmy
house
Puso:behonestwi
thmeont
hisone,
doy
ou
wantTonyback?
Me:
hel
lno
Puso:
buty
ouar
enotact
ingl
i
kei
t
Me:
oncehi
smum l
eav
eshewon'
tbecomi
ng
t
omyhouse
Puso:
OK.Ihav
etogo
Me: PusoIl
oveyouandIwill
nevert
akeTony
back.Don'
tbethr
eatenedori
nti
midat
edbyhi
m
Puso:
Ihav
etogo
Me:
Ilov
eyou
Puso:
thanks
Me: youareangrywit
hmeandIcanf eel
it.
Raboardthiswholebabythi
ngconfusesmebut
I
'm notconfusedabouthowIfeelaboutTony.I
don'twanthim
Puso:
ify
ousayso
Me:
Ilov
eyou
Puso:
thanks
Me:doyouwantmetocomet
oBokaaj
ustt
o
heary
ousayyoul
oveme?
Puso:
(hegi
ggl
ed)y
ouar
ecr
azy
Me:
Ilov
eyou
Puso:
Ilov
eyoumor
e
Me:
mpchwaa!
Puso:
mxm!
(
webot
hlaughedbef
orehecutt
hecal
l
)

CAUTI
ON:
NOTFORSENSI
TIVEREADERS

LENTLE'
SHOUSE

(Lentl
ewasveryst
ressed.Tonyhadt ol
dher
thathewasgoingtoTshego'shouseandall
shecouldimagi
netheent i
remorni
ngwas
TshegoandTonyhav i
ngsexandf all
i
ngasleep
withthei
rchi
l
dbetweent hetwoofthem.
War onawashavi
ngdiarhoea.Lent
letri
edt
o
cleanherwi that issuebutcr eatedamess
i
nst ead.Shel ef tthebabyont hebedandt ri
ed
callingTonywhodi dn'tanswer .Somet hing
caughtherey e: api ctureofsmi l
ing,seemi ngly
happyTony ,hol dingbabyLebone.Sheknewi t
wasapi ctur et akent hesamedaybecauseTony
waswear ingt hesamecl otheshewaswear ing
whenhel ef thome.Shef eltdizzyandsatdown.
War onacr ied.Shest oodupandpr epared
bat hingwat erf orWar ona.Sheabsentmi ndely
fi
lledWar ona' sbat hwi thver yhotwat er.She
tookWar onaandputheri nt hetub- -
li
tt
lelegs
fi
rst .Thechi l
dj er
kedandwai l
ed.Shel ostgr ip
oft hechi ldandt hechi ldslippedi ntothehot
wat er .Shet riedt ot akeheroutbutt hewat er
wast oohotonherski n.Shest oodt here
helpl esslywat chingasbubbl escameoutof
War ona'smout hunt i
ltheyst opped.Shepi cked
herphoneandcal ledTony )
Tony
:hel
l
o
Lent
le:
(cr
ying)Ineedhel
p
Tony
:I'
m af
ewhousesawayf
rom home
Lent
le:
I'
m scar
ed
Tony
:what
'sgoi
ngon?
(shecoul dnotanswer .Shejustcried.Tony
pressedt heacceleratorharder.Hepar kedri
ght
i
nf rontofthehouse.Hegotoutoft hecar
quicklyandhurri
edi nsidethehousewher ehe
sawt hatwhichistraumat i
zing.War onawas
compl etel
ysubmer gedundert hewat er.The
bathshewasi nwasont hefloor.Lentl
ewas
sit
tingnexttothebat h.
Lent
le:
I'
m sor
ry
Tnny
:whatdi
dyoudo?(
hewasscr
eami
ng)
Lent
le:
I'
m sor
ry
Tony
:youar
esor
ry.Whydi
dyouki
l
lher
?Why
?
(
hebeganhit
ti
ngherandashewasdoingitshe
j
ustsatt
her
ecold.Shedi
dn'
tscr
eam ort
ryto
bl
ocktheblows.Tonyt
hencal
l
edanambul
ance.
Lat
er.
..
..)
Paramedi
c:Johncal
lthepol
i
ce,
Ameat
tendt
o
thewoman.
(
theyal
lspr
angt
oact
ion)
Ame:
shei
sal
i
vebutbadl
yinj
ured
Paramedi
c:unf
ortunat
elyt
hechi
l
disdead.
Apartf
rom t
hedrowningshei
sbadl
yburnt
Ame:
s**
t
John:
thepol
i
cear
eont
heway
.Whathappened
si
r?
Tony
:sheki
l
ledmychi
l
d,mypoorbaby
.
NO.137

HOSPI
TAL

Of
fi
cer
:hel
l
o
Lent
le:
hi.
Of
fi
cer
:howar
eyouf
eel
i
ng?
Lent
le:
Idon'
tknow
Off
icer
:thedoct
orsay
sIcangetast
atementi
f
whathappenedfr
om you
Lent
le:
it'
sfi
ne
Off
icer
:(hetookoutabook,
apageandapen
andgotreadytori
ght
)tel
lmeasmuchasyou
canremember
Lentl
e:OK(shebegannar
rat
ingwhathappened)
that
'swhathappened
Off
icer
:di
dyoubur
nthechi
l
dint
ent
ional
l
yor
not
?
Lent
le:
Iwant
edt
obat
hher
Off
icer:(
heobserv
edhert
obedi st
andand
emotional
lynumb)ar
eyouokay
?
Lent
le:
Iwon'
tbeokayi
nav
eryl
ongt
ime
Of
fi
cer
:tr
ue.CanIcont
inueaski
ngquest
ions?
Lent
le:
yes
Of
fi
cer
:howdi
dthechi
l
ddr
own?
Lentl
e:li
keIsaid,If
orgotto.
..
..
..
..
.Ireal
i
zedthat
Ihadputherinhotwat er.It
ri
edtorescueher
butfai
led.Iwouldneverkil
lmychild
i
ntenti
onall
y
Of
fi
cer
:Iunder
stand.Behonestwi
thme
Lent
le:
yessi
r
Of
fi
cer:di
dyourboy
fri
endhav
eany
thi
ngt
odo
wi
ththechil
d'
sdeat
h?
Lentl
e:Ical
l
edhi
m whent
hechi
l
dhadal
ready
drowned.
Of
fi
cer
:wher
ewashe?
Lent
le:
hewasonhi
swayf
rom Gabor
one
Offi
cer
:OK.(
hestar
edathert
ryi
ngt
omake
senseoft
hestat
ement
)
Lent
le:
I'
m notl
yi
ng
Of
fi
cer
:it
'sOK.Yourboy
fri
endassaul
tedy
ou?
Lent
le:
fiance
Of
fi
cer
:fi
ance
Lent
le:
hewasf
uri
ousbecauseofwhatIhad
done
Of
fi
cer
:whaty
ouhaddone?
Lent
le:
theacci
dent
aldr
owni
ngofourchi
l
d
Offi
cer
:arey
oul
ayi
ngchar
gesagai
nsthi
mfor
assaul
t?
Lent
le:
no.Imadehi
m angr
y
Of
fi
cer
:andi
tjust
if
ieswhathehasdone?
Lent
le:
yes
Of
fi
cer
:Lent
le.
..
..
..
..
.
Lentl
e:IknowwhatIwant .Idon'
twanthi
m
arr
ested.Rel
easehim sothathecanmake
arr
angementsforthefuneral
.Youaregoi
ngt
o
ar
restmer
ight
?
Of
fi
cer
:yes
Lentl
e:am Igoi
ngt
obeabl
etoat
tendt
he
funer
al?
Of
fi
cer
:Idon'
tknow.I
twi
l
ldepend
Lent
le:
onwhat
?
Offi
cer
:Lentletel
lmewhatwasgoingonin
yourmind,yourthought
sandyouremot
ionsi
n
t
heday sleadingtothei
nci
dent
Lentle: I
'
m atmyl owestlowemot i
onall
y.Ifeel
l
ikether eisnohopei nlif
e.Ever y
thingthatcan
gowr onginmyl if
eisgoingwr ong.If earformy
l
ife.IfearedthatImi ghtdieandl eavemy
chil
d....
..
..
..
..
..
.RightnowIdon' tfeelli
ke
continuingwithlif
e.Theonet hingIwant edt he
mosti nli
feandlivedforisgone.( t
hedoct or
walkedi n)deathisthewayout .I
twoul dbe
suchar eli
efforme
Doct
or:
shei
ssui
cidal
Of
fi
cer
:doy
out
hinkshewassui
cidal
aswel
l
Doctor
:Idon'
tknow.Gi
vemeabi
toft
imewi
th
her
Of
fi
cer
:ok

POLI
CESTATI
ON

Of
fi
cer1:
whydi
dyouwantt
oki
l
lthem?
Tony
:Inev
eri
ntendedt
oki
l
lany
one
Of
fi
cer2:
kanay
ouar
ely
ing
Tony
:I'
m not
.
Of
fi
cer1:
fine.Tel
luswhathappened
(
Tonynar
rat
edwhathappebed)
Of
fi
cer2:
whywoul
dshewantt
oki
l
lthechi
l
d?
Tony
:Idon'
tknow.I
'
m st
il
ltr
yingt
ofi
gur
ethat
outmy
sel
f
Off
icer1:
letmet elly
ouwhathappened.You
ki
ll
edthebabyfirstandt
hemot hert
ri
edto
def
endandt hat
'swhenyouattackedher.
Tony
:andt
henIcal
l
edt
hepol
i
ce?
Of
fi
cer2:
itdoesn'
tmakesense
Tony
:IswearIdi
ntki
l
lmychi
l
d.Ihadnor
eason
to
Off
icer1:youhadareason.Appar
ent
lyyou
haveanotherbabyt
hatyoulovemorethanyou
l
ovedthisone
Tony
:I'
m notgoi
ngt
oexpl
ainmy
sel
ffur
ther
.
Of
fi
cer1:
woul
dyoul
i
ket
ocal
lyourl
awy
er?
Tony:no.Idi
dn'
tkil
lmychil
d.YesIassaul
ted
Lent
le.Iwasfur
iousbecausesheki
ll
edmy
chi
ld
Of
fi
cer2:
let
'swai
ttohearf
rom t
hedoct
or
Tony :i
recei
vedacallf
rom Lent
lewhenIwas
j
ustaf ewmi nut
esawayfrom home.Ihadgone
toGabor onetodropmymum atmysi st
er'
s
place.Youcancallmymum ormysi st
erify
ou
don'tbeli
eveme
Off
icer1:t
heyareyourf
ami
l
yandIknowt
hey
ar
egoi ngt
odefendyou.
Offi
cer2:l
et'
swai
tforhert
ogai
n
consci
ousness
(
anot
herof
fi
cerst
eppedi
ntot
her
oom)
Of
fi
cer3:
sir
!Youhav
eacal
lfr
om t
hehospi
tal
Of
fi
cer1:
thanky
ou.Iwi
l
lbeback
Of
fi
cer2:
OKsi
r

MYHOUSE

(
Tony
'smot
herandsi
stercamest
rai
ghtt
omy
housefrom Gaborone.Ihuggedeachoneof
them andwecriedoneachot her
'sshoul
der
)
Me:
I'
m sosor
rymama.I
'
mreal
l
ysor
ry
Hi
smum:
it'
sOKmychi
l
d.
Me:
yoh!
Hi
ssi
ster:
doy outhi
nkhekil
l
edt
hechi
l
dli
ke
t
hepol
icearesuggesti
ng?
Me:
no
Hi
smum:
Idon'
tbel
i
evei
ttoo
Me:
whatwentwr
ong?
Hi
ssi
ster
:onl
yTonyandLent
lewoul
dknow
Hismum:
wehav
etogot
othepol
i
cest
ati
on
now
Hi
ssi
ster
:andt
hehospi
tal
Hi
smum:
yes
(
theyl
eft
.)
POLI
CESTATI
ON

Tony:
Ididn'
tdoi
tmum.Ididn'
tkil
lmychil
d(he
sai
dwithashakyvoi
ceandtear
yey es)
Hi
smum:
Ibel
i
evey
ouson
Hi
ssister:
doy out
hinksheki
l
ledher
i
ntent
ional
ly?
Tony
:no.It
hinki
twasanacci
dent
Hi
smum:
sowhat
'sgoi
ngt
ohappenwi
thy
ou?
Tony:wewer ewaiti
ngforherstat
ementwhi chI
understandshehasjustgi
ven.Apparentl
yshe
doesn'twanttopressanychargesforassaul
t
Hismum:
Whathav
eyout
urnedy
our
sel
fint
o
Tony?
Tony
:I'
m sor
rymum.Iwast
ooangr
y
Hi
smum:
soy
ouhav
ethespeci
alki
ndofanger
t
hatmakesy
ougoar
oundphy
sical
l
yassaul
ti
ng
women?
Tony
:Iwaswr
ong.I
'
m sor
ry
Hismum: doy
ouknowt haty
ouhavegiven
Tshegogoodreasonst
odenyyouaccessto
Lebone?
Tony
:ohno!
Hi
ssi
ster
:mamanotnowpl
ease
Tony
:isTshegoangr
yatme?
Hi
ssi
ster
:shedi
dn'
tshow
Tony
:Imessedup
Hi
ssi
ster
:hangi
nther
ebr
other
Hismum:wehavet
ogotothehospi
tal
tosee
Lent
let
hent
othemort
uar
y
Tony:(
cry
ing)mybabyisgone.Ineverl
ovedher
enoughorcaredaboutherenough.OhmyGod!
(
apol
i
ceof
fi
cerwal
kedi
n)
Of
fi
cer:Mr,
canIpl
easehav
eapr
ivat
emoment
wi
thyou.
Tony
:OK.
Hi
smum:
seey
oul
ater
Tony
:thanksf
orcomi
ng
NO.138

2WEEKSLATER.
..
..
.

SBRANAPSYCHI
ATRI
CHOSPI
TAL

Tony
:howar
eyout
oday
?
Lentl
e:(
tearsstr
eami
ng)exhaust
ed,
drai
ned,
sorr
owful.
..
..
..
..
.
Tony
:best
rongLel
e
Lent
le:
Idon'
thav
est
rengt
hany
mor
e.Idon'
t
t
hinky
oucoul
dact
ual
l
ycomeher
etoseeme
Tony
:whynot
?
Lent
le:
becauseofwhatIdi
d?
Tony:buty
ousai
ditwasanacci
dentandI
bel
iev
ey ou
Lent
le:
real
l
y?
Tony
:yes.
Lent
le:
thanky
ou.Howi
sTshego?
Tony
:shei
sok
Lent
le:
howi
sLebone?
Tony
:hei
sfi
net
oo
Lent
le:
(sobbing)IusedtomockTshegot
ell
i
ng
hert
hatsheisamur der
erbutl
ookatmenow.I
am worsethanherebeI'mfaci
ngtr
ial
Tony:hasthedoct
orsai
dyouar
ewel
lenough
tofacetr
ial
?
Lent
le:
hej
ustsai
dihav
esev
eredepr
essi
on
Tony
:howcomeInev
erpi
ckedi
t
Lentl
e:becausey
ouwer
ebusyf
ocusi
ngon
Lebone.
Tony:y
ouar eright
.IApologi
esfornegl
ecti
ng
youandWar ona.Iblamemy sel
fforherdeat
h.
MaybeifIhelpedyou..
..
..
..
..
Lent
le:
I'
mt heonewhoki
l
ledherandIdeser
ve
togotojai
lfr
om her
e
Tony:(
huggi
ngher)I
m goi
ngt
obewi
thy
ou
ever
ystepoftheway.
Lent
le:
promi
se?
Tony
:Ipr
omi
se
Lent
le:
thanks
Tony
:Il
ovey
ou
Lent
le:
doest
hatmeanwear
est
il
ltoget
her
?
Tony
:yes(
hesmi
l
ed)
Lent
le:
thanks(
shedi
dn'
tsmi
l
eback)
Tony
:best
rongmyl
ove
Lent
le:
howam Igoi
ngt
ofacet
hesoci
ety
?
Tony:y
oudidwhatyoudi
dbecausey
ouwer
e
notemoti
onal
l
ystabl
e.
Lentl
e:youar
etheonlypersonwhoseemst o
underst
andwhatI
'm goi
ngt hr
ough.(
cry
ing)I
canneverki
ll
myownchi ld.Never
Tony
:Iknow.Webot
hwant
edt
hischi
l
dsobad
Lent
le:
Iwasabadmot
her
Tony
:Lent
ley
oual
way
str
iedy
ourbest
Lent
le:
itwasnotgoodenough
Tony
:I'
mtheonewhol
ety
oudown
Lent
le:
howdoIf
acel
i
fef
rom her
e?
Tony:I
'm goingtohol
dyourhandandgiveyou
thesupportIshoul
dhavegiv
eny oubackthen.
Forgi
vemef orassaul
ti
ngyoubadlyli
kethat.
Lent
le:
youwer
eangr
y,i
t'
sOK.I
'
m get
ti
ngbet
ter
byt
heday
(t
heytalkedforabout20mi nutesandLent l
e
wascryingthethet ime.Tonywat chedher
goingtoherroom.Shewasashadowoft he
womansheusedt obe.Shehadl osta
si
gnifi
cantamountofwei ght,herhairwasbad,
shewalkedandt alkedv er
yslowly .
..
..
.Hefelt
sorryf
orher.Hef eltver
ystressed)

MYHOUSE

(Iwasbr east
feedi
ngLebonelist
eningtomusic.
Iwasi magini
nglif
easast udent.Ihadbeen
admi t
tedfordipl
omainEmer gencycare
technologyatBoit
ekanel
oCol l
egeandIwas
supposedt omov etoGaborone.Thenanny
walkedi nwheIwasst i
l
llosti
nthought)
Nanny
:Lebone'
sfat
heri
sout
side
Me:
(sur
pri
sed)Lebone'
sfat
her
?
Nanny
:yest
erdayhet
oldmet
oaddr
esshi
mli
ke
t
hat
Me:wonder
sshal
lnev
erend.Whatdoeshe
want
?
Nanny
:Idon'
tknow
Me:
tel
lhi
mtocomei
n
Nanny
:OK

(
Tonywal
kedi
nsmi
l
ing)
Tony
:hel
l
obeaut
if
ulpeopl
e
Me:
(bor
ed)hi
Tony
:howi
she?
Me:
fine
Tony
:youdon'
tl
ookhappyt
oseeme
Me:
arey
ougoi
ngt
obecomi
ngher
eev
ery
day
?
Tony
:sor
ryf
or.
..
..
..
..
.
Me: youandIarenolongermar r
iedandIdon'
t
appreciatey
oucomingtomyhouse
unannouncedeveryday.Ineedmyspacet o
breathe.RememberthatInevergay ou
permissiontoi
nter
actwithMychi l
d
Tony
:buthei
smi
net
ooTshego
Me:
dot
hecour
tpaper
ssayt
hat
?
Tony
:I'
m sor
ryTshego.It
akemywor
dsback
Me:
thi
sshoul
dbet
hel
astt
imey
oucomeher
e
t
oseeLebone
Tony
:that
'snotf
air
Me:
youwantt
oknowaboutf
air
ness?
Tony:TshegoIpr
omiseyouthatI
'
m goi
ngto
fi
ghtf
ormychi l
dunt
ilIwi
n.Lebonemeanst
he
worl
dt ome
Me:
thewor
ldmyf
oot
Tony
:canIhol
dhi
m?
Me:
no
Tony
:Tshego.
..
..
..
..
Me: getoutofmyhouse.May beIshouldapply
forarestrai
ningorder.Youarely
ingtoyoursel
f
i
fy outhinkyoucandenymychi l
dandcome
backtocl ai
m him easil
yli
kethat
.No.Ipromise
youI'm gonnafightthi
sonewi t
hmyev eryt
hing.
IWInotl etyoubullyme.Youcan'thaveyour
breadbut t
eredonbot hsides
Tony
:whatdoy
ouwantmet
odo?
Me:tost
ayawayf
rom me.Haker
eInev
er
har
assyouaty
ourhouse
Tony
:sowhatshoul
dIdowhenIwantt
osee
myson
Me:I
'm goi
ngtot
eachyoualesson.Youhav
e
messedwithme,
enoughisenough.
Tony
:pl
easedon'
tdot
hist
ome.Ihav
ejustl
ost
anot
herchi
l
d
Me:
howi
sthatmypr
obl
em?
Tony
:what
'sgoi
ngon?
Me:harassmenti
swhatisgoi
ngon.(
handi
ng
hi
mt hebaby)thi
sshoul
dbethel
astt
imeyou
cometomyhouse.Doy ougeti
t?
Tony
:Iwi
l
lmakeapl
an
Me: 20minutesiswhatyouhavewi
thhi
m.Go
andsiti
ny ourcarbecauset
hisi
smypri
vat
e
space
Tony
:OK.Thanks
(hetookLeboneandwentout
sidewi
thhi
m).I
call
edPuso)

Puso:
mmaboar
d
Me:
ineedy
ourhel
p
Puso:
any
thi
ngf
ormmaboar
d
Me: Tonyhasmadei tahabi
tofcomingtomy
houseuninvi
tedever
ydayandIdon'tfeel
saf
e
aroundhim.Heirr
it
atesthehel
loutofme
Puso:
kant
ewhat
'
swr
ongwi
thhi
m?
Me:
het
hinksmywor
ldr
evol
vesar
oundhi
m
Puso:
howcanIhel
pmyl
ove?
Me:
Ineedtogetoutal
i
ttl
e.Forf
reshai
r.
..
..
.
Whi
leIdeci
deonwhatt
odo
Puso:
Idon'
tgety
ou
Me:
canIpl
easecomeandst
ayatf
armf
ora
f
ewdays
Puso:
Tshego.
..
..
..
..
Me:
isi
tay
esorano?
Puso:
youcancome
Me:
thanky
ou
Puso:
wil
lwebest
ayi
ngt
oget
her
?
Me:
ify
ouwant
Puso:
OK.Whenar
eyoucomi
ng?
Me:
assoonast
hisi
diotl
eav
esI
'
m comi
ng
Puso:
OK.ThatmeansIshoul
dgoandbuy
gr
oceri
es
Me:
don'
twor
ryaboutus
Puso:
Ilov
eyou
Me:
Ilov
eyout
oo

TONY'
SHOUSE

Hi
smum:
howi
sshe?
Tony
: Lentl
eisnother
sel
f.Shecan'
tst
opcr
ying.
ShethinksI'
m angr
yatherbutI
'
m not
Hi
smum:
isshet
her
easony
oul
ookwor
ri
ed!
?
Tony:no.Tshegohasst
art
eddeny
ingme
accesstoLeboneagai
n.
Hi
smum:
why
?
Tony
:appar
ent
lyIi
nvadeherpr
ivacy
Hismum: butshei
sri
ght
.Youcan'
tgoy
oher
houseev
er y
day
Tony
:thenshemustbr
ingLeboneher
e
Hi
smum:
treadsl
owl
y
Tony
:It
hinkIshoul
dfol
l
owt
hel
egal
rout
e.
Hi
smum:
thi
sisgoi
ngt
ogetdi
rt
y
Tony
:that
'st
heonl
yway
Hi
smum:
letmet
alkt
oherf
ir
stt
omor
row
Tony
:OK.

NO.139

AWEEKLATER………
(
Tonywentt
oTshego’
shousef
ort
het
hir
dti
me
thatday.Hecoul dnotgethol
dofTshego
throughthephone.Shewasnei t
hert
akinghis
callsnorrespondingt
omessages.Hecalledhi
s
mot her)
Hi
smum:
hel
l
oson
Tony:hel
l
omama.hav
eyoumanagedt
otal
kto
Tshego?
Hi
smum:
yes,
ear
li
eron
Tony
:wher
eisshe?
Hismum: shesaysshehasvisi
tedaf
ri
end.Ar
e
sheneededabitoffr
eshair
Tony
:shouldshenothav
etol
dmet
hatshei
s
l
eavi
ngwithmychild?
Hi
smum:
sheshoul
dhav
e
Tony:kanaf
orthewhol
eofthi
sweekTshego
hasnotbeental
ki
ngtome.sheisgnor
esmy
cal
lsandsmses.Kant
ewhyisTshegodoi
ng
thi
s
Hi
smum: It
hinkshei
snotr
eadyt
oaccepty
ou
i
ntoLebone’
slif
e
Tony
:butLebonei
smychi
l
d
Hismum: nowt hat’
swhatt heproblem wit
hyou
i
s.Youaresoobsessedwi thLebonet hatyou
havefor
gottenhowTshegomi ghtbef eeli
ng.
Tonyyouhav edonet er
ri
blethi
ngst oTshego
anditwi
llbefai
rifyouletherdeal wit
ht hi
s
i
ssueatherownt i
meandpace
Tony:y
esIadmi tt
hatwhatIdidtoTshegois
pai
nfulbutIwanttobeapartofmychild’
sli
fe.I
havebeenavoidi
ngthi
sforalongti
mebutI
thi
nkImustactnow.I’
m goingtofi
ghtformy
chi
ld
Hi
smum:
tony
!
Tony
:nomama.
Hi
smum:ok,
hav
eityourwaybutdon’
tcome
r
unni
ngt
omewhenthingsdon’
tgowellf
ory
ou
Tony
:Iwon’
t
Hi
smum:
goodl
uck

THEFARM

(
Iendedt
hecal
landl
ookedatPsuo)
Puso:
thatdi
dn’
tsoundl
i
keagoodcal
l
Me:cany
oubeli
evet
hatIj
ustgotof
fthephone
wi
thTony’
slawy
er
Puso:
yoh!Theguyi
sdet
ermi
ned
Me:Tonyi
sajokest
eri
fthethi
nksIwi
lll
ethi
m
backi
ntomychil
d’
sli
feeasi
l
yliket
hat
Puso:
arey
ouupf
oral
egal
fight
?
Me:
yes
Puso:buty
ouknowthatchancesofhi
m get
ti
ng
vi
sit
ati
onri
ght
sarehigh,
right
?
Me:Iknow.Ii
ntendt
ofighthi
mjustt
ofr
ust
rat
e
hi
m andwastehismoney
Puso:
babei
sthatr
evenge?
Me:
Tonythinksheownsmewai
tse.Si
es!Let
mecal
lthi
sfool
(
Idial
l
edhi
snumberandhepi
ckedont
het
hir
d
r
ing)

Tony
:hel
l
oTshego
Me:
hi
Tony
:howi
sLebone?
Me:
yourl
awy
ercal
l
edme
Tony
:youl
eftmenochoi
ce
Me:
soy
ouar
epr
epar
edt
oloseanot
herchi
l
d?
Tony
:no.wai
t…….
whatdoy
oumean?
Me:Inowunder
standwhyLent
ledi
dwhatshe
di
d
Tony
:Tshego!
Me:
what
?
Tony
:ar
eyousayy
ouwi
l
lki
l
lmychi
l
d?
Me: conti
nuehar assi
ngmeandIwillkil
lthat
chil
dandki l
l myself
.Don’
tmesswithme.Iam
anangr ypersonbecauseofyouandifyoukeep
pressingmyr edbut t
onsl
i
keyouaredoi ngyou
willendupleavinganemptymeaninglesslif
e
(
wit
haworri
edlookonhi
sfacePusomassaged
myfr
eehand)
Tony:
pleasedon’
tki
l
lmychi
l
d.Hei
stheonl
y
hopeIhave
Me:t
henstoppissi
ngmeoff
.Isn’
titenough
t
hatyoust
rippedmeoffmydi
gnit
y?
Tony
:Ij
ustwant
edt
oseemyson.I
sthatt
oo
muchtoask?
Me:
yesi
t’
stoomucht
oask
Tony
:ok.By
e
Me:
bye
(
aft
ert
heconv
ersat
ion)

Puso:
mmaboar
dwhatwast
hat
?
Me:
Tonyi
swor
kingonmyl
astner
ve
Puso:wereyouser
iousaboutki
l
li
ngt
hechi
l
d
andyoursel
f?
Me:
no
Puso:babythat
’saseri
ousthr
eatandy ouar
e
gi
vingthatguysomethi
ngtouseagainstyou
Me: whatdoesTonywantf r
om me?( Iwas
angryandshaking)whatdoeshewant ?Now
thathispreci
sousfi
ancéhaski l
l
edtheirchi
l
dhe
i
sr unningaft
ertherapechi
ld.Tonyhasgotten
awaywi t
halot,
iti
stimeforhimt ost
artpaying
Puso:
babet hi
sisstr
essi
ngyou.Whydon’
tyou
tr
ytoacceptthathei
sLebone’
sfat
herand
al
lowhim backint
oLebone’
sli
fe
Me: thesameTontwhodi dn’twanttohear
anythingaboutmychi l
d?ifIletTonybacki nt
o
Lebone’ slif
ethenLentlewi l
lbeapar tofmy
chil
d’slife.(emoti
onal)Idon’twantLent l
e
anywher enearmychi ldandasl ongasTonyi s
sti
llwithLent l
eim notlet
tinghim beapar tof
Lebone’ slif
e.Idon’
ttrustLentleatal
l andI’
m
readyt osayt hi
sinacour toflaw
Puso:
Idon’
ttr
ustLent
leei
ther
Me:Lent
lei
snotgonnahav
eanythingtodo
wit
hmyson.Overmydeadbody!ifshecando
whatshedi
dtoherownchi
ldwhatmor eofher
enemy’
sson?
Puso:yourconcer
nsareval
idbabe.I
fLent
le
wasoutofTony ’
sli
fewoulditmakeany
di
ffer
ence?
Me:(It
houghtaboutitf
orawhilebef
ore
answeri
ng)maybe.Tonyabusedmeandt ook
awaythemostpreciousthi
ngtome–my
mother’
shouse.Ri
ghtnowmybr ot
herandIar
e
notint
alki
ngtermsbecauseoft
hat.Howam I
expect
edtogetovert
hat?
Puso:Ihav
eani
dea.Iknowwhatcangi
vey
ou
peace
Me:
what
?
Puso:(t
ouchingherchi
n)IknowmmaBoar d
andIhavegoodpl ansforher
.thi
sguyandthi
s
gi
rlaregoingtopayforwhattheydi
dwithout
anyfi
ght.Thisi
stheplanthatI
have……………………. .

(
phoneconv
ersat
ion)

Tony
:hel
l
oLee
Lent
le:
hiTony
Tony
:youar
eabl
etomakecal
l
s?
Lent
le:
yes.I
m out
Tony
:Idon’
tfol
l
ow
Lent
le:
mybai
lhear
ingwast
oday
Tony
:ohmywor
d!OhGod.Lee?
Lent
le:
rra
Tony:Icomplet
elyf
orgotaboutt
hehear
ing.I
feel
badr i
ghtnow
Lent
le:
it’
sok.Myf
ami
l
ycame
Tony
:Ishoul
dhav
ecome
Lentl
e:i
t’
sok.I
’m outandthat
’swhatmat
ter
s.
AslongasI’
m outofprisonI
’m ok
Tony
:If
eel
badLent
le
Lent
le:
don’
ttakei
ttoohar
d.Wer
eyoubusy
?
Tony:
Tshegoi
sdenyi
ngmeaccesst
oLebone
andaswespeakIhav
enoi
deawheremysonis
Lent
le:
I’
m sor
ry
Tony
:mylawyermanagedtot
alkt
oherany
way
.
Wewill
seehowthi
ngswill
tur
nout
Lent
le:
goodl
uck
Tony
:thanks.Wher
ear
eyou?
Lent
le:
mypar
ent
s’house
Tony:
Lentl
enemmawhatcanIdot
omakei
t
uptoyou?Ifeel
bad
Lent
le:
it’
sok
Tony:
no,i
t’
snotok.CanIt
akey
ououtf
or
di
nner?
Lent
le:
no
Tony:babyplease.Ishoul
dhav
egonet
ocour
t
tosupporty
ou
Lent
le:
Idon’
twantt
obeseeni
npubl
i
c
Tony
:canIcookf
ory
ouatmyhousemyl
ove?
Lent
le:
Iwoul
dlov
ethat
Tony
:gr
eat
.Whatt
imeshoul
dIpi
cky
ou?
Lent
le:
int
wohour
s
Tony
:andy
ouar
ecomi
ngt
osl
eepher
e,r
ight
?
Lent
le:ok.ThanksTony
Tony
:youdon’
tneedt
othankme
Lent
le:
wheny oudi
dn’
tcomet ocour
tIthought
i
t’
sbecausey ouaredonewit
hme.Honest l
y
TonyIexpecty out
owalkoutofmylif
eany t
ime
Tony
:that
’snotgonnahappen
Lent
le:
whyar
eyouchoosi
ngt
obewi
thme?
Tony:
wehav egonet hr
oughalottogetherl
ove.
Iwon’
tleav
ey oubecauseoft
hemi st
akesyou
madebecauseI’m notcl
eanmy sel
f
Lent
le:
thanky
ouf
orl
ovi
ngme
Tony
:youar
ewel
comeandt
hanky
ouf
orl
ovi
ng
metoo
Lent
le:
letmegetr
eady
Tony
:oksweet
hear
t
(
aft
ert
heconv
ersat
ion)

Lent
le:
thatl
ookmum
Hermum:
wast
hatTonyont
hephone?
Lent
le:
yes
Hermum:
arey
oust
il
lwi
thhi
m?
Lentl
e:yesmama.Pl
easedon’
tgi
vemea
l
ecture.Il
ovehi
m.
Hermum:
whywashenotatcour
ttoday
?
Lent
le:hehadf
orgot
ten.Hei
sdeal
i
ngwi
thhi
s
ownissues
Hermum:
andy
oubel
i
evet
hatandt
oler
atei
t
Lent
le:
mamahewant stot
akemeoutt
o
compensat
eforf
orget
ti
ngmycour
tdat
e
Hermum: I
’m goi
ngtosaythisfort
hev er
ylast
t
ime:YouandTonyarebadf oreachother.Thi
s
r
elat
ionshi
pistoxi
candthemor eyoucontinue
wi
thit(
sheshookherhead)Icani
magi
net
he
wor
stfort
hetwoofyou
Lentl
e:theworstwi
ll
happenbecausepeopl
e
arespeakingcur
sesint
oourr
elati
onshi
p
Hermum:
Iam peopl
e?
Lent
le:
Ineedt
ogetr
eady
Hermum:
ok
Lent
le:don’
twai
tuponme.I
’
m sl
eepi
ngat
Tony’
shousetoni
ght
Hermum:
ok
Lent
le:
mamapl
ease
NO.140

(
PHONECONVERSATI
ON)

Tony
:hel
l
opr
ophet
Pr
ophet
:hel
l
o
Tony:
youarespeaki
ngt
oTony
.Idon'
tknowi
f
yousti
l
lrememberme
Pr
ophet
:Lent
le'
sboy
fri
end?
Tony
:yes.Ineedy
ouradv
ice
Pr
ophet
:ok
Tony:
Idon'
tknowify
ouar
eawar
ethatTshego
andIhav
eachild?
Pr
ophet
:Iknow
Tony:OK.Wel lasyouknowthattherewere
i
ssuesbet weenmeandTshegot hatl
edto..
..
..
.
WellIwasnev erther
eforTshegowhenshe
wasex pectingandwhent hebabywasbor n.
NowI '
mi nterestedinbei
ngapar tofmychil
d's
l
if
ebutTshegoi sgiv
ingmetrouble
Prophet:
shehasal
otofangerpar
ti
cul
arl
y
towardsyou
Tony
:sowhatshoul
dIdo?Ri
ghtnowshei
s
thr
eat
eningt
oki
l
lbot
hher
sel
fandt
hechi
l
difI
don'
tbackof
f
Prophet
:thatwasangerspeaki
ng.Shewi
l
lnot
dosuch
Tony:Idi
dn'
twannatakei
tli
ghtaf
terwhat
happenedwit
hLentl
e
Pr
ophet
:Isee
Tony:cany
oupleaseprayformesot
hather
hear
tcanbecomesoft.Iwantmychi
l
dsobad
Prophet:Tonyy
ouneedtoseekGodand
establ
ishaconnect
ionwi
thhi
m
Tony
:Iwil
ldot
hat
.Iwi
l
lcomet
oyourchur
ch
onSunday
Prophet
:befor
ethenpr
ayver
yhar
dforyour
sel
f
andyourlov
edone.Yourl
i
fehast
akenabad
di
recti
on
Tony
:Iknowandi
tfr
ust
rat
esme.
Pr
ophet
:soony
ouwi
l
lbeabl
etobondwi
tht
he
chi
l
dandspendal
otoft
imewi
thhi
m
Tony
:(hechuckl
ed)t
hanky
ou.Thanky
ouso
much
Prophet
:don'
tthankme.ThankGod.Idon'
t
haveanypowerstodothat
Tony:It
hankGod.DoesthatmeanTshegoand
Iwil
lgetbackt
ogether
?
Prophet
:that
'
snotwhatGodissayi
ng.Heonly
tal
kedaboutthechi
l
d.Iwi
ll
prayaboutt
hatone
Tony
:atl
eastIwi
l
lhav
emyLebone
Pr
ophet
:yourl
ovef
ort
hischi
l
dusamazi
ng
Tony
:hel
i
ter
all
ymeanst
hewor
ldt
ome
Prophet
:yourbondwi
thhi
mit
'sgoi
ngt
ocome
atagreatcost
Tony
:whatcost
?
Pr
ophet
:youwi
l
lsuf
fer2l
osses.
Tony
:Idon'
tunder
stand
Pr
ophet
:Godi
snotspeci
fi
cabouti
t.
Tony:Idon'
tcar
ewhatI
'
m goi
ngt
olose,
asl
ong
asIgainmychil
d.
Pr
ophet
:doy
ouknowt
hatGodhasf
avor
edy
ou?
Tony
:how?
Prophet
:Godhasalwaysbeenonyoursi
de.He
shiel
dedyouf
rom alotoft
roubl
es.
Tony:t
rue.Ther
eweret i
meswhenIcoul dhav
e
gonetojai
lbutIdi
dn'
t.RightnowI'
m gonna
haveaccesstomychildeventhoughIdon'
t
deser
veit
Prophet:t
rue.I
maginethatGodisfavori
ngyou
wheny oudon'thav
ear el
ati
onshi
pwi thhi
m.
Whatmor ecanhedof oryouwheny ouarehis
servant
?
Tony
:thi
sSundayIwi
l
lbei
nchur
ch
Prophet
:dothat.Abov
eal
l
,st
artpr
ayi
ngt
oday
.
Don'twai
tforSunday
Tony
:Iwi
l
l.Thanky
ouf
ort
het
alk
Pr
ophet
:shal
om

THEFARM

(
Ical
l
edTonyandtol
dhimthatI
'
m comi
ngto
Momepol
oleandIwoul
dli
ketomeetwi
thhi
m)
Puso:
soy
ouar
eleav
ing?
Me:
unf
ort
unat
ely
Puso:
I'
m goi
ngt
omi
ssy
ouguy
s
Me:
wear
egoi
ngt
omi
ssy
out
oo
(
hehuggedmef
rom behi
nd)
Puso:
whenshoul
dIsendmypar
ent
s?
Me:
rel
axRaboar
d
Puso:
letmebehonestwi
thy
ou,
Tonyt
hreat
ens
me
Me:
comeon!
Puso:I'
m seri
ous.Iknowachi
ldiscapabl
eof
renewi
ngt hel
ovey ouhadf
orhim andyoucan
actual
l
ychooset ogobacktohimf ort
hebaby
's
sake
Me:ifKgomi
tso'
schi
ldwasyour
swoul
dyou
hav
egot t
enbackwit
hher?
Puso:
no,
nev
er.
Me:
butIcangetbackwi
thTonybecause?
Puso:pleasedon'tbreakmyheart
.Kanaonce
thatguystart
sshowi ngyouhowmuchhel ov
es
yoursony ouaregoingtodevel
opasoftspot
forhim and.
..
..
..
..
..
..
.
Me:shoul
dIbebot
her
edbyt
hef
actt
haty
ou
don'
ttr
ustme?
Puso:
sor
rymmaboar
d
Me:
PusoIwanty
outotrustme.Iwantyouto
mar
rymefort
heri
ghtr
easons.Aringonthe
f
ingerdoesn'
tmeanmuchi
fyouaskme.
Puso:
Ilov
eyou
Me:
andIl
ovey
out
oo
Puso:
arey
our
eadyt
ofacehi
m?
Me:
yesandi
tact
ual
l
ymakesmef
eel
bet
ter
Puso:
I'
m gl
ad
Me:
wewi
l
lgetmar
ri
edwhent
het
imei
sri
ght
Puso:
wheni
sthet
imegoi
ngt
ober
ight
?
Me: If
eel t
hatweshouldn'
trushi
ntomarri
age.
Wedon' tknoweachothersowell
.Alothas
happenedt ousandbetweenusandobv i
ousl
y
somet hingsaboutusareboundtohav
e
changed
Puso:
Idon'
tseeanychanges
Me:butt
her
ear
echanges.Idon'
tknowt
his
newPusowhowoul
dnottouchme
Puso:
Ihav
eadeal
wit
hGod
Me:
deal
?It
houghtGodcan'
tmakedeal
s
Puso:Godi
smyfathersodef
ini
tel
y,Icanmake
deal
swithmyf
ather
Me:
what
'
sthedeal
?
Puso:t
hedealwast
hati
fKgomitso'
schild
doesn'
ttur
noutt
obemineIwil
lgetcloserto
Godandservehi
m
Me:
arey
ouser
vinghi
m?
Puso:
yes.I
'
m ani
nter
pret
eratchur
ch
Me:obonawheny oust
artt
alki
ngi
npar
abl
es
l
iket
hisIgetl
ost
Puso:
mmekanai
t'
snoti
npar
abl
es
Me:
OK.Webet
tergetgoi
ng
Puso:
I'
m goi
ngt
omi
ssy
oumyl
ove
Me:
met
oo
Puso:
arey
our
eadyt
ofacehi
m?
Me:
wit
houtf
ear
.Wi
thj
oyandgl
adness
Puso:
mmaBoar
rrr
rrr
rd!
(wegiggl
ed.Myconfi
dencewhenI'
m wi
th
Raboardal
waysleav
emei nshock)

MYHOUSE

(t
hatmomentwhenIar r
iveatmyhouseand
fi
ndtheir
ri
tat
ingTonybythegat
e.Theminut
e
mycarparkedhetookLeboneki
ssedhim
happi
ly
)
Tony:hel
l
obi
gboy
.Youl
ookhandsomei
n
yel
low.
Me:
hiTony
Tony:hi.I
'
m noti
gnor
ingy
ou.Sor
ry.I
m
over
joyedtoseemyson
Me:weneedt
otal
kbef
orey
oust
artcal
l
inghi
m
son
Tony
:it
'sfi
be(
Bonest
art
edt
obecomer
est
less)
what
'swrongy
oungman?
Me:It
hinkheushungr
y.Letmegoi
nsi
deand
f
eedhim
Tony
:canIcomewi
th?
Me:
umh.
..
..
.Yah
(
Tonyf
oll
owedmet
omyhouse)
Tony
:youhav
eani
cehouse
Me:
doy
ouser
iousl
ywantt
oco-
par
ent
Tony
:mor
ethanany
thi
ng
Me:
thengi
vemebackmymot
her
'shouse
Tony
:what
!
Me:
takei
torl
eav
eit
Tony:I'
m dr
owni
ngindebt
sandtherent
alfrom
thathousei
swhatIr
emainwit
hafter
..
..
..
..
..
..
Me:
thechoi
cei
syour
s
Tony
:Tshegopl
ease
Me:
takei
torl
eav
eit
Tony
:Iwi
l
lthi
nkabouti
t
Me:
theof
ferdoesn'
tst
andf
orl
ong
Tony
:OK.
Me:
giv
emef
eedbackbef
oreendoft
hisweek
Tony:ifIgi
veyouthehousewil
lIbeabl
eto
take.
..
..
..
.CanLebonesleepov
eratmyhouse?
Me:
itwi
l
ldepend
Tony
:on?
Me:
arey
oui
nornot
?
Tony
:Iwi
l
lthi
nkabouti
t
Me:
fai
renough
(Tonysecretl
ytookapict
ureofTshego
breast
feedingLeone)
CHARI
TY'
SHOUSE

Di
mpho:
Idi
dn'
tknowy
ouar
eexpect
ing
Char
it
y:Iam expect
ing
Di
mpho:
congr
ats
Char
it
y:t
hanks
Di
mpho:
wher
eisTef
o?
Char
it
y:hei
svi
sit
inghi
suncl
e
Di
mpho:
Tshego?
Char
it
y:shei
sherhouse?
Di
mpho:
oh.Shehasherownhouse?
Char
it
y:y
es.
Di
mpho:wow!Youladiesarever
ylucky
.Byt
he
way,
yourhousei
sveryniceandverybi
g
Char
it
y:t
hanks
(
awkwar
dsi
l
ence)
Di
mpho:
thanky
ouf
ort
aki
ngcar
eofmygi
rl
s
Char
it
y:any
time.
Dimpho:y
ourlov
ef ormyki
dshashumbledme.
I
tmakesmef eell
ikeamonsterf
orf
ail
i
ng
Tshego
Chari
ty:
Tshegoi
sdoi
ngv
erywel
l
.Soonshewi
l
l
beincoll
ege
Di
mpho:
shehasst
rongdet
ermi
nat
ion
(
awkwar
dsi
l
ence)
Char
it
y:Ihav
etogobackt
owor
k
Di
mpho:oh.It
houghtbecausey
ouareyour
ownbossyoucangoinandoutasyouplease
Charit
y:notreal
l
y.Bei
ngmyownbosshas
taughtmet obedisci
pli
ned
Di
mpho:
ok.LennaIhavetogo.Myboy
fri
endi
s
wai
ti
ngf
ormeathisfr
iend'
shouse
Char
it
y:oh.Ihav
einf
ormedt
heschool
thaty
ou
wi
l
lpi
ckt
heki
ds
Di
mpho: t
hanky
ou.Ihear
dthaty
ouareapr
ayer
war
ri
or.Themmaprayforme.Iwantt
oget
marr
ied
Char
it
y:Iwi
l
lpr
ayf
ory
ou
Di
mpho:
cany
our
eal
l
ypr
ayf
orme?
Chari
ty:
defi
nit
ely
.Haker
eifIdon'
tpr
ayfory
our
marri
ageyouwillcomebackfory
ourex
husband
(
Dimphol
aughedandChar
it
yjoi
nedher
)
NO.141

MYHOUSE

Tony
:Ihav
ethoughtabouty
ourr
equest
Me:
good
Tony
:Iwi
l
lsi
gnt
hehouseov
ert
oyou
Me:
real
l
y?(
Icov
eredmymout
hwi
thmyhands)
Tony
:yes
Me:
gosh!Thanky
ousomuchTony
.Thanky
ou
Tony:Iknowhowmucht hi
shousemeansto
you.Ishoul
dn'
thav
etakenitont
hefi
rstpl
ace
Me:
itdoesn'
tmat
terbecauseI
'
mfi
nal
l
ygoi
ng
t
ohaveit
Tony:
areyougoi
ngt
oputmynamei
nhi
sbi
rt
h
cer
ti
fi
cat
e?
Me:
def
ini
tel
y.Oncet
het
it
ledeedi
sinmyname
Tony:now,
whatki
ndofaccessam Igoi
ngt
o
have?
Me:youcanhav
ehi
m dur
ingweekendsand
hol
i
days
Tony
: byhav
ehim doy
oumeant
hatIcant
ake
hi
mt omyplace?
(
Lent
le'
scardr
ovei
nthr
ought
hegat
eandIf
elt
myi
ntest
inesmov
ing)
Me:
howdi
dsheknowt
hatIst
ayher
e?
Tony
:Idon'
tknow
Me:
(fur
ious)whoshowedLent
lemypl
ace?
Tony
:shemi
ghthav
efol
l
owedmeher
e
Lent
le:
dumel
ang
Tony
:Lent
ley
ouar
eint
rudi
ng
Lent
le:
(wi
thherey
esgl
uedt
omybaby
)li
tt
le
Tony
(Igotsoscar
edthatIfel
tasi
fsomet
hingwas
crawli
ngundermyskin)
Me:(
cov
eri
ngmybabywi
thabl
anket
)excuse
me
(
Ihear
dthem ar
gui
ng)
Tony
:leav
e
Lent
le:
I'
m notgoi
ngt
ohar
assher
Tony
:can'
tyouseeshedoesn'
twanty
ouher
e?
Lent
le:
butI
'
m har
mless
Tony
:pl
easego.
Lentl
e:weareleav
ingtogether
.Nowomanin
herri
ghtsenseswouldleav
ehermanalone
wit
hanexwi fehemightstil
lhavef
eel
i
ngswit
h.
Let'
sgo
Tony
:I'
m goi
ngt
oki
ssmysongoodby
e
Lent
le:
don'
tbel
ong(
shewentt
osi
tinhercar
)

(
int
hehouse)
Me:
Idon'
tfeelsaf
earoundyourgi
rl
fr
iend,
what
mor
eofaninnocentl
i
ttl
esoulli
keBone?
Tony
:Iunder
standy
ourf
ear
s
Me:
andwhatar
eyougoi
ngt
odoabouti
t?
Tony:
Idon'
treal
l
yli
keLent
le.Ihav
efal
l
enout
ofl
ovewit
hher
Me:that'
snoneofmybusi
ness.Aslongasyou
aresti
l
ldati
ngLent
ley
ouwillonl
yhaveaccess
tomysonundermysupervi
sion
Tony
:ifI
'
m notdat
ingher
?
Me:thenyoucanhav
ehim asl
ongasyoumake
sur
ehei ssaf
eandsecur
efrom her
Tony
:Icompl
etel
yunder
stand
Me:sorty
oursel
foutbecauseIcan'
thav
e
Lent
lecominghereorgoi
nganywherenearmy
son
Tony
:fai
renough

LENTLE'
SHOUSE

Tony:Lent
lethi
sthi
ngbet
weenusi
snot
worki
ngany more
Lent
le:
whatdoy
oumean?
Tony
:Ican'
tbewi
thy
ouany
mor
e
Lent
le:
youmustbej
oki
ng
Tony
:noI'
m not
.Tshegodoesnttr
ustyou
ar
oundLeboneandIcomplet
elyagreewi
thher
Lent
le:
andy
ouar
eleav
ingmebecauseoft
hat
?
Tony
:yes
Lent
le:
buty
oust
il
ll
oveme?
Tony:whatyouandIhadwasj ustan
i
nfatuati
onthatendedinmiser
y.Wewer eboth
desperat
eforachildandthedesper
ati
onruined
bothofus
Lent
le:
wow!I
'
m onmyownnow?
Tony
:notr
eal
l
y.Wecan'tbet
oget
herbuty
ou
cant
alkt
omeifyouneedhel
p
Lent
le:
thanks(
shewi
pedt
ear
s)
Tony
:youwi
l
lbef
ine
Lent
le:
arey
oumov
ingi
nwi
thher
?
Tony:no.Shewi
l
lnevert
akemeback.It
hinkco
-
parenti
ngisasf
araswewill
go
Lent
le:
wow!Sot
hej
our
neyendsher
e?
Tony
:yes
Lent
le:
Ican'
tsayIdi
dn'
tseei
tcomi
ng
Tony
:goodl
uck
Lent
le:
I'
m gonnaneedi
t
Tony:y
oumustleav
ewi t
hmesothaty
oucan
gety
ourst
afff
rom yourhouse
Lent
le:
cool

BOKAA

(
phoneconv
ersat
ion)
Kenal
emang:
whatar
eyousay
ingnemonna?
Puso:
Ihav
edeci
dedt
odoi
t
Kenal
emang:
arey
ousur
eaboutt
his?
Puso:
I'
m exer
cisi
ngmyf
ait
h
Kenal
emang:
that
'sabol
dst
ept
otake
Puso:
iti
s.Godwi
l
lseemet
hrough
Kenal
emang:
youar
eri
ght
.Sowheni
sthedday
?
Puso:
tomor
row
Kenal
emang:
youar
ebol
dmybr
other
Puso:cowardsdon'
tli
velongandt
heymi
ss
outongreatopport
uni
ti
es
Kenal
emang:
goodl
uck
Puso:
Idon'
tneedl
uck.IneedGod'
sbl
essi
ngs
Kenal
emang:
mayGodbl
essy
ouandseey
ou
thr
ough
Puso:
thanks
Kenal
emang:
Iwi
l
lcal
lyout
omor
row
Puso:
thanksskwat
a
CHARI
TY'
SHOUSE

Chari
ty:
nowonderheisf
ight
ingforhi
m,
Leboneissuchacut
epeacef
ulsoul
Me:andhebr
ingsmesomuchj
oy.Hei
smy
ev
eryt
hing
Char
it
y:Iknow.Heel
athe,
didIt
ell
yout
hat
Di
mphocameher e?
Me:
letmeguess,
tohar
assy
ou
Char
it
y:no.ThemomentIhear
dthatshei
s
comi
ngIspokethebl
oodofJesus.Shewasas
meekasal amb
Me: t
hel
anguageyouandPusouseint
rigues
me.BobloodofJesus,
Idecl
areandIdecree,
in
yourwor
d..
..
..
.
Char
it
y:(shel
aughed)Il
ovePuso.Thatonei
s
mybrotheri
nChri
st
Me:
youseewhatI
'
mtal
ki
ngabout
Char
it
y:Pusoi
samanaf terGod'
sheart
.Ne
mmawhydon'tyouaccepthismarr
iage
pr
oposal
?
Me:
Pusoi
sint
othi
sfi
rechur
chesandi
ttur
ns
meoff
Char
it
y:whatdoy
oumean?
Me: t
hefewdaysIstay
edwithhi
m showedme
exactl
ywhoheis.Fi
rechur
chesandthei
rst
upi
d
propheci
esar
ethereasonI
'm di
vor
ced
Char
it
y:thepr
ophetl
ackedwi
sdom andnotal
l
pr
ophetsarel
iket
hat
Me: Pusohast hi
sli
tt
ler
oom i
nhisfar
m house.
Everymor ni
nghespendsatl
eastanhourin
thatroom prayi
ngandsi
ngi
ng.Hespeaksin
Strangetongues.Heist
oomuch
Chari
ty:
ifIwer
eyouIwoul
dfeelbl
essedt
o
havesuchamaninmylif
e.Doyouknowhow
muchsweat
,pray
erandbloodIputi
nto
ev
entual
l
yhaveTefoat
tendi
ngchurchact
ivel
y?
Me: ahmma.Somet imesIaskmy selfgore
betweenTonyandPusowhoshoul dItakeback.
Pusohaschangedi ntothi
sbor i
ngguywhoi s
obsessedaboutchur ch.GapeIdon' tt r
ustPuso.
Hehasat endencyoff i
ndi
ngtheeasywayout
whent hingsgett ough.Hewoul dnotev enthink
aboutconsequences( shelookedatmewi t
h
questioningey es)hechoset or esignf rom his
workwi thoutapl an, andhechoseabor ti
on
becausei twasaneasywayout ,hel eftmet o
dieinthehouse.Ah!Butany way ,hehashi s
ownmer its.Ihaveal otofconfidencewhenI '
m
withhim.Hehasmadesomet hingoutofhi slif
e
unli
keTonywhohassquander edhi smoney
fooli
shly(Ist ar
tedsmi li
ng)mmeTonyi sa
l
ov i
ngper sonal thoughhecanbev i
olentat
ti
mes.They earsofmymar ri
agebef orethe
prophecywast hebestt i
meofmyl i
feandI
wonderifTonyandIcangobackther
e.Gapei
t
wouldbeniceforBonetoberai
sedbyhi
s
bi
ologi
calparent
s.I
'm conf
used
Char
it
y:t
hisoneneedsser
iouspr
ayer
s.
NO.142

TSHEGO'
SUNCLE'
SHOUSE

(Twomenandt wowomenwal kedint

hrough
thegate.Theyexchangedgreeti
ngswit
h
Tshego'suncl
eandhi swif
e)
Man1:
ist
hist
heMot
swasel
eresi
dence?
Uncl
e:y
essi
r
Man1:wear
ethePuso'
sfrom Bokaaandwe
ar
eher
etoseetheMit
swasel
ef amil
y
Uncl
e:I
'm scar
edt
oaskgor
ewhatbr
ingsy
ou
her
e.Kanawhenyouhav
egrownupsonsyou
expectpeopl
etocomeandr
epor
tpr
egnancy
anyti
me.
Man2:don'
tworr
yoldman.Wear
ebr
ingi
ng
goodnews,
Isuppose.
Uncl
e:atl
east
(
theyi
ntr
oducedt
hemsel
ves)
Man1:Oursonsentusher
ebecausehehas
f
oundagerm her
e.
Uncl
e:oh.Ihav
emanydaught
ers
Man1:letmeconfi
rmt hename( hetookouta
pi
eceofpaperandreadfrom i
t)Tshegofat
so
Motswasel
e
Uncke:shewasher
elastni
ghtbutshedidn'
t
eventel
luswearegoi
ngtohavev i
sit
ors
Hi
swi
fe:
may
beshewasscar
edt
otel
lus

(
phoneconv
ersat
ion)
Tony
:hel
l
o
Lent
le:
hel
l
o
Tony
:howar
eyou?
Lent
le:
stupi
dquest
ion
Tony
:whatdoy
ouwant
?
Lent
le:
compensat
ionf
orbr
eachofpr
omi
se
Tony
:what
?
Lent
le:r
emembert
hatwear
eengagedandy
ou
hadpromisedt
omarr
yme?
Tony
:butLent
le.
..
..
..
.
Lent
le:
Isti
llhaveyourri
ngonmyfi
nger.Ial
so
haveal
ltheevidenceIneedt
osueyou
Tony
:youknowv
erywel
lthatI
'
m br
oke
Lent
le:
Ineed50,
000pul
a
Tony
:youar
ecr
azy
Lent
le:
thatIknowv
erywel
l
.Sel
lyourcarand
gi
vememymoney
Tony
:easyast
hat
?
Lent
le:
ifyoust
il
lwantt
oenj
oyy
ourson,
you
wil
ldoit
Tony
:whatar
eyoupl
anni
ng?
Lent
le:
not
hing.Gi
vemewhatIwantandIwil
l
l
eaveyoual
one.Atleastwal
koutofmyl
i
fe
l
eavi
ngmedebtf r
ee
Tony
:Iwi
l
lseewhatt
odo
Lent
le:
goodboy
.Toodl
es!

GABORONE

(
Pusowasi narest
auranteati
ng.Hewas
t
hinki
ngaboutwhatcouldbehappeningi
n
Molepol
ole.Hesai
dasilentpr
ayerf
orthi
ngst
o
f
avorhi
m.Hehear
dsomeonecal
l
inghi
sname)
Puso:
hel
l
o
Kgomot
so:
hi
Tumel
o:hi
Puso:
howar
eyouguy
s?
Kgomot
so:
wear
egood.
Puso:
areguy
stoget
her
?
Tumelo:
yes.Andwear
eget
ti
ngmar
ri
edi
n3
months
Puso:
that
'sgr
eatman.Congr
ats
Tumel
o:t
hanks
Puso:
howi
sthebaby
?
Kgomot
so:
hei
sdoi
ngv
erywel
l
.
Puso:
that
'sgr
eat
(
Kgomotso'
sphoner
angwhil
eshewassti
ll
on
t
hephonePusoandTumel
ohadali
ghtchat)
Tumelo:Ideci
dedt
orai
semychi
l
dwi
thhi
s
mother
Puso:
youdi
dwel
lmybr
other
Tumel
o:mybabyl
ooksexact
lyl
i
keme
Puso:
that
'sgr
eat
.
Tumelo:t
otagapeI'
mtheonewhor
uined
thi
ngsbetweenthet
woofyou
Puso:
nohar
dfeel
i
ngsman.Am Ii
nvi
tedt
othe
weddi
ng?
Tumel
o:whynot
?
(
Kgomotsoputt
hephonebackinherbagand
l
ookedatt
hem wi
tht
earyeyes)
Kgomotso:
theoper
ati
ondi
dn'
tgowel
l
.Hedi
ed
anhourago
Tumel
o:ohmyGod
Puso:
guy
swhat
'sgoi
ngon?
Tumel
o:hercousi
n,John,
hasdi
ed
Puso:
that
'smyf
ormercol
l
eague
Tumel
o:shei
semot
ional
.It
hinkwemustl
eav
e.
Wewil
ltal
k
Puso:
condol
ences

MYUNCLES'
SHOUSE

Uncl
e:TshegoIcal
ledyouher
ebecausey
our
vi
sit
orsf
rom Bokaalef
tanhourago
Me:
myv
isi
tor
sfr
om Bokaa?(
Iwasshocked)
Uncl
e:whydi
dn'
tyout
ell
ust
hatt
heywer
e
comi
ng?
Me:
Idon'
tknowwhatt
hisi
sabout
Uncl
e:t
hePusof
ami
l
ywasher
e
Me:
Idi
dn'
tknowt
heyar
ecomi
ng
Uncl
e:mmetheywer
eher
etor
epor
tthatt
hei
r
sonwant
stomarryy
ou
Me:
butourr
elat
ionshi
pisnotr
eal
l
yser
ious
Hi
swi
fe:
whatdoy
oumean?
Me:
wearenotr
eal
lydat
ing.Wear
ejustget
ti
ng
t
oknoweachot
her
Uncl
e:y
ouchi
l
drenmustnotpl
aygameswi
th
us
Me:I
'm sor
ryuncl
e.Heneveri
nfor
medmet
hat
hi
sfamilywascomingher
e
Hiswif
e:maybehewantedt
ober
omant
icso
hedeci
dedtosurpr
isey
ou
(
Ibl
ushed)
Uncl
e:howwel
ldoy
ouknowt
hisboy
?
Me:hei
stheoneIdat
edwhenIstay
edwi
th
Di
mphoandTefoatThebephat
shwa
Uncl
e:oh,
Iremember
Me:
eer
ra
Uncl
e:sowhatshoul
dwesayt
oBakgat
la?
Me:
canIt
alkt
ohi
mfi
rst
?
Uncl
e:i
t'
sOKmychi
l
d
Hiswi fe:don'tr ushi ntoany thing.Tshegoy our
mar r
iagej ustended.I fy ougetmar riednow
peoplewi llthinkTonywasr ightwhenhe
suspect edt haty ouwer echeat ing.Itwillappear
asifthisboyhasal way sbeent here.Anot her
thi
ng, Tshegoi nourSet swanacul turey ouar e
supposedt obei nsecl usion.Ihav ebeen
watchingy our unningal l overMol epololewhi ch
i
snotgood.Lebonei ssupposedt obeconf ined
i
nt hehousebuty ouar eal way scar r
y i
nghi m
around.Iknowhi sf atheri swhi teTshegobut
youar enot .Pleasebehav eyourselfTshego.Do
youhearme?
Me:
eemma(
Iwasf
uri
ous)
Hiswife:abr
eastf
eedingmot
herdat
ing,
Ihav
e
neverseensuchathi
ng
Me:
Ihav
enev
ersl
eptwi
thhi
m
Hiswif
e:IhavesaidwhatIneededt
osay
.The
deci
si
onrestswithyou
Me:
eemma
(
shewenti
ntot
hehouse?
Uncle:Idon'
thaveapr
oblem wi
thy
oudat
ing
thatboyorgetti
ngmar
riedtohi
m
Me:
eer
ra
Uncl
e:asl
ongasyouknowhim wel
landy
ou
ar
esureaboutt
hest
epy ouar
etaki
ng
Me:
Iwi
l
lthi
nkabouti
tcar
eful
l
y
Uncle:regardi
ngdiv
orce,
Idon'
tcarebecause
yourmar ri
ageendedwaybefor
ey ouwere
grantedthedivor
ce
Me:trueuncl
e.TonyandIst
oppedbeing
husbandandwifetheni
ghtoft
heprophecy
Uncl
e:exactl
y.Aboutthechil
d,Leboneis
heal
thysoIdon'tknow..
..
..
..
.Wear eli
vi
ngin
ti
meswher enowomancanaf fordtostayi
nthe
housefor3months.Gompienoj
aanayouar
e
mov i
ngtoGaboronenextweekandyouwi
ll
be
star
ti
ngtoschool
Me:
Itakegoodcar
eofLeboneuncl
e
Uncl
e:don'
twor
ry.Iknow
Me:
thanky
ou
(If
eltdrained.Ibidmyuncleandhi swife
goodbyeandwentt omyhouse.Ineededt or
est.
Ineededspacet othinksoIcall
edTonyt o
comeandf etchBonet ospendsomet i
mewith
him athishouse.Hewast hr
il
led.Pusotri
edto
call
mebutIdi dn'tpi
ckhiscall
.Icall
edChari
ty)

Char
it
y:ourbr
ide
Me:
soy
ouhear
d?
Char
it
y:y
es.Wheni
stheweddi
ng?
Me:nemmahakereIwast
ell
i
ngy
ouaboutmy
conf
usi
ony
est
erday
Chari
ty:
afterTef
oheardaboutt
heproposal
he
tol
dmet hathepref
ersPusooverTony
Me:
(shocked)Tef
o?
Char
it
y:y
es.Whyar
eyousur
pri
sed?
Me:
becausehenev
erl
i
kedPuso
Chari
ty:thatwasthen.Thisisnow.Remember
Tefoisanewman?Si ncehisdeliverancehe
hasbeenact i
ngdiffer
ent.Lennaheshocksme
somet i
mes.Hesay sPusogenui nelylovedy
ou
andriskedhisjobandeducat i
onbecauseof
you.Heacknowl edgesthathetreatedPuso
unfai
rlyandfornogoodr eason
Me:
God!
Char
it
y:asIwaspray
ingf
ory
ouGodr
eveal
ed
tomethatPusoi
stheone
Me:
howdi
dher
eveal
it?
Char
it
y:t
hroughmydr
eam
Me:
tel
lmet
hecont
ent
soft
hedr
eam
Charit
y:i
nt hatdream y
ouandPusower e
happil
ykissing.PusowasholdingBone.Tony
walkedinandPusosmi l
edathi m andsai
dhe
mustholdBone.Theyshookhandsandchat ted
happil
y.Youwer elooki
ngatthet woofthem
smili
ng.Seisowasi nakraalthathadmany
cowsandhesai dtheyareyours
Me:
mineorPuso'
s?
Char
it
y:i
twascowshewasgi
venaspar
tof
br
idepri
ce
Me:
ehe!
Char
ity
: sommaPusoi
stheonesost
op
conf
usingyour
sel
f
Me:
ok
Char
ity:
buty ourspi
ritmustalsotel
lyou
something.Sothenewssi twellwit
hyouornot
?
That
'sonewayt oknowif.
...
..
..
..
Me:
whaty
ouar
esay
ingmakessense.Tonyput
met
hroughal
ot
Char
it
y:f
orgi
vehi
m
Me:
Iwi
l
ltr
y
NO.143

(
phoneconv
ersat
ion)

Puso:
(anxi
ous)hel
l
oTshego
Me:
hel
l
oRaboar
d.What
'swi
tht
hef
ormal
i
ty?
Puso:
Ithoughty
ouwereangryatmebecause
youdi
dn'tpi
ckmycal
l
sy est
erday
Me:
Iwasi
nshock
Puso:i
t'
sonlywhenmyf ami
l
ycamebackthatI
real
i
zedthatIhaddonesomethi
ngst
upi
d
Me:
Idon'
tthi
nki
t'
sst
upi
d
Puso:
yout
hink?
Me:
itwassuchaboldst
ep.Gapei
twasabit
r
omanti
c.Youtookmebycomplet
esupr
ise
Puso:
ohwow!
Me:yes.Idi
dn'tev
enknowwhatt
otel
lmyuncl
e.
Isai
dIwillt
alktoyouf
ir
st
Puso: OK.TshegoI 'm seriousabouty ou.
Comi ngt othi
nkabouti t,Ineverstoppedlovi
ng
you.Wheny ougotmar r
iedIsomehow
conv i
ncedmy selft
hatIwasnev ergoingtohave
youagai n.Iwasbr oken.WhenImetKgomot so
Ithoughtshewoul dhelpmet oforgetaboutyou
butitdidn'thappen.Somet i
mesIl ookedfor
Kgomot soi ny ou.Wheny ougotdi vorcedI
celebrat
ed.Iknowt hi
ssoundsev il
Me:
it'
sint
hepast
Puso:Il
oveyouandyouonly
.Isti
ll
beli
evethat
i
fyourbrot
herdi
dn'
tmesswi t
hourrel
ati
onship
wecouldbemarri
ed.Youcouldbedonewi t
h
yourt
ert
iar
yeducat
ion.Wecouldbehavinga
childtogether.Youwoul dnotbeadiv orceeand
youwoul dnothavet astedabuseandbet rayal
.
I'
m notdi stanci
ngmy selffr
om mymi st akes.I
acknowl edgemycont ributi
oninhowt hings
turnedout .Iwil
lneverf orgi
vemy sel
ff or
tri
ckingy ouintoabortingourchil
dandwor se
stoppingy ouf r
om goingt othehospital.You
couldbedead.Iwasgoi ngtocommi tsui cide.
Me: youarever
yr i
ght.Il
ovedy ouPuso,
withmy
wholebeing.Fr
om t hedayImety ouunt
ilnowI
haveneverbeenbr oke.Youtaughtmehowt o
savemoneyandy oualwaysencouragedmet o
standupformy self
Puso:andyoutaughtmethatt
rueloveexist
s.
WhenImety ouIfeltl
i
keamerepr i
vate
becausemyexhadcheatedwithmyseni or.
Youaccept
edmeasIwasandy oulov
edmeas
i
fIhadital
l
.Youmademef eell
ikearealman.
Me:
doy
out
hinkwecangobackt
her
e?
Puso:
ofcour
se
Me:therei
sonethi
ngwor
ryi
ngme.Youar
e
obsessedwit
hchur
ch
Puso:(hechuckl
edbef or
etal
king)Iam whatI
am andwhereIam becauseofGod.Iwas
savedbygrace.I
fitwasn'tf
orGodIwoul dhave
l
ongcommi t
tedsuici
debecauselif
ehadno
meaning
Me:I'
m notmuchi
ntochurchandGod.Won'
tI
pul
lyoudownanddil
uteyourfai
th?
Puso:notatal
l
.Ifany
thingIseey
oubecomi
ng
st
rongerthanmespir
itul
ly
Me:
Idon'
tknow
Puso:
Iwon'
tfor
cey
out
ogot
omychur
ch.
Me:
ok
Puso:
doy
ouknowwhatwor
ri
esmeabouty
ou?
Me:
tel
lme
Puso:If
eart
hatyoumightl
eavemeforhim
anyt
imebecauseyouhaveachi
ldt
ogether
Me:
no.Nev
er
Puso:
sowhencanIexpectmyr
esponse?
Me:
(Ismi
l
ed)y
esIwi
l
lmar
ryy
ou
Puso:
arey
ousur
e?
Me:
yesbutnotr
ightaway
Puso:
thanky
ousomuchmmaboar
d
Me:
Ihav
etobecomemmaboar
dpr
operhaker
e
Puso:youhaveto.Whattheheck!Iwi
l
lbei
n
Molepolol
eint
wohour s
Me:
youdon'
t
hav
etocomeher
e
Puso:Ihavet
olooki
ntoy oureyeswhenyou
sayyesandseehowseriousy ouar
e.Ial
so
havetosealt
heyeswit
har i
ng
Me:
ify
ouputi
tthatway
Puso:
Ilov
eyoummaboar
d.
Me:
Ilov
eyour
aboar
d
Puso:
canwegetmar
ri
edassoonaspossi
ble?
Me:
Isai
dnotr
ightaway
Puso:
IneedsexandIneedl
otsofi
tbutIcan
onl
yhaveitwi
thi
nmarri
age
Me:t
henwecandot het
radi
ti
onalweddi
ngand
dot
heoff
ici
aloneonceI
'mready
Puso:
what
'
sthedi
ff
erence?
Me:Iknowwel oveeachot
herbutwhati
fit
doesn'
twork?Idon'
twanttogothr
ough
l
awy er
sandcourtsagai
n.
Puso:
t r
ustmewhenIsayt
hismar
riagei
sgoi
ng
towork.Thi
smar
riagei
sfr
om God
Me:
ok
(whatmyuncle'swi
fehadsaidtomemadei t
dif
fi
cultformetogobacktomyuncl eandt
ell
himthatIacceptt
heproposal
.IaskedChar
it
y
totel
lthem onmybehalf
)
Char
it
y:uncl
e,Tshegohasaskedmet
ocome
andspeaktoyouonherbehalf
Uncl
e:i
sshepr
egnantagai
n?
Char
it
y:no.Nouncl
e
Uncle:good.Iwanthert
ocol
l
egeandgether
di
ploma.Idon'twantanymor
edist
ract
ionsi
n
herli
fe
Char
it
y:Iwantt
hatf
orhert
oo
Uncl
e:whati
sitt
hatshewant
syout
otel
lme?
Char
it
y:sheaccept
sthemar
ri
agepr
oposal
Uncle:(
hedi dn'
tlookpleased)Char i
tymy
daughtersinceyouar ev erycl
osetoTshego
andy ouprobablyhav eal otofi
nformat
ionon
thi
sguyandt hei
rrelati
onship,doyouthink
Tshegoismaki ngt herightdecisi
on?
Char
it
y:y
esuncl
e.
Uncl
e:i
sn'thet
heonewhot
ri
ckedheri
nto
commit
tingabor
ti
on?
Charit
y:heistheoneuncl e.Idon'
tmeant o
defendhim oranythingbutwhenhedi dthathe
wasi nabadst at
e.Hei sadiffer
entpersonnow.
Justli
kewedon' tjudgeTshegof ort
heaborti
on
weshoul dnotjudget hepoorboy
Uncle:youarer i
ght
.Ihavebeenworri
edabout
Tshegol at
ely.Isawhergett
ingcl
osertoTony
becauseoft hechil
dandIwaswor ri
edthatshe
mighttakehim back.Thatboyisnotgoodfor
Tshegoatal l
.WhathedidtoTshegoi s
unthi
nkable
Chari
ty:
Ithi
nkt
hef amil
ymustt r
ytofor
giv
ehim.
Heremainsapartofthefamil
ybecauseheand
Tshegohaveachil
dtogether
Uncl
e:Idon'
twanthi
m nearmydaught
er.
Chari
ty:
atleasti
fshemar
ri
esPusoTony
doesn'
tstandachance
Uncle:t
rue.Iwill
t al
ktomywi f
eandTshego'
s
brother
s..
..
..
..
.Ther eisTef
o.I
shegoingtobea
partoftheweddi ngsinceheandTshegoar
e
notont al
ki
ngt erms?
Chari
ty:
thatoneiscompli
cated.Iwill
tal
kto
bothofthem abouti
t.Weneedt oprayseri
ousl
y
abouti
t.Itwon'
tlookgoodi
fTef oisnotpartof
Tshego'
sweddi ng
Uncl
e:i
twoul
dsaddenme
Chari
ty:
Iknowuncl
e.Godwi
l
lgi
vemet
he
wisdom t
oaddr
essit
Uncl e:
Godr eadsourmi ndsandseesdeepi nto
ourhear ts.Iusedt oworryal otthatDimpho
andTshegower enotcl
ose.Kanat hat
'show
Tshegof el
lintotheLentle'sevil
hands.I t
pleasesmesomucht oseeTshegobei ngcl
ose
toy ou.Youar eawomanoff ai
thandy ouhave
Tshego' sinterestatheart.Shemustl eanon
youbecauseIbel i
eveyouwi llgi
veherwi se
gui
dance.Godhasanswer
edmypr
ayer
s
Chari
ty:Tshegowi l
lbefineuncle.Theonet hing
thati
smi ssinginherli
feisar el
ati
onshipwith
God.Ifsheal i
gnshersel
fwi thGodandl i
ve
accor
dingt ohiswil
lherlifewill
beperfect.I
'm
notworriedmuchaboutt hatbecausePusoi sa
manofGodsohewi lll
eadhert oGod
Uncl
e:I
'
m begi
nni
ngt
oli
ket
hisPusoguy
Char
it
y:andhei
sacommer
cial
far
mer
Uncl
e:heee!
Chari
ty:
nextpl
oghi
ngseasonyouwon'
tbe
beggi
ngpeoplewhoowntract
ors
Uncle:(helaughed)morethananyt
hingIwant
hi
mt olovemydaught er
.Iwanthertohavea
peacefulandjoyfulmarr
iage.
Char
it
y:i
tiswel
l
.

(
Ihadi
nvi
tedTonyt
omyhousebecauseI
want
edt
odi scusssomethi
ngimport
antwi
th
hi
m.Hefoundmeeat ingandIdi
shedoutf
or
hi
m.HeateholdingBone)
Tony
:youar
esuchagoodcookTshego
Me:
thanks
Tony:youusedt obesogoodt ome.Youhad
everyt
hingIwant edinawomanandmor e.Then
youfail
edt ogivemeonet hi
ngandIf oolishly
overreacted.Myl ackofpatienceandf ail
ur eto
for
giveruinedus.Her eisLebone( webot h
l
ookedatLebonewhowasy awning)andhei s
bri
ngingmeal otofjoy.I'
m brokeandIhav e
nothi
ngt omynamebuthav inghimf eelsasi f
I'
mr i
ch.WhenIf eeldownandhopel essIl ook
athispict
uresandv i
deosandIr egainmy
mot i
vati
ont ol
iveandwor khard
Me: (
Iwasteary
)theyearsofmymarri
age
befor
etheprophecywerethebest
.Wewere
goodtoget
her.Youwerelovi
ngandver
y
suppor t
ive.Thenonewor df rom oneman
destroyedus.Yout urnedi ntoamonst erwho
hatedme.Thef irsttimey ouhi tmeIf orgave
youbecauseIf eltthatIdeser vedit.Theny ou
madei tahabi tofhi tt
ingmeandi tstolemy
confidencebutIst illl
ov edy out henandhoped
youwoul dcomebackt ome.Thent her ewas
Lentle(Il
ett earsdown)Icannev erf orgiveyou
forthebet r
ay al.Theny out ookt hehouseand
deniedmyson, fort hatIfor giveyou.Idon' t
thi
nkIwi lleverf orgivey ouf orimpr egnat ingmy
fri
endandengagi ngherwhi lewewer emar ri
ed.
Thatwasbel owt hebel tandt othisdayi tsti
l
l
hurts
Tony
:I'
m sor
ryf
orput
ti
ngy
out
hroughal
lthat
Me:Itoohadmyfairshar
eofmistakes.Anyway
Ical
l
edy out
olety
ouknowt hatIhavemov ed
on
Tony:Iknowy ouar
eseei
ngsomeoneandI
haveacceptedit
.Atti
mesIhear
dyoutal
ki
ngt
o
hi
m ov
ert
hephone
Me:
wear
eget
ti
ngmar
ri
ed
Tony
:(hi
swhol
efacet
urnedr
ed)ao!
Me:
yes
Tony:
whendi
dyoust
artdat
inghi
m?Doy
ou
knowhimt
hatwel
l
?
Me:
hei
smyex
Tony:t
heonewhot
ri
ckedy
oui
ntohav
ingan
abor
ti
on?
Me:hissi
nsar enotworsethanotherpeople'
s
si
ns.HeisnoSai ntsopeopleshouldnotexpect
hi
mt obeperfect(i
tpissesmeof fwhenpeople
usetheabort
iontodescribePuso.Letmy
Raboardl
ive)
Tony
:yousoundof
fended.I
'
m sor
ry
Me:
it'
sOK.Letmeputhi
mtobed
Tony
:lethi
m enj
oysl
eepi
ngondaddy
's
shoul
der
Me:(
Ismi
led)Inev
ert
houghty
ouwer
egoi
ngt
o
l
ovehi
mthismuch
Tony:Ilovehimt obitsandIshoul
dstart
prayi
ngt oGodt oblessmewi thawomanwho
will
lovehim unconditi
onall
y.Al
lal
ongIhave
beenpray i
ngtolovey oubackbutIguessit
's
oneoft hoseprayer
st hatGoddoesn'
tanswer
accordi
ngt oourdesires
Me:
arey
oual
soi
ntot
hef
ir
echur
cht
hing?
Tony:(hesmiled)yes.I
fyouconsi
dercarefull
y,
Godgav eyouachi l
daftery
ouconfessed.Iwas
alsotol
dthatIwill
regainmychil
dbutIwi l
lface
twomaj orl
osses.Itcametopass.Ihadtol ose
Lentl
eandt hehouse
Me:
Lent
lei
snotr
eal
l
yal
oss
Tony
:youcansayt
hatagai
n.Shei
sagoodl
oss
Me:
Tonywheny
ouchoseawi
feoragi
rl
fr
iend
putmychil
dintoconsi
der
ati
on.Peopleli
ke
Lent
ledon'
thaveiti
nthem t
oloveotherpeopl
e
andthei
rchi
ldr
en
Tony
:Ihav
elear
ntt
hat
(
ther
ewassi
l
ence)
Tony
:thi
sguyi
snotadopt
ingmychi
l
d,r
ight
?
Me:no.Lebonewi
ll
remai
nav anDerMer
we
andyoucanhavehi
m whenev
eryouwant
Tony
:thanks
Me:
youar
ewel
come
Tony:congr
atul
ati
ons.Iwil
lkeepyoui
nmy
pray
erssothatGodcanmaket hi
smarr
iagea
happylongl
asti
ngmar ri
age
Me:
thanks.I
'
m mov
ingi
naf
ewday
s
Tony
:sowhat
'sgonnahappenwi
thLebone?
Me:youcancometoGabstofet
chhim ev
ery
Fr
idayandIcancomeandgethi
m onSundays
Tony
:that
'sgr
eat
Me:
doy
ouwantt
henanny
'shel
p?
Tony:I
'
m notsur
e.Letmehavehi
m bymysel
f
thef
ir
stweekendandseei
fitwi
ll
workout
Me:
cool

AMONTHLATER.
..
..
.

NO.144

TONY'
SHOUSE

Tony:
ther
eissomeoneknocki ngmyboy.Let
megoandat tendtothem.Sither
eandbea
goodboy(heplacedar at
tl
einBone'
shandand
Boneshooktheratt
lehapil
ly
)that
'smyboy
(
hewentt
oopent
hedoor
)
Lent
le:
hel
l
ohandsome
Tony:
hiLent
le.Youknowy
ouar
enotwel
come
her
e
Lent
le:
Ijustcamet
osaygoodby
e
Tony
:wher
ear
eyougoi
ng?
Lent
le:
I'
m mov
ingper
menant
ly
Tony
:ar
eyougoi
ngabr
oad?
Lent
le:
let
'sj
ustsayLent
lewi
l
lnotbot
hery
ou
anymore
Tony
:Iwi
shy
out
hebesti
nli
feLel
e.
Lent
le:
thanks.Igott
hemoney
,thanks
Tony
:yah.I
'
mthebel
essandcar
lessnow
Lent
le:y
ouwillbefi
ne.Atl
eastyouhav
eason
wholooksexactl
yli
keyou.Heissocut
e.Hei
s
sogrownup
Ti
ny:
hei
s
Lent
le:
arey
ouokay
?
Tony
:yes,
why
?
Lentl
e:(shesmi
l
ed)Ithoughty
ouguy
swer
e
goingtogetmarr
iedagai
n
Tony
:canwenotgot
her
epl
ease
Lentl
e: Ili
vetoregretdatingyou.Ishouldhave
neverst oleyoufrom her.Isawhowhappyy ou
madeherandIt houghtyouwer egoi ngt
omake
met hathappy .Yoh!Littl
edidIknowIwas
i
nv i
ti
ngawel loftears.Si
ncet hetimewe
star
teddat i
ngIhav ebeenmi serableandi
tgets
worseev ery
day.IthoughtsinceIgotmoney
fr
om y out hequalit
yofmyl i
fewasgoi ngto
i
mpr ovebutno
Tony
:ar
eyoubl
ami
ngme?
Lent
le:
I'
m bl
ami
ngusespeci
all
yme
Tony
:OK.
Lent
le:
youdi
dn'
twantt
oseehert
oday
?
Tony:
wouldy
ouwantt
owi
tnessy
ourex'
s
weddi
ng?
Lent
le:
no,
especi
all
yifIst
il
ll
ovehi
m
Tony:
youhaveansweredy
our
sel
f.Iwi
l
lgoand
congr
atat
ethem l
ater
Lent
le:
alr
ight
.Goodby
e
Tony
:by
e
Lent
le:
(ext
endi
ngherhandf
orashake)t
ruce!
Tony:
truce!(
heshookherhand)don'
tcause
tr
oubl
ewher every
ouaregoi
ng
Lent
le:
Iwon'
t(shesmi
l
ed)
Tony
:whatabouty
ourcase?
Lent
le:i
t'
stakencar
eof.Don'
tworry
.Ihaveto
go(shehurri
edourl
eav
ingthesuspici
ousTony
puzzl
ed)

MYHOUSE
Ol
dwoman1:
wai
tsee!
Ol
dwoman2:
somepeopl
ear
elucky
Ol
dwoman1: thi
sismanmadeluck.Thi
sgir
l
di
vor
cedaf ewweeksagoandsheisgetti
ng
marr
iedagain
Ol
dwoman2:
Ithi
nkt
hisnewmanwasbehi
nd
t
hedi
vor
ce
Ol
dwoman1: It
hinksotoo.Ebi
l
ekanahepai
d
15headsofcatt
leasbogadi
Oldwoman2:
15?(
shel
ookedatherf
ri
endi
n
shock)
Oldwoman1:youdi
dn'tknow.Hewantedto
outdot
hefi
rstman.Hakereenehehadgiv
en
10
Oldwoman2:moset
hisgi
rli
sabusi
ness
commodit
ynow
Ol
dwoman1:
exact
ly.
Ol
dwoman2:
15?
Oldwoman1:yes.Appar
ent
lyt
hisguyisvery
r
ich.Hei
sthi
sfir
epastor
swhostealpeople'
s
money
Oldwoman2:ohhh,Isee.I
tmightbet
hateach
malememberofthecongregat
ionwasmadeto
cont
ri
but
eacow
Ol
dwoman1:
nakedt
rut
h!
(theykeptquietwhent heyhear dululations.I
wal kedoutoft hehouse.Myuncl e'
swi fewas
hol dingmyhand.Iwaswear ingawhi teand
bluekgakaGer manpr i
ntdr ess,amat ching
headscar f,whiteshoesandabl uebl anketwas
ov ermyshoul ders.Myuncl e'swifeledmet o
wher ePuso'
sf amilywassi tt
ingandIgr eeted
them st ar
ti
ngwi ththegent l
emen.IsawPuso
sittingwit
hhiscousi nsunderat r
eeshade.He
waschat t
inghappy .Mynewl yweddedhusband
l
ookedhandsomei nhi
sbl ackskinnypant s,
whi
teshir
tandaGermanpri
ntj
acketthat
matchedmydress.Whent
hetr
adit
ional
pr
ocedurewasdonePusowasinv
itedtojoi
n
me)
Puso:
youl
ookbeaut
if
ulmmaboar
d
Me:
(smi
l
ing)y
oul
ookhandsomer
aboar
d
Puso:
Ican'
tbel
i
eveIf
inal
l
yhusbandy
ou
Me:unt
ildeat
hdouspar
t(Isai
ditf
rom t
he
bot
tom ofmyhear
t)
Puso:Mari
yandar
abashakal
uda.Godsay
siti
s
done.Il
oveyou
Me:
Ilov
eyout
oo
Uncle:wearedonewit
ht hetr
adit
ionalpart.We
haverecei
vedbogadiwi
thopenar msandwe
havehandedourdaughtertothePusof amily.
Theyhavealsoshowedusourson, atallyoung
handsomemanwi thhandsstrongenought o
carr
ya50kgbagofmai ze(ul
ulat
ions)nowI 'm
handi
ngov
ert
othepast
ort
obl
esst
hisuni
on
(thepast orsharedawor dofencour agement .
Heshar edwi t
hust hatmar riageisacov enant
betweenGodandt hecoupl eanditissacr ed.
Af t
ershar i
ngt hewor dofGodhecal ledhisCo-
past orandweknel tinfrontofthem ast hey
pray edforus.Af t
ert heblessingwehadl unch
i
nawel ldecorat
edmar quee.Thedecorwasout
oft hiswor l
dandt hecat eri
ngcompanyhad
outdonei t
self
.Ther ewasl otsandlotsoff ood
anddr i
nks.IfeelthatPusoov erspent.After
eatingpeopl estarteddispersingandt hosewho
remai nedbehi ndwer emost lyrel
ati
vesand
fri
ends)
Puso:
let
'
sst
epoutf
oranhour
Me:
wher
ear
ewegoi
ng?
Puso:toalodge.Ineedsome.I'
mt i
redof
putt
ingmyhandsi nfrontofmypantstohi
de
thepit
chedtent
Me:
theel
der
smi
ghtl
ookf
orus
Puso:t
ell
Char
it
ythatwear
edi
sappear
ingf
ora
whil
e
Me:
arey
ouser
ious?
Puso:
yes
Me:
ok
(Imadeadeal wit
hChar i
tyandwel eft
.Assoon
asweopenedt hedoort ot heroom wewer e
all
ocat ed,cl
othesstartedflyi
ngi ntheai r
.We
startedkissingandforourf i
rsthelpingPuso
nuttedassoonasheputt het i
pin.Hel eftme
highanddr y.Afewmi nutesl aterwewer eatit
again.West ayedinthelodgef oranhouranda
fewmi nutesbutwehadal readymadel ove
threetimesnotcount i
ngthef i
rstf
ailedattempt
-thet womi nutenoodle.Wewentbackhome)
Uncl
e:wher
ear
eyouf
rom?
(
wel
ookedateachot
her
)
Puso:
wewentt
akeaf
ewpi
ctur
es
Uncle:
letswagoi
paahant
shungbongwanaka.
Iunderst
and
Puso:
negol
ebl
i
ndny
anauncl
e(Iel
bowedhi
m)
Uncke:
youar esonaughty.Kegoreyouar
e
tel
l
ingmet hatyouwenttosleepwit
hmy
daught
er.Ineed2li
tercokenow
Puso:
Isi
ncer
elyapol
ogi
zeuncl
e
Uncl
e:Tonyi
sher
etoseey
ou
Me:
OK.
Uncle:hei
sinthemarqueewi
thBone.Wetr
ied
totakeBonefr
om hi
m andhecri
edholdi
ngon
tohim
Me:
theyhav
efor
medaspeci
albond
(PusoandIwentt
ogreetTony.Wefoundhim
eati
ng.It
ookBonefr
om him andhecr
iedfor
Puso)
Tony
:nowIknowIcant
rusty
ouwi
thhi
m
Pusot
hisi
smyboy
.Heknowsdaddynumber2
Me:
daddynumber2!
Tony:congratul
ati
onsguy
s.Iwi
shy
oual
ong
happymar r
iage
Puso:
thanksman(
handshake)
Me:
thanky
ou
Tony
:don'
tdelaymaki
ngachi
l
dbecauset
his
onei
ssomi ne
Puso:act
ual
lywewanttoenjoyeachot
herf
ir
st
wit
houthavi
ngtochangenappies.
Tony:thenletmeraisethi
sonesothatyoucan
enj
oyy ourhoneymoonandt hemadam can
concent r
ateonherstudi
es(
PusoandIlookedat
eachot her)
Me:
wewi
l
lthi
nkabouti
t
Tony
:thanks
Me:youcansl
eepwi
thhi
mtoni
ght
.KanaJang
babe?
Puso:(
hol
dingmyhand)Idon'
thav
eapr
obl
em
wit
hitl
ove
Me:Iwi
ll
tell
thenannyt
opr
epar
ethi
ngshewi
l
l
needf
orthenight
Tony
:thanky
ou.It
hinkIshoul
dbegoi
ng
Me:
OK.Letmet
ell
thenannynow
(thewhol
eco-parent
ingthingwasn'tbadatal
l.
Tonyisagreatdadandhedoesonhi schil
d.
Pusotooischil
l
edandl ett
ingTonybe.My
raboar
disrel
axed,downt oearthandlovi
ng.I
camebackt ofi
ndTef ochatt
ingwithPuso)
Tef
o:congrat
ulat
ionsonthemarri
ageand
bei
ngsuccessful
inli
fegener
all
y
Puso:
thanky
ou
Tef
o:nowIknowt haty
ouandTshegoare
meanttobe.Youhavefoundeachot
heragai
n
Puso:gonemmewhydi
dyoudest
roymel
i
ke
that
?
Tefo:Iwasobsessedwi t
hpowerandt houghtI
couldcontrolevery
thingincludi
ngwhomy
si
sterdates.Iwasbei ngsel f
ishand
unreasonable.Iapologi
zef orwhatIdi
dtoyou
Puso:I'
m goingtoforgivebecauseof1t hi
ng-
thepainy ouexposedmet opushedmet othis
spir
it
ual andcomfortablel
ifeI'
mliv
ing.May bei
f
younev erpushedmel ikethatIwouldst
ill
be
wherether estofmycol l
eaguesare
Tefo:
Iwasbeingunfai
rtoy ou.Li
fehas
humbledme.Imadey ouloseagirlf
ri
endanda
j
obandIlostt
hesameandmi nehappenedi
n
themosthumil
iat
ingway
Puso:
it'
sal
li
nthepast
Tef
o:Tshego?
Me:
rra?
Tefo:pl
easef
indi
tiny
ourhear
tmysist
er.I
tr
eatedyoubadl
yandi
thasbeeneat
ingmeup
Me: Iforgi
veyoubutIdon'tthi
nkwecanev
erbe
thatclose.WithyouIhavelear
ntt
obecauti
ous
andalway sleaveroom f
orhuge
disappointments
Tefo:Iknowandit
'sf
airenough.IknowIcan
neverbeascloset
oyouasy ouarewit
hSeiso
butjustahi
,howareyouwi l
lbeenough
Me:
wear
ecool
Puso:
I'
m pr
oudofy
oul
ove
(Seisoandhiswifejoi
nedusandallofa
suddent het
ensionmel t
edaswefreel
yand
happi l
ychat
tedwiththem.Pusowasgetti
ng
alongwi t
hSeisoli
keahouseonfir
eandi t
mel tedmyheart)
NO.145
MYHOUSE

(PusoandIhadj ustmadeloveandwewer e
cuddli
ng.Theweat herwasconduci
veforthe
deed,i
twasdr i
zzli
ngoutsi
deandwewer e
planni
ngtohaveal azymorningonbed.A
knockont hedoormessedourplans)
Puso:(
touchi
ngmynakedbut
t)aoNanna.Who
coul
ditbe?
Me:Ihopei
t'
snotTony
.May
benannydi
dn'
t
come
Puso:
whoi
sit
?
Voi
ce:
Lent
le
(
PusoandIlookedateachotheri
nshock
wonder
ingwhatshewasdoingatmyhouse)
Me:
Lent
lewhatdoy
ouwant
?
Lent
le:
tot
alkt
oyou
Me:
Ihav
enot
hingt
osayt
oyou
Lent
le:
youwi
l
ljustl
i
stent
owhatIhav
etosay
(
speaki
ngi
nwhi
sper
s)
Puso:
justgoandhearherout
Me:Idon'
ttr
ustLent
le.Whati
fshei
soutt
o
har
m me?
Puso:
I'
m her
emyl
ove(
heki
ssedmyhand)
Me:
(speaki
ngl
ouder
)I'
m comi
ng
(weputonourgownsandopenedt hedoor
.We
didn'
twanthert
ogetinsi
dethehousesoPuso
closedt
hedoorimmediat
ely.Thet
hreeoft
hem
satonchair
sinthev
arandah.Shewaswearing
dirt
ypyj
amasandherhairwa
Lent
le:
(toPuso)Idi
dn'
tknowy
ouar
eher
e
Puso:
mor
ning
Lent
le:wherearemymanners?Godmor
ning.
Congrat
ulat
ionsonyournewjour
ney
s
dishevel
ed.Shel
ookedscar
y.Pusostood
behindmeembr aci
ngmewi t
hhisar
msandI
feltpr
otect
ed).
Lentl
e:congr
atul
ati
onsonyournewj
our
ney
(hersmil
egavemet hecr
eeps)
Puso:thanks(hesensedadar
kcloudhanging
overt
het hreeoft
hem andhestar
tedpr
aying
si
lent
ly)
Me:
Lent
lewhatdoy
ouwantt
hisear
ly?
Lentl
e:sorr
yforint
errupt
ingyourhoney moon.I
camet ocongrat
ulateyou.I
nPusoy ouhav e
foundagoodman.Someonewhowi l
lnever
cheatonyouwi t
hy ourbestf
riend.Atsome
pointIwantedPusosobadandhehandl edme
nicel
y.
Me:
ahah!
Lent
le:
I'
m bei
nghonest
Puso:
Ihav
elongwar
nedy
oubabe
Me:
heebannna!
Lentl
e: Istillr
emembery ourwor dsPuso.You
saidIshoul dnotbef ooledbyt hewayacoupl e
rel
ateandt hi
nkthatifIdatet hesamemanhe
willt
reatmet hesamewayandy ouwer eso
ri
ght.Iwat chedhowTonyt r
eatedTshegoandI
thoughthewasgoi ngt otreatmebet ter.Imean
i
fhecoul dt eatsomeonewhocan' tgi
v ehima
chil
dt henwhatmor eofme, someonecapabl e
ofgivinghi m achild.Myr elati
onshipwi t
hTony
wasal i
vingni ghtmare.Thet reat
menthegav e
mewasf arf r
om howhet reatedTshego.We
abusedeachot herandnoneofuswashappy .I
somet imeswondergor eifWar onadidn'tdie,
whatki ndofenv i
ronmentwasshegoi ngt obe
exposedt o.
Me:
whyar
eyout
ell
i
ngmet
his?
Lentl
e:Icameher
etoapol
ogi
zef
orhur
ti
ngy
ou.
I'
m sorr
y
Me:
apol
ogynotaccept
ed
Lentl
e:(
ir
ri
tat
ed)y
ouneedt
ofor
giv
eme.How
doyouexpectmetol
iv
ewit
hthi
sguil
tand
regr
et?
Me: y
oucan' tf
orcemetoacceptyourapol
ogy
.
I
'm notresponsibl
efory
ourpeaceand
happiness
Lent
le:youneedt
ofor
giv
eme.(sheknel
tdown
andgrabbedmyhand)pl
ease
Me:
leav
emeal
one
Lent
le:(t
ight
eningthegr
ip)y
oumustf
orgi
ve
me( shewast ear
yandmucuswascomingout
ofhernose)
Puso:
letherf
ree
Lent
le:
notunt
ilshef
orgi
vesme
(Pusopull
edhersmallf
ingertowar
dst heback
ofherhandandsheletgoof fmescreami ngi
n
pain.Hethepul
l
edbothherar mstowar dsher
backandfr
om thewayshewasscr
eami
ngi
t
musthavebeenver
ypainf
ul)
Puso:
leav
emyy
ard
(themomentPusor el
easedhersher an
towar dsthegat el
ikethemadwomanshewas
thatday .Pusogoti nsi
dethehousequi ckl
yand
start
edpr ay i
nginstrangetongues.Theonly
thingIgat heredfr
om hisprayerwasthathe
wascov eringLebonewi t
hthebloodofJesus
andr eleasingthebodyguar dsofheavento
protecthim.Hesai dhewassor r
ounding
Leboneandhi sf
atherwithangels)
Me:
babywhat
'sgoi
ngon?
Puso:Godi
sincont
rol
myl
ove.Hewi
l
lnev
er
fai
lus
Me:
what
'
sgoi
ngon?
Puso:
Lent
lehasl
osti
tcompl
etel
y
Me:
arewesaf
e?
Puso:
int
heshadowofhi
swi
ngs.
Me:
wher
edoy
out
hinkshehasgone?
Puso:
Idon'
tknow.BabyIneedspacet
opr
ay
Me:
ok
(hewentinsi
det
hebat
hroom andst
art
ed
pray
ing)

TONY'
SHOUSE

(Lentl
ewalkedi nthr
oughthegat e.Thenanny
heardthegat eopeni
ngandl ockedt hedoor.
SheknewLent l
everywell,
everyonei nt
he
vil
lageknewherast hemadwomanwhoki ll
ed
herchil
d.Lentletr
iedtotouchthedoorandshe
fel
tabur ni
ngsensation.Shetri
edagai nand
shegotbur ntagai
n.Shewal kedtot hedoorat
theback.Thedoorwasnotcl osed.Whenshe
camecl osetothedoorshewasbl indedbya
hugeli
ghtt hatgav eherani nstantheadache.
Shewal kedawaysl owly.Tonyar r
ivedhomei n
hiscol
league'scar .Hecameasf astashe
couldaftergett
ingacal l f
rom thenanny .He
foundLebonecr y i
ng.Thenannywasi nastate
andcoul dnotev enattendt othecr yi
ngLebone.
Therewasahugekni febyt hedoor .Tonycall
ed
thepoli
cet hencalledTshegot oinform her
aboutwhathadj usthappened)

LENTLE'
SHOUSE

(Thepol i
ceoffi
cersknockedbutt
herewasno
answer.Ther adi
owaspl ayi
ngsotheyassumed
shewasi nt
hehousebutdi dnotwantt
oopen
forthem.Theybr okethedoordownandf ound
hersitt
ingonacouch.Ther ewassomef oam
thathaddr i
edonherl i
psandcheek)
Of
fi
cer1:
what
'sgoi
ngonher
e?
Off
icer2:(
lookingatemptymedi
cinebot
tl
eson
t
het abl
e)suici
de.Call
theambul
ance
Offi
cer1:damnit
.Therearewhatl
ookli
ke
sui
cidenotesher
e.ToTshego,
toTony,
Tomy
famil
y
Offi
cer2:i
nsteadofleavi
ngstupi
dsui ci
de
notessheshouldhaveleftmoneyforher
funer
al.(
checkingher)t
herei
snopul se?

COURT

(
Lent
le'
sfami
l
ywai
tedf
orheri
mpat
ient
ly)

Hermum:
howcoul
dshedot
his?
Hersi
ster
:Iknewshewasn'
tgoi
ngtocomet he
momentsheinsi
stedonsl
eepi
ngatherhouse
Hermum:
shei
sjeopar
dizi
nghercase
Hersist
er:Idon'
tthi
nkshei
staki
ngher
ant
idepressant
s.Wemusttakeherbackt
o
Sbr
ana
Hermum:Lent
lei
sgoi
ngt
osendmet
omy
gr
aveear
ly
(
hernamewascal l
edthr
eetimesandt he
magist
rat
ereleasedherwarrantofar
rest.
Meanwhil
e,Lentl
e'smum receiv
edacal l
)

HOSPI
TAL

Sei
so:
off
icer
,thi
sladyi
sdead
Of
fi
cer
:wet
houghtasmuch
Sei
so:(t
othenur
se)I'
m complet
ingthe
paper
work.Shemustbetakentothemort
uar
y
Nur
se:
OKdoct
or
Of
fi
cer
:shewentt
osomehousewi
thabi
g
kni
fe.It
hinkshewant
edt
oki
l
lawomananda
chi
l
d
Seiso:(seethi
ng)Iwasgoi ngto...
..
..
..
iwasgoi ng
toleadhert ohergr aveusingthemostpai nful
andl ongestmet hod.Shewasgoi ngtol ongfor
herowndeat h.Isweart oyout hatgir
lwas
goingt opayandy ouguy swerenotev engoi ng
tobeabl etot r
acei tbacktome.Shehasbeen
toyi
ngwi thpeopl e'
slivesfort
ool ong( he
l
ookedatt hecoldandst i
l
lbody )i
diotwi t
hthe
brainofachi cken.Youdeser vedwor set han
thi
s!
Of
fi
cer
:ar
eyoucl
oset
othesi
tuat
ion?
Sei
so:
thel
it
tl
eboyismynephewandt
he
womanismysist
er
Of
fi
cer
:I'
m sor
ry
Seiso:Idon'tevenwantt
ohandl ethi
srubbish.
I'
mj ustcompl et
ingt
hebeccessarypaperwork
andhandi ngthecasetoanotherdoctor
.It
'sa
pi
tyI
'mtheoneondut yandtheonl
yone
av
ail
ableri
ghtnow(toLent
le)l
esut
haka
mashena!Bl
oodyfool
Of
fi
cer:f
ini
shwit
hthecasedoc.Thi
scor
pse
wi
llgety
ouint
otroubl
e
Seiso:
IwishIcoul
dsl
apherhardacr
ossthe
face.(
hesmil
ed)Iwonderwhi
chgangsheis
goingtol
eadinhel
l
(
theybot
hlaughed)
NO.146

MYHOUSE

(
phoneconv
ersat
ion)
Puso:
boss.
Sei
so:
brot
her
Puso:
what
'
sup?
Sei
so:
heelathemonna,
kanat
hati
diot
commit
tedsuici
de
Puso:
whi
chi
diot
?
Sei
so:
Lent
le
Puso:
what
?
Sei
so:
yes.
Puso:heebanna!Kanasheal mostattacked
Tshegot hismorni
ng.Iwassupposedt ogoto
thefar
mv eryear
lyt
hismorningbutthespir
itof
theLordt ol
dmenott o.It
houghtmay beGod
wasprotect i
ngmef r
om aroadaccidentor
something
Sei
so:youarely
ingthemonna.LennaIwas
l
ateforworkthi
smor ni
ng.I
twastheki
ndof
weathert
hatneededwarmthfr
om afel
low
humanbeingnotjacket
s
Puso:
thatwasj
ustabonus
Sei
so:
shei
sdead
Puso:Ihadav i
sionofbl
oodthi
smorningandI
pray
edf orev
eryonewhom It
houghtLentl
e
posedar i
skto
Sei
so:youdi
dwellMr.I
tappear
sthatfr
om y
our
houseshewentst
rai
ghttoTony'
shouseand
shewascarr
yingakni
fe
Puso:I
'mthankf
ult
oGodf
orpr
otect
ing
ever
yone.
Sei
so:
thethoughtofherki
l
li
ngLebonegi
ves
menopeace
Puso:t
hedevi
l hasl
ost.Al
lthat
'
slef
tistogi
ve
honorandpr
aisetotheonewhodeservesit
Sei
so:
amenpast
or
Puso:
letmet
ell
mywi
fet
hebadnews
Seiso:t
hegoodnews.Tshegoisnowsaf
e,
eternal
l
ysaf
e.It
'sact
ual
lygreatnews
Puso:ever
yti
mesomeonewhoi
snotbor
n
agai
ndiesmyhear
tbl
eeds.
Sei
so:don'
twastey
ourtear
swi t
hthi
sone.She
hadampleti
met of
indsal
vati
onforhersoul
but
shewastooclev
erforGod
Puso:
thanksman
Sei
so:
sur
ebr
o
(
aft
ert
heconv
ersat
ionwi
thSei
so)

Puso:
(cal
l
ingoutl
oud)mmaboar
d
Me:
raboar
d.I
'
mint
hebedr
oom
Puso:(
openi
ngthedoor)Sei
soj
ustcal
l
ed.
Lent
lecommitt
edsui
cide
Me:
what
!(f
earst
ruckme)when?
Puso:fr
om hereshetr
iedt
ogoandatt
ackTony
andLebone.Shefai
ledandwentt
oherhouse
totakeherownli
fe
Me:
thatmeansshewant
edt
ohar
m me
Puso:
Goddeni
edhert
hatchance
Me:ohmyGod!Shewant edtoki
l
lmychi
l
d.But
why?(If
eltdi
zzyandPusoledmetoaki
tchen
st
oolwhereIsatdown
Puso:i
tisdonebaby.OurGodi
sabl
e.Hesawi
t
comingandhestoppedit
Me:i
sthatwhyyoulockedy
our
sel
finour
bedr
oom andpr
ayed?
Puso:y
es.Iwasseei ngbl
oodont hef
loorand
thewordinnocentkeptcr
oppingupandIknew
i
nnocentbloodwasaboutt obeshed
Me:ohGod.Butmysondidnot
hingwrong.He
di
dn'
tdeser
vetodi
e(If
ail
edtofi
ghtthetear
s)
Puso:that
swhyGodemphasi
sedthat
'
sit
s
i
nnocentblood.Nowy
ouwil
lhav
epeacei
n
abundance
Me:
thanky
ou
Puso:
thankGod,
notme
Me:
Iusedt
obei
rr
it
atedbyy
ourst
range
l
anguageandy oual
wayshavi
ngtopraybut
f
rom todayIknowthesi
gni
fi
canceofthat
.I
wanttoknowt hi
sGodwhosavedmyson
Puso:
andIwi
l
lbewi
thy
ouev
eryst
epoft
he
way
Me:y
oh!Spiri
tual
thi
ngsar
edeep.Atl
eastt
his
t
imeprophecysavedmyson
Puso:
Ilov
eyoubabe
Me:Iloveyoutoobabe.I
'
m goi
ngt
ost
art
at
tendingchur
chwithyou
(hel
ookedmeandsmil
ed.Hethenpul
ledme
andhuggedme.Hepl
ant
edalovingki
ssonmy
for
ehead)

TONY'
SHOUSE

Hi
smum:
howi
sshedoi
ng?
Tony:
shewasinast
ateofshockaccordingt
o
Sei
so.Hegav
eheraninj
ect
ionthatknockedher
out
Hi
smum: Lent
lei
scruel
.Whywoul
dshewant
t
okil
lani
nnocentsoul
?
Tony
:thedev
ili
sal
i
ar
Hismum:Godisgr
eat
.Thedev
il
'spl
anshav
e
beenabor
ted.
Tony:thepoorboyi
splay
ingi
nnocent
ly.He
doesn'
tevenknowthathewasalmostkil
led
today
Hi
smum:
shame!Poort
hing!
Tony
:(t
oLebone)i
t'
sti
met
obat
hbuddy
Hi
smum:
it'
sfi
ne,
Iwi
l
lbat
hhi
m
Tony
:Iwi
l
ldoi
tmum
Hi
smum: wheni
tcomest
othi
sboyy
oudon'
t
wanthel
p
Tony:Im payi
ngforthet
imewhenIwasnot
ther
ef orhi
m andhismum.GapeIlikebeing
ther
ef orhi
m.Hei smysourceofst
rengthand
motivati
on
Hi
smum: Iknowmyson.Whenar
eyougoi
ng
t
orecov
erfinanci
all
y?
Tony
:Idon'
tknowmum.Noti
nthenearf
utur
e.
Doyouwanttoassi
st?
Hismum: no.Thi
sisalessonforyouandyou
mustendureti
llt
heendsot haty
oureyescan
becomewi deopened
Tony :(
disappoi
nted)Godwil
lseemet hrough.
I'
m slowlygetti
ngusedtoremaini
ngwi t
hazero
balanceinmyaccountandusi ngtaxi
s.Aslong
asmyson' sneedsaremetI'
m good
Hismum: gr
eat.Il
ikehowyouandTshegoar
e
doingt
hisco-
patenti
ngthi
ng
Tony:Tshegoi
sanangel
.(hi
sphoner
ang)
Lent
le'
snumberiscal
l
ing
Hi
smum:
itcoul
dbeherr
elat
ive
Tony:Iwon'
tbeshockedi
fit
'sherghostt
hat
hascomebacktohauntme
Hi
smum:
lamej
okeTony
.Pi
ckt
hephone

Tony
:hel
l
o
Lentl
e'
smum: (
cryi
ngandtal
ki
ngatt
hesame
ti
me)areyouhappynow?Hee!Ar
eyouhappy
thatmydaught
erdi
ed
Tony
:I'
m sor
ryabouty
ourl
oss
Lent
le'
snum:
youar
enotsor
ry.Youki
l
ledmy
chi
ld
Tony
:noIdi
dn'
t.Sheki
l
ledher
sel
f
Lent
le'
smum: becauseoft
heemot
ional
pai
n
youputhert
hrough
Tony:
no.Shekill
edhersel
fbecauseshewasa
coward.SheputTshegothr
oughworsethan
shewentt hr
oughbutbecauseTshegois
resi
l
ientshesoldi
eredon.Onl
ycowardsli
ke
yourdaughterf
indsuici
deastheeasywayout
.
Lent
le'
snum:
youhav
enoshame
Tony:woul
dy our athersheshoul
dhav eki
ll
ed
me,myson, Tshegoandt henanny
?Yoo
kgot
shengbot shelokeeneaaboi tseel
e.She
didwell
Lent
le'
smum:
youdest
roy
edmychi
l
d.
Tony :yesIadmitthatsomeoft hethi
ngsIdid
pushedhert otheedge.Howf arwasher
mot herwhenshehadt otakecareofanew
born?Youl ovedyourdaughtercondit
ional
l
y.
Youdeser tedherattheti
mewhensheneeded
yout hemost
Lent
le'
snum:
don'
tbl
ame
Tony:y
ouandIaret obl
ame.May bei
fwewer e
ther
eforherandtr
eatedherdi
ff
erent
lyshe
wouldsti
l
lbeali
ve.Thethr
eeofusaretoblame
buty
ourdaught
ert
akest
hel
argestshar
eoft
he
bl
ame
Lentl
e'
smum:
youhav
enoshame.Youar
e
cursed
Tony
:Idel
etet
hatcur
sei
nJesusname
Lent
le'
snum:don'
tmenti
onJesusbecausey
ou
aret
heworstofal
lsi
nner
s
Tony:
y esIam asinnerandJesuscamef
orus
si
nnersnotfortheperfectones
Hi
smum: (
grabbedthephone)t
hatnothowy
ou
mustt
alkt
oeldersTony
Tony:Iknewtheyweregoingt
ogiveabli
ndeye
towhatthei
rdaughterdi
dandfindsomeonet
o
blameandthatpersonwasgoingtobeme.
Hismum:leti
tsl
i
de.Don'
tpi
ckthei
rcal
lsson.I
can'
twai
tfort
hetimewhenal
lthi
sdramawill
bebehi
ndus
Tony
:met
oo.SoLent
lewasi
nnocental
lofa
sudden?
Hi
smum:
leti
tsl
i
de
Tony
:OK
(af
tert
aki
ngoutherpai
nonTonyshesatdown
andreadt
helet
terf
orthef
our
thti
me)
Dearf
ami
l
y
It
hinki
t'
sbestIdepartf
rom t
hisworl
d.Ihav
e
br
oughtyoutoomuchshameand
embarr
assment.Thankyouallf
orput
ti
ngup
wit
hmynonsense.
Tomysi st
er:ev
erythi
ngthatbel
ongedt omeis
yournow.From f
urnit
uretocl
othes.Takethe
caraswell
.
Tomymum: usethe50,000inmyaccountf
or
myf uner
al.Getmoneyf rom myi
nsur
ance
poli
ciesaswel l
.Usethemoneytowipeoff
tear
s.I'
m sorryfornotl
isteni
ngt
oyou.Look
whereitgotme.
Iam scaredofgoingtojai
landIdon'
thave
mucht oliv
efor.Tonyisdonewit
hme.Icould
notstandtoseeTshegohappyal l
theti
meeheI
cri
edallt
het i
me.No.Lifewasneverfai
ryome
anyway.
Lov
eyoual
way
s
Lent
le

NO.147

AWEEKLATER.
..
..
..
..
..

(t
hef uneral
..
..
..
..
.PusoandIwer eabi tl
at e
becausewewer etrav
elingfrom Tl
okweng.I
mov edtoTlokwengbecauseIhadst arted
school.Ithi
nkmostoft hespeecheswer edone
becausewewer everylate.WesawTony
walkingtowardsus.Het oohadj ustarr
ived)
Me:
shoul
dwewai
tforhi
m?
Puso:
it'
sOKl
ove(
hesai
dhol
dingmyhand)
Tony
:hel
l
o
Me:
hir
raagoLebone
Puso:
hel
l
o
Tony:hi.I
'
mveryl
ate.Iov
ersl
ept
.Lebonesl
ept
ver
ylate.Hewant
edt opl
ayuntver
ylat
e
Me:hemusthav
ebeenhappytoseey
ou.Hei
s
notusedt
oseei
ngy
ouaftersomanyday
s
Tony:
nowt hathest
aysinGabshemustget
usedtoseei
ngmedur i
ngweekendsonl
y.
Me:
yah
(
wesawpeopl
ewal
ki
ngt
othei
rcar
s)
Me:wearev
eryl
ate.Peopl
ear
eleav
ingf
ort
he
gr
avey
ard
Puso:
let
'
sgobackt
othecar
Tony
:canIcat
char
ide?
(Il
ookedatPuso.Iwantedhimtobetheone
giv
ingTonyar i
de.Idon'
twantPusotofeelt
hat
Idisr
especthi
mi nanywayorthatI
'm bondi
ng
withTonyagain.Iknowj
usthowsensiti
vebaby
daddyissuesare)
Puso:
nopr
obl
em
(wedrovet
othegr av
ey ar
d.Betweenthethr
ee
ofusnoonetalkedtotheot her.Wewereall
l
ostinourownthought s.Iwast hi
nki
ngabout
thecont
entsofthesuicidenote)
"Iwishy ouhadf orgivenmesot hatIcouldgoi n
peace.Youchosenott of or
givemeandi don'
t
blamey ou.Seei
ngy ouwi thPusot hismor ning
wast hest rawthatbr oket hecamel '
sback.I
knowj usthowjoy f
ul yourl i
fei
sgoi ngt obenow
thaty ouaremar ri
edt oPuso.Seei ngy ouguy s
togetherbr okeme.Youar esobl essedTshego.
Ididn'thaveanyi ntentionofhur ti
ngy ou.I
want edt oaskforfor gi
v eness.Theper sonI
want edt ohurtwasTony .Iwantedt ohurthim
bykil
linghischil
djustsothathegetstoknow
howi tfeel
sliketolosesomeonethatmeans
thewor ldt
oy ou.Iknowitwasgoingtohurtyou
that
'swhyIwant edtoaskforfor
giv
enessin
advance"(tearsrol
leddownmycheeks)
Puso:
babyar
eyouOK?
Me:I
'mthi
nki
ngaboutthesui
cidenot
e.Whydi
d
shewantt
ohurtTonybyhurt
ingmyson?
Puso:therei
snopoi
ntinquest
ioni
ngal
lthat
becauseGodhasprevent
edit(
hegavemehi s
handkerchi
efsot
hatIcoul
dwipethet
ears)
Me: Ihateher
.Eveninhergr av
eIstil
lhateher.
Shemakesmeangr y
.Whywassheoutt o
destroyme?Whywasshecount i
ngmy
blessingsi
nsteadofhers?Shehadt wot hi
ngsI
desired-aproperfamilyandagoodcar eer-but
shewasbusydest royingtheli
tt
leIhad.
Puso:l
etitbewellwi
thyoursoul
.Peacey
ou
shal
lhaveinabundance
Me:Iknowi
t'
sev
ilt
osayt
hisbutI
'
m gl
adshe
di
ed
Puso:
shhhhh!(
hehuggedme)

(meanwhil
e,Tonywasal
sot
hinki
ngaboutt
he
sui
cidenot
e)
"Iwi
shIhadt aughty oual if
el essonbef ore
l
eavingt hisworld.Iwant edtot eary ourheart
apartbyki l
li
ngLebone.I t'snotf ai
rthaty ou
havedest royedmeandy oucont i
nuet oli
vea
goodl i
fe.Youar eSat anhimsel fandev er
ythi
ng
youtouchget sdestroyed.Youdest royedme
andTshego.Youar ecursedy ouusel essman.
Mayt her emainingy ear
sofy ourlif
ebenot hi
ng
buttorture.Mysoul wil
lnotrestunt ilpain
pushesy out osuicideli
kei tdidwi thme.Sat an"
(Tonyclenchedhi
steet
h.Hef el
tangryandhe
evenwonder edwhyhehadt ospendhislast
fewcoinsbycatchi
ngat axi
tothefuneral)
LENTLE'
SMOTHER'
SHOUSE

(
Wewer estandi
ngunderat
reeshadechat
ti
ng
wi
thLentl
e'
scousin)
Pr
ophet
:howar
eyoumanofGod?
Puso:
I'
m gr
eatpr
ophet
Pr
ophet
:br
otherTony
,howar
eyou?
Tony
:I'
m gr
eatmanofGod
Pr
ophet
:womanofgr
ace(
hesmi
l
ed)
Me:
inf
inepr
ophet(
Ismi
l
edback)
Pr
ophet
:whenar
eyouv
isi
ti
ngourchur
ch?
Me:
tomor
rowsi
nceIwi
l
lst
il
lbei
nMol
epol
ole
Pr
ophet
:wewil
ll
ovet
ohav
eyoui
nourchur
ch.
ManofGod?
Puso:
owai
i
i,Ij
ustcamet
oat
tendt
hef
uner
al.
I
'
m goi
ngbackl
ater
Pr
ophet
:iti
swel
l
(
wedi
dn'
tseehercomi
ng)
Lent
le'
ssi
ster
:(t
oTony
)leav
e
Tony
:I.
..
..
..
.
Sist
er:howdareyoucomeher eafterkil
li
ngmy
si
ster!Youareamurderer(shesaidscr eaming
andwi pi
ngtear
s.Peopleturnedaroundand
l
ookedathi m)Isai
dleaveyoumur derer.What
havey oucomeheretodo, t
ol aughatusaswe
cry?
Tony
:it
's.
..
..
..
.
Pr
ophet
:let
'sgo.Iwi
l
ldr
opy
ouof
f
Tony:
thanks(
hiswholefacewasr
ed.Peopl
e
hadbegantogatherar
oundus)
Si
ster
:TshegoI
'
m sor
ry.
..
..
..
.
Me:
let
'sgomyl
ove
(
Pusohel
dmyhandandwest
art
edwal
ki
ng)
Si
ster
:Tshegopl
ease.
..
..
..
..
Me: savei
t.Merewor dscan'
ttakeawaythe
pai
nt haty
oursistercausedme.Ithought
att
endingherfuneralwasgoingtogiv
eme
peaceandclosurebutno
Si
ster
:shewasdepr
essed
Puso:
ahhhhhh!
(hegentl
ypull
edmyhandandwewal kedtothe
carfast
er.OncewewereinthecarIbroke
downandcr i
ed.Pusocomfort
edme.Wet hen
wenthome)

Thenextday
..
..
..
..
..

(IwenttoLent
le'
scousi
n'
schurch.Theprophet
washappyt oseeme.Tonywasanhourl at
eto
church.Hewalkedi
nsweatycarr
yingLebone
andhisbag.Seei
nghi ml ikethatbrokeme.I
wonderedgorewhatwasgoi ngonwi thhim.He
hadlostsomewei ghtandhi sskindidn'tl
ook
good.Thesunmusthav escor chedhisskin.I
hadnoticedt
hisyesterdayatt hefuneralbut
todayi
twasclear
lyv i
sible.Afterchurch..
..
..)
Prophet:welcomeTshegof
atso.Wet
hankGod
foryourpresencet
oday
Me:
thanky
oupr
ophet
Pr
ophet
:doy
ouknowwhaty
ourpr
esence
meanst
ome?
Me:Inev
ert
houghti
thadmuchmeani
ng
pr
ophet
Prophet:af
tertheprophecyIgaveyouaf ew
yearsback,peoplepersecut
edmeandIj udged
my sel
f.Wheny ouandTonydi vor
cedIstopped
minist
eri
ng.Thef actt
hatmyowncousi nhad
somethingtodowi thitmademef eell
i
kea
completefail
ure.Godkeptonaskingmenott o
takeithardbutIcouldn't.Ionlystart
ed
minister
ingagainthetimeImety ouandy ou
tal
kedt omeni cel
y.Alltheothertimest hatwe
mety out ol
dmehowmuchIr uinedy ou,andi
t
brokeme.Seei ngyouhasgi venmesomuch
peace.Itfeel
sasifal oadhasbeenl ift
edoffmy
shoulder.
Me:
iti
swel
lpr
ophet
Pr
ophet:
thankyousomuch.Yourf
orgi
veness
i
sgoingtoel
evatemymi
nistr
y
Me:
amenpr
ophet
(Tonywal
kedtowher
ewewer
esi
tt
ingand
Bonecri
edforme)
Tony
:hei
sonl
yseei
ngy
ounow
Me:yah.Youguy
ssatatt
hef
arback.He
coul
dn'
tseeme
Pr
ophet
:(t
ouchi
ngLebone'
shead)t
hisboywil
l
gr
owuptobeagr eatmanofGod.Makesur
e
youteachhi
mtheway
soft heLor
dasyoungas
heisandrai
sehi
minthehouseofGod
Us:
wewi
l
lpr
ophet
Pr
ophet
:br
otherTonycanIseey
ouf
oraf
ew
mi
nutes
Tony
:OKpr
ophet
Tony
:TshegoI
'
m goi
ngt
oneedar
idehome
Me:
wewi
l
lpat
ient
lywai
tfory
ou
Ti
ny:
thanks
(IdroppedTonyandLeboneatt hegateand
wentt omyuncl e'
splace.Laterintheeveni
ngI
fetchedBoneatt hegateandbi dTonygoodbye.
Weheadedt oTlokweng.Inev erwanttogo
i
nsi deTony'shousebecauseIwantt oset
boundaries.Ial
sowanthi mt ogetinmyhouse
l
ikeheusedt odo.Idon'tknow, maybeImtoo
much? )
TONY'
SHOUSE

(Tonywentbackt ohislonel yhouse.Hemi ssed

hissonr eady.Heopenedt hecupboar dsand
therewasonl ymai zemeal andaf ewpacket s
ofsoup.Hecookedmai zemeal andsomesoup
thenheat eandwentt obed.Hi sf i
nanci al
situat i
onwasgr owi ngfr
om badt owor se.He
tookl ongt ofallasleepbecausehewascr aving
cigar ettes.Ithadbeent hreeday swi thout
smoki ngandhewasatabr eakingpoi nt.He
owedhi scol l
eaguesandf riendssohedi dn' t
wantt obor rowmoneyf rom t hem agai n.Hi s
moneyboxhad5Thebest hataddedt o50
thebe.Het hrewt hemoneybacki nt hemoney
boxandwentt ot heki t
chen.Hedr ankl otsand
l
ot sofcol dwat erhopi ngitwoul dhel pwi tht he
craving.Heknel tdownandbeganpr ay ing.He
feltsleepywhi lehewasi nt hemi ddleoft he
pray er )
NO.148

AMONTHLATER.
..
..
..
.

TONY'
SHOUSE
(hewokeupear li
erthanheusual l
ydid.Itwasa
Fri
dayandTshegowascomi ngtodropof f
Leboneaf t
erwork.Hehadt helast100pul ain
hiswall
etandhehadt obuyLebonemi l
kwi t
h
themoney .Heneededmor et han100pul a.He
fel
toverwhelmedandov erpoweredbyhi s
fi
nanci
al si
tuat
ion.Hekneltdownandpr ayed)
"LordIdon'
tknowhowl ongthi
shardshipis
goingtotakebutIpraythatyousuppl ymewith
strengt
htocarr
yonandmot i
vati
ont oli
ve.
Thanky ouLor
df ortheli
ttl
ethatIhave.Evenas
brokeasIam Istil
lthankyouandbl essyour
name.InJesusnameIpr ay,Amen."
(Heheadedstrai
ghttothebathroom totakea
shower.Gonewer et
heday swhenheusedbat h
sal
ts,
shampoosandf oam bat
h.Al lt
hatwas
l
eftwasabat hi
ngsoapt hatwasnear l
yast hin
asarazorblade.Heknewi twasn'tgoingtolast
aweekbuthewasonl ygoingtobepai dina
week)

MYRENTEDHOUSE

Puso:
(put
ti
ngt
hebi
gpieceofpaperi
nthebed)
comeandseet
hefi
nal
product
Me:(
Iexami
nedi
tcl
osel
y)r
aboar
dthi
sist
oo
bi
g.
Puso:iknowlov
e.Thi
sisourper
manent
resi
denceremember
Me:
buti
t'
sjustt
oobi
g
Puso:
Iincl
udedal
lther
oomsy
ousai
dyou
want
edourhouset
ohav
e
Me:dower
eal
l
yhav
emoneyf
oradoubl
e
st
orey
?
Puso:
don'
tl
imi
tourGod
Me:IknowIshoul
dn'
tl
imi
tGodbut
..
..
..
..Babe
t
hishousei
stoobig
Puso: (
kissingmyneck)wewi ll
manage, don't
worry.Thepl ani si
nsuchawayt hatwewi l
l
star
twi t
ht hegr oundfl
oorthenaddanot her
fl
oorwhenf inancesall
ow.Ev eryimportant
room isinthisfloorfornow.Ont hefi
rstfl
oor
wear egoinghav eaddit
ional
r oomst hatarenot
real
lyanecessi ty
Me:(
smili
ng)wow!ThatwayIt
hinkwecan
manage
Puso:
wewi
l
llov
e.Don'
tbeangr
yatme,
okay
?
Me:
whathav
eyoudone?
Puso:
Ispentt
hemoneyf
rom t
het
ender
wi
thoutaski
ngf
ory
ourper
missi
on
Me:
it'
sok
Puso:
babei
fyouar
eangr
yatmeshoutatme,
i
t'
sokay
Me: t
otaIfeel
thatIshouldnotbetoostr
ict
whenitcomest ofi
nances.Youhavegivenmy
sonandIacomf ortablel
if
eandIshouldbe
thankf
ul.I
fyouneedt ospoil
your
selfdoit
Puso:
(gi
vi
ngmecarkey
s)Ispentt
hemoneyon
thi
s
Me:
youboughty
our
sel
fanot
hercar
?
Puso:
nope.Iboughtmywi
feacar
Me:
what
!(Icoul
dnotcont
ainmyexci
tement
)
Puso:
Ibetpeopl
ewerebegi
nni
ngtoquesti
on
mysanit
y.HowdoIdri
veatopofther
ange
Navar
awhilemywif
edriv
esaToyotavi
tz?My
wif
edeserv
esaMercedesBenz
Me:
Puso!
Puso:yes.Nextti
meI
'
m goingt
obuyy out
he
realt
hing.Alocal
Mer
cedesBenz,
fornowdri
ve
thi
s
Me:(huggi
nghi
m happi
l
y)t
hanky
oul
ove.
Thankyou
Puso:
youar
ewel
comemmaboar
d
Me:
xoxoxo!Youspoi
lmet
oomuch
Puso:
whomustIspoi
l
?
Me:
Moaofcour
se
Puso:
goodgi
rl
.
Me:
arewesel
l
ingt
hev
itz?
Puso:Idon'
tknowhowyouaregoingtof
eel
aboutthi
s.Godgavemespeci
fi
cinstr
uct
ionst
o
bl
esssomeonewi t
hthi
scar
Me:
who,
thepast
or?
Puso:no.WhenIaskedGodwhoImustbl
ess
heshowedmeTonyweepi ng
Me:
(sur
pri
sed)sowemustgi
veTonyt
hecar
?
Puso:sosay
sGod.Howdoy oufeel
abouti
t,
notthati
twi
llchangeGod'
smind.
Me:
Iguessi
t'
sokay
.Heboughtt
hecaraf
teral
l
Puso:Godisnotaskingyoutoret
urnt
hecar.
Thecarhasbeeny oursandbygivi
ngi
ttohi
m
youwil
l bebl
essi
nghi m.Godchosehi
m
speci
fi
call
yforareason.Ibel
i
eveitwi
l
lopen
doorsforus
Me:
ok
Puso:
cany
ougivehi
mthecarl
atert
odaywhen
youdr
opof
fLebone?
Me:
Iwi
l
l
Puso:don'
tfor
gett
osi
gnt
hebl
uebookand
gi
veittohi
m
Me:
Iwi
l
l
Puso:
ther
eissomeonegoingonwit
hhi
m.Ask
hi
m what'
sgoi
ngon,becauseev
eryt
imeIpr
ay
forhim andLeboneGodsay
shei
sweepi
ngand
broken
Me:
OK.Iwi
l
ltal
ktohi
m.May
behei
slonel
y
Puso:
may
be.Godwi
l
lbl
essusmyl
ove
Me:
OKbabe
Puso:
whenGodspeakswej
usthav
etoobey
Me:
OKl
ove.I
'
m goi
ngt
omi
ssy
ou
Puso:
onl
yforFri
dayl
ove.Haker
eI'
m comi
ngt
o
pi
ckyouonSatur
day?
Me:Ihav
ef oundmy
sel
fthebesthusbandi
nthe
whol
ewor l
d
Puso:
(qui
ckki
ss)l
ovey
ou
Me:
lov
eyoumor
e

MOLEPOLOLE
(Idroppedt henannyathermother'
shouse
beforegoingt oTony'
shouse.Tonyalways
i
nsiststhatheandLebonear eokayont hei
r
own.Ipar kedthecaratthegateandTony
camet othecar )
Tony
:hel
l
oTshego(
hegav
emeawear
ysmi
l
e)
Me:
hel
l
orr
aagoLebone
Tony
:howi
smyboy
?
Me:
hei
sfastasl
eep
Tony
:OK.Letmegethi
m.
(Tonygotthebabyandwenttothehouse.I
tookthebagsandfoll
owedhim.Thi
stimeI
chosetogot ohi
shousebecausePusohad
givenmeanassignment)
Me:
hel
l
o
Tony
:wear
eint
hebat
hroom
Me:
doesheneedanappychange?(
Ist
oodby
t
hebat
hroom door
)
Tony:hi
snappywasf
ull
sohemessedhi
s
pant
s
Me:oh.Letmehelpy
ou.Letmewasht
hepant
s
whi
l
ey oucleanhi
m
Tony:(pani
cki
ng)no.Iwi
l
ltakecar
eof
ever
ything
Me:
no.Wher
eist
hewashi
ngsoap?
Tony
:it
'sf
ini
shed
(Ilookedar oundthebat hroom andtherewas
not hing.Tonyi sthekindofguywhohasal l
typesandsor t
soft oil
etri
esbuthiscabinetwas
empt y.Isawt het hi
nbat hingsoap.Tonyalways
threwbat hingsoapawaywaybef oreitbecame
thist hi
nandIusedt oreprimandhimf orthat
feelingt hatheiswast ingsoap.Thel aundry
basketwasf ullofhisclothesandtheywer e
spilli
ngt othef l
oor )
Me:
whati
sgoi
ng?
Tony
:don'
twor
ry.Gobackt
othel
ounge
(Ipret
endedt ogot othel oungebutIwentt o
thekit
chen.Iopenedt hecabi netsandt here
washal fabagofmai zemeal ,2.5kgstamp, a
packetofcer eal andaf ewpacket sofsoups.I n
thefri
dget herewer ef ourboxesofpar malat
milkforLebone, fourpot atoesandabut t
ernut
whichIguesswer eforLeboneaswel lbecause
wehav estartedf eedinghi m mashedv eges.
Therewer enov egesandnomeat .Ibegant o
real
isethatsomet hi
ngi swr ong.Tonyisa
seri
ousmeateat erandf orhi m nottohav e
meati nthefridgeshowst hatsomet hi
ngi s
amiss.Hef oundmest andi nginthemi ddleof
thekit
chenwor ried)
Me:
Tonywhat
'sgoi
ngon?
Tony
:whatdoy
oumean?
Me:
ther
eisnof
oodi
nyourki
tchen
Tony
:don'
twor
ry
Me:
TonyI
'
m wor
ri
ed
Tony
: Ihav
ebeensur
viv
ingl
i
ket
hisf
ort
hree
monthsnow.
Me:Idi
dn'
tknowyouweret
hisbr
oke.Why
di
dn'
tyousayany
thi
ng?
Tony
:andpr
ovet
oyout
hatIam anunf
itf
ather
?
Me:
no
Tony:the1,
500thatIusedtogiv
eyouasthe
al
imonyi swhatseesmefrom onemont
ht ot
he
other
Me:
andy
oubuyLebonef
oodandmi
l
kfr
om
t
hat
?
Tony
:yes.
Me:Tony!Youshouldhaveletmeknow.The
moneypaidbythetenantsgotoLebone'
s
sav
ingsaccount.I
fIknewaboutyoursi
tuat
ionI
wasgoingtogiveyouathousandpulafr
om the
moneysot haty
oudon'thavetoworr
yabout
Lebone.
Tony
:whatabouty
ourhusband?
Me: t
hathousebel
ongstoLebone.Whenwe
gotmar r
iedweagr
eedthatt
hehousei s
Lebone'
sandanydecisi
onmader egardi
ngitis
betweensasLebone'
sparents.NotthatIwon'
t
i
nform him
Tony
:ok
Me:
Iwi
l
lst
artgi
vi
ngy
oupar
toft
her
ent
al
Tony
:thanks.The1,
000pul
awi
l
lgoal
ongway
Me:
Iknow.I
'
m comi
ng
Tony
:wher
ear
eyougoi
ng?
Me:
Iwi
l
lbebackshor
tl
y
(Iwenttothemallandboughtgr ocer
iesand
toi
let
ri
es.Iboughtever
ythi
ngt hatTonyusedto
buywhenwewer esti
ll
togetherexceptthosehe
boughtforme.Iwon'tbacktohi shouse)
Me:
ther
ear
egr
ocer
iesi
nthecar
Tony
:youdi
dn'
thav
eto
Me:Iwantedto.No,Ihadt
o.Tonyyouusedt
o
hel
pmeal ot.YoutookgoodcareofmeandI'
m
j
ustret
urni
ngthefavor
Tony
:ar
eyousur
eaboutt
his?
Me:
yes
(wewentt othecarandhewasshockedt osee
howmuchgr ocer
iesIhadboughtforhi
m.The
smallcarbootwasf ul
landthewholeofthe
backseat .Ihadboughtgroceri
esandfoodthat
coul
dl asthim aboutthr
eemont hs)
Tony: t
hanky ouTshego.Hehasr eal
l
ymadea
wayf orme.Fort hi
sfirstti
mei nmyChristi
an
l
ifeIgav eti
thesatchur ch.It
oldGodthathe
saidwemustt sthim withourti
thesandlookat
theresultsoftesti
nghim
Me:
God.I
fyouonl
yknewwhat
'
sinst
oref
or
y
ou
Tony
:what
!
Me:PusosaysGodhasgivenhim speci
fi
c
i
nstr
ucti
onsthatwemustblessyouwiththi
s
car
.Hesayshesawy ouweepingandGodsai d
wemustgiveyouthi
scar
Tony
:butt
hisi
syourcarTshego
Me:(handi
nghimt hebl
uebook)notany
mor
e.I
hav
ebeenbl essedwit
haMercedesBenz
Tony
:(onhi
sknees)sot
hisi
smi
ne?
Me:
yes.
Tony :I
'
mlostforwor
ds.HowdoIthankGod?
(si
lence)I
'
mf asti
ngf
rom t
odayunt
ilt
omorr
ow
eveningat6
Me:
buty
oumustenj
oyt
hisf
ood
Tony:Ij
ustwantt
osayt
hanky
out
omyGodf
or
ever
ythi
ng
Me:
ok
Tony
:Ineedt
ocal
lyourhusband
Me:
dropmeatmyuncl
e'
spl
acef
ir
st
Tony:
howarey
ougoi
ngt
otr
avel
toGabs
tomorr
ow?
Me:
Pusoi
scomi
ngt
ofet
chmei
nmynewcar
Tony:wow!WhenIboughty
outhi
scarIdidn'
t
knowIwasinvest
ing(
Tonywasintear
sandhe
coul
dnotdri
vesoIdrovewhenhewastry
ingto
cal
m down)
NO.149

THREEANDHALFYEARSLATER.
..
..
..

MYHOUSE

(
they
ardwasf
ull
ofpeopl
edr
essedi
nthei
r
graduati
onregal
ia.Tonyandhiswi fe,Seisoand
hiswife,
TefoandTshego'sf or
mercl assmat es
wereamongt hosewhower edressedi nthei
r
graduati
ongowns.Seisowast hemast erof
ceremonies.I
nsi
det hehouse..
..
..
.)
Puso:
peoplearewai
ti
ngf
ory
ouout
side.We
ar
eabouttostart
Me:
I'
m sot
ir
ed(
Iyawned)
Puso:
Iknowmyl
ove.Let
'sgoandcel
ebr
ate
you
Me:
I'
m comi
ng
(
someoneknockedont
hedoor
)
Puso:
comei
n
Char
it
y:wear
ewai
ti
ngf
ory
oumadam
Me:
I'
m comi
ngdar
li
ng
Char
it
y:er
engpr
egnancymongwaneng?
Me:
cany
oui
magi
net
hatI
'
mtheonewho
i
nsist
edt hatwestar
ttryi
ngforababyasear l
y
aspossible?It
houghtitwasgoingtotakebo6
monthsf ormetofall
pregnant.Mmaitdidn't
eventaket womonthsoftry
ingbefor
eIf el
l
pr
egnant
Puso:kanaIlongt
oldhert
hatmysper
msswi
m
fast
erthanshethi
nks
(
weal
ll
aughed)
Me:
Puso!
Chari
ty:mmemmayoul
ookt
ir
edandswol
l
en.
Thattummyist
oobi
g
Puso:
mybabygi
rli
sgoi
ngt
obev
eryt
all
Me:
thedoct
oral
way
ssay
sthi
sisabi
gbaby
Chari
ty:congr
atsgi
rl
.Lebonei
sfi
nal
l
ygoi
ngt
o
havesibli
ngs
Me:
final
l
y
Char
it
y:bei
nganonl
ychi
l
dwhoi
sspoi
l
edi
s
comi
ngt oanend
Me:mypoorbaby
.Fr
om hav
ingnosi
bli
ngst
o
hav
ingt
wo
Puso:
that
'st
raumat
ic
Char
it
y:gusno,
traumat
ici
ssuchabi
gter
m
(
wel
aughed)
Char
it
y:putony
ourshoes.Sei
soi
srunni
ngout
ofj
okes
Puso:
true!
(Charit
yhelpedmet oputonmyshoes.
Immedi atel
yIappearedther
ewer eulul
ations.I
spottedmyuncl eamongt hecr
owd.Hel ooked
greatinthebluesuitPusohadboughthi m.Hi s
wifewor eablueGer manpri
ntdress.Ispotteda
fewot hersi
nt hecr
owd)
Seiso:theownerofthisver
ydayandthisver
y
occasionisfi
nal
lyhere.Canshegetaroundof
applause?
(
ulul
ati
onsandhandscl
appi
ng.Thosewear
ing
gownsjoi
nedmeanddanced.Ti r
edasIwasI
foundmysel
fdanci
nghappily
.Int
roduct
ions
weremade,f
oll
owedbyspeechesbymyuncl e,
myhusband,mysel
f,char
it
yandSeiso)
Uncl e:f
ormet hisisawonder fulday .Myni ece
valueseducat i
onv erymuch.Myoneandonl y
prayerhasbeent oseemyni ecewear i
ngt his
clothes.Ithasbeenal ongjourneyf orherbut
shehasf i
nall
ymadei t
.Shetri
edt oexpl aint o
mewhathercour seisaboutbutIdon' tfollow
(peoplelaughed)shesay sshei snei thera
nurse, adoctornorapat i
entbutsheusedt o
ri
dei nambul ances( thecrowdl aughedagai n)I
alway sknewshewasgoi ngt ostudysomet hing
unique.Congr atulati
onsTshegof atso.Asy ou
cansee, I'
mv er yoldbutIhav ebeenr efusingt o
diebecauseIwaswai t
ingforTshegof atsot o
achievethreet hings.Iwantedhert of inda
goodhusbandwhi chshehasdone, tohav eki ds
-shehasoneandonei sonthewayandl ast l
y,
forhertogeteducatedandf indagoodj ob.She
i
sgr aduati
ngandshehasf oundaj obwhi ch
shesay ssheisleavi
ngnexty eartogobackt o
schooltodoadegr ee.Nowt hatTshegof atso's
l
ifeisontrackI'mreadytojoinmyancest or s.
(l
ookingatme)Iknowwhatt hatl ookmeans
Tshegofatso.Shealwaystellsmet hati
fIt hink
thatsheistakinggoodcarei fmer i
ghtnow
thenIdon'tknowwhatshei scapabl eof.Iknow
sheistryi
ngt obuymyt i
meher eonearth( he
coughedabi t.Hehadbeensi cklatel
y)bigup
mychi l
d.Letmenotspeakf orl ong.Thanky ou
MC
Seiso:whenyour
elatewellwi
thyourpar
ents
yourli
fesail
ssmoothl
y.Tshegof
atsoisl
ivi
ng
proofofthat
.
(aft
erthespeechespeopledinedandwined.I
wentar oundgreet
ingguest
swi t
hPusobymy
side.Istar
tedbygreet
ingTonyandhi swi
fe
whilePusowaschat ti
ngwithSeiso)
Me:y
oudon'
tlookgoodMr
svanDerMer
we.
Ar
eyouokay
?
Lenah:I
'm notfeel
ingwell.Thi
spregnancyis
makingmesi ck.I'
m alwaysfeel
ingdizzyand
nauseous.Ihavetroublekeepi
ngfooddown
Tony:andI
'
m wor
ri
edbecauseshei
slosi
ng
weight
Me:maybet
hingswi
l
limpr
ovei
nthesecond
t
ri
mester
Tony:
wereyouexper
ienci
ngt
hesamet
hing
wit
hLebone?
Me:nope.Notwi
tht
hisoneeit
her
.Ionl
y
st
ruggl
edwithmoodswings
Lenah:
luckyy
ou
Me:
hav
eyouhadany
thi
ngy
oeat
?
Lenah:
no
Me:
whatdoy
ouusual
l
yeat
?
Lenah:
frui
tsal
ad
Me:gr
eat.Letmeaskaunyt
omakeitf
oryou.
Letmecallherdot
haty
oucant
ell
herwhatto
add
Lenah:
thanky
ouTshego
Me:
wher
eisBone?
Tony
:att
hej
umpi
ngcast
le
Me:
ok
(
Ilef
ttogoandcal
lmyhel
per
)

Tony
:youar
egoi
ngt
obef
inesweet
hear
t
Lenah:
thanksl
ove.
Tony
:ar
eyoumanagi
ngatwor
k?
Lenah:
babyy
oual
way
saskmet
hatquest
ion.
I'
m OK.
Tony:Iknowbeingatel
l
erinabankmeansyou
deal
wi t
hallt
ypesofatt
it
udesandscent
sfr
om
cust
omer
s'col
ognes
Lenah:
somet
imesIr
usht
othet
oil
ett
othr
ow
up
Tony:
whydon'
tyougoonanunpaidleav
eforat
l
easttwomont
hs?Imeanourf
inancesareokay
nowandwecanaffor
dthat
Lenah:
won'
titmesswithourbui
l
dingproj
ect
?
Babyweneedtofi
nishourbi
ghousein
Mmopaneandhaveourproperwhit
ewedding
Tony
:(r
ubbingherhand)butmywi
fe'
sheal
th
comesfi
rst
Lenah:Iwil
lthi
nkaboutit
.I'
mtr
yingnott
otr
eat
thi
spregnancyasanill
ness
Tony
:Iknowbabe.Orshoul
dweaskSei
sot
o
gi
veyouafewdaysoff?
Lenah:
(smi
l
ing)t
hatcanwor
k
Tony:Iwil
ltal
ktohi
m.Ar
eyougoi
ngt
ochur
ch
toni
ght?
Lenah:def
ini
tel
y.ButIwi
l
lonl
ybet
her
efort
wo
tothr
eehours
Tony:t
hat'sfi
nemyl ov
e( smi
li
ng)Iusedtosee
youusheringatchur
chandIadmi r
edy oualot
.I
usedtotellGodtosaveyouforme.ThattimeI
wasbrokeanddi dn'
tevenhavetheconfi
dence
toapproachawoman( hesmil
ed)
Lenah:(smil
ingback)thefir
stt
imeyou
approachedmeIcoul dnotbeli
evemyears.And
thedayy ouproposed.
..
..
..Ohmyword!Il
ove
youTony
Tony
:Il
ovey
out
oo(
qui
ckki
ss)
Lenah:y
ouwerealwayswithLeboneandI
vowedtoGodkereLordI'
m goingtol
ovethi
s
boyli
keheismyown,whet heri
smum is
dif
fi
cul
ttodealwi
thornot.Iusedtot
hink
Tshegoisasnob
Tony
:and?
Lenah:
xoxoxo.Tshegoi
ssuchasweetper
son.
Ver
yhumbl
e
Tony
:that
'smyexwifefory
ou.(massagi
ngher
tummy)Ican'
twai
tfory
out ost
artshowi
ng

Puso:
howi
sfar
minggoi
ng?
Sei
so:ver
ywell.Thanksf
orfi
ndi
ngthatguyf
or
me.Heisrel
iableandheknowshowtotake
goodcareofcattl
e
Puso:t
reathi
m nicel
yandwi
thdi
gni
tyandy
our
cat
tl
ewi l
lmult
ipl
y
Seiso:
that
'str
ue.Wait
seI'
mlearni
ngal
otfr
om
you.KanaInevert
houghtIwoul
dbeafar
mer
Puso:
sameher
e
Seiso:t
henImetTshegoandwhenshegot
mar r
iedthefir
stti
meIwasgiventwocows.I
keptthem atheruncl
e'
sfar
m.Thenshegot
mar r
iedagainandIwasgiv
en5, Hai
!that
'
s
whenIdeci dedtogeti
ntof
armingful
lfor
ce.
Lookatmenow.Isol
d5cowswhenour
fi
nanceswer
eti
ghtmaloba.Sophi
ewasso
happy
Puso: Godwor ksinmysteri
ousway smy
brother.YoufoundTshegoandt ookcareofher
withoutexpectinganyt
hinginr
eturnandnow
shehast ur
nedy oui
ntoasuccesfulfar
mer
Sei
so:
truehey
Seiso'
sfri
end:Pusowi
ll
youhel
pme?Iwantt
o
ventur
eintofar
mingaswel
l
Puso:
(handshake)wel
comeonboar
d.Iwi
l
lbe
wit
hyoueverystepoft
heway
Sei
so:
andhemeansi
t.
Fr
iend:
thanks

(i
nsi
dethehouse.
..
..
..
..Iwassi
tt
ingont
he
couchwhenDimphowal kedi
n)
Di
mpho:
(huggi
ngme)congr
atsNana.
Me:
thankssi
s.Youmanagedt
ocome?
Di
mpho:yes.Thegi
rl
swar
nedmenott
omi
ss
t
hepar
ty.
Me:
thankst
othegi
rl
s.
Di
mpho:gapet
heywant
edmet
omeett
hei
r
l
it
tl
ebr
other
Me:hei
ssocut
e.Lef
aissuchacut
ebaby
bat
hung
Di
mpho: heis.Nowtheyar
edenyingt
hei
rli
tt
le
si
sterat
tent
ionandgivi
ngi
ttothenewaddit
ion
Me:
what
'
sthatony
ourf
inger
!?
Di
mpho:
(smi
l
ing)I
'
m engaged
me:
congr
ats
Di
mpho: t
hanksdarl
ing.Iwant
edtocomewi
th
hi
m butheisworki
ngt hi
sweekend
Me:
Iwoul
dlov
etomeethi
m
Di
mpho:
youwi
l
lmeethi
m.Tl
hemmaIhav
e
l
earntmylesson.Thisti
meI'
m goingt
otreat
myhusbandlikeroyalt
yandaccepthi
sfamil
y
j
ustastheyare
Me:that
'ssoni
ce.Wel
ear
nfr
om ourmi
stakes.
Congrat
ssis
Di
mpho:
thanks.I
'
mleav
ingi
tsget
ti
ngl
ate
Me:
saf
ejour
neysi
s
Di
mpho:
thanky
oudar
li
ng(
weshar
edahug)

Char
it
y:(
breastf
eedi
ngt
hebabyboy
)di
dyou
seeDi
mpho?
Tef
o:y
es.Wehadachat
Char
it
y:shei
sgl
owi
ng
Tefo:
sheisengaged.Shehasf
inal
l
yfound
happi
ness
Char
it
y:shet
oldme.I
'
m sohappyf
orher
Tef
o:met
oo.I
t'
snotni
ceseei
ngt
hemot
herof
y
ourki
dsst
ruggl
i
ngbecausei
tsomehowaf
fect
t
heki
ds
Char
it
y:Iknow.That
'swhyialwaysi
nsi
stt
hat
Li
saandMol l
ymustprayforher
Tef
o:y
out
aughtt
hem wel
lmyl
ove
Char
it
y:t
her
ecomest
roubl
e
Fi
fi
:(pl
ayi
ngwi
tht
hebaby
'schi
n)babyboy
babyboy
Tef
o:l
ethi
mfeedf
ir
stmygi
rl
Fi
fi
:(si
tt
ingdown)puthi
m her
e(poi
nti
ngt
oher
l
aps)
Char
it
y:l
etmef
ini
shf
eedi
nghi
m Nana
Fi
fi
:Idon'
twantAr
efat
ocomeandt
akehi
m
bef
oreme
Tef
o:t
hatwon'
thappenbaby
Fif
i:(
standi
ng)youguysarer
efusi
ngtogiveme
thebaby.I'
m goi
ngtoplaywi
thuncl
eSeiso'
s
baby
Char
it
y:mmasepeker
e!
Tef
o:Iwonderwhoshet
akesaf
ter
Char
it
y:y
ouofcour
se
(
theygi
ggl
ed)
SUMMARY

MARRIAGECONVENTI
ON.
..
..
..
..
..4YEARS
LATER.
..
..
..
..

MC: wethankGodf orthegrace.Thanky ouDr

Sei
soforopeningwi t
hawor dofprayer.Thi
sis
howwear egoi
ngtointroduceoursel
v es.Men
wil
li
ntroducethei
rfamili
es.Remembert hat
menaret heheadsofourf amil
ies
Audi
ence:
amen
MC:
bor
ragoaheadandi
ntr
oducey
ourf
ami
l
ies.
Letmestar
t.I'
m Lar
onaMmusi andrightnex
t
tomeismyl ovel
ywifewhoismyco-MC.Her
nameisPearlMmusi.Wear eaGodloving
fami
ly
.Wehav ebeenblessedwit
hfourkids.
(
peopl
echeer
ed)
Seiso:mynamei sDrSeisoSei
soandnextt o
mei smybeautif
ulwifeSophi
eSei so.Wehav e
beenblessedwiththr
eebeauti
fulkids.Weare
babiesintheChri
sti
anjour
ney(hesmi led)we
aregetti
ngther
e
Tony :Iam TonyVanDerMerweandt his
beautiful
womanher eismywi f
e,Lenah.Wear
e
blessedwi t
htwokids.Il
ovemywomanmor e
thanshecannev ercomprehend
(
peopl
echeer
ed)
Tefo:mynamei sTef
oMot swaseleandtheGod
fear
ingwomannexttomei smywi f
e,Char
it
y
Mot swasel
e.Bet
weenthetwoofuswehav e
fi
vekids.Myfamil
ywon'tf
iti
ny ourcarunl
ess
i
t'
sasev
enseat
er
(
peopl
elaughed)
Puso: t
hisi sme( therewasl aught er )Ibelieve
youal lknowmesi nceI '
mt heor gani zeroft his
conv ention, i
fyoudon' tknowmet heny ouar e
gat ecrushi ng.Nextt omei smypr eci ousj ewel,
mmaboar d,mmakgosi ,mmast ance,
mohumagadi Puso.( cheeri
ng)t hechi ldshei s
car r
yingisgoi ngt obeourt hird.Weshar eour
eldestsonwi t
ht heVanDerMer wes, hi
sname
i
sLebone.Thel i
ghtt hatshi nesbr ighti nt hetwo
fami l
ies.Thenwehav ePusel etso,t hef ami l
y
princess.Wear eexpect i
nganot herpr i
nce.Oh,
helpmet ocelebr atewi thmywi f
e, shej ustgot
herr estsfr om school backandshehasdone
except i
onal lywel l
.Shei sgr aduat i
onwi tha
degr eeinEmer gencyMedi cal Careandshei s
alreadyhi redbyMRI .(Ielbowedhi m)
(peopl
echeeredloudl
y.Pusothesatdownand
othercoupl
esint
roducedthemsel
ves,i
ncl
udi
ng
Di
mphoandherhusband)
MC: Il
ovedt hewaythePuso' sint r
oduced
themselves.Thisi
showourpr ogr am isgoing
tobe:I'
m goingtoassignquest ionsaccording
tohowt hespiri
toftheLordleadsmeandas
peopleanswerwear eallgoingt opr aybased
ontheiranswers.MrPusowi l
lleadt heprayers.
I
'm gonnast ar
twit
ht hevanDerMer wes.Tony :
whatistheonet hi
ngy ouregrett hemosti nli
fe?
Tony:meeti
ngmyexgir
lf
ri
end,
thel
ateLent
le
(peopl
ebegant
opray
)
Puso:Godist
urni
ngther egr
etint
oav al
uable
l
ifel
essonyouwill
appreciat
e.Thishasbeena
thor
ninyourf
leshandfrom todayyouarefr
ee
i
nJesusname( cheer
ing)
MC:
whati
syourwor
stf
earLenah?
Lenah:myhusbandbecomingphy si
call
yviol
ent
.
Somet i
meshegetsver
yangr y
.Heal ways
apologi
esf
orthetemperoutburst
sandt heyare
nott
hatscar
ybutgi
venhi
shi
stor
y..
..
..
.Yah
Puso: Godsay s,don'
tl etthepastdictat
eyour
present.Healsosay s, dontlett
hedev il
hol
d
youhost agewi t
ht hi
sf earandanxiety.Thi
s
manwi l
lneverharmy ouinanyway , sosays
God.Theangeyr eactionisnor malbutthedevi
l
usesittoinsti
llfeariny ou.Befree)
Lenah:thanky
ouLord(Tonywi
pedhert
ear
s
andkiseedher)Il
ovey
ou
Tony
:Il
ovey
out
oo
MC:thatwasl
overi
ghtt
her
e.Tef
o,whati
sone
t
hingyoudesi
ret
hemost?
Tefo:f
ormyonl ysist
ertoforgi
v emegenuinely
andwholeheartedl
yforeveryt
hingIhav
edone
toherorsaidtoher.Herforgi
vingmewillgiv
e
mepeace( sil
ence)
Me:f
rom t
hebot
tom ofmyhear
t,If
orgi
vey
ou.I
f
orgi
veyou
(
theyhuggedeachot
herl
eav
ingChar
it
yint
ear
s)
Mc:thiscanonl
ybeGod.Bythet i
met hi
s
conventi
onisov
er,al
otofli
veswillbechanged.
Chari
tywhatist
heonethi
ngt hatyouwouldli
ke
toseeGoddoingfory
ourfami l
y?
Charit
y:onerequesthasj
ustbeenanswer
ed.I
wouldliketoseemyhusbandandhisexwife
gett
ingalongwell.Co-
par
enti
ngissti
l
labit
chal
lengingfort
hem
Puso:
let'
sall
prayforthi
sone.Pastpai
nsar
e
st
il
levi
dentandint
erferi
ng
Mc: t
hankyoufort
heprayer
.Godwill
answerby
fi
re.Sei
so:whati
stheonethi
ngthatyouar
e
proudof?
Seiso:hel
pingTshego.It
houghtIwashelpi
nga
mer ehumanbeingkanteI'
m helpi
nganangel
thatwasgoi ngt
obringmeal otofbl
essi
ngs.I
l
ov eyousis
(
Iwi
nkedathi
m andpeopl
echeer
ed)
Puso: Godsaysforwhatyouhavedone,
you
shallneverl
ack,
beitmateri
all
yoremoti
onal
l
y
(cheeri
ng)
Mc:Sophi
eifyouweret
ochangeany
thi
ng
abouty
ourli
fewhatwoul
ditbe?
Sophi
e:canIsayt
wo?
Mc:
it'
sfi
ne
Sophie: Iwouldwantmyhusbandt obemyf i
rst
boyfr
iendandt heonlymanIev erdate.I
'
m
marri
edt oanamazi ngmanwi ththeheartofan
angel
.( seisokissedherhand)Iwouldwantt o
beraisedGod' sway ,hav
easpeci alr
elat
ionship
wit
hGodasear lyaspossibl
einmyl ife
Puso:GodsaysIshouldremindy outhatthe
rewar
disthesame.Whet heryoust ar
tedtoday
or20year
sago, t
hedesti
nati
onisthesameand
eachonehashi sorherownblessingsstored
speci
fi
cal
lyforthem.Theimportantthingist
o
belat
eratherthantodiewit
houthav i
nga
r
elat
ionshi
pwi
thGod.
Sophi
e:amen
Mc:Puso,
whatist
hemosti
mpor
tantt
hingi
n
yourl
i
feri
ghtnow?
Puso:
myr
elat
ionshi
pwi
thmymaker
.
Mc:
that
'sheav
y.Let
'sal
lpr
ayf
orhi
m
(
aft
erpr
ayer
)
Mc: Godsay swhatev
erthathappenedinyour
l
ifeisthereasonwhyy ouarethi
sstri
ngand
untouchable.Thedevi
lhat
esy ou
Puso:
Ipr
efert
ohav
eitt
hatway
Mc:amen.Tshego,
Godsaysther
ear
eafew
peopl
ethaty
ouneedtofor
giv
e.Whatdoyou
say?
Me:that'
ssotr
ue.Ihaveforgivenev er
ybody,my
exhusband,mythenboyfr
iend, andaf ew
minutesagoIf
orgavemybr otherandIl ook
for
war dt
ohavi
ngaheal t
hyr el
ationshi
pwi t
h
him.Therei soneper sonI'mfaili
ngt oforgive
upt onow: myexbestf r
iend.Ijustcan'tforgiv
e
her.Iwantt oforgiveherbutIj ustcan'tgett o
doit.May beit'
sbecausel eenewhenshewas
sti
llal
iveshedi dn'
tmakeanyef forttoshow
remorseorsi ncerelyaskf orforgiveness.(I
gaveapai nfulsmile)mybestf rienddatedmy
husbandt hetimewhenmyhusbandandIwer e
havingseriousmar italproblems.Shef ell
pregnantwi t
hhi schild,t
ocutt hel ongstor y
short,shehadachi l
dwi thhim andki ll
edt he
chil
d(peopl ereactedwi thshock)t henshe
almostorshoul dIsaypl annedt okil
lmychi l
d
beforecommi tt
ingsui ci
de
Woman:
don'
tfor
giv
eher
!Don'
t
Anot
herwoman:
Iagr
ee
Man:
shamet
hedev
ilandf
orgi
veher
Woman3:
for
giv
eherf
ory
ourownpeacemy
si
ster
Me:
Idon'
tknowwhet
her'
ToFORGI
VEORNOT"

THEEND

#THANKYOUALLFORYOURSUPPORT.UNTIL
WEMEETAGAIN,FORGI
VETHEM TOSHAME
THEDEVILANDBEATPEACE.MUCHLOVE.L.I
.
KENOSI
"