TheGoodWi

fe
Pr
ologue

AtChr
ishanibar
agwanahHospi
tal

Isteppedinsi
dethehospitalwithahugesmi le
curvedonmyl ipsandlookedar ound.Itwasvery
bigandspaciousjustasIantici
pat ed.NowthatI
wasf i
nall
yhere,i
tfel
tver
yunr eal.Thishasal
ways
beenadr eam

Iwal
kedtotherecepti
oni
star
eawithapounding
hear
t.Idi
dn'
treal
lyknowwhattoexpect
.Thatwas
themostscar
ypar t

Me:
(Smi
li
ng)
Hel
lo.
.

Recept
ioni
st:
(l
ooki
ngatt
hecomput
er)HihowcanI
hel
pyou?
Shemovedhereyesandf
inal
lyl
ookedatme
Me:Hi
.I'
m afi
rstyearr
esi
dent
.I'
m her
efort
he
or
ient
ati
on.
Recept
ioni
st:
(Smi
li
ng)
Wel
comet
othehospi
tal
Doctor
..
Me:
(Smi
li
ng)
Mat
heba.
Recepti
onist
:OkayDoctorMat
heba.Thef
ir
styear
resi
dentsareinthatr
oom.
Shepoi
ntedout
.
Me:
Thankyousomuch.
Recept
ioni
st:
(Smi
li
ng)
Youwel
come.

Itookadeepbreathandwal kedt
ot heroom she
showedme.Ist eppedinsi
deandl ookedaround.
Theywerelotofresi
dents.

It
ookadeepbreat
handsatnextt
oonel
ady.Ther
e
wasanemptychai
rbesi
desher
Me:
Hi.
Shet
urnedandl
ookedatme.
Her
:(
Smi
li
ng)
Hi.Fi
rstyearr
esi
dent
?
Me:
(Nodded)
Yes.
Her
:(
Smi
li
ng)
Same.I
'
m Fer
ah.
Me:
Kgaogel
o.
Her
:(
Shaki
ngmyhand)
Nicet
omeetyou.
Me:
Nicet
omeetyout
oo.
Her
:(
Chuckl
ed)
Gynaecol
ogi
st.
Me:
Neur
osur
geon.
Fer
ah:
Nice.

Doct
orSet
zenwalkedi
nwiththeCEOandsomeof
t
heseni
orDoct
ors.Thewholeroom wentsi
lent
.

CEO:
GoodAf
ter
noonnewr
esi
dent
s.
Us:
(Al
latonce)
Goodaf
ter
noonSi
r.
CEO:Wewel comeyout oChr i
sHaniBaragwanah
hospit
al.Hereweareal lafami l
y.Weareexcit
edto
haveyouaspar tofourt eam ofdedicat
ed
prof
essional
stofulfi
llourvisionofsafeand
compassionatecareforal l
.

Ferahl
ookedatmeandsmi l
ed.Tear
sfil
ledmyeyes.
Thismomentwasver yspeci
altome.Ijusthope
thatmyparent
sar elooki
ngdownatmer ightnow
andsmili
ng.I'
m suremydadi smadpr oudand
happy.

CEO: (
Smiling) Iknowf ir
stdaysar ealit
tl
escarybut
don'tputpr essur etoyour sel
ves.Justdowhatyou
dobestandr emembert hatdoctorsarenotGod.To
giverealser viceyoumustaddsomet hingwhich
cannotbeboughtormeasur edwithmoneyandt hat
i
ssi nceri
tyandIi ntegrit
y.Alwaysremembert hat
peoplewillf orgetwhatyousai d,
whatyoushow, but
peoplewillneverf orgetwhatyoumadet hem f
eel.
Alwaysputyoursel
finthei
rshoes.Givethebest
andqualit
ycaretoourpati
ents.Surel
ythiswil
lbe
engravedint
heirhear
tsandintheirBrai
ns.

Aft
ert
hewholemanagementspeechesweal lcued
i
nthehal
ltogetourcoat
s,st
ethoscopesandcards.

Ismel
ledmycoatandl
ookedatmycar
d.Ir
eadi
t.

"
Doct
orKgaogel
oRachelMat
heba"
.

Seni
ornur
se:Youareallr
equestedi
nDoct
or
Mart
in'
soff
iceforyourfi
rstt
ask.

Iworemycoatandputast
ethoscopear
oundmy
neck.Fer
ahst
oodnextt
ome

Fer
ah:
(Smi
li
ng)
Howyouf
eel
i
ng?Thi
sisgr
eat
.
Me:
(Chuckl
ed)
Ifeell
ikeI
'
m dr
eami
ng.
Fer
ah:
Youbet
tersnapoutofi
tgi
rl
(Wel
aughed)

AtDoct
orMar
ti
n'sof
fi
ce

Weallst
eppedi
nsi
deandwai
tedf
orhi
m.Hi
sof
fi
ce
wasveryni
ceandwar
m.

Hest eppedinsi
deandl
ookedatus.Hewasaver
y
goodl ooki
ngman.Helookedl
ikehewasonhi
slate
thi
rt
ies.

Mar
ti
n:Wel
comer
esi
dent
s.

Weal
lnodded

Mart
in:
Today,
foryourf
irstt
ask,
youguyswil
lbe
assi
sti
ngthehospit
ali
nputti
ngtoget
her200pl
us
covi
dtest
ingki
ts.

Wealll
ookedateachother
.It
'sahugeonebut
hey,
I
'mreadyt
owor k.

Meanwhil
eintheentr
ance,
theparamedicspushed
t
heheavil
ywoundedmani nastretcherwhi
lehis
t
wobrothersshout
edforhelp

Br
other
1:Pl
easehel
p.He'
sbeenshot
.Hel
p!

ThePar
edemicspushedt
hest
retchertotheOT.
Meanwhil
eIcli
mbedofft
hest
air
swi thFerahand
l
ookedatthecommoti
on.

Brother2:
Kant
iwher
ear
ethedamndoct
ors?He'
s
fuckingshot
!
Theonenexttohi
m st
aredatmeandFer ahangr
il
y.
Hisbl
ackShir
thadcutholesandst
ainsofbl
ood.
HewasanAf r
icanMan,veryt
all
,
dar
kandhandsome
wit
htheconfi
dencet
omat ch
Hismasculi
nebodyshowedthathewasaregul
ar
att
hegym plushi
swellf
it
tedbl
ackshi
rtt
hatmade
hi
ml ookyummy

Isnappedoutofi
twhenhewal
kedt
owar
dsus.

Him:
(Looki
ngatme)Canyoustopwalki
ngar
ound
andatt
endtomybrother
.He'
sshot.
Her
eadmycar
d
Hi
m:Neur
osur
geon(
Hel
dmyar
m)Let
'sgo.

Iswall
owedashepul l
edmet otheOT.Iwaseven
scar
edt osayanythingcausehewasveryangr y.He
hadthi
si nt
imidat
ingpresenceanddarkaura.You
can'
thelpitbutsubmit.
.Hethrewmeinsideand
l
ookedatme
Hi
m:Gett
hatbul
letout
.

Heclosedt
hedoor
.Thet
eam t
hatwasi
ntheOT
l
ookedatme.

Nur
se:
Goandchange.
Me:
(Rel
uct
ant
)Uhm,
I'
m anewr
e-
Nur
se:
Godoct
or.

Il
ookedatheroncet henwenttochangethen
walkedbackt othem.Iputonmyst eri
legl
ovesand
stoodbesi dethebed.Thiswasmyver yf
ir
st
unexpect edcase.Itwast er
ri
fyi
ng.It
ookadeep
breath.Ican'tlosemyf i
rstpati
entt
odayovert
his
anxiety.Ineedt hi
s

Me:
(Ser
ious)
Uhm okay.Whatam Il
ooki
ngat
?
Nurse:
A20+pl usmalewit
hagunshotwoundtothe
fr
ontofthechestj
ustabovethedi
aphr
agm.His
vi
tal
sareundetect
ableandthepar
edemics-
Me:(
Caughtmybreat
h)Ver
if
icat
ionokay.
.pusht
he
bedovert
here.

TheypushedthebedasIf l
ickedthefl
ashli
ghtand
openedhiseyes,
thepupi
lsslight
lyconst
ri
cted.Iput
onmyst et
hoscopethenplaceditonhischest

Ihel
dmybreathandcarefull
yli
stenedt
henmoved
i
tbelowhi
sbreastst
il
lhopingforsomethi
ng.

Me:Uhm, Thebulletrapturedthr
oughhisr i
bcageand
probabl
ydamagedhi slungtherebyt
ension
pneumot horax.PulltheECGmachi neoverandt he
oxygen,hookhim.I '
llneedapneumot horaxneedle
withthelargestdiamet erpl
ease.Hur
ry,everyspl
it
secondi scri
ti
cal
Ever
yonemovedar oundgotbusyasIcl eanedhi
m
al
cohol
.Theyhandedmeaneedl e,
Iinsert
editon
hi
schestjustovert
hethir
drib.Ther
ewasan
i
mmedi at
erushifexi
sti
ngairfrom t
heneedle

Iremovedtheneedleandleftthecatheteri
nthe
pl
acelooki
ngatt hemant henheavedahugesi gh
gl
ancingattheECGmachi neast heman' sheart
beatsl
owlyrecovered.Ipt
operlydisposedthe
needl
eandsecur edthecatherwithat ape

Theyalllookedatoneanothersmil
ingofvict
oras
themachi nebeeped.Oneofthenurseswipedmy
facewithacl ot
h.Ihadalotofsweat.Kcl
osedmy
eyesandsi ghed

Me:ThankyouGod.Thankyoumama.Thankyou
Papa.

Out
sidet
hewar
d,t
hebr
otherpacedar
ound
Br
other
1:Si
tdownQhawe,
youar
emaki
ngmedi
zzy.
Qhawe:(angr
il
y)I
'
m goi
ngtokil
ltheMarti
als.OnceI
getoutofthi
shospi
tal
,
I'
mr et
ali
ati
ng.Theymessed
wit
hthewr ongman.
Br
other
:Justsi
tdownandcal
m down.
Hest
oppedpaci
ngandsi
ghed
Brother
:Wear
egoingtoavengethi
s.Zenzei
s
st
rongandhe'l
lsurvi
ve.Weneedtoupthesecur
it
y
ofthispl
acef
ir
st.
Qhawe:
Ispoket
oNei
labouti
t.Theyar
ecomi
ng.
Brother:
Good.Thedi
amondsar
eal
sosaf
e.They
onlystol
eEurika.
Qhawe:
(Cl
enchedhi
sjaws)Fuck!

Isteppedout
sideandlookedatthem.Theyal
l
tur
nedandstaredatme.Ther udeonewasthefi
rst
onet ost
andinfrontofme.
Hi
m:Howi
she?
Me:(Calmyl
ookedatt
heot
herbr
other
)He'
soutof
danger.We'
vemanagedt
oremovethebul
letand
stabi
li
zedhi
m.
Br
other
:(
Nodded)
ThankyouDoct
or.
Me:(St
il
llooki
ngattheotherbrot
her)Youwelcome.
Bytheway, I
'
m afir
styearresi
dent.Thankyoufor
gi
vingmet hisopport
unit
y.

Ifel
thiseyespier
cemeonmyski n.It
urnedand
walkedaway.Whatar udebastar
d!Icli
ckedmy
tongue.Buthey,
atl
eastIsavedali
fe.

Meanwhi l
eQhawel ookedatKgaogeloasshe
walkedtotheothersi de.Hesmiledwhenhe
thoughtaboutwhatj usthappenednow.Shewasso
rudetohim yetverypol i
tel
y.Helovedherful
l
beauti
full
ipsandt hatroundandchubbyf ace.Now
thathewasabl etobecl osertoher,
hereal
izedhow
beauti
fulshelookedandhowsweetshesmel led.
Hi
sbrothernudgedhi
m.Hesnappedoutofhi
m and
l
ookedathim
Hi
m: Let
'sgo.We'
llcomeher
etomorrow.Nei
lis
al
readyherewit
ht het
eam.I
'l
lspeaktot
hedir
ector
.
Qhawe:
(Nodded)
Okay.

Theyallwal
kedout
sideandspokewit
hNeilonthei
r
wayoutbeforet
heysteppedi
nsi
dethecarand
droveoff

TOBECONTI
NUED.
..

(
Ournewr
ead.Pl
easeshar
e,l
ikeandcomment
)
TheGoodWi
fe
#1

AtTheCEO'
sOf
fi
ce
Irushedtot heCEO'soffi
cewhenIhear dthathe
summonedme.Iwasver ynervousandmyhands
couldn'
tstopshaking.Iwasaski ngmysel falotof
questi
ons,"didIdoanythi
ngwr ong"."Isthisabout
notconduct i
ngCovidtestsasperr equested"
.I
didn'
tknowandi twasnerve-
wr acking

Ist
eppedi
nsi
deassoonashetol
dmet ogeti
n.He
waswitht
heDir
ect
orandTwoseni
ordoct
ors

Me:
(Ner
vous)
Gooddaygent
lemen.

Theyal
lgr
eet
edback

Me:
(Lookedatt
heCEO)
Youcal
ledf
ormeSi
r?

Theyal
llookedateachot
herandsmi
led
CEO:
(Smi
led)
Doct
orMat
heba.
Me:
(Nodded)
YesSi
r.
CEO:(
Smiled)Ihear
daboutyourf
ir
stsur
ger
y.
Apparent
lyitwentwel
l.
Me:
YesSi
r.
CEO:(Smil
ed)Youdidanamazi ngj
obandI '
m proud
ofyou.Theseniornurset
oldmet hatthe
paramedicsalr
eadypronouncedhim deadatthe
scenecausehisheartwasnotbeatingandyou
managedt obri
nghim back.
Seni
orDoc:(
Smil
ed)Wear guedalotwithDoctor
Smit
hbutIendedupwi nningeventhoughyou
oper
atedwit
hhisteam.ButIstil
lWon(Theylaughed)
uhm,I'
dli
kehaveyouonmyt eam.

Myhear
tski
ppedI
nexci
tement

Me:
(Smi
led)
Ofcour
seDoct
or.I
'
dlovet
hat
.I'
dlove
thatverymuch.Thankyousomuchforthi
s
opportuni
ty.Ipr
omiset
hatIwon'
tdi
sappoi
nt.
Doc:
(Smi
led)Ofcourseyouwon't.YoucanCallme
doct
orMathur.I
'm oneoftheSeniorNeur
osur
geon
i
nthehospit
al.
Me:
(Nodded)
Nicet
omeetyou.
Doc:
(Smi
led)
Likewi
se.
CEO:I
t'ssett
ledthen(Lookedatme)Al
mostal lour
hospi
talauxili
arymember sarei
ntheprocessof
ori
entati
ontraini
ng.That'
swhySeniordoctor
swer e
nowheretobeseen.Theyar eal
sohel
ping.Thank
youforsteppinginagain.
Me:
(Smi
led)
It
'smydut
ySi
r.
CEO:
(Smi
led)
Youcangoandj
oint
heot
her
s.
Me:
Okay.Haveagoodday.
CEO:
(Smi
led)
Yout
oo.

Iwal
kedout
sideandst
oodagai
nstt
hewal
l
Me:
(Punchi
ngi
ntheai
r)
YESSS!

AtI
thembaMi
ne

TheFor
ensi
cteam andPoli
ceoff
icerswer
eatt
he
cr
imescenewhil
ethebrot
herswatched

Thetwodet
ecti
vesstoodi
nfr
ontofthem.Theot
her
onehadanotebookandpeni
nhishands

Of
fi
cer:
Thisi
sDetect
iveMabena,
Iwon'
tintr
oduce
mysel
fcauseyouknowI'
vebeenherebefor
e.

Thebrother
sjustl
ookedathi
m.TheDet
ect
ive
chuckl
ed

Off
icer
:Okayl
et'
sbegi
ngentl
emen.Whathappened
her
e?Okay,Onequest
ionatt
het
ime.Letmenot
over
whel
m you.Howdi
dyourbr
othergetshot
?
Sambul
o:(
Sighed)I
'
m notsureabouti
t.Butbyt
he
l
ooksoft
hings,
IthinkRobber
sgotinand-
Det
ect
ive:
Robber
s?
Br
other
:(
Cal
my)Yeah.Asyoucanseethatwel
osta
di
amondthatwediscover
edaweekago.
Det
ect
ive:
Wher
edi
dyougett
hedi
amond?
Br
other
:(
Sighed)
Aren'
twemi
ningher
e?
Detecti
ve:
(Smi
led)AndI
t'
salsopossibl
ethatyou
gotitsomewhere.Youhaven'
tfoundaplaceyett
o
minein.
Qhawe:
(Calml
y)Areyousureabouti
t?Doyouwant
ustot
ellyouwherewemi ni
ng?Youwantusto
showyoueveryt
hingwedo.
Brot
her:Ar
ewediscussi
ngourMineormybr
other
's
shooti
ng?Icanseeyoudigr
essi
ng.

Thedet
ect
ivesmi
ledandf
oldedhi
sar
ms
Detect
ive:
So,
anyi
deaofwhocoul
dbebehi
ndt
he
shooti
ng?
Sambul
o:Noi
dea.
Det
ect
ive:
(LookedatQhawe)andyouMr
?
Qhawe:Wewerehopi
ngyou'
dtel
lussi
nceyouar
e
t
hedetect
iveher
e.
Detect
ive:(
Sighed)
Ihopeyouaresur
ecause
wit
hholdinginfor
mati
oniscri
me.We'l
llockyouup.

Theycal
mlyst
aredathi
m

Det
ect
ive:
Letmegoandaskt
hest
uff
.

Helookedatt
hem onceandst
eppedoutwi
thhi
s
assi
stant

Sambulo:Thi
sonebor
esmet
odeat
h.He'
sst
art
ing
tosuspect.
Qhawe:Hewon'
tfi
ndoutanyt
hing.Don'
twor
ry
aboutt
hat.
Sambulo:Thel
astthingIdon'twantisforust
oget
caughtandgotojail
.Wecan' taff
ordthat.
Especi
all
ynow.Let'sgo,They'
lll
ockup.
Qhawe:
We'
l
lnevergot
ojai
l.
Br
other
:(
Sighed)Let
'sgo.

Theyal
lwal
kedtothepar
kingl
otandgoti
nthei
r
car
sanddroveof
f

Att
hecaf
eter
ia

MeandFer
ahsteppedi
ntheCafet
eri
aandl
ooked
f
oranempt
ytable.Weal
readybr
oughtf
ood

Fer
ah:
(Poi
tedout
)Ther
e'sanempt
ytabl
e.
Me:
(Looki
ng)
Iseei
t.Let
'sgo.
Wewal
kedt
her
eandset
tl
eddown.

Fer
ah:
(Si
ghed)
It
'sbeenhect
ic.
Me:
Iknow.
Ferah:(Smiled)OkayandyouBarbiedoll
.Howwas
yourf i
rstsurgeryinChri
sHaniBaragwanah
hospital?Andt hathunk?Didyouseehisbicepsand
strongar ms.Goshandhi sface.
(Laughed)
he
l
iteral
lypulledyouandt hr
ewyoui ntheOT.So
domi nant.Ili
kedthat
Me:(
Rol
ledmyeyes)
Don'tremindaboutt
hatone.
He'
ssucharudeandchi
ldishman.IprayIdon'
t
cr
osspathswi
thhi
m again.I
'l
lki
llhi
m.
Ferah:
(Laughed)
Ohcomeon.Ar
eyouevencapabl
e
ofkil
li
ng?
Me:
Ifi
tcangett
othat
.
Fer
ah:
(Sar
cast
ical
ly)
Ndi
yakoyi
kangok.
Me:
(Laughed)
I'
mjustsopi
ssed.Iwasnotr
eadyf
or
that.Butbesi
desthat
,hewasrude.Heli
ter
all
y
draggedme.Mycoathasst ainsofbl
oodalloveri
t
becausehehel dmyar m wi
thhi
sbloodyhands.
Ferah:
(l
aughed)
Atl
easthetouchedyou.I
'
ddi
eifhe
eventouchedmewithhisf
inger.

Ishookmyhead.Westart
edeati
ngwhi
le
conver
singunti
lonemal
estoodi
nfr
ontofus.I
readhi
sCard,i
tsaid
"
DoctorVhut
shi
loMudau"hewasal
soaf
ir
styear
r
esi
dent

Him:
(Smiled)
Hel
lor
esident
s.MayIpl
easehavea
seat
?Ifyoudon'
tmind.
Fer
ah:
Ofcour
sewedon'
tmi
nd.Si
tdown.
Hi
m:(
Satdown)
Thankyou.Byt
hewayI
'
m Vhut
shi
lo.
Fer
ah:
(Shaki
nghands)
Fer
ah.
Vhut
shi
lo:
Nicet
omeetyou.
(l
ookedatme)
Andyou?
Me:
Kgaogel
o.
Vhut
shi
lo:
(Shaki
ngmyhand)Kga-uhm t
hat
'sahar
d
one(
welaughed)I
'l
lcal
lyouKG.
Me:(
Laughed)
oryoucancal
lmeDoct
orMat
heba.I
pr
efert
hatalot
.
Vhutshi
lo:
(Chuckl
ed)Soprof
essionalokay.Ihear
d
aboutyourfi
rstsur
gery.Youimpressedthebig
dogs.Goodjob.
Me:
(Smi
led)
ThankYou.
Hi
m:Youwel
come.How'
syourf
ir
stday?
Fer
ah:
It
'ssoamazi
ng.I
'
m enj
oyi
ngi
t.
Me:
(Smi
led)
Same.
Vhut
shi
lo:
Itwasagr
eatst
artandwel
comi
ng.
Us:
Yeah.

AtQhawe'
sHouse

Thebr
other
sal
ongwit
hNei lwer
egat
her
edi
nthe
l
ivi
ngr
oom whi
lest
rat
egi
zing.
Neil
:Iknowwel ostover20mi
ll
ioni
nthatdi
amond
butretal
iat
ingnowisnotagoodplan.
Qhawe: Iknow.Theyareexpecti
ngusnowandt hey
arereadyandpr epared.Iwantustostr
ivewhen
theyleastexpecti
t.Idon'
twantthem t
oseeus
coming.
Brot
her
:Asli
vidaswearewecan'tretal
iat
enow.We
needasoli
dplanfi
rst
.Themi nei
snotdoingwell
curr
ent
ly,
wealsoneedtofocusonit.
Qhawe:Theyar
esof
ucked.Noonemesseswi
thour
t
erri
tor
y.
Br
other
:Wor
set
heyt
ri
edt
oki
llZenze.

Qhaweshookhi
sheadashepouredhi
msel
fagl
ass
ofwhi
skeyandqui
ckl
ygul
peditdown

Sambulo:
We'l
lbef
lyi
ngt
otheUK.Wedoi
ngt
his
per
sonall
y.
Qhawe:
Ofcour
se.

Meanwhi l
eIsighedasIst
eppedinsi
demycousi
n's
house.Istaywithher
.Oneofherchi
ldr
enRet
habi
le
rantome

Ret
ha:
(Exci
ted)
Aunt
y!

Shehuggedmyl
egs

Me:
(Smi
led)
Hibaby.
Ret
ha:
Kgal
ekegogopot
se{
Imi
ssedyou}
Me:
(Smi
led)
Lennawei
tsi
{Met
oo}

She'
ssof
ondofme.Wegotinsidet
hehouse.My
cousi
nMphowasi
nthel
ivi
ngr oom wat
chi
ngTV.

Me:
HeyCuzzy.
Mpho:
(bor
ed)
Hel
loKgaogel
o.
Retha:
(Exci
ted)Aunt
yrejel
ePizzal
eKFC.Kenale
j
uice.Waebat l
a{WeatePizzaandKfc.Ial
sohave
j
uice,
doyouwanti t}
Mpho:(
Shout
ed)
HeiiwenaRet
ha.Kanaonal
e
l
egano.Goandpl
ay!

Shehuggedmyl
egst
ight
.

Me:
It
'sokay.I
'
llgoandf
reshenup.
Mpho:
(handedmeaR10)Goandbuyyour
sel
fKot
a.
Wearenotcooki
ngt
oni
ght.
Me:
(Swal
lowed)
OkayThankyou.

Itookt
hemoneyf r
om herandwal kedtotheroom I
sl
eepat.ThisiswhatIhadt ofacealmostmywhol e
l
ife.Myuncleandauntusedt odeprivemefoodand
I'
dgotwotot hreedayswithouteati
ng.Andalsoall
mycousins.Whenmypar entsdiedonahor r
if
ic
acci
dentthat'
swhenli
fedr
asti
cal
lychangedforme
andmyl i
ttl
ebrot
her
.Speaki
ngabouthim,Ineedto
cal
lhim.Hewassupposedtocomeher etoday.

Igi
veRethaamagazineIf
oundinther
oom t
o
di
str
actherwhi
leIdi
aledmyaunt'
snumber
.

Aunt
:Hel
lo?
Me:
Mamogol
o.
Aunt
:(
Sighed)
Kgaogel
o.Ot
senyachel
etel
eng?
Me:MonthendwhenIgetpai
d.I
sKut
lwanost
il
l
coming?
Aunt:
Owai.Thi
soneisadrunkar
dandhe' sver
y
di
srespect
ful
.Iusedt
hemoneyyousent .Don'
t
wasteyourmoneyonhim.Hethinkshe'
snowa
man.
Me:
(Hear
tski
pped)
Whathappened?
Aunt
:Hecamehomedr unkyest
erday.Apparent
lyhe
wentoutwi
thhi
sfr
iendstotownandgotdr unk.
Me:
(Shocked)
Kut
lwanobat
hong.Letmet
alkt
ohi
m.
Aunt:
He'
sevenli
mping.Heal
soget
sinf
ights.
Nnakagowant
shwenyaKgaogel
o.I
'
vehaditwith
t
hisboy.
Me:I
'm sor
ryMamamogol
o.I
'
llt
alkt
ohi
m.Handt
he
phoneovertohi
m.
Aunt
:Okay(
Shout
ed)
Kut
lwano.

Iwasver
yshockedbyKutl
wano'ssuddenbehavi
or.
He'
sbeengoodsofar
.Iwonderwhathappenedto
hi
m.Idon'
tknowbutI'
m scar
ed.Am Ilat
e?

Kut
lwano:
(Hor
sevoi
ce)
Hel
lo?

Itookadeepbr
eathfir
stcal
mingmyselfdown.One
thi
ngaboutmybrotherist
hathedoesn'
tli
ket
oget
shoutedat
.He'
sthatsensi
ti
ve.

Me:
(Cal
mly)
Kut
lwanowhatam Ihear
ingaboutyou?I
sitt
rue?
Kut
lwano:
(si
ghed)
Howwasyourf
ir
stdayatwor
k?
Me:
Kut
lwano.
Kut
lwano:
YeahIhadaf
ewdr
inks.
Me:Dr
inks?Areyoucr
azy?Whydi
dyoudot
hat
?
Youaretwel
veyearsf
orGod'
ssake.
Kut
lwano:
(r
egr
etf
ull
y)I
'
m sor
ry.
Me:Whydidyoudrink?Nowyoucan' tcomehere.
Don'
tyouwanttost aywi
thme?Looknow
Mamogolotookthemoney(tearf
ull
y)Wef oughtso
har
dtogethere.ForYears,
rekgotl
hell
etse.Now
youdoi
ngthistome.Takingtenstepsback.
Kut
lwano:
(l
owt
one)
I'
m sor
rySi
si.
Me:(
Tear
ful
ly)
Youar
edisappoi
nti
ngme.Youwer
e
good,
whydi
dyouchange?Whathappened?
Kutl
wano:Iwasstr
essed.Iwanttocomet her
eso
bad.ButMamogoloispurposel
ysabotagingus.
Shelongusedthemoneyyousent .She'
spissi
ng
meof fsomuch.
Icl
osedmyeyesast
ear
sfel
ldown

Me:I
'l
lcomeandgetyoukamont
hend.St
op
dr
inki
ng.
Kut
lwano:
Whydon'
tyoucomet
hisweek?
Me:
(sadly)
Idon'thavemoney.Iusedt
hel
astcash
t
oday.Ionlyhavetranspor
tmoney.
Kut
lwano:
(Si
ghed)
Okay.
Me:
I'
l
lcome.Ipr
omi
se.
Kut
lwano:
Okay.Howwasyourf
ir
stday?
Me:(
Smiled)
Itwasamazi
ng.Idi
dmyfir
stsurger
y
andthewholemanagmentwasimpr
essed.
Kut
lwano:
WelldoneSi
s.Iknowyounever
di
sappoi
nt.
Me:
Imean(
wel
aughed)
Kutl
wano:Sendmet hepictur
esyout
akent
odayon
Tshi
diso'
sphone.Isti
llhaveyour
swhenyouwere
sti
lli
nCuba(chuckl
ed)Remembert hatdayIshowed
everyoneandtheyallst
art
edr especti
ngme.
(I
mi t
ati
ngthem)Kutl
wano'ssisterisinCuba.Hei
i
she'saneurosur
geon(welaughed)I twasthei
rfi
rst
ti
mehear i
ngaboutthatProfession.Typi
calhood
ki
ds.
Me:
(l
aughed)
I'
llsendt
hem.
Kut
lwano:
Okay.Goodni
ght
.
Me:
(Smi
led)
Goodni
ghtPapi
.Il
oveyou.
Kutl
wano:Il
oveyoutoo.Pl
easecal
lmewhenyou
comingsoIknowthatyouarereal
lycomi
ng.Or
we'
llchatonTshi
diso'
sphone.
Me:
(t
ear
ful
ly)
Okay.

I
ntheMor
ning

Iwentt othehospit
alwi t
hanempt yst
omach.Mpho
preparedfoodonlyf orherandt
hekids.Shesai
d
she'ssavinggrocery.Ican'
twai
tforMonthend.I
wanttor entaplaceandgetoutofhere.
IwalkedtothewardofthatmanIsavedyesterday.I
havet omonit
ortodaysi
nceItr
eat
edhim yesterday
butI
'llbehandl
ingthecaset
ooneofthenurses
andpsychotherapi
st.

HiswardhadPol
icemenoutside.Ther
ewere
guar
dinghi
m.He'seitherat
roublemakerorhe
messedwitht
hewr onggang.

Iopenedthedoorandimmedi at
elyl
ockedeyeswi th
HIM.The"rudeone"
.Myhear tski
ppedabi t.Idi
dn't
expectt
oseethem today.ImeanI'm ear
ly.Am I?

Me:
(Cl
ear
edmyt
hroat
)GoodMor
ning.
Br
other
:Mor
ning.

Nowhedoesn'
tgreetback,
Justgr
eat
!Nextt
imeI'
l
l
becl
earandgr
eetonlyhisbrot
her
.Mypati
entwas
awake.

Me:
(Smi
led)
Hi.Howyouf
eel
ingt
oday?Thepai
n.

Helookedal
otl
iket
hem.Ther
esembl
ancewas
cr
azy.

Hi
m:(
Smi
led)
Hi,
youmydoct
or?Youar
esosexy.

Ishi
ft
eduncomf
ort
abl
y.Okaynowt
hisi
sawkwar
d.

Me:Uhm,how'st
hePai
n?Ineedt
oref
eryout
oa
psychot
herapi
st.
Hi
m:Al
ri
ght
(smi
led)Thankyouf
orsavi
ngmyl
if
e.

Islowlynodded.Thi
sonel
ookedl
ikehe'
sver
y
playf
ully.
IchecktheIVbottl
es.Ifel
tthei
reyesonme.They
weremakingmesouncomf ort
abl
e.Especial
lythi
s
rudeone.Hislookisn'
tverycomfort
able.Helooks
atmestraightint
heeyeslikeshe'
ssear chi
ngfor
somethi
ngi nthem.

Ist
oodont
heot
hersi
de

Me:
uhm,
I
'ml
eavi
ng.Haveagoodday.
Hi
m:Okay.
(r
eadingmycar d)
DoctorKg..
kgkhaogel
oRachel
Matheba.I
'm Zenzel
isi
phesi
hlebutyoucancal
lme
Zenze.Youaresosexy.Ili
keyourcheeks.
Rudeguy:
(Deepvoi
ce)Excuseme.Ineedasmoke.

Hestormedout
.OkaysoHesmokes?Nowonder
he'
sli
kethi
s.Hemusthavehol
esi
nhisl
ungs.Rude
bast
ard.
IthankedZenzebefor
eIl
eftt
hewar
dandwal
kedt
o
therecept
ionarea.

TOBECONTI
NUED.
..
.
TheGoodWi
fe
#2

AtChr
isHaniBar
agwanahHospi
tal

IrushedtoDoct
orMathurwhowaswi thtwonur
ses
andonepor t
erwhowaspushingastret
chert
oa
ward.Therewasaladyonitandherspousewas
besidesherwhi
lehol
dingherhand

Me:
(Pant
ing)
Doct
orMat
hur
.

Theyal
ltur
nedandl
ookedatme
Mat
hur
:Doct
orMat
heba,
Come.

Lady:
(Tear
ful
ly)
I'
m scar
ed.
Man:
You'
l
lbef
ine(
Kissedherhand)
Ipr
omi
se.
DrMathur:
(Lookedatme)Acuteleukemiconchemo.
Herhusbandbroughtherbecauseshe'sbeen
shaki
nguncontrol
labl
y
Me:
(Nodded)
DrMat
hur
:Shespi
kedaf
everof100.
8.
Me:
(Wi
denedeyes)
Whenwast
hel
astchemo?
DrMat
hur
:Aweekago(
lookedatt
hehusband)r
ight
?
Husband:
Yes.

Theypushedheri
nsi
det
hewar
d.Shehadadr
ipput
onhernose

DrMathur:
Youarerunningafever.I
t'
sjustanot
her
i
nfect
ion.Chemoissti
llcr
ushingyourimmune
syst
em.We' l
lgetyoust
art
edonbr
oadspect
rum
anti
biot
ics.
Me:(
Smil
ed)
Agai
nonacet
ami
nophent
ogetyour
f
everdown.
DrMathur:(
Smi l
ed)
Yes.Getcul
tur
esf
rom bot
h
hands.She'
llneedaheadCT.
Me:
OkayDoct
or.
Lady:
I'
m soscar
edbabe.
DrMathur:
(Smi l
ed)Don'
tbescar
ed.We'
l
lgetthi
s
undercont
rol.Getyoubothbackhomesoon.It
rust
myyoungr esidenther
e.

Ismi l
ed.Somehowt
hatgothert
orel
axbutshewas
sti
llscar
ed.

DrMathur
:Gethert
otheMRRadi
ologyandgett
he
CTscans.
Me:
OkayDoct
or.
ThePorterpushedhert
otheRoom.Whenwegot
ther
e,weputherontheMRmachineandgott
he
scans.

Ibr
ief
lyl
ookedatt
hescansandt
ookt
hem t
oDr
Mathur

AtZenze'
sWar
d

Qhawest eppedinsi
deandl ookedathi
sbrother
s
chat
ting.Zenzehadanoxygenmaskonhi smout h.
Helookedveryweakal thoughhewastalki
ngand
smil
ingwi t
hSambul o.Thewayhel i
kestal
king,
he'l
l
eventalkwhenhe'sinpain.Heshookhishead

Sambulo:
You'
l
lgetoutheresoon.Nawest
opt
alki
ng
toomuchandgetsomer est
.
Zenze:
Iwanttoknowaboutever
ythi
ngt
hat
happened.Whodidal
loft
his?
QhaweandSambul
olookedateachot
her

Qhawe:
Youdon'
thavet
owor
ryaboutt
hat
.Wegot
t
his.
Zenze:
(t
ooktheoxygenmaskoff)I
'
mtir
edofthi
s.I
knowwhatyouguysdo,youmightaswel
ltel
lme
whenenemiesatt
ackussoIcanknow.I'
m no
l
ongerachil
d.
Qhawe:Whatwillyoudoaft
erwetel
lyou?(
hekept
qui
et)Not
hing.SoJustfocusonyourheal
thand
l
eaveeveryt
hingtous.We'l
ltal
kwhenyouarefi
ne.

Heputonhi
soxygenmaskandl
ookedaway

Sambul
o:We'
l
lcomeagai
nint
heaf
ter
noon.

Hest
oodupandwal
kedoutf
oll
owedbyQhawe.
Meanwhi
leIst
eppedinsi
det
heelevat
orwhi
le
r
eadingt
hecasesIhadinmyhands.

BeforetheElevatorcouldcloseHEst eppedinside
andstoodnextt ome.Hehadaci gar
etteinhishand.
Awhol ecigarett
einsideaconf i
nedspace.This
rudemant hinksheownsever yoneandever yt
hing.
Hiswhol ecologneandci garet
tefi
ll
edthewhol e
elevat
ormaki ngitverydiff
icul
tformet obreathe.

Me:(
Clearedmythroat)
Canyousmoket hatthi
ng
out
sidetheel
evator?Il
it
eral
lycannotbr
eathe.
Hi
m:(
Cal
mly)
That
'snotmypr
obl
em.

Il
ookedathi
m angri
lyashecalml
ysmokedhis
ci
garet
tewhi
lefaci
ngahead.Iwantt
ogetoutof
her
e.Ihat
ehim!
Al
lofthesuddentheElevat
orst
opped.I
tli
ter
all
y
st
ucked.Myheartski
pped

Me:
Godno.No!

Thef
il
esIhadsl
ippedonmyhands.

Me:
(br
eat
hedheavi
ly)
Godno!Mamano!

Hel
ookedatmeconf
usedorr
atheri
rr
it
ated

Me:(
scr
eami
ng)
Noo!No!Fer
ah!Doct
orMat
hur
.
Fer
ah!

Irepeatedlypr
essedthebut
ton.I'
m Cl
austr
ophobi
c
soIstruggletobreat
heinconfi
nedspaces.Igota
panicattack.
Hecl
uelessyhel
dmebackbefor
eIcouldfal
ldown
andl
ookedinmyeyesasIst
ruggledt
obreathe

Hi
m:Hey.St
oppani
cki
ng.Br
eat
he.

Tear
sf i
ll
edmyeyes.Het
hrewhi
sci
gar
ett
edown
andstompedonit
.

Hi
m:(
Scar
ed)
Breat
he.Br
eat
he.

Ibr
eat
hedasperhisgui
dancethenhesl
owlysank
downonthef
loorwit
hmei nhisbi
garms.Icl
osed
myeyesasIbreat
hedheavi
ly

Him:
Breat
he.Justbr
eat
he.Don'
tthi
nkaboutt
his.
Comeonlookatme.

Isl
owl
ymovedmyheadupandl
ookedathi
m.
Him:
(Swal
lowed)Don'
tpani
c.I
'
m her
e.Not
hingi
s
goi
ngtohappen.Justbr
eat
he.

Tearsstr
eameddownonmycheeks.Hewi
ped
them of
fwit
hhishands

Hi
m:Don'
tpani
cokay?Br
eat
he.

Iopenedmymout htosaysomethi
ngbutnothi
ng
cameout .Ievenpeedonmyself
.Hetookmycoat
offandfannedmewi thit
.Iwassweat
ingheavi
ly.

Hewaitedformet
ocal
m downfi
rstandgotupwi
th
me.Mykneeswerest
il
lver
ywobbly.If
eltver
y
dehydr
atedtoo

Ihadlai
dmyheadonhishar
dchestandmyar
ms
aroundhi
m.Att
hispoi
ntt
heposi
ti
onwewerein
di
dn'
tmat
tert
ome.Ij
ustwant
edt
ogetoutofher
e

Hetookhisphoneoutofhi
spocketandtr
ieddi
ali
ng
anumberbutitdidn'
tgot
hrough.Hecur
sedthen
cont
inuedfanni
ngme

Hi
m:(
lookedatme)Justkeeponbr
eat
hing.
Me:
(Cr
ying)
Idon'
tthi
nkIcananyl
onger
.
Hi
m:Hey,
youcan.Youcan.Don'
tthi
nkaboutt
his.

Hehel
dmet
ightandbr
ushedmyback

Hi
m:(
Breat
hedheavi
ly)
Youcandot
his.

Wemusthavebeeni nt
heEl evat
orforalongti
me
causeIcouldn'
ttakei
tanylonger.Ibegan
exper
ienci
ngblackoutfl
ashes.WheneverIbli
nked
eachti
meIopenedmyeyesIwoul dn'
tbesureifI
wasbl
inki
ng,
sl
eepi
ngorIhadpassedoutorf
orhow
l
ongIwasout.

Icouldn'
tevenhearthisguyanymore.Hekept
sl
appingmeonmycheekbutIcoul dn'tf
eeli
t.
Slowlybutsurel
yIwasl osi
ngmyconsciousnessas
myhear i
ngdiminishedthenIcl
osedmyeyes
peaceful
ly.

AtKgaogel
o'sAunt
iehouse

TheFi
vesister
swer
esit
ti
ngout
sidebaskinginthe
sunwhi
leplayi
ngmusi
canddri
nkingGingerbeer

Meanwhi l
eOreneil
ewal kedoutoft
heyar
dwitha
poundi ngheartandlookedatherangr
yboyf
ri
end
standinginthemi ddl
eoft hest
reet
.Hert
wo
chil
drenf ol
lowedbehindher
Sheswal
lowedasshest
oppedi
nfr
ontofhi
m.

Hi
m:(
Angr
il
y)Ker
il
engmogowena?{
Whatdi
dIsay
t
oyou}
Orenei
le:
(Swall
owed)Mamaanarekeapaye
so{Mom saidIshoul
dcookso}

Heslappedherwitht
hebackofhi
shandasshe
gasped.Thesecondbor
nstar
tedcr
yingt
hent
he
fi
rstbor
nheldhishands

Hi
m:(
Angr
il
y)Ar
etsamaye{
Let
'sl
eave}

Hesl
appedhert
wiceandgr
abbedherhand

Orenei
le:
(Cr
ying)
Lozaskampetsamogarega
batho{
Lozadon'thi
tmeinfr
ontofpeopl
e}
Peoplewat
chedastheypassedandnei
ghbor
s
peakedonthei
rwi
ndows.

Meanwhi l
eKutlwanochattedwithhisfr
iends
headingtowardshishouse.Henoticedpeople
gatheredint
hestreet
s.Achi l
drantohim

Him:(
laughed)
Bal
wanakogal
ona{
Theyar
efi
ght
ing
atyourhouse}

Hesi ghedi r
ri
tated.Thisalwayshappenedand
peoplehaveal readyl ostr
espectforthem.Their
househadnodi gnit
yanymor e.I
fIsnothi saunts
fi
ght i
ngwhenevert heyaredrunk,
istheirboyfr
iends
hitt
ingt hem whi lepeoplewatched.Hecoul dn'
twait
forhissi stertocomeandt akehim sohel eavesthi
s
placefor ever.Andt hankGodhi ssist
erwas
educat ed.

Hegoti
nacr
owdandf
rownedasLozapunched
Orenei
leonherf
ace.Thesi
ster
sranoverwi
th
bott
lesandst
ones.

Hegrabbedastoneandangril
yhithi
m hardonhis
head.Thesi
ster
sthrewbott
lesandstonesonhim
asbloodspi
ll
edontheground.Lozagather
edthe
str
engthandranoff

Kutl
wano:
(Angr
il
y)I
fhedar
ecomeshereagai
n,I
'
ll
ki
llhi
m.AndwenaRakgadi
,don'
tst
andf
orhim.

Heclickedhi
stongueandgr
abbedt
hechil
drenand
walkedwitht
hem insi
det
heyar
dwhilet
hesist
ers
shoutedandcursed

AtChr
isHaniBar
agwanahhospi
tal

Iopenedmyeyest
obri
ghtl
ight
sandrai
sedmy
handtryi
ngt
orubmyeyesbutt
hepi
nkcannul
a
abovemyhandhurt
,It
urnedontheothersi
de
foll
owi
ngatubeuptotheIVhangingbymyhead
thenIl
ookedar
oundtheenti
reroom

Amemoryofwhatt r
anspi
redint
heelevat
orr
ushed
i
n.Myheartski
ppedabitbutIcl
osedmyeyesand
si
ghedi
nreli
ef.Ial
mostdied.

ThedooropenedandDoct
orNkosist
eppedi
n.

Hi
m:(
Smi
led)
Doct
orMat
heba.Howyouf
eel
ing?
Me:
(Si
ghed)
Alotbet
ter
.
Him:That'
sgreat
.Youwer ej
ustdehydr
atedand
hungrybutyourespondedwellassoonasweput
dri
psonyou.Ther e'
snothi
ngtoworryabout
.I'
ve
prescr
ibedmedici
nesforyou.
Me:
Thankyou.
Him:(
Sighed)
Weapologi
zeforwhathappenedt
o
you.Thatel
evat
orwasbeingfi
xedandsomehow
theyf
orgott
oputacauti
onoranyt
hingtomake
peopl
eawarethati
tshoul
dn'
tbeused.
Me:
It
'sokayIunder
stand.
Him: (
sighed)Pl
easemakeyourpar tner,
themine
ownerQhawePhakat hwayounder stand.Heis
threateni
ngt osuethehospit
al.Canyout al
ktohim?
Thehospi talwil
lcompensateyou.Weunder stand
thatisourmi st
akeandwe'llfi
xit.

I
'
m st
il
lst
uckon"
Mypar
tner
"thi
ng.

Me:
He'
snotmypar
tnerbutI
'
llt
alkt
ohi
m.
Hi
m:Pl
ease.

ThedooropenedandtheCEO,di
rect
or,
Chi
efof
sur
geryandDoctorMathurst
eppedin

CEO:
(Smi
led)
Doct
orMat
heba,
I
'm happyt
oseeyou
wel
l.
Ismi
led

CEO:(
Sighed)
Weapol
ogi
zef
orwhathappenedt
o
you.
Me:
It
'sokaySi
r.
CEO:
Noi t'
snotokay.I
t'
sourmistakeandwe
apol
ogizefort
hat.Youareoneofthebestdoct
ors
i
nthishospit
alandwedon'twanttoloseyou.

IlookeddownasIplayedwithmyf i
ngers.Whyi
s
thisrudeguysui
ngtheentir
ehospit
alnow?Ican'
t
beart oseet
hesepeoplesoshakenaroundme.It
's
awkwar dandveryuncomfort
abl
e

Dir
ector:
Wef i
xedtheproblem andtherewon'tbe
anyproblem f
rom hereon.Pleasetal
ktoMr
Phakathwayo.Wet akeful
lyresponsi
bil
it
yforwhat
happenedandwe'llcompensat eyou.
Me:Idon'
tneedt
hemoney.It
'sokay.Ir
eal
ly
underst
andandI'
l
ltal
ktohi
m.

Weendedupagr eei
ngt hatI
'
llt
alktoMr
PhakathwayoAkatheRudeguyt ostopt
hesuing
thi
ng.Theyalsowantedmet otakeaweekof
fbutI
ref
used.Iwanttowork.

AtQhawe'
sHouse

Hegotof
fthephonewi
thhi
slawyerandgul
pedt
he
whi
skeydown.

Thenhedi
aledanumberagai
n

Qhawe:
Fri
day?Att
heni
ghtcl
ub?Al
ri
ght
.Bet
her
e.

Hehungupandpour
edhi
msel
fwhi
skeyagai
nthen
satont hecouch.TheEl evatorincidentpl ayedinhis
mind.Ifhewasn' ttherewithherwhatcoul dhave
happened.Shewoul dhavepani ckedandendedup
l
osingherl i
fe.Thoseconst antpani cat tacks,t
he
fearinhereyes.Shewasi naver yvul nerablestate.
Forthef ir
stt i
me,hewasscar edf orsomeone.Even
whenZenzewasshothewasn' tthatscar ed.This
onef r
eakedhi m out.Thewhol ehospi talneededt o
payfort his.Someonenear l
yl ostherl ifeandi t
's
thei
rmi stake.Howt hehelldot heyl etpeopl eusea
brokenEl evatorandnotputacaut iont omake
peopleawar e?Heshookhi shead

AtKgaogel
o'sAunt
ieHouse

Oreneileappliedointmentonherbrui
sesasshe
l
ookedather selfonthemirr
or.Shewasjust
recoveringfr
om l astweekbeati
ngsnowhehi ther
againandnowt hebrui
sesandwoundshave
i
ncr eased.Thiswassl owlybutsur
elydr
aini
ngher
Outsi
de,hersi
sterssatar
oundt
hebonf
ir
ewhi
le
chatt
ingandeat i
ng.

Kut
lwanost
eppedi
nsi
dewi
thoneki
dinhi
sar
ms

Kut
lwano:
Thapel
orobet
se(
Thapel
oissl
eepi
ng)
Or
enei
le:
Puthi
m ont
hemat
tr
ess.
Kut
lwano:
Okay.

Hewalkedandputhi
m downont hemat
tressand
cover
edhim wi
thablanket
.Thenhel
ookedather
assheshameful
lyl
ookeddown

Kut
lwano:
Yourf
oodi
sout
side.Shoul
dIbr
ingi
t?
Or
enei
le:
EyaPapi
.

Hesteppedout
.Shesadlysighed.Thi
slif
ewasnow
dr
aini
ngher.Dr
inki
ngeveryday,
Povert
y,const
ant
beati
ngsfr
om Loza.I
twasallt
oomuch.Ifonl
yshe
didn'
tdr
opoutofschool
.Shewouldhavemadeit
l
ikeKgaogel
o.I'
m sur
eshewasl i
vingl
avi
shl
yin
Gautengsi
nceshe'saDoct
or

AtMpho'
sPl
ace

Isi
ghedasIsteppedi
nsi
det hehouse.If
oundt
hem
watchi
ngTV.Rethawassleeping

Me:
Dumel
ang.

Shehasf
ourki
ds.Thr
eeboysandonegi
rl
.

Boys:
Hel
loAunt
y.

Iwalkedt
otheroom Isl
eepatandsatonthebed.I
checkedmyphone.Ihadlotofmessagesf
rom t
he
fr
iendsIstudi
edwi t
hatCuba.Wehaveagr oupchat
onWhat sApp.Isentthem mypict
ures.Weal l
sharedourfir
stdayinthegrouptogether
.Ireadt
he
chats

Nel
li
e:Theseconddayoft
heor
ient
ati
onwasj
ustas
amazi
ngasyest er
day
Thomasr epl
iedt
oNelli
e:Samesame.Isn'
tso
amazingandeveryt
hingthatwedidatthemedi
cal
schoolcomesinhandyfrom whatwedoingi
nthe
hospit
alnow?
Ri
orepl
iedt
oThomas:
Soamazi
ng
Emma:
Wher
e'sRachel
?
Riorepl
iedt
oEmma:Sinceshesentt
hepi
ctur
es
yest
erdayandwentAWOL.
Timrepli
edRio:Shemi
ghtbebusy.Neur
osur
geons
havelotofdut
iesyouknow

Ichuckl
ed
Ri
o:Yahr
ight ‍♂

Il
aiddownasIr
eadallthechat
sandrepli
edt
hen
wenttot
hebat
hroom t
of r
eshenupbefor
eIwentt
o
eat
.

*
*
*
AWEEKLATER

TOBECONTI
NUED.
..
.
TheGoodWi
fe
#3

AtSandt
on
Ilookedaroundthewholeapartmentwi
ththeEstat
e
agent.I'
vebeencompensatedatthehospit
aland
themoneyi sreal
lyhel
pingalt
houghisnotenough.
Ijusthavesett
leforwhatIcanaff
ordunti
lmonth
end.Themoneyr eall
ycamei nhandy

Me:(Recul
ant
ly)
Personal
lyR5300permonthisal
ot.
Plusyouwantthedeposi
tupfront
.Ican'
taff
ordi
t
ri
ghtnow.
Estat
eAgent
:(
Smil
ed)
It'
sunderst
andabl
e.Seeyou
nextmont
hthenorwhenever
.
Me:
Thankyou.

Isi
ghedasIst
eppedout.It
'sbeenaveryl
ongday.I
putmybagovermyforeheadtoblockt
hemorni
ng
sunasIwal
kedalongt
her oad.

Ist
oppedbesi
dest
heroadasMyphoner
ang.It
ook
i
toutofmybagandanswered
Me:
Hel
lo?
Or
enei
le:
Cuzzy.
Me:
(Supr
ised)
Nene?
Nene:
(chuckl
ed)
Yah.War
eng?
Me:
(Smi
led)
Keshar
pwena?
[I'
m goodandyou]
Nene:(
Sighed)Hai
iIt
'sbeentoughCuzzy.I
'
m so
ti
redofthi
slif
eshame( t
earf
ull
y)Kenal
emat sadi
,
ka
sokol
a.
Me:(
tear
ful
ly)
Ever
ythi
ngwi
llbef
ineCuzzy.Don'
tbe
di
sheart
ened.
Nene:(
Tearf
ull
y)IdoubtbutIwantt
ochangemyl i
fe.
Iwanttocomet here.Canyoufi
ndajobforme
ther
e?IaskedMphoandyouknowhowshei s.
Me:Uhm,okay.I
'
lltr
yandfindyousomethi
ng.I
'
llask
att
hehospitali
ftheyneedanycleaner
sor
somethi
ng.
Nene:
(Tear
ful
ly)
Pleasecuzzy.
Me:
Okay.
Nene:
Otl
aleng(
Whenar
eyoucomi
ng?
)
Me:
Mont
hend.
Nene:
Okay,
seeyou.
Me:
Shar
pCuzzy.
Nene:
Shar
p.

AtKgaogel
o'sAunt
ie'
sHouse

Nenehangupandsi ghed.Shel
ookedatherki
ds
playingonthesoi
l.Theywereverydi
rt
yandthey
wer eprobabl
yhungrybecausetheyl
astat
e
yesterday.

Shepi ckedt
helastbor
nandputheronherback
andt i
ghtherupwithatowel
.Meanwhi
lehermother
steppedoutsi
dethehouse

Her
:Oyakae?
(Wher
ear
eyougoi
ng?
)
Nene:
I'
m goi
ngt
odol
aundr
ykogaMat
hamel
a.
Her:
Bagopat
alabokae?
(Howmuchar
etheypayi
ng
you?)
Nene:
(r
ecul
ant
ly)
Idon'
tknow.I
'
llseewhenIget
t
here.
Her
:Br
ingt
hemoneyhomenene.Hagonaseshaba
t
oday.
Nene:
Didn'
tKgaogel
osendt
hemoney?
Her
:She'
l
lsendt
hemoneyt
omor
row.
Nene:
Okay.Sal
aleThapel
o(St
aywi
thThapel
o)

Thapelost
art
edcr
yingwhi
lel
ocki
ngar
oundher
l
egstight

Nene:
Sal
a,ket
lot
lakadanone.Sal
a(St
aybehi
nd.I
'
ll
br
ingyouDanone)

Sheassur
edhi
m ashef
inal
lyagr
eedandwentt
o
pl
aybehi
ndt
hehouse.Nenest
eppedoutoft
heyar
d

AtMpho'
sHouse

Isi
ghedasIsteppedi
nsi
de.Mphowasi
nthe
ki
tchencooki
ng.

Me:
(Si
ghed)
Hel
lo.
Mpho:
Yah.
Me:
Youdi
dn'
tgot
owor
ktoday.
Mpho:
Wel
lyoucanseef
oryour
sel
f.
Me:(
sighed)Al
ri
ght
.I'
l
lgoandl
aydown.I
'
m doi
ng
ni
ghtshiftt
oni
ght.

Iwalkedtotheroom andl
aiddown.Renti
ng
expensi
veapartmentswil
lcostmealot.Ineedto
fi
ndanaf f
ordablepl
acetorent
.Ij
ustneedtotakeit
l
itt
lebyli
tt
le
AtQhawe'
sHouse

Thel
awyerst
eppedout
sideasQhawesatdown.

Zenzesteppeddownonthestai
rsshi
rt
lesswi
tha
bandageonhischestandsl
owlysatdown

Zenze:
ThatwasCi
ndy.
Qhawe:
Yeah.
Zenze:
What
'sgoi
ngon?
Qhawe:
(Cal
my)
I'
m sui
ngBar
a.
Zenze:
(supr
ised)
Why?
Qhawe:
Incompet
ence,
negl
igencet
hatal
mostcost
someoneherl
if
e.
Zenze:
(Supr
ised)
Who?Who'
sher
?
Qhawe:
(Cl
earedhi
sthr
oat)
OneoftheDoct
orsther
e.
Iwasal
soinsidet
heEl
evator
.She'
sCl
aust
rophobi
c
soshef
reakedout
.
Zenze:
(l
aughed)
what
?Youdoi
ngt
hisf
orher
?Who
i
sshe?

Qhawegotup

Qhawe:
I'
m doi
ngt
hisf
ormet
ooandnotonl
yher
.
Zenze:
(Smi
led)
itdoesn'
tseem l
ikei
t(
laughed)
Who
i
sshe?
Qhawe:Youhaveupunt
ilnextweek.Gobackt
o
yourapart
ment.

Hest
eppedout

Zenze;
(l
aughed)
Whoi
sshe?

Heshookhi
sheadandl
aughedi
ndi
sbel
ief
AtTheMat
hemel
as

Nenedisposedthewat
eraft
erwashingandrinsed
thebi
gdishassheputitdownanduntiedthetowel
shewasusingonherdaughterandgentl
yplaced
herontheground.

Ma'
Mathemel
ast
eppedout
sidet
hehouseand
l
ookedher
.

Nene:
I'
m done.I'
vealr
eadyputthem onthel
ine.I
al
soaskedMa' moreminextdoortoputt
heclothes
andsheagreed.
Ma'mat
hemel
a:(
Smi
led)
Kal
eboga.Thatwasal
otof
washi
ng.

Neneagr
eedwhi
lebr
eat
hingheavi
ly
Ma'mathemelahandedherR200asshet
ooki
tand
bentherkneesrespect
ful
ly
Nene:
KaLebogamama[
Thankyouma]
.
Ma'
mat
hemel
a:Goandbuysomet
hingf
ort
heki
ds.
Nene:
(Tear
ful
ly)
KaLeboga.

Shepi ckedherdaughterupont hegr oundandput

heronherbackasshewal kedout.Hersi st
ers
alwaysboughtt hingsf
ortheirchi
ldrensoshewon't
becompel l
edtosharewiththem.She' l
ljustbuy
thi
ngsf orherkids.Shewalkedbesidest heroad
headingt otheshop

AtChr
isHaniBar
agwanahHospi
tal

Ist
oodi
nfr
ontofDoct
orMat
hurwi
tht
heMRIscans

Me:
Ihavepr
escr
ibedanMRIandCTscan.
DrMat
hur
:Good,
allcl
ear
.
Me:
Ever
ythi
ng'
sokayunt
ilnow.
DrMathur:
Wonder
ful.Thedoubt
soni
nter
nal
i
njur
iesshoul
dbeclear
ed.
Me:
(nodded)
Yeah.

IsighedasIsteppedoutside.Myshi
fthaveal
ready
start
ed.Doct
orVhutsil
owal kedmyway.Hewas
readingsomefil
e.Henoticedmeandst opped

Vhut
sil
o:(
Smi
led)
Doct
orMat
heba.Ni
cet
oseeyou.
Me:
(Smi
led)
Nicet
oseeyout
oo.
DrVhut
shi
lo:
Thi
sisgoi
ngt
obeal
ongni
ght
.
Me:
IknowbutI
'
mreadyt
owor
k.
Vhut
shi
lo:
Right
.LookIspoketoDoctorXal
uvaand
sheagr
eedabouttheni
ghtclubt
hing.
Me:
Doct
orXal
uvaasi
nDoct
orFer
ah?
Vhut
shi
lo:
(Smi
led)
Yah.
Me:
Err
,Idon'
tknowaboutt
hat
.Ij
ustwantt
orest
.
Vhut
shi
lo:
Arghcomeon.

Hehel
dhandasIuncomf
ort
abl
ymovedal
it
tl
e

Vhut
shi
lo:
Comeon.We'vebeenwor
kinghar
dthe
whol
eweek.Weneedtoletl
ooseal
it
tle.
Me:(
Removi
ngmyhandsfr
om hi
m)Meani
ngyou
needtol
etl
oose.You.
Vhut
shil
o:(
laughed)
Nowyoupul
li
ngthatcard.I
meantus.Comeonman.Ferahwil
lbethere.
Me:(
Sighed)
Okay.I
'l
lbet
her
eonl
ybecausef
erah
wi
llal
sobethere.
DrMat
hur
:(
Laughed)
Wowt
henyoudon'
tcar
eabout
me.

Iwal
kedaway

Me:
Notr
eal
ly.
Ihear
dhi
mlaughi
ng

(
Sosor r
yfort
hedelayofthebonus.Iwasver
ybusy.
I
'
llposttheni
ghti
nsertat22:
30)

TOBECONTI
NUED.
..
TheGoodWi
fe
#4

AtKgaogel
o'sAunt
ie'
sHouse

Nenesatdownwi t
hherki
dsnextt
othebonfi
reas
t
heystar
tedeati
ng.Theot
herki
dslookedatt
hem
whil
esal
ivat
ing.

Theothersist
erssecr
etl
ywat
chedt
hem eat
ingand
rol
ledt
heireyes.
Meanwhil
einsi
det
hehouseKut
lwanospokewi
th
Kgaogel
oonthephone

Kut
lwano:
YeahIat
e,t
heusual
.
Kgaogel
o:Okay.How'
sever
ythi
ng?Di
dyoudoyour
homework?
Kut
lwano:
Yeah.
Kgaogel o:
That'
sgood.Keepitup.Nextmonthyou'
l
l
begoi ngtoanewschoolsoyouneedt obe
versatil
e.Goodnight
.I'
m onanightshi
ftandi
t'
s
hectic.
Kut
lwano:
Shar
p,l
oveyou.
Kgaogel
o:The'
I
'isver
yimpor
tant
.
Kut
lwano:
(l
aughed)
Iloveyousi
ster
.
Kgaogel
o:(
Smi
led)
Iloveyout
ooBr
other
.

Hehungupbef
orehewentt
ohi
sauntandhanded
herbackt
hephone.

Aunti
e:Kgaogel
owil
lsendthemoneytome
tomorr
ow.I'l
lusei
tthewayIseef
it.Don'
taskf
ori
t.
IhopeImademysel fcl
ear
.

Shest
eppedi
nsi
det
hehouse

AtChr
isHaniBar
agwanahHospi
tal

There'
snothingIenj
oymorethannightshi
ft
s.The
hospit
albecomesveryqui
et,
peacef
ulandlessbusy

Imademysel facoffeeandsatintheli
brary.I
alwayscomei ntheli
braryi
nmyf r
eetimeandr ead
medicalst
oriesontheinter
netandresearch.I
t'
s
real
lyhel
pfulplusI
'm alsousedt
oitbynow.
Af
terafewmi nut
esIgotupandwentt
ocheckon
mypati
ents.

.
..
.

Inthemor ni
ng,
IyawnedasIst
eppedout
sidet
he
hospital
.Thi
shasbeenaveryl
ongweekandIcoul
d
feeli
t.Iwasveryexhaust
ed

Igoti
nat
axiandi
ttookmest
rai
ghthome.

Thesamemor
ningatQhawe'
shouse

Thetwobr
other
ssatdownont
hebr
eakf
astt
abl
e
wi
thNei
l

Sambulo:
Iheardyousui
ngbara.Wehonest
lydon't
havet
imeforthat.Wear
einthemiddl
eofacrisi
s
andthel
astthi
ngIneedi
syouwast
ingyourt
imeon
usel
esst
hings.
Qhawe:(
sighed)
I'
mlett
ingitgo.I
'
vebeent
hinki
ng
abouti
tandit'
sreal
lynotworthmyti
me.
Sambulo:
Good.Toni
ghtweget
ti
ngt
hegunssoyou
handl
eitwel
l.
Qhawe:Ofcourse.Wehavetodosomethi
ngabout
theMinefir
st.Taui
sontousandIdon'
twanthi
mt o
fi
ndoutwhat '
shappeni
ng.Iwasthi
nki
ngweact
brokeforafewdaystoavoiddr
ama.
Sambul
o:Yeah.
Neil
:Cutaf
ewmi
ner
stoo.Youcanal
waysgett
hem
back.

Qhawenoddedandshovedhi
shandsDeepi
nhi
s
pocket

AtMpho'
shouse
Isteppedoutofthebat
hroom wi
thatowelwr
apped
aroundmybodywhi let
exti
ngKutl
wanoonhis
fr
iend'sphoneandgoti
nmyr oom andl
ockedit

Me:
Youout
?
Kut
lwano:
Yep.I
'
m onmywayhomenow
Me:
Okay
Kut
lwano:
I'
m cout
ingdownweeksnow.Onl
ytwo
l
eft
Me: Kor
eyoucan'
twai
t
Kutl
wano:Youhavenoi
dea.I
'vebeenwai
ti
ngf
or
t
histhedayyoulef
tandwenttoCuba
Me:
Awwnnake
Kutl
wano:Yeah.LookIl
oveyoubye,
we'l
lchat
l
atenyana.Ihavetogi
vethi
sonehisphone
‍♂
Me:Byeandtakecar
eofyoursel
f.Don'
trui
nour
pl
ansagain.Rememberonl
yt woweeks
l
eft it
shwaresent
leanddon'
tgi
veMamogol
o
anot
herreasont
osabotageus
Kut
lwano:
Don'
twor
ry.Igott
his.
Me:

Irecei
vedacallfr
om Fer
ah.Ipi
ckedupandputi
t
onloudspeakerasIsl
owlyputi
tonmybedand
openedmyl oti
on

Fer
ah:
Bar
biedol
l.
Me:
(l
aughed)
Doct
orChal
uva.
Fer
ah:
Ahahst
opbut
cher
ingmysur
name.St
ickt
o
Fer
ah.
Me:
(l
aughed)
Ahyah.Xhosawi
llki
llme.
Ferah:(
laughed)
Vele.Jonga,
Ifoundyouaflatat
Newt own.It
'sR2000permont h.It
'sj
ustaone
bedroom,kit
chenandbat hr
oom.
Me:(
sighed)
It
'sf
airbutI'
l
lbestayi
ngwithmy
br
other.Wecan'
tshare.Iwanthimtohavehi
sown
space.
Ferah:Yeah.Butyoucanalwayschoose.Ialso
foundanRDPatLenasi asout
h,R1000permont h.
I'
llsendyouthepictur
esonapp.It'
sperf
ect.You
canal waysgoforit
.LeaveJoburg.
Me:
Sendt
hepi
ctur
es.
Fer
ah:
Okay.

Shehungup.Af terafewsecondsIr eceivedthe

pictures.TheRDPwasnott hatbad.I thadt wo
bedr oomsandabat hroom plusasmal lkitchen
spaceandl ounge.Itwasper fectbutthepr oblem i
s
Fur nit
ureplustransport.Kutl
wanowi l
lhavet o
travelandhe'snotsof amil
iarwithJobur g.I'l
lbe
registeri
nghimt oaschooli nJozi andWewi l
lalso
bel ivi
nginanempt yhouse.

Fer
ahcal
ledasIsi
ghedbef
orepi
cki
ngup

Fer
ah:
And?Yout
aki
ngi
t?
Me:Yeah.Ihavenochoi
ce.I
t'
snotbad.Iguesswe
al
lstar
tfrom t
hebott
om.
Fer
ah:
Yeah.I
nthenextt
womont
hsyou'
l
lbel
ivi
ng
i
nahouseyouwant.
Me:
(si
ghed)
Yeah.Thankyou.
Fer
ah:
Nosweat
.Bye.
Me:Wait
,Doct
orVhutshi
lot
oldmeabouttheni
ght
cl
ubthat'
shappeni
ngonf r
iday.SoYougoi
ng?
Fer
ah:OfcourseI'
m goi
ng.(
Sighed)Myli
feisso
compli
catedChomam.Iwantt odri
nk,
getf
ucked
andforgetal
itt
le.
Me:
(l
aughed)
Fucked?
Ferah:
Ewe.I
t'
sbeenadryseason.
(wel
aughed)
It
's
bad.Soyoualsogoi
ng?
Me:Yeah.I'
m al
sost
ressedshame.Ineedt
o
di
stress.
Fer
ah:
That
'smygi
rl
.Seeyout
omor
row.
Me:
Bye.
Ihungupandunwr
appedat
owel
onmybodyand
star
tedl
oti
oni
ngmysel
f

AtI
thembaMi
ne

Themi nersgat
her
edar oundandwai t
edforthe
bossestoinfor
mthem aboutwhat '
shappeningand
hopefull
ytheywon'
tlosethei
rjobs.I
t'
sallt
heyhave

QhaweandSambul owal
kedtowardst
hem.The
miner
sstoppedt
alki
ngandlookedatt
hem

Qhawe:
Basebenzi
(Wor
ker
s)
Mi
ner
s:Mhl
oni
shwa(
Boss)
Qhawe:
Weareal
lful
lyawareaboutwhathappened
her
eaweekago.Thediamondisgone.Theystol
eit
.

TheMi
ner
slookedateachot
herandshookt
hei
r
heads

Qhawe:It'
sahugelossandhopef ull
ywewi l
l
overcomeitinupcomingmont hs.Asfornowt he
mineisfacingafi
nancialcr
isi
sandunf ortunat
ely
wewon' tbeablet
oaccommodat eeveryone.Wear e
for
cedtocutdownaf ewmi ners.

Mi
ner
sst
art
edshout
ing

Sambul o:
Lalel
ani
.It
'sonlytempor ary.Whent
hings
gobackt onormal,
Wewi llgetyoubackandyou' l
l
alsogetpaidfort
hismont h.It
'sjustatempor
ary
thingandwear eavoidi
ngbankr uptcy.

TheMiner
sshookt
hei
rheadsandst
art
edt
alki
ng
andshout
ing.

Qhawe:
Pleasebeari
nmi
ndt
hatanymi
nerwhowi
ll
engagei
nanUnprotect
edst
ri
keoril
legalst
ri
ke
rat
herwi
llbef
ir
edinimmedi
ateef
fect.Thankyou.

Hetur
nedhi
sbackont
hem andwal
kedt
ohi
sof
fi
ce
f
oll
owedbySambul
oandNeil

FRI
DAYNI
GHT

Ipushedmybr aidsbackandf ixedmydr essaswe

steppedinsi
detheclubwi t
hFer ah.Therewer e
di
scol i
ghtsandthemusi cwasver ysmoot hing.I
t
wasnotasbadasIant ici
pated.Butt her
ewer elot
ofpeople.Somewer edancingwhi lesomej ustsat
downenj oyi
ngtheirdr
inks.

Wegotatt
hebarandset
tl
eddownont
hest
ool
s.

Fer
ah:
It
'sf
uller
r.
Me:
Yeah
Fer
ah:
(l
aughed)
Ican'
tbel
ieveyouagr
eedt
ocome.
Me:
WhywouldIref
use?Thi
sisnotmyf
ir
stt
imei
n
acl
ub.Iwascl
ubbi
ngatCuba.
Fer
ah:
(l
aughed)
Didyouevenhavet
ime?
Me:(laughed)Yeahbutnotalotofti
meyouknow.
WhenIgotachanceIwentcl ubbing.Therewasthis
otherclubIlovedwit
hmyf ri
ends.Itwasvibeyand
chil
led.I'
m notachurchgir
lkanaFer ahbathong.
Fer
ah:
(l
aughed)
Bar
tender
:(
Smi
led)
WhatcanIgetyoubeaut
if
ul
l
adi
es?

Hewi
nkedandsmi
ledatme

Fer
ah:
I'
dlikebl
oodyMar
ywi
thl
otsofvodka.Adda
l
otofVodkaplease.
Bar
tender
:(
smi
led)
OkayAndyouBoi
ty?
Ir
aisedmyeyebr
ows
Bart
ender
:(
laughed)
Youl
ooksomuchlikeBoi
ty
Thul
osoIjustassumeduhm,Youknow.
Me:(Smil
ed)
It
'sf
ine.Igett
hatal
ot(r
oll
edmy
eyes)I
t'
smyroundface.GetmebloodyMar
ytoo.
Bar
tender
:Okaycomi
ngr
ightnow.

Fer
ahl
ookedatme

Fer
ah:
Gir
lI'
m get
ti
ngwast
edt
oni
ght
.
Me:
(l
aughed)
Fer
ah:
Ser
ious.
Me:
Wher
e'sDoct
orVhut
sh-
Fer
ah:
Doct
or?I
nacl
ub.St
op.Wear
enoti
nBar
a.
Me:
Yeahyeah.Wher
e'she?Hei
nvi
tedusher
ekana.
Ferah:
Thepar
tywon'
tst
opcausehe'
snother
e.He'
l
l
fi
ndusi nt
hemood.

Thebar
tenderputourgl
assesi
nfr
ontofus.I
gr
abbedi
tagul
pitdowni
nonego.
Bart
ender:
whoaslowi
tdown.Youdon'
twantt
o
cr
awl outofher
e.
Me:
Getmeanot
herone.

Ferahchuckl
edandgul
pedher
stoo.Ilooked
aroundandshookmywaistal
it
tl
e.MicasaGetaway
pl
ayed.

Me:
(scr
eamed)
That
'smysong!
Fer
ah:
(si
ngi
ng)
Get
awayGet
awayi
sal
lIwannado.

Meanwhil
eVhut shi
lowalkedinsidewit
hhisfr
iends
whil
echatt
ing.Hiseyesst oppedather.Hesmiled
ali
tt
leandclear
edhi st
hroat

Vhut
shi
lo:
Let
'sgot
othebar
.
Hewalkedwit
hhi
sfr
iendst
othebarandst
oppedi
n
f
rontofus.

Vhut
shi
lo:
Ladi
es,
youear
ly.
HehuggedFer
ah
Fr
iends:
(l
ookedatme)
Hi.
Me:
Hi.
Fer
ah:
We'
vebeenwai
ti
ng.
Vhutshi
lo:
Sorr
yforkeepi
ngyouwait
ing.Butyou
guysareearl
y..
(l
ookedatme)KG?
Me:
Hey.
Wehugged.Ifr
ownedwhenhehel
dmet ight
.Itwas
uncomf
ort
able.Isl
owl
ypushedhi
m back
Me:
(f
akesmi
le)
Hey,
what
'sup?
Vhut
shi
lo:
Nonemuch.I
'
m good.Youl
ookbeaut
if
ul.
Me:
Thankyou.Youdon'
tlookbadyour
sel
f.
Vhut
shi
lo:
(l
aughed)
OkayI
'
llt
aket
hat
.
Hel
ookedathi
sfr
iends

Vhutshil
o:Thesear
emycolleagues,Fer
ahand
KG(lookedatme)Thesear
emyf r
iendsMolemoand
Travis.
Me:
OkayHi
.Ni
cet
omeetyouguys.
Fer
ah:
Heyboys.
Tr
avi
s:(
laughed)
Boys?
Weal
llaughed
Fer
ah:
Ment
hen.
Weshookhands.Theyseemedl
ikecoolpeopl
e.
Theyor
der
eddrinkswhil
ewechatt
ed

Outsi
det
heClubQhawespokeont
hephonewhi
le
headi
ngi
nsi
detheclub

Qhawe:
I'
l
ltal
ktoyouwhenIdr
iveback.
Sambul
o:Okay.
Qhawehungupandst eppedinsi
de.TheCl
ubwas
ful
landpeopleweremindi
ngthei
rownbusiness.
Theywouldn'
tnoti
ceplushe'
l
lusetheBackdoort
oo.
I
twasn'tsuchabigprobl
em.

Thebodyguar dsignal edhim ashelookedathi m

andnodded.Hel ookedar oundtheclubunt i
lhi
s
eyesst oppedt o"her".Shewasi nabl ackloosesil
ky
dressandhel it
erall
ycoul dseehernipplestowher e
hewas.Hi sf ullasswasj ustoutindi
splay.He
nevernot icedt hatshehadsuchabeaut i
fulbody.
Hisdickt witchedi nhi spantsashecl earedhis
throat.Whatt hehell?He'sher efort
hemachi nes.
That'sit.Hewal kedupst air
s.

TOBECONTI
NUED.
..
TheGoodWi
fe
#5
AtNi
ghtCl
ub

Qhawepi
ckedtheheavybagont
hef
loorandput
t
hestr
aponhisshoulder
.

Qhawe:
Iseeever
ythi
ngi
slegi
t.
Man:
Ahyouknowme.
Qhawe:
It
'sapl
easur
edoi
ngbusi
nesswi
thyou.
Man:(
fistbumped)I
t'
smymottotoal
waysmakemy
cl
ient
shappy.I'
m gl
adyouhappywit
hmyservi
ce.

Qhawenoddedt hensteppeddownont hepassage

thatl
edhim outside.Hewalkeduntilhegotinthe
parki
nglott
henputt hebaginthebooththenclosed
i
t.Heopenedt hecardoorandgr abbedapacketof
cigar
ett
esthent ookoutoneandl i
tit.

Heleanedagai
nstthecarandst
art
edsmoki
ng.
Af
tersmokinghethrewtheci
gar
ett
eawayand
st
ompedoni
t.

Hetookhisphoneoutofhi
spocketanddi
aled
Sambulo

Qhawe:
Igott
hemachi
nes.
Sambul
o:Di
dyoucheckt
hem onebyone?
Qhawe:
NoIj
ustt
ookoneand-
Sambulo:
One?
Checkever
ythi
ng.Whati
fhef
ool
ed
you.ComeonQhawe.

Heopenedtheboot
hthenl
ookedar
oundbef
ore
openi
ngthebag

Meanwhi l
eIwalkedaroundtheparki
nglotwhi
le
tal
kingonthephonewi t
hKutlwano.Ihadmyheels
onmyhands.Icoul dn'
twalkproperl
ywit
hthem,I
wasabi tt
ipsy.
Me:
(l
aughed)
Ibethedi
dn'
tgi
veyout
hemoney.
Kut
lwano:
(l
aughed)
Youknowhi
m ver
ywel
l
.I'
m so
pi
ssed.
Me:
(l
aughed)
Butyoucan'
tsayyoudi
dn'
texpect
t
hat
.
Kut
lwano:
Yeahyeah.
Me:(
laughed)Shar
p.Justcheckyoursocial
sand
l
eavemeal one.Youhavethephoneuntiltomor
row.
Useit.
Kut
lwano:
Besaf
e.
Me:
(Smi
led)
OkayI
-

MyeyespoppedasInoticedanAk47inabl
ackbag.
Thewaythebaglooked,
i
tseemedliket
heywer
elot
oft
hem i
nthere.Myeyesmethis.

Kut
lwano:
What
'swr
ong?
Myt hr
oatdr
iedasmyheartpoundedfast
er.Heal
so
l
ookedshockedtoseeme.Igotsoberinaspli
t
second

Hi
m:Shi
t!
Me:
(hear
tski
pped)
Ohmygod!

Heputhisphonei
nhispocketandwalkedtowards
me.Iint
entt
oruninsi
detheclubbuthegrabbedmy
hand

Me:
Leavemeal
one.Idi
dn'
tseeanyt
hing.

Hegrabbedbothmyarmsandmademel ookathi
m.
Myheartpoundedsofast
.Icoul
dli
ter
all
yfeeli
t
beat
ingoutsi
demydress
Hi
m:I
t'
snotwhati
tlooksl
ike.
Me:
(br
eat
hingheavi
l
y)Iknow.Idi
dn'
tseeanyt
hing.

Wequi ckl
yturnedourheadswhenwehear d
foot
stepsheadingtowardsus.I
twassomeman.
Hewasheadi ngtowardsuswit
hhisheaddown.As
soonashel ookedup,hesawusthenstopped.

Man:
Isever
ythi
ngokay?
Hi
m:(
Fir
mly)
Ever
ythi
ng'
sfi
ne.

Themanswal l
owedthenwal
kedaway.Wow!Now
hejustl
eftmewit
hthiscr
imi
nal
,Justl
iket
hat
.

Me:
(l
ookedathi
m)Look,
Iwon'
tsayanyt
hing.Just
-
Hi
m:Come.

Hehel
dmyhandt
hencl
osedhi
sboot
handl
edme
i
nsidethecl
ubbutwetookt
hedif
fer
entrout
e.We
gotinapassaget
hatl
edtot
hisEl
evator
.

Me:Pl
easeletmego.Iwon'
tsayanyt
hing.I
'
ll
pr
etendli
keIdid-

Hepushedmeinsi
det
heel
evatorandpressed1.
Whatt
hehelli
sgoi
ngon?Alotofthought
sranin
mymind

Whenitopened,
hewal
kedoutf
ir
stst
il
lhol
dingmy
handandstopped.

Myeyesl
andedontwomenwhower
einsi
det
he
of
fi
ce.Myhear
tski
pped

Hi
m:Canyoupl
easeexcuseme?Ineedamoment
wi
thher
.
Man:
(deepvoi
ce)
Nosexi
nmyof
fi
cePhakat
hwayo.
Hi
m:(
sighed)
Justl
eave.

Thet
womenwal
kedout
.

Me:
Whyam Iher
e?Ar
eyougoi
ngt
oki
llme?

Hel
ookedatme

Hi
m:Idon'
tki
llwomenunl
essI
'
m compel
ledt
o.

Chi
ll
srandownonmyspi
ne

Hi
m:Whatyousawt
her
e..
Me:
Idi
dn'
tseeanyt
hing.
Hi
m:(cal
m)I
fyousayanyt
hing,I
'
llf
uckyousohar
d
t
hatyouwil
lst
ruggl
etowalkforaweek.
Mycl i
tthr
obbed.If
eltchil
lsdownonmyspi ne.I
swall
owedhar dasIlookedathisface.Idi
dn't
expecthimtosaythat.godwhat'swrongwithme?

Heunexpectedlypul
ledmewithmyhandasmy
headcrashedonhishardchest
.Ifel
telect
ri
c
sparksonmybody.What '
swrongwithme?I '
m
drunk,
yeahthatmustbethosecockt
ail
s.
Il
ookedathisface.Hehadapret
tyface.Dar
kwit
h
pi
nkandkissableli
ps.Ki
ssabl
eli
ps?TfKgaogel
o

Hi
m:Yousmel
lamazi
ng.

Hebi
thi
slowerl
ip.Hedi
dthatver
yseduct
ivel
y.

Hi
m:Doyouf
eelt
heseel
ect
ri
cspar
ksbet
weenus?
Me:
(St
utt
ered)
Y..
yeah.No!No!
Hegotcl
osertomeandbreat
hedonmyneck.Hi
s
hotbr
eat
hhitt
ingsof
tl
yagai
nstmyski
n

Heranhisstr
onghandsonmyback.Iwhi mpered
aswordsfai
ledme.Hist
ouchjustdidsomet
hingto
mybody,somethi
ngI'
veneverf
eltbef
ore.

Iarchedmybackall
owinghi
mtof
reelyr
unhi
s
handsonmyst omachandupmybreast
s.

Hi
m:Fuck!

Therewasj ustsomet hingaboutt

hat"fuck"
.It
's
pri
celess.Withonehand; heunbuckl
edhi spants
anddr opthem alongwi thhi
sunderweartohis
knees.Igrabbedhi sdickandholdit
.Itwas..I
swall
owedhar d

Igaspedwhenhel
if
tedmydr
essupt
omywai
st
andwit
hjustasingl
epullhetear
edmyl
ancet
hong
andputi
tinthepocketofhi
sJacket

Him:I
'
vebeenwantingtofuckyousi
nceIsawyour
hardnippl
esont
hisdress.

Hepinnedmeagainstt
hegl
asswi
ndowandsli
ghtl
y
par
tmybum cheeksthenr
anhisf
ingeronmysl
it

Hi
m:Fuckyousowet
.

Mybl
oodr
ushedwhenher
ubbedmycl
it
.

Me:
mhmm.

Her
ubbedi
taf
ewt
imest
hensai
d..

Hi
m:I
'
m goi
ngt
opushnow.I
'
llbegent
leandsl
ow.
Me:
(br
eat
hingheavi
l
y)Okay.

Imoanedashepushedhi
msel
fin.

Hi
m:Fuck!

Hegr unt
edwhen" her"pussywal lsgrabholdhis
dick.Hesleptwithcount l
esswomenbef orebuthe
neverfel
tanythinglikethi
sbef or
e.Thewar m and
howper f
ectherpussyf el
taroundhi sdick.Heis
alwayscarefulandusespr otecti
onalltheti
mebut
thisti
mehecan' texplainthiscarelessness

Hi
m:Fuck!

Hest
art
edmovi
ngsl
owand#REMOVED

Het
hrust
edonemor
eti
mebef
orespi
ll
ingal
lhi
s
j
uicesi
nsi
deofme.Mywhol
ebodyshookashel
aid
medownonthetabl
e.

Hi
m:Youokay?
I'
lldr
iveyouhome.

Hehel
dmyhandandki
ssedi
t.

I
nsi
det
heCl
ub

Ferahtwerkedonsomeguywhi l
eVhut
shi
loandhi
s
fr
iendslookedar
oundforKgaogel
o

Tr
avi
s:Icheckedout
sideandshe'
snott
her
e.
Vhut
shi
lo:
Fuck!
Molemo:
Shemusthavel
eft
.It
'sbeent
hreehour
s
now.
Vhut
shil
o:(si
ghed)
Thi
sissomef
uckedupshi
t!I
can'
tbel
ievethi
s.
Tr
avi
s:Whycan'tyouj
ustaskheroutand(shrugged
hi
sshoul
ders)whoknows?shemi ghtl
ikeyou.This
wasabadideaanyway.
Vhut
shi
lo:
(Si
ghed)
Iknow.Idi
dn'
tthi
nk.
Mol
emo:
She'
shot
!KeChi
pi.

Theyal
llaughed

Vhut
shi
lo:
(Smi
led)Iknow.
Tr
avi
s:NowIgetwhyyouobsessedwi
thher
.

Hel
ookeddownandsmi
led

AtMpho'
sHouse

Ist
eppedoutoft
hecarwit
houtl
ooki
ngathim and
hur
riedi
nsi
de.It
ri
edopeni
ngthedoorbuti
twas
l
ocked
Me:
(shout
ed)
Mpho.Bul
a.

Isl
owl yli
ft
edmyheadandl ookedatthecar.i
twas
sti
llt
here.Thewindowswereblackti
ntedsoI
couldn'
tseehim butIknewhewaslookingatme.I
swallowedthenbangedonthedoor.Assoonas
Mphoopened, It
hrewmyselfi
nsideandrushedto
myr oom

*
*
*

ONEMONTHLATER

TOBECONTI
NUED.
..
.
TheGoodWi
fe
#6

AtPot
chef
str
oom

Isteppedoutsi
det hetaxiandputthest
rapofmy
bagonmyshoul derast hewindbl
ewmyl ong
Brazili
anweave.Ituckeditbehi
ndmyearand
conf i
dent
lywalkedont hepavementaspeople
staredatme.Myheel sechoedwi t
heverystepI
took

Nothingbeat sthi
sf eel
ing.JustyesterdayIwas
nothingandt odayI '
m anent i
reneurosurgeon.I
haveawhol emedi caldegree,
Iearngoodandsoon
I'
l
lbehavi ngmyownhouseandwhoknowswhat
again.Ilef
tthisplacedirtyanduselessandnowI '
m
better.I
t'
sanamazi ngfeeli
ng.It
'sraretocome
acrosssuchi nPot ch.

Iopenedt
hegat
eandst
eppedi
nsi
det
heyar
d.My
cousinsweresit
tingoutsi
dewhil
edrinki
ng.They
arealwaysdri
nking,smh!Thechi
ldr
enstopped
playi
ngandlookedatme

Me:
(smi
led)
Dumel
ang.

Theyl
ookedatmesupr
ised.We'
veneverr
eal
ly
beencl
ose

Oneofthesmal
lchildrenwalkedt
owardsmeand
l
ookedatme.Idon'treal
lyknowthesmallones.I
onl
yknowtheolderones.Theywerenotallhere.
Someweremissingincludi
ngmybr ot
her
!

Me:
Heyheyboyboy.

Iopenedmysidebagandtookthechocol
ateIwas
eati
ngonthewaythenhandeditt
ohim.He
exci
tedl
ytooki
tandjumpedaround.Il
ookedatt
he
ol
deronef
rom t
hem.

Me:
Lebeko?

Irecogni
zedher
.Sheshyl
ynoddedwhi
lel
ooki
ng
down

Me:Wareng?
(gaveherR50)
Her
e.Goandbuysweets
andsnacksfort
hem.Lewenait
hekel
e(Buyyour
sel
f
somethi
ngtoo)
Lebeko:
Okaykal
eboga.

Shetookthechil
drenandwal
kedoutwi
ththem to
theshop.Il
ookedatmycousinsast
heylookedat
meliketheydi
dn'tknowme.

Nenesteppedoutsi
det
hehousewithherbabyon
herback.Assoonashereyesl
andedonme,theyl
it
up
Nene:
Kgaogel
o.
Me:
(smi
led)
Cuzzy.

Shewalkedt
owar
dsmeaswehuggedeachot
her
ti
ght
ly

Nene:
Youl
ookbeaut
if
ul.
Me:
(Smi
led)Thankyou.Howar
eyou?
Nene:
Bet
ter
.
Me:That
'sgood.Wher
e'sKut
lwano?Idon'
tseehi
m
ar
ound.

Herf
acechangedi
ntoaf
rown

Me:
Isheokay?What
'swr
ong?Ididn'
tspeakt
ohi
m
f
ort
hreedays.Di
dsomet
hinghappen?

Aunt
ie:
Kgaogel
oNgwanake.
Weallt
urnedandl
ookedatherasshewal
kedi
nthe
yar
d.

Aunt
ie:
(Smi
led)
NgwanaNnakebat
hong.Lookat
you.
Me:
(Smi
led)
Mamogol
o.

Wehugged.

Aunti
e:(smil
ed)Heel
ekae?Youlookso
beaut
iful.
(t
ouchedmyweave)Isthi
syourhai
r?I
t
grewsomuch.

Il
aughed

Me:
Noi
t'
saweave.
Aunt
ie:
Weaveyang?
(Weavehow)Youl
ookso
beaut
if
ul.(Smil
ed)maramasantsaneal
e
makima.(Yourcheeksar
est
il
lchubby)

Ishyl
ylookeddownandsmi
led

Aunt
ie:
Nenet
akeherbagi
nsi
de.
Me:
Nogosi
ameMamogol
o.I
'
llgoandputi
tinsi
de.
Aunt
ie:
NoNenewi
lldoi
t.Let
'st
alk.How'
sJobur
g?

Nenet
ookt
hebagf
rom meandst
eppedi
nsi
de

Me:
Aii
t'
sjustf
ine.I
t'
swor
k,wor
kandwor
k.
Aunt
ie:
(smil
ed)
Hawakr
eiyal
ekaunyana[
Didyou
fi
ndyoursel
faman]

Ilookeddownandl aughed.Ithoughtaboutthe
encounterIhadwiththatQhawe.Mypussy
throbbedjustbyt
hatthought.Iclear
edmyt hroat
andlaugheditoffhopingshe'
llt
alkabout
somet hi
ngel
se.Itwasj ustaonenightstand
anywayandIdon' tevenknowwhyIf eelsosadthat
heusedmel ikethat.WhatdidIexpect?He'sa
l
owlif
et hugwit
hhol esinhisl
ungs.Hedoesn't
deserveme.

Me:
Wher
e'sKut
lwano?
Aunt
ie:
(si
ghed)
Eishhe'
sbeenar
rest
ed.Iwant
edt
o
i
nfor
m youbutIhadnoair
ti
me.
Me:
(hear
tski
pped)
Arr
est
ed?
Aunt
ie:
Yeah.Bar
eher
apedasi
xyearol
dgi
rl
.She
st
aysaroundher
e.
Me:
What
?No.No.
Aunti
e:It
'sbeent
hreedaysnowsi
ncehe'
sbeen
ar
rested.

Myhear
tpoundedsof
astt
hatIf
eltdi
zzy.
Aunt
ie:
Kgaogel
o?

Shesoundedsocalmli
kethi
sisnotaser
iousissue.
Iknowmybr ot
herandhe'
l
lneverdosomethi
nglike
thi
s.

Me:
(cryi
ng)
Mamogolopleasetel
lmeyouj
oki
ng.
Kut
lwanowil
lneverr
apeanyone.
Tshimoll
o:Hedidmme.Thel it
tl
egirltol
dher
parentsandshehasnor easontolie.She'sakid.
Kutlwanoisathugandhe'sverynaught y.Hegets
i
nf i
ghtandhavesexwi t
hgi r
lsinschooltoil
ets.
Thisisnotsupri
sing.

Il
ookedatherassheshookherhead.

Aunt
ie:
Aii
.
Me:(
cryi
ng)
Hedi
dn'
tdoi
t.OhmygodIknowhe
di
dn'
t.
If
eltl
i
keIwasgoi
ngcr
azy.Myl
it
tl
ebr
otheri
sinj
ail
?
Whatonear
th?

Me:(Cr
ying)Kut
lwanoi
sjustt
wel
veyearsold.He's
notsexuall
yacti
veyet
.I.
.ohmygod!Ican'
tbeli
eve
thi
s.
Aunti
e:He'
l
lbefi
ne.I
'
llt
alktothi
sgi
rlpar
ent
sand
t
ellt
hem todr
opthecharges.
Me:(
cryi
ng)
Pleaset
akemet
othepol
icest
ati
on.
Nene.

Shesadl
yhel
dmyhand

Nene:
Let
'sgo.Mamapl
easewat
cht
heki
dsf
orme.

Wehurr
iedoutsi
deasNenest
oppedt
het
axi
.We
goti
nsi
deasitdroveof
f
Att
hePol
icest
ati
on

Ir
ani
nsi
deast
heof
fi
cer
sondut
ylookedatme

Me:(cryi
ng)Pl
easerel
easemybrot
her
.Hedidn'
t
rapethatli
tt
legi
rl
.Therehast
obeanexpl
anati
on.
Please.

Theyal
llookedatmeli
keIwascr
azy.Nenehel
dmy
handandwi pedmyt
ears

Nene:
(Tear
ful
ly)
Pul
lyour
sel
ftoget
her
.Letmet
alk
t
othem okay?
Me:
(Nodded)
Okay

Shest
eppedi
nfr
ontoft
hen
Nene:Bont
ateDumelang.Weareheref
ortheboy
youarrest
edthreedaysago.I
twassai
dthathe
rapedasixyearoldgir
l.
Off
icer
1:oohthatboy.He'si
nthei
nter
rogati
onroom.
Thedetecti
veissti
llbusywi
thhi
m.Sot heywon'tbe
vi
sit
ati
ons
Me:Whatdoyoumeanbusywi t
hhim?I
sthateven
al
lowed?Hedidn'
tdoanythi
ngandhehasno
l
awyerinther
e.He'
saloneinthere.
Off
icer:
AllIknowi
sthathe'
llgotoj
ailf
oraver
y
l
ongt i
me.ButdoFindhim alawyer
.
Me:
(cr
ying)
Ohmygod!No.WhatdoIdo?
Nene:
Cal
lthel
awyer
.Whoknowswhatt
heyar
e
doi
ngtohi
m now?
Me:
(cryi
ng)Idon'
tknowanyone.Nenemybr
other
.
Kut
lwano.Thisisajoke.

Shepatonmyback
Nene:(Tearf
ull
y)Godwon'tevi
lwin.He'l
lgetoutof
here.Let'
sgoout si
deandsearchforalawyeron
yourphone.Checkonline.You'
llf
indsomet hi
ng.
Thisisnotthetimetobreakdown.Fightforyour
brother.

Inoddedandwi
pedmyt
ear
s.

Me:
Yeah.Your
ight
.

Wewalkedoutside.It
ypedamessageonf acebook
"Anyl
awyeraroundNor t
hWest.PleaseIneedhel p
ASAP.Pleasetextme "Ipost
edi tandsighed.
Thiswasnothappening

AtZenze'
sApar
tment

MigosNeeditpl
ayedl
oudl
yonthespeaker
sas
Zenzesl
owlyopenedhi
seyesandl
ookedonboth
hi
sarms.Hefr
ownedwhenhenot
icedt
wonaked
gi
rl
slayi
ngonbot
hhisar
ms.

Heroughlypushedt
hem of
fwal
kingt
hem upas
t
heylookedathim

Zenze:
Leave.

Theygotupandgr
abbedt
hei
rthi
ngs

Gi
rl
:Themoney.
Zenze:
Ipai
dyoul
astni
ght
.Pl
eassj
ustl
eave.
Gir
l:
Thatwasf ort
hedanci
ngandnotwhatwedi
d
hereyest
erday.
Zenze:
(angr
il
y)I
'
llsendt
hemoney.Justgo.

Thegir
lsst
eppedoutandheslowlygotupwitha
poundi
nghead.Heimmediat
elyfel
tdizzyashe
st
agger
edar
oundandsatont
hebedt
ogat
her
hi
mself
.

Zenze:
Fuck!

Heheavi
lysi
ghedt
hengothi
mselftoget
herbef
ore
st
andi
nguptoswit
chthemusicoff
.

Het henstret
chedhi sarmsandpi ckedhi
sboxers
ont hefl
oorandputt hem on.Thenhewal kedtot
he
bathroom.Hel ookedaroundt hewholeapart
ment.
Itwasunt i
dyandoneofhi sfr
iendwaslayingonthe
floornakedwiththreegirl
s.Heshookhisheadand
openedt hebathroom door.Hiseyeswidenedwhen
hecameacr osshisfri
endthrusti
ngagirlagai
nst
thewal l

Zenze:
Mzwakhe.
Heangri
lysl
ammedt
hedoort
henwal
kedbackt
o
t
helounge

Zenze:
(shout
ed)
Eiiei
i

Heki
ckedthem asthegi
rl
simmedi
atel
yopened
t
hei
reyesandlookedathi
m whi
leHi
sfriendsnor
ed
i
nthemiddleofthem

Zenze:
Takeyourt
hingsandl
eave.Hambani
manje.
(l
eaveri
ghtnow)

Theyqui
ckl
ygotup,
tookt
hei
rthi
ngsandwal
kedout

Zenze:
Nhl
anhl
aei
iBaba.

Heki
ckedhi
m onhi
sbut
tashegr
oaned
Nhl
anhl
a:(
sleepy)
Mhmm.
Zenze:
Vuka.Vuka.
(wakeup)

Hehear dhisphoneri
ngingar
oundtheroom.He
searchedfori
tandlookedathi
sbrother
'snameon
thescreenandsighedashepickedup

Zenze:
Hel
lo?
Sambul
o:Hey.Ar
eyouokay?Wej
ustl
anded.
Zenze:(
sighed)
That
'sgood.You'
vebeengonef
or
toolong.
Sambul
o:Foronl
yamont
h.Amont
hisnot
hing
Zenze:
Right
.Didyoumanaget
ofi
xwhat
evert
he
probl
em youhad?
Sambul
o:Whatpr
obl
em?
Zenze:
(cl
ear
edhi
sthr
oat
)uht
heonet
hatmadeyou
tr
avel.
Sambul
o:(
sighed)Zenzeit
oldyout
ost
ayaway
f
rom al
loft
his.
Zenze:
Iwasj
ustaski
ng.
Sambul
o:Don'
taskanyt
hing.I
t'
snotyourbusi
ness.
Zenze:
Shar
p!
Sambul
o:Shar
p

HehungupasNhl
anhl
aputonhi
sboxer
sand
l
ookedathi
m

Nhl
anhl
a:Awe.
Zenze:
Sur
e.
Nhl
anhl
a:I
twasagr
eatpar
ty.
Zenze:
(f
akesmi
le)
Yeah.
Nhlanhla:
What
'swr
ong?Youst
il
lwor
ri
edabout
Lesedi.

Zenzel
ookeddownandscr
atchedhi
scut
Nhlanhl
a:AhDon'
tstr
essyour
selfabouther.She'
l
l
dealwit
hthebabyonherown.Rememberyougave
herthemoneytobuymorni
ngaftersbutshechose
notto.
Zenze:
AllIknowisthatIdon'
twantt
obe
someone'sfather
.

Hegotupandwal
kedt
otheki
tchen

AtThegar
age

Nenesteppedi
nsi
detheshoptobuyussomethi
ng
asIspokeonthephonewit
hthelawyerIf
oundon
Facebook

Me:
Youwantt
hef
eesupf
ront
?
Hi
m:That
'swhatIsai
d.Igetpai
danhour
.Idon'
t
wor
kforf
ree.
Me:OkayI
'
llpayyouonceyougether
e.Pl
easej
ust
comesoon.I'
l
lsendthel
ocat
ion.
Hi
m:Sendt
hemoneyf
ir
st.

Hehungup.Ican'
tbel
ievet
his.I
t'
snotl
ikeI
'
llnot
payhi
m.

Voi
ce:
HeyMama.

MyeyeswidenedasIrecognizedt
hevoice.I
qui
ckl
ytur
nedaroundandl ookedathi
m.Heshoved
hi
shandsdeepinhispocketsandsmiled

Hi
m:(
smi
rked)
Longt
ime.Imi
ssedyou.

TOBECONTI
NUED.
..
.
TheGoodWi
fe
#7
Hi
m:(
smi
rked)
Longt
ime.Imi
ssedyou.

Myhear tpoundedagai nstmychestasIswal lowed.

Hewasf i
vestepsawayf r
om mebutIcoul d
stronglysmel lhiscologne.I
tsmel ledexactl
ylike
thatnight.Theni ghtIdoubtI'
lleverforget
.Hewas
wear i
ngabl ackj acketwithagreyhoodi einsi
deand
somebl ackjeansandbl ackBoot s.Helookedmor e
broad,tall
erandmor ehandsome.Iner vously
ti
ghtenedt hegr iponmysi debaganddr oppedmy
gaze.Ishoul dn'tbefeeli
ngli
ket his

Hi
m:(
Cal
m)Ar
eyouokay?

Hemovedcl
oserasImovedback

Hi
m:Rachel
.
godt hewayhesai dmyname.Igotchi ll
sonmy
body.Noonehaseversai ditsosexi
lyoris
becausehef uckedme?That 'swhyitsoundsso
goodwhenhesayi t.Godwhat '
swrongwi t
hme?He
l
eftme.Hel eftmef oramont haft
erfucki
ngmel ike
aslutinsomeone' sof fi
ce.Hedidn'
tevencallmeor
atl
eastcheckedonme.Ohnowi tmakessense,he
wassi lenci
ngmeaf terwhatIsawandt hestupi
d
mef ellfori
t.

AngerchockedmeIclenchedmyj
awsandt
ri
ed
cont
rol
li
ngmybr eat
h.

Nenesteppedinf
rontofuswi
thpl
ast
icsand
cur
iousl
ylookedathi
m

Nene:
(t
ohi
m)Hel
lo.
Hi
m:Hi
m howar
eyou?
Nene:
I'
m good-
Me:
Nenel
et'
sgo.If
oundal
awyer
.Youbr
ought
ever
ythi
ng?

Sheslowlynodded.HegrabbedmyhandasIf
elt
thoseel
ectr
icsparksagai
n

Hi
m:Rachel
.

Oureyesl
ocked.

Hi
m:I
'
m sor
ry.

Hepull
edmecl
oserwi
thmyhandashi
sot
herhand
t
ouchedmywai
st

Hi
m:Iknowyouangr
ybutwon'
tyoul
etmeexpl
ain?
Me:(
angr
il
y)Idon'twantyourexpl
anat
ion.(
Pushed
hi
m away)
Nenel et'
sgo.
Hi
m:(
cal
mly)
Rachel
.
Heheldmyhandagai
nastear
squi
ckl
yfi
ll
edmy
eyesandIbur
sti
ntot
ear
s

Me:
(cr
ying)
Justl
eavemeal
one.Leavemeal
one.

Itr
iedpushi
nghim awaybutheheldmecl
oseand
putmeonhi schestasIcr
iedhar
d

Me:(
cryi
ng)
Justl
eavemeal
one.Youl
eftme.You
l
eftme.
Hi
m:I
'
m sor
ry.

Helockedmei
nhi
sar
msasIcl
osedmyeyesst
il
l
cr
ying

Nenewat
chedAsKgaogel
owrappedherarms
ar
oundhi
m whi
lehi
sbigarmssqueezedherbody.
Herbodywasn' tti
nybutitlookedt i
nyi nhisarms.
Shel ookedatQhawef rom headt otoe.Hewasa
verygoodl ooki
ngmanbutsomet hi
ngwasof f
abouthi m.ButKgaogelohasal waysbeenl ucky
though.TheJobandnowt his.Thewayhewas
holdingherandthewor ri
edlookonhi sface
showedj usthowmuchhel ovedandcar edabout
her.Shet ur
nedaroundandwal kedal i
ttl
efarf r
om
them togivethem spacewi t
houtthem even
notici
ngher .

Itt
ookawhi l
ebeforemycalmreturned.Whydi dI
dothat?Idon'
tunderst
andwhyIf el
tlikethat
?We
arenotevendati
ng.Idon'
tevenhavet emperissues.
Idon'
tknow,maybeisbecauseI'
m stressedabout
mybr ot
herandItookital
lonhim

Henoti
cedI'
vestoppedcryingashegent l
ywiped
mytear
sandkissedmyl ips.Hekissedmesosl ow
l
iket
hatni
ghtwhenhemadel ovetome.Hefucked
andmadelovetomet hatnight.Mycli
tthr
obbedas
Ipul
ledoutandlookeddownbefor
eweendedup
doi
ngsomet hi
nghere.If
elthi
sbonerpoki
ngmeon
myst omachasheshift
eduncomfort
ably

Hi
m:I
'
m sor
ryt
hatIj
ustl
eft
.
Me:
(sni
ff
ed)
It
'sokay.
Hi
m:Iknowi
snotokay.Whyyoucr
yingnow?You
mi
ssedmydick?

Il
ookedathi
m ashesmi
led

Him:(Smil
ed)
Iknowyoudi d.Imissedyourpussy
too.Icoul
dn'
tstopt
hinkingaboutyourface,
theway
youmoaned,yoursmell
,yourki
sses.That'
swhyI'm
here.

Myt
hroatdr
iedupasIgotf
lashbacksoft
hatni
ght
Me:
So.
.soyoucameher
etof
uckmeagai
n?
Hi
m:No.ButI
'
m st
il
lgoi
ngt
ofuckyouagai
n.

Hebi
thi
slowerl
ipasmypant
iessoaked.

Hi
m:Areyouokay?What
'sgoi
ngon?Youf
oundt
he
l
awyerforwhat
?

Heaskedconcer
nedashet
ouchedmyhands

Me:(tearf
ull
y)I
'm sostressedrightnow.Mylit
tl
e
brotherisarr
ested.Theysaidher apedasixyear
ol
dgi rlandhe'sbeenkepther e.Idon'
tknowwhat'
s
goingon.He'st welveyearsandheshoul dn'
tbe
l
ockedupher e.Idon'tunder
stand.Whoknows
whatt heyareevendoi ngtohim now?

Hisfacehar
denedashepul
ledmet
ohi
sar
msand
huggedmet i
ght
.
Hi
m:He'
l
lbeoutbef
oret
heendoft
oday.

Ijer
kedmyheadupandl
ookedathi
m.Heseemed
seri
ous.

Hi
m:Di
dyoueat
?
Me:
(shookmyhead)
No.Idon'
thaveappet
it
e.
Hi
m:Youneedt
oeatsomet
hing.Let
'sgot
omycar
.

Hel
ookedatNenewhowasst
andi
ngal
it
tl
efar
f
rom us

Hi
m:Neni
?What
'shernameagai
n?
Me:Nene.Butherr
eal
namei
sOr
enei
il
e.She'
smy
cousi
n.
Hi
m:(
lookedather
)Nene.
Nenelookedathi
m asshener
vousl
ywal
ked
t
owardsus

Him:
Let
'sgot
omycar
.Youguyswi
lleatt
her
e.
Come.
Nene:
(shyl
y)Okay.

Wewalkedt
ogetherasIl
ockedmyhandonhi
sar
m
whi
leNenef
oll
owedbehindus.

AtLesedi
'
sHouse

Shepeakedonhi sthugbrotherashesearchedthe
wholehousef ormoney.Shesmi l
edashecur sed
andwal kedout.Healwayssteal
smoney, t
hankGod
shehidt hemoney.Theycan'taf
fordforhi
mt o
stealagainandstar
veuntilmonthend.

Shesi
ghedasshesatcomf
ort
abl
yont
hebedand
t
ext
edherf
ri
endonWhat
sApp

Lesedi
:MganiIt
oldZenzeaboutt
hepr
egnancy
Li
khona: Whatdi
dhesay?UneLi
vermgani
.
Lesedi:Het
oldmethathegavemet hemoneyfor
mor ni
ngafter
ssohecan'tbesomeone'
sfathert
hen
blockedme.Hewantsnothingtodowithme.I
messedup.I '
mfr
eakingoutri
ghtnow.Idon'
tknow
whatt odo
Li
khona:Yohthat
'sbad.Aski
es.Haikodwa
nawe,whydidn'
tyoubuymor ningafter
s?Nowyou
pregnant
.Youshouldhaveatleastusedcondom
‍♀
Lesedi:It
oldyouthatwewer edrunkanddidn'teven
think.Thelastthi
ngIneedf rom youri
ghtnow
Likhonaisthatatti
tude.Iexplai
nedeveryt
hingto
youandi tinfur
iat
esmet hatyousti
llr
epeati
ngi t
.
I'
m alreadyfeel
ingbadokay?
Li
khona:
Sor
ry.Sowhatwi
llyoudonow?Wi
llyou
abor
t?
Lesedi:
Idon'
tknow.Ican'taf
fordtohavet
hisbaby.
Mygr andmotherwilldi
e Ont heothersi
deNSFAS
wil
lcutmeof f.I
t'
sfuckedup.Ishoul
dhavenever
wenttothatpart
yandl ethi
m breakmyvir
gini
ty.I
shouldn'
thaveli
stenedtoyou
Likhona:
Hai
boIdi
dn'
tforceyoutosleepwit
hhi
m.
Youopenedyourl
egsforhim wi
ll
ingl
y.Don'
tbl
ame
thisonme.

Sheignor
edherandputherphonedownasshe
bur
iedherfaceont
hepil
lowandcried

Att
hepol
icest
ati
on

Wesatdownont hebenchesast helawyert

hat
Qhawebroughtinher
egotinthei nt
err
ogati
onroom.
Appar
entl
yshef l
ewheresinceshewasi nJoburg.I
wasveryhopeful
.Qhawewassur ethatKutl
wano
wil
lbeouttodayandIki
ndoft r
usthim.
Heki ssedmylipsagai nandt uckedmyweave
behindmyear .Itsti
llscaresmet hatI
'mthis
comf ort
abl
ewi t
hhi m whileIknowt hepossi
bil
it
yof
him beingaserialki
llerandalsothatsamekill
er
whof uckedmeandl eftmef oramont h.

Nene:
Uhm,I
'mleavi
ng.I
'
llseeyouathome.Il
eft
NeowithMamaandshe'ssuchacrybaby.Mama
won'
thandl
eher.
Me:
Youcango.I
t'
sokay.
Nene:
Wil
lyoubeokay?
Me:(
nodded)
YeahI
'
llbefi
ne.Goit'
sokay.Hopef
ull
y
whenthi
ngsgowel
l,
I'
llbr
ingKut
lwanowithme.
Nene:
Okay.
Me:
Doyouhavet
axi
'
sfar
e?

ImovedmyheadonQhaweshoul
derandsear
ched
onmysidebag
Qhawe;
I'
l
lgi
vehert
hemoney.

Il
ookedathi
m ashet
ookhi
swal
letoutandhanded
NeneR200.

Nene:Uh,
Thankyousomuch(
lookedatme)
Bye
cuzzy.
Me:
Bye.

Shesteppedout
.IlookedatQhaweagai
nashe
pul
ledmeclosertohim

Meanwhil
eCi ndysteppedinsidetheroom asher
eyesonKutlwanowi thabruisedfaceandtwo
Offi
cer
sinther oom eat
ingfatcakes.

Ci
ndy:
Whatthehel
lisgoi
ngonher
e?(
laughedi
n
di
sbel
ief
)Thi
sisajoke.
Shemovedcloserasherheelsechoedthewhole
room.Theof
ficer
spanickedastheylookedateach
other

Of
fi
cer1:
Whoar
eyou?Youshoul
dn'
tbeher
e.
Cindy:
Ihaveever
yrightt
obehereandwhatyouare
doingherei
sdisgusti
ngandi
ll
egal
.I'
m goi
ngtoput
youbehindbars.

Thei
rhear
tspoundedevenmoreast
heywat
ched
herbr
ushKutl
wano'sbackwi
thasmil
eonherf
ace

Cindy:
Yoursi
sterbr
oughtmeher
e.You'
l
lbeout
soonokay?

Kutlwano'
seyesfi
ll
edwi
tht
ear
sashesi
ghed
rel
ievedandnodded
Cindy:
(l
ookedatthepol
iceof
fi
cers)Pl
easetellme
whyyouwoul dlockupaminorhere,i
nter
rogatehi
m
andhavethenervetobeathi
m up(l
aughedi n
di
sbeli
ef)aminor?
Off
icer2:
(Swal
lowed)Herapedasi
xyearol
dgi
rl
andevenadmittedt
oit-
Cindy:Youvi olatedtheMirandar ul
e.Forcinghimt o
admi ttot heallegati
onswithoutt helawyer .How
canyoueveni nterr
ogateami nor?Didyouevendo
themedi caltestsandreportedt hecaset ot hecour
t?
Broughthi sparentsandexpl ainedtherules?Wher e
i
shi spr obationof f
icer
?

Theoffi
cerskeptqui
etast
hei
rhear
tspoundedeven
more.Thisisnotwhatt
heysi
gnedupfor

Cindy:Areyouoffi
cersofthelawofcr iminals?I
can'tbeli
evethi
s.Idon'tknowwhat '
shappeni ngin
thi
sst ati
onbutit'
sdisgusti
ng.I'
m goingtor epor
t
thi
sandyougoi ngtojailf
orthelongesttime.Didhe
evenr apethechil
doryouf abri
catedthis?(t
heykept
qui
et)Youaregoingtoj
ailf
ort
hel
ongestt
ime.I
'
m
goi
ngtoreportt
his.

Shegotupandgr
abbedKut
lwano'
shandand
wal
kedout.

Ii
mmediatel
ygotupwhenthel
awyersteppedout
wit
hbrui
sedKutlwano.Her
ant
owardsmeand
huggedmetight
lyashebur
sti
ntot
ears

Me:
(cr
ying)
I'
m sor
ryIwasn'
tther
e.I
'
m sor
ryPapi
.
Qhawe:
(t
oci
ndy)
Whathappened?
Cindy: (
shookherhead) What 'shappi ngi nthisPoli
ce
stati
oni sshocking.Ther e'snoPr obati
onof fi
cer
dealingwi t
hthiscase,juststupidcr i
minalof f
icer
s
whobeatupt hepoorchi ldandl ockedhi m upf or
nothing.Theycor neredhi mt oadmi ttothingsand
threatenedhim.Thi sisjustsodi sgusting.I'
m
sendi ngthereporttotheirofficest omor rowand
makesur eitgetstocour t.
Qhawe:
Bloodybast
ards.

Iwipedhi stear
sandkissedhisfor
ehead.Hewas
sti
llshaking.Qhawehandedhim abottl
eofwater
ashequi cklygulpedi
tdown.Hisfacewasso
bruised.Theyaregoingtopayforthi
s.Whodoes
thi
st oachi l
d?

Ci
ndy:
Seeyousoon.
Qhawe:
Bye.ThankyouCi
ndy.
Ci
ndy:
(smi
led)
Anyt
ime.

Shest
eppedout
.

Qhawe:
Let
'spassbyt
hehospi
talf
ir
stsot
heyt
reat
hi
swounds.
Me:
(l
owt
one)
Okay.
Qhawe:
Comeboy.
Heputhi
sarm ar
oundhi
sshoul
der
sthenwe
wal
kedtohi
scar

AtSambul
o'sHouse

Nanil
edtheDetecti
veinsidewhil
eSambulospoke
onthephoneinthelounge.Hiseyesl
ockedeyes
wit
htheDetect
ive'
seyesashef rowned

Nani
:
(lowt
one)
Sambul
o.

Henoddedt
henshewal
kedt
otheki
tchen

Sambul
o:(
ont
hephone)I
'
llt
alkt
oyoul
ater
.Bye.

Hehungupandl
ookedatt
heDet
ect
ive
Det
ect
ive:
Phakat
hwayo.
Sambul
o:(
Cal
mly)
Tau.
Det
ect
ive:
(Smi
rked)
Nicehouseyouhaveher
e.

Sambul
okeptast
rai
ghtf
aceashel
ookedathi
m

Detect
ive:
(Si
ghed)
Wedeci dedt
oclosedownt he
casesincewearen'
tfindi
nganyleads.Wehaven't
evenfoundthesuspectsonyourbrot
her'
scase.
Sambul
o:(
Chuckl
ed)
Yeahr
ight
.

Detect
iveTaulookedathi
m oncethentur
ned
aroundandwalkedout.Sambuloshookhishead
anddialedhi
swife

Att
heB&B

Af
terr
etur
ningt
otheHospi
tal
,
Qhawebookedusat
ab&bf orthenight.Idi
dn'
twanttogohome.Idon' t
wanttogoandf acepeopl
ewhol etmylit
tl
ebrother
betakenandt ortur
ed.Tomorr
owI '
llgoandfet
ch
ourstuffandgobackt oJoburg.

Kut
lwano:
I'
l
lsl
eepi
nanot
herr
oom.
Me:
Areyousur
e?
Kut
lwano:
100%.Goodni
ght
.

Hehuggedmethensecr
etl
ywinkedatQhaweand
f
istbumpedwi
thhi
m wit
houtKgaogel
onoti
cing.

Kut
lwano:
Goodni
ght
.
Me:
Iloveyou.
Kut
lwano:
Same.Same.

Qhawechuckl
edashet
urnedandwal
kedt
ohi
s
room.
Heheldmyhandaswewal kedt
oourroom.My
phonerangasIlookedatt
hecal
lerdet
ail
sand
si
ghedbeforeIpicked

Me:
Hel
lo?
Aunti
e:(
angr
ily)Kgaogel
owhat '
stheneedtoinvolve
l
awyerswhenIt oldyouthatI
'l
lconvi
ncethegirl
'
s
par
entstodropthechargeslevel
ledagai
nst
Kutl
wano?

TOBECONTI
NUED.
..
..
TheGoodWi
fe
#8

Aunti
e:(
Angril
y)Kgaogel
owhatwast heneedto
i
nvolvelawyer
swhenIt oldyouthatI
'l
lconvi
ncethe
gi
rl
'sparentst
odr opthechargesl
evel
edagainst
Kutl
wano?
Me:
..
.
Aunti
e:Botl
hal
ekebaengcauseIt oldyouthatI
'
llf
ix
t
his.Callt
hem nowandcanceleverythi
ng.

Ikeptqui
etaswegoti
nsi
det
heroom andQhawe
cl
osedthedoorandwal
kedt
owardst
hewindow

Aunt
ie:
Kgaogel
oweehkebual
ewena(
I'
mtal
kingt
o
you)
Me:Mamogol
omybr
otherwaswr
ongf
ull
yaccused
and-
Aunt i
e:Nywabr othernywabr other
.Areyout heonly
oner elatedtohim?I '
m hisaunttooakere.You
actinglikeIdon'tcareaboutKut l
wano.I'
vebeen
l
ivingwi thhimf oryearswhileyouwereatt he
medi calschool.Ican'tbeli
eveyou.Iseethat
studyingover seaschangedyou.Nowyouwantt o
showushowwel leducatedandconnectedyouar e.
I'
m not hingtoyounow.Whyyoudoi ngthistome?
Youdon' tr
espectmenow.
Ikeptqui
etandwat
chedasQhawetookoffhi
s
j
acketandhoodi
ewhil
elooki
ngatmewithafrown
onhisface.

Auntie:
Tel
lthosepeopl
etostayoutofthi
s.Wear
e
fi
xingthi
sasaf amil
y.Don'
tdisr
espectme
Kgaogelo.
Me:
(Swal
lowed)
Mamo-
Aunti
e:(
Angr
il
y)Wankar
abi
saebi
le(
Nowyout
alki
ng
back?)
Me:
(Lowt
one)
I'
lll
eti
tgoMamogol
o.

Ihungupandsatdownont hebed.Qhawesquat
ted
i
nf r
ontofmeinawhit
evestonwhi chshowedhi
s
masculi
nebodyandperf
ecttat
toos.

Qhawe:
Whowasi
t?
Me:
(Sadl
y)Myaunt
.Shewast
ell
ingmet
odr
opt
he
whol
ecase.
Qhawe:
What
?That
'sabsur
d.
Me: (
sighed)I
'
mt i
redoffighti
ng.Idon'twanttofight
heranymor e.Ij
ustwantt ogobackt oJobur gand
neverlookbackhere.Iknowsheor chest
ratedallof
thi
s.Shedi dn'
tevenseem bot her
edwhenshet old
meaboutKut l
wano'sarrestandthatexpl
ainsinall.
Tellyourlawyert
oletitgo.
Qhawe:Uyathakat
halomama(She'
sbewi t
chi
ng)
.
Whodoest hattohernephew?Idon'
tli
keher
al
ready.
Me:(Swal
lowed)
Sheletmybr ot
herst
ayi
nJailf
or
thr
eedays.Shelett
hem beathi
m upandst
arved
him.
Qhawe:
(hel
dmyhands)I
'
m sor
ryMama.
Me:Shehasalwaysbeenl iket his.Whenourpar
ent
s
di
ed,shetr
eatedusbadl y.Byt henIdependedon
heranditwashor ri
ble.NowI 'm gladt
hatI
'm
i
ndependentcauseIcanl eaveatanyt ime.
SometimesIgett emptedt ot alkbackbutIdon'
t
havethatcourage.She'sst i
llmyaunt .
Qhawe:
Lookatme.

Il
ookedathi
m ast
ear
sfi
ll
edmyeyes

Qhawe:Shedoesn'tdeserveyouguys.Shedoesn' t
l
oveyouandi t
'sevident.Don'tst
ressyourselfabout
herandmoveawayf rom here.Don'tshearany
tear
sforheranymor e.Onedayshe' sgoingtoneed
youandyouwon' tbet her
e.

Hepul
ledmeclosert
omeandhuggedmet
ightas
t
ear
sfelldownonhisvest

Qhawe:
Tomorrowwegoingbackt
oJobur
g.Ican'
t
st
andbeinghereanyl
onger
.

Hel
etmecal
m downf
ir
standt
uckedmet
obed.
Qhawe:
I.
.I
..
L

MyheartpoundedasIwai
tedf
orhi
mtof
ini
sht
he
sent
ence.

Qhawe:
(deepvoi
ce)I
'
m goi
ngt
osmokeout
side.

Hejumpedoutofthebedashegrabbedhi
sjacket
andsteppedout
.Isi
gheddi
sappoi
ntedasIfaced
theot
hersidewi
thtear
sinmyeyes

AtAunt
ie'
sPl
ace

TheFivesi
ster
ssurroundedthefi
rewi
tht
hei
r
chi
ldr
enandmot herastheyate.

Aunt
ie:
Kgaogel
othi
nksthatshe'
sbet
tert
hanus
nowsinceshe'
sadoct
or.Shewantstoshowus
howwellconnect
edsheis.Istr
ict
lyt
oldhernott
o
doanyt
hingcauseI'
m handli
ngit.
Tshi
mollo:
Ijustsawherwithhor
sehai
randhi
gh
heel
sintheafternoont
hatshewastr
yingt
opr
ove
somethi
ngtous.
Nkel
e:Shehasalwaysbeenful
lofher
sel
f.And
Kutl
wanoiscapableofr
ape.Hedidit
.
Nene:
Kut
lwanoi
swel
lmanner
edandhe'
l
lneverdo
t
hat.
Tshi
mol l
o:Wel
lmanner
edkaeneebet
saLoza
malobaha?Eneyourboyf
ri
end.(
Hehi
tyour
boyfr
iendnotsol
ongago)
Herchi
ld:
MaraMamalozaneabet
saMamane(
But
hewasbeati
ngaunt
ie)
Tshimol
lo:Wenaodi
dimale.Ket
lagobet
sakacl
ap
(Keepquiet
.I'
l
lsl
apyou)

Shekeptqui
etandshelookeddown.Mi nutesl
ater
whil
etheywerest
il
ltal
kingaboutKgaogeloa Car
pul
ledover
.Theyal
llookedateachotherthenback
atthebi
gcar.Qhawesteppedoutofthecarand
thr
ewhiscigar
ett
eonthegr oundashestompedon
i
t.Helookedatt
hem ashest eppedi
nsi
detheyard

Aunt
ie:
Keof
eoyanong?(
Whoi
sthi
sone)

Hestoppedi
nfr
ontofthem asheclenchedhi
sfi
sts
cont
rol
li
nghi
mselfandlookedatNene

Qhawe:
Wher
ear
eRachel
'
sthi
ngs?
Aunt
ie:
OraKgaogel
o?(
YoumeanKgaogel
o?)

Hei gnoredherasNenegotupandst eppedinside

thehouse.Aunt i
elookedathi
mf rom headt otoe.
Hewasagi antandt hewayhewasdr essedf reaked
herout .Helookedli
keagangsterandhiseyeswer e
cold.Heevenl ookedli
kehewascont rol
li
nghi mself
sobadashekeptcl enchi
nghisjawsandf ists.Her
heartpoundedoutofherchestpr ayi
ngthathe
won' tdoanythi
ngt oher
.
Nenest
eppedoutwi
thKgaogel
o'sbagandhanded
i
ttoQhawe.

Nene:
Sheonl
ycamewi
tht
his.
Qhawe:
Bri
nghi
sbr
other
'scl
othest
oo.
Tshi
mol
lo:
Wher
ear
eyout
aki
ngKut
lwano'
sthi
ngs?
Nkel
e:Andwhothehel
lar
eyout
odemandt
hings
f
rom ourhouse?
Ntshi
di:
Nenewatengl
eenekeepsgoi
ngupand
downbecauseofhim.
Mamsi
e:Shehasal
waysbeenherpet
.

Qhawefumedwi t
hangerasheki
ckedthesmallf
ir
e
wit
hhisbootsunt
ili
twasoff
.Thesi
stersl
ookedat
hi
mi nshock

Qhawe:
Ifyousayanyt
hingagai
nI'
l
lfuckyouup.
Youpatheti
clowli
fewomen.Yourdaysoftreat
ing
herl
ikeshe'
snotahumanar eover.And
wena(l
ookedattheaunt)I
fyoutr
yt ohur
tRachel
agai
n,I'
l
lkil
lyou.I
'l
lbur
nyoualli
nt hi
shouse.

Hecl
ickedhistongueandsteppedinsi
det
hehouse
ashelookedforKutl
wano'
st hi
ngs.

Qhawe:
Nene.

Sheraninsi
deandhelpedhi
m.Oncet
heywer
e
donetheywalkedout

Nene:
Thebi
rt
hcer
ti
fi
cat
eisal
sot
her
e.
Qhawe:
ThankyousomuchNene.

Het
ookhi
swal
letoutandgaveherR1000.
Qhawe:(
Smiled)
It
'sforlovi
ngyourcousinwhenyour
si
ster
streat
edherl i
keshit.Butyoudeser
veal
ot
moreandGodwi llblessyou.Thisi
snothi
ngYou
ar
eagoodcousi nNene.

Shetookthemoneyandshyl
ylookeddownas
Qhawesteppedout
sidet
heyardwitht
hebags.

Aunti
e:Monnaobathong?Didhej
ustt
hreat
enme?
Kgaogelosentat
hugtokil
lmenow?Heee(Cryi
ng)
Nkel
e:(
Scar
ed)
Didyouevenseehi
m?Weneedt
o
r
eporthi
m.

Neneleftt
hem t
alki
ngandexci
tedl
ysteppedi
nsi
de
thehouseasshesatonthei
rol
ddustycouchwhi
le
counti
ngthemoney

Thefoll
owingdayint
hemor ni
ngIr
ubbedmyeyes
hal
fasleepasIfel
tagentl
esweett
hrustonmywet
shavedpussybuti
tstoppedwhenImoved,Idozed
offagai
nandfel
taslowt
hrustt
henIopenedmy
eyestoQhaweholdi
ngmywaistdoi
ngingent
ly

Hegotonmybackandki
ssedmyneckashe
f
li
ppedmearoundandl
aidmeonmytummywit
h
myheadont
hepill
ow

Qhawe:
(Whi
sper
ed)
Goodmor
ning.
Me:
Good.
.m.
.mor
ning.

Heshowedapil
lowundermyt ummyandgr abbed
mywaistst
eppi
ngont hesheet
sthenhehammer ed
measImoanedl oudl
ygrabbi
ngthesheet
s..
.

Thestr
okeswentonandonunti
lIorgasmedthen
hetur
nedmearoundandhiti
tunti
lhefil
ledmeup

Qhawe:(
kissedmyneckandgentl
ybitmy
ear
lobe)
I'
veprepar
edabathforyou.Wel
eavi
ng
t
oday.
Me:
(Smi
ledshyl
y)Okay.
Qhawe:
(chuckl
ed)
What
'swr
ong?
Me:
(t
urnedandl
ookedathi
m)Youchuckl
ewei
rd.

Helookedatmewithasmil
eandchuckledagai
n
makingmelaughhardandsoonhej
oinedme

Me:
(l
aughed)
Stop.
Qhawe:
Welli
fit'
smaki
ngyoul
aught
henI
'
lldoi
t
agai
nandagain.

Ismi
ledasIl
ookedathispr
ett
yfaceaski
ngmysel
f
howwegothere.I
sthi
sevenreal
?Willwelast
?

Qhawe:
Whatar
eyout
hinki
ngabout
?
Me:(
sighed)
Ijustwantt
ol eave(Cl
imbedof
fthe
bed)
Goingthereagai
ninfuriat
esmesomuch.
Qhawe:(
calm)Aboutt
hat
,Iwentt
ofet
chyourbags
t
hereyester
day.

Itur
nedandlookedathi
mthennot
icedt
hebagsat
thecor
neroftheroom

Me:
Chawe.
Qhawe:
Youdon'
thavet
ogot
her
eanymor
e.
Me:Chawemar
a.Whatdi
dMamogol
osay?What
di
dyousaytot
hem?
Qhawe:
Am Ii
ntr
oubl
e?
Me:
No.ButIwantt
oknow.
Qhawe:
(cl
earedhi
sthroat
)IspokeToNenecause
shewastheonlyoneIknew ther
ethenshegave
meever
ything.

Il
ookedathim ashemovedar oundpr et
endi
ngt o
sear
chforsomething.Isuspi
ciousl
ylookedathim
asIwalkedt
othebat hroom.ButAtl
eastIwon'tgo
t
her
eanymor
e.

Webothbathed,gotdressedandwentt
ofet
ch
Kut
lwanobeforedrivi
ngof ft
oJobur
g.

AtLesedi
'
sHouse

Inthesamemor ning,
Shedi
shedSoftPorri
dgefor
hergrandmotherandBrot
herastheybothsati
nthe
kit
chenandthebr ot
herwal
kedtohisroom

Gran:
Wewoul dhavebroughtBr
eadift
hisone
wasn'
tathi
ef.Nowt hemoneywehavei sf
or
i
mportantt
hingsonlycausehestol
esome.

Shecli
ckedhertongueasLesedici
rcl
edherspoon
ontheporr
idgedeepinthought
s
Gran:Imetwithyourmom'
sol
dfriendatthemal
l
yesterdayandshetol
dmeaboutyourfat
her'
ski
ds.
Lesedi
:(
qui
ckl
ylookedather
)Whatdi
dshesay?
Gran:
Shetol
dmet hattheol
donewasoverseasor
she'
sInSouthAfr
ica,
Idon'
trememberbut
somethi
ngli
kethat.
Lesedi
:Ooh.
Gr
an:
Yeah,
theyoungeronei
sst
il
latPot
ch.
Lesedi
:Shedi
dn'
ttellyouthei
rnames?YaziGogoI
wanttoknowmysi bli
ngs.Ofent
sehashisown
famil
yandhestayswi tht
hem.Ialsowantthat
.
Gran:
Butyouknowthatyouwon'
tst
aywi
tht
hem
ri
ght?Yourdaddi
ed.
Lesedi
:(
Sadly)IknowbutIwantt
ohavea
rel
ati
onshi
pwi t
ht hem.
Gran:
(Si
ghed)Iunderst
and.Theirnamesare
KgaomeloandKut ano.Idon'
tknow.TheseTswana
namesarehar dtopronounce.Buttheyar
eboth
Mathebas.SearchonFacebook.Youmi ghtf
ind
them.
Shequickl
ygrabbedherphoneandgoton
Facebookasshecameacr ossLi
khona'
stextand
readit

Li
khona:
Sorryaboutyest
erday.Iwasabi
t
i
nsensi
ti
ve.Canwet al
ktodayplease

Sheclickedhert ongueandr epl

iedherwit
h" okay"
andsear chedallMat heba'sonFacebookbutshe
couldn'
ttellwhot heywer eandtheywerelotof
them.Shesadl ysi ghedandputherphonedown

AtI
thembaMi
ne

Themi nersdugaroundasoneoft hem foundt

he
"di
amond"andscr eamedalert
ingeveryoneasthey
l
ookedathi m andshoutedandsanghappi l
ywhil
e
runni
ngt oinf
ormt hei
rboss
.
..
.

TheGoodWi
fe
#9

AtI
thembaMi
ne

Sambulolookedatt
hedi
amondandhandedi
tover
toZenze

Sambulo:
(Smil
ed)Thi
sisamir
acl
e.Justl
astmonth
welostadiamondandtodaywedi
scover
edanother
one.Thi
sisgreat
.

Themi
ner
scl
appedt
hei
rhandshappi
ly

Sambul
o:Youguyswor
khar
dandyoudeser
vet
he
best
.Youwil
lget4%increaseattheendoft
his
monthonyoursal
ari
es.Siyabonga.

Theminer
sdancedhappi
lyasSambul
owal
ked
awayanddial
edQhawe

Meanwhi l
eQhawest eppedoutoft hecartal
kingon
hisphonewhi l
eIopenedt hewholewi ndowand
rel
axed.West oppedatt hegarage.Ilookedat
Kutlwanobusyt exti
ngonmyphonewi t
hhis
account.Isadl
yl ookedathisface.Hehadabl ue
eyeandacutonhi slip.Theswelli
ngwasl essening
though.

Kut
lwano:
Thi
swi
tchcan'
tst
opCal
li
ng.
Me:
(si
ghed)
I'
llt
alkt
oheratni
ght
.
Kutl
wano: (
lookedatme)Why?Don'tcallher.Idon'
t
wantanythingtodowiththem.Wear estarti
ngour
newlivesinJoburg.Don'
tcompli
cateourlives
agai
nwi ththosepeopl
e.
Il
ookedout sidethewi ndowandwat chedQhaweas
hest eppedoutoft heshopandwal kedtoourcar.
Daddyl ookedsogoodi nthoseblackAdidas
tr
acksui t
s.It'
sl i
ketheywer ejustmeantf orhi
sbody.
Hesmel l
edgoodandhadacl eancutwi t
haper f
ect
smile.DidIt elly'
al
lhowmuchhel ovesthoseblack
bootsandhowmucht heysui tedhim?Ohgod!He
steppedi nsi
deandhandedmeapl astic

Qhawe:
Ibr
oughtyouguyssomet
hing.Don'
tyou
wantt
orel
ieveyour
sel
f?
Me:
(t
ookt
hepl
ast
ic)
No.I
'
llt
ellyouwhenIwantt
o.
Qhawe:
(l
eanedoverandki
ssedme)
Okayandyou
nt
wana?
Kut
lwano:
Kegr
andnt
wana.

Wel
aughedast
heydr
oveof
f
AtAunt
ie'
sHouse

Nenefi
nishedPacki
ngherbagsandsi
ghed
st
eppi
ngoutt hehousewhil
eherki
dsst
opped
pl
ayi
ngandl ookedather

Mosa:
Mamaoyakae?
(Wher
eyougoi
ng?
)

Thesecondbor
nhuggedherl
egsasshesadl
y
swal
lowed

Nene:I
'm goi
ngtoGauteng.Mamaisgoingtowor
k
foryouthengiveyoumoney.Justl
ikeAunt
KgaogelodidwithKut
lwano.
Mosa:
(swal
lowed)Whenwi
llyoubeback?
Nene:
Monthendandi t
'sj
ustar
oundthecor
ner
.
Don'
tcry.I
'
llcomeandtakeyouwit
hme.Mosatake
car
eofyouryoungersi
bli
ngs.
Mosa'
seyesf
il
ledwi
tht
ear
sashenodded.

Mosa:
I'
l
lmi
ssyoumama.
Nene:
(t
ear
ful
ly)
Met
oomybaby.Met
oo.Come.

Hewenttoherastheyhuggedwhilethesecond
bor
ncri
ed.Hertwosist
erslookedather

Nkel
e;andt
henwena?

Shei
gnor
edherandpi
ckedt
hesecondbor
ninher
ar
ms

Nene:
(t
earf
ull
y)Mamaiscomingnehmybaby?
She'
sgoingtobuyyoudanoneandbanana.

Hecriedkicki
ngandshaki
nghi
shead.Nene'
s
mothergrabbedhi
mf r
om Neneashecri
edlouder
andki
cked

Aunt
ie:
Didi
mal
a!(
shutup)Youspoi
ledhi
m somuch.
Thol
awenaman!

Shespankedhi
m asNonowat
ched

Nene:
Mamahe.
ehl
e.(
Mamano)
Aunt
ie:
He'
llkeepqui
et.TsamayaNene.Tsamaya.
(
LeaveNene)

Tear
sstr
eameddownonNene'
scheeksasshe
st
eppedoutoft
hehouse

Secondbor
n:(
cryi
ngandscr
eami
ng)
Mama!Mama!
Ahhhhhh

Nene'
shear
tbr
okei
npi
ecesasshegoti
nat
axi
and
i
tdr
oveof
fasshecr
ied

AtMcDonal
d's

Lesediat
eherchi
psasLi
khonal
ookedather

Li
khona:
Youst
il
lhaven'
tdeci
dedaboutwhatyou'
l
l
do?
Lesedi
:(
sighed)
Nonotyet.Mylifei
sli
ter
all
y
messedup.Ican'tt
hinkproper
ly.
Li
khona:
Butyouknowt
hatt
imei
sti
cki
ngr
ight
.
Lesedi
:Iknow.Ihonest
lydon'
tknowyazi.Let
'sj
ust
for
getaboutitf
oramoment .I
t'
sdepressingme.

ShegotonherfakeaccountonFacebookand
checkedZenze'
sprofi
le.Hehaspostedhisphot
o
wit
honeofhi sbrot
her'
swifecapt
ioned"Il
oveyou
Mama.Can'twaittoseeyou "
Shesighedt
henputt
hephonedown.Hewas
l
it
eral
lymovi
ngonwithhi
sli
fel
ikeshedoesn'
texi
st.

Athome

Qhawepar kedt hecarinfrontoftheyardand

steppedout sidewi t
hKutlwano.Iopenedhi s
dashboar dandt ookhi
scigarettesoutandhidthem
onmywai stt hensteppedout .Iwatchedthem
chatti
ngandl aughingwithKut l
wano.Theyget
al
ongsowel linjustashortperiodoftime.I'
m
happyt hatit'
sl i
kethat
.PhelaIdon'twantt wobull
s
i
nmyhouse.

Isteppedinsi
dethehouse.i
tlookedemptyt
houghI
broughtcouchesandasmallplasmaatlewi
s.
Therewasal otofspace.

Kut
lwano:
Wher
ewi
llIputt
hecol
dri
nk?
Il
ookeddowni
nshame

Qhawe:
Leavei
tint
hepl
ast
ic.
Kut
lwano:
Okay.

Hewal
kedt
owar
dsmeandl
eanedoverashest
ole
aki
ss

Qhawe:Don'
tbesoashamed.You'
vej
ustst
art
ed
worki
ngandit'
sunder
standabl
e.

Il
ookedathi
m andsmi
led

Qhawe:
I'
l
lseeyout
omor
row.Ihavet
ogo.

Myheartached.WhatifIneverseehi
m agai
n?He
sawt
hef r
ownonmyf aceasheunder st
oodwhatI
wast
hinkingandpull
edmecl osertohim
Qhawe:
(smi
led)
I'
llal
waysbeher
eforyou.I
'
m not
goi
nganywayMama.

Ismiledreli
evedthenwekissedbefor
ehewal
ked
out.Minuteslat
erIrecei
vedanoti
fi
cati
ononmy
phone.Ireaditasmymout hdropped

Me:
whatt
hef
uck?

TOBECONTI
NUED.
..
..
TheGoodWi
fe
#10

Me:
Whatt
hef
uck?

FNB::
)Atransf
erofR200000hasbeenmadet
o
youraccount-
Myheartpoundedsofastagai
nstmychestasI
t
ouchedmychestandbr eat
hedinandout.A
messagethenfol
lowed

"That
'
sf ort
hefurni
tur
e.Cal
lmei fyouneedmore"
Hehasgott obekiddi
ngme.Itwasanunknown
numberbutIknewexactlywhoitwas.I
i
mmedi atel
ydial
edhisnumberthenhepicked

Qhawe:
I'
m dr
ivi
ngr
ightnow.I
'
llcal
lyouwhenIget
home.
Me:
Chawe-

Hehungup.Il
ookedatt
heamountagai
nand
pacedar
oundthewhol
ehouse.

Me:(
breat
hedi
nandout
)Kgaogel
ocal
m down.Cal
m
down.
Kut
lwano:
Keng?

Ii
gnoredhi
mt hencont
inuedpaci
ngupanddown.
Minut
eslat
erIdial
edhi
m again

Me:
Chawehowcanyousendmesomuchmoney?
Qhawe:(
smiled)
Youar esoimpat
ientmyl
ove.Isai
d
I
'l
lcal
lyou.ButIjustgothomenow.What'
sup
Mama?Tal ktodaddy.
Me:
Howcanyousendsuchahugeamountof
moneyinmyaccount
?No,
howcanyousendme
money?
Qhawe:Babeit'
sfort
hef
urni
tur
e.What
'swr
ong?
Shoul
dn'tIsendyoumoney?
Me:
That
'sahugeamount
.R200000?
Qhawe:Yes.You'
llgetever
ythingyouneedwi
tht
hat
money.Ifyouneedmor etellmecauseIwon'
t
hesi
tat
et oaddmor e.
Me:
No.Idon'
twantyourmoney(
sighed)l
ookIr
eal
ly
appr
eciat
eyoulooki
ngoutf
ormebutIwantt
obuy
myfurnit
urewi
thmyownmoney.
Qhawe:
Whatdoyoumeanyoudon'
twantmy
money?
Me:
ImeanI
'
llbuyf
urni
tur
ewi
thmymoney.
Qhawe:
Ooh?

Isensedhur
tint
hatOohandthatmademef
eelso
badbutIdon'
twanthi
smoney.

Qhawe:
OkayI
'
llr
ever
set
hemoney.
Me:
Thankyou.
Qhawe:
(Chewi
ng)
Mhmm.
Me:
(chuckl
ed)
Youeat
ing?
Qhawe:
(Mout
hful
)YeahI
'
m sohungr
y.
Me:
(l
aughed)
Youeatal
ot.
Qhawe:
Wher
edi
dyouseemeeat
?
Me:
(l
aughed)
Int
hecar
.YouandKut
lwanol
it
eral
l
y
f
ini
shedever
ythi
ng.
Qhawe:
(smi
led)
Iwasn'
teat
ingal
one.
Me:
Butst
il
l.
(wel
aughed)
Qhawe:
AZul
umanhast
oeat
.
Me:
(l
aughed)
Isee.
Qhawe:I
'
llfet
chyoutomorr
owmor ni
ngangi
thiyou
don'
thaveacaryetyoudon'tacceptmymoney.
You'
ll
struggl
e.
Me:
(l
aughed)
Bat
hong.
Qhawe: Awhol edoctor
.Iwant edtobuyyouacaron
yourbirthdaybutsinceyoudon' twantmymoneyI '
ll
keepi t
.Ihavemoneyandt hatR200000di dn'
thurt
mypocket .Ial
sobeli
eveinspendi ngmoneyon
someoneyoul o-careabout.ButIrespectwhatyou
said.Iknowmoneydoesn' tbuypeoplebutIwanted
yout ogetwhatyouwant .Ididn'tli
kehowyou
l
ookeddowni nshamewhenKut lwanoaskedwhere
toputt hecoldri
nk.
Me:
..
.
Qhawe:
Am Ial
lowedt
obuyyouf
lower
sthough?
Me:(smil
ed)Yesyouareall
owed.Aboutt
hemoney
baby,i
t'
salot.Ij
ustcoul
-
Qhawe:
Sayt
hatagai
n.
Me:ImeantYouareall
owedt
obuymef
lower
sbut
don'
tgi
vemet hatki
ndofmoney.
Qhawe:
Bef
oret
hat
.
Me:
(conf
used)
What
?
Qhawe:
Baby?
Me:
..
.
Qhawe: (
laughed)
Youdi
dn'
tevenr
eal
izethatyou
saidthat.Pl
easecal
lmethatmor
eoftenandstop
pronouncingmynameinTswana.
Me:(l
aughed)
I'
mreal
lybadi
nthoseCha-
Cha
sounds.
Qhawe:
(Laughed)
Qha!ButI
'
llt
eachyou(
yawned)
Me:
Yout
ir
ed?
Qhawe:
Yeahbutt
alkt
ome.
Ismi
ledasIwal
kedt
omyr
oom andl
aiddownon
mybedaswespoke

AtJohannesbur
g

Neneswal lowedhar dasshel ookedatmanypeopl e

movingupanddown.Theci t
ywasver ybusyanda
l
itt
leter
rif
ying.TheTal lbeauti
fulbuil
dings,Lotof
people,
cars,t
axisandl oudnoises.Shedi dn'teven
knowwher eBr eeTaxir ankwasbutt hedr i
ver
droppedheratBr eewhi chisverystrangecause
shecouldn'tseeit.Therewer eonlytaxisdr i
ving
peopletotheirdestinati
ons.Therankwasnowher e
tobeseen.Shespot tedawomansel li
ngf r
ui t
sand
theotheronesbesi desher.Shesl owlywal ked
towardshersi nceshehadnocust omer sand
seemedni ce.

Nene:
Dumel
ang(
Greet
ings)
Woman:
Yebosi
siunj
ani
?Or
angei
sR3,
Appl
eR2.
Gr
apesR7.
Nene:OohMamannakenekopaompont sheko
BreeTaxir
ankelengteng(
Canyoupl
easeshowme
whereBreeTaxiranki
s)
Woman:Bree(
poi
ntedout)i
leemzansi
.(Downther
e)
Justgodownthatway.You'
llseet
hestai
rsgoi
ng
down.
Nene:
oohokay.Kal
ebogamama(
Thankyou)
Woman:
(smi
led)
Okaysesi
.

Nenehel dherbagstightasshewentont hesame

roadthatthewomanshowedherunt ilshefound
thestai
rsandwentdownt hereasshesi ghed
rel
ievedwhenshenot icedthetaxi
s.Shewoul dhave
neverfoundthem ifshedidn'
task.TheTaxi
conductorstoppedinfrontofher

TaxiC:
Uyaphisi
si(
Wher
eyougoi
ng)
Nene:
Sowet
o.
Taxi
:Sowet
okuphi
?
Nene:
uh.

ShethoughttherewasonlyoneSowet o.Herhear
t
poundedsohar dagai
nstherchestasherpalmsgot
sweaty.Hersist
erdi
dn'
teventellherwhichSoweto
shewassupposedt ogoto.Whatdoesshesaynow?

TaxiC:
Sisi
?
Nene:
(swal
lowed)
Idon'
tknow.
TaxiC:
WehaveOrlando,
Prot
ea
gl
en,Nal
edi
,
Diepkl
oof,
Mapetl
a.Uyaphiwena?

Shel
ookedathi
m conf
usedashegr
abbedherar
m
andgotheri
nataxi
.

TaxiC:
It
'l
ltakeyout
oOr
lando(
shout
ed)
Sowet
o
Orl
ando!Orlando
HewalkedawayasNene'
sheartpoundedmor
e
whi
leshelookedar
oundconf
used.

AtAunt
ie'
sHouse

Shel
aidNene'
slastbor
nont
hebedasshecr
ied
l
oudl
y.

Aunti
e:(
Angri
ly)Ngwanaki
o.Ngwanaki
oor at
ago
l
la.Nnahakenanakoyagodidi
matsadi
rat
hana.

Shewalkedout
sidewit
hherphoneleavi
ngher
cryi
ng.Mosasecret
lyr
antothebedroom andhe
heldhi
sli
tt
lesi
steri
nhissmallar
msasshushed
her.

Mosa:
(Tear
ful
ly)
SshNeo.Ssh.Mamai scoming.
Mamaiscomingt ogetus.She'
l
lbr
ingusdanone.
Lot
sofdanoneandmeat
.

NeoConti
nuedcryi
ngasMosasearchedf orher
bot
tl
eandfedhertheremaini
ngmil
kinsidethe
bot
tl
e.Shestoppedcr
yingasshesuckedhungril
y.

Mosa:
(Smi
led)
Goodgi
rl
.

Meanwhi
leout
sideAunt
iespoket
oMphoont
he
phone

Aunti
e:Neneisonherwayther
e.Omo
kgat
hanyetse(
Waitf
orher)
Mpho:BoNenel
ebonebat
logotl
alakant
loyame.
Fi
rsti
twasKgaogel
onowher.
Aunt
ie:
She'
syourSist
erMphoandi t
'snotl
ikeshe'
l
l
st
aytheref
orever
.She'
lll
ookforajobandmoveout
af
ter
.Bearwithher
.She'syoursi
ster.
Mpho:
(si
ghed)
OkayMama.Ket
lar
eng(
Whatcani
say)
Auntie:HeiIforgottotellyou.Yourcousi
nKgaogelo
broughthert hugboyf r
iendinmyhouseyest erday
tothreatenmeandf orcefull
ytakeKutlwano'
s
thi
ngs.Af tereveryt
hingIdi dfort
hem,shegoesand
doest histome.
Mpho: Itoldyoutokickthem outimmedi at
elyafter
theyforcedyout otakecar eofthem.Theywer e
neveryourr esponsi
bili
ty.Kgaogeloispri
defuland
nowt hatshe'sadoct or,
she'sworse.Igaveherfree
accommodat ioninmyhousenowshedoesn' teven
l
ooki nmydi r
ecti
onorcal lmeat l
eastcauseshe
getsal argesalar
y.Shet hinksshe'
sKim
Kardashi an.
Aunti
e:HaiShe'
llgetherkar
ma.Igaveher
ever
ythingaft
ermysi st
erdied,
Itookherofherand
shedoest hi
s?(Cli
ckedhertongue)Shedoesn't
evenanswermycal ls.
Mpho:
Mot
logel
e(Leaveheral
one)
Aunt
ie:
(Cl
ickedhert
ongue)
Shar
p.
Mpho:
Shar
p.
Shehangupandsteppedi
nsi
dethehouse.She
noti
cedoneofhergr
andki
dsst
eali
ngsugaronthe
cupboar
d

Aunt
ie:
(shout
ed)Hei
iWena.Hei
i!

Thesmal
lki
dpani
ckedasher
anout
.

AtOr
lando

Thedri
verstar
edatNeneont hemirr
orasShe
swal
lowednervousl
y.Shewast heonl
yonelef
tand
i
twasalreadydarkout
side.

Dr
iver
:Uyaphiwenasi
si(
Wher
ear
eyougoi
ng)
Nene:
(Tear
ful
ly)
Idon'
tknow.Mysi
stert
oldmet
o
goSoweto.
Taxi
:Sowet
okuphi
(Sowet
owher
e)
Nene:
Idon'
tknow.
Dri
ver:
HaiI
nkingaleo.AsyoucanseeSi siwam you
aretheonl
yonel ef
tinthetaxiandIneedtogoand
coll
ectmylastpassengers.I
'l
lhavet
odropyou
here.
Nene:
Yoh.Her
e?Pl
easehel
pmef
indmysi
ster
.I'
m
newhereand-
Dri
ver:
Ican'
t.I
twoul
dhavebeeneasyhadyour
si
stert
oldyouwhereshel
ives.Ngi
yaxol
isa(
I'
m
sor
ry)
Nene:
(Tear
ful
ly)
Okay.

Hest oppedthetaxiassheopenedt hedoorand

steppedoutthent hedri
verimmediatelydroveoff
.
Shel ookedaroundscaredasherhear tpounded
againstherchest.Shedidn'
tevenknowwher etogo
orwhatt odo.Shedi dn'
tevenhaveaphone.She
noticedfourguysheadingherdir
ectionasherhear t
skipped.
TOBECONTI
NUED.
..

(Threeinsertswillf
oll
owsoon.Sol ongkeep
sharingandcomment i
ng.Guysi fIdon't
communi cat
ei tmeansI '
ml i
terall
yhel dupandI
can'ttypeordoanyt hing.Insul
t i
ngmeonmyi nbox
i
snotr i
ght.AndThat '
saver ydi sgusti
ngbehavior.
"Iwantmyai rt
ime.Uyimenemene"TF!Youwant
yourai r
ti
mekaecauseonl ythreesentmeai r
ti
me.
Like!
!PlusIknowwhosentandwhodi dn't
.I'
m so
angryanddi sappointed.Ifyouf eelli
ke
Ngiyimenemenest opfoll
owi ngmyst ori
esand
i
nsul t
ingme)
TheGoodWi
fe
#11

Sheheldherbreat
hasthesefourguysapproached
her.Theyst
oppedandlookedatherasthey
exchangedl
ooksliket
heywerecommuni cati
ng
Guy1:
(l
ookedatherf
rom headt
otoe)
Yah.
Guy2:
Uyaphimamas(
Wher
eyougoi
ng)
Nene:
(St
utt
eri
ng)
S..
sowet
o.
Guy3:
Let
himal
i(
Hangoveryourmoney)

Theot
herguysnat
chedherhandbagasshe
scr
eamedloudl
y

Guy2:
Aiwenauyar
asa(
Youar
emaki
ngnoi
se)

Tear
srol
leddownonhercheeksast
heyt
ookal
lthe
moneyshehad

Nene:
(cr
ying)
Pleasedon'
tdot
hist
ome.Pl
ease.
Guy2:
Uyar
asaman!
(Youar
emaki
ngnoi
se)
Hepull
edhercl
osert
ohim ashesearchedf or
moneyonherwholebodyevenwentasf aras
sear
chi
ngonherbraandpanty.

Nene:
(Cr
ying)
Mama.Yoh.

Hel
ethergoandl
ookedatt
heot
herguys

Guy2:
Akanexkuye.KuneMal
inil
apho(
Shedoesn'
t
havemoneyonher.Howmuchdidyougeti
nher
bag)
Guy3:
R650.
Guy2:
(Smi
led)
Yizo.
Guy1:
(l
ookedatNene)
Fut
sekhamba.

Heki
ckedherasshecr
iedl
oudl
y.

Nene:
(Cr
ying)
Sor
ry.
Theotherguybr iefl
ylookedathert
inybodythen
backattheot herguys.Shehadasmal lass,
waist
andsmal landbr east
s.Anoldjeanthatshewas
weari
ngf it
tedherwel l

Guy1:
(Swal
lowed)
Baf
ethu.(
Gent
s)
Guy2:
(Lookedathi
m)Yah?
Guy3:
Masemudl
e(Let
'sf
uckher
)

Theguysl ookedatherastheyswallowed.They
exchangedl ookst
hennoddedasOneoft hem
quickl
ygr abbedherar
m whileshebentoverpicki
ng
herstuffont hegr
oundanddr aggedint
hedar k

Nene;
(Cryi
ng)
Ntl
ogeleng.Mama!Mama.
Mpho(Leavemealone)
Guy1:
(Sl
appedher
)Thul
a(Shutup)
Nene:
(Cr
yingandscr
eami
ng)
Bat
hongnt
huseng.
Hel
p!Mama!Yohh!

Theyallheldherandcoveredhermout hasthey
draggedher .Meanwhil
eamani noverall
swalked
towardst hestr
eetashenoticedfourguysholdinga
girlwhi
leshecr i
edandkicked.Hisheartski
pped
thenher anovertothem.

Man:
(Deepvoi
ce)
Heini
na.

Theguyspanickedandquickl
yletgoofherast
hey
ranoff
.Nenecriedl
oudlyasherwholebodyshook.
Themanl ookedatherandgrabbedherar
m hel
ping
hergetup

Man:
(Wor
ri
ed)
Areyouokay?Di
dtheyhur
tyou?
Nene:
(Cr
ying)
No.Butt
heywant
edt
orapeme.
Man:
(Swal
lowed)
Wher
eyougoi
ng?
Nene:
(Shaki
ng)
Idon'
tknow.I
'
m newher
e.
Man:
Okaycome.I
'
llt
akeyoutomyhouse.We'
l
ltal
k
pr
oper
lywhenwegetther
e.

Nenelookedathim asherheartpoundedagainst
herchest.Shecoul
dn'tpr
operl
yseehi minthedark
buthelookedbigandscaryespecial
lywit
hthat
deepvoice.Shewasnotgoinganywher ewit
hhi m.

Man: Iknowyoudon'tt
rustmebutIwon'tdo
anythingtoyou.Ist
aywithmydaughterandI'
l
l
nevereverthi
nkofdoinganyt
hingtoyou.

Nenesl owlynoddedassheclenchedherfist
s
ner vously.Themanwentt ot
akeherbagsand
wal kedwi thhert
ohishouse.ItwasjustanRDP
al
t hought heyardwasbig.Theysteppedinsi
deas
Nenel ookedaround.Hehadasmal l
plasma, couchesandabeautif
ulkit
chenthatyou
canseeonceyougeti nt
helounge.
Man:
Youcansi
tont
hecouch.

Shewentoverandsatont hecouch.Hereyes
stoppedonabigphot oofhim andhisdaught er
pl
uggedont hewal l
.Hehadaver ybeaut i
ful
daughterandhelookedhandsomei nt hepict
ure.
Hewasbr ownski nnedandhaddi mplesthathis
daughteri
nheri
ted.Alt
houghinreali
tyhehad
beardsandhewasn' tver
ygoodl ooki
ng.

Hecamebackwi
thgl
assofcol
dwat
er.

Man:
Ibr
oughtyouwat
er.
Nene:
Thankyou.

Shetookthegl
assandgulpedthewaterdownas
herhandsshook.Thenshehandedhi
m backonce
shewasdone
Nene:
Thankyou.

Themannoddedashewalkedbacktot
heki
tchen.
Thedooropenedandhi
sdaught
errani
nwit
ha
womancarryi
ngher
schoolbag.

Daught
er:
Daddy!

Sher
ant
othekit
chenashepickedherup.The
womanl
ookedatNenef
rom headtotoe

Man:(Smil
ed)
Hel
lopr
incess.Howwasyourdayat
school?
Daught
er:
Good.Idr
ewaki
te,
Acatandadog.
Man:
(Smi
led)
That
'smygi
rl
.
Woman:
Hel
loMusa.
Musa:
(Lookedather
)Heyt
hankyouf
orl
ooki
ng
af
terher
.
Woman:
Cool
.(LookedatNene)
Who'
sthi
s?
Daughter
:Yeswho'
sthi
swomanDaddy?I
ssheyour
fr
iend?
Musa:
Yesshe'smyfri
end.(
lookedatthe
woman)ThankyouShamiso.Goodnight
.
Shami
so:
Goodni
ght
.

ShelookedatNeneonceandwal
kedoutasMusa
l
ockedthedoor.

Musa:
Didyoudoyourhomewor
k?
Daught
er:
Yes!
Musa:Okaygoandwat
cht
vwi
thaunt
ie.Swi
tchi
t
onforher.

Sheexci
tedl
ycl
imbedof
fherdadandwentto
swi
tchontheTV.MusaandNeneunexpect
edl
y
l
ockedeyesasNenequi
ckl
ylookedawaywi
tha
poundi
nghear
t

Daughter
:(
lookedatNene)
Aunt
iedoyouknowhow
t
oswi t
chont hetv?
Musa:
It
hanal
eaveAunti
ealoneandwatchTV.I
'
m
maki
ngfoodnowokay?Don'tdi
stur
bAunti
e.
I
thana:
(Nodded)
Okay.

Musawalkedt
othekit
chenandst
art
edcooki
ng.
It
hanal
ookedatNeneasshener
vousl
ysatnextt
o
her

It
hana:What
'syournameAunt
ie?Doyouknow
Ladybugandcatnoir
?
Nene:
(Smi
led)
No.
It
hana:Whatdoyouwat
ch?Letmechanget
he
channelf
oryou.
Shetookt
heremoteandchangedtoSABC1.Nene
smil
edandrel
axedasshelookedather
.She
remi
ndedherofMosa.

I
thana:
Youwat
chSkeem saam?
Nene:
(l
aughed)
Yes.

Shecont
inuedt
alki
ngandexpl
aini
ngt
hechar
act
ers
toNeneasNenelaughed

AtHome

Ilookedatmyphoneagai nasAunt
iecall
edme
repeatedly.Iignoreditt
hentookmynightl
oti
onand
applieditonmyf ace.Kutl
wanowal
kedi nmyroom
andt hrewhi mselfonmybed

Kut
lwano:
I'
mti
rednow,
Iwantt
osl
eep.
Me:
Sleep.

Hesighedasl
ookedatmeappl
yingt
hel
oti
onon
myface

Me:
OnceIbuyyouanewbed,
you'
llsl
eepinyour
ownroom.Di
dyouseei
t?I
t'
snexttomine.
Kutl
wano: Isawi
tandIl
oveit
.Thishousei
s
beauti
fulevenwi
thoutt
hefur
nit
ure.
Me:
Forr
eal
?
Kutl
wano:Yeah.Thecouchesarebeaut
if
ulandt
he
TV.Ican'
twaittoseethewholehousewit
hthef
ull
fur
nit
urei
n.
Me:(
Smi l
ed)Nextmont
hit
'l
lbeful
l.Thef
ri
dgewi
llbe
her
e,Cupboard,
Yourdr
awerandyourbed.
Kut
lwano:
(Smi
led)If
eel
sor
eli
evedt
hatI
'
m her
e.
Me:
(Smi
led)
Met
oo.
Kut
lwano:
I'
m happythatyoubroughtmehereand
t
ookmeoutoft hathel
lhole.(
Satup)Soschool
?
Whenam Ist
art
ing?
Me:Idon'
tknowbuttomorrowI
'm goi
ngt
oregi
ster
youatthi
sprivat
eschooli
nJozi
.
Kut
lwano:
Dot
heyt
eachSet
swanat
oo?
Me:
Yep.

It
ookmygownof
fandl
aiddownnextt
ohi
m.

Kut
lwano:
Theyhavewhi
test
udent
s?
Me:
Yeah.
Kutl
wano:
EishnowI
'
llbef
orcedt
ospeakEngl
ish
ever
yday.
Me:
(l
aughed)
Don'
twor
ryyou'
l
lmanage.
Kut
lwano:
Dot
heyhavesoccergr
ounds?
Me:(
laughed)EyaKut
lwano.Theyhaveever
ythi
ng.
You'
llseeforyour
sel
ftomorrow.
Kut
lwano:
Eishokay.
Hel ookedsoexcitedandthatmademesohappy.I
t
sti
llfeelssosurr
ealthathe'
sher
e.Ilai
dmyheadon
thepi l
lowasheaskedmemor equesti
onst
hen
eventuallywefel
lasleep

AtSambul
o'sHouse

Hel
ookedatQhawel
osti
nthought
s

Sambulo:
Whatareyouthi
nki
ngabout?Ar
eyou
havi
ngsecondthought
s?Youknowyouhavet
odo
thi
s.Evai
scomingandIcan'
tleave.
Qhawe:Fuck!Ther
e'sal
waystroubl
eanddr
ama.We
l
it
eral
lyjustcamebackyest
erday.
Sambul
o:Ther
e'sal
wayst
roubl
eint
hisbusi
ness.
Qhawe:
I'
l
lleavet
omor
rowat9.
Sambul
o:Passher
efi
rst
.
Qhawe:
(wal
kingaway)
Iwon'
thavet
ime.Goodni
ght
.
Hesteppedout
sideandwalkedtohiscar.Whenhe
gott
here,
heopeneditandsteppedi
nside.He
sear
chedforhi
scigaret
tesbutcoul
dn'
tfindt
hem.

Qhawe:
Wher
edi
dIputt
hesedamnci
gar
ett
es?

Hesi ghedaslookedaroundbutdidn'tf
indthem.He
recall
edwhenKgaogel ostayedi
nt hecaralone
whilehewasi nthehousewi t
hherbrother.He
shookhi sheadashel ookedout
sideandsmi ledas
hef i
nall
yunderstood.

Qhawe:
(Smil
ed)
DoctorRachelMat
heba.Youbet
ter
br
ingbackmycigar
ett
es.

TOBECONTI
NUED.
..
.
TheGoodWi
fe
#12
AtHome

Inthemor ningIsatacrossthemirr
orasIdrewmy
eyebrowscor rect
lyandpuffedmyface.OnceIwas
donewi t
ht hewhol emakeupIputonmybl ackti
ght
l
eatherskirtwhichhuggedmyhi psnicel
yandwor e
awhi t
ecropt opwi t
hmybl ackcr
ossedhighheels.
Kutlwanoleanedagai nstt
hedoorincasualand
l
ookedatme

Me:
(Put
ti
ngonmycur
lyweave)
Youdone?
Kut
lwano:
YesI
'
m onl
ywai
ti
ngf
oryounow.
Me:(
Brushedmyweave)uhm okay.I
'
mfi
nishi
ng
r
ightnow.
Kut
lwano:
Yout
ookonehourt
odeckyour
sel
fup.
Me:
Yeah.Ihavet
olookgoodkana.
Kut
lwano:(
Smi
led)
Andyoul
ookgood.I
twasal
l
wor
thit.
Me:
(l
aughed)
Yep.Youmadeyour
sel
fcor
nfl
akes?
Kut
lwano:
Yeah.
Me:Pl
easemakesomeformeandaddst
rawber
ri
es.
Theyarei
naplast
ic.
Kut
lwano:
AhahSt
rawber
ri
es.
Me:
Yes.Hur
ryupweneedt
oleavenow.

Hesighedashewal kedtothekit
chen.Ispr
ayed
myselfwit
haper f
umeandl ookedatmyselfagai
n
i
nt hemirr
orbefor
eIgotupandt ookmybel ongi
ngs.
Icheckedmyphoneandf oundat extmessagefr
om
Qhawe.IsmiledasIreadit

"
Don'teatanyt
hing.I
'mt
aki
ngyououtf
orbr
eakf
ast
wit
hKutwano "

Il
aughedatt
hewr
ongspel
li
ngofKut
lwano.It
ext
ed
back.
"
Okay "

Hei
mmedi
atel
ycal
ledasIpi
cked

Qhawe:
(l
owt
one)
Hey.
Me:
(Smi
led)
Heyhowar
eyou?
Qhawe:
I'
m good.Opent
hedoor
.
Me:
Uhm okay.

Iwentandopenedt
hedoorasIcameacr
osshi
s
handsomeface.

Me:
(Smi
led)
Hey.Whendi
dyougett
her
e?
Qhawe:
(Ki
ssedme)
Justnow.
Me:
(Bl
ushed)
Okaygeti
n.

Il
ethi
minsi
deandcl
osedt
hedoor
.Il
ookedathi
s
sexywal
kandsmi ledal
one.Hewal
kedsosexyand
hadgoodphysique.Hesmell
edmanl
yanddressed
si
mpleyetat
tracti
ve.

Qhawe:
(ToKut
lwano)
Ntwana.
Kut
lwano:
Fede.
Qhawe:
Ugr
and?
Kut
lwano:
(Smi
led)
Kemnat
e.
Qhawe:
Sur
ent
wanayami
.

Isatnextt
ohim ashel
ookedatmeandgaveme
thi
scutesidesmil
e

Qhawe:(
Smi
led)
Wher
ear
emyci
gar
ett
esDoct
or
Rachel
?
Me:
(l
aughed)
Idon'
tknow.
Qhawe:
(Smi
led)
Thenwhyyoul
aughi
ng?
Me:
(Laughed)
Okayokay.It
hrewt
hem away.
Cigar
ett
esar
enotgoodf
oryouChawe.I
'
m adoct
or
andIknowbett
er.
Qhawe:
Isi
t?
Me:
(Si
ghed)
Yes.Pl
easest
opsmoki
ng.
Qhawe:
(cal
m)Iwon'
tbeabl
eto.
Me:
Ooh?
Qhawe:
Yeah.
(Gotup)Let
'sgo.I
'
mt aki
ngyououtto
havebr
eakf
astthent
akeyoustrai
ghtt
oschoolt
oo.
Kut
lwano:
(Smi
led)
Wher
e?
Qhawe:
You'
l
lsee.Let
'sgo.

Hel
ookedatmeandpull
edmyhandasIgotup
whi
lepul
li
ngmydressdownal
it
tl
e.

Kutlwano:Ial
readymadehercor
nfl
akesbutIguess
I
'l
lleavethem here.
Qhawe:
Yesleavethem.Goandsi
tint
hecar
.Wai
t
t
hereanddon'tgoout.
Kut
lwano:
(Smi
led)Sur
e

Hegrabbedmyphoneandexcitedl
yranout
side.
Qhawebithisl
owerl
ipandl
ickedhisbl
ackli
psas
helookedatme

Qhawe:
Youshoul
dn'thavewor
niti
fyouwer
egoi
ng
t
opulli
tever
ychanceyouget.
Me:
(Swal
lowed)
Qhawe:
(Pul
ledmecl
oser
)Youl
ookbeaut
if
ul.

Ihel
dmybr eat
hashepul
ledmemor
ecl
osert
ohi
m
andgrabbedmyasst
ight
.

Helookedat"her"i
nnocenteyesandswal l
owed
hard.Hethoughtit
'l
ljustbesexbutwhathewas
feel
ingwasmor ethant hat
."She"l
ookedver y
beauti
fulandhadani nnocentroundface.Babygi
rl
evencaredabouthisheal t
h.Shewasj ustt
oogood
f
orherandheknewthatshewoul
dn'
thandl
ehi
m.
Noonewil
leverwi
ll
.

Het uckedmyweavebehi
ndmyearandki ssedme
hardwi t
hhishandatt
hebackonmyhead.I
moanedi nhismouthast
hingsgotheated.He
grabbedmybr east
sasImoanedsoftl
yand
#REMOVED

Ivi
brat
edinhi
sarmsasheheldont
ometightand
fi
ll
edmeupwithhiswar
m cum.Ibr
eat
hedheavil
y
i
nhi smout
hashesqueezedmybodyi
nhishuge
arms.

Me:
(Pul
ledout
)Chawe.

Hewasst il
lki
ssi
ngmeandIcouldn'
tbreat
he.He
babykissedmeashismi
ntybreathhi
tmeonmy
face.
Qhawe:
(Br
eat
hingheavi
ly)
Yout
ast
esogood.
Me:
(Smi
led)
Qhawe:
Let
'sgot
othebat
hroom andf
reshenedup.
Me:
Okay.

Hepi ckedmeupont hecouchandwalkedwit

hme
tothebathroom.Wef r
eshenedupandjoi
ned
Kutlwanoint hecarli
kenothi
nghappenedashe
droveust otherestaur
ant

AtMusa'
sHouse

Hesteppedi nsidehisdaughter'
sroom andwatched
asshesl eptpeacefull
ywithNene.Sheseemedso
comfortablearoundherasshehadherheadonher
chestandl egsonhert i
nybody.Theylookedvery
goodandi twasabeaut i
fulsi
ghttowatch.Hetook
hisphoneoutandt ookseveralpi
ctur
es.
Feel
ingli
kesomeoneislooki
ngather,
Neneslowly
openedhereyesandscannedaroundtheroom and
yawned.Musaclear
edhisthroatandl
ookedather

Musa:
Hey.
Nene:
(l
ookedathi
m)Hey.

ShelookedatI
thanathenatMusaandsl
owly
pushedherfr
om herasshecover
edherwit
ha
bl
anket.

Musa:(
laughed)Shedoesn'
tknowhowtosl
eep.I
hopeshedidn'tki
ckyousohardatni
ght
?
Nene:
(laughed)
No.ButBesidest
hatI
'
m usedto
sl
eepi
ngwi thki
ds.Mykidskickmesohardever
y
ni
ghtthatI'
m sousedtoitbynow.
Musa:
Youhaveki
ds?Howmany?
Nene:
3.Twoboysandonegi
rl
.
Musa:
(Smi
led)
That
'sni
cebutI
'
m sur
etheygi
veyou
aheadache.(
Theyl
aughed)
Nene:
Youhavenoi
dea.Ki
dsar
eal
otofwor
k.
Musa:
(l
aughed)
Tel
lmeabouti
t.

Therewasanawkwar
dsil
enceasMusaCl
ear
edhi
s
thr
oatandpl
ayedwi
thhi
sbeard

Musa:Uhm,youcangotot
hebat
hroom andf
reshen
up.I
'
llwakeIthanaup.
Nene:
Isshegoi
ngt
oschool
?Icangetherr
eady
Musa:
Real
ly?
Nene:
Yeah.

ShegotupandwokeI
thanaupasMusawat
ched.

I
thana:
(sl
eepy)
Letmesl
eepAunt
ie.
Nene:Youneedtogot
oschoolcomeon.Thebus
wil
lleaveyou.
I
thana:
Whi
chbus?
Musa:
(l
aughed)
Shegot
oschoolar
oundher
e.
Nene:
Oh.
Musa:
Yes.Letmegoanddi
shupasyouguysget
r
eady.
Nene:
Okay.

Hest eppedoutasNenecar r
iedI
thanainherarms
andwal kedtothebathr
oom.Theyallgotreadyand
walkedt othel
oungewhereMusawassi t
ti
ngwhile
theychat t
edandlaughed.

I
thana:
DadyoumadeRussi
ans?Ithoughtt
her
e
wereonl
ymeantf
orourl
unchboxes?
Musa:
Y..
Yeah.Takeyourf
oodandeatI
thana.
I
thanda:
(Satdown)
Okay.

Neneal
sosatdownont
hecouchast
heyst
art
ed
eat
ingi
nsi
lence.

Musa:Doyouknowyoursi
ster
'snumber
?(Handed
herhi
sphone)Youcancal
lher
.
Nene:
(Shyl
y)Thankyou.

Shedi
aledhermot
her
'snumberasshepi
cked

Aunt
ie:
Hel
lo?
Nene:
Mama.
Aunti
e:Neneweehwher
eareyou?Mphocalledme
yest
erdayandtol
dmethatyouneverwentt
here.
Nene:I
'
m her
eMama.I '
minGauteng.Igotl
ostand
(
lookedatMusa)Gotmugged.Theytookal
lmy
moneyandalmostrapedme.
Aunt
ie:
What
?Ar
eyouokay?
Nene;
(si
ghed)
YeahI
'
mfi
ne.Pl
easet
ellMphot
o
f
etchme.
Aunt
ie:
Okaeyanong(
Wher
ear
eyou)
Nene:
Sowet
oOr
lando.
Aunti
e:Lewenaodi
raengkoo?(
Whatar
eyoudoi
ng
t
here)
Nene:
I'
l
lexpl
ainl
ater
.Pleasetel
lhertocomeand
f
etchme.Wherearethekids?Aretheyokay?
Aunt
ie:
Bashar
p.Mosaki
owatshamakaha(
They
ar
eokay.Mosaisher
epl
ayi
ng)
Nen:
(si
ghedrel
ieved)
Okay.Shar
p.Bat
lhokomel
e
hl
eMama( Takecareoft
hem)
Aunt
ie:
Kei
raengnoukant
e(Whatam Idoi
ngnow)
Nene:
Shar
p.

Aunt
iehungupasNenehandedMusahi
sphone
back

Nene:
(l
owt
one)
Mysi
sterwi
llcomeandf
etchme.
Musa:
Okay.
AtTheRest
aur
ant

Il
ookedatQhaweagai
nashestaredatmewhile
Kutl
wanoplayedwi
thmyphoneandsecret
lyt
ook
pi
ctures

Thewaitressbroughtourorder
saswest ar
ted
eat
ing.Qhaweonl yorderedadri
nk.Idon'
teven
underst
andwhyhe' sdrinki
ngatthi
stime.Hewas
ver
ywei r
dt oday

Me:(
Mout hf
ul)
Kut
lwanoputt
hephonedownand
st
arteat
ing.
Kutl
wano:Okay.
(ToQhawe)
Didyouwat
cht
hegame
yest
erday?
Qhawe:(
Smiled)Yeah.I
twasagreatmat
ch.Chel
sea
neverdi
sappoint.Youshoul
djoi
nmesoyoucan
cel
ebrat
eeveryti
me.
Kutl
wano: (l
aughed)
Ahnever .Manchest
erUnitedis
myf avori
teandIwon'tswitchup.Imagine
abandoningThe
GOAT, Fer
nandes,Pogba,
Greenwood,Shaw,Sancho,
R
ashford,
Lingard-
Me:
Don'
ttel
lmeyougoi
ngt
oment
ional
loft
hem.

Qhawel
aughed

Kut
lwano:
Ifyoudi
dn'
tst
opmeIwoul
dhave.
Qhawe:
(l
aughed)
Yekel
aumt
wana(
Leavehi
m)
Kut
lwano:
(l
aughed)
Hai
i

Weal lat
east heyspokeaboutt hegamet henonce
wewer edoneQhawepai dandl edust otheparking
l
ot .Isteppedinsideandstrappedonmyseat beltas
Kut l
wanogoti ntheback.Qhawest oodout si
deand
tookci garet
tesoutofhispocketthenl i
tone.We
l
ockedeyesashesi ghedthenthrewi taway.I
sighedr el
ievedthenhegoti nsi
deanddr oveust o
school

AtSambul
o'sHouse

Evasteppedi
nsidewit
hherhugebagsasNani
exci
tedl
ywalkedtowar
dsher.

Nani
:
(Smi
led)
Eva.

Theyhuggedt
ight
lyasEvasmi
led.

Eva:(
Smil
ed)
Howar eyou?Ihopeyou'
vebeent
aki
ng
careofmyhusband.
Nani
:
(Smi
led)
Ofcour
se.Youknowme.
Eva:
(Smi
led)
Ngi
yazima.Uphiyena(
Iknow.Wher
e
i
she)
Nani
:
Hewentt
othemi
ne.
Nani
tookonesui
tcaseasEvat
ookt
hebags.

Eva:
Ngi
yabonga(
Thankyou)

Shelookedaroundt hewhol
ehouse.Itwasclean
andsmel l
edgood.SheknewNaniwoul dtakecare
ofherhomeni cel
yhenceshet r
ustedherandlef
t
hertotakecareofitandherhusband

Eva:
Itl
ookssocl
ean.Ngi
yabongama.
Nani:
Haiit
'sokay.I
t'
smyjobaft
eral
l.Doyouwant
j
uiceoryourfavori
tel
imet
ea?
Eva:
Nodon'tworr
y.Letmemakemysel
ftea.Si
t
down.Let
'scat
chup.

Nani
smi
ledandsatdownasEvamadet
eaf
ort
hem.

AtMusa'
sHouse
Nenesighedheavi lyasshesatdownont hecouch.
Thehousewasnowcl eanandsmel ledfresh.She
openedallthewindowsandmadesur ethatfresh
airgoti
n.It'
stheleastshecandoaf terthisgood
manaccommodat edherandsavedherf rom those
thugs.ShelookedatMusa' sphoneagainwai t
ing
forMphot ocallbuttherewasnot hing.Ifonlyshe
knewKgaogel o'
snumberorMusa' scouldaskf or
hernumberf rom hermot her.Whydi dn'
tshet hink
aboutit?Shequicklydial
edhermot heragain

Aunt
ie:
Ogol
ati
leMpho(
DidMphof
etchyou)
Nene:
Noebi
lekit
lhobogi
le(
I'
vegi
venup)
Aunt
ie:
Okat
la(
She'
l
lcome)
Nene:
Mamapleasegi
vemeKgaogel
o'snumber
.I
knowshe'
l
lcomeandget
-
Aunti
e:(
Angr
il
y)Hei
iIdon'
twantyouanywheret
hat
wit
ch.Shesenthert
hugboyfr
iendtothr
eat
enus.
Nowshe'snotansweri
ngmycalls.St
opbei
ng
Kgaogel
o'sl
apdog.Leaveheral
one.Aker
eeneke
mohuminou(She'
sri
chnow)
Nene:
(si
ghed)
Mama-
Aunt
ie:
(shouted)Neneskabatl
agontena.Leave
t
hatwit
chal one.Mphowi l
lcomeandfetchyou.

Shecl
ickedhert
ongueandhungup

Aunt
ie:(
lookedatMosa)
Mmagoobatl
agont
ena
wena(Yourmotherwant
stoi
rr
it
ateme)

Shest
eppedi
nsi
det
hehouseandhel
dNene'
slast
bor
ninherar
msasshecr
iedl
oudl
y

Aunt
ie:
Shupupwena!

AtChr
isHaniBar
agwanahHospi
tal
Wesatinthecarsi
lent
lyasIdeci
dedt
ocl
eart
heai
r
andspoke.

Me:
I'
m happyt
hatKut
lwanoi
saccept
ed.
Qhawe:
Yeah.
Me:
uhm,
l
etmegetgoi
ng.Myshi
fti
saboutt
ost
art
.

Hel
ookedatmeandl
eanedoverasheki
ssedme

Qhawe:
(Car
elessmycheek)
Haveagr
eatday.
Me:(Smil
ed)Youtoo.ChaweIdon'
twanttocome
acrossasabadper sonbutsmoki
ngisnotreal
ly
goodforyourhealt
h.
Qhawe:
(si
ghed)
Iknow.Buti
t'
llhel
psme.
Me:
How?
Qhawe:I
'm deal
ingwi
thal
otoft
hingsandi
thel
ps
methroughthem.
Me:
(si
ghed)
Okay.Iunder
standbutt
akei
teasyandI
hopeyou'
llt
ellmeaboutt
hoset hi
ngssowecango
thr
oughthem toget
her
.Bye.Ineedtogo.
Qhawe:
Goodbye.

MyheartpoundedasIl ookedathim.I
tfel
tli
keI
wasseeinghimf orthelasttime.Andal
sotheway
hesaid"Goodbye".Isweart oGodifhel
eavesfor
monthsordayst histi
me, I
'm endi
ngwhateverwe
have.I
'm nothi
sslut.

Me:
(swal
lowed)
Bye.

Isteppedoutsideandlookedathim asIturnedmy
backandst eppedinsi
det hehospit
alwit
haheavy
heart.Hewaitedformet ogetinthehospit
aland
droveoff.

TOBECONTI
NUED.
..
..
TheGoodWi
fe
#13

AtChr
isHaniBar
agwanahHospi
tal

Ist
eppedi
nsi
deandwentt
other
ecept
ioni
stdesk.

Recept
ioni
st:
(Smi
led)
GoodMor
ningDoct
or.
Me:
(FadeSmi
le)
GoodMor
ning.

Iswipedmycar
dont
hemachi
nebuti
tdi
dn'
twant
to.

Me:
(Angr
il
y)What
'swr
ongwi
tht
hismachi
ne?
Recept
ioni
st:
Tryagai
n.

Iswipedagai
nbuti
tdi
dn'
twantt
o.I
tkeptgi
vingme
thi
sredli
ght.
Me:
(Annoyed)
Urghhh.Kant
ekeng?

If
eltsomeonehol
dingmyhandandhelpedme
swipeasthemachi
netur
nedgreen.Il
ookedupand
si
ghedwhenIsawwhoi twas

Vhutshi
lo:
(Smi
led)
Youar
einaverybadmood
henceyoucan'
tevenswi
peyourcar
dcorr
ect
ly.
Me:
..
.
Vhut
shil
o:Youknowyoucan'
tat
tendpat
ient
sli
ke
t
hisr
ight?.
Me:
(Si
ghed)
Thankyouf
orhel
pingme.
Vhut
shi
lo:
What
'sgoi
ngon?
Me:
Not
hing.

Hef
oll
owedbehi
ndmeasIwal
kedt
oourl
ocker
s.
Vhut
shi
lo:
Didyouhearthatt
here'
sanewseni
or
doct
ori
ntheblock.Hewastransf
err
edher
e.
Me:
(unl
ockedmyl
ocker
)Ooh?
Vhut
shil
o:Yeah.Iheardhe'
samazing.Hecame
fr
om t
heKhoza' spri
vatehospi
tal
.
Me:
Andcameher
e?
Vhut
shi
lo:
(l
aughed)
Dudet
ell
meabouti
t.

IshookmyheadasIputal
lmyt
hingsi
nmyl
ocker
andlockedi
t

Vhutshil
o:He'
llbeworki
ngalongsi
dewit
hotherf
ir
st
yearresi
dents.Ibadl
ywantedtoworkwi
thhim.
Me:
Shame.
Vhutshi l
o:I
t'
ssoni cetobeaseni ordoct
or.Imagi
ne
seeingyournameont hesurgeryboard,
handli
ngthe
OT,givinginstr
ucti
ons.(Sighed)Youhavet owork
hardt ogetont hatlevel
.
Me:
Yah.
Vhut
shi
lo:
Isawyoust
eppi
ngoutofRol
lsRoyce.
Was-
Me:
(Si
ghed)
Doct
orMudawupl
ease.
Vhut
shi
lo:
(l
aughed)
WowI
'
m Doct
orMudawunow.
Me:
(Angri
ly)
Justshutup.Oratadil
onkareo
mosadi
.Justleavemealone.Idon'
tli
keyou.

Igr
abbedmycoatandwor
eitt
henst
eppedout
.
Vhut
shi
lol
ookedathi
m ashi
sbl
oodboi
led

AtSambul
o'sHouse

Hehurri
edinsideandlockedeyeswi t
hEvawho
wasinar edandblacklinger
ie.Hi
shear tski
ppeda
bit
.Shelookedsohealthyandt hi
ck.I
tlookedli
ke
thesur
gerydidn'tcauseanydamaget oher .

Eva:
(Smi
led)
Wel
comehomemydearhusband.
Her
ushedt
oherandhuggedhert
ight
ly.

Sambul
o:(
Emot
ional
)Eva.
Eva:
(Tear
ful
ly)
Imi
ssedyou.
Sambulo:(
Kissedher)
Imi
ssedyout
oo.Ar
eyou
okay?Didthesurger
y-
Eva:
Cal
m down.I
'
llt
ellyou.Si
tdown.

Hesatdownandhel
dbot
hherhands.

Eva:
(Smil
ed)I
'
m okaysthandwaSam.Idi
dn'
tli
eto
you.Af
tersi
xweeksIrecovered.

Shepul
ledherhandsfrom hi
m andshowedhi
m her
medi
calfi
leashelookedatitconf
used

Eva:
Idi
dLapar
oscopi
csur
ger
yandi
twas
successful.(
Lookeddown)Sonomor eunbear
abl
e
menstruati
onpains,Nomoremiscarri
agesbutwe
mustnotr ushpregnancyf
ir
st.I
t'
llj
usthappen
natur
all
y.
Sambulo:
(sighedrel
ieved)Ofcourse.Yourheal
th
comesfir
st.Ididn'
tbeli
eveyouwhenyout oldme
causeIknowhowyouar e.ThankGod!
Eva:(
laughed)Idon'
twantyoutogetwor kedup
unnecessari
ly.I'
m onHormonet r
eatmentnow.It
makest hepain-f
reeperi
odlongerbyprevent
ingt
he
growthofaneworr et
urni
ngofEndomet ri
osi
s.
Sambulo:(si
ghed)That'
sgood.TothinkthatI
thoughtexperi
encingpainwhil
eyouar eonyour
peri
odisnor mal.I
fitwasn'
tforyourmiscarr
iagewe
wouldn'thavefoundoutabouttheendomet r
iosi
s.
Eva:Iknow.I ti
snormalt oexperi
encepainwhen
youar eonyourper i
odbuti tshouldn'
thur
tli
ke
that,
toapoi ntwhereitisunbearableandyoubleed
heavily.It
'snotnor
mal .Peri
odpainsshouldn'
tbe
thatintense.
Sambul
o:(
kissedher
)IknowSt
handwasam.I
'
m
j
usthappyt
hatyouar
eher
e.
Eva:
(Smi
led)
Met
oo.

Shegotup

Eva:
(Smi
led)
Ipr
epar
edyourf
avor
it
emeal
.
Sambulo:
(Smil
ed)Mhmm Br
ingi
ton.I
'
m st
arvi
ng.
Ther
e'sdeser
tri
ght?
Eva:
(Smi
led)
Yes.Thatdeser
t.

Hebithi
slowerl
ipasEval
aughed.Shehandedhi
m
hi
sfoodandsatnextt
ohim andwatchedhi
m eat

AtChr
isHaniBar
agwanahHospi
tal

If
li
ckedt
hef
lashl
ighti
ntheol
dwoman'
seyes.
Nurse:
Doct
or,Ther
epor
tisi
nthel
ab,
thebl
oodand
ot
hersamples.
Me:(Nodded)OkayIneedtocheckthem.Everyt
hing
seemsf i
ne.I
tlooksli
keanaemia.Pleasegoandget
thoserepor
tssoIcanbesur e.
Nur
se:
Okay.

Shest
eppedoutasIl
ookedbackatt
heol
dwoman

Her
:(
Sighed)
Hai
iIt
'sj
ustol
dage.Myt
imehascome.
Me:(
laughed)Nonotatall
.Thisi
sdefinit
elynotyour
ti
me,youstil
lhavetoli
vekana.I
'
llgetthi
sunder
cont
rol.You'
llbeokay.
Her:
(chuckl
ed)
OkayMnt
anamii
fyousayso.It
rust
you.

Thenursecamebackwi
tht
her
epor
tsasIbr
ief
ly
st
udiedthem
Me:Uhm,i
tlooksl
ikeYoual
sofel
lweakbecauseof
l
owhemogl obin(
Lookedatt
henurse)
Gettwoblood
t
ransfusi
ons.

Shehurr
iedout
.Minut
eslatershecamebackasI
fi
xedt
heI Vbot
tl
esandlookedbackatt
heold
woman

Her
:Yoh.Haiikubuhl
ungu.Ufunaukungi
bul
ala(
Thi
s
i
spainf
ul.Youwantt oki
llme)

Wel
aughed.

Me:NoMa.Thi
sisjustapr
ocesst
ohel
pyouget
bet
ter
.You'
l
lbefi
ne.

Aft
ergi
vingthenurseinst
ructi
onsIst
eppedout
side
t
oinfor
m hergranddaughter
.Sherushedtome
i
mmediatel
ywhenshesawme
Her:
(br
eat
hedheavi
ly)
Doctor
.How'
smy
gr
andmother
?Issheokay?What'
swrongwi
thher
?
Me:(Smi l
ed)She'
llbeokay.Shef ellweakbecause
shehadal owHemogl obinl evel .Thebl ood
tr
ansf usionswi l
lhelpherr aiseherhemogl obi
nlevel
up.Tr ansfusionsprovi
desnor malr edbl oodcel l
s
andl ower stheamountofhemogl obinSbl oodcel l
s
i
nt hebody.SoWhent herear ef ewersi ckled
hemogl obinScellsinthebl oodst ream ,theyar eless
l
ikelyt obuildupandbl ockbl oodvessel s.Shewas
l
uckyenought ogetherbl oodt ypequi ckly.But
nonet heless,
she'l
lbeokay.I '
lldischargedheron
Wednesday.Sheneedst or est.Youcancomeand
seehert omorrowkadivi sitinghour s.
Her
:OkayDoct
or.Thankyou.

Ismi
ledatherthenwal
kedaway.Hereyesl
ooked
fami
liar
.Thesesameal
mostChineseeyeswi
thdark
pupi
ls.
If
eltsomeoneholdingmyhandbackasIt
urned
ar
oundandl ooked

Me:
Fer
ah.
Fer
ah:(
Smiled)
Hi.Howareyou?Whatdi
dyousayt
o
Vhut
shil
o(l
aughed)He'
ssoangry.
Me:Hait
hatonel
ikesi
rrat
ingme.Heli
kestalki
ng
toomuchandIhateguyswhotalksal
ot.PlusHe'
s
alsowei
rd.
Fer
ah:
Hel
ikesyou.
Me:
IknowandIhat
ethathedoes.
Fer
ah:
(Smil
ed)Mhmm,
Angi
thiyouhaveyoursexy
oneni
ght
standont
hesi
de.
Me:
(Wal
kingaway)Mxm.
Ferah:
(Fol
lowi
ngme)What'
swrongnow?Henever
gotbacktoyouevennow?Comeon.
Me:
Wear
ewor
kingFer
ahokay?
Fer
ah:
Soyou'
l
ltel
lmeatl
unch?
Me:
(si
ghed)
Yah.
Fer
ah:
Okay.

Igoti
ntheMRIr
oom andcl
osedt
hedoor

AtMusa'
sHouse

Nenechoppedt heveget ableswhilehummi nga

song.Aftercutt
ingthem sheputt hem i nsi
dethepot
andclosedit.Thenshewentt otheloungeand
l
ookedatt hephone.Mphohasn' tcalledher.She
si
ghedasshedi aledhermot heragainbuti tdi
dn'
t
gothrough.Comi ngherewasabadi deaanyways.
Shewonder edhowherki dswereandi fhermother
tr
eatedthem good.

AtSambul
o'sHouse

HepushedEvamor
ecl
osert
ohi
m andki
ssedher
sweat
yneckasshesmi
led

Sambulo:
Wearegoi
ngt
omakel
oveal
lni
ght
.I
missedyou.
Eva:
(Smiled)
That'
sfi
nebyme.At
leastt
her
ear
eno
shadyrobestoday.
Sambul
o:(
Laughed)
I'
mtr
yingt
oaccommodat
eyou.
Eva:(
laughed)Iknowbabe.Wher
e'sQhawe?I
haven'tspokentohi
mfordays.
Sambul
o:He'
soutoft
heci
ty.
Eva:
Yousenthi
m al
one?
Sambul
o:Don'
twor
ry.I
t'
sjustasmal
lthi
ngt
hathe
canf
ixal
one.
Eva:
(si
ghed)
Ihopeso.(
Laughed)
YaziIdr
eamtof
youguys.
Sambul
o:(
Kissedherneck)
Mhmm.
Eva:
(Smi
led)
Wewer eal
lhappyandZenzeand
Qhawehadwives.Qhawelookedsohappyandf
ree.
Sambul
o:Mhmm.
Eva:
(Smi
led)
IwassohappywhenIwokeup.

Sambul
orai
sedherl
egandr
ubbedhi
sdi
ckonher
Cl
it

Eva:
(Cl
osedhereyes)Babe

Att
heCaf
eter
ia

It
oldFer
ahever
ythi
ngt
hathast
ranspi
redasI
si
ppedonmyjui
ce

Fer
ah:(
clappedherhands)SouthAfri
canPol
icear
e
socorr
upt.Whyam Inotsuprised?Theywer
e
l
ooti
ngwi t
hpeoplejustamont hago.
Me:(
sighed)
I'
m happymybrotheri
sher ethough.I
havetogotothemallandgethim uni
form.He's
st
art
ingonmonday.
Fer
ah:
That
'sgood.I
'
m al
sogl
adt
hathe'
sokay.
Me:
Yeah.
Ferah:
SoyouandHI
M,ar
eyouexcl
usi
veori
sjust
sex?
Me:Idon'treallyknow.Butonmysi de,
ismor et
han
that.It
hinkIr eall
ylovehim.Hemakesmehappy.
I'
veneverf eltli
kethiswit
hanyonebef ore.(
smil
ed)I
l
ovehi ssidesmi l
e,
hiswalk.Hehast hi
sdomi nant
personali
ty,hesmel l
ssogoodt oo.AndIl ovehow
hesaymyname.He' ssoclosewithKutlwano.
Fer
ah:Mhmm.Bar bi
edol
l,
youar
etoodeep.Youar
e
i
nthistoodeep.Menwil
lembar
rassyou.
Me:
Iknow.
Ferah:
Butjustgowi
ththefl
owanddon'tget
pregnant
.Areyousurehe'
sclean?St
opdoingi
traw
withhim.
Me:Whenwearetogetherwejustgetsol osti
nthe
moment.It
est
edafterourlastencounterandit
camebacknegat
ive(Sighed)
Idon'tknowabouthis
st
atusnowandwedi
diti
nthemor
ning,
raw.
Ferah:
Kgaogelo!AI
DSWillkil
lyou.Don'tbeso
reckl
ess.Youareadoct
orf orGod'ssake.Youdon'
t
evenknowt hi
sguy.
Me:
..
.
Ferah:Fr
iendDi ckisgoodIagreebutat
leastuse
condom.Youdon' tknowwhohesl eepswith.
Remembert hisisthesameguywhol eftyoufora
mont hafterfucki
ngyou.Whathappenswhenhe
l
eavesyouagai n?PregnantandHIVpositi
ve.

Myt
hroatdr
iedupasIl
ookedather

*
*
DAYSLATER

TOBECONTI
NUED.
..
.
TheGoodWi
fe
#14

AtSout
hgat
eMal
l

Nenepushedt hetr
oll
eywit
hIthanasitt
edi nsi
de
andmovedar oundtheshel
vesputtingfoodshe
neededi
nsidet het
rol
leywhi
letal
kingont hephone
wit
hKgaogelo

Nene:
Mamaevenavoi
dsthetopi
cofMpho.She
l
oveshersomuchandsheneverr
epr
imandher
.
Kgaogel
o:(
Snif
fed)Letthem be.At
leastyounow
haveahomeandaj ob.Eventhoughyoubabysit
onechil
d.Soonthey'l
lbemor e.
Nene:Yeah.Ihear
dthatournei
ghborwantstobr
ing
herdaughter'
ssonformetobabysit
.SoIfshedoes
I'
l
lgetR400.
Kgaogel
o:(
Sni
ff
ed)
Yousee?Youget
ti
ngt
her
e.
Nene:
Yeah.Youokay?Youkeeponsni
ff
ing.
Kgaogel
o:Ihavefl
ue.I
t'
ssoint
ense.I
'
m shaking
andalwayssnif
fi
ng.ButIt
ookthemedicat
ion.I
shoul
dbebet t
erbynow.
Nene:
Ohokay.

I
thanatookt
hreepacket
sofbigSi
mbasandput
t
hem insi
det
het r
oll
eywit
houtNenenot
ici
ng.

Nene:
(Put
ti
ngt
het
inf
isht
het
rol
ley)
Youwor
king
t
oday?
Kgaogel
o:(
Sni
ff
ed)Yeah.Iwasevenprepar
ingfora
sur
gery10minutesago.I
'm wai
ti
ngforDrJones
nowbeforeweheadtotheOT.
Nene:
Ohokay.Goodl
uck.
Kgaogel
o:(
Sni
ff
ed)
Thankyou.How'
sMusa?
Nene:
(Smi
led)
He'sasweet
hear
t.Hewant
sboMosa
t
ocomeandst aywit
husnextmonth.
Kgaogel
o:(
Smi
led)
That
'samazi
ng.Hesoundsl
ikea
goodguy.
Nene:
(Smi
led)
Hei
s.
Kgaogel
o:I
'
m happyforyoucuzbutdon'trush.You
don'
tknowhimthatwell
.Butit
'sarel
iefthatatl
east
youareworki
ngandnotdependingonhim al ot
.
Nene:YeahandI '
veonlyseenthebestsideofhi
m
sofarsoI'
llstayvigi
lantandpl
an.ButIwantthe
ki
dswi t
hmeher e.Theyarestr
uggl
ingtherewit
h
Mama.Neoi sjust8mont hsol
d.
Kgaogel
o:Yeah.
Nene:
Shar
p.I
'
llt
alkt
oyoul
ater
.
Kgaogel
o;(
sni
ff
ed)
Bye.

Nenehungupandmovedar ound.Agentl
emanwho
wasf oll
owingherl
ookedatIthanaasshekept
putti
ngthingsinatr
oll
eywithoutNenenoti
cing.He
chuckledthenshookhishead.Hiseyesmovedt o
Nene'stinybodyagai
n.Thebl ackPol
oneckDress
shewaswear i
ngfi
tt
edhersowel l
showi
nghert i
ny
hipsandass.HerPinksandalsshowedher
beaut
if
ulyel
lowtoes.Shelookedver
ybeauti
fuland
cl
ean.Shewasthesecondcl eanYel
lowbonehe
hasseensofaraft
erThuliP.

NenestoppedandputtheOrosj ui
ceinsidethe
tr
oll
ey.Thegentl
emanstoodnextt oherwithhis
handsdeepinsi
dehispocket.Nenequicklytur
ned
herheadandlookedathi
m asshef r
oze.Hesmi l
ed
showinghisper
fectwhi
teteeth

Man:
Hel
lo.
Nene:
H..
Hi.

Shel ookeddownwhenhejustst
aredwi
thout
sayinganythi
ng.Hesmel
ledsogoodanddressed
welltoo.

Man:Yourdaughterhasbeenput t
ingthi
ngsi
nside
thet
roll
eywithoutyounoti
cing.I'
vebeenfol
lowi
ng
youandwaitedtoseehowi t'
llgo.
Nenel
ookedatt
het
rol
leyashereyeswi
dened

Nene:
It
hana.
I
thana:
(Fr
owned)
Don'
ttaket
heSi
mbasAunt
ie.
Nene:(
Takingthem out)
Theset
hingsarebigand
expensi
ve.I'
l
lbuyyout hesmal
lerones.
(eyes
widened)
Chocolat
es,andthenWhat'
sthisnow?
I
thana:
AhAhAunt
ie.
Man:
Icanpayf
ort
hem.

Nenel
ookedathi
m

Man:
(Smil
ed)
Itl
ooksl
ikesher
eal
lywantst
hem.
Pl
usIshoul
dn'
thavet
oldyousheputt
hem i
n.
Nene:
Uhm,
she'
sjustaki
dandIcan-
Man:
Comeon.I
'
minsi
sti
ng.
I
thana:
Payf
ort
hem uncl
e.(
LookedatNene)
Please
Aunt
ie.
Nene:
(Si
ghed)
Okay.
I
thana:
Yass.

Theyallwenttot
heti
llandt
hemanpai df
orthe
wholegrocer
y.Thent
heywalkedout
sideoncethey
weredone.

Man:
Haveyouguyshadsomet
hingt
oeat
?
I
thana:
No-
Nene:
Iboughtf
ood.We'
l
leatwhenwegethome.
Thankyou.
Man:(
Smiled)Okayifyousayso.Mynamei s
Lesl
ey,
Ididn'
tint
roducemyselfear
li
erbecauseof
thi
sli
tt
lecutegir
l.

Hesl
ight
lyt
ouchedI
thana'
scheeksasshesmi
led
Nene:
I'
m Or
enei
le.
Lesl
ey:
Youar
ever
ybeaut
if
ulOr
e.
Nene:
(Shyl
ylookeddown)
Thankyou.
Lesl
ey:
CanIhaveyournumber
?
Nene:
082*
***
***
Lesl
ey:
(Smi
led)
Thankyou.I
'
llcal
lyou.Haveagr
eat
day.

Hewinkedatherthenwal
kedaway.Nenel
ookedat
hi
m assheblushed

I
thana:
Aunt
iewi
llshebeyourboyf
ri
end?
Nene:
(l
aughed)
No.Comel
et'
sgo.

Shel
etherpusht
het
rol
leyast
heywal
kedt
oKFC.

I
thana:
Wheni
sDaddycomi
ng?
Nene'
sphoner
ang

Nene:
He'
scal
li
ng.Hel
lo?
Musa:
Babewher
ear
eyou?I
'
minsi
de.
Nene:
I'
m atKFC.
Musa:
Okay.

Hehungup.Theysatdownonthechai
rsast
hey
wai
tforhi
m.Minutesl
aterMusacame.

Musa:
(Smi
led)
Hey.

HekissedNeneonhercheeksandI
thanaonher
f
oreheadthensatdown

Musa:
Haveyouguysor
der
ed?
Nene:
No.Wewer
ewai
ti
ngf
oryou.
Musa:
OkayI
'
llgoandor
der
.Wear
eeat
ingher
eorat
home?

Nenelookedathi ssi
mpl ewhiteT-shi
rtandol
djean
asshesighed.Hewasagoodl ooking
man,especial
lywithhisbear
dsnowshavedand
newcutbuthi sdresscodewasanono.Pl ushis
cheapperfume.Shel ookedaroundembar r
assed
andatehernai l
s

Musa:
Babe.
It
hana:Daddy,
Thatuncl
eboughtmeChocol
ate,
I
ce
cream andSimbas.
Musa:
(l
ookedatNene)
Whi
chUncl
e?
It
hana:(gi
ggled)
TheonewhowantstobeAunti
e'
s
boyf
riend.Youareal
soAunt i
e'
sboyf
ri
endr
ight
?
Aunti
ehast woboyfr
iends.WhenIgr
owupIwantto
beli
keher .
Musa:
Whi
chUncl
eNene?
Nene:(
clearedhert
hroat
)Wemett hisguyatPick'n'
Pay.Heof f
eredtopayforI
thana'
sthingscauseshe
wasputtingthi
ngsinthetr
oll
eywithoutmenot i
cing.
Musa:
Andyoul
ethi
m?
Nene:
Iref
usedbuthei
nsi
sted.
Musa:Youshoul
dhavest
oodyourground.You
don'
tchangeyourmi
ndbecausesomeoneinsi
sts.
Nene:
..
.
Musa:That'
showtheylurewomen.AndI
'
m sur
ehe
askedforyournumber
.Isn'
t?
It
hana:
Yesheaskedf
orhernumbert
henAunt
ie
gavehi
m.
Musa:
Wow!

Hegotupandwentt
oor
der
.Nenebi
therl
owerl
ip
ner
vousl
y

Nene:
It
hana,
youdon'tt
alkwhenel
der
stal
kokay?
That
'sbadbehavi
or.
I
thana:
..
..
Nene:
Youspeakwhenyouar
easked.Onl
ythen.
I
thana:
Okayaunt
ie.

AtChr
isHaniBar
agwanahHospi
tal

Thewardboyhandedmeahotcupofcoffee.He's
beengi
vingmeCoffeeal
ott
hesedays,
evenwi t
hout
measki
ng

Me:
(Smi
led)
Thankyou.

Henoddedt
henwal
kedaway.Doct
orJoneswal
ked
i
nandsatnextt
ome

DrJones:
Youl
ooksi
ck.
Me:
I'
m okay.
DrJones:
(Touchedmyf
orehead)
Youar
ehot
.
Me:
Thankyou.

Hel
aughedt
henshowedmet
heCTscans.

Me:
(Si
ppedont
hecoffee)
Weshoul
dremovei
t.
Wheni
tgrowsi
t'
llbeahugepr
obl
em.
DrJones:
Yep.Wedoi
ngi
ttoget
her
.
Me:
Yeah.
DrJones:
Atl
eastweagr
eeonsomet
hing.
Me:
Foronce.
DrJones:
(l
aughed)
Youar
est
ubbor
n.
Me:
Yahr
ight
.

Hel
ookedatmeandf
rowned

DrJones:
Youl
ookAnaemi
c.
Me:
(r
oll
edmyeyes)
DrJones:
Ser
iousl
yKG.Letmedot hebloodtestand
fi
ndoutwhat'
sgoingon.I
tdoesn'
tlookli
kefl
ueat
al
l.Rememberwhathappenedint
heOTl astweek.
Me:
(si
ghed)
I'
mreal
l
yfi
nePaul
.
DrJones:
Younot
.Comeon.
Me:
Fine!You'
lldothebloodt
estaf
terwear
edone
wi
ththeSurgery.Let
'sgo.

Wegotupandwal kedt otheOT.Thenweworeour

scr
ubsandster
il
egl oves.Ifel
tal
it
tl
edizzyasI
bal
ancedmysel
fwi t
hat abl
e

DrJones:
Youokay?
Me:
I.
.If
eelweak.
DrJones:
Nur
sebr
ingachai
r.

Anurseranandsecondsl
aterbr
oughtmeachai
r
asIsatdown
Me:
(sni
ff
ed)
What
'swr
ongwi
thme?
Drj
ones:
Howyouf
eel
ingnow?

Heopenedmyeyeswi
thhi
sfi
nger
sandl
ookedat
t
hem

DrJones:
Itdoesn'
tlookgood.

Hecar
ri
edmeonhi
sar
msandwal
kedoutwi
thme

Nur
se:
(Panti
ng)
Doct
ort
heoper
ati
oni
sst
art
ingi
n
t
wominutes.
DrJones:
I'
m comi
ng.

Wegoti
nthewar
dandl
aidmeont
hebed
DrJones:
Letmedr
awyourbl
ood.Rel
axokay?
Kgaogel
o?

Icl
osedmyeyesasdi
zzi
nessover
power
edmeand
passedout
.

DrJones:
Fuck!

AtSambul
o'sHouse

Evasetupt
hetabl
eint
hedini
ngroom asZenze
walkedi
nwit
hhisnewgir
lf
ri
end.

Eva:
(smi
led)
Hey.
Zenze:
Mama.

Theyhugged
Eva:
I'
vejustsetupthetabl
enow.Youar
eri
ghton
ti
me.(
lookedatthegir
l)
Hell
o.Wel
come.
Gi
rl
:(
shyl
y)Thankyou.
Zenze:
Mamat hi
sisAyanda,
Ayandat
hisi
smy
si
steri
nlaw.Butshe'
sli
keamothert
ome.
Eva:
(huggedher
)Ni
cet
omeetyouAyanda.
Ayanda:
Likewi
se.
Eva:
Sitdown.I
'
llgoandgetmor
efood.
Ayanda:
Letmehel
pyou.
Eva:
(Smi
led)
Okay.

Theywal
kedtot hekit
chent ogetherasZenze
l
ookedar
oundf orhisbrothers.Sambulostepped
downonthestairsandlookedathi m

Sambul
o:Youher
eal
ready?
Zenze:
Yeahwher
e'sQhawe?
Sambul
o:He'
snotcomi
ng.
Zenze:
Wher
eisheanyway?Ihaven'
tseenhi
mfor
days.
Sambul
o:He'
soutoftown.Got
othedininghall
.I'
l
l
fi
ndyouther
e.Ij
ustneedtomakeaquickcall
.
Zenze:
Okay.

HewalkedoutthenSambulodial
edQhaweagai
nas
i
trangunansweredthendi
aledNeilaf
ter

Sambul
o:Foundnot
hing?
Nei
l:
(si
ghed)
Not
hing.He'
snowher
etobef
ound.
Sambul
o:(
Swall
owed)
Doyout
hinkhe'
sinsome
ki
ndofdanger
.
Neil
:I
tlooksl
ikeit
.He'
sbeengonef
ordays.I'
ve
sentmyguyst her
eandther
earenoleads.
Sambul
o:Bookmeaf
li
ght
.
Nei
l:
I'
mleavi
ngwi
thyou.
Sambul
o:Okay.
Hehungupt hensi
ghedworr
iedbef
oregoi
ngt
othe
di
ninghal
landjoi
nedthem

Eva:(
Mout
hful
)SoAyanda,
whatar
eyoucur
rent
ly
doing?
Ayanda:
I'
m apar
tti
memodelandIal
sodoLawf
ull
t
imeatUJ.
Eva:
That
'sni
ce.

Theyconti
nuechat
ti
ngasSambul
olookedaway
l
ostinthought
s

AtMusa'
sHouse

NenehandedI
thanaaj
uiceandwal
kedbackt
othe
ki
tchen
Nene:
BabeIhear
dthatYourNeighbour,
Ausi
Lot
handowantsmetobabysitherdaughter
'sson.

Musakeptqui
et

Nene:ThatmeansI '
l
lbeabletogetR400andstart
thebusiness.Youwereri
ght,
sell
ingi
cecream f
or
kidswil
lgetmemor emoney.I
thanatol
dmet hat
theydon'tsel
licecr
eamsatherschool.Ican
alwaysgoandsel lt
here.

Shepour edicecr
eam onabowlandt ookt
wo
teaspoonsthenwalkedtothelounge.Shesatnext
toMusaandhandedhi m ateaspoonashelooked
away

Nene:
Babe,
teaspoon.Youdon'
twantI
cecr
eam?
Musa:
..
..
Nene:
(si
ghed)
Ist
hisaboutgi
vingt
hatguymy
number
s?I'
m sor
ry.If
eltl
ikeIowedt
hem t
ohi
m
si
nceheboughtI
thanathi
ngs.
Musa:Youdon' toweanyoneanythi
ng.Besi des
that
,heoffer
edt opay.Youshoul
dnevergi veaman
yournumber swhenyouar einarelat
ionshipwith
someoneel se.Regardl
essofwhetherhebought
youthingsornot .Youneedt
osetboundar ies.
Nene:
I'
m sor
ry.
Musa:It
'sokay.Ijustwantedyoutoseethi
ngs
cl
earl
y.Meandyouar ei
nar el
ati
onshi
pandwe
shouldrespecteachother,
evenwhenoneofusei
s
absent.
Nene:
..
.
Musa:Il
oveyouNeneandIdon'twanttol
oseyou.
It
hanaisachil
dandyourepri
mandherwhenshe
doesbadthi
ngs.It
oldyoutoneverl
ethercont
rol
you.
Nene:
..
.
Musa:Doyouneedanythi
ng?Awi
gorsomet
hing.I
canborr
owfrom af
riendand-
Nene:(
Smallsmile)NoIdon'twantanyt
hing.I
'
m
f
ine.Youdon'thavetoborrowmoneyf r
om your
f
riendsbabe.Comeonl et
'seaticecr
eam.
Musa:
Idon'
twanti
tangi
thiheboughti
t.
Nene:
(Laughed)
Bannal
eego.Hai
i(
Menandt
hei
r
ego)

AtChr
isHaniBar
agwanahHospi
tal

IopenedmyeyesasIf
eltl
ikesomeonewasst
ari
ng
atme.ItwasPaul
.

Me:
(weakl
y)Hey.Sur
ger
y?
DrJones:
Itwassuccessf
ul.
Me:
I'
m sor
ryIcoul
dn'
tbet
her
e.
DrJones:
It
'sokay.Youwer
esi
ck.

Hel
ookedatt
hepaper
sonhi
shandsandsi
ghed
Drjones:
Igotyourbl
oodt
estr
esul
ts.I
tdoesn'
tlook
good.

Myhear
tpounded

Me:
What
'swr
ongwi
thme?

TOBECONTI
NUED.
..
.
TheGoodWi
fe
#15

DrJones:
Wef
oundMor
phi
nei
nyourbl
ood.
Me:
M..
mor
phi
ne.
DrJones:
..
.
Me:(
satupstr
aight)I
'
venevertakenmor phineinmy
l
if
e.Iknowhowdanger ousandaddi ct
iveitis.I
don'
tevent
akedr ugs.GodknowsI '
m noteven
depr
essed.YesIagreeI
'vebeengoingt
hroughalot
l
atel
ybutI'
llneverr
esor
ttothat
.I'
m aDoctorPaul
.
DrJones:
AndDoct
orsalsogothr
oughsomet
hings.
Wearehumansattheendoftheday.
Me:(Snif
fed)
Sowhatar
eyoui mpl
ying?Yout
hinkI
i
njectedmyselfwi
thMorphi
ne?
DrJones:
Didyou?
Me:
Noofcour
senot
!WowPaul
.
DrJones:KG.Idon'tknowwhatyougoi ngthr
ough
atthemoment .Idon'tevenknowwhatt obel
ieve
butwhent hemanagementf indoutaboutthi
s,t
hey'
l
l
fi
reyou.Idon'
twantt hattohappentoyou.
Me: (
SighedSadl y)
Paul.Idon'tdodrugs.I
'venever
takenanyf or
m ofdr ugs.Iswearmaybesomeone
didthistome( paused)causeI '
dpassouti nt
he
l
ibraryandwhenIwakeup, myhandwoul dhurt.
Yeah,that
'sit
.IthoughtIwashal luci
nati
ngcauseI
wassost r
essedout .Butithappened.
DrJones:
Wereyoual
onewhenithappened?
what
di
dyoudrink?Ial
sof
oundSl
eepingpil
lsi
nyour
syst
em.Lucki
lyI
'
vemanagedt ofl
ushdownt
hepi
ll
s.
Youror
ganswouldhaveshutdown.
Me:
Ohmygod!
DrJones:
(Hel
dnyhands)
Liedownandt
hink.

Isl
owl
ylai
ddownandl
ookedathi
m

DrJones:
Whatdi
dyoudr
ink?
Me:
Not
hing.Ionl
yat
emyl
unchbox.
DrJones:
Didyoulockyourl
ockerpr
oper
ly?Maybe
someonespikedyourf
ood.
Me:(
Tearfull
y)Ilockedmylocker
.Ialwaysdo.Who
woul
ddot histome?godIcouldlosemyj ob.
Pl
easedon' ttel
lanyoneaboutt
his.I
'
llf
indoutwho
di
dthis.
DrJones:
Don'
twor
ry.I
'
llgett
othebot
tom oft
his.

It
houghtaboutt
hewar
dboy.Hehasbeengi
ving
mecoff
eet
hesedayswit
houtmeevenaski
ng.
Coul
dhebebehi
ndthi
s?Butwhy?

DrJones:
Whatar
eyout
hinki
ngabout
?
Me:Sunny,
Thewardboyhasbeengi vi
ngmeCoffee
ever
ydayandI'
dfeelsosleepyaftert
aki
ngi
t.He
mustbetheonebehindthis.Butwhy?
DrJones:
Letmegoandtal
ktohi
m.Getsomer
est
.
You'
ll
besleepi
ngher
etoni
ght
.
Me:
What
?Mybr
other
-
DrJones:Iknow.I'
llt
akehimtomyMom.I '
veal
so
bethi
nkingaboutyourhealt
h.Thi
sisgoi
ngtohave
abigeff
ectonyouandKut l
wanowon'
tbeablet
o
dealwi
thyoual one.I
'l
laskmymom tohel
pyou.
Me:
..
.
DrJones:
Youhavenochoi
ceKG.Youknowt
his.
Me:(
Tearf
ull
y)Sunny.Ican'
tbeli
evehedi
dthi
sto
me.Icoul
dhavedi edofoverdose.Howdi
dheeven
knowMorphine.
DrJones:
Hemi
ghtbewor
kingwi
thsomeone.
Me:
(shookmyhead)
DrJones:
Getsomer
est
.Letmegett
othebot
tom of
t
his.
Me:(
smil
ed)ThankyousomuchPaul .IknowI
've
beenaheadachethesedaysbutyou'
vebeenso
goodtobe.Youaremyseniorand-
DrJones:(Smil
ed)YouknowIonl ytol
erat
eyou
causeyouar ethebestFi
rstyearresi
dent
Neurosurgeon.Wewor kwelltoget
her.I
fitwasn'
t
thatcase,
Iwouldhavesmot heredyouwithapill
ow
l
ongt i
meago.
Me:(
laughed)
I'
m goi
ngt
oki
ll
youwhenIgetoutof
t
hisbed.
Drj
ones:
(Laughed)
We'
l
lseeaboutt
hat
.Sl
eep.
Me:
(Smi
led)
Okay.

Hesmil
edatmeandwal kedout .Pauli
savery
goodl
ooki
ngguy.He'syourtypicalyel
lowboneguy
wit
hpi
nkli
ps,
Tallandwellbuil
t.Itl
ooksli
kehe
mai
ntainshi
sbody.Ilovet
hathe'
sfr
iendl
yand
f
unny.Itr
ustthathe'
l
lgetmeoutoft
hisone.

Meanwhi l
ePaulHeadedoutsidewhi l
esearchingfor
Sunny.Henot i
cedhimintheparkinglotspeakingto
Vhutshil
o.Helookedatthem astheyspoket hen
minuteslat
erVhutshi
loheadedhisway.Hel ooked
awayasVhut shil
oPassedhim andwal kedinside.
Helookedbackatsunnyandwal kedt ohim.Sunny
l
ookedathi m wit
hapoundinghear t
.Couldhehave
heardthem?

Sunny:
D..
DrJones.
Paul
:Iknowyou'
vebeeni
nject
ingDrMat
hebawi
th
Morphine.
Sunny:
(Eyeswi
dened)
NoDoc-
Paul:
Don'
tyoudareli
etome.Ihaveproof
.Tellt
he
fucki
ngtr
uthri
ghtnowbefor
eIbreakyourteet
h.
Sunny:(
shaki
ng)DrVhut
shi
lot
oldmetodoi
t.Idi
dn't
wantto.Hethreat
enedmeandgavememoney.I'
m
sor
ryDr
.I'
l
ltel
lDrMat
heba.
Paul
:.
.
Sunny:
Sor
ryDr
.
Paul
:(
Draggedhi
m)Come.

AtSambul
o'sHouse

Evawal kedi
nsi
dethebedroom whi
leSambulowas
packingabag.Shelookedathi
sworri
edface.Her
heartpoundedali
tt
le

Eva:
What
'sgoi
ngon?
Sambul
o:Ther
e'ssomet
hingIneedt
oat
tendt
o.
Eva:
Ist
hisaboutQhawe?
Sambul
o:.
..
Eva:
Youneedt
otel
lme.What
'sgoi
ngon?
Sambul
o:I
'
llt
ellyouwhenIgetback.
Hezi
ppedt
hebagandki
ssedher

Sambulo:I'
l
ltel
lyouwhenIcomeback.Takecar
eof
Zenze.Don'tgoanywher
ewithoutt
hebodyguar
ds.
Don'tbetoostubbor
nEva.
Eva:
..
.
Sambul
o:Il
oveyou.
Eva:
Pleasecomebackhomesaf
e.Nomat
terwhat
happens.
Sambul
o:(
Kissedher
)Ipr
omi
se.

Shehuggedhimti
ghtastear
swelledupinhereyes.
Godknowshowmuchshehat edwhatt heydo.She
l
etgoofhim andwat
chedhim asheleaves.

AtChr
isHaniBar
agwanahHospi
tal
Sunny,
Vhut
shil
oandPaulsati
ntheCEO'sof
fi
ce
wit
halmostt
heManagementteam pr
esent
.

CEO:I
'm sodi
sgust
edbyyourbehavi
orDrMudawu.
Whatyoudidiscri
me.Youal
mostkil
ledDr
Matheba.
Vhut
shi
lo:
(l
ookeddown)
CEO:Ican'
ttakeanydecisionnowwithoutal
lthe
managementt eam howeverIhavearightt
o
suspendyou.Youar esuspended.Youcancomet o
theboardmeet i
ngtomorrowforyourfi
nalver
dict
.
Chi
efOfSur
ger
y:Andpl
easedon'
tleavet
hecount
ry.

Vhutshi
lost
oodupandwal
kedawaywi
thal
ong
face.

CEO:
(l
ookedatsunny)
Goandpackyourt
hings.You
ar
eFir
ed!
Sunny:
SirI
'
m sor
ry.Hemademedo-
CEO:
Idon'
twantt
orepeatmysel
f.

Sunnygotupandwal
kedaway

Paul
:ThankyousomuchSi
r.
CEO:Nothankyou.Youmanagedtogetevi
dence
andexposedthesetwo.Whoknowswhatcould
havehappenedhadyounotdonethat
.

Henoddedt
henshooktheirhandsbeforehewent
backt
oKgaogel
o'swar
dt otellherGoodknows.

THEFOLLOWI
NGDAY

Isteppedi
nsidePaul'
scarasheputourbagsinthe
booth.Kut
lwanoheldmyhandt i
ght.Ibr
eathed
heavil
yasIlaidmyheadbackont heseat.He
appli
edVaselineonmydrycrackedli
ps.
Kut
lwano:
Doyouneedt
ovomi
tagai
n?
Me:
(cl
osedmyeyes)
No.

Paulcl
imbedi
nsi
deandhandedmeabucket
.

Paul:
Throwupi
nthat
.It
'sgoi
ngt
obeal
ongj
our
ney
foryou.
Me:
Thankyou.

Hedr
oveof
f.

Meanwhi l
eSambulost
eppedoutoft hepri
vatej
et
withNeilandl
ookedar
oundt heCit
yhisheart
poundingoutofhi
schest
.Itwasdar kandtheli
ght
s
l
ightedthrwhol
ecit
ybeaut
ifull
y.Heprayedhis
brotherwasokay
Nei
l:
Wegoi
ngst
rai
ghtt
otheHot
elaf
tert
his.

Hisphonerangashelookedatt
heint
ernat
ional
number.Hepickedupandkeptqui
et

Voi
ce:
(Audi
ble)
Sambul
o.
Sambul
o:(
hear
tski
pped)
Qhawe?Ukuphi
?
Qhawe:
Pleasear
rangef
orat
ransf
eri
nBar
aforme.
Sambul
o:Whathappened?
Qhawe:
(audi
ble)
Thosebast
ardssetmeup.Pl
ease
doasIsay.
Sambul
o:Youokay?I
'
m her
enow.
Qhawe:
(audi
ble)
I'
llt
ellyouever
ythi
ngwhenyouget
her
e.I
'l
lsendthelocati
on.
Sambul
o:Okay.
Qhawe:
Takecar
eofyour
sel
f.

TOBECONTI
NUED.
..
.
TheGoodWi
fe
#16

Somewher
einMi
ami
,
Uni
tedst
ates

Acabdr oppedNeilandSambul ooutsi

dethecl
ini
c.
Theyrushedinsidefol
lowedbythebodyguardsand
walkedtotherecepti
onist
.TheClini
cwasquietand
noonewasar oundexceptf ort
heFemal e
recept
ioni
standaf ewofQhawe' sbodyguar
ds

Her
:(
poi
ntedout
)He'
sint
hatwar
d.

Theynoddedastheyrushedtotheward.Thent
hey
st
eppedinsi
deandlockedeyeswithQhawewho
wasbeingmonit
oredbyawhi tepet
it
ewoman.They
wait
edunti
lshewasfinishedt
henshesteppedout

Sambul
o:Whathappened?
Qhawe:Igottherewit
hthedi
amondsandtheytook
them.Itt
urnedintoahugewarandIendedup
gett
ingshot.Theyshotmeonmyarm andstomach.

Sambul
olookedatt
hebandagesandcl
enchedhi
s
fi
sts

Qhawe:Loui
ssenthisbratandhedi
dthi
s(Smi
led)
I
'm goi
ngtokil
lthatboy.
Sambul
o:Het
ookt
hedi
amonds?
Qhawe:
YeahbutI
'
m goi
ngt
ogett
hem back.
Sambul
o:Whobr
oughtyouher
e?
Qhawe:Verofoundmeandbroughtmeher e.She
wantedtotakemetothehospi
talbutIref
used.I
coul
dn'tr
iskthat
.Fouroft
hebodyguardsdied.
Nei
l:
Who'
sVer
o?
Qhawe:
Thewomanyouf oundher
e.She'
sal
soa
doct
orandownst
hiscl
inic.
Sambul
o:(
sighed)
I'
m gl
adyouokay.I
'
llmaket
he
t
ransf
ert
oni
ghtt
hent
omor
rowyoul
eavi
ng.
Qhawe:
Transf
ermet
oBar
a.
Sambulo:
Bar
aisapubli
chospi
tal.I
t'
sFuckedup.I
'
ll
takeyout
oKhozapr
ivat
eHospital.
Qhawe:
Justt
akemet
oBar
aSambul
o.

Sambuloi
gnoredhi
m ashedi
aledanumberonhi
s
phoneandst
eppedoutsi
de

Nei
l:
WhyBar
a?
Qhawe:
Ipr
eferi
tthemost
.
Neil
:Si
ncewhen.EvenZenzewasr ushedt
oBar
a
causeitwast
heclosesthospi
tal
.Wehadnochoice.
Baraisanono.
Qhawe:(
sighed)
Canyoubor
rowmeyourphone.Di
d
youchangeyournumber
?
Nei
l:
(handedhi
m)Yeah.
Qhawedial
ed"her
"numberandwai
tedf
ori
tto
connect
.Theni
tstar
tedr
ingi
ngashi
shear
t
pounded

Mal
eVoi
ce:
Hel
lo?
Qhawe:
(Hear
tski
pped)
Whot
hef
ucki
sthi
s?

Hecheckedi
fhedi
aledt
hewr
ongnumberbuti
t
washernumber

Mal
eVoi
ce:
Nowhot
hef
ucki
sthi
s?
Qhawe:(
Cal
m)Ungangi
jwayel
eSani
.Gi
veRachelher
phone.
Mal
eVoi
ce:
Mxm.

HehungupasQhawel ookedatthephonei
n
di
sbeli
ef.Heclenchedhisjawsashisheart
poundedagainsthischest.Di
dsheprobabl
ymove
on?He'sbeengonef ortoolongandshewas
pr
obabl
yt i
redofwait
ing.Hedidn'tevent
ellhert
hat
hewasleavingf
oracoupleofdays.Butwher e
woul
dhehavest ar
ted.Noitcan'tbe.He'
dbedamn.

Nei
l:
Troubl
einpar
adi
se?
Qhawe:
Ineedt
ogett
oSAassoonaspossi
ble.

AtPaul
'
sHome

Paul'
smot her,
Eri
calookedatKgaogel osleeping
peacefulonherdaughter'
sr oom af
terlonghoursof
vomiti
ngandcr yi
ng.Shecover edherwi t
habl anket
andwal kedtothelounge.Kutlwanowassi tt
ingon
thecouchwhi l
ebusychat t
ingonhi sphone

Er
ica:
Doyouneedanyt
hingmyboy?
Kut
lwano:
(l
ookedather
)NoMaI
'
m goodt
hanks.
Er
ica:Okaybuti
fyouneedanyt
hing,
j
ustgot
othe
ki
tchen.Don'
tbescar
ed.
Kut
lwano:
(Smi
led)
Okay.Thankyou.

Shesmi
ledt
henst
eppedout
sideasherphoner
ang

Er
ica:
Paul
.
Paul
:Howi
sshe?
Eri
ca:(
Walkingtothel
ine)She'
sget
ti
ngbet
ter
.She'
s
fi
nall
ysleepingnow.
Paul
:Thankgodthet
reat
menti
swor
king.She'
l
lbe
fi
nei
nt hr
eedays.
Er
ica:
That
'sgoodt
oknow.Thatmonst
eral
most
ki
ll
edmypoorchil
d.
Paul
:(
laughed)
She'
snowyourchi
ld?
Eri
ca:
(Smil
ed)She' smychildthisone.Ili
kedher
whenIusedtot alktoheront hephonewi thouteven
seei
ngher.Ithankgodyougott ransfer
redtoBara.
Other
wiseIwoul dn'thaveknownher .Nowyouj ust
havetomarryher .Iknowyoul oveherevent hough
youquarr
elal ot
.
Paul:
(l
aughed)NoMom pl
ease.Uhm l
ook,
Oli
nda
tol
dmet hatshe'
scomi
ngonf ri
day.
Er
ica:
Yeahsheal
sot
oldme.
Paul
:Al
ri
ght
.Seeyout
oni
ght
.
Er
ica:
Shar
p.

Shehungupt
henshet
ookt
hedr
iedcl
othesof
fthe
l
ine

AtMusa'
sHouse

Nenesteppedoutofthebathroom wit
hat owel
wrappedaroundherbody.Shet ookherphoneand
checkedKgaogelo'st
imel
ine.Shehasn'tpost ed
anythi
ng.Thesedaysshedidn'tpostalot.She
si
ghedt hencheckedafewmemesonhert i
meline
asshelaughedloudly

Nene:
(l
aughed)Bat
hobaFacebookbadomohl
e
hai
i.

Shesharedonememet henl oggedout

.Herphone
rang.Shelookedattheunknownnumbert hen
l
ookedar oundbefor
eshepi cked

Me:
Hel
lo?
Voi
ce:
HeyOr
e.
Me:
(Smi
led)
Lesl
ey?
Lesl
ey:
Yeahi
t'
sme.Howar
eyou?Iknowi
swei
rd
butImi
ssyou.
Nene:
(bl
ushed)
Real
ly?
Lesl
ey:
Yah.Youar
eallI
'vebeenthi
nki
ngabout
si
nceIlef
tthemal
l.Umuhleyazi
(Youar
ebeaut
iful
)
Nene:
(Smi
led)
Wel
lthankyou.
Lesl
ey:
CanIt
akeyououtt
oday?Pl
ease.
Nene:
(Smi
led)
Alr
ight
.
Lesl
ey:
Real
ly?Younotj
oki
ngr
ight
.
Nene:
(l
aughed)
NoI
'
m ser
ious.
Lesley:
Yass!Tr
ustmeyouwon'
tregr
ett
his.You
goingtoenjoyspendi
ngt
imewi
thme.
Nene:
Okay.
Lesl
ey:
Byebaby.
Nene:
(Laughed)
Bye.

Shehungupwi thabi gsmileonherf aceand

l
ookedatherselfonthemi rr
or.Shewasgl owing
andherskinwasget ti
ngli
ghterandl i
ghter.She'l
l
al
sogetar i
chhunkandgetsor tedf orli
fe.Musai s
goodlooki
ngyes,he'slovi
ngandcar ingandshe
al
soloveshim somuchbutmoney.Hedoesn' thave
money.Loveisneverenoughwi thinsuffici
ent
money.Shedidn'tcomet oJobur gtost r
uggl e.She
wasgoingtomakei t.Byfir
eorf orce.

Musasteppedi
nsidei
nover
all
s.Hehuggedher
f
rom behi
ndashissweatbl
ockedhernost
ri
ls
Nene:
(For
cedsmi
le)
Heyyoubackear
ly?
Musa:(
kissedhercheek)Yes.Thebossesarenot
t
here.Sothemanagerl etusknockoffear
ly.
Nene:
Okaygoandfreshenup.I'
l
lmakeyou
somet
hingt
oeat.Ihaven'
tcookedyet
.
Musa:
(Ki
ssedherneck)
Okay.Yousmel
lgood.
Nene:
Yeah.Go.

Hekissedheronhercheekt
hengr
abbedhis
Toi
let
rybagbefor
ehewenttothebat
hroom

AtLesedi
'
sHouse

Sher ubbedhersmallbumpasshelookedat
Zenze'sstor
yonFacebook.Hehaspost edpictur
es
ofagi r
l.Shewastal
landhadamodelbody.Tear s
well
edupi nhereyes.Whydidshehavet ocatch
feel
ings?Sherubbedhereyesandsighed
Gr
andma:
Lesedi
!
Lesedi
:Ma.

Sheworeherover
sizeT-
shi
rtandwal
kedt
owher
e
hergr
andmotherwas.

Lesedi
:Ma.
Gr
andma:
Ukhul
ele(
Areyoupr
egnant
)
Lesedi
:(
hear
tski
pped)Qha.
(No)
Grandma:Whyyoual
wayswear
ingover
sized
cl
othes?
Lesedi
:I
t'
sfashi
on.I
'
m notpr
egnantGogo.
Gr
andma:
Hmm.Goandbuymecoke.

Shehandedhermoneyt
henshest
eppedoutwhi
le
breat
hingheavi
ly.

AtTheCl
ini
c
Sambulo:
Tomorr
owmorningyouleaving.
Ever
ythi
ngisr
eady.MeandNeilar
er emaini
ng
behi
nd.
Qhawe:
..
Sambul
o:Qhawe.
Qhawe:
(l
ookedathi
m)Mhm.
Sambul
o:Whatar
eyout
hinki
ngabout
?
Qhawe:
Not
hing.Ihear
dyou.Youmadet
het
ransf
er
t
oBara?
Sambul
o:No.I
t'
simpossi
ble.
Qhawe:
Youknowi snot
.St
opmaki
ngt
hings
di
ff
icul
tforme.Comeon!

Het
ouchedhi
sst
omachashef
eltpai
n

Sambulo:
Barawon'tf
ixt
hat.Fornowrest.Wear
e
checki
nginahot
el.It
'sl
atenow.Goodnight.
Hesteppedoutf
oll
owedbyNei l
.Qhawedi
aledher
numberagai
nbutitrangunanswer
ed.

Qhawe;
Fuck!

AtPaul
'
sHouse

IbentmybackasIsl owlywalkedt
othebathroom
andtookaleak.OnceIwasdoneIwashedmy
handsandwalkedbackt heroom.Mybr eat
h
smell
edli
keshit!Vhutshi
loal
mostkil
ledme.Ihope
heroti
njai
lcauseifhedon'tIswear

PaulWal
kedi
nwi
thapl
ast
iconhi
shand

Paul
:Heyj
unki
e.
Me:
Hahaf
unny.
Paul
:(
laughed)
Youl
ookl
ikeshi
t.
Me:
Youl
ookl
ikedi
ck.
Paul
:(
laughed)
Whoa!

Hesatonthebedandhandedmeapl
ast
ic.I
thad
f
rui
tsinsi
de

Me:
ThankyoubutIwon'
tbeabl
etoswal
lowt
hem.
Paul
:Youneedt
otr
y.Youl
ookver
yweak.
Me:
(t
uckedmyhai
rbehi
ndmyear
)Yeah.
Paul:
Itol
dtheCEOt
hatyouwon'
tbeabl
etoat
tend
theboardmeeti
ngt
omorrow.
Me:
Okay.
Paul
:(
Hel
dmyhands)You'
l
lbef
ine.Youar
east
rong
woman.Iknowyouar
e.
Me:
(smi
ledt
ear
ful
ly)
Yourmot
heri
sasweet
hear
t.
Paul
:Iknow.She'
scal
li
ngyouherdaught
er.
Me:
(l
aughed)
Iam herdaught
er.Sher
emi
ndsmeof
mymot hersomuch.Thewayshemoppedmy
vomi tandtookcar
eofme.Shedidn'
tlook
disgustedatall
.
Paul
:(
smi
led)
Pleasedon'
ttakemymot
heraway
fr
om me.
Me:
(l
aughed)
Mxm.Howwasyourdayatwor
ktoday?
Paul
:I
twasj
ustokay.
Me:
Howmanysur
ger
iesdi
dyouper
for
m?
Paul
:Four
.
Me:
(nodded)
Youar
edoi
nganamazi
ngj
obdoct
or
Sur
geon.
Paul
:(
Smil
ed)
WhatcanIsay?I
'
mjustt
oogoodat
whatIdo.
Me:
(l
aughed)
MrKenyan.For
eignerbat
hong.
Paul
:(
laughed)
CallmethatagainI
'l
lti
ckl
eyour
st
omachunt i
lyoushi
tonyour sel
f.
Me:(
laughed)What
!PaulIhat
eyou.Gopl
ease.I
wanttosleep.
Paul
:NoI
'
m notl
eavi
ng.
Ishookmyheadwi
thasmi
leonandcl
osedmy
eyes

Paul
:Ihadyourphonewi
thmet
oday.
Me:
Ihopeyoudi
dn'
treadmyt
hings.
Paul:
Igotani
nter
nat
ionalcal
l.Someonewant
edt
o
tal
ktoyou.
Me:
Whowasi
t?I
tmustbemyCubaf
ri
ends.
Paul
:NoIdoubt
.Thatonesoundedli
keaboyf
ri
end.
Hewaslike"
whothefuckisthi
s".
Me:
(satupst
rai
ght
)What
?Gi
vememyphone.

HegavememyphoneasIlookedatthenumber
.I
hopet
hisi
snotwhoIt
hinki
tis.I
tcanonlybehi
m.

Me:
Washi
svoi
cedeep?
Paul
:Yeah.
Me:
(swal
lowed)
Hesoundedi
nti
midat
ing?
Paul
:(
sighed)
Hemadehi
msel
fsoundi
nti
midat
ing.
Who'
she?

Myheartpounded.I
t'
shi
m.Icl
ickedmyt
ongue
t
henblockedthenumber
.

Paul
:Whoi
she?
Me:
Ihavenoi
deaandIdon'
tcar
e.

Icl
osedmyeyesandt
ri
edsl
eepi
ngbutIcoul
dn'
t.

Me:
Urgh!

TOBECONTI
NUED.
..
..
TheGoodWi
fe
#17
AtMusa'
sHouse

LaterthatdayNenespr ayedherselfwit
haper fume
andlookedather sel
font hemi r
roronelastti
me.
Shef i
xedheredgesandspr ayedherbraidsagain.
Musast eppedinsidetheroom shirt
lesswithsweat
dri
ppingonhi m andlookedather

Musa:
Youl
ookbeaut
if
ul.
Nene:
Thanks.
Musa:
Yougoi
ngsomewher
e?
Nene:
Yeah.Kgaogel
oissi
cksoIwant
edt
ocheck
her
.
Musa:
It
'sget
ti
ngl
ate.Won'
tyougetl
ost
?
Nene:
No.Shesentmet
hel
ocat
ion.
Musa:Butyou'
l
lbeusi
ngt
axi
s.AndTaxi
sdon'
tuse
l
ocat
ions.
Nene:
(cl
earedhert
hroat)
I'
llshowt
hedr
iver
.Pl
ease
hel
pmezi pthi
sdress.

Hewalkedt
owardsherandzippedherdress.She
l
ookedsobeauti
fulandover
dressedforsomeone
whowasgoingtomeethercousin.Butno.Maybe
shej
ustwantshertoseeherli
kethi
s.Nothi
ngmor e

Nene:
Thisdr
essdoesn'
tevenl
ookli
keIboughti
tko
PepStor
e.Omontlemoseseneh?
Musa:
Yeah.

Sheturnedandl ookedathi m.Herheartpoundi ng

agai
nstherchestasshel ookedathi si
nnocentf ace.
Whatwasshedoi ng?Shef oundl oveaft
ersomany
year
sandshe' saboutt oruinit
?Butshewon' tlose
i
tifheneverfoundoutr ight?Whathedoesn' tknow
won'thurthi
mr i
ght ?Pl
ussher eall
yneedsthe
moneyt ostar
tar ealbusiness.Shecan'taffordto
gobackt oPotch.Sheki ssedhim andwr appedher
ar
msar oundhisneckashepul
ledherwi
thherl
it
tl
e
waistandhel
dhertight

Nene:I'
l
lbebackbefor
eeight.Ialr
eadycookedso
youhavenothingt
owor r
yabout .You'
l
ldishupfor
yoursel
fandIt
hana.I'
l
lal
sohel pherwithher
homewor kwhenIgetback.Youdonecl eani
ngthe
yard?
Musa:
Yeah.Pl
easet
akecar
eofyour
sel
fandt
ellKG
t
ogetwell
.
Nene:
(Smal
lsmi
le)
Iwi
ll
.Il
oveyouMusa.
Musa:
(Smi
led)
Iloveyout
oost
handwasam.

Shehuggedhimtightt
hentookhersi
debagand
steppedout
.Herphonerangasshewalkedt
owards
theroad

Nene:
Hel
lo?
Lesl
ey:
HeyI
'
vepar
kedatt
hesecondst
opsi
gn.
Nene:
Okay.Letmehur
ryup.
Lesl
ey:
Okay.

Shehungupt henhur r
iedout.Afewmi nuteslater
shest oppedatt hesecondst opsignandlooked
around.Shedi dn'tevenknowLesl ey'
scar.Awhi t
e
Mer cedesAMGc63dr ovet
owardsherdirectionas
herhear tpoundedt henshepul l
edherdressdowna
l
itt
le.ItstoppedinfrontofherthenLesleyst epped
outincasual .Nenel ookedathim asshebl ushed.
Damn!Guyl ookedsogood.

Lesl
ey:
Hey.
Nene:
Hey.

Hehuggedhert
ightashi
sst
rongcol
ogneevoked
hernost
ri
ls.

Lesl
ey:
(Smi
led)
Youl
ookbeaut
if
ul.
Nene:
(Shyl
y)Thankyou.
Lesl
ey:
Thankyouf
oragr
eei
ngt
ogooutwi
thme.
Nene:
It
'sokay.

Heheldherhandandopenedt
hedoorforheras
shesteppedi
nsi
deandsatcomfor
tabl
y.Hegotin
hissi
deanddroveof
f.

AtAunt
ie'
sHouse

Shebur
pedthebabythenputheronherbackas
shewal
kedinsi
dethehouse.Herst
omachgrowled
asshesi
ghed.Shelookedatt
hecupboar
dand
ther
ewasnothi
ng.

Aunti
e:(
Shouted)Lej
agorebathobantl
oe.
Kgaogelobroughtgr
oceri
esafewdaysago,dir
ice
tsedit
onna,bupiandot
herthi
ngsthatIdi
dn'
teven
knowexistedandyoufini
shedthem wi
thi
ntwo
mont
hs.Mmel
etl
abonagor
elej
aeng.

Shecl i
ckedhertongueandwal kedtoherbedroom.
Shesatdownonherbedanddi aledNenebuther
phoner angunanswered.Sheclickedhertongue
thendialedKgaogelo'
snumberandi talsorang
unanswer ed.Shecli
ckedhertongueagainand
steppedout si
de.Thesist
ersweredancingand
drinki
ngout si
de.Shelookedatthem oncebefor
e
shesteppedoutoft heyardgoingtoLoza(Nene'
s
babydaddy)House

AtPaul
'
sHouse

Paul'
smothersteppedinsi
detheroom wit
habowl
ofporri
dgeandlookedatmesi t
ti
ngonthef l
oor
wit
hmyheadl ai
dbackont hebed.Sherushedt
o
meandt ouchedmyf aceasIopenedmyeyesand
l
ookedather.Abucketwasi nfr
ontofme
Her
:I
tst
art
edagai
n?(
hel
dmyar
ms)Getonbed.

Shel
aidmeonbedinmanydi
ff
icul
ti
esandwi
ped
mymouthwit
haclot
h

Her:
Pauli
soutnow.Theycal
ledhi
mforemer
gency.
Idon'
tknowwhattodonowbutIwant
edtomake
youaconcoct
ion.
Me:
..

Kut
lwanost
eppedi
nsi
deandl
ookedatme

Kut
lwano:
Shel
ookwor
se.
Me:
(weakly)
Ithappenswhenonestoptaki
ng
Mor
phine.Ishouldbebet
terwi
thi
naf ewdays.
Paul'
smot her:
(shookherhead)Youhaven'
teven
eatenanythi
ng.Thisisnotnormal.I
'
llmakethe
concocti
on.(l
ookedatKutlwano)Watchher
.
Shehur
ri
edoutasKut
lwanosatnextt
ome

Kut
lwano:
(wor
ri
ed)
Shoul
dIcal
l112?
Me:
(sni
ff
ed)
No.I
'
llbef
ine.Justl
etmebepl
ease.

Ifeltt
heur
getot hrowupagain.Iquickl
ygotupand
threwupinabucketasKut l
wanobr ushedmyback.
OnceIwassatisfiedIspi
tsal
ivainsi
deandwi ped
mymout hthenlaiddownonbedandcl osedmy
eyes.

Kut
lwano:
Don'
tcl
oseyoureyes.Kgaogel
o?
Me:
Mhmm.
Kutl
wano:
Don'
tcl
oseyoueyes.NnaI
'
m cal
li
ng
10177.

Icoul
dsensepani
cinhi
svoi
ce.Ihel
dhi
shand
Me:
I'
mf i
ne.I'
m cl
osingmyeyescauseIcan'
tkeep
t
hem open.Theyareheavy.
Kutl
wano:(
Tearf
ully)Wabona?Theyareheavy
causeyouaredying.Keepthem open.
Me:
(l
aughedweakl
y)St
opbei
ngdr
amat
ic.

Paul'
smot
herst
eppedi
nsi
dehol
dingacupandsat
nextt
ome

Her
:Si
tst
rai
ght
.

Isatupst
rai
ghtt
henshehandedmeacup

Her
:Dr
inkt
hat
.

Il
ookedathert
hent
ookasi
p.I
ttast
edhor
ri
ble.
Her
:Dr
ink.

Ibl
ockedmynoseandgul
pedi
tal
ldown

Her
:Goodgi
rl
.

Somewher
einJozi

Lesl
eypull
edNene'shandasshej
umpedi
nthevan
andtheybothl
aughed

Nene:
Myhear
tispoundi
ng.Iwoul
dhavef
ell
.
Lesl
ey:
NotwhenI
'
m ar
ound.

Shel ookedaroundthewhol
eVanpi cnicsetup.She
didn'teventhi
nkpeopledot
hisinrealli
fe.These
thingswer eonl
ydoneinmovies.Thevanhad
goodi es,
smallwhi
tefl
uff
ycushions,
rosesand
telescope.Mar
iahCareywebelongt
oget
herwas
playingonthesmallspeaker

Lesl
eyPull
edherclosert
ohi
m andki
ssedheras
herpussyt
hrobbed

Les:
Lucki
lytoni
ghtisf
ullmoon.(
Laughed)My
ancest
orscamet hr
oughformeinthi
sone.
Nene:
(bl
ushed)
Thi
sisamazi
ng.
Les:
Youl
ikei
t?
Nene:
Ilovei
t.
Les:
(smi
led)
Let
'ssi
tdown.

Theysatdownandf
acedeachot
her

Nene:Ienj
oyedt
hedaywit
hyouandt
hisi
sjusta
bonus.Youareagr
eatguyLes.
Les:
I'
m gl
adyoudi
d.Come.
Lespulledhercl
osert
ohi m andmadehersi
t
betweenhislegsandtheylookedatt
hemoonwhi
le
eati
ng.Lesfedherastrawberrydi
ppedona
chocolateasshesmil
ed

Nene:
Itt
ast
esgood.
Les:
Iknow.

Lespour
edherwi
nei
nagl
assandhandedi
ttoher

Nene:
Thankyou.
Les:
Sot
ellme,
areyoui
nar
elat
ionshi
p?
Nene:
Uhm,
no.I
'
m si
ngl
e.
Les:
Real
ly?Abeaut
if
ulwomanl
ikeyousi
ngl
e?
Nene:(
sighed)Yeah.I
'vejustgotoutofveryt
oxi
c
r
elat
ionship.Iwasn'
treadyforrel
ati
onships.
Les:
I'
m sor
ry.
Nene:
It
'sokay.
Les:
Whenyousayyouweren'
treadyf
orr
elat
ionshi
p
youmeanthenandnotnow.
Nene:
Yeah.
Les:That
'sareli
efcauseIwantyou.Imeant hi
s
whol et
hingprovedital
l.Il
ovedyouthefi
rstti
meI
sawyou.Despi t
ebeingbeautif
ulIt
hinkyouarea
verygoodwoman.Il ovedhowyouwer ewi t
hyour
niece.
Nene:
..
Les:
I'
m adi
vor
ceeOr e.I'
vebeeninaver yt
ough
marri
ageandI
'm gl
adt hatnowI'mtryi
ngtomove
on.I
t'
sbeenhel
landInevert houghtI'
l
lbehere.

Nenet
urnedar
oundandf
acedhi
m

Nene:
I'
m sor
ry.
Les:
(l
aughed)
It
'snotyourf
aul
t.I
t'
sfunnyhowwe
apol
ogizet
oeachotherli
kewehurteachother
.
Let
'snotdot
hat
.
Nene:
(Smi
led)
Right
.
Les:
(ki
ssedher
)It
hinkI
'
mfal
l
ingver
yhar
dforyou.
Nene:
(br
eat
hingheavi
ly)Met
oo.

Leski ssedhersof tl
yandsl owlyasherpanties
soaked.Thenhebr eat
hedonherneckandki ssedit
softl
yasshemoanedsof tl
y.Therewasj ust
somet hingabouthi stouch.Itsentchil
lsonher
spineandbut ter
fl
iesonherst omach.Hepushed
everythingasideandl aiddownashegotont opof
herandl oweredherheavywei ghtonher .St
il
l
ki
ssingher ,
hepulledherdressupt henshehel ped
him untilitwascompl et
elyoff.Helookeddownat
hertinyyel l
owbonebody.

Les:
Iloveyourbody.I
tdr
ivesmenut
s.

Nenelookedathi
m shyl
ythenhetookof
fher
pant
iesandpull
edhercl
osertohi
m ashestar
ted
muf
fi
ngherpussy.

Nene:
Ahah.Les!

Heworkedhi
stongueonherashert
oescur
ledt
hen
he#REMOVED

FI
VEDAYSLATER

Ist
eppedout
sidet
hecourtwi
thPaulhol
dingmy
handti
ght
.Hi
smot herwaswal
kingbesi
desus
hol
dingmybag

Paul'
smother
:8year
sisnothi
ngt
owhatthatboy
putyout
hrough.Heshoul
dhavegotmor
et hant
hat
.

Wewal
kedt
othepar
kingl
ot
Me:(si
ghed)
I'
mj ustgl
adt hathe'
sbehi
ndbars.It
's
sadthoughcausehej uststar
tedhi
scareerandhe
rui
neditj
ustli
kethat.
Paul'
smot her:That'
sobsessi
on.Mychi l
d,whena
manst artcontrol
li
ngyouandl osi
nghistemperon
minorthings.Dumphi m andneverlookback.Men
aredanger ous.Lookatthi
sone,healmostkil
ledyou
fornotli
kinghim back.
Me:
(shookmyhead)

Wegotinsi
dePaul
'
scarashedr
oveof
f.It
ext
ed
Kut
lwano

Me:
Getat
axi
,
wegoi
ngt
other
est
uar
ant
.
Kut
lwano:
Whatwast
hever
dict
?
Me:
Hegot8year
s.
Kutl
wano:
That'
sbet
ter
.Atl
easthedi
dn'
tgett
wo
year
sorworseoneyear
Me:
Yeah.Tl
hapamonnaot
le
Kut
lwano: ‍♂ ‍♂ ‍♂

Iputmyphonei
nsi
demybagandl
ookedahead

(
Removedwi
llbepost
edi
nourgr
oup.BDLI
LLI
ES.)

TOBECONTI
NUED.
..
..
.
TheGoodWi
fe
#18

AtTheRest
uar
ant

Weal lsur
roundedthet abl
easwechat t
edwhile
eati
ng.Paul'
stwol i
tt
lesist
erswerearound.The
secondborn,Heartbroughther3yearoldsonwith
her.Shewassi t
ti
ngonherl ap

Paul
'
smot
her
:Thi
sfest
iveseasonIwant
edust
ogo
t
oMozambi
que.
Oli
nda:(Mouthf
ul)YeahMozambiqueisagoodidea.
Iheardaboutthefunplacest
her
e,act
ivi
ti
esand
everyt
hing.
Heart
:For
getaboutMozambi
que.Whydon'
twevi
sit
CapeTownorDur ban?
Paul
:No.We'
vebeenther
eal
otoft
imes.Let
'st
ry
somethi
ngdi
ffer
ent
.
Ol
inda:
Whatdoyout
hinkKG?
Me:(cl
earedmythroat
)Uhm,Idon'
tknow.ButI'
ve
neverbeentoDurbanbefor
esoI'dl
iket
otrythat
out.Idon'
tknowaboutyou.
Paul
'
sMot
her
:Wecangot
oDur
ban.
Hear
t:
Yeahi
t'
sfi
ne.
Ol
inda:
(Chewi
ng)
Yeah.

WeConti
nuedchatti
ngandlaughi
ng.Il
ookedat
t
hem andsmil
ed.I
'vebeenyearni
ngfort
his
momentforaverylongti
me,Famil
y.Al
lIever
wantedint hi
sworldisfamil
y.Tohaveaf amil
y.I
wouldn'
ttradethi
smomentf oranyt
hinghonestl
y.I
t
hasjustbeenmybr ot
herandIsinceourparent
s
passedonandt hingswereneverthesame.We
haverel
ativesbuttheydon'
tcareaboutus.They
neverdid.

Paul
:Youokay?
Me:
(Nodded)
I'
m okay.
Paul
:(
Smi
led)
Okay.

Itookasi ponmychampagneandwi pedt hesi deof

mymout hwi t
hacl oth.Myeyesmovedar oundand
stoppedont heent ranceasil ockedeyeswi t
hhi m.
Myhear tskippedal it
tle.Thewhol eatmospher e
suddentlychanged.Heheadedt owardsourt ableas
peoplearoundt hewhol erestuar
antlookedathi m
andsomeevent ookphot os.Hewasi nblackj eans
andlightblueT- shirtthatshowedhi stattoos.And
hewaswear ingt hoseboot s.ThoseBlackDr
Mar t
ines.Hest oppedi nfrontuswi t
hhiseyesst il
l
gl
uedonme

Hi
m:HeyMama.

Iswall
owedhar
dthenquickl
ylookedaway.
Kutl
wanogotupandheadedtohim asthey
shoul
derbumped

Kut
lwano:
Ntwana!Ihaven'
tseenyoui
nages.
Qhawe:
(smi
led)
Iknow.Howar
eyou?
Kut
lwano:
I'
m goodgood.
Qhawe:
Okay.(
Lookedatt
hem)Sani
bona.

Hear
tgr
eet
edbackast
heot
her
skeptqui
et

Qhawe:
(Lookedatme)
CanIpl
easet
alkt
oyou?
Il
ookedathim asmyhear tpoundedf asterwith
anger
.Hegavemepl eadingeyest henpinchedt he
bri
dgeofhi
snose.Tear st hr
eatenedtof alldown
butIt
ookdeepbr eat
hst ocalm myselfdown.Who
doeshethi
nkhei s?

Qhawe:
Rachel
.

Iangr
il
ygotupandwalkedoutsi
deashef ol
lowed
mebehind.godknowsI
'veneverbeent
hisangry.
Andhowdar eheshowuptoday?

Istoppedout
sidether
estuarantwi
thmyarms
foldedashestoppedi
nfrontofme.Imadesure
thatIwasn'
tlooki
ngathi
mt houghIcoul
dfeelhi
s
eyesonme.

Qhawe:
Hey.
Het
ri
edt
ouchi
ngmyhandbutImovedback.

Qhawe:
I'
m sor
ry.
Me:(
lookedathim)Ifyousaythatonemoret
ime,
I
'm
get
ti
nginside.Justsaywhateveryouwantt
osay
nowandl eavemeal one.

Hel
ookedatmet
henl
ickedhi
sli
ps.

Qhawe:
Canwegoandt
alksomewher
eel
se?Look
att
hesepeopl
e-
Me:ChaweIdon'tfucki
ngcar e.Justsaywhatever
shi
tyouwantt osayandl eave.Youjustdi
sturbed
menow.Ishoul dbeeatinginsidether
enow, i
n
peace.Butno!Youdecidedt orockup.

Hejustl
ookedatmeandpinchedt
hebr
idgeofhi
s
noseagai
n.Helookedner
vous.
Qhawe:Iwasawayonbusi nessandIt
houghti
t'
ll
j
usttakeadaybutitdidn'
tgothewayI'
m
ant
ici
pated.Babepleasejust
-

Hemovedcl
osert
omet
henImovedback

Me:Pleasedon't.Ireallythoughtatsomepoi ntwe
hadsomet hingspeci alChawe.Ir eall
ydid.But
cl
earlynot.Iguessi twasj ustsex.CauseImeani t
wasal lt
hatwedi d.(Swal lowed)Iwon' tsay
anythi
ngaboutyourAk- 47's.Ij
ustdon'twant
anythi
ngt odowi thyou.Pl easest
opst alkingme.
Stopcalli
ngme.What everwehadi sover .I'
m no
l
ongeryourboot ycal l.
Qhawe:
Babe-
Me:
ChaweNo.Kehedi
tse.

Hepul
ledmeclosertohi
m andhel
dmywai
stt
ight
asmyheartpounded
Qhawe:
Don'
tdot
hispl
ease.

Iswallowedhar dasIj er
kedmyheadupandl ooked
athim.Hest i
llsmelledgood.Hewasnowmor e
tal
lerandbroader.Iwasl it
erall
yonmytoest
hough
Iwaswear i
ngheel s.godwhydoeshemakemet hi
s
weak?Ishouldn'tbef eeli
nglikethi
s.

Het ouchedthebackonmyheadandpulledmy
faceclosert
ohisashekissedme.Icl
osedmyeyes
andpushedhi m awayastear
sfi
ll
edmyeyes

Me:
I'
m doneChawe.

It
urnedar
oundandwal
kedi
nsi
det
her
est
aur
ant
.

(
ABONUSSPONSOREDBYONEOFOURREADERS
)
TOBECONTI
NUED.
..
TheGoodWi
fe
#19

LaterthatdayNeneputt heneighbor'ssont hatshe

wasbabysi t
ti
ngonherbackandt iedhi m upwi tha
towel.Shest eppedont hetoyasshewal kedar ound
thenshebentoverandpi ckeditup.Shel ookedat
thethreeyearol dsleepingont hematwi thtoysall
overthenshest ar
tedcol l
ecti
ngal lofthem andput
them insideabox.Af t
ershecar r
iedthet hreeyear
oldandl aidheronI thana'sbed.Herphoner angas
shepi cked

Nene:
Mama.
Aunt
ie:
Heyosi
ame(
Yougood)
Nene:
Yah.
Aunti
e:Okaynekegocheck'
ahel
a(Iwasj
ust
checki
nguponyou)
Nene:
(conf
used)
Oohokay.
Aunt
ie:
Shar
p.Ket
lagobonakamoso(
Seeyou
t
omor r
ow)
Nene:
Shar
p.

AuntiehungupthenNenewalkedtothekit
chenand
start
edcleani
ngthemessthekidsmade.Herphone
rangagainasshelookedatt
hecall
erdetai
lsand
sighed

Nene:
Hel
lo?
Les:
Hey.I'
vespokentoafr
iendofminewho' sa
gynecol
ogistt
ocheckyououtaboutthatcondi
ti
on.
Nene:
(si
ghed)
I'
llt
ryhomer
emedi
esLes.
Les:Or
edon'tdothat
.Ithoughtwespokeaboutthi
s.
Youhadababy8mont hsago.Theremightbe
somethingwrongwithyourvagi
na.Maybethey
didn'
tsti
tchi
tproper
ly.
Nene:
Excuseme?Ther
e'snot
hingwr
ongwi
thmy
vagi
na.Youjusthaveasmall-
(paused)I
'
llt
ryhome
remedi
espleasedon'tf
orceme.
Les:Howwillweenj
oyt
het
ri
pwhenyouar
est
il
lin
thatcondi
ti
on?
Nene:
I'
l
lfi
xit
.
Les:BabeI
'
m nott
ryi
ngt
oof
fendyou.Ij
ustwantt
o
help.
Nene:(
rol
ledhereyes)Iknow.Butpleasejustl
etme
dealwit
hit.I'
vebeendoingkegelexer
cisesand
theyar
ehel pi
ng.
Les:
(Si
ghed)
Okay.Bye,
Il
oveyou.
Nene:
Don'
tfor
gettosendt
hemoney.I
'
m vi
sit
ing
mycousi
ntomorrowremember
?
Les:
Howmuchshoul
dIsendagai
n?
Nene:
Uhm,
3Ki
sfi
ne.
Les:
Shar
p.Loveyou.
Nene:
Loveyout
oo.
Shehungupt hencont inuedcleaning.Onceshe
wasdone,shelaidthesmal l
babyont hebedand
walkedbacktothel ounge.Shesatont hecouch
andcountedallthemoneyshehad.I twasenough
tobuyherbabiesclothesandaf ewweaves.Pl us
Musawi l
lcontr
ibuteforTr ansport
.Soi t'
sal
lsort
ed.

AtHome

Paulsil
ent
lywal kedwit
husi nsidet
hehouse.
Thingshavebeenawkwar dsinceQhaweshowed
up.Theydidn'tevenaskmeabouthi m.Wejust
carri
edonlikenothinghappened.

Me:
I'
l
lcomeandbakewi
thMat
omor
row.Seeyou
t
hen.
Paul
:Al
ri
ght
.Goodbye.
Me:
Bye.
Hewal kedtohi scarasIl ookedathi mt henhe
steppedi nsi
deanddr oveoff.Isighedthenst epped
i
nsi dethehouseandwentt omyr oom.Isatonmy
bedandr emovedt heponyt ai
lonmyhai rthenI
threwmysel font hebedandst aredatthecei l
ingas
tearsst r
eameddown.I '
vebeenamesssi ncehel eft
mewi thoutsayingagai n.Maybet hat
'swhy
Vhut shil
odruggedmesoeasi lywithoutmeeven
noticing.Iwascal l
ingandmessagi nghim ever yday.
Cryingandaski ngmysel fquest i
ons.Atsomepoi ntI
event houghtt hathewasi ndangerandgotr eal l
y
wor ri
ed.Butal lofthatwasnott rue.Hejustleftme
l
iket hatandneverl ookedback.Heonl ycomes
backwhenhewant ssex.Onlyt hen.OnlyGod
knowswhatheevendoeswi ththoseak-47.He' sa
fuckingcr i
mi nal.Agangst er.
HowdidIf
allf
ort
hisper
son?Whydi
dIf
allf
ort
his
per
son?

Me:
(cryi
ng)
Godwhy?WhydoIl ovehim somuch?
Whydoesithurtsomuch?Idon'twanttolovehi
m.
Hekeepshurt
ingme.
Igr
abbedapil
lowandcri
edonit.Thedooropened
asIst
oppedcryi
ngthenwipedmytears

Me:
(shakyvoice)Kut
lwanopl
easel
eave.Ineeda
momentalone.

Ifel
tsomeonecl i
mbingonthebedandhuggedme
ti
ghtfrom behi
nd.Bythesmellofacol
ogneand
body,Icoul
dtel
litwashim.Howdidheevenget
here?

Me:
Chawel
eavemeal
one.
Qhawe:
(l
owt
one)
I'
m sor
ry.

Hewhisperedinmyear
.Hesmel
ledci
gar
ett
esand
al
coholbuthisbr
eat
hsmell
edmi
nty.
Me:Chawe.Stopacti
ngl
ikeachi
ldandgetof
fmy
back.Ican'
tbreat
he.

Hepull
edmeunt i
lIwasdownonmykneesand
huggedmeti
ghtwhilebr
eathi
ngonmyneck.My
backwasst
il
lfaci
nghim.Iswall
owedhar
dasI
cl
osermyeyes.

Qhawe:
Icar
eaboutyouKgaogel
o.
Me:
Pleasel
eavemeal
one.
Qhawe:
I'
m sorr
y.Idi
dn'
tknowhowt
otel
lyou.Don'
t
l
eaveme.Please.

Therewasjustsomethi
ngabouthi
stonewhenhe
sai
dt hat
.Hesoundedsincer
e.I
'
veneverhear
dhi
m
tal
kli
kethisbef
ore.

Qhawe:Idon'
twantyout oknowaboutwhatIdo
causeIknowyou'l
lleaveme.That
'swhyIdidn'
ttel
l
youwher
eIwasgoi
ng.Pl
easebabydon'
tdot
hist
o
me.

Hishear tpoundedfastonmyback.Iwi
pedmy
tearsslowlyandtri
edpushi
nghim awaybuthewas
holdingmet ight

Qhawe:
Please.
Me:
Chawe.
Qhawe:
Icar
eaboutyou.Ir
eal
lydo.

Heki
ssedmyneckthenshoul
derasIf
eltbut
ter
fl
ies
onmystomachandclosedmyeyes

Qhawe:
I'
m sor
ry.
Me:
(Tear
ful
ly)
Youhur
tme.
Qhawe:
(Kissedmyneck)
IknowbabyandI
'
m sor
ry.
I
'mreal
lysorry.
Me:
(Tear
ful
ly)
Idon'
ttr
ustyou.
Qhawe:
IknowandI
'
m goi
ngtofi
xmymist
akesI
pr
omise.I
'
m goi
ngt
oearnyourt
rust
.
Me:
Ican'
tdot
his.
Qhawe:
Babypl
ease.Pl
ease.

Hi
sbodywasshaki
ngashehel
dme.

Me:
Sleepont
hebed.

Heslowlyletgoofmet henlai
donthebed.Ilooked
athim asoureyeslocked.Hi
seyeswerered.He
l
ookedverydr unkandtir
ed.It
ookhi
sbootsof fand
coveredhi
m wi t
hablanket

Me:
Sleep.
Qhawe:
Sleepwi
thme.
Il
ookedathim asIsi
ghedt
henlai
dnextt
ohi m wi
th
mybackagainsthi
m.Hepulledmemorecloserto
hi
m andheldmet i
ght
.

Qhawe:
I'
m sor
ry.
Me:
Robal
aChawe.
(Sl
eep)

(
ANOTHERBONUSSPONSOREDBYONEOFOUR
READERS)

TOBECONTI
NUED.
..
.
TheGoodWi
fe
#20

Atmidnight ,
Irubbedmyeyes,halfasl
eepi
nt he
darkasIf eltQhaweslowl
ytakingoffmypant s
whil
ebr eathingheavil
yonmyneck.Icouldfeelhi
s
hardrockhugedi ckonmyassashet ookmypant s
off
.Heki ssedt heti
pofmyshoulderthensucked
myneckasIbitmylowerli
phardsuppressi
nga
moan.Hepar
tedmyt hi
ghswithhiskneeandli
ft
ed
mylegashepushedmyt hongonthesideand
pul
ledmemoreclosert
ohimt henrubbedmycli
t

Me:
(gasped)
Chawe.

Wi
thoutawarni
ng,
Hesli
ppedhi
sfingeri
nsi
deasI
moanedsof
tl
ythenst
art
edmovingitupanddown.

Me:
(Moani
ng)
Chaweahh.Mmh.
Qhawe:(
breat
hingheavil
y)Fuck!Ican'
t.Iwantmy
di
ckinsi
dethiswarm pussy.

Hegent l
yranhisfatmushroom headthr
oughmy
pussylipsbackandfort
hbeforehestoppedatmy
l
it
t l
eholeandslowlypushedhalfhi
sdickinsi
deasI
fl
inchedalit
tl
e.Mypussyst r
etchedopenasI
gasped.
Me:
(f
rowned)
Chawe.
Qhawe:
(ki
ssedmyneck)Sor
ry.

Hegr
abbedmywaistwi
thbot
hhi
shandsandf
il
led
mypussyupwi
thhisdi
ck

Me:
Ohgod!

Ipi
nnedmyelbowlyi
ngonmysi deashedr
il
ledin
andoutofmypussyslowl
ylyi
ngbehi
ndmet henhe
#REMOVED

Int hemor ni
ngIopenedmyeyesandl ookedont he
sideoft hebedhopi ngt oseehim buthewasnot
ther e.Myt hroatdr
iedupasIsatupst r ai
ghtand
sniff ed.Ifel
tsomet hingwarml eaki
ngonmyt hi
ghs
asIqui cklypushedt heblanketoffandopenedmy
thighs.Ismi ledasIl ookedathiswar m semen
l
eaki ngonmyvagi na.Flashbacksofwhat
transpi redaf ewhour sagoreplayedinmymi ndasI
blushed.Icl
imbedofft
hebedandstoodinfr
ontof
themi r
rorasIl
ookedatmyself
.Ihadhi
ckeysall
overmyneckandchest .It
ookmyphoneont opof
thethedrawerandtext
edFerahonWhatsApp

Me: Friend!Hef uckedmesogoodgor e.Karehis

cum i
sstil
lleaki
ngonmyvagi na.Thismanknows
howtowor khiswai st
.He'
sabeast .Hewentli
ke
thi
s .Fr
iend!Iwasparalyzedfora
minut
e.Ili
teral
lywantedtocr y likedudedon'tki
ll
mewithpleasureplease.
Fer
ah: Who?
Me:
Qhawe
Fer
ah:
Wtf
!Sot
heghosti
sback
Me:He'
sback.Hewasonhiskneesyester
day
beggi
ngmet ofor
givehi
m.Hecamedr unkandal
l
messedup
Ferah: Andyoufor
gavehim andgaveittohi
m so
easil
y?Gir
lwhydoyouall
owhi mtotreatyouli
ke
thi
s.Can'
tyouseehe'smani
pulati
ngyouwi t
hsex?
Ksasahe'l
lbegoneandyou'
llbecryi
ngagain.Ibet
youdidn'
tevenuseCondom.TypicalDoct
or
Me:Whatifthistimet hingsturnsoutdi ff
erently?
Whatifheneverl eavesmeagai n?I'mjusttaking
mychanceagai nanddoi ngthiswi thhi
m.Ifhe
l
eavesmeagai n,I
'
llf
or givehim whenheapol ogizes
againbutIknowI 'l
lreachabr eakingpointafterall
ther
e'sali
mittowhatawomanbei ngcantake.But
Fornow,I
'mi ntoodeep.Pl easedon' tj
udgeme
Ferah:Ihat
egirlswhoar edesperat
ef orl
ove.Inever
thoughtyou'l
lturnoutli
kethattoo.Idon'
t
under st
andwhyyouwoul dall
owyour sel
ftobe
disrespect
edandpl ayedli
kethat.I
'm so
disappoint
edKg
Me:
ButIr
eal
lydol
ovehi
m Fer
ah
Ferah:
buthedoesn'
tloveyouokay!St
opdoi
ngt
hat
toyoursel
f.

ThedooropenedasIlookedint
hemi
rr
orand
i
mmediatel
ylockedeyeswithhi
m.Myhear
t
ski
ppedal
it
tl
e

Hewasi nhi
sboxersandhadnothingonhisupper
body.Hismusclesandtatt
ooswer
ealloutin
di
splay.Hewalkedtowardsmewit
hapl at
eonhis
handandstoodbehindme.

Qhawe:
(Deeovoi
ce)Goodmor
ning.
Me:
M..
mor
ning.

Helookedatmei
nthemi
rr
orandbi
thi
slowerl
ip.I
dr
oppedmygaze

Qhawe:
Hey.
Me:
(l
ookedathi
m)
Qhawe:
Idi
dn'
tl
eave.Iwi
llneverl
eaveyouagai
n.

Hi
shandmovedonmywai
stashepul
ledmecl
oser
hi
m

Qhawe:
Icar
eaboutyou.
Me:
..
Qhawe:Ther
ear emanythi
ngsaboutmethatInever
wantyoutofindoutabout
.I'
l
lberealwi
thyouon
t
hatone.

Heputt
heplat
eontopoft
hedr
awerandtur
nedme
ar
oundtof
acehim.Myeyesmovedonthehuge
pl
ast
ert
hatwasonhisst
omachandranmyfinger
s
ar
oundi
t

Me:
Oneoft
hoset
hingsi
ncl
udet
his?
Qhawe:
Yeah.
Me:(
swal
lowed)Thi
shappenedr
ecent
ly.Youst
il
l
haveapl
asteron.
Qhawe:
It
'l
lheali
naf
ewdayst
ime.
Me:
I'
l
llookati
t.
Qhawe:
(ki
ssedmyf
orehead)
OkayMama.
Me:Chawe,Idon'tcar
eaboutyourbusi
nessand
ever
ythingyoudo.Ijustwantyoutoprot
ect
yoursel
fatallt
imes.Cometomei nonepeace.
Qhawe:
..
.
Me:
Chawe.Pr
omiseme.I
fyoudocar
eaboutme
t
henyou'
l
ldoasIsay.
Qhawe:Ican'
tpr
omi
seyout
hat
.Idon'
twantt
ogi
ve
youfal
sehope.
Me:
Wow!

Isatont
hebedandshookmyhead.Hesquat
tedi
n
fr
ontofme

Qhawe:
Don'
tbeli
ket
his.I
t'
snott
hateasy.Thi
ngs
don'
tal
waysgoaspl
anned.
Me:
..
Qhawe:Idon'
twanttohurtyouwit
hfalsepromises.
Ihat
emaki ngfal
sepromi
ses.ButIwantyout o
knowthatnomat t
erwhathappens,
you'l
lal
waysbe
i
nmyhear t.I
-

HepausedasIl
ookedathi
m

Qhawe:
(hel
dmyhands)Icar
e.
Me:
Okay.
Qhawe:
(Chuckl
ed)
Ist
oppedsmoki
ngf
oraf
ewdays.
Me:
..
.
Qhawe:Idi
dn'
twanttosmokecauseIfeltl
ikeIwas
betr
ayi
ngyou.ButYest
erdayIwasjuststr
essedout
that
'swhyIendedupsmoking.Idon'
twantwhatwe
havetoend.

Hecuppedmyf
acei
nhi
shandsandki
ssedme
sof
tl
y
Qhawe:
Youaretheonl
ythi
ngt
hatmakessensei
n
myli
feri
ghtnow.
Me:
Real
ly?
Qhawe:Yeah.Babe,t
hatf
irstnightwassupposedto
bejustaonenightst
andbutIcoul dn'
tstopthi
nki
ng
aboutyou.Iwouldhaveleftandneverretur
ned.
Me:
Youl
eftagai
n.
Qhawe:
andcameback?
Me:
Thenyougoi
ngt
oleaveagai
n.We'
l
ljustbe
r
unni
ngaroundi
nci
rcl
es.
Qhawe:
Never
.Il
ear
ntmymi
stakes.I
'
llneverdot
hat
agai
n.
Me: (
seri
ous) I
'm oldChawehonest lyandI '
mt i
redof
hideandseek.Iwantar ealman,amanwho' s
transparentwithme.Amanwhot r
ustsme.Aman
who' sseri
ousandyouar enotli
kethat
.Idon'teven
knowwhyI 'm sti
lldoi
ngt hi
swi t
hyou.Maybei s
becausei tfeel
sr i
ght?Idon'tknowbutI fyoupull
thatstuntagain.I'mleavingyou.Iwon'tbethis
weakbef oreyou.
Heswal
lowedashepi
nchedt
hebr
idgeofhi
snose

Me: WhenIsawt hoseak-47i nyourboothIknew

youwer einvolvedinsomet hingdoggy.Idon'teven
wantt oknowwhatyoudobutal lIwantedwas
"KgaogeloI'
llbegonef oraf ewdays.Takecar eof
yourself"t
hat '
sall
.Notyoudi sappear
ingonmeand
treat
ingmel ikeabootycalloram I ?
Qhawe:
Ofcour
senot
.
Me:
Thenwhatam It
oyou?

Hedroppedhi
seyest
henpinchedt
hebr
idgeofhi
s
noseagai
n.Hewasnervous

Me:
Chawe.
Qhawe:
AllIknowi
s,
Idon'
twannal
oseyou.
TOBECONTI
NUED.
..
.
TheGoodWi
fe
#21

Inthesamemor ni
ngMusahel
dNene'sbagast
hey
steppedout
sidewit
hIt
hanast
ari
ngatmeinher
unifor
m.

Nene:
It
'ssti
llear
ly.I
twon'
tbedi
ffi
cul
ttofi
ndt
axi
s.
Youshouldhavewenttowork.I
'
llmanage.
Musa:
Nobabe.Iwant
edt
odot
hisandIt
oldyounot
t
oworryabouti
t.
I
thana:
Aunt
iewhenwi
llyoubeback?

Shesmil
edt
henknel
tinf
rontofherandhuggedher
ti
ght
ly

Nene:
I'
l
lbehomeonSundaydon'
twor
ry.I
'
llbr
ing
Mosa,
Thapel
oandt
heyoungone.
It
hana:
(Smil
ed)
PleasecomesoonAunt
ie.Iwantt
o
playwi
ththem.
Nene:
Okaynana.

Sheki ssedherforeheadthenwavedatherasShe
steppedout si
detheyardwi t
hmusajustas
Shami so(t
heneighbor)andherdaught
erpassedby
andt ookIthanawiththem andt
heywalkedto
school .

Musa:
Takecar
eofyour
sel
fther
e.
Nene:
Iwi
ll
.

Hestoodbehi
ndherandhuggedhert
ightasshe
smi
led

Musa:
I'
l
lmi
ssyou.
Nene:
Iknow.Butit
'sonl
ythr
eedaysst
handwaSam
t
henI'
llbeback.
Musa:
(ki
ssedherneck)Wi
thourbabi
es.
Nene:
(gi
ggl
ed)
Yes.Wi
thourbabi
es.

Theystoodi
nthatposi
ti
onunt
ilat
axicamet
hen
theycl
imbedi
nsidebef
orei
tdr
oveoff

AtPaul
'
sHouse

Hecli
mbedoffthebedonlyi
nhisboxer
sas
someoneknockedrepeat
edl
yonthedoor.

Paul
:Don'
tbr
eakmydoor
.Isai
dI'
m comi
ng.

Heopenedthedoorandcameacr
osshi
syounger
si
ster
'sf
ace
Paul
:Ol
indawhatt
hehel
l?

Shet
hrewher
sel
fint
henhecl
osert
hedoor

Paul:
(annoyed)Whatareyoudoi
nghere?Youknow
thatIj
ustknockedoffnowandI'
mtryi
ngtorest
.
Oli
nda:I
'm sorr
y.I'
vejustbeenmeani
ngtotalkto
you.Youdi dn'
tevenanswermytextsyest
erday.
What'sgoingon?
Paul
:Wi
th?
Ol
inda:
Kgaogel
o.Wast
hatherboyf
ri
end?
Paul
:Real
ly?Youcameher
efort
his.
Oli
nda:
Iwant
edt
oknow.It
houghtyouguyswer
e
dat
ing.
Paul:
Noofcour senot
.Wear enotdati
ng.Wejust
worktogethert
hat'
sall
.Evenifwedid,
that
'snoneof
yourbusiness.
Oli
nda:
ButIknowyouguyswer
egoi
ngtohi
titat
somepoint
.Whyareyouall
owi
ngt
hist
ohappen?
Heopenedt
hedoorandpushedherout
side

Ol
inda:
Paul
!
Paul
:Iwantt
osl
eep.Bye.

Heclosedt hedooronherf aceandr ushedtothe

bedashet hr
ewhi mselfandclosedhiseyes.He
tr
iedfall
ingasleepbuthecoul dn'
t.Whydidshe
havet oremindhim aboutitwhenhewasst i
llt
rying
toforgetit
.Het ossedandturneduntilheeventuall
y
slept

AtI
thembaMi
ne

Ist
eppedoutsi
det
hecarinmypi nkMagdal
ena
minidr
essandwhi
teai
rforceasItuckedmycur
ly
weavebehi
ndmyearwhilelooki
ngaround.
Qhawest
eppedoutandwal
kedt
owar
dsmet
hen
hel
dmyhand

Qhawe:
Wel
comet
omywor
ld.
Me:
It
'shuge.
Qhawe:You'
l
lseeitbet
terwhenwecl
imbt
othet
opt
.
Let
'sgoandgetthehelmetsfi
rst
.
Me:
(Smi
led)
Okay.

Wewalkedtot
heworkshopthengrabbedt
he
j
acket
sandhelmetst
henwalkedtotheopensi
de
andcl
imbedal
lthewaytothetop

Me:
Ishoul
dhavewor
npant
s,I
'
m notcomf
ort
abl
e.
Qhawe:I
t'
sonl
ymeher
eandIl
oveyoumor
ein
dr
esses.

Hewi
nkedatmeasIshookmyheadandl
aughed.
Heunexpect
edl
ygr
abbedmeandscoopedmei
n
hi
sarmsashespanaroundwi
thme

Me:
(l
aughed)
Chawe.

Hestoppedandkissedmest
il
lcarryi
ngmei nhis
armsthenheputmedownasIst eppedonhi s
boot
sandwr appedmyarmsaroundhi sneckand
l
aidmyheadonhi sshoul
der
.

Me:
Idon'
twantt
oloseyout
oo.
Qhawe:
(huggedmet
ight
)Youwon'
t.I
'
llal
waysbe
her
e.

West oodinthatposit
ionf
orafewmi nut
est henhe
carr
iedmeonhi sbackaswecl imbedonthet op.
Wecoul dseeeverythi
ngthatwashappening.The
minersdiggi
ngandt hosemachines
Me:
Wow!Thi
sisbeaut
if
ul.

Icli
ckedaf ewpi
ctureswit
hmyphoneandalso
tooksomeofust ogether
.Thenwestoodi
nsil
ence
whilehol
dinghandsaswewat ched

Me:
Itmusthavet
akenal
ongt
imet
oachi
evet
his.
Qhawe:Yeah.Itt
ookalongti
mebutwedi dn'
tgi
ve
up.Wekeptpushingandfinall
ycreat
edthi
s.Buti
t
wasn'tt
hisbigwhenwest ar
ted.Westar
tedfr
om
thebott
om.Itwasalotofwor k.
Me:
I'
m sur
eitwas.
Qhawe:Mypar entsdi
edwhenIwasf our
teen.My
olderbrotherwaseighteen.Atthatt
imeZenze,my
youngerbr otherwas3.Tellmewhatwecoul dhave
donewi tha3yearol datthatti
me.Mybr other
(swall
owed)He' sagoodbr other.
Me:
(Smi
led)
I'
m sur
ehei
s.
Qhawe:
(Smi
led)
Hei
s.
Iwrappedmyar
msar
oundhi
sst
omachandl
aidmy
headonhim.

Qhawe: Thenwedeci dedtonamet hismine

Ithemba(Hope) .becauseofZenze.Hewast heone
whogaveushope, theencour agementtofinishthi
s
whenwewant edtogi veup.Looki
ngathi sinnocent
facejustbroughtal otofpain.Hewasj ustyoung
andhedi dn'tknowanyt hing.Wehadt odoi tforhi
m.
Mypar entsalsohadnot hi
ngintheirnamescause
theywer ejustuseless.
Me:
Babe.
Qhawe:
Theywer
eusel
ess.

Ikeptquietandlethi
m cont
inue.Ther
emighta
reasonbehindthat.MyphonerangasIcl
earedmy
throatandlookedathi
m

Me:
It
'swor
k.
Qhawe:
(cal
mly)Answeri
t.

Ianswer
ed

Me:
Hel
lo?
Paul:
(panti
ng)HeyIknowyourleaveendstomorrow
butthere'
sanemer gencyandAllt
hedoctorsar
e
needed.Abigaccidentoccur
redinSebokengand
weneedal lhandsondeckont hecasual
ty
department.
Me:
OkayI
'
llbet
her
eri
ghtnow.
Paul
:Hur
ry.
Me:
Okay.

Ihungupt
henl
ookedatQhawe

Me:
Ineedt
ogo.Wehaveanemer
gencyatwor
k.
Qhawe:
Oh.
Me:
YeahI
'
m sor
ry.We'
l
ldot
hisnextt
ime.

Iki
ssedhi
mthenhuggedhi
mti
ght

Me:
I'
m sor
ry.
Qhawe:
It
'sf
ine.
Me:Pleasedri
vemet
owor
k.I
'
llj
ustgol
iket
his.
There'
snot i
me.
Qhawe:
Let
'sgo.

Hehel
dmyhandaswer
ant
othepar
kingl
ot

(
ABONUSSPONSOREDBYONEOFOURREADERS)

TOBECONTI
NUED.
..
.
TheGoodWi
fe
#22
AtChr
isHaniBar
agwanahHospi
tal

Theparedemi
csrushedtheyoungboyinsi
dethe
hospi
tali
nastret
cherastheypushedhi
mt ot
heER.

Parademic:
Eightyearol
dhealt
hyboy.St
atuspost
encounterwi
thashat t
eredgl
asssi
gn.Numerous
l
acerati
ons.

Theypushedhiminsi
deandcl
osedthedooraswe
l
ookedathim andqui
ckl
yfi
xedever
ythi
ng

Paul
:Gethim setupwit
htr
aumathreewi
than
EKG,
fullbl
oodwor kandapanscan.

Ibr
ief
lyl
ookedathi
m
Me:
Venousdi
stent
ion.Hi
slef
tvei
nsar
epoppi
ng.
Paul:
Intr
athor
aci
cpressure.He'
snotbreat
hing,
his
chestismovingpar
adoxicall
y.Ineedaneedle.

Iquickl
yfixedaneedleandhandedi tt
ohim ashe
i
nser t
editonhischesttoreleaset
hepressur
e.I
uncoveredtheboy'
sT- shi
rtandlookedathi
sribs
thentouchedthem goingdown

Me:
Thei
nci
sionshoul
dtakepl
acet
wor
ibsdown.

Paulstoodonmysi dethentookthescalpeland
touchedhisleftr
ibsjustgoi
ngdownwi t
hhi s
fi
ngersuntilhewasonhi ssecondribthencutdown
onit,
makingsur ehestaysinthemidaxil
laryli
ne
j
ustInthemi ddleofhisarmpitandinsert
edachest
tubeastheboygasped.Ihel dthetubeinmyhand
andhangi tonjustnearthebed

Me:
(br
eat
hingheavi
l
y)He'
sbr
eat
hing.
NurseEma:Hi
sECGal
sochanged.I
tusedt
obe
hi
gher.I
t'
s86BPM.
Me:
Weneedt
odoanEcho.
Nur
se:
Hiseyesar
ewi
deopen,
i
sgonnat
akeawhi
le.
Paul
:(
fi
rml
y)I
tdoesn'
tmat
ter
!

Il
ookedathi
m

AFTERAFEW HOURS

Weremovedourgl
ovesandwashedourhandst
hen
sani
ti
zedt
hem aswewalkedt
otheentr
ance

Me:Iwonderhowabui l
dingcoul
djustf
allonpeopl
e
l
ikethat
.It
'shor
ri
ble.
Doct
orMane:
Tel
lmeabouti
t.
Me:
Alotofpeopl
edi
ed.I
t'
ssad.
Doct
orMane:
Iknowr
ight
.
IlookedatPaulf
ocusi
ngont
hef
looraswewal
ked
thensighed

AtI
thembaMi
ne

Zenzeopenedthebagt
hathadt
hedi
amondsashe
showedhisbrother
s

Sambul
o:Youi
nsur
edt
hem t
hist
ime?
Zenze:
(si
ghed)
I'
m notgonnadot
hesamemi
stake
agai
n.
Sambul o:Ihopeso(
lookedatt
hediamonds)Keep
them safe.Weneedt hem f
ort
helaunch.
Zenze:
Sur
e.

Hecl
osedt
hebagt
henwal
kedout
Sambul o:
EvaalreadyfoundthePlace.She'
s
handl
ingeverything.Nei
lwil
ltakecareofthe
secur
ity.Ever
ythingshouldbereadybyt omorr
ow.
Qhawe:
Sambul
o:Ther
ewon'
tbeanypr
obl
em.

Hel
ookedatQhawewhowasl
osti
nthought
swhi
le
smi
li
ng

Sambulo:Ibett
hatsmil
ehasever
ythi
ngt
odowi
th
thegi
rlyoubroughther
eear
li
er.
Qhawe:
(Snappedoutofhi
sthought
s)What
?
Sambul
o:Yout
hinki
ngabouther
.Whoi
sshe?
Qhawe:
Idon'
tknowwhatyout
alki
ngabout
.
Sambulo:
Youknowyoudo.Youbr oughtagir
lhere
ear
li
eron.You'veneverbroughtanyoneherebefor
e.
Shemustbespeci al
,henceyousmi l
ing.(
Laughed)
i
t'
snotabadt hingtofalli
nlove.
Qhawe:
Idon'
tl
oveher
.It
'sj
ustsex.
Sambul
o:(smil
ed)Yeahr
ight
.Stopconvinci
ng
your
sel
f.Thatatt
it
uderi
ghtther
ewillcostyouher
.
Qhawe:
Idi
dn'
texpectyout
obel
ieveme.
Sambul
o:(
laughed)
Right
.

Helaughedagai
nthenf
ocusedonhi
slapt
opas
Qhawestoodupandwalkedtohi
sof
fi
ce

Att
heAi
por
t

Intheplane,
Nenesatnextt
oLesandputonher
seatbel
tassherest
edherheadonthechai
r
breathi
ngheavi
ly

Nene:
(l
aughi
ng)I
'
m goingtofai
nt.Weshouldhave
hi
redacaroryoushouldhavej
ustdrove.
Les:(
laughed)
Noitwouldhavet
akenmor
ehour
s
andIdon'twantt
hat.Iwantust
ospendmor
eti
me
toget
herandgetther
efast.
Nene:
(smi
led)
Thankyouf
ort
his.
Les:
(ki
ssedher
)Il
oveyou.
Nene:
Iloveyout
oo.

Theyhel
deachother
'shandsti
ghtast
heyl
aughed
l
ookingateachot
her
'seyes.

Att
heHospi
tal

Int heemergencyroom,
Imonitor
edthepat i
ent'
s
vitalsaft
erIwasdoneIstoodnexttoFerah.Almost
alltheDoctorswereint
heroom incl
udi
ngPaul .I
not i
cedthem gi
vingmestaresasIpatFerah's
shoul der

Me:
What
'sgoi
ngon?
Fer
ah:
..
.
Me:
They'
vebeengi
vingmest
ares.Idon'
tknow
what
'sgoi
ngon.
Fer
ah:
"QhawePhakat
hwayoandhi
snewmi
str
ess"
wit
hyourpi
ctur
eatarest
uar
ant
.
Me:
Huh?
Ferah:
There'
sapi ct
ureofyouandhim ci
rculat
ing
onsocialmedia.Attherest
aur
antandoutsideon
theparki
nglotkissi
ng.
Me:
(hear
tski
pped)
What
?
Fer
ah:
"Hi
snewmi
str
ess"

Shewalkedawayasmyhear tpoundedagainstmy
chest
.Nowonderpeopletookpict
uresthatday.But
whatfor
?Andmi st
ress?I
'
m hismi st
ress?

Theroom wentsi
lentasIl
ookedar
oundandl
ocked
eyeswit
hHim.Hewal kedtowar
dsmewithasmil
e

Hi
m:(
Smi
led)
It
's7PM.
Heputhi
shandsar
oundmywai standtr
iedki
ssi
ng
mebutImovedmyfaceback.Thenhenoti
cedhow
uncomf
ort
abl
eIwasandslowlyrubbedmywaist

Qhawe:
Let
'sgo.
Me:
I.
.Ihaveaf
ewt
hingst
odof
ir
st.
Qhawe:
I'
l
lwai
tforyou.
Me:
Okay.

Il
ookedatever
yonet
henbackathi
m aswe
st
eppedoutsi
de.

Me:
(pushedhi
m away)
Real
lyChawe.I
'
m atwor
k.
Qhawe:
(Smi
le)Andyoul
ooksexyont
hatcoat
.

Ishookmyheadaswesteppedinsi
det
heel
evat
or.
Therewer
ealr
eadypeopl
einsi
desohehel
dmy
handt
ightandmadesur
ewewer
eatt
heback.

Itur
nedandlookedathi m asgavemeasill
ysmi r
k
thenheknel
tdownasever yonequi
ckl
ylookedat
him.Hepret
endedt hathewast i
eyi
nghisboots
thenever
yonelookedahead.

Ifel
thi
shandonmylegsasIgasped.Il
ookedat
hi
m ashemovedhishandal
lthewaytomypant y
whil
ehegotupandmovedmyt hongontheside
andstar
tedr
ubbi
ngonmyclit
.

Me:
Mhm.(
Clear
edmyt
hroat
)

Hegotcl
osert
omeandl ookedaheadactinglike
he'
sdoi
ngnothi
ngthensli
dhistwofinger
si nside
andst
art
edmovingthem.Ibreat
hedheavilyasI
cl
osedmyeyesandgrabbedhisJacketti
ght.
Me:
Mhm.Huu.Modi
mo.

Iclearedmyt hr
oatagain.Hewentom fast
erasI
grabbedhi sj
acketti
ghterandbi
tmylowerliphar
d
suppressingamoanhopi ngt
hesepeoplebehi
ndus
don'tnoti
ceanything.

Me:
(cl
osedmyeyes)Ahh.
.mhmm.

Theyt
urnedandlookedatusashequi
ckl
yremoved
hi
shandandlookedatme

Qhawe:
What
'
swr
ongMama?

Iswall
owedt henlookedatthem st
ari
ngatme.I
quickl
yshookmyhead.Theel evat
oropenedthen
theysteppedout.Hegrabbedmywai standlaughed
Me:
Whyt
hehel
ldi
dyoudot
hat
?

TOBECONTI
NUED.
..
TheGoodWi
fe
#23

Me:
Whyt
hehel
ldi
dyoudot
hat
?
Qhawe:Ij
ustwant
edt
oseehowyou'
dhandl
eit
.And
youtr
ied,
Igi
veyou6/
10.

Ikeptqui
etaswewalkedtomylocker
.It
ookmy
thi
ngsandwalkedout
sidetot
heparki
nglotwi
th
himfoll
owingme.

Qhawe:
Babe.

Hepul
ledmecl
osert
ohi
m bymyhandandhel
dmy
wai
st
Qhawe:
What'
swr ong?I
'
m sor
ryf
ordoi
ngwhatIdi
d
i
ntheel
evat
orthen.
Me:
Areyoumar
ri
ed?
Qhawe:
No.I
'
m si
ngl
e.
Me:
Whyar
etheycal
li
ngmeyourmi
str
ess?
Qhawe:
(Fr
owned)Who?

It
ookmyphoneoutofmybagandgotonTwi tt
er.
Weweretrending.Ishowedhimthenhesighed.I
di
dn'
texpectthatreact
ion.Hedi
dn'tseem bot
hered

Me:
Areyounotgonnasayanyt
hing?
Qhawe:Thisisapartofmyli
fethatIwantyoutobe
readyfor
.Mediaalwayswri
tethingsaboutus.Good
andbadt hi
ngs.Idon'
twantyout ot
akethem to
heart
.Youdon'tevenhavetoentert
aint
hem.
Me:Butareyoumar
ri
ed?Whyar
eyounot
answeri
ngme?
Qhawe:
I'
m notmar
ri
ed.Whywoul
dIbeher
ewi
th
youi
fIwas?
Me:
..
.
Qhawe:
Youar
etheonl
ywomani
nmyl
if
e.

Hetuckedmyweavebehi
ndmyearandsof
tl
y
ki
ssedmylips

Qhawe:
Youar
etheonl
ywomani
nmyl
if
e.Ipr
omi
se
you.
Me:
Okay.Iwantt
ogoandf
reshenup.

Ist
eppedinsi
dethecarandsatcomf
ort
abl
y.Hegot
i
nhissideandlookedatme

Qhawe:
Rachel
.
Me:
..
.
Qhawe:
(Fi
rml
y)WhenI
'
mtal
kingt
oyou,
Iwantyou
t
olookatmei
ntheeyeandanswerme.
Me:
..
.

Hecl
enchedhisj
awsandspedoff
.Ist
rappedon
myseat
beltasmyhear
tpoundedagai
nstmychest

Meanwhi l
ePaulst eppedoutoft hehospitaland
l
ookedatt hecarspeedi ngoffinthehighway.He
shookhisheadt henunl ockedhiscar.Ferahstood
outsi
dewai ti
ngforanUberwhi l
ePaulpassedher
wit
hhi scarthenher eversedandst oppedinfront
ofher.Ferah'
shear tpoundedagai nstherchestas
sheavoidedlookinginhi seyes.Hewasso
handsomeandhenevernot iceher.Whynow?

Paul
:HeyDoct
orCha-
(l
aughed)
Fer
ahr
ight
?
Fer
ah:
(l
owt
one)
Yeah.
Paul
:Sor
ryIcan'
tpr
onounceyoursur
namepr
oper
ly.
Fer
ah:
It
'sokay.Myf
ri
endal
socan'
t.
Paul
:Ri
ght
.CanItakeyouhome?It'
sver
ylat
eri
ght
nowandbolt
sarenotreal
lysaf
e.
Fer
ah:
NoIcan'
t-
Paul
:Ii
nsi
st.

Shel
ookeddownt
hest
eppedi
nsi
deashedr
oveof
f

Paul
:Sowher
ear
eyoust
ayi
ng?
Fer
ah:
Newt
own.
Paul
:Al
ri
ght
.

AtQhawe'
sHouse

Hethrustedf
orthel
astt
imeasmypussyached
andleakedwit
hourcum.

Me:
(sni
ff
ed)I
..
I'
m sor
rybaby.Il
oveyou.Il
oveyou.
Idozedof fonthebedashecover edmewi tha
blanketandlookedatme.Hi sli
psunexpect edl
y
curvedasmi lethenhequicklygotupandwentt o
thebathroom.Hewashedhi sdickthenputonhis
boxers.Hestoodont hedoorstepandl ookedatme
ashesmi l
ed.Thenhet ookhisphoneanddi al
eda
numberwhi lewalkingout

Thefol
lowingdayFerahpacedaroundherroom as
shebat
tledonwhethertotextmeornot.Shebither
l
owerli
pandt ext
ed

Fer
ah:
Heybar
biedol
l

Itt
ickedoneti
ckt henshesighedandwalkedtothe
bathroom t
ofreshenup.Onceshewasdone, she
walkedoutwithat owelaroundherbodyandlooked
atherphone.Herf acel
itupwhenshesaw
Kgaogelo'
sreply
Kgaogel
o:Hey
Fer
ah:
Whyl
aughi
ng?
Kgaogel
o:Iwasdickt
imazedyest
erdayfornot
obeyi
ng.Iwasli
teral
lybeggi
nghi
mt ostopcause
hekeptgi
vingmeor gams.Ij
ustwantedtodie
Fer
ah:
Youandhi
m ar
eal
laboutsex.I
t'
snotcut
e.
Kgaogelo:Wej
uststar
tedoutandI'
m not
ccomplaini
ng.
Ithi
nkIlovehi
sdickmore
Fer
ah:
Fri
endpl
easedon'
tgethur
t.
Kgaogel
o:Don'
tworr
ybabe.Igott
his.I'
vebeen
thr
oughworseinmylif
eandhim hurti
ngmewould
benothi
ngcomparedtowhatIwentthrough.
Ferah:
Okay.Ir
eal
lymissyou. Youst
opped
checki
ngonmesi ncehecame.
Kgaogelo:
I'
m sor
ry.I
'vejustbeencoopedupwith
workandHI M .ButI '
llcheckuponhim.
Yester
day'
saccidentwassohor ri
blet
hatitt
ooka
tol
lonme.
Ferah:
Same.Icoul
dn'tsl
eep. kgaogel
o:IdoubtI
wouldhavesl
epttooifQhawewasn'ther
e Kana
themorguewasfullyest
erday.
Fer
ah:
Yeah Fr
iendIhaveacr
ushonsomeone.
Kgaogel
o:mhmm.
Who?
Fer
ah:
Ourseni
orDoct
or.Doct
orJones
Kgaogel
o:Paul
?
Fer
ah:
Hisnamei
sPaul
?Yeahhi
m.
Kgaogel
o:Wowaww.Youshoul
dtel
lhi
m howyou
feel
.He'
sagreatman.
Fer
ah:
YohI
'
m scar
ed.

Ithadoneti
ckthenshesi
ghedandputi
tawayas
sheappli
edlot
iononherbody

AtQhawe'
sHouse

Ist
eppedout
sideonl
yonhi
sT-
shi
rtandnot
iced
hi
mt al
kingont
hephoneoutsi
de,
justnextt
othe
swimmi ngpool
.Hishousewashugebutdull.
Everythi
ngwasblack.

Henoti
cedmethenhangupandwalkedt
owards
me.Hewasshirt
lessandhel
ookedyummy.I
bl
ushedthenl
ookedaway

Qhawe:
(ki
ssedme) Goodmor
ning.Di
dyouhavea
goodni
ghtsleep?
Me:
Yeah.
Qhawe:
Didyoumeanwhatyousai
dyest
erday?
Me:
(conf
used)
What
?
Qhawe:
Never
mind.Come.

Heletmetothetableout
sidef
ulloff
oodashe
pull
edachai
rformewhi l
eIsatdown.Hewentand
satontheot
herside.
Qhawe:
Ihaveasupr
isef
oryou.
Me:
(Smi
led)
Real
ly?Wher
eisi
t?
Qhawe:
Fini
shyourbr
eakf
astf
ir
st.
Me:
(smi
led)
Okay.

AtPaul
'
sHouse

HisMotherdi
shedupforhi
mthenwat
chedhi
m eat
l
ikehi
slif
edependedonit

Paul
'
smot
her
:Shet
ext
edme.
Paul
:(
Mout
hful
)Who?
Paul
'
smot
her
:Kgaogel
o.
Paul
:Ooh?
whatdi
dshesay?
Paul
'smot her
:Shewasjustapologi
zingt
hatshe
coul
dn'thelpmebakeyesterdaybecauseofsome
emergencyatwor kandshe'
llcometoday.
Paul
:Okay.
Paul
'
smot
her
:Doyoul
oveher
?
Paul
:Notyouagai
nmom.
Paul'
smot her
:Iwanttoknowifyoudo.Son,
Idon'
t
wantyoudwel li
nguponher ,
orst
uckonherrat
her.
Shetreat
syoul ikeabrot
heranditshoul
dst
ayli
ke
that
.
Paul
:.
..
Paul
'
smot her
:Idon'
twanthert
ostopcomingtome
whenthi
ngsgetsawkwardbetweenyoutwo.
Paul
:Theywon'
tgetawkwar
d.Idon'
tevenl
oveher
l
iket
hat.
Paul
'
smot
her
:Okay.

I
nCapeTown

Nenesteppedout
sidethelodgewi thheryell
ow
swimwearandsatont hedinnertablef
ulloffood.
Shetookafewpict
uresandupl oadedt hem on
Facebookwit
hacaptionof" Sof
tlif
e "
Lesl
eywal
kedi
nandki
ssedherbef
oresi
tt
ingdown

Les:
(Smi
led)
Doyoul
ikeever
ythi
ng?
Nene:Babylookatt
his!Thi
sisCapeTown.Imean
ofcourse.
Les:
(l
aughed)
I'
m gl
adyoul
ikeever
ythi
ng.
Nene:
Canyoupl
easet
akepi
ctur
esofmef
ir
sti
nmy
swimwear
?
Les:
(l
aughed)
Okay.

Shesatsexil
yli
kehowt heI
nst
agram i
nfl
uencersdo
asLescli
ckedpict
ures.Shewassoyell
owandher
brai
dssuit
edheralot.Lessmi
ledthenpaused
st
aringatherti
nybody.

Nene:
Babe!
Les:
(snappedoutofhi
sthought
s)Yeah,
sor
ry.
AtAunt
ie'
sHouse

Shedial
edNene'snumberasitcont
inousl
yrang
unanswered.Shecl
ickedhert
ongueandwalked
outsi
dethehouse

(
BONUSI NSERTSPONSOREDBYONEOFOUR
READERS)

TOBECONTI
NUED.
..
.
TheGoodWi
fe
#24

AtCapeTown

I
naYat ch,
NenesippedonherChampagneand
f
ixedhersungl
assesasLesl
eylookedatherwhi
le
smil
ing.Shepost edthepi
ctur
esshetookona
yat
chandt heoceanonf acebookandWhatsApp.In
onemi nut
e,Therewasonecommentandonel ikeas
smil
edandr eadit
.Itwasf
rom "Lozawabant
wana"

Lozawabantwana:
Whatkindofamot herar
eyou
wena?Yourki
dsarestarvi
ngandyouareinthe
oceanwi
thpanti
esli
vingyourbestl
if
e "

Shelookedathi
spr
ofi
lepi
ctur
eandf r
ownedt
hen
cl
ickedhert
onguet
henqui
cklytyped

Nene:Myki dsaredoingjustfi
newenaomaswe, ka
dinko.St
ayt hehel
l awayfrom myprof
ilebefor
eI
blockyou.Icommuni catewithmymot herandnot
you.Satane!Abusivedickl
et.Youdon'
teven
supportthesekids "

Shecl
ickedhert
ongueagai
nthenl
oggedout
Les:
Heywhat
'swr
ong?
Nene:
Urghi
t'
smybabydaddy.
Les:
(fr
owned)
Whatdidhesay?It
houghtyouguys
arenotcommuni
cat
ing.
Nene:Wear
enotcommunicat
ing.Hejust
commentedont
hepictur
esIpostednow.Idon'
t
evenknowhowhefoundme.Ishouldhaveuseda
fakename.

Hesatnexttoherandpul
ledherl
egsinbet
ween
hi
slegsthentheyst
aredateachot
hereyes

Les:
Blockhi
m anddon'
tlethi
m gettoyousomuch.
Weareheretorel
axandIdon'twantyoutobesad.
Yourbabyisfi
newit
hyourmot hersofor
getabout
him.
Nene:
DidyousendMamat
hemoney?
Les:
Shi
tIf
orgot
.I'
l
lmaket
hepaymentnow.
Nene:
(Smi
led)
Okay.

Het
ookhi
sphoneoutandsentt
hemoney

Les:
Done!
Nene:
(Smi
led)
Thankyoubaby.

Shesatonhi
slapandsof
tl
yki
ssedhi
sli
ps

Nene:
Ilovehowyourbr
eat
hsmel
ls.
Les:
(smi
led)
Whatdoesmybr
eat
hsmel
ll
ike?
Nene:
Itsmel
lsl
ikesweet
s,al
waysandIl
ovet
hat
.

Theyki
ssedagai
nasLesgr
opedherass

Nene:
(l
aughed)
Les
AtAunt
ie'
sHouse

Shesmi ledwidelyasshest
aredatt
heR5000Nene
sent.Shequicklywenttot
hekit
chenandpoured
waterinsideapotthenputi
tonthestoveasi
t
boil
ed.

Thenshewal
kedbackt
oherr
oom andhel
dNene'
s
l
astborni
nherar
ms

Aunt
ie:
(Smi
led)
Mmagof
inal
lysentt
hemoney.

AtMusa'
sHouse

Hesatonthecouchandlookedathi
sfi
ndi
ngson
Googl
ethendial
edhi
solderbrot
her

Br
other
:Hel
lo?
Musa:
Hey,I
'
vebeenlooki
ngatNETBANKandIt
hink
t
heymighthel
p.ButI'
m goi
ngt
obetryi
ngal
lof
t
hem.
Brother
:That
'sgood.Whenyouar efree,
gotot he
bankandaskf orInqui
rerwhowillt
ellyouwhatt he
bankoffersanddoesnotoffert
hent hey'
llr
eferyou
tothemanager.Youmi ghtgett
heloan.
Musa:
Yeah.I'
m soexci
tedf
orthi
sandIhopeI
makei
t.I
'vebeenwanti
ngthi
ssincef
orever
.
Brot
her:
Iknow.I
fthemoneyi
snotenoughcal
lme.
I
'l
lhelp.
Musa:Idon'
twantt
ogetonyourwife'
sbadsi
de
agai
n.AnywayIwasjustt
ell
ingyousoyouknow.
Br
other:
Itol
dyoutost
optal
kingabouther
wheneverwetal
kaboutmoney.Mymoneyi smy
moneyandhermoneyishermoney.
Musa:
(si
ghed)
Haiokay.Shar
p.
Br
other
:How'
sIt
hana?
Musa:
(Smil
ed)
She'
sokay.She'ssoexcit
edabout
Nenebri
ngi
ngtheki
dsover.That'
sal
lthatshe'
s
beenbl
abber
ingaboutl
atel
y.
Br
other
:Ar
eyour
eal
lysur
eaboutNene?
Musa:100%.She'sagoodmot herandpart
ner.
Wheneverythingi
ssettl
ed,
I'
m marryi
ngher.Il
ove
herandIdon'twantanyoneelsebuther
.
Br
other
:(
sighed)
alr
ighti
fyousayso.Goodl
uck.
Musa:
Thanks.
Br
other
:Bye.
Musa:
Sur
e.

AtFer
ah'
sHouse

ShefixedherMakeupandputonherweavet hen
tookaf ewself
iesandpostedthem.Onceshewas
doneshesatdownont hechairwhil
efaci
ngthe
mirr
orandl ookedatt
hef ewcasesonherbooks
andinternet
.Afteraf
ewmi nutesshetookher
phonet henwentonInstagr
am andsearchedPaul
Jones.Af ewpeopleappearedthenshesmil
edas
shecl i
ckedonhi spr ofil
eandl ookedathi spost s.
Hehad4, 5Kf oll
ower s.Okaydoct orbae!Hepost ed
alotofpi cturesint heOT, t
wowhenhewasatt he
gym andf i
vewi thhi sfamily.Shepausedwhenshe
noticedKgaogel oandhi m si t
ti
ngatar estuarant
smilinginmat chingcl ot
hes.Hewasi nlightblue
formalSui tandwhi teT-shirti
nsideandKgaogel oi n
herlightblueopeneddesi gneddr esswithaponyt ai
l
pluggedi nherhai r
.Al umpst uckonhert hr
oatas
sheswal lowedhar dt henlookedathi sCaption." By
God' sgrace,Allwentwel l "
Shemi stakenlydoubl etappedt hescreenasher
heartski
ppedt henshequi cklydoubletappedonit
agai
n.Lucki l
yt hisisInstagram andnotFacebook.
Hewon' tnotice.Shesi ghedr el
ievedthenputt
he
phonedown.Havi ngacr ushonyourseni ori
sano
j
oke!Hopef ullyshe'llgetoverhim soonbecause
wow!

AtQhawe'
sHouse
Isteppedinsidethekit
chenandl ookedar ound.I t
wascl eanandver yhuge.Iopenedt hef r
idgeand
l
ookedatt hebeer si
nside.Ishookmyheadt hen
tookanappl eandclosedt hefridge.Iwashedi tand
carefull
ysatont hecounterwhi l
eIt ookabi t
e.I'
m
sti
llwaiti
ngforthesuprise,**
sigh**Ir eceiveda
notif
icati
ononWhat sApp.I twasf rom Paul

Paul:
Lookatthatcase.Ial
sosentt
hePDF.Don'
t
for
get18:00.
Me:
Not
edSi
r
Hebl
uet
ickedme.It
ext
edagai
n
Me:
Howar
eyou?
Paul
:I
'
m good.
Me:Sur
e?Ihopewecool
.Thi
ngshavebeenwei
rd
bet
weenus
Paul
:Not
hinghasbeenwei
rdbet
weenus.Wecool
KG.
Me:
ButwhydoIf
eel
li
keyou'
vebeeni
gnor
ingme?
Paul:
Idon'tknow.Ihavenotbeeni
gnor
ingyou.We
workedwel lt
oget
heryester
daywit
hnobadvibes
soIdon'tknowwhatyoumean.
Me:
Okayi
fyousayso.Iwaswor
ri
ed.
Paul:
Mymothermi
ssesyou.Shecan'
tst
opwhi
ning
aboutyou
Me:Youmeanourmother? Imi sshert
oo.It
ext
ed
herandwegood.I
'
llvi
sitherwhenI'
mf r
ee.
Paul
:al
ri
ght

Iheardfootstepsheadi
ngt owardsthekit
chen.I
l
ookedupandl ockedeyeswi t
ht hi
smanasmy
heartskippedabi t
.HelookedlikeQhawe'solder
vi
sion.Hehadgr eyhai
r,
goodphysi queandwas
wellbuil
t.Hewaswear ingaBr entwood,
whitevest
andZul usandals.

Hi
m:Nt
ombi
enhl
e.
Me:
..
.
Hi
m:Yehl
alapho.
(Cl
imbof
f)

Iqui
ckl
ycl
imbedof
fandswal
lowed

Him:Ngi
lambi
le.Pl
easemakesomethingf
orme.
Bathandwashyourhandsthor
oughly.
Me:
Okay.

Ipassedhi m andr ushedt othebat hroom.Thiswas

soembar r
assing.Iwasst i
llwearingQhawe' sShirt
.
Qhawedi dn'tevenwar nmeaboutt his.I'
m sogoing
tokillhi
m.Ort hi swast hesuprise?Att hi
spointI
don'tknow.Iqui cklyfreshenedupandwor emy
dressagaint henf ixedmyhai rthenrushedback
there.Hewassi tti
ngonast ool
,j
ustneart hecounter.
Iclearedmyt hr oatthenopenedt hef ri
dgeandt ook
someeggsout .Iwasgoi ngt ogetallthatfood
outsidebutwhatwi llhethinkofme?

Hi
m:Uhl
alanaye(
Doyoul
ivewi
thhi
m)
Me:
No.
Hi
m:Wakhul
umai
sil
ungumanj
eyi
ni?
Me:
I'
m TswanasoIcan'
tspeakZul
uatal
l.
Hi
m:Ooh.Ukol
enyane?
Me:
(l
aughed)
Eya.
Hi
m:I
gamal
akhoubani
(What
'syourname)
Me:
Kgaogel
o.
Hi
m:Whatdoesi
tmean?
Me:That
'sabi
thect
ic.ButIthi
nkitmeansGod
savedmeorsomething.Idon'
tknowhowt oexplai
n
i
tcauseyouareZul
uandyouwon' tunder
stand.
Hi
m:HauMadoda.
Me:
(l
aughed)
Ser
ious.
Him:Youcan'
tdeci
deforme.Whati
fIwouldhave
underst
ood?DidQhawetel
lyouhownaughtyand
st
ubbornhewasasaki d?
Me:
(l
aughed)
No.
Hi
m:Mybr
otherhasal
waysbeenver
yst
ubbor
nand
naught
y.(
Sighed)Heal
sohast
hisbadsi
det
hati
s
ver
ydangerous.
Me:
..
.
Hi
m:(
Smi
led)Hel
ovesyou.
Me:
..
.
Hi
m: Isawhowhel
ookedatyoui
ntheNewspaper
.
Helovesyou.

Qhawebar gedi
nsi
deandl
ookedatusashi
seyes
widened.

Qhawe:
Kgaogel
o.

Her oughl
ygrabbedmyar m andmademestand
behindhimthenlookedathi
sbr ot
herwi
thaver
y
ter
ri
f yi
ngl
ook

Qhawe:
Gobackt
othebedr
oom Kgaogel
o.
Me:
..
.
Qhawe:
(f
ir
mly)
Kgaogel
o!

Ij
umpedal
it
tl
ethenl
ookedathi
m

Qhawe:Andl
ockt
hedoor
.Don'
tgooutunl
essIt
ell
you.GO!

It
urnedandr
anupst
air
s

TOBECONTI
NUED.
..
.
TheGoodWi
fe
#25

AtQhawe'
sHouse

Qhawest
aredathi
sol
derbr
otherasol
dbad
memor i
esplayedinhisheadt henhecl enchedhis
fi
stsandjawst ot
ryandr edeem himsel f
.Theolder
brot
herlookedathisyoungerbr otheraspainstuck
onhisthroatmaki
ngi thardtoswal loworevensay
something.Thenheclearedhist hroatandrubbed
hisfor
ehead

Qhawe:
Ufunanil
a(Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e)
Br
other
:Baf
o.
Qhawe:
Don'tcal
lmethat.Getoutofmyhouse
bef
oreIbl
owyourbrainsout.
Hi
m:Ngi
yaxol
isa(
I'
m sor
ry)

Qhawet
ookhi
sgunonhi
swai
standpoi
ntedathi
m

Hi
m:Qhawe.
Qhawe:
Gett
hef
uckoutofher
e.I
'
m notyourbr
other
.
Getout
.
Hesl
owlygotupandheadedt
owar
dshi
mthen
bumpedhi
sforeheadonhi
sgun

Him:Youwoul dhavepul ledt hetriggeral ongtime

ago.Youdon' thavethebal lstodoi t
.I '
m your
blood,
yourolderbrother.I'
vebeenj ailedfor15
yearsandservedmysent ence.I'ver epented.I
'm
sorryf
ortaki
ngt heloveofyourl ifef rom youbut
shewasnotwhoshecl aimedt obe.I 'm noteven
supposedtoapol ogi
zecauseIwassavi ngmy
youngerbrot
her .ButbecauseIl oveyouandsaw
thepainIcausedyou, Ihavet odoi t
.
Qhawe:
Shutt
hef
uckup!
Hi
m:(Smil
ed)I
'm gl
adtoseethatyouaret
ryingt
o
moveon.Iknowyoul oveher
.Shelooksl
ikeagood
gi
rl
.Takecareofher.
Qhawe:Sot
hatyoucankil
lhert
oo?Huh?Trustme
i
fyouhurtt
hisoneoreventr
ytotouchherwi
th
yourl
it
tl
efi
nger.I
'
llf
uckyouup.Nowgetout.
Hi
m:Iwi
llneverhur
tyouagai
n.
Qhawer oughlypushedhi m outuntilhegotont he
door.Tothinkt hatherespect
edt hegroundhe
walkedon,nowhecan' tevenlookathispatheti
c
face.Howdoesabr ot
herkil
lhisyoungerbrother'
s
l
over?Hecl ickedhistongueandl ookedatthe
bodyguards

Qhawe:
Youareal
lfi
red.Getyourshi
t,
leavemy
machi
nesandgett
hef uckoutofher
e.

TheylookedateachotherthenQhaweshot
repeat
edlyonthegroundast heyquickl
ylef
tthe
gunsandr anout
.Hisbrotherlookedathim once
thenwalkedaway

Meanwhil
eIpacedar oundt hewholeroom.Iwas
anxi
ousandveryrestless.Whywoul dQhawereact
l
iket
hattohisbr
other?Idi dn'
tevenknowhehad
anot
herbrot
herbesidest hatoneIsawatthe
hospi
tal
.

Hesteppedi
nsi
dewhil
etal
kingont
hephoneand
l
ookedatmeasIstoppedpaci
ngupanddown

Qhawe:Ineedthosebodyguar
dsnow.Don'
tbr
ing
fool
ishonesagain.

Hehungupthent
ookhi
sT- shi
rtof
fandopenedt
he
dr
awerthent
ookhi
stoi
let
rybagout

Me:
Babe.
.
Qhawe:
Justsi
tdownandst
oppaci
ngupanddown.
I
'l
lbeback.

Hewalkedtothebathroom wit
houtevenlookingat
me.Heseemedver yangry.Iwonderwhat'sthedeal
wit
hhi
sbr ot
her.Butitdoesn'
tlookgood.Itookmy
t
honganddr essoffandsteppedinsi
dethe
bathroom.Hewassitt
ingnakedatthecornerofthe
showerwithwaterr
unningdownonhi m.Ilookedat
him asIswal
lowedthensteppedi
nside.

Me:
Hey.

Ikneltbetweenhi
slegsandf
orcedhi
slegsdown
thensatont opofhi
m.Hewaslooki
ngdown
throughout

Me:
What
'swr
ong?

Icuppedhi
sfaceonmyhandsandl
ookedathi
m

Qhawe:
Leave.
Me:
Tal
ktome.
Qhawe:
LeaveKgaogel
o.
Me:
Don'
tcal
lmet
hat
.
Qhawe:
Leave.Idon'
twantt
orepeatmysel
fagai
n.
Me:Iwon'tl
eaveyouChawe.I
'llsi
ther
eunti
lyouar
e
f
ine.I
'm notl
eavi
ngyouli
kethis.Youcan'
teven
l
ookatmei ntheeye.I
'
m notleavi
ng.

Heroughl
ygotupwithmesti
llont
opofhi
m and
pi
nnedmeagainstt
hewallt
henbitmyl
iphar
dasI
cl
osedmyeyes

Qhawe:
Don'
tpushme.
Me:Dowhatmakesyouf
eel
bet
terbutI
'
m not
l
eaving.

Helookedatmeoncethenst
ormedoutandcame
backwithwit
hhi
sbeltandablankcl
othasmy
hear
tskipped

Qhawe:
We'
l
lseehowyou'
l
ltaket
his.
Hebli
ndfoldedmewitht hecl
otht
henlockedmy
handswit
ht hebel
tontheshowerunti
ltheywereup
i
ntheairt
henl i
ft
edmyl egupandstar
tedeati
ngmy
pussyup

Me:
Ah.
.Chawe.

Ifel
tmybl oodrushi
ngi
nmyvei nsasmybody
beganshakingandmyt oescurl
ing.Heinser
tedhi
s
twof i
nger
sinsideandmovedthem fastasI
screamedont opofmyvoice.

Me:
(Moani
ngl
oudl
y)Mhmm.Ahhhh.Chawe.

Isqui
rt
edal
loverhi
sfinger
st henhel
if
tedbot
hmy
l
egsupandsli
dhisdickinthenheldmyassti
ght

Me:
Modi
mo.
Iscr
eamedont
opofmyvoi
ceashi
sdi
ckf
il
ledme
up

Qhawe:
Takei
tli
keabi
ggi
rlMama.
Me:(
cryi
ng)
Ican'
t.Iwantt
otouchyou.Iwantt
osee
you.
Qhawe:
(ki
ssedme)
Takei
tli
keabi
ggi
rl
.

AtSambul
o'sHouse

Evafr
ownedlookingattheNewspaperanddial
ed
Qhawe'snumber.Itr
angunansweredthensheread
i
tagai
nandt hr
ewi tontopoft
hecount er
.Nani
l
ookedather

Nani
:
Ukahl
emadam wami
?(Ar
eyouokay)
Eva:
No.It
'sQhawe.He'salloversocialmediaand
newspaperswi
ththi
sothergirl.At
leastthisti
methe
gi
rli
ssomeoneser i
ous.She'sadoct or.ButIknow
i
t'
llneverl
ast
.Idon'
tknowwhenhe'
l
leverset
tl
e
down.
Nani
:Idoubthe'llwanttoset
tl
edownanyt i
mesoon.
He'
sstil
lhurtoverFikil
e'
sdeath.It
hinkyoushoul
d
l
ethim dowhat everhewantsfornow.Hopeful
ly
he'
l
lmeetthel oveofhisli
feandsettl
edown.
Eva:
OohIcan'
twai
tfort
hatday.
Nani
:
(laughed)
Iknow.
Eva:
(si
ghed)
Hai
.Letmegoandseet
hatgi
rl
'sf
ami
ly.
Nani
:
Gomadam anddoyourj
ob.
Eva:
(smi
led)
Okay.

Shegr
abbedherbagandwal
kedoutwhi
ledi
ali
ng
Sambul
o

Somewher
einSandt
onEst
ate

Qhawe'
sBr
othersl
owl
ywal
kedont
hesi
deoft
he
room ashi sthroatbur ned.Hewasver yt i
redandhe
didn'tevenknowwher etogof r
om there.His
youngerbr other'
ssadf acekeptappear ingonhi s
faceasher ubbedhi snoset hensighed.Abl ackGTI
drovei nhi
sdi rect
iont henhequi cklystoodi nthe
mi ddleoftheroadt heni tstoppedont hesi deofthe
roadashesi ghedr el
ieved.Ayoungl adyr oll
ed
downt hewindowandbr ief
lylookedathi m

Him:(br
eathi
ngheavily)Nt
okazi
.I'
vejustbeen
r
eleasedfrom pri
son.Ihavenowhereelsetogoand
I
'm veryhungry.Pl
easegivemeal i
ft
.
Lady:I
'
m onmywayt ofetchmyoldgrandma's
medicines.Justknowthati
fyouki
llme,she'
snot
goingtogetthemedicati
onandshe'l
ldi
e.
Hi
m: I
'
vedonebadt hi
ngsi
nmyl
if
ebutI
'
llneverdo
t
hat.I
'm nott
hatevi
l.
Lady:
Geti
n.

Hej
umpedi
nsi
det
hel
aidhi
sheadbackont
heseat
ast
hel
adyl
ookedathi
mthendr
oveof
f

AtQhawe'
sHouse

Wegotinhi
sLamborghinit
henst
rappedont
he
seat
bel
tashespedoff

Me:
You'
l
lki
llusonedaywhi
lespeedi
ngof
fli
ket
his.
Qhawe:Thatwi
llneverhappen.Andt
hatr
emi
nds
me,youneedalicense.
Me:
(si
ghed)
Yeah.

Hi
sphoner
angt
henhel
ookedatmebef
orehe
pi
cked

Qhawe:
I'
l
lcal
lyouback.I
'
m st
il
ldr
ivi
ng.

Hehungupt
hent
urnedl
eft
Me:
What
'st
hedealwi
thyourbr
other
?
Qhawe:
Wedonewi
tht
hatconver
sat
ion.
Me:
Weneverhadaconver
sat
ion.
Qhawe:
WedoneRachel
.

Ishookmyheadt
henf
oldedmyar
ms

Qhawe:
Meandmybrot
her,wear
elaunchi
ngour
di
amondst
omorr
ow.Ineedyout
obet her
ewit
hme.
Me:
..
Qhawe:
Iwantt
omakeourr
elat
ionshi
pof
fi
cial
.

Il
ookedathi
m shocked

Qhawe:
Iwanttobewi t
hyouandIdon'
tthi
nkIcan
l
ivewi
thoutyou.Iwantever
yonet
oknowthatyou
aremywoman.Thatmeansyouar et
akenandoff
t
hemar
ket
.Youar
emi
neal
one.

Asmil
eunexpectedl
ycurvedonmyl i
psthenI
qui
ckl
ylookedoutsi
dethewindow.If
elthi
mtouch
myhandthenIlookedathim

Qhawe:
Iwantyou.

Ishyl
ylookeddownandsmi
led.

Att
hehospi
tal

Ferahsteppedinsi
deandspot t
edPaulspeaki
ng
withDoctorMathur.Shesmiledthenwal
kedpassed
them andwalkedtotherecepti
onist
.

AtCapeTown
Leswr appedhisarm ar
oundNene'
sshoulder
sas
theAerialCabl
ewaytookoff
.Nenecli
ckedafew
pict
uresandsmi l
ed

Nene:
Ifeell
ikest
ayi
nginCapeTownf or
ever
.Ican'
t
waitt
odoshopping.Ineedcl
othes.
Les:(
laughed)
Relax.Let'
sdoonethi
ngatati
me.
Enjoythisandlookatthi
sbeaut
if
ulview.
Nene:
(smi
led)
Yeah.

TOBECONTI
NUED.
..
.
TheGoodWi
fe
#26

AtRosebank

Theladysecr
etl
ygotQhawe'
sbrotheri
nher
bedr
oom andquickl
ycl
osedthedoor
Hi
m:Ngi
yabongaNt
okazi
.
Her
:I
t'
sfi
ne.ButJustknowthatIhaveaguni
fyou
t
ryanyt
hing.I
'
m apoli
ceoff
icer.
Hi
m:I
'
mr eall
yharml
ess.Idon'
tevenhaveaweapon
wi
thme.I'
l
lneverdothatt
oyou.
Her
:Okay.I
'
llbr
ingapl
atet
oyou.
Hi
m:Al
ri
ght
.

Shest eppedoutashelaiddownont hebedand

tookthenewspaperoutofhi spocketandreadi
t.
Mi nut
esl at
erthel
adysteppedinsi
dewi t
haplat
e
andcl osedthedoorashesatupr i
ghtandtookt
he
plate.

Him:Canyoupl
easegetmewat
ersoIcanwashmy
hands?

Shest
eppedoutt
henmi
nut
esl
atercamewi
thabi
g
bowlful
lofwater.Hewashedhi
shandsanddr
ied
them wi
thacloth

Hi
m:Ngi
yabonga.

Shequi
etl
ysatnextt
ohi
m andlookedawayashe
at
e.Oncehewasdoneheputtheplat
edown

Hi
m:Thef
oodwasdel
ici
ous.Youar
eagr
eatcook.
Her
:Mygr
andmot
herpr
epar
edt
hem.
Him:Ooh?Whatanamazi
ngwomanshei
s.I
'
llt
hank
heroneday.

Sheslowlygotupandt ookever
ythingasshe
steppedoutthenl
atercamewi t
hanot herbowlof
cl
eanwat er
.Hewashedhi shandsanddr i
edthem
asshesteppedoutagainthenmi nuteslat
ercame
backandsatnexttohim
Him:WhenIgotoutofprison,
Iwenttomyli
tt
le
brot
her'
shousefi
rst
.Ithoughtbynowhewoul d
havefoundoutwhyIkil
ledhisgir
lf
ri
endandletus
burythehat
chet
.
Her
:.
..
Hi
m: Butsadl
ynot.I
'
m notgoi
ngt
ogiveupthough.
Sotomorrowtheyarel
aunchi
ngt
hei
rdiamonds.I
wantyoutobemydat e.
Her
:Whyar
eyougoi
ngt
her
e?
Hi
m:Tosuppor
tthem.
Her:
Idon'
tthinki
sagoodidea.I
t'
scleart
hathe
hasn'
tfor
givenyouf
orki
ll
inghisexsogoingther
e
wil
lcausechaos.
Hi
m:Iknowbutamanhast
odoever
ythi
ngt
owi
n
hi
sfamil
yback.

Shekeptquietandl
ookedawayashelookedather
worr
iedfaceandsmiledr
ubbi
nghisbeard
Him:Ever
ythi
ngwillbef
ine.Igotever
ythi
ngpl
anned
out.Ij
ustneedyou.

AtCapeTown

Nenepackedhernewcl othes,
shoesandweaves
i
nsideanewsui tcasewhileLesspokeont hephone.
Sheclosedt hesuitcaseandsatacr ossthemi rr
or
asshedi dhermakeup.Shest ruggl
edabi tasshe
wipeditalloffandt r
iedagainthencameoutbet ter
.
Shesmi l
edl ooki
ngather selfonthemi rr
ort henput
onherhighheel sandl etherbrai
dsl oose.She
pull
edherdr essdownabi tandsprayedher sel f
withaperfume.Lest ur
nedandl ookedathert hen
hungupt hephone

Les:
Wow.Youl
ookbeaut
if
ul.
Nene:
Thankyoubabe.Let
'sgonowandhaveour
di
nner
.I'
m soti
red.Ihadalongday.
Les:
I'
l
ltakeyout
ospaaf
terdi
nner
.
Nene:
Awwbabe.Thankyou.

Shehuggedhi
mti
ght
lyandsof
tl
yki
ssedhi
sli
ps

Nene:
Let
'sgot
hen.

Shegr abbedhersi debagast heyheldhandsand

walkedout .Herphonei ndicatedanotif
icat
ionwhen
theywal kedinsi
det herestuarantasLespulleda
chairforher.Shesatdownandsmi ledathim whi
le
hewentandsatonhi sside.Shecli
ckedaf ew
pictur
esandpost edt hem onFacebookand
What sApp.Herhear tskippedwhenshesawMusa' s
message.Shequi cklydeletedthepict
uresand
viewedhi smessage

Musa:Heybabe.I'
m sowor r
ied.Youhaven'
tcal
led
fort
wodays.NowIhadt ogoandaskShami sot o
sendmeWhat sAppsoIcancommuni catewit
hyou.
Areyouokay?Pleasetextback.
Nene:
I'
m okaybabe.I
t'
sbeenhecti
c.Mymom has
beenannoyi
ngbuttomorrowI
'm comi
ngther
ewit
h
theki
ds.Theycan'
twaitt
oseeyou
Musa:Thankgodyouar eokay.Ican'twai
ttosee
them t
oo.Ibr
oughtat winbedforthem.ThinaWe'l
l
sleepwit
hourlastborn.Ihavegoodnewsf oryou.
Comesoonmyl ove.
Nene:
Awwbabe.Ihopeyoudidn'
tgetyour
sel
fina
hugedebt
.Butt
hankyou.Il
oveyouMusaandI
missyousomuch
Musa:NoIdi dn'
tborr
owf r
om anyonet
histi
me.I
hadsavings.Don'tworr
yaboutthatSt
handwaSam.
Imissyout oolove.

Lesl
ookedatherasshesmi
ledont
hephone

Les:
Andwhoareyout
alki
ngto?It
houghtno
phonesar
eal
lowedsi
ncethi
sisoural
oneti
me.
Sheputt
hephoneawayandl
ookedathi
m

Nene:
Sorr
y.Thatwasmycousi
ncomment
ingon
t
hepict
uresIpost
ed.I
'
m sor
rybabe.
Les:
It
'sokay.Let
'sor
der
.

Hecal
ledi
nawai
tr
esst
henor
der
ed

AtI
thembaMi
ne

Qhawesteppedi
nsidehi
sbrot
her'
sof
fi
cewi
thhi
s
handsshovedDeepinhi
spocket
s

Sambulo:Hey,
youhere.Nei
ltol
dmeaboutyouf
ir
ing
yourbodyguards.Whywasthat?
Qhawe:
He'
sback.
Sambul
o:Who?
Qhawe:
Xhant
il
omzi
.
Sambul
o:(
hear
tski
pped)
What
?
Qhawe:
Hecamet
omyhouseandspoket
omy
woman.MywomanSambul
o.
Sambul
o:Whatdi
dhesay?
Qhawe:Sameoldsong.I'
m goi
ngt okil
lhim.Thi
s
t
ime,
I'
llmakesurethebull
etdoesn'tmisshi
m.
Sambul
o:It
houghthewi
llber
eleasednextmont
h.
Qhawe:Hehadthener
vet
osecr
etl
ygeti
nsi
demy
houseandtalkt
omywoman.Youshoul
dhaveseen
howcomf or
tabl
ehewas.

Hechuckl
edindi
sbel
iefandt
ookt
heci
gar
ett
esout
ofhi
spocket
sandli
tone

Sambul
o:Hewon'
ttr
yanyt
hingt
hist
imear
ound.
Qhawe:
I'
m notwai
ti
ngf
orhi
mtoevent
ryanyt
hing.I
wantt
ofini
shhim.
Sambul
o:Andgetyoursel
fti
ntedwit
hhisblood.
Don'
tbr
ingyour
selfbadluckunnecessar
il
y.He'
s
yourbr
other
.
Qhawe:
Idon'
tgi
veaf
uck.I
'
m goi
ngt
oki
llhi
m.
Sambul
o:Qhawe.

Hewal
kedoutasSambul
osi
ghed

Att
heHospi
tal

Isatdownonthel
ibr
aryandsmi
ledasIpi
cked
Qhawe'scal
l

Me:
Hey.
Qhawe:
(Lowt
one)
Heyar
eyouokay?
Me:
I'
mfi
nebaby.Howar
eyou?
Qhawe:
I'
m good.I
'
llpi
ckyouupat8.
Me:
(Smi
led)
Okay.
Hehungup.Fer
ahst
eppedi
nsi
deandsatacr
oss
me

Fer
ah:
Hey.
Me:
Hey.
Fer
ah:
Youl
ookhappy.
Me:
(Smi
led)
Iam happy.
Ferah:
Idon'
tli
keMrGhostbuthemakesyouhappy
andyourhappinessmeansever
ythi
ngt
omesoI '
ll
accepthi
m.
Me:
Thankyoubabe.Youguysshoul
dmeet
.
Fer
ah:
Yeah.
Me:
Didyout
ellPaul
?
Fer
ah:NoandIwon't
.Gi
rlamanhastoappr
oach
youfi
rst
,nott
heot
herwayaround.
Me:Buthowwil
lheappr
oachyouwhenhedoesn'
t
knowaboutt
hecrushyouhavef
orhi
m.
Fer
ah:
Wel
lhehast
o.Idon'
tknowhowbuthehast
o.
Me:
(l
aughed)
That
'sdumb.

Laterthatni ghtQhawest eppedout sidehiscarand

walkedunt ilhegotatt hehouse.Hest eppedi nsi
de
theyardandpeakedi nsi
de.Thenhecl imbedont he
roofandsl owl ywalkedtot heotherrooms.He
pausedwhenhehear dhisbrother'
svoi ce.Thenhe
careful
lyclimbedof fandl ookedathi mi nthe
window.Hewaschat t
ingandl aughingwi ththis
woman.Hecockedhi sgunwi thhisboot sand
aimedi tathi m

Xhant
i:
(l
aughed)
Wewer
eunst
oppabl
e.
Lady:
Heari
ngallofthi
smakesmewannaar
restyou
andyourbrot
hers.

Helaughedt
hrowinghisheadbackasQhawe
l
ookedathim wi
thapoundingheart
.Hishands
shaki
ngasheheldtheguninhishands.Whywasi
t
sofucki
nghardtoshootthi
sguy?Hewi pedhi
s
sweatandbreathedheavi
lyasheaimedt hegunat
hisbrot
her
.Itwassoeasyf orhi
mt oshootFikil
e,
so
easy.Whydidithavetobesohar dtoshoothim?
Theladyspott
edhim asherheartski
pped

Her
:Duck.

Shepull
edhi
shandast
heyt
hrewt
hemsel
veson
thef
loor

Her:
Ther
e'samanst
andi
ngout
sidet
hewi
ndow
wit
hagun.

Xhant
ifr
ownedasshet
ookhergunonherwai
st
andshotri
ghtont
hewi
ndow

Xhant
i:
Let
hu.
Sheshotr
epeat
edl
ythenasoundofhi
m gr
oani
ng
i
npainmadeherst
andupandr ant
othewi
ndow

Xhant
i:
Let
hukut
hul
ast
op.That
'smybr
other
.
Let
hu:
What
?

Shelookedoutsi
det
hewindowasherheart
pounded.Ther
eweretr
ail
sofbl
oodeverywher
e

Let
hu:
Shi
t!

Xhant
istoodupandwalkedt
owardsthewindowas
hi
sheartski
ppedlooki
ngatt
het
rail
sofblood

Xhant
i:
Fuck!

Hej
umpedont
hewi
ndowandr
anout
side
TOBECONTI
NUED.
..
TheGoodWi
fe
#27

AtSambul
o'sHouse

Qhawestagger
edaroundt heyardwhilebleedi
ng
heavi
lyastwosecuri
tyguardsrantowardshi m and
theot
hersrani
nsidethehouse.Minuteslater,
Eva
andSambuloranoutside

Eva:
Ohmygoodness!
Sambul
o:Gethi
mint
hecar
.

Theyheldhim andputhi minsi

dethecaras
SambuloandEvast eppedi
nsideanddroveoff
.Eva
pressedQhawe'swoundonhi sshoul
derwit
hher
handsastearsfil
ledhereyes
Eva:
Don'
tcl
oseyoureyesQhawe.Lookatme.Look
atme.

Shelookedatt
hebleedi
ngwoundonhi
sst
omach
astearsdr
oppedonhereyes

Eva:
Sambul
odr
ivef
ast
er.OhmygodQhawe.

Sambulospedof
font
her
edr
obotanddr
ovet
othe
hospi
tal

AtChr
isHaniBar
agwanahHospi
tal

Il
ookedatthet
imeagai
nasIsi
ghed.I
twashal
f
pastni
neandther
ewasnomessagefr
om hi
m.

PaulSt
eppedi
nsi
det
hel
ibr
aryandl
ookedatme
Paul
:It
houghtyouknockedof
fat8.
Me:
Yeah.I
'
m wai
ti
ngf
orsomeonet
odr
ivemehome.
Paul
:I
t'
sget
ti
ngl
ate.
Me:
(Si
ghed)
Yah.
Paul
:Letmedr
iveyouhomeKG.It'
snotsaf
eri
ght
nowandwhatifthi
sper
sondoesn'
tshowup.
Me:
Letmewai
tforhi
mforaf
ewmor
emi
nut
es.
Paul
:(
sighed)
Okay.

Hegr
abbedabookandst
eppedout

Me:
Chawewher
ear
eyou?

AtLet
hu'
sHouse

Shet
uckedhergr
andmot
hert
osl
eepandswi
tched
offthel
ight
s.Thenshewalkedtoherroom and
foundXhantist
ari
ngout
sidethewindow

Let
hu:
I'
m sor
ry.It
houghti
twasani
ntr
uder
.

Xhant
ijustst
aredout
sidewi
thf
oldedar
ms

Let
hu:
Icangoandcheckonhi
m at
-
Xhant
i:
It
'sokay.Qhaweiscl
ever
.Hemusthave
wentandgothelp.Youdi
dwhatyouhadto.Come
her
e.

Shesl
owlywalkedt
owar dshi
m andst
oodnextt
o
hi
m astheyst
aredateachother

Xhant
i:
(smi
led)
Youar
eaver
ybr
avewoman.

Hel
ookedatherowlbeaut
if
uleyesandhernat
ural
blackbigaf
ro.Shelookedsoinnocentt
obeapol i
ce
offi
cerandwhatshedi dj
ustnowt ur
nedhim onbi
g
ti
me.Shedr oppedhergazewhenshenot i
cedhim
l
ookingdeepinhersoul

Let
hu:
I'
l
lgoandf
reshenup.
Xhant
i:
Okay.

Shest
eppedout

Att
heHospi
tal

Thedoctorst
eppedoutoft
heOTandst
oppedi
n
fr
ontofEvaandSambulo

Eva:
Howi
shedoct
or?
Doctor
:He'
soutofdanger
.We'vemanagedt
o
removethebul
let
sandstabi
li
zedhi
m.
Eva:
(Sni
ff
led)
Thankgod.Thankyousomuch
Doct
or.Thankyou.
Doct
or:
I'
m goi
ngtor
eportt
hecaset
othepol
iceso
t
heculpr
it
sarepuni
shed.
Eva:
(nodded)
Okay.

Hewal
kedawayasEvahuggedSambul
oti
ght
ly

Eva:
He'
sokay.
Sambul
o:Let
'sgohome.We'
l
lcomet
omor
row.

Theyheldhandsast
heywalkedout
side.Sambul
o
cl
ickedonthenumber
sthatNeil
senthim and
di
aledthem ast
heywal
kedoutsi
de

Voi
ce:
Hel
lo?
Sambul
o:Rachel
?
Voi
ce:
Whoam Ispeaki
ngt
o?
Sambul
o:Youar
espeakingt
oQhawe'
sbrot
her.
Qhawehasbeenshotandhe'
sint
hehospi
tal
.
Kgaogelo:
What
?Noo.I
sheokay?Pl
easet
ellme
he'
sfine.
Sambul
o:He'
sokay.He'
sst
abl
e.
Kgaogel
o:(
Sni
ff
led)
Pleasesendmet
hel
ocat
ion.
Sambulo:It
'slat
enow.Youcanvi
sithi
mtomor r
ow.I
wasjustletti
ngyouknow.Anddon'
tworr
y,he'
sfine.
Takecare.
Kgaogel
o:(
Sni
ff
led)
Okay.Thankyouf
ort
ell
ingme.
Sambul
o:Sur
e.

ShehungupasSambuloopenedt
hedoorf
orEva
thenshest
eppedi
nsi
dewhil
ehegoti
nhisside

Eva:
Whydi
dyout
ellher
?
Sambul
o:She'
sQhawe'
sgi
rl
fr
iend.
Eva:
She'
sQhawe'
sanot
hersext
oy.Whoknowst
hat
maybeshe'stheoneresponsi
blef
orhiscondi
ti
on.
Webothknowt hatQhaweisnotreadytol
ove
anyoneanyti
mesoon.
Sambulo:
Qhawel ovesher.HewenttoRosebankto
ki
llXhant
icausehef oundhim al
lcomf
ort
ablewit
h
her.Hedi
ditforher.
Eva:
Xhant
iisback?
Sambul
o:Yes.
Eva:
What
?

Shet
ouchedherchestasSambul
odr
oveof
f

TWODAYSLATER

If
ixedQhawe'
spi
ll
owsashel ai
ddowncomf
ort
abl
y.
Heheldmyhandt
ightasIsatdown

Me:
Youar
eget
ti
ngbet
ter
.
Qhawe:
Youar
eget
ti
ngwor
se.You'
vel
ostal
ot
wei
ght.
Me:
..
.
Qhawe:
Itol
dyounotgetwor
ri
edaboutme.I
'
mfi
ne.
Comehere.

Igotcl
osert
ohi
mthenhegr
abbedmycheeksand
ki
ssedme

Me:
Whoshotyou?
Qhawe:
Abusi
nessr
ival
.
Me:Youguysownami ne.Whydoyouhavet odo
si
deill
egalbusi
nessonthesi
de?Idon'
tunderst
and.
Qhawe:
It
'sal
lthatgotusher
e.
Me:
Wil
liteverst
op?Idon'
twantt
oloseyou.
Qhawe:
Youwon'
tloseme.I
'
llal
wayscomebackt
o
you.
Il
aidmyhandonhi
schestandcl
osedmyeyes

Me:Mylif
ewasnor malbef
oreyoucame.NowI 'm
al
wayslivi
nginfear
.Whatifyoudie?Ishoul
dhave
neverwenttot
hatclub.Wewouldn'tbeher
etoday.
Qhawe:
Evenifyoudi
dn'
tgo.Wewoul
dhavemetat
somepoint
.

Meanwhil
eEvaandSambul
ost
eppedi
nsi
deand
l
ookedatus.

Eva:
GoodMor
ning.

Iqui
ckl
yli
ft
edmyheadupandl
ookedatt
hem

Qhawe:
(Smi
led)
GoodMor
ning.
Me:
GoodMor
ning.
Sheputt
hef
lower
sinsi
deagl
assandl
ookedat
Qhawe.

Eva:
Ihear
dthatFl
ower
smakepat
ient
shealf
ast
.
Qhawe:
(Smi
led)
Eva:
Haveyoueat
enanyt
hing?Ibr
oughtyouf
ood.
Qhawe:
Rachelal
readyf
edme.I
'
m good.

Shel
ookedatmet
hensatdownandf
oldedher
ar
ms

Eva:
Okay.
Sambul
o:I
'
vecancel
ledt
hel
aunch.We'
l
ldoi
twhen
youar
ebetter
.
Qhawe:Nodon'
t.Doitwithoutme.We'
vecancel
led
i
talotofti
mesalready.
Sambul
o:(
sighed)
Okay.
Thent
her
ewasanawkwar
dsi
lent
.Ipi
ckedmybag
andst
oodup

Qhawe:
Heywher
eyougoi
ng?
Me:
Ineedt
ogot
owor
k.
Qhawe:
Comeher
e.

Igotcl
osert
henweki
ssed

Qhawe:
Takecar
eofyour
sel
f.
Me:
Iwi
ll
.Bye.

Igotupandwal
kedout
*
*
*
THREEMONTHSLATER

TOBECONTI
NUED.
..
..
TheGoodWi
fe
#28

Att
heRest
uar
ant

MeandKut l
wanosteppedinsi
deandspott
edNene
witht
hekidsseat
edbyt hecor
ner
.Kutl
wanor an
overandheldMosainhisarmsandhuggedhim
ti
ghtl
ythenspanhim ar
oundashelaughedloudl
y
thr
owinghisheadback

Me:
(Tonene)
HeyyCuzzy.
Nene:
Lookatyoul
ooki
ngal
lcut
e.

Wehuggedt
ightt
henIsmi
ledatThapel
ohugged
Thapel
oti
ghtandki
ssedhi
sfor
ehead

Me:Hel
loboyboy.(
Tonene)
Yourboysl
ookl
iket
hei
r
Fat
heryohh.
Nene:
(l
aughed)
YohhTel
lmeabouti
t.

IkissedMosa'
sForeheadandPutThapel
oni
celyon
theseatasKut
lwanosatclosert
oMosaandplayed
gamei nhi
sphone

Thewaitresscameandt
ookouror
dert
henwentt
o
theki
tchen

Me:
Howar
eyouCuzzy?
Nene:
I'
m good,
l
ifei
sgood.Ican'
tcompl
ain.
Me:
(Smi
led)
Mhmm.Isee.Youl
ookbeaut
if
ul.
Nene:
Thankyou.Andwena?Thegl
ow?Wagl
ow'
a
hakana.
Me:
(l
aughed)

Kut
lwanospot
tedhiswhit
efr
iendandqui
ckl
ygot
upasNeneandIlookedathi
m.Theyshoul
der
bumped

Fr
iend:
(Lookedatus)Hel
lo.I
'
m Kar
en.
Us:
Hel
lo.
Kut
lwano:
Canwegoandeatwi
thhi
m?We'
l
lsi
t
t
herei
nthemiddl
e.
Me:
We?
Kut
lwano:
Thapel
o,MosaandI
.
Me:Okay.Don'tf
orgett
oputthenapki
naroundthei
r
necks.Go.I
'l
ltel
lthewait
resst
obri
ngyourfood
ther
e.
Kut
lwano:
Okay.Danko!
Me:
(Smi
led)
Nicet
omeetyouKar
en.
Kar
en:
(Smi
led)
Nicet
omeetyout
ooAunt
ie.
Ismil
edast heytookt
hekidsandl
eft.Mi nut
eslat
er
thewaitr
essbroughtt
hefoodandtookt heir
sto
them asNenelookedatmyfoodandl aughed

Nene:
Rabbi
tfood?
Me:(
laughed)Ihavet
otel
lyousomet
hing.Pl
ease
don'
tfreakout.
Nene:
(l
aughed)
Okaywhat
'sgoi
ngon?

Il
ookedar
oundthenmovedontheothersi
deand
openedmycoatashereyeswi
dened

Nene:
Kgaogel
o!
Me:
(Laughed)
Congr
atul
ati
ons.Youar
egoi
ngt
obe
anAunti
e.

Shescr
eamedt
hent
ouchedmybumpasIl
aughed
Me:
(l
aughed)
Geti
ttoget
her
.Ihaven'
tdi
scl
osedt
his
t
oanyoneyet
.
Nene:
Ohmygod!Thi
sisgoodnews.Whatt
hef
uck!
Me:(
laughed)
Real
ly?ButI
'
mf reaki
ngout
.Ihaven'
t
t
oldChawe.I'
vebeendodginghim.
Nene:
Why?
Me:
Wedi dn'
tpl
ant
his.Idon'
tknowhow'
shegonna
t
akethi
s.
Nene:
Youshoul
dtel
lhi
m.Iseet
heDubait
ri
pgotus
ababy.
Me:(l
aughed)No.I
'
m hit
ti
ngthr
eemont
hs.SoIwas
unknowingl
ypregnantwhenwewentt
oDubait
wo
monthsback.
Nene:Butyoushoul
dtel
lhi
m Cuz.I
'
m sur
ehe'
l
lbe
happy.
Me:
(si
ghed)
Yeah.
Nene:
I'
m sohappyforyouBabe.Thi
swillbealong
beaut
if
uljour
ney.You'
l
lbegett
ingyourbundl
eof
j
oysoon.
Me:
How'
slabour
?
Nene:
(Chewed)
You'
l
lseef
oryour
sel
f.
Me:
Isi
tbad?

Shelaughedt
hencont
inuedeat
ing.It
ookt
hef
ork
andstart
edeat
ingmysalad

Nene:
Ifor
gott
otel
lyou,
Musai
sbui
ldi
ngf
lat
s.He
gotal
oanatNETBANK.
Me:
Flat
s?That
'shuge.
Nene:Iknow.Apparentl
yhehadalandalr
eadythat
hisgr
andmot herl
eftforhi
m sohebui
ltt
hem t
here.
I'
m soproudofmymanhl emma.He'sworki
ngso
hard.
Me:Yeah.Yougott
heri
ghtoneher
eCuz.Sti
ckwit
h
hi
m andsupporthi
m.Il
ovehowhet r
eat
stheki
ds.
Nene:
(smi
led)
Met
oo.Heforcedtostaywi
thNeo
whenwecameher
e.Helovesthem somuch.
It
hanaeneshe'
sNeo'
smot
her
.Shedoesn'
twant
anyonet
otouchher
.
Me:
(Smil
ed)He'ssuchagoodman.Don'
ttr
adehim
f
oranyt
hing.Thisonei
sagoodmanCuz.Better
t
hanLoza.
Nene:Per
iod.I
'
mjustgl
adthatIgotl
ostt
hatday.I
wouldn'
thavemetmyfutur
ehusbandbathong.
Me:
(Laughed)
Nene:Ihadt
hisi
deaofsell
ingicecreams.Di
ff
erent
fl
avors.SoI
'
vebeensavingandImanagedt ogeta
pl
ot.Iwantt
ostartbui
ldi
ngtheretoo.
Me:
What?That
'samazi
ng.Bathongyouandyour
manar
esobusinessmindedokay!
Nene:(
laughed)Imean.Butei
sh,
Ihavetostar
t
savi
ngf oral
lthebuil
dingmater
ial
.Thatpl
otcost
ed
me.
Me:Okaythenletmefundt
hebusi
nessbutIwant
Zer
opr of
it
.Ijustwantt
ohel
pmycousin.
Nene:
Real
ly?I
'
dappr
eci
atei
tCuzzy.
Me:
(hel
dherhand)
It
'l
lmakemehappy.
Myphoner
angasIsi
ghedandl
ookedati
t.It
ooka
si
ponmylemoncol
dwater

Nene:
Whoar
eyoui
gnor
ingnow?
Me:I
t'
sChawe.Idon' tknowwhatexcuseI'l
lcome
upwithtoday.AndIknowwhenImeethi m,he'l
lsee
mybump.Chawel i
teral
lynot
icesever
ythi
ngi nme.
Eventheli
tt
lethi
ngs.
Nene:
Whyar eyousoafr
aidtotel
lhi
m?He'sthe
fat
herandhehastheri
ghttoknow.Kgaogel
oishe
evengett
ingsex?Howl
onghaveyoubeeni gnor
ing
him?
Me:
(si
ghed)
It
'sbeent
hreeweeks.
Nene:
What
?
Me:I'
vebeenmaki ngexcusesaboutwor ki
ngandI
haven'
tbeensleepingathome.Imovedt oPaul
'
s
motherhouse.Iknowhe'llnevergetther
e.And
sex,
hegotitt
woweeksago. (l
aughed)Hegotme
i
nsidethehospit
alandtookmet ohiscar.I
twas
wil
d.Chawehaut
lwetl
he.Evenaf
terIt
oldhi
m not
getmeinsi
det
hehospi
talagai
n.
Nene:(
Sighed)
Ist
illdon'
tseet
hereasont
odohi
m
l
ikethi
s.Answerthecallandt
alkt
oyourman
Kgaogelo.
Me:
Ican'
ttel
lhi
m overt
hephone.
Nene:
Thenorgani
zeameetup.Comeon, sl
eepover
athi
shouse.Batl
amot sayabanyanaba
j
oburg(
Joburggir
lswi
llsnatchhi
m)

Il
ookedatherasIpi
cked

Me:
Hel
lo?
Qhawe:
HeyMama.Imi
ssyou.
Me:
S..
same.
Qhawe:
What'
swrong?Di
dIdoanyt
hingwr
ong?
You'
vebeeni
gnor
ingme.
Me:
..
.
Qhawe:Rachel
.Tal
ktome.Comet
omyhouseaf
ter
yourouti
ng.Weneedtot
alk.
Me:
Okay.

Hehungup

Me:
Ifeelsobad.Hesoundssosad.
Nene:
(shookherhead)
Hehast o.You'
vebeen
dodgi
nghimf ort
hreeweeks.
Me:I'
mt ell
inghimtoni
ght.Ihavenochoi
ce.
Tomor r
owi smyfat
her'
sbirt
hdayandIwantedto
spenditwit hhi
m butKutl
wano.IknowwhenI'm
wit
hhi m,Iwon'tbesadtoomuch.
Nene:
(hel
dmyhands)Weshoul
ddosomet
hing
t
omorrowandcel
ebrat
eit
.
Me:
Yeah.Asmal
lthi
ng.

AtLesedi
'
sHouse
Shesatdownwithherheadboweddownasher
uncl
es,aunt
sandGrandmotherspoke.Tearsf
il
led
hereyesaspai
nstuckonherthroatthenshe
swall
owedhard

Grandmot her
:She'
salwayscryi
ngwhenIaskher
aboutthebabydaddy.Maybeyouguyscanaskher.
Ngikhathelemina(
I'
mt i
red)
Uncl
e1:
Lesediwhoimpr
egnat
edyou?Lookatmei
n
t
heeyeandtellme.
Lesedi
:.
..
Uncl
e2:
Lesediweeh.Tal
kman.Wecan'
tdot
hisal
l
day.
Lesedi
:(
Cryi
ng)
It
'sZenze.
Aunt
:Ubanii
sbongosake(
What
'shi
ssur
name)
Lesedi
:(
cryi
ng)
Phakat
hwayo.
Uncl
e1:
Wher
edoeshest
ay?
Lesedi
:Sandt
on.
Uncl
e1:
Doeshebel
ongt
otheMi
neowner
s?
Lesedi
:(
Sni
ff
led)
Yes.
Grandmot
her:
Whoar
ethemi
neowner
snow?Do
youknowthem?
Uncl
e1:
Yeswedo.We'
l
lgot
her
enow.

Theyal
lgotupandst
eppedout

Grandmother:
Gotoyourr
oom Lesediandst
op
snif
fi
nginfrontofme.

Shecl
ickedhert
ongueasLesedist
oodupand
wal
kedtoherroom

Att
heHot
el

Xhant
igr
oanedloudlyashefi
ll
edhi
ssemeninsi
de
Let
huandkissedhersoft
lyont
heli
ps.Thenhegot
awarmt owelandwipedherwit
hitasshel
aidt
her
e
st
il
lshakingf
rom hermindbl
owingor
gasm

Xhant
i:
(Ki
ssedher
)Il
oveyou.

Let
hukeptqui
etandsatont
hebedasXhant
i
l
ookedather

Xhant
i:
Inii
kinga(
What
'swr
ong)
Let
hu:
Didyougobacktocrime?You'
vechangedso
muchsinceyouf
ixedt
hingswit
hyourotherbr
other
.
Xhant
i:Cr
imeiswhatIknowSweetheart.Cr
imeis
mylif
e.ButIdi
dn'
tgetbackoni
t.Atleastnotnow.
Let
hu:
Xhanti
,
I'
m afr
aidIwon'
tcont
inuewi
ththi
s
whenyougetbackoncri
me.I'
m apoli
ceof
fi
cerand
-
Xhanti
:(
Int
err
uptedherwi
thakiss)
Iknowyouar
ea
pol
iceoffi
cer
.Butwhathappenedtol
ovi
ngmethe
wayIam?
Let
hu:
..
Xhant
i:
Pleasedon'
tendus.(
Kissedher
)Il
oveyou.

Hisphoner angashelockedeyeswi
thhert
hengot
upandwal kedaway.Lethuthr
ewhersel
fonthebed
andclosedhereyes

Let
hu:
Godpl
easehel
phi
m st
opt
his?

AtMusa'
sHouse

I
thanaputt
hebabyinhercotandki
ssedherl
ips
t
henwalkedbackt
othelounge.Musawasbusy
t
ypingonalapt
opsit
ti
ngonthecouch

I
thana:
Daddyhe'
ssl
eepi
ng.

Shet
hrewher
sel
font
hecouchandcl
osedhereyes
asMusal
aughedl
ooki
ngather

Musa:
Mypoorbaby.

Neneopenedthedoorcar
ryi
ngt
wopl
ast
icsast
he
boysr
aninsi
de

Musa:
Youguysar
ebackear
ly.
Nene:
Yeah.Butwehadf
un.

Thapel
orant
oMusaandsatonhi
slapasMosa
thr
ewhimsel
fnextt
oIt
hana

Mosa:
Kel
api
legor
e(I
'
m sot
ir
ed)
Musa:
(l
aughed)
Whatdi
dyoudot
omybabi
esNene?
Theyl
ookti
red.
Nene:
(l
aughed)
Theypl
ayedal
otwi
thKut
lwano.
Sheputt heplast
icsontopofthetableandgrabbed
abot t
leofcoldwateri
nsidet
hef r
idge.Shepoured
hersel
fonagl assandgulpeditdown.Herphone
rangasshel ookedatMusaandputi tonsil
ent

Nene:Ibr
oughtyouandIthanat
akeaways(
lookedat
I
thana)Mybabyissleepi
ng.
Musa:(
laughed)
She'
sbeenbusywithherbaby
angi
thi
.Shedidn'
twantmetotouchher.
Nene:
(l
aughed)
Awwmypoorbaby.

Shef i
ll
edthebott
leupandputiti
nsi
det
hef
ri
dge
thentooktwoplatesandthef
oodasshewal
kedto
theloungeandsatnexttoMusa

AtQhawe'
sHouse

Myheartpoundedagai
nstmychestasIstepped
i
nsi
dethehouse.Myeyesfel
lontherosesand
candlesont hef l
oor.Iwalkedtotheloungeand
foundhi m seatedont hematwi t
hgoodi es,
foodand
fl
ower sinfrontofhi m.Igotcl
oserandswal l
owed
asIhel dmysi debagst rapti
ghtl
y.Hequi cklygot
upandpul ledmecl osertohi
mt henheldmet i
ghtl
y.
Ibentoveral i
tt
leandmadesur emybumpdoesn' t
bumphi m andclosedmyeyes.Iwr appedmyar ms
aroundhi mi nhali
nghissweetandmanl ycologne

Me:
Ihavet
otel
lyousomet
hing.

Ihel
dhi
shandsandl
ookedathi
swor
ri
edeyes

Me:
I'
m pr
egnant
.Thr
eemont
hspr
egnant
.

TOBECONTI
NUED.
..
.
TheGoodWi
fe
#29
Hesl owlyletgoofmyhandsandfr
owned.Then
pinchedthebr i
dgeofhi
snoseandlookedatme.I
couldn'tr
eadhisface.I
twasj
ustbl
ank.

Qhawe:
S..
soyour
eal
lypr
egnant
?
Me:
Yeah.Youknew?Iwasgoi
ngt
otel
lyou.
Qhawe:
(Cal
mly)
Didn'
tyout
akeyourshot
?
Me:
(St
utt
ered)
I.
.Imi
ssedi
t.T.
.t
hatn.
.ni
ghtyou-
Qhawe: (
Snapped)WhatthefuckKgaogel o?Youtol
d
meyouhaveever ythi
ngfi
guredout.Howcanyou
besof ucki
ngcareless?Alr
eadyIhavet okeepyou
fucki
ngsaf e,
notsleeppr
operlybecauseyouare
aloneinthathousenowyoubr i
ngaf ucki
ngchil
d
here?
Me:
..
Qhawe:Iaskedyou,
IswearIaskedwhenwewer
ein
Dubaiandyouliedt
omyf ace.
Me:(
Lowtone)
Iwasal
readypregnant
.It
ookt
he
shot
.Idi
dn'
tknowIwaspregnant.
Qhawe:
Jesus!Ican'
tbel
ievet
his.Ican'
tbel
ievet
his.
Me:
(Tear
ful
ly)
Chawe.
Qhawe:YouknowIhadsomanypl ansf
orus.So
manyf ucki
ngpl
ans.Thenyoudecidetomissthe
shot?Onedaythey'
llkidnapt
hebabyandyou'l
lbe
cryi
ngonmyf acetell
ingmehowbadofaf atherI
am.
Me:
W..
wecanf
igur
eitout
.
Qhawe:Fi
gurewhatout?!Youcan'
teventakecar
e
ofyour
selfandyoudon'
tevendoasIsay.Andyou
tel
li
ngmewe' l
lfi
gur
eitout.Fi
gurewhatout?

Heshookhisheadandst
ormedout.Tearsfi
ll
edmy
eyesasIsatf
latont
hefl
oorandcr
ied.Idial
ed
Paul'
smother

Me:
(Cr
ying)
Ma.
Her
:Babywhat
'swr
ong?
Me:
(Cr
ying)
Hedoesn'
twantt
hebaby.
Her
:Comehomebaby.Comehome.
Me:
(Cr
ying)
Hedoesn'
twantt
hebabyMa.Ourbaby.
Her
:Comehomebaby.Getupandr
equestanUber
.
Comeher
e.

Isl
owl
ygotupandwal
kedout

AtSambul
o'sHouse

Lesedi
'
sFamilywal
kedoutasEvalookedat
Sambulodi
ali
ngZenzeonhisphone

Sambul
o:Gether
ewi
thi
n20mi
nut
es.

Hehungupandscar
chedhi
shead

Sambul
o:Itol
dyouaboutZenze.It
oldyouandyou
sai
dyou'
llspeakt
ohim.Lookathowhi spar
tyi
ng
waysbr oughthim.Thepar ti
esyouall
owedhimt o
have.Hei mpregnatedsomeone'schil
d.I
'm goi
ngto
ki
llhim.Hedoesn' teventakecareofhi
mself,
how
willhet
akecar eofthischil
d.
Eva:
Cal m downanddon'tbeatupthechil
dSambul
o.
He'l
llearnhowtotakecareofthebaby.Wedon'
t
evenknowi fishi
s.Justgi
vehim abreak.

Af
teraf ewminutesZenzest
eppedInwhi
le
br
eathingheavi
ly.Evast
oodinfr
onthi
mtoshi
eld
hi
mf rom Sambulo

Eva:
Who'
sLesedi
?
Zenze;
(Hear
tski
pped)
Why?
Sambulo:
(Angri
ly)
Whatdoyoumeanwhy?You
knewverywellwhenyouhadunpr
otect
edsexwi
th
hert
hatyou'
llmakeababyandyouareher
easki
ng
uswhy?
Zenze:
Shet
rappedme.
Sambul
o:Soyout
hinkheruncl
eswi
llcomeal
lthe
wayt
her
eandl
iet
ous?Comeher
e.
Eva:
Sambul
olet
'st
alk-
Sambul
o:Zenzengi
siphi
lecomeher
eordoyouwant
metogetyouthere?

Zenzeswal
lowedhardthenlookedatEvaasshe
gaveheral
ook.Hequicklyr
anoutthenSambulo
fol
lowedhi
m andtri
ppedhim wit
hhisshoeashe
fel
ldownhardwit
hhismout h

Zenze:
Mama.
Eva:
(Pant
ing)
Sambul
o.
Sambulo:Whatdi
dIsayaboutyouhavi
ngsexwi
th
peoplewit
houtpr
otect
ion?Yourpr
obl
em i
syouar
e
spoi
ledtoomuch.

Hegrabbedhi
sneckanddr
aggedhi
minsi
deasEva
cr
iedlooki
ngatt
hem
Eva:
(Cr
ying)
I'
m cal
li
ngXhant
i.

Shequi
ckl
ydi
aledhi
snumber

AtPaul
'
sMot
her
'sHouse

Ist
aredatt
hewal
lwi
thmyheadonPaul
'
smot
her
l
apassheundi
dmybrai
ds

Her :
Onet hi
ngaboutmen, t
heyareafr
aidoftaki
ng
responsibil
it
y.Iwon'tsayhe'
sshockedbythenews
causehewoul dhavejustl
eftandcamebackaf t
er
coolingoff.Sayi
ngthosehorri
blewordsl
ikeyou
sleptwit
hyour sel
fisunacceptabl
e.
Me:MaybeIshouldn'
thavemi
ssedt
heshot
.Whati
f
Ir
uinedourr
elat
ionshi
p?
Her:Don'
tevendaresaythat
.Thatwasnotonl
y
yourresponsi
bil
it
yri
ght?Hedidn'
tevengowit
hyou
tothehospit
albutwasgladtogeti
nbetweenyour
l
egswit
houtapr
otect
ion.He'
sasi
cki
ngexcuseofa
man.
Me:
(Tear
ful
ly)
Idi
dn'
texpecthi
mtor
eactl
iket
hat
.
Her:(
patonmyback)
You'l
lbefine.Bei
ng
abandonedwit
hachil
disverypainful
.I
experi
encedt
hatwi
thPaul.ButIsurvi
ved.You'
l
l
survi
vetoomybaby.
Me:Tomorrowismyf at
her'
sbi
rt
hday.Ineedhim
Ma.Idon'tcar
eifhedoesn'
twantthebaby.Ineed
him.I
'm goi
ngtobreakdown.Iwon'tr
ecoverfr
om
thi
s.
Her
:I
'l
lbeher
ewi
thyoumybaby.
Me:
(Cr
ying)
Ineedhi
m Ma.HowcanChawedot
his
t
ome?

Att
heol
dMi
nesi
te

Qhawet hr
ewthecigaret
testudont hegroundand
st
ompedoni tthenli
tanotheroneashesmoked.
HelookedatXhantif
rom adistancestanding
besi
destheminevan.Hecl
enchedhi
sjawsand
chuckl
edindi
sbel
ief
.

Xhant
i:
Wozal
a(Come)

Hewal
kedtowar
dshi
m andl
ookedathi
m ashi
s
bl
oodboi
led

Qhawe:
IthoughtIwasmeet
ingwi
thmybr
other
.
Xhant
i:
(Smi
led)
I'
m her
e.
Qhawe:
Youar
enotmybr
other
.
Xhant
i:
Rememberwest
art
edher
efi
rst
.

Qhawej
ustst
aredathi
m wi
thabl
ankf
ace

Xhanti
:Ineedt
oshowyousomet
hing.Let
'sgeti
n
thevan.
Qhawecli
ckedhi
stongueandt
urnedt
owal
kaway
buthegr
abbedhi
sjacket

Xhant
i:
Youneedt
oseet
hisLi
tt
lebr
other
.

Qhawepushedhi shandof ft
henXhantigrabbedhis
j
acketandwr appedhisarm ar
oundhisneck
chockinghim.Qhawest ompedonhisfeethardand
hithi
m withthebackofhisheadasXhantigroaned.
Qhawef acedhim andpunchedhim onthefaceas
bloodspil
ledoutofhisnose

Qhawe:Nextt
imewhenyout
ouchme.I
'
llcr
ushyour
bal
ls.

Xhant ipunchedhimt wiceonhisfaceasQhawe

staggar edaround.Beforehecoul
dgetthestr
engt
h
tofightbackXhant iusedhishugebuil
tbodyand
pushedhi m onthegroundandheldhishandson
hisbackt hensatont opofhim
Xhanti
:Tel
lthatt
oZenze.I
'
m notyourmat
e.I
'
ll
breakyourj
aws.

Hespi
thi
sbl
oodoutofhi
smout
handdr
aggedhi
m
t
othevan

Qhawe:
Yougoi
ngt
oregr
ett
his.

Hepushedhi
minsi
det
hevanandgoti
nsi
deashe
spedof
f

AtSambul
o'sHouse

Sambulol
ookedatZenzeashecri
edwi
thEva
huggi
nghi
mt ight
.Hi
sphonerangashepi
cked

Sambul
o:Hel
lo?
Xhant
i:
I'
m att
heol
dmi
newi
thQhawe.
Sambul
o:Okaygoodl
uck.

XhantihungupasSambul
ost
oodup.Hi
sphone
rangagain

Sambul
o:Yah?
Voice:
Weareact
ivat
ingt
hebombsr
ightnow.We
havetogosomewhereat12sower
eschedul
ed.
Sambul
o:(
hear
tski
pped)
What
?

Theconnect
ioncutashi
shear
tski
pped

Sambul
o:Wf
t!QhaweandXhant
iar
ether
e.

Hequi
ckl
yranoutast
heyl
ookedathi
m
TOBECONTI
NUED.
..
..
TheGoodWi
fe
#30

Att
heol
dMi
ningSi
te

Xhantistoppedthecarandlookedathi
syounger
brot
herst ar
ingoutsi
dethewindow.Hesighed
deepl
yt henhandedhim hisphonebutQhawejust
i
gnoredhi m

Xhant
i:
Taket
hisphoneandwat
cht
hef
oot
age.

Qhawekeptqui
etst
il
lst
ari
ngout
sidet
hewi
ndow.
Xhant
ipl
ayedthevi
deo

Voi
ce:
Hetol
dmet hattheyarerobbi
ngaJewel
ler
y
st
orear
oundthecornertomorr
ow.Ever
ythi
ngi
s
pr
epar
ed.Theyar
epr
epar
ed.
Mal
eVoi
ce:
Doyouhavet
hel
ocat
ion?
Voi
ce:
Her
e.

Qhawe'sheartpoundedsof astagai
nsthi
schestas
hestaredatFiki
leinthevi
deo.Shekepttel
li
ngthat
manaboutwhatt heywereplanni
ngandwhat
they'
vedoneal r
eady.

Fi
kil
e:Qhaweisnotst
rongenough,
he'
sver
y
weak,
veryver
yweak.Soit'
seasytotamehi
m.You
don'
tevenhavetoworryabouthi
m.

Thevi deoplayedunt i
litfi
nished.Hefelthi
sbody
gett
ingwar m ashest eppedoutoft hecarandt ook
hi
sj acketandT- shir
tof f
.Hewi pedhisbloodynose
andmout hwithhisT- shir
tandt hr
ewi tonthe
ground.Xhant il
ookedathi m shirt
lessthenstepped
outandst oodinf rontofhim
Xhant
i:
Thatwaswhoshewas.
Qhawe:
Wheredi
dyougeti
t?Howl
onghasi
tbeen
i
nyourposi
ti
on?
Xhant
i:
It
'sbeenawhi
le.
Qhawe:
..
.
Xhant
i:
Nowyouknowt
hatIwi
llneverhur
tsomeone
onpurpose.
Qhawe:
W..
whydidn'
tyoushowmet
hisatt
he
ear
li
est
?Befor
eyourt
rial
.
Xhant
i:
Idi
dn'
thavei
tatt
hatmoment
.

Therewasanawkwar
dsi
lenceast
heybot
hst
ared
atthet
oprubbl
e.

Qhawe:Iwasn'
tangryatyouf
orkil
li
ngFiki
le.I
t'
sthe
factt
hatmyolderbrot
herwascapableofkil
li
ng
someoneIlove.It
rust
edyouandthatreal
lybroke
me.
Xhant
i:
(si
ghed)
Ngi
yakuzwa.Andi
t'
s
under
standable.ButknowthatIwil
lneverhurt
someoneyoul oveunlessshe'
sathreattoyourli
fe.
Il
ovethatroundchubbycheeksfacegirl.She'
s
i
nnocent.Thi
sonewi llbeyourwif
eBafo.
Qhawe:
..
.
Xhant
i:
Umakot
iwet
hu.
(She'
sourdaught
eri
nlaw)
Qhawe:
(cl
ear
edhi
sthroat
)I'
m sor
ryf
ort
hewayI
spoket
oyouandbehavedwit
hyou.

Hepinchedt
hebr
idgeofhi
snoseandscr
atchedhi
s
head

Xhant
i:
(l
aughed)
Youst
il
ldot
hatwhenyouner
vous.
Qhawe:
(Fai
ntsmi
le)
Xhanti
:Kul
ungil
eMpangezit
ha.Iunderstoodyour
si
tuati
on.Butdon'
tevert
alktomelikethatagai
n.I'
l
l
breakyourneck.
Qhawe:
(l
aughed)
Iknow.
Theyl
aughedt
henhuggedeachot
hert
ight

Qhawe:
Butat
leastSambul
owast
her
e.
Xhant
i:
(si
ghed)
Yeah.

Hi
sphoner
angashel
ookedatt
hescr
eenbef
orehe
pi
cked

Xhant
i:
Sambul
o.
Sambulo:Pleasegetoutofthereri
ghtnow.Ther
e
areengineerstodayfortheexpl
osion.Movebef
ore
theyexplodethemi ne.
Xhant
i:
Shi
t!Qhawengenaemot
weni
.(
Geti
nthecar
)

Hehungupast heyquickl
ygotinsidet hevanand
closedthewi
ndows.Thebombexpl odedbehind
them asthewhol
egroundshook.Sambul ostart
ed
thecarandspedofft
ryingtoescapet herubble
Xhant
i:
Shi
t!Shi
t!

Therubbl
efel
lonthewindscr
eencarcki
ngitali
tt
le
asSambulotr
ieddri
vingbutt
hecargotstuckand
sl
owlygotbur
ieddeepintherubbl
es

Meanwhi l
eSambulol
ookedattheexplosi
onashis
heartski
pped.Hedi
aledtheparedemi
csandspoke
tothem t
hencall
edanotherhel
p

Sambulo:(
breathi
ngheavily)Basebenzi.Pleasego
andgetthemachi nesandst ar
tdiggingplease.We
can'
twaitfi
rthesepeople.Mybr othersare
suff
ocati
nginthere.Getyourhelmet sandj acket
s.

Theminersgrabbedthei
rjacket
sandhelmetsthen
rant
otherubbles.Theexplosi
onhaddieddown.
Sambulo'
sthr
oatdr i
edupashef el
thisheart
beat
ingonhisthroat
.Helookedateveryt
hingin
di
sbel
ief

AtPaul
'
sMot
her
'sHouse

Isatnearthewindowandl ookedout si
deast ear
s
droppedonmyeyes.Il ookedatt hepict
ur esofme
andQhawet hensighed.Itsti
llf
eltsurr
ealt hathe
doesn'twantt
hebaby.Itstil
lfel
tsurrealthathe
spoket omeli
kethat.I
'm hopingthatthisisa
night
mar eandsomeonewi l
lwakemeupf rom it
anyti
me.

Ibr
ushedmysmal
lbumpandsmi
led

Me:Il
oveyoumyl i
tt
leKeanu.Mommyanddaddy
l
ovesyoubaby.Andpl easedon'tbesadthatDaddy
l
eft
.He'l
lbeback.He'
llcomebackf orusokaynana?
Okaymybaby.Daddywasj ustshocked.That
'sal
l.
He'
sinstat
eofshock.He' l
lbeback.
Isni
ff
ledasmor
etear
sdr
oppeddown

Att
heol
dMi
ningSi
te

Themedi a,
paramedics,
Poli
ceandmi nerswereat
thesceneastheydugdeeperont hehardrubbl
es
andfinal
lygotthecaroutafterl
onghours.The
paramedicsgotcloserandtookthem out.

Par
edemi
c1:
Str
echerandoxygenmask.Fast
!Fast
!

NewsRepor t
er:Ahor ri
fi
caccidentj ustoccur edat
theoldMini
ngsi t
eoft hePhakat hwayo' sasyoucan
see.Theengineerswer eurgedtoexpl odethisplace
fordi
amondsandi thappenedt hatt hetimewas
changedatthelastmi nutessot hisacci dent
happened.Theexpl osi
ont ookplacewhi lethese
gentl
emenwer eher e.(
sighed)
It
'shor r
ibl
e.Qhawe
Phakathwayoisremovedoutoft hecarandsadl y
he'snotbr
eathingandhedoesn' tlookgoodei ther
.
(Lookedar
ound)Hei sn'tbleedingalotthoughand
that'
sagoodsi gn.Atleastthere'shope.Theman
whowasdr i
vingwasal sor emovedandhe' s
bleedi
ngheavi l
y.Thepar edemi cshavetookthem
andhopefull
yt hey'
llbefine.ThisisAgnesDl ami
ni
report
ingl
iveinJohannesbur g.

TheAmbulancespedoffasSambul
oranaf
teri
t
fol
lowedbysomeoftheminers.

AtNene'
sHouse

Nene'
sHear
tski
ppedasshewat
chedt
heNews

Nene:
Kgaogel
oisgoi
ngt
odi
e!
Musa:Don'ttel
lheranythi
ngyet.She'
sgoi
ngto
panicandthat'
snotgoodf ort
hebaby.Let
'swai
tfor
thesepeopletoreportagai
n.
Nene:
Ithi
nkshehasar
ightt
oknow.I
t'
snotokayt
o
keepherinthedark.Whoknowsmaybeshe' s
worri
edabouthi m aswespeak.(
Sighed)butMaybe
Chawe'sbrothermighti
nfor
m her.I
'l
lcal
lheraf
tera
fewminutes.
Musa:
Okay.

Theywat
chedt
henewsasNeneshookherhead

AtPaul
'
sMot
her
'sHouse

Iopenedmyeyesandcameacr ossPaul
,hi
smother
andKutlwanostari
ngatme.Isatupri
ghtand
l
ookedatthem.Paul '
smothermusthavetol
dthem
al
ready.Thelastt
hingIneedistobepi
ti
edhonestl
y

Me:
(si
ghed)
I'
mfi
ne.Ineedt
het
oil
et.

Isl
owlycl
imbedof
fthebedandwalkedtot
he
bat
hroom.It
ookaleak,
wipedmysel
fwit
hatissue
thenwashedmyhands.Il ookedatmypuf f
yeyes
onthemi r
rorasIpassedandsighed.ThenIwalked
backtothebedroom.Thereweresti
llt
here.Il
aid
downagainandcl osedmyeyes

Paul
:Yousl
eepi
ngagai
n?
Me:
Yeah.
Ma:
Tel
lmewhenyouwantf
ood.I
'
llmakeyousome.
Me:
OkayMa.

Iheardtheirf
ootstepsheadingoutthenIopened
myeyesandsear chedformyphoneundermy
pi
llow.Il
ookedati tandsigheddeeply.Ther
ewas
nothingfr
om him.Qhawei sr eal
lyl
eavingme
pregnant?Thisi
sunbel i
evable.

(
ANOTHERBONUSSPONSOREDBYONEOFOUR
READERS)
TOBECONTI
NUED.
..
.
TheGoodWi
fe
#31

"
DEARMYANGEL

It'
sbeen9year ssi nceyou' velef
tusint hiswor l
d.In
those9year s,ever ythingdrasti
call
ychanged.You
wer emybest friend,mypar t
nerineverythingI
did,t
hebestf atheri nthewhol ewidewor l
d.Ithurt
mesomuchwhenyoul eft,
somuch.Somet i
mesI '
d
wakeupi nthemi ddleoft henightandcr y.Cryfor
you.Todayi syourbi r
thdayPapa.Idon' tknowwhat
todo.Iwi shyouwer eher ewithme.Youusedt otel
l
met hatI'm yourst ronggi rl
,
butI'
mr eall
ynot .I'
m
veryweak.Idon' tevenknowhowI 'l
lfaceKut lwano
today.IknowI '
llbreakdownwhenIseehi m.Please
givemet hest rengt h.IthinkI'
m goingtol ose
mysel fandhe' sgoi ngt obreakdownt oo.He
doesn'tli
keseei ngmecr y.Soplease.Papa, Qhawe
l
ef tmeandt hebaby.Il ovehim somuch.Ir eall
y
l
ovehi m.Hehasneverspokent omel i
ket hatever
andithur t.Idon'
twantt ol osehim.Idon' tknowt he
businesst hathe'sintobutIknowt hatisvery
danger ous.Iunderstandt hathedoesn' twanthi s
enemi escomi ngatni ghtandhur tus.Hedoesn' t
wantt ofeelhelplesswhent heyhur tus.You' ve
alwayswant edagr andchildright?Iwantt ogi veitto
you.Idon' twantmybabyt osuf f
eri nthiswor ld.I
namedt hebabyKeanu, t
hecol dbr eezeoft he
mount ain.Ifeell
ikeisabeaut i
fulname.Takecar e
ofMyKeanuPapa.Thatwi llr
eallymakemehappy.
Happybi r
thdaymyangel .IloveyousomuchandI
missyouever yday.Mayyoursoulcont i
nuet or est
i
npeace"

Ifol
dedthel
ett
erasmylipstr
embl
ed.Ilookedati
t
agai
nthentookamatchsti
ckandl
iti
t.

Aknockcamethr
oughonthedoor.Iwipedmytear
s
anddroppedt
hel
ett
eront
hefloorwatchingi
tbur
n.
Me:
Comei
n.

Ilookedatt
hemi r
rorandlockedeyeswi
thPaul
thenIimmediat
elydroppedmygaze

Paul
:Goodmor
ning.
Me:
(Si
ghed)
Mor
ning.

Hecl
osedt
hedoorandcamet ost
andbehi
ndme
t
henl
ookedatt
helet
terbur
ning

Paul
:What
'st
hat
?
Me:Al et
tert
omyf ather.At
radit
ionalheal
eronce
tol
dmet owri
tel
etterstomyf at
herwheneverImiss
him oratanyoccasion.Hereadsthem.Soi t
'snow
ahabit.
Paul
:Wowreal
ly?That
'samazi
ng.Ishoul
dwr
it
eone
tomygrandmother
.
Me:
Youbel
ievei
nthat
?
Paul
:Yeah.I
'
m al
soAf
ri
canKG.
Me:
Okay.
Paul
:Iknowi
shi
sbi
rt
hdayt
oday.
Me:
..
.
Paul:
Peoplealwaysfeell
ikeispoi
ntlesscel
ebr
ati
ng
thebir
thdayofsomeonewho' snolongerwithus.
ButIfeell
ikeisnot
.Ifeelli
keyoushouldconti
nue
doingthi
ngsthesamewayyoudi dwhent heywere
ali
veandincludi
ngthem ineveryt
hingyoudo.
Me:
Same.
Paul
:Weshoul
dgooutandcel
ebr
ate.
Me:
Real
ly?
Paul
:Yeah.Wecant
akeNeneandt
heki
dst
oo.
Ever
yone.
Me:
I'
dlovet
hat
.ThankyouPaul
.
Paul
:(
Smi
led)
I'
ddoanyt
hingf
ormysi
ster
.
Me:
(Laughed)
Okaybr
other
.ButIwant
edt
ocutmy
hai
rfi
rst
,domynai
lsanddomymakeup.
Paul
:Wecanst
il
ldoal
loft
hat
.Whyyoucut
ti
ngyour
hai
r?
Me:Uhm,Idon'
tknow.Ij
ustf
eell
ikei
t.AndIwantt
o
dyeitt
oo.
Paul
:Okay.Getupt
henandbat
h.Ihear
dyouwoke
upearl
y.
Me:
(si
ghed)
Yeahmor
ningsi
ckness.Ihat
eit
.
Paul
:(
Laughed)
Ican'
twai
ttoseeyoui
nseven
monthsti
me.Fatandugl
y.
Me:
(l
aughed)
FuckyouPaul
.

HelaughedasIgotupandsear
chedf
ormyToi
l
etr
y
i
ntheCar dboar
d

Paul
:Ideci
dedt
oopent
hechannel
.
Me:
(l
ookedathi
m)What
?
Paul
:Yeah,
onYout
ubeandFacebook.Wedoi
ngi
t
t
oget
herr
ight
?
Me:
Yes!YouknowI
'
vebeenbeggi
ngyout
odot
oit
f
ormonthsnow.
Paul
:Wedoi
ngi
ttoget
her
.
Me:
Ohyes.

Istoodonmytoesandwrappedmyar
msar
ound
hisneckt
henhuggedhi
mt i
ght

Me:
(Snif
fl
ed)Youhavenoi
deahowt
hismeanst
o
me.Thankyou.
Paul
:I
t'
sokay.

Il
ookedathi
mt henhedr
oppedhi
sgazeand
shi
ft
eduncomfortabl
y

Me:
(Smi
led)
Wow!Ican'twai
thl
e.Weshoul
dfi
nd
t
hecameraman,
edi
torandever
ythi
ng.
Paul:
(cl
earedhisthroat
)Don'
twor
ryaboutt
hat
.I
goteveryt
hingplannedout.
Me:
Great
.Youl
it
eral
lymademyday.
Paul
:Fr
eshenupt
hen.Weneedt
oleave.
Me:
(Smi
led)
Yeah.

Hest eppedoutt henIquickl

ywentt othebathr
oom
andf reshenedup.WhenIwasdone, Iworemy
whitel ongdressandputonmyhal fblackweave
thenwr appedmyheadwi thadoekandputon
somewhi t
ecrossedhighheels.Thenappliedali
p
ther
apyonmyl ipsandgrabbedmybagandwal ked
out.

Thesamemor ningatt
hehospi
tal
,
Evaqui
etl
y
packedQhawe'sthi
ngsinhi
sbagwhil
ehespoke
wit
hSambulo

Sambulo:
Theysai
dXhant
iwil
lregai
nhis
consci
ousnesst
omor
row.Thesurgerywasa
success.
Qhawe:
(Coughed)
Okay.

Evahandedhi
m wateri
nabot
tl
eashedr
anki
tand
gavet
hebottl
eback

Qhawe:
Thanks.
Eva:
You'l
lcoughoutthatdusti
nyourlungsand
you'
l
lbef i
ne.Thedoctorevenpr
escr
ibedthe
medicat
ion.
Qhawe:
Okay.

Sheheldt
hebagasSambul
olookedathert
otal
ly
i
gnori
nghim

Qhawe:
(Coughed)
Let
'sl
eavet
hen.
Sambul
o:(
ToEva)
Letmehol
dthebag.
Eva:
NoI
'
llmanage.Let
'sgoQhawe.
Qhawelookedatthem t
hensteppedout
.They
fol
lowedaf
terhi
m andwalkedtotheParki
ngl
ot.

AtNene'
sHouse

Shest
rappedNeoonherbackast
heki
dsr
an
ar
oundthehouse

Nene:
Larasagof
roeg(
Youguysar
emaki
ngnoi
se.
I
t'
searl
y)

Musasteppedoutofther
oom i
nasmar
tcasualas
Nenel
ookedathim andbl
ushed

Nene:
Mosa,
Thapel
o,I
thana!

Theki
dsl
aughedt
henst
oppedandl
ookedather
Nene:
Wearel eavi
ng.Doyouwantmet ol
eaveyou
behi
ndhuh?Cont i
nuerunningaroundandget
ti
ng
your
sel
fdi
rty.Iwon'tchangeyou.

Theylookedateachothert
henkeptqui
et.Thapel
o
walkedtoMusaandr ai
sedhisar
m asMusahel d
hi
mi nhisarms

Mosa:
LennaPapa(
Met
oo)
Musa:
Come.

Heheldhi
minhisotherar
m.Nenet
ookt
hebags
andgaveonet
oIthana

Nene:
Let
'sgo.Nkar
eIhear
danUberout
side.
Musa:
Let
'sgo.
Theyal
lwal
kedoutandlockedt
hedoort
henwent
andgoti
nanUberasitdroveof
f

Nene:
Paulsai
dtheyar
est
il
latt
hesal
onsowe'
l
lget
t
herebef
orethem.
Musa:
Okay.

Nene'
sphonegotannot
ifi
cat
ion.Shelookedati
t
t
henlookedatMusabef
oreshereadthemessage

Les:
BabeI'
m soworr
ied.What
'sgoi
ngon?You'
ve
beenignor
ingme.Pl
easeanswermycal
ls.Imi
ss
you.Il
oveyou
Nene:It
'
soverLesl eyandItoldyouthat.Wedone.
Youdon' twantawomanwi thfourkidsri
ght?Go
andfindt heonewi t
hnokidsatall.I
'm donewit
h
you.Iwon' tchooseyouovermyki ds.
Les:
Iknowthat.I
'm sor
ryIdi
dn'tmeanalloft
hat
.I
wasjustshockedandangrythatyoul
iedtome.I'
l
l
acceptthekids.Justdon'
tdumpme.Youar
emy
everyt
hing.PleaseOre.
Nene:
Gof
edi
lePapa.Moveon.

Sheplacedherphonei
nsi
deherbagandl
ookedat
thef
ront

AtAunt
ie'
sHouse

Shet ookasiponherteat
henlookedaroundthe
yard.Thesist
erswerequi
etl
ysit
ti
ngoutsidewhil
e
sharinggi
ngerbeer
.Thekidswereplayi
ngoutsi
de
theyard.

Aunti
e:Whenwil
lyougoandlookforj
obs?Youare
get
ti
ngol dandwhowil
ltakecar
eofyour100ki
ds?
NnaImi ghtdi
esoon.
Tshimol
lo:Ther
ear enoj
obsi
nPot
ch.Wher
edoyou
thi
nkwe'llfi
ndjobs?
Aunti
e:Tr
yandl
ook.LookatNene,
shet
ookt
he
chanceand-
Nkel
e:Yohyohyoh.Nenethi
s,
nenet
hat
.Ronar
e
l
apil
e.Retl
ogel
etlheausi
.Yoh!
Tshimol
lo:
Heebat
hong.Ever
ydaykeNenet
his,
Nene
that
.

Aunt
iel
ookedatt
hem asangerchockedher

Aunti
e:Youspeaktomel i
kethatagai
n.I'
llki
ckyou
outofmyhouse.You'llgoandli
vewithyour
usel
essboyfri
ends.Youguysarefail
ures.
Matekatsehel
a.

Shecli
ckedhertonguet
hengotupandwal
kedback
i
nsidethehouse

Att
her
est
uar
ant
TheFamilysatt
ogetherwhil
eeati
ngasNene
handedli
tt
leNeoabonet henconti
nuedeati
ng.
Kutl
wanofixedThapel
o'snapki
nthensat
comfort
ablyonthechairandcont
inuedeat
ing

Ma:
Lookathersucki
ngt
hebone.
Nene:
(l
aughed)
Shel
ovesbonessomuchngwanake
bat
hong.
Hear
t:
Nextyearshe'
l
lbeeat
ing.Nomor
ebot
tl
e.
Nene:
Yeahnomorebott
le.ButIwant
edhert
ost
art
wit
hli
ghtmeal
s.Pur
it
yandst uf
f.
Hear
t:
Yeah.Mi
nest
art
edl
iket
hatt
oo.
Nene:
Andl
ookathi
m nowal
lgr
ownandcut
e.
Hear
t:
(Smi
led)
Yeah.
Me:
GivemeNeo.
Nene:
BonaolesweJang.She'
l
lmakeyourwhi
te
dr
essdir
ty.
Me:
Noi
t'
sfi
ne.Mot
li
se.
ShehandedmeNeoasImadeherst andonmyl
ap.
Shel
ookedexact
lyl
ikeNene.Yel
lowandcut
e

Me:
HeyNeo.HeyNono.

Shesmil
edwhil
esucki
ngherbone.Iputheronmy
l
apandwipedhermouthwi
ththehandkerchi
ef
Nenegaveme

Ma:
Weshoul
ddot
hismor
eof
ten.Il
ovei
t.
Ol
inda:
Yeah.
Me:(
Sighed)Af
tert
his,
wemustallgot
other
iver
andlett
hewhitebal
loonsf
lyi
ntheair
.
Ma:
Yeah.

MeandKutl
wanolockedeyes.Ismi
ledt
henhe
l
ookedawayasIsi
ghed
Nene:
Mal
omewassuchagoodperson.Hewasa
gr
eatman.Ir
ememberhowhel
ikedhel
pingpeopl
e.
Ma:(Smil
ed)
Kgaogel
otol
dmeabouthi
m.Itseems
l
ikehewasaveryhumbleandaki
ndhear
ted
person.

Paulgotupandwentt othecountert
hencamewi t
h
twowaiterswhobroughtaTVandconnect edi
tto
theDVD.Hel ookedatmet hensmil
ed.Ever
yone
stoppedtal
kingandlookedathim

Paul:
Ifoundthi
sapponTIKTOKsincealotof
peoplewereref
err
ingi
t.SoIt
ri
edi
tout.Herear
e
theresul
ts.

Heswitchedt
heTVonandwhatIsawshockedme.
IgaveNenethebabyt
henbur
sti
ntot
ears
Me:
(Cryi
ng)
He'
smovi
ng.Icanl
it
eral
lyseehi
m
smi
li
ng.

Igotupt
henst oodi
nfr
ontoft
het
abl
e.Paulhugged
mef r
om behi
ndasIcri
ed

Me:
(Cr
ying)
He'
smovi
ng.
Paul:
Iknow.Thisappki
ndofbr
oughthi
m al
ive.I
tookhispi
ctur
eanditdi
dthi
s.
Me:
(Cr
ying)
He'
sli
ter
all
ymovi
ng.

Kut
lwanowatchedmecryi
ngashisthroatbur
ned
out
.Hegotupandrushedtothet
oil
et.Nenegave
Mathebabyandranaft
erhim

Me:
(Cr
ying)
He'
ssmi
li
ngatme.
Paul
:Hei
s.
Att
hePol
iceSt
ati
on

Lethust
eppedoutoftheoff
iceandwentt
othef
ront
deskasthepol
iceoff
icer
sspoke

Off
icer
1:(
laughed)
Theyshouldhavedi
ed.These
Phakat
hwayo'salwaysgetawaywithever
ythi
ng.
Off
icer
2:Iheardtheonewhowasdr
ivi
ngi
s
Xhanti
,
thejailbi
rd.
Of
fi
cer
1:Yeah.Hewasr
eleasedaf
ewmont
hsago.

Let
hu'
shear
tski
ppedasshel
ookedatt
hem

Let
hu:
Whatar
eyouguyssayi
ng?
Offi
cer
1:XhantiandQhawePhakathwayowere
buri
edunderther ubbl
esaf
tert
hebombexploded
themine.Theyarei nt
hehospi
tal
.
Let
hu:
What
?Whi
chhospi
tal
?
Theyt
oldherasshet
ookt
hecarkeysandr
anout

AtQhawe'
sHouse

Heopenedt hef ri
dgeandt ookabeeroutt hen
l
impedal lthewayt ot hel ounge.Thenhesatont he
couchandopenedt hebeerwi t
hhi steethandt ook
asip.Hi swhol ebodywasi npainandhi schesthurt
l
ikecr azy.Hel ookedatKgaogel oonhi swal l
paper
thensi ghed.Di dsher eallyhavet obepr egnant
especiallyatt histime?Yeshewant edtobui lda
familywi thherbutnott hissoon.Pl ushewon' t
handlet hehear t
breakofseei ngthem hur t
.Hecan
haveal lthebodyguar dsandcamer asal loverher
housebutwhenanenemyi sdet erminedt odo
anythingnoneoft hoset hi ngswi llmatterorhelpin
anyway.He' l
lgeti nside,taket hem andhur tthem.Or
whati ftheyt aket hebabywhenhe/ she'satschool.
Theywon' thaveanor mall ife.Theywon' tbehappy.
Itwasbet t
erwheni twasj usthi m andher .But
**
sigh*
*thebabyisher
e,hehasnochoi
ceIguess.
Hehastochangehi
spri
or i
ti
es.

Babymamal ookedgoodt hough.Thepr egnancy

seemedt obemakinghergl owbett
ert hanbef or
e.
Herskinismoresofterandwarmer .fuck!They
l
iter
all
ymadeanent irebaby.I
twoul dbeni ceifthe
babywillbeagir
landshe'llbepret
tyj ustli
keher.
Nowhehast oprotectthem wit
hhisl i
f e.Fi
rst
ly,
he
neededtoseeher

AtTheRi
ver

Mapr ayedasweletgooft
heball
oonsandlett
hem
fl
yintheair
.Iwrappedmyarm ar
oundKut
lwano
andtookavideoonmyphone

Me:
Didyouwr
it
ethel
ett
er?
Kut
lwano:
Yeah.
Me:
okay.
Ma:
Let
'sgo.
Me:
Uhm,
ever
yone.CanIhaveyourat
tent
ionpl
ease.

Theyal
llookedatme

Me: (
Sighed)Thankyousomuchf ordoingthisfor
us.Meandmyl itt
lebrother.Wereal l
yappr eci
ateit
.
Iknowi swei rdcausebl ackpeopledon' tdothisbut
weal ldiditwithnocompl i
cati
ons.Youguysdi dn't
seem awkwar dorhadanycompl ai ns.Thankyou.
(Lookeddown)I '
m cur r
entl
ygoingt hroughal ot.I
didn'
tthinkI '
l
lmanaget odaycauseIknow when
i
t'smydad' sbirthday,Igetsocrazyandhavea
breakdown.Wi thallthest r
essandhur tIhaver i
ght
now,Ididn'tthinkIwoul dbethisst r
ong.ButTodayI
wassost rongt hatI'
m evensupr isedmysel f.And
It'
sallthankst oyou.Thankyou.Thankyout hink
much.
AtLesedi
'
sHouse

Shewashedherhandst henf l
ushedthet oi
letand
walkedbackt oherroom.Shesl owlysatdownand
sighed.Herwombwassoheavyt hatifitwas
possibleshe'
dcarryitbecausewow!Shewenton
Facebookandshar edsomememes.Thennot iced
hisfather'
spict
ureonthepeopl eyoumayknow.
Herhear tski
ppedasshecl i
ckedoni tandlookedat
thecaption.

"I
t'sbeen9year ssi
ncehehaslef tus.Sti
llso
unbelievabl
e.Conti
nuetorestinpeacePapa, my
bestfri
end,myhero.Thankyouf orbeingthebest
fatherandmayyourbel ovedshel dcl
oset o
blossom til
ltheendofti
me.Iloveyoumyangel .
"

Sher
eadt
henameasherhear
tpoundedevenmor
e.
Lesedi
:(
Tear
ful
ly)
Ifoundmysi
ster
.She'
smysi
ster
.
(Shout
ed)Gogo!

TOBECONTI
NUED.
..
..
TheGoodWi
fe
#32

Lat
erthatni
ghtEvaspokewit
hZenzeont
hephone
assheappli
ednightcr
eam onherf
ace

Eva:
Uset
hatoi
ntment
.It
'l
lhel
pwi
tht
hebr
uises.
Zenze:
(Si
ghed)
Okay.
Eva:
Didyoueat
?
Zenze:
Ayandabr
oughtmef
ood.I
'
m good.
Eva:
Didyout
ellheraboutt
hepr
egnancy?
Zenze:
No.
Eva:
We'
l
ltal
ktomor
row.She'
sther
e?
Zenze:
Yeah.
Eva:
Goodni
ght
.Il
oveyou.
Zenze:
Iloveyout
ooMa.Goodni
ght
.

Shehungupt hencl
osedthecream andputiti
nsi
de
herToi
let
rybag.Shegotupandt ookhersil
kgown
offt
henlai
ddown.Sambul osteppedinsi
deand
l
ookedather.Hesatnexttoherandpatonherback

Sambul
o:Let
'st
alk.
Eva:
I'
m sl
eepi
ng.Ihaveal
otofwor
ktomor
row.I
needtosl
eepnow.
Sambul o:
Wearegrownupsandnotchi l
dren.You
arenotgoingtosulkaboutmebeati
ngZenzef or
i
mpr egnati
ngsomeone.He'sst
il
lyoungand
i
rresponsi
ble.I
fIdon'
trepri
mandhim whowi l
l?
Eva:
Youcanrepri
mandhim wellwit
houtbeati
ng
himli
ket
hat.That
'sabuse.Youdon'tbeatsomeone
l
iket
hatandsayyouarer epr
imandi
ngt hem.
Sambulo:
That'
st heonlylanguageheunder
stands.
Nextt
imehe'l
lneverf or
gettouseCondom.Eveni f
he'
sdrunk.He'
llrememberi t.St
opspoi
li
nghim so
much.Youarer uini
nghim.
Eva:I
'
m notr uininghim.Zenzehasdoneeveryt
hing
ri
ghtsofar,hegott hatdegr
eeandbecamea
gemologistoft hemine.Don'tt
ellmeaboutpar
ti
es.
He'syoungl ethim enjoyhi
syout h.
Sambulo:Doyouevenknowhowmuchhespends
onthosepart
ies?Wewor kveryhardforourmoney
forhi
mt ouseitrecklesslyl
ikethis.Youarespoi l
ing
ZenzeandIwon'tallowi teveragain.Idon'tcareif
yousulkanymore.Youar echil
dish.Ir
responsible
mother.
Eva:
Youaret
heir
responsi
bleone.Beat
inghi
m up
l
ikeanani
mal.What'
sthat
?
Sambul
o:(
Fir
mly)Eva.

Shekeptqui
etthencl
osedhereyes.Sambulo
ki
ckedoffhi
sshoesthengoti
nsidethecover
sand
swit
chedthebedsi
deli
ghtsof
f
AtMa'
sHouse

IsighedasIsteppedi nsidetheroom.I
twasver y
hot.Iopenedthewi ndowsandsatdownont hebed.
Myf eetwereli
ttl
eswol len.I
t'
sthesehi
ghheel s.I
tookthem offandlaiddownwi t
hmybackont he
bed.It'
ssostranget hatti
memovedsoqui ckly.I
t'
s
onlybeenayearandal otofthi
ngshappened.I
shookmyheadt henl ookedatMymessages.Fer ah
sentmet heClini
c'snumber s.Itext
edback

Me:
Thankyouf
ri
end.

Shewasoffli
ne.Ilookedatt
henumber
sthen
cl
ickedonthem.Thephoner angasmyhear
t
poundedagainstmychest

Voice:
Mar
ieSt
opesSout
hAf
ri
ca.Howcanwehel
p
you?
Me:
..
.
Voi
ce:
Hel
lo?
Me:
I.
.I
'dl
iket
omakeanappoi
ntment
.
Voi
ce:
Ohokay.Whatt
ime?
Me:
..
.
Voi
ce:
Mam?

Ihungup.Ican'tdot
his.Myphonerang,
myheart
ski
ppedabitwhenIlookatthecal
lerdet
ail
s.It
ook
adeepbreaththenpi
ckedup

Me:
Hel
lo?
Qhawe:
HeyMama.
Me:
(Swal
lowed)
Hi.
Qhawe:
I'
m att
hedoor
.
Me:
I'
m nothome.
Qhawe:
Iknow.Comeout
side.Idon'
twantt
ogeti
n.
Me:
uh.
.okay.

Hehungup.Igotupandl ookedf ormysl ippers.I

wassuddenl ynervous.Iputi nmysl ippersthen
l
ookedatmysel fonthemi r
ror.Il
ookedl i
keaki d
withthisgr
eydye.Ineedawi g.If i
ndmyshor thalf
oneont opoft hedrawerandqui cklyputi tonthen
grabbedmyphoneandwal kedout .Myhear twas
poundingsof astthatmywhol ebodyshook.Idi dn't
knowwhatt oexpect .IfoundMai nt helounge
watchingTV.Wel ockedeyes

Ma:
Wher
ear
eyougoi
ng?
Me:
Uhm,
.
.out
side.
Ma:
Why?I
t'
slat
e.
Me:
Yeah.He'
sher
e.
Ma:
Who?
Me:
Chawe.
Shekeptqui
ett
henl
ookedbackatt
heTV.

Me:
Letmehearwhathehast
osayt
henI
'
llbeback.
Ma:
(Si
ghed)
Okay.

Iopenedt hedoorandcameacr osshisfaceasmy

hear tskipped.Hehadabl ueeyeandapl asteron
thecor nerofhi sfor
ehead.Hel ookedweak.He
l
ookeddeepi nmyeyesandl i
ckedhi sli
pst hen
pulledmecl osertohim andheldmet i
ghtwhi l
e
squeezi ngmybody.Hesmel l
edl i
kefreshshower .I
closedmyeyesandi nhaledhissweetscent .We
stayedl i
ket hatforafewmi nutes

Qhawe:
Let
'sgo.

Hekissedmesof t
lythenhel
dmyhandaswe
walkedtohi
scar.Ilookedathimli
mpi ngi
nthedark
ashewewal ked.Heopenedt hedoorformeasI
cl
imbedinsi
dethenhegoti nhissideanddroveof
f.
AtLesedi
'
sHouse

Shekeptbi t
inghernailswai t
ingforKgaogelo'
s
repl
y.Thenshewentt ohert i
mel i
neandchecked
everything.ShenoticedOr eneil
eSenatlewho
comment edonal mostKgaogel o'
sposts.She
cli
ckedonherpr ofi
lethenl ookedatherrecent
pict
ur es.Nenehadpost edtheirrest
uar
antpictur
es.
Shet extedher

Lesedi
:HeycanyoupleasegivemeKgaogelo'
s
number.She'
smyf at
her'
sfir
stdaught
er.She'
snot
onli
neandIwanttotalktoher
Nene:
Bat
hongwho'
syourf
ather
?
Lesedi
:Ri
ccar
doMat
heba.I
'
m hi
ssecondbor
n.
Nene:
AndYoul
ookl
ikeKgaogel
o.Who'
syour
mother
?
Lesedi
:Thandi
swaMguni
.ShemetDadwhenhe
f
ir
stcameher
e.
Nene:Okayl
etmet alktoKgaogel
ofi
rstt
henI
'l
lget
backtoyou.Ican'
tjustgi
veyouhernumberwit
hout
aski
ngherfir
st.
Lesedi
:OkayIunder
stand.

Shesi
ghedthensl
owl
ylai
ddownasherphoner
ang.
I
twasunknownnumbers.

Lesedi
:Hel
lo?
Voi
ce:
Whyar
eyoudoi
ngt
hist
ome?
Lesedi
:(
hear
tski
pped)
Zenze?
Zenze:Igaveyoumoneyt
obuymorni
ngafterpil
l
.
Whydi dn'
tyoubuyi
t?Nowyoubr
ingyouruncles
here.
Lesedi
:Ineededmoneythatt
imeandIusedt he
moneyyousent .I
'
m sor
ry.ButIswearIgotmoney
thefol
lowingdayandboughtthepi
ll
s.
Zenze:
Youar
esost
upi
dyazi
.Doyout
hinkI
'
m
r
eadytobeafat
her
?Abortt
hatbaby.Youcan'
t
f
orcemetobeafat
her
.Thisi
smybody.
Lesedi
:I
t'
stoolat
eforabort
ion.Youdon'
tevenhave
tobeafathert
othischi
ld.I
'
llmanagealone.
Zenze:
Youshoul
dhavet
oldt
hatt
oyouruncl
es.
Lesedi
:I
'l
ltel
lthem.Theyevenf orceme.Iwasn't
goingtoaskyouanything.I
'l
lraisethi
sbabyalone.
I'
m donewi t
hyouspoiltbr
at.Rubbish!Deadbeat
fat
her.

Shehungupandbl
ockedhi
snumber
s

AtMusa'
sHouse

Musatuckedthekidstosl
eepthenwalkedbackt
o
thei
rbedroom.HefoundNenefeedi
ngNeomi lki
n
herbott
le.Hetookhi
sshir
toffasNenelookedat
him
Nene:
Comeandseet
his.

Hel
eanedoverandl
ookedatt
hePhot
o

Musa:
Who'
sthi
s?
Nene:
Can'
tyousee?Shel
ooksl
ikeKgaogel
o.Look
att
hei
reyes.
Musa:
Whoi
sshe?
Nene:
She'
shersi
ster
.Idon'
tknowhow.Mogirl
t
extedmeandtol
dmeshe' suncl
e'
ssecondborn.
Musa:
Ooh?
Nene:Yeah.I'
m st
il
lshocked.Ihavetotel
lKgaogel
o
t
his.Idon'tknowhowt oexplai
nthis.
Musa:
Hecheat
ed.
Nene:
HaiIdoubt
.Buthai
i.

Sheshookherheadthenputt
hebot
tl
eont
he
drawerandl
aidneoonhercot.
Nene:Iremembertherewasatimewherethey
weren'tst
ayi
ngtogetheranymore.Mamanedi
dn'
t
evenwantKgaogeloleavingwi
thMalome.
Musa:
Maybehecheat
ed.
Nene:
(Thought
ful
ly)
Mhmm.

Sheshookherheadthenlookedathimlayi
ngon
bed.Shet
ookherclothesoffandgotontopofhi
m

Nene:
(Ki
ssedhi
m)Imi
ssedyou.

Sheunzippedhispant
sashegr
opedhersmal
l
breast
sinhispalms

Nene:
(Ki
ssedhi
m)Thewhol
eday.Youl
ookedver
y
yummytoday.
Musa:
(Smi
led)
Wecoul
dhavef
uckedi
nthe
bat
hroom butyour
efused.

Hi
shandsmovedt ohersmal lassassqueezedi
t
whil
etheykissed.Nenebr eathedheavi
lyasMusa
l
if
tedhisl
owerbodyandpul l
edhispantsdown
wit
houtbreakingthekiss

Nene:
(Moani
ngi
nhi
smout
h)Mhmm.

Shetouchedhisblackanacondaandsof tl
yrubbed
i
twithhersofthandsasher eleasedasoftgrunt
.
Thenshelif
tedherassal i
ttl
easher ubbedhercli
t.
Neosoftl
ycriedinhercotthentheybothturnedand
l
ookedather

Nene:
Let
'si
gnor
eher
.
Musa:
(Laughed)
Youar
eabadmot
her
.Fuckyouar
e
sowet
.
Herubbedhercl
itvi
gor
ouslyt
hensl
owl
yli
ft
edher
assali
tt
leandmadehersitonhi
sdi
ckasher
pussyswal
lowedit.

Nene:
Jesus!I
t'
stoodeep.

Sheli
ft
edherbodyalit
tl
ethenputherhandsonhi
s
har
dchestandstar
tedridi
nghim.Herpussy'
s
warmthhadhi
m curl
inghistoest
henshe
#REMOVED

AtQhawe'
sHouse

Westeppedinsi
det hehousewhi l
eholdinghands.
Thenwecli
mbedont hest
airsgoi
ngupst air
sand
goti
nhisbedroom.I twascleanandsmel ledli
ke
hi
m.Hewasst i
lll
impingandhedi dn'
tlooktoogood

Me:
Areyouokay?
Qhawe:
(Si
ghed)
I'
mfi
ne.Come.

Hesatont
hebedandmademesi tonhislap.He
t
ouchedmyli
tt
levi
sibl
ebumpandsmiled

Qhawe:
I'
m sor
ry.
Me:
..
Qhawe: Ifr
eakedoutandendedupsayi ngharsh
wor dstoyou.It'snotyourf aultthatyoumi ssedt he
shotpluswemadet hisbabyt ogether.(
Kissedme)I
don'twannal i
et oyou, i
t'
shar dtolookoveryour
shouldereverytimenotknowi ngwhent hebulletwil
l
str
ive.Idon'tcareaboutmysel f
.Icareaboutyou
andyoursaf etycomesf ir
st,al
ways.Nowwi t
ht he
babyher e,
it
'l
lver yhardmyl ove.ButMama, I
promiseyou.I '
llprotectyouguyswi thmyl i
fe.I'm
goingtot r
yveryhar der.AllIwantf r
om youist o
wor kwithme.
Me:
(Nodded)
Qhawe:
Somet
hinghappenedt
hatmademer
eal
ize
howmuchIwantyouinmyl
if
e.Idon'
twantt
olose
you.Mar
rymeRachel
.Bemywife.

(Thenextt
woinser
tswi
llf
oll
owonWhat
sApp.
Subscri
bebet
huna)

TOBECONTI
NUED.
..
..
TheGoodWi
fe
#33

Il
ookedathi
m asmyhear
tpoundedfast
er.He
ki
ssedmyhandandrai
sedhi
seyebrows

Qhawe:
Wil
lyoubemywi
fe?
Me:
Uhm,
now?
Qhawe:
Yes.Butwecanhavetheweddingnext
monthorwheneveryouwant
.Justdon'
ttaket
ime.
Me:
Y..
YeahI
'
llbeyourwi
fe(
laughed)godyou
caughtmeof
fguar
d.YesI
'
llbeyourwi
fe.
Qhawe:
It
'sgoingtogethardandIwantyouto
pr
omisemet hatyouwon'tbackdown.Youwon'
t
l
eaveme.IknowI '
m notperf
ect.
Me:IpromiseyouIwon'tbackdown.Iwon'tleave
you.I'
m notperf
ectei
ther.I
'
llal
waysbethere.I'
ve
neverbeenmar r
iedbefor
eandIdon'tevenknow
howt obeagoodwi febutI'
m goingt
otrymybest .
Qhawe:
Iloveyou.

Helookedatmethenquicklydroppedhi
sgazeli
ke
hedidn'
tbel
ievewhathejustsaid.Wel
lmeeit
her

Me:
Iloveyout
oo.Il
oveyou.

Iwrappedmyar msar
oundhi
sneckandki
ssedhi
m.
Hecarri
edmei nhi
sarmsandlai
dmeonthebedas
hegotbetweenmylegs
AtNene'
sHouse

Thefol
lowi
ngdayi nthemorning,
Nenegotthekids
readyf
orschoolwhileMusapreparedbr
eakfastfor
them.Sheti
edIthana'
shairni
celyandfi
xedhertie

Nene:Nowyoulookl
ikeagrade2lear
ner
.Take
Thapeloandgotohavebr
eakfast
.ComeMosa.

Thetwokidsranoutandwenttotheki
tchen.Nene
brushedMosa'scutandbut
tonedhi
shirt

Mosa:
MamaIl
oveschool
.
Nene:
Real
ly?
Mosa:
YeahandIl
ovei
ther
e.Il
ovePapa.He'
sni
ce.
Nene:
(Smi l
ed)Il
ovehi
mtoomybaby.Let
'sgoand
havebreakfast.
Sheheldhishandastheywalkedt
othekit
chen.
Thekidssurroundedt
hetabl
easMusagavet hem
thei
rfood.Nenesatdownandtookherf
ood

Nene:
Ejangsent
leanddon'
tmakeyouruni
for
m
di
rt
y.
Al
l:
OkayMama.
Musa:I
'
llbealit
tl
elat
etoni
ght
.I'
m goi
ngt
ocheck
t
heflat
safterwork.
Nene:
(Chewi
ng)Okayi
sfi
ne.

Shet
ookherphoneanddi
aledKgaogel
o

Kgaogel
o:(
Sleepy)
Mhmm.
Nene:Nkar eorobetseyana.I'
m sor r
yf orwaki
ng
youup.I '
vebeenmeani ngt ot
ellyout hissi
nce
yesterday.There'st
hisgir
lwhot extedmeon
Facebookyest erdayandtoldmet hatshe'syour
sist
er.She'sMal ome'ssecondbor n.
Kgaogel
o:What
?
Nene:
Yeah,Iwasshockedt
oo.Shel
ooksl
ikeyou.
Justt
hatshe'ssl
im.
Kgaogel
o:Sendmeherpi
ctur
es.
Nene:Hernamei
sLesediMnguni
.Checkheron
Facebook.
Kgaogel
o:Mhmm.Okay.
Nene:
Shar
p.
Kgaogel
o:Shar
p.

Shehungupt
hencont
inuedeat
ing

Nene:
Ihavet
oaskMamaaboutt
his.

AtMa'
sHouse

Shepeakedinsidether
oom andsighedthenwalked
tot
hekitchen.Kutl
wanowashavingbreakfastwhil
e
hewaschat
ti
ngont
hephone

Ma:
Goodmor
ningboyboy.
Kut
lwano:
Goodmorningma.(
Gotup)Ihavet
oget
goi
ng.I
t'
sgett
ingl
ate.
Ma:
Doyouhavet
het
ranspor
tmoney?
Kut
lwano:
YeahKgaogel
ogaveme.
Ma:
Lunch?
Kut
lwano:
Ihavet
hemoney.Thankyou.Letmevay.
Ma:
Shar
p.
Kut
lwano:
Bye.

Het
ookhi
sschoolbagandwal
kedout
.

AtQhawe'
sHouse

I
nthesamemor
ning,
Qhawehandedmegi
ngert
ea
andbiscuit
sthenputmyl
egsonhi
slap.Wewer
ein
thebedroom

Qhawe:
Youf
eel
ingbet
ternow?
Me:
Ali
tt
le.
Qhawe:
What
'
sthedealaboutt
hel
it
tl
esi
stert
hing?
Me:I'
m st
il
lshockedandconfusedabouti
t.I
checkedthegir
landshelooksli
kePapa.Shemi
ght
behischil
d.I'
l
llooki
ntoi
t.
Qhawe:
Okay.
Me:
Whathappenedt
oyourf
ace?
Qhawe:Ther
ewasal i
tt
lebitofdisagr
eement
betweenmeandmybr otherthatledt
othi
s.Butwe
fi
xeditandi
ronedt
hingsout
Me:
Okay.
Qhawe:
Yougoi
ngt
owor
ktoday?
Me:
Yeah.
Qhawe:
Alr
ight
.I'
l
lbeback.Ineedt
omakeaphone
cal
l.

Heki
ssedmet
henst
eppedout
.

AtZenze'
sApar
tment

Heci rcl
edaf or
kar oundt hepl ateashishear t
poundedf astagainsthi schest .Theideaofbei nga
fathertosomeonef r
eakedhi m out .Hewasst il
l
tryi
ngt ofi
xhimselff orGod'ssake.Hewasst i
ll
tryi
ngt omakehi slif
ebet ter
.Howcant hishappen
now?Especi all
ywi t
hsomeonehedi dn'tevenlove.
Ayandast eppedinsidet hekitchenandwr appedher
armsar oundhisneckt henkissedhi scheek

Ayanda:
I'
mleavi
ng.Ineedt
ogot
owor
k.
Zenze:
Okay.
Ayanda:
Youokay?
Zenze:
Yeah.
Ayanda:
Alr
ight
.Bye.

Theyki
ssedt
henshewal
kedout

Zenze:
Thi
sgi
rldi
dmedi
rt
y.

Att
heHospi
tal

LethuwalkedinXhant iwardandl ookedathim.He

hadanoxygenmaskonandl ookedveryweak.Is
thi
sthelifeshe'l
lli
vewhenshe' swithhim?Always
Wor r
yingabouthi m.Evengoasf arasr i
ski
ngher
j
obf orhim.Willitbeallwor
thit?Sheswal l
owed
thenwalkedcloserashet urnedhisheadandt hei
r
eyeslocked

Xhant
i:
H..
Hey.
Let
hu:
Hi.
(
SPONSOREDBYANONYMOUS)

TOBECONTI
NUED.
.
TheGoodWi
fe
#36

AtMyHouse

Lat
erthatnightIpouredwarm waterinsi
deKeanu's
bott
leandaddedt hr
eesmal lspoonsofbaby
powderedmi l
kthencloseditandshookituntili
t
wasmi xed.Hewasseat edont heprom.Itookhim
outandheldhimi nmyar mst hengavehim abottl
e
ashesucked.

Me:
(Ki
ssedhi
sfor
ehead)amonat
eneh?
Hekeptkicki
ngi
ntheairashesuckedli
kehis
whol
elif
edependentonit
.Ismil
edthendial
edMa

Ma:
Hel
lo.
Me:
(Smi
led)
HeyMa.Isawt
her
omper
syoupacked
onhi
sbag.
Ma:Yeah.IwasatJetandsawt hem.Il
ikedthem
forhi
m soIbroughtt
hem.Iknowhehasal otof
Rompersandhe'sgrowingbutIcoul
dn'
thelpit.
Me:
It
'sf
ine.Theyar
esoni
ce.Thankyou.
Ma:
Alr
ightmybaby.
Me:
Okaygoodni
ght.Ineedt
oputhi
mtosl
eepand
l
ookatsomecasesIhavehere.
Ma:
Goodni
ghtmyl
ove.

Ihungupt henlookedatKeanu.Hewassl eepi

ngso
peaceful
ly.Iwi
pedt hesweatonhi sfor
eheadand
ki
ssedhissmal ll
ips.Hel ookednot
hingli
keme.He
hadallQhawe'sfeatures.Iguessmygenesar enot
thatstr
ong.ButI
'm notcomplaining,
aslongashe'
s
cuteandlookli
kedaddy.Iwalkedt ohisnurser
y
andputhimi nhi
scott hencoveredhim wit
ha
blanket
.

Iwalkedtomyr oom andtookmyToi l

etr
ybagasI
walkedtothebathr
oom.Ipr eparedt
hetubthen
l
ookedatmyselfinthemi r
ror.Thedooropenedand
Qhawewal kedi
n.Hest oppedforasecondand
l
ookedatme

Me:
Hey.
Qhawe:
HeyMama.
Me:
Hadal
ongday?
Qhawe:(
Sighed)
Yeah.Howwast
heOpeni
ngoft
he
fl
ats?
Me:Amazi
ng.Thef l
atsar
ebreat
htaki
ng.It
ook
somepict
ures.I
'
llshowyou.
Hecameandstoodbehindmethentouchedmy
wai
staswelockedeyesint
hemirr
or.

Qhawe:
I'
mleavi
ngt
oni
ght
.
Me:
..
Qhawe:(
Kissedmyneck)I
'l
lbebackbef
oreFr
iday.
TakecareOfKeanuandyoursel
f.
Me:
..
Qhawe:
Hey.

Het urnedmear oundandletmef acedhim.Thenhe

pull
edmemor ecloserwithmywai standki ssedme
softl
y.Hishandsmovedonmynakedbut tashe
squeezedit.ImoanedSof tl
yenjoyi
nghi skisses.
ThenIunbuckl edhispantsandletthem falldown
onhi sknees.Hepinnedmeagai nstthewal land
pressedmyhandsabovemyheadasheki ssedme
hard.Hepar t
edmyl egswi t
hhiskneeashi shand
wentonmyshavedpussy.Her anhisfinger sonmy
pussyl i
psthenslowlyrubbedmycl i
tandsl idone
f
ingeri
nsi
deasIbr
oket
heki
ss.

Me:
(Moani
ng)OhChawe.

Hemovedhisfi
ngersl
owlyinandoutwhil
ehe
rubbedonmycli
tatt
hesamet i
me.Iwhimper
edas
hekissedmesl
owlyandstar
tedmovinghi
sfi
nger
fast
er.

Me:
(Scr
eami
ng)
Ohgod!Ahh.

Ifel
tanorgasm bui
ldi
ngupastearsfi
ll
edmyeyes.
Helookedmedeepi ntheeyesandcarri
edmeinhis
hugearmsthenshovedhisharderect
eddicki
nsi
de

Me:
Ooohhhhhh.

Oureyesl
ockedashehel
dmet
ightandst
art
ed
pumpinginfast
er.Hehi
tthi
ssamesweetspot
cont
inousl
yasIthrewmyheadbackwit
hmyeyes
cl
osed

Me:
(Moani
ng)
Chawe.Ohhh.
Qhawe:
(I
nmyear
)Oohf
uck!

Ispl
ashedal loverhisdickasmyt oescurled.I
couldn'thol
dit.Hekeptpumpi nginmor efasteras
sensit
iveasIwas.Iknewhewasn' tgoingt ostop
unti
lhecumsandIspl ashonhi m agai
n.Iwr apped
myar msar oundhisneckandki ssedhim aswe
moanedi neachother'
smout hs

.
..
..

Inthemorni
ng,
Iwokeupandl ookedatonmy
emptysideasIsi
ghed.Icl
imbedoffthebedand
walkedt
oKeanu'snurser
y.Hewasawakebut
playi
ngashewaskickinghi
slegsintheairand
speaki
ngt
heonl
ylanguageheunder
stands

Me:
Goodmor
ningMybaby.

Helookedatmethenchuckl
edshowinghi
sbl
ack
gums.Itookhi
m outofhi
scotandheldhi
mti
ghti
n
myarms

Me:
Goodmor
ningMommy'
sboy.Goodmor
ningAnu.

Itouchedhi
sPamper s.I
twasf
ull
.Iputhi
m backon
thecotandtookhist
hingst
henchangedhim bef
ore
Iwenttothekit
chen

AtLet
hu'
sHouse

Shesi
ghedasTauspokeont
hel
ine
Det
ecti
veTau:Cometothest
ati
onsot
hatyoucan
t
aketherecor
derandtr
acker
.
Let
hu:
Hedoesn'
tal
l
owmei
nhi
shouse.
Detect
iveTau:Itdoesn'tmatter
.Makeever yt
hing
happen.Youar ecleverLethu.Thisisourchanceto
crackthiscaseandf i
nallyputthesepeoplebehi
nd
bars.Webot hknowt hattheMi neisjustafr
ont.
Theyar esmugglingdiamondsandt hey'
vebeen
doingitforaverylongt i
menow.
Let
hu:
OkayCapt
ain.I
'
llseewhatIcando.
Tau:
Shar
p.

Shehungupthenrubbedherf
ace.Her
grandmot
herl
impedassheslowlysatdownand
l
ookedather

Gr
ams:
Youl
ookwor
ri
ed.
Let
hu:I
t'
sjustt
hecaseI
'
m wor
kingon.Youwant
cof
fee?
Gr
ams:
Please.
Let
hu:
Okay.

Shepouredhotwat
erinsi
deacupandaddedt
he
i
ngredi
entst
henhandedittoher

Gr
ams:
Ngi
yabonga(
Thankyou)
Let
hu:
Okay.

Shewalkedtoherroom anddialedXhantibuti
t
wenttoVoicemai
l.Shesighedthenthrewhersel
fon
thebed

Att
heSpa

Evast
eppedoutofhercarasshefli
ckedherweave
andheadedi
nsi
de.Shewal kedt
otherecepti
oni
st
assheshowedherinsi
de.Shetookhercl
othesoff
andworethewhi
tegown.Thenlaidont
hebed
comfor
tabl
yandsippedonherwine.

Minut
eslat
erIst
eppedi
nsi
det
heroom andl
ocked
eyeswit
hEva.Shewasl
ayi
ngcomfor
tabl
yonbed

Me:
Hel
lo?
Eva:
Hi.

Il
eanedoverandhuggedherasshebr
ushedmy
back

Eva:
I'
vebeenwai
ti
ng.
Me:
I'
m sosor
ry.Iwashel
dup.
Eva:
It
'sokay.Taket
hegown.

Ist
eppedI
nanot
herroom asit
ookmyclot
hesoff
andworemygownthenwalkedbackt
otheroom
andsatonanot
herbed

Eva:
How'
sLi
tt
leKeanu?
?
Me:
He'
sokay.He'
ssuchanangel
.
Eva:
Ishoul
dcomeandseehi
m.
Me:
Youshould.Thankyouforthi
s.I'
m havinga
t
oughweek.I
'l
lneedalloft
hisenergyfortherestof
t
heweek.Chaweisgone.
Eva:
Wel
comet
othecl
ubPhakat
hwayowi
fey.
Me:(
laughed)I
t'
shell
.Youshouldhavewarnedme.
KanaImi sshi
ml i
keIdidn'
tseehi
m yest
erday.
Eva:(
Laughed)Andyouar est
il
lgoi
ngtost
arve.
Thesemengetusaddi ctedtothem t
henl
eaveus.
It
'shell
.ButminaI'
m usedtoitbynow.At
leastyou
haveKeanu,I
'm al
lal
one.
Me:
Eish.

Ipour
edmysel
fwi
neont
hegl
assandgul
pedi
t
down
Eva:
(Laughed)
Don'
tfor
getyoust
il
lhavet
ofet
cht
he
baby.
Me:
He'
l
lst
aywi
thMa.I
'
mti
red.

Let
hust
eppedi
nsi
deandl
ookedatus

Let
hu:
Hii
i.
Us:
Heyy.

Wehuggedthenshesatdownont
hebedand
l
ookedatus

Let
hu:
Itl
ooksl
ikeyouguysar
ehavi
ngf
unal
ready.
Me:
Thef
unal
readyst
art
edsweet
hear
t.
Let
hu:
(Laughed)
Icant
ell
.
Themasseusesst
eppedi
nsi
de

Eva:
Lovegoandchange.They'
vebeenwai
ti
ng.
Let
hu:
Okay.I
t'
sempt
yher
e.Wher
e'sever
yone?
Eva:
Ibookedt
hewhol
epl
ace.

MeandLet
hul
ookedateachot
her

Eva:
Go.
Let
hu:
Okay

TOBECONTI
NUED.
..
..
TheGoodWi
fe
#37

AtLesedi
'
sHouse
ThesamedayLesedisteppedi
nsi
dethehouse
whil
etal
kingonthephoneashergr
andmotherf
ed
thebabyporr
idge

Lesedi
:(
ont
hephone)I'
m scar
edofSandtondogs.
Meetmeatthest
opsign.Okay,
seeyou.

Shehungupandl
ookedathergr
andmot
herf
eedi
ng
thebaby

Lesedi
:LookathowchubbyLukhanyoi
s.Heeat
s
toomuch.

Lukhanyosmiledshowi
nghi
stwosmal
lfr
ontt
eet
h.
Theylaughed

Lesedi
:I
t'
sli
kehehear
dme.
Grandmother:
Hedi
dandhedoesn'
tmi
ndt
he
chubbyness.AZul
uboyhast
oeat.
Lesedi
:Yeahr
ight
.

Sheopenedthefr
idgeandtookt
hewaterbot
tl
eout
thendr
ank.Herbrot
herst
eppedint
hekit
chenas
theyl
ookedathi
m

Monde:
HeyLesedi
.Unayoi
kli
pal
apho.
Lesedi
:No.Idon'
thavemoney.
Monde:
Ahmf
ethu10?Ngi
yak'
cel
a.

Shel
ookedathergr
andmot
hert
henshookherhead
andhandedR10tohi
m

Monde:
DankiSi
swami
.

Hesmi
ledt
henwal
kedout

Lesedi
:He'
sgoi
ngt
obuyNyaopewi
tht
hatmoney.
ZenzeandAyandast
eppedi
nsi
deast
heyt
urned
andlookedatt
hem

Zenze:
Sani
bonani
.
Gr
andmot
her
:SawubonaMf
ana.

Zenzelookedathisboyasasmil
ecur vedonhis
l
ips.Helookedsochubbyandcute.Healsohadhis
featur
es.Heli
ter
all
ymadeanenti
r ehuman.Itwas
crazy

Zenze:
I'
m her
etopi
ckhi
m up.

Lesedirol
ledhereyest
henwal
kedt
oherr
oom as
theyalll
ookedather

Gr
andmot
her
:Al
ri
ghtbuthehasn'
tbat
hedyet
.Iwas
st
il
lfeedi
nghi
m.
Zenze:
It
'sokay.I
'
llt
akehi
mli
ket
hat
.

Hetookhi
mf rom hi
sgrandmotherandheldhimin
hi
sarms.Lukhanyorecogni
zedhisfatherand
smil
edwidel
yasheki ssedhi
sfaceleavingitwi
th
hi
ssali
va

Ayanda:
(l
aughed)
Someonei
shappyt
oseeDaddy.
Zenze:
(l
aughed)
HeyChamp.

Grandmotherst
oodupandwenttothebathroom.
ShetookLukhanyo'
sbabybagandgaveittothem

Zenze:
Ngi
yabongaMa.
(Thankyou)
Gr
andmot
her
:Al
ri
ght
.

Theyst
eppedout
Att
heSpa

MeandLet
husatonthechai
rsaswedippedour
f
eeti
nthewat
erwhil
etheMasseusesmassaged
t
hem.Evawasget
ti
nghergel
ishover
laysdone.

Me:(
Sighed)If
eelsoalive.Someti
mesIwishI
wasn'
tawi f
e,motherandadoct or
.It
'shar
dto
managethisallt
ogether.
Eva:
Att
heendoft
heday.That'
sourf
ate.Wear
e
women.Wemanageever
ythi
ng.
Me:
True.Iwoul
dn'
ttr
adeal
loft
hatf
oranyt
hing.
Eva:
Sambulowant edmet ost opwor ki
ngbutI
coul
dn'
t.Ihadendomet r
iosisandIwasso
depr
essed.Stayi
ngathomewasgoi ngt odri
veme
mad.Itol
dhim Icouldn'
t.Iadmi t
,Idon'
tneedthe
money.Butsometimesweal lneedadi str
ust
ion.
Me:
Youhadendomet
ri
osi
s?
Eva:
YeahbutIdi
dthesur
ger
y.Iwentt
oUSA.I
'
m
good.
Me:
Okayt
hat
'
sbet
ter
.

Isi
ppedonmychampagneandl ookedatLethu
whowaslostinthought
s.MeandEvalookedat
eachot
herthenbackather

Eva:
Ear
tht
oLet
hu.

Shel
ookedather

Eva:
Comebackt
ous.
Let
hu:
Sor
ry.Iwast
hinki
ngaboutt
hecaseIhave.
Eva:
Thisi
snotthet
imet
othi
nkaboutcases.We
areher
etorel
ax.
Let
hu:
Yeahsor
ry.
Eva:
Howcompl
icat
edi
tis?I
'
m sur
eyou'
l
lmanage.
Let
hu:
(Si
ghed)Yeah.
Me:You'
l
lbefi
ne.Telluswhati
sabout
,wemi
ght
comeupwithideas.
Let
hu:
Noi
snot
hingbi
g.Justar
apecase.
Me:
Oh.Thatcanbedepr
essi
ng.
Let
hu:
Right
.

ShetookasiponherChampagneandl
eanedback
onthechai
r

Me:
SoyouandXhant
i,
yougotbackt
oget
heragai
n.
Lethu:
Yeah.Thatone.Hedoesn'
ttakeanof
oran
answer.Hecameaf t
erme.
Eva:
Let
hukut
hul
a.
Let
hu:
(l
aughed)Af
ullname.Whatdi
dIdo?
Eva:
(Calml
y)Thesebrot
her
shavebeenthrougha
l
ot.Doingwhatt
heyaredoi
ngnowdespitehaving
thebi
ggestmineint
hecountr
yiswhatkeepsthem
standingincludingthemine.YoufoundXhantit
he
wayhei s,don'ttryandchangehim.Helovesyou
andt hat
'sallthatmatter
s.Iunderst
andyouwork
forthelawbutyouknewwhohewaswhenyou
foundhim.
Let
hu:
..
.

Evagulpedt
hechampagnedownandl
eanedon
thechai
r

Eva:
Thechai
rissocomf
ort
abl
e.

Ther
ewasanawkwar
dsi
lenceasIl
ookedatLet
hu

AtNene'
sHouse

Shesatnextt
oMusaont
hecouchast
heyl
ooked
att
heFlats
Nene:
Ili
ket
hebat
hroomsmor
e.
Musa:
Theki
tchen.
Nene:
Yeaht
her
e'smor
espace.
Musa:
Ial
readyf
oundt
het
enant
s.
Nene:
Thi
siswor
kingoutf
ast
ert
hanIant
ici
pat
ed.
Musa:
Right
?
Nene:
Yeah.

Hi
sphonephone.Theybot
hlookedati
tbef
orehe
pi
cked

Musa:
Hel
lo?
Voice:
Nenei snotwhoshepr et
endstobe.Iwas
withheratCapeTownl astyear.Ij
ustf
oundout
thathewasdat i
ngusatt hesamet i
me.Iwatched
yourvideotodayatTheEstateandfoundoutyou've
beentogethersi
ncelastyearandIwasalsodating
her
.

Musal
ookedatNeneashi
shear
tpounded

Musa:Whoareyou?Andwhatmakesyout
hinkI
'
ll
t
rustyouovermywoman.
Voi
ce:
I'
m Lesl
ey.Askheraboutme.Sheknows.

Hehungup

Nene:
Whowasi
t?
Musa:
Lesl
ey.

Herhear
tskippedashel
ookedatherbr
ief
lypi
cki
ng
uphernerves

Nene:
(Cal
mly)Ooh.Youwor
kwi
thhi
m?
Musa:
No.Apparentl
yhe'syourex.Youwentt
o
CapeTowntogetherl
astyear
.
Nene:What
?Never
.Who'
sthi
sLesl
ey?Babeyou
t
ell
ingmeyoubeli
evehi
m.
Musa:Idon'tknow.ButnowthatIlookatitIt
hinkI
do.Thosepi ct
uresofyouonfacebookthat
Shami sofoundmakesmeskept i
cal.Yousaidyou
wentwi t
hKgaogel ot
oCapeTownbutt herewereno
pi
cturesofher.
Nene:
She'
snotaf
anofpi
ctur
es.Shedi
dn'
twantt
o
t
akepict
ure.
Musa: Don'ttrytomakemeaf oolNene.I
'
m nota
chi
ld.Justber ealwit
hmecausei fyouli
etome
again,you'
llregreti
t.Kgaogel
opostsalotonsoci
al
medi a.Alot.Shehadt hisYouTubethi
ngwi t
hPaul
beforeitended.She' sal
waysinthespotl
ight
.

Nene'sheartpoundedagai
nstherchestasher
handsstart
edshaking.Shelookedathi
sCalmface
astearsfi
ll
edhereyes
Nene:
Idi
dn'
tgowi
thhi
m.Idon'
tknowanyLesl
ey.
Musa:
..
.
Nene:
(Cr
ying)
Iswear
.Idon'
tknowanyLesl
ey.He'
s
l
yingt
oyou.

Musaslappedherhar
donhercheekasshel
ooked
athi
m shocked.

Musa:
Youlieagain.I
'
llsl
apyou.Don'
ttestme
Or
enei
le.Don'
ttestme.
Nene:
(Cr
ying)
I'
m notl
y-

Hesl
appedhert
wiceasshescr
eamedl
oudl
y

Musa:
Lieagai
n.
Nene:
(Cr
ying)
Musayouar
ehur
ti
ngme.
Musa:
Itl
ooksl
ikeyoudon'
ttakemeser
iousl
y.I
'
ll
showyou.

Hedr
aggedhert
othei
rroom andl
ockedi
t

AtMa'
sHouse

ShehadstrappedKeanuonherbackasshecooked.
Paulst
eppedinsi
dewithKesha.

Paul
:Mom.

Shet
urnedandl
ookedatt
hem.

Ma:
(Smi
led)
HeyKesha.
Kesha:
(Smi
led)
HeyMa.

TheyhuggedasPault
ookKeanuonMa'
sbackand
hel
dhi
minhi
sar
m

Ma:
Whendi
dyougether
e?I
t'
sgoodt
oseeyou.
Kesha:
Icameher
eyest
erday.I
t'
sgoodt
oseeyout
o
Ma.

Pault
hrewKeanui
ntheai
rashel
aughedt
hen
ki
ssedhisst
omach

Paul
:Hel
ooksl
ikehi
sfat
heri
scr
azy.
Ma:(l
aughed)
Tel
lmeabouti
t.He'
l
lgr
owupt
obea
younghandsomeman.
Paul
:KGmustbehappy.Seei
ngacopyofsomeone
youl
oveonyourchi
ldispri
cel
ess.
Ma:
Yeah.
Paul
:He'
snotevenscar
edofpeopl
e.
Kesha:
Letmehol
dhi
m.
HehandedherKeanuassheki
ssedhercheeksand
t
ouchedhissmal
lbrai
ds

Kesha:
Hehasni
cehai
r.Ayoungskr
rskr
rboy.
Ma:
Ihat
ethathai
r.
Kesha:
(l
aughed)
Paul
:Ihavet
ogot
othehospi
tal
.I'
l
lseeyouwhenI
comeback.

Heki
ssedKeshat
henst
eppedout

Ma:
Sitdownmychi
l
d.

ShesatdownandputKeanuonherl
ap

Ma:
Whenar
eyouhavi
ngyour
s?
Kesha:
ah.
Ma:Ineedagr
andchi
ld.Youguysar
enotget
ti
ng
younger.
Kesha:
Yeah.Soon.
Ma:
Wheni
ssoon?
Kesha:
(l
aughed)
Idon'
tknowbutsoon.
Ma:
(Smi
led)
Okay.

TOBECONTI
NUED.
..
..
.
TheGoodWi
fe
#38

OnTheRoad

Islowlymovedmyheadsi detosideasKehlani
nightl
iket
hispl
ayedonther adi
o.Keanuwas
seatedonthebackonhisseat.Ihadagoodday
today,
theSpatr
eatmentandeverythi
ng.It
hinkI
shoulddothi
smor eof
ten.Ididn'
tthi
nkIneededit
t
hismuch.

Inoti
cedtraff
icoffi
cer
sont hesideofther oad.One
ofthem stoodinthemi ddleoftheroadandst opped
me.Istoppedt hecaront hesideofther oadand
reducedthevolumeashewal kedt owardsmeand
l
ookedatmeont hewindow.Ir ol
leddownt he
windowandl ookedathi m

Hi
m:YeboNkosazana.Wamuhl
e.(
Youbeaut
if
ul)
Me:
Hel
lo.
Him:Howar eyou?
(lookedatKeanu)Youhavea
beauti
fulbaby.
Me:
Thankyou.
Hi
m:CanIhaveyourl
icensepl
ease?
Me:
Alr
ight
.

It
ooki
toutofmybagandhandedi
ttohi
m
Hi
m:Thankyou.

Hel
ookedattheLi
censeast
heot
herwhi
teof
fi
cer
wal
kedtowar
dsus

Of
fi
cer2:
Letmet
alkt
oyouf
orasec.

Theyst
eppedasi
deandwhisper
edtoeachother
.
Thewhit
eonehadawalki
etalki
einhi
shand.They
l
ookedatmethencameonmysi de

Of
fi
cer
:Pl
easest
epoutoft
hevehi
cleMam.
Me:
(Fr
owned)
Why?
Whi
teof
ficer
:Don'
taskusquest
ions.Justgetoutof
t
hevehi
cle.

Iopenedt
hedoorandgotout
.Hesear
chedmycar
ast
hewhi
teoneopenedt
heboot
h.

Whi
teOf
fi
cer
:Hol
yshi
t.Comeandl
ookatt
his.
Me:
What
'sgoi
ngon?

Iwalkedtohi
m andl
ookedi
nsi
det
heboot
hasmy
eyeswidened

Whi
teOf
fi
cer
:Soyouweregoi
ngtosel
lthem?
Wher
edi
dyougetthesedi
amonds?
Me:
Theyar
enotmi
ne.Someone-
Whiteoff
icer
:You'
l
lansweral
loft
hequest
ionsi
n
pr
ison.Nothere.

Hewal kedt
ohisvanwhil
ehespokeont hewalki
e
tal
kie.Myhear
tpoundedagai
nstmychestasI
walkedtomycarandtookKeanuoutthencarr
ied
himi nmyarms.Hecamebackagainandlookedat
me
Me:Theyar
enotmi
ne.Idon'
tknowhowt
heygot
her
e.
Whit
eof
fi
cer:
Iwaswonder
inghowawomancan
af
for
dAudiRs5.
Me:I
'
m adoct
orokayandIcanaf
for
dever
ythi
ngI
want.
Whi
teOf
fi
cer
:(
laughed)
Right
?

Ihear
dpoli
cesi
rensandquickl
ylookedontheroad
aspoli
cecar
sdroveourdi
recti
on.Myheartski
pped

Me:
No..
no.Thesear
enotmydiamonds.I'
m not
smuggl
ingdi
amonds.I
'
m aDoctoryoucan-

HepushedmeoverasIhel
dKeanut
ight
lybef
ore
hecoul
dfal
l.
Me:
You'
l
lmakemedr
opmybaby.

Hepushedmeagai nasKeanucri
edloudl
y.Thr
ee
Poli
cemenwalkedtowar
dsus.Oneofthem
grabbedKeanufr
om mewhilet
heotherputmy
handsbehindmybackandhandcuff
edme.

Me:
Thosear
enotmi
ne.Pl
ease.
Poli
ceman:
Youareunderar
restMam f
orsmuggling
di
amonds.Anyt
hingyousaycanandwillbeused
agai
nstyoui
nthecourtofl
aw.
Me:
No.

Hepushedmetothevanandt
hrewmeinsi
de.
Tearsdr
oppedonmeeyesasIl
ookedatmybaby
cryi
ng

AtNene'
sHouse
Nenecri
edsil
ent
lyasshel
aidonthecol
df l
oorwith
bl
oodonherface.Musawasstandi
ngatthecorner
oft
heroom st
ari
ngather

Musa:
Howmanyt
imesdi
dyousl
eepwi
thhi
m?
Nene:
(Sobbed)
Fivet
imes.

Musaclenchedhisfist
sandjawswhiletr
yingto
cal
m himselfdown.Thethoughtofhi
m ont opof
heri
nfuri
atedhim somuch.

Musa:
Whydidn'tyouwaitf
ormehuh?Itol
dyouI'
m
goi
ngtochangeourli
ves.Whywasitsofucki
ng
har
dtowaitforme?
Nene:
(cr
ying)
I'
m sor
ry.I
'
m sosor
rybaby.
Musa:Youmakemesosi ckNene.Lookatyou.You
all
owedamant ofuckyouformoney.Wastravel
ing
andhavingexpensivecl
othessoi
mportanttoyou
thatyou'
ddothistous?
Shecrawledovert
ohim ashestompedonher
handsandwalkedout.Shel
aidherheaddownand
screamedwhil
ecrying

Nene:
(Cr
ying)
Musa.I
'
m sor
rybaby.I
'
m sosor
ry.

(
SPONSOREDBYAMU.THAT1KPI
CTUREBONUS
I
NSERT)

TOBECONTI
NUED.
..
.
TheGoodWi
fe
#39

AtThePol
iceSt
ati
on

Isi
gheddefeat
edasIsatdownandf
acedTwo
pol
iceof
fi
cerswhowereinther
oom.
Offi
cer1:Youdon'tneedtobescared.Wewon'tdo
anythi
ngt oyou.Justtel
lusthetr
uth.Howdid
thosediamondsendupi nyourbooth?Lett
hisbea
simpleprocess.
Me:
(Si
ghed)Wher
e'smybaby?
Of
fi
cer
2:Yourbabyi
ssaf
e.
Me:
Saf
ewher
e?
Of
fi
cer2:
List
enherelady,
l
et'
sdothi
ssimpl
esothat
wecangetdoneandoverwithi
t.Noneedt
ostal
lit
.
Doyouevenreal
izehowmuchtroubl
eyouarei
n?
Me:I
..
Idon'
tknowwherethosediamondscome
f
rom.IsweartoGod.Pl
easejustgi
vememybaby.I
wantmybaby.
Offi
cer1:
Yourbabywon'
tgetyououtofthi
sone.Di
d
yourhusbandandhisbr
other
screat
eIthembamine
asaf r
ont?
Me:
No.I
thembaI
slegal
.
Off
icer
1:(
Bangedthet
abl
e)HenceIsai
dtheyar
e
usi
ngitasafront
.
Hegotupandpacedar
ound

Officer2:
Iknowyoumadevows, iknowyouar eloyal
toyourhusbandbutdoyouwantyourbabyt o
suf f
er?Youaregoingtojailforalongti
meandhe' ll
beal one.He'
sveryyoung.Heneedshi smother.I
s
thatwhatyouwant ?Toleavehi m?Forhimt ogrow
upwi thoutyou?Yourhusbandwi llpr
obablymar r
y
someoneel se,af
teral
lhe'sQhawePhakat hwayo.
Hecangetever ywomanhewant swhileyoustayin
prisonandyoursonmot her l
ess.
Me:
..
.
Offi
cer2:
Yourbabyishere,
cryi
ng.Wecall
ed
everyoneonyourphonebutnoonepickedup.
Incl
udingyourhusband.
Me:(
Tear
ful
ly)
Cal
lMa.She'
l
lcomeandgethi
m.
Pl
ease.
Of
fi
cer
2:Wor
kwi
thme.Comeon.Tel
lust
het
rut
h.
Me:
(Cr
ying)
Idon'
tknowhowt
hosedi
amondsgoti
n
mybooth.Idon'
tknow.Pleasecal
lMat
ocomeand
getKeanu.He'
sscared.
Off
icer
2:Iguesswe'
lldot
hist
omor
row.Youar
enot
ser
ious.(Shout
ed)Mbhel
e.

APoli
cemanwhoIguessmustbeMbhel
est
epped
i
nsi
deandgrabbedmyarm

Of
fi
cer
2:Takehert
oacel
l
.
Me:
(Cr
ying)
Nopl
ease.
Of
fi
cer
2:Mbhel
e.

Mbhel
egr
abbedmyar
mti
ght
lyandpushedme
i
nsi
deacel
l.

Me:(
Cryi
ng)
Nopl
ease.Pl
ease.Cal
lMa.Mbhel
e
pl
ease.
Hejusti
gnoredmeandlockedmei
nsi
de.Isank
downont hefl
oorandcr
ied

Meanwhi leLesedisteppedoutoft het

axiand
rushedi nsidethePoliceStati
on.Assoonasshe
steppedi nside,HereyesfellofKeanuwhohad
Tear sandmucusr unningonhi sfacewhil
eseated
ont heOf fi
cerlapwhol ookedlikehedidn'
teven
care.Shecl enchedherj awsandgr abbedKeanuas
theyl ookedather

Lesedi
:(
PatonKeanu'
sback)Aunt
iei
sher
enow
Anu.You'l
lbef
ine.

Shel
ookedatt
heOf
fi
cerandcl
ickedhert
ongue

Lesedi
:Wher
ear
emysi
ster
'st
hings?

Af
emal
eOf
fi
cerhandedherKgaogel
o'sbagasshe
cl
ickedhert
ongueagai
n

Lesedi:
Ican'tsayI
'm supri
sed.Y'
allarel
iket
his.
Corrupt
edlikeyourseniorBhekiCele.

Shesteppedoutasherheel
sechoed.Theylooked
atherandshookthei
rheadswhil
eotherslaughed

AtSambul
o'sHouse

Evaspokewithoneoft
hebodyguar
dsashet
old
herwhathappened

Eva:
(Si
ghed)Okay,
Thankyou.

Henoddedthenwalkedout
.Shet
ookhersmal
l
phoneanddial
edSambulo
Sambul
o:Hel
lo?
Eva:
Kgaogel
oisar
rest
ed.
Sambul
o:Huh?
Eva:
She'
sarrest
edSambulo.Theyf
ounddi
amonds
i
nherbooth.Thi
sisaset
up.Someoneputthem
ther
e.
Sambul
o:Fuck!Okayokay.I
'
llseewhatIcando.
Eva:
Comehome.
Sambul
o:I
t'
llt
aket
ime.
Eva:
Why?What
'shappeni
ng?
Sambul
o:Wehaveapr
obl
em.
Eva:
godwhatpr
obl
em now?
Sambulo:
Thecopsareonourt
ail
.Theyar
elooki
ng
forXhant
i.Hehadt
hedi
amondsandtheysawthem.
Eva:
Ohmygod!
Sambulo:Don'tworr
y.Wemanagedt odi
tcht
hem
buttheyarelooki
ngforhim.Theydi
dn'
tseehim but
ther
e'sasketchgoingaroundofhi
m.
Eva:
Whatsket
ch?
Sambulo:
Asketcht
hatshowedhi
sphysi
que,
dress
codeandhisneckt
att
oo.
Eva:
OhmyGodSambul
o.
Sambulo:That
'snothi
ngbabe.We' l
lfixt
his.Wear
e
notl
eavingwithoutfi
xingt
his.I
'
llcallCi
ndytohel
p
Kgaogel
o.
Eva:
(Tear
ful
ly)
Okay.
Sambul
o:Don'
tstr
esst
oomuchokay?.We'l
lfi
xthi
s.
Someoneisset
ti
ngusupbutwe'
l
lfi
xthis.
Eva:
You'
l
ltel
lQhawe?
Sambulo:
No,
notyet.He'
llmakeir
rat
ionaldeci
sions.
Youknowhowhei s.Especi
all
ywheni tcomesto
her
.
Eva:
Yeah.Bye.Takecar
eofyour
sel
f.
Sambul
o:Takeofyour
sel
fSt
handwasam.Il
oveyou.
Eva:
Iloveyout
oo.Gethomesaf
e.
Sambul
o:Ipr
omi
se.
Hehungupast
ear
sdr
oppedonEva'
scheeks

AtLesedi
'
sHouse

ShetuckedKeanut
osl
eepandcoveredhim wi
th
bl
anketsashesnor
edsof
tl
y.Herphonerangasshe
pi
cked

Lesedi
:Hel
lo?
Ma:Lesedi
,
Where'
sKeanu?Ij ustsawthenews.
Kgaogeloi
sarr
ested.I'
mtryi
ngt ocal
lQhawebuti
t
doesn'
tgothr
ough.It'
sbad.
Lesedi
:(
sighed)
Iknow.Keanui
swi
thme.
Ma:Okay.I'
m comingnowt
ogethi
m.Di
dyou
i
nform hersi
steri
nlaw?
Lesedi
:NobutI
'
m sur
eshemusthaveseent
he
newsbynow.
Ma:
Youcan'
tsaythat
.Whati
fshehasnotseen
t
hem yet
.Weneedtogetal
awyer
.
Lesedi
:I
'
llcal
lZenzeandt
ellhi
m.
Ma:
Pleasedomygir
l.I
'
llber
ightt
her
ewi
th
Kut
lwano.He'
sal
soworri
ed.
Lesedi
:OkayMa.

Shehungupt
heni
mmedi
atel
ycal
ledZenze

Zenze:
Yeah?
Lesedi
:Kgaogel
oisar
rest
ed.
Zenze:
What
?
Lesedi:
Yeahpleaset
ryandcal
lyourbr
other
.He'
s
notreachabl
e.
Zenze:
Shi
t!Ar
eyouser
ious?
Lesedi
:Doyout
hinkIhavet
imet
ojokewi
thyou?
Zenze:
Whathappened?
Lesedi
:Theyf
ounddi
amondsi
nherboot
h.Nowi
t
l
ooksl
ikeshe'
ssmuggli
ngdiamonds.Can'
tyout
ell
t
hem t
hatit
'syour
s.Pl
usyouguysownami ne.
Zenze:
Howmanydi
amondswer
edone?
Lesedi
:Al
ot.
Zenze:
Shi
t!I
t'
simpossi
ble.Letmet
ellma.

HehungupasLesedi
sighedandwal
kedt
othe
ki
tchen

AtNene'
sHouse

Lat
erthatday,
theki
dsopenedt
hedoorandr
an
i
nside.

Mosa:
(Shout
ed)
Mama.

I
thanawentt
oherroom andt
ookhercl
othesof
f
t
henworeadressandpumps.Meanwhil
eThapelo
swit
chedtheTVonasMosagr
abbedt
her
emot
e
andswit
cheditof
f

Mosa:
Goandchangef
ir
st.
Thapel
o:Kebat
ladi
popaye.
(Iwantcar
toons)
Mosa:Goandchangefi
rst
.Mamasaidweshould
changebefor
eweeatandwatchcar
toons.I
'
llt
ell
her.Goandchange.
Thapel
o:(
Cryi
ng)
Kebat
ladipopaye(
Iwantcar
toons)
Mosa:(
wipedhi
stear
s)Let
'sgoandchangef
ir
st
okay.

Heassuredhimt henheldhishandast heywalked

tothei
rroom andchanged.Ithanaopenedt he
Microwaveandlookedf ort
heirfoodbuttherewas
nothi
ng.Theboyswal kedinthekitchenandlooked
ather

I
thana:
Shedi
dn'
tcook.
Thapel
o:I
'
m hungr
y.
I
thana:
We'
l
lbuyKot
a.(
Shout
ed)Mama.

SheheldThapel
o'shandandtheywalkedtot
heir
par
entsbedroom.Sheknockedfi
rstt
henopened
whentheywasnoanswer .Nenewasseatedinfr
ont
oft
hemi r
rorwhil
ecoveri
ngherfacewithMakeup

Thapel
o:MamaI
'
m hungr
y.
Nene:(
lowerlone)
I'
m sor
rybaby.I
'
llmakeyouguys
sandwiches.
I
thana:
BuyusR10kot
a.
Nene:
Alr
ightnono.
Mosa:
Mamayouokay?

Hest
oodnextt
oherandl
ookedatheront
hemi
rr
or

Mosa:
Youl
ookl
ikeyou'
vebeencr
ying.
Nene:
NoI
'
m si
ckmyl
ove.Ihavef
lu.
I
thana:
Wher
e'sdaddy?
Nene:
Hewentt
owor
k.
I
thana:
Ithoughthedi
dn'
tgo.
Nene:
Hewenttocheckont
hefl
ats.(
Sni
ff
led)
Take
R50inmywall
etandgobuyKot
a.
I
thana:
Okay.

MosalookedatherMotherasNenesmil
ed
ner
vousl
yt hent
iedherf
ewmi ssi
ngbr
aids

Nene:
GoMosa.
It
hana:
Mosal
et'
sgo.Mamacanweal
sobuyi
ce
cream?
Nene:
Wehavei
cecr
eam her
eIt
hana.
I
thana:
(l
aughed)
ohIf
orgot
.Let
'sgoMosa.

Mosal
ookedathermot
heragai
nthenwal
kedout
wit
hNene.Assoonasshewassur
ethatt
heywere
goneshel
aidherheadont
hedr
awerandcri
edhar
d

AtTheHospi
tal

Paulcheckedt
hepati
ent
'sCTscansandsighed
l
ookingatthet
ime.Anot
herdoct
orwalkedinsi
de

Hi
m:Thesur
ger
yisst
art
ingi
ntenmi
nut
es.
Paul
:Wher
e'sKga-doct
orPhakat
hwayo?
Hi
m:She'
snother
eyet
.
Paul
:(
sighed)
Okay.

Theywal
kedoutoft
heMRI

(
Likethatsponsor
'spi
ctur
esoyoucangetabonus
i
nsert
)
TOBECONTI
NUED.
..
.
TheGoodWi
fe
#40

AtNene'
sHouse

Intheeveni
ng,
thekidssatdownont hematwhi le
eati
ng.Nenesteppedoutofthebathroom holdi
ng
Neoinherarmswi thatowelwrappedaroundher .
Shegotinherroom andunwrappedat owelonher
body.Neostoodupont hebedandhel dNene's
shoulder
sasshedr i
edherupthenmoi sturi
zedher.

Neo:
Mama.
Nene:
Mhm?
Neo:
Mama.

Nenesi
ghedasshemadeherwearherpaj
amas.
ThensheputherdownasShewentt
otheot
her
ki
ds

Nene:
(Shouted)GuysIpr
epar
edt
het
ubf
oryou.
I
thanaisfi
rst.
Al
l:
OkayMama.

Shecl osedt hedoorandl ookedather selfinthe

mir r
or .It
'sli
keshedi dn'tr
ecognizeher selfanymor e.
Herf acewasswol len,brui
sedandf ullofmakeup.
Herhai rwasmessy.Someoft hebraidswer e
missi ng.Hepul ledt hem sohar dwhenhewas
fuckingher ,
sohar dt hatshefeltherownhai r
gettingoutofherhead.Shecl osedhereyesast he
momentshehadwi t
hMusapl ayedinhermi nd.Her
bodyst artedshakingasshesl owlysatdownont he
chairandl ookedather sel
font hemi r
ror.Thel ast
strawwashi m stompi ngonherhands.Shel ooked
atherpi nkhandsast heyshook.
Herl
ipstrembledast
earsdroppedonhercheeks.
Shequicklyt
ookherphoneanddial
edhermother

Aunt
ie:
Hel
lo?
Nene:
(Cr
ying)
Aunti
e:Nenekeng?Whyar
eyoucr
ying?What
happened?
Nene:
(cr
ying)
Kel
api
leMama(
I'
mti
red)
Aunt
ie:
Olapi
set
swekeng?
(Whatmadeyout
ir
ed)
Nene:Badul
abampetsa.Kel
api
le.Whycan'
tthey
j
ustlovemewit
houtbeati
ngme?(cr
ying)
Aunti
e:Di
dMusabeatyou?YohJeso!Di
dhebeat
you?I'
m comi
ngt
here.Katl
akookamoso.
Nene:
(Cr
ying)
Mama.
Aunt
ie:
Kat
lakoongwanake.I
'
m comi
ngmybaby.
Don'
tworr
y.
Nene:
(Crying)
IthoughtitwasoverwithLoza.My
bodycan'thandlei
tanymor e.Idon'
tfeelgood.Why
can'
tIj
ustbel ovedwithoutbeingbeaten?
Shebrokedowncr yingashermotherspokeont
he
l
ine.Sheputthephoneawayandcr i
edonher
palmssothatthekidscoul
dn'thearher
.

AtLesedi
'
sHouse

Mast
rappedKeanuonherbackandt
ookherbag

Grandmother:I
t'
sver
ylat
eri
ghtnowwhydon'
tyou
guyssleepover?
Ma:(
Smi
led)NoDon'twor
ry.TheUberi
sout
side.I
t'
ll
dr
opusstrai
ghthome.
Gr
andmot
her
:Al
ri
ght
.
Ma:Okayletmel
eave.We'
l
lheart
henewst
omor
row.
At
leastnowthel
awyerisf
ound.
Grandmot
her
:(
Sighed)
Yeah.HopeKgaogel
owi
llbe
fi
ne.
Ma:
Yeah.Goodni
ght
.
Gr
andmot
her
:Goodni
ghtsi
si.

LesediandKut
lwanohugged.

Lesedi
:Bye.
Kut
lwano:
(Si
ghed)
Shar
p.

MaandKut
lwanost
eppedoutasLesedicl
osedt
he
door

AtLet
hu'
sHouse

Thesameeveni
ng,
Evaknockedont
hedooras
Let
huopened

Let
hu:
Hey,
Sol
ate?What
'sgoi
ngon?
Eva:
CanIgeti
n?
Let
hu:
Ofcour
se.

Sheopenedt
hedoorasEvast
eppedi
nsi
de

Let
hu:
Whathappened?
Eva:
Kgaogel
oisar
rest
ed.Ineedyourhel
p.

(
SPONSOREDBYZENANDE)

TOBECONTI
NUED.
..
TheGoodWi
fe
#41

AtLet
hu'
sHouse

Let
hu:
Whathappened?
Eva:
Kgaogel
oisar
rest
ed.Ineedyourhel
p.
Let
hu:
(eyeswi
dened)
What
?Whatdi
dshedo?
Eva:
Theyfounddi
amondsi
nherboot
hnowi
tlooks
l
ikeshe'
ssmuggli
ngdi
amonds.
Let
hu:
Ohmygod!Whodi
dit
?
Eva:
Idon'
tknow.IwishIknew.Butt
hat'
snot
i
mportantri
ghtnow.Kgaogel
omightgotoj
ailf
or
thel
ongestti
me.
Let
hu:
Jesus!
Eva:
That
'swhenyoucomei
n.
Let
hu:
Okay.WhatdoIneedt
odo?
Eva:Stealt
heevi
dence.Youhavemoreaccesst
o
gettoitanddest
royit
.it
'l
lbeaneasypr
ocess.
Please.
Let
hu:
AhEva.

Shesatdownont
hechai
rasEvapul
ledachai
rand
satacr
ossher
Eva:
Iknowyoudoeveryt
hingbythebookbutwe
aref
amily.West
ickbyeachother
.
Let
hu:
That
'st
oodanger
ous.Ican'
tdot
hat
.
Eva:
Lethuplease.Won'tyoudothi
soncefort
his
fami
ly?Wear eallt
hatwehaveinthiswor
ld.
Kgaogeloneedsyou,sheneedsus.
Let
hu:
..
.
Eva:
Keanucan'tgrowupwi t
houthismother.Qhawe
won'tsur
vivewit
houtKgaogelo.Wemightlosethe
mine.Ever
ythi
ngisatstakehere.Tomor
rowt hi
s
wil
lblowupsoqui ckl
y.Pl
ease.
Let
hu:Ican'
tEva.I
'
vewor
kedsohar
dtobei
nthi
s
posi
ti
on.I-
Eva:IknowIknowandI '
l
lmakesurethatt
heywon'
t
fi
ndouti syou.Youwon'
tloseyourj
ob.Pl
ease
Lethu.
Let
hu:
IwantKGoutbutIcan'
t.I
t'
sri
skyandagai
nst
mypri
nci
ples.
Evasi
gheddef
eat
edt
henst
oodup

Eva:
(si
ghed)
Alr
ight
.Goodni
ght
.

Shesteppedout
.Let
husi
ghedasshest
oodupand
l
ockedthedoor.

AtNene'
sHouse

Inthemor ni
ngt hekidsbi dthei
rmot hergoodbyeas
theywal kedhandt ohandt oschoolwi thShami so
andherdaught er.Nenest eppedinsidet hehouse
andwal kedt oherr oom.Neowasst i
llsl
eepi ng.She
satacrosst hemi rrorandpul l
edsomeoft he
remainingbr aidsout .Af ewmi nuteslaterMusa
steppedi nsi
det hebedr oom.Nene' shear tskipped
ashel ookedathi m.Shel ookedathimi nt hemi rror
ashegr abbedhi sToilet
rybagandwentt othe
bathroom wi t
houtevenl ooki
ngather .Herhear t
poundedagai nstherchestt henshequi cklygotup.
Shedi dn'
tknowt hisnewMusaandhef r
eakedher
out.Shequicklypickedupsomecl ot
hesforhim
andsatdownont hebedwaiti
ngforhimtofini
shso
thattheycouldtalk.Shewasn'
tsureift
hat'
swhat
shewant edbutshej ustdi
ditanyway.Hopeful
lyhe
won'thitheragain.

Afteraf ewmi nutesMusast eppedinsidetheroom

withat owelwr appedaroundhistorso.Hel ookedat
theclothesont hebedthenpausedf orafew
secondsbef orehewenttotheircl
osetandpi cked
clothesf orhimself
.Nenestoodupandl ookedat
him.

Nene:
I.
.I
'l
lmakebr
eakf
astf
oryou.

Hekeptqui etandcont i
nueddr essi
ngup.Tears
fi
ll
edNene'seyesasshel ookedathimthenlimped
tothekit
chen.Shedi shedupf orhi
m andputthem
onthetable.Af ewmi nuteslaterMusasteppedin
thekit
chensmel l
ingf
resh,dressedsmartl
yand
openedt
hecabi
netandt
ookacer
ealout
.

Nene:
(Si
ghed)
Imadebr
eakf
astf
oryou.

Hei
gnor
edherandcont
inuedmaki
ngacer
eal

Nene:(Sighed) OkayImadeami st
ake.I'
m sor r
y.
From thebot tom ofmyhear tMusa.I'
m sor ry,
I
'm so
sosor r
yf orcheat i
ng.Iwasst upidandnai ve.I
wantedt osecur ethebagandgi vemychi ldrena
bett
erfut ur
e.Ir eal
izethatIwentitthewr ongway
andI'
m sor ry.Ishouldn'thavedonet hat.Youdon' t
deservemeandyoudon' tdeservewhatIdi dtoyou.
SoI'ml eaving.I'mtaki
ngmyki dsandleavi ng.

Musast
oppedeat
ingandl
ookedather

Nene:(
Sni
ffl
ed)
Whentheycomebackfrom
school
,wearel
eavi
ng.Idon'
twantust
obea
bur
denanymor
e.
Musa:
Nowyouacti
nglikeavi
cti
m?Cheati
ngonme
t
henthr
eat
eni
ngtoleaveme?Howconnivi
ngofyou.
Nene:
I'
m notact
ingl
ikeaVi
cti
m.Ij
ust
-
Musa: Youareactingli
keavicti
m.Youcheat edon
me,nott heotherwayaround.Ishouldbetheone
angry,
packingandl eavi
ng.Butyou,Miss.You
couldn'tmissthatchance.
Nene:
..
.
Musa:Youletamanf uckyouforaCapeTown
tr
ip,
don'tt
ellmeaboutsecur i
ngthebagforyour
ki
ds.Whatdi dthatmangi veyou?Moneyf or
weaves,cl
othesandshoes?Onl ythat
.Notapl otor
abusiness.Don'tt
ellmethatshit
.Yourproblem is
youdon'twanttobeaccount abl
eandisannoyi ng.
Nene:
..
.
Musa:
IlovedyouNene,
Idideveryt
hingt
oyou.Ibui
lt
t
hosefl
atsforyou.Whycoul
dn'tyouwait
?
Nene:
..
.
Musa:
Ormaybeyoudi
dn'
tloveme?If
orcedt
hings.
Youneverl
ovedme.
Nene:
I.
.Il
ovedyou.
Musa:Stoplyi
ng.Youonlystart
edlovi
ngmenow
causeI'
m getti
ngmoney.Youwer eashamedof
goingoutwithmei npubl
ic,
rememberhowyou
changedmywar dr
obeandwant edmet ol
ookl
ike
yourLesley.
Nene:
Iwant
edyout
olookbet
terMusa.
Musa:Youwant edmet olooklikeyourLesley.
LeaveNene,l
eaveifyouwantt o.Iwon'tstopyou.If
Iknewthingswouldturnoutlikethisoneday,I
wouldn'
thaveletthekidscomeher eandgetused
tothi
sonebigf amil
y.Nowt hey'l
lbeheartbroken
becauseofyourwhor i
ngways.

Hegotupandst
ormedout
.Nenesatont
hechai
r
ast
earsdr
oppeddownonhercheeks

AtThePol
iceSt
ati
on
Thesamemor ning,
IwaswokenupbyMbhel e.He
j
ustopenedt hecell
,gr
abbedmyarm andt ookmet o
theinterr
ogat
ionroom.Thiswasdrai
ningme
honest l
y,
Ial
sohadahor ri
bleni
ght
.Icouldn'tsl
eep
thinki
ngaboutmybaby.Ihopemynameget s
clearedandI'
m outofheresoon.I
'
mt i
red,I
'm
drained.

Ist
eppedi
nsi
deasIl
ockedeyeswi
thadi
ff
erent
off
icer
.

Of
fi
cer
:Mr
sPhakat
hwayo.

Ilookedatt
hel adybesi
deshim.I
twasCindy,
The
familyl
awyer.Isighedr
eli
evedt
hensatdown.

Ci
ndy:
CanIhavemomentwi
thmycl
ientpl
ease?

Theof
fi
cergotupst
il
lwi
thhi
sgl
uedonmet
hen
wal
kedout
.Ii
mmedi
atel
ylookedatCi
ndy

Me:
How'
sKeanu?I
sheokay?
Ci
ndy:
He'
swi
thyourmot
her
.
Me:
(si
ghedr
eli
eved)
Thankgod!Iwassowor
ri
ed.
Ci
ndy:
Weneedt
otal
k.
Me:
Iknow.ButWher
e'sChawe?Ineedhi
m.
Ci
ndy:
(Si
ghed)
He'
snother
e.
Me:
Wher
eishe?Whocal
ledyouher
e?
Cindy:
Ther
e'snotimefort
hosequest
ions
unfort
unat
ely.Let
'sj
ustdothi
snow.Thisdoesn'
t
l
ookgoodonyou.

TOBECONTI
NUED.
..
..
.
TheGoodWi
fe
#42
AtThePol
iceSt
ati
on

Ci
ndyhandedmeapi
eandabot
tl
eofgr
apet
izer

Me:
(Si
ghed)Thankyou.
Cindy:
I'
vemanagedtoapplybailforyouand
hopeful
lyit
'l
lbegr
antedorapprovedr at
her.Iwant
youtotellmeaboutwhathappenedt hatday.
Me:I
nthemorni
ng,It
ookKeanutomymother
.Then
wenttoSpaandspentt
herestoft
hedayt
her
e.
That
'sal
l.
Ci
ndy:
(Nodded)
Youwer
eusi
ngyourcar
?
Me:
Yes.
Ci
ndy:
Didyouopenyourbootbyanychance?
Me:
(Si
ghed)
No.
Cindy:
Okay,
I'
l
lcheckt heCCTVfoot
ageatthatSPA
andalsogettheoneatyourhouse.Wemightbe
abletopr
ovet hatyouhadnot
hingtodowiththose
di
amondsandevengett hemaster
mindbehindthi
s.
Me:
(nodded)
Ci
ndy:Don'tsayanyt
hingwithoutmepresent
.Even
i
ftheycorneryou.Don'tsayanythi
ngt
hatwil
l
i
ncri
minateyou.
Me:
Okay.
Cindy:
Ihaveagoodf eel
ingaboutt hebai
l.The
magistrat
emi ghtapproveitcauseItoldherabout
Keanuandal soabouthowt heytreat
edyouhere
whenyouf ir
stcame.Soyoumi ghtgetoutbef
ore
thetri
al.
Me:
Atr
ial
?
Cindy:Iknow.Hopefull
ywe'
llf
indtheevidence
beforei tst
art
s.Nextweekwegoingt ocourtf
or
yourpl eaandtoknowwhent heTrialwil
lst
art.
Me:(
Tearful
ly)
Doyouthi
nkI'
l
lgot
ojai
l?Idi
dn'
t
t
hinkthi
swassoserious.
Ci
ndy:
Don'tworr
y.I'
l
ltr
ymybesttopr
ovet
hatt
hose
ar
en'
tyourdiamonds.I
'l
lgoal
lout
.
Me:
OkayThankyou.
Ci
ndy:
Eatbef
oreyougo.
Inoddedt hent
ookabiteonapi
eandopenedt
he
grapet
izerandsippedali
tt
le

AtSambul
oandEva'
sHouse

ThesamedayEvaspokewithhercoll
eagueont
he
phoneasshemadehersel
facoffee

Eva:
Iwon'
tbeabl
etocomet
oday.Al
oti
sgoi
ngon
and-
Voi
ce:
Isawt
henews.I
'
m sor
ry.Hopef
ull
yshe'
l
lget
out
.
Eva:
Shewil
l.GoandcheckonNhl
anhla'
sfami
ly.
Lastt
imeIwentther
eItwasadi
sast
er.
Voi
ce:
Wemi
ghtaswel
lfi
ndhi
m ahome.
Eva:
Yeahshar
p.
Voi
ce:
Bye.
Shehungupandt ookhercof
feeasshewenttot
he
l
ounge.Shesatdownont hecouchanddi
aled
Sambulo

Eva:
Hey.
Sambul
o:Hey.
Eva:
Ispoket
oLet
huandsher
efused.
Sambul
o:(
Sighed)
Don'
twor
ry.Wear
ewor
kingoni
t.
Eva:
Yout
oldQhawe?
Sambul
o:(
Sighed)
Yeah.
Eva:
And?
Sambul
o:I
'
llt
ellyoual
labouti
t.Ican'
ttal
kri
ghtnow.
Wearecoming.
Eva:
Okay.Il
oveyou.
Sambul
o:Il
oveyout
oo.

Shehungupt
hencal
ledsomeone
Voi
ce:
Hel
lo?
Eva:
Hey.I
t'
sEvaPhakat
hwayo.
Voi
ce:
Yeah?
Eva:
Ineedyout
odosomet
hingf
orme.
Voi
ce:
I'
mli
steni
ng.

AtNene'
sHouse

Laterthatdayshefinishedpackingthekidsclot
hes
andputt hebagsont hecor neroft
her oom.The
mai ndooropenedast heki
dsr ani
nside.She
sighedlookingatherselfonthemirrorandlimped
towher etheywere

Nene:
Heybabi
es.

Theyl
ookedatherasThapel
orant
oherand
huggedherl
egs

Nene:
Heybaby.Howwasschool
?
Thapel
o:Good.
I
thana:
Wher
e'sNeo?
Nene:
Sleepi
ng.Goandchangef
ast
.Wel
eavi
ng.
Al
l:
Wher
e?

ShelookedatI
thanaast earsf
il
ledhereyes.She
hasgottensocl
oset oher.Shewouldtakeherwith
herbutMusawillneveragree

Nene:
Home.
Mosa:
(Fr
owned)
NoMama.
I
thana:WhatdoyoumeanMama?Homewher
e?
I
sn'therehome?
Nene:
Goandchangef
ir
st.I
'
llt
ellyou.
Thekidslookedateachot herworriedandr anto
thei
rroom ast heychangedt henwal kedbackt o
thei
rmot her.Theyt ookthei
rfoodfrom thekitchen
andsatdownont heMat .Mosalookedather
motherashi shear tpoundedagainsthischest .A
fewmi nuteslatertheytookthei
rplatesandwentt o
putthem inthesi nkthenwashedt heirhands.Then
walkedbackt ot hei
rmot herandlookedather

Nene:
Uhm,
Mosayouknowwher
eweusedt
oli
ve
r
ight
?
Mosa:
..
.
Nene:
Wegoi
ngt
her
eagai
n.
I
thana:
Mamawhy?Yougoi
ngwi
thmet
oo?
Mosa:Idon'
twantt
ogot
her
e.Kokohi
tmewi
thher
sandal
.
I
thana:
Whyar
ewegoi
ngt
her
eMama?
Nene:
(Sni
ff
led)
It
'sourhomet
her
e.
ThedooropenedandMusasteppedinsi
de.The
ki
dsrantohim ashel
ockedeyeswit
hNene

I
thana:
DaddyMamawant
sust
oleave.Yougoi
ng
wit
hustoo?
Mosa:
PapaIdon'
twantt
ogot
her
eagai
n.Kokobeat
mewit
hhersandal
.

Musal
ookedatNenet
hencl
enchedhi
sjaws

Musa:Goandplayout
side.Youarenotl
eavi
ng.You
ar
eonlyvisi
ti
ngyourgrandmotherj
ustf
orthe
weekend.
Mosa:
(Sadl
y)Idon'
twantt
o.
Musa:Okaymyboy.Youwon'
tgot
her
e.Goandpl
ay
out
side.

Theyr
anout
sideasThapel
ofol
lowedt
hem.
Musa:
Real
lyNene?
Nene:
Itol
dyout
hatI
'
mleavi
ngwi
tht
heki
ds.
Musa:Ican'tbel
ieveyoudoi
ngthisaft
errui
ningour
rel
ati
onship.Canyout hi
nkaboutyourki
dsforonce?
Theydon'twantt ogo.
Nene:ButIwantt ogo.I '
m sor r
yf orcheat i
ngandI
shouldn'thavedonet hatbutIwon' tstandabuse
(Cryi
ng)Myexusedt obeatmeal ot,
Itoldyouabout
i
t.Ishowedyoumyscar s.Iusedt obesoscar edof
him.Soscar ed.Mybodyl it
erall
yshookwhenIsaw
him.That '
swhat 'shappeni ngwhenyouar ehere
withmenow.I '
mf reakedout .I'
m scaredofyou.I
don'twantt oliveli
ket hat.IknowIcheat edbutI
don'tdeservet obet reatedli
ket hat.Irathergoback
tothoser ags.AtleastIknowmymom i sthereand
she'l
lprotectme.Youhur tmeMusa, youl i
teral
ly
fuckedmesor oughly.Sor oughlyt hatIcan'tfeel
myvagi na.IbetIhaveacut .Youki ckedmesohar d.
Ican'tevenst and.Lookatmyf ace.Lookati t.
Shecri
edloudl
yasshelimpedtot
heirr
oom.Musa
l
ookedatherashi
sthroatdri
edupandhischest
ti
ght
ened.

THREEDAYSLATER

AtThePol
iceSt
ati
on

Theyopenedt heCellandor
der
edmet ogooutasI
weaklysteppedoutandheadedtot
herecept
ioni
st
area.Ci
ndyheldmyhandassoonasIgott hereand
l
edmet othecar.Icl
imbedi
nsi
deandclosedmy
eyesasIlaidmyheadbackont heseat
.Shegotin
hersideanddr oveof
f

Ci
ndy:
Yougood?

Ikeptqui
etandl
ookedout
sidet
hewi
ndowast
ear
s
fel
ldownonmycheeks
TOBECONTI
NUED.
..
.
TheGoodWi
fe
#43

AtMyHouse

Aswedr oveclosert
othehouse,
Icoul
dseeMedia
outsi
det hegate.Theguar
dspushedthem of
faswe
droveinside.

Ci
ndy:
Gladl
ytheywer
en'
tatt
hePol
iceSt
ati
on.

ShestoppedthecarasIsteppedoutandwal ked
i
nsidethehouse.Ijustwantt
oseemybabyr ight
nowandnooneel se.If
oundMa,Eva,
Lesediand
Neneseatedinthelounge.
Me:
(LowerTone)
Dumel
ang.

ItookKeanuonLesedi
'
sar
msandhel
dhi
m cl
oser
tomychest

Me:
Mybaby.

Iki
ssedhi
scheeksandhel
dhi
m mor
ecl
oser

Ma:Goandf
reshenup.Imadeyouf
ood.You'
l
leat
whenyouar
edone.
Me:ThankyouMabutIj
ustneedt
obeal
onewi
th
Keanu.

Theyl
ookedateachot
hert
henbackatme

Me:
Please.
Ma:
Okaymybaby.
Lesedi
:I
'
llcomeandseeyout
omor
row.

Shegotupandcameasshehuggedme

Me:
Okay.
Eva:
(Huggedme)
Bye.Takecar
e.
Me:
..

Shelookedatmethenst
oodnextt
oLesediasMa
huggedmet i
ght
ly

Ma:
Yougoi
ngt
obeokay.Bye.
Nene:
(huggedme)
Iloveyou.

Shesmiledatmet hent
heywal
kedoutasIstepped
onthestair
sandwenttomybedroom.Ihugged
Keanutight
lyagai
nandputhi
m ontopofthebed.
Helookedcleanandsmell
edgood
Me:
HeyAnu.HeymyBaby.

Hesmi
ledshowi
nghi
sbl
ackgums

Me:Youaregr
owi
nguphuh?Mommymi
ssedyou
boyboy.Mommymissedyou.

Iki
ssedhi
ssmal ll
ips.Igavehim hi
scart
oyashe
puti
tinhi
smout handputi tinsi
dehi
smouth.I
snat
cheditawaythenhecr ied

Me:
NoAnu.

Igavehim asof
ttoyashest
art
edchewi
ngi
t.He'
s
teet
hing.

Tear
sfi
ll
edmyeyes.Iwon'
tbeher
enextyearwhen
he'l
lstar
ttal
kingOrwor
sewhenhegoestoschool
forthefi
rstt
ime.Myli
pstr
embl
edastear
sdropped
downonmycheeks

AtSowet
oOr
lando

LaterthatdayNenest eppedi nsi

det heyar dast he
raincloudsr umbledandpeopl est artedrunningt o
theirhouses.Shet hrewher sel fi
nsi det hehouse
andl ockedit.Ther ai
nst art
edpour i
ngasshe
l
ookedatt heempt yroom andsi ghed.I twasver y
smal landqui et
.Butitwasbet t
ert hanbei ng
homel ess.Shesatdownont hepl ast icchairand
checkedhersoci al
s.Kgaogel owasst i
llt
rending.
Shel oggedof fandwentt ohercont act sasshe
staredatMusa' snumber s.Sher eallylostagood
mani nhim.Hel ovedherandt ookcar eofherki ds.
Hel ovedandt r
eatedthem likehi sown.Babydaddy
didn'tevenwanthert otaket heki dssot hatthey
canst aywi t
hhi m.Shesmi l
edasshecur l
edher
weave.YahnehMusa.I t'sapi t
yt hingsended
betweenthem.Butshecoul dn'
tputupwithanot
her
abuse.Shecheat edyesbutshedidn'
tdeser
vetobe
beatenli
kethat.Amanneverr aisehi
shandona
womannomat t
erwhat.Buthe'sagoodman
though.Hopefull
yhe'l
lfi
ndsomeonewho' l
ltr
eat
him bet
tert
hanshet reat
edhim

AtMyHouse

IcoveredKeanuwi thabl anketandkissedhis

forehead.Igotupandl ookedout si
dethebig
bedroom window.I twasr ai
ningheavily.Alotof
memor i
esplayedinmymi nd.Iclosedmyeyesand
sighed.Iwantt osl
eepbutIcan' tgetanysleep.I
l
ookedout sidethewindowunt ilIwastiredof
standingandwentt olaydownonbedt hen
eventuall
yfellasl
eep.

....
I
nmi
dni
ght
,Qhawet
hrewt
hest
udofhi
sci
gar
ett
e
outsideintherainandhur r
iedinsidethehousewi t
h
hisshoesl eavi
ngahugemar kofwetsoi lont
he
fl
oor.Hecl imbedont hestair
sandwentt othe
bedroom.Hesl owlyopenedthedoorandpeaked
i
nside.Hel ookedatKgaogel osleepingpeaceful
ly
nexttoKeanu.Apai nf
ullumpst uckonhi sthr
oatas
hegotcl osertothebedandl ookedatt hem.Fora
fewmi nuteshej ustst
aredatthem wi t
houtsaying
anything.

Meanwhil
eItossedandt urnedontheothersi
de
andfel
tsomeone'sshadowhover i
ngme.Myhear t
ski
ppedabitasIclosedmyeyest ight
lywait
ingt
o
seewhatthei
ntruderwil
ldo.Ifel
thandsonmy
thi
ghsasIscreamedwaki ngKeanuup

Voi
ce:
Heyi
t'
sme.

Il
ookedathi
mi nthedarkasheleanedoverand
huggedmetightl
y.Hedidn'
tsmel
lli
keheusuall
y
does.Hedi
dn'tshower
HelookedatKeanuandsoftl
ypat
tedonhisbackas
heslowlydr
if
tedtosl
eep.Thenhelookedatmeand
satonthebed

Qhawe:
Hey.
Me:
..
Qhawe:
Youwon' tbegoi
ngt
ojai
l.Ipr
omi
seyou.I
'
m
sor
ryIwasn'
tthere.

Tear
sfi
ll
edmyeyesasmyt
hroatdr
iedup

Qhawe:
Youwon'
tgot
ojai
l,
Ipr
omi
seyou.

Hepul l
edmecl osertohim andhuggedmet i
ghtl
y.
Myt earsfel
lont hejackethewaswear i
ngasI
Snif
fled.Hehuggedmef oraful
l10minutesthenI
pushedhi m back
Me:
Ican'
tbr
eat
he.
Qhawe:
Sor
ry.

Hecuppedmyf
aceonhi
spal
msandki
ssedme

Qhawe:
Sleep.
Me:
..
Qhawe:
Let
'ssl
eep.
Me:Idon'
twantyouher
e.Goandsl
eepsomewher
e.
Nothere.
Qhawe:
Rachel
.
Me:
NoChawe.Go.

HestaredatmeinthedarkasIl
aidnexttoKeanu
andpulledhi
m cl
osert
ome.Idon'tknowifhe'
s
shockedorwhatcausehe'
sli
ter
all
yfreezi
nginfr
ont
ofme
Me:Chaweetswamokamor
engkebat
lagor
obal
a
t
lhebathong.

Hefinal
lygotupandwalkedout
.Lastt
hingIneed
i
shim here.Hewasn'
therewhenIwasinthatcol
d
cel
l,
whyi sheher
enow?Useless.

AtLet
hu'
sHouse

Intheearl
yhour softhemor ni
ng,
Let
hutur
nedon
theothersi
deoft hebedandopenedhereyesashe
l
ockedeyeswi thXhanti.Herhear
tski
ppedabi
tas
shesatuprightandlookedathim

Let
hu:
Hey.
Xhant
i:
Hey.
Shelookedathismusclesandnewtat
tooonhi
s
arm.Helookedmor efi
ner.Shecr
awl
edonthebed
andgotupast heyhugged

Let
hu:
Youback?
Xhant
i:
Yeah.

Heki
ssedhersof
tl
yandgr
opedherassasshe
moanedi
nhismouth

Let
hu:
Imi
ssedyou.
Xhant
i:
Imi
ssedyout
oo.

Hel ai
dheront hebedandki ssedherslowlythen
wentdownonherneckasshemoaned.Het ookhis
T-shirtof
fandfli
ckedheroverashet ookhert hong
andni ghtdr
essoff.Let
hul
ookedathi m withthe
cornerofhereyeashequi cklytookhi
sJeansof f
andr ubbedhisboneronherass.Shel i
ftedhisass
uptocreatespacef
orhim ast
heyki
ssed.Xhant
i
rubbedhisbl
ackanacondaonhercl
itbef
orehesli
d
i
tinside

Let
hu:
Mhmm.

Hestart
edgi vi
nghersl
owandhar dstr
okesas
Lethubroketheki
ssandmoanedbuthecuppedher
faceandkissedher.Hi
sotherhandholdi
ngher
waistashefuckedherslowandhardfrom behi
nd

Let
hu:
ohmygodXhant
i.Ahh.

Itwaspainful
lygood.Shef elti
tdeepinherpussy.
Herbloodrushedquicklyasshebr oketheki
ssand
moanedl oudl
y.Xhantibreathedonherneckasher
eyesrol
ledback

Let
hu:
uhhhhh.
Hegrabbedherf
aceast
heyl
ockedeyesandki
ssed
sof
tl
y.

.
..
.
Herpussymusclesti
ghtenedassheconvulsedon
hi
sdick.Hismindwentcrazythenhefuckedher
uncont
roll
abl
y.Let
hupinnedherfaceonthepill
ow
andscreamedonitashef uckedherhar
d.

Xhant
i:
Ohf
uck!

Theirbodi
escl
appedthenhegr unt
edasshe
gushedonhim agai
n.Hegruntedandfi
lledherup.
Let
hu'sbodyshookasshelaidonhersideandtried
tocatchherbr
eath

Xhant
i:
Goodmor
ningSt
handwaSam.
Let
hu:
(bl
ushed)
GoodMor
ning.
Helai
dnextt
oherandpul
ledhercl
oserashi
sdi
ck
t
ouchedherass

Xhant
i:
Sleep,
we'
l
ltal
kwhenyouwakeup.

Shecl
osedhereyesassl
eept
ookover
.

AtMyHouse

Thesamemor ning,Iputonmyr obeandsl i

pper
s.I
l
ookedont hebed, Keanuwasst illsl
eeping.I
steppedoutandwentdownst ai
rs.Qhawewas
si
ttingonthel ounge.Ther ewasanempt ybot
tl
eof
scotchandci garettesont opofthet abl
e.Hewas
sl
eepi nguncomf ortablyonthecouch.Isi ghedthen
pathim onhisshoul der.Heimmedi atel
ywoke
up,he'
snotaheavysl eeper.
Me:
Goandsl
eepi
nther
oom.
Qhawe:
(DeepVoi
ce)Babe.
Me:
Go.
Qhawe:I
'm sor
rymyl ove.Pl
easedon'
tdothi
stome.
I'
dbearanythi
nginthisworl
dbutnotyourcol
dness.
Iwantyoutotalkt
ome.
Me:Whatdoyouwantt otalkabouthuh?Youj ust
wanttosaysor ryl
ikealwaysandexpecteverythi
ng
tobealri
ght.Ispentthr
eedaysinjailChawe.Three
days.Mybabyneededme.Iwascol d,
lonel
yand
hungry.Ineededyou.
Qhawe:
Iknowandngi
yaxol
isaSt
handwaSam.
Me:Noyounotsor ry.Idon'tevenknowwhywear e
marri
edhonest ly.Idon'tknowwhywedoi ngthi
s.
I'
mt i
red,
sotired.Ihavet ospendweeksal oneinthe
housewhi l
eyouar egone.Youdon' teven
communi cate.Youdon' tcareaboutKeanu,youdon'
t
careaboutme.Youar eabadf atherandabad
husband,per
iod.Isweari fIgot ojai
l,
I'
l
ldi
vorceyou.
Hewi
denedhi
seyes

Me:It'
sallyourfaultthati
thappenedi nt he
beginning.Iwon'tlosemymedi calli
censeandthe
chancet orai
semysonbecauseofyou.Your
enemiesdi dthi
st omeandyou' llpayforyou.Il
ove
yousomuchandyouknowi ttoo,henceit'
ssoeasy
foryout otr
eatmel i
kedirt
.IfIgot oJailChawe
Phakathwayo,I'
l
ldivor ceyou.

Il
ookedathim oncet
henwal
kedbackupst
air
s.I
meantever
ythi
ngIsaid

TOBECONTI
NUED.
..
.
TheGoodWi
fe
#46

THREEWEEKSLATER
AtCour
t

Il
ookedoutsi
dethewindowasPaulpar kedthecar
.
Myeyesmovedar oundasIlookedatthe
media,
camerasandeverythi
ng.Mycasehas
becomeaverybigthi
ng.Itatt
ract
edalotof
att
enti
on.I
'
veneverimaginedthatI'
l
lbeinthi
s
si
tuati
ononeday,
Ifeelnumb.

Paulcameonmysideandopenedthedoorforme.
Ihel
dhishandandst
eppedout.Ther
eport
ers
headedtome

Paul
:Moveoutoft
heway.
Repor
ter
1:Howyoufeeli
ngnowMr sPhakathwayo?
Whyaren'
tyouwithyourhusbandri
ghtnow?Didhe
l
eaveyoutodealwit
hthismessalone?

Thepol
icemenmovedthem outoft
hewayasPaul
hel
dmyhand.Wegotinsideandsett
leddown.
Paul
:Youokay?
Me:
(Nodded)

Mahel dmyot herhandasItilt

edmyheaddown.A
fewmi nut
eslaterIheardcommot i
onasIt urned
andlockedeyeswi thQhawe.Hewaswi t
h
Xhanti,
Sambulo,Zenze,
AyandaandEva.Ilookedat
him onceandf acedthefr
ont.Thetr
ialst
artedas
theprosecut
orgotup

Prosecutor:
Yourhonournewevi dencehasbeen
discoveredandithasledust obeli
evethathe
accusedi si
nnocent.ThereisaCCTVf oot aget hat
recordedpartoftheinci
dentwheretheot her
man, whogoesbyt henameofPet erputti
ngt hose
diamondsi ntheaccused'
sbootandl aterthe
accusedi sseengetti
nginhercaranddr ivingof f
withoutcheckingherboot.Theaccusedi st herefor
e
i
nnocentandwe' dl
iketodropthechargesagai nst
her.
Myhear tpoundedagai
nstmychestasIl
ookedat
Cindy.Shenoddedthensmil
edatme.TheCCTV
footagewasplayedandthej
udgespokebutt
he
onlythi
nkIcouldhearwas

Judge:
Theaccusedhasbeenacqui
tt
ed.

MaI
mmedi
atel
yhuggedmet
ight
ly

Ma:It
oldyouthatever
ythi
ngwil
lbefi
ne.Youjust
hadtobel
ieveinGod.Heneverdi
sappoi
nts.
Me:
(Tear
ful
ly)
I'
m notgoi
ngt
ojai
l.
Ma:
Youar
enotgoi
ngt
ojai
l.

WegotupasIhuggedPault
ight
ly

Paul
:Youar
enowaf
reebi
rdDoct
orSur
geon.
Me:
(l
aughedt
ear
ful
ly)Iam.

Qhaweandhi
sfami
lywal
kedt
ousasIl
ookedaway

Eva:I
tshouldn'
thavecamet
hisf
ar.ButI
'
m happy
thatyouareout.

ShehuggedmeasIj
ustst
oodt
her
e

Me:
Thankyouf
orappoi
nti
ngCi
ndyf
ort
hisj
ob.
Eva:
urghcomeon.She'
saf
ami
lyl
awyerandyou
aref
amily.
Me:
Okay.

LesediandNenewal
kedovert
ousast
heybot
h
huggedme

Lesedi
:I
'
m sohappy.
Nene:
Iwaswor
ri
ed.
Me:
It
'sal
lovernow.
Lesedi
:Yeah.
Me:
Paull
et'
sgo.

Henoddedaswet ri
edpassi
ngt
henbutQhawe
stoodonourway.Heremovedmyhandfr
om Paul
andlookedathi
m

Qhawe:
Don'
ttouchmywi
fel
i
ket
hatagai
n.

Paulj
ustst
aredathi
mthenl
ookedatme

Paul
:Shoul
dwego?
Qhawe:Younotgoi
nganywherewit
hmywi f
e.Thi
s
shoul
dbet hel
astt
imeyoutouchherl
iket
hat.
Ma:(
sighed)
Paull
et'
sgo.Kgaogel
oyou'
l
lfi
ndusat
home.
Theywalkedout.SambuloandXhantil
ookedat
eachotherasXhantipatonQhawe'
sshoulder
befor
etheywalkedaway.Ipull
edmyhandf rom
Qhaweandmovedbackal it
tl
e

Qhawe:
Idon'
twantt
hisguyt
ouchi
ngyoul
iket
his.
Me:
He'
snotj
ustsomeguy,
he'
smybr
other
.
Qhawe:
Kut
lwanoi
syourbr
otherandnothi
m.
Me:
(si
ghed)
WhatdoyouwantChawe?
Qhawe:Iwantyoutocomebackhome.Thisisal
l
overnowandI'm sor
ryf
orputt
ingyout
hroughthi
s.
Itshoul
dn'
thavecamethisf
ar.
Me:
..
Qhawe:IknowImessedupbi gt
imebutI
'
mfixi
ng
everyt
hingnow.IwantyouhomeMama.Iwantyou
withme,ourbaby.
Me:Ineedspace.Idon'
twantt
obewi t
hyou
anyti
mesoon.You'vehurtmealotChawe.
Qhawe:
IknowandI
'
m sor
ry.
Me:(
sighed)
Ijustneedspacecanyougi
vemet
hat
?
If
eelsonumbr i
ghtnow.

Helookedatmeforaf
ewsecondst
henpi
nchedt
he
br
idgeofhisnose

Qhawe:
(l
owert
one)Okay.
Me:
Thankyou.

It
ri
edpassi
ngbuthest
oodonmywayagai
n

Me:
Chawe.

Hehel
dmyhandandpul
ledmecl
osert
ohi
m.

Qhawe:
Iloveyou.
Iswal
lowedt
hennoddedsl
owl
y

Me:
Same.

Ipul
ledmyhandf
rom hi
m andwal
kedout

AtMa'
sHouse

Theysteppedoutoft
hecarandwal
kedinsi
det
he
house.Keshawasplayi
ngwit
hKeanuandbusy
cooki
ngont hesi
de

Kesha:
Hey,
youlookdef
eat
edasi
fitwaswor
se.She
hasbeenacqui
tt
ed.
Ma:
(Si
ghed)
Yeah.CanIhavewat
er?

Keshal
ookedatPault
henopenedt
hef
ri
dgeand
t
ookabot
tl
eofwat
erout.Shepour
edt
hewat
er
i
nsi
deagl
assandhandeditt
oMa

Ma:
Thankyou.
Paul
:I
'
m st
arvi
nghowf
arar
eyouwi
thcooki
ng?
Kesha:
Itshoul
dber
eadybynow.Letmedi
shup.

Minutesl
aterIst
eppedoutofQhawe'scarashegot
outtooandwebot hheadedinsi
dethehouse.
Keanuwascr awl
ingonthefl
oorwhenwegoti n.I
pi
ckedhim upandwi pedhi
smout h

Me:
Heybaby.Daddy'
sher
e.

Herai
sedhi
sar
mst
oQhaweashehel
dhi
minhi
s
ar
ms

Qhawe:
Heyboyboy.HeyChamp.
Hesteppedoutwi
thhi
m whilet
hrowi
nghi
m al
it
tl
e
i
ntheairandhel
dhim agai
n

Me:
HeyKesha.Ihopehedi
dn'
tgi
veyoupr
obl
ems.
Kesha:(
laughed)
Nonotatall
.Yourboyi
sa
sweetheart
.Hejustl
ikesf
oodandplayi
ng.
Me:
(l
aughed)
Playi
ngi
shi
sthi
ng.
Kesha:
(l
aughed)
Forr
eal
.

Il
ookedatPaulandsi
ghed.Idi
dn'
tknowwhatt
o
say.

Me:
Wher
e'sKut
lwano?
Kesha:
Hewentt
ovi
sitaf
ri
end.
Me:
Alr
ight
.
Ma:
Kgaogel
olet
'sgomyr
oom.Iwantust
otal
k.
ShegotupasKeshalookedatme.Ifol
lowedhert
o
herroom aswegoti
nsideandcl
osedthedoor.We
satonthebedandfacedeachot
her

Ma:
Didyouguysf
ixt
hings?
Me:
Notr
eal
ly.Wej
ustspoke.
Ma:
Spokeaboutwhat
?
Me:HewantsmebackhomebutIdon'
twantt
o.
At
leastnotnow.
Ma:
andwhyi
sthat
?
Me:I'
m sti
llangrythathel
etmegothr
oughal
lof
that
.He'snevert her
ewhenIneedhi
m.Ial
mostlost
mymedi callicense,
mywholedr
eam.Andachance
ofrai
singmyson.
Ma:
Youdi
dn'
tloseal
loft
hatr
ight
?
Me:
..
Ma:Iagreehewasn'ttherewhenyouwer ein
custodybutat
leasthemanagedt ogethislawyert
o
hel
pyouandmadesur eyouweren'
tjai
led.He'
s
yourhusband.For givehim.YesIknowi tisal so
i
mpor tantf oryoutoal somakemovest hatprevent
youfrom bei ngar epeatvicti
m.Youcanf orgi
vehim
butredefinet hi
ngs.Thati si
mpor tant.Didyousee
hiscondition?He'samess.Hel earnthislesson.If
hereallylovesyouhewi l
lnotrepeatwhathedi d.I
f
hedoes, t
henhe' snotamant odealwi t
h.Idon' t
wantyout oregretlateri
fyoumakedeci sionsli
ke
thi
s.

AtMusa'
sHouse

Latert
hatdayNeneknockedont
hedoorasMusa
opened

Nene:
Hi.
Musa:
Hey,
comei
n.
Nene:
Thanks.
Shest
eppedi
nsi
deast
heki
dsr
ant
oher

Nene:
(Smi
led)Heymybabi
es.

Shel
ookedatt
hem t
hensmi
led

Nene:
Iseeyouguysar
eready.
Al
l:
Yes.
Nene:
(l
aughed)
Let
'sgot
hen.

ShegotNeof
rom Musaandputheronherwai
st

Nene:
(ToMusa)
Wel
eavi
ng.
Musa:Okay,
havefun.Isawt
henews.Kgaogel
ohas
beenacquit
ted.
Nene:
Yeah.
Musa:
That
'sgoodnews.
Nene:
Yeah,
Shar
p.

Shewalkedoutwi
ththeki
dsfoll
owingasMusa
swal
lowedandshovedhishandsinhispocket
st
ari
ngatthem

AtThePol
iceSt
ati
on

Let
husatonherchairandt
ooksomepaper
soutas
Det
ect
iveTauwalkedin

Tau:
(l
aughed)
Theygotawayagai
n.
Let
hu:
..
Tau:
IswearIhadt
hem i
nthi
s.Ihadt
hem.
Let
hu:
..
.
Tau:
OnedayI'
m goingtopr
ovet
hatt
hebl
oody
I
thembai
sjustafront.
Let
hu:
(si
ghed)
CanIpl
easewor
kinpeace?Ihavea
l
otofcasest
olookat
.
Tau:
Whyi
sthi
snotbot
her
ingyou?
Let
hu:BecauseI'
m notobsessedwithSendi
ngThe
Phakathwayo'st
ojailbecauseIbel
ievet
heyar
e
smugglingdiamonds.

Detecti
velookedatheroncet henwalkedout.Let
hu
si
ghedandl ookedatherphone.Xhantihasn'
tbeen
cal
lingherforawhi l
enow.Whati fhedoesn'twant
heranymor e?Shebitherlowerli
pandputt he
phonedown

AtMyHouse

Qhaweoffl
oadedmybagsi nthebootasIput
Keanuonmywai standsteppedi
nsidethehouse.
Thehouselookedver
ycleanandsmelledgood.He
st
eppedinsi
dewi t
hmybags
Me:
Thehousel
ookscl
ean.
Qhawe:
Ihadsomeonet
ocomeandcl
eani
t.
Me:
Ihopenot
hinghasbeenswi
tchedorchanged.
Qhawe:
Ever
ythi
ng'
sst
il
lthesame.
Me:
Good.

IputKeanudownandopenedt
hef
ri
dge

Qhawe:
Rachel
.
Me:
Mhmm.
Qhawe:
Nextt
imewhenyoul
eave,
don'
tcomeback.

Icl
osedt
hef
ri
dgeandl
ookedathi
m

Qhawe:Iwon'tberunningaft
eryoueveryt
ime.If
t
here'
sapr oblem i
nthehouse,westayandfixi
t
t
ogether.Wear ebothadul
ts.Wearemar r
ied.
Het
ookmybagsandwal
kedout

TOBECONTI
NUED.
..
..
TheGoodWi
fe
#47

AtOr
angeFar
m

LaterthatdayQhawepar kedhi scarout si

dethe
yardandpuf fedthecigaretteforthelasttime
beforehet hrewi tout
sidet hewi ndow.Hel ooked
aroundf i
rstandst eppedoutoft heyard.Meanwhi l
e
aladyst eppedoutoft heRDPwi thababyeat ing
appleonherback.Shel ookedatt hetallhandsome
manheadi ngi nsi
detheyar d.Hewaswear i
nga
blackShi r
twi thsomebl ackj eansandbl ackboots.
Theshi r
tfitt
edhi m sowel lthatshecoul d
l
it
eral
lyseehi
sst
rongar
msf
rom t
heout
side.Her
heartpoundedwhenhegotcl oser.Theneighbors
peakedont hei
rwi ndowsandthepeoplewalkingon
thestreet
sstaredatthem.Hestoodinfrontofher
ashismanl ycologneevokedhernostr
il
s

Qhawe:
Sawubona.
Her
:Yebo.
Qhawe:
Unj
ani
?
Her
:Ngi
yaphi
launj
ani
.?CanIhel
pyou?
Qhawe:
Pet
ersentmeher
e.He'
syourboyf
ri
endr
ight
?
Her
:(
Frowned)
Yebo.
Qhawe:
He'
sinpol
icecust
odyandsoonhe'
l
lgot
o
j
ail
.
Her
:What
?
Qhawe: Pet
erdi
dmeahugefavorandI'
llf
oreverbe
gr
atefultohim.Wemadeadealandfr
om nowon, I
'
ll
betakingcareofyou.
Her
:What?Whatki
ndofdeal
?Hecan'
tgot
ojail
.
Whatdi
dhedo?Whatfavourdi
dhemakewit
hyou?
Qhawel ookedatherget
ti
ngwor kedupashe
si
ghedthenscr at
chedhishead.Washeeven
supposedt osayi
tli
kethi
s?Damni tQhawe

Her
:(
tear
ful
ly)
Whatdi
dyoumakehi
m do?
Qhawe:Ican'
ttel
lyouthatbutf
rom t
odayonwards
youdon'thavetoworr
yaboutanythi
ng.I
'l
lbehere
foryou.
Her:
(cr
ying)
Pleasetakemet
ohi
m.Nohecan'
tgot
o
j
ail
.Hecan'tleaveme.

Qhawehandedheralett
erasshel
ookedati
twit
h
t
earsfal
li
ngonhercheeks.Shewi
pedhert
earsand
readi
t

Her
:(
cryi
ng)
Pet
erno.

Qhawequi
ckl
yst
eppedi
nsi
det
heRDPandgr
abbed
achai
r.Heputitbehi
ndherandmadehersi
toni
t
whi
lehesquatt
edinfrontofher

Qhawe:
I'
mreal
lysor
ry.
Her
:(
Sni
ff
led)

Het
ouchedherhandsasshequi
ckl
ylookedathi
m

Qhawe:
Hedi
ditf
oryouguys.
Her
:.
.
Qhawe:From todayonwardsyouaremy
responsi
bil
it
y.Callmeifyouneedanyt
hing.

Hehandedherabl
ackcar
d

Qhawe:
Fornowuset
his.Buyanyt
hingyouwant
.
Her
:.
..
Hegotupandl
ookedatt
hechi
ldonherback

Qhawe:
Bye.

Hel ookedathertearyeyesthenwal
kedawaywi
th
aheavyhear t
.Thiswasmor ehar
dert
hanhe
thought.Thesit
uationatthi
swholepl
ace
depressedhim mor e

AtRosebankMal
l

Thesameday,Nenewal
kedwi
tht
heki
dst
oSpur
andset
tl
eddown.

Nene:
Doyouguysknowhowt
oread?
Mosa:
(Smi
led)
Ali
tt
le.
I
thana:
Met
oo.
Thapel
o:Met
oo.

TheylaughedasNenet ookthemenuandr eadit.

Sheexplainedthefoodt
heyhadont hemenuas
theyexci
tedlychose.Mi
nuteslat
erawait
resscame
andtooktheirordert
henlat
erret
urnedwi
tht hei
r
food

Nene:
Prayf
ort
hef
oodf
ir
stThapel
o.

Heshyl
ylookeddownandsmi
led

Nene:
Comeonboy.Let
'scl
oseoureyes.

Theyal
lcl
osedt
hei
reyesandhel
dhands

Thapel
o:Godbl
essourf
oodAmen.
Al
l:
Amen.
I
thana:
Suchashor
tpr
ayerThapel
o.
Nene:(
Smil
ed)
ButGodheardhim.Itdoesn'
tmat
ter
whatyousayt
oGodandhowmucht i
meyouspend
speaki
ngtohi
m.He'
llhearyou.Al
ways.
Mosa:
Real
lyMama?
Nene:
Yesl
ove.Let
'seat
.

AtMyHouse

IfedKeanupur i
tyandwi pedhismout hwhenhe
wasdone.ThenIl ef
thim playi
ngont hefl
uf f
ymat
withhist
oys.Isatcomf or
tablyonthecouchand
l
ookedatPaul '
schannel.Iwatchedhisrecent
vi
deosandr eactedt
ot hem.Nowt hateverythi
ngis
fi
nall
yover,
Ishouldbeget t
ingbacktowor k.Imiss
worksomuch.Bei ngadoct orisnotj
ustaj obto
me,isadream,apassion.

MyphonerangasIsnappedoutofmythought
s.I
t
wasAunt
ie.It
ookadeepbreat
hthenanswered
Aunt
ie:
Kgaogel
o.
Me:
Mamogol
o.
Aunt
ie:
Okae?
(Howar
eyou)
Me:
Ket
engl
onal
ekae?
(I'
m goodandyou)
Aunti
e:Hakeshar
p.Ont
atl
hil
ehel
ayal
o(Youj
ust
abandonedme)
Me:
..
Aunti
e:EvenatyourMagadinegot
iat
ionsyoudi
dn'
t
eventalktome.
Me:
..
.
Aunt
ie:
Doyouhat
eme?
Me:
Ha.
a(No)
Aunt
ie:
Kengyanong?
Me:
Nex,
thatti
meIwasjustst
ressed.Icoul
dn'
ttal
k
t
oanyone.I
'm sor
ry.
Aunt
ie:
Mhmm.OkaeChaweJuni
or.
Me:
He'
sher
epl
ayi
ng.
Aunt
ie:
Youshoul
dcomewi
thhi
m her
e.
Me:
Iwi
ll
.
Aunt
ie:
Isawt
henews.
Me:
..
Aunt
ie:
I'
m happyt
hatyoudi
dn'
tgot
ojai
l.
Me:
Met
oo.
Aunt
ie:
Okayngwanaka.I
'
llcal
lyout
omor
row.Bye.
Me:
ByeMamogol
o.

Shehungup.Thatwasawkwar
d

AtI
thembaMi
ne

Qhawe,
Neil
,
XhantiandSambul
ost
oodi
nthemi
ddl
e
ofQhawe'
soff
icequiet
ly

Qhawe:
Thegol
dist
ranspor
tedbyhi
ght
echar
med
tr
ucks.Theproblem i
sthetrucksleavethesaf
e
houseattheexactti
me,taki
ngt hr
eediff
erentr
outes.
Sowegoi ngtoneedt hr
eeteamst ohitt
hem atthe
samet i
mebecausei fwehitoneitsetsanaler
tto
other
sandt hey'
l
levacuate.
Neil
:Thetr
ucksar
ealsoheavilyprot
ect
ed.They
haveauniquel
ybuil
t-
insystem,expl
osi
on-
proof
corr
ugatedmetal
.Wealsohavet ousecardstoget
accessandacode.It
'sr
isky.
Sambul
o:Wecanpullt
hisof
f.Gettheguyst
oget
her
sowecantal
kaboutthi
s.Fr
idayison.
Qhawe:Wewil
ldefi
nit
elypullt
hisof
f.Al
exander
's
br
otherwon'
tevenseethisonecoming.Hemessed
i
tupwhenhegotmywi feinthi
smess.Notmywi fe.
Xhant i
:Nowthatt
hiswil
lhappenyouknowthat
they'l
lbewar.Rachel
andKeanuneedst obe
protected.
Qhawe:
Always.
Nei
l:
Ithi
nkweshoul
dki
llhi
m.I
fhe'
sgone,
then
t
hey'
llbenowar
.
Sambul
o:Thatwon'
tbeeasybutI
'
m sur
ewecando
i
t.

AtMusa'
sHouse

Thatevening,
Nenest eppedinsi
dewi t
hthekids.
Thapel
oandNeower esleepi
ng.Musat ookThapelo
andwentt olayhim downonbed.ThenNenet ook
Neoandl aidheronMusa' sbed.MosaandI thana
wenttotheirroom andthrewthemselvesont hebed.
NeneandMusal ookedateachot herandlaughed

Musa:
Theyl
ookt
ir
ed.
Nene:
(l
aughed)
Wehadal
ongday.
Musa:
Icant
ell
.
Nene:
(si
ghed)
Hail
etmegobef
orei
tget
stoodar
k.
Musa:I
t'
sal
readyl
ate,
whydon'
tyousl
eepover
?It
's
notsaf
einOrl
ando.
Nene:
It
'snott
oodar
k.I
'
ll
-
Musa:Comeon.Don'
tri
ski
t.Besi
dest
hisi
sal
so
yourhouse.

Nenel
ookedathi
mthensi
ghed

Nene:
Okayi
fyoui
nsi
st.
Musa:Youcansl
eepont
hebed.I
'
llsl
eepont
he
couch.
Nene:
(l
aughed)You'
llhaveasorenecki
nthe
morni
ng.Butit
'syourchoice.
Musa:
Soyouwant
edmet
osl
eepwi
thyou?
Nene:
Ofcoursenot.LookI
'
mti
red,
Ineedabat
h.
CanIuseyourToil
etry?
Musa:
Sur
e.

Shewal
kedt
ohi
sroom ashesmi
ledl
ooki
ngather

AtMyHouse
Thesameeveni ngQhawesteppedinsi
dethe
bedroom whi
leIwasbusyreadingonsomecases
ontheint
ernetwhil
elayi
ngonbed.Hel ooked
drai
nedandtired

Qhawe:
Hey.
Me:
Hey,
iwaswai
ti
ngf
oryou.
Qhawe:
Real
ly?Ineedashower
.I'
mti
red.
Me:
Goandshowerf
ir
st.I
'
llwar
m upyourf
ood.
Qhawe:
Okay.

Igotupandkissedhi
m bef
oreIwentt
otheki
tchen
towarmedhisfoodup.

Minutesl
aterIgoti
nsidether
oom andputhi sfood
onthedrawerthenlat
eronbed.Laterhestepped
i
nsidewithatowelwrappedaroundhistor
soand
satonthebed.ForamomentIj uststar
edathim
withoutsayi nganyt hing.Thi
sf i
nemani smy
husband?Mybabydaddy?Ir ememberIhat edhim
atfirst.Hewassor udeandbossy.He' sst i
llbossy
thoughandi tt
urnsmeoutever yti
me.Ilovehi m so
mucht hatitscar esme.Whati fhewakesup
tomor rowanddeci dehedoesn' twanttobewi thme
anymor e?I'ddie.Idon'tthi
nkI'l
leverl
eavehi m
again.Thr eeweekswi t
houtseeinghim wasa
struggle.Andnowt hathesaidImust n'
tcomeback
whenIl eavescar esme.Iwon' tbeabletol ive
withouthi m.Qhawehast akenovermyl ife.It's
concl uded,Ican'tli
vewi t
houthim.Eveni fItr yto.
From nowonI '
llbeagoodwi fe.Hisgoodwi fe.

Hel
ookedatmet
hensmi
led

Qhawe:Whyyoul
ooki
ngatmel
iket
hat
?Whatar
e
youthi
nki
ngabout
?

Hewaseat
ing.Idi
dn'
tevenr
eal
izet
hathewas
eat
ing
Me:
Not
hing.
Qhawe:
(Smi
led)
Don'
tli
etome.
Me:
Ireal
lymi
ssedyou.
Qhawe:
Imi
ssedyout
ooSweet
hear
t.Somuch.
Me:
I'
m sor
ryf
orbl
ami
ngyouaboutever
ythi
ng.
Qhawe:
Itwasmyf
aul
t.Ishoul
dn'
thavel
eftyou
al
one.

Hegrabbedagl
assofwat
erthengul
pedi
tdown
bef
orehecameandsati
nfrontofme.

Qhawe:Youareever
ythi
ngtomeRachel.Iloveyou
somuchandIneverwantt ol
oseyou.I
'm goingto
pr
otectyouandKeanuwi t
hmyli
fe.Youguysar e
myeverythi
ng.
Me:
..
Qhawe:
Iloveyou.
Me:
Iloveyout
oo.

HeleanedoverandFrenchki
ssedme.Iwr
apped
myarmsar oundhisneckandopenedmyl
egswider
ashegotont opofme.Thenhe#REMOVED

AtLesedi
'
sHouse

Lesedisi
ghedasshelai
donthebedandchecked
hermessagesonthephone.Afewminut
eslat
erher
phonerang.Shel
ookedatZenze'
snameasshe
rol
ledhereyes

Lesedi
:Yha.
Zenze:
Lukhanyohadaal
ler
gyr
eact
ion.Wear
ein
thehospi
tal
.
Lesedi
:(
hear
tski
pped)
What
?
Zenze:
I'
l
lsendt
hel
ocat
ion.
Lesedi
:Howdar
eyouZenze?Mybaby?Di
dyouf
eed
him mushr
ooms?Whatt
hefuck?
Zenze:
Ayandadi
dn'
tknowand-
Lesedi
:Ayanda!FUCKAyanda.Thatbit
chisgoi
ngto
know.Notmybaby.Notlukhanyo.I'
m goi
ngtokil
l
her.

Shecl
ickedhert
ongueandhungup

Lesedi
:Notmybaby.I '
m goi
ngtokil
lAyanda.She
l
ikesacti
nglikeasweetstepmothert
omyson.I '
m
goingt
okillher.Thatwi
tch

TOBECONTI
NUED.
..
..
TheGoodWi
fe
#48

Att
heHospi
tal
Thesameni ghtZenzemetLesediattheentrance
asAyandast oodupont hecouchwithshaking
hands.Lesedi'
seyesmovedar oundunti
lthey
l
andedonher .Tearsf
il
ledhereyesasshecl enched
herfi
stsandheadedtoAyanda

Lesedi
:Youwi
tch!Whatdi
dyoudot
omybaby?

Zenzehel
dherbackbefor
eshecoul dt
ouchAyanda
butshesl
appedhi
m hardthenchargedtowar
ds
Ayandawhil
ehetouchedhischeek.

Lesedi
:Whatdi
dyouf
eedmybabybi
tch!

Sheslappedherhar
dtwiceandpunchedheronher
faceassecur
it
yguardscameandseparatedthem

Lesedi
:Whatdi
dyouf
eedmybabyyouwi
tch.
Therecept
ioni
stst
oodi
nfr
ontoft
hem wi
tha
st
rai
ghtface

Her:
Pleasedothatout
sideandnother
e.Thi
sisa
hospi
tal,
notawrest
li
ngroom.
Lesedi
:(
LookedatAyanda)
I'
m goi
ngt
oki
llyou.Pr
ay
thatmybabymakesit.

Ayandal
ookedatherasherhandsshook

Recept
ioni
st:
alr
ightt
akeherout
sideandmakesur
e
shedoesn'
tgetinsi
de.
Zenze:I
'l
lhandl
eher
.Pl
easedon'
t.Lesedisi
tdown.
Calm down.
Lesedi:
Shutupwena.I
'
m notgoi
ngtolett
hissl
ide.
Notwi t
hmybaby.Youweren'
twit
hmet hewhole
pregnancyandnowyouacti
ngli
ketheworl
dgreat
father
.Thi
sisthel
astt
imeyouseemybabyI '
m
t
ell
ingyou.I
'
m al
sogoi
ngtoinvol
vet
hepoli
cein
t
hisandmakesuret
hatyourwit
chgi
rl
fr
iendgoest
o
j
ail
.
Recept
ioni
st:
Tkaeherout
side.
Lesedi
:(
Rai
sedherar
ms)No.I
'
llbehave.
Recept
ioni
st:
IhopesocauseI
'l
lhaveyouthr
own
out
sideinthedar
k.Andyoushoul
dleavecausei
t'
s
ver
ylateri
ghtnow.
Lesedi
:(
shookherhead)I
'
m st
ayi
ngher
ewi
thmy
baby.

TheReceptioni
stl
ookedatheroncet henwalked
awayast hesecuri
tyguardsfol
lowedaft
er.Lesedi
cl
ickedhertonguethenlookedatZenze

Lesedi
:Howdi
dithappen?Howi
she?
Zenze:They'veinject
edhim wit
hant i
bioti
cs.
(Clear
edhi sthroat)Hiscondi
ti
ondet er
ioratedso
theytransferredhimtotheemer gencywar d.We
sti
llwaiti
ngf orthem
Lesedi:
(t
earf
ull
y)Doyouknowhowdangerousan
al
lergyreact
ioni
tistoachi
ld.Achi
ldZenze.My
babycoulddie.
Zenze:
He'
l
lbef
ine.Webr
oughthi
mint
ime.
Lesedi:
(Cr
ying)
Idon'
tcar
e.Idon'
tfucki
ngcare.You
shouldn'
thavefedhi
m mushroomsinthefi
rstplace.

Shesatont hecouchandcoveredherfacewit
h
handswhilecryi
ng.Zenzeswall
owedlookingather
thenhelookedatAyanda.Shemouthed" I
'
m sorr
y".
Helookedawayt hensatnextt
oLesedi

Zenze:
He'
l
lbef
ine.Ipr
omi
seyou.
Lesedi
:Voet
sek.

Shecli
ckedhertonguet
hensearchedforherphone
i
nsidehersidebaganddial
edKgaogelo.I
trang
unansweredasshecoveredhermouthandcr i
ed
Lesedi
:Pl
ease.

Shedi
aledheragai
nthenKgaogel
oanswer
edaf
ter
thr
eer
ings

Kgaogel
o:H.
.hel
lo?
Lesedi
:(
Cryi
ng)
Kgaogel
o.
Kgaogel
o:What
'swr
ong?
Lesedi:
(cr
ying)I
t'
sLukhanyo.Hehadanal
ler
gy
reacti
on.Ayandafedhi
m mushroomsandhe's
all
ergi
c.
Kgaogel
o:Ohgod!Uhm,
Don'
tpani
c.Wher
ear
eyou
guys?
Lesedi
:(
Cryi
ng)
Net
car
eGr
eenacr
es.
Kgaogel
o:Okayokay.I'
m coming.Don'tworr
y.The
doct
orswilldot
heirbest.Theyalwaysdo.Just
don'
tpani
candr el
ax.I'
llbether
e.
Lesedi
:(
sni
ff
led)
Okay.
KgaogelohungupasLesedi
cover
edherf
acewi
th
herhandsandcri
ed

AtMyHouse

Ij
umpedoutoft hebedandwentt othebathr
oom.I
qui
ckl
yfreshenedupandwal kedbacktotheroom
wit
hatowelwr appedaroundmybody.Qhawe
l
ookedatmewhi l
elayi
ngontopofthebednaked

Me:(panti
ng)Getreadysot
hatwecangot ot
he
hospit
al.Lukhanyohadall
ergyr
eact
ion.
Qhawe:
Isi
tbad?
Me:
Itcangetbad.Chawecomeon.Getr
eady.

Helazi
lygotupandwal kedtothebathroom.Iput
onmyt racksui
tsandsneaker
st hengrabbedmy
bag.Af
teraf ewminutesQhawest eppedinsi
de
nakedandwenttohiscloset
.Hetookgrey
sweatpant
sandwhitevestandputthem on.Then
hewor ehi
sboot
s,j
acketandacap.

Me:
Shoul
dwet
akeKeanut
oMa?
Qhawe:
No.Wecan'
twakehi
m up.I
'
llaskEvat
o
come.
Me:
Okay.

IwenttoKeanu' snurserywhileQhawewentt othe

garaget ogetthecarready.Ibri
efl
ylookedathim
thenleanedoverandsof tl
ykissedhisforehead.I
coveredhi m pr
operl
ywi t
habl anketandran
downst air
sandclimbedi nthecarasQhawespoke
onthephoneanddr oveof fwit
honehand

AtTheHospi
tal

Af
terl
onghour
sofwai
ti
ngi
nther
ecept
ioni
star
ea.
Lesedi'steet
hgr i
tt
edagainsteachotherwhileshe
shivered.Zenzelookedatherandt ookhisjacket
off.Ayandawat chedhim asheputthejacket
aroundLesedi '
sshoulder
s.Lesedil
ookedathi m
thenlookedaway.

Meanwhi l
emeandQhawest eppedinsi
dethe
hospit
al.Lesediturnedandlookedatusasshe
quickl
ygotupandr ushedtome.Shehuggedme
ti
ghtasIbr ushedherback.Qhawewentt oZenze
andputhi sarm aroundhisshoulder
.Il
ookedat
Lesedi

Me:
Thedoct
orswi
lldot
hei
rbest
.Don'
twor
ry.
Lesedi
:(
sni
ff
led)
Ifhedoesn'
tmakei
t-
Me:
No.Beposi
ti
ve.

Ihuggedheragai n.Afewminutesl
ateradoctor
walkedtowardsus.Icouldseealookofter
roron
Lesedi
'sface.Iheldhert
ight
ly
Zenze:
Howi
she?
Doctor:
He'sokayfornow.We'vegivenhimthe
secondsyringeandithel
ped.Heisstable.We'l
lbe
tr
ansferr
inghimtothepediatr
icwardforfurt
her
observat
ion.He'
sverylucky.Hi
sconditi
onwas
scary.I
twouldhavegottenveryworse.
Lesedi
:(
sighedr
eli
eved)Thankgod!
Doct
or:Howdi
dthi
shappen?Whydidyougivehim
mushroomswhenyouknowthathe'
sal
ler
gicto
t
hem?
Lesedi
:Hi
sst
epmot
herdi
d.Shewant
edt
oki
llhi
m.

Il
ookedatAyanda

Lesedi
:Hewantedtoki
llmyson.Itoldmybaby
daddythatheshoul
dn'tf
eedhim Mushroomsbut
whatdidIexpect
?He'ssostupi
d.Thisisthel
ast
ti
meyouseemysonWenaSpoi l
tbrat.
Me:
Uhm,
Doct
ort
hankyou.

Henoddedt
henwal
kedaway

Qhawe:
Weshoul
dgo.It
'sver
ylat
e.We'
l
lonl
ybe
abl
etoseehi
mtomorr
ow.
Me:
(si
ghed)
,Yeah,
l
et'
sgo.

IheldLesedi'
shandaswesteppedout
.Qhawe
stayedbehindwit
hZenzeandAyanda

Qhawe:
Gohome.
Zenze:
Y..
yeah.

Hewal kedawayl
eavi
ngAyandabehi
ndasshe
sobbed.

Qhawe:
Zenzecomeher
e.
Hest
oppedt
henl
ookedathi
m

Qhawe:
That
'snott
hewayt
otr
eatawoman.Come
her
e.

Hewal
kedt
owar
dst
hem andst
oodi
nfr
ontofhi
m

Qhawe:
Leavewi
thher
.
Zenze:
Let
'sgo.

Hest
art
edwal
kingwhi
leshef
oll
owedbehi
ndhi
m

AtZenze'
sHouse

I
nthemor ni
nghecl
imbedoffthebedandwentt o
t
hebathroom.Hequickl
yfr
eshenedupandgot
r
eady.Ayandasl
owl
ywokeupandl ookedathi
m
Ayanda:
(l
owert
one)Youl
eavi
ngal
ready?Wai
tfor
me.

Hegrabbedhi
scarkeysandrushedout.Ayanda
t
hrewhersel
fonbedandfacedtheotherwayas
t
earsfi
ll
edhereyes

AtMyHouse

Thesamemorni
ng,
Iprepar
edbreakf
astandsetup
thet
abl
e.Qhawest
eppedinsi
dewhil
eplayi
ngwith
Keanu.

Me:
Hewokeupear
lyt
oday.
Qhawe:
Yeah.

Isi
ghedasIsatont
hechai
randat
emycer
eal
Me:
Ishoul
dgoandcheckonLesedi
.
Qhawe:
(satdown)Yeah.At
leastLukhanyomadei
t.
Zenzewouldn'
thavehandl
edi t
.
Me:
Lesedit
oo.

Hel
ookedatmet
henputKeanuont
het
abl
e

Qhawe:
(smi
led)
Heymyboy!Heyboyboy!

Keanugi
ggl
edshowi
nghi
sbl
ackgums

TWODAYSLATER

*
*
TheGoodWi
fe
#49

AtThePet
rolSt
ati
on

Xhant istoppedt hecarandspokewi tht hepetrol

attendantbef orehewenti nsidet heshopast he
pet rolattendantf il
ledhi stank.Al adybehi ndhiscar
tappedherf i
nger sont hesteeringwheel asshe
wai tedf orhi mt or eturn.Allthespaceswer e
occupi edandshehadnowher etogoexceptf orthi
s
space.Af t eraf ewmi nutesXhant ist eppedoutof
theshopandwal kedt ohiscarwhi lehespokeon
thephone.Thenhel ookedatt hecarbehi ndhi m as
i
tdr ovecl osert ohi scar .Hef rownedl ooki ngatthe
l
adyi nt hewi ndscr eenasshest aredback.Her
wi ndscr eenwasnotbl ackt i
ntedandhecoul d
l
iterallyseeher .Hewat chedherasshespoket o
her selfpr obabl ycur si
nghi m andt appi ngher
finger sont hest eeringwheelanxi ousl y.Hesmi l
ed
thenwal kedt owar dst hecar .Thel adyt ilt
edher
headi ndi sbeliefandl ookedathi m.Hest oodnext
tot
hewindowasshecl
enchedherj
awsandr
oll
ed
downt
hewi ndow.

Xhant
i:
(Smi
led)
Yourcari
sver
ycloset
omine.One
mist
akeyougoingt
ocrashi
tandyou'
l
lhavetopay
me.

Exceptf orhisinti
midatingpresence, hismainly
perf
umef i
ll
edtheent i
recarandhi smi ntybreath
kepthi t
ti
ngheronherf acemaki ngi tver yhardfor
hertobr eatheorat l
eastbecomf ortable.Shetried
maint ai
ningaser i
ousandi ntimidat i
ngl ookbefore
shelookedathi m.Shecan'tal l
owt hisdumbman
behavel ikethi
swi thher.Howdar ehe?Shebr avely
tur
nedandl ookedathi m ashereyest wi t
ched.He
hadt hissexysmi leonandhespokecal mly.Par t
s
ofhishai rweregr eyandhel ookedgood.
Everythingabouthi m wasent hrall
ing,hisgaze,his
auraandhi sfr
agrance.

Xhant
i:
(Smi
led)
Movebackal
it
tl
eandt
ryt
ohave
pat
ience.I
'
m movi
ngmycarnow.

Shewat chedhi sli

psashespokeandboywasn' the
cute.Shesl owlynoddedst il
lst
aringathi m.Xhanti
l
ookedatheri nnocentfaceandt hatlookonher
faceashesmi led.Shelookedathi mt henhitthe
acceleratorandl ookedatt herearmirrorbeforeshe
reversed.Xhant iwalkedt ohiscarandcl imbed
i
nsidebef orehedr oveoffandshei mmedi at
ely
occupi edt hespace.Hest oppedt hecaront heside
andwal kedt ohercarasherhear tpounded.He
stoodnextt othemi rr
oragain.Sheswal l
owedhar d
thenr oll
eddownt hewi ndow

Xhanti
:Bepati
entnextt
ime.Idon'
twantyourpr
ett
y
facegett
inghurt
.(Smil
ed)Andbreat
he.Cal
m down
andbreathe.

Hewal kedawaywithabi
gsmi leonwhi
lesherol
led
hereyes."Cal
m downandbreathe"
.WhosaidI
'm
notbreathi
ng.He'
sarr
oganttoo.Thi
smotherf
uc-
no.Calm down.Sheunexpect edlysi gheddeepl yas
hereyeswi dened.Shewasl i
terall
yhol dingher
breathwithoutevenreal
izi
ng.Hewasr ight.This
neverhappenedbef oreanditwascr azy.Honest l
y
thi
swascr azy,
howcant hi
smanmakeherf eell
ike
thi
s?Noonehasevermadei tfeellikethis.This
wascr azy.No!Ment hough.Couldn'theseeshe
dresseslikeaman?Whycoul dn'thecat cht hat?
Shecl i
ckedhertongueandqui cklypai dbef or
eshe
droveoff

ThesamedayEvast eppedi nsi

dethehousewi t
ha
smilecurledonherfaceashereyesmovedar ound
thehouse.Itwasunt i
dyandsmel l
edhor ri
ble.Her
smiledisappearedasshelookedattheyounggi r
l
breastf
eedingthebabyont hebed.Itwasj ustaone
room combi nedwit
habedr oom andkitchen.The
gir
lquietl
ygotupwi thherbabystil
lsuckingher
breastandlookedatherasherhear tpounded

Gi
rl
:Si
sEva.Ukhona?
(Youher
e)
Eva:
Thando,
unj
ani
?(Howar
eyou)
Thando:
(l
owert
one)
Ngi
yaphi
la.

Shelookedar
oundt
hehouseandl
ookedbackat
Eva

Thando:
I.
.Iwaswai
ti
ngf
orhi
mtosl
eepsoIcan
cl
eanup.
Eva:
(Fai
ntsmi
le)
Don'
texpl
ainyour
sel
f.I
t'
sokay.

Shel
ookedatherbr
east
s

Eva:
How'sthebr
east
feedi
ngpr
ocess?I
sthemi
l
k
suff
ici
ent
?
Thando:
(embarr
assed)
It
'sbet
ternow.I'
vebeen
eat
ingfr
uit
s,l
ent
il
sandbeans.It
'sbet
ternow.

Evagl
aredathert
hensatdownwhi
leshesl
owl
y
satdownt
oo.Evast
aredatt
het
inyt
hinbaby

Eva:
Hedoesn'
tlookheal
thy.
Thando:
..
Eva:
Thando, youcan'tl
ivelikethisanylonger.The
babycan' tst
ayi nt
hissituati
on.Yourmot herwill
comedr unkandsl eepnextt oyou.Whoknowswhat
badspirit
ualthingsshecol l
ectedtherethatwill
harmthebabyher e.He'sstil
lveryyoung.I'
ve
spokent omyt eam andwet hi
nki sbestyougot o
thecare.Youandyourbabywi llbetakencareof.
You'l
lalsobeabl etoattendschoolpr oper
ly.

Sheheldherhandsandglar
edathertear
yeyes.
Shetookadeepbreatht
henlookedather

Eva:Youare14andsti
llababyyoursel
f.Youneed
allt
hehelpyoucangetandI'm her
e.I'
m her
efor
youandyouknowt hat
.Pleasebaby.
Thando:
O..
Okay.
Evasi
ghedr
eli
evedt
henembr
acedhert
ight
ly

AtOr
angeFar
m

Tanialookedatt het hreemenof fl

oadingbricks
outsideherhouseasshest eppedoutwi t
hherbaby
onthewai st.Althoughshewasst il
lsadaboutPet er
goi
ngt oj
ail,
atl
eastt hey'l
lli
veinacomf or
table
home.She' sstil
lsoangr yaboutwhathedi dbuthe
al
waysdi dever ythingf orthem.Hedi ditforthei
r
bet
t erment.Shesi ghedt hendialedQhawe.I ttooka
whilebeforeheanswer ed

Qhawe:
Yes?
Tani
a:Hey,
Iboughtbr
icksand-
Qhawe:Justusethatcar
dthewayyouseefi
t.Idon'
t
mind.Youdon'thavetotel
lmewhatyoubuywithit
.
Tani
a:(
shocked)
Ooh?O.
.okay.
Qhawe:
Cal
lmewhent
her
e'sanemer
gency.Onl
y
t
hen.

Hehungasshel ookedatt
hephoneshocked.That
washarsh.Butmaybesheoverst
eppedit.He
probabl
yhaveagi r
lf
ri
endandhedoesn'twanther
tofi
ndoutaboutwhathedoes.Shesighedthen
headedtowardsthemen

AtJobur
g

Nenewal kedaroundi nshopswear ingabluemaxi

dresswi thorangeflowersandsl i
t.Shegrabbedt he
twobot tl
esofmi lkandpaid.Apol icemanwat ched
asshemovedupanddownl ikeamadper son.He
walkedt oherandshovedhi shandsdeepi nhi
s
pockets.Nenet urnedandl ookedatt hecutehunkin
thepoliceuniform standi
ngInf r
ontofher .Hewas
dark,
tallandhandsome.
Man:
(Smi
led)
Whatar
eyoul
ooki
ngf
or?Youseem
l
ost
.

godhissmil
e.Hehadperfectwhit
eteet
h.She
l
ookeddownonhisdickprintandOohboy!Her
pussythr
obbedassheli
ckedherlips

Nene:Uhm,Ij
ustopenedmyicecream st
oresoI
'
m
l
ookingaroundforthei
ngr
edient
s.
Man:
YousellI
cecr
eams?That
'sgr
eat
.Ishoul
d
comeandbuysome.
Nene:
Youshoul
d.

Helookedatherandli
ckedhisl
ips.Nenesmi
led
l
ookingawayfeel
inghiseyesonherbody

Man:
(handedherhi
sphone)Addyournumberso
t
hatIcantel
lyouwhenI'
m comi
ng.
Nene:
(Bl
ushed)
Okay.
Sheinsertedhernumbert hengavehi m backhis
phoneast hei
rhandsunexpect edlybrushed.Nene's
heartpoundedsof astagainstherchest.She
rest
ractedherhandbackandsi ghed.Shecouldn't
evenbreatheproperl
y.Shegl ar
edathi seyes

Nene:
Makeuseoft
hosenumber
s.

Byt hatsai
d,shewalkedaway.Hechuckledthen
watchedherunt i
lshedisappear
ed.Helookedathis
tentandsighedputtinghi
shandcoveri
ngi tbef
ore
hewal kedaway

AtEt
aliSaf
ariLodge

QhaweFrenchkissedmewhi lehesqueezedmyass.
Mykneesgotwobbl yashetouchedmywai stand
heldmeti
ghtl
y.Heseal edi
twithababykissand
gropedmyass.Ibreathedheavi
lyandsmiledsitt
ing
down

Qhawe:
Letmemakeaphonecal
l.I
'
llbeback.

Heleanedoverandki ssedmeagai nbeforehe

walkedbackt otheroom.Itookmyphoneand
l
ookedatMa' snumber scont emplati
ngwhet herI
shouldcal
lherornot .MaybeIshoul dn'
t,
I'
llmiss
Keanumor e.Ishouldcallatouragreedtime.I
chasti
semysel fthenputthephoneaway.Af ew
minuteswhileIwasseat edont hechairoutsidemy
phonerang.IlookedatitasFer ah'
snamef l
ashed
onthescreen.Ismi l
edpickingup

Me:
Hey.
Fer
ah:
Bar
bieDol
l.
Me:
Howar
eyou?
Fer
ah:
Ndir
ightchomam.Imi
ssyousomuch.
Me:
Same.I
t'
sbeenawhi
le.
Ferah:(
sighed)Yeah.IsawthenewsandI'
m sor
ryI
couldn'
tbet here.Iwassobusywit
hwork.Alothas
j
ustbeenup.
Me:
It
'sf
ine.Iunder
stand.
Fer
ah:
Howar
eyout
houghaf
terever
ythi
ng?
Me:I
'mfine,
I
'veneverbeenbet
ter
.Thi
sthi
ngki
ndof
f
ixedthi
ngsbetweenChaweandI .
Ferah:Whatdoyoumean?Wer
eyouguyshavi
ng
problems?
Me:Hewasneverhome.Soi
t'
schangi
ngnow.Iwas
ver
yangr
ywithhim.
Fer
ah:It
houghthewoul
dchanget
hatnowyouar
e
marri
ed.
Me:
(si
ghed)
Yeah.
Ferah:
Haii
.Let
'shopehe'
llchangecauset
hey'
l
ltake
you.Theywon'tl
eaveyou.
Me:
(l
aughed)
Iwantmyhusbandonl
y.
Fer
ah:
Youwon'
tsayt
hatwhenyouar
ehor
ny.
Me:
(l
aughed)
EvenwhenI
'
m hel
datgunpoi
nt.Iwant
myhusbandonl
y.
Fer
ah:
He'
sal
uckymant
hen.Iknowhowmuchyou
l
ovehi
m.
Me:
Yeahsohowhasi
tbeengoi
ngon,
onyoursi
de?
Ferah:
Greatexceptf
orannoyi
ngt
ransf
ers.Iwas
happyatBara.
Me:
Iknowf
ri
end.I
'
m sor
ry.
Fer
ah:
Eish,
how'
smyhusband?
Me:He'
sokay,
j
ustt
eet
hingandyouknowhow
hect
ici
tis.
Fer
ah:
He'
sgr
owi
ng.
Me:
Likecr
azy.
Fer
ah:
Youbackatwor
kyet
?
Me:NoI
'l
lgobackMonday.I
'
m st
il
lhome.Meand
Chaweevent
ookatr
ipmoKZN.
Fer
ah:
Wenana(
laughed)Baecat
ion.Howi
sgoi
ng?
Me:(
Smi l
ed)
Amazing.Wecameher
etodayandt
he
weatheri
ssogood.
Fer
ah:
I'
m sur
eyoupr
epar
edyour
sel
fMogi
rl
.
Me:
Prepar
edmysel
fhow?
Fer
ah:
Haveyouhadsexyet
?
Me:
Nowhy?
Ferah:
Good.Let
'sgetitreadyf
orhi
m.Get
milk,
ci
nnamonandst oney.Buyhal
lst
ooandmi
x
them t
oget
herthendrink.
Me:
(f
rowned)
Why?
Fer
ah:Wearegett
ingi
treadyforhim.Whoknows
whathe'
sdoingwhenhedi sappear
s.He'
l
lnever
l
eaveyouagain.
Me:That
'sscar
y.I
'
m notdoi
ngt
radi
ti
onalt
hingst
o
keepmyhusband.
Ferah:
Stopbeingr
ural
.Whatt
radi
ti
onalt
hings.
Stoney?Hal
ls?Comeon.Dri
nkthatandyou'
llt
hank
mel at
er.
Me:
Ha.
aFer
ah.
(No)
Fer
ah:
Doi
t.
Qhawewalkedtowardsmewhil
elooki
ngst
rai
ghti
n
myeyes.Iqui
cklyl
ookedaway

Me:
I'
m notdoi
nganyoft
hat
.Bye.I
'
llcal
lyoul
ater
.
Fer
ah:
Bye.

Ihungupthenputthephonedown.Qhawesat
betweenmylegsandkissedmethenputmylegs
onhislap

Qhawe:
What
'
sgoi
ngon?Youl
ookdi
str
act
ed.
Me:
I'
m not
.Iwasj
ustspeaki
ngt
oFer
ah.
Qhawe:
Ever
ythi
ng'
sokay?
Me:
Yeah.Ever
ythi
ng'
sfi
ne.
Qhawe:
(ki
ssedme)Okay.Thesafar
icarwillbeher
e
i
n10minutes.Wegoi
ngt otheot
herside.
Me:
Okay.
Qhawe:
Youenj
oyi
ngi
ther
ebabe?YouknowIcoul
d
havedonebet
tert
hant
his.
Me:(
smiled)
YesIknow.I
'
m enj
oyingher
ea
l
ot,
Real
ly.It
'sgr
eat
.Besi
deswejustar
ri
ved.
Qhawe:
(ki
ssedme)Okay.

Hebr
ushedmylegsandtrail
edhisfi
ngersallt
he
wayt
omyt hi
ghs.Ismi
ledthentouchedhishand

Me:
Youneedsomeshor
ts.
Qhawe:
Never
.
Me:
(l
aughed)
Comeon.I
t'
sonl
ymeher
e.Lookatme
i
nmyswi mwear
.
Qhawe:Youl
ooksexyinthatswearwear.I
'
lll
ook
cr
azyinshor
ts.Ir
atherwearthem athome.
Me:
(l
aughed)
No!Comeonbabe.Pl
ease.Doi
tfor
me.
Qhawe:
Babeno.
Me:
Babepl
ease.
Qhawe:
(si
ghed)
Okay.

Ij
umpedonhi
sar
msandsatonhi
slapt
henki
ssed
hi
m.

Me:Thankyou.Iswearyoul
ooksexyi
nshor
ts.Il
ike
yourl
egs.
Qhawe:
I'
veal
waysknownt
hatyouar
ecr
azyabout
t
hem.
Me:
(smi
led)

AtEva&Sambul
o'sHouse

Lat
erthatni
ghtSambulowalkedinsi
det hehouse.
Hecli
mbedont hestai
rsandwalkedtohi sr
oom.
Theroom wasdarkandhecouldseet heref
lect
ion
ofEvanearthewindowwhenhegoti n.
Sambul
o:Babe.
Eva:
Sitont
hatchai
r.

Helookedatherandslowlysatonthechai
r.She
wal
kedt owar
dshim withherhandsbehi
ndherback.
Helookedatheri
nal i
ngeri
easheswal l
owed.She
cuf
fedhiswri
stsonthechair.Hechuckl
edthen
l
ookedather

Sambul
o:Ar
eyouar
rest
ingme?
Eva:
I'
mrest
rai
ningyou.
Sambul
o:(
Smi
led)I
'
llbr
eakt
hechai
r.
Eva:
(Laughed)Noyouwon'
t.Takei
tli
keabi
gguy
husband.

Sheslowlytookthetopf
irstandonlyleftwit
ha
thong.Shekneltdownandunbuckledhi sbeltand
pull
edthepantsdown.Shet ookhi
st hickandlong
dickinherhandandputitinhermout h.He
cl
enchedhi
sjawsast
hechai
rmovedar
ound

Sambul
o:Shi
t!

Evasuckedonitwhi
leshespi
thersal
ivaonitand
gaggedonitwhil
eSambulogr
oanedhelpl
essly

Sambul
o:Fuccckk!

Shegotupandlookedathim sweati
ng.Thenshe
l
ookedathi
swrists.They'
l
lbepainf
ulaftert
his.But
i
tdoesn'
tmatt
er,
he'saman.He' l
lbefi
ne.

Sambul
o:(
Lowert
one)Babecome.
Eva:
Begme.

Shel
ookedathi
mtr
yingt
ofr
eehi
msel
f
Sambul
o:Pl
ease.

Shesmi l
edt henslowlytookherthongoffandsat
ontopofhi m.Shehel dthedicki
nherhandand
pusheditin.Herwar mthgothim soweakt hathe
roughl
ytri
edt ofreehimselfwhil
ehistoescurled
makingthechai rmakelotofnoise.Evafrowned
thensatproperlyasitst
retchedherup.Shest ar
ted
movingslowand. ..

TOBECONTI
NUED.
..

.
..
.

TheGoodWi
fe
#50

AtEt
aliSaf
ariLodge
Thesamenightwesteppedoutoft
hesaf
aricar
whil
eIl
aughedhard.

Me:
Thatl
ookedpai
nful
.
Qhawe:
(l
aughed)
That'
showi
tshoul
dbe.Puti
tdeep
andenj
oythesweet
ness.
Me:
WowChawe.

West eppedi nsidethelodge.Iranupst ai

rsand
quicklyputonsomeshor t
sandspor tsbrawithmy
crokst henwal kedbacki nthelounge.Hewas
outside,t
hedoorwasopen.Ical ledr oom seviceand
askedt hem t obr i
ngthestuffIwant .Minutesl at
era
l
adywal kedi n.Ithankedherandt ookthethings.
Thisbet terwor k.Idon'
tevenknowwhyI '
m doi ngit
honest l
y.Idi dthewhol emixtureandgul pedi tdown.
Qhawewal kedi nwhil
eIjustfinished

Qhawe:
Youdr
inki
ngst
oneynow?
Me:
Y..
Yeah.Come.

Ihel
dhi
shandandledhi
mtothel
ounge.Wesat
downonthecouchwi
thmyl
egsontopofhi
m

Me:
Ihadabl
ast
.
Qhawe:
Isawitt
oo.Youl
ookedl
ikeyouwer
e
enj
oyi
ngalot
.
Me:
(Smi
led)
Ienjoyed.Wel
astdi
dthi
sinDubaiand
i
twasamazing.
Qhawe:
Wher
edoyouwantust
ogoDecember
?
Me:
Idon'
tknowbutI
'
llcheck.
Qhawe:
Okay.
Me:
Don'
tyoumi
ssKeanu?
Qhawe:
Ido.Imi
ssmyboy.Butwe'
l
lseehi
m soon.
Me:
Yeah.

Het
rai
ledhi
sfi
nger
sonmyt
highs
Qhawe:
Yourt
highsar
esosof
t.Sosof
tli
keababy.
Me:
(Smi
led)

Heki
ssedt
hem andl
if
tedmyl
egashest
areddown

Me:
(Laughed)Real
lyChawe?
Qhawe:
Fuck!Thi
sisagoodvi
ew.

Hepulledmedownont hecouchandl i
ft
edbothmy
l
egsandki ssedmypussy.Hepulledmyshor tsof
f
i
nthebl i
nkoftheeyeandkissedmypussy.Her an
hi
slipsonmysl i
tandkissedit
.Iclosedmyeyes
andtouchedmybr east
swhilehest ar
tedeat
ingmy
pussyyup.

Me:
ohgod!Uhhh.
Hesoftlykisseditthentookhi
spantsoff.Hetook
hisharddickoutandr anitonmypussy.Hel eaned
overandkissedmehar dthenbitmylowerli
p.He
thenputmyot herlegonhisshoul
derandmoved
i
ntomewhi lesli
dingthr
ough.

Ibi
tmyl owerl
ipandclosedmyeyes."Her"warmth
i
mmedi atel
yengul
fedhim ashert
ight
nessclung
ont
ohi m somuchhegr unt
edli
keanInjur
edbull
.A
chi
llr
andownonhi sspine

Qhawe:
Fuccck!Rachelwhat
'si
nther
e?

Il
ookedathim andrel
axedmybodyashegrunted
andgroanedhelpl
essl
yontopofmewhil
ethrusti
ng
har
dintome.

....
Istoodonmyt oesmoani ngwhi
lehewentfast
er
feeli
ngever
ythi
nginsideofmeti
ghteni
ng.Ithr
ew
myheadbackashel ookedatmeandFrench
kissedme.Peerandownonmyt hi
ghsasI
screamedloudl
y

Me:Godcome.Mama.AhhChawe.Idon'
tknow
whattodo.Uhhh.

Qhawegr untedl oudlypoundi

ngi nt
omehar d.I
cl
osedmyeyeswhi l
etearsdroppeddownonmy
cheeks.Thatf eeli
ngcameagai nasr el
axedmy
bodyandl etithappen.Isplashedonhi m againand
al
mostf el
ldownonmykneeswhi l
eheheldme
ti
ghtl
y

AtXhant
i'
sHouse

Hel
ookedatt
hecodeonhi
sphoneandforwar
ded
i
tonthegr
oupsi
ncebot
hofthem wer
en'
t
answer
inghi
scall
s.Hedi
aledanumberonhi
s
phoneandgotup

Voi
ce:
Nkal
akat
a.
Xhant
i:
Gett
heguysi
nthewar
ehouset
omor
row.
Voi
ce:
Sur
e.

Hehungupt henl
ookedatthi
ssamenumber s
again.Hetookadeepbreathandsmi
ledbeforehe
di
aled.Itt
ookawhi l
ebefor
esheanswered

Her
:Hel
lo?Who'
sthi
s?

Shehadsuchasqueakyvoi ce.Shesoundedl
ikea
chipmunk.Heunexpectedl
ylaughedwhil
eshe
fr
ownedont heotherl
ine

*
**
Si
ndif
rownedlist
eningt
othisdeepvoiceman
l
aughi
ngont heli
ne.Herhear
tskippedabit
.Whati
f
hewasakidnapperorsomethi
ng?

Hi
m:Nt
okazi
.

Herhear
tski
ppedassher
ecogni
zedt
hevoi
ce

Hi
m:I
t'
sXhant
i.
Si
ndi
:(
Swal
lowed)
Okayso?
Xhant
i:
Whyyoubei
ngr
ude?
(laughed)Yousound
l
ikeakid.
Si
ndi
:.
.
Xhant
i:
ButIl
ikeyourvoi
ce.I
t'
scut
e.
Si
ndi
:(
Stut
ter
ed)
W..
Whatdoyouwant
?
Xhant
i:
Iwantyou.
Si
ndi
:.
.
Xhant
i:
Sindi
siwe?
Si
ndi
:Mmhmm.
Xhant
i:
Answermepr
oper
ly.
Si
ndi
:Xhant
i.
Xhant
i:
Ngi
yakuf
una(
Iwantyou)

Sheswall
owedthelumponhert hr
oatandquickl
y
hangup.Hecal
ledagainthensheputthephoneon
thet
ableandr
antot heki
tchen.Whatt
hehell
?What
wasthat?

AtEt
aliSaf
ariLodge

Inthemorning,
Iweaklygr
abbedthesheet
swhi
le
Qhawehammer edmebehind.Hefi
ll
edmeupwith
histhi
ckcum andfl
ickedmeover.Hegotont
opof
meandki ssedme

Me:
(LowerTone)
L..
let
'ssl
eep.Iwant
..
HekissedmeagainasIslowl
ydri
ft
edtosl
eep.He
ranhisdi
ckonmypussyagainunti
lhewashard
andslidi
tinsi
deasImoanedsof
tl
y

.....

Iopenedmyheavyeyesandl ookedathim stepping

outoftheroom whilet al
kingont hephone.I
crawleddownwi that hrobbingpussyandwentt o
thebathr
oom.ISt eppedi nsideandlockedit.ThenI
l
ai ddownflatonthecol dfloorasIdri
ftedofft o
sleep.Aft
eraf ewmi nutesIhear dhim knockingon
thedoor

Qhawe:
Babeopent
hedoor
.
Me:
..
Qhawe:
Rachel
.
Me:
..
.
Qhawe:
Babecomeon.
Me:
TsamayaSat
ane(
Leavesat
an)
Qhawe:Babycomeon.Wesupposedt
obebat
hing
t
ogether.

Ishookmyheadli
kehecoul
dseemeandt
urnedas
Isl
eptonmyside

Qhawe:
Babe.
Me:
Ihat
eyouFer
ah.

TOBECONTI
NUED.
..
.
TheGoodWi
fe
#52

AtNene'
sIceCr
eam St
ore
Latert
hatday,
Ler
umosatonthechai
randwat
ched
Neneasshesold.Hel
ookedaroundt
hewhol
eshop
thenstoodup

Ler
umo:
Thi
spl
acei
shugeandbeaut
if
ul.
Nene:
(Smi
led)
Thankyou.
Ler
umo:You'
vedonewellf
oryour
sel
fhonest
ly.But
youneedahelpi
nghand.
Nene:(
sighed)Yeah,
Iwantedtobri
ngmyot hersi
ster
heresoshecanhel pmebutIdon'ttr
usther.She
dri
nksal otandshemi ghtst
ealmymoney.And
wherewi l
lsheevenstay?
Ler
umo:
Youcanst
aywi
thher
.
Nene:
(Gavehi
m al
ook)
Lerumo:(l
aughed)
What'
swrongwitht hat
?She's
yoursist
erattheendoft
heday.Thiscouldchange
herli
fe.Don'
ttel
lmeyouwanttosuccedal one.You
cansitherdownandspeakaboutthis.
Nene:
Idon'
twantt
osucceedal
one.TrustmeIlove
mysist
ersandIwantt
hem t
oalsosucceedbutthey
ar
enotevendoi
nganyt
hing.Theyj
ustdr
ink,
sl
eep
wi
thmenandmakebabies.
Ler umo: That'
snott hewayt otal
kaboutyour
siblings.Maybet heydri
nkcauset hat'
stheonl y
thingt hatmakest hem f
orgetabouttheirproblems.
Probl emsl ikebeingunempl oyedandstillst
aying
witht heirmot her.Andalsoseeingyoumaki ngit.
Youar eal astborn(shenodded)Yousee.That 's
alsot het hi
ng.I'm nott
ryingtoforceyout odo
anyt hingbutj ustconsi
derwhatIsai d.

Shelookedi nhiseyesandnodded.Hemadet otal

senseandt hissit
uationdepressedhermor ecause
shedidn'tevenknowwhatt odo.It'
snotniceseeing
yoursister
sdr i
nki
ngever ydayandgivingupi nl
ife.
Hermot herwon'tsayi tbuti
thurtsher.Shecanbe
allr
udeandal wayst alki
ngbutithurtsher.She
knowsi tdoes

Ler
umol
ookedi
nhereyesandhel
dherhands
Ler
umo:Ithinkyouar
eaver ysmartand
i
ndependentwoman.Youar enotj
ustapret
tyf
ace.
Honestl
ywhenIsawyouIj ustwantedtof
uckyou.I
wantedtojusthi
tandrun.
Nene:(l
aughed)Iknewi
tandIal
sowantedthat
.I
don'
tt r
usthandsomeguyshenceIhavezer
o
feel
ingsforyou.
Lerumo:
(l
aughed)
Aommaseri
ous?IthoughtI
charmedyouandyouar
eheadoverheel
sinlove
wit
hme.
Nene:
(l
aughed)
Nexyang.
Ler
umo:
(l
aughed)
Ouch!
Nene:(l
aughed)I
'mjoking.Youcharmedmeal it
tl
e.
Butfeeli
ngsno.Idon'tfalli
nlovewi
thsomeoneat
fi
rstsi
ght.Ineedtoseehowyouar efi
rstandhow
youbehavei ncert
ainsituat
ions.
Ler
umo: Samehere.I
'
ml i
kethatt
ooandital
ways
worked.Idon'
twanttoendupwithadumbslay
Queen.
Asmallboyst
oodi
nthecount
erandcal
ledoutt
o
Nene

Nene:
Letmegett
hat
.
Ler
umo:
Sur
e.

Shest
oodont
hecounterandat
tendedt
hesmall
boyasLer
umosatdownandpressedhi
sphone

AtTheSal
on

Thesamedayt hehairdr
esserdi
daf ewt
ouchups
onTania'
sScurl.Thenshegotupthenpai
dand
walkedoutaseveryonestar
edather

Woman1:I
'veneverseenScur
llooksogoodon
someone.
Woman2:
Thecompl
exi
oni
smaki
ngever
ythi
ng
evenbetter
.Shelooksl
ikeanIndi
an.(
Lookedatt
he
hair
dresser
)Issheyourcust
omer?
Hai
rdr
esser
:Yeah.Sheal
waysdoesherhai
rher
e.
Woman3:
Shelooksl
ikeanIndi
anact
ress,
Shr
uti
Shar
ma.ShewasonEvileye.

Theyconti
nuedtal
kingmeanwhileTaniaspoket
o
hersi
steronthephonewhil
ewai t
ingforanUber
wit
hplasti
csinherhandsoutsi
de

Tani
a:He'
l
lbesent
encedt
omor
row.
Si
ster
:Wi
llyoubet
her
e?
Tani
a:(
sighed)
Iwant
edtogosohecanseet hatI'
ll
al
waysbet her
eandalsof
indoutwher
ethey'l
ltake
hi
m.
Si
ster
:Thenwhycan'
tyougo?
Tania:
I'
m scared.I
'
mj ustscar
edofl
ooki
nghimin
theeyewhenIknowt hathedidever
ythi
ngforme
andQamat a.Idon'
tknowwhyhewoul dputhimsel
f
i
nthatsi
tuat
ion.
Sist
er:
JustgoTani
aandbet hereforhi
m.Heneeds
you.Heprobabl
ythinkst
hatyouareangrywi t
hhim
whereheisandhe'sbeati
nghimselfabouti
t.It
'l
lbe
hardforhi
mt ogoli
kethati
nprison.
Tani
a:(
sighed)
Okay.Shar
p,we'
l
lchatt
omor
row.
Si
ster
:I
'l
lcomeandvi
sitt
omor
row.
Tani
a:Okay.

AnUberstoppedinfr
ontofherassheopenedt
he
doorandsteppedi
nside

AtSi
ndi
'
sHouse

Shegotupfr
om thecouchandwentt
oopenthe
doorasshel
ockedeyeswit
hXhanti
.Herhear
t
ski
pped
Xhant
i:
Sawubona.

Helethi
msel
finandstoodagainstt
hecabinet
st
ari
ngather.Sheswal
lowedthenturnedand
l
ookedathi
m

Si
ndi
:Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?
Xhant
i:
Icameher
etoseeyou.
Si
ndi
:I
'
m al
esbi
an.
Xhant
i:
Younot
.Dr
essi
ngl
ikeaboydoesn'
tmake
youaboy.
Si
ndi:
Ineversai
dIwas.Lesbi
anandaboyar
etwo
di
ff
erentt
hings.
Xhant
i:
Exact
ly.AndYouar
enei
theroft
hem.

Hegotclosert
oherashi
smai
nlycol
ogneevoked
hernose
Xhant
i:
Icameheret
otel
lyouthatdon'
tbesuprised
whenyoudon'
tseemeforafewdays.I'
llseeyou
whenIcomeback.ButI
'
llcal
lyou.

Hekissedhercheekt
henwalkedout.Shequi
ckl
y
cl
osedthedoorandstoodagainstt
hedoorasshe
cl
osedhereyesbreat
hingheavil
y.

AtNene'
sIceCr
eam St
ore

Shestoodi
nfrontofLer
umoasheopenedhi
scar
thenl
ookedather

Lerumo:I
'
llseeyout
omorrow.I
'
llcomeandhavei
ce
cream wi
thmygentsat12.
Nene:
Pol
icemeneati
cecr
eams?
Lerumo:(l
aughed)
Yahdon'
tfor
geti
cecr
eam i
sfor
everyone.
Nene:
Okayt
hen.I
'
llbeexpect
ingyou.
Theyhuggedt i
ghtl
yashesof t
lyki
ssedherl
ips
unexpectedly.Shepausedforasecondthencl
osed
hereyesr ecei
vingit
.Hesealeditwi
thababykiss
andlookedather

Ler
umo:
I'
l
lseeyout
omor
row.
Nene:
(bl
ushed)
Shar
p.

Hesmi l
edt hengoti nhi scaranddr oveoff.She
wat chedi tunt
ilitdisappear edwhi l
eblushingand
brushingherl ips.Thi swasaf i
rsttimeamandi d
thistoher .Withjustasmi l
e, herhear twouldpound
andherbodywoul dr eact.Nowwi thhiskiss,damni t
wasever ythi
ng.Hi smout hsmel l
edgoodandhi s
l
ipswer ever ysof t
.Ever yt
hi ngabouthi m wasj ust
soent hralli
ng.It
'sokayt ohaveal i
tt
lecrushon
someoneandhavej ustal i
t tl
epi eceofthem.As
l
ongasshedoesn' tcat chf eelings.Shet houghthe'll
disappointherandnotact ual l
ybeapl ayerbut
hear i
nghi m sayheonl ywant edt ofuckherpr oved
herr
ightandt
hatmadehersad.Ment
hough.She
si
ghedthengoti
nsi
de

AtMyHouse

Intheevening,ItuckedKeanut osleepandcover ed
him wit
habl anket.Igotupf rom t
hebedandl i
mped
tothebathroom.It ookal eak,
wipedmysel fand
washedmyhandsbef oreIli
mpedbackt omyroom.
IheardQhawe' sphoner i
ngingasIwasaboutt o
dozeoff.Thiswaswei rdcauseheal wayshashi s
phonewi t
hhi m.Hemusthavel ef
tit.Igotupand
l
ookedar oundf oritunti
lIfounditinthecloset
.
Taniawascal l
ing.Iswearmyhear tstoppedfora
second.Itookadeepbr eathandpi ckedup

Tani a:
(Whi spered)Therearesomepeoplesteali
ng
bricksout side.Pleasecomeandhel p.I
'
m scared.
Theymi ghtcomei nsi
de.Iheardoneofthem sayi
ng
theymustgeti nsi
de.
Me:
..
.
Tani
a:Pl
easehur
ryup.
Me:
Wher
ear
eyou?
Tani
a:.
..
Me:
Whyyoucal
li
ngmyhusband?

Shei
mmedi
atel
yhungup.

TOBECONTI
NUED.
..
..
TheGoodWi
fe
#53

AtTani
a'
sHouse

Shestoodagainstt
hedoorwhi lelisteni
ngtothem
taki
ngherbri
cksuntilshecouldn'thearthem
anymore.Shesighedr el
ievedandsatdownont he
chair
.Sheshouldhaveknownt hatthey'
llst
ealt
he
bri
cks.Whatdidsheexpect?ThisisOr angeFar m.
Sheshouldhavehiredsomeonewi thagunt olook
aft
erthem.Nowshe' l
lhaveanunf i
nishedhouse.
Qhawewi l
lprobabl
ytakehiscardnowt hathiswif
e
knows.Shit
!Sheshouldn'thavecall
ed.

THENEXTMORNI
NG

IstoodacrossthemirrorasIdidmymakeup.Idr ew
myeyebrowscor rect
lyandspr ayedmyf acewith
MakeupSet ti
ngsprayonceIwasdonewi t
ht he
wholemakeupandgotup.Keanuwasseat edont he
bedplayi
ngwi thhist
oys.Ihadputcushi onsaround
him sohedoesn'tfal
l.Iputi
nmybl ockheelsand
grabbedthebags.Myphoner angasIst ar
edatt he
unknownnumber .IsighedasIpi cked

Qhawe:
HeyMama.
Me:
Hi.
Qhawe:
Areyouokay?How'
sKeanu?
Me:
He'
sfi
ne.
Qhawe:
Areyouf
ine?
Me:
Yeah.
Qhawe:
Okay.I
'
llseeyouguysonTuesday.
Me:
Okay.
Qhawe:Whydoyousoundl
iket
hat
?Di
dsomet
hing
happen?
Me:
Comehomef
ir
stsowecant
alk.
Qhawe:
What
'
sgoi
ngon?
Me:
ChaweIsai
dcomehomef
ir
stsowecant
alk.

Ihungup.Hecal
ledmeagai
n,Ishoul
dhaveknown.

Me:
Chawe.
Qhawe:
Don'
thanguponme.What
'sgoi
ngon?
Me:
(Si
ghed)
Who'
sTani
a?
Qhawe:
..
.
Me:Don'tanswerthatcauseIalr
eadyknowthe
answer.Youcandoanyt hi
ngChaweanythi
ngbut
notcheati
ng.Please,Thatwil
lbr
eakme.
Qhawe:Don'
tevert
hinkl
iket
hatagain.I
'
llnever
cheatonyou.Noonewil
leversati
sfymel i
keyou
do.Youaretheonl
ywomanIl oveandcrazyabout.
Me:
..
Qhawe: Tani
aisafr
iend'sgi
rl
fr
iend.Hedi
dmeabig
favourandnowI'mr et
urni
ngitbytaki
ngcar
eofhi
s
family.
Me:
Why?Wher
eishe?Whatf
avour
?
Qhawe:
It
'sbusi
nessandyouknowIcan'
ttel
lyou
t
hat.
Me:
Okay.
Qhawe:
Iloveyou.
Me:
..
Qhawe:
RachelIl
oveyou.
Me:
Iloveyout
oo.
Qhawe:
I'
l
lseeyousoon.Don'
twor
ryaboutTani
a.
Me:
Bye.
Qhawe:
IloveyouMama.
Me:
(Bl
ushed)

Hehungup.Ipi
ckedKeanuupandgr
abbedt
he
bags.

AtI
thembaMi
ne

ThesamedayLesedisteppedinsi
deZenze'
soff
ice
andlookedathi
minspecti
ngthediamonds.He
smil
edlooki
ngher.

Zenze:
Hi.
Lesedi
:Hi
.
Zenze:
Howar
eyou?
Lesedi
:Gr
eat
.Ij
ustcameheretotel
lyouthatI'
llbe
movingoutwi
thLukhanyooncehegetsdischarged.
SoI
'
llbr
inghi
m her
ewheneveryouwanthi
m.
Zenze:
(Fr
owned)
Wher
e?
Lesedi
:Sandt
on.
Zenze:
Whodoyouknowt
her
e?
Lesedi
:Why?Yout
hinkIdon'
thavet
hemoneyt
o
rentt
here?
Zenze:Yes.Younotmovi
ngi
nwi
thmysonatyour
boyfr
iend'spl
ace.
Lesedi:Wel
lunfort
unatelyt
hat'
snotforyout o
decide.Ij
ustcameher etoinf
orm you.Youshoul d
behappyt hatI
'm al
lowingyoutomeethi m aft
er
everythi
ngthatyouandyourwi t
chgirl
fri
enddi d.
Zenze:
Mysoni
snotgoi
ngt
her
e.I
-
Lesedi
:Bye.

Shewal kedoutwhil
ehelef
tever
ythi
ngandrubbed
hi
sf ace.Minut
eslat
erAyandast
eppedinsi
dewith
alunchbox.
Ayanda:
Hey.
Zenze:
Hi.
Ayanda:
Iboughtyoul
unch.
Zenze:
Thanks.
Ayanda:
Areyouokay?It
hinkIsawLesediwhenI
dr
ovein.
Zenze:
Shewasher
e.
Ayanda:
Whatdi
dshesay?
Zenze:
ShewantsLukhanyot
omovei
nwi
thherand
theboyf
ri
end.
Ayanda:
YohIdon'tknowwhattosay.Idon'
twantt
o
sayanyt
hingact
ually.Whatwi
llyoudo?
Zenze:
I'
l
lsee.

Ayandashookherheadandhandedhi
m hi
s
l
unchbox

ThesamedayNenel
ookedatt
hebl
ackcl
oudsas
shegrabbedajacketandtookherthi
ngs.She
walkedoutsi
deandlockedherdoor.Herphoner
ang
asshelookedatthescreenandpicked

Nene:
Hel
lo?
Musa:Heyhowareyou?Ihaveapr
obl
em herewith
It
hana.Canyoucometoni
ghtsowecandiscuss
howwe'llr
esol
vethi
s.
Nene:
Whathappened?
Musa: She'
ssoaggr esi
vethesedays.She'
sbeen
bull
yingagr ade1learner
.Ifoundoutaboutt
his
fr
om hert eachert
oday.
Nene:
OkayI
'
llbet
her
e.

Shewal kedoutsi
det hecarast hepoli
cecardrove
herdir
ection.Shelookedatitoncethencontinued
walki
ng.Itdroveslowlywheni tgottoherasthe
windowr oll
eddown.Sheputonast r
aightf
aceand
conti
nuedwal ki
ng
Voi
ce:
Orenei
le.
Nene:
(Supr
ised)
Ler
umo.
Ler
umo:
(smi
led)
Youwer
ereadyt
oignor
ewhoever
i
twasi
nhere.
Nene:
(Smi
led)
Ler
umo:
Geti
nsi
de.

Hest oppedt hecarassheopenedt hedoorand

climbedinside.Hecarelesshercheekandsoftl
y
kissedher.Shehel dherbagst r
apti
ghtl
yand
closedhereyes.Hehadsof tl
yli
psandhistouch
justmadeherdi zzyalit
tle.Hehadthisef
fectonher
.
Heseal edthekisswithababyki ssandstar
edin
hereyes

Lerumo:I
t'
sgoi
ngt
orai
nsoon.Wi
llyoumanageat
thestor
e?
Nene:
Yeah.Somepeopl
emi
ghtbuy.Idon'
twantt
o
missoutonthat
.
Ler
umo:
Isee.

AtFer
ah'
sHouse

Itookthelasagneoutoftheovenandputitonthe
tabl
e.Ipull
edtheglovesoutandputthem nextt
o
thelasagna.Ferahst
eppedinsi
dethekit
chenand
l
ookedatme

Fer
ah:
He'
ssl
eepi
ng
Me:
Okay.
Fer
ah:
(l
aughed)
Cinnamonmi
xtur
e.
Me:
Pleasedon'
tremi
ndmeaboutt
hat
.Ial
mostdi
ed.
Ferah:(
laughed)
Stopexagger
ati
ng.Thatmixtur
eisa
realdeal.Qhawenowrespectsyou.Novaginawil
l
begoodasyour s.
Me:Hehasalwaysr
espectedme.Thatt
hingwas
j
ustforf
un.KanaChawecouldn'
tstopwenaFer
ah.
Iwasshaki
ng.Iwasli
mping.Iwasnumb.
Fer
ah:
(l
aughed)Ahaaa.
Me:
Nomor
e.Wher
e'st
hewi
ne?

Shet
ooki
toutoft
hecabi
netandhandedi
tover

Fer
ah:
Yourl
asagnal
ookssogood.
Me:
Itt
ast
esgoodt
oo.
Fer
ah:
Dishup.
Me:
Okay.
Fer
ah:
Whenl
astdi
dyoudoasur
ger
y?
Me:
(si
ghed)
Weeksback.
Fer
ah:
Atl
eastt
omorr
owyou'l
lbethere.Idi
dthe
sur
ger
ytoowit
hthechi
efofsur
geryofapr egnant
woman.Whenweopenthewomb,there'
snothing.
Me:
Phant
om Pr
egnancy.
Fer
ah:(
sighed)
Yeah.Thecoupl
ewer
emad,
creat
ing
asceneandeveryt
hing.
Ipul
ledast
oolandsatdownasIdi
shedup

AtNene'
sIceCr
eam St
ore

Shepackedeveryt
hingasLer
umohel
pedher
.It
wasrai
ningheavil
youtsi
de

Nene:
Wehavet
owai
tfori
ttosl
owdownf
ir
st.
Ler
umo:
Itwon'
tsl
owdownnow.Let
'sgo.

Hehel
dherhandast
heyst
eppedout
side.

Ler
umo:
Runt
othecar
.

Sheranleavi
nghimlocki
ngt
hestor
e.Oncehewas
done,her
antothecarandcl
imbedi
nsi
de.Hethen
droveoff
.
Somewher
eont
heN1r
oad

Thatni ght,
Qhawelookedatthetruckheadi ngthei
r
di
rectionashespokeont hewalkietal
kiealerti
ng
other
sandaskedt hem aboutt
heot hertrucks.It
wasr ainingheavi
lyandthiswaskindofwor ryi
ng.
Buttheyhadt odot hi
s.

Xhant
i:
Let
'sdot
his.

Theystoodinfrontofthetruckasthedriver
i
mmedi atel
yhitthebrakes.Befor
ehegr abbedhi
s
phoneXhantiwasal r
eadyinsidethetr
uckashe
poi
ntedagunonhi sheadandt ookthephone

Xhant
i:
Wher
e'st
hecar
d?

Heshowedhi
m hi
scar
dashi
swhol
ebodyshook
Qhawe;
(speaki
ngont
hewal
kiet
alki
e)Di
dyoucat
ch
t
hetwotrucks?
Voi
ce:
Yes.
Qhawe:
Getinsi
deandgett
hegol
d.Usehi
scar
dand
t
akehim wi
thyou.

Helookedatthedr i
verasXhant
igrabbedhisneck
andgothim atthebackont het
ruck.Qhawelooked
aroundashest eppedinsi
deanddroveoffwit
h
Sambuloonhi sside

TOBECONTI
NUED.
..
..
TheGoodWi
fe
#54

THESAMENI
GHT

Qhawest
oppedt
het
ruckI
nthemi
ddl
eofnowher
e
astherai
npour edheavil
y.Hesteppedoutwith
Sambuloandjumpedi nt
hebackoft hetr
uck.The
dri
verwasopeni ngthesafewhil
eXhantihadagun
onhishead.Thedr i
ver'
shandsshookwhi l
ehe
openedthesafe.Aft
eraf ewminutesthesafe
openedandrevealedthegold.Theyalll
ookedat
eachother

Qhawe:
Thi
sfuckeri
sli
vingl
arge.

Theypackedthegol dinbags.Af terafewmi nut

es
theycl
imbedof f
.Theyl ookedatt hedri
verashe
shookuncontrol
lably.Xhantitookhisgunoutand
shothim st
rai
ghtinhi sheartthenhefelldown.
Theyjumpedinacaranddr oveof f
.Qhawespoke
withhi
steamsont hewal ki
etalki
east heydroveof
f

AtNene'
sHouse

ShehandedLer
umoahotcupoft
eaandsatacr
oss
hi
m.

Nene:
(Ner
vous)Younotwor
kingt
oni
ght
?
Ler
umo:
Iam.
Nene:
Okaysowhenar
eyoul
eavi
ng?I
t'
sget
ti
ngl
ate.
Ler
umo:
(Smi
led)
Youki
cki
ngmeout
?
Nene:
(St
utt
ered)
No.I
..
Ijustwantt
osl
eep.

Hehel
dherhandsandki
ssedt
hem

Lerumo:
Don'
tfeeluncomfor
tabl
ewi
tht
hissi
tuat
ion.
Iknowyougoi
ngt ofixi
t.
Nene:
(Fai
ntl
ysmi
led)

Heputt heteadownandl eanedoverashekissed

her.Thenhepulledherbyherwai stast
heystood
up.Shewr appedherarmsar oundhisneckashe
Frenchkissedher.Hesqueezedherassast hey
breat
hedheavi l
yst
aggeri
ngar ound.Nene
unbutt
onedhi sshi
rtst
il
lki
ssinghim.Het ookher
topoffandcuppedhersmal lbreast
sonhi sone
hand.Itf
il
ledhiswholehand.Nenepulledoutand
l
ookedathi m

Ler
umo:
(br
eat
hingheavi
ly)What
?
Nene:
C..
Condom.
Ler
umo:
Idon'
thaveone.
Nene:(
li
ckedherl
ips)Wecan'
tdoi
twi
thoutt
he
condom.

Hekissedherandsqueezedherbr
east
sasshe
moanedsoftl
y.Hesealeditwi
thababyki
ssand
l
ookedather

Ler
umo:
Your
ight
.
Nene:
..
Ler
umo:
Letmel
eave.Ican'
tst
ayher
ewi
thyouany
l
onger
.Iwon'
tcont
rolmysel
f.
Nene:
(l
aughed)
Goodni
ght
.Br
ingcondomsnextt
ime.

Hechuckledandki ssedheragainthenst eppedout

.
Nenewat chedhi m ashegotinhiscarthenwaved
beforedr
ivingoff.Shelockedthedoorandst ood
againsti
twhileshesmi led.Thatwouldhavebeena
bombsex.Thewayheki ssedherandgr opedher
assandbr easts.Damnmancar r
ycondomswi th
younexttime,wtf!

AtMyHouse

Thenextmor ningIgotreadyf orworkandal sogot

Keanur eadyt otakehimtoMa.If edhim hisbaby
foodandwi pedhismout honceIwasdone.Iwent
tothegar agewi t
hthebagsandputt hem insidethe
car.Thenwentbacki nandt ookKeanu.Ist rapped
him onhisseatt henwentt olockthedoorbef oreI
droveoff.
AFTERAFEW HOURS

Iparkedthecarout
sidet
heyar
dandtookKeanu
out.Kutl
wanowalkedtowar
dsusandtookKeanui
n
hi
sar ms

Kut
lwano:
HeyMoya(
air
).Imi
ssedyou.
Me:
(l
aughed)
Yougotr
eadyear
lyt
oday.
Kutl
wano:
Yep.Ihavetoat
tendacl
assbef
oret
he
exam.Wearerevi
sing.

Wewal
kedi
nsi
de

Me:
Whyyour
evi
singi
nthemor
ning?
Kut
lwano:
Tor
emi
ndour
sel
ves.

West
eppedi
nsi
de.Mawasseat
edont
hechai
r
sewi
ng

Me:
Goodmor
ning.
Ma:
Hey.Howar
eyou?
Me:
(Smi
led)
I'
m good.

Kut
lwanowentwi
thKeanut
ohi
sroom.

Me:
I'
l
lseeyoul
ater
.Bye.
Ma:
Byemybaby.

Iwal
kedt
omycarandgoti
nthendr
oveof
f

AMONTHLATER

AtThePar
k
Neneki ssedLer
umoonhi sl
ipsandsmi
ledbef
ore
steppingoutofhiscar.Shehurr
iedt
owhereMusa
andt hekidsweresit
ti
ngandj oi
nedt
hem

Nene:
(Smi
led)
Heybabi
es.

Theki
dshuggedherexceptf
orI
thana

Nene:
(ToMusa)
Hey.
Musa:
Canwet
alkpr
ivat
ely?
Nene:
Uhm okay.

Theygotupf
rom t
hematandst
oodal
it
tl
efarf
rom
them

Musa:(
swall
owed)I
'm notagainstyoumovingon
butcanyoustopdoi
ngi ti
nfrontoftheki
ds?
Nene:
(f
rowned)
Inf
rontoft
heki
dshow?Whatdo
youmean?
Musa:Theysawyouki ssi
nghi
m now.Pl
uswhat
happenedlastweek.
Nene:(si
ghed)
Theydidn'
tseeanythi
nglastweek.
Youar etheol
deronehenceyouwer equickt
o
understandwhathappenedl
astweek.Pleasest
op
tr
yingtodict
ateme.I'
m averygoodmanandmy
ki
dsar ehappy.
Musa:
It
hana?
Nene:
She'
shappy.
Musa:
Shedi
dn'
tevenhugyouwhenyousatdown
wi
thusandyoudi
dn'tnot
ice.
Nene:I
thanai
sachi l
dandshe'
sangrythatI'm
movingonwi t
hanothermanbutI'
l
lconvinceher
andshowher .Don'
tworr
yIt
hanaismychi ldtoo
andIloveherthesamewayIloveNeo,Mosaand
Thapelo.

Shewentandsatdownont hematwitht
heki
ds.
Musalookedatherashi
sthroatbur
ned.
AtEva&Sambul
o'sHouse

Me,AyandaandEvapreparedthesal
adsasThe
guysdidthemeatout
side.Keanuwaswith
Kutl
wano

Eva:It
hinkisst
rangethatther
earesomepeopleout
therewhodoesn'tfeel
painwhentheyarehur
t.Even
whent heyarest
abbedandbl eedi
ngheavi
lyt
hey
feelnothi
ng.
Ayanda:
It
'scr
azy.Youonl
yfeelnumbandt
hat
'sal
l.
Me:
Yept
hat
'
sCI
PAf
oryou.

Weputt hesal
adsonthetabl
easIwalkedinsi
de
thehouseandt ookthewi
neoutthenwalkedback
outside.Weallset
tl
eddownaswest ar
tedeati
ng
whilechatti
ng.
Aswewer estil
lseated,Ihear daf ewgunshot s
soundsasQhawequi cklygr abbedmyar m and
mademel i
eundert het able.Myhear tskippedasI
l
aidflatont hegr ound.Ever ythinghappenedsof ast
thatIdidn'tevenseeanyt hingunt ilKeanucr i
ed
repeatedlyandIsnappedofi t
.WhenIl ookedonmy
side,
Qhawewasnotar ound.Il ookedar oundand
spottedKeanui nAyanda' sar ms.Isi ghedr el
ieved
andlookedar ound.Allthemenwer enother e
exceptforZenze.Thegunshot ssoundsdi eddown
asweal ll
ookedateachot herandgotup.

Ayanda:
(Scr
eamed)
Kut
lwano.

TOBECONTI
NUED.
..
..

(Yest
erday'
sbonus.Yourdai
lyi
nser
twi
llf
oll
ow
soon)
TheGoodWi
fe
#55
Myeyesmovedaroundasmyhear tskipped.I
qui
ckl
yrantoKutl
wano'
sside.Hewasgr oaning
whi
lehol
dinghi
stighl
ayi
ngont heground

Me:
ohmygod!

Igr
abbedanapki
nonthetabl
eandcover
edhi
s
woundwhi
leputt
ingpr
essur
eonit
.

Me:
(cr
ying)
Someonecal
ltheambul
ance.

Il
ookedatKut
lwanoashecr
iedl
oudl
y

Me:Sssh.Don'
tpani
c.Yougoi
ngt
obef
ine.I
pr
omi se.
Kut
lwano:
(cr
ying)
It
'spai
nful
.
Ilookedathimthenbackathi swound.The
ambul ancewil
ltakehourstogethere.Il
ookedat
theshar pkni
feonthetableandabot t
leofScotch.I
closedmyeyesandexhal ed.Igotupandgrabbed
theknifeandthebottl
e.Qhawer anbacktowardsus
aloneandcameonmysi de

Qhawe:
Don'
tdot
hat
.Heneedst
ogot
othehospi
tal
.
Me:
(Sni
ff
led)
Whati
fhewon'
tmakei
t?
Qhawe:
Hewi
ll
.

Hepi ckedhim upandhur r

iedtohiscarasI
followedbehi ndhim.Ikickedmyheel soffand
steppedi nside.Hegoti nhissideandhi tt
he
accel erat
orashespedof f
.IputKutlwano'sl
egon
myl apandcont inuedpressingont hewound.Af ew
mi nut esl
aterwegoti nsidethehospitalasQhawe
i
mmedi at
elypickedhim upandr aninsi
dewhileI
followedbehi nd.Theyimmedi at
elysenthimtothe
OTaswest oodout si
dewai t
ing.
Isankdownonthefloorandcr
ied.Qhawepul
led
meclosertohi
m andmademest andupasheheld
met i
ght
ly

Me:
(cr
ying)
Yousai
dyouwer
egoi
ngt
opr
otectus.
Qhawe:
Iknow.
Me:
(Cr
ying)
NotKut
lwanoChawe.
Qhawe:
He'
sgoingtobeokay.Ipr
omi
se.I
'
m goi
ng
t
ofindt
hepeoplewhodi
dthis.
Me:
(Cr
ying)
NotKut
lwano.Nothi
m.

Iwr
appedmyar
msar
oundhi
m asIcr
iedl
oudl
y

AtEva&Sambul
o'sHouse

Thepol
icecar
sdroveintheyar
dasAyandaandEv
l
ookedateachot
her.Let
hujumpedoutonthe
vehi
clewi
thDet
ect
iveTauandwal
kedt
owar
ds
them

Let
hu:
(Worr
ied)
Heyar
eyouguysokay?What
's
goi
ngon?

Sindirant owardst
hegat ewit
hherbagasshe
droppedi tdownandr antowardst
hem.Theyall
turnedandl ookedather.ShehuggedAyandaas
shesni f
fl
edonhershoul der

Si
ndi
:I
t'
sokay.(
ToEva)
Youokay?
Eva:
I'
mfi
ne.
Tau:Theneighbor
scall
edusandi nf
ormedusabout
theshooti
ng.Whatreal
lyhappened?
Eva:
Wewer eeat
ingandtheycameoutofnowher
e
andjustst
art
edshoot
ingatus.
Tau:
Noonedi
ed?
Eva:
..
Tau:
Didyouseewhoi
twas?
Eva:
..
Tau:
I'
m aski
ngyousomet
hing.
Eva:
Youshoul
djustl
eavei
fyouareher
etotauntus.
Howcanyouasksuchquesti
ons?Wedidn'
teven
cal
lyouher
.

Shecli
ckedhertongueandheldthesl
eepyKeanui
n
herar
mst i
ghtl
ysohewon' tf
all

Let
hu:
Uhm,
I
sever
yoneokay?
Eva:
Yeah.
Tau:
Wher
ear
ethosebr
other
s?
Eva:(
sighed)
I'
m goi
ngtoputhi
mtobed.Si
ndit
ake
careofAyanda,I
'
m coming.

Shewal
kedi
nsi
deasTaugaveheral
ook
Let
hu:
Ayandadi
dyoupr
obabl
yseeanyt
hing.
Ayanda:
(Shaki
ng)
No.
Lethu:
(si
ghed)Okay.We'llhavetotalktoQhaweor
anyofthesebrotherssowef i
ndinformati
onand
getthosepeopleinjai
l.
Si
ndi
:Si
yabonga(
Thankyou)

Let
hunoddedthenwal
kedbacktothecarwi
thTau.
AyandasatdownasSi
ndigaveherwater

Si
ndi
:Wher
ear
ethey?
Ayanda:
Idon'
tknow.Ithi
nkt
heyranaf
tert
hem or
somethi
ng.ButBhut
'Qhawecameandtook
Kutl
wanotothehospit
al.
Si
ndi
:Ohmygodhe'
sshot
?
Ayanda:
Y..
Yes.

AtMusa'
sHouse
Thesameday,
NeneandMusasatdownwi
tht
he
ki
dsastheyf
acedeachot
her

Nene:Iknowyouguysnoti
cedthatmeandDaddy
nolongerstayt
oget
herri
ght?
Them:
(Nodded)
Nene:I
t'
sbecausewearenolongertoget
her.Iwant
youtoknowthatnomatterwhathappens,
I'
llbe
ther
ewhenyouneedme.I '
m sorr
yforneglecti
ng
youguysatsomepoint
.I'mreal
lysorr
y.Youguys
aremybabiesandIl
oveyou.
I
thana:
Whyar
eyouandDaddynol
ongert
oget
her
?
Musa:Becausewear enotcompatibl
eanymor e.
That'
swhywedeci dedtoseparateandjustmove
onandbehappywi thouteachother.Wecan'tli
ve
toget
herifwearenotcompatibl
e.
Nene:Butt
hatdoesn'
tmeanwehateeachother.We
st
il
ltalkt
oeachotheranddi
scussaboutyourf
utur
e.
I
thana:
(Tear
ful
ly)
Iwantyout
oget
herMama.Iwant
ust
ost
ayt
oget
her
.
Nene:
(Sighed)Iknowbabybutwecan'
t.Wear
enot
happytogether.

Musalookedatherashi
sthr
oatbur
ned.He
exhal
edandlookedaway

Mosa:
(Lowert
one)
Okay.
Nene:
(Smi
led)
Weloveyouguyssomuchandwe'
l
l
al
waysbether
e.

Shehel
dthei
rhandsandcombi
nedt
hem t
oget
her

AtMyHouse

Latert
hatday,Westeppedinsi
det hehouse.I
cl
imbedont hestai
rsandwentt oKeanu'snurser
y.I
changedhim,gavehim mil
kandt uckedhimin.
Qhawest eppedi
nsi
deasIsatdownonthef
loor
.He
satnexttomeandputhi
sarm aroundmy
shoulder
s

Qhawe:
He'
sfi
ne.
Me:
..
.
Qhawe:
Sambul
oandXhant
ifoundt
hem.
Me:
And?
Didt
heyki
llt
hem?

Helookedatmeshockedt
henevent
ual
lynodded.I
l
aidmyheadonhischest

Me:
I'
m sur
ethi
sist
hel
astt
imet
hishappened.
Qhawe:Ofcourse.Thi
swil
lneverhappenagai
n.I
t
shoul
dn'thavehappenedi
nthebeginning.
Me:WhenImarri
edyou,
youpromi
sedmet
hatyou'
l
l
pr
otectme.Butyouf
ail
ing.
Qhawe:
..
.
Me:
I'
m sodi
sappoi
nted.It
houghtyouwer
eal
lthat
.
Qhawe:
..
Me:
ManupChaweandpr
otectyourf
ami
ly.

Igotupandwal
kedout

TOBECONTI
NUED.
..
.

TheGoodWi
fe
#56

5YEARSLATER

Att
heWeddi
ngVenue

Guestsbegant
oarr
iveatar
oundmiddayandt
ook
t
heirseat
swait
ingf
ortheweddi
ngceremonyt
o
begin.Meanwhil
einsidetheHotel,
Thebridesaton
thechairacr
ossthemi r
rorastheyfixedher
makeup.Herphoner angasshel ookedather
fri
endsandblushed

Fr
iend:
(Answer
)Baei
sanxi
ous,
answert
hecal
l
Tl
halef
o.

Tlhal
efosmil
edasshepi
cked.Musa'
sfacef
il
led
thescreen

Musa:
(Smi
led)
HeyMr
sNgcobot
obe.
Tl
hal
efo:
(Bl
ushed)
HeyMrNgcobo.
Musa:
I'
m wai
ti
ngf
oryoubabe.Hur
ryupandcome
t
omakemeyourhusband.
Tl
hal
efo:
(Smi
led)
I'
ll
bet
her
ewi
thi
n20mi
nut
es.
Musa:
That
'sal
ongt
ime.
Tl
hal
efo:
Havepat
iencebaby.
Musa:
(Smi
led)
Iwi
ll
.Il
oveyou.
Tl
hal
efo:
(Smi
led)
Iloveyout
oo.

AFTERANHOUR

IthanaandNeohel dt
hebasket scar
ryi
ngflower
sin
theirhandsast heypour
edt hem down.Afew
mi nuteslaterTl
hal
efowalkeddownt heAislewi
th
herf ather
.TamiaTheWayILoveYoupl ayedonthe
speaker sasshesmi l
edlookingathim

AtTheHospi
tal

Nenelookedattheweddi ngpicturestrendingon
Facebookandswal lowed.Everyonewast alking
abouthowbeaut i
fulandexpensivet heweddi ng
was.Shet ookadeepbr eathcalmi nghersel fdown
befor
eshewal kedinsidetheDoctor '
soffi
ce
Doct
or:
MissSenat
le.

Shesatacr
osshi
m andsi
ghed

Doct
or:
Howyouf
eel
ing?
Nene:
Numb.I
'
m st
il
ltr
yingt
ocomei
nter
mswi
thi
t.
Doct or
:Youar
estil
linst
age3.Wewi l
lbeableto
shrinkdownthetumor.I'
vebroughtoneofmy
fr
iendsf r
om t
heUK.He'sanoncol ogi
st.He'
llbe
helpingme.Sothiswil
lbeasmoot hprocess.You
havenot hi
ngtoworryabout
.
Nene:
(Sni
ffl
ed)
Idon'
tthinkI
'l
leverr
ecoverfr
om t
his.
HowdoIlivewit
houtbreast
s?Nomanwi l
leverf
ind
meattr
act
iveanymore.
Doctor
:Remembert hi
sisaboutyourhealt
h.Ifyou
don'
tdothis,
yougoingt odie.Don'
tthi
nkabout
anyoneelse,
especi
all
yaman.Amanwhol ovesyou
wil
lacceptyouwithallyourflaws.
Neneshookherheadast ear
srol
leddownher
cheeks.Musa'smar
riagemadeitver
yworsef
orher
.
Shefeltherwhol
eli
febreaki
ngapart

AtMyHouse

Isl
owlysatdownont
hebedasacont
ract
ionhi
tme
agai
n.Ical
ledMa

Ma:
Heybaby,
I
'l
lbet
her
ein20seconds.Paul
-
Me:
Ithi
nki
t'
snear
.
Ma:
Youhavi
ngcont
ract
ions?
Me:
(Bi
tmyl
owerl
ip)Yeah.Nowi
t'
sget
ti
ngwor
se.
Ma:
I'
m comi
ng.

Shehungupast
heki
dsr
ani
nsi
dewhi
let
hrowi
nga
bal
lar
ound
Me:
Guysgoandpl
ayout
side.Go!Wher
e'sKeanu?
Kami
:He'
sinhi
sroom.
Me:
Okaygoout
sidenow.
Ki
ara:
MommyIwanti
cecr
eam.
Me:
OkayI
'
m comi
ng.Goandpl
ay.

TheyranoutsideasItookadeepbreat
h.Myphone
rangasIlookedatthecall
erdet
ail
s.Ii
gnor
edi tand
brushedmybump.I tconti
nousl
yrangasIpicked
upangril
y

Me:
Whatdoyouwant
?
Paul
:I
'
m comingwit
hMa.Iwantt
obet
her
ewhen
mybabyisborn.
Me:
Hai
boYourbabykae?
Paul:
Webothknowthat,
thati
smybaby.Youar
enot
gi
vingyourt
hugboyfr
iendmybaby.Overmydead
body.
Hehungup.Iswal lowedthencl
osedmyeyesas
anothercontr
acti
onhitmeagain.Afewmi nutes
l
aterMar ushedinandpackedmybag.Shet ookme
tothecarandgotinsidet
ooast hedri
verdroveoff
whileThekidsremainedbehi
ndwi t
hthenanny.

AtTheHospi
tal

Il
ookedatPaulst
andi
ngbesi
desme.

Ma:
Ineedawashr
oom.I
'
m comi
ng.

Shewalkedout
.It
ookmyoxygenmaskof
fand
gl
aredatPaul

Me:Canyounotdothi
s?Idon'
tneedt
hisri
ghtnow.
Justl
eavepl
ease.Thi
sisChawe'
sbaby.
Paul:
ThisismybabyKgaogelo.Wemadet hi
sbaby
toget
herbefor
eevenYourthugboyfr
iendret
urned
from whatonl
yGodknows.Ifitwashis,
hewould
havebeeneightmont
hs.
Me:Chawewil
lbeheresoon.Pl
easel
eave.Don'
t
r
uinmymar r
iage.He'
l
lkil
lus.
Paul
:Idon'
tcar
e.
Me:(Cryi
ng)St
opbeingst
ubbor n.Iwon'tdenyyour
baby.Letmegi vebi
rt
hfi
rstandseei fthebabyis
yours.We'l
levendotheDNAt ests.Justleave.

ThedooropenedandQhawest
eppedin.Myhear
t
ski
ppedabit.Hel
ookedatmet
henwal kedt
owar
ds
me.Hekissedmeandwipedmytear
s

Qhawe:
I'
m her
enow.Ar
eyouokay?
Me:
(Nodded)

Paulst
eppedout
Qhawe:
Icameher
eassoonasIcoul
d.
Me:
(Fai
ntsmi
le)

AFTERAFEW HOURS

Qhawet ookavideowhileholdi
ngmyot herhandas
Ipushedforthelastt
ime.Thebabypoppedoutas
theytookhim outandcoveredhim wi
thablanket
.
Hecriedloudl
y.Qhawesmi ledandgavethecamera
toMa.Hecuthi sumbili
calcordthenhel
dhilinhi
s
arms.Thenhebr oughthimtomeandputhi m on
mychest

Qhawe:
(smi
led)
Hel
ookexact
lyl
ikeKeanu.

Il
ookedathim asIsi
ghedrel
ieved.Iputmyhand
ar
oundhim andbrushedhi
sback
Mi
dwi
fe:
Weneedt
obat
hhi
m.

AtLesedi
'
sHouse

Shelookedatthepictur
esthatKgaogel
osentand
smil
ed.Lukhanyosteppedinsidet
heroom wi
th
di
rt
yboot s.Lesedil
ookedathim

Lesedi:
Heihei!Taket
hosebootsof
fandgowash
yourfeet.Lookatwhatyoudi
dLukhanyo.

Het ookhisbootsof
fandr anout.Minut
eslat
er
Lesedi'
sboyfri
endsteppedinsi
deandsatnextto
her.Hekissedherandputhisarm aroundher
shoulder
s.Sheshowedhi mt hepics

Lesedi
:(
Smi
led)
Hel
ookexact
lyl
ikeKeanu.
Hi
m:Theseboyslookexact
lyl
iket
heirf
atherwhi
le
t
hegir
lslookl
ikethei
rmother
.Iwantsomethi
ngli
ke
t
hatt
oo.
Lesedi
:(
laughed)
Whenwegetmar
ri
ed.
Hi
m:Mhmm.

AtTheHospi
tal

Thewholefamil
ywasher etoseethebaby.Hewas
i
nthecotsleepi
ng.Theycouldn'
tstoptouchinghim
unt
ilQhaweputhisfootdownandt ol
dt hem tol
et
hi
mr est

Xhanti
:Youguysgiveyourbabi
esweir
d
names,Whatthehelli
sKiar
i?Soit
's
Keanu,
Kami,Kiar
aandKiari
?
Ayanda:
(l
aughed)
Kar
dashi
ant
endenci
es.
Eva:Ial
sowantt ogivemybabiesnamesofthe
sameal phabet.IhaveSi
phokuhl
enow,nexti
s
Siphokazithenkanjal
okanj
alo.
Wealll
aughedaswechatted.Aft
ersomet i
methey
l
eftandIsl
ept
.Qhaweremai nedbehindforawhil
e
thenevent
ual
lyl
eft
.Hedidn'twantto,Ihadtof
orce
him.Smh!

**si
gh**I'
m sor
elievedt
hattheBabyi snotPaul
'
s
honestl
y.Qhawewoul dhavelosti
t.Icoul
dhaveran
awayatsomepoi ntbutIthi
nkdeepdownIknew
thebabywasQhawe' s.

Istartedt
hisjour
neyasayoungwoman, abri
ll
iant
neurosurgeonwhowashopel essi
nli
fe.Al
thoughI
didn'tdwel
lupalotonthatorshowedyoumor e
rather.

Theonlythi
ngt
hatkeptmestr
ongwasMyl
it
tl
e
brot
herandmyjob.Nothi
ngel
se.

ThenIgotinaEl evat
oronedayandmyl i
fe
drast
ical
lychanged.Iwonderwhatcoul
dhave
happenedHadInotdonet
hat?ImetHIM and
nothi
ngwaseverthesameanymore.Butf
orthe
bett
er.

Iknowt hejourneywasshortbutthat
'sallt
hatIhad
togiveyou.Wehadourhappyandsadmoment s.
Somedayswer ehorr
ibl
eandsomedayswer egood.
I'
m gladthatyoustuckaroundforthi
slong.Thank
you.

Mynamei sKgaogel
oRachelMat
h-No.Kgaogel
o
RachelPhakat
hwayoandt
hiswasmystory.THE
GOODWI FE.

>>>THEEND>>>