CAGED

#Pr
ologue

Att
hehospi
tal
..
.

Temoparkedhiscarandgotofflocki
ngitmaki
ng
hi
swayi nwher
ehef oundhisbigsist
erandher
fr
iendonthewait
ingbench.
..

Vi
ctor
ia:f
inal
lyhedeci
dest
ocome
Temo:hiVi
ctor
ia.Howar
eyoudoi
ngJune?
June:i
m goodt
hanksandyour
sel
f?
Temo:i
m good.I
sever
ythi
ngok?
Victor
ia:yesshe'swiththedoctor.Temoyouknow
verywellthatil
ivefarhowdoyouexpectmet o
drivef
rom theretohelpyoursister?
Temo:youl
ivei
nPhakal
aneVi
ctor
iaandil
ivei
n
block8.Youar et
heonecl
oserandbesi
des,i
sn'
t
sheyoursisteraswel
lVi
ctor
ia?Iwasst
il
lhel
dupat
wor kl
ikeit
oldyouwhenyoucalled
Vi
ctori
a:youalwaysacti
fyouar
etheonlyonewho
works.Ihaveki
dswhoneedmyat t
ent
ionaswell
June:comeonfri
endthere'
snoneedforyoutogo
offatTemowhatmatt
eredwasmaki ngsureyour
si
stergott
othehospi
talontime
Vict
or i
a:noJune,Temoneedst
ostepupast hebi
g
brotheraswellican'
tbet
heonewho'sal
ways
runningupanddownwhent her
e'sanemergency
backhome
Temo:yohbat
hongVict
ori
aim her
eyoucango
backt
oyourki
dsifyouwant
Vi
ctor
ia:mxm

Shesai dgoi
ngthroughherphoneasTemot ooka
seatnexttoJune.Inthedel
iver
yr oom,Boingot
lo
ti
ghtl
yheldontothebedr ai
lsgi
vingthelastpush
herallasthedoct
orsmi l
ed.
..
Dr
:wonder
fulMsDi
ntsi

Shesaidcutt
ingtheumblicalcor
dast henurses
tookthebabyandcleanedhim whil
ethedoctor
sti
chedBoingot
loupaftertaki
ngouttheplacent
a..
.

Nur
se:whati
sthenameoft
hebaby?
Boi
ngot
lo:(
runni
ngoutofbr
eat
h)Bo.
..
Bo.
..
Nur
se:MsDi
ntsiar
eyouok?
Boi
ngot
lo:i
mjustt
ir
ed.(
Sighed)hi
snamei
sBosa
Nurse:Doct
orit
hinkwehaveapr
obl
em hereye
bal
lsarerol
li
ngback
Dr
:what
!?
Nur
se:andherbl
oodpr
essur
eispi
cki
ng

Boingot
lost
artedsei
zuri
ngasthedoct
orqui
ckl
y
tookherst
ethoscopechecki
ngherpul
sewhi
let
he
ot
hernur
ser
anout
..
.

Temo:i
sever
ythi
ngoki
nther
e?
Nur
se:si
rpl
easeset
tl
edown

Shecamebackwi
thani
nject
ionwhi
leTemost
ood
uppaci
ng.
..

Vi
ctor
ia:youar
emaki
ngmedi
zzyTemosi
tdown
Temo:oursi
steri
sprobablynotdoi
nggoodVi
ctor
ia
andyouwantmet ocalm down?Ohplease

Sher ol
ledhereyesgoingbacktoherphonewi th
herlegscrossedwhilebackinthedeliver
yroom t
he
doctorinj
ectedBoingot
lobutitdidn'
thelpasshe
stoppedseizuri
ngandt ookherlastbr
eath..
.

Dr
:goodnessmer
cy.She'
sgone
Shesai
dcl
osi
nghereyesandl
ookedatt
het
ime.
..

Dr
:ti
meofdeat
h18:
45

Thenurseshookherheadwrit
ingt
hebaby'
sname
onthecardwhil
ethedoctormadeherwayout
..
.

Temo:doct
orpl
easet
ellmeever
ythi
ngi
sok
Dr:t
hebabyi
sfi
neandheal
thyt
henur
seswi
llbe
donewit
hhim
Vi
ctor
ia:ohi
t'
saboy?
Dr
:(smi
led)yes
Temo:andt
hemot
her
?
Dr
:(si
ghed)unf
ort
unat
elyMsDi
ntsidi
dn'
tmakei
t
Temo:what
!?
Dr:yesherbl
oodpressureskyr
ocket
edandshe
suffer
edacardi
acarrest
Vi
ctor
ia:wai
tar
eyout
ryi
ngt
otel
lmet
hatmysi
ster
i
snomor e?
Dr
:yesma'
am MsDi
ntsii
snomor
e

Vi
ctor
iabur
sti
ntoaloudcr
ywhil
eTemost
ood
t
herewit
hhishandonhismout
h..
.

Dr
:youcanf
oll
owmet
oseeherandt
hebaby

Theydidandasshesethereyesonhersist
er'
s
l
ifel
essbodyVict
oriabur
stintoanot
herl
oudcr
y
star
tli
ngthebabywhocried.Temoswall
owedand
carr
iedthechi
ld.
..

Nur
se:shenamedhi
m Bosa
Temo:(
tear
ful
lysmi
ledatt
hebaby)hiBosa

Heki
ssedhi
sfor
eheadandsni
ff
edwi
pinghi
stear
s.
AFEW DAYSLATER

Att
heDi
ntsi
'
s..
.

MalomeLedibafi
nishedgivi
ngt heannouncements
astheyoungladi
esservedtheeveningprayer
att
endeeswit
hsconesandsquash.Thef amil
y
gather
edinMrsDintsi
'sbedroom whoquietl
ylai
d
onhermattr
ess.Vict
oriacurvedherli
psandputon
amaskasherdaught eropenedhercampchai rf
or
her.
..

Vi
ctor
ia:t
hankyoubaby
Dai
sy:youar
ewel
comemom iwi
llbeout
side
Victor
ia:makesureyoustayawayfrom thefire
smokeDai syidon'
twantmyki dssmell
ingl i
kecow
dungandmakesur eyourbr
othercaref
ull
ypl ays
withthosekidsbanabagaBoitshepobal eswe
mogot enang.Mmadoyoueverbat hyourki ds
t
hough?
Temo:Vi
ctor
iadoyoueverst
opt
hough?
Vict
oria:noTemo, yesweknowt hatshe'
s
unempl oyedbuttoleaveyourchi
ldr
enthi
sdi
rt
yae
manl eretshegi
sabathoplease
Lediba:goodeveni
ngmychil
dren.Wear
esupposed
toburyourdaughteri
nadaybutwedon'
thavea
funeralgr
oceryandacof
fi
n
Victor
ia:ihavepaidandpickedacoff
inf
or
Boingotloiwil
lalsobuythegrocer
yaker
eiknow
goreleabol etsi
legoshenamelanna
Ledi
ba:mydaught erweknowyouhaveal lt
he
moneyinthewor l
dbutitdoesn'
tmeanyoushould
l
ookdownonusl iket
hat.Weareyouradult
sand
wedon'texpectyoutotal
ktousliket
hat
Vi
ctor
ia:i
t'
struthmalomeeveryt
hingthatneeds
moneyinthisfamil
yyoualll
ookatmewhi l
eTemo
i
salsowor ki
ng.Mamaot l
holaleBoit
shepomo
l
apengbutyouneveradvicehertogooutt her
eand
l
ookforpiecejobs
Boitshepo:whodoyouexpectt olookaft
eryour
mot herwhi l
eyouarelivi
ngcomf ort
ablyi
nyourbig
house?I t
'snotli
keidon'twanttowor kandprovi
de
formychi ldrenbutican'
tleaveoursickmother
aloneVictoria
Vict
ori
a:il
ongsuggest
edwetakehertoanol
dage
hometheywil
lknowwhattodowithher
Boi
tshepo:notwheni
m st
il
lal
ivedear
Temo:okguysl et
'srespectBoingotlo'
ssendoff.
Victoriathankyouf oryourcontributi
onsbutnext
ti
mewat chyourwor dswhent alkingtoyouradul
ts
(Victori
ar ol
ledhereyes)mal omeiwast hi
nkingwe
shoul dalsocompl etetheissueofwhowi l
lbe
takingBosai n
Vi
ctor
ia:i
mtaki
nghi
m
Boi
tshepo:why?
Vi
ctor
ia:i
m notgoi
ngtol
etmynephew l
ivei
nsuch
ahouse.Ahousethi
sunkept
?Hel
lno
Boit
shepo:iwast
hinki
ngTemoandhi
sgi
rl
fr
iend
coul
dtakehiminmalome
Vict
ori
a:aoitheedi
tseBoit
shepo?Waregi
rl
fr
iend?
Reyegosotlelwangwanakemot horesamoitse
andTumoi salwaysheldupatworkmmemaduoa
workyatenggar eaitse
Tumo:Vi
ctor
iai
m notgoi
ngt
oaskyout
owat
ch
yourwor
dsagai
n
Vi
ctor
ia:i
mtaki
ngBosai
nandt
hat
'si
t
Lediba:(
sighed)i
m sorrybuti
m goi
ngt ohavetolet
Vict
oriatakeBosain.Boit
shepoyoualreadyhavea
l
otinyourpl at
eandyouTumoyouar ealwaysbusy
asshesaysatl eastshehashousehelperswhowi l
l
helpherwi t
hthebaby
Vict
ori
a:(
smil
ed)t
hankyoumalomeiwil
lmake
sureBosagr
owsintoar
esponsi
bleandsmar
t
youngman
Lediba:t
hankyou.I
fther
e'snot
hingel
sewemay
partways

Theyallmadet
heirwayoutwhi
leVi
ctor
iaturnedby
thedoorandwentbackt
ohermothersquatt
ingon
hermat
tr
ess.
..

Vi
ctor
ia:whenareyoudyingt
hough?Youar
esuch
anunnecessar
yburdentous
Oref
e:ngwanakagonnapeloel ef
utogagobuset
se
akooipatl
eoipatl
isi
sengwanaka(havi
ngadark
hear
tbaresnofrui
tschangeyourbehavi
ourmygir
l)
Vi
ctor
ia:mxm

Shesai
dtakingherchairleavi
ngwhil
ethewomen
whoweresleepingwit
hMmaDi nt
sii
nherr
oom
cameinandf oundhercrying.

ADAYLATER

Thecof fi
nmadeit
'swayoutofthehouseas
Victori
aandherchi
ldr
enmadet hei
rwayinwit
h
theirownchai
rs.I
nherhugesummerhatanda
blackflowydr
essshetookherseatandt
ookoffher
sunglassesastheMCcal l
edupthesibl
ing
repr
esentati
ve.Boi
tshepostooduptogoandspeak
asVictori
aaskedhertositbackdown..
.

Victoria:(smi l
ed)thankyoual lf
orcomi ngt ohel
p
usbi df arewelltooursi ster .Boingot l
owasaqui et
humbl eyoungl adywhohadherf uturesetwellfor
her.Unf ortunatelyherf all
ingpr egnantmeanta
j
our neyt oherdeat hbed( sniffed)itstil
ldauntsme
event ot hisdayt hatmysi sterdiedaf t
ergivingbirt
h
toabeaut ifulbabyboy.Seei ngherl if
elessbody
l
yingont hathospi talbedbr i
ngst earsinmyeyes
evennow( shesai dsniffing)Boi ngotl
omyl ovei
promi seyoui nfrontofever yonet hatiwi l
lmake
suret hatyoursonhast hebestl if
ehewoul dhave
hadi fyouwer est i
llal
ive.Weasyoursi bli
ngswi ll
makesur ethathel acksnot hingandwoul dnever
feelli
kehi smot herisnomor e.Restwel lmybaby
wegi veal luntot heLor d.Amen
Al
l:amen
Shesnif
fedgetti
ngof ft
hepodium goingbackt
oher
seatwhil
eBoitsheposecret
lyeyedherandsoft
ly
cli
ckedhertongue.Theprogram conti
nuedupt
o
thecemetrywheretheyburi
edBoi ngotl
oand
headedbackhome. ..

Ledi
ba:wethankyoual
lforyoursuppor
t.Youmay
makeyourwaytotheser
vingpoints

Ever
yonedidasOlebi
lesatonhismother'
slap
whil
eDaisypl
ayedwithhermother
'shair
..
.

Dai
sy:canigogetusf
ood?
Vict
oria:nol
oveyouwil
leatyoursnacksinthecar
shouldyoueatthi
sfoodyouwillbesi
cklater
Dai
sy:ohok
Tumo:t
hankyou
Vi
ctor
ia:youar
ewel
come
Tumo:butmamacan'
tst
opcr
ying
Vi
ctor
ia:shewi
llbef
ine
Tumo:Boingot
lowasheadedf
orabri
ghtfut
urei
st
il
ldon'
tunderst
andt
hecauseofherdeat
h
Vi
ctor
ia:hi
ghbl
oodpr
essur
eTumodi
dn'
tyouhear
t
hedoctor?
Tumo:nobutt
heyal
waysmanaget
obr
ingi
tdown
i
nmostcases
Victor
ia:wautlwagorewar emostcasessoin
Boingotlo'
scasetheyfai
led.Boi
tshepookaeiwant
hertopackBosa'st hi
ngsiwanttogobackhome
Tumo:al
ready?
Vi
ctor
ia:yeahwehaveaneventwi
thmyf
ri
endst
hat
weneedt oatt
endt
o
Tumo:eventwhi
leyouhaveasmal
lbaby
Vi
ctor
ia:i
jawenakana(
shout
ed)Boi
tshepo!
?
Boit
shepo:t
her
e'snoneedf
oryout
oshouti
m
behi
ndyou
Vi
ctor
ia:ohokpleasegetBosar
eadywear
eleavi
ng
i
nashor twhi
le
Boit
shepo:el
egor
ewhydon'
tyoucomef
orhi
m
tomorr
ow?
Vi
ctor
ia:mmaet
shobaakanyangwanakant
ewhy
ar
eyoualwaysreadyt
ostartaf
ightwi
thme?
Tumo:t
hat
'smyque

Hesai
dleavi
ngt
hem whi
leBoi
tshepomadeherway
i
nsi
de.
..

Dai
sy:i
saunt
yBokma?
Vict
ori
a:yourauntisbit
ter
.Unsuccessf
ulpeopl
e
l
ikeherbehavejustli
kethi
s
Dai
sy:wel
lidon'
twantt
obet
hat
Vict
ori
a:youhaveawel
lof
fmot
herbabysoyouwi
ll
neversuf
feri
nli
fe

Shesmil
edatherwhi
leBoi
tshepocamewi
thbaby
Bosaandtheyl
eft
.
LATERTHATEVENI
NG

Att
hecemet
ri
es.
..

Vi
ctori
apar kedhercarqui teadistancef
rom the
gr
aveyar dandwal kedingoingstrai
ghtt
o
Boi
ngotlo'
sgr ave.Wi t
hherl i
pscurvedshetookout
ablacksmal lbottl
ef r
om herbreastsandputafew
dr
opletsofal i
quidsubst anceonthecornersofher
l
it
tl
esister'
sgr ave.
..

Victori
a:youreal
lythoughtiwasgoi
ngtoletyou
l
ive?(Scoffed)i
mt heonlyonedesti
nedf
or
greatnessinthi
sfami l
ymygi r
lnooneel
se.Rest
myl it
tl
esisterr
est

Shel
aughedgoi
ngbackt
ohercar
.
18YEARSLATER
.
.
.
.
.
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
CAGED
01

I
ntheexam r
oom.
..

Thei
nvigi
lat
orl
ookedatt
het
imeandsmi
ledl
ooki
ng
upatt
hecandidat
es.
..

I
nvi
gil
ator
:ti
mei
suppensdown
Ismil
edlookingatmyf ri
endwhosmi ledbackatme.
Theinvi
gil
atorscoll
ectedourexam papersaswe
anxi
ouslywaitedonthem t ofini
sh.Theyal
lstoodat
thefr
ontwithallourEnglishpaper1examination
paperswit
hsmi lesont heirf
aces..
.

Woman:youmayl
eave

Thenoisethateruptedassoonast
hatf
emale
i
nvigi
lat
orsaidthosewor dsmadet
hebi
rdsoutsi
de
fl
yaway.Myf ri
endandigotourbagsandhugged
smili
ngatoneanot her.
..

Thor
iso:f
inal
lywemadei
tbr
o
Bosa:
aft
eral
ong12year
snowwear
eher
e
Thor
iso:andi
twasnotaneasyr
oad
Bosa:
thatiknowbuddyyoh
Thor
iso:sohowdoyout
hinkyouhavedone?
Bosa:
ifif
ail
edi
tshoul
dbewi
th39poi
ntsbuti
m
expect
ingmor
ethant
hat
Thor
iso:met oobuddywecan'
tcomet
hisf
art
oget
anyt
hinglessthan39
Bosa:
ohyes
At
amel
ang:heyyout
wo
Bosa:
(smi
led)ohheyt
her
e
Atamelang:howwast hepaperory'al
lweretoo
exci
tedthatitwasthelastpaperanddidn'
tpay
att
enti
on(wel aughed)
Thor
iso:ever
ypoi
ntcount
sAt
awecan'
taf
for
dto
l
osefocusatthel
astmoment
Atamelang:good.Mypar
ent
sar ethr
owi
ngmea
part
ytomor r
owyouguysareinvi
ted
Bosa:iwi
llhavet
oaskmyauntf
ir
styouknowhow
sheiswit
hmegoi ngout
Atamelang:shemustunderst
andthatyouar ea
youngadultnow.I
fyoudon'ttakeresponsi
bil
it
yfor
yourownl i
fenowhowwi l
lyousurviveter
ti
aryli
fe?
Thor
iso:mypoi
ntexact
ly.I
t'
sti
meyoul
ivedyour
agebuddy
Bosa:
ohwel
ltel
lthatt
omyaunt

Wel aughedgoi ngoutasAtamelangandihugged

andshewenti ntoherschoolbus.Thor
isobought
uscolourfulcornsaswemadeourwayt ot
hebus
stop..
.

Thor
iso:sowhatdoyout
hinkaboutAt
a?
Bosa:
she'
sok
Thor
iso:r
eal
lynow?
Bosa:
whatdoyouwantmet
osay?
Thori
so:thatgi
rll
ikesyoubr
oshe'
swai
ti
ngonyou
toshootyourshot
Bosa:
(chuckl
ed)andyouknowt
hishow?
Thori
so:shealwaysbr i
ngsanextral
unchboxf or
you,i
fit
'snotthatshebuysyoufoodfrom the
schoolspaza,
wej oinedherst
udygroupbecause
sheinvi
tedyouandal soshealwaysstudi
eswith
youwhenwear
enotmeet
ingasagr
oup
Bosa:
sotoyouthat
'sthebehavi
ourofsomeone
wholi
kesanot
herperson?
Thor
iso:ofcour
sedude
Bosa:nobuddyibel
ieveshe'
sjustl
iket
hat
.A
car
ingyounglady
Thori
so:nxnxnxorobet
sekaditl
hakowenaBosa.
Comeondudewakeupandsmel lt
hecoff
ee.You
are18yearsol
dyoushouldbedati
ngyoursecond
gi
rlf
ri
endbynow
Bosa:(
laughed)youaresosi
ll
y.Ij
ustwantt
ofi
nish
mystudiesfi
rstbef
oreicandat
eanyone'
sdaughter
Thor
iso:wowBosai
t'
sli
keyouar
enotmyf
ri
end
youknow
Bosa:
unf
ort
unat
elywear
ebuddy

Welaughedasmyphoner
angandismi
ledpi
cki
ng
up.
..
Bosa:
buddy
Ol
ebi
le:heybr
owher
ear
eyouat
?
Bosa:
im wal
kingt
othebusst
opnow.
Olebi
le:ohokij
ustf
ini
shedwri
ti
ngnowiwil
lcome
pi
ckyouupsowegochi l
lsomewher
ebef
oregoi
ng
home
Bosa:
areyousur
eaboutt
hat
?
Olebi
le:yeahdon'twor
ryaboutmom shewil
l
understandthatweneedtounwindaswell
Bosa:
butI
'
m st
il
linmyschooluni
for
m
Ol
ebile:l
ucki
lyf
oryouibr
oughtyouachangeof
cl
othesinmycar
Bosa:
ohokt
heni
m wi
thThor
iso
Olebi
le:ohokwewil
ltakehi
mtohi
shouset
o
changeandthengowithhim
Bosa:
(smi
led)cool
Ol
ebi
le:sur
e
Ihungupsmi
li
ngasmyf r
iendf
ini
shedhispacket
ofcor
nsaswesatundert
hebusstopshade..
.

Thor
iso:whowast
hat
?
Bosa:mybrot
herOl
ebi
lehesayshejustf
ini
shed
writ
ingaswel
lsohewi
llbepi
ckingusupheresoon
thenwegochil
l
Thor
iso:i
nourschooluni
for
m?
Bosa:(l
aughed)nohesayshebroughtmeachange
ofclot
hesandasf oryouwewi
llbetaki
ngyout
o
yourhousetochange
Thori
so:okcool
.Il
ikeOl
ebi
lehehasal
waysbeena
coolchi
ll
edguy.Whatwashewri
ti
ng?
Bosa:
hisyearendf
inalexam paper
Thor
iso:ohokihopehe'
sdoi
ngwel
li
nvar
sit
y
Bosa:hei
sgoi
ngt
hrought
othenextyearwi
thouta
doubt

Wecont
inuedt
ocat
chupwhi
lewai
ti
ngf
orOl
ebi
le.
AtVi
ctor
ia'
sof
fi
ce.
..

Shelookedupwithafr
ownonherf
acebutsmil
ed
asshelockedeyeswit
hPat
lowhosmi
ledgoi
ngin
wit
habagoff ood..
.

Vict
ori
a:it
houghtitwast
hesenaughtycleaner
s
theyhavet
histhi
ngofthr
owingthemselvesinmy
offi
ce
Pat
lo:heyl
ovehowar
eyoudoi
ng
Vi
ctor
ia:i
m goodandyou?
Pat
lo:howcaninotbegoodi
nfr
ontofyou

Theysmil
edatoneanotherhuggi
ngandki
ssedas
Vict
ori
asatonherchai
rwhilePat
lot
ookhi
sseat.
..

Pat
lo:(
peakedi
nherpc)iseet
hehot
eli
sdoi
ngwel
l
Vi
ctor
ia:(
slappedhi
sar
m)st
opl
ooki
ngi
ntomy
t
hings
Patl
o:whyareyoul
ooki
ngi
nyourf
inancesi
s
ever
ythi
ngok?
Vict
ori
a:im pl
anningt
osurpr
isemydaught
erwi
tha
carhercarisgi
vingherpr
obl
ems
Pat
lo:ohni
ce.Her
e'ssomet
hingt
oeat
Vi
ctor
ia:t
hankyousomuch(
smel
ledt
hef
ood)and
i
t'
smyf avor
it
e
Pat
lo:myf
avor
it
e'sf
avor
it
eal
ldayever
ydaybaby
Vi
ctor
ia:your
eal
lyar
eamazi
ngyouknowt
hat
Patl
o:youarewel
comeboo(heki
ssedherhandas
theysmil
edatoneanot
her
)soareyoureadyf
orour
holi
daytr
ip?
Vict
oria:ihaveneverbeent
hisr
eadyi
nmyl
if
e
Zanzibarherewecome
Pat
lo:Zanzi
barhel
lo(
theyl
aughed)
Vi
ctor
ia:buti
m sti
llscept
icalwithleavi
ngDaisy
wi
ththeboys.Olebi
ledoesn'trespecthisbi
gsist
er
atal
l
Pat
lo:j
ustl
ett
heki
dsbet
hisi
saboutyouandi
Vict
ori
a:(
sighed)youareri
ghtiwi
llhavet
oask
Junetomakesur etheyar
eok
Pat
lo:youseeal
lissor
ted
Vict
ori
a:youknowwhat
,thef
oodcanwai
timi
ss
yousomuch

Shesai
dgoingtothedoorandl
ockeditsmi
li
ng
whil
ebit
ingherl
owerli
pasPatl
oturnedsmi
li
ngas
wel
l.
..

Pat
lo:nowyouar
etal
king

Vi
ctor
ial
eanedonhi
sfaceast
heyki
ssed.

I
nMochudi
..
.
Oref
ef i
nishedeat
ingasBoit
shepogaveherher
medicati
onandwentt owashthedishes.Theol
d
womant ookherbibl
eandreadafewver sesas
Boit
shepocamebackt oherroom aft
eraf ew
minutes.
..

Boi
tshepo:youar
eal
otqui
ett
odaymamaar
eyou
ok?
Oref
e:iwokeupwit
hmygrandsoninmyhead
t
odayandican'
tseem t
ost
opthinki
ngabouthi
m
Boi
tshepo:who?
Or
efe:Bosa
Boit
shepo:(
scoffed)owaiifiwer eyouiwoul dgive
upmamaiknewonceVi ct
oriatakeshi m wewoul d
neverseehi
m againbonaj aana, i
t'
sbeenaf ull18
yearssi
ncewesawBoi ngotl
o'sson.BoLet lot
loke
bonebalengluckybammonaf rom thei
rphones
Or
efe:butwhyi
syoursi
sterl
iket
hisBoi
Boit
shepo:ihaveal
wayst
oldyout
hatyour
daughteri
sevilmama
Or
efe:kanaihavenevert
oldyouwhatshesai
dto
meduringyoursi
ster
'sbur
ialpr
epar
ati
ons
Boi
tshepo:whatdi
dshesay?
Or
efe:sheaskedmewheni
m idyi
ng
Boi
tshepo:andt
henyousayVi
ctor
iai
sahuman
bei
ng
Oref
e:ir
eall
ypraydayi
nanddayoutt
hatGod
cl
eanseshersoul
Boi
tshepo:t
hatonei
sapur
edevi
l'
sagent
Or
efe:don'
tsayt
hatBoi
Boi
tshepo:butit
'st
het
ruthmamayourdaught
er
wil
lneverchangeshewil
ldi
eevi
l
Or
efe:t
aket
hosewor
dsbackmyl
ove
Boi
tshepo:l
efokogal
ekel
ebowamama
Or
efe:iwi
llneverr
estunt
ilVi
ctor
iat
urnsanewl
eaf
Boi
tshepo:iwoul
dn'
thol
dmybr
eat
hifiwer
eyou

Thebedr
oom dooropenedasLet
lot
losmi
ledgoi
ng
i
n..
.

Boit
shepo:myboy.Nowicanof
fi
cial
ysaywel
come
tosoci
etymyboy
Letl
otl
o:ahmamat
hat
'ssoanci
ent
.Hikokohow
areyoudoing?
Orefe:(
smi
led)i
m doi
nggoodmyboy.Ihopeyou
passed
Let
lot
lo:t
rustmewhenisayiacedt
heexam
Boi
tshepo:wi
thoutadoubtmyboyiknowyoudi
d
amazingl
ygreat
Let
lot
lo:t
hankyouma.Herekokoibr
oughtyou
somesnacksourcl
assteacherdi
daminipart
yfor
us
Or
efe:t
hankyoumyboy
Boi
tshepo:aoLet
lot
lor
rannaj
aanong?(
They
l
aughed)
Letl
otl
o:ahmamayousortyour
sel
foutibr
ought
formyfavor
it
egr
andmotheronl
y
Theylaughedashewentt ohisbedroom wi
thhis
si
bli
ngsandchangedandgavet hem asweeteach.
Oref
eshar edhersnackswit
hBoi t
shepoasthey
l
aughedcat chi
ngup.

Att
hebank.
..

Tumosmil
edsi
tt
ingbackashi
sphoner
angand
answer
ed.
..

Tumo:honey
Reat
legi
le:howar
eyoumyl
ove?
Tumo:i
m goodbabeandyou?
Reatl
egi
le:i
m goodmyst
udent
sjustwenthome
mothootlahema
Tumo:(chuckl
ed)owaiit'
sonlyf
orafewmont hs
Februar
yanotherlotwil
lbecomingandagai
nt he
for
m 4'sar
estil
lthere
Reat
legi
le:ei
shdon'
tremindmeofthosel
ovethe
cl
assesihavetsamaf or
m 4bot
lhekedir
ascal
Tumo:wellit
rustyout
omakesur
etheyf
allbacki
n
l
inenextyear
Reatl
egil
e:ohyest
hatim goi
ngtomakesur eofga
ket
legopalel
wakebananna( theyl
aughed)ij
ust
hopethegroupcomingi
nonFebr uar
ywillbeof
goodstudents
Tumo:chi
ldr
enoft
odayar
ever
ymuchwokesoi
t'
s
goi
ngtogetwor
se
Reatl
egi
le:wowTthankyousomuch( t
heyl
aughed)
whatarethepl
ansfort
heholi
day?Iwasthi
nki
ng
weshouldspendthedaywit
hmosadimogoloand
Boi
tshepo
Tumo:iwast hi
nki
ngt hesameaswel
landiwantt
o
trygetBosaaswellkanamamasaysthel
astt
ime
theysawhim was18year sago
Reatl
egi
le:idon'
tunder
standt
heki
ndofper
son
yoursi
sterisyouknow
Tumo:ahVi
ctor
iawal
api
sababeandihonest
ly
don'
tli
keent
ert
aini
ngher
Reat
legi
le:whati
fsher
efuseswi
thhi
m agai
nli
ke
shealwaysdoes?
Tumo:wewillj
ustgowi
thouthi
m.Didyoutaket
he
cl
othesyousai
dyouwantedtogiveBoit
othedr
y
cl
eaners?
Reat
legi
le:yeahidi
d
Tumo:okiwantustocomebackwithmom
Boi
tshepoal
sodeser
vesabreakt
lhebabe
Reat
legi
le:whowi
llhel
pmom whenwear
eatwor
k
mylove?
Tumo:wewillgetadayhelper
.Boitshepohast
o
makesomethingoutofherli
feandshet ol
dmethat
shewantst
or e-
writ
ehercambridgesoiwas
thi
nki
ngsheshoulddothatasearlyasnowbefore
shetur
ns35
Reat
legi
le:okl
oveiseenopr
obl
em wi
tht
hat
Tumo:t
hisi
swhyil
oveyousomuch
Reatl
egi
le:wel
lgr
annyandBoiarethemost
welcomi
ngpeopleinyourf
amil
yloveiwoul
dnever
saynot
ohel
pingt
hem
Tumo:(
smil
ing)expectr
oundsandr
oundsof
amazi
ngsexwheni knockoff

Theyl
aughedhangi
ngup.

AtVi
ctor
ia'
shouse.
..

Dai
syf
ini
shedwi
ththenailt
echni
cianasVer
onica
dr
ovei
noutsi
deandparkedhercargoi
ngin.
..

Dai
sy:(
paid)thankyousomuchyoudi
da
wonder
fuljob

Theladysmil
edleavi
ngwhil
eVeroni
casi
ghed
thr
owingherkeysonthet
able.
..

Ver
oni
ca:f
uckyearendexams(
theyl
aughed)
Dai
sy:y'
al
lsai
dyouwant
edschoolsodealwi
thi
t
booboo
Veroni
ca:ahno,
schooli
sascam t
hewor
kload
keepsmounti
ngup
Daisy:wel
llucki
lyf
oryouyouar
efi
nishi
ngnext
year
Ver
oni
ca:t
rustmewhenisayican'
twai
t
Dai
sy:(
laughed)car
eforagl
assofchampagne?
Ver
oni
ca:ohyespl
easeandkeept
hem comi
ng

Shel
aughedbr
ingi
ngabot
tl
eandt
wogl
asses.
..

Dai
sy:ij
ustdi
dmynai
lssoyouopen
Veroni
ca:(r
olledhereyessighi
ng)youandyour
coconutpersonal
it
y(theylaughed)
Dai
sy:sokeDecembergir
lpl
ankeeng?Myaccount
i
sreadyjustshoutmyname
Ver
oni
ca:i
m get
ti
ngmymot
shel
omoneyt
omor
row
andt
henwewi
llbeonever
ydaymygi
rlr
eadikonka
Dai
sy:iwast
hinki
ngami
nit
ri
ptosandt
on?
Ver
oni ca:ohyesbabykedisizetsamonnawamo
ni
geriaonce( t
heylaughedcli
cki
ngthei
rgl
asses)
where'sthatcutebrot
herofyour
s,myeyecandy?
Daisy:aiwenamanBosai ssti
llyoungandagain
he'
snotmybr ot
hermymot herdoesn'
tgivenbir
th
topeasants(shefl
ippedherbr
aidsastheylaughed)
Veronica:buthe'
ssocuteshameiwaslookingat
hi
spr i
nttheotherdaywhenhewasfrom thepool
andi waslikeohmymymyyogankammonai
wouldnevergetoffhim
Dai
sy:ewwVer
o(t
heyl
aughed)
Veronica:isweart oyouDai,Bosai
sthecut
est,
sexiestl
itt
lethingihaveeverseenandhehasa
dicksizeforallthemeninthiscount
ryandagai
n
he's18sohe' sl egal
Dai
sy:(t
hrewapill
owather)shutupVerothat
'sa
chi
ldandagainhe'
saburdenidon'tknowwhat
mom wast hi
nki
ngwhenshet ookhiminbut
anywaytomorebet
ternewshere'sthemanwho
wil
lbebuyi
ngusourplanet
ickets,t
akingcar
eof
ourhot
elbi
ll
sandourneeds
Veroni
ca:ohmywordsuchahotmessyoushoul
d
t
ellhimtohookmeupwithhi
sfr
iend

Theylaughedgoi
ngt
hroughhi
sinst
agr
am phot
os
whil
esippingont
hei
rchampagne.

THATEVENI
NG

Att
heKwena'
s.
..

Patlosighedswi
tchi
ngofft
heengi
neofhi
slat
est
ferr
ariandwenti
ntothehousewi
thaboxofonthe
tri
plepizza.
..

At
amel
ang:ohheydaddy
Pat
lo:hel
lomybeaut
if
ulgi
rl
Bont
si:hihoney

Shekissedhi
m ont
hecheekandhel
pedhi
mtake
offhi
sblazer
..
.

Bont
si:howwaswor
k?
Pat
lo:wor
kwasok.Atamygi
rlhowdoesi
tfeel
bei
ngayoungadul
tnow?
At
amel
ang:st
il
lfeel
ssosur
realbutiwi
llgetusedt
o
i
t
Patl
o:yesyouwil
lmygirlandiwantyoutostart
comingtohel
pmeatt heoffi
cethi
sbusinessis
yourl
egacyaft
erall
Atamaleng:(
laughed)yesdadyoutel
lmet
hat
ever
ydayeversinceistartedwr
it
ingmy
examinati
ons(theylaughed)
Patlo:i
severyt
hinggoi
nggoodwi
tht
omor
row'
s
preparat
ions?
Atamaleng:yespapat
hedecopeopl
ewi
llbeher
e
veryearl
ytomorrow

Shesai dt
akingthepizzaandt hegreeksal
adand
dishedforhersel
fandherpar entswhil
ehermot her
madewayt othei
rbedr oom wit
hherhusband's
blazerandbag.Shecl osedthedoorandf r
ownedt o
thesamescentshehasbeensmel l
ingfrom her
husbandt hepastyears.Sheshookherheadand
sighedputti
ngtheblazerinthewashingbasket
goingbackdown. .
.

Bont
si:t
hedayicat
cht
hiswomanwi
thmyhusband
shewon'tl
ikei
t.

Backi
nMochudi
..
.

Let
lot
lof
ini
shedhi
sfoodandgavehismother
hundr
edpulaasshefr
ownedshocked.
..
Boi
tshepo:Let
lot
lowher
edoyougetsomuch
money?
Letl
otl
o:(
laughed)cal
m downmamathi
sisnot
hing
ther
e'sst
il
lmoretowherethi
scomesfr
om?
Or
efe:myboyihopeyoudi
dn'
trobanyone
Let
lotlo:nokokothi
sisoneoft
hehundr
edpul
asal
l
myt eachersgaveme
Boi
tshepo:(
smi
led)bat
hongwhy?
Let
lotl
o:forbei
ngagoodstudentmom andt
hey
saytheyaregoingtot
hrowapartyf
ormeifimake
40pointsormor e
Boi
tshepo:wowt
hisi
sni
ce
Or
efe:Godbl
esst
hem f
orme
Letl
otl
o:sogobuyyour
sel
fandkokosomet
oil
etr
y
tomorrow
Boi
tshepo:t
hankyoumyboyidef
ini
tel
ywi
ll
.
Letl
otl
o:iwasthi
nki
ngofvi
sit
ingaunt
yVer
oni
ca
theseholi
daysmama
Boi
tshepo:(
sighed)ehehLet
lot
loyouknowmy
answert
othat
Let
lot
lo:butiwantt
obewi
thBosamama
Boi
tshepo:iknowmysonbuti m notgoi
ngtol
et
yougotothatplace.Yourauntisnotagoodperson
Letl
otl
o:youkeepsayi
ngt
hatbutihaveneverseen
herdoinganyt
hingbad
Boit
shepo:whenwast
hel astt
imeyourauntcame
her
e?Whenyouwer eayearoldsotrustmewheni
sayshe'
snotagoodperson
Let
lot
lo:butshet
akescar
eofkokoma
Boi
tshepo:wi
thmoneyyesbutshewon'
tphysi
call
y
dowhatidoforourmot
hermysonsopleaseli
sten
tome
Letl
otl
o:nomamai m goi
ngt oGaboronenextweeki
wanttogettoknowBosaonaper sonall
eveli
m
ti
redofspeaki
ngtohim overthephoneonly

Hesai
dgoingtohisbedr
oom whi
leBoi
tshepo
si
ghedl
ookingathermother
..
.
Boi
tshepo:mamat
husa
Oref
e:j
ustl
ethi
m bemaybehi
m goi
ngt
her
ewi
ll
openhi
seyesup
Boit
shepo:soishoul
dletmysongot
othatwi
tch'
s
house?
Lame:kokoi
sri
ghtmom j
ustl
etLet
lot
lobe
Boi
tshepo:ei
sh

Shesai
dsi
ghingandtooktherestoft
hedishes
whil
eLametookheryoungersi
bli
ngstobaththem.

AtVer
oni
ca'
shouse.
..

Myheartski
ppedabeatasOl
ebil
edrovethr
ough
t
hegateandparkedi
nhispar
kingspot.
..

Ol
ebi
le:youl
ookner
vousmandon'
tbei
t'
snotl
ike
youwer
edr
inki
ngal
cohol

Ijustnervousl
ygi ggledaswemadeourwayi nt
o
thehouse.Notf i
ndi nganyoneintheli
vingroom
wasabi tofarel
iefasiwentt omybedr oom whil
e
Olebilewenttohis.Ichangedintomysl eepi
ng
clothesandasiwasaboutt ogetintomybl ankets
mybedr oom dooropened. ..

Vi
ctor
ia:soi
sthi
sthet
imet
ocomebackhome
Bosa?
Bosa:
I'
m sor
ryaunt
ybuti
t'
sOl
ebi
lewho.
..
Vict
ori
a:hey!Youbett
ertakemyson'
snameoutof
yourfi
lt
hymout h.I
sthi
stheti
metocomeback
homeBosa?

Sheclosedmybedr
oom doorlocki
ngitasi
swal
lowedahugedryl
umpl ookingather
..
.
Bosa:
im sor
ryaunt
yiwi
llneverdoi
tagai
n
Vict
ori
a:(
tookoutabel
t)Bosaiaskedyoua
questi
onanswerme!
Bosa:aunt
ypleasedon'
tbeatmeipr
omi seyoui
wil
ldowhateveryouwantmetodopleasedon't
beatme

Shemerci
lessl
ylandedastrongst
rokeofthebel
t
acrossmyfaceasiscreamedjumpingfr
om the
bed..
.

Bosa:
aunt
yim sor
ryiwi
llneverdoi
tagai
n
Vict
ori
a:comeher
e(ijustst
oodthere)isai
dcome
hereyougoodf
ornothingbast
ard!

Iknewthatsecondi fididn'
tdowhatshesaidit
wouldbewor sethani twasgoingtobe.Asper
norm af
terdoingwhat 'swronginhereyesit
ookoff
mysleepingshirtandl ai
donthecarpetwit
hmy
facedownasshemer cil
essl
ylandedstr
okeaft
er
str
okeonmyal r
eadybrui
sedback.Aft
ershewas
sati
sfi
edwit
hpunishi
ngmeshewenti ntomy
bathr
oom andopenedcol
dwaterint
othebatht
ub..
.

Vi
ctor
ia:geti
nther
e

Isni
ffedgoi
ngintothebat
hroom andint
othecold
waterasshelockedmeinsi
demybat hroom and
l
eft.
..

Olebi
le:doyoual
wayshavetodothi
stothepoor
guy?Whenwi l
lyouunder
standt
hatBosaisa
grownup?
Vi
ctor
ia:shutupOl
ebi
le
Olebi
le:noyoushutupVict
ori
aBosaisnotyour
chil
dyesbutyoushouldstoptr
eat
inghi
ml i
kean
outsi
derhe'
syourfucki
ngnephew!
Dai
sy:howdar
eyout
alkt
omom l
iket
hat
Ol
ebi
le:youshutupyougoodf
ornot
hingf
ail
ure!
Vi
ctori
alandedahotslapacr
osshisfaceashe
cl
ickedhi
st ongueandwenti
ntohi
sbedroom
sl
ammi ngthedoor.Heari
ngt
hatfr
om mybathroom
mademyhear tsi
nkevenmoreasisi
lent
lycr
iedin
mycoldwat er.
..

Bosa:
mamawher
ear
eyou.

THEFOLLOWI
NGMORNI
NG
.
.
.
.
.
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
CAGED
02
Att
heKwena'
s.
..

Bontsiqui
ckl
ycl
osedhereyesasshenot
icedt
hat
herhusbandwasaboutt
owakeup...

Bont
si:"
youal
onear
eGodandwi
llf
oreverbeGod.
Amen"

Patl
ofrownedl
ooki
ngatherasshesl
owl
yopened
hereyes.
..

Bont
si:goodmor
ningMrKwena
Pat
lo:morninghowdi
dyousl
eep?Andwhat
'st
he
noi
seoutside?
Bont
si:t
hedecopeopl
eyouf
orger
tit
sAt
amel
ang'
s
par
tytoday
Pat
lo:ohyeah(
chuckl
ed)I
'
m notget
ti
ngyounger
Mr
sK
Bontsi
:lucki
lyf
oryou,
youhaveawi
fewhoi
sst
il
l
vi
brant
Pat
lo:ohyes(
heki
ssedhercheek)onl
yifshecould
sur
prisemewit
hbr
eakfasti
nbedoneoft hesedays
Bont
si:ahbutial
waysdo
Patlo:noboboit'sbeent
woweekssi nceyou
surprisedmeim usedtothatli
fenowgor eevery
weekendbr eakfasti
nbed(theylaughed)ihopeyou
gotanewout f
it
?
Bont
si:yesbutihavet
ogocol
lectAt
a'scakef
rom
Mmamf undisi
Patl
o:(
sighedgett
ingoffbed)don'
tgetmewrong
okmylovebutithinkyoushouldstar
thangi
ngwit
h
peopl
eofyourcali
breimeanyouar earichwif
e
honeyyoushouldmovear oundthoseci
rcl
es
Bont
si:ri
chwomen'sli
vesaremostl
yboring,t
hey
ar
epretenti
ousandagainyouknowthatipref
ermy
l
if
esimplenormalbabe
Pat
lo:butMmamf
undi
simyl
oveal
ecakeyagagwe
yagot
laesi
amet
ota?
Bontsi
:stopbei
ngjudgement
alt
lheboo.
Mmamf undisii
saquali
fi
edpast
rychefsoyest
he
cakewillbemagni
fi
cent
Pat
lo:ohwel
lweshal
lsee.Passmygr
eet
ingshey
Bont
si:idef
ini
tel
ywi
lll
ove

Hesmiledaft
erwinki
ngatherandwentint
othe
bat
hroom whil
eBontsisi
ghedsi
tt
ingbackonher
bedheadrest
...

"
Thestr
engthyougi
vemeLor
dishonest
lynotof
t
hiswor
ld"

Shequiet
lysai
dget
ti
ngoutofbedandchangedt
he
bedl
inen.

AtVi
ctor
ia'
shouse.
..
SheandDai sylaughedasthehousehel
pert
ook
thei
rbreakf
astdishestot
hekitchenasOl
ebi
le
draggedhisfeetdownthestai
rs..
.

Vi
ctor
ia:ohandt
hemanofthehousedeci
dest
o
wakeupgoodmor ni
ngt
oyoutoo
Ol
ebi
le:idon'
tspeakt
oabuser
s
Dai
sy:ohpl
easeLi
bigetoffyourhighhor
se.Al
l
mom wasdoingwastoteachthatboysome
manners
Olebi
le:t
ellmeDai
sy,whatel
sedoyouknowt
han
beingyourmother
'sl
apdog?
Vict
ori
a:okOlebil
eim notgoi
ngtol
etyout
alkt
o
yoursi
sterl
ikethat
.Daisyisol
dert
hanyou
Olebi
le:yeahri
ghtwit
hyear
sbutwheni
tcomest
o
beingresponsi
bledol
olo
Daisy:Olebil
eihavetol
eratedyouenoughj ust
becauseyout hi
nkthatli
ttl
ecour seyouaredoingat
universi
tyissomethi
ng,wel li
t'
snothingyoungman
keephangi
ngaroundlowl
ivesl
ikeBosaandyou
wil
lnevermakei
tinli
fe
Olebil
e:from yourmoutht
odeadsoil
.Nomat ter
howmuchbadyouwi shformeyouwillneversee
mef ailonlyyouwil
lkeepdrowni
ng

Islowl
ycamedownt
hest
air
swi
thashi
rtonanda
fakesmil
eon.
..

Bosa:
goodmor
ning
Vi
ctor
ia:i
sthi
sthet
imet
owakeupBosa?
Ol
ebi
le:don'
tmi
ndherbr
ohowar
eyoudoi
ng?
Bosa:
(swal
lowed)i
m sor
ryaunt
y
Vi
ctor
ia:t
hespadeandt
herakear
eout
sidegocl
ear
t
hebackandthenmindthel
awn
Bosa:
canieatf
ir
st?

Shegavemeast
ernl
ookasiswal
lowedgoi
ng
out
side.Thatwasanotherfor
m ofpuni
shmentf
or
meaf t
er"di
sobeyi
ng"her.
..

Ol
ebi
le:mxm

Hesaidt
akingabott
leofhi
sjui
cegoi
ngbackupto
hi
sroom whil
eVi
ctori
aandDaisyl
ookedathi
m and
l
aughed.
..

Vi
ctori
a:isweartoyout
heymusthavef
edyour
br
othersomething
Dai
sy:howcansomeonebet
hisdul
l
Vi
ctor
ia:anywaywhat
'syourhol
idaypl
ans?
Dai
sy:Sandt
onisscreamingmynamemom
Ver
onicawashereyester
dayandwear
eon
Vi
ctor
ia:(
smi
led)ohokt
senawenagi
rl
Dai
sy:imeanhel
lowhat
'smyname?
Shesai
dfl
ippi
ngherbr
aidsast
heyl
aughed.
..

Dai
sy:andyou?
Vi
ctor
ia:Zanzi
barbabyal
lexpensespai
dnana
Dai
sy:bat
hongmamawho'
sthi
smanwhokeeps
youonyourt
oes?
Vict
ori
a:youwi
llknowhi
m wi
tht
imebabybutfor
nowjustknowt
hatyourmamaissohappyand
l
ovingit
Dai
sy:i
m sbwel
ingyourl
if
eri
ghtnow
Vict
ori
a:t
herearesomanybi gshot
sinSandtonmy
l
ovesopleasemakemamapr oudandscoreone
ri
chbigshot(t
heylaughed)
Dai
sy:ohyesmommyI '
m Vi
ctor
ia'
sdaught
eraf
ter
al
lim notcomi
ngbacksi
ngl
e
Vi
ctor
ia:yesmygi
rlputi
ther
e

Theyhi
ghfivedlaughi
ngwhil
eil
ookedatt
hem
thr
oughtheglassdoorfr
om t
hesi
deiwasworki
ng
on."Whatifmymot herwasali
vewouldibethi
s
happy?"Isil
ent
lyaskedmyselfasisi
ghedand
conti
nuedtoclearthebackyard.

I
nMochudi
..
.

Letl
otl
ofini
shedcleari
ngtheyardashel aughedat
amemehi sfr
iendssharedonthei
rgroup.Lame
cameoutoft hehousewi t
haglassofwat erand
gaveittohim ashedownedthewat erandsighed.
..

Let
lot
lo:agai
npl
easebi
gsi
s
Lame:(
laughed)boLet
lot
lol
etl
aswawai
tse
Let
lot
lo:idi
dn'
tknowiwast
hatt
hir
sty
Lame:whatt
imedi
dyougetup?
Let
lot
lo:4:
30am iwant
edt
omakesur
eiwasdone
by7am
Lame:isee,
por
ri
dgewi
llber
eadysoon
Let
lot
lo:awesome
Lame:iwant
edtotal
ktoyouaboutyougoi
ngt
o
Gabor
onenextweek
Let
lot
lo:iknowhowyoufeel
aboutauntVi
ctobut
i
m notgoingtol
ist
entoyouandmom
Lame:butLet
lot
lowear
edoi
ngt
hisf
oryoursaf
ety
Letl
otl
o:whatcoul
dauntVi
ctodot
ome?Poi
sonmy
food?
Lame:thatwomanisevi
lLet
lot
loandshedoesn'
t
wanttoseeanyonewinbesi
deshersopl
easeli
lbro
l
ist
entous
Let
lot
lo:iwantt
oseemycousi
nsLame.Ifshei
s
evi
lli
keyouguyssayt
henwhyisOlebi
leandBosa
goodpeople?
Lame:t
hat'
sbecauseOlebi
leseesherf
orwhoshe
i
sandwassmar tenoughtochooseabett
erwayf
or
hi
mself
.Let'
stal
kaboutDaisy
Let
lot
lo:Dai
syisjustast
uckupspoi
ltbr
atandi
don'
tcareabouther
Lame:Let
lot
loj
ustt
hinkabouti
tpl
easewhydoyou
thi
nkmyl if
eisstuckinoneplacewheniwasa
bri
ghtstudentatschool
?A45poi ntsst
udent
comingwi t
h16poi nt
sforherfi
nalexaminat
ion
Letl
otl
o
Letl
otl
o:wellsuchthi
ngshappenLame.My
deci
sionisfinali
m goi
ngtoGaboroneonMonday
andthat'
sitnowgomakesur eourporri
dgedoesn'
t
burn

Hesaidgoingbackt
ohisphonewhil
eLameshook
herheadandwentbackint
othehouse.

AtVi
ctor
ia'
shouse.
..

Aft
eranhourofcl eari
ngthebackyardideci
dedto
gobackint
omyr oom tolaydownabi tasmyaunt
andherdaughterleftafewminutesago.Thedoor
openedasijumpedf r
om mybedsitt
ingup..
.

Ol
ebi
le:i
t'
sokbuddyi
t'
sme
Hesaidcomi
ngi
nwi
tht
womuf
fi
nsandagl
assof
j
uice.
..

Bosa:
youscar
edme
Ol
ebi
le:haveyouhadyourbr
eakf
ast
?
Bosa:
no
Olebi
le:okandit
hinkt
heydi
dn'
tleaveanyforyou
soidecidedtomakesomemuff
insf oryou
Bosa:
thankyousomuch
Ol
ebi
le:howi
syourbackdoi
ng?
Bosa:
iwi
llbef
ine
Olebi
le:iwi
llwashyourbr
uiseswit
hwarm wat
er
andadi si
nfect
antwhenyoufini
sheat
ing
Bosa:
thanks
Olebi
le:i
t'
shight
imewer epor
tedmymom Bosa
youcan'tsuf
ferl
iket
his
Bosa:
no!Pl
easedon'
tidon'
twantanyt
roubl
e
Ol
ebi
le:noBosat
hel
awwi
lldealwi
thher
Bosa:ishouldn'thaveagr eedtogooutwi thyou
yester
day.AuntVi ctor
iahasbeennot hi
ngbutgood
tomeOl ebil
eshehasgi venmeal i
fenoonewoul d
havegivenme.Ihavemyownbedandbedr oom
becauseofher .Ihaveasmar tphoneallbecauseof
her.Ineverwentt oschoolwi t
hanempt ystomach
andneverwentt obedhungr yallbecauseofher
wellexceptforwhenidi sobeyedher .
Olebi
le:disobeyedherhow?Maybebynothangi ng
yourunder wearornotdryingyourtowelaft
er
swimmi ng?NoBosat hat
'snotli
fe.Shegivesyoual
l
theseflashythingsj
usttoblindyou
Bosa:Ol
ebil
eim notrepor
ti
ngmyauntandt
hat'
sit
i
fyoucan'tacceptt
hatthenyoumi
ghtaswel
lkeep
adist
ancefrom me

Olebi
lesighedshaki
nghisheadwhi l
eitookabit
e
from t
hemuf fi
nandsippedsomej ui
ce.Deepdown
iknewhewasr i
ghtbutiwouldnevertr
ademylif
e
foranythi
ng.Myauntwast hebestthi
ngtoever
happentome.Myphonedi
sruptedmysi
lent
conver
sati
onwi
thmysel
fasitrang.
..

Bosa:
T?
Thor
iso:what'
supbuddywhydoyousoundl
ike
youareeat
ing?
Bosa:
yeahiam what
'sup?
Thori
so:shouldicomepi
ckyouuporyourbr
other
wil
lcomedr opyouoff
?
Bosa:
im notcomi
ng
Thor
iso:why?
Bosa:
ijustdeci
dedt
onotat
tend
Thoriso:comeonBthi
sisacel
ebrat
iontoournew
l
ifeyouwannat el
lmeyouwantt
omi ssoutonall
thefun?
Bosa:
ihavealott
odoher
esohavef
unyouwi
ll
sendmepict
ures
Thor
iso:comeonBosadon'
tbeapart
ypooperyou
knowitwon'tbet
hesamewit
houtyou
Bosa:(
agit
ated)geezThor
isowhi
chpar
tofi
m not
comingdon'tyouget!
?
Thori
so:ohsor
ryt
hen.Havef
unwi
thwhat
everyou
wil
lbebusywit
h
Bosa:
bye

Ihungupandsighedt
hrowingt
hephoneonthebed
asOlebi
lel
ookedatmewithafr
ownonhisface.
..

Ol
ebi
le:andt
hen?
Bosa:ourst
udygrouppar
tneri
sthr
owingapar
ty
fort
hebeginni
ngofanewchaptert
heyaskedmeto
comebutican't
Olebil
e:kegoreyourpeer
sareoutther
eli
vingthei
r
l
iveswhi l
eyouareinherecoupedupli
keaprisoner
i
st hattheli
feyouwantBosa?
Bosa:
pleasel
eavemeal
one
Ol
ebi
le:noBosayouneedt
o..
.
Bosa:
isai
dleavemet
hehel
lal
oneOl
ebi
le!
Iangri
lysai
dasOl ebi
lesi
ghedandl ef
tmyr oom
whil
eisighedsit
ti
ngback.Ifli
nchedhur ti
ngmysel
f
astearsbuil
tinmyeyesbutibl ockedthem and
keptmymi ndbusywithotherthoughts.

Att
heMonewa'
s.
..

Bontsismi
ledasKel
ell
ocamewi
thherdaught
er'
s
cake..
.

Kel
ell
o:j
ustt
hewayshewant
edi
t
Bont
si:wowMmamf
undi
sit
hisi
samazi
ng
Kel
ell
o:t
hankyoumyl
ove
Bont
si:At
aisgoi
ngt
ocr
yar
iverseei
ngt
his
Kelel
lo:youknowial
waysai
mtopl
easel
ove.Car
e
foracupoft ea?
Bont
si:yeahist
il
lhavepl
ent
yoft
ime
Kel
ell
o:(
boi
ledt
hewat
er)howar
eyouhol
dingup?
Bontsi:it
houghtever
ythi
ngwascomingupwell
for
thepasttwoweeksbutyester
dayismell
edhi
s
blazeranditsmell
edthesamecol
ogne
Kel
ell
o:gr
aci
ousLordbutwhyi
sMrKwenadoi
ng
t
histoyoumylove?
Bontsi:ihonestl
ydon'tknowandi
m scar
edt
o
confronthim becausehemightdi
vor
cemeand
that
'snotwhatiwant
Kel
ell
o:butyouar
enothappyB
Bontsi:Godwil
lseemet hr
oughMmamf undi
si.He
promisedtoneverforsakemesoibel
ievethi
si sa
tri
alt
owal koninor
derf ort
heLor
dtoseehow
fai
thfulandst
rongi am
Kelel
lo:Godwillneverputyoui nat oxi
c
envir
onmentt otestyourfait
hfulnessmylove.We
arechrist
iansyesbutnotf ool
s
Bont
si:noMmamf
undi
siiwi
l
lnevergi
veuponmy
marr
iage
Kel
ell
o:youwantt
otel
lmet
hatGodwoul
d
del
iber
atelyputyourl
if
ei ndangerj
usttotestyou?
NoMr sKwena, wedon'tknowhowmanyment his
womansl eepswithoutther
ebesidesyourhusband.
Whatifsheinfect
shim andthenhepassesi tonto
you?
Bont
si:wel
lift
hat
'ssot
hent
heLor
dispr
otect
ing
me
Kel
ell
o:comeonMr
sKwenadoyouusepr
otect
ion
wit
hhim?
Bont
si:somet
imes
Kel
ell
o:whysomet
imes?
Bont
si:weusei
twhenhewaswi
thheri
nthe
af
ter
noonli
keyest
erday
Kel
ell
o:wowMr sKwenasomediseasesdon'
tget
t
ransmit
tedt
hroughpenet
rat
iononl
yevenkissi
ng
Bont
si:wel
lim okMr
sMonewa
Kelel
lo:iwi
llkeeppr
ayi
ngforGodt
oli
ghtt
heway
foryouandyourhusband
Bont
si:t
hankyouMmamf
undi
si(
sighed)l
etmeget
goi
ng
Kel
ell
o:okloveyouknowthatwhat
everyouneed
ourdoori
salwaysopenforyou
Bont
si:iwi
llal
waysappr
eci
atet
hataboutyou
Mmamf undisi

Shesmi l
edt akingt
hecakeasKelel
lotookhert
othe
car.Bontsidroveoutwhi
leKel
ell
osighedgoing
backintoherhouse...

Kelel
lo:Lordpl
easeopenmyfr
iend'
seyesandif
thi
sisat estpl
easeeasei
tupf
orher.Ihat
eseei
ng
herunhappy.

AtJune'
shouse.
..

Shechuckl
edki
ssi
ngherf
ri
endast
heyt
ookt
hei
r
seat
s..
.

June:haveseenyour
sel
fyouar
egl
owi
ng
Vi
ctor
ia:t
hat
'swhathappenswhenyouar
ehappy
l
ovecheers(
theyl
aughedcli
cki
ngthei
rgl
asses)
June:iwassurpr
isedwhenyousaidyouwer
e
comingoverbecauseihar
dlyseeyouonweekends
Victor
ia:wellihadnoplanssoit
houghtishould
stopby.Isn'
tPat l
ohasthrownastupi
dpartyfor
thatchil
dofhi ssohehast obet
hereandpret
end
thathe'shappywi t
hthem
June:awwf
ri
enddon'
twor
ryi
t'
sjustf
oraday
Vi
ctori
a:idon'
tseehi
m agai
ntomorr
owyouknow
t
hatfatidi
otwif
eofhi
sisalwaysf
orci
nghi
mtogo
t
ochurch
June:gonemmewheni
shedi
vor
cingher
?
Victor
ia:idon'
twanttoevengett
othatoneim
enjoyi
ngsneakingaroundwit
hhim andofcourse
hismoneydi ditel
lyouwearegoingtoZanzi
bar
nextweek?
June:yeahyoudi
dlove.Youi
ndeedareenjoyi
ng
hi
smoneybabesihonest l
yst
il
lcan'
tbel
ievehe
bui
ltyouawholehotelt
oownandr un
Vict
ori
a:mynamei
sVi
ctor
iababesimaket
hings
happen
June:indeed.Sowhatishegoingtosayt
ohiswif
e
abouttheZanzibart
ri
p?Imeannextweekit'
s
Chri
stmasandshewi l
lbeshockedwhenhesayshe
won'tbearound
Vict
ori
a:idon'
tcar
ewhathesayst
othefati
diotas
l
ongashe' swi
thmeonaplaneonthe24thI
'm
good

Junel
aughedgoi
ngtotakeanot
herbot
tl
eof
champagnewhi
leVi
ctor
iaputonsomemusi
c.

I
nMochudi
..
.

Aft
erLetl
otl
oputai
rt
imeforherOref
esatuponher
bedtaki
ngherphoneanddial
edLediba.
..

Ledi
ba:si
ster
s
Or
efe:howar
eyoudoi
ng?
Ledi
ba:i
m goodhowar
eyoudoi
ng?
Or
efe:t
heLor
d'sgr
acei
sst
il
luponmemybr
other
Ledi
ba:wet
hankt
heLor
dmysi
ster
.Howar
ethe
ki
ds?
Or
efe:t
heyar
egoodaswel
l,
thatsi
de?
Ledi
ba:t
heyar
egoodt
oo.
Or
efe:wonder
ful
.Nnakeican'
tsl
eepwel
latni
ght
Ledi
ba:what
'sbot
her
ingyoumysi
ster
?
Or
efe:i
t'
sbeen18yearssi
ncewesawour
gr
andchil
dLedi
badoesn'
tthatwor
ryyou?
Ledi
ba:(
sighed)ei
shikeepsayi
ngthatt
omywi
fe
ever
ydaynkgonnegagomonat etot
a
Oref
e:t
lhekeagokopamybr
othert
ryt
alki
ngto
yourni
eceandmakeherr
eal
iset
heimport
anceof
Bosaknowingus?
Ledi
ba:it
ri
ednkgonnebutshedoesn'
twantt
o
l
ist
enshehasevenblockedmynumbersevenmy
wif
e's.
Or
efe:whathavewedonet
othi
schi
ldt
hough?
Lediba:idon'tknowmysi sterbutihavedecidedto
gocheckonmyt radi
ti
onalhealermaybehewi ll
shedsomel i
ghtforus.Maybewehavewr onged
Vict
oriawithoutreali
zingsobutwhat everi
tisim
will
ingtomakesur ewedor ightbyher
Or
efe:okyouwi
lll
etmeknowhowi
tgoes
Ledi
ba:yesiwi
ll

TheyhungupasOr
efesi
ghedl
ooki
ngup.
..

Oref
e:"orefegompienosej
osaronasal
etsat
si,
ore
i
tshwarelemelatoyaronaj
aakar
eit
shwarel
ababa
melat
ol erona.Amen"

Shesai
dtaki
ngasi
pf r
om herwaterandsl
owl
y
madeherwayoutj
oini
ngBoit
shepoandLame.

THATAFTERNOON
Att
heKwena'
s.
..

I
twasallgoodvi
besast
heDjpumpedsomemusi c
whi
let
heyoungmenandwomendr ankanddanced
t
othebeginni
ngoft
hei
rnewj
ourney.
..

Thori
so:mspart
ywhyar
eyousi
tt
ingal
onei
s
eveyt
hingok?
At
amel
ang:yeahbutt
her
e'soneper
sonmi
ssi
ng
Thor
iso:owaif
orgetaboutBosahet
oldmehe'
snot
comi
ngwhenical l
edhim earl
ier
.
At
amel
ang:di
dhesaywhy?
Thori
so:appar
ent
lyhe'
sbusywi
thsomet
hingathi
s
house
At
amel
ang:ohisee
Thor
iso:maybeifyoucal
lhi
m hewil
lli
stenasf
or
me,i
m goingtodancemyschooldaysaway
Hesaidwhist
li
ngtothemusicgoi
ngbacktot
he
dancefl
oorwhil
eAtamelangsi
ghedcal
li
ngme.I
cl
osedmyeyesandsi ghedpi
cki
ngup..
.

Bosa:
hi
At
amel
ang:hiBar
eyouok?
Bosa:
yeahi
mfi
newhy?
At
amelang:whyareyounothereforthepar
tyaf
teri
i
nvi
tedyou?Ever
yoneishereexceptyou
Bosa:
hel
lo?At
amel
angar
eyout
her
e?
At
amel
ang:Bosa?Icanhearyou
Bosa:
hel
lo?Ican'
tseem t
o..
.

Iqui
ckl
ycutthecallandthrewthephonebackon
mybedsighing.Ishookmyheadandwent
downstai
rsl
eavingmyphonewhi leAtamelang
shookherheadandt r
iedtocal
lmewi thnoanswer
.
Backi
nMochudi
..
.

From theairpor
tBaisagogotint
heshopsand
boughtaf ewgroceriesanddeci
dedtoshoot
str
aighttotheDintsiyar
dasheparkedhiscari
n
fr
ontofthegat eandwentin..
.

Bai
sago:goodaf
ter
noon
Boi
tshepo:(
smi
led)Bai
sago,
youar
eback?
Bai
sago:(
smi
led)hel
loBoi
Boi
tshepo:howl
onghasitbeensincewesawyou
bat
hong,mama,ma,Bai
sagoi shere
Or
efe:(
smi
led)war
emang?

Shesai
dcomingoutofherbedr
oom andhugged
Bai
sagowhosmil
edhuggingherback.
..
Oref
e:l
ookatyou,
youhavegrownsobigandeven
havemuscl
es.Whyhaven'
tyoubeent
alki
ngtous?
Bai
sago:t
heydi
dn'
tal
lowphonesi
npr
isonma.
Howareyoudoi
ngma?
Or
efe:i
m st
il
lupandal
ivebyt
hegr
aceofGod
Bai
sago:i
m gl
ad.Canipl
easeseet
hemot
herofmy
chi
ldandoursonpl
ease

Oref
eandBoi
tsheposwal
lowedl
ooki
ngatone
anot
her
..
.

Bai
sago:i
seveyt
hingok?
Boi
tshepo:pl
easesi
tdown
Baisago:ok,ihavebeentryingtocallhereversi
nce
wewer ereleasedbuticouldn'treachheribetour
sonisabi gmannow.Kanat helastti
meispoketo
herwaswhenshet oldmeshewasi nlabor
,18
yearsagoihavebeenwai tingt orecei
vephotosof
him butnothing
Boi
tshepo:Bai
sago,
Boi
ngot
loi
snomor
e
Bai
sago:(
frowned)what
!?
Or
ef e:yesmyson.Boi
ngot
lodi
edi
mmedi
atel
yaf
ter
gi
vingbi r
th
Bai
sago:(t
ear
sbui
lti
nhi
seyes)no,
noyoucan'
tbe
ser
ious,
ma?
Or
efe:(
swal
lowed)i
m sor
rymyson
Bai
sago:whataboutourson?
Boitshepo:t
hebabyboysurvi
vedbuthei
sstayi
ng
withhisauntnow.Thel
asttimewesawhim was18
yearsagoaf t
erhi
smother
'sburi
al

Hebursti
ntotear
scover
inghi
sfacewhil
eOr
efe
andBoit
shepohuggedhi
m consol
inghi
m.
.
.
.
.
.
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
CAGED
03

Baisagost
oppedcryi
ngasBoi
tshepogavehi
ma
glassofwaterwhi
leLamewal
kedinfr
om the
shops..
.

Lame:mamawhosecar
..
.uncl
eBai
?
Baisago:(smil
edsni
ff
ing)Lame,l
ookathowbi
g
youare,thelastt
imeisawyou,youwereasmal
l
naughtygirl
Lame:wel
lit
'sbeensomet
imeuncl
eB.Howar
e
youdoi
ng?
Bai
sago:i
m goodmygi
rl
.Youdonewi
thschool
?
Lame:yeahf
ini
shedmyf or
m 52year
sagobut
unf
ort
unatel
yididn'
tdowell
Bai
sago:youcanal
wayst
ryagai
n
Lame:mypoi
ntsar
ewayt
ool
owuncl
eBaiigot16
Baisago:aobutihopeyouar
elooki
ngf
oraj
obyou
neverknowyoumi ghtfi
ndsomeonewhomi
ght
wanttosponsoryou
Lame:iam l
ooki
ngbutnot
hingi
scomi
ngout
Baisago:nevergi
veupj
ustkeepgoi
ngokyouar
ea
bri
ghtyoungl ady
Lame:t
hankyou.Soyouf
ini
shedyoursent
ence?
Bai
sago:yeahbutcomi
nghomet
osadnewst
hat
Boi
ngotl
oisnomor e
Lame:yeahwebur
iedher18year
sago.Youshoul
d
seeBosahe'
sabigguy
Bai
sago:hi
snamei
sBosa?
Boit
shepo:yeahBoi
ngot
lonamedhi
m bef
oreshe
passedon
Bai
sago:ohoki
t'
sabeaut
if
ulname.Inamedhi
m
Rei
gn
Boi
tshepo:ohni
cei
bel
ievehewi
llbehappyt
ohear
t
hatnamef
rom youwhenyouseehi
m
Bai
sago:yeahyoushoul
dgi
vemeVi
ctor
ia'
s
number
Boi
tshepo:yeah
Baisago:anywayihadboughtafewgroceri
esfor
thefamilythi
nki
ngBoingotl
oandtheboyare
aroundyoucangol oadthem of
ffr
om thecarLame,
whereisyourlit
tl
ebrot
her?
Boi
tshepo:he'soutwithhisf
ri
ends.Theyfini
shed
wri
ti
ngtheirform 5examsyester
daysot heyare
cel
ebrat
inghe'syourheight
Bai
sago:wowi
t'
sbeenl
ongsi
nceisawever
yone
hey
Boi
tshepo:i
ndeed

Theyl
aughedgoingtothecarandhelpedLame
l
oadoffever
ythi
ngint
ot hehouse.
..

Bai
sago:gosi
ameMmaDi
ntsiiwi
llkeepchecki
ng
uponyou
Orefe:thankyousomuchmysonandf
ort
he
gorceryaswel l
Baisago:youar
ewel
comema.Ket
lal
etl
habel
apodi
forChri
stmas
Or
efe:iwoul
dbet
hehappi
estmyson
Bai
sago:bef
oregoi
ngtoGaboroneiwoul
dli
keyou
tot
akemet oBoi
ngotl
o'sgr
aveBoi
Boi
tshepo:nopr
obl
em Bai
.Mom l
etmegowi
thhi
m
hey
Or
efe:okbesaf
e

Theygotinhi
scaranddr
oveof
fwhi
leLamesmi
led
l
ookingatal
lthef
ood.

AtVi
ctor
ia'
shouse.
..

Dai
syhummedi
ntheki
tchenl
eavi
ngherdi
shi
nthe
zi
ncandwentbackt ohertvshowwi thheralcohol.
Thehousehel perwashedt hedishandwentt o
continuewitht helaundrywhil
eicamedownst ai
rs
andcheckedi ftherewasanythingtoeat.Ifound
nothingasit ookout2eggsandputt hem inthepot
boil
ingthem whi leifi
xedmyselfasandwi ch.Daisy
fr
ownedt othel i
tt
lenoisescomingfrom thekit
chen
anddeci dedtogocheckwhatwashappeni ng...

Dai
sy:whatar
eyoudoi
ng?
Bosa:
maki
ngmysel
fsomef
ood
Daisy:whosef ood?(Ikeptqui
et)iaskedyoua
questionareyoudeaf ?Wehaveamachi net
o
hardeneggswedon' tboilt
hem inapot.Youwant
toruinmymot her'
spots?(Ist
il
lkeptquiet)i
honest l
ydon'tundestandtheki
ndofper sonyouar e
Bosai t'
sbeen18year sofyoulivingwithusbutyou
can'tgetthesimplethingswhil
eitissaidthatyou
aresmar tinschool.Whatkindofsmar tareyouthat
youcan' tputeggsinthemachine?
Shecl i
ckedhertonguedumpi ngtheeggsi
ntothe
trashcanandwi pedhermot her
'spotput
ti
ngitback
wher ei
tstays.Itr
iedtotakeabit
efrom my
sandwichasshegr abbeditf
rom myhandand
threwitinthebin.
..

Daisy:gotoyourmot her
'sgr
aveandaskhert
oyou
giveyoufoodt hi
shouseisnotf
orpeasant
sli
keyou
idon'tunder
standwhatmom wast hi
nki
ngwhen
shetookyoui n.Stupi
d

Shesaidpokingmyheadgoingbackt othelounge
asiswallowedapainf
ull
umpl ookingather.I
quiet
lywentbacktomyroom andopenedmydi ary
ofthephotosmyauntpackedinmycl otheswheni
wasaki d.Seei
nghersmil
eandf acemademyhear t
breakmor easisof
tl
ymovedmyf i
ngeronherf ace
astearsbuil
tinmyeyes.
..

Bosa:mamawhereveryouarepl
easecomet
hrough
forme.Whyhaveyouneglect
edme?
Isnif
fedkissingherphot
owithauntBoiandclosed
mydi ar
ylayingdownwi t
htearscomingoutofmy
eyes.Thedooropenedasisniffedandquickl
y
wipedthem. .
.

Ol
ebi
le:l
et'
sgogr
absomet
hingt
oeat
Bosa:
noidon'
twantt
oangermyaunt
Olebi
le:wewi
llbeoutfor2hoursonlyBosacome
onman.Youwantt olayinbedalldayandcr
yli
ke
youare?
Bosa:
thanksOl
ebi
lebutnot
hanks
Olebi
le:(
swal
lowedcl
osi
ngt
hedoor
)ar
eyouok
buddy?
Bosa:
(cl
ear
edmyt
hroat
)yeahj
ustgo
Olebi
le:youknowyoucant al
ktomeaboutanythi
ng
ri
ght?Okwedon' thavetogooutiwi
llor
deri
nlet'
s
goout si
deandchil
lthen
Bosa:
(bur
sti
ntot
ear
s)iwantmymot
herOl
ebi
le.
I'
mlongi
ngf
ormymother'
sloveseei
ngheron
phot
osmakesmewanttobewithhersobad

Ol
ebi
leswal
lowedt
ear
ful
lyashesatnextt
ome.
..

Olebi
le:i
m sosorr
yBosabutbeli
evemewhenisay
youaregoi ngt
obesuccessf
ulandbr
eakf
reef
rom
thesechainsok
Bosa:idon'
tseemysel
fdoi
nganyt
hingf
ormysel
f
mylif
eisover.
Olebi
le:ahcomeonBosadon' tsayt
hat
.Youst
il
l
haveal otofyear
saheadofyou
Bosa:idon'tknowOlebi
le.I
'
mtryi
ngtofi
ghtal
lthe
oddsbuttheoddsar efi
ghti
ngagai
nstmeandi
can'
ttakeitanymoreihavenohope
Olebile:okihearyoubutpleasecomewithme
outside.Iwil
lordersomepi zzat
henwesitbythe
pool.Wedon' thavetotal
kaboutanythi
ngallwewil
l
doisj ustsi
tli
stentomusicandeat.Come
Het ookmyhandasigotupwi pingmyt ear
sand
putonmysl eeper
s.Hesmiledwithtearsi
nhiseyes
andwi pedmytearshuggi
ngme.Het ookmyhand
aswemadeourwaydownst ai
rswhereVeroni
ca
walkedinandsmiledseei
ngme. .
.

Ver
oni
ca:ohheyyoucut
eli
tt
let
hing
Olebil
e:pl
easekeepyourplast
icsel
ftoyoursel
fwe
don'tt
alktofakepeopl
ewhoknownot hingbutthei
r
nextappoint
mentforbotox

Hesai
dwalki
ngoutwi
thmewhi
leVer
oni
ca
f
rowned.
..

Ver
oni
ca:si
esDai
syyourbr
otheri
srude
Daisy:j
usti
gnorehi
m he'
sal
readysuf
fer
ingf
rom
midli
fecri
sesat20

Theybur
sti
ntoal
oudl
aughasDai
sygaveVer
oni
ca
abot
tl
eoficet
ropezandapacketofchi
pswhi
le
t
heywatchedt
heirshows.

Att
heKwena'
s.
..

Patlohuggedhi
swifefr
om thebackasshesmi
led
fi
nishi
ngupwi t
hthehotdogsfortheki
ds.
..

Pat
lo:ihonest
lymar
ri
edwel
l
Bont
si:ohyesyoudi
dhoneyneverf
orgett
hat

Shetur
nedtohim andgavehi
m aki
ssashet
ook
oneofthehot
dogs..
.

Bontsi
:shouldt
hosehot
dogsgoshor
tyouwi
ll
answertothoseki
ds
Pat
lo:wel
ltheyar
einmyt
err
it
ory(
theyl
aughed)
Bont
si:t
hankyousomuchf
orbei
ngawonder
ful
f
atherandhusbandMrKwena
Patl
o:(
smil
ed)thankyouforbeingawonder
fulwif
e
andmother
.Icouldneveraskforabet
terwi
fethan
youMsB
Bontsi
:(smil
ed)iwasthi
nki
ngweshoul
dgof ora
hol
idayforChri
stmasyouknow.MaunorKasane
Pat
lo:(
groaned)iwasabouttotel
lyout
hatweare
goi
ngforaChr i
stmast
ripnextweekWednesdayat
workmylove
Bont
si:ohbutyounevert
oldme
Patl
o:iguessitsl
ippedmymindboo(smiled
ki
ssinghercheek)youknowyourhusbandisa
busyman
Bont
si:(
smi
led)yeahokt
heniguessiwi
llgowi
th
Atat
hen
Patl
o:cooll
ookforyourdest
inati
onthenl
etme
knowiwillt
akecareofthecostsok
Bont
si:nopr
obl
em butwher
ear
eyouguysgoi
ng?
Pat
lo:Zanzi
..
.
Hi
sphoner
angasBont
sit
urnedandsaw" WORK"
wr
it
tenont
hescr
eenasPat
loquickl
ytookit
..
.

Pat
lo:theyarecal
li
ngiguesst
heywantt
oconf
ir
m
somethings.
..

Pat
lo:hel
loi
seveyt
hingok?

Hekissedhercheekagai
nandwalkedouttothe
othersi
deofthehouseasBont
sif
akesmi l
edand
shookherheadgoingbackt
othehotdogs.
..

Vi
ctor
ia:wr
ongt
imi
ngiguess?
Pat
lo:yeahbutwhatever
,shethi
nksi
m answer
inga
wor
kcal l(
theyl
aughed)what'
sup?
Vi
ctor
ia:iwant
edtoknowwhatyouar
egoi
ngt
osay
t
oheraboutthetr
ip
Patl
o:owaiij
ustputaweboverherface.It
oldher
wearegoingforaworktr
ipandsheboughtitand
agai
niaskedhertopickaholi
daydesti
nati
ontogo
towit
hherdaughterandiwi
llt
akecareofthecost
s
Vi
ctor
ia:(
smi
led)yeswenamybi
gZul
u(t
hey
l
aughed)
Pat
lo:youar
esosi
ll
y
Victori
a:pi
tyyouarehel
dupbutI
'
m wear
ing
nothingunderneat
hbaby
Pat
lo:comeonVi
cdon'
tdot
hatt
omepl
ease
Vi
ctor
ia:ar
eyoucomi
ngornot
?
Pat
lo:gi
vemeaf
ewmi
nut
es
Victor
ia:youwi
llf
indmeatourspeci
alr
oom att
he
hotel
Pat
lo:onmywaysugar

Hesaidlaughi
ngandhungupwhi
leVi
ctor
iasmi
led
atJune.
..
Vi
ctor
ia:andj
ustl
ikethatimadehi
mleavehi
s"i
t'
s
mydaughter'
spar
tytodayican'
tmakei
t"
June:youreal
lyshoul
dgivemesomelessons
honey(theyl
aughed)gobefor
ehefi
ndsnoone
ther
e

TheylaughedasVictor
iat
ookhercarkeysandlef
t
whil
eathishousePat l
ofr
enchki
ssedhiswifeand
tookhiscarkeys.
..

Pat
lo:i
m goi
ngt
oatt
endsomet
hingatt
heof
fi
cei
wil
lbebacki
nanhouror2
Bont
si:butbabewe.
..
Pat
lo:il
oveyouhoneyt
ellAt
aformeok

Hesai
dgoingoutwhi
leBont
siswal
lowedl
eani
ng
ont
hekit
chencount
er.
..

Bont
si:al
lisknownunt
oyouLor
d.
Out
sideAt
amelangpul
ledThor
isof
rom t
hecr
owd
ast
heysatdown..
.

Thori
so:Ineverthoughtt
hesepeopl
ewouldbeso
wil
dbutasf oryou,youareki
ndofsourbutyou
cal
ledushere
At
amel
ang:i
m wor
ri
edaboutBosa
Thor
iso:Bosai
sokAt
ast
opwor
ryi
ngyour
sel
fand
comedance
Atamel ang:noThor
isonotj
ustbecausehedidn'
t
come.Ihavebeent hinki
ngabouthisbehavi
our
sinceimethi m.Hehasalwaysbeenquietand
reservedareyousureBosaotshelasentl
eathis
home?
Thoriso:Bosaiswellof
fAtahe'
sjustqui
etand
reservedli
kethat
.Ihaveknownthisguyeversi
nce
standard5
At
amel ang:nomani
m worr
ied.Thef
actt
hathi
s
motherpassedonwhenhewasanewbor nbaby
makesmewonderi fhi
sauntisnotabusinghim or
somethi
ng.Imeanlookatthepeoplearewhoare
her
e.Someofthem weal waysthoughtt
heir
par
entsarest
ri
ctbuttheyareherenowandhaveno
cur
few
Thori
so:Bosawoul
dtellmeifhewasabusedand
agai
nwewer eoutwit
hhi scousi
nlastni
ghtsoi
guesshewasshytotellusthathe'
sti
red
Atamelang:weneedtol
ookintothi
smatt
erThor
iso.
Ihearyoubutican'
thel
pbutthinkt
her
e's
somethinggoi
ngon.
Thor
iso:goodluckMsKwenai m of
ftot
hedance
fl
oor
.Ar ebopha'bopha'
bopha.
..

Hesanghiswaybackt ot
hedancefl
oorwhil
e
Atamel
angsi
ghedsitt
ingbackt
hinki
ngforawhi
l
e
anddeci
dedtoj
ointhecrewaswell.

BackatVi
ctor
ia'
s.
..
Il
aughedatOl
ebi
le'
ssi
ll
yjokesasmyphoner
ang
andanswer
ed.
..

Bosa:
LT
Let
lot
lo:what
'supbuddy?
Bosa:
im good.Yousoundt
obei
nal
otofnoi
se
manwhat'sgoingon?
Let
lot
lo:t
her
earealotofpensdownpar
ti
esgoing
onbuddysoim outher
ehavingf
unwhataboutyou?
Bosa:owainot
hingmuchimjustchi
ll
ingwi
th
Olebi
leathome(putonl
oudspeaker
)youcantal
kto
hi
m
Ol
ebi
le:LTssup?
Let
lot
lo:i
m coolhowi
sever
ythi
nggoi
ng?
Ol
ebi
le:supermanweout
cheachi
ll
ingbyt
hepool
Let
lotl
o:that
'sgood.Ki
dsshoul
dst
ayhome(
they
al
llaughed)
Ol
ebi
le:youowemef
ort
hatonebr
uh
Let
lot
lo:ohwel
ligotal
ltheguap(
money)i
nthe
worl
dsonameyourpr i
cepoi
Ol
ebi
le:iseeyaiseeya.Bowl
ingal
ready
Let
lotl
o:I
'm abigfishy'
all(
theylaughed)j
ust
wantedtolety'
allknowthatimlandingmygood
vi
besthatsideonMondaybr o'
s
Ol
ebi
le:oht
hatwoul
dbecoolbuddy
Let
lotl
o:sur
e.BmyGibet t
erf
indabeaut
if
ulone
wai
tingformethatsi
debuddy
Bosa:
whatar
eyout
alki
ngabout
?
Letl
otl
o:comeondwagimt al
kingaboutgir
lsmani
heargabschi
cksar
esizzi
li
nghot(theylaughed)
Bosa:
youar
esosi
ll
y
Olebi
le:j
ustl
andyourassyouwi
llf
indaf
inef
resh
onewai t
ingf
oryoutr
ustme
Letl
otl
o:iknewyouwoul
dn'
tdi
sappoi
ntbuddy.Bye
guys
Ol
ebi
le:sur
ebuddy
Bosa:
bye
WelaughedasiputmyphoneawaywhileOl
ebil
e
cont
inuedt
otel
lmehissi
ll
ystor
iesaboutgi
rl
s.

Att
heMonewa'
s.
..

WithherglassesonMmamf undisicar
eful
ymade
herbabyhandmadej erseyswhi l
eherhusband
readthebibl
eont hediningtable.Shesippedher
tealooki
ngatherhusbandandputt hejer
seyshe
waswor ki
ngondown. .
.

Kel
ell
o:daddy
Pesal
ema:mybet
terhal
f
Kel
ell
o:i
m notok
Pesal
ema:youknowyoucant
alkt
odaddyabout
anyt
hingr
ight
?
Kel
ell
o:yeah.Remembert
hef
ri
endit
oldyouabout
?
Pesal
ema:what
'shernameagai
n?Mr
sKwena?
Kelel
lo:ohyesdaddy.Shecameforherdaught
er'
s
cakeearli
erandwehadal i
tt
lechat
Pesal
ema:ok?
Kel
ell
o:herhusbandhasst
art
edagai
n
Pesal
ema:whatdi
dyousayt
ohermyl
ove?
Kelel
lo:iadvi
cedhertoletgobutshe'
sst
il
l
adamantt hati
t'
satestoffai
th
Pesal
ema:yestheLor
dtestsusallt
hetimebuthe
wouldnevert
estyouwit
hthesamet hi
ngforso
manyyearsmyloveyourfr
iendneedstowalkout
Kelel
lo:shedoesn'
twantt
olist
entoadvicedaddy
andit hi
nknowit'
sti
mewet ookituponoursel
ves
tohelpher
Pesalema:keeptalki
ngtoheriontheotherhand
wil
ltr
yandgetcl osetothehusband.Getmehis
off
iceaddressandiwi l
lpayhi
m avisit
Kel
ell
o:(
smi
led)iknewicoul
dcountonyoudaddy
TheysmiledasKel
ell
oki
ssedhi
m andwentbackt
o
herj
erseys.

Att
hehot
el.
..

Patl
ofel
lasl
eepasVict
oria'
sphoner
ang.She
fr
ownedtotheunknownnumberandquickl
yputon
hergowngoingt
othebalcony.
..

Vi
ctor
ia:hel
lo?
Bai
sago:MsDi
ntsi
Vi
ctor
ia:whoI
'
minspeaki
ngt
o?
Bai
sago:Bai
sago
Vi
ctor
ia:(
frowned)excuseme?
Bai
sago:Boi
ngot
lo'
sbabydaddy
Vict
ori
a:(
swal
lowed)wher
ethehel
ldoyougetmy
number?
Bai
sago:f
rom yoursi
ster
.IhearBosai
sli
vingwi
th
yousoiwouldli
ketomeetupwi
thhi
m,canyou
makethathappen?
Victori
a:youmustbeoutofyourmi ndyoul owli
fe
cri
mi nal
!Youi mpregnatemysisterandthengoto
prisonoverseasandf orsomanyyear satthatt
hen
comebackandcl aimt hatyoucanhaveaccessto
myson?Keepondr eami ng
Baisago:iknowidi
dal
lthosethingsbutideser
ve
toknowmysonandhedeser vestoknowmeas
well
Vi
ctor
:di
dyoupaythedamages?(Hekeptqui
et)
t
hendon'
tyouevercal
lmeagaindoyouhearme?
Bai
sago:butMsDi
ntsiit
hought
..
.

Shehunguponhi
m cl
icki
nghert
ongue.
..

Vi
ctor
ia:bl
oodymor
on(
shesai
ddi
ali
ngst
one)
Stone:queenoft
heocean,
shewhosaysdi
eandi
peri
sh.
Vi
ctor
ia:t
here'
ssomeoneineedyout
otakecar
eof
mebeforetomorr
ow
St
one:whoi
sitmyqueen?
Vi
ctor
ia:Bai
sago,iwi
llsendyouhi
snumber
.Tr
ace
i
tandtakecareofhim
St
one:consi
deri
tdone
Vict
ori
a:andmakesur
etomakei
tacl
eanj
obdo
youunderst
and?
St
one:yesmyqueen
Vict
ori
a:good(
shehungup)iwantt
omeetwi
thmy
sonwhatdoyouknowaboutasonyouf
il
thyl
ow
l
ifecri
minal

Shecl
ickedhertonguegoi
ngbackint
other
oom
wher
eshef oundPatlost
il
lasl
eep.

I
nBokaa.
..
Ledi
bamadehi
swayi
ntohi
stradi
tionalheal
er'
shut
asheof
fer
edhi
m amatt
ositon..
.

Marumo:MrDi
ntsiwhatcanidof
oryou(
bur
ped)
youseem t
obeheavy
Ledi
ba:yes.Icomewi t
haheavyheartmysi
ster
andiareworried.I
t'
sbeen18yearssi
ncewesaw
ourdaughter
'ssonandwewantt oknowwhat
wrongwehavedone
Mar
umo:okbl
owi
nher
e

Hegavehim abagofbonestobl owinasheshook

i
tandthrewoutthebonescall
ingont heDi
ntsi
ancest
ors.Hestoppedst
il
lwit
hhi seyescl
osed
whil
eLedibaconti
nuedtobeathishandstoget
her
..
.

Mar
umo:thereisadar
kcloudl
oomingar
oundyour
f
amil
y,t
hisdarkcl
oudhasascentofawoman
Ledi
ba:makhosi
Marumo:( gr
oaned)theDintsiancestor
sarecalli
ng
forthei
rdaughterbuttheycan'tfi
ndher.Boingot
lo
i
salsor oamingaroundlost(groanedopeninghis
eyes)yourniecedidnotdieanat ur
aldeath
Ledi
ba:what
!?
.
.
.
.
.
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
CAGED
04

Ledi
ba:idon'
tunder
stand
Marumo:t
hedarkcloudimtal
kingabouti
stheone
r
esponsi
blef
oryourniece'
sdeathMrDint
si
Ledi
ba:howdowegetr
idoft
hisdar
kcl
oud?
Marumo:youhavetohol daceremonyofappeasi
ng
yourancest
orsbutyourancest
orswon'
tli
stenunti
l
theyfi
ndthei
rdaughter
Ledi
ba:(
swal
lowed)whycan'
ttheyf
indBoi
ngot
lo?
Mar
umo:herspi
ri
thasbeencagedMrDi
ntsi
Ledi
ba:(
frowned)idon'
tunder
stand
Mar umo:t hi
sgirlwasheadedforsuccessthe
fatherofherchildwasplanni
ngt omarryheraft
er
givingbirt
h.Theywer egoi
ngtohaveasuccessf ul
l
ifet oget
herwiththei
rsonbutsomeonegot
betweent hem andmadesur eBaisago,hi
snamei s
Baisagor i
ght?
Ledi
ba:yes
Marumo:yes,someonemadesurehegotinvol
ved
i
nacr i
met hatmadehi
mtogetsentawayinaf ar
pr
ison.Thi
smanwasani nt
ernat
ionalbusi
ness
manr i
ght?
Ledi
ba:yes
Marumo:yes,
everyt
hingcr
umbl
eddownaft
erhe
goti
nvol
vedinthecri
mehecommit
ted.Hedi
dn'
tdo
i
tdel
iberat
elytherei
saspi
ri
tthatmadehi
m doit
andt
hisspiri
tisthesamespi
ri
tthatt
ookyourni
ece
MrDi
nt si
Ledi
ba:yousaidt
hiscl
oudhasascentofawoman
whocoulditbeNgakaMarumo?
Mar umo:ican'
tgiveyouananswertot
hatoneMr
Ledibaifyouarenotcaref
ulthi
scl
oudi
sgoingt
o
fi
nishtherestofyourfamil
y
Ledi
ba:(heartski
pped)whati
st hesol
uti
onsi
nce
yousaytheancestorswon'tl
ist
enunti
ltheyf
ind
thei
rdaughter?
Mar umo:im goingtogiveyouapowder ,putiti
nthe
cornersofyoursister'
syardandyouryar d.This
protecti
onisonlytemporarybutit
'sbetterthan
nothing.Unti
lyourniece'
sspir
itbrakesfreewear e
goingtokeepf i
ghtinganinvi
sibl
eenemybutiwi l
l
keept r
yingmybestt ohelpyouMrDi nt
si
Ledi
ba:t
hankyouNgakaMar
umo

Het
ookt
hepowderandswal
lowedgoi
ngt
ohi
scar
.
Hesighedl
eani
ngbackandshookhi
sheaddr
ivi
ng
away.

Att
heKwena'
s.
..

Bontsigotoutofherbat
hroom andsatonherbed
cal
li
ngMmaMonewa. .
.

Kelel
lo:iwasj
ustaboutt
ocal
lyouandaskyou
aboutthepart
y
Bont
si:t
hechil
drenar
eout
sidehavi
ngt
hei
rfun
andAtalovest
hecake
Kel
ell
o:I
'
m gl
adshedoes.Howar
eyoudoi
ng?
Bont
si:(
sighed)theworknumbercall
edagai
n
Mmamf undisiandhelef
t.Hesaidhewasonly
goi
ngtotakeanhouror2butnowi t
'sbeen4ful
l
hour
s.Idon'tknowwhatt odoanymorenow
Kelel
lo:(si
ghed)ispoket
omorutiaboutyour
si
tuationandwehaveagr eedt
ointer
venewith
f
orcenow
Bontsi
:MmaMonewawi t
hallduer
espectI'
m ver
y
gr
atefulf
oryourconcernbutidon'
twanttoanger
myhusbandanddr ivehim away
Kelel
lo:Bont
simyloveifwedon'tgr
abthebul
lby
i
t'
shor nsnowyouwoul dneverbeablet
osave
yourself
.Howmanyyear shaveyoubeencryi
ng
aboutthesameproblem?
Bontsi:wher
ewillmydaughtergoifiendt
his
marriageMmamf undisi
?Iwi
lllosemydaughter
becauseihavenothingtomynamehewi l
lmake
sureineverseeourchil
dagain
Kelel
lo:At
amel
angisanadul
tnowBontsishecan
makeherowndecisi
onsandther
e'snoonewhowill
for
cehertodowhattheywant
Bont
si:t
hingisyoudon'tknowmyhusband
Mmamf undi
si,Pat
loisverymani
pulati
veandhewill
makesurethatAtagoeswi t
hhi
m andican'taf
for
d
tol
osemydaught er.She'
smyeverythi
ng
Kelel
lo:sowhatdoyouplanondoingMrsKwena?
Stayinamarriaget
hat
'sdoingnot
hingf
oryoubut
hur
tyou?
Bontsi
:iwi
llkeeponprayi
ngandonedayGodwi
ll
l
ist
enandmaket hi
ssi
tuat
ionpass
Kelel
lo:t
hingi
showl onghaveyoubeenpr aying
MrsKwena?I m notsayinggi
veuponpr ayingmy
i
ssuei si
t'
splai
noutclearthatyourhusband
doesn'tl
oveyou.He'sjustwi
thyoubecauseofAt a
Bontsi:noMmamf
undi
sihel
ovesmehet
ell
sme
thateveryday
Kel
ell
o:yeshemaytel
lyouthatever
ydayMr
s
Kwenabutwordsarej
ustwordswecansaythi
ngs
wedon'tmeanal
lthet
ime.Pleaseal
lowust
ohelp
you
Bont
si:ineedt
ogetgoi
ngit
hinkt
heyneedmyhel
p
Kel
ell
o:Bont
si,
MrsKwe.
..

Shehungupandwentdownstai
rswhi
leKel
ell
o
si
ghedtaki
ngof
fhergl
assesandshookherhead.
..
Kelell
o:LordI'm goi
ngt oneedtoyoutogivemeal l
thestrengthyouhavenevergi venmebef ore.Let
yourwi l
lbedonei nthissi
tuati
onim notgoingt ol
et
myf ri
endsi nkintoadarkpitofhel
lwhileim sti
ll
ali
veJesus.Thi sdevili
m goingtofi
ghtandGod
wil
lingim goingtomakesur eBontsiKwenawi ns.

I
nMochudi
..
.

Afterput t
ingthepowderinthecornersofhi s
sister'syardasdir
ectedbythetradit
ionalhealer
,
Ledi bawashedhi shandsandwenti ntothehouse
wher eBoit
shepocamewi that r
ayoft eaandpour ed
forhermot her
,uncl
eandher sel
f..
.

Oref
e:idon'tknowhowtheLordfeelsaboutmi
xing
Chri
sti
anit
ywi t
hAfri
cantr
adi
tonalrel
igi
onbutheyit
i
swhati ti
s
Boi
tshepo:somal
omewhatdi
dNgakaMar
umosay?
Ledi
ba:wear
efi
ght
ingani
nvi
sibl
eenemymychi
ld
Boitshepo:gagonakainvi
sibl
emalomet heenemy
wear efight
ingisVi
ctor
iaandthesoonerwebeli
eve
thatthebetter
Or
efe:Boi
tshepopl
easewai
t
Boit
shepo:nomom wecan'
tbescrat
chi
ngour
headsgoingar
oundinci
rcl
eswhi
leweknow
exact
lywhotheenemyis
Ledi
ba:Boimychildyesyoursist
erhasan
unfi
lt
eredt
onguebutidon'tt
hinkshewoulddot
his
toherownfleshandblood
Boitshepo:mal omecomeont lhe.Baisagowasa
veryhonour ablemanwhowasgoi ngt omakesure
Boingotlohadt helif
eshenevert houghtshewoul d
havebutVi ctoriabeingt
hejealousevi lwomanshe
i
sshesawi tfi
ttomakehi m commi tacr i
meandki l
l
Boingotlothent akehersonandgomakehi m her
zombi e
Or
efe:Boi
tshepo
Boi
tshepo:nomamai m bei
ngseri
ousri
ghtnow.
Wecan'tli
vethesemanyyearswit
houtseei
ngour
chi
ld.AreweevensurethatBosai
sali
ve?
Or
efe:buthet
alkst
oLet
lot
loever
ydaymygi
rl
Boi
tshepo:yesbutwhati
fit'
sazombietal
kingto
myson?Thi siswhyihonestl
ydon'
twantLetl
otl
oto
gotothatwoman'shousebuthedoesn'
twantto
l
ist
en
Orefe:noBoikedumalanalemal omewagago
Vict
oriaonl
yhasashar ptonguet sabol
oiot
laabo
adii
tsetsekae?She'
sasuccessf ulwomanwhat
morewoul dshewantfrom makingherownsibli
ngs
fai
l?
Ledi
ba:mypoi
ntexact
ly
Boit
shepo:(
sighed)idon'tknowwhyyouguysdon' t
wanttobeli
evethatVictori
aisawi t
ch.Yessheis
successf
ulwhatifshewant stobet heonl
yone
successf
uli
nt hi
sfami l
ysot hatshewalksal
lover
usli
keshewant s?
Ledi
ba:Temoi
sal
sowor
kingi
nabankmychi
ld
Boit
shepo:howlonghashebeenwor ki
ngmalome
butcan'
tevenbuil
dhimselfahouse?Howl onghas
hebeenwi t
hReabutcan'tmarr
yhernorhavea
chi
ldwithher?Di
ti
rotsagaVict
oria.Shecan'
teven
hir
eLameinherhot
elasamerecl
eanerandyou
sayshehasagoodheart
?Ahnoguysyouneedto
wakeuphonest
ly

Shesai
dtaki
nghermuggoingtoherr
oom whil
e
Ledi
baandOref
esighedl
ooki
ngatoneanother
..
.

Or
efe:shewi
llcomear
ounddon'
twor
ryabouther
Ledi
ba:whati
fBoii
sri
ghtnkgonne?
Oref
e:noLedibamydaughterisnotawi
tchtheGod
iser
vewouldneverall
owthat.Mywombi sbl
essed
andcan'
tbareawitch.No
Ledi
ba:(
swal
lowed)butmysi
steri
..
.
Oref
e:ehehLedi baifyouaregoingt oent
ertain
Boit
shepo'ssil
lytheor
iesthenyoumi ghtaswel l
l
eave.Victori
aisnotawi t
chandt hat'
sit
.Victori
a
can'
tfi
lterherwordsbutbeingawi tch?Nonotmy
daughter
Ledi
ba:okmysi
steri
m sor
ry
Hesi
ghedsippinghi
steawhi
leOr
efesi
ppedher
s
aswel
lopeningherbi
ble.

Backatt
heKwena'
s.
..

Atamelangwenti
ntothehouselookingf
orher
motherbutfr
ownednotseeingher.Shedeci
dedto
gocheckherinherbedr
oom andf oundherwor
king
onherhandbands..
.

At
amel
ang:mom
Bont
si:At
aisever
ythi
ngok?
Atamelang:yesiwant
edt
otal
ktoyouabout
something
Bont
si:ok
Atamelang:l
et'
ssayyourf
riendi
sveryqui
etand
reser
vedwhatkindofapersonwouldyouthi
nkthey
are?
Bont
si:dependsont
hel
evel
ofqui
etness
At
amel
ang:soqui
ett
hatyouknownot
hingabout
t
hem
Bont
si:wel
liwouldfeell
iket
heyarehidi
ng
somethi
ng.I
t'
seithert
heyarenotli
vingwel
lat
homeorareinsecureaboutwhotheyare
Atamel
ang:r
emembert
heguyi
m al
wayst
ell
ingyou
about
?
Bont
si:Bosat
hesmar
tyoungman?
Atamelang:yest
hatone.If
eell
ikehe'
sbei
ng
abusedathishome
Bont
si:whydoyout
hinksomyl
ove?
Atamel
ang:Bosaneversharesanyt
hingabouthis
l
ifeout
sideschoolwi
thus.Theonlypersonhetal
ks
abouti
sOlebil
ewhohappenst obehiscousinand
fr
om whatialwaysgetf
rom howhespeaksofhi m
hecouldbetheonlyonehe'
scloseto
Bont
si:butyousayhehasever
ythi
ngmyl
ove
Atamel
ang:yeshedoesn'tl
ackanythi
ngwheni
t
comestomat er
ialbutemot
ional
lyt
here'
s
somethi
ngfi
shyabouthim.Imeanallt
heki
dsthat
wethoughtt
hei
rparent
sarestr
ictar
eheret
oday
buteneno.Weneedtogotohishouseandseehow
heli
vesmama
Bontsi
:iknowyoucar eaboutyourf
ri
endmylove
butgoi
ngt osomeone'shousewithsuchnewswil
l
comesacr ossasaninsul
ttothem.Doyoueven
knowhispl ace?
At
amelang:nobuticanal
waysgetThor
isot
oget
hi
saddressforme
Bontsi
:nomyl oveilovethatyoucareabouthim
butthi
sisasensiti
vemat tert
ojustt
hrowyour sel
f
i
nsomeone' shouseandt alkabouti
t.Anadvi
cei
wouldgiveyouistoratheranonymouslycal
lthe
pol
iceandalertt
hem aboutwhatyout hi
nkmi ghtbe
goi
ngon
At
amel
ang:youknowhowsl owt
hepoli
cearemom
t
heyar
egoingtotakeyear
sandyear
stolooki
nto
t
hematter
Bont
si:butt
hat
'st
heonl
yopt
ionyouhavemyl
ove
At
amel
ang:(
sighed)okmaiwi
llcont
actt
hem buti
f
theyt
akelongtorespondimtaki
ngmatter
sint
omy
ownhandsiwon' tl
etsomeoneidear
lycar
eabout
dieasil
entdeat
hwhi l
eicoul
dhavedone
somethi
ngabouti t
Bont
si:At
awai
t.
..

Shel
eftwhi
leBont
sisi
ghedsi
tt
ingback.
..

Bont
si:t
hischi
ldbat
hong

AtVi
ctor
ia'
shouse.
..

Real
isi
ngthatDai
sywasfastasl
eepVer
oni
ca
smil
edgoingupst
air
sandknockedonmybedroom
doorasif
rownedsit
ti
ngup..
.

Bosa:
comei
n
Thedoorsl
owl
yopenedasifr
ownedl
ooki
ngati
tas
Ver
onicamadeherwayi
n..
.

Ver
oni
ca:hiihopei
m notdi
stur
bingyou
Bosa:
noi
t'
sfi
nei
sever
ythi
ngok?
Veronica:ineedhel pwithsomethingnowDaisyis
fastasleep(chuckled)myf r
iendlovesal
coholbut
sheknowsi tnevergivesherachance
Bosa:
whatcanidof
oryou?
Ver
onica:(
satonthebed)ineedhel
pwit
hmybra
i
t'
ssot i
ghtnowmyhandi stooshor
ttor
eacht
he
pi
nstoloosenitup
Bosa:
ohok

Shesmiledmovi ngherbr
aidst
oonesideasi
car
eful
lyloosenedherbraasshesi
ghed..
.

Ver
onica:t
hankyousomuchcanipl
easeuseyour
bat
hroom?
Bosa:
yeahsur
enopr
obl
em

Shewentthr
oughwhi
leit
ookmyphoneand
focusedonmygame.
..

Ver
oni
ca:Bosa?
Bosa:
yes?
Ver
oni
ca:canipl
easehaveat
issue
Bosa:
pleasechecki
noneoft
hecupboar
dsi
nther
e
Ver
oni
ca:idi
dther
e'snot
hing
Bosa:
ohokt
heniwi
llhavet
ogogetonef
rom t
he
st
orer
oom
Ver
oni
ca:nopr
obl
em

Igotof
fmybedandwentdownt othestor
eroom
taki
ngonerol
landheadedbacktomyroom.I
openedthedoorandonl
ystuckmyhandin.
..
Bosa:
her
eyougo
Ver
oni
ca:j
ustcomei
n
Bosa:
noican'
t
Veroni
ca:comeonBosather
e'snot
hingyouwoul
d
seethatyoudon'
tknow
Bosa:
noican'
tdot
hat

Ithr
ewtherol
lonthefl
oorandclosedthedoor
whil
eVeroni
carol
ledhereyesinthebathr
oom.She
cameoutandfoundmest i
llonmygameandsaton
mybed..
.

Ver
oni
ca:sodoyouhaveagi
rl
fr
iend?
Bosa:
no
Ver
oni
ca:(
chuckl
ed)why,
youar
eaf
rai
dofgi
rl
s?
Bosa:
noi
m notij
ustchosenott
odat
eanyone
Ver
oni
ca:ohisee.Canihaveyourphone?
Bosa:
why?
Ver
oni
ca:j
ustbr
ingt
lher
raao
Bosa:
ok

If
rownedgivingi
ttoherasshepunchedsomethi
ng
onthekeyboardandgaveitbackt
omesmi l
ing.
..

Ver
oni
ca:haveagoodeveni
ngok
Bosa:
thankyou

Shesmiledl
eavi
ngwhil
eilookedatherandscoffed
goi
ngbacktomygame.I ntheloungeVer
onicatook
herphoneandsavedBosa'
snumbersmi l
ing.
..

Ver
onica:ehehmmaDaisyil
etyousl
eepenough
wakeupweneedtogototheclub
Dai
sy:(openei
nghereyes)hmm?(
Chuckl
ed)iwas
j
ustdeepinthought
s
Theylaughedandheadedt
oherbedr
oom get
ti
ng
readytohitt
hecl
ub.

AtBai
sago'
shouse.
..

Hecli
ckedhist
ongueanddi
aledBoi
tshepowho
answeredi
nhersl
eep.
..

Bai
sago:ar
eyoual
readysl
eepi
ng?
Boi
tshepo:iwasal
readydeepi
n(t
heyl
aughed)
Baisago:sor
rybuti
want
edtot
ellyout
hatical
led
yoursist
erandshewassor
udetome
Boi
tshepo:(
clear
edhersi
nuses)whatdi
dshesay?
Baisago:shetol
dmet hatI
'
m nothi
ngbutal owli
fe
cri
mi nalwhodoesn'
tdeser
vetoseeBosaespeciall
y
thatihaven'
tpai
ddamagesbutther easonwhyi
wantt oseemysonist omakesurethatidori
ght
byhim
Boi
tshepo:iknewi
t,iknewt
hatshewasgoi
ngt
o
uset
hatagai
nstyou
Bai
sago:sowhatshoul
didonow?
Boit
shepo:iwi
llt
alktomymot heranduncleabout
i
ttheywil
ltal
ktoher.Bosaneedstoknowhi sfat
her
.
Shemighthavekepthim awayfrom usbutshe
can'
tkeephim awayfrom you
Baisago:andonethi
ngipickedf
rom t
hephonecal
l
i
sthatVi ct
ori
asoundsl
ikesomeonewho'sver
y
angry
Boit
shepo:t
hatoneisawitchshedoesn'twantt
o
seegoodinotherpeopl
e'
slives.Shewants
ever
ythi
ngtobeseenonher
Bai
sago:butI
'm notgoi
ngt
oal
lowhert
okeepmy
sonawayfrom me
Boit
shepo:yesbutpl
easebecar
efulVi
ctor
iai
sver
y
danger
ous
Bai
sago:wel
lweshal
lseewhoi
smor
edanger
ous
bet
weenherandi
Boi
tshepo:pl
easedon'
tpi
ckaf
ightwi
thheri
fyou
st
il
lvalueyourl
if
e
Baisago:iffi
ghti
ngt obeapar tofmyson'sli
fei
s
whatihavet odotheniwilldojustt
hat.Iwantmy
sonandiwi l
lneverrestunti
lihavehiminmyl i
fe.
Shemi ghtt r
ypoisonhim againstmebecauseofthe
thi
ngsidi dbutimr eadytoprovetomysont hati
wantnot hingbutthebestforhim
Boi
tshepo:(
sighed)goodl
uckbutpl
easebecar
eful
Bai
sago:haveagoodni
ghtsl
eep
Boi
tshepo:bye

TheyhungupasBai
sagosi
ghedchangi
ngt
het
v
channel
.

AtTumo'
shouse.
..

Theyfi
nishedeati
ngasReat
legi
lelai
donhislap
watchi
ngtvwhilehesof
lt
ycaressedherhai
r.
.

Reat
legi
le:youknowi
t'
syourt
urnt
odot
hedi
shes
r
ight
?
Tumo:eemmaiwi
llmakesur
etodot
hem bef
ore
wegotobed
Reat
legi
le:good
Tumo:sobabeihavebeent
hinki
ng
Reat
legi
le:oki
mli
steni
ng
Tumo:iwantourf
ami
li
est
omeet
Reat
legi
le:why?
Tumo:iwantt
omar
ryyou
Reat
legi
le:(
smi
led)ar
eyouf
orr
eal
?
Tumo:yeahl
ovewehavebeent
ogetherf
orsol
ong.
Weshouldhavel
onggot
tenmar
ried
Reatl
egil
e:wellwehadourpr obl
emslovebuti
fyou
aresureaboutthattheniwillcont
actmyuncleand
l
ethim knowt hatyourfamil
ywi l
lbether
eonthe
dateyouwillcommuni cat
ewi thme
Tumo:(
smi
led)il
oveyouok
Reat
legi
le:il
oveyoumor
ehoney
Shegotoffhi
slapandki
ssedhi
m andcont
inued
wit
hthei
rmovie.

BackatBai
sago'
shouse.
..

Hewhi st
ledtothesongplayingfr
om themoviehe
waswat chi
ngbutquickl
yst oppedseeingar
ed
razorl
ightonthetvscr
een.Hel ookedbackwit
ha
frownonhisfaceasabulletbrokethrought
he
glassdoor.
.
.
.
.
.
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
CAGED
 05

Baisagolai
ddownforafewminuteswai
ti
ngforany
othersoundandsl
owlygotof
fthefl
oorl
ooki
ngat
thedoor..
.

Bai
sago:bl
oodyhel
l

Hesaidgoingtotheglassdoorandt herewasno
chancesavingit
.Hesighedshakinghisheadand
wenttohisgaragetosearchforsomet hi
nghecould
usetocoverthebrokenside.Hefoundabi gbox
andtookacelotapeputt
ingtheboxovert hespace.
..

Bai
sago:ifthi
sishowdir
tyshewantstoplayt
hen
shedoesn'tknowwhothefuckshe'
sdeal
ingwith

Hecl
ickedhi
stongueandcl
osedt
hecur
tai
ngoi
ng
t
obed.
THEFOLLOWI
NGMORNI
NG

Att
heKwena'
s.
..

Patl
ounlockedt
hef r
ontdoorandyawnedboil
ing
theteawhil
eBontsicameoutofthei
roni
ngroom in
hergown..
.

Bont
si:goodmor
ning
Patl
o:(
tur
nedst
art
led)ohmywor
didi
dn'
tseeyou
ther
e.Morni
ngl
ove
Bont
si:ij
ustmadef
reshcof
feei
nthemachi
neyou
canhaveit
Pat
lo:t
hankyousomuchyouar
eal
if
esaver
Bontsi
:youarewel
comehoney.Ihavej
usti
roned
yourcl
othessopl
easecometakeashoweraft
er
havi
ngcoffee
Pat
lo:why?
Bontsi
:it
'sSundayandwear
egoi
ngt
ochur
ch
honey
Patl
o:it
houghticoul
dski
ptodaymyl
ovei
m so
ti
red
Bontsi
:Atasl
eptataround3am andshe'
supsoi
bel
ieveyouwil
lbejustfi
neaswellmylove
Pat
lo:babet
lhemmakeagokopa
Bontsi
:wouldyoulikeyoureggsscr umbledor
sunnysideup?Ohi sawthisnewr ecipefor
omlett
esim def
ini
telytryi
ngi t
.Ij
ustwantt ogi
ve
Ataherdressandcomest artwit
hbr eakf
ast
Pat
lo:babear
eyoul
ist
eni
ngt
ome?
Bontsi
:andfortheholi
dayt
ripwehavedeci
dedt
o
gotoKasaneiwi l
ltel
lyout
heesti
matedcost
sof
ever
ythi
ng.Iloveyou

Sheblewhim aki
ssandheadedupwhilePatl
o
fr
ownedlooki
ngather.Hescoff
edandtookouthis
coff
eemugbutstoppedthi
nkingabi
tthenscoff
ed
agai
npour
ingcof
feef
orhi
msel
f.

AtVi
ctor
ia'
shouse.
..

Icameoutofmybathr
oom sof
tl
ysi
ngi
ngagospel
songwi
thatowelonasaknockcamethr
oughat
mydoor.
..

Bosa:
iwi
llbedonei
naf
ewmi
nut
es
Vi
ctor
ia:i
t'
smemysoncanipl
easecomei
n?

Ifr
ownedsur
pri
sedofherknocki
ngandbei
ngt
hat
poli
te.
..

Bosa:
comei
n

Shecamei
nwithashoppi
ngbagonherhandsand
ahugesmi
leonherf
ace..
.
Vi
ctor
ia:howi
smyhandsomenephewdoi
ng?
Bosa:
im ok
Vi
ctor
ia:it
houghtwecoul
dchatbef
oreyouand
Ol
ebil
eleaveforchur
ch
Bosa:
ok
Victori
a:im sosorryforwhatididonFr idaymyson
alliwantyout oknowi sthaticaresodeepl yabout
youandiwantt oprotectyoufrom thedeadlywor l
d
outther e.Iwoul
dneverhur tyoudeliberat
elymy
sonil oveyousomuch.WhathappenedonFr iday
wasj ustmyi nsecuri
ti
estakingthebet t
erofme.Im
reall
yr eall
ysorr
y
Bosa:
(swal
lowed)i
tsokaunt
y
Vi
ctor
ia:caniseeyourback?

Il
ookedatherforasecondandtur
nedshowingher
myback.Behindmybackshesmi l
edsoft
ly
pressingt
hebrui
sesbutsi
ghedasitur
nedbackat
her..
.
Vi
ctor
ia:ar
eyousur
eyoudon'
tneedadoct
or?
Bosa:
noi
mfi
neaunt
y
Vict
ori
a:ok.Toshowyouhowsor
ryiam ibought
yousomenewcl othes,
her
e
Bosa:
real
ly?

Shenoddedwithasmil
edonherfaceasitookt
he
shoppingbagt
aki
ngoutapologol
ft-shi
rt
,bl
ack
ski
nnypantsandwhi
tesneaker
sihavealways
wanted..
.

Bosa:ohmywor dauntyhowdi
dyouknowial
ways
wantedthesesneaker
s?
Vi
ctori
a:i
m notthatol
dmyboyi
m cl
uedont
he
l
atestf
ashiont
rends
Bosa:
caniweart
heset
ochur
cht
oday?
Vict
ori
a:ofcour
sesonandi
wil
lgoi
ront
hem f
or
you.Ohandagain.
..
Shesai
dgoi
ngtothedoorandcamebacki
nwi
tha
PS5boxasist
oodupwithmyhandsonmymouth.
..

Vi
ctor
ia:t
hisi
sforyou
Bosa:
areyouf
orr
eal
?
Vict
oria:yesBosaandihaveboughtatvforyour
room aswel lt
heywil
lbedeli
ver
ingi
tlat
er.You
won'thavetof i
ghtf
ortvwit
hDaisyagai
n
Bosa:
ohmywor
daunt
ythankyousomuch
Vi
ctor
ia:anyt
hingf
oryoumyboy

Ihuggedherwhil
eshesl
owlyhuggedmeback
rol
li
nghereyesandsmil
edasilethergo.
..

Vict
or:nowletmegoi r
onyourcl
othessothat
Olebil
edoesn'
tshoutatyouf
orbeinglat
e.
Remembert hatil
oveyousomuchandiwoul ddo
anythi
ngforyouok
Bosa:
alwaysaunt
y
Vict
or:youmeanal ottome.Youar etheclosest
thi
ngtomysi st
erandiwil
lalwaysmakesur eyou
arewelltakencareofasipromisedher.Il
oveyou

Shetookmyclotheswhileismil
edlookingatmy
newPS5.Icouldn'
tbeli
eveiownedawhol ePS5
andwasgoingtohavemyownt vinmybedr oom.I
chuckl
edbi
ti
ngmyf i
sttaki
ngitoutoftheboxandi
t
i
ndeedwasaPS5. ..

Bosa:can'
twai
ttoshowOl
ebi
leandLTf
lameswi
th
thi
sone

Itookmyphoneandsnappedaf ewpictures
sendingthem toThori
soandputitbackinthebox.
Myphoner ecei
vedamessageasiqui ckl
yopenedit
.
Myhear tdroppedtomystomachasaGI Fofa
womanpl ayingwithherpr
ivat
epartsplayed.I
checkedthenumberandi twasnotsavedasi
r
esponded.
..

Bosa:
sor
ryyoumi
ghthavemadeami
stake
Veronica:nol
ovei
t'
snotamistake.Thatf
resh
cookiecouldbeal
lyour
sever
yday
Bosa:
excusemewho'
sthi
s?
Ver
oni
ca: yourboo
Bosa:idon'tknowwhatyou' retalki
ngaboutand
honestl
yidon'tappreciateyousendingmesuch
thi
ngsandidon' tgetwher eyougotmynumber .
Whoevergaveyoumynumberpl easetel
lthem i
sai
dI'm notintothesekindofthings
Ver
oni
ca: comeonbabywhyar
eyoubei
ngso
t
ense?
Bosa:i
m get
tingr
eadyforchur
chsopl
easei
fyou
don'
tmindstayawayfr
om me
Ver
oni
ca:butican'
tbabyiwantyousobad
Bosa:
mxm
Icli
ckedmytongueandt hr
ewmyphonebackon
thebed.Themessageskeptcomi nginasij
ust
i
gnoredthem andeventual
lymutedthenumberas
myauntcamebackwi t
hmycl ot
hes.

AtBai
sago'
shouse.
..

Heputsomecer eali
nabowlandpour edmilkgoi
ng
out
sidewit
hhisphone.Hedial
edBoitshepowho
movedherblanketssear
chi
ngforherringi
ngphone
andfoundi
t..
.

Boi
tshepo:hi
Bai
sago:ar
eyour
unni
ng?
Boi
tshepo:yes,
lat
eforchur
ch(
theyl
aughed)
Bai
sago:youar
esosi
ll
y
Boi
tshepo:pl
easehol
don.Let
lot
loim goneyou
madesuremamapackedherwat erakere?
Let
lot
lo:yes
Boi
tshepo:putr
iceandchickenont
hestovearound
11iwillf
ini
shoffwhenicomebackfrom chur
ch.
Bye
Let
lot
lo:sur
e
Boi
tshepo:hi
Baisago:icoul
duseahomecookedmealt
oo
pri
sonf oodwasawful
Boi
tshepo:i
fyouwer enoti
nGabor
oneiwoul
dsay
comeoverforlunch
Bai
sago:Gabor
oneandMochudiketwoshoesyou
wil
lfi
ndmewhenyoucomef r
om church
Boi
tshepo:okt
hennopr
obl
em.What
'sup?
Bai
sago:iwasat
tackedl
astni
ght
Boi
tshepo:ar
eyouser
ious?Di
dtheyhur
tyou?
Bai
sago:nobutal
mostki
ll
edme
Boi
tshepo:whatr
eal
lyhappened?
Bai
sago:iwasj ustchi
ll
ingwatchi
ngt
vandtheni
sawar azorl
ight.Il
ookedbackanddodgedasa
bul
letbroket
hroughmygl assdoor
Boi
tshepo:ar
eyoubei
ngser
iousr
ightnow?
Bai
sago:isweart
oyou
Boi
tshepo:i
t'
swithoutadoubtt
hati
thasVi
ctor
ia
wri
tt
enalloveri
t
Baisago:idon'
tdoubtthatt
oo.Iguessshe'
smor
e
dangerousthanithought
Boi
tshepo:t
hiswomani
spur
eevi
l
.Sowhat
'syour
pl
annow?
Baisago:iwasthi
nkingthatyoucouldsendme
Bosa'snumberbutpr obl
em nowisthatidon'
twant
totalkt
ohim overthephoneandagai nhewouldn'
t
takemeser i
ously
Boi
tshepo:t
ruebutyouknowwhaticando
Bai
sago:i
mli
steni
ng
Boit
shepo:Vi
ctor
iahasasonwhoisast
udentin
UBithinkyoucantal
ktohi
mrather
.He'
snot
hing
l
ikehismother
Baisago:ohokt
henyouwillsendmehisnumberso
thatitr
ymeetupwit
hhim beforecomi
ngther
e
Boi
tshepo:he'
sprobabl
yatchurchnowyoucan
onl
ymeetupwi thhimintheeveni
ng
Bai
sago:st
il
lfi
ne.Yoursi
sterdoesn'
tknowt
he
per
sonshe'
sdealingwit
h
Boi
tshepo:besaf
eletmegeti
ntoat
axi
Bai
sago:t
hankspr
ayf
ormepl
ease
Boi
tshepo:(
goti
nat
axi
)iwi
ll

TheyhungupasBoi
tsheposhookherheadand
cl
appedoncewhi
leBaisagoat
ehiscer
eal.

AtChur
ch.
..

Ol
ebi
leparkedhi
scarunderhi
susualshadet
aki
ng
hi
sbi
ble.
..

Ol
ebi
le:doyouhavemoneyf
orof
fer
ing?
Bosa:
ohf
li
pif
orgoti
tonmydesk
Olebi
le:yout
houghoneodi
il
wekePS5whi
chi
s
boughttobli
ndyou
Bosa:
aocomeonsheapol
ogi
sed
Ol
ebi
le:doesn'
tsheal
ways
Bosa:
wel
lthi
sti
meibel
ievet
hatshemeanti
t
Ol
ebi
le:(
gavemeP20)l
et'
sgoi
nsi
desi
r

Wegotof fthecarasAtamel
ang'spar
entspar
ked
thei
rcar.Itr
iedt
owal kf
astf
orhertonotseeme
butitwastoolateasshegotofft
hecarandcall
ed
me.Iclearedmyt hr
oatandt
urnedtohersmil
ing.
..

Bosa:
hi
At
amel
ang:howar
eyoudoi
ng?
Bosa:
im goodandyour
sel
f?
At
amel
ang:i
m good
Bosa:ithoughtyouwoul
dbet
ir
edandnotmakei
t
tochurchtoday
At
amel
ang:icanneverbet
ir
edf
orGod
Bosa:
that
'sgood.Let
'sgoi
n
Atamelang:bef
orewegoi
niwoul
dli
ket
oaskyou
something
Bosa:
ok?
At
amel
ang:i
sever
ythi
ngokbackhome?
Bosa:
yeswhydoyouask?
Atamelang:t
hingisidi
dn'
tbuythest
oryofyou
beingbusyyester
daysoiwantyoutobehonest
withmeBosa
Bosa:iwasbusyidon'
tunder
standwhatyouar
eon
about
Atamel
ang:i
m goi
ngt
obehonestwit
hyou.If
eel
l
ikeyouar
ehidi
ngsomet
hingf
rom us
Bosa:
whatexact
ly?
At
amel
ang:i
syourauntt
reat
ingyouwel
l
?
Bosa:asyoucanseeim wearingnewclothessoi
m
fi
neandihonest
lydon'tli
kethist
hingofyouguys
i
nsinuat
ingt
hatim notbeingtr
eatedwel
lathome.
Myaunthasbeennothi
ngbutgoodtome.Shetook
mei
nwhenever yonewant
ednothi
ngtodowithme
At
amel
ang:i
sthatwhatshesai
d?
Bosa:nobuti m oldenoughtoseethepeopl ewho
careaboutmeandwhodon' t
.Myot herauntnor
unclehaveneverdoneanyt hi
ngformesi nceiwas
bornbutauntVi ctor
iahasbeendoingever ythi
ng
shecant omakesur et
hatili
veacomf or
tableli
fe
andnotf eelt
hepai nofl
osingmymot her(thebell
rang)nowi fyoudon'tmindiwouldliketogetinto
thechurchhalltimeisup

Iheadedinsi
dewhi
leAtamel
angswal
lowedl
ooking
atme.Sheshookherheadandmadeherwayinside
aswell.

AtVi
ctor
ia'
shouse.
..

Dai
sydraggedherf
eetdownt
hest
air
sasVi
ctor
ia
l
aughedlooki
ngather
..
.
Vi
ctor
ia:mypoorbabyhaveyouseenyour
sel
f?
Dai
sy:youseemehol
dingabot
tl
eofal
coholki
llme
Vict
ori
a:(
laughed)owaiim gi
vingyouafewhours
andVeronicawil
lberever
singoutofher
ewithyou
i
nhercar
Dai
sy:(
chuckled)whatdi
dyoumakef
orbr
eakf
ast
mybeauti
fulmom?
Vi
ctor
ia:f
ri
esandr
ussi
ans
Daisy:ohyouarealif
esavert
hat'
swhyiloveyou
somuch.Canipl easehavemineandputsome
nandossaucethehotone

Shesaidt
hrowi
nghersel
fonthecouchwhile
Vict
ori
awarmedherfoodupforherandgaveitt
o
herwit
hsomeorangesquash.
..

Dai
sy:t
hankyoumommy
Vi
ctor
ia:anyt
hingf
oryoumyangel
Dai
sy:sohowwasyourni
ghtout
?
Vi
ctor
ia:i
twasamazi
ngbutir
ecei
vedacal
lfr
om
Bosa'
sfather
.
Dai
sy:i
sn'
tthatl
owl
if
einj
ail
?
Vi
ctor
ia:iguesshewasr
eleased
Dai
sy:whatdoeshewant
?
Vi
ctor
ia:het
oldmehewant
stoseeBosaimean
whatt
hehell
Dai
sy:thener
ve.Af
terstr
uggli
ngsomuchwi
thhi
s
chi
ldandhetunesyouthatshi
t
Vi
ctor
ia:(
scof
fed)imagine,
butihavet
akencar
eof
hi
m.Noonewi llevert
akeBosaawayfrom me
Dai
sy:ihopef
orgoodt
hist
ime?
Vi
ctor
ia:yesiaskedStonetodoagoodjobwi
th
hi
m andmakesur ethatit
'sacl
eanone
Dai
sy:wonder
fulandBosa?Ithi
nkit
'st
imeyou
sof
tenhi
m upabi tandmani
pulat
ehim mor
e
Vi
ctor
ia:iboughthi
m newcl
othesandaPS5
Dai
sy:awhol
ePSma?
Vi
ctor
ia:yesandal
soat
v
Dai
sy:whil
emycari
smi
sbehavi
ngaiaiyouar
e
bei
ngunfai
rnow
Vict
oria:it
oldyoutonotworr
yaboutthecarmy
baby.Ijustwantedtomakesurethathedoesn'
tget
confusedandiwantyout obenicetohim aswel
l
Dai
sy:bathongmamayouknowhowif
eelabout
t
hisburdenofyour
s
Vi
ctor
ia:(
laughed)pl
easemybabyibegyou
Dai
sy:gonemmewhyar ewesti
llkeepi
nghim her
e?
He'
sagr ownasshecangobacktothebundus
Vict
ori
a:noBosai
sgoi ngnowher emygir
land
that
'sf
inal
.Whyim sti
llkeepi
nghimisonlyknown
untomesowenaal lyouhavet odoisdoasisay
Dai
sy:aimanl
ewenamamayoucanaskf
ort
he
i
mpossibl
eatt
imesyouknow
Vi
ctori
a:stopcomplai
ningandl
ookforacaryou
want.I
'm givi
ngyouanhourtof
ini
shthenweleave
Dai
sy:(
widenedhereyes)wai
twhat
?
Vi
ctor
ia:youhear
dmeDai
sy

Shelaughedgoinguptoherroom whi
leDaisy
scr
eamedi nexcit
ementcal
li
ngherfri
end.

THATAFTERNOON

I
nMochudi
..
.

Oref
e'sfri
endunlockedt
hecarforherandher
daughterandwentbackint
othechurchhallwhi
l
e
Boit
shepohelpedhermotheri
ntothecar.
..

Boi
tshepo:oshar
p?
Or
efe:yeswhy?
Boi
tshepo:mamayouar
ewei
rdl
yqui
ett
hesedays
man
Or
efe:i
fonl
yicoul
dseeBosaiwi
llbef
ine
Boit
shepo:yetyoudon'
twantt
obel
ievet
hatyour
daughteri
sawi t
ch
Oref
e:wearej
ustfrom chur
chBoi
tshepohowcan
yousaysucht
hings?
Boi
tshepo:doyouknowthatBaisagogotat
tacked
l
astnightaf
tert
ryi
ngtogetVi
ctoriat
oorganisea
meeti
ngbetweenhim andBosa?
Or
efe:so?
Boi
tshepo:Vi
ctor
iai
stheonebehi
ndt
heat
tack
Oref
e:ohJehovahkegoreeverythi
ngbad
happeni
nginthisfami
lymydaughterwil
lbet
o
bl
ame?NoBoi tshepoyoupeopleneedt
ostopnow
Boi
tshepo:shecal
ledhi
m al
owl
if
ecr
imi
nal
Or
efe:huh?
Boitshepo:yesmat hesamedaught
eryouare
defendingsomuchcal ledt
hefat
herofhernephew
alowl i
fecriminal
Or
efe:Boi
tshepoar
eyousur
eaboutt
hat
?
Boit
shepo:wear
egoingtofi
ndBai
sagoatt
he
houseyouwil
lhearf
rom hi
m mommy

Shesai
dgoingthr
oughherphonewhil
eOr
efe
fr
ownedlooki
ngatherandscof
fed.

AtTemo'
shouse.
..

Hesighedr
eachi
ngf
orhi
sphoneanddi
aledhi
s
uncl
e..
.

Ledi
ba:aoMrDi
ntsi
Temo:hel
loMal
omehowar
eyoudoi
ng?
Ledi
ba:i
m goodandyoumyson?
Temo:i
m goodmal
omedint
sej
angdi
kgomo?
Lediba:t
hecowsar
edoi
ngwel
lmyboy.Howi
sRea
doing?
Temo:shei
swonder
ful
.She'
satchur
chnow
Ledi
ba:ohok
Temo:mal
omeiwantt
omar
ryher
Ledi
ba:(
smi
led)ahnowyouar
etal
kingmyboy
Temo:yesunclei
tsbeenalongt
imecoming.I
wouldhavelongmarr
iedt
hiswomanbutour
fi
naci
alprobl
emskeptpul
li
ngmebackbutim mor
e
thanreadynow
Ledi
ba:youar
enotgoi
ngt
otakeal
oanr
ight
?
Temo:(smil
ed)nomalomei wil
lbeusi
ngthemoney
ihavebeensavi
ngibeli
eveshehasbeensaving
somethi
ngaswellsoshewillhel
pmewi t
hother
costs
Lediba:spokenl
ikear
eal
Dint
simanmyboyI
'
m
proudofyou
Temo:t
hankyouMal
ome
Ledi
ba:iwil
ldef
ini
tel
ytel
lyourmot
hert
heyi
nvi
ted
usoverforl
unchwithmywi f
e
Temo:ohni
ce.Wear ecomingoverf
orChri
stmas
andwearepl
anningtotakehert
ocomel i
vewi t
hus
i
nGaboronesothatBoit
shepocanstar
timprovi
ng
herl
if
e
Ledi
ba:youareawonderf
ulsonmyboybutyou
knowyourmom needssomeonetohel
pherdur
ing
thedayri
ghtandyouguysarebot
hworki
ng
Temo:wear
egoi
ngt
ohi
readaycar
egi
verf
orher
Lediba:ohthat'
swonderf
ulibel
ieveshewil
lbe
mor ethanhappytocomewi t
hyouguysandyou
arerighti
t'
stimeBoi
tshepodidsomethingf
or
herselft
oo
Temo:yeah.Soijustwantedt oletyouknowt hat
youcangathereveryoneandl etthem knowt hati
m
bri
ngi
ngadaught erinlawint othef amilythengo
meetherfamil
yonceever ythingi ssorted.Itr
ust
youtomakesur ethateverythingr unssmoot h
Ledi
ba:foryoumyboyidef
ini
tel
ywi
llmakesur
e
ever
ythi
ngyouwantgoes
Temo:t
hankyouoncemor
e.Haveagooddaysay
hit
othefami
lyneh
Ledi
ba:iwi
llmyboypassmygr
eet
ingt
omy
beaut
if
uldaught
eri
nlawaswel
l
Temo:wi
lldomal
ome.Bye
Ledi
ba:bye

TheyhungupasLedi
basmil
edgoi
ngint
othe
houseandtol
dhi
swifet
hegoodnews.

Att
heKwena'
s.
..

At
amelangletherpar
entswal
kaheadofherasshe
t
ookherphoneanddialedt
hepol
icenumber.
..

Lady:goodday
Atamelang:gooddayma'
am mayispeakt
othe
detect
ive?
Lady:okpl
easehol
don(
shet
ransf
eredt
hecal
l)
Di
ra:det
ect
iveDi
rahowmayibeofhel
p?
At
amelang:(
swall
owed)goodaf
ter
noondet
ect
ivei
woul
dli
ketorepor
tacri
me
Di
ra:okwhoi
m it
alki
ngt
o?
Atamelang:iwoul
dli
ket
oremai
nanonymous
detect
ive
Di
ra:okma'
am whi
chcr
imear
eyour
epor
ti
ng?
At
amel
ang:abuse
Di
ra:i
mli
steni
ng
At
amel
ang:myf
ri
end'
saunti
sabusi
nghi
m
Di
ra:whati
syourf
ri
end'
sname?
At
amel
ang:BosaDi
ntsi
Di
ra:okwhatexact
lydoest
heauntdo?
At
amelang:shedeni
eshi
mt ogomingl
eoutwi
th
hi
speersandithi
nkshe'
sbeat
shim
Dir
a:haveyouseenanyt
hingt
hatshowst
hathe
get
sbeaten?
Atamelang:isawbl
oodont
hebackofhi
sshi
rtaf
ter
churchtoday
Di
ra:okdi
dyout
ryspeaki
ngt
oyourf
ri
end?
Bont
si:At
amel
angwear
ewai
ti
ngonyout
lhemma
Atamel ang:im comi
ngmom, yesdetect
iveit
ri
ed
tal
kingt ohim buthedoesn'
twanttoopenuphe's
weirdlyquietandreser
ved.Theyst
ayatPhakalane
andt heirhousenumberis10082.Bye

Shehungupandswal l
owedgoingtothehouse
whil
ethedetect
ivef
rownedl
ookingatthephone
andsighedputt
ingi
tdownandwr ot
ethe
i
nformati
on.
.
.
.
.
.
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
CAGED
06
I
nMochudi
..
.

Baisagolaughedwi
thLet
lot
loast
heygotbusyi
n
thekit
chen..
.

Baisago:j
ustmakesur
ethechi
ckendoesn'
tgodr
y
nobodywant st
oeatdr
ymeat
Let
lot
lo:iwoul
dswearyout
ookcooki
ngl
essonsi
n
pri
son
Baisago:iactuall
ydid.Ihavealwayshadapassi
on
forfoodbutcoul dn'
tfocusonitasmybusiness
neededmyf ullat
tent
ion
Letl
otl
o:isee.Sowhat'
syourplansi
nceyouar
e
back.Imeanyoulostever
ythi
ng
Baisago:andit'
shonest
lynotanicething.Al
liwant
ri
ghtnowi sfocusonbuil
dingarelat
ionshipwit
h
mysoni mj ustgladmyhouseisstil
linshape
Let
lot
lo:sowhenar
eyougoi
ngt
oseehi
m?
Bai
sago:ihopesoon
Let
lotl
o:(
wipedhi
shandstaki
ngouthi
sphone)
scr
olltot
helef
tit
'shi
sphotos

Bai
sagowi pedhi
shandstootakingthephoneand
smi
ledlookingahisson'
sphotos..
.

Let
lot
lo:hel
ooksj
ustl
ikeyou
Bai
sago:(
smi
led)i
ndeedhedoesandhel
ooksl
ike
anerd
Letl
otl
o:heisbuthasareser
vedcoolsidetohi m.
Weneverendedourconversati
onswithouttalki
ng
aboutbookswhenwewer esti
llst
udentsithinkhe'
s
thereasonifel
linl
ovewit
heducati
on
Bai
sago:assmartashi
smot
her
.Yourauntwasa
ver
yint
ell
igentwoman
Letl
otl
o:yeahiknowmom showedmeal lher
awardsandevenherpastpapers.Iusedthem t
o
revi
seformyexamsandt heycamei nhandy
Bai
sago:t
hat'
sgoodibetshe'
ssmil
ingwher
ever
shei
sthatyouguysar
efoll
owingi
nherfoot
steps
Let
lot
lo:(
smi
led)i
m goi
ngt
oGabor
onet
omor
row
Bai
sago:f
or?
Let
lot
lo:vi
sit
ingBosaandmyaunt
Bai
sago:ohni
ce
Let
lot
lo:don'
tyouwantt
ocomewi
th?
Baisago:nonoidon'twanttoscarehi
m off
.Iwant
tomeethi m wi
tht
heeldersaroundsothatt
hey
explai
ntohim whathappened
Let
lot
lo:ohiseedon'
tyouwanthi
snumber
?
Baisago:ibadlywantitbutidon'twantt
otal
kto
himt hr
ought hephoneijustfeelli
kehewoul
dn'
tbe
convicedthatimeanwel l
Let
lot
lo:ohokisee
Boi
tshepo:meni
nourki
tchent
hat
'saf
ir
st
Baisago:i
m sosor
rybutimissedcooki
ngsoi
thoughticoul
dusetheyoungmanasmykey( t
hey
l
aughed)
Boi
tshepo:i
t'
sokl
etmegoandchange
Or
efe:basi
mane
Bot
h:hima

Shewenti ntoherr oom t

ochangeaswellas
Boitshepoast heycameoutwhi l
eLedi
baandhi s
wifearri
ved.Letlot
loandBaisagosett
hetableas
everyonesatar ounditwhil
etwoofBoit
shepo's
youngestchildrensatonthemat..
.

Or
efe:t
hankyousomuchf
ormaki
ngt
heboycook
Baisago:owaial
lhedi
dwasf ol
lowmyinst r
ucti
ons
ei
therthanthathe'
sabadcook( t
heyal
llaughed)
Let
lot
lo:wowuncl
eBaiyouowemef
ort
hatone
Bai
sago:wel
lit
'st
het
rut
h
Or
efe:ihearyouwer
eat
tackedl
astni
ghtmyson?
Baisago:eemmabuti m nothur
tjustmydoorand
t.
vbr okennot
hingican'
tfi
x
Or
efe:whodoyoususpect
?
Baisago:ithappenedaf
terspeakingt
oBosa'saunt
aboutheror gani
zingameeti
ngf orhi
m andiwhich
shedidn'ttakesowell
Or
efe:waut
lwaLedi
badi
lot
saset
logol
osagago?
Letl
otl
o:areyouguyssur
eaboutwhatyouare
tal
kingabout?Imeanwhati
fit
'syourenemyf
rom
waybackuncl eBai
?
Bai
sago:idon'
tgoar
oundmaki
ngenemi
esmyboy
Let
lot
lo:t
henhowcanawomanat
tackyou?
Bai
sago:sheper
sonal
lydi
dn'
tbutpossi
blysent
someone
Let
lotl
o:noguysiknowyouwantacul
pri
tforallt
he
badthingshappeni
ngar
oundusbutpl
easeleave
auntyVict
oalone
Boi
tshepo:her
efusedf
orBosa'
sfat
hert
omeetwi
th
hi
m
Let
lot
lo:ofcour
seshehadto.Woul
dyoul
etachi
ld
youcareaboutmeetamurderer
?
Lame:Let
lot
lo?
Letlotlo:what?It'
sthet ruthLameir espectuncle
Baiokbuthecan' texpectt hi
ngstogohi swayj ust
becausehe' snowaf reeman.Hecol dbloodedly
kil
ledahumanbei ngLamesoi twon'tbethateasy
forot herpeopletol ethim backintothei
rlives.So
youcan' texpectauntyVi ctotojustl
ethim closer
l
iket hat
Bai
sago:(
clear
edhi
sthr
oat
)well
iunder
stand
wheret
heyoungmaniscomingf
rom
Let
lotl
o:t
hankyou(
Boi
tsheposhookherhead
eat
ing)
Ledi
ba:anywayonmoregoodnewsTemocalled
meaf ewhoursbackandtol
dmethathewantsus
togotoReatl
egi
le'
sfami
lyandaskf
orherhandin
marri
age
Lame:(
smi
led)what
!?

Boi
tshepoul
ulat
edwhi
leOr
efesmi
ledl
ooki
ngup.
..

Or
efe:ohmysonbat
hongwet
hankt
heLor
d
Ledi
ba:yeahheaskedmet
oletyouguysknowt
hat
Or
efe:t
hisi
samazi
ngnewsi
ndeed
Ledi
ba:ohandtheyar
eal
socomi
ngoverf
or
Chri
stmashol
idays
Orefe:howimissedmysoni m goi
ngtospoilhi
m
rot
tenBothomyl oveyoushoul
dgetmeal lt
he
setswanafoodyouhaveiwantt of
eedmysonand
myf utur
edaughteri
nlaw
Bot
ho:(
smi
led)ohyesiwi
ll

Theyalll
aughedwhil
eBaisagoqui
etl
ylookedat
Let
lot
loandsighedsmil
ing.

AtVi
ctor
ia'
shouse.
..

Itookoffmyt -shi
rtandf r
ownedtothebloodstai
n
onit.Iwentintothebat hr
oom andtur
nedmyback
tothemirrorandr eal
isedthatoneofthebrui
ses
fr
om thewhi ppingwasbl eedi
ngalit
tl
e.Itookmy
facetowelandsoakedi
tinwat
ergent
lywi
pingt
he
bloodfrom t
hebrui
se.
..

Bosa:
ijusthopenoonesawt
his

Isai
dthrowingtheshi
rtinthel
aundr
ybasketand
wenttositonmybedasmyphoner ecei
ved
messages.Theunsavednumberstil
lsenta
mountai
noft ext
sasisighedopeni
ngthem...

Bosa:
youdon'
tgi
veupdoyou
Ver
oni
ca:ohchur
chi
sout
Bosa:yesbutthatdoesn'
tmeaniwanttot
alkyou.
Fir
stofallidon'
tknowwhoyouareandyouhave
thenervetosendmesuchdirtyt
hings
Veroni
ca: comeondi
rt
yisni
ceandagai
nyou
knowme
Bosa:
maybeyouknowmebutidon'tsopl
ease
wit
hallduer
espectl
eavemeal
one
Ver
oni
ca:butiwantyousobad
Bosa:
wantmef
orwhat
?
Ver
oni
ca:
Bosa:
idon'
tunder
stand
Ver
oni
ca:iwantt
ohavesexwi
thyou
Bosa:wowyour eal
l
yar esomet
hingel
seyouknow.
Crazi
erthanit
hought.Whatmakesyouthi
nkican
agreetohavesexwithyou?
Ver
oni
ca:becauseihaveseent
hewayyoul
ookat
mesometi
mes
Bosa:
kant
ewhoar
eyou?
Veroni
ca:t
hat
'sforyout
ofindoutmylove.Iwil
l
gi
veyouwhateveryouneedifyouagr
eetosleep
wit
hme
Bosa:
ihaveever
ythi
ngineedsonot
hankyou
Veroni
ca:comeonBosai m evenhornyr
ightnow
andim cert
ainyourdickwouldsati
sfymesowel l
.
Shouldicomepi ckyouup?
Bosa:
kindl
ygot
ohel
l
Icl
ickedmytongueblocki
ngt
henumberon
whatsappanddelet
edthemessagesasichanged
i
ntolight
ercl
othes.
..

Vi
ctor
ia:l
unchi
sreadyboys

Att
heKwena'
s.
..

Pat
lobur
pedaft
erdowni
nghi
sdr
inkasAt
amel
ang
l
augheddi
sgust
ed.
..

At
amel
ang:dadwear
est
il
leat
ingf
orcr
yingout
l
oud
Pat
lo:wel
lgetusedt
oitmygi
rl
Atamel
ang:ahnodadcomeon.Anywaydi
dyou
guysheart
oday'
sser
mon?
Bont
si:i
twasaver
ypower
fuloneabout
fai
thf
ulnessinrel
ati
onshi
psandmar
ri
agesandi
hopeyoul ear
ntalotmygirl
Pat
lo:what
'st
hatsupposedt
omean?
Bont
si:babeAt
aisol
denought
obedat
ing
Pat
lo:ohhel
lnoim notl
ett
ingnoboycomecloset
o
mydaughterori
ftheydothei
rpar
entsshoul
dbe
ear
ningdoubl
ethaniam
Atamelang:ahpapawhyar
eyoubeingl
iket
hat
.
There'
sthisot
herguyt
hati
m eyei
ng
Pat
lo:At
amel
ang
Atamel
ang:l
ikef
orr
ealf
orr
ealdadhe'
ssohotand
sweet
Pat
lo:At
amel
angst
opi
t
Bont
si:babehowol
dwer
eyouwhenyouhi
tonme
andhowol dwasi
?
Patlo:nother
e'sdi
ffer
enceki
dsoft
odaydon'
t
respectthewordlove
Bont
si:wel
lsomeadult
saswel
lbabeihear
Mmamf undi
sisayt
hatsomewomengot oherand
cryaboutt
hei
rhusbandscheat
ingont
hem andi
m
l
ikethankGodforbl
essi
ngmewi thal
ovi
ngand
fai
thf
ulman

Shesaidt
ouchi
nghishandsmili
ngathi
m whi
lehe
swal
lowedandfakesmil
edback..
.

Pat
lo:yeah.SoAt
awhoi
sthi
sboy?
Atamelang:youwanttogoandat t
ackthepoorboy
hellno.Iwi
llt
ellyouwhoheiswhent heti
meis
ri
ght.Ohdadiwant edtoaskafavourfr
om you
Pat
lo:i
mli
steni
ng
Atamelang:youbel
ievei
ngr
owi
ngyoungmi
nds
ri
ght?
Pat
lo:yes
Atamel
ang:canyoualsoaf
for
dmyt wofri
endst
he
oppor
tunit
yofkeepi
ngbusyatthecompanywhi
le
wewaitforourr
esul
ts?
Pat
lo:whoar
ethosef
ri
end?
Atamelang:Thor
isoandBosaDi
ntsi(
Pat
locoughed
choki
ng)areyouok?
Patl
o:yeahyeahiam.Thi
sDi
ntsiboywher
eishe
fr
om?
At
amelang:Mochudibuthel
ivesi
nPhakal
anewi
th
hi
sauntandtwocousins
Pat
lo:(
swall
owed)ohokiseeiwi
llt
hinkabouti
t
andgetbacktoyouabouti
t
Atamel
ang:ahcomeondadiknowyoucoul
duse
extr
ahandsatt
heoff
ice
Patl
o:Atamel
angisai
diwi
ll
thi
nkabouti
twhyar
e
youbeingsopushy
Atamelang:idon'
twantthem t
ostartroaming
aroundt hest
reet
s.Al
otofourmat eswi l
lbe
workingatshopsandallsotheycouldusetheli
tt
le
theywillbeearni
ng
Pat
lo:At
amelangican'
tjustupandhi
repeopl
e
wit
houtl
ooki
ngatthebudget
Atamelang:t
heyar
enotj
ustpeopl
edadt
heyar
emy
fr
iendspapa
Pat
lo:ohLor
dhavemer cyisthi
schi
ldnothear
ing
me.Isai
diwillt
hinkaboutgosh

Hesai
dpushinghischai
rbackandwal
kedoutas
At
amelangf
ollowedhim.
..

Atamel
ang:youknowi
m notgoi
ngt
ost
opunt
ilyou
sayyestome
Pat
lo:At
amel
anggetof
fmyback
At
amel
ang:wi
llyougi
vet
hem achance?
Pat
lo:iwi
llt
alkt
otheHR
Atamelang:di
dyout alkt
ot heHRbeforetel
li
ngme
thatishoul
dcomewor kthereoryoujustt
ookan
i
nstantdecisi
on(hekeptwal ki
ng)dadcomeback
herewear esti
llt
alki
ng

Heshookhi sheadi
gnori
ngherwhil
eBontsiqui
etl
y
putherhandsunderherchi
nlooki
ngather
husbandtryi
ngtoexpl
ainhi
mselft
ohisdaughter
whowasnotbacki
ngdown.

BackatVi
ctor
ia'
shouse.
..

Itwasallfunandl aughterasweplayedagameof
cardsafterhavingourlunch.Thisiswasthef i
rst
ti
meisawmyauntandcousi nsowel coming
towardsme.Wast herefinal
lysomehopet opeace
andharmony?What everitwasiwasenj oyingit
.
Olebi
lecelebratedhiswinast hegatebel
lrangand
hewentf orit
...

Ol
ebi
le:hel
lo?
Di
ra:aft
ernoonyouarespeaki
ngt
odet
ect
iveDi
rai
s
t
hisVict
oriaDint
si'
shome?
Ol
ebi
le:yessi
r
Dir
a:i
sshear
oundiwoul
dli
ket
ohaveawor
dwi
th
her
Ol
ebi
le:ohoksi
rjustasecond
Hehungupandopenedgoi
ngbackt
othel
ounge.
..

Vi
ctor
ia:whoi
sit
?
Ol
ebi
le:Det
ect
iveDi
ra
Vi
ctor
ia:(
frowned)whatdoeshewant
?

Assheaskedt
hedetect
iveknockedasweal
l
wel
comedhimin.
..

Di
ra:goodaf
ter
noonl
adi
esandgent
lemen
Vi
ctor
ia:Det
ect
ivehipl
easehaveaseat
Di
ra:t
hankyou.YoumustbeMsDi
ntsi
?
Vi
ctor
ia:(
smi
led)yessi
rwhatcanidof
oryou?
Di
ra:whoi
sBosaDi
ntsibet
weenyougent
lemen?
Bosa:
iam
Di
ra:MsDi
ntsiwer
ecei
vedananonymoust
ipof
f
t
hatyouar
eabusi
ngt
hisyoungmani
sthatso?
Vi
ctor
ia&Dai
sy:what
!?

Myheartskippedasifel
tahotsensat
iononmy
thr
oat
.Myf eetandhandssuddenlywentf
reezi
ng
col
d..
.

Di
ra:yes.Sopl
easeanswerme
Vict
oria:ihonest
lydon'
tknowwhatyouareon
about.(Turnedtome)Bosaareyouabused?

Iquietl
ytur
nedtoOl
ebil
ewholookedatmewi
thout
bli
nkingasiqui
ckl
ylookedawayandcl
ear
edmy
thr
oat..
.

Di
ra:youngmananswert
hequest
ion
Bosa:
noaunt
yim notabused
Ol
ebi
lesi
ghedlookingawaywhi
lemyauntsmi
led
l
ooki
ngatthedetecti
ve.
..

Victor
ia:t
her
eyouhavei
tdetect
iveandpl
ease
foll
owmeandt el
lmeift
heroom imtaki
ngyouto
l
ooksl i
keofsomeonewhoi
sabused

Shesaidl
eadi
ngthedet
ectiveuptomyroom whi
lei
stoodupl
ooki
ngonwipingmyhandswi t
hmypant s.
Theycamebackasthedetecti
vesi
ghedput
ti
nghis
padandpenaway..
.

Di
ra:iguesst
heper
sonwaswr
ong
Victori
a:t
herearesomanycul pri
tsouttherethat
youshoul dbelooki
ngforthantobel i
steni
ngt o
stupidti
poffs.Tel
lwhoeverthatpersonisthati
l
ovemynephewsomuchandiwoul ddoanyt hi
ng
forhim.Whywoul diabusemysi ster'
schil
d?

Thedet
ect
ivequi
etl
ylookedatmyauntandbackat
meandsi
ghed.
..

Di
ra:haveagoodaf
ter
noon

Helef
twhi
leDai
syopenedf
orhi
m andcl
osedt
he
gat
e..
.

Dai
sy:wow
Vi
ctor
ia:r
eal
lynow?
Olebi
le:youareagoodact
ressVict
oriawowand
youBosat hi
swasyourchancetofreedom
Vict
ori
a:it
hinki
m star
ti
ngtogetannoyedbyyour
behavi
ourOlebi
lear
eyoutheonewhocal l
edthe
poli
ceonme?
Ol
ebi
le:iwi
shidi
d

Hecl
ickedhi
stongueandwentt
ohisr
oom whil
ei
swal
l
owedahugel umplooki
ngatmyauntwai
ti
ng
f
orahotsl
apacrossmyf acebutrathersheasked
f
oragl
assofj
uicefrom herdaughterandgathered
t
hecar
ds..
.

Vi
ctor
ia:l
et'
spl
ayanot
herr
oundmyson.

Ifr
ownedlookingatherwhi
leshesortedthecar
ds.
Thiswasindeednewandiwasenj oyi
ngevery
secondofit
.Upinhisroom Ol
ebi
le'sphonerangas
hefrownedtotheunknownnumberandanswer ed.
..

Ol
ebi
le:Ol
ebi
leDi
ntsihel
lo?
Bai
sago:hel
loOl
ebi
l
eyouar
etal
kingt
oBai
sago
Ol
ebi
le:idon'
tknowaBai
sago
Bai
sago:wellnowyouknowonemyguy.Canwe
meettomorr
ow?
Olebi
le:whywoul
diwantt
omeetupwi
thyouwhen
idon'
tknowyou?
Bai
sago:iwantust
otal
kaboutBosa
Ol
ebi
le:i
shei
nsomeki
ndoft
roubl
e?
Bai
sago:noi
m hi
sfat
her
Ol
ebi
le:(
hear
tski
pped)what
!?
Baisago:yesiwoul
dli
keust
omeeti
nper
sonand
tal
kmor e
Olebi
le:ohokj
ustt
extmet
het
imeandl
ocat
ion.I
m
fr
ee
Bai
sago:okiwi
lldoso
Ol
ebi
le:sur
e
Bai
sago:t
hankyou
Ol
ebi
le:you'
rewel
come

Hehungupwhil
eOl
ebi
lesl
owl
yputhi
sphonedown
andsmi
led.
..

Ol
ebi
le:f
inal
lyt
hepoorguywi
llbr
eakf
ree.

LATERTHATEVENI
NG
I
nMet
simot
lhabe.
..

Vi
ctor
iawalkedi
nahutandsatdownput t
inga
bl
ackchi
ckenbesidesherinaplasti
cwhi
leagi
ant
mansmiledfaci
ngtheotherway..
.

Di
phal
a:iknowt
hatscent
Vi
ctor
ia:(
smi
led)goodeveni
ngNgakaDi
phal
ai
br
oughtyouagift
Di
phal
a:t
hankyousomuch

Het ur
nedtoherandsmiledwithhi
syell
owteet
h
thathadsomeblacksubstancesi
nbetween
showing.
..

Di
phal
a:whatcanidof
oryou?
Vi
ctor
ia:ineedt
oknowhowever
ythi
ngi
sgoi
ng
wi
thBoi
ngot
lo?
Diphal
a:(
stoppedsmi
li
ng)t
heyar
elooki
ngf
orher
spir
it
Vi
ctor
ia:what
?
Di
phala:yesyouruncl
eisget
ti
ngcl
oset
oknow
whatyoudid
Vict
ori
a:ehehDi
phal
aican'
taf
for
dfort
hatt
o
happenhemustdi
e
Diphala:yourwishi
smycommand(gavehera
bott
le)putitinhist
eaorf
oodandi
twil
lbeoverf
or
hi
m
Vi
ctor
ia:t
henerveofthatman.Doesheknowwhoi
am?Im Vict
ori
aDint
siandanyonewhot r
iest
o
st
andinmywayvar ni
shesintothi
nair

Shecli
ckedhertongueput
tingthebottl
ei nherbr
a
walki
ngout.NgakaDiphal
at ookthechickenshe
camewi t
h,br
okeit'
sneckanddr ankit
'sblood
l
aughing.
..
Di
phal
a:powert
oVictor
iaDint
si,
Vict
ori
aDi
ntsii
s
t
heonl
yqueeninthi
swor l
d

Hegroanedmakingaci
rcl
ewiththebl
ooddri
ppi
ng
f
rom thechi
ckenwher
eVictor
iawassi
tti
ng.

THEFOLLOWI
NGMORNI
NG
.
.
.
.
.
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
CAGED
07

AtVi
ctor
ia'
shouse.
..
Itwasar ound4am asshegotoutofherr oom wi th
api l
lowcasei nherhand.Shesl owl yopenedher
daught er'
sbedroom doorchecki ngi fshewasst i
ll
asleepandcar eful
lycl oseditgoingt oherson' s.
Shesof t
lyopenedt hedoorandcheckedi fhewas
sti
llsleepingandhewas.Shecl osedt hedoorand
headedt oBosa'sr oom wher eshesof t
lyknockedt o
nor esponse.Sheswal lowedlookingoneachsi des
ofthewal kwayslowl yopeningthedoor .Shewent
i
nandcl oseditasit urnedinmysl eep.Shel ooked
str
aightonmyf aceandl ockedthedoorsl owly
appr oachingmybed. ..

Victor
ia:(whi
spering)allihaveeverdonewast o
l
oveyou, youungr atefulbastar
d.Youhavethe
nervetocallthepol i
ceonmeandpr etendi
twasnot
you.Afterspendingsomuchmoneyonyou?
(Scoff
ed)youmustbeki ddingmeandyourf at
her
comesf rom whereverhewasandt hinkshecan
comegetyoul i
ket hat?Hellnoboyboyhellno.Iput
alotofmoneyonyouandt hetimeforyoutopay
mebackhasarri
ved.Ididn'
trai
seyouforsomeone
el
seirai
sedyouformyselfdoyouhearme?O
sant
seotsi
legomper ekamosimanyana

Shesai dopeningt heopeningoft hepill

owcaseand
quickl
yputmyheadi nitchokingmewi thitasi
wokeupgaspi ngwi t
hmyhear tracing.Itr
iedto
movebutshel ockedmyt orsobet weenherknees.I
tri
edtof i
ghtsohar dtobr eakfr eebutshewasso
strongandt hemor eifoughtt hemor eistart
edt o
l
osebr eath.Istart
edgaggi ngwhi l
eshemer ci
lessl
y
chokedmehar derbiti
ngherl owerl ip.Seeingthati
wassl owlystoppingtof i
ghtshel etgoandr emoved
thepil
lowcaser unni
ngt othewal lwiththepil
low
caseonherhandwhi l
eicoughedf oroxygen...

Vi
ctor
ia:(
tear
ful
y)I'
m sosor
ryidon'
tknowwhati
wasdoingidi
dn'tmeantodoit
.I'
mreall
ysor
ry.
Bosa:
(wi
tht
ear
sinmyeyes)aunt
ywhy?
Vict
ori
a:onemomentiwasthi
nkingaboutt
he
poli
ceoff
icerwhowasher
eyesterdayandt
henext
minuteisawmyselfontopofyoui mr eall
ysorr
y
mysoniwoul dneverdeli
berat
elyhurtyouliket
hat
(ij
ustswall
owedlooki
ngather )gonemmewho
call
edthepoli
ceandtoldthem suchthings?
Bosa:
idon'
tknow
Victori
a:bl
oodyhellBosadon'tit
akecareofyou!?
(Iswallowedscar
ed)thistvonthewall,t
henew
clothesyouworetochur ch,
thebloodyexpensi
ve
videogameBosaal lmyhar dearnedmoneyi st
hat
abuse!?
Bosa:(swal
lowed)noaunt
ynoit
'snotandiswear
toyouidon'tknowwhocall
edt
hepolice.I
appreci
ate.
..
Vi
ctor
ia:shutupBosa!Shutt
hef
uckup!
?

Thedoorhandl
emovedasweal
llookedati
t.
..

Olebi
le:mamaidareyoutohurtBosat
hist
ime
aroundim goi
ngtocal
lthepol
iceandt
heyare
goingtotakeyouaway!Opent
hisdoor
!
Daisy:Ol
ebil
ewhyar eyoumakingsomuchnoise
thi
searlyareyoucr
azy?Thatungrat
efulpi
eceof
shi
tdeservesever
ythingcomi
nghisway
Ol
ebi
le:Dai
syshutup.Vi
ctor
iaopent
hisdoornow!
?
Dai
sy:Ol
ebi
lel
eavet
hatdoor
?
Ol
ebi
le:(
tur
nedt
oher
)orwhatDai
sy?
Dai
sy:ohsoyouwantt
ofi
ghtmenow?
Olebil
e:I'
m notgoi
ngtofightyouim goi
ngtobeat
thatspit
efulandevi
lsouloutofyou.Whothehell
doyout hinkyouarehuh?(Hepushedherbackin
herroom)
Dai
sy:Ol
ebi
lewhatdoyout
hink.
..

Helandedahotsl apacrossherfacebef
oreshe
coul
df i
nisht
alkingasirantothedooronlyt
ofi
nd
thekeynotont hedoor.
..

Bosa:
Olebi
lenodon'
tdoi
tpl
ease!
Icoughedshout
ingwhi leVi
ctori
aquietl
ylookedat
mewi t
hherarmsf olded.Ateardroppedfrom her
eyeasiswall
owedl ookingatherwhilestandi
ng
agai
nstthedoor
...

Vi
ctor
ia:doyouhearwhatmyownsoni sdoi
ngto
hi
sownsi st
ert
hatsideandi
t'
sal
lbecauseofwho?

Iswall
owedahugel umpt r
embl
inginmysleepi
ng
cl
otheswhileOl
ebi
leindeedmerci
lessl
ybeat
enhis
ownsister
..
.

Vict
ori
a:(
shout
ed)iaskedyouaf ucki
ngsi
mpl
e
questi
onyouungr
atefulbast
ard!

Shelandedahotsl
apacr
ossmyf
aceasif
ellonmy
knees.
..

Vi
ctor
ia:myownchi
ldr
enf
ight
ingal
lbecauseof
youBosa.Youseewhatyouar
edoi
ngt
omyf
ami
ly!
?
Bosa:
im sor
ryaunt
yimr
eal
l
ysor
ry
Vi
ctor
ia:shutup!
?

Shesaidkickingmedownandcont inuedtokickme
sayi
ngallthehur t
fulthi
ngstomewhi leiaskedher
tostopbutneverdi d.I
nDaisy'
sroom shetriedt
o
grabOlebi
lebyt heneckashesl appedherhand
awayandt wistedit.
..

Olebi
le:doyouhearwhatyourmot
heri
sdoi
ngt
o
yourowncousin?
Dai
sy:Ol
ebi
leyouar
ehur
ti
ngme!
Olebi
le:doyouknowhowBosai sf
eel
ingi
nther
e
now?I syourmothernothur
ti
nghi
m?Huh?
Dai
sy:Ol
ebi
lest
op!

Hebithi
slowerl
ipandt
wist
edhissi
ster
'shanda
l
it
tl
emor eandabonecr
ackedasshescreamed
whi
lehepushedheronherbed.
..

Ol
ebi
le:bl
oodyhel
l!
Dai
sy:mamahebr
okemyar
m!

Shecr i
edscr eami
ngasVict
oriaqui
cklyt
ookoutt
he
keyoutofhergownandunl ockedgoingtoDai
sy'
s
aid.Shestoppedlooki
ngatOlebi
lewhobreat
hed
heavil
ylookingatheraswel
l.
..

Ol
ebi
le:doi
t!
?

Shecli
ckedhert
ongueandpassedhim goi
ngtoher
daught
erwhil
eOlebi
lewenttointomyr
oom.He
foundmecryi
ngont hef
loorholdi
ngmystomach
andhelpedmeup..
.

Ol
ebi
le:ar
eyouok?Di
dyoubr
eakanyt
hing?
Bosa:(
cryi
ng)nobutican'
ttakei
tanymoreOl
ebil
ei
don'
twanttoli
veli
kethi
sanymore.Onemomentim
happyandthenexti
m sadnomant hisi
snoton
Olebi
le:don'
twor
ryi
m goi
ngtomakesureyouar
e
safet
odayyouwon'tbesl
eepi
ngi
nthishousedo
youhearme

Ij
ustcri
edashehuggedmewhileinDai
sy'
sroom
Vict
ori
ahel
pedherupastheywentdowntothe
car.
..

Bosa:whatift
heyhaveyouarr
ested?Iwon'
tbe
ablet
olivewit
hmyselfknowi
ngthatihaver
uined
yourl
if
e
Ol ebi
le:youdon'thavetoworryyour selfaboutthat.
Ifitmeansmehur t
ingDaisyf
orVi ct
or i
at oknow
whati tfeelsli
ketohaveyourchil
dhur ttheniwill
doj ustthat.Justbecauseyourmot herisnotal i
veit
doesn' tmeanyoushoul dbetreat
edl ikeapi eceof
trashyouar eahumanbei ngaswel landi ftheytake
met ojaili
t'
sstil
lfi
nebutiwil
lsti
llmakesur ethat
Dai
syfindsnopeaceunt
ilVi
ctor
ial
ear
nst
orespect
andtr
eatyouri
ght.

Att
heKwena'
s.
..

Bontsif
ini
shedbathi
ngandwentdownwher eshe
foundherdaught
erwatchingtvinarat
hersour
mood.Shef r
ownedlookingatherandtookherfood
sit
ti
ngonthedini
ngtable..
.

Bont
si:At
a
At
amel
ang:hmm?
Bont
si:comesitwithmehereforabi
t(shesi
ghed
goi
ngtot het
able)areyouok?
At
amel
ang:no
Bont
si:what
'sup?
At
amelang:whydoesdadhavet
othi
nkabouthi
ri
ng
myfr
iendsfi
rst
?
Bont
si:iguesshe'
slooki
ngatt
hebudgetmygi
rl
Atamelang:whatbudgetma?Allhehast
odois
givethem what
,2keachamont h.4ki
spett
ycash
fordadmom hecanevenpayt hem fr
om hi
sown
pocket
Bont
si:whydoyouwantt
hem t
owor
ksobad?
Atamelang:becausemamaiwantBosat oonlysee
hisauntintheeveni
ngt hatboyisbei
ngabusedand
he'shi
dingit.Kanamaabaneisawabl oodstainon
thebackofhi st-
shi
rtatchurch.It
ri
edtoaskhim
aboutitbuthedidn'
twantt ogivemeatt
enti
on
Bont
si:youhavetri
edmygir
lnowyouwi
llpushhi
m
awayfrom yourl
if
e.Doyouwantt
hat
?
Atamel
ang:ofcour
senotbutifidon'
tdosomethi
ng
abouti
timightl
osehi
mf orgoodtodeathhencei
deci
dedtocallt
hepol
iceyest
erday
Bont
si:youdi
dwhat
!?
Atamelang:i
twastheonlyt
hingicoul
ddomamai
can'
tjustsi
tbackand.
..
Bont
si:noAt
amel
angwhati
fheput
stwoandt
wo
togetherandreal
isethatyouaretheonewhocal l
ed
thepoliceaf
terhi
sauntki ckshi
m outofherhouse?
Willyoubeabletolivewithyourselfwhenhehat
es
you?Ori fhi
sauntkill
shimt hat
'sifshe'
sabusi
ng
him?
Atamelang:t
hat'
swhyiwantdadt ohirehim mom
sothathecanmoveout .Hehasanuncl ein
Gaboroneandalsohe'
sf r
om Mochudiibeli
eve
comingtowor kf
rom Mochudiwon'tbethatmuch
ofaburdentohim
Bont
si:youar
esostubbor
nAtamelangandi
ts
goi
ngtocountagai
nstyouoneoft
hesedays
At
amel
ang:al
lim doi
ngi
shel
pingaf
ri
endi
nneed
mom
Bontsi
:(si
ghed)anywaywhatdi
dyousayt
hei
r
sur
namei sagain?
At
amel
ang:Di
ntsi
Bont
si:whatdoest
heauntdo?
At
amel
ang:sheownsahot
el
Bont
si:(
frowned)name?
At
amel
ang:Vi
cky'
sHot
el
Bont
si:(
frowned)ohok
At
amel
ang:whati
sit
?
Bont
si:nonot
hing
Atamel
ang:butyoulookl
ikeyouknowsomet
hing
aboutwhatij
usttol
dyou
Bontsi
:gobacktoyourpr
ogr
am At
amelangorf
ind
outwhichact
ivi
ti
eswecandoinKasane

Shestoodupwit
hhereyessqui
ntathermother
whoslowlyat
eherf
ood.Shescoff
edandwentto
thel
oungewhil
eBontsisof
tl
ysi
ghedshaki
ngher
head.

Att
hehospi
tal
..
.

Victori
agotoutofDaisy'
sroom asherphonerang.
Sher ol
ledhereyestoheruncl
e'
snumberont he
screenandanswer ed.
..
Vi
ctor
ia:mal
ome
Ledi
ba:(
smi
led)mygi
rlhowar
eyoudoi
ng?
Vi
ctor
ia:i
m att
hehospi
talDai
syhur
ther
sel
f
Ledi
ba:aoi
ssheok?
Vict
ori
a:ij
ustsai
dI'
m att
hehospi
talsonoshe'
s
notok
Ledi
ba:ohok.Howar
etheboysdoi
ng?
Vi
ctor
ia:t
heyar
eok
Ledi
ba:ok.Whenar
eyouguysvi
sit
ing?
Vict
ori
a:im honest
lyabusywomanmal
omesoi
real
lycan'
tsay
Ledi
ba:ohokijustwant
edt
oletyouknowthat
Temoisgett
ingmarri
edsot
hefamilyhast
omeet
soonto.
..
Vi
ctor
ia:(
frowned)wai
tTemoi
swhat
?
Ledi
ba:gett
ingmarr
ied(shebur
sti
ntolaught
er)i
s
ther
eanythi
ngfunnyaboutwhatij
ustsaidmygirl
?
Vict
ori
a:r
eal
lymal
ome,Temoget
tingmarri
ed?Ar
e
buefel
akamadiapul
amol omor
ei ser
eyegope.
Whereishegoi
ngtot
akeitfr
om?
Ledi
ba:aoVi
ctor
iangwanaka
Victor
ia:nomal omeihonestl
ydon'
twantt
obe
embar rassedwithasham ofaweddi
ngandim
defini
telynotpayingforagr
ownassman'sweddi
ng
hellno.Ker ekel
engwanawamosadiyomongwe
l
esire?Mi ssmewi t
hthat
Ledi
ba:aoVi
ctori
angwanakayour
eal
lyt
hinkt
hat
l
owofyourbrother
Victoria:don'tgetmewr onguncleLedi
baim gl
ad
thatTemowant stotakethisst
epbutdoeshehave
themoneyf orit?Lenyalogasemmet ewako
orientalplazamal omeitdoesn'
tcostP100toget
mar ri
ed.( Scoffed)ohwai the'
sgoingtotakeal
oan
ri
ght ?Shamey' allaregoingtobethewholeof
Mochudi '
slaughi ngstock
Ledi
ba:Vi
ctor
iawhydoyouhavesuchasouli
nyou?
Vi
ctor
ia:idon'
tfol
low
Ledi
ba:yousoundj
eal
ous
Vict
ori
a:(l
aughed)yeahri
ghtt
hat
'showpeopl
eof
yourcal
ibreseethetr
uth(
rememberedandcl
ear
ed
herthr
oat)whenarewemeet i
ngagain?
Lediba:wear
epl
anni
ngt
omeetthi
sweekendso
thatwecangotot
heMai
ket
so'
saftert
hehol
idays
Vi
ctor
ia:ohokwher
ewi
llt
hemeet
ingbehel
d?
Ledi
ba:her
e
Victor
ia:can'
twemaket hemeeti
ngsoonerI
'm
goingforat r
ipthisweekendthat
'si
fyouguyswant
met obepar tofthiswedding
Ledi
ba:iwil
ltal
ktoyourmot
herandBoi
tshepot
hen
getbacktoyou
Vict
oria:r
eall
ymalome?Whywast eti
meabout
peoplewhohavenol i
fe?Tel
lever
yonethatthe
meetingwillbet
hisWednesdayaft
ernoon.Byei
havetogo
Ledi
ba:wai
twe.
..
Shehunguponhi
m shakingherheadandl
aughed
goi
ngbacktot
heroom..
.

Vi
ctor
ia:Temo,
nyal
a?Yeahr
ight

I
nMochudi
..
.

Boi
tshepofr
ownedl
ookingathersonwhowas
wei
rdlyqui
etgoi
ngt
hroughhisphone.
..

Boi
tshepo:andt
henwena?
Let
lot
lo:yourl
it
tl
epl
anwor
ked
Boi
tshepo:(
frownedconf
used)r
ra?
Let
lotl
o:i
sn'
tyout
oldOl
ebi
let
ocal
lmeandaskme
nottocome
Boi
tshepo:what
?Ineverdi
dthatbuti
m gl
adhet
old
younotto
Let
lot
lo:soyouwantmet
oendupl
ikeyou?
Boi
tshepo:excuseme?
Letl
otl
o:youwantmet obepoorandnothaveal i
fe
mom?I sthatwhatyouwantf orme?Doyouwantto
l
iveli
kethisf
ortherestofyourli
fe?Li
vingof
fyour
sist
er'
shandouts?
Boi
tshepo:Let
lot
lowat
chyourt
onguewhent
alki
ng
tomeim yourmother
Letlotl
o:i
fyouwer emymot heryouwoul dletmego
outt her
eandseewhatl if
ehast ooff
er.Idon'twant
tosithereandwaitf ortheresult
s.I
m onlygoingt o
schoolnextyearaugustmom iwantt oseedi ff
erent
placeswhilewait
ingf orthat.Youneverknow
maybeicanf indaj oboutt here
Boit
shepo:Let
lot
lodif
uel
ingst
ati
onandshopsar
e
ther
eforyoutoworkat
Let
lot
lo:ohsoyouwantmet opourpet
rolorcar
ry
maizemealsandal
linchoppi
es?Nomom
Boi
tshepo:whatdoyouwantt
odot
henmrknowi
t
al
l?
Let
lot
lo:aunt
ywi
llgi
vemesomet
hingbet
terather
hot
el
Boi
tshepo:ohj
ustl
i
keshedi
dforyoursi
sterr
ight
?
Letl
otl
o:thingisyouguyshateonmyauntdoyou
thi
nkshewoul dhir
esomeonesheknowshatesher ?
No.It'
sthishatethatyouhaveforhert
hatwi
llhave
yourdaught er
'sdoorscl
osedforgood
Lame:ehehLet
lot
lot
hat
'snothowyout
alkt
oour
motherao
Boit
shepo:yourbrot
heri
sangryt
hatOlebi
leasked
himtonotcomet odayandnowheblamesmef ori
t
hesaysiwanthimt oendupli
keme.Isthathowhe
shouldbespeakingtome?
Lame:aoLetl
otl
orr
a?Doyout hi
nkmom likesitthat
shecan'
taf
fordtodoanyt
hingforherchi
ldren?You
shoul
dapologi
se
Let
lot
lo:mxm

Hesaidgoingt
othebackofthehousewhile
Boi
tshepoandLamelookedatoneanothershocked
andscoff
edgoingbacki
ntothehouse.
Att
hemal
l.
..

Olebi
lepar
kedhi
scarandgotoutdi
ali
ngBai
sago
asheansweredl
ooki
ngoutsi
de..
.

Bai
sago:yeahiseeyou

Olebi
lehungupandsmil
edgett
ingi
ntomuggand
beantaki
ngaseatast
hewaitr
essgotthei
ror
der
s..
.

Bai
sago:wasyourgi
rl
fr
iendbeat
ingyoul
astni
ght
nemonna?
Ol
ebil
e:(
chuckl
ed)noij
usthadal
it
tl
efi
ghtwi
thmy
si
ster
Bai
sago:ohisee.Si
ster
sthoughanywayni
ce
meeti
ngyoubuddy
Ol
ebi
le:l
ikewi
sebutishoul
dsayiwassohappyt
o
hearf
rom youyest
erdayandicoul
dn'
twai
ttomeet
upwit
hyou
Bai
sago:wher
eist
heboyi
shedoi
nggood?
Olebi
le:he'satthehouse.Hewi
llbef
ineonceyou
guysar ereuni
ted
Bai
sago:(
frowned)whatar
eyounott
ell
ingme?
Olebi
le:mymotheri
sabusingyoursonsirandshe
hasbeendoingsosincehewasdoingstandard7
Bai
sago:what
!?
Ol
ebi
le:yeah
Bai
sago:whyhaven'
tyouguysr
epor
ted?
Ol
ebil
e:itr
iedtogethimtoreportbuthedoesn'
t
wantto.Hesaysit
'slovebecauseshebli
ndshim
wi
thexpensivegi
ftsandmani pul
ateshi
m with
words
Baisago:nol
et'
sgot
oyourhousenowwear
egoi
ng
togetmyson
Olebi
le:f
irstofal
lshe'
sgoingtor
eportyoufor
t
respassingareyouwill
ingtogobacktopri
son?
Bai
sago:nomanbutt hatwomani
sabusi
ngmyson
wewil
ltel
lthepol
ice
Ol
ebi
le:shewil
ldenyitandBosawi
llbackherup
t
henwewoul dlookl
ikefool
s
Bai
sago:(
sighedscr
atchi
nghi
shead)shi
tmanshi
t!
Sowhatdowedonow?

Meanwhi l
eoutsideJunewalkedpastmuggand
beanandf rownedstoppi
ngwonderingwhatitwas
thatshesaw.Shecl earedherthr
oatandmadeher
wayi nsideassheconf i
rmedhersuspici
onsand
walkedoutbef oreOlebi
lecoul
dseeherandcalled
Victori
a...

Vi
ctor
ia:babe
June:wher
ear
eyou?
Vi
ctor
ia:homewhy?
June:wher
eisyourson?
Vi
ctor
ia:hedi
dn'
tsaywher
ehewasgoi
ng
June:wel
lij
ustsawhi
m wi
thsomeonewho'
s
supposedt
obedead
Vi
ctor
ia:(
frowned)huh?
June:Bosa'
sfat
her
Vi
ctor
ia:what
!?
June:yeptheyareinmuggandbeannowi
nSebel
e
havi
ngbr eakf
asttal
king
Vi
ctor
ia:(
swal
lowed)okl
ovet
hanks
June:sur
e

Shehungupandshookherheadgoingtowhere
shewasgoingwhilei
nherbedr
oom Vict
ori
apaced
aroundt
appingherfi
nger
sonherphone..
.

Vi
ctor
ia:damnyouOl
ebi
le(
shedi
aledSt
one)
St
one:myqueen,
theonewhosaydi
eandi
..
.
Vi
ctor
ia:aishutupyoui
diotdi
dn'
tiaskyout
oki
l
l
t
hatstupidman?
St
one:butidi
dman
Victori
a:nofoolnowhe'
shavingbr
eakfastwithmy
sonSt onehowst upi
dcanyoube?Didinotteach
yout oleaveajobaft
ermaki
ngsurethatit
'shudr
ed
percentdone?
St
one:i
m sor
ryma'
am butit
houghti
..
.
Vi
ctor
ia:shush!Li
stent
omeandl
ist
encar
eful
lyok
St
one:yesma'
am
Vict
ori
a:Ol
ebi
leisinSebel
emal
lnow.Ibel
ieveyou
knowhiscarr
ight?
St
one:yesma'
am
Vi
ctor
ia:goodyoubet
termakesur
ehedoesn'
t
makeithomedoyouhearme?
St
one:yesma'
am
Vict
ori
a:idon'
tcarewhatyoudoorhowyoudoi t
butwhateveri
tisshoul
dbeanaccidentheshoul
d
notmakeithomewankut l
waStone!?
St
one:l
oudandcl
earmyqueen
Vict
ori
acli
ckedhert
onguehangi
ngupandthr
ew
herphoneonherbedmessi
ngupherhai
r.
.

Vi
ctor
ia:dammi
tOl
ebi
ledammi
tman!

AtKwenaI
nvest
ment
s..
.

Aknockcamethroughatt
hedoorasPat
losmi
led
wel
comingthem i
n..
.

Pesal
ema:goodmor
ningMrKwena
Patl
o:(
smi
led)aopast
orpl
easecomei
nandhavea
seat
Pesal
ema:t
hankyouMrKwenat
heof
fi
cei
sempt
y
why?
Pat
lo:i
t'
sChr
ist
mashol
idayspast
orsoever
yone
cl
osedonFri
day
Pesal
ema:ohyeah.Sowhatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?
Patl
o:welli
t'
smyshipsoihavetomakesurethat
everyt
hingi
sproperi
m cl
osingt
oday.Whatbr
ings
youherepastorandhowdidyouknowiwasinthe
off
ice?
Pesalema:wel
lit
houghtpeoplear
eworki
ngt
oday
soijustcameknowi
ngiwi l
lfi
ndyouhere
Patl
o:l
ucki
lyf
oryouyouf
oundmeandiwasgoi
ng
tost
epoutinasecond
Pesalema:ohmyluckthenandagai
niwal
kwi
th
thespir
it(
theyl
aughed)
Pat
lo:i
ndeed
Pesal
ema:sowher
ear
eyouandyourf
ami
lygoi
ng
thi
syear
?
Patl
o:t
heyar
egoingt
oKasanei
m goingt
o
Zanzi
barwi
ththewor
ker
sthi
sweekend
Pesal
ema:aosoyouaregoi
ngtospendchrist
amas
wit
hotherpeopl
ewhydon'
tyoutakeyourf
amily
wit
h?
Patl
o:(scoff
edsmi
li
ng)andt
heworker
swil
laski
f
theyshouldbri
ngt
hei
rsaswell
soiwantt
obefai
r
past
or
Pesal
ema:ohiseeMrKwenaokthenenj
oyyour
tr
ipibeli
eveMr
sKwenawil
lenj
oyherswit
hher
daughter
Pat
lo:theydef
ini
tel
ywi
ll
.Ifiwer
earoundwewoul
d
begoingwithyouandMmamf undi
si
Pesal
ema:(
smi
led)t
her
e'sal
waysanextt
ime
Pat
lo:i
ndeed
Pesal
ema:wai
tsei
m alwaysoverheari
ngyourwi f
e
chat
ti
ngwit
hmywi f
ethatwomanr eal
lylovesyou
MrKwenaandshelovesyouwithheral l
Patl
o:(smil
ed)iknowpast
orandiwi
llf
oreverbe
grat
efult
oGodf orgi
vingmesuchawonderfulwi
fe
Pesalema:mmmhi twoul
dbeashamet ooneday
seehercr yi
ngsoyoubet
termakesur
ethatshe
doesn'tgethur
tmonna
Pat
lo:don'
tworr
yaboutt
hatpast
orialwaysmake
sur
ethatshe'
ssati
sfi
edi
neveryareaofherl
if
e
Pesal
ema:goodandihopeyouhear
dyester
day's
ser
monMrKwenamar r
iagei
sasacreduni
onfrom
Godandwhoever
..
.
Pat
lo:(
smi
led)youknowiwouldreal
lylovet
osit
downandchatwithyoumypastorbutheyti
meis
moneyweshallmeetsoonaft
erchri
stmasand
cat
chupwellwit
hourwives
Pesal
ema:ohiseeokMrKwenai
twasgr
eatseei
ng
you
Pat
lo:i
twasgr
eatseei
ngyout
oomor
utisayhel
lo
toMmamfundi
sif
orme
Pesal
ema:idef
ini
tel
ywi
ll

Patl
osmi
ledtaki
nghim outt
hedoorandcl osedit
behi
ndhi
m sighi
ngandshookhi shead.Pastor
Monewalookedbackatthedoorandshookhi s
headwal
kingout
...

Pesal
ema:t
ouchnotmyanoi
nted

Att
hemal
l.
..
Bontsiwenti
ntoashopandpickedafewgrocer
ies
astherecept
ioni
stf
rom Kwenainvest
ment
s
spott
edher..
.

Lady:Mr
sKwena
Bont
si:(
tur
nedandsmi
led)ohheyl
ovehowar
eyou
doi
ng?
Lady:i
m goodandyou?
Bontsi
:im goodmydear
.Ar
eyouher
etobuyt
hings
fort
hetri
p?
Lady:t
ri
p?
Bontsi:yes(smil
ing)isn'
tthi
syearyourbosshas
decidedtotakeyouguyst oZanzibar.Sayi
ngim
j
ealousi sanunderstatementbutheyonlyifiwer
e
anempl oyee(shechuckled)
Lady:idon'
tknowwhatyouar
etal
kingaboutMr
s
Kwena
Bont
si:aommai
t'
sokyoucant
ellmehet
oldme
thatyouguysarehavi
ngyourchr
ist
maspar
tyi
n
Zanzibart
hisyear
Lady:wehadourChr i
stmaspartylastweekma' am
onThursday.MrKwenaaskedmet obooktwof li
ght
ti
cketst
oZanzibarandahotelroom therefora
week.Iguesshewantedtosurpriseyouandhe
acci
dental
lytol
dyouthenhadtosaywear ethe
onesgoingther
e(scoff
edsmili
ng)noma' am it
's
youandhim butdon'
tsayitol
dyou
Bont
si:(
frowned)ok
Lady:haveawonder
fuldayMr
sKandenj
oyyour
holi
daytri
phey
Bont
si:(
fakesmi
led)t
hankyou

Theladywal
kedawaywhileBont
si'
sfacewentpal
e.
Shesighedl
eavi
nghershoppi
ngcartandl
eftt
he
st
ore.
.
.
.
.
.
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
CAGED
08

Bontsigoti
nhercarandsi
ghedclosi
nghereyes
wit
hherhandonherf or
ehead.
..

Bont
si:Pat
lowhathaveidonet
oyout
hough

Shescof
fedreachi
ngf
orherphonei
nherbag
di
ali
ngKelel
lo.
..

Kel
ell
o:MmaK
Bont
si:hiihopei
m notdi
stur
bingyou
Kel
ell
o:nopeyouar
enot
.What
'sup?
Bontsi
:ij
ustbumpedint
oPatlo'
srecepti
onisti
nthe
mall
.Iaskedheri
fshewasshoppingf ort
heirwork
tr
ipandshesaidnother
e'snotr
ip
Kel
ell
o:ar
eyoubei
ngser
iousr
ightnow?
Bontsi:i
mt el
li
ngyouandshewentont ot
ellme
thatPatl
oaskedhertobook2f l
ightt
icket
st o
Zanzibarandahotelr
oom ther
e.Sothismeans
Patlowil
lbegoingwit
hthatgir
ltoZanzibarwhil
e
mydaught erandiwil
lbei
nKasane
Kel
ell
o:andyoust
il
lthi
nkt
hisi
sat
estMmaK?
Bontsi
:(si
ghed)ihonestl
ydon'tknowwhattosay
andthere'
ssomethingthathappenedyest
erdayi
for
gottotel
lyouaboutit
Kel
ell
o:whathappened?
Bontsi:Ataaskedhimt ohirehertwofri
endsatthe
offi
ceandheaskedwhot heywere.Hisreact
ion
towardst henameBosaDi nt
sicausedabitof
concern.Hewassoi ntoknowingwherehewas
from andwhohe' sli
vingwi t
h.Aft
erAtagavehim al
l
theinformationabouttheboyhegaveAt aarun
aroundsayi nghewillt
hinkaboutit
Kel
ell
o:ok
Bontsi
:sothismor ni
ngiaskedmydaught erwhat
thi
sBosaDi ntsi
'sauntdoesandshesaidsheowns
aVicky'
sHot elandioncefoundaVicky'
sHot elt
ag
i
nPat l
o'scl
othes
Kel
ell
o:soyout
hinkhesl
eepswi
tht
hisgi
rlatt
hat
hot
el?
Bontsi
:atfi
rstithoughtsobutthenir emember ed
thatPat
looncet oldmehehasshar esinthathotel
sofrom hi
sreactionwhenAt atoldhim whot heboy
wasandAt atelli
ngmewhathi sauntdoesicamet o
aconclusi
ont hatther
e'sapossibil
it
yt hatt
hisVicky
womani stheonesl eepi
ngwithmyhusband
Kel
ell
o:youar
eact
ual
lyont
osomet
hingsowhatdo
youthi
nkofdoi
ng?
Bont
si:iwantt
ofi
ndouti
fshe'
sgoi
ngt
oZanzi
bar
Kel
ell
o:howar
eyougoi
ngt
odoi
t?
Bont
si:At
amel
angwi
llgetmet
hei
nfor
mat
ionf
rom
herf
ri
end
Kel
ell
o:okl
oveal
lthebesthey
Bont
si:t
hankyou

TheyhungupasBontsiscof
fedshaki
ngherhead
andstar
tedhercardr
ivi
ngout.

AtVi
ctor
ia'
shouse.
..

Isatuponthesunloungeroutsi
dedeepi
nthought
s
andthendeci
dedtocallThor
iso.
..

Thor
iso:buddy
Bosa:
didyoudoi
t?
Thor
iso:dowhatnow?
Bosa:
cal
lthepol
iceandl
iet
othem?
Thori
so:idon'
tunder
standwhatyou'
reonaboutbr
o
al
lihavebeendoingwastryi
ngtohealfr
om the
messwedi donsatur
day.Yohbruhitwasli
t,i
twas
fi
reyouhonestl
ymissedout.Gonemmewhatwer e
youbusywit
h?At amelangwasi nasourmoodt he
wholeti
mebecauseyouwer enotther
ebruh.You
shoul
dstopdisappoi
ntingthatchi
ckbrosheloves
yousomuch.Sheget ssickwhenshedoesn'tsee
you
Bosa:it
oldyout
hatidon'
twantt
obewi
thanybody
I
'mfinealone
Thor
iso:youar
emi
ssi
ngoutonal
ot.Gr
owupman
Bosa:
bye(
ihungupandcal
ledAt
amel
ang)
At
amel
ang:hiBosaihopeyouar
edoi
nggood
Bosa:
didyoucal
lthepol
ice?
At
amel
ang:ohtheycame?Ihopetheyt
hrewheri
n
t
hedar
kestcel
lyoudeser
vetobe.
..
Bosa:
howcoul
dyouAt
amel
ang?
At
amel
ang:huh?
Bosa:
howdoyougoof fanddosomet
hingl
iket
his?
Youknownot
hingaboutmyfamil
yandi
At
amel
ang:Bosai
m onl
ytr
yingt
ohel
pyou
Bosa:
haveieversai
dineededyourhel
p?
At
amel
ang:nobut
..
.
Bosa:butnothi
ngAtamelangpleasemi ndyourown
busi
nessifyoustil
lwantustobef r
iends.Doyou
knowthedamaget hiswoulddotomyaunt '
s
busi
nessshoulditbeknownthatshe'ssuspected
tobeabusingme?
At
amel
ang:Bosapl
easel
ist
ent
ome
Bosa:noAtamelangyouar eluckytohavebot h
parent
sali
vebutyouwantt ot akeawayt heonly
personwhocaresaboutmeoutofmyl if
e?I
honestl
ydon'
tthinkyouandiwoul deverbethe
sameagain.I
'm sodisappointedinyou.
At
amel
ang:(
swal
lowed)i
m sor
ry
Bosa:sor
rywon'
tfi
xthedamageyouhaveal
ready
done
Atamelang:what
'st
hatsupposedt
omean?Di
dshe
beatyou?
Bosa:
byeAt
amel
ang
At
amel
ang:noBosawai
t.
..
Ihunguponherandsi
ghedr
ubbi
ngmyf
orehead
goi
ngtothehouse.

Att
hemal
l.
..

Olebi
le:whatiwil
ldoistal
ktoBosaandtel
lhim
aboutyouandt hatyouarebackandwi
ll
ingtobei
n
hi
sl i
fe
Bai
sago:ar
eyousur
ethathewoul
dli
stent
oyou?
Ol
ebi
le:he'
skindofhardheadedandVictor
iahas
hi
m wrappedaroundherfi
ngerbutiwi
lldomy
ut
mostbest
Bai
sago:im honest
lycount
ingonyoubuddy.You
ar
emyl asthope
Ol
ebi
le:butibeli
eveaf
terwhathappenedear
li
er
t
odayhewi l
lli
stentome
Bai
sago:whatr
eal
lyhappened?
Olebi
le:sheat
tackedhi
m andibel
ieveitsbecause
ofthecopwhocameyest erdayaf
ternoonsayinghe
gotatipofffr
om someonethatBosai
sbeing
abused.Ihaveafeel
ingi
tsoneofhisf
riends
Baisago:(sighed)t
hisi
sreal
lypai
nful
.Howi
she
psychologicall
y?
Olebi
le:it
hinkhe'ssomeonewhoisconsi
der
ing
suici
dethethingshesaysareofsomeonewhois
ti
red
Bai
sago:ei
shiwishitwaseasyt
ogett
hrought
o
hi
m yourmotherhadbui
ltt
hewall
ssohigh
Olebil
e:youcansayt hatagain.She'
salways
throwinghi
m offandconf useshim wit
hexpensive
gif
tsnowhet hinksshe'stheonlyonewhocar es
abouthim.Wheneverit el
lpeoplethatVict
ori
ais
evilt
heydon'tbeli
eveme
Bai
sago:iguessshe'
sthatmuchofawi
tch
Olebil
e:ibetyoushemusthavesomeki ndofGod
(Baisagolaughed)imtel
li
ngyou.Kanamom doesn't
haveanyqual if
icat
ionsbutshe'
sfi
lt
hyrich.O
fel
etsekaSt andard7butlookathernow.She
doesn'tl
ackat hing
Baisago:onl
ypeaceandagoodheart.That
'swhy
theysaymoneyistherootofal
levi
l
Olebi
le:i
ndeed.Al
lhersi
bli
ngsar
esmartpeopl
e
verysmartifyoucoul
daskmebuttheyhave
nothi
ng
Baisago:act
ionsofadar
khear
tedper
sonbutdon'
t
worrymyguyi m goi
ngtomakesur
emyson
escapesherclaws
Olebi
le:iwouldbet hehappi
estper
son.
Unfortunat
elyim herchi
ldandther
e'snowher
eican
escapet obutshouldBosaescapeherclawsbef
ore
shesinksthem indeeperiwouldbeatpeace

Theysi
ghedshaki
ngt
hei
rheadsandcont
inuedt
o
cat
chup.

AtTemo'
shouse.
..

Helaughedwit
hReatl
egi
lewhowentint
othe
bat
hroom ashi
sphonerang.Hef
rownedlooki
ngat
t
henameont
hescr
eenandscof
fedanswer
ing.
..

Temo:Vi
ctor
iawhatcanidof
oryou?
Vi
ctor
ia:gat
wewanyal
a?
Temo:youhear
dthatr
ight
Vi
ctor
ia:wi
thwhat
?
Temo:whatar
eyout
alki
ngabout
?
Vi
ctori
a:youdon'tevenownadecentcarTemo.
Youdon'tevenhaveaplotwhatar
eyougoingto
marrythepoorwomanwi th?
Temo:youar
esuchavil
eper
sonVi
ctor
ia.I
nst
ead
ofcongr
adul
ati
ngmeyouwantt
odi
scourageme
andputmedown
Vi
ctor
ia:ij
ustwanttohelpyouandsaveyouf
rom
embarassi
ngyoursel
ffur
therTemo.Doyouknow
whataweddingentai
ls?
Temo:itsnotaboutt
heweddi ngit
saboutthe
marri
agesomet hi
ngim cert
ainyouhaveno
exper
ienceofsopleasestopwithwhatyouare
tr
yingt
odo.Wet herther
ewi l
lbeabigtentornoti
m
goingt
omar ryReatl
egil
eevenifthepeoplegett
o
eatmagwinyawithorosiwillbef
ineaslongasi
havepaidbri
depriceinful
l
Victoria:nxnxnxyour eall
yhaveapeanutsi zed
brainTemoever ygirldreamst ohaveabeaut i
ful
hugeweddi ngpapaandReat legi
leisthatkindof
girlidon'tknowhowyouar egoingtogoabouti t
kanawagot sayaloanrra(sheburstintoalaugh)
i
magi necryingfoulbecauseofal if
etimedebt .Gar
e
l
esagobat l
agoi t
shotlaTemo.Heewat husa
Temo:whydi
dyoucal
lagai
n?
Victor
ia:toadvi
ceyout ostoptryi
ngtoembarrass
yourselfnnaim notgoingtohelpanyonewhogets
stuck.Lenalegoipil
etsamelekoler
eVictor
iaoteng
(scoff
ed)notthisti
mear oundpapi
Temo:wher
eisBosa?
Vi
ctor
ia:(
frowned)omoi
sakae?
Temo:iwantt
ogowi
thhi
mtoMochudit
omor
row
Vi
ctor
ia:di
dheeversayhewant
stogot
her
e?My
chi
ldi
snotgoi
nganywher
e
Temo:Vi
ctor
iaBosai
snotyourchi
ldhe'
sourchi
ld
andwehavetheri
ght
stospendti
mewi t
hhim
Vi
ctor
ia:whathaveyoudonefort
hischi
ldever
si
ncehismotherpassedon?
Temo:youhaveneveral
lowedhi
mtobear
oundus
andidon'
tunder
standwhyyouwoul
ddosucha
thi
ng
Vict
ori
a:Bosa'smotherwasgoingtogivehi
ma
comfortabl
eli
fesowho'smoreabletogivehi
ma
comfortabl
eli
febet
weenyou, Boi
tshepoandi?Me
ofcourselebatl
agosotlakangwanawagannake
Temo:butyouaret
heonedoingthatbykeepi
ng
hi
m awayfrom t
herestofhi
sfamil
y.IwantBosai
wantt
ogohomewi thhim Vi
ctor
iaandthat
'si
t
Vict
oria:si
nceyouwanthimt hencomeandtake
hi
m weshoul dseeifhewouldwantt ogobewit
h
peoplewhodon'tcareabouthiswell
being
Temo:(si
ghed)andaboutt
heweddinguncl
eLedi
ba
tel
lsmeyousaidthemeeti
ngwi
llbeheldon
Wednesday,
ist
hisyourweddi
ng?
Vict
oria:l
etmeknowi fyoudon'twantmet obea
partofyourwedding.Ihaveothert
hingstoattend
to.I
'm notgoingt
oputmyl i
feonholdjustbecause
youareget t
ingmarri
ed.Elegoreomangwena?
Temo:youarethemostannoyi
ngpersonihave
evermetinmyenti
rel
if
e.Evenwhensomet hi
ngis
notaboutyou,
youmakeitaboutyou.Bye

Hecli
ckedhist
onguehangingupwhi
leVi
ctor
ia
scof
fedshaki
ngherhead.
..

Vi
ctor
ia:Temogetmar
ri
edbef
orei
?(Scof
fed)aka
sebonaakanona

Att
heMonewa'
s.
..

PastorPesal
emasighedputt
inghi
sphoneandkeys
onthetableandsatonthecouchwit
hhi
shandson
hi
sface.
..

Kel
ell
o:i
sever
ythi
ngokdaddy?
Pesal
ema:I
'
mfr
om Pat
lo'
sof
fi
ce
Kel
ell
o:and?
Pesal
ema:heact
sli
kenot
hingi
shappeni
nghel
ied
tomyface
Kel
ell
o:soyoumanagedt
oreadt
hroughhi
m?
Pesal
ema:yesandit
hinki
t'
sbestMrsKwenafil
es
fordi
vor
ceorel
sethi
smanwi l
lbetheendofher
Kelel
lo:t
hesamet
hingihavebeensayi
ngoverand
over
Pesal
ema:andhesayshe' sgoi
ngtoZanzi
barwi
th
hi
scolleaguesthi
sweekendimeanwhospends
Chri
stmaswi t
hstranger
sthanhi
sfami
ly?
Kelell
o:Bont
sical
ledmeafewminutesagoabout
thattri
p.He'
snotgoingwi
thhi
scol
leaguesbuthi
s
girl
fr
iend
Pesal
ema:andsheknowst
hishow?
Kelel
lo:shebumpedi
ntotherecept
ionstandasked
heraboutitandshet
oldhert
hatthere'
snosuch
tr
iptheyhadthei
rChri
stmaspartyl
astweek
Thursday.
Pesal
ema:(
sighed)sowhatdoesshepl
anondoi
ng?
Kelell
o:shehasn'
ttol
dmeanyt
hingbutshesai
d
she'safrai
dofaski
nghim
Pesal
ema:shemustst
opt
hist
ri
pfr
om happeni
ng
Kelel
lo:andweki
ndofhaveani
deaofwhot
hel
ady
mightbe
Pesal
ema:whodoyout
hinki
tcoul
dbe?
Kel
ell
o:Vi
cky'
sHot
elowner
Pesal
ema:(
frowned)Vi
ctor
iaDi
ntsi
?
Kel
ell
o:yeswhydoyouseem l
ikeyouknowher
?
Kel
ell
o:thatwomanisthesamewomanwhoisour
majordonorfort
hechurch'
schi
ldr
en'
shome
Kel
ell
o:what
!?Youdi
dn'
ttel
lme
Pesal
ema:becauseshewant
edtobeanonymous.
Areyousur
eaboutwhatyouaret
alki
ngabout
?
Kelel
lo:yesBontsisaysshefoundahot eltaginhi s
clot
hesonedayandi twasofVicky'
sHot eland
againAt amel
angaskedhimt ohireherfri
endsaf ter
theholidaysbutthemomenthehear dthatt heother
onecoul dberel
atedtoVict
oriahestart
edact ingup
Pesal
ema:(swal
lowed)andforhert
obecomea
donorshewasbroughtbyPatl
o
Kelel
lo:bathongDaddyhowcanyounotshar esuch
thi
ngswi thme?Theni t
'sdef
init
elyher
.She'
sthe
onebr eaki
ngmyf r
iend'
smar ri
age
Pesal
ema:(si
ghed)thisi
smessedup.Onceit
comesoutwear egoingtol
osetheoneper
sonwho
hel
psourchil
dren'
shomeal ot
Kelell
o:somyf ri
endshouldsuff
erbecausewe
don'twanttoloseabigdonor?Suchanevilperson?
Nol et
'snotbehypocri
tesandselfi
shwewi l
lsee
howt hechil
drensurvi
veican'tl
etmyfri
enddiethe
wayshe' sdyi
ng.Ifweloseherthenfi
newewi l
lget
anotherdonor.
Pesal
ema:i
t'
shar
dtof
inddonor
smyl
ove
Kel
ell
o:sopapaobat
lakel
ebet
sal
ayameesokol
a
mogokana?Nodaddyi
m sonotgoi
ngt
obet
hat
ki
ndofaper
son

Shesai
dleavi
ngwhi
lepast
orPesal
emasi
ghed
si
tt
ingback.

I
nhiscarPat
lost
oppedt
hemusi
canddi
aled
Vi
ctor
ia.
..

Vi
ctor
ia:l
ove
Pat
lo:wher
eareyou?I
mfr
om t
hehot
elandt
hey
sai
dyouarenoti
n
Vi
ctor
ia:i
m att
hehouse
Pat
lo:why?
Victor
ia:Dai
syhurther
sel
fsoihavet
olookaf
ter
her.Shebrokeherarm
Patl
o:ohsor
ryt
oheart
hat
.Whenwi
lligett
osee
youthen?
Vict
ori
a:t
omor
rowi
m wor
kingonf
indi
nghera
nurse
Pat
lo:howmuchdoesapr
ivat
ecost
?
Vi
ctor
ia:6kaday
Pat
lo:okiwi
llt
akecar
eofi
t
Vi
ctor
ia:why?
Pat
lo:yourchi
ldneedspr
ofessi
onalcar
e
Vi
ctor
ia:i
t'
snotl
ikeidon'
thavet
hemoneyt
opayi
t
Pat
lo:youdon'
thavet
ouseyourmoneywheni
m
ar
oundl ove
Vi
ctor
ia:(
smi
led)youar
esuchal
ovi
ngman
Patl
o:mmhyoumustcomeandt hankmeinper
son
(t
helaughed)anywayyournephew,what
'shi
s
nameagain?
Vi
ctor
ia:Bosa
Pat
lo:Atamelangwant smetohi
rehi
m whi
let
hey
ar
ewai t
ingforthei
rresul
ts
Vi
ctor
ia:naar
engwananyanayoowat
senwa?Oi
sa
kaeBosa?
Pat
lo:ijustwant
edtoletyouknowandshe'
snot
goi
ngt ogiveupunt
iliagreet
oit
Vict
ori
a:youbett
ergetyourdaughteri
nli
ne.You
arethefat
herandshe'
sthechildnottheot
herway
round.
Pat
lo:youhavenevermetAt
amel
angwhenshe
wantssomethi
ngshewantsit
Vi
ctor
ia:Pat
loidon'
twanttohearofhowmuchofa
st
ubbornbratshei
s.There'
snoBosathat
'sgoi
ngt
o
worki
nyourcompanyt hat'
sit
Pat
lo:iwi
lll
etherknow
Vi
ctor
ia:andsheshoul
dneverthi
nkofiteveragai
n.
WheredoessheknowBosaf r
om?( Shecli
ckedher
t
ongue)
Pat
lo:t
heywer
est
udybuddi
esatschool
Vict
ori
a:il
ongt ol
dyout oremovethatchi
ldof
yoursf
rom thatschoolbutyouref
used
Pat
lo:t
heywer
enoti
nthesamecl
assVee
Vict
oria:i
tdoesn'tmatt er.Smartpeopl
eal ways
hangoutt ogethereveni ftheyarenoti
nt hesame
cl
asst heywillalwaysfindawayt oeachot her
.You
mustmakesur et oputanendt othi
sstupid
fr
ienshipdoyouunder standme?
Pat
lo:(
sighed)eemma
Vi
ctor
ia:goodidon'
twanttobecaughti
ndr
ama.
I
m anhonourablebusi
nesswoman.
Pat
lo:sor
ryl
ove
Vi
ctor
ia:makesurethel
astt
imeshement
ioned
Bosawithhermouthwasthelastt
ime
Pat
lo:iwi
ll
Vi
ctor
ia:good
Pat
lo:l
etmegetgoingdon'
tfor
gett
osendme
det
ail
softhepr
ivat
enurse
Vi
ctor
ia:nopr
obl
em.Bye

TheyhungupasPat
loshookhi
sheaddr
ivi
ng
away.
..
Pat
lo:ki
ds

AtTemo'
shouse.
..

Herever
sedoutoft
heyardgoingt
otheshopswhi
le
Reatl
egi
ler
eachedf
orherphoneanddi
aledher
si
ster
..
.

Boemo:At
le-
Atl
e
Reat
legi
le:(
laughed)whenwi
llyoust
opcal
li
ngme
t
hatthough?
Boemo:i
t'
syournamef
oreverbabygi
rl
.Howar
e
youdoi
ng?
Reat
legi
le:i
m goodandyour
sel
flove?
Boemo:I
'
m wonder
fulmyl
ove
Reatl
egi
le:whenar
eyoucominghome?I t
's
Chri
stmassoonandyouarenotyett
hissidewhy?
Boemo:I'
mflyi
ngoutt
omorr
owmyl
ovebeen
wrappi
ngthi
ngsupthi
ssi
de
Reat
legi
le:ohokt
henr
onawear
egoi
ngt
oTemo'
s
home
Boemo:ohokt
hat
'sni
ce.Howi
stheol
dladydoi
ng?
Reat
legi
le:she'
sgoodst
il
lal
i
veandki
cki
ng
Boemo:gagot
wemot
hoot
hat
agot
ewaMma
Dint
si
Reatl
egi
le:t
hepowerofpr
ayerloveshe'
sfait
hfult
o
herGodthat'
swhyhe'
ssti
llkeepi
nghertoday
Boemo:yeahnehawomanofpowert
hatone
Reat
legi
le:yeah.Iwant
edt
otel
lyout
hatTemo
pr
oposedl ove
Boemo:(
smi
led)what
!?
Reat
legi
le:yepandtheyar
ehavi
ngameet
ingon
Wednesdayi nMochudi
Boemo:wowsi
sthat
'samazi
ng.Congr
adul
ati
ons
Reat
legi
le:t
hankyoul
oveihavebeenpr
ayi
ngfor
t
hisandGodhasf i
nal
lyanswer
edmyprayer
Boemo:t
hisi
samazi
ngl
ove.Haveyout
oldmama?
Reat
legil
e:nopeimt el
li
ngyoutotel
lherf
ormebut
youwillt
ellheronceTemoi nf
ormsmewhenhis
fami
lywillbegoingtomi ne
Boemo:okbabenopr oblem iwi
llmakesuret
okeep
mymout hshutunt
ilthen.Howmanyyear shave
youguysbeentogether?
Reat
legi
le:20year
snow
Boemo:wowt
hisi
spat
iencei
ndeed
Reat
legi
le:iknowhey
Boemo:butwhydon'
tyouguyshaveachi
ldor2?
Reat legil
e:(si
ghed)idon'tknowB, ihonest
lydon'
t
know.Idon' ttakecont
raceptivesandwear ebot
h
fertil
ebutnot hingishappening.Wehavebeen
tryingf orthepast18yearsbutnot hingsi
ster
s.We
wentt oallthedoctor
sandt heyallsaythesame
thingt hatthere'
snothi
ngwr ongwi thus
Boemo:bat
hongmmekanayouar
enotget
ti
ngany
younger
Reat
legi
le:t
hat
'swhatscar
esmeB
Boemo:haveyouconsi
der
edgoi
ngt
otr
adi
ti
onal
heal
ers?
Reat
legi
le:i
m achr
ist
ianBidon'
tdosucht
hings
Boemo:butt
hat
'swher
eyoucanf
indyouranswer
s
si
s
Reatl
egi
le:nnyammaidon'twanttoangerGodand
cl
osedownmybl essi
ngsiwi
llbepati
entj
ustasi
havebeenpatientwit
hmymar r
iage
Boemo:okl
ove.Maybekemol
oiyol
ewamogol
owe
Temo
Reat
legi
le:bat
hongBoemo
Boemo:ift
her ei
ssomeoneihateit'
sthatwoman.I
don'
tunderstandtheki
ndofpersonsheis.Allher
si
bli
ngsaregoodpeopleandthenthere'
sher.The
waysheper f
ormedatBoingot
lo'
sfuneralyouwould
swearsheknewwhatr eal
lyki
ll
edher
Reat
legi
le:(
laughed)bat
hongBpl
easedon'
tfi
ght
her
Boemo:shethi
nksshe'
saboveever
yoneandidar
e
hert
otrycausehavocdur
ingt
henegoti
ati
onsiwi
ll
showherherpl
ace
Reat
legi
le:obat
lagoipol
aisakamot
howenat
hat
womanhasashar ptongue.
Boemo:noleamot logel
a.Vi
ctor
iaisjustli
keany
ot
herperson.Leavehertomeiwillsortherout
Reat
legi
le:wenakanaBont
wadumel
a(t
hey
l
aughed)letmegetgoi
ngmma
Boemo:okmybaby.Iwi
llpassbyyourpl
aceoncei
l
andhey
Reat
legi
le:nopr
obl
em l
ovet
akecar
ehey
Boemo:yout
oobabes

Att
heKwena'
s.
..

BontsisentAt
amel angt otheshopsasshet ookher
passportandAtamel ang'sgoingint
oherroom.She
cl
earedherthroatdiali
ngat ravel
ingagency.
..
Man:goodday
Bont
si:gooddaysi
ryouar
espeaki
ngt
oMr
sBont
si
Kwena
Man:howcanibeofhel
pMr
sKwena?
Bontsi:iwouldl
iket
obookt
wof
li
ghtt
icket
sto
Zanzibarsir
Man:f
rom whenunt
ilwhenma'
am?
Bont
si:Thur
sdayunt
ilWednesdaysi
r
Man:okf
orwhoandwho?
Bont
si:Bont
siKwenaandAt
amel
angKwenasi
r
Man:okpl easegivemeyourdetail
s(shedid)thank
yousomuchMr sKwenayouwi l
lgetanoti
ficati
on
from yourbankthatthet
icket
shavebeenbooked
thencomef orthem onceyougetthenoti
fi
cation
Bont
si:oksi
rthankyou
Man:t
hankyouma'
am

TheyhungupasBont
sisi
ghedcal
li
ngt
hehot
el.
..
Lady:Zanzi
barhel
lo?
Bontsi:gooddayma' am youar
etalki
ngt
oBont
si
Kwenamybr otherhasaskedmet oconf
ir
ma
booking
Lady:what
'shi
snamema'
am?
Bont
si:Pat
loKwena
Lady:asecondplease(
shechecked)ohyesa
bookingunderhisnameforaroom fort
wohas
beenputthroughma'am he'
sarr
ivi
ngonThursday
eveni
ng
Bont
si:whowi
llbewi
thhi
m agai
n?
Lady:hi
swi
feVi
ctor
iaDi
ntsi
Bont
si:(
swall
owed)okma'
am iwoul
dli
ket
omake
anot
herbooki
ngma'am
Lady:f
oryour
sel
f?
Bont
si:yesandmydaught
er
Lady:ohokma'
am.Shar
ing?
Bont
si:yes
Lady:f
rom whenunt
ilwhen?
Bont
si:Thur
sdayt
oWednesday
Lady:okmayipl
easehaveyourdet
ail
s

Shegavehert
hei
rdet
ail
sandhungupl
ooki
ngi
n
themi
rror
..
.

Bontsi
:thi
sisyourmarri
ageBontsiandPatlois
yourhusbandyouarenevergoi
ngt oletanobody
comesinandt hi
nktheycansnat
chyourmar r
iage
l
ikethat

Shestoodupchecki
nghersel
fint
hemirr
orand
cl
ickedhert
onguetaki
ngherbagandcarkeys.
..

Bont
si:what
'sZanzi
barwi
thoutal
it
tl
emakeover
Shesai
dleavi
ng.

Att
hemal
l.
..

Olebil
eandBaisagopartedwaysashewai tedfor
himt odri
veoutofhisparking.Hethenfol
lowed
him outashetookadi f
ferentrout
ewhileheheaded
toPhakalane.Hechangedgear ssteppi
ngont he
acceler
atorasacowcameoutofnowher eand
j
umpedi ntotheroad.Dri
vingat140km/ hOlebil
e
tr
iedtohitthebr
akesbutt heyseemedtonotbe
working.
..

Ol
ebi
le:shi
t!

Hetriedeveryt
hinghecoul
dasheswervedoutof
t
her oadwhilethecarhi
tabar
ri
erandovert
urned
r
oll
ingintothebushes.
.
.
.
.
.
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
CAGED
09

Olebil
e'
scargotstoppedbyat reestem ast
heseat
beltcoi
ledaroundhisneckwhilehisheadhitthe
handgear .Car
sthatwerefoll
owinghiscamet oa
quickstopaseveryonegotoutandr antoOlebil
e'
s
aid.Onemancoul dbespot t
edonthephonewhi l
e
anothermanaskedever yonetonotcomecloseras
therewassmokecomi ngoutoft hebonnet.
..

Woman:wewanttoseewhat
'sgoi
ngonaswel
l
st
opobst
ruct
ingourvi
ew
Man:whatwi
llyoudoi
fthi
scarexpl
odesonyour
face?Wouldyoustil
lwanttoseewhat'shappening?
Movebackman!Pl easedon'tpostt
hosevideoson
theint
ernetyoucanseethatthi
spersonhasn't
beenhelpedyet.Hasanyonecall
edforhelp?

Ashesaidaf i
ref
ight
ingt
ruck,
apoli
cevananda
medi
calrescuecarcamewhail
ingaspeopl
emade
wayfort
hem. .
.

Of
fi
cer
:ist
her
eanyonewhosawwhathappened?
Man:hewast ryi
ngtomovef
oracowunf ort
unatel
y
hehitabarri
erbackt
her
eandthecarovert
urned
thenrol
leduptohere

Meanwhi l
ethemedicscareful
lyt
ookOlebi
leoutof
thecarandplacedhim onthestr
echerpumping
oxygenintohi
m...

Of
fi
cer
:howi
shedoi
ng?
Medic:heneedstobetakent
ot hehospi
talassoon
aspossibl
ehe'shangi
ngonat hread
Off
icer
:okdosoiwillmakesur
etofindsomethi
ng
t
hatcouldhel
puslocatehi
sfamil
y.Thecar?
Fi
ref
ight
er:i
t'
sawr
it
eof
f

Theoffi
cerwhist
ledtothetowtruckdri
verand
askedhimtoloaditaft
ertaki
ngoutOlebil
e'
sphone,
wall
etandallt
heimpor t
antdocuments.
..

Of
fi
cer
:thankyouever
yoneshowi
sover

Theyshookthei
rheadsmumbl i
ngnotbel i
eving
whattheyj
ustwitnessed.Meanwhil
et heofficersat
i
nhiscarandwentt hr
oughhisdocument sandhi s
phone.Hewenttot hephonenumber slookingfor
mom ordadandf oundmom t hendial
edVi ctori
a
whofrownedlookingatOlebi
le'
snameont he
scr
een..
.
Vi
ctor
ia:Ol
ebi
le?
Off
icer
:youar
espeaki
ngt
oapol
iceof
fi
cer
.Wher
e
ar
eyou?
Vi
ctor
ia:i
m atmyhousei
sOl
ebi
lei
nsomeki
ndof
t
roubl
e?
Off
icer:noma'
am buthe'
sbeent
akent
othe
hospit
al
Vi
ctor
ia:whathappened?
Of
fi
cer
:hehasbeeni
nvol
vedi
nacaracci
dent
Vi
ctor
ia:(smi
ledt
hencl
ear
edhert
hroat
)ohmy
wordoffi
ceri
smysonok?
Offi
cer
:hehasbeenr
ushedt
oGPHpl
easemake
yourwayther
e
Vi
ctori
a:of
fi
ceral
liwantt
oknowi
sifmysoni
s
al
ivepl
easetel
lme
Of
fi
cer
:theyar
etr
yingt
osavehi
m ma'
am goodbye

Hehungupwhil
eVict
ori
ast
uckhert
ongueoutt
o
t
hephoneandsmil
ed.
..
Vict
ori
a:mmhkemakgakgaamosi manyana.Taol
o
yaboneyaretl
otl
ammaagol err
agogoremal at
sia
gagoabotshel
oaoketsege.Keyooogwapel et
se
mobetengyasepatel
a.Kegoneatl
aikit
sengsentl
e
gaketl
egotall
wakengwanakelekana

Shesmi
ledt
aki
ngherphoneagai
nanddi
aledSt
one.

I
nhi
scar
,Bai
sagosmi
leddi
ali
ngBoi
tshepo.
..

Boit
shepo:hipl
easet
ellmet
hatyourmeet
ingwas
successf
ul
Bai
sago:iwi
llbewi
thmysonver
ysoon
Boit
shepo:thisisamazi
ng.Iwantyoutogethol
dof
hisuncl
ebef orehecomeshereincaseVi
ctor
iat
ri
es
togettr
icky.Themorestepsaheadweareofher
thebett
er
Bai
sago:wai
tdoyout
hinkshewoul
ddosomet
hing
t
ohersont
ost
ophi
mfr
om meet
ingupwi
thme?
Boit
shepo:shoul
dshef i
ndoutshewoul
dn'teven
thi
nktwiceaboutki
ll
inghimthatwomanhasadar k
heart
Bai
sago:yourownchi
ldt
hough?
Boitshepo:youdon'tknowVi ctor
iaBai
sagoshe'
s
thatdesperateidon'tunderst
andswhatshegets
from keepi
ngachi l
df rom us
Bai
sago:ohoksowhatshoul
disayt
oyourbr
other
?
Boit
shepo:t
ellhi
mt hatyougothisnumberf
rom me
thentel
lhi
mt hatyouwanttosett
lethedamages
andintr
oduceBosat otheancest
ors
Baisago:mybankaccount
shaven'
tbeenunf
rozen
yetwherewouldigett
hemoney?
Boi
tshepo:don'
twor
ryiwi
lladvocat
eforyou
Bai
sago:whati
fVi
ctor
iast
essest
hatt
her
e'sno
chi
ldgoi
nganywher
ebefor
ethemoneyhasbeen
pai
d?
Boit
shepo:iwi
llt
rytoconvi
ncemom anduncl
e
Ledi
batoagreethatBosaneedst
ohavea
r
elat
ionshi
pwi
thhi
spar
ent
Bai
sago:andt
hent heyr
emi
ndhi
mthati
m acol
d
bl
oodedmurderer
Boitshepo:iwil
ltr
ytal
ktoBosaandconvi
ncehi
m
thatyouar enotabadperson
Baisago:ij
ustf
eell
ikethisi
safarfet
chedi
deabut
heyweshoul dt
ryanythingt
hatcomesup.Youcan
sendthenumber
Boi
tshepo:awesome.Letmedosoj
ustnow
Lame:mama!
?Mama!
?
Boi
tshepo:Lamekeengman?
Lame:Bosajustpostedonourgr
oupapparent
ly
Olebi
lehasbeeninvolvedi
nacaracci
dent
Boi
tshepo:(
widenedhereyesshocked)what
!?
Orefe:keenglegoasekana'
kanakant
egal
eit
se
gorekeitheedi
tse?
Boit
shepo:(swal
lowed)mamagat
weOl
ebi
lehas
beeninvol
vedinacaracci
dent
Or
efe:(
hol
dingont
odoorf
rame)ohModi
moyo
t
let
sengkgal
alel
oaoJehovah
Boi
tshepo:howi
she?
Lame:Bosadidn'
tsayhesaysVi
ctor
iaj
ustr
ushed
tot
hehospit
al
Boit
shepo:ei
shletusknowi
fther
ear
eanyupdat
es
ok.Ineedtomakeacall

Shesteppedout
sidewhil
eOrefewenttoherr
oom
andl
ockedhersel
finsi
deli
ghti
ngtwowhitecandl
es
andopenedherbibl
eholdi
ngOlebi
le'
sphoto.
..

Orefe:oModi moyot l
etsengmosa, oModi moyo
tl
etsengl er
atontate.Keat lagowenakei kobi
lenna
mol eofiyotl
homol angpel oJeso.Banakebaf el
a
kgosiyamasomosomobanakebaj ewakeser ase
sebonal engrarammef el
at sot
lhedii t
siwekewena.
FatherGodical lforyouri nter
venei nOlebile'
s
si
tuat i
onchristJesus.Lor dwat chovermy
grandsoni nthesituat
ionhe' sinrightnow.Lor doh
GodohFat heryoucan' ttakemygr andsonbef orei
,
thatirefuseLor d.Rel
easeyourangel st ocoverhim
andsur roundhi m wit
htheirgentl
ewi ngs.Lett hem
protecthimf rom anyweaponf ashionedagai nst
him Lor dJesus.(Ateardropped)ispeakf i
reonany
weaponf ashionedagainsthim mygr aciousLor d.
Youal onear ewor t
hy,mercif
ulandmi ghty.Jesus
Lordt akecont r
ol.I
fyouhaven'tbeenl ist
eningt o
mypr ayer snowi stheti
met oli
stentomeLor d.
Amen

Shesighedshakingherheadonherkneeswhile
outsi
deBoi t
shepopacedaroundt
heyardtryi
ngto
reachBaisagowhowasonanot hercal
l.
..

Boit
shepo:ei
shakoreyemot
hoyooadropeman
(shesai
ddial
inghi
m agai
nasheanswer
ed)
Bai
sago:Boi
ts.
..
Boi
tshepo:it
oldyouaker
eBai
sago?It
oldyou
Bai
sago:whatnow?
Boi
tshepo:Ol
ebi
lehasbeeni
nvol
vedi
nacar
acci
dent
Bai
sago:saywhatnow!
?
Boi
tshepo:mydaught
erj
usttol
dmenowshesays
Bosasentamessageint
heirgr
oup
Bai
sago:(
hitt
hesteer
ingwheel
)shi
t!Shi
t!Shi
tman!
What'
swrongwit
ht hi
swoman
Boi
tshepo:boVi
ctori
agabat
shabepetsoya
Modimowai t
seiguessTemoisouronl
ylasthope
Bai
sago:whati
fsheki
ll
shi
mtoo?I
m get
ti
ngaf
rai
d
now
Boit
shepo:noBaisagoyouar enotgoingtosqueal
onme.Wehavet ofi
ghtasmuchaswecan.Thi si
s
yoursonBaisagoim nevergoingt
ost opunti
lisee
mynephewf r
eefr
om thosechains.Justtal
kto
Temoovert hephone
Baisago:whatifshetappedyourphones?Imean
howdi dsheknowwher ewewereandt hathewas
meet i
ngupwi t
hme?Thi swomanismor e
dangerousthanithought
Boi
tshepo:wej
ustneedt
obeal
it
tl
esmar
tert
hen.I
f
shetappedourphonest
henyouwillhavet
o
cont
actTemot hr
oughhi
sgir
lfr
iend
Bai
sago:doesn'
tsheknowher
?
Boi
tshepo:shedoes
Bai
sago:t
henshemi
ghtt
apher
stoo
Boi
tshepo:ihaveTemo'
sfr
iend'
snumberiwi
llsend
i
t
Bai
sago:(scof
fed)your
eal
lyar
enotgoi
ngt
ogi
ve
upareyou?
Boi
tshepo:never
Baisago:okt
heniwi
llbewai
ti
ngonthenumber.Let
mecheckmycaraswel lmaybeshef
iddl
edwit
hit
too
Boi
tshepo:bye

Theyhungupwhi l
eBaisagodrovei
ntohisyar
dand
checkedhiscarwhi
leBoit
shepowentint
othe
housesighi
ng.
Att
hebusst
op.
..

Letl
otl
ogoti
ntoabusanddi
aledBosawho
answeredaf
terl
ocki
nghi
sdoor.
..

Bosa:
Let
lot
lo?
Let
lot
lo:wer
eyouwi
thhi
m?
Bosa:
no
Let
lot
lo:ohisee.I
m onabusr
ightnow
Bosa:
toWher
e?
Let
lot
lo:i
m comi
ngt
her
e
Bosa:
butit
houghtOl
ebi
leaskedyounott
ocome
yet
Letl
otl
o:nobruhI'
m dyi
ngt
oseeyouhewil
ljust
havetoforgi
vemeandagainhe'
satt
hehospit
al
whowi l
lyoufoolar
oundwi
thwhil
ehe'
sst
il
lthere?
Bosa:
didyout
ellyourmot
her
?
Let
lot
lo:noshewasgoi
ngt
otel
lmeal
otofst
ori
es
t
hatmyaunti
sevi
landal
lthatcr
ap
Bosa:(
swal
lowed)i
woul
dhavewai
tedal
it
tl
eifi
wereyou
Let
lot
lo:r
raet
showher
edoigetof
f?
Bosa:whoar
eyougoi
ngt
osayi
nvi
tedyouwhen
youhere?
Letl
otl
o:ii
nvi
tedmysel
fthat
'smyaunt
'shousei
haveallt
heri
ghtt
obethere
Bosa:isee.Welldr
opoffbythef
ir
stbusstopint
o
Phakalanethencat
chroute2iwi
lldi
rectyouf
rom
then
Let
lot
lo:sur
ebuddyseeyouj
ustnownow

Hesmiledhangingupwhi
leishookmyheadand
si
ghedlayi
ngdown.Irememberedthatil
ockedmy
doorasiqui
cklywentt
ounlockitandl
aidback
down.

Att
heMal
l.
..
Inanewpi xi
ecolouredhaircutandaf ullf
acebeat
on,Bontsiworeaveryshor tsummerdr essshehad
j
ustboughtandnewgl asseswithahugesummer
hat.Looki
nglikeherfi
nancialstatusshemadeher
wayt ohercarandputal lt
heshoppi ngbagsinthe
backseatasshecal l
edasecur ityguardover.
..

Man:yesma'
am
Bont
si:mayyouki
ndl
ytakephot
osofme
Man:nopr
obl
em

Shegavehim herIphone13Pr omaxandsnapped

heraf ewpi
cturesposingonhercar .Shethentook
af ewofhershoppingbagsassheaskedhi mt o
takeheraslowmot ionvideo.Shelaughedfini
shing
andgavehim P50ashesmi l
edgoingbackt ohis
post.Shegotinhercarandsmi l
edlooki
ngatthe
photos..
.
Bontsi:yeswenat hi
ckgirl
.Ireal
lysnatchedtheli
fe
outoft hepict
ures(shesmiledtaki
ngaf ewselfi
es
ofhernewcut )mymymyohmywon' tyoulookat
thatandt henPatl
ohast henervetothinkthati
wouldal l
owhi mtocheatonme( scof
fed)never

Shesaiduploadi
ngafewphotosonherwhatsapp
stat
us,Facebookandheri
nst
agram capt
ioni
ng
them..
.

"
Hol i
dayvi
bes,hell
oDecember .Toberocki
ng
Kasanesoon.Whi t
emenpr eparethosedol
lar
s
jokesi
m snatchedguys "

Shel aughedandputherphoneonai rpl

anemode
dri
vingout .I
nhi scarPat
lof
rownedlookingatthe
st
atusupdat es.Hescoff
edanddial
edhernumber
butitwasunavai l
abl
eashesighedtr
yingagainbut
i
twasst i
llunavail
abl
e.Hecall
edAtamelang.
..
At
amel
ang:dad?
Pat
lo:wher
eisyourmot
her
?
At
amelang:she'
soutshet
ext
edmesayi
ngshewas
meet
ingsomemani ntown
Pat
lo:aman?
At
amel
ang:yesdad
Pat
lo:di
dshesaywhy?
Atamel
ang:noshedidn'
tbutit
hinkshewantst
o
buysomeartst
uffyouknowherandpaint
ings
aker
e
Patl
o:haveyouseenyourmot
her
'sst
atuses
Atamelang?
At
amel
ang:no,
whyshoul
di?
Pat
lo:yourmotheri
sposingl
ikeaki
donpi
ctur
es
andtaki
ngstupidvi
deos
At
amel
ang:(
frownedchecki
ngandl
aughed)yesgi
rl
Pat
lo:what
?
At
amel
ang:noshamet
hepi
xiecutl
ookssogood
onherandthef
acebeati
soutofthi
sworldwow
mother
.Byedadletmeseemoreofthese
Pat
lo:At
amel
angi
..
.

Shehungupandsmiledl
ooki
ngatherphot
os
savi
ngsomeanduploadi
ngonherstat
usesaswell
whil
ePatl
oshookhi
sheadandscoff
edstart
ingt
he
car.

AtVi
ctor
ia'
shouse.
..

Sheparkedhercarandwenti
nsi
def
indi
ngmein
thel
oungewiththetvof
fwhil
eonmyphone.
..

Bosa:
hiaunt
yhowi
shedoi
ng?
Vict
ori
a:akoompolell
ewenamosi manyanake
wenawhopaysf orthewi
fiyouaremisusi
ng?(I
swall
owedputti
ngmyphonedown)iaskedyoua
questi
onineversai
dyoushouldputyourphone
down
Bosa:
youar
eaunt
y
Vict
ori
a:doyouknowhowmuchi ti
severyt
imeigo
topaythebi
llandyouar
et heonl
ypersoninthi
s
housethati
salwayshol
dingaphone
Bosa:
im sor
ryiwi
ll
..
.
Vict
oria:shutupBosa.I fi
t'
snotyoumaki ngmy
chil
drenfight,i
t'
syoudest r
oyi
ngeverythinginthi
s
house.Iwast oldthatyouwantedtoboi leggsi
na
potonSat urday.Don'tyouknowwhatweuset o
hardeneggs?Legoneoj amaeabi di
lengmoga
mangBosa?Obat l
agonkgi santl
oyamemot sena?
Haveyoueverseenanyoneeat ingboil
edeggsj ust
l
ikethat?
Bosa:itwasjust2eggsaunt
ybuti
m sor
ryiwi
ll
neverdoitagain
Vict
or i
a:yesbecausef rom nowonyouar egoingto
eatjustliket
her estofus.Youdon' tcontri
buteto
anythingi nt
hishouseal lyoudoi seat,eat,
eatall
dayt hengof i
nishthetoilerpaperiboughtwi t
hmy
hardear nedmoney.Bi l
lyamet siatoi
letyagago
Bosaenkememo( shesai
dtouchi
ngherthr
oat)ke
gorewatheosawanyelosaBosareut
lwakawena
i
nthishouse.Whatkindofahumanbeingareyou?
Huh?
Bosa:
Let
lot
loi
sonhi
sway
Vi
ctor
ia:(
laughed)wowsont
loyamekemaphutha
di
chaba?Sincewhendoesheevercomeher
e?Lea
nt
lwaelawait
se

Shecli
ckedhert onguegoingtoherbedr
oom asi
swall
owedl ooki
ngatherandsi ghedswi
tchingof
f
theWi-Fibutt
ononmyphone.Shet ookoffher
shoesanddi al
edBoitshepo.
..

Boi
tshepo:uhuwat
leol
etse?
Vict
ori
a:sont
loyameke"
otl
adi
khut
sana"galee
bonalebonasi
gnfel
aeki
makimayaRedCr oss?
Boi
tshepo:(
frownedconf
used)idon'
tunder
stand
Vict
ori
a:myhouseisgoi
ngtoendupsmelli
ng
becausepeasant
scomeinandoutofi
t.Boi
tshepo
cal
lyoursonri
ghtnowandaskhi
mtocat
chabus
hecamewi t
hback
Boi
tshepo:what
!?
Vi
ctor
ia:don'
tactsur
pri
sedyouhear
dwhatisai
d

Sheclickedhert ongueandhungupwhi l
e
Boit
sheposcof feddiali
ngLet
lotl
owhodecli
neher
cal
lgettingofthebus.Shecalledagai
nandhe
decl
inedi tbl
ockinghernumber .
..

Let
lot
lo:yot
lhewal
api
sa

Hesaidgoi
ngt
owai
tforacombiwhi
leBoi
tshepo
si
ghed..
.

Lame:andt
hen?
Boi
tshepo:Let
lot
loLame,
bat
hongLet
lot
lodoesn'
t
l
ist
en
Lame:whathashedonenow?
Boi
tshepo:ot
hobi
le.He'
sgonet
oGabor
one
Lame:what
!?
Boit
shepo:ij
ustrecei
vedacallf
rom Vi
ctor
iaand
shewasinsult
ingme.Itri
edcall
inghi
m buthe
decl
inesmycallsandhethenblockedme
Lame:heebathongdr amayagaLetl
otl
o.Justlet
hi
m bemamai fitmeansseei
ngfi
rsthandthekind
ofpersonhi
saunti st
hensobeiti
m donet r
yingto
prot
ecthim.He'sagrownmannowsol ethi
m
Boi
tshepo:iwi
llbet
heonecr
yingwhenhedi
es
Or
efe:whoi
sdyi
ng?
Boi
tshepo:ngwanawagagoot
hobi
leoi
lekogo
Vi
ctori
a
Or
efe:who?
Boi
tshepo:Let
lot
lo
Or
efe:bot
hat
a?
Boi
tshepo&Lame:bot
hat
a?
Or
efe:senkgoel
lengkar
ebot
hat
akeengee?
Boi
tshepo:wearet
alki
ngaboutVi
ctor
iaher
emom
sother
ear esomanyprobl
emswheneverhername
comesup
Or
efe:l
eavet
hechi
ldal
one

Shesaidgoingbacktoherroom whileLameand
hermot herl
ookedatoneanotherandclappedonce.
Meanwhi lei
nherhouseVict
oriapacedaroundthe
room deepinthought
sanddialedLetl
otl
o..
.

Let
lot
lo:hel
loaunt
y?
Vict
oria:hel
lomyboyihearyouar
ecomingover
whydi dn'
tyoutel
lmesoicouldpr
epar
eanicemeal
foryou?
Let
lot
lo:iwant
edt
osur
pri
seyou
Vict
ori
a:awwt
hat
'ssosweetofyoumyboy.How
farar
eyou?
Let
lot
lo:i
m att
hebusst
opopposi
tepumaf
il
li
ng
st
ati
onnowwai
ti
ngf
orr
out
e2
Vict
ori
a:youknowwhatdon'
twor
ryiwi
llcomepi
ck
youup
Let
lot
lo:(
smi
led)ohok
Vi
ctor
ia:bye

Shehungupsmi
li
ngandtookhercarkeyssayi
ng
byet
oDaisyt
hengoti
nhercar.
..

Vi
ctori
a:(smil
ing)l
it
tl
edoesheknowhewillbe
makingthingseasi
erformetodealwi
thhi
smot her
.
Boi
tshepowant lwael
await
se

Shecli
ckedhert
ongueopeningthegateas
Veroni
cadrovei
n.Theyspokeforaf ewsecondsas
shedroveoutwhi
lesheparked.Veroni
cawentin
thehouseandwentuptoDaisy'sroom..
.

Ver
oni
ca:heyboohowar
eyoudoi
ng?Wehavet
o
got
oSandt
onsoon
Dai
sy:t
hedoct
orsaysiwi
llbef
inebyt
hen
Ver
oni
ca:ohiseesoi
t'
snotbr
okenbr
oken?
Dai
sy:nopej
ustt
wist
ed.
Veroni
ca:okit
houghtt
hatr
udebr
otherofyour
s
brokei
t
Dai
sy:nohedi
dn'
tmyl
ove
Ver
oni
ca:i
sBosaar
ound?
Dai
sy:yep
Ver
oni
ca:ohok(
clear
edhert
hroat
)letmegogr
aba
gl
assofwat
er
Dai
sy:al
ri
ght

Sheheadedoutandcl osedthedoorbehi
ndherthen
stoodi nfr
ontofmydoor.Shewantedtoknockbut
rathershetri
edtoopen.Thi
nkingi
twasVictor
iai
quicklyjumpedoffmybedandwentt ounl
ock..
.
Ver
oni
ca:(
swal
lowedsmi
li
ng)hi
Bosa:
hihowcanihel
pyou?
Ver
oni
ca:canicomei
n?
Bosa:
no
Ver
oni
ca:aor
raBosasowear
egoi
ngt
otal
kdown
t
hewalkway?
Bosa:
ihavenot
hingt
otal
kaboutwi
th.
..

ShelookedbackatDaisy'
sdoorandt henwentf
or
myl i
pssoftl
ykissi
ngmeandsl owlysti
cki
ngher
tongueinsi
deofmymout h.Iheldbackmyvomit
pushingheroffwipi
ngmylips.
..

Bosa:
whatar
eyoudoi
ng?
Ver
onica:okBosaenoughr
unni
ngar
oundi
nci
rcl
es
iwantyou
Bosa:
(fr
owned)what
!?
Ver
oni
ca:iwantyousobad.Ipr
omi
seyouwewon'
t
t
akel
ongpl
easef
uckme
Bosa:
(fr
owned)what
!?
Veronica:sssh.Okokimt
heoneyouhavebeen
t
alkingtoonwhat sapp
Bosa:
pleasego
Ver
oni
ca:Bosawai
..
.Bo.
..

Iclosedthedooronherf aceandlockedi tasshe

sighedsratchingherheadandwentdown.
Meanwhi lebehindthedoorinsi
demyr oom isl owl
y
touchedmyl ipswithafrownonmyf ace.Ilooked
downonmypant sandihadaboner .Iscof f
ed
shakingmyheadandwentbackt omybed.Ihave
neverkissedagi r
lbefor
eandasmuchasi twas
weirditki
ndoff el
tgood.Icli
ckedmyt ongueand
sentThorisoamessage.

Att
heKwena'
s.
..
Patl
opar kedhi
scarandgotof fhear
inghis
daughterandwifelaughingint
hehouse.Hewentin
andfoundAt amelangtakingBont
sipict
ureswhi
le
sheposedf ort
hem. .
.

Bont
si:(
smi
led)ohdaddyi
sher
e.Hipa
Patl
o:(puthi
sbagonthetabl
e)whatthehel
lis
happeninghereandwhatar
eyoueveningweari
ng?
Haveyoueverseenawomanyoursi zewear
ingthat
?
At
amelang:ahahthat
'snotni
cebeni
cepl
ease
mom i
slookingl
ikeamil
li
ondoll
arbi
ll
Patl
o:pleasetaket
hosethingsof
f( hesai
dtaking
theotherclot
hesonthecouch)whatt hehel
listhi
s
Bontsi?Youareawomannotagi rl.Thesethi
ngs
shouldbewor nbyAtamelangnotyou
Bont
si:buti
..
.
Atamel
ang:nomamawai t.What
'swrongwithyou
dad?Yourwif
eisworki
nghardtolookgoodand
youasherhusbandshoul
dbeapplaudinghernot
bashi
ngherandputt
ingherdown.Womenyoursize
keeng?Mamaisvol
uptuousandper
fect
lyt
hick
howcanyoubesorudetoher?
Pat
lo:At
amel
angwho'
sthef
atherandt
hechi
ld
bet
weenyouandi
?
At
amel
ang:t
hat
'sbesi
dest
he.
..

Beforeshecoul
dfini
shhelandedahotsl
apacross
herfaceasshestagger
edtothecouchwhil
eBontsi
gaspedinshockcoveri
nghermouth.
..

Pat
lo:got
oyourr
oom now!

Sheswal
lowedandwentupwhi
leBont
sil
ookedat
Pat
loandscof
fed.
..

Bont
si:di
dyouj
usthi
tmychi
ld?
Patl
o:takethosethi
ngsandret
urnthem t
otheshop,
wipethatmakeupandaskt hem t
ogiveyouawig
orsomet hi
ng.Takeofft
hosenai
lsyouareawife
youhavehousechor est hatyouhavet odo.I f
havingahousehel permakesyout hinkyoucanput
nail
siwi l
laskhert ol eave.Idon'twantt oseethis
nonsenseonyouagai n.Akanyafelamosadiwaga
PatloKwenaant shedi tsemami pikont l
e.Your eal
ly
canbeshocki ngatt imesyouknow.Don' tforgetto
takedownal lthosephot osyoupost edonsoci al
medi a.Youwantmet obeal aughi
ngst alkatthe
offi
ce?Ont shitsediropef el
at sedimaf uratsedi
met l
hagasediwar ewhi temengett hosedol l
ars
ready.Opr ost
itutejaanong?Ompol ell
efaelegor e
oelaKasanegoyagoi theki
sa

Hecl
ickedhistongueandwentupwhi
leBont
si
swal
l
owedl ookingather
sel
f.
..

Bontsi
:(scof
fed)j
ealousyetsi
legosant seego
kgamaboyboy.Onl yifyouknewt heplansihave
foryouandyourwitchyouwoul dn'tbebehavi
ng
l
ikethi
s.
Shesai
dpost
ingyetanot
herhotpi
ctur
e.

LATERTHATEVENI
NG

Att
heHospi
tal
..
.

Vict
orial
ookedaroudwithascarfwr
appedaround
herfaceandwentintoherson'
sroom.Sheputher
bagdownl ooki
ngathim..
.

Victori
a:nxnxnxj ustlookatyour self.Youl ook
patheti
cOlebile.Insteadofbei ngasonyouchose
tobeat rai
tor
.Ol emenemenengwanakat owantt o
selloutyourownmot her?Aishameishoul d
applaudyouf oryourbr avery.Youwantt ot ake
awayt heonlyt hi
ngt hatput sfoodonourt ableand
thi
nkicoul dl
etyoubej ustlikethat?Your eal l
yhave
somener ve.Iwi l
lgivei ttoyout houghmybabyyou
arebravejustlikeyourownmot her.Onet hingyou
shouldhavelear nedaboutmewast hatidon' tt
ake
kindtopeopl
ewhost andi
nmyway.I
t'
sso
touchi
ngofhowmuchyouwoul ddot
olookafter
yourcousinbutwoul
dhedothesameforyou?I
guessnotbecause.
..

Shechuckl
edt
aki
ngoutasyr
ingef
rom herbag.
..

Vict
ori
a:hewouldrat
hermakesur
eyounevergett
o
speakeveragai
ninyourl
if
e.

Shesaidsoftl
yhitt
ingt
hesyri
ngewi t
hherfi
nger
andcareful
lyinj
ectedt
hesubstanceinhi
sdri
p.She
shookitoutmakingsurei
twasevenlydist
ri
butedi
n
thedr
ipandt ookherbagsmil
ing..
.

Vi
ctor
ia:ni
ghtson.Mommyl
ovesyouok

Shesai
dki
ssi
nghisforeheadandsmil
edmor e
l
eavi
ngwhi
leOlebi
le'
seyeball
srol
ledf
rom under
t
heeyel
idsbutevent
ual
lyst
opped.
.
.
.
.
.
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
CAGED
10

I
nMochudi
..
.

Boi
tshepocameoutofherr
oom andwenttot
he
l
ivi
ngroom wher
eherdaught
erandmotherwere
watchi
ngtv.
..

Boi
tshepo:hehascal
ledyet
?
Lame:who?
Boi
tshepo:Let
lot
lo
Or
efe:Let
lot
loi
sathi
saunt
'spl
acel
eavehi
m al
one
Boi
tshepo:Let
lot
lo'
saunti
s6f
eetundert
hegr
ound

Orefelookedatherandbackatt
het
vasLedi
ba
knocked..
.

Lame:whoi
sit
?
Ledi
ba:i
t'
syouruncl
e
Lame:comei
n
Ledi
ba:goodeveni
ngicameassoonasyoucal
led
si
s
Or
efe:goodLamer
educet
het
vvol
ume,
wenahave
aseat
Boi
tshepo:why?
Or
efe:Boi
tshepohaveaseat(
shedi
d)
Ledi
ba:whyi
m iher
esi
s?
Orefe:iwantt
oputastopt
oal
loft
hisonceandf
or
al
l.Ledibacal
lVi
ctor
ia
Ledi
ba:why?
Orefe:i
mtiredofyoualll
abel
ingmydaught
era
witchifVi
ctori
ainsul
tedBoi
tshepowoul
dn'
tLet
lot
lo
behomebynow?
Boi
tshepo:whati
fshehasal
readyki
ll
edhermom?
Oref
e:shutupBoi
tshepo!Mydaught
eri
snoki
ll
er
doyouhearme!?
Ledi
ba:si
swat
chyourhi
ghbl
ood
Orefe:noLedibanowBoit
shepohaspoisoned
chil
drenagainstVi
ctor
iai
mjustgl
adthatLetlot
lo
didn'
tall
owhi msel
ftobeputi
nthatposit
ion
Boit
shepo:okmamaifyout
hinkVi
ctori
aisthesai
nt
youthi
nksheisl
etuncl
eLedi
bacallLet
lot
loand
askhim wher
eheis

Ledi
baswall
owedl
ookingathi
ssist
erandat
Boit
shepot
hendi
aledLet
lot
lo.
..
Let
lot
lo:mal
ome
Ledi
ba:howar
eyoudoi
ngmyson?
Let
lot
lo:i
m goodandyouuncl
e(hel
aughed)no
Bosaischeat
ing(
Boit
shepofr
owned)i
severyt
hing
okmalome?
Ledi
ba:wewant
edt
ochecki
fyouar
esaf
e
Let
lot
lo:yesI
'
m saf
eim ataunt
yVi
ctor
ia'
shouse
Ledi
ba:ohokwher
eisshe?
Let
lot
lo:she'
swithuswearepl
ayingagameof
monopoly(Boit
shepof
rownedf
oldingherar
ms)
Ledi
ba:pl
easegi
vehert
hephone
Let
lot
lo:iwi
llputheronloudspeaker
.Aunt
y,
MalomeLedibawant st
ot al
ktoyou
Vi
ctor
ia:ok.Himal
ome
Ledi
ba:eveni
ngmydaught
erhowar
eyoudoi
ng?
Vi
ctor
ia:i
tsnoteasymal
omeim pl
ayi
ngwit
hthe
ki
dsri
ghtnowt r
yingt
okeepmymindoffwhat
happenedear
li
ert
oday(
Boi
tshepor
oll
edhereyes)
Lediba:ihear
dtheboywasi
nanacci
denthowi
she
doing?
Vict
ori
a:(sighed)hewil
lbefi
nemalomehewasn't
badlyi
njured.Hejustbr
okeaneck,handandsome
ofhisr
ibsar erapt
uredbuthewi
llbeok.Aker
ego
raagorelebanteabolemokgama
Ledi
ba:ei
shi
m sosor
ryiwi
shicoul
dbet
her
eto
hel
pyou
Vict
ori
a:(chuckled)nonoit
sokuncletheyboysare
honestl
yhelpfulandtheyar
esosil
ly.Idi
dn'tknow
Letl
otl
oandBosahadsomuchi ncommon
Boitshepo:ohbullVi
ctor
iacuttheact.Youknow
youar etheonebehindtheaccidentandhowwould
youknowt heyhaveanythi
ngincommonwhenyou
justkeepingBosathere
Ledi
ba:Boi
tshepocal
m down
Boi
tshepo:nomal ometellt
hem Vict
ori
atellt
hem
howyoui nsul
tedmeaf t
erheari
ngLet l
otl
owason
hi
swayt heretel
lthem t
hatyouplainoutsaidtome
thatntl
oyagagogasephuthadichabaebi
leet
sil
e
gonkgisiwabodi
di.Buamoloikewenawapoo!
(Vict
ori
abursti
ntotear
s)
Ledi
ba:Boi
tshepoman!Doyouseewhatyouhave
donenow?
Boit
shepo:waakamoloiyowapeti
kout
uentshoga
gonakaselel
o.Vict
ori
aomoloiebi
lewagoswao
kgonamentjwakewenasies!
Letl
otl
o:wowmom, real
ly?That'
ssopet
tyandlow
ofyou.Nowonderyouar enotgoi
nganywher
ein
l
ifei
t'
sthedar
ksoulinyoumama
Ledi
ba:Let
lot
lot
hat
'snothowyouspeakt
oyour
mother
Victoria:(crying)akereleamout lwa?Nextt hingshe
willbecal li
ngmeawi t
chwhi leshe'stheonewho
woul dkeepssayi ngsuchvilet hi
ngst ome.Al li
haveeverdonef orthisfamil
ywast olookoutf ori
t.
Ihaveal waysbeent hereforever yoneinti
mesof
needandt hisisthet hanksi get?(Cryi
ng)itsoki
willtaket hebeat ing.Bajut
abanebasot l
akaJeso
gof i
tlhakwamokgor ongifitmeansmest anding
formyl i
ttl
esist
er'sbashi
ngandi nsul
tstoseemy
worththeniwi l
l.Kegoit
shwaretseautl
wa
Boitshepo.Ongwanawagammenkaset samae
kegor i
lesepe.(Cryi
ng)ngwanakewar itl
ako
sepatelawenaonkgobakadi puo(sni
ffed)go
siameBoi t
shepokekakagi songwanawabomme
Boi
tshepo:ihopenoneofyoui
sgoi
ngt
obuyt
his
act
Or
efe:Boi
tshepo!
Boi
tshepo:mamaV.
..
Oref
e:shutup!(Shef
li
nchedasashar
ppai
nst
ri
ked
onherchest)yoh!
Ledi
ba:i
sever
ythi
ngok?
Or
efe:keset
lhabi
Letl
otl
o:youseewhatyouhavedonenowmama?
Kegoreyouloveseei
ngpeoplei
npain.Aunt
Vict
ori
aisagoodpersonstopcal
li
ngherawitch
Oref
e:(
sighedaft
erdrinki
ngwat
er)l
etl
ampolaa
banakelona.Boi
tshepoapol
ogi
setoyoursi
ster
Boi
tshepo:neverwi
llyoueverseet
hatiwoul
d
r
athermoveoutoft
hishouse
Vi
ctor
ia:akerel
eamout l
waotlogelamamaal wal
a
l
emangBoi t
shepo(
bursti
ntotear
sagain)l
esago
nt
shotl
elammeasant seatshela
Boi
tshepo:naar
emamadoyouf or
getthatt
hesame
per
sonyouar eadvocati
ngfornowisthesame
per
sonwhoaskedyouwhenyouar edying18years
agowhenourl i
tt
lesi
sterwaslyi
ngcoldinamor gue?
Walebala?
Oref
e:Boi
tshepot
hat
'sthepastVi
ctor
iawasj
ust
over
whelmedbyever
ything
Ledi
ba:gat
weVi
ctor
iaonear
eng?
Victoria:iwasover whelmedmamai sri
ght .We
mour nindif
fer entwayssoifoundmysel falready
saidt hosethingsandi mr eal
lysor
rymamaidi dn'
t
meananyofi t.ThatiswhyGodhasst i
llkeptyou
forthislongmamaipr ayedaboutitandaskedf or
forgiveness
Boit
shepo:(scof
fed)t
hepunishmentyouaregoing
togetforusingGod'
snametohi deyour
wickednessishi
gherthanal
lthemountainsput
t
oget
hermygi
rl
.

Shecl
ickedhert
ongueandwentt
oherr
oom.
..

Oref
e:it
'sokmychi
ldif
orgaveyoualongt
imeago
t
oo.Tlotl
oenj
oyyourst
ayhey,BosamyboyKoko
l
ovesyouok?
Bosa:
thankyoukoko
Vi
ctor
ia:iwil
lcomewi
tht
hem onWednesdaybut
wi
llberetur
ningwi
tht
hem af
tert
hemeet
ing
Or
efe:(
ulul
ated)fi
nal
lyi
m goi
ngt
oseemy
gr
andsonoht hankyousomuchmybaby
Ledi
ba:(smil
ed)ican'
twai
ttoseeyouboy.Vi
ctor
ia
sorr
yforthatokmydaughter
Vi
ctor
ia:(
sni
ff
ed)i
t'
sokmal
omei
t'
sok
Ledi
ba:bye
Vi
ctor
ia:bye(
theyhungup)
Ledi
ba:Boi
tshepo?
Boi
tshepo:(
from herr
oom)r
ra?
Ledi
ba:comehere(
shedid)ar
eyounotol
denough
tobeacti
ngl
ikeanadul
t?
Boi
tshepo:iam
Ledi
ba:thenwhyar
eyoubehavi
ngl
ikeyouare
Lame'sage?Doyouwantt
okil
lmyonlysi
bli
ng
Boit
shepo?
Boi
tshepo:nnyar
ra(
clearedherthr
oat)kana
mal
omegal ebatl
egotlhaloganyat
hiswomanis.
..
Ledi
ba:shutupman!Thi sshoul
dbet helastt
imei
hearyoucall
ingyoursi
sterawitchdoyouhearme?
Youwantmysi stert
obeal aughingstockoft
his
vi
ll
agebecauseshebi r
thedawitch?
Boi
tshepo:mal
omepl
ease.
..
Lediba:Pleasenothi
ng!Pleasenothi
ngBoitshepo
star
tlivi
ngi npeacewithyoursist
ert
hisshouldbe
thelastti
meihearyouf i
ghti
ngwithyoursist
er.You
neverhearTemocompl aini
ngbutasforyouekar eo
mmegadi kgangwar adioBotswanatj
ebe-t
jebeall
thetime.Real apamonnat hi
snonsensemustst op
man!
Boi
tshepo:eer
ra
Lediba:goodgobacktoyourr
oom.Mysi
steri
ts
l
at eidon'
twantt
oleavemywifeal
onei
nthisdar
k
night
Or
efe:nopr
obl
em.Gr
eetherf
ormeok
Ledi
ba:wi
lldo.ByeLame
Lame:gosi
amemal
ome

Shetookhim outthehouseasshesi ghedandsat

backdownwhi leshecont i
nuedtowatchtvwi t
hher
grandmother
.AtVi ctori
a'
shouseshefinal
lycalmed
downafterihavegi venheraglassofwater.
..

Bosa:
areyouokaunt
y?
Vi
ctor
ia:yeahiwi
llbef
ine.
Let
lotl
o:i
m sosor
ryf
ormymot
her
'sbehavi
our
aunty
Vict
ori
a:(smil
edrubbinghischeek)i
t'
sokmyboy
youarejustaninnocentchi
ldokiwil
lneverever
haveanythi
ngagainstyou.Waityoufi
nishedfor
m5
aswellri
ght?
Let
lot
lo:(
smi
led)yes
Vi
ctor
ia:ihopeyoupassed
Let
lot
lo:wi
thoutadoubtaunt
y
Vi
ctori
a:t
hat'
smyboy.Ithi
nkit
'st
imeyouboys
st
artedworki
ngsoiwi
llspeakt
omyHRandsee
wherewecanputyouatmyhotel
Let
lot
lo:ar
eyouf
orr
ealaunt
y?
Vict
oria:ohyesandsmartboyslikeyoudon't
deservetobeintheki
tchen,
waiteri
ngorcleaning
noineedyouboysi ntheoff
ice
Bosa:
(smi
led)t
hatwoul
dbesocool
Let
lot
lo:butidon'
thaveenoughcl
othesaunt
yor
al
oneof f
icecl
othes
Vict
ori
a:whoisyourauntagai
n?Wewil
lgo
shoppingtomor
rowforawholenewwardr
opeand
wewi l
lgetyouanewbedit hi
nkt
hebedyouar
e
sl
eepi
nginatt
hatr
oom i
sdone.At
vandyourown
vi
deogame
Let
lot
lo:(
smi
led)t
hisi
ssocool
.What
!?
Victor
ia:yesmyboyletmeseeyourphone.(She
gaveittoher)nopenochil
dofmineshoul
dbeseen
usingthiswornoutphoneyouar
ealsogett
inga
newphone
Let
lot
lo:al
linoneday?
Vi
ctor
ia:(
smi
led)ohyes
Let
lot
lo:cool
!Thankyousomuchaunt
y(hehugged
her
)
Vi
ctori
a:(cur
vedherl
ips)i
t'
sjustthatmysister
won't
..
.(
swall
owed)won't(
burstintotear
s)excuse
me

Shecriedrunni
ngupstai
rswhil
eweswall
owed
remorseful
y.Vi
ctor
iacl
osedt
hedoorbehi
ndher
androll
edhereyeswipi
nghertear
s..
.
Vi
ctor
ia:mxm t
hat
'ssocoolt
hat
'ssocool
.Voet
sek
man

ShesaidtakingOlebil
e'sphoneandclear
ed
everyt
hingi
ni tandthrewitinabinandwentt
oher
balconyburningit
.

THEFOLLOWI
NGMORNI
NG

AtBai
sago'
shouse.
..

Afterhismorningworkouthemadeapr ot
einshake
forhimselfandwenttotakeaquickshower .He
cameoutandt ookhi
sshakegoingtositout si
de
andt ookhisphonedi
ali
ngTemo' sfr
iend..
.

Bai
sago:mor
ning.Canipl
easet
alkt
oTemo?
Man:okpl
easeholdonf
orhi
m(het
ookt
hephone
t
ohim)buddythecal
l
Temo:ohok.Hel
lo?
Bai
sago:mor
ninghowi
sever
ythi
nggoi
ng?
Temo:goodjustwanttoseemysel
foutoft
his
pl
aceenjoyi
ngmyhol i
days
Bai
sago:bef
oreyougotoyourl
eavepl
easemake
sur
emyaccountsareunfr
ozen
Temo:wear
ewor
kingoni
taswespeak
Bai
sago:ohwonder
ful
Temo:yousai
dyouwant
edt
otal
k
Bai
sago:yesaboutBosa
Temo:oki
mli
steni
ng
Baisago:iwanttohavearelati
onshi
pwi
thhim
that'
swhyi m st
ressi
ngtheissueofmyaccount
sso
much.Iwantt odor i
ghtbyhim.
Temo:t
hat'
samazi
ngibetBoi
ngot
loi
ssmi
li
ng
wher
evershei
s
Baisago:ihopeso.Iwanttobether
eforBosaf
ull
ti
menowt hati
m backforgood
Temo:nomor
esi
ll
yact
ionsr
ight
?
Baisago:ihavel
earntmyl
essoni
twasanacci
dent
butheythelawisthelawt
othem iki
ll
edt
heman
Temo:wel
lyoutookyoursent
encel
ikeamant
hat
's
whatwearepr
oudof
Bai
sago:t
hanks
Temo:sowhatwoul
dyoul
ikemet
odof
oryou?
Baisago:getBosaandt
headul
tst
henwecar
ryout
theceremony
Temo:wonderfulebi
lethi
smoneywil
lhel
phi
m
duringhi
ster
ti
aryyearsetl
aar
eal
lowanceei
see
tseneaboannaapusherkaone
Bai
sago:i
ndeed.Soyouwoul
dmakei
thappen?
Temo:yeahsur
e
Bai
sago:onemor
efavourpl
ease?
Temo:ok?
Bai
sago:canyourbi
gsi
sternotknowwhatwear
e
pl
anni
ng?
Temo:youwanttoangertheancest
orsnow?We
can'
tdothi
swit
houteverymemberoft hef
ami
ly
Bai
sago:(cl
enchedhi
steeth)thi
ngi
sif
eell
ikeyour
si
sterwoulddoanyt
hingtoblockmywaytoBosa's
l
if
e
Temo:whydoyousayso?
Baisago:t
hingi
sicall
edherfi
rstandaskedherif
shecanplanameetupbet weenBosaandi .Igot
att
acked.Ideci
dedtospeaktoOlebi
lenowhewas
i
nvolvedinacaracci
dent
Temo:heebannathi
siswhyOl
ebi
lewasi
nacar
acci
dent
,becausehemetupwi
thyou?
Baisago:pr
obl
em i
swecan'trepor
therbecausewe
havenoevidencet
hatshe'
stheonebehindthe
wholething
Temo:Vi
ctor
iaDint
sit
houghokt
heniwi
llseewhat
icandoandgetbackt
oyou
Bai
sago:sur
e
Temo:iwi
llgetanewnumberandcommunicate
wit
hyoukayonesinceyoususpectshemi
ghthave
t
appedourphones
Baisago:awesome.Thanksbroand
congradulat
ionsonyourmarr
iagepr
oposal
Temo:(
smi
led)oht
hanksbr
o
Baisago:sure(
theyhungupashesighed)Lord
pl
easel ett
hispl
anbesuccessf
ult
hisismyl ast
hopet omyson'sli
fe.

Hesi
ghedanddr
ankhi
sshakedr
awi
ngabudget
.

Att
heKwena'
s.
..

Patl
osatinthel
ounger eadi
nganewspaperas
Bontsicamedowninhotpant sanoversi
zedshi
rt
sneakers,
herpi
xiecutcombednicely,apai
rof
cl
earshadesandaf acebeatonfleak.
..

Bont
si:hi
Pat
lo:(
looki
ngi
nthenewspaper
)mor
ning
Bont
si:it
hinkiwi
llbeoutmostoft
hedayok
Pat
lo:wherear
eyougoi
ng?(
Turnedtoher
)wai
t
whereareyougoi
ngl
ooki
ngl
ikethat
?
Bont
si:i
m goi
ngf
orameet
ingi
ntown
Pat
lo:meet
ingi
nhotpant
swi
thyourt
highsout
?
Bont
si:(
sippedhercof
fee)mhem.Mysexyt
highs
Patl
o:Bont
siiaskedyoutotaket
hoset
hingsof
fdi
d
youevenputfakelashes?
Bont
si:ohyounot
iced(scof
fedsmi
led)l
ooki
ngni
ce
ri
ght
?(Shesaidbl
inki
ng)
Pat
lo:mor
elikest
upi
difyouaskme.Whoar
eyou
meeti
ngwit
h?
Bontsi:t
heguyswhowil
lbemanagingt
he
renovati
onsofmybeaut
ypar
lourbooboo
Pat
lo:reno.
..
(scoff
ed)beaut
ypar
..
.(
chuckl
ed)
ser
iouslyBontsi
?Wi t
hwhatmoney?
Bont
si:gakenyat
sinnaPat
logakejel
emadimo
pat
eng.Ihavebeensavi
ngforabeautypar
lour
.I
putadepositformyst ockyest
erday.Iwil
lalsobe
carr
yingoutinter
viewstodayforthestaf
fthat'
swhy
isayiwil
lbeoutal lday.At
ababyi m wai
tingonyou
Pat
lo:youaregoi
ngtomeetupwi
thmenwi
thmy
chi
ldlooki
ngli
kethat
?

Atamelangcamedowni nascorchedskirtasshor
t
asatennisskir
t,adeni
m shir
tti
edshowingsomeof
herstomach,sneaker
s,l
ongsportssocksandher
brai
dstiedi
ntotwoponytai
ls.
..

At
amel
ang:r
eadywhenyouar
ema
Bont
si:won'
tyoul
ookatyour
sel
fmybabyyouar
e
si
zzl
inghot
At
amel
ang:t
hanksma.Sel
fi
ebef
orewego?
Bont
si:ohyeswhynot
Patl
o:waitwai
twait
.Wherethehelldoyout hi
nk
youaregoingshowi
ngyourskinl
ikethat?Bontsido
youseethethi
ngsyouareteachi
ngmychi ld?
Atamel
ang:mamashoul
digr
abappl
esorwewi
ll
buydri
nksatt
hemall
?
Bontsi
:wewi l
lbuydri
nkstheremyl ove.Umm Mr
Kwenai t
'sal
laboutbei
ngcomf ortabl
einyourown
ski
nandbody.Loveyouhoneyr eadabookor
somethingwewi l
lseeyoulat
erandohdon' tcook
wewi l
lhavedinnerwherewearegoi ng
Pat
lo:Bont
siyouar
eamar
ri
edwoman
Bontsi
:(fl
ashedherr
ingathi
m)iknowt
hatver
y
wellhoneybye

Shewi nkedathimfoll
owingherdaughteroutwhil
e
theylaughedtryi
ngtochoosewhichpicturest
o
post.BackinthehousePatloscof
fedput t
ingonhi
s
shoes...

Patl
o:iwantt
oseewher eexactl
ytheyar
egoi
ng.
Bontsioapar
adihotpan,oitshasamakeupt
hen
putonnail
s.Notonmywat ch
Hesaidtaki
nghi
scarkeysandwai t
edfort
hegate
tocl
oseandopeneditagai
nfoll
owingt
hem out
.In
Bontsi
'
scarAtamel
ang'sphonerangasshe
answered.
..

At
amel
ang:T?
Thor
iso:howzi
tiseeyoul
ooki
ngonf
leakwi
thyour
mom theregi
rl
At
amel
ang:keDecemberboss(
theyl
aughed)
Thor
iso:i
ndeed.Wher
ey'
al
lof
fto?
Atamelang:justagir
lsout
ingbutmom hasa
meetingfir
stwithpeopl
ewor kingonthe
renovati
onsofherbeautyparlouryoushoul
dmake
surethatyourmom becomesar egul
arwhenwe
opennextyear
Thor
iso:idef
ini
tel
ywi
ll
.KanaBosasentmeat
ext
l
astnight
At
amel
ang:ar
eng?
Thor
iso:appar
ent
lyagi
rlki
ssedhi
m athi
shouse
At
amel
ang:saywhatnow!
?
Thori
so:youbet
terupyourgamegi
rlorel
set
hey
aresnat
chinghi
m
Atamel
ang:pr
obl
em i
sI'
m afr
aidofgoi
ngtothat
pl
acegapewearenotonspeaki
ngtermssi
ncethe
poli
cesaga
Thor
iso:iseebutyoushoul
daskf
orf
orgi
veness.
Atamel
ang:howthoughwhatdoeshel
ike?Kanal
e
enehehaseveryt
hing
Thor
iso:benaught
yandki
nky
At
amelang:(
laughed)t
hankyousomuchThor
isoi
wi
llseewhattodo
Thori
so:sureij
ustwantedtoupdat
eyout
hatt
hings
aren'
tlooki
nggoodforyou
At
amel
ang:t
hanksbuddyiappr
eci
atei
tbye
Thor
iso:bye.(
Theyhungup)
Bont
si:and?
Atamel
ang:j
ustThor
isobei
ngsi
ll
yit
oldhi
m il
ike
Bosanowhewant smetomakeamoveonhim
Bont
si:t
henwhatar
eyouwai
ti
ngf
or?
Atamelang:bat
hongmamayouar
esupposedt
obe
shout
ingatmeher e
Bontsi:nopeyouar egrownmygi r
liwantyout
obe
responsibl
ef oryourownli
fe.Shoul
dyoubestupi
d
andletaboyf oolyoui
twil
lbeonyou.Boyscanbe
tri
ckyyouj ustneedtobewiserok
At
amelang:thanksmom.Ishouldsaythoughil
ike
t
hisnewfiestyyouiwonderwhatr
evokedit
Bont
si:t
hankyoubaby

Shesmiledatherwhilehermom whistl
ed
i
ncreasi
ngt heradi
ovolume.Shecheckedthemi
rror
andspottedPatlo'
scarfr
om adist
anceandscof
fed
j
ammi ngt othemusicwit
hherdaughter.

AtVi
ctor
ia'
shouse.
..

If
ini
shedpeei
ngandf
lushedl
ayi
ngdownagai
n
taki
ngmyphone.Eversi nceDai
sy'
sfriendki
ssed
meicoul dn'
tstopthi
nki
ngaboutwhatcouldhave
happenedshoul dwehaveconti
nued.Iwenttomy
blockedcontactsanddeci
dedtosendheratext.
..

Bosa:
hit
her
e
Ver
oni
ca:ohyouunbl
ockedme
Bosa:
yeah ihopeyouar
egood
Ver
oni
ca:yeahi
m goodandyour
sel
f?
Bosa:i
m good.Woul
dibewr ongifit
oldyout
hati
can'
tst
opthinki
ngaboutyest
erday'
skiss
Veroni
ca: it'
sokyoudon'
thavet
obeshyyour
l
ipsaresosof
tandjui
cy
Bosa:ohmywor
didon'
tknowhowt
ofeelabout
that
Ver
oni
ca:howar
eyouf
eel
ingr
ightnow?
Bosa:
mybl
oodi
srushi
ngt
omydi
ck
Ver
oni
ca: il
iket
hisnewper
son
Bosa: kegoref
elamyboyshaveal
waysraved
abouthowamazingsexi
sandim embar
assedi
m
theonl
yonewhohasn'tt
ri
edit
Veroni
ca:wel
lI'
m her
etoschoolyoumylove.St
ick
wit
hmeandyouwi l
lbei
nforagoodtreat
Bosa:
wowokbutyouar
emycousi
n'sf
ri
end
Ver
oni
ca:i
twi
llbeourl
it
tl
esecr
et
Bosa:
isee.Sowhendoyouwantt
ocomeover
?

Ver
oni
ca:icancomeovernow
Bosa:
eishbummermycousi
nisar
ound
Ver
oni
ca:sendhi
mtot
heshopsorsomet
hing
Bosa:ohyouknowwhathe'
sgoi
ngtotheshops
wit
hmyauntinanhourithi
nksoiwi
lll
etyouknow
tocome
Ver
oni
ca:won'
tDai
sybear
ound?
Bosa:
shesaysshewi
llbegoi
ngwi
tht
hem
Ver
oni
ca:ohiseeokt
henyouwi
lll
etmeknowonce
t
heyl
eave.Iwi
llj
ustconf
ir
mifDai
syi
sst
il
lgoi
ng
Bosa:
sur
e
Ver
oni
ca:

Iputmyphonedownandsmi l
edthinki
ngofal
lthe
goodnessmyboyshavebeental
kingabout
.

Att
hehospi
tal
..
.

Olebi
le'
seyebal
lsmovedashecoughedundert
he
oxygenmaskast hedoct
ort
urnedt
ohim.
..

Dr
:ohMrDi
ntsipl
easet
akei
teasy

Heremovedhi
smaskandtri
edtospeakbutt
here
wasnothi
ngcomi
ngoutbutj
ustasqueakysound.
..

Dr
:(f
rowned)MrDi
ntsiar
eyouok?(
Hef
rowned
shaki
nghishead)MrDint
sisaysomethi
ngpl
ease
(hehi
thist
hroatsi
gnal
inghecan'
t)t
hisi
snot
happeni
ng

Hesai
drunni
ngt
othedoorl
ooki
ngf
oranur
se.
..

Dr:cansomebodycal lanot
olaryngologi
st(anear
,
neck,noseandt hr
oatphysi
cian)former i
ghtaway
i
t'
sanemer gency(hewenti
nt otheroom)okMr
Dintsical
m downihavecall
edhel pforyouok

Hesignaledapenandpaperf
orhi
m ast
hedoct
or
qui
cklytookouthi
spadandpen.
..

Ol
ebi
le:wher
eismyphone?
Dr
:(wr
oteback)yourmot
herhasi
t

Olebil
ereadandsi
ghedcl
osi
nghi
seyesandt
hen
responded.
..
Olebi
le:pl
easecal
lmyauntandaskhert
ocome
hereassoonaspossi
bledonottel
lmymothert
hat
i
m awake
Dr:(
readandresponded)ohokwhat
'shernumber
andwhatifsheasksmewhysheshoul dcomeas
soonaspossibl
e?
Olebi
le:(
wrot
ethenumber)t
ellheri
t'
sbecausei
havesomethingt
otel
lher
.She'stheonl
yonewho
wouldbeli
eveme
Dr
:ok

Ol
ebi
lesi
ghedlayi
ngbackwhilet
hedoct
orchecked
hi
m wai
ti
ngforanotol
aryngol
ogi
st.
.
.
.
.
.
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
CAGED
11

Olebi
lej
ustl
aidt
her
east
hephysi
ciancheckedhi
m
up..
.

Lady:di
dhewakeupl
iket
his?
Dr:yes.Iaskedhi
mtosaysomethi
ngbuthe
couldn'
tputoutawor
djustt
hatsqueakysound
Lady:MrDintsisi
nceyourneckisinpai
nplease
bli
nkifyoucanhearme( hedid)okhear
inghis
perf
ect.Openyourmout hpl
ease(sheputasweeti
n
hismouth)ifyoucantastei
tbli
nk(hedi
d)taste
check.

Shetookanopht
hal
moscopeandcheckedhi
s
eyes.
..
Lady:clear
.Bli
nkifyoufeelanypainonyourt hr
oat
(hedidnot)okgood.Doct hentheonlythi
nghe's
suff
eringfr
om isspeaki
ngit hi
nkhehasl osthis
speech.(Olebi
lesi
ghed)whichmedi cat
iondidyou
puthim on?
Dr
:justpainki
ll
ersdoct
orsandsomeoi
ntmentf
or
hi
sscratchesthat'
sall
Lady:okim goingt ohavetodrawsomeofhi sbl ood
andt henhavei tt
estedtoseewhatcoul dhave
happenedi nthesystem.Youwi l
lbeokMrDi ntsiok
(hesmi l
ed)allyouneedt odoisrestibelieveonce
wef i
ndwhatcoul dhavehappenedt henwewi llbe
abletohelpyou.I t
'soddforapersont oloset heir
speechaf t
eracaracci dent
.Seeyouj ustnowwhen
icomet otakeyourbl oodsample(hesmi ledwhi l
e
theladyleft
)
Dr
:letmegetgoingaswelli
m cal
li
ngyouraunton
mywayoutandiwi llr
emembernottot
alktoyour
motherunt
ilyoutel
lmeso

Ol
ebi
lesmi
ledast
hedoct
orst
eppedoutanddi
aled
Boi
tshepo.
..

Boi
tshepo:(
inat
owel
)goodmor
ning
Dr:hiyouarespeaki
ngtoOl
ebi
leDi
ntsi
'
sdoct
orar
e
youBoitshepoDint
si?
Boi
tshepo:yesma'
am (
smi
led)howmayibeofhel
p?
Dr
:theboyi
sawake
Boi
tshepo:(
smi
led)ohf
orr
eal
?
Dr:yesandheaskedmet
ocal
lyout
ocomeher
eas
soonaspossibl
e
Boi
tshepo:why?
Dr:hesayshewantstotalkt
oyouther
e's
somethi
nghehastot el
lyouandyouaretheonl
y
onewhowoul dbel
ievehim
Boi
tshepo:ohisee.Wel
limjustf
rom abat
hsoi
wil
l
bet
hereinanhouror2whi chhospi
tali
sit
?
Dr:GaboronePr
ivateHospit
aljustboar
dacombi
goingtoBBSmal lfr
om t
her ankandtel
lthem you
aregoingtoGPHt heywi
llshowyouwer ethe
hospi
tali
s
Boi
tshepo:I
'
m comi
ngf
rom Mochudi
Dr:ohokt hengetof fbythebuststopatTaung,
catchanycombiyouseegoi ngt othel
eftt
urnby
thetraff
icli
ghtsandt el
lthedr
iveryouaregoingt
o
Gpht heywilldi
rectyou
Boi
tshepo:ohokt
hankyousomuch(
shehungup)
Lame!?
Lame:mama?
Boi
tshepo:comei
nandcl
oset
hedoor
Lame:what
'sup?
Boi
tshepo:mamaokae?
Lame:out
sidebusyl
emor
ogo
Boi
tshepo:good.Ol
ebi
lei
sawakeandheaskedf
or
me
Lame:(
smi
led)ar
eyoubei
ngser
iousr
ightnow?
Boi
tshepo:yesi
mfr
om aphonecal
lwi
thhi
sdoct
or
Lame:t
hat
'
sgr
eatnewssoyouar
egoi
ngt
o
Gabor
one?
Boit
shepo:yeahmmegakenamadinkadi
meP50
tl
hemma
Lame:oknoprobl
em (
shereachedf
orthemoney
fr
om hert
uckshopsal
es)skawarewabusai
t'
sok
Boi
tshepo:si
ll
yiwi
llpayyoubackonceiget
somethi
ng
Lame:wabowaaker
e?
Boi
tshepo:yesbutdon'
ttel
lmamaanyt
hingpl
easei
beg
Lame:iwon'
taft
erl
astni
ghtir
eal
isedt
hatVi
ctor
ia
hast
hem bytheear
s
Boi
tshepo:makesur
eyourl
it
tl
esi
bli
ngsar
eok
Lame:nopr
obl
em.Tsamaammakeyegobul
atuck
shop

Shelef
twhi
leBoi
tshepof
ini
shedget
ti
ngr
eadyand
l
eft
..
.
Or
efe:wher
ear
eyougoi
ng?
Boi
tshepo:Gabor
one
Or
efe:ihopeyouar
enotgoi
ngt
odi
stur
bVi
ctor
ia
Boi
tshepo:noBosi
'
sfatherwant
stobuythem
Chr
istmasclot
hessoim goi
ngtohel
phim choose
Or
efe:ohokt
hat
'sgoodofhi
m

Sheleftandassoonasshewal kedafewmetr
es
fr
om theiryar
dshetookoutherphoneanddi
aled
Baisago.
..

Bai
sago:MmaDi
ntsiiwasaboutt
ocal
lyou
Boi
tshepo:ohwhat
'sup?
Bai
sago:imanagedt
otal
ktoTemoandconvi
nce
hi
mt hatVi
ctor
iai
sasnake
Boi
tshepo:goodi
m onmywayt
oGabor
oneOl
ebi
le
i
sawake
Bai
sago:wai
twhat
!?Ar
eyouf
orr
eal
?
Boi
tshepo:yeahthedoctorcal
ledmeaf
ewmi
nut
es
agoandshesai dheaskedforme
Bai
sago:t
hat
'samazi
ng
Boit
shepo:iwonderwhathewantstosaytome
becausethedoct
orsaidhewantstotal
ktome
aboutsomethi
ng
Bai
sago:doyout
hinki
tcoul
dbeaboutVi
ctor
ia?
Boit
shepo:ihonestl
ydon'
tknowket
laut
lwawheni
getther
ethencallyou
Baisago:okbyetr
avelsaf
eyouneverknowmaybe
she'sli
steni
ngonourconver
sat
ionaswespeak
Boit
shepo:kemokrestewapopot anna.Iwalkwi
th
Jesusnothi
ngbadwi llhappentomei nthenameof
Jesus.Iwil
lgotoGabor oneandcomebackt o
Mochudisafeandsoundi nJesus'
snameand
whateveri
m goi
ngtodot herewil
lbesuccessful
in
Jesusnameicancel Victori
a'
sevilpl
ansinthe
mightynameofJesus
Bai
sago:amen(
theyl
aughed)
Boi
tshepo:byehey
Bai
sago:sur
eskeem

Theyhungupwhil
eBoi
tshepostoppedal
if
tand
hoppedi
nputt
ingonaseatbel
t.

Att
heBank.
..

Temofi
nishedwithBai
sago'
saccountandsatback
di
ali
ngLediba.
..

Ledi
ba:myson
Temo:goodmor
ninguncl
eyouar
eal
readyup?
Ledi
ba:yesyouknowi
m al
wayst
hef
ir
stonet
o
wakeup
Temo:(
theyl
aughed)i
ndeed.Howar
eyouand
aunt
y?
Lediba:wearegoodmysonwejustf
ini
shedour
breakfastwewantt
ogotothel
ands
Temo:ohni
cet
hat
'sgood.Wear
ecomi
ngl
ater
today
Ledi
ba:t
hat
'samazi
ngyourmom i
ssoexci
ted
Temo:ofcourseshewoul
dbeexci
ted.Mal
omei
havearequestt
hough
Ledi
ba:ok?
Temo:iwanttocomewit
hBosabutiknowVict
ori
a
i
sgoingtoref
usewit
hhim soiwast
hinki
ngmaybe
youcoul
daskhertocomewithhimt
ot hemeet
ing
tomor
row?
Ledi
ba:she'
sact
ual
lycomingwi
thhi
m andLet
lot
lo.
Iwasonaphonecallwit
hherl
astni
ght
Temo:oh?
Lediba:yes.Temoyoursi st
erlovespokingVictor
ia
andcal lherawitchandiwantt hattostop.Last
nightVictori
acri
edar i
verafterBoit
shepopokedher
withpai nf
ulwordsjustbecauseLetlot
lodecidedto
got oherplace
Temo:ao?
Ledi
ba:iwantyouguyst
ounder
standt
hatVi
ctor
ia
i
syourel
dersi
sterdoyouhearme?
Temo:eer
ra
Ledi
ba:aft
eryourmot
hercomesherdoyou
under
standTemo?She'syoursecondmot
her
Temo:butmalomesometimesVict
ori
atendst
o
behavel
ikeshe'
snotourel
dersi
bli
ng
Ledi
ba:sol
ewenaot
saamokgwawagaBoi
tshepo?
Temo:nothingisshecal
ledmeandtoldmethat
mymar r
iageisnotgoi
ngt owor
kitwi
llbeasham
ofawedding
Lediba:Temostoplyi
ngaboutyoursist
erplease.
Victor
iamadesuretotakeBosainandgi vehima
l
ifenoneofuscouldhavegivenhim weshoul dbe
thankfulf
ort
hatbutnolonayouaretakingallher
generosit
yandthr
owingitbackonherfacenoman
guysyouneedtogr owup
Temo:(
sighed)eer
ra
Ledi
ba:gonemmeobat
lel
angBosa?
Temo:noit'
soksi
ncehewil
lbecomi
ngon
wednesdaywewil
lmeett
here
Ledi
ba:ohoknopr
obl
em.Bye
Temo:bye(
hehungupanddi
aledBai
sago)
Bai
sago:myphonei
sahot
li
nebl
ingt
oday
Temo:(laughed)yeahwel l
.Itissai
dVict
ori
ais
goingwithTemot oMochudit omor
rowsoiguess
weshallmeett here.Itfeel
slikeshehasworkedher
magiconourpar entssoI '
m notsurei
fwewouldbe
successfulwi
thourpl an
Baisago:ei
shokt
hanksbr
owej
ustj
usthavet
otr
y
there'
snothi
ngwecando
Temo:yeahhey.Letmegetbacktowor
kyou
recei
vedabanknotif
icat
ionr
ight
?
Baisago:yeaht
hankyouiwantt
ogot
otheshops
ri
ghtaway
Temo:sur
ebuddy.Seeyout
omor
row
Bai
sago:sur
e

Theyhungup.
Att
heMal
l.
..

Bont
sil
aughedwithherdaught
erasshechecked
thet
imeandsighed.
..

Bont
si:t
hesemenar
etaki
ngf
orevernow.Ti
mei
s
money
At
amelang:r
elaxmom t
heywi
llbeher
eany
moment
Bont
si:t
heyar
edel
ayi
nguswecoul
dbedonewi
th
themeeti
ng

Shesai dlookingoutatt heparki

ngandscof f
ed
spot t
ingPatl
o'scart henthemen' s.Theypar ked
theirrangeroverrightnexttoPatloandgotof fi
n
skinnyjeansandshi r
tsgoingintot hemal l
.Withhi
s
eyesonhi swi feanddaught erPatlowat ched
carefull
ynotwant ingtomi ssanythi ng.Themen
from thecarnextt ohiswentintot heout si
de
setti
ngoft heresturanthiswifeanddaught erwere
at.HewatchedasBontsiwavedast hemenheaded
tothem.Inst
eadofshaki
ngtheirhandsBont
si
huggedthem looki
ngatPat
lo'
scarasheswallowed
boil
ing.
..

Patl
o:whatki ndofameetingisthist
hatpeopl
ecan
comewear i
ngthingsl
ikethese?Letmeseetheir
car(helookedont her
ightside)ohoknottoobad
(hesaidlookingback)
Bont
si:youguyst
ookf
orever
Man:sosor
ryMr
sKwenawewer
edel
ayedatt
he
of
fi
ce
Bontsi
:ohokisee.Letmehelpyouwitht
his(
she
sai
dunbotti
ngonebut t
onofhisshi
rt
)whatdoyou
thi
nkAta?
At
amel
ang:amazi
ngmama
Pat
lo:noshedi
dnot
Bont
si:sowhatdoyouhavef
ormewheni
tcomes
tomybeautyparl
our
?
Man:okt
hesear
ethei
deaswet
houghtyoumi
ght
l
ikeyouwi
llchooseyourf
avor
it
e
Atamel
ang:ar
eyousur
ewewi
llf
indsomet
hingwe
l
ikeher
e?
Man:tr
ustmeyouwill
.Il
ikeyourhairt
hough(
he
sai
dtouchi
ngherbr
aidsastheylaughed)
Patl
o:nohedidnott
ouchmydaught
er.Whati
s
Bontsidoi
ng?

Hesai dswal
lowi
ngahugel umpcontemplat
ing
wethertogother
eorsitbackandwatch.Hecli
cked
histongueandsnappedafewpict
uresgoingback
tohishouse.
..

Pat
lo:Bont
siwant
lwael
awai
tseeses

I
nMochudi
..
.

Ledi
bapar
kedinfrontofhi
ssi
ster
'sgat
eandwent
i
nashebrief
lyspoketoLamewhowasseatedout
ofhertuckshopanddi
rect
edhi
mtowher
ehi
ssi
ster
was..
.

Ledi
ba:si
ster
s
Or
efe:(
smi
led)ohhit
her
ebr
other
s
Ledi
ba:youseem t
obei
nabet
termoodt
odaywhy?
Orefe:iwokeupfeeli
ngal
otli
ghtertodayican'
t
beli
eveiwillbeseei
ngmysontomor row.OhBosa
bathoibetmybabyi ssmi
li
ngfrom hergrave
Ledi
ba:indeedshemustbe.Thi ngsarefinal
ly
l
ookingupibel i
evethedarkcloudthatngaka
Marumosai dwasl oomingaroundushascl eared
andtheancestorshavef i
nal
lyfoundourbaby's
spi
ri
t.Tomor r
owever yonewil
lbehomeandi twil
l
benothi
ngbutj oy
Orefe:t
hati
swhyiwanttomakemybesttr
adi
ti
onal
di
shest omorr
owiwanttor
emindt
hem oft
he
goldenolddayswhent
heywer
ekids
Ledi
ba:ohican'
twaitf
ort
hat.Noonemakesbet
ter
tr
adi
ti
onaldi
shesli
keyousist
ers
Oref
e:(
laughed)wenakanaor
atadi
joLedi
ba(
they
l
aughed)
Ledi
ba:Temocal
ledme
Or
efe:ok?
Ledi
ba:hewant
sust
otal
kaboutBosa'
ssi
tuat
ion
Oref
e:babobabat
lagokgot
lhaVi
ctor
iaai
tl
elaka
kagi
soaker
e
Ledi
ba:I'
m af
rai
dso.Ican'
thel
pbutt
hinkBai
sago
mighthavecont
act
edhim
Oref
e:t
hatboybet
ternotf
orgett
hathest
il
lowesus
fort
hedamagesandtheamounthewassupposed
t
opaythenwearegoingtomulti
plyi
tby18
Ledi
ba:t
hatoneisstr
aightf
orwardifhewantst
obe
wit
hhissoninpeacethenhewillhavetopay
Orefe:ebi
lewewon'tbenegot
iat
inganyt
hingLediba
ther
e'snochil
dofmi negoi
ngforfr
eeli
kethathe
hast oshowthati
ndeedhecantakecareofhisson
Ledi
ba:yes.
Or
efe:butVi
ctor
iar
aisedt
hischi
ldal
onenotaski
ng
anyt
hingf
rom usandnotcompl
aini
ng
Ledi
ba:andweshoul
dbegr
atef
ulf
ort
hat
Orefe:i
ndeedl
etmecallherr
ightaway(
shesai
d
t
akingoutherphoneandcall
edher)
Vi
ctor
ia:mot
her
?
Or
efe:howar
eyoumybaby?
Victor
ia:i
m okmom i m att
hemal lwit
hLetlot
loand
Daisyim getti
nghim afewthi
ngsiwanthi m and
Bosat ostartwor
kingatthehotelnextyear
.Not
someoddj obsbutreal
jobs
Orefe:ohmygi r
lbathongmaytheLordkeep
blessi
ngyoumygi r
l.That
'showamothershouldbe
andwewi llf
oreverbegratef
ulf
oral
wayswanting
thebestfort
hesekids
Vi
ctor
ia:t
hankyoumama.
Or
efe:howi
sOl
ebi
le?
Vict
ori
a:he'
ssti
lli
nacomama.Wepassedbythe
hospit
albef
orecomingt
othemal
landhewassti
ll
i
nacoma
Or
efe:aoshameot
lasi
dil
ega
Vi
ctor
ia:t
hankyouma
Orefe:mygirliwantedtot
hankyouf
oral
ways
beingthereforBosaok.Youarer
eal
lyaGodsent
angelinthatboy'
sli
f e
Vict
ori
a:(smi
led)awwthankyoumotheridomy
bestbutwher
ei sthi
scomingfr
om?
Oref
e:yourunclet
ell
smet hatTemocal
ledhi
m
sayi
ngtheywantBosaf orameeti
ngandwethinki
t
coul
dbeBai sagoaski
ngforthi
smeeti
ng
Vi
ctor
ia:ohisee
Oref
e:soiwantyoutoknowthatwhateverhappens
youwil
lfor
everbethebestmothertoBosatous
andiknowhewi l
lfor
everbegr
atefulf
oryou
Vict
ori
a:eemma.OhwellmayGod' swil
ltakeover
.
Ifi
t'
sti
meipart
edwayswi thBosathensobeit.I
havedonemypartandim gladicoul
dbetherefor
himinhisti
mesofneed
Or
efe:your
eal
lyar
eabl
essi
ngmygi
rlt
hankyouso
much
Vi
ctor
ia:okmaletmehelpthi
sboychoosecl
othes
hej
ustwantstotakeever
ythi
ng(
theyl
aughed)
Or
efe:okbye

Theyhungupwhil
eVi
ctor
iascof
fedsmil
ingwhi
l
e
Let
lot
loandDai
sywal
kedaheadofher.
..

Victor
ia:keal
ebonal
eithut
aVi
ctor
iaDi
ntsil
ona
bathobaMochudiwait
se

Shescof
fedcl
icki
nghert
ongueandcaughtupwi
th
theki
ds.
..

Vi
ctor
ia:youguyswal
ktoof
ast
Daisy:wellweheardyoutal
kingtothephonesowe
thoughtwhynotwal kaway.Anywayimt i
redcani
gotoar estaur
antandbookat abl
eforusprobabl
y
orderforyouguys?
Vi
ctor
ia:wher
ear
eyougoi
ng?
Dai
sy:st
eer
smaybe?
Vi
ctori
a:ohokj
ustor
dermeachi
ckensal
adext
ra
ol
ivesokandmorepepper
s
Dai
sy:okmom.YouLet
lot
lo?
Let
lot
lo:what
everyouwi
llbeeat
ing
Dai
sy:ar
eyousur
eyouwannaeatwhatieat
?(They
l
aughed)
Vi
ctor
ia:j
ustor
derhi
m abur
gerandr
ibshe'
saguy
soheprobabl
yeatsalot
Let
lot
lo:ohyesido

Theylaughedasshewentt
other
est
aurantwhil
e
Vict
ori
awenttotheot
hersi
deoft
heclot
hes..
.

Vi
ctor
ia:sowhatar
eyourf
utur
epl
ansson?
Let
lot
lo:iwantt
ost
udyci
vilengi
neer
ingaunt
y
Vi
ctor
ia:ohwowsuchabi
gcour
sethat
'samazi
ng
t
hatmeansyouareasmar
tboyneh
Letl
otlo:yepkeneket saamy45poi nt
satschoolso
i
m expect i
nggoodr esult
s.IusedauntyBoi
ngotl
o's
pastpaper sandauntReat l
egi
leal
wayssentus
revi
sionquestions
Vi
ctor
ia:ohiseet
hat
'sni
ce
Let
lotl
o:sowenaaunt
ydon'
tyouwantt
ogr
owyour
i
ntel
lect?
Vict
ori
a:im asuccessf
ulbusi
nesswomanwhatar
e
youtal
kingabout?
Let
lot
lo:phdordoct
rat
e'nyana
Vict
ori
a:(chuckled)don'
tbesi
ll
yimt
oool
dfort
hat
schooli
sf oryoukidswhil
ewepavewayf
oryouin
ourcompani es
Let
lot
lo:(
smi
led)spokenl
ikeawi
sewomani
ndeed
Vi
ctor
ia:ohyes.SoLameene?
Let
lot
lo:shehasat
uckshopbackhome
Vi
ctor
ia:ohr
eal
ly?
Let
lot
lo:yep
Vi
ctor
ia:Lamewasaver
ybr
ightst
udentwhat
happened?
Letl
otl
o:idon'
tknowbutthenmom hasmanagedt o
brai
nwashheri nt
othi
nki
ngthatyoubewi
tchedheri
meanlikereal
lynow
Vi
ctor
ia:(
cur
vedherl
ips)ohwowoknow
Let
lotlo:butichosetonotbel
ieveheriwoul
dnever
bel
ievesucht hings.Imeanyouareaselfmade
mil
lionaireauntywhywouldyoubej eal
ousofyour
si
bli
ngs' schil
dren?Oryoursi
bli
ngsatthat
?
Vict
oria:mypointexact
lyboybutanywayi
t'
sok
sonasl ongasimakesur eyouguyshavesmil
eson
yourfacesalwaysim good
Let
lot
lo:youar
eanamazi
ngwoman
Vi
ctor
ia:t
hankyouson
Let
lot
lo:it
hinkil
iket
hesesneaker
s

Hesai
dsit
ti
ngdownwhileVi
ctor
iacurvedherl
ips
l
ooki
ngdownonhim butqui
ckl
ysmiledashe
l
ookedupather
.
AtTemo'
shouse.
..

Reat
legi
lef
ini
shedpacki
ngasherphoner
angand
smil
edansweri
ng..
.

Reat
legi
le:honey?
Temo:hibooi
m aboutt
ofi
nishupher
eis
ever
ythi
nggoodonyoursi
de?
Reatlegi
le:yepj
ustfi
nishedpacking.Ispoketothe
neighbourtokeepaneyeont hetr
eesandgaveher
thekeytot hedog'
shouseit oldherthatshoul
dit
rai
nshemustmakesur ethatshelocksiti
nits
house
Temo:i
t'
sfood?
Reat
legi
le:igavehert
hefoodt
hatwasst
il
lther
e
andsomemoneyt obuysomemore
Temo:wonderf
ulil
oveyousomuchandiwi
llbe
ther
esoon.Oneatl
aBoemo?
Reat
legi
le:yeahshej
ustl
eftshesayshi
Temo:ohokiwi
llcal
lheronmywayhome.
Reat
legi
le:kant
edi
dyouruncl
etel
lVi
ctor
iaabout
t
hemeet i
ng?
Temo:yesbabyakereit
oldthatsheaskedf
orthe
meetingtobemovedtotomorrowbecauseshehas
otherthi
ngsshewi
llbedoi
ngovertheweekend
Reat
legi
le:ohyeah(
chuckl
ed)i
mreal
lyf
orget
ful
t
oday
Temo:henceideci
dedt
owr
it
eyoual
ist
Reat
legi
le:oinkatl
elepel
etl
herr
aija(
theyl
aughed
asshefeltnauseous)gosharpbabyiwantt
ogo
vomit
Temo:wai
twhat
?Ar
eyouok?

Shethrewthephoneont hebedandvomi
tedal
lthe
foodshehadforbreakf
ast..
.

Reat
legi
le:si
esman
Temo:ar
eyouok?
Reat
legi
le:ohyouar
est
il
lont
hel
ineyeahi
m good
now
Temo:okyouhadmewor
ri
edt
her
e.Osur
eaker
e?
Reat
legi
le:yessirnowmakeyourwayher
eont i
me
dammitim dyingtocat
chupwithMmaDintsi
Temo:(
smi
led)okokmommyseeyouj
ustnow

Shesmi l
edhangi
ngupandsear
chedforasweetin
herbagandthrewiti
nhermout
hdoublechecki
ng
eveyt
hingagain.

Att
heHospi
tal
..
.

Boitshepowentint
ot heroom andfoundOl
ebi
le
withthet wodoct
ors.Shewant edt
ogobackoutbut
theywel comedherin..
.
Boi
tshepo:ohit
houghtyouguyswer
ebusyi
sheok?
Dr
:MsDi
ntsiyournephewhasl
osthi
sspeech
Boi
tshepo:what
!?
Dr:butdon'tpani
ckal
lthenecessar
ytestwi
llbe
donet oseewhatmighthavecauseditt
henwewi l
l
takeitfr
om there
Boi
tshepo:buthe'
sok?
Dr
:yesma'
am youar
egoi
ngt
ocommuni
cat
ewi
th
hi
m bywr
it
ingdown
Boi
tshepo:ohok
Dr:doclet
'sgo.MrDi
ntsiiwi
llseeyouinanhour
again(hel
ift
edathumbasBoi t
shepotookapad)
Boi
tshepo:ar
eyousur
eyouar
eokson?
Ol
ebi
le:yeahi
m ok.Howar
eyout
hanksf
orcomi
ng
Boit
shepo:i
m goodmyboy.Welli
twassai
dyou
havesomethingyouwantt
otal
ktomeaboutand
i
mt heonlyonewhowouldbeli
eveyou
Ol
ebil
e:yes.Ihear
dmymothertalki
ngwheniwas
st
il
louti
nacomaidon'tknowifitwasadream or
notbuti
fitwasadr
eam iwoul
dst
il
lbet
alki
ngr
ight
?
Boi
tshepo:(
frowned)yeahwhatexact
lydi
dshesay?
Olebi l
e:shesai dexact l
yt hesewor ds" j
ustlookat
your self
.Youl ookpat heticOl ebi
le.I
nsteadofbei ng
asonyouchoset obeat raitor.Olemenemene
ngwanakat owantt osel l outyourownmot her?Ai
shameishoul dappl audyouf oryourbravery.You
wantt otakeawayTHEONLYTHI NGTHATBRI NGS
FOODI NOURTABLEandt hinkicouldl etyoube
justlikethat?Your eallyhavesomener ve.Iwi l
lgive
i
tyout houghmybabyyouar ebravejustli
keyour
ownmot her.Onet hingyoushoul dhavel earned
aboutmewast hatidon' ttakekindtopeopl ewho
standi nmyway.I t'
ssot ouchi ngofhowmuchyou
woul ddot ol ookaf teryourcousi nbutwoul dhedo
thesamef oryou?Iguessnotbecausehewoul d
rathermakesur eyouNEVERGETTOSPEAKAGAI N
EVERI NYOURLI FE. "Pleasepayat t
entiontot he
wor dsihavecapi talised

Boi
tshepot
ookt
hepadandr
eadgaspi
ngoutof
shock.Sheshookherheadl
ooki
ngatOl
ebi
leand
responded.
..

Boi
tshepo:ar
eyout
hinki
ngwhati
mthi
nki
ng?
Ol
ebi
le:yepshei
skeepi
ngBosaf
orar
eason
Boit
shepo:def
ini
tel
yandit
'snotagoodr
easonat
al
l.Howdowedealwi tht
his?
Olebi
le:iwast
hinki
ngwecoul dreportherbutit
's
goingtobeourwordagainstherthenwewi lll
ose
andshemanagest owipeallofusout
Boi
tshepo:t
hisi
shonest
lyannoyi
ng
Olebi
le:youcansayt
hatagai
n.Wehavet
othi
nk
l
ongandhar daboutt
his.I
m goi
ngt
oaskyoufor
onefavour
Boi
tshepo:okanyt
hing
Olebi
le:pl
easetal
ktoUncl eBaisagoimightbe
rel
easedtodaybecauset hedoctor'
ssayim doing
somuchbet tersoimthinkingishouldgohideat
hispl
ace.Theniwi l
laskthedoctorstoannounce
medeadt heniwillwri
tea" not
e"sayingiwanteda
cl
osedcasket
.Wecangetsomeonet
oactasmy
l
awyer
Boitshepo:ahOl ebil
eplaywi t
hdeathandmakeour
parentsmour nyouwhi l
eyouar eali
ve?Thi shasa
l
otofdi sadvantagest oit
.ShouldVictori
af i
ndout
shewoul dr eportusforkidnappi
ngt henyouwi l
lbe
arr
est edforfakingyourdeath.Weneedt othink
l
ongandhar daboutthis(hesighedafterreading
theresponse)r atherl
etmecal lBai
sagot hensee
whatcancomeoutoft hi
s
Ol
ebi
le:ok
Boi
tshepo:sur
e

Theylookedatoneanot
herasBoi
tshepohel
dhi
s
arm andwalkedout
.

AtVi
ctor
ia'
shouse.
..

Wear
ingashor
tdressVer
onicacameoutofhercar
andmadewayinsi
dethehouseasiswal
loweda
hugel
umpner
vous.
..

Ver
oni
ca:knockknock
Bosa:
(smi
led)hi
Ver
onica:(
smi
led)whyar
eyousot
ense?Comeon
l
oosenupbooboo
Bosa:(
chuckl
edner
vous)i
m sor
ryj
ustt
hatt
hisi
s
myfir
stti
meyouknow
Ver
oni
ca:don'
twor
ryiwi
llgoeasyonyoubaby
Bosa:
(si
ghed)okt
hen.Canwegoupt
omyr
oom?
Ver
oni
ca:af
teryouhoney

Il
edthewaywhil
eVer
oni
cali
ckherli
psl
ookingat
myleanmuscl
esandawel
lbuil
tbackwi
thround
bums..
.

Bosa:
wel
come
Ver
oni
ca:t
hankyou.Yourr
oom i
ssoni
ce(
she
seduct
ivel
ysatdown)
Bosa:
(si
ghed)sowhatr
eal
lyhappens?
Ver
oni
ca:comesi
tnextt
ome

Idi
dasshesoft
lytouchedmybear
edandbitmy
l
owerl
ipandchuckledwhil
emyheartr
aced.
..

Ver
oni
ca:f
ir
stwepl
ay

Shesai dsoft
lykissi
ngmewhi l
elookingst rai
ghtin
myeyes.Iswal l
owedandsl owlystar
tedt okissher
back.Themor eweki ssedthemor eistar t
edt o
relaxasshesof tlytouchedmyhal fharddi ck.I
breat hedheavil
yasshechuckl edonmyl i
ps
openi ngmyzi pandunbut t
onedmypant s.Isof t
ly
car essedherwaistasshest oppedkissingmeand
pushedmebackont hebedaswebot hchuckl ed.
Shesatonmeandl eaneddownf oraki ssasi
kissedherr el
uctantlytouchingherwai st.She
movedmyhandst oherbumsasmyhear tskipped
feelingthesoftnessoft hem.Shet henst opped
kissingmeandwentdownwi thmychestt omy
wai stasshemovedhert onguear oundi twhilei
closedmyeyessof tlygasping.Shet henpul l
ed
downmypant sandsof tlystrokedmydi ck.I
swal lowedlookingatherwhi leshel ookedst rai
ght
i
nt omyeyes.Wast hi
sgi rlr
eallyaboutt oputmy
dicki nhermout h?Iaskedmysel fasshesl owlydi
d
whi leisl
owlyletoutal ongsi ghofsat isf
icati
onwith
myeyescl osedand. .
..
.#REMOVED
.
.
.
.
.
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
CAGED
12
Af
tert
aki
ngaquickshowerVeroni
cacameouti
n
mytowel
whil
eifini
shedchangi
ngmybeddingi
n
myunder
wearonly.
..

Veroni
ca:doyouknowhowsexyyoul
ooki
nthat
underwear
Bosa:
(smi
led)t
hankyou
Ver
oni
ca:not
hankyouf
oragoodt
imehey
Bosa:youar
ewel
comeihadawonder
fult
imeas
well
Ver
oni
ca:(
smi
led)i
m gl
ad
Bosa:
sowhatdoest
hismean?
Ver
oni
ca:what
?
Bosa:wej
usthadsexsoiwant
edtoknowwhere
westandar
eweboyfri
endandgir
lf
ri
endnow?
Ver
oni
ca:(
sighed)l
et'
sjustsaywegowi
tht
hef
low
hey
Bosa:ohiseebutwewi
llevent
ual
lybepar
tner
s
ri
ght?
Ver
oni
ca:sohowmuchdi
dthi
sgamecost
?
Bosa:
5k
Ver
oni
ca:ohwowyourauntr
eal
lyspoi
lsyour
ott
en
hey
Bosa:
yeah.Youdi
dn'
tanswerme
Veroni
ca:(
lookedatt
het
ime)ohwon'
tyoul
ookat
t
het i
meihavesomewheretober
ealqui
ckweshal
l
t
alkhey

Shesaidputti
ngonherdressandthenkissedmy
cheekleavi
ngwhil
eifrownedlooki
ngather.I
fol
lowedheroutst
il
linmyunder wearasshegoti
n
hercar.
..

Bosa:
seeyousoon

Shejustsmil
edatmeanddr
oveoutasicl
osedt
he
gat
eandwentbacktomyroom wi
thahugesmil
e
onmyf ace.
..
Bosa:
damnmanshi
tisgood

Iputonsomecl ot
hesandwentdowntomake
myselfsomethi
ngtosnackonbecausedamnshe
real
lyworkedoutal
ltheener
gyi
nme.Isatdown
swit
chingonthetvandcall
edThor
iso.
..

Thor
iso:myboy
Bosa:
ijustdi
ditman
Thor
iso:huh?
Bosa:ij
ustf
uckedagir
landyouwerer
ightdudei
t'
s
sogood.Thesoft
nessandthewar
mthmymyoh
mysogood
Thori
so:youdidwhat
?(Chuckl
ed)t
ellmeyouare
j
okingbecausethel
astt
imeispoketoAtamel
ang
shesaidshewasoutwit
hhermom whendi dshe
comeover?
Bosa:
noidi
dn'
tdoi
twi
thherandit
oldyout
ost
op
sayi
ngt
hatAt
amel
angl
ikesmeihaveagi
rl
fr
iend
now
Thor
iso:uhu?Thenwhoi
siti
fit
'snotAt
amel
ang?
Bosa:(
smil
ed)youwi
llgett
oknowheralli
ngood
ti
mesbuddyri
ghtnowwear ej
ustkeepi
ngthi
ngson
thel
ow
Thori
so:buty'
allcanhavesex?Bruhyouknowhow
muchAt adigsyouthough?Andyougodoherdirt
y
l
ikethatnomant hat'
snotonthat
'snothowyou
tr
eatsomeonewhol i
kesyou
Bosa:i
fAt
amelangl
ikedmeshewouldn'
thave
cal
ledt
hepoli
ceonmyaunt.Theonl
ypersonwho
hasbeengoodtome?No
Thori
so:t
hatgoest
oshowt
hatshecar
esabout
yoursaf
etyf
ool
Bosa:
youcancallmeallt
hingsbutneveri
nyour
l
if
ecallmeafoolagai
ndoyouhearme?
Thor
iso:yohsorr
ymridi
dn'
tknowsexmadea
per
sonst er
nli
kethi
s
Bosa:
youguyst
hinkt
hati
m af
ool
.Ihavet
woeyes
andaper f
ectl
yablebrai
niknowwhat '
sgoi
ngoni
n
myl if
eandifyouguyssti
llwantmeandyouto
hangoutyoushouldrespectmyspaceasmuchasi
respecty'
al
l'
sifyoucan'
tdothattheni
twoul
dbe
betteri
fwepartedwaysnow
Thor
iso:I
'
m sor
ryBosaidi
dn'
tmeant
oof
fendyou
Bosa:i
t'
scoolj
ustwat
chyourwor
dst
henextt
ime
shar
p
Thor
iso:sur
e

Ihungandsighedsit
tingbackbutsmiledas
Veroni
cacamebackt omymi nd.Icouldn'
tbel
ieve
eventhatmomentthatihavebeenmi ssi
ngouton
suchanamazingactivit
y.

Att
heRest
aur
ant
..
.

Daisyf
inishedeat
ingasherphoner
angand
answered..
.
Daisy:ohokloveiwil
lbether
ej ustnow(
shehung
up)mom im goingtoloveandleaveyouVer
ois
outsi
de
Vi
ctor
ia:wher
ear
eyouguysgoi
ng?
Dai
sy:shoppi
ngf
oroursandt
ont
ri
p
Vi
ctor
ia:ohokseeyoul
atert
heniguess
Daisy:yeahLTitwasgoodspendi
ngt
imewi
thyou
buddyyouar egoodcompany
Let
lot
lo:sur
ehavef
un
Dai
sy:sur
e

Sheki
ssedhermotheronthecheekandl
eftwhi
le
Vi
ctor
iasi
ghedfi
nishi
nghersal
adaswell
..
.

Vi
ctor
ia:soyoul
ikeyournewcl
othes?
Let
lot
lo:al
loft
hem il
oveever
ysi
ngl
epi
eceoft
hem
butheytheyar
esoexpensi
ve
Vi
ctor
ia:myki
dsdon'
twearf
akeandcheapcl
othes
myson
Let
lot
lo:whydidn'
tyout
akemeasayoungboyas
wel
l?Icouldbeusedtot
hisl
i
fer
ightnow(
they
l
aughed)
Vi
ctor
ia:doyout
hinkyourmom woul
dhavel
etme?
Let
lot
lo:ei
shdon'
tgot
her
epl
ease.Il
ovemymom
okbutsometi
messheget
sundermynerves
Vi
ctor
ia:shamet hat
'showmother
sar
emyboywe
ar
eoverpr ot
ect
iveofourki
ds
Letl
otlo:nomymom i swor sekanaadaynever
passesbywi thouthermentioni
nghowyour uined
everyone'sl
if
ewhi chist
il
lupt ot
hisdayfai
lto
understand.Yousendmoneyever ymont hsowe
couldbuyenoughgr oceri
es,yougivehercl
othesall
thetimeandshebur nsthem
Vi
ctor
ia:bat
hong
Letl
otl
o:kese(hecrossedhi
sfinger
s)shebur
ns
everyt
hingyousendtoherbutnotmoney
Vi
ctor
ia:(
sighed)l
et'
sjusthopet
omor
rowwewi
l
l
beabl
etobur
ywhat
everhat
cheti
sther
ebet
ween
us
Let
lot
lo:ihopesobecauseaunt
yyouar
enot
hing
butanamazi ngwoman
Vi
ctor
ia:(
smi
led)awwt
hankyousomuchson
Let
lot
lo:ei
shineedt
hel
oo
Vi
ctor
ia:okson

Hewentt otherestroomswhileVict
ori
alooked
aroundtherestaur
anttoseewhowasl ookingather
thenreachedinherbagandtookoutasmal lbott
le.
Sheopenedi tandsubtl
ymutteredontheopeni ng..
.

Vi
ctor
ia:Let
lot
loDi
ntsi
,Let
lot
loDi
ntsi

Shethenputsomeoft hesubstanceonLetl
otl
o's
remaini
ngribsandmadesureitevenlyspr
eadwi t
h
herfi
ngerthenclosedt
hebottl
eandputitbackin
herbag.Shewentt owashherhandsasLetlot
lo
cameback.
..

Let
lot
lo:ar
eyouok?
Vi
ctor
ia:yeahij
ustbl
ewmynosesoihadt
owash
myhands
Let
lot
lo:ohok(tookabi
tef
rom t
her
ibs)il
ovet
hese
whataretheyagain?
Vict
ori
a:(smi
led)por
kri
bsmyboyweal
waysgo
outever
yMondayeveningt
ocomeandhavet
hem
Let
lot
lo:ohni
ceok
Vi
ctor
ia:sotel
lmeaboutLameandherbusi
ness
whatexact
lydoesshesel
l?
Letl
otlo:justsmal
lgr
oceri
esbutshe'splanni
ngon
sel
li
ngbai l
syouknowoldfashioncl
othesatthe
mallisn'twomenareint
oclothesofthepastthese
days
Vict
ori
a:ohisee.Yeahwear eint
othe80sfashi
on
nowadays.Iwil
ldefi
nit
elysuppor
therandbuyto
donatetol
essfort
unatepeople
Letlot
lo:t
hisiswhyilikeyou.Youal
wayswant
goodi notherpeopl
e'
sl i
ves.Thi
swhyGodhas
blessedyouwi t
halltheseri
ches
Vi
ctor
ia:(
smi
led)yout
hink?
Let
lot
lo:iknowso
Vict
oria:andyourmom what'
sherpl
ansanypl
ans
fort
hef utur
e?Youneverknowmaybeiwouldl
ike
t
ohel pher
Letl
otl
o:allihear
dhersayi
ngi sshewantsto
rewri
tehercambr i
dgefr
om thereidon'
tknowwhat
shewant stodobutitwoul
dbegoodt oseeherdo
somethingoutofherli
fe
Victori
a:yeahhey.Anywayifyouaredoneiwoul
d
l
ikeust opassbyt hebankbefor
egoinghomeso
thatwecanopenabankaccountf oryouiwantt
o
startgi
vingyouall
owancelikeal
lthekids
Let
lot
lo:what
!?Asi
n1.
6amont
h?
Vict
ori
a:no3kamont
h.Anal
lowanceimeanyour
pocketmoney
Let
lot
lo:wai
twhat
?Thatmuchpocketmoney?
Vi
ctor
ia:youshoul
daskBosahowmuchhehasi
n
hi
saccount
Letl
otl
o:(
chuckl
ed)woahwai
tsoiwil
lbeget
ti
ng
thi
smoneyeverymonthandasal
aryontop?
Vi
ctor
ia:(
smil
ed)sti
ckwi t
hauntVi
ctori
aandyour
l
if
ewillbesmoothsail
ingnot
hingbutsuccess
Let
lot
lo:wowthi
sisamazingaunt
ythankyouso
much.Im donel
et'
sgetgoi
ng
Vi
ctor
ia:wai
tihavet
opayf
ir
st

Theylaughedwhil
eVi ct
ori
acal
ledupthewai t
eras
Letl
otl
olookeddownonhi sphone.Shecurvedher
l
ipslooki
ngathim andsmiledrol
li
nghereyesand
shookherheadast hewait
ercame.

I
nMochudi
..
.

Reat
legi
lest
oppedthecarasTemoopenedt
hegate
andshedrovei
n.Lamesmi l
edcomi
ngoutofher
t
uckshopaf
terhel
pingacust
omer
..
.

Lame:uncl
eTemo
Temo:higir
lkeagobonaosemelet
senohol
idays
foryou(
theylaughedhuggi
ng)
Lame:wellnot
imeforrestifyouar
eyourownboss
andemployee(
theylaughed)
Reat
legi
le:hibaby
Lame:hiaunt
yRea.Youl
ookamazi
ngomonyadi
tot
a

TheylaughedasOref
ecameoutofherhouse
ul
ulat
ingwhilet
heyalll
aughed.
..

Or
efe:hal
alahal
alahal
aaaal
a.Hel
lomychi
ldr
en
Temo:hima(
huggedher
)howhaveyoubeen?
Oref
e:asyoucanseemeI '
m ver
yhealt
hy.Lookat
youodulempanyana.Reawhatareyoufeedi
ngmy
chi
ld?
Reat
legi
le:(
smi
ledhuggi
ngher
)lovemama
Or
efe:ohyesi
ndeed.Comel
et'
sgeti
nsi
de
Temo:therearegr
ocer
iesi
nthecarLameyouwi
ll
off
loadthem r
ight
?
Lame:nopr
obl
em uncl
eT
Temo:okaeBoimama?
Orefe:shel
ongleftt
oGaboronet hi
smorni
ng
sayingherf
ather'
schil
drenaskedhert
omeetup
withhimtobuythechildr
enclothes
Temo:ohokt
hat
'sgood
Or
efe:sokewenayomysonf
inal
lyget
ti
ngmar
ri
ed?
Temo:ohyesmamai
t'
sbeenal
ongt
imecomi
ng
Oref
e:i
ndeedmysoni ndeedbuti
m wai
ti
ngonj
ust
onethi
ngfrom yout
wo
Temo:whatnow?
Orefe:gr
andchi
ldr
enTemoyouwantmet odie
beforepl
ayi
ngwi t
hyourgr
anchi
ldr
en?Fort
hetime
youguyshavebeent
oget
heryoushoul
dbehavi
ng
twonow
Reat
legi
le:wel
lwear
etr
yingmom wear
etr
ying
Oref
e:goodthingscometothosewhowai
tmyl
ove.
TheLordshallbl
essyourwombathist
ime
Reat
legi
le:amen
Temo:wher
e'smal
ome?
Or
efe:athi
shouse
Temo:ohokl
etmegot
henyouwi
llbef
ineaker
e
l
ove?
Reat
legi
le:def
ini
tel
ylovei
m wit
hmybestf
ri
end
her
emor ecatchup(theyl
aughed)
Temo:ok(
kissedhercheek)seeyouj
ustnow

Hewalkedoutandboughtafewsweetsfrom Lame
t
henheadedtohisuncl
e'spl
acewhilei
nthehouse
Reat
legi
leandherf
utur
emot heri
nlawlaughedout
l
oudcatchi
ngup.
Att
hespa.
..

Bont
si'
sphoner
angasshesmi
ledpi
cki
ngup.
..

Bont
si:Mmamf
undi
si
Kel
ell
o:hil
ovehowar
eyoudoi
ng?
Bont
si:i
m doi
ngamazi
ngmyf
ri
endandyour
sel
f?
Kel
ell
o:i
m good.Ihavebeenseei
ngyourupdat
es
l
oveyoulookamazing
Bontsi
:(smil
ed)awwthankyouMmamf undi
sii
thoughtyouweregoi
ngtoshoutatme
Kel
ell
o:ohdon' tbesi
ll
yjustbecauseyouar
ea
marr
iedprayingwomandoesn' tmeanyoucan'
t
l
ookafteryourself
Bont
si:t
hankyouhoney.It
houghtamakeover
woul
ddomegood
Kel
ell
o:andil
ovei
tbabeskeepser
vingt
hat
hot
ness
Bont si
:wi
lldefi
nit
elydolove.Ohiwantedtot
ellyou
thatihavefinal
yputanof feront
hebeautyparl
our
spaceandt herenovati
onswi l
lbest
art
ingaft
er
Christmas
Kelel
lo:oht
hat'
samazingwethanktheLor
dforhi
s
unendingmerci
eskeepwinni
nggir
l
Bont
si:t
hankyounextyeariwantt
oseepast
or
doi
nghismanicur
ethere
Kelel
lo:ohyeshewil
l.Myhusbandi
saneatfr
eak
soim certai
nhewi
llbecomingever
ytwoweeks
(t
heyl aughed)
Bont
si:amazi
ng
Kel
ell
o:howar
ethi
ngsbet
weenyouandhubby?
Bontsi
:holdonabit(
tot hemasseuse)mayyou
ki
ndlyexcusemeabi tandpleasecheckonmy
daughter(
shelef
t)im ataspasoiwantour
conver
sati
onstobever ypri
vate
Kel
ell
o:ohok
Bontsi:af
terlear
ningthathewil
lbegoi
ngt
o
ZanzibarwithVictor
iaDint
siideci
dedt
obook
mysel
fandAt
amel
angaf
li
ghtt
other
eandahot
el
r
oom
Kel
ell
o:whati
stheai
m?
Bontsi
:im goi
ngtomakesur
etheyhavethewor
st
tr
ipever.Theywon'
tknowwhathi
tthem
Kelel
lo:ohisee.Soyouar
egoi
ngt
ocat
cht
hem r
ed
handed?
Bont
si:noi
m notgoi
ngshowt
hem t
hati
mther
e
Kelell
o:t
henwhat
'st
heuseofgoingt
her
eloveand
don'tyouthi
nkAt
awoul
dspotthem?
Bontsi:Zanzi
barishugethechancesofherseei ng
them aresli
mi m goi
ngtomakesur ethatshe'
s
alwaysoccupied.Youwi l
lunder
standwhyi m going
ther
eonceyouseet heresul
tsmyl ove
Kelel
lo:oksowhatar
eyouhopi
ngt
obenef
itf
rom
t
his?
Bontsi
:rui
nthei
rper
fecthol
idaythensl
owl
ydeal
wit
hVictori
aDint
siwhenwear ebackhome
Kel
ell
o:okloveihopeever
ythi
nggoeswel
landt
hat
not
hingbackfir
es
Bont
si:t
hankyoul
oveihopesot
oo
Kel
ell
o:okl
etmenotkeepyouf
rom yourt
reatt
hen
Bontsi
:(smiled)byelove.Yourf
ir
stf
ullt
reatatmy
par
lourwillbeont hehouseok
Kel
ell
o:t
hankyoul
ove

Theyl
aughedhangingupasBontsisi
ghedsmi
li
ng
andcal
ledbackhermasseuse.

Att
hehospi
tal
..
.

InBaisago'
scar,hi
m andBoitshepowaitedi
nside
asVictori
awalkedoutofthehospitalal
lsmi
les.She
gotinhercaranddroveoutast heycameoutoft he
carandmadewayt othepri
vatewar ds.
..

Bai
sago:yoursi
ster
Boi
tshepo:awhol
ewi
tcht
hatone.
Theywenti
ntoOl
ebil
e'
sroom asheopenedhi
s
eyeswhi
let
hedoctorl
eft
..
.

Dr
:onl
yaf
ewmi
nut
es
Boit
shepo:t
hankyou(shetookapadandwr
ote)we
havesetdownandbrainst
ormed
Olebi
le:okwhatdi
dyoucomeoutwi
thihopei
t'
s
good?
Boit
shepo:yeswebeli
eveitwi
llworkperfect
ly.We
haveagreedtol
etthedoct
orstellVi
ctor
iathatyou
areawakebutnotonlydi
dyoul oseyourspeechbut
al
sosufferi
ngfr
om amnesia
Ol
ebi
le:ohokandt
hen?
Boit
shepo:Baisagowi llcont
actoneofhispeopleto
getafewr ecordingdevi cesthenpl
antthem around
thehouseandoneonyou.Theser ecordi
ngdevices
wil
lrecordbothvi deosandsounds.Wewantt osee
howVi ct
oriawilltreatyouasanunabl epersonand
howshewoul dtreattheboys
Ol
ebi
le:ok.Theboys?
Boi
tshepo:yesLet
lot
loisal
soatherhousei
t'
sa
l
ongstorybutwewi l
ltal
kabouti
tsomeothert
ime
Ol
ebi
le:ohok.Sowhowi
llpl
antt
hedevi
ces?
Boit
shepo:Baisagowillgoplantthem.Ther
ewil
lbe
nooneatthehouset omor r
owmor ni
ngsohewillgo
ther
ethenplantthem befor
egoi ngtoMochudi
Ol
ebi
le:ohokiwil
laskt
hedoctorst
orel
easeme
t
omorroweveni
ngwhent heyar
eback
Boit
shepo:noprobl
em al
lyouhavetodoi
stel
lus
goodhidi
ngspotsaroundthehouseandi
nher
bedroom andt
hehousealarm code
Ol
ebi
le:ok(
hewr
otet
hem down)al
lthebestofl
uck
Boi
tshepo:yeah
Ol
ebi
le:sowhyar
etheygoi
ngt
oMochudi
?
Boit
shepo:t
here'
sameeti
ngthereTemowant
st o
getmarri
edandagainBai
sagoismeeti
ngwi
ththe
famil
yconcerni
ngBosa
Ol
ebi
le:whati
fVi
ctor
iadeci
dest
onotgo?
Boit
shepo:iwi
llt
henl
etBaisagoknowsot
hathe
doesn'
tmakehiswayther
e
Ol
ebi
le:howi
shegoi
ngt
omakei
tint
otheyar
d?
Bai
sago:j
umpovert
hewal
lobvi
ousl
y
Ol
ebi
le:t
hef
ence?
Bai
sago:t
hat
'snost
ress
Ol
ebi
le:ohokt
hen
Boi
tshepo:byef
ornowourl
it
tl
ecr
azyboy

Hesmi l
edwhil
etheylaughedandlef
t,br
ief
lyspoke
tothedoct
orasBaisagotookBoi
tshepotothebus
stop.

THATEVENI
NG

Att
heKwena'
s.
..

At
amel
angandhermot
herl
aughedgoi
ngi
ntot
he
houseasAt
amel
angmadewayt
oherr
oom.
..

Pat
lo:At
aicooked
Atamelang:i
m gooddad.Goodni
ght(
shecl
osedher
door)
Pat
lo:ar
eyougoi
ngt
oeat
?
Bont
si:nopeallineedi
sagoodshower
,mybook
andl
iedownt or eadal
it
tl
e

Shesaidgoingupsingingandwentint
heshower
whilePatl
omadeheracupofcappuccinoandtook
i
tup.Heswi tchedof
ftheli
ghtsdownst
air
sand
wentintobedasBontsicameoutinaveryshor
t
sl
eepingdressandamat chi
nggownsitt
ingonher
dressi
ngchair..
.

Pat
lo:imadeyouacupofcappucci
no
Bont
si:cuppucci
nogi
vesmehear
tbur
nlove
Pat
lo:si
ncewhen?
Bontsi
:ifyouspentmor
et i
meandener gyi
nto
knowingmeyouwoul dknowt hatidr
ank
cuppuccinoonceinmyli
feti
me
Pat
lo:butyoual
waysbuyi
t
Bont
si:becauseyouandAt
alovei
t
Patl
o:ohiseeokt
hen.Sohowdi
dthemeet
ingand
i
ntervi
ewsgo?
Bont
si:amazi
ngever
ythi
ngi
sfal
li
ngi
ntopl
ace
Patl
o:don'
tyouwanttomaket
hisaf
ranchi
seand
openafewbr unchesi
nur
banar
eas?
Bont
si:wear
eact
ual
lywor
kingont
hatone
Pat
lo:ohokl
etmeknowhowmuchyouwoul
dneed
Bont
si:what
'si
nitf
oryou?
Pat
lo:af
ewshar
es
Bont
si:i
tsf
ineiwi
llf
undmysel
f
Patl
o:soyoudon'
twantmet
ohaveashar
einyour
busi
ness?
Bont
si:r
emembert
hewor
dsyousai
dtomewhen
youproposed?(Heswallowed)yeswedidnot
marryoneanotherf
orthemoneybutf ort
helove.
Youhaveyourownbusi nessihaveminethankyou
ver
ymuch
Patl
o:ormaybeyouwantt
ogi
veyournew
boyf
riendt
heshares
Bont
si:(
lookedathi
mthr
ought
hemi
rr
or)what
!?
Patlo:yesisawyoualltouchywit
hthatotherman
andevenunbot t
onedhi sshi
rt
.Theotheroneeven
touchedmydaught er
'shairBont
siareyou
prostit
uti
ngmydaught ertool
dpervert
sformoney?
Bont
si:(
scof
fed)youcan'
tbeser
iousr
ightnow
Patl
o:(
gotoutofbed)wel
liam.IsawyouBont
si
youarecheat
ingonmeihaveevidence

Bont
siscoff
edshakingherheadandgotoffher
chai
rgoingtothebedbutPatl
ograbbedherarm as
sheslowlyt
urned.
..

Pat
lo:ar
eyousl
eepi
ngwi
thot
hermenBont
si?
Bont
si:l
etgoofmeyouar
ehur
ti
ngme
Patl
o:Bont
siar
eyoucheat
ingonmewi
tht
hosel
ow
l
if
escumbags!?

Shelandedahotsl
apacr
osshi
sfaceashef
ell
down..
.

Bont si
:don'tyoueveri
nyourl i
fecallt
hepeoplei
wor kwiththatdoyouhearmeandneveri nyourli
fe
raiseyourvoiceatmeagai n.Wamponagor eke
kanakang?Ket l
agogata,wahupel wawaswakago
katelaPatl
o( thr
ewapill
owandf l
eeceathim)go
sleepintheot herr
oom idon'tsl
eepwi t
hinsecur
e
men

Shesai
dget
ti
ngi
nbedandt
ookherbookswi
tchi
ng
onthesi
del
amp.
..

Bont
si:swi
tchof
fthemai
nli
ghtonyourwayout
Shelai
dcomfor
tabl
yandconti
nuedwithherbook
whil
ePatl
oswall
owedrubbi
nghischeekgoingout
.

THEFOLLOWI
NGMORNI
NG

I
nMochudi
..
.

Reatl
egi
leandBoi
tshepofi
nishedsett
ingthetable
wit
hsnackswhil
eLediba,Or
efeandhiswi fewith
Temochatupastorm.OutsideVict
ori
apar kedher
carasshecameoutwi t
htheboysmaki ngtheirway
i
nside.
..

Boi
tshepo:yohbat
hongBosa?
Bosa:
dumel
ang

Shej
umpedonmehuggi
ngmebutij
ustf
rowned
nothuggi
ngherback.
..

Oref
e:ohBosaj
waronabat
hong(
shet
ear
ful
ly
smil
ed)ohcomeher
emyson
Bosa:
(smi
led)hiKoko
Oref
e:wowVictor
iayoudi
dawonder
fulj
obwi
th
t
hisboyjustl
ookathim
Vi
ctor
ia:t
hankyoumama
Or
efe:t
hisi
syourhomeokmyson
Bosa:
eemma
Ledi
ba:hel
lomysonI'
m Ledibayourgr
eatuncl
e
andthi
sisBoemoyourgreataunt
Bosa:
(smi
led)ni
cemeet
ingyou
Boi
tshepo:youknowLamer
ight
?
Bosa:yeahweal
wayst
alki
nthegr
oupni
ce
meeti
ngyoutoo
Lame:ni
cemeet
ingyouaswel
l
Dai
sy:canwepl
easesi
tout
sidei
t'
sst
uff
yinher
e
(
Lamecur
vedherl
ipsl
ooki
ngather
)
Let
lot
lo:nopr
obl
em
Or
efe:yespl
easebecauset
headul
tswantt
ochata
bi
t
Vi
ctor
ia:ibakedsomegingerbi
scui
tspl
easecome
wi
ththem inthecarTl
otl
o
Let
lot
lo:okaunt
y

Het
ookthekeyandbr
oughtt
hem ast
heyexcused
t
headul
ts.
..

Vict
ori
a:ishoul
dsayt houghi
m shockedt
hat
monyadiwaisinourpresencedi
dtheychaseher
outatherhomealready
Boit
shepo:mmhkenekekamakalayoudon'
teven
have10mi nut
esher
eandyouar
e..
.
Lediba:Boit
shepohol
dyourhorsespl
ease.Wel
l
theydecidedtovi
sitf
orChr
ist
masmygi rl
Vi
ctor
ia:ihaveneverbeeni
nvol
vedi
nnegot
iat
ions
befor
ebutshoul
dshebear
oundwhi
lewet
alkasa
famil
y?
Or
efe:she'
sget
ti
ngmar
ri
edaswel
lsoi
t'
sok
Vict
ori
a:l
esur
ekeset
swana?Ihopet
hisdoesn'
t
backfi
re
Boi
tshepo:gagonabackf
ir
ewasepei
twi
llbeyour
doi
ngs
Ledi
ba:Boi
tshepobat
hong
Boit
shepo:nnat
otawait
sekeengiwil
lbeapartof
thi
sweddingbecauseTemoismybrot
herandilove
himifi
tweren'
tfort
hati
..
.
Or
efe:akonneodi
dimal
amonnaah

Sheswallowedwit
hherli
pscurvedl
ookingat
Vict
oriawhosmil
edastheyconti
nuedtotalk.
Outsi
deisatwit
hLame,DaisyandLetl
otlo
chatt
ing.
..

Dai
sy:sot
hisi
swher
eyouhaveyourl
if
eset
?
Semausu?
Lame:im abigdr
eamerbutwhatmakesmehappy
nowisthatigotobedknowingthatthemoneyi
makeismi neandiworkedhar
df ori
t.I
t'
snothand
out
sfrom mymot her
Dai
sy:whatar
eyout
ryi
ngt
oinsi
nuat
e?
Lame:i
m noti
nsi
nuat
inganyt
hingi
m st
ati
ngf
act
s
Daisy:doyouhavesomethi
ngtosaytomeLame
becauseifyoudoyoumightaswell
spiti
toutnow

Letl
otl
oandisl
owl
ylookedatoneanot
hert
hen
backdownonourphones.
..

Lame:youar et oobi
gf ormetosayanythi
ngtoyou
but(scoff
ed)i hear
dspoi l
tbr
atst
endtosell
themselvestor i
choldermeninGaboroneand
SouthAf r
ica(shelaughed)
Let
lot
lo:Lamet
hat
'snotcool
Dai
sy:sosayssomeonewhogot16poi
ntsf
orher
bgcseandwi
llneverbeat
hingi
nli
febutapi
eceof
shi
t
Lame:atleastiwi
llbeapieceofshi
tdoi
ng
somethi
ngf ormyselfnotwai
ti
ngformyevi
l
mother'
smoney
Dai
sy:bl
oodycunt
!

Shesaidt
ryi
ngt
ogr
abonLameasipul
ledher
back.
..

Dai
sy:l
etmet
eacht
hisbi
tchwhat
'sgoodBosa
Lame:yeahr
ightwi
thabr
okenar
m

Shecl
ickedhertonguegoingt
ohertuckshopwhi
le
Dai
syalsocli
ckedhertonguebackather
.

ANHOURLATER
Theel derscalledusbacki nsi
det hehouseandt old
usthati ndeeduncleTemowasget ti
ngmar r
iedver
y
soon.Wecongr at
ulatedhim whil
eacarst opped
outside.Amancameoutwhi leauntyBoitshepo
smiledwel comi nghimi nthehouse.Ilookedupand
sawaspi tt
ingimageofmysel fonthisman.Fora
secondibl inkedthinkingiwaslookingint hemirr
or
ashesatonaseatopposi temine..
.

Bai
sago:dumel
angbagol
o
Al
l:goodaf
ter
noon
Boi
tshepo:ki
dsthismanisBai
sagoKgosidi
ntsihe
wasBoingotl
o'sf
ianceeandi
sBosa'
sfather
Bosa:
huh?

Myhear
tracedlooki
ngatt
hismanwhosmi
led
l
ooki
ngstr
aighti
nmyeyes..
.

Bai
sago:hel
loson
Iturnedt
oauntVi
ctor
ianotknowi
nghowto
respondwhi
leshesmil
edatmeandsoft
lynodded.
..

Bosa:
hi
Boit
shepo:iknowyouar
eabi tshakenbutBosa
yourdadwant st
obeapartofyourlif
eso..
.
Vi
ctor
ia:pl
easeexcuseme(
shesai
dgoi
ngout
)
Boi
tshepo:asiwassayinghewant
st odorightby
youandintroduceyout
oyourpat
ernalancestor
s
Bosa:
(swal
lowed)i
see
Boi
tshepo:sowhati
sityouagr
eet
oit
?
Vict
oria:beforewegoanyf ur
theraboutt
hisTemo
here(gavehi m anenvel
ope)pl
easereadwhat'
s
i
nsidet her
e

Ever
yonei
ncl
udi
ngmysel
ffr
ownedl
ooki
ngatuncl
e
Temo..
.
Temo:what
'si
nher
e?
Vi
ctor
ia:j
ustopenbr
other

Hesighedandopenedi
tsl
owl
ytaki
ngoutt
he
documents.
..

Temo:theseserveas(clear
edhist
hroat)aslegal
adopti
onpapersfor.
..
.(
lookedatVi
ctor
ia)hee?
Adopti
ondocument sforBosaDint
sitobeVictori
a
Dint
si'
ssonlegaly
Boi
tshepo:what
!?

Victor
iasatbackwithastr
aightf
aceonl
ooki
ngat
Baisagowhol ookedbackatherwit
hafr
ownonhi
s
face.
.
.
.
.
.
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
CAGED
13

Boi
tshepogr
abbedt
hedocument
sfr
om Temo.
..

Boi
tshepo:naar
ewat
engTemo!
?

Shesaidsi
lent
lyreadi
ngthem assheslowlylooked
upatVict
oriawit
haf r
ownonherf acebreathi
ng
heavi
lywhil
eBaisagotookthem f
rom her.
..

Boi
tshepo:Vi
ctor
ia?
Vi
ctor
ia:Boi
tshepo?
Boit
shepo:mamaaker
eleabobonabol
oij
oke
buangkajonebl
oodymurr
!

Shesaidatt
empt
ingt
ogoof
fonVi
ctor
iaasTemo
grabbedher
..
.

Temo:Boi
tshepono!
Or
efe:Boi
tshepongwanakannaoi
ket
la
Ledi
ba:Boi
tshepopl
easel
ist
ent
oyourmot
her
!
Boi
tshepo:i
m notl
ist
eningtoanyt
hing.Victor
iao
mol
oihowcanyoudot hist
oyourownsi ster'
schi
ld?
Vi
ctor
ia:i
twasforhi
sowngoodbecauseiwant
ed
hi
mt obenef
itf
rom myhar
dwork
Boit
shepo:benef
itmyfootVi
ctor
ia(shesai
dtryi
ng
topushTemoof fher
)youareawitchVict
ori
ayou
aregoi
ngtodieaverypainf
uldeath
Or
efe:ngwanakaachr
ist
ianneversayssucht
hings
Vict
ori
a:l
eammonamol oil
elonabet
shokamoso
ketl
aabokesul
edon'
tlookfarmykil
lerwi
llbe
st
andi
ngi
nfr
ontofyoual
l
Boit
shepo:(burstint
otears)Vi
ctor
iahowcanyou
dothistomynephew?Whyar eyouthi
sperson
Vict
oriawhathavewedonet oyousothatweask
forf
orgivenessfrom youandli
veinpeace!
?
Temo:i
t'
soksi
scal
m down
Boi
tshepo:noit'
snotokTemoifai
ledmynephew
Temooursi st
ermustbetur
ningi
nhergrave
Or
efe:Boi
tshepopl
easest
opwhatyouar
edoi
ng
Boitshepo:andyoual lbl
indtoseeVict
oriaforthe
womanshei s.It
'sokiwilll
etgoandstophar assi
ng
Vict
or i
aakereshe' stheperfectchi
ld?I
t'
sf i
neiwill
takeallmyt hingsandmyki dsandmoveoutoft his
housel et
lasal alengwanawal onayoperfectnna
moloiletmegoandl i
vewi t
hmyki dselsewhere
Or
efe:aoBoi
tshepo
Boit
shepo:yesmom i sn'
tthat
'swhatyouallwant.
Soitwillhappen.Ihopeyouarehappynowt hat
yourownmot herwil
lbeallal
onewithnooneto
careforherwhi l
eyouli
vecomf or
tabl
yint
hatcult
houseofyour
s.I
m done!
Temo:noBoi
tshepodon'
tdot
hatpl
ease
Vict
oria:ihaveonequestionf
oryouBoitshepo,why
areyouangr y?Whyar eyoufl
yingovereveryone?
Thefactt hatiadopt
edBosasot hathecanbenef i
t
from myhar dworkiswhatgotyouallupinyour
feel
slikethat?
Boi
tshepo:(
sni
ff
ed)shutupwenayoubet
tershut
upbeforei
..
.

Shetri
edtoj
umpoverTemobuthehel
dherdown
ti
ght
ly.
..

Let
lot
lo:youhonest
lyar
edi
sappoi
nti
ngmom wow
Boit
shepo:iswearyouhavealreadyfedmyson
yourpoisonbutitsokLet
lot
lotsamayaoyegonna
l
eVi ct
oriaautl
wamogowenaket lhapi
ledi
atl
amy
son.Im doneomonnaol ekaloakere?Eetsel
a
tshweupapayagodiar amel
at sot
lhediphi
ri
misi
tsa
gammegol oago
Or
efe:(
sof
tl
y)aoBoi
tshepo
Boi
tshepo:noi
m seri
ousmom iwantnot
hingtodo
wit
hanythingt
hathasVict
ori
aini
t.Temontl
ogel
e
Temo:pr
omi
set
o..
.
Boi
tshepo:kar
ent
logel
eTemo

Hel etgoofherandsteppedbackwithhi
shandsup
whileBoit
shepowentdownt hepassagetoher
room andburstint
otearswhil
eOrefeandBotho
clappedonce..
.

Vi
ctor
ia:ihopeyouseeherf
orwhoshei
snow
Ledi
ba:pl
easeexpl
aint
hesedocument
sVi
ctor
ia
Victor
ia:malomeaftertaki
ngBosatoGaborone
withmeisawi tfi
ttolegalyadopthi
m sothathe
couldbenefi
tfrom al
ltheworkido.Theonlywrong
thi
ngidi dwastonott el
lyouguysandim sorr
yfor
thatbutitwasforBosa'sbestiswear
Ledi
ba:ok.Bosaar
eyouwel
ltakencar
eofi
n
Gabor
one?
Bosa:
eer
ra
Lediba:oktheniseenoprobl
em i
nwhatVi
ctor
ia
did.Shediditforagoodcour
se
Bai
sago:idon'
tmeantodi
srespectanyonebut
wheredoesthi
sleavemeasthefatheroft
hischi
ld?
Bosa:pl
easet
ellme"
dad"wher
ehaveyoubeenal
l
mylif
ehuh?

Ever
yoneswall
owedasLedibaandOref
elooked
downwhil
eVictor
iasecr
etl
ysmil
ed.
..

Bai
sago:iknowiwasnoti
nyourl
if
ebutiwantt
o
makethi
ngsr i
ghtnow
Vi
ctori
a:iwi
llt
ellyouthet
rut
hmysont
hemanwho
cl
aimstobeyourf at
herwasarr
est
edi
ntheUKf
or
murder
Bosa:
andyout hi
nkiwil
ljustl
etamur
dereri
ntomy
l
if
ethateasi
ly?Youcommi t
tedacr
imeknowing
thatyouhaveachi l
dt hatgoestoshowhowmuch
youdi dn'
tcareaboutmesodon' tcometomeand
pretendthatyoucareaboutmewhi leyoudon'
t(t
he
eldersswall
owedst i
lll
ookingdown)
Bai
sago:i
m sor
ry
Bosa: wel lt
ool i
ttl
etool ate"dad"asfarasI'm
concer nedtheonl yparentiknowi smyaunt( turned
toLet l
otlo)im sorrybuddybutyourmom hasnever
doneanyt hi
ngt oshowt hatshecaresaboutme,
neitherdidyouuncl eTemonoryoumygr and
par entsyoual lhavecont ri
butednothingintomyup
bringingsoidon' texpectanyoneofyout ostandin
frontofmeandpr et
endt hatyoucareaboutme
whi leyouhavedonenot hingt oshowt hatcare
(Victori
asecr etl
ysmi ledmor e)im done
Victori
a:Bosaiunder standt hatyouar eangrybut
thatisnothowyout alktof amily.Bat hogarelekane
resemenomysonihaveal wayst aughtyoutobe
gratefulf
orthel i
tt
leyour eceiveandt hosewor dsis
thelit
tleeveryoneelsemayof fer.Justbecauset hey
haven'tgivenyouanyt angi bleitem inyourwhol e
l
ifeitdoesn'tmeant hattheydon' tcareaboutyou.
Theydo,deepl
yatt
hatsoabi
tofgr
ati
tudewoul
d
goalongway
Boit
shepo:(
from t
hebedr
oom)st
opl
yingyougood
fornot
hingwitch!

Vi
ctor
iacl
ickedhert
ongueandst
oodup.
..

Vi
ctor
ia:i
m honest
lyt
ir
edoft
hisl
it
tl
egi
rl

Shesaidstandingupgoi
ngdownt hepassageas
Temor anbehindherwhi
letheel
dersl
ookedatone
other
.Baisagoswall
owedlooki
ngatmewhi lei
l
ookedaway. .
.

Temo:Vi
ctor
iawai
tcal
m downyouar
enott
his
per
son
Victor
ia:noTemoimtir
edofyoursist
eralways
call
ingmenamesiwantt oputastoptoitri
ghtnow
(bangedonthedoor)openup!
Boi
tshepo:(
openedandfol
dedherar
ms)comei
n
andbeatmeVictor
iacomein
Temo:Vi ct
ori
alist
ent omeyouguyshavekidsout
therewhatdoyouwantt oshowt
hechil
dren?That
i
t'soktof i
ghtassibl
ings?Nomanguysgr owup
thisisnoton
Vict
ori
a:(
steppedback)i
sthemeeti
ngoveriwoul
d
l
iketogobacktomypeacef ulhome

Shesaidgoi
ngbacktot
heloungewhi
leBoi
tshepo
cl
ickedhert
onguesl
ammingthedoor
..
.

Orefe:si
tdownVi ct
oria.(Shedid)ihearwhatyou
didandBosai soldnowt hestateseeshi m asa
responsi
bleyoungadul tsosincehi sfatherisher
e
want i
ngtobeapar tofhislif
ehehast her i
ghtto
choosewhohewant st obewi thbetweent hetwoof
you.Don'tfor
getiworkedatcour tiknowt helawas
well.Asan18yearol dknowi ngyouhadbeen
adoptedyouhavet her i
ghtstochoosewhoyou
wantt ol
ivewithandbef orewegot hereiwantto
under
standwhosi
gnedBosaof
ftoyou?
Vict
oria:Bosawasr egisteredunderst at
ecar e
mamaandsi nceyouknowt hel
awanyonecan
adoptachi l
dregisteredunderst atecareasan
orphaniftheyhavenor el
ativet
aki ngcareofthem
astheirguardian.Soif ollowedal ltheri
ght
proceduresandt heyr emovedhi mf rom bei
nga
stat
echi l
daftertheylegal ydeclaredhim asmyson
Orefe:ohokthen.Bosathebal
lisinyourhands.
Cult
ur ei
sveryimport
antyourfat
herisal
lowedto
payt hedamagesforyouandintr
oduceyout ohi
s
ancestors
Victor
ia:i
ntr
oducehi
mtohi
sancest
orshowwhen
he'smine?
Orefe:t
hatdoesn'tt
akeawayanyt hi
ngfrom youi f
hechoosestobewi thyou.It'
simport
antf orachild
tobeknownbyt heancestor
sfrom t
heirfather'
s
sidebecausetheirt
rueident
it
ylieswit
hthei rf
ather
Vict
ori
a:nomamaBont sii
saDint
sisotheDint
si
ancest
orsrecogni
seshi
m andt
heywillt
akecareof
hi
mj ustf
ine
Lediba:okoklet'
sdothi
sBosawi l
ltelluswhohe
want stobestaywit
handifhewant st obe
i
ntroducedtohisfat
her'
sancestor
st oavoidgoi
ng
backandf or
thwiththi
smatter
.
Or
efe:okt
henBosa?
Bosa:iwantt
obewi
thmyauntiwantnothi
ngtodo
wit
hthismanandhi
sancest
orshechosecri
me
overme
Ledi
ba:ar
eyousur
eaboutyourdeci
sionmyson?
Bosa:
yes
Vict
ori
a:set
tl
ednowcanwepl
easegobackt
oour
home?
Ledi
ba:youcangomyki
ds
Vict
ori
a:thankyoubagol
o.Baisagoiapplaudyou
forwanti
ngtostepupasaf at
herbutthelawisthe
l
awandBosamadehi sdecisi
on.Kidslet
'sgo.
Letl
otl
oareyounotgoingtoseeyourmot herbef
ore
wego?
Let
lot
lo:shewashedherhandsoutofmyl
if
eso
Vi
ctor
ia:youseewhatBoi
tshepoi
sdoi
ngt
othe
kidsbutanyway( smil
ed)Lameiheardaboutyour
bailbusi
nessandpl easecal
lmeoncetheclothes
arri
vesothatibuyabuncht odonatetol
ess
fort
unatefamil
iesok

Lamej ustl
ookedatherwit
hnoresponseasshe
tookoutabundleofmoney.P200notesonl
yand
gavethem tohermother
..
.

Victor
ia:mamaletl
abonagorel
er ekangengfor
Christ
mas.Iwon'tbear
oundandt hekidswil
lbe
goingforavacat
ioninKasanewellDaisyenei
s
goingtoSouthAfri
cawit
hherfri
end
Oref
e:oht
hankyousomuchmygi
rl
.Enj
oyyourt
ri
p
boys
Bot
h:t
hankyoukoko
Vi
ctor
ia:congr
adul
ati
onsoncemor
ebr
o
Temo:t
hankyou
Shesaidt ouchinghisshoulderasReat legi
le
sneezed.Shewal kedoutsmi l
ingaswef ol
lowedher
outwhileinsidethehouseLedi basighedsi tt
ing
back.Wegoti nthecaranddr oveawaywhi le
Baisagowentout si
destandingsi t
tingmyt he
verandalookingatt hecarasitvar nished..
.

Temo:i
t'
sokmyguyyoudidal
lyoucoul
dwecan
onl
yhopethathecomest
ohi
ssensesoneday
Baisago:(sni
ff
ed)ther
egoesmysoni nfrontofme
brohet ol
dmest rai
ghttomyf acethathewants
nothingtodowi t
hme( snif
fedwi pi
ngatear)if
ail
ed
mysononemor eti
mebr oifai
led..
.

Heswal l
owedapai nfull
umpandbur sti
ntotear
sas
Temoemot ionall
yhuggedhi m whil
ehecr i
edinhis
hands.Boit
shepoj oinedthem out
sideandquiet
ly
squeezedacr yi
ngBai sago'
sshoulder.

Att
heKwena'
s.
..
Bontsicamedownst ai
rsl
aughi
ngonthephonein
ti
ghtjeans,
sti
let
tosandashir
twhi
lePat
losati
n
fr
ontofthetv.
..

Bontsi:okl
oveiwill
betherejustnowt houghi
thoughtyousaidyourt
eam wi l
lst
ar tnextweek
(Patl
of r
ownedlooki
ngaway)ohokt henil ovethe
i
deal oveseeyounownowhey.Il i
terallyjustgot
downt hestai
rsnowim grabbingaf ruitandmy
keysthenheadout.Okbye( shehungup)hii m out
ok
Pat
lo:wher
ear
eyougoi
ng?
Bontsi
:im goi
ngtomeetupwi thoneoftheguys
managingmyr enovati
ons.Thengotakemy
daughterandi'
splaneti
cketstoKasane
Pat
lo:ohisee.Ar
eyouwear
inganewper
fume?
Bont
si:yes(
smi
led)youl
ikei
t?
Pat
lo:i
t'
sok
Bont
si:ohwel
lwhatwoul
dyouknowabouta
woman'sscentlove(kissedhi
scheek)byeheyAt
a
i
sinherroom idon'tknowherplanstoday
Pat
lo:sur
e

Shewhistl
edleavi
ngwhi l
ePat l
oquickl
ygotoffthe
couchandwentt othewindowl ooki
ngatherwiggle
herbut
tandlaughedget t
inginhercardri
vingout.
Heswallowedandsi ghedsit
ti
ngdown...

Patl
o:whyi
m ist
ressi
ngoversomeonelikeheri
wil
l
soonbewit
hmyoneandt rueloveshecankeepher
fatl
ove

Hesaidgr
abbingtheremotewhil
einherr
oom
At
amelangstr
uggledwi t
htaki
nganunder
wear
pi
ctur
eandsighedsit
tingonherbed.
..

Atamel
ang:gonemmewhati
m goi
ngt
osayt
ohi
m
onceicapt
ureagoodpi
c?
Shesi ghedt hinki
ngf orasecondandsmi led
standingi nfrontofherdr essi
ngmi rrorloosening
herbr aidsandbi tonherspor tsbr ast randandt hen
pulledt hemat chi
ngbot tom abitupcr ossingher
yellowl egstogetherwithabi tofanar chbet ween
herbackandherbum asherbum poppedoutmor e.
Af ewbr ai
dswentdownherbum whi leotherswent
toherf aceasshesmi l
edseduct ivelylookinginto
themi rrorandcapt uredthepi ct
ur e.Shesi ghed
checki ngitoutandj umpedexci ted. .
.

At
amel
ang:ohyesper
fect
.

Shesaidgoi
ngt
oBosa'
snumberandsel
ect
edt
he
pi
ctur
e..
.

At
amel
ang:whatdoyout
hink?

I
nthecarif
rownedt
othemessageandopenedi
t
andswallowedlooki
ngatAtamelang'sbeautif
ul
body.IcheckedLetl
otl
oandhewasdeeponhi s
phoneasizoomedt hepict
urebutthenclearedmy
thr
oatremember i
ngVeroni
caandr esponded..
.

Bosa:
idon'
tunder
stand
At
amel
ang: howdoesi
tlookonme?
Bosa:
iknownot
hingaboutwomenunder
wearso
sor
ry
At
amel
ang:ohokt
hanks
Bosa:
sur
e
At
amel
ang:i
m sor
ryt
lher
rawena
Bosa:
it'
sfi
neihavel
etgooft
hewhol
ethi
ng
At
amel
ang:ar
eyousur
eever
ythi
ngi
sok?
Bosa:
yeah
At
amelang:t
henwhyi
syourr
esponset
othephot
oi
j
ustsentcol
d?
Bosa:
im seei
ngsomeoneandican'
tbe
comment
ingonot
hergi
rl
'sunder
neat
hcl
othi
ng
At
amel
ang:ohsoi
m ot
hergi
rl
s?Wow
Bosa:
soThor
isowasr
ight
?
At
amel
ang:yesil
ikeyouBosa
Bosa:wel
lunf
ortunatel
yI'
m commi
tt
edt
osomeone
ri
ghtnowsoim sorry
Atamel
ang:noitsokiunder
standiguessishoul
d
havesai
ditsooner
Bosa:
thanksf
orunder
standi
ng
At
amel
ang:sur
e.Wher
ear
eyou?
Bosa:
onmywayt
ogabsf
rom Mochudi
At
amelang:ohokihopeyouhadawonder
fult
ime
t
here
Bosa:
iwoul
drat
hernott
alkabouti
t.Haveagood
day

Iswitchedof
fmylastseenandignor
edher
responsewhil
eit
extedVeroni
ca..
.
Bosa:
babe iwannagr
abont
hatass
Ver
oni
ca:babe? whendi
dthi
ngsescal
atet
hatf
ar?
Bosa:aocomeonlove imissyousomuchmy
di
ckisevenget
ti
nghardaswespeak
Ver
onica:ki
ndlyholdof
fonthepetnamesabi
thau
itol
dyout hatsucht
hingst
aketi
me
Bosa:
okt
hensor
ry.Whenwi
lligett
oseeyouagai
n?
Ver
onica:i
m honestl
ybusygett
ingt
hingsf
orour
hol
idaytr
iptoget
hersoiwil
lseeyouwhenidoboy
boy
Bosa:
ouchboyboy?
Ver
oni
ca:sor
ry.Iguess ‍♂
Bosa:anywaydoyour eal
lyhavetogotoSA?
Let
lot
loandiwillbegoingtoKasaneonThur
sday
soyoucant agalong
Ver
onica:oksoinyourownr i
ghtmi ndit'
sokfora
22yearoldtobehangingoutwi t
h18yearoldswho
ar
efreshfrom school
?Pleaserevisi
tyourpr
iori
ti
es
myl oveandbesi desisaidi
m busyidon'
t
understandwhyI 'm st
il
lent
ert
aini
ngyou.It
oldyou
thatiwillseeyouwhenidonowgi vemesome
spaceandst opbeingapest

Sheclickedhert
ongueandputherphonedownand
smiledtothemaninfrontofher
.Iswal
lowedand
responded..
.

Bosa:i
m sorryididn'tmeant ooverstepmy
boundar
ies(iwaitedf orarespond)Vero?(
Iwai
t
agai
n)imreallysorrypleasesaysomet hi
ng

Iwait
edandther
ewasnothingbutonegreytickasi
heavedahugesi
ghandleanedbackclosingmy
eyeswit
hahandonmyf acewhileLet
lotl
o,Daisy
andVict
ori
achatoutl
oudlaughi
ng.

Backi
nMochudi
..
.
Boit
shepo,TemoandBai sagodecidedtogot oB6
astheyboughtfoodandaf ewdr i
nkswhi l
e
Reatl
egil
eremainedbehindwit
hOr efe,
Lameand
hertwoli
ttl
esibl
ings.Bai
sagosighedaftertaki
nga
gul
pf r
om hisbeer.
..

Temo:easyont
hebeerbr
o
Bai
sago:imi
ghtaswel
lbecausei
m af
ail
ure
Boit
shepo:westi
llst
andagoodchanceBai
sago
don'
tgiveupli
kethat
Baisago:youheardtheboyguyshewantsnot
hing
todowi t
hme.Hi sfather
,fl
eshandbl
ood

Hesaidshakinghi
sheadanddownedthewhol
eti
n
ofbl
acklabelonceandbur
pedopeni
nganot
her
one.
..

Baisago:bakaebanababamet
sibaMochudi
(l
aughed)ntshomengguys
Temo:aeyouar
enotgoi
ngt
odot
hat
Baisago:maybet
hisi
sasi
gnthatishouldstar
t
afr
eshandmakeanewchildwhoiwi l
ltakecareof
fr
om birt
h
Boit
shepo:noBaisagothat
'snothowigr
ewup.
Justbecauseofamer epaper?Noman
Baisago:shewonguysshehasBosaforgoodnow
sowakeupandsmel lt
hecof
feet
hosebugswere
fornothi
ngourfucki
ngdamnhardworkfornot
hing
Boitshepo:st
opi
tBaisagost
opit!Thisi
snothowa
personwhohastofightfort
hei
rchild'
swel
lbeing
behavesman
Temo:yesBoiisr
ightmanallwehavet
odoi
sbe
pat
ientandt
rustt
heprocess
Boit
shepo:iwantt
oapologi
seandaskf
or
for
givenesst
hengetcl
osetoVict
ori
a
Temo:nowt
hat
'sr
iski
ngwi
thyourl
if
esi
s
Boi
tshepo:f
ormyf
ami
lyiwoul
ddoanyt
hing
Temo:doyouthi
nkshewouldal
lowyoubacki
nto
herl
if
e?Peopl
eli
keVict
ori
aarever
ysmart
Boit
shepo:Temoim nevergoi
ngt
orestunt
ili
overcomethi
sdevi
l
Temo:idon'
tli
ket
hesoundoft
hat
.Youhaveki
ds
Boi
Boi
tshepo:exact
ly,
kidsihavet
opr
otectf
rom
Vi
ctori
a
Bai
sago:stopwast
ingyourt
imeBoi
tshepopl
ease.
I
t'
sovergiveup
Boit
shepo:it
sokBaisagoyoucangi veupbutim
notgoi
ngt odosuchat hi
ng.I
'm goingbackhome
bromakesur eBai
sagoissafeheshouldn'tdar
e
thi
nkofdrivi
ngbacktogabslikethat
Temo:don'
twor
ryhe'
ssaf
ewi
thme
Boit
shepo:l
emarukeaasi
mol
olagoi
popal
e
boengkabonako
Temo:whydon'
twejustbuydr
inksenoughf
or
toni
ghtandt
omorr
owmor ni
ngthengotoget
her
Boi
tshepo:okgobuyiwi
llwai
twi
thhi
m.
Temowentbacki ntothebarandboughtwhil
e
Boi
tshepowaitedwithBaisago.Hecamebackwith
twocasesoftheirbeersandathree2l
it
redr
inks
andtheywentbackhome.

THATEVENI
NG

AtVi
ctor
ia'
shouse.
..

Rai
ningcat
sanddogsVi
ctor
iapackedint
hegarage
andcall
edust
ocomeandhelpherwithOl
ebi
le.
..

Dai
sy:mmmhonear eot
laf
ell
akae?Gonef
elagor
e
annesegol
ejaana
Vi
ctor
ia:i
fyoudon'thaveanyt
hinggoodt
osay
Dai
syyoubettergobackinsi
dethehouse

Shesaidtaki
ngoutthewheelchai
rwhi
leLetl
otl
o
andicarr
iedOlebi
leof
fthecarandcar
efull
yput
hi
m downonhi schair
.Hewassoqui etlooki
nglost
asipushedhimi nasLetl
otl
oheldthedoorforme.
Vi
ctori
aclosedthegaragedoorandfol
lowedusi n
i
ntothelounge.
..

Vict
ori
a:hol
ymollyt
hisrai
nisheavyiwasdr
ivi
ng
at40from t
hehospi
talt
ohere
Bosa:
wear
ejustgl
adt
hatyouar
esaf
e
Vi
ctor
ia:i
sthepowergone?
Bosa:
eemmaandt
hegener
atorpi
cked
Vict
oria:ohokgood.Di
dthehousehel
perf
ixt
he
room downstai
rsforOl
ebi
le?
Let
lot
lo:eemmashedi
d
Vict
ori
a:goodbri
ngthatyoghur
tint
hefr
idgeanda
spoonBosahispil
lsar
einmybagbr i
ngthem wi
th
aglassofwater
.
Dai
sy:befor
ethatmamawhataboutourtri
pssi
nce
i
t'
sevidentt
hatOlebi
leneedsext
racar
e?
Vi
ctor
ia:iwi
llhavet
opost
ponet
heboyst
ri
pto
Kasaneiwi
llhi
reanur
seforhi
m youboyswi
llgot
o
Kasanewhenicomebackri
ght?
Bosa:
it'
sokaunt
y
Let
lot
lo:i
mfi
newi
thanyt
hing
Vi
ctori
a:t
hankyousomuchmyboysipr omiset
o
makeituptoy'
allwhenigetback.Youwil
lbe
st
ayingwit
hthenurseihavehir
ed.

ShepushedOlebi
let
other
oom whi
lewecamewi
th
ever
ythi
ngsheaskedfr
om us.
..

Vi
ctor
ia:t
hankyouyoumaygo.(
Theyl
eft
)ar
eyou
okson?

Shesai
dputti
ngacushi
onbehi
ndhi
m ont
he
wheel
chai
r.
..

Vict
ori
a:Ordoyouwantt
osi
tuponthebed?Ifeel
l
ikethi
schairi
sabi
tuncomf
ort
abl
eforyoutobe
si
tti
ngonitforl
ong(shecal
ledforus)pl
easehel
p
meputhim onthebedifeel
likethechai
ris
uncomfor
table.

Wecarri
edOl
ebi
leont
othebedt
henl
eftassheput
af
leeceonhi
m..
.

Victori
a:I'm sosor r
yyouhavet ogothroughthismy
boybutihavemadesur etomaket hi
sroom
comf ortableforyouwhat everyouneedyouwi l
ljust
presst hisbuttonandoneofuswi l
lcomet oyour
aid.Ihadever ythi
ngsor t
edoutonceigott hecall
from thedoct orsthatyouareawakebutunabl e
(chuckled)supermom vi bes

Shesaidtaki
ngaspoonfulofyoghur
tandfed
Olebi
lewhosilent
lyat
esti
lll
ooki
nglost
..
.

Vict
ori
a:unfor
tunat
elyihavet
ogotothi
str
ipi
coul
dbest ayi
ngherewithyoumyboy.I
m not
neglect
ingyouatallyouwon'tevenfeelt
hatyou
arealoneandim notaround.Theboyswillbehere
toplaygamesar oundyouandt henursewillbe
taki
ngcareofallyourneeds

Shesaidal
lthesef
eedi
nghi
m ashegavehera
thumbsup.
..

Vict
ori
a:ohyouar eful
lok.Theyt oldmet hatyour
mindisworkingjustfi
nesoyouwi llt
extmeal lt
he
thi
ngsyouneedmet ogetbef oregoinghere'
syour
newphone.Ican'tfi
ndt heoldonei m sosorry
(smil
ed)ihopeim notintroubled(henodded)good
l
etmel oveandleaveyouiwi llcheckuponyouj ust
now.

Shekissedhi sforeheadandsmi ledl

eaving.As
soonasshecl osedthedoorbehi ndherOlebil
e
punchedt heairsighingandsentBoitshepoat ext
anddeletedit.Inherr oom Vi
ctor
iafr
owned
stoppi
ngatt hedoorasshesmel ledadiffer
ent
scent
..
.

Vict
ori
a:Bosa,
Letl
otl
odidyouguyscomei
ntomy
room whi
leiwasatthehospi
tal
?
Bot
h:no
Vict
ori
a:(f
rowned)t
henwhowasi nher
eandi
m
sureyourcol
ognesdon'
tsmel
lli
kethi
s

Shesai dl
ookingaroundandscof f
edgoingintoher
bathroom.MeanwhileinMochudiitalsorai
nedcats
anddogswi t
hstr
ongwi ndswhil
eLamekept
checkingifhert
uckshopwasst il
lontheground.
Boitshepojoi
nedher,TemoandBai sagoatthe
l
ivi
ngr oom whil
eReatlegi
lesatwit
hOr ef
einher
bedroom...

Boi
tshepo:Bai
sagodi
dyouwearacol
ognewhen
youwentinVict
ori
a'
shouse?
Baisago:(
remembered)shi
t!Andt
hiscol
ognet
akes
alongtimetoevaporat
e.Shit
!
Boit
shepo:(
sighed)Ol
ebilej
usttextedmethat
Vict
ori
asmelledadiff
erentscentinherr
oom and
sheknowshowal loftheboyscolognessmelll
ike
Temo:damn
Boit
shepo:al
lwecandoispraythatshedoesn'
t
rememberwhereshesmell
editatbefor
egoingto
herhouse

Theysi
ghedasLamescr
eamedbyt
hewi
ndow.
..

Al
l:what
!?
Lame:phef
oet
ser
eSemausumamaaobat
hong
Temo:don' tworr
ywewil
lgobuyamor ewel
lbui
lt
str
uctur
et omorrowj
ustbegladt
hattherewas
nothi
ngint her
e.Wewil
lthencementthenewone
totheground
Lame:ai
shihopet
hiswon'
trui
nyourbudget
Temo:noit
'sok.Nnalebaer
ejamadiamet
shel
ole
dibonusmygirlsoi
tsok
Lame:t
hankyousomuchuncl
eT

Shesmi
ledhuggi
nghi
m asherphoner
ang.
..

Lame:hel
lo
Man:mayipl
easespeakt
oLameDi
ntsi
Lame:i
tisisi
r
Man:youarespeaki
ngt
ooneoft
heof
fi
cial
sat
Kazungul
aboader
Lame:ohokt
hebai
lshavear
ri
ved?
Man:unfort
unatel
ytheshipthatcarr
iedt
he
cont
ainer
swi t
hyourbail
sbr okedownsoallt
he
cont
ainer
ssankdownt heriver.I
m sosorr
yma'am

Lamesl owlyputt
hephonedownast
ear
sbui
lti
n
hereyes..
.

Boi
tshepo:i
sever
ythi
ngok?
Lame:allmymoneyhassunkdownther i
vermom.
Thebail
siboughtaredownint
her
ivertheship
brokedown(bur
stint
otear
s)whyi
sthishappening
tomewhy! ?
Boi
tshepo:i
m sosor
rymybaby

Shesai
dhuggingherwhi
leTemosi
ghedsi
tt
ing
backonthecouch.
.
.
.
.
.
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
CAGED
14

I
nMochudi
..
.
Orefegotoutofthehouseandwentt oherback
gardentocheckhowmuchdamaget heraindi
d.
Luckil
yforherplant
sthenetprotect
edthem fr
om
theheavywinds.Boit
sheposteppedoutsideaswel
l
andheadedt othebackwhereshef oundher.
..

Boi
tshepo:mama
Oref
e:ohmygir
lol et
sesent
le?(
Didyousl
eepwel
l)
Whatti
medidBaisagoandTemosleep?KanaRea
endedupsl
eepi
ngwi thme
Boi
tshepo:ver
ylat
e.Lamewasnotemot
ional
lyok
sowehadt okeephercompany
Oref
e:shamemypoorgranddaughtershemustnot
worr
yshewillpl
aceanot
herorderanditwi
llar
ri
ve
Boi
tshepo:(wantedtosayitbuthel
dback)your
pl
antsreal
lysurvivedt
herain
Orefe:heel
aeleeneeleyamasubel
elengwanaka(
it
wasaheavyr ain)buti
mthankf
ultoGodthathe
keptthem saf
e.Heknowsthisi
sourreli
sh
Boit
shepo:(
smiled)i
ndeed.Iwant
edust
otal
k
aboutyest
erdaymom
Oref
e:ehehBoi
tshepoi
t'
stooear
lyf
oryouandit
o
befi
ghti
ng
Boi
tshepo:noiwantt
oapol
igi
se
Or
efe:ohok
Boit
shepo:TemoandBai sagomanagedt omake
mer eal
isethatwhatididwaswr ong.Whatihave
beendoingiswr ong.Vict
ori
aishonestl
yagood
womanandwewi llf
oreverbegr
atefulf
orthethi
ngs
shedoesf orus
Or
efe:yesmygi
rl
Boi
tshepo:andifi
twer en'tf
orheramazi
nghear
t
Bosawouldn'tbet
hemanhei snow.Imeanl
ookat
Let
lot
lohelookedreall
ygoodyest er
dayanddi
dn't
complai
nthatVict
ori
ami str
eatedhi
m.Heevenhas
anewphoneandacl eanhai r
cuton
Oref
e:i
m happyt
hatyour
eal
iseyourmi
stakesmy
l
ove
Boi
tshepo:andagai
nim okwi
tht
hedeci
sionBosa
madeifiwerei
nhisshoesiwouldfeelt
hesame
waytooallwecandoispraythathefor
giveshis
fat
herandhavearel
ati
onshipwithhi
m evenifhe
doesn'
tst
aywithhi
m
Oref
e:nowthisi
stheBoit
shepoiknowandbir
thed
butwhataboutt
heinsul
tsyousai
dVict
ori
athr
ewat
you?
Boi
tshepo:(
sighed)il
iedjusttomakehert
hebad
per
sonandagai nsorryforthr
eat
ningt
oleaveil
ove
youandiwoul dneverleaveyoual
onemama
Oref
e:il
oveyout
oomychildandiappreci
ateyour
apol
ogysoyouaref
orgi
ven.Il
ongfor
gaveyoumy
gi
rlal
lyouneedt
odoistal
ktoVict
ori
a
Boi
tshepo:eemmaipl
ant
odoso
Oref
e:good.Iwantyouallt
obeatpeacethat'
s
whatyouryoungersi
sterwouldhavel
oved.You
knowhowmuchofapeacef ulchi
ldBoi
ngotl
owas
ri
ght
?
Boi
tshepo:(smi
led)howcanifor
gett
hemostloved
humaninthishood.Verysmar
tandahardworker.
Obonegor ephi
tlhoyagagweeneetl
etsej
ang?
(
Yousawhowpackedherf
uner
alwas)Herweddi
ng
woul
dhavebeenwor
se
Orefe:andpeopleweregoingtogetheral
otofgif
ts
thi
schi l
dreall
ytookaft
ermewheni tcametogivi
ng
andbei ngther
eforpeopleint
hei
rtimesofneed
Boi
tshepo:i
ndeed

Theycont i
nuedt
ocat chupwalki
ngaroundtheyar
d
whileinsi
deReatl
egil
ewokeupandst art
edtomake
breakfast
.ShewenttocheckonBaisagoandTemo
andt heywerest
il
lfastasl
eepwit
hbeersinthei
r
hands.Shechuckledgoingbacktot
hekitchen.

AtVi
ctor
ia'
shouse.
..

Letl
otl
oandicamedownt hestai
rsandf
rownedt
o
thesmelloff
reshamazi
ngfood..
.

Vi
ctor
ia:(
smi
led)oht
heboysar
eawake.Y'
al
lar
e
ont
imei
m donewi
thbr
eakf
ast
Let
lot
lo:bat
hongaunt
ysomuchf
ood?
Vi
ctor
ia:t
odayiwokeupandf
eltl
ikespoi
li
ngmy
ki
ds

Asshesai
dthenursecameoutpushi
ngOl
ebi
leas
shesmi
ledmore.
..

Vict
ori
a:oht hankyousomuchnur se.Morningson
(hesmiledal i
ttl
e)imadeallyourfavorit
e.Pan
cakes,omelettes,waff
lesandfreshlysquashed
orangejui
ce.Bl ueber
rymuffi
nsandf atcakesjust
thewayyoul ikethem
Dai
sy:di
dihearsomeonesaybl
ueber
rymuf
fi
ns?
Vict
ori
a:ohmysweetangelgoodmor
ningi
tsa
beauti
fuldayi
sn'
tit
?
Dai
sy:ver
ybeaut
if
ulmom andiwi
llbei
nsandt
oni
n
2hours
Theyl
aughedasicheckedmymessageshopingt
o
fi
ndVeroni
ca'
sresponsebutt
herewasnoneasi
si
ghedandsmiledsit
ti
ngdown..
.

Vict
ori
a:soboysnogir
lswheni
m notar
ounddo
youhearme?(Welaughed)
Bosa:
yesaunt
ywewi
llbehave
Vict
ori
a:anywayLi
biwillt
ellmewhenicomeback
ri
ghtboy?(Henodded)good
Bosa:
soDai
syhowl
ongar
eyougoi
ngt
otaket
her
e?
Daisy:onl
yti
mewi l
ltel
l.Tot
ait
'sDecembermyguy
soifthefungetsi
ntensewemi ghtaswel
lst
ayunt
il
nextyearaft
ernewyearcelebr
ation
Bosa:
ohok
Vi
ctor
ia:yousoundabi
tdi
sappoi
ntedwhy?
Bosa:(
chuckl
ed)noauntyjustt
hatthehouseis
goi
ngtobequietwit
houther.She'
stheli
feofthi
s
houseaft
eral
l(t
heyalll
aughedasijustchuckl
ed)
Vi
ctor
ia:doyouguysneedanyt
hingbef
oreigo
becausewhenidri
veoutofthi
syardiwil
lonl
ybe
comingbackonthe27t
h.Ihavedecidedt
ocutmy
tr
ipshortsot
haticanr
eli
efyouboystogoto
Kasane
Bosa:
im ok
Let
lot
lo:met
oo
Vict
ori
a:okgoodtheniwil
lputmoneyinyour
account
sincaseyouhaveemergenci
es
Bot
h:ok
Let
lot
lo:caniaskyouf
oronef
avouraunt
y?
Vi
ctor
ia:anyt
hingmyboy
Let
lot
lo:caniaskLameandmyl
it
tl
esi
bli
ngst
o
comeoveronChr i
stmas?
Victor
ia:nopr
oblem butift
heydon'tmakeitiwi
ll
l
eavet henumberofoneoft hehoteldr
iver
swith
youguyssot hathedrivesyouguystoMochudi
withOlebil
e
Let
lot
lo:ohokt
hankyousomuchaunt
y
Vi
ctor
ia:anyt
hingf
oryouboys.Youcanevenspend
t
henightt
her
eifyouwantt
hedr
iverwi
llbooki
ntoa
l
odgether
e
Let
lot
lo:t
heniguessweshoul
dgot
her
eonceBosa
whatdoyouthi
nk?
Bosa:
huh?Ohyeahyeahi
m coolwi
thanyt
hing
Let
lot
lo:sor
tedt
hen

Victori
asmi ledlooki
ngatal lofuswhi l
eislowl
yate
myf oodt hi
nki ngaboutVer onica.Ihonestl
yhadno
appetitebutihadnochoi cebutt oeatorelseihad
toexplainwhyiwasn' teating.InMochudi
Boitsheposighedcl i
ckinghert ongueandl eftt
he
room af t
erl
isteningont heconver sati
onather
sist
er'shouse.Reat l
egiletookherphoneand
steppedout sidestandingonwhatusedt obe
Lame' stuckshopandcal ledhersi st
er.
..

Boemo:mygi
rl
Reat
legi
le:howar
eyousi
ster
s?
Boemo:i
m goodl
ove.Idon'
thavet
oaskhowyou
ar
ewenaoset
seoi
kgor
osi
tsekogamat
sal
e(t
hey
l
aughed)
Reat
legi
le:heel
adon'
tsayt
hatwehadanevent
ful
dayyest
erday
Boemo:outwit
hthem mygi
rlyouknowi
m al
ways
upforascoop
Reatl
egi
le:sot
heri
chsist
erar
ri
vedandaskedi
fit
's
cult
uref
ormet obear
oundwhilet
heytal
kasa
famil
y
Boemo:yesyouhavet obet
her
etomakesur
ethat
theydontpl
otki
ll
ingyou
Reat
legi
le:mymot
heri
nlawwoul
dneverl
ett
hem
Boemo:naar
eMosadiyowal onayokuel
wangt
hat
a
yowhatdoesshedoexact
ly?
Reat
legi
le:sheownsahot
eli
nGabs.Vi
cky'
sHot
el
Boemo:ohshe'
stheonef
ort
hebeaut
if
ulhot
el?
Reat
legi
le:yep
Boemo:ohbol
ell
atl
hemot hoyoogor
e(t
ellt
hat
per
sonthat
)yoursi
steri
stheonewhobookedt
he
wholepoolareatoholdapri
vatef
uncti
onwi t
hthe
famil
yonChr i
stmas.Alesegol
etshoset
saka
dit
hebe.Dichange(sheshoul
dstopint
imidat
ing
youguyswi t
hpeanuts)
Reat
legi
le:(
laughed)if
orgett
heki
ndofper
sonyou
ar
e
Boemo:honest
lyspeaki
ngkeeletsangwanyana
yootoomuchim dyingfort
henegoti
ati
onstostar
t
sheshoul
dpraytoherGodt onottr
yandthinkshe
cansteponourtoesbecauseshe'
dburnsobad
Reat
legi
le:ehehBoemoidon'twantdr
amadur
ing
myweddi ngprepar
ati
onspl
ease
Boemo:butisweart
oyousi sshoul
dshetr
yand
thi
nkshecanruntheshowiwi l
lshowherwhatt
he
Maiket
so'sar
emadeof .Shebett
erscr
ubandpoli
sh
heratt
it
ude
Reat
legi
le:i
m ser
iousB
Boemo:met
oo
Reat
legi
le:kanawenaost
ubbor
ngor
eah(
youar
e
st
ubborn)
Boemo:youknowmet
oowel
l.Cont
inue
Reat
legi
le:okt
henthemeet
ingwentwel
lunt
ila
mancamet ot
hehouse
Boemo:monnakemangosi ngl
e?(
Who'
stheman
i
shesingl
e)(Theyl
aughed)
Reat
legi
le:heactual
lyi
sanditwouldbeagood
i
deatohooky'allupwait
seandhe'syourt
ype
Boemo:emapel
ekaenel
etmehearwhathe
wantedt
her
efi
rst
Reat
legi
le:hei
sBosa'
sfat
her
.The18yearol
dboyi
t
oldyouabout
Boemo:whotheonewhosemot
herpassedaf
ter
gi
vingbi
rt
hto
Reatl
egil
e:yes.Boi
tshepoi
ntr
oducedthem and
Vict
ori
awentt othecarandcameoutwithan
envel
opeandaskedTemot oreadwhatwasinsi
de.
Adopti
onpaper s
Boemo:youl
ie
Reat
legi
le:t
hiswomanadoptedthi
sboywi t
houtt
he
fami
ly'
sknowledgeB.18wholeyearsBosaadopt
ed
whi
leweknewnot
hing
Boemo:howdi
dsheacqui
ret
hoser
ight
s?
Reat
legi
le:t
hechi
ldwasr
egi
ster
edunderst
atecar
e
t
hensheadoptedhim
Boemo:di dthest at
einvesti
gatethi
sf urtherbefor
e
givinghert hechild?There'
ssomet hi
ngf i
shyabout
this,fi
rstofallhowcomewasBosar egi steredas
anor phanwhenhehasal otofablerelativeswho
woul dtakecar eofhim withoutanypr oblems?
Ther eareal otofloopholestothi
sandi mt empted
tof i
leforani nvesti
gati
on
Reat
legi
le:ahBoemoobatlagoit
senyamodi l
ong
j
aanong?( Youwantt
olandyour
selfi
ntot
roubl
e)
Boemo:awi tchhasachi l
dher eandquest i
oni s
howcomedi dshedosowi t
houtthefamily's
knowledgebecauseiftherewasf i
nancialissuesthe
famil
ywoul dhaveseenhowt ocontr
ibutetot hi
s
chil
d'supbri
nging?Reatl
egil
eonet hi
ngil earntin
l
awschoolwast omakesur etolookatallsidesof
thecasebeforegoingforit
.Nomat terhowcl eanan
i
ssuei syouneedt ot
horoughlycheckitandwheni t
comest othiscasethi
swomanst ol
ethischildr
ight
underthestate'
snoses.Mar arebei
leditomomo
kgotl
atshekelongyaBotswanawai t
se( wehave
i
diotsforjudgesatcourt
).Im goi
ngtoinvesti
gate
thi
smat terfur
therngwanaakaseutswiwej aana(a
chi
ldcan'tjustbestol
enlikethi
s)
Reat
legi
le:bat
hongBoemopleasedon'
tinvol
veme
i
nyourfightswit
hthest
ate
Boemo:bonal
et'
stalkaboutthemanwewillget
backt
othismatt
erlateronapp.Howdoeshelook?
Reatl
egil
e:iwon'
tli
etoyouhe'
sgoodlookinglove
andsmellsnicei
t'
sli
kehe'
snotjustf
rom pri
son.A
neatfr
eakiswear
Boemo:mytypeil
ovemesomehardcor
ecr
imi
nal
men(l
aughed)whatwashei
nfor
?
Reat
legi
le:mur
deri
nUKf
or18year
s
Boemo:naareobuakaBaisagoKgosi
dint
si?(
Are
youtal
kingaboutBai
sago)
Reat
legi
le:yest
heoneandonl
y
Boemo:iwaswi
ll
ingt
oser
vet
hatmanbehi
ndbar
s
butasalawabi di
ngcit
izenihadtoholdmysel
f
(t
heylaughed)bri
ngthathotproper
ty'
snumbermy
way.
Reat
legi
le:nol
etmet
alkt
ohi
mfi
rsthewi
llt
alkt
o
you
Boemo:Reaitsdecemberpl
easeiwanttogetlai
d
aswel
l.Ihaveahugewebdownt her
e(theylaughed)
Reatl
egi
le:youar
eannoyi
ng.Iwi
lltal
ktohi
m hey.
Sothatwaswhathappenedyest
erday
Boemo:thatf
amil
yisful
lofdr
ama.Let
'stal
kmore
aboutt
hischi
ldadopt
ionmatt
eronwhatsappok
Reat
legi
le:sur
e

TheyhungupasReat
legi
lel
aughedshaki
ngher
headgoi
ngbackt
othehouse.

Att
heKwena'
s.
..

Pat
locar
ri
edhi
sbagsdownwi
thahugesmi
leon
hi
sf aceinshor
ts,
avest,shi
rtandahatwhil
e
At
amel angandBontsil
ookedathim si
tt
ingbyt
he
ki
tchencountersi
ppi
ngont hei
rtea.
..

Pat
lo:okmygi
rl
sthi
sismel
eavi
ng
Bont
si:ohokhaveasaf
etr
iphoney
Pat
lo:il
oveyoubot
handpl
easehavef
uni
nKasane
ok
Bontsi
:ohtr
ustmewear egoi
ngtomakesur
ewe
havethebestt
ime.Youshoul
dhaveanamazi
ng
ti
measwel l
Patl
o:ohidef
ini
tel
ywil
lonet
hingt
hoseempl
oyees
knowhowt odowelli
stur
nup
Bont
si:idon'
tdoubtt
hatabi
t
Pat
lo:mmmh.At
abehavef
ordaddyok
At
amelang:iwi
lldadhavef
unheyt
akeal
otof
pi
ctur
es
Patl
o:willdefi
nit
elydo(checkedthetime)ok
beauti
fulgir
lsletmeloveandl eaveyouhey.Ci
ao
Hesaidsmi l
ingandpushedhisbagsoutwhil
e
Bontsismil
edtakingasipfr
om hercup.Hedrove
outwhileAtamelangputhercupi
nt hezi
nc.
..

At
amel
ang:ohdi
dyougetourt
icket
s?
Bont
si:yepher
etheyar
e
Atamel
ang:(
frownedr
eadi
ngt
hem)butt
heysay
Zanzi
barma
Bont
si:mhem
At
amel
ang:i
sther
esomet
hingyouar
enott
ell
ing
me
Bont
si:youknowipr
omi
sedt
oneverkeepsecr
ets
fr
om youright
?
At
amel
ang:yep
Bont
si:t
henyoubettersi
tdownf orthi
sand
pr
omisetoreacttowhatim abouttosayt
oyoul
ike
Bont
si'
sdaughterwould
At
amel
ang:okipr
omi
se
Bontsi
:yourf
atheri
snotgoi
ngtoatripwi
thhi
s
emoloyeeshe'
sgoingwi
thhisgi
rl
fr
iendVi
ctor
ia
Dint
si
Atamelang:waitwhat?Dint
si?AsinBosa'saunt?
Waitisthatwhyhewassor el
uctantabouthi
ri
ng
Bosa?(Scoffed)papaischeati
ngonyouwi thmy
fr
iend'
saunt?
Bontsi
:yepandt
hat
'swhywear
egoi
ngt
oZanzi
bar
too
At
amel
ang:wowsoBosa'
saunti
sawhor
e?
Bont
si:nonot
hat
'snothowit
aughtyout
ospeakof
adul
ts
At
amel
ang:sor
rymom i
tsj
ustt
hatican'
tbel
ievei
t
Bont
si:wel
lbel
ievei
tmychi
ld
At
amel
ang:sowhat
'syourpl
an?
Bont
si:t
orui
nthei
rli
tt
let
ri
pandt
hei
rChr
ist
mas
At
amel
ang:how?Wecanj
ustgot
otheai
rpor
tand
st
opt
hist
ri
pma
Bont
si:t
heyar
eonl
yleavi
ngi
ntheaf
ter
noonmygi
rl
ourf
li
ght
sar
eanhourapar
t
Atamelang:sowear
egoi
ngal
lthewayt
her
eto
bustdadandcomeback?
Bont
si:nowear
eal
sogoi
ngf
orourhol
idayaswel
l
mylove
At
amel
ang:idon'
tunder
stand
Bont
si:al
lyouhavet
odoi
sfol
lowmyl
ead
Atamelang:ohokt
henanythi
ngtoteacht
hatgood
fornot
hingwomanalesson.Thi
sissounbeli
evabl
e
Bontsi
:youar
eat echnosavvysoi
m goi
ngtoneed
youtospendthi
sremaini
ngt i
meonbrushi
ngyour
ski
ll
sabi t
At
amel
ang:j
ustt
ellmewhatt
odoandiwi
lldoi
t
Bontsi
:that
'
smygir
lanothert
hingyoudon'
thave
phobiaforr
ept
il
esr
ight
?
At
amelang:yeahyouknowil
over
epti
lesmom
(
scof
fedsmi l
ing)Mr
sKwenawhatar
eyouplanni
ng?
Bont
si:t
histhi
ckmommai sgoingtoteacht
hat
sl
enderthati
t'
sneveroverunt
ilthefatl
adysi
ngs.
Li
ter
all
y

Shewentupst
air
shi
tt
inganot
eandt
heybur
sti
nto
l
aught
er.

I
nMet
simot
lhabe.
..

Vict
oriasmiledsi
tt
ingi
nfr
ontofNgakaDiphal
a
whost i
rredhiscl
aypotwi
thafewsubst
ances
boil
inginit.
..

Di
phal
a:howcanihel
pyoumyqueen?
Vi
ctor
ia:i
m goi
ngf oratri
pwi thmyboyfr
iendsoi
wanttomakesur ethatourloveget
sstr
ongerand
bl
indhimfrom anyt
hingwr ongido
Di
phal
a:t
hemar
ri
edman?
Vi
ctor
ia:ohyes
Di
phal
a:ar
eyousur
eyoudon'
twantt
hismant
o
di
vor
cehi
swi
feyouseem t
olovehi
m al
ot
Vi
ctor
ia:t
het
imef
ort
hatwi
llcomewheni
mready
t
osettl
edown
Diphala:ohokt hen(gaveherabot t
le)applythis
underhisf eetwhenhe'sasleep.Thefirstni
ghtof
thetri
pr unhim abathputinbathsal t
sandt his.
Everyt
hingwi llgogoodforyou
Vi
ctor
ia:awesome.Thekidsaregoinghomef
or
Chr
ist
masnot hi
ngwilldi
str
uctthem r
ight
?
Diphal
a:don'
twor
ryihavet
hem i
nthepal
m ofmy
hand
Vi
ctor
ia:(
smi
led)musi
ctomyear
s
Di
phal
a:andyouruncl
ewhyi
shest
il
lal
ive?
Victor
ia:hi
sti
mewi
llcome.Thepeopleiwantust
o
focusonwhenicomebackareBoitshepoand
Baisago
Di
phala:okyoujustbl
owt
hewhi
stl
eandever
ythi
ng
wi
llworkit
selfout
Vi
ctori
a:goodl
etmegetgoi
ngbef
oremymanget
s
worr
ied
Di
phal
a:waitij
ustfeltsomet
hing.Ther
ewasaman
i
nyourhouseyesterdaymorni
ng
Vi
ctor
ia:(
frowned)whatdoyoumean?
Di
phal
a:hesmel
lssogood
Vi
ctor
ia:kanaismel
ledadi
ff
erentscentwhenigot
t
othehouse
Diphal
a:thi
smani sli
steni
ngt
oyouandsees
everyt
hingyoudo.Hehasearsandeyesi
never
y
room ofyourhouse
Vi
ctor
ia:(
conf
used)what
!?
Diphal
a:ican'tseewhoitishisancest
orsar
e
shiel
dinghim andshoul
dt hi
smangett hesl
ight
est
l
ighttowhathewant stohearf r
om youever
ythi
ng
youwor kedhardforwil
lcomecr umbli
ngdown
Vi
ctor
ia:heyheyheyDiphal
ayoubetterf
indout
whothispersoni
sbeforehedoesanythi
ng
Di
phal
a:don'
tworryiwi
llhaveananswerf
oryou
whenyougetback.
Victor
ia:yesbecausewetherit
'sali
vinghuman
beingoradeadspi ri
tiwantitdead
Di
phal
a:yourwi
shi
smycommand.Tsel
atshweu
myqueen

Victor
iasighedleavi
ngafterl
eavi
ngyetanother
blackchicken.Shecli
ckedhertongueget
ti
ngi nher
car..
.

Vi
ctor
ia:whot
hehel
lwant
stot
estmel
ikethat
?
Bat
hogababoiwai
tse(
somepeopl
ear
ebrave)

Sheclickedhertonguedr
ivi
ngoutwhi
leherphone
rang.Shelookedatthenameonthescreenand
clear
edherthroatansweri
ng.
..

Vi
ctor
ia:hi
Boi
tshepo:hiihopei
m notdi
stur
bing
Vi
ctor
ia:noi
tsokwecant
alk
Boit
shepo:ij
ustwant
edtoapol
ogi
seformy
behavi
ouryester
dayi
twashonest
lyuncal
ledf
or.
Al
lyouwantf
orallofusisgoodthingsandgood
t
hingsonl
ysoI'
m sorr
yforcall
ingyouallt
hose
t
hingsandwi
shingbadonyou
Vi
ctor
ia:ohokiappr
eci
ateyourapol
ogy
Boi t
shepo:TemoandBai sagomademer eali
semy
mi stakesandthatal
lyouwantf orBosaisagood
li
fesomysi st
erimreall
ysorry(bursti
ntoaf akecr
y)
ireallydon'
tknowwhatgoti nt
ome.Rebanaba
mot howeshoul dbegetti
ngalongnotf i
ghtingli
ke
this
Victori
a:(r
oll
edhereyes)awwsi sit
sokmylovei
forgiveyouandyouarerightwhenyousayalli
wantf orever
yoneisgoodthings.Yesmyt
ongue
tendst osl
ipatt
imesbutiwi l
lstar
twat
chi
ngitfr
om
nowon.Il oveyouok
Boi
tshepo:(r
oll
edhereyes)il
oveyout
oot
hankyou
somuchf oraccept
ingmyapology
Vi
ctori
a:i
tshowsthatyour eal
lyar
eahumanbeing
wit
hfeeli
ngsandcant el
lwhenyouhavemadea
mist
ake.Anywaytheboysar ecomingt
hereon
Chri
stmasdaywit
hOl ebil
epleasemakesuret
hey
ar
ewelll
ookedaf
terheyt
heywi
llbespendi
nga
ni
ghtt
here
Boi
tshepo:(
smi
led)oht
hatwoul
dbeni
ce
Vict
ori
a:ihavegi
venthem somemor
emoneyt
o
buyanythi
ngthat
'sshort
Boi
tshepo:okt
hankyousomuch
Vi
ctor
ia:nost
ressl
ove.Letmedr
iveheybye
Boi
tshepo:okbye

Shehungupandstuckhertongueoutt
othephone
whil
eVict
ori
ascof
fedchanginggear
s..
.

Vict
ori
a:that
'swhatawel
lmanneredchi
lddoes,
youaretooyoungtobepi
cki
ngfightswi
thmedear

Shesmi
ledchecki
ngt
hemi
rr
ors.

THATAFTERNOON
Att
heai
rpor
t.
..

Victor
iaandPat lomadei tt
hroughthegateholdi
ng
handsast heytookt hei
rseatsandkissed.Oneof
thepil
otsintr
oducedhert eam andgaveoutaf ew
i
nstructi
onsandf l
ightr
ulesastheplanegotready
totakeoff.Atthemai nentranceBontsiwal
kedin
withherdaught erasshespot t
edtheplanegoing
up..
.

Bont
si:t
her
eist
hei
rpl
anemyl
ove
At
amel
ang:dadt
hough

Sheshookherheadastheyheadedt
othecheck
poi
ntwhil
eBontsismi
led.
.
.
.
.
.
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
CAGED
15

AtVi
ctor
ia'
shouse.
..

Wedeci dedtotakemyvideogameandconnecti tto

thetvinOlebil
e'sr
oom andaskedthehousehel per
tohelpuswi t
hsnacksandsatonOl ebil
e'
sbedwi t
h
him betweenuswhi l
eweplayedagameoff ootbal
l.
ThegameendedasLet l
otl
oandist ar
tedchatti
ng.
Olebil
etookhisphoneandsentamessagei nthe
groupwecr eatedonwhatsappjustasthethreeof
us..
.

Olebi
le:l
et'
schatabi
tguys.Bosahowar
eyou
doingmyguy?
Bosa:
im goodcan'
tcompl
ain
Ol
ebil
e:andyouLet
lot
lohowhasyourst
aybeen
si
nceyoucamehere?
Letl
otl
o:superamazi
ngwhatwoul
dcompl
etet
he
puzzlei
saf i
negir
l
Bosa:
stopbei
ngsi
ll
y
Olebi
le:Bosawher
eist
hatgi
rlyouar
eal
wayswi
th
andThor i
so?
Bosa:
shewentf
orat
ri
pwi
thhermot
her
Olebil
e:ohisee.Wher
eisherdadkanahe'
sa
businessmanofnote
Bosa:
he'
sar
oundaswel
l
Olebi
le:don'
tyoueverwi
shtobewithyourdad?Ifi
couldmeetmydadiwoul dbethehappi
estperson
onear t
h
Bosa:
canwenott
alkaboutt
hispl
ease
Ol
ebil
e:comeonbuddyioverhear
dyouandLet
lot
lo
t
alki
ngabouthowhelooksl
ikeyou
Bosa:
Olebi
lepl
ease
Olebi
le:youknowaf atheri
sthebestt
hingaguyor
gi
rlcouldeverget?Weboysl ear
nalotfrom our
dadsandgi rl
sknowt hatwi
ththei
rdadstheyare
al
wayspr otected
Bosa:
wel
lifyourf
atheri
snotacr
imi
nal
Ol
ebi
le:ever
yonemakesmi
stakesbuddy
Bosa:i
ntent
ional
lyki
ll
ingsomeoneisnotamistake.
Aft
erauntytol
dmeabouthi m igoogl
edhi
m upand
whathedidwasr ut
hlessal
lformoneyandnowhe
wantstobri
ngthesamedi r
tymoneyintomyli
fe?
Nobuddyican't
Olebi
le:maybei
fyougi
vehim anearyouwi
lll
ear
n
somemor egoodthi
ngsabouthi
m.
Bosa:myguyt hatmanchosecr i
meandmoney
overmesoiwi llneverbeimportanti
nhisli
fe.Sohe
mustjustl
eavemeal onejustasheli
vedinpeace
thepast18yearsknowi ngverywellt
hathehasa
chil
d
Olebi
le:i
m notsayi
ngmakeadecisi
onnowbutj ust
si
tbackandt hi
nkabouti
t.I
fthi
smandi dn'
tcar
e
aboutyouthismuchhewouldn'
tbetryi
ngtomake
upf
orhi
smi
stakes
Bosa:whatifit
'st
hepressurefr
om hi
sfri
endsthat
i
sf or
cinghi
mt otryandreachoutagai
n?Maybehi s
fr
iendsarealli
ngoodrelat
ionswit
hthei
rchil
dren
andthenthere'
shim.
Ol
ebi
le:soyouaregoi
ngt
oinsi
nuat
esuchabouta
manyoudon'tknow?
Bosa:
idon'
tknowhi
m andi
m okwi
thi
t
Ol
ebi
le:butyoucan'
tli
vel
iket
hatmyguy
Bosa:
wat
chme
Ol
ebi
le:(
sighed)ok
Bosa:
didmyauntputyouupt
othi
s?
Ol
ebi
le:whatar
eyout
alki
ngabout
?
Bosa:di
dsheaskyoutot
ryandmanipulat
emeinto
thi
nki
ngthatt
hismanhasmybesti
nterest
sathear
t?
Olebi
le:i
m usi
nganewphonedudeidon'thave
anyone'snumberexceptf
oryouguysandmymom
andsister
Bosa:
sowenai
fyougett
olear
nthatyourf
atheri
s
not
hingbutalowli
fecr
imi
nalwoul
dyouwantt
o
bui
ldarel
ati
onshi
pwithhi
m?
Olebi
le:yes.Befor
ejudgi
nghim basedonother
peopl
e'sopinionsiwouldsi
tdownwi t
hhim andget
thetr
uthf r
om him
Bosa:whati
fhemani
pul
ateshiswor
dst
omakeyou
bel
ievet
hathe'
sagoodperson?
Olebi
le:t
imealwaysreveal
severyt
hing.Ifheli
est
o
menowf oraf
actsomet i
meinfutur
et hetrut
hwil
l
comeout .Not
hingbadstayshi
ddenf orgood
Bosa:wel
liwoul
dratherl
ist
entoot
herpeopl
e'
s
opi
nionst
hantohurtmyselfwi
thal
ie
Ol
ebi
le:butt
hat
'sexact
lyyouar
edoi
ngr
ightnow
Bosa:
idon'
tfol
low
Olebi
le:youarehur
ti
ngyoursel
fwit
hal
ieandyou
knowexact l
ywhatimtal
kingabout
Bosa:
( swal
lowed)i
thi
nki
m overt
hisconver
sat
ion.
I
m goingtotakeawalk
Isai
dputt
ingmyphoneinmypocketget
ti
ngof
fthe
bedasLetl
otl
ofol
lowedme.
..

Let
lot
lo:r
eal
lydude?
Bosa:
what
?
Let
lot
lo:whydoyouguyshavet
ofi
ghtl
iket
hat
?
Bosa:
hest
art
edi
t
Let
lot
lo:andwhatishetal
kingaboutwhenhesays
youarehurti
ngyoursel
fwi
thalieandyouknow
whathe'stal
kingabout
?

Olebi
lesmi
ledi
nhi
sroom l
ist
eni
ngonasmyphone
rang.
..

Bosa:
it'
saunt
ysopl
easeexcuseme.Hel
loaunt
y

Ismil
edgoi
ngoutsi
deasLetl
otl
ofrownedgoing
backi
nsi
dethebedr
oom andtookhisphonegoing
t
ohi
spr
ivat
echatwi
thOl
ebi
le.
..

Let
lotl
o:whatdoyoumeanwhenyousayBosai
s
hur
tinghimsel
fwit
hali
e?
Ol
ebil
e:it
hinki
t'
sbestyouaskhim your
sel
fidon'
t
wantt
oseem li
keimtryi
ngtoteart
hisfami
lyapar
t
Let
lot
lo:youar
emaki
ngmeanxi
ous
Olebil
e:Letl
otl
oim Vi
ctor i
a'
ssonandiknowheras
mymot herandshe'
sdef ini
tel
ynottheki
ndof
personyouandBosat hinksheis.I
m goi
ngtobe
honestwi t
hyouBosaknowst hi
sverywel
lbuthe
hasturnedabl i
ndeyet oitbecausehehasalways
beenblindedbyexpensivegi f
ts.Gooutt
ohim and
askhim whatimt al
kingabout

Letl
otl
oreadthemessageandfrownedlooki
ngat
Olebi
leandscoff
edtypi
ngaresponse.
..

Let
lot
lo:Olebi
lear
eyoupret
endingtobesick?Ar
e
youworkingwithmymotheragainstmyaunt?
Hereadthemessageanddi dnotrespondas
Letl
otl
oscoff
edgoingoutsi
de.Olebil
esighedt
aki
ng
hisphoneandsentBoi
tshepoamessage. ..

Ol
ebi
le:imi
ghthavebl
owedourcover
Boi
tshepo:whatar
eyousayi
ng?
Olebi
le:it
ri
edtohaveaconversati
onwi t
hBosa
abouthisdad.Emoti
onsgotthebetterofmeandi
endedsaysomet hi
ngst
oLetlotl
othatmadehim
thi
nkim pret
endi
ngtobesick
Boitshepo: ‍♂ ‍♂ don' twor r
yiwillthi
nkof
whatt odoorsayt ohimifhecont actsmebutas
fornowihavemanagedt ogetVictori
acloset ome
andpl easerefrai
nfrom talki
ngaboutt hi
stot he
guys.Whydon' tyoucallthem backandt ellt
hem
thatthemedi cati
ontendst omakeyousay
somet hingsyoudon' tmean.Itmakesyou
hall
ucinate
Ol
ebi
le:okiwi
lldoj
ustt
hat
Boi
tshepo:good

Olebil
eputhisphonedownt hi
nki
ngforafew
secondsandaskedt heboystocomebacktohis
room.Meanwhi l
einMochudiTemoandReadr ove
i
nt hei
rcartoB6whileBoit
shepoandBaisago
droveinBai
sago's.
..

Temo:i
sBoemoher
eal
readycal
lherandaskher
howfarshei
s
Reat
legi
le:t
her
e'shercar
Temo:whydoesyoursi
sterl
ovebi
gcar
sthough?
(Theyl
aughed)
Reat
legi
le:babyihavebeenmeani
ngt
otel
lyou
somethi
ng
Temo:ok?
Reatl
egil
e:i
t'
sbeen4weekssinceigotmyperi
od
andsinceTuesdaymor
ningihavebeenvomit
ing
wit
habi tofst
omachache
Temo:(
smi
led)youar
epr
egnantl
ove
Reat
legi
le:yout
hink?Whati
fit
'sj
ustahor
monal
i
mbalance?
Temo:doyousuf
ferf
rom i
t?
Reat
legi
le:no
Temo:t
henyouronl
yanswerispregnancybooboo.
OhmyGodim goingtobeafather
?
Reat
legi
le:ehehhol
doffabi
twewi
llgot
othe
doct
ortomorrowtocheck
Boi
tshepo:weknowyouar
eget
ti
ngmar
ri
edsoon
bat
hongbutlet
'sgoi
n

Theylaughedget
ti
ngoutoft
hecarandwenti
nwi
th
Boit
shepoandBaisago.
..

Reat
legi
le:l
et'
ssi
ther
eguys
Boi
tshepo:butt
hist
abl
elookst
obef
ull
Boemo:hel
lo.
..
(smi
l
ed)ohhi
guys.Don'
tyouever
sneakuponmel
iket
hat(
theyl
aughed)
Reat
legil
e:guyst
hisismybigsi
sterBoemo,Bthi
s
i
sBoitshepomysisteri
nlawandthisi
sBaisagot
he
guyitol
dyouabout
Boemo:(
smi
led)ni
cemeet
ingyouBoiil
oveyour
di
mples
Boi
tshepo:(
smil
ed)thankyoul
oveyouar
ebeaut
if
ul
aswell(t
heyhugged)
Boemo:goodaf
ter
noonsi
r
Bai
sago:(
smi
led)goodaf
ter
noonma'
am
Bot
lhe:stopbei
ngf
ormalwear
enoti
ncour
ther
e.
HiBaisago
Bai
sago:(
laughed)hel
loMi
ssB

Theyalll
aughedast
heyhuggedandt
ookt
hei
r
seat
s..
.

Boemo:ihear
dyoudon'tdri
nklovesoisort
edyou
outwi
thyourjui
ces,
gentsiboughtbl
acklabelf
or
youguys.Si
sigotyoui
cet
ropezyouokwi
thi
tri
ght
?
Reat
legi
le:idon'
twantt
odr
inkf
ornowl
ove
Boemo:ohokiwillaskthebartendertorepl
ace
them f
orsof
tdr
inksthen.Iorderedfoodaswell
Temo:sot
hesebucket
sar
eal
lour
s?(
Theyl
aughed)
Boemo:yesTemoikutl
wisenggoj
adidol
laroncei
n
yourl
if
eti
me( t
heyalll
aughed)
Boi
tshepo:ihear
dyoument
ioni
ngcour
tar
eyoua
l
awyer?
Boemo:yesloveiwast
heoner
epr
esent
ingyour
al
mostbrotheri
nlaw
Boit
shepo:ohiseesohowcomeyoul ostimean
whenilookatyouiseeaver
yt oughl
awyer.You
havethi
sinti
midat
ingaur
awithyou
Boemo:( laughed)welli
mt hesweet
estpersonyou
couldevermeetl ove.Comingtowhyilost,
prosecuti
onpr ovedwithoutanyr
easonabledoubt
thatBaisagowasgui lt
yofthemurderwhichwas
trueyes
Boi
tshepo:butwhydi
dyout
aket
hecasebecausei
knowal otofgoodl
awyer
sdon'
tli
ker
epr
esent
ing
guil
typeople
Boemo:it ookt hecasebecauseibel i
evetherewas
someki ndoff oulpl aytothi
s.Ther e'snohowa
goodbusi nessmanwi thagoodr ecordatthatcoul
d
havecommi tt
edsuchamur derj ustbecausethey
could.Idi
dat hor oughbackgr oundcheckon
Baisagoandist ronglybeli
evet hatasmuchashe
ki
ll
edaper sont here'ssomethingt hatmadehi m do
i
tbutheyi tiswhati tisheservedhi ssentencenow
he'
sout .Hibae

Shesmil
edathi
m ashesmiledl
ooki
ngawayshy
whil
etheot
her
slaughedathim.
..

Boemo:comenowdon'
tbeshy.Heknowsihavea
cr
ushonhim
Boit
shepo:ahBai
sagomossyouhaveawoman
al
readywhatareyouwai
ti
ngfor(
theyl
aughed)
Reat
legi
le:anywayguysit
oldBaboutt
headopt
ion
si
tuat
ionandshethinkst
her
e'sal
ott
oitt
hant
hat
meetstheeyehenceshe'
shere
Boemo:yesistr
ongl
ybeli
evethati
fwecan
i
nvesti
gatet
hismatt
ercauti
ousl
ywewouldfi
ndout
thatt
hiswomanstol
eBaisago'
ssonint
henameof
adopti
on
Boi
tshepo:(
frowned)ok?
Boemo:quest
ionnumberonedi
dshetellyouguys
aboutt
hisandthatt
hechil
dwasregi
ster
edunder
stat
ecareasanorphan?
Boi
tshepo:no
Boemo:wellsheshoul
dhaveconsul t
edwit
hthe
restoft
hefamil
yfir
stbecausethewayiseeitt
he
familyi
sabl
etotakecareofhimright?
Boit
shepo:yes.Temoi sworki
ng,Vict
oriahasa
busi
ness,mymom st il
lget
sasalaryeverymonth
fr
om herpensionandigett odolaundryforpeopl
e
ever
ynowandt hen.Wenevergot obedhungr yand
mychildr
enneverl ackedanyt
hing
Boemo:okt
hisi
swhatit
hinkhappened,
thi
s
womant ookyoursonBai sago,t
ookhimt oan
orphanagewithprobabl
yar easonthatshepicked
him uponthestreet
sremembert hi
si sj
usta
hypothesi
s,andthenshewentbackandaskedt o
adopthimthat'
swhyt hestategavehimt oherthat
easil
y
Boit
shepo:iknowit'
sajustat
houghtbuti
tsounds
l
ikesomethingthatVi
ctor
iawoul
ddefi
nit
elydo
Boemo:al
lineedi
sagoaheadf
rom youal
lto
i
nvest
igat
ethi
sfur
ther
Boi
tshepo:wel
lyouhavemybl
essi
ng
Bai
sago:yeahyoucangoaheadwi
tht
he
i
nvest
igat
ion
Boit
shepo:wealsobelievethatVictori
asomehow
usesvoodoomagi ctoacqui reever
ythingandr uin
ourli
vesandagai nwet hi
nksheabusest heboy
wellwedon'tt
hink,hersont oldmet hi
sbutthen
bli
ndshim wit
hexpensi vegift
sthat'
swhyhet hinks
sheloveshim sowepl antedbugsandcamer asi n
herhouseyesterday
Boemo:ohokt
hen(
thought
ful
ly)it
hinkishoul
d
ratherbecomefri
endswi
ththi
sVict
ori
abecause
thecloseriam t
hemoreadvant
ageistandt
oprove
allyoujustt
oldme
Reat
legi
le:si
sar
eyousur
eaboutt
hat
?
Boi
tshepo:iwasaboutt
osaybutyouneedtobe
car
efulshe'
smoredangeroust
hanyouthi
nk
Boemo:ihavebeenar ounddangerouspeopl
esoi
knowexactlyhowt omanipulat
eapersonint
o
thi
nkingi
m naive.Fir
stofal
lyoudon'tshowthem
thatyouar
eawar eofwhatt heyar
ecapableofyou
becomeat otalf
ool
Boit
shepo:(
sighed)iwishsomeonehadt ol
dme
soonerionl
yreali
sedthisyest
erdayaf
terourf
ight
Boemo:mmhbr inghercl osershewon'tseeyou
comingbutonethi
ngf orsur eyouneedis
prot
ect
ionmydear .Aper sonlikeyoursi
steris
someonewhousest raditionalher
bstodestroyso
youneedtovisi
tatradit
ionaldoctor
Boi
tshepo:i
m achr
ist
ian
Boemo:okidon'
tmeant
odi
srespectyouoryour
bel
ief
snehbutsomet imesasachrist
ianyouneeda
l
it
tl
eassurancethatyouaresaf
ebutim notsayi
ng
dosomethingyouarenotcomfort
ablewith
Boi
tshepo:iwi
llt
hinkabouti
t
Boemo:that
'sal
lthatmattersnowcanweplease
dri
nkandbemer r
y( whist
ledstandi
ngupand
shout
ed)merryChrist
masever yone!

Ever
yonel
aughedast
heydr
ankandat
eup.

AtVi
ctor
ia'
shouse.
..

IopenedthegateforThor
isoashesmiledwalki
ng
i
nandi ntothehouse.Hefoundusint
helounge
watchi
ngt vwit
hOlebil
eandgreet
edhim ashegave
hi
m at humbsup...

Thor
iso:sowhat
'spoppi
ngboyswher
ear
ethegi
rl
s?
Wegottapart
yman
Bosa:ohnonoThorisoididn'
tinvi
teyouher
eto
comewithyoursi
ll
yideas.Irespectmyaunt
's
house
Thor
iso:sosayssomeonewhof
uckedagi
rli
nher
e
afewdaysago( hel
aughed)
Let
lot
lo:what
!?
Bosa:
nonoLTThor i
soisl
yingiwoul
dneverdo
suchathi
ng.AhThori
somyguy
Thor
iso:(
laughed)andnowt
hechi
cki
sghost
ing
hi
m

Hel
aughedasLetl
otl
ojoinedhim ont
helaughed
whi
leiswal
lowedl
ookingatOlebi
lewhosmiled.
..

Bosa:
he'
slyi
ng
Thori
so:ohmymyohmyi twassoftandwarm
shoul
dishowt hem yourt
exts?Igotr
ecei
ptsaft
er
al
l(helaughed)
Bosa:
Thor
isost
opi
tiwi
llcutyouof
fri
ghtnow
Thori
so:andwhensheaskedmetotouchitiwas
l
ikedamnnotevenmyt oweli
sthi
ssoft(
they
l
aughedmor easil
aughedtoo)
Bosa:
Thor
isost
opi
t
Thor
iso:ahnobr
uhyouplayedyour sel
fshame.You
can'
tsayyouwanttost
artarelat
ionshi
pwi th
someonewhooffer
sthemselvestoyout hateasi
ly
Let
lot
lo:exact
ly
Thori
so:your eal
lyneedaf ewl
essonswhenit
comestot hesethingsboy.Whenagirlt
hrows
themsel
vesatyouf uckt
hem andmoveon
Bosa:
soyousayishoul
dfuckAt
amel
angand
moveon?
Thori
so:noAtamel
angdidn'tt
hrowherselfonyou
thewayibel
ievet
hatgi
rldidfrom whatyoutol
dme
Bosa:
butshesentmeanudemoss?
Thori
so:becauseshewantedyoutoseet
hatshe
l
ikesyoufool.Br
uhyourcousi
nplayedwi
thagood
gir
lisweartoyou
Let
lot
lo:caniseeher(
heshowedhi
mthephot
o)ah
ahahBosa?Suchahotchi
ckbr
uh?Ahnoi
m
di
sappoi
ntedi
nyou
Thori
so:youseewhati mtalki
ngabout?Everyguy
woulddietowanttobewi t
hAt amelang.Heknows
howmanyguysper suedheratschoolbutshe
tur
nedalloft
hem downj ustforBosabuthim bei
ng
sobli
ndhedidn'tseeitahthisguy
Bosa:
canyoupleasel
eavemeal
one.Idi
dn'
twant
tobewit
hanyonethen
Letl
otl
o:noyouhadn'
thadsexyetnowt
hatyou
knowwhatitfeel
sli
keyouwanttobewi
thsomeone
Bosa:
noi
t'
snott
hat
Bot
h:whati
sitt
hen

Theylaughedatmewhi l
eOlebi
lel
ookedonwi
tha
smil
eonhi sfacesof
tl
yshakinghi
shead.

THATEVENI
NG
I
nMochudi
..
.

Boit
sheposi
ghedoutsi
deNgakaMar umo'shut
sayi
ngashortpr
ayerandmadeherwayi nside.
Looki
ngawayNgakaMar umoclosedhiseyesand
si
ghedasgoosebumpsemergedf r
om hisskin.
..

Marumo:someonewi
thahugegr
acehaswal
kedi
n.
Goodeveni
ng
Boi
tshepo:(
hear
traci
ng)goodeveni
ngsi
r
Marumo:i
t'
sokdon'tbenervousyoucamet
othe
r
ightpl
ace(het
urned)Boi
tshepoDint
si
Boi
tshepo:yessi
r
Mar
umo:youhonest
lywal
kwi
thgr
acemychi
ld
Boi
tshepo:t
hankyoubuthonest
lyspeaki
ngI
'
m
ner
vousifeell
ikei
m di
sobeyi
ngGod
Marumo:it
'sokiunderst
and.I
m notawi t
chdoctor
i
m at r
adi
ti
onalheal
er.Ipr
ayaswel l
iknowGod
exi
sts.Mostpeopl
etendtoconfuseatradi
ti
onal
healerandawi tchdoct or.Godcreateddiff
erent
doctorsinthewor ldincludi
ngtradi
tionaldoctor
s.I
usenat uret
ohealbutwi tchdoctor
susenat ureto
ki
llanddest r
oyt hat'
sthedi f
fer
ence.Anywayl etme
notwast eyourtimewhatcanidof oryouicant el
l
youcar ryalotofpaininyou?
Boitshepo:thatact
uall
yhelpedi
m morecal
m now.
(Sighed)yesdoctorihavealotofpai
ninme.My
sisterhasruinedal
lourli
ves
Mar
umo:si
ster
?
Boi
tshepo:Vi
ctor
iaDi
ntsi
Mar
umo:bl
owi
nher
epl
ease

Shedidasheshookthebonebagandt hr
ewt hem
onthemat.Hefel
tasharppai
nonhi schestashe
cl
osedhiseyeshol
dingi
nhisbreat
h..
.

Marumo:yoursi
sterl
ongdi
edaf
teryourmot
her
gavebi
rt
htoher.
Boi
tshepo:(
frowned)what
!?
Marumo:shehasbeenconsumedbydarknessfr
om
bi
rt
h.Askyourmotheraboutt
hebir
thofyoursi
ster
.
Whatshewil
ltel
lyouwil
lexpl
ainwhati
m sayi
ng
now
Boi
tshepo:(
swal
lowed)ok
Mar
umo:yourf
ir
stbor
n
Boi
tshepo:yes?
Marumo:thatchil
disaverysmar
tchi
ldbutshe
di
dn'tdowellatschoolr
ight
?
Boi
tshepo:yes
Mar
umo:t
hepai
ninyourhear
t
Boi
tshepo:yes?
Mar umo:youneedt ostartpr
ayinginspir
itandin
trut
h.Thethingsarethewayt heyareinyourlif
e
becauseyouhavebeenpr ayi
ngwi t
hdoubt .The
reasonwhyyourmot herisst
il
lali
veatthi
st i
mei s
becauseshei saprayerfulwoman.Therewas
someonei nvolvedi
nacaracci denti
nyourf amil
y
ri
ght?
Boi
tshepo:yesmynephew
Mar umo:he' syournephewyesbutt hatchildwas
stolenf r
om yourbr other'sseed( Boitshepo'
shear t
raced) .He'sahi ghl
ygracef ulyoungmanandi fit
wer en'tforyourmot her'sprayerhewoul dhavedi ed.
Ther e'
sadar kcloudloomi ngonyourf amil
yand
thiscloudcanonl ybecl earedoffbyyouandt his
boy, youandt hi
sboyar etheoneswhoar egoingt o
setbot hyoursi ster
sspi ri
tsfreebutt rustmewheni
sayi tsnotgoi ngtobeaneasyr oad.Youar ea
smar twomanuset hatwi thprayert ofightt
his
battlemychi ld.Youwi llmeetdi ff
erentpeopl ealong
thewayt rustthem theyar ebroughtyourwayf ora
reasonbutmosti mportantlyprayf orthem too
Boi
tshepo:somysi
ster
s'sspi
ri
tsar
eCaged?
Mar umo:andther
earetwoyoungboyscagedwi t
h
thesespir
it
saswell.Onceyoutal
kt oyourmother
aboutthebir
thofyoursist
erever
ythingwil
lst
art
openingup
Boit
shepo:(
sighed)ihonest
lydontknowhowt
o
feel
Mar
umo:pr
ayandneverst
oppr
ayi
ngaskyour
motherhowshedoesitshe'
sisyourl
ivi
ngangel
askherforgui
dance
Boit
shepo:okt
hankyou.Idon'
tknowhowiwil
lgo
backtoMochudif
rom herei
m scaredt
odr
iveal
one
Marumo:i
m goi
ngther
eiwi
lldr
ivewi
thyou.You
di
dgoodbycominghere
Boi
tshepo:okt
hankyou

Shesi
ghedashepackedhi
sbonesandt
heyl
eft
.

I
nZanzi
barHol
idayr
esor
t.
..

Inthei
rroom Vi
ctori
athr
ewafewrosepet
alsonthe
bedwhilesippi
ngonherchampagneandtookher
phonecalli
ngPatlo.
..

Vi
ctor
ia:ar
eyounotf
ini
shi
ngt
hatsi
de?
Pat
lo:j
ustf
ini
shi
ngt
hisgameandiwi
llbewi
thyou
shor
tl
ymyl
ove
Vict
oria:ohokt
henj
ustsoyouknowi
m wear
inga
newlingeri
e
Pat
lo:(
chuckl
ed)nowyouar
etal
kingmyl
anguage
Vi
ctor
ia:(
smi
led)iwi
llr
unyouabat
hsol
ong
Pat
lo:okbooboo

TheyhungupasVi ctoriadownedherglassand
pouredagain.Shereachedinherbagandt ookout
awr appedsmallpl
asticgoingtothebathr
oom.She
threwthesoili
nthewat er
,putthebathsal
tsand
foam geli
nmi xi
ngthewat er.
..

Victori
a:PatloKwenayouwillf
oreverbemine
nothingwillneverbr
akeus.Yoursoulandspi
ri
tar
e
withmef orgood

Shesai
dwashingherhandsanddr i
edt
hem goi
ng
tot
hebed.Shesmil
edtakingherchampagneand
conti
nuedtosiponit
.15mi nut
eslat
erPat
lo
openedthebedroom doorandfr
ownedtoher
sl
eeping.
..

Pat
lo:uhu.Vi
c?Lovei
m her
e?

Hesai
dchecki
ngt
hebot
tl
eofchampagne.
..

Pat
lo:iguessyout
ooki
nalot(ki
ssedhercheek)i
l
oveyouokiwi l
lmakei
tuptoyouinthemorning

Hesaidtaki
ngoffhi
sshir
tandwentint
othe
bat
hroom.Hecheckedhowwar mthewaterwas
anditwascoldashesi
gheddrai
ningit
,cl
eanedt
he
bat
handwenti nt
otheshoweri
nstead.
.
.
.
.
.
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
CAGED
16

I
nZanzi
barHol
idayr
esor
t.
..

Vict
ori
aopenedhereyestoPatl
oki
ssi
ngheral
l
overasshefr
ownedwi t
hherli
pscur
ved.
..

Vi
ctor
ia:ahPat
lost
opi
tim notf
eel
ingwel
l
Pat
lo:comeonl
oveiwantt
omakei
tupt
oyou
Vict
ori
a:Pat
loisai
dim notf
eel
ingwel
lcan'
tyou
hearme?
Pat
lo:oksor
ryl
ove.What
'swr
ong?
Vict
ori
a:f
ir
stofallhowdidif
allasl
eep?Idon'
t
remembermyselfsleepi
ng
Pat
lo:youhadonet
oomany
Vi
ctor
ia:no,
onebot
tl
eofchampagnedoesn'
tknock
meoutjustl
iket
hat
Pat
lo:t
henyoumusthavebeent
ir
edboo
Victor
ia:t
ir
edfrom what?Anhourofbeingina
plane?Comeonandwedi dn'
tdoanythi
nghecti
c
whenwegother e.Wehaddi nner
,icametothe
room whil
eyoupl ayedyourgameswi t
hthosemen
(remembered)didyoubath?
Pat
lo:yeahbutif
oundt
hewateryouopenedforme
col
dsoidr ai
nedi
tandwenti
ntotheshoweri
nstead
Vi
ctor
ia:why?
Pat
lo:isai
ditwascol
dlove
Vi
ctor
ia:(
remember
edaboutt
heoi
ntment
)ei
sh
Pat
lo:what
?
Vi
ctor
ia:(
clear
edhert
hroat
)nonot
hingj
ustt
hat
t
hisheadacheist
oomuch
Pat
lo:butweneedt
ogetr
eadyf
orourzi
pli
ne
act
ivi
tylove
Victor
ia:i
m evenf
eel
ingabi
tnauseousand
feveri
sh
Patl
o:(
checkedher)i
ndeedyouareabitwar
merdo
youneedanursetheyhavenursesher
e
Vi
ctor
ia:pl
easegetmeone
Pat
lo:ok.I
t'
sokwecanmisstoday'
sact
ivi
tywewi
ll
doi
tonceyouarefeel
ingal
otbett
er
Victori
a:noyougoforthezi
pli
nemyloveiwil
ljust
restafterthenur
sechecksmeup.Wewilldoa
movi elater
Pat
lo:ohokt
hen.Letmegogett
henur
sef
oryou

HeleftwhileVi
ctori
asighedlayingdownwi pi
ng
sweatoffherface.Sheclosedhereyesbutanur ge
tovomithitherassher antothetoi
letbutnot
hing
cameout .Shegaggedagai nclosi
nghereyes
hol
dingont othetoil
etseathopingforsomethi
ngto
comeoutbutnot hing.
..

Vi
ctor
ia:ohVi
..
.
Anothergagcamebutstil
lnothi
ngcameoutasshe
whinedsitt
ingont
hefloorwit
hherheadagai
nstt
he
bathtub.Patl
oandthenursecameinashe
panickednotfi
ndi
ngheronthebed..
.

Pat
lo:Vi
c?Love

Hesai
dgoi
ngtothebathr
oom andfoundhert
ryi
ng
t
ovomitwi
thnot
hingcomingout.
..

Patl
o:shameyoureal
lyar
enotf
eel
ingwel
l
.Come,
thenursei
shere

Hehelpedherupandl aidheronthebedast he
nursecheckedherup.Meanwhi l
eattheothersi
de
oftheholi
dayresortBontsismi
ledreadi
nganexpir
y
dateononeoft hebott
lesofchampagneshewas
holdi
ng.Atamelangcameoutoft heshowerand
fr
owned...
At
amel
ang:youandchampagne?Si
ncewhen?
Bont
si:(
smiled)l
et'
sjustsaymybelovedsi
sterwif
e
waschuffi
ngdownachampagnet hatl
ongreached
i
tduedateayearand6mont hsago
Atamel
ang:(
widenedhermout
hsmi
li
ng)what
?Ar
e
youbei
ngseri
ousrightnow
Bontsi
:mhem andimadesurethattheglassesin
herroom wer
ebastedwi
ththi
slit
tl
ecream ont he
i
nsidesoaswespeakshe'sdefi
nit
elyfeeli
ngsick
andwon'tbeoutal
ldayf
orthei
rday1act i
vit
ies
At
amel
ang:won'
tshedi
ethough?
Bontsi
:nopeitwi
llj
ustgi
veheral
it
tl
est
omach
acheshewillbeoklat
ert
oday
At
amelang:r
emindmet onevercr
ossyouagai
n.
Weshouldgoforourzi
pli
nesoon

Shelaughedwhi
lehermothersmi
ledput
ti
ngt
he
champagnebackinthebox.
I
nMochudi
..
.

Oref
esatoutsi
deasBoi
tshepot
ookapl
ast
icchai
r
andjoi
nedher.
..

Boi
tshepo:acl
eardayi
sn'
tit
Orefe:yes.Wher
edi
dBai
sagosl
eepwhi
lehi
scari
s
here?
Boi
tshepo:(l
aughed)thatonef
oundawomanatt he
bar
syesterdaysohewenthomewi thheriguesshe
wil
lcomef orhi
scarlater
Oref
e:ohokgapekeDecemberheneedst ol
etl
ose
l
ookingatt
hefactthathehasn'
tbeeni
nti
mat
efora
whole18year
s(theylaughed)
Boitshepo:youar
esonaught
y.Br
eakf
astwi
llbe
readysoon.Yourdaught
eri
nlawi
sdoingwonders
i
nt here
Or
efe:buti
tst
hisbr
ownpi
eceofmeatf
orme.Il
ove
i
t
Boi
tshepo:i
t'
scal
ledbaconmama(
theyl
aughed)
Orefe:ahwhat
evermonna.Haveyouspokent
oyou
si
steryet?
Boi
tshepo:yesmawei
ronedt
hingsout
Or
efe:t
hat
'
smygi
rl
Boi
tshepo:caniaskyouaquest
ion?
Or
efe:anyt
hingmygi
rl
Boi
tshepo:howwasVi
ctor
iaasasmal
lbaby
Oref
e:(swall
owed)canwepl
easet
alkabout
somethingel
semygi r
l
Boi
tshepo:(
frowned)why?
Orefe:becauseBoitshepoidon'
twanttobe
remindedoft het
hingsiwentthroughwit
hthat
chil
d
Boi
tshepo:di
dsomet
hingbadhappenma?
Or
efe:Boi
tshepoisai
didon'
twantt
otal
kaboutt
his
Boi
tshepo:butma.
..
Orefe:(agi
tat
ed)aiBoi
tshepiman!Doyouever
l
isten!?
Boi
tshepo:(
swal
lowed)i
m sor
ry
Orefe:(swal
lowedapainfullump)ihavebeen
thr
oughal otwithVict
ori
awhenshewaschi l
dok
Boitshepoit
'sbyGod'smer cythatmydaughteri
s
sti
llali
venow( t
earsbuil
tinhereyes)peopl
ecall
ed
meal lsort
sofnamesbecauseofmydaught erbut
myGodf oughtforme
Boi
tshepo:mamawhatr
eal
lyhappened?
Or
efe:Boi
tshepoi
..
.(
swal
lowed)ohBoi
tshepo

Shebur stint
otearsstandingupandpacedt oher
room whileBoitsheposatbackswal l
owingwithher
heartr
acing.At eardroppedfrom hereyeasshe
quickl
ywi peditasReatlegil
ecameoutr unni
ng..
.

Reat
legi
le:i
sever
ythi
ngok?
Boi
tshepoj
ustnoddedandwentinsi
deaswell
whil
eReatl
egi
lestoodt
her
econfused.Shesi
ghed
andwentbackinsi
deaswell
.

AtBai
sago'
shouse.
..

InBaisago'sshir
tBoemobar ef
eetsmiledgoi
ngto
themainbedr oom withatr
ayinherhands.Sheput
i
tont hesidelampst andandsatbackdownonhi s
studydeskput t
ingonherglassesthenwent
throughherlaptop.Herphonerangasshequickl
y
answered..
.

Boemo:anyt
hingyet
?
Man:ihavecont
actedmyi nsidemanf r
om cour
tto
gothrought
headoptioncasef i
les.Hesaidhewill
getbacktomeaftergegetsthei nfor
mation
Boemo:goodbecauseifwecanknowt headopt
ion
cent
rehewast akeninwewil
lhaveourwhole
myster
ysolved.Ihavemanagedtogetthr
oughher
phoneonmysi deandsheusuall
yt alkstosome
guycalledStoneandaladycall
edJunet hen
anothermancal l
edPatl
owhoi samar ri
edmanat
that
.Somewomenar er
eall
ybrave.Youdon' tt
hink
youcanbr akeahomebr oughtt
oget herbyGodand
l
ivehappilyeveraft
er
Man:yeahhey.Sowhatdoyoupl
anondoi
ng?
Boemo:if eell
ikethi
sJunewomani sherpartneri
n
crimeineedt o"acci
dental
lybumpi
ntoherthenget
closetoher.IwantVictori
atofi
ndanewaddi ti
onto
theirci
rcl
ewhenshecomesbackf r
om Zanzibar
Man:ohokgoodl
uck
Boemo:sur
e

Shesai
dsoftl
yhumminggoingthr
oughVi
ctor
ia'
s
phonedet
ail
swhil
eBaisagogr
oanedwaki
ngup..
.

Boemo:(
tur
nedsmi
li
ng)ohheysl
eepyhead
Bai
sago:damnl
astni
ghtwasr
oughhowdi
dweget
her
e?
Boemo:itol
dyouim acarefuldr
ivernomat
terhow
muchalcoholit
akeinanywayhavesome
pai
nki
ll
ersthenhavebreakf
ast
Bai
sago:(
smi
led)ohicoul
dgetusedt
othi
s
Boemo:don'
tgett
oocomf
ort
abl
eMr(
shechuckl
ed
j
umpingonthebed)
Bai
sago:whatar
eyoubusywi
th?
Boemo:maki
ngsur
ethatyougetyoursonback
Bai
sago:ohokwhathaveyouf
oundsof
ar?
Boemo:j usttracki
ngVi ctoriaim sti
lldownl oading
mor eofheri nfor
mat i
onf rom herphoneandmy
cont acthascont actedt heircontactfrom cour tto
got hroughadopt i
onf i
lestof i
ndwher eBosawas
registered.Ifwecangett hatinformat i
ont henwe
willhaveouranswer stoourmyst ery
Bai
sago:t
hankyousomuch
Boemo:youknowihaveal
waysl
ookedoutf
oryou
honey
Bai
sago:(smi
led)di
ditel
lyoumyshi
rtl
ooksgood
onyou(theyl
aughed)
Boemo:wearehavi
ngourChrist
masatthehot
el,
br
eakf
ast,
lunchanddinnerwoul
dyoul
iketocome
wit
hme?Wel li
fyouhavenoplans
Bai
sago:ohi
m def
ini
tel
ycomi
ngihavenopl
ansso
whynot
Boemo:per
fectt
hen
Bai
sago:sowhatdoesl
astni
ghtmean?
Boemo:youandiar
eof
fi
cial
l
yani
tem t
hat
'si
fit
'
s
okwit
hyou
Bai
sago:t
hingisidon'
twantt
omakeyouf
eell
ike
i
m usi
ngyout ogettomyson
Boemo:nonodon' twor
ryyoursel
faboutthati
ma
biggirlit
akemyL'swit
hgracesowet hert
his
becomesasuccessornotim goingtomakesur e
thatyouar er
euni
tedwi
thyourson
Baisago:(smil
ed)smartwomanindeedl
et'
sjustget
toknowoneanot heronaper
sonall
evel
fir
standit'
s
abonust hatialr
eadyknowyouaregoodinbed
(t
heylaughed)
Boemo:wel
lyout
oo.I
m okwi
tht
hatandweshoul
d
al
sot al
kabouthowt
orevi
veyourbusi
ness.Your
accountsar
eopenri
ght
?
Bai
sago:yeah
Boemo:goodwewil
lspendt
odaybr
ainst
ormi
ng
i
deasofhowtorevi
vei
t
Baisago:comehere(shewentcloserashekissed
herandr ubbedherl
ips)youar
eamazi ngdon'tyou
everforgetthat
Boemo:youar
eamazi
ngt
oo

Theysmil
edatoneanot
herasshest
oleasausage
fr
om hi
sfoodandtheyl
aughed.

Att
heCl
ini
c..
.

TemoandReat
legi
lewai
tedi
nthei
rdoct
or'
sof
fi
ce
asshecamei
nwi t
hanenvel
ope.
..
Dr
:howar
eyouguysf
eel
ing?
Temo:ner
vousandexci
tedatt
hesamet
imebut
exci
tedmost
ly
Dr
:youknowt
her
esul
tscancomenegat
iver
ight
?
Temo:(
sighed)yeah
Dr
:butt
hatshoul
dn'
tst
opyouguysf
rom t
ryi
ng
Reat
legi
le:butdocwehavebeentryi
ngf
oryear
s
nowbutnot hi
ngwej ustpr
ayandhopet
hatt
hey
comebackposi t
ive
Dr:youshoul
dbehopef ulevenift
heycome
negati
vebecauseyoubothar ever
yfert
il
eandcl
ean.
Youareverymuchf i
ttocarryful
lter
m
Reat
legi
le:okdoct
or
Dr
:her
ear
eyourr
esul
tsshoul
diopent
hem oryou
wi
ll
Temo:pl
easedo

Shesmil
edopeningthem whi
leTemoand
Reat
legi
lehel
dhands.Shekeptastr
aightf
aceas
t
heyl
ookedatoneanot
her
..
.

Reat
legi
le:and?
Dr
:youguysar
eexpect
ing

Shesmi l
edgi
vingthem t
hesheetast
heyr
eadt
he
resul
tsandhuggedexcit
ed.
..

Dr
:youareamont
handaweekpr
egnantMs
Maiket
so
Reat
legi
le:(
tear
ful
ly)t
hankyousomuchdoct
oryou
don'
tknowhowmucht hi
smeansforus
Dr
:Chr
ist
maspr
esentiguess
Temo:(chuckl
edt
earf
ull
y)chri
stmaspresent
i
ndeed.Thankyousomuchl ove(heki
ssedher)
Dr:iwillr
egi
steryoui
nmynewmot her
srollyouwil
l
comef orcheckupeverymont
hunti
lyougivebir
th.
Iwillgogetsomemedicati
onf
oryouandletyou
guyssoaki nonthemoment
Reat
legi
le:ok(
shel
eft
)babewear
epr
egnant
Temo:thi
sfeel
sli
keadream (
lookedup)ohthank
yougoodLord(t
ouchedherst
omach)hellot
here
l
itt
leman
Reat
legi
le:(
laughed)noi
tsagi
rl
Temo:ohwel
lwhat
everyouar
ehel
lobunny

Hesai
dhuggi
ngherwhi
let
hel
aughedandki
ssed.

Backi
nZanzi
bar
..
.

From adist
anceAtamelangandhermom satas
shespottedPat
lothr
oughherbinocul
arsatt
he
outsi
debarnearthebeachdri
nkingwhil
eonhis
phone..
.

At
amel
ang:cal
l
Bont
sitookherphonedi
ali
nghi
m ashel
ookedati
t
andputthephoneinhi
spocket
..
.

At
amel
ang:wowdad
Bont
si:he'
snoanswer
ing
Atamelang:t
hat
'sbecauseheputi
tinhi
spocket
.
Callagai
n
Pat
lo:(
sighedl
ooki
ngar
ound)hi
Bont
si:(puthi
m onl
oudspeaker
)hil
ovehowar
e
youdoing?
Patl
o:goodandyou.Yesguysi
m comi
ng.Asyou
canheartheyar
ecall
ingme
At
amel
ang:(
mur
mur
ed)l
ies
Bont
si:ohokij
ustwant
edt
osayhil
oveihopeyou
ar
ehavingagoodti
me
Pat
lo:yeahiam
Bont
si:don'
tfor
gett
hepi
ctur
esheywear
eheadi
ng
tot
heairpor
taswell
Pat
lo:ohokt
henhavef
unt
oo.Iwi
llsendt
he
pi
ctures
Bontsi
:sendagr
oupphot
oiwantt
oseeever
yonei
missseeingt
hem
Patl
o:hel
lo?Bont
siyouar
ecut
ti
nghel
lo?Guessi
ts
thenet
wor k

Hesai
dhangi
ngupwhi
leAt
amel
angbur
sti
nto
l
aught
er.
..

Atamel
ang:t
hephoner
ecept
ionher
eissogood.
Dadisali
ar
Bont
si:l
it
tl
edoesheknowwear
elooki
ngathi
m.
Didt
heycaptur
ethephot
os?
At
amel
ang:yept
heydi
d
Bont
si:good.Nowwewai
tforst
ep2
At
amel
ang:whi
lewedowhatdowedo?
Bont
si:umm l
et'
sgof
oraswi
m andvi
rgi
ncockt
ail
s
At
amel
ang:al
ri
ght
ythenandsel
fi
esofcour
se
Bontsi
:ihopeyoudidn'tf
orgett
oblockhimfrom
vei
wingyourstat
usesandmakeyourf acebook
post
sandi nst
agram avai
labl
etoyourfr
iendsonly
At
amel
ang:l
ongdi
dthatbef
orewel
efthomemom
Bont
si:goodgi
rl
.Let
'shi
tthepool

Theycaughtuplaughi
ngasawhi
temanandhi
s
sonwavedatthem...

Man:canwej
oint
hepar
ty?
Bont
si:wel
lit
sChr
ist
mashol
idayssot
hemor
ethe
merr
ier
Man:ohwonder
fulwher
ear
eyouguysheaded?
Bont
si:t
othepoolandbaratoursi
deoft
her
esor
t
Man:ohokt
hen

Theyt
ookt
hei
rchai
rsandcool
erboxesf
oll
owi
ng
t
hem.

I
nMochudi
..
.

From aphonecallwi
thBoemo,
Boi
tshepodeci
ded
totextOl
ebi
le.
..

Boi
tshepo:over
?
Olebi
le: i
m al
onet
heguysar
ewi
thBosa'
s
fr
iendoutsi
de
Boit
shepo: good.Idon'
twantt
hem aski
ng
questi
ons.Anywayihaveanupdat
ebigasanovel
Ol
ebi
le:summar
isei
tformet
henaunt
y
Boitshepo:fi
rst
lyimetReatlegil
e'ssist
eryesterday
andshe' salawyer.Thesamel awyerwho
representedBaisagoduri
nghi str
ialandshehasa
crushonhi m andtheyhiti
tofflastnight
anywayt hat'
snotimportantwhat'simportantisthat
sheknowsaboutBosa' sadoptionandshe'sgoi ng
t
oinvest
igat
ethemat
terf
urt
her
Olebi
le: wowok.Ohokt henwhydoesshe
feeli
thast
obeinvest
igat
ed?
Boit
shepo:becausefrom whatReatl
egil
etoldher
aboutyourmothershet hi
nksmaybeVi ct
oriawent
tooneadoptioncentr
eandgavet hem Bosat uni
ng
them t
hatshepickedhimf r
om thest
reetsthenshe
wentbackagainaftersomet i
metoadopthi m
Olebi
le:(r
emember ed)damnaunt ythatwoman
couldbeont osomet hi
ngbecauseir ememberver
y
wellthatwheniwasst i
llababytherewasatime
mom l ef
tuswitht
hehousehel perandwentwi t
h
babyBosaf oratr
ip.Shedisappearedforasol
id2
weeks
Boi
tshepo: ‍♂ bat hongVi
ctor
ia,
kegoreshe
pl
annedallofthi
sal
ltheti
mewhenBoingotl
owas
st
il
lpregnant
Olebi
le: ‍♂ mymotheri
shonest
lyawitch.So
hasthiswomanf
oundt
headopt
ioncent
reyet?
Boi
tshepo:nobutshe'
swor
kingoni
t
Olebi
le: let
'shopeshewi
ns.I
m notsur
pri
sednot
evenabit
Boit
shepo:nei
therimi.Soilat
erdeci
dedtogo
homeandBai sagogavemehi scarastheywanted
tostaybehi
nd.Onmywayhomeideci dedtogot o
Bokaaandcheckupont hi
sgoodtradi
ti
onaldoct
or
asBoemosuggest edigothere
Ol
ebi
le:bol
oiaunt
y?
Boi
tshepo:nonohe'
snotawitchdoct
ort
rustme
andhereveal
edsomescaryandgoodthi
ngstome
Ol
ebi
le:ok?
Boit
shepo:appar
ent
lyyouandiwal kwi
thgraceand
i
t'
sbecauseofmom' sprayert
hatyousurvi
vedthe
acci
dent.Hetol
dmet hatwearetheoneswhowi l
l
saveallt
hecagedsouls
Ol
ebi
le:ohokt
hat
'sgoodandt
hescar
y?
Boitshepo:Bosa,
Letl
otl
o,Boi
ngot
lo'
sspi
ri
tand
Victori
a'
ssoularecaged.Shei
sconsumedwit
h
darkness
Ol
ebi
le:damnt
hat
'sscar
ysowhatdowedo?
‍♂ ‍♂
Boitshepo:heaskedmet opraysohar
dandbe
smar taboutmyplanssoiadvi ceyout
ootopr ayas
wellbecausehesaidyourmom wasconsumedby
thedarkwor ldf
rom bi
rth.Hesaidagai
nishould
askmom aboutVi ctor
ia'sbir
th.It
ri
edtobri
ngitup
earli
eranditupsetherthatsheevencri
ed.She's
sti
llnottal
kingtomeevennow
Ol
ebi
le:wowthi
sisheavy.Okiguessweshal
lput
i
nagoodf i
ghtt
hen.Anythi
ngaboutmebei
ngmute?
Boitshepo:not
hing.It
hinkweshoul
dcheckonhi
m
togethertomorr
owwhenyouguyscomeher e
Ol
ebi
le:okwewi
ll
Boi
tshepo:soyeaht
hat
'st
heupdat
e
Ol
ebi
le:i
tisonei
ndeed
Boi
tshepo:wi
llkeepi
ntouch
Ol
ebi
le:sur
e

Hesi
ghedput
ti
nghi
sphoneaway.
I
nSandt
onHot
elSA.
..

DaisyandVer onicagotoutoftheel evatorinhigh

heelsandshor tshi
nydr esseswi t
htheirweaves
bumpi ngontheircurvaceousboot i
es.The
gentl
emeni nthePor scheoutsidesmi l
edl ooki
ngat
them andtookof ft
heirringsgoingoutoft hecar..
.

St
eve:hii
m St
eveandt
hisi
smyf
ri
endObi
ego
Dai
sy:(smi
led)nicet
ofi
nal
ymeetyouSt
evet
hisi
s
myfri
endVeronica
Steve:(ki
ssedherhand)ni
cet
ofi
nal
lymeetyou
Veronica
Ver
oni
ca:t
hepl
easur
eisal
lmi
ne
Steve:Obi
egoibel
ieveyouwi
llgeti
nthebackwi
th
her?
Obi
ego:nopr
obl
em
Heopenedt
hedoorf
orVer
oni
cawhil
eSteve
openedt
hedoorf
orDai
syast
heygoti
nside.
..

St
eve:canigetaki
ss?

Dai
sysmil
edpl
ant
ingasof
tki
ssonhisli
pswhi
le
Obi
egoandVer
oni
casmil
edattheback.
..

St
eve:r
eadyt
orockandr
oll
?
Al
l:ohyeah

Thegi r
lssangalongasDaisypouredchampagne
forthem whil
eObiegosmi l
edgivi
ngVeronicahers
withhishandonhert hi
gh.AtherhousePamel a
scoffedsit
ti
ngbacklookingattheact
ivi
ti
es
happeningintheporscheonherphoneandcl i
cked
hertonguetakinghercarkeys.
..

Pamel
a:St
evehassomener
ve
Shesaidcall
ingObi
ego'swif
eandwentint
oher
Bent
leyrever
singoutofherhugeyar
d.

I
nZanzi
bar
..
.

DeepinhersleepVictori
asoftl
ygroanedtoasof
t
feel
ingonherandturnedt otheot
herside.Af
ew
minutesaft
erthesoftfeel
ingcamebackagainas
shegroanedinhersleep..
.

Vi
ctor
ia:noPat
loI
'
m notf
eel
i
ngwel
l

Shesaidgoi
ngbacktosl
eepbutthefeel
ingwas
st
il
lther
eassheopenedhereyes.
..

Vi
ctor
ia:Pat
lo.
..
ohhe'
snother
e
Asshesai dshefel
tamoveonherl egsasshe
movedt heduvetandj umpedscr eamingtoa6
met r
esnake.Shecont inuedtoscream f
lyi
ngtothe
doorbuti twaslockedasshel ookedatthesnake
thatplayedwithit
st onguel ooki
ngathertoo..
.

Vi
ctor
ia:Pat
lo!Thusang!Hel
p!Somebody!

Shegrabbedherphoneandtri
edtocallhi
m buthi
s
phonesaidli
nebusyasshescreamedevenlouder
movingtothebat
hroom whi
lethesnakemoved
wit
hher..
.

Vi
ctor
ia:bat
hongt
her
e'sasnakei
nher
epl
easehel
p!
Yohmamayoh!Thusang!

Shebursti
ntot
ear
sscr
eami
ngherl
ungsoutwhi
le
thesnakesl
owl
ymadeit
swaydown.
Att
hehospi
tal
..
.

Olebi
le'
sdoct
orsi
ghedsi
tt
ingdownandsmi
ledt
oa
note.
..

Dr
:aboutt
ime

Heopenedtheenvel
opeandf
rownedgoi
ngt
hrough
t
hebloodtestr
esul
ts.
..

Dr
:whatki
ndofadr
ugi
sthi
s?
.
.
.
.
.
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
CAGED
17

Hetookhi
sphoneanddi
aledt
heot
olar
yngol
ogi
st
of
fi
ce..
.

Lady:hel
lo?
Dr
:hii
t'
sOlebi
leDi
ntsi
'sdoct
orpleasehur
ryt
omy
of
fi
cethebl
oodresul
tsareback
Lady:ohokiwi
llbet
her
ejustnow

Theyhungwhi l
ethedoct
ortookhissetswanatree
andherbsbookgoingthr
oughtryingt
of i
ndanyt hat
matchedthenameont heresul
ts.Hefounditashis
off
icedooropened.
..

Lady:what
'sup?
Dr
:thet
estr
esul
tsshowt
hatt
hisboywasdr
ugged
wi
thnotanengl
ishdr
ugbutaset
swanaher
b
Lady:what
!?
Dr
:imt
ell
ingyou(
hegavehert
hepaper
)
Lady:sodoest
hismeanssomeonewenti
ntothe
hospit
alanddr
uggedthi
sboywit
hthi
sdrug?
Dr:yep.I
t'
saherbusedbyt
radi
ti
onaldoct
orsidon'
t
knowwhati tr
eal
lydoes
Lady:wel
litobvi
ousl
ymakeshumanbei
ngsmut
e
andunfor
tunatel
ywecan'
thealt
hat
Dr:yeahtheonlysolut
ioni
sfort
hem t
otaket
heboy
t
oat radi
tional
healert
oseewhattodo
Lady:yeah.Cal
lthel
ady

Thedoct
ort
ookhi
sphoneandcal
ledBoi
tshepo.
..

Boi
tshepo:doct
or?
Dr:MsDint
sit
hetestr
esult
sarebackandthey
showthatOl
ebi
lewasdruggedwit
hat r
adi
tional
her
b
Boi
tshepo:what
!?
Dr:eemma(
het
oldhert
hename)t
hat
'st
heher
b
name
Boit
shepo:(
sighed)t
hankyousot
hatmeansyou
can'
thelphi
m?
Dr:unf
or t
unatel
ywecan'tonl
yatradi
ti
onal
herbal
istcanhelphim.Sowegiveyouguysago
aheadt otr
ythatrout
e
Boi
tshepo:won'
tthi
saf
fecthi
sphysi
calheal
ing
pr
ocess?
Dr
:youwil
laskt
heherbal
isttomakesuret
hat
what
evert
heydonot
hingaffect
shisphysi
calbei
ng
Boi
tshepo:ok.Iknowonewhowi l
lhel
psoiwi
llt
ake
hi
mt heretomorrowthenupdat
eyou
Dr
:ok.Bye
Boi
tshepo:t
hankyoudoc
Dr
:anyt
ime
Hehungupast heylookedatoneanot
hershaki
ng
theirheadsandclappedoncewhil
eBoit
shepo
sighedsitt
ingal
oneunderatree.
..

Boi
tshepo:Vict
ori
ankgonnewadidir
adil
odiago
dumela(Vict
ori
amysisteryour
eal
lyknowyour
st
uff)

I
nZanzi
bar
..
.

Asti
llscreamingVictor
iacri
edjumpingbackonthe
bedast hesnakeattemptedtobit
eher.Shetr
ied
cal
li
ngPat l
obuthisphonewasst il
lsayi
ngli
nebusy.
Thesnakehi ssedatherasshescreamedeven
l
ouder..
.

Victor
ia:bat
hongthusangkeaswa!(Pleasehel
pim
dying)aketsi
legoswelamodinagengyohbat hong
thusang!(I
m igoi
ngtodieataplacethisfarpl
ease
help)
Shesaidcr
yingast
hesnakej
umpedont hebed
whil
eshejumpedbackdowncryi
nghi
tt
ingthe
door
...

Vi
ctor
ia:Thusang!(
Hel
p)

Hear
ingwhatsoundedl
ikeVi
ctor
ia'
svoi
cePat
lor
an
t
othedoor.
..

Pat
lo:Vi
ctor
iai
sever
ythi
ngok?
Vict
ori
a:yohPat
lobulaket
lhaset
swekenoga,bul
a!
(Pat
loopenupim bei
ngatt
ackedbyasnake,
open)
Pat
lo:il
eftt
hekeyi
nther
eVi
ctor
ia
Vi
ctor
ia:t
her
e'snokeyi
nher
e.YohPat
lomama
i
yoh!

Shescr
eamedr
unni
ngi
ntot
hebat
hroom and
closedhersel
finside.Asshelookedbackanot
her
snakestoodint hebathtubasshejumpedopening
thedoorandf l
ewovert heotherscr
eaming.
..

Vi
ctor
ia:Pat
lodipedi(
theyar
etwo)
Pat
lo:shi
t!

Hesaidrunningbacktot
herecept
iontocal
lfor
hel
pwhileVictor
iafl
ewovert
hehot elr
oom wi
ththe
twosnakes.
..

Man:ma'
am thesnakecat
cher
sar
emaki
ngt
hei
r
wayher
epleasetr
ytostaycal
m
Vict
ori
a:(
crying)ican'
tdi
eplease!Ther
e'snowayi
cancomedi ethisfar
!YohPatl
o!

Shecriedj
umpi ngcr
yingoutloudasthesnake
catchi
ngteam camerunning.Thehot
elmanager
usedhiskeytoopenupashi m andPatl
omoved
backseei
ngthesnakes.Vict
ori
aclosedhereyes
andflewoutoft
heroom andjumpedonPat lo
cryi
ngwhil
etheteam workedonthesnakes.
..

Pat
lo:i
t'
sokbabeyouar
esaf
enow
Vi
ctor
ia:ial
mostdi
edPat
loial
mostdi
ed!

Shecr iedmor ewhi

leheshushedherasthe
catcher scomeoutwiththesnakesint
he
containers.Seei
ngthem shescreamedagai
n
coveri
nghereyes. .
.

Pat
lo:i
m sor
ryl
ove
Manager:im sosorr
ythi
shadt ohappeniwi llmake
sureyouaremovedi nt
oanot herroom andt oni
ght'
s
dinnerwi
llbeonthehouset omakeupf orthe
tr
aumacaused.Shoul dtherebeaneedf or
someonet ohelpyoucalm downdon'thesitateto
callus
Pat
lo:oksi
rwewi
ll
.Thankyou
Manager
:thankyou
Pat
lo:l
et'
sgopackourbagsl
ove
Vict
ori
a:idon'
twantt
ogobackinther
eiwil
lrat
her
gotothepoolunt
ilwehavebeenmovedt
oanew
room
Pat
lo:butidon'
twantyout
obeal
onel
ove
Vi
ctor
ia:Pat
lopackourbags.Bye

Shesaidwipinghereyesst il
linherl i
nger i
eand
gowngoingt othepoolwi t
hherar msf oldedwhi l
e
Patl
osighedandwenti nt
ot heroom packi ngt hei
r
bags.Hetri
edt olookforthekeybutt herewasnone.
Atthesecondpoolsi deandbarAt amel angand
Saschalaughedtakingpicturesint heswi mmi ng
poolandteachingoneanot hernewswi mmi ngskil
ls
whil
etheirparent
ssmi ledfrom theirtablehaving
dri
nksandsnacks. .
.

Rober
t:your
eal
lyhaveabeaut
if
uldaught
er
Bont
si:t
hankyoushet
akesaf
terhermot
herhel
lo
(
shesai
dfl
ippi
nghershor
tpi
xiehai
r)
Rober
t:(
smi
led)i
ndeed.Howol
disshe?
Bont
si:18shej
ustf
ini
shedcambr
idge
Rober
t:ohni
cemysont
oo
Bont
si:ohni
ce.Soyouguysar
efr
om her
e?
Rober
t:weareor
igi
nal
lyf
rom Ger
manybuthave
beenl
ivi
nginBot
swanasincehewasasmallboy
Bont
si:ohokwear
efr
om t
her
easwel
l
Rober
t:nice.Sowher
eisthehusbandicanseeyou
havearingonyourfi
nger
Bont
si:he'
sonat
ri
pwi
thhi
scol
leagues
Rober
t:what
?Tr
ipwi
thcol
leaguesatt
hist
imeof
t
heyear
Bontsi:wel
lwear
eusedt
oit
.Theyal
waysski
pa
yearthough
Rober
t:ohisee
Bont
si:andyou?Wher
e'shi
smot
her
?
Rober
t:(
sighed)shepassedwhenhewas2
Bont
si:awwi
m sor
ryt
oheart
hat
Rober
t:t
hankyoubutwearedoi
nggoodnowwe
managedtomoveonjustast
hetwoofus
Bontsi
:(smi
led)ar
eyouser
ious?Nost
epmot
her
forhi
m?
Robert
:ihaven'
tmett
her
ightwomansoij
ust
deci
dedtofocusonmyson
Bont
si:soyouhaven'
tbeenl
ooki
ng(
Theyl
aughed)
Rober
t:wel
lyoucansayt
hat
.Sowhatdoyoudo?
Bontsi
:imrenovati
ngaspaceinAi
rportJuncti
on
mallbackhomef ormybeaut
yparl
our.Itwil
lbea
spa,nai
lbarandasalon
Rober
t:t
hat'
sgreatbusi
nessal
otofpeopl
einvest
i
nthei
rlooksthesedays
Bont
si:i
ndeed
Robert
:iguessiwil
lbeoneoft
her
egul
ar
cust
omersthereonceyouopen
Bontsi
:ohamanwholooksaft
ert
heirbody,
atick
forme.Weshoul
dexchangenumber
sf r
om her
eso
youdon'
trunaway(
theyl
aughed)
Rober
t:nopr
obl
em
Bont
si:sowhatdoyoudo?
Rober
t:i
m amoneyl
aunder
ingaudi
tori
nBOBand
al
sohaveapar
kandacardealer
shi
p
Bontsi
:ohokthat
'sgr
eat.It
'si
mportanttoal
ways
l
eavetheli
tt
leonesalegacysothattheydon'
tjust
rel
yonthei
rdaytodayjobs
Rober
t:i
ndeed.Cheer
stot
hat

Theysmil
edcl
icki
ngthei
rglasseswhi
lei
nt hepool
Atamel
angandSaschalaughedatapict
ure..
.

Sascha:youar
esosi
ll
yAt
am.
..
(hegotst
uck)
At
amel
ang:(
laughed)youcancal
lmeAt
a
Sascha:oht
hankGodyournamei
slong
At
amel ang:iknow,i
tgavemeendl
essheadachesi
n
pr
e-school(theyl
aughed)
Sascha:andyouar
esuchacoolper
sonil
ikeyour
deminor
At
amel
ang:(
smi
led)awwt
hankyouI
'
mfl
att
ered
Sascha:t
hepleasureisal
lmi
ne(
shesmi
led)so
whatareyourplanslat
er?
At
amel
ang:idon'
tknowyetmymom wi
lldeci
de
Sascha:howaboutwedoamovi
etoget
herj
ustt
he
twoofuswithoutt
hepar
ent
s?
Atamelang:ohokiwi
llaskmymot
herf
ir
stt
hough
andthengetbacktoyou
Sascha:nopr oblem iwil
lhearf
rom you.I
mfree
dadwillbeplayingoldpeople'
sgameswi tht
he
othermen(theyl aughed)
At
amel
ang:ohokt
heniwi
llmakesur
etot
alkt
oyou
Sascha:whatdoyoul
ike?
At
amel
ang:t
hri
ll
erorhor
ror
Sascha:ohwowiwaswait
ingf
orsomeRomant
ic
comedy( t
heyl
aughed)
At
amel
ang:nopei
m notl
ikeot
hergi
rl
s.Yesil
ovet
o
consi
dermysel
fasar
omanti
cpersonbutil
ove
myster
yandsomeadr
enal
inerush
Sascha:(smi
led)hmm i
mpressivemyki
ndof
person.Weshouldhangoutalotwhenwegetback
home
At
amel
ang:coolwi
thme

Shesmi l
edrespondi
ngt oatextinherphonewhile
Saschasmi l
edlooki
ngather .Shereal
lywas
blazi
nghoti nthatbi
kini.Oneoftheresor
t
empl oyeescall
edBont sit
othesideasshebrief
ly
spoket ohim andgavehi mtheirr
oom keyasheleft
whileshej oi
nedRober tagai
n.

I
nSandt
on.
..

Pamelagavet heguardacodeChr i
sti
negaveheras
shewasl etthr
oughtheestat
eChr i
sti
nel
ivedin.
SheparkedherBent l
eynextt
oChr i
sti
ne'
smcLar en
andrangt hedoorbell
.Chr
ist
ine'
sdaughteropened
f
orherasshej
umpedonherwi
thki
sses.
..

Chr
ist
ine:heyl
ove
Pamel
a:wai
tami
nut
ear
eyoust
il
ldoi
ngyourmake
up?
Chri
sti
ne:yesl
ovet
hemakeupar
ti
stj
ustgother
e.
Champagne?
Pamel
a:iwantsomet
hingst
rongerpl
ease
Chr
ist
ine:okl
ove

Shecall
edherpri
vat
ebartenderastheymadeway
tohermakeupanddressi
ngr oom andgr
eet
edthe
makeuparti
st.
..

Chr
ist
ine:sowhat
'supl
ove?Yousoundedagi
tat
ed
onthephone
Pamela:j
ustl
ookatt
his(
shepl
ayedt
her
ecor
ding
forher
)
Chr
ist
ine:i
sthi
swhatit
hinki
tis?
Pamel
a:nj
e
Chr
ist
ine:(
chuckl
ed)t
hener
veoft
hesemenl
ike
whatt
hehell?
Pamela:fi
nishyourmakeupl
ovewehaveaj
obt
o
takecar
eof
Chr
ist
ine:youdamnr
ightar
e.Li
ket
hef
li
ppi
nghel
l

Shecl
ickedhertonguescof
fi
ngast
hemakeup
ar
ti
stconti
nuedwi t
hherwhil
ePamel
adownedher
gl
assofwhiskey.

I
nMochudi
..
.

Boi
tshepodeci
dedt
otakeawal
kanddi
aled
Boemo...

Boemo:hil
ove?
Boi
tshepo:ihopei
m notdi
stur
bing?
Boemo:notr
eal
lyij
ustgotoutoft
heshower
.
What'
sup?
Boi
tshepo:l
etmeconnectBai
sago
Boemo:noim st
il
lathi
spl
acel
etmeputyouon
l
oudspeaker
Bai
sago:Boi
?
Boitshepo:hiididn'
tknowwhot ocallbecause
TemoandReat legil
earebusycelebr
atingthei
r
pregnancybutineededsomeonet otalkto
Boemo:ohcongr
adul
ati
onst
othem.Sowhat
'sup?
Boi
tshepo:t
henephewit
oldyouabout
?
Boemo:Ol
ebi
le?
Boi
tshepo:yeahthedoctorcal
ledmeconcerni
ng
hi
stestresult
sandtheytoldmet hathewas
dr
uggedwi thatr
adit
ionalherb
Bai
sago:ar
eyouser
ious?
Boi
tshepo:sot
heysayonl
yaher
bal
istcanhealhi
m
Boemo:def
ini
tel
y
Bai
sago:soVi
ctor
iabewi
tchedherownson?
Boi
tshepo:yep(
sighed)shedi
dandi
..
.yoh!

Shescr
eamedj umpi
ngoutoft
her
oadasacar
al
mosthither
..
.

Boemo:ar
eyouok?
Boi
tshepo:acaral
mosthi
tme
Boemo:yohmmapayattenti
ont
oyoursur
roundi
ng
youknowthatyouar
edeali
ngwi
thamasterhere
Boi
tshepo:wel
limr
eadyf
oranyt
hingshebr
ings
bef
oreme
Boemo:butr
emembert
heai
mtohavehercl
oset
o
us
Boi
tshepo:yeah
Bai
sago:sohaveyout
oldOl
ebi
leyet
?
Boi
tshepo:noiwi
llt
ellhi
m whenheget
sher
e
t
omor
row
Bai
sago:ohokgood
Boemo:iwanttostepoutabi
ttothemal
lsowewil
l
tal
khey,iwi
llcont
actyouassoonasmycont
act
tal
kstome
Boi
tshepo:okcoolnopr
obl
em.Byeenj
oy
Boemo:yout
ool
ove
Baisago:byeiwi
llcomef
ormycart
hedayaf
ter
tomorrowhey.
Boi
tshepo:shar
p

Theyhungupassheconti
nuedwithherwalkwhi
le
BoemokissedBai
sagoandlef
t.Att
hehouseLedi
ba
parkedhi
scarandwenti
ntohissi
ster
'sbedr
oom..
.

Ledi
ba:icameassoonasigotyourt
ext
.Ar
eyouok?
Or
efe:ihavegonebackt
othedar
khol
eagai
n
Ledi
ba:whathappened?
Oref
e:Boit
shepoaskedmeaboutVi
ctor
iaasa
smallchi
ld
Ledi
ba:no.Why?How?
Oref
e:idon'
tknowLedi
bashej
ustaskedabouti
t
outofnowhere.
Ledi
ba:nosi
steryoucan'
taf
for
dtogobackthere.
Youhaveworkedsohardtocomeoutoft
hatplace
Oref
e:unf
ort
unat
elyi
m backmybr
other
.(Si
ghed)
t
histhi
ngwil
lal
wayshauntme
Ledi
ba:nonodon'tsayt
hat.Howol
disVi
ctori
aand
l
ookatyoursel
fyouhavecomewayfarmysister
Orefe:yetherewear eagainmybr
otherwhathavei
donet othewor l
dthatithat
esmesomuch?( She
burstint
ot ear
s)
Lediba:don'
tcrymysi st
eritwillallbeok(helocked
thedoor)everythingworkedoutatt heendmysi ster
theLordcamet hroughforyou.Vi ctori
abecame
successfulandgr ewintoar esponsi bl
eand
amazingadul tthatshouldgiveyouhopet hati
tall
workedouti ntheend
Oref
e:whatifi
tneverwor
kedandVi
ctor
iai
sexact
ly
whatBoi
tshepothi
nkssheis?
Lediba:nosist
erdon'
tthi
nkthatpl
ease.Yourchi
ld
wasf reedf
rom al
lthechai
nsthatboundedher
pleasebeli
evethi
s
Oref
e:(
sni
ff
ed)i
thonest
lyhur
tsLedi
bai
treal
ly
hurt
s

Shesai
dcryi
ngwhi
leherbr
otherhuggedher
comfor
ti
ngher.

Att
hemal
l.
..

Boemof ol
lowedJuneintoCli
cksstoreandlooked
attheitemsintheshelfopposi
tehersandkept
fol
lowinghertothepaymentl i
ne.Junetookafew
choclatesandthr
ewt hem i
nthebasket..
.

Boemo:youknowmynephewsl
ovest
hese
June:(
turnedandsmiled)ohmysonl
ovest
hem t
oo.
Iguessit
'stheki
dsfavori
te
Boemo:(
chuckl
ed)i
ndeed.Wher
ear
emymanner
s,
i
m Boemoyouare?
June:ni
cemeet
ingyouBoemoi
m June
Boemo:nicemeet
ingyoutooJune.(
Lookedinher
basket
)sorr
yformypryi
ngeyesbutdoesthat
cream wor
k?
June:l
ikewonder
sihavebeenusi
ngi
tonmyson
si
ncehewasababyandhehasneverhadan
i
rri
tat
edskin
Boemo:wowt hi
sisamazingiwil
ldefi
nit
elygeti
t
formynephew.Helikesswimmi
ngal otbutthe
chlor
ineal
waysir
ri
tateshi
sski
n.Itbecomesvery
dry(shesentat
ext)
June:youshoul
dhewillneverhavet
hatpr
obl
em
everagai
n.Appl
yitonhim befor
eandaft
erhe
swims
Boemo:advi
cet
aken
Theysmil
edatoneanotherasJunewasnextatthe
cashregi
ster
.Shescannedallthet
hingsshehad
andgavethecashi
erhercar
d...

Man:i
tsnotwor
kingma'
am
June:ar
eyousur
e?
Man:yesma'
am
June:noi
m cert
aint
hatcardhasmoret
hanenough
moneyinitpl
easetr
yitagai
n(hedi
d)
Man:samepr
obl
em
Woman:bathongwhat'
swrongifshedoesn'
thave
moneyinthecar
dletherr
etur
nthethi
ngs.Wedon't
haveal
ldaytobewaiti
ngonpeoplewhodon'thave
money
Boemo:(
tur
ned)wowladysomuchforbei
nga
womaniwonderwhatyouar
eteachi
ngthegi
rlchi
ld
wit
hyounow
Woman:youknownot
hingaboutmychi
ldso
pl
ease.
..
Boemo:howmuchi
sherbi
llsi
r?
June:nonoi
tsokiwi
llj
ustgocashandcomepay
Boemo:i
tshonest
lynotapr
obl
em.Howmuchi
s
thebi
l
lsi
r?
Man:P675
Boemo:ohok.Justscanmi
net
oget
herwi
thher
s
andiwil
lpay
June:youdon'
thavet
o
Boemo:i
tshonest
lyok
Woman:canyouj
ust
..
.
Boemo:j
ustshutupj
eez!(
Shescannedheri
tems)
Man:t
het
otali
sP1675.
00
Boemo:ohokher
e

Shesai
dtaki
ngoutherplat
inum car
dast
he
paymentwentt
hrough.
..

June:t
hankyousomuchiwi
lldef
ini
tel
ypayyou
backgi
vemeyournumbersoii
nst
antmoneyyou
Boemo:youdon'thaveto(tot
heot
herwoman)be
ni
cetootherpeoplethenextt
ime(
theyl
eftt
heshop)
June:ar
eyouinarushmaybewecangrabdr
inks
andgettoknowoneanot
herioweyout
hatmuchat
l
east
Boemo:fr
eedr
inks,
im def
init
elyi
nhoneylet
'sgo
putt
hethi
ngsi
nourcar sf
irstwheredi
dyoupark?
June:undergr
oundpar
king
Boemo:ohmet
oo.Af
teryou

Juneledthewaywhil
ebehindherBoemosenta
textmessageandsmil
ed.
..

Boemo:ir
eall
yneedf
ashionadviceandit
hinkyou
ar
etheperf
ectper
sonforthatj
ob

I
nSandt
on.
..
Veroni
caandDaisygi
ggledint
hebat
hroomsoft
he
cl
ubwashingthei
rhands..
.

Dai
sy:wei
nforar
ollhoneyyousawt
hatcar
?
Veronica:t
hiscl
ubi
sful
lofr
ichpeopl
eandi
tsso
sophisti
cat
ed
Dai
sy:yesl
ovewear
eonef
orf
inert
hings(
alady
camein)
Lady:ohthereyouar e.Himynamei sLindsyim
SteveandObi ego'sassi
stantt heyaskedmet ot el
l
youguyst hatwear emovingt oanewl ocati
on.
Theirbusi
nesspar tner
sarr i
vedsot heyhadt oleave
withthem butdon'tworryyouguysar esafewith
me.Youar eDai syandVer onicaright
?
Dai
sy:(
frowned)yesbutSt
evenevert
oldusabout
anassi
stant
Li
ndsy:(chuckl
ed)t
heydon'
ttal
kaboutustot
hei
r
peopl
e.Don'tworr
yyouaresafeher
e'spr
ooft
hati
workforthem
Shegavet
hem acar
dast
heyl
ookedati
tandupat
her
..
.

Dai
sy:sowher
ear
ewegoi ngtogot
othi
snew
l
ocat
ionwit
hwhentheyl
eftus?
Li
ndsy:t
here'
str
anspor
tforyouwai
ti
ngout
side
pl
easefol
lowme
Ver
oni
ca:ourbags
Li
ndsy:t
heyt
oldmet
otel
lyout
hatt
heyt
ookt
hem
Ver
oni
ca:ohokcoolt
henl
et'
smove

Li
ndsyl edthewayoutast heyfoll
owedher .She
winkedatawai terinthecl
ubashequi cklywentto
SteveandObi ego'stabl
edestructi
ngthem whi l
e
anotherguytookDai syandObi ego'
sbags.The
waitermovedwi thSteveandObi egowhi l
ethey
di
dn'tevencheckt hebags.Out si
deDai syand
Veronicasmiledtoal at
estRangeRovermodeland
gotinast hel
ightswentonwi thPamel aand
Chr
ist
inet
urni
ngt
othem.
..

Pamel
a:(
smi
led)bl
oodyt
swanabi
tches
Dai
sy:what
!?

ThedoorslockedasChrist
inesteppedonthe
accel
erat
orwhilethegi
rl
sscreamed.I tdi
dn'tt
ake
them l
ongtokeepquietasamani nj
ectedthem on
thei
rneckswhilePamelasmiled..
.

Pamel
a:youar
egoi
ngt
oneedt
hisr
estmygi
rl
s.
.
.
.
.
.
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
CAGED
 18

Att
hemal
l.
..

Aft
erputt
ingt
hei
rit
emsinthei
rcarsBoemoand
Junemadewaytoar est
aur
antandorder
edt
hei
r
dri
nks.
..

June:buti
t'
snotl
ikeyourf
ashi
onsensei
sbad
Boemo:compar
edtohowyouhaveputyourcl
othes
toget
her
?It
sbad(t
heylaughed)
June:st
opbei
nghar
donyour
sel
fwehavedi
ff
erent
tast
es
Boemo:yeahr
ightt
hat
'syout
ryi
ngt
omakemef
eel
bet
ter
June:noi
m beingforreal(
theyl
aughed)youhavea
bi
tofaBri
tishaccentdidyougrowupinthestates?
Boemo:notreal
lybutidi
dmyGr
ade11andcol
lege
i
nBrit
ainthenmovedt ot
heUKt
ofur
thermy
studi
esandfoundwor
kther
eiguessipi
ckedt
he
accentt
hen
June:yeahyouhave.Sowhatdoyoudo?
Boemo:i
m asof
twar
edevel
oper
June:ohni
ceiguesst
heypayyoubet
tert
hant
hey
wouldbepayi
ngyouthi
ssi
de
Boemo:ohwel
lim notcompl
aini
nghey.I
tsnot
al
waysaboutt
hemoneyf ormebutmostlyt
he
passi
on
June:okisee.Soyoust
ayi
ntheUKf
ullt
ime?
Boemo:yeahicomethi
ssideonhol
idaysbutihave
beengi
venanextramonthatwor
k
June:oh?
Boemo:yeahthi
sisthefir
sttimeim cominghome
eversi
ncetheyearbegunsoihadt odri
bblemy
bossint
ogivi
ngmemyf ull30daysontop
June:ohokiguessyouar
ewor
kingf
oragood
persont
hen
Boemo:ohwel
lhehashi
sdaysbuthe'
sgood.What
doyoudo?
June:i
m anewsr
epor
terf
oroneoft
hel
ocal
newspaper
s
Boemo:ohokni
ce.Mar
ri
ed?
June:yeahwi
tht
woki
ds
Boemo:ohwonder
ful
June:whatar
eyourpl
ansf
ort
omor
row?
Boemo:ihaveaf
ami
lyt
hinggoi
ngont
omor
row
June:ohbummerit houghtmaybeicoul
dinvit
eyou
forl
unchbutiunderstandyouneedtobewithyour
famil
ytheyhaven'
tseenyouthewholeyear
Boemo:there'
sal
waysanextt
imelovewecando
l
ocalsport
sgamesthefol
lowi
ngday
June:ohmywor
dyoul
ovef
oot
bal
l?
Boemo:(
smi
led)yes
June:myfri
endfi
ndsmeweir
dforlovingf
oot
ball
fi
nall
yihavemetsomeonewhom ihavesomet
hing
i
ncommonwi t
h
Boemo:(l
aughed)al
lithadt
otakewasyourcar
d
decl
ini
ng(t
heylaughed)
June:i
tnear
lyhadmyheadbi
tt
enof
fbyt
hat
womanyoh
Boemo:shewasjustbei
ngunnecessar
y.Soyour
fr
iendwon'
tbej
oiningyout
omorrow?
June:nopeshedeci
dedtogoonahol
idayt
ri
pwi
th
herboyfr
iendandl
eaveusbehi
nd
Boemo:ohshamenextt
imehey
June:i
tiswhat
ever
.Vi
ctor
iasomet
imest
endst
obe
sel
fi
sh
Boemo:ohhernamei
sVi
ctor
ia?Ni
cename
June:yeah.Shoul
dshehearyousayt
hatshewoul
d
wantthewholeworldt
ohearit
Boemo:wel
liti
sabeaut
if
ulname.Whatdoesshe
do?
June:sheownsVi
cky'
shot
el
Boemo:ohniceihavebeenther
eonceanditsa
beaut
if
ulhot
el.Soheroff
icesar
eatthehot
el?
June:yeah
Boemo:ok.I
sshemar
ri
edaswel
l
?
June:nopebutshehas2ki
dsand1adopt
edson
Boemo:ohniceshemustbeawonder
fulwomant
o
adoptachi
ld
June:(
scof
fed)iwoul
dn'
tsayt
hati
fiwer
eyou.Wel
l
sheisagoodwomanbutnotonetobecr
ossed
Boemo:hmm interest
ingilovemeawomanwho
knowsherworthandf ight
sforwhatshewant
s.We
wouldgetal
ongr eal
lywell
June:i
twoul
ddefi
nit
elybegoodt
ohaveaf
ri
end
abroadwhom wecanvisi
t
Boemo:wheni
sshecomi
ngback?
June:ont
he27t
h
Boemo:ohni
ceiguessiwi
llmeethert
hen
June:nopr
obl
em shewoul
dloveyoui
nani
nst
ant
Boemo:sot
hat
'syouaccept
ingmyf
ri
endshi
p
request
?
June:r
equestconf
ir
medhoney

TheylaughedasJunerespondedt
oamessageon
herphonewhil
eBoemosof tl
ychuckl
edl
ooki
ngat
herwhil
esippi
nghercocktai
l.

I
nZanzi
bar
..
.

Pat
lounpackedthei
rbagsint
hei
rnewr oom whi
le
Vi
ctor
iasatonthebedpressi
ngherphone.
..

Pat
lo:howar
eyouf
eel
ingl
ove?
Vi
ctor
ia:i
m good
Pat
lo:what
'supont
hephone?
Vi
ctor
ia:i
mtal
kingt
oBosaj
ustchecki
ngupon
t
hem
Patl
o:ohok.Abouthi
ri
nghi
m iwon'
tlett
hat
happen
Victor
ia:i
tsf
ineihaveaj
obf
orhi
m andhi
scousi
n
atthehotel
Patl
o:ohokgood.Thatwi
llgetAt
amel
angof
fmy
back
Vi
ctor
ia:whyar
eyoument
ioni
ngher
?
Pat
lo:iwasj
ustsayi
ng
Victori
a:nothi
str
ipi
saboutyouandiandiasked
yout oneverment
ionthosepeopl
ewhenyouare
withme
Patl
o:i
m sor
ryl
ove.Canipouryouagl
assof
champagne?
Victori
a:nonotnowisti
llhaveabitofast
omach
ache.Ihopeyoudidn'tf
orgettobookmea
steamingcubicl
eatthespa?Iwanttogotomorr
ow
afterbreakf
ast
Pat
lo:idi
dn'
tfor
getl
oveibookedf
oryou
Vi
ctor
ia:whatwi
llyoubedoi
ngaf
terbr
eakf
ast
?
Patlo:i
m pl
anningtojustl
ayher
eandwaitforyou
tofini
shthenwegodoaf ewact
ivi
ti
esaf
teryou
fi
nishwithyourtr
eatment
Vict
ori
a:whydon'
tyoujoi
nmeatthespa?We
haven'
tdoneanyact
ivi
tyt
oget
hersi
ncewegother
e.
Li
edownsoimassageyouabi t
Pat
lo:(
tookof
fhi
sshirtandl
aidonhi
sstomach)oh
okt
heniguessiwil
lhavetobookmysel
facubicl
e
aswell
Vict
ori
a:twopeopl
ecangeti
nonecubi
clel
ove
especi
all
ywhenweareacouple
Pat
lo:ohokt
hennopr
obl
em
Vi
ctor
ia:i
m goingt
ost
artwi
thyouf
eetokwenaj
ust
l
aydownl i
kethat
Pat
lo:ohokl
ove

Shereachedinherhanbagandt ookoutasmal l
bott
lemakingsurePatl
odidn'tmovehisface.She
putsomet i
ssueoilonherhandsandaf ewdropsof
thesubst
anceinthesmal l
bottl
eandmassagedhi s
feet
..
.

Pat
lo:(
feel
ingdr
owsy)youshoul
dbeamasseuse
youknow
Vict
ori
a:(
chuckl
ed)i
mtoobigforsuchanoddj
ob
butidon'
tmindbei
ngyour
s.(Shedaidmovi
ngt
o
hi
sback)
Pat
lo:despi
tet
hedr
amaear
li
erar
eyoul
ovi
ngt
his
pl
ace?
Vi
ctori
a:ohyeslove.Thei
rser
vicei
samazi
ng.
Speaki
ngofthatdramawhywasyourphoneoff?
Pat
lo:(
frowned)myphonewasneverof
flove
Vict
ori
a:oryouwer
eonacal
lbecausei
tsai
dli
ne
busyallt
hetime
Patlo:nol
ovenoonehascal
l
edsi
ncemor
ningonl
y
thatwomanicallawi
fe
Vict
oria:(
frowned)t
hat'
soddbutanywayit
'sok.Ar
e
you..
.(
hest ar
tedsnor
ing)ohgreatt
henyoudeci
de
tofal
lasleep(pokedhim)Pat
lo?Patl
owakeup

Hejustsnor
edf
astasl
eepasshesmi
ledget
ti
ngof
f
hi
m...
Vi
ctor
ia:perf
ect
.Whenyouwakeupyouar
egoi
ng
st
rai
ghtintoabath.

Shet ookhisphoneandputonhi sfi

ngerprintthen
wentt ohiscontactsandblockedAtamelangand
Bontsi.Attherestaur
antAtamelangandhermot her
reachedfortheirphonesandscof f
edsmi l
ing..
.

Bont
si:iguessshet
ri
edbl
ocki
ngus
Atamel
ang:t
hiswit
chdoesn'
tknowt
hepeopl
e
she'
sdeal
ingwit
h
Bont
si:ohwel
lwi
tchesar
enotal
wayssmar
tmy
l
ove
Atamelang:let
'sj
ustsayt
hiswomani susing
t
radit
ionalherbsondadwhatifshegetstoustoo?
Bontsi
:tr
ustmewhenisayshewoul dnever
succeedifshet
ri
edbewitchi
ngyouandiandim
goingtomakesureyourdadgetssetf
reefr
om any
bondageshehasonhim whenwegethome
At
amel
ang:how?
Bontsi:mynamei sBontsiKwenaGodledPatlo
Kwenamywayf orareasonandiwi
llneverl
eta
nobodyt hi
nktheycansucceedatbr
eakingmy
marriage.Acovenantbuil
tbyGod?No.Im afai
thf
ul
womanmygi rl
At
amel
ang:okt
hen
Bontsi
:andithi
nkitst
imeyouusedyour
accounti
ngskil
lst
olooki
ntoyourf
ather
'saccount
s
whenyougot oworkther
e
Atamel
ang:ij
ustknowthebasi
csmom.Youar
ethe
onewhostudi
edaccounti
ng
Bont
si:t
hingi
sican'
tbecauseweagr eedt
onotget
i
nvol
vedinoneanother'
sbusi
nesses.Iwil
lhel
pyou
wher
eyoudon'tunderst
and
At
amel
ang:okt
henbutwhynow?
Bont
si:ican'
thelpbutthi
nkPat
lobui
ltt
hatwi
tch'
s
hot
elwithyourinher
it
ance
At
amel
ang:ohokt
hen
Bont
si:andi
fhedi
d(scof
fed)l
et'
sjustsaty'
al
lar
e
goingt
oseeasidet
oBontsi
thatyouhavenever
seennotwheni
tcomest
omydaught er
Atamelang:(
smil
ed)f
orhersakeihopei
t'
snott
rue
(
theylaughed)macanigoforamoviewit
hSascha
l
ater?
Bont
si:noprobl
em lovehi
sfat
heri
nvi
tedmef
ora
gamesnightabitofgambli
ng
At
amel
ang:ohok.Whati
fyoubumpi
ntodad?
Bont
si:t
heyar
edoi
ngmovi
est
oni
ghtsoiwon'
t
At
amel
ang:ohoktheniguessi
mtheonewhohas
t
obecar
efult
hen
Bont
si:wher
ewi
llyouguysbewat
chi
ng?
At
amel
ang:t
heci
nema
Bontsi:oht
henyouar
esafetheyar
egoi
ngf
ora
couplesmovieatt
hebeach
At
amel
ang:ohokt
hencool
Bont
si:youseem t
oli
ket
hisSaschaguy
Atamel
ang:wel
lhe'
sacoolguyandidon'tmind
hangi
ngoutwit
hhim asf
orli
kel
ike,
im notsureyet
Bont
si:iknowyouli
keVict
ori
a'ssonmorebut
maybeyoust andagoodchancewitht
hisguy
At
amel
ang:onl
yti
mewi
llt
ell
mama
Bont
si:nopr
obl
em t
hen.Cheer
s?

At
amel angsmil
edandr
aisedhergl
assast
hey
cl
ickedthem.

THEFOLLOWI
NGDAY

I
nMochudi
..
.

Wearingachri
stmashatBoi
tshepobl
ewaf
lut
e
knockingonever
ydoorint
hehouse..
.

Boi
tshepo:wakeupever
yonei
t'
sChr
ist
masday
Temo:ohBoi
tshepocomeon
Boi
tshepo:up(
opened)Reawewi
llbewai
ti
ngon
t
hatbr
eakf
astwi
thLame
Lame:(
from herr
oom)ahmamamma
Reat
legil
e:pregnantwomendon'
tgetover
wor
ked
(
theylaughed)
Boi
tshepo:nnyammagetup

Shesai
dleavi
ngt
hei
rroom soundi
ngt
hef
lut
eand
wenti
ntohermot
her
'sroom..
.

Boi
tshepo:happy88t
hbi
rt
hdayandchr
ist
masday
mylovelymama.Wakeup
Oref
e:(tur
ned)bathongBoisomuchnoi
seint
he
morning.Thankyoumybaby.MerryChr
ist
masto
youtoomybaby
Boitshepo:aemamacomeyoucandobet t
erthan
thatimeanat88somewomencan' tbeasfi
tasyou
are.Youar eonl
y2year
sto90kanagivemesome
l
ife
Or
efe:(
satupandsi
ghed)t
hingi
sim noti
nthe
moodmygi
rl
Boi
tshepo:(
frowned)mamaar
eyouok?
Or
efe:cl
oset
hedoorandcomesi
ther
e(shedi
d)
Boi
tshepo:don'
ttel
lmeyouar
etoosi
ck
Or
efe:nobutmyspi
ri
tis
Boit
shepo:what'
swrong?I
fitsaboutyest
erday
thenimreal
lysorr
ymom ididn'
tmeant o.
..
Or
efe:(
sighed)l
ist
ent
omeBoi
tshepo
Boi
tshepo:oki
m sor
ry
Orefe:im goi
ngtotel
lyousomethingthatmightr
uin
yourwhol edaybutmaybeyouaski ngmeabout
Vict
oria'
supbr i
ngi
ngwasGodsayi ngit'
sti
mei
openedupabouti ttoyouki
ds.Pleasegoandcall
Temof orme
Boi
tshepo:ok

Sheswal
lowedwi
thherhear
traci
ngandcameback
wit
hTemo...
Temo:(
smi
led)happybi
rt
hdaymom
Or
efe:t
hankyoumysonpl
easesi
t
Temo:(
frowned)i
sever
ythi
ngok?
Or
efe:t
here'
ssomethi
ngineedt
otel
lyouki
ds.I
wi
shVictori
awasherebuti
t'
sok
Temo:ok?
Or
efe:i
t'
saboutVi
ctor
ia
Temo:okmom
Or
efe:Vi
ctor
iai
snotyourf
ather
'schi
ld
Boi
tshepo:okwhathappened?
Or
efe:iwasr
apedbyamar
ri
edman
Boi
tshepo:(
hear
traci
ng)what
!?
Orefe:calm down.Iwaswor kingwiththi
smanand
heper suedmebutir efused.Heinvit
edmyf ri
end
andi fordri
nksoneandhadmydr i
nkspiked.He
usedmeandbr oughtmebackhomeandiwokeup
i
nf r
ontofmyf rontdoor.Iwenttothecli
nicaf
ter
bat
hingbecauseidi
dn'
tknowiwasr
aped.
Boi
tshepo:di
dn'
tyouf
eel
it?
Orefe:notatal l
.Theygavemepai nkil
lerstelli
ngme
thatther ewasasusbt ancei nwhatidr ankthe
previousni ght.Iappr oachedt hismanonMonday
atwor kandhedeni edever ythi ngsayi nghel ongleft
myf riendandi .Okibel ievedhi m butamont hlateri
start
edf eelingsick.Iwentt ot hecl i
nicandt est
positi
vef orpr egnancybutiwasnotdat i
nganyone
then.Iwentt omymot her'shouseandt ol
dhert hen
wedeci dedt ovisi
tat raditi
onaldoct orwhot hen
toldust heper sonbehi ndthis.Mymot herbeing
furi
ousshewentt ot hisman' shouseandat t
acked
him buthi swi fesaidt hesewor dst hatiwi l
lnever
forget"let silegosebona"( im goi ngt odealwi thyou)
wewentbackhomeandideci dedt okeept hebaby
asmymot herdi dn'
tst andf orabor t
ionbutmy
pregnancywasnevereasy, iwassi ckmostoft he
ti
met hatwheniwas7mont hsmyl egsst arted
turni
ngdar kandwer eswel l
ing
Temo:bat
hongmama
Oref
e:(si
ghed)wewentt othet
radit
ionaldoctorand
hetol
dust hatt
hewifetothemanwhoi mpregnated
mewentt oawitchdoctorandcastaspellonmy
unbornbaby.Theyalr
eadyhadhersoulcapt ured
butwerenotgoingtokil
lorhur
ther
Boi
tshepo:(
sni
ff
edt
ear
ful
ly)t
henwhatdi
dyoudo?
Orefe:t hetradi
ti
onaldoct orgavemesomeher bsto
bathwi thandmymot hert aughtmehowt opr ay.
Wepr ayeddayi nanddayout .Mor ni
ng,af t
ernoon
andni ghtformyunbor nchi l
dandmysur vi
val.Birt
h
ti
mecamet hebabywasonbr i
dgeposi t
ion.Ittook
thedoct or
shour storeal
iset hisbutwhenmy
mot hersawt hepainiwasi nshest art
edpr ayingso
hard, mor ethanshehadeverpr ayed.Anhouri nto
herpr ayeradoct orcamet ocheckonmeand
noticedVi ctori
awasonbr i
dgeposi ti
onandt hey
quicklyr ushedmef orac- sect i
onandwesur vived.
WewentbackhomeandVi ctori
ausuallygotsi ck
witht hedoct or
snotseei ngwhatwaswr ongwi th
her.Wepr ayedandwentbackt othetraditi
onal
doct or.Heputheri nar i
verandt oldusthatshe
wasf reedfrom allt
hechai nst hatboundedherand
webelieveditbecauseeversi
ncethenVi
ctor
ia
nevergotsickandwel i
vedinpeace.Sot
hat'
sthat
aboutVictori
a'
sbirt
h
Boi
tshepo:wowi
m sosor
ryt
oheart
hismom
Temo:di
dyouevergetpr
ofessi
onalhel
pthough?
Or
efe:noij
ustpr
ayedf
orheal
ingandi
tgotbet
ter
wi
ththeyear
s
Temo:ohokbutist i
llf
eell
ikeyouneed
professionalhel
pinf
actyouandVictor
iadoforyou
totellherandseehowt omoveonf rom t
his
Or
efe:(
sighed)iwi
lldosoast
imegoes
Temo:wel
oveyouokmom
Boi
tshepo:i
m sosor
ryyouhadt
ogot
hrought
his
Or
efe:i
tsokmychi
ldr
enGodi
smygur
diannow
Boi
tshepo:i
ndeed
Reat
legi
le:br
eakf
asti
sreadyever
yone
Temo:okl
ovewear
ecomi
ng
Reat
legi
le:andhappybi
rt
hdayma
Or
efe:(
smi
led)t
hankyoumygi
rl

Theyl
eftasBoit
shepost
oppedatt
hedoorand
tur
nedback.
..

Boi
tshepo:whowast
hist
radi
ti
onaldoct
or?
Or
efe:hi
snamewasngakaDi
phal
ahe'
snomor
e
Boi
tshepo:ohok

Shesaidleavi
ngwhileOref
egotof fherbedand
wenttowashhermout handf acejoi
ningherkids.
AtDiphal
a'shousehequicklygotuphissleepand
fr
ownedasVi ctor
ia'
sstr
ucturefel
lonthefloor
breaki
ng.

I
nZanzi
bar
..
.

Bont
si,
Atamel
ang,
Rober
tandSaschasmi
ledt
othe
camer
aast
hewai
tert
ookt
hem af
ewpi
ctur
es.
..

Wai
ter
:mer
ryChr
ist
masal
l
Al
l:mer
ryChr
ist
mast
oyout
oo(
hesmi
ledl
eavi
ng)
At
amel
ang:wowt
hesear
eamazi
ngmom
Bontsi
:letmesee(shetookt
hephone)wowt
hisi
s
anicepictur
e.Il
ovethi
sone
Rober
t:met
oo
Bont
si:sendi
ttomel
ove

ShedidasBontsiblur
redthebackground,
unbl
ockedPatl
of r
om viewingherstatusesand
post
edthepict
ureonherst atuscapti
oningit"
mer
ry
Chri
stmasfr
om mi netoyours.#holi
dayvibes
#goodcompany".
..

At
amelang:sohowmuchdi
dyouguysmakel
ast
ni
ght
?
Bont
si:ohaf
ort
unemyl
ove
Robert
:maybeishoul
dalwaysinvi
teyoufor
gambli
ngyouwereonarolll
astnightyoushowed
thosemendust(t
heyl
aughed)
Bont
si:ohnot
hankyoui
m notast
ingywi
nneriwi
ll
goonceinawhil
e
Sascha:t
hat'
sgoodaunt
yBgambl
ingi
sdanger
ous
ial
waystellmydad
Rober
t:ohcomeonsoni
tsnotl
ikeidoi
tal
lthe
t
ime
Bont
si:wel
lyoushoul
dreduce(
theyal
llaughed)
howwasyourmovie?
Sascha:don'
tevenaski
m st
il
lget
ti
ngchi
ll
sthi
nki
ng
aboutit
At
amel
ang:ohcomeonSaschat
hatmovi
ewasj
ust
ok
Sascha:ineverwanttowatchthatext
remehor
ri
fi
c
movieinacinema( t
heyalll
aughed)
Atamelang:di
dyout
ellt
hem youal
mostpeedon
yoursel
f
Sascha:At
abeni
ce(
theyal
llaughed)
Bont
si:i
m gl
adyouki
dshadf
un
Sascha:ohi
twasf
unihadagr
eatt
imest
il
l
At
amel
ang:met
oo

Theylookedateachot
hersmi
li
ngasBont
si'
sphone
recei
vedamessage..
.

Patlo:whoist
hat
?(Sheopenedi
tanddi
dnot
respond)Bont
sii
mtalki
ngtoyou
Bontsi:wearehavingbreakf
astandyouare
di
sturbingus.Thosearejustfr
iendsAt
aandimade

Sheputherphoneonai
rplanemodeandj
oinedi
n
onthel
aughasRobertcrackedaj
oke.

AtBai
sago'
shouse.
..
Boemo:hoo-
hoo-
hoomer
rychr
ist
mas

Shesai
dinawhiteshor
tsl
eepi
ngdr
essasBai
sago
l
aughedsi
tt
ingup..
.

Bai
sago:mer
ryChr
ist
mast
oyout
ooB
Boemo:youshouldseet
heweatherout
side.So
cl
earandwarm perf
ectf
orChr
ist
mas
Bai
sago:yeahhey(
tookhi
sfood)t
hankyou
Boemo:ihavemanagedt
osuccessf
ull
ylur
eJune
i
ntomywebl ove
Bai
sago:t
hat
'samazi
ng
Boemo:soi
minnowj ustwait
ingf
orthatwi
tcht
o
comebackf
rom hert
ripthenwedothethi
ngs
Bai
sago:gr
eatandyourcont
act
,hashespokent
o
youyet
?
Boemo:hesai
d..
.(
herphoner
ang)speakoft
he
devi
l.Hey
Man:mer
ryChr
ist
masMsM
Boemo:mer
ryChr
ist
mast
oyout
oo
Man:ihaveemai
ledyout
hei
nfor
mat
ionyou
needed
Boemo:ohChr
ist
masi
ndeedt
hankyoumyl
over
Man:anyt
ime.Enj
oyyourday
Boemo:yout
oo(
shehungupsmi
li
ngandt
ookher
l
aptop)
Bai
sago:and?
Boemo:(smil
edreadi
ngthemai
l)wehavet
he
detai
lsoft
headopti
oncentr
eBosawasadopt
ed
fr
om
Bai
sago:(
smi
led)t
hat
'samazi
ngsowhat
'snext
?
Boemo:wewil
lgother
etomorr
owt
odayt
heof
fi
ce
i
sclosedandwehavealott
odo
Bai
sago:okf
inebyme
Boemo:im cr
ossi
ngmyf
inger
swef
indal
lour
answer
s
Bai
sago:don'
twor
rywewi
ll

Theysmi
ledatoneanot
herandhadt
hei
rbr
eakf
ast
.

Backi
nZanzi
bar
..
.

Victori
aandPat lolaughedt easingoneanot herin
thei
rst eami ngcubi clewhi leBont siwal kedin
shakingherhead.Shewentt ot hedooroft heir
cubicleandcar efulylockedi t.Oncel ockedfrom the
outsidet herewasnohowyoucoul dopeni tfrom
theinside.Shewentbehi ndt heircubi cl
eandr ead
thenot esAt amel angwr otef orherinherphone
whilelooki ngatt hebut t
ons.Sheputt hephone
backi nherpocketandwentt ocloset hemai ndoor
whileVi ctori
aandPat lost artedkissi nginsi
de.Her
heartracedhear i
ngtheki ssi ngsoundsand
moani ngf rom t hecubicleasshesof tl
ysighed
calmingher selfdown.Shewentbehi ndthecubi cl
e
againandgr adualyincreasedt hest eam pressure..
.
Pat
lo:honeygor
educet
hepr
essur
e

Vi
ctor
iat
riedtopushthedoorbuti
tcoul
dn'
topen
asshepanickedandshout
ed..
.

Vi
ctor
ia:anybodyoutt
her
e!?Thedoori
slocked
Pat
lo:(
frowned)what
!?
Vi
ctor
ia:t
hedoorwon'
topen.Hel
lo?Anybody?
Pat
lo:shi
tthi
siswhyidon'
tli
ket
heset
hings.Hel
p!?

Ther
ewasnoanswerwhi lebehindthecubicl
e
Bont
sismiledi
ncr
easingthesteam pressur
eagai
n
asVict
ori
aandPatlostar
tedcoughing..
.

Pat
lo:not
hisi
snoton.Somebodyhel
p!
Vi
ctor
ia:wear
esuf
focat
ingher
ehel
p!
Theysaidhit
tingt hedoorwhil
eBontsiconti
nuedt
o
i
ncreasethepr essureastheycoughedsti
llt
ryi
ngt
o
cal
lforhelp.
..

Pat
lo:babyi
m dyi
ng
Vi
ctor
ia:st
opi
tPat
lo

Shesai
dcoughi
ngsti
llhi
tt
ingt
hedoorasthel
ights
wentof
fandshescr
eamedevenlouderi
nthedark.
..

Vi
ctor
ia:hey!Thusang!Hel
p!

Bontsismi
ledsti
lltaki
ngthepressureupwhil
ethey
coughedunti
ltheycouldn'
tanymor eandpassed
outduetothesuffocati
on..
.

Bontsi
:youwi
llneverf
indpeaceasl
ongasyouar
e
wit
hmyman
Shesaidswit
chi
ngtheli
ghtsbackon,unl
ockedt
he
doorandhitt
heemergencybel
lheadi
ngout.

I
nThembi
saSA.
..

Ver
onicaandDaisygaspedwakingupf r
om a
spl
ashofwater
.Theyblinkedandlookedupat
PamelaandChri
sti
nestandinginf
rontofthem
weari
ngfat
herChri
stmascostumes...

Bot
h:(
smi
led)mer
ryChr
ist
masbi
tches.
.
.
.
.
.
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
CAGED
19

Dai
sy:whoar
eyou?
Chr
ist
ine:ar
eyouser
ioul
sygoi
ngt
oaskust
hat
?
Ver
onica:(
scr
eamed)hel
p!(
Movi
ngont
hechai
r)
hel
p!

Daisyjoi
nedherast
heyscr
eamedasloudasthey
couldwhil
ePamelaandChr
ist
inel
aughedl
ooking
atthem..
.

Daisy:doyouknowwhomymotheri
s?She'sgoi
ng
tomakesur et
hatt
hebot
hofyoupayfort
hisshi
t!
Letusgo!
Pamela:ohwowsof i
esty.Wedon'
tcarewhoyour
motherisquest
ioni
sareyougoingtospendnew
year
sathomeor6f eetundert
heground
Dai
sy:youwoul
dneverdot
hat
Pamela:ohnanaihavedealtwi
thalotofgir
lsl
ike
youandupt othi
sdaythei
rparent
sdon'tknow
wheretheyendedup
Dai
sy:(
swal
lowed)wel
lim notanyoft
hosegi
rl
s
Ver
oni
ca:l
etusgoyoul
oosebi
tch!
Pamela:takesonebitcht
onoticeonemygirlandi
betim defi
nit
elymoreti
ghtert
hanyoubecausethe
factt
hatyoucansleepwi t
hamar ri
edmanshows
ofhowmuchofal oosegooseyouar e
Dai
sy:what
!?
Chr
ist
ine:St
eve.Ri
ngsabel
l
Dai
sy:St
evei
snotmar
ri
ed(
theyl
aughed)
Chr
ist
ine:ohsot
hat
'swhathet
oldyouiguess
Pamel
a:Obi
ego,
hi?(
Shesai
dsmi
li
ngatVer
oni
ca)
Ver
oni
ca:pl
easel
etusgo
Pamela:l
etyougoafteryouopenedyourdryl
egst
o
myfri
end'shusband?Youhonestl
yarereachi
ngmy
l
ove
Chr
ist
ine:(
touchedDai
sy'
sfaceasshemoved)you
r
eal
lycoul
dbeahi
tincol
ombi
amyl
ove
Dai
sy:whatdoyoumean?
Chr
isti
ne:ohsomi ss"youdon'
tknowwhomy
motheris"cangetscared(
theyl
aughed)
Dai
sy:nonowai
twhatar
eyougoi
ngt
odot
ous?
Pamela:t
heyr eall
ywouldmakewonderfuldr
ug
mulesmyl ovebutnopethisi
snotthetypetodo
that
.Theyaret oosmartt
obeletgojustli
kethat
Ver
oni
ca:whatdoyoumean?
Chri
sti
ne:youaret
ell
ingthet
ruthlovewewoul
d
havelett
hem goeasi
lyifwetr
affi
ckedthem
Bot
h:what
!?
Pamel
a:ssshbi
ggi
rl
sar
etal
kingmyl
ovekeep
qui
et
Ver
oni
ca:t
heyar
egoi
ngt
ofi
ndusandyouar
e
goi
ngt
opay
Pamela:excuseme?Fi ndyou?Where?(Scoff
ed)i
seeyougirl
sar enotseei
ngofwherethi
si sheaded.
Imagi
nehavi ngtheti
meofyourli
fethi
nkingyour
daught
eri
shavingagoodti
mei nsandt
onwi
th
someone'
shusbandwhil
etheyare.
..
Chr
ist
ine:ssshdon'
tsayi
t
Pamel
a:oopssor
ryl
oveial
mostgavei
taway
Veroni
ca:i
fyoureall
yrespectyoursel
vesl
ikeyou
thi
nkyoudoyouwoul dn'tbedoingwhatyouare
doingnow.Whatkindofwomenar eyou?
Chri
stine:womenwhowoul ddoanythingunderthe
suntopr ot
ecthermar ri
ageandherchildr
en'
s
i
nheritancefr
om clawlesspredat
orsli
kethetwoof
you(tookoutherphoneandshowedt hem apict
ure)
seethat?That'sme,myhusbandandourchi l
dren
(swi
ped)andyouseet hisone?Yesthat'
smygi r
l,
herhusbandandki ds.Thesearethepeoplewe
woulddoever ythi
ngandanyt hi
ngforthem
Pamel
a:it
hinkt
heynowgett
hemessagel
ovei
t'
s
ti
metogospendchr
ist
maswithourf
ami
li
es
Chr
ist
ine:you'
rer
ight
Dai
sy:noyoucan'
tleaveusher
ewhati
sthi
spl
ace?
Pamel
a:enj
oyyourchr
ist
masmor
ningand
aft
ernoonmygi
rl
sweshal
lseeyouagai
nint
he
evening
Ver
oni
ca:whateveryoudoyourhusbandswi
ll
al
waysbenothingbutst
upi
dasscheat er
s

PamelaandChrist
inet
urnedbythedoor
,lookedat
oneanotherandbackatVeroni
ca.
..

Chr
ist
ine:theydef
ini
tel
ydeser
vewhatwear
e
pl
anni
ngf orthem l
ove
Pamel
a:ohyeswewer ethi
nkingofgoi
ngeasyon
yout
wobuthellno.Toughgir
lsdeser
venot
hingbut
amorester
npunishment

Theycli
ckedt
heirt
onguescl
osi
ngt
hedoorwhi
le
Daisysi
ghed.
..

Dai
sy:whydoyoual
wayshavetohavearunny
mouthVer
oni
ca?Shoul
dthesewomenkil
lusiwil
l
neverf
orgi
veyou
Veronica:noDaisyi
tsyourf
aultwear eint hi
s
posit
ionrightnow.I
fitwasnotforthatstupidSteve
andObi egoofyourswewouldn'tbeheret oday
Daisy:excuseme?Didishovethem downyour
t
hroatoryoucouldn'
twaittobefil
ledupbya
Nigeri
anman?Don'tyoudar et
rymel i
kethat
Veronica
Veroni
ca:youar
enot
hingbutaf
ucki
ngst
upi
dbi
tch
l
ikeyourmother
!
Dai
sy:excuseme!
?
Ver
onica:yesyouhear
dme.Yourf
ami
lyi
sful
lof
not
hingbutstupi
ddouchebags
Dai
sy:youungr
atef
ulbi
tch!
Ver
oni
ca:il
ear
ntf
rom you.Loosecunt
Dai
sy:f
uckyou!
Ver
oni
ca:f
uckyout
oobi
tch!

Dai
sybr
eat
hedheavi
lyl
ooki
ngatherwhi
leVer
oni
ca
cl
ickedhert
ongueswal
lowi
ngadr
ylump.

I
nMochudi
..
.

Thehot eldri
verpar kedt
hecarunderat
reeinthe
yardaswehel pedOl ebi
leontot
hewheelchai
rand
madeourwayi ntothehousewherewefoundour
grandmot hersingingChrist
mashymnsto
everyone..
.

Both:Happybir
thdaygr
anny,
happybi
rt
hdaygr
anny,
happybirt
hdaytoyou

Wesangasshetur
nedwit
hahugesmi l
eonher
f
acewhil
eever
yonesmi
ledlooki
ngatus.
..

Or
efe:ohthankyousomuchmybabi
es.Your
gr
andmotheris88year
stoday
Thor
iso:ahahahunder
groundgang
Wealll
aughedwhi
let
headul
tsl
ookedon
conf
used.
..

Boi
tshepo:bat
hongwhatdoest
hatmeannow?
Letl
otlo:he'
sjustbei
ngnaught
y.Mer
rychr
ist
mas
everyone
Al
l:mer
ryChr
ist
masboys
Bosa:
thi
sismyf
ri
endThor
isoweaskedhi
mto
comewit
hus
Boi
tshepo:he'
sspendi
ngt
heni
ghtaswel
l
?
Bosa:
yesaunt
y
Boi
tshepo:ohokt
henyouar
ewel
comeThor
iso
Thoriso:t
hankyousomuchwantedtoseewher e
thesenaughtyboyscomef
rom (
theyal
llaughed)
Let
lot
lo:youbet
ternotst
artwi
thusThor
iso
Thor
iso:i
tsoki
sn'
tipr
omi
sedt
onotsel
lyouguys
out
Bot
h:Thor
isoman!
Thor
iso:(
laughed)sor
ry(
ever
yonel
aughed)
Temo:ibett
her
ear ealotofst
ori
esyouaregoing
tot
ell
usaboutthesetwo.Youcansitdownboys.
Lameyoucanyoubr i
ngthem somet
hingtosnack
on?
Bosa:
ohourhousehel
perbakedaswel
l
Temo:ohni
cebutyoudi
dn'
tint
roducet
heot
her
manyoucamewith
Bosa:
ohsor r
ythi
sisourdr
iverhewi
llbegoi
ngt
o
hi
shotell
ater
Temo:ohni
cemeet
ingyoubr
other
Man:t
hankyou
Temo:l
et'
sgosi
tout
sidedoyoudr
ink?
Man:yeahbutnotwheni
m wor
king
Temo:ohcomeont hesepeopl
earehomenowyou
havet
oenjoyyourholi
dayaswell
.Lamethenbr
ing
ustwobeersok
Lame:okuncl
eT
Shesaidgoingt otheki t
chenwhileThori
sosecret
ly
checkedherout .Boit
sheponot i
cedhim butact
ed
l
ikeshedidn'tseeanyt hingasLamecamewi t
ha
boxofjui
cef ortheboyswhi l
eBosacamewi ththe
biscui
tsf
rom thecar .ThorisocheckedLameout
somemor easshet ookt wobeerstoheruncleand
thedri
ver
..
.

Or
efe:(
wrot
eforOl
ebi
le)howar
eyoudoi
ngmyson?
Ol
ebil
e:(
smi
led)i
m goodandyougr
anny.Happy
bi
rt
hday
Oref
e:t
hankyoumyson.I
m goodmyboy.Icansee
t
hatyouaredoi
ngwaymuchbett
er
Olebi
le:yesgrannyandifeel
somuchbet
tert
hati
m
home.Imi ssedthi
splacesomuch
Or
efe:i
m happyt
hatyouar
eher
emyboy

Hereadandsmi
ledatherasBoi
tshepot
ookt
he
pad.
..
Boi
tshepo:ihopet
heseboyshavebeenbehavi
ng
ar
oundyou
Ol
ebi
le:l
et'
sjustsayboyswi
llal
waysbeboys
Boit
shepo:yeahhey.Letmeknowi
fyouneed
anyt
hingok
Ol
ebi
le:t
hankyousomuchauntyidef
ini
tel
ywi
ll
(
shesmiledasReat
legi
let
ookt
hepad)
Reat
legi
le:ihopeyouhavenoal
ler
giesi
m cooki
ng
upastormi ntheki
tchen
Ol
ebi
le:(
smi l
ed)noauntyidon'
thaveanyal
ler
gies
t
heonlythi
ngi m al
l
ergi
ctoissmallpor
ti
ons
(
Reat
legi
lelaughed)
Reatl
egil
e:igott
hatl
oudandclear
.Boipl
ease
comehelpmeyoucanseet hatLameisbusyatt
he
tuckshop
Boi
tshepo:okl
ove

Shesai
dsqueezi
ngOl
ebi
le'
sshoul
derandf
oll
owed
herwhileOrefechatwit
htheboys.Ledibaparked
outsi
deandwenti nsi
dewi t
hhiswifegreet
ingthe
boysandt henjoi
nedthemenout si
dewhi l
ehiswife
remainedinthehousewi t
hOrefeandthekids..
.

Thor
iso:wher
e'st
hel
oo?
Let
lot
lo:goout
sidewedon'
tuset
het
oil
eti
nsi
de
dur
ingtheday
Thor
iso:oksi
r

Theylaughedathi
m ashewenttot
heoneout
side.
Hefini
shedandwashedhishandsgoi
ngt
othetuck
shop..
.

Thor
iso:kokokekopai
ce-
pop(
canihaveani
cepop)
Lame:(
tur
nedandl
aughed)youar
esosi
ll
y
Thor
iso:(
smi
li
ng)soi
m notgoi
ngt
obeser
ved?
Lame:oksi
ryouwi
llgeti
tint
hehouse
Thor
iso:whyar
eyouwor
kingonahol
iday?
Lame:ineedt
hemoneyandagai
nki
dsgetcr
azyon
Chri
stmassotheybuyal
lday
Thor
iso:hmmm t
aki
ngadvant
ageisee.
Lame:(
chuckl
ed)yeah
Thor
iso:i
m Thor
iso
Lame:yesiknowiwast
her
ewhenBosai
ntr
oduced
you
Thor
iso:(
smi
led)ohyeahsor
ry
Lame:i
m Lame
Thor
iso:ni
cemeet
ingyouLame.Thathai
rst
yle
l
ooksgoodonyou
Lame:t
hankyouThor
iso
Thor
iso:soyouj
ustl
ivei
nMochudi
?
Lame:yeah
Thor
iso:ohok.Youwor
korsomet
hing?
Lame:i
mi nmyoffi
ceaswespeak.Longf
ini
shed
myform 52year
sago
Thor
iso:ohsot
hingsdi
dn'
tgoaspl
anned?
Lame:yeahsomet
hingl
iket
hat
Thori
so:welli
thappensbutitdoesn'
tmeanthat
youarealoser.Thefactt
hatyouhaveafullt
uck
shopgoestoshowhowmuchofadet er
minedand
wil
li
ngyoungwomanyouar e
Lame:(
frownedsmi
li
ng)ar
eyousur
eyouar
e18?
Thor
iso:(
chuckl
ed)yeahwhydoyousay?
Lame:that
'sthewi
sestt
hingihaveeverhear
dan
18yearoldsay
Thor
iso:wel
lwecansaf
elysayi
m anoldmanlivi
ng
i
nayoungman'sbody(t
heybursti
ntoalaugh)
Lame:sowhatar
eyourhopesanddr
eams?

TheychatasThor
isohel
pedLametoser
veher
cust
omerstel
li
ngherabouthi
msel
fasshedi
dthe
same.

I
nZanzi
bar
..
.
Withoxygenmasksont
heirfacesVict
ori
aand
Patl
ocoughedlyi
ngonthei
rhotelbed.Theyopened
thei
reyestot
hemanagerandt womalenurses.
..

Pat
lo:whathappened?
Manager:wef
oundyoupassedouti
nthest
eami
ng
cubi
cle
Vict
ori
a:(
coughed)youpeopl
eoweusan
expl
anati
onofwhathappenedint
her
ewhati
fwe
coul
dhavedied?
Manager
:wehonest
lydon'
tknowwhathappened
Pat
lo:youcan'
tsayt
hatwhenweal mostdi
ed.We
wantanswersandwewantthem r
ightnow
Vi
ctor
ia:wher
eist
hecct
vfoot
age?
Manager
:wedon'thavecamer
asi
ntherebecause
i
tsapri
vatepl
acewherepeopl
egoatnaked
Vi
ctor
ia:what
!?(
Coughed)
Nur
se:ma'
am t
akei
teasyyourl
ungsar
est
il
lful
lof
ai
rst
opt
alki
ngal
ot
Victori
a:youshutupbecauseial
mostdiedandt
his
stupidmant el
lsmetherearenocamer
asinther
e
I'
m...(
coughed)im.
..(
shecoughedmore)
Nur
se:ma'
am youshoul
dli
stent
ome
Pat
lo:ourst
ayhasbeennot
hingbutunpleasant
si
ncewegothere.Fi
rsti
twasthesnakesnowt hi
s?
Nomanwepai dalotofmoneytobehere
Vi
ctor
ia:exact
ly
Manager
:im sor
ryt
hiswi
llneverhappenagai
n
Nurse:(checkedthet
ankandremovedthemasks)
pl
easeavoi dtal
kingt
oomuchanddr i
nklot
sof
water.Thankyousirourj
obherei
sdone
Manager:thankyousomuch(
theyl
eft
)doyouguys
needanything?
Pat
lo:al
lwewanti
stoenj
oyourhol
idaypl
ease
Manager
:ipr
omi
seyouiwi
llmakesur
eyoudo
Vict
ori
a:leave(
hedid)t
hisi
snotonhonest
ly.We
paidalotherePat
lo
Patl
o:iknowbutit
syourfaultwenear
lydi
edwe
shoul
dhavestayedinourroom
Vi
ctor
ia:r
eal
lynow?Ar
eyougoi
ngt
otr
ymel
ike
t
hat?
Patl
o:noVi ct
ori
aifwedidn'
tgotherewewould
haveenjoyedourmor ni
ng.I
m honestl
yget
ti
ngtir
ed
ofthi
s(hesaidgetti
ngoffbed)
Vi
ctor
ia:Pat
loyouar
enotgoi
ngt
owal
kawayf
rom
me
Pat
lo:iwantt
obeal
one
Vict
oria:Patl
odon'
ttrymelikethat
,Pat
lo?(Helef
t)
Pa..
.(
scof f
ed)heshouldnottr
ymel i
kethathe
shouldnotplease!

Shesai
dtaki
ngherphoneanddi
aledDi
phal
abuti
t
wentst
rai
ghtt
ovoicemai
l.
..

Vict
oria:youbett
ernottr
ymeDi phalapl
ease(she
di
aledagai nbuti
twasstil
lunavail
abl
easshe
angri
lyhitthebed)shi
tmanshi t
!WhyisPatl
o
behavi
ngl
iket
his?Patl
oshouldn'
tbehavel
iket
his
hel
lno!Di
phal
aswitchyourf
uckingdamnphoneon
man!

Sheloudlysaidt r
yingtocallhi
m againwhi l
e
outsi
debyt hedooroneoft heresortworkers
stoppedrecordingt hevoi
cenot eandsentitto
Bontsi.Meanwhi l
ei nhishutDiphal
abi tonaroot
andspi ti
taroundt hehutandchant edcall
ingonhis
ancestorswithabr okenstruct
ureont hemat .
..

Diphal
a:thi
scannotbehappeningwecan'tlose
thi
swomannowdadt hi
swomani sourpower.
Withoutherwearenot
hingdad.Youcannotallow
forthi
stohappenwehavecomet hisfart
oletsuch
thi
ngshappenweneedherbacki ntoourci
rcledad
dosomet hi
ngdad

Hesaidgr
oaningandburpi
ngwhi l
eholdinga
str
uct
urethati
ssupposedtobeVictor
ia.Hetook
thematheonlyusesforVi
ctor
iaandputt he
struct
ur einthecent r
eofaci rcl
emadebyt hebl ood
from allthechickensVictori
abr oughtandlittwo
greenandbl ackcandl esaroundt hestruct
ure
talki
ngt ohisfather.Hisgroansandgr untsbecame
l
ouderashecont i
nuedt otalk.Hefelldownshaki ng
foraf ewmi nutesandst oppedopeni nghiseyes.He
smel l
edVi ct
oria'
sscenti nthehutandcoul dt aste
herbloodi nhismout hashesatupsmi li
ng...

Di
phal
a:iknewyouwoul
dneverl
ett
hathappen.

Hesmi l
edmoret
aki
ngthest
ruct
ureandcar
eful
ly
puti
ttoget
herwi
tht
hecandl
essti
llon.
..

Di
phal
a:shewi
llneverbr
eakf
reef
rom usever
.

Hesmil
edmorewhil
ebackinZanzi
barathought
cr
ossedVi
ctor
ia'
smindasshesmil
eddial
ingJune.
..
Vict
ori
a:whydi
dn'
tit
hinkoft
hisear
li
er.Comeon
answer
June:mer
ryChr
ist
masmi
ss
Vi
ctor
ia:mer
rychr
ist
masl
ove.Howar
eyoudoi
ng?
June:i
m goodl
ove.Howi
syourhol
iday?
Vict
ori
a:wewi
llt
alkabouti
twhenicomebackfor
nowiwantyoutodosomethingf
ormequickl
y
June:ok
Vict
ori
a:thereareafewthi
ngshappeni
ngher
e
whichifi
ndabi tst
rangesoiwantyoutogot
omy
house.There'
snoonet her
etheyar
ealli
nMochudi
June:i
m busywi
thmyf
ami
lyl
ove
Vi
ctor
ia:noiwantyout
odot
hisi
ntheeveni
ng.
June:ohok.What
'sup?
Vict
ori
a:gotomyhouse.Goint
omyr oom i
nmy
cl
osetthere'
sabl
ackboxopenityouwil
lfi
ndat
-
shir
tinit
.Takei
tandt
akeitt
ongakaDiphala
June:ohok.Whatshoul
disayt
ohi
m?
Vict
ori
a:heknowswhatt
hatt
-shi
rtmeanshewi
ll
knowwhattodo
June:okl
oveconsi
deri
tdone
Vi
ctor
ia:(
smi
led)t
hankyousomuchmyl
ove

Shesaidhangingupandsi
ghedsitt
ingbackwith
hereyesclosedast
heroom dooropened.She
openedhereyestoPatl
oasshescoffedclosi
ng
them agai
n..
.

Pat
lo:i
m sor
ryl
ove
Vict
ori
a:(
scof
fed)youhavet
hener
vet
owal
kaway
fr
om me.

Shesaidwi
thhereyesclosedwhil
ePatlo
swal
lowedcl
osingthedoortryi
ngtoapologi
se.

AtVi
cky'
sHot
el.
..
Boemobr ief
lyspoketoBaisagoandheadedt othe
hotelrecepti
onside.Shereachedinherpocketand
pressedsomet hingthenheadedinside.Shewent
strai
ghtt oVict
ori
a'soff
iceandlookedaroundthen
tookoutapi nfrom herhairandfi
ddledwitht
he
l
ockasi topened..
.

Boemo:good.

Shesaidsmili
ngandputonhergl
ovescl
osi
ngthe
doorandlockedi
tlooki
ngar
oundtheof
fi
ce.
..

Boemo:l
et'
sseewhatyouhavei
nher
emyl
ove.

Shesaidgoi ngt hroughallthedr

awer softhe
cabi
netandt hef i
lesinthem.Shesighedgoi ngto
herchairasshesatst il
lheari
ngfootsteps
approachingt heof f
icedoor.Akeywentt hroughthe
l
ockasshequi ckl
ywentundert hetable.Aman
whistlingopenedt hecabi netandl ookedar ound
goingoutandl ockedagai n.Undert het ableBoemo
sighedcomi ngoutandopenedt hedr awer s.Ther e
wasonewhi chwasl ockedasshesquat teddown
andt ookherpi nagai nf i
ddl i
ngwi tht hel ockbi t
ing
herlowerl ip.Itopenedasshesmi ledandpul l
edt he
drawerbutj umpedupnotbel ievingwhatshewas
seeing.Twobl ackr ingst i
edt oget heronwhatl ook
l
ikeanani malt ailandaf ewhumanheadpi cturesin
asmal lcont ainert hathadsoi landsomeher bsi nit
.
Shel ookedcl oserandnot icedayoungboy' spi ct
ure
andt ookoutherphonet aki ngapi ct ure.Shecl osed
thedr awershaki ngherheadandmadesur e
everythi ngwasasi twasandmadeherwayt othe
door.Asshewasaboutt oopenakeywentt hrough
thelockasshequi ckl ystoodbehi ndt hedoorwhi l
e
i
topened.Themanst oppedt her eandsi ghedgoi ng
backl eavi ngitopen.Boemowai tedf oraf ew
secondsanddeci dedt ocheckt hecoast .Theman
wasaf ewmet er sawayasshequi cklygotout
taki
ngof fhergl oves.Shesi ghedst eppingoutand
pressedabut tonagai ninherpocketshaki ngher
head...
Boemo:t
hatwasacl
osecal
lfuck.

Shesaidgoi
ngbackt
othepoolsi
dej
oini
ng
ever
yone.

THATEVENI
NG

I
nThembi
sa.
..

Chri
sti
neandPamelaparkedt
hei
rcar
sast
heygot
outwit
hthei
rhusbands.
..

Obi
ego:babewhati
sthi
ssur
pri
se?
Chr
ist
ine:j
ustwai
tlove
St
eve:wehaveal
otofbet
tert
hingst
odo
Pamel
a:l
ovecal
m down
Shesaidunlockingthedoorandswi t
chedonthe
l
ightasDaisyandVer oni
cascr eamedbutst
opped
astheylai
dtheireyesonSteveandObi egowho
swall
owedlookingatoneanot her.
..

Pamela:her
eisyourchr
ist
maspr
esent
sourdear
husbands
Dai
sy:St
evepl
easehel
pust
hesewomenar
eevi
l
St
eve:babewhoar
ethesepeopl
e?
Dai
sy:what
!?
Pamel
a:don'
tpl
aythatgamelove.Youguys
want
edtogoandfucktheset
wobi tchesl
astni
ght
andt
odayri
ght?
Chri
sti
ne:nolovetheyweret
hei
rholi
daysnacks.
Real
lyObiegoisthishowmuchyout hi
nki
m wort
h?
Afucki
ngst upi
dbitch?Comeonloveyoucando
bet
terthanthis
Obi
ego:i
m sosor
ryl
ovewej
ustwant
edt
o..
.
Pamela:ohpl
easeObij
ustshutup.St
evewhat
's
thi
s?
St
eve:i
m sor
ryl
ovei
..
.
Pamela:i
m honest
lyget
ti
ngt
ir
edoft
hisSt
evei
m
get
ti
ngt i
red
Dai
sy:St
evepl
ease
St
eve:canyouj
ustshutt
hef
uckup!

Dai
syswal
lowedlooki
ngathi
m ashesi
ghed
l
ooki
ngathiswi
fe..
.

Steve:ipromiseyoulovethi
sisthel
astt
imeplease
don'ttakethechil
drenawayfrom meyouknowthey
aremyever yt
hing
Pamel
a:whatdi
disayt
hel
astt
imeSt
eve?
Steve:t
hatyouweregoi
ngt
oleavewi
tht
heki
dsbut
babeipromisei
..
.
Pamela:shush!(
Heswall
owedkeepingqui
et)what
shoul
dwedowi t
htheseyounggi
rl
s?
Obi
ego:what
everyouwant
Ver
oni
ca:what
!?
St
eve:yesmylovedowhat
everyouwant
.Wehave
nobusinesswi
tht
hem
Chr
ist
ine:di
dyouheart
hatgi
rl
s?
Pamela:youcangohomet
otheki
dsl
ove.Wewi
ll
takecar
eofthismess
St
eve:(
tookt
hecarkeys)ok(
heki
ssedhercheek)
Obi
ego:il
oveyouok(
hesai
dki
ssi
ngChr
ist
ine)
Daisy:noyoumencan'tl
eaveushere.St
evecome
backhere(theywal
kedout)St
eve!
?
Pamela:iguessyouheardt
hatgir
ls.Theygaveusa
goaheadt odowhateverwewantwiththetwoof
yousoifiwereyouiwouldstar
tsayingmyl ast
prayer

Theytur
nedandtookofft
hei rdr
essesandchanged
i
ntooveral
lst
ryi
ngthei
rhai
r sint
obunsandwor e
showercapsandfaceshi
elds.Theytookoutl
eather
t
hreadedblackwhi
psandturnedt
otheyoung
l
adieswit
hsmi l
esonwhi
letheyswal
lowed.
..

Ver
oni
ca:whatar
eyougoi
ngt
odowi
tht
hose?
Chr
ist
ine:l
et'
sdance

Shesai
dpressi
ngplayonaspeakerastheybot
h
l
andedhar
dst r
okesonthegi
rl
s'
sthighsasthey
scr
eamedinpain.

I
nBokaa.
..

Aft
ertel
li
ngNgakaMar
umoeveryt
hingBoit
shepo
si
ghedlooki
ngatOl
ebi
lewhoswal
lowedlooki
ngat
Marumowhocamewi t
habigcl
aywi t
hhotwateri
n
i
t.
..

Marumo:Di
phal
adiedbuthepassedonhisgi
ftt
o
hi
sson.Sohe'
stheoneincont
rolonear
thnow.
Boi
tshepo:sowhatar
ewegoi
ngt
odo?
Mar umo:somethingscaryisabouttohappenim
l
aunchingaspi r
it
ualwarsoyouguyshavet obe
ready.I
m goingtoneedyouBoi tshepotoprayli
ke
youhaveneverpr ayedbeforet
hischil
d'ssurvi
vali
s
i
nyourhandsnow
Ol
ebi
le:(
wrot
e)wai
twhatdoest
hatmean?
Marumo:youaret
heclosesticangett
oVi
ctor
ia'
s
soulsoi
m goi
ngtouseyou
Ol
ebi
le:idon'
tknowi
ficandot
his
Boi
tshepo:r
ememberwhywear
edoi
ngt
hisLi
bi
Ol
ebi
le:whati
fidon'
tmakei
t?
Boi
tshepo:doyout
rustme?
Ol
ebi
le:yes
Boi
tshepo:t
henthi
sist
heti
met
oopenyourspi
ri
t
andtrustmewit
hyoural
l
Ol
ebi
le:ok
Heswal lowedasBoi tsheposi ghedl ooki ngat
Mar umo.ShenoddedasMar umocl osedhi seyes
calli
ngont heDintsiancestorsandhi sancest or
s
whi l
eBoitshepobegant opr ay.Ol ebil
el ookedon
withhisheartraci
ngandoutofnowher epassedout.
Meanwhi leinhishutNgakaDi phal alaughedout
l
oudmovi ngthet-
shi r
tJunebr oughtt ohi m ona
boili
ngpotwhi l
einZanzi barBont siscreamed
throwingthehairdryerawayast heel ectri
cit
y
almostshockedher ..
.

Diphal
a:nooneput
smyqueen'
sli
fei
ndangerand
getstocel
ebr
atei
t

Hel aughedbuthisl
aughwascutshortbyanowl
thatdroppeddeadinhishutashest
oppedand
quicklyri
chedforhi
scane..
.

Di
phal
a:whoi
slaunchi
nganat
tackonme!
?
.
.
.
.
.
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
CAGED
20

At
amel angcamerunningint
ohermother
'sr
oom
af
terheari
ngherscream f
rom downt
hepassage.
..

At
amel
ang:i
sever
ythi
ngokmom?
Bontsi
:(f
rownedl
ooki
ngatt
hepl
ug)inear
lygot
shockedbythedr
yer
At
amel
ang:di
dyouhol
dthepi
nswi
thwethands?

Asshesai
dthewindowoftheirroom opened
bl
owingt
hecurt
ainup.Theylookedonwi thf
rowns
ont
hei
rfaces.
..

Bont
si:i
sitwi
ndyout
side?
At
amel
ang:no(
hear
tski
pped)mamawhati
f.
..
Bont
si:sssh

Shesaidgoi
ngt
othewi
ndowandcl
osedi
ttaki
ng
herbag.
..

At
amel
ang:whatar
eyoudoi
ngmom?
Bontsi
:ifVi
ctori
athi
nksshe'sdeal
ingwithan
amaturethenshewi l
lknowwhoBont siKwenai
s.
Lockthedoor,andtakeyourbi
ble

Shesaidt aki
ngoutawhi t
elongrobeandputiton
asAtamel anglookedonwonderingwhatwas
happening.Shehasseent hoseclot
hesbef
orebut
coul
dn'trecallwhere.
..
At
amel
ang:mamawhatar
ethose?
Bontsi
:naar
eAt ayouaresti
llst
andi
ngthere?I
askedyoutolockthedoorandtakeoutyourbi
ble
At
amel
ang:idi
dn'
tpackmybi
blemom
Bont
si:At
amel
angisai
dtakeoutyourbi
ble
At
amel
ang:i
sever
ythi
ngokmom?
Bont
si:canyoupl
easedoasisayyounggi
rl

Sheswal
lowedlooki
nginherbagandf
rowned
sur
pri
sedtofi
ndthebibl
e..
.

Bontsi
:swi
tchof
fthel
ight
s(shesai
dtaki
ngher
phone)
Kel
ell
o:MrsKwenaiwasabouttocal
lyouandask
youtopraywi
thmeijustf
eltacol
dwindandmy
hai
rstr
andsri
sing
Bont
si:iknewi
twasgoi
ngt
ocomet
othi
s.Pl
ease
l
ightyourcandl
esandt
akeyourbi
ble

Kelel
loquickl
ydidasBontsiaskedherwhi
le
Atamelanglookedathermotherli
ghti
ngher
candlesconfused.
..

At
amel
ang:mama.
..
Bontsi
:At
amel angKwenayourmotheri
san
or
dainedprophetesI
'
m notasangomahenceiuse
whit
ecandlesandabi bl
e
At
amel
ang:butwhen.
..
Bontsi
:wewi
llt
alkaboutthatatt
herightt
imemy
babynowmommyhast otalktoGod.Kneeldown
(shedi
d)Mmamf undi
si?
Kel
ell
o:wer
eadyonoursi
de
Bont si:l
et'
sholdhands,bowourheadsandtalkto
ourGod.( Theydi
d)Dearheavenl
yGodicome
befor eyouasyourservantnotBont
siKwena.Jesus
icallupont heheavensangel
stodescendatthis
moment
Atamelangswal lowedwithherheartr
acingand
slowlystartedtoutt
ersomewor dsaswel l.
Meanwhi leinhishutDiphal
aroaredholdinghis
chestwhi l
el i
qui
dinhispotconti
nuedtoboi l.He
feltaburningsensati
oninhischestashest arted
coughing..
.

Diphal
a:i
m notgoingtoall
owf ort
histohappen.
Never!Vi
ctori
aDi
nt sii
soursandwillf
oreverbe
ours.Di
phalahel
pmef i
ght
!

Hesai dtakingasmal lbagandst ar

tedblowinginit
.
Thebur ningsensationcamebackagai nashe
threwthebagont hefloorcoughingholdi
nghis
chest.Hiseyesst art
edt ur
ningasanotherowl
droppeddeadi nhi shut.Hecriedhisf
ather'
sname
outandt urnedlookingatVictori
a'
sshaking
str
ucture.Hecaughti tjustasitwasabouttohitthe
groundcr yi
ng..
.
Di
phal
a:Vi
ctor
iaDi
ntsiyoubel
ongt
otheDi
phal
a'
s

Meanwhil
einMochudiOlebil
eshookuncontr
oll
abl
y
whil
eMarumocall
edont heDint
siancest
orsand
hi
sancestor
sbeat
ingOlebil
ewithhi
sflywhisk
whil
eBoit
shepopr
ayedcr yi
ngwhil
esweating
bul
let
satthesameti
me...

Boitshepo:Godihaveneverpr ayedtoyoul i
kethis.
HelpusLor d,hel
pmehel pmyf amil
yLor dJesus
what everthingistr
yingtodest roymyf amilyistand
againstitJesus.Youal onear eGodandibel i
eve
youwi llshowyourgr eatnesstoday.VictoriaDintsi
belongswi thusGodnotwi ththeDi phalafamil
y
Lordpl easecomet hroughf orme.Myf amilyis
dependi ngonmeJesus.Saveusr i
ghtnow!Ri ght
nowJesus!Isai dri
ghtnowJesus!Showyour
greatnessr i
ghtnowLor d!(Burstintoaloudcr y
holdingherchest )OhModi mo!OhJehovah!Save
usLor dyoual onearegr eat
!Showyourgr eatness
Jesus!
Sheprayedcryingsol
oudasOl
ebi
lest
art
edmaki
ng
soundssti
llshaki
ng.
..

Marumo:don'
tstopprayi
ng.Di
ntsicl
ancome
t
hroughri
ghtnow!Saveyourdaughternow!
Di
phal
a:Never
!

Hesaidi
nhishutashecriedrunningout
sideand
gotoneoft
hechickensheboughtwi t
hVict
ori
a'
s
moneyandranbackintohishut.
..

Di
phal
a:Vi
ctor
iaDi
ntsii
snotgoi
nganywher
e!

Hesaidcryi
ngouttohisfatherhol
dingthechi
cken
i
nhishandswhileinZanzibarBontsicr
iedhol
ding
herchestwhi
leprayi
ngwithhercrew...
Bont si
:Lor
di m bei
ngt r
iednotbyanyonebut
Victori
aDintsi
.Lordthiswomani susi
ngyour
naturetodestroymymar ri
age.Lordareyougoing
toallowthi
swomant odestroymymar ri
agewit
h
whatyoucr eated?Noi m notgoingtoall
owthat
Lord.Ineedyout oopenmyhusband' seyesri
ght
nowandmakehi m seewhatt hi
swomani sinhis
l
ife
Kelel
lo:nomar r
iagei
sgoingtobebrokenby
someonewhodi dn'
tbri
ngitt
oget
herLord.You
broughtBontsiKwenaandPatloKwenat oget
her
andonl ydeat
hisgoingtodothem apart
Pesal
ema:she'
syourservantLord.Shehasbeen
nothi
ngbutgoodtoyou.She'
scr yi
ngtoyounow
andit
sti
meyoul i
stenedtoherLord.Youputheri
n
thi
smarri
ageforareasonLordletyourwi
llbedone
God!
Atamelang:yousayinyourwor dthatourbi
ggest
weaponi sthetongueGodsowespeakpr otect
ion,
l
oveandpeacei nmypar ent
'smarri
age.Amar ri
age
thatpr
oducedmeJesus.Neveri nanygivenday
haveieversinnedagainstyouLord.Youpromised
tonotfor sakemeGodsot hisistheti
met obring
thatpromi setol i
feGod.Iwantandneedmy
parentstoget herandnothingf or
medagai nstthem
shallprosper!Ispeakyourunquenchabl efi
reon
anyevilspi r
itcomi ngbeforemypar entsmarriage.
Yougaveyouronl ysontodi eforusGod.Jesusyou
diedont hatcr ossforthestrengthofmypar ents
mar r
iageandf ormyhappi nessandf ormet ohave
bothpar entsunderoner oofandi nlovewithone
anothersoi m notgoi ngtoallowyout oall
owt his
womant obr eakmyf amil
yapar t
!TakecontrolLord!

Shesaidburst
ingintotear
sastheyconti
nuedto
praywhil
einDiphala'
shutheputthechickenonthe
matthatgetsseat
edonbyVi ct
oriaonl
yandt ook
thet-
shi
rt
...

Di
phal
a:(
shout
ed)shutup!

Ashesaidal
oudbangofli
ght
ningst
ruckasit
begant
oheavi
lyr
ainwhi
leatt
hehouseOrefefel
ta
shar
ppainonherwaistasReatl
egi
leandt
heki
ds
rant
otheroom hear
ingherscr
eam..
.

Reat
legi
le:maar
eyouok?
Or
efe:(
inpai
n)mywai
sthur
tssobad
Reat
legi
le:Let
lot
logogetwar
m wat
erqui
ckl
y
Bosa:
wher
eisaunt
yBoiandOl
ebi
le?
Reat
legi
le:don'
twor
ryaboutt
hem.Hel
pmehel
p
gr
annyli
edown
Or
efe:if
eell
ikei
minl
abour
Reat
legi
le:(
frowned)mma?

AsshesaidOref
escreamedinpai
nasLame
qui
ckl
ygrabbedherbibl
eandstar
tedpr
ayi
ng.
..

Lame:Lor
dmygr
andmot
heri
sinpai
nnowpl
ease
hel
pher
Reat
legi
le:Let
lot
lohur
rywi
tht
hewat
erpl
ease!
Let
lot
lo:her
e

Hesai dgi
vingherbowlwhi leil
ookedont err
ifi
ed.I
haveneverseenanyt hingli
kethis.Wasgr anny
dyingonChr i
stmasdayandherbi rthday?Lame
start
edprayinginalanguageidi dn'tknow.Was
thatevenwor dscomingoutofhermout h?Granny
wasi nsomuchpai nwhi leAuntyReat riedal
lshe
couldtohelpher.Iquickl
yranformyphoneand
tri
edtodialuncleTemoandourdr iverbuttheir
phoneswer eoff.
..

Bosa:
Let
lot
logi
vemegr
eatuncl
e'
snumber

Hedidasiwentout sidecall
ingmygreatuncl
e.It
wasraini
ngcat sanddogsandidi dn'
tknowhowhe
wasgoingtogett ot hehousebuthehadnochoi ce
becausehissisterwasi nsomuchpai nandaunty
Reawasst ar
tingt ocrywi t
hhernowwhi l
eLame
conti
nuedtopr ay.Iswallowedgoingbacktothe
houseasifeltahugel umpst oponmythroat
.I
clearedmyt hroatandwenti
ntogranny'
sroom as
thepowercut .Sit
tingl
ikeawomangi vi
ngbir
thon
herbedgr annycr i
edsobadwhileAuntyReatri
ed
allshecouldtohel pherwhi
leLet
lot
locamewi t
h
candlesandl i
tthem asLameaskedust ost
art
praying.
..

Diphal
a:(l
aughing)Vict
ori
aDi
ntsiyouar
enotgoi
ng
anywhereisti
llsay!

Hesai dlaughingoutbr eaki

ngthechi
ckenneckand
madeanot herlayerofbloodonVict
ori
a'
smatwhile
Olebi
le'smout hstartedfoamingandBont
si'
s
candl
esgoi ngoff..
.

Bontsi
:Godist
il
lsayno!Thi
sisnotgoi
ngt
o
happen!No!
Di
phal
a:Vi
ctor
iaDi
ntsiyoubel
ongwi
thus
Boi
tshepo:what
'sgoi
ngonwi
thhi
m!?
Mar
umo:don'
tst
oppr
ayi
ng
Boi
tshepo:buthe'
sfoaming(
bursti
ntomor
etear
s)
nothi
scan'tbehappeni
ng!No!
Mar umo:Diphalarel
easeVi ctor
iaDintsinowshe
hasnot hi
ngthatbelongstoyou!Vi ctori
aDintsii
sa
goodwomanwhodeser vest oli
veagoodl i
fe!I
t'
s
ti
meyour el
easedtheDintsifamilyfrom yourballof
darkness.Im sur
eyoudon' twantt ofaceoffwith
mebecausewhati m doi
ngr i
ghtnowi snothing
Di
phal
a:(
laughed)yout
hinki
m scar
edofyou?

Helaughedasli
ght
ningst
ruckBoi
tshepowho
passedout.
..

Mar
umo:(
sighed)iaskedyout
onotst
oppr
ayi
ng

Hesaidtaki
ngasmal
lbot
tl
eandputi
tnextt
o
Boi
tshepo..
.

Di
phal
a:nowwhoi
sasmal
lboynowMar
umo?
Marumo:yout
hinkyouaredeal
ingwi
thmeonl
y?I
haveahugear
mourbehindme
Di
phal
a:gi
veup
Marumo:notunt
ilVi
ctor
iaDi
ntsii
ssaf
efr
om your
chai
ns!

Hesaidopeningthesmal lbot
tl
ewhi l
einhi
shut
Diphal
asneezedfall
ingbackwhi l
einZanzi
bar
Bontsimanagedtoli
ghthercandlesagainand
conti
nuedtopray.Atthei
rsidePatlocameoutthe
showerlooki
ngatVictori
awhosmi l
edathi
m..
.

Vi
ctor
ia:what
?
Patlo:(l
if
tedasmallbot
tl
e)if
oundt
hisi
nyour
toi
letrybagVict
ori
awhatisit
?
Vi
ctor
ia:(
swal
lowed)whatar
eyoudoi
ngi
nmybag
Pat
lo?
Pat
lo:Vi
ctor
iaar
eyouawi
tch?
Vi
ctor
ia:excuseme!
?
Patl
o:Vi
ctor
iat
hist
hingsmel
lsl
ikeshi
tar
eyou
bewit
chi
ngme?
Vict
ori
a:(
chuckl
ed)youhonest
lycan'
tbeser
ious
ri
ghtnow
Bont
si:Lor
dim notgoi
ngt
obackdownwheni
t
comestomymar ri
age!
Atamelang:Lor
dnotmydadbei
ngusedbyt
he
darknessno!
Kel
ell
o:i
tsBont
siandPat
loKwenaLor
dnotanyone
el
se!
Pesal
ema:i
t'
sti
meyouwi
pedhert
ear
sLor
d!
Mar
umo:Rel
easeVi
ctor
ianow!
Pat
lo:Vi
ctor
iaar
eyoubewi
tchi
ngme!
?
Vict
ori
a:awomanofmycali
brePat
lor
eal
ly?I
m not
desper
atef
orcr
yingoutl
oud
Lame:Lor
dwhateverishappeni
ngtomy
grandmot
heri
snotrightical
luponyourcont
rol
ri
ghtnow!
Di
phal
a:Vi
ctor
iabel
ongst
ome!
Mar
umo:Vi
ctor
iai
sfort
hel
ight
!

Hesai
dgivingOl
ebil
eandBoitsheposomewater
wi
thherbsasBoi
tshepocoughedwakingup.
..

Mar
umo:Boi
tshepoDi
ntsipr
ay
Boitshepo:(
sighedexhaust
ed)aoModimoyo
tl
etsengtshwarowhyar eyoudoingt
histome?To
us?Tomyf amily?Whathavedonetodeser
vethi
s?
Pat
lo:i
m notsl
eepi
ngwi
thawi
tch
Vi
ctor
ia:what
!?Wher
edoyout
hinkyouar
egoi
ng?
Pat
lo:somewher
efarf
rom you
Vi
ctor
ia:Pat
lonoyoucan'
tleaveme!
Pat
lo:wat
chme!

Hesaidbreaki
ngthebott
leonthefl
oorandopened
thecl
osetpacki
nghisthi
ngs.Meanwhil
ein
ThembisaDaisyandVeroni
cacri
edasthei
rthi
ghs
ski
nbrokeapartwhi
lePamelaandChri
sti
ne
merci
l
esslyt
hrashedthem wi
ththewhi
pps..
.

Pamela:youthinkyoucansl
eepwi
thmymanand
gett
ocelebrateit
?Notwithmemygir
l
Dai
sy:(
cryi
ng)youar
eamur
der
er!
Pamel
a:i
m evenpr
oudofi
tbi
tch!
Ver
oni
ca:(
cryi
ng)youar
egoi
ngt
obur
ninhel
l!
Chr
ist
ine:af
teryoupi
ecet
rash!

Theysaidtear
ingthei
rdr
essesapar
tandthei
r
under
neathclothi
ngastheysatt
her
enakedti
edt
o
themetalchai
rs..
.

Pamel
a:t
oear
thyoucamenaked!
Chri
sti
ne:andf
rom ear
thyouar
egoi
ngt
oleave
naked!
Theypulledthearmsoftheirover
allsupand
conti
nuedt omerci
lessl
yhitthem ever
ywher
ewhil
e
theycri
edinpainwi t
hthei
rskinsbreaki
ngapar
t.

InDi phala'
shut ,hegotupandgott hechicken
throwingi tintheboil
ingliquidandtookVi ct
oria'
s
structureput t
ingiti
nt hemi ddl
eoft hebloodwhile
Mar umost art
edt of
eel heavyonhi schestwhich
madehi m strugglet
obr eath.Sti
llprayi
ngBoitshepo
frownedl ookingathim ashedi r
ectedtocontinueto
pray...

Di
phala:noonei
sabovemyf
atherandinor
Vi
ctor
ia.Werul
e!

Hesai dtaki
ngaspearandstabbedthecent r
eof
Victor
ia'
smatj ustcl
osetoVi
ctori
a'
sstructur
eas
Mar umogaggedf all
ingonhi
skneesholdinghis
chestasBoi t
shepofrownedl
ookingathim whil
ehe
sti
lldi
rectedhertoconti
nuewit
hherprayer..
.
Boi
tshepo:t
akecont
rolLor
d!Letyourwi
llbedone!
Bont
si:l
etitbeknownuntot
heheavenst
hatBont
si
Kwenawillneverl
osehermant
oanevilwoman!
Vi
ctor
ia:Pat
lost
opi
t!
Pat
lo:goodbyeVi
ctor
ia!

Hesaidcli
ckinghistongueandpull
edhisbagbut
asheopenedt hedoorVictor
iaqui
ckl
ytookaside
l
ampandhi thim onthebackofhisheadashe
passedoutfall
ingdown...

Vict
ori
a:bloodymor ondoyouknowwhoiam?Yes
i
m bewitchingyouwhatdoyouthinkyouar
egoing
todoabouti t
?Not hi
ngPat
loKwenayouarenot
hing
butapieceoft oy!

Shesaidpull
inghi
m backinsi
deandlockedthe
doorunpacki
nghisbags.Shebitherl
owerli
pand
pull
edhi
m upont hebedlayi
nghim downandtook
offhi
sshoestaki
ngabot t
lefr
om herhandbagand
putsomeoilunderhi
sfeet.
..

Vi
ctor
ia:Pat
loKwenayouandibel
ongt
oget
herok

Shesaidwithasmileonherfacel
ookingathi
m
whil
einthei
rroom Bont
sicri
edhereyesoutasher
candl
esfini
shed.
..

Kel
ell
o:i
t'
sgoi
ngt
obeokMr
sKwenaj
usthangi
n
t
here

Bontsicutthecal
landcal
ledherdaught eri
nher
armsast heybothhyst
eri
call
ycried.Meanwhil
ein
MochudiOr efest
oppedcryi
ngandsi ghedasthe
painsubsidedwhil
eLamesmi led..
.

Lame:t
hankyouJesus
Iswall
owedopeni
ngmyeyesaswellasAunty
Reat
legil
eandUncl
eLedi
basi
ghedoutofrel
ief
seei
nggrannysi
ghi
ngaswell
..
.

Bosa:
areyouokgr
anny?
Oref
e:yesmysonihonest
lydon'
tunder
standwhat
washappeni
ngwit
hme

Meanwhil
einhi
shutDiphal
asmi
ledki
ssi
ng
Vi
ctor
ia'
sstr
uct
ure.
..

Di
phal
a:myqueen.Thankyoudad

Helaughedoutl
oudastherainslowl
ystopped
whil
einMarumo'shutBoi
tshepo'
sheartraced
l
ookingatMarumowhoseemedunconsci ous.She
swall
owedahugelumpcr awli
ngtohim andshook
hi
m buthewasnotresponding.
..
Boi
tshepo:NgakaMarumonoyoucan'
tdot
hist
o
me!Pleasecomeback!(
Shesai
dshaki
nghi
m)
NgakaMar umo!
Ol
ebi
le:(
coughed)Aunt
yB?
Boi
tshepo:(
sni
ff
edt
urni
ng)Ol
ebi
le?
Ol
ebi
le:whathappenedher
e?
Boi
tshepo:youcant
alk!
?

Shesai
dcoveri
nghermout
handbursti
ntot
ear
s
whil
eOlebi
lesl
owl
ysatupconf
used.
.
.
.
.
.
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
CAGED
 21

Olebi
le:aunt
yBst
opcr
yingandt
ellmewhat
's
goingon
Boi
tshepo:(
sni
ff
edsmi
li
ng)ihonest
lycan'
tbel
ieve
youcantalk
Ol
ebi
le:wai
tami
nut
eaboutt
hatij
usthadt
hewor
st
dr
eam ever
Boi
tshepo:what
?
Olebile:icouldn' ttalkmyl ipsweresealedli
keglued
together.Itri
edt omakesoundsbutnoonewas
hearingme.I nt hatdr eam isawVi ctor
iabutthe
mor eit r
iedtot al ktohert hefurt
hershewal ked
from me.Imadesoundsasl oudasicoul dbutshe
keptgoi ngunt ilshegotundert her i
verandnever
cameout .Icriedmyeyesoutandawoman
touchedmyshoul der.It
urnedandshet ol
dmeshe
wasmygr eatgr andmot her.It
ri
edt otel
lherabout
mom i nariverbutshedi sappearedandiwokeup
Boi
tshepo:t
hat
'shect
ic
Olebil
e:pl
easetel
lmewemanagedt
osave
everyone(shet
urnedt
oMar
umo)what!
?What
happened?
Boi
tshepo:hehel
dhi
schestandt
hatwasi
t
Olebi
le:aunt
ywhatarewegoi
ngt
odo?Theyar
e
goingtosaywekil
ledhi
m
Boit
shepo:(
swal
lowedchecki
nghi
spul
se)he'
s
real
lygonehi
sneckisevencol
d
Ol
ebi
le:sowhatdowedo?
Boitshepo:NgakaMarumowasawellknown
Traditi
onaldoct
orhedeser
vesasendofff
itf
ora
personhewas
Ol
ebi
le:butwedon'
tknowhi
sfami
ly?
Boi
tshepo:uncl
eLedi
baknowshi
m iwi
llt
alkt
ohi
m
Ol
ebi
le:andhowwi
llyouexpl
ainusbei
ngher
e?
Boit
shepo:wewi
llcr
osst
hatbri
dgewhenweget
ther
e(shesai
dcl
osingMarumo'
seyes)
Ol
ebil
e:icannevert
ouchadeadbodyi
m even
cr
ingi
nglooki
ngatit
Boi
tshepo:i
t'
sjustahar
mlessbody
Ol
ebi
le:oksoar
ewegoi
ngt
oleavehi
m her
e?
Boi
tshepo:t
hiswashi
shappypl
acebutiwi
llcal
l
myuncleonourwayhome
Ol
ebi
le:ok.I
m goi
ngt
ohaveni
ght
mar
est
hough
Boit
shepo:west
il
lhaveal
ongwayt
ogoj
ustsoyou
know
Ol
ebi
le:(
frowned)yousounddi
ff
erent
Boi
tshepo:whatdoyoumean?
Ol
ebi
le:t
heaunt
yBiknowwoul
dbepani
cki
ngnow?
Boi
tshepo:(
smi
led)canwepl
easegohome?
Ol
ebi
le:hel
pmeupont
hewheel
chai
rthen

Theylaughedasshehel
pedhi
m andpushedhimto
thecarasshegotint
hedri
ver
'sseatanddr
oveout
call
ingheruncl
e.

THEFOLLOWI
NGMORNI
NG
I
nMochudi
..
.

Reatlegi
leandLamecameoutofOr ef
e'sroom
fol
dingthei rgownswit
hf r
ownsonthei
rfacesgoing
i
ntot hekitchenwheretheyhear
dsomesof tsounds
comingf rom ther
e..
.

Reat
legi
le:ohi
tsyou
Boi
tshepo:(
smil
ed)goodmor
ningever
yoneihopei
di
dn'twakeyouguysup
Let
lot
lo:what
'sgoi
ng.
..
ohmom
Boi
tshepo:goodmor
ningboyhowwasyour
Chr
istmas?
Let
lot
lo:wher
ear
eyouf
rom?Wher
eisOl
ebi
le?
Boit
shepo:Ol
ebi
lei
ssl
eepi
ngi
ntheot
herr
oom wi
th
theki
ds
Or
efe:Boi
tshepo
Boi
tshepo:goodmor
ningma
Or
efe:wher
edi
dyoudi
sappeart
o?
Boitshepo:ijustt
ookashor tdr
ivewithOlebi
lemom.
Het oldmet hathewasfeelingabitl
eftoutsoi
decidedt ogivehi
m undi
videdattent
ion.Wedr ove
tothegr aveyardsandvi
sitedBoingotl
o
Let
lot
lo:maOlebi
lei
snotwellyoucan'
tbedr
ivi
ng
wit
hhim atni
ghtandespeci
all
ywhentheweather
wasli
kethat
Lame:butt
heycamehomesaf
eisn'
tthatwhat
matt
ers
Let
lot
lo:wel
lshe.
..
Oref
e:Let
lot
loit'
sst
il
ltooearl
yfort
hat
.Wher
e's
t
hatnaughtyfr
iendofyours?
Bosa:
he'
sst
il
lasl
eep.Goodmor
ning
Boi
tshepo:(
smi
led)ohhiboyhowwasyourf
ir
st
chr
ist
mashome?
Bosa:itwasf
inebutwhatiwantt
oknowi
swher
e
Olebi
leis
Boi
tshepo:he'
ssl
eepingwi
ththeot
herki
ds.Hef
elt
abi
tleftoutsowetookayoungdri
ve
Bosa:ohiseebuti
don'
teverwantt
oseewhati
sawlastni
ght
Boi
tshepo:(
frowned)whatdi
dyousee?
Bosa:im gl
admyfrienddi
dn'
twakeupt
oseet
he
cr
azinessgoingon
Reat
legi
le:yourmotherwasi
npai
nBoi
tshepoand
wecouldn'tr
eachyou
Boi
tshepo:(
swal
lowed)ar
eyouokmom?
Or
efe:yesi
m oknow.I
tfel
tli
keiwasgi
vingbi
rt
h

Boi
tshepof
eltashar
ppainonherheadasshe
br
okethegl
assinherhandandclosedhereyes.
..

Lame:mom ar
eyouok?
Bosa:okihavewi
tnessedenoughwher
eisour
dr
iver
?
Boi
tshepo:(
sighed)i
m okl
ove
Lame:ar
eyousur
e?
Boi
tshepo:yesmybabyim sur
e.Im al
mostdone
wit
hbreakfastsoyouguyswil
lbeeati
ngsoon

Shewalkedoutoft hekitchenaseveryonewentt o
thel
ivi
ngr oom exceptforOref
ewhof rowned
l
ooki
ngatherdaught erstandi
ngoutside.Ther
ewas
somethingdiff
erentaboutherbutshecoul dn'
ttel
l
whatitwas...

Or
efe:Boi
areyousur
eever
ythi
ngi
sok?
Boi
tshepo:yesmom why?
Orefe:t
hingisther
e'ssomet
hingdif
fer
entaboutyou
butican'tputmyfingeroni
t.Youhaveaheavy
aurawithyou
Boit
shepo:(
chuckled)st
opbei
ngsi
ll
ymom.Obat
la
thebrownpieceofmeataker
e
Theylaughedasshewentbacki ntothehousewhil
e
Oref
eheadedt oherbedroom.Boitsheposighed
wipi
ngherhandsbutqui ckl
yst
oppedasshecaught
agli
mpseofashadow.Sheswal lowedwi t
hher
hear
tracingl
ookingaroundandcl osedhereyes
si
ghing..
.

Lame:mama?
Boi
tshepo:t
hesausages

Sheclear
edherthroatat
tendi
ngtothem whi
le
Lamesquinthereyesandscoffedt
akingagl
assof
water
.

I
nZanzi
bar
..
.

Lookinghersel
finthemi
rrorBont
sisi
ghedgoing
throughherweddingpi
ctureswhi
leherdaught
er
groanedwakingup.Shelookedupandsmi l
edat
her..
.
Bont
si:your
eal
lycansl
eepf
ordaysAt
a
At
amel
ang:howl
ongwasiout
?
Bont
si:theDutchesi
nvi
tedusforbr
eakfastbuti
coul
dn'tleaveyoual
onesoihadtodropthem
At
amel
ang:i
t'
sevenpastbr
eakf
astt
ime?
Bont
si:yesmyl
ove
Atamel
ang:(
sighed)yoh.Anywayhowar
eyou
doingmom?
Bont
si:i
m ok
At
amel
ang:ar
eyousur
e?
Bont
si:yesl
ove
At
amel
ang:af
terwhathappenedyest
erday?
Bontsi
:myl
oveonethingyoushouldunder
stand
aboutGodi
sthathel
istenedandhear
dus
Atamelang:butf
rom whatisawi
tlookedl
ikeyou
fai
led
Bont
si:i
nnakedeyesi
ghti
tlooksl
ikeihavebut
spi
ri
tual
yihavej
ustbegun
At
amel
ang:idon'
tunder
stand
Bontsi:yourdad'
sspiri
tiscagedmyl oveanditwil
l
takemet ofreeit
.Im hiswif
e,Godbroughthim my
wayf orareasonandt hat
'stofr
eeandpr ot
ecthim
At
amelang:itallsoundswei
rdbutasl
ongasi
t
meansnotlosingmydadt othatwoman
Bontsi
:you,
yourdadandiwi
llbeaper
fectf
ami
ly
wit
ht i
memyl ove
At
amelang:whataboutal
lthepl
answehadf
ort
his
woman?
Bont
si:ever
ythi
nggoesaspl
anned?
At
amel
ang:oh?
Bont
si:yesmybabyasl ongasshe'
suncomfor
tabl
e
shewillneverenj
oyhert
imewit
hyourfat
her
At
amel
ang:okthen.Nowcanyoupleaseor
deri
n
mybr
eakf
astisn'
tyoudeci
dedtonotwakemeup
Bont
si:(
chuckl
ed)goshowerandst
opbei
ngsi
ll
y
At
amel
ang:ma.
..
Bont
si:At
ago

Theyl aughedasshewenti ntothebathroom whil

e
Bont sismiledlooki
ngathersel
finthemi r
roragai
n.
Shecheckedher selfoutmoreandtookthephone
calli
ngf orroom servi
cewhil
epicki
nganout fi
tfor
theday.Shesmi ledtaki
ngoutashortdressand
sandal sthentextedRobert
.Attheotherside
Victoriaquickl
yclosedhereyeswhilePatlogrunt
ed
stretchingashewokeupf r
om hisl
ongsl eep.
..

Pat
lo:honey?
Vi
ctor
ia:(
wit
hhereyescl
osed)hmm?
Pat
lo:don'
tyouhavepai
nki
ll
ers?
Vi
ctor
ia:i
nthedr
awer
Pat
lo:ok

Hesai
dget
ti
ngoffbedandwipedhi
sfeetonthe
matgoi
ngf
orthepi
ll
s.HetooktwoasVict
ori
afake
yawnedsi
tt
ingup.
..

Vi
ctor
ia:ar
eyouok?
Pat
lo:ihadaver
yexhaust
ingdr
eam
Vi
ctor
ia:about
?
Pat
lo:iwasrunningt
hewholeti
mebutcoul
dn'
ttel
l
whatiwasrunningfr
om butiwasscar
ed
Vict
ori
a:i
tsokl
ove.Wej usthadal
it
tl
ear
gument
butyouendedupsleepi
ng
Pat
lo:ar
gumentabout
?
Vi
ctor
ia:not
hinghect
icl
ovecal
m down
Pat
lo:noiwantt
oapol
ogi
sei
fihur
tyoubabe
Vi
ctor
ia:Pat
lol
ovei
t'
sreal
ly.
..

Shefeltali
quidr
undownhernoseandwi
pedi
tas
herheartski
ppedseei
ngbl
ood.
..

Vi
ctor
ia:no
Shesaidrunningint
othebat
hroom asPat
lo
fol
lowedherin..
.

Pat
lo:ar
eyouok?
Vi
ctor
ia:i
m havi
nganosebl
eed
Pat
lo:washt
henose
Vi
ctor
ia:t
hat
'swhati
m doi
ngPat
lobuti
t'
snot
st
oppi
ng
Pat
lo:doest
hisusual
lyhappen?
Vict
ori
a:noihaveneverhadanosebl
eedi
nmy
enti
reexi
stence.Cal
lthedoct
or

Shesaidwashingt hebloodthatcoul
dn'
tstopas
Patl
oquickl
yreachedf orthephoneanddialedt he
emergencyservicesoftheresort
.Meawhil
eVi ctori
a
tookati
ssueandt r
iedt
obl owhernosebutnot hing
waswor ki
ngout .Shestart
edtofeeldi
zzyand
passedoutont hebathroom fl
oorasPatl
orant o
her
..
.

Pat
lo:Vi
ctor
ia?Pl
easewakeup.Vi
c?

Hesaidgentl
yslappi
nghercheekbutshejustl
aid
t
hereasthemanageropenedthedoorwithtwo
mal
enur ses.
..

Manager
:si
r?
Pat
lo:i
nthebat
hroom hur
ry

Theywentinandcheckedhert
henl
oadedheron
thest
recher
..
.

Pat
lo:wi
llshebeok?
Nur
se:weneedhermedi
calhi
stor
ypl
easegeti
tfor
usi
fyoucan
Pat
lo:okbutwher
ear
eyout
aki
ngher
?
Nurse:tothehospi
talshe'
snotdoi
ngwel
l
.Shehas
l
ostal otofbl
oodasi ti
s
Pat
lo:okiwi
llber
ightbehi
ndyou

Hesaidchangi
ngint
oshort
sandat-
shir
twhil
e
t
ryi
ngtocallDai
sywhosephonewasnotgoi
ng
t
hrough.
..

Pat
lo:comeonDaisyansweryourphoneyour
motherneedsyou

Hesaidpaci
ngbehindthemanagerandwent
t
hroughVict
ori
a'sphonetaki
ngJune'
snumber .I
t
j
ustrangunansweredashesighedst
ressed.
..

Pat
lo:shi
t!

I
nThembi
sa.
..
Pamel
aandChri
sti
nesatdownspit
ti
ngonthefl
oor
l
ooki
ngatanunr
esponsi
veDaisyandVer
onica.
..

Pamel
a:yout
hinkt
heyar
edead?
Chr
ist
ine:yes
Pamel a:(
li
ftedDaisy'
sheadasitdropped)good
that'
swhatabi t
chli
keyoudeservesyounggirl
.Tel
l
them inhellthatonethi
ngyouwillneverdoi
nyour
afterl
ifei
st oevertr
ysleepwit
hamar ri
edman
Chri
sti
ne:l
et'
scal
ltheboyst
ocomeandcl
eanup
thi
smess
Pamel
a:ok

Shecli
ckedhert ongueastheychangedi
ntothei
r
cl
eanclothesandwentoutmaki ngaphonecall.
Chri
sti
nereversedoutandassoonast hecarnoise
becamedi st
antDaisyopenedhereyeswit
hher
wholebodyinpai n.
..
Dai
sy:shi
t

Shesl
owlyturnedt
oVeroni
cawhowasst
il
loutand
sof
tl
ytouchedherf
ace.
..

Daisy:wakeupVeronicaweneedtol
eavebefor
e
themencomeher e.Theythi
nkwearedeadsothey
didn'
tlockt
hedoor.(Shej
ustsatt
her
e)Vero?Wake
upt l
hemma

Shesaidsl
owlystandi
ngupandcar
eful
lyl
if
ted
Ver
onica'
sface.
..

Dai
sy:Ver
onicadon'
ttel
lmeyouare..
.yohmmaI
'
m
l
eavi
ngim notgoi
ngtositf
ort
his.Ver
o?Wakeup

Shetr
iedtowakeherupbutshewasnotmovingas
sheswall
owedandslowl
ywentfort
hedoor.She
car
efull
yopeneditwithnothingonandl ooked
out
side.Itwasabitofadistancetotheroadbutit
wasbetterthannothi
ng.Shewasnotgoi ngtol
et
her
selfbebur i
edl
ikethat
.Shel ookedbackat
Ver
onicaandswal l
owedgoi ngout..
.

Dai
sy:goodbyemyf
ri
end

Shesai dslowl ymaki ngherwayoutt ryi

ngtobe
carefultonothur ther sel f
.Asshegotoutt hegate
shehear dacarappr oachi ngasshequi ckl
ystood
behindat reeasi twenti nsidet heyar d.She
swallowedl ookingatt hement akingoutspades
goingtot heback.Thatwasi therf r
iendwasgoi ng
tobebur ied.Shet ear f
ul l
yswal l
owedandchecked
howf arshewasf r
om t her oadandasshewas
aboutt ocont inuewal kingshehear damansi ngi
ng
accompani edbyani mal sst eps.Shedeci dedto
standther eandast hemanandhi shor seappeared
shequi cklyputaf ingeronherl ipsaski nghi
mt o
notmakeasound.Hef rownedl ookingather
woundednakedbodyashest oppedhi
shor
seand
gotof
ftaki
ngoffhi
sblanket
..
.

Man:canihel
pyou?
Dai
sy:al
lineedi
sthehospi
tal
Man:iwi
llt
akeyout
her
e
Dai
sy:pl
ease.
..
(sl
owl
ybl
inked)i
..
.i

Shecol l
apsedinhisarmsashewr appedherwitha
blanketandcareful
lyputheronthehor seand
cli
mbedonheadi ngt othehospit
al.Backinthe
abandonedhome, t
hemenf ini
sheddiggingasthey
threwVeronica'
sbodyi nt
othepitandst ar
ted
coveringherwhil
etheirel
dercall
edPamel a..
.

Pamel
a:doneyet
?
Man:yest
heyar
ecover
ingheraswespeak
Pamel
a:andt
heot
herone?
Man:ot
herone?
Pamel
a:yest
her
eshoul
dbet
wogi
rl
sther
e
Man:wef
oundonegi
rlboss
Pamel
a:what
!?
Man:yesma'
am
Pamel
a:(
hungup)shi
t!
Chr
ist
ine:whatnow?
Pamel
a:t
heysayt
heyf
oundonegi
rl
Chr
ist
ine:what
!?
Pamela:weneedt
ofi
ndt
hatgi
rlbef
oret
hepol
ice
gett
oher
Chr
ist
ine:yout
hinkshe'
sal
ive?
Pamela:ofcourseshei
sthat
'swhyt
heydi
dn'
tfi
nd
hert
hereChrist
ine
Chr
ist
ine:dammi
tthi
sismessedup

Pamel
asighedsit
ti
ngbackhol
dingherf
orehead
whi
leChr
ist
ineconti
nuedt
odri
ve.
Backi
nMochudi
..
.

Theywavedatt heboysasthedri
verdr
oveaway
whileBoit
shepojoi
nedherdaught
erinher
tuckshop.
..

Boi
tshepo:howi
sbusi
nessgoi
ng?
Lame:j
ustfi
ne.Theyaregoneyoucantal
ktome
now.Whathappenedyester
day,
wheredidyou
di
sappeart
o?
Boi
tshepo:wewentt
oNgakaMar
umo'
spl
ace
Lame:thesameMar umouncleLedi
baj
ustt
old
grannythathehaspassedon?
Boi
tshepo:yeswewer
ether
ewhenhepassedon
Lame:what
!?
Boit
shepo:i
mt i
redofVictor
iamyl ovesoineeded
todosomething.Iwenttohim andheaskedmet o
comewi t
hOlebil
e.Vict
ori
aholdsourl i
vesi
nthe
pal
m ofherhands
Lame:bat
hong
Boitshepo:imtel
li
ngyou.Appar
entl
yshewas
cursedbef or
eshewasevenborn.Mom wasraped
byamar r
iedmanandt hewifet
othismancur
sed
Victori
awhi l
eshewasstil
linmom'swomb
Lame:sowhatwasyest
erdayal
labout
?
Boi
tshepo:wewentseeki
ngf
orheal
ing
Lame:di
dithel
p?
Boi
tshepo:yesOl
ebi
lecant
alk
Lame:(
widenedhereyes)what
!?
Boi
tshepo:yesandhi
m nott
alkingtoanyonei
sour
pl
anuntilwearedonewit
hVictori
a
Lame:soVi
ctor
iai
sst
il
lhol
dingushost
age?
Boi
tshepo:unf
ort
unat
elyyes
Lame:(
sighed)ihat
ethi
swomanmom
Boit
shepo:idon'
tbl
ameyoubutf ort
hesakeof
peaceandusbeingsuccessf
ulyouneedtoloveher
Lame:nonowt
hat
'si
mpossi
ble
Boit
shepo:butyouhavet
odoi
tmyl
ove.Youcar
e
forBosari
ght?
Lame:yesbut
..
.
Boi
tshepo:butnothi
ngmyl
ove.I
tdoesn'tmat
ter
howlongittakesbutwewi
ll
defi
nit
elygett
her
emy
l
ove
Lame:can'
twej
ustki
llher
?
Boi
tshepo:wewi
llbenodi
ff
erentf
rom hermyl
ove.
Wearegoodpeople
Lame:butagr
eatmanj
ustdi
edbecauseofher
Boit
shepo:i
twi
llbeokmyloveaslongaswear
e
al
ivewearegoi
ngt okeepf
ight
ingt
hisdevi
l
Lame:iwoul
dbel
yingi
fisai
diwasnotscar
ed
Boi
tshepo:i
twi
llal
lbef
inemyl
ove

Shesaidtaki
ngasweetandwentt
othehouse.
Meanwhileonourwaybackt
oGaboroneil
ookedat
Olebi
leandsighedt
aki
ngmyphoneandtext
ed
hi
m..
.

Bosa:
wher
edi
dyouguysgol
astni
ght
?
Ol
ebi
le:wej
ustwentf
oradr
ive
Bosa:
fort
hatl
ong?Whati
fitstart
edf
loodi
ng?
Whatwoul
dwesaytoaunt
yVi cto?
Olebi
le:aboutthatpl
easedon'
ttel
lhert
hati
di
sappear edwithaunt
yBoishe'
sgoingtobemad
atherandal launt
yBoiwasdoingwastohelpme
getovermyl oneli
ness
Bosa:youshoul
dhavespokent
ousi
fyouwer
e
feel
ingnegl
ect
ed
Ol
ebi
le:iwi
llnextt
ime
Bosa:whati
fauntyhear
sfrom someoneel
seand
thenget
sangryatusfornott
ell
ingher
?
Ol
ebi
le:Bosapl
easedon'
ttel
lheranyt
hing
Bosa:
im sor
rybutican'
tkeepsecr
ets
Olebi
le:Bosai
m beggi
ngyout
hel
astt
hingiwanti
s
formom toatt
ackmyaunt
Bosa:
shemightaswellbecausewhot
akes
someoneonawheelchai
routfort
hatl
ong?
Ol
ebi
le:ohsoyouar
ebei
ngt
hisper
sonnow?
Bosa:
whatdoyoumean?
Olebi
le:j
ustbeingawayforafewhour
syouwantt
o
tel
lonmewhi leyouhavebeensuff
eri
ngf
or5ful
l
yearsandirespect
edyourpri
vacy
Bosa:
wowOl
ebi
le
Olebi
le:noyoucal ledfori
tBosa.Ihavebeendoi ng
nothi
ngbutl ookingoutforyoubutbecauseyou
wanttobet he" bestson"youseeitfi
ttotellonme?
It
'sokBosagoaheadbutdon' tforgetthatyousl
ept
withagirli
nVi ctori
a'
shousewhi l
eshewasaway

Iswal
lowedl
ooki
ngathi
m ashel
ookedout
side.
..

Bosa:
im sor
ry
Ol
ebi
le:youar
enotsor
ryyouar
ejustaspoi
ltbr
at
Bosa:
iwon'
tdoi
t
Ol
ebi
le:what
everBosa.Sui
tyour
sel
f

Hesaidputtinghisphonedownwhileiswall
owed
agai
nl ooki
ngathim.Thoriso,
thedr
iverandLet
lot
lo
werebusylaughingasisighedandleanedagai
nst
thewindowcl osi
ngmyeyes.

Backi
nMochudi
..
.

Boemopar kedhercarbesi
desthegateast
hey
wentintheyardfi
nding,
Reatl
egil
e,Temoand
Boi
tshepositt
ingunderatr
ee.
..

Boemo:youguysseem t
obedowni
sever
ythi
ngok?
Temo:imti
rediwental
loutyest
erday(
theyal
l
l
aughed)
Boemo:ihopeyoudon'
tlethi
m getusedt
othi
slove
Reat
legi
le:hecandoallhewant
sbutonceweare
marr
iedandt hebabyi
shereheisgoi
ngtocuti
tal
l
down(
theyl
aughed)
Bai
sago:t
hat
'showi
tshoul
dbe
Boemo:Boi
Boi
tshepo:dar
li
ng
Boemo:ar
eyouok?
Boi
tshepo:yeswhy?
Boemo:youseem t
obef
araway
Boi
tshepo:noI
'
mfi
nel
ove.What
'sup?
Baisago:i
m her
eformycarma'
am isn'
tyouhave
beenhavinganicet
imewit
hit(
theylaughed)
Boi
tshepo:whydon'
tyouj
ustgi
vei
ttome(
they
l
aughedagain)
Boemo:anot
herreasonweareherei
sthati
managedtogothroughVi
ctor
ia'
soff
iceandthi
sis
whatif
ound

Shesaidt
akingoutherphoneandshowedthem t
he
pi
ctur
es.Thesecondshelaidhereyesont
hem
Boi
tsheposmell
edandtast
edbloodi
nhermout
has
shecurvedherl
ipsl
ooki
ngaway..
.

Temo:ar
eyouoksi
s?
Boit
shepo:whatdoesal
loft
hismean?Thi
swoman
havepeople'
sheadsinabowlwhatki
ndof
wit
chcraf
tisthi
s?
Or
efe:whatwi
tchcr
aftmyki
ds?

Theyal
llookedupatherandswal
lowed.
.
.
.
.
.
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
CAGED
22
Orefe:whydoyoual lseem t
obeshocked?What
witchcr
aftareyoutalki
ngabout?Ihopeyouarenot
badmout hingyoursist
ertoyourfr
iendsBoi
tshepo.
Wespokeaboutt his
Boitshepo:bathongmamahowcanyout hi
nkabout
thatofme?It oldyouihavecl
osedthatphaseal
li
wantwi thVict
oriai
sapeacefulr
elat
ionshi
p
Or
efe:t
henwhatar
eyouguyst
alki
ngabout
?
Boemo:iwasjusttel
li
ngt hem aboutsomeol
d
experi
encesofmineandt heyment i
onedt
hati
t
couldbebecauseofwitchcraf
t
Or ef
e:thenyouhavetopraymydaughtergi
veyour
alluntotheLord.Haveyouspokent
otheboyshave
theyarrivedsaf
ely?
Boi
tshepo:yesmat
heydi
dar
ri
vesaf
ely
Oref
e:good.I
fyouneedanyt
hingiwi
llbei
nthe
house
Boi
tshepo:nopr
obl
em ma
Theywat chedhergoi
ntothehouseandsighedout
ofrel
iefassoonassheclosedthedoorbehi
ndher.
..

Boi
tshepo:t
hatwascl
ose
Temo:idon'
tunder
standwhymom can'
tacceptt
he
tr
uth
Boi
tshepo:she'stryi
ngtopr
otecrherdaught
er
whi
chi sunderstandabl
e
Boemo:butyoudon'tprot
ectyourchi
ldbyputt
ing
them i
nmoredangerlove.Thesoonershetel
ls
Vict
ori
aaboutt
histhebetter
Reat
legi
le:shedoesn'
twanthert
ohat
eher
Boemo:understandablebutt
hetrut
halwaysset
s
onefr
ee.Asmuchasi tcanputyouinanawkward
si
tuat
ionyoursoulwillbeateaseknowi
ngthatyou
havetol
dthetruth
Boi
tshepo:sowhat
'st
henextst
ep?
Boemo:wear egoingt otheadopti
oncentre
tomorrow.Wewant edt ogotodaybutunfort
unat
ely
theysaidtheywer
ecl osedforanymeetings
Boi
tshepo:ohok
Reatl
egil
e:whataboutOl ebil
e?Havet hedoctors
foundwhatcouldhavecausedhi mt ogomut e?I
meanhonest l
yspeakingwecan' tallbeli
evethathe
l
osthearingbecauseoft heaccident.Yesthere
couldbechancesbutt hi
si ssomeonewhowentt o
meetwiththefatherofthechildwear etryi
ngto
savethesamechi l
dwhohasbeenst olenri
ght
underournoses
Boit
shepo:whatim goingtotellyouallshouldstay
betweenus.Olebi
lewaspoi sonedandt hepoi son
madehi mlosehisspeech.Victori
awant edto
permanentl
yshuthismout hbutbef or
eNgaka
Marumopassedhemanagedt ohelphim because
thedoctor
stoldmet hattheonlywayhecoul dget
hisvoi
cebackwasi fhewast akentoat r
aditi
onal
doctor
Temo:soOl
ebi
lecant
alkaswespeak?
Boi
tshepo:yep
Temo:t
henwhyi
shest
il
lpr
etendi
ngt
obemut
e?
Boi
tshepo:becausewewantt
ocat
chonVi
ctor
ia.
Anythi
ngcanhappenatt headopt i
oncentr
esothe
camerasinVict
ori
a'
shousewi llbeoursecond
opti
ontocatchi
ngouttheabusi vesideoft
his
womanandmaybewewi llseewhatexact l
yshe
doeswithal
ltheheadsint hatbowl
Temo:ohoknowigeti
t.That
'sagr
eatpl
an
Bai
sago:butbareinmindthatsi
nceweplantedthe
camerasandli
steningdevi
cesshehasbeenacting
al
lgoodtoeveryoneit'
sasifsheknowst
here's
someonelooki
ngatheri nt
hehouse
Boi
tshepo:(
sighed)maybesheknowswhoknows.
Youcanneverbesur ewit
hVict
ori
a
Reatl
egi
le:Vi
ctor
iahasever
ythi
ngsheneedswhy
doesshedoallthi
s
Boit
shepo:it
'sthespi
ri
tthathasbindedherl
ove
andnowt hatyouguysarepregnantandaboutt
o
getmarri
edyoushouldbeext racaref
ular
oundher
Reat
legi
le:pl
easedon'
tscar
eme
Boit
shepo:andt
hefactt
hatyouar
etaki
ngmom t
o
gabswithyouguysmeansshewil
lbecomi
ng
aroundyourspaceal
otsot
hemor
eyouar
eal
ert
thebett
er
Temo:Boidon'tsayt
hatpl
ease.Wehavebeen
fi
ghti
ngtogettowherewearenowwecan'taff
ord
foranyt
hingt
ogowr ong
Boi
tshepo:i
mjustsayi
ngbr ot
her.Reaiknowyou
ar
eapr ayi
ngwomanbutf rom hereyouneedt
o
pr
aylikeyouhaveneverbefor
e
Reat
legil
e:(si
ghed)ihonest
lydon'
twantst
ressand
wecan'tturnonmom nowbecauseweal sowant
yout
ost arthavi
ngal i
fe
Boi
tshepo:i
twi
llal
lbeokl
ove
Boemo:yousoundsosur
e
Boi
tshepo:t
hat
'sbecauseicanf
eeli
tinmybones
Bai
sago:ar
eyouapr
ophetofsomesor
t
Boitshepo:(l
aughed)don'tbesillyBaiihavel ear
nt
thatfait
hwor ks.ThefactthatitookOlebileto
NgakaMar umowi tht
hef ait
hthathewi llcomeback
okshoul dshowyouguyst hatfaithi
sreally
i
mpor t
antespecial
lywhenyounour i
shital lt
hetime.
Openyourhear
tandbel
ievethatevenifyoucan'
t
seehi
m Godhasyourli
feinorderaft
erallhe'
sa
spi
ri
t
Temo:ij
oshe'saboutt
opr
eachyouguysanyoneup
forasnack?
Boemo:countmei
n.Fr
eshchi
pswoul
dsl
aphar
d
ri
ghtnow
Reat
legil
e:exact
lywhatihavebeencr
avi
ngwi
tha
l
otofvinegar(t
heylaughed)
Temo:yohthebeginni
ngofhor
rorhasar
ri
ved.Let
's
go(t
heylaughed)
Boemo:ar
eyoust
ayi
ngbehi
nd?
Boi
tshepo:yepihavesomechor
estodoandagai
ni
wanttogotoNgakaMar umo'
splace
Boemo:ohokl
ove

Theyt
easedoneanotherlaughingandgotin
Temo'
scarheadingtotheshopswhi l
eBoi t
shepo
si
ghedlooki
ngatthem.Shef r
ownedf eel
ingli
ke
someonehasbeenstandingbehindherasshe
t
urnedandscof
fedgoi
ngt
othehouse.

I
nZanzi
bar
..
.

Aft
erhavi
ngherfood,At
amel
angandhermother
j
oinedRober
tandSaschaasther
est
aurantasthey
satonsepar
atet
ables.
..

Robert
:(t
othewai
ter
)thankyou(
hel
eft
)is
ever
ythi
ngok?
Bont
si:yepwhydoyouask?
Rober
t:i
t'
sjustt
hatiwonderedwhatihavedone
t
hatyouturneddownmybr eakf
asti
nvit
e
Bontsi
:(l
aughed)butit
oldyoumydaught
erwas
st
il
lasleep
Rober
t:i
twassodullnothavi
ngyouguysar
ound
pl
easedon'
teverdothatt
ous
Bont
si:wearegoi
ngbackhometomor
rowandwe
won'
tseethatmuchofoneanot
her
Rober
t:t
hatshoul
dn'
thappen
Bont
si:i
m amar
ri
edwomanMrDut
che
Robert:(smil
ed)iknowandirespectthatbuti
nyou
ihavef oundagr eatf
ri
endandevenifiwantedyou
itwasnevergoi ngtoworkoutbecausemysont ol
d
met hathelikesyourdaught
eralot
Bont
si:(
smi
led)ohr
eal
lynow?
Rober
t:isweartoyoubutiadvicedhimtolett
he
uni
versetakecontr
oli
fshelikeshimtootheywil
l
def
ini
tel
ybet oget
herbutaroom for
di
sappointmentshoul
dbether e
Bont
si:t
hat
'
sgr
eatadvi
ce
Robert
:yeahsohowar
ether
enovat
ionsgoi
ngwi
th
yourbeaut
yparl
our
?
Bontsi:sofarsogoodheyl
etmeshowyout
he
pi
cturestheyhavesentmealr
eady

Theysmiledasshetookoutherphoneshowinghi
m
thepi
ctureswhil
eatthei
rtabl
eAtamelangand
Saschalaughedasshechoked..
.
Sascha:ar
eyouok?
At
amelang:(
clear
edhert
hroat
)yeahiguesst
oo
muchairwentthr
oughmypipe
Sascha:t
henst
oplaughi
ngl
ikethat(t
heyl
aughed
more)sowhatt
imeareyouguysleavi
ngtomorr
ow?
At
amel
ang:ourf
li
ghti
sat10am
Sascha:our
stoo.Iguesswewi
llbei
nthesame
pl
ane
At
amel
ang:unf
ort
unat
elydi
ff
erentseat
s
Sascha:wewi
llj
ustswapwi
thourpar
ent
s
At
amelang:youar
ebadinfl
uenceSaschaidon'
t
wantyounearme(theyl
aughed)
Sascha:butyouhavenochoi
ce
Atamel
ang:sowhatar
eyourpl
answhenyouar
e
backhome?
Sascha:hel
patmydad'
scardeal
ershi
p
At
amel
ang:youandibot
him notr
eadyf
orawor
k
pl
ace
Sascha:wel
lthat
'swhati
tmeanswhenwef i
nish
school
.Thesoonerwegetusedtoi
tthebet
ter
At
amel
ang:t
rue
Sascha:(
clear
edhi
sthroat
)canibehonestwi
th
youaboutsomethi
ng?
At
amel
ang:yep
Sascha:il
ikeyouandiwantt
obewi
thyou
At
amelang:(
scof
fed)somecomingtoZanzi
bar
meantmeeti
ngmypr i
ncechar
ming?Ohwow( t
hey
l
aughed)
Sascha:i
m bei
ngser
ioust
hough
Atamel
ang:tobehonestwit
hyout
her
e'ssomeonei
l
ikebuthehasrecent
lyhur
tme
Sascha:andyoust
il
lli
kehi
m?
Atamelang:ihaveli
kedhim si
ncewestar
ted
studyi
ngtogetherandhangingoutsoi
t'
snoteasy
togetoverhimjustli
kethat
Sascha:di
dyout
ellhi
m?
At
amel
ang:nobutinevermi
ssedachancet
oshow
hi
m
Sascha:di
dhenot
iceanyt
hing?
Atamelang:nopebuthi
sfr
ienddid.Hetri
edgetti
ng
ustogetherbutt
heguykeptref
using.Atfi
rsti
thoughtmaybehewantednodistract
ionwithhis
schoolworkbutnowicanseeheneversawmei n
thatway
Sascha:thenyoushoul
dmoveon.Whatdi
dhedo
tohurtyou?
At
amel
ang:hehadsexwi
thanot
hergi
rl
Sascha:he'
sadout
chebagwhodoesn'
tdeser
ve
yourl
ove
At
amel
ang:Saschat
hat
'sr
ude
Sascha:i
m sor
rybuti
t'
shonest
y
Atamelang:soyeahthatseal
editformethatgi
rl
,
youarewast i
ngyourti
mewi t
hthisguybuti
genui
nelycareforhi
m
Sascha:wel
lwheneveryouar
ereadyt
omoveoni
wil
lbeherewai
ti
ngonyou
At
amel
ang:whati
fidon'
tli
keyoui
nthatmanner
?
Sascha:t
heniguesswewi
llj
usthavet
obef
ri
ends

Hecheckedhi sphonewhi leAtamelangsmiled

sti
rr
ingherdrinkwi thherst raw."Washet heguy
shehasbeenl ooki
ngf or
?Butwhi t
ehasneverbeen
herareaofinterestthenagai nwedon'tknowwher e
ourheartsbelongt heuni versehasitsownpl ans
knownt oit
".Shesmi ledinhert hought
sashe
smiledbackathert akingasi pfrom hi
sjui
ce.

Att
hehospi
tal
..
.

Vi
ctori
aslowl
yopenedhereyesasPat
losmi
led
l
ookingather
..
.

Pat
lo:f
inal
y
Vi
ctor
ia:(
frownedl
ooki
ngar
ound)wher
eimi
?
Pat
lo:youar
eatt
hehospi
tall
ove
Vi
ctor
ia:whathappened?
Pat
lo:youwer
ehavi
nganosebl
eedandt
hen
col
lapsed
Vict
ori
a:(si
ghed)di
dthedoct
ort
ellyouwhyi
coll
apsed?
Pat
lo:no
Vi
ctor
ia:i
t'
sti
meforustogoback.Ican'
tbel
ieve
wecameal lt
hewayher
eanddidnothing
Pat
lo:don'
twor
ryl
ovewewi
llcomebackagai
n
Vict
ori
a:noidon'
twantt
ocomebackher eever
agai
n.Thisi
stheworstt
ri
pihaveeverhad
Pat
lo:i
m sor
ryl
ove
Vict
ori
a:imeanwhogoesf oravacat
ionand
l
iter
all
ydoesnothing?Fi
rstdayifel
lasleepoutof
nowhere,seconddayiwassi ckandthenthesnake
sagathenthesteamingt
hinghappened.Thiswas
theworst
Pat
lo:wewi
llpl
anot
heronesomewher
eel
sebabe
Vi
ctor
ia:whatt
imei
sourf
li
ghtt
omor
row?
Pat
lo:1pm
Victori
a:okbuti
tshouldhavebeensooneriwant
nothingtodowiththi
shotel
.Where'
smyphonei
wantt ocheckuponmydaught er

Hegaveittoherasshedial
edi
twhi
lePamel
a
l
ookedatitandanswered.
..

Pamel
a:MsDi
ntsi
'
sphonehel
lo?
Vict
ori
a:(f
rowned)hicanipl
easet
alkt
otheowner
ofthephone
Pamela:MsDi
ntsii
sst
il
lbusywithhert
reat
ment
sheaskedmetoanswerherphone
Vi
ctor
ia:ohokpl
easeaskhert
ogetbackt
omehey
Pamel
a:yesma'
am iwi
ll
Vi
ctor
ia:okt
henbye
Pamel
a:bye
TheyhungupasPamel acli
ckedhert
ongueand
tookouttheSI
M cardcut
ti
ngiti
ntosmallpieces
andthrewthephoneinametalbi
nandbur ntit
..
.

Pamela:asl
ongasyourdaught
erl
ivesshewi
ll
neverf
indpeace

Shesai
dtaki
ngherphoneanddialedoneofher
men.Meanwhil
eatanot
herhospit
al,Dai
sywokeup
i
nalotofpai
nandfrownedatamani nf
rontofher
..
.

Dai
sy:whoar
eyou?
Man:i
mthemanwhof
oundyoui
nthest
reet
s
Dai
sy:(
swal
lowed)wher
eismyf
ri
end?
Man:youwer
eal
one
Dai
sy:whathaveyoudonet
omyf
ri
end!
?

Shef
li
nchedhur
ti
ngher
sel
fast
hemanqui
ckl
y
cal
ledt
hedoct
or.
..

Dr
:isever
ythi
ngok?
Dai
sy:iwantmyf
ri
end
Dr:Missyouneedtotakeever
ythi
ngeasyyour
bodyisinalotofpai
nthemorecalm youaret
he
bett
erforal
lofus.Di
dyougetholdofherfami
lysi
r?
Man:noDrbutiwasaboutt
ocal
lthepol
ice
Dai
sy:no
Dr
:whynot
?
Dai
sy:mymot herhasagoodr eput
at i
onandshoul
d
t
hisgetknownbyt hepapersshewillsuf
ferandt
he
l
astthi
ngiwantisf orhert
obedisappoint
edinme
Dr
:(f
rowned)Mi
ss,
whatexact
lyhappened?
Dai
sy:(
swall
owed)not
hingj
ustf
ocusonmaki
ng
sur
eim ok
Dr
:youhaveahospi
talbi
llt
otakecar
eoft
hough
Dai
sy:iwi
llhavet
hatsor
tedoutdon'
twor
ry.Al
li
needi
saphoneandt
ogetoutofher
e
Dr:youarenotgoi
nganywher
eunt
ilyouhave
complet
elyheal
ed.
Dai
sy:ineedt
ogohome
Dr:r
estandf
oll
owt
hedoct
or'
sor
der
sthenyouwi
ll
gett
ogohome
Dai
sy:howmuchi
sthebi
llatt
hemoment
?
Dr
:inyoursi
tuat
ionwechar
geyou3kaday
Dai
sy:what
!?
Dr:cal
m downMiss.Si
rineedtogetgoi
ng.The
nursewil
lcomeandgiveyousomethi
ngtosooth
downthepainok

Hesmi l
edandlef
twhileDai
sysi
ghedshaki
ngher
head.Themanquietl
yfrownedl
ooki
ngatherand
cl
earedhist
hroat
..
.

Man:iwi
llset
tl
ethebi
llf
oryou
Dai
sy:(
frowned)not
hankyou
Man:iinsi
st.Wher
ear
eyouf
rom?Youraccenti
s
di
ff
erent
Dai
sy:ther
e'snoneedforyoutoknowthat
.Thank
youforbri
ngingmetothehospit
albutiwi
llt
ake
car
eofeveythingf
rom her
e
Man:butyouhavenophoneort
oil
etr
iesl
etal
one
snacks
Daisy:rr
aetshoyougoaroundwit
hahorsedoyou
t
hinkicant rustyouwi
thmylif
e?Don'
tpat
roni
ze
mepl ease.Leave

Shecl
ickedhertongueclosi
nghereyeswhil
ethe
mansmi l
edgoingout.Hestoodbythedooras
Dai
syfrownedlookingathimfr
om insi
deashe
wal
kedaway...

Dai
sy:(
sighed)soVer
oni
cai
sreal
lydead
Shesi
ghedagai
n.

I
nBokaa.
..

Boi
tshepof
ini
shedhel
pingtoser
vethepeopl
ewho
cameforpr
ayersandj
oinedheruncl
einthecaras
hedroveof
f.
..

Ledi
ba:i
sever
ythi
ngokBoi
tshepo?
Boi
tshepo:yesmal
ome
Ledi
ba:youknowyoucan'
tli
etomer
ight
Boi
tshepo:(
sighed)mom spoket
ome
Ledi
ba:about
?
Boit
shepo:whatexact
lyhappenedwi
thVi
ctor
iaf
or
hertoendupli
kethis
Ledi
ba:honestl
yspeakingBoiim al
waysscar
edto
beagainstyourmotherbecauseidon'
twantt
olose
herasmysi st
er.Shehasalwaysbeenther
eforme.
Im whereiam i
nli
febecauseshebecameamot
her
andfathert
omeaf t
erourparent
spassedon
Boi
tshepo:idon'
tthi
nkiunder
stand
Ledi
ba:idon'
tbl
ameyouf
ornotl
iki
ngVi
ctor
ia
Boit
shepo:i
t'
snott
hatidon'
tli
keher
,idon'
tli
keher
deci
sions
Ledi
ba:sti
llidon'
tblameyou.Ihaveal
ways
suspect
edt hatmyneicecoul
dbeevilbutcoul
dn'
t
saysuchtomysi sterknowi
ngwhathappenedin
thepast
Boit
shepo:butsometi
meswej usthavetobe
honestwit
hourlovedonesnomat terhowhur
tthey
aregoingtobe.Theywil
lhealwit
htime.Mom
needstotalkt
oVictor
iaaboutthi
s
Ledi
ba:iagr
eewit
hyoubutknowi
ngVi
ctor
iashe'
s
notgoi
ngtoli
keanybi
tofi
t
Boitshepo:forsurebutwhaticanpr
omi
seyoui
s
thatiwon'trestunti
lmynephewandever
yonei
s
freeincl
udingBoingotl
o.
Ledi
ba:butt
hisi
sscar
ymygi
rll
ookatwhat
happenedt
oNgakaMar
umo
Boit
shepo:NgakaMar umotoldmet hatt
hisfami
ly
iscounti
ngonmemal omesoim goingtomake
surethatt
heyaresaved.Evenifidi
ealongtheway
iwouldneverr
est
Ledi
ba:(
frowned)ar
eyoul
ist
eni
ngt
oyour
sel
f?
Boitshepo:yesmalomeim sayi
ngt
hisbecausei
knowt hekindofdangeri
mf aci
ngbuti
m will
ingt
o
giveitmyal l
Ledi
ba:(si
ghed)butthenweshouldhopethatno
onelear
nsthatyouwer ewi
thMarumot hedayhe
passedonbecauseshouldVict
ori
alearnaboutt
his
shewouldmakesur eyouneverseetheli
ghtoft
he
dayagain
Boitshepo:t
hat'
swhatworr
iesmebutGodwil
l
neverputmei nasi
tuat
ioniwoul
dn'
tbeabl
eto
survive
Lediba:iadmireyourresi
li
encemygi r
l.Your emind
meofyourmot herwhenshewascar r
yingVictor
ia
nomat terthebadtimesshef acedshesti
llkepther
fai
th
Boi
tshepo:i
t'
sal
laboutf
ait
hmal
ome

Shesmil
edlooki
ngoutthewi
ndowwhi
leLedi
ba
smil
edchangi
nggears.

I
nVi
ctor
ia'
shouse.
..

Let
lotl
oandOlebi
lewerebusyi nhi
sroom pl
ayinga
vi
deogameasiwenti ntomyr oom andl
ocked
myselftaki
ngmydiar
y.Itookputmymot her'
s
photoandsatonmyst udydeskandsighed.
..

"ihavenevermetyoubutimi ssyoumom.Thi s
wouldhavebeenour18t hChrist
masbuti twasour
fir
sttogether.Thoughyouar enother einf l
eshbuti
couldfeelyourspi r
itwhenwewentt oyourgr ave.I
tri
edsohar dtosuppr essmyemot ionsbecausei
didn'
twantt hem tot hinkotherwise.Ihaveseen
however yonei shappywi t
htheirmot hersbuti
nevergott hat.Ihaveneverbeenhappymamaand
i
thur t
s.Peopl ekeept ryingt ohel pmebutbecause
myaunthasbui ltthewal lssohi ghidon' tknowi fi
willeverbr eakf ree.Idon' tknowwhybutihave
someki ndofweaknessf ort hiswoman.Shehas
hurtmeal lmyl ifebutihaveal waysf oundawayt o
l
etgoofal lofitandmoveonl i
kenot hinghappened.
Onet hingi m grat efulforist hatihaveneverl acked
anyt hing, yesshemi ghtbeemot ionallyand
physi callymi streat i
ngmebutshehasmetal lmy
otherneeds.Ican' ttakeof fmyshi rt
si nf rontofmy
cousi ns, iswi m wi thvest sonbutwhenir emember
howmuchshehasbeent heref ormeal lt hatpain
goesaway( sighed)nowamanhascomei ntomy
l
ifeandhecl aimst owantt obui l
dar elationshi p
withme.I m sor r
ymom ican' t
.Wher ehashebeen
al
lt heseyear s?Heknewhewasexpect ingachi l
d
buthest i
llchosecr imeoverme.Igr ewupi n
anot herf ami lyandwentt hr ought hi
spai nal l
becauseofhi m andidon' tthinkiwi lleverf orgive
him nomat t
erwhathedoes.Si ncehecl aimst obe
afat herheshoul dhavebeenal i
ttl
er esponsi blebut
nohewaswayt oosel f
ish.I m goi ngt obemyown
personandabet terfathert omyki dsevenwi thout
hi
scare.AuntVi
ctor
iahasbeenbot
hmymot
her
andf
atherallmyexi
stence.
"

Isighedputt
ingmymot her'
spictur
eonthepagei
wr ot
eonandcl osedmydiaryputti
ngi
tinmysecret
place.Il
ookedaroundmyr oom andsmil
edjoi
ning
theguysinOlebil
e'sr
oom.

THEFOLLOWI
NGMORNI
NG

Att
headopt
ioncent
re.
..

BoemoandBaisagopar
kedBoemo'
scarand
headedi
nsi
deastheywerel
edtot
herecept
ion.
..

Lady:goodmor
ningyoumayhaveaseat
Boemo:goodmorning.I
m DoreenPhokoandthisi
s
Bai
sagoKgosidi
ntsiweareheretoenqui
reabout
BosaDint
si'
sadopti
on
Lady:whyandwhatdoyoudo?
Boemo:i
m al
awyerandMrKgosi
dint
sii
smycl
ient
Lady:sowhataboutBosaDi
ntsi
'
sadopt
ionma'
am,
howdoyouknowabouthi m?
Boemo:MrKgosidint
sii
sactual
lyt
hebi
ologi
cal
fat
hertothi
schil
dsowewantt oknowwhatareour
chancesofget
ti
nghim back
Lady:werewashewhent
hechi
ldwast
hrowni
nthe
str
eetsbyhismot
her
?

BaisagoandBoemoswall
owedl
ooki
ngatone
anotherandsatback.
.
.
.
.
.
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
CAGED
23

Boemo:hewast
hrowni
nthest
reet
s
Lady:yesma'
am t
hechi
ldyouar
etalki
ngaboutwas
broughti
nher
ebyawomanwhopi ckedhi
mf rom
thestr
eets
Boemo:doyoupossi
blyknowt
henameoft
hel
ady
whobroughthi
min?
Lady:shewant
edt
oremai
nanonymous
Boemo:andt
heonewhoadopt
edhi
m?
Lady:t
hat'
sconfi
dent
iali
nformati
onma'am next
thi
ngiknowthepoorchil
dwi l
lbeabduct
edsoi m
sorr
yican'
tgiveyout
hatinformati
on
Boemo:soshewasbr
oughtandt
akenbyt
wo
di
ffer
entpeopl
e?
Lady:yes.Si
rwher
ewer
eyouwhenyoursonwas
born?
Bai
sago:iwassent
encedt
o18year
sof
i
mpri
sonmentt
hedaymyfi
anceewenti
ntolabour
andi
wasnotall
owedt
ousethephonebehi
ndbars
Lady:whatwer
eyouar
rest
edf
or?
Bai
sago:mur
der
Lady:(
swal
lowed)wer
eyougui
lt
y?
Bai
sago:yes
Lady:howdoyoucommitsuchacr
imeknowi
ng
thatyouhaveababyont
heway?
Bai
sago:i
tal
lhappenedsof
ast
Boemo:didyouhearthefianceepart
?Thatmeans
thi
smanknewaboutt hischildandwouldyou
beli
evemeifitol
dyouthatt hemotherpassedon
ri
ghtaft
ergi
vingbir
thtothechild?Andagainhow
doyouknowhi sname?
Lady:hewasbr
oughti
nwi
thhi
scl
ini
calcar
d
Boemo:sowhot hrowsawayachil
dwi t
hthei
r
cli
nicalcard?Whatifoneofhi
sfamil
ymember s
fi
ndhi m andagainwhichdeadmothert
hrowsaway
thei
rchild?
Lady:maybet
hepersonwhowasassi
gnedt
otake
careoft
hechi
lddeci
dednomore
Boemo:that
'sabsurdandyouknowitbutift
hat'
s
whatyouthi
nkthenit'
sti
mewegot othefamilyof
thi
sboyandaskt hem whodeci
dedt
ot akeinthe
chi
ld
Lady:ma'
am i
thasbeenover18yearssi
ncet hi
s
happenedsopl
easel
et'
snotbotherour
selvesand
moveon
Boemo:moveon?Howdoyoumoveonasapar ent
knowingthatyouhaveachi
ldoutther
ewho' s
probablyi
nchainsofamonster
?Not here'
snoway
wear egoingtomoveonfr
om thi
s.Thisman
deservestobewithhi
ssonandim goingtomake
sureofthat
Lady:t
hel astthi
ngwewantast
hisadopt
ioncent
re
i
stobei nvolvedinanydr
ama
Boemo:youcal
ledi
tuponyour
selvesthet
imeyou
deci
dedtonotdoathor
oughbackgroundcheckon
thi
smatter
Lady:howdoyoudoabackgr
oundcheckwhena
chi
ldi
sbr
oughti
nfr
om t
hest
reet
s?
Boemo:hewasbroughti
nwit
hhiscl
ini
calcar
dfor
cryi
ngoutl
oud.Youshoul
dhavel
ookedforhi
s
famil
yorsomethi
ng
Lady:pl
easel
eave
Boemo:wewi
lll
eavebutt
hest
ateshal
lcont
actyou
soon
Lady:haveagoodday
Boemo:andi
fther
e'sany.
..
Bai
sago:i
t'
sokBoemol
et'
sgo

Sheswall
owedlooki
ngattheladywhowas
focusi
ngonsomethi
ngelseandtheyl
eft
..
.

Bai
sago:youneedt
ocal
m down
Boemo:not
hatl
adyi
sjustbei
ngi
mpossi
ble
Bai
sago:whati
fshewor
kswi
thVi
ctor
ia?
Boemo:idon'
tcar
e
Bai
sago:youneedt
obecar
eful
Boemo:beingcarefulsomet
imeswastesti
me
Baisago,Vi
ctor
iahastolear
nthatshenotabove
everyone
Baisago:butthatwillputmyl
ifei
ndangerandt hi
s
ti
mear oundshewillmakesuretonotmiss.At
least
youpr otect
edyourselfbygi
vingheraf
akename
Boemo:evenifigaveherafakenamef oryout
oo
Vict
ori
awil
lknowwhoshewi l
lbetal
kingabout
.
That'
swhyI'
mt hinki
ngit
'st
imeyoulaidlowabit
Bai
sago:l
ayl
owwher
e?
Boemo:got
oSA.West
ernCapet
obepr
eci
se
Bai
sago:when?
Boemo:yourpl
anet
icketi
sready
Bai
sago:what
!?
Boemo:yepandi
t'
sleavi
ngi
n2hour
s
Bai
sago:ar
eyousur
eaboutt
his?
Boemo:yepbecauset
hel
astthi
ngiwanti
sfor
Vi
ctor
iaandJunetofi
ndoutt
hatwearecl
ose.Iwi
ll
vi
sitonweekends
Bai
sago:butwhati
fwedon'
tcr
ackt
hisbef
oreyour
l
eavedaysareover
?
Boemo:wewillcr
osst
hatbri
dgewhenwegetther
e
fornowl
et'
sfocusonmakingsur
ewesaveyour
son

Theygotint hecaranddroveoffwhil
eintheoff
ice
theladyshookherheadanddi aledVi
ctor
ia.She
frownedlookingatthenumberandsteppedoutside
thehotelroom..
.

Vi
ctor
ia:it
houghtourdealwasl
ongt
akencar
eof
whatdoyouwantnow?
Lady:somel adywasher
ewithamanwhocl ai
msto
bethefathertoBosaandit
hinkimessedt
hingsup
Vi
ctor
ia:saywhatnow!
?
Lady:imist
akenlymentionedthatBosawas
broughti
nwi t
hhiscli
nicalcar
dandt hatl
awyer
managedt oconnectafewdot sandaskedmeifi
everl
ookedf
ort
heboy'
sfami
ly
Vi
ctor
ia:shi
twomanyouhavemessedt
hingsup.
Whoisthiswoman?
Lady:hernamei
sDor
eenPhoko
Vi
ctor
ia:okdon'
tworryiwi
llt
akecareofit
.Thi
s
manreall
ythi
nksim goi
ngtolethi
mt akeBosa
awayfrom me.Never
Lady:what
everhappenspl
easekeepmynameout
ofit
Vi
ctor
ia:(
rol
ledhereyes)bye

Shesighedhangingupandcheckedtheti
meandi
t
washourstotheirf
li
ghtt
ime.Shecli
ckedher
tongueanddial
edStone.
..

St
one:myqueen.Shewhosaysdi
eandiper
ish
whatcanidof
oryou?
Vi
ctor
ia:iwantyoutoendBai
sagoandt
hist
ime
makesureyoudon'tmiss
St
one:whatshoul
dido?
Vi
ctor
ia:bur
nhi
minhi
shouse
St
one:consi
deri
tdonemyqueen
Vict
ori
a:shoul
dthi
smannotdi
eyouar
egoi
ngt
o
knowme
St
one:t
rustmehewon'
tli
vet
oseet
omor
row
Vi
ctor
ia:good(
shehungupandsi
ghed)
Pat
lo:babe

Herhear
tski
ppedabeatassheswal
lowedahuge
dr
ylumplooki
ngaway..
.

Pat
lo:whyar
eyoust
andi
ngher
eal
one?
Vict
ori
a:(
tur
nedsmili
ng)ij
ustwantedtocheckon
somethi
ngandlett
heboysknowt hatiwi
llbehome
soon
Pat
lo:ohisee.Comel
et'
spack
Vi
ctor
ia:r
ightbehi
ndyoul
ove
Hewentint
other oom asshef
oll
owedhi
m and
si
ghedoutofrel
ief.

AtVi
ctor
ia'
shouse.
..

Afterhavi ngmybr eakfastidecidedtositalone

outsidewi thmyphonewhi leLetlotl
oattendedto
Olebile'
sneeds.Iwentdownwi thmychat sand
stoppedatAt amelang'
s.Honest lyspeakingihave
beenmi ssingVeronicaalotlatelybutiwassl owl
y
comi ngi ntoter
mswi ththefactt hati
twasaonce
offthing.Isighedanddeci dedt oopenmychatwi t
h
Atamel angandsentherat ext.
..

Bosa:
hi
At
amel
ang:hi
Bosa:
what
'sup?
At
amel
ang:headi
ngt
otheai
rpor
tyoursi
de?
Bosa:
justsi
tt
ingout
sidebor
ed
At
amelang:ohisee.Wat
cht
v,pl
ayagameorr
ead
abook
Bosa: iwi
ll
tryt
hat
.Youhavebeensoqui
etl
atel
y,
why?
Atamelang:iwasonhol i
daypl
usiknowwherei
standinyourli
feihonestl
ydon'
twantt
ocauseany
fr
icti
onbetweenus
Bosa:
whatt
imewi
llyoubel
andi
ng?
At
amel
ang:ourpl
anel
eavesi
nanhour
Bosa:ohokdoyoumi
ndhangi
ngouti
nthe
af
ternoon?
At
amel
ang:iwi
llbepr
epar
ingf
orwor
k
Bosa:
ohisee.Di
dit
ellyouiwi
llbewor
kingt
oo?
At
amel
ang:ohr
eal
l
y?That
'sni
ce
Bosa:
yeahmyaunthasgi
venmesomet
hingatt
he
hot
el
Atamel
ang:wel
lthat
'samazi
ngibel
ieveyouwi
lldo
good
Bosa:
thankyouihopeyoudot
oo
Atamelang:idef
ini
tel
ywil
l.Nottober
udebutineed
togowear emeet i
ngwit
ht hef
ri
endswemadeher e
soim putt
ingmyphoneaway
Bosa:
ohokir
eal
lymi
ssedyout
hough
At
amel
ang:wewi
llt
alksoon
Bosa:
sur
e

Sheputherphoneawayast heygr eetedt he

Dutcheswhil
eatVictor
ia'
shouseisi ghedsmi l
ing
andsatback.Iwenttomyar chivedphot osand
openedthephotoAtamelangsentme.Sher eal
ly
hadabeautif
ulski
nandsmi le,didiplaywi t
hmy
chancesofhavi
nganamazi nggi rl
fr
iendi nher?I
askedmyselfasisi
ghedandwentt ot hehouse.

Backi
nZanzi
bar
..
.

Vi
ctor
iadeci
dedt
ogosi
tatt
hebarwhi
lePat
lo
playedagameofcardswit
hsomemen.Shesighed
ti
redofscr
oll
ingdownhernewsf
eedanddi
aled
June..
.

June:t
ellmeyouar
einaf
li
ghtbackhomepl
ease
Vi
ctori
a:t
hisi
diotdeci
dedt
obookourf
li
ght
sint
he
af
ternoon
June:areyousur
eyouhadagoodtri
pbecauseyou
honestl
ysoundli
kesomeonewhocan'
twaitt
o
comebackhome
Vi
ctori
a:imissmyhouseandbedJuneandnoi
di
dn'thaveagoodtr
ipatall
.Infactt
hiswasthe
worsttr
ipeverwel
it
eral
lynevergottodoanythi
ng
June:shamemaybei
twasn'
tsupposedt
ohappen
Vi
ctor
ia:what
everJune.I
smyhousest
il
lint
act
?
June:yept
heboyshavebeenbehavi
ng
Vi
ctor
ia:t
hat
'sgood
June:ishoul
dsayiwasshockedthataf
tersol
ong
youdecidedtol
etBosaspendchr
istmaswitht
he
r
estoft
hef
ami
ly
Vict
ori
a:andt hatmustbewhyiwashavingabad
ti
meher e.Kanawehaven'tevenhadsexsi
ncewe
cameher e
June:Vi
ctor
iayoul
ie
Vi
ctor
ia:i
mtel
li
ngyou.I
ftaki
ngBosatothatplace
meansmesuffer
ingt
henim nevergoi
ngtoal
low
t
hat
June:butnowyouhaveBoi
tshepo'
schi
ldsweet
s
Victori
a:onceyouputflashythi
ngsbefor
ehim he
forgetsaboutthatst
upidmotherofhissohe'
snota
problem.Oneper sonim worr
iedabouti
sOlebi
lebut
iwilldealwit
hit
June:soanydi
vor
cenewsyet
?
Vi
ctor
ia:notyetJune
June:whyar
eyouwi
tht
hisman?Don'
tyoul
ove
hi
m?
Vi
ctor
ia:idobuti
m notr
eadyf
ort
hatyet
June:youar
eamyst
eri
oushumanbei
ng
Victor
ia:ihavealotofthi
ngst
otakecareofwheni
getbackhomeandi m soanxi
ouscan'
timovemy
fl
ightti
meat least
June:bookanemer
gencyf
li
ghtandcancelt
heone
Patl
obooked
Vict
ori
a:youar
eont
osomet
hingl
etmegett
oit
now
June:goodluck.Haveyouheardfr
om Daisyihave
beenhunti
ngf orherupdat
esbutnothi
ng
Vict
ori
a:iguessshewant
stohaveaqui
etpr
ivat
e
holi
day
June:youknowthat
'ssonotyourdaught
er.The
fi
rstdayshepost
edlikenobody'
sbusi
ness
Vict
oria:peopl
echangel
ovebyel
etmef
ixt
he
t
icketsmess
June:al
ri
ghtl
ove

TheyhungupasVi ct
ori
asmi
leddi
ali
ngt
he
tr
avel
ingagency.
Att
hehospi
tal
..
.

Thedoctorwenti
ntoDai
sy'
sroom andf
oundher
si
tt
ingup..
.

Dr
:iaskedyout
olaydown
Daisy:i
m notusedtolayi
ngdownal
lthet
imeand
againiwanttogetoutofher
e
Dr:notunti
lyouar
ehealed.Tel
lmear
eyoui
nsome
ki
ndoft r
oubleorwhat
?
Dai
sy:r
eal
ly?
Dr
:whobeatyout
hen?
Daisy:canyoupl
easest
opaski
ngmest
upi
d
questions
Dr
:youneedt
oopenacaseagai
nstt
hisper
son
Dai
sy:l
eavemeal
one
Man:(
openedt
hedoor
)goodmor
ning
Daisyturnedandfrownedtoamanwear ingski
nny
j
eans, agolft
-shi
rt,
capandsneakerswit
hcarkeys
hangingonhisf i
ngerandthel
atestHuaweiphone
i
nhi shandsandhesmel ledsogood..
.

Dai
sy:whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?
Man:icametocheckuponyou(putashoppi
ng
bagnexther
)her
earesomesnacksforyou
Dr:iwant
edt
otalkt
oyouaboutyourbi
llmi
ss,
it'
s
day2andyouarest
andi
ngat6k
Man:ihavej
ustsor
tedt
hatoutDoci
tsok
Dr
:ohoksi
rthankyou
Dai
sy:wai
twhat
?
Dr
:seeyoul
aterMi
ss(
hel
eft
)
Dai
sy:whatdi
dyouj
ustsay?
Man:ihavet
akencar
eofyourhospi
talbi
ll
Dai
sy:why?It
oldyoui
t'
sok
Man:becausei
t'
sagoodt
hingonecando
Dai
sy:butyoudon'
tknowme
Man:ihaveal
lthet
imet
oknowyou(
hesai
dsi
tt
ing
down)
Dai
sy:whatar
eyoudoi
ng?
Man:keepi
ngyoucompany
Daisy:idon'
tknowyousi
r.Okthankyouf
oral
lyou
havedonebutiwillt
akei
tfrom her
e
Man:ihonestl
ydon'tknowwhatyouar
ethi
nki
ngof
mebutimj ustt
ryi
ngt ohel
p
Dai
sy:iappr
eci
atei
tbutif
eelabi
tuncomf
ort
abl
e
Man:canihaveyourmot
her
'snumbersot
hatican
cont
acther
?
Dai
sy:woul
dyoudot
hat
?
Man:yes
Dai
sy:what
'syourname?
Man:Lehumo
Dai
sy:f
rom?
Lehumo:Fr
eest
atebutil
ivei
nGaut
eng
Dai
sy:whatdoyoudo?
Lehumo:iownabank
Dai
sy:what
!?
Lehumo:yes
Daisy:butj
usttheot
herdayyouwer
edi
rt
yand
ri
dingonahor se
Lehumo:t
hat
'sbecauseiwasst
rai
ghtf
rom my
far
m
Dai
sy:ohisee.I
m sor
ryf
orj
udgi
ngyout
ooqui
ckl
y
Lehumo:it
'sokigett
hatal
ot.Doyouneed
anythi
ng?
Dai
sy:ineedaphoneandapasspor
til
ostmybags
Lehumo:don'
tworryiwi
llmakesur
etosor
t
ever
ythi
ngoutforyou
Dai
sy:r
eal
ly?
Lehumo:yeponceigetint
ouchwit
hyourmot
heri
bel
ieveever
ythi
ngwil
lfal
lint
opl
ace
Dai
sy:t
hankyousomuch

Shesmil
edgivi
nghim Vi
ctor
ia'
snumberandsaved
i
tashisphonerang.
..

Lehumo:ineedt
otaket
his.Wewi
llt
alksoon
Dai
sy:okbutdon'
tfor
gett
ocal
lmom
Lehumo:iwon'
t

Hesmil
edgoingoutandstoppedt
heringi
ngtone
ashewenti
ntohiscaranddial
edVict
ori
a..
.

Vi
ctor
ia:Vi
ctor
iaDi
ntsihel
lo?
Lehumo:hell
oma'am yourdaughteraskedmeto
callyouandi
nfor
m youthatshelostherphonel
ast
night
Vi
ctor
ia:andwho'
sthi
s?
Lehumo:herdr
iver
Vi
ctor
ia:wher
eissheiwoul
dli
ket
ospeakt
oher
Lehumo:shej
ustst
eppedouti
ntot
hemal
l
Vict
ori
a:doyouknowwhenshewi
llbecomi
ngback
home?
Lehumo:noma'
am butim cer
tai
nit
'snotgoi
ngto
beanyti
mesoonbecausesheandherfri
endkeep
booki
ngnewacti
vit
iesal
ltheti
me
Vi
ctor
ia:ihavebeentr
yingt
ogethol
dofherfri
end
aswellbutherphonei
snotgoi
ngthroughei
ther
Lehumo:iguesst
heydon'
twantt
obedi
stur
bedbut
ipromi
setokeepyouupdat
ed
Vi
ctor
ia:pl
easedosoandt
ellhert
hatimi
ssherso
much
Lehumo:idef
ini
tel
ywi
ll
.Haveagooddayma'
am
Vi
ctor
ia:yout
oosi
r

Shesmil
edhangi
ngupasLehumosmil
edtaki
ng
outhi
ssimcar
dandthrewi
tawayr
epl
aci
ngitwit
ha
newone.Hewentthr
oughhi
snumber
sanddial
ed
one.
..

Woman:si
r?
Lehumo:wewil
lhaveanewgir
lcomingsoonso
makesureonl
ythebesti
sfi
xedforher
Woman:whenexact
ly?
Lehumo:im st
il
lworki
ngmymagiconherbutitwi
ll
beverysoonsojustmakesur
eyouarereadyon
yoursi
de
Woman:oksirbuti
willneedherphot
otof
ixher
t
ravel
li
ngdocuments
Lehumo:al
ri
ghtiwi
llsendi
tjustnow(
hehungup
anddial
edanot
hernumber)
Man:myman
Lehumo:howi
sever
ythi
nggoi
ng?
Man:busi
nessi
ssl
owineedf
reshbl
ood
Lehumo:ihavethebestforyout r
ustme.Soonshe
wil
lbemakingherwayt here.Ihavespokent
omy
contactt
hatsi
deandshewi l
lbesorti
ngout
ever
ythi
ng
Man:goodmyclubneedsr
evi
val
soihopeshe'
sas
hotasyousayshei
s
Lehumo:t
rustmeont
hatone

TheyhungupasLehumosmil
edandwentbacki
nto
thehospi
talwher
ehef
oundDai
syeat
ingt
hefrui
ts
hegother.

AtPamel
a'
shouse.
..

Chri
sti
neparkedhercarandheadedi
nsi
dewher
e
shefoundherfr
ienddri
nking.
..

Chr
ist
ine:ar
eyouok?
Pamel
a:myboyscan'
tfi
ndt
hatbi
tch
Chr
ist
ine:havet
heysear
chedt
hehospi
tal
s?
Pamel
a:t
heyar
ewor
kingoni
t
Chr
ist
ine:don'
twor
rywewi
ll
findher
.Shewon'
t
hi
deforgood
Pamela:ihopesobecauseshoul
dshegett
othe
pol
icewear edoomed
Chr
ist
ine:t
henyourboyshavet
oupt
hei
rfeet
Pamel
a:andhermot
hercal
ledherbutit
ookcar
eof
i
t
Chr
ist
ine:good.Ibur
ntal
lthatgi
rl
'sgoods
Pamel
a:goodweneedt
ofi
nishwhatwest
art
ed
Chr
isti
ne:i
fitwer
en'
tforSteveandObi
egowe
wouldn'
tbeheresodon'
tfeelgui
lt
y
Pamela:ohnoi
m notij
ustneedt
ofi
ndt
hatl
it
tl
e
bi
tch
Chr
ist
ine:wewi
llbabes

Shesai
dgoingtot
heothersi
deoft
hebarand
pour
edher
selfadr
inkaswell
.
I
nMochudi
..
.

Boit
shepo'
sphoner
angasshest
eppedout
sideand
answered.
..

Boi
tshepo:pl
easet
ellmeyouf
oundsomet
hing
Boemo:yeswedi d.Vi
ctori
adidexactlywhati
thoughtshewoul ddo.ShetookBosat othe
adoptioncentresayi
ngshef oundhim onthe
street
sandiaskedt hatwomanhowdoesachi l
d
endupi nthest
reet
swhent heirmotherdi
edright
aftergivi
ngbirt
htohim andshekickedusout
Boi
tshepo:t
hatwomanmustbewor
kingwi
th
Vi
ctori
a
Boemo:wi
thoutadoubtshet
hinksshe'
sdeal
ing
wit
hanamature
Boi
tshepo:sowhat
'st
henextst
ep?
Boemo:wereveal
edBai
sago'
strueident
it
ytot
he
womanandsincewesuspectshecouldbeworki
ng
wit
hVict
ori
awehavedecidedtotakeBai
sagot
oSA
t
olayl
owf
orawhi
le
Boi
tshepo:okwhataboutyou?
Boemo:igaveheraf
akename
Boit
shepo:good.Di
dsheaskyouaboutyour
qual
ifi
cat
ion?
Boemo:yeahitol
dherim al
awyerandJuneknows
thati
m asoft
waredevel
oper
.Sheknowsmeas
DoreenPhokoandJuneknowsmeasBoemo
Boit
shepo:good.Iwantt
ogot
oVi
ctor
ia'
shousef
or
afewdays
Boemo:why?
Boit
shepo:thecl
oseriam t
oherthebet
terandi
haveanotherpl
anupmysl eevet
oexposeher
Boemo:okar
eyousur
eabouti
tthough?
Boi
tshepo:yeah
Boemo:whataboutyourdaught
ersinceihear
Temoiscomingwithyourmother?
Boi
tshepo:shewi
llst
ayher
ewi
thhersmal
lsi
bli
ngs
Boemo:hersaf
ety?
Boi
tshepo:ihavespokentouncleLedi
baandhe'
s
act
uall
yonmysi dej
ustthathedoesn'
twantt
o
makeitobvious
Boemo:okthenifyouhaveever
ythi
ngsor
tedt
hen
ther
e'snopr
oblem
Boit
shepo:wenakeepdoingagoodjobonthelegal
si
deofthingsiontheotherhandwi
llwor
khardto
getyoutangi
bleevi
dence
Boemo:nopr
obl
em

TheyhungupasBoi
tsheposi
ghedshaki
ngher
head.
..

Boi
tshepo:youcanr
unbutyouwil
lneverhi
de
Vi
ctori
a.Thetrut
hwi
llal
wayscat
chupwi t
hyou.

Shesai
dgoi
ngbackt
othehouse.
THATAFTERNOON

Aft
erpart
ingwayswi t
hPat l
oVict
ori
adecidedto
shootst
raighttoDiphala'
shouse.Sheparkedher
carandwenti nsi
deashesmi l
edatherbutshekept
aseri
ousfaceonsi tt
ingonhermat .
..

Di
phal
a:whati
swr
ong?
Vi
ctor
ia:iwantt
ounder
standyourusei
nmyl
if
e
Di
phal
a:imakeanyt
hinghappenf
oryou
Vi
ctor
ia:ohsowhydi
dihavet
hewor
stt
ri
p?
Diphal
a:yourfami
lyi
sfi
ghtingagai
nstyouthey
wanttotaketheboyf
rom youandtheyareusing
yourson
Vi
ctor
ia:whoexact
ly?
Di
phal
a:yoursi
ster
Vict
ori
a:thatbi
tch.Shehast
obedeal
twi
th
permanentl
y
Di
phal
a:coul
dn'
tagr
eemor
e
Vi
ctor
ia:l
et'
stalkaboutt
heper
sonyousayis
wat
chingandlisteni
ngtomeinmyhouse.Whoi
sit
?
Di
phal
a:ihaven'
tbeenabl
etof
indoutwhoi
tis
Vi
ctori
a:iwantr
esul
tsDi
phal
anotwhatyouar
e
t
ell
ingmenow
Diphal
a:iwil
lworkevenhar
dermyqueen.Tel
lme
aboutthefat
herofthi
sboy
Vict
ori
a:don'
twor
ryabouthi
m hewi
llbet
akencar
e
oftoni
ght
Di
phal
a:ohok.Sopl
ansf
oryoursi
ster
?
Vi
ctori
a:l
eavethatonet
omeaswel l
ifitmeans
ki
ll
ingherwit
hmybar ehandsidef
init
elywil
l
Di
phal
a:andyouruncl
e?
Vict
ori
a:hi
sti
mehasar r
ivedi
twi
llbeoverforhi
m
soon.Noonestandsi
nmywayt ohappiness
Di
phal
a:yourson?
Vi
ctor
ia:asl
ongashecan'
tspeaki
m good
Di
phal
a:good.Onet
hingaboutyoursi
ster
.Shewas
t
herewhenMarumodied
Vi
ctor
ia:whoi
sMar
umo?
Di
phal
a:atradit
ionaldoct
orshewentt
oandt
ri
edt
o
br
eakever
ythingwebui l
t
Vi
ctori
a:(
smi
led)soyouaret
ell
ingmethat
Boi
tshepoDi
ntsiwasther
ewhenthatmandied?
Di
phala:yesmyqueenshei
sther
easonhe
l
aunchedanatt
ackonme
Vict
ori
a:(
smiledmor
e)atl
eastther
earesomegood
news.Thanksweshal
lmeetagainsoon
Di
phal
a:anyt
hingf
oryoumyqueen

Victor
ial
eftyetanotherbl
ackchi
ckenandafew
notesandwal kedoutwithasmil
eonherface
getti
nginhercar..
.

Vi
ctor
ia:your
eal
lydon'
tgi
veupBoihey.Onethi
ng
wehaveincommoni st
hatnoneofuswouldnever
giveinbutweshallseewhatbecomesofyouonce
yourmot herl
ear
nsthatyouarevisi
ti
ngtradi
ti
onal
doctorsandwasevent her
ewhenhedi edyetyou
cl
aimt obeaChr i
sti
an

Shel
aughedr
ever
singoutandj
oinedt
her
oad.

Att
heKwena'
s.
..

Bont
siandAtamelangl
aughedasBontsif
ini
shed
maki
ngfood.Pat
loparkedhi
scarout
sideandwent
i
nasAtamelangjumpedonhim..
.

At
amel
ang:daddy
Pat
lo:(
smi
led)mygi
rl
At
amelang:ihopeyouhadawonder
fult
ri
pdi
dyou
br
inganyt
hingforme?
Pat
lo:gochecki
nthecar(
sher
anout
side)hil
ove
Bont
si:(
smi
ledhuggi
nghi
m)hibaby
Pat
lo:howwasyourt
ri
p?
Bont
si:amazi
ngandyour
s?
Pat
lo:wonder
fuli
m sor
ryicoul
dn'
tsendpi
ctur
esi
t
washecti
c
Bont
si:ohnonodon'
tworryiunderst
andlove.Igot
somethi
ngforyoui
nthebedroom gocheckitout
Pat
lo:(
smi
led)ohni
ce

Hesai dgoingupt othebedroom whil

eBontsi
smi l
edandwhi stl
edputti
ngt hefoodonthedining
table.Hel ookedaroundandsawaphot oalbum on
theirbed.Hesmi l
edtaki
ngitandopenedi tonlyfor
hishear ttoskiptoaphotoofhi m andVict
ori
ai n
Zanzi bar.Heswallowedwi t
hhi shear
traci
nggoi ng
throughal lthephotoswhil
eBont sil
eanedagainst
thedoorf r
amewi thasmi l
eonherf aceandher
armsf ol
ded...

Bont
si:ihopeyoul
ikeyourgi
fthoney
Heswal
lowedl
ooki
ngupather
.
.
.
.
.
.
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
CAGED
24

Pat
lo:Bont
siwhatt
hehel
list
his?
Bont
si:ah-
uhyoushoul
dgetof
fyourhi
ghhor
se
youhavenori
ghtt
ogetangrywit
hme
At
amelang:mom l
ookwhatdadgot
..
.(
Patl
ohidthe
al
bum)nodaddon'tdoi
tiknowwhat'
sinther
e
Pat
lo:r
eal
lyBont
si?
Atamelang:howcanyoubesodisr
espect
fult
o
mom li
ket hatdad?Yourownmar
ri
agelegoneto
cheatwithawomanwhousesvoodooonyou?
Shameonyoudad
Patl
o:Atamel
angi
m notgoi
ngt
oletyout
alkt
ome
l
ikethat
Bontsi
:notonmychi
ldPat
loyouwi
llhavet
oget
thr
oughmef i
rst
Pat
lo:howcoul
dyou!
?
Bontsi:it
oldyoutokeepyourvoicedownandtell
mewhyPat lowhydidyouli
etome?Anddon' tyou
darethinkoflyi
ngsomemor ebecauseyour
recept
ionistconf
ir
medthatther
ewasnowor ktri
p
andwewer einZanzi
baraswell
Pat
lo:what
!?
Bont
si:whyar
eyoudoi
ngwhatyouar
edoi
ng?
Pat
lo:ihonest
lydon'
thavet
imef
ort
his
Bontsi
:ohokthengo,got
oheryouwil
lfi
ndusright
herewait
ingf
oryouandwhil
eonyourwaytoher
housethi
nkofwhatyouaregoi
ngtosaytoher
fami
lyandwhatyouar
egoi
ngt
osayt
oheronce
shestar
tsl
osi
ngcli
ent
s
Pat
lo:(
frowned)wai
twhat
'st
hatsupposedt
omean?
Bontsi
:exact
lywhatyouarethi
nki
ngPatl
o.Just
becauseichoset
obeast ayhomewi f
emakesyou
thi
nkim nai
ve?HellnoPatl
oandiknowyouhave
beensleepi
ngwit
ht hi
sbit
chforyear
snow
Patl
o:soeveryt
hingt
hathappenedi
nZanzi
barwas
notacoinci
dence?
Bont
si:ipl
annedever
ysi
ngl
ebi
tofi
tmyl
ove
Pat
lo:youar
eanevi
lwomanBont
si
Bontsi
:thi
sismymar ri
ageandi m goi
ngtodo
whateveri
ttakestosaveit
.Formydaught eriwoul
d
doeveythi
ngandi fi
tmeansmaki ngthatbit
chof
yourssuff
erherwholeli
fetogetyoutoactlikea
manwhomadevows?Thenbr ingitonbecauseI'
m
readydearhusband
At
amelang:andhe'
snotevensor
ry.I
m honest
ly
di
sappoi
ntedinyoudad
Pat
lo:(
swal
lowed)At
amel
angcanipl
easet
alkt
o
yourmot
heral
one
Bont
si:ihavef
oodwai
ti
ngf
ormedownst
air
s.Oh,
gi
vemeyourcarkeys
Pat
lo:whatar
eyougoi
ngt
odowi
tht
hem?
Bontsi:Pat
loyourcarkeysnow,myfoodisgett
ing
col
d( heswall
owedgi vi
ngthem t
oher)wal
let
Pat
lo:Bo.
..
Bont
si:Pat
loyouknowihat
emyf oodcold(
he
swal
lowedandgaveitt
oher)yourphone
Pat
lo:l
ovecomeonnow
Bontsi
:Pat
loidon'
twantt
osayanyt
hingmor
eto
you
Pat
lo:butiuset
hisphonef
orbusi
ness
Bont
si:Pat
lost
opwast
ingmyt
ime

Heswal lowedandgaveitt oherasshesmil

ed
closingthedoorwit
hherdaught erbehi
ndher.He
l
istenedtothem chatoutloudgoingdownstai
rsas
her ubbedhisheadfrust
ratedandopenedthe
album.Itwast hephotoofVict
oriai
nagowngoing
outtothepoolaf t
erthesnakesagathatt
hrewhi
s
furt
herofftheedgeashecl enchedhisj
awsandhit
thebedgr unt
ing.

AtVi
ctor
ia'
shouse.
..

Shepar
kedhercarandwenti
nsi
dewi
thgi
ftbags
aswesmil
edather..
.

Vi
ctor
ia:guesswho'
shomeboys
Bosa:
hiaunt
y
Vi
ctor
ia:hisonihopeyouar
edoi
nggood
Bosa:moret
hangoodt
hatyouar
eher
enow.Ir
eal
ly
missedyousomuch
Vi
ctor
ia:awwimi
ssedyout
ooson.HiLT
Let
lot
lo:hiaunt
yhowwasyourt
ri
p
Vi
ctor
ia:amazi
ng.I
twasoutoft
hiswor
ld
Letl
otl
o:r
ememberyoupr
omisedt
hatonceyouar
e
backhomewewillbet
heonesgoi
ng(weall
l
aughed)
Vi
ctor
ia:idi
dn'
tfor
getaboutt
hat
Bosa:
inolongerwantt
ogoanywhereaunt
yijust
wantt
obehome.Wecanal waysplanaweekend
awayoneofthecomingweekends
Vict
ori
a:ahBosabutyourcousi
nwant
stogor
ight
LT?
Let
lot
lo:ohyesauntyandim pret
tysureThoriso
wouldlovet
otagalong(icl
earedmyt hroatt
ryingto
warnhim)havi
nghim overforchri
stmaswasf un
Vi
ctor
ia:(
frownedf
akesmi
li
ng)who'
sthat
?
Let
lot
lo:Bosa'
sfri
endauntyhe'sannoyi
ngbuta
ver
ycoolguy(laughed)ican'
tbel
ievehetol
d..
.
Bosa:
aunt
ywho'
sgi
ft
sar
ethose?
Vi
ctor
ia:wai
t,whatdi
dthi
sThor
isot
ellwhoLet
lot
lo?
Let
lot
lo:(
clear
edhi
sthr
oat
)not
hingaunt
y
Vi
ctor
ia:Let
lot
loyouwoul
dknowbet
tert
hant
otr
y
andl
i
etome
Let
lot
lo:i
t'
sjustsi
ll
yboysst
uff
Vi
ctor
ia:Let
lot
lowhatar
eyout
alki
ngabout
?
Bosa:
aunt
ydoyouneedhel
pwi
thyourbags?
Vi
ctor
ia:Bosashutup!

Weswall
owedwit
hourheart
sracingl
ooki
ngata
f
uri
ousVict
ori
awhil
einhi
sbedroom Ol
ebi
lesmi
led
l
ist
eni
ngon..
.

Victor
ia:il
eaveyoufor2dayswi
thmyhouseand
youbr i
ngsill
ypeopl
einmyyard?Doyounot
respectmet hatmuch?
Let
lot
lo:aunt
ywear
esor
ry
Vi
ctor
ia:sor
ryf
orwhat!
?Huh?Whatdidthi
sboyt
ell
whothatyoudon'
twanttot
ellmeLet
lot
lo?
Let
lot
lo:(sl
owl
ymovedback)not
hingaunt
yiwas
j
ustbeing..
.
Beforehecouldfinishahotsl
aplandedacr
osshi
s
faceashest aggeredtot
hecouchandasshewas
abouttolandoneonmyf aceidodgedasshe
frownedbreathi
ngheavil
y..
.

Vi
ctor
ia:ohsoyouwantt
ofi
ghtmenowBosa?Huh?
I
sthatwhatyouwantt
odonow?Ileaveyouwit
h
myhouseandyoudoallt
hestupi
dthi
ngsini
t.
Comeher e
Bosa:
aunt
ywear
esor
ry
Vi
ctor
ia:Bosaisai
dcomeher
e!

Iswall
owedlookingatherassheapproachedme
buticont
inuedtomoveback.Ont hecouchLet
lot
lo
l
ookedonwi thhi
shandonhi scheek.
..

Vi
ctori
a:wher
ewasmysonwhenyouwer
edoi
ng
al
lthosest
upi
dthi
ngs?Nur
se!
Lady:yesma'
am
Vi
ctor
ia:whathappenedwheniwasaway?
Lady:not
hingma'
am
Vi
ctor
ia:ohsot
heypai
dyout
oli
etoo?
Lady:noma'
am i
..
.
Vict
ori
a:shutup!(Shetookt
hegif
tbags)ineedmy
son.Ican'
tbeli
eveiboughtyout
woi di
ots
expensi
vegift
swhi l
eyouwerebusymisbehavi
ngi
n
myhouset hi
sisnotovernotbyalongshotandi
hopeyouknowwhatimeanBosa

SheclickedhertongueheadingtoOl ebi
le'
sroom
whileiswallowedlooki
ngatLetlot
lowhowasst i
ll
shockedatwhatj usthappened.Vi
ctoriagotin
Olebil
e'sroom andfoundhim sl
eepingthenkissed
hisforehead..
.

Vict
ori
a:awwmybabyihopeyouhavebeent
aken
careofwhil
eiwasawaybutwor
rynotmommyis
herenowok
Shesaidki
ssinghi
sfor
eheadwhil
eathermot
her
's
houseBoemosmi l
edli
steni
ngonwhatj
ust
happened.
..

Boemo:thi
sisokbutallineedyoutodoformeis
hurtt
heboysunprovokedtheniwil
lhavesol
id
evi
denceagai
nstyou

Backatthehouse,Vi
ctori
asmil
edputt
ingagi f
tbag
onthetabl
einOlebil
e'
sroom assheacci
dentalyhi
t
thevaseonthetabl
ewi t
hherel
bowandi tf
elldown
breaki
ng.
..

Vi
ctor
ia:shi
t.
..

ShesaidlookingdownasOlebi
leopenehiseyes.
Hereal
iseditwasoneofthevasesthatBaisago
pl
antedal i
steni
ngdevi
ceinashemadeasound. .
.
Vi
ctor
ia:(
lookedupathim)i
m sosorr
yloveidi
dn't
meantowakeyouupl etmegogetthehousehelper
t
ocomeandcl eant
hemesssorryok

Hejustsmi ledatherasshel ef tt
othekit
chen.As
soonast hedoorcl osedbehindherOl ebil
equickly
gotoffthebedandsear chedf orthebutt
onbet ween
theglasses.Aglasscuthi sfi
ngerashef l
inched
andfoundt hebuttongoi ngtohi sbedwhilethe
househel percl
eaned.Shel eftashewentt owash
hiscutandpl ant
edt helist
eningdeviceundert he
desksighing..
.

Ol
ebi
le:t
hatwascl
ose

Hesaidgetti
ngbackint
obedwhi
leVi
ctor
iawentt
o
herbedroom.Ideci
dedtogot
omybedroom as
Letl
otl
ofoll
owedme...
Let
lot
lo:br
uhwhatwast
hat
?
Bosa:yourr
unnymout
hgotusi
nthest
atewear
ein
ri
ghtnow.Howcoul
dyoumyguy?
Let
lot
lo:it
houghtsheknewThori
soandthatwe
weregoingwit
hhimt ot
hechri
stmasl
unch
Bosa: auntVictodoesn'
tli
kestrangersinherhouse.
YessheknowsThor i
sobutshehasneveral l
owed
hi
mt ocomehangher eyoushoul dn'
thave
mentionedt hathewasher eandyoual most
mentionedt hatisl
eptwithsomeoneher eandshe
wasnevergoi ngtostopunti
licamecl eantoher.
Onet hingyoushoul dknowaboutaunt yisthatshe
i
sver ysternwheni tcomestoherhouseand
property
Letl
otl
o:i
m sorr
ybutdamnt
hatsl
apdudeahifelt
l
ikeiwasslappedbyamanandyouhadthegutsto
dodgeit
Bosa:
(laughed)youwi
lll
ear
n
Let
lot
lo:iact
ual
lyhave.Shoul
digetyousomet
hing
todri
nk?
Bosa:j
ustdomeaf avourdon'
ttouchanyt
hingunt
il
she'
scalm orel
seyouwillbei
nforit
Let
lot
lo:(
frowned)ohok

Helef
tasit
ookmyphoneandsmi
ledt
ext
ing
At
amelang.
..

Bosa:
hey
At
amel
ang:hiBosa
Bosa:
hopeyouar
esaf
elyhome
At
amel
ang:yesil
ongar
ri
vedhowar
eyoudoi
ng?
Bosa:
im ok
At
amel
ang:howi
sever
yoneathome?
Bosa:myauntjustgotbackf
rom hert
ripandwe
gotof
fthewrongfootbutwewillbefi
ne
At
amel
ang:al
ready?
Bosa:i
twasnot
hingmaj
orj
ustt
hatwebr
oket
he
small
estr
ule
At
amel
ang:ar
ulei
sar
uleanywayhowwashert
ri
p?
Bosa:
ihaven'
tgot
tent
hechancet
oaskherhey
At
amel
ang:ohisee.Okt
hen
Bosa:
sowhatar
eyouupt
o?
At
amel
ang:chi
ll
ingwi
thmymom andonmyphone
Bosa:
nice.Whenar
eyougoi
ngt
owor
k?
At
amel
ang:soon
Bosa:
ohok.Imi
ssyou
At
amelang:t
hei
sthesecondt
imeyouar
etel
li
ng
methat
Bosa:i
t'
sjustt
hatyouhavebeendi
stantandimi
ss
hangi
ngoutwithyou
At
amel
ang:idon'
tmi
ssyou
Bosa:
ouch
Atamelang:ijustfeel
li
keineedtobehonestwith
youandt hefurtherwestayawayfrom oneanot
her
thebet
terican'tbeyourfri
endifican'
tbeyour
gir
lf
ri
end
Bosa:
butiwast
hinki
ngwecoul
dtr
ythi
ngsout
Atamel ang:t
oolit
tl
etoolat
e.Ihavedecidedt obe
aroundpeool ewhoappreci
atememor e.Im done
throwingmyselfonyoubuddysot hefurtherwe
stayawayf rom oneanot
herthebett
er.Eitherway
wet herwedateornotwewoul dnevergetal ong
Bosa:
aommawhydoyousayt
hat
?
At
amelang:nevermi
ndt
hatone.Al
lineedf
rom you
i
sspace
Bosa:i
sitt
hewhi
teguyyouhavebeenpost
ingof
l
ate?
At
amel
ang:nowyouar
ecr
ossi
ngt
hel
ine.ByeBosa
Bosa:
im sor
ry
Atamelang:gotothatgi
rlyoudeci dedtogi
ve
yoursel
ftoidon'thavet
imef orpeoplewhodon'
t
haveast andandwhocan' tappreciat
ewhenpeopl
e
tr
ytohelpt hem
Bosa:iseveryt
hingokAt amelang?(Shedidn't
respond)Ata?(Shesti
llblueti
ckedme)i m honest
ly
sorrytocr
osst heboundar i
espleasefor
giveme.I
knowihavemessedupbutiwantt
otr
ythi
ngsout
wit
hyou

Atamelangjustl
ookedatthemessageandsi ghed
whil
eiwaitedforherresponsebutnevergotone
unti
ligaveup.

Att
heHospi
tal
..
.

Lehumosmiledget
ti
ngintheroom asDai
sysmil
ed
backathi
m.Heputabagoff oodonhersideasshe
smil
edsit
ti
ngupandt ooki
t.
..

Dai
sy:not
hingbeatsnandosandit
sli
keyouknewi
wascravi
ngfori
tthefoodherei
scrap
Lehumo:iknowhowthefoodherecangetsoi
deci
dedwhynot.Imanagedtocontactyourmot
her
Dai
sy:and?
Lehumo:eveyt
hingwi
llbesor
tedoutsoon.She
coul
dn'
tst
opt
hanki
ngmef
orl
ooki
ngoutf
oryou
Daisy:ireal
lyappr
eci
atei
tbutihopeyoudi
dn'
ttel
l
herimi nthehospi
tal
Lehumo:noidi
dn'
t.Idi
dn'
twantt
ogetyoui
nto
tr
oubl
e
Dai
sy:(
smi
led)t
hankyousomuch
Lehumo:sohowar
eyouf
eel
i
ng?
Dai
sy:iwi
llbef
inewi
tht
ime.Thepai
nki
ll
ersar
e
hel
ping
Lehumo:t
hat
'sgood.Soyoust
il
ldon'
ttr
ustme?
Dai
sy:wel
liki
ndofdonow
Lehumo:okt
henenought
otel
lmewhatl
andedyou
here?
Dai
sy:di
dmom sendyou?
Lehumo:(chuckl
ed)ofcour
senot
.Imeanidi
dn'
t
eventel
lheryouarehere
Dai
sy:(
sighed)i
t'
ssomethingim notpr
oudofso
t
hat'
swhyidon'twantt
ot alkabouti
t
Lehumo:trustmewhenisayihavedoneal otof
embarassingthingsinmylif
e.Iwasal mostcaught
wit
hamar ri
edwomanihadt ospendthenight
underthebed( theyl
aughed)imaginethe
uncomf or
tabil
it
yofbeingunderthereandli
steni
ng
tothemanandhi swifef
uckingallni
ght(t
hey
l
aughed)
Dai
sy:wel
lfor
tunat
elyf
oryou,
youescapedwi
thno
wound
Lehumo:soi
tsamar
ri
edman?
Dai
sy:pl
easedon'
tjudgeme
Lehumo:i
mthel
eastt
ojudgeanot
herhumanbei
ng
iswear
Daisy:idi
dntknowhewasmar r
iedunt
ilhi
swife
tookmyf r
iendandi
.Theybeatusandmyf ri
end
died
Lehumo:awwi
m sosor
ry
Dai
sy:i
tsokiwi
llbef
inewi
tht
ime
Lehumo:mar
ri
edpeopl
ecanbedout
chebagsat
ti
mes
Daisy:wel
lwearealsotobl
ameweshouldask
thesethi
ngsbeforeget
ti
ngi
nvol
vedwithot
her
peopleespeci
all
ysomeoneyouhar
dlyknow
Lehumo:iagr
eewi
thyou
Daisy:nowi
m scaredt
hatt
hiswomanmightsend
peopleonmytailandt
heyfi
ndmehereandthen
fi
nishmeoff
Lehumo:don'
twor
ryyouar
esaf
ewi
thmeok
Dai
sy:youar
etoogoodt
obet
rueyouknow
Lehumo:( chuckl
ed)iknowbutican'thel
pit
.My
mom t aughtmet oal
waysbegoodt opeopl
eno
matterhowsuccessf uligeti
nli
fethat
'swhy
sometimesihangouti nt hel
okshi
n
Dai
sy:ohok.Iwoul
dli
ket
omeetupwi
thherand
t
hankher
Lehumo:wellonl
yifyoupr
omi
set
ovi
sitmeonce
youarerel
eased
Dai
sy:ok.I
t'
sdeal
Lehumo:deal
Shesmil
edlooki
ngdownonherfoodwhi
leLehumo
smil
edsi
tti
ngbackonthechai
rpr
essi
nghisphone.

Atamal
l.
..

Vi
ctori
aandJunewal
kedint
oarestaur
antandt
ook
t
heirseat
saf
terpl
aci
ngthei
ror
ders.
..

Vi
ctor
ia:whodoyousaywear
emeet
ingagai
n?
June:t
hisamazi
ngl
adyshest
aysi
nUK
Vi
ctor
ia:what
'shername?
June:Boemo
Vi
ctori
a:whatki
ndofnamei
sthat
?Whendidwe
st
arthangi
ngoutwit
hpeopl
eofsuchnames?
June:wenakanaVi
ctor
iapl
easebeni
ce
Vi
ctor
ia:ohwhat
ever
.Leeneor
ataat
tent
ionwher
e
i
sshe?
Boemo:(
smi
led)il
oveal
adywhor
espect
sti
me
June:ohheyl
ovewheredi
dyoucomef
rom pl
ease
don'
tmindVicshe'
sli
ket
hat
Boemo:i
t'
sok.Iwassi
tt
inginsi
deiguessyoudi
dn'
t
seemewhenyouwalkedin
June:yeah.Anywayt
hisi
sVict
ori
aDint
si,
Vict
hisi
s
Boemosheasof t
war
edevel
operi
ntheUKandis
hereforamonth
Boemo:ni
cet
omeetyoul
ove
Vi
ctor
ia:l
ikewi
se

Theyhuggedandtookt
hei
rseat
sast
hewai
ter
broughtt
hei
rfood.
..

Boemo:soihearyouwer
eonavacat
ionl
ovehow
wasit
?
Victor
ia:i
twasj
ustok.Justafewt
hingst
hat
happenedbutiwil
lgetovert
hem.Soyouarebased
i
nt heUK?
Boemo:yep
Vi
ctor
ia:ni
ce.Iguessournextt
ri
pist
heUKl
ove
June:ohyesandsheknowsyourhot
elt
lheshe
coul
dn'tst
opravi
ngabouti
t
Boemo:ohyesi
t'
shonest
lyabeaut
if
ulhot
el
Vi
ctor
ia:(
smil
ed)t
hankyousomuchial
waysgof
or
t
hebest.Soanyki
dsorsidehust
le?
Boemo:i
t'
sjustmeandmyj
obl
ove
Vict
ori
a:ohiseebutyoushoul
dhavesomet
hingt
o
fal
lbackon
Boemo:wehaveaf
ami
lybusi
nesssoi
m ok
Vi
ctor
ia:ohr
eal
lywhatki
ndofbusi
nessi
sit
?
Boemo:ihear
dJunesayyouhaveanadopt
edson.
Youmustbeawonderfulwoman
Vict
ori
a:dodgingmyquesti
onisee.Keengyou
thi
nkimi ghtbewi
tchyou?(
Chuckl
ed)bl
ackpeopl
e
andwitchcraft
Boemo:(smi
led)bathongwhatmakesyouthi
nki
canthi
nkofwitchcr
aft?Youknowi
tissai
dthat
whenyouthi
nkofsomethi
ngaboutt
heot
her
per
sonyouareact
ual
lydoingi
t
June:ahl
adi
escomeon
Vi
ctor
ia:nowai
tJunewhati
sshet
ryi
ngt
o
i
nsi
nuate?
Boemo:(l
aughed)comeonlovecal m down.Don't
youknowhowt ojokebutj
ustsaying,youknow
whenyourpart
nerstar
tsgett
ingoverl
yi nsecur
eit
meanstheyaredoingsoemthingbehindyourback?
June:bat
hongt
opi
cyal
ona
Boemo:don'
tworryl
oveim oneper
sonwholi
kes
pl
ayi
ngaround.Youshoul
dkeepyoursenseof
humorincheckl
ove
Vi
ctor
ia:oknowt
hat
'sr
ude
Boemo:aobat
hongJune
June:okokl
adi
escal
m down.
Boemo:ohwellit
sokmostgr eatr
elat
ionshi
psstar
t
offi
nthewrongfoot.Canior
deryouagl assoft
he
fi
nestchampagne.Nowaitabottl
e?
Vict
ori
a:doyouknowhowmuchabot
tl
eofa
champagneidri
nkcost
s?
Boemo:pr
icet
agsnevermat
ter
edt
ome

Shesai
dsnappi
ngherf
ingert
ot hewait
erwhil
e
Vi
ctor
iat
ookasipf
rom herdr
inklooki
ngather.
..

Wai
ter
:yesma'
am
Boemo:br
ingus3bot
tl
esofyourf
inestchampagne
l
ove
Wai
ter
:abot
tl
eofourf
inestchampagnecost1.
9K
Boemo:makethem 3t
henmyl
oveandanext
ra
pl
att
erwehavealongdat
eher
e
Wai
ter
:ohok(
hel
eft
)
Vi
ctor
ia:t
lhemmayourcar
dbet
ternotdecl
ine(
they
l
aughed)
Boemo:don'tworr
ylove.Sol
et'
stal
kaboutyour
son.Iwanttoadoptsoonsoiwanttoknowhowit
feel
sandit'
sperks
Vi
ctor
ia:i
t'
sjustok
Boemo:didyouadopthi
mfr
om ar
elat
iveorj
ustt
he
adopt
ioncentr
e?
Vi
ctor
ia:t
headopt
ioncent
remyl
ove.
Boemo:ohni
ce.Sohe'
sagoodchi
ld?
Vict
ori
a:yeahigothi
m whenhewasababyandi
rai
sedhimintoaresponsi
bleyoungl
ad
Boemo:ohwow.Soheknowshe'
sadopt
ed?
Vi
ctor
ia:yep
Boemo:hashi
spar
ent
severt
ri
edt
ocont
actyou?
Vi
ctor
ia:nope
Boemo:butwhati
ftheydo?
June:yourquest
ionsB?
Boemo:ij
ustwantsomeenlight
mentloveiwantt
o
knowhowtodealwitheveyt
hingonceiadopta
chi
ld
Vict
ori
a:wel
lift
heydotheywon'
tbeabl
etogethi
m.
Theonlymotherheknowsisme
Boemo:isee.Soyourl
awyercer
ti
fi
edt
hatf
oryou?
Vi
ctor
ia:yep
Boemo:okt
henl
oveiwi
llkeepaski
ngi
fanyt
hing
comesup
Vi
ctor
ia:nopr
obl
em dear
Wai
ter
:her
eyougol
adi
es
Boemo:ohlalaourdri
nksar
ehereladi
es.Please
bri
ngthebi
llofever
ythi
nghereoksothatweget
donewit
hit
.Ifwewantanythingmoreitwil
lbeona
newtab
Wai
ter
:okma'
am (
hel
eft
)
Vi
ctor
ia:so.Youhaveaman?
Boemo:yepbuthe'
saTradi
ti
onaldoct
or(
Vict
ori
a
chokedonherf
ood)ar
eyouok?
Vi
ctor
ia:yeah.Wher
eishef
rom?
Boemo:Mal
awi
Vi
ctor
ia:ohisee
Wai
ter
:bi
lli
sP6750ma'
am
June:what
!?Canwespl
it
?
Boemo:l
adi
esigott
hisok.Her
elove

Thewai terputt
heplati
num cardi
nthemachi neas
thepaymentwentt hroughwithnohussl
ewhi le
Victor
iacurvedherli
psandt ookasi
pfrom her
drinksecretl
yeyei
ngBoemowhowasl aughingwit
h
June.Hephonedi sruptedherasshefr
ownedand
steppedawayt oanswer .
..

Vi
ctor
ia:MsDi
ntsihel
lo?
Lat
oya:wher
ehasyourchi
ldt
akenmydaught
er?
Vi
ctor
ia:(
frowned)excuseme?Who'
sthi
s?
Lat
oya:Ver
oni
ca'
smot
her
Vi
ctor
ia:whyar
eyousoangr
y?Br
eat
hpl
ease
Latoya:ihavebeentr
yingt
ogethol
dofmy
daughterbutnothi
ng.Wherei
smydaught
erMs
Dintsi
?
Vi
ctor
ia:t
hosepeopl
ehavedeci
dedt
ohavea
peacefulhol
idaywi
thnodi st
urbancefr
om us.I
havebeenget t
ingmessagesfrom Dai
sysoplease
cal
m down.Thosechildrenaresafeandagaint
hey
havemoneysoyoudon' thavet oworr
yabout
anythi
ng
Latoya:tel
lyourdaught
ert
otel
lVeroni
catoatl
east
sendmeat extmessagepl
easebecauseshoul
d
anythi
nghappent omydaughteridon'
tknowhow
youar egoingtodealwi
thme
Vict
ori
a:easywi
ththet
hreatsbecausewedon'
t
knowoneanotheroksopleaseeasy
Latoya:idon'
tmakethreat
simakepr omi
ses.The
dayshoul dnotendwi
thoutrecei
vingamessage
fr
om mydaught er

Shecl i
ckedhertongueandhungupwhi leVictor
ia
fr
ownedl ookingatherphone.Shescoff
edshaking
herheadanddi aledthenumberthatcal
ledher
earl
ierbutitwasnotavail
ableasshesentat ext
andj oi
nedtheladieswit
hasmi l
eonherf ace.
LATERTHATEVENI
NG

AtBai
sago'
shouse.
..

St
onejumpedint
otheyardwithabottl
einhi
shand.
Hewalkedar
oundandsawBai sago'
scarand
smil
edasonebedroom l
ightwentof
f.
..

St
one:gotyousonofabi
tch

Hesaidl
ight
ingthecl
othi
nthebott
leandthrewit
t
hrought
hewi ndowasthehousecaughtfi
re.He
r
anoutanddr oveof
faspeopl
ecamer unni
ng.

Att
hehospi
tal(
SA)
..
.

Amanandwomanwenti
ntoDai
sy'
sroom.Aman
i
nanur
se'
suni
for
m andt
hewomani nregul
ar
clot
hes.Themant ookoutasyr i
ngewhi l
ethe
womanst oodbyt hedoorchecki ngt hecoast
.Daisy
groanedt urni
ngi nhersleepast hewomanqui ckl
y
gotout .Themanwat chedherunt i
lshewascal m
andt heninjectedherdr i
p.Anur sepassedthe
womanbyt hedoorandgr eet
edherheadi ngtothe
otherroom.Af ewmi nuteslaterthemant ookout
anothersyringeandi njectedheront hearm.He
smiledandcal l
edthewomanast heyloadedheron
thewheel chairandtookhert hingsroll
ingherout..
.

Nur
se:nur
seweneedyourhel
pinmat
erni
tywar
d
Man:ineedtohelpt
hiswomanputherpat
ienti
n
t
hecarpleasefi
ndsomeoneel
se
Nur
se:ohok

Shelef
tastheyheadedoutandcar ef ul
lyputDai
sy
i
nanSUV.Thewomangoti ntothedr i
ver'
sseat
whil
ethemangoti nthebackchangi ng.Hemoved
tot
hefrontpassengerseatbeforetheyreachedthe
gat
eashest uckouthishandt otheguar dsand
dr
oveaway.
..

Man:abduct
ingapersoninSout
hAf
ri
cai
seasy
wat
ersevenfrom ahospi
tal
.

Theyl
aughedoutl
oud.
.
.
.
.
.
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
CAGED
25

Itwasar ound2am asBoemoparkedhercarata

distanceandwentintot
heyard.Atl
eastt
heonly
thingthatsurvi
vedwashiscar
.Sheshookherhead
walki
ngaroundtheyardwit
hherhandsonherback
andsighedgoingbacktohercar
.Shesighedand
di
aledBaisagowit
hherhandonherforehead.
..

Bai
sago:l
ovei
t'
s2am
Boemo:t
heybur
ntdownyourhousel
ove
Bai
sago:saywhatnow?
Boemo:ihavebeenwalkingar
oundtheyar
dand
theonl
ythi
ngthatsur
vivedisyourcar
Bai
sago:soVi
ctor
iar
eal
lywant
stogetr
idofme
Boemo:andshewi
llnotr
estunt
ilshedoest
hat
Bai
sago:soyouaret
ell
ingmethateveryt
hingi
wor
kedhardforhasburntdowntoashes?
Boemo:yepbutasmuchasi thur
tsyourl
if
eismor
e
i
mportant
,yoursonneedsyouali
ve
Baisago:tr
uet
hat
.Besides,eveyt
hinginther
ewas
i
nsur edevent
hehouseitsel
fsoiwi l
lal
waysbui
ldi
t
again
Boemo:t
hatwassmar
tofyou
Bai
sago:sot
hecar
?
Boemo:wewi l
lleaveitatt
hepoli
cestat
ion.Ineed
tocontactyourrelat
ivessothatt
heyknowt hatyou
areal
ive
Baisago:iwil
lemailyouthei
rcont
actsbut
remembert otel
lthem t
hatihavedeci
dedtol
ayl
ow
forquietsometi
meandwhy
Boemo:wi
llyourmot
hernothaveapr
obl
em wi
th
that
?
Baisago:notatal
l.Mymom isaver
yemot i
onall
y
i
ntell
igentwoman.SheknowsaboutBosabuti
haven'tt
oldheraboutmyplanst
ogethim backso
i
twi l
lbethefir
stt
imeheari
ngitf
rom you
Boemo:si
ster
?
Bai
sago:sheandmom wer
ecutf
rom t
hesame
cl
oth
Boemo:okt
heniwillbesur
etocont
actt
hem andi
thi
nkweshoul
dinvolvet
hem morei
nthi
smatter
Bosai
sthei
rchi
ldaswell
Bai
sago:al
lingoodt
imesl
ove.Wher
ear
eyou?
Boemo:(noti
cedacarfr
om adi
stance)shi
tim
goingtoputmyphonedowndon'thangupithink
there'
ssomeonecomingthi
sway

Shesaidqui
ckl yputti
ngthephonedownand
swit
chedoffthelightrever
singaway.Shewatched
asthecarstoppedr i
ghtinfrontoft
hegateanda
mangoingint heyardthencameoutaf t
erami nut
e,
gotint
hecaranddr oveaway...

Bai
sago:i
sever
ythi
ngok?
Boemo:ithi
nkhecamet
ochecki
fthehouser
eal
ly
burntdown
Bai
sago:pl
easegobackhomebef
ore.
..

Befor
ehecoul
dfini
shBoemojumpedst
art
ledt
othe
knockont
hewindowofhercar
..
.

St
one:opent
hiswi
ndow
Boemo:(
putahoodi
eoverherhead)l
eavemeal
one
Stone:womanisai
dopent
hiswi
ndowbef
oreyou
regreti
t
Boemo:whatcanyoupossi
blydo(tookherpepper
spr
ayandclenchedherj
aws)stayontheli
ne
Bai
sagohefoundme
St
one:isai
dopent
hisf
ucki
ng.
..

Boemor oughl
yopenedt
hedoorasSt
onest
agger
ed
back.
..

St
one:whatt
hehel
lar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?
Boemo:icoul
dbeaski
ngyout
hesamequest
ion
Stone:(
openedakni
fe)i
tsbit
chesl
ikeyouthat
makemewantt opuke.Todayyouwil
llear
ntostay
outofmen'sway

Hesai
dtr
yingtogr
abherasBoemograbbedt
he
ar
m wi
ththekni
feandbi
tit
.St
onegr
oaned
punchi
ngheronherbackasshepunchedhi
sbal
ls
whil
ehestagger
edgroani
ngi
npain.
..

Boemo:bl
oodymor
on.Igrewupwi
tht
hugsyou
hearme!
?Sonofabit
ch!

Shesaidki ckinghi m onthefaceashef elldown

coll
apsing.Shel ookedforhiscarinthedar kandit
wasaf ewmet eresbehindhers.Shegotinsi deand
droveitclosert akingoutherpull
ingbeltfrom her
carandt i
edt heot herendtohi scarandtheot her
endtoher s.Shecheckedi fStonewasst i
lloutand
hewasasshel ookedforaductt apeinherboot
andpul l
edt hear msofhersweat erup...

Boemo:j
ustst
ayont
hel
inel
iket
hatBai
sago

Shesaidgoi
ngbacktoStoneandt iedhisarmsand
l
egswiththeductt
apeaswel lashismout hand
pul
ledhimtothebootofhercar.Shebitherlower
l
ipsoftl
ygroaningandputhiminsi
de.Shesighed
andclosedtheboot,pi
ckedherpepperspr
ayand
goti
nhercar .
..

Boemo:l
ove?
Bai
sago:ar
eyouok?
Boemo:igothi
m babe
Baisago:what'syourpl
an?Rememberyouhavea
l
icensetolookoutf orl
oveidon'
twantyout
obe
l
osingyourlicensebecauseofme
Boemo:don'
tworr
yiwon' tdoanyt
hingt
hatwi
llput
myjobontheli
neijustneedsomeinfor
mati
on
fr
om hi
m.Letmecal lyouwhenigethomehey
Bai
sago:okl
ovebutyouar
esur
eyouar
eokr
ight
?
Boemo:yeah.Il
oveyouhey
Bai
sago:il
oveyoumor
e

Shedr
oveof
fwi
thSt
one'
scarconnect
edt
oher
s.
LATERTHATMORNI
NG

AtVi
ctor
ia'
shouse.
..

Shesmi l
edatuscomingdownt
hest
air
sasshe
fi
nishedset
ti
ngthet
able.
..

Vi
ctor
ia:per
fectt
imi
ngmyboyspl
easesi
tdown

Wel
ookedatoneanot
herandt
ookourseat
s..
.

Vi
ctor
ia:andher
ear
eyourgi
ft
s
Let
lot
lo:oht
hankyouaunt
y
Victori
a:ijustwanttosayt hati
m sosorryabout
yesterdayiwasangr ybecauseidon'
tli
keitwhen
diff
erentpeopl ecomei nmyhouse.Ili
kemyspace
l
imitedt ocertainpeopl
e
Let
lot
lo:i
t'
sokaunt
yiunder
stand
Vi
ctor
ia:goodnowt
ellmeaboutt
het
ri
ptoMochudi
Bosa:
bef
oret
hathaveyouhear
dfr
om Dai
syyet
?
Vi
ctor
ia:Dai
syishavi
ngf
uni
nSAmyboysodon'
t
worr
yaboutit
Bosa:
ohok.Ourt
ri
ptoMochudiwasf
un
Vict
ori
a:comeonboysiwantdetai
lswhatexact
ly
happenedihopeyouboughtgi
ft
sforyour
grandmother
Let
lot
lo:ohyeswedi
dandshel
ovedt
hem
Vi
ctor
ia:t
hat
'samazi
ng.HowwasOl
ebi
le?
Bosa:
hebehaved
Vi
ctor
ia:t
hat
'sgoodandyouraunt
?
Bosa:
shewasver
ywel
comi
ng
Let
lot
lo:butt
herewasat i
mewhenshedisappear
ed
wit
hOl ebi
le(
Olebi
lecl
enchedhi
sjawsi
ntheroom)
Vi
ctor
ia:(
frowned)di
sappear
edWher
e?
Bosa:
ahOl
ebi
lesai
dhewasf
eel
ingabi
tlef
toutso
shet
ookawal
kwi
thhi
minhi
swheel
chai
r
Let
lot
lo:butt
heycamel
ate
Bosa:becauset
heyendedupgoi
ngt
ouncl
e
Ledi
ba'shouse
Vi
ctor
ia:ohisee.(Cl
ear
edherthr
oat
)Bosacanyou
pl
easegocheckt hedogforme?
Bosa:
okaunt
y.Let
lot
lol
et'
sgo
Vi
ctori
a:NoiwantLet
lot
lot
ogogetsomet
hingf
or
mefrom thebedr
oom

Iswal
lwedandwentout
sidel
eavi
ngt
hem al
onei
n
thedi
ningr
oom..
.

Vict
ori
a:soyout
hinkt
heywentt
ouncl
eLedi
ba'
s
houseonly?
Let
lot
lo:t
hingi
smom i
saver
y..
.

Ol
ebi
lecl
ear
edhi
sthr
oatcomi
ngoutasVi
ctor
ia
f
rownedathi
m dr
ivi
nghi
msel
fint
othedi
ning
r
oom...

Vi
ctori
a:Ol
ebilei
seveyt
hingokwhohel
pedyouup
onthewheelchai
r?
Ol
ebi
le:(
smil
edtaki
nghi
spad)i
mti
redofbei
ngi
n
t
hebedroom al
lday
Vi
ctor
ia:youshoul
dhavecal
l
edf
orhel
p
Olebi
le:someti
mesheal
ingcomesf
ast
erwhenido
somet hingsf
ormysel
f
Vi
ctor
ia:nodon'
teverdot
hatson

Hesmi l
edjoini
ngthem asicamef rom outsi
deand
j
oinedthem aswell.Letl
otl
oandichatlaughing
whil
eVictor
iathoughtful
lysippedherj
uicelooki
ng
atLet
lotl
oandcont i
nuedt oeat.

Att
heKwena'
s.
..
Patlocamedownt hestair
sandf oundAt amelang
andhermot herl
aughing.Hegreetedthem ast hey
greetedhim backandheadedt othedi ni
ngtable
wher ether
ewasapl atecovered.Het ookhisseat
anduncover edtheplatebutt
herewasnot hi
ng.He
swallowedlookingatBontsiwhowi nkedathim and
continuedtochatwithAtamelang...

Patl
o:okenoughwi ththi
snowwhatdoyouwant
fr
om me?( Theyturnedtohim)yesihavecheated
Bontsiandim notproudofitbutthi
sisnoton.
Whendi dyoubecomet hisperson?
Bontsi
:ifyouhaveaprobl
em gotoherhouseand
askforfoodbutiwonderwhatyouwil
lsaytohi
s
nephewwhohappenst oknowAt amel
ang
Patl
o:youar
evi
leandyouhavepoi
sonedmy
daughter
Bontsi:doyoublamemef orbeingvi
lePatl
o?Ihave
donenot hi
ngforthepast20year sbutl
oveyoubut
whatdi digeti
nretur
n?Not hingbutadishful
lof
i
nsults.Youcall
edmeal lsortsofnames.Fats,
sdudl
aimeanhowdoyousaysuchmeant hi
ngsto
yourwife?Wantel
laPat
loandthisisonl
ythe
begi
nningyoubett
ertel
lyourgi
rl
fri
endthatiknow
Pat
lo:yetyouhavemyphones
Bont
si:ohsoyouwantt
otel
lher
?
Pat
lo:i
sn'
tthatwhatyouwantmet
odo?
Bont
si:nanadoyouhaveeveyt
hingwehavet
oget
goi
ngnow
Pat
lo:wher
ear
eyougoi
ng?
Bont
si:At
a?
At
amel
ang:yesmom i
mready.
Bontsi:wear
egoingt
ocheckhowfarthe
renovati
onsatt
hepar
lourar
e.Seeyoujustnow
Pat
lo:okcaniatl
easthavemyt
hingsbackt
hen?
Bont
si:yourt
hingsar
einmysi
dedr
awer
,At
alet
's
go

Shel
edt
hewayoutwhi
lePat
lomadehi
swayup.
Bontsil
ockedthefr
ontdoorastheygoti
ntoPatl
o's
carandrever
sed.Meanwhilei
nthebedroom Pat
lo
openedthedrawertonothi
ngandashewentt othe
bal
conydooritwaslocked.
..

Pat
lo:damnt
hiswoman

Hesaidrunningdownandt r
iedt
oopenthefr
ont
doorbuti
twasl ocked.Hewentt
othebackdoor
anditwasalsolockedashewenttothewi
ndowhe
sawhiscardr i
vingout
..
.

Pat
lo:t
hisevi
lwoman

Hesai
dgoingtot
hehousephoneandtr
iedt
omake
acal
lbutt
herewasnoadapt
orashethr
ewitdown.
..

Pat
lo:shi
tman!Shi
t!
Hesai
dkicki
ngt
hecouchandthr
ewhimselfonit
.
Hespot
tedanot
eonthecoff
eetabl
eandtookit
..
.

Patl
o:"t
hisi
syourti
metothi
nkofwhatexact
lyyou
wantinyourl
if
e.Haveagooddayhubbyseeyou
l
atermakesuretocookl
unchhey.Il
oveyou.
"

Hecli
ckedhi
st ongueandcr
ushedt
hesmal
lpaper
t
hrowingi
ttothetv.

Att
heMai
ket
so'
s.
..

Boemosatbackinthebackr
oom looki
ngatStone
whowassti
lloutt
iedonachairi
nacor ner
..
.

Boemo:justoneki
ckonthef
aceandyougooutf
or
thi
slong?Howpathet
ic
Shesai
dtaki
ngt
hephoneanddi
aledBoi
tshepo.
..

Boi
tshepo:dear
Boemo:howar
eyoudoi
ng?
Boi
tshepo:i
m goodandyou?
Boemo:i
m notgoodt
heybur
ntdownBai
sago'
s
house
Boi
tshepo:what
!?
Boemo:yep.Yoursi
sterhonest
lywant
stoseehi
m
dead
Boi
tshepo:t
hatwi
tch
Boemo:butdon'
tworryihavesomeoneherewi
th
mewhoibel i
eveknowsalotaboutVict
ori
a'
s
shenani
ganswhenareyoul andi
nggabs?
Boi
tshepo:l
atert
oday
Boemo:goodt
henpassbymyhouseaf
tergoi
ng
ther
e
Boi
tshepo:iwi
ll
.Sohowdi
dyougethi
mim cur
ious
t
oknow
Boemo:het
houghthewouldover
powerme.He
foundmeatBai
sago'
shouse
Boi
tshepo:ohisee.Okt
henseeyoul
ater
Boemo:sur
eyouar
ecomi
ngal
one?
Boit
shepo:nopeTemoandReawi
lldr
opmeof
fat
herhouse
Boemo:ohokl
oveputont
hef
ullar
mourofGodok
Boi
tshepo:(
smi
led)yeahiwi
ll

Theyhungupchuckl
ingasBoemol
ookedatast
il
l
outSt
one..
.

Boemo:nowonderyoukeepfai
li
ngtoki
llahuman
being.Youar
esoweak.Doyouknowwhatt he
personyouaret
ryi
ngtoki
lli
scapabl
eof?Welliwi
ll
tel
lyouonceyouareupyouandwehaveal ott
o
tal
kaboutyoungman
Shesai
dlocki
ngt
hedoorandt
hebut
lerheadi
ngt
o
themai
nhouse.

Att
heMal
l.
..

Atamelangfini
shedwit
hhermot herandl
efther
withRobertandtheguysatthepar l
ourmeeti
ngup
withSaschaattherest
aurant.Theyorder
edsome
snacksandsatdownchat ti
ng...

Atamelang:doesyourdadt al
kalotl
iket
his?I
thoughti
twasmaybebecausewewer eona
vacati
onbuthe'ssti
llt
alki
ngal ot
Sascha:t
hat'
sdadf
oryouicanputhi
m onmut
e
sometimes
At
amel
ang:ihonest
lydon'
tli
ket
alki
ngal
ot
Sascha:youandibot
hbutheyhe'
smydadwhat
canipossibl
ydo
At
amel
ang:yeahhey.
Sascha:canif
ixsomet
hingf
rom yourhai
r?
At
amel
ang:yeahsur
e

Hestoodupandleanedovert
oherheadonl
yto
pl
antasoftbutqui
ckki
ssonherli
psasthey
l
aughed.
..

At
amel
ang:yousneakyl
it
tl
erat
Sascha:(
laughed)i
havebeendyingt
otastet
hose
l
ipsandishouldsaytheyar
esoftandmoist
At
amel
ang:(
blushi
ng)st
opi
t

Theychuckledwhil
eifrozeouttherest
aurant
l
ookingatthem hol
dingshoppingbags.I
contemplat
edthethoughtofgoingi
nandheadi ng
tothecarbutideci
dedtogoin...

Bosa:
Atamel
ang
At
amelang:ohhiBosa.Bosat
hisi
sSascha,
Sascha
t
hisi
s..
.
Bosa:
ihavenobusi
nesswi
thhi
m.Sot
hisi
syou
now?
At
amel
ang:(
frownedconf
used)what
?
Bosa:
kissi
ngboysi
npubl
ic
Sascha:okonet
hingim notgoi
ngt
oletyoudois
di
srespectmygi
rlar
oundme.Knowyourpl ace
dude
Bosa: noyouknowyourpl acedude.Atamelangyou
deservebett
erthanthis.Imeanhe'scontr
olli
ngyou
makingyoubl uet
ickyourfri
ends
Atamelang:(
openedherchatwithThori
so)show
mewher eihaveeverblueti
ckedThori
so(i
swall
owed)youar ehonest
lypathet
icBosaihave
movedonsodot hesame.Whathappenedt othe
gi
rlyousleptwi
th?
Sascha:(l
aughed)sothi
sist
hei
diott
hatchosea
l
oosebitchoveryou?
Bosa:
youwat
chyourt
ongue?
Sascha:orwhatweakass?
Bosa:
seehowr
udehei
s?Youdeser
vebet
ter

Icl
ickedmytongueandheadedoutwhi
leSascha
satdowntoAtamelang'
sser
iousf
ace.
..

Sascha:ar
eyouokl
ove?
Atamelang:real
lySaschawast
hatal
lvul
gar
necessary?
Sascha:i
m sor
ryl
ovei
t'
sjustt
hatiwasangr
y
At
amelang:keept
hati
ncheckvul
garandidon'
tmi
x
i
m aChri
sti
an
Sascha:i
m sor
ryloveipr
omi
setodobet
ternext
ti
mepleasedon'tbeangr
ywi
thme
At
amel
ang:youbet
ternotr
epeati
t

Shesai
dsippinghercof
fee.Asiwasaboutt
ogo
outt
otheparkingawhit
emanst oppedmewhil
ea
womanpassedme.Thewhi t
emant ookmeintoa
spacebeingrenovat
edwhi l
eout si
deBontsiheaded
toVict
ori
a'scar.Shel
ookedar ounditasVictor
ia
fr
ownedopeni ngthewindow..
.

Vi
ctor
ia:himi
sscanihel
pyouwi
thsomet
hing?
Bont
si:ohsor
ryi
t'
sjustt
hatil
oveyourcar
.(Smi
led)
mynamei sBont
siKwenayouare?
Vi
ctor
ia:ohhi
.Im Vi
ctor
iaDi
ntsi
Bontsi
:youmustbereal
lyweal
thytoownt hi
scar
aft
erallyour
unasuccessf
ulhotelwhati
m ieven
sayi
ng
Vi
ctor
ia:(
chuckl
ed)t
hankyou
Bontsi
:ireal
lywishallwomenwer el
ikeyouanddid
thi
ngsforthemselvesandnotdependonmen.
Especi
all
ymar r
iedman( scof
fed)idaresomeoneto
thi
nktheywouldplayonmymar ri
agetheywould
burnali
ve.Li
ter
ally
Vict
ori
a:(ner
vousl
ychuckl
ed)ooohihopet
hat
neverhappenshey
Bontsi
:mywi
sh.Canipl
easehaveyournumberi
needwomenl
ikeyouinmycir
cle
Vi
ctor
ia:il
ostmyphoneyest
erdayand.
..

Asshesai
dthephoner
angassheswal
lowed
l
ooki
ngatit
..
.

Bont
si:(
smi
led)aomma
Vict
ori
a:ineedt
otaket
hiscal
l(i
tcutasshewas
aboutt
oanswer)
Bontsi
:allineedisyournumberweneedt ohang
outmor eandyouseem t obetheki
ndofladywho
l
ovesl ooki
nggoodsot hisi
sanotherwayoflooki
ng
forcustomers(theychuckl
ed)
Vi
ctor
ia:oki
t'
s.
..

ShegaveherhernumberasBontsidial
editandit
rangastheypar
tedways.Vi
ctor
iasighedoutof
rel
iefandqui
ckl
yclosedt
hewindowsanddi aled
Pat
lobuthi
sphonewasoff
.Shesighedst
ressed
andwait
edformeasicameoutofthemall
.

I
nNewl
ands,
CapeTown.
..

Daisysl
owlyopenedhereyestoawomansmi l
ing
atherwipi
ngherfor
eheadwithawetcl
oth.
..

Dai
sy:wher
e,wher
eimi
?
Woman:cal
m downmyl
oveyouar
esaf
e
Daisy:(l
ookedaround)t
hisl
ooksnot
hingl
ikea
hospitalthel
astt
imeirememberiwasinahospi
tal
bedbut ..
.
Woman:(
smi
led)r
elaxmyl
ove.Humo?
Lehumo:yesma?
Woman:she'
sawakemyson
Lehumo:ohokt
hankyoumom
Hesmi
ledatDai
sywhof
rownedl
ooki
ngathi
m..
.

Lehumo:cal
m downyouar
esafe.Thi
sismy
mother
.Mom thi
sist
heyoungbeauti
full
adyiwas
tel
li
ngyouabout
Dai
sy:wher
eist
hispl
acehowdi
dwegether
eand
why?
Lehumo:iheardhowconcer nedyouwer ewhenyou
tol
dmeaboutt hepeopl eyouhavewr ongedsoi
decidedtot
akeituponmysel ft
okeepyousaf e.I
spoketothedoctorsandyouwer eof f
ici
all
y
rel
easedaft
erishowedt hem prooft hatyouwillbe
getti
ngthebestcare.Twodoct orswi l
lbearri
ving
todayandtheywillgiveyouundi videdattenti
on
Dai
sy:whydi
dn'
tyout
alkt
omeaboutt
hisf
ir
st?
Lehumo:becausei
didn'
twantyout
opani
ck
Dai
sy:doyout
hinki
m notpanicki
ngr
ightnow?
Whataboutmymotherdoessheknowaboutthi
s?
Lehumo:yesispoket
oherbutidi
dn'tt
ellhert
he
detai
lsij
ustt
oldhert
hatyouandyourfr
iend
deci
dedt
omoveyourdest
inat
iont
oCapet
own
Dai
sy:Capewhatnow?
Lehumo:t rustmeyouar esafeandihavebeen
waiti
ngonyout owakeupsot hatyoucontactyour
fr
iend'smot herandassurehereverythi
ngisok.The
l
astthingyouwanti spolicel
ookingaf t
eryouand
possiblythosewomenf indi
ngyouandyounever
know, peopleli
kethem workwellwiththepoli
ce
Dai
sy:(
swal
lowed)isee
Lehumo:soyout
rustmet
hatyouar
esaf
e?
Dai
sy:canipl
easehavet
hephone
Lehumo:ok

Hest eppedouttogetaphonewhi l
eDai
syl ooked
around.Shecaughtaglimpseoftheoutsi
deand
real
isedthatthepl
acelookedmorecoolthatdodgy
asshel etherguar
ddownal it
tl
e..
.

Lehumo:her
e
Dai
sy:t
hankyou

Shesai
ddi
ali
ngLat
oya.
..

Lat
oya:hel
lo?
Dai
sy:himayouar
espeaki
ngt
oDai
sy
Lat
oya:ohmywor
dcanyougi
veVer
othephone
pl
ease
Daisy:(
chuckl
ed)youknowhowyourdaught
eri
s.
Shedecidedtogoplayagameofpoolwit
htheguys
butsheaskedmet ocal
lyou
Lat
oya:ar
eyouguyssaf
ether
e?
Daisy:eemmawear esaf
edon'
tworr
yaboutus.
WehavedecidedtomovetoCapet
ownbecausewe
fel
tGautengwasslow
Lat
oya:whenar
eyouguyscomi
ngback?
Dai
sy:ver
ysoonma,what
!?Ohokim cominglove.
Youcanheart
hatmathat
'saf
ri
endcalli
ngforhelp
Lat
oya:okpl
easeaskVer
otocal
lmeok
Dai
sy:yesmabutdon'
tst
ressok

Shechuckl
edhangi
ngupandqui
ckl
ydi
aled
Vi
ctor
ia.
..

Vi
ctor
ia:Hel
looncemor
e?
Dai
sy:ohsohedi
aledyou?
Vi
ctor
ia:ohheybabyibetyouar
ehavingfunthat
si
demor esothatyoucanmovetoCapetwon
Dai
sy:(chuckl
ed)yesmamawhatcanwedo.
Whereverthewindbl
owswego
Vict
ori
a:okl
oveaslongasyoukeepupt
he
communicat
ioni
m good
Dai
sy:okmom byehey
Vi
ctor
ia:byel
ove

Shehungupandsmi
ledasLehumocamebacki
nto
t
her
oom.
..

Lehumo:doneyet
?
Dai
sy:(
smi
led)yep.Sor
ryf
ornott
rust
ingyouhey
Lehumo:i
t'
sokal
liwanti
sforyout
obesaf
eand
gobackhomeinonepi
ece
Dai
sy:iappr
eci
atet
hatal
otandwhat
everyouneed
iwi
lldoit
Lehumo:(
smi
led)nopewhatyouneedt
ofocuson
i
smakingsur
eyouhealcompletel
y
Dai
sy:howf
arwi
tht
hepasspor
t?
Lehumo:adayor2i
twi
llber
eady
Dai
sy:wonder
ful
.Canyougetmesomet
hingpl
ease
Lehumo:anyt
hing
Dai
sy:t
heSout
hAf
ri
canf
amousKot
a
Lehumo:(
chuckl
ed)comi
ngr
ightup

Hesai
dleavi
ngt
her
oom whi
leshesmi
ledt
aki
nga
magazi
ne.Att
hel
ivi
ngr
oom t
hewomanst
oodup
smi
li
ng..
.

Woman:and?
Lehumo:sof
arsogood
Woman:per
fectididn'
tquietbel
ieveyouwhenyou
sai
dshe'
sbeautif
ulbutnowicanseei t.Shej
ust
needst
ohealtheneveythi
ngwi l
lbeset
Lehumo:yesmot
her.Letmegogetherthebest
kotawhi
leyoumakesureshe'
sent
ert
ained
Woman:igotyoumyboy

Shesaidgoingbackt
othebedr
oom whi
leLehumo
headedtotheshops.

AtVi
ctor
ia'
shouse.
..

Shel
aughedatLet
lot
lo'
sjokesast
hei
nter
com r
ang
andwentt
oanswer
..
.

Vi
ctor
ia:Di
ntsir
esi
dencehi
?
Boi
tshepo:i
t'
syoursi
steropenup
Vi
ctor
ia:(
lookedatLet
lot
lo)ohokj
ustasecond

Boi
tsheposmiledwait
ingf
orthegatet
oopenwhile
Vi
ctori
astoodbythedoorandopenedasBoi
tshepo
wal
kedi nwit
hasmi l
eonherface.
.
.
.
.
.
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
CAGED
26
Vi
ctor
iasmi
ledatherasshemovedf
orherasshe
madeherwayinsi
de..
.

Boi
tshepo:wowyourhousel
ooksamazi
ngsi
s
Vi
ctor
ia:t
hankyoul
oveit
ri
ed
Boi
tshepo:noyoudi
dn'
ttr
yyoudi
ditl
ovet
hisi
s
amazing
Let
lot
lo:mom
Boi
tshepo:(
smi
led)ohhisonhowar
eyoudoi
ng?
Let
lotl
o:i
m good.Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?Whodi
d
youleavegr
annywith?
Vi
ctor
ia:Let
lot
lot
hat
'sr
udeson.
Boit
shepo:mom isatTemo'
shouset
heyar
ethe
oneswhodr oppedmehere
Vi
ctor
ia:ahahwhydi
dn'
ttheycomei
n?
Boitshepo:theywerei
nahurrythei
rdogwas
reportedsickbutt
heywil
lvi
sitsoon
Vi
ctor
ia:awesome.Letmegoshowyouyourr
oom
l
ove.Howl ongwi
llyoubeher
efor
?
Boi
tshepo:aweekort
woiwantt
olookf
oraj
ob
Vi
ctor
ia:youwi
lldef
ini
tel
yfi
ndsomet
hing

Vict
ori
aledthewaytotheroom whi
leLet
lot
lo
shookhisheadandsatdown..
.

Bosa:
areyouok?
Let
lot
lo:mymoodwentf
rom a100t
oazer
o
Bosa:
what
'syourpr
obl
em wi
thyourmom?
Letl
otlo:she'
sgoingt ostar
tannoyingmeher e
causingunnecessar ydramaidon'tunderst
andwhy
auntyagr eedforhertocomestayher e.Sheshoul
d
bestayingwi t
huncleTemo
Bosa:
uncleTemo'shouseonl
yhas2bedroomsLT
youwantauntyt
osharearoom wi
thhermother
Let
lot
lo:shewoul
dtaket
hel
ivi
ngr
oom or
something
Bosa:dudeyoushoul
dn'
ttr
eatyourmotherl
ikethat
.
Mothersaret
hemostval
uablepeoplei
nourlives
nomat t
erwhatyourmot
herwil
lalwaysbetherefor
you
Let
lot
lo:ahwhat
everman

Hesai
dgoi
ngtot
hekit
chenwhil
ebot
hmyaunt
s
camedownt
hest
air
slaughi
ng.
..

Boi
tshepo:iwantt
oseesomeonei
naf
ewsoiwi
ll
beoutfor2hoursorsook
Vi
ctor
ia:al
ready?Youj
ustgother
e
Boi
tshepo:wel
lihavepeopl
eiknowl
ove
Vi
ctor
ia:okbabesihopeyouknowyourwayar
ound
t
hecit
y
Boi
tshepo:don'
twor
ryaboutmel
ove.

Shewenti
ntotheki
tchenwhi
leVi
ctor
iasmi
led
l
ooki
ngatherandsatdown.
I
nNewl
ands,
CapeTown.
..

Aft
ert
hedoct
orcheckedherupLehumoputheron
t
hewheel
chai
randpushedherout.
..

Dai
sy:wowt
hispl
acei
sni
ceandcal
m
Lehumo:yepper
fectf
orheal
ing
Dai
sy:i
ndeed.Atleastiwi
llbehavi
nggoodf
ood
t
hanatthehospit
al
Lehumo:yeahhey.Sowhathaveyoudoneat
school
?
Dai
sy:unf
ort
unat
elyidi
dn'
tmakei
ttot
ert
iar
y
Lehumo:ohokandihopeyoudi
dn'
tbeatyour
sel
f
upaboutit
Dai
sy:nopemom hasal
waysbeensuppor
ti
ve
Lehumo:that
'samazing.That'
sexact
lyhowa
mothershoul
dtreatt
heirchi
ld.Soanyinspi
rat
ions?
Dai
sy:ihonest
lydon'
thaveanyatt
hemoment
Lehumo:iseebutyouknowSout hAfri
cahasalot
ofoppor
tunit
ies.Youcanblowupwithi
n48hour
s
andbecomet hebiggestnameever
Dai
sy:iknowbutt
hingi
sihaveneverwor
kedaday
i
nmyl i
fe
Lehumo:ther
e'sal
waysaf
ir
stt
imef
orever
ythi
ng
andim her
etohelpyou
Dai
sy:(
tur
nedt
ohi
m)i
sthi
syout
ryi
ngt
omakeme
st
ayhere?
Lehumo:(
smi
led)il
oveyourcompany
Dai
sy:il
oveyour
stoobutihaveaf
ami
lyback
home
Lehumo:somet i
meswehavet oleavefamil
ybehind
tobuildourown.I m notsayi
ngneglectthem but
theywi l
lunderst
andt hatourdest
inat
ionsli
ein
diff
erentplaces
Dai
sy:ithi
nkwecr ossedpat
hsf
orareason.I
m not
abel
ieverbutyouhavebeennot
hingbutgoodto
mesincewegott ogether
Lehumo:ihaveneverbeenli
kethi
stoanot
her
humanbeingandagainyouknowyouhaveyour
fr
iend'
ssi
tuati
onhowwoul dyouexpl
aini
twhen
yougobackhome?
Dai
sy:(
sighed)youhaveapoi
ntt
her
ebutwhati
f
t
hetrut
hcatchesupwi t
hme?
Lehumo:iwi
llal
wayspr
otectyou
Dai
sy:awwyouar
esoni
ce
Lehumo:t
hankyou.Howaboutwegoshoppi
ng?
Dai
sy:andineednewclot
heskanail
ostal
lmy
car
dsandeverythi
ngval
uabl
eandihadalotof
moneyinthosecards
Lehumo:iwil
ltakecareofever
ythingdon'
tworry.
Wewi l
lcal
lyourbankandaskt hem tof
reezeyour
account
sbutfirstl
et'
sgetsomef i
zzpopsthere

Theylaughedashepushedhertothespazashop.
Daisysmil
edlooki
ngathim ashechattothelady.
Hewasnotbadl ooki
ngaft
erallimeantheguy
ownsabankwhati ft
hiswasherprincecharming?
Hehasbeennot hi
ngbutgoodt oherandhi smother
i
st hesweetestwomaneverandhercooki ngskil
ls
areoutofthisworld.Shesmi l
edthinki
ngtoher
self
asLehumocamewi ththefi
zzpopsandgaveher
hersashesuckedhi spushi ngheralongt
hestr
eets
ast heycont
inuedtocat chup.

AtVi
ctor
ia'
shouse.
..

Shelockedhersel
finherr
oom andwentt
osi
tint
he
bal
conycall
ingJune..
.

June:l
ove?
Vict
ori
a:howar
eyoudoi
ngbabeskanawenever
gottocat
chupaft
ert
hedat
e
June:(
laughed)i
m goodl
ove.What
'st
her
etocat
ch
upabout?
Vict
ori
a:t
heBoemowomanobvi
ousl
y.Kenekemo
nyadit
seshame
June:inot
icedandsheshockedyou
Vi
ctor
ia:al
otandir
especthernow.Sheknowsher
wort
himeanwhospentsover6konadat e?
June:youar
enott
heonl
yri
chwomani
nthewor
ld
boo
Vi
ctor
ia:iwantt
oknowhowmuchsheear
ns
June:t
hengoogl
eit
Vict
ori
a:andagai
nsher
efusedt
otel
lmewhather
famil
ybusinessi
s
June:sheear
nsabout35Kamont
himagi
net
he
moneyconvertedt
oPulas
Vict
ori
a:damnt hat
sal otofmoneyandl
if
eisnot
real
lyexpensi
vethere
June:iknowr
ight
Vi
ctor
ia:buti
m curioust
oknowherfamil
ybusi
ness
t
heymustber ich.Doyouknowhersur
name?
June:nope
Vi
ctor
ia:aboajolal
engakayaMal
awi
bat
hongt
his
womani sbrave
June:wel
lweal
lhaveouri
nter
est
sbabes
Vi
ctor
ia:t
rueandt
radi
ti
onaldoct
orsf
rom t
her
ear
e
sostr
ong
June:ihopeyouar
enott
hinki
ngofanyt
hing
si
nist
er
Vict
oria:agli
mpseinherspi
ri
tuall
if
ewoul
dn'
tbeso
bad(theylaughed)
June:noVic,Boemoisagoodwomananda
wonderf
ulfri
endlet
'snotdot
hatt
oher
.Wabool
e
i
nsecureiknow
Vict
ori
a:kenalestr
essgor
etsala(
laughed)ihave
neverspentover6konadateandyouknowi t
June:nnyatsal
alethernoti
nti
midateyoushe'
sa
sweetcalm womanbutyouguysal mostbor
edme
wit
hyourlit
tlef
ight
Vi
ctor
ia:iwast
ryi
ngher
June:andshewasr
eadyf
oryou
Vict
ori
a:t
hat'
swhysheint
imi
dat
esmesomuch.No
onehaseverstoodupt
ome
June:(
laughed)Vict
ori
aDint
sii
nti
midat
ed?Wow
theworldi
scomi ngtoanend
Vict
ori
a:andareyousureshe'
sasoftware
devel
operherquest
ionsandst
atementsyest
erday
wereofsomeonewhocoul dbealawyer.
June:yeahsheissheevenshowedmeherbadge.
Shelooksli
kesomeonewhohangswi thbi
gdogs
soshemusthaveal awyerfr
iendandagai
nsmart
peopleareal
waysinqui
sit
ive
Vi
ctor
ia:il
ikeherandidon'
tl
ikeheratt
hesame
t
ime
June:bat
hongVi
c
Vict
ori
a:butil
ikehermor
e.Weshoul
dinvi
teherf
or
ourteadatei
nmyhouse
June:yespl
ease
Vi
ctor
ia:i
fonl
yicangethersur
nameiwi
llknow
whoexactl
yshei
s
June:t
swamoo
Vi
ctor
ia:heel
akanaibumpedi
ntoBont
siKwena
June:what
!?
Vict
ori
a:sheadmi
redmycarandaskedf
ormy
number
June:ok
Vi
ctor
ia:war
eokt
hat
'snotgood
June:why?Iti
ssaidkeepyourfr
iendsclosebut
yourenemiescl
oserthatwayshewillneverseeyou
coming
Vi
ctor
ia:youar
eri
ght.It
hinkweshoul
dinvi
tehert
o
t
heteapar t
yaswel
l
June:dot
hatmybaby
Vi
ctor
ia:youwi
tch
June:il
ear
nfr
om t
hebest

Theylaughedcont
inui
ngt
ochatwhil
einher
mother'
shouseBoemoshookherheadli
steni
ng
on.
..
Boemo:Vict
ori
aDint
sii
shonest
lyawi
tchandt
his
fr
iendofher
sisherf
ool
.

Att
hepoolsi
de.
..

It
ookabowloff
rui
tsandt
woglassesofj
uice
j
oini
ngmyauntwhowasonherphone.
..

Bosa:
ithoughtyouwer
eleavi
ngi
naf
ew
Boi
tshepo:iwi
llj
ustnowmyboy
Bosa:
imadeusasnackj
ustwant
edt
ohangout
wit
hyouandgett
oknowyouabit
Boit
shepo:(
smil
ed)ohokmyboynopr
obl
em.
Thankyoufort
hesnack
Bosa:
sobet
weenyouandmom whowasol
der
?
Boit
shepo:yourmom i
sthel
astbor
n.I
tsVi
ctor
ia,
uncl
eTemo, methenyourmom
Bosa:
ohok.Soibel
ieveyouguyswer
emor
ecl
oser
Boit
shepo:alotweshar
edalotoft
hingst
oget
her
peopleevensaidweweret
wins
Bosa:
wowthat'
samazing.Sowasshewor
king
whenshef
ellpr
egnantwit
hme?
Boi
tshepo:shewasst
il
launi
ver
sit
yst
udent
Bosa:
ohwow.Okwhatwasshest
udyi
ng?
Boi
tshepo:shehadapassionfort
eachi
ngsoshe
wasdoingBachelor
sdegreeinSci
enceeducat
ion
Bosa:
exact
lywhatiwantt
odoaswel
l
Boi
tshepo:iguessshepassedt
hegenesont
oyou
Bosa:
(smi
led)yeahandyou?
Boi
tshepo:mydr
eam l
iesi
nfashi
on
Bosa:
ohyest
hatsaysal
ot
Boi
tshepo:(l
aughed)yepiusedt
obeat
ail
orbut
l
osteveryt
hingoutofnowhere
Bosa:
shamesor
ryhey
Boi
tshepo:i
tsoksonbuti
m hopingtofind
somethi
ngsoon.Myresul
tsaren'
tthatgreatbuti
beli
eveit
saGodgivental
entbecauseidi
darti
n
schoolbutwoul
dsewformyclassmateswhodid
HE
Bosa:
wel
lar
tisal
soi
mpor
tanti
nfashi
on
Boi
tshepo:t
rue
Bosa:
yourpl
ans?
Boit
shepo:r
ewr
it
emycambr
idgeandt
akei
tfr
om
ther
e
Bosa:
nice.Aunt
ycaniaskyousomet
hing?
Boi
tshepo:anyt
hingmyboy
Bosa:
wher
edi
dyougot
owi
thOl
ebi
le?
Boit
shepo:wetookawal
kandendedupatUncl
e
Ledi
ba'shouse
Bosa:ohokbutgr
annyscar
edt
heshi
toutofme
thatni
ght
Boi
tshepo:awwsor
rymyl
ove
Bosa:
doyout
hinkaunt
yisabadper
son?
Boi
tshepo:iusedt
obutnowibel
ievet
heonl
y
pr
obl
em shehasi
sherr
unnymout
h
Bosa:(smi
led)iknowr
ightaunt
yhasashar
p
tongue

Myphonefel
lonthegr
assasileaneddownfori
t.
MyvestmovedupabitasBoi
tshepofr
owned
seei
ngafewmarksonmyback.Sheswallowedand
tookasi
pofherj
uicel
ooki
ngaway.

Att
heKwena'
s.
..

Bont
siandAtamelangchatoutl
oudopeningthe
fr
ontdoorandfoundPatl
obusyintheki
tchenwith
anapronon..
.

At
amel
ang:hidadwhatar
eyoumaki
ng?
Pat
lo:hinanai
m maki
ngl
asagne
At
amel
ang:myf
avor
it
e
Pat
lo:youandibot
h
At
amel
ang:iwi
llbei
nmyr
oom mom
Bont
si:okl
ove(
shel
eft
)di
dyouf
indmynot
e
Pat
lo:eemma
Bont
si:di
dyout
hink?
Patl
o:eemmaandihaver eal
isedthatiwaswrong
andthatyoul
oveme.Ifyoudidn'
tyouwoul dhave
notdonewhatyoudi
d.Im sosorryBontsi
Bont
si:act
ionsspeakl
oudert
hatwor
dsbabe
Pat
lo:what
everyouneediwi
lldo
Bont
si:iwantyout
otake2weeksof
fwor
kandst
ay
home
Pat
lo:butwhowi
llr
unt
hef
ortatwor
k?
Bontsi
:wearet
alkingaboutyourmar r
iagehere
Patl
owhichismoreimportantbetweenthetwo?
Andagaini
t'
snotlikeyoudon'thaverespi
nsibl
e
worker
sattheof
fice
Pat
lo:butsomet
hingswi
llneedmyat
tent
ionl
ove
Bontsi
:igett
hatandt
hat
'swhyyouwi
llmakesur
e
toassi
gnsomeoneyoutr
ust
Pat
lo:ok
Bont
si:andnophoneorgoi
ngoutf
ort
hat2weeks
Pat
lo:comeonl
ove
Bontsi
:wehavetofixourhomePat
lo.Wehavea
daughterweshoul
dleadbyexampl
et o
Pat
lo:(
swal
lowed)okl
ove
Bont
si:t
hankyou
Pat
lo:butwhyar
eyoudoi
ngt
his?
Bont
si:what
?
Pat
lo:f
ight
ingwhi
leyoucaughtme?
Bontsi
:imeantmyvowsonourweddi ngdaymy
l
ove.Throughital
lim goi
ngt
ost andwit
hyou.I
promisedmyselfthatnomat
terwhatim goi
ngto
fi
ghtformymar ri
age.Nowfi
nishupwi t
hthefood
i
m goingtochange
Shesmi l
edathi m andwentupasAt amel
ang
smiledgetti
ngi nherroom af
terl
ist
eni
ngonfrom up
stai
rs.Pat
losi ghedrubbi
nghisfaceandshookhi
s
headcontinuingtocook.

Att
heMai
ket
so'
s.
..

Afterintroduci
ngBoi t
shepotot hefamilytheymade
wayt othebackr oom wheretheyfoundSt onest i
ll
asleep.Boemot ookelect
rocuti
ngcl i
ppersand
chargedt heotherendt othecarbatterywhi l
e
Boitshepounbot tonedStone'
sshi r
t.Boemocl ipped
theot herendonhi snippl
esasSt onegr unted
waki ngup. .
.

Boemo:goodmor
ning
St
one:wher
eimi
?
Boi
tshepo:nevermi
ndthat.Bcanyoupl
easegi
ve
hi
m atasteofwhereheis
Boemosmil
edchargi
ngthecl
ipper
sasSt
one
gr
untedi
npainsweat
ing.
..

St
one:whatt
hef
uck!
Boemo:nowwear
egoi
ngt
ohaveal
it
tl
echatmy
man
St
one:whoar
eyou?
Boemo:r
emembertr
yingtoki
llmeear l
ythi
s
morni
ngaft
ert
ryi
ngtokil
lmyf r
iend?
St
one:what
!?
Boi
tshepo:yessowenayouhavecomet
oli
fet
oki
ll
ot
herpeopleneh?
St
one:idon'
tknowwhatyouar
etal
kingabout
Boemo:Bai
sagoKgosi
dint
si,
ringsabel
l?
St
one:(
swal
lowed)youar
emi
stakenpl
easel
etme
go
Boit
shepo:l
ikehel
lwear
e.WhohasVi
ctor
iaDi
ntsi
sentyoutokil
laswel
l
St
one:idon'
tknowt
hepeopl
eyouar
etal
kingabout
Boi
tshepo:Bdot
hehonour
s

Shewastednoti
meandchargedt
hecl
ipper
sas
Stonescr
eamedinpai
nvi
brati
ngont
hechair.
..

Boi
tshepo:mor
eB

Taki
ngtheorder
sf r
om Boitshepo,
Boemoincr
eased
thepr
essur
easSt onescreamedevenlouder
..
.

St
one:okokokst
op!(
Shedi
d)iwor
kforVi
ctor
ia
Di
ntsi
Boemo:whatexact
lydoyoudof
orher
St
one:shesent
smet
oki
llherenemi
es
Boemo:hassheeversentyoudosomet
hing
besi
deski
ll
ing?
St
one:(
swal
lowed)no
Boi
tshepo:don'
tyoudar
etr
ytol
iet
ous
St
one:isweart
oyou

Boi
tsheposlappedhi
m wi
tht
hebackofherhandas
hebithi
stongue..
.

Boi
tshepo:t
ellt
het
rut
hnow!
St
one:isweart
oyou
Boi
tshepo:(sl
appedhi
m agai
n)i
m nother
etopl
ay
gameswi t
hyou!
Stone:(
withbl
oodcomingouthismouth)shehas
sentmet oputasmall
chil
dinthest
reetsandthen
shepickedherupandtookhi
mt oanorphanage
Boi
tshepo:i
diot
!Thatwasmynephew!

Shesai
dslappi
nghim nonst
opasBoemowat
ched
wit
hherar
msf ol
ded.
..
Boi
tshepo:whydi
dyout
ryt
oki
llBai
sago?
Stone:becauseshedoesn'
twanthi
mtogett
othe
boy
Boi
tshepo:youexcusef
oramanBchar
gehi
m!

Shedi
dasSt
onegr
unt
edvi
brat
ingont
hechai
r.
..

Boemo:whoel
sedoesshewor
kwi
th?
St
one:ican'
ttel
lyou
Boi
tshepo:wher
edoesDi
phal
ali
ve
St
one:(
swal
lowed)i
m sor
ryican'
t.
..

Beforehecoul
dfi
nishBoemoel
ect
rocut
edhi
m
againashecri
edi
npain..
.

St
one:met
simot
lhabe!Fuck!
Shest
oppedashebr
eat
hedheavi
lyt
ir
ed.
..

Boemo:t
hatwi
llbeal
lfort
oday.Boil
et'
sgo
St
one:wai
twhatar
eyougoi
ngt
o..
.

Boemoputatapeoverhismouthastheyl
ocked
hi
mi nsi
deandwenttothepoolsi
de.
..

Boi
tshepo:what
'st
hepl
an?
Boemo:im notyetdonewi
ththi
sidi
otbutasf
or
Diphal
aihaveasweetplanforhi
m
Boi
tshepo:youknowt
hathe'
sevi
lri
ght
?
Boemo:ouraimistonevergi
veupunti
lwedestr
oy
ever
ythi
ngthatgi
vesVict
ori
apowerbytheti
meim
donewitht
hatwit
chshewon' tknowwhathi
ther
Boitshepo:youandibot
h.Fi
rstphaseofmypl
an
takesofftonight
Boemo:good
Boit
shepo:l
etmeknowonceyoumanagewi
th
Diphal
ahey
Boemo:wi l
ldoandiwanttomakesur ebytheend
ofitallStoneisonoursi
de.Wewillneedhimin
courtihavet osear
chint
ohisli
feandf i
nd
somet hingtousetomakesurehewon' ttur
n
againstus
Boi
tshepo:nopr
obl
em
Boemo:l
etmegodr
opyouof
f

Theychatt
hei
rwayt
othecaranddr
oveout
.

Onherwayt
oMet
simot
lhabe.
..

Vict
ori
a'sphonerangasshesighedseei
ngBont
si'
s
nameont hescreen.Bef
oreansweri
ngshecl
ear
ed
herthr
oat.
..

Vi
ctor
ia:hi
Bont
si:heydearhowar
eyoudoi
ng?
Vi
ctor
ia:i
m goodandyour
sel
f?
Bont
si:i
m goodhey.It
houghtwecoul
dhangout
soon
Vict
ori
a:i
m host
ingateapart
ywith2ofmyf
ri
ends
andsist
eryoucancomethrough
Bont
si:ohni
ceidefi
nit
elywi
ll
.Iwant
edtoalso
knowifyouknowanyeventspl
anner
?Im openi
ng
mybeautyparl
oursoonsoiwanttohosta
l
uncheonatyourhotel
Vict
oria:ohyoucamet
otheri
ghtper
soniwi
ll
defi
nit
elyhookyouupwit
hsomeoneiknowhe'
sthe
bestintown
Bont
si:amazi
ng.I
twi
llbeapar
tner
'seventsoyou
canbri
ngyourman
Victor
ia:owaigar
eim si
ngl
eiwi
llbr
ingmysi
ster
rather
Bont
si:ohwel
lst
il
lfi
ne
Vi
ctor
ia:whenwi
lli
tbe?
Bont
si:i
naf
ewdays
Vi
ctor
ia:amazi
ng
Bont
si:don'
tfor
gett
ogi
vemet
hedet
ail
sfort
het
ea
par
tyhey
Vi
ctor
ia:iwil
laddyout
othegr
oupsot
hatyoudon'
t
mi
ssat hing
Bont
si:awesome.Bye
Vi
ctor
ia:byel
ove

TheyhungasVi ct
ori
acli
ckedhert onguefocusi ng
ont heroad.InherhouseBont sismiledplayingwi th
herphonel ookingathermanwat eri
ngthegar den
outside.Afewhousesawayf rom Diphala'
s, Victor
ia
tr
iedt ocal
lPatlobuthisphonewasst i
lloffasshe
cl
ickedhert ongueandpar kedinfrontofDi phala's
yard.Shegotof fwithachickenandheadedi nside
andf oundhimi nhishutbeatingsomeher bs...

Di
phal
a:myqueen
Vi
ctor
ia:ineedyout
odosomet
hingf
orme
Di
phal
a:anyt
hingf
oryoumyqueen
Vi
ctor
ia:myboyf r
iend'
swifehasmanagedtobump
i
ntomenowwear efor
cedtobefri
endsineedt
o
makeaf ooloutofhertoosoineedsomeherbs
Di
phal
a:consi
deri
tdone
Vict
ori
a:andagaint here'
sanot
herf
riendofmi ne
call
edBoemoij ustmetherandidon'treall
yli
keher
shehasthisint
imidatingaurawi
thherandyou
knowhowif eelaboutt hat
.Noonewilleverbe
aboveVict
ori
aDi ntsi
Di
phal
a:whatexact
lydoyouwant
?
Vi
ctor
ia:iwantherbeneat
hme
Di
phal
a:what
'shersur
name?
Vi
ctor
ia:idon'
tknowi
t
Diphal
a:thengeti
tforme.Onceyoudoiwi
ll
defi
nit
elydosomethingf
oryou
Vi
ctor
ia:good.Her
e'syourgi
ft
Di
phal
a:bef
oreyougo.If
eell
iket
her
e'ssomet
hing
detachingfrom youslowl
ybutican'
tputafi
ngeron
whatexact l
yitcouldbeandit
'ssomethi
ngyou
dearlycareabout
Vi
ctor
ia:idon'
tunder
stand
Di
phal
a:wher
eisyourdaught
er?
Vict
ori
a:she'
sinCapet
ownbutshet
alkst
ome
ever
ydaysoitcan'
tbeher
Diphal
a:(
sighed)okiwi
llt
ryandf
igur
eoutwhati
t
couldbesoon
Vi
ctor
ia:youshoul
d
Di
phal
a:(
swal
lowed)anot
hert
hing
Vi
ctor
ia:yes?
Di
phal
a:yoursi
ster
Vi
ctor
ia:whatabouther
?
Diphal
a:t
hesoonershe'
sdealtwi
ththebet
ter
becauseonemist
akeeveryt
hingwil
lbecoming
downonus
Vi
ctor
ia:it
oldyout
oleavehert
ome
Diphal
a:thi
ngisshewalkswi
thsomuchgr aceit'
s
goingtobehardtogetr
idofherbutt
heonlyway
wecanbeabl etogett
oherisifweki
llherdaughter
.
She'sherst
rengt
h
Vi
ctor
ia:what
?
Diphal
a:yest
hel
it
tl
egir
lhastodieandsoonso
thatwemanaget
otakeyoursi
sterof
ftheedge
completel
y
Vi
ctor
ia:(
sighed)okiwi
llt
hinkofsomet
hing

Shelef
tthechickenandwenttohercart
ryi
ngt
oget
hol
dofSt onebuthisphonewasoff
..
.

Vi
ctor
ia:dammi
tSt
oneyoucan'
thaveyourphone
of
fnowineedyou

Shecli
ckedhertongueandtr
iedt
ocal
lhi
m agai
n
buthewasstil
lunavai
labl
e.
.
.
.
.
.
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
CAGED
27

AtVi
cky'
shot
el.
..

Victor
iaparkedi
nherpar ki
ngandheadedt oher
offi
cewher eshesighedl
ookingaround.Everyt
hing
wasexact l
ythewayshel ef
titasshetookherseat
andt r
iedStoneagainbuthewasnowher etobe
reached..
.

Vi
ctor
ia:butwher
eist
hisbl
oodyi
diot
Shecl
ickedhert
ongueandcal
ledJune.
..

June:babes
Vi
ctor
ia:wai
tseif
eel
li
kei
m bei
ngpr
esseddown
June:whatdoyoumean?
Vict
oria:myspi
ri
tisal
lovert
hepl
aceidon'
t
understandwhy
June:whydon'
tyoucheckonDi
phal
alove?
Vi
ctori
a:idi
dandihavebeenfeel
ingl
iket
hissi
nce
Boi
tshepoarri
vedandideci
dedtocometothe
of
fi
ce
June:yout
hinki
t'
sgotsomet
hingt
odowi
thher
?
Vict
ori
a:probabl
ybecauseDiphalaj
usttol
dmeshe
walkswit
hal otofgr
aceandbesidesgraceitf
eel
s
l
ikeshewal kswit
hanotherspi
ri
t
June:yoht
hat
'sapr
obl
em now
Vi
ctori
a:t
here'
ssomet
hingthathersonsai
dthat
ki
ndofconfi
rmedwhatDiphalatol
dmebutwegot
di
str
actedbefor
ehecouldbeclear
er
June:whatdi
dhesay?
Vi
ctor
ia:t
hatBoi
tshepoandOl
ebi
ledi
sappear
edon
Chr
ist
masdayandDi phal
atol
dmethattheni
ght
MarumodiedBoi
tshepowasther
e
June:who'
sthat
?
Vi
ctor
ia:at
radi
ti
onaldoct
ori
nBokaa
June:ohiseesowhat
'syourpl
an?
Vi
ctor
ia:Boi
tshepoi
susingmysont ogett
omeand
t
ogettoherihavetoki
llherdaught
erandi
fidon'
ti
wil
lbeasgoodasdead
June:t
hendoi
t
Vict
oria:theonl
ypeopleidon'
thaveapr obl
em
ki
lli
ngar eBoit
shepoandLedibawhenitcomesto
Lamei m notsurebecauseherl
it
tl
esibli
ngsneed
hersinceihavemanagedt ogetLet
lotl
oonmysi de
June:heel
aVictor
iawearetal
kingaboutyourhard
workhere.Ki
llt
hatchi
ldandmoveonwi thli
fesince
whendidyoubecomesof t
?
Vi
ctor
ia:Whataboutt
hesmal
lki
ds?
June:youwillseewhattodowi t
hthem,
Temowi l
l
takethem i
noryouwi llt
akethem t
oanorphanage.
Youneedt oprotectwhat'
syours
Vi
ctor
ia:(
sighed)eemmakeagout
lwa(
ihearyou)
June:goodgi
rl
Vict
oria:ihavebeentryingtogetintouchwit
h
Stonetopl anthemurderbuthisphonei soff
.It
won'tbedi ff
icul
ttoki
llherbecauseitsj
ustherand
thekidsbackhome.Uncl eLedibachecksupon
them nowandt hen
June:butyouknowthi
sri
tualhast
obeper
for
med
outofthecount
ryri
ght
?
Vi
ctori
a:iknowl
ovet
hat
'swhyineedt
opl
ani
t
t
horoughly
June:keept
ryi
ngSt
one.Don'
tyouhaveanyot
her
hi
tman?
Vi
ctor
ia:no
June:honeyyouneedt
ohaveext
rahandsyoucan'
t
rel
yononeper son
Vi
ctor
ia:iguessiwi
llhavet
otal
ktoDi
phal
aabouti
t
maybehewi
llor
gani
sesomepeopl
eforme
June:ok
Vi
ctor
ia:anotherthi
ngi
sthatican'
tgethol
dof
Pat
loeit
herandt hemoreti
mewespendapar tt
he
morewedet ach.
June:don'
tyouknowhi
shouseorof
fi
ce?
Vi
ctor
ia:ar
eyoucr
azyican'
ttohi
shouset
hatf
at
bi
tchwouldfr
yme
June:(
laughed)t
hengot
ohi
sof
fi
ce
Vi
ctor
ia:iwi
llgot
her
etomor
row
June:goodgi
rl
.Youcan'tl
etaf
ati
diott
hinkshe
canwalkoveryouanyhow
Vict
ori
a:(
laughed)wenamogoBont
sit
houghbut
youareri
ght
June:ohyesiam.YouandPbelongt
ogetherbabe
andthere'
snori
ngthat
'sgoi
ngt
ostandbeforeyou
guys
Vict
ori
a:anywayl
etmeseewhaticandohereto
avoi
dgoingbacktot
hathouseiwi
llseet
hem l
ater
.
June:okl
ovebye
Vi
ctor
ia:byebaby

TheyhungupasVi ctori
asighedleaningbackon
herchai
r.Sheswungi tdeepinthoughtsasshe
sl
owlyclosedhereyesandf el
lasleep.

AtVi
ctor
ia'
shouse.
..

Boi
tsheposentLet
lot
loandBosatothemallasshe
wentint
oOlebi
le'
sroom wi
thaglassofj
uice.
..

Boi
tshepo:coasti
scl
earnanayoucant
alknow
Ol
ebi
le:goodnessmei
m sot
ir
ed
Boi
tshepo:(
laughed)iknowr
ight
Ol
ebi
le:howi
sever
ythi
nggoi
ng?
Boit
shepo:sof
arsogoodwehaveVict
ori
a'
sri
ght
handmanandhe'ssingi
ngl
i
keabird
Ol
ebi
le:(
smi
led)t
hat
'samazi
ng
Boi
tshepo:andBai
sagoislayi
ngl
owinWester
n
Capebutyourmotherbur
ntdownhishouse
Ol
ebi
le:what
!?
Boi
tshepo:yeahshewant
edt
oki
llhi
m
Ol
ebi
le:bat
hongVi
ctor
ia
Boi
tshepo:yourmot
heri
ssomet
hingel
se
Ol
ebi
le:iknowr
ight
.Howi
sLamedoi
ngbackhome?
Boit
shepo:she'
sdoingoksofarij
ustgother
eguys
comeon( theyl
aughed)i
thasn'
tevenbeenni
ght
ti
me
Olebi
le:weneedtobeextr
acar
efulaunt
yyounever
knowwhatt heyar
eplanni
ng
Boit
shepo:ihaveaskeduncl
eLedi
bat
okeepa
goodeyeont hem
Olebil
e:ok.Yoursont
houghaunt
yhehasar unny
mout hkanahet ol
dVi
ctor
iat
hatwedi
sappearedon
Christ
masni ght
Boi
tshepo:eyshwai
tsemysonbr
eaksmyhear
t
becausehe'slostandconsumedbydar
knessbuti
t
wil
lallbeoversoon
Olebi
le:wecanonl
yhope.Ther
e'ssomet
hingt
hat
doesn'tsi
twel
lwit
hmethough
Boi
tshepo:what
'sup?
Olebi
le:Daisy,sheshouldbehomenowbutshe
keepsaddingherhol idaydaysandVict
oriaget
s
call
edbydi ff
erentpeoplebutthenshesaysshe
spoketoherear li
ertodayandshe'soff
li
newhichi
s
veryweird
Boi
tshepo:doyouhaveherSAnumber
?
Ol
ebi
le:nope
Boi
tshepo:t
henhowwi
llyouknowshe'
sonl
ineor
not
?
Ol
ebi
le:f
acebook
Boit
shepo:justl
etDaisybeandagainwhyareyou
worri
edaboutsomeonewhodoesn' tgi
veadamn
aboutyou?DaisyandVi ct
ori
aar
ecutfrom t
he
samecloth.Lordfor
givemebutiwantthem deal
t
wit
haccordingly
Olebi
le:(
scof
fed)youar
eontosomethi
ngthese
peoplehavemadeother
ssuf
feral
ot.TheLordshal
l
forgi
veus
Boi
tshepo:ohyes
Ol
ebi
le:anyni
ght
mar
esyetaboutt
hatni
ght
?
Boit
shepo:nopebutinot i
ceaf ewoddt hi
ngs,iget
fl
ashbacksandear li
erwhengoi ngt oBoemo' s
houseif el
theavyandt here'st
hisper sonicouldn'
t
stoplookingat.Therewassomet hingaboutherbut
icouldn'
tputmyf i
ngertoit.Mydr eamsaswel lar
e
sowei r
dikeepseei ngal otofmom i nthem doing
herlaundryandi t
'sallwhit
eclothesandi t'
sthe
samecl otheseveryti
me
Olebi
le:bathong.Whati
fNgakaMar
umo'
sspi
ri
t
l
iveswi t
hinyou?
Boi
tshepo:ahOl
ebi
le
Ol
ebil
e:t
hat
'st
heonl
ypossibl
eexplanat
ionaunt
iza.
Imeanyouseeandf
eelt
hingsandhavewei r
d
dr
eamsandsuchthi
ngsonlyhappentospir
it
ual
ly
gi
ft
edpeopl
e
Boi
tshepo:aiaiaiOl
ebil
elet'
schanget hetopi
c
pl
easethere'
snowayt hat'spossibl
eNgaka
Marumoi srest
ingpeacefull
ywithhisspir
it
Ol
ebi
le:vi
sitapr
ophetorsomet
hing
Boit
shepo:(
sighed)sohowar
eyouf
eel
ing
physi
call
y?
Ol
ebil
e:(
laughed)myneckf
eel
sbetterit
hinkbyt
he
t
imewegof ormycheckupwewillhavetogoaway
wit
hthewheelchai
r
Boi
tshepo:good

Theyconti
nuedt
ocat
chupasBoi
tshepohel
ped
hi
m str
etch.

I
nNewl
ands,
CapeTown.
..

Lehumoparkedthecaroutsi
dewhil
eDaisyandhi
s
mothersati
nthehousechatti
ng.Hetookt
henew
phonehegotforherswi
tcheditonandsaved
Victori
a'
snumber .Hethenblockedthenumberand
deleteditt
henswitchedthephoneof fput
ti
ngit
backi ntheboxandmadehi swayi nthehouse.
..

Lehumo:ohwowi
tsmel
lsni
cei
nher
e
Woman:im maki
ngherf
avor
it
elambchopsand
wedges
Lehumo:ohni
ce
Dai
sy:whatdi
dyouforgetatt
heshopsaft
er
maki
ngalmostshopthewholemall
?(Theylaughed)
Lehumo:t
his
Dai
sy:what
'st
hat
?

Hegavehert
heshoppi
ngbagasshesmi
ledt
aki
ng
outt
hephonebox.
..

Daisy:t
ellmeyouar
ejoki
ngt
hisphonei
sfl
ippi
ng
expensi
ve
Lehumo:al adyofyourcal
ibr
edeser
vesni
cet
hings.
Pleaset
ellhermom
Woman:sheknowsi
ttoo
Dai
sy:thankyousomuchiwi
shicoul
dhugyoubut
i
m sti
lli
npain
Lehumo:it
sokjustswi
tchyourphoneongetback
onli
neibetyourf
oll
owersmissyourcont
ent
Dai
sy:ohwowyouknowt
heset
hings?
Lehumo:comeoni
m notanol
dman(
theyl
aughed)
Daisy:damni
m goi
ngt
oneedmycar
dtobuyt
he
appsineed
Lehumo:(
smil
edtakingoutacar
d)loadedwi
thR30
000youcandoanythingyouwant
Dai
sy:what
!?
Lehumo:(
smi
led)yep
Dai
sy:noican'
tacceptt
his
Lehumo:ii
nsi
standihavef
oundaj
obf
oryou
Dai
sy:wher
e?
Lehumo:Cl
ubVenus
Dai
sy:acl
ub?I
m igoi
ngt
obeawai
ter
?
Lehumo:nopeahost
ess
Dai
sy:ohokt
haticanwor
kwi
th
Lehumo:youwi
llbehost
ingbigspenders,
topdogs
andtheygi
vegoodti
pstrustmeyouwi l
lmakemore
that30Ki
naday
Dai
sy:ar
eyouf
orr
eal
?
Lehumo:yepmakesur
eyouhealf
ast
ersot
hatyou
canstar
tworki
ng
Dai
sy:sowhatdoesbei
ngahost
essr
equi
re?
Lehumo:youj
usthavet
omakesur
ethecl
ient
sar
e
sati
sfi
edandhavi
ngagoodt
ime
Dai
sy:myki
ndofwor
kim def
ini
tel
ylooki
ngf
orwar
d
t
oit
Lehumo:yourpasspor
t.
..
Daisy:pl
easeputthatonhol
dim aboutt
omake
goodmoneyher e.30Kaday?That'
sthemoneyi
getinamont hwhenim homeimagine30Kpl
usin
31daysdammi
t.Nomani
m st
ayi
ngher
e

Shesai
dlooki
ngonherphoneasLehumotur
nedto
hermot
herandtheywi
nkedatoneanot
hersmil
i
ng..
.

Woman:f
oodwi
llber
eadysoonmyki
ds

Att
hePol
iceHQ.
..

Boemopar kedhercarandheadedinsideaskingfor
Detect
iveKabinda.Theyl
edhertohisofficeand
knockedashewel comedherin.Ali
ttl
emat uredhe
waswi thhi
swhi t
ebeardbuthisbodywasst il
las
str
ongwi t
hhisskinlooki
ngalotbett
er..
.

Kabi
nda:at
tor
neyMaiket
sowhatanhonourt
ohave
youi
nmyof fi
ceki
ndl
yhaveaseat
Boemo:t
hankyoudet
ecti
ve.I
m sti
llshockedyou
ar
ehereaft
ersomanyyearsofser
vingthepubli
c.I
meanl
ookathowol
dihavebecomeandyou'
rest
il
l
her
e
Kabinda:irememberhowyouusedt or unar
ound
yourgrandfather'syar
dwi t
hjustadiaperon( t
hey
l
aughed)i m sti
llherebecauseienj
oyt hedetect
ive
work.Im promot edyesbutispendal otofti
mei n
thi
soffice
Boemo:ohwel li
fyoul
ovesomet
hingyoul
ovei
t
ther
e'snot
hingyoucando
Kabinda:ohyes.WhatcanidoforyouMsMaiket
so
butbeforet
hatithoughtyouwer
ebasedi
ntheUK
Boemo:im onleavebutthewayiseeitimightend
upmovingbackt hi
sside.Ihavebeenlooki
ng
ar
oundforlawf i
rmsandi m st
uckbetweentwonow.
TT&Associ at
esandCar t
erAttor
neys
Kabinda:thosear
ethebestlawfi
rmsint ownnana
youcant akeanyofthem t
helawyersproducegood
resul
tsandknowingyourcapabil
it
iesyouwouldfit
i
nver ywell
Boemo:t
hanksf
ortheti
pidef
ini
tel
ywil
lchoose
oneoft
hem.Thereasonwhyi
m herei
sbecausei
wantustol
ookinanadopti
oncaset
hathappened
18year
sago(shetookoutafi
le)
Kabi
nda:whydoisenseadr
amat
iccase
Boemo:(scoff
ed)dr
amaisanunder
stat
ement
Detect
ivebutheyi
tspar
tofl
if
e
Kabi
nda:t
rue.Sowhat
'sup?
Boemo:( showedhi m Bosa'sphot o)thischil
d's
mot herdiedaftergi vi
ngbirtht ohi m,thefatherwas
foundgui l
tyofmur derinUKt hedayt hemot her
wenti nt
ol abour.Theboy' snamei sBosaDi ntsiand
thefatherisBai sagoKgosi dintsi.Sosi ncethe
mot herdiedandf atherwasbehi ndbar sthechild
neededcar esti
ll.Thefamilysatdownandagr eed
thatVictoriaDintsicantakei nt hechildasshe' sthe
onlyonewhoi sabl eandhasal ltheresources.This
i
sVi ctori
a( shegavehi m herphot o)sheowns
Vicky'shotel
Kabi
nda:ok
Boemo:now18yearslat
erthef
amilyhasnever
seentheboybuthi
scousi
nsspeaktohim onthe
phoneallt
heti
me.Bai
sagogetsrel
easedhecomes
l
ookingforhissonanddiscoverst
hatnotonl
ydi
d
Vi
ctori
aDintsit
akeinhissonsheadoptedhim
wit
houtthefamily'
sknowledge
Kabi
nda:(
chuckl
ed)i
nter
est
ing.Okcont
inue
Boemo:hewant edtogiveupbutmysi ster,
she's
Bosa'saunt
'sbrot
her'
sf i
ancee,shetol
dmeabout
allt
hedramaandicoul dn'thel
pbutnot i
ceaf ew
l
oopholesinthematter
.Firstofallt
hewhol efamily
hadtoknowwhenVi ctoriamadet hi
sdeci si
onand
secondlyt
heyknewt hefatherofthi
schildwasal ive
andonlygot18yearssot here'
snohowt hestate
wouldhaveacceptedthisadoptionappli
cation
Kabi
nda:ofcourse.Don'
ttel
lmeshewor
kedwi
th
t
headoptioncentr
e
Boemo:( smi l
ed)thi
si swhyi choseyouforthi s
caseyouar esmar t
.Wecont actedtheadoption
centreandt heladytell
sust hatBosawaspi cked
from thestr
eetstot headoptioncentr
eandVi ctor
ia
camet oadopthim andVi ct
oria'
ssontell
sust hat
therewasaper i
odVi ctor
iadisappear
dwi t
hBosa
Kabi
nda:t
hatwast
het
imeshewasdoi
ngt
hewhol
e
adopt
ionpl
ot
Boemo:exact
ly
Kabinda:howdoesachi l
dofamotherwhodied
duri
ngbirthendsupinthestr
eet
s?Theadopti
on
centr
ehasal otofansweri
ngtodo.Thi
sischi
ld
thef
t
Boemo:plai
noutandwealsobel
ievesheabuses
hi
mj ustt
hatwearest
il
lworki
ngongetti
ngproof
Kabinda:good.Doesshehaveanycl
osepeopl
eshe
workswi t
h
Boemo:StoneandJune.St
onehasbeentr
yingt
o
kil
lBai
sagosincet
heti
mehecamebackbutf ai
l
ed.
Ihavehim andheconf
ir
medthati
ndeedheworks
forVi
ctor
ia
Kabi
nda:asi
nyouhavehel
dhi
m host
age?
Boemo:yes
Kabi
nda:youknowt
hatcoul
dcountagai
nstusi
n
cour
tri
ght?
Boemo:yeahbutihaveapl
ant
omakesur
ehe'
son
oursi
decomplet
ely
Kabi
nda:what
everi
tismakesur
eitdoesn'
tcount
agai
nstus
Boemo:tr
ustmei
twon'
tonet
hingival
uei
smy
l
icense
Kabi
nda:good.Wher
eisBai
sago?
Boemo:l
ayi
ngl
owi
nwest
erncapenow
Kabinda:goodgoing.Youareontheri
ghtt
rackso
farandmakesur etonotgetdi
str
acted
Boemo:t
rustmewhenisayim goi
ngtost
opat
not
hingt
omakesurethatt
hisboyisf
reefr
om t
his
womanandendupwiththepersonhebel
ongst
o
Kabi
nda:good.Iwi
llopenacasef
il
esol
ong.What
doyouneedmet odo?
Boemo:whengoi ngt oneedyouoncet he
questi
oningpartcomesi nfornowopenthecase
fi
le.Oncewear edonegat her
ingal
ltheevidence
andhaveal lourt
rackscoveredwellyouwillbe
comingin
Kabi
nda:gr
eat
Boemo:t
hankyouf
oryourt
imeMrKabi
nda
Kabi
nda:anyt
imef
oryoumygi
rl
.You'
rewel
come

TheyhuggedasBoemoleftwhi
leKabi
ndat
ooka
manil
aandstuckt
hephotosBoemogavehim oni
t.
I
nhercarshesmil
edcal
lingBai
sago..
.

Bai
sago:honey
Boemo:i
mjustfr
om t
hedet
ect
iveit
oldyouabout
andwearegoodtogo
Bai
sago:t
hat
'samazi
ngnewsl
ove.I
m pr
oudofyou
l
ove
Boemo:i
m pr
oudofyouf
ornotgi
vingup
Baisago:andit
'sal
lthankst
oyouandBoit
shepoi
f
i
twaspossi bl
eiwoul dmakethebot
hofyoumy
wives(theyl
aughed)
Boemo:idon'
tshar
emymenbooboo.Thatdicki
s
mineandallmi
neandspeaki
ngofwhi
chimissit
somuch
Bai
sago:(
chuckl
ed)wannashakeabi
t?
Boemo:(
laughed)youar
esosi
ll
y.Bye
Bai
sago:byel
ove

Theylaughedhangi
ngupasBoemosmi
ledheadi
ng
backhome...

Boemo:nextst
op,
Met
simot
lhabe

Shesai
dsmi
li
ngandt
urnedi
ntoaf
uel
ingst
ati
on.

THATEVENI
NG

AtVi
ctor
ia'
shouse.
..

Vict
ori
asighedaft
erparki
nginherpotandleaned
backonherseat.Shebitherl
ipsdeepi
nthoughts
l
ookingatthehouse.
..
Vi
ctor
ia:youl
eavemenochoi
ceBoi(
shesai
d
t
aki
ngherphoneandcal
ledOr
efe)
Or
efe:mydaught
er
Vi
ctor
ia:himamaihearyouar
eint
heci
ty
Or
efe:yesmyloveimlovi
ngi
ther
eyourbr
otherand
hi
sfianceear
etaki
nggoodcar
eofme
Vi
ctor
ia:t
hat
'sgood.Iwi
llpassbyt
omor
rowhey
Oref
e:okmylove.Howi
sBoi
tshepoihopeshe'
s
nothar
assi
ngyou
Vi
ctori
a:nopewearegoodmama.Wespokeand
cl
earedthebadspi
ri
tsbet
weenus.Ourr
elat
ionshi
p
i
sper f
ect
Or
efe:i
m gl
adi
tis.Thatmakesmesohappy.
Vi
ctor
ia:t
her
e'ssomet
hingiwantust
otal
kabout
t
houghmama
Or
efe:ok
Vict
ori
a:ther
e'sthi
sprophetial
waysvi
sitandhe
tol
dmet hatthenightNgakaMarumodiedinBokaa
Boit
shepowast herewit
hOlebil
e
Or
efe:what
!?
Vi
ctor
ia:t
hatwasmyreact
ionaswellbecausei
t
houghtBoit
shepowasaChrist
ianmama
Orefe:cl
earl
yshe'snot
,thatgi
rlknowsexactl
yhowi
feelaboutwit
chdoctor
sandshehast heaudaci t
y
totakemygr andsonwit
h.OnlyGodwi l
lhealOlebi
le
notsomebl ackmagic
Vi
ctor
ia:andnowMrMar
umoi
sdeadma
Orefe:ican'
tbel
ieveBoit
shepowoulddothi
stome.
Oncet hosepeopleheart
hatshewasthelast
persontoseeMar umowewi llbedoomed
Vi
ctori
a:butmamawhatdoest
hebi
blesayabout
t
hetruth?
Or
efe:i
tset
sfr
ee
Vi
ctori
a:exact
lymamawearei
nnocenti
nal
loft
his,
Boi
tshepoistheoneatf
aul
t
Oref
e:(
sighed)whydoest
hischi
ldal
waysgooutof
herwaytohurtme?
Vi
ctori
a:don'
tworr
yyouhaveme.Al
lweneedtodo
i
scallameetingwi
thMarumo'
sfami
lyandt
ellt
hem
everyt
hingbef
oret
heyf
indoutabouti
tint
he
str
eets
Orefe:whati
ftheyki
llBoi
tshepoican'
tloseanot
her
chil
dVictor
ia
Vi
ctor
ia:i
ftheyf
indoutf
rom t
hest
reet
swewi
llbe
asgoodasdeadmama
Oref
e:(
sighed)l
etmet
hinkabouti
tandgetbackt
o
you
Vi
ctor
ia:youshoul
dhaveananswerf
orme
t
omorrowbecausewecan'taf
for
dtowast
eany
moreti
me
Or
efe:yesmychi
ld
Vi
ctor
ia:byedon'
tfor
gett
otakeyourpi
ll
s
Or
efe:byenana

TheyhungupasOref
esighedandgotintobed
whil
eVict
ori
asmi
ledget
tingoutofhercar.
..

Vi
ctor
ia:gr
acemyf
oot
.Noonewi
lleverbeabove
Vict
oria.Iam Vi
ctor
iaDi
ntsiandt
her
ewi
llneverbe
another.

I
nMet
simot
lhabe.
..

Itwasaround22:
00pm asBoemosati
nhercarand
saidashortpr
ayer
..
.

Boemo:"Lordwhati m abouttodoher eisexactly

whatanyChr i
stianwoulddot osavet hei
rloved
ones.Thi
sper sonhast or
ment edlivesandkill
eda
l
otofhopesanddr eamsbuti tshallst
optodayLor d.
Iaskforyourprotecti
onasI'm aboutt owalkint
o
thi
sdarkplace.Ibeli
eveiwillleaveheresuccessful.
Amen"

Shesighedandputonhergl ovesandputher
hoodieoverherheadtaki
ngacanoutofhercarand
amat chbox.Shecareful
lywalkedt
hroughthel
ong
grassandintoDiphal
a'
syard.Thereweretwo
housesintheyard,
ahutanda2r oomedbrick
house.Shecaref
ull
ywal kedaroundt
hehouseand
al
ltheli
ghtswereoff.Sheheadedtothehutand
pouredpet
roloverthewallandsomeont hethat
ch.
..

Boemo:(l
itt
hematchst
ick)wi
thoutanyofthese
youareasgoodasdeadyoupatheti
ctr
adit
ional
doct
or

Shethrewt hemat chonthethatchasitcaughtfi

re
andont hehutwal lrunni
ngaway.Shegoti nhercar
anddroveof fwhileahugeli
ghtwokeDi phalaup.
Hefrownedsi t
ti
ngupassmokegoti nhi
shouse.
Heopenedt hedoorashisheartracedseei
nghis
hutburning...

Diphal
a:bl
oodyshi
t!Hel
p!Whot
hehel
ldi
dthi
s,
help!

Hesai
drunni
ngt
othet
apt
ogetwat
erasdi
stant
nei
gbour
slookedonf
rom t
hei
ryar
ds.
..

Di
phal
a:hel
p!

MeanwhileinVict
ori
a'
shouseBoi t
shepogotoffher
bedandwentdownst air
safterBosawenttosleep.
Sheswallowedlooki
ngaroundandsighedgoingto
theki
cthenandputthezincbutt
onon.Sheclosed
hereyesforafewsecondsandshookherhead
thenopenedthetap.
..

Boi
tshepo:i
m sosor
ryBosabuti
m doi
ngt
hisf
or
youmyboy.

Shelef
tthetaprunni
ngandwentbackt
oherr
oom
andkneltdownprayi
ng.
.
.
.
.
.
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
CAGED
28

AtDi
phal
a'
syar
d..
.

Thehousefel
linashef
ellonhi
skneesbur
sti
ng
i
ntotear
s..
.

Diphala:nothi
sisnothappening.Howcanyou
all
owf orthi
stohappen.Thishousehadeveyt
hingi
valuedwhydi dyoul
etithappen!?

Hecriedhi
seyesoutwhi
lethenei
ghbourssti
ll
l
ookedonfrom t
hei
rhouseswithnoneofthem
comingtohel
phim st
opthefi
re.
..
Woman:mmhr esul
tsofbei
ngawi
tchand
t
orment
ingot
herpeople'
sli
ves
Man:hemessedwi t
hthewrongonet oday.The
probl
em wi t
hthesepeopleisthattheythi
nkthey
areuntouchableandwhent heirpulpi
tscome
crambli
ngdownt heywantourhelpwhi l
etheyhave
beenmaki ngusliveinhel
l
Woman:serveshi
mr i
ght.Thepersonwhodi
dthi
s
shoul
dhaveburnthi
mt oo.Let
'sgosleep

Sheclickedhertongueashermanf ol
lowedher .
Othersinthei
ryardsslowlywentbacki ntotheir
houseswhi l
einhisyardDi phalasatonhi sbums
watchingasthef i
resl
owl ywentdownwi t
hnot hing
thatsurvi
ved.Al
lhisstructuresandmat sallburnt
downwi t
htheherbsandever yt
hing.
..

Di
phal
a:(
sni
ff
ed)howcanyoudothistomedad?
(
Asoftwi
ndstar
tedt
oblow)i
m honest
lyhur
tby
your
ightnow

Het
riedt
ostandupbuthewaspushedbackdown
byt
hesoftwi
nd..
.

Diphal
a:nodadl
eavemeal
oneyouf
ail
edusiwant
nothi
ngtodowit
hyou

Hisconverst
sionwithVict
ori
acr
ossedhi
smi
ndas
heswallowedstil
lseat
eddown..
.

Di
phala:whatusewilli
tbe?Ther
e'snothi
ngto
makesurethatitwouldgosmoothly.I
m not
hing
wi
thoutthi
shut

Het urnedtothegateandsawhisfatherstandi
ng
therewithhishandsonhisback.Helookedont he
othersideandtherewashisgrandf
ather,hekept
movi ghisheadandsawhi sgr
eatgrandfatherand
gr
eatgreatgrandfat
her.Att
hesametimethey
st
ucktheirspearsonthegroundasheswall
owed
l
ooki
ngatt hem...

Di
phal
a:ok

Hest
oodupastheyvarni
shed.Hedust
edhi
msel
f
wi
thasmil
eonhisface.
..

Di
phal
a:youcanneverputaDiphal
adownf
orgood.
Onewayoranot
herim goi
ngtogetmypowersback

Heevi
llaughedl
oudl
ygoi
ngbackt
ohi
sbr
ickhouse
andwenttobed.

THEFOLLOWI
NGMORNI
NG

AtVi
ctor
ia'
shouse.
..
Shewhi
stl
edcomingoutofherr
oom goi
ngdown
st
air
sonl
ytosteponapoolofwater
..
.

Vi
ctor
ia:whatt
hef
uck!
?

Sheshout
edasweal
lgotoutofourbedr
ooms.
..

Boi
tshepo:what
!?
Let
lot
lo:whathappenedher
e?
Ver
oni
ca:(
pissedoff
)real
ly!
?Whathappenedher
e?
Myhousei
sf ucki
ngfl
oodedyou.
..

Sheheldi
tbackl
ooki
ngatBoit
shepoand
swal
lowedcl
eari
nghert
hroat
..
.

Vict
oria:sor
ryf
orthatmyboy.Iguesst
het
apwas
notclosedorsomethi
ng
Letl
otl
o:itsokaunt
y.Wewillt
akeitoutanddry
everyt
hinglucki
lyt
her
e'snoelect
ri
calappl
iance
cl
oset othewater
Vict
oria:iknowri
ghtbutwhowast
hel
astonedown
herelastnight
?
Bosa:(swal
lowed)mebutiswearaunt
yimadesur
e
eveyt
hingwasonsafemode
Vi
ctor
ia:(
swall
owed)it
'sokmyson.Iguessyou
musthavemissedthetaporsomet
hing

Ifr
ownedshockedofhercal
mness.Wasitbecause
ofhersi
ster
?AhnoiwantauntyBoit
shepotostay
wit
husforgoodift
hisishowshe'
sgoingtoreact
tosuchthi
ngs.
..

Bosa:
buti
mreal
lysor
ry
Victor
ia:l
et'
sst
optal
kingandgett
hewaterout
.Im
goingtocheckonLebiyouguysgowakethehouse
helperup
Bot
h:ok
Wel eftwhi l
eBoi t
shepol eanedagai nstt
hest air
rail
swi t
hherar msf oldedl ookingatVictoriawho
madeherwayt oOlebile'
sr oom.Shescof fedand
wentf urtherdownt otheki tchenwhi l
ebyt hedoor
Victori
ast oppedandcur vedherl i
pslookingat
Boitshepowhoqui cklyt urnedf eel
ingthest ar
eas
Victori
aqui cklyopenedOl ebile'
sdoorandwent
i
nside.Boi tsheposi ghedandt ookt hebr
oom and
startedtakingoutt hewat er.

Att
heKwena'
s.
..

Atamel
angcameoutofherbat
hroom andj
umped
backonherbedasherphoner
eceivedamessage.
..

Thor
iso:mycr
azyf
ri
end
At
amel
ang:i
t'
sst
il
lear
lyTpl
ease what
'sup?
Thor
iso:st
il
linbedgoi
ngt
hroughmyconver
sat
ions
wi
thBosa
At
amel
ang:di
dyouhavet
oment
ionhi
mthough?
Thori
so:comeonAt
awhathast
hepoorguydone
toyou?
Atamel
ang:noT,Bosathi
nksthati
m desperat
eto
bewit
hhim.Justbecauseiusedtothr
owmysel fon
hi
m befor
ehethi
nksicanjumpwhenhef eel
sli
ke
hewantstobewit
hme?I m notareboundhoney
Thor
iso:cal
m down
Atamel
ang:hereal
lyl
ooksdownonmeandi m not
goingt
ositfort
hat
.Heshouldgot
othatgi
rlwhohe
al
lowedtofuck
Thor
iso:whyar
eyouangr
y?
Atamelang:T, yourfr
iendwantedtogetfunnywi t
h
myboyf riendtheotherdayatthemall
.Wej ust
sitt
ingtherepeaceful
lyandhecomesandbel ikeso
thisiswhatiwantt odo.Likedudeatleastihaven'
t
givenmyvi r
gini
tytosomeonewhoghost edme
catchar i
deorsomet hing.Hereal
lypi
ssedmeof f
Thor
iso: y'
al
lar
ehonest
lyaj
obandahal
f.
Hehasr
eal
isedhi
smi
stakest
lhemma
At
amelang:wel
lhecangof
uckat
reef
oral
licar
e.
I
m okwhereiam
Thor
iso:ar
eyousur
eaboutt
hewhi
teguyt
hough?
Atamelang:hehasanameT,
it'
sSaschasopl
ease
respectt
hat
Thor
iso:gunsdownAt
agunsdown
Atamelang: mxm yout hough.Wel lhonest
ly
speakingihaven'tf
ullyopenedmyhear ttohim.Im
sti
llgett
ingtoknowt hekindofpersonhei s.Sofari
knowt hathecanstandf orhimsel
fonet hingidon't
appreciateabouthi
mi stheuseofvulgarwhen
angry
Thor
iso:iseebutyouj
ustsai
dBosacangof
ucka
tr
ee
Atamelang:f
ucki
ngat r
eei
snotvul
gar
.Whati
s
fucki
nginSetswana?
Thor
iso:gonyokana
At
amel
ang: youar
esuchani
diotbut
anywaybacktoSaschaiknowwhi t
epeopl
eare
knownforbei
nggenuineandallbutti
meschange
andagai
nitsnotal
lofthem.Saschaisal
sosti
ll
younghecan'
ttel
lmehewant stobeseri
ousatthi
s
age
Thor
iso:it
houghtyouwant
edsomet
hingser
ious
At
amel
ang:yourf
ri
endopenedmyeyes
Thor
iso:oh atl
eastyoul
ear
ntsomet
hingbuddy
At
amelang:whateverdude.Wel
lapar
tofmehopes
t
hatSaschaisseri
ous
Thori
so:wel
laslongasweshar
ethegi
rl
fr
iend
al
lowanceim good
Atamel
ang:ohwow butt
henwhenigetin
t
roubl
eyouwillbepul
li
ngaway?NeverTnever
Thoriso:comeonAtayouknowiwil
lal
wayshave
yourbackoratleastaskhi
mtohookmeupwithhis
fr
iends
Atamel
ang:nopewecan'
tbedat
ingpeopl
efr
om t
he
samecir
clemyguy.Bye
Thor
iso:At
acomeon
At
amel
ang:l
et'
stal
klat
er

Sheputherphonedownasherfat
heropenedher
bedr
oom doorwit
hatrayonhi
shands..
.

At
amel
ang:br
eakf
asti
nbed?That
'saf
ir
st
Pat
lo:(
smi
led)ihopeyouhadawonder
fulni
ghtmy
l
ove
At
amel
ang:yesdadidi
d
Pat
lo:good.(Hesatbesi
desher
)iputext
racr
eam
onyourcoffee
At
amel
ang:j
ustt
hewayil
ikei
t.Thanksdad
Patl
o:youarewel
comemyangel
.(Cl
ear
edhi
s
thr
oat)iwant
edustot
alk
At
amel
ang:ok
Pat
lo:iknowyouar
eangrywit
hmeand
di
sappointedi
nmeofwhatidi
dbutij
ustwantt
o
t
ellyout
hati
mreal
lysor
ry
Atamelang:butwhydad?Di
dmom embr
assyouor
something?
Patl
o:yourmotheri
sthemostbeaut
if
ulwomani
haveevermetshewouldneverembarassmei
honestl
ydon'
tknowwhatgotintome
Atamel
ang:ifyouaregoingt
owantustotal
kyou
aregoi
ngtohavet obehonestwi
thme.Whydid
youdoitdad,ther
e'sal
waysareasont
othese
thi
ngs
Pat
lo:(
sighed)iwant
edt
ohavef
un
At
amel
ang:doyouknowt
her
isksoft
hatf
unpapa?
Pat
lo:yesmychi
ld
Atamelang:i
magineifyouhadasondadwoul dyou
beproudofwhatyouwer et
eachinghim now?Wit
h
meyouar eluckythatwomenar ebui
ltdi
ffer
ent
ly
fr
om men.Mamadeser vesbett
erdadandyou
deser
veeverythi
ngcomi ngyourway
Pat
lo:i
mreal
lysor
ry
At
amel
ang:act
ionsspeakl
oudert
hanwor
dspapa
startacti
ngli
keamar ri
edmanwhol oveshi swi f
e.
Shet oldmewhatyousai dtoherwheny'allgot
mar ri
edandthat'
snotwhatyoudot otheper son
youcl ai
mt ol
ove.Youar eone,
youshouldshar e
thingsandim happythatmom neverfoughtyouf or
anyofi tandshesti
llst
ayedwithyouandt hat
shouldshowyout hatindeedacti
onsspeaksl ouder
thanwor ds
Pat
lo:ihearyoumychi
ld.Caniaskyousomet
hing?
At
amel
ang:yep
Pat
lo:i
syourmot
herseei
ngsomeoneel
se?
Atamelang:(l
aughed)youar ehonestlyunbeli
evable
dadifmom wasseei ngsomeonedoyout hinkshe
wouldstandf orallthis?Doyout hi
nkshewoul dbe
goingoutofherwayt ofightforhermarriage?No
dadsomepeopl erespectt heirvows.Allthose
peopleyousawi nphot oswi thusareourgood
fri
endsakerewenayoudeci dedt odit
chusandgo
onvacationwi t
hyoursi dechick?Pleaseexcuseme
iwouldliketogetr eadyf ortheoffi
ce.Thankyouf or
thebreakfast
Sheputt hetr
ayont hebedsidegoingtot he
bathroom asPatloswallowedgoingout.Heclosed
thedoorandsi ghedgoingbacktothemai n
bedroom wherehef oundBontsigett
ingready.
..

Pat
lo:meet
ingsomeone?
Bontsi
:yep.Rober
tDut
che'
slawyerandmylawyer
ther
eareaf ewthi
ngsweneedtodiscuss
Patl
o:don'
ttel
lmeyouar
esel
li
ngast
rangershar
es
ofyourpar
lour
Bontsi
:Rober
tisnostrangerokandagainthat
'smy
parl
ourandiwil
lnevershareitwit
hanyone.Al
so
theparl
ouri
snottheonlybusinessimint
erest
edin
Pat
lo:ok.Canicomewi
th?
Bont
si:nope.Thegar
denneedst
obeat
tendedmy
l
ove
Pat
lo:but
..
.
Bont
si:ihat
emyf
lower
slooki
ngl
iket
hatandnoi
m
notgoingtohi
reagardenboywhenihaveanabl
e
husband.Putyour
sel
ftogoodusemylove.
Pat
lo:phones?
Bontsi
:wespokeaboutt
hat
.2f
ullweekst
henyou
wil
lgetever
ythi
ngback
Pat
lo:ok
Bont
si:(
smi
ledst
andi
ngup)howdoil
ook?
Pat
lo:ni
ce
Bont
si:t
hankyoumyl
ove
Patl
o:soar
eyoui
nvest
ingi
nhi
sbusi
nesses?What
doeshedo?
Bontsi
:justl
ikeyouhemakesalotofmoneyhoney.
(Ki
ssedhischeek)haveagooddaymylove

Shetookherbaginherfl
owydressandheadedout
whil
ePatl
osighedlooki
ngather.

I
nNewl
andsCapeTown.
..
Lehumogoti
nhi
scaranddr
oveoutdi
ali
nga
contact
..
.

Man:myman
Lehumo:ij
ustsentyouapi
ctur
eofourqueen
Man:(checkedit
)wowmanasl eepi
ngdiamond,
youreal
lyoutdi
dyoursel
fher
ebroclubvenuswi
ll
beahitfrom t
hesecondshewalksi
n
Lehumo:j
ustputmoneyi
nfr
ontofherandshei
sal
l
yours
Man:ihavenodoubt
.Yourdoctor
sneedtospeed
upt
heheal i
ngpr
ocessbecauseim dyi
ngt
orevi
ve
mybusiness
Lehumo:soonshewi
llbeal
lyour
s
Man:good.Iwi
llmakesuretodeposi
thal
foft
he
moneyinyouraccountl
atert
oday
Lehumo:iwi
llbet
hehappiestandi
m worki
ngmy
magiconherandsofarihavehereat
ingoutoft
he
pal
m ofmyhand
Man:youhaveneverdi
sappoi
ntedme
Lehumo:sowhat
'st
hepl
an?
Man:it
hinki
m goi
ngt
omakethi
sonethef
aceof
t
heclubthi
soneismydi
amondbruh
Lehumo:(
smi
led)okt
hen.Thecont
ract
?
Man:igotmypeopl
ewor
kingoni
tal
ready
Lehumo:makesur
eit
'scl
ear
Man:youknowme.Howf
arwi
thherSAi
d's
Lehumo:iwi l
lbehavingthem wi
thmetoday.Mom
i
sgoi ngtotakethem l
aterfr
om t
hehomeaf fai
rs
off
icesshewi l
lbeafullci
ti
zenofSout
hAfricaand
myl i
ttl
esist
er
Man:wonder
ful
Lehumo:l
etmegett
owor
kwewi
llt
alkmor
elat
er
Man:sur
ebuddy

TheyhungupasLehumosmi
ledandheadedt
othe
off
ice.Af t
erwor
kingsohardtakingoutthewater
andever ythi
ngt
hatwaswetout sideshegotinher
carandheadedt oTemo'shousedi al
ingPat
lo'
s
off
ice..
.

Man:MrKwena'
sof
fi
cehel
lo?
Vi
ctor
ia:(
frowned)mayipl
easet
alkt
oPat
lo
Man:MrKwenai sonleavema'am andhehas
st
atedthathewantsnodist
urbancesoI'
mtheone
i
nchargeofevery.
..

Beforehecouldfini
shVict
oriahungupcl
icki
ngher
tongueanddialedDiphal
a..
.

Vi
ctor
ia:bl
oodymor
on.Answert
hephoneDi
phal
a
Di
phal
a:MsDi
ntsi
Vict
ori
a:Di
phal
awhatishappeni
ng?Whyi
s
ever
ythi
ngfal
li
ngapar
t?
Di
phal
a:canyoupl
easecal
m down
Vi
ctor
ia:cal
m downforwhat?Doyouknowwhati
t
meansshouldilosePat
loKwena?
Di
phal
a:whatar
eyout
alki
ngabout
?
Vict
oria:t
hati di
othasn'tspokentomesi ncewe
camebackf rom Zanzibarandnowhedoesn' tt
ell
met hathe'sonl eaveihavet ohearabouthisstand
i
n.Whatt hehellisthat?Itr
iedcall
inghim buthis
phonei soffandican'tgot ohishousebecauset he
fatbit
chist here
Di
phal
a:isai
dcal
m down
Vi
ctor
ia:stoptell
ingmet ofucki
ngcalm down
Di
phalawheneveyt hi
ngisfal
li
ngapart
.Ihadt o
l
abourthismor ningbecausemyhousef looded
whatt
hehel li
st hat!
?Youneedt ot
ight
enyourball
s
Diphala:(
sighed)myhutbur
ntdownl
astni
ghtwi
th
eveything
Vi
ctor
ia:what
!?

Shesai
dhi
tt
ingt
hebr
akesandswer
vedt
othesi
de.
..
Vi
ctor
ia:whatdi
dyouj
ustsay?
Di
phal
a:yes
Vi
ctor
ia:(
hol
dinggerforehead)noDiphal
athi
scan'
t
behappeni
ng.Dideveryt
hinginitbur
n?
Di
phal
a:yes
Vict
ori
a:(
hitt
hesteer
ingwheel
)shi
t!Shi
t!Shi
t!Thi
s
can'
tbehappeni
ngno!
Di
phal
a:whyar
eyoushout
ing?
Vi
ctor
ia:Di
phal
awej
ustl
osteveyt
hing
Di
phal
a:no
Vi
ctor
ia:(
frowned)excuseme?
Di
phal
a:yoursi
ster
'sdaught
er
Vi
ctor
ia:whatabouther
?
Di
phala:sheneedst
odi
esoont
henwewi
llbeback
ontop
Vict
ori
a:myhitmanisnowheret
obefoundDi
phal
a
howim isupposedt
otakecar
eofthat
?
Di
phal
a:don'
twor
ryiwi
llt
akecar
eoft
hat
Vict
ori
a:youknowwehavet
odoi
toutoft
he
countr
yright
?
Di
phala:don'
tworrymyboysar
eli
kehyenast
hey
ar
etakingherthi
seveni
ng
Vi
ctor
ia:ok.Youwi
llkeepmeupdat
ed
Di
phal
a:sur
e

TheyhungupasVi
ctor
iasi
ghedl
eani
ngback.
..

Vi
ctor
ia:shi
t.

AtBoemo'
shouse.
..

Boi
tshepopai
dfort
hecabandr
angt
hegat
ebel
las
Boemoopenedforher
..
.

Boemo:youneedt
ogetanewcarwai
tse
Boi
tshepo:yespl
easeandij
ustr
emember
edineed
togogetsomedocument
sinMochudit
oday
eveni
ng.Ir
eal
lyneedt
hem
Boemo:okiwi
llhi
reacarf
oryou
Boit
shepo:t
hatwoul
dbegr
eat
.Nowpl
easet
ellme
yourpl
anhasworked
Boemo:yepi
twassuccessf
ull
oveibur
ntdownt
hat
wit
ch'
shouse
Boi
tshepo:ohwowt
hatwasi
t?Boemoyouar
e
br
ave
Boemo:wi
nner
sar
eal
waysbr
avel
ove
Boi
tshepo:i
ndeed
Boemo:andyour
s?
Boi
tshepo:i
tki
ndoff
loppedbutihaveasecond
opt
ion
Boemo:whatwasi
t?
Boi
tshepo:if
loodedthehouseaf
terBosawentt
o
sl
eeptohaveVi ct
ori
afli
pandatt
ackthem
Boemo:t
hatwasagr
eatone.Danger
ousbutgood
one
Boi
tshepo:yeahbutshewasr
athercal
m
Boemo:i
t'
sbecauseyouwer
ether
e
Boi
tshepo:mythoughtaswellbutt
heopti
onBwi
ll
betaki
ngplacesoon.If
eelsobadbecauseim
hur
tingmynephew
Boemo:af
teral
lyouar
edoi
ngi
tforhi
m
Boi
tshepo:whati
fsheki
ll
shi
m?
Boemo:don'
tworryshewon'
tlove.Remember
teachi
ngusaboutfai
th?
Boi
tshepo:(
smi
led)iguessi
t'
sti
meipr
act
isedwhat
ipr
eached
Boemo:yes(t
heylaughed)onothergr
eatnews
thoughimanagedtogetinf
ormati
ononStoneso
l
et'spayhi
m avisi
t
Boi
tshepo:ok

Theysmil
edheadi
ngtothebackandopenedas
Stonesi
ghedcl
osinghi
seyesavoi
dingt
heli
ght
.
Boemoroughl
ytookthetapeof
fhi
smouthashe
gr
unt
ed.Theysatdownashel
ookedupatt
hem.
..

Stone:whatmoredoyouwantf r
om me?Igaveyou
eveythi
ngyouneeded.Justl
etmego.Iwil
lski
pthe
countryandyouwil
lneverhearf
rom me
Boemo:whatdoyouseewhenyoul
ookatus?
I
diot
s?
St
one:whatdoyouwant
?
Boemo:ihaveal
it
tl
egi
ftf
oryou

Shet
ookoutherphoneandplayedhi
m avi
deoofa
smal
lgi
rlasheswall
owed.
..

Gir
l:daddyimissyousomuchandihopeyouar e
doi
ngagoodj obthere.Pleasebegoodsot hatyou
cancomevi si
tusagain.Dowhateverthi
ngyour
bossasksyout odosot hatt
heygi
veyoumor e
moneyandt hencomebuymenewt hi
ngs.Ilove
youdada
Thevideost
oppedashet
ear
ful
lyl
ookedupatt
he
l
adies.
..

St
one:she'
sonl
y11
Boemo:andhewasonlyafewdaysol
dfr
om t
he
hospi
talandyoul
ethi
m getst
olen
St
one:pl
easedon'
tdoi
t
Boemo:ohnonoidon' thur
tkidsbutr atherimagine
howshewoul dfeelwhenshel earnswhatherf ather
does.Imagi nethepainshewi llbegoi ngthrough
onceherschoolmat esst ar
tharassingherr ubbing
thesaltinthewoundt hatherfatherisnothingbuta
l
owl if
ecr i
mi nalwho'ssenttokillotherpeople.
Imagineherl earni
ngthatyouwer esentt okil
lher
fri
end'sfather.Herfri
endwi l
lhatehersobadand
shewi l
lhavenoone.OoohSt onedoyouwantt hat
forthatprettygir
l?
St
one:youevi
lwi
tch!
Hesaidscreami
ngshaki
ngt
hechai
rast
hel
adi
es
quei
tl
ylookedathi
m..
.

Boi
tshepo:youcandoi
tal
lbutt
hat
'sexact
lywhat
's
goi
ngtohappen
St
one:whatdoyouwant
?
Boemo:yout
otest
if
yagai
nstVi
ctor
ia
St
one:t
hat
'st
hrowi
ngmysel
fint
hel
ion'
sden
Boemo:i m al
awyerandt hedetect
iveim working
withholdsahigherposit
ionasapubl i
cservantwe
cancomeupwi thsomethingforyou.Maybet hat
Victor
iathr
eat
nedyourf amil
yandyouhadnot
choicebuttoprotectt
hem
St
one:(
swal
lowed)howcanit
rustyou?
Boemo:ij
usttoldyoui
m alawyerl
yingtoyou
meansmel osi
ngmyl i
censeandivaluemyjobso
muchtori
ski t
St
one:ok
Boemo:okwhat
?
Stone:(swall
owedcl
osi
nghi
seyes)iwi
llt
est
if
y
againstVict
ori
a
Boemo:goodiwi
llgetourcont
ractr
eadyunt
ilt
hen
youwil
lbeher
eokboyboy
St
one:caniatl
eastt
alkt
omydaught
er?
Boemo:(t
houghtf
ull
y)nahnott
odaymylovebuti
wil
lmakesuretheymakeyouamazingf
oodtoday.
Youdeservei
taft
erall

Shel
aughedgoi
ngoutasBoi
tshepofol
lowedher
andl
ockedSt
oneinsi
deashebursti
ntotear
s..
.

Boi
tshepo:shame
Boemo:someti
mesyouneedt otouchthedeeper
si
deofthei
rli
veslovehewi
llbeok.Lethi
m cryit
out(
herphonerang)BoemoMaiketsohell
o?
Jooma:youarespeaki
ngtoJoomaf r
om Cart
er
Att
orneysiwaswonderi
ngifyouhavemadea
deci
sionyet
.Wehavebeenl ooki
ngi
ntoyourwork
andit
shonestl
yremarkabl
eandyouar eari
sktaker
.
Havi
ngyoui
nourt
eam wi
llbeanhonour
Boemo:iwasaboutt
ocal
landyessi
riacceptt
he
of
fer
Jooma:(smil
ed)wonderf
ulmakesureever
ythi
ngi
s
sortedoutwi
thyourpr
eviousempl
oyerandwewil
l
takeitf
rom t
her
e
Boemo:idef
ini
tel
ywi
ll
Jooma:goodday
Boemo:(
smi
ledhangi
ngup)yes!
Boi
tshepo:what
'sup?
Boemo:ican'
tbel
ieveiwillbewor
kingwi
ththe
per
sonihavebeenl ooki
nguptoallmyli
fewow
Boi
tshepo:mma?
Boemo:sorrylove.Thingi
ssi ncethiscaseihave
decidedtoj
ustmovet hisside.Myempl oyeri
nUK
didn'
tgivemear unaroundsoiappl i
edatbot hTT&
AssandCar terAtt
orneysandt heybot haccpeted
me.Iaskedthem forsomet imet othinksoimf rom
acallwitht
hebossatCar terAttorneyshewant sme
tocomewor kwi t
hthem
Boi
tshepo:ohwowt hat
'samazi
ngl
ove.Bai
sagoi
s
goi
ngtobedelight
ed
Boemo:iknowr
ight
.Thi
sdeser
vesacel
ebr
ati
on
l
et'
sgoout
Boit
shepo:whynotbutdon'
tfor
gett
ohi
remycar
forl
ater
Boemo:yesma'
am

Theyl
aughedget
ti
ngi
nBoemo'
scarandheadedt
o
themal
l.

AtVi
ctor
ia'
shouse.
..

SheturnedbackwhileonherwaytoTemo'shouse
asshef or
gotsomethingatt
hehouse.Shepar
ked
hercarandwentinsidewhereshef
oundmeonl y.
..

Vi
ctor
ia:wher
eisever
yone?
Bosa:aunt
yBoist
eppedoutandOlebi
leasked
Let
lot
lotogowit
hhimtohisfr
iend'
s
Vi
ctor
ia:whydi
dyoust
aybehi
nd?
Bosa:
idi
dn'
twantt
oleavet
hehouseal
one
Vi
ctor
ia:t
hehousehel
peri
sher
e
Bosa:
noshewentt
othemal
ltogetaf
ewt
hings
Vi
ctor
ia:(
swal
lowed)Bosawhydi
dyoudowhatyou
di
dlastni
ght
?
Bosa:
mma?
Victori
a:nywa?Don'tyoudar
eBosabecauseyou
l
ef tt
het apopened.Whati
fmyt vandandradi
oand
plugswer elow?Myhousewouldber ui
nednow.My
couchesar eoutther
enowallbecauseofyour
negligenceyoustupi
dboy!
Bosa:(swal
lowed)i
m sor
ryaunt
ybutisweart
oyou
ever
ythingwasok
Vi
ctor
ia:(
closedt
hedoor
)ohsoi
mtal
kingcr
apnow?
Bosa:
noaunt
y
Vi
ctor
ia:doyouwantt
ofi
nishmeBosa!
?Ihave
beennothi
ngbutgoodt
oyoubutyoual
waysgoout
ofyourwaytomakemeseem l
ikeabadper
son
Bosa.Why!?

Iknewt hatmomentitwasabouttogetungl
y.Why
didthesepeopl
eleavemealone..
.

Bosa:
aunt
yim sor
ry
Vict
oria:wil
lsor
rypaythef ucki
ngbil
lyou
deli
beratel
yputmein?Ar eyouokupst ai
rsBosa!?
Thisiswhyyourmot herdiedGodknewt hatyou
weregoi ngtobenothi
ngbutabur dentoher!
Bosa:(swal
lowedtearf
ull
y)okauntyirespectyou
andallbuti
m notgoingtoletyouspeakli
kethat
aboutmymot her
Vi
ctor
ia:excuseme?
Bosa: yesyouneverl
ovedmeauntyal
lyouhave
everdonewasbr ingpai
ninmyli
feij
usttol
dyou
thatiknownothingabout
..
.
Beforeicouldfi
nisht
alki
ngahotsl
apl
anded
acrossmyf acealmostbl
indi
ngmeasist
agger
ed
backcoughing..
.

Vi
ctor
ia:youhavesomener
veyougoodf
ornot
hing
br
at!

Shesai
dattempingtograbmebutipushedher
backasshestoppedshocked.
..

Vi
ctor
ia:whatdi
dyouj
ustdo?
Bosa:i
mtir
edofyout reat
ingmeli
keim nothi
ng.I
m
humanihavefeel
ings.Younevert
reatyourchi
ldr
en
l
ikethi
sbutasformeyou. ..

Idodgedachai
rshet
hrewatmeandasilookedup
shewasalr
eadyonmyf aceandgr
abbedmeby
neck.
..
Vict
ori
a:iseeyout
hinkyouar
eagr
ownmannow
youbastard!

Shesai dpunchingmeasiputmyhandsonmy
face.Sheletgoofmyneckandpunchedmy
stomach.Ileaneddowngr oaninginpainasshe
slappedmesohar dasistaggeredtothestai
rsrai
l.
Iheldont othem asshetookoutaknifefrom her
breasts.
..

Vi
ctor
ia:iseeyouar
enotscar
edt
odi
emyboy

Sheattempt edt
ostabmeasisl appedherwit
hthe
backofmyhandasshest aggeredback.Iqui
ckl
y
grabbedthehandshehadt heknifeonandtwist
ed
asshescr eamedinpainanddroppedtheknif
e.Ilet
goofherhandandsl appedheragain.
..

Vi
ctor
ia:Bosast
opi
t!
Bosa:
ial
waysaskedyout
ost
opbutyounever
l
ist
ened(isl
appedheragain)Olebi
leal
waysasked
youtostopbutyouneverl
istenedbutl
ist
enedt
o
yourpoi
sonousdaughter
!

Isl
appedheragai
nasshet
ri
ppedher
sel
fandf
ell
onherback.
..

Vi
ctor
ia:Bosano!

Ibitmylowerl
ipconsumedinangerandwenton
topofhergoi
ngforherneck.It
ight
lycl
osedher
pipesasshegaggedtryi
ngtofi
ghtmyhandsoff
herneck..
.

Vi
ctori
a:Bosayouarehur
ti
ngmest
op(
shesai
d
st
ruggl
ingtobreat
h)
Bosa:youst
olemef
rom myfamilyonl
ytocome
andabusemeyougoodfornot
hingwitch!
Isai
dti
ghteni
ngthegri
ponherneckasshel
etgo
ofmeclosi
nghereyes.
.
.
.
.
.
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
CAGED
29

Iswal
lowedl
ooki
ngatVictor
iawhowasnotmoving
asil
etgoofherneck.If
rownedandsni
ff
edget
ti
ng
up.
..

Bosa:iknowyouarenothur tsostopdoingwhat
youaredoing(scof
fed)allmylif
eVictor
iaallmy
fl
ippi
nglif
eihavebeenlivingunderyourabuse.
Olebil
et riedtohel pmebr eakf reefrom al lthisbut
nobei ngani diotthatiwasi choset ot urnabl i
nd
eyetoi tandst andwi t
hyou.Ican' tbel ieveyoudi d
whatyoudi d.Whati fauntBoitshepoi srightabout
youandt hatyouar eawi t
ch?Whot reat st heir
sist
er'schi l
dl i
keyoudo?It ri
edVi ctor ia,idid
everythingi nmypowert opl easeyoubutnoyou
neversawi t.Allyousawmef orwasabur denyet
youar et heonewhot ookmei n.Di dt heyf orceyou
totakemei n?Al lyouhadt odowast reatmel i
ke
anyot herchi ldbutyousawi tfitt
ot ur nmei nto
yourpunchi ngbagandst ressreliever .Mybacki s
scarredal lbecauseofyou, youevi lwoman

Ibur
stint
otear
slooki
ngatherl
ayi
ngt
her
enot
moving.
..

Bosa:
ican'
tbelieveyoustuckakni
feoutonme.
Whathaveieverdonet oyoutohat
emet hi
smuch?
Youareanevilconni
vingcunt
Myhear tj
umpedasiwentbackontopofher
str
angli
nghermoreasshegaggedopeni
ngher
eyes.
..

Bosa:youar
eevilVi
ctor
iaal
lthet
hingst
heysai
d
aboutyouwerer
ight
!
Vi
ctor
ia:Bosayouar
eki
ll
ingmepl
easest
op
Bosa: noyoudeservetodienoonel ikeyou
deservestoli
veyougoodf ornothi
ngwitch
(har
denedt hegri
p)youhaver uinedmyl i
fe.You
haveconsumedmei nyourdar kwor l
dnothingof
minegoespl annedallbecauseofyourdar ksoul
.
Didyoukillmymot her?Huh?

Sheclosedhereyesandl
etgoofmyar
msagai
nas
ihar
denedthegrip.
..

Bosa:
openyoureyesandanswermeyouevi
l
woman
Ihardenedt
hegriponcemorebutthi
sti
mear ound
nothi
ngwashappeningasiswall
owedlett
inggoof
herandsnif
fed.
..

Bosa:
Vict
ori
a?Wakeup(
Sof
tl
ysl
appedhercheek)
Vi
ctor
ia?Wakeup

Iqui
cklygotof
fherwithmyheartr
aci
ng.Isoft
ly
ki
ckedherbutshejustl
aidt
her
e.Irai
sedherhand
anddroppedit
,tr
iedt
oopenhereyesbutnothi
ng..
.

Bosa:
shi
tBosawhathaveyoudone

Ipacedar
oundwi
thmyar msonmyheadt
ryi
ngto
thi
nkofwhatt
odo.Isni
ff
edandt
ookmyphone.
..

Bosa:
noyouarenotthispersonBosayoucan'tki
ll
ahumanbei
ng.Vict
oria?(Soft
lyki
ckedheragain)
dammit
Iwi
pedmyf
aceandcal
ledauntBoi
tshepo.
..

Boi
tshepo:boy
Bosa:
ineedyourhel
paunt
y
Boi
tshepo:what
'sgoi
ngon?
Bosa:
ithi
nkiki
ll
edher
Boi
tshepo:what
!?(
Boemof
rowned)
Bosa:auntVictori
aaunt yshecamebackhomeand
wehadanal t
ercati
onaboutt hef
loodingthenended
upfi
ghting.Ioverpoweredherandit hinkioverdi
d
i
t(burstintot
ears)pleasehelpmeican' tgotojai
l
auntyimt ooyoung.Im iamudererlikemyf ather
?
Boit
shepo:nonoboydon'
tthi
nkl
iket
hat
.Hol
don
(t
oBoemo)l et
'sgo

Boemoleftmoneyf
ort
hebi
llast
heymadewayt
o
thecar
..
.
Boit
shepo:okboyi
m her
e,don'
tthi
nkyouareli
ke
yourdadok,youar
eaverygoodboy.Whereis
ever
yone?
Bosa:
(sni
ffed)t
hehousehel
peri
ssti
llatt
hemall
andOlebi
leandLet
lot
lowentt
oOlebi
le'
sfri
end
Boit
shepo:oksendmethehousehel
per
'snumber
andmakesur etol
ockever
ydoori
m onmyway
ri
ghtnow
Bosa:
ok(
hungupandsenti
t)
Boemo:what
'sgoi
ngon?
Boi
tshepo:mypl
anwor
ked
Boemo:whathappened?
Boitshepo:isentt hehousehelpert
ot hemallafter
takingVictoria'
swalletfr
om herbag.Iknewshe
woul dnevergoanywher efarwit
houtitandthen
askedOl ebiletovisi
taf r
iendwit
hLetlot
lo.Vict
oria
wentbackf orherwal l
etandfoundBosaal oneand
attackedhim buthemanagedt ooverpowerhernow
het hi
nksheki l
ledher
Boemo:ipr
ayshe'
sdead(
cli
ckedhert
ongue)t
hat
womanisawitch
Boi
tshepo:noshecan'
tdi
eBosacan'
tbechar
ged
wit
hmur der
Boemo:iwi l
lmakesureitdoesn'
tgettothat(
a
thoughtcrossedhermind)ohshityouaresosmar
t
Boitsheposoyoudidthistor
ecordVictor
ia
attacki
ngBosaoroneoft heboys?
Boi
tshepo:yep
Boemo:(smi
led)il
oveworki
ngwit
hsmartpeopl
e
l
ikeyounowlet'
shopeBosadoesn'
that
eyouforit
Boit
shepo:(
sighed)yeahheynomat t
erwhatwe
havetomakesur ethathedoesn'
tendupwitht
he
wrongendoft hest
ick
Boemo:don'
twor
ryyouhaveagoodl
awyeronyour
si
denowlet'
sgoseeift
hatwi
tchi
sdeadornot

Shesmi l
edchanginggearsandsteppedonthe
accel
eratorwhil
eBoit
sheposigheddial
ingt
he
househelper.
AtTemo'
shouse.
..

Oref
esi
ghedmovi
ngthecur
tai
nlooki
ngout
side
andwentt
osi
tbackdown.
..

Temo:whoar
eyouexpect
ingma?
Oref
e:Vict
oriashesai
dshewasgoi
ngt
ocomebut
sheisn'
therenow
Temo:shewi
llcomemar
elax
Or
efe:nosont
hesoonerwedot
hist
hebet
ter
Temo:(
frowned)dowhat
?
Or
efe:yourl
it
tl
esi
sterhasdr
aggedusi
nthemud
Temo:whatar
eyout
alki
ngabout
?
Or
efe:shewast
her
ewhenMar
umodi
ed
Temo:what
?
Oref
e:yesidon'
tunder
standwhatBoi
tshepowants
fr
om meandsheknowshowif eelabouttr
adi
ti
onal
doctor sandallthatnowat raditionaldoctordiedin
herpr esencewhowi l
lbecruci f
ied?Me, iwi l
lbe
call
ednamest hatihidebehi ndt hebibl
ewhi l
ei
pract i
sewitchcraf
tthecommuni tyisgoingtoki l
l
mesot hesoonerwet el
lthef ami l
yaboutt hi
st he
better.Shouldtheyhearfrom t hest r
eetsitwillbe
anot herthi
ng.Itwouldbebet tert odealwiththis
pri
vat ely
Temo:yoht
hat
'shect
ic
Or
efe:nowVi
ctor
iai
staki
ngf
orevert
ocomeher
e
Temo:l
etmegomakeacal
l

Hetookhi
sphoneandwentoutsi
deasOref
e
si
ghedsit
ti
ngback.Hest
oodagai
nstatr
eeand
di
aledBoi
tshepo.
..

Boi
tshepo:br
o
Temo:Vi
ctor
iai
splanni
ngtousemom t
opi
mpyou
outt
oMarumo'sfamil
ysis
Boi
tshepo:what
!?
Temo:yepshekindoffoundoutt
hatyouwer
ewith
Olebil
eatMar
umo'shouseonchrist
masandthat
youwer et
her
ewhenMar umodiedsotheyar
e
planni
ngtogotel
lthef
ami l
y
Boi
tshepo:t
heywi
llneverbeabl
etodoso
Temo:(
frowned)huh?
Boit
shepo:l
et'
sjustsayVi
ctor
iai
sinacr
it
ical
condit
ionnow
Temo:whathaveyoudoneBoi
tshepo?
Boit
shepo:don'
tworryit
'snot
hinghecti
c.Iwil
lgo
theMarumo'slat
ertotel
lthem aboutt
heordeal
myselft
hanksfortheheadsup
Temo:canicomewi
th?
Boi
tshepo:noiwi
llbef
ineal
oneplusiwantt
otake
somethi
ngatthehouseinMochudi
Temo:ar
eyousur
e?
Boi
tshepo:yeahi
t'
smypr
obl
em soiwi
lldealwi
thi
t
myself
Temo:okt
heni
fyousayso.Howi
sever
ythi
ng
comi
ngal
ongt
hough?
Boi
tshepo:good.Justpar
kther
e
Temo:huh?
Boit
shepo:wewi
llt
alkl
aterTbyef
ornow(
shehung
up)let
'sgoin

Theygotoffthecarandheadedtot hehouseas
Bosaopenedf orthem.Ther
eshewasl yingont
he
fl
oorunconscious.Boemoquickl
ykneltdownto
checkherpulseandi twast
here.
..

Boemo:herpul
sei
sver
ylowcal
lthemedi
cal
rescuet
eam
Boi
tshepo:ok(
shedi
d)
Bosa:
whati
fshedi
es?I
m goi
ngt
ojai
l
Boemo:(heldmyar ms)heylist
entomeyouar enot
goi
ngtojaildoyouhearme?Iwi l
lal
waysprot
ect
youwit
heveythingihave.Thiswasdefenceyou
hadtol
ookoutf oryoursel
f.Didshedoanythi
ngto
hur
tyou?
Bosa:aslapandapunchandshest
uckoutakni
fe
that
'swhenilosti
t
Boemo:goodsot here'
snowayyouar egoi ngtogo
tojai
l.Boimakehi m waterwit
hsugar( shewentto
theki
t chen)andneverthinkyouareaki l
lerok?You
areawel lmanneredboywhodeser vestobe
genuinelylovedwit
hnoexpect at
ionsinr et
urn.
Bosa:
butwhati
fshedoesn'
tmakei
t?
Boemo:i
twassel
fdef
encemyboydon'
twor
ry
your
sel
f
Bosa:
butst
il
liwoul
dhaveki
ll
edher
Boit
shepo:her
e.Al
lyoudidwasdefendyoursel
f
Bosaitwouldbeanunfor
tunat
ethi
ngthatshehad
todieal
ongtheway
Bosa:(
drankthewat
er)ihonest
lydon'
tknowi
fi
wouldeverbeabl
etoforgi
vemyself
Boi
tshepo:don'
tworr
ysonweareher
eforyouand
wewillal
wayscareaboutyou
Asshesaidthemedicalrescuevanstoppedoutsi
de
assheopenedthegate.Theydroveinandloaded
Vi
ctor
iai
nt hest
ret
cherandi nsi
dethevan..
.

Boemo:wear
eri
ghtbehi
ndyou.Come

Theycl
osedthedoorsandwentint
oBoemo'scar
aft
ermaki
ngsurethatever
ythi
ngwasinpl
ace.
Boemotookherphoneanddial
edKabi
nda.
..

Kabi
nda:MsMai
ket
so
Boemo:det
ect
ive.Iwi
llsendyouacl
ipi
naf
ew
minut
esok
Kabi
nda:oknopr
obl
em
Boemo:sur
e(hungup)Boir
eachundermyseat

Shedi
dandt ookoutalaptopswit
chi
ngitonas
Boemotypedthepasswordforheronherphone.
Shepuncheditonasitopened.
..
Boemo:(changedgear
s)got
othatbl
ackfil
e,take
thi
scordconnecti
ttomyphoneandtothelaptop
(shedi
d)
Bosa:
what
'sgoi
ngon?
Boemo:don'
twor
ry.(
GaveBoiheadset
s)l
ist
ent
o
thef
ir
stcl
ip
Boi
tshepo:ok

Sheputt hem onandplayedthefir

strecor
ding.She
l
istenedandwat chedt
her ecor
dingofBosaand
Victor
ia'
salt
ercati
onuptot heend..
.

Boi
tshepo:okdone
Boemo:nowt ransf
arei
ttomyphone(shedi
d)good
nowt akemyphonegot omyemailandopenmy
conversat
ionwithDet
ecti
veKabi
ndaandsendhi
m
thefi
le
Boi
tshepo:ok
Shedi
dasdi
rect
edwhi
leisatatt
hebackwi
tha
fr
ownonmyface.
..

Bosa:
whatf
il
eist
his?Wher
edoest
hedet
ect
ive
comein?
Boemo:(looki
ngathimthr
oughthemir
ror)i
m
makingsureyouareonthesaf
esideofthel
aw
shouldanythi
nghappen
Bosa:
(conf
used)huh?
Boemo:youwi
llunder
standwi
tht
imemyboy
Boi
tshepo:sent
Boemo:good

Shebi therl
owerli
pchangi
nggearswhi l
esmili
ngat
met hroughthemirr
or.Her
eall
ylookedli
kehis
fatherespeci
all
ywit
hhisconf
usedf aceon.She
thoughttohersel
fwhil
eisi
ghedsitt
ingbackinthe
carasshef oll
owedtheambul
ance.
Athi
sof
fi
ce.
..

Lehumosatbacktappi
nghi
sfi
nger
sonhi
sdesk
andcal
ledDai
sy..
.

Dai
sy:hi
Lehumo:howar
eyoudoi
ng?Ar
eyoul
ovi
ngyour
newphone?
Dai
sy:i
m goodthedoctorjustl
eftandhesaysi
m
doi
ngsomuchbet t
erandicanf eelitandf
ort
he
newphoneimtotal
lyi
nl ovewit
hi t
Lehumo:t
hat
'samazi
ng.Di
dn'
tyourf
oll
ower
smi
ss
you?
Dai
sy:t
heydidbutt
heysayt
heyar
ereadyf
ormy
newcontent
Lehumo:that
'samazing.Doyouneedanyt
hingt
o
enhanceyourwork?
Dai
sy:ineedar
ingl
ightandiwi
llbegood
Lehumo:okiwi l
lsor
tthatout.It
hinkyouneeda
professi
onalphot
oshootforyourstr
ongcomeback
andagainyourbosssayshewant st omakeyouthe
faceofhisclub
Dai
sy:(
widenedhereyessmi
li
ng)ar
eyouf
orr
eal
?
Lehumo:yep
Dai
sy:butist
il
lhavescar
s
Lehumo:wecanor ganiseagreatteam of
photogr
apher
sandmakeupar t
iststoworkonthat
andagainsomescar sarebeauti
fulimeanyoucan
l
ookatthem asyourwayt omaki ngitbi
ginyourli
fe
Dai
sy:(
chuckl
ed)i
ndeedt
heyar
e
Lehumo:yessomet
imesGodlet
'st
hingshappent
o
usonlyt
omakesomethinggr
eatoutofus
Dai
sy:i
m notabel
ieverbutt
hatibel
ieve
Lehumo:(smiled)yesandwear
egoingtogetyou
thebestdesi
gnersintownandagai
nthi
sclubisno
ordi
naryclub
Daisy:yeahyout
oldmethatandil
ookedi
tupandi
shouldsayit'
samazi
ng
Lehumo:yeahhaveyoucal
ledyourmom?
Daisy:it
ri
edbutthenet
wor
kmustbeapr
obl
em
becauseitj
ustbeeps
Lehumo:ohiseewewi l
ltr
yget
ti
ngi
ntouchwi
th
herlat
erwhenigethome
Daisy:nopr
obl
em.Sowhenshoul
diexpectt
hese
people?
Lehumo:i
m goi
ngtotal
ktoyourbossf
ir
stt
hensee
whenwecanorgani
sethem
Dai
sy:doyouhaveshar
esi
nthi
scl
ub?
Lehumo:yeah
Dai
sy:ohiseebecauseiwasstart
ingt
othi
nkwhy
youaresoinvest
edinmaki
ngthingsworkout
Lehumo:im ashar
ehol
dermydear
.Wewi
llt
alk
l
aterneh
Dai
sy:nopr
obl
em
Lehumo:doyouneedanyt
hingel
sebef
orewehang
up?
Dai
sy:nopei
m goodi
m havi
ngt
het
imeofmyl
if
e
her
e
Lehumo:good.Bye
Dai
sy:bye

TheyhungupasDaisysmi
ledpost
ingonher
ti
meli
newhil
eLehumosmil
edopeninghi
slapt
op.

I
nMochudi
..
.

Lamegavehergr eatuncl
ehi
steaandj
oinedhi
m as
theysatout
side.
..

Ledi
ba:howwasyourf
ir
stni
ghtal
one?
Lame:okmal omet her
ewasnopr obl
em andsince
yester
daybusinesshasbeengoi ngwellit
hinkby
theendoft heweekiwillhaveenoughmoneyt ocall
foranotherbai
lofclot
hes
Ledi
ba:dot
hatmychi
ld.I
mreal
lypr
oudofyouf
or
notgi
vingupi
nli
fe.Youar
eat
rueepi
tomeofwhat
afi
ghteri
s
Lame:(
smi
led)t
hankyoumal
ome
Ledi
ba:anyt
imemychil
d(tookasi
p)youar
ever
y
cl
osetoyourmot
herri
ght?
Lame:yep
Ledi
ba:andyouwoul
dspoti
tifshewaswr
ong
Lame:eer
ra
Ledi
ba:haveyoueverdoubt
edyourmot
herabout
youraunt
?
Lame:notatallbutwhathur
tsmethemosti
st hat
youguyscan'tseeitandmakehert
hebadperson
Ledi
ba:iact
ual
lybel
ieveyourmot
her
Lame:oh?
Lediba:yesthingisidon'
twantmysi st
ertothi
nk
thatwear eganginguponher.Shehasbeen
throughalotespeciall
ywit
hVictori
asoidon'twant
hertothinkthatthewholeworl
di sagai
nsther
daughter
Lame:ohiseebutmalomei t
'sthetr
uthandther
e's
not
hingwecandoabouti tVi
ctori
aisanevil
woman
andshehasrui
nedallourli
ves
Lediba:(si
ghed)iknowmychil
dandthet hingsyour
mot hertol
dmemakesensenowandir eali
sewhat
NgakaMar umomeantwhenhesaidthere'sadar k
cl
oudhover i
ngaroundourf
amil
yandthatt hi
sdark
cl
oudhasascentofawomanandwhocant hatbe
i
nt hisfamily?
Lame:auntVi
ctor
ia
Lediba:exact
lyandshe'st
heonewhohas
Boingotl
o'sspir
itcaged
Lame:butwhywouldsheki
llherownsisterto
abuseherson?Thi
swomani sunbel
ievable
Ledi
ba:onlyherknowsbutihopeBoi
tshepoand
herf
riendsdealwit
hthi
sassoonaspossible
Lame:yespl
easeij
ustwantt
olivei
npeacenot
wonderi
ngwhocouldbepl
ott
ingagai
nstme
Ledi
ba:soonyouwi
llbemygi
rl
Lame:canyout
aket
heki
dsf
orasl
eepovert
oni
ght
mal
ome?
Ledi
ba:(smi
led)ihopeyounotpl
anni
ngon
sneaki
ngsomeonei nhere
Lame:(l
aughed)bathongnouncl
eir
espectmy
grandmother
'shouse
Ledi
ba:good.Iwi
llgowi
tht
hem whenil
eavemy
chi
ld
Lame:t
hankyoumal
omeyouar
ethebest

Shesmil
edgoi
ngtoatt
endtoacustomerwhi
le
Ledi
basmil
edshaki
nghisheadandsi
ppedhi
stea.

Att
hehospi
tal
..
.

WithBosaandBoitsheposti
l
lint
hehospitalBoemo
satoutsi
dehercarandspoketothecardealer
shi
p
andthencal
ledBaisago.
..
Baisago:ihavebeent
ryi
ngt
ocal
lyoubutyour
phonesaysl i
nebusy
Boemo:iwasst
il
lonacal
lwit
hacardeal
ershi
pi
wantt
ogetBoit
shepoacar
Bai
sago:mma?
Boemo:yeah.Shet
hinksi
mrent
ingi
tforherbuti
m
buyi
ngitf
orher
Baisago:babeihopeyouar
enotr
uini
ngyour
budget
Boemo:notatal
lmylove.She'
singabsnowsoshe
needsacartogetar
oundpubli
ctranspor
tcandel
ay
mostoftheti
me
Bai
sago:okt
henl
ovei
fit
'snotcr
ippl
ingyout
hen
i
t'
sok
Boemo:comeonl ovet
hepoorladyhasbeen
workingsohardtolookoutforoursonal
lthese
yearsshedeservesali
tt
lesomethingandagaini
t'
s
notthatexpensi
ve
Bai
sago:youareagoodwomanandt
heLor
dshal
l
gi
veyoumor e
Boemo:irecei
vebabe.Bythewaywehave
managedtocatchVict
ori
ar edhandedshehadan
al
ter
cati
onwi t
hBosabuthemanagedt odefend
hi
mselfshe'si
nthehospi
talnow
Bai
sago:i
smysonokl
ove?
Boemo:stil
labitshakenbutdon'twor r
yBoiandi
willmakesurehe'sgoodandit hinkit
stimehe
start
edtoattendcounsell
ingsessionsbecausei
feell
ikehehasal otofangerinhim orelsehewi
ll
enduphur t
ingthepeoplehecar eabout
Bai
sago:yespl
ease
Boemo:t
heyar
ecomi
ngwewi
llt
alksoonhey
Bai
sago:okbabebye(
theyhungup)
Boemo:and?
Boi
tshepo:shewi
llbeok.She'
sinI
CU
Boemo:okt
hat
'sbet
ter
.Bosa
Bosa:
mma
Boemo:woul
dyoumi
ndat
tendi
ngcounsel
li
ng
sessi
ons?
Bosa:
noi
m ok
Boemo:areyousureson?Youneedi taf
terwhat
happened.Youneverknowmaybeyouhaveal otof
angerandhurtwit
hinyousothiswi
llbetheonl
y
waytohelpyoudealwithal
lthat
Bosa:
iwi
llt
hinkabouti
t.Ri
ghtnowij
ustwantt
ogo
homeandsl
eep
Boit
shepo:howaboutwet
akeyout
oyourf
ri
end'
s
house?
Bosa:
thanksbutnot
hanksaunt
yiwantt
obeal
one
Boi
tshepo:okmyboy

WegotinBoemo'scarandheadedbackt
o
Vi
ctor
ia'
shouse.

Atar
est
aur
ant
..
.

Bont
si,
Robertandthei
rlawyerscli
ckedthei
r
gl
assesasBontsiandRobertsignedsome
document
s..
.

Lady:youar
enowapar
townerofTheDut
che'
s
garden
Bontsi
:(smi led)thankyou.Here'
stomakingsure
wemaket hatgar denahitinthecit
y.Thesame
team workingonmypar louri
m goingtohir
ethem
toworkont hatgardenithonestl
yneedsafemale
touch(t
heyal ll
aughed)
Lady:ihavebeent
ell
inghi
mthat
Rober
t:yesyesyouwer
eri
ght
Lady:l
etmegetgoi
ngihaveanot
hermeet
ing
Rober
t:nopr
obl
em.Thankyou
Man:met
oo,
thanksf
orawonder
fulmeet
ing
Bont
si:sur
e

Thelawyerstookthei
rbagsandleftchat
ti
ngas
Kel
ell
omadeherwayi n.Shespott
edBontsiand
wenttothetable.
..
Kel
ell
o:goodaf
ter
noon
Bontsi
:ohhibabesyouar
eher
e.Rober
tthi
sist
he
fr
ienditol
dyouabout.Mr
sKel
ell
oMonewa
Rober
t:ohni
cet
omeetyoumyl
ady
Kel
ell
o:l
ikewi
sesi
r
Bontsi
:andthisisRober
tDut
chethefat
hertomy
daughter
'sboyfr
iendwemetinZanzi
bar(t
hey
l
aughed)
Kel
ell
o:ohok.Yoursonbet
tert
reatmydaught
er
wel
l
Rober
t:t
rustmeihavehadal
engt
hyt
alkwi
thhi
m
Kel
ell
o:good
Rober
t:soallyourf
ri
endsar
emar r
iedBont
si?When
i
m igoingt
of i
ndawoman?( Theyl
aughed)
Bont
si:andt
hisonei
sapast
or'
swi
fe
Rober
t:ohwowsot
her
e'snochancewhat
soever
(
theyl
aughed)
Kel
ell
o:don'
twor
ryyouar
egoi
ngt
ofi
ndawoman
Bontsi
:andsoonatt
hatihavebeent
ell
inghi
m so
buthedoesn'
twantt
obelievei
t
Kel
ell
o:youshouldbel
ieveherMrDut
chethi
s
womanhasat hir
deyesheseesbeyondhuman
vi
sion(t
heyl
aughed)
Rober
t:wel
lim pat
ientwi
thmysel
fhey
Kel
ell
o:t
hat
'
sgood.Sol
ovehowar
ethi
ngsgoi
ng?
Bont
si:ihaveputPat
loonisol
ati
on.Nophoneno
goi
ngoutandi t
'swor
king
Kel
ell
o:goodbutihopeyouar
enotbei
ngr
udet
o
hi
m
Bontsi
:notatal
lim st
il
lthesameBont
sihemet
year
sago
Kel
ell
o:goodbecauset
hel
astt
hingwewanti
sfor
hi
mt obeturnedof
f
Bontsi
:yeahheybutdon'twor
ryihavethesituati
on
undercontr
ol.BythewayVict
ori
ahasinvit
edme
forateapart
yatherhousesoonsoiwast hinking
weshouldgot ogether
Kel
ell
o:ar
eyousur
eyouwantt
obei
nherspace?
Bont
si:t
hecl
oseriam t
hebet
ter
Kelel
lo:okt
henwewi
llgobutnoeat
ingt
her
eyou
neverknowwhatmi
ghthappen
Bontsi:(
laughed)don'twor
rymyloveiwi
llmake
sur
et hatwear esafe.WannacomeRoby?(They
l
aughed)
Robert
:comeonBt hat
'sal
adi
eseventiwoul
d
rat
herchi
llathome
Kelel
lo:youknowmyhusbandhasnof ri
endsandi
cangur ant
eeyouhe'snotast
uckuppastorhe's
coolsoidon'tthi
nkhewouldmindspendi
ngt i
me
wit
hyouandiseeyouguyshavesomet hingsin
common.Youst r
ikemeassneatfr
eak
Bont
si:t
rustmehei
s(t
heyl
aughed)
Kel
ell
o:t
hat
'
smyhusbandf
oryout
hen
Robert:ohoktheniguessyouwi llgi
vemehis
numbersot hatwestarttal
kingim al
soaspi
ri
tual
personsoiseenopr oblem wit
hhangingoutwit
ha
pastor
Kel
ell
o:sor
tedt
hen
Rober
t:anywayletmeleavei
ttoyoul
adi
es.Ineed
t
ogetbackt ot
heoffi
ce
Bont
si:okbuddyseeyouhey
Rober
t:sur
e.I
twasni
cemeet
ingyouMr
sMonewa
Kel
ell
o:l
ikewi
seMrDut
che

Theysmi
ledashel
eft
..
.

Kel
ell
o:i
fyouwer
enotmar
ri
ediwoul
dsaygof
or
hi
m
Bont
si:buthi
ssoni
sdat
ingmydaught
er
Kelel
lo:ohyeahbummer(t
heylaughed)buthe
deservesalovi
ngandhumblewomanshame
Bont
si:(
squi
nthereyes)t
rustmewhenisayhe'
s
goi
ngtomeetthewomanhedeser vesver
ysoon

Theysmi
ledasKel
ell
oor
der
edherdr
ink.
Att
heOct
ober
's.
..

ThehousehelperbroughtMark'
swhi
skeyandice
whil
eLatoyasippedherjui
ceonherphone.
..

Mar
k:t
hankyou.Honeyar
eyouok?
Lat
oya:Veroni
caiswei
rdl
yquietloveandi
t'
s
honest
lyst
ressi
ngmeijustf
eel l
ikesomet
hingbad
hashappenedtoher
Mark:honeyherf
ri
endcont
act
edyout
ell
ingyou
t
hattheyareok
Latoya:howl onghasitbeenl
oveandagai
niasked
hertotellhertogetbacktomeassoonasshe
comesbackbutsheneverdi d
Mark:
justl
eavet
hekidsbemyl
oveshewi
llcont
act
youassoonasshecan
Latoya:(
sighed)nohoneysomet
hingdoesn'
tfeel
ri
ghthere
Mar
k:doyoumaybeneedast
rongerdr
ink?
Lat
oya:pl
ease

Hecall
edt hehousehelpertobringanot
herglass
whil
eLatoyasighedlookingatherdaughter
'sface.
Shetri
edtobepositi
vebutheri ntui
ti
oncouldn'
t
st
opmaki ngherthi
nkot herwi
se.

AtKwenaI
nvest
ment
s..
.

Atamel angsi ghedt aki

ngherfat her
'sl
aptopand
wenttoherof fice.Shesmi l
edatonecol leagueand
l
ockedher selfinsideopeningit.Shewentt hrough
thefi
lesandsawt hefi
nancial
sone.Wi thahar d
copyfilenextt ohershecompar edthestatements
i
nhi slaptopandont hefi
le.Shepat i
entl
ywent
downwi thalloft hem unt
ilsomet hi
ngcaughther
att
ention.Shescof f
edandcalledhermot her
...

Bont
si:baby
Atamel ang:i
m goingthroughthefinanci
alsand
somet hingheredoesn'tseem ri
ght.I
nthelaptopit
showst hatt
herewasahugel umpsum ofcash
takenouti nthenameofi nvestmentbutitdoesn'
t
refl
ectont hehardcopyf i
le
Bontsi
:howmuchi
sitandwhenwast
hemoney
taken?
Atamel
ang:about10M i
twast
akenoutummm.
..
.5
year
sago
Bontsi
:(scoff
ed)yourf
atherbui
ltt
hatwi
tchahot
el
wit
hyouri nher
it
ancemyl ove
At
amel
ang:wow
Bontsi
:tr
ansf
aret
hei
nfor
mat
iont
oyourphoneand
senditt
ome
At
amel
ang:okmom.Howcandaddot
hist
hough
Bont
si:Vi
ctor
iaandPat
loar
egoi
ngt
oknowwho
Bont
siKwenais.Bye
At
amel
ang:bye
TheyhungupasAt amelangsighedandt ransf
ered
theinformationtoherphoneandt hentookapi ctur
e
oftheinformat i
ononthefil
eandsenti ttoher
mot her.Bontsisati
nhercarlookingatthem and
burstintotears.
.
.
.
.
.
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
CAGED
30

AtVi
ctor
ia'
shouse.
..

Aft
erdr
oppi
ngmeof fiheadedtomybedroom and
l
ockedmysel
finsi
de.Ist
il
lcoul
dn'
tbel
ieveidi
d
whatidid.Ireachedi nmybedmat t
ressandt ook
outmydi arysit
tingonmyst udydesk.Itookmy
mother'sphotoast earsbuil
tinmyeyes.I
swallowedapai nfull
umpsof t
lycar
essingherhead
wit
hmyf i
nger.At eardroppedasiwi peditand
sni
ffed..
.

Bosa:
mamai
..
.

Iswall
owedanot
herpai
nfull
umpasemot
ionsgot
thebet
terofme.
..

Bosa:mamanot hingiswor kingoutf orme.Idon't

knowi fyoucan' thearmeoryouar eignoringme.I
havesuf feredandhadenoughmamaiwantt o
breakfreeimf edupofl ivi
ngl i
ket
his.Idon' t
understandwhyihavel etthiswomanf oolmefor
solong.Iknowi m alwayssayi ngthisbutt hi
sti
mei
meani t.InowseeVi ctoriaforwhoshei sandi
wouldn'tdoubtt hatshehassomet hingt odowith
yourdeat h.Problem isshehasbui ltthewal l
sso
highandi twon' tbeaseasyasit hinkt obr eakf ree
from thesechai ns.Mamaif eelcagedandi mt iredi
wantt obef r
eebef or eilosemyl i
fe.Ifidi dn' t
defendmysel fear l
ieriwoul dbel yingcol di na
mor guer ightnow( sniff
edwi pingt ears)icansee
auntyBoi t
shepof ight i
ngbutquest ioniswi llshebe
abletowi n.Thi swomanst olemef rom t hepeopl e
whol ovedmeandadopt edme.Thatwasi t, that
wast hel astnai ltomycof finim st uckwi tht his
womanf ort herestofmyl ifeandihat ei tmama
pleasecomet hr oughf orme.Ineedyourhel p,im
ti
red.Shemademet hi
nkever yonei nt hisf ami ly
hatesmenowican' tbewi thmyf atherbecauseshe
decidedt odowhatshedi d(sniffed)ijustwi shmy
dadcoul df i
ghtl i
keaunt yBoi tshepoi sf ight ingbuti
don'tblamehi m.Iwasr udet ohi m whenhet ri
edt o
reachoutt ome, nowl ookatmest ucki nt hemi ddle
ofitall(cried)mamawhydi dyoudi e?Ishoul dhave
diedaswel lbeauset hel i
feiml ivingr i
ghtnowi snot
thelif
eiwoul dbel ivingi fyouwer eher e.Yesidon' t
l
ackmat er i
al thi
ngsbutmamai m emot i
onal ly
broken,im physi callydamaged, myment alst ateis
notokaswel l
.Im anxi ousmostoft het i
meandi t
s
al
lbecauseofawomanwhowassupposedt
obea
mothertome

Ibursti
ntot
earswhil
ebythebedroom door
Boit
sheposwall
owedcoveringhermouthastears
fel
ldown.SherandownasBoemof ol
lowedherout
whereshecri
edoutloud.
..

Boemo:i
t'
sgoi
ngt
obeokl
ovet
hisi
shi
m heal
ing
don'
tcr
y
Boi
tshepo:ishoul
dhavebeenst
ernandr
efusedf
or
Vi
ctori
atotakeBosa
Boemo:al loddswereagainstyoumylove.Vi
ctori
a
hadt heupperhandbutnotanymor emylove.We
haveoneanot hernowandnot hingi
sgoingtostop
us.Icanseet heli
ghtattheendofthi
stunnelit
sall
goingtobeokandwear eallgoingt
obehappy
again.Nowcomel et
'sgoandputasmi l
eont hi
s
face
Boi
tshepo:(
sighedwi
pinghert
ear
s)Vi
ctor
iaDi
ntsi
i
sevi
landshe'
sgoi
ngt
odi
eaver
ypai
nfuldeat
h

Shesaidget
ti
ngi nt
othecarasthehousehel
per
cameintheyard.Boemoclosedherwindowas
Boi
tshepoopenedhers.
..

Boit
shepo:pleasemakesureBosai
sokiwi
llbe
backlatert
odayhey.Ol
ebil
eandLet
lot
lowi
llbe
homej ustnow
Lady:ok.

Sheheadedt
othehouseasBoemodr
oveout
.

Att
heKwena'
s.
..

Bontsicheckedher
selfinhermirr
ormakingsur
e
hereyeswer enotr
ednorherf acepuff
y.Shesi
ghed
taki
ngherbagandphonegoi ngtothehousewher
e
shefoundPat l
owatchingtv.
..
Bont
si:hi
Pat
lo:hihowwasyourmeet
ing?
Bont
si:i
twentwel
l.Pl
easeswi
tchof
fthet
v
Pat
lo:(
hedi
d)i
sever
ythi
ngok?
Bont
si:whydi
dyouhaveachi
ldPat
lo?
Pat
lo:(
frowned)formyl
egacyt
onotper
ish.Wher
e
i
sthiscomingfrom?
Bontsi:i
sitbecauseAtamelangi
sagirlandwil
lbe
married?Patl
oim sti
llabl
etohaveki
dswecant ry
forasoni ft
hat'
swhatyouwantoratleastadopt
becausewedon' tknowmaybewear edesti
nedto
havegi r
lsonl
y
Pat
lo:babyar
eyouok?
Bont
si:Pat
lowhydi
dyoumar
ryme?
Pat
lo:t
obui
ldal
egacywi
thyou
Bont
si:t
hesamel
egacyyoudi
dn'
twantmecl
oset
o?
Pat
lo:l
ovecomeon
Bontsi
:ordi
dyoumarr
ymebecauseyourfami
ly
for
cedyoutofindawi
feandiwast
heonly
avai
labl
eopti
on?
Pat
lo:nolovewhyareyoudoi
ngthistoyoursel
f?
Oklook,wecanworkoutsomethi
ngandf i
xour
marri
agecontr
actandshar
eeveryt
hing
Bontsi:idon'
twantyourmoneyPatl
oim okwit
h
whatyougi vemewhatwor r
iesmeismydaughter
thatshouldipassonwouldshebesafewithyouor
thatskimpywitchofyour
swi l
lmakeherl
if
e
miserable
Pat
lo:babeithoughtweagr
eedt
hatwear
ewor
king
onthi
smat t
er
Bont
si:(
gavehi
m herphone)pl
easeexpl
aint
hat

Pat
lof
rownedtaki
ngthephoneandl
ookeddownon
i
tashi
sheartski
ppedwhil
eheswall
owedahuge
l
ump..
.

Pat
lo:howdi
dyougett
hese?
Bontsi
:idi
dn'
tsayaskmequest
ionsisai
dexpl
ain
that
Patl
o:okBontsiiknowihavehurtyoubutiwon't
al
lowyoutoinvademypr i
vacyli
kethis.Thesear
e
pri
vatest
atements
Bontsi:thati
sAtamelang'
sinher
it
ancePatl
odown
thedrain.Tel
lme, doyouhavesharesi
nthathot
el
anddon' tyoudareli
etome
Pat
lo:(
swal
lowed)no
Bont
si:(
scoff
ed)wowPat l
oithoughtyouwer
e
smartandibetyouevenbuil
therhouseri
ght
?
Pat
lo:(
swal
lowedl
ooki
ngdown)eemma
Bontsi
:howcoul dyouPat l
o?Ihavebeenaski ng
youtobuildAtamelaherownhousesi nceshewas
doingstandard7butyoukeptt el
li
ngmebudgett hi
s
budgetthat,Pat
loyouf or
getim aqual
ifi
ed
accountant?Notjustamer eaccount
antbuta
chart
eredaccountantPatlowithaPhDatt hatso
evenifididn'
tseeitiknowhowmuchyour
companymakesi nonemont h.Atamelangwouldbe
l
ivi
nginherownhouser i
ghtbutnoyouchoset o
bui
ldawi t
chahouseandawhol ehotelfr
om
scr
atch.Atleasti
fyouboughti
tbutbui
ldi
ngitf
rom
scr
atch?WowPat l
owow
Pat
lo:(
sni
ff
ed)babyi
m sor
ry
Bontsi
:nonosaveyourt ear
sf orsomeonewho
caresbecauserightatt
hismomentidon'tgivea
damnaboutt hem.Mydaught erhasbeennot hing
butagoodchi l
dandt hi
siswhatyouthinkshe' s
worth?Nothi
ng?Hel lnoPat
lonotwheni m sti
llali
ve
Pat
lo:(
cryi
ng)iwi
llbuyherahouse
Bontsi
:Atamelangdeservesahouseofherdr eams
becauseherfathercanaffordi
t.I
m goingtogetin
touchwithanarchit
ectur
et osetupameet i
ngwi t
h
Atamelangsothattheystartpl
anningherhouse.
Atamelang'
shouseshoul dbeupandr eadybyt he
ti
meshegoest oschool
Pat
lo:eemma
Bont
si:anot
hert
hingyouaregoingtomakesur
e
youget60%sharesofthathot
elforAt
amel
angdo
youhearme
Pat
lo:shewoul
dneveragr
ee
Bontsi
:doyouknowwhoiam?( Heswal
lowed)i
seeyouandyourwitchunderesti
matedwhoBontsi
i
ssoyouar egoi
ngt omakesur eshesel
ls,
no,not
sel
lsbutgi
vesAtamelangthosesharesbecauseno
wit
chisgoingt
oliveasoftli
fewi t
hmydaughter'
s
i
nherit
ance
Pat
lo:ineedmyphonet
otal
ktoher
Bont
si:nowearegoingtosendyourl
awyert
oher
andshouldshet
rytorefusei
m goi
ngtomakesur
e
shel
oseseveryt
hingtohernamedoyouhearme
Pat
lo:(
swal
lowed)eemma
Bont
si:good.Putonyourpasswor
dineedyour
l
awyer'snumber

Shesaidgivinghim hi
sphoneandputonthe
passwordasshecopi edthenumbertoherphone
andswitchedof ft
hephonedial
ingPat
lo'
slawyer
withhers.Patl
osatbackandsighedwipi
nghis
face.
..
Pat
lo:howcanyoul etyoursel
fbeafoolPatl
oyou
hadagoodwomanwhol ovedandrespect
edyou
l
ooknowever ythi
ngyoudr eamtofi
scrumbling
downallbecauseofwander i
ngeyes.Shi
tman.

Hesai
dsi
ghi
ngmor
e.

AtDi
phal
a'
shouse.
..

Amanandawomangotof
fasevenseat
erand
madewayi
nsi
deasDi
phal
aof
feredt
hem seat
s..
.

Man:wecameassoonasyoucal
led
Di
phal
a:t
hatshowsofhowcomi
tt
edyouar
eil
ove
i
t.
Woman:ij
usthopeever
yonekeepst
hei
rendoft
he
deal
Diphala:ofcour
se,
yougetthegi
rlf
ormeimake
surethat,t
hatwomanneverseesanot
herdayofl
if
e
Woman:(
smi
led)good.Sohowdowegoaboutt
his?
Diphal
a:thi
sistheaddr
essofwher
ethegir
lli
ves.
Shewillbealonewi
th2kidst
akeheronl
y
Man:igott
hat
Diphal
a:goodf r
om t
her
eyouar egoingtousethe
di
rtroadheadingtoMolepol
oleourdest
inati
onis
Kauxwifrom t
herewegetherinaboatandcr oss
i
ntoZimbabwet hat'
swhereeveryt
hingwil
lhappen
Man:wegott
hat
Diphal
a:her
e'smoneyf
orfuelandassoonasyou
getherusethi
sonhershewillbeoutunt
ilshe
arri
vesi
nZimbabwe
Woman:oksi
rwegott
hat
Diphala:i
fyoucomeacr ossroadbl
ocksdon'
t
panickshe'syourdaughterandasl
eep
Man:oksi
r
Di
phal
a:youbot
hcandr
iver
ight
?
Man:yes
Diphal
a:thenyouwi llkeepexchangingthedriver'
s
seat.Whenonesl eepst heotherdri
ves.Waterand
snackswillbeavail
ablei nthecari
m goingtogi ve
youanddon' tworryitwillbeingoodcondit
ion.
Woman:gr
eat
Di
phal
a:onceagai
nnoflops.Geti
nthehouset
ake
t
hegir
lONLYandleave
Man:yessi
r
Diphal
a:good.Youmaygoandgetr eadyt
oleave
yourcarwil
lbeatyourpl
aceatexactl
y7pm
Man:ok

Hegavet
hem f
uelmoneyast heyleftwhil
ehe
smi
ledl
ooki
ngatthem geti
ntheircar.
..

Diphal
a:t
histi
metomorr
owyouwillbebackin
powerDiphal
a.Theyt
houghtt
heyweregoingto
st
opyoubutnever
Hel
aughedsendi
ngVi
ctor
iaamessage.

AtTemo'
shouse.
..

Boit
shepodroveinhernewcarandparkednextt
o
Reatl
egi
le'
s.Shegotoffthephonewi
thuncle
Ledi
baandj oi
nedthem undert
heshade.
..

Temo:wheredoyougett
hiscar?Boemosurely
doesn'
thaveacarl
i
kethi
sunlessshejustboughti
t
Reat
legi
le:t
hiscari
sbr
andnewbabecan'
tyousee
t
heplatenumber
Boi
tshepo:yesReaandi
tsmi
neTemo
Temo:wai
twhat
!?Twodaysi
ngabsandyoubuya
car
?
Boi
tshepo:l
et'
sjustsayimovewi
tht
her
ightpeopl
e
Or
efe:congr
adul
ati
onsmygi
rlihopeyoudi
dn'
t
makeVi
ctor
iabuyyouanewcar
Boitshepo:real
lymom?Boemoboughtmet hiscar
sher eal
isedthatiwasst
ruggl
inganddeci
dedto
blessmeandi mindeedbl
essed
Reatl
egil
e:wowthat
'samazi
ngl
ove
congradul
ati
ons
Temo:yeahcongr
adul
ati
onssi
sGabseneobat
la
kol
oit
ota
Boi
tshepo:yespl
ease.Anywayt
hat
'snotwhyi
m
her
e.Im heret
otal
ktoyoumom
Temo:ohokt
henl
et'
sgi
veyouguysspace
Boi
tshepo:nonoi
tsokyoucansi
t.Mama
Or
efe:bef
oreyousayanyt
hingBoi
tshepo,
why?
Boit
shepo:t
hat'
sexactl
ywhyi m heremama.Ihear
youwanttogoandt el
ltheMar umof amilythati
waswiththei
rsonwhenhedi ed.It
'sagoodt hingto
doandidon'tdi
sputethatmamabutt hewayyou
wanttogoaboutitmakesmewonderi fyoust i
ll
can'
tseethatVi
ctor
iaissti
llcarryi
ngthecur se?
Or
efe:Boi
tshepo
Boit
shepo:nomom i m honestl
yfedupwit
hhow
youarealwayst r
yingtoshieldVict
ori
a.Weallher
e
knowwhoVi ctori
ai sandwhatshe'scapabl
eof
evenuncleLediba
Or
efe:Boi
tshepodon'
tli
eaboutmybr
otherpl
ease
Boit
shepo:i
m notispoketohi
m aboutever ythi
ng
andhetoldmet hatyeshebel
ievesthatVictori
ais
theonebehindthi
smessi t
'sj
ustthathedoesn' t
wanttohurtyouandmakeyouf eelhe'sagainstyou
whil
eheknowswhatyouwentt hrough
Or
efe:Boi
tshepoweheal
edVi
ctor
iawi
thngaka
Di
phalasopleasest
opit
Boit
shepo:ohthesameDi phalawho'ssonissti
ll
ali
venowandbi ndedVict
oria'
ssoul?Justsoyou
knowmat hesameDi phalayouthoughthealedyour
daughtert
ookhersoulandi susi
nghertoruinthi
s
famil
ybecauseofhowVi ctori
awasconceived
Oref
e:Boi
tshepostopi
t,Temot
ellyoursi
stert
o
st
opwithhernonsense
Temo:she'
sri
ghtma
Boi
tshepo:andj
ustsoyouknowVict
ori
aisi
nICU
nowbecauseshetri
edtoki
llBosa
Or
efe:what
!?
Boit
shepo:yourfavori
tedaught
eratt
ackedBosa
j
ustforamer efl
oodingandnothingofherswas
rui
ned.IcaughtaglimpseofBosa'sbackmama
anditsscar
redthepoorchildhasbeenbeatenal
l
hisl
if
eandyoust il
lwanttobeli
evethatyour
daughteri
sinnocent
Or
efe:howcanVi
ctor
iadot
his?
Boi
tshepo:thesamedaughterhasbeentryi
ngt oki
ll
Bai
sagotwicesi ncehecamebackandaskedf or
Bosanowt hepoormani shi
dinginSouthAfri
ca
mamayoust i
llwanttost
andforVict
ori
a
Or
efe:(
tear
ful
ly)butwhy?
Boi
tshepo:i
tsbecauseofhowshewasconci
eved
Or
efe:buti
twasnotmyf
aul
t
Boi
tshepo:t
heydon'
tseei
tthatwaymama.
Or
efe:(
cri
ed)mywombi
scur
sed
Shehuggedherasshecri
edoutl
oudasTemo
huggedheraswel
lwhil
eReatl
egi
lewentt
ogether
water
.

AtCl
ubVenus.
..

Af
terami
nitourar
oundt
heclubt
heyheadedt
othe
of
fi
cewher
et heyf
oundr
efr
eshment
s..
.

Dai
sy:thi
spl
acel
ookswaymuchbet
tert
hani
n
pi
ctur
es
SK:i
m gl
adyoul
ikei
t
Lehumo:t
hiswi
llbeyourwor
kingpl
acesoon
Daisy:andtheonet
hingthatcaughtmyattent
ion
wast heroomsonthethi
rdfloor
.Whenyouf eell
ike
notgoingbackhomeorwantt otakearestyoujust
bookar oom
SK:ohyes.Saf
etyi
sourmai
npr
ior
it
y
Dai
sy:il
ikethatandt
hestaff
,sobeauti
ful
,the
l
adi
esandt heguysarehotproper
tyishoul
dsay
SK:t
hankyou,
weonl
ywantt
hebestf
ort
hispl
ace
Dai
sy:sowhathappenedt
othepr
evi
oushost
ess?
SK:(
clear
edhist
hroat
)shestar
tedbei
ng
i
ncompetentsowehadtodismissher
Dai
sy:ohisee.Wellwit
hmeyouwon' thaveto
worr
yaboutincompetency.Wher everthere'
s
ent
ert
ainmentimakesur emypr esencei sfel
tandif
i
m hosti
ngimakesur eeveryt
hingi sbeyondperfect
soyoufoundtheri
ghtpersonfort hejobinme
SK:i
m gl
adandbeli
evewear egoi
ngt
ohavea
wonder
fulwor
kingr
elat
ionshi
p
Dai
sy:ohyeswear
e
SK:ihopemycol leaguet
oldyouaboutt
he
photoshootbecausewearemakingyouthef
aceof
theclub
Dai
sy:(
smi
ledl
ooki
ngatLehumo)yeshedi
d
SK:anot
herthi
ngi
sthatyouwi
llbestayi
ngher
e.
Oneoftheroomsupther
eisanapart
mentforour
host
ess
Dai
sy:(
smi
led)ar
eyouf
orr
eal
?
SK:yesdear
.Iti
sful
lyf
urni
shedandwai
ti
ngf
oryou
Dai
sy:wel
lker
eady(
theyl
aughed)
Lehumo:easyD,
youneedt
ocompl
etel
yhealf
ir
st
Dai
sy:okokokhealf
ir
stigett
hat
SK:goodnowt
omor
egr
eatnewsher
e'syour
cont
ract
Dai
sy:al
ready?
SK:yes
Dai
sy:okit
rustyouguyscanihaveapen
Lehumo:buti
tsi
mpor
tantyougot
hroughi
tD
Dai
sy:meandr
eadi
ngdon'
tgetal
ongsopenpl
ease
Lehumo:areyousur
eimeanyoucanj
ustbr
owse
thr
oughit
Dai
sy:(
smiled)l
ookiappreciat
ethatyouwantt o
makesureidotheri
ghtthingbutitrustyouiknow
youwouldneverdoanyt
hingt ohurtmesoSKpen
pl
ease
SK:yourwi
shi
smycommand

Hesaidgi
vingherapenasshesmi
ledsi
gni
ng
ever
ypagewhi l
eLehumoandSKwi
nkedatone
anot
hersmili
ng..
.

Dai
sy:done
Sk:nowwecansaf
elysaywel
comet
oCl
ubVenus
D
Daisy:t
hepleasureisal
lmi
negent
lemen(
they
cl
ickedthei
rglasses)
SK:asournewf aceofthecl
ubyouwil
lbegetti
nga
newi dent
it
y,youaregoi
ngtocl
osedownallyour
recentpagesandopennewoneswitht
hename
thatthecl
ubwi l
lgi
veyou
Dai
sy:whataboutmyf
oll
ower
s?
SK:oncet
heClubVenusbrandi
sonyouyouwi l
l
gai
nevenmorefol
lower
sthanyourr
ecentones.
Youareanewper sonnowt hisi
sthebegi
nningof
greatt
hingssoanewi dent
it
ygoesalongway.You
arenolongeramerehumanbei ngyouare5
secondsawaytobei nthesameposit
ionasthe
l
ikesofBonang,Boit
y,Somiziandal
lthehuge
namesinAf r
ica
Dai
sy:(
smi
led)il
iket
hesoundoft
hat
.Pl
easel
et'
s
govi
ewmyapar t
ment?
SK:af
teryoumyl
ady

Shesmil
edleadi
ngt
hewayoutlimpingwhil
e
LehumoandSKsmiledf
istbumpingbehi
ndher
.

I
nMochudi
..
.

Lamesmiledt
aki
ngherphoneandsentThor
isoa
message.
..

Lame:yes
Thor
iso:mma?
Lame:yesThor
iso
Thor
iso:yeswhatmyl
ady?
Lame:wecant
ryt
hedat
ingt
hing
Thor
iso: ar
eyouf
orr
eal
?
Lame:yeah
Thori
so:wowthi
swassounexpect
ed iwas
al
readygivi
ngupbecausewowyouhavebeen
gi
vingmear unar
ound
Lame:ij
ustwantedt
othinkabouti
tfi
rstsoyeahi
seenoprobl
em butj
ustsoyouknowiknowyou
Gabor
oneboys
Thori
so:icanassur
eyoui m not
hingl
iket
hem.Yes
i
m overzeal
ousandallbutwhenitcomestobei
ng
ser
iousibecomeserious
Lame:wel
lihaveseent
hat
Thor
iso:awesome socanicomet
oMochudi
now?
Lame: nobutyoucancomet
omor
rowij
ust
wantsomemet
imetoni
ght
Thori
so:okt
henfi
rstt
hingt
omor
rowiwi
llbe
knocki
ngonyourdoor
Lame: okl
etmeat
tendt
oacust
omer
Thor
iso:okbabe
Lame:

Shesmi
ledput
ti
ngherphonedownandat
tendeda
cust
omer.

THATEVENI
NG

I
nBokaa.
..

Ledi
bawenti
ntotheMar
umohouseasal
lthe
adul
tsgat
her
ed..
.
Lediba:thankyouf orhonouringmyr equest.Iknow
youjustbur i
edyoursonbutwhati m hereforcan' t
waitanyl onger.Mydaught ersentmet ocomeand
passt hismessageonherbehal f.Firstofallshe
askedmet opassmycondol encest ot hewhol e
family.Sheknowsyouhavel ostagr eatpil
larof
str
engt handhopesyouwi llbeablet ocarryonwi t
h
l
ifeast i
megoes.Secondl ysheaskedmet ocome
andaskf orforgi
venesstothewhol efamilyonher
behalf.Shedoesn' twantyout oheart hisf
rom t he
str
eet sbutfrom herself
.Shewast helastper sonto
seeNgakaMar umowhenhepassedonandshe
wouldt akeanypuni shmentyoubr ingf ort
hast hey
wereper formingar i
tualpr
iorhisdeat h
Man:pl easetellyourdaught erthatwedon' tbl
ame
herforanything.Thingsliket hishappeni nt he
spi
rit
ualwor ld.NgakaMar umoanswer edthis
cal
li
ngknowi ngt heprosandconst hatcomewi t
hit
.
Somet i
mesyouhavet ofi
ghtt hestrongestdevil
whomi ghtoverpoweryoubutwhenyoul oseit
doesn'tmeant heendofyou.Onl yNgakaMar umo's
bodyisnomor ebuthisspi r
itstil
lli
veson
Ledi
ba:idon'
tunder
stand
Man:si
ryourdaughteri
sachosenone.Ngaka
Marumohadnowi feandki
dstotakeoverhi
sgif
tto
butt
heonlyopti
onwasyourdaughter
Ledi
ba:(
frowned)butwhy?
Man:aswel lallknowinBokaaNgakaMar umowas
oneoft hefewgoodt radi
ti
onaldoct
orssohi sspir
it
waspur eandi thastoli
veinapurespiri
twhenhe
passeson.Hi sdeathwasmeantt obetoel evat
e
yourdaught eral
lshehastodoi shonourhergift
andaccepti tandnoshe'snotgoingtobea
tr
adit
ionalhealerbutaservantofGodasshe' sa
Chri
stian
Ledi
ba:ohoksi
r
Man:thankyouforcomingt
houghwereal
ly
appr
eciat
eitbutwealr
eadyknowwhathappened
Ledi
ba:t
hepl
easur
eisal
lmi
neandt
hankyouf
or
thecl
ari
ty
Man:onceshe'
sreadyt
oappr
eci
ateandaccepther
gi
ftshemustcometomeandeveryt
hingwi
llbe
donepr
oper
ly
Ledi
ba:idef
ini
tel
ywi
llt
ellher

Hesmil
edshaki
ngallt
hei
rhandsandl
eftast
he
mantookhi
m outt
othegate.

I
nGabor
one.
..

Boitshepowhi stl
edget tinginhercaranddr oveout
.
Shest oppedout sidethegat eandsai dashort
prayerthenheadedt oMochudi .Meanwhi l
ein
Gabor oneNortht hemanandwomansentby
Diphalaalsojoinedt hemai nr oadheadingto
Mochudi .Atthehospi talVictori
asl owl
yopenedher
eyesandl ookedar ound.Shesof t
lycoughedasher
throathurtali
ttl
e.Shet ookof ftheoxygenmask
andf rownedreachi ngforherbag. .
.

Vi
ctor
ia:sonofbi
tch
Shecl
ear
edhert
hroatanddi
aledt
hepol
icest
ati
on.
..

Man:pol
icest
ati
onhel
lo?
Vi
ctor
ia:iwoul
dli
ket
orepor
tanat
tempt
edmur
der
Man:okma'
am whoi
m it
alki
ngt
o?
Vi
ctor
ia:Vi
ctor
iaDi
ntsiandi
mthevi
cti
m
Man:okma'
am wher
ear
eyou?
Vi
ctor
ia:att
hehospi
talsi
r
Man:okma'
am whot
ri
edt
oki
llyou?
Vi
ctor
ia:BosaDi
ntsi
Man:samesur
name?
Vict
ori
a:yesihavebeent aki
ngcar
eofhim al
lmy
l
ifeaft
erhismotherdiedandhemadeami stake
l
astnight
.Itr
iedtorepri
mandhimf ori
tbuthe
chosetofi
ghtmei nst
ead
Man:addr
esspl
ease
Vi
ctor
ia:Phakal
ane10082
Man:t
hankyouma'
am wewi
l
ltakei
tfr
om her
e
Victori
a:thankyou(shehungup)nochil
disgoing
tothinkthattheyar
egr ownforme.Bosayouare
stil
lababyandi m goingshowyouthati
m your
elder

Shecl
ickedhert
onguecoughi
ng.

Backi
nMochudi
..
.

Lame:i
m comi
ng

Shesai dwipi
ngherhandsgoi ngtothedoorandas
sheopenedamanpushedheri nsideasshe
screamedbuthegr abbedherbytheneckand
coveredhermout h.Shetriedt
ofighthim cr
yingbut
hepulledheroutsidewhilebythedirtroadl
eading
totheirhouseBoitshepofrownedseeingwhatwas
happening..
.
Boi
tshepo:no!

Shesaidhi
tt
ingt
hebr
akesandgotof
fhercar
runni
ngtot
hecarast
hemanclosedthedoor
..
.

Man:dr
ive!
Boi
tshepo:hey!Wai
t!Not
hat
'smydaught
er,
wai
t!

Asshereachedthedoorhandlet
hecartookoffas
shequi
cklyranbacktohercarwit
hherheart
raci
ng.
..

Boi
tshepo:nononot
hisi
snothappeni
ng

Shesaidgett
inginhercar
,dr
oppedt
hehandbr
ake
andtookofff
ollowi
ngthecar
..
.
Boit
shepo:notonmydaught
er,
youhavet
akent
he
wrongone!

Shesai
ddial
ingLedi
bawhi
lekeepi
nghereyeson
ther
oad.
.
.
.
.
.
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
CAGED
31

Woman:shi
tshe'
sst
il
lbehi
ndus
Man:makesur
eyoul
oset
hiswomanpl
ease
Lame:pl
easel
etmegowhathaveidonet
oyou
Man:shutup!
Lame:noineedt
oknowwhatyouar
egoi
ngt
odo
wit
hme
Man:isai
dshutt
hehel
lup

Hesai
dpunchi
ngherasshecol
lapsed.
..

Man:wher
e'st
hatcont
ainer
?
Woman:i
twasonyou
Man:shiti
tmusthavefel
lwhenwef
oughtf
ort
he
doorwit
hthisl
it
tl
erat

Hesai dreachi
ngonthefrontseatandtookouta
tapeandcoveredhermout h,ti
edherhandsand
l
egsast hewomancl i
ckedhert onguechecki
ng
howf arBoipel
owasandshewasr i
ghtbehi
ndthem.
Inhercarshesnif
fedsti
lltr
yingtogetholdof
Lediba..
.
Boit
shepo:nomat t
erhowfart
heydriveiwillal
ways
berightbehi
ndyoumygi r
l.Mommywi llneverlet
them doanythingtoyou(swal
lowedandsi ghed)
Lordpleaseprotectmydaughterf
rom thesedevil
s
Ledi
ba:Boiij
ustgothomeil
eftmyphoneand.
..
Boit
shepo:got
othehouseri
ghtnowt
hedoori
snot
cl
osedsomeonehastakenLameandimri
ght
behi
ndthem
Ledi
ba:what
!?
Boi
tshepo:j
ustdoasisayuncl
eLedi
baandpl
ease
makesurethatmykidsar
esafe
Ledi
ba:but
..
.

Shehungupbefor
ehecouldfini
shashewast edno
secondanddr
ovetohissi
ster
'shouse.Boi
tshepo
swall
owedagai
nwithhert
hroatdryandcall
ed
Boemo..
.

Boemo:Bpl
easet
ellmeyouhavear
ri
vedsaf
ely
Boit
shepo:t
heyhavet
akenmydaught
erandi
m
ri
ghtbehi
ndthem
Boemo:(
satup)what
!?
Boit
shepo:t
heyhavet
akenthewrongwoman's
chi
ldtodayi
m goi
ngtomakesureiki
llal
loft
hem
notwhenitcomestomykids
Boemo:(
changedi
ntoat
racksui
t)wher
ear
eyou?
Boit
shepo:idon'
tknowwehavetur
nedint
oadi
rt
roadandtherear
enocarsonthi
sroad
Boemo:shi
t!Whatcanyouuseasaweaponi
nthat
car
?
Boi
tshepo:ionl
yhavemyhandbagwi
thme
Boemo:doyouhavehai
rpi
ns?
Boi
tshepo:yeahmet
alones
Boemo:good.Youcanhandl
eacarr
ight
?
Boi
tshepo:f
ormydaught
eriwi
ll
Boemo:good.Tryconnectt
hepinswhil
efol
lowi
ng
them don'
tyoudar
elosethosepeopl
e
Boi
tshepo:idon'
tint
endt
o
Boemo:howi
syourf
uel
?
Boit
shepo:st
illonf
ullit
hinkihavecashonme
shouldanyt
hinghappen
Boemo:ok.I
m headi
ngtoDet
ect
iveKabinda'
s
housewewillseewhatt
odotol
ocateyouguys
Boi
tshepo:pl
easeaskhi
mtor
eleaseahel
icopt
er
Boemo:myt
houghtaswel
l
Boi
tshepo:al
socal
lTemoandt
heboysathome
andcheckonthem.
Boemo:besaf
eok
Boit
shepo:sur
e(shehungup)evenifi
tmeans
dri
vingthr
oughtheni
ghtiwi
lldoit
.Godtake
control

Theyst
eppedmor
eont
heaccel
erat
orasshedi
das
well
.
AtVi
ctor
ia'
shouse.
..

Letl
otl
oopenedthegateaft
erspeaki
ngonthe
i
ntercom.Acardroveinandaroughknockcame
thr
oughatthedoor..
.

Bosa:
comei
n
Of
fi
cer
:goodeveni
ngboyswhoi
sBosaher
e?
Bosa:
(swal
lowed)i
t'
smesi
r
Offi
cer
:good(t
ookouthandcuf
fs)BosaDi
ntsiyou
havebeenarr
estedf
oratt
emptedmurder
Bosa:
what
!?
Let
lot
lo:nosi
ryoumustbemi
staken
Of
fi
cer
:rememberal
mostki
ll
ingVi
ctor
iaDi
ntsi
?
Bosa:
(swal
lowed)oh
Off
icer:yes.Shehaspressescharges.Now
whateveryoudoorsaywi llbeusedagainstyouin
t
hecour toflaw.Youhavet her
ighttoalawyerand
remai
nsi l
ent
.Ifyoucan'
taf
for
dal
awyert
hest
ate
shal
lprovi
deyouwi t
hone
Let
lot
lo:si
rpleasewai
tyouar
emi
stakenBosa
wouldnever.
..
Bosa:
itsokLet
lot
lo
Let
lot
lo:nodudear
eyoucr
azy

Theof f
icert
ightl
yputt
hehandcuff
sonmeasi
fl
inchedwhiletheypi
nchedme..
.

Bosa:
youar
ehur
ti
ngme
Offi
cer
:comeyoungman.Youdi
dn'
tthi
nkofthat
whenyoutri
edtoki
llt
heper
sonwhocaresabout
you.Come

Hedr aggedmeoutsi
dewhileLet
lot
lol
ookedatme
confused.Het
hrewmei nthebackoft
hevanand
droveoutasLet
lot
loranbackint
othehouse.
..
Letl
otl
o:br
odosomethingwecan'
tletBosago
thr
oughthi
sorspendtheni
ghti
nprison
Ol
ebi
le:br
ingmyphone
Let
lot
lo:(
shocked)youcant
alk?
Olebi
le:ol
ajustbr
ingmydamnphone( herantothe
room asOlebi
lecl
ickedhi
stongue)bl
oodyVict
ori
a
Let
lot
lo:her
e

Hetooki
tandstoodupfrom t
hewheel
chai
ras
Let
lot
lol
ookedathi
m shocked.
..

Let
lot
lo:hecanwalkaswel
l?Whatki
ndof
wit
chcrafti
sthi
s?
Boemo:Ol
ebi
le?
Ol
ebi
le:t
heyj
ustar
rest
edBosa
Boemo:(hi
tthest
eer
ingwheel
)shi
t!Andsomeone
j
usttookLame
Ol
ebi
le:what
!?
Boemo:yeahiwasaboutt
ocal
lyouluckil
y
Boit
shepoarr
ivedwel
lont
imeshe'
sont hei
rtai
l
ri
ghtnow
Ol
ebi
le:i
sitsaf
e?Whycan'
tshecal
lthepol
ice?
Boemo:Boitshepowillbef
ine.I
m headedto
Detecti
veKabinda'
shouser i
ghtnowbecausei
figo
tothepoli
cestati
ontheyaregoingtotel
lme
endlessst
ories
Olebi
le:t
hisismesseduplet
'
shopedet
ect
ive
Kabindawillhel
p.Whatdowedowit
hBosa?
Boemo:(checkedt het
ime)itsl
atetotr
yanddo
somet
hingnowt heywon'trel
easehim butfi
rst
thi
ngi
nthemor ningwewi l
lbeatthestati
on
Ol
ebi
le:okgood.Keepmeupdat
edpl
ease
Boemo:letmecallyouwithmyotherphoneand
st
ayont hel
inebecauseim goi
ngtouset heot
her
onetokeepcommuni cat
ingwit
hBoitshepo.
Ol
ebi
le:okcool

TheyhungupasBoemocal
ledhi
m wi
thherot
her
number .Meanwhi l
einMochudi ,Ledibaswitched
offallt
helightsandlockedt hedoor.Hegoti nhis
carandr eversedawaydr i
vingoverasmal lbottl
e
thatbroke.

Att
hehospi
tal
..
.

Aft
erthedoct
orcheckeduponherVi
ctor
iat
ookher
phoneagai
nanddialedDiphal
a..
.

Victor
ia:ij
ustsawyourmessage.I
m hospi
tali
sed
thatli
tt
lebratt
ri
edtoki
llmebutihavehim sor
ted
out
Di
phal
a:what
!?
Victor
ia:yes.Ithoughtiwasgoingtospar
ehim hi
s
patheti
clif
ebutiwanthi m deadDiphal
afi
rstt
hing
tomorrowmor ning
Di
phal
a:iwi
llseewhaticandobutr
ememberal
l
mythi
ngsburntdown
Vi
ctori
a:dowhatyoucanal
liwantt
oseei
shi
m as
acorpse.Bl
oodymoron
Diphal
a:don'
tworr
ybytomor
rowthi
stimewewil
l
haveourpowersbackt
heymanagedtogett
hegi
rl
Victor
ia:(
smil
ed)amazingthat'
swhatiwanthear.
Im goi
ngt oki
llever
yli
tt
leantt
hattr
iedtocrossme.
Iseetheydon'tknowwhoVi ct
ori
aDintsii
sbloody
cunts
Di
phal
a:al
lthatwi
llbedonemyqueen
Vi
ctor
ia:good

Shehungupandcl
i
ckedhert
ongueandcl
ear
edher
thr
oat
.

Al
ongSor
il
athol
odi
rtr
oad.
..

Thel
adycheckedt
hemir
roragai
nandt
her
edcar
wasst
il
lbehi
ndher.
..
Woman:t
hisbi
tchi
snotgi
vingup
Man:l
etmedosomet
hing

Hesaidopeni
ngthebootfr
om theinsi
deandt
hrew
outt
hetoolboxasBoi
tsheposcreameddodgi
ngit
..
.

Boi
tshepo:sonofawi
tch!

Themankeptthrowingthi
ngsoutasBoitshepobi
t
herl
owerli
pandputherl i
ghtsonbri
ghtastheman
cl
osedthebootgoingbackinsi
de.
..

Man:shi
t!
Woman:what
?
Man:shedazzl
edmewi
tht
hel
ight
sthi
sbi
tch!
Woman:fuckthi
swoman(
shest
eppedont
he
accel
erat
or)
Boi
tshepo:it
oldyoui
m notl
ett
ingyougetaway
wit
hmydaughter
.That
'smybl
oodi
nther
eandi
r
atherdi
esavi
ngher
.

Shesai dst
eppingontheacceler
atoraswell.The
mant ookastil
loutLamebyt heneckandputhi s
arm aroundherneckswit
chingthebacklighton.
Seei
ngherdaught eri
nthatposit
ionBoit
shepohit
thebrakesasshescreamed...

Boi
tshepo:no!

Meanwhilet
hewomanst eppedmoreonthe
accel
arat
orasBoit
shepobursti
ntot
ear
shitt
ingt
he
steer
ingwheel
..
.

Boi
tshepo:Godno!Whyar
eyoul
ett
ingt
hishappen!
Why!

Shecr
iedmor
eandsni
ff
edwi
pinghert
ear
s..
.
Boit
shepo:iam t
heLordyourGodiknowt heplansi
haveforyouandiknowyourplansformei snotto
harm mydaughterLor
d.Ifanyt
hingyouknowhow
mucht hi
schil
dmeanst ome

Shesaiddroppi
ngthehandbrakeagainand
fol
lowedthetr
acks.Sheswall
oweddrivi
ngfora
whileandnotseei
nganysignofthem butkept
goi
ng...

Boi
tshepo:Jesust
aket
hewheel

Shesaidst
eppingontheaccel
erat
orasshesaw
redl
ight
safterafewki
lometr
es.
..

Boit
shepo:(
smil
ed)thankyouGod.Babyipr
omi
sed
toneverl
etyougo.Thesepeopl
earenotgoi
ngt
o
doanythi
ngtoyouasl ongasi
m al
ive
Woman:shi
tshehascaughtupwi
thus
Man:st
opt
hecar
Woman:noar
eyoucr
azy?
Man:isai
dst
opt
hef
ucki
ngcar

Shehitt
hebrakesasBoitshepoalsohi
tthebrakes.
Shedimmedherl i
ghtsandswall
owedlookingatthe
mancomi ngout.Wit
hherheartraci
ngshedecided
tost
epoutaswel l
..
.

Boitshepo:allyouhavet odoisgivememy
daught erandiwi l
lst
opchasingyouguys.(Hekept
quietlookingather)ipromisetonotrepor
tyouas
soonihavemydaught eriwil
lnotrememberanyof
thi
s.Iwi llnotrememberyourfacenoryourplat
e
numberpl easegivememydaught er

Themancl ickedhi
stongueandpacedtowards
Boitshepowhoquickl
ygotbackinhercarand
reversedashestopped.Hel
ookedatherandwent
backt
othei
rcarasBoi
tsheposi
ghedl
ooki
ngat
hi
m...

Boi
tshepo:al
liwanti
smydaught
erpl
ease

Asshesai
dt hewomancameoutandheadedt
oher
carasBoi
tshepoqui
ckl
ylockedt
hedoor
s..
.

Woman:(
tri
edopeni
ng)opent
hedoor
Boi
tshepo:whatdoyouwant
?
Woman:j
ustopent
hedoor
Boi
tshepo:notunt
ilyoushowmemydaught
er
Woman:i fyoudon'
tcomplyhe'
sgoingtohurther
.
Isthatwhatyouwant?Toseeyourdaughterbe
decapit
atedinf
rontofyou?

Boit
sheposwal
lowedlooki
ngatthecarandbackat
thewoman.Shecontemplat
edthethoughtof
openingforherbuti
fitmeantopeni
ngforthe
womant osaveherdaught ert
hensobeit
.She
swall
owedandunl ockedthedoorsast
hewoman
gotinthebackseat.
..

Woman:f
oll
owhi
m
Boi
tshepo:wher
ear
ewegoi
ng?
Woman:j
ustf
oll
owt
hedamncar
!

Sheswal
lowedandfl
ickedthel
ight
sforhi
m ast
he
cart
ookoffandshef
ollowedhi
m. .
.

Woman:goodgi
rl

BoemoandKabindaparkedatthepol
icehead
quar
ter
sandrantohisoffi
ce.
..

Kabi
nda:butwhati
swr
ongwi
thpeopl
e
Boemo:soannoyi
ng.Boi
tshepoi
snothi
ngbutan
amazingwomanshewouldneverhur
taflybutt
hey
keeppoki
ngher

Kabindacl
ickedhi
stongueandcal
ledt
hehel
icopt
er
of
fice.
..

Man:hel
lo?
Kabi
nda:ineedahel
icopt
ernow
Man:ar
eyoul
ooki
ngatt
het
ime?Wecan'
trel
ease
anyhel
i.
..
Kabi
nda:youar
etal
kingt
oKabi
nda
Man:ohsor
rysi
r
Kabi
nda:sowi
llif
indmyhel
icopt
err
eady?
Man:yessi
ryouwi
ll
Kabi
nda:andapi
lot
?
Man:t
heyhaveknockedof
fsi
r
Kabi
nda:(
sighed)okiwi
llf
lymysel
fjustmakesur
e
i
t'
singoodcondi
ti
on
Man:oksi
r
Kabinda:goodim onmyway( hehungupand
cli
ckedhistongue)st
upi
dincompetentof
fi
cer
s
thesearethesamepeoplewhodragourreput
ati
on
i
nt hemud.Let'sgo

TheyrushedoutandgotinBoemo'scarheadingt
o
thehel
icopt
eroffi
ce.Meanwhil
ealongtheKangdir
t
roadBoit
shepolookedatthewomant hrought
he
rearvi
ewmi r
rorandclear
edherthroat
..
.

Boit
shepo:whereexactl
yarewegoi
ngwehave
beendri
vingforawhilenow?
Woman:shutupandf
ocusont
her
oad

Boit
shepocheckedthefuelasthewomansawa
smalll
ightf
rom thecari
nfrontandlookedat
Boit
shepowhof ocusedontheroad.Sheslowly
tookoutaropeoutofherpocketandtiedbothends
onherhandsandqui
ckl
ystrangl
edBoi
tshepowho
gaggedl
ett
inggooft
hesteeri
ngwheel
gagging.
..

Woman:bl oodybi tchyout hinkwewoul dletyougo

j
ustl i
kethatwear enotf ools.Boit
shepogagged
tr
yingtof i
ghtthewomanof fherwi t
hherf ootsti
ll
ont heaccelerat
or.Seeingt hatnothingwas
happeningt oBoitsheposher el
easedt heropeand
hitherheadagai nstthesteer i
ngwheelasshe
coughedf all
ingback.Thewomanqui cklygothol
d
ofthestreeri
ngwheelandf l
ickedthel i
ghtsasthe
mani nthecarsmi l
ed..
.

Man:t
hat
'
smygi
rl

Thinki
ngBoit
shepowasoutshet ri
edtomoveher
fr
om thedri
ver'
sseatbutBoi
tshepogothol
dofthe
dri
ver'
sseatl
everanddroppedtheseatast
he
womanf el
lback..
.
Boi
tshepo:notonmychi
ldyoucunt
!

Thewomant r
iedtogethol
dofBoitshepoagainbut
Boit
shepot
ookoutthepinsandstuckthem inher
eyeasshescreamedinpainf
all
ingont hedoor.
..

Woman:youwi
tch!

SeeingthatshefellbackonthedoorBoit
shepo
checkedwhatwasont hesi
deandbitherlowerl
ip
reachi
ngf ort
hehandl eandopenedthedoorasthe
womanf el
loutofthespeedingr
edcarandont oa
thorntr
eescreaming.Shehi tar
ockwithherhead
asBoitshepoclosedthedoorandlocked..
.

Boi
tshepo:aslongasmydaughteri
sinthatcari
wil
lneverstopfi
ght
ing,
greett
hedevi
lformeyou
wit
ch.
Shesai
dtaki
ngherphoneanddi
aledBoemo.
..

Boemo:l
ove?
Boi
tshepo:ihavethr
ownt
hewomanoutoft
hecar
i
m sti
llf
oll
owingtheman
Boemo:goodwear
eget
ti
ngi
nahel
icopt
ernow
Boi
tshepo:good.St
ayont
hel
ine
Boemo:nopr
obl
em.She'
sst
il
lfol
lowi
ngt
hecar
Kabinda:(
star
tedthehel
icopt
erengine)good.Ms
Dint
siwear egoi
ngtomakesur ethatyourdaught
er
i
ssaf eok
Boi
tshepo:t
hankyousi
r

Theheli
copt
ertookoffwhil
eintheircart
heman
fr
ownednotseeinganysignfrom thewoman.He
keptdr
ivi
ngasBoitshepokeptfol
lowinghi
m..
.

Boi
tshepo:i
fyout
hinki
m goi
ngt
ogi
veupyouhave
anot
hert
hingcomi
ngbr
other

Shesai dwipi
ngthebl oodt hatwascomi ngoutof
hernose.Themandeci dedt ohitt
hebr akesj
ust
beforeGhanzidi
rtroadl eadingtoD'karas
Boitshepodidaswell.Hegotoutoft hecaras
Boitshepogotoutaswel l
..
.

Man:j
ustgi
veupal
ready
Boi
tshepo:notwhenmydaught
eri
sst
il
lint
her
e
Man:soyouwantt
odi
ewi
thyourdaught
er?
Boi
tshepo:i
fthat
'showi
tshoul
dbet
henwhynot

Themancl i
ckedhi
stogueandchar
gedatherwhil
e
Boit
shepoti
edherhai
rinabunandfol
dedthearms
ofhershi
rt
..
.

Boi
tshepo:ihaveneverbeeni
naphysical
fight
bef
oreandwi thamansoLor dit
rustyout
ogi veme
thest
rengthineedt
ooverpowert
hisman.Idi
dn'
t
comeallthewayheret
olose
Man:(
tookoutakni
fe)isai
dgi
veupbutyoudi
dn'
t
wantt
olist
en

Hesaidattempti
ngt
ostabherasshedodgedand
spearheadedthemanontothegr
ound..
.

Boi
tshepo:f
ormydaught
eriwi
lldoanyt
hing!

Shesai
dhit
ti
ngt
heman'shandthathadt
hekni
fe
onthegr
oudashedr
oppedit
..
.

Man:bi
tch!

Hesaidjer
kingBoitshepooffhi
m withhisl
egsas
shefel
ltotheotherside.Shetr
iedtograbt
heknif
e
buti
twasf arasthemanki ckeditawayandpul
led
herbyherleg.
..
Man:iseeyouwantt
ofi
ghtl
ikeaman
Boit
shepo:iwoul
drat
herdi
ewi
thmydaught
eri
keepsayi
ng!

Shesaidspit
ti
ngonhisfacebetweentheli
ghtsof
thei
rcarsasthemanwentont opofher.Shetri
ed
topunchhim buthet
ookherarmsandpr essed
them har
donherchestasshecoughed...

Man:yousai
dyouwant
edt
odi
ewi
thyourdaught
er
sobeit

Hesaidpressi
ngherar msonherchestagai
nas
shecoughedslowlylosi
ngherstr
ength.Hel
etgoof
herar
msandst rangledherasshegagged
str
uggl
ingtobreath.
..

Man:(
smi
li
ng)gr
eetSi
monandPet
erf
ormeok
Boitshepolookedst r
aighti
nhi seyesandsil
entl
y
saidapr ayer
.Shef eltsomethingmovenearheras
shequi ckl
ygrabbedi twit
hherar m andt
hrewiton
theman.Hescr eamedasabl ackscorpi
onbithi
m
l
etti
nggoofBoi tshepowhogotup. ..

Man:youwi
tch!
Boi
tshepo:youtookt
hewrongwoman'
sdaughter
!
Nowweshal lseewhowil
ldieasl
owpai
nfuldeat
h

Shesaidlookingathim st
ruggl
ingtost
andupas
shemadewayt othei
rcar.ShefoundLamestil
lout
i
nt hecarandcutthetapesonhersearchi
ngfor
water.Themant ri
edtograbherbyherlegasshe
tur
nedandki ckedhim wit
hanotherashefel
lback.
..

Boi
tshepo:cunt
!
Shefoundabot
tl
eofwaterandspl
ashedi
tonLame
asshegotupgaspi
ng.
..

Boi
tshepo:t
hat
'smygi
rl
Lame:(
bur
sti
ntot
ear
s)mom
Boi
tshepo:don'
tcr
ymybabymommyi sher
eoki
wouldhaveneverl
ett
hem t
akeyouanywheremy
l
ove
Man:youar
egoi
ngt
odi
eapai
nfuldeat
h
Boi
tshepo:sosayssomeonewho'
sal
readydead.
Comemybaby

Asshesai
dt hemanst art
edcoughi
ngashisface
t
urnedpur
ple.Thefoam chokedhim whi
leLame
l
ookedawaydisgusted..
.

Boemo:r
esti
nagonyyouf
il
thywi
tch!
Shesaidbi
ti
ngherl
owerli
pandputhershoeinhis
mouthashegaggedwit
hthefoam comingouthis
nose.Hesl
owlycl
osedhi
seyesandt hatwasi
t.He
wasgone..
.

Lame:bat
hongmama
Boit
shepo:asamot
heryoudoanyt
hingyoucanf
or
yourchi
ld
Lame:wher
ear
ewe?
Boi
tshepo:idon'
tknowbutaunt
yBoemoandt
he
pol
iceareonthei
rwaylet
'sgeti
nthecar
Lame:ok

Theymadet heirwaytoBoit
shepo'scarasaphone
rangintheothercar
.Boit
shepofrownedandwent
foritandscoff
edlooki
ngatthenameont he
screen..
.

Boi
tshepo:it
houghtasmuch(
answer
ed)hel
lo?
Di
phal
a:t
ellmeyouhaveatl
eastpassedSehi
thwa
Boi
tshepo:t
her
ehasbeenal
it
tl
eacci
dent
Di
phal
a:(
frowned)excuseme?
Boit
shepo:umm thewomanfel
loutofthecarand
hi
tar ockwit
hherheadandt
hemanj ustdied
becauseofascorpi
onbit
e
Di
phal
a:(
frowned)whoi
sthi
s?
Boit
shepo:yourwor
stni
ght
mare.Im comingforyou
andeveythi
ngyouownyoubloodywitch!St
art
counti
ngyourdays

Shesaidhangingupandsmashedthephoneont
he
rocknear
bygoi ngt
othecarwhi
lei
nhishouse
Diphal
ashoutedangri
ly.
..

Di
phal
a:f
uck!Fuck!Fuck!

Ast
heysati
nthecart
hehel
i
copterhover
edabove
t
hem ast
heysmil
edseei
ngi
t.AssoonasKabinda
l
andedBoemogotof
frunni
ngasKabi
ndaf
oll
owed
her
..
.

Boemo:Boi
?
Boi
tshepo:her
e
Boemo:wher
eis.
..ohmywor
dLamear
eyouokmy
gi
rl
?
Lame:it
houghtt
heywer
egoi
ngt
oki
llme
Boemo:don'
twor
rybabeyouar
esaf
enow.I
m
pr
oudofyouBoi
Boi
tshepo:t
hanksl
oveidi
dwhaticoul
d.Wher
ear
e
we?
Boemo:j
ustout
sideGhanzil
ove
Boi
tshepo:yohi
t'
sal
ongwaymoss
Kabinda:wearegoingbackwi
ththeheli
copt
eri
havejustcont
actedthecommanderi
nGhanziand
hismenar eonthei
rway.Twoofthem wil
ldri
ve
thesecarswit
hthedeadbody.Whereistheother
?
Boi
tshepo:ahsomewher
eatt
heback
Kabi
nda:okiwi
llmakesur
etheyf
indi
t.Youdi
d
good
Boi
tshepo:t
hanks
Kabi
nda:anyi
deawhocoul
dbebehi
ndt
his?
Boi
tshepo:theman'
sphoner
angandi
twasDi
phal
a
whocalled
Boemo:whyi
m inotsur
pri
sed
Kabi
nda:whoi
sthat
?
Boi
tshepo:awi
tchdoct
orwor
kingwi
thVi
ctor
ia
Kabi
nda:goodiwi
llhavehi
mtai
ledandar
rest
ed
Boi
tshepo:t
hatwoul
dbegr
eat
.

Theysighedlooki
ngar
oundwait
ingfort
heother
off
icer
swhileLamedrankwat
erinthecar.

THEFOLLOWI
NGMORNI
NG

Att
hehospi
tal
..
.
Vi
ctor
iagr
oanedopeni
nghereyest
oawoman
st
andi
nginfr
ontofher
..

Vict
oria:ot
husi
wakaengausioromi
waboloi
?
(Whatcanihelpyouwi
thhavet
heysentyout
o
bewitchme)
Reneè:mynamei
sReneèandi
m MrKwena'
s
l
awyer
Vi
ctor
ia:and?
Reneè:wit
hmeher earet
hedocumet st
hatstat
e
thatyouhavet
osignoff60%percentofyourhot
el
sharestohi
sdaughterAt
amel
angKwena
Vict
ori
a:(
laughed)youmustbeki
ddingme.Tellhi
m
togoli
ckthatbit
chofhi
s'
sfatass.I
'
m neverdoing
suchathi
ng
Reneè:(scof
fedsmil
ing)l
ookslikeyoudon'
t
underst
andwhatliesaheadifyoufailt
ocompl
yMs
Dint
si
Vi
ctor
ia:whatcant
hoset
woi
diot
spossi
blydot
o
me?
Reneè:areyougoingt
osignt
he60%orshoul
di
requestf
oracourtdat
e?
Vi
ctor
ia:t
ellt
hatbi
tchiwi
llseeheri
ncour
t
Reneè:(smil
ed)t
hepleasur
eisal
lmi
ne.Thankyou
foryourti
meMsDi nt
si
Vi
ctor
ia:what
ever

Reneèscoff
edshaki
ngherheadandl
eftwhi
le
Vi
ctor
iacli
ckedhert
ongue.
..

Vi
ctor
ia:thi
sear
lyandPat
loandhisfatbi
tchwant
t
oplayonmyhead?( Scof
fed)notonVict
ori
aDint
si
mylovies.
.
.
.
.
.
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
CAGED
32

Att
hePol
iceSt
ati
on.
..

Theoffi
cersi
ghedpaci
ngaroundthei
nter
rogat
ion
room wi
thhishandsonhi
sback..
.

Off
icer:MrDintsii
m notgoi
ngt
oaskyouagain.Di
d
younotst r
angl
eyouraunt?Imeanihaveher
medicalrepor
twi t
hme
Bosa:youtoldmeihadt
her
ightt
oremai
nsi
lentso
i
m practi
cingmyri
ght
Boemo:i
m gl
adyouar
e

Theof
fi
cerf
rownedt
urni
ngt
othedoorandl
ocked
eyeswithBoemowhowaswear i
ngbl
ackti
ght
pants,
amat chi
nglongcoatandawhi
teshi
rtwit
ha
bagonherhand...

Boemo:ar
eyougoi
ngt
okeepmeher
eoropenf
or
me?
Of
fi
cer
:andyouar
e?
Boemo:At
tor
neyMai
ket
so,
BosaDi
ntsii
smycl
ient
Of
fi
cer
:ohisee

Ismi
ledast
heof
fi
cerwentt
oopenf
orher
..
.

Boemo:howi
ncompet
entcanyouof
fi
cer
soft
he
l
awbe?
Off
icer:i
mjustdoingwhatt
helawstatesMs
Maiket
sosopl easel
etmedomyj ob.Yourcli
ent
her
et r
iedtokil
lahumanbeingandwet akesuch
matter
sseriousl
yhere
Boemo:yeahr
ight
.Iwi
shyout
ookyourj
ob
ser
iousl
yli
keyout
akesuchpet
tymat
ter
sser
iousl
y
Of
fi
cer
:excuseme?
Boemo:j
ustbecauseheissti
llachi
ldyout
hought
youwoul
dsuppresshim di
dn'
tyou?
Of
fi
cer
:canicont
inuewi
thmyj
ob?
Boemo:notunt
ilyoushowmet
hewar
rantofhi
s
ar
rest
Offi
cer:(
swal
lowed)itwaslat
etherewasnohowi
couldgetawarrantandihadtoactatt
hatsecond
Boemo:oh?Butithoughtyouandibothknewt he
l
aw.Youcan'tar
restthischi
ldwit
houtawar r
ant.
Rel
easehim nowthisisanunlawfular
rest
Of
fi
cer
:hecommi
tt
edacr
ime
Boemo:wher
eisyourevi
dence?
Offi
cer:t
hevi
cti
mtol
dmeandihavehermedi
cal
repor
t
Boemo:(scoff
ed)vi
cti
m?Yeahr i
ghttheonl
yvict
im
her
eisthisyoungman.Don'tt
ellmeaboutawor d
ofmouthasevidenceyouknowt hecour
twil
lnever
al
lowsuchcr
ap
Of
fi
cer
:buthe'
snotgoi
nganywher
e
Boemo:ihonest
lywantedt
omakethi
ngeasyfor
youof
fi
cerbutyouleavemenochoi
ce.Det
ect
ive?
Kabi
nda:yesMsMai
ket
so
Boemo:ineedyoui
nher
e
Kabi
nda:ii
satyourser
vicema'
am
Of
fi
cer
:(sal
uted)si
r
Kabi
nda:asyouwer
e.MsMai
ket
so
Boemo:mywonder f
ulcol
leagueherearrest
edmy
cli
entwit
houtawar r
antofarrestandtel
lsmethat
hisevi
denceisonlyawordofmout handwouldnot
rel
easemyclient
Kabi
nda:of
fi
cerwhatdoessect
ion56Bsay?
Off
icer
:(cl
earedhi
sthroat
)al
lar
rest
sshouldbe
madewi t
hwar r
ant
sbutsirweal
waysarrest
bur
glarswit
houtwarr
ants
Kabi
nda:i
sheabur
glar
?
Of
fi
cer
:no
Kabi
nda:di
dyouquest
iont
hevi
cti
mfi
rst
?
Of
fi
cer
:(cl
ear
edhi
sthr
oat
)nosi
r
Kabinda:(l
aughed)sonotonlydi
dyounotgeta
warrantyoualsoarr
estacit
izenoft
hiscount
ry
wit
houtquestioni
ngthevict
im?
Of
fi
cer
:ihavehermedi
cal
..
.
Kabi
nda:shutupandr
eleaset
hisgent
leman
Of
fi
cer
:but
..
.
Kabi
nda:nowof
fi
cer

Hekeptaser
iousfaceastheoff
icerwast
edno
secondandt
ookthehandcuff
sfrom mywr i
sts.
..

Kabi
nda:di
dyouevenopenacasef
il
eandt
akea
wri
tt
enstat
ementf
rom hi
m?
Of
fi
cer
:ij
ust
..
.
Kabi
nda:t
akeof
fyourbadgeandgi
vemeyourgun
youhavebeensuspended
Of
fi
cer
:butsi
ri.
..
Kabi
nda:now

Heswal
lowedandgaveKabi
ndahi
sthi
ngs.
..

Kabi
nda:seeyoui
n10days

Hebowedhi
sheadandl
eftwhi
leisi
ghedl
ooki
ngat
Boemo.
..

Bosa:
sodoest
hismeant
hati
mfr
ee?
Boemo:yest
her
e'snocr
imi
nalchar
geagai
nstyou
Bosa:(
sighedoutofrel
ief
)thankyousomuchi
don'
tknowhowt othankyou
Boemo:it
oldyout
hatiwi
llal
waysl
ookoutf
oryou.
MrKwear eout
Kabi
nda:i
m goi
ngt
omyof
fi
cet
oor
ememberidon'
t
wor
kher
easwel
l

Wel
aughedl
eavi
ng.

Att
heHospi
ral
..
.

Vict
ori
a'
sphoner
angast
hedoct
orl
eftaf
ter
checki
nguponher.
..

Dr
:wewi
llr
eleaseyoul
atert
oday
Vict
ori
a:t
hanks(answer
ed)Di
phal
aim atahospi
tal
youneedtochi
ll
Di
phal
a:if
ail
ed
Vi
ctor
ia:saywhatnow?
Diphal
a:everyt
hingipl
annedfai
ledt
heyf
oundthe
peopleisentbefor
etheycoul
dgoanywheref
ar
Vict
ori
a:nonoDi
phal
aar
eyoubei
ngser
iousr
ight
now?
Di
phal
a:yeswear
edoomedVi
ctor
iai
tsover
Vict
ori
a:hellnoDi
phal
aim nevergoi
ngtogi
veup.I
haveworkedhardtogether
esodon'tyoudar
etel
l
mesuchcr ap
Diphal
a:i
m sor
rybuti
tiswhati
tis.Let
'sj
ustaccept
defeat
Vi
ctor
ia:never
.Victori
aDint
sineverl
oses.Youcan
gi
veupbuti m nevergoingt
odosuchat hing.Over
mydeadbody

Shesai
dhanginguponhim andgotof
fthebed
paci
ngaroundint
hought
s..
.

Vict
oria:i
m notaloser
.Iwasbor nforgr
eatness
andim goingtofi
ghtforthatgr
eatness(shecli
cked
hertongueanddialedthepoli
ce)
Woman:pol
icehel
lo?
Vi
ctor
ia:iwoul
dli
ket
orepor
tamur
der
Woman:whoi
m ispeaki
ngt
o?
Vi
ctor
ia:Vi
ctor
iaDi
ntsi
Woman:okma'
am wher
edi
dthemur
derhappen?
Vi
ctor
ia:Bokaa
Woman:doyouknowt
hecul
pri
tandvi
cti
m?
Vi
ctor
ia:yes.Thevict
imi
sMar
umoandt
hecul
pri
t
i
sBoit
shepoDi ntsi
Woman:Di
ntsi
?
Vi
ctor
ia:yesshe'
smysi
ster
Woman:ohisee.Canipl
easehaveMar
umo'
s
sur
name?
Vi
ctor
ia:hewasknownasNgakaMar
umo
Woman:ohisee.Sowhendi
dthi
shappen?
Vi
ctor
ia:onChr
ist
masday
Woman:andyouonl
yrepor
titnow?
Victori
a:mmawi llyougomakeanar
restorshoul
di
callanotherst
ati
on?
Woman:ihavet
oconf
ir
mift
hismani
ndeeddi
ed
f
ir
stt
hengetawarr
ant
Vi
ctor
ia:bequi
ckt
hent
hedayshal
lnotend
Woman:ok

Vict
ori
ahungupcl i
cki
nghert
ongueast
heof
fi
cer
call
edhercol
league.
..

Woman:doyouknowofamancal
ledNgaka
Mar
umoi nBokaa?
Man:yeshewasburi
edyest
erdayitwasbel
ieved
thathedi
edwhi
leper
for
mingar i
tualf
orsomegirl
backhome
Woman:ohdoyouknowhername?
Man:yeahBoi
tshepoDi
ntsi
Woman:good(shesai
dgoingt
othephoneand
di
aledt
hewarr
antoffi
cer
)
Woman:t
hewar
rantwi
llber
eadyi
ntheaf
ter
noon
Woman:t
hankyouma'
am
Att
heKwena'
s.
..

Bont
sigotof
fthephonewi
thReneèandsi
ghed
l
ooki
ngatPatlo.
..

Pat
lo:and?
Bont
si:yourwi
tchtur
neddownt
hepr
oposalsoshe
l
eavesmenochoi ce
Patl
o:(
swall
owed)honeydower eal
lyhavet
ogo
thr
oughal
lthi
stroubl
e?Wewi l
lhavethatmoneyi
n
6monthslovel
et'
sjustl
etherbe
Bont
si:excuseme?
Pat
lo:t
hinkoft
hecompanybabe
Bont
si:youshouldhavethoughtaboutt
he
companybeforegett
ingbetweenthatwit
ch'sthi
ghs.
Youshouldhavethoughtaboutyourdaughterso
don'
tyoudaretrytel
lmewhatt odowhileim
l
ooki
ngoutf ormydaughter
Pat
lo:sor
ry
Bont
si:t
hatwi
tchdeser
vesever
ythi
ngcomi
ngher
way
Pat
lo:eemma
Bont
si:andagai
nAtamelangtel
lsmethatshe'
s
meet
ingwiththear
chi
tectur
ethi
saft
ernoonso
makesurehermoneyisready
Pat
lo:iwi
llneedmyl
apt
opt
odoso
Bontsi
:tel
lmethepasswordandiwil
ltakecar
eofit
.
Don'tworr
yiwon'tst
ealf
rom youi
m aKwena
daughteri
nlawnotanunrecogni
zabl
esidechi
ck.I
knowt hemeani
ngofafamily
Pat
lo:iwi
llwr
it
edownt
hepasswor
dforyou
Bontsi
:good.Our20year
sanniver
saryi
scominga
weekaftermybeautypar
lourl
aunchsoyoual
so
needtobudgetfort
hataswell
Patl
o:igi
veyouthefr
eedom t
odowhat
everyou
needwiththef
unds
Bont
si:ohokbutihopeiwon'
tbeaccusedof
st
eal
ingbecausewearemarri
edoutofcommuni
ty
ofpr
operty
Pat
lo:askReneèt
ocomeoversowet
alkaboutt
hat
Bont
si:good

Shesmiledgoi
ngdownwhi
lePat
losi
ghedsi
tt
ing
back.
..

Patl
o:event
hroughital
lshesti
lll
ovesme.You
needtoactr
ightfr
om hereonPatl
ot hi
sisyour
marri
agenotatoy.Growthefuckupdude.

I
nCl
ubVenus,
CapeTown.
..

Lehumosmil
edopeni
ngthedoorofDai
sy'
s
apart
mentasshesmi
ledbackathi
m..
.

Lehumo:mayicomei
n?
Dai
sy:ofcour
se
Lehumo:it
houghtyouwer
ejoki
ngyest
erdaywhen
youmanagedt
ogetSKt
oagr
eef
oryout
omovei
n
Dai
sy:what
'sst
oppi
ngme?Icanwalkbymyself
anddomostofthet
hingsmysel
fsowhynotst
art
worki
ng?
Lehumo:your
eal
lyar
edet
ermi
nedar
en'
tyou?
Daisy:t
hisisaonceinalif
eti
meoppor
tuni
typl
usi
havenothingwait
ingformebackhome
Lehumo:youhaveamom don'
tfor
gett
hat
Dai
sy:isentheramessageandshecongr
adul
ated
meandgavemeherbl essi
ng
Lehumo:r
eal
ly?
Dai
sy:yesipr
omi
sedt
ovi
sitherever
ymont
hend
Lehumo:ohokt
hen.Soyouar
eget
ti
ngr
eadyf
or
theshoot
?
Dai
sy:yepandmysoci
almedi
amanageri
sbusy
wit
hmynewaccountsther
e
Lehumo:havet
heyt
oldyouyourbr
andnameyet
?
Daisy:nopetheysayi
t'
sasurpri
sewhi
chwi
llbe
reveal
edlateratt
hegrandl
aunch
Lehumo:ohok.Themakeupar
ti
sti
sdoi
ngagood
j
ob
Daisy:i
m dyi
ngtoseetheendresul
ts.Al
liknowis
thatmyoutfi
tfort
oni
ghtisi
nspir
edbyanEgypt i
an
pyramidgoddess
Lehumo:aper
fectper
sonal
it
yforyou
Daisy:iknownothi
ngaboutEgypt
iangoddesses
butitrustt
heteam
Lehumo:t
rustmeyouar
egoi
ngt
olovei
t
Dai
sy:t
hankyou
Lehumo:f
or?
Daisy:givi
ngmehope.It houghtmyl i
fewasover
whenmyf riendyouknowbutnowi m certai
nt hat
thi
snewl i
feissetforgreatnessimeanwho
thoughtbynowiwoul dhaveasoci almedi a
manager ,myowngl am team andanapar t
ment
earni
ngmor ethan30Kaday?( Chuckled)ahnoi
havear r
ivedkef i
tl
hil
eshame.Fr om dusttoriches
Lehumo:(
smi
led)her
eher
e
Hetookaglassastheycl
ickedt
hem andtooksi
ps
whil
ehelookedathersmi
lingmorebehi
ndhis
gl
ass.

AtVi
ctor
ia'
shouse.
..

Boemoparkedhercaraswegotof
fandheaded
i
ntothehouse.Seei
ngmeLet
lot
loj
umpedand
huggedme..
.

Let
lot
lo:youar
eback
Bosa:yout
houghti
wasgoi
ngt
odi
e?(
They
l
aughed)hiLame
Lame:hiBosasor
ryf
orwhatyouhadt
ogot
hrough
hey
Bosa:it
'sokt
hankst
ot hi
sbeastofalawyeri
ma
tot
all
yfreeman.Whatareyoudoinghere?
Let
lot
lo:bef
oret
hat
,di
dyoudoi
tBosa?
Ol
ebi
le:yeshedi
dLet
lot
lohowmanyt
imesshoul
di
t
ellyou?
Bosa:
wai
t,youcant
alk?
Ol
ebi
le:beent
alki
ngsi
ncechr
ist
masbr
uh
Bosa:
wowt
hisi
sgoodbutwhy?
Ol
ebi
le:l
ongst
oryt
ober
eveal
edwi
tht
ime
Bosa:
isee,
soLame?
Lame:t
heytri
edt
oabductmebutmyher
ocame
thr
oughforme
Bosa:
(fr
owned)who?
Boi
tshepo:l
et'
ssayyouwi
llf
indoutver
ysoon
Bosa:youguysandkeepingsecretsanywayineed
alonghotshowert
hatplaceisfullofbugs
Let
lot
lo:yespr
isoner

Theyalll
aughedasthehousehel
perbroughtt
hem
snacks.BoemoandBoit
shepotookthei
rsand
steppedoutsi
de.
..
Boi
tshepo:what
'sup?
Boemo:Bosaneedscounsell
inghonest
lynow.He
mightthi
nkhe'sandseemsoknowbutt hi
smi ght
aff
ecthiminfutur
eshoul
dwel eti
tgojustl
ikethat
.
Thischil
dsuf
feredfr
om ayoungage
Boi
tshepo:iagr
eewi
thyou
Boemo:yesweneedt oorgani
zei
tforhi
m assoon
aspossi
ble.Wher
e'syourcar?
Boitshepo:st
il
lbei
ngservi
cedthent
heywil
lbe
taki
ngi tt
othecarwashalothappenedt
oitl
ast
nightsoiwantt omakesurei
tsok
Boemo:cool
.(Tookasi
p)aboutaj
ob,
Joomai
s
l
ooki
ngforaPA
Boi
tshepo:who'
sthat
?
Boemo:mybossandhesaysasl ongast heyar e
compliantandeffi
cienthe'sgoodt here'
snoneed
foralotofquali
fi
cationsandatCar t
erAttorneys
theyhavethisprogrammeofget t
ingt hei
rwor kers
whoneedt oenhancet heirquali
fi
cationsa
schol
ar shi
psoifyoudowel lt
heywoul dgiveyou
t
heschol
arshi
p
Boi
tshepo:okt
heniwi
llt
aket
hej
ob
Boemo:(smil
ed)t
hat
'smygi
rlcheer
s(t
heycl
icked
thei
rgl
asses)
Boi
tshepo:obonawenagaontsamaelewa
mphofela(youmakethi
ngshappen)(
theyl
aughed)
sowheretof r
om her
e?
Boemo:theballi
sinMrK'
scour
tnowiwi
llj
ustbe
wait
ingonhim
Boi
tshepo:here'
stoput
ti
ngt
hel
astnai
lonDi
phal
a
andVict
oria'
sera
Boemo:her
eher
e

Theysmi
ledcl
icki
ngt
hei
rgl
asses.

Att
hehospi
tal
..
.

Vi
ctor
iacl
ickedhert
ongueandt
ookherphone
cal
li
ngBont
si.
..

Bont
si:MsDi
ntsi
Vi
ctor
ia:iseeyout
akemef
oraf
ool
Bont
si:ibegyourpar
don?
Vict
ori
a:whot hehel
ldoyouthi
nkyouare?You
thi
nkkeepingyourman'sphonebet
weenthose
hugebreastswil
lmakehimloveyoumore?Bit
ch
youaretastl
essandnothi
ng
Bont
si:whathaveidone?
Vict
ori
a:don'
ttakemeforafoolBont
siiknowwhat
youaretr
yingtodobutletmetel
lyouthi
smylove
i
m Vict
oriaDint
sigoar
oundandaskaboutme
Bont
si:idon'
tneedt
ogoaroundandaskaboutyou
myloveiknowwhoexact
lyyouare
Vi
ctor
ia:ohr
eall
yim gladyoudobecauset
ryingt
o
st
eponmyt oeswil
lleadyounowherebut.
..
Bont
si:mygrave,
yesthat
'showwitchesl
ikeyou
al
waysthi
nk.Youthi
nkididn'
tknowyouar eusi
ng
bl
ackmagiconmyhusband?Whydoyouthi
nki
havei
sol
atedhi
m?Forallt
hethi
ngsyouf
edhimt
o
di
ssol
veandguesswhatit
'swor
king
Victor
ia:whateveryoudoyouwillneverbehappyin
thatmar r
iageandjustsoyouknownoonewi l
lever
ownmyhot el
Bontsi
:ohnice,ihearyoul ove.Letmeschoolyou
onsomet hi
nglovesomet hingyouknownot hi
ng
about,
youseeonet hi
ngaboutGodi sthatwhenhe
putssomethingtogethernothingornoonewoul d
everbrakei
tnomat terhowhar dtheyt
ry.Myunion
withmyhusbandi sabl essedonebabesandt he
Lordsaystouchnotmyanoi nted
Vict
oria:(
scof
fed)nxnxnxi
honest
lyf
eelforyou.I
shouldteachyouathi
ngort
woaboutVict
oriayou
know
Bont
si:t
her
ewon'tbeaneedbabes.Youarej
usta
cowar
dspinel
esswit
chscar
edofrepti
les?
Vi
ctor
ia:(
frowned)huh?
Bontsi
:yousl
eepi
ngonthefir
stdayofyourtr
ip,
the
snakesaga,t
hest
eamingroom saga?Thatwasall
BontsiKwena.Iwast
her
einyourmi
dstbutyou
neversawit
Vi
ctor
ia:youbi
tch
Bontsi:andthatwasj ustat i
dtadofwhatt hisfat
witchiscapableofmyl ove.Ift
heyarescar edof
yououtt herethenyouhavenevermetBont si
Kwenabutdon' tworr
yyouar eyett
ol ear
nwhoiam
andwhyi m aKwenadaught eri
nlaw.I m honestl
y
goingtoenjoydeal i
ngwi thyouandwhenido
(scoff
edsmi li
ng)thewhol ewor l
dwillbewat chi
ng
Vi
ctor
ia:weshal
lseeaboutt
hat
Bontsi
:everheardofaquot et
hatsays"i
t'
snever
overunti
lthefatl
adysings"wellt
hisf
atladyi
s
abouttohitt
hehighestnotes
Patl
o:canitalktoher(
shegavehimthephone)and
don'tyouevercallmywif
eifyouknowwhat'
sgood
foryou
Vi
ctor
ia:ohmywor
dPat
lomyl
ove.
..
Pat
lo:savei
t.Shoul
dyoucont
actmywif
eagainwe
ar
egoingtotakeyouinf
orhar
assment
.Seeyouin
courtandinthemeanti
medwelinaquotethat
says"li
kesandthr
oughtheourgl
asssoarethe
daysofourli
ves"
Vi
ctor
ia:Pa.
..

Hecl
ickedhi
stongueandhungup.
..

Pat
lo:babe
Bont
si:mhem?
Pat
lo:il
oveyouok
Bont
si:il
oveyoumor
e

Heki ssedandhuggedherasshesmi l
edsoft
ly
caressinghi
sheadwhi lebehi
ndherbackhesmiled
withhiseyesclosed.Meanwhil
eatthehospi
tal
Victori
ascoff
edandcl appedonceput
ti
ngher
phonei nherbag..
.
Vi
ctor
ia:what
'shappeni
ng?

Att
hemal
l.
..

Rober
tcameoutoftheshopf
ocusi
ngont r
yingt
o
openhi
sdri
nkashebumpedintoaladyspil
li
ngt
he
dri
nkonherpeacht
op..
.

Rober
t:ohmywor
dim sosor
ry
Boi
tshepo:i
t'
sok
Rober
t:nonoit'
snot
,grapesar
ehar
dtowashoff
soihaverui
nedyourt
opandagainyoucan'
twal
k
i
nthemallstai
ned
Boi
tshepo:(
smi
led)honest
lyi
t'
sfinei
mjust
gr
abbingsomet
hingintheshopthengobackhome
Rober
t:ar
eyousur
e?
Boi
tshepo:yeahbutt
hankyouf
ort
heconcer
n
Shesmi l
edathi m andheadedt otheshopas
Robertsmiledlookingather.Therewassomet hing
aboutherthatcharmedhi m.Hersmile,walk,the
wayshewashumbl eandhowshehandl edthe
sit
uati
on.Somewoul dhavesnappedathi m butno
shesmi l
edandappr eci
atedhim.Hesi ghedgoi ngto
hiscarasBoitshepocameoutoft heshop.Seei ng
herashewasaboutt ogetinhiscarhedeci dedt o
fol
lowherinstead..
.

Rober
t:hi
,i
t'
smeagai
n
Boi
tshepo:(
chuckl
ed)imeanti
tit
'sok
Rober
t:ohsoyoust
il
lremembermyf
ace?
Boi
tshepo:wej
ustmet
Rober
t:(
chuckl
ed)mynamei
sRober
tDut
che
Boi
tshepo:apl
easur
emeet
ingyouMrDut
chei
m
Boi
tshepoDint
si
Rober
t:pl
easecal
lmeRober
t,Dut
chef
eel
sabi
tol
d
(
theyl
aughed)
Boi
tshepo:okt
henRober
titi
s.
TheyshookhandsasBoitshepoclear
edhert
hroat
feel
inghi
senergyf
rom t
hepal m ofhi
shand.
..

Rober
t:youar
esqueezi
ngmyhandt
oot
ight
Boi
tshepo:ohsor
ryidi
dn'
tmeant
o
Rober
t:i
sever
ythi
ngok?
Boi
tshepo:yeahal
liswel
l.Ineedt
ogetgoi
ng
Rober
t:ar
eyousur
e?
Boit
shepo:(
sighed)pl
easedon'tgetmewr ongi
don'
tmeant oscareyouoffbutifel
tyourenergy
whenweshookhandsandgotagl i
mpseofyourlif
e
Rober
t:ok?
Boi
tshepo:ther
e'sawomanyouhavej
ustvent
ured
i
ntobusinesswith
Rober
t:yes
Boi
tshepo:youar
escept
icalabouti
t?
Rober
t:notr
eal
lybutapar
tofme
Boi
tshepo:openyourhear
tandtrusthermore.That
womani sablessi
ngonherown.Ther e'
sareason
whyyoucr ossedpat
hswithher
.
Rober
t:oh
Boi
tshepo:(
smil
ed)andagai
nyourquestf
orl
ove
wil
lbeansweredsoon
Rober
t:ar
eyouf
orr
eal
?
Boi
tshepo:canipl
easehaveyournumber
?
Rober
t:oh?Ohyeahyoucan

Theylaughedastheyexchangednumber
sandt
hey
chatabitthenpar
tedways.

I
nMet
simot
lhabe.
..

Di
phal
alookedar
oundhishouseandsighedt
aki
ng
hi
sbagsandgotoutl
ocki
ngthedoor.
..
Kabi
nda:goi
ngsomewher
e?

Hejumpedstar
tl
edandtur
nedseei
ng3pol
ice
of
fi
cersi
nfrontofhi
m.Heswall
owedsmi
li
ng..
.

Di
phal
a:of
fi
cer
showcanibeofhel
p?
Kabi
nda:MrDiphalayouhavebeenarr
est
edf
or
at
temptedabduct
ionofLameDintsi
Di
phal
a:what
?
Kabinda:of
ficer
scuf
fhi
m.Al
lwi
llbesai
datt
he
pol
icestati
oncome
Diphala:nowaityouar
emistakenicannever
..
.
(t
heyt urnedhi
m andhandcuffedhim)youar
e
hurti
ngmeicannever .
..
off
icerwaitl
ist
enpl
ease

Kabi
ndaopenedthebackoft
hevanastheythr
ew
hi
minsidewithhi
sbagsandmadesurethedoor
wassecured.
..
Kabinda:(
hitthevan)somet
imeshavi
ngagood
soulgoesal ongbutsomeofuspref
erlear
ningt
he
hardaway.Let '
sgoboys

Theygoti
nthecaranddr
oveof
f.
.
.
.
.
.
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
CAGED
33

Onherwayhome.
..

Boitsheposmil
edalonethi
nki
ngofRobert
.Her
thoughtsweredisr
uptedbyherr
ingi
ngphoneas
shesi
ghedandanswer
ed.
..

Boi
tshepo:uncl
eLedi
ba
Ledi
ba:maybetheyshoul
dgiveyouanawar
dfor
motheroft
heyear(t
heylaughed)
Boitshepo:ahmalomeicoul
dn'
tjustwat
cht
hem
takemychi ldl
iket
hat
Lediba:i
tsnotonlybecauseofwhatyoudi dlast
night.Mychil
dyouhavebeenamot hertoallofus
evenyourparentsandwer eal
lyar
egr at
efulfort
hat
Boit
shepo:whentheLordhaschosenyoutolook
overyourfamil
yther
e'snot
hingyoucandobut
carr
ytheassignmentnomat t
erhowhardi
tis
Lediba:i
m goi
ngt
ogi
veyout
wocowsf
rom my
kraalok
Boi
tshepo:(
smi
led)awwt
hankyoumal
ome
Ledi
ba:t
hepl
easurei
sal lmi
nemychi l
dandindeed
youaret
hechosenone.Iwentt
otalktothe
Marumo'
syester
daybeforet
heordealandtheyt
old
methatt
heyknowwhathappened
Boi
tshepo:oh?
Ledi
ba:yeah.Theelderofthef
ami
lyt
oldmet
hat
Marumo'sspir
itl
iveswithi
nyou
Boi
tshepo:(
sighed)butwhymal
ome?
Lediba:l
ikeyousayyouarethechosenone.
BecauseNgakaMar umohadnowi feorchil
dhe
hadt opassonhisgif
ttoyoubecauseaspureas
hisspiri
twasithadt
obei nher
it
edbyapur eper
son
Boi
tshepo:butmal
omei
m achr
ist
ianhowcanhe
dothi
stome?
Lediba:t
heelderaskedmet ot
ellyouwhenyouare
readytoappreci
atethegif
tandgetclari
tyyoucan
gotohi m hewil
ltakecar
eofeverythi
ng
Boit
shepo:whatift
heydomeli
ket
hoseot
her
peopledi
dVictor
iamalome?
Ledi
ba:whatdoyoudowheni
ndoubt
?
Boi
tshepo:ipr
ay
Ledi
ba:t
henpr
ayabouti
tbef
oret
aki
nganyst
ep
Boi
tshepo:iwi
llmal
omeandspeaki
ngofwhi
chi
havebeenhavingalotofweir
ddr eamsandhuman
i
nteract
ionssoiwouldbel
ieveit
Ledi
ba:yousee
Boit
shepo:nowther
e'sonedream t
hatcomes
fr
equentl
ymalomeandi t
'sst
arti
ngtoscar
eme
Ledi
ba:whati
sitabout
?
Boi
tshepo:i
nthi
sdream iseemom doi
ngher
l
aundryandthi
slaundryi
sonlywhi
teclot
hesand
i
t'
sthesameclothesever
yday
Ledi
ba:t
hat
'sawei
rdone
Boitshepo:anditcanonl
ymeant wothings.It
's
eit
herGodi swor ki
ngoncleansingourfamilywhich
icanbel i
evebecausethi
ngsar elooki
nggoodsof ar
oritcouldbethatmom ispreparingtoleavethi
s
world
Ledi
ba:(
sighed)wowspir
it
ualt
hingsneh.Iguess
youshoul
dalsoprayabouti
tandaskGodf orcl
ari
ty
Boi
tshepo:ihavebutnot
hingi
sbecomi
ngcl
ear
Ledi
ba:wellyouareoneper
sonwhonevergi
vesup
easi
lysokeepgoingmychil
d
Boi
tshepo:iwi
llmal
ome
Ledi
ba:tel
lLamethathergr
eatauntsaysshewil
l
keepthetuckshopgoi
nguntilshecomesbackok
Boi
tshepo:awwthat
'sgreatofherpl
easet
ellheri
sai
dhi.Iwil
lcomeforthekidssoon
Lediba:don'
tworryaboutt
hel
it
tl
eonesmychil
d
theyarekeepinguscompanyandwearepl
anni
ng
tofi
ndapr eschoolfort
hem
Boitshepo:t
hankyousomuchmalomeandihave
foundaj obbythewayi
mfrom t
heoff
icenow
Ledi
ba:ohwowt
hat
'samazi
ngnews
Boit
shepo:yeahiwi l
lbeaPAatal awfirm call
ed
Cart
erAt t
orneys,
Boemof oundthej obforme.I fi
dowelliwillbeoff
eredascholarshiptostudyany
coursethatiwantandiwillbeearninggoodmoney
aswellsoiwi l
lbeabletopayforLame' stuit
ionfor
ashortcourse
Lediba:t
hat'
smygi r
l.Allthebl
essi
ngsuponyour
l
ifemychi l
d.Youseethatwhenyouhelpothers
withoutexpect
inganythinginr
etur
nyoureapmore
t
hanwhatyousow?
Boi
tshepo:i
ndeedmalome.Pl
easet
ellt
hatt
omy
bi
gsister(
theyl
aughed)
Ledi
ba:l
etmegetgoi ngbutpl
easemakesureyou
comeseet hekidsever
yweekendidon'
twantt
hem
tost
artmissingyouguys
Boitshepo:eer
rawewil
l.I
fthet
uckshopgetst
ir
ing
forauntyBothopl
easef
indayounggirlt
oruni
ti
willpayher
Ledi
ba:shelovest
heideaatt
hemomentbutwhen
shegetsti
redwedefi
nit
elywi
llf
indsomeone
Boi
tshepo:t
hankyouMal
ome
Lediba:anyt
hingf
oryoumydaught
er.Negoti
ati
ons
arestart
ingsoonsoweshoul
dgetreadyto
celebrat
e
Boi
tshepo:i
m soexcit
ed.Mal
omebyekanawena
youneverfi
nisht
alki
ngnextt
hingyourai
rt
imewi
ll
befi
nished

Theyl
aughedhangi
ngup.Af
tersol
ongBoi
tshepo
fel
tsolightinherspi
rit
.Shecaughtagli
mpseofa
poli
ceof f
icerontheroadasshehitthebrakesand
l
ookedbackbutt herewasnoone.Shesi ghed
shakingherheadandcont i
nueddrivi
ng.

Att
heHospi
tal
..
.

Vi
ctor
ia'
sphoner
angasshesi
ghedt
aki
ngi
t.
..

Vi
ctor
ia:andthenthere'
sthisone(answered)ausi
weeidon'tr
emembersi gningacontractwit
hyou
t
hatstatedt
hatim yourchil
d'sminder
Lat
oya:ohsoyouar
egoi
ngt
obeabr
utenow?
Vi
ctor
ia:whatdoyouwantf rom me?Di
digotoa
t
ri
pwi t
hVer oni
cacanyoupleasestopcal
li
ngme?
Ourchil
drenarefr
iendsnotus
Lat
oya:Vi
ctor
iaDi
ntsiiwantmydaught
er
Vict
ori
a:soyouaresoinsecur
eaboutyour
daught
erthatyoucan'
tacceptt
hatshecanhavea
goodti
mewithoutgivingyouproblems?Ver
onicais
agrownwomanj ustletherbemanandst op
annoyi
ngme.Ihaveal otofpr
oblemsandim not
goi
ngtoal
lowyout obeoneoft hem
Latoya:shoul
danyt
hinghappent
omydaught
er
Victor
iayouaregoi
ngtoknowme
Vict
oria:Youknowi fyouaregoingtocallmeand
makest upidthr
eatsim goi
ngtoendupbl ocki
ng
you.Ifyouwantyourchi l
dgetinyourcarorf l
ight
andgol ookforyourdaughteri
nCapeTownasf or
mei mi nBotswanaandi nahospitalatt
hat
Lat
oya:Vi
ctor
ia.
..

Shecl
ickedhert
ongueandhunguponheras
Lat
oyascoff
edshaki
ngherhead.
..

Mar
k:and?
Latoya:t
hiswomanhunguponmewhati ft
hese
peoplehavesacri
fi
cedmydaughter?Veroni
ca
wouldneverspend24hr
swithouttal
kingtome
r
egar
dlessofhowbusyshemi
ghtbe
Mark:
ithinkweshoulddosomet
hingbecausei
m
al
sostart
ingtogetconcer
ned
Latoya:howarewegoingtolookf orherwhenher
phonei sof
f?Andwecan'treporthermissing
becauseDaisyseemstobesaf ethat'swhyithi
nk
thesepeoplehavedonesomethingt oourchi
ldlove
Mark:t
hatmakessense.Let
'st
ryl
ocat
ethi
sDai
sy
gi
rlt
hentakei
tfr
om there
Lat
oya:okcal
lyourpeopl
eandseewhatyoucando
Mar
k:ok

Hetookhi
sphoneandmadeacal
lwhi
leLat
oya
si
ghedint
hought
s.

AtVi
ctor
ia'
shouse.
..

Aft
ert
aki
ngmyl
onghotshowerideci
dedt
oli
e
downabi
tasamessager
eport
edonmyphoneasi
f
rownedr
eadi
ngi
tandr
esponded.
..

Bosa:
hi
Boemo:howar
eyouf
eel
ing?
Bosa:
im okt
hankyou
Boemo:t
hat
'swonder
ful
.Sowhatdoyoul
ike?
Bosa:
idon'
tunder
stand
Boemo:yourar
eaofi
nter
est
Bosa:ihaveneverbeenabl
etoexpl
orewhatt
he
worl
dof f
ersoutther
e
Boemo:why?
Bosa:
ihaveal
waysbeenani
ndoor
schi
ld
Boemo:haveyoueverwi
shedt
ogooutandexpl
ore
thewor
ld?
Bosa:
alotoft
imes
Boemo:sowhatst
oppedyou?
Bosa:
rul
esoft
hehouse
Boemo:youhavest
udi
edaboutr
ight
satschool
ri
ght
?
Bosa:yesbutididn'
twantt
ocomeacr
ossasa
di
sobedientchi
ld
Boemo:what
'sdi
sobedi
entaboutexpl
ori
ngt
he
worl
d?
Bosa:somet
imesel
der
shavedi
ff
erentvi
ewst
o
thi
ngs
Boemo:ther
e'sathingcal
ledresponsibi
li
ty.That
's
onethi
ngeveryparentshoul
dt eachthei
rchildnot
l
ockthem upli
keapr i
soner
Bosa:
truebuti
tiswhati
tisihavemanagedt
oli
ve
wit
hit
Boemo:doyouevert
hinkofyourmom?
Bosa:
yesal otoft
imesespeci
all
ywheni m down.I
haveadiar
yinwhichiwrit
emyf eel
ingsandihave
aphotoofmymot heri
nthere
Boemo:doesVi
ctor
iaknowabouti
t?
Bosa:nopeshedoesn'
t.Ol
ebi
let
oldmethataunt
y
Boiputiti
nmybagwhenVi ct
ori
alef
tMochudiwit
h
me
Boemo:andhowdoest
hatmakeyouf
eel
?
Bosa:
thataunt
yBoicar
esaboutme.
Boemo:exactl
yshewant
edyout
oconnectwi
th
yourmotheranddr
awstr
engt
hfr
om seei
ngher
Bosa:
andi
treal
lyhel
ps
Boemo:itshoul
d.Sohowdi
dyouf
eelwhendoi
ng
whatyoudidtoVict
ori
a?
Bosa:
ihonest
lydon'
twantt
otal
kaboutt
hat
Boemo:iunderst
andbuttakemeassomeonewho
caresaboutyouandwantsthebestf
oryousof
eel
fr
eetoopenupt ome.Allwetal
kabouther
ewil
lbe
betweenus
Bosa:
butidon'
treal
lyknowyou
Boemo:t
hat
'st
hegoodpar
tofi
t
Bosa:
(si
ghed)iwashonest
lyangryandf
edupof
howihavebeenli
vingt
hepastyears
Boemo:howhaveyoubeenli
ving?(Idi
dn'
trespond)
i
t'
sokiunder
standthati
t'
shar
df oryoubutim her
e
f
oryoumyboy
Bosa:
(si
ghed)ihavebeenabusedmostofmyl
if
e
Boemo:how?
Bosa:
physi
cal
lyandemot
ional
ly
Boemo:byVi
ctor
ia?
Bosa:
yes
Boemo:whydi
dn'
tyoucal
lforhel
p?
Bosa:sheblindedmewit
hmat er
ialt
hings.Olebi
le
tr
iedallhecouldbutmebeingachil
dithoughtit
wasloveandshewast eachingmeresponsibil
ty
Boemo:soyouthi
nkbeati
ngupori
nsul
ti
ngachi
ld
i
steachi
ngthem r
esponsi
bil
it
y?
Bosa:
someti
mesyouhavet
obest
ernf
orachi
ldt
o
l
ist
entoyou
Boemo:nothat'
snothowitis.Onceyoubecome
ster
nonachildtheydoworsethingsthanwhat
theydi
dbef
ore.Haveyouevert houghtoft
aki
ng
yourownl
if
e?
Bosa:
plent
yoft
imes
Boemo:whatst
oppedyou?
Bosa:
Olebi
le
Boemo:canyouseet
hatbesi
dest
heangert
hathas
consumedyouli
esagoodchi
ldwhol
ist
ens?Let
's
tal
kaboutdad
Bosa:
whatabouthi
m?
Boemo:doyour
eal
l
yhat
ehi
m?
Bosa:
idon'
tknow
Boemo:i
fheaskedtositdownandt
alkt
oyou
woul
dyougivehim anear?
Bosa:
yesbuti
m sti
llscept
icalabouti
t.Whati
fhe
i
nfl
uencesmethebadway?
Boemo:neverjudgeabookbyi tscover.Iwasyour
father
'sat
tor
neyandt her
ewassomet hi
ngfishy
abouthiscasebutthewallscl
osedinhar donhim
that'
swhyhel ost
Bosa:
whati
fhe'
sjustput
ti
ngupaf
ace?
Boemo:i
m notGodbuticantel
lwhenoneisa
genui
nehumanbeing.Yourf
atheri
soneofthose
peopl
ethatcanneverhur
taf
ly
Bosa:
(si
ghed)iwi
llhavet
othi
nkabouti
t
Boemo:t
hat
'sal
lineedf
rom you.
Bosa:
thankyou
Boemo:f
or?
Bosa:
ihaveneverbeent
hisopent
oanyone
Boemo:i
tseasi
ert
otal
ktoast
rangert
han
someoneyouknow
Bosa:
indeed
Boemo:wannadodi
nnersoon?Justt
het
woofus
Bosa:
youar
eacoolper
sonandidon'
tseewhynot
Boemo: goodiwi
llhi
tyouuphey
Bosa:
eemma
Boemo:
Bosa:

Ismi
ledput
ti
ngmyphonedown.Icoul
dn'
tbel
ieve
thatj
ustl
iket
hatt hi
swomanmanagedt omakeme
openupliket
hat.Ifel
talotl
ight
erandputonmy
fl
opsjoi
ningeveryonedownstair
s.

Att
heKwena'
s.
..

Theyalll
aughedasAt amel angcrackedajoke.
Robertsi
tti
ngnexttohissonwhi l
eBontsisatnext
toherhusbandwhi l
eAt amelangandSaschasat
opposit
eoneanot herandtheMonewa' ssitt
ingnext
oneanother.Pat
lostoodupandcl i
ckedhisglass
astheystoppedlaughinglookingathim..
.

Pat
lo:t
hankyoual
lforhonour
ingt
helatelunch
i
nvit
e.Iknowyouar
ebusypeoplebutim happyyou
came
Rober
t:afreehomecookedmealiwoul
dneversay
no(t
heylaughed)
Patl
o:honeyiguessweshoul
dinvi
tehi
m mor
e
oft
en
Rober
t:pl
easesayyesMr
sKwena(
theyl
aughed)
Bont
si:yesRober
tyoh
Patlo:ijustwantedtotaket histi
met othankmy
wifef orthewomanshehasbeent hepastf ewdays.
Thiswomani safi
ghterandiwi shever ymar r
ied
womanwoul dbelikeher.Iftabl
eswer eturnedi
woul dhavef oughtsohar dforhert oo.Mr sKwena
nevergaveuponmeandr emindedmet hatt
his
bandi snotjustabandbutabandt hatsymbol izes
unit
y, loveandlegacy.Withoutthisbandwear e
nothingi t
sokt onotbemar ri
edyesbutwhenyou
aremar ri
edmakesur eyouar emarr i
edtor i
ght
womanorman.At amygi rlihopeyouhavel ear nta
l
otfr om yourmom
At
amel
ang:(
looki
ngatSascha)yesdadihave
Patl
o:good.MrsKwenat hankyoufordoingwhat
youhavedone.Iloveandvalueourunional otnow.
MrMonewapl ease,pl
easeneverinyourlif
eput
yourwif
ethroughwhatiputmywi fethrough
Pesal
ema:don'
twor
ryyouguyshavet
aughtusa
l
esson
Patl
o:andtoyouMrDut cheihopeyoutreatt
he
womanyouf i
ndr
ightbecausehonest
lyspeaki
ng
wearenothingwi
thoutthesepeopl
e.Theyareour
ever
ythi
ng
Robert:aheadi snotaheadwi
thoutaneckanda
backbonemyf athert
aughtmethatyoushoul
d
tr
eatyourwi f
easyourneckandbackbonebecause
withoutthosethehumanbodyhasnouse
Pat
lo:t
ruet
hat
.Cheer
sever
yone
Al
l:cheer
s
Pat
lo:bef
orewegetal lmerr
yijustwanttosayt
hat,
aweekaftermywife'sbeautyparl
ourl
aunchisour
20t
hanniversar
ycelebrat
ionsoexpectthemost
Rober
t:ohwowt
hat
'samazi
ngcheer
sguys
Pat
lo:andyoubet
terhaveapar
tnert
hen

Theyalll
aughedcli
cki
ngt
hei
rgl
assesand
cont
inuedtoeat.
..
At
amel
ang:canwepl
easebeexcused?
Bont
si:nopr
obl
em l
ove

SheandSaschatookt
heirf
oodandheadedout
side
astheel
der
slookedatt
hem...

Kel
ell
o:t
heygr
owupf
astdon'
tthey
Patl
o:i
ndeedican'tbel
ievei
m havi
ngf
oodwi
thmy
daught
er'
sboyfr
iend

Theyal
llaughedanddugi
nchat
ti
ngoutl
oud.

BackatVi
ctor
ia'
shouse.
..

Shescoff
edtoBoi
tshepo'
scarandTemo'scarin
heryar
dandheadedtothehouse.Shefound
ever
yoneint
heli
vingroom chat
ti
ngandlaughi
ng..
.
Vi
ctor
ia:sot
hisisyourpl
anneh?Togetr
idof
Vi
ctor
iaDint
siandtakeoverherpl
ace
Or
efe:pl
easecal
m down
Vi
ctor
ia:pl
easegetoutofmyhouse.Howdareyou
cr
ampmyspacel ikethi
s?Leaveyouwit
ches!
Boi
tshepo:uhu
Vi
ctor
ia:youbet
tershutup
Bosa:
(wenti
nthehouse)hiaunt
y
Vi
ctor
ia:(
swal
lowed)whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?
Bosa:
ili
veher
e
Vi
ctor
ia:youar
esupposedt
obei
njai
l
Bosa:
andyouar
esupposedt
obedead
Vi
ctor
ia:(
scof
fed)youhonest
lyar
etr
yingme
Bosa:t
hosedaysareoveraunty.Daysofyou
abusi
ngme?Donedownt hedraini
m nevergoi
ngt
o
all
owyoutoputahandonmeagai nandim goi
ng
tomakesureyoupayforevryt
hingyoudidtome
Vi
ctor
ia:(
swal
lowed)youknowwhat
,getoutofmy
house.Al
lofyou,
out
!
Ol
ebi
le:(
stoodup)t
heyal
lhavet
her
ightt
obeher
e

Vi
ctor
iaf
rownedl
ooki
ngatOl
ebi
lef
rom downup.
..

Olebi
le:yesicantal
kandim ver
ymuchable.I
t'
s
overforyoudearestmot
her.Youhavemadeour
l
ivesmi ser
ablebuti
tal
lendstoday
Vi
ctor
ia:youal
lar
epl
ayi
ngwi
thf
ir
e
Or
efe:i
t'
snevert
ool
atet
otur
nanewl
eafmychi
ld
Vi
ctori
a:ohsot
heymanagedt
omani
pul
ateyout
o
t
heirsi
denow?
Or
efe:youneedt
ost
artpr
ayi
ngmydaught
er
Vi
ctor
ia:youknowwhat
,ihavenot
imef
ort
his
Or
efe:youhavebeencur
sedf
rom bi
rt
h
Vi
ctor
ia:(
tur
ned)excuseme?
Oref
e:(swall
owed)iwasr
apedbyamarr
iedman
andhiswifecur
sedyouwhil
eyouwer
estil
linmy
womb
Vi
ctor
ia:what
!?
Oref
e:yes.Wet r
iedt
obreakt
hecur sebuti
nstead
ofbreaki
ngitwehadyoursoulbindedeven
st
ronger(Vi
ctori
aswall
owedbreathi
ngheavil
y)
NgakaDiphala
Vi
ctor
ia:don'
tyoudar
e
Orefe:hi
sf atherwastheonetakingcareof
everythi
ngiguesshesomewhatwor kedwitht
he
womanwhocur sedyouandt heybindedyou.You
arebeingusedbyt hedar
knessmychi l
dandallyou
needispr ayerthat
'swhyi.
..
(Vict
ori
ast ormedup
stai
rs)Vic..
.

Sheslammedherbedr
oom doorwhi
leOr
efebur
st
i
ntotear
s..
.

Or
efe:ohdearLor
dwhathaveidone
Boit
shepo:don'tworr
ymom ithadtohappen.
Eveythi
ngwillf
alli
ntopl
aceastimegoes
Or
efe:mydaught
erpr
obabl
yhat
esme
Temo:it
'sonl
yforashortwhi
lemom.I fyoudidn'
t
wanthershewouldn'
tbeheretodaysodon'tworr
y
shewil
lcomearound

Or
efecr
iedheremot
ionsoutasweal
lhuggedher
.

Att
hePol
icest
ati
on.
..

Kabindafixedhispantsmaki
nghiswayintothe
i
nterrogat
ionroom wherehefoundDi
phalaseated
wit
hst rai
ghtfaceon..
.

Kabi
nda:busydaybutwear
efi
nal
lyher
e
Diphal
a:youbet
terr
eleasemei
fyouknowwhat
's
goodforyou
Kabi
nda:ihavesurvi
vedt
hreat
sandbombsmy
mansoim notgoingtobeshakenbyamanwho
hasnot
hingtohisnamebutjai
lti
mewait
ingf
orhi
m.
Di
dyour eall
ythinkyouwer egoingtogetawaywi t
h
whatyouhavedonet oallt
helivesoutther
e?You
messedwi t
hthet hewrongf amilymyguynowt o
morepressingmat t
ers.Didyousendt hosepeopl
e
t
otakeLameDi ntsi
?
Di
phal
a:idon'
tknowwhatyouar
etal
kingabout
Kabinda:honest
lyspeakingifiwereyouiwould
j
ustcomecl eanbecauset hewall
sarealready
ti
ghtl
yclosedagainstyou.One,youcall
edt he
peopleyousentandguesswhoanswer ed,the
motherofthedaughteryout r
iedtoabduct
Di
phal
a:ihaveneverabduct
edanyone
Kabinda:soyoust
il
lwantt
omaket
hingsdi
ff
icul
t
foryoursel
f?
Di
phal
a:inevercal
ledanyone
Kabinda:youknowwhati m notgoingtowastemy
ti
mewi thyou.Seeyoui ncour tmymanit hought
maybeyouwoul dcomecl ean.Onet hi
ngaboutthe
l
awi sthatwhenyoucomecl eanandacceptyour
faul
tthecourttendst obelenientwit
hyoubuthey
yourwayweshal lhaveitt
hen
Hesai
dpushinghischai
routandst
oodupt
oleave
asDi
phal
aclearedhi
sthroat
..
.

Di
phal
a:okf
ine
Kabi
nda:(
tur
ned)f
ine?
Di
phal
a:iwil
ltel
lthewholetr
uthbutyoushoul
d
pr
omisetogetmeal i
ghtersent
ence
Kabi
nda:mostdef
ini
tel
y
Di
phala:(
swall
owed)isentt
hosepeopl
etot
aket
he
gi
rlbutiwashel
pingVict
ori
aDint
si
Kabi
nda:why?
Diphal
a:shewant
edt
osacr
if
icet
hechi
ldt
obe
powerfulagai
n
Kabi
nda:isthi
stheonlychi
ldorper
sonyouhave
sacr
if
icedortr
iedtosacr
ifi
cebef
ore?
Di
phal
a:(
swal
lowed)no
Kabi
nda:oh?
Diphal
a:hersist
erBoi
ngotloDint
siwasalsoa
sacri
fi
ceshepoisonedherigavehertheherbtodo
i
tandhersonandBoi tshepoDintsi
'
ssonarealso
l
ivingsacr
if
icesaswellasPatloKwenabutallt
he
curseshavebeenbrokenthetimemyhutburnt
down.Lamewasouronl ychancetoget
ti
ngbackon
topagain
Kabi
nda:i
sthatal
l?
Di
phal
a:yessi
r
Kabi
nda:t
hankyou
Di
phal
a:soyouwi
llkeept
heendofyourdealr
ight
?
Kabi
nda:mostdef
ini
tel
y

Hesmil
edleavi
ngandasheclosedthedoorbehi
nd
hi
m hescoff
edgoi
ngtother
ecepti
on..
.

Kabinda:iwouldbeaf oolt
otryandgetyoua
l
ightersentence.I
t'
speoplel
ikeyout
hatmakeour
l
ivesmi ser
able
Hecli
ckedhi
stongueandorderdtheoff
icer
sto
t
akeDiphal
atohiscel
ltowaitbei
ngtakentopr
ison
whi
leheheadedtotheheadquart
erscal
li
ngBoemo.

I
nCl
ubVenus.
..

I
twaspackedwi
thallbi
gspendersaseveryone
wai
tedt
omeetthenewf aceoft
heclub.
..

SK:(tookt hemi c)gooddayladiesandgent l

emeni
beli
evet here'snoneedf ormet oi ntr
oducemysel f
becauseyoual lknowme.( Smiled)im gladtosee
ouroldf acesbackandicanpr omi seyout oday
markst hebegi nni ngofgr
eatthingsf orthisclub.
ClubVenuswi l
lbewhatweal lknowi tfor.Your
needswi llallbemetandicanassur eyoueachone
ofyouwi l
lleaveher esati
sfi
edandpl easeyoual l
gottobepat ientbecauseeachoneofyouwi l
lhave
aproperoneononewi thournewqueen.Sowi t
hout
wast
ingmoreti
mepleasehel
pmewel comethe
newfaceofCl
ubVenusCapetown.Cl
eopat
ra

Theyal
lclappedasthedjpl
ayedasong.Looki
ng
l
ikeagoddessDaisymadeherwaydownwi th4
mencarryi
ngher..
.

Man:wow.Nowidon'
tregr
etcomi
ngbackher
e
Man:iknowr
ight

Shesmil
edasthemensafel
yputherdownasSK
smil
edgi
vinghert
heMic.
..

Dai
sy:(
smiled)goodeveningladiesandgent lemen
(
theywhist
ledasshesmi ledmor e)thankyouso
much.I
m yournewqueenCl eopatraandim goi ng
t
omakesur ethatyouallhaveawonder f
ulti
me.As
t
hebosssaiditeachoneofyouwi llhaveapr ivat
e
momentwithmeandipr omiseyouwear eallgoing
t
ohaveagoodt ime.Thankyou
Man:im put
ti
ng40Kfor
war
dtobethef
ir
stt
ohavea
pr
ivat
emomentwi t
hyoumylady
Dai
sy:(
smi
led)ohwow
Man:nomanhowabout60K
Sk:60Kforbei
ngt
hef
ir
stonet
obewi
thCl
eopat
ra,
once,t
wice
Man:100K(
Dai
sysmi
led)
SK:ohwow.100Konce,
twi
ce.100Kt
obet
hef
ir
st
wit
hourqueen

Themenwhi stl
edast hemansmi ledatherand
tookherhandast heymadet heirwaytothesecret
room.Theothermenmadeaquet oputontheir
paymentswhiletheladiesputthei
rpayment son
thei
rregul
armen.Sk, LehumoandLehumo' s
mothercli
ckedtheirgl
asses..
.

Woman:her
e'st
oagoodl
if
emysonsandmaki
ng
mor
emoney
Theysmi
ledandt
ooksi
psf
rom t
hei
rdr
inks.

Att
heMai
ket
so'
s.
..

Boemoopenedf
orJuneast
heyheadedt
othe
back.
..

June:bat
hongwhyt
hebackl
ove?
Boemo:ineedt
oshowyousomet
hingmyl
ove
June:ohok.Bequi
ckbecauseineedt
ogosee
Vict
ori
a
Boemo:ohoknopr
obl
em t
hen

Shesmi l
edunl
ocki
ngasJune'
shear
tski
ppeda
beatseei
ngStone.
..

June:St
one?Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?
Boemo:(
closedt
hedoor
)ahappyr
euni
on?
June:wai
twhat
'sgoi
ngonher
e?
Boemo:letmer ei
ntr
oducemyselfproperl
ymydear .
Mynamei sBoemoMai ket
so.I
'm Reatl
egi
le
Maiket
so'ssist
erwhohappenst obeTemoDi nt
si'
s
fi
ancee.ThesameTemoDi nt
siwhoi sabrotherto
Vict
ori
aDintsiandim notasoft
waredeveloperima
l
awyer
June:wai
twhat
!?
Boemo:mybesti
eher
etoldmeever
ythi
ngabout
youandyourf
ri
endmylove
June:youconni
vingwi
tch!

Shesaidtryi
ngt ohi
tBoemoasshebl ockedthe
punchandhi therasshecol
lapsedandcall
ed
Kabinda.

AtVi
ctor
ia'
shouse.
..
Kabindagotof
fthephonewithBoemoandcal
led
Boit
shepowhoopenedf orhi
m.Theydr
oveinand
headedtothehouse.
..

Bosa:
thepol
ice?
Kabi
nda:goodeveni
ngl
adi
esandgent
lemen
Al
l:goodeveni
ngsi
r
Kabi
nda:mayipl
easesee.
..

Befor
ehecoul
dfi
nishVi
ctor
iast
ormedoutofher
room..
.

Vi
ctor
ia:i
t'
sal
lyourf
aul
tOr
e..
.what
'sgoi
ngonher
e?
Kabinda:MsVictor
iaDint
siyouhavebeenar
rest
ed
forsteal
ingBosaDint
siandfal
sel
yadopti
nghim
Vi
ctor
ia:what
!?
Kabi
nda:abuse,
themurderofyoursi
sterBoi
ngot
lo
andal
sobeinganaccomplicei
nLameDi ntsi
'
s
at
tempt
edabduct
ion
Vict
ori
a:thi
smustbeami
stakeyoucan'
tdot
hat
.I
neverki
ll
edanyone
Kabinda:anythi
ngyoudoorsaywi l
lbeused
againstyouinthecourtofl
aw.Youhavetherightt
o
alawyerbutifyoucan'taff
ordonet
hestateshall
provideyouwi t
h.Handcuffher

Ashesai
danotherpoli
cevandroveint
heyar
das
t
wofemalepol
iceoff
icerscamein.
..

Of
fi
cer
:ohsi
r
Kabi
nda:whatar
eyouguysdoi
ngher
e?
Of
fi
cer
:whoi
sBoi
tshepoDi
ntsi
?
Boi
tshepo:i
t'
sme
Of
fi
cer:ma'am youhavebeenarr
estedf
ort
he
murderofNgakaMar umoinBokaa
Al
l:what
!?(
Vict
ori
asmi
led)
Of
fi
cer
:youhavet
her
ightt
oal
awyerandanyt
hing.
..
Kabi
nda:wai
twher
edoyougett
hatandwher
e'st
he
warr
ant?
Off
icer
:ri
ghther
esi
r.Mi
sswil
lyouwi
ll
ingl
ycome
orshoul
dweusehandcuf
fs?
Boi
tshepo:iwi
llwi
ll
ingl
ycome.Ol
ebi
lecal
lBoemo
shewil
lknowwhattodo
Ol
ebi
le:i
m oni
t

Hecalledwhil
eweal lsi
lent
lylookedonasthe
Dint
sisist
ersgotescort
edt opoli
cevans.They
l
ookedatoneanot herasVictori
asmiledand
winkedatBoit
shepoget t
inginhervanwhile
Boit
sheposcoffedgetti
nginhersastheydrove
out.
..

Temo:whatj
usthappened?
Or
efe:Lor
dwhathaveidonet
oyou(
shecol
lapsed)
Reat
legi
le:guys!
Weallpani
ckedtr
yingtohelpherwakeupwhi
le
uncl
eTemocalledformedicalr
escue.

ANHOURLATER

Att
hest
ati
on.
..

Theoff
icersi
ghedl
ooki
ngatBoi
tshepowhosi
lent
ly
l
ookedather.
..

Of
fi
cer
:im notgoi
ngt
oaskyouagai
n
Boemo:yesbecauseyouar
egoi
ngt
orel
easeher
Of
fi
cer
:andyouar
e?
Boemo:herat
tor
ney.Pl
easeopenup(shedi
d)take
of
fthosehandcuff
sbecauseshe'
scominghome
wit
hme
Of
fi
cer
:it
houghtyouknewt
hel
aw
Boemo:(t
ookoutasheet)her
e'sproofthatNgaka
Marumodiedfr
om acardiacar
restthathappened
nat
ural
yandnotenhacedbyanythingunusual.
Of
fi
cer
:soyouexpectmet
obel
ievet
hiscr
ap?
Boemo:iknewyouweregoingtogivemear
un
ar
ound.Malomepleasecomethrough

Amanmadehi
swayi
nast
heof
fi
cerf
rowned.
..

Of
fi
cer
:who'
sthi
s?
Boemo:t
hisi
sNgakaMarumo'suncl
ehe'
sher
eto
conf
ir
mthoseaut
opsyr
esult
s
Man:yesma'am mysondiedanat
uraldeathi
t'
s
j
ustunfor
tunat
ethatt
hiswomanwast her
e
Offi
cer
:(swal
lowedl
ooki
ngatBoi
tshepo)youar
ea
fr
eewomanMsDi nt
si
Boi
tshepo:t
hankyou
Shesmil
edastheyt
ookof
fthehandcuf
fsandt
hey
madethei
rwayout.

Backi
nCl
ubVenus.
..

Daisypushedt
hemanof
fherandheadedt
othe
dooropeningi
t.
..

Dai
sy:getoutyout
hinki
m her
etosel
lmybody!
?
Man:buti
Lehumo:what'
sgoi
ngonher
e?Al
otofpeopl
ear
e
wait
ingoutt
here
Dai
sy:canyoubel
ievet
hisman,hewant
stosl
eep
wit
hmebecausehepaidalotofmoneytodoso
Lehumo:he'
sri
ght
Dai
sy:what
!?
Lehumo:st
opbeingaspoil
tbit
chandgett
owork.
Thisi
snotyourmother
'shouse.Ti
meismoneya
l
otoft
hem ar
ewai
ti
ngyouar
ewor
kingover
ti
me
t
oday
Dai
sy:ar
eoutofyourmi
nd?
Lehumo:rememberwheniaskedyout
oreadyou
contr
act
?
Dai
sy:wai
twhat
!?
Lehumo:Cl
eopat
rast
opwast
ingt
imeandgett
o
work

Hesai
dpushi
ngheri
nsi
deandl
ockedt
hedoor
l
eavi
ng.
..

Dai
sy:youbet
ternott
ouchme
Man:youthi
nkim her
etopl
aygameswi
thyou?
Comeherebit
ch!

Hesaidgrabbi
ngherandthr
ewheronthebedas
Dai
sycri
edscreaming.Downst
air
sLehumo'
s
motherl
ookedupasLehumocamedown. .
.
Woman:ever
ythi
ngokupt
her
e?
Lehumo:she'
sjustbei
ngaspoil
tbi
tchdon'
tworry
shewil
lbeok.Let'
sfocusonenj
oyi
ngournightwe
arest
andingon750Katthemoment

Theysmi
ledgoi
ngt
oSK'
sof
fi
ce.

1MONTHLATER
.
.
.
.
.
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
CAGED
34
Atar
est
aur
ant
..
.

Ibur
sti
ntoaloudlaughasBai
sagoshowedmea
phot
oofhimselfwhenhewasababy..
.

Bosa:sooutofal
lthephot
osyouthoughtitwasok
foryoutoshowmeaphot oofyour
selfnakeddad?
Bai
sago:comeonsoniwasababysoi
tmeant
not
hing
Bosa:
iwouldhat
etheper
sonwhosawi
tfi
ttot
ake
aphotoofmenaked
Bai
sago:(
smi
led)youknowyouhaveyourmot
her
's
l
augh
Bosa:
peopl
esayi
t'
stheugl
iestl
aughever
Baisago:i
tcomesf
rom wi
thi
nanhonestl
aughhas
tobeugly
Bosa:(
sighed)andihaveneverl
aughedli
ket
hisin
thel
ongestti
me.Thepastmont hhasbeenarol
ler
coast
erf
ormebutim grat
efult
ohaveyou,
aunt
y
Boemoandever
yoneelseinmyl i
fe
Bai
sago:andimeanti
twhenisai
dim goi
ngt
o
makeyoufeell
ikeasmal
lbaby
Bosa:
ahdadanol
dmanl
ikeme
Bai
sago:wel
lI'
m onl
ystart
ingt
ohavear
elat
ionshi
p
wit
hyounowsodon' tbl
ameme
Bosa:
im sor
ryf
ort
hewayit
reat
edyoubef
ore
Bai
sago:i
t'
sokiunder
stoodwhyyour
eact
edt
he
wayyoudidmyboy
Bosa:
thatwi
tchbl
indedme
Baisago:youwereachil
dandnaive.Boemotel
ls
met hatyoutol
dherthati
twasbecauseofthe
thi
ngsshegotyouthatmadeyout hinkt
hatwas
l
ove
Bosa:yesandspeaki
ngofauntyBoemoimt i
redof
call
ingheraunt
ydadcanyoujustmarryhersothat
icancallhermom (
smil
ed)pl
usshe'scool
Baisago:coolbecauseshel
etsyougetawaywi
th
thi
ngs( t
heylaughed)
Bosa:ahcomedadwhat'sl
if
ewi
thoutabi
tof
naughti
ness(
theyl
aughed)
Baisago:youdon'tj
ustwakeupandmar ryaperson
myson.Il oveherandiwil
ldotherightt
hingal
lin
goodt i
memyboybutyoucancal lhermom
Bosa:
whati
fyouguysdon'
tgetmar
ri
ed
Bai
sago:shewi
llal
waysbeyourmom
Bosa:andthenyoufi
ndawomanagainthenshe
st
artsresent
ingaunt
yBoemobecauseical
lher
mom
Bai
sago:damnnowibel ieveyouareagr ownass
boy(t
heylaughed)youcanr easonhey.Wellil
ove
Boemomysonandi m goingtomarryher
Bosa:i
fyousaysotheniwi
llcal
lhermom.Howf
ar
wit
hthehousesal
e?
Baisago:Boemoandiar egoi
ngshoppi
ngforsome
fur
nitur
elaterguessever
ythi
ngwi
llbesetsoon
Bosa:
goodbecausei
m dyingtostaywi
thyouthi
s
thi
ngofseei
ngyouatrest
aurant
soryouvisi
ti
ngfor
afewhoursi
snotenough
Baisago:r
ememberwealsohavet
owai
tfort
he
adoptiont
obedi
ssolved
Bosa:
oht
hent
her
e'st
hat
.Ohwel
l
Bai
sago:andyourr
esul
ts?
Bosa: (
sighed)whydidyouhavetor
emindmepapa
therearerumoursthatt
heymightberel
easedt
oday
after
noon
Bai
sago:wel
lthenallt
hebest.Howdi
dyoudo
whenyouwerestil
lastudent
?
Bosa:
inevergotanyt
hingl
esst
han40poi
nts
Bai
sago:i
fyoucomewit
h45poi
ntsorabovei
m
goi
ngtobuyyouacar
Bosa:
(wi
denedmyeyes)ar
eyoubei
ngf
orr
ealnow?
Bai
sago:yessonwhydidyouthi
nkiadvi
cedyout
o
gowri
tethetheor
ytestl
astweek
Bosa:
(smi
led)t
hatwoul
dbeamazi
ngdadt
hank
yousomuch

Igotupandhuggedhi
m.Wast
hathowi
tfel
thavi
ng
apar ent
?Thepastmonthhasnotbeent hateasy
butthatmomentiwasgr atefulforwhatwas
buil
dingbetweenmyfatherandi .Isawmyselfin
hi
m ever yt
imewespenttimet ogether
.Thatvoidof
nothavingaparentwasslowl ybei ngf
il
led.Ali
tt
le
str
ictatti
mesbutitwasnot hingl i
kemyaunthe
al
waysr epri
mandedmewi thl oveandgaveme
advicesofhowtogoaboutl if
e.

I
nPr
ison.
..

Vict
ori
ajumpedof
fherbunkandcli
ckedhertongue
paci
ngaroundasJunesi
ghedlooki
ngather.
..

Vict
ori
a:Vi
ctor
iaDi
ntsi
,behi
ndbar
s?(Scof
fed)
somethi
ngiswrongthi
scan'
tberi
ghtsomethi
ng
hastobedone
June:comeonVict
ori
ait
'sbeenamont
hnowyou
shouldbeusedt
othis
Vi
ctor
ia:t
hisi
sal
lyourf
aul
t
June:excuseme?
Vi
ctori
a:yesi
fyoudidn'
tbri
ngthatBoemowi t
chin
mylif
ewewoul dn'
tbeheretodayi
tsallyourf
aul
t
June:ohsoit ookyourhear tandmadeitdarkneh?
Imadeyouhat eyourfamilyandnotwantanyt hi
ng
goodforthem?Don' tyoudar ecomeatmel ikethat
Vict
ori
a.Thevi ct
im hereisme, yout
urnedmei nto
someonei m notnowi m goingtobeapr i
soner
becauseofsomet hingicouldhaveavoided
Victor
ia:asl
ongasim st
il
lbr
eat
hingwear
enot
goingtobeprisoner
s
June:youspeakasifyouhaven'
tseenyourcharge
sheet.Ther
e'snohowyouaregoingtomakei tout
ofhereanyti
mesoon.Boemohasever yt
hing
againstyou
Vict
ori
a:mynamei sVi
ctor
iaDint
sitheymightt
hink
theyhaveputmedownnow( chuckl
ed)butthey
haven'
tseenanyt
hingt
hebestisyettocome
June:iwoul
dgi
veupi
fiwer
eyou
Vi
ctor
ia:never
,iwantDi
phal
adead.Wi
thouthi
m
somechar
geswi
llbedropped.Ineverthoughthe
woul
dbesuchafoolt
ot ur
nstatewitness
June:evenbehi
ndbar
syoust
il
lwantt
oki
ll
?
Vi
ctor
ia:i
t'
ssur
vivaloft
hefi
tt
estonear
thmygi
rl
wakeupandsmel lt
hecoff
ee
June:howar
eyougoi
ngt
odoi
twhi
lehe'
sinamal
e
pri
son?
Vi
ctor
ia:everyonehast hei
rownprice.Notal
lof
t
heseguar dsareloyaloneofthem shoul
dagree
wit
hme
June:goodluckwit
hput t
ingthel
astnai
lonyour
coff
inyoursel
f.I
m nevergett
ingi
nvol
vedinyour
shenani
gans
Vict
ori
a:sui
tyour
selfl
alaoncei
m outofher
edon'
t
comebeggingmef orhel
p

Junesi
ghedshaki
ngherheadwhi
leVi
ctor
iasat
downthi
nki
ng.
I
nCl
ubVenus.
..

Amantuckinhi
sshir
tsmil
ingcomi
ngoutof
Dai
sy'
sapart
mentpassi
ngLehumowhowasonhi
s
wayupwit
hacupofcoffeeinhi
shand.
..

Lehumo:ihopeyouhadagoodt
imesi
r
Man:l
ikeal
waysil
eftabet
tert
ipt
oday.Shewas
amazi
ng

Lehumosmi l
edathim andopenedthedoorgoing
toDaisy'
sbedroom wherehefoundhercr
ying
sit
ti
ngonherbed...

Lehumo:queensdon' tcr
y.(Countedt hemoney)
wowhewasr i
ght(tookasip)youar edoinggood
mygirliknewfrom thesecondilaidmyeyeson
youthatyouwer emyanswer edpr ayers
Dai
sy:whyar
eyoudoi
ngt
hist
ome?Iwantt
ogo
home
Lehumo:nof r
om herewear egoingtoagenet al
ia
speci
ali
stweneedt omakesur ethatpussyis
al
wayst i
ght
.(Smi l
ed)ishoul
dsayt hemenir avi
ng
aboutyouCleo,iguessit
'saBatswanathingyou
aregoodinbed
Dai
sy:youar
esoevi
l
Lehumo:noi m givi
ngyoual i
feyouhaveneverhad
(countedthelastnote)7Kandthedayjustst
art
ed.I
haveal sobookedyouabot oxappoi
ntmemtnoone
wantst ohaveagoodt i
mewithsomeonewhohasa
l
ongf acelikeyou
Dai
sy:iwantmymot
her
Lehumo:ohshe'
satt
hehouse
Dai
sy:isai
diwantmymot
hernott
hatevi
lwoman,
i
wanttogobackhome
Lehumo:(si
ghed)unf
ortunatel
ythat
'si
mpossible
mygirl
.YouareaSout hAfri
canandmyl i
tt
lesist
er
whoknowsyoui nBotswana?
Dai
sy:(
conf
used)excuseme?
Lehumo:(showedherherI
D)t
adaaCl
eopat
ra
Motaung
Dai
sy:howcoul
dyou!
?
Lehumo:youwant
edi
t
Dai
sy:areyounuts?Howdoyougoanddo
somethi
ngliket
hat?Areyouevenabankowner
?
Lehumo:ofwhatbank?I m Cl
ubVenusowner .Stop
bei
ngabr atandgetintheshoweryournextcli
ent
wil
lbeherein20mi nut
es
Dai
sy:okpleaselet
'stalkaboutt
his.I
fyourel
ease
meiwillnotsayanythingaboutwhat'
shappening
her
e
Lehumo:( l
aughed)ni
cetry.Geti
ntheshoweri
m
goingtobookyouanappoi ntmentwi
thagenet
ali
a
special
ist
.Beagoodgi r
l

Heputat housandr
andonhert
abl
eandl
eftl
ocki
ng
thedoorasDaisyswal
lowedwi
tht
ear
sbui
ldi
ngin
hereyes.
..
Daisy:mamawher
ear
eyou.Ineedyouwhyar
eyou
notlooki
ngf
orme?

Shebur
sti
ntot
ear
sgoi
ngi
ntot
hebat
hroom.

Att
hehospi
tal
..
.

Boit
shepo,
Temo,UncleLedi
baandhi
swi
fesati
n
thedoct
or'
sroom wai
ti
ngforher
..
.

Ledi
ba:ihonest
lyhopei
t'
sgoodnews
Temo:met
oouncl
eLedi
bai
t'
sbeenwayt
ool
ong
now
Ledi
ba:Boi
?(Shekeptqui
et)Boi
tshepo?
Boi
tshepo:mal
ome
Ledi
ba:ar
eyouok?
Boi
tshepo:(
sighed)myspi
ri
tisheavy
Temo:whatar
eyout
hinki
ng?
Boi
tshepo:i
m dr
owni
ngi
nconf
usi
onnot
hingi
s
makingsense
Ledi
ba:don'
twor
rymychi
ldal
lwi
llbef
ine
Boi
tshepo:it
hinki
t'
sti
met
o..
.

Asshesai
dthedoct
oropenedt
hedoorandsi
ghed.
..

Dr:goodmorni
ngimreal
lysor
ryf
ort
hat
,itwasan
emergencysoihadt
oatt
endtoit
Temo:i
t'
sokdoct
orweunder
stand.I
sever
ythi
ng
ok?
Dr
:(sighed)ical
ledyoual
lbackher
ebecausei
wantedust ohaveaconver
sati
on
Temo:ok?
Dr:it
'sbeenamont hnowandt her
ehasbeenno
changewi thyourmother.She'
snotshowingany
signsofwakingupandnowij ustgotr
esultsf
rom
theneurologi
stthatconf
irmthatshe'
sbraindead
Boi
tshepo:no
Temo:doct
orar
eyoubei
ngser
ious?
Dr:yessi
randwhenapat
ienti
sbrai
ndeadt
here'
s
nohowwear eabl
etohel
pthem.She'
sasgoodas
nomor e
Boi
tshepo:pl
easedon'
tsayt
hataboutmymot
her
Dr:im sorr
yma'am butit
'st
hetrut
h.Herchancesof
survivalar
esosli
ml ooki
ngatthefactt
hatshe'
sa
mat uredwomannowhersyst em i
snotasstrongas
ourssoherbodycan' tr
eall
yfi
ghtback
Temo:(
swal
lowed)sowhatar
eyousayi
ngdoct
or?
Dr:arewegoingt
oputheri
nmachinesfort
herest
ofherli
feorwearegoi
ngtoj
ustf
reeherandlether
rest
?
Boi
tshepo:(
tear
ful
ly)noi
m notgoi
ngt
oki
llmy
mother
Temo:(
tearf
ull
y)i
m aboutt
ogetmar
ri
edmymot
her
hast
obet here
Dr:iunder
standsi
rbutshe'
snevergoi
ngt
oli
veon
herownagai n
Ledi
ba:(
swal
lowed)iunder
standt
hisi
sapai
nful
momentf oryoumychi l
drenbutl
et'stryandlisten
tothedoctor
.Wecan' tl
etmysist
ersuf ferl
ikethis.
Evenifwedon'tswit
chof ft
hemachi nesmysonher
chancesofsurvi
vingareverysl
im sothepossi bil
it
y
ofhernotbeingther
eatyourweddi ngissti
llhigh
Temo:(
smi
led)mal
omeican'
t
Boi
tshepo:ist
il
lneedmymot
hershecan'
tdi
enow
no
Dr:(swal
lowed)pl
easediscussi
tasafamilyt
hen
comebackt omebutdon' tt
aket
oolong(herphone
rang)ineedtogetgoi
ng.Closet
hedooronyour
wayout( shel
eft
)
Boi
tshepo:mal
ome.
..
Ledi
ba:i
t'
sokmybabyi
m her
eok,
mal
omeLedi
ba
i
shere

Theybur
stint
otear
sashehuggedBoit
shepowhi
le
hi
swifehuggedTemocomfor
ti
ngthem.

I
nPr
ison.
..
Vict
ori
acamet hr
ought
hevi
sit
or'
sdoorandsi
ghed
seei
ngLatoya.
..

Vi
ctor
ia:whatdoyouwantf
rom me?
Latoya:Vict
oriaDi
ntsii
t'
sbeenamont hsi
nceisaw
mychi l
dorevenhear dfrom her.Pleaseibegyou
tel
lmewher emychildisorwhatyouhavedonet o
hersot haticanst
opl i
vingi
nt hispain.
Vict
ori
a:youhonest l
yareapestyouknowt hat
?I
tol
dyout hosekidsareinaCapeTown,Daisyhas
evenfoundaj obtherewhati
fVeroni
cafoundaj ob
too?
Latoya:f
indajobwhil
edoi
ngherl
astyearofschool
?
Im notanidi
otVict
ori
awher
eismydaughter
Victor
ia:i
fyouar
enotanidiotyoushoul
dbeina
fl
ighttoCapeTownnotheredistur
bingmypeace
Latoya:iknowwhyyouarear
restedVi
ctor
iaiknow
thethingsyouar
ecapabl
eofdoingsojustt
ellmeif
youkilledmydaught
er
Vict
ori
a:youknowwhatidon'
thavet
imef
ort
his.
Bye(shestoodup)
Latoya:youmightthi
nkyouhavegot tenawaywi th
i
tfornowmydearbutnot hingstayshiddenfor
goodi m goi
ngtofi
ndmydaught eronewayor
anotherandshouldshebehur tyouaregoingto
knowwhoiam.I m goingt omakesur eyoufeelthe
painyouhaveneverf eltbefor
e

Vict
ori
acl
ickedhert
ongueandscof
fedshaki
ngher
headasaguardescort
edherbackt
ohercell
.

I
nCar
terAt
tor
neys.
..

Boit
sheposighedsi
tt
ingbackonherof
fi
cechai
r
aft
erscheduli
ngJooma'smeeti
ngsasaknock
camethroughatthedoor.
..

Boi
tshepo:comei
n
Car
ryingabunchoffl
owersandagif
tbag,
Rober
t
madehiswayinwithasmileonhi
sfacewhil
e
Boi
tsheposof
tlysmi
ledbackathi
m..

Rober
t:heybeaut
if
ul
Boi
tshepo:hi
,pl
easehaveaseat
Rober
t:awwcomeher
e

Boi
tshepobur
sti
ntot
ear
sashet
ight
lyhuggedher
..
.

Robert:it
'sal
lgoi
ngtobeokmyl oveiknowhow
harditisforyour
ightnow.Bei
ngont hever
geof
l
osingal ovedoneisnotaneasythi
ngatallandi
m
real
lysorryyouareinthi
smomentnow
Boitshepo:shewasmybest f
ri
endRobert
.Wedid
everythi
ngt oget
her,
wehavebeensocl osesi
ncei
wasachi ld.Ithur
tsthatnowihavet
obet heone
orderingforhertobekil
led.
Robert
:nononobabeyoudi dnotki
llanyoneok.
Youdon'thavetoblameyoursel
f.I
t'
sjustan
unf
ortunatethi
ngthathadt
ohappent oherbutwe
al
lknowt hatGod'
stimingi
salwaysthebest
Boit
shepo:butwhydoesitfeelli
keit?Maybei
shouldn'
thavepersuedal
lthethingsiper
sued,
my
mom woul dbeali
vebynow
Robert:l
ifehasnof ormulalovewel i
veeachdayas
i
s.Doyouknowt hepeaceyourmom wi l
lbe
knowingt hatallt
hebadomenhasbeenr emoved
fr
om herf amily?Plusiknowaf r
icansbel
ievein
ancestorsandyourmot herwil
lbemuchmor e
powerfulfrom theothersideofli
fethanwhensheis
here
Boi
tshepo:i
m notr
eady
Rober t
:noonei severr eadytol
oseapar entora
l
ovedonemyl ovebutifit'
sGod'swillwecan'tbe
againstit.Iwi
llbeheref oryoueachandever yst
ep
ofthewayok.Al lthemoment syougot hroughiwil
l
bepr esent,whateveryouneedjusttalktome
Boi
tshepo:(
sni
ff
edwi
pinghert
ear
s)t
hankyou.
Haveaseat
Rober
t:ihopeiwon'
tgetyoui
ntot
roubl
e?
Boi
tshepo:notatal
l
.Iwantust
otal
kabout
somethi
ng
Rober
t:ok
Boi
tshepo:iwantt
oacceptmycal
li
ng
Rober
t:ok?
Boi
tshepo:soiwantt
oknowi
fyouhaveany
pr
oblem wit
hit?
Robert:babeit oldyouthatiloveyouand
everyt
hi ngyoupossess.Wear efrom dif
fer
ent
cult
uresandi fourl oveisgoingtobest r
ongwe
havetoacknowl edgeandr espectoneanother'
s
cult
ures.Soidon' thaveanypr oblem wit
hyou
acceptingyourcal l
ingtheonlyproblem iwi
llhavei
s
i
fyoust ar
tusingyourgi ftt
odot hingsyouarenot
supposedt odo
Boi
tshepo:(
chuckl
ed)soyout
hinkicoul
dbea
wit
ch?
Rober
t:(
laughed)youwoul
dbeabeaut
if
ulwi
tch
t
hough(
theyl
aughed)
Boi
tshepo:butmi
neismoreofChri
stianit
yincl
ined
i
t'
snotmuchoft r
adi
ti
onaldoct
orli
ke.Yesiwi l
lbe
usi
ngherbshereandther
ebutnotalltheti
me
Robert
:it
'sapr
ocesswhichi
m wil
li
ngtostandwit
h
youthr
oughandlear
ntoo.Thedi
ffi
cult
iesandt
he
happymomentsiwanttobether
ewi t
hyou
Boi
tshepo:(
smi
led)t
hankyousomuchiappr
eci
ate
you
Robert
:iappr
eci
ateyoumor
e(t
heysmi
ledatone
anot
her)
Boit
shepo:onali
ght
ernot
e,howisSaschadoing,
theresul
tsar
esaidt
oberel
easedtodayaf
ter
noon
Robert:he'
ssonervousevenwheniwasonmyway
herehecalledmeandwasl i
ke"sodadwhati
fi
didn'
tdowel l
"(t
heylaughed)andiwasl
ikecomeon
youneedt orel
axmyboy
Boi
tshepo:mysonandhiscousinarealsoner
vous.
Wai
tingforresul
tsi
sthewor
stthingever
Rober
t:t
ellmeabouti
tbutwhat
evercomesiwi
ll
accepti
ttheyarekidst
heywil
llear
nbutahugepar
t
ofmehopesal lgoeswellf
ort
hem
Boitshepo:howaboutal
it
tl
ecel
ebr
ati
oni
fthei
r
result
scomegood?
Rober
t:icoul
dusesomeunwindi
ngsowhynot
.
Pl
anitandletmeknowwhatyouneed
Boi
tshepo:assoonasil
ear
nhowt
heydi
diwi
llbe
oni
t
Rober
t:awesome(checkedt
heti
me)l
etmeget
goi
ngihavealotofworkbackatt
heof
fi
ce
Boi
tshepo:okl
ovewewi
llt
alkl
ater
Rober
t:(
kissedher
)rememberi
m her
eforyouok
Boi
tshepo:yeah(
laughed)youhavel
ipst
ickonyour
l
ips
Rober
t:(
pout
ed)i
t'
samar
k

Theylaughedashewi pedhi
sli
psleavi
ngwhil
e
Boit
sheposighedsmelli
ngthef
lowersandopened
thegif
tbagsmi l
ing.
I
nPr
ison.
..

Di
phalawhi
stl
edwalki
ngaroundt
hegr
oundbut
st
oppedfr
owningandtur
nedto5menbehi
ndhi
m..
.

Di
phal
a:(
smi
led)get
lemenhowmayibeofhel
p?
Man:t
hemight
yuntouchabl
eDi
phal
awhot
hought
youwoul
dbeheret
oday?
Di
phal
a:si
r?
Man:yout
houghtyouweregoingt
ostayinpower
f
orgood?(
Scoff
ed)that
'snothowtheworl
dworks
myman.Lookatyoupathet
icandpowerl
ess
Diphal
a:it
hinkweshoul
dgosepar
atewayssi
r
becauseidon'
twantanytr
oubl
e
Man:tr
ouble?(Laughedlooki
ngatt
heothers)he
sayshedoesn'twanttr
ouble,l
etmeremi
ndyouof
whoiam.Remembert hewomanyousentt odo
yourdi
rt
ywor kamont hagoandgotherkil
led?I
m
herson,yesitwasnotri
ghtforhert oagreet
owhat
yousenthertodobutyouki l
ledmysi bli
ngsparent
s
Diphalaandyouaregoingtopayf orit
.Ihavebeen
thinki
ngofhowiwoul dgettoyoubecausenowmy
sibli
ngshavenoonelookingafterthem butt
hen
Godcamet hroughformeandher ewear e
Di
phal
a:mxm

Hesaidclicki
nghi stongueandwal kedawayast he
guygrabbedhi m bytheshoulderandturnedhim as
Diphal
aslappedhi m witht
hebackofhi shand.
Seeingtheirmatebeatentheguyswast ednot i
me
andwentonDi phalaashefelldownandt hey
mercil
esslykickedhim asheshoutedf orhel
p..
.

Man:youki
llmymot
herandhavet
hegut
stosl
ap
meli
kethat
?

Hekickedhi
m moreandthenputhi
sshoeonhi s
neckasDiphal
agaggedwithbl
oodalloverhi
s
f
ace.
..

Di
phal
a:ican'
tbr
eat
he
Man:nowyouwi
llknowhowi
tfeel
syouwi
tch!

Hesai dpressingdownhi sf ootmoreonhi sneckas

Diphalagagged.Theot herguybl ockedhisnose
andmout hwhi letheothersheldhislegs.Theone
withthefootonhi sneckpr esseditevenwaydown
asDiphalast oppedmovi ng.Twoguar dscame
runni
ngaf terseeingwhatwashappeni ngasthe
guysr anaway. .
.

Guar
d:(
checkedhi
spul
se)cal
lformedi
calhel
p

Theothert
ookouthisphoneandcal
ledf
ormedi
cal
rescuewhi
leDi
phalalai
dther
ewit
houtmovi
ngan
i
nch.
THATAFTERNOON

AtVi
ctor
ia'
shouse.
..

Boemoparkedhercarandwenti
ntot
hehouse
whereshefoundusplayi
ngavi
deogame.
..

Boemo:boys
Bosa:
ohhicomei
n.Aunt
yBoi
tshepoi
satwor
k
Boemo:(
smi
led)r
ememberiwor
kwi
thher(
we
l
aughed)
Bosa:
pleasehaveaseat
Boemo:t
hanksboy
Let
lot
lo:anyt
hingt
odr
ink?
Boemo:noim goodij
ustcamet
otel
lBosat
hatt
he
casei
sstar
ti
ngt omor
row
Bosa:
(si
ghed)oh
Boemo:yeahi
t'
sgoi
ngt
obeal
ongj
our
neybuti
promi
seyouwewilldoourbestt
omakesur
ethat
youar
efreef
rom t
hatwoman
Bosa:
okiguessi
tiswhati
tis
Boemo:yesmyboy,
wher
eisOl
ebi
le?
Bosa:
he'
satschool
Boemo:ohokt
ellhi
m isai
dhi
.Letmegetbackt
o
work
Bosa:
wewi
ll
.Thankyoumom
Boemo:(
frowned)ok
Bosa:
(smi
led)ihopeyoudon'
tmi
nd
Boemo:noidon'
tit
'sj
ustt
hatidi
dn'
texpecti
t
Bosa:
justaskdadabouti
thewi
llcl
ari
fyi
tforyou
Boemo:(
smi
led)eer
raiwi
ll
.Begoodboys,
bye
Bosa:
bye

Shel
eftwhi
leLet
lot
lo'
sfacet
urnedpal
elooki
ngat
hi
sphone.
..
Bosa:
areyouokdude?
Let
lot
lo:t
her
esul
tsar
eout
Bosa:
(hear
tski
pped)what
!?
Let
lot
lo:i
m ser
iousdude.Look

Heshowedmethepostasiswal
lowedwi
thmy
pal
mssweat
ing.
..

Bosa:
let
'sgetonl
inet
hen

Wequei t
lysatdownasit ookmyphoneandwent
onl
ineputtingi
nallthenecessaryinformati
on.We
bot
hheavedouthugesi ghswaiting.Myhear t
ski
ppedabeatast heyf i
nishedloading.Iswall
owed
l
ookingat5Ast arsand3A' s.Idecidedtokeepmy
cal
ml ookingatLet
lotl
owhokeptaser i
ousfaceon
aswell.
.

Bosa:
and?
Let
lot
lo:2Ast
ars,
4A'
sand2B'
sandyou?
Bosa:
5st
arsand3A'
s

Wesmi
ledl
ooki
ngatoneanot
her
..
.

Bot
h:wemadei
tboy

Welaughedhuggi
ngnotbel
ievi
ngwhatwewer
e
seei
ng.
.
.
.
.
.
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
CAGED
35
Iexci
tedl
ydi
aledThor
isowho'
sphonewasst
il
l
busy.
..

Bosa:
hisphonei
sst
il
lbusy,
so48poi
ntsher
ewe
ar
e
Letl
otl
o:dammitmanist
il
lcan'
tbel
ievei
t.Iwasso
scaredletmecal
lmom (
hedid)
Boi
tshepo:di
dyouheart
her
esul
tsar
eout
?
Let
lot
lo:yesmamaandguesshowyourboydi
d
Boi
tshepo:sur
pri
seme
Let
lot
lo:48poi
ntsmamacanyoubel
ievei
t

Boi
tsheposcreamedexcit
edbehindthephone
whil
eismi l
edlooki
ngatLetl
otl
owho'sfacewasf
ull
ofj
oy.Idial
edmydadashedi dn'
tanswerand
di
aledhim agai
n..
.
Baisago:sor
rysont
hecal
lcutj
ustasiwasaboutt
o
answer
Bosa:pleasetel
lmewear
egoi
ngt
othecar
deal
ershiptomorrow
Bai
sago:(
smi
led)don'
tjokel
iket
hat
Bosa:(
smil
ed)hel
lomyparent
saresmartsot
he
geneswer
eobviousl
ypassedon.Acl
ean48dad
Bai
sago:ohwowcongradul
ationsmyboyandyes
wearegoingt
othecardeal
ershipt
omorr
ow
Bosa:
yes!Thankyoudad
Bai
sago:anyt
hingf
oryoumyboy
Bosa:
bye(
hungup)
Let
lot
lo:cardeal
ershi
p?
Bosa:yepdadsai
difgot45poi
ntsormor
ehe'
s
get
ti
ngmeacar
Let
lot
lo:ohisee.Ni
ce
Bosa:
yeahbuddy
Iexcit
edlygi
ggledtr
yingThori
soagainwhi
le
Letlot
lowenttotheki
tchenandpouredhi
mselfa
glassofwaterabitoff.
..

Thor
iso:myboy!
Bosa:
dudeyourboyi
sget
ti
nganewcar
Thori
so:yes!That'
smyniggar
.Lookatusfir
st
year
sgoingt oschooli
nourowncar(welaughed)
Bosa:
acl
ean48boy
Thor
iso:t
hat
'samazi
ngdudeigot45,
igot3st
ars
and5B's
Bosa:youkil
ledi
tbuddy.I
m happy,
haveyout
old
yourgir
lf
ri
endyet?
Thoriso:notyetiwanttotakeheroutandtel
lher
thatherfutur
ehusbandwi llbedoi
ngCivi
l
engineeri
ngsoon.Ar eyoustil
ldoi
ngBachelorof
educationinscience?
Bosa:
yeahandMat
hs
Thor
iso:ni
ce.Howdi
dLTdo?
Bosa:
hegot48t
oo
Thori
so:ohthat
'samazi
ngt
ellhi
m isai
d
congr
adulat
ions
Bosa:
iwi
ll
.Haveyouspokent
oAt
a?
Thor
iso:notyet
Bosa:
alr
ightiwi
llcal
lher
Thor
iso:sowhenar
ewegoi
ngt
ogetournewcar
?
(Welaughed)
Bosa:
tomor
rowbuddy
Thor
iso:amazi
ngmakesur
etot
akemewi
th
Bosa:
iwi
ll
,l
etmecal
lAt
a
Thor
iso:sur
e

Ihungupsmi
li
ngasLet
lot
lowentupt
hest
air
s..
.

Bosa:
Thor
isosayscongr
adul
ati
ons
Let
lot
lo:sur
ebutidon'
tunderst
andwhyyouhave
tot
ellpeopl
emyresult
swithoutmyconsent
Bosa:
(fr
owned)uhuidi
dn'
tknowi
twr
ongbutsor
ry
Let
lot
lo:what
ever
Bosa:
heebanna.LTar
eyouok?

Hejusti
gnor
edmeget t
ingi
nhi
sroom asiscof
fed
di
ali
ngAtamelang.
..

At
amel
ang:(
smi
led)
,hiB
Bosa:
hiAt
ayouhear
dther
esul
tsar
eout
?
At
amel
ang:yepij
ustsawmi
ne
Bosa:
howdi
dyoudo?
Atamelang:igotal
lst
arsbuddyimeanwhoi
mi.
Topstudentofthewholecount
ry
Bosa:
ohwowAt
athat
'samazi
ngcongr
adul
ati
ons
At
amel
ang:t
hankyou.Tel
lmeyoupassedaswel
l
?
Bosa:
igot5st
arsand3A'
s
At
amelang:iguesst
hest
udygr
oupr
eal
lywor
ked.
HaveyouspokentoT?
Bosa:
yephegot3st
arsand5B'
s
At
amelang:wowt hat'
samazingt
hewayThori
so
wasneverseri
ousi t
houghthewasgoi
ngtogetat
l
east40(welaughed)kanaThori
sowasal
ways
j
oki
ngwhenwewer eserious
Bosa:
ohwel liguesshewasli
steni
ngevenwhenhe
wasbeingnaughty.Letmel
eaveyoutoit.
Congr
adulat
ionsoncemore
At
amel
ang:yout
oo

WehungupasAt
amel
angdi
aledSascha.
..

Sascha:honeyij
ustcheckedmyr
esul
ts
At
amel
ang:ical
ledt
ocheckonyou
Sascha:(smi
led)yourboydi
dthethi
ngst
houghit
's
notreal
lywhatihopedforbutdadj
ustmademe
real
iset
hatwedon' tal
waysgetwhatwewanti
nli
fe
Atamel
ang:yesloveli
fehasnoformul
a.Wehave
ourownexpectati
onsbuttheydon'
tal
wayscometo
l
if
e
Sascha:t
ruet
hatbabe.
At
amel
ang:sohowmanypoi
ntsdi
dyoumake?
Sascha:41thesci
encesshowedmeabitofdusti
got2starsand1Band4C' sandyou?
Atamel
ang:youdi
dwel
llove.Igotst
arsi
nal
l
subj
ect
s
Sascha:wowbabeyouar
esosmart.I
m pr
oudof
you.Nowim cer
tai
nwearegoi
ngt
ohavesmart
ki
ds(theyl
aughed)
Atamelang:thankyoul
ove.OhyesGodwi
ll
ingour
chil
drenaregoingtobesmart
.Sowhatar
eyou
goingtostudy?
Sascha:iwantt
obeabankersoBachel
ordegr
eei
n
accounti
ngandyou?
Atamel
ang:i
m goi
ngforchart
eredaccout
ing
fol
lowi
ngint
omymom' sfootstepsshemademe
fal
linl
ovewit
hnumbers
Sascha:t
hat
'
samazi
ng.Letmegetbackt
owor
k
hey
At
amel
ang:met
oo.Loveyouhey
Sascha:di
nnert
oni
ght
?
At
amel
ang:nopr
obl
em
Sascha:awesome

TheysmiledhangingupasSaschapostedapi
ctur
e
ofthem t
ogetherandcapt
ionedi
t"fut
ure
account
ants"whileAt
amelangcal
ledhermot
her.

AtBO'
T'
sBeaut
yPar
lour
..
.

Bontsil
aughedgetti
ngoffthephonewi t
hher
daughterwhowassoexci tedaboutherresul
ts.A
knockcamet hr
oughatherof f
icedoorasshe
smil
edwel comi
ngt hem i
n.Patlosmil
edgetti
ngin
wit
habunchoff lowersandaboxofchocl ates.
..

Bont
si:di
dimi
ssVal
ent
ine'
sday?
Pat
lo:nosi
ll
y(t
heyl
aughedhuggi
ng)
Bont
si:di
dyouhearwhatyourdaught
erdi
d?
Pat
lo:pl
easet
ell
meshepassed
Bont
si:wi
thf
lyi
ngcol
our
s.Al
lst
ars
Pat
lo:(
smi
led)nowt
hat
'sPat
lo'
sdaught
er
Bontsi
:shedi
dver
ywellandshet
ell
smet
hatshe'
s
fol
lowi
nginmommy'ssteps
Pat
lo:mommy'
sgi
rlmuchisee
Bont
si:needisaymor
e(t
heyl
aughed)what
'sup?
Patl
o:iwasj
ustmissi
ngyousoit
houghtmaybei
shoul
dpassby.Howisbusi
nessgoi
ng?
Bont
si:i
t'
sboomingloveit
hinkiwi
llbeopeni
ng
anot
herparl
oursoon
Pat
lo:t
hat
'smybaby.Il
ovei
twhenthi
ngsare
wor
kingout.Howi
sitgoi
ngwit
hthegarden?
Bontsi
:it'
sopeningthi
sweekendsoI'
m sendi
ng
i
nvit
esal r
eady.Robertsayshewant
stoholda
cel
ebratorypart
yforhissonandBoi
tshepo'
sson
andcousinthere
Pat
lo:ohwowt
hatwi
llbeni
ce
Bont
si:yeah.Howf
arwit
hAta'
shouse?Ihavebeen
sobusyandhadnot i
metocheckonthepr
ogress
Pat
lo:t
heyar
eabouttofi
nisht
hegr
oundt
heywi
ll
bemovingt
othefi
rstf
loor
Bontsi
:wonderful
.It
sti
met ocashhersavi
ngsand
getheracar.Shedidwellandshedeser
vesit
Pat
lo:iagr
eewi t
hyoumyl ove.It
houghtwewould
waitf
orhertograduatebuti
t'
ssti
llok.Iknowshe
wil
ldowellatvarsi
ty
Bont
si:i
ndeed
Patl
o:l
et'
sbookherahot
elr
oom becauseiwantus
tohavethewhol
ehouset
ooursel
ves
Bont
si:(
smi
led)whatar
eyoupl
anni
ngMrKwena?
Pat
lo:wi
llyoudoi
tornot
?
Bontsi
:iwi
lll
oveshei
sgoi
ngoutf
ordi
nnerwi
th
Saschaanyway
Patl
o:per
fectt
hen.Makesur
eyoucomehomeear
ly
becauset
hisguyispl
anni
ngtospoi
lyour
ott
en
toni
ghtpl
uswear
ecel
ebr
ati
ngourhar
dwor
kwi
th
ourdaught
er
Bont
si:oksi
riwi
llmakesur
etocomehomeear
ly

Hestoodupandsoftl
yfr
enchkissedherasshe
giggl
edwipi
ngli
pst
ickof
fhisli
psandhel ef
t.She
satbackandsi
ghedsmil
ing.
..

Bont
si:whenamani
syour
she'
syour
s.

I
nPr
ison.
..

Thepri
soner
sgatheredatthegroundswhilethe
maleandfemal
eguar dsmovedar oundmaking
sur
etheywerebehaving.Vi
ctori
aspottedayoung
manandwentupt ohim smil
ing..
.

Vi
ctor
ia:myboss
Guar
d:whatdoyouwant
?
Vi
ctor
ia:cal
m downi
mjustt
ryi
ngt
omakeaf
ri
end
Guar
d:youar
eapr
isonerandi
mtheguardther
e's
nohowwecanbefr
iendssoknowyourpl
acemy
l
ady
Vict
ori
a:(pl
ayi
ngwit
hherhai
r)f
iest
yandf
ocusedi
see.Everhear
dofVi
cky'
sHotel
?
Guar
d:yeswhy?
Vi
ctor
ia:i
m Vi
ckyandi
tsmyhot
el
Guar
d:oh?
Vi
ctor
ia:yes
Guar
d:suchabeauti
fulandsuccessf
ulhot
elwhy
ar
eyoubehindbar
snow?
Vi
ctor
ia:st
oryf
oranotherday.Whatmat
ter
snowi
s
whatcanidoforyou?
Guar
d:whywoul
dyouwantt
odosomet
hingf
orme?
Vi
ctor
ia:ar
eyout
heonl
ybr
eadwi
nnerathome?
Guar
d:myhomesi
tuat
ioni
snoneofyourbusi
ness
Vict
ori
a:iwi
llt
aket
hatasayes.Letmehel
pyou
changethat
Guar
d:(
swal
lowed)pl
easegobackt
otheot
her
s
Victor
ia:imeanyouar eyourli
ttl
esibl
ingshopeand
withthemoneyyouear nheredoyout hi
nkt heywil
l
keeplookinguptoyou?Doyouwantpeopl etostar
t
beingnastytothem becausetheirbi
gbr ot
heris
wor ki
ngbutdoingnothingforthem?
Guar
d:(
swal
lowed)whatdoyouwanti
nret
urn?
Vi
ctor
ia:(
smi
led)t
hat
'smyboy.Doyouknow
Di
phala?
Guar
d:yeshe'
sinhospi
talnow
Vi
ctor
ia:oh?
Guard:yeshewasat
tackedbyot
herpr
isoner
s
ear
li
er
Vi
ctor
ia:howcr
it
icali
she?
Guar
d:ver
ycr
it
ical
Vi
ctor
ia:(smil
ed)goodineedyout
omakesur
ehe
movesfrom verycr
it
icalt
o..
.
Shemadeasi
gnofdeathast
heguar
dswal
lowed
andcl
ear
edhi
sthr
oat.
..

Guar
d:howim isupposedt
odot
hat
?Ican'
tputmy
j
obontheli
ne
Vi
ctor
ia:l
if
eisal
laboutt
aki
ngr
isksson
Guar
d:icanonl
ydot
hataf
terhal
fofmypayment
comesthr
oughandt
henpayther
estwhenit
sal
l
done
Vi
ctor
ia:iseenopr
obl
em i
nthat
.What
'syourpr
ice?
Guar
d:100K
Vi
ctor
ia:(
clear
edhert
hroat
)85K
Guar
d:90
Vict
ori
a:okok,f
ine90i
tis.Youwi l
lgetyour45K
fi
rstt
hingtomor
rowmorningasi m goi
ngtogetin
t
ouchwi t
hmyaccountantfrom her
e.
Guar
d:good
Vi
ctor
ia:t
omor
roweveni
ngDi
phal
ashoul
dbeno
more
Guar
d:consi
deri
tdone

Vi
ctor
iasmil
edgoi
ngbackt
owher
eshewasseat
ed
wi
thJune.
..

June:andt
hen?
Vict
ori
a:itl
ooksli
keim nottheonl
yonewhowant s
Diphal
adead.Someguysat t
ackedhim andhe'
sina
cri
ti
calcondi
ti
onandt hatguyhasagreedtomake
sureheneverseestheendoft omorr
ow
June:ohiseelet
'sj
usthopet
hatguyi
snotmaki
ng
afooloutofyou
Vict
ori
a:real
lynowJune?Doyoualwayshavet
obe
negati
ve?Im doi
ngthisf
orus,
Diphal
ahastodi
e
hi
m andhi sf
atherr
uinedmyli
fe
June:iwi
llonl
ybel
ievei
tonceiseer
esul
ts
Vi
ctor
ia:youcanbeabor
eyouknow.Mxm
Shesai
dgoi
ngt
othephoneboot
h.

Atar
est
aur
ant
..
.

LameandOlebi
lef
ini
shedeati
ngasOlebil
ewi
ped
hi
smouthandburpedsippi
nghisdr
ink.
..

Ol
ebi
le:damniwassohungr
y
Lame:(
laughed)icoul
dtel
lhowyouwentont
he
foodwhenitarr
ived
Ol
ebil
e:schooli
sascam.Mypr oj
ect
sar
eal
ready
pi
li
ngupandi t'
sget
ti
nghect
ic
Lame:wel
lyouhavenochoi
cebutt
ogetonwi
thi
t
Olebi
le:t
rueandiwonderift
hosetwoboysar
e
goingtomanagewhent heyaresol
azy
Lame:t
heywi
llhavet
owor
khar
d
Ol
ebi
le:i
ndeed.Thankyouf
orcomi
ngt
hroughiwas
t
hinki
ngwedon'
tusual
lyspendal
otoft
ime
t
ogether
Lame:iknowr
ightbuti
m meet
ingupwi
thThor
iso
i
nanhour
Ol
ebi
le:ohyeahcel
ebr
ati
ngt
her
esul
ts
Lame:ohyouknowhowmuchhegot
?
Ol
ebi
le:ohhehasn'
ttol
dyouyet
?
Lame:nopepl
easet
ellme
Ol
ebil
e:nonoidon'
twanttor
uint
hesur
pri
se(
they
l
aughed)howi
sthetuckshopdoi
ng?
Lame:goodhey
Olebi
le:t
hat'
samazing.Ihaveseenhowpassi
onat
e
youarewi t
hitandt
heclothesbusi
ness
Lame:yepienj
oymaki
ngmyownmoney
Ol
ebi
le:don'
tyouwannat
akeabusi
nesscour
se?
Lame:mycl
assesar
est
art
ingnextweek
Ol
ebi
le:ohni
ceidi
dn'
tknow
Lame:yeahi
tgoest
oshowofhowmuchwedon'
t
i
nter
act(
theyl
aughed)
Olebi
le:sowhat
'syourpl
ansi
nter
msofmaki
ng
sureyougrowit
?
Lame:t
otaweshal
lseewi
tht
ime.Ihonestl
ywant
toownashopofmyownwhichwillt
urnint
oa
fr
anchi
sewit
hti
meandabouti
que
Ol
ebi
le:whatifit
oldyouthaticanmakesur
eyou
ar
east epcl
osertoachi
evingthat
?
Lame:idon'
tfol
low
Olebil
e:igetal
lowanceever
ymonthandihonest
ly
don'tuseitsoihavebeensavi
ngitsi
ncefor
m 1so
multipl
y4kever ymonthwit
h7yearsthemoneyi
s
over300K
Lame:wowoksowhatar
eyousayi
ng?
Olebi
le:l
et'
sworktogetherandbuildafutureforour
chil
dren.Findaspaceyoucanr entnowandiwi l
lfi
ll
i
tupwi thstockandalsoaspaceyoucanopena
bouti
que.Themoneywi l
lbeenoughf orstockfor
bothstoresand3mont hsrentsoyeah
Lame:ar
eyouf
orr
eal
?
Ol
ebil
e:yeahiwantt
ohavemyownsi
dehust
leas
wel
l
Lame:(
smi
led)i
fthat
'ssot
heniknowt
heper
fect
spot
Ol
ebile:goodmakesur
eyougetallt
henecessar
y
i
nformationandwewil
ltakei
tfr
om t
her
e.Ourshare
pr
icecanbe51/ 49
Lame:iseenopr
obl
em i
nthat.Shoul
dthi
ngsgo
wellweshoul
dbeupandrunningwit
hint
henext
month
Ol
ebi
le:wonder
ful
Lame:kant
ewher
eisDai
sy?
Ol
ebi
le:idon'
tknowandidon'
tcar
e
Lame:iknowshe'snotever
yone'
sfavor
it
ebutguys
she'
syoursi
steryoushouldbeabitworr
ied
Olebil
e:DaisyisagrownwomanLamesowet her
she'sinmyl i
feornotihonest
lydon'
tcare.Yousee
i
mt akingboldstepsnow?Thisismemovi ngon
withmyl i
fewithoutherandherpoi
sonousmot her
.
Theydeserveoneanot heri
t'
shonestl
yami stake
t
hatiwasbi
rt
hedbyVi
ctor
ia

Hesaidsi
ppi
nghi
sdr
inkwhi
leLamesi
ghedl
ooki
ng
athi
m.

Att
heOct
ober
's.
..

Lat
oyacamedownstair
sandfoundherhusband
asl
eeponthecouchandsof
tl
yshookhim...

Mar
k:l
ovei
m notsl
eepi
ng
Lat
oya:ohplease(
satdown)weneedt otake
matt
ersinourhandsnowloveyourcontactsar
e
notwi
nning
Mark:(
sighed)ihavebeenmeaningt
otal
ktoyou
abouti
t.Weshoul dgotoCapeTown
Lat
oya:butpr
obl
em i
sCapet
owni
sbi
gwher
edo
westar
t?
Mark:
that
'st
hepr
obl
em butif
eell
ikeoncewe
showafewpeopl
eDai
sy'
sphotowewi l
lfi
ndher
Latoya:youar
eawar
ethati
tmi
ghtt
akeawhi
le
ri
ght?
Mar
k:yeahbutthi
sisourdaught
ermyloveweneed
t
odoeveryt
hinginourpowertof
indher
Lat
oya:oktheniwi
llfi
ndusahouset
obookt
her
e
andthenbookourf
light
s
Mar
k:okl
ove

Shewentbackupst ai
rswhi l
eMarktookhi
sphone
andlookedathisphotowi t
hVeroni
ca.Shehadan
i
nfecti
oussmileandt hat
'swhatmadehereven
morebeauti
ful
.Hesi ghedandsatbackonthe
couch.
..

Mark:
ihopeyouareokwhereyouar
emyl ove.Thi
s
i
sunli
keyoubutf
orthesakeofmama'shealt
hi
pr
aywefindyoui
nonepiece.
AtVi
ctor
ia'
shouse.
..

Letl
otl
olaidonhisbedpressi
nghisphoneashe
cl
ickedhistongueandcall
edBoi
tshepo.
..

Boi
tshepo:son
Let
lot
lo:i
m ir
eal
lyyourchi
ld?
Boi
tshepo:r
ra?
Letl
otl
o:otherchi
ldr
enareget
ti
ngcar sandall
becausetheypassedbutwhatim igett
ing?Amer
e
partyi
nagar den?Real
lymom?Doyouhat eme
thatmuch?
Boi
tshepo:Let
lot
lowher
eist
hatcomi
ngf
rom?
Let
lot
lo:nomom iknewyouhatedmet hedayyou
sai
dyouhavegivenuponmebuti tsf
ineiwil
lwork
har
dandbuymyowncar .Myteacher
sareeven
waybettert
hanyou
Boit
shepo:youarebeingrudeandim notgoi
ngto
acceptt
hat.Ihavebeentheref
oryouallyourl
if
e
Letl
otl
oandyouknowt hehardshi
psihavebeen
thr
oughal lmyli
fe.Idon'
thavemoneyl yi
ngar ound
Letl
otl
o,Bosa'sf
atherhasasuccessfulbusiness
andBoemoi salawyersotheycanaf
f ordi
t.Ihave
onlyst
artedworking
Let
lot
lo:wher
ewer
eyouwhenpeopl
ewer
emaki
ng
i
tinli
fe?
Boi
tshepo:Let
lot
loyouar
ehur
ti
ngme
Let
lot
lo:busymaki
ngki
dswi
thdi
ff
erentmen
Boi
tshepo:Let
lot
lo!
?
Letl
otl
o:maybei
fiknewmydadt hi
ngswouldbe
bett
erbutnoyouhatemesomucht onoteven
al
lowmet ohavearelat
ionshi
pwi
thmydad
Boitshepo:(
swal
lowedt
earf
ull
y)neverhaveiever
thoughtmyownsonwoul dbreakmyhear tt
hisway
Let
lot
lo:youar
easgoodasdead.Youar
eusel
ess
i
nmyl if
e

Hecli
ckedhi
stonguewhi
leBoi
tsheposl
owlysat
backonherof
fi
cechai
rwithat
eardroppi
ng.
Letl
otlo'
swordsr eplayedinherheadasshebur st
i
ntoacr y.I
nther oom Let l
otlowentthroughhi s
ti
melinewithaf r
ownonhi sf aceasacer tai
nvideo
caughthisattent
ion.Hesatupandr eplayeditand
ther
eshewas, Vict
or i
amut teri
ngsomet hingina
smallbottl
e.Hecar efull
ywat chedasherhand
movedt owardstheot hersideoft hetableandt hen
hecameoutoft hebat hroom af ewsecondsaf ter.
..

Let
lot
lo:whatt
hehel
l!
?

Hesai
dsavi
ngt
hevi
deoandpl
ayedi
tagai
n.

LATERTHATEVENI
NG

Att
hehospi
tal
..
.

Temo,
Reatlegi
le,Boit
shepo,
Ledibaandhiswife
st
oodaroundOr ef
e'sbodyasthedoctorsi
ghed.
..
Dr:t
hankyouf
ormaki
ngadeci
siont
het
imehas
come
Boi
tshepo:(
swal
lowed)mayipl
easesayashor
t
pr
ayerbefor
eyoudoit
Dr
:youar
ewel
come
Boitshepo:l
et'sbowourheads( theydi d)Jesus
Lordwecomebef or
eyout hiseveningt othankyou
foryourgreatness.Lordwear eheret oreleaseour
dearestmot heri
ntoyourhands.Acceptherspi r
it
Lordbecausesheser vedyouwhol ehear t
edlyon
eart
h.Sheneveri nanygi vendaygiveuponyour
l
ovef orher.Hertimehascomeandi fit'
syourwill
l
etitbedone.Amen
Al
l:amen
Dr
:youmaypul
lthepl
ugssi
r

Theyalllookedonasthemansl owl
ypulledthe
plugs.Boit
shepobursti
ntotear
sasBotho
comf or
tedherwhil
eReatlegi
lesof
tl
ycaressed
Temo'sbackwhowassi
lent
lycr
ying.Theman
fi
nishedast
hedoct
orl
ookedatthem al
l.
..

Dr
:iti
swel
l.

Shecover
edOref
e'swhol
ebodywi
thasheetand
excusedt
hem.
.
.
.
.
.
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
CAGED
36

AtVi
ctor
ia'
shouse.
..
Temopar kedhiscarastheel
der squiet
lymade
thei
rwayi nt
othehousewheret heyfoundus
l
aughingwhi l
eplayi
ngvideogames, wellwi
th
Letl
otlosi
tti
ngaloneonthecouchonhi sphone.We
allt
urnedtothem atonceandthesecondwesaw
thelooksonuncleTemoandaunt yBoit
shepo'
s
facesweknewsomet hi
ngwasup. ..

Ol
ebi
le:Uncl
eLedi
bai
sever
ythi
ngok?
Ledi
ba:(si
ghed)pl
easeswit
chof
fthet
v(hedi
d)
goodeveningmychil
dren
Al
l:eveni
nguncl
e
Lediba:asyouknowi tsbeenamont hsinceyour
grandmotherwasi nthehospitalbecauseofa
cardiacarr
est.Thedoctorsdideverythi
ngthey
couldbuttherewasnochangei nyour
grandmother'
sst at
e(weswal l
owedwi t
hourhearts
raci
ng)thingsgotevenmor ewor seasshegotbr ai
n
damagedandwhenonei sbraindamagedt heir
chancesofsur vi
valareverysli
mt ononesot he
doctorsaskedust otal
kaboutthemat terandseeif
wecan' tl
etyourgrandmotherrest.Wespokeabout
i
tasadul t
soft hi
sfamilyandwesawi tfi
ttolether
restmychi l
dren(Lameburstintotear
sasihugged
her)itwasnotaneasydeci si
ont omakebutgr anny
OrefeiswithherdaughterandGodnow

Olebil
ebl i
nkedblockinghistearswhi l
eitri
edto
calm Lamedown.Aunt yBoi t
sheposni f
fedandput
herheadonourgr eataunt'
sshoul deraswequi etly
digestedthenews.Thepai ni nuncleTemo' seyes
gottomeasisi l
entlywipedmyt earsaswel l
.Just
wheniwasget t
ingcomf ortablewitheveryoneafter
beingkeptawayf rom them forthepast18year si
hadt olosesomeonewhowasmor ewiseandknew
alotoft hi
ngsthantheot hers.Ihavenevermetmy
mom butwheneverif eeldownil ongforherand
thatmomentiwaswonder inghowi tmustf eelf
or
uncleTemoandaunt yBoit
shepot olosesomeone
theywer eusedtobei ngaround...
Lediba:f
uneralarr
angement
swillbecommuni
cat
ed
butitshoul
dbet hi
sweekend.Becomfort
edmy
chi
ldren
Let
lot
lo:weal
lknowwhoki
ll
edgr
annyOr
efe.
Boi
tshepo
Temo:Let
lot
lo
Letl
ot l
o:nouncl
eTemo, Boi
tshepohasal
ways
want edgrannyt
odie.Shehasbeendoing
everythingt
osendhertohergrave
Lediba:Letl
otl
othatisnothowyouspeakofyour
parents.Boi
tshepoisyourmothershe.
..
Let
lot
lo:wel
lifshewasamot
heruncl
eLedi
bashe
wouldshowit
Lame:Let
lot
lowhatar
eyoudoi
ng?
Let
lot
lo:yourmot
heri
saki
ll
er,
sheki
ll
edherown
mothernowshecomesher
eandpret
endtobe..
.

Befor
ehecouldfi
nishOlebil
ejumpedonhi
m and
st
rangledhi
m asauntyBothoandLamescreamed.
..
Bot
ho:Ol
ebi
leno!Guysst
opi
t
Olebi
le:aunt
yBoi
tshepoi
snotyouragemat
edo
youhearme! ?
Ledi
ba:Ol
ebi
le,
Let
lot
lo,
stopi
t!
Olebi
le:(l
ethi
m goashecoughed)youbetterl
earn
somer espectyoungboyorel
seyouwillgethurt
Letlot
lo:(
massaginghisneck)sonowyouwantt o
ki
llmet oo?Let'
stalkaboutthedayyout wo
disappearedandt hengrannystart
edgett
ingsi
ck,
whatwher eyoudoi ngtoher?Didyoubewi t
chher
?
Youal lar
ewi t
chesheret her
e'snoneofyouwhois
better
.From thatcuntyoucallVict
ori
atothe
smal l
estchil
d

Heclickedhist
onguegoingtothebedr
oom aswe
al
llookedonshocked.AuntyBoit
shepoheaveda
hugesighandwenttothekitchenasaunt
y
Reatl
egilef
oll
owedher.
..
Reat l
egil
e:imaynotknowmuchaboutpar enti
ng
butihavebeenar oundchildr
enalottoknowmor e
aboutt hem.YeswhatLetlotl
oisdoingi
swr ongbut
there'
sar easonwhyhe'sdoingthatandthesooner
weat tendtothi
sbehaviourthebett
erorelseit
s
goingt ocountagsi
nstusashi sel
ders
Boitshepo:ihonestl
ydon'tknowwhatihavedone
tothischil
dlove.Hecal l
edmeear li
ertodayand
tol
dmeofhowmuchofaf ail
ureiam.Ot herkids
aregetti
ngcar sfordoinggoodinschoolt hen
there'
shim whodoesn' tevenknowhi sfather.He
tol
dmet hatwhenot herparent
swer ebusymaki ng
i
tinl i
feiwasbusymaki ngchil
drenwithdifferent
men
Reat
legi
le:(
swal
lowed)no
Boi
tshepo:i
mtel
li
ngyou.Hesaysmaybei
fheknew
hi
sfatheri
twoul
dbebetter
Reat
legi
le:haveyout
olduncl
eLedi
ba?
Boit
shepo:yeahihavehesai
dhewil
ltal
ktohim.
Nowl ookhe'
sblamingmeformyownmot her
's
deathcomparingmetoVict
ori
a,r
eal
lyRea?
Reat
legi
le:don'
tworr
yloveassoonasheget
sover
t
hisangeritwil
lal
lbegood
Boitshepo:Letlot
loisnott
hispersonRea,he'
sa
respectfulandwel l
manneredchildevenwhenhe
hasapr oblem aboutsomethinghedoesn'tbecome
rudeabouti t.Heasksbeforetaki
ngadecisi
onsoi
don'tknowwhatgoti nt
ohim.Thef i
rstmi
stakewas
l
etti
nghi m comeher enowl ook

Shesaidwi
pingat
earasReat
legi
lesof
tl
yrubbed
herar
m.

THEFOLLOWI
NGMORNI
NG

Atahot
el.
..

Atamelangputonherearr
ingssi
tt
ingont
heendof
thebedwhil
eSaschastret
chedwakingupand
smil
ed...
Sascha:goodmor
ningbeaut
if
ul
At
amel
ang:ohhi
,you'
reup
Sascha:yeslove(checkedt
het
ime)wher
ear
eyou
rushi
ngofftoitsonly6am?
Atamelang:ineedt
opassbyt
hehouseandchange
befor
egoingt owor
k
Sascha:it
houghtyoubr
oughtachangeofcl
othes
l
ove
At
amel
ang:(
clear
edhert
hroat
)im notr
eal
lyl
ovi
ng
t
heout
fi
t
Sascha:okthenletmequi
ckl
yhi
ttheshowert
hen
weleavetogether
Atamelang:nonoit
sokyoucansti
lll
eavelat
er.I
heardyougoingtowor
karound10am today
Sascha:yeahbutican'
tletyougoal
onel
ove
At
amel
ang:i
t'
sokr
eal
ly.Youneedt
orest
Sascha:(ki
ssedherneckf
rom behi
nd)ishoul
dsay
thoughlastni
ghtwasamazing
At
amel
ang:(
fakesmi
led)mmh
Sascha:your
eal
lyknowyourwayar
oundbed
At
amel
ang:(
chuckl
ed)yeah
Sascha:(
frowned)ar
eyouok?
At
amel
ang:yesl
ovewhydoyouask?
Sascha:youcan'twai
ttogetoutofher
eandim
tr
yingtohaveaconversat
ionwithyoubutyou
seem notint
erest
ed
Atamelang:(
smil
edturni
ng)comeonl ovedon'
tbe
l
ikethat.I
m okr
eall
yjustabitt
ir
ed.You
over
wor kedmelastni
ght
Sascha:(
smi
led)sor
ryl
oveiwi
llt
akei
teasynext
ti
me
At
amel
ang:(
scof
fed)sur
e
Sascha:l
etmegeti
ntheshowerqui
ckl
y
At
amel
ang:ok

Heki
ssedhercheekandwentt
othebat
hroom
whil
eAtamelangsighedlookingup.Sheshookher
headandtookherbagl eavingwhil
eint heshower
Saschasanghislungsout .Shesenthima
messageandclosedt hedoorgoingdownwher e
shefoundacabwai t
ingonher .10mi nutesl
ater
Saschacameoutoft hebat hr
oom jol
lybutfrowned
fi
ndingnoone..
.

Sascha:babe?

Hesai dtaki
nghisphoneandr eadthemessage.He
swallowedsitt
ingdownthinki
ngandr eadt
he
messageoncemor e.Hethensighedandsnif
fed
fi
nishingtogetready.

I
nCour
t.
..

Mydadandigotoffhi
scarandmadewaytowhere
Boemowasparki
ngaswehuggedandtheysof
tl
y
ki
ssed.
..
Bosa:
guyswear
einpubl
ic(
wel
aughed)
Bai
sago:howdi
dyousl
eep?
Boemo:goodandyou?
Baisago:wast
orsi
ngandt
urni
ngt
hinki
ngabout
today
Boemo:don'
tworr
ylovei
tsal
lgoi
ngtobeok.I
hear
daboutyourgr
annymyboy.Condol
enceshey
Bosa:t
hankyouma.It
'snoteasylosi
ngsomeone
youhavespentsomuchti
mewi thsoifeelf
or
ever
yone
Boemo:t
heywi
llbeokwi
tht
ime.Soyouar
eready
ri
ght
?
Bosa:
eemma
Boemo:nomatt
erwhathappensst
ickt
othet
rut
h
not
hingel
seok
Bosa:
igott
hat
Aunt
yBoit
shepo'
scarparkedbesi
desBoemo'
sas
shesi
ghedget
ti
ngoff.
..

Bosa:
ithoughtyouwer
enotgoi
ngt
ocomeaunt
y
Boitshepo:ther
e'snohowiwasgoingtomissthe
fi
rstday.Ijusthadtowrapsomet
hingsupatthe
offi
cef i
rst
Bosa:
ohok
Boi
tshepo:soLet
lot
lodi
dn'
tcome?
Bosa:
nope
Boi
tshepo:(
swal
lowed)ohok

Mydadandimadewayi
nsi
deast
hel
adi
escame
behi
ndus.
..

Boemo:ar
eyouok?
Boi
tshepo:wewi
llt
alkaf
tercour
tlove
Boemo:ok
Theymadet heirwayi nsideandf ounddet ective
Kabi ndaasBoemobr ieflyspoket ohi m.Af ew
mi nutesafter,Victoriamadeherwayi nsi
dei na
traditi
onaldressandamat chi
ngheadscar f.She
cur vedherlipsl ookingatBoi t
shepoandBosawho
wer ebusyt alkingtoBai sago.Shecl ickedher
tongueandt ookherseatasweal lturnedtoher
afterhearingt heclick.Shespoket oherlawyeras
theof fi
ceraskedever yonet ostand.Thej udge
madeherwayi nandor deredever yonet otakethei
r
seat swhil
et hecour tbailif
ftookthecasef i
leto
her ..
.

Judge:woahwhatal ongchargesheet
.MsVictor
ia
Dintsimaypleasest
andup(shedid)areyouaware
ofthechargesputagai
nstyou?
Vi
ctor
ia:yesmyLady
Judge:howdoyoupl
eadt
othem?
Vi
ctor
ia:notgui
lt
y(weshookourheads)
Judge:okt
henmayyoupl
easet
aket
hest
andand
swearin

Shedi
dwi
thabr
ightsmi
leonandswor
ein.
..

Judge:counsel
Man:t
hankyoumyLady.Goodmor
ningMsDi
ntsi
Vi
ctor
ia:goodmor
ningyourwor
shi
p
Man:MsDi
ntsiibel
ieveyouar
eamot
herr
ight
?
Vict
oria:yesyourworshi
p.Amot
heroft
wogr
own
chil
dren.Adaughterandson
Man:great
.MsDintsihowist
hel
ivi
ngsi
tuat
ionat
home,asinyourbi
rthhome?
Vict
ori
a:weli
vedanormalt
opoorl
if
eyourworship.
Thereweredayswhenwewoul
dgot obedhungry
especi
all
yinthemi
ddleoft
hemont
h.
Man:wasyourmot
hernotwor
king?
Vi
ctor
ia:shewasbutshewasnotear
ningenough
Man:ok.Howdidthi
ngsbecomeasyouguys
becameadult
s?Ibel
ieveyouhave3si
bli
ngswi
th
onealr
eadypassed?
Victor
ia:yes.Wellmyl i
tt
lebrot
hermanagedt odo
wellinschoolsohegotaj obandwor kedasa
banker .Iontheotherhandwor kedhardtobuild
mysel fahotelwhilemysisterwho'ssti
llal
ive
stayedhomewi t
hmom anddi dsomepi ecejobs.
Beforet heyoungestpassedonshewasal r
eadyat
schoolwai ti
ngtobemar ried
Man:oksoyouandyourbrot
herwer
etheonlyones
wit
hst abl
efi
nanci
ali
ncomebef
oret
heyoungest
passed?
Vi
ctor
ia:yesyourwor
shi
pbutiwast
heonemor
e
st
able
Man:isee.MsDintsiaf
teryouryoungestsi
ster
gavebi
rthshepassedonr i
ghtthatmomentr i
ght?
Vi
ctor
ia:yesyourwor
shi
p
Man:soherchi
ldneededt
obet
akencar
eof
?
Vi
ctor
ia:yesyourwor
shi
p
Man:di
dyouguyst
alkaboutt
hisasaf
ami
ly?
Vi
ctor
ia:yeswedi
d
Man:andwhatwast
heagr
eement
?
Vi
ctor
ia:thatit
aket
hechi
ldinsi
nceiwast
heone
moreabletogivehi
mthel
ifehedeser
vedt
hanmy
l
it
tl
ebrother
Man:wher
ewashi
sfat
hert
hen?
Vi
ctor
ia:f
oundgui
lt
yformur
derandar
rest
edi
nUK
Man:ok.SoMsDi nt
sil
et'smovet
hingsupabitt
o
theadopt
ionti
mewhatreall
yhappenedforyout
o
enduptakingt
hatdeci
sion?
Victori
a:ididn'tknowwhenhi sfatherwasgoingto
comeoutashenevercommuni catedwi t
husso
seeingthatmychi l
dr enwerelovingthenewbabyi
sawi tfi
ttoof f
icial
lymakehi mt heirbrot
herand
besidesthathei smysi st
er'
schi l
dandhewasmy
responsibil
ityandt herewasnohowhewasgoi ng
tobenef i
tfrom myhar dworkifididn'tmakehim my
son.Thati swhyiwentandspoket oanadoption
centreandaskedi ftherewasanyt hingicoul
ddot o
makehim mi
ne.Theyhel
pedmeandimanagedt
o
havehi
m asmyson
Man:nof
urt
herquest
ionsf
orMsDi
ntsimyLady
Judge:t
hankyoucounsel
.CounselMai
ket
so
Boemo:(
fi
xedhergown)t
hankyoumyLady.Good
morni
ngMsDintsi
Vi
ctor
ia:youwi
tch
Judge:MsDi
ntsibehave
Vi
ctor
ia:(
clear
edhert
hroat
)goodmor
ning
Boemo:(scof
fed)MsDi
ntsiyouswor
etot
ellt
he
tr
uthr
ight?
Vi
ctor
ia:youhear
dme
Judge:MsDi
ntsianswert
hequest
ion
Vi
ctor
ia:yesidi
d
Boemo:butwhyar
eyoul
yingaboutt
headopt
ion
matt
er?
Vict
ori
a:whatmakesyout
hinki
mlyi
ng?Islooking
outformysist
er'
ssonasi
nnow?Alliwant
edf or
thatboywasnot
hingbutagr
eatf
utur
eandhe
couldonl
yhavet
hatifhewasmychil
dsoihadt
o
dowhaticoul
d
Boemo:noyouar enotbeinghonestMsDi ntsi
.
Wetheryouar ehisauntorhisadoptedmot herhe
wouldsti
llbenefi
tfr
om yourhardwor k.Tel
lmedi d
youtel
lthefamilyaboutthis?
Vi
ctor
ia:no
Boemo:why?
Victor
ia:(cl
earedhert
hroat
)Bosawasundermy
care.Theygavehi mtomesoitwasmy
responsibil
it
y
Boemo:no,Bosaisyoursi
ster
'schi
ld.Thefamil
y
askedyoutolookaft
erhi
m becauseyouwer et
he
onewhowasmor eablet
othenbuttheyneversai
d
heisyour
sanywaywhatexactlyhappenedforthe
adopti
oncent
r et
ohelpyou?
Vi
ctor
ia:it
oldt
hem t
hesi
tuat
ionandt
hatwasi
t
Boemo:soyouwantal
lofusher
etobel
ievet
hat
?
Vi
ctor
ia:t
hat
'swhathappened
Boemo:MsDi nt
siwher
edi
dyougo2weeksaf
ter
yoursi
sterwasburi
ed?
Vi
ctor
ia:abusi
nesst
ri
p?
Boemo:andt
hechi
ldr
en?
Vi
ctor
ia:t
heyst
ayedwi
tht
hei
rnanny
Boemo:aswel
lasBosa?
Vi
ctor
ia:(
swal
lowed)iwentwi
thhi
m
Boemo:(
frowned)why?
Vi
ctor
ia:hewasst
il
lfr
agi
le
Boemo:oh?(Scof
fed)howdoyougot
oabusi
ness
tr
ipwi
thafragi
lechil
d?
Vi
ctor
ia:iwasst
il
linsecur
e
Boemo:ohpl
easeMsDi ntsidoyoureal
lythi
nkwe
areher
etowasteourti
me?MyLadywi t
hmear e
thedat
esofwhenthisadopti
onwascarriedoutand
thedat
esMsDintsiwenttothi
ssupposedbusiness
tri
p
Vi
ctor
ia:yourhonourt
hingi
s..
.
Judge:shutup.Mayipleasehaveal
ookatthose
(t
hebaili
fft
ookthedocumentstoher
)cont
inueMs
Maiket
so
Boemo:thankyoumyLady,MsDi ntsihowisit
possi
bleforyoutogot
oabusinesst ri
pandthengo
thr
oughanadopt i
onpr
ocessatthesamet i
me( she
swall
owedkeepingqui
et)MsDintsimayyouplease
answermyquest i
on
Vi
ctor
ia:i
t'
snotl
ike.
..
Boemo:t
hankyouyourhonournof
urt
herquest
ions
forMsDi
ntsi
Judge:t
hankyou,
cour
twi
llcont
inuet
omor
row

Shehitthegavelasever
yonestoodupont hei
rfeet
whil
eshemadeherwayout .Vi
ctori
agotescort
ed
outaft
ergivi
ngusaneyeasweal somadeourway
out.
..

Bai
sago:agoodwayt
ost
artt
het
ri
al
Boi
tshepo:i
ndeed
Boemo:unt
ilt
hefi
naldaytheniwi
llknow
ever
ythi
ngwentwellbutagoodwaytostar
t
Bosa:
sodadcanwegonow?
Bai
sago:yessi
r
Boi
tshepo:wher
ear
eyouguysgoi
ng?
Baisago:t
othecardeal
ershi
phe'
snotgi
vingmea
chance(wealll
aughed)
Boi
tshepo:ineedar
ideont
hatnewcarmyboy
Bosa:
ohyesyouwi
ll
Boemo:l
icenseyoneekae?
Bosa:im goi
ngf
orr
oadt
est
ingt
omor
rowaf
ter
courtma
Boemo:soyourcarwil
ljustbepar
kingt
her
e
wait
ingf
oryoutofini
sh?
Bosa:i
t'
snothi
ng,byt
heendofnextweekiwi
llbe
havi
ngmylicense
Bai
sago:pl
ushewi
llusehi
sleaner
stodr
ivear
ound
Boemo:ohokt
henasl
ongasyouar
eresponsi
ble
abouti
t
Bosa:
iwi
llbe

Wel
aughedget
ti
ngi
nourcar
sandl
eft
.

Att
hehouse.
..

Letlot
lodraggedhi
sf eettot
hekitchenwherehe
founduncleLedibareadinganewspaperwhi l
e
dri
nkinghistea.Hesighedroll
inghiseyesand
turned.
..

Ledi
ba:Let
lot
lo
Let
lot
lo:what
?
Ledi
ba:i
m notgoi
ngt
oal
lowyout
otal
ktomel
ike
that
.Comesitwit
hme
Let
lot
lo:why?It
houghtyoul
eftwi
thyourwi
feand
Lameearli
er
Ledi
ba:nobecauseiwant
edust
otal
k
Let
lot
lo:ihavenot
hingt
otal
ktoyouabout
Lediba:yourbehavi
ourfort
hepastt
wodayshas
rai
sedacour seofconcerntome
Let
lot
lo:whatar
eyout
alki
ngabout
?
Ledi
ba:t
hewayyouar etowardsyourmot
herisnot
on.Youarenott
hischi
ldLetl
otl
owhathappened?
Letl
otlo:youwantt
oknowwhathappened?Then
hereitisuncl
eLediba,
yourneicehasneverdone
anythingforme,myteacher
shaveal waysbeen
ther
ef ormewhileshedidnothingt
oshowt hat
she'
smymot her
Ledi
ba:Let
lot
loyouknowwhatyourmot
herhas
beenthr
ough
Let
lotl
o:i
fshewasassmar tasyouallportr
ayher
tobethenshewouldhaveworkedharder.Other
chi
ldr
enaregett
inggi
ft
sfrom thei
rparentsbutiget
nothi
ng
Ledi
ba:wear
enotequalmyboyyoucan'thavethe
samethi
ngsasot
hersbutt
hefactt
hatyouar esti
ll
hereshoul
dmot ivat
eyoutokeepgoing.Envybuil
ds
j
ealousyandjealousycomeswithadarkheartand
soulandidon'twantthatf
oryou.Imeanlookat
whatthatdi
dtoyouraunt
Letl
otl
o:youknowwhatuncl eLedibaim overt
his
conversat
ionpleasefocusonpr epar
ingforyour
si
ster'
sfuneralwhowaski l
ledbyherownchi l
dwho
happenstomy" mother
"andl eavemealone

Hesai
dgoingbackupwhil
eLedi
bashookhishead
andsi
ghedsi
tt
ingbackontheki
tchenst
ool
.

AtCar
terAt
tor
neys.
..

Aft
eraphonecal
lBoemodecidedt
ogoto
Boi
tshepo'
sof
fi
ceandfoundheronherl
apt
op.
..

Boemo:busyf
oral
it
tl
echat
?
Boi
tshepo:j
ustf
ini
shi
ng
Boemo:ok(
shet
ookaseat
)let
'st
alk
Boitshepo:(
savedherworkandsighed)ihavea
problem B,mysonisturni
ngint
osomet hingidon't
under st
and.Heli
ter
all
ytol
dmet hatim nothi
ngbut
afailurewhoisgoodatmakingfather
lesschildr
en
andt hatmaybeifheknewhisfat
heritwoul dbe
bett
eryesterday
Boemo:youl
ie
Boi
tshepo:isweart
oyou.Al
lbecauseBosai
s
get
ti
nganewcar
Boemo:areyoubei
ngser
iousr
ightnow?Let
lot
lo
hasneverst
ri
kenmeassomeonewhowoul d
behavel
iket
hat
Boi
tshepo:I
'
m asshockedl
ove
Boemo:andt
hisi
sdangerousB,heneedst
obe
shownthewaybef
oreheturnsi
ntohi
saunt.Next
thi
ngweknowBosawillbehurt
Boi
tshepo:andt
hat
'swhatscar
esme
Boemo:whatdoeshi
sfat
herdo?
Boi
tshepo:he'
sasol
dier
/doct
or
Boemo:ohokthenithi
nkyoushoul
dint
roduce
them t
ooneanother
Boi
tshepo:don'tyout
hinkiwoul
dhavedonei
tifi
t
waspossible?
Boemo:whyi
snotpossi
ble?
Boitshepo:t
hatmanisanuncout hbrute,he'
sso
arrogantandthi
nkshe'
sbetterthaneveryone.He
want snothi
ngtodowithLet
lotlo.Helongdenied
him wheniwast woweekspr egnant
.Itri
ed
reachingouttohi
m butnot
hing
Boemo:ti
meschangel ovejustt
ryitoutandsee
howitgoesanditwi
llalsohelpLetl
otl
oseewhy
he'
snotinhi
slif
ethat'
si fhe'
ssti
llt
hesameperson
fr
om 18yearsago
Boi
tshepo:(
sighed)idon'
tknowbutiwi
llt
ry
Boemo:good.Tomorrowonthest
andwi
llbet
he
adopt
ioncent
reladyandJune
Boi
tshepo:ohoknopr
obl
em.Letmegetbackt
o
wor
kmma
Boemo:met
ooihaveapi
leoff
il
esonmydesk
TheylaughedasBoemolef
ttoherof
fi
ce.Boi
tshepo
thoughtf
orafewsecondsandsi
ghedasRobert
call
ed.

Att
hepr
isonhospi
tal
..
.

Amal e"nur se"walkedintoDiphala'

sroom rol
li
nga
traywithapl asti
cbathandacl ot
hast heguards
madet heirwayout .Hel ookedatDiphalaand
waitedashi sphoner eceivedamessage.Hesmi l
ed
thentookoutasyr i
nget heninj
ectedsomethingin
Diphala'
sdr ip.Hesmiledmovi nghissheetand
start
edbat hinghim...

Man:i
t'
sagoodt hi
ngt
oarr
ivei
ntheaf
terl
if
ewor
ld
cl
eanthoughyouhadadar
ksoul

Hecheckedt
hevit
alorganmonitorandsmil
ed
seei
nghisbl
oodpressur
erai
singandhisheartr
ate
dr
ast
ical
lydr
oppi
ng.
..

Man:i
m sor
rybutihadt
odoi
t.

Hesaidlooki
ngoutsi
dewhileDi
phala'
sbody
star
tedshaki
ng.Hebithi
slowerli
pandheldi
t
downashest oppedwhil
etheorganmonit
orfl
at
l
ined..
.

Man:r
esti
npeace.
.
.
.
.
.
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
CAGED
37
I
nPr
ison.
..

Vi
ctori
asati
nthevi
sit
orsar
eawai
ti
ngf
orher
vi
sit
or.
..

Vict
ori
a:kant
ewhoi
sthi
svi
sit
or?Idon'
thaveal
l
dayhere
Bont
si:wher
ear
eyour
ushi
ngof
fto?
Vi
ctor
ia:(
bursti
ntoalaugh)wow,
real
lynow?Thi
s
mustbeajoke.Idon'
thaveti
mefornonsense
pl
easetakemebacktomycel l
Bontsi
:iwoul
dbehaveifiwer
eyoumydearther
e's
honest
lynoneedforyoutobehar
dheaded
Vi
ctor
ia:whati
sitt
hatihavet
hatbel
ongst
oyou?
Bont
si:i
t'
sact
ual
lyt
heot
herwayr
ound
Vict
ori
a:(
cur
vedherl
ips)whatwoul
dineedf
rom
you?
Bontsi
:somet
hingtof
allbackonwhenyoucome
outofthi
sdungeon
Vi
ctor
ia:(l
aughed)youar
etooambi
ti
ousyouknow.
Youarethelastper
soniwoul
dneedanyt
hingf
rom
Bontsi
:yetyousl
eptwi
thmymanandmadehi
m
bui
ldyouahouseandhotel
Vi
ctor
ia:idi
dn'
tfor
cehi
m
Bont
si:yesbecauseyoubewi
tchedhi
m andt
urned
hi
mintoyourownpuppet
Vi
ctor
ia:mmaet
shoyouhaveyourmanwhatdoyou
wantf
rom me?
Bont
si:mydaughter
'sl
egacyandjustsoyouknow
i
m nevergoi
ngrestunt
ilt
hathappens
Vict
ori
a:youarebar
kingupt
hewrongt
reemyl
ove
nowifyoumayexcusemeiwouldli
ket
ogobackt
o
mycell(shest
oodup)
Bontsi
:ihonest
lywi
shyoucouldbehumanfor
oncesothatwecandealwi
ththist
heeasywaymy
l
ove
Vi
ctor
ia:(
satbackdown)i
sthatat
hreat
?
Bontsi
:noidon'tmaket
hreat
simakepr
omi
sesand
isur
elydel
iver
Vi
ctor
ia:ohshet
hinksshecanbi
te
Bont
si:youshoul
dknowt hatbynow.Soiguess
youwantustodot hi
sthehardwayright
?
Victori
a:(
scoffedsmil
ing)iseeyoudon'thave
enoughknowl edgeofwhatim capableof.I
t'
sbeen
amont hsinceyourlawyerthreat
enedmebut
nothinghashappenedandyout hi
nkiwould
tr
embl eseei
ngyou?I nyourdreamshoney

Shescof
fedandlaughedgoi
ngbackt
ohercel
l
whil
eBontsismi
ledsi
tti
ngback.
..

Bontsi:nxnxnxpooryou(
sighedst
anding)but
anywayi ti
swhatiti
smyloveiguessyoulove
l
earningthehardway

Shesai
dcal
li
ngReneèandl
eft
.
I
nKwenaI
nvest
ment
s..
.

At
amelangsighedt
akingtheof
fi
cephoneand
di
aledThor
isowholaughedanswer
ing.
..

Thor
iso:goodday
At
amel
ang:iseeyouar
ehavi
ngawonder
fult
ime
Thor
iso:ohhiAt
awhat
'sup?
At
amelang:im okandyour
self
?Iheari
t'
sbusyi
n
t
hebackgroundwhereareyou?
Thor
iso:carshoppi
ngdear
At
amel
ang:oht
hat
'sni
ce.Bosa'
s?
Thor
iso:yepwegoi
ngf
oradr
ivef
rom her
e
Atamelang:bat
hongy'
al
lbet
ternotcauseacci
dent
s
outthere
Thor
iso:don'
twor
rywear
ewi
thhi
sdad
At
amel
ang:ohok.Whati
shebuyi
ng?
Thor
iso:not
hingext
ravagantf
ornowj
ust
somethi
ngtomovehi m ar
ound
Atamelang:yeahhe'
sst
il
lyoungforabi
gcarhe'
l
l
buythatonewhenhestart
swor ki
ng
Thor
iso:yeah.What
'sup?
Atamelang:j
ustatwork.Iwi
shiwereyouguysbut
heythi
sismyl egacysoineedt
olearnther
opes
aroundhere
Thor
iso:t
rue
At
amel
ang:iwantust
otal
kthough
Thori
so:yeahnoprobl
em Bosaandhi
sdadar
est
il
l
busyinsi
desoihaveaminute
At
amel
ang:ohok.I
t'
saboutl
astni
ght
Thori
so:ohyeahyouowemethatcat
chup.Tel
lme
thewhit
edudeknowshisst
uff
At
amel
ang:(
sighed)i
m af
rai
dnotbuddy
Thor
iso:heebanna
Atamel
ang:imtel
li
ngyou.Itwasmyf i
rstt
imebut
dudeif
eltnot
hinghonest
lyexceptwhenhebroke
myhymen.Ther
ewasnoexci
tementwhat
soever
Thor
iso:ist
il
lcan'
tbel
ievewhatyouar
etel
li
ngme
Atamel
ang:isweart
oyoumyguyandihadt
orun
awayinthemorni
ngwhenhewenti
ntot
heshower
Thor
iso:(
laughed)At
amel
ang
At
amelang:hadist
ayediwasgoi
ngt
osayt
hingsi
di
dn'
twanttosay
Thor
iso:sowhatdoest
hismean?
Atamelang:Saschai
sagoodguyandal
landil
ove
him pr
oblem i
sdoilovehi
m moret
obewit
hhim
evenwhenhi ssexgameispoor
?
Thoriso:maybei t
sbecauseitwasthef
ir
sttime
buddy.Tr yitoncemoreandseeifyousti
llwon'
t
feelanything.Howabouthisfor
epl
ay?
Atamel
ang:it
'sgoodbutyouknowf or
epl
ayisnot
enoughenehe'saf r
eakandthat'
sat i
ckbutwhenit
comestopenetrat
ionyohidon'tevenwanttothi
nk
abouti
tplushisdi
cki st
hinnottoothi
nthough
Thor
iso:TMIdudeyoucan'
tbet
ell
ingmeabout
anot
herguy'
sdick
Atamelang:(
laughed)sor
ryaker
eyou'r
et heonly
fr
iendihaveandiknowwet alkabouteveryt
hing.
Thori
so:whatever.Justgoforthesecondti
mel i
kei
saythatguylovesyoual otAtahewouldbehur tt
o
l
oseyouandi fyouar eopenaboutittohi
m maybe
hewillbematureenought otr
yandseekf orhel
p.
Howl ongdoeshet ake?(Scof
fed)ican'
tbeli
evewe
arehavingt
hisconversati
on
At
amel
ang:(
laughed)i
tlast
edabout7mi
nut
es
Thor
iso:nott
oobadbuti
t'
sal
waysgoodt
ogof or
10or15sexemonatekanawait
se(
theyl
aughed)
At
amel
ang:haveyoudonet
hedi
dwi
thLame?
Thoriso:nonotyetijustwanthertobecomf or
tabl
e
aroundmef ir
standagai ntheyaregrievi
ngsoi
wantt obethereforheremot i
onal
ly.Shewasvery
cl
oset otheoldwoman
Atamelang:awwshameal
ri
ght
.(Smil
ed)t
ellBosai
saidhiandiwoul
dlovear
idei
nhisnewcarok
Thor
iso:sur
ebuddy
At
amel
ang:Saschai
scal
li
ngbye
Thor
iso:bye

Theyhungupassheanswer
edherphone.
..

At
amel
ang:honey
Sascha:babeihavebeent
ryi
ngtocallyoual
l
morningbutyouwerenotpi
ckingup,
why?
Atamel
ang:(
swall
owed)i
t'
shect
icl
ovethat
'swhyi
coul
dn'
tansweriwaspl
anningt
ocal
lyouduri
ng
l
unchbreak
Sascha:ohok.Ar
eyouokt
hough?
At
amel
ang:yeahi
mfi
newhydoyouask?
Sascha:t
hest
untyoupul
ledt
hismor
ningaf
ter
aski
ngyoutowaitf
orme
At
amelang:ihonest
lyt
houghtyouneededt
orest
l
ovepl
usiwasi nahurryshoul
dihavewait
edfor
l
ongiwouldhavebeenlate
Sascha:babeat6am?
At
amel
ang:ineededt
odoaf
ewt
hingsf
ormom as
wel
l
Sascha:ohok.Whatar
eyouraf
ter
noonpl
ans?
Atamel
ang:ihaveameet
ingwi
thmydepar
tment
seni
or
Sascha:soyouar
enotgoi
ngt
ogof
orl
unch?
At
amel
ang:j
ustf
or45mi
nut
es
Sascha:canwegotot
hehotelagai
ntoni
ght
?I
real
lyhadagoodti
melastni
ghtyouwereamazi
ng
Atamelang:(
swal
lowed)i
m st
il
lachil
dSaschai
needtosleephomeican'
tbealwaysout
Sascha:buttheyshoul
dknowthatverysoonyou
wil
lbeinyourownhousesot heyshouldgetused
tonothavingyouaround
Atamel
ang:im agir
lchi
ldSaschait'
seasyforyou
boysbecauseparent
saren'
talwaysveryinsecur
e
whenyouguysar eoutt
here.Mypar ent
sarecool
yesbutishoul
dn'
ttakeadvantageofthat
Sascha:okl
oveiunder
stand
At
amel
ang:t
hankyou
Sascha:al
ri
ghtbabeyouwil
lletmeknowwhenyou
wanttomeetupr i
ght
?Imissyoualr
eady
Atamel
ang:iwi
lll
ovel
etmegetbackt
owor
k.Il
ove
you
Sascha:il
oveyoumor
ebabe

Hehungupandsmi l
edwhi
leAt
amel
angsi
ghed
scr
atchi
ngherhai
r.
..

At
amel
ang:goodnessme.

I
nNewl
ands,
CapeTown.
..

Daisywrappedhersel
fwithatowelasacli
ent
kissedhercheekandlef
tabunchofnotesonthe
tablel
eaving.Shesi
ghedtaki
ngthemoneyand
counteditasLehumoopenedt hedoor
..
.
Lehumo:howmuchdi
dhepay?
Dai
sy:he6Kheputi
nanext
ra2
Lehumo:(
smiled)t
hat
'samazi
ng.Ihopeyouar
e
l
ovingi
there
Dai
sy:iwantt
ogohome
Lehumo:nott
hisagai
nCl
eopat
rait
houghtwe
spokeaboutt
his
Dai
sy:ican'
tdot
hisanymor
e
Lehumo:sot
hisi
sthet
hanksigetaf
tergoi
ng
thr
oughsomuch?
Dai
sy:excuseme?
Lehumo:don'tt
ellmeyout
houghtiwasdoi
ngall
thatoutoft
hegoodnessofmyheart
?Bit
chispent
alotofmoneyonyouandnogoodsamar i
tanwould
gothatfar
Dai
sy:iknewt
hiswast
oogoodt
obet
rue
Lehumo:andwhati
nit
iat
ivedi
dyout
akenana?
Dai
sy:youbl
indedme
Lehumo:noyourloveformoneyandsoftl
ife
bli
ndedyou.Let'
scal
lwhati di
dforyouan
i
nvestmentbecausetheret
urnsareshowi
ngnow
(smil
ed)andit
'sgoi
ngreall
ygood
Dai
sy:youar
egoi
ngt
obur
ninhel
l
Lehumo:wellmyf
ir
ewillbebet
tert
hanyour
s.Who
getst
hei
rfri
endki
ll
edandthenli
vesanormall
if
e
l
ikeyouare?
Dai
sy:don'
tyoudar
esaysuchaboutmyf
ri
endand
i
,i
sthisnor
malli
fetoyou?
Lehumo:pr
ost
it
utesar
enor
malpeopl
enana
Dai
sy:i
m goi
ngt
orepor
tyou
Lehumo:yousi
gnedacont
ractmyl
oveandyou
tookanoath
Dai
sy:t
hatdoesn'
tmat
teri
nthecour
tofl
aw
Lehumo:unlesst
herei
sprooft
hatyouar
ebeing
usedthenyouwouldhavesomethi
ngtof
allbackon
Dai
sy:andal
lthosesoci
almedi
amanager
sandal
l
wher
earethey?Your
eal
lypl
ayedyourcar
dsr
ight
youwit
ch
Lehumo:youcancal lmeal lnamesi nthewor l
dbut
atleastisavedyourassf rom dyinginaf oreign
count ry.Wear etaki
ngcar eofthecommuni cat i
on
depar tmental lyouhavet odoi sfocusonmaki ng
sureyoudel i
veral lthet i
me( gaveher3K)youhave
nobooki ngst hi saft
er noonsowear eallowingyou
togof orshoppi ngwi th2guar dsand2ot hergi rl
s.
Onemi st
akeknowt hatwehaveyourf ri
end's
mot her '
scont actsandshoul dshelearnt hatyouar e
responsi blef orherdaught er'
sdeathyouwi llbein
forit(smi led)getr eadyyouwi l
lbeleavinginan
hour .Youhavewor kedhar dyoudeser vet ot r
eat
yoursel f(kissedhercheek)haveagoodday
Cleopat raMot aung

Hewinkedatherleavi
ngwhil
eDai
syswal
lowedand
si
ghedgoingtothebathr
oom..
.

Dai
sy:don'
twor
rymyl
oveonedayyouwi
llbef
ree
from thesechainsal lyouhavetodoisbepat i
ent.
Col l
ectallt
hemoneyyoucansot hatwhenan
oppor t
unitytoescapecomesyouar eset
.Ifthey
thinktheyaredealingwi thanamaturet
heniwi ll
showt hem thereal Cleopat
raI'
m Vi
ctor
iaDintsi
's
child

Shesai
dsmi
li
ngl
ooki
ngi
nthemi
rr
orandgoti
ntoa
shower
.

I
nPr
ison.
..

Theyoungmal
eguar dwalkedaroundthecel
ls
checki
ngont
heinmat esandstoppedatVict
ori
a
andJune'
sashelookedaroundandcalledher.
..

Vi
ctor
ia:t
ellmesomet
hinggood
Guard:(wit
hhist
eethcl
enched)he'
swi
thhi
s
ancestorsaswespeak
Vict
ori
a:(
smiled)wonder
fulyouwil
lgettherestof
yourpaymentonceimtotal
ycert
ainthathe'
s
i
ndeedgone
Guar
d:sur
e

Hewalkedawaywhi
leVi
ctor
iasmi
ledt
urni
ngt
o
June.
..

June:and?
Vi
ctor
ia:whoi
mi?
June:(
smi
led)ar
eyoubei
ngf
orr
ealnow?
Vict
ori
a:ohyesl
ove(t
houghtf
ull
ysmi
led)maybei
cansendthi
sboyforafewjobs
June:whatar
eyout
hinki
ng?
Vi
ctori
a:ineedhimtobreakinthatburntdet
ect
ive'
s
of
ficeandstealt
hecasefil
ethenkillt
hatBoemo
bi
tch
June:ar
eyousur
ehecandoi
t?
Vi
ctor
ia:f
oragoodl
if
e?Wi
thoutadoubtl
ove
June:r
emembert
her
e'sSt
oneaswel
landheknows
alot
Vi
ctor
ia:damnhowcanifor
getaboutt
hatsnake.
Maybeheshouldbenext
June:nonot hecasefil
efi
rstlovebecauseifwe
waitanylongeryouneverknowwhatt hatwitchand
thedetect
ivewoulddosowi thoutthecasefil
ether
e
wil
lbenocase.Thenwegof orSt onethenBoemo
j
usttosecureourfreedom
Vict
ori
a:youseenowtwoheadsar
ebet
tert
hanone.
Idefi
nit
elywi
llt
alkt
otheguy
June:good

Theysmi l
edatoneanot
herasVi
ctor
iasi
ghedout
ofrel
ief
.

THATEVENI
NG
Afterdr oppingmydadof fwi t
hmynewcar .Olebi
le
goti nthedr iver'
sseatwhil
ei satinthepassenger
seatandThor isoattheback.Hecoul dn'
tstop
ravingabouthowbeaut i
fulthecarwasandhowhe
can'twai ttomakememor i
eswi thi
t.Wegott othe
houseasOl ebileandThori
sowentt oOl ebi
le'
sroom
topl ayavi deogame.Iwentt othekitchenand
foundaunt yBoieat i
ngalone...

Bosa:
aunt
ywhyar
eyoual
one?
Boi
tshepo:i
t'
sLetl
otl
oandionlyi
nthehouseand
youknowoursituat
ionsoyeah
Bosa:
butithoughtuncl
eLedi
bawasgoi
ngt
ohave
awordwit
hhi m.
Boi
tshepo:het
ri
edbutf
ail
ed
Bosa:ohisee.Ihopeyoudi
dn'
tleavef
oodf
orus
becausewewentoutwi t
hmom anddadsoweare
ful
l
Boi
tshepo:(
smil
ed)nopeidi
dn'
t.Canigof
oradr
ive
wit
hyourcar?
Bosa:noprobl
em youcantaket
hekeysf
rom
Olebi
le.Heownsi
tunti
lihavemyli
cense
Boi
tshepo:ohok.Bef
oreigo,
areyouhappy?
Bosa:mor
ethanhappy.Ihaveneverbeenatpeace
l
ikethi
s
Boi
tshepo:i
m gl
adyouar
e
Bosa:
letmegot
omyr
oom hey
Boi
tshepo:okiwi
llt
aket
hekeysf
rom Ol
ebi
le

Ismiledandwentup.Boitshepoqui
cklyst
opped
smil
inglookingatmeasherheartbrokeoutof
nowhere.Shesighedsi
tt
ingdownf orasecondwit
h
hereyesclosed.
..

Boit
shepo:Lor dpl
easehavemer cyont hi
schi
ldhe
cannotsurviveanymoreheartache.Lordi
thasbeen
18year sofhiminapitofhellwecan'tall
owhimto
drownbackagai n.Hedeservestobehappyagain.
What evert
hedevili
splott
ingagainsthimtobri
ng
him downagai nLordicomeagai nsti
t.
Shesighedandwentt otakethecarkeysl eavi
ng.I
fi
nishedchangingint
oli
ghtclothesinmybedr oom
andlaiddownt aki
ngmyphone.At houghtcrossed
mymi ndasiclickedmyt ongueandheadedt o
Letl
otlo'
sroom.Iopenedwi t
houtknockingashe
fr
ownedl ooki
ngupatmewhi leicl
osedt hedoor..
.

Let
lot
lo:mxm
Bosa:
what'
syourprobl
em dude?Whyar
eyou
bei
ngthi
sperson?
Let
lot
lo:canyoupl
easel
eavemeal
one
Bosa:noLetlotloyouar ebeingungr at
efulandi
hatei
t.Whathasyourmot herdonet oyout o
deser
vesucht reatmentfr
om you?Aunt yBoit
shepo
hasbeennot hingbutagr eatmot hertoallofus.It
i
sbecauseofherwear eatpeaceshef oughtli
ke
anyothermot herwoul dsost opbeingaspoi l
tbrat
andbegr at
efulf orthat
Let
lot
lo:spokenl
ikesomeonewhohasneverf
elt
whatit
'sl
iketohaveamot her
.Tryi
ngt
opl
ease
ever
yonejusttobeloved,
pathet
ic
Bosa:
wowLet
lot
lor
eal
ly?
Letl
otl
o:yesr
eall
y.Youallar
egett
ingnicethi
ngs
butwhatdoiget?Nothingandyoutel
lmet obe
grat
eful
?Grat
efulforsomeonewholit
eral
lytol
dme
i
m onmyown?Nodudeno
Bosa:
(scof
fedf
oldi
ngmyar
ms)ohsot
hisi
sabout
megetti
ngacar
?
Let
lot
lo:don'tt
hinkt
hathi
ghl
yofyour
sel
fdude.Get
outofmyr oom
Olebi
le:i
sever
ythi
ngokguys?Wecanhearyou
fr
om myr oom
Bosa:noOlebil
eyourcousinheretel
lsmet hati
ts
becauseeveryonei
sgetti
nggoodt hingsbecause
theydi
dwellatschoolbuthim not
hing
Ol
ebi
le:noLet
lot
lo
Let
lot
lo:canyoual
lleavemeal
onei
npeace
Thor
iso:br
uhthat
'snothowamanshouldbehave.
Jeal
ousyisnotagoodthi
ng.I
m notget
ti
ngaparty
noracarmyselfbutmyf riendsar egett
ingcar sand
housesandyoualsoget t
ingapar t
ybutyoudon' t
seemesul ki
nganddisrespect i
ngmypar ents,why?
Becauseiknowidon'tneedgi ftstoknowt hatmy
parent
sareproudofmeandi ftheygetmegi f
tssti
ll
fi
nelif
egoeson.Ajealousmanal waysturnintoa
darkhear
tedhumanbei ngwat chyourselfdude.
Canwegobackt oourgamenow?
Olebi
le:ihopeyouheardThorisomyguy.Doalit
tl
e
selfi
ntrospecti
on.I
t'
snotaboutwhatyourmom
cangiveyounowbutwhatshehasdonef oryouto
beheret oday.You'
resmart
erthant
his

Hefol
lowedThori
sooutwhi
leishookmyheadand
f
oll
owedthem out
.

Let
lot
lo:mxm

Hesai
dgoingt
olockt
hebedroom doorandwent
backi
ntobedl
ooki
ngatt
herestaur
antvideoonce
mor
e.

I
nCapeTown.
..

MrandMrsOctobersi
ghedputt
ingthelastoft
hei
r
bagsi
nthebedr
oom ofthehousetheybooked.
..

Lat
oya:what
'sf
ordi
nnerl
ove?
Mark:
let
'sjustorderi
ntoni
ghtl
ovewewi
llgodo
gr
oceryshoppingtomorrowmorni
ng
Lat
oya:okl
ove.Pl
easeor
deri
nsomeseaf
ood
Mark:oklove(
hel
oggedint
otherest
aur
antappand
or
deredfood)i
twi
llbeher
ein25
Lat
oya:good.Sowher
edowest
artl
ove?
Mark:it
hinkweshoul
dstartwithrest
aurantsi
meanshehasnoqualif
icat
ionssot her
e'snohow
shecanfindanof
fi
cejobsor estaur
antsarewher
e
wecanst ar
t
Lat
oya:oklove.Wear
enotgoingtoleaveher
e
wit
houtfi
ndingwher
eourdaughter
si s
Mar
k:iagr
eewi
thyoumyl
ove

Lat
oyaopenedthewelcomingwinebott
leand
pouredagl
assforher
selfandhusbandasthey
swit
chedonthetvwait
ingfort
heirf
ood.

Al
ongt
her
oad.
..

Boitshepodrovefocusedonther oadandher
thoughts.Thetr
afficl
ightwentredasshesighed
stoppingandtookherphonedi ali
nganumber .She
sighedmor easitrang..
.

Di
ti
ro:DThel
lo?
Boi
tshepo:hiyouar
espeaki
ngt
oBoi
tshepo
Di
ti
ro:whoi
sBoi
tshepo?Idon'
tknowaBoi
tshepo
Boi
tshepo:Let
lot
lo'
smot
her
Di
ti
ro:youhavedi
aledawr
ongnumbersi
ster
Boit
shepo:ohcomeonDit
iroyouknowyouare
speaki
ngtoBoit
shepoDi
ntsij
ustdropt
heact
Dit
ir
o:whatdoyouwantf
rom meandwher
edoyou
getmynumber?
Boi
tshepo:thatdoesn'
tmatter
,whatmatter
sist
hat
it
hinkit
stimeyour eachedouttoyourson
Di
tir
o:idon'
thavechi
ldwi
thyouBoit
shepo.Kegor
e
af
tersomanyyearsyouarest
il
lobsessedwit
hme?
Boi
tshepo:ohpl
easeDi
ti
roi
m sooveryou.Your
sonis18yearsol
dheneedsafat
herfi
gure
Dit
ir
o:t
henfi
ndhisfatherandst
opannoyingme.Im
notgoi
ngtofat
heranotherman'
ssperm.Legone
anoldper
sonli
kethat
?Youwantt hatbast
ardof
yourst
oberudeatme?
Boi
tshepo:t
hatbast
ardi
syour
sDi
ti
ro
Dit
ir
o:okt
hat
'smyquebyeandpl
easedonotever
cal
lthi
snumberagai
n
Boi
tshepo:bye

Dit
iroclickedhi
st onguehangingupwhil
e
Boitsheposigheddr ivi
ngoff
.Tear
sblur
redher
vi
sionassheswer vedtot
hesideoft
heroad
parkingandbur stintoacry.
..

Boit
shepo:Lor
dwheni
m igoingt
oeverf
indpeace
l
ikeotherwomen?I
'
m idest
inedt
ofi
ghtallmyl
if
e?
(shecri
ed)

THEFOLLOWI
NGMORNI
NG

I
nCour
t.
..

Thej
udget
ookherseatasever
yonet
ookt
hei
rs.
..

Judge:CounselMai
ket
sowhoar
ewehavi
ngont
he
st
andt
oday?
Boemo:yourhonour,wewouldl
iketocallMsNeo
tothestand.MsNeoistheownerandrunneroft
he
adopti
oncentreBosaDint
siwasadoptedfrom
Vi
ctor
ia:(
widenedhereyes)what
!?
Judge:MsDi
ntsiset
tl
edown
Vict
ori
a:not
hisi
sunfai
rhowcomewedi
dnot
knowaboutt
hisast
hedefense?
Judge:counselgetyourcli
enti
norderbef
oreiadd
anotherchargeonheralreadyl
ongli
stofcharges
(sheswallowedsit
ti
ngdown)good.MsNeot othe
standplease

Shemadeherwayandswor
einasBoemot
ooka
si
pfr
om herwat
er.
..

Boemo:goodmor
ning
Neo:mor
ningyourwor
shi
p
Boemo:ibel
ieveyouunder
standwhati
tmeanst
o
sweari
nri
ght
?
Neo:yesyourwor
shi
p
Boemo:good.NeohowdoyouknowMsDi
ntsi
?
Neo:wemetdur
ingouradul
tyear
s
Boemo:how?
Neo:(
swall
owed)wej
ustbumpedi
ntooneanot
her
andcl
icked
Boemo:don'
tli
etous.Neohowdi
dyouandVi
ctor
ia
Dint
simeet
?
Neo:(
sighed)shewant
edt
ohel
pourcent
rewi
th
mater
ialt
hings
Boemo:andt
hatwaswhen?
Neo:af
ewmont
hsbef
oresheadopt
edBosa
Boemo:ohsoyouwouldsayshewaspavi
ngwayt
o
manipul
ateyoui
ntoherdar
kworl
d?
Man:obj
ect
ionyourhonour
,counseli
sleadi
ngt
he
wi
tness
Judge:gr
ant
ed.MsMai
ket
sopl
easer
ephr
aseyour
quest
ion
Boemo:okNeo,
didyouguysbecomecl
ose?
Neo:yesyourwor
shi
p?
Boemo:whilesti
llwor
kingonhel
pingthecent
re,
did
sheevert
ellyouaboutadopt
ingachil
d?
Neo:(
clear
edhert
hroat
)yesyourwor
shi
p
Boemo:wassheeverspeci
fi
c?
Neo:sheal
waysspokeaboutapregnantsi
sterwho
wasnotgoi
ngtobeabletotakecareofachil
d
Boemo:ohwowsosheal
readyknewwhatwi
ll
happen?
Neo:idon'
tknowyourwor
shi
p
Boemo:imeanmyLadyt hiswomanknewt hatthe
fat
herofthi
schildwaswel loffandhewoul dt
ake
careofhi
schildandont opoft hathewasengaged
tothemotherofhischi
ldpl anningtomarr
yher
onceshe'soutofconfi
nementwhywoul dtheynot
beabletotakecareoftheirchil
d?Sheknew
somethi
ngwasgoi ngtohappen
Thejudgefr
ownedgoi
ngt
hroughsomet
hingand
scof
fed..
.

Judge:Cont
inuecounsel
Boemo:f
astf
orwar
dingal
it
tl
e,whobr
oughtt
he
chi
ldt
oyouNeo?
Neo:(
swal
lowed)MsDi
ntsi
'
sfr
iend
Boemo:namepl
ease
Neo:June
Boemo:whatdi
dshesay?
Neo:shesai
dshepi
ckedachi
ldf
rom t
hest
reet
s
Boemo:andwhendi
dVi
ctor
iacome?
Neo:2daysaf
ter
Boemo:di
dshecomecl
eant
oyou?
Neo:(
swal
lowed)yesshedi
d
Boemo:andyouj
ustagr
eet
ost
eal
ingachi
ld?
Neo:t
hingi
sshebl
ackmai
ledme.
..
Vi
ctor
ia:l
ies!
Boemo:canyoupl
easeshutup!
Judge:iwon'
trepeatmysel
fMsDi
ntsi
Boemo:Neoyouwer
esayi
ng?
Neo:shebl
ackmail
edmesayingi
fisaidanyt
hingto
anyoneshewoul
dneverhel
ptheorphanageagai
n
andweneededallt
hehel
pwecouldget
Boemo:wowbutwhydi
dyoust
ri
ngt
hest
atei
n?
Neo:i
twasf
orl
egalsecur
it
y
Boemo:wow,
oknof
urt
herquest
ionsf
orNeoyour
honour
Judge:t
hankyou.MsNeoar
eyouawar
ethatyou
havecommitt
edacri
metoo?
Neo:yesyourhonourbuti
twasf
oragr
eatcour
se
Judge:soyouexpectthelawtoletyougojustli
ke
that
?That'snothowitworksmydear .Neoyou
havebeenf oundgui
lt
yofchil
dtheftyour
sentenci
ngwi l
lbepassedaft
eryourfri
end'
stri
al.
Offi
cermakesur
ethi
swomangoesst
rai
ghtt
ojai
l
fr
om here
Neo:butmyLadyi
..
.
Judge:(
hitt
hegavel
)cour
twi
llr
esumeat12noon
Of
fi
cer
:al
lri
se!

Theyalldidasthejudgemadeherwayout .Neo
eyedVictori
aasanotheroffi
cerhandcuff
edher
whileVict
ori
asquinthereyestoBoemowhi l
e
Boemokeptaser iousfaceon.Shecli
ckedher
tongueescortedoutasBoemomadeherwayout
withmyselfanddad.AuntyBoitshepocamebehind
usasherphoner ang..
.

Boi
tshepo:(
frownedt
otheunknownnumber
)
Boi
tshepohello?
Man:mychil
dyouar
espeaki
ngtoNgakaMar
umo'
s
uncl
eibor
rowedaphonet
ocallyou
Boi
tshepo:ohhiMal
omehowcanihel
p?It
hought
wespokeaboutthedat
es
Man:ihadadr
eam aboutyourson
Boi
tshepo:(
frowned)ok?
Man:hewasinadar
kcagecall
ingforyourname
butyouseemedt
onothearhi
m( sheswall
owed)
hel
lo?
Boi
tshepo:eer
rai
m st
il
lher
e.Sohowdowedeal
wit
hthis?
Man:idon'
tknowyetbutsomethi
ngneedst obe
done.Youneedt
ogof oryouri
nit
iat
ionschoolver
y
soon
Boi
tshepo:l
etmebur
ymom f
ir
stt
hen
Man:okbutkeeppr
ayi
ngmychi
ld
Boi
tshepo:eer
ra

TheyhungupasBoi t
sheposwal l
owedlooki
ngup.
Heremotionsgotthebetterofherasshewentback
i
ncourttothebathrooms.Shecl osedher
sel
finsi
de
andsi
lentl
ycri
ed..
.
Boit
shepo:whenwil
lyoueveral
lowmet
ohave
peaceVict
ori
anowyouaredenyingmet
ohelpmy
son.Whyareyouli
kethi
s?
.
.
.
.
.
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
CAGED
38

I
nPr
ison.
..

Vict
ori
afrownedseeingLet
lot
lowhowasfocused
onhisphone.Theguardpull
edachai
rforheras
Letl
otl
oquickl
ylookedupandsmil
ed.
..
Let
lot
lo:youscar
edme
Vi
ctor
ia:hi
Let
lot
lo:hiaunt
yhowar
eyoudoi
ng?
Vict
ori
a:okgiventheci
rcumstances.Whatbr
ings
youhere?Ibeli
eveyoulothavetur
nedmyhouse
i
ntoashelter
Let
lot
lo:(
chuckl
ed)ahcomeonaunt yi
tsjustus
andauntyBoit
shepo.Theother
slef
taf
tergranny'
s
machinesgotswit
chedoff
Vi
ctor
ia:ohisee
Let
lot
lo:yesandwhatbr
ingsmeher
eist
hisaunt
y

Hesaidgoingtohisgal
ler
yandpl
ayedthe
rest
aurantvi
deoforher
.Sheswal
lowedwatchi
ng
uptotheend...

Vi
ctor
ia:whataboutt
his?
Let
lot
lo:what
'sgoi
ngont
her
e?
Vict
ori
a:r
eal
lyLetl
otl
odi
dyoucomeher
etoaskme
aboutasi
ll
yvideo?
Let
lot
lo:iwantt
ounder
stand
Vict
oria:iwasj
ustmut
ter
ingi
ntomyhandt
hinki
ng
outloud
Let
lot
lo:t
hesmal
lbot
tl
e?
Vi
ctor
ia:t
hat
'smycol
ogne.Theper
sonwhocaught
t
hisvi
deomissedt
hemomentwheniappli
editon
myneck
Let
lot
lo:andyourhandmovi
ngt
owar
dsmyf
ood?
Vi
ctor
ia:iwaschasi
ngaf
lyof
fyourf
oodmyboy
Let
lot
lo:ohisee
Vi
ctori
a:(scof
fed)don'
ttel
lmeyoubel
ieveyour
mother'
stheori
es
Let
lot
lo:nonoihaven'
tshowedi
ttoanyone
Vi
ctor
ia:(
smi
led)oh?Ok.Why?
Letl
otl
o:isti
llcan'tunderst
andwhythesepeople
aredoingthi
st oyouaunt yallyouwant
edwasa
goodli
f ef
ort hatbrat.Yesyoumademistakes
al
ongt hewaybutyoumeantwel lattheendoft he
day.Somenotshowi ngthem thisvideowas
preventi
ngt hem f
rom accusingyouofwi tchcr
aft
becauset heyweregoi ngtoconcl udethatyouar e
practi
singwi t
chcraf
tdayl i
ghtandiwant ed
answersf ir
st.I
t'
salwaysgoodt ogetanswer sfir
st
beforemaki ngyourownconcl usion
Vict
ori
a:awwt hankyoumysonforthosewordsat
l
eastthere'
ssomeonewhosti
llseesmef ort
he
gooditrytodoforother
s
Let
lot
lo:andiwi
llf
oreverbegr
atef
ulaunt
y
Vi
ctor
ia:you'
rewel
comemysonbutonet
hingiwi
ll
doi
sst andformyt
rut
handf
ightf
ori
t
Letl
otl
o:andiwil
lbeherefi
ghti
ngwit
hyouever y
stepofthewayaunty.Youhavemyfullsuppor
ti
wanttostar
tatt
endi
ngcourtsessi
onsebile
Vict
ori
a:idon'
twantyout
ogeti
ntot
roubl
ewi
th
yourmothermyboy
Letl
otl
o:icoul
dcar el
essaboutt
hatone.I
fshecan
ki
llherownmot herwhataboutme?Rememberhow
shedeniedmet hedayyoutoldt
hem youadopt
ed
Bosa?
Vict
ori
a:yesidobutatt
heendoft
hedayshe'
sst
il
l
yourmother
Letl
otl
o:kanaidi dn'
tgettotel
lyoumor eabout
Christ
masni ght .Thenightshedisappear
edwi t
h
Olebil
e,grannygotr eall
ysickandwet houghtshe
wasdyi ng.Ithink..
..
(l
ookedaroundandwhi spered)
shewasbewi tchingher.Imeanhowdoyouexpl ai
n
granny'ssuddendeat h?
Vi
ctor
ia:(si
ghed)yeahheyanywayi ti
swhati
tis
Godwillseeherbutrespectherpl
ease
Let
lot
lo:shedoesn'
tdeser
veitaunt
y,Bosa'
sfat
her
boughthim anewcarand.
..
Vi
ctor
ia:hedi
dwhat
!?(
Clear
edhert
hroat
)sor
ryi
meanttosay,
Why?
Letlotl
o:justbecausehegot48poi ntsasifthey
didn'texpecthewould.Igotthesamepoi ntsbut
nothingthat'swhyBoitshepodoesn'tdeservemy
respect,ifshewasamot hert
hatyousayshei sshe
woul dhavemadesur eihadar el
ati
onshipwi t
hmy
fatherbutnoshechoset obeselfi
shanddr ownme
i
ntopovert
y(Vict
ori
asi
ghed)peopl
earegett
ingbi
g
thi
ngsauntybuti
m get
ti
ngamer epar
tyaft
erwe
burygr
annyandit'
satherboyf
ri
end'
sgarden.Mxm
Vi
ctor
ia:shehasaboyf
ri
end?
Let
lot
lo:yeahsomewhit
emanhi
ssoni
sdat
ing
Bosa'
sfriend,
Atamel
ang
Vict
ori
a:(
squinthereyes)ohisee.Youknowwhat
don'
tworryauntywil
lgetyouabi ggi
ftaswel
lok
Let
lot
lo:(
smi
led)ar
eyouf
orr
eal
?
Victori
a:yesthat
'showmuchicar eaboutyoumy
boy.Boitshepoismysisteri
fshecan'
taffor
dit
whileicant hent
here'
snothingst
oppi
ngmef r
om
helpingyou.Youarepracti
call
ymyson
Let
lot
lo:(
huggedher
)thankyousomuchaunt
y
Guar
d:nohuggi
ng
Victor
ia:he'
sjustachil
dcomeon.Youar ewelcome
myboy.Iwi llgetint
ouchwithmyaccountantfr
om
here.Didyouwr it
ethetheor
ytest
?
Let
lot
lo:yepsamet
imewi
thBosaandipassed
Vict
ori
a:awesomemyaccount
antwi
llal
sopayf
or
yourdri
vingschoolok
Let
lot
lo:thankyouaunty(t
heysmi
led)caniaskyou
somethingbefor
eileave?
Vi
ctor
ia:shoot
Let
lot
lo:doyouknowanythi
ngaboutmyf at
her?
MaybewhyBoi t
shepodoesn'
twantanyt
hingtodo
wit
hhim?
Vi
ctor
ia:(
sighed)don'
ttel
lanyonet
hatyouhear
d
t
hisfr
om meok
Let
lot
lo:myl
ipsar
eseal
ed
Vict
ori
a:yourfatherisadoctorandasoldierhe
worksatSSKBsot hereasonwhyhe' snotinyour
l
ifeisbecause.
..(shesighed)Boi
tshepodeniedhi
m
accesstoyoubut ..
.
Let
lot
lo:shedi
dwhat
!?
Victori
a:pleaserememberyourpr omiseson(he
clearedhisthroat)j
ustbecauseheendedt he
relat
ionshi
pwhi leshewasst i
ll
pregnantanddated
anotherwomanshedi dn'twanthi
m closetoyou.
Thatmant ri
edeveryt
hinginhispowermyboybut
noBoitshepobeingBoitsheposhecouldn'tst
and
seei
nghi m wit
hanotherwomanandwhenhegot
marri
edt othewomant hatwasit,sheblockedal
l
access
Let
lot
lo:andyousayimustr
espectheraunt
y?Hel
l
no
Vi
ctor
ia:butyou.
..

Letl
otl
ocl
ickedhi
stongueandstor
medof
fwhi
le
Vict
ori
asatbackandsmiled.
..

Vi
ctor
ia:t
heyaregoingtowi
sht
heynevermessed
wi
thme.Bl oodyr
odents

Shesai
dgoi
ngbackt
ohercel
l.

I
nCar
terAt
tor
neys.
..
BoemoknockedonBoi
tshepo'
sof
fi
cedoorasshe
welcomedheri
n..
.

Boemo:heyloveijustwantedtochecki
fyouwer
e
ok.Kanayoudisappearedaft
ercourt
Boitshepo:(
sighed)irecei
vedacallfr
om Ngaka
Mar umo'suncle.Hehadadr eam aboutLet
lot
lo
beingcaged.Het ri
edtocallmeforhelpbuti
seemedt onotbeabl etohearhi
m
Boemo:thatexpl
ainshi
srecentbehavi
our
.Vi
ctor
ia
fedhi
m something
Boi
tshepo:butit
houghtyouburni
ngDi
phal
a'
shut
meanteverychai
nbeingbroken
Boemo:therear
ethi
ngsyoucan'
teasi
lybrakel
ove
soiguessthisi
soneoft
hem.Whatshef edhimis
real
lyst
rong
Boi
tshepo:i
m sost
ressedl
ove.Ical
ledBosat
oask
hi
m whereheisandhesaidheleftt
hehouse
wit
houtsayi
nganyt
hingtoanyone
Boemo:whati
fhewentt
oseeVi
ctor
ia
Boit
shepo:andshepoisonedhim moreagai
nstme.
Goshthiswomani snotmakingmyl i
feeasi
er.I
tr
iedtothr
owherbehindbarsthinki
ngmaybeshe
wouldhumblehersel
fbutno
Boemo:that
'swi
tchesf
oryout
heyar
eal
ways
ar
rogant
Boitshepo:maybethi
ngswillbeeasywhenihave
myt hir
deyeopenedmor eclearerbecausewe
agreedthatiwil
lgotoini
ti
ati
onschoolaf t
ermom'
s
funeral
Boemo:ohokl
et'
shopef
ort
hebestt
hen
Boit
shepo:yeah.Canweuseonecarwhengoi
ng
backtocourt?
Boemo:nopr
obl
em wecanusemi
ne
Boi
tshepo:sur
e(herphoner
ang)i
t'
sRoby
Boemo:(
smil
ed)oopsl
etmeexcuseyou(
they
l
aughedasshel
eft)
Boi
tshepo:honey
Rober
t:igotyourmessagemylove.Ij
ustl
ist
ened
t
oitnowir eal
lyhadahecti
cmorning
Boi
tshepo:i
t'
sokbabe
Robert
:it
hinkweshouldpr aymoreforyoursonmy
l
ove.Nochildi
nthei
rrightmindwouldbehavelike
t
hat.Yesatotbi
tofjealousymightcr
eepinbutyou
wil
lendupbeinghappyf oranot
her
Boi
tshepo:yeahhey
Robert
:yousoundst
ressedhowaboutdi
nner
t
onightatmyhouse?
Boit
shepo:ihonest
lycoul
duseachangeof
envi
ronmentsonopr obl
em
Rober
t:awesomeseeyoui
ntheeveni
ngok
Boi
tshepo:okl
ove.Il
oveyou
Rober
t:il
ovemor
e

Hesmi l
edhangi
ngupwhi l
eBoit
sheposi
ghedand
gotbacktoworkaf
terchecki
ngthet
ime.

AtaRest
aur
ant
..
.
BontsiandPat
lochatsi
ppi
ngont
hei
rteasas
Reneèsmi l
edj
oini
ngthem.
..

Reneè:i
m sor
ryi
mlat
eihadanemer
gencyihadt
o
at
tendto
Patlo:i
t'
sokaslongasyouar
eher
e.Shoul
dwe
ordersomethi
ngforyou?
Reneè:i
m okiwi
llj
usthavewat
er
Pat
lo:ok(
hecal
ledt
hewai
ter
)
Reneè:Mr
sKwenaigotyourmessage
Bontsi
:yesloveit
ri
edt
ogi veherasecondchance
butshefai
ledtobesmartandtakei
t
Reneè:ohwellherchancesareoverbecausecour
t
hascontact
edmewewi llbegoi
ngtocour ton
Fri
day
Bontsi
:ohwonder
ful
.Iwantt
omakesur
ethatshe'
s
l
eftwit
hnothi
ngaft
erthi
s.
Reneè:don'
twor
ryi
wil
lmakesur
ethati
thappens.
Ar
eweont
hesamepageMrKwena?
Pat
lo:yesiwantnot
hingbutt
oseemydaught
er'
s
l
egacybackinmyhands.Canyoudothat
?
Reneè:wi
thoutahust
lesi
r
Pat
lo:il
ikei
twhenyousayt
hat(
theyal
lchuckl
ed)
Reneè:sowhatyouwantatt
heendoft
hedayi
sal
l
herasser
tsi
nyourhands?
Bontsi
:yesl
ovefr
om thehot
elupt
oherl
eastused
thong(t
heyl
aughed)
Reneè:okMrsKwena.It
'sapi
tyshedi
dn'
twantto
seetoyourgener
osi
ty.Apar
tofmehonest
lyfeel
s
forher
Bont
si:shebr
oughti
tonher
sel
fsot
her
e'snot
hing
wecando
Reneè:t
rueandwithMrKwenawi
thusf
ullf
orcewe
ar
egoingtonailher
Bont
si:cheer
stot
hat

Theyr
aisedt
hei
rmugswhi
lesher
aisedhergl
assof
waterandcli
ckedt
hem ast
heycont
inuedt
o
st
rategi
ze.

Backi
nCour
t.
..

Everyonet
ookt
hei
rseat
sast
hej
udgeor
der
ed
them...

Judge:counselMai
ket
so
Boemo:wewoul
dli
ket
ocal
lJunet
othest
andmy
Lady

Shefixedherdressandmadewaytothest
andand
sworein.I
, mydad,aunt
yBoit
shepoandOl
ebi
le
watchedfrom t
hebenches.
..

Judge:youmaycont
inuecounselMai
ket
so
Boemo:t
hankyoumyl
ady.Goodaf
ter
noonJune
June:af
ter
noonyourwor
shi
p
Boemo:howl
onghaveyoubeenf
ri
endswi
thMs
Dint
si?
June:si
ncewewer
e22year
sofage
Boemo:ohokthat
'squietsometi
mehey.Itmeans
youguysaremorethanjustf
ri
endsandcando
anyt
hingf
oroneanother?
June:yesyourwor
shi
p
Boemo:evenst
eal
ingachi
ld?
Man:obj
ect
ionmyl
ady,
counsell
eadi
ngt
hewi
tness
Judge:gr
ant
ed.Counselpl
easer
ephr
aseyour
quest
ion
Boemo:(smil
ed)haveyoueverdoneanyt
hingf
or
MsDintsioutoft
heordi
nary?
June:yesyourwor
shi
p
Boemo:exampl
e?
June:ican'
tcomeupwi
thanyt
hingatt
het
opofmy
mind
Boemo:why?
June:becausei
m over
whel
med
Boemo:orbecauseyoudon'
twantt
osel
loutyour
fr
iend?
June:t
hat
'sabsur
dyourwor
shi
p
Judge:wat
chyourt
onguei
nmycour
t
June:apol
ogi
esmyLady
Boemo:June,earl
ierNeotol
dthiscour
tthatyouare
theonewhobr oughtthechi
ldi
nsayingyoupicked
them f
rom t
hestreets
June:namescanbesharedyourwor
shi
pmaybe
sheconfusedmeforanot
herJune
Boemo:(si
ghed)haveyouevert
akenachi
ldt
oher
or
phanage?
June:yesyourworshi
pbuti
twasnotBosat
hechi
ld
it
ookwascr ossTswanaandindi
an
Boemo:ohok.Soi
fwebroughtNeobackt
othe
st
andshewouldconf
ir
mthis?
June:yesyourwor
shi
p
Boemo:okthenweshal
ldoso.Nof
urt
her
quest
ionsf
orJunemyLady
Judge:counsel
?
Man:noquest
ionsmyLady
Judge:okifwehavenomor
equest
ionscour
twi
ll
conti
nuetomorr
ow.

Shehitt
hegavelastheyallst
oodupwhi leVict
ori
a
l
ookedatuswithasmi l
eonherf aceastheygot
escor
tedbackt
ot hei
rcel
lswithherfr
iend..
.

Boi
tshepo:andt
hatwomani
sgoi
ngt
oconf
ir
m
Boemo:onemi st
akeidi
dwasnotconf
ir
m" June's"
surnamewhenNeowasont hest
andbutdon't
worryiwi
llmakesureimakeupf
orthemistake.It
's
ti
meijoggedJune'smemoryabi
t
Bai
sago:whatar
eyoupl
anni
ng?
Boemo:j
ustt
rustme
Bai
sago:ok
Boemo:Boi
tshepoyouwi
llbeont
hest
and
tomor
row
Boit
shepo:(si
ghed)ok.Wi
thever
ythi
nggoi
ngoni
hopeallgoeswell
Boemo:j
usthangi
nther
erememberwhyyouar
e
doi
ngthi
s
Boi
tshepo:yeah.Let
'sgobackt
owor
k
Bai
sago:i
m donef
ort
hedaymyboyupf
oradat
e?
Bosa:
nott
odaydaddydear
estI
'
m meet
ingupwi
th
someonei
nafew
Bai
sago:oh?
Bosa:(
chuckl
ed)don'
tbej
eal
ousnowdad.Come
takemehome

Welaughedgoi
ngt
ohi
scarashet
ookmeback
home.

I
nSandt
on.
..
St
evebroughthisfr
iendadr
inkastheywere
worki
ngontheirupcomingj
ointpr
oject
..
.

Steve:themor
eweoutsour
cecl
ient
sthebett
er
chanceswestandwi
thmakingakil
li
ngwit
hthis
project
Obi
ego:iagr
eewi
thyoumyf
ri
end
Steve:yeah.Theonl
ythi
nglef
tri
ghtnowi
sgett
he
team onboardandkickoff
Obiego:cheerstomaki ngmoremoney(theysmil
ed
cl
icki
ngt hei
rglasses)iwasthi
nkingi
t'
sbeenso
l
ongsi ncewewentonat r
ipwi
thoutt
hewivesand
ki
ds
St
eve:i
t'
sli
keyouhavebeeni
nmymi
nd
Obi
ego:comeondudewegof
ort
ri
psever
ymont
h
andl
astmonthwedidn'
t
Steve:af
terthatBatswanagirl
smesst heywer
enot
goingtoallowit(t
heylaughed)butit
hinkwehave
showedt hem thatwecankeepourwor dssowhy
notgot
hisweekend
Obiego:howdoesCapeTownsound?(Checkedt
he
coast)andihearr
umour
sthatourcl
ubisupand
runni
ngagain
St
eve:asi
nCl
ubVenus?
Obi
ego:whi
chcl
ubcanit
alkabouti
nCapeTown?
Ofcour
se
St
eve:(
chuckl
ed)t
henweshoul
dpackourbagsand
gobuddy
Obi
ego:amazi
ng
St
eve:cl
ubvenusher
ewecome

Theylaughedcl
icki
ngt
hei
rgl
assesanddowned
thei
rdri
nks.

AtVi
ctor
ia'
shouse.
..

Boi
tshepopar
kedhercarout
sidet
hegat
eandwent
i
nwhereshefoundLet
lot
lowat
chingtv.Shesaidhi
t
ohim andmadeherwaytoherroom whil
eLetl
otl
o
r
oll
edhiseyesgoi
ngbacktohi
sprogramme...

Boi
tshepo:(cameback)pl
easet
akeoutt
hestake
andaskOlebilet
omakedinnerwhenhecomes
home.Im notcominghometoni
ght
Let
lot
lo:doi
tyour
sel
f
Boi
tshepo:excuseme?
Let
lot
lo:youhear
dme
Boi
tshepo:Let
lot
lowhathappenedt
oyou?
Let
lot
lo:r
eal
lyBoi
tshepowhathappenedt
ome?
Boi
tshepo:soi
m Boi
tshepot
oyounow?
Let
lot
lo:doyouwantt
oknowwhathappenedtome?
Whathappenedtomeisthehat
eyouhaveforme.
KegoreBoit
shepoyouhatemesomuchtodenymy
dadaccesstomyli
fe?
Boi
tshepo:(
mout
hdr
opped)what
!?
Let
lot
lo:yest
her
ear
epeopl
ewhocar
eformet
han
youdooutthere.Youarenot
hingbutaselfcentr
ed
poorhypocr
it
eBoi t
shepoandiwil
lneverf
orgive
youforwhatyoudidandisweartoyou,youwi l
l
neverbehappybecauseofwhatyoudidtome
Boitshepo:(swall
owed)youknowwhati m overt
his,
here'syourfather'
snumber,hisnameisDit
irohe
worksi nSSKB, cal
lhi
m andt al
ktohi
m yoursel
fim
donef i
ghtingwithyou.Al
lthebestmyson

Shesaidsendinghim Ditiro'
snumberandl eftwhil
e
Letl
otl
osmiledsitt
ingdown.Shef el
tdizzyandheld
ontothecarbonnetast earsfi
ll
edhereyes.She
swall
owedbl ocki
ngt hem andheavedal ongsoft
si
ghandgoti nhercart akingherwat er
.Shelooked
atthefr
ontdoorbef oreclosingthegateand
scoff
edreversingawayaf terpressi
ngtheremote.

I
nPr
ison.
..

Att
hel
aundr
yli
ne,
Vict
ori
ahunghert
hingsast
he
guar
dcamet
oherbutf
acedt
heot
herdi
rect
ion.
..

Guar
d:youcal
ledf
orme
Vi
ctor
ia:ibel
ievenowyout
rustme
Guar
d:youst
oodbyyourwor
dyes
Vi
ctor
ia:quest
ioni
scanit
rustyou?
Guar
d:wi
thoutadoubt
Victor
ia:ibel
ieveyouar
espoi
li
ngyoursi
bli
ngs
rott
en
Guar
d:ihaveneverseent
hem sohappy
Vi
ctor
ia:nowcaref
ulonhowyouspendi
tyoudon'
t
wantt
or ai
sesuspi
cionsr
ight
Guar
d:asf
arasi
m concer
nedit
ookal
oan
Vi
ctor
ia:asmar
tthi
nkeraswel
l
.Impr
essi
ve
Guar
d:icanbei mpressi
veinalotofar
eas(
helick
hi
sli
ps)justsaythewordifyouneedmyservi
ces
Vict
ori
a:(
smiled)ohwowok.Ihave2t
hingsineed
youtakecar
eofme
Guar
d:ok?
Vict
ori
a:ineedyout
obr akei
ntoKabinda'
soff
ice
andstealt
hecasefi
le.Heworksinthehead
quart
ers
Guar
d:ohok
Vi
ctor
ia:j
ustl
iket
hat
?
Guar
d:yesi
twon'
tbehar
d
Victori
a:il
oveamanwhoknowshisgameandal
so
iwantyout ogetr
idofBoemoMai
ket
sothe
at
t orneyonmycase
Guar
d:expl
ain"
getr
idof
"
Vi
ctor
ia:iwanther
..
.(
whi
sper
ed)dead
Guard:icanorgani
set
hatt
ooandwhatwi
llibe
get
ti
ngi nret
urn?
Vi
ctor
ia:yourwi
shi
smycommand
Guar
d:(
smi
led)ohokt
hen.150Kandapr
ivat
e
momentwi
thyou
Vi
ctor
ia:(
smi
led)pr
ivat
e?
Guar
d:youknowwhati
mtal
kingabout
Vi
ctor
ia:asl
ongasyouar
rangei
tim good.Asf
or
t
he150Kl et
ssayP75Kaj
ob
Guar
d:doneandapr
ivat
emomentperj
ob?
Vi
ctor
ia:(
smi
led)deal
Guar
d:iwil
lupdat
eyouonceihavemanagedwi
th
t
hefi
rstone
Vi
ctor
ia:good

HewalkedawaywhileJunecametoheraf
ter
spot
ti
ngthem f
rom adist
ance.
..

June:t
hatwasal
ongconver
sat
ion
Vi
ctor
ia:(
jumpedst
art
led)damnyouJune(
they
l
aughed)
June:whatwasi
tabout
?
Vi
ctor
ia:hewi
lldoi
t
June:canyout
rustt
hisguyVi
c?
Vict
ori
a:wel
lhehasal
ott
oloset
hanimyl
ovesoi
coul
dcarel
ess
June:youar
epl
ayi
ngadanger
ousgamebutil
ove
ever
ybitofi
t
Vict
or i
a:thedon'
tcal
lmeMsDi ntsif
ornothi
ngand
ihaveLet l
otl
oeati
ngoutoft hepalm ofmyhandim
buyingthesonofabi tchacarandbur yi
nghis
rel
ationshipwit
hhismot herwaydeepijustneedt
o
getintouchwi t
hDiti
ro
June:youar
esoevi
landiwoul
dhat
etoevercr
oss
you
Victor
ia:youbet
terr
ememberthatbooboo.Letme
fi
nishim onkit
chendut
ytoday

Theylaughedasshet
ookherbucketandheadedt
o
thei
rcell
.

Al
ongt
her
oad.
..
Isl
owlydroveunderat
reeAt
amelangdi
rect
edme
toasidr
oppedmyseatandopenedthewindows.
..

At
amel
ang:yourcari
samazi
ng
Bosa:t
hankyou.Ishoul
dsayiwassur
pri
sedwhen
youaskedt
omeetupwi thme
At
amelang:(
smil
ed)whatwassur
pri
singaboutt
hat
?
Ar
en'
tfri
endssupposedt
omeetup?
Bosa:
wel
lourr
elat
ionshi
phasn'
tbeengoodatt
he
moment
At
amel
ang:andit
hinki
tst
imewef
ixedt
hat(
smi
led)
Bosa:
welliwoul
dbemorethandeli
ght
edt
o.Today
youdi
dn'
tgoforlunchwi
thboobae?
At
amel
ang:canwepl
easenott
alkabouthi
m?Thi
s
i
sourmoment
Bosa:
(fr
ownedsmi l
ing)ohiseeokthen.(
Reached
onmydoor)igotyoual i
tt
lesomet
hing
At
amel
ang:(
smi
ledf
li
ppi
ngherbr
aids)ohwhati
sit
?
Bosa:
justopenandsee.I
t'
snot
hingf
ancyt
hough
Shechuckl
edopeni
ngt
heboxandsmi
ledt
oa
neckl
ace.
..

Atamelang:awwil
i
kei
tbutwher
eishal
foft
his
heart
?
Bosa:
(reachedf
rom myt-shi
rt)her
e(wel
aughed)
i
tsasymbolofourfr
iendship
At
amel
ang:i
t'
scut
eil
ovei
tpl
easehel
pmeputi
ton
Bosa:
ok,
tur
n

Shedidputt
ingherbrai
dsononesidewhil
ei
caref
ull
yputiton.Shesmil
edt
urni
ngandhersmi l
e
dazzl
edmyeyesasicl ear
edmythroatsi
tt
ingback
onmyseat..
.

At
amel
ang:(
hel
dmyhand)t
hankyou
Bosa:
for
?
At
amel
ang:al
wayscar
ingf
orme
Bosa:
ohyouar
ewel
..
.

Beforeiknewi
tshewasalreadyonmylipsasmy
heartski
ppedabeatandshepull
edback..
.

At
amel
ang:i
m sor
ryidi
dn'
tmeant
o..
.
Bosa:
nonoi
tsokdon'
twor
ryabouti
t
At
amel
ang:youmustt
hinki
m..
.
Bosa:
noi
t'
sreal
lyoki
..
.

Shelockedherl
ipswit
hmi neagainfr
enchkissi
ng
measisl owl
ykissedherback.Sheplayedwit
hmy
smallbeardwhi
leimovedherhairoutofherface
asshe..
..
.#REMOVED

htt
ps:
//www.f
acebook.com/gr
oups/
238140494544
8126/
?ref
=share_
group_li
nk
Backi
nPr
ison.
..

Victor
iawhistledcutt
ingvegetabl
es.Shefel
t
someonet aphershoul derandasshet ur
nedshe
l
ockedeyeswi thDiphal
af ol
dinghisar
mswi t
ha
smileonhisf aceasherhear tski
ppedabeat
screaming..
.

Vi
ctor
ia:getawayf
rom me!
.
.
.
.
.
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
CAGED
39
Theotheri
nmatesshewasondutywitht ur
nedto
herfr
owningwhil
eshecover
edherfacescr eami
ng.
Afemaleguar
dshookherwhileshesti
llkepther
handsonherface.
..

Vi
ctor
ia:isai
dleavemeal
onepl
ease!
Lady:mmaet
shost
opwhatyouaredoi
ngyouar
e
goingt
oendupbur
ningt
hefood
Vi
ctor
ia:t
ellhi
mtogoaway!
Lady:who!
?

Sheswall
owedslowlytaki
ngherhandsoffherface
andfoundafemaleguardanddutymateslooki
ng
ather
..
.

Lady:i
sever
ythi
ngok?
Vict
ori
a:(
clear
edhert
hroat
)leavemeal
oneandgo
backtowork
Lady:ar
eyousur
eyouar
eok?
Vi
ctor
ia:isai
dim okcan'
tyougett
hat
!?
Lady:i
m sor
rydon'
tbi
temyheadof
f

Sheleftherwhil
etheotherwentbackt
othei
r
cooki
ng.Victor
iacli
ckedhert
ongueandconti
nued
tocutherveggies.
..

Di
phal
a:youmessedwi
tht
hewr
ongone

Shejumpedheari
ngthevoiceandlookedar
ound
whil
ethefemaleguar
dlookedather.She
swall
owedlooki
ngatthefemaleguardandcl
ear
ed
hert
hroatgoi
ngbacktohercutti
ng..
.

Diphal
a:youreal
lyt
houghtyouwer
egoi
ngt
oget
awaywi t
hkil
li
ngme?
Shescreamedandcutherf
ingerf
all
ingonher
knees.
..

Lady:okenoughnow.Goandcallt
henur
seshecut
herfi
nger(oneguar
dlef
t)what
'sgoi
ngonwi
thyou?
Vi
ctor
ia:ineedapl
ast
er
Lady:ar
eyouhal
luci
nat
ingsot
hatwef
indyouhel
p
assoonasnow?
Vi
ctor
ia:noi
..
.
Di
phal
a:t
ellt
hem t
hatyoucanhearandseeme

Asshel ookedattheguardshesawDi phala'

sface
i
nsmi lesandshescreamedpushi ngherawayand
ranoff.Otherguar
dsranafterherbutshetri
pped
andfellasshescreamedmor ehearingDiphal
a's
l
augh.Theymanagedt ocatchherandtookherto
thecl
inicwhileshecri
edwithhereyesclosed
ref
usingtosayanything.
Undert
het
ree.
..

At
amelangbitherl
i
pslooki
ngatmeafteritookout
t
hecondom andwrappeditwi
that
issue..
.

Bosa:
what
?
At
amelang:youar
esof
unnywhennaked(
we
l
aughed)
Bosa:asifyouar
eanybet t
er.Nowyouspl
ashed
thi
ngsallovermycarihavetowashit
At
amel
ang:carwashi
snot
hingBiwi
llpayf
ori
t
Bosa:ineedashowerican'tgobackhome
smell
i
ngl i
kebananas(
wel aughed)
Atamel
ang:met
oo.Let
'sf
indanearbyguesthouse
andshower
Bosa:
ihaveani
dea
At
amel
ang:what
?
Bosa:
let
'sbookt
heguesthousef
ort
heni
ght
.
Aunt
yBisspendingtheni
ghtatherboyf
ri
end'
sand
Ol
ebi
lewoul
dn'tmindaslongasitel
lhimthet
rut
h
Atamel
ang:youwantmet
ost
artbei
ngnaught
y
aker
e
Bosa:iwanttoexplor
emoreofyoufreel
ybuti
twas
aniceexper
ience.Sexinacariwi
llt
ellmyst
oryas
well(
welaughedmor e)
Atamelang:youar esosil
ly.Iwi
lltal
ktomom and
tel
lherim spendinganightataf r
iendi
ncase
Saschacomest othehouse
Bosa:ohyeahkanathere'
sSaschaitotal
yfor
got
abouthi
m.Wellidon'twanttobebeatenbyawhite
guyboosolet'
sjustgobookt oshoweranddrop
thei
deaofspendingthenight
Atamel
ang:noiwantt
o.It
oldyout
ofor
getabout
Sascha
Bosa:
(smi
led)i
fyousayso
At
amel
ang:shoul
didr
iveoryouwi
ll
?
Bosa:yousitonyourwaterdeari
m notcomi
ng
anywherenearthatr
iver
Wel aughedasAt amelangfi
xedtheseatwhi l
eiput
onmycl othes.Iswit
chedofftheai
rconandopened
thewi ndowsasshef i
xedherfaceandwel ooked
foraguesthousear oundthenwenttothecarwash
andt henbackt otheguesthousetoshower .I
fol
lowedheri ntheshowerandstart
edplayingwith
oneanot herasherphonerangbackintheroom.
Shegotoutandwentt oanswerandputitonsi l
ent
andj oinedme. .
.

Bosa:
whowasi
t?
Atamelang:mybosshesai
dit
'sokishoul
dn'tcome
back.Mommygasest r
essiwi
llcal
lheraf
terthe
shower
Bosa:(
kissedher
)that
'scool
.Youshoul
dtext
Saschathough
Atamelang:(
sighedr
oll
inghereyes)youand
Sascha,youaresoobsessedwithhim.Eerr
aiwi
ll
contacthi
m
Bosa:goodgirl
.(Pl
ayi
ngwit
hherbreast
s)iwi
llal
so
textOl
ebil
ethenweorderi
nright
?
At
amel
ang:nopr
obl
em

Shesai
dputt
ingherhandsaroundmyneckaswe
fr
enchki
ssedwit
hourprivat
estouchi
ng.
..

Bosa:woul
dyoual
l
owmet
openet
rat
eyouwi
thout
pr
otecti
on?
Atamel
ang:heal
thcomesfi
rstwear
enotgoi
ngt
o
haveunpr
otect
edsexbefor
ewebothtest
Bosa:(
groaned)soyouwantmet
oputona
condom i
ntheshower
Atamelang:(
laughed)youar
esosi
ll
y.I
tsj
ustt
his
oncethenextroundweputonacondom.Youare
cl
eanthoughr i
ght?
Bosa:
yep
At
amel
ang:andt
hegi
rlyousl
eptwi
thbef
oreme?
Bosa:
she'
scl
eanaswel
l
At
amel
ang:ihopeso

Ismi
ledpinni
ngheragainstt
hewallasisquatt
ed
andl
ickhercoochi
ewiththeshowerwaterfal
li
ng
onus.

AtVi
ctor
ia'
shouse.
..

Olebil
esighedthrowinghiscarkeysonthecoff
ee
tablegreeti
nganunr esponsi
veLetl
otl
o.Hescoffed
goingtot heki
tchenandt ookoutmeatenoughfor
him, t
hehousehel perandLetl
otl
oputti
ngiti
nthe
pan...

Ol
ebi
le:i
t'
sjustus,
Bosai
ssl
eepi
ngoutt
oday

Let
lotl
ostil
lkeptqui
etasOl
ebi
lescof
fedboi
li
ng
waterforpasta.
..
Olebil
e:shouldifr
ythepastaoryouli
kei
tplai
n?
(Let
lotl
ostil
lkeptquiet
)okLet
lot
loidon'
tknow
whatthewor ldowesyoubutitdoesn'
tmeanyou
havetoignoreeveryone
Letl
otl
o:eyshbruhcan'tyouhearyouar emaki
ng
unnecessarynoise?SowhatBosasl eepsout
,imi
hisfat
her?Andidon'tcarewetheryoumakedr yor
boil
edpastabecauseim notgoingtoeatyourfood
anywaysol eavemealone
Olebi
le:wow,ok.Itst
imeyougotof fyourhi
gh
horseandreali
sedwher eyouarebecauseiwil
l
panelbeatyourightnow.Im notyouragemate
youngboy
Letl
otl
o:goaheadisn'
titwhatyouandyouraunt
want?Toseemepooral lmylif
e.Sogor
ighthead
andjustsoyouknowt hisismyaunt'
shousenot
yourssoihaveeveryr
ightt obeher
eanddo
whateveriwant
Ol
ebi
le:(
squi
nthi
seyes)whathappenedt
oyou?
Let
lot
lo:igotwi
ser
Ol
ebi
le:ohyout
hink?
Let
lot
lo:idon'
tthi
nkiknowso
Olebil
e:wellfr
om wherei m st
andingiseenothing
butanunscr upulousbrutewithnodir
ectioninli
fe
l
etti
nghi mselftobeusedbyhi s"aunt"i
fyouar enot
carefulyouarenotgoingt odoanythi
ngf oryoursel
f
focusingonbr i
ngingotherpeopledownandf inding
faulti
nt hem j
ustli
keyouraunt
Let
lot
lo:ar
eyousur
eyouar
eevenherson?
Ol
ebi
le:youar
ecr
ossi
ngt
hel
inenowyoungman
Let
lot
lo:whatcanyoudo?Iaskedyout
oleaveme
al
oneplease
Ol
ebi
le:your
eal
lywantt
oknowwhaticando?
Let
lot
lo:Ol
ebi
lejustl
eavemealone.Youspoi
ltbr
at.
Gotoyourownhousei fyouwantt
omaker ul
es.
Thi
sismyaunt '
shouseandaslongasshe'sok
wit
hmei ..
.

Bef
orehecoul
dfini
shOlebil
elockedhi
sheadi
nhi
s
ar
m ashegaggedkicki
ngtheair.
..
Ol
ebi
le:sayt
hatagai
n
Let
lot
lo:(
gagged)youar
ehur
ti
ngme
Ol
ebil
e:f
indDai
syandaskherwhati
m capableof
doyouhearme?(Hekeptgaggi
ngwhi
leOlebil
e
l
ockedhi
sheadmore)doyouhearmeLetlot
lo?
Let
lot
lo:(
gagged)st
opi
t

Ol
ebi
lel
etgoofhi
m ashecoughedst
andi
ngup.
..

Let
lot
lo:whatar
eyoudoi
ng?

Hetr
iedtopunchOlebi
leasOlebi
legr
abbedhisar
m
anddoubl
eslappedhimthenpushedhim ont
he
fl
oor
..
.

Ol
ebi
le:iwi
llhur
tyouyoungboy

Hecl
ickedhi
stonguegoi
ngt
otheki
tchenwhi
le
Let
lot
locl
ickedhi
stonguegoi
ngt
ohi
sroom and
sl
ammedt hedoor.

THEFOLLOWI
NGMORNI
NG

I
nCour
t.
..

Iwhistl
edparki
ngmycarnextt
omyf ather
'sand
gotoffsmil
ingwit
habeamingface.
..

Boi
tshepo:t
her
e'ssomet
hingaboutyout
oday
Bosa:
(smil
ed)i
t'
sagooddayaunt
yicanf
eeli
t
(t
heyl
aughed)
Boemo:(
gotof
fthephone)hiBosa
Bosa:
canasongetahugf
rom hi
smot
her
?
Boemo:oh?(
Hugged)ar
eyouok?
Bai
sago:hemustbehi
ghorsomet
hing
Boemo:anywayi
mfr
om acal
lwi
tht
hepr
ison
off
icial
s.Di
phaladiedofcar
diacar
restaf
terbei
ng
beatenbyotherinmates
Bai
sago:what
!?
Boi
tshepo:t
hisi
snotgood
Boemo:thi
swasourst
rongestwi
tnessbef
ore
Stonenowwit
hhi
m goneit'
sanot
herdrawback
Boi
tshepo:it
hinkweshoul
dmakesur
eSt
onei
s
saf
e
Boemo:don'twor
ryispoket
oKabi
ndahewi
llsor
t
thatoneout
Boi
tshepo:haveyoumetupwi
thJuneyet
?
Boemo:nopebutiwi
lll
atert
oday
Boi
tshepo:t
hesoonert
hebet
ter
Boemo:yeah(
checkedt
het
ime)l
et'
sgoi
n

Theyl
edthewaywhi
lemydadandicamebehi
nd
them.
..
Bai
sago:iknowyousl
eptoutl
astni
ghtandyour
moodsaysi tal
l
Bosa:l
et'
sjustsayyoursoni
sbei
ngf
edsomegood
thi
ngs(welaughed)
Bai
sago:responsibi
li
tycomesfir
stson.Youareat
anageofexplori
ngyourbodybutwedon' twanta
chi
ldorforyoutogetsi ckwhi
leyouaresti
ll
bui
ldi
ngyourf ut
ureright?
Bosa:
yesdad
Bai
sago:goodboy

Wef i
stbumpedt akingourseatsasVi
ctor
iaand
Neowal kedin.Thatdayshelookedmoredown
thanotherdaysandherf acewasnotgood.The
j
udgemadeherwayi naswest oodupandsatback
downaf tersheorderedusto.
..

Judge:MsMai
ket
so
Boemo:thankyoumyLady.Neopleasest
andup
(shedi
d)whatisthesur
nameofJunewhobrought
i
nBosa?
Neo:shedi
dn'
tsay
Boemo:(
sighed)di
dyoumeetanot
herJune?
Neo:yeswhobr
oughtancr
osschi
ld
Boemo:whi
chJunewasi
t?
Neo:idon'
tknowyourhonour.Theywereboth
weari
ngglassesandscar
faroundthei
rfacessoi
coul
dn'tr
eall
ytel
l
Boemo:(si
ghedagai
n)nof
urt
herquest
ionsyour
honour
Judge:good.Maywepl
easecar
ryon
Boemo:myLadywewoul
dli
ket
ocal
lBoi
tshepo
Dint
sit
othest
and

Shemadeherwayt ot hest
andandswor einwhil
e
Vict
ori
alookeddownt ofi
xhershoe.Themoment
shelookedupshelockedeyeswithDiphal
anextto
Boit
shepoasshefellundert
hebenchwhi l
e
ever
yonelookedonshocked..
.
Judge:what
'sgoi
ngon,
iseveyt
hingok?
Diphal
a:al
lyouhavetodoiscomecl
ean.(Vict
ori
a
screamed)idon'
thaveahomenowallbecauseyou
Vi
ctor
ia:canyouf
ucki
ngst
opi
t!
Judge:cansomeonedosomet
hingpl
ease(
the
off
icer
swenttoher)
Vi
ctor
ia:l
eavemeal
onedammi
t!
Man:ma'
am ar
eyouok?
Diphal
a:weareherebecauseofyousothesooner
yougetusedtoseeingmethebetter
.Justsoyou
knowwear ehusbandandwifeandnoonewi l
lever
l
oveyoulikeido

Hel
aughedwhileVictor
iascr
eamedspearheadi
ng
t
heoff
icerwhi
leeveryonegaspedshocked.
..

Judge:gett
hiswomani
nor
dersot
hatwecan
conti
nue!
Vi
ctor
ia:l
eavemeal
onepl
ease
Man:ar
eyousur
e?
Vi
ctor
ia:yes

Shesaidsnif
fi
ngandwentbackt oherbenchasthe
j
udgescoffedlooki
ngatherandbackatBoemo.
Befor
eshecoul dsayanyt
hingBoi
tshepobursti
nto
alaugh.
..

Judge:i
m notgoi
ngt
otol
erat
ethi
s
Boit
shepo:i
m sor
ryyourhonouricoul
dn'
thol
diti
n
anymore
Judge:MsMai
ket
socont
inuepl
ease
Boemo:whatawaytostartt
oday.Anyway,
Ms
Dint
sihowwasyoursi
sterwhenyougrewup?
Boit
shepo:shewasal
waysr
udeandi
nvol
vedi
n
fi
ghts
Boemo:athome?
Boi
tshepo:shewast
hesameper
sonbutwhen
mom washomeshebehaved
Boemo:ohisee.SoMsDi nt
siwoul
dyousayyour
si
steri
saresponsi
blepar
ent?
Boit
shepo:honest lyspeakingno,shelet'
sher
chi
ldrendowhat evertheywantbutOlebil
ewas
morel evelheadedt onotleti
tgettohi
shead.Ican'
t
saythesamef orDai sythati
swhyshe' snowher
eto
befound
Boemo:isee.Di
dMsDi
ntsit
ellt
hef
ami
lyaboutt
he
adopt
ion?
Boi
tshepo:noyourwor
shi
punt
ilhi
sfat
hercame
l
ookingforhi
m
Boemo:haveyouevert
ri
edr
eachi
ngoutbef
orehi
s
fat
hercame?
Boi
tshepo:yesyourwor
shi
p
Boemo:and?
Boit
shepo:shealwayshadexcuses.LastChr
ist
mas
wasthefir
stti
meweeverspentt i
meBosasi ncehe
l
eftaft
erhismother'
sburi
al
Boemo:wowok.Sowhatwasgoi
ngt
hroughyour
mindal
lthi
sti
me?
Boit
shepo:t
hathemi
ghtbeusedt
odoevi
lthi
ngsor
abusinghi
m
Boemo:whywoul
dyout
hinkofabuse?
Boi
tshepo:becauseofhowsel
fi
shandar
rogant
Vi
ctori
awaswhenwegr ewup.I
twasal
waysher
wayorthehightheway
Boemo:sosi
nceyoumetwi
thBosahaveyouseen
herabusi
nghi
m?
Boi
tshepo:ihaveact
ual
lyseenmar
ksonhi
sback
Boemo:ok.MyladytoaddonMsDi ntsi
'
stest
imony
iwouldli
ketopr
eventt
angi
bleproofofavi
deoof
MsVi ct
ori
aDint
sihavi
nganalt
ercati
onwit
hBosa
Dint
si
Vi
ctor
ia:what
!?Howdi
dyougett
hat
?
Boemo:yoursonpl
antedcamerasandvoi
ce
recor
dingsar
oundyourhouse
Vict
oria:what
!?SoBoi
tshepoyousentmysont
o
bewitchme?
Judge:si
lenceMsDi
ntsi
!
Di
phal
a:t
hat
'swhatimeantbysomeonewas
wat
chi
ngyouinyourhouse

Sheswall
owedt
ryingtokeepcal
m wi
thherhear
t
beat
ing3ti
mesfaster
..
.

Judge:pl
easepl
ayt
hevi
deo

Thebail
if
fpl
ayeditasweallcarefull
ywat chedthe
dayial
mostkil
ledmymot her'
ssister.Thevideo
endedasthej
udgesighed..
.

Judge:cour
tisadj
our
nedwewillr
esumeon
Monday.Ineedtogothr
ought
heevidence(
hitt
he
gavel
)
Of
fi
cer
:al
lri
se!
Wealldidasshemadeherwayout.Vict
ori
alooked
atBoi
tshepoandcl
ickedhert
ongue.
..

Vi
ctoria:t
hisi
snotover,
notbyal
ongshot
.You
won'tknowwhathityou.Youmur
der
ousfai
led
mother

Shesai
dleavi
ngwhi
leBoi
tsheposhookherheadas
wemadeourwayout.

I
nCapeTown.
..

LatoyaandMarkfi
nishedhavi
ngtheirbr
eakf
astas
theybri
efl
yspoket
ot hemanager
...

Man:goodmor ni
ngeveryone.Sorryt
odisturbyour
peacebutiur
gentlyneedyourhelpwit
hsomet hing.
Ihavepeopl
ewi t
hmeher eandtheyjusttoldme
thatt
heyneedhelpwithlooki
ngforsomeone.It'
s
theirdaughter'
sf r
iendwhot ol
dthem thatsheand
theirdaughterarei nCapet own.Wher ei
nCape
townt heydon'tknowsof eelf
reetocomegeta
closerlookatthegi rl
st henletmeknowi fyouhave
seent hem before.Iwillcontactt
herightperson.
Thankyou
Mar
k:t
hankyousomuchsi
r
Man:anyti
mesiriwi
llmakesur
etocal
lyouassoon
assomethingcomesup
Mar
k:wewoul
dreal
lyappr
eci
atet
hat

Theyl
eftwhi
lepeopl
echeckedi
ftheyhaveseent
he
gi
rl
ssomewhere.Onemansniff
edleavi
ngandgot
i
nhiscarcal
li
ng.
..

Lehumo:MrMot
aunghel
lo?
Man:t
heyar
elooki
ngf
orCl
eopat
ra
Lehumo:(
satup)huh?
Man:t
heyj
ustgaveamanagerofsomer
est
aur
ant
herphot
o.Theyar
elooki
ngf
orher
Lehumo:okt
hanksf
orl
ett
ingmeknow.Wher
e
exact
lyar
eyou?
Man:i
minNewl
ands
Lehumo:what
!?Sot
heyar
ear
ound?
Man:yes
Lehumo:okt
hankyousomuch(
hehungupand
dial
edSK)
SK:br
o?
Lehumo:weneedtomoveherassoonaspossi
ble
ther
earepeopl
einNewl
andslooki
ngforher
SK:okwewi l
lmovehertomom'shousesol
ong.
Shewil
ltakethecl
ient
sfr
om t
here
Lehumo:good.Makesur
eyoudoi
tnow
SK:yeah

TheyhungupasLehumosi
ghedr
ubbi
nghi
shead.
I
nPr
ison.
..

Boemot
ookherseatasJunecamet
hrough.
..

June:whatar
eyoudoingher
e?Youarenot
hingbut
asnakeiwantnot
hingtodowit
hyou
Boemo:iknow.Justsi
tdowni
m nother
etof
ight
June:what
everyouwantyouwi
llnotget
Boemo:eveni
fit
sforyourbeaut
if
uldaught
er?
June:(
swal
lowed)whatdoyouknowaboutmy
chi
ld?
Boemo:yourdaughteri
stakingdrugsatthe
momentbecausepeoplear ecal
li
nghernames,
daughterofat
hief
,daughterofaprisoner
.Ist
hat
thefut
ureyouwantedforyourchil
d?
June:howdoyouknowt
his?
Boemo:ihaveherwat
ched
June:whatdoyout
hinkyoucando?
Boemo:r et
ractyourst
atement.Putoutanewone
thatwi
llsaveyourdaughterf
rom thepitshe'
s
drowni
ngi n
June:youwantt
omebet
raymyf
ri
end?
Boemo:bet weenyourf riendanddaught erwhowil
l
bebathingyout omorrowwhenyouar enotablet
o
hel
pyour sel
f?(Sheswal l
owed)it'
stimeyou
becamesel fi
shandt houghtabouti t
.Youhave24
hourstocomebackt ome.Rememberyour
daughterwhilemakingadeci si
onimaginesucha
bri
ghtstudentturni
ngi ntoadr uggi
e.Beamot her
dearorelseit'
salsogoi ngtoaf f
ectyourli
tt
leboy

Shesmil
edtappingherfi
nger
sonthetableandlef
t
whil
eJunesighedsi
tti
ngbackdeepi
nt hought
s.

AtKwena'
sinvest
ment
s..
.

Atamel
angsmi l
edtothephonechat
ti
ngwi
thBosa
asheroff
icedooropened.
..
Sascha:(
smi
led)heyyout
heysai
dyouar
einher
e
Atamelang:(
coughed)Saschayoucan'
tjustt
hrow
yoursel
finheret
hisisaplaceofwor
k
Sascha:it
houghticoul
dsur
pri
semybeaut
if
ul
gi
rl
fri
end
Atamel
ang:(
clear
edhert
hroatandsmi
led)t
hank
you
Sascha:(
spot
tedt
heneckl
ace)ni
ceneckl
acel
ove
At
amel
ang:(
hear
tski
ppedandsmi
led)t
hankyou
Sascha:wher
edoyougeti
t?
Atamel
ang:f
rom mom.That
'showmuchwel
ove
oneanot
her
Sascha:awwt
hat
'scut
e.Sowhatar
eyourpl
ans
today?
At
amelang:wearegoi
ngforeveningprayer
sin
Mochudiourf
ri
end'
sgrandmotherpassedon
Sascha:ohcanicomewi
th?
Atamel
ang:no!(Cl
ear
edhert
hroat)imeanyouar
e
goingt
ofeeloutofpl
acemylove
Sascha:don'
tbesil
ly.I
m goi
ngwit
hyoul etme
knowwhenyoul eaveandyoushouldnotpullt
hat
stuntoff
orget
ti
ngaboutme
At
amel
ang:(
chuckl
ed)iwon'
tl
ove
Sascha:ki
ssbef
oreil
eave?

Shestoodupandbabyki
ssedhi
m ashesmi
ledand
ki
ssedhercheek.
..

Sascha:il
oveyousomuch
At
amel
ang:mhem

Hesmiledleavi
ngasAtamelangsighedsi
tt
ing
down.Sheshookherheadandt ookherphone
goi
ngbackt oherchatwi
thBosawi t
hahugesmil
e
onherface.
Att
hehouse.
..

Aft
ertaki
ngashower,Letl
otl
oheavedahugesigh
andtookhisphonecal
li
ngthenumberBoit
shepo
gavehim..
.

Dit
ir
o:DThowcanihelpyou(hekeptqui
etwi
thhi
s
heartr
aci
ng)hel
lo?Anybodyt
her
e?
Let
lot
lo:(
clear
edhi
sthr
oat
)hel
lo
Di
ti
ro:whoi
m ispeaki
ngt
oidon'
thaveal
lmor
ning
Let
lot
lo:youar
espeaki
ngt
oLet
lot
lo
Di
ti
ro:ok?
Let
lot
lo:i
m yourson
Di
ti
ro:idon'
thaveason
Let
lot
lo:Boi
tshepo'
ssonsi
r
Di
ti
ro:l
ikeisai
didonotknowanyoft
hosepeopl
e
Let
lot
lo:butshe.
..
Di
ti
ro:t
ryl
ooki
ngf
oryourf
athermyboy.I
m abusy
manbye
Let
lot
lo:dadi
..
.

Dit
ir
ohunguponhi
m asLet
lot
losi
ghedput
ti
nghi
s
phonedown.
..

Let
lot
lo:what
?

Inhercar,
Boemot hought
ful
lysighedandtookher
phonedial
ingacontactwhil
ereversi
ngoutofthe
pri
sonparking.
..

Man:MsM
Boemo:hibuddyihaveanassi
gnmentf
oryou
Man:ok?
Boemo:ineedyout othor
oughlycheckVi
ctor
ia'
s
fi
nances.Ihaveherri
ghthandmanbutsomeone
cl
osetohercasehasbeenr eport
eddeadsoiwant
t
oknowi
fshehaspai
danyonet
oki
llt
hem
Man:okiwi
llbeoni
tri
ghtaway
Boemo:good( hungup)ihopef oryoursakeim
wrongbecauseifim noti
m goingtomakesur eyou
neverseetheli
ghtofday.Diphalacan'tj
ustdi
eout
ofnowhere.Youbloodyevilwit
ch!

Shecl
ickedhert
onguechangi
nggear
s.
.
.
.
.
.
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
CAGED
40

Af
terget
ti
ngof
fthephonecal
lwi
thLehumo,
SK
madehi
swayuptoDaisy'
sapar
tmentwher
ehe
f
oundherf
it
ti
ngonhernewclot
hes.
..

Dai
sy:doyoupeopl
eeverknock?
SK:st
artpacki
ngwear
eleavi
ng
Dai
sy:what
?
SK:st
opaski
ngquest
ionsanddoasisay
Dai
sy:wher
ear
ewegoi
ng?
SK:wher
eyouar
efr
om
Dai
sy:noi
mfi
neher
e
SK:Cl
eopatr
aisai
dst
artpacki
ngordoyouwant
metoforceyout
o?

Hesai
dopeni
ngt
hecl
osetandt
hrewhercl
otheson
t
hebed..
.

Dai
sy:pl
easehol
dmyclot
hespr
oper
lydon'
tjust
t
hrowthem l
iket
heyar
etr
ash
SK:wher
ear
eyourbags?
Dai
sy:canyoupl
easet
ellmewhat
'sgoi
ngon
SK:ihonestl
ydon'
tunderst
andwhat'swrongwit
h
otherpeopl
e,whycan'
ttheyjustmi
ndtheirown
business

Hecli
ckedhi
stonguet
hrowi
nghercl
othesi
nher
bags.
..

SK:movei
tCl
eopat
rawedon'
thaveal
lday
Daisy:youcan'
tjustt
hrowyour
sel
finher
eandnot
t
ellmewhat '
sgoingon
SK:bet
weenyouandiwhoi
stheboss?
Dai
sy:ideser
ve.
..
SK:not
hing.Come

Hesai
dgr
abbi
ngherhandandpul
ledherout
..
.
Dai
sy:mypur
se
SK:bef
ast

Daisyqui
ckl
ytookoutasmal
lheadshotandputi
t
underherpi
ll
owfol
lowi
ngSKout..
.

Daisy:youar
etaki
ngmebackt
othatevi
lwoman'
s
house?
SK:watchhowyouspeakofmymot her
.Youwil
lbe
taki
ngyourcli
ent
sf r
om ther
efornow.Weneedto
dosomer enovat
ionsinyourapar
tment
Daisy:butyoucanal
waysmovemet
oanot
her
room
SK:canyouj
ustshutt
hehel
lupandgeti
nthecar
Dai
sy:ar
ether
epeoplelooki
ngf
orme?It
oldyoual
l
t
hatyouwil
lneverbe.
..
SK:j
ustshutupdammi
t!
Dai
syswall
owedkeepi
ngqui
etasthemanputon
hi
sseatbel
tanddr
oveoffwi
thher
.

I
nPr
ison.
..

Aft
erwat
chi
ngherfriendsl
eepf
orhour
s,June
si
ghedandgotof
fherbunksoft
lyt
appi
ngherback
asshej
umpedstart
led..
.

June:bat
hongVi
ctor
iaar
eyouok?
Vi
ctor
ia:(
swall
owedsi
tt
ingup)idon'
tunderst
and
what'
shappeni
ngtome.IseeandhearDiphal
a
June:ar
eyoubei
ngf
orr
eal
?
Vict
ori
a:yeaht
hat'
sther
easonwhyicutmyf i
nger
yest
erdayandcausedasceneear
li
eratcour
t
June:whatdoyouseehi
m doi
ngorhearhi
m sayi
ng?
Vi
ctor
ia:he'
sjustt
herel
aughi
ngandsayi
ngt
hati
messedwi t
hthewrongone
June:gonemmet sal
ahowdoyougoandki l
l
someonelikeDi
phalaandthinkyoucanl
ivefr
eel
y?
Suchpeople'
sspi
rit
sneverresteasi
ly
Vi
ctor
ia:whydi
dn'
tyout
ellmet
hisbef
ore?
June:doyoueverl
ist
entoreasonbecausewhen
youwanttodosomethingyougoforit
Vict
ori
a:(
sighed)nowihavet
olivel
if
eintheedge
notknowi
ngwheni m goi
ngtoseeorhearhi
m.
Kanahesaidhe'smarri
edtome
June:whyi
m inotsur
pri
sed
Vi
ctor
ia:whatdoido?
June:youar easkingme?Ihaveneverbeenina
deepi nt
err
actionwithawit
chdoctormylovesoi
wouldn'tknow.Allyouhavetodoisgetusedtohi
s
spiri
tbeingaroundorelseyouar
egoingtoendup
crazy
Vict
ori
a:ican'
taf
fordthatJuneihaveal
ott
otake
careof
.ImagineVict
ori
aDi nt
sicr
azy
Di
phal
a:cr
azyf
orme
Vi
ctor
ia:June!
Shesaidj
umpi
ngupt
hebunkandst
oodbehi
nd
June.
..

June:ohpl
easeVi
ctor
iayouhaveseenwor
se
thi
ngs
Di
phal
a:don'
tli
stent
oher
June:youcanovercomethi
sVi
ctor
iaimeanyou
managedtokil
lhim af
teral
l
Di
phal
a:i
m notdead
Vi
ctor
ia:Junest
opi
t!
June:facehi
mli
keyouhavef
acedyourwor
st
enemies
Di
phal
a:don'
tfor
getiwasyourst
rengt
h
Vi
ctor
ia:Junei
ssai
dst
opi
t!

Shesai
dpushingJunef
orwardasshehitthetop
bunkwi
thherheadandfel
ldowncoll
apsing.
..
Vi
ctor
ia:June?(
Shej
ustl
aidt
her
e)Junewakeup
Di
phal
a:youknownot
hingi
nli
febutki
ll
ing
Victor
ia:(
tear
sbui
lti
nhereyes)canyouplease
stop!June?Wakeup.(Sof
tl
yslappedhercheek)
June!?
Diphal
a:unt
ilyoucomecl
eanyouwi
llneverf
ind
peace.She'
sgone
Victor
ia:canyoujustshutup!(
Shouted)somebody
help!Ineedmedicalhelp!Somebody!

Theguardscamerunningtoseewhatwasthe
noi
seallaboutasonecall
edformedi
calhel
p..
.

Lady:whathappenedher
e?
Vict
ori
a:(
swal
lowed)shesl
ippedandhi
tthet
op
bunk.Pl
easet
ellmeshe'
salive
Di
phal
a:(
whi
sper
ed)she'
snomor
e
Vi
ctor
ia:st
opi
t!
Lady:(
frowned)what
?
Vi
ctor
ia:(
swal
lowed)not
hing
Medi
c:whathappened?
Vi
ctor
ia:i
sshest
il
lal
ive?
Lady:shesaysshesl
ippedandhi
tthet
opbunk
wit
hherhead
Medi
c:she'
sal
ive

Vi
ctori
asighedoutofrel
iefast
heyloadedJunei
nto
astr
etcherandtookhertothepr
isonhospi
tal
.
Vi
ctori
asighedandsatonherbunk...

Vi
ctor
ia:okDi
phal
awhatdoyouwantf
rom me?
Di
phal
a:iwantmyl
i
feback
Vi
ctor
ia:i
m sor
rybutihadnochoicebutt
odoit
.
Wouldyouhaveletmeli
veknowingiwasgoi
ngto
pi
mpyouout ?Answerme?
Diphala:youowemeVict
ori
aandi
m notgoi
ngt
o
restuntilyoupayup
Victor
ia:(cl
ickedhertongue)youknowwhat,
im not
goingtoletaghostt hi
nkitcantakeovermyl
ife.
Youar ewhoyouar ebecauseofmesowhywoul di
bescar edofyou?
Di
phal
a:ohr
eal
lynow?Doyoumeant
hat
?
Vi
ctor
ia:iwi
llmakesur
eyourspi
ri
tsuf
fer
seven
morejustt
rymeDiphal
a

Shecl
ickedhert
ongueandl
aiddown.

AtCar
terAt
tor
neys.
..

Boi
tshepobursti
ntol
aught
erashermi
ndr
epl
ayed
whathappenedincour
tear
li
er.
..

Boit
shepo:Vi
ctori
aDint
si,
iguessherghost
sar
e
outtohaunthernow
Shelaughedmor
easherphonerang.Lookingat
thenameonthescr
eenshesighedandpickedup..
.

Boi
tshepo:He.
..
Di
ti
ro:st
opgi
vingbast
ardsmyphonenumber
Boi
tshepo:excuseme?
Di
ti
ro:yourbr
atcal
ledme
Boi
tshepo:ohisee
Diti
ro:yousee?Boitshepoim amar r
iedmanandi
havekidsimaginemywi f
estartheari
ngthi
ngs
aboutthatbratofyours.Fi
ndthatboy'sfat
herand
stopwi t
hyournonsense
Boit
shepo:ihonest
lydon'
tunderst
andwhatmor e
youwantfrom mebecauseihavebr ought
ever
ythi
ngbef or
eyoutoprovethatLetl
otl
oisyour
s
butyourefusedtodoanyofthethingsiaskedyou
todo
Di
ti
ro:t
hat
'sbecauseiknowt
hathe'
snotmyson.
Youwer esl
eepingaroundBoitshepoandnowthata
nobodyimpregnatedyou,youthoughti
twoul
dbe
goodtopinthechildonme.IknowyouKgat l
eng
womenyouar eoppor t
uni
stsbutnotonme.Should
thatboycal
lmeagai nyouwillknowwhoiam
Boi
tshepo:sowear
egoi
ngt
othr
eat
enoneanot
her
now?
Dit
ir
o:takeithoweveryouwantbutim notgoi
ngt
o
al
lowyout othinkyoucansneakyourwayi nt
omy
pocket
s.Hellno
Boitshepo:youhonestlythi
nkhighlyofyour selfyou
knowt hat?Iwantnothingfrom youigaveLet lotl
o
whathewant edsopleasedon'tgetmei nvolvedi n
yourpr obl
emswi thhim.Ihaveal otofthingst o
wor r
yaboutandt hetwoofyouar etheleastof
them allsopleasewhatyout wodot ooneanot her
i
snoneofmybusi ness(shecli
ckedhert ongue
hangingup)ahnoGodt hi
sisenoughnow, imt ir
ed,
i
mt i
redofalwaysbeingmadef eell
ikeim abad
person.Allmyl i
feihavealwayshadt ofightfora
spotinpeople'sli
ves,nowihavet ofightf oraspot
i
nt helifeofsomeoneigavel i
feto?( Scoffed)im
sorryGodbutihavehadenough.Ifitmeansme
beingself
isht
hensobeit,i
m notgoingtowastemy
ti
mel ooki
ngoutforsomeonewho'sungratef
uland
doesn'twantt
oappreci
atethatal
lidoistoprot
ect
him.
Sefela:hisor ryf orinterrupti
ngyou, iwaspassi ng
byandcoul dn' thelphear i
ngyout alking.Ijustwant
tosay, weal lhavedi fferentpur posesi nlif
e.The
momentyour eal i
seyouhavebeendoi ngt hesame
thi
ngal lyourl ife,knowt hat'
syourpur pose,ihave
beent hrought hesamesi tuationyousoundt obein.
Iwasgoodt oever yonebutt heyst i
llsawmeast he
badguy.Ihavewentt hr ought hemostbutinever
l
ostt ouchwi t hmysel f .Ibelievedt hatmaybeihad
togot hroughwhatiwentt hr ought obewher eiam
today.Ilost2chi l
drenal ongt hewayandiwason
thever geofgi vi nguponl ifebutGodbei ngGodhe
camet hroughf orme.Sodearhangi nt here,God
willpullt
hr oughf oryout r
ustt hewor dt hathesaid
"hewi l
lneverf orsakeyou"i tmi ghtseem t otake
ti
mebutonedayhi sli
ghtwi llshi neuponyouand
youwi lll
ivet hebestofyourl ifeandagai nhe
car
eful
,besmar
tandneverl
etyourguar
ddown

ShewinkedatBoitshepowi t
hasmileonherf ace
andlef
twhil
eBoitshepot hought
ful
lysatback.She
scof
fedandsighedgoi ngbacktowork.

AtBai
sago'
shouse.
..

Boemosighedwit
hhereyescl
osedwhi
leBai
sago
massagedhershoul
der
s..
.

Bai
sago:ar
eyouokl
ove?
Boemo:iwi
llbef
ineonceiseeVi
ctor
iadownand
outl
ove
Bai
sago:ar
eyousur
ethi
scasei
snott
aki
ngat
oll
onyou?
Boemo:honeytheadopti
oncentrewomanisnot
makingi
tanyeasyf orme.IbetVict
ori
aandJune
cor
neredheri
nt hosepri
soncell
s
Bai
sago:it
houghtyouhadapl
anf
orJune
Boemo:yeahiwentt
oseeherandigaveher24hr
s
togetbackt
ome
Bai
sago:whatdi
dyouexact
lypr
opose?
Boemo:ihavebeenhavingherfi
rstbornwat ched
si
nceshewasar rest
edanddiscoveredthatshe
st
art
edsmokingbecausehermat esarebullyingher
.
SoiwentandtoldJune
Bai
sago:howdi
dshet
akei
t?
Boemo:f
rom whatitookfrom herfaci
al
expr
essi
onsshewasr eall
ywor r
iedandieventol
d
hert
hati
fshedoesn'tthi
nkli
keamot hershewi
ll
l
osehersonalongtheway
Bai
sago:soyout
hinkshewoul
dbudge?
Boemo:imi ghtnotbeamot herbutonethi
ngi
knowi sthatamotherwouldneverlovetoseeher
chil
dgoi ngthr
oughhardshi
psbecauseofherhence
thesaying"mmangwanaot shwar athi
pakafo
bogaleng"
Bai
sago:(
sighed)l
et'
shopei
twor
ksbecausei
fit
doesi
twi
llbeanadvant
agef
orus
Boemo:iknowr i
ght.Let'
stalkaboutBosa,you
menti
onedthathesl eptoutyester
day,idi
dn'twant
tot
apmuchi ntoitwithhim aroundbecausehe
wouldst
artthi
nkingt heworstofme
Bai
sago:what
'sup?
Boemo:iunder standhe'satanagewher ehehast o
explorehimsel
fbutpl easeadvi
cehi mt obecareful
andnotsl eeparound.Sexisspiri
tualloveand
havingitwithalotofpeoplemeansi nvi
ti
ngalotof
spir
itsinyou.Somet i
meswhent hingsdon'tgoour
waysi sbecauseoft hespir
it
swehavei nvit
edin
ourselvessoheneedst obecarefulandalwaysuse
protecti
onunti
lhei sreadytohaveachi ldorsett
led
Bai
sago:ihadabri
efconver
sat
ionwi
thhi
m about
onourwayintot
hecourthouse
Boemo:ohokgoodthenbuti
tshoul
dbealengt
hy
one.Wehavebeent
hereweunderst
andbuthe
shoul
dbecauti
ousatal
lti
mes
Bai
sago:eemmaiwi
llt
alkt
ohi
m
Boemo:awesome.Ki
ssy?

Theychuckl
edasBaisagobabyki
ssedherand
cont
inuedtomassageher.

I
nPr
ison.
..

Vi
ctor
iamadewaytot
hephoneboot
handpunched
i
nDiti
ro'
snumber
..
.

Di
ti
ro:Di
ti
rohel
lo
Vi
ctor
ia:i
t'
sti
meyoudi
dri
ghtbyyourchi
ld
Di
ti
ro:excuseme?
Vi
ctor
ia:youhear
dme
Di
ti
ro:whoi
m it
alki
ngt
o?
Vi
ctor
ia:Vi
ctor
iaDi
ntsi
Di
ti
ro:(
swal
lowed)oh
Vi
ctor
ia:soidon'
texpectt
ohearst
ori
est
hatyou
ar
edenyingyourson
Di
ti
ro:butt
hat
'snotmychi
ldVi
ctor
ia
Victori
a:idon'
twantt
oarguewit
hyouDiti
ro
becausewebot hknowtheshi
tyouputmysister
through.Boit
shepowenti
nandoutofthehospit
al
becauseofyou
Dit
ir
o:ithoughtyoudi
dn'
tcar
eabouther
,what
changed?
Victor
ia:isti
lldon'
tcar
eaboutherbuticar
eabout
mynephew' swellbei
ng.St
epupandbeaf ather
beforeibringyourwholeworl
ddown
Di
ti
ro:(
swall
owed)ican'
taff
ordt
olosemywi
fe.I
fi
l
oseheril
osemyent i
rel
if
e
Victori
a:(
smiled)im happyyouknowwhat '
sat
stake.Soactrightorelsethatwomanofyourswil
l
knowt hatyoucheatedwhi lethemagadi
negotit
ati
onswer estil
longoingandhadachildand
Boitshepowil
lknowt hatshewasnot hi
ngbutaside
chick
Di
ti
ro:wi
llyoueverst
opbei
ngevi
l
?
Vi
ctor
ia:iwasbornt
hiswayandi
m goi
ngt
odi
ethi
s
way.Dorightbymynephew

ShehungupasDi tir
osighedrubbi
nghishead.As
Vict
oriat
urnedshesawDi phal
aasshestaggered
backonthephonecl osi
nghereyes.Shehel
dont he
phonehearingaverydist
inctl
aughasshesighed
openinghereyes.

AtKwena'
sinvest
ment
s..
.

AknockcamethroughatAtamel
ang'
sof
fi
cedoor
asshesi
ghedsit
tingback.
..

At
amel
ang:i
m busycomebackl
ater
Bont
si:event
oobusyf
oryourmom?
Atamelang:(
smi
led)ohhimom comei
n,whata
surpr
ise
Bontsi
:thoughtishoul
dpopi
nandseewhatmy
babyisbusywi t
h
Atamel
ang:ahj
ustf
il
ingr
epor
ts.Maihavea
busi
nessi
dea
Bont
si:oki
mli
steni
ngmyl
ove
At
amel
ang:iwantt
ost
artat
uit
ionschool
Bont
si:oht
hat
'
sni
ce
Atamel
ang:yeahwi t
htheadvantaget
hati
mt het op
achi
everi
nt hewholecountr
yibeli
eveiwi
llhavea
l
otofcli
ents.Therear
eparentswhohaveform3
and5childrenatchur
chandhereatworksoi fican
workonthatitwouldbegreat
Bontsi
:youhaveapoi
nt.Iwi
llpassi
tontoyourdad
thengetbackt
oyoubecauseit'
sgoi
ngtorequi
rea
l
otofthings
Atamelang:pl
usicantakeadvantageofthe
governmentandhavethem sponsortheproject
.It
's
aninspir
ati
ontoalotofki
dstowantt obelikeme
Bont
si:t
rue.Di
dyour
eal
iset
hatyouhaveal
ove
bi
teonyourneck
At
amel
ang:ahmamamma(
theyl
aughed)
Bontsi
:it
hinkt
heti
mef orust
ohavet
his
conver
sati
onhasarr
ived
At
amel
ang:i
m busymom
Bontsi
:nopewear enotgoi ngtododgei tmylove.I
wasyourageaswel lsoi t'
sokifyouar ehavi
ng
sexualacti
vit
iesbutmygi r
liwantyout obecareful
aboutit
.There'snotimef orgameswheni nthis
stagebecauseonemi stakeyouwi l
lloseandthe
consequencesareal waysal if
eti
mel esson.Why
didyoulietomel astnight?
At
amel
ang:mma?
Bont
si:youwer
en'
tspendi
ngt
heni
ghtwi
thaf
ri
end
ri
ght
?
At
amel
ang:(
swal
lowed)mamat
hingi
si.
..
Bont
si:i
fyoudon'
tli
kecer
tai
nt hi
ngsaboutSascha
j
ustbefrankwi
thhim mygir
linst
eadofhurt
inghim
morebydoingthi
ngsbehi
ndhi sback
At
amel
ang:bat
hongmama
Bont
si:i
m bei
ngser
iousr
ightnow.Don'
tlett
hat
Di
ntsiboyfoolyoumygi r
l.Idon'thaveaprobl
em
wit
hhim butifyouarenotcarefulmychil
dyouwi l
l
betheonehur tatt
heendoft heday
At
amel
ang:(
swal
lowed)butit
hinkil
ikehi
m mor
e
ma
Bont
si:whataboutSascha?
Atamelang:pr
obl
em wi
thSaschai
sthathecan'
t
sati
sfymemom
Bont si:(sighed)mygi rlther
e'salwaysawayar ound
sucht hi ngsbutwhatmat t
ersisthel oveyouhave
foroneanot her
.Ifthatl oveisenoughyouwi l
lseea
wayt osol vewhat everpr oblem thereis.Youcan'
t
j
ustexpectsomeonet openet rat
eyoui nacert
ain
positionandt hi
nkt heywoul dsat i
sfyyou,no,
maybehehi tsi
tbetteri nadi f
ferentpositi
onsoyou
needt obeadvent ur ousandexpl oreoneanother
rathert hanj umpingf rom onedi ckt oanother
Atamel
ang:(
burstint
oalaugh)ican'
tbel
ieveI
'
m
havi
ngthi
sconversati
onwit
hyou
Bont
si:(
smi
led)iwantyout obecomfor
table
ar
oundmeandknowt hatiknowtheset
hings.
Saschalovesyoumygirlandiknowyoul
ovehi
m
toosodon'tl
etaroundofsexmakeyouthi
nkhe'
s
notenoughforyou
At
amel
ang:nononoenoughnowmom l
eave
Bont
si:nextt
imedon'
tli
etome
At
amel
ang:okmom iwon'
t
Bontsi:butim notsayingit
'sokforyout ocheaton
yourboyf r
iend.Youmi ghtnotbemar ri
edbutihope
youhavel earntalotaboutloyalt
yfrom yourdad
andi.Lookatwhathi spromiscuouswaysmade
him do.Hegambl edwithyourinher
itancedoyou
wantthesamef oryourfuture?
At
amel
ang:nope
Bont
si:t
henactr
ightmyl
ove

Shesmil
edl
eavi
ngwhi
leAt
amel
angsi
ghedsi
tt
ing
back.

I
nNewl
ands,
CapeTown.
..
Amangoti nt
oar est
aur
antandnoti
cedapict
ureof
Ver
onicaandDai sybutcoul
donlyr
ecognizeDai
sy.
Heaskedf orthemanagerasthewait
ert
ookhimto
t
heoffice.
..

Guy:si
rther
e'sacust
omerher
etoseeyouabout
t
hosetwogirl
Man:ohokcomei
nsi
r
Man:thankyou(hesatdownasthewaiterl
eft
)i
canonlyrecogni
zeoneofthegi
rl
sthough
Man:ohokwher
ehaveyouseenherbef
ore?
Man:there'
saclubcall
edclubvenusalotoft
hings
happentherebutiknowherasCleopat
ranotDaisy
Man:ohoktheniwi
lldef
ini
tel
ycont
acttheparent
s
andl
etthem knowt
hankyousomuchf oryourhel
p
Man:t
hepl
easur
eisal
lmi
neihopeyouf
indher
Man:wewi
ll
Hel
eftast
hemanagershookhi
sheadandcal
led
Mar
k..
.

Mar
k:si
r?
Man:someonejustlef
tmyoff
icehesaysheonce
spot
tedherataclubcall
edCl
ubVenussoiguess
youguysshoul
dgot here
Mar
k:oht
hankyousomuchwewi
llmakeourway
t
her
e
Man:ihopeyouf
indher
Mar
k:yeahneh.Thankyousomuch
Man:t
hepl
easur
eisal
lmi
ne(
theyhungup)
Lat
oya:and?
Mark:
aclubcal
ledCl
ubVenusthat
'swher
e
someonesayst
heyspot
tedher
Lat
oya:(
sighed)ohthankyouLord.Wewil
lmake
ourwaytherealit
tl
elat
erbecausecl
ubsopenabi
t
l
ateint
heaf t
ernoon
Mar
k:unl
essi
t'
sal
soar
est
aur
ant
.Itopensear
li
er
Lat
oya:sear
chi
tandseewhati
tof
fer
s(hedi
dand
si
ghed)and?
Mar
k:i
tof
fer
sni
ghtent
ert
ainmentonl
y
Lat
oya:ohokt
henwewi
llhavet
owai
tfor6pm t
hen

Theysi
ghedwi
thabi
tofhope.

THATEVENI
NG

I
nMochudi
..
.

UncleLedibaf
ini
shedgivi
ngannouncementsas
Atamelangjoi
nedLameandt heotheryoungl
adi
es
t
oser vepeopl
ewithsconesandjuice.
..

Sascha:sowhat'
sthepointofhavi
ngeveni
ng
prayer
sunti
lthedayoftheburi
al?
Bosa:
it'
stocomf
ortt
hegr
ievi
ngf
ami
lybutij
ust
f
eell
iket
heyspendunnecessar
il
y
Sascha:yeah.I
fanythingonl
yamemor i
alser
vice
canbeheldonThur sdayforpeoplet
oknowmor e
aboutthefuner
alarrangementsandall
Bosa:
iagr
eewi
thyou
Thor
iso:i
t'
sgoodt
oseet
het
woofyouget
ti
ng
al
ong
Bosa:
real
lyT?
Thoriso:imeanAt aishi
sgir
lf
ri
endandyouareher
fr
iendsoi t'
sagoodt hi
ngtohangoutwi
thyour
gi
rlfr
iend'sfr
iendsbuddy
Sascha:yeahyouaret
ell
ingt
hetr
uthandinever
gotthechancetoapol
ogi
sefort
hatot
herdayatthe
rest
aurant
Bosa:im sor
ryaswel
lbuddyi
twashonest
ly
uncal
ledfor
Sascha:sowecoolr
ight
?
Bosa: yeahverycool
.Yesiwant
edAt
abutinow
respectthefactt
hatshe'
swit
hsomeoneel
se
Sascha:t
hankyousomuch
Bosa:
thepl
easurei
sallmi
ne.Nowmakesur
eyou
l
oveandnatur
eourfri
endorel
seyouar
egoi
ngto
havet
odealwit
hus(welaughed)
Sascha:igott
hatl
oudandcl
ear
Atamelang:what
'sgoi
ngoni
hopeyouguysar
enot
harassi
ngmyman
Sascha:nonol
ovewewer
ejusti
roni
ngt
hingsout
At
amel
ang:ohisee.I
m gl
adyoudi
d

Shekissedhi
scheekwhi
leiswal
lowedf
ake
smil
ing..
.

Bosa:
ineedt
ouset
hel
oo

Isteppedawayandt ur
nedadi st
ancefrom t
hem.
Atamelangallcosywit
hSaschawhi l
eThor i
soand
Lamet easedoneanother.Isi
ghedshakingmy
headandgoti ntot
hetoil
et.
Att
hePol
iceHeadquar
ter
s..
.

Kabindaopenedhisof
fi
cedoorleavi
ngashe
bumpedintoamal ecl
eanerweari
ngablueover
all
wit
hamat chingcapwit
hhisbeardsobig.
..

Kabi
nda:ohhiiwasstart
ingt
ot hi
nkt
hatmaybe
youguyswerenotcomingtocleanmyoff
icet
oday
Man:(
chuckl
ed)sor
rysi
rigotdel
ayed
Kabi
nda:buti
t'
smyf
ir
stt
imeseei
ngyouar
eyou
new?
Man:yessi
rigothi
redt
oday
Kabi
nda:ohisee.Youknowwher
etol
eavet
hekeys
ri
ght
?
Man:yessi
r
Kabi
nda:good
Hesmil
edtappi
nghisshoul
derandleftwhi
lethe
manmadehiswayi nt
oKabinda'
soffi
ce.Hestart
ed
cl
eani
ngandaft
er10mi nut
esstart
edopening
Kabi
nda'
sdeskdrawersgoi
ngthroughthef
iles.
..

Man:wher
ear
eyou?

Hesaidgoi
ngthrought
hef
il
esandsmi
ledseei
ng
Vi
ctor
ia'
scasefi
le.
..

Man:easypeasyl
emonsqueezy

Hesai
dsmili
ngputt
ingthecasefi
lei
nhisover
all
andwhi
stl
edcont
inuingwit
hhiscl
eaning.
.
.
.
.
.
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
CAGED
41

AtCl
ubVenus.
..

AnuberdroppedLatoyaandMarkbytheentr
ance
asLatoyascof
fedwhileMarkl
edthewayin.Just
asheopenedthedoorhewasmetbyt wol
adies
weari
ngskimpydressesthr
owingthemsel
vesat
hi
m...

Lat
oya:ket
lal
ebet
sagor
ebanyana(
iwi
llbeatyou
l
it
tl
egirl
s)

Theladiesr
olledthei
reyesandwait
edfortheir
customerswhi l
eLatoyacur
vedherl
ipslooking
around.Shelockedeyeswithamanwhowi nkedat
herasshel
ockedherar
m underMar
k's.
..

Mar
k:whodoweseeher
e?
Man:goodeveningsi
randma' am wedon'
tusual
ly
getcoupl
esherebutiguessyouwanttospiceup
yourmarr
iage
Latoya:atruedevi
l'
spl
ace.Ihopethi
sisnotwhati
thi
nkitis.Rraet
shocanweseet hemanager
Woman:(
hol
dinghergl
assofwi
ne)l
ett
hem upmy
l
ove

Theylookedupasthewai
terat
tendedtoother
customerswhi
let
heOctobersmadetheirwayupt
o
her.
..

Woman:goodday.I
mtheowneroft
hispl
acehow
mayibeofhel
p?
Mark:goodeveni
ngweareMrandMr
sOct
oberwe
ar
elookingf
orDaisyandVer
oni
ca
Woman:idonotknowanyoft
hosepeopl
eher
e
dear
.Wholedyouhere?
Lat
oya:t
hatdoesn'
tmat
ter
.Whati
sthi
spl
ace?
Woman:idon'
tunder
stand
Lat
oya:i
sthi
sacl
uborabr
othel
?
Woman:idon'
tthi
nki
..
.
SK:mom i
..
.(
smil
ed)ohgoodeveni
nggoodpeopl
e
ar
eyouhereforagoodt
ime?
Latoya:noi
mlooki
ngf
ormydaught
erandher
fr
iend
SK:wedon'
ttakei
nlostpeopl
ema'
am t
hisi
sacl
ub
Mar
k:butt
omei
tseemsl
ikeabr
othel
SK:youguysar
ebei
ngr
ude
Woman:t
heyar
etal
kingaboutaDaisyanda
Ver
oni
cadowehaveemployeesofsuchnames
her
e?
SK:notatal
l.Youguysar
eint
hewr
ongpl
ace
AshesaidLat
oyafr
ownedtoayounggi
rlanda
manlaughi
ngget
ti
nginaroom.
..

Lat
oya:sot
her
ear
eroomsher
e?(
Shesai
dheadi
ng
tot
hem)
SK:ma'
am pl
easewai
t.Youcan'
tjust
..
.
Latoya:i
m notl
eavi
ngt
hispl
acewi
thoutmy
daughter
.Veroni
ca!
?Dai
sy!
?
SK:(
fol
lowedher
)ma'
am pl
ease.
..
Lat
oya:Ver
omom i
sher
etogetyoumybabycome!

Shesaidopeni
ngeachdoorshecameacr
ossas
peopl
eatthegroundl
ookedup.
..

Woman:si
ryoubet
tergethol
dofyourwi
fe
Mar
k:orwhat
?
Woman:youar
etr
espassi
ngiwi
llcal
lthepol
iceon
you
Mark:aft
erfindi
ngmydaught er
.Vero!
?Comeout
wherevertheyarehi
dingyou.Theywon'tdo
anyt
hingtoyouasl ongaswear ehere
Woman:secur
it
ydosomet
hing
SK:nomom j ustl
etthem be.It
'sokguyslett
hem
dowhatt heywantbutpleaseyoubettermakesure
youleaveherewit
hthatVer oni
caandDaisy

Lat
oyacli
ckedhert
onguepushi
nghi
m outofher
wayastheyheadedtot
heapart
ment
..
.

Lat
oya:(
openedt
hedoor
)Ver
omybaby?
Mar
k:whyi
sthi
sonebi
gger
?Ver
oar
eyoui
nher
e?

Hesai
dgoingint
othebathroom whi
leLatoyawent
i
ntot
hebedroom.Shesearchedunderthebedand
i
nthecl
osetbutnot
hing.
..

Lat
oya:wher
ethehel
lismydaught
er!
?
SK:pl
easebequi
ckyouar
edi
srupt
ingbusi
ness
Lat
oya:t
ohel
lwi
thbusi
nessiwantmydaught
er!

Shesai
dangr
il
ythr
owingt
hepil
lowsont
hef
looras
MarksawDai
sy'
sheadshot
..
.

Mar
k:wai
t.
..
Lat
oya:what
?
Mar
k:(
tooki
tandswal
lowed)whoi
sthi
slove?
Lat
oya:(
breat
hingheavi
ly)youngmanwher
edo
yougett
hispi
cture?
SK:okenoughnow,
secur
it
ytaket
hesepeopl
eand
thr
owthem out
Lat
oya:wher
ethehel
lismydaught
er!
?

Shetri
edtoj
umpont oSKast
hesecur
it
ygothol
d
ofherandherhusband.
..
Lat
oya:(
bur
sti
ntot
ear
s)gi
vememydaught
er!
SK:youhavedoneenoughdamagegetout
!
Lat
oya:thi
sisnotover
,notbyal
ongshott
rustme
onthatone!
Woman:go!

Thesecuri
tyment hr
ewthem outwit
hDaisy'
shead
shotonMar k'
shandwhileLehumo'
smother
pinchedt
hebr i
dgeofhernosewit
hhert
eeth
cl
enched..
.

Woman:shi
t!
SK:t
hatconni
vingbi
tch
Woman:(spl
ashedthewineonhi
sface)youshoul
d
havemadesureshelef
tnothi
ngi
nhereyoufool.
Fi
xthi
s!

Shecl
ickedhertonguegoi
ngtoheroff
icewhil
eSK
st
oodtherewit
hhi smouthhangi
ng.Hewipedhis
f
aceandt
urnedt
oever
yone.
..

SK:whatt
hehel
lar
eyoul
ooki
ngat
?Gobackt
o
work!

TheDjpumpedupt hemusi
cashewenttothe
off
icewhi
leout
sideMarksushedhi
scr
yingwi
fe.
..

Latoya:whati
ftheysol
dmydaught
ert
oadr
ug
deali
ngbastar
doverseas
Mark:don'tt
hinkl
ikethatboo.Wear
egoingtot
he
pol
icefrom herer
ememberwear enotl
eavingt
his
ci
tywithoutourdaughter

Hesaidcal
li
ngtheubermanwhi
leLat
oyacr
iedher
eyesouti
nhisarms.

AtaHot
el.
..
Saschagotoutoftheshowerandwentint
obed
smili
ngatAtamelangwhosmiledbackathi
m and
tookoffhergl
assesput
ti
ngherbookdown...

Sascha:imi
ssedyousomuchmyl
ove
At
amel
ang:imi
ssedyout
oobabe
Sascha:sodoesthatmean..
.(
kissedherneck)
you.
..
(ki
ssedheragain)ar
eupf orthi
s

Hesaidsoft
lyki
ssi
ngherl
ipsassheputherar
ms
aroundhi
snecksoft
lymoani
ngwhil
ekissi
nghim
back..
.

Sascha:il
oveyouAt
a
At
amel
ang:il
oveyout
oobabe
Sascha:andi
fiwoul
deverhavet
ochooseiwoul
d
chooseyou
Sheswal lowedfakesmi li
ngwhi l
ehecont i
nuedto
ki
sshergoi ngdownwi thherbodyasshesl iddown
ont hebed.Her eachedherwai ststi
llki
ssi
ngher
sl
owl ytakingoffherthong.Sheclosedhereyes
tr
yingtost ophermi ndfrom t
hinkingaboutBosa
butshej ustcouldn'
tkeepitundercont r
oland
stoppedSascha. ..

Sascha:whatnowl
ove?
At
amel
ang:ican'
tdoi
t
Sascha:butit
hought
..
.
Atamelang:(
pul
li
nguphert
hong)isai
dican'
tdoi
t
Saschaoryouwanttof
orcemenow?
Sascha:nol
ovet
hat
'snotwhatimeant
.Im sor
ry
At
amel
ang:j
ustl
eti
tgo(
shet
ookherphone)
Sascha:whoar
eyoucal
li
ng?
At
amel
ang:acabguy
Sascha:butbabei
t'
slat
etogobackhome.I
pr
omi
set
onotdoanyt
hingyoudon'
twant
At
amel
ang:(
swal
lowed)ok
Sascha:youshoul
dhavejusttol
dmei fyouwere
noti
nt hemoodbabeiwoul dhaveunderst
ood.
That'
showmuchir espectyou
At
amel
ang:i
m sor
ryidi
dn'
tmeant
osnapof
fatyou
Sascha:i
t'
sok
At
amel
ang:it
hinkmyper
iodi
scomi
ng
Sascha:i
t'
sokl
ovel
et'
swat
chamovi
eorsl
eep
At
amel
ang:ok

Shesaidgetti
ngbackunderthesheetasSascha
spoonedher.Hekissedherneckfr
om theback
cl
osinghiseyeswhilesheswall
owedlett
ingouta
si
lentsof
tsigh.

THEFOLLOWI
NGMORNI
NG
I
nCour
t.
..

Thejudgemadehi swayi nandorder

edeveryoneto
si
tdown.TheKwena' ssatontheothersideofthe
courtbehi
ndtheirl
awyerwiththei
rfr
iendswhil
e
Vict
oriasatontheothersi
denexttoherlawyer
...

Judge:casef
il
e?
Bai
li
ff
:case235betweenVi ct
ori
aDintsiandMrand
MrsKwena, MrsKwenahasf i
ledalawsuitagainst
MsDintsiforsl
eepi
ngwithherhusbandr eapi
ng
hi
m offthei
rdaught
er'
slegacy
Judge:t
hankyou.MsDint
sipl
easestand(shedi
d)
howdoyoupleadtothechar
gesbeforeyou?
Vi
ctor
ia:notgui
lt
y
Judge:ok.Counsel
pleasecont
inuewi
thyourcl
i
ent
.
Man:t
hankyoumyLor
d.Goodmor
ningMsDi
ntsi
Vi
ctor
ia:goodmor
ningyourwor
shi
p
Man:howdoyouknowMrKwena
Vi
ctor
ia:(
smi
led)hei
smyl
over
Man:ohsoyouguysar
est
il
ltoget
her
?
Vict
ori
a:asf
arasim concer
nedyesbecausehehas
nevert
oldmethatweareover
Man:youar
eawar
ethathe'
smar
ri
ed?
Vi
ctor
ia:ofcour
se
Man:andyouknowt helawofBotswanadisputes
anyr el
ati
onbet
weenamar r
iedpersonandasingle
personanditvi
ewsthatasacri
mepuni shabl
eby
thelaw?
Victori
a:l
etmet el
lyousomethingaboutyourlaw.
Youguysl ikecont
radi
cti
ngyour sel
f.I
tsokfora
mant omar rytwowivesbutcan'thaveawifeanda
gi
r l
fri
end.Imeanhowdoyoumar rysomeone
beforeknowingwhot heyreal
lyare?Comeonguys
Man:soyouandMrKwenawer
epl
anni
ngt
oget
marr
ied?
Vi
ctor
ia:(
smi
led)ofcour
se(
Bont
siscof
fed)
Man:nof
urt
herquest
ionsf
orMsDi
ntsimyLor
d
Judge:t
hankyou.MsReneè
Reneè:thankyoumyLor d.MsDi ntsiweal
lknow
thataspeoplewear
ef ullofpromisesbutdon't
real
lymeansomeoft hem.Soar eyoutel
li
ngme
thatMrKwenameantal lthethingshepromised
you?
Vi
ctor
ia:ofcour
se
Reneè:whatmakesyousosur
e?
Vi
ctor
ia:becausehepr
efer
redmet
hanhi
ssocal
led
wi
fe
Reneè:ohhepref
erredyoumor
eyett
heyseat
ed
t
ogetheronthebench?
Vi
ctor
ia:t
hem bei
ngt
oget
hernowmeansnothi
ng.
Shebl
ackmail
edhimtobewheret
heyar
etoday
Reneè:MsDintsicanyouprovewi
thoutany
reasonabl
edoubtthatMrKwenameantallt
he
promiseshemadet oyou?
Vi
ctor
ia:nobut
..
.
Reneè:MrKwenadi
dyoueverpr
oposemar
ri
aget
o
t
hiswoman?
Pat
lo:noyourwor
shi
p
Reneè:haveyoueverhadconver
sat
ionsabout
marri
age?
Pat
lo:noyourwor
shi
p
Reneè:MrsKwenadidyouknowaboutMrKwena
andMsDi ntsi
'
srel
ati
onshi
pasi
ndidtheycomet
o
youandtoldyouabouti
t?
Bont
si:noyourwor
shi
p
Reneè:yetyousayyouguyswer
eontheroadto
marri
ageMsDi ntsi
.MrKwenawhatdoyouseeMs
Di
ntsias?
Pat
lo:awomanihadanaf
fai
rwi
th."
HAD"
Reneè:di
dyouhi
det
hef
actt
hatyouwer
emar
ri
ed
t
oher ?
Pat
lo:noyourwor
shi
p
Reneè:thereyouhaveitmyLor
dMsDi ntsi
knowinglyhadanaffai
rwit
hamar ri
edmanandMr s
Kwenahasal lther
ight
stohavethelawdealwith
MsDi nt
sibecausesheknewnothingaboutt
he
aff
air
.(Thejudgemadesomenot es)MsDintsiwhat
qual
if
icat
ionsdoyouhave?
Vi
ctor
ia:iendedatf
orm3
Reneè:soyouhaven'
twor
kedyourwhol
eli
feunt
il
youownedahotel?
Vi
ctor
ia:(
swal
lowed)yes
Reneè:isee.MsDi
ntsihowl
onghaveyouowned
t
hehouseandcaryouhavenow?
Vi
ctor
ia:19year
snow
Reneè:MrPat
lohowl
onghaveyoubeenmar
ri
edt
o
MrsKwena?
Pat
lo:20year
s
Reneè:sowhendi
dyoumeetMsDi
ntsi
Patl
o:afewmont
hsint
omymar ri
agewit
hmywi f
e.
Shewasoneofmyemployeesatmycompany.
Inf
actshewasmyPA.Wegotreal
lycl
oseandi
t
happened
Reneè:oksoMsDintsihowl
onghaveyoubeen
runni
ngyourhot
el?
Vi
ctor
ia:15year
s
Reneè:wow.Wher edidyougetthemoneyt obuil
da
houseimeanyoucan' ttel
lmeitwasfrom yourPA
salarytobuil
dahotelcost
smill
ionsandyoul i
vein
ahi ghcosthouseandyoudri
veoneoft hemost
expensivecarsint
hewor l
dsopleaseenli
ghtenus
ont hatone
Vi
ctor
ia:(
clear
edhert
hroatandspokel
ower
)Pat
lo
Reneè:wecan'
thearyouMs
Vi
ctor
ia:(si
ghed)Patl
oKwenadidallthosef
orme,
hebui
ltthehouse,hot
elandboughtthecarf
orme.
Happynow?
Judge:behavei
nmycour
t
Reneè:myLor dwit
hmeisthetot
alcostof
everythingMrKwenadidfort
hiswoman.(The
bail
ifftookthedocument
s)MrKwenadoyouhave
sharesi nthi
shotel
?
Pat
lo:noyourwor
shi
p
Reneè:wheredidyougett
hemoneyt
obui
ldal
l
t
hesef orMsDintsi
?
Pat
lo:iusedmydaught
er'
sinher
it
ance
Reneè:wowVi ctori
a, soyouar el
ivingoffanot her
woman' schil
d'sinher it
ance?Womenl ikeyouneed
tobet aughtagoodl esson.MyLor dasyouhave
hear df r
om mycl ientsandMsDi ntsi,
MsDi ntsii
s
l
ivingof fachild'sinheritanceandibel ieveyou
knowhowmucht hiscour tvaluesther i
ghtsofour
childrensoast heplaintiffmyLor dwesayMs
Dintsishouldbest ri
ppedof fever
ythingt hatshe
builtwi t
hthischild'
si nher i
tance
Vi
ctor
ia:ar
eyoucr
azy!
?
Judge:(
hitt
hegavel
)si
lence
Vi
ctor
ia:not
hisi
sunf
airiwor
kedhar
dfort
hose
t
hings
Reneè:oh,
wor khar
d?MsDi
ntsi
shouldigeta
di
cti
onaryforyouandr
eadt
hemeaningof"work
har
d"foryou?
Vict
ori
a:(
toherl
awyer
)don'
tjustsi
tther
edo
somethi
ng!
Judge:(
hitt
hegavelmor
e)isai
dsi
lence!
Sheswallowedbl
inki
ngwhil
eBontsismi
ledput
ting
herheadonherhusband'
sshoul
derashesoftl
y
rubbedherthi
gh.
..

Judge:t
hankyouCounselReneè.Iwi
llr
evi
ew
ever
ythi
ngbroughtbefor
emeandpassmyr uli
ng
onMondayaf t
ernoon.Cour
tisadj
our
ned

Hehitthegavelaseveryonestoodupandmadehi s
wayout .Vi
ctori
aswall
owedahugel umpbreathi
ng
heavil
ywhilelooki
ngatBontsiwhosmi l
edand
winkedatherasherhusbandki ssedhercheek..
.

Vi
ctor
ia:youbl
oodywi
tch!
Bontsi
:youchosethehardwayyour sel
fmyl ove.I
wantedustosettl
ethismat
terfairl
ybutnoyouhad
tobehardheaded.Itol
dyouim comi ngfor
ever
ythi
ngthat'
sofmydaught er.Allthebestfor
Mondaysweety.
Sheblewherakissandlaughedastheyleftwhi
le
Vict
ori
acursedatt
hem withthepr
isonguar d
cuff
ingher
.Theyheadedoutasshest oppedbythe
doorseei
ngDiphal
abythepr i
sonvan..
.

Guar
d:movei
tlady
Diphal
a:t
hisi
sonlythebegi
nningdear.I
sn'
tyou
saidyoucan'
tbeafr
aidofaghost?"Iwaswhati
wasbecauseofyou"(l
aughed)it
'st
imetoreapt
he
resul
ts

Helaughedmoremovi
ngfrom t
hevanasVi
ctor
ia
swall
owedget
ti
nginsi
de.

I
nKabi
nda'
sof
fi
ce.
..

Hesighedstoppi
ngt osearchfort
hecasefil
eand
shookhisheadtakinghisl
aptop.Hewenttothe
camerasinhisoff
iceandwat chedever
yrecordi
ng
ofwhenhewasnoti ntheoff
ice.I
twasofthe
cl
eanerthatgothisatt
enti
onashescof
fedsmili
ng
shakinghisheadwithhishandonhi
schin.He
stoppedtherecor
dingandcall
edBoemo..
.

Boemo:det
ect
ive
Kabi
nda:goodmor
ningMsMai
ket
so
Boemo:whatcanidof
oryou?
Kabinda:igoti
nmyoffi
ce,
sear
chedf
ort
hecase
fi
lebutcouldn'
tfi
ndi
t
Boemo:what
!?
Kabi
nda:yepbutihavecamer
asi
nmyof
fi
cesoi
managedtoseewhot ooki
t
Boemo:ohper
fectl
ookf
ort
hem
Kabi
nda:mygutfeel
ingtel
lsmethatt
heywor
ea
di
sgui
seandtheydefini
tel
ydon'
tworkher
e
Boemo:whatnow?
Kabi
nda:somet
imespeopl
eunder
est
imat
eusyou
knowihadacopyofthecase
Boemo:(
smi
led)wowt
hisi
samazi
ng
Kabi
nda:onceagai
nMsDi
ntsihasf
all
enr
ighti
nto
mytrap
Boemo:wegothernowt
her
ear
enochancesofher
sur
vivi
ngt
hisone
Kabi
nda:t
hiswomant
hinkst
hewor
ldr
evol
ves
ar
oundher
Boemo:andim sti
llwai
ti
ngonmycontacttoget
backtomeonwhoshei spayi
ngforal
lthesej
obs
becausether
e'snohowitcanbeStonebecausewe
havehim
Kabi
nda:t
hat
'sagoodone.MsMai
ket
so
Boemo:si
r?
Kabi
nda:l
et'
steacht
hiswomant
hati
ttakest
wot
o
t
ango
Boemo:(
smi
led)iagr
eewi
thyou
Kabi
nda:haveagoodday.
Boemo:yout
oo
Shesmil
edhangingupwhi
leKabi
ndascof
fed
smil
ingwhi
leshaki
nghi
shead.
..

Kabi
nda:Vict
ori
aDi
ntsii
fyoudon'
tknowaboutme
askMil
dredwhoiam

Hecl
ickedhi
stongueandst
art
edwor
king.

I
nPr
ison.
..

Victoriacamethr
oughthevi
sit
ingar
eadoor
sand
si
ghedseei ngBoit
shepowhosatbackl
ooki
ngat
her.Shepul l
edherchai
rsi
tt
ingdownwit
hapouton
herf ace.
..

Vi
ctor
ia:whatdoyouwant
?
Boi
tshepo:whathaveieverdonet
oyou?
Vi
ctor
ia:i
fyouar
eher
etor
ubof
fyourpet
ti
nesson
met
henyouar
ewast
ingyourt
ime
Boit
shepo:Vi
ctor
iawhydoyoualwaysgooutof
yourwaytohurtme?Im yourmot
her'
sdaught
er
Vict
ori
a,wearesupposedtobesi
ster
snotenemi
es
Vi
ctor
ia:(
scoff
ed)soyouseeyour
sel
fasmyenemy?
Howambi t
ious
Boi
tshepo:t
henwhyar
eyoudoi
ngt
his?Whyare
youtaki
ngmysonawayfr
om mewhil
eim wat
chi
ng?
Vict
ori
a:f
ir
stitwasBosanowLet
lot
lo?Your
eal
ly
havesometime
Boi
tshepo:iknowyouaretheonepoi
soni
ng
Let
lot
loagainstmeVict
ori
apleasest
opit
Vi
ctori
a:i
tsnotmypr
obl
em t
hatyouar
eanunf
it
mother
Boit
shepo:sayssomeonewho'sdaught
erlef
tthe
countr
ylastyearandhasn'
tcomebacksince
Vi
ctor
ia:atl
eastshe'
smakingalif
eforhersel
fout
t
hereunli
keyouallpeasant
str
yingtofeedoffme
Boit
shepo:youcancal
lusal
lthenamesyouli
ke
butfactr
emainsyouar
enothi
ngbutadarksoul
witchandifyouthinki
m goi
ngtoletyoutakemy
sonf r
om met henyouhaveanot
herthingcoming.
Im goingt
ofightyoutodeat
hVictor
iaandthatisa
promise
Vi
ctor
ia:goodl
uck
Boit
shepo:idon'tneedi t
.Wheni tcomest omyki ds
idon'tcompromise(stoodupandl eaneddownon
herfaceandwhi spered)im goingt okil
lyou,you
bett
erstartaski
ngforf orgivenessforallthethi
ngs
youhavedoneyougoodf ornothingwitch.

Shecli
ckedhertongueandtookherbagleaving
whil
eVictor
ial
eanedfowardlooki
ngather..
.

Vi
ctor
ia:notasl
ongasibr
eat
hli
tt
lesi
s

Sheal
socli
ckedhert
ongueandmadeherwayback
tot
hecel
ls.
Att
hehouse.
..

Isi
ghedemergi
ngunderthewaterinthepooland
gotoutt
aki
ngmytowel.Itookasipfrom mydrink
andtookmyphonetext
ingAtamelang..

Bosa:
hey
Atamelang: heysexy i
thoughtyouwer
e
ghost
ingmenow
Bosa: weneedt
otal
k
At
amel
ang:about
?
Bosa:t
hesi
tuat
ionbet
weenyou,
Saschaandi
.If
eel
used
At
amel
ang:whydoyouf
eel
li
ket
hat
?
Bosa:
imeanyouact edli
kenot
hinghappened
bet
weenust hedaybefor
ewhil
ewewer ein
Mochudiyester
day
At
amel
ang:i
t'
scompl
icat
edBosa
Bosa:
what
'scompl
icat
ed?
At
amel
ang:il
ovet
hebot
hofyouguys
Bosa:
butit
houghtyoumovedonf
rom meAt
a
At
amelang:youcan'
tjustburyfeel
ingsandaf
ter
t
hatdaywehadsexif elli
nlovewithyoumore
Bosa:
yetyouwer
ewi
thSaschat
henextday
Atamelang:iknowitsoundsabi
tsel
fi
shbutim
beinghonestilovet
hebothofyouanditwoul
dbe
hardtoletoneofyougo
Bosa:doyoureal
lyl
ovemeori
sitbecauseif
uck
youbett
erthanhi
m?
At
amel
ang: il
oveyouBosa
Bosa:thenyouneedtomakeachoi cebecauseI'
m
notgoingtobeanotherguy'
srel
ati
onshi
p'sstr
ength.
It
'sei
thermeorSascha
Atamel
ang:whyar
eyoumaki
ngt
hingscompl
icat
ed
forme?
Bosa:i
m noti
mj ustlooki
ngoutf
ormyself
.Ihave
beenhurtf
oryearsinmyl i
fet
orecogni
zei
tfrom a
di
stance
Atamelang: okihearyouidi
dn'
tmeant
omake
youfeelthatway
Bosa:
soyouwi
lldoasisay?
At
amelang:l
et'
sjustgowi
tht
hef
lowunt
ilif
igur
e
what
'swhat
Bosa:noAtamel
angthesooneryoumakea
deci
siont
hebett
er.
At
amel
ang:ok
Bosa:
good.Ar
eyouguyscomi
ngt
othef
uner
al
tomor
row?
At
amel
ang:yeahwear
e
Bosa:
okcoolseeyout
her
e
Atamelang:l
et'
sleavet
oni
ghtwewi
llbooki
ntoa
guesthouse
Bosa:
no,
spendt
imewi
thyourboyf
ri
end
Atamelang:aorraBosaimissyou (
she
snappedapi ct
ureofheryel
lowthi
ghsandsenti
t)
Bosa:
(swal
lowed) st
opi
tAt
amel
ang
At
amel
ang:iknowyouwanti
ttoo
Bosa:butwejustspokeaboutthispl
usmyfami
ly
andiareleavi
nginafewsot here'
snohow
anyt
hingcanhappen
Atamel
ang:soyouar
eser
iousl
ygoi
ngt
otur
nme
down?
Bosa:
im goi
ngt
ost
artpacki
ng.Haveagoodday

It
ookmythi
ngsandheadedinsi
dewhil
einher
of
fi
ceAt
amelangsi
ghedputt
ingherphoneaway.

I
nPr
ison.
..

Vi
ctor
iamadeherwaytothel
aundr
yli
neast
he
maleguar
dfol
lowedher
..
.

Vi
ctor
ia:and?
Guar
d:imanagedt
ost
eal
thef
il
e
Vi
ctori
a:(smi
led)atl
eastsomethi
ngi
sgoi
nggood.
Youraccountwil
lbecredi
tedi
n3hours
Guard:amazi
ng.Anhouraf
terli
ght
soffiwi
llbe
comingtoyourcel
lber
eady.Ihaveapri
vat
er oom
prepar
edforus
Vi
ctor
ia:(
smi
led)okdaddy

Theguardlef
twhil
eshesmi l
edhangi
nghervest
s.
NotawareofJunehidi
nginacornershewhi
stl
ed
goi
ngbackwhi l
eJunesighedandswall
owed
l
ookingather.
..

June:i
m sor
ryf
ri
endbutmydaught
er'
swel
lbei
ng
comesfir
st

Shesai
dgoi
ngt
heot
herway.

Backatt
hehouse.
..
Letl
otl
opacedaroundhisbedr
oom andsighed
si
tti
ngonhisbedpunchinginthepri
sonnumber.
Ashewasaboutt opresscal
lacallcameinashe
fr
ownedseeinghisfat
her'
snameandanswer ed.
..

Let
lot
lo:hel
lo?
Di
ti
ro:mayipl
easespeakt
oLet
lot
loDi
ntsi
?
Let
lot
lo:i
t'
shi
m
Dit
ir
o:idon'tknowwheret
ostar
tbutiwoul
dli
ket
o
apologi
zeforwhatidi
dtoyouyest
erday
Let
lot
lo:oh
Dit
ir
o:yesmysonyouhonest lycaughtmeoff
guardthat
'swhyisnapped.Canwemeett omorr
ow
andtal
k?
Let
lot
lo:i
t'
smygrandmot
her
'sf
uner
alt
omor
rowso
wewillbether
e
Di
ti
ro:what
,Mr
sDi
ntsii
snomor
e?
Let
lot
lo:yeahshepassedonbegi
nni
ngoft
hisweek
Dit
ir
o:shamemayhersoulconti
nuerest
ing.Iwi
ll
cometothefuner
alt
henwetalkaft
er
Let
lot
lo:(
smi
led)r
eal
ly?
Dit
ir
o:yesmyson.Ireall
ywanttodorightbyyou.I
havealwayswant
edtobutmyef for
tswereblocked
ever
yti
mesoihadt ostepbackandrespectyour
mother
Let
lot
lo:don'
twor
ryI
'
m agr
ownmannowimake
myowndeci si
ons
Di
ti
ro:(
smi
led)i
m gl
ad.Seeyout
omor
rowhey
Let
lot
lo:nopr
obl
em

TheyhungupasLetl
otl
osmi l
edwhi
leDi
ti
rosi
ghed
rubbi
nghi
sfacef
rustr
ated.

THATEVENI
NG

Att
heMai
ket
so'
s.
..
Boemosighedparki
nghercari
nf r
ontofthegat
e
agai
nwhileonthephoneandpressedtheremot
e
asthegat
efail
edtoopen.
..

Boemo:goshl
ovethi
sgateseemstonotbe
worki
ngletmest
epouttori
ngthei
nter
com.I
pr
omiseyouiwil
lbether
einanhourok
Baisago:okl
ovebequi
ckweneedt
oleaveTemoi
s
shoutingatme

Shehungupandsi ghedr i
ngingthegatebellas
theyanswer edandopenedf orher.Shemadeway
backt ohercarandassheopenedt hedooracar
passedbyassomeonest uckahandoutt he
windowandshotherasshescr eamedfall
ingwhi l
e
i
ttookof fathighspeed.Hearingthegunshot ,
her
mot herandniececamer unningwhiledogsbar ked
i
nt heneighbourhood..
.
Gi
rl
:aunt
y!
Mot
her
:Mydaught
er!
?Hel
p!Somebodyhel
p!

Shesaidscr
eamingintearsshaki
ngBoemowho
l
aidther
ewithhereyesclosedandhandj ustunder
herr
ibcageasbloodcameoutwhi lethe
nei
ghbourscamerunningtohermot her
'said.
.
.
.
.
.
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
CAGED
42

Wit
hinaspl
itofasecondt
hefr
ontoft
heMaiket
so
yar
dwaspackedwhi l
eBoemo'
smotherandher
ni
ececr
ied.
..

Mother
:someonepleasedosomethi
ngdon'
tjust
st
andthere!Boemowakeupplease
Woman:don'
tshakeheral
ot.Mygi
rlpl
easebr
inga
cl
othi
nthehouse

Herniecer
antothehousewhileamancalledt
he
pol
iceandmedicalhel
p.Boemo'seyebal
lsmoved
ashermothersni
ffedsmil
ing.
..

Mother
:yesmybabyyouar
eaf
ight
erdon'
tgi
veup
pl
easekeepf
ight
ing
Man:hel
pisont
heway
Mother
:di
dyouheart
hatl
ove?Hel
pisont
heway
pl
easehangi
nther
emybaby
Boemo:(
slowl
ybl
inked)mama
Mother
:yesmybabyi
m her
e.Iwon'
tleaveyouok
f
ightmylovef
ight
Ni
ece:her
e
Woman:thankyounana.Pl
easegi
vemesome
spacel
ove

Hermot hersni
ffedmovingf
orthewomanasshe
puttheclothoverthegunwoundandappli
ed
pressur
easBoemocoughedgr unt
ing.
..

Mot
her
:pl
easedon'
thur
ther
Woman:don'
tworr
y,t
hiswi
llhel
pforhert
onotl
ose
al
otofbl
ood.Nanadoyoufeelanypai
n?
Boemo:(soft
ly)yesi
t'
sri
ghtwher
eyouar
etouchi
ng
(shecoughed)
Woman:okiguesst hebull
eti
slodgedweneed
medicalhelpassoonaspossibl
e( f
elther
temperatur
e)she'
sgett
ingcol
derbyt heminut
e.
Searchforwateri
nthecarandanot hercl
oth(
the
niecewastednosecond)goodgirlwetit
Boemo:i
mti
red
Mot
her
:babynokeepf
ight
ing
Woman:iunderstandmyl ovedon'tgi
veupyetfight
t
okeepyoureyesopenok, putthecl
othonher
f
orehead.Bat
hongwher eistheambul ance?
(
checkedherpulse)herpulseisevenstart
ingt
oget
l
ight
er(shesai
dappl yi
ngmor epressureonthe
wound)
Mother
:noican'
taf
for
dtol
osemydaught
er.Baby
pl
easefi
ght

Asshesaidtheambulanceandpoli
cecarcame
wail
ingasBoemoletoutasoftsi
ghclosi
ngher
eyes..
.

Woman:nomyl
oveopenyoureyes
Mot
her
:baby?Boemo?Pl
easewakeup,
honey?

Shesoftl
yshookherfacebutshedi
dn'
trespondas
shebursti
ntomoretearswhil
ethemedi
cscame
runni
ng..
.
Of
fi
cer
:whathappened?
Man:weheardwhatsoundedli
keagunshotand
camerunni
ngandfoundthis
Of
fi
cer
:ok.Howi
sshe?
Medic:sheneedst
ogett
othehospi
talassoonas
possi
ble
Mot
her
:GPHpl
easei
mri
ghtbehi
ndyouguys

Theyloadedheri
ntotheambulancewhil
eher
motherwipedhert
earsandranintot
hehouse
taki
ngthehouseandgatekeyswithherni
ece
comingbehindher
..
.

Woman:wi
llyoubef
itt
odr
ive?
Mot
her
:yes

Shesai
dget
ti
ngi
nherdaught
er'
scarandcl
osed
thegaterever
singawayaseveryonewentbackto
thei
rhouseswhi l
ethepol
iceoff
icer
slookedar
ound
thearea.Boemo'smothersni
ff
edchanginggears
asBoemo' sphonerang.
..

Mot
her
:answeri
t
Ni
ece:hel
lo
Bai
sago:ohhicanipl
easetal
ktoyouraunt
?(She
swal
lowedkeepi
ngquiet
)hell
o?
Mother
:mysont hi
sisBoemo'smotherwear
e
goi
ngtothehospit
alt
herehasbeenanacci
dent
Bai
sago:(
satupashi
shear
tski
ppedabeat
)what
!?
Whathappened?
Mot
her
:shehasbeenshot
Bai
sago:whi
chhospi
talar
eyougoi
ngt
o?
Mot
her
:GPH
Bai
sago:oki
m onmywayr
ightnow
Mot
her
:ok
Herni
ecehungupwhil
eBaisagolockedhi
shouse
get
ti
nginhi
scarandcal
ledBoit
shepo..
.

Boi
tshepo:wher
ear
eyouguysat
?
Bai
sago:Boemohasbeenshot
..
.
Boi
tshepo:what
!?
Bai
sago:yesi
m goi
ngt
othehospi
talnow
Boit
shepo:(
wit
hherhear
traci
ng)how?What
happened?
Baisago:al
liknowi
ssheforgothershoesshewas
tousetomor r
owsoshehadt ogobackforthem so
iguessthat'
swhenshegotshot
Boi
tshepo:i
ssheok?
Baisago:t
heysaytheyar
egoi
ngtothehospit
ali
wil
lupdateyouguyswhenimther
epleasetel
l
everyoneforme
Boi
tshepo:sur
e
Sheswall
owedhangingupwhi
leTemo,
Reat
legi
le
andtheki
dslookedather
..
.

Boi
tshepo:Boemohasbeenshot
Reat
legi
le:what
!?
Boit
shepo:yeahtheyar
eontheirwayt
othe
hospit
alr
ightnowBaisagosayshewil
lupdat
eme
whenheget sther
e
Reatlegi
le:babeican'
taf
for
dtol
osemysi
ster(
she
burstint
ot ear
s)
Temo:don'
tcr
yloveBoemoi
saf
ight
ershewi
llbe
ok

Iquiet
lybli
nkedlooki
ngatauntyBoit
shepoandsat
onthechairthatwasnearmeast ear
sfellof
fmy
eyes.Boit
sheposquattedi
nfrontofmeandheld
myhands. .
.
Boi
tshepo:nonoBosa,
Boemoi
sgoi
ngt
obeokmy
boy
Bosa:
ican'
tloseanot
hermot
heraunt
yBoi
tshepo
Boit
shepo:wearenotgoingtol
oseBoemomyboy.
Thatwomani soneofthegreat
estf
ight
ersiknow,
hanginther
emyboy.Weneedt obestr
ongforher

Isi
lentl
ycri
edwhileeveryonesighedgrabbi
nga
chair
.Wear ebur
yingourgr andmotheri
nafew
hourshowcansomet hinglikethi
shappen?Iasked
myselfcryi
ngmore.

I
nCl
ubVenus.
..

Wi t
ht hemusicpl
ayinglouderever
yonedancedthe
nightawaydr i
nki
ngandhavi ngfunas6poli
cevans
surroundedthebuil
dingwithanarmyofoffi
cers
comi ngoutwitht
heirguns.Theywastednotti
me
andbr okei
n...
Of
fi
cer
:ever
yonef
reeze!Ont
hef
loornow!

Theyal
lscr
eamedgoingdownont
hef
loorast
hedj
st
oppedthemusi
c..
.

SK:(
cameout
)whatt
hehel
li
sgoi
ngonher
e?
Off
icer
:wearetheoneswhoshoul
dbeaski
ngyou
t
hatquest
ion,
whatisgoi
ngonhere?
SK:t
hisi
sacl
ubasyoucansee
Of
fi
cer
:wher
ear
ethegi
rl
syouarekeepi
ngher
e!?
Of
fi
cer
ssear
cht
hewhol
eplace
SK:nonowaiti
m notgoi
ngt
oal
lowyoui
ntomy
spacewi
thoutawarr
ant
Off
icer
:lucki
lyf
oryouweknowt
hel
aw.Boysget
worki
ng!

Hesai
dgivi
nghimt hesear
chwar
rantwhi
let
he
ar
mysearched.Lat
oyaandMarkhel
dhandswhil
e
SKsi
ghedlooki
ngatthem..
.
SK:whatmoredoyouwantfr
om me?Itoldyou
guyswehavenoDaisyoraVeroni
caworkingher
e
Lat
oya:whywasDai
sy'
sphot
oint
hatbedr
oom
SK:howim isupposedtoknow?Maybeoneoft
he
cl
ient
shaditandlefti
tbymistake
Lat
oya:youaregoi
ngtogivememydaught
eryou
goodfornot
hingbast
ard
SK:iwil
ltolerat
eal lnonsensebutnotyoui
nsult
ing
mefir
stofal lyouar einmycountryandsecondl
y
myterr
it
or ysopl easewat chi
t
Lat
oya:youwat
chi
t
Mar
k:babecal
m down

Latoyacli
ckedhert
ongueast
hear
mycamebackt
o
thegroundwithnot
hing.
..

Lat
oya:wher
eismydaught
er?
Of
fi
cer
:unf
ort
unat
elywecoul
dn'
tfi
ndanyper
son
ma'
am
SK:youhear
?Sopleasel
eave.Youhave
tr
aumati
zedmycustomersenoughnow
Off
icer
:bef
orewego,
whydi
dtheyf
indherphot
o
her
e?
SK:li
keisaidmaybeoneoft
hecl
ientshaditand
droppediti
nthebedr
oom.Wedon'tknowthat
younglady
Of
fi
cer
:okihopeyouar
etel
l
ingt
het
rut
h
SK:makesur
eyouneversetf
oother
eagai
nyou
peopl
eorel
seim goi
ngt
osueyou

Theyl
eftasSKcl
ickedhi
stongue.
..

SK:alli
sokladi
esandgentl
ementhenextt
wo
roundsareonthehousetomakeupfort
hemess
causedbythesepeopl
e.Dj
Thedjpumpedupthemusicaseveryonegotback
upshaki
ngthei
rheadsandgotbacktotheir
par
tyi
ngwhil
etheladi
escont
inuedwiththei
rdai
ly
j
ob.

I
nMochudi
..
.

Aft
ercalmingdownideci
dedtosi
tal
onei
nthe
bedroom wai
ti
ngonanupdateasmyphonerang.
..

Bosa:
Atamel
ang?
Atamelang:iminat
axiaf
ewhousesawayf
rom
yourspleasecomeher
e
Bosa:
what
?
At
amel
ang:nowBosat
hismandoesn'
thaveal
lday
Bosa:
ok

Icl
ear
edmyt
hroatandspoket
oOl
ebi
let
henmade
mywayoutwhi l
eotherpeopl
ewereout
sideal
ready
preapri
ngfoodfort
omor r
ow.Wit
hmyhandsi nmy
pocketandahoodieovermyheadimademyway
tothetaxiandst
oodont hesi
dewhereAtamel
ang
was...

Bosa:
let
'sgo
At
amel
ang:noyouar
ecomi
ngwi
thme
Dri
ver
:youngl
adypl
ease,
ihaveacust
omerwai
ti
ng
onme
At
amel
ang:comeBosa(
isi
ghedandgoti
nsi
de)
Bosa:
wher
ear
ewegoi
ng?
At
amel
ang:t
oaguesthouse
Bosa:
what
?
At
amel
ang:l
et'
sgosi
r

Thedrivertookoffand7mi nuteslat
erarr
ivedat
whatwasourdest i
nat
ion.Atamelangpaidandt ook
berbagsf r
om thebootast hedri
vertookoff.
..
Bosa:
what
'sgoi
ngon?
At
amel
ang:f
oll
owme

Shesaidgoinginsideasifoll
owedhershakingmy
head.Shetookt hekeysandledthewaytotheroom
assheaskedmet ogoi nfi
rstandt
henclosedthe
doorlocki
ngit.Isighedandsatonthebedasshe
tookoffhershoes...

Bosa:
ineedt
ogobackhomesoon
At
amel
ang:noyouar
enot
Bosa:
excuseme?
At
amel
ang:wear
espendi
ngt
heni
ghtt
oget
her
Bosa:
butAtamel
angithoughtwespokeaboutt
his.
Whatabout
..
.(
sheputherfi
ngeronmylips)
At
amel
ang:st
opt
alki
ng
Shesai
dunbutt
oninghershi
rtasiswal
lowed
l
ooki
ngatherbri
ghtcl
eavage..
.

Bosa:noAt
amelangireal
lyneedtogorightnow.I
m
buryi
ngmygrandmothert
omor r
owsoi .
..(
she
pushedmedownont hebed)Atamelangstopit
Atamel
ang:il
oveyouBosaandifyoucan'
tseet
hat
iwil
lmakeyouseeit
.(Shesai
dkissi
ngmyneck)
Bosa:
Atapl
easest
op
At
amelang:ihavebeent
ryi
ngt
oshowyouhow
muchyoumeant omesincewemetbutyoudon'
t
wantt
oseei t

Shesai
dkissi
ngmemoreasmyphonerang.She
st
oppedandtookmyphonehangi
ngup.
..

Bosa:
whatar
eyoudoi
ng?
At
amel
ang:wedon'
tneedanydi
srupt
ions
Sheswit
chedbot
hourphonesof
fandgotbackon
topofme..
.

At
amel
ang:wher
ewer
ewe

Shesmi
ledki
ssi
ngmeasicl
osedmyeyesdef
eat
ed.

THEFOLLOWI
NGMORNI
NG

6ment ookoutOr efe'

swhitecof f
inandputi tonthe
standwhi l
ethecr owdsangasl owhymn.TheDi ntsi
familysatinfrontofahugecr owdwi thot hers
standingast herewasashor tageofchai rs.You
wouldsweart hewholevil
lagewast here.The
mast erofceremonyt ooktothef rontast hecrowd
tooktheirseats.
..

MC:thankyoul
adi
esandgentl
emen.Todayweare
gat
heredheret
osaygoodbyet
ooneofthemother
s
ofthisvill
ageespeci allythi
swar danditisevident
byournumbert hati ndeedt hewomanl yi
ngi nfront
ofust odaywasaqueen.Sher aisedeachand
everyoneofuswi t
ht hesamel oveandcar e.Mama
Dasial waysaddr essedher ,youhaveimpact edour
l
ivesinsomanyways, t
hedayswhenyouwer ea
Sundayschoolt eacher ,t
headvicesandscr ipt
ures
youal waysshar edwi t
husmeantal ott
oussowe
areher etocelebrateyourl i
fe.Conti
nueresting.
Withthatbei ngsaidiwoul dli
ketocallMamaD' s
daught ertocomeandspeakonbehal fofallMama
D'schildren.BoitshepoDi ntsi

Shesighedandt
ookherbot
tl
eofwat
ergoi
ngt
othe
podi
um. .
.

Boitshepo:thankyousirandthankyouallfor
comi ng.Mamaiknowyouar elooki
ngdownonal l
ofussmi l
ingatthenumberofpeopleheretopay
thei
rl astr
espects.Youwerereal
lyapeople's
personandt hat'
sonet hi
ngyouinst
il
ledi
nus
especiallyBoi ngot l
oandi .Mayhersoulcont i
nuet o
rest.Iwi llneverf orgetal ltheteachi ngsyougaveus
asyourchi ldren.( Smi l
ed)ir ememberhowyou
alwayst ol dmehowst rongiwasbut ...(sighed)our
lastdayswer enotasgoodasbef orebutiknowf or
surenowt hatyouar eatpeacewi thme.I m sor r
yf or
thepai niputyout hroughdur i
ngyourl astdaysand
ican'tst opbl ami ngmysel ff orbei ngar easonof
yourdepar turebuti twillallbewel lmama.I t
sso
sadt hatyoudepar tedthiswor l
dwhi leyoursoni s
stil
lprepar ingf orhi sweddi ngbutweknowt hatyou
lovedcel ebr ati
ngsmal lorbi gmi lestonesal otsoas
yourchi ldrenwepr omiseyout hatt hiswi llbethe
bestweddi ngeveri nyourhonour .Il oveyouso
muchandwewi llalwaysr ememberhowmuchyou
lovedsi ngi ng, ourSundaymor ningswi l
lneverbe
thesameagai nbuti ti
swel lmom.( Sighedandkept
quietforasecondf eel
ingover whel med)
mama. .
.(bl i
nked)ipr omi seyoui nf r
ontofever yone
thatiwi lltakef rom wher eyoul eftoff( t
urnedt oher
fami l
y)iwi llmakesur et hatever yonebehi ndmei s
welltakencar eof .Youknowinevergi veupandi m
goingt of ightunt ilweover comewhatwear efacing
asaf amil
y.Iwil
lmakesur ethateveryonehereis
safeanddoeswel li
nlife.Nomat t
erwhathappensi
willtakecareofthem (t
earsfel
l)mybr other
s,
si
st ersandnephewsyoudi dn'
tloseyour
grandmot herandmot herbutyougai nedbothinme.
Nomat tert
hestormim goi ngt
omakesur ewe
comeoutvi ct
ori
ous.Iloveyoual l
.Thankyouso
much

Shesai
dgoi
ngbacktoherseatandbursti
ntot
ear
s
asTemocomfor
tedherwhi
lethecrowdsang.

Att
heHospi
tal
..
.

Bai
sagopar
kedhi
scarandmadehiswayt owher
e
Boemowasadmit
tedf
indi
nghermotherandni
ece..
.

Bai
sago:goodmor
ning
Mot
her:ohhimyson.It
houghtyouwer
egoi
ngt
o
t
hefuneral
Bai
sago:ispoketothem andt
heyunder
stoodiwi
ll
j
ointhem af
terseei
ngher
Mot
her
:okwewer
eonourwayoutanyway
Bai
sago:ohok.Di
dyouseet
hedoct
or?
Mother:yes.Hesaysshewil
lbeokwi thti
mebut
theymanagedt omakesurethattheysaveherhear
t
andpreventitf
rom f
utur
eproblems
Bai
sago:ok
Mot
her
:wewi
llkeepi
ntouchok
Bai
sago:nopr
obl
em

Theyl
eftasBai
sagosi
ghedcar
essi
ngBoemo'
s
head.
..

Baisago:myloveim sosorryyouareyouthrough
whatyouar egoi
ngthrough.Ihonestl
ywishedfor
thi
ngst onotcomethisfarbuther
ewear e.Iknow
youaredoingthisoutoflovebutbabeican'
tafford
toloseyoualongtheway.Iwouldneverbeenabl e
toforgivemysel fshoul dyouhavenotpul l
ed
through.Idon' twantyout odi ebecauseofmeor
mysonmyl ovet hat'swhyi m goi ngtomakesur e
thatyouar esaf e.Ispoket odet ectiveKabindaand
twoof f
icerswi llbest andingbyyourdoort omake
sureyouar esaf e.Iwon' tr estunt i
ltheperson
behindt hispaysf orwhatt heyhavedonet oyou.I
havebeenwayt ool enientonVi ctoriabutithinkit
allstopst oday.I t'stimesheknewt hatshecan' t
alwaysgetawaywi thever yt hingandi fitmeans
doingt heunt hinkabl eiwi l
ldoi t
.Imt ir
edoft his
woman' sbullshi tshe' sgoi ngt opayf orallthepain
sheputmysonandever yoneicar eaboutthr ough.
Wecan' tbet akenupanddownbyawomanwho
knowsnot hingandhasnot hingtohername, tohel
l
witht hat.Ipromi seyout hati m goingt oavenget he
painyouar ei nnow

Hesaidcli
ckinghi
stonguewipi
nghistear
sand
heldherhandwhil
eshelai
dthereconnect
edtoal
l
themachines.
Att
hecemet
eri
es.
..

Theyputt hecof f
inont hel oweringbel tast he
pastorsai dashor tprayerandt hel ower edthe
coffi
n.Thechoi randt hecr owdst artedsi nging
whi l
eBoi tshepoandTemobur stint ot ears.
Reatlegilewipedher scomf orti
ngTemowhi le
Rober theavedahugesi ghbl ockinghi swhi le
rubbingBoi tshepo'sback.Thor i
soputhi shandover
myshoul dersaswel lasLame' saswesi l
entl
ycr i
ed
whi l
egr annyBot hocomf ortedOl ebile.Thecof fi
n
reachedt hegr oundast hepast ort ookahandf ulof
soilandt hrewi ti
nthegr aveandaskedi midiate
familyandf r
iendstocomet hrowi n.Wel edtheway
andt hrewi nasaunt yBoi tshepoanduncl eTemo
threwi nandst oodf orasecondl ooki ngdowni nthe
grave...

Temo:wehaveoneanot
hernowsi
sletnot
hing
comebet
weenus
Boi
tshepo:(
cryi
ng)r
estwel
lmama
Shecr iedmoregoingbackt ot hei
rseatsasLetlot
lo
tookahandf ulaswellandt hrewitinwithout
l
ookingi nsi
de.Hewentbackt owher ehewas
standingasiswal l
owedl ookingathim."Whatwas
het r
yingtoachieve.Thiswasat i
met ocome
togetherandnotbedi vi
ded"it houghttomyselfand
sighedsof t
lysi
ngingalongt othehymnt hatwas
beingsungwhi lethecoveredmygr andmother'
s
grave.

I
nPr
ison.
..

Wit
hJuneattheshowerst
heguardmadehi
sway
i
ntothei
rcel
lasVi
ctor
iasmil
edl
ooki
ngupathi
m..
.

Vi
ctor
ia:t
ellmeyouhavegoodnewsf
orme
Guard:t
hei
nfamousl
awyeri
swi
thherancest
ors
now
Vi
ctor
ia:(
smi
led)youknowwhatil
oveyousomuch
Guar
d:t
hepl
easur
eisal
lmi
ne
Vict
ori
a:yourmoneywi
llbei
nyouraccounti
n3
hours
Guar
d:musi
ctomyear
s.Toni
ghtsamet
imesame
pl
ace
Vi
ctor
ia:iwi
llmakesur
etobeatyourser
vicesaddy

Shesmil
edwi
nki
ngathi
m ashel
eftwhi
leshel
aid
down.
..

Vict
ori
a:ohVict
ori
aDi ntsi,
ihavenevermetaqueen
l
ikeyou.Youareaforcewoman, theytr
ytoputyou
downbuttheyalwaysf ai
l.Likesandyouwil
lal
ways
ri
se

Shesai
dchuckl
ingbuthermomentofj
oywascut
shor
tasDi
phalasatonherbunkasshej
umped.
..

Vi
ctor
ia:f
uckyou!
Di
phal
a:(smi
led)nevercountyourchi
ckensbef
ore
t
heyhatch

Helaugheddi
sappearingwhil
eVictor
iaswall
owed
l
ayingbackdown.Meanwhi l
eonhi swayto
MochudiBai
sagoli
stenedtohisfavori
tesongwit
h
Boemoashisphoner ang.Hefrownedtothe
unknownnumberandanswer ed..
.

Bai
sago:hel
lo?
Man:ihavebeentryi
ngtogethol
dofMsMaiket
so
butican'
t.Shegavemeyournumberi
ncasei
coul
dn'tgethol
dofher
Bai
sago:ohok.I
m speaki
ngt
o?
Man:herpr
ivat
einvest
igat
or
Baisago:ohok.MsMaiketsowasshotyest
erday
butsheisatthehospi
talf
ight
ing
Man:oh,
ok.Caniupdat
eyout
hough?
Bai
sago:yesyoucan
Man:ihavemanagedtogetinMsDintsi
'sfi
nanci
als
andalotofmoneyhasbeentakenoutfr
om her
accountt
hepastt
wodayst oanaccountownedby
amanwhohappenst obeapr i
songuardinGCP
Bai
sago:ohok.Howmuch?
Man:90Kand75Kyest
erday
Baisago:thankyousomuchemai
lmethe
i
nformationsothatil
ett
hedet
ect
iveont
hecase
know
Man:oksi
riwi
ll

TheyhungupasBai
sagoscof
fedshaki
nghi
s
head.
..

Bai
sago:Vi
ctor
ia,
Vict
ori
a,Vict
ori
a.Youareagr
eat
epi
tomeof"t
here'
snorestfort
hewicked"

I
nNewl
ands,
CapeTown.
..
Gett
ingreadyforhercli
entDai
sywhi
stl
eddancing
i
nf r
ontofami rr
orassheputonamasquerade
maskwi t
hal eat
herlanger
ieonandal
ongtrench
coat.
..

Daisy:sincehe'sacl
ientwi
thgoodmoneywhynot
getalitt
lefreakywi
thhim

Shesaidsmilingandtookthewhipand2handcuf
fs
putt
ingthem onthebedasaknockcamet hr
oughat
thedoor.Sheseducti
velysatdownwit
hasmileon
herface.
..

Dai
sy:comei
n

Lookingdown, Stevemadehiswayi nandsmiledat

Daisynotrecognizingherassheswallowedt
rying
tokeephersmi leintactwi
thherhear
traci
ng.
..
St
eve:hiCl
eopat
ra
.
.
.
.
.
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
CAGED
43

Dai
sy:hi

Shescoff
edandsmil
edathi
m ashet
ookof
fhi
s
shoesget
tingont
opoft
hebed..
.

Steve:iseehandcuf
fsandawhipibel
ievewear
e
goingtohaveawonder f
ult
ime
Dai
sy:(
smi
ledst
andi
ngup)ohiai
mtopl
ease
St
eve:wowil
iket
hat

Shelockedthedoorfrom t
heinsidewhil
eSt eve
l
ookedathersmi l
ing.Hetookoffhist
-shir
tandl aid
downwhi l
esheputonsomesensualmusi cpour ing
aglassofchampagneandagl assofwhiskeyfor
hi
m. .
.

Dai
sy:somet
hingt
ohel
pthebl
oodr
ush
St
eve:icanneversaynot
oagl
assofsomegood
whi
skey

Hesatupt
aki
ngi
twhil
eshesatonhi
slap
car
essi
nghi
sbal
dhead.
..

Dai
sy:yousmel
lsoni
ce
St
eve:t
hankyou.Youdot
oo
Dai
sy:sowher
ear
eyouf
rom?
Steve:il
iveinGaut
engbuti
m onhol
idaywi
tha
fr
iendofmi neinCapet
own
Dai
sy:(
smi
led)ohwher
eishe?
Steve:st
il
ldoi
ngafewt
hingssoit
houghticoul
d
comeher etost
ret
chmynerves
Dai
sy:af
unmanisee
St
eve:ohwel
lwhatcanwesay
Dai
sy:(
tookhi
slef
thand)butyouhaveawi
fe
Steve:t
hatdoesn'
tst
opmefr
om havi
ngal
it
tl
ebi
tof
funaslongasiplayi
tsaf
e
Daisy:iseewelli
t'
sall
owedaslongasyoukeepher
safefrom al
lthemessyouaredoing(
tookhi
sglass)
ithi
nkwear egoodt ogo
St
eve:(
smi
led)t
hat
'smor
eli
kei
tnow.MsCl
eo

Hechuckledlyi
ngbackdownonthebedwhile
Dai
sydidal i
ttl
enumberopeni
nghert
renchcoat
.
St
evelookedathersmil
ingasshesl
owlygotonthe
bedandsof
tl
yki
ssedhi
m..
.

Dai
sy:upf
orsomef
un?
St
eve:ohyes
Dai
sy:awesome

Shebitherlowerl
ipsmili
ngandt ookthehandcuff
s.
Shecuf f
edhishandtotheothersideofthebedand
theotherhandtotheanothersi
dewhileSteve
chuckledexci
ted.
..

St
eve:ihaveneverexper
iencedt
hisbef
ore
Dai
sy:t
her
e'sal
waysaf
ir
stt
imef
orever
ythi
ngmy
l
ove

Shesaidgett
ingofft
hebedandt ookoffhertr
ench
coatremai
ngwi t
hherleat
herl
engeriegivi
ngSteve
herbackwhil
eslowlymovingherwaisttothebeat
..
.
Dai
sy:ar
eyour
eadyt
omeetCl
eopat
ra?
St
eve:mor
ethanr
eady

Shesmi
ledt
aki
ngof
fthemaskandt
urnedsmi
li
ng.
..

Dai
sy:hiSt
eve
St
eve:wai
t,what
!?

Heswall
owedwit
hafrownonhi
sfaceshockedat
whathewasseei
ng.
..

St
eve:Dai
sy?
Dai
sy:wemeetagai
n
St
eve:butit
hought
..
.
Dai
sy:yourevilwi
fekil
ledme?(Laughed)itwi
lltake
morethanjustawhiptokil
lme( smil
ed)speaking
ofawhip(shesaidtaki
nghers)howaboutwepl ay
al
it
tl
egame
Steve:(
swall
owed)whatar
eyougoi
ngt
odowi
th
that?Hel
p!Releasemenow!
Daisy:(
smil
ing)youcanscream al
lyouli
kemyl ove
butyouarenotgetti
ngoutofhereunti
lim done
wit
hyou.Wehavet hewholehouset oourselvesmy
l
ove
St
eve:okDaisyl
ist
en.Iwi
llgi
veyouwhat
everyou
wantaslongasyou..
.

Dai
sylandedastrongst
roker
ightonhi
sst
omach
ashegruntedbi
ti
nghisl
owerlipwit
hhi
seyes
cl
osed.
..

Dai
sy:howdoesi
tfeel
baby?Ni
ce?
St
eve:pl
easest
opwecan.
..

Shelandedanot
herst
rokeashegr
unt
edbr
eat
hing
heavi
ly.
..
St
eve:Dai
sycomeon
Dai
sy:yourhear
tl
esswi
feki
ll
edmyf
ri
endand
bur
iedherli
keadog
Steve:sowhatareyougoi
ngt
odo?Youar
egoi
ng
tokil
lmeaswel l
..
.

Shel
andedanot
herst
rokeasheshout
edi
npai
n..
.

Daisy:ohbabyboo.Ivivi
dlyr
ememberhowshe
mer ci
lessl
ywhippedusandyoutell
ingherthatshe
candoanyt hi
ngshewant swit
hus.Youtookt he
carkeysandleftustheret
odieli
kedogs..
.

St
eve:ihadno.
..(
shelandedanot
herst
rokeashe
gr
unted)comeonDaisy
Dai
sy:(l
eanedonhi
sfaceandki
ssedhi
m)myangel
ofj
usti
ce.Mysavi
our
St
eve:comeonDai
syi
m sur
ether
e'ssomet
hingwe
candoaboutt
his
Dai
sy:(
pour
edher
sel
fanot
hergl
ass)ohyest
her
eis
Steve:yeswhateveriti
siwil
ldoi
tbutdon'
thi
tme
anymor eican'
taffor
dtolosemywif
e
Dai
sy:(
laughed)butil
ostmyski
nbeaut
ytoyour
wif
ebuddylookatme
St
eve:i
m sor
ry.Whatdoyouwantmet
odo?
Dai
sy:youar
egoi
ngt
ohel
pmeescapef
rom her
e
St
eve:huh?
Dai
sy:yes.That
'swhyical
lyoumyangelofj
ust
ice

Shesaidtaki
ngt hebott
leofchampagneand
pour
editalloverhim.Thealcoholmadethebrui
ses
onhisstomachbur nashegr unt
edcoughing.
..

Daisy:yourpai
nisnothi
ng,ihadt owatcht
he
nurseswashmycut sanddoyouknowhowt he
susbtancetheyuseburns?Callyourf
ri
endright
now
St
eve:why?
Dai
sy:youar
etaki
ngmebackhome
Steve:butt
her
eareguardsatt
hegat
ehowarewe
goingtomakeitout
?Pluswedon'
thaveacar
Dai
sy:hecomesanddistr
act
stheguar
dsandwe
makeourwayoutthat
'seasy
St
eve:wewon'
tgetanywher
ewi
thoutacar
Dai
sy:wewil
lcrosst
hatbr
idgewhenwegett
her
e
wher
eisyourphone?
St
eve:t
her
e

Shetookitf
rom t
hetabl
eandputi
nhi
sfi
ngerpr
int
anddial
edObiego.
..

Obi
ego:buddyar
eyoudoneal
ready?
St
eve:ineedyout
odosomet
hingf
orme
Obi
ego:what
'sup?
St
eve:wehaveal
it
tl
esi
tuat
ionher
e.Cl
eopat
rai
s
notCl
eopat
rabutDai
sy
Obi
ego:whonow?
St
eve:yeah.Shehasmecuf f
edt
oherbedand
want
sust ohelpherescape
Obi
ego:what
!?
Steve:orel
sewewi
lll
oseourwi
vesf
orgoodt
his
ti
me
Obi
ego:(
sighed)whatdoesshewantust
odo?
Steve:youneedt
ocomeher
eanddi
str
actt
he
guards
Obi
ego:how?
Steve:j
ustfor
ceyour
selfi
n,t
heyknowshe'sst
il
l
withacli
entsotheywil
ltr
ytostopyou.Ar
guewit
h
them whil
emakingyourwayinsideandwewil
l
makeourwayout
Obi
ego:okihopei
twor
ks
Steve:i
tshoul
dwor
kourmar
ri
agesar
eont
hel
ine
here
Obi
ego:bye(
Dai
syhungup)
Dai
sy:(
smi
led)goodboy
St
eve:ineverwantt
oseeyouagai
nfr
om her
eyou
ar
enothingbutbadluck
Dai
sy:awwdon'
twor
ryyouwon'
thoney

Shesai
dput t
ingonhertr
enchcoatagai
nandher
masquerademaskcounti
ngt hemoneyshehadon
herwhi
letheywait
edforObiego.

I
nMochudi
..
.

Baisagoarrivedthesametimewi ththecar sfr

om
thecemet r
iesashej oi
nedTemo, Rober t
,Pesalema
andPat l
oint hekgotl
awhilethewomenwenti nsi
de
theyard.Theyounggi rl
sstarteddist
ributingfoodin
fomopackswhi leThori
soandiwi thot heryoung
mencar ri
edboxesofbot tl
esofgi ngerbeergi ving
everyone.Ismiledatmydadandcont i
nuedgi ving
theotherpeopleasMal omeLedi baspoket othe
meni nthekgot l
a.TheyadvicedTemowhi le
Boitshepowasadvi cedbygrannyBot hoandot her
elderl
ywomeni nthehouse.Everyonewasal lowed
toeataf t
eralltheannouncement sasBai sagoand
theotherment ooktheirseat
sandwentt ositata
shadej ustoutsidetheyard.Boit
shepo, Reat
legil
e
andBont sijoi
nedt hem withthei
rchairs..
.

Temo:ihonest
lyf
eel
li
kesomet
hingcol
d
Rober
t:ihavet
hatsor
tedmyguy
Temo:myki
ndofman(
theyal
llaughed)
Baisago:Boi t
shepoonmywayher eBoemo's
pri
vatei nvest
igatorcall
edmeandhemanagedt o
getthroughVi ctori
a'
sf i
nancesanditl
ookslikeshe
hasbeenpayi ngsomeone.Fi r
stpaymentwasj ust
aft
erDi phaladiedandt hesecondonerightaft
erher
casefilewasst olenfrom det
ecti
veKabinda'
sof f
ice
Boit
shepo:Vi
ctor
iaDi
ntsit
hough.Whowasshe
payi
ng?
Baisago:iwoul
drat
hernotsaynowbutwehave
guardsstandi
nginf
rontofBoemo'
shospi
talr
oom
aswespeak
Boi
tshepo:t
hat
'sgood
Patlo:don'twor r
ymyguyiknowmaybeyouar est
il
l
uncomf ort
ablewithtal
kingaboutVi
ctori
a'
sbad
deedsi nmypr esencebuticanpromiseyouthati
seeherf orwhoshei snowandt her
e'snothi
ngwe
wantt hant oseeherpayf orwhatshehasdonet o
allofus.Vi ct
oriahasstolenf
rom al
lofusher eso
themor ewest andtogethert
hemor ewewi l
lbeable
toover comeher
Bontsi:t
ruet hat.Wehavet akenhert ocour
t
becauseofwhatshehasdonet omymar ri
age.I
m
sorryBoitshepobutnotsor ryforthedecisi
onwe
tookasaf amily.Thiswomanmademyhusband
useourdaught er'sinheri
tancetobui l
dhertheli
fe
shehasbeenl i
vingsowehavedeci dedtostr
ipall
thoseoffherhandsbecauset hatismydaughter'
s
l
ife.Iknowyouguysl i
veinthehousenowandt he
boysar egettingal l
owancef rom thehoteli
ncome
butiftheruli
ngcomesi nourf avouronMondayyou
aregoingt ohavet omoveoutoft hehouseyadi
all
owancewewi lltalkaboutitwithmyhusband
Boi
tshepo:ihonestl
yunderst
andafteral
lit
'snot
our
sbutt hepersonifeel
fori
nallofthi
sisOlebi
le.
Temo:Olebi
lecanal
wayscomest
aywi
thReaandi
aker
elove?
Reat
legi
le:yesbabei
t'
snotapr
obl
em
Robert:youandyourboycanmovei
nwi
thuswhi
le
st
il
llookingforaj
obmyl ove
Boit
shepo:im goi
ngt
oini
ti
ati
onschoolver
ysoon
sohewi l
lcomeandstaywit
hLameher eandt
hei
r
youngersi
bli
ngs
Temo:st
il
lfi
ne
Bai
sago:iwi
llt
akeBosai
n
Bont
si:kant
edoesn'
tVi
ctor
iahaveadaught
er?
Boi
tshepo:shel
ongwentt
oSouthAfr
icai
n
Decemberandhasn'
tcomebacksi
nce
Bont
si:whati
fshecomesbacksoon?
Boit
shepo:hergrandmother'
shousei
salways
avai
labl
eforeveryonether
e'snohowshecanshar
e
aroom wit
hOl ebi
leatTemo'shousesi
nceheonl
y
hast
wobedr
ooms
Bontsi:ohok.Sor
tedt
henandim gladyou
understandwhywemadet hatdeci
sion
Boi
tshepo:it
otal
lydo.Iwoul
ddot
hesamef
ormy
chi
ldr
enaswel l
Reatl
egi
le:onal
ighternot
eofthi
ngsibeli
eve
t
here'
sapar t
yatyourgardeni
ntheaft
ernoon?
Robert:yespreparati
onsareongoi
ngaswespeak.
It
'sanopeningf orthenewlookandwear
e
celebr
atingourboysr esul
ts
Reat
legi
le:wonder
ful
Temo:babecanidr
inkasmuchasicant
oday?
Reat
legi
le:youhavet
hevi
samyl
ove

Theyal
llaughedandconti
nuedtocat
chup.I
nthe
yar
dLetl
otlosati
ntheothert
entasDit
ir
osatnext
tohi
m..
.

Di
ti
ro:hel
lo?
Let
lot
lo:gooddaysi
r
Di
ti
ro:i
m Di
ti
ro
Let
lot
lo:(
smi
led)ohhel
loyoumadei
t
Di
ti
ro:yeahiwasher
ethewhol
eser
vice
Letl
otl
o:ok.It
houghtyoudidn'
tmanagetomakeit
thr
oughbecauseithoughtyouwil
lbri
efl
ytal
ktome
befor
etheservi
cestart
s
Di
ti
ro:ididn'
twanttocauseanyt
roubl
esoideci
ded
t
owai tunti
lever
ythi
ngwasdone
Let
lot
lo:ohok.Ihopeyouar
egoodt
hough
Dit
iro:yeahim goodmyboyi twasawonderf
ul
sendof fandim happyever
yoneate.Ther
ewerea
l
otofpeopl eherebutyouguysmanagedt of
eedal
l
ofthem
Letlot
lo:yeahtheyboughtalotoffoodsincet
hey
knewt hatther
emi ghtbealotofpeopleandther
e's
sti
llmor eicanpackforyouifyouwant
Di
ti
ro:(
chuckl
ed)ohnoi
m goodmyboy
Let
lot
lo:ok
Di
ti
ro:soyousai
dyouwer
e18?
Let
lot
lo:yeahandi
didwel
lonmyBGCSE
Di
ti
ro:t
hat
'samazi
nghowmanypoi
nts?
Let
lot
lo:48
Dit
ir
o:wowt
hat
'sgr
eatmyboy.Li
kef
atherl
ikesoni
guess
Let
lot
lo:(
smi
led)youcansayt
hatagai
n
Di
ti
ro:sowhatar
epl
anni
ngonst
udyi
ng?
Let
lot
lo:iwantt
obeabanker
Dit
ir
o:ohokmyadvicechooseaverymarket
abl
e
coursebecausej
obsar
everyscar
cethesedays
Let
lot
lo:yeahthat'
swhyimi nt
obanki
ngthatmuch
i
fnotiwoul dgoformedici
neorBachel
orsdegr
eein
MathsandSci enceEducat
ion
Di
ti
ro:ohiguessyoul
ovesci
ences
Let
lot
lo:yeahigotst
arsi
nsci
encesandMat
hs
Dit
ir
o:nice.Thechoi
cei
syour
sthenal
lthose
coursesaregreat
Letl
otl
o:yeah.Iseeaweddi
ngbandonyourhand
areyoumar r
ied?
Di
ti
ro:yeahiam.Ihavet
woki
dswi
thmywi
fe
Let
lot
lo:ohoki
twoul
dbeapl
easur
etomeett
hem
oneday
Di
ti
ro:(
chuckl
ed)don'
twor
ryyouwi
ll
Let
lotlo:t
hatwouldbeawesome.Theyar et hr
owing
meapar t
yf ort
heresul
tsl
ateri
nGabor one.A
gardencalledDutche'
sgar
deni t
'sownedby
Boitshepo'
sboyfri
endandhisladyfri
endsoi fyou
don'tmindyoucancome
Di
ti
ro:i
m onni
ghtshi
ftt
odayatt
hehospi
talsoi
won'
tbeablet
ocome
Let
lot
lo:ohisee
Di
ti
ro:butdon'
twor
ryiwi
llmakei
tupt
oyou
Let
lot
lo:ok.So.
..

Boi
tshepostoodi
nfr
ontoft
hem asLet
lot
lo
swall
owedlooki
ngupather
..
.
Boit
shepo:nonodon'
tworr
yim nother
etodist
urb
yourbondi
ngmoment.Dit
ir
oihopeforthesakeof
thi
schil
dyoubecomehonestwithhi
m
Letl
otl
o:r
eal
lynow?Don'tyout
hinkyouhavedone
enoughthepastyear
s?
Boit
shepo:asisaidI'
m notheretodi
stur byour
bondingmomentbutDTi m notthatnaivegirlfr
om
18yearsagook( smil
ed)whenyouar er eadyto
hearmysideoft hest
oryLetl
otl
oiwillbet hereto
tel
lyoueveryt
hing.Haveagoodday

Shesmil
edgoi
ngtothehousewhi
leLet
lot
lo
fr
ownedwit
hhiseyessqui
nt.
..

Let
lot
lo:hersi
de?
Dit
iro:(si
ghed)yourmotherhasalwayswant
edto
seemedownandoutihopeyouar ewi
seenough
dif
ferenti
atefr
om ri
ghtandwr ong
Let
lot
lo:don'
twor
ryiknowwhatideser
veandi
fit
meanscutti
ngheroffcompletel
ytheniwil
ldoi
t.I
wanttohavearelat
ionshi
pwithyouandifshe
doesn'
twanttoacceptthatt
henwemi ghtaswell
cutti
es

Hesai dsighinglooki
ngbackatthehousewhi l
e
Dit
ir
ocur vedhisl i
pslooki
ngathim butsmil
edas
Let
lotl
ot urnedtohim.Behindthehouseilaughed
outloudwi thOlebil
easAtamelangcamet ous..
.

At
amel
ang:mayihaveawor
dwi
thBosapl
ease?
Ol
ebi
le:nopr
obl
em.Biwi
llbewi
tht
heot
her
sok
Bosa:
sur
e

Heleftusandj
oinedLame,Thor
isoandSascha
wheretheywer
eseated.
..

Bosa:whatar
eyoudoi
ngAt
amel
angSaschai
sjust
ther
e
At
amel
ang:youhavebeenavoi
dingmeal
lmor
ning
Bosa:
whatdi
dyouexpect
?
At
amel
ang:iexpect
edyout
ogi
vemeat
tent
ionaf
ter
t
heni
ghtwehad
Bosa:wit
hyourboyf r
iendaround?NoAt
amel
ang
i
m notaboutt ocauseanydramagivent
hef
actt
hat
yourboyf
riend'sdadisdat
ingmyaunt
At
amel
ang:butiwantyouBosa
Bosa: it
oldyouwhattodotobewi thmebutihave
real
isedhowmuchMrDut chelovesmyauntsoi
don'
twantt obethereasonformyaunt'
sheart
ache.
At
amel
ang:whatar
eyousayi
ng?
Bosa: wecannevercont i
nuewithwhatwehave
beendoingAt amelangit'
swrongyouarehur
ti
ng
thepoorguyandhowdoyouexpectmet osmil
eat
him andcallhim afr
iendknowingwhatidowit
hhi
s
gir
lf
riendbehindhisback?
At
amel
ang:doyoucar
eaboutmeBosa?
Bosa:that
'sasi
ll
yquest
ionandyouknowi
t.Of
courseido
Atamelang:t
henwhyar eyoudenyi
ngmet
he
sati
sfact
ionideser
ve?
Bosa:youarehonestl
ymor ecrazi
erthanithought.
Soyouwantmet obeyoursext oywhil
eina
rel
ati
onshipwi
thsomeoneel se?Itdoesn'
tworklike
thatdearandi
fthat
'showyouwantt hi
ngstobe
thenwehavenochoi cebuttocuttiesbuddy
At
amel
ang:wow,
buddy?
Bosa:Atamel
angjuststopi
t.Yourobsessionis
honestl
ystar
ti
ngtoannoymeandagai nidon't
appreci
atewhatyoudidtomelastnight.Thatwas
rape
At
amel
ang:r
eal
lynow?
Bosa:
yesAt
amel
angyouf
orcedyour
sel
fonme
At
amelang:Bosadon'
tmakemedot
hingsidon'
t
wantt
odo
Bosa:
(fr
owned)what
'st
hatsupposedt
omean?
Atamelang:i
t'
sei
therwekeepdoi
ngwhatwear e
doingorelsei
m goi
ngtotel
lonyouthatyouf
orced
yoursel
fonmewhenit ol
dyouplent
yoftimesthati
don'
twantyou
Bosa:
what
?
At
amel ang:youhear
dme.(
Smi
led)iwantyouagai
n
t
onightatthepart
yok

Shesmi l
edandwi nkedatmej oi
ningtheothers
whileistoodt
her
est il
linshock.Iscof f
edand
swallowedasifl
inchedf eel
ingabl i
sterundermy
tongue.

I
nPr
ison.
..

Vict
ori
asangoutl
oudinthei
rcel
lwhi
leJune
fr
ownedlooki
ngather
..
.

June:what
'sgoi
ngonwi
thyou?
Vi
ctor
ia:i
mjustf
eel
inggoodmyhoney
June:whathappened?
Vi
ctor
ia:wewi
llbef
reewomenver
ysoonmybaby
June:soyouar
etel
li
ngmet
hat
..
.
Vict
ori
a:yest
heyar
epr
obabl
ypr
epar
ingf
orher
funer
alaswespeak
June:(
swal
lowed)oh?
Victori
a:yes.ComeJshowt hatyouar eexcit
ed
soonyouwi l
lbefreeandf ightingforwhat '
syour s
(l
aughed)t heythoughttheywer egoingt okeepme
downf orgoodbutt heyfailed( shelaughed)nnake
Victori
aDi nt
siyoudon'tsteponmyt oesandt hi
nki
woul djustwatchyougetawaywi t
hit.Hellno,iam
aqueenandqueensneverl oseabat tlesostick
withthisqueenandyouwi llgetf arinlif
emyl ove.A
re"mandown, rompopopor ompopopor ompopopo
mandownohmamamamamamaij ustshota
womandowni nfrontofheryar dinfrontofabi goh
crowd, ohoooohohooooh. .."

Shelaughedsingi
ngwhil
eJune'
ssmil
esl
owly
di
sappearedlooki
ngathersi
ngi
ngt
hewrongl
yri
cs
fr
om thebott
om ofherhear
t.
THATAFTERNOON

I
nKabi
nda'
sof
fi
ce.
..

Hedownedt helastofhiscof f
eeandsi ghed
swit
chi ngonhi slaptopgoi ngtohisof f
icecct
v
foot
ager ecordi
ngandr eplayedt heonewhen
Vict
oria'scasef i
lewasst olen.Het ookacareful
l
ookatt heman' sfeatur
esandl istedthem ona
paper.Het ookhisoffi
celineandcal ledthepr
ison
l
ine.
..

Man:pr
isonhel
lo
Kabi
nda:youar
espeaki
ngtoLieutenantKabi
nda
commonlyknownasdetect
iveKabinda
Man:oksi
rhowmayibeofhel
p?
Kabi
nda:i
m goingt
odescr
ibesomeonet
hent
ell
me
i
fheworkswithyou
Man:ohoksi
rnopr
obl
em
Kabinda:hisski
ncolouriscar
amel t
ocof f
eecolour.
Heistallabout1.
8/2met erst
allandhasvei ny
arms.He'swellbui
ltnottoobuil
tli
ket hosemen
fr
om thegym, he'
snaturalywel
lbui l
t.Hasashar p
noseandbr owneyeswi t
honest ainedfronttoot
h,
he..
.
Man:onest ai
nedfr
onttoot
hiknowwhoyouar
e
tal
kingabout.Heworkswit
husasoneoft
hemale
guardsinthefemal
eprison
Kabi
nda:ohok.Whati
shi
sname?
Man:Bokang
Kabi
nda:okt
hankyousomuch
Man:i
shei
ntr
oubl
e?
Kabi
nda:nosi
r
Man:ohoki
m gl
adicoul
dhel
p
Kabinda:sure.(
Hehungup)Bokangyouseem t
obe
tooyoungt obedoingthet
hingsyouar
edoingmy
boy(hecalledthewarr
antoffi
ce)
Lady:war
rantof
fi
cehel
lo?
Kabi
nda:youarespeakingtoLieut
enantKabinda,
pl
easefi
xawar rantofarr
estf
ormeiwi llcol
lecti
t
Mondaymor ni
ngar ound10am
Lady:oksi
r(t
heyhungup)

Hecli
ckedhi
stonguemakingsur
eeveryt
hingwas
i
nplaceandtookVi
ctor
ia'
scasefi
legoi
ngbackto
hi
shouse.

I
nCapeTown.
..

Lehumopar
kedhi
scarandwhi
stl
edgoi
ngi
ntot
he
house.
..

Lehumo:Cleo,ihopeyouar ereadyforyour
aft
ernooncli
entmygi r
l.It
'sanotherbi
gmoney
cl
ientsoyoubettershowhi mf l
ames(hesmi l
ed
goingtotheki
tchen)Cleo?
Hedrankwat
erandheadedtot
hebedr
oom wher
e
hef
rownedfi
ndi
ngnoone...

Lehumo:Cl
eopatr
a?Areyouher
e?(
Hecheckedt
he
bathr
oom)Cleo?Shi
t!

Hesai
dgoi
ngout
sidet
otheguar
ds.
..

Lehumo:wher
eisCl
eopat
ra?
Man:i
nthehousesi
r
Lehumo:i
fshewasint
hehouseiwoul
dn'
tbe
aski
ngyouwhereshei
sri
ght
?
Man:but
..
..
Lehumo:wher
eisCl
eopat
rayoungmen?
Man:(r
emembered)shi
tthatmanwhocamei
nher
e
andgaveusahardti
me
Lehumo:whatman?
Man:there'
sani
ger
ianmanwhocameher eand
tr
iedtofi
ghtwi
thusiguesst
hat
'swhenshe
escaped
Lehumo:fuck!Howcanyoubesocar
eless!
?Doyou
real
isewhatyouhavedone!
?
Man:t
hatmanwasact
ingl
ikeal
unat
icsi
rwet
ri
ed
t
ocalm hi
m down
Lehumo:youshoul
dhavej
ustshothi
m dammi
t
Man:rememberourgunshavebeent
akenf
or
ser
vice
Lehumo:shi
t!Shi
t!Shi
tman!

Hesaidrunningtothehousewher
ehetookhis
phoneandcal l
edhismother
.Meanwhi
leatt
he
pol
icest
ation,thedet
ect
ivecamei
ntheroom wher
e
Daisywas..
.

Detecti
ve:okma'
am i
m her
e,waitareyounott
he
youngladywhosomepeoplearelooki
ngfor?Dai
sy
Dintsi
?
Dai
sy:i
tisi
Det
ective:t
her
earepeoplel
ookingf
oryoui
n
Newlands.Wherehaveyoubeen?
Dai
sy:ihavebeenhel
dagai
nstmywi
llandbei
ng
t
radedforsex
Det
ect
ive:okj
ustasecondl
etmecal
lthem
Dai
sy:wai
twhoar
ethey?
Detect
ive:t
heyare.
..
ohhell
oma'am pl
easemake
yourwayt othest
ati
onyourdaught
erhasjustgot
here

Hespoketot
heOct
ober
swhileDai
syf
rowned
wonder
ingwhohewast
alki
ngto.

AtDut
che'
sgar
den.
..

Waiti
ngforeveryonetoarri
veandsett
ledown
Thori
soandilaughedf i
xingourdr
inkswhil
ethe
other
sint
eractedastheDjplayedsomesoftmusic.
Letl
otlol eftt
hecr owdandheadedt owherethecars
werepar ked.Hewal kedbetweenthem andchecked
onwhowaspayi ngattent
iononhim andeveryone
wasmi ndingt hei
rownbusi nessashetookouttwo
padlockkeysoutofhi spocketandscratched
Bosa'scarf r
om thedr i
ver
'sseatal
lthewayround
tothefr ontpassengerseatandabovet hebonnet.
Hesmi ledput tingthekeysbackinhispocketand
j
oinedever yone.
.
.
.
.
.
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
CAGED
44

Att
hegar
den.
..
Ilaughedwi thOl
ebi
leaswepoureddr
inksf
or
ourselves.Lamecametotakehi
m asThori
socame
tothebar .
..

Bosa:
buddy
Thori
so:what
'supbuddyi
t'
sbeensohect
ict
hatwe
haven'
tgotachancet
otal
k
Bosa:(si
ppedmydr
ink)whatdoyouwantt
otal
k
aboutbuddy?
Thori
so:ihavebeenwatchi
ngyouandAtamel
ang
andyouhavebeenhavingdodgymeeti
ngsever
y
chanceyouget
Bosa:
idon'
tknowwhatyouar
etal
kingabout
Thor
iso:youcanf
oolever
yoneBosabutnotme
Bosa:
im bei
ngser
ioust
hough
Thori
so:andyoudi
sappear
edl
astni
ghtBosawher
e
wereyouat?
Bosa:
didsomeonedi
eandmakeyoumypar
ent
now?
Thoriso:st
opt r
yingtododgetheconver
sati
onBosa,
what '
sgoingonbet weenyouandAtamelangand
don'tyouthinkoflyi
ngtomebecausehermot her
askedmei fwesleptgoodandihadtoli
etoher
Bosa:
(swal
lowed)youwoul
dn'
tunder
stand
Thor
iso:soyouguysar
edoi
ngsomet
hing?
Bosa:whyar
eyoubei
ngsoser
iouswhi
lewear
eat
apart
yThori
so?
Thor
iso:Bosaar
eyousl
eepi
ngwi
thSascha'
s
gi
rl
fr
iend?
Bosa:i
t'
snotmyprobl
em hecan'
tsat
isf
yheri
nbed
andthatshewant
sme
Thor
iso:Bosaar
eyoucr
azy?
Bosa:
noi
m not
Thor
iso:doyouknowwhatwi
llhappenshoul
dthi
s
comeout?
Bosa:
eishThor
isocanwej
ustdr
opt
his
Thor
iso:f
ir
stofal
lyouraunti
sdat
ingSascha'
s
fat
herdoyouwanttotakeawayherchanceto
happiness?Doyouwantt
obet hereasonshel
oses
thepersonwhoseesherforwhosheisanddoesn'
t
j
udgeher ?
Bosa:
no
Thor
iso:t
henwhyar
eyoudoi
ngt
his?
Bosa:youguyswerebehindmetel
li
ngmetogofor
Atamelangnowthatist
andachancewi
thheri
tsa
pr
oblem
Thori
so:t
hatwasbef
oreSaschacamei
ntot
he
pi
ctur
eyouidiot
Bosa:i
t'
snotl
ikeidi
dn'
ttr
ytogethertodother
ight
thi
ng.Idi
dbutshedoesn'
twantt
olist
ensowhatdo
youexpectmetodowhenshebehavesliket
hat
?
Thori
so:i
fyoureal
lydon'tappr
eciatewhat
's
happeni
ngthenyouwoul dbeabletostandyour
groundandshowhert hatyoureal
lydon'
twantany
ofthi
stobehappening.
Bosa:youknowyourf
ri
endThor
isoshe'
s
possessi
ve
Thoriso:dammi tBosathisiswr ongdude.I nstead
ofbeingselfi
shyoushoul dbehel pi
ngyourf ri
end
savet hei
rrel
ati
onship.Imagi neifyourgirl
fri
end
camet omeandwef uckedt henshepr eferstobe
withmehowwoul dyoufeel whenyouf oundthati
havebeendoi ngt henastywi thyourgir
lfri
end
behindyourback?( Iswallowed)youar eayoung
mannotaboydudet hinkwi thyourheadandnot
thoset woball
s.Ireal
lyregretpushingyout ostar
t
havingsexbecausewowyouar emessi ngthingsup
now

Hecl i
ckedhistongueandwentbackt owherehe
waswi thSaschaandt heot
herguyswhileisighed
repl
ayingwhathesai dtome.Hehadapoi nt.Itook
asipf r
om mydr i
nkandaccidental
ymovedmy
bli
sterontopofmyt oothasifl
inchedswall
owing.

I
nNewl
andspol
icest
ati
on.
..

Thedet
ect
ivet
appedhi
spenont
hedeskasDai
sy
si
ghedr
unni
ngoutofpat
ience.
..

Dai
sy:howlongshoul
dwewaitf
ort
hesepeopl
e
t
hatyouareref
usi
ngtotel
lmewhotheyar
e?
Of
fi
cer
:(openedt
hedoor
)si
rtheOct
ober
sar
eher
e
Dai
sy:(
widenedhereyes)t
hewho,
whatnow?
Det
ect
ive:okl
ett
hem i
n
Dai
sy:noi
m notgoi
ngt
osi
twi
tht
hosepeopl
ein
her
eimleavi
ng
Det
ecti
ve:youar
enotgoi
nganywher
esi
tdownMs
Di
ntsi
Mar
k:gooddaydet
ec.
..
Lat
oya:bl
oodyl
it
tl
ebi
tch!

Shesai
dtryi
ngtoat
tackDai
syasthedet
ect
ivegot
hol
dofherwhil
eDaisyj
umpedback..
.

Lat
oya:wher
e'smydaught
er!
?
Det
ect
ive:ma'
am pl
easewai
t
Latoya:nothi
slit
tl
ewit
chbettergi
vememy
daughter.Dai
sywheredidyouandyourmot
her
takemydaught er
!?
Mar
k:babypl
easecal
m down
Dai
sy:idon'
tknowwher
eshei
s
Lat
oya:excuseme!
?
Dai
sy:youhear
dme
Lat
oya:ohshe'
sevenar
rogant
.Det
ect
ivel
etmego!
Det
ect
ive:i
m notgoi
ngt
odoanyoft
hatunt
ilyou
ar
ecal
m
Mark:
babepl
easel
istentothedetect
ive.Wewil
l
l
eaveher
ewit
hnothingifyoubehavelikethi
s
Lat
oya:(
swal
lowed)oki
m cal
m
Det
ect
ive:ar
eyousur
e?
Lat
oya:yesdet
ect
ive
Det
ecti
ve:okbuti
fyouat
tackheriwi
llt
hrowyoui
n
acel
l
Hesaidlet
ti
nggoof fherwhi
leLatoyasquinther
eyesfi
ghti
ngtheurgeofatt
ackingDaisy.She
snif
fedandtookherseataseveryonesatdownas
well
..

Detecti
ve:t
hankyou.Al
lofushereneedone
anothersothemorewewor kt
ogethert
hebet
ter
Lat
oya:al
liwanti
smydaught
erDet
ect
ive
Det
ect
ive:MsDi
ntsipl
easet
ellushowweendedup
her
e
Daisy:Veronicaandidecidedtogof oraholidayin
Gaut eng.Wehadourownmoneybutshet ol
dme
thatwewon' tevenuseanyofi twhenwegott here
becauset hereweremenwhower egoingtomake
sureourbi l
lswerepaid.Asmyf rienditr
ustedher
butshedi sappearedonmet henightwemett hose
men.It ri
edtocallherbutsheneveranswer edmy
call
s.Notknowi ngwheretogoimetamanwho
helpedmeandsai dwecancont i
nuewi t
ht he
holidayhereinCapetownt hat
'swhenicameher e
wit
hhim onl
ytofi
ndoutthatthismanwasl uri
ng
meintohiswebofsext
raff
icking(shebur
stinto
t
ears)t
heyusedme
Lat
oya:ohpleasesavethoset
earsf
orsomeone
whocares.Yourst
oryisnotaddi
ngupDaisyyou
bet
terst
arttel
li
ngthetr
uthnow!
Dai
sy:(
cryi
ng)buti
tst
het
het
rut
hMr
sOct
ober
Detect
ive:okMrsOct obercal
m down.MsDi nt
si,
yourfr
iend'smothertol
dmet hatyoucall
edherand
tol
dhert hatVer
onicawasst i
llout
sidewhenshe
askedtot al
ktoher
Dai
sy:oh
Lat
oya:war
eoh?Yesyoudi
d
Dai
sy:idon'
trememberanyoft
hat
Lat
oya:(
hitthet
ableannoyed)Goddammi
tDai
sy
canyoupleaset
ellt
hefuckingt
rut
h!

Shesaidunexpect
edlyl
andi
ngahotsl
aponDaisy
asshef el
lof
fherchai
rwhil
ethemenl
ookedon
shocked..
.
Lat
oya:wher
ethehel
lismydaught
erdammi
t!
?Di
d
youandyourmentr
aff
icmychil
d?

Shesaidst
andingupasMarkpull
edherdownon
thechai
rwhil
ethedet
ect
ivehel
pedacryi
ngDaisy
up..
.

Mar
k:babe
Det
ect
ive:thisi
sthelastt
imei
mrepr
imandi
ngyou
MrsOctober.Areyouok?
Daisy:yourdaughteri
stheonewhosol dmeyou
woman!Iwasbeat endoyouseehowmyski nis?
Huh?Shesol dmet oherSouthAf
ricanfri
endsand
disappearedonmesodon' tyoufuckingdarethink
youcancomeher eandactlikeafuckinggoddess
youf ucki
ngbit
ch!

Shesai
dangr
il
yhi
tt
ingt
het
abl
easLat
oyast
ood
up.
..
Lat
oya:whoar
eyout
alki
ngt
oli
ket
hatyounggi
rl
!?
Mar
k:babe.
..
Latoya:shutupMar
k!Dai
sydi
dyouj
ustcal
lmea
bi
tch!?
Dai
sy:ihavebeenabusedforawholemonth.Men
cominginandoutofmybodywhi l
eyourdaught
er
waslivi
ngagoodli
fewhereversheis.Youar
e
goi
ngt opayf
orthi
s
Lat
oya:bl
oodyl
it
tl
e..
.

Annoyed,thedetecti
vetookouthisgunandshotat
t
her oofastheladiesfel
lonthei
rkneescover
ing
t
heirears.
..

Det
ect
ive:enough!Mr
sOct
obersi
tther
enow!

Sheswal
lowedl
ookingatDai
syandwentt
oher
cor
nerwhil
eDai
sytookherseatast
heDet
ect
ive
st
oodbet
weent
hedi
stancet
heykept
..
.

Det
ect
ive:Dai
sywher
eisMr
sOct
ober
'sdaught
er?
Dai
sy:idon'
tknowl
ikeisai
dshedi
sappear
edon
meinGauteng
Det
ecti
ve:butyoucal
ledMr
sOct
oberDai
sy,
please
behonest
Dai
sy:ineverdi
dthat
,idon'
tremember
Detect
ive:youneverdidthatandyoudon' t
rememberdoyout akemef orafool?(Cl
ickedhis
t
ongue)maybeapr isoncellwi
llgetyoutotellt
he
t
r ut
h.Come
Dai
sy:noyoucan'
tdot
hat
Detect
ive:unl
essyoucomecleanaboutt
he
whereaboutsofVeroni
caOct
oberyouarear
rest
ed
ofherdisappear
ance.Come!

Hegr
abbedherupandpushedheroutt
aki
nghert
o
t
hecel
lswhi
leLat
oyabreat
hedheavi
lyl
ooki
ngat
t
hem.
..

Lat
oya:iwantmydaught
eryounggi
rl
Mar
k:l
et'
sgetgoi
ng
Lat
oya:i
m notgoi
nganywher
eunt
ilt
hatwi
tcht
ell
s
mewheremydaughteris
Mar
k:babeasyoucanseet
hat
'sgoi
ngt
otakea
whi
le
Detect
ive:youmayl eaveiwil
lcontactyouonce
she'sreadytotal
k.Ineedtogoar r
estthosesex
tr
affi
ckersshespokeof .Dai
syisnotgoing
anywher eunt
ilshe'
sreadytospeak

Hel
eftast
heOct
ober
sfol
lowedhi
m out
.

I
nPr
ison.
..

Vi
ctor
iamadeherwayt
othephoneboot
hand
answer
edhercal
l.
..

Vi
ctor
ia:hel
lo?
Di
ti
ro:i
t'
sDi
ti
ro
Vict
ori
a:whatdoyouwantit
houghtiwascl
ear
aboutwhatiwantyout
odo
Dit
ir
o:yesandidi
dnowt hatbr
atofyour
swantst
o
havearel
ati
onshi
pwit
hmychi ldr
enandyouknow
howthatisgoi
ngtoaf
fectme
Vi
ctori
a:t
hati
syourpr
obl
em t
oseet
o.Whyar
eyou
i
nvolvi
ngmenow?
Dit
ir
o:noyouhavetocomewithasol
uti
onyou
knowverywellt
heki
ndofdangert
hatboyposeson
mymar r
iage
Vict
ori
a:sti
lli
t'
snotmypr obl
em.Igotwhati
wantedsoyouseet oyouri
ssuesalonemryouare
abigboyisn'tit
?Youcheatonsomeoneyouj ust
paidbr
idepr i
ceforandmakeachi l
dsoseehow
youhandleyoursituat
ion
Di
ti
ro:youconni
vingsel
fi
shwi
tch
Vi
ctor
ia:youcancal
lmewhatyouwant
Di
ti
ro:iseeyout
hinkt
hewor
ldr
evol
vesar
oundyou
Vict
ori
a:(scoffed)whatcanyoupossi blydotome
youngboy?Idon' tj
ustdothingswithoutthi
nking
myboyandi fyouar ethi
nkingofpaintingmeast he
badguyt oLetlotlothenyouwi l
lbebar ki
ngupt he
wrongtreemyl ove.Heknowst hathisauntyist he
onlyper
sonwhocar esabouthim
Di
ti
ro:youar
egoi
ngt
odi
eapai
nfuldeat
h
Vict
ori
a:(
smil
ed)byeDTandlet
'shopenewsofyou
cheati
ngonyourwif
eandyouhavingan18yearol
d
sonsheknowsnothi
ngaboutdon'
treachher
anyti
meto
Di
ti
ro:youwoul
dn'
tdar
e
Vi
ctori
a:t
henmakesur
emynephewmeet
swi
thhi
s
si
bli
ngs
Di
ti
ro:ar
eyousi
ck?
Vi
ctor
ia:noi
m busyandyouar
edi
stur
bingme
Di
ti
ro:Vi
c..
.
Vi
ctor
ia:mxm

Shehunguponhi
m andwentbacktohercel
l
whist
li
ngwhi
leDi
ti
robi
thi
slowerl
ipfr
ustr
ated.

Att
hePar
ty.
..

Withever
yonearoundandsett
ledRoberttookthe
micfrom t
heDjandaskedforeveryone'
sattent
ion.
Thori
so,Bosa,
Letl
otloandAt
amel angsatonone
tabl
easRobertsmiledatt
hem...

Rober t
:thankyouallf
orhonour
ingtheinvi
tet
othi
s
gatheri
ng.Thisgather
ingi
stocelebrat
ethe
openingandnewl ookofDutcheGarden,imeanal
l
ofyouwhoar eusedtocominghereyoucannoti
ce
thattherehasbeenaf ewdevel
opments
Al
l:ohyes
Rober
t:yesandi
tisal
sot
ocel
ebr
ateourchi
ldr
en'
s
successont heirfinalexaminat ionar oundof
applausepl ease( everyonecl apped)t hattablei
s
seatedbybr il
li
antmi ndsonl y, mysonSaschawho
gotawhoppi ng41poi nts(
hewavedatever yone)
mybeaut i
fulbabe' ssonLet l
ot lowhogota
whoppi ng48poi nts(hewavedwhi leBoitshepo
smi l
ed)hiscousi nBosawhoal sogotawhoppi ng
48poi ntsaswel l(hewaved)t hei rf
riendThor i
so
whogotamar vell
ous45poi nts( hewaved)andl ast
butnotl eastmybeaut if
ulf
ut uredaught erinlaw,i
hope( everyonechuckl ed)whogotanamazi ng
clean48poi ntswi thstarsi
nal lhersubj ectsandis
thecount ry'
st opachi ever

Shest
oodupandwavedasever
yonecl
apped
l
oudl
yproudofher
..
.

Pat
lo:t
hat
'smydaught
ery'
al
l(t
heyal
llaughed)
Robert
:thankyousomuch.Wesawi tfi
tto
cel
ebratethesechi
ldr
eninabigwaybecausethei
r
fut
ureisindeedbri
ght.Notonl
yar
ewecelebrat
ing
t
hem butalsoBosaandLet l
otl
o'sgr
andmother
'sl
if
e
whowassentof fearl
iert
oday.Mayyoursoulr
est
wel
linthearmsoft heLordMamaD
Al
l:amen
Robert:iwouldhavelovedtogetcl osertoyouas
yoursoni nlawbutiguessGodhashi sownplans
butipromisetoloveyourdaught erandmakeher
mywi feassoonast hest or
m calms.( Ever
yone
smiled)totheki
ds,gooutt her
e, beresponsibl
eand
keepwi nni
ng.ToyouMr sKwenawhoi smypartner
here'
st omakingmoremoney, cheers!
Al
l:cheer
s!
Rober
t:dj

TheDjpumpedt hemusicupasRober tand

Boit
shepokissedandhugged.Myphoner eport
ed
l
owbat t
eryasiwenttomycart ogetmychar ger
butwasshockedtoseewhathappenedt oitwheni
gottoi
t.Wit
hmyhear traci
ngiranbacktomy
fat
herandtookhimtoshowhi m whathappened..
.
Bai
sago:whowoul
dscr
atchacarl
iket
his?
Bosa:
ihonest
lydon'
tknowdad
Baisago:don'
twor
rysonwewi
llhavei
tpai
nted
tomorrow
Bosa:butwearegoi
ngt
ohavet
opai
ntt
hewhol
e
bodyandit'
scost
ly
Bai
sago:it
'sokboydon'tstress.Ithi
nkMrDutche
hascamerasher especi
all
yint heparki
ngsoiwil
l
askfort
hef oot
agefrom hi
mt omorrow
Bosa:
okdad

Isighedshaki ngmyheadandt ookmychar ger

goingbackt oeveryoneasiaskedt hewai terst
o
char geforme.Seei ngthateveryonewasmi ndi
ng
theirbusiness,Letl
otlowenttot heservi
ngspotand
subt l
ytookakni feandputitinhi spocket.He
dancedhi swayoutwi thnoonenot ici
ngand
headedt ot heparkingtoBosa'scar.Het ookoutthe
knifeandst abbedal lt
hefourtyresandbr okehis
toothpi
ckint
oasmal lpi
eceandstucki
tint
hekey
holeonthedri
ver
'sdoorandheadedbacktothe
crowdsmili
ng.

Backi
nPr
ison.
..

Inthesecretroom, Bokangbi thisl

owerlipand
kissedVict
oriaafterreleasi
nghisjuicesi
nher.He
slowlypull
edoutwhi l
eVi ct
ori
asmi l
edsleepi
ngon
hersidewhilehewi pedhi mselfandgavehera
toweltowipeher selftoo.Helaiddownwhi l
e
Victor
iapull
edt hesheetup. .
.

Vict
ori
a:i
t'
sbeenal
ongt
imesi
nceihadagoodone
youknow
Bokang:l
ikeit
oldyouimakesur
etopl
ease
Vict
ori
a:i
ndeed.Your
ecei
vedyourl
astpayment
ri
ght?
Bokang:yesidi
dnowicanwor
konext
endi
ngour
house
Vi
ctor
ia:onecut
ethi
ngaboutyoui
sthatyoucan
t
hinkl
ikeaman
Bokang:iam aman(
theychuckl
ed)
Vi
ctor
ia:sodoest
hismeaniwi l
lbeget
ti
ngt
hese
ki
ndofservi
ceswheneveriaskfort
hem?
Bokang:yousayj
umpiaskhowhi
gh
Victor
ia:(
smiled)hmm il
ikethesoundofthatand
becauseofthegoodwor kyouhavedonesof ar,
i
meanyouhavel i
ter
all
ysi
gnedmyf r
eedom forms
forme, wi
thoutthecasef
ileandthatstupi
dlawyer
withherancestorsnowiwillbedecl
aredafree
womancomeMondaymor ning
Bokang:andihopeyoudon'
tfor
getaboutmewhen
youareoutther
e
Vi
ctor
ia:ineverf
orgett
hepeopl
ewhodogoodby
me
Bokang:gr
eat
Vict
ori
a:andf
ort
hatit
hinkyoudeser
veasecond
round
Bokang:icanneversaynot
othatmyl
ady
Theychuckledasheki
ssedherget
ti
ngontopof
herandsli
dhishanddowntohercoochi
e
and.
..
..
#REMOVED

I
nNewl
andspol
icest
ati
on.
..

Dai
syscr
eamedforhel
pwit
habloodyf
aceast
he
of
fi
cer
scamerunningt
oherai
d..
.

Of
fi
cer
:what
'sgoi
ngonher
e?
Dai
sy:theyhaveat
tackedmepl
easecal
lthe
det
ecti
veforme!Ibegyou
Of
fi
cer
:okokcal
m down,
(shout
ed)det
ect
ive!

Dai
sycri
edwithbloodalloverherhandsandface
whi
let
hedetecti
vesmiledheadingtothecel
ls.
..
Det
ect
ive:yesof
fi
cer
,whathappenedher
e
Daisy:pl
easehelpmedet
ecti
vethosewomen
att
ackedme.Takemet oanot
hercellorsomet
hingi
can'tsur
vivet
his
Detect
ive:thi
sistheonlyholdingcelli
nourstat
ion
mygi r
lunlessyoustarttalki
ngthere'
snohowican
helpyouandt her
e'snothingicandot osaveyou
fr
om them becausetheyar earrest
edtoo
Dai
sy:okokiwi
llt
alkiwi
llt
ellyouever
ythi
ngineed
t
ogetoutofher
e
Det
ect
ive:ar
eyousur
e?
Dai
sy:yesdet
ect
ive
Detecti
ve:ok.Of
fi
certakehertothei
nter
rogat
ion
room andgetherfacecleanedupim goi
ngtocal
l
t
heOct obers

Heleftast
heoff
icer
sopenedf
orDaisy.Theladi
es
scar
edherasshejumpedontotheoffi
cerasthey
l
aughedather
.
Backatt
hepar
ty.
..

Idecidedt osi tdownwat chingeveryonedanci ng

thenightaway.Ismi l
edlookingatThor i
soand
Lamebr eakingi toffont hedancef l
oor.Imovedmy
eyestot heothersi deandspot tedSaschaand
Atamel angki ss.Iswal lowedandl ookedawayr eal
quickasmyeyesl andedonayoungl adysitt
ing
alonesi ppingwhatseemedt obeacockt ai
l.Itook
mydr inkandwentt oher..
.

Bosa:
hi,
doyoumi
ndi
fij
oinyou?
Gi
rl
:(f
li
ppedherbr
aidssmi
li
ng)nopeidon'
t
Bosa:
mynamei
sBosaDi
ntsiandyouar
e?
Gi
rl
:Shar
on
Bosa:
ohni
cename,
soShar
onwhoar
eyouwi
th?
Shar
on:iwasSascha'
sst
udymateheinvi
tedus
andtheot
hersar
eonthedancef
loor
Bosa:
ohokt
hat
'sni
ce.Whyar
eyounotdanci
ng?
Shar
on:i
m notgoodati
t
Bosa:
thatmakest
het
woofus(
wel
aughed)
Shar
on:isawyouear
li
ertal
kingtosomeonewho
l
ooksli
keyourdadwaseverythi
ngok?
Bosa:ohmycargotscr
atchedbuti
twi
llbesor
ted
bytomorr
ow
Shar
on:(
smi
led)ohyouhaveacaratyourage?
Bosa:
(smi
led)wel
ligoti
tbecauseofmygr
ades
Shar
on:ni
ceandishoul
dsaycongr
atshey
Bosa:
thankyou.Howmuchdi
dyouget
?
Shar
on:igot39
Bosa:
oht hat
'
sgoodtooit
oldmysel
fthati
fidi
dn'
t
dowelli
tshouldbe39
Shar
on:iguessyouar
esmar
tthen
Bosa:youcansaythat(
wechuckl
ed)youhavea
beaut
ifulsmi
leyouknow
Shar
on:t
hankyou,
youal
soar
equi
tehandsome
Bosa:
qui
te?
Shar
on:okokyouarehandsome(welaughed)i
l
oveyourcof
feeski
nitsui
tsyouandyourlashes
ar
enice
Bosa:
oht
hankyou.Soyoust
ayi
nGabs?
Shar
on:yeahi
nPhakal
aneandyou?
Bosa:
met
oo
Shar
on:(
smi
led)youguysmustbewel
lof
fisee
Bosa:
wel
lwedon'
tshor
tanyt
hing
Shar
on:t
hat
'
sni
ce
Bosa:
canipl
easehaveyournumber
?
Shar
on:yeahsur
eit
houghtyou'
dneverask(
we
l
aughed)
Bosa:ohwowok(
shegavei
ttomeasidi
aledher
)
that
'smine
Shar
on:(
savedi
t)ohni
ceokt
hen.

Wesmiledandcont
inuedt
ochat.Ont
hedance
f
loorAt
amelangspott
edusandasshewasabout
t
omakeherwayt oourt
abl
eThor
isodancedi
n
f
rontofherasmydadcameup.
..

Bai
sago:sorr
ytodi
stur
bbutcanyoucomehel
pme
wit
hsomet hi
ngson
Bosa:
okdad,
I'
llber
ightbackhey
Shar
on:sur
e

Weheadedtot
hecount
erwhi
leShar
on'
sfr
iend
j
oinedher
..
.

Gi
rl
:thi
spar
tyi
sli
tbabes
Shar
on:(
smi
led)t
ellmeabouti
t.
Gir
l:yoursmi
lesar
ewayupyourf
oreheadwhat
's
goi
ngon?
Shar
on:l
et'
sjustsayij
ustf
oundaf
atherf
ormy
baby
Gi
rl
:yaaasgi
rl
Theylaughedasthegirlheadedtothedancefl
oor
whileSharonsmil
edmassagi ngherfl
attummy
l
ookingatBosaandhi sfatherl
ooki
ngdownon
Baisago'
sphone.Anunknownnumbercal l
edasi
wentbackt omytabl
ewi thSharonwhil
eBaisago
st
eppedawayf rom t
henoi se.
..

Bai
sago:Bai
sagohel
lo?
June:hiyouar
espeaki
ngt
oJune
Bai
sago:oh?
June:yeahigotyournumberf
rom t
hepri
son
off
ici
alsandsinceBoemoisnomoreithoughti
shouldspeaktoyou
Bai
sago:(
frowned)howdoyouknowshe'
snomor
e
June:l
et'
snotgeti
ntot
hatonenowidon'
thave
enoughti
me
Bai
sago:isee
June:iwant
edt
oletyouknowt
hatihavedeci
ded
t
odowhat
'sr
ightandt
ellt
het
rut
h
Bai
sago:ohok.Iwi
llgeti
ntouchwi
tht
hedet
ect
ive
onthecase
June:pl
ease.Iknowt
hecasefi
lehasbeenst
olen
butiwanttochangemyst
atement
Bai
sago:ohok.Byeiwi
llkeepi
ntouch
June:sur
e

TheyhungupasJunesighedgoi
ngbackt
othecel
l
whil
eBaisagosmi
led.
..

Baisago:soVict
ori
athinksBoemoisnomoreand
thatther
e'snocasefi
le(chuckl
ed)ast
upi
dwit
ch
thatone

Hel
aughedgoi
ngbackt
othecr
owd.

Backi
nNewl
andspol
icest
ati
on.
..
TheOct
ober
smadewayint
otheinter
ri
gationroom
wher
etheyf
oundDai
sywit
habruisedface..
.

Detect
ive:MsDi
ntsit
heOct
ober
sar
eher
esost
art
t
alking
Daisy:( swall
owed)t hetrut
hiswewentt o
Johannesbur gwi t
htheknowl edget hatt herewer e
twomenwhower egoingtogiveusagoodt i
meand
i
mt heonewhoknewt hem.Wemetwi tht hem and
wentt oacl ubandhadf un.Whi l
est il
lhavi ngf un
somel adiestookusf rom t
hecl ubonl yt of i
ndout
thattheywer et heirwi
ves.Theyaskedt hei r
husbandswhatt heyshoulddot ousandt heysaid
anythingt heywant ed.Thehusbandsl eftusi nthe
mer cyoft hosewomenandt heyst artedt o
mer ci
lesslywhi pus.Ihavescar sal lovermybody
from thewhi pping.IguessVer onicacoul dn'ttakei
t
anymor esoshepassedonandimanagedt o
escape
Sheswall
owedwithtearsfall
ingdownhereyes
l
ooki
ngatLatoyawhobr eathedheavi
lywit
hher
ar
msf ol
dedastear
sbl ur
redhervisi
on..
.

Dai
sy:(
sof
tl
y)i
m sor
ry

Shebur
sti
ntoal
oudcr
y.
.
.
.
.
.
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
CAGED
45

Lat
oya:t
hisl
it
tl
ewi
tch!
Shesaidbur
stingint
oaloudcryescapi
ngfr
om
Mark'
sarmskickingDai
syonthefaceasshefell
backonthechairandontofl
oorasLatoyawentfor
herneckcr
ying..
.

Lat
oya:iwantmydaught
erl
it
tl
ewi
tch!

Markandthedet
ect
ivet
ri
edtogetLatoyaoffDai
sy
butshehel
donti
ghtl
ytoherneckst
rangli
ngheras
shegagged.
..

Det
ect
ive:ma'
am pl
easest
op!
Mar
k:babecomeonpl
easedon'
tdot
hat
Detecti
ve:t
hiswi
lldonot
hingbutgetyoui
ntr
oubl
e
wit
ht helaw
Lat
oya:iwantmychi
ld!
Dai
sy:i
m sor
ry
Lat
oya:yoursor
rywon'
tbr
ingbackmydaught
er!

Shesaidhardeni
ngthegripasDaisygaggedmore.
Thedetect
iveheldherot
hersidewhil
eMar khel
d
theot
hersideofherarm andtheymanagedtopull
herof
fasDai sysatonherbum coughi
ng..
.

Lat
oya:l
eavemeal
one!
Mar
k:honeyno!

Shetriedtoescapef rom t
hei
rhandsbutt
heyhel
d
herti
ghtly.Detect
ivetookouthi
shandcuff
sandput
them onLat oyaputt
ingheronthechai
r.
..

Latoya:youar
egoingtohandcuf
fmenow?Whi l
e
thepersonyoushoul
dbehandcuffi
ngi
sthatl
it
tl
e
witch!
Det
ecti
ve:weneedt
otalkaboutt
his.Iunder
stand
t
hatyouarei
npainbutwehavetoknowwher eher
bodyi
s
Lat
oya:whyDai
sy?
Dai
sy:iwasscar
ed
Latoya:youshoul
dhavej
ustt
oldt
hetrut
hwheni
t
happenednottoall
owamanfoolyou
Dai
sy:i
m sor
ry
Lat
oya:st
op!(
Sighed)st
opsayi
ngyouar
esor
ry
Det
ecti
ve:whatexactl
yhappenedaf
teryou
managedtoescape,didyouseewheretheybur
ied
her
?
Daisy:yest heybur i
edherintheyar
dwher ethey
keptus.Af terseeingthatshewasnomor eileftand
metLehumoMot aungwhot ookmetot hehospi t
al.
Hedi dallthingsforme, fr
om myhospi talbi
llto
getti
ngmenewcl othessoithoughti
nst eadof
goingtof acet heragebackathomel etmer ather
startanewl i
fethisside
Mar
k:yetshewasyourf
ri
end
Dai
sy:t
rustmet
hel
astt
hingiwoul
dwi
shonher
wasdeath
Mar
k:howl
onghaveyouknownt
hosemen?
Daisy:imetonetwoweekspri
orourt
ri
pandtol
d
him ihadafri
endiwascomingwit
hashetol
dme
thathehasaf r
iendt
oo
Mar
k:wher
ear
etheyf
rom?
Dai
sy:Ni
ger
ia
Mark:i
nthi
stimeanderather
earest
il
lnai
vegirl
s
l
ikeyou?Don'
tyouknowthesemenarepredat
ors
f
oryoungvulner
abl
egir
lsli
keyou?
Dai
sy:I
'
m so.
..
Mark:don'
tsayitpl
ease.Nowmydaughterhas
beenanotherst
ati
sti
cofdyingi
nthemercyofa
marri
edman.Whatdoyouyoungpeopl edoint
hese
soci
almediapagesofyours?Youadver
ti
se
your
selvestosuchthi
ngs?
Dai
sy:nosi
r
Mark:youneedtochangeyourlif
eDaisy.Im hurt
t
hatmychi l
disgonebutatleastyouar est
il
lali
ve
t
oturnanewl eaf
.Youdon'tdosill
ythingswitha
marri
edpersonandthi
nkthingswillgosmoot hl
y
foryou,comer aintheywi l
lchooset heirspouses
andyouwi llbeleftthereallal
one.Yousl eepwi t
ha
mar r
iedmanyougetpr egnantandhef orcesyout o
abortnotknowi nghowyourbodywi llt
akei tthen
whenyouwantt ostartyourownf ami l
yyoucan' t
havechildr
ent henyourhusbanddi vorcesyou.You
seehowsucht hingshavel ongterm negat ive
i
mpacti none'sl i
fe?
Dai
sy:eer
ra
Mark:dobett
er.I
m angr
yatyoumychil
dnotevena
bi
t,i
m utt
erl
ymadatyoubutasaparentist
il
lcar
e
aboutyou.Det
ecti
ve

Thedet
ect
ivesighedwhi
leLat
oyaqui
etl
ysatback
wit
hherar
msf oldedl
ooki
ngatDai
sy.
..

Det
ecti
ve:doyouknowt
headdr
essofwher
ethey
bur
iedVeroni
ca?
Daisy:nosi
rbutisawaboar
dwr
it
tenThembi
saas
iescaped
Det
ect
ive:okdoyouknowt
henamesoft
hemen
whoyoumetwi t
h?
Dai
sy:yes,
SteveandObi
egoidon'
tknowt
hei
r
sur
names
Det
ect
ive:okcanyougetmet
hei
rpi
ctur
es?
Dai
sy:yessi
riwi
llhavet
ologi
ntomyi
nst
agr
am
Det ective:okiwillgogetyourphone.MrandMr s
Oct obernotonl yhaveyouf oundclosur
eaboutyour
daught erbutyouhaveal sohel pedussavealotof
gi
rls.Thatcl ubwasnotanor dinar
yclubitwasa
brot helwher etheysoldyoungwomenand
desper at eyoungmenf orsex.Wehavemanagedt o
arrestt hewhol ering.
Mar
k:wear
egl
ad
Detect
ive:iwi l
lmakesuret ohavethepi cturesof
thosement henaskthetollgateandai r
por tin
Gautengpr ovincetobeonhi ghalertont hi
sSt eve
andObi egobecauseibelievet heyhaveal readylef
t
CapeTownaf t
ercomingacr osswiththisyoung
l
ady.
Mar
k:oksi
rwewi
llbewai
ti
ngonyou
Det
ect
ive:haveagoodni
ght

Theyl eftwhil
ethedet ecti
vetookDai syt
ohisoff
ice
andpr intedoutphotosofSt eveandObi egocal
li
ng
allst
at i
onsintheGaut engPr ovinceevenin
CapeTown.Ont heirwayt otheirhouseMar k
reali
sedhowwei r
dlyqui ethiswifewasashe
reducedt heradi
ovol ume. .
.

Mar k: honey?( Shejustkeptquiet)okiknowyouar e

boi l
inginsi debutibel ieveshehasl earntfrom all
this.Ther e'snouseont ryi
ngtokillheroranyt hi
ng
becauset hat 'snotgoingt obri
ngourchi l
dbackt o
l
ife.Weneedt of ocusonbur yi
ngherpr operl
yand
healf rom t his.Im angryandhur taswel lbutsome
situationsar ebeyondourcont rol.Ithappenedmy
l
ovet here'snot hingwecando.Wecanscr eam and
kickal lwel ikebutf actremainsourangeli sgoneso
myl ovepl easewhat everthi
ngyouar ethinki
ngget
ri
dofi tbecausei t'
snotwor thi
t
Hesaidr
ubbingherhandandtookthet
urnt
otheir
housewhi
leLatoyasi
ghedst
il
lnotsayi
nganyt
hing.

THEFOLLOWI
NGMORNI
NG

Att
hegar
den.
..

Itwasar
ound05:10am ast hesunst
art
edcoming
outandwewer est
il
lpartyi
ngupastorm wi
tht
he
adult
satthat
.Thedjstoppedthemusi
casMr
Dutchet
ookthemicagain...

Rober t
:thankyoul adi
esandgent lemenwehave
reall
ypar ti
edupast orm.It
'sbeenqui t
esometime
sinceipar t
iedli
kethisbutthankyoual lsomuchfor
notcausi nganytroubleorfight
ingthi
swas
honestlyasaf epartynowwecanal lgohomeand
rest.ThankyoumrDj
Hegavehim hismicbackasweallmadewayt o
ourcarsbutasOlebi
leandandigott
omycarwe
fr
ozeandlookedatoneanothert
henbackdownas
Thori
socamewi t
hLamel aughi
ngbutthei
rlaugh
wascutshortwit
nessingwhatwewereseeing..
.

Thor
iso:andt
hen?
Bosa:
whathaveidonet
odeser
vet
his?
Let
lot
lo:i
sever
ythi
ngok?
Bosa:
noLetl
otl
onothi
ngi
sok.Myt
yreshavebeen
st
abbedwhere'
sdad
Let
lot
lo:whowoul
ddosuchat
hingt
hough
Thor
iso:t
hisi
shonest
lynotcool

Theyspokewhileil
ookedar
oundformydad.I
coul
dn'tseehi
m asitookmyphoneanddi
aled
him.
..
Bai
sago:boy
Bosa:
dadwher
ear
eyou?
Bai
sago:i
nmycarpr
epar
ingt
odr
iveout
Bosa:pl
easecomet othesi
deiwaspar
king
becausemytyreshavebeenst
abbed
Bai
sago:what
!?
Bosa:
yesdad
Bai
sago:okiwillbet
her
ejustnow(
hehungupand
di
aledBoi
tshepo)
Boi
tshepo:(
yawni
ng)Bai
sago?
Bai
sago:ar
eyouguysal
readygone?
Boit
shepo:nopewear
estil
lmaki
ngsuret
hat
ever
ythi
ngissafewearest
il
lwi
ththeKwena'
s
Bai
sago:Bosasayshi
scart
yreswer
est
abbed
Boi
tshepo:what
!?
Bai
sago:yeahheparkedinthewestwi
ngsoim
makingmywayt her
e,pleasecomewit
hRober
t
Boi
tshepo:oknopr
obl
em (
theyhungup)bool
ets
gotothewestwi
ngpar
kingBosa'
scart
yreshave
st
abbed
Rober
t:whowoul
ddosuchat
hingt
hough
Bont
si:j
ustwhenwet
houghtever
ythi
ngwentwel
l
At
amel
ang:aunt
ywhatdi
dyouj
ustsay?
Bont
si:At
agohomewewi
llf
indyout
her
e
Atamelang:nomai
can'
tleavewhenmyf
ri
endi
s
notgood

Theymadethei
rwaytothewestwingwher
ethey
foundusl
ooki
ngaroundthecar
..
.

Boi
tshepo:andi
tsevenscr
atched
Baisago:wesawt hescrat
chl
astni
ghtandagr
eed
thatwewi l
ljustgopai
ntit
Rober
t:i
m sosor
ryf
ort
hismyboy
Bosa:
don'
tyouhavecamer
asher
e?
Rober
t:wedo(
Let
lot
lo'
shear
tdr
oppedt
ohi
s
st
omachashechoked)
Ol
ebi
le:ar
eyouok?
Let
lot
lo:yeah
Bosa:canwepleasel
ookatt
her
ecor
dingsar
ethey
cl
earatnight
?
Rober
t:ver
ycl
earandt
hel
ight
sinal
lpar
kingsar
e
st
rong
Bosa:
okt
henl
et'
sgol
ookatt
hem
Robert
:ther
ecordi
ngsareatmyhousesowewill
havetogother
eaftermaki
ngsur
eeveryt
hingi
sok
here
Bosa:
eish
Baisago:don'tst
ressson.Iwi
llgowi
ththem you
guystakemycarandgohomeandr estiwi
llcal
l
youtoupdat eyou
Bosa:okdadpl
easemakesur
emycari
ssaf
eMr
Dutche
Rober
t:iwi
llsondon'
twor
ry
Olebi
letookthecarkeysaswef ol
lowedhi
mt othe
carwhil
et heel
ders,At
amelangandSaschalooked
atthecarshakingthei
rheads.

I
nPr
ison.
..

Junefrownedwakingupt
oVictor
iawhowas
whist
li
nglayi
ngdownonherbunk.Sherubbedher
eyesl
ookingatherandsi
ghed.
..

June:i
sallt
henoi
senecessar
yVi
ctor
ia?I
t'
sst
il
l
earl
ytl
hemma
Vict
ori
a:whenyouarel
eftwi
thj
usthour
stobe
decl
aredafreewomanyouwakeupinagoodmood
mylove
June:youknowanyt
hingcanhappenr
ight
Vi
ctor
ia:nonoloveicanf
eel
iti
nmybonest
hisone
i
shappeningforreal
June:iseebutl
etmeaskyout
hissi
nceyouknow
howsmartBoemoiswhati
fsheadvi
cedt
hatpol
ice
mantohaveacopyoft
hecasefi
le?
Vict
ori
a:youar
est
art
ingwit
hyournonsensenow
Junewhydoyoualwayshavet
obenegati
ve?
June:i
m notbei
ngnegativeVict
ori
aimj
ustr
aisi
ng
thi
ngsthatcanpossi
blyhappen
Vi
ctor
ia:noJunet
her
e'snosucht
hing.
June:andwhati
fNeochangeshermi
ndandt
ellt
he
courtt
hetr
uth?
Vi
ctor
ia:who'
ssi
dear
eyouonJune?
June:your
sobviouslybutVi
cweneedt
obe
prepar
edforanythi
ng
Vi
ctori
a:nogir
lfocuspl
easef
ocusandagai
nthat
st
upidlawyeri
sdead
June:t
heycanal
waysr
epl
aceher
Vi
ctor
ia:canyoupl
easej
ustshutup!
?
June:iwasj ustsayingididn'
tmeant oannoyyou
oranythi
ng.Iunder standthatyouareexcit
edand
al
lbutiwillonlybeexci t
edwhent henjudgetel
ls
meihavebeenacqui
tt
edf
rom al
lthechar
ges
Vi
ctor
ia:i
m notgoi
ngtoal
lowyout
obeamood
ki
ll
er(
shesaidwhist
li
ngagai
n)
June:j
ustt
hinkabouti
t

ShesaidfacingtheotherwaywhileVict
or i
a
stoppedwhistl
ingandthoughtaboutitforasecond
thencli
ckedhertonguegoingbackt oherwhi st
li
ng.
Junesoftl
yshookherheadst i
llf
acingtheot her
way.

AtRober
t'
shouse.
..

Hepar
kedt
hecarasBai
sago'
sphoner
ang.
..

Baisago:iwil
lcat
chupwithyouguysl
etmet
ake
thi
sonei t'
sthedet
ect
ive
Rober
t:ok
Theyheadedinsi
dewhi
leher
emai
nedout
side
answer
ing..
.

Bai
sago:det
ect
ive
Kabi
nda:ihopei
m notdi
stur
bingyoursl
eep
Bai
sago:nosi
rinf
actihaven'
tsl
eptawi
nk.What
's
up?
Kabi
nda:i
sever
ythi
ngok?
Bai
sago:yeahwej
usthadapar
tyf
ort
heki
ds
Kabinda:ohisee.Anywayiwantedt
otel
lyouthati
havemanagedt ofindtheper
sonwhostol
ethe
casefil
efrom myof f
ice
Bai
sago:oht
hat
'swonder
fulwhoi
sit
?
Kabi
nda:apri
songuardinGCPiwi
llbegoi
ngf
or
hi
mt omorr
owaftercour
t
Bai
sago:wowok.Kegor
ethi
swomanhas
managedtohaveawhol
epri
songuar
dwr
apped
ar
oundherfi
nger
Kabinda:l
et'
sjustsayshehasagoodeyef or
vul
nerablepeople.Thi
sguyistheonlyonetaki
ng
careofhisyoungersibli
ngst
heirparent
sar
eno
moresoever ythi
ngisonhim iguesshehadno
choicebuttotakethejob
Baisago:wowok.Onethingweshoul
ddoi
sal
so
fr
eezethiswoman'saccount
s
Kabi
nda:thatwi
llbedonebyt
omor
rowaf
terweget
acourtor
der
Bai
sago:nopr
obl
em
Kabi
nda:weshal
lkeepi
ntouch
Bai
sago:eer
ra

Theyhungupashemadehi swayintothehouse
wher ehefoundRobertswi t
chingonhismoni t
or
screen.Heplayedtherecordingfr
om thebeginni
ng
ast heyal
latt
enti
velywatched.Boit
shepo'sheart
skippedabeatast heyalll
ookedatLetlot
lomaking
hiswayt othecarandtakingoutsomet hi
ngfrom
hispocketthenwentaroundt hecarscrat
chingit
andinser ti
ngsomet hi
ngi nthekeyhole.She
swallowedl ookingatBai sagowho' seyeswer e
gluedt othescreenwi thnoemot ionorexpression
onhisf ace.Ther ecordingcont i
nuedupt onight
ti
mewhent heysawLet l
otlotaki
ngakni fef
r om the
servi
ngspotandmadehi swayt otheparki
ngl ot
oncemor ethenst abbedal lf
ourtyresandsmi led
goingbackt oeveryone.Rober tstoppedthe
recordingasBai sagoheavedahugesi ghedsitti
ng
backl ookingatBoi t
shepowhol ookeddownwi th
herhandsonherf oreheadsof t
lyshakingherhead. .
.

Rober
t:t
her
ewehavei
t.Weknowwhoi
sbehi
ndal
l
t
his
Bai
sago:it
houghtt
heywer
ecousi
nsBandt
heygot
al
ongverywell
Boit
shepo:ihonest
lydon'
tknowwhatt
osayi
m
ashamed
Baisago:doesLet
lot
loknowhowmuchpai
nti
nga
carcostsandhowmuchi sonetyr
e?
Boi
tshepo:i
mreal
lysor
ry
Bai
sago:noyoushouldn'
tbetheoneapologizi
ng
Boi
tshepo,howcanLetl
otl
odosomethinglikethi
s?
Thi
sisplai
noutwitchcr
aftkanagor
ayagor emy
sonisnotsafear
oundyourson
Boi
tshepo:iwi
llpayf
ort
hepai
nti
ngandt
het
yres
Bai
sago:ar
eyout
heonewhodi
dthi
sorLet
lot
lo?
Boit
shepo:i
t'
shi
m butI'
m hi
smotherwhateverhe
doesref
lect
sonmeandi mtheonewhowi llpayfor
hi
smi st
akesunt
ilhel
earnssomeresponsi
bili
ty
Baisago:noLetlot
loisol
denought odi
ff
erenti
ate
fr
om goodandbadnoonei nt hei
rri
ghtmind
especiall
yinhisagegoesoffanddoessomet hi
ng
l
ikethisunlesstheyhaveahiddenagenda.Letl
otl
o
hast obepunishedandbetaughtagoodl essonwe
can'tjustl
ethi
m goliket
hat
Boi
tshepo:(swal
lowed)okiagr
eewi
thyou.Sowhat
doyouthinkweshoulddo?
Baisago:it
'sei
therwetakehimtotheKgotl
afor
corporalpuni
shmentorhavehim arrest
edbuti
don'twanttobet heonetorui
nhisfutur
e
Boi
tshepo:hehasal
readyr
uinedi
thi
msel
fBai
sago.
I
m okwi t
hanythi
ng
Robert:ithi
nkweshouldj
ustsi
tdownwi t
hhi
m and
tal
ktohi m.Allt
hosef
ormsofpunishmentwi
llmake
him worse
Baisago:igetwher eyouar ecomi ngf r om butthese
childrenhaveneverl ackedat hingi nt heirl
ives.
Boitshepohasmadesur et hatthi sboyhas
somet hingtoeatandt owearwhengoi ngtoschool .
Ashar dasi tmi ghthavebeenf orhershemade
surehewaswel ltakencar eof.Ift hisisaboutBosa
gettingacarandhi m nothehadt ounder standthat
wear enotal lequali nthiswor l
dsomepeopl ewill
havet hi ngswedon' thavebutt hatdoesn' tmeanwe
willneverownt hem.Asl ongasyouwor khar dyou
willgett oapoi ntinl i
fewher eyouwi l
lnothavet o
l
ackat hing.Bosahasbeenget tingal lowancesi nce
standar d7butheonl yst artedget tingoneaf ter
fi
nishinghi sform 5soal lhehadt odowas
under stand.Yout hrewhi m apar tyt hatshoul d
countf orsomet hing.It'
st hel i
tt
let hingst hatmat t
er
andonceaper sonst artsbei ngjeal oust heyendup
doingthingsl i
kethi
sandt hisishowwi t
chcraft
start
s.Im somadr i
ghtnowBoi t
shepoidon' twant
toli
etoyout hemoneyi m goingtouset ofixthat
caricouldhaveusedi tf
orsomet hingelsebut
becauseofyouidon' tmind.Letl
otloshouldbe
thankfulforyoubecausei fi
twer en'tf
oryoui
wouldn'tbeher ethi
nkingofsuchl ightpuni
shment .
Ifanythi
ngLet lot
loshouldbepayi ngforeverythi
ng
thengot oprison
Boi
tshepo:i
mreal
lysor
ry
Bai
sago:i
t'
sok
Boi
tshepo:canweshar
ethecost
s?
Bai
sago:yeahi
t'
snotapr
obl
em
Rober
t:soyouar
enotgoi
ngt
opuni
shhi
mri
ght
?
Boi
tshepo:im goi
ngtomakesurehegetspunished
hewillhatemeyesbuthewilll
ear
nthat
somethingsarenotwort
hit
.Honestl
yspeaki
ng,
Let
lot
lowi l
lbethedeat
hofme

Theysi
ghedsi
tt
ingbackont
hecouchesast
he
househel
perbr
oughtt
hem somecof
fee.

I
nThembi
sa.
..

Afterbei
ngabl et
olocateSteve,Obiegoandt hei
r
wivestheydirect
edthem towher etheyheldthe
gi
rlshostage.Theygotoffasthel adi
eslookedat
Daisywithrageontheirfaces.
..

Det
ect
ive:wher
edi
dyoubur
ythegi
rl
Pamel
a:t
her
e

Sheshowedt hem withherfootast hedet

ecti
ve
orderedotheroff
icerstostartdiggi
ng.WithDaisy
standingontheot hersideshewat chedastheydug
whereherf r
iendwasbur i
ed.Latoyaputherheadon
herhusband'sshoul derasheputhi shandoverher
shouldersandkissedherf oreheadwaiti
ng.Deeper
theykeptgoingunt i
loneof f
icer'
sspadehit
somet hi
ng..
.
Of
fi
cer
:it
hinkihi
tsomet
hing

Theycaref
ull
ymovedt hesoi
last
heysawahand.
Lat
oya'shear
tracedassheswall
owedwhil
ethey
di
scoveredVeroni
ca'
swholeskel
eton.
..

Of
fi
cer
:det
ect
ivewehavef
oundabody
Det
ect
ive:(
looki
n)okt
akei
tout

Theycar eful
lytookitoutandpl aceditonabody
bagwhi l
eLatoyasi l
entl
ycr iedlooki
ngatwhatused
tobeherdaught er.Didshehavet oloseher
daught erinsuchagr uesomeway?Sheasked
herselfasemot ionsgott hebetterofherasshe
squattedcoveringherf acewi thherhandscryi
ng
outloudwhi leMar ksoftlysqueezedhershoulder
s
wit
ht earsblurri
nghi svision..
.
Detect
ive:I'
m sosorr
yMrandMr sOctober
.Weare
goi
ngt otakethebodyandt esti
fit
'si
ndeedyour
daughterthenyouwillbeabletogoburyherback
home.I'mr eal
lysor
ry
Lat
oya:youbl
oodyf
ucki
ngwi
tch!

Latoyasai
drunni
ngt oDai
syandgr
abbedherby
herhandpull
ingherasshebur
sti
ntot
ears.
..

Dai
sy:i
m sor
ry
Lat
oya:youki
ll
edmydaught
eryougoodf
ornot
hing
wit
ch!
Mar
k:babest
op!
Lat
oya:I
'
m notst
oppi
ngf
orshi
t!Comeher
ebi
tch!
Det
ecti
ve:don'
tjustst
andt
her
etaket
hatwoman
of
fthegir
l
Lat
oya:youar
enot
hingbutacunt
!
ShesaidpushingDai
syintothehol
ewheret
hey
dugVeroni
cainasshescr eamedfal
li
ngi
nsi
de
whil
etheoffi
cershel
dLatoyaback..
.

Mar
k:babe!
?
Lat
oya:youdeser
venot
hingbutt
oroti
nhel
l!

Shesai
dspitt
ingonherandcr
iedsi
tt
ingonher
bum whil
etheoff
icer
shel
pedacryi
ngDaisyoutof
thehol
e..
.

Detect
ive:youf
ourarecomingwithme.Im goingt
o
makesur eyouarelockedupforaver
ylongtime.
MrOct oberiwi
llcal
lyouassoonaswehavet he
resul
ts

TheyloadedSteveandthei
rwivesi
napolicevan
whil
ethedetecti
vetookacryi
ngDaisyi
ntohiscar
anddroveoffwhil
etheOctobersdr
ovei
nt hei
rs.
..
Mar k:
babedidyouhavetodothat
?Canwef ocus
onmaki ngsur
ethatourdaught
erget
sherpeacef
ul
restplease

Shejustkeptqui
etwipi
ngherfaceandsi
ghed
taki
ngabot t
leofwater
.SheeyedMarkandtookher
phone,putonherheadset
sandplayedmusic
l
ookingoutthewindow.

AtVi
ctor
ia'
shouse.
..

Aunt
yBoi
tshepo'
scardrovet
hroughasisi
ghed
l
ooki
ngathercomingoutwit
hmydad...

Bosa:
final
ly
Let
lot
lo:iwi
llbei
nmyr
oom
Heleftwhi
leianxi
ousl
ywai
tedt
ogeti
ntot
he
house..
.

Bosa:
pleasetellmeyouf
oundt
heper
sonwhodi
d
suchahorrendousthi
ngt
omycar
Boi
tshepo:wher
eisLet
lot
lo?
Bosa:
inhi
sroom
Boi
tshepo:Ol
ebi
lepl
easegocal
lhi
mforme
Ol
ebi
le:ok(
hewentup)
Bosa:
dadar
eyougoi
ngt
otel
lmewhodi
ditornot
?
Bai
sago:pl
easesi
tdown

Wewentt otheloungeasauntyBoitshepowentt
o
thekitchen.Shepouredhersel
faglassofwaterand
downedi tasLetlot
loandOlebi
lecamedown.
Comi ngbehindthem aunt
yBoitshepostoppedand
call
edhi m..
.
Let
lot
lo:mma

Ashet ur
nedhewasmetbyahotsl apacrosshis
faceasheheldhischeekwit
hhismouthhanging
whilewelookedoninshock.
..

Boi
tshepo:i
sever
ythi
ngokwi
thyou?
Bosa:
aunt
y?
Boi
tshepo:shutupBosa.(
iswal
lowed)iaskedyou
aquesti
onLetlot
lo
Let
lot
lo:soyouar
egoi
ngt
o..
.

Befor
ehecouldf
ini
shanothersl
apl
andedashe
coughedst
agger
ingback.
..

Ol
ebi
le:aunt
y
Boi
tshepo:howdoyougooffanddowhatyoudi
d
Let
lot
lo?Toyourowncousi
n?
Bosa:
wai
taunt
ywhatar
eyousayi
ng?
Boi
tshepo:Letl
otl
oist
heonewhoscrat
chedand
st
abbedthet yr
esofyourcarBosa
Bosa:
what
!?

Isai
dwithmyhear
traci
ngwhi
leOl
ebi
lel
ookedat
himinshock.
..

Bosa:
tel
lmet
heyar
enotbei
ngser
iousLet
lot
lo
Let
lot
lo:howdoeshehaveacarwhi
leidon'
thave
one
Bosa:
youbl
oodyshi
t!

Isai
df l
yingovert
hecouchiwasonandgr abbed
him bytheneckpull
inghi
m downtowardsmeas
mydadandOl ebi
let
r i
edt
obreakusoff.They
managedt ogetmeof fhi
m ashecoughed...
Bosa:howcoul
dyouLet l
otl
o!Ihavebeennot
hing
butgoodandwelcomingtoyouandyougoof fto
dosomethi
ngli
ket hi
s?Howdar eyou!
?

Imanagedtoescapefrom Ol
ebil
eanddad' shands
asispearheadedhi
mt othefl
oorandl andeda
punchonhisfacewhil
eauntyBoitsheposatdown
l
ookingon..
.

Bai
sago:Bosast
opi
t!

HesaidasOl
ebi
lehelpedhi
m pul
lmeof
fLet
lot
lo
whosemouthwasbleedi
ng.
..

Bai
sago:doyouwantt
ogot
ojai
l
Bosa:
nodadthi
sboyisanungrat
efulbast
ardhow
canhedosomet
hingl
iket
his!
?Iwanthim arr
est
ed
Bai
sago:l
et'
stal
kaboutt
hismyboy
Bosa:
nodadLet
lot
loi
sanevi
lcunt
.It
'snotmy
problem t
hathecouldn'tgetacarsohebetternot
takeouthisfrust
rat
ionsonme.Myf at
herbought
thatcarwithhishar
dear nedmoneydoyouhear
me!?Iwi l
lkil
lyouLetl
otlo
Letl
otl
o:someonewhodi
dn'
tcar
eaboutyouf
or18
years?Ohplease
Boi
tshepo:Let
lot
lo!
?
Let
lot
lo:youal
larenot
hingbutabunchofcunt
s
andiwantnothi
ngtodowi t
hanyofyouall
Boi
tshepo:Let
lot
locomebackher
e!
Let
lot
lo:l
eavemeal
one!

Hesai
dgoingupasitr
iedtogoupbutdadhel
dme
downt
ight
lyasaunt
yBoitshepo'
sphoner
ang.
..

Boi
tshepo:i
t'
saSout hAfr
icannumber(
answer
ed)
Boi
tshepoDintsihel
lo?
Det
ect
ive:gooddayma'
am youarespeakingt
oa
det
ect
iveinCapetownwehaveyourniecebutshe
wi
llbef
lowni
nbackt
her
einanhour
Boi
tshepo:youhavemyni
ece?
Detecti
ve:yesma'
am Dai
syDint
si,
shewasinvol
ved
i
nsomet hingbuti
t'
sal
lsort
ednowshewil
ltel
lyou
eveythi
ngwhenshegetshome
Boi
tshepo:ohoksi
r(t
heyhungup)
Ol
ebi
le:aunt
ywhat
'sgoi
ngon?
Boit
shepo:appar
ent
lyyoursi
sterwasi
nvolvedin
somethi
nginSouthAfri
cashewi l
lbef
lownininan
hour
Ol
ebi
le:what
?
Boit
shepo:t
hedet
ect
ivesaysshewi
llt
ellus
ever
ythi
ngwhenshegetshere
Olebi
le:(
sighed)graciousLordkegor
eit
'sal
ways
onethingafteranotherint
hisfami
lyi
m honest
ly
ti
red

Hesi
ghedsi
tt
ingdownaswej
oinedhi
m.
I
nPr
ison.
..

Vi
ctor
iawast
akentot
hephoneboot
hasshet
ook
t
hephoneandanswer
ed.
..

Vi
ctor
ia:Vi
ctor
iaDi
ntsihel
lo?
Br
ian:MsDi
ntsi
hel
lo
Vi
ctor
ia:whoi
m ispeaki
ngt
o?
Br
ian:Br
ian
Vi
ctor
ia:(
frowned)Br
ianwho?
Br
ian:t
hef
atherofyourchi
ldr
en

Vict
ori
aheartski
ppedabeatasshedr
oppedt
he
phoneinshock..
.

Guar
d:ma'
am i
sever
ythi
ngok?
Sheslowl
yturnedtotheguar
dbr
eat
hingheavi
ly
andthencol
lapsed.
.
.
.
.
.
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
CAGED
46

AtVi
ctor
ia'
shouse.
..

Boi
tshepoknockedonLetl
otl
o'sbedr
oom doorbut
hedidn'
topenasshesighedgoingbackdown..
.

Boi
tshepo:he'
sst
il
lnotopeni
ng
Bosa:noLetlot
loneedstocomeoutandaccount
forwhathehasdone.Thi sishonestlyunfai
r .What
dididotohimf orhi
mt otreatmelikethis?It ook
Letl
otl
olikemybr ot
hereversinceistart
edt alking
tohim overt
hephone.Ifeltconnectedtoyouguys
backhomet hroughhim andhegoesof ft odot his?
Thisisunacceptabl
ehedeser vest
obepuni shed

Thei
nter
com r
angasOl
ebi
lewentt
oansweri
t.
..

Ol
ebi
le:hel
lo?
Di
ti
ro:canyoupl
easeopent
hegat
e
Ol
ebi
le:whoi
m it
alki
ngt
o?
Di
ti
ro:Let
lot
lo'
sfat
her
Ol
ebi
le:who?
Di
ti
ro:canispeakt
oBoi
tshepo
Ol
ebi
le:aunt
ycomeheart
his
Boi
tshepo:(
frowned)hel
lo?
Dit
ir
o:Boit
shepoyoushoul
dopent
hisgat
ebef
orei
cal
lthepoli
ceonyou

Boit
sheposi
ghedshaki
ngherheadandopenedf
or
Dit
ir
oashedrovein.
..

Bai
sago:and?
Boi
tshepo:iguesshecal
ledhi
sfat
her
Bai
sago:wow
Ol
ebi
le:soheexi
sts?
Boi
tshepo:t
heyj
ustmett
hroughVi
ctor
ia
Ol
ebi
le:whyi
m inotsur
pri
sed
Di
ti
ro:gooddaywher
eismyson?
Boit
shepo:ohsonowyouhaveasoni
ntheDi
ntsi
househol
d?
Dit
ir
o:Boit
shepoim notheret
ofi
ghtwithyou.My
soncall
edmei nt
earstell
ingmethatyouall
att
ackedhim soi
m hereforhi
m whereishe?
Boitshepo:di
dhet ellyouwhathedid?Andit'
sso
funnyofyout oevenpr oudl
ycallhi
m yoursonaf
ter
somanyyear sDiti
r oshameonyou
Di
ti
ro:Let
lot
lo!
?Im her
elet
'sgoboy
Boi
tshepo:di
dhet
ellyouwhathedi
d?
Dit
ir
o:idon'tcar
eandidon'
twantt
oknow(
i
scoff
edclappingonce)
Boit
shepo:your"son"scr
atchedandpunched
anotherchi
ld'
scartyresandnowt hathe'
scaught
hedoesn'twanttofacetheconsequencesofhis
acti
onsandr unstoyouforhelpwhenyoumetl i
ke
what,2secondsago?Let l
otl
oisnotgoing
anywhere
Let
lot
lo:im goi
ngandt
her
e'snot
hingyoucando
aboutit

Hesai
dcomingdownwi
thhi
sbagswhi
leBoi
tshepo
f
rownedl
ooki
ngathi
m..
.

Boi
tshepo:sot
hisi
sthet
hanksigetLet
lot
lo?Af
ter
struggl
ingwit
hyouf orsomanyyears,youget
yourselfi
ntot
roubleandwhenwet rytoshowyou
thewayyout akeitasabuse?Letl
otl
oyouhaveto
takeresponsi
bil
it
yforyouract
ions
Letl
otl
o:youwoul
dn'
thavest
ruggl
edi
fyoul
etmy
fat
herbeapartofmyli
fe
Boitshepo:(chuckled)wowLet l
otl
oj ustwow, so
thatiswhatt heytoldyouright
?Oksongo, iwon'
t
standbef or
eyoumyboybutdon' tcomebackt ome
whent hingsturnupsi dedownforyou.I m not
cursingyouort hrowingyououtmyboyi fthi
sis
howyoureyesshoul dbeopenedt heniwon' tst
and
i
nyourway.Al lthebestmyboyandhaveagood
l
ifewi t
hdaddydear est
Lame:im utt
erl
ydi
sappoi
ntedinyouLetlotl
oi
thoughtyouweresmart
erthanthi
s.Ican'tbel
ieve
youcan'tseehowmuchyouar ehurt
ingourmot her
Di
ti
ro:doyouhaveever
ythi
ngmyboy?
Let
lot
lo:yesdad
Di
ti
ro:l
et'
sgo
Baisago:sothat
'sit
,thati
syout eachi
ngyourson
thatit
soktodosomet hi
ngwr ongthenrunaway
from t
heresponsibi
li
tyoffi
xingit?
Diti
ro:im notgoi ngt ospeaktoexconvi ctswho
knownot hingaboutr aisi
ngtheirchil
dok.Yesi
wasn' tapar tofLetlotl
o'supbri
ngingbuti t
'snotl
ike
ididn'tt
r y(Boitshepobur sti
ntolaughter)youcan
laughal lyoulikebutt oyoumyguy, atleasti
m not
anexconvi ctmur derer.Nowonderyoursont ri
edto
kil
lhisauntyouandhi m arecutf r
om thesame
cloth.ComeTl otlo

Hesai
dhel pi
nghim wi
thhisot
herbagwhileweall
l
ookedatthem geti
nthecaranddri
veout.Dadput
hi
sarm overmyshoulder
sandsighed.
..

Bai
sago:sometimesyoujusthavet
oletgoandl
et
God.Wewi l
lfi
xyourcarok
Bosa:
yesdad
Boi
tshepo:(
wit
hhereyessqui
nt)youar
eri
ght
Baisagoatthi
sjunct
ureimleavingever
ythi
ngont
o
God'shands.Ineedtosl
eep.Wakemeupi nan
hoursothatwegot otheai
rportok
Ol
ebi
le:al
ri
ghtaunt
y

Shewentt oherbedr
oom whil
ewesatdown.On
theirwayLet
lotl
ofi
nishedhi
swat
erandsighed
fi
xinghisbel
t..
.

Let
lot
lo:wher
ear
ewegoi
ng?
Di
ti
ro:ihavef
oundyouahouse
Let
lot
lo:ohoksoiwi
llbest
ayi
ngal
one?
Di
ti
ro:yesf
ornow
Let
lot
lo:whataboutgor
cer
iesandever
ythi
ng?
Di
ti
ro:iwi
llhavet
hatsor
tedoutdon'
twor
ry
Let
lot
lo:ok.Haveyouspokent
omysi
bli
ngs?
Dit
ir
o:(
clear
edhisthroat
)nonotyetbutiwi
llas
soonasigetthechance.
Let
lot
lo:okandyourwi
fe?
Dit
ir
o:ij
ustwanttot
ellt
hem allatonce.Pl
easebe
pati
entwi
thmebecauset hi
sisnotaneasyt hi
ngto
do.Wedon'tknowhowtheywoul dtakethenews
Letl
otl
o:yeahiunderstand.Ibl
ameBoi
tshepo
though,i
fshewasn'thardheadednoneofthi
s
wouldnotbehappeni ng
Di
ti
ro:butsonwhydi
dyoudowhatyoudi
d?
Letl
otl
o:dadt hi
sboyhasbeenl i
vingoffmyaunt
andthenwhent hatgoodf ornot hingfat
herofhis
comest heywantt ot urnagainstmyauntand
accuseherofst upidt hi
ngs.Hedoesn' tdeservethat
carafterwhathedi dt omyaunt .Healmostkill
ed
herbuthe'sroami ngt hestreetsfreel
ybutbecause
auntyusedadi fferentform ofdirecti
ononhim now
she'
slabell
edanabuserandonewi thawicked
heart
.Ihonest l
ydon' tappreciatehypocri
ti
cal
peopledad.
Di
ti
ro:iseebutmaybeyoushoul
djustapol
ogi
se
Let
lot
lo:f
orwhat
?St
andi
ngf
ormyaunt
?Hel
lno
Di
ti
ro:buthe.
..
Let
lot
lo:nodadim notdoi
nganyofthatim sor
ry.
Canwepl easet
alkaboutsomet
hingelse

Di
ti
rol
ookedathim whi
lehet
ookhi
sphoneand
wentt
hroughi
t.

I
nPr
ison.
..

Thegurdsopenedf
orVict
ori
awhoqui
etl
ymadeher
wayinsi
deasJunesatupwithaf
rownonherf
ace.
..

June:okthi
sisnott
hesameVictori
awholef
ther
e
toansweraphonecall
.What
'sgoingonar
eyouok?

Vict
ori
aqui
etl
ylai
ddownwhil
eJunegotof
fher
bunkandwenttosi
tnextt
oher
..
.
June:t
sal
aimt al
kingtoyou.Anhouragoyouwere
soexci
tedthatwewillbefr
eewomeni nhour
snow
youcomebackallsouranddown.Whathappened
wit
hthephonecallandwhydi dyout
akesolong?
Vi
ctor
ia:(
sof
tl
y)icol
lapsed
June:what
?
Vict
ori
a:iwantt
orestJunepl
easegi
vemesome
space
June:notsal
aifthere'
ssomethingbot
heri
ngyoui
havetoknow.Imeanyouhavewor kedsohar
dto
beli
kethi
sont helastlap.Tal
ktomebabes
Vi
ctor
ia:(
sighedsi
tt
ingup)t
hatphonecal
lwas
Br
ian
June:who'
sBr
ian?
Vi
ctor
ia:Dai
syandOl
ebi
le'
sfat
her

Junegaspedasherhear
tski
ppedabeatwi
thher
handsonhermouth.
..
Vi
ctor
ia:yeah
June:howi
sthatevenpossi
ble?
Vi
ctor
ia:idon'
tknowJune
June:noVi
ctor
iat
helastti
meicheckedt
hatman
wasnomor ewhati
fit
'ssomeonetr
yingt
omessup
wit
hyou?
Vict
ori
a:whoJune?Theonlypeopl
ewhoknows
whatididt
othatmanisStoneandiandyouof
course
June:whati
fSt
onet
oldsomeone?
Vi
ctor
ia:noibeli
eveheneverdi
dbecauseheknew
what'
satstake
June:att
hisj
unct
urehewoul
ddoanyt
hingt
o
prot
ecthi
mselfVi
ctor
ia
Vict
ori
a:(
sighed)Junet
hatmanissupposedtobe
dead.I
tsbeenover20yearsnow.Iwasther
e
June:t
hisi
snotgood
Vi
ctori
a:whydoyouthi
nkimli
kethi
s?Br
iancan'
t
beali
veineedt
ofindhi
m andper
manentl
yendhim
June:howwi llyoufindhim whenyouar
einher
e.
Youdon'tevenknowwher ehe'scal
li
ngfr
om.He
canbeinChi naf orallweknow
Victor
ia:howdoesheevenknowt
hati
m behi
nd
bars?
June:i
fit
'sr
eal
lyhimthenhemusthavebeen
watchi
ngyouallyourl
if
e
Victor
ia:(si
ghed)Junedoyouknowhowmuch
Brianknowsaboutme?Shoul dhedosomet hing
aboutthatinformationmywhol elifewil
lcome
crashi
ngdownandal lthelit
tl
et hingsihavebeen
hangingont owillvarnishl i
kethat .Brianholdsmy
l
ifeinhishands( shesi ghedstandi ngupandpaced
around)nomanineedt ofi
ndt hismananddeal
withhim beforeanyt hinghappensican' taff
ordto
haveDai syandLet lotlohatemeaswel lbecause
theyaret heonlyonesihavemyt r ustonr i
ghtnow
June:t
hisi
smessedup
Vi
ctor
ia:messedupi
sanunder
stat
ement
Shesaidt
urni
ngtotheent
ranceandsawDi
phal
a
st
andingatadi
stancesmi
li
ngassheswall
owed
l
ooki
ngathim..
.

June:whatnow?
Vi
ctor
ia:damnyouDi
phal
adamnyou!

Shesaidscr
eaminggoi
ngt ot
hebar
sandshouted
cursi
ngatDi
phal
a'sghostwhil
ehel
aughedwalking
away.Meanwhi
leonthebunkJunesi
ghedshaking
herheadwit
hherli
pscurved.
..

"Whenpeoplechosefriendswechosedarkheart
ed
humanbeingsasf r
iends.Iruethedayimetyou
Vict
ori
abutim gl
adi m closet
obeingfr
eefr
om your
chai
ns"

Shesil
entl
ysai
dtoher
selfwhi
leVi
ctori
a
fr
ust
ratedl
yscr
eamedsli
dingdownthei
rcel
lwal
l
andbursti
ntot
ear
s.
Att
heKwena'
s.
..

Atamelanggotoutoftheshoweraft
erher3hour s
sleepandsatonherbedtakingherphone.She
swi t
chedonthewif
iashermessagescame
through.Shewentt
hroughthem l
ookingforBosa's
buttherewasnothi
ng.Sheopenedtheirchatand
reali
sedthathewasonli
neasshesenthi m atext
..
.

At
amel
ang:di
dyouf
indoutwhodi
dthatyourcar
?
Bosa:
yeahLet
lot
lodi
dit
At
amel
ang:uhu,
why?
Bosa:
it'
sjustj
eal
ousy
Atamel
ang:ohisee.Soyouwer
ewai
ti
ngf
ormet
o
askyou?
Bosa:i
m overwhel
medt obetel
lingever
yoneabout
whathappenedplusyourboyfr
iendobvi
ously
knowswhydon'tyouaskhim?
At
amel
ang:it
houghtwear
efr
iends
Bosa:f
ri
endsdon'
tfor
ceoneanot
hert
osl
eepwi
th
them
At
amel
ang:wow
Bosa:yesAtamelangandhonest
lyineedsomet
ime
awayfrom you.Youaresomewhattoxicand
abusi
ve
Atamel
ang:ohwowBosar
eal
lynow?Af
teral
li
havedoneforyou?
Bosa:mmht hat'
sexactl
ywhatanabuserwoul dsay.
Abusersneverdoanythi
ngf oraper sonandmi ssa
chancetoremindthem ofwhatt heydid.Myaunt
usedtosaythesamewor ds"afterever
ythi
ngihave
doneforyou"whatdoyoupeopl eseeinme?A
naivel
it
tl
eboywhodoesn' tdeservetobetr
eated
ri
ght?
Atamelang:don'
tyouevercompar
etot
hatwi
tch
auntofyours
Bosa:wellyouandherar
emor eofthesameperson
j
ustthatyourabusei
ssubli
minalbutihavebeen
t
her
ebef
oresoiwon'
tbef
ool
edagai
n.
Atamel
ang:iseet
hatgi
rlyouwer
ewi
thatt
hepar
ty
hasyoufool
ed
Bosa:
don'
ttal
kaboutsomeoneyoudonotknow
pl
ease
At
amel
ang:ican'
tbel
ieveioncef
elli
nloveyou
Bosa:
isthatmyprobl
em?Ineveraskedyoutoso
pl
easefocusonyourr
elat
ionshi
pandleaveme
al
one

Icl
ickedmyt ongueputti
ngmyphonedownand
movedmyt ongueonmyl owerf
rontteethasi
fr
ownedf eelingabitofpainontheinsi
deofmylip.
Iwenttothemi r
rorandopenedmyl iponlyt
ofi
ve
about6blistersonit.If
rownedgoingtomyaunt's
bedroom andwokeherup. .
.

Boi
tshepo:i
sitt
imet
ogoal
ready?
Bosa:
yeahbutineedt
oshowyousomet
hing
Boi
tshepo:ok

Iopenedmyl
ipasshef
rownedl
ooki
ngatt
hem.
..

Boi
tshepo:t
hisi
sodd
Bosa:
whatcoul
dbet
hecauseoft
hese?
Boitshepo:idon'
tknowbutithi
nkyouneedtosee
thedoctorassoonasyoucan.Iusuallyhavet
hose
butitsoneonceinawhi leandir
insemymouth
withvinegarwheni haveit
Bosa:
ohokiwi
llt
ryt
hatone
Boit
shepo:buti
fnot
hinghappenst
hengoseet
he
doctor
.Theseareal
ottojusti
gnor
e
Bosa:andihavebeenf
eel
ingoneundermyt
ongue
kana
Boit
shepo:t
ryvi
negarifi
tdoesn'
thel
pwi
thi
naday
thengotothehospi
tal
Bosa:iwi
ll
.Letmegochangesot
hatwel
eavet
o
theai
rpor
t
Boi
tshepo:ok

Ilef
tasshewentint
othebathr
oom andt
ooka
shower.Ifoundamessagef
rom Shar
onasismi
led
respondi
ng...

Shar
on:it
houghtyoumi
ghtst
il
lbeasl
eep
Bosa:
ahijustsl
eptf
oranhouriguessiwi
llsl
eep
ear
lyt
oni
ght
Shar
on:mustbet
hest
ressofyourcar
Bosa:
yeahbutt
hetowtr
ucktookitsoiwil
lhavei
t
hometomorr
oweveni
ngaft
ertheypainti
t
Shar
on:ohok.Ij
ustwokeupsoiwanttoshower
andwatchsomeseri
esSundaysar
ealwayssl
ow
andbor
ing
Bosa:i
fmymindwasnotal
lovert
hepl
aceiwoul
d
i
nvit
eyoutomyplacef
oraswim
Shar
on:yeahheyiunder
stand
Bosa:
thanks.I
m get
ti
ngr
eadyt
ogot
otheai
rpor
t
wit
hmyauntandcousi
ntopickuphi
ssist
ert
hen
comehomeiguessmaybeiwil
lsl
eepthen
Shar
on:ohoknoprobl
em.Iguesswewi
llseeone
anot
hertomor
row
Bosa:
int
heaf
ter
noonbecauseihavecour
tint
he
morni
ng
Shar
on:cour
t?
Bosa:
yeahit
'sal
ongst
oryiwi
llt
ellyouwhenwe
meettomor
row
Shar
on:ohoknopr
obl
em t
hen
Bosa:
sur
ewewi
llt
alkl
aterhey
Shar
on:bye
Bosa:

Ismi l
edandchangedwhileinherhouseShar on
smiledgoingthr
oughBosa'sfacebookphotos.She
reactedonsomeoft hephot
osanddownl oaded
some.Sheupdat edastat
usonherwhat sappwi th
oneoft hethephot
osandcapt i
onedit"
Daddy" .
Att
heAi
rpor
t.
..

TheOct ober
smadei tthr
oughthearr
ival
sdooras
theytooktheircarkeysandputthei
rbagsinthecar
.
Markgoti nthedriver
'sseatwhi
leLat
oyagotinthe
passengerseat..
.

Latoya:whatti
medidthosepeopl
esaymy
daughterwil
lbear
ri
ving?
Mar
k:i
n3hour
s.Haveyouspokent
oever
yone?
Lat
oya:yeahidi
dever
ythi
ngi
ssetwewi
llj
ustbe
wai
tingonherbody
Mar
k:ok.Thankyoul
ove
Lat
oya:f
or?
Mark:t
ryingt
okeepyourcal
m.Yesyouhadyour
moment sbuti
tsnot
hingcompar
edtowhatiknow
youcouldhavedone
Lat
oya:l
ikeyousayt
her
e'snoneedt
ofi
ght
somethi
ngthat'
salr
eadyhappened.What everido
wouldneverbr
ingbackourdaughtersoihave
deci
dedtolett
hatyounggir
lbe.Iwillheal
Mar
k:t
hat
'smygi
rl

Hesmi ledatherandfocusedontheroadwhile
Latoyasideeyedhim andtookherphonechanging
simcards.Shewenttoherwhatsappandwent
throughhercontact
sandopenedherchatwi t
hone
guy...

Lat
oya:hiineedyout
odosomet
hingf
orme
Man:ok
Lat
oya:getmet
hisgi
rl(
shesenthi
m Dai
sy'
sphot
o)
Man:butma'
am it
oldyout
hatmyser
vicesdon'
t
r
equir
esuchthi
ngs
Latoya:youdon'
thavetodoanyt
hingt
oherjust
getherformeandbr i
nghert
omet omor
row
evening
Man:howwi
lligether
?
Lat
oya:t
ellheryouar
emydr i
verandihaveasked
youtogetherformebecauseiwantustotal
k
Man:ohokwhatar
eyougoi
ngt
odowi
thher
?
Lat
oya:ipayyout
obemypr
ivat
einvest
igat
ornot
mydetecti
ve
Man:sor
ry

Shesai
dputt
ingherphonedownandsi
ghed
l
ooki
ngoutherwindow.

LATERTHATEVENI
NG

AtVi
ctor
ia'
shouse.
..

Weallseat
edar
oundthetabl
easaunt
yBoit
shepo
pr
eparedahear
tymealasweinvi
tedmydadover
..
.
Boi
tshepo:howi
sBoemodoi
ng?
Bai
sago:shewi
llbef
inewi
tht
ime
Boi
tshepo:t
hat
'sgood

Daisycamedownt hestai
rsandsi
ghedwit
hasmi l
e
onherfacerubbi
nglot
iononherhandsandtook
herseat.
..

Dai
sy:not
hingbeat
sthej
oyofbei
nghome

Weallsmi l
edatherasshedishedforher
self
.
HonestlyshewasnotthesameDai sywholeft2
monthsago.Herbodyhadal otofscars,
shewas
morethinnerandherfacewaspaleandjustnoti
t
wit
hal otofbrui
sesandall
..
.

Daisy:iknowalotofyouareaski
ngyoursel
fal
otof
questionsandaredyingt
oknowwhatr eal
ly
happenedsoi m goi
ngtotel
lyouever
ythi
ngasi
s
Boi
tshepo:iwasaboutt
oask
Daisy:wemetbl essersi nJohannesbur gonl yto
fi
ndoutt hattheywer emar ri
edast hei rwi ves
abduct edus.Thement hentoldt hei rwi vest odo
anythingtheywant edwi t
hus.Sot heywhi ppedus
unti
lwecoul dn'ttakei tanymor e.Ver onicadi edbuti
managedt oescapeandwasf oundbyamancal l
ed
Lehumo.Hewassogent lecaringbutl ittledi di
knowhewaspavi ngmywayofbei ngasexdol l.He
paidmyhospi t
albillanddi dever ythingineededf or
mesoibel i
evedt hatit'sokicanj ustst ar tanewl i
fe
i
nCapeTownandf orgetaboutever yonebackher e
becauseiknewt her ageiwasgoi ngt of ace
especiall
yfrom theOct ober
s.Thi ngst ur nedf orthe
worstwhenir eal i
sedt hatnoim notj ustan
Egyptiangoddessbutasext r
aderandLehumo
madei tcleartomet hatthatwashi spl anal lalong.
Amont hpassedandihadgi venupunt ilSt evewas
mycl i
entagaint hat'swhenif oundmywayt o
fr
eedom andendedupbackher e
Boi
tshepo:wow
Ol
ebi
le:canibehonestwi
thyousi
s?
Dai
sy:yes
Olebi
le:idon'
tfeelsor
ryforyou.Honest
ly,
you
deser
vedever yt
hingthathappenedtoyou
Boi
tshepo:Ol
ebi
le
Olebil
e:noauntyim bei
ngser ious.Daisyhasbeen
nothingbutbadtoeveryoneespeci all
yBosa.She
andhermot herdeserveeverythingthat'shappeni
ng
tothem.Theyarewor thnothingespeci all
your
empat hyandipraythejudger ulesont heKwena's
favorthenwemoveoutoft hishouse.Ineedanew
envir
onmenttof ocusonmysel f
Dai
sy:whatdi
dyouj
ustsay?
Olebi
le:ohshedidn'
ttel
lyou?Yourmotherhas
beensleepi
ngwithamar ri
edmanandever yt
hing
youseeherebelongstoPatloKwena'
sdaughterthe
hotel
aswel l
Dai
sy:not
hat
'sbul
l
Ol
ebi
le:mmhyouwouldsaythatbecauseallyou
di
dwaseatanot
herwoman'sdaughter'
sinheri
tance
Dai
sy:what
'sgoi
ngon?
Boit
shepo:j
ustashesays.Wearejustwai
ti
ngf
or
tomorr
owt ohearwhatwi
llbehappeni
ng
Dai
sy:aret
hosepeopl
ecr
azywher
edot
heyexpect
ust
olive?
Boi
tshepo:Olebi
lewil
lbeli
vingwit
hhisuncle,
Bosa
i
smovi nginwithhisfat
her,
im movingsomewhere
el
seaswel lbecauseiworkinGabsnowsoyouar e
goi
ngtostaywi thLameinMochudi
Dai
sy:what
!?Li
vewi
thanol
dwoman?
Boi
tshepo:webur
iedmom yest
erday
Dai
sy:what
!?
Boit
shepo:yesyouwillgett
ovisi
thergr
avewhen
youarethereandthi
swoul dbeanopport
unit
yfor
youttol
ooki nt
oyourli
feandmakesomet hi
ngout
ofit
Dai
sy:t
hisi
sjustabsur
d
Olebi
le:alotofthi
ngshavehappenedwhi l
eyou
wereaway.Youwi l
lgett
oknowoft hem asti
me
goeswel lt
hat'
sifther
ewillbesomeonewill
ingt
o
tel
lyouanything.Goodni
ghteveryone
Bosa:
im of
ftobedaswel
l
Boi
tshepo:ni
ghtboys

Dai
sysighedsi
tt
ingbacklooki
ngatBoi
tshepoand
Bai
sagoastheyconti
nuedtoeat.

THEFOLLOWI
NGMORNI
NG

I
nCour
t.
..

Wemadeourwayi nsideandf oundthenewl awyer

seatedashegr eet
edmeandhadabr ief
conversat
ion.AconfusedDai sylookedar ound
shakingherheadasVi ct
ori
amadewayupi ntothe
courthouse.Shefrownedl ookingatthemal e
l
awyerbutt hensmi l
edseeingDai sy.
..

Vi
ctor
ia:mybaby
Dai
sy:bat
hongmamawhat
'sgoi
ngon?
Vict
ori
a:don'
tworr
ymybabymom wi llbefr
eeina
fewminutesandiwil
lgett
otel
lyoueveryt
hing
Dai
sy:ok

BoitshepoandBaisagolookedatoneanotherand
shookt hei
rheadsastheoffi
ceraskedeveryonet
o
standupast hejudgemadeherwayi nsi
de...

Judge:youmaybeseat ed(theyalldi
d)thankyou.I
havegonet hr
oughtheevidencethatwasbr ought
for
thwhenwepar t
edwaysandi t
sauthenti
csot hi
s
courtwil
luseitasgui
dancet otherul
ingofthis
case

Vict
ori
afr
onwedconf
usedbutheldbackher
questi
onasi
twasgoi
ngtosellherout
..
.

Judge:i
m awar
ethatAt
tor
neyMai
ket
sowasshot
duri
ngt heweekendsoshehadt
oberepl
acedby
prosecutorJoomawewelcomeyoui
nthi
scourt
Joomayoumaycar r
yon
Jooma:t
hankyoumylady,myLadybef
orewecar
ry
onwewouldli
ketoputsomet
hingst
oli
ghtf
ir
st
Judge:ok?
Jooma:LieutenantKabindaknownasDet ecti
ve
Kabindakeptthefil
eofthiscaseinhisof
ficebuti
t
gotstol
en( Vi
ctor
iasmiled)butassomeonewho
hasbeeni nthi
sindustr
yf orsometi
mehehada
copyforthecase(Vict
or i
afrowned)
Judge:oh,
anyi
deawhocoul
dhavest
oleni
t?
Jooma:wehavemanagedtofi
ndthepersonwho
di
dthisandtheper
sonwhosenthi
mt odoitso
fr
om hereKabi
ndawil
lbegoi
ngtoarr
esthim
Judge:whoi
sthi
s?
Jooma:hi
snameisBokangandheworksf
orGCP
asapri
songuar
dinthefemal
epri
son
Judge:andwhowor
kswi
thhi
m?
Jooma:t
heoneandonl
yMsVi
ctor
iaDi
ntsi
Therewastot
alsil
enceint
hecourthouseas
Vict
ori
aswall
owedahugel umpwithhereyes
widenedandherheartr
aci
ngwit
hal leyesonher
.
.
.
.
.
.
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
CAGED
47

Judge:MsDintsiyouneverceaset
oamazemeyou
know.Everyti
mewemeetsomet hi
ngnewabout
youresur
faces.Areyouahumanbei ng?
Vi
ctor
ia:not
hesepeopl
ear
ewr
ong
Judge:oh?Okt
henpr
osecut
orJoomahowdi
dyou
acqui
ret
hisi
nfor
mat
ion?
Jooma:myl adyafterr
ealisi
ngthatthecasefil
ehad
beenstolen,att
orneyMai ket
sodecidedt ogether
pri
vateinvesti
gatortolookinMsDi ntsi
'sfi
nancial
s
andthisiswhatt hepri
vateinvesti
gatorcame
thr
ough
Vi
ctor
ia:t
hat
'si
nvasi
onofpr
ivacy
Judge:si
lenceMsDintsi(
thebai
li
fft
ookt
he
documentstotheJudge)
Jooma:t hosedocument sshowt hatanamountof
90000wast akenoutofMsDi ntsi
'saccountr
ight
afterDiphaladi ed,Diphalawassupposedt obeone
oft hekeywi tnessesagai nstMsDi nt
sisothe
moneywast ransferedi ntoBokang' saccount.From
thenanot her75000wast r
ansf err
edtoBokang's
accountaf terthecasef il
edi sappearedandanot her
75000Sat urdaymor ningaf terMsMai ket
sowas
shott hepreviouseveni ngsoal lt
hesemeanone
thi
ngmyl adyMsVi ctoriaDintsiwast ryi
ngtocover
hert r
acksandescapet hehandsoft helaw
Judge:wow,
mur
der
,at
tempt
edmur
derandt
hef
t
addedonyoural r
eadyexi
sti
nglongpi
leofcri
minal
acti
vit
ies.At
tor
neyJoomahowdi dyoufindoutt
hat
thi
sBokangi st
heonebehindthethef
t?
Jooma:Kabindahascamer asinhisoffi
cemylady
sohewentthroughtherecordingandmanagedt o
spotsomefeaturesonthi
smant hencall
edpr
ison
onlyf
orthem toconfi
rmthatindeedheisworking
wit
hthem
Judge:ok.Onewouldaskpr
osecut
orJooma,how
doallt
heseconnecttoMsDint
siandBokang
Jooma:f ir
stlymyl ady,MsDi ntsiisapr isonerina
prisonwher eBokangwor ks,secondl y, MsDi ntsii
s
someonewhoneverwant stogi veup, shewoul ddo
anythingtopr oveher" i
nnocence"sosheknewt hat
shouldthecasef i
ledisappeart hecasewi l
lbe
dropped,withoutt hel awyerther ecoul dpossi blybe
nocaseunf ortunatelyforhershef orgott hatwhen
youwor kinaf irm youhaveat eam t hatwor ks
underyoui ncaseyouhaveanemer gency, thi
rdly,
withoutthekeywi tnesswhowasDi phal atherewi l
l
benot hi
ngf ort heplainti
fftouseagai nstherand
alsoBokangi st heonlybreadwi nnerathi shome,
hetakescareofhi
ssibl
ingssosheusedt
hatt
oher
advantageandmanagedtolur
ehiminherwor
ldof
cri
me
Judge:doyour
eal
isewhatyoudoneMsDi
ntsi
?
Vi
ctor
ia:not
hisi
sal
lwr
ong
Judge:pl
easeshowuswher
ethewr
ongi
ssot
hat
wefixthesi
tuat
ion
Vi
ctor
ia:t
hesepeopl
einvadedmypr
ivacy
Judge:wheni nvest
igat
ingacaseyouhaveal lt
he
ri
ghttogot hroughanythi
ngt hatmightgi
veyout he
i
nformationyouneedMsDi nt
sinomat t
erhow
personalitcanbe.MsDi ntsit
hiscourtor
dersforal
l
yourbankaccount sandBokang' saccount
stobe
fr
ozenwi thimmediateeffect
Jooma:oner equestyourhonour
,pl
easedon'
t
fr
eezethoseofBokangyetbecauseitwouldr
aise
suspi
cionsforhim
Judge:ok.Bai
li
ffmakesur
ethatt
hiswoman'
s
accountsaref
rozenasofnow
Bai
li
ff
:yesmyl
ady
Judge:i
sthatal
lpr
osecut
or?
Jooma:ont
hatmat
ter
,yesmyl
ady
Judge:good.Youmaycont
inuenow
Jooma:myladythi
scour
twoul
dli
ket
ocal
lBosa
Dint
sit
othestand

Isighedasmydadr ubbedmyhandandimadeway
tothedock.Isworeinandt
ookmyseatlooki
ngat
myauntwhol ookedatmewi t
haser
iousfaceon.I
turnedtomyfatherashegavemeasmileanda
thumbsup...

Judge:cont
inue
Jooma:t
hankyoumyl
ady,
goodmor
ningMrDi
ntsi
Bosa:
mor
ningyourwor
shi
p
Jooma:ibel
ieveitsnotaneasythingf
oryout
obe
standi
ngheretodayabouttotel
lthewhol
eworl
d
aboutyourl
if
er i
ght?
Bosa:
notatal
lyourwor
shi
p
Jooma:butatt heendoft hedayjusti
cehasto
prevail.Not
hingbadstayshiddenforgood.Mr
Dintsihowwasyourr elat
ionshi
pwi t
hMsDi nt
sii
n
thefirst12years?
Bosa: i
twasgood.Sheusedtotravel
alotwithme.I
evenstart
edtofeelli
keshepr
eferedmorethanher
chil
drenwellhersonmostl
ybecauseshewasr eal
ly
cl
oset oherdaughtert
oo
Jooma:soshewasi
ndeedl
ikeamot
hert
oyou?
Bosa:
yeswor
shi
p
Jooma:di
dyougr
owupcal
li
nghermom oraunt
y?
Bosa:
ical
ledheraunt
y
Jooma:why?
Bosa:
that
'showshepr
efer
redmet
o
Jooma:di
dshet
ellyout
hatsheadopt
edyou?
Bosa:
noyourwor
shi
p
Jooma:ohsohowdi
dyout
akei
twhenyouhear
dit
fort
hefi
rstt
ime?
Bosa:
okaybecauseiwasangr
yandsawherast
he
bestt
hingt
hateverhappenedt
ome
Jooma:whydi
dyouseehert
hatway?
Bosa:
sheal
waysshower
edmewi
thgi
ft
s
Jooma:ohisee.SoMrDi
ntsiwhatchangedaf
ter
thosegood12year
s?
Bosa: ever
ythingchangedwhenirecei
vedmy
standard7r esult
sididver
ywellwit
hstar
sinallmy
subjectsiwast hesecondbestachi
everi
nthe
country
Jooma:wow,soever
ythi
ngwentsout
hbecauseof
suchgoodr
esult
s?
Bosa:
yessi
r
Jooma:whyt
hough?
Bosa:sheistheonewhocananswert hatmore
cl
earerbutasforwhatihavewi
tnessedsofarmy
auntdoesn'
tli
keitwhensomeonedoesbet t
ert
han
herorherdaughter
Jooma:buthersoni
sasmar
tchi
ldaswel
l
Bosa:
theydon'
tgetal
ongei
ther
Jooma:ohnowt
hatmakessense.Sowhatr
eal
ly
happened?
Bosa:iremembert hatni ghtididn'tdothedi
shesas
i
twasmyt urn.Shewokeupbef oreme,wentdown
andalliheardwasmynamebei ngshoutedatthe
topofhervoice.(Iswallowed)imademywaydown
andthereshewasst andingi nthemi ddl
eofthe
kit
chen.Itr
iedtoexpl ai
nwhyidi dwhatidi
d
but.
..
(swall
owed)butshe. .
.(paused)she..
.
Jooma:i
t'
sokmyboyt
akeyourt
ime.

Itookasi
pfr
om mywaterandl
etoutahugesi
gh
thencl
osedmyeyeswi
thmyheartbeat
ingf
ast
er.
..

Bosa:shegr abbedmebyt hecollerofmysl eeping

shir
tanddoubl eslappedme.Itriedtoapol ogisebut
shedidn'twanttohearanyofitasshet ur nedme
andpulledthecollarofmyshirtbackasi tstrangled
me.Igaggedt ryi
ngt ogethert
ost opbutshenever
didasshedr aggedmeupt hestair
s.Lit
erally
draggedasOl ebil
ecameoutoft her oom andt ri
ed
tohel pmebutshepushedhi m awayandt hr ewme
i
nmybedr oom lockingt hedoor .Iwasont hef l
oor
cryingatt hatt i
meassheshout edatmegoi ng
throughmycl osetandt ookoutt hreeofmyschool
ti
es.Shet iedmy. ..
(iswal l
owedapai nfullumpas
myvoi cebr oke)shet iedmyhandssot i
ghtt hati
couldf eelmyvei nsonmyski nandt hent iedmy
l
egsaswel l
.Itri
edscr eami ngandshout ingbut
she...(swal lowedagai nasat eardr oppedwi thmy
voiceshaki ng)shedr aggedmet ot hejackethanger
i
nt hebedr oom andt iedmyneckt othepol e
choki ngme.( Tearsfelloffmycl osedeyes)shet ol
d
met hatj ustbecauseit houghtiwasasmar tchil
di
woul dbesmar twithherwheni tcamet ot hehouse
chor es.Shet ookasci ssorandcutmyshi rtoffme
andl andedast rongst rokeonmeasicr i
edbutshe
didn'tcar eassheconf i
nuedt ohi tmeunt ilshe
realisediwasr unningoutofbr eat hbecauseoft he
ti
eonmyneck.Shel oosenedi tandki ckedme
downonmyst omachwi thmyhandsandl egsst ill
ti
edt oget herandhi tmeonmyback.Shehi tme
untilicoul dnotcr yanymor eandcoul df eelmyski n
cracki ng.Shest oppedandgr abbedmebymychi n
makingmel ookupather.Istil
lremembertheanger
onherf acewi thsweatalloverit
.Thenextdayshe
camehomewi t
hanexpensi vephoneandtoldme
thatallshewast r
yingt
odowast or
epri
mandme
shenevermeantt ohurtme.Li t
tledi
diknowt hat
wast hebegi nningofahorribl
e7year sofmylife.
Myaunthi tmeever ysi
ngledayofmyl i
febut
clai
medt oloveme

Ibur stintoal oudcrycover i

ngmyf acewi thmy
handswhi l
eont hebenchesBai sagosni ffedand
bli
nkedbl ockinghistears.Boitshepor eachedf ora
ti
ssuei nherbagandwi pedhert earsgi vingmydad
anot heroneasemot i
onsgott hebet terofhi m and
sil
ent lycri
ed.Therewast otalsil
encei nwhol ecourt
room asJoomacamet omeandr ubbedmyback
comf ort
ingmewhi l
eVi ctori
asatbackwi t
ha
straightfaceonwi t
hnor emorsewhat soever .The
j
udget ookherhandker chiefandt ookof fher
glasseswi pi
nghert earsandsni ffedsi ppi ngsome
wat er.Shesi ghedlookingatmewi thherhand
underherchi nandsof tlyshookherhead.She
turnedtoVi
ctori
aandsighedagai
nasist
opped
cryingandwipedmyface..
.

Jooma:willyoubeablet
ocont
inue(
inodded)he
wil
lcont
inuemyl ady
Judge:okgoahead
Jooma:(si
ghed)im sosor r
ytohearthatMrDi nt
si,
j
ustfordoi
ngwel lyouopenedthedoort oalif
eof
miser
y.MsDi nt
sicontinuedtodothi
sf oryears
buyi
ngyouexpensi vegif
tstokeepyouqui et
?
Bosa:
yesyourwor
shi
pandal
sot
obuymysi
lence
Jooma:woul
dyoubeabl
etoshowt
hecour
tyour
backMrDint
si?
Bosa:
yesyourwor
shi
p

Istoodupandt urnedli
fti
ngmyshi rtupand
showedt hem myscar r
edback.Seeingal lthescars
Boitshepobursti
ntoaloudcr yandr anoutsideas
Olebil
ewentaf t
erherwhileBaisagol ookedupwi t
h
hiseyesclosedast ear
sfellof
fhiseyesmeet i
ng
underhi
schi
n..
.

Jooma:asyoucanseemyl adyandt hewhol ecourt

thi
sboy' sski nhasbeendamagedf orgood.Hewi l
l
alwaysr emembert hepast7year sofhi sli
fe
everyti
meheseest hese.Youcant akeyourshi r
t
downMrDi ntsi(idi
d)myl adyiti
sevi dentMs
Victori
aDi ntsiisaheartl
essabusert hatdeserves
nothingbutapuni shmentf i
tforapersonl i
keher.
Movi ngrightalongt oprovethatthi
swomani sa
wolfinsheepski nmyLady, wewouldl iketocal
l
Stoneont hestand

Igotof
fandwentt
ositnextt
omyf
atherwho
huggedmewhil
eStonemadewayt
othedock..
.

Jooma:gooddaysi
r
St
one:gooddaysi
r
Jooma:howdoyour
elat
etoMsDi
ntsi
?
St
one:wewor
kedt
oget
her
Jooma:expl
aint
henat
ureofyourwor
k
Stone:shewoul
dsendmet okil
l,hur
torscar
eof
f
peoplewhoposedanynegati
vit
yinherli
fe
Jooma:ohwow,oksobefor
ebei
ngar
rest
edSt
one,
whicher
randdi
dshesendyouon?
Stone:af
terdi
scover
ingt
hatBai
sagowhohappens
tobeBosa'sfat
herwasbackint
hecount
ryshe
wantedmet okil
lhi
m
Jooma:butt
henhe'
sst
il
lwi
thus,
whathappened?
St
one:iguessheser
vesapower
fulGod
Jooma:howwer
eyout
odoi
t?
Stone:f
ir
stshewantedmet oshoothim deadbuti
guessimissedandsecondlysheorder
edmet o
burnhiminhishousebutfai
ledst
il
l
Jooma:okt
hankyouMrSt
one
St
one:t
her
e'ssomet
hingel
se
Jooma:ohok
HelookedatVict
ori
awhoswall
owedbreathi
ng
heavi
lylooki
ngathi
m wi
thherhear
tbeat
ingfast
..
.

St
one:(
sighed)i
tsaboutBai
sago'
smur
dercase

Bai
sagofrownedsi
tt
ingupst
rai
ghtl
ist
eni
ng
at
tent
ivel
y..
.

Jooma:i
t'
sir
rel
evantbutwecoul
duseanyt
hingat
thi
smoment
Stone:Baisagonevershott hemani tisherwho
shothim.Thegunhehad, hadnobul letsbutt he
gunVi ct
oriaDintsihadwast heonet hathadt he
bull
etthatshott heman.Theypul ledt hetriggerat
thesamet imet hat'
swhyBai sagot houghthei sthe
onewhoki l
ledtheman.Fort hatt
ohappen, Vict
ori
a
spokebadoft hi
smant oBaisagot hrougha
str
angerthenwentt ospeakbadofBai sagot othe
mant hat'
swhenever yt
hingcamecr umbl ingdown.
SoMrBai sagoKgosi di
ntsiyouhaveneverki l
leda
humanbei
ngi
nyourl
if
e

Baisagobr eat
hedheavi
lyl
ooki
ngatVictori
awit
ha
fr
ownonhi sfacewhil
eVict
ori
alookedatStone
breathingheavil
yaswell
.Thej
udgescof f
ed
cl
appi ngonce..
.

Judge:soMsDi ntsifr
om hereyouwi
llbegoingto
theUKt obetri
edf ormur
der?Mosadikewenawa
tenekwawaitse(youareapieceofwork)wi
llthat
beallStone?
St
one:yesmyLady
Judge:l
et'
scont
inuepr
osecut
orJooma
Jooma:thankyoumylady.Attheendofitall
,
prosecut
ionwoul
dli
ketocallbackonthestand,
Ms
June
Vi
ctor
ia:what
!?

Shesai
dlooki
ngar
oundwi
thhereyeswi
dened
whileStonemadewayof fthedock.Thecourtdoor
openedasJunemadewayi nwithaguardbehind
her.AsVictori
alookedathershesawDi phal
a
walkingbehindherwithasmi leonhisfaceasshe
swallowedwi t
hherheartracing.
..

Judge:pr
osecut
orJoomacont
inue
Jooma:thankyoumylady.Junepl
easedot
he
honour
sofenlight
ingt
hecourtofl
awwhyyouar
e
backhere
June:(
sighedl
ooki
ngatVi
ctor
iaandt
hent
hej
udge)
il
ied
Vi
ctor
ia:mel
eko!
Judge:(
hitt
hegavel
)si
lence!
Jooma:aboutwhatexact
lyJune?
June:ever
ythi
ngisai
donmyst
atementand
test
imony
Jooma:whydi
dyoul
ie?
June:iwant
edt
ost
andwi
thmyf
ri
end
Jooma:whatdi
dyousayonyourst
atementand
test
imony?
June:thatVict
oriaDint
siisi
nnocentyourworship.
Truthiseveryt
hingaboutthi
swomani st
rue,
she's
anabuser ,
controlfr
eak,murder
erandaconniving
witch.Ever
ythi
ngt hatBosaandeveryonesai
d
aboutherisnothingbutthetrut
h.MrKgosidi
ntsi
youhaveneverki l
ledamanj ustasStonesai
d
Jooma:( sighed)wow.ThankyouJune.Myl adyit
hasal lbeenl aiddownt oyou.Anexampl ehast obe
madeoutofMsVi ct
or i
aDintsiforever yoneout
therewhoi sanabuserandal lt
het hi
ngsshehas
done.Soi twillbefit
tingforthiscourtt onoteven
spareheranyr emorsebecauseshedeser vesallthe
punishmentcomi ngherway.Sheshoul daccount
forallthebadshehasdone.Somyl adyast he
prosecut i
onwesayt hiscourtmustf indhergui l
tyof
everycr i
meshei saccusedofespeci al lyt
hatwe
havepr ovedwi thoutanyreasonabl edoubtt hatshe
commi tt
edal lthesecr i
mesbef oreher .Ithankyou
Judge:t
hankyouprosecutorJooma.Thi
smar ks
theendofthi
str
ialiwi
llgoandr evi
ewal
lthe
stat
ementst
ogetherwit
hallt
heevidencebef
oreme
thenpassmyruli
ngandsentenci
ngont hedat
eto
becommunicated.Cour
tisadj
ourned(shehi
tthe
gavel)
Of
fi
cer
:al
lri
se!

Weal ldi
dasthejudgemadeherwayout .Victori
a
l
ookedateachandever yoneofusast heguar ds
handcuffedher
.Sheturnedtoherdaught erwho
si
lent
lyshookherheadandt ookherbagl eaving.
ShelookedatBoit
shepoasat eardroppedof fher
eyeandquickl
yturnedawayast heyescor t
edher
out.
..

June:ihavedonemypar
t.Nowi
tsyourt
urn
Jooma:Detecti
veKabindawillbeonitfrom her
e.
Don'twor
ryyoursafetywil
lbeapr ior
it
yinthat
pri
sonandwecanonl yhopethatthejudge
becomeslenientonyouforyourhonesty
June:t
hankyou
Shealsogotescor
tedoutwi
thSt
oneaswe
fol
lowedputaswell.

AtRober
t'
swor
kpl
ace.
..

Saschaopenedthedoorofhi
sfather
'sof
fi
ceashe
smil
edandof f
eredhi
m aseat
...

Robert
:areyounotsupposedt
obeatt
he
deal
ershi
p?
Sascha:icoul
dn'
tconcent
rat
edad
Rober
t:oh?What
'swr
ong?
Sascha:if
eell
ikeAt
aispul
li
ngawayf
rom me.I
t'
s
l
ikeimlosi
ngher
Robert:oh,
butyouguysspendalotofti
me
toget
herandyouwereloveydoveyatthepar
tyon
satur
day
Sascha:that
'sthethi
ngonemomentshe' shotand
thenextshe'
scold.Shehasaneckl aceofhalfofa
heart
.Iaskedherwher eshegotitandshesaid
from hermom butihaveneverseenhermot her
wearingtheotherhal
f
Rober
t:okt
hat
'sodd.Sowhatar
eyout
hinki
ng?
Sascha:it
hinkshemighthavef
all
enoutofl
ove
wit
hmeandcheat ing
Rober
t:di
dyout
alkt
oherabouti
t?
Sascha:nonotyetim scar
edt hatmaybeicoul
dbe
waytooinsecureandseeingthingsthatar
enot
ther
etheniwilll
oseherforreal
Robert:communi cat
ionisveryimportantina
rel
ati
onshipmysononcei tstar
tslackingt henthe
rel
ati
onshipwouldneversur vi
ve.Talktohermaybe
youwoul dfi
ndoutt hatshehasbeent ur nedoffby
something.Onceyouknowwhati tcoul dbet hentr
y
fi
xiti
fatallitcanbef i
xed
Sascha:(
sighed)okdadiwi
llt
ryt
hatbuti
t'
saver
y
ri
skythi
ngt odo
Rober
t:t
het
rut
hal
waysset
sfr
eemysonj
ustdoi
t
Sascha:ok.Letmegetbackt
owor
k
Robert:good.Rememberyouar
eaDutche
mistakesdon'tbr
akeusrat
hert
heyhel
pusbecome
evenstronger
Sascha:t
hankyoupa

Theysmil
edatoneanotherashemadehi
sway
backtot
hecardeal
ershi
p.

I
nPr
ison.
..

AdownVict
ori
amadewayt ot
hephoneboot
has
shesi
ghedsi
tt
ingdownandanswer
ed.
..

Vict
ori
a:whoeveryouareidon'thavet
imenorthe
energyf
oryousopl easel
et'
stalksomeotherday
Br
ian:nowear
enotgoi
ngt
otal
ksomeot
herday
Vi
ctor
ia:(
swal
lowedl
ooki
ngaround)whatthehel
l
doyouwantfr
om me?Youaresupposedtobedead
Bri
an:i
m backt
ogetmyr
evengef
orever
ythi
ngyou
havedonetome
Vi
ctor
ia:pl
easel
eavemeal
one
Br
ian:notunt
iliseeyougr
ovel
ingbeggi
ngf
or
mercy
Vi
ctor
ia:(
swal
lowed)wher
ear
eyou?
Brian:t
hat'
snoneofyourbusi
nessbutishoul
dsay
alloddsareagai
nstyoumyloveandican'twai
tput
thelastnai
lonyourcof
fi
n

Helaughedoutl oudhangingupasVi ct
ori
a
swall
owedput ti
ngt hephonedown.Shebur i
edher
faceunderherhandsshaki ngherheadassomeone
heldhershoulder.Sheturnedbutjumpedstar
tl
ed
asDiphalastoodi nfr
ontofherwithasmil
eonhi s
facewhil
eshebr eat
hedheavil
y..
.

Di
phal
a:your
eal
lyt
houghti
twasal
lover
?
Ziya'khal
akemanj e(it
'sabouttogetdown)i fyou
wer esmar tenoughyouwoul dhavethoughtmor e
aboutki l
li
ngmebef oreyoutookt hedeci
sion.Im
goingt omakesur ethatyoudon'tevenhaveapant y
toyourname.Mywi fe

Hesai
dstrangl
ingherl
aughingasshechokedwi
th
t
heguardsrunningt
oheraid.

Att
hehouse.
..

Icl
osedmyselfi
nmybedroom l
ooki
ngatmy
mother
'sphot
oandf
orthefir
stt
imeiwassmil
ing.
..

Bosa:mom if
eelalotl
ight
ernow,if
eelli
keahuge
l
oadhasbeenl i
ft
edoffmyshoulder
s.Imreadyfor
anyt
hingandthankyouforfi
ght
ingwit
hme.Ilove
yousomuch
Iki
ssedthephotoandputi
tbacki
nmydi
aryasa
knockcamethrough.
..

Bosa:
comei
n

Dai
syslowl
yopenedt
hedoorandsl
owl
ymadeher
wayinasisatonmybedl
ooki
ngather
..
.

Dai
sy:hi
Bosa:
hi
Dai
sy:gotami
nut
e?
Bosa:
sur
e
Daisy:ij
ustwant edt osaythati
m sorryfor
everyt
hing.Insteadofbei ngabi
gsistertoyoui
becameamonst er.Iguessiwasblindedbyt he
l
ovemymot herhadf ormesoibel i
evedihadt obe
onhersi deallt
het ime.Im gl
adthought her
ewas
someonewhocar edf oryouwhi
lewer ippedout
yoursoul .I
m sosor ryBosa
Bosa:
youwantmyhonestopi
nion?
Dai
sy:yes
Bosa:idon' tcarewet heryouar esor ryornot .Ihave
neverneededyoui nmyl if
eandiwi llneverneed
you.Youandyourmot herdeser veoneanot herand
youbothdeser vetor otinhell.Everythi
ngOl ebil
e
sai
dt oyouatt hetablelastnightisecondi t
.You
bothdeser veeverythinghappeni nginyourlives.
Getme, ihavenot hingagai nstyouandiwi l
lnever
haveanyt hingagainstyoubecauseyouknowwhat ?
Youdon' texistinmyl i
feandyouhavenever
exi
stedbef ore.Soi fyoudon' tmi ndiwoul dliketo
havemyaf ternoonnap

Daisyswall
owedembarrassedandmadeherway
outasilockedt
hedoorandl ai
ddown.

Backi
nCour
t.
..

Ever
yoneseat
eddownast
hej
udgeopenedhi
sfi
le.
TheKwena'
sont
heot
hersi
deandVi
ctor
iaon
anot
her
..
.

Judge:gooddayal ltodayi m heret opassmyr uling

ont hecaseofVi ctor i
aDi ntsiandMrandMr s
Kwena.Mayipl easehavet hesepeopl eont heirf eet
(theyst oodup)MsDi ntsi,Mr sKwenaaccusedyou
ofsl eepingwi thherhusbandandr eapi ngtheir
daught erof fheri nher itance.Yout oldthecour tthat
youar est i
llinar el
at i
onshi pwi t
hMrKwenaandyou
guyswer epl anningt ogetmar ri
edwhi chMrKwena
deniedandal soMr sKwenaconf irmingt hatshe
didn'tknowaboutt hisr elationuntilshef oundout
hersel f
.MsVi ctor i
aDi ntsisleepingwi thamar ri
ed
mani nt hiscount ryisacr i
mi naloffencepuni shabl e
byt hel awespeci all
ywhent hewi f
eknowsnot hing
aboutt hi s.Sowi tht hatbei ngsaidt hiscour twi l
lbe
ruli
ngi nf avourofMr sKwenaandherdaught er.
(Victoriaheavedahugesi ghswal lowing)Ms
VictoriaDi nt sialltheasser tsthatwer eat t
ainedwi th
themoneyf rom MrPat loKwenawi l
lbeconf i
scat ed
byt hest ateandgi vent oAt amel angKwenaast hey
werebui l
twi t
hthemoneyt hatbelongstoher
(Bontsismiled)thehouse,thehotel
,thecar
sand
everythi
ngint hehousewillallbel
ongtoAtamelang
Kwena.It hankyou( hi
tthegavel)courti
sadjour
ned

Theyallst
oodupasthej
udgemadehiswayout
.
TheKwena'ssmil
edhuggi
ngasVi
ctor
iacur
vedher
l
ipslooki
ngatt
hem..
.

Bontsi
:nevermesswithafatwomaneveragainin
yourli
fedearandasisai
dit'
sneveroverunt
ilt
he
fatwomansi ngs

Shelaughedasherhusbandt ookherhandand
thei
rdaughtersmakingthei
rwayoutwhileVi
ctor
ia
madewaybackt othepri
sonvan.Shetri
edtokeep
i
talltoget
herbutfai
ledasshebursti
ntotear
swhile
theydroveoffwi
thher.

AtLet
lot
lo'
shouse.
..
Hewhi stl
edcomingoutoft heshowerbutst opped
seei
ngashadowofwhatl ookedlikeawoman
behi
ndt hecurt
ain.Hef l
ippedthecur t
ainbutthere
wasnot hi
ngashescof fedandcont inuedtowhi st
le
appl
yingloti
ononhi sbody.Het urnedandt here
wastheshadowagai nthisti
mei thaditshairina
ponyt
ailashefli
ppedt hecurtainagainbutnot hi
ng..
.

Let
lot
lo:whatt
hehel
lisgoi
ngonher
e

Ashesaidagl
assbrokei
nthekit
chenashisheart
ski
ppedandhesl
owlymadewayt otheki
tchen.He
peekedi
nassomeonespoke.
..

Boi
ngot
lo:sor
rydi
discar
eyou?

Hejumpedt ur
ningandscreamedseei
nghisaunt
smil
ingathim andrant
othebedroom get
ti
ng
undercoverbr
eathi
ngheavil
y..
.
Let
lot
lo:goaway!
.
.
.
.
.
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
CAGED
48

Heslowlymovedt hebl anketof

fhisfacewithone
eyeopenandf oundnot hing.Wit
hhisheartsti
ll
beati
ngfasthegotof fbedandt i
p-t
oedtothe
ki
tchencaref
ullypeepingt hr
oughbutfoundnothing.
Hesighedandf rowned...

Let
lot
lo:whatj
usthappened?(
Hecl
ickedhi
s
t
ongueandcal
ledhi
sfat
her
)
Di
ti
ro:Let
lot
loi
m atwor
kwewi
llt
alkl
ater
Let
lot
lo:dadij
ustsawmyaunt
Di
ti
ro:whatdoyoumean?
Let
lot
lo:Bosa'
smot
her
Dit
ir
o:ar
eyousick?Thatper
sondiedal
ongt
ime
agowhatdoyoumeanyouj ustsawher
?
Let
lot
lo:isweart
oyoudadsheevenspoket
ome
Dit
ir
o:thi
siswhyisaidyoushoul dapol
ogiseto
Bosaforwhatyoudid.Thatpersonisdeadsoit'
s
j
ustyourguil
tyconsci
enceplayinggameswi t
hyou
Let
lot
lo:buti
tfel
trealdad
Dit
ir
o:don'
twor
ryj
ustdoasisayandever
ywi
llbe
fi
ne
Let
lot
lo:ican'
t
Di
ti
ro:why?
Let
lot
lo:idon'
tneedanyoft
hosepeopl
e
Di
ti
ro:Let
lot
lost
opbei
ngi
ndeni
alandj
ustf
acet
he
t
rut
h
Let
lotl
o:t
here'
snot
rut
hthatboydeser
vesno
apologyf
rom me
Di
ti
ro:ohwel
lit
'syourcal
ltomakemyson
Let
lot
lo:wel
lim nevergoi
ngt
omakeitdad.How
aboutwehavedi nnerast
het
woofustoday?
Di
ti
ro:ihavepl
answi
thmywi
feandki
ds
Let
lot
lo:ohok.Pl
easedon'
tfor
gett
otel
lthem about
me
Di
ti
ro:ineedt
oat
tendt
oapat
ientsonbye
Let
lot
lo:buti
..
.

Ditir
ohungupasLet lot
losighedshr ugginghi s
shoul dersandchargedhisphonemaki nghi mselfa
glassofsquashandsomebi scuitsswitchi
ngont he
tvandt ookaseat.Hesmi l
edtothet vwhi l
ehavi ng
hissnackast hetvwentoffoni t
'sown.Hef rowned
l
ooki ngar oundandswitchedthet vbackon.Af ew
mi nutespassedast hetvswitchedof fagain..
.
Let
lot
lo:heebat
hong
Boingot
lo:(
seat
edonabeanbag)idon'
tli
ket
hat
show
Let
lot
lo:cr
ap!

Hejumpedspil
li
ngever
ythi
ngont
hef
loorast
he
gl
assbroke.
..

Boi
ngot
lo:whydi
dyoudot
hat
?
Let
lot
lo:noyouarenothere.I
t'
sjustmy
i
maginationpl
ayi
ngmi ndgameswi thme(
hesai
d
wit
hhiseyesclosed)
Boingot
lo:(
scoffed)ohcomemyhandsome
nephewopent hoseeyes.I
t'
smeaunt
yB

Letl
otl
oslowl
yopenedoneeyewi
thhi
shear
t
raci
ng..
.
Let
lot
lo:whatdoyouwantf
rom me?
Boingot
lo:(
smi
li
ng)i
thonest
lyf
eel
samazi
ngt
obe
fr
ee
Let
lot
lo:pleasel
eavemeal
oneihavenot
hingt
hat
bel
ongst oyou
Boi
ngot
lo:comeTl
otl
o,comesi
tnextt
oaunt
y
Let
lot
lo:isai
dleave!

Hesai
dgrabbi
ngacushionandthr
ewitherwhi
l
e
shest
oodri
ghti
nfrontofhi
m ashefel
lonhi
s
bumsscr
eaming.
..

Boi
ngotl
o:youar
ejustwast
ingyourbr
eat
h
scr
eamingmyboyeveryoneint
hishoodi
satwor
k
i
t'
sjustt
hetwoofus

Shesquat
tedwhil
ehejumpedupt
othedoorand
tr
iedt
oopenitbuti
tfai
led.
..
Boingotl
o:allt
hataunt
ywantstodoistal
kmyboy.
Iwon'thurtyouimeanmysi st
erhasbeennothi
ng
butgoodt omyson.Yourcousinmyboy,thesame
cousinyouar etr
yingt
orui
nhisli
fe

Shegr
abbedhim bytheneckashegaggedsl
owl
y
bei
ngsuspendedint
heair.
..

Boingotl
o:onet
hingyouar
edoingwrongishur
ti
ng
mysi st
erandmyson.Whenitcomestothoset
woi
don'tcompromi
semyboy

Shel
etgoofhi
m ashef
elldowncoughi
ng.
..

Boingot
lo:youandihaveal ongjourneymyboy.
Theeldershavesentmet ocomeandt eachyou
somethingaboutgrat
itudeandhavingapur ehear
t
andbyt helookoft
hingswehaveal ongwayt ogo
becauselikemybigsisteryouhaveadar kand
st
onehar dheart
.(Smil
ed)don'
twor
ryaunt
y
Boingot
loisheretohel
pyouok.Seeyousoonmy
boy.Takecare

Shechuckl
eddisappear
ingasLet
lot
lobur
stint
o
tear
swit
hhisfaceunderhisar
msont hef
loor.

Att
hehospi
tal
..
.

Baisagosmil
edget t
ingint
oBoemo'sroom who
softl
ysmil
edathim aswel l
.Heki
ssedherf or
head
andchangedhisflowersandputherf
avor i
te
snacksonthesidetabletaki
nghi
sseat..
.

Bai
sago:hibaby
Boemo:(
wit
hal
owvoi
ce)hil
ove
Bai
sago:howar
eyouf
eel
ing?
Boemo:i
m st
il
lregai
ningmystr
engthbi
tbybit.The
pai
nonmychesti sst
illt
her
ebuti
t'
snotthatbadi
guesst
hemedi
cat
ioni
shel
ping
Baisago:i
m gl
adyoucanspeaklovewhenispoke
toyourmom shesai
dyouwer eupbutinaudi
ble
Boemo:yeahbuti
t'
sget
ti
ngt
her
enow
Baisago:im happybabyt
hat'
sal
liwant.Foryout
o
getbettersothatwebecomeonebighappyfamil
y.
Bosaismovi nginwithmetoday
Boemo:oht
hat
'sgr
eat
Bai
sago:i
sn'
tthecour
truledi
nfavouroft
he
Kwena'
ssotheyhavegiveneveryt
hingVi
ctor
ia
ownstothem
Boemo:(
frowned)whataboutOl
ebi
le?
Bai
sago:hei
sst
ayi
ngwithTemoandDai
syhas
agr
eedtogotoMochudi
Boemo:ohshe'
sst
il
lal
ive?
Baisago:yeahit
'salongstor
ybutweshalltal
k
aboutitwhenyouar etot
all
yok.Ther
e'salotoft
ea
myl ovealothappenedthepastfewdayswhenyou
wereout
Boemo:bathongwenababylemgozi(
they
chuckl
ed)didy'
al
lmanagetobur
ytheoldwoman?
Baisago:iwasherebutyeahtheydidionl
yjoi
ned
them l
ate.Iputt
hefuneralpr
ogram i
nyourbag
Boemo:okl
ovet
hanks.Anynewsonwhot
ri
edt
o
ki
llme?
Bai
sago:t
heyar
einpr
isonl
ove
Boemo:don'
ttel
lmei
twasVi
ctor
ia
Baisago:whoel secoulditbe?Shetr
iedtoeaseup
thi
ngsf orherselfl
itt
ledi
dsheknowshe'smaki ng
thi
ngswor seandt hetr
uthaboutwhathappenedin
UKwasr evealedlove
Boemo:(
frowned)what
?
Baisago:Stonetol
dt hecourtthatVi
ctor
iai
stheone
whoshott hemannotme.Thegunihaddi dn'
thave
bull
etsandwepul ledthetri
ggerthesametime
that'
swhyit houghtikil
ledhim
Boemo:iknewit,iknewt
herewassomethi
ngf
ishy
aboutt
hiscase.Sohavetheyr
eopenedi
t?
Bai
sago:idon'
tknowal
lim wai
ti
ngf
ori
sformy
namet
obetakenof
fthecr
imi
nall
istandr
ecor
ds
i
m acl
eanman
Boemo:ial
waysknewmylove.Comehere(he
smil
edbabyki
ssi
ngher
)nowl et
'st
alkaboutt
oday
Baisago:t odaycour twasamovi el ove.Ihavenever
seenVi ctori
at hewayisawhert oday.Kegor eshe
wasseei ngt hatherwor ldwascr umbl i
ngdown
ri
ghtfrontofherandshecoul dn'tdoanythingto
escape, Bosat oldthewhol et
ruth,Junecamecl ean
andSt onedi dn'tdisappointeit
herwhathur tmethe
mostwaswhatshedi dtomysonj ustbecausehe
didn'
twasdi shes.Shest rippedhi m naked,ti
edhi
m
andbeathi m untilhecouldn'tcry
Boemo:t
hatwomanhasanevi
lsoul
Baisago:andhonest
lyspeaki
ngi
m notdonewi
th
thatwoman.She'sgoingtopayf
orwhatshedi
dto
thethreeofus
Boemo:butyouar
enotgoi
ngt
ogeti
ntot
roubl
e
ri
ght
?
Bai
sago:nobutwhatiknowi
sthati
m goi
ngtodeal
wit
hhergoodshe'
sgoingtor
uethedayshe
t
houghtofbr
ingi
ngpai
nint
omyl
if
e
Boemo:( scoffed)kegor eVictor
iaDint siwil
lbe
foundgui ltywi thbeinganAccompl i
cei nLame's
attempt edabduct ion, Accompl i
ceinyour2
attempt sofmur der,Abuseandchi ldt heft
,my
attempt edmur der,Diphala'
smur der,accompl i
ceof
theftforthecasef il
eandmur derinUK?Isweart o
youl ovet hi
si sthef i
rsttimesomeonewast ri
edfor
somanyt hings.Shedeser vestobeint hewor l
d
Gui nnessbook

Baisagobursti
ntoal
aughwhi
leBoemoj
ust
chuckled.
..

Bai
sago:shel
it
eral
lybr
okear
ecor
d
Boemo:i
ndeed
Baisago:comi
ngbackt
ousnowlove,
li
keisai
dit
's
ti
mewebecameonehappyfamil
y,you,meand
Bosa
Boemo:whatar
eyousayi
ngl
ove?
Bai
sago:howaboutwehaveadoubl
eweddi
ngmy
l
ove
Boemo:(
smi
led)what
?
Baisago:you,
me,
TemoandReaget
ti
ngmar
ri
edon
thesameday
Boemo:(
smi
li
ng)st
opj
oki
ng
Bai
sago:i
m ser
iousmyl
ove
Boemo:okt
henidon'
thaveapr
obl
em wi
tht
hat
Bai
sago:soyouwantt
obeMr
sKgosi
dint
si?
Boemo:yesMrKg

Theychuckl
edasBaisagotookari
ngoutofhis
pocketandputi
tonherfi
ngerasshet
earful
ly
smil
edlooki
ngatit
..
.

Boemo:per
fectf
it
Baisago:imeasur
edyourf
ingerwhi
leyouwer
est
il
l
outmyl ove
Hebursti
ntoalaughwhil
eshechuckl
edandhe
ki
ssedherastheycont
inuedt
ocatchup.

AtKwenaI
nvest
ment
s..
.

Atamelang'
sphonereport
edamessageasshe
j
umpedt aki
ngitt
hinki
ngitwasBosabutsi
ghed
real
isi
ngitwasThori
so..
.

At
amel
ang:what
'supTi
m atwor
k
Thor
iso:iknowbuti
fwedon'
ttal
kaboutt
hist
heni
woul
dn'tbeagoodfri
end
Atamel
ang:i
m honest
lygetti
ngti
redoft
alki
ngyou
know.Youguystal
kalotthesedays
Thori
so:t
hat'
sbecauseyouguysar
epl
ayi
ngwi
th
fi
reandidon'
tli
keit
At
amel
ang:whatar
eyout
alki
ngabout
?
Thori
so:youandBosaanddon'
tthi
nkofl
ying
becausehetol
dmeeveryt
hing
Atamel
ang:okthenwhyar
eyout
alki
ngt
omesi
nce
youknoweveryt
hing? ‍♀
Thori
so:becauseAt
amel
angidi
dn'
tthi
nkyouwer
e
thi
sperson
Atamel
ang:kant
ewhati sthati
m doingwr
ong?I
wasreadytochooseBosanowhet ell
smethathe
doesn'
twanttobethereasonforhi
saunt'
shurt
Thoriso:exact ly,ifyouknewt hatwomanyouwoul d
agreet hatshedeser vesal lt
hehappi nessi nthe
world.Thatwomanhasbeenf i
ghti
ngal lherlif
e
especi all
yf orBosaandf orhi mt ogodot histoher
i
twoul dbeunf air
.SoAt amel angbeopent oyour
boyfriendandf ixyourprobl emsandst op
embar assinghi m.NowweknowSascha' s
weaknessandi t
'snotagoodt hi
ng.Startact i
ngli
ke
asmar tgirlyouar emyfriend.I magi
neat op
achieverl i
keyoubei nginvol vedi nsome
entangl ement sshewoul dhaveavoi dedbybei ngas
smar tasshecomesacr osst obe.Youf orcing
yourselfonBosaonFr i
dayi sal soan
embar rassmentAt amel ang.Youofal lpeopl
eknow
whatt hisguyhasbeent hr
ough.I fyoudidn'
tihope
youwat chedt hecour tsessiont oday.Nowiknow
whyBosanevert ookof fhisshi rt
s.YouAt amelang
wast heper sonwhowasgoi ngupanddownt alki
ng
abouthowyouf eel l
ikehe'sbei ngabusedandyou
goanddosomet hingl i
kethis?Youshoul dbe
ashamedofyour self
.Youact uallyneedto
apologiset ohi mf ordoi ngso.Fi nall
ythepoorguy
hasbeenf r
eedf rom t hechai nsandt hecagehe
wasputi nsohedoesn' tneedanyt hi
ngtoputhi m
backint here
Atamelang:okihearyou.Iwi
llt
alkt
ohim aboutit
.I
watchedthesessionyesanditwashonestl
ypainful
.
Thankyouf oropeni
ngmyeyesTyour eall
yarean
honestgoodf r
iendt
hat'
swhatili
kemostaboutyou
Thor
iso:eej
aanongkebat
la18ofmyf
avour
it
e
beer
s
At
amel
ang: eer
ral
etmesendt
hecash,
how
muchi
sit
?
Thor
iso:youcansend500
At
amel
ang:bat
hongwenaT
Thor
iso:yesideser
vei
taf
teral
l
At
amel
ang:ok,
oksi
r

Shesmi l
edsendi
ngthemoneyasThor i
sothanked
her.Shesighedr
eadi
ngThori
so'
stextagai
nand
shookherheadsighi
ngmore.
..

Atamelang:wowAt ayounear
lyl
ostyourwor
th
becauseofdick,
reall
y?

Shecl
ickedhert
ongueandwentbackt
owor
k.

I
nMochudi
..
.

AtaxidroppedDai
syoffatt
hehouseashehel
ped
herwit
hherbags.Int
helivi
ngr
oom Lamewatched
assheputthem i
nthehouseonebyonewhi
le
watchi
ngtv.
..

Dai
sy:(
smi
led)hi
Lame:hi
Dai
sy:wher
ear
ethel
it
tl
eones?
Lame:theystaywi
thUncl
eLedi
babutt
heyar
est
il
l
atschoolnow
Dai
sy:awwt
hat
'sni
ce.Canyoupl
easehel
pmewi
th
mybags
Lame:no
Dai
sy:aomma
Lame:woul dyoudot hesamef orme?(Shekept
quietswal
lowing)exactl
y.Yourbedr
oom ist
he
seconddooronyourl eftdownthepassage
Dai
sy:t
hanks

Shet
ookt
hebagst
other
oom wher
eshef
ound
not
hingbutamatt
ressandnoclosetnorbat
hroom.
Shefrownedl
ooki
ngaroundandwentbackto
Lame...

Dai
sy:wher
eist
her
estoft
hebed?
Lame:haveyoueverbr
oughti
ther
e?
Dai
sy:cl
osetorchestofdr
awer
satl
east
?
Bat
hroom?
Lame:thatroom wasf ormylit
tl
esibl
ingst
hey
movedwi t
ht hei
rthings.Aker
ewaut l
wakare"t
hei
r"
yeahsoyouwi l
lhavetogetyours.Wesharea
bathr
oom mygi rl
Dai
sy:whyar
eyoubei
ngl
iket
hisnemma?
Lame:youareinMochudiherel
ovenotPhakal
ane
subur
bs(shelaughed)howthemight
yhavefal
len.
OhJeso

Shesai
dgoingtot
hekitchenwhi
leDai
syl
ookedat
herwi
thherar
msfolded..
.
Daisy:whatar
eyouwat
ching?Iwantt
owat
ch
keepingupwit
htheKar
dashians
Lame:(swit
chedoffthetv)ipayt
hesubscr
ipti
on
wit
hmyhar dearnedmoneyi fyouwanttowatch
suchshowspayt hesubt hi
smonthendmyl ove
andiwillgi
veyouthefreedom
Dai
sy:not
hisi
sunf
air
Lame:unf air
?Doyouwanttoknowwhat 'sunf air
?
What'
sunf ai
rishowyouandyourmot herhave
beentreati
ngBosaallhi
slif
e.Legoneunf ai
risan
under
st at
ementyouguyswer ecr
uel.Iguessy' al
l
for
gotthatwhatgoesaroundcomesar ound( she
swall
owed)
Dai
sy:wher
ear
ethebl
anket
s?
Lame:mosadiyokanakawenaasenabeddi ng?A
dit
lhong(aladyyouragewi thnobeddi
ng?Whata
shame)youwi llseetoyoursel
fmylove.Calluncl
e
Ledibamaybehewi l
lhel
pyoubutnobl anketis
getti
nginthishousebeforeiseei
thangingont he
l
ine
Dai
sy:butmynai
ls,
ist
her
eamachi
ne?
Lame:wedon'
twashblanketswit
hthemachine.
Washobotl
aausi
nyana.Ifiwereyouiwoul
dcall
uncl
eLedi
banowsot hatthebeddi
ngwouldbedry
byni
ghtti
me
Dai
sy:youar
ehear
tl
ess
Lame:i
mjustbei
ngLamemyl ove.Ohbefor
ei
for
gett
oni
ghtweareeat
ingpapwithbeans
Dai
sy:(
frowned)what
!?
Lame:youhear
dmesogett
hosebeansboi
li
ngmy
l
oveim goi
ngtoat
tendt
omycust
omers

Shewhist
ledgoingt
othet
uckshopwhi
leDai
sy
si
ghedsit
tingdown.
..

Dai
sy:whathasl
if
ebecome?Papandbeans,
Real
ly?

Shesai
dgetti
ngoffthechai
rgoi
ngt
otheki
tchen
andcal
ledUncleLedi
ba.
AtCar
terAt
tor
neys.
..

Boit
sheposmil
edwel comingRoberti
nashecame
i
nwi t
habunchoff l
owers.Hekissedherassheput
them i
nvasewhil
ehet ookaseat..
.

Boi
tshepo:anyt
hingt
odr
ink?
Rober
t:j
uicewi
llbef
inemyl
ove
Boi
tshepo:(
shepour
edf
orhi
m)whatbr
ingsyou
her
e?
Rober
t:youofcour
semyl
ove.Imi
ssedyou
Boi
tshepo:awwimi
ssedyout
oomyl
ove
Rober
t:ican'
tbel
ieveiwi
llbewaki
ngupbesi
des
youfr
om nowon
Boi
tshepo:don'
tgett
oocomf
ort
abl
eloveyouknow
i
mleavingonWednesday
Rober
t:(
sighed)don'
tremi
ndmeoft
hat
Boit
shepo:don'
tworr
ymyl ovei
tsj
ustf
or4weeksi
tol
dthem ihaveadayjob
Rober
t:4weeksi
sal
ot
Boit
shepo:but30dayssoundsabi
ttoomuchl
ove
(t
heyburstint
olaught
er)
Robert
:butanywayi
m nothappyabouthowyouar
e
l
eavingthi
ngswit
hyourson
Boit
shepo:(si
gh)honestl
yspeaki
ngmyl oveij
ust
wanttofocusonmysel fandmygiftt
henweshall
seetothi
ngswhenicomebackbutpl ease,
doone
thi
ngforme
Rober
t:anyt
hingf
oryoul
ove
Boit
shepo:pl
easefi
ndhim andmakesur
ehe'sok.
Evenifyoudon'
ttal
ktohi
m butmakesureyousee
hi
m
Rober
t:yeahiwi
llt
ryandl
ocat
ehi
m myl
oveanddo
asyouask
Boit
shepo:t
hankyoulove.I
t'
snotl
ikeidon'
tcare
abouthi
m mylovebutiwanthimtoseeeveryt
hing
forhi
mself
Rober
t:l
et'
shopei
twor
ks
Boi
tshepo:yeah.
Rober
t:sowhenar
eyout
aki
ngyourl
eave?
Boit
shepo:i
t'
smyl
astdayt
oday.Iwi
llbepr
epar
ing
tomorr
owandsayi
nggoodbyet
omypeopl e
Rober
t:okl
ovewearegoi
ngtomissyousomuch
butweunderst
andt
hatt
hisi
sforagreatcour
se
Boi
tshepo:yesl
ove

Theysmi
ledatoneanot
herandcont
inuedt
ocat
ch
up.

Att
hemal
l.
..

Olebi
lewhistl
edpushi nghisshoppingt
rol
leyinthe
i
slepicki
ngaf ewgor ceri
esforthemealhewas
goingtopreparef
orhi sauntandunclethatevening.
Hestoodbyt hespicesshelfpicki
ngafewnews
onesandr eadwhattheycont ai
ned.Amanst ood
besi
deshi
m ashef
rownedt
urni
ngt
ohi
m..
.

Ol
ebi
le:canihel
pyousi
r?
Br
ian:(
smi
led)hel
loOl
ebi
le
Olebi
le:okyouandihavenevermetbef
orehowdo
youknowmyname?
Br
ian:wehave,
youwer
est
il
lasmal
lbaby
Olebil
e:oksiridon'tmeant
oberudebutthi
sis
getti
ngawkwar dnow.Idon'tr
eal
lyl
ikei
nter
act
ing
withpeopleidon'tknow
Br
ian:mynamei
sBr
ianandi
m yourf
ather

Ol
ebiledroppedthespicehewashol
dingasi
tbr
oke
onthefloorwhil
eBriansmil
edwit
hhishand
st
retchedouttohim.
.
.
.
.
.
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
CAGED
49

ShopAssi
stant
:youar
egoi
ngt
ohavet
opayf
or
thatsi
r
Olebi
le:yeahi
t'
sfi
ne.(
Swall
owed)sor
rysi
rwhodi
d
youjustsayyouareagai
n?
Br
ian:yourf
ather

Olebil
esquinthiseyesandswal
lowedlooki
ngatthe
manf rom bott
om upandscoff
edtaki
nganother
spice.
..

Olebi
le:canipl
easegopayf
ort
heset
hengot
omy
car?
Br
ian:nopr
obl
em

Hepushedt hetroll
eytothecashr egisterwhile
Brianfol
lowedhi m wit
habasket .Whi lehef ocused
onscanni nghisthingsBriansecretl
ypi ckedhis
favori
tepacketofsweet sandputi tinhi sbasket.
Olebil
epai dforhisthi
ngsandwai tedf orBrianwhile
onhi sphoneashepai dforhi
sthingsaswel l
..
.

Br
ian:i
m done
Ol
ebi
le:okl
et'
sgo

Theyst
oppedbyt
hesecur
it
yatthedoorasshe
smil
edchecki
ngt
hei
rit
ems...

Lady:f
atherandson?

Theyquiet
lyl
ookedatoneanotherasOlebi
lesmil
ed
atthel
adywhogavet hem t
hei
rrecei
ptsasthey
madet
hei
rwayt
othepar
kingl
ot.
..

Olebi
le:geti
nsi
depl
ease(
theydi
d)whodi
dyouj
ust
sayyouar e?
Br
ian:i
m yourdad
Ol
ebi
le:howdi
dyouf
indme,
wher
ehaveyoubeen
al
lal
ong?
Br
ian:ihavebeenar
oundj
ustt
hatihadt
okeepa
l
owpr ofi
lef
ormysafet
y
Ol
ebi
le:saf
ety?
Br
ian:yesl
et'
sjustsayidi
scover
edt
hingsthatput
mylif
eindangerandalmosthadmekill
ed
Olebil
e:okbefor
ewedwellont
hathowwil
liknow
thatyouarenotplayi
ngmi
ndgameswit
hmeoran
opportuni
st?

Bri
ansmiledandreachedi
nhi
spl
ast
ict
aki
ngout
sourj
ell
ytots.
..
Br
ian:her
e
Ol
ebi
le:(
smi
led)t
hesear
emyf
avor
it
e
Bri
an:iknow.Beat
smehowyouenj oyedsour
thi
ngswhenyouwer eachi
ld.Al
lki
dsliket
hei
r
thi
ngssweet
Ol
ebi
le:(
laughed)wel
lim onei
namil
li
on.Ihave
pl
ent
yatt hehousebutt
hankyousomuch.
Bri
an:your
eal
lyhavegr
ownhey,
youevenhavea
car
Ol
ebil
e:(smi
led)iwi
llbedoi
ngmy3r
dyeari
n
August
Br
ian:ohwow.Whatar
eyoust
udyi
ng?
Ol
ebi
le:Psychol
ogy
Br
ian:ir
unanor gani
sati
ont
hathel
pstheneedyand
of
ferscounsel
li
ngsoyoushouldcomefor
at
tachmentatouroff
ices
Olebi
le:ohwowthat
'samazi
ng.Thankyouiwi
ll
rememberthat
Br
ian:good
Olebi
le:sohowdi
dyouknowiwascomi
ngt
othi
s
shop?
Br
ian:wearefr
iendsonFacebooksoisawyour
st
atusupdat
e
Olebi
le:iguessishoul
dst
opshar
ingmyl
ocat
ion
nowit'sdangerous
Br
ian:(
chuckl
ed)yeah
Ol
ebi
le:sowhatexact
lydi
dyoudiscovert
hat
al
mostgotyoukil
ledandgoi
ntohidi
ng?
Bri
an:(
sighed)f
ormor
edet
ail
sont
hatonepl
ease
tal
ktoyourmother
Ol
ebi
le:noi
m notonspeakingter
mswi
thher
.She
i
npri
sonnowf oral
otofreasons
Br
ian:(
sighed)ifeel
li
kethi
sisnott
het
imenor
pl
acetobet al
kingaboutt
his
Olebi
le:whendoyout
hinki
t'
sther
ightt
imet
otal
k
aboutitthen?
Bri
an:youchooset
her
ightt
imeandpl acewhi
chi
s
noti
nacaratashoppi
ngmal lpar
king
Olebi
le:ohisee.Okt
henyouwi
llhavet
ogi
veme
yournumbert hen
Br
ian:ihavenopr
obl
em wi
tht
hat(
hedi
d)
Ol
ebi
le:iwi
llgi
veyouacal
l.
Br
ian:iwi
llbewai
ti
ngoni
t
Olebi
le:t
hankyout
houghi
m st
il
linshockwi
thal
ot
ofquesti
onsinmymind
Bri
an:youarewelcome.Iknowbutonceyoucal
l
meallthosequesti
onsi
nyourmindwillbe
answered
Ol
ebi
le:ok.Haveagoodday
Br
ian:yout
ooson

Hesmi l
edget t
ingoffthecarwhileOl
ebilesquinthis
eyeslooki
ngathi m.Hismot herr
eall
yhadgood
tasteaf
teral
lwheni tcametot hemenshe
i
nt er
act
edwith.Hecheckedhi m outashewentt o
hiscarandrealisedt
hathehadbowl egsjustli
ke
him.Olebi
lechuckledrever
singoutofthepar ki
ng
andopenedt hepacketofhissourtotsthrowingone
i
nhi
smouthandsangal
ongt
othesongpl
ayi
ngon
t
her
adi
o.

I
nLet
lot
lo'
shouse.
..

Hesoft
lygr
oanedwaki nguponthefl
ooras
someonecaressedhishead.Her
ubbedhiseyes
andj
umpedget ti
ngfullvi
ewofwhoitwas.
..

Let
lot
lo:canyoupl
easest
op
Boi
ngotl
o:whatdi
disayt
oyoubef
oreyouf
ell
asl
eep?
Let
lot
lo:ihavel
eftever
yonei
npeacewhycan'
tyou
dothesame?
Boingot
lo:youar
esti
llachi
ldmyboyyouneedyour
famil
ytohelpyougetthr
oughli
fe
Let
lot
lo:i
m okihavemydad
Boi
ngot
lo:t
hesamemanwhowantednot
hingtodo
wit
hyou?Can'
tyouseeyouar
ebei
ngf
ooled?
Letl
otl
o:okim notgoi
ngtosi
tandli
stent
oyou
tr
yingtofi
llmyheadwi t
hcr
ap.Fi
rstofal
lyouar
e
nothi
ngbutaspi r
it
Boi
ngot
lo:aspi
ri
tseesbeyonghumaneyemyboy
soyouhavetobel
ieveever
ythi
ngit
ellyou
Letl
otl
o:j
ustl
eavemealoneplease.Nowpeoplewil
l
star
tthi
nki
ngthati
m goi
ngcrazyhearingmetalkt
o
myself
Boingot
lo:thati
swhyyouareneverl
eavi
ngthi
s
houseuntilyouunder
standt
heimport
anceof
famil
y
Let
lot
lo:what
?
Boi
ngotl
o:yesandnoonei
severgoi
ngt
ocomei
n
unt
ilt
hatti
me
Letl
otl
o:theDintsifami
lyi
shonestl
yacrazybunch.
Im notgoingtobecontrol
ledbysomeonewho's
beendeadf oryears.Pi
ssoff

Hesai
dtaki
nghisphoneandtr
iedtocallhi
sdadas
Boi
ngot
logr
abbeditandt
hrewittothezincthat
hadwat
er.
..

Let
lot
lo:ar
eyoucr
azy!
?

Hesaidrunni
ngtothekit
chenandtookt
hephone
outt
ryi
ngtoli
ghtitbutnot
hingseemedt
owork.
..

Let
lot
lo:whathaveyoudone!
?
Boingot
lo:youfeelhowpainfuli
tistohaveyour
thi
ngsdestroyed?Eveniftheywerenotboughtby
yourownmoneybutst i
lli
t'
sagiftthatmeansalot
toyou
Let
lot
lo:youar
ecr
azy

Hesai
dgoingtothewindowandopenedcal
li
ngf
or
hel
pwhil
eBoingotl
osatdown.
..

Boi
ngot
lo:whatexact
lyar
eyougoi
ngt
otel
lthem
youneedhel
pon?
Let
lot
lo:t
oescape
Boi
ngotl
o:youthoughtiwaspl
ayi
ngwhenisaid
youarenotl
eavingthi
shouseunt
ilever
ythi
ngi
s
sor
ted?
Let
lot
lo:mydadwi
llbeher
eanyt
ime
Boi
ngotl
o:thesamemanwhohunguponyouwhen
youaskedhimtotel
lhi
sfamil
yaboutyou?I
woul
dn'tputmyhopesthathi
ghi
fiweremylove
Let
lot
lo:youareplayi
nggameswi t
hmeandi m not
goi
ngset t
lefort
hat.Iknowmymot herpract
ises
wit
chcraftsoshesentyourspiri
ttocomeandpl ay
gameswi thmebuti m notgoi
ngtofallf
orthat
Boi
ngot
lo:(
laughed)i
sthatwhatt
heyt
oldyou?
Let
lot
lo:sheki
ll
edmygr
andmot
her
Boi
ngot
lo:yourauntki
ll
edherownmot
her
Letl
otl
o:st
opsayingsucht
hingsaboutmyauntyou
knownothingabouther
Boi
ngot
lo:t
rustmeiknowpl
ent
y.Let
'st
alkabout
theti
meatt
her
est
aur
antwhenyoul
eftt
othe
bathr
oom
Let
lot
lo:whatdoyouknowaboutt
hatday?
Boingot
lo:whi
chcol
ognei
spour
edi
nabl
acksmal
l
contai
ner?
Let
lot
lo:st
opi
t
Boingot
lo:col
ognesar
eputi
nclearbot
tl
esand
bodyspraysinti
nsnotpl
ast
icbot
tl
es
Let
lot
lo:l
eavemeal
one!
Boingot
lo:andshewasnotchasingaf l
yf r
om your
foodshewasf eedingyouatr
adit
ionalherbtomake
youthewayyouar enow.Tobl
indyout hatyousee
nothi
ngbutamazi ngthi
ngsaboutheronly
Let
lot
lo:okenoughwi
thyourl
iesnow.Leave!
Boingotlo:rememberhowamazi ngyour
rel
ationshipwithyourmot
herwasbef oreyoul ef
t
Mochudi ?(Heswal l
owedkeepingqui
et)ifyour
mot herhatedyoushewouldn'thavedoneal lt
he
thi
ngsshedi dforyou
Let
lot
lo:whatshewasdoi
ngi
scal
ledmani
pul
ati
ng
t
hesi
tuat
ion.Shewant
edt
obl
indmet
onotseeher
f
orwhosher eal
lyi
s
Boingotl
o:hasBoit
shepoeverrai
sedhervoi ceor
handatyou?( Heswall
owed)hassheeveri nany
givendayspokebadofyout oyourteachers?
Everyt
imeyougotintoamesswhowast heretobail
youout?Howwassheabl etoputherlif
easi deand
focusonmaki ngsureyourgr
andmot herwasbei ng
l
ookedaf t
er?
Let
lot
lo:(
swal
lowed)l
eavemeal
onepl
ease.Go!
Boingotlo:bef
or eigoletmeaskyout hi
sone
question,howdoyouknowt hatyouhaveachil
d
outsi
deyourmar r
iagebefor
ethatmarri
ageandnot
tel
lyourwi feandki ds?(
Hef r
ownedlookingather
)
that'
syourassi gnmentfortoday.Tomorrowiwant
ananswert othat

Shesaiddi
sappear
ingwhileLetl
otl
oswall
owed
si
tti
ngdown.Thatquesti
onsbroughtal
otof
questi
onst
ohismindashesi ghedandtookhis
phoneagai
nbutthrewitonthecouchgrunti
ng.
..
Let
lot
lo:shi
tman!

Atar
est
aur
ant
..
.

Ourf
oodcameasshesmil
edl
ookingather
sand
t
ookherf
orkandst
art
eddi
ggi
ngin..
.

Bosa:
ithoughtyouwer
edr
inki
ngatt
hepar
ty
Shar
on:not
hatwasanonal
cohol
iccockt
ail
Bosa:
whynot
?
Shar
on:becausei
m pr
egnant
Bosa:
what
?
Sharon:(
bur
sti
ntoal
augh)youshoul
dseeyour
face,i
mjoki
ng
Bosa:iwasli
kewoahwoahi
m notaboutt
obe
i
nvolvedi
nsomebabydaddydr
amaandbesidesi
m
tooyoungtohaveachi
ld
Shar
on:don'twor
ryI
'
m ki
ddi
nghey.Ahij
ustchose
nott
odrink
Bosa:
oryoudon'
tjustdr
inkatal
l?
Shar
on:idobutnotal
waysl
et'
sjustsayi
m st
il
lan
amateur
Bosa:
ohyeahi
fyousayso
Shar
on:youdr
ink?
Bosa:
nopeidon'
t
Shar
on:oh,
why?
Bosa:
ijustchosenott
o
Shar
on:ori
sitbecause"idon'
twantal
coholt
oget
i
nmywayofsuccess"( welaughed)
Bosa:noit'
snot
.It
'sj
ustachoi
ceimade.Iwoul
dn'
t
mindtakingagl
assor2ofwineaf
terdi
nnerand
thatwi
llbeit
Shar
on:ohl
avi
shl
ivi
ngisee
Bosa:ohpleasewinei
sgoodforone'
sheal
thi
t'
s
notevenaboutlavi
shl
if
est
yle
Shar
on:yeahwel
l
Bosa:j
aanongl
onainst
eadofdoi
ngthatyouwi
llbe
taki
ngawhole5li
tr
eboxandfini
shi
tinhours(
we
l
aughed)
Shar
on:st
opj
udgi
ng
Bosa:y'
allwi
lldi
e(wel aughed)samegoest o
whiskeyandspir
itsihonestl
ydon'tunder
standwhy
peopletakei
nalotofsucht hingsi
naspaceof
hours
Shar
on:f
orf
un
Bosa:notheonl
ythingyoucantakecont
inuousl
yin
aspaceofhoursisbeerandchampagnetse
di
ngwet seyout
akei nwi
thcauti
on
Sharon:youknowsomuchf
orsomeonewho
doesn'tdr
ink
Bosa:
wel
lthat
'smyj
ob(
wel
aughed)
Shar
on:yousayyoumovedf
rom Phakal
ane?Why?
Bosa:(
sighed)myauntmessedwiththewrong
peopl
enowt heyr
epossessedal
lherproper
ty
Shar
on:aht
hat
'sabummer
.Wher
edoyoust
aynow?
Bosa:
justar
oundt
hecor
ner
.Bl
ock10
Shar
on:ohnott
hatf
arst
il
l
Bosa:
yeah
Sharon:doyoumi ndcomi
ngwi t
hmetomyhouse
fr
om here?Im al
one,mom onl
ycomeslat
eatni
ght
around9pm
Bosa:
ohokiseenoprobl
em wi
tht
hatandmydad
i
sbusysoiguesshewoul
dn'
tmind
Shar
on:(
smi
led)awesome.Soyouhaveagi
rl
fr
iend?
Bosa:
nopet
hat
'swhyi
m st
il
ltal
kingt
oyou
Shar
on:oh?
Bosa:
yesiwantust
otr
ythi
ngsout
Shar
on:(
smi
led)ohisee
Bosa:
that
'snotananswer
Shar
on:weshal
lseeast
imegoes
Bosa:
pleasedon'
tbeoneoft
hosehar
dtogetgi
rl
s
Shar
on:noi
m not
.Im speaki
ngf
rom awear
est
il
l
get
ti
ngt
oknowoneanot
herpoi
ntofvi
ew
Bosa:
sooeasyt
arget
?
Shar
on:ahBosa
Bosa:(
laughed)igotyounow,
youshoul
dseeyour
face
Shar
on:(
laughed)t
hat
'snotf
air
Bosa:yout
houghti
wasgoi
ngt
oletyougol
iket
hat
?
Hellno
Shar
on:youar
esot
ri
cky
Bosa:
youhonest
lyhaveabeaut
if
ulsmi
leyouknow
Shar
on:t
hankyou.Sowhatdoyourpar
ent
sdo?
Bosa:mymom isnomor
e,shewasst
il
last
udent
whenshehadme.Shewasstudyi
ngf
oradegr
eein
Sci
enceeducat
ion
Shar
on:awwi
m sor
ry
Bosa:i
t'
sok.Mydadi sabusinessman.Heownsa
manufacturi
ngcompany, t
heymakeal lsor
tsof
thi
ngs,bedding,
clot
hes,shoesjustt
onameaf ew
andthepersonim call
ingmom nowi salawyer
Shar
on:(
smi
led)oht
hat
'sni
ce
Bosa:
andyour
s?
Shar
on:mydaddiedwheniwasababyt oo.Iwas2
months.Hewasdiagnosedwit
hcancerwhenmom
was2mont hspr
egnantwithme
Bosa:
im sosor
ry
Shar
on:i
t'
scoolatleastwehavesomethi
ngin
common(theychuckled)mymom isabankeri
n
BOB
Bosa:
ohni
ce
Shar
on:yousai
dyouwillcl
ari
fyt
hecour
tsi
tuat
ion
whenwemetsoi m wai
ti
ng
Bosa: ohyeah(
sighed)ihonestl
ydidn'
thavethe
nicestupbri
ngi
ng,wellthi
ngschangedfortheworst
wheniwas12year sold.Iwastakeninbymyaunt
si
ncemom passedonaf t
ergi
vingbir
thtomeand
sheabusedme
Shar
on:i
m sosor
ryt
oheart
hat
Bosa:i
t'
sok.I
ml ear
ningt
odealwi
thitnowijust
hopeidon'
tdothesametomykidsthat'
sonethi
ng
t
hatscar
esme
Sharon:(smi
ledt
ouchingmyhand)don'twor
ryyou
aregoingtobeagreatdadoneday.Icanseeiti
n
you
Bosa:
awwthankyousomuch.Thatmeansal
oti
t
gi
vesmehope
Sharon:(
smi l
ed)al otofpeopl
ewhowentt hrough
whatyouwentt hr
oughbecomet hebestparents.
Areyouattendingcounselli
ngsessi
ons?
Bosa:
yeahist
art
edl
astweekigoonWednesdays
Sharon:oht
hat
'sgr
eat
.Youar
eheadedi
nther
ight
di
recti
on

Ismil
edtaki
ngasi
pfr
om myj
uiceaswecont
inued
tochat
.

Atanot
herr
est
aur
ant
..
.

Saschapul
ledoutachai
rforAt
amel
angasshe
smil
edsit
ti
ngdownashesatdownandt
heygave
thewai
tert
hei
rorder
s..
.

Sascha:youdon'
tknowhowhappyiwasseei
ng
yourtextsayi
ngweshoul
dgooutforl
unch
At
amel
ang:youar
esoobsessedwi
thmel
ove
Sascha:(
smi
led)andi
tscar
esme
Atamelang:(
laughed)nonoi t
'sok.Awomanfeels
secur
ewhent hei
rmani sobsessedwit
hthem buti
t
shoul
dn'tbetoomucht hough.Someti
mesyouwi ll
havetounderstandthatineedmyownspace
Sascha:igett
hat
Atamel
ang:butl
oveihaver
eali
sedthatwehaven'
t
beenspendi
ngmuchtimetoget
heroflat
e
Sascha:yeahiwasgoi
ngtoaskwhatihavedone
wrongbutbeforet
hatwher
eisyourneckl
ace?
At
amel
ang:neckl
ace?
Sascha:t
hatonewi
thhal
fofahear
t
At
amel
ang:(
chuckl
ed)oht
hatone,
ideci
dednott
o
weari
ttoday
Sascha:ohoklove.Sogoi
ngbackt
othei
ssue,
whatreal
lyhappened?
Atamelang:(si
ghed)onethingyouneedt
o
underst
andi st
hatiloveyousomuchSaschayou
areeveryt
hingandmor ethatiwanti
naman.
..
Sascha:but
?
Atamelang:ther
e'sonethi
ngaboutyouthatki
ndof
di
dn'tsitwel
lwithmeandgotmeaski ngmyself
questi
onsaboutourf ut
urethati
swhyihavebeen
ki
ndofdi st
ant
Sascha:whati
sitmyl
ove?
At
amelang:pr
omi
semenott
ogetof
fendedor
br
uised
Sascha:ipromisetotakeitl
ikeamanlove.I
t'
s
i
mpor t
anttotalkaboutthesethi
ngsina
rel
ati
onship.That
'sawayofbui l
dingoneanother
Atamelang:(
sighed)il
iedaboutmyexperi
encet
he
fi
rstt
imewehadsex.Idi dn'tenj
oyanypar
tofit
Sascha:(
swal
lowed)isee.Whyt
hough?
At
amel
ang:iwasscar
edt
obr
uiseyourego
Sascha:i
sthatwhyyoucoul
dn'
tdoi
tagai
n?
At
amel
ang:yeah
Sascha:isee.Soi
fimayaskdi dyoutrydoi
ngi
t
wit
hsomeoneel seforbet
terexper
ience?
At
amel
ang:(
wit
hast
rai
ghtf
aceon)no
Sascha:ok.Thankyouf
orbei
nghonestwi
thme
Atamelang:youdeser
veitaft
eral
l.Youar
eagood
guyandi twoul
dbeunf ai
rofmetonotbehonest
withyou
Sascha:iappr
eci
atet
hat.Sowhatdoyout
hink
coul
dbedonet ofi
xtheprobl
em?
Atamel
ang:iwast hi
nkingmaybewecant r
yand
fi
ndasext her
apistt
hentakeitf
rom t
her
eand
agai
nifeelli
keyourdickist
hin
Sascha:oksoyousuggestit
hickeni
tupabi
t?
At
amel
ang:i
fpossi
bleyes
Sascha:okiwi
llt
alkt
oourf
ami
lydoct
orandhear
whatcouldbedone
At
amel
ang:al
ri
ght
Sascha:il
oveyouok
At
amel
ang:il
oveyoumor
e
Sascha:andiwoul
ddoanythi
ngf
oryouAta.Al
li
wantisafutur
eandther
estofmyli
fewi
thyou
At
amel
ang:(
smi
led)i
m notgoi
nganywher
emyl
ove

Heki
ssedherhandandsmi
ledatoneanot
heras
t
hei
rfoodcame.

AtTemo'
shouse.
..

Reatlegi
lesi
ghedputti
ngherbagsi nthecouchand
t
ookoutherst udent
stestpapersputti
ngthem on
t
het ableandwenttothekit
chenwher eshefound
Olebil
einanapronstuffi
ngthechicken.
..

Reat
legi
le:okit
hinki
m goi
ngt
ohaveyoust
aywi
th
usforgoodi
fyouar
egoi
ngt
ocookl
iket
his(
they
l
aughed)
Ol
ebi
le:hiaunt
yhowwasyourday?
Reatl
egi
le:i
m onl
y2mont
hspr
egnantbuti
m
al
readyt
ired
Ol
ebil
e:whydoif
eel
li
keyouar
elazy?(
They
l
aughed)
Reat
legil
e:gapestudent
saret
ir
ingwena,
ihavea
pi
leoftestpaper
st omark
Olebi
le:ohokj
ustdoasecondmar
kingkeyiwi
ll
helpyou
Reat
legi
le:oht
hatwoul
dbeamazi
ng.Whatar
eyou
maki
ng?
Olebi
le:j
ustveggi
es,
astartchsal
adandchicken
youarepregnantsoyouhavetoeatheal
thywe
wantahealthybaby(t
heylaughed)
Reat
legi
le:ohoksi
rbuti
tal
llooksf
ancy
Olebi
le:iwantedt
oaskyoui
ficani
nvi
tesomeone
overfordinner
Reat
legi
le:who?
Ol
ebi
le:ibumpedint
oamanearli
eratt
hemal
land
hei
ntroducedhi
mselfasmyf
ather
Reat
legi
le:oh?
Olebi
le:eemma.Iaskedhim howhewouldprove
t
hathe' smyfatherandhegavemeapacketofmy
favor
itesweets
Reat
legi
le:t
hesourj
ell
ytot
sthathavei
nvadedmy
pant
ry?
Olebi
le:(
laughed)yepandweal
sohavet
hesame
feat
ures
Reat
legi
le:iseebutaDNAt
estwoul
dbegoodyou
know
Ol
ebi
le:yeahi
m goi
ngt
otal
ktohi
m abouti
tlat
er
Reatl
egi
le:okgood.Didyoutal
ktoyouruncl
eor
shoul
ditalktohi
mf oryou?
Olebi
le:youknowhowmuchifeeli
nti
midat
edby
uncleTemosoyout al
ktohi
mforme
Reat
legi
le:(
laughed)andist
il
ldon'
tunder
stand
why.Eer
raiwi
ll

TheylaughedasReatlegil
ewentt
ochangewhil
e
Olebi
lewhist
ledcont
inuingwit
hprepar
ingf
orhi
s
cooki
ng.

I
nMochudi
..
.

Afterhel
pingacustomerLamegotoutoft hetuck
shopandl eanedagai
nstitwithherarmsfolded
l
ookingatDai sywhowasst ruggli
ngwithspinni
nga
blanket
.Shescoffedshakingherheadandwentt o
thehousecomi ngwit
hapl asticchai
r.
..

Lame:here,puti
tont
hechai
randpr
essi
t.I
t'
s
easi
erthatway
Dai
sy:t
hanks
Lame:sur
e
Dai
sy:doyout
hinkt
heywi
llbedr
ybyni
ghtt
ime?
Lame:iwi
llgi
veyouf
reshbeddi
ngsol
ong
Dai
sy:whydi
dihavet
owasht
hesenow?
Lame:becausetheywi
llbeyour
s.Thebeddingim
goingt
ogiveyouisminesoiwillbetaki
ngit
tomorr
owt hatmeanst
omor r
owmor ningyouhave
towakeupandwashi t
Dai
sy:ahmmaLame
Lame:unl
essyouwantt
osl
eeponj
ustt
hemat
tr
ess
Dai
sy:(
sighed)oknopr
obl
em
Lame:mom cal
ledaf
urni
tur
eshopandt
heywi
ll
bri
ngyouanewbed
Dai
sy:(
smi
led)r
eal
l
y?
Lame:yesit
hinki
twi
llbeher
eanyt
imef
rom now
Daisy:butshedidn'
thavet
o.Ihopeidi
dn'
tmake
herruinherbudgetthemat
tresswasst
il
lfi
ne
Lame:noi
t'
sfine.Aladyshoul
dn'
tbeseensl
eepi
ng
onamattr
ess.Iadvocatedf
oryou
Dai
sy:t
hankyousomuch
Lame:it'
snotapr obl
em.Onethingherewewor kf or
everyt
hingthat'
showiwasr ai
sedsowhenyou
wakeupyoucl eanbeforeanyt
hing,theyardgets
sweepedt wot i
mesaweekwewi l
ltaketur
nseach
week.Bycl eani
ngt hehouseimeanwashi ngthe
windowsandmovi ngthi
ngsonceaweek.Thi s
mightnotbeaf ancyhousebutcleanli
nesscomes
fi
rst
Dai
sy:ok
Lame:di
dyoubr
ingyourl
apt
op?
Dai
sy:yeahwhy?
Lame:af
terdi
nnerwearegoingtotypeyourCV
tomor
rowyouaregoi
ngt ospendthewhole
morni
ngdroppi
ngappl
icati
onseverywhere
Dai
sy:butihaveneverwor
kedal
lmyl
if
e
Lame:there'
sal
waysafirstt
imef
oreverythi
ng.
Fini
shwiththebl
ankett
hengocheckont hebeans
befor
etheyburn(acust
omerknocked)l
etmeget
that
Shemadewayt othetuckshopagainasDaisy
sighedsmili
ngather.Wasshet hemothershe
neverhad?Shesighedaskinghersel
fandwent
backtoherblanketthenat
tendedtothebeansas
thefurni
tur
eshopt r
uckmadei t
'swaytotheyard.

AtShar
on'
shouse.
..

Iscr umbledthroughthechannel swhi l

einthe
kicthenSharonf i
xedadr i
nkforus.Bef or
etaki
ng
them t othel
oungewi th,shereachedi nherbagand
tookoutacondom andat oot
hpi ckandt hen
prickedtheout sideofthecondom wi thit
.She
smi ledandputi tbackinherbagt akingoutabottl
e
oft ablet
s.Shet hrewoneinBosa' sdr inkandsti
rr
ed
i
tasi tdi
ssolvedgoingt otheli
vingr oom...

Shar
on:her
eyougol
ove
Bosa:
yout
ookf
orever
Shar
on:goodt
hingscomet
othosewhowai
tlove
Wechuckledasit
ookasipwhi
leShar
onsmi
led
underhergl
assl
ooki
ngatme..
.

Bosa:
thi
sisni
ce
.
.
.
.
.
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
CAGED
50

I
nPr
ison.
..

Vi
ctor
iacamet
hrought
hevi
sit
or'
ssect
ionbutf
roze
asshel ockedeyeswi t
haser i
ousBr i
an.Wi tha
freshgermancut ,
whi t
egolfpolot-
shirt
,tornblue
skinnyjeansandsneaker shefl
ashedasof tsmil
e
atherwhi l
eshesi ghedandswal lowedt akingher
seat.Theclosershegott heni
cerhiscologne
smel l
ed.Hest i
llwor ethesamecolognef r
om when
theywer esti
lltogetherasaquickflashbackhi ther
memor ybutdismissedi tcl
ear
ingherthr oat.
..

Vi
ctor
ia:whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?
Brian:i
m her
etoseeyou.Unl
ikemethepersonwho
putyouhereisnotacowardandiwoul
dliketo
thankthem f
rom t
hebott
om ofmyheart
Vi
ctor
ia:i
fyouarenother
eforsomet
hing
meani
ngfulthenwemightaswell
par
tways
Br
ian:whyar
eyout
hisper
sont
houghVi
ctor
ia?
Victor
ia:idon'
tthi
nkweareseat
edheretotal
k
aboutwhoiam sopl easel
eavemealone(she
stoodupt ogo)
Br
ian:i
m havi
ngdi
nnerwi
thOl
ebi
leandhi
suncl
e
t
oni
ght
Vi
ctor
ia:what
!?(
Clear
edhert
hroat
)whatdi
dyou
j
ustsay?
Br
ian:youhear
dme
Vi
ctor
ia:Br
iandon'
tyoudar
etr
yme
Br
ian:whatcanyoupossi
blydo?Getanot
herguar
d
i
ntoyourcornerandt
ryki
llme?
Vict
ori
a:(swal
lowedandcl
enchedherj
aws)youwi
ll
ruethedayyouevertr
ytomesswithmeBri
anand
youknowimeani t
Bri
an:t
here'snothi
ngyoucandot omeVictor
ia,you
arej
ustatoot hl
essdogbar
king.Youhavenot
hing,
youarenothing
Vi
ctor
ia:whatdoyouwant
?
Bri
an:t
ohavear
elat
ionshi
pwi
thmysonand
daught
er
Vi
ctori
a:thenwhyar
eyoumeet
ingupwi
thmy
wholefamily?
Br
ian:i
sTemoever
yone?
Vi
ctor
ia:youknowwhatimean
Br
ian:i
m goi
ngt
otel
lthem whatexact
lyhappened
Vict
ori
a:(
hear
tskippedassheswal l
owed)okBr i
an
whatdoyouwant?What everi
tisiwil
ldoitjust
don'
tdowhatyouar eabouttodo.Ihavel
ost
ever
ythi
ngasiti
s.Ican'tl
osemyl i
fetooplease
Br
ian:ohsoyoucanbeg?
Vict
ori
a:dammi
tBr
ianwhatdoyouwant
,name
yourpri
ce
Bri
an:ifiwantedyourmoneyoranyt
hingiwould
havelongtri
edtoblackmai
lyoubutnounlikeyou
i
m notat hi
efandagainyouhavenocenttoyourso
evenifiwantedmoneyiwouldbebarkingupthe
wrongtree.Youareasusel
essasyourlif
eatthe
moment .Pathet
icwit
ch
Vi
ctor
ia:(
swal
lowed)keengBr
ianshoul
diki
ll
mysel
f?
Br
ian:t
her
e'snot
hingst
oppingyoubutwet
heryou
ar
edeadornotthetr
uthisgoi
ngtocomeout
Vi
ctor
ia:(
swal
lowedast
ear
sbui
lti
nhereyes)so
Br
ianyouneverl
ovedme?
Bri
an:woahwoahst opwi t
ht hefaketears,iloved
yousomuchbutwhatdi dyoudo?Youpl ayedwi t
h
myloveforyou.Ihadbigplansf orourfami lybut
noyousawyourbossbet t
ert haniandchoset odo
whatyoudid.Iwil
lneverforgiveyouVictoria.Live
wit
hthattoyourgrave(hestoodupl eaving)
Vi
ctor
ia:Bri
anwai
t..
.(
hej
ustwal
kedaway)
Br
ian.
..
Bri.
..
ohbat
hongbaModimo!

Shesai
dwithherhandsonherheadandbur
sti
nto
tear
sshaki
ngherhead.
..

Vict
ori
a:pl
easedon'
tmakemyki
dshat
eme.
(Shout
ed)Bri
an!

Shecr
iedoutl
oudast
heguar
dshel
pedherwal
k
out
.
Att
hehospi
tal
..
.

Boit
sheposmiledgoi
ngi
nBoemo'sroom wi
thabag
ofgoodiesasBoemosmil
edather
..
.

Boemo:okguysihaveenoughsnacksand
everyt
hingal
readywhyi
sitthatever
yonewho
checksuponmecomeswi t
hshoppingbags
Boit
shepo:si
ll
y,howcanyoucompl ai
nwhil
ebei
ng
spoi
ledrot
ten(theychuckl
ed)howareyoul
ove?
Boemo:imfeel
ingsomuchbetterseei
ngyounow
tsal
a,myvoi
ceisful
lybacknow
Boit
shepo:(smi
led)iwalkaroundwit
hgr acemy
l
oveyouf or
get?Everywhereigoispreadposi
ti
vit
y
(t
heylaughed)
Boemo:icanatt
estt
othat(
shesai
dscr
atchi
ngher
eyewi
thherlef
thand)
Boi
tshepo:wai
twhat
'st
hat
?
Boemo:what
?(Lookedatt
hef
inger
)ohyoumean
t
his
Boi
tshepo:di
dhepr
opose?
Boemo:yepear
li
ert
oday
Boi
tshepo:Boemoyoul
ie
Boemo:yesl
ove
Boi
tshepo:ohmywor
dcongr
adul
ati
onsl
ove

Shesai
dsmi
li
ngandhuggedher
..
.

Boi
tshepo:i
t'
sabeaut
if
ulone
Boemo:mymanhast
ast
ebaby
Boi
tshepo:i
ndeed.Sohaveyousetadat
eyet
?
Boemo:im get
ti
ngmar
ri
edont
hesamedayasmy
si
sterl
ove
Boi
tshepo:(
smil
ed)awwhowbeautif
uladoubl
e
wedding?Yourmom mustbeovert
hemoon
Boemo:youshoul
dhavehear
dherscr
eami
ngon
thephone
Boi
tshepo:iwoul
dtoo(theyl
aughed)ishoul
dmake
sur
eiseet het
ail
orbef
oregoing
Boemo:whenar
eyougoi
ng?
Boi
tshepo:onWednesdayl
ove
Boemo:ohokl
ovef
orhowl
ong?
Boi
tshepo:4weeks
Boemo:amazingourweddingswi
llbet
wodays
af
teryourgr
aduat
ionibel
ieve
Boit
shepo:yest
hat
'swhyihavet
oseet
het
ail
or
tomorr
ow
Boemo:yespl
ease
Boi
tshepo:Mr
sKgosi
dint
si
Boemo:yeshoney.Af
terusi
t'
syou

Theyl
aughedandcont
inuedt
ocat
chup.

AtShar
on'
shouse.
..
Wesi ghedasigotof fShar
onandr oll
edoutthe
condom throwingitonherbedroom fl
oorwit
hout
evencheckingit.Shegavemeat oweltowi
pe
myselfaftershewipedhersel
faswel aidonherbed
buttnaked..
.

Shar
on:t
hatwassogood
Bosa:
ist
il
lfeell
ikeicangof
ormor
e
Shar
on:bat
hongBosawehaveal
readydonei
t3
ti
mesyouwanttoki
llmewi
thpl
easure
Bosa:i
tiswhatever(
welaughed)idon'
tunder
stand
whereigett
hisstaminaf
rom todaybutyohi
m
l
ovingi
t
Shar
on:wel
liguessi
m doi
ngagoodj
obaswel
l
Bosa:ohyesyouar
ehoney(wekissed)ican'
t
bel
ievewehadsexwhi
leearl
ierwesaidweare
get
tingt
oknowoneanother
Shar
on:wel
lsexi
salsoapartofgett
ingtoknow
oneanot
herl
oveiwouldneverwanttodate
someonewhowouldn'
tmakemecum whi leihave
gi
vent
hem t
hepl
easur
etheydeser
ve
Bosa:
(laughed)youar
esonaught
y
Sharon:andtobehonestwit
hyouihaveneverbeen
wit
haguywhoknowshowt ouseabigdi
cklikeyou.
Theyaremost l
yroughbutyouwer
esogentleand
aff
ecti
onate
Bosa:
(smi
led)t
hankyou
Shar
on:needsomet
hingt
odr
ink?
Bosa:
wat
erandaf
our
thr
ound
Shar
on:noBosayouneedtogohomeishoul
d
cl
eanmyr oom bef
oremom comeshome(
we
l
aughed)
Bosa:
ipr
omi
set
obequi
ckmyl
ove

Sharonchuckledshakingherheadandputona
towelgoi
ngtot hekit
chenwhileilai
donmyback
andsoftl
ytouchedmysel f
.Theneedf orsexthat
daywasal ot,whereigoti
tididn'
tknowbutlikemy
Engli
shteacheroncesaid,whenyougr aban
opport
unit
ymakegooduseofi t.Ismiledput
tinga
t
owelovermydi
ckasShar
oncamewi
thagl
assof
wat
er.
..

Bosa:
weshoul
ddoi
tint
hebat
htubnow

Welaughedasidownedt
hewat
erandchasedher
i
ntothebat
hroom.

AtTemo'
shouse.
..

Olebi
lef
inishedset
ti
ngthetabl
easReat
legi
leand
Temosalivatedt
othefood.
..

Temo:im dyi
ngt
osi
nkmyt
eet
hont
hechi
ckenand
pot
atoes
Reat
legi
le:t
hechickenmost
lyl
ovei
tlooksand
smel
lsamazi ng
Ol
ebi
le:okguyspl
easecal
m down(
checkedt
he
t
ime)wher
eist
hismankant
e

Ashesai
dacarst
oppedatt
hegat
eashesmi
led
t
aki
ngofft
heapr
onandfi
xedhi
st-
shi
rt
..
.

Ol
ebi
le:t
hat
'shi
m

Hesai
dgoingoutsi
deasBr
iandr
ovehi
sAMGi
nthe
yar
dandgotoff
..
.

Br
ian:goodeveni
ng
Ol
ebi
le:eveni
ng,
pleasecomei
n

Hewentinandsmil
edatTemoandReat
legi
lewho
smi
ledbackathi
m..
.

Br
ian:goodeveni
ng.Ibroughtabot
tl
eofwineand
whiskeyandfl
owersforthel
adyihopeyoudon'
t
mi
nd
Temo:notatal
l.Icoul
dusesomewhiskey
unf
ort
unatel
ymywomandoesn' tdr
ink
Br
ian:ohokiguessyouwi
llacceptt
hef
lower
sthen
Reat
legi
le:t
hankyou
Olebi
le:uncl
eTandaunt
yReat hisisBri
ant
heman
it
oldyouaboutear
li
eraunt
y,Brianthi
sismyuncl
e
Temoandhi swi
fetobeReatl
egile
Br
ian:ni
cet
omeetyou
Reat
legi
le:ni
cet
omeetyout
ooBr
ian
Temo:ihavebeenholdingmyquestionbacksince
youwalkedinwaiti
ngforOlebil
etoi
ntroduceyou.
Let
'ssi
tplease(t
heydid)Li
biyouraunttoldmewho
wascomi ngandthefi
rstquesti
oniaskedmyself
was,i
sn'tthi
sguysupposedt obedead
Ol
ebi
le:oh?Let
'sdi
ginpl
ease.(
Theydi
d)
Temo:yesiwasstil
lastudentwhenyourmot her
andBrianweredat
ingandweknewhi m athomeas
thefat
herofoursi
ster
'schi
ldr
enbuteveryt
hing
changedwhenhishousecaughtfir
eandwewer e
t
oldhebur
nti
nsi
de
Ol
ebi
le:okcanyoucl
ari
fyt
hat
Brian:yes.Youruncleisrightishoul dbedeadbuti
escapedt hat'
swhyisai dtoyouear li
eridiscovered
somet hingsthatalmostgotmeki lled.Nowt o
clari
fythatyourmotherandil i
vedt ogetherinmy
housebutwhenshegotaj obatKwena
Investmentsshedecidedt or entonherown.Idi dn'
t
haveapr oblem wit
ht hatbecauseibel i
evedthat
sheneededt ohaveherownt hingst oosincewe
wer enotmar r
iedbutthenever ythingchangedwhen
idiscoveredthatshewassl eepingwi t
hherboss
PatloKwenawhenyouwer eayearol dwhileDaisy
was2year sold
Ol
ebi
le:wow
Bri
an:yeah.Iconfr
ont
edheraboutitandshedidn'
t
denyitandeventoldmethatPatl
owasbet t
ert
hani.
Weseper at
edandshemovedoutwi thyouguys.I
don'
tknowwhathappenedal ongthewaybetween
Patl
oandherandshecamebackt oapologi
seand
becauseilovedherit
ookherback.Ever
ythi
ngwent
wellunt i
lyouwer e3year sol d.Pat l
ocamebacki n
thepictureandt hingsst artedt ogetsourt hatt ime
youraunt ,Boi ngot l
owasexpect ingachi l
dand
engagedt obemar ri
edaf t
ergi vingbi rth.Oneoft he
nightsofwhenwewer efi
ght ingisl eptont hecouch
whileshesl eptint hebedr oom.I nt hemi ddleof
nightiwokeupandwentt ot het oi l
etbutihear d
somesof tsoundsanddeci dedt ost opandl isten.I
couldhearherut teringBoi ngot l
o' snameacoupl e
oftimes.Isof tl
yopenedt hebedr oom door ,i
tdi dn'
t
makeanynoi seandipeepedi n.Vi ctoriaDi ntsiwas
onherkneeswi thabl ackcl othabovehershoul ders
withred, greenandyel l
owcandl esl it
.Iqui ckl ywent
totakemyphoneandr ecordedever ythi ngshewas
doingupt ot heend.Wecont i
nuedt ost ayt oget her
foraweekandcal l
edi tquitsaf terir ealizedt hather
mansi oni nPhakal anewasf inishedandherhot el
washal fwaydone.Justwhenit houghtt hatwasi ti
thenf oundoutt hatshecl ear edmybankaccount
andt ookt hemoneyf orher self.Iappr oachedher
andt oldhert hatiwasgoi ngt or epor therandt old
herthatihaveavi deoofherpr actisingwi tchcraft.
Thatwast hesameni ghtmyhousebur ntdownas
shethoughtiwasi
nsidebutimanagedt
oescape
thr
oughawi ndowunscat
hed.Iski
ppedt
hecount
ry
andthatwasit

Olebil
e,TemoandReatlegi
lequi
etl
ylookedatone
anotherasOlebi
lesi
ghed..
.

Ol
ebi
le:sowhydi
dn'
tyouj
ustr
epor
ther
?
Bri
an:Vict
ori
anevergivesupevenbehindbar
sshe
wouldhavemadesur eidiedimeanlookatwhat
happenedtothel
awyer ?
Ol
ebi
le:yeahneh
Temo:soBri
anallthi
stimeyouknewthatmyl
it
tl
e
si
sterdi
edbecauseofthatwi
tchbutyoudi
d
not
hing?
Br
ian:ihadt
olookoutf
ormysel
ftoo
Reatl
egi
le:iunderst
andwhyhedi di
tloveashe
sai
dmysi steral
mostdiedbecauseofthatwoman
whil
eshei sbehindbar
s.I
fiwereBri
aniwoul d
havedonet hesame
Temo:doyoust
il
lhavet
hevi
deo?
Br
ian:yes

Hesai
dtakingouthi
sphoneandplayedi
tfort
hem
ast
heyquietl
ywatchedVi
ctor
iadoi
ngherthi
ng..
.

Olebil
e:idon'
tunder
standwhyGodchosesuchan
evilper
sontobemymot her
Temo:damnVi
ctor
ia.Dammi
tman!

Hesai
dangri
lyhi
tt
ingt
hetabl
eandheavedahuge
si
ghpi
nchi
nghiseyes.
..

Temo:howcanVictor
iabesoheart
less?Howdo
youki
llyourownsi
bli
ng,imeanhow...

Hisvoi
cebrokeashesnif
fedgoi
ngt
othebedr
oom
asReatl
egi
lefol
lowedhi
m...
Br
ian:i
m sor
ry
Olebi
le:noi
t'
sokifitweren'
tforyouwewouldn't
haveknownwhatr eal
lyhappenedt omyaunt
.Uncle
Twi l
lbeok.Ihear
dhewascl oset oaunt
yBoingot
lo
Bri
an:yeahtheywere.Him,
Boitshepoand
Boi
ngotlowereasthickast
hieves
Ol
ebi
le:whi
let
heyar
est
il
lthatsi
del
et'
schatabi
t.
Br
ian:ok
Ol
ebi
le:idon'
trememberseei
ngyourf
acewheni
wasababy
Br
ian:i
tsbeenlongmysonandachi
ld'
smemor
y
st
art
stobuildwhentheyar
e5
Ol
ebi
le:ohisee,
soDai
sywoul
drememberyou?
Br
ian:yeah
Ol
ebil
e:shel
ivesi
nMochudisodoyoumi
ndgoi
ng
t
heretomorr
ow?
Br
ian:nopr
obl
em
Ol
ebi
le:cool
.Ial
sowantt
odoaDNAt
est
Br
ian:what
everyouwantdoneiwi
lldoi
tmyson
Olebi
le:ok.Let
'st
alkaboutyoubei
ngmyfr
iendon
Facebook,whydidn'tyoucont
actmet
her
e?
Br
ian:ididn'
twanttoscar
eyouawaybecausei
di
dn'tknowhowcl oseyouwer
ewit
hyourmot her
Olebi
le:butwhatyoudidatthemal
lwasnotcool
.
Youshoul dhaveaskedtotal
ktomepri
vat
elywhat
i
ficausedascene?
Br
ian:i
m sor
ryf
ort
hat
Ol
ebi
le:wor
konyourappr
oachski
ll
s

TemoandReacamebackashesi
ghedt
aki
nghi
s
seat
..
.

Temo:sor
ryf
ort
hatiwasf
eel
ingover
whel
med
Br
ian:i
t'
sokiunder
standandi
m sor
ry
Temo:don'
tbesor
ry,
iwantt
othankyouf
orwhat
youjustdi
dyouhavegi
venthi
sfami
lyt
hecl
osur
e
theyhavebeenl
ongi
ngfor
Bri
an:i
twasnotaneasydeci
sionbuti
m gl
adit
ook
thebol
dstep
Ol
ebi
le:souncl
eTwhat
'st
hepl
an?Howdowedeal
wi
tht
his?
Temo:iguesswehavet omeetasafamil
y
tomor
rowaf t
erwor
kinghoursandshoweveryone
thi
sfr
om therewewil
ltaket
hisvi
deotothelawyer
onBosa'
scasesothattheygivet
histot
hejudge
Reatl
egile:wil
lthisst
andincourtt
hough?Imean
thehospitalsaysshediedofhighbloodandyou
knowhowt helawst i
llf
eel
sabouttr
aditi
onal
acti
vit
iesandwi tchcr
aft
Temo:butl
oveher
e'spr
oof
,doesn'
tcour
twor
kwi
th
proof
?
Reatl
egil
e:i
tdoeslovebutthehospi
tali
ssaying
somethingdif
fer
entandtheywil
lbel
ievethe
hospi
taloverthi
s
Ol
ebi
le:aunt
yhasapoi
nt
Temo:soVict
ori
aisgoi
ngt
ogetawaywi
thki
ll
ing
Boi
ngotl
o?
Ol
ebi
le:l
et'
swaitt
otalkt
oever
yoneel
sef
ir
stt
hen
wewil
ldecidewhatt
odowithher
Temo:(si
ghed)ok.Wherei
sthewhiskeyineed
somethi
ngstrongtocal
m mysel
fdown

Theyl
aughedasOl
ebi
lecamewi
tht
hegl
asses.

THEFOLLOWI
NGMORNI
NG

AtShar
on'
shouse.
..

Shewavedathermot herandgotbacki
nthehouse
whist
li
ng.Shetookherphoneandthrewher
sel
fon
thecouchcal
li
ngherfri
end..
.

Gi
rl
:soear
ly
Shar
on:yourgi
rlhassecur
edt
hebagmyl
ove
Gi
rl
:(smi
led)ar
eyouf
orr
eal
?
Sharon:yeshoneyihavej
ustsi
gnedmybaby'
s
bri
ghtfutur
e
Gir
l:wowthat
'samazi
ngl
ove.Idi
dn'
tthi
nki
twoul
d
happensosoon
Shar
on:kant
ewhat
'smyname?
Gir
l:i
m happynowyouwon'thavet
oexpl
ainwhy
yousleptwi
thourt
eacher
Sharon:yohtsalaim soreli
evedthankstoSascha'
s
part
yifoundt heperfectfat
her(t
heylaughed)but
he'
sgoodi nbedt sal
ai m notl
ett
inghim goyoh
Gi
rl
:okokt
hat
'senoughi
nfor
mat
ion
Shar
on:i
ftherewasanyot
hergi
rleyei
nghi
mthen
shemustfor
get
Gi
rl
:ohyesimeany'
al
laboutt
obepar
ent
snow
Sharon:nowwemovetot
hesecondphaset
sal
aof
tel
li
ngmymom andhim
Gi
rl
:let
'swai
tunt
ilyouf
ini
shyour3r
dtr
imest
ert
hen
wewi
llbr
eakt
henews
Shar
on:al
ri
ghtt
sal
aifyousayso.Let
'sdol
unch
maybe?
Gi
rl
:whynot
,wehaveal
otcel
ebr
ateaf
teral
l
Shar
on:ohyes

Theylaughedhangi
ngupasShar
onwentthrough
herphotoswit
hBosaandpost
edonecapt
ioningi
t
"The'
rents"

I
nMochudi
..
.

Daisywentt
othekit
chenandaskedLamet
ohel
p
herwit
hbutt
oninguphershi
rt
..
.

Dai
sy:howdoil
ook?
Lame:li
kesomeonewhoi
sreadyt
otakel
if
e
ser
iousl
y
Dai
sy:(
sighed)ij
usthopeever
ythi
nggoeswel
l
Lame:don'
tworryallwi
llgowel
lyouwil
lcomeback
homewithajob.(GaveherP50)t
hat'
sfort
hetaxi
Dai
sy:ohnonoi
tsok
Lame:iknowyouneedit
.Youarenotmyfavori
te
per
sonatthemomentbutiwouldn'
twantyou
walki
ngkil
ometr
esint
hisheat
Dai
sy:(
smi
led)t
hankyou
Lame:you'
rewel
comeandt
hanksf
orwaki
ngup
ear
lytowashmybeddi
ng
Dai
sy:wel
lihadt
okeepmyword(t
heylaughed)so
wenawhyareyounotl
ooki
ngf
orajob?
Lame:im aboutbi
ggert
hingsdear.Youwil
lhearal
l
aboutitsoonnowhavesomethingtoeatandgo
hustl
e
Dai
sy:i
t'
sasi
fyouknewt
hatiwasf
armi
shed
Lame:letmegoopenthetuckshopt
hebr
ead
suppl
i
erwi l
lbeher
esoon
Shesai dtaki
nghercashr
egisterandkeysgoi
ngt o
openwhi l
eDai sysmil
edf
ixi
ngher sel
fsomebread,
butterandjui
ce.Shewenttositinthel
oungeand
gottemptedt oswit
chonthetvbutdecidedt
o
respectLame.

Att
heOct
ober
's.
..

Mar
kwokeupandfr
ownedt ohi
swifest
il
lsit
ti
ngi
n
t
hesameposi
ti
onhelef
therinwhenheslept
..
.

Mark:babedi
dyousleep?(Shenodded)why,is
ever
ythi
ngok?(Shenodded)oklovewhateveri
tis
youcantalkt
omeaboutit
Lat
oya:whydoevi
lpeopl
eal
waysgetawaywi
th
bei
ngevil
?
Mar
k:idon'
tunder
stand
Lat
oya:t
hatDint
sigi
rlgotmydaught
erki
ll
edand
sheisr
oamingthestreet
sfr
eel
ywhil
eourdaught
er
i
snomor e.Whyisli
feunfai
r
Mar k:
wedon'tknowwhywhathappenedhappened
babeallwehavetofocusonisheal
ingandletGod
takecontr
olandwehavetoforgi
vehersothatwe
areabletomoveonwi t
hli
fe
Lat
oya:buti
t'
sunf
airMar
k
Mark:
iknowbutthewor
ldwi
lldealwi
thhermyl
ove.
Let
'sl
ookfor
ward
Lat
oya:iwassocl
oset
oki
ll
ingher
Mar
k:what
?
Lat
oya:yesiaskedourPIt
ogetherf
ormet
heni
wasgoingtokil
lher
Mar
k:babehowcanyout
hinkofsomet
hingl
ike
t
hat
?
Lat
oya:shedeser
vest
odi
e
Mark:nolovedeat
hwillbeaneasywayoutf orher
andagainyouweregoingtospendtherestofyour
l
ifebehi
ndbarsormaybegetexecuted.Whatwould
i
thavesolved?Nothi
ngbutonlybr
ingheartacheto
me
Lat
oya:ideci
dedt
oleti
tgol
ikeyousayt
hewor
ld
wi
lldealwi
thherj
ustasi
tisdoi
ngwi
thhermot
her
Mark:
mypoi ntexactl
yandt hankyouf
or
r
econsider
ingthatdeci
sion
Lat
oya:butf
acti
sli
fesomet
imesi
sunf
air

Shesaidget
ti
ngoutofbedandwentt
othe
bat
hroom whi
leMarksi
ghedsit
ti
nguponthebed.

Att
hehot
el.
..

Atamelanglef
tbef
oreSaschaashef i
nished
showeringandcal
ledforr
oom ser
vice.Hemoveda
pil
lowashewaspacki nghi
sthi
ngsandsaw
Atamelang'
sphone..
.

Sascha:(
smi
led)l
ovehowdoyouf
orgetyourphone

Hesai
dput
ti
ngi
tinhi
smanbagandbr
ushedhi
s
hairashi sfoodcame.At houghtcr ossedhi smi nd
ashef rownedt ryingt oignorethet houghtand
startedeat i
ng.Themor ehef oughtt ogetr idoft he
thoughtt hemor eitbecamehar df orhi mt o.He
sighedandr eachedf orhismanbagt akingout
Atamel ang' sphonel ookingati t
.Het hensl i
dt he
l
ockscr eenasnumber sappearedf orhi mt opunch
i
nt hecode.Hecl osedhi seyest ryingt or emember
whichnumber ssheal waysput sonandt hen
punchedt hem inonebyoneandi tunl ocked.Hi s
hear tskippedabeatashesi ghedandwentst raight
towhat sapp.Hescr oll
eddownt hechat sand
stoppedatBosa' sseei ngt helasttextshesentt o
him." Im sor ryforever ythi
ngbuti ...
"thosef ew
wor dsmadehi m mor ecur i
ousasheopenedt heir
chat sandr eadt het extsfrom downup.Thef urther
hewentt hemor er edhisfacebecameandhi s
handsbecomi ngsweat ywhi l
ehishear tracedeven
mor e.Thel astnai lwasaphot oofhert highsasa
teardr oppedof fhi seyeandl ockedt hephone
puttingi tbacki nhi smanbag.Het ri
edt ocont inue
eatingbutf ailedasangerconsumedhi m andhe
tookt hef ruitsaladbowlsmashi ngi tagai nstt he
wal
lbur
sti
ngi
ntot
ear
s..
.

Sascha:f
uckyouBosa!
.
.
.
.
.
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
CAGED
51

AtLet
lot
lo'
shouse.
..

Hestr
etchedopeni
nghiseyesandj
umpedseei
ng
Boi
ngotl
oseatedinfr
ontofthemi
rr
or.
..
Boi
ngot
lo:it
houghtyouwer
enevergoi
ngt
owake
up
Let
lot
lo:whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?Whatdoyou
wantfrom me?
Boi
ngot
lo:I
'
m her
eformyanswer
Letl
otl
o:idon' twantt
ohearanymoreofyour
manipulation.Iknowwhatiknowandt hat'
sit.I
don'
tunder standwhyyoupeoplecan'
tall
owmet o
havear elationshipwit
hmyf at
herwhi
leeveryone
hasar elati
onshi pwit
hthei
rfat
her
Boingot
lo:noonei
skeepingyouf
rom havinga
rel
ati
onshipwit
hyourf
athermyboyit
'sjustthatwe
wantyout oseeDi
ti
rof
orwhoexactl
yhei s
Let
lotl
o:wel
lyouarel
atethen.Myfatheri
sacari
ng
manwhowaskeptawayf rom mebecauseyour
si
sterhadaprobl
em wit
hhi m.
Boingot
lo:i
fhewasasyousayhei s,
youwantto
tel
lmethatbynowyouwouldn'tbebuil
dinga
rel
ati
onshipwi
thyourhal
fsi
bli
ngsandst epmot
her
?
Let
lot
lo:l
ikehet
oldme,
itsnotaneasyt
hingt
ojust
spri
nguponpeopl
eyouhavet
obeconsi
der
ateof
thei
rfeel
ings
Boingotlo:Di
ti
roknewaboutyouwhenyouwere2
weeksi nthewombLet l
otl
o.Ifhewast
hemanhe
sayshei shewouldhavetoldhiswomant
hathe
hasachi l
dwit
hsomeonebutbecauseheused
Boitshepohecouldn'
t
Let
lot
lo:whatdoyoumeanused?
Boi
ngot
lo:t
ellme,
hashecheckeduponyouever
si
ncehedumpedyouhere?
Letl
otl
o:howcanhecheckuponmewhenyou
thr
ewmyphonei nwater
.Nowanswerme
Boingot
lo:i
fhereal
lycar
edhewouldhavelong
droveheretoseewhatcouldbet
heproblem t
hat
yourphoneisnotgoingt
hroughbutnot
hing
Letl
otl
o:whatdoyoumeanbyheusedBoi
tshepo?
Stopdodgi
ngthequest
ion
Boingot
lo:idon'
twantyoutothi
nkthati
mjeal
ous
ofyouandyourf at
her
'srel
ati
onshi
p
Let
lot
lo:ohcomeonyoucan'
tsaysuchat
hingand
t
hensayyoudon'
twantt
ocomeacr
ossasj
eal
ous
Boingot
lo:iwoul
drat
heryouwaitforyourf
ather
andthenaskhimt ot
ellyouthet
rut
habouthis
rel
ati
onshipwit
hyourmot her
Let
lot
lo:soyouar
egoi
ngt
odot
hist
ome?
Boi
ngot
lo:youchoset
hepat
hforyour
sel
f
Let
lot
lo:youar
ehonest
lybei
ngunf
air
Boi
ngot
lo:ohsoyouknowwhatbei
ngunf
airi
s?
Let
lot
lo:youcan'
tspr
ingsomet
hingonmeand
l
eavemehangi ng
Boingot l
o:unfai
risyoudoi ngal lwhatyoudi dtomy
son.Someonewhot ookyoul ikehisownbr ot her
andt hat'
swhatyoudot ohi m?Ther e'smore
comingyourwaymyboyi m notcur singyouor
anythingimj ustret
urningt hef avour .Ihavenever
hurtasoulwhi l
eiwasst illali
veandidon' tintend
ondoi ngsoi ntheothersi deofl if
e.Youract ions
aregoi ngtodealwi t
hyouandever ytimesomet hi
ng
happensj ustremembert hatyouchoset hewr ong
pathmyboy.Mysi stertri
edt osaveyoubutyou
call
edhernamesanddeci dedtof ol
lowasnake
nowyourl if
eisl ockedupf orgood.Shemi ghtnot
bedeadbutherspi r
itli
vesinyou.Youwi l
lnever
fi
ndpeaceeveni ndeat hmyboy.I treal
lypainsme
toseeandsayt histoyoubuti t'
st hepathyou
chosef oryourself.Unfort
unatelyforyou, youwer e
theweakestl i
nkunl ikeBosa.Yesshemi ghthave
destroyedhislif
ei nsomewaybuti t
'snothing
compar edtowhatshehasdonet oyou.Sheandt he
personshewor kswi thorshouldisaywor kedwi t
h,
l
ockedyouupandcagedyoui nt hehighestwal l
s
myboybecauseyouknowwhy?Youar eyour
mot her'
ssavinggr aceorshoul disaywer e
Let
lot
lo:(
swal
lowed)whatar
eyout
alki
ngabout
?
Boingot
lo:(
stoodupasat eardropped)whena
spi
ritcr
iesknowt hatithasbeenut terl
yhur t.Iwish
youweremor ewisermyboybuti ti
swhati tis.We
canonlyhopet hatyourmot herisablet ohelpyou
whenshecomesbackbutei therthant hat,
you
rui
nedyourownl i
feandt his,thi
sisj ustthe
beginni
ng,that'
sthemessageihavef oryouf rom
yourfor
efathers.Bythetimeyourf atherget sback
tohi
ssensesandremembersyoumakesur
eyou
don'
tmissachancetot
alkt
ohim.Bye
Let
lot
lo:nowai
t.
..
(Shewal
kedaway)aunt
ypl
ease
wai
tyoucan't
..
.

Shedisappear
dasheswal l
owedwithhi
shandson
hi
sheadl ooki
ngar ound.Hetr
iedt
omakesenseof
whathisauntjustsaidbuthecoul
dn'
tgeti
t.

I
nSchool
..
.

Olebil
epar
kedhi scarandsighedr
eachi
ngforhi
s
bagcheckingifhetookallhi
sbooks.Hi
sphone
rangashef r
ownedt otheunknownnumberand
pickedup.
..

Ol
ebi
le:Ol
ebi
leDi
ntsihel
lo
Vi
ctor
ia:myhandsomeson
Ol
ebi
le:pl
easedon'
t,
don'
tyoudar
ecal
lmeyour
sonbecauseicanneverbebi
rt
hedbyawi
tch
Vi
ctori
a:(
swal
lowed)iguesshemanagedt
o
br
ainwashyou
Ol
ebi
le:whatki
ndofaper
sonar
eyouVi
ctor
ia?
Vi
ctor
ia:i
m yourmotherOlebi
le.Theonl
yper
son
whowast her
eallyourl
if
e
Olebil
e:yesbecauseyouarenot hi
ngbutasel
fi
sh
cunt.Thepoormanhadt or unforhisl
if
eandhide
becauseyouwant edtoki
llhim aft
erst
eali
ngf
rom
him.Howdar eyou?
Vi
ctor
ia:hei
slyi
ngOl
ebi
le
Olebil
e:andt
henyougoandhaveanaf f
airwi
tha
mar r
iedmanVict
ori
a?Areyounotashamedof
yourself
?Howdir
tycanyoube?
Vi
ctor
ia:ihadt
odowhaticoul
d
Olebil
e:withanotherwoman'shusband?Ifhewasa
boyfri
endyesbutVi ctor
iaawholemar r
iedman?I
havenor espectforyou.Youhadusliveinahouse
andgetf edwiththemoneyf r
om ahotelbui
ltwit
h
anotherchil
d'sinher
it
ance.Youreal
lyareawitch!
Vict
ori
a:beli
evemeOl ebi
lethatmani sst
il
lhur
t
fr
om thefactthatil
efthim sohewoul ddoanythi
ng
tomakeyout hinkim abadper son.Yesimight
havedonethet hi
ngsimi npr i
sonfornowbutwhy
wouldiki
llmychi l
dren'sf
ather?
Olebi
le:becauseyouneverwantt
oseeanyone
succeedinlif
eyoucunt
Vi
ctor
ia:canyoust
opcal
li
ngmenamespl
ease
Olebil
e:ohsoithurtsnow?YoucalledBosaall
sortsofnamesallhisli
fewhil
eclai
mingtolovehi
m
afterki
ll
inghi
smot her(sheswal
lowed)howcould
you?
Vi
ctor
ia:Boi
ngot
lodi
edofhi
ghbl
oodpr
essur
e
Ol
ebil
eineverdi
danythi
ngt
oher
Olebil
e:welli
t'
sontapeVi ct
ori
at here'snothi
ngyou
candoabouti t.Nowweknowyouf orwhoyou
reall
yareandr i
ghtatthi
smomenti m ashamedand
disgustedtobeyourchil
d.Ican'tbelieveicome
from suchadar kworl
d.Ionlyhavet heLor dto
thankforsavingmef r
om yourclaws.PoorDai sy
andLet l
otl
ohavebeenyourgr eatestvi ct
ims.Bosa
mightbebutim gl
adtheLordisopeni
ngwaysf
or
hi
m now.Atleastyoufai
ledontaminghi
mforl
if
e.
Vict
ori
a:sowhatar
eyouguysgoi
ngt
odoaboutt
he
fal
seinf
ormat
ionyouhave?
Ol ebi
le:(scoffed)soyouar estillconvincedthatit
's
false?I'm happyi m nothingl i
keyouf oroncetake
responsibi l
it
yf oryouractionsVi ct
oriaandstop
tryingtopl ayvicti
m.I nallthelivesyouhavehur tor
tri
edt ohur tyoual wayswantt opl ayvicti
m butit
endst oday.Wet herthelawdeal swi t
hyouornoti m
goi ngtomakesur eyousuf ferther estofyourli
fe
Vi
ctor
ia:Ol
eb.
..
Olebil
e:don'tyouevercont
actmeagainbecause
ourrelat
ionshipendsheretoday.Fr
om nowoni
don'thaveamot her.Youaredeadtome.

Heclickedhi
stongueandhungupasVi ct
oria
swall
owedput t
ingthephonedown.Shehel dont
o
thedeskwithherheaddownandsof t
lysighed
shaki
ngherhead.Shepul l
edoutachairandsat
downast earsblur
redhervi
sion.
..
Victori
a:whathappenedforthingst ocomet hisfar
Victori
a?Thisi
snotwhatiwant edt ohappen.Alli
want edwastobehappybutnowihavel ost
everythi
ngincl
udingmychildren( snif
fed)howdoi
survivethi
s?Howdoir i
sef r
om t his?Whyi sthis
happeningtome?
Diphal
a:youshoul
dhavenotki
ll
edme.Youmade
yourbednowlieonit

Vict
oriaburstint
oaloudcrywit
hherheadunder
herarmswhi lethepr
isonguar
dcameinandwaited
forhertofi
nishcryi
ng.

I
nMochudi
..
.

Aft
eranintr
oductioni
nter
viewDaisysmiledsit
ting
backandtheladyandthegentlemanlookedatone
anot
herwhiletheycont
inuedtoscanhersocials..
.
Lady:weforgottoaskyoui
fyouhavewor
ked
anywherebefore?
Dai
sy:noma'
am
Lady:why?
Dai
sy:ineverwentf
urt
herwi
thmyst
udi
es.
Lady:soyouwer
ejustat
rophychi
ld?
Dai
sy:whati
sthat
?
Lady:youhadever
ythi
ngdonef
oryouwhi
leyoudi
d
nothi
ng?
Dai
sy:ial
wayshel
pedar
oundt
hehouse
Lady:howar
eyour
elat
edt
oVi
ctor
iaDi
ntsi
?
Dai
sy:she'
smymot
her
Lady:soyourmotherisacri
minalhowdoyou
expectustotr
ustyouwhil
eyourmot herhasa
chargesheetl
ongerthant
hisman'sarm?
Daisy:j
ustbecauseshemighthavedoneal
lthose
t
hingsdoesn'tmeanim anyt
hingli
keher
Man:(
clear
edhi
sthr
oatput
ti
nghi
sphonedown)
wherewereyouthepasttwomonths?(She
swal
lowedasherheartskippedabeat
)iaskedyou
aquesti
onyounglady
Dai
sy:iwasi
nSout
hAf
ri
ca
Man:doi
ngwhati
nSout
hAf
ri
ca
Dai
sy:onahol
iday
Man:f
orawhol
e2mont
hs?
Dai
sy:yessi
r
Man:who'
sVer
oni
caOct
ober
?
Dai
sy:(
clear
edhert
hroat
)she'
smyl
atef
ri
end
Man:howdi
dshedi
e?
Dai
sy:ican'
tsay
Man:why?
Dai
sy:becausei
tsconf
ident
ial
Man:orbecauseshewasbeat
ent
odeat
hbyt
he
wi
fetoamanshewassl eepi
ngwi
th
Dai
sy:no
Man:butyoumanagedt
oescapet
hei
rcl
aws
Dai
sy:t
hosepeopl
ear
ewr
ong
Man:thereportevenhasast
atementf
rom t
he
pol
icemychi l
d.Howdoyouexpectmywifetotr
ust
youaroundme?
Dai
sy:ipr
omi
sei
m overt
hatl
if
e.Al
lineedi
saj
ob
Man:r
eal
lyCl
eopat
ra?

Sheswall
owedagai nwit
hherhear tsti
llr
aci
ng
whil
etheLadyf r
ownedandt ookthetab.She
fr
ownedtoapi ctur
eofDaisydressedinan
Egypt
ianpyramidgoddess.Shescof f
edandlooked
upather.
..

Lady:soyousol
dyourbody?
Dai
sy:no,
theyusedme
Lady:l
eave
Daisy:pl
easeguyst
rustmewhenisayihave
decidedtotur
nanewleafbecauseir
eal
isedt
hat
wasnotlife
Lady:isai
dleaveourpr
emi
sesr
ightt
hissecond
younggirl
Dai
sy:buti
..
.
Lady:secur
it
y!?
Dai
sy:wai
t.
..
Lady:pl
easetakethi
syounggir
loutofher
eshe
mustneversetfooti
nthi
splace
Dai
sy:comeonpl
ease.
..
Man:i
magi
neworki
ngwithsomeonewhodi dwhat
youdi
d?Wehaveareput
ati
ontomaint
ain.Getout
!

Thet woguar
dsdr aggedheroutasshesi ghed
l
ookingatthegatecl osi
ng.Shesighedandlooked
aroundtheareaanddeci dedtogotoanother
company.Shewasl etthr
oughandt otheCEOof f
ice
andassoonasshel aideyesonhershe
rememberedwhatshesawont henewsand
Latoya'
sradi
ointerview..
.
Lady:getout
Dai
sy:butihaven'
teveni
ntr
oducedmysel
fyet
Lady:youdon'
thavet
o.Leavebef
oreical
lsecur
it
y
onyou

Notwant i
ngthehumi li
ati
onshegotf r
om t he
previ
ouscompanysheswal l
owedandl eftwhil
et he
l
adycl i
ckedhertongueshaki ngherhead.Whathas
l
ifebecome?Fr om someonewhoever yonewoul d
l
ovet obearoundtosomeonenoonewant sto
spendsecondswi th,shethoughttoherselfastears
blurr
edhervisi
on.Shespot tedarockjustoutsi
de
thecompoundandt ookaseatasager mancar
stoppednexttoher..
.

Man:(roll
eddownt hewindow)it
houghttheywere
l
yingwhent heysaidtheinf
amousCleopatr
ahas
movedt hi
sside.YougaveSouthAfri
canment he
bestnowyouwantt ocomegiveuscrumbs?The
str
eetsareful
lmygi rl
,gohomeorgobackt o
school
Helaughedroll
ingupt hewindowanddroveoff
whil
eDaisysatt herewonderi
ngwhatj
ust
happened.Howmanypeopl eknewaboutwhatshe
didi
nSout hAfri
ca?Sher ecei
vedamessagefrom
Lameandqui cklytookherheadset
sswit
chingon
theradi
oinherphone. .
.

Latoya:theycal l
edherCl eopatra,
imagineaf ter
havingyourf ri
endki l
ledandt hengol i
veasof tl
ife
whilebei ngusedf orsex.Legonei t'
snotsof tlif
eit'
s
maki ngyourl ifeharderthani ti
s.DaisyDintsiwhi ch
mandoyout hinkwi l
lwantt omarryorbewi t
hyou
aft
ergi vi
ngi tupt oalmosthal fofCapetownmen?
Bonnakal ookoutf oryour sel
fthere'
snothing
beaut i
fulli
keani ndependentwoman.Tr ading
yourselfisn'tindependenceit hankyou
Presenter
:thankyousomuchMr
sOct
ober
.Ihope
youall.
..

Dai
syswi
tchedt
her
adi
oof
fandputherheadset
s
backi nherpocket.Shelookedar
oundf
eeli
ngli
ke
everyonewasl ookingatherandbur
sti
ntotear
s
runningoff.

AtKwenaI
nvest
ment
s..
.

Ther
ecept
ioni
stl
etSaschat
hroughashestopped
byAt
amelang'
soff
iceandsi
ghedthenknocked.
..

Atamelang:comein(
hewenti
nasshesmiled)oh
hibabe,iwasaboutt
ocal
lyouandaskyoutofi
nd
myphonef ormeandbri
ngitt
ome

Hequiet
lyr
eachedi
nhisbagandthr
ewi
tont
he
deskasshefr
ownedlooki
ngathi
m..
.

At
amel
ang:t
hankyou.Ar
eyouokmyl
ove?
Hetookaseatst
il
lqui
etasAtamelangopenedher
phoneandswall
owedtoherwhatsappchatwit
h
Bosaopenasherhear
tski
ppedabeat .
..

Sascha:i
sever
ythi
ngok?
At
amel
ang:(
clear
edhert
hroat
)yeah
Sascha:iknowyousawi
t.Yesiopenedyourphone
At
amelang:butwhySascha?Whydi
dyouhavet
o
i
nvademypr i
vacyl
iket
hat?
Sascha:r
eal
lynowAt
amel
ang?Ar
eyougoi
ngt
otr
y
andplayvi
cti
m?
At
amel ang:noSaschayoushoul
dn'
thavedone
whatyoudi d.Howcoul
dyou?Howim isupposed
t
otrustyouwhenyoudot hi
s?
Sascha:youarethel
astpersontotal
kaboutt
rust
Atamelangbecauseyouarenothi
ngbutalosebit
ch
At
amel
ang:what
!?
Sascha:youhear
dmeAtamel
ang.Howcoul
dyou
dothistome?Howdoyougooffandmakeafool
outofme?Whatdi
didot
odeser
vet
his?
At
amel
ang:noSascha.
..
Sascha:nonothi
ngAt amelang.Youmakeme
beli
evethatyouarefr
iendswiththi
sguywhil
eyou
knowyouar esmashinghim.Youshouldhavebeen
honestwithmefrom thegetgothantol
iet
omy
faceandmakemet hi
nkthatyouloveme
At
amel
ang:il
oveyou
Sascha:noyoudon't.I
fyoulovesomeoneyoudon' t
dowhatyoudi dtome.Im honest
lydisappointedin
myselfinbel
ievi
ngthatyouweredif
ferentfrom all
thegi
rlsihavebeenwith.Youbei
ngaChr i
stianis
j
ustaf r
ontyouareacitywhoreAtamel ang
At
amelang:i
m sorrySascha.Idi
dn'
tmeant
odo
t
his,
itj
usthappened
Sascha:noyoual
wayswant
edtobewit
hhim now
youusedmyweaknessagai
nstmetoyour
advant
age
Atamelang:(t
earf
ull
y)tr
ustmewhenisayir egr
eti
t
Sascha,iregr
etever
ythi
ngthathappenedandim
wi
ll
ingt
omaket
hingsr
ightbyyou
Sascha:yesbecauseThori
sospoket oyoui fit
wasn'tf
orhim youwouldsti
llbefuckingthat
scumbag!Youl i
edtomeAt amelang,tel
li
ngmet hat
youandyourmot herar
egoingt oMochudion
Fri
daywhi l
eyouknewyouwer egoingtoforceBosa
tohavesexwithyou(sheswal l
owed)yesir ead
ever
ythi
ngbetweenyouandt hetwoguys.How
coul
dyouAt amelang?Sothathalfheartnecklace
wasfrom Bosa?
At
amel
ang:(
looki
ngdown)yes
Sascha:i
fyouthi
nkim goingt
otakethisl
yingdown
thenyouhaveanothert
hingcoming.Thebothof
youaregoingt
oknowwhoexact lyiam
At
amelang:wai
twhatdoyoumeanbyt hat
?(He
st
oodupleavi
ng)Saschawai
t(shebl
ockedhisway)
Sascha:getoutofmyway
Atamel
ang:noyoucan'
tleavel
iket
hisboo,
please
hearme.
..
Sascha:gett
hef
uckoutofmyway!
Hesaidtossi
ngherasi
deandlef
tslammingthe
doorwhil
eAtamelangqui
ckl
ygrabbedherphone
anddial
edThori
so..
.

At
amel
ang:comeoncomeonanswer
Thor
iso:(
rant
otheback)Atamel
angit
oldyoui
m
st
art
ingworkt
odaywhat'sup?
At
amel
ang:i
t'
sbad
Thor
iso:what
'sbad?
At
amel
ang:Saschawentt
hroughmyphone
Thor
iso:t
ellmeyouachi
evedyourchat
swi
thBosa
andi
At
amel
ang:no
Thori
so:dammi
tAtamelanghowcanyoucheatand
beanidiot
?Nowim goi
ngtobecaughti
nbetween
yourmess
At
amelang:hest
ormedoutofmyoffi
cesayi
ngifi
t
houghthewasgoingt
oletthei
ssuegothenihave
anot
hert
hingcomi
ng
Thor
iso:whatdi
dhemeanbyt
hat
?
Atamel
ang:idon'
tknowThor
isoandt
hat
'swhat
scar
esme.Wher ei
sBosa?
Thor
iso:hi
sphonei
sof
f
At
amelang:shi
t!I
mindeepshi
tandt
hel
astt
hingi
wanti
sforhimtohur
tBosa
Thor
iso:canhe?
Atamelang:t
hisguygoesf
orshoot
ingl
essons
Thori
so
Thor
iso:saywhatnow!
?
Atamelang:that
'swhyi
m scar
edandhe'
sat echno
savvyhemi ghtfi
ndBosasowehavetobeathimto
i
tplease
Thori
so:Atamel
angar
ewegoi
ngt
ogetki
ll
ed
becauseofyou?
At
amel
ang:st
opbei
ngsi
ll
yandaskwher
eBosai
s
Thori
so:i
m atworkandnotal
lowedtousethe
phone.Iwi
llf
orwardyouhi
sparent
'snumbersthen
yout
alkt
othem
At
amel
ang:ohok
Thor
iso:don'
tmakei
tobvi
oust
hough
At
amel
ang:ok.Shar
p
Thor
iso:youal
soar
egoodwi
tht
echonol
ogysot
ry
l
ocat
inghim

TheyhungupasThor isosi
ghedsendi
ngBaisago'
s
numbert oAtamelang.Inhi
sblueandgreyuni
form
hewentbackt othefrontandhel
pedcustomers
thatneededpetr
ol.

I
nMochudi
..
.

Dai
syopenedthegateandrantothehouseas
Lamefi
nishedhel
pingacustomerandfol
lowed
her
..
.
Lame:Dai
sy?
Dai
sy:whyi
sthi
shappeni
ngt
ome?
Lame:i
m sor
ry
Daisy:not hi
swomanhasr ui
nedmyli
fe,icoul
dn'
t
getajobt odaybecauseoft
hethi
ngsshesaidon
theradio
Lame:noyour
uinedyourl
if
edeardon'
tblameher
.
Youshoul
dhaveavoi
dedallthi
sbyst
ayingaway
fr
om ol
dermen
Dai
sy:soyousayideser
vet
hist
oo?
Lame:alli
m sayi
ngi st
hesearetheconsequences
ofyouracti
onsmyl oveyouhavenochoicebutto
facet
hem andtrytobuil
dyourreputat
ionagain
Daisy:howLame?Howwi l
libeabletodothat
whenmyf aceisal
lovert
hemedi apl
atf
orms?Look
atthi
s,"Formersexgoddessret
urnshome"howdoi
ri
sefrom thi
s?How?
Lame:yougotyour
sel
finthemessmylovenowbe
thebi
ggerper
sonandtakeyour
sel
foutofi
t
Dai
sy:whydoyouhat
emesomuch?
Lame:idon'
that
eihaveneverl
ikedyoubutthat
doesn'
tmeanican'
ttol
erat
eyou,wearerel
atives
aft
eral
l
Dai
sy:t
alkaboutr
ubbi
ngt
hesal
tont
hewound
Lame:seei thowever.Ever yonedeser vesasecond
chancei nli
febuthowyouwor karoundthe
consequencesofyouract i
onswi l
ldetermi
nei fyou
deserveasecondchancemyl ove.Youandiwi l
l
neverbet hatcl
osebutyouar emycousi natthe
endoft hedaysoiwi lllookoutf oryouwher everi
seefitbutneverconfusei tasmebei ngafoolor
l
iki
ngyou.Nowst opcr yingandseehowyougetup
fr
om this.Lif
eandtimewai t
sf ornoman.

Asshesaidacarpar
kedoutsi
deasOlebil
ecame
offandanot
herman.Dai
sywenttoherbedroom t
o
changewhil
eLamewelcomedthem i
n..
.

Ol
ebi
le:hicousy
Lame:hi
.Gooddaysi
r
Br
ian:gooddaymygi
rl
.
Olebi
le:Lamethi
sisBr
ian,
Bri
ant
hisi
sLamemy
aunt'
sdaughter
Br
ian:ni
cet
omeetyouyoungl
ady
Lame:l
ikewisesir
.Ishoul
dsaythoughyouguys
l
ookali
ke.I
st hi
syourlongl
ostt
win?
Olebi
le:(
chuckl
ed)atwi
nlooki
ngt
hisol
d?Comeon
(
theylaughed)wher
eisDaisy?
Lame:she'
schangi
ngiguess.
..
oht
her
e

Dai
syfrozebythedoorl
ooki
ngatBri
anashe
sl
owlystoppedsmil
ingl
ooki
ngatheraswel
l
...

Lame:(
conf
used)i
sever
ythi
ngok?
Dai
sy:howi
sthi
spossi
ble?
Lame:whatar
eyout
alki
ngabout
?
Dai
sy:youar
esupposedt
obedead
Lame:huh?
Olebi
le:Lamethismanisourfat
her,
Victor
iaburnt
hishouseafterhetol
dhert
hathewasgoi ngto
reportherf
orsteal
ingfr
om hi
m andkil
li
ngaunty
Boingotl
o
Lame&Dai
sy:what
!?
Dai
sy:Vi
ctor
iadi
dwhat
?
Lame:sheki
ll
edBoi
ngot
lo?
Ol
ebi
le:canwesi
tdownpl
ease(
theydi
d)
Dai
sy:idon'
tunderst
and,whatdoyoumeanby
Vi
ctor
iathoughtsheburnthi
minhishouse?
Ol
ebi
le:your
emembert
hathi
shousebur
ntr
ight
?
Dai
sy:yesandmom sai
dhewasi
nit
Olebi
le:yest
hat
'sbecauseshewantedtokil
lhim
becausehewasgoingt or
eportherf
orsteal
inghis
money
Dai
sy:sohowdi
dyousur
vive?
Br
ian:ij
umpedoutt
hewi
ndow
Dai
sy:sowher
ehaveyoubeen?
Bri
an:ihavebeenhi
dingfrom yourmot
herbecause
hadsheknowniwasst i
llali
veshewasgoingto
hauntmedownandhavemeki l
led
Dai
sy:sowhydi
dyoucomebacknow?
Bri
an:becauseibeli
eveyouguysar egrownand
abletomakeyourdecisionsaboutmypr oposalf
or
tr
yingtobuildarel
ati
onshipwit
hyout wo.Im al
so
heretorevealt
othefamilywhatyourmot herdi
dto
hersist
er
Lame:iwasaboutt
oaskf
orcl
ari
tyaboutt
hat
Ol
ebi
le:Uncl
eTemohasaskeduncl
eLedibaf
ora
meet
ingthi
seveni
ngsoever
ythi
ngwil
lbemade
cl
ear
erthen
Lame:ohisee,
okt
hen
Ol
ebi
le:yeah.SoDai
syyoucanconf
ir
mthatt
his
mani
sourf ather
?
Daisy:yesirememberal
lthet
imeswi
thhi
m.His
deathreall
yhitmehardbuti
m moret
hanhappy
thathe'sal
ivenow.Canihugyou?
Br
ian:yesmygi
rl
Theysmil
edandhuggedwhi
leLameandOl ebi
le
l
ookedatoneanot
herwit
hLamesti
llconf
used..
.

Ol
ebi
le:canwegoseet
hepr
ogr
essatt
heshop?
Lame:yeah
Br
ian:shop?
Ol
ebil
e:justfocusonreki
ndl
ingwithyourdaught
er.
Wewillberightbackcanihaveyourcarkeys
pl
ease
Br
ian:sur
e.(
Hegavet
hem t
ohi
m)
Lame:Dai
sydoyoumi
ndwat
chi
ngt
het
uckshop
forme?
Dai
sy:nopr
obl
em

Shesmil
edast
heyl
eftwhi
leDai
syandBr
iansat
downcat
chi
ngup.
AtRober
t'
shouse.
..

Boitsheposmiledlookingaroundandputal et
teron
thedressingmirrori
nt hemainbedroom thenpull
ed
herbagoutasacarhor nsoundedoutsi
de.She
sighedandutteredaf ewwor dsmakingherway
out..
.

Boitshepo:Godthejourneyi m aboutt
oembar kon
i
snotaneasyonebutpl easeLor dwalkwit
hmet o
thefini
shlineandpleasepr otectandbewithmy
familyandl i
ghtupmyson' swor ldagai
n.Thankyou
Lord.

Shesai
dsteppi
ngoutt
hegat
eandgoti
nthecaras
i
ttookof
f.

Att
hehospi
tal
..
.
Withmypalmssweati
ngiwipedthem wi
thmy
pantsasadoct
orwalkedbacki
ntotheconsul
tat
ion
room wi
thanenvel
opeonhishand..
.

Dr:t
heresul
tsar
eheremyboy.Doyouwanttohear
t
hem oryouwouldl
ikemet
ocallyourpar
ent
s?
Bosa:
noiwantt
oknowt
hem wi
thoutanyonef
ir
st
Dr:whateveri
tisj
ustknowthatiwi
llbewi
thyou
everyst
epofthewayt ohel
pyouok
Bosa:
iappreci
atethatbutcanwegetoverand
donewit
hthisbecauseim soanxi
ousri
ghtnow
Dr
:ok

Thedoctorsighedopeni
ngtheenvel
opeandquiet
ly
readtheresul
ts.It
ri
edtoreadwhatcoul
dpossibl
y
bewritt
enintherebuthi
sfacewasstrai
ghtanddi
d
notchangeabi t
..
.

Bosa:
and?
Dr
:youhavet
est
edposi
ti
vef
orHI
VandAI
DS

If
eltl
i
keahugeamountofwei
ghthadbeen
dr
oppedonmyshoul
dersasmyheartdr
oppedt
o
mystomach.
.
.
.
.
.
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
CAGED
52

Igotupthechai
rfeel
ingheavyinmychestand
walkedtot
hedoorast hedoct
orqui
ckl
ygotoffthe
chairandl
ockedthedoor.
..
Dr
:MrDi
ntsiki
ndl
yhaveaseat

Icoul
dhearhewastal
kingbuticoul
dn'tunder
stand
whathewassayi
ng.Itri
edt
owal kbacktothedesk
ashegrabbedmyarm andl
ookedintomyeyes...

Dr
:tel
lmewhatyouar
efeel
ingr
ightnow

Ij
uststoodt her
elooki
ngathimtryi
ngtosay
somethingbutcouldn'
t.Al
licoul
dseewas
dar
knessar oundme.Itwaslikeal
lmyli
feglobes
haddied,isawnothingbutadarkholet
rappedini
t.
..

Dr
:okl
etmegetyouagl
assofwat
er

Hetookmyhandandhelpedmesitdownthengot
waterfr
om hi
sof
fi
cewaterdi
spenser
.Hetooka
seatandgavemethegl
assasidownedthewater
..
.
Bosa:agai
npl
ease(
hegotmeanot
hergl
assand
downedit)
Dr
:what
'sgoi
ngoni
nyourmi
nd?
Bosa:ever
ythingseemst obedarkidon'
tknowhow
tofeel
.Doctorimt ooyoungtobegoingt
hrough
thi
s.Howcant hi
shappent ome?Doestheworl
d
hatemesomucht odothistome?
Dr:nonotheworlddoesn'thateyoumyboyand
thi
sdoesn'
tmeant heendoft heworl
dforyoumy
boyihavealotofpati
entswhohavel i
vedwit
hthi
s
formanyyears.
Bosa:buthowim isupposedtobehappyknowing
thatihavet
his?Doctort
hiscan'
tbel
if
e.Inever
wishedforanyt
hingli
kethi
s
Dr:noonewishesfort
hist
ohappenmyboy.You
wereborncl
eanright
?
Bosa: ibeli
evesobecausenoonet oldmeandt her
e
i
snohowicoul dhavebeenbor nwithi
teveni
fmy
mot herhadi t
.Therearealotofthi
ngstodoto
preventitfrom passi
ngitt
oyourunbornbabyandi f
dadhadi thewouldhavelongtoldme.Yeswear e
onl
ytryi
ngt
ogettoknowoneanothernowbuthe
hastol
dmeever
ythi
ngconcer
ninghisheal
th
Dr:sot
heonlyanswert
owhereyoumighthave
gott
eniti
sfr
om thel
adi
esyouhavesl
eptwith.
Bosa:butifi
twasthecurrentoneitwouldn'
tshow
thi
searlybecausewehadsexyest erdayanditwas
thefi
rstti
meandagainitcan'tbetheotherone
becauseit'
snotevenamont hsincewegoti nt
imat
e
l
etalone2weeks
Dr:t
heniti
sthefir
stoneunl
essyouhavecomei
nto
cont
actwit
hinfect
edbloodbef
ore
Bosa:noihavenevercomeint
ocontactwi
th
anyone'
sbloodbefor
eexceptf
ormine
Dr
:theni
tst
hef
ir
stonemyboy

Myheartdroppedoncemor easisighedsit
ti
ng
back.One,ineversawherinthatmanner
,twoshe
seducedme, thr
eeshe'
sdead.HowcanVer onica
dosuchat hingtome?Ivivi
dlyrememberedhowi
askedheraboutacondom thatsecondastears
start
edtobuil
dinmyeyes.Il etmyselfbecomea
fooloncemore,wehavebeent aughtaboutsafesex
i
nschoolbutnoihadt oletawomanwal kal
lover
meoncemor eandmakeaf ooloutofme.Ihave
neverhatedawomanl i
keididt hatverysecondas
tearsfel
ldownmyeyeswhi leiqueitl
ylookedatthe
doctorwhogavemeat issue...

Dr:l
ikeisai
diwil
lbetherewit
hyouever
ystepof
theway.Youarenotaloneint
hismyboy.Doyou
haveanyoneyoutrustbesi
desme?
Bosa:(swall
owedsnif
fi
ng)myfr
iendanddadbut
I
'm notreadytoshar
ethi
swit
hanyone
Dr:(
sighed)okiunder
stand.Youcangivemethei
r
numbersandiwi l
lcal
lthem t
othehospit
alt
henwe
tal
ktothem toget
her
Bosa:
noi
m notr
eady
Dr:iunder
standmyboybutt
hesoonerwedot
his
t
hebet t
er
Bosa:
pleasedon'
tfor
cemet
odosomet
hingI
'
m not
comf
ort
abl
ewi
thdoi
ngyet
Dr:okiunder
stand.Let
'st
alkaboutthet
woother
l
adies.Canyoukindl
yencouragethem t
ocomefor
screeni
ng?
Bosa:
how?
Dr
:justt
ellt
hem aboutt
hei
mpor
tanceofheal
th
Bosa:
whati
ftheycomeposi
ti
ve?
Dr:t
hepossi
bil
it
iesar
enott
hathighiwi
llseewhat
t
odowhent heycomenegat
ivetoconvi
ncethem t
o
t
akemedicat
ion
Bosa:t
hat
'sl
iket
ell
ingt
hem t
herei
ssomething
wrongdet
ect
ivesoitwon'
tbehel
pingatal
l
Dr:t
henwehavet
ocal
lthem andbef
rankwi
th
t
hem
Bosa:canyouki
ndl
ygi
vemeunt ilt
omorrowto
di
gestthi
sandseewhathappensfrom t
hen
Dr:okaslongasyoupr omi
semet onotdoanyt
hing
outofl
ine(ikeptqui
et)MrDi
ntsi
?
Bosa:
thankyoudoct
ormayinowgo?
Dr
:(si
ghed)ok

Hel ookedatmewi thhiseyessquintandthenwent

toopenf ormeasitooktheenvelopeandheadedto
mycar .Igoti
nthedri
ver'
sseatandsi ghedsi
tt
ing
backwi t
hahandonmyf orehead.If
eltmyhead
spinningasemot i
onsgotthebet t
erofmeandihi t
thestirri
ngwheelburst
ingintoaloudcry..
.

Bosa:
whathaveidonetowomenf
ort
hem t
ohat
e
methismuch!
?What!?

Icri
edmyeyesoutaskingmysel
fthesame
questi
onoverandoveragai
nbutst
il
lgotnoanswer
.

I
nMochudi
..
.

LameandOlebi
legotoffthecarandwentinside
what
'sgoi
ngtobetheirshopandsmiledseeing
howf
art
her
enovat
ionshavecome.
..

Ol
ebi
le:i
t'
shonest
lygoi
ngt
olookamazi
ng
Lame:t
hei
deai
stomakesur
eitbecomest
het
alk
oft
hist
own
Ol
ebi
le:i
twi
lli
ndeedwi
thal
lthet
hingsiseeher
e.
I
minlove
Lame:(smil
ed)fr
om atuckshopownertoashop
owner.I
ndeedwhenyousetyourmi ndon
somethingi
thappensandicanneverthankyou
enoughOlebi
le
Olebil
e:youarewelcome.Ialsowantt othankyou
forencouragi
ngmeandshowi ngmethatjust
becauseyouar edowni tdoesn'tmeanyouareout.
Allyouhavetodoi sfocusonf indi
ngyourwayback
upagai n
Lame:(
smi
led)t
omanymor
est
oresaf
tert
hisone
Ol
ebi
le:her
eher
eMsDi
ntsi
Theysmiledshaki
nghandsandwentfur
theri
n
greeti
ngthemenworki
ng.AtthehouseDai
sy
fi
nishedservi
ngacust
omerandgotherfat
her
somewat er..
.

Br
ian:t
hankyoumygi
rl
Dai
sy:sowher
ehaveyoubeenl
ivi
ng?
Br
ian:Egypt
Dai
sy:oh
Br
ian:yeah.
Dai
sy:whati
fshel
ookedf
oryouandf
oundyou?
Brian:shewouldhaveneverfoundme.When
peoplelearnthatsomeonehasskippedacount
ry
theythinkoftheUSorAsiatheyforgett
hatt
her
eis
acount rycal
ledEgypti
nourconti
nent
Dai
sy:youar
eri
ghtont
hatone
Bri
an:yeah.Sowhathaveyoubeenupto?Wewere
l
ist
eningtother
adioonourwayhereandihear
d
whathappened
Dai
sy:(swal
lowed)honest
lyspeaki
ngt
hisi
s
embarassi
ngtotal
kabout
Br
ian:youknowhowihaveal
waysmadesur
eyou
werecomfort
abl
ear
oundme?
Dai
sy:yeah
Bri
an:nothi
nghaschanged.Nomat terwhat
happensyouaremydaught erandnothi
ngwillever
changethatsoneverf
eelashamedofbeingopen
wit
hme
Daisy:i
thonest
lywasnotmyi
ntent
ionf
oral
lthat
happenedtohappen.
Br
ian:di
dyouknowt
hemenwer
emar
ri
ed?
Dai
sy:honest
lyspeaki
ngno.Ionl
yfoundoutwhen
t
hei
rwivestookusfrom t
hatcl
ub
Br
ian:whydi
dyounotcomehomeaf
terheal
ing?
Dai
sy:iopenedupt oastrangerwhousedmy
or
dealtohisadvantageandmanagedt ol
ureme
i
ntohisdarkworld.
Br
ian:howdi
dhet
akeyout
oCapet
won?
Daisy:idon'
tknowbutithi
nkhedruggedme
becauseiwokeupandf oundmyselfi
nCapeTown
Br
ian:andwhatwashi
sexpl
anat
ion?
Dai
sy:hewassavi
ngmef
rom t
hewi
ves
Bri
an:t
henwhydi
dn'
tyouaskhi
mtot
akeyouback
home?
Daisy:hemanipulat
edmei nt
obeli
eveingthati
t
wouldbebet t
ertostayandstar
tanewl i
fein
CapeTownt hantocomehomeandf aceallt
he
backlashi
mf aci
ngnow
Br
ian:youseenowyoul
ett
hishappen?
Dai
sy:eer
ra
Bri
an:youhavenochoi cebuttofacethe
consequencesofyouracti
ons.Thiswomani s
hurt
ingandigetthatbutdidn'
tyourfr
iendknow
aboutthi
saswell?
Dai
sy:sheknewaboutthet
ri
pbutidi
dn'
tbeather
t
hewomenar etheoneswhobeatus
Br
ian:mypointexact
ly,
it'
snotyourfaul
tthatshe
di
edbutthebothofyou'sfaul
t.Yougir
lsshould
havebeenmorewi
seimeanyouwer
enotl
acki
ng
anyt
hingri
ght
?
Dai
sy:eer
ra
Brian:thenyoushoul dhavefocusedonspending
yourmoneynotaman' smoney.Lookatwhat
happenedt oyourmot her
,whereisherf
lashy
l
ifestylenow?Nowher etobefoundthemanshe
usedhashi sthingsbackinhishandsandshe's
behindbar swi t
hnothingforherki
ds.Notonlydi
d
thisaffectherbutthet woofyouaswell.Thi
s
shoul dbeal essontoyoumygi rl
.Doyouhaveany
moneyonyou?
Dai
sy:t
heyclear
edmybankaccount
sandt
ookmy
moneyinCapeTown
Brian:okt
hatmeansyouhavet
ost
artf
rom scr
atch
thatisgoi
ngbacktoschool
Dai
sy:whatdoyoumeanbyschool
?
Bri
an:youwanttotur
nanewl
eafr
ight
?Andt
ake
contr
olofyourownli
fe?
Dai
sy:yesbut
..
.
Bri
an:butnot
hing.I
m goingtoenr
ollyouforhome
school
ingyouaregoingtore-
doyourform 3then
gofor4and5andobt ainyourcer
ti
fi
catethengoto
ter
ti
ary
Dai
sy:butdadiwantt
owor
k
Br
ian:wheredoyouthinkyouar
egoi
ngt
owor
k
wi
ththekindreput
ati
onyouhave?
Dai
sy:youcanaskyourf
ri
endst
ofi
ndme
somethi
ng
Bri
an:i
m notVict
ori
amygirlidon'
tdel
ivert
hings
onasil
verplat
ter
.Inli
feweworkandhardatthat
Dai
sy:bat
hongdad
Bri
an:wecandr optheideaifyoudon' tli
keitbut
don'texpectmetolookafteryoulikeyouar e5
yearsno.Youar eagrownwomannowDai syyou
needt olear
nwhatresponsibil
it
yis.Mr sOctober
hasclosedeverypossibl
edoorf oryout ogetajob
now.Ihaveacompanybuti m notgoingt ohir
e
someonewhoi snotqual
ifi
edjustbecauset hey
thi
nkt heyaremychil
d.No
Dai
sy:okdadiwi
llgof
orhomeschool
ing
Br
ian:goodgi
rl
.Iwi
l
llookoutf
orschool
ssol
ong
Dai
sy:soihavet
oint
eractwi
thki
ds?
Br
ian:yes
Daisy:youknowhowki dsoft
odayar
edad.Next
t
hingt heywil
lbecal
li
ngmenames
Br
ian:mmet
hat
'st
heonl
yopt
ionmygi
rl
Dai
sy:(
sighed)ok

Hesmil
edatherwhi
leshewentt
othet
uckshopt
o
at
tendt
oacustomer
.

AtLet
lot
lo'
shouse.
..

Hewashedt hedishhewashavi nghi scereali

n
whi
ledeepinthought s.Whathisauntlefthim wi
th
woul
dn'tst
opr epl
ayingi nhismind.Hesighed
f
ini
shi
ngandwentt osi tdownscrumblingaround
t
hechannel
s.Heheardacarstopout
sideashe
f
rownedandwenttothewi
ndowt ocheckwhoit
was.Hesmil
edseei
nghisfat
her'
scarandunlocked
t
hedoor.
..

Let
lot
lo:dad
Di
ti
ro:son
Let
lot
lo:ithoughtyouhadfor
gottenaboutme.My
phonefelli
nthezincful
lofwaterifyout
ri
edtoget
i
ntouchwi thme
Di
ti
ro:oh(cl
ear
edhist
hroat
)imeaniwondered
whatcoul
dhavehappenedbutiwasbusyt
ocome
byandcheckuponyou
Let
lot
lo:iknewyouwoul
dneverdi
tchme.It
oldher
shewaswr ong
Di
ti
ro:who?
Let
lot
lo:ohno,
noonedad
Di
ti
ro:Let
lot
lowhohaveyoubeent
alki
ngt
o?
Let
lot
lo:noonedad
Diti
ro:soyouar
egoi
ngt
osi
tther
eandl
iet
omy
face?
Let
lot
lo:(
swal
lowed)i
twasaunt
yBoi
ngot
lobuti
t'
s
not
hingdad

Hebursti
ntoal
aughwhi
leLet
lot
lol
ookedathi
m
conf
used.
..

Di
ti
ro:soyouar
etel
li
ngmeaboutsomeonewho
di
edyearsago?
Let
lot
lo:t
hat
'swhyisaidi
twasnothingdadandi
wantyoutohel
pmest opherf
rom cominghere
Di
ti
ro:soshecomesher
e?
Let
lot
lo:yesi
t'
sbeen2daysnow
Dit
ir
o:that
'sj
ustyourmi
ndplayi
ngt
ri
cksonyoumy
son.Youarestayi
ngal
onesoyouar
eoughttot
hink
alot
Letl
otl
o:exact
lywhatithought
.Sohaveyout
oldmy
stepmotherandsibl
ingsaboutme
Di
ti
ro:pl
easegetmeagl
assofwat
er

Hewenttothekit
chenwhileDi
tir
osi
ghedand
qui
ckl
ythoughtofaresponse.
..

Di
ti
ro:l
ikeisai
dont hati
ssuemysoniwi
llt
ellt
hem
whentheti
mei sr
ight
Let
lot
lo:buti
m bor
edher
edad
Dit
ir
o:t
hat'
swhyihaveaskedaf
ri
endofminewho
hasafuel
ingst
ati
ontogi
veyousomet
hing?
Let
lot
lo:soideser
vet
obeapet
rolat
tendantdad?
Dit
ir
o:whatdoyouwantt obeLetlot
lo?Youhaveno
quali
fi
cat
ionsbutjustyourresul
tssothat'
stheonly
j
obyoucanget .Youcan'texpecttoworkaf ancy
j
obnow
Let
lotl
o:butot
herki
dsmyagear
ewor
kingi
n
off
icesnowdad
Dit
ir
o:t
hat'
sbecauset
hosechi
ldr
en'
spar
ent
shave
busi
nesses
Let
lot
lo:whydon'
tyouhaveabusi
nessofyourown?
Di
ti
ro:(
frowned)excuseme?
Let
lot
lo:(
swal
lowed)sor
ryidi
dn'
tmeant
oover
step
myboundari
es
Dit
ir
o:youandiarenotagematesdoyouhearme?
JustbecauseI'
m doi
ngyouafav..
.youknowwhat
l
et'
sgoshopf oryournewphone
Let
lot
lo:i
m sor
rydad
Di
ti
ro:Let
lot
lol
et'
sgo

Heputonhisshoesandfol
lowedhim outwhi
le
i
nsi
dethehouseBoingot
loshookherheadlooki
ng
att
hem dr
iveaway.
..

Boi
ngot
lo:poorLet
lot
lo

AtBai
sago'
shouse.
..
Itossedandt urnedi nmybedr oom t r
yingt ogeta
napbutf ailedasicoul dn' tst opt hinki ngofwhati
discover edaboutmysel f.Idi dn'tevenhavet he
strengtht ot akemydi ar ybecauset hatmomenti
feltli
keihavenoval ueandt her ewashonest ly
not hi
ngwor t
hlivingf or .Igotof fmybedandwent
i
nt othebat hroom looki ngmysel fint hemi r
ror .I
sawnot hingbutayoungboywhohasnevergot ten
at astetohappi ness.WhywasGodst il
lkeepi ngme
i
ft hisishowi m goi ngt ol i
vet her estofmyl ife?
Whol i
vesandt oleratesmi ser y?Angerengul f edme
asif rownedandcl ickedmyt ongueopeni ngt he
cupboar dandf oundabot tleofpi lls.Iwentandsat
backonmybedr eadingt hebot tl
eandgoogl edon
howef f
ect ivetheywer e.I fit ook5ormor eoft hem i
woul dnol ongerbef eel ingl iket his.Iwentt ot he
kit
chenandpour edagl assofwat erandasi
openedt hebedr oom doormyphoner ang.Ilooked
att hescr eenandsi ghedseei ngt hati twasShar on..
.

Bosa:
hel
lo?
Shar
on:bat
hongbabeihavebeent
ryi
ngt
ocal
lyou
al
lmor
ningwhywasyourphoneof
f
Bosa:
idon'
twantt
otal
ktoanyone
Shar
on:ohsoi
m anyone?
Bosa:
eishSharonl
ooki
m notagoodstat
eofmi
nd
tobetal
kingt
opeopl
esopleaser
espectt
hat
Shar
on:wowokidi
dn'
texpectt
hisf
rom you
Bosa:
what
?
Shar on:youact
ingl
ikeeveryguy.Youj
ustwantto
fuckandmoveonwi thoutconsi
deri
nghowifeel
afteryouliedt
ome
Bosa:
youknowwhatSharoni
fyoucan'
trespect
whati
m sayi
ngt
oyou,youmightaswel
lfuckoff
Shar
on:heebanna
Bosa:
yes.Al
liwanti
sspacesopl
easer
espectt
hat
Shar
on:youknowwhat,youcanactual
lyfuckof
f
Bosajustl
iket
her
estofthem youareadouchebag
Bosa:youcanfuckof
faswellyouthi
nkicare?You
womengoar oundhurt
ingusandthenexpectusto
l
iveli
kenothi
nghappenedwhil
eyouhavedonea
l
ifeti
medamagei ntoourl
ivessoallwomencan
actuallyfuckofft
othenearesthel
l.Youf
ucki
ng
devilfeeders.

Icl
ickedmytongueandhungupthrowingmy
phoneonthebedasiopenedthebott
leofpi
ll
sas
myphonerangagain.
..

Bosa:
isai
dfuckof
f!
Bai
sago:Bosa?
Bosa:
(swal
lowed)dad
Bai
sago:i
sever
ythi
ngok?
Bosa:
yesdad
Bai
sago:buti
tdoesn'
tsoundl
ikei
tmyson
Bosa:
isai
dever
ythi
ngi
sok
Bai
sago:t
hat
'snothowyouspeakt
ome
Bosa:
(si
ghed)i
m sor
ry
Bai
sago:yourf
ri
endshavebeent
ryi
ngt
ogethol
d
ofyoubutyourphonewasof
fwhy?
Bosa:
iwi
shwecouldt
alkdadbuti
mreal
lybusy
wit
hsomet
hingher
e
Bai
sago:Bosawhat
'seat
ingyou?
Bosa:pl
easedon'
tcomeformewhenyougotothe
meeti
nginMochudiihonest
lywantt
obeal
one
Bai
sago:whydoyouwantt
obeal
oneBosa?
Bosa:dadcanyoupl easestopwiththemil
li
on
questi
ons?Wi thallduerespectidon'
twanttobe
aroundpeopler i
ghtnowij ustwanttobeal
oneso
pl
easer espectthat
Bai
sago:somet
hingi
snotok.Wher
ear
eyou?
Bosa:
im atahot
el
Bai
sago:whathot
elBosawhatar
eyoudoi
ngt
her
e?
Bosa:
byedad
Bai
sago:Bosa(
ihungup)Bo.
..

Hef
rownedt
othebeepi
ngsoundandwonder
ed
whatwashappeni ngwi t
hhisson.Meanwhi l
ei
l
ookedatt hepil
lsonmyhandandputt hem backi
n
thebottl
e.Iwentint
omybankaccountt ocheckmy
balancethentookmybagoutoft hecl
osetand
start
edtoputmycl othesinsi
de.Iswal
lowed
l
ookingar oundandtornapagef r
om mydi ar
yand
wroteanot e.
..

"I
twasnicemeetingyoudad.Iwi l
lalwaysbe
grat
efulf
orever
ythi
ngyouhavedonef ormebuti
seenouseofbeinghereanymor ebecauseidon't
wanttobeaburden.Enjoyyourlif
ewi t
haunty
Boemoihopeshedoesn' thurtyouli
keallt
he
womenihavecomeacr ossi nmyl i
fe.I
m savi
ngher
fr
om myangerbecauseatt hi
smomentidespi se
womensoidon'twantyout ohaveasourmar riage
becauseofme.Oncemor ethankyoudad"

Isi
ghedandf oldedthel
ett
erandputi
tonmyside
l
ampst and.Itookmybagandwal l
etget
ti
ngi
nto
mycar.Thorisocall
edbuticuthi
scal
land
swi t
chedoffmyphone.I nfactitookoutthe
simcardandt hr
ewi toutandputonmusi conhigh
volumeandr eversedout.Afterclosi
ngthegat
ei
threwthekeybacki ntotheyardandgoti nmycar,
checkedformyl i
censeanddr oveoff.

Att
heDut
che'
s.
..

Saschafr
ownedasBosa'
slocat
ionpi
ndisappear
ed.
Heputthegundownandcall
edafri
end.
..

Guy:buddy?
Sascha:hi
slocat
ionpi
njustdi
sappear
ed
Guy:i
shedr
ivi
ng?
Sascha:yeah.AMazdademi
o

Hetoldhi
mt heplat
enumberandt
heshophe
boughti
tfr
om thenhungup.
..
Sascha:youar enotgoingtor
unawayunt i
lit
each
youal essonyoungboy.Yout houghtyouwoul dget
awaywi t
hsl eepi
ngwi t
hmygi rl
fr
iend?(Scoff
ed)
notwheni tcomestomemyboyi m goi
ngtomake
surethatyoucur sethedayyousawi tf
itt
oputyour
fi
lt
hydi ckinmygi rl
fri
end(cal
ledhisfri
endagain)
Guy:ihavemanagedtolocat
ethecar
.Hej
ust
pouredfuelandi
sheadednorth
Sascha:good.Comepickmesot
hatwegocol
lect
Atamelangfr
om theof
fice
Guy:nopr
obl
em

Theyhungupashecheckedforthet
wobullet
sin
hi
sfather
'sr
evol
verandwai
tedforhi
sfr
iend.
.
.
.
.
.
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
CAGED
53

I
nBai
sago'
sof
fi
ce.
..

Hetri
edtodosomewor kaft
eraphonecallwi
thhi
s
sonbutnot
hingwasaddingupashesighedand
tookt
hephonedial
ingBoemo..
.

Boemo:honey
Bai
sago:howar
eyouf
eel
ingmyl
ove?
Boemo:i
m doi
nggoodandyour
sel
flove?
Bai
sago:I
'
m al
it
tl
est
ressedmyl
ove
Boemo:what
'swr
ong?
Bai
sago:icall
edyoursonandt
hewayheanswer
ed
wasn'
ton.Ileti
tpassbutt
henicoul
dpi
ck
somethi
ngwasoffaswespokebuthewas
speaki
nginpar
abl
es.Iaskedhi
m wher
ehewasand
sai
dahot el
Boemo:si
ncewhendoesBosagot
ohot
els?
Baisago:myquest
ionaswel
l.Hi
sfr
iendal
socal
led
met oaskwherehewasbecausehi
sphonehas
beenoffsincemor
ning
Boemo:ar
eyoubusy?
Bai
sago:yesl
ove
Boemo:butithinkyoushoul
djustgohomeand
check.Trycal
li
nghim al
soiwil
ltr
yhisphoneas
well
.Ifanyt
hingiwil
laskmyPItotrackhi
scar
Bai
sago:t
hankyoul
ove.Letmemakemyway
homenow
Boemo:okbabemakesur
etocal
lmeok
Bai
sago:sur
e

TheyhungupasBai
sagopackedhi
sthi
ngsand
headedtot
heHRoff
icebef
oregoi
nghomewhil
eas
Boemowasaboutt
ocal
lherPIt
hedoct
or,
Jooma
andSef
elawal
kedi
n.

I
nKwenaI
nvest
ment
s..
.

Atamel
angsighedsi
tti
ngdownaf t
ert
ryi
ngt
ocal
l
Bosaasheroffi
cedooropened.
..

Atamelang:(f
rowned)okSaschaiunderst
andyou
areangrybutyoucan'tt
hrowyourselfi
nherel
ike
i
t'syourroom.Thisi
sawor kplaceyouneedto
respecti
t
Sascha:packyourt
hingswear
egoi
ng
At
amel
ang:haveyouseent
het
ime?I
t'
snoteven
l
uncht
imeyet
Sascha:youbet
terl
ist
ent
ome
Atamelang:youcan'
tcomei
nher
eandt
hreat
enme
Saschaim worki
ng
Sascha:At
amel
angdon'
tmaket
hingshar
dert
han
t
heyal
readyar
epl
ease
At
amel
ang:youar
etheone.
..
Sascha:(agi
tat
ed)A.
..
.(
clear
edhi
sthr
oat
)
Atamelangdoasisay
Atamelang:neveri
nmyl i
fehaveieverbeen
control
ledsoit
'ssonotgoingt
ostartwit
hyou
pleaseleavet
heoffi
ce
Sascha:At
amel
ang?

Hesoft
lysaidmovi
nghisj
acketwhi
leAtamelang
swal
lowedlooki
ngatt
hegunonhiswaist.
..

At
amel
ang:whatar
eyougoi
ngt
odowi
tht
hat
?
Sascha:j
ustdoasisay

Atamelangpackedherfil
esandpressedabutton
onherlaptopt
hatsentherfat
heranemer gency
message.Shet henl
edthewayoutasSaschat ook
herhandbagfrom herandfol
lowedherout.Walki
ng
i
nf rontofSascha, Atamel angutter
edsomet hingto
therecepti
onistasshecl earedherthroatseeing
thatSaschawasl ookingather .Assoonast hey
walkedout ,
shet ookherphoneandt r
iedtocal l
Patlobuthewasnotpi ckinguphercal l
s.Shet r
ied
togetholdofBont sibutshewasn' tpi
ckingupher
phoneei t
her.SaschaandAt amelanggottot hecar
asshegr eetedhisf ri
end...

At
amel
ang:Saschawhat
'sgoi
ngon?
Sascha:youshutup.Buddydr
ivef
oll
owt
he
l
ocati
on
At
amel
ang:who'
slocat
ionSascha?
Sascha:iaskedyout
oshutupAt
amel
ang
At
amelang:ohsoyouarepl
anni
ngtokillus?What
wi
llyougai
nfrom t
hat
?Whatwil
lthatsolve.
..

Befor
esheknewitahotsl
aplandedonherf
aceas
shefel
lbackt
othedoorshocked.
..
Sascha:whenitellyoutoshutupyoubet t
ershut
yourfi
lt
hymout hdoyouhearme?Tel lme,di
dyou
suckmydi ckwiththesamemout hthatsuckedthat
scumbag'sdick?(Shekeptqui
et)iaskedyoua
questi
ondammi t!

Hesaidpull
inghert
owardshi
sfacewi
thherbr
aids
asshegruntedi
npain.
..

At
amel
ang:youar
ehur
ti
ngme!
Sascha:di
dyouAt
amel
ang!
?
Atamelang:whatdoyouexpectmet osay?I
sn'
t
beforepenet
rat
ionwealldooralsexsoyesSascha
idid
Sascha:youbi
tch!

Hesaisbit
inghi
sl owerli
pandpushedhert ot
he
doorst
rangli
ngherwhilehisfr
iendincreasedt
he
radi
ovolumepayingattenti
ontotheroad.Sascha
l
etgoofherasAt amelangcoughed...
Atamelang:j
ustki
llmealr
eady.Youar
enot
hingbut
ananimalyouneverdeservedme!
Sascha:shutup!

Heshoutedscrat
chi
nghisheadwit
hhisf
acer
ed
whi
leAtamelangswall
owedapainf
ull
ump
massagi
ngherneck.

Att
hemal
l.
..

Letl
otl
opi
ckedthephonehewant
edast
heywentt
o
thecashr
egist
ert
opay..
.

Cashi
er:ever
ythi
ngcost
sP6.
5Ki
ntot
alsi
r
Di
ti
ro:ohok

Hesai
dtaki
ngoutabl
ackcar
dandpai
dast
he
paymentbecamesuccessf
ul.I
nsmi l
esLetl
otl
otook
thephoneastheyheadedt
oar est
aurantand
order
dsomedr i
nks.
..

Di
ti
ro:i
syourgr
ocer
yst
il
lenough?
Let
lot
lo:yeahi
m st
il
loki
nthatdepar
tment
Dit
ir
o:good.Sotel
lme.Sinceyousayyouraunthas
beencomingtoseeyou,whatdoesshesaytoyou?
Let
lot
lo:shet
ell
smet
hatyouwer
eusi
ngmy
mother
Di
ti
ro:how?
Let
lot
lo:sheneversai
dbutaskedmetoaskyou
whatreall
yhappenedbet
weenyouguys
Di
ti
ro:di
dinott
ellyou?
Let
lot
lo:youdi
d
Dit
ir
o:thenwhatmor edoyoustil
lwantf
rom memy
boy?Im inotdoingenought oshowyouthaticare
aboutyouj ustt
hatwomankeptmeawayf rom you?
Yourmot herreal
lyadorespovert
yandwantsher
ki
dstocar
ryont
hecur
se.Somuchf
orbei
nga
mother
Letl
otl
o:t
hisiswhyihavechosentost
ayaway
fr
om them al
ltoget
her
.Iwil
lhaveanewfami
lywi
th
youandyourkids
Di
ti
ro:mmh.Soyousai
dyouneedhel
pinst
oppi
ng
t
hehall
uci
nat
ions?
Let
lot
lo:yesdad
Dit
ir
o:oksoniwil
ldefi
nit
elyfi
ndhelpforyouoki
n
themeanti
meiwoul dl
ikeyoutokeepyourmind
busywit
hthejobifoundforyouunti
lyouopen
school
s
Let
lot
lo:abi
tuncomf
ort
abl
ebutf
ineiwi
lldoi
t
Dit
ir
o:that'
smyboy.Allthesuccessfulmeninthe
worldstar
tedsmallsoyouneverknowmaybeone
dayyouwi l
lst
artyourownpetrolst
ationf
ranchise
Let
lot
lo:(
smi
led)i
ndeed
Dit
ir
o:good.Iwi
lll
etyouknowonceihavef
ound
someonewhocanhel pyouok
Let
lot
lo:okdad
Di
ti
ro:sohowdoyoul
ikeyournewphone?
Let
lot
lo:i
t'
ssocool

Hesaidswitchingi
tonwhil
eDi ti
rothoughtf
ull
ysat
backlooki
ngathowexcitedhissonwas.Hesof t
ly
smil
edashesi lent
lymadeadeci si
onwhilean
unawareLetlot
losmil
edcheckingthefeatur
esinhis
newphone.

AtShar
on'
shouse.
..

Shetookherphonesi
tt
ingonherbedanddi
aledher
fr
iendasshetookl
ongtoanswer.
..

Gir
l:heyt
sal
a.Iwasst
il
lint
heot
herr
oom,
what
's
up?
Shar
on:iwi
llbel
atet
oourl
unchdat
ebabes
Gi
rl
:ah,
whynow?Iwasal
readyget
ti
ngr
eady
Sharon:youwon'
tbel
ievewhathappenedt
his
morning
Gi
rl
:don'
tleavemehangi
ng
Shar
on:Bosat
oldmet
ofuckof
f
Gi
rl
:what
!?
Sharon:idon'tknowwhat
'seat
inghi
m buticoul
d
car
eless.Ifonlyheknewt
heplansihaveforhi
m he
wouldbebehavi ng
Gi
rl
:not
sal
abutt
hisi
sbadmoss
Shar
on:notatal
l
Gi
rl
:(conf
used)huh?
Sharon:hewil
lknowt onevermesswi t
hagi r
lfrom
Molepolol
eeveragain.Im goi
ngt
ouset hesituati
on
tomyadvantage.Insteadofmymot herbei
ngangr y
atmeshewi l
lbefuriousthathel
eftmeaf t
erhe
i
mpr egnat
edme
Gi
rl
:(smi
led)mygi
rlmygi
rlmygi
rlyouar
eso
smart
Shar
on:honeyidi
dn'
tpasswi
thl
uckhoneymy
brai
nisfunct
ioni
ngreal
lywellsoi
fhethinkshehas
hurtmehedoesn'tknowthathe'
sdiggi
nghishole
evendeeper.
Gir
l:f
ryhim myl
ove.Teachhi
m al
essonhewi
ll
neverfor
get
Sharon:fi
rstthi
ngi sf
irstmychil
ddoesn'
tgo
aroundinacheappr i
meno, shedeser
vesan
expensiveimport,garekel
webathsetyako
knockouthellno,she'
sgoingtohaveabathtubof
herown
Gir
l:andiknowyouar
egoi
ngt
omakesur
eal
lthat
happens
Shar
on:wi
thi
nabl
inkofaneyemyl
ove.

Theyl
aughedandcont
inuedt
ocat
chup.

Att
heKwena'
s.
..

Layi
ngonaf
leecei
nthegar
denwi
thal
lki
ndsof
snacksanddrinks,Pat
loandhi
swi
fedeci
dedt
o
haveami nipi
cnic.
..

Pat
lo:thejoyofhavi
ngyourowncompany,youcan
pl
anapi cnicdat
ewithyourwi
feandnotget
di
sturbed
Bont
si:(
smi
led)iknowr
ight
Pat
lo:it
hinkweshoul
dfl
ytoFr
ancef
orournext
hol
idaymylove
Bontsi
:yespleasel
ovepl
usAt
ahasbeendyi
ngf
or
ustogot her
e
Pat
lo:t
henst
artdoi
ngal
lther
ightt
hingsmyl
ove
Bont
si:iwi
llbabe.Howist
henamechangi
ng
pr
ocesscomi ngalong?
Pat
lo:i
t'
scomingalonggoodlovebytheendofthi
s
weekitwil
lnol
ongerbeVicky'
shotelbutKwena'
s
hot
el
Bontsi
:wonder
ful
.Haveyouf
oundabuyerf
orher
house?
Patlo:t
her ealestat
eagentcont
actedmeearl
ierand
toldmet hattherearetwofamil
ieswhowi
llbe
viewingthehousel atert
oday
Bont
si:bl
acksor
?
Patl
o:blackandwhi
te.Thewhit
efamil
yismoving
toBotswanaandtheblackfami
lywant
ssomething
spaci
ousandsophisti
cated
Bont
si:ohni
cet
heniguesswewi
llgof
ort
heone
whooffer
sabet
terdeal
Patl
o:yeahandtheyarewi
ll
ingtopayshamesoi
don'
thaveaproblem wi
thneit
heroft
hem
Bontsi:it
hinkishouldgoandpr
ayf
orthehouse
bef
or ewhoeverwillbemovingi
nmovesi
njustt
o
cl
earitoffthebadomen
Pat
lo:nopr
obl
em myl
ove
Bont
si:andt
heprogr
esswi
thAta'
shousei
sgoi
ng
goodaswell
.Shewil
lbemovi
ngin,i
ntwomont
hs
Patl
o:that'
samazi
ng,ihopeyoushe'
sget
ti
ng
ever
ythingshewant
ed
Bont
si:ohyes
Pat
lo:wonder
ful
Bontsi
:(f
rownedasherhai
rstr
andsrose)cani
checkmyphonewehavebeencat chi
ngupf or
hoursnowandf or
gotwehavephones
Pat
lo:(
chuckl
ed)iknowr
ight

Theybotht
ookt hei
rphonesandfr
ownedt
o5
missedcal
ledeachfrom KwenaI
nvest
ment
s..
.

Bont
si:t
heyt
ri
edcal
li
ngmeatt
heof
fi
ce
Patl
o:met oo.Whatcoul
dbewr
ong(
hesai
ddi
ali
ng
theoff
icenumber)
Lady:KwenaI
nvest
ment
sgoodday
Patl
o:hiit
'sMrKwenaijustr
eal
isedt
hatimi
ssed
yourcal
ls,evenmywif
easwel l
Lady:yessirihavebeentr
yingtocallyou.Ataleft
herewithherboyfri
endandaskedmet ocallyou
butshewaski ndofweirdaboutit
.Itwasasi fther
e
wastensionbetweenthem
Patl
o:(
frowned)oh?Okt
henl
etmecal
lher(
he
hungup)
Bont
si:and?
Patl
o:appar
entl
yAt aaskedhertocallmebutshe
wasweirdaboutit
.Shesai dshelef
ttheoffi
cewtih
Saschabuttheyseemedt obetense(Bontsi
'smind
shi
ftedasshezonedout )babeareyouli
steningt
o
me?
Bont
si:somet
hingi
snotr
ight
,tr
ycal
li
ngheriwi
ll
tr
yRobert
Pat
lo:babewhatdoyoumean?
Bontsi
:ourdaught
eri
sint
roubl
eweneedt
ofi
nd
herver
ysoon
Pat
lo:what
!?
Bont
si:babet
rycal
l
ingher

Hedidwhil
eshet
ri
edt
oreachRober
tbuthewasn'
t
answer
ing.
..
Pat
lo:herphonei
sof
f
Bont
si:andRober
tisnotanswer
ing
Pat
lo:maybehe'
sinameet
ing
Bontsi
:Saschadoesn'
thaveacar
,heonl
yhasone
fr
iendwhoownsacar .Wearegoi
ngtoneedhi
s
i
nformati
on
Pat
lo:babewhat
'sgoi
ngon?
Bontsi
:weneedtofi
ndt
hem bef
oreanyt
hingst
upi
d
happens.Let
'sgot
oRober
t'
soff
ice
Pat
lo:butt
het
hingsl
ove
Bont
si:f
orgett
hoseweneedtofi
ndAtaicanf
eeli
t
i
nmybonessomet hi
ngisaboutt
ohappen
Pat
lo:youar
escar
ingmenow

Bontsiputonhershoesandraninthehouset
aking
herbagandPat l
o'swall
etasshethr
ewthecarkeys
tohi
m andt heydroveof
f.
AtRober
t'
shouse.
..

Hesighedget
ti
ngoffhi
scarandwenti
ntot
he
housecal
li
ngBoit
shepo.
..

Rober
t:honeyi
m her
eformyl
unch.Boo?
Hel
per
:si
rit
hinkmadam l
eft
Rober
t:(
frowned)whatdoyoumean?
Hel
per:ihear
dacarhornatthegateandwheni
wentt
ot hebedr
oom idi
dn'
tfindhert
here
Rober
t:noshe'
ssupposedt
oleavet
omor
row.

Hesaidgoingupt ot
hebedr oom andf
oundsome
ofherclot
hesnotthere.Hespott
edthelet
terbyt
he
dressi
ngmi r
rorandtookit
..
.

"Byt
heti
meyougett
hislet
teriwouldbelonggone
andsaf
einSer
owe.I
m sorr
yihadt osneakoutbut
noonewassupposedt oknowt hedayiwasl eaving
onsoihopeyouunder st
andthisandforgi
veme.I
wil
lbebacksoonmyl ovetakecareofyourselfand
thekidsandpleasedon'tf
orgettofi
ndoutwher e
Letl
otloi
sstayi
ngandmaki ngsur ehe'
ssafe.Ilove
yousomuchandseeyousoonmyl ove.Takecar e
"

Hesmil
edki
ssingthel
ett
erandsi
ghedlooki
ng
ar
ound.Hewentbackdownashisphonerang.
..

Rober
t:Mr
sKwena?
Bont
si:weareatyourwor
kpl
aceandt
heyt
ellus
youwentoutforl
unch
Rober
t:ohyesideci
dedt
ocomehome
Bont
si:t
here'
ssomet hi
nggoi
ngonbet weenSascha
andAtamelangandifwedon'tf
indthem nowbythe
ti
mewef i
ndt hem woul
dbetoolate
Rober
t:whatar
eyousayi
ng?
Bont
si:i
syoursonhome?
Rober
t:no
Bontsi
:that'
sbecausehewentt ocol
lectAtamel
ang
fr
om wor k.Therecept
ioni
stt
oldusthattheywere
ki
ndoft enseandt hewayAtamelangaskedherto
cal
luscal l
edforconcern
Rober
t:(
frowned)whatcoul
dpossi
blygowr
ong?
Bont
si:idon'
tknowsoiwantdet
ail
sofhi
sfr
iend
maybetheyareusinghi
scarsowecantr
ackit
Robert
:yeahheboughtitfr
om ourdealer
shi
pand
wearetheonesresponsibl
efort
hetracki
ngsyst
em
onit
Bont
si:okpl
easechecki
t.
..
Patl
o:babeyouarer
ightsomet
hingi
swrong,
Atamelangsentmeanemergencyemai
lij
ustsaw
i
tnow
Rober
t:bef
oreyouhangupl
etmecheckf
or
somet
hing

Hesaidr
unni
ngupthestai
rsandwentt
ohissaf
e
openi
ngi
tonl
ytofi
ndthecashheputsi
nther
e
onl
y..
.

Robert
:shi
tweneedtof
indt
hem l
etmecal
lthe
deal
ershi
ptot
rackt
heboy'
scar
Bont
si:whatwer
eyouchecki
ngf
or?
Rober
t:l
et'
smeetatt
hedeal
ershi
p
Bontsi
:ok(theyhungup)hesai
dweshoul
dmeetat
thedeal
ership

Theygoti
nthei
rcar
sanddr
oveof
f.

AtBai
sago'
shouse.
..

Heswallowedahugepainfull
umpaf
terr
eadi
ng
Bosa'
slett
erthendi
aledBoemo..
.

Boemo:honey
Bai
sago:haveyoumanagedt
ocal
lthePI
?
Boemo:ohfli
pitsl
ippedmymind.Mybosses
ar
rivedj
ustasiwasabouttocal
lsoidi
dn'
twantt
o
berude
Bai
sago:Bosahasr
anaway
Boemo:what
!?
Baisago:(
tear
ful
ly)babeheleftalet
ter
.Mysoni
s
notokandhei snotcomfortablewit
hshar
ing
what'seat
inghim up.Hekeepssayinghehat
es
women
Boemo:shi
t,t
hisi
sbadnow.Letmecal
lthePIr
ight
now
Bai
sago:pl
easedosoiwi
llr
ushof
ftodet
ect
ive
Kabi
nda'
soffi
ce
Boemo:per
fect
.Bye

TheyhungupasBoemodi al
edthePIwhi
leBai
sago
si
ghedandtookhi
skeysrunningtohi
scarand
headedtot
hepoli
ceheadquart
ers.
I
nLi
zzy'
sof
fi
ce.
..

Shesmi ledgett
ingoffaphonecallwithacl
ientand
thenreachedforherpersonalphonethatl
ong
reportedamessage.Shef rownedtothebank
noti
fi
cat i
onthatstat
edthat6.5Khadbeendebited
from heraccountatacellphonestor
e.She
thoughtful
lypl
ayedwi t
hherweddingbandandsat
backscof fi
ng.
..

Li
zzy:whohaveyouboughtaphonewi
thour
chi
ldr
en'
smoneyDiti
ro?

Sheaskedhersel
fwi
thafr
ownonherfaceand
scof
fedcl
icki
nghert
onguegoi
ngbacktowork.
..

Li
zzy:ihat
ebei
ngt
ri
ed

I
nSer
owe.
..
Boitshepol ai
ddowni nherhutwit
hhereyescl osed
wrappedar oundawhi teclot
hwithabiblenextto
her.Al lshewant edwast oli
edownal i
tt
lebutshe
endedupf all
ingasleep.Shepull
edherbags
towar dst heiryar
dinMochudiandsmi l
edseeing
Letl
ot l
oandBosar uni nt
othehouselaughingand
teasingoneanot her.Assheopenedthegat ethe
whol ehousecamecr ambl i
ngdownasshe
screamedwaki ngup. .
.

Boi
tshepo:Bosa!Let
lot
lo!

Herteachercamerunni
ngwit
htwostudent
saf
ter
hear
ingherscream f
rom t
hei
rhut
s..
.

Woman:ar
eyouok?
Boit
shepo:iwant
edtol
iedownbutiendedup
fal
li
ngasleepanddr
eamtourhouseinMochudi
fal
li
ngwithmysonandmysi st
er'
ssonini
t.How
canidr
eam sucht
hingsatt
hist
imeoft
heday?
Woman:weneedt
opr
ay
Boi
tshepo:huh?
Woman:t hosechi
ldr
enareindangerandi
fwedon'
t
star
tfight
ingnowthei
rli
veswil
lneverbet
hesame
again.Theywil
lbetr
appedforgood!
Boi
tshepo:butit
hought
..
.

Theirt
eacherstar
tedasongbefor
eshecoul
dfini
sh
astheyallj
oinedi
nwithBoit
shepost
il
lconf
used.

Al
ongt
heA1.
..

Acarqui ckl
ypassedmeandst oppedinfrontofme
asihitthebrakes.Abl ackhandshowedoutt he
windowanddi r
ectedmet oparkontheside.I
swall
owedchecki ngt hemirr
orsandther
ewasno
signofanyot hercarsasisighedandswer vedt
o
thesideaswel lasthecar.Thedri
ver'
sdooropened
asablackguycameoutandcamet
omycarasi
rol
leddownthewi
ndow..
.

Bosa:
hihowcanibeofhel
p?
Guy:l
et'
sgoi
ntot
hatcar
Bosa:
buti
..
.

Heshowedmeagunasiswall
owednervousand
swi
tchedof
fmycarget
ti
ngof
fandfol
lowedhim..
.

Bosa:
what
'sgoi
ngon?Icangi
veyoual
lmymoney
i
fyou.
..

Myheartdroppedt
omyst omachasSaschacame
outoft
hecarholdi
ngAtamelangwhohadher
mouthtapedandhandsti
ed..
.

Bosa:
areyoucr
azy?Whatar
eyoudoi
ng!
?
Sascha:geti
nthecar
Bosa:
noyoucan'
tdo.
..
Sascha:isai
dgeti
nthemot
herf
ucki
ngcaryou
cunt!

Hepul
ledthet
ri
ggerandshotmykneeasifel
l
downscreami
ngwhil
eAtamelangbur
sti
ntotear
s..
.

Sascha:yousl
eepwit
hmygi r
lf
ri
endandt
hinkyou
wil
lli
vetoseeanot
herday?Fi
xhim!

Hisfri
endwast ednosecondandt iedmyhandsand
tapedmymout hdraggingmei ntothecarasisat
nexttoacr yi
ngAtamel angbutthatwasn't
i
mpor tantwhatmat t
eredwast heexcruci
at i
ngpain
onmyl egandtheamountofbl oodcomi ngout .I
l
ookedbackandsawSascha' sfri
endsear chi
ngmy
carandt ookoutasmal ldevi
cefrom the
passenger'ssi
de.Het hendrovemycari ntoa
nearbybushwhi l
eSaschacamet ohisf
riend'sand
bi
thisl
owerl
iptaki
ngoutasmalldevi
ceaswel
l
andsmil
edatusintheback.
..

Sascha:nowi
twil
ljustbet
hef
ourofus.Theywi
ll
neverknowwher
ewehavegoneto

Helaughedt
hrowi
ngt
hedevi
ceint
othebushashis
f
ri
endcamebackandgoti
ntothedr
iver
'sseat
..
.

Sascha:nowourj
our
neybegi
nsmyl
ovel
ytwol
ove
bi
rds

Hesai
dlaughi
ngandtookoutanot
herbul
letput
ti
ng
i
tther
evol
verandt
urnedtous..
.

Sascha:onef
oryouonef
orher

Hel
aughedsomemor
eput
ti
ngonsomer
ockmusi
c
onhighvol
umewhi
leiswal
lowedst
il
linpai
nwi
th
mylegstar
ti
ngt
oswell
.
.
.
.
.
.
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
CAGED
54

Baisagocar
eful
lyparkedhi
scarandheadedinsi
de
thepoli
ceheadquar
tersoff
icesandt
oKabinda'
s
off
icewherehefoundhiminameet i
ng.
..

Baisago:i
m sosorryt
othr
owmysel
finl
iket
hisbut
ihaveanemer gencyhowl
ongwi
llt
hemeeti
ngtake?
Kabi
nda:whatemer
gencyi
sit
?
Bai
sago:it
hinkmysonhasr
anof
f
Kabinda:ok.Maywepl
easecont
inuet
hisl
ater
onl
ine?
Man:nopr
obl
em si
r(hel
eft
)
Kabi
nda:pl
easet
akeaseat
Bai
sago:i
m sosor
ryonceagai
n
Kabi
nda:it
'sok.Sowhathappenedt
omakeyou
t
hinktheboyhasranoff
?
Baisago:hecal ledmeandt ol
dmet hathe'
swants
tobeal one, wearesupposedt ohaveaf amil
y
meet i
ngi nMochudit hi
seveningbuthet oldmeto
notcomepi ckhi m upafterwork.It
riedtoget
what '
sbot heri
nghi m outofhim butherefusedand
tol
dmet or especthisdecisi
on.Iwenthomeaf t
er
cal
lingBoemoandf oundthi
sletter

Hegavei
ttoKabi
ndaashequi
etl
yreadi
twi
tha
f
rownonhisf
ace.
..
Kabi
nda:di
dhet
akehi
scar
?
Bai
sago:yes(
het
oldhi
mthepl
atenumber
)
Kabinda:okletmeor
deraroadbl
ockinDibet
eifit
's
nottoolateandal
soathor
oughscreeni
ngatallt
he
boaders
Bai
sago:ok

Kabi
ndacall
edallthenecessar
ypeopl
ewhil
e
Bai
sagosatthereanxi
ouslythi
nki
ngofwher
ehi
s
soncoul
dbe...

Kabi
nda:haveyoudoneanyt
hingyett
ofi
ndhi
m?
Bai
sago:mywi
fesai
dshewasgoi
ngt
ocal
lherPI
Kabi
nda:ohokgoodt
hatwil
lfast
ent
hepr
ocess.
Doeshi
scarhaveatr
acker
?
Bai
sago:yes
Kabinda:per
fecti
twil
lbever
yeasyt
ofi
ndhi
m.
(Theoffi
cedooropened)
Lady:si
rtherear
epeopl
eher
etoseeyouabout
thei
rmissingchi
ldr
en
Kabi
nda:(
frowned)oh?
Lady:yessi
r
Kabi
nda:pl
easel
ett
hem i
n(shel
eft
)iwil
lmake
sur
etobeincont
actwi
thyouassoonas..
.

Theof
ficedooropenedasPat
lo,
Bont
siandRober
t
wenti
nside.
..

Bai
sago:(
frowned)i
sever
ythi
ngok?
Rober
t:SaschaandAt
amel
anghavegonemi
ssi
ng
Bai
sago:what
!?Bosai
sal
somi
ssi
ng
Bont
si:ohno

Shesai
dpacingar
oundt
heof
fi
ceast
hegent
lemen
l
ookedather
...
Pat
lo:babei
sever
ythi
ngok?
Bont
si:t
hisi
sbad,
ifBosai
sal
somi
ssi
ngt
rustme
i
tsbad
Bai
sago:(
swal
lowed)youar
escar
inguspl
easet
ell
uswhat'
sgoi
ngon
Kabi
nda:yespl
easebecausewit
ht hel
itt
le
i
nfor
mationwegetwemi ghtf
indthem sooner
Rober
t:andmyguni
smi
ssi
ngf
rom mysaf
e
Kabi
nda:what
!?
Bont
si:pl
easedon'tover
reactbutSaschamightend
upki
ll
ingAtamelangandBosai fwedon'tf
indthem
soon
Al
l:what
!?
Pat
lo:babewhatar
eyousayi
ng?
Rober
t:nomysoni
snotaki
l
ler
Bont
si:At
amel
angal
soli
kesBosaandt
hereisa
ti
mewhensheli
edtoSaschaonl
ytomeetupwit
h
Bosa
Al
l:what
!?
Patl
o:noloveyouar
ewrongmydaught
erwoul
d
neverdosomethi
ngli
ket
hat
Bai
sago:Bosaandit
alkaboutever
ythi
ngsot here
i
snohowhecoul dbedoingwhatyouar etr
yingto
saywit
hyourdaught
er.Thosetwoarejustfr
iends
Rober
t:soyourdaught
erhasbeencheat
ingonmy
sonwit
hyourson
Pat
lo:don'
tpoi
ntf
inger
spl
ease
Baisago:yestherei
sobvi
ousl
ysomethi
ngthatl
ed
hertodoingit(Kabi
ndaquei
tl
ysatdown)
Robert
:soyoubothar
egoingt
ostandther
eand
suppor
tyourchi
ldr
en'
sbaddeeds?Real
ly?
Baisago:yoursonhasourchi ldrenrightnow!
Insteadoftr
yingtoprotecthim youcoul dbe
helpingusfi
ndhim.Ourchi ldren'sl
ivesarein
danger!Evenhisforcryingoutloud.Yesmaybe
BosaandAt amelangdi dwhatt heymi ghthavedone
butisitworthki
ll
ingthem?Huh! ?
Bont
si:MrKgosi
dint
sipl
easecal
m down
Bai
sago:noMr
sKwena,
ifhi
ssonki
ll
sourchi
ldr
en
hewillgai
nnothingbutapr
isonsentenceormaybe
faceexecut
ionthatwoul
dhavesolvednothi
ng
Bontsi
:igetthatyouareangrybutlet'
snotshoutat
oneanotherbecauseit
'snotgoingtohelpwith
anythi
ng.Allofourki
dsherearewr ongsoit'
sonly
fi
tt
ingforustowor kt
ogetherinsavingthem f
rom
doingtheworst
Kabi
nda:MrsKwenai
sri
ght
.MrDut
chedoesyour
sonhaveacar?
Rober
t:no
Bont
si:buthi
sfr
ienddoes
Robert
:andheboughtt
hecarfrom us.Icont
acted
thecompanytot
ryandtracki
tandtheyhaven't
gott
enbacktomeyet
Kabinda:okit
hinkweshoul
djustdr
ivealongthe
A1whi l
ewear ewai
ti
ngforbot
hoftheircarst
obe
t
racked
Pat
lo:iagr
eewi
thyou
Kabinda:l
eaveyourcar
swewillgowi
thmi
ne
becauseihaveorder
edroadbl
ocks
Bai
sago:l
et'
sgot
hen

Kabindatookhisthi
ngsast heylef
tandhelocked
theoffi
cefol
lowingthem out.Bai
sagotookhi
s
phoneanddi al
edOlebil
e..
.

Ol
ebi
le:hel
lo?
Baisago:Bosahasgonemi
ssi
ngwi
thbot
h
AtamelangandSascha
Ol
ebi
le:what
!?
Baisago:yeahit
'sal
ongstorysopl
easet
ellt
he
familyt
ohol dof
fabitwi
ththemeeti
ngunti
lwefi
nd
them
Ol
ebi
le:ohokt
hennopr
obl
em iwi
llt
alkt
othem
Baisago:t
hanks.Wehavet heircar
st r
ackedandwe
aregoingtodriveal
ongt
heA1andal sothepoli
ce
servi
cewillr
eleaseahel
icoptertolookforthem
Ol
ebi
le:okpl
easef
indt
hem
Bai
sago:don'
twor
rywewi
ll
TheyhungupasOlebil
etol
deveryonewhil
ethe5
gotinKabi
nda'
scaranddroveoff.Noonewanted
tosayanyt
hingasBai
sago'sphonerang.
..

Bai
sago:(
putheronl
oudspeaker
)honey?
Boemo:di
dyoumanagewi
thKabi
nda?
Baisago:yeswehavedeci dedtodr i
vealongtheA1
now.Mr sKwena' sdaughterandMrDut che'
sson
arealsomi ssi
ng.Itseemslikether
ehasbeenal ove
tr
ianglegoingonbet weenthethreeoft
hem
Boemo:ar
eyoubei
ngser
iousr
ightnow?
Bai
sago:yesl
oveandMrDut
che'
ssonhasagun
Boemo:(si
ghed)let
'
shopehedoesn'tuseit
becausemyPIjusttel
lsmethatBosa'
scartracker
wasremovedaf ewkil
ometr
esafterDi
bete
Al
l:what
!?
Boemo:yessopleasedetect
ivest
eponthe
accel
erat
oryouareheadedintheri
ghtdi
rect
ion.
Di
dn'
tyour
eleaseahel
icopt
er?
Kabi
nda:idi
d
Boemo:greatl
et'
shopei
tfi
ndst
hem ont
ime
(Rober
t'
sphonerang)
Robert
:it
sthecardeal
ershi
p,st
ayont
hel
ine.Mr
Dutchespeaki
ng?
Man:si
ryourson'
sfr
iend'
strackerhasbeen
r
emovedjustafewki
lometresafterDi
beteal
ong
t
heA1road

Ther
ewastotalsi
lencei
nthewhol
ecarast
heyal
l
swal
lowed.
..

Rober
t:oksendmet
heexactl
ocat
ion
Man:ok(
theyhungup)
Pat
lo:t
hisi
sbad
Robert:Saschacan'
tdothi
stomepl
easeLor
d.I
can'
tlosemyonl ysontoanger
Boemo:l
etmet
rymakeaf
ewcal
lspl
easekeepi
n
touch
Bai
sago:okl
ovewewi
ll
Boemo:kindl
ysendmeal lt
heirnumbersand
cel
lphonemodelsandifpossi
bletwoofyougo
backtothei
rhousestofi
ndtheirphoneboxes
becausewearegoingtoneedtheserialnumber
s
onthem
Bont
si:iknowwher
eAt
amel
angput
sher
s
Rober
t:evenSascha
Boemo:goodthenifyouar
enotoutoft
heci
tyyet
pl
easedri
vetherenow
Bai
sago:okl
ovenopr
obl
em
Bont
si:don'
tst
ressyoursel
fmuchokdearyouneed
tof
ocusonyourhealingfir
st
Boemo:myheal
thcanwai
talit
tl
e,thesaf
etyofall3
chi
ldr
eni
simport
antonemist
aketheyareallgone.
Bye
Al
l:bye
Theyhungupandheadedt
otheKwenaand
Dutche'
shousehol
d.

Al
ongt
her
oad.
..

Saschareducedther
adiovol
umewhi
leisatt
her
e
nolongerfeel
ingmyleg.
..

Sascha:youar
egoi
ngtohavet
owashal lt
hebl
ood
i
nt hi
scarwhenwegett
oourdest
inat
ionyouknow
that?

Hesmiledt
urni
ngt
ousasij
ustl
ookedathi
m with
atapeonmymouthwhi
leAt
amelangst
il
lcr
ied.
..

Sascha:i
twasnicewhenyoucheatedmyl oveso
ther
e'snoneedt
obecryingnow.(Sighed)youknow
whatithi
nkit
'st
imewehadal i
tt
leconversati
on
Hesai
dremovi
ngbot
hourt
apesasimassagedmy
j
aws..
.

At
amelang:Saschapleasedon'
tdowhatyouar
e
pl
anni
ngtodoi t
'snotworthi
t
Sascha:(t
ohisfr
iend)st
opthecarweshoul
dfi
nd
somethingtodr
esshiskneewit
hit'
snotl
ooki
ng
good
Guy:ihaveafi
rstai
dki
tint
hebackwecant
ry
removethebul
let
Bosa:guysnoyoucan'
tthi
sneedst
obedonebya
pr
ofessional
Sascha:andwher
edoyouthi
nkyouwil
lfi
ndone?
Myf r
iendher
eisst
udyi
ngnur
singsoyouwil
lbe
fi
ne

Iswal
lowedastheguypar kedt
other
oadsi deand
wentt
ogetthef i
rstaidki
t.Heputoncli
nicalgloves
andst
arteddi
sinfecti
ngthekneewhil
eiflinched
f
eel
ingabi
tofpai
n..
.

Guy:her
ebi
teont
his

Hegavemeanot ebookasher eachedforapai

rof
tweezersfr
om hiskitandslowlyputitt
hrought
he
holethebull
etgotloggedin.Iclosedmyeyeshard
asitstar
tedtohurtsobadasigr unt
ed.
..

Sascha:thi
sisexact
lywhatyougetf orsl
eepi
ng
withot
herpeople'
sgirl
fr
iendsnotknowingwhat
theyarecapabl
eof
At
amel
ang:babepl
easet
hisi
snotwor
thi
t

Sascha'sfri
endpl
uggedoutt
hebulletasisi
ghed
outofreli
efasthepai
nsubsi
dedal i
tt
le.Her
eached
onthecardoorandgavemepi l
ls.
..

Guy:t
heywi
llhel
preducet
hepai
n
It
ookoneanddowneditwiththewaterhegaveme
whil
ehedressedmyknee.Saschagrabbed
At
amelang'
sbagandsearchedforherphone.
..

At
amel
ang:whatar
eyoudoi
ng?

Heignor edhergettingoutofthecarandsmashedit
onar ocknear bywhi l
eAtamelanglookedon
tear
fully.Hecamebacki nt
othecarashi sfri
end
putthebl oodyglovesinaplasti
canddi sposed
them thent ookoff
..
.

Sascha:nowt
hatwehavetakencareofyourknee.
I
t'
stimewespokeandyoutwobet t
ernotthi
nkof
l
yingtomebecauseir
eadeveryt
hing
Atamel
ang:whatistheuseoftel
li
ngyouanythi
ng
whil
eyouaresti
llgoi
ngtokil
lus?Andhowdar e
yousmashmyphonel i
ket
hatasifyouboughti
t?
Sascha:doyout
hinkicar
eaboutyourst
upi
dphone
r
ightnow?Act
ual
ly.
..

Hesaidt aki
nghi
sandhi
sfr
iend'
sphonesand
threwthem outt
hewi
ndowwhilehi
sfr
iendshook
hishead...

Sascha:noonewi
llknowwher
eweendedupdo
youunderst
andme?
At
amel
ang:youar
esi
ck
Sascha:si
ckforyoumylove.Tel
lmeBosawere
younotashamedofsleepi
ngwi t
hmygir
lf
ri
end?
Bosa:Saschaallt
hathappenedhappenedthere'
s
nohowwecanundoi tnowbutsi nceyousayyou
havereadeveryt
hingibel
ieveyoureali
sedthati
askedAtamelangtostopwhateverwehadbeen
doing
Sascha:youshoul
dn'
thaveeverdonei
ttobegi
n
wit
h
Bosa:
iknowSaschaandimr eal
lysor
ry.Ishoul
d
haver
espect
edyourr
elat
ionship
Sascha:butwhatst
oppedyouf
rom doi
ngso?
Bosa:
myf
eel
ingsf
orAt
amel
ang
Sascha:(l
aughed)whatf eel
ings?Thisgir
lhasbeen
hunti
ngyoudownal lyourschoolyearsbutyou
neversawi tbutwhenshef inal
lyf
indssomeone
whocar esaboutheryousayyouhavef eel
ingsfor
her?Don'tpatroni
zemepl ease
Bosa:
im sor
ryt
hat
'sal
licansay
Sascha:wher
edi
dyoudoi
t?(
Wekeptqui
et)iasked
aquesti
on
Bosa:
inmycar
Sascha:youf
il
thyani
mal.Atamel
angdi
dyoucum?
(Shekeptqui
et)At
amelanganswermedammit
!
At
amelang:yesSaschamul
ti
plet
imesievensqui
rt
!
Happynow!?

Ahugelumpgotst
uckonSascha'
sthr
oatashis
f
acetur
nedredwhi
letear
sbui
lti
nhiseyes.
..
Sascha:howcoul
dyouAt
amel
ang?
Atamelang:iwantedtobesat i
sfi
edandyou
coul
dn'tgivemethatwhatdi dyouexpectf
rom me?
Huh?Toj ustbeinarelati
onshipwheremysexual
desi
resaren'tmet?Hellno!
Sascha:youshoul
dhavejustdumpedmei nstead
ofcheati
ngonmedammi t!Iseeyouri
ntent
ions
weretohurtme.Youarenothi
ngbutaloosebi t
ch!

Hesaidpushingherbackandst
rangl
edherwhi
lei
swal
lowedlookingon.
..

At
amel
ang:l
etmego!
Sascha:youdon'
tdeser
veme!
At
amel
ang:Saschayouar
ehur
ti
ngme!
Sascha:ilovedyouAtamelang!Ial
readyhadour
fut
ureplansmadeandyougoanddot hiswi
ththi
s
dir
tyabusedmot herf
uckerwhoknowsnot hing
aboutlove!
Hesaidl
etgoofAtamel
ang'
sneckandsl
appedme
wit
hthebackofhi
shandasihi
tmyheadagainst
t
hedoor.
..

At
amelang:(
coughi
ng)howdoyousetf ut
uregoal
s
wit
hsomeonewhileyoucan'tmakethem cum?You
t
hinkiwoul
dwanttosett
leforaloserl
ikeyou!
?

Saschaswal
lowedl
ooki
ngatherandsatbackon
hi
sseat.
..

Sascha:st
ophur
ti
ngmeAt
amel
ang
Atamelang:andhowdareyoubr i
ngBosa'spastint
o
thi
s?DoyouknowwhatBosawentt hr
oughtoget
whereheisinlif
enow!?Youofallpeopleshould
knowhowpai nfuli
tist
oloseamot herbutnoyou
chosetobeamonst erandremindanotherperson
ofapasttheyarenotproudof.Wagoswal esolele
botl
hokoSascha!
Sascha:what
'st
hat
?
Atamelang:askyourdeadmot
herf
ort
ransl
ati
on
youpieceofshit
!

Sascha'smout hhungopenast hewordspier

ced
hisheart.Heangr i
lyreachedforthetapesandput
them backonourmout hswhileAtamelanggroaned
underher s.Iquiet
lywat chedonandsighedthrough
mynosecl osingmyeyes. .
.

"i
fthi
sishowmyli
fei
sgoingtoendt
henther
ewas
noneedformet
oli
vethi
sfar
.Youshoul
dhavetake
mealongwit
hmymotherGod"

Isi
lent
lysai
dasat earsl
owl
ydroppedoffmyeye
whil
eSaschaincr
easedtheradi
ovolumeopeni
nga
canofbeer.

I
nPr
ison.
..
Vict
ori
amadewayt
othevi
sit
ingar
eaandsi
ghed
seei
ngDit
ir
o..
.

Vi
ctor
ia:whatdoyouwanther
e?
Di
ti
ro:si
tdown
Victori
a:mxm (
shepulledoutachai
r)wehave
nothingbri
ngi
ngust oget
herDit
ir
o.Itol
dyouthati
gotwhatiwantedfrom youandwhatyouaregoing
throughnowisyourmesssoseet oityour
sel
f
Di
ti
ro:it
hinkihaveanideat
ohel
pyougetbackup
t
oyourpositi
oninli
feagai
nandhel
pmeriseas
wel
l
Vi
ctor
ia:what
everi
tisi
m noti
nter
est
ed
Di
ti
ro:ohsoyouwantt
obeaj
ailbi
rdal
lyourl
if
e?
Vict
oria:yesatl
eastt
hissi
dei
m sureofameal
ever
ydayandar oofovermyhead.Ihavenot
hing
outthere
Di
ti
ro:whathaveyoudonet
otheVi
ctor
iaiknow?
Vi
ctor
ia:imeanwhatij
ustsai
d
Dit
ir
o:youcan'
tsett
lef
orthi
swhenyouhavealot
ofweaponsaroundyoutofi
ghtyourenemi
es
Victor
ia:Di
ti
rot
her
e'snot
hingicaneverdo.I
t'
sover
formeihaveacceptedmyfatesopleasel
eaveme
alone
Di
ti
ro:Let
lot
lo
Vi
ctor
ia:whatabouthi
m?
Di
ti
ro:wecansacr
if
icehi
m
Vi
ctor
ia:youar
ejusttal
kingnonsenseDi
ti
roino
l
ongerwanttosacr
ifi
ceanyone'schil
dsorespsect
mydecision
Dit
ir
o:imeani
magineever
ythi
ngopeni
ngupf or
youagai
nandbei
ngthebestyouhaveeverbeen
Vict
ori
a:youcandoal
lthosesacr
if
icesaloneDit
ir
o
idon'
twantbloodonmyhandsanymor e.Ihave
suff
eredenough
Diti
ro:i
magi neBoit
shepoandTemobeingmor e
successfulthanyou.I
sthatwhatyouwantVict
oria?
(Sheswal l
owed)"sheusedtobethegr
eatestofthe
Di
ntsif
ami
lynowshe'
stheonebeggi
ngthem"
t
hosearet
hethi
ngspeopl
ewil
lbesayi
ng.Youwant
t
hat?
Vict
oria:(
clear
edherthroat
)whatexactl
yisgoi
ng
tohappen?Andagai nionlytr
ust
edonewi t
ch
doctorinmyl i
feican'
ttr
ustanyother
Ditir
o:wellihaveoneandshe'sj ustaspowerful.
Shehasbeenaski ngmet odosomet hi
ngto
upgr ademyl i
fesoithi
nkthetimei snow.What 's
goingt ohappenisthatim goi
ngt oneedLetl
otlo'
s
bloodandbui ldanalt
erwithit
.Thatal t
erwi
llbemy
strengthsactuaryal
lineedwillbegivenuntome
throughthatalter
Vi
ctori
a:sot
hat
'sonl
yforyou.Let
lot
loi
syourbl
ood
af
teral
l
Dit
ir
o:iwi
llaskt
hedoctort
ocomeseeyouthentel
l
youwhatsheneedsfr
om youtor
ebui
ldyourl
if
e
Vi
ctor
ia:ohisee
Dit
ir
o:wearenott
hebestoffr
iendsbutwehavea
commonenemy.Im notgoi
ngtolett
hatgi
rlr
uinmy
marri
agel
iket
his
Vi
ctori
a:soaft
ertaki
ngLetl
otl
o'sbl
oodandbui
ldi
ng
analt
eroutofitwhatwi
llhappentohi
m?
Di
ti
ro:l
et'
sjustsayhewi
llbewor
kingf
orme
Vi
ctor
ia:ohiseeokt
hen
Dit
ir
o:iknewyouwouldneverdi
sappointme.You
deservet
hebesti
nli
feandonlythebest

Hewi nkedatherl
eavi
ngwhi l
eshesatbacki n
thoughts.Themoreshethoughtabouti
tthemor e
shestartedtosmil
eagai
n.Shescoffedandst ood
uptappingthedeskgoi
ngbackt ohercel
l..
.

Vi
ctor
ia:ij
usthopeal
loft
hiswor
ksout
.

I
nSer
owe.
..

Theyfi
nishedpr
ayi
ngasBoi
tsheposi
ghedwi
ping
herf
ace...
Teacher
:di
dyouseeanyt
hingwhi
lepr
ayi
ng?
Boi
tshepo:nothi
ngbutdar
knessandikepthear
ing
achil
dcrying
Teacher
:thi
scal
lsf
orfast
ing.Asl
eepi
ngdevi
lis
wakingupsosheneedstofi
ndusreadyf
orher
Boi
tshepo:she?
Teacher:yesi t
'sawoman.Dar knesshasf oundway
backi nt
oherl i
feagainandthepeopl eshehasbeen
keepingcapt i
vearetheonesgoi ngt osuff
erthe
most .Yesitmighthavelookedl ikeshewas
defeatedbutnoshewasj ustsleepi ng.Yousnuck
uponherandshewasnotr eadyf oranyofallthat
broughtherdownbutt hi
stimear oundmydaught er,
she'scomi ngevenstrongerthansheeverwas.
Therear egoingtobeal otoflosessot hat
'swhyi
callf
orfastingsothatwear efullyencl i
nedwi t
hthe
spiri
t
Boi
tshepo:whatdoesVi
ctor
iawantf
rom me
Teacher
:youar
etheonl
yper
sonwhoi
sabl
eto
defeather .Youhaveal lthepoweri nyoutodoso
butyouar egoingt ohavet ospi ri
tuall
ystripnaked
andletGodt akecont rol.Letli
ghtt akeover.That
chil
dcr yingisyoursonandyournephew.Thei r
soulsar elongingforf reedom, yournephewwas
verycloset obreaki ngfreebutt hiswoman' sspi r
it
couldn'tlethim.Yoursonhasbeenbl i
ndedbyhi s
fat
her,yourancest orstriedtouseyoursi st erwho
passedont ocommuni catewithhi m butitdidn'
t
work.She' sstil
llookingf orhersonbutshecan' t
fi
ndhi m
Boi
tshepo:who?
Teacher:yoursister.Shesawhi mf r
om adi stance
butasshewasaboutt oreachoutt ohim agai nthe
l
ightswentof fagain.Onet hingyouneedt ol earnis
tot
alconcent r
ati
on.St opthinki
ngal otandf ocuson
what'simportant,
youar eher eforwhatbel ongst o
youandyourf amilythati
syourspi r
itualgiftand
thepeacef oryourfami l
y.Weneedt ogot ot heriver
whent hesunset s
Boi
tshepo:ok
Thet eacherl
eftwi
tht
hetwostudentswhi
le
Boitsheposatonherbumswit
haf rownonher
face..
.

Boit
shepo:what
everi
ttakestosavemyfamil
yfrom
thi
swomaniwi l
ldoit.Dar
knesscannever
overcomeli
ghtt
hat'
showi ti
sandthat
'showitwil
l
alwaysbe.

Al
ongt
heA1.
..

Bai
sagocal
ledforever
yoneastheycamer
unni
ng
andst
oppedseeingBosa'
scar.
..

Bont
si:not
hisi
snothappeni
ng
Pat
lo:sot
hisi
swher
etheygotBosaibel
ieve
Baisago:yeahibel
ievesobecausewefoundbot
h
tr
ackersaroundthi
sar ea.Det
ect
ive,
howfarwi
th
t
hehel
icopt
er?
Kabi
nda:theysaytherewasadelaywit
hthe
t
echnicalt
eam buttheyhavet
akenoffnow
Rober
t:t
hemoret
imewekeepwast
ingt
hef
urt
her
t
heygetawayf
rom us
Kabi
nda:l
etmecallthepol
icei
nDibet
etocomef
or
t
hiscarsothatweconti
nuewit
hourjour
ney
Bont
si:yespl
ease
Kabi
nda:anyt
hingaboutt
hei
rphones?
Bai
sago:i
..
.(hi
sphoner
ang)her
eshecal
ls.Love?
Boemo:anot
herdeadendwitht
hephonest
heyar
e
afewkil
ometr
esfrom wher
eyoufoundt
hecar
Baisago:eisht
hisi
snotgood.Thehel
icopt
erj
ust
tookoffit
'souronl
yhopenow
Boemo:whatdel
ayedt
hem?
Bai
sago:aht
echni
calpr
obl
ems
Boemo:ei
shokl
et'
shopet
heyf
indt
hem ont
ime
Bai
sago:yeah.Bye(
theyhungup)
Bont
si:and?
Baisago:anot
herdeadendwit
hthephonetr
acking.
Theirphonesareafewkil
ometr
esawayfrom here
Kabi
nda:l
et'
snotgi
veup,
come

Theygotint
hecarasKabindajoi
nedtheroad.I n
thecarwewerei
n,Sascha'
sfri
endsmiledturning
i
ntoabushasAtamelangandilookedoutside.He
droveforaf
ewmetresasahouseappear ed..
.

Sascha:wear
eher
ebeaut
if
ulpeopl
e.

Hisfr
ienddroveint
ot heyardandparkedinfr
ontof
ahousewher etheytookusoutoft hecar
.
Atamelangtr
iedtofightSaschabutnothi
nghelped
whil
eilimpedintothehousewi t
hzer
ohope.Myl i
fe
wasoveratthatmoment .Theyputusonthechair
s
aswef acedoneanot herandtiedus.
..
Sascha:st
ri
pthem naked

Hisf
ri
endwastednosecondashetookascissor
andcutourcl
othesof
faswesatt
herenaked..
.

Sascha:t
oearthyoucamet
oear
thyour
etur
n.You
cangomyf r
iend
Guy:sur
ebuddyseeyouj
ustnow

Hegotinthecaranddroveof
fwhi
leSascha
l
aughedlooki
ngatus..
.

Sascha:sowheredowest ar
t?Shoul
dist
artwi
th
youttest
icl
esorhercl
it
ori
s?

Hesmi l
edl
ooki
ngatuswhileAt
amel
angstar
ted
crying.Het
ookahosepi
seandopenedt
hewat er
splashingi
tonusasigaspedwit
hmyeyesclosed.
.
.
.
.
.
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
CAGED
55

Saschabursti
ntoal
oudlaughaswebothbreat
hed
heavi
lyaf
terhespl
ashedthewat
eronus.
..

Sascha:youshoul
dlookatyour
sel
vesyougoodf
or
nothi
ngpathet
icwhores!
Atamelang:(
snif
fed)Saschaifyouwanttokil
lus
j
ustdoi tt
here'
snousef oryoutobepunishi
ngus
l
ikethi
s.Whathappenedhappenedt her
e'snothi
ng
wecan...
Befor
eshecouldfi
nishahotsl
aplandedacr
ossher
faceasshecoughedchoki
ngonhersali
vawhil
ei
swall
owedlooki
ngatherbl
inki
ng.
..

At
amel
ang:Saschai
fyoudon'
t.
..
Bosa:
Atacanyoukeptqui
etpl
ease
At
amel
ang:noi
m notgoi
ngt
okeepqui
etwhi
le.
..
Bosa:At
athemor
eyout
alkt
hemor
eyouanger
Sascha
Atamel
ang:(swal
lowed)i
mtir
edBosaican'tt
ake
thi
sanymore.Heshouldj
ustacceptf
ateandmove
on

Isoft
lyshookmyheadl ooki
ngatSaschawhosat
onhischairquei
tl
ylooki
ngatusasitri
edtoget
Atamelangtocal
m down...

Sascha:sohecal
lsyouAt
aaswel
l
?
Atamelang:ever
yonecal
lsmeAtayouarenott
he
fi
rstpersontocal
lmethatsopl
easeknowyour
pl
ace
Sascha:wat
chyourt
ongue
At
amel
ang:andyouar
e?
Sascha:At
amel
angi
m notgoi
ngt
oaskyouagai
n
Atamel ang:youmighthavemet i
eddownonchai r
andal lthatbutyouarenothi
ngbutaloserwhohis
badi nbed.Youcan'tmakeawomancum f orcr
ying
outloudandyoudar ethi
nkyouaresomethingoh
hellno!
Sascha:At
a!

Heangri
lysaidgr
abbi
ngherwi
thherneckasshe
gaggedl
ookingupathi
m..
.

At
amel
ang:youar
ehur
ti
ngme!
Sascha:(
wit
hhi
steet
hcl
enched)youf
ucki
ngl
ose
bi
tch!
Hel etgoofherneckandsl appedherasi
swal l
owedqui ckl
ycl osingmyeyes.St illwit
hmy
eyescl osedanot hersl aplandedasAt amel ang
screamedoutofpai ncursingatSascha.Her
scream triggeredmymemor yasitreplayedt hefi
rst
ti
meif eltmyaunt '
ssl aponmyf ace.Sascha
continuedt omer cilessyslapahyst eri
callycryi
ng
Atamel angwhi l
eat eardroppedf r
om myeyest i
ll
cl
osed.Myhear tstar t
edbeat i
ngfasterandiwas
sentbackt othef i
rstdayof7year sago. .
.

Bosa:
stoppl
ease!St
op!

Ishoutedopeningmyeyeswi t
ht ear
sallovermy
faceandmyhear tbr
okeint
opi ecesseeingthe
bloodcomingoutofAtamelang'sfacewhowasno
l
ongercryi
ng...

Bosa:
fuckyouSascha!Fuckyou!
Sascha:(
frowned)excuseme!
?
Bosa:yesyouheardme.Fuckyoudude!Youare
not
hingbutanevilhear
tedabuser
!Fuckyou!
Sascha:t
hisi
smyf
ucki
nggi
rl
fr
iendyougoodf
or
nothi
ngbit
ch!

Hesai dgrabbi
ngonmyneckasigaggedl ooking
upathi m.Thatmomentidi dn'
tcareaboutwhathe
woulddot omeal liwantedwasf orhi
mt ostop
slappingAtamelang.Hefoldedhishandintoa
knuckleandashewasaboutt olandapunchonmy
facewehear dahel i
copt
erhoveri
ngar oundthearea
wewer eat
.Heletgoofmeandwentt ot hewindow
movi ngthecur
tainabit.
..

Sascha:shi
tit
sthepol
ice.Fuck!

Hesaidpaci
ngar oundt
heroom br
eat
hingheavil
y.
Hethenpull
edAtamelang'
schai
rtoacornerand
minetoo.Hethentookt
wosocksandplacedthem
i
nourmout hsandtapedus.Wenol ongerhadthe
energytofightanymoreashepushed2wat er
drumst oourcornersandbi
thi
slowerl i
pputt
ing
them overus..
.

Sascha:idareyout
omakeasoundbecausei
fyou
dowear eallgoi
ngtodi
eher
e

Hesaidtaki
ngaremoteandwentint
oanothertank
andpull
edthel
idoveri
twhil
eoutsi
detheheli
copter
l
anded.Fourof
fi
cerscameoutandwalkedaround
thehouse.
..

Of
fi
cer
:doyout
hinkt
heywoul
dbei
nher
e?
Of
fi
cer
:wej
ustneedt
ocheck.
Offi
cer
:butthi
shouselooksli
kei
thasbeen
abandonedfort
helongestoft
imesoidon'
tthi
nk
theywouldbehere
Of
fi
cer
:let
'sbr
eakt
hedoor
Of
fi
cer
:let
'sj
ustcont
inuewi
tht
hesear
ch
Off
icer
:noguyswaitt
her
ear
ecart
racksher
eand
t
heyaresti
llf
resh
Offi
cer:l
etmecallli
eutenantKabindaandlethi
m
knowsot hatt
heyfoll
owt het r
acksifwedon'tf
ind
them i
nhere(hesteppedout si
de)
Kabi
nda:oneoft
heof
fi
cer
sont
hehel
icopt
er.Hel
lo?
Offi
cer
:wear einMmandunyaner i
ghtnowbecause
wespottedanabandonedhousesowej ustsaw
fr
eshcartracksbutther
e'snocarher
e.Youguys
makeyourwayher esot hati
fwedon'tf
indthem
youfol
lowt het
racks
Kabi
nda:ohokgood.(
Hehungup)
Bont
si:and?
Kabi
nda:theyspottedanabandonedhouseand
fr
eshtyr
et rackssotheyaresear
chingift
heydon'
t
fi
ndthem thenwewi llf
oll
owthetracks
Bai
sago:canit
akeovert
hewheel
sdet
ect
ive?
Kabi
nda:nopr
obl
em
Theychangedseat sasBaisagost
eppedont he
accel
eratorwhil
ebackatthehouset heof
fi
cers
openedt hedoortothehouseandlookedaround
i
nsidefindingnot
hing..
.

Of
fi
cer
:ther
e'snot
hingi
nher
e
Of
fi
cer
:it
oldyouguys
Of
fi
cer
:nowhataboutt
hesedr
ums?
Off
icer:t
hemor et
imewewasteherei
sthemor e
fur
thertheywi
llbeget
ti
ngawayfr
om us.Let
'sget
moving
Of
fi
cer
:ok(
het
ookhi
sphoneagai
n)
Kabi
nda:pl
easet
ellmeyouf
oundsomet
hing
Offi
cer
:unf
ort
unatel
ynotsi
r.Wearemovi
ngyou
guyscomehereandfol
lowthet
racks
Kabi
nda:ok
Theyhungupastheoffi
cerst
ookof f
.Assoonasit
movedSaschagotoutofthedrum butashewas
aboutt
omoveAtamelang'sdrum t
hedooropened
agai
nashejumpedreachingfort
her emot
e..
.

Guy:woahwoah.I
t'
sme.Weneedt
omove
Sascha:howwhent
hehel
icopt
eri
sal
lover
Guy:i
t'
smovi
ngf
urt
hernor
th
Sascha:wher
ewi
llwego?
Guy:wewi
llhi
dei
nthebushsol
ong
Sascha:soyouwantust
odr
agt
hesepeopl
ether
e?
Guy:wedon'
thavet
owewi
llcar
ryt
hem
Sascha:r
eal
ly?
Guy:j
ustinj
ectt
hem wi
ththi
sandtheywi
llbeout
(
myhear tski
ppedabeatl
ist
eni
ngon)
Sascha:okwher
eisyourcar
?
Guy:don'
twor
ryabouti
ttheywil
lneverf
indi
ti
managedtopl
ayaroundwithi
t
Sascha:good

Theguygavehi
m anotheri
nject
ionast
heymoved
thedr
umsandinject
edus.

I
nMochudi
..
.

Aworri
edLamesi
ghedst
andi
ngupasever
yone
l
ookedather
..
.

Ol
ebi
le:si
tdownLame
Lame:noOl
ebi
leourcousi
nisoutt
her
eGodknows
wher
e.Maybe.
..
Ol
ebi
le:don'
tyoudar
esayi
tpl
ease
Lame:(swall
owed)maybei t
st hereali
tyweshould
begett
ingreadyfor
.Peoplecan'tbet hi
s
untr
aceablewhentheyarebeingfollowedandagain
i
tlooksli
kethatguyknowswhathe' sdoi ng.Hehas
bl
ockedallmeansoffindi
ngt hem ont i
meandt he
f
urt
hertheymovet
hel
esst
hechancesoff
indi
ng
t
hem al
ive
Lediba:iunderst
andyouar ewor r
iedmygirlandwe
allarebutpleaselet
'
st ryandkeepaposit
ivemi nd
forthei
rsake.Ifwegi veuponthem theuniver
se
willdotoo
Lame:(
sighed)ican'
taf
for
dtol
oseanot
herf
ami
ly
memberplease
Ledi
ba:youwon'
tmygi
rlyouwon'
t
Lame:whenwi llBosafi
ndpeacemal ome?When?
Poorchil
dhasbeent hroughthemostsi ncebirt
h.
Whatifthi
sguyi ssendinghim backintothedark
hol
ehej ustcameoutof ?Thisi
sunf airmalomeit'
s
unf
air(sheburstint
otears)
Ledi
ba:don'
twor
rymychi
ldi
t'
sgoi
ngt
obeok

Ol
ebi
ler
ubbedherbackwhil
eDaisywenttogether
agl
assofwat
erasOlebi
le'
sphonerang.
..

Ol
ebi
le:uncl
eT?
Temo:anyupdat
eyet
?
Olebi
le:t
heyjustt
oldust
hatcart
racksweref
ound
somewher ei
nMmandunyaneandt heyar
egoingt
o
fol
lowthem
Temo:ohok.Wear
eonourwayt
othehospi
tal
Ol
ebi
le:(
frowned)why?
Temo:Reai
sinpai
niguessi
tst
hest
ress
Ol
ebi
le:okuncl
eTdon'
twor
ryshewi
llbef
ine
Temo:keepmepost
edok
Ol
ebi
le:eer
ra(
theyhungup)
Bot
ho:whatdi
dyouruncl
esay?
Ol
ebi
le:thest
resshasgott
entoauntyReaandt
hey
ar
edrivi
ngtothehospi
talr
ightnow
Lame:(
sni
ff
ed)what
!?
Ol
ebi
le:don'
twor
ryshewi
llbeok
Lame:whati
shappeni
ng?
Olebi
le:idi
dn'
twantt
ogeti
ntodet
ail
sabouti
tij
ust
hopeshe'snotbl
eedi
ng
Theyal
lsi
ghedwhi
leLameshookherheaddr
inki
ng
herwat
er.

I
nMmandunyane.
..

Aft
ertwohoursoftryi
ngtofol
lowt
hetracksthey
gaveupreal
izi
ngthattheywer
ecir
cli
ngaroundthe
sameplace.
..

Bont
si:(
tear
ful
lyshout
ed)At
a!?Baby!
?
Pat
lo:don'
twor
rybabyi
t'
sgoi
ngt
obeok
Bont
si:noPat
loican'
tlosemyonl
ychi
ld.At
a!?

Sheshoutedandbur stintotear
sasPat lohugged
her.Leani
ngagainstthecar ,
Baisagoquietl
ylooked
atRobertwhowasseat edonar ockwithhishead
downandhandsoni t.Baisagosniff
edandputhi s
handsinhispocketsgoi ngtohi
m whi l
eDetecti
ve
Kabi
ndat
ri
edt
ofi
ndal
eadi
ntheempt
yhouse.
..

Baisago:wher
eismyson?(Rober
tkeptqui
et)i
askedyouaquesti
onwhereismysonRobert?
Rober
t:(
wit
hhi
sfacer
ed)doil
ookl
ikeiknow?
Baisago:(
chokedhi
m)Rober
t!Wher
ethehel
lismy
son!?

Bont
siandPatl
orant
othem asKabindacameout
oft
hehouserunni
ngtoatear
ful
lygaggi
ngRobert
..
.

Rober
t:i
m sor
ry
Kabinda:Baisagoyoudon'
twantt
ogeti
ntot
roubl
e
wit
ht helaw
Bai
sago:iwantmysondammi
t!
Bontsi
:yesBai
sagobutt
hisi
snott
hewayt
ogo
abouti
t
Bai
sago:ij
ustmetmysonican'
taf
for
dtol
osehi
m
nowespeci
all
ytoahool
iganwhocan'
tmanup!I
wantmysondammi t
!

Hesaidgrabbinghar
deronRobert
'sneckwho
gaggedmor easPatl
oandKabindapull
edhi
m of
f
Robert
..
.

Kabi
nda:(
slappedhi
m)st
opi
t!
Bai
sago:(
cryi
ng)al
liwanti
smychi
ld!
Rober
t:(
cryi
ngt
oo)idon'
tknowwher
etheyar
e!
Bai
sago:he'
smyonl
ychi
ld!

Theycr
iedwi thBontsiwhil
eKabindaandPat l
o
si
ghedlookingatthem.Patlohel
pedBont sit
othe
carast
hef athersal
somadet hei
rwayt othecar
aft
ercr
yingtheireyesout.Kabi
nda'sphonerangas
heansweredwi t
hhi smooddown. .
.

Kabi
nda:of
fi
cer
?
Of
fi
cer:wearecal
li
ngofft
hesear
chi
t'
sal
readyl
ate
wewil
lcont
inueagaint
omorr
ow
Kabi
nda:i
t'
sokbecauset
her
e'snot
hingwecando
now
Of
fi
cer
:ok

TheyhungupasKabi ndar
ever
sedoutoft
heyard
andheadedback.Aft
erafewminut
esofthem
l
eavingwewerepull
edbackint
othehouseasthey
l
ockedusinandleft
.

THEFOLLOWI
NGMORNI
NG

Islowlyopenedmyeyeswit
hmyheadpoundingso
bad.Ilookedatmylegandi
tdi
dn'tl
ookany
dif
ferentasisl
owl
ylif
tedmyheadtoAtamel
ang
whowasnotmovi ng..
.

Bosa:
Ata?(
Shest
il
ldi
dn'
trespond)At
awee?(
She
st
il
ldi
dn'
trespond)At
awakeup?

Myhear
tski
ppedasshest
il
ldi
dn'
trespond.
..

Bosa:
(shout
ed)At
a!?
At
amel
ang:hmm
Bosa:
shi
tmandon'
tyoueverdot
hatagai
n
At
amel
ang:(
sighed)sowear
est
il
lher
e?
Bosa:
asyoucansee
Atamelang:myf
acehur
tsandihaveat
err
ibl
e
headache
Bosa:
it'
sthesl
apsandt
hemedi
cat
iont
heyi
nject
ed
uswit
h
Atamel
ang:soar
ewegoingt
odi
eher
eBosa?(
I
quei
tl
yswall
owed)Bosa?
Bosa:
mma?
At
amel
ang:ar
ewegoi
ngt
odi
einher
e?
Bosa:
no
At
amel ang:i
ftheyf
ail
edt
ofi
ndusyest
erdayt
hey
wi
llneverfi
ndus
Bosa:onethingiknowaboutmymom isthatshe
wil
lnevergiveupunti
ltheyf
indusevenaunt
y
Boi
tshepo
Atamel
ang:ican'
tbeli
evet
hisguyst
oopedt
hisl
ow
youknow.Howpat het
ic
Bosa:
ithi
nki
tst
imewepl
ayedhi
mtohi
sown
game
At
amel
ang:how?
Bosa: t
hemor eyoufi
ghthimt hemoreyouanger
him andheendsuphur t
ingus.Soyouneedt okeep
yourcalm becausewewillneedtobestr
ongto
escapet hi
splace
At
amel
ang:whatar
ewegoi
ngt
ouset
oescape?
Bosa:thegoodthingisthatwearetapednott
iedso
i
fwecanst artmovingourhandsnowbyeveni ng
thi
stapewillbesoftenoughtopullourar
msfrom i
t
At
amel
ang:won'
tithur
t?
Bosa:
it'
sgoi
ngt
obutwecan'
taf
for
dtodi
einher
e.
Iwouldrathersuf
fershor
tter
m pai
nthant
olosemy
l
if
ealltogether
At
amel
ang:(
sighed)ok
Bosa:
remembert
okeepyourcool
At
amel
ang:sur
e

Westar
tedmovingourhandsasshequietl
ylooked
atmebutlookedawayasilookedbackather
..
.

Bosa:
whati
sit
?
At
amel
ang:il
oveyouBosa
Bosa:
canwepl
easef
ocusonbei
ngsaf
e
At
amelang:i
m bei
ngseri
ousthoughihaveal
ways
l
ovedyouandyouaretheoneiwanttobewit
h
Bosa:
Atamakesur
eyoudon'
thur
tyour
sel
f
At
amel
ang:Bosai
..
.
Sascha:ohi
fitwer
en'
tourt
wol
ovebi
rds
Hebur sti
ntoalaughaswequickl
ystoppedmovi
ng
ourhandswhilehisfr
iendputf
oodparcel
sonthe
tabl
e..
.

Sascha:i m notabadpersonafteral
lyouseemy
l
ove?( Smi l
ed)iaskedmyf r
iendtolooki
ntoyour
faceandyourf uckbuddy'
slegbecauseineedyou
guyst obef reshforagamewear egoingtopl
ay
afterbreakfast

Wequiet
lyl
ookedatt
hem ashi
sfr
iendcamewi
th
hi
sfi
rstai
dkit
..
.

Att
hehospi
tal
..
.

Af
terherbat
hthedoctor
sletBai
sagot
hroughashe
si
ghedtaki
nghisseat
..
.

Boemo:don'
twor
rybabewear
egoi
ngt
ofi
ndt
he
ki
ds
Bai
sago:anot
herdayst
art
edl
ove
Boemo:di
dyougetsomesl
eep?
Bai
sago:icoul
dn'
t
Boemo:okl
oveyouneedt
otakesl
eepi
ngpi
ll
sfr
om
her
e
Bai
sago:noiwantmysonhome
Boemo:butyouar
estr
ainingyour
sel
fbabe.You
needt
obef r
eshtobeabletofi
ndhimtl
herra
Bai
sago:(
sighed)okl
ove
Boemo:t
hankyou.
Bai
sago:hasReaspokent
oyou?
Boemo:yeahshe'
soki
twasj
ustst
ressbutt
he
babyi
sok
Bai
sago:t
hat
'sgoodandyou?
Boemo:i
m goi
nghomewi
thyou
Bai
sago:(
smi
led)r
eal
ly?
Boemo:(
smi
led)youshoul
dseeyourf
ace.Yes
babe
Bai
sago:whydi
dn'
tyout
ellmet
hen?
Boemo:iwant
edt
osur
pri
seyou
Bai
sago:andyoudi
d
Boemo:andal
soputasmi
leonyourf
ace
Bai
sago:youal
wayshave.Il
oveyouok
Boemo:il
oveyoumoreboo.Let
'sgoandf
ightt
o
fi
ndourboyi
nonepiece

Hesmiledhel
pingherof
fthebedandheldherhand
andherbagwiththeot
herastheyheadedout
.

I
nPr
ison.
..

Vict
ori
amadeherwayi nt
othevisi
ti
ngareaand
fr
ownedt oabeaut
if
ull
ightski
nnedwomanwaiting
onher.Shehadonablackflowl
ydressanda
l
eopardskinkuanonherheadwithl
ongnail
sanda
bl
ackl
ispt
ickon.
..

Vi
ctor
ia:goodmor
ning
Lady:(
smi
ledt
aki
ngof
fhergl
asses)Vi
ctor
iaDi
ntsi
Vi
ctor
ia:whoar
eyou?
Lady:(
str
echedoutherhand)mynamei
sGabone
Vi
ctor
ia:idonotknowaGabone.Howdoyouknow
me?
Gabone:youdon'
tneedt
oint
roduceyour
sel
ftoa
per
sonlikeme
Vi
ctor
ia:i
m get
ti
nguncomf
ort
abl
e
Gabone:butt
hat
'snotwhoyouar
e.
Vi
ctor
ia:idon'
tunder
stand
Gabone:ifyouweresomeonewhogot
uncomfortabl
efi
rsthandyouwoul
dn'
tbet
he
personyouaretoday
Vi
ctor
ia:oh
Gabone:youhavebeenwor
kingwi
thDi
phal
ari
ght
?
Vict
ori
a:(
frowned)ok(
clear
edhert
hroat
)imean
yes
Gabone:youwereactuall
yworki
ngforhi
m notwit
h
hi
m.Hi sauntwasmar r
iedtoamanwhosexually
abusedyourmotherandtheyti
edyouwhileyou
weresti
lli
nherbel
ly
Vi
ctor
ia:(
hear
tski
pped)oh
Gabone:buti
m her
etohel
pyout obreakt
hatcur
se
andgetbackupinli
fewel
lifyoual
lowmet o
Vi
ctor
ia:ineedtogetoutofher
ef i
rstofal
landi
wanteveryt
hingiownedbackintomyhands
Gabone:ohokt
hent
hatcanhappenonl
yifyoudo
whatiaskyout
o
Vi
ctor
ia:whatdoineedt
odo?
Gabone:iwantyourbr
other
'sseed
Vi
ctor
ia:huh?
Gabone:hi
sfi
naceei
spr
egnantr
ight
?
Vi
ctor
ia:yesbut
..
.
Gabone:neversaybutwhenyouwantsomet
hingi
n
yourl
if
e
Vi
ctor
ia:oksor
ry
Gabone:al
litwi
llt
akeisthatchi
ldandyoursi
steri
n
l
aw'sbloodthenever
ythi
ngwi l
lworkout
Vict
ori
a:whataboutmysi
sterwhoi
sini
nit
iat
ion
school
?Whatifsheseest
his?
Gabone:don'
twor
ryaboutheriwi
llhaveherdeal
t
wit
hniceandgood
Vi
ctor
ia:ohisee
Gabone:Dit
irowi
llbr
ingyousomet hingtohelpyou
gett
hatbloodbutinthemeantimet hinkofwhat
youwil
ldot omakesureithappens.(Stoodup)
remembertimewastedneverretur
ns

Shesmiledleavi
ngwhil
eVictor
iasatbacki
n
thought
s.Shesmi l
edali
tt
leandheadedbackt
othe
cell
.

I
nSer
owe.
..
Boit
sheposatintheplast
icbathbathi
ngasherhut
doorclosed.Shet
urnedandscr eamedgett
ingout
ofwaterasamal efi
gurestoodbeforeher
..
.

Boi
tshepo:whatdoyouwant
!?Whoar
eyou!
?
Di
phal
a:i
m Di
phal
a
Boi
tshepo:l
eavemeal
one!(
Shout
ed)t
eacher
!?
Di
phal
a:wai
ticomei
npeace
Boi
tshepo:iwantnot
hingt
odowi
thyou.Youar
e
evi
l!
Di
phal
a:butyouneedmet
oover
comeVi
ctor
ia
Boi
tshepo:al
lineedi
smyGodandt
hat
'si
t
Diphala:shej
ustmetwitht
hestrongestwi
tch
doctoreverandtheyar
eplanni
ngt obri
ngherback
up
Boit
shepo:Diphalapleasel
eavewi
thyourl
ies!I
m
notanevilpersonplease!
Di
phal
a:but
..
.
Boi
tshepo:(
shout
ed)t
eacher
!Hel
p!Somebody!

Shescreamedwit
hhereyesclosedandherhands
onherearsast
heteacheropenedthedoor
..
.

Teacher
:Mmant
wa?
Boi
tshepo:gethi
m outofher
e!He'
sevi
l
!
Teacher
:noevi
lisal
lowedi
nahol
ypl
acemychi
ld
Boi
tshepo:(
openedhereyesandf
rowned)huh?
Teacher:t
her
e'snowayanevil
soulcancomeint
o
thi
splacemychild.Onl
ypur
esoul
sandspiri
tsar
e
welcomehere
Boi
tshepo:buthewor
kedwi
thVi
ctor
ia
Teacher
:thenhehaschangedhi
swaysmychi
ld
Boi
tshepo:t
hatmanwasconsumedwi
thevi
lther
e's
nowayhecanchange
Teacher
:ther
e'sl
if
eaf
terdeat
handt
her
e's
for
givenesstoosoallowhimintoyourspacemy
chi
ld.Nowf i
nishbathingweneedtogetstar
ted
wit
ht oday'
sacti
vit
ies

Shel
eftwhil
eBoi
tshepol
ookedar
oundwi
thaf
rown
onherface.
..

Boi
tshepo:mewor kwithDi
phala?Thesameper
son
whofoughtthespiri
tinmetodeath?Ngaka
Marumopl easeshowmeasi gnifit
'sgoodt
owork
wit
hthisspiri
t.

AtShar
on'
shouse.
..

Hermothercamedownthestai
rsinhershort
sand
avestwhil
eshehungupaft
ertryi
ngtogetintouch
wit
hBosa..
.

Shar
on:nowor
ktoday?
Mi
ra:nopei
m wor
kingf
rom homet
odaymyl
ove
Shar
on:ok.
Mi
ra:(
frowned)ar
eyouok?
Sharon:t
her
e'ssomet
hingineedt
otel
lyoumom
butidon'
thowyouwil
ltakeit
Mi
ra:j
ustsayi
tlove
Shar
on:I
'
m pr
egnant
Mi
ra:mma?
Sharon:yesmom i m sor ryiknowit
'sembarassing
forachildtofallpregnantatmyageespeci al
ly
whenyouexpect edal otfrom mebutipromiseyou
mom iwi llworkhar derandprovetoyouthatican
beresponsi bl
eandagai nt hefat
herissomeone
whoi sresponsible
Mi
ra:whoi
sitShar
on?
Shar
on:(
swal
lowed)BosaDi
ntsi
.
.
.
.
.
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
CAGED
56

Mi
ra:whoi
sBosaDi
ntsiShar
on?
Shar
on:hel
ivesi
nBlock10andf
ini
shedhi
sfor
m5
l
astyear
.Hegot48point
s
Mir
a:whatdi dyouj
ustsay?Soyougot
i
mpr egnatedbyachildwhoisnotgoi
ngtohel
pyou
wit
hanyt hing?
Shar
on:t
heyar
ewel
lof
fmom
Mir
a:idon'tcareaboutt
hatSharon,
howcanyoube
soi
rresponsibl
e?Isthi
schil
dhisorhispar
ent
's?
Shar
on:hi
s
Mi
ra:sowher
edoeshi
spar
ent
scomei
n?Wer
ethey
ar
oundwhenyouguyssawi
tfi
ttosl
eepwi
thout
pr
otect
ion?
Shar
on:weusedpr
otect
ionmom
Mi
ra:t
henhowdi
dyoubecomepr
egnant
?
Shar
on:maybei
tbr
okeandwedi
dn'
theari
t
Mira:soir
responsibl
eofyouki ds.Youknowver y
wellthatt
herear emorni
ngafterpill
sSharonandi
l
ongaskedyout ostar
ttaki
ngcont racept
ivesbutno
youchoset ofallpr
egnantat18, whoisgoingto
mindyourchildwhenyouar einschool ?Wear e
goi
ngt oabortthatchi
ld
Shar
on:no!
Mi
ra:mma?
Shar
on:whati
fiwon'
tfal
lpr
egnantagai
naf t
ert
he
abor
ti
on?Iwantt
ohavemorekidsinfut
ure.Wewil
l
hi
reananny
Mi
ra:pai
dbywho?
Shar
on:Bosa'
sfami
ly
Mi
ra:whatdot
hosepeopl
edo?I
m honest
ly
embar
rassedbyyouShar
on
Shar
on:I'
m sor
rymom.Hismot
heri
sal
awyerand
hi
sfatherownsal
ogi
sti
cscompany
Mi
ra:whatar
ethei
rnames?
Shar
on:BoemoandBai
sago
Mi
ra:ar
etheymar
ri
ed?
Shar
on:engagedt
obemar
ri
ed
Mir
a:yett
heyhavean18yearol
dchi
ldwhathave
t
heybeenwait
ingfor
?
Shar
on:Boemoi
sast
epmot
hert
ohi
m
Mir
a:weneedt
ofi
ndt
hosepeopl
e.Gi
vemeBosa'
s
number
Shar
on:i
t'
snotgoi
ngt
hrough

Anoti
fi
cati
onreport
edonherphoneassheopened
i
tandfrownedreadi
ng.
..

Mi
ra:i
sthi
snott
heBosayouar
etal
kingabout
?
Shar
on:i
t'
shi
m,what
'sgoi
ngon?
Mi
ra:hei
srepor
tedmi
ssi
ngwi
th2ot
her
s
Shar
on:what
!?
Mi
ra:andit
hinkt
hisi
shi
spar
ent
'snumber

Shesai
dcopyi
ngi
ttohercont
act
sandsavedi
t.
..

Shar
on:Bosai
smi
ssi
ng?
Mir
a:eeakerennaisai
dweshouldabor
tthatchi
ld
andyousaidno?Whatifhe'
sdeadwher
eeverheis?
Shar
on:nohecan'
tdi
e,notwheni
..
.nevermi
nd

Shesaidtaki
ngherphoneandwentupwhil
eMi
ra
shookherheadandsighedl
ooki
ngather
.

Att
hemal
l.
..
Li
zzypar
kedhercarandheadedtothecel
lphone
shopwhereshef
oundthem openi
ng..
.

Li
zzy:goodmor
ning
Lady:(
smi
led)ohear
lycust
omer
,goodmor
ning
Li
zzy:iwi
shiwasher
etobuybuti
m her
etoi
nqui
re
aboutsomet
hing
Lady:ohokpl
easecomethrough(
shef
oll
owedher
i
n)sohowcanibeofhelplove?
Lizzy:t
her
eisamanwhocameher eandboughta
phonewor t
h6.5K(t
ookoutapi
ctur
eofDi
ti
ro)do
your ememberhi
m?
Lady:ohyeshecamewi
thhi
sson
Li
zzy:(
frowned)son?
Lady:yes.Whoar
eyouagai
n?
Li
zzy:i
m Li
zzyhi
swi
fe
Lady:ohisee,
ok
Li
zzy:sowhowast
hephonef
or?
Lady:t
heson
Li
zzy:howol
ddi
dhel
ook?
Lady:aowhatki
ndofaquest
ionisthat
?Youar
ehi
s
wif
esoyoushouldknowyourkids
Li
zzy:wedon'
thaveachi
ldwho'
syetol
denought
o
ownaphone
Lady:(
frowned)oh?
Li
zzy:yes
Lady:wel
lheseemedt
obeappr
oachi
ng20year
s
Li
zzy:ohokt
hankyou
Lady:youar
ewel
come.Ihopeidon'
tgeti
nto
tr
ouble
Li
zzy:nonodon'
twor
ry

Shesmil
edatherl
eavi
ngandgoti
nhercar
scof
fi
ng.
..

Li
zzy:Di
ti
robet
ternotbegaybecausehewoul
dsee
asideofmethathewoul
dwishtohavenever
pokedoutoft
henest(
shedi
aledhi
m)
Di
ti
ro:l
ove?
Li
zzy:wher
ear
eyou?
Di
ti
ro:aboutt
oknockof
f
Li
zzy:ohok.Pl
ansf
ort
oday?
Di
ti
ro:ihaveameet
ingwi
thsomeonel
atert
his
morni
ng
Li
zzy:butyouneedtorestandwhatmeet
ingi
sit
whenyoudon'thaveanybusiness?
Di
ti
ro:meet
ingsar
enotal
waysaboutwor
klove
Li
zzy:ohisee.Sodi
dyoubuysomet
hingwi
thour
car
dyesterday?
Di
ti
ro:no
Li
zzy:ohokt
henbye
Di
ti
ro:whydoyouask?
Li
zzy:j
ustthatiseeamessagefr
om thebankthat
st
atesthat6.
5kwasdebit
edf r
om ouraccountata
cer
tai
nshopandiknowt
hecar
diswi
thyou
Di
ti
ro:soyouhadt
hiscar
dtosendnot
if
icat
ions?
Li
zzy:soyouboughtsomet
hing?
Di
ti
ro:ineedt
ogetgoi
ng
Li
zzy:Di
ti
roar
eyoudoi
ngyoungboysnow?
Di
ti
ro:what
!?
Li
zzy:whoi
she?
Di
ti
ro:l
ikeisai
dineedt
ogo.Bye
Li
zzy:Di
ti
ro!Di..
.(
hehunguponherasshehitt
he
st
eeri
ngwheel )dammit
!Youcanneverhi
dehimfor
l
ongyoudut chebag

Shecl
ickedhert
ongueanddr
oveout
.

I
nMmandunyane.
..

Aft
erbei
ngatt
endedtobyt
he"nurse"f
ri
endto
Saschawegotfedf
oodanditwasactual
lygood.At
l
eastt hatwastheonlygoodpar taboutthi
swhole
stupidideaofSascha'
s.Hemadesur ewewerein
goodheal t
handweat e.Wef i
nishedashepulleda
chairandsighedsit
ti
nginfrontofus...

Sascha:soiguesswear
ereadyt
opl
ayneh?
At
amel
ang:yes
Sascha:t
hat'
smygi rl
.It
'saquest
ionnai
re
composit
ion.Iaskyouquesti
onsaboutyour
sel
f
andyouanswert hem
Bosa:
whati
sthewhol
ereasont
othegame?
Sascha:iwantt
ogettoknowyouguysandif
ther
e'ssomethi
ngidon'
tli
keaboutyout
her
ewil
lbe
apricetopay
Bosa:
(fr
owned)whatpr
ice?
Sascha:youwi
llf
indoutwhent
het
imei
sri
ght

Iswall
owedlooki
ngatAt
amel
angwhosi
ghedwi
th
hereyescl
osed..
.
Sascha:sof
ir
stupi
syouBosa,
howdi
dyoumeet
Ata?
Bosa:
thr
oughaf
ri
endofour
s
Sascha:whatwer
ethei
ntent
ions?
Bosa:
tobecomest
udybuddi
es
Sascha:di
dyou?
Bosa:
yes
Sascha:haveyoueverseenherinanyot
herway
besi
desherbeingyourstudybuddy?
Bosa:
no
Sascha:why?
Bosa:
becauseiwasn'
tint
erest
ed
Sascha:howcanyounotbeinter
est
edt
oagi
rlt
his
beauti
ful
?(Hesai
dbabykissi
ngher)
Bosa:
(swal
lowed)i
hadnot
imef
orr
elat
ionshi
ps?
Sascha:ohisee.Di
dyouknowshecoul
dbe
at
tract
edtoyou?
Bosa:
yesourmut
ualf
ri
endt
oldme
Sascha:andyoust
il
ldi
dn'
twanther
?
Bosa:
yes
Sascha:t
henhowcomeyouwer
eabl
etosl
eepwi
th
her?
Bosa:
itj
usthappened
Sascha:knowi
ngshehasaboyf
ri
end
Bosa:
(swal
lowedl
ooki
ngatAt
amel
ang)yes
Sascha:youmot
herf
ucki
ngbi
tch!Br
ingmet
hat
pi
pe
Bosa:
wai
twhatar
eyougoi
ngt
odowi
thi
t?
Sascha:openyourmout
h
Bosa:
Saschawhatar
eyou.
..
Sascha:isai
dopenyourgoddamnmout
hidi
ot!

Hesaidgr
abbingmyheadandopenedmymout h
whil
eAtatear
ful
lyl
ookedonashi
sfri
endputa
hosepi
pei
nmymout h.
..
Sascha:cl
osei
t!

Iner
vouslyswall
owedasSaschagr
abbedonmy
l
ipsmakingsureidon'
topenmymouth.
..

At
amel
ang:Saschayouar
egoi
ngt
oki
llhi
m!
Sascha:shutupbi
tch!

Thefr
iendopenedthewaterasitf
il
ledmymout h.
Wit
hmyl ipspr
essedagai
nstthepipethewaterhad
nowhereelset
ogetoutbutthr
oughmynost r
ilsand
ear
s..
.

At
amel
ang:Saschano!

Shesai
dcryi
ngasiwidenedmyeyeschokingon
thewat
erwhil
eSaschaevilchuckl
edbi
ti
nghi
s
l
owerli
pandremovedt
hepi
peasicoughedsobad
andevenvomi
ted.
..

At
amel
ang:youhavenosoulyoucunt
!
Sascha:atl
easti
m notal
oosebi
tch!
At
amel
ang:howcanyoudot
hist
oanot
herper
son!
?
Sascha:wheredoeshegett
heaudaci
tyt
osl
eep
wit
hmygi rl
fr
iend!

Hesaidlandi
ngahardst
rokeonmewi
tht
he
hosepi
peasigrunt
edinpain.
..

Sascha:nextphaseoft
hegamewear egoi
ngto
pl
ayitoutsidei
nthebushandguesswhoourplayer
i
s(smiledlooki
ngatAtamel
ang)mybeauti
ful
gi
rl
fri
end
At
amel
ang:whatar
eyougoi
ngt
odo?
Sascha:butf
ir
stweneedt
ogetaf
ewequi
pment
s
comemyboy
Hesai
dtappi
nghi
sfr
iend'
sshoul
derandt
heyl
eft
..
.

At
amel
ang:ar
eyouok?
Bosa:
mychesti
sst
il
lfi
ll
edwi
thwat
eri
t'
sli
keiwas
dr
owning
At
amelang:i
m sosor
ryf
orput
ti
ngyout
hrought
his.
I
t'
sal
lmyf aul
t
Bosa:it
'sokl
et'
sfocusont
ryi
ngt
oloosent
hese
tapes

Sheswal
lowedl
ooki
ngatmewhileicoughed
movi
ngmyhandstryi
ngtol
oosenthetape.

AtBai
sago'
shouse.
..

Heopenedthedoorf
orLi
eut
enantKabi
ndaashe
smi
ledtoBoemowhowasseatedonthecouchwi
th
herf
eetup.
..

Kabinda:youar
ebackt
othel
andoft
hel
ivi
ng(
they
chuckled)
Boemo:goodmor
ningMrK
Kabi
nda:howar
eyoudoi
ngmychi
ld?
Boemo:i
m somuchbet
terdet
ect
ive
Kabi
nda:t
hat
'swonder
ful
Bai
sago:canigetyouanyt
hingt
odr
inkMrK?
Kabi
nda:j
uicewi
llbef
inet
hankyou
Bai
sago:comi
ngr
ightup
Boemo:sohowi
sever
ythi
nggoi
ng?
Kabi
nda:honest
lyspeaki
ngi
m st
uckican'
tbel
ieve
i
m bei
ngbeatenbyan18yearold
Boemo:there'
snowaythatcanhappenMrKt hat
boyistooyoungtobeplayi
ngthesekindofgames.
Allyouneedtodoiscal
m downandt hink
Kabi
nda:it
ri
ed.Thanksson(
hej
oinedt
hem)
Boemo:weneedt ogobackt ot hatplacet ot
awe
aregoi ngtostartwher eyoufoundt heircarsand
carefullyf
oll
owt heroad.Youwi l
lfi
ndt hatthere'
s
somet hingthatcangi veusal eadjustthatyouguys
wer etoooverwhel medt oseeitandt hengobackt o
thatplace.Thefactt hatyouguyst ri
edt ofoll
owt he
tracksbutwer ecircl
inginonepl aceshoul dtel
lyou
thatthosekidsar ethere
Kabinda:butther
ewasnoonei nthehouse.My
of
ficerssearcheditandidi
dtoo
Boemo:t hat
'sbecausetheymovedthem buttrust
met hosekidsareinthathouse.Whereelsecan
theymovet hem whenSaschaandhi sfri
endknow
noot herpl
acebutthatone?
Kabi
nda:howdoyouknowt
hat
?
Boemo:ihavebeent alkingtomyPIandiaskedhi m
tolookintoSascha'
sfriend'
sfami l
yandthathouse
usedtobehi sfat
her'
shome, wellahomeofhis
foref
atherssotheyardisinthef at
her'
snames.As
forRober tt
heyhavenopr opert
iesoutsi
dethecit
y
soourki dsarei
nthathouseweneedt ogoback
Kabi
nda:butar
eyouf
itt
otr
avel
?
Boemo:yes
Bai
sago:ar
eyousur
ebabe?
Boemo:f
orBosa?Iwi
llneveral
lowmysel
ftobe
weak
Bai
sago:okl
et'
sgot
hen.
Kabi
nda:canweuseyourcar
?
Bai
sago:nopr
obl
em

Theypr
epar
edt
oleaveasBoemo'
sphoner
ang.
..

Boemo:bossman?
Jooma:iwenttothehospi
talbutiwast
oldyou
weredi
schargedearl
ier
?
Boemo:yessi
riwasaboutt
oinf
orm you
Jooma:ohok.Ijustwant
edt
oletyouknowt
hatt
he
rul
ingandsent
encingdat
esar
eout
Boemo:oh,
whenwi
lli
tbe?
Jooma:t
omor
row
Boemo:ohoknopr
obl
em si
riwi
llavai
lmysel
f
Jooma:youdon'
thavet
o.Youar
est
il
lonsi
ckl
eave
Boemo:i
m goi
ngt
ogocr
azyi
fidon'
tat
tend
Jooma:okt
henMsM.Seeyout
omor
rowat9am
Boemo:bye(shehungup)t
heruli
ngand
sent
encingf
orVict
ori
aDint
siandhert
roopwi
llbe
tomorr
ow
Bai
sago:thatmeanswehavet
ofi
ndmysont oday.
Heneedst obeherewhent
hej
ust
icehe'
sbeen
l
ongingforget
sserved
Boemo:t r
ustmewhenisaywear enotgoingto
comebackwi t
houtBosaandAtamelang.Call
Bontsiandletherknowaboutt
hisineedtotalkto
thePI

Bai
sagothr
ewhi
scarkeystoKabi
ndaastheygot
i
nthecarandmadet
heircal
lswhi
lehedr
ove.
I
nPr
ison.
..

Vict
ori
awenttothephoneboot
handpunchedi
n
Temo'sphonenumber.
..

Temo:Temohel
lo?
Victori
a:gooddaysiryouarespeaki
ngtoMrs
Mer kelcaniki
ndlyhaveyourwif
e'snumberagai
n
please,imispl
aceditbutiur
gentl
yneedher
services
Temo:ohok(het
oldhert
henumber
)whatser
vices
aret
heyma'am?
Vi
ctor
ia:don'
tworr
yabouti
tsi
r.Bye(shehungup)
mxm whenpeopleweregi
venbrot
hersiwasgiven
ani
diot(shesai
dpunchi
nginReatl
egil
e'
snumber)
Reat
legi
le:MsMai
ket
sohel
lo?
Vi
ctor
ia:hidearyouar
espeaki
ngt
oVi
ctor
ia
Reat
legil
e:Vi
ctor
ia?Wher
edoyougetmynumber
andsincewhendoyoucallme?
Vi
ctor
ia:fr
om yourf
iancee.AommaReayouare
mybrother'
swomanandsoont obewi
fesoihave
t
okeepi ntouch
Reatl
egi
le:youhonest
lyhavethegutsyouwitch.
Aft
eralmostkil
li
ngmysi st
erandyouthinkiwoul
d
wanttohavesomesor tofrel
ati
onshi
pwi t
hyou?
Thegull
Vict
ori
a:i
twasamist
akethati
m payingf
ori
honest
lywantt
ori
ghtal
lmywr ongs
Reatl
egi l
e:youcandot hatwi t
houtmesopl ease
l
eavemeal one.I
mi narel
ationshipwithyour
brot
hernotyou.Youhaveneveraccept edmeso
don'
tt hi
nki m nai
vetoletyouwal tzi
ntomyl i
fethat
easi
ly.Iwantabet t
erl
ifeformyf amilyandforme
tobeabl etoachievethatihavetostayaf aras
possiblefrom you.Byeandnevercal lmeagain
Vict
ori
a:Reawai.
..
(shehungup)f
uckt
hisbi
tch!
Lit
tl
egir
lyouhavemyl i
fei
nyouandiwanti
tso
youbett
erbehave

Shecl
ickedhert
ongueandwentbackt
othecel
l
s.
I
nSer
owe.
..

Wi t
hacl oudofmidstfi
ll
ingthewhol eroom the
teacherandherotherstudentssangwhi le
Boitshepoknel
tonthef l
oorwithwhi t
ecandl es
aroundherandawhi teclothwr appedonherbody.
Shepr ayedbeat
ingherhandst ogethercall
ingfor
thespiri
ttoopenhereyeswhi letheteacher
sprinkl
edsomewat eronher .
..

Teacher
:comeonMmant wawhatdoyousee?
Openyourspi
ri
tleti
twor
konyou
Boi
tshepo:(
stopped)Boi
ngot
lo?
Boi
ngot
lo:(cr
ying)i
can'
tfi
ndmysonBoi
tshepo,
my
soni
smi ssi
ng
Boi
tshepo:whatdoyoumeanmi
ssi
ng?
Boi
ngotl
o:ever
yonei
slooki
ngf
orhi
m.Ican'
tfi
nd
hi
m ei
ther
Boit
shepo:butyouar
eabl
etoseeever
ythi
ngf
rom
theothersi
desis
Boi
ngot
lo:butnotmyson.Pl
easef
indhi
m
Boi
tshepo:oksi
sdon'
tcr
ywewi
llf
indhi
m
Boingot
lo:youalsoneedtosaveyoursonhe' sthe
onlyoneicouldgetto.Hisfatherisplanni
ngtouse
hi
mf orevilt
hingsbutican'tdoanythingabouti
t
becausehealreadyhaspr otect
ionaroundhim
Boi
tshepo:Li
zzy
Boi
ngot
lo:huh?
Boit
shepo:f
ormet obeabl et
osaveLet l
otl
oisi
fi
gettoopenLizzy'
seyes.Iseeawhitebo..
.ohmy
wordSaschahasBosaandPat l
o'sdaughter
Teacher:keepdi
ggi
ngmychi
ldkeepaski
ngt
hehol
y
spi
ritf
ormor ecl
ari
ty
Di
phal
a:Vi
ctor
iai
sfi
ght
ingt
ogetbackt
o..
.

Boi
tshepoj
umpedbackf
all
ingonherbum
br
eathi
ngheavi
ly.
..
Teacher
:whatnow?
Boi
tshepo:t
heevi
lmani
sbackagai
n
Teacher:it
oldyouMmant wa,t
here'
snoevi
lsoul
thatcancomei nt
ot hi
spl
aceall
owt hi
smanint
o
yourspacehe'sgoingtohel
pyouovercomethi
s
evilwoman.Heknowsherbet t
erthanyoumychil
d
please

Boit
sheposwall
owedandsi
ghedgoingbackint
o
herprayi
ngposi
ti
onandst
art
edprayingagai
n..
.

Di
phal
a:hernamei
sGabonesher
esi
desi
nKanye
Boi
tshepo:whatdoesshedo?
Di
phala:sheusesbloodt
olur
epeopl
eint
oher
ki
ngdom ofdarkness
Boi
tshepo:who'
sbl
ooddoesshewant
?
Diphal
a:Yourbr
other
'sunbor
nchi
ldandhi
s
fi
ancee'
s
Boi
tshepo:howdowest
opt
hatf
rom happeni
ng
Diphala:youneedtost
ri
keGabonebecauseifyou
don'tshe'sgoi
ngtomakesureshehasVict
oria
exactl
ywher eshewantsher

Shesi
ghedopeni
nghereyesandshookherhead
l
ooki
ngdownwhilet
heteacherandot
herstudent
s
st
oppedsi
ngi
ng..
.

Teacher
:whathast
her
eal
mreveal
edt
oyou?
Boi
tshepo:ineedt
ogointobat
tl
ewithawoman
cal
ledGaboneshewantsmyunbornnephewand
mysoont obesist
eri
nlaw'sbl
ood.
Teacher
:yoursoont
obesist
eri
nlawisavery
i
ntel
li
gentwomanhenceyouhavetof
ightGabone
Boi
tshepo:butiknownot
hingaboutf
ight
ingi
n
spi
ri
t
Teacher
:yourweaponi
spr
ayermychi
ld
Boi
tshepo:i
..
.
Asshesai
dshecaughtagl i
mpseofayoungman's
l
egshangi
nginai
r.Sheclosedhereyesandasshe
wentupwit
hthel
egsshel ockedeyeswit
ha
gaggi
ngBosawit
har opearoundhisneck.
..

Boi
tshepo:Bosano!
Teacher
:pr
ayMmant
wapr
ay!

AtLet
lot
lo'
shouse.
..

Hef el
lasl
eepaft
erdr
inki
ngajui
cet
hathi
sfather
broughthi
m whil
eDit
irosmi
l
edtaki
ngoutasyri
nge
outofhispocket
..
.

Dit
iro:i
m sosorr
ymysonbutifyouwantt
obea
partofmylif
ethenyouhavet
owor kf
ori
tmyboy
Hesaidinj
ect
ingtheneedledintoLetl
otl
o'sner
ve
anddrewoutblood.Hepulleditoutandashedi d
thesyr
ingesl
ippedoffhi
shandandbr okeonthe
fl
oor.
..

Di
ti
ro:shi
t!Nowihavet
ogoandgetanewone.
Mxm!

Hesai
dwi
pingt
hebl
oodandgoti
nhi
scardr
ivi
ng
out
.

I
nthebushes.
..

Atamel
angcri
edhereyesoutwit
hSaschahol
ding
herdownti
ght
lywhil
ehisfr
iendhangedme.
..

At
amel
ang:Saschapl
easest
op!
Sascha:t
her ul
eoft
hegamewasforyoutonotl
ose
abetmyl ove.Nowhehast
osuf
fer.Youseewhat
youhavedone?Youhavekil
ledyourfuckbuddymy
baby.Myboyyouseewhatsl eepi
ngwi t
hanot her
guy'
swomandoes?Leadsyout oyourgrave.Rest
i
nagonyyoubloodyfucki
ngcunt !Doitmyf r
iend

Icl
osedmyeyesashisfr
iendmovedt her
ockst
hey
putmeonwhil
etheropeti
ghtl
ylockedonmyneck
andist
art
edki
cki
ngandgagging..
.

At
amel
ang:(
cryi
ng)Bosano!

Theydraggedherbacktothecarleavingmet her
e
fi
ght
ingformyl i
fe.Meanwhil
eaf ewmet resf
rom
wheretheyfoundBosa'scart
heot herdayBoemo
fr
ownedseeingabl oodycl
ini
calglove..
.

Boemo:guysifoundsomet
hing!Weneedtohave
thi
sbl
oodtestedisther
eacl
ini
cnearby!
?
.
.
.
.
.
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
CAGED
57

BaisagoandPatl
opar kedPat lo'
scarint
hecl
ini
c
parki
ngandr ani
nsidewi ththebloodygl
oveaski
ng
foradoctor
.Lucki
lyfort hem hehadnopati
entas
theywentinandtookt heirseats.
..

Bai
sago:mynamei sBai sagoKgosidint
siandthi
s
i
sPatloKwena.Ourki dsaremissi
ngandwhi l
ewe
weresear
chingforthem wesawt hisglovebut
wheremyson'scarwasl astlocat
ed.Wear e
worki
ngwithLieut
enantKabindaont hecaseand
heaskedustocomeher eandhavet hebloodonthe
gl
ovet
est
ed
Dr
:howl onghasi
tbeensi
nceyourki
ds
di
sappeared?
Patl
o:i
t'
sonlybeenadaynowbuti
thasn'
tbeen
24hrsyetmaybeit
's20hr
snow
Dr:okiwil
lhavet
hebl
oodt
est
ed.Whodoyou
suspectcoul
dbe?
Pat
lo:j
ustt
estour
sagaisntt
hebloodaswel
lwe
wil
lseewhoiti
sfort
hroughther
esult
s
Dr
:okpl
easef
oll
owme

Theyfol
lowedhim asBai
sagocal
ledBoemo
updat
ingher.
..

Boemo:wear
ear
ri
vingatt
hehousemyl
ove
Bai
sago:okbye
Kabi
nda:and?
Boemo:t
hedoct
ordi
dn'
tgi
vet
hem ahar
dti
me
Bontsi
:theywer
esol
uckyt
ofi
ndadoct
oratt
he
cl
ini
c
Boemo:yeahhey

Theygotof
fandwenti
nsi
de.
..

Bont
si:icansmel
lmybaby'
sscenti
nher
e
Boemo:t
heywer
einher
enotsol
ongago
Kabi
nda:her
e'ssomet
hingt
hatl
ooksl
ikebl
oodand
vomi
ttoo
Boemo:weneedtocal
lexper
tst
ocomeandt
ake
sampl
estotest
.
Bont
si:it
hinkweshoul
dgoi
ntot
hebush
Boemo:idon'
tknowi
fiwil
lbetoost
rongt
owal
kfor
l
ongbutidon'
thaveapr
oblem
Kabi
nda:uset
hecarwewi
llwal
k
Boemo:i
t'
sgoi
ngt
odi
str
actmest
il
l
Kabi
nda:youwi
llhavet
omul
ti
task
Boemo:ther
eareshoet
racksouther
emaybewe
canfol
lowthem
Kabi
nda:per
fectl
et'
snotwast
eanymor
eti
me

Hesai
dcal
li
ngahospi
tall
ineastheyheadedint
o
t
hebushwhil
eBoemoslowlydr
ovebehindthem
l
ooki
ngar
ound.

I
nSer
owe.
..

Boitshepo:( cr yi
ng)"not hingbeatsthepowerofa
beli
ever .Chr istyoudi edont hatcrosst osaveus.
Deliverusf r
om al levilmyLor d,DeliverBosaDi ntsi
from allevilChr istJesus.He' syourchi l
dsonof
Godandyoubr oughthimi nt
othiswor ldfora
reason.Youcan' tlethim departthiswor ldwit
hout
fulf
ill
inghi spur pose.Savehi m sonofGod.Save
BosaDi ntsihedoesn' tdeservetodi eli
ket hi
s.He
hast otellhisst orytot hosewhoar egoi ngthrough
thesamet hinghewentt hrough.Hei ssomeone' s
savi
nggraceLor
dsavehi
sli
fe,
spar
ehi
sli
feoh
mightyGod!
"

Shef el
lonherst
omachgaggi
ngwhilehol
dingher
neckcalli
ngonBosa'
snameastheteacherandher
otherstudent
sst
art
edtopr
ayevenharder.
..

Teacher:graci
ousLordhelpyourchild!Yourchildi
s
cryi
ngunt oyou!Saveherfamily,
deli
verthem from
al
lthisevil
.Youchoseherf orareason,youarenot
aGodt hatloses!YouarenotaGodt hatloses!Your
arenotaGodt hatl
oses!

Shesai dcl
appingherhandspr ayingwhile
Boitsheporol
ledonthefloorstil
lchokingand
call
inghernephew'sname.Meanwhi leinthebusha
branchiwashangingf r
om br okeasif el
ltothe
groundandhi tmyheadhar dandbl oodcameout .
Backi nSeroweBoit
shepost oppedchoki ngandsat
upcr yi
ng..
.
Boi
tshepo:ican'
ttaket
hisanymor
ethi
sisheavy
Teacher
:it
'snevereasybei
ngaChri
sti
anmychil
d
especi
all
yachosenonewhoseesbeyondhuman
eye.Youareyettoseeandgothr
oughscar
ier
thi
ngsthanthi
smychi ld
Boi
tshepo:butwhy?
Teacher:everyfami lyhast heirsavinggracein
dif
ferentforms.Youar eyourf amily'sspi
ri
tual
saviourandst rengt h.Otherpeoplecanbet hei
r
family'
ssavoursf rom pover t
y.Youcan' tgiveup
now.Spi r
itualt
hingsar ehar dbutt heLordwi l
lcar
ry
yout hr
ough.Justl ikewhenhecar ri
edthatcross
youar ecarryi
ngyourwhol efamilyonyour
shouldersmychi ld.Jesuswentt hroughpai nbut
sti
llhesurvivedisn'tit?
Boi
tshepo:i
mti
red
Teacher:hewi
llgiveyourestdon'
tworry.Westil
l
havealotofworkt odobutfornowlet'
sr eadt
he
wordofGodanddr i
nksomewat erandgetbackt o
work.Youaregoingtoleavethi
splaceabr andnew
andst
rongerper
son

Boit
sheposi
ghedastheyallsatdowntaki
ngt
hei
r
bi
blesandshar
edawor dtogether
.Therul
ewast
o
openarandom scr
ipt
ure.
..

Teacher:youhaveopenedameaningf
ulscr
ipt
ure
Mmant wapleasebethefi
rstonet
oshare
Boi
tshepo:i
ts2Chr onicleschapt er20verse17and
i
tsays"Youwi llnothavet ofightthisbatt
le.Take
upyourposit
ions;standf i
rm andseet he
del
iver
ancetheLor dwillgiveyou, Judahand
Jer
usalem.Donotbeaf raid;donotbedi scouraged.
Goouttofacet hem tomorrow, andt heLordwillbe
wit
hyou"(smiled)wow
Teachi
ng:theLordhasspokenmychil
d."
Face
them t
omorrowandt heLor
dwil
lbewit
hyou"that
's
yourgotowordf r
om nowonunti
lyoumeetyour
savi
our.Okanotherone
Theyconti
nuedtosharet
hei
rwordswhi
le
Boit
sheposmil
edstil
lgoi
ngt
hroughher
s.

AtTemo'
shouse.
..

Bri
androvet
hr ought
hegateasOl
ebil
eopenedt
he
doorf
orhim andtheywenti
nsi
de.
..

Br
ian:youcal
ledf
orme
Ol
ebi
le:yeaht
her
esul
tsar
eheresoiwant
edyout
o
bear
oundwheniopenedt
hem
Br
ian:ohoknopr
obl
em wecandoi
t

Ol
ebil
esi
ghedandt ooktheenvel
opeopeningi
tand
t
ookoutthedocumentinsi
de.Hequeit
lyreadand
l
ookedupathim..
.

Br
ian:and?
Ol
ebi
le:youi
ndeedar
emyf
ather
Br
ian:sowhatdoest
hismean?
Olebi
le:iguessthi
smarksthebeginni
ngofour
rel
ati
onship.Idon'
twantustorushint
oanythi
ngso
weshoul dtakeever
ythi
ngslowl
y
Bri
an:i
t'
snotaproblem butoner
equest
,caniput
youinmypoli
cies?
Olebi
le:ofcourse,
i wantt
ospendyourmoneywhen
youpasson( theylaughed)
Bri
an:wonder
fult
henwewi l
lhaveal
lthatsor
ted
out
.Hasyourmotherspokentoyou?
Ol
ebil
e:yesshetri
edtosweettalkmebutitoldher
wheretogetof
f.Justt
hatBosa'sdi
sappearance
st
oppedeveryt
hingwewouldhavel ongdealtwi
th
Vi
ctori
a
Bri
an:whatdoyout
hinkshoul
dbedonesi ncet
he
courtofl
awwil
lbel
i
evethehospi
talovert
hevideo?
Ol
ebi
le:sheshoul
dbegi
vent
het
ast
eofherown
medi
cine
Br
ian:asi
nbewi
tchher
?
Olebi
le:notbewi
tchherbutsendbackever
ythi
ng
shehasdonet opeopl
etoher
Bri
an:youknowyouar
eherbl
oodl
inesoyoumi
ght
beaff
ected
Olebi
le:t
hatiswhyimthi
nki
ngweshouldbe
formall
yint
roducedt
oyourancest
orsandtakeup
yournamesot hatwhent
hatisdonenothi
ngcomes
backtohauntus
Br
ian:okt
henwecanor
gani
set
hat
Ol
ebil
e:good.Howf
arwi
thf
indi
ngaschoolf
or
Dai
sy?
Br
ian:she'
sgoi
ngf
orcl
assest
omor
row
Ol
ebi
le:ohni
cel
et'
shopeshewor
kshar
dert
his
t
imearound
Br
ian:ihopeso.If
eel
li
keshehasl
ear
ntherl
esson
Olebil
e:nonolet
'snotr
ushintothatoneyetshesti
ll
hasal ongwaytogotoprovethatshehaslearnt
herlessonandoneofthethi
ngsshehast odoi s
makingsureherschoolr
esult
sar epromi
sing
Br
ian:(
smi
led)youwi
llmakeagr
eatf
atheroneday
Olebi
le:whenit
urned13ideci
dedt
obecel
ibat
e
andabstain
Br
ian:what
?
Ol
ebi
le:yeahi
t'
snoteasybutihavel
ear
ntt
odeal
wi
thi
t
Br
ian:soyouhaveneverbeenwi
thanyoneyour
wholeli
fe?
Olebi
le:atal
l.Ihavegi r
lsthrowi
ngthemsel
vesat
meandihavet hoset hatili
kebutiknowhowto
dealwithsuchf eel
ings
Br
ian:whataboutt
heyoungman?(
Theyl
aughed)
Olebil
e:youaresosill
y.I
t'
salli
nthemi
ndijustt
ell
mymi ndt hatidon'
twanttodoanyoft
hatand
everyt
hinggoesbackt onormal
Br
ian:iwoul
dneverwi
sht
obeyou
Olebi
le:buti
t'
sni
ce.Looknowihavei
nvest
edmy
moneyandiknowt here'
snoonewhomightst
eali
t
andtryburnmeinmyhouse
Theyl
aughedasOl
ebi
legotupt
omakehi
sfat
her
somet
hingtoni
bbl
eon.

I
nMochudi
..
.

UncleLedi
baputt hemi
lki
nthef r
idgeandwentt
o
si
toutsi
desippingonhi
scoffee.Hereachedf
orhis
phoneanddialedTemo.
..

Temo:uncl
eLedi
ba?
Ledi
ba:ihopei
m notdi
stur
bingyoumyboy?
Temo:nouncleij
ustf
ini
shedwhatiwasgoi
ngso
wecantal
kit'
sok
Ledi
ba:good.I
t'
saboutyoursi
ster
Temo:yesmal
ome
Ledi
ba:weweresupposedt
ohaveameetingabout
whatBri
anshowedyouguyscanyout
ellmewhatit
i
s?
Temo:i
t'
savi
deoofVi
ctor
iabewi
tchi
ngBoi
ngot
lo
malome
Ledi
ba:(
choked)ar
eyoubei
ngf
orr
eal
?
Temo:yesuncl
eLedi
ba
Ledi
ba:t
henwhyhaven'
tyout
akeni
ttot
hepol
ice?
Temo:eveni
fwedother
e'snohowthecourtwi
ll
accepti
tasl
ongast
hehospit
alpr
oventhatshe
diedofhi
ghbl
oodpr
essure
Lediba:ei
sht
ruethat
.Sowhathaveyout
houghtof
doingabouti
tsi
ncethewest
ernlawswon'
thel
pus?
Temo:theonlysol
uti
ont
othi
sisi
fwegot
he
tr
adi
ti
onalroute
Ledi
ba:youwantt
oki
llher
?
Temo:r
obherof
fever
ythi
ng
Lediba:sendi
ngbackacur
setotheper
sonwho
broughtitwil
ldodamaget
othei
roff
spri
ngs
Temo:ispoket oOlebil
eabouti
tandhewas
thi
nkingi
ftheDNAr esul
tscomeposi
ti
vesi
ncehe
bel
ievesi
nt angibl
eproofthenwewil
ldoa
cer
emonyf orhi
m andDaisyt
ochanget
hei
rnames
toBri
an'
sthenwewi l
lst
ri
keVict
ori
a
Lediba:oktheni
fyousayso.Iguesswewil
lhave
totell
thewholefami
lyonceBosa'smessi
ssorted.
Anyupdat eonit
?
Temo:theyhavedeci
dedtofol
lowt
hesamet
rai
las
yest
erday.Theyar
ewithBoemo
Ledi
ba:ohokl
et'
shopet
heyf
indsomet
hing
Temo:yeahneh
Ledi
ba:anywayiwantedt
oknowexact
lywhatyou
guyswantedtot
alkabout
Temo:oknoprobl
em.Iwillsendyouguysmoney
forgr
ocer
iesf
orbothyourhouseandLame's
Ledi
ba:oht
hankyoumyson
Temo:bye

TheyhungupasLedi
basi
ghedsi
tt
ingbackwhi
le
Temosenthi
m money.
Att
hecl
ini
c..
.

Thedoctorcamebacktohisof
ficewithawhi
te
envel
opeinhishandwhil
ethefather
ssatup
cl
eari
ngtheirt
hroat
s..
.

Dr:imanagedt
ogetmypeopl
etof
ast
enupwi
th
t
het est
sandwegott
heresul
ts
Bai
sago:whatdot
heysaydoc?
Dr
:(sighedopeningt
hem)thebloodont
hegl
ove
matchesyourbloodMrKgosidi
ntsi
Bai
sago:(
sighed)soi
t'
sBosa'
s?
Dr
:yessi
r
Bai
sago:t
hankyousomuchdoc
Dr
:thepl
easur
eisal
lmi
ne
Pat
lo:youwi
llgetyour
sel
fsomet
hingt
odr
ink

Hesai
dgi
vinghi
m aP200not
east
heyl
eftwhi
le
Bai
sagodi
aledBoemo.
..

Boemo:honey
Bai
sago:howi
sever
ythi
nggoi
ng?
Boemo:wear ewalkingi
nt hebushesri
ghtnow
tryi
ngtofi
ndthem becausetheshoetrackswe
foundatthehouseledusher ebutnowtheyhave
disappear
edther
ear ealotoftr
acks
Bai
sago:ei
shok.Wehavet
her
esul
tsandt
hebl
ood
onthegl
oveisBosa'
s
Boemo:ohok.Pl
easest
aycal
m andposi
ti
veok
Bai
sago:i
mtr
yingmyl
ove
Boemo:t r
yhardermybaby.Wef oundsome
samplesatthehouseaswel landBont
sicoul
d
smellherdaughter
'sscent
.Themedicalt
eam has
takenthesamplesfortest
ing
Bai
sago:okwast
hebl
oodal
ot?
Boemo:nobutt
hevomi
twas
Bai
sago:isee.Let
'shopeourchi
ldr
enar
esaf
e
wher
evert
heyar
e
Boemo:don'
twor
ryl
ove.Haveyouspokent
oMr
Dutche?
Baisago:yeahisenthi
m at
exthesai
dhewasat
theoffi
ce
Boemo:ohokl
et'
scont
inuewi
tht
hesear
chhey
Bai
sago:okbabewewil
lbether
einnot
imean
ext
rapai
rofeyeswoul
dhelp
Boemo:sur
e

TheyhungupasPatl
osteppedont
heaccel
erat
or
headedtoMmandunyane.

I
nPr
ison.
..

Theguar
dcl
osedVict
ori
aint
hepri
vat
ephone
boot
hasshesatdownandanswer
ed.
..
Vi
ctor
ia:Br
ianiknowi
tcanonl
ybeyou
Gabone:noi
tsme
Vi
ctor
ia:(
frowned)youwho?
Gabone:Gabone
Vi
ctor
ia:ohhi
Gabone:haveyoumanagedwi
thyourbr
other
's
fi
ancee?
Vi
ctor
ia:notyetshe'
sst
ubbor
nthatone
Gabone:t
henuseyourbr
othert
ogett
oher
Vi
ctor
ia:whati
fher
efuses?
Gabone:yourbrotherist
heweakestper
soneverso
i
fyoumanagedt olurehi
m youwil
lmanagetolur
e
hisgi
rl
fr
iendorwhat evershei
stohimintoo.The
soonerwedot histhebett
ermydear
Vi
ctor
ia:okiwi
llt
ryhi
m
Gabone:don'
ttr
ydoi
t
Vi
ctor
ia:okiwi
ll
.Di
dyoumanagewi
thmysi
ster
?
Gabone:yoursi
steri
saf
ight
erbutihaveneverl
et
anyonet
hinktheycanwinagai
nstmethateasi
ly.
Imthemostpowerfulwi
tchdoct
oryoucanever
comeacross
Vi
ctor
ia:t
her
uli
ngandsent
enci
ngi
stomor
row
Gabone:worr
ynotaboutthatoneever
ythi
ngwil
lgo
accor
dingl
y.Queensneverl
oserememberthat
Vi
ctor
ia:(
smi
led)idef
ini
tel
ywi
ll
Gabone:good.Nowwor
konget
ti
ngmet
hatbl
ood
Vict
ori
a:consi
deri
tdone.Ther
e'ssomeoneineed
youtosortoutf
orme
Gabone:who?
Vi
ctor
ia:af
ri
endofminecal
ledJune.Shesawi
tfi
t
t
osellmeoutsoiwanthert
ofeelmywr at
hbef
ore
t
heendoftheday
Gabone:i
sthatyout
ryi
ngt
oseewhatI
'
m capabl
e
of
?
Vi
ctor
ia:somet
hingoft
hatnat
ure
Gabone:okthenmyladyyourwi
shismycommand
af
terdoingt
hisyouhavetomakesuret
hatyouget
t
hebl
oodineed
Vi
ctor
ia:wi
thoutahust
le
Gabone:awesome.I
twasgr
eatt
alki
ngt
oyou
Vict
ori
a:thepleasureisallmine(smiledputti
ngthe
phonedown)Vi ct
oriaDint
siisof
fici
all
ybackyou
motherfuckers.Y'al
lthoughtiwasgoi ngtogo
downforgood?Hel lno.Aqueenneverl osesshe
j
ustrest
sal it
tle.

Shesai dleavi
ngt hepr
ivat
ephoneboot hwhil
eat
herhouseGabonesmi ledwrit
ingJune' snamewi th
bloodont hefloorandthendrewanar rowpointi
ng
downt oVi ct
oria'
sname.Shesmi ledfl
ippi
ngher
hairwhilepouringagreensubstancet hatrubbed
offJune'snamebutmadeVi ctoria'snamehar don
thefl
oor .Shesmi l
edcoveri
ngVi ctori
a'snamewi t
h
blackfeathersandwalkedout...

Gabone:i
tisdone.
I
nSer
owe.
..

Aft
ershari
ngthewordanddri
nkingwater
,they
wentbacktoprayi
ngasBoi
tshepoprayedforher
son.
..

Boit
shepo:"
Lordiknowmychi l
dhasdi sobeyedme
somanyt i
mesandiknowwhatyour
commandmentsaysaboutchildrenwhodi sobey
thei
rel
dersbutLordsavehimfrom t
hedar kness
that
'st
ryi
ngtoconsumehi m.Mysoni sasmar tboy
Lordopenhiseyes,openhi
seyespleaseLor d.
.."

Meanwhi leaf t
erbuyinganothersyringeanunawar e
Diti
rogotinhi scaranddr oveoutoft hepar ki
ngas
Lizzyalsodr oveoutinadi f
fer
entcar .Shecar eful
ly
foll
owedhi m makingsur ethathedoesn' tr
eal
ise
thatheisbei ngfoll
owed.Theydr ovef orawhi le
untilheturnedintoahoodasLi zzypar kedhercar
andobser vedhi m.Shesawhi m drivingintoayar d
thenshef oll
owedhi m.Ditir
oparkedhi scarand
wenti
nsi
det
hehousewher
ehef
oundLet
lot
lost
il
l
out
..
.

Di
ti
ro:ohsoyouar
est
il
loutmyboy.Per
fect

Hesaidtaki
ngoutasyringeandt appedhisnerve
slowl
yplaci
ngthesyr
ingei n.Li
zzyslowlyopened
thedoorandfr
ownedlisteningatDit
iro.
..

Diti
ro:t
hisher
emarksthebegi
nningofgreatt
hings
foryoumyson.Isn'
tyouwantedmet oacceptyou
asmyson?Yest heti
mei snow,welcomehome
daddy'sboy
Li
zzy:naar
ewal
owaDi
ti
ro?(
Areyouawi
tch)

Hejumpedstartl
edandacci
dent
all
yhi
tthesyr
inge
makingtheneedlegodeepi
nsi
dethener
veas
Let
lotl
owokeup...
Li
zzy:iaskedyouaquest
ion
Let
lot
lo:ouchwhati
sthi
s!?What
'sgoi
ngonher
e,
dad?
Di
ti
ro:ihavet
ogo
Li
zzy:notbef
oreyouexpl
ainyour
sel
f

Shesaidl
ocki
ngthedoorandt
ookoutthekeysas
Dit
ir
oswall
owedwithhi
seyeswander
ingbetween
hi
swi f
eandson.

I
nthebush.
..

Kabi
ndaspot
tedBosaandswal
lowedl
ooki
ngback
atBoemoandBontsiwhosl
owl
ycamebehindhi
m..
.

Kabi
nda:t
hisi
snothappeni
ng.Gosh.(
Clear
edhi
s
t
hroat
)canyoupl
easehurryher
e
Bont
si:whati
s..
.ohmyGodBosa!
Boemo:Bosano!
Kabi
nda:car
eful
lwi
thhi
m
Bontsi
:Bosawakeup,
wher
eisAt
amel
ang?Bosa!
(Shebursti
ntot
ear
s)
Boemo:Bont
sist
opi
tyouar
ehur
ti
nghi
m

Kabindamanagedtogettheropeof
fmyneckand
checkedmypulseswall
owing..
.

Boemo:and?
Kabi
nda:t
her
e'snot
hing
Boemo:nononono!

Shesaidbur
sti
ngint
otear
sasPatl
o'scarhi
tthe
brakeswi
thBai
sagocamerunni
ngoutofit.
..

Bai
sago:Bosa!
Pat
lo:wher
eisAt
a?
Bai
sago:Bosawakeup!
Kabi
nda:he'
snomor
eMrKgosi
dint
si
Bai
sago:nononot hatcan'
tbeheneedstowakeup
wehaveal otofpl
anstoget
her!Bosa!Cal
lfor
medicalhel
p!

Hesai dcryingasBoemosni ff
edandquickl
y
reachedforherphonecal l
ingformedi
calhel
pwhil
e
Patloatt
ent edtoacryi
ngBontsiwhocall
edoutfor
herdaught er.Meanwhil
edeepi nt
hebushes
Atamelangcr i
edonherbackasSaschabithis
l
owerl i
pst rangli
ngherhar
der..
.

At
amel
ang:Saschapl
ease!
Sascha:il
ovedyoubitchandyougoanddot hi
sto
me!?Youdon'tdeser
vetolive.Thebot
hofyou!
At
amel
ang:i
m sor
ry

Shesai
dcr
yingasshest
art
edt
obecomeweakwi
th
hereyesr
oll
ingback.
..

Guy:dudeweneedt
ogetgoi
ng
Sascha:t
hisbi
tchi
sref
usi
ngt
odi
e
Guy:f
uckt
hisman

Hepulledhi
m of fofAt
aandkickedhersohar
don
theheadandt hatwasit
.Theyquickl
ygoti
nhis
fri
end'
scaranddr oveoffwhi
lebloodsl
owl
ycame
outofAtamelang'sear
s,noseandmouth.
.
.
.
.
.
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
CAGED
58
Li
zzy:Di
ti
roi
m st
il
lwai
ti
ngonmyanswer
Let
lot
lo:whati
sgoi
ngonwhoi
staki
ngmybl
ood?
Di
ti
ro:Li
zzyopent
hatdoor
Li
zzy:doyouknowt
hatwhatyouar
edoi
ngi
sa
cr
imeDiti
ro?
Di
ti
ro:isai
dopent
hedoordammi
t!
Lizzy:ngngcalm downhubbyt
her
e'snoneedf
or
yout ojumpovertheroof
Let
lot
lo:(
removi
ngt
hesyr
inge)dadwhat
'sgoi
ngon
her
e?
Lizzy:andt
henexpl
aint
omewhyt
hisboyi
scal
l
ing
youdad
Dit
ir
o:i
m notsayi
nganyt
hingt
oanyone.Opent
hat
door
Li
zzy:t
henwewillsi
tinher
eunt
ilyouanswerme.
Whatareyoudoi
ngwi t
hthi
schi
ld'
sbloodandwhy
i
shecalli
ngyoudad?
Di
ti
ro:soyouf
oll
owedmeLi
zzy?
Let
lot
lo:ar
eyougoi
ngt
otel
lherorshoul
di?
Di
ti
ro:shutup!
Lizzy:don'tshoutatt
hepoorchi
ldDit
ir
o.Fir
stofal
l
youj usthurtthi
schil
d.What
'swrongwithyou?
Di
ti
ro:ineedt
ogohome
Lizzy:nnakareyoushouldrestbutyoudecideto
runar oundsteal
ingchi
ldr
en'sbl
oodsampl es.
ReallyDiti
ro?Whatkindofamandoeswhatyouar e
doing?
Let
lot
lo:t
hismani
smyf
ather
Li
zzy:andyouknowt
hishow?
Let
lot
lo:mymot
her
'snamei
sBoi
tshepoDi
ntsi

Li
zzyswal
lowedlooki
ngatDi
ti
rowhosnif
fed
l
ooki
ngdownwithaf r
ownonhisf
ace.
..

Li
zzy:r
eal
lyDi
ti
ro?Boi
tshepoDi
ntsi
?
Let
lot
lo:youknowher
?
Lizzy:yourmotheri
sthereasonial
mostdidn'
t
mar rythismanbecausehecheatedwit
hherand
l
ef ther.Shet
oldhimthatshewaspregnantand
thisiswhathesaid

Shesai dtaki
ngoutherphoneandgaveitt
oLet
lot
lo
whileDiti
roquickl
ylookedupwi
thafrownonhi
s
face..
.

Dit
ir
o:t
hatisal
ie.Don'
tyoudar
ebel
ievewhatyou
seeint
here
Li
zzy:t
hosear
escr
eenshot
sofhi
sconver
sat
ion
wi
thher

Let
lot
loswal
lowedl
ooki
ngathi
sfat
herandl
ooked
downonthephone.
..

Di
ti
ro:Let
lot
lo
Li
zzy:f
eelf
reeandr
eadever
ythi
ng
Dit
ir
o:whatkindofawomanar
eyou?Wher
edi
d
yougetal
lthese?
Lizzy:iopenedyourphoneandscr eengr abbedthe
conver sati
onsandsentthescreenshotst omyself
forthisexactreason.Kegoreiwantedt oseehow
honestyoucoul dbeandi t'
sbeenaf ucking18
yearsDi ti
ro.18motherfucki
ngyears.Youar ea
snakeDi t
ir
oandim goingtomakesur etodealwi t
h
yougood
Di
ti
ro:Let
lot
lost
opr
eadi
ngt
hoset
hings
Let
lot
lo:somymot
herwasr
ight
?Youwant
ed
not
hingtodowi
thme?
Di
ti
ro:Let
lot
loyouar
e..
.
Let
lot
lo:sot
hatghostwasal
sor
ight
,youusedmy
motherandl
efther
?
Di
ti
ro:Let
lot
lol
ist
en.
..
Let
lot
lo:(
tear
sbui
lti
nhi
seyes)haveyour
eal
ised
whatyouhavedone?
Di
ti
ro:Let
lo.
..
Let
lot
lo:shutt
hef
uckup!
Hesaidslappinghi
m wit
hthebackofhishandas
Dit
ir
ofellbackonthecouch.Let
lot
loj
umpedonhim
andstr
angledhim bi
ti
nghislowerl
ip.
..

Letl
otl
o:youali
enatedmefrom myfamil
ywhil
eyou
arenothi
ngbutacol dhear
tedl
iar
!Youpret
endedto
l
ovemewhi l
eyouknewyouhadsomesi ckagenda.
Whatwer eyougoingtodowithmybloodhuh?Turn
mei nt
oazombi e!
?
Di
ti
ro:(
gaggi
ng)youar
ehur
ti
ngme
Let
lot
lo:youmademedisrespectt
heonl
ywoman
whocaredaboutme.Ical
ledhernamesallbecause
ofyousickasshol
e!
Di
ti
ro:(
gaggi
ng)i
m yourf
ather
Let
lot
lo:idon'
thaveafat
herl
ikeyousi
ckbast
ard
mymot herhasbeenbothal
lmylif
e.Afat
heranda
mother!

Meanwhi
leLi
zzycal
mlydi
aledt
hepol
iceasDi
ti
ro
managedtopushLet
lot
loof
fofhi
m andsl
apped
hi
mtoo..
.

Di
ti
ro:(
coughi
ng)i
m yourf
atherok!
Let
lot
lo:youar
enot
hingbutacowar
dpat
het
icl
i
ar!

Hesaidlandi
ngapunchonhisfacewhil
eLizzy
movedforthem speaki
ngt
othepoli
ceonthe
phone.
..

Letl
otlo:mybloodDiti
ro?Real
ly?Youwer egoi
ngto
bewitchyourownson! ?(Hepunchedhim agai
n)
howdar eyoudi
srespectmymot herandyourwif
e
l
ikethat!?
Li
zzy:hol
donoff
icer
,andhehadal
readypaidbr
ide
pr
iceformewhenifoundout
.Hel
looff
icer
Let
lot
lo:yousi
ckbast
ard!

Hepunchedhi
m agai
nandDi
ti
rot
ri
edt
opunchhi
m
t
oobuthemissedasLet
lot
logr
abbedhisar
m and
t
wist
editt
othebackwhi
lehegrunt
edinpai
n..
.

Di
ti
ro:youar
ehur
ti
ngme!
Let
lot
lo:i
tisnothi
ngcomparedt
owhatyouhave
putmymot herandit
hrough
Lizzy:t
hankyouof
fi
cer(
shehungup)hol
dhi
mli
ke
thatforme

Shesaidt
aki
ngof
fherj
acketandpul
ledhershi
rt
sl
eevesup.
..

Lizzy:(sl
appedhi m)Di t
ir
owhoi mi ?(Sl appedhim)
i
m yourwi feok?( Slappedhim)thisr i
ngi sn'
tjustfor
decorationdoyouhearme( sl
appedhi m)youhave
torespectt hi
sringdoyouhearme( slappedhi m)
howdoyout hi
nkyourchi l
drenar egoingt ofeel
knowi ngyouabandonedyourownchi ld?(she
slappedhim agai n)howdar eyout akemoneyf rom
yourownf amilywithoutconsult
ingme! ?(She
sl
appedhi
m)from t
hereyoutakeyourownchild'
s
bl
oodforwhat
?Youaregoingtorotinjai
lyou
pat
heti
cbast
ardandim goi
ngtomakesur ethati
l
eaveyouwit
hnothi
ng!

Sheslappedhi
m asLetl
otl
opushedhimt
ot hef
loor
wit
hbloodcomingoutofhisnost
ri
landl
ipswhi
le
out
sidethepol
icecarar
ri
ved.

Att
hebush.
..

Wit
haf ewot herpol
iceof f
icer
sBontsiandPatl
o
wentintothebushcalli
ngf orAtamel
angwhileby
t
hetreeBoemocomf ortedacr yi
ngBaisagoasthe
medicalrescueteam ar
rived..
.

Boemo:aboutdamnt
ime.Wher
ethehel
lhaveyou
been?
Medi
c:sor
ryf
ort
hedel
ay
Kabi
nda:if
oundthisr
opeonhim andi
tlooksl
ike
hehi
thisheadhardonthegr
ound

Themedicknel
tdownput
ti
ngonastet
hoscopeand
checkedf
orBosa'
spul
sewhil
eBai
sagosnif
fed
l
ookingon.
..

Bai
sago:pl
easet
ellmemysoni
sal
ive
Medi
c:there'
sapulsebutit'
ssofai
ntweneedt
o
t
akehimt othehospi
talr
ightaway
Bai
sago:whatar
eyouwai
ti
ngf
orgo!

Theyqui
ckl
yloadedBosaint
otheambul
ancewhi
le
BoemoandBaisagohugged.
..

Boemo:t
hankGod
Kabi
nda:youguysf
oll
owt
heambul
anceiwi
llf
ind
t
heothers
Baisago:okwewi
llkeepcommuni
cat
ingwi
thyou
guys

Theywast ednosecondandgoti nBaisago'

scar
fol
lowi
ngt heambul ancewhileKabindalooked
aroundshaki nghi
sheadandf ol
lowedtheoneswho
aresti
lli
nt hebush.Bontsipausedfeeli
ng
somethingi nherbodyandheadedt heother
dir
ecti
on..
.

Of
fi
cer
:ma'
am wai
t
Bont
si:i
m goi
ngt
omydaught
er
Pat
lo:boo
Bont
si:Pat
loourchi
ldi
sthi
ssi
deican.
..

Shefrozeseeingherl
yingont
hegr
oundandr
ant
o
hercall
inghername..
.

Bont
si:At
amybaby!
Theoffi
cer
sandPatloranbehi
ndherasshebur
st
i
ntoaloudcryseei
ngthebloodcomi
ngoutofher
nose,
mouthandears..
.

Bont
si:At
ano!

Kabindarantothel
oudcrywhil
ePat
loswal
lowed
checkingforAt
amelang'
spul
se.
..

Patl
o:shesti
llhasapulse.Weneedacarnow!We
can'
taffor
dtowai tanyl
onger(
hesai
dcarryi
ngher
)
Of
fi
cer
:si
rwai
twhati
fyou.
..
Pat
lo:i
sthi
syourdaught
er!
?
Of
fi
cer
:nobut
..
.
Pat
lo:butnot
hingsoshutup!
Kabi
nda:l
ethi
m
Patl
ocarri
edhisdaughterast
heyranbackt
othe
car
.Hecar ef
ull
ylai
dherdownatthebackwit
h
Bontsiasshesoft
lycar
essedherhai
r.
..

Bontsi
:hangi ntheremybabyiknowyouar ea
fi
ghter
, youareaKwenamygi rlkeepfi
ghti
ng.
Mommyanddaddyar eher
eokmyl oveandwear e
goingtomakesur eyousurvi
ve.Kwena'sneverl
ose
abattl
emyl ove(sheswall
owedl ooki
ngoutsi
de)
thepersonwhodi dthi
stoyouisnotgoingtosee
theendoft heday
Pat
lo:babedon'
tsaysucht
hings
Bontsi
:imeani
tPatloiwantthatgoodfornot
hing
whiteboyt
odieaverypainf
uldeath.Fr
om my
tonguetot
heuni
verse.

Seei
ngtheangeronhiswife'
sfacePat
loknewther
e
wasnotalki
ngheroutofthosewordsashekept
qui
etandfocusedondri
ving.
AtRea'
sof
fi
ce.
..

Shescoff
edt
hinki
ngaboutVi
ctor
ia'
scal
landdi
aled
Temo..
.

Temo:honeyar
eyouok?
Reat
legi
le:yesl
oveinol
ongerf
eelt
hepai
n
Temo:t
hat
'swonder
ful
Reat
legi
le:butsomet
hingwei
rdhappened
Temo:what
?
Reat
legi
le:Vi
ctor
iacal
ledme
Temo:uhuwhy?
Reat
legi
le:f
ir
stquest
ioni
ssi
ncewhendoesshe
cal
lme
Temo:exact
ly,
youcan'
tsaysheknowsyourphone
numberbyhead
Reat
legi
le:shesaysshegoti
tfr
om you
Temo:me?Inevergavet
hatwomanyournumber
l
ovei
tst
hel
astt
hingiwoul
d..
.wai
t
Reat
legi
le:what
?
Temo:ther
e'saladywhocalledmeearl
ierandsai
d
she'
sMr sMerkelandwantedyourser
viceshas
anyoneofthatnamecal
ledyou?
Reat
legil
e:notheonl
yst
rangecal
lir
ecei
vedwas
fr
om Vict
oria
Temo:soi
twasher
.Thatwi
tch
Reat l
egil
e:whatdoesshewantf r
om us?I
ma
pregnantwomanTemoandidon' twanttolosemy
childpleasetellyoursi
stert
ost ayawayfrom me.
Peoplel i
kethatwomanar eal
waysoutf orfresh
bloodandasf arasim concernedyouandiar ethe
onlyoneswhohaven' thadtodealwi t
hher
witchcraft
Temo:Vi
ctor
iai
shonest
lyapi
eceofwor
k
Reat
legil
e:whati
fshehasal
readytakenmychi
l
d
fr
om thatphonecal
landi
m carr
yinganempt
ysoul
?
Temo:nonolovedon'
tthi
nkl
iket
hatpl
easeyouar
e
goi
ngtostar
tstr
essi
ngandtheni
tsent
syouback
t
othehospi
talpl
easel
ove
Reatl
egil
e:howdoyouexpectmet
ofeelbabe.Wi
th
Vi
ctori
aanythi
ngispossi
ble
Temo:t
heGodmysi sterser
veswil
lnotal
lowthat
wit
chtotakeourchi
ldandnotevenourmarr
iage
babet
hatiknowsotrustmeok
Reat
legi
le:(
sighed)eer
rait
rustyou
Temo:t
hankyou.Il
oveyouokbabe
Reat
legi
le:il
oveyoumor
e
Temo:andyouguy'
ssaf
etywi
llal
waysbemy
pri
ori
tyok
Reat
legi
le:okbabe.Thankyouf
orr
eassur
ingme
Temo:bye
Reat
legi
le:byel
ove

TheyhungupasReat
legi
lesi
ghedshaki
ngherhead.

AtRober
t'
sof
fi
ce.
..
Hewipedhist
earsl
ooki
ngatBoi
tshepo'
sphot
oand
si
ghedsit
ti
ngback.
..

Rober t:im sosor r

ymyl ove.Idi dn'tknowmyson
couldbet hiskindofper son.I m sosor r
yf orthe
painhehascausedyournephewij usthopehe
comesbackt ohi ssensesandr eali
sest hatwhat
he'sdoi ngisnotagoodt hing.Mayyourancest or
s
pleasepar donwi t
hhim becausei twoul dhur tme
sobadt olosemyonl ychi ld.Iknowwhathe' sdoi
ng
i
snotgoodbutpl easemyl ovepl eadwi t
hyour
ancest orstogi vehim al i
ght ersentence.Iknowhe
deser vesanyt hingbutpl easenotdeat hmyl ovei
begyou.( Sniff
ed)imi ssyousomuchmyl oveandi
hopeyoudoi nggoodwher everyouar e.(Sighed)
whywhywhySascha?Whyar eyoudoi ngt histome?
Youknowhowmuchil oveBoi tshepoandyoudo
thistome?Dot hi
stotheonl ywomanil ove.The
poorboyhassuf f
eredenoughi nhislifeSaschaand
youdot histohi m?Howdoyouexpecthi mt o
surviveandmoveonf rom t his?Saschayouknow
thepainofl osingsomeoneyoul oveyoucan'tbe
theonet odot hist othefamil
yespecial
lywhent hei
r
chil
dhasbeent hroughthemostSascha.Ir egr
et
taki
ngyout oshoot ingschoolbecauseidi
dn'tknow
iwast eachingyout hi
s.Hadiknowniwoul dhave
nevertakenyout hereallidi
ditforwastoteachyou
howt opr ot
ectyour selfbutnowyou
have..
.(swallowed)ohSascha

Hel eaneddownonhi sdeskandbursti

ntomore
tears.MeanwhileinSer
oweBoitshepost
opped
prayingasshecaughtaglimpseofagownanda
gavelwi t
hglasses.
..

Teacher:t
alkt
othespiri
tMmant waifyousee
somethi
ngyoudon'tstopyoutalktothespi
ri
tand
askitf
oramor ecl
earerview.
..

Boi
tshepo:i
tlooksl
ikesomet
hingt
odowi
tht
hel
aw
Teacher
:yoursi
steri
sinpr
isonr
ight
?
Boi
tshepo:yes
Teacher:askthespi
ri
twhati
t'
str
yingt
osayt
oyou
(shecontinuedt
opray)
Boi
tshepo:i
m seei
ngadat
e
Teacher
:di
gdeepermychi
ld

Shespri
nkl
edwateronherasBoit
shepogasped
openi
nghereyesfal
li
ngonherbum..
.

Boi
tshepo:ohno!
Teacher
:whati
sit
?
Boitshepo:somethingisnotri
ghtij
ustsawali
ght
skinnedwomani nablackdresswalki
nginacour
t
housespr i
nkli
ngsomet hi
ngs.(Swal
lowed)i
sshe
thewomanDi phalaspokeof?
Teacher
:yesthat
'shernowyourt
askfrom hereis
tostopherf
rom succeedi
ngonwhatshe'
st r
yingto
do
Boi
tshepo:soi
m goi
ngt
ofi
ghtawi
tch?
Teacher
:yesmychi
ldi
t'
stimetocal
lonbot
hyour
ancest
orsandGodf
orhelp.Fol
lowme

Boitsheposwall
owedandstoodupfoll
owingher
teachertohermainhutast
heyclosedthemsel
ves
i
nsideandst ar
tedasong.

I
nPr
ison.
..

Vict
ori
asighedbei
ngt
akentothepr
ivat
ephone
boothoncemoreandanswer
ed..
.

Vict
ori
a:ithoughti
tol
dyouthatiwi
llbeabl
etogi
ve
youwantyouwantbyt omor
rowonceihavespoken
tomybr ot
her
Temo:youar
espeaki
ngt
ohi
m
Vi
ctor
ia:(
swal
lowed)ohhi
Temo:whatar
eyoupl
ayi
ngatVi
ctor
ia?
Vi
ctor
ia:idon'
tunder
stand
Temo:whatareyoutr
yingt
odobycall
ingmeand
fakeyouri
dent
it
yformetogiveyoumywif
e's
number?
Vi
ctori
a:(
clear
edherthr
oat)iknewyouwoul
dn'
t
gi
veittomebutineededtotalktoher
Temo:why?Si
ncewhendoyouevert
alkt
oRea?
Vict
ori
a:she'
ssoontobemysi
steri
nlawsoihave
ever
ymeanst otal
ktoher
Temo:notonmywifeokVict
oria?Youwil
ldiea
ver
ypainf
uldeat
h.Thatwomanmeansal ott
ome
andiwoulddoanyt
hingtopr
otectherandmychil
d
doyouhearme?
Vict
ori
a:idon'
tunder
standwhatyouar
etal
king
about
Temo:youknowverywel
lwhatimtal
kingaboutbut
youwil
lneverseei
tmydearsi
ster
.
Vict
ori
a:honest
lyspeaki
ngi
m overwhatyouthi
nk
i
m upto.Im achangedwomanwhycan'tanyoneof
youseethat?
Temo:onl ythebli
ndwi l
l,
notmywi feandiorour
enti
refamily.Neveri
nyourl i
fecal
lme, mywi feor
anyoneinmyf amil
ydoyouhearme?I fyout hought
youwer etheonlywhoi sabletogetint
owi tch
doctorshutsthenyougoti tal
lwrongiwillkil
lyou
daylightyouunderstand?(Cli
ckedhistongue)
stupi
dcunt

HehungupasVi
ctor
iasi
ghedhangi
ngupandhi
t
t
hedesk.
..

Vict
ori
a:shi
t!Shi
t!Shi
t!It
houghtt
hiswomanwas
powerf
ulwhat'st
hisnow!?Shitman

Shesai
dleavi
ng.

Att
hehospi
tal
..
.

Thedoct
orcameoutoft
her
oom t
het
wower
e
admi
tt
edi
nast
hei
rpar
ent
sjumpedup.
..

Bai
sago:pl
easet
ellusourchi
ldr
enar
eal
ive
Dr:kindl
ycalm down.Wehavemanagedt
o
resuscit
ateyourchi
ldr
ent
heyarei
nacomanow
Bont
si:whyacoma?
Dr:thingistheyr eall
ysufferedal otofint
er nal
damageandwer ebothbleedinginternall
ybutwe
havet hebleedingmoni t
or edit'
scomi ngdown.Your
sonl ostalotofbl oodfr
om bei ngshotont heleg
andt heheadi njury.Wehavef oundhim atl easta
l
itr
eofhi smat chbuthewi llneedanot herinanhour
Bai
sago:idon'
tmi
ndgi
vinghi
m somebl
ood
Dr
:awesomeyouwi
llf
oll
owmef
rom her
e
Pat
lo:anyper
manentdamages?
Dr:apartf
rom emot
ionaldamagenosi
r.Theyar
e
goingtoneedaprofessi
onalt
ohelpt
hem aft
ert
his
Pat
lo:t
hat
'sgr
eat
Boemo:sowhenwi
l
ltheybeai
rl
if
tedt
oGabor
one
becauset
hat
'
swher
ewer
esi
de
Dr:t
hefol
lowi
ngdayaf
termaki
ngsur
ethatt
heyar
e
st
able
Boemo:ohok.Whatt
imebecauseweneedt
obei
n
cour
tby9am?
Dr
:af
terl
unchwewantthem t
ospend24hour
s
wi
thustomoni
toranyr
isks
Boemo:oknopr
obl
em.Thankyousomuchdoc
Dr
:myut
mostpl
easur
e.Si
rpl
easef
oll
owme

Baisagofol
lowedthedoctorwhil
etheother
s
headedtotheircar
s.Hecamebackaf ter20
minutesastheyallgoti
nthei
rcarswhileKabi
nda
headedbackwi tht
heotheroff
icer
s..
.

Boemo:i
t'
sal
lthankst
oGodt
hatt
hesechi
ldr
enar
e
saf
e
Bai
sago:iknowr
ight
.Im gl
admysoni
ssaf
e
Boemo:andwear
enotgoi
ngt
otal
kaboutt
hisunt
il
hecomest
ousandopensupabouti
tok
Bai
sago:okl
ovebutwhati
fhedoesn'
t?
Boemo:wewil
lgi
vehim aweektoopenupi
fhe
doesn'
twet
hental
ktohim abouti
t
Baisago:f
airenough(
hisphoner
ang)i
t'
san
unknownnumber .Hel
lo?
Mir
a:gooddaymayispeakt
oMrBai
sago
Kgosi
dint
si?
Bai
sago:he'
stheonespeaki
ng
Mi
ra:awesome.Youar
etal
kingt
oMi
rai
m Shar
on'
s
mother
Bai
sago:Shar
on?
Mi
ra:yes.She'
syourson'
sboyf
ri
end
Bai
sago:Bosahasnevert
oldmeaboutaShar
on
ma'
am
Mira:wel
lhemighthavenotbutweneedt
omeetas
soonaspossi
ble.Whereareyou?
Bai
sago:whyar
ewemeet
ing?
Mir
a:iwoul
drat
hernotsayovert
hephonesi
rit
'sa
ver
ysensi
ti
vematt
er
Bai
sago:ohiseewel
lwear
eonourwayt
o
Gabor
onesowewi l
lbet
her
ein4hour
s
Mir
a:kindl
ysavemynumberandpi
nmet
he
l
ocati
on
Bai
sago:nopr
obl
em
Mi
ra:t
hankyou.Saf
etr
ip
Bai
sago:t
hanks(
theyhungupashescof
fed)
Boemo:whoi
sit
?
Bai
sago:awomansaysshe'
sMir
aandSharon'
s
motherappar
ent
lyShar
oni
sBosa'
sgi
rl
fr
iend
Boemo:ohokwhatdoesshewant
?
Baisago:shesayst
here'
ssomethi
ngwehavet
o
tal
kaboutit'
sasensit
ivemat
ter
Boemo:uhuoknnyammewewi
llhearherout
Bai
sago:yeah
HesmiledandheldBoemo'
shandwhosmi l
edback
athi
m ashesteppedontheaccel
erat
or.

Backi
nPr
ison.
..

Junegotescort
edi
ntothecommissi
oner'
soff
iceas
hetookoffhi
shatwhil
eshetookherseat
..
.

June:gooddaysi
r
Man:gooddayma'
am.Howar
eyoudoi
ng?
June:i
m oksi
rjustwai
ti
ngont
omor
row
Man:wehavesomenews
June:ok
Man:i
t'
saboutyourhusband
June:okwhatabouthi
m si
r?
Man:yourhusbandandkidsweretr
avel
li
ngt
o
SouthAfri
caearl
iert
odaybutunf
ort
unat
elyt
hey
wereinvol
vedinacaracci
dent
June:what!
?Pleaset
ellmet
heyar
eokoratt
he
hospit
alatl
east
Man:unf
ort
unat
elyt
here'
snosurvi
voral
lthreeof
t
hem bur
ntint
hecarasitrol
led5t
imeswiththem
June:no
Man:i
mreal
lysor
ry
June:no,
notmychi
ldr
en!No!

Shebursti
ntoal
oudcryasthecommi
ssi
onergot
offhi
sseatandr
ubbedherback.

Al
ongt
her
oad.
..

Sascharubbedhisfaceashisfr
iendf
rowned
l
ookingathim whi
ledri
ving.
..

Guy:ar
eyouokdude?
Sascha:ij
ustki
ll
edt
wohumanbei
ngdudet
wo
f
ucki
ngbei
ngs!Whatki
ndofanani
mali
mi!
?
Guy:r
eall
ynowSascha?Youneedt
ogetovert
hat
shi
twearegoingt
ostar
tnewli
vesfr
om her
edo
youhearme!?
Sascha:nodudeihadabri
ghtf
utur
eaheadofme
andiruinedi
t.No,
tur
nbackwearegoi
ngback
home.
Guy:youmustbenut
s
Sascha:isai
dtur
nthef
ucki
ngcarback!

Hesai dgrabbingthest eeringwheelast heyf ought

forit
.Thecarhi tabar ri
eront her oadast hetyre
burstandt hecarroll
ed.Asi tr
olleditspitSascha
outthewi ndowashel andedunderat reewhi lehi
s
fri
endcoughedwi ththeseatbel tchocki nghim.He
tri
edtogett heseatbel toffhim butitfailedast he
carcaughtf i
rewhi l
ehescr eamedi nsidebur ning.
Meanwhi l
eSaschacr iedt r
yingtocr awl tosafetyas
twohyenascameoutoft hebushsmel l
ingsome
blood.Theyl aughedseei nghim coughi ngwi th
bloodalloverhisface.Heswal lowedseei ngthem
comehi swayasonewentont opofhim ashebur
st
i
ntoacr y.Befor
eheknewitonegrabbedonhis
nosewhi l
etheotherwentf
orhisneckasaherdof
them camef r
om thebushhear
ingthei
rmates
feast
ing.
.
.
.
.
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
CAGED
59

Att
hePol
icest
ati
on.
..

Aftergi
vinghisstat
ementt
othedetectiveLetl
otl
o
curvedhisli
pslooki
ngathi
sfat
herbeingdr agged
tothecellandmadehiswayoutwher ehef ound
Olebil
ewaitingf
orhim.Heswal
lowedl ooki
ngatt he
carandlookedatLi
zzyr
oughl
ydri
vingout
.He
heavedahugesighandshookhi
sheadgoingt
o
Olebi
le'
scar.
..

Let
lot
lo:hel
lobi
gbr
o
Olebile:don'tbigbromeLet l
otl
o(heswallowed)di
d
i
thavet otakeyout histohaveyoureyesopened?
Im honest l
ydi ssapoint
edinyou.Oneofthemost
i
nt ell
igentstudentsinthewholeschoolwhowas
alwaysi nthet op5, l
ovedandappreci
atedby
teacher sonlyt obefooledbyamanwhoknows
not hi
ngaboutr esponsi
bli
tyi
m honestl
y
disappoi nt
edi nyoubuddyandshoul dyour
teacher sheart hi
saboutyoutheywouldtoo
Let
lot
lo:(
swal
lowedl
ooki
ngdown)i
m sor
ry
Olebi
le:youdon'thavet
oapologi
zet omeLet lot
lo
youhaveshamedt hewhol
efami l
yimeanr eally
dude?Evenot herwomenaren'tt
hispet
ty.Ot saa
kaejealousyolemonna?That'
swi t
chcr
aftdude
Let
lot
lo:(
sni
ff
ed)al
liwant
edwasaf
ather
Olebil
e:tohel lwit
hthosetearsmyguyi m notgoi
ng
tositforthose.Youalmostl ostyourl
ifet
o
someonewhonevercar edforyoubutonly"did"
whent heyr eali
sedyourvalue.Letl
otl
odoyouknow
thekindofwomanyourmot heri
sthough?
Let
lot
lo:iknow
Olebil
e:noyoudon' tbecauseifyoudidyouwoul d
havest uckbyhernott ohumili
ateherlikeyouhave.
Im sodi sappointedi nyou.Doyouknowt hatyour
cousinal mostdi edandi sinacomanow?( He
swal l
owed)Let lotloyouhaver eal
lyembar assedus
myguybutibel ievenowyouhaveseent hatwhat
yourmot herwast r
yingtodowast opr otectyou.
Whenhaveyouseenachi ldbeati
ngt heirparentl
ike
youdi d?Onl ypar entswhohavenoval ueget s
beatenl i
ket hatbyt hei
rkids.Justl
ikewhenBosa
almostki ll
edVi ctori
a,j
ustli
keialwaysf oughtwi t
h
thesameVi ctoria.HasLameeverf oughtwi thaunty
Boitshepo?
Let
lot
lo:no
Ol
ebi
le:orhaveyoueverbeenphysi
cal
wit
haunt
y
Boi
tshepo?
Let
lot
lo:no
Olebile:whensomeonewhocar esaboutyoushows
your edflagsaboutsomeonebeli
evet hem.Your
mot herwouldneverkeepyouawayf r
om your
fatherifhewasagoodper son.AllauntyBoi
tshepo
haseverdonef orthisf
amilywast olookoutfor
eachofusmyguyyoushoul dknowt hatbynow
Let
lot
lo:iwantt
oapol
ogi
set
oher
Ol
ebi
le:unf
ort
unat
elyyouar
elat
e
Let
lot
lo:whatdoyoumean?
Olebil
e:(st
art
edtheengi
neandsni
ff
ed)aunt
y
Boitshepoisnotar
ound
Let
lot
lo:what
'st
hatsupposedt
omeanOl
ebi
le?
Ol
ebi
le:soshoul
dit
akeyoubackt
oyourhouse?
Let
lot
lo:ij
ustneedt
otakemyt
hings.Ol
ebi
lewher
e
i
smymot her
?
Olebi
le:i
m notint
heposi
ti
ont
otel
lyou,
youwi
llask
uncleTemolater
Let
lotl
o:Olebil
eismymot hernomor
e?(
Hekept
qui
et)Olebil
epleaseanswerme

Olebi
lejustdr
oveoutnotrespondinghim whil
e
Letl
otl
oheavedahugesi ghstressful
lyr
ubbinghi
s
face.

AtShar
on'
shouse.
..

Shegotoutofherbat
hroom andsmi
ledt
aki
ngher
phoneanddial
edherfr
iend.
..

Gi
rl:t
sal
akanaihavebeenmeaningtocal
lyouon
t
henewsaboutBosaapparent
lyhehasbeen
missi
ngbuthewasfoundearl
iert
oday
Shar
on:per
fectt
imi
ngt
sal
a
Gi
rl
:mma?
Shar
on:ideci
dedt
otel
lmom t
oday
Gi
rl
:tel
lherwhat
?
Shar
on:t
hati
m pr
egnant
,hel
lo
Gi
rl
:ar
eyouser
ious?
Shar on:yepandwearewai
ti
ngonhi
spar
entsto
arri
vebackhomet henwewil
lbemaki
ngourway
there.Imjustfr
om abat
hnow
Gi
rl
:sohowdi
dshet
akei
t?
Sharon:ididn'
tgi
veherachancet
obeangr
yit
hrew
al
ltherightwordstoher
Gi
rl
:gi
rlyoubr
ave
Shar
on:youcan'
tli
vel
if
ewi
thoutbei
ngbr
avemy
l
ove
Gi
rl
:tr
ue.Soyourmom i
sgoi
ngt
obr
eakt
henews
t
othem?
Shar
on:yep
Gi
rl
:whati
ftheysayi
t'
sal
ie
Shar
on:wer
etheyar
oundwhenBosaandihadsex?
Gi
rl
:hi
sst
epmot
heri
sal
awyerchomiwhati
fshe
st
art
sdi
ggi
ngdeeper
?
Sharon:al
ltheyneedtodoi
sacceptt
hatt
hei
rson
i
mpr egnat
edmet hat'
sit
.Heneedst
otake
responsi
bil
it
yofhischil
d
Gi
rl
:(l
aughed)youmeanourmat
hst
eacher
'schi
ld
Shar
on:mxm don'
teverment
iont
hatgoodf
or
not
hingmanwhentalki
ngtome
Gir
l:ohwhat
ever
.Anywayal
lthebestt
sal
ayouwi
ll
updatemehey
Shar
on:yesl
oveiwi
ll

TheyhungupasSharonsmil
edl ooki
ngather
st
omachinthemir
rorandfi
nishedgetti
ngready.

Att
heKwena'
s.
..

Patl
owenti nt
ot heshowerwhi
leBontsist
art
edwith
di
nner.Shewi pedherhandsandreachedforher
phonecall
ingRober t
..
.
Rober
t:Mr
sK
Bont
si:hi
Rober
t:i
sever
ythi
ngok?
Bont
si:wemanagedt
ofi
ndt
heki
ds
Rober
t:t
hankyouLor
d.Howar
ethey?
Bontsi
:weonlyfoundBosaandAt amel
angthe
pol
icearest
il
linthehuntofSaschaandhi
sfri
end
Rober
t:(
swal
lowed)isee
Bontsi:Robertyoursonlef
tmydaught erandMr
Kgosidint
si'
ssonf orthedead.Theyl
it
erall
yhung
Bosaandl eftAtamelangtodieaft
erbeati
ngherup
Rober
t:(
sighed)i
m sosor
ry
Bontsi
:sorrywillnevertakeawaytheangerinmy
heartRobertandt hepainmydaught erhasbeenput
thr
ough.Mydaught erhasbeent r
aumat i
zedforl
if
e.
Shewi l
lnevertr
ustamani nherlif
ebecauseof
yourson.Idon'tcondonewhatshedi dbutSascha
hadtodealwi t
ht hisl
ikeasmar tpersonweall
thoughthewas.Weknewaboutt heirrelat
ionship
soallhehadt odowasaskusf orguidance.Im
sorrytosaythisbutSaschadeservesever yt
hing
comi nghisway.Idon'tknowhowBoi tshepoi s
goingtofeelaboutthisandaboutyou.Thisi sgoing
tomakehert hinkthatyouarej
ustli
keyoursoni f
notwor se
Robert
:iunderst
andyouverywell MrsKandim
readyt
oacceptanypunishmentmysonget sand
whenitcomest oBoi
tshepoidon'tknowhowi m
goingt
oconvinceherthati
m nothingli
keSascha
anditwouldhurtmetoloseher
Bontsi
:youbetterwor
konhowyouar egoingto
maketherelat
ionshi
pwork.Yoursonal
mostkill
ed
hernephew.Thenephewshewoul ddoanythi
ngto
prot
ect
Rober
t:iwil
lbuti
fitdoesn'
twor
koutiwoul
dhave
nochoicebuttoacceptfat
e
Bont
si:youl
oveherr
ight
?
Rober
t:al
ot
Bont
si:t
henwhenyoul
ovesomeoneyouf
ightf
or
them andtherel
ati
onshi
pthat'
salli
m goi
ngtosay.
Let'
shopet heyf
indSaschabefor
etheuniver
se
dealswit
hhi m
Rober
t:pl
easedon'
tsayt
hatMr
sK
Bontsi:i
t'
safactRobert,t
heuniverseneverl
et'
s
peopleli
keSaschagoj ustli
kethatandaparent'
s
bl
eedingheartisaverydangerousone.Havea
goodevening
Rober
t:yout
oo

TheyhungupasRober tsi
ghedt
aki
nghis
bel
ongingsandheadedhomeasdetect
iveKabi
nda
cal
ledhim.

I
nPr
ison.
..

Vi
ctori
asmil
edmaki
ngwayt
othephoneboot
hand
di
aledGabone.
..
Gabone:Gabonehel
lo?
Vict
ori
a:hii
t'
sVi
ctor
iaical
ledwi
tht
hegener
al
phone
Gabone:ohhiMsDi
ntsi
Vi
ctor
ia:ij
usthear
dsomegoodnews
Gabone:ok?
Vict
ori
a:youdeal
tgoodwi t
hJuneshe'
sevenona
hospit
albedf
ight
ingforsurvi
val
aswell
Gabone:idon'
twast
eti
me
Vi
ctor
ia:i
ndeedandishoul
dsayi
mimpr
essed
Gabone:wel
lihopeyouarei
mpressedenought
o
workhardonyourassi
gnment.
Vi
ctor
ia:ohyes
Gabone:i
fwhathashappenedtoJunedoesn'
t
moti
vateyouenoughthenwhatwil
lhappen
t
omor r
owshouldbeacherryontop
Vi
ctor
ia:(
smi
led)ican'
twai
tfort
omor
row.Bythe
wayihaveasuggesti
onofhowwecangetthe
bl
ood
Gabone:i
mli
steni
ng
Vi
ctor
ia:youpayt
hem avi
sit
Gabone:t
hat'
snothowitworks.Youaretheone
whohastomaket hi
shappenisn'tyouwantt
oget
backontop
Vi
ctor
ia:butthi
ngistheywantnothi
ngtodowi
th
memybr otherevencall
edt
ot hr
eatenme
Gabone:youhaveadaught
erVi
ctor
iawhydoi
al
wayshavetot hi
nkf
oryou?
Vi
ctor
ia:ourr
elat
ionshi
pisnotgood.Herf
atherhas
managedtoturnheragainstme
Gabone:youknowyourdaughterwaybet
tert
han
herf
ather.Youknowherweaknessessousethatt
o
l
ureherin.ComeonVictor
iat
imeisnotonourside
Vi
ctor
ia:okiwi
llt
rymybest
Gabone:idon'tworkwellwit
hpeoplewhoalways
saytheywi l
ltr
ybecauseimakethingshappen.Thi
s
i
sat ransacti
onVict
ori
asoyouhavet omakesur e
thateveryt
hinggoesaccordi
ngl
y
Vi
ctor
ia:ok
Gabone:good.Lat
estt
omorroweveni
ngishoul
dbe
hear
inggoodnewsf r
om you
Vi
ctor
ia:iwi
llmakesur
e
Gabone:wonder
ful

TheyhungupasGaboneshookherheadwhil
e
Vict
ori
asi
ghedthinki
ngf
orafewsecondsand
scoff
edsmil
ing.
..

Victori
a:ithoughtDiphal
awast heonlystrong
doctorlit
tl
edi diknowtherewasaqueenl i
keme.
(Smi l
edmor e)ican'twai
ttoseethelooksont hei
r
facestomor rowwhent hejudgesays" Vi
ctor
ia
Dintsiyouhavebeenacqui tt
edofallthecharges
againstyou"

Shebur
sti
ntoal
oudl
aughgoi
ngbackt
ohercel
l.

I
nMochudi
..
.
Lameclosedt
hetuckshopandwentintot
hehouse
wit
hhercashregi
sterwhi
leDai
syfi
nishedcooki
ng
anddi
shedup..
.

Dai
sy:t
odaywasagooddayhey
Lame:(smil
ed)yepandt
hefactthatmycousi
nwas
foundali
vewasthecher
ryontop.Yourf
oodlooks
good
Daisy:t
hankyou.It
ri
ed.Stayi
ngwit
hyouhas
openedmyeyest oalotofthi
ngs
Lame:ohr
eal
ly?
Daisy:yep.Ithastaughtmet
hatl
if
eisnotallabout
bei
nggl amor ousandawannabe"queen"t
hatis
spoonf ed.Towi nyouhavet
oworkhard
Lame:t
rue
Daisy:imeanlookatyou.Howl
onghaveyoubeen
runningatuckshop?Nowyouareaboutt
oopena
bigshopandabout i
que
Lame:(
smi
led)i
m gl
adihavei
nspi
redsomeoneout
ther
e
Dai
sy:your
eall
yhave.Ican'
twaitt
omake
somethi
ngoutofmyselfoneday
Lame:andyouareheadedintherightdi
rect
ion.
Accept
ingyourdad'sof
ferofgoi
ngbackt oschool
wasthebestdeci
sionyouhaveevermade
Dai
sy:don'
tyouwantt
otr
yagai
n?
Lame:im doingashortcoursel
ovebuti
twouldn't
hurtt
oenrollwithbocodolandst
artwi
ththeyearso
thati
m abletojogmymemor yonti
me
Dai
sy:pl
easedoso.I
twoul
dbegoodtohave
someonetost
udywit
h.I
twoul
dhonest
lyhel
pmea
l
ot
Lame:(
chuckl
ed)okt
heniwi
ll
Dai
sy:awesome
Lame:sowhatwouldyoudoi fsomeonecameand
offer
edyouagreatdealofgoi
ngbacktoyour
previ
ousli
fe?
Dai
sy:iwoul
dtel
lthem wher
etogetof
f.Bei
ngsel
f
madei sthebestthingeveryoushownmet hat.You
don'tbeganyoneforanythingoryoudon'tl
iveon
theedget hi
nki
ngt hatmaybetomorrowthesame
personwhohel pedyouwi l
lbewanti
ngimpossi bl
e
thi
ngs
Lame:t
hat
'
sgoodyoushoul
dal
waysr
emember
that
Dai
sy:t
rustmeihavel
ear
ntmyl
esson
Lame:i
m gl
ad
Dai
sy:sohowmuchdi
dyoumaket
oday?
Lame:enoughDai sy.Whydoyouwantt
oknow
aboutmyfinances?

Theylaungedandcont
inuedt
ocat
chupwhi
le
eat
ing.

AtBai
sago'
shouse.
..

Heopenedt
hegat
eforMi
ra'
scarasshegotout
wit
hherbrot
herandShar
on.Theyheadedinsi
de
wheret
heyfoundBoemoputt
ingajarofj
uiceon
t
hetabl
e..
.

Mi
ra:goodeveni
ng
Bai
sago:eveni
ng
Mi
ra:mynameisMir
aandi
m wi
thmybr
otherand
mydaught
erShar
on
Baisago:i
m Bai
sagoKgosi
dint
siandt
hisi
smy
fi
anceeBoemoMai ket
so

Theyshookhandsandt
ookt
hei
rseat
s..
.

Mir
a:t
hankyousomuchf orwel
comi
ngusi
ntoyour
home,
it'
sreal
lyabeaut
if
ulhome
Bai
sago:youar
ewel
come
Mi
ra:wher
eisBosa?
Bai
sago:he'
sst
il
latt
hehospi
tal
.Hewi
llbeai
rl
if
ted
t
omor
row
Mi
ra:i
shei
nacr
it
icalcondi
ti
on?
Bai
sago:notr
eal
ly
Mi
ra:ohisee.Mybr
othert
akeover
Man:thankyou.MrKgosidintsiwecomeher eas
youcanseewi t
hourdaught eraftershebrokesome
newstousbutbefor
ewegoanyf urt
herdidyou
knowyoursonwasinar elationshipwithher?
Bai
sago:nosi
r
Man:ohok.Shetol
dusthatt
heyhavebeendat
ing
andshej
ustfoundoutt
hatshe'
spregnant
Bai
sago:oh?
Man:yessi
r
Bai
sago:andi
t'
sBosa'
s?
Man:that'
swhatshetol
dussi
rhencewear
eher
e.
Wewoul dli
ket
ofoll
owallt
heri
ghtst
eps
concer
ningcul
tur
e
Boemo:mayiasksomet
hingbef
orewegoanyway
fur
ther
?
Man:yesma'
am
Boemo:howl
onghaveyouandBosabeendat
ing
mylove?
Shar
on:3weeks
Boemo:andhowf
arar
eyou?
Shar
on:2weeks
Boemo:soyouaretel
li
ngmet hatyouguyshad
unprot
ectedsext
hedayyoumet ?Becauseaman'
s
seedtakesamaximum of5daysinawoman's
geni
talbefor
eyoucanbeful
lyfert
il
ized
Shar
on:yesma'
am
Boemo:(satbackl
ooki
ngather
)ohok.Wher
edi
d
yougotoschool?
Mi
ra:what
'st
hatgott
odowi
thever
ythi
ng?
Boemo:j
ustar
andom quest
ion
Shar
on:West
wood
Boemo:ohok.Abr
ightst
udent
?
Shar
on:iwoul
dsaybecauseigot39poi
nts
Boemo:sowereyouguysnottaughtoft
he
i
mportanceofsaf
esexatschool?
Mi
ra:oknowyouar
ebei
ngwayt
ooi
rr
elevant
Boemo:honest
lyspeaki
ngi
mfai
li
ngt
o..
.
Bai
sago:oklove,
itsokl
et'
ssaywehavehear
dyou
andwewi l
lwaitf
orBosatohearhi
ssi
deofstor
y
Mira:whenwi
llhebeoutofhi
scoma?Noone
knowsbutmychildneedstor
egi
ster
edassoonas
possibl
e
Boemo:noonei
sst
oppi
nghert
o
Mi
ra:notatapubl
ichospi
tal
Boemo:youar
eal
lowedt
odowhatyouwant
Mi
ra:t
hef
atheri
stheoner
esponsi
blef
oral
lthat
Boemo:notunt
ilwehavehear
dthesi
deofhi
sst
ory
Mira:somydaughteri
slyi
ngaboutt
hei
dent
it
yof
herchil
d'sf
ather
?
Boemo:ineversai
dso
Bai
sago:l
adi
escal
m down
Boemo:okmydearsinceyouhavetober egist
ered
canipl
easehaveyournumbersothaticallyou
onceihavebookedanappoi
ntmentwit
hmysi ster
's
gynae?
Shar
on:nopr
obl
em (
shegavei
ttoher
)
Boemo:t
hankyou
Mi
ra:t
hankyou
Bai
sago:i
sthatal
l?
Mir
a:yesMrKgosi
dint
sit
hankyouoncemor
e
pl
easekeepi
ncontact
Bai
sago:wi
lldo

Baisagotookthem outwhi
leBoemosatback
shakingherhead.
..

Bai
sago:babe
Boemo:thi
sistoogoodtobetr
uelove.Justby
l
ookingatthi
sgir
lyoucanseether
e'salott
owhat
she'
stel
li
ngus.Tellme,
howdoyouseeher ?
Bai
sago:honest
lyshel
ooksl
ikeanover
zeal
ous
chi
ld
Boemo:t
ruet
hat
Baisago:butlet
'snotmakeourconcl
usi
onsl
et'
s
rat
herwai tonBosasothathetel
lsuswhatr
eal
ly
happened( si
ghed)
Boemo:ihavenopr
obl
em wi
tht
hat
Bai
sago:awesomeletmegohaveaqui
ckshower
bef
oreourfoodar
ri
ves
Boemo:okl
ove

Shebabyki ssedhim ashewenttothei

rbedroom.
Boemot houghtful
lyt
ookasipfrom herj
uiceand
reachedforherphonedial
ingherPI
...

Man:MsM
Boemo:Hi
.Ihopei
m notdi
stur
bingyou
Man:notevenal
it
tl
eyouknowi
m al
waysonmy
t
oys
Boemo:(
chuckl
ed)speaki
ngoft
oysihavean
assi
gnmentf
oryou
Man:ohokbr
ingi
ton
Boemo:i m goi
ngtosendyouanumberiwantyou
totapit.HernameisSharonandshej ustfi
nished
schoolinWestwood.She'
st hesameageasBosa
andi wantyoutodoaf ol
lowupofherl i
febacki n
schoolalsoineedareportofherconversat
ions
everyday
Man:ki
dsoftodayl
oveplayi
ngwithf
ir
e.Okma'
am
f
orwardthenumberandiwil
lgetoni
t
Boemo:i
mjustpr
otect
ingmyf
ami
ly.Iwi
ll
,bye
Man:bye
Boemo:im notgoingtobef ooledbyan18yearold.
Shemustgof i
ndthefatherofthatchil
dandshe
shouldmakesur ethatshefindshim befor
eme
becauseifido,she'
sgoingt oruethedaysheever
thoughtoftr
yingtomakeaf ooloutofmyson

Shecl
ickedhert
ongueandsentherPIt
henumber
ast
hei
nter
com r
ang.
..

Boemo:t
hatmustbet
hef
ood.

THEFOLLOWI
NGMORNI
NG

Thet i
mecl ocked09:
00am aseveryonetooktheir
seats.Forsomeonewhowasaboutt obeconvi cted
Vict
oriaseemedt obever
ycal m wit
halitt
lesmi l
e
onherf acewhi l
eBoemoandBai sagoshookt hei
r
headslookingatherandlookedtothefront.
..

Of
fi
cer
:al
lri
se!

Theyalldidast hej
udgemadeherwayi nsi
deand
orderedeveryonetotaket
heirseataftershetook
hers.Shesighedputti
ngonhergl assesandopened
al
lthef i
lesi
nf r
ontofher.
..
Judge:t hiscour thasi tongoodaut horit
yt hatJune
i
snotwel landhospi tali
zedsowewi l
lwai tforhert o
getbet terandpasst her uli
ngonhercr iminal
offences.MayihaveVi ctoriaDi nt siandSt oneup
ont hei rfeetpl ease( theydi d)t hankyou.MrSt one
beinganaccompl icef oracr imi nalacti saser ious
crimepuni shablebyt hel aw, youhavet r
iedt okilla
humanbei ngnotonceort wiceandt hatalonei s
alsoanof fence, MrSt oneyouhaveal soconf i
rmed
thatt her earedeadbodi esyouar er esponsi bleof
andt hat '
salsoaser i
ouscr imepuni shablebyt he
l
awbut , MrSt oneicommendyouf orrealizingyour
mi stakesandhowt heyhaveaf f ectedyourl if
eand
deci dedt otakeadeci sionofbei nghonestabout
ever ything.EvensoMrSt onet hiscour tfi
ndsyou
guiltyofal lt
hecr i
mesyouhavecommi t
ted
ther eforeyouhavebeensent encedt o15year sof
i
mpr i
sonmentwi tht headvant ageofappl yingf or
par oleaf ter5year sl ookingatyourbehavi our
behi ndbar s.Youmaybeseat ed( hedi d)nowt oyou
Mr sVi ct ori
aDi ..
.(alumpgotst uckonhert hroat)Ms
Victor i
aDi ntsi
...
(clearedhert hr oat )mayipl ease
haveagl assofwat er
Thebaili
ffqui
ckl
ygavehersomeasshedownedi
t
andclearedhert
hroatwhi
leVi
ctor
iasecr
etl
y
smil
ed...

Judge:wher
ewasi
..
.(
shesai
dfr
owni
ngmovi
ngher
gl
asses)

Meanwhi
leinSer
oweBoit
sheposhookherhead
pr
ayi
ngwithherwhol
ebodywet.
..

Boi
tshepo:nott
odayVi
ctor
iaDi
ntsi
.Nott
oday!

Bai
ll
if
:isever
ythi
ngokmyLady?
Judge:(sighed)ohyesthanksithoughtiwasgoi ng
bli
ndf orasecond.MsVi ctor
iaDintsiihavenever
comeacr osssomeonewi t
hachar gesheetlongas
yours.Your eal
lyar
eaver ybadbadwomanand
whydowehavet okeepbadpeopl eoutt her
e?Our
communi tydeservesasaf espaceandt hat'swhy
wear eher etoday( Victor
iaswal l
owedwi t
hher
heartracing)1.Chi l
dst eal
ingandabuset oBosa
Dintsi
,10year s,sti
cki ngoutakni f
eatBosaDi ntsi
withintentionstokill
, 10years,casefi
letheft,5
years,BoemoMai ket soandBai sagoKgosi dint
si'
s
att
empt edmur der
s, 15year s,LameDintsi'
s
att
empt edabduct ion, 5yearsandl ast
lyDiphala'
s
mur derli
fei mpri
sonment
Vi
ctor
ia:what
!?
.
.
.
.
.
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
CAGED
60
Judge:yesMsDi
ntsiwhatdi
dyouexpectaf
ter
doi
ngwhatyouhavedone?
Vi
ctor
ia:not
hiscan'
tbehappeni
ng
Judge:whatdoyoumeant hiscan'
tbehappening?
Youhavecommi t
tedcri
mesMsDi ntsiandthi
sis
exact
lywhatyougetaf
terdoingso.Of f
icer
smake
surethatt
hiswomanislockedupf r
om here.Cour
t
i
sadjourned

Shehitt
hegavelaseveryonestoodup.Baisago
andBoemosmi l
edatoneanot herwhi
leVictori
a
l
ookedatthem wi
thastraightf
aceon.Theof fi
cer
s
handcuff
edherasBaisagowentt oher.
..

Baisago:ihopeyoul earnagoodlessonwhilei
n
there.Youputmei npr i
sonforsomethingyoudi
d
andi wishtheyhadanexecut ionr
uleintheUSbut
heyi m gl
adithasallcomedownt othis.Youare
nothingandyouwi l
ldienothing
Vi
ctori
alookedathi
mfr
om bot
tom upandscof
fed
smil
ing.
..

Vi
ctor
ia:t
akemehomepl
ease

Theof f
icer
sescort
edheroutwhil
eBaisagocli
cked
histongueshaki
nghishead.Boemofini
shed
tal
kingtoJoomaandj oi
nedherfi
anceeasthey
l
eft.
..

Boemo:t
hisi
sthebegi
nni
ngofanewl
if
e
Bai
sago:iwishmysonwasher etowi
tnesswhat
j
usthappenedbutican'twai
tforhimt
of ul
lyheal
anddoaceremonyf orhim
Boemo:f
inal
lyhe'
sfr
eef
rom t
hatwoman'
schai
ns
Bai
sago:butnowhehasababycomi
ng
Boemo:im notgoingtofal
lfort
hatunti
lihearfr
om
Bosa'smouththatindeedhehasbeendatingthi
s
gi
rlfor3weeksandhadsexwi t
hherthefir
stday
t
heymet
Bai
sago:woul
dshel
iet
ohermot
her
?
Boemo:agi
rll
ikeher
?Wi
thoutadoubtl
ove
Jooma:MsMaiket
somayihaveanot
hermoment
wit
hyoupl
ease?
Boemo:oksi
rnopr
obl
em

Theysteppedawaywhi l
eBaisagowentintot
hecar
ashisphoner ang.Hefr
ownedatt henameonthe
scr
eenandcl earedhi
sthroatansweri
ng.
..

Bai
sago:hel
lo?
Mir
a:(
smi
led)ohhiMrKgosi
dint
sihowar
eyou
doi
ng?
Bai
sago:i
m goodandyour
sel
f?
Mi
ra:coul
dn'
tbemor
egr
eat
Bai
sago:ni
ce.Bosai
sst
il
latt
hehospi
tal
Mi
ra:nonot
hat
snotwhyical
led
Bai
sago:oh?
Mi
ra:howwascour
t?
Bai
sago:cour
t?
Mira:yesaf
teryest
erdayideci
dedt
ofol
lowupon
yourfamil
yandbumpedi ntonewst
hatr
uli
ngand
sentenci
ngforthewomanwhohasbeenkeeping
yoursonwast oday
Baisago:oht
hat
.Itwasokshegotwhatshe
deserves
Mi
ra:t
hat
'samazi
ng.Atl
eastt
her
e'sj
ust
iceaf
teral
l
Bai
sago:yeah
Mi
ra:anywayhaveagooddayMrKgosi
dint
si
Bai
sago:ok,
thankyou.Yout
oo
Mi
ra:(
smi
led)t
hanks

TheyhungupasMi r
asmiledswingingheroffi
ce
chair.Shewenti
ntoherf
acebookandsear chedfor
Baisagoandwentintohi
sprofi
lecheckingouthis
pict
ur essmi
li
ng.Boemowentintothecarwhile
Bai
sagoscof
fedst
art
ingt
heengi
ne.
..

Bai
sago:youwon'
tbel
ievewhatj
usthappened
Boemo:t
ellmeboo
Baisago:irecei
vedacal
lfr
om Mira,
Sharon'
s
mot herandshesaidshej
ustcal
ledtoaskmehow
courtwas
Boemo:uhu
Bai
sago:awkwar
dandwei
rdr
ight
Boemo:youcansayt
hatagai
n

Bai
sagolaughedandcli
ckedhist
onguewhi
le
Boemothoughtf
ull
ysatback.

I
nSer
owe.
..

Boi
tshepocameoutofherhutashert
eacherand
ot
herstudent
scl
appedforher.
..
Boi
tshepo:(
smi
led)whati
sit
?
Teacher:whentheygaveyouMmantwaasyour
namet heyknewyouwer eabl
etof
ightt
othef
ini
sh.
Congradulat
ionsmygirl
Boi
tshepo:t
hankyoubuti
m exhaust
ed
Teacher:t
hati swhyihavedeci
dedt
oletyour
est
thewholeoft oday.Tomor
rowweconti
nuewit
h
otheracti
vit
ies.
Boi
tshepo:soever
ythi
ngi
sokwi
thmyf
ami
ly?
Teacher
:howdoyouf
eel
?
Boit
shepo:l
ikeahugewei
ghthasbeenl
if
tedof
fmy
shoulder
s
Teacher
:ther
e'syouranswermychi
ld
Boi
tshepo:(smil
edlooki
ngup)thankyouJesus.
Nowmyf amil
ywillgett
ofeelwhatpeacef
eelsl
ike
Teacher:i
ndeedbutthi
sdoesn'tmeanweshouldl
et
ourguarddownmygi r
l.Wearegoi
ngtofocuson
yourini
ti
ati
onprocessbuteachti
meyougeta
chanceusei
ttopr
ayf
oryourf
ami
ly
Boi
tshepo:wi
lldef
ini
tel
ydo
Teacher
:goodgir
l(smi
led)nowgor estwewi l
lsee
youlat
eratl
unch.Wewon' tbeher
eunt i
lthen
Boi
tshepo:ohok.Whencaniusemyphone?
Teacher:owaiyouwi
llseet
othatoneaf
teryour
graduat
ionceremonymychild
Boi
tshepo:(
whi
ning)butimi
ssever
yoneback
home
Teacher
:(l
aughed)gor
estMmantwawedon'twant
youtobedist
ract
edbytheout
sidewor
ld.Comemy
ki
ds

Theyfol
lowedt
heirt
eacherwhi
leBoi
tshepo
l
aughedgoingbacki
ntoherhutandsighedl
ying
downwithherf
aceup..
.

Boit
shepo:youaret
heGodofallGods.Thankyou
oncemoremi ght
yLord.Fi
nal
lyt
hewitchhasbeen
defeatedandipr ayitstaysl i
kethisforgood.To
yout heDintsiancest orsthankyouf ort hest r
ength
youhavebest owedi nme.MamaOr efeiknowyou
arefight
ingwi thmesot hankyousomuch, even
youdadasqui etandr eservedyouwer e,noone
knewnott omesswi thyousot hankyousomuch
event omygr eatgr eatgr eatgrandparentst hank
you.Tomyf ami l
youtt hereiwillbebacksoonand
wear egoingt ol i
veourbestl ivestogether .Ngaka
Mar umoiwast err
if
iedt olearnthatyourspi ri
tli
ves
withinmebuti m gladitisnowbecausewi thiti
managedt osavemyf ami l
yfrom thespel lthatwas
castedonus.Thankyou

Shesighedsmil
ingandlai
donhersi
deanddozed
offwhil
easoftcoolwi
ndsoft
lybl
ewhercur
tai
n.

AtTemo'
shouse.
..

Letl
otlof
ini
shedeat
inghisf
oodandputt
hepl
atei
n
thezincsit
ti
ngdownwithhi
sphoneonhi
shand.
Temopar kedoutsideandheadedint
ot hehouse
taki
ngafile.Hewentintotheki
tchentogethimsel
f
aglassofwat erandscoff
edseeingLetlot
lo'
spl
ate
i
nt hezi
nc...

Temo:Let
lot
lo?
Let
lot
lo:r
ra
Temo:whatdoyout
hinkt
hisi
s?
Let
lot
lo:ahomeuncl
eT
Temo:exact
lyandi
nahomeweal
lmakesur
ewe
l
eavethi
ngsastheywer
eri
ght
?
Let
lot
lo:eer
ra
Temo:sodi
dyouf
indt
hatpl
atei
nthezi
nc?
Let
lot
lo:nouncl
eTbutiwasgoi
ngt
owashi
t
Temo:when?Whenyourauntcomesf
rom wor
k?
Let
lot
lo:nouncl
eT
Temo:okthengetof
fthatcouchandcomewash
thi
spl
ate
Let
lot
lo:eer
ra(
hewenti
ntot
heki
tchen)
Temo:it
hinkyoushoul
dgobackt
oMochudi
Let
lot
lo:ahuncl
eT,
why?
Temo:yoursi
steri
sbusyandcoul
duseanext
ra
pai
rofhands
Let
lot
lo:butihavebeenl
ivi
ngi
nMochudial
lmyl
if
e
uncl
eT
Temo:youneedtomakemoney.Ihaveababyand
aweddingcomingican'
taf
for
dtostr
ainmybudget
Letl
otl
o:butOlebil
eisst
ayi
ngwithyouandyouar
e
theoneobviouslybuyi
ngfoodi
nMochudi
Temo:Lameandishar
ethegrocer
yexpensesof
thathouseandal
soOl
ebi
le'
sfat
herbecauseDai
sy
l
ivesthere
Let
lot
lo:Ol
ebi
le'
sfat
her
?
Temo:youhear
dme.Wi t
hOlebi
leli
vinghereidon't
haveaprobl
em becausehe'
schippi
ngi nsomething
aswell
Let
lot
lo:ohsoj
ustbecauseidon'
tcont
ri
but
e
anythi
nginthehouseyouseei
tfi
ttot
hrowoutyour
si
ster'
schil
d?
Temo:excuseme?
Let
lot
lo:(
swal
lowed)i
m sor
ryidi
dn'
tmeant
o
Temo:youneedt ol
earnt
ochoosewordswhen
talki
ngtoyourel
der
s.LameandDaisycan'
tli
ve
alonetheyneedamalefi
gur
earoundsotomorrow
youar egoi
ngbackhome
Let
lot
lo:okuncl
eT
Temo:good.Seeyoulaterandpleasemakesure
Reafindst
hehousethesamewayshel ef
titidon'
t
wantyouguystobecallinghernamestomorrow
sayi
ngshe'sabadperson
Let
lot
lo:eer
ra
Temo:youhaveai
rt
ime?
Let
lot
lo:no
Temo:(
gavehi
m P50)getyour
sel
fsome.Lat
erboy
Let
lot
lo:t
hanksuncl
eT
Hewentbacktoworkwhil
eLetl
otl
osighedputt
ing
t
hemoneyinhispocketandputt
heplateaway.He
madesureal
lkit
chensurf
aceswerewipedashe
t
hrewhimsel
fbackonthecouchagai
n.

I
nPr
ison.
..

Aft
ertr
yingt
omakesenseofwhathappened,
Vi
ctori
awenttot
hephoneboot
handdialed
Gabone..
.

Gabone:hel
lo?
Vi
ctor
ia:t
hankyousomuch
Gabone:f
orwhat
?
Vi
ctor
ia:pushi
ngmedeeperint
othi
sdar
khol
e.I
t
houghtyouwer epower
ful
Gabone:idon'
tunder
standandpl
easedon'
tyou
dar
einsultme
Vi
ctor
ia:i
nst
eadofmaki
ngt
hingswor
koutf
ormy
goodtheyworkedoutf
ormybad.Ihavebeengi
ven
45yearsofi
mpr i
sonmentandl
if
eti
meont op
Gabone:what
!?
Vict
ori
a:ofcour
seyouwoul
dsaynywat
.Howcoul
d
you?
Gabone:nothat'
snotwhatwassupposedto
happen.Thatj
udgehadtogobli
ndandt henthe
casewi t
htherul
ingf
il
esgomissi
ngthenyouget
acqui
tted
Vi
ctor
ia:youf
ail
ed
Gabone:i
t'
syoursi
ster
Vi
ctor
ia:iwantnot
hingt
odowi
thyouwoman
Gabone:r
eal
ly?
Vi
ctor
ia:yesyouhear
dme
Gabone:soyouwantmetot
ellt
hem whatyou
askedmet odot
oJune?
Vi
ctor
ia:youwi
llbei
mpl
icat
ingyour
sel
f
Gabone:notwhenitel
lthem t
hatir
efusedandi
bel
ieveyouwenttoanotherwit
chdoctor.Imean
youhavebeenmaki
ngalotofcal
lsofl
atemydear
soitbemywordagai
nstyour
sandistandahuge
chance
Vi
ctor
ia:youconni
vingcunt
Gabone:youhiti
tonthenailmylove.That'
sexact
ly
whoiam nowyoubet terworkongetti
ngmet he
bl
oodineedorelseim goingtoki
llyourdaught
er
andfeedhertoyoupi
ecebypi ece
Vi
ctor
ia:(
swal
lowed)youcan'
tdot
hat
Gabone:getmewhatineedandwewi
llbot
hget
whatisowedtous
Vi
ctor
ia:butit
hought
..
.
Gabone:t
hecl
ocki
sti
cki
ngVi
ctor
iaDi
ntsi

ShehungupasVi ctor
iaputt
hephonebackonthe
hookandgruntedbeat i
ngthewall
.Shesi
ghed
l
eaningagainstitandwhinedsl
idi
ngdownonitand
scr
eamedr ubbingherface.
AtSchool
..
.

Daisyopenedthedoorofherclassastheteacher
welcomedherin.Afewstudentselbowedone
anotherl
ooki
ngatherwhiletheteacheri
ntroduced
her.
..

Man:youmayt akeyourseat(hi
sphonerang)i
m
goi
ngt ot
akethis.Makesureyouworkthat
questi
onoutiwantanswerswhenicomeback( he
l
eft)
Gi
rl
:Cl
eopat
ra
Boy:i
magineanoldwomaninthesamecl
asswi
th
ki
ds.Areyounotashamedofyour
sel
f
Gi
rl
:that
'swhatyougetf
orsl
eepi
ngar
ound
Boy:ibetyouar
ethemostl
oosewomani
nthe
worl
d( Dai
syswall
owed)
Gi
rl
:wit
houtadoubt.I
magi
nesl
eepi
ngwi
thal
otof
meninaday.Eeew
Boy:it
hinkweshoul
dcal
lher"
Mmadi
tl
ere"(
theyal
l
l
aughed)
Gir
l:butidon'
tbl
ameher ,
peopl
elikehernevergo
anywhereinli
feandit
hinkwhoeverispayi
ngf or
yourtui
ti
oniswasti
ngtheirmoneyyouaregoingto
fai
l
Boy:cansheevent
alk?
Dai
sy:howcanihaveamout
handnott
alk?
Boy:hermot
herhasj ustbeenconvi
ctedandis
dubbedthef
ir
stof f
enderwithachargesheett
hat
l
ong( t
heyal
llaughed)
Gi
rl
:li
kemotherl
ikedaught
er.Sheal
sosl
eptwi
tha
marr
iedmanforherproper
ty
Dai
sy:canyoupl
easest
op
Gi
rl
:whyshouldwe?Youhadyourownfri
endkil
led
ar
eyounotashamedofyour
sel
f?Sleepi
ngwit
h
marr
iedmenformoney,
howdisgusti
ng
Boy:ar
eyousur
eshe'
sevencl
eandownt
her
e
AngerconsumedDaisyassheatt
ackedtheboy
st
rangl
inghim whi
leot
hersl
ookedon..
.

Dai
sy:onemor
ewordfrom yourfi
lt
hyst
inkymouth
youaregoi
ngt
ohavethisshoeinyourmouthdo
youhearme?(
Henodded)good

Shecli
ckedhertongueandletgoofhi
m whi
lehe
coughed.Theteachercamebacki
nandaskedfor
theanswer.
..

Man:goodjobDaisyyouaretheonl
yonewhogoti
t
r
ightt
herestofyouneedtore-doi
t

Theyalll
ookedatoneanot
herwhil
eDai
syt
urnedt
o
thet
alkact
ivegi
rlandwi
nkedather.

I
nMochudi
..
.
AtaxidroppedThori
sooffbytheDint
siyar
dashe
gotoffwit
hagiftbag.AnunawareLamechatwit
h
hercustomeraft
erservi
ngherwhil
eheleaned
agai
nstthedoor.
..

Lame:okl
ovewewillt
alkabouti
t.Ineedwor
ker
sat
myshopsoiwil
lkeepinyouinmi nd

Theysmil
edatoneanotherast
hel adyl
eft
.Lame
tur
nedandjumpedstar
tl
edseeingThori
sobythe
doorast
heybursti
ntol
aughter
...

Lame:don'
teverdot
hatagai
n
Thor
iso:sor
ryboo.Howar
eyoudoi
ng?
Lame:i
m awesomeandyou?
Thor
iso:im good.Comeherehoney(
theyhugged
andkissed)thi
sisforyou
Lame:awwt hankyoul
ove.Fer
rer
oRochér
chocl
atesihaveal
wayswantedtotast
ethese
Thor
iso:wel
lnowyouf
inal
lywi
ll
Lame:t
hankyouboo.Sowhatdi
didot
odeser
vea
sur
pri
sevi
sitf
rom you?
Thori
so:imi
ssedyousomuchmyloveandsince
i
m offatwor
kididn'
twantt
hedayt
oendwithout
seei
ngyou
Lame:t
hat
'
ssweetofyou.
Thor
iso:sohowar
ethi
ngsgoi
ngatt
heshop?
Lame:i
fDai
sywasaroundwewouldbegoingther
e
toseet
hepr
ogressbutever
ythi
ngwi
llbedone
soonandwewi
llbeopening
Thori
so:sohowmuchwi llibeget
ti
ngfrom you
ever
ymont h?Ideserveboyfri
endall
owanceafteral
l
(t
heyburstint
olaughter
)
Lame:missmewit
hthathoney,
nomanwillgett
o
spendmymoneyunlesst
heyaremyhusband.
Gapeyouarewor
kingandwil
lsoonbegoi
ngto
school
Thor
iso:ahbabyont
imamadi
?
Lame:andi
m sopr
oudabouti
t(t
heyl
aughed)
Thor
iso:imi
ssBosasomuchwhenar
ethey
l
andi
ngi nGabs?
Lame:af
terl
unch
Thor
iso:iwantt
opassbyhi
mlat
er
Lame:soyouar
enotgoi
ngt
ospendt
heni
ght
?
Thor
iso:i
m wor
kingt
omor
rowl
ove
Lame:whatt
ime?
Thor
iso:11am
Lame:goodt
henyouwi
llgohomear
ound8am
Thor
iso:whataboutDai
sy?
Lame:whatabouther
?
Thor
iso:imeaniwantt
obeasf
reeasican
Lame:(
laughed)youar
esosil
ly.Iwi
llaskhert
ogo
spendt
henightatuncl
eLedi
ba'shousethen
Thor
iso:soi
m get
ti
ngl
aidt
oni
ght
?
Lame:st
opi
t
Theyl
aughedassheopenedherchoclat
eswhi
lehe
wentt
othehouseandbroughtchai
rs.

AtShar
on'
shouse.
..

Shef
ini
shedherf
rui
tsal
adandcal
ledherf
ri
end.
..

Gi
rl
:tsal
a
Shar
on:heybaby,
yougood?
Gi
rl
:im goodl
ove,
your
sel
f?
Shar
on:coul
dn'
tbemor
egr
eatl
ove
Gi
rl
:spi
titout
Shar
on:ever
ythi
ngwentwel
lyest
erday
Gi
rl
:oht
hat
'samazi
ng
Sharon:thoughthest
epmotherwantedtogetspi
cy
butmom andBosa' sf
athermanagedtoputher
backintoherplace
Gi
rl
:whatdi
dshesay?
Sharon:sheaskedmei
fweweren'
ttaughtabout
saf
esexatschoolimeanduh
Gir
l:lawyer
saretr
ickypeopl
ewhati
fshewas
fi
shingfori
nfor
mat i
on
Sharon:t
hemomentifeltshewasbei
ngtr
ickywas
whensheaskedaboutthetimefr
ame.Howlongi
havebeendat
ingBosaandhowf ari
mi
Gi
rl
:andyousai
d?
Sharon:3weeksofdat
ingand2weeksof
pregnancy
Gir
l:sot
hatmeansyouguyshadsext
hef
ir
stday
youmet
Shar
on:t
heexactt
hingshesai
d
Gi
rl
:verysuspi
ciousbutheyt
heset
hingshappen.
Onl
yifsheknewyouar eamonthpr
egnant(t
hey
l
aughed)
Shar
on:notsosmar
taf
teral
l
Gir
l:l
et'
shopeBosawon'tr
uineveryt
hingwhenhe
comesbacktothelandoft
helivi
ng
Shar
on:ihaveatri
ckupmysl
eevet
omakesur
ehi
s
st
oryisi
ncoherencewi
thmi
ne
Gi
rl
:whati
sit
?
Shar
on:r
ape
Gi
rl
:bat
hongShazar
eyousur
e?
Shar
on:yepunl
esshewant
stogot
opr
ison
Gi
rl
:tl
hemmaonoga(
youar
easnake)
Shar
on:noi
m abl
ackscor
pionbaby

Theyl
aughedandconti
nuedtocat
chupwhile
Boemo'
sPIclappedoncel
aughi
ngwhil
eli
steni
ng
on.

AtBai
sago'
shouse.
..

Hewater
edthepl
ant
swhileBoemol
oungedont
he
sunl
oungerbyt
hepoolashi
sphonerang.
..
Bai
sago:MrKgosi
dint
sihel
lo?
Dr
:gooddaysi
r.Youar
espeaki
ngt
oDoct
orSmi
th
Bai
sago:ohdoct
orwhatcanidof
oryou?
Dr:MrKgosi
dintsiihavebeent
ryi
ngtogethol
dof
yoursonbuthisphonehasbeenoffsi
nceheleft
thecl
ini
ciseverythi
ngok?
Bai
sago:cl
ini
c?
Dr
:yessi
r
Baisago:Bosai
satthehospi
taldoct
orhewas
abductedtwodaysagobutwemanagedt of
indhi
m
Dr:iknowipromi
sedtogivehimthepr
ivacyhe
needsbutithi
nkishoul
dletyouknowashisfat
her
Bai
sago:ok?
Dr
:yoursoncamet
omeandt
est
edposi
ti
vef
orHI
V
&AIDSsir
Bai
sago:what
!?

Hi
shear
tski
ppedabeatashedr
oppedt
he
hosepi
pewhi l
eBoemof
rownedl
ooki
ngathi
mfr
om
thesunlounger.
..

Dr:yessi
randheneedstogetonmedicat
ionas
soonaspossibl
ebecausehisCD4counti
sreal
ly
l
ow.Hi si
mmunesystem needshel
p
Baisago:Doct
orSmi
thar
eyousur
eyouar
etal
king
aboutmyson?
Dr
:yessi
rBosaDi
ntsi
.
Bai
sago:how?
Dr
:hehadunpr
otect
edsexwit
hsomeonebutwe
wi
llt
alkmor
eaboutthi
swhenhe'
sfi
ne.Wher
eishe?
Bai
sago:Fr
anci
stownbuthewi
llbeher
ethi
s
af
ter
noon
Dr:l
etmeknowwhichHospi
talhewi
llbeadmi
tt
ed
atihavet
otal
ktohi
sdoctor
Bai
sago:iwi
ll
Dr
:bye
Baisagohungupandswal
lowedl
eani
ngagai
nsta
tr
ee...

Bai
sago:Lor
dwhathasmysondonet
oyou?

Hesi
ghedwithhi
shandonhi
sfaceandsl
iddown
t
othegrassasBoemomadewaytohim.

AtRober
t'
sof
fi
ce.
..

Hisof
fi
cephoner
angashej
ustt
ookhi
sseatand
answer
ed.
..

Rober
t:Rober
tDut
chespeaki
nghowmayibeof
hel
p?
Kabi
nda:MrDut
cheyouar
espeaki
ngt
oKabi
nda
Rober
t:ohl
ieut
enanthowmayibeofhel
p?
Kabi
nda:si
rwehavemanagedt
ofi
ndyourson
Rober
t:(
sighedr
eli
eved)oht
hankyouLor
d.Wher
e
i
shenow?
Kabi
nda:(
swall
owed)MrDut
cheunf
ort
unat
elywe
onl
yfoundhi
sbones
Rober
t:(
hear
tski
pped)what
!?
Kabi
nda:ki
ndl
ymakewayt
omyof
fi
cewhenyou
can
Rober
t:nowai
t,whatdoyoumeanhi
sbones?
Kabinda:yoursonandhisfr
iendgotinanaccident
andthecarr ol
ledi
ntoabushwhereitspitSascha
out.Thefri
endburntint
hecarwhilehyenasfedon
Sascha

Ahugel umpstuckonRobert
'st
hroatasthephone
sl
idoffhishandwhil
etear
sbuil
tinhiseyes.He
swal
lowedandbl i
nkedasari
veroftear
sf el
ldown
hi
seyes.
.
.
.
.
.
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
CAGED
61

Hecouldn'
tholdi
tinanymoreandbursti
ntoal
oud
cr
yleaningbackonhisoff
icechai
r.
..

Robert:whySascha!Why!?Whydidyouhavetodo
thi
stoyour sel
f,t
ome?Why?Iwant edtoseeyou
growintoar esponsi
blemanandplaywit
hmy
grandkidsbutnoyouhadt or
obthatfr
om me.Why
Sascha!?

Hecri
edhissouloutashist
earsmetunderhi
schin.
Heswall
owedapai nf
ullumpsnif
fi
ngandtookhi
s
phonedi
ali
ngBontsi.
..
Bont
si:MrDu.
..
Rober
t:he'
sgone
Bont
si:huh?
Rober
t:Saschai
snomor
e(hebur
sti
ntot
ear
sagai
n)
Bont
si:whathappened?
Rober
t:hyenasf
edonhi
m
Bont
si:(
swal
lowed)ok
Robert
:Kabindajustcall
edmet ocomet ohisoff
ice.
Hesayst heygoti
nvolvedinacaraccident
,his
fr
iendburntint
hecarwhi lei
tspi
thim outand
hyenasfoundhim
Bont
si:wher
ear
eyou?
Rober
t:att
heof
fi
cebuti
m goi
ngt
ogot
oKabi
nda
now
Bont
si:nonowaitf
ormether
eiwil
ldr
iveyou.You
ar
enotinther
ightstat
eofmi
ndtobedri
ving
Rober
t:ok
Bont
si:seeyouj
ustnow(
shehungup)l
ove!
?
Pat
lo:yesbabe
Bontsi:i
m goi
ngtopickRobertf
rom hi
soff
icet
o
Kabinda'sof
fi
cehejustcal
ledmeapparent
ly
Saschaandhi sf
ri
endarenomor e
Pat
lo:oh
Bontsi
:yeahtheywer
einvolvedi
nanaccident
,the
fr
iendburnti
nthecarwhil
eitspi
tSaschaoutand
hyenasfedonhim
Pat
lo:ohnot
hat
'ssad
Bontsi:honestl
yidon'tfeelsorryforhi
mf orwhat
hedidt omychi l
d.Godf orgivemebuthedeser ved
i
ttheonl ypersonifeelsorryforisRobertnoone
deservestolosetheironlychildli
kethi
sbutwhen
hewasanani malthenther e'
snothingwecando
aboutit
Pat
lo:babeyouneedt
ocal
m down
Bontsi
:ifthi
sist
hej
ust
icemydaught
erdeser
ves
thenim happy
Pat
lo:whati
fhehaunt
sher
?
Bontsi
:iwillst
il
ldealwithhi
m asaghostnoone
messeswi thmyf amilyandgetsawaywit
hit.He
shouldhaveaskedVi ctor
ia(
kissedhi
scheek)see
youlaterboo.Iloveyou
Pat
lo:il
oveyout
oobabe.Iwi
llcal
lyouoncet
he
ki
dsland
Bont
si:sur
e

Shelef
twhi l
ePatl
oquiet
lyl
ookedathercardri
ving
out.Athoughtcr
ossedhismindashesquinthi
s
eyestr
yingsohardnottoent
ertai
nwhathismind
wastell
inghim..
.

Patl
o:noBontsil
ovesmeshewoul dneverdo
anyt
hingwit
hRober tpl
usBoi
tshepoisherfr
iendso
no

Hesai
dcl
osi
ngthedoorandwentbackt
ohi
s
l
apt
opdoi
ngsomewor k.
AtBai
sago'
shouse.
..

Hesnif
fedwipi
nghiseyesasBoemoknel
tnextt
o
hi
m hol
dinghisshoul
der.
..

Boemo:hey,
babe,l
ovelookatme, boo,
lookatme
(hel
ookedupatherwit
htearyeyes)what'
swrong
mylove,i
sever
ythi
ngok?
Bai
sago:t
hatwasmydoct
or
Boemo:ok
Baisago:appar
ent
lyBosa. .
.(
swall
owed)Bosawent
tothecli
nicandgottested.Hemusthavebeensick
orsomet hi
ngand.
..
(curvedhisli
ps)
Boemo:awwbabet
alkt
omej
ustt
ellmeyouknow
i
m her
eforyou
Bai
sago:het
est
edposi
ti
vef
orHI
V&AI
DS

Hehyster
ical
lycr
iedasBoemot i
ght
lyhuggedhi
m
qui
ckl
ywipingatearfr
om hereyewit
hhermouth
hangi
ngwi
de.Sheswall
owedrubbi
ngBai
sago'
s
backwhowoul
dn'
tstopcryi
ng.
..

Boemo:okokmyl oveatleastnowheknowswhat
's
wrongwithhi
m andibeli
evethedoct
ormanagedt
o
hel
phim cal
m down
Baisago:(
sti
llcr
ying)t
hati
swhyhewr otet
hatlett
er
sayinghehateswomenandwaspl anningt
ol eave
home.WhogavemysonHI VBoemo,who!?(He
cri
edlouder)
Boemo:t hatdoesn'tmatterwhatmattersismaking
surethathelivesaposi t
iveli
fe,
star
tsexerci
sing,
eatswellandt akeshismedicati
on.Beingpositi
ve
doesn'tmeant heendoft hewor l
dmyl ove,t
here
arealotofpeopl eli
vingwithHIVbutareasheal t
hy
asyouandi
Baisago:buthe'
sonly18Boemo, 18,
whathasmy
sondonet otheuni
versef
oritt
opunishhimli
ke
thi
s?Isitbecausehewasconceivedoutof
wedlock!?
Boemo:nol
ovet
hat
'ssi
ll
yandyouknowi
t.Wear
e
goi
ngt
obeatt
hismyl
ove
Baisago:nowhesleptwit
hSharonandimpregnat
ed
heranddi dheevenuseacondom wit
hAtamelang?
Im notreadyt
odealwithangr
yparent
sbecausemy
soninfectedt
hem.Im not
!
Boemo:babeim hereforyou.Me, youandBosaar e
goi
ngt owal
kthisroadtogetherokandasl ongas
i
m ali
veiwon'tl
etanyonet hi
nktheyar eaboveus.
Thesepeopl
earekidssomet hingssli
pt hei
rminds
andit
'suptoustot eachthem aboutresponsi
bil
it
y
andhowt ot
ackletoughsituat
ions
Baisago:t
hisi
stoomuchandt hedoct
orsayshis
CD4counti sl
owwhatifhegetstoosi
ckand
doesn'tr
espondtomedicat
ionthewayweexpect
hi
mt o?Whatifi
..
.
Boemo:noBai sagono,
im notgoi
ngtoletyouthi
nk
thatdoyouhearme!?Bosaisgoingtoli
vealong
l
ifeandhavehi sownhome.Thatboyisdesti
ned
forgreat
nessyouhearme!?

Shet
ight
lyhuggedhi
m whi
lehecr
iedhi
ssoulout
.
I
nMochudi
..
.

Lamef r
ownedl eavi
ngThori
sooutsideandwentin
thehouseandheadedt oDaisy'
sroom.Sheheard
somesobbi ngandshesoftl
yopenedt hedooras
Daisyquickl
ywipedherfacesnif
fi
ng..
.

Lame:D,
areyouok?
Dai
sy:(
chuckl
ed)yeahj
ustt
hatsomet
hinghas
got
teni
nmyeye
Lame:don'tl
ietomedear,youhavebeeninyour
room si
nceyoucamebackf rom yourl
essonsandi
havebeenstandingbyyourdoorandheardyou
sobbi
ng.What '
swrong?
Daisy:(cur
vedherl
ips)whyi
sli
fesounf
air?Alli
m
tr
yingtodoi smakesomethi
ngoutofmyself
but..
.(
shebursti
ntotear
s)
Lame:(
huggedher
)sssh,cal
m downandtel
lme
what
'sgoi
ngonmyl oveyouknowiwil
lal
waysbe
her
eforyou
Daisy:theycal
ledmenamesLame,thosekids
call
edmeal lsort
sofnamesandeveninsult
edme
sayingimustbet hemostl
oosewomanont he
planetandevenwonderifi
m cl
eandownt here.
KidsLame15and16yearol dkids(
shecriedmor e)
idon'twanttogobackther
e
Lame:nonol
ovedon'
tsayt
hatpl
ease
Daisy:soishoul
djustsitt
her
ewit
hkidsandli
sten
tothem i
nsultme?HellnoLameiwouldr
atherdie
poorthantohavetobemockedbypeoplewhoar e
youngenought obemyyoungersi
bli
ngs
Lame:iknowi tshardmyl oveiknowhow
humi l
iat
ionf eel
smyl ove.Iwentt hrought hesame
thi
ngaf termyr esul
ts.From top5st udentt obott
om
2,theycalledmenamesandal lki
ndsoft hingsbut
mymot hertoldmet hatishouldt akethosemocki ng
wor dsandal landturnthem intomyst rength,use
them tobui l
dmysel fupbecausepeopl ewi l
lal
ways
tal
k.Evennowt heyar esti
llt
alkingsomear esayi
ng
istart
edmyt uckshopwi t
hmoneyigotf r
om aman
afteroffer
ingmysel ftohi m butnoiwor kedhar dke
diradipiecejobDunt ilisavedt heamountineeded.
Ionceevendi dapi ecej obatoneoft hepeopl ewho
wer emocki ngme' shouseandshecal l
edher
fri
endsovert ocomel aughatmebutguesswhati
saidt omyself,atleasti m notwaitingonmymot her
togivememoneybutt hisisthemoneyiwor ked
hardf orandit'sforagr eatcour senowl ookatme, i
ownasuccessf ultuckshopandaboutt oopent wo
shopsandwher ear et hosepeopl ewhomockedme?
Somesuccessf ulyesbutsomear eoutt herei n
abusi vemar r
iages, usedbymenandsomef ailed
theirfir
styearofvar sit
yandar easkingmef orj obs
atmyshops.Thever ysamepeopl ewhomocked
mel ove.Sodon' tletthoseki dsdet eryouf rom what
youwantt oachi eve, wehumanbei ngswi l
lalways
tal
kbuti t'
suponyout odeci dehowt ot aket hose
hur t
fulwords.Yesyoudi dwhatyoudi dbutt hat's
thepastwear ef ocusi ngont hepresentnowmy
l
ove, wear efocusi ngonwi nningok
Dai
sy:buti
thur
ts
Lame:iknowi
tdoesn'
tgeteasi
er.Soyouwantt
o
t
ellmet
her
e'snosi
ngl
ehi
ghl
ight
?
Dai
sy:imanagedtogetaf
ewquest
ionsr
ightwhi
le
t
heygotthem wr
ong
Lame:yousee,exactl
ywhati
mt al
kingabout
.Focus
ontheendgoalmyl oveandal
lwil
lfal
lint
oplace
Dai
sy:(
sighed)t
hankyou
Lame:it
'smypl
easur
elove.Nowineedaf
avour
fr
om you
Dai
sy:ohwowr
eal
lynow(
theychuckl
ed)
Lame:Thor
isoi
sspendi
ngtheni
ghtsoiwas
wonderi
ngi
fyoucangospendtheni
ghtatuncl
e
Ledi
ba'
s
Dai
sy:(
laughed)wowLamesoyouwantt
o..
.
Lame:aisssh.
..
Dai
sy:okoknopr
obl
em plusiwantauntBot
hot
o
t
eachmehowt omakebogobejwalerot
se
Lame:per
fect
,gomyl
ove
Dai
sy:remembertober
esponsi
blepl
easeweneed
t
ofini
shschoolf
ir
st
Lame:ofcour
seD

TheylaughedasLamejoi
nedThor i
sowhowas
helpi
ngcustomer
swhileDaisypackedher
overni
ghtbagandjoi
nedthem.

AtRober
t'
shouse.
..

Theysatont hedi
ningtabl
easBontsif
ixedhima
gl
assofwhi skeywhil
eshedrankwaterandtook
outherdi
ary...

Bontsi
:thi
sisgoi
ngtobeyourl
astdri
nkfortoday.
Youneedt obesobert
omakesureeveryt
hinggoes
well
.
Rober
t:ineedt
okeepmymi
ndof
fthi
ngs
Bont
si:youcan'
trunawayf
rom r
eal
it
y
Rober
t:youmustbehappyr
ight
?
Bont
si:what
?
Robert:iknowyouwant
edmysont obepuni
shed
forwhathedidtoAtamel
angbutt
hewayhegothis
punishmentmakesyouhappyi
m iwrong?
Bont
si:youwantmet
obehonestwi
thyou?
Rober
t:whynot
Bont si:yesiwant edhi mt obepuni shed,yeswhat
Atamel angandBosadi dt ohimisnotr ightandt hey
alsohavet osuf fert heconsequencesoft hei
r
actionsbutnott hewaySaschawant edthem to.If
wehadn' tfoundt hem ont i
medoyouknowt hat
theycoul dbet heonel yingi namor guenow?How
woul dyoubef eelingknowi ngthatyoursonki ll
ed
ourki ds?Notgoodr ight?ItsafactRober tthe
universewasgoi ngt opuni shhim onewayort he
other, yesit'spainf ulbuthecausedpai nt oother
children.If eelsor r
yf oryoubecausehewasyour
onlychi l
dandyoudon' tdeservetol oseachildin
thismannerl etalonebur ythem butasf orhimi m
notsosor r
y.Ther eyouhavei t
.Shoul dileavenow?
Rober
t:i
m sor
ry
Bontsi
:youaremyfri
endRober tandiwantnot
hing
butgoodthi
ngsforyouthatiswhyim heret
odayto
hel
pyouwi t
htheprepar
ations.Thesoonerwedo
thi
sthebett
er
Rober
t:l
et'
sdoi
ttomor
roweveni
ng
Bont
si:nopr
obl
em.Iguessweneedt
omakecal
l
s
now
Rober
t:noi
tsnotgoingt
obeanythingextr
avaganti
wanti
ttobesimpl
e.Acof f
in,
snacks,
flowers,
atent
,
apast
orandourclosefr
iends
Bontsi
:goodi al
readyhaveapastorandthoseother
thi
ngsarejustminorthi
ngs,iwi
llcal
lthecat
eri
ng
companyialwaysuset ofi
xthedecoandsnacks
Rober
t:ok
Bont
si:wi
llyoubeoksl
eepi
ngal
one?
Rober
t:ineedsomet
imeal
oneyes
Bont
si:ar
eyousur
eRober
t?
Rober
t:yeah
Bont
si:okt
henl
etmegoiwi
llupdat
eyouaf
ter
maki
ngcal
ls
Rober
t:oknopr
obl
em
Bont
si:sur
e

Shetookherthi
ngsandst
oodupasRober
tgr
abbed
herhandstandi
ngup..
.

Rober
t:t
hankyouoncemor
eyouar
eagood
woman
Bontsi:t
hepleasureisal
lmineyouar
eagoodman
aswel l
.Comeher e(shehuggedhi
m)it'
satough
j
ourneybuti m al
waysgoingtobeher
ewi t
hyou
wit
ht heothersok

Robertswal
lowedandsl
owlyletgoofher
.He
l
eanedinonherfaceasBontsifr
ownedmovi
ng
back.
..

Bont
si:whatar
eyoudoi
ng?
Rober
t:i
m sosor
ryidi
dn'
tmeant
o..
.
Bont
si:iwi
llcal
lyou(
shet
ookhert
hingswal
king
out
)
Robert
:Bont
siwai
tidi
dn'
tmeant
odot
hat
,
i
..
.Bont
si

Sheslammedt hefr
ontdoorashesighedsit
ti
ng
backdownshakinghisheadwhil
eoutsideBontsi
fr
ownedinhercarlooki
ngbackinthehousewith
herhear
traci
ng..
.

Bont
si:(
scof
fed)i
ja

Shest
art
edt
heengi
neanddr
oveout
.

I
nWest
owood.
..

ThePIdr
ovet
othecaf
eri
asi
deandcal
ledoneof
t
hewor
ker
stot
hecar
..
.

Man:gooddayma'
am
Woman:gooddaysi
r
Man:howl
onghaveyoubeenwor
kingher
e?
Woman:over5year
snow
Man:ohok.Sohowgoodi
syourmemor
ywi
tht
he
pr
evi
ousstudent
s?
Woman:ver
ygoodsi
respeci
all
ythosemi
schi
evous
ones
Man:ohokthen.Woul
dyouremembert
hisyoung
l
ady?(Showedheraphot
o)
Woman:(
laughed)Shar
on
Man:ohwowok.Whatki
ndofast
udentwasshe?
Woman:oneoft
hoseover
zeal
oussnobbi
shr
ich
ki
ds
Man:ohok.Besi
desbei
ngt
hathowwasshe?
Woman:(
lookedar
ound)t
hisonewasknownf
or
messi ngaroundandbeingnaughtywit
hmale
teachersandthere'
sthi
soneteacher,
heteaches
mat hstheywerealwaystoget
her.Hewouldeven
drivearoundwithher
Man:soyouwoul
dsayt
heywer
edat
ing?
Woman:ohyesbecausetherewasonceatimei
caughthimfeedi
ngherapi
eceofchocol
ateand
actedl
ikeisawnothi
ng
Man:ohok.What
'shi
sname?
Woman:wai
t,whyal
lthequest
ions?Idon'
twantt
o
l
osemyjob
Man:don'
tworrymyl i
psaresealedij
ustwantto
knowherbackgroundbet
terbecauseimint
erest
ed
i
nworkingwit
hher
Woman:ohisee.Wel
lal
licansayaboutthe
t
eacheri
sthathe'
samathsseni
orteacher
Man:ohokt
hankyou
Woman:nopr
obl
em
Hedroveawaywhi
let
hewomanscof
fedshaki
ng
herhead.
..

Woman:Shar
on,
Shar
on,
Shar
on.

ThePIt
ookhi
sphoneanddi
aledBoemo.
..

Boemo:hi
PI
:ihavet
hei
nfor
mat
ionyouneed
Boemo:ohok.Weareatthehospit
altheki
dsj
ust
l
andedtheyar
ebusywiththem i
nside.
PI:ohokt hat
'sgoodiwillf
orwar
dyouthephone
callr
ecordingandtherecordi
ngofthei
nfor
mati
oni
gotfrom oneoftheschoolworker
s
Boemo:iwouldappreci
atet
hat
.Yourpaymentwi
ll
beprocessedsoon
PI
:nopr
obl
em
Theyhungupwhi l
eBoemosmi ledgoi
ngback
i
nside.Baisagosatonthebenchesasamessage
camet hr
oughhisphone...

Mir
a:hisor
ryf
ordi
stur
bingyou.Ar
etheki
dshome
yet
?
Bai
sago:yest
hedoct
orsar
est
il
lat
tendi
ngt
othem
Mira:ohthat
'swonder
ful
.Let
'
shopeeveryt
hing
goeswellsothatwegett
odealwi
ththi
smat teras
soonaspossi bl
e
Bai
sago:yeah
Mi
ra:ihopeyouar
edoi
nggoodt
hough
Bai
sago:iam t
hankyou
Mira:si
nceweareabouttobecomegr
andpar
ent
si
thoughtmaybewecangooutsomedayandgett
o
knowoneanotherj
ustthetwoofus
Bai
sago:t
hat
'snotnecessar
y
Mi
ra:oh
Bai
sago:yes.Iwi
shicoul
dchatwi
thyoubutihave
al
otonmymi
ndbutt
hanksf
orchecki
nguponus
Mi
ra:nopr
obl
em

Baisagosighedshakinghisheadandputhisphone
backinhispocketwhi l
eBoemowhohadbeen
peepingont heconversati
onslowl
ydrankherwater
.
Thedoctorcameoutoft heirr
oom ast
heyallst
ood
up..
.

Dr:t
hankyouf oryourpatienceladiesand
gentl
emen.Fir
stlyiwantt osaypeopl edon'
tusual
ly
sharearoom unlesstheyar et
wi nssowhatis
happeni
ngherei sagainstthehospi t
alr
ulesbutt
he
managerall
owedi t
Bontsi
:theyshar
eafr
iendsowewantt
omake
thi
ngseasyforhimt
oavoidgoi
ngupanddown
wards
Dr:okt
hen.Sol
adi
esandgent
lemenyourki
dsar
e
awake
Al
l:(
smi
led)r
eal
ly?
Dr
:yes
Pat
lo:whencanweseet
hem?
Dr:nott
odaybecausewewantthem t
oregai
nthei
r
st
rengthfi
rst
.Youcancometomorrow
Boemo:wowt
hat
'samazi
ngnews
Bont
si:i
ndeed.Thankyousomuchdoct
or
Dr
:thepl
easur
eisallmi
ne.MrKgosi
dint
simayi
pl
easehaveapri
vat
emomentwithyou
Bai
sago:nopr
obl
em

Theyheadedt othedoctor'
soffi
cewhil
et heot
her
s
l
eft.Patl
oandBont sichatwit
hBoemof orafew
secondsandl ef
twhi l
eshegotinthecarand
l
istenedtotherecordi
ngsherPIsenther.She
scoffedshaki
ngherheadandcal ledSharon.
..

Shar
on:hel
lo?
Boemo:hinanayouar
etal
kingt
oBosa'
smom
Shar
on:oh,
hima'
am
Boemo:howar
eyoudoi
ngmygi
rl
?
Shar
on:apar
tfr
om t
hemor
ningsi
cknessesi
m good
Boemo:wonder
fuli
mthi
nki
ngweshouldgot
othe
doct
ortomor
rowdoyouhaveanypl
ans?
Shar
on:noma'
am i
t'
sst
il
lfi
ne
Boemo:wonder
fulandihopeyoudon'
tmind
gr
abbi
ngsomethingtoeataf
ter
wardsimeanwe
ar
efamil
ynow
Sharon:noprobl
em butit
houghtwewer
egoi
ngt
o
waitforBosatohealf
ir
st
Boemo:nonoithoughtaboutwhatyourmom sai
d.
Regi
ster
ingyouassoonasnowi sveryimpor
tant
Shar
on:(
smi
led)okt
hennopr
obl
em ma'
am
Boemo:al
ri
ghtnanabye
Shar
on:byema(
theychuckl
edhangi
ngup)
Boemo:mxm (
dial
edherdoct
or)gooddaydoc
Dr
:MsMai
ket
soi
sever
ythi
ngok?
Boemo:i
m comingwithmydaughterforasonar
tomor
rowifyounot
iceanythi
ngodddon'tpoi
nti
t
outt
oherwewi l
ldi
scussitpr
ivat
ely
Dr
:ohokma'
am nopr
obl
em.Seeyout
omor
row
Boemo:(
smi
led)bye

ShehungupasBai
sagogoti
nthecarandsi
ghed
rever
singout
..
.

Boemo:ever
ythi
ngok?
Baisago:yesl
ovehejustwant
edtotel
lmeabout
Bosa'sstatet
heyar
eputti
nghim onmedi
cat
ionas
soonasnow
Boemo:okt
hat
'sgood.Il
oveyouok
Bai
sago:il
oveyoumor
emybaby

Heki
ssedherout
erhandanddr
ovebackhome.
I
nPr
ison.
..

Vi
ctori
adial
edDaisyasshedi
dn'
tanswerand
di
aledheragai
n..
.

Dai
sy:Dai
syDi
ntsihel
lo?
Vi
ctor
ia:mybabygi
rl
Dai
sy:bye
Vi
ctor
ia:nopl
easedon'
thangup
Dai
sy:whyshoul
dn'
ti?Youhaver
uinedourl
ives
youwoman!
Vict
ori
a:iknowbabybutamotherhast
odowhat
shecantolookoutf
orherchi
ldr
en
Dai
sy:wi
tchcr
aftmom,
real
ly?
Vi
ctor
ia:ihadnot
hingbaby,ihadnochoi
cei
twas
t
heonlywayt obesuccessf
ul
Dai
sy:noVi
ctor
iayouhadamanwhol ovedyou
andwaswil
li
ngtocareforyouwet
heryouhad
somet
hingornot
Vi
ctor
ia:i
t'
snotal
waysgoodt
odependonaman
mychild
Dai
sy:butmom.
..
Vict
oria:l
ookbabyidon'
thaveenoughti
mebut
t
here'ssomethingiwantyoutodoforme,i
t'
sgoing
t
omakesur ethatt
hebothofusaresetf
orli
feand
l
ivethelif
ewear emeanttoli
ve
Dai
sy:nomom i
m notgoi
ngt
odoanyt
hingf
oryou
Vi
ctor
ia:ar
eyousur
eaboutt
hat
?
Dai
sy:hundr
edper
cent
Vict
ori
a:t
heniguessihavetodonat
ethemil
li
onsi
havebeensavi
ngforyoutosurvi
vewit
hwhenim
nomor et
ochari
ty

Dai
syswal
lowedkeepi
ngqui
etasherhear
traced.
.
.
.
.
.
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
CAGED
62

Vi
ctor
ia:Dai
sy?Hel
lo?
Dai
sy:whi
chmill
ionsar
eyoutalki
ngaboutVi
ctor
ia
whenyouhavenothi
ngtoyourname?
Vi
ctor
ia:ohsoyoudon'
tbeli
eveme?TellmeDai
sy
doyouwanttoli
veinpover
tyforgoodnow?
Dai
sy:i
m maki
ngsomet
hingoutofmyl
if
e
Vi
ctori
a:t
here'
snothi
ngyouknowbesi
desl
ooking
pr
ettyandspendi
ngmoneyyouneverwor
kedfor
Dai
sy:andyousayyouareapar
ent
.Lamei
sa
bet
terwomanthanyouyouknow
Vi
ctor
ia:ohwownowiseewhyyouar
enar
row
mindedmychil
d.Youar
eli
steni
ngt
opeopl
ewho
havenofut
ure
Daisy:(
scoff
ed)thosedaysofwal
kingal
lover
peopleareoverdearestmot
her
.LameandOl ebi
le
areopeningshopssoon
Vi
ctor
ia:t
heyar
enotgoi
ngt
olast
Dai
sy:wowma,
wear
etal
kingaboutyoursonher
e
Vict
ori
a:Ol
ebi
lel
ongmadei
tcl
eart
omet
hathe'
s
notmyson
Dai
sy:hadinotbeenf
ool
edbyyouiwouldhave
l
ongdonethesame.Youarepoi
sonous
Vi
ctor
ia:sot
hat
'syourdesi
cion?Youar
egoi
ngt
o
t
hrowmoneyawayl i
kethat
?
Dai
sy:i
m notgoi
ngt
obeyourf
oolagai
ndear
est
mother
Vict
ori
a:okt
henmygirlsuityour
sel
f.Iwon'
tstand
i
nyourway.Don'
tcomer unningtomewhent hings
don'
tgothewayyouexpecteddoyouhearme?
Dai
sy:byeVict
ori
ail
ivewit
hpeoplewhocareand
wantwhat'
sgoodforme.Idon'
tneedyouandyour
nonexi
sti
ngmi
ll
ions

SheclickedhertonguehangingupwhileVi
ctor
ia
putthephonebackont hehook.Sheleanedonthe
walltr
yingtothi
nkofwhatt odobutnothi
ngcame
up.Shesi ghedgoingt
ohercellbutst
oppedasa
thoughtcrossedhermind.Shesmiledandstar
ted
whistl
ing.

Att
heKwena'
s.
..

Bontsisighedfr
om thebathroom i
nat owelandsat
onherdr essi
ngchairapplyi
nghernightcream.She
coul
dn'tstopthinki
ngaboutwhatRober tt
riedtodo
earl
ier
.Herphoner angasshef r
ownedl ookingat
thenameont hescreenandshookherhead
answering..
.

Bont
si:eveni
ng
Rober
t:hiihopei
m notdi
srupt
ingyou
Bont
si:noyouar
enoti
mjustf
rom t
heshower
.
Rober
t:ok.Thedecopeoplejustf
ini
shedputt
ingup
t
hestret
chtentandeveryt
hingneededthankyouso
much
Bontsi:oht
hat'
sgr eatiwasaboutt
oaskyoui
f
ther
e'sanyprogress
Rober
t:ever
ythi
ngi
sgoi
ngaccor
dingt
opl
an
Bont
si:good.Whoar
eyouwi
th?
Rober
t:myauntf
rom Sout
hAf
ri
caandherf
ami
ly
ar
ehere
Bont
si:t
hat
'
sgood.Sothebodywil
lbecol
lect
ed
fr
om t
hemor guet
omor
rowright
?
Rober
t:youmeanhisbones.Yeahi
twi
llcome
homefrom t
hemorgue
Bont
si:bonesmakeabodyaswel
ldon'
tsaysuch
Rober
t:canwet
alkaboutwhathappenedear
li
er?
Bontsi
:don'
tyout
hinkthatmaybei
m nextt
omy
husbandandhaveputyouonloudspeaker
?
Rober
t:i
m sor
ry
Bont
si:whydi
dyouwantt
odowhatyouwant
edt
o
do?
Robert
:it
hinkigotoverwhel
medbyemot
ionsandi
wantedsomecomf ort
Bont
si:f
rom amarri
edwoman?Robertyouhavea
gi
rl
fr
iendforcr
yingoutl
oudwhohappenstobe
cl
osetomeatt hat
Rober
t:t
hat
'swhyi
m apol
ogi
singir
eal
isedt
hati
t
waswrongofmetotr
yandpersuet
hat
Bont
si:t
hankyouf
orr
eal
izi
ngyourf
aul
t.
Rober
t:wewi
llseeoneanot
hert
omor
rowt
hen
Bont
si:bye

TheyhungupasBont siputonhersl
eepi
ngshor
ts
andvestandwentdownt ojoi
nherhusbandwho
waswatchingamovie.Sheputherheadonhisl
aps
ashesmiledsof
tl
yrubbingherhair
.

THEFOLLOWI
NGMORNI
NG
Att
hehospi
tal
..
.

IopenedmyeyestoAt
amel
angwhowaswal
king
aroundourr
oom..
.

Bosa:
goodmor
ning
At
amel
ang:ohheyyouar
eup
Bosa:
yeah.Howar
eyouf
eel
i
ng?
At
amel
ang:myf
aceandneckst
il
lhur
t.Your
sel
f?
Bosa:myneckandt
hroatst
il
lhur
tandihavea
sl
ightheadache
At
amel
ang:howaboutyourl
eg?
Bosa:
thepai
nisn'
tthatmuch
At
amelang:ok.I
m sosor
ry,
youwoul
dn'
tbeher
eif
i
twasn'
tforme
Bosa:
it'
sok.Wewi
llgett
hroughi
t
At
amel
ang:we?
Bosa:
yeahiwantt
obewi
thyou
Atamelang:pl
easedon'
tsaythat
,thelastthi
ngi
wantistohurtyouorbewit
hyouj ustbecauseif
eel
guil
tyofwhathappened
Bosa:
don'
tyoul
oveme?
Atamel
ang:idobutidon'
tknowi
fyouf
eelt
he
same
Bosa:ido.Ihaveal
wayshadf
eeli
ngsf
oryoui
t'
s
j
ustthatiwasscaredt
oactonthem
Atamel
ang:(
scof
fed)aor
rawewoul
dn'
tbeher
e
kana
Bosa:iwasnoti
nagoodst at
eofmindtobeina
rel
ati
onshi
paswellbecauseofwhatwas
happeni
ngatthehouse.Myauntwouldhavemade
surei
tended
Atamel
ang:knowi
ngt hatshewasmessi ngaround
withmyfat
her(cl
ickedhertongue)youraunthas
nosoul
Bosa:
sowhatdoyousay?
At
amel
ang:whataboutt
hegi
rlf
rom t
hepar
ty?
Bosa: honestl
yspeaki
ngifeelnot
hingforher.Iwas
justusinghertochaseyouawaybecauseiknew
youwer einar el
ati
onshi
psoshewast henextbest
thingthatisawfitf
orsupressi
ngmyf eeli
ngsfor
you
Atamel
ang:whati
fshe'
semot
ional
lyi
nvest
edi
n
you?
Bosa:womenhavehurtmeinmyl i
fesol
etmef
eel
howitfeel
stohur
toneforachange
Atamelang:t
hat'
snotasmar
tthi
ngt osay
especi
allyt
osomeoneyouaretr
yingtodo
somethingwit
h
Bosa: oneofthedecisi
onsit ookafterwakingup
fr
om thecomawast obet ransparentandbeas
openasican.Nomor ebottl
ingthi
ngs.Iwas
planni
ngt orunawayf rom homet hedaySascha
gottomebutt hi
shast aughtmet hatthere'snouse
torunawayf rom yourproblemsbecauset heywi l
l
catchupwi t
hyou.Bef oretakingoffiwast hinking
ofsuicideandithoughtwhatusewi lli
tbedyi ng
withsuchahugebaggage, mysoulwoul dn'tresti
n
peace
At
amel
ang:whywoul
dyout
hinkofsuch?
Bosa: (
swal
lowed)t her
e'ssomethi
ngi
m goingto
tel
lyouandiwon' tblameyouifyougetangrywi
th
meandwantnot hingtodowithmebutiwantto
respectmydecisionofbeingtr
anspar
ent
At
amel
ang:ok?
Bosa:t
hatdayiwentt
otheclini
cbecauseihad
someblist
ersi
nmymout h.Thedoctorr
ansome
test
sanditest
edposi
ti
veforHIV
At
amel
ang:(
hear
tdr
opped)huh?
Bosa:
yes

Atamelangqui
etl
yswall
owedlookingatmeasi
soft
lywipedatearf
rom myeyes.Herhear
traced
asshesighedsit
ti
ngonherbed..
.

At
amel
ang:wehar
dlyusedpr
otect
ionBosa
Bosa:
iknowandi
m scar
edf
ort
hat
,imr
eal
lysor
ry,
hadi
knowniwoul
dhavepr
otect
edyou
Atamelang:soi
sthatwhyyouwantt
obewi
thme?
Becauseyouhaveinfect
edme?
Bosa:
nono,il
oveyouAt
amel
ang,
HIVornotiwant
tobewit
hyou
Atamel
ang:(
tear
sbui
lti
nhereyes)Bosai
mtoo
youngf
orthi
s
Bosa:
im sosor
rypl
easef
orgi
ve
Atamel
ang:(
sni
ff
edbl
ocki
nghert
ear
s)sowhodi
d
yougeti
tfr
om?
Bosa:
Ver
oni
ca,
Dai
sy'
sfr
iend
At
amelang:(
swal
lowed)wowsoshe'
sthegi
rlyou
sl
eptwi
th?
Bosa:
eemma
At
amel
ang:f
ir
stencount
ernocondom?
Bosa:
iaskedf
ori
tandshesai
dit
'snotnecessar
y
Atamel
ang:(
ateardr
opped)butyouaresmart
er
thant
hatBosa,
howcanyoul etyour
sel
fbefool
ed
byawoman?
Bosa:ihaveal
waysl
etwomenf oolmeal
lmyl
if
e
that
'swhyiwantedt
ojustgoaway
At
amel
ang:(
bur
sti
ntot
ear
s)goshi
m hur
tBosa
Bosa:(
cri
ed)i
m sor
ryforhurt
ingyou.Iwoul
d
under
standi
fyouhatemer i
ghtnow,ihatemysel
f
asiti
s
At
amel
ang:t
hisi
sheavyineedt
hedoct
ort
otest
meassoonasnow

Shesnif
fedwipi
ngherfaceandpr
essedt
he
emergencybutt
onwhil
eiswall
owedwipi
ngmyf
ace
aswell
..
.

Bosa:
Ata?
At
amel
ang:Bosa
Bosa:
doyouhat
eme?
At
amelang:alliwanttoknowr
ightnowismystatus.
Asfarasim concer
nedmyhealthistheonl
ythi
ng
t
hatmatter
st omer i
ghtnow
Iswal
lowedast
hedoct
orcamei
ntot
her
oom.

Att
hePr
ivat
eCl
ini
c..
.

Thedoctorcal
ledSharonandBoemoi nasBoemo
smil
edfoll
owingSharoninsi
de.Shelai
dont hebed
pul
li
nguphert opwhil
ethedoctorappl
iedgelon
st
omach...

Dr
:doyouknowhowf
aryouar
e?
Shar
on:myt
estst
icksai
dtwoweeks
Dr
:(movi
ngt
het
ransduceronherst
omach)ohok
Shar
on:doest
hemachi
net
ellyouhowf
aryouar
e?
Dr
:(cl
ear
edhert
hroat
)thebl
oodt
est
swi
ll
Shar
on:(swal
lowed)ohsoyouar
egoi
ngt
otake
somebloodnow?
Dr
:yesaf
tert
hescan.(
Poi
ntedatt
hescr
een)t
her
e
i
syourbabymyl
oveandt
hatsoundi
sthehear
t
beat
Boemo:(
smi
led)wowi
m goi
ngt
obeagr
andmot
her
Shar
on:ohyes
Boemo:ican'
twai
ttohavehi
m orheri
nmyar
ms
thi
sisbeaut
if
ul
Dr:(
wipedSharon'
sstomach)im goi
ngtoregist
er
youinmysystem soyouwillbecomingforcheck
upeverymonthtoseetheprogressok
Shar
on:ok
Dr:i
m alsogoingt
ogiveyouaneweati
ngschedul
e
andallyouneedtodoistomakesur
ethatyou
carr
yfullt
erm
Shar
on:nopr
obl
em
Dr
:canihaveyourdet
ail
spl
ease

Shegavethem t
oherassheputheri
nthesystem
andgaveherapregnancycar
dwit
hthefi
rstsonar
scanpi
cture.
Dr
:pleasewai
tformeout
sideineedt
otal
ktoMs
Maiket
so
Shar
on:nopr
obl
em

Shesmiledl
ooki
ngatherpi
ctur
egoi
ngout
sideas
thedoct
orsi
ghed.
..

Boemo:spi
titoutmyl
ove
Dr
:she'
samont
handt
woweeksol
dpr
egnant
Boemo:ar
eyoubei
ngf
orr
eal
?
Dr
:yep.Theinf
ormat
ioni
sont
hepi
ctur
ebutshe
won'
tfocusonit
Boemo:ok.Thankyousomuch
Dr
:what
'sgoi
ngonMsMai
ket
so?
Boemo:sheisaccusingmysonofimpr
egnati
ngher
soim gat
her
ingtheinfor
mat
ionineedt
orevealt
he
tr
uth
Dr:(
scof
fedsmili
ng)l
awyer
sandsneakingupon
peopl
e(t
heylaughed)l
etmegotakeherblood
Boemo:t
hankyouboo

Theysmiledget
ti
ngoutoftheof
fi
ceasShar
onand
thedoct
orheadedtot
helab.

AtDai
sy'
sschool
..
.

Sheheavedahugesighstandingbythedoorand
openedi
tastheyal
lclappedforher
..
.

Gi
rl
:gi
vei
tupfort
heladyofthemoment.Our
pr
eci
ousaunt
,atl
eastyourbr
aini
sst
il
labitf
resh
Boy:sheknowsthesethi
ngsremembershehas
beenherebefor
e(theyl
aughed)
Dai
sy:idon'
thavet
heener
gyf
oryout
wo
Boy:youshoul
dconsi
deryour
sel
fluckyf
ornot
reporti
ngyouf orstrangli
ngmeyest erdaythelast
thingiwantisbadl uckf ol
lowingme.Respectyour
eldersforyoutol i
velongerthat'smymot to
(everyoneburstintolaughter)butjustsoyouknow
i
m notgoi ngtoletitgot hateasil
yMsCl eopat
ra
Gi
rl
:pyramidgoddess(t
heyal
lbur
stint
olaughter
)
t
odayisnotyester
daymylovewearenotgoingto
l
etour
selvesbebeatenbyanoldl
ady
Dai
sy:what
'syourpr
obl
em wi
thme?
Girl
:youarethelastthi
ngonear ththatI'
dhavea
problem wi
th.Youwi l
lnevergoanywher einl
ife
dear.Youneedt ogiveupandmaybet rygobackto
whatyouknowbestyouknow, openingyourthi
ghs

Theyal
llaughedwhil
eDaisyswal
lowedopeni
ngher
bookasthedooropened.
..

Teacher:ki
ndlysharewhat
'sf
unny(theyal
lkept
qui
et)youmi ghtbehomeschooledbutiwantyou
torespectt
hisplacedoyouhearme?
Al
l:yesma'
am
Teacher
:hiyoumustbeDai
syDi
ntsi
?
Dai
sy:yesma'
am i
tisi
Teacher:wonderful.Here'st
henovelweare
worki
ngon.Wej uststartedl
astweekanddidone
chapteronly.Yourassignmentist
or eadi
tbutf
or
nowwear emovi ngtothesecondchapter
Dai
sy:okma'
am
Teacher :mayyoupl easer eadtheintr
of orus( t
he
boyandgi r
llaughed)isever yt
hingok?(Theykept
quiet)im notgoingtotoleratethatbehaviourdoyou
hearme?Dai symi ghtbeol derthanyouguysbut
she'sher etolearnli
kether estofyou.It
'sactuall
y
profoundofhert onotgi veupsoyoubet terrespect
herasyouexpecthert or espectyoualldoyou
under st
and?
Al
l:yesma'
am
Teacher
:good.Dai
sycont
inue

Shest
art
edt
oreadast
heyal
lli
stenedl
ooki
ng
downont
hei
rnovel
s.

Backatt
hehospi
tal
..
.

ThedoctorpushedAt amelangbackintoourr oom

andfrom hereyesicouldtellt
hati
ndeedshehad
beencryi
ngast heywer eredandpuffy.Iknewi t
thatmomentt hatherresul
tswerepositi
ve..
.

Bosa:
and?
At
amel
ang:whatdoyout
hinkBosa?
Bosa:(swall
owed)i
m honest
lysor
ryAtamelang.I
fi
coul
dt ur
nbackthehandsoftimeiwouldbutim
real
lysorr
y
At
amel
ang:i
t'
sok
Bosa:
mma?
Atamelang:i
t'
sokBosaitol
dthedoctoreveryt
hing
andshemademer eal
iset
hati
t'
snotyourf aul
t.You
di
dn'tknoweithert
het
imeweslepttogetheral
lwe
hadtodowasbeal i
tt
ler
esponsi
ble.Theonl
y
personatf
aul
ther
eisVeroni
cathat'
sifsheknew
herstat
us
Bosa:
thankyou
At
amelang:i
m hur
tyesbuti
m posi
ti
ve.Li
ter
all
y(we
l
aughed)
Bosa:
soar
eyougoi
ngt
otel
lyourpar
ent
s?
At
amelang:yeahandijustpr
ayt
hisdoesn'
tbr
eak
t
herel
ati
onshiptheyhavewit
hyourpar
ents
Bosa:
(swal
lowed)i
m abadper
son
At
amel
ang:noyouar
enotBosa
Bosa:iam Atamelang.Isl
eptwit
hyouandi nfected
youwhi l
eiknewyouhadaboyf r
iend, Shar
onis
alsoprobabl
yinf
ectedweusedpr otecti
onthefir
st
roundbutdidn'
tuseitthesecondr ound
Atamelang:(sighed)youarenotabadper sonal
l
youhavet owor konisbeingresponsibl
eandthat'
s
all
.Ourparentsmi ghtfi
ghtyesbutit
'suptousto
showthem thatt hesethi
ngshappenit'samist
ake
weareyett olearntoli
vewith.Wehaveal ongli
fe
tol
ookint
omyguysoweshoul
dst
opf
eel
ingsor
ry
orangr
ywithoneanot
her
Bosa:(smil
ed)wowyouar
etaki
ngt
hiswaybet
ter
thanidid
At
amel ang:problem wi
thyoumeni st
hatyouguys
ar
et ooemot i
onalandnevertaket
imet othi
nkabout
asituat
ionandi t
simpactonpeoplearoundyou.
Y'
allimpulsi
veandweak
Bosa:
ahbat
hongweak
Atamel
ang:orshoul
disayy'
al
lgeti
nti
midat
ed
easi
ly(
welaughed)
Bosa:
iguessso.

Wechuckl
edasThor
isoopenedt
hedoor
.

Atar
est
aur
ant
..
.

BoemoandShar
onl
aughedast
hei
rfoodcame.
..
Sharon:fi
nal
ly.Ihavebeencr
avi
ngt
hisal
lmor
ning
icouldn'
twai
tt osi
tandeat
Boemo:shamebei
ngpr
egnanti
saj
obandahal
fi
see
Shar
on:sodoyouhaveki
dsofyourown?
Boemo:nobuti
m wor
kingoni
t
Sharon:ohni
ceok.Whydi
dn'
tyouat
tendSascha'
s
funer
al?
Boemo:wehadaDr
'sappoi
ntmentsoidi
dn'
twant
tomissi
t
Shar
on:ohyeah.Di
dBosa'
sdadgo?
Boemo:yeshedi
d
Shar
on:ohok
Boemo:somygi
rlwasBosayourf
ir
st?
Shar
on:eemma
Boemo:ohiseeokt
hen.He'
sawakebyt
heway
Shar
on:(
smi
led)oh?
Boemo:yeahandican'
twai
tforthem t
ocome
homeandbreakthenewstohim
Shar
on:yout
hinkhewoul
dbeexci
ted?
Boemo:he'
sgoi
ngt
obescar
edbutiwi
llmakesur
e
thathe'
sok
Shar
on:(
smi
led)t
hankyousomuch
Boemo:i
t'
soknana
Sharon:noimeanf orcomingaround,
mom is
alwaysbusysowewon' thavet
imetodocert
ain
thi
ngstogetherbutiknowinyouigotasecond
mother
Boemo:awwt hat'
ssweet.I
m goingtomakesure
youhavethebestandhealt
hiestpr
egnancyever
.
Weshouldstartshoppi
ngtomorrow
Shar
on:(
laughed)butwedon'
tknowt
hegenderyet
Boemo:i
tdoesn'
tmat
terwewi
llbuyuni
sexcol
our
s
Shar
on:okt
hen
Boemo:di
dthedrt
ellyouhowf
aryouar
e?
Shar
on:(
clear
edhert
hroatl
ooki
ngdownonher
pl
ate)t
her
esul
tsar
ecomi
ngoutt
omor
row
Boemo:ohok

Shesai
dsi ppi
ngherj uicewit
hhereyesonShar on
whowasf ocusedonherpl ate.Sheputtheglass
downcleari
nghert eethwithhertongueandtook
herf
orkandkni f
esl owlycutt
inghersausagewhile
l
ooki
ngi nSharon'seyeswhosmi l
edatherandshe
smil
edback.

I
nPr
ison.
..

Vi
ctori
asi
ghedpull
ingoutachai
randsati
nfr
ontof
Gabonewhosatbacklooki
ngather
..
.

Vi
ctor
ia:t
hankyouf
orcomi
ng
Gabone:youcal
ledsoihadnochoi
ce
Vi
ctor
ia:t
hisi
sget
ti
ngdi
ff
icul
tbyt
heday
Gabone:don'
ttel
lmeicameal
lthewayher
efor
suchcrap?
Vict
oria:it
houghtthi
ngswouldbeeasywi t
hDai
sy
butithinktheyhavemanagedtofoolher
Gabone:sothi
sisyounow?Apowerl
esswoman
whoisgoingtosuccumbtoever
ycur
vebal
lthr
own
ather
?
Vi
ctor
ia:iwasn'
tdonet
alki
ng
Gabone:ohoki
mli
steni
ngandi
tbet
terbewor
thi
t
Vi
ctor
ia:ihaveapl
ant
olur
eDai
syback
Gabone:ok?
Vi
ctor
ia:iwanthert
oneedme
Gabone:sohowar
eyougoi
ngt
odot
hatwhenyou
ar
einhere?
Vict
ori
a:iwantt
odosomet
hingt
hatwi
llmakeme
heronl
ysavinggrace.
Gabone:ihavebeendoi
ngthingsforyouVict
ori
a
si
ncewemetbutyouhaveneverr eturnedt
hefavor
.
Juneisinamentalasyl
um r
ightnowbecauseofme
andwhodi
didot
hatf
or?You
Vi
ctor
ia:youf
ail
edt
otakemeoutofpr
ison
Gabone:idi
dn'
tfai
liwasdi
str
act
ed
Vi
ctor
ia:i
t'
sjustt
hisonet
hingpl
ease
Gabone:okiwi
llseewhatt
odoandt
hist
ime
ar
oundiwantwhatiaskofyou
Vict
ori
a:(
smil
ed)t
rustmeyouwil
lgetwhatyou
askedfor
.Thi
sti
mear oundwear
ewinni
ng

Gabonescof
fedlooki
ngatherandl
eftshaki
ngher
headwhil
eVict
oriasmil
edgoi
ngbacktohercel
l.
..

Vi
ctor
ia:i
m sosor
rymybabybutmommyhasgot
t
odosomet hi
ngidon'
tbel
ongi
nhere.

AtRober
t'
shouse.
..

Af
terbur
yingSaschat
heywentbackhomef
or
somesnacks.Pat losatwithBaisagoandRober tby
theshadecatchingupwhi leBontsiandKelell
osat
witht
heot herl
adies.Bontsimadeherwayi ntothe
houseasRober tfoll
owedherin.Shel eaneddown
togetaplatefr
om oneoft hecupboar dswhi l
e
Robertl
eanedont hekitchencounter.Bontsistood
backupandgaspedseei ngRober t
..
.

Bont
si:goshdon'
teverdot
hatagai
n
Rober
t:sor
ry
Bont
si:i
sever
ythi
ngok?
Rober
t:no
Bont
si:what
'swr
ong?
Rober
t:t
her
e'ssomet
hingiwantt
otel
lyou
Bont
si:ohokshoot
Rober
t:il
oveyou
Bont
si:ohokt
hankyou
Rober
t:asi
nihavef
eel
ingsf
oryou
Bont
sibur
sti
ntoal
augh.
.
.
.
.
.
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
CAGED
63

Rober
tkeptastr
aightf
aceasBont
sist
opped
l
aughi
ngandfrowned..
.

Bont
si:wai
twhat
?
Rober
t:yes
Bont
si:noRober
tpl
easedon'
tit
houghtwespoke
aboutt
hisyest
erday
Rober
t:il
ied
Bont
si:don'
tyoul
oveBoi
tshepo?
Rober
t:ido
Bont
si:t
henhowcanyousaysuchaboutme?
Rober
t:yout
woaret
hesameinadif
fer
entway
t
hat'
swhatmakesmelovet
hebot
hofyou
Bont
si:i
m amarri
edwomanRober
tandwhatyou
ar
esayingisj
ustabsur
d
Robert
:howsur
eareyout
hatyourhusbandl
oves
youthewayyoudeser
vet
o?
Bont
si:becausewehavebeent
oget
herf
ort
hisl
ong
Rober
t:yethemessedar
oundmostoft
heyear
s
Bont
si:(
swal
lowed)youar
egoi
ngwayt
oof
arnow
Rober
t:i
mjustst
ati
ngf
act
s
Bont
si:everyrelat
ionshi
phasi t
sownupsand
downsRober tyoucan'texpectever
ythi
ngt
orun
smoothlyforeveranditt
akesthetwoofyouto
makesureitbecomeswhatyoubot
hwantittobe
andagai
nPat l
odidn'
tdowhathedi
dwi
ll
inglyhe
wasbewit
ched
Rober
t:f
actisil
oveyouandiwantt
obewi
thyou
andBoit
shepo
Bontsi:t
here'ssomet hi
ngwr ongwi t
hyou.Ican't
beli
eveyouhavet hegutst odisrespectmel i
ket hat
.
Doyout hinkBoitshepowoul dsitforsuchat hi
ng?
It
'smenl i
keyouwhogoar oundt hi
nkingthatthey
canwal kalloverwomenanyhowt heywantto.You
areindeedyourson' sfather
Rober
t:(
swal
lowed)idi
dn'
tmeant
oof
fendyou
Bontsi:r
eall
ynow?Youmeanti tRobertyouareas
abusiveasyourson.Idon'
tknowi fishoul
dtr
ust
youtobef ai
thf
ultoBoit
shepoafterthi
s
Rober
t:t
rustme,
youandBoitshepoaret
heonly
womenihaveeverf
eltl
iket
histowar
dssincemy
wif
epassedon.
Bont
si:whatyouaresayingisj
ustcrap.Youneed
tor
est,dealwit
hthepassingofyoursonandfocus
onwaiti
ngf ort
hewomanyoubel ongwi t
h.I
ma
happi
lymarri
edwomanwi t
hachil
dsopl easel
eave
mealone.I
fyoucont i
nuedoingt
hisiwil
lhaveno
choi
cebuttocuttieswit
hyoucompletel
y.Respect
womenandyour self

Sheclickedhert ongueandwal kedoutasRober t

sighedandr ubbedhi sf
ace.Hesni ff
edandturned
tothedoordi gesti
ngwhatj usthappenedbuthi s
heartsti
llt
oldhim somethingel se.Hewasinlove
withthetwowomenandi twasei t
herhecutti
es
withthebothoft hem ormar ri
edt hem.Hesighed
againandwentt othebedroom l ocki
nghimself
i
nside.

I
nWest
wood.
..

Boemogr eet
edthef r
ontdestof
ficerassheshowed
himtothemat hsseniort
eacher
'soffi
ce.She
knockedashewel comedherinandof fer
edhera
seat.
..
Boemo:t
hankyou.Ihopei
m notdi
stur
bingyousi
r
Man:notatal
l
Boemo:mynamei sBoemoMai
ket
soanat
tor
ney
gener
alatCar
terAt
tor
neys
Man:ohokyouar
ewel
comeMsMai
ket
sohowmay
ibeofhel
p?
Boemo:doyouknowofast udentcal
ledShar
on?
Shefi
nishedf
orm 5her
elastyear
Man:(cl
earedhi
sthr
oatsi
tt
ingback)yesido,
what
abouther
?
Boemo:howdoyouknowher
?
Man:shewasoneofmyst
udent
s
Boemo:oh,
that
'sj
usti
t?
Man:whatevershetol
dyoui
t'
sal
iet
hatki
dwas
not
hingbuttroubl
esome
Boemo:whatmakesyout
hinkshet
oldmeanyt
hing?
Man:(
swal
lowed)not
hingi
siknowhowsome
st
udent
scanbe.Theycanhaveacrushonyouand
godoanyt
hingt
ogetyourat
tent
ion
Boemo:youbei ngal
lovert
heplacer
ightnowsays
alotaboutyou.Ist
heresomet
hingishouldknow?
Man:it
hinkwehavespentenought
imeiwoul
dli
ke
t
ogetbacktowork
Boemo:i
t'
sagai
nstt
helawt ohaveanysexual
i
nter
act
ionswi
thastudentyouknowthat?
Man:idon'
tknowwhatyouar
etal
kingabout
Boemo:andyoucanl
oseyourj
obandbe
bl
ackl
ist
edyouknowthat
?
Man:canyoupl
easel
eave
Boemo:di
dyousl
eepwi
thShar
onornot
?
Man:ma'
am pl
easel
eavebef
oreical
lsecur
it
yon
you
Boemo:itwouldonl
ybegoodforyoutocomeclean
tomenowbecauseshouldireveal
everyt
hingon
yourbehal
fitwoul
dn'
tbethesame
Man:youar
eal
awyerandyoushoul
dknowt
hat
woul
dbedef
amat
ionofchar
act
er
Boemo:( laughed)whatki
ndofast upidseni
or
teacherareyou?Thatwon' tbedefamati
onof
characterthatwil
lbeexposingyouofwhoyou
reall
yare.Adangert ochi
ldren.(Heswall
owed)
whenwast helastti
meyouwer ewit
hSharon?
Man:whydoyouask?
Boemo:canwepl
easenotwast
eeachot
her
'st
ime
Man:t
womont
hsago
Boemo:wer
eyouguysdat
ing?
Man:wewer
ejusthavi
ngf
un
Boemo:havi
ngfunwithachil
d.Shameonyou.So
youguysbecameint
imate?
Man:yes
Boemo:di
dshet
ell
yout
hatshe'
spr
egnant
?
Man:what
!?
Boemo:yes,
amont
hand2weekspr
egnant
Man:sot
hatl
it
tl
ewi
tchi
sexpect
ingmybabyand
nott
ellme
Boemo:ohsoyouwantt
hechi
ld?
Man:ofcour
seihaveal
wayswant
edt
ohaveachi
ld
Boemo:(smil
ed)ohnotthatmuchofabadman
aft
eral
l.It
houghtyouweregoingt
oinsi
ston
havi
nghertoabortthechi
ld
Man:noihavealwayswant
edachi
ld.Unf
ort
unat
ely
i
t'
swithherbutiwantachi
ld
Boemo:t
henifyouwantyourchi
ldyouar
egoi
ngt
o
dowhatiaskyoutodo
Man:ok?
Boemo:she'str
yingtot
rapmysonwi ththechi
ld.
Wearewai t
ingonhimtober el
easedfr
om the
hospi
talt
hengett ot
hebott
om ofital
l
Man:sowhatdoyouwantmet
odo?
Boemo:iwantyoutocomeandclai
m yourunbor
n
chi
ld.Iwi
llcommuni
catewi
thyouoncetheboyis
rel
eased
Man:oknopr
obl
em iwi
llbewai
ti
ngonyout
hen
Boemo:awesome.Thankyouf
oryourt
ime
Man:t
hankyouf
orcomi
ng

Shesmi
ledl
eavi
ngwhi
let
hemansi
ghedsi
tt
ing
backwi
thasmil
eonhi
sface.
..

Man:youar
egoi
ngt
obeaf
athersoonmyboy

AtRober
t'
shouse.
..

Bai
sago,
PatloandPesal
emalaughedoutloudas
Bai
sago'
sphonerang.Hi
sfacewentfrom happyto
bor
edthesecondhelai
dhiseyesonthescreen.
..

Pesal
ema:i
sever
ythi
ngok?
Bai
sago:im honest
lyst
art
ingtogetannoyedbyt
his
woman( st
eppedaway)hello?
Mi
ra:(
smi
led)MrKgosi
dint
sihel
lo
Bai
sago:whatcani
dof
oryou?
Mira:ij
ustt
houghtishoul
dcheckuponhow
everyt
hingi
sgoing
Bai
sago:ever
ythi
ngi
sgoi
ngf
inet
hankyou
Mir
a:t
hat'samazi
ng.Soyoust
il
ldon'
twanttomeet
upsothatwecangettoknowoneanother
?
Bai sago:likeisai dt here'
snoneedf orthat.Our
childr enaret heonest ogetherwecanonl yper suea
relationoncet heyt alkaboutmar riagesincet hen,
ther e'snoneedf oryout ocallmeever ynowand
then.Wet ol dyout hatwewi llcal
lyouoncet heboy
i
sr el easedf rom thehospi talsothatwegett ot he
bot tom oft hismat ter.Againmywi fewentt ot he
cli
ni cwi t
hyourdaught ertor egi
sterhersoidon' t
seeapoi ntt obecommuni cati
ngwi thme.I fatall
youwantt ot al
ktosomeonecont actmywi fe.She's
takingcar eofever ything
Mi
ra:i
m sor
ryf
orcr
ossi
ngboundar
ies
Bai
sago:t
hankyouf
orapol
ogi
sing
Mi
ra:wewi
llhearf
rom yout
hen
Bai
sago:nopr
obl
em.Bye
Mi
ra:bye

TheyhungupasBai sagojoi
nedthemenagain.
Mirasighedsi t
ti
ngbackonheroffi
cesoftl
y
swingi
ngi t.Shewentdeepinherthought
sand
scoff
eddi ali
ngacontact
..
.

Mira:ther
e'snowayi m goingt
ol ett
hischil
dgetin
betweenofmeandmyPr incecharmingandt hi
s
onewhot hinksshewil
lbemarriedbyt hi
smanhas
anotherthingcoming.Hell
o?
Gabone:Mi
ra
Mi
ra:hidar
li
ng.Longt
imehey
Gabone:l
ongt
imei
ndeed
Mi
ra:myl
oveineedyourser
vices
Gabone:i
mli
steni
ng
Mir
a:mydaught
erhasbeeni
mpregnatedby
someone'
ssonandI
'm dr
awntot
hef ather
Gabone:oksowhatcanidof
oryou?
Mir
a:iwantmydaught er
'sr
elati
onshi
pwiththat
boytoendsothaticanbewi t
htheboy'sfat
herbut
nowanothert
hingisthefat
herisengagedtosome
womansoiwantheroutoft hepictur
e
Gabone:okgetmet
hatwoman'
sunder
wearand
yourdaught
er'
s
Mi
ra:okwhatar
eyougoi
ngt
odowi
thmydaught
er?
Gabone:im goi
ngtomakesur
ether
elat
ionshi
p
endswithimmediat
eeff
ect
Mir
a:ihopewhatyouar
egoi
ngt
odowon'
thavea
l
if
eti
meimpactonher
Gabone:howbaddoyouwantt
hisman?
Mi
ra:if
eell
ikehe'
smysoulmat
e
Gabone:t
hent
rustme
Mira:ok.Iwi
llcont
actyouassoonasihavet
he
underwears
Gabone:gr
eat
.
Mi
ra:bye
TheyhungupasMir
asi
ghedthi
nki
ngf
orasecond
andsmil
edgoi
ngbackt
owork.

I
nMochudi
..
.

Ataxidr
oppedLetl
otl
ooffbythegat
eashet ookhis
bagsandwentint
otheyard.Lamecurvedherli
ps
l
ookingathi
mthroughthewindowandshookher
headsit
ti
ngdown..
.

Let
lot
lo:knockknock
Lame:comei
n
Let
lot
lo:hi
Lame:hi
Let
lot
lo:howar
eyoudoi
ng?
Lame:goodt
hankyou
Shetur
nedtot
hetvwhil
eLet
lot
loswal
lowedand
si
ghedsit
ti
ngdown.
..

Let
lot
lo:i
m sor
ry
Lame:(
sti
lll
ooki
ngaway)f
or?
Let
lot
lo:ever
ythi
ngihavedone.Di
srespect
ingyou
andmom
Lame:Let
lotl
oallwehavealwayswantedforyou
wasgoodt hi
ngsbutnoyouchosetoturnablind
eyetoi
tallandseeusastheenemy.Imeanhow
canyourownmot herbewi
tchyouLet
lotl
owel lt
hat
excl
udesVictor
ia
Let
lot
lo:idi
dn'
tknowbet
ter
Lame:youshoul
dseeyour
selfmybrotheryoul
ook
pat
heti
c.Al
lmom di
dwast oprot
ectyou
Let
lot
lo:nowiknowt
hat
Lame:neveri
nyourl
if
erepeatt
hisagai
n.Youcan
goputyourbagsi
nyourroom
Let
lot
lo:t
hankyou
Het ookt
hem andwentt
othebedroom whi
leLame
shookherheadandwenttohert
uckshop.He
unpackedhi
st hi
ngsi
nhiswardr
obeashisphone
rang..
.

Let
lot
lo:(
frowned)hel
lo?
Li
zzy:youar
espeaki
ngt
oLi
zzy
Let
lot
lo:ohdumel
ang
Li
zzy:howar
eyoudoi
ngmyboy?
Let
lot
lo:i
m okt
hanksandyour
sel
f?
Li
zzy:i
m ok.Wher
ear
eyou?
Let
lot
lo:i
m homei
nMochudi
Lizzy:ohokit houghtwecouldmeetandt
alkabout
af ewthingsandiwoul dl
ikeyout
omeetupwi t
h
yourhalfsibl
ings
Let
lot
lo:oh?
Li
zzy:yes.Ar
eyouokwi
thi
t?
Let
lot
lo:whyar
eyoudoi
ngt
his?
Li
zzy:myki
dshavealwayswantedabi
gsibl
ingso
i
twouldmeanalott
ot hem.Theyar
etwi
ns
Let
lot
lo:ohiseeokt
henidon'
thaveapr
obl
em
Li
zzy:tel
lme,whatar
eyoudoi
ngatt
hemomentas
i
nwor kwise?
Let
lot
lo:not
hingi
mjustwai
ti
ngont
oopenat
var
sit
y
Li
zzy:don'
tyouwantt
odosomet
hingi
nthe
meanti
me?
Let
lot
lo:anyt
hingt
ogetmymi
ndof
fthi
ngs
Li
zzy:okpleasecometomyof f
icet
omorrowi
mighthavesomethingforyouandalsosothatwe
cantalkaboutwhatiwanttotal
ktoyouabout
pri
vatel
y
Let
lot
lo:ohokwhatt
ime?
Li
zzy:9am wi
llbeok
Let
lot
lo:oknopr
obl
em
Li
zzy:bye
TheyhungupasLet l
otl
osatonhi
sbedwondering
whatitcoul
dbethatthi
swomanwantedtotal
kto
hi
m aboutbutatl
easthehasscor
edhimsel
fajob
athercompanyshe'
snotabadwomanaf t
erall
.

AtBai
sago'
shouse.
..

Boemostoppedhercart
oopenthegateasher
phoner
ang.Shesmi l
edopeni
ngthegat
eanddrove
i
nthenanswered.
..

Boemo:Doc
Dr
:hiMsMai
ket
so
Boemo:what
'supDoc?
Dr
:Shar
on'
sbl
oodr
esul
tsar
eout
Boemo:ok?
Dr
:itt
urnsoutt
hatshe'
sHI
Vposi
ti
ve
Boemo:(
hear
tdr
opped)what
!?
Dr:yesweneedt
oinf
orm herwi
thi
mmedi
ateef
fect
t
opr ot
ectt
hechi
ld
Boemo:okiwi
lldef
ini
tel
ygeti
ntocont
actwi
thher
Dr
:pl
easedo
Boemo:bye(t
heyhungupasBoemohi
tthe
st
eeri
ng)dammit!
Bai
sago:i
sever
ythi
ngokl
ove?
Boemo:(
sighed)l
et'
sgeti
n

Shegotof
fthecarashef
oll
owedheri
nthehouse.
..

Boemo:howwast
hebur
ial
?
Bai
sago:i
twasok.Howdi
ditgoatt
hehospi
tal
?
Boemo:i
m goingt
otel
lyousomet
hingbutdon'
t
fr
eakoutpl
ease
Bai
sago:what
'st
hemat
ter
?
Boemo:Shar
oni
spr
egnantl
ovebuti
t'
snotBosa'
s
Bai
sago:howdoyouknowt
hat
?
Boemo:ihadmyPIl ookintoheranditcamet oli
ght
thatshemessedwi t
hat eacherinherschool.Ij
ust
metwi t
hhim andheconf ir
medeverythingandthe
doctort
oldmet hatshe'
snot2weekspr egnant
she'samonthandt woweeks
Bai
sago:ar
eyoubei
ngser
iousr
ightnow?
Boemo:yes
Baisago:thenwhatar
ewewai
ti
ngf
orweneedget
them offourbacks
Boemo:noiwantBosat ocomebackf i
rstthen
revealever
ythi
ngsothathedoesn'
tgetfooledbut
thenthere'
soneprobl
em
Bai
sago:whatnowl
ove?
Boemo:Shar
ont
est
edposi
ti
vef
orHI
V
Bai
sago:ar
eyouser
ious?
Boemo:yepi
mjustf
rom acal
lwi
thmydoct
or
Baisago:sowhati
sit
,di
dBosai
nfectherofshe
i
nfectedBosa?
Boemo:im conf
usedaswel
lbuti
m scar
edBosa
mightbetheonewhoinf
ect
edher
Baisago:(
sighedr
ubbinghishead)thi
sishonest
ly
notsoon.Hermot heri
salreadyannoyi
ngmenow
thi
shappensshe'sgoingtoalwaysbeonmyneck
Boemo:annoyi
ngyou?
Bai
sago:yesshe'
sal
wayscal
li
ngandbei
ngsi
ll
y
Boemo:whatdoyoumeanbysi
ll
y?
Bai
sago:ij
ustf
eell
ikesheki
ndofwant
sme
Boemo:( scof
fed)yeahri
ght.Anwayshe'
snota
pri
orit
ynowwhatweneedt odoi sf
ocusoncomi ng
upwi thhowwear egoingtodealwit
hthis.Thi
s
l
it
tlegirli
saticki
ngtimebombandshewoul ddo
anythingtodragBosashoulditbet
hathe'stheone
whoi nfect
edher.Wecannotunderesti
mat eher
Bai
sago:whatdoyousuggestwedonowmyl
ove?
Boemo:idon'
tli
kewhatimthi
nki
ngbutwehaveno
choi
ce.It
hinkweshouldputt
heblameonhert
hat
she'
stheonewhoinfect
edBosa
Bai
sago:babewear
enott
hoseki
ndofpeopl
ewe
can'
tdot
hat
Boemo:butt
hisgi
rlmi
ghtsuet
hel
if
eoutofBosa
Bai
sago:di
dBosaknowhi
sst
atust
woweeksago?
Boemo:no
Bai
sago:t
hent
her
e'snohowshecansuehi
m
Boemo:wetherwerevealthetr
uthabouther
pr
egnacyornotshemi ghtsti
ll
cryrapeasshe
pl
anstoifBosatr
iestodenythepregnancyjustt
o
makeBosapay
Bai
sago:(
sighed)somet
imesourki
dsr
eal
lygetus
i
nsti
ckysit
uations
Boemo:anditwi
llal
waysbehi
swordagai
nsther
s
andshewil
lbeprovi
dingr
esul
tsandt
hecour
twil
l
rul
einherf
avour
Bai
sago:t
hisi
samess
Boemo:ahugeoneunl
esswedoi
tthewayi
suggest
ed
Bai
sago:buti
tdoesn'
tsi
twellwi
thmemyl ove.
Whatift
hisgi
rlknewherst
atusbef
oresl
eeping
wi
thBosa?
Boemo:(
grunt
edpinchingthebridgeofhernose)
dammitt
hat'
sanotherpossibl
efactwewi l
lbe
put
ti
ngoursel
vesdeepinthefire
Baisago:hencewejustneedtobehonestmyl ove.
IfBosaistheonewhoi nf
ectedt
hisgi
rlther
e's
nothingwecandowej usthavetowaitandsee
whatshet hrowsatus
Boemo:thi
sisgoi
ngt
othr
owBosaof
ftheedge
compl
etely
Bai
sago:iknowandi
tst
ressesmesobad
Boemo:iguessweshoul
dmeetassoonas
tomor
rowthenmylovetogetoveranddonewi
th
thi
s
Baisago:anot
hert
hingisthatwhati
fhedi
dn'
tuse
protect
ionwit
hBontsi
'sdaughter
Boemo:(
sighed)ohJeso
Bai
sago:Bosaisi
ndeepshitit
ellyoumyl
oveand
wemightlosehi
mf orgoodnow
Boemo:t
hisi
sal
ott
odealwi
thbutt
her
eisal
ways
awayoutmylovewej
ustneedt
osl
eeponi
tand
hopef
orthebest

Theybothst
ressf
ull
ysi
ghedandsatbackont
he
couch.

Att
heKwena'
s.
..

Bont
siqui
etl
ycutherf
rui
tsasherhusbandcame
downst
air
sinshort
sandatshir
t.
..

Patl
o:i
m goingt
otheoff
iceokther
e'ssomet
hingi
needtotakecar
eofiwon'tbel
ong
Bont
si:ok
Pat
lo:(
frowned)ar
eyouokl
ove?
Bont
si:yeah
Pat
lo:noyouar
enot
,what
'sgoi
ngonl
ove?
Bont
si:(
sighed)oneofmyempl
oyeesopenedup
aboutsomet
hingt
omeandi
t'
sbot
her
ingme
Pat
lo:what
'sgoi
ngon?
Bontsi
:hersisterisamarr
iedwomanandshehasa
fr
iend,malefriendwhoisdati
nghersi
ster
'sl
ady
fr
iendnowt hingisthi
smalefri
enddecl
aredt
hathe
hasfeeli
ngsformyempl oyee'
ssist
er
Pat
lo:i
sthesi
sterhappi
lymar
ri
ed?
Bontsi:wel
lappar
entl
yhermanwasmessi
ng
aroundbuttheyseem t
obeoknowsi
ncehe
real
izedhismist
ake
Pat
lo:howdoesshef
eel
abouthermal
efr
iend?
Bont si
:theyspentti
mebef or
eandsheknowst he
kindofmanhei s.He'snotent
ir
elyper
fectbutshe
thinksshecouldbeabet termanthanherhusband
Pat
lo:doesshel
oveherhusband?
Bont
si:i
tissai
dso
Patlo:shemustcutt
ieswiththemalefri
endand
focusonherhusbandt hat
'si
fsheloveshimli
ke
shecl ai
msandalsorespectherl
adyfri
end
Bont
si:(
sighed)okt
heniwi
llsur
elyt
ellhert
otel
l
hert
hat
Pat
lo:good.Doyouneedanyt
hing?
Bont
si:nopei
m good
Pat
lo:il
oveyouok
Bont
si:il
oveyout
oo

Patl
okissedhercheekandsmil
edleavi
ngwhil
e
Bontsisi
ghedsit
ti
ngonthekit
chenstoolwi
thher
handsonherface..
.

Bont si
:Lor dno, thiscan'thappen.Ilovemy
husbandandr espectmyr elati
onshipwith
Boitshepoican' tl etthishappen(sighed)whydid
Rober thavet osayt histomej ustwhenif i
nall
y
thoughtt herewasnochanceofmebei ngwi t
hhim.
Youhavebeent hroughal otinyourmar ri
ageBontsi
youcan' tletthishappenpl ease.Youhavecomeso
fartoletthishappen.
I
nSer
owe.
..

Theteachersi
ghedasBoi
tshepomadeherway
i
nsideherhut.
..

Boi
tshepo:youcal
ledf
orme
Teacher
:pl
easesi
tdown
Boi
tshepo:i
sever
ythi
ngok?
Teacher
:ther
e'ssomet
hingaboutt
hemanyouar
e
dati
ngnowmygi r
l
Boi
tshepo:what
'sgoi
ngon?
Teacher
:hi
seyesar
ewander
ingar
ound
Boi
tshepo:what
?
Teacher
:andi
t'
stosomeoneyouar
ecl
oset
o
Boi
tshepo:ar
eyousayi
ngRober
thasat
hingf
or
someoneiknow?
Teacher:yes.Hel
ovesyouyesbuthealsolovest
he
otherwomanandt hi
swomanl oveshi
mt oobut
she'
sf i
ghti
ngtopushhim awayandsuppr
essher
feel
ingsforhi
m.Theirconnect
ioni
ssostr
ongthat
thi
smi ghtl
eadtoconfl
ict
s
Boi
tshepo:whoi
sthi
swoman?
Teacher
:idon'
tknow.Quest
ioni
sdoyoul
ove
RobertMmantwa?
Boi
tshepo:alotanditwoul
dhur
tmetol
osehi
mto
someone,especial
lyonecl
oset
ome
Teacher
:thenyoushoul
dpr
ayf
oryourr
elat
ionshi
p
wit
hhim
Boit
shepo:buthowcanGodletthi
shappen?My
connect
ionwithRober
tisst
rongifelti
tthef
ir
st
ti
mewemet .Hi
m andibel
ongtogether
Teacher
:iti
sbutwit
hthiswomanit
'sasst
rong.I
don'
tknowwhyt hi
sishappeni
ngmaybehe's
desti
nedtohavetwowomen
Boitshepo:ican'
tshar
eamant
her
e'snowayhow
thatcanhappen
Teacher:i
fit
'swhatt
hespi
ri
tualreal
m want
sthen
ther
e'snohowwecanst opi
t.Allwehavetodonow
i
spr
ayf
orcl
ari
ty
Boi
tshepo:butiref
uset
oshar
eamanwi
th
someoneim closeto
Teacher
:pleasedon'
tgoanddoanythingiwouldn't
doMmant wa.Prayforcl
ari
tyt
hespir
itwil
lreveal
whatneedstohappenast i
megoes.Youmaygo

Boitsheposighedandstoodupleavi
ngwhi l
eher
teachershookherhead.Boit
shepoleanedagainst
thewal lwi
thhereyescl
osedandmut tered.
..

Boit
shepo:Godihaveneverl
ovedamanl i
keil
ove
Robert.Pl
easeLordPl
easehel
phim beabl
etowait
unti
licomeback.Ther
e'snohowiwouldbeableto
shareamanl etal
onewit
hsomeoneiknow.There'
s
noway

Shesighedpi
nchi
nghereyesandwentbackt
o
whatshewasdoing.
I
nMochudi
..

Dai
sywal
kedhomeasherphoner
ang.
..

Dai
sy:ohhidad
Br
ian:howar
eyoudoi
nggi
rl
?
Dai
sy:i
m goodt
hanksandyou?
Br
ian:i
m goodmychi
ld.Howi
sschoolsof
ar?
Daisy:i
t'
sabitr
ockybutihavegr
eatsupport
system behi
ndmesoallwil
lbegoodwithti
me
Br
ian:i
m gl
adyouar
eposi
ti
ve
Dai
sy:yeah
Bri
an:iwast
hinki
ngweshoulddotheancest
ral
cer
emonythisweekendf
oryouandOlebi
lesothat
youguyscantakeupmyname
Dai
sy:nopr
obl
em
Br
ian:al
ri
ght
.Iwi
llal
sol
ethi
m knowhey
Dai
sy:okdad
Br
ian:bye.Sayhit
oyourcousi
nformeok
Dai
sy:iwi
llbye

TheyhungupasDai sysmi l
edputti
ngherphonei n
herpocketbutsomeonegr abbedherbyt heneck
fr
om behindst r
anglingherandbef oresheknewi t
shefel
tashar pobj ectpier
cethroughherl ower
backandgett wistedindeeperasshegaggedwi t
h
hermouthwi deopenandsl owlyfelltotheground
whil
etheper sonr anoff.Theoldladyf r
om theyard
shefel
linfrontofcamepaci ngholdingont oher
sti
ckandcal l
edf orherkids.
.
.
.
.
.
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
CAGED
 64

Att
heKwena'
s.
..

Withthetvonl owvolumeBontsisi
ghedf i
nishi
ng
herfrui
tsaladandtookherphonescr ol
li
ngdown
hernumber s.ShestoppedatKel
ell
o'scontactand
thoughtforafewsecondsthencall
edher ..
.

Kel
ell
o:myl
ove
Bont
si:hiMr
sMonewa
Kel
ell
o:what
'swrongBiknowwhenyoucal lme
MrsMonewat her
e'sdef
ini
tel
ysomet
hinggoingon
Bont
si:(
smi
led)youknowmebet
terhey
Kelel
lo:wehavebeenfri
endsforyearsmyl
ovesoi
knowyoul i
kethebackofmyhandevenwhenwe
wereatRobert'
shouseicouldtel
lther
ewas
somet hi
ngbother
ingyou
Bont
si:i
m conf
li
ctedmyf
ri
end
Kel
ell
o:bywhat
?
Bontsi
:somethi
ngthatif
earedofhappeni
ngi
s
happeni
ngjustwhenithoughtever
ythi
ngwas
normal
Kel
ell
o:pl
easebemor
ecl
ear
erl
ove
Bont
si:i
mtal
kingaboutRober
tandi
Kel
ell
o:what
'shappeni
ngbet
weent
het
woofyou?
Bont
si:het
oldmet
hathel
ovesme
Kel
ell
o:what
!?
Bont
si:yep
Kelel
lo:butyouguysaresupposedtobefr
iends
andyouar emarri
edplushe'sdati
ngBoi
tshepowho
happenst obecl
osetoyou.Redf l
agsal
lover
Bontsi
Bontsi:iknowl
ovebutifellinl
ovewi ththi
sman
themomentisawhi mjustthatiremember ediwas
marriedanddecidedtofocusonf ight
ingformy
marriagehenceiclosedthatchapterbefor
eiteven
began
Kel
ell
o:hi
ssonwasdat
ingyourdaught
er
Bontsi:t
hat'
sanothert
hingt
hathel
pedmet
odeal
wit
ht hefeel
ingsihadforhi
m
Kel
ell
o:youhavecomet hi
sfartogivei
tallupfor
RobertBont
si.Youhavebeenthroughalotinyour
marri
agemyl oveandwonitallsoyoucan'tbabes
youcan't
Bontsi
:iknowKelel
lobutilovehim.He'snot
per
fectyesbutt
here'salottoloveabouthi
m
Kel
ell
o:whataboutyourhusbanddol
l?
Bont
si:il
ovehi
mtoo
Kelell
o:butther
e'snohowyoucanhavet wo
husbandsandiknowf oraf
actBoi
tshepowil
lnever
set
t l
eforthatimeanwhatwouldyouguysevencall
i
t,aquadr y'
marri
age?
Bont
si:(
unexpect
edl
ylaughed)st
opbei
ngsi
ll
y
Kel
ell
o:noi
m bei
ngser
iousl
ovei
tcan'
thappeni
ts
anono
Bont
si:whataboutmyf
eel
ingsf
orhi
m Kel
ly?
Kel
ell
o:f i
ndapittoburythem.PraytoGodtogui
de
youit
st heonlywayyoucanover comethi
s.
ImagineyouandBoi t
sheposharingamanwhen
youguysar ebothspi
rit
uall
ygif
tedwhatareyou
l
adiestryi
ngtodo?
Bontsi:i
t'
samessbutl i
keyousayiwi l
lhavetoask
Godf orguidance.Il
ovePat l
osomuchbutil ove
Roberttoo.Hewast herewhi l
ePatl
owasmessi ng
wit
hVi ctor
iainZanzibarthat
'swhereal
lthi
smess
st
arted
Kelel
lo:pr
aymylove.Youhavealottoloseshoul
d
youletthi
sescal
ateanyfur
ther
.Imaginehowyour
daughterwoul
dfeelandhowyourhusbandwoul d
feel
Bont
si:(
sighed)iknowr
ight
Kelel
lo:andifitmeanscut ti
ngti
eswi t
hhi m sobeit
l
oveyouowehi m not
hing.Theonlythingyou
shouldthinkofisyour20yearoldmar ri
agewhi ch
wasnoteasyandyour18yearol ddaught erwho
wasabusedandl eftt
odi ebythesonoft hesame
manyouar einlovewith.Imagi
neawhol estranger
f
rom Ger
manycomeanddest
royt
hat
.Besmar
tmy
l
ove
Bontsi:(si
ghed)ihearyoufri
endihearyouiwill
prayabouti tal
soprayformeandpl easedon'
ttel
l
pastor.Ihavereal
isedthathe'
sclosetoPatl
othese
daysandidon' twanthistonguesli
ppingout
accidental
y
Kel
ell
o:i
fyouonl
ypr
omi
set
oactaccor
dingl
y
Bont
si:iwi
lldomybest.Youknowhowweakthe
hear
tcanbeKelel
lobutiwil
ldomybestt
ohaveit
i
ncontrol
Kel
ell
o:pl
easedo
Bontsi
:byehey.Letmeseewhattomakeformy
husbandfordinnerohbythewayAtaandBosaar
e
bei
ngdischargedtomorr
owmor ni
ng
Kel
ell
o:t
hat
'
swonder
fulnews
Bont
si:yeahhey.Iwi
llt
alkt
oyoumyl
ove
Kelel
lo:pl
easedo.YesPat l
ohasn'tbeenper
fectbut
he'
swor ki
ngonhimsel fnowmyl ovehedoesn't
needanythingt
oderailhim
Bontsi
:iwi
shedyoudi
dn'
tment
iont
hatbuti
t'
str
ue.
Thanks
Kel
ell
o:anyt
imemyl
ove.Bye
Bont
si:bye

Shehungupandsi ghedt
hrowingherheadbackon
thecouch.Shegr
untedanddraggedherfeett
othe
kit
chentoplanwhattomakefordinner
.

Att
hehospi
tal
..
.

At
amelangandil
aughedplayi
ngacar
dofgames
whi
lehavi
ngoursnacks.
..

At
amel
ang:ican'
twai
ttogetoutoft
hispl
ace
Bosa:
idon'
tknowi
fif
eel
thesameway
At
amel
ang:whydoyousayso?
Bosa:
wit
hever
ythi
ngt
hathashappenedidon'
t
knowi
fimr
eadyt
ofacemypar
ent
s
At
amel
ang:butt
heyhavebeencomi
ngher
e
Bosa:yesbutitwon'tbet
hesameaswheni m
home.Wheni mther
eiwil
lhavetofacethem and
addresseveryt
hingt
hathashappened.Theyknow
ever
ythingandit'
shonest
lyembarassi
ngAta
Atamelang:iknowi t
sembarassi
ngbutyouar e
goingtohavet oopenupatsomepoi ntyoucan't
expecteverythingtobeokaf t
eral
lthathappened.
Youalmostr anof fandyougotkidnappedand
almostlostyourl i
febecauseyousleptwit
h
someone'sgir l
fri
endsoyouhavet oexplai
nallthat
Bosa:
(scoff
ed)i
sther
eanyonewit
hthemost
dr
amaticandcompli
catedl
if
eli
kemine?
Atamel
ang:honestl
yspeaki
ngyouneedsome
heavyover
nightpr
ayer
smyguy
Bosa:iconcur( welaughed)butont herealt
hough
Ataitreal
lypainsme.Af terbeingfr
eefrom my
aunt
'schai nsithoughtthingswouldbegoodf orme
andlif
ewoul dbesmoot hsaili
ngbutlooknowi
haveHI V.Ijustfeel
cagedandt hewall
skeep
bui
ldi
nghigherandwayt
ohi
ght
hatiseenochance
ofescapi
ng
Atamel ang:l i
keyousai dallyouneedt odoi sstop
bottli
ngt hingsup.Lear ntobeupf rontabout
sit
uat i
ons.Behonestt oever yoneandyour sel
fyou
willseeal lthingsfalli
nt oplace.Stopfeeli
ngsor ry
foryour self.Yesyouhavemademi st
akes,weal ldo
makemi stakesbuti ttakesyout opullyoursel
fup
againorel seyouwi llkeepdr owning.Lifehasno
formulaonemomentyouar eupandt henextyou
aredownal lyouneedt odoi sfocus,prayandfocus.
Youar eaChr i
sti
anBosayoushoul dbet hemost
fai
thfulper sonever .Di dn'
tOlebil
eteachyou
anythingaboutf ai
th?
Bosa:
hedid.(
Smil
ed)imisshim somuchthat
'st
he
onl
ypersonwhohasalwaysgivenmeareasonto
car
ryonbefor
eimeteveryone
Atamelang:don'tworryyouwil
lseehi m soon.
Natureyourfait
handpr ayalotmor e.Ialsoneed
prayersbecauseidon'tli
ket
heper sonibecamet he
pastweeks.Iwasj ustthi
sunrecognisablemonster.
Ican'tbel
ieveil
etdickturnmeintosuchaper son
i
m sosorr
yforf
orci
ngyoutohavesexwithme
whi
leyouweremourni
ngyourgrandmot
her
Bosa:(
chuckl
ed)i
t'
sok.Wel
lidon'
tbl
ameyouaf
ter
al
ligotgame
At
amel
ang:(
laughed)st
opbei
ngsi
ll
y

Wel
aughedmor
easmynewphoner
ang.
..

Bosa:
Bosaspeaki
ng
Shar
on:aor
rai
sthathowyouansweryourmycal
l?
Bosa:
whoi
sthi
s?
Shar
on:wowBosar
eal
ly?I
t'
sme,
Shar
on
Bosa:
ohhi
Shar
on:hi
?
Bosa:
ican'tt
alkl
ongShar onmythr
oatispai
nful
(At
amelangrol
ledhereyes)sowhatdoyouwant?
Sharon:i
sthathowyouar
esupposedt
ospeakt
o
yourgir
lf
ri
end?
Bosa:
ihonest
lyhavet
ogot
hedoct
ori
smaki
nghi
s
waytomyroom
Shar
on:ohok.Thenseeyout
omor
row
Bosa:
im notr
eadyt
omeetupwi
thpeopl
e
Shar
on:seeyout
omor
rowBosa

Shehungupwhi
leif
rownedput
ti
ngmyphone
down.
..

Bosa:
ok
At
amel
ang:whatdoesshewant
?
Bosa:
shewasli
ke"
seeyoutomor
row"anditol
dher
i
m notint
hemoodf
orpeopl
eandshekeptsayi
ngit
At
amel
ang:whati
syourpl
anabouthert
hough?
Bosa:i
fshecomest omyhouset omor rowim goi
ng
tobefr
ankwi thherandt ellhert
hatiwantnot hi
ng
todowithher.Totaididn'tloveheriwashopingt o
l
earntoloveheralongthewaybutnoi tcan'
t
happenmor eespecial
lythatim withyounow
Atamelang:it
hinkweshoul
dtakethi
ngssl
owf
ir
st
andfocusonheal i
ngf
rom t
heordeal
Bosa:
ihavenoproblem wi
ththat
.Sowhenar eyou
goi
ngtotel
lyourpar
entsaboutyourst
atus?
At
amel
ang:t
omor
row
Bosa:
iwasthi
nki
ngmaybeyoushoul
ddoi
tinmy
pr
esenceandmypar
ent
's
Atamelang:okiseenoproblem wi
ththati
twilleven
helpwithmakingsureweleavetheroom wit
h
everyt
hingir
onedout.
Bosa:
yeah.Anot
herr
ound?
At
amel
ang:of
?
Bosa:
agameofcar
dsAt
amel
angcomeondude

Wel
aughedasif
ixedt
hem whi
leshepour
edus
mor
ejui
ce.

Atanot
herhospi
tal
..
.
Temo, Reat
legi
le,Odi
ri
le,
Lame,Let
lot
loandBr
ian
madet hei
rwayi nt
othedoct
or'
sroom asheof
fer
ed
them seat
s..
.

Dr:gooddayf
ami
lyt
hankyouf
orcomi
ngassoon
asicall
ed
Br
ian:pl
easet
ellmet
hatmydaught
eri
sokdoct
or
Dr:befor
eigoanywher
efur
thermayyoui
ntr
oduce
everyonepl
ease
Temo:im heruncl
e,t
hisi
smyf i
ancee,
thi
sisher
brot
herandtwocousinsandherfat
her
Dr:okthankyouf ort
hatintr
oduction.Si
ryour
daughterwil
lbef i
neonlyifwef i
ndherakidney
becausethestabwenti nwaydeepandaf f
ectedher
ki
dneys.Thereforeonl
yser i
ousbluntinj
uri
es,such
asthisonerequiresur
gicalrepai
rsooneofyou
shouldbeeli
gibletogiveherakidney
Olebil
e:whencanwetestdoct
or.Ibel
ieveour
fatherandiar
epossi
blematches
Dr
:ishermot
hernomor
e?
Temo:noshe'
sbehi
ndbar
s
Bri
an:andthel
astt
hingiwanti
sformydaught
ert
o
havethatwoman'
skidney
Dr:okthenlet'
shopeamatchcomesfr
om anyof
you.Iwil
lbetesti
ngonlyi
mmediat
efamil
ysoyour
fi
anceewillnotbetest
ed
Reat
legi
le:i
t'
sokDoct
orpl
usi
m pr
egnant
Dr:ohokt
hatset
tl
esitthen.Maythefi
rstonecome
si
tonthebedsothaticandrawthei
rblood

Ol
ebil
emadehiswaytot
hebedfoldi
nghisshi
rt
whi
letheot
her
swait
edonthei
rchair
s..
.

Lame:hast
hepol
icecont
act
edyouaboutanyl
ead?
Temo:t
here'
snothi
ngsof arandtheol
dwoman
sawnot
hing.Theonlythi
ngshesawwaswhen
Dai
sywasalreadyl
yingontheground
Lame:(
sighed)ohok.Ipr
ayoneofusi
samat
ch
becauseDai
sywoul
dn'
tli
kei
ttohaveVi
ctor
iaas
herdonor
Reatl
egi
le:noonewoul
dwantt
ohavet
hatwoman
asthei
rorgandonor

Theysighedast
hedoct
ort
ookal
lthei
rbl
ood
samples..
.

Dr
:iwi
llmakesur
ethel
abr
usheswi
tht
her
esul
ts
Temo:buthowbadi
shercondi
ti
on?
Dr:i
t'
snotbadbutt
hesoonerwef
indt
hedonort
he
bett
er
Lame:whenwi
llshewakeup?
Dr:anyt
imeshe'
sjustsedat
edri
ghtnowbutonce
themedicat
ioncomesoutofhersyst
em shewi
llbe
up
Lame:ok.
Ol
ebi
le:whencanweseeher
?
Dr:youcangonowbutpleasedon'
ttakel
ongand
nonoisesheneedst
herest
Ol
ebi
le:okdoct
hankyousomuch
Dr:t
hepl
easur
eisal
lmi
nel
etmet
akeal
ltheset
o
t
helab

Hesmi l
edatthem astheymadetheirwayoutwhil
e
helockedhisoff
iceandheadedtothelabwhil
e
theywenttoDaisy'
sroom wi
ththenursethedoct
or
askedtogowi t
hthem.

THEFOLLOWI
NGMORNI
NG

AtBai
sago'
shouse.
..

AfterBai
sagoleftt
ot hehospit
alBoemotookher
phoneanddecidedt odialherPIwhil
eworki
ngon
thesnacksforthemeet i
ng..
.
Man:MsMai
ket
so
Boemo:hiwhat
'sup?
Man:j
ustonmycomput
ernot
hingmuchwhat
'sup?
Boemo:t
her
e'ssomeoneineedyout
olooki
ntof
or
me
Man:who?
Boemo:Mi
ra,
Shar
on'
smot
her
Man:whathasshedone?
Boemo:ihaveafeel
ingshewantsmymansoi
wantsomeinfor
mati
ononher .Sheholdsahi gh
posi
ti
oninthebanksoineedtobesuret hatshe'
s
cl
eanandifshe'
snottheniexposeherforwhoshe
i
s
Man:(
scof
fed)butwhydothesepeopl
ekeep
messi
ngwithyouthough
Boemo:idon'
tknowandi
fshe'
sawolfinsheep'
s
ski
nitwi
llhel
pmesaveBosafr
om herdaughter
's
cl
aws
Man:it
houghtyougotwhatyouwant
edt
odeal
wi
thher
Boemo:yeahbutthere'
soneprobl
em t
hatwoul
dbe
sol
vedbyhermot her'
sdir
tyl
aundr
ysoim cr
ossi
ng
myfinger
sthatshe'snotascl
eanasshemaycome
acr
oss
Man:ohwellt
henletmedosomedi
ggi
nghopef
ull
y
wewillbumpi
ntosomethi
ng
Boemo:pl
easegotoplacesyouhaveneverbeen
bef
orei
m desper
ateatthi
smoment .Ican'
taf
for
dto
l
osemyson
Man:okwil
lcont
actyouassoonasif
ind
somethi
ng
Boemo:t
hankyou

Shehungupandcont
inuedt
opr
epar
efort
he
meeti
ng.

Att
heKwena'
s.
..
AfterPat l
omadehi swayt ocol
lectAtamelangf r
om
thehospi tal,
Bont sidecidedtoputonherpr aying
clothesandheadedt oherprayingroom.Shel ital
l
thewhi tecandl esandopenedherbi bl
e.Shef i
xed
herwhi teheadwr apandsi ghedfixi
ngherwhi te
shoul dercloth.Shet ookabowlofpur ewat erand
puti n3dr opletsofagol dsubstancekneeli
ngdown
withhereyescl osed...

Bontsi:"Godyouknowicomet ot hisplacewheni m
ti
edi nacor ner,youknowiputont hesecl othes
wheni m conf usedandl ost.Iam conf usedLor dand
ineedyourgui dance.IlovemyhusbanddearLor d
andi don' tdream oflosinghi m butanot herthingis
thatiloveRober tDutcheLor d.Whyar eyou
all
owi ngt hi
st ohappengoodLor d?Ipr aytoyou
dayinanddayoutt onotl eadmei ntotheval l
eyof
theshadowofdeat hbutwhydoif eelli
ket hatis
exactlywhati shappeningt omenowLor d?Whydo
ifeelli
kei ml osingmysel ftothisshadowofdeat h
Lord?No, noLor dno, l
ightupmyway.Ihavecome
thisfarforanyoft histobehappeni ng.Youal one
knowhowmuchihavef oughttonotf al
ldeepi n
l
ovewi t
ht hismanbutyoul ethim declarehi slove
formenowal lt
hosef eelingsareback.NoLor d,i
refuse, irefuseJesusandisayl etyourwi llbedone
andi knowyourwi lli
sf ormeandmyhusbandt obe
happi lytoget her.IfPatlowasnotsupposedt obe
myhusbandwewoul dn'thavecomet hi
sf ar,you
woul dn'thavegi venmet hest r
engtht ofightforhis
freedom f rom t hatevilwoman, Lordyouwoul dn't
havel etushaveachi ldtogethersoLor dgui demy
spiri
t, gui
demyhear tandgui demyf eel
ings.Ther e
i
snowayicanbewi thRober tDutcheLor d,noway"

Shebursti
ntotearssti
llpr
ayi
ngwhileinSer
owe
Boi
tshepoalsoprayedherheartout
..
.

Boit
shepo:"Lordyoushowedmet hat
,thatmanwas
themanf ormenowwhyi sthishappening?Why
arehiseyeswanderingLord,whyarehiseyes
l
ookingatanotherwomanwhi l
ehe'swithme?Why
areyoumaki nghimfalli
nlovewithanotherwoman?
Lordican'
tsharemymanwi thanypersonletal
one
someoneiknow.Idon'
twantt obefi
ghtingbatt
lesi
shoul
dn'tbefi
ghti
ngsoguidemeLor d,gui
demeon
whattodo.IbegyouLordshowmet heway,show
mewhati sshoulddof
orthistonothappen.
..
"

Thespi
ri
tualr
eal
mtookhert
othef
ir
stt
imeshemet
upwit
hRobert.
..

*
**Rober
t:youar
esqueezi
ngmyhandt
oot
ight
Boi
tshepo:ohsor
ryidi
dn'
tmeant
o
Rober
t:i
sever
ythi
ngok?
Boi
tshepo:yeahal
liswel
l.Ineedt
ogetgoi
ng
Rober
t:ar
eyousur
e?
Boit
shepo:(
sighed)pl
easedon'tgetmewr ongi
don'
tmeant oscareyouoffbutifel
tyourenergy
whenweshookhandsandgotagl i
mpseofyourlif
e
Rober
t:ok?
Boi
tshepo:t
her
e'sawomanyouhavej
ustvent
ured
i
ntobusi
nesswi
th
Rober
t:yes
Boi
tshepo:youar
escept
icalabouti
t?
Rober
t:notr
eal
lybutapar
tofme
Boi
tshepo:openyourhear
tandtrusthermore.That
womani sablessi
ngonherown.Ther e'
sareason
whyyoucr ossedpat
hswithher
.
Rober
t:oh
Boi
tshepo:(
smil
ed)andagai
nyourquestf
orl
ove
wil
lbeansweredsoon
Rober
t:ar
eyouf
orr
eal
?
Boi
tshepo:canipl
easehaveyournumber
?
Rober
t:oh?Ohyeahyoucan*
**

Boit
shepo:(
openedhereyes)ohno.Thisisnot
happeni
ng,Bont
sicannotbet hewomanRobertis
eyei
ng.NoLordyoucan'tl
etthishappenno
Shesai
dstandi
ngupwi
thherhandsonherhead
paci
ngaround.
..

Boitshepo:"
ther
e'sareasonwhyyoucr ossedpat hs
withher"nonoLor dnothiscan'
tbe.Bontsiisa
mar ri
edwomanal lidrewfrom t
hatwast hatthey
crossedpathsbecausetheyareeachot her'
sroad
tosuccessnotapol ygamousmar r
iage.SonoLor d
no

Shesaidget
ti
ngbackonherkneesandst
art
ed
prayi
ngagai
n.

AtTemo'
sof
fi
ce.
..

Temolaughedwi
thacust
omerashel
eftwhi
lehi
s
phonerang.
..

Temo:Temohel
lo?
Dr
:it
'sDai
sy'
sdoct
or
Temo:ohokgoodmor
ningdoct
orihopeyouar
e
good
Dr
:imf
ineandyour
sel
f?
Temo:iwi
llbegoodonceiknowi
fmynei
cewi
llbe
get
ti
ngakidneysoon
Dr
:that
'swhyical
ledMrDi
ntsi
Temo:ok
Dr
:ihavether
esul
tswi
thmeandnoneofyouguys
ar
eamat ch
Temo:(
hear
tsank)what
!?
Dr
:yes
Temo:evenhi
sfat
her
?
Dr
:yeahevenhi
sfat
her
Temo:sot
hatmeanswehavet
otal
ktohermot
her
?
Dr
:yessi
ryouhavenochoi
cebutt
o.
Temo:butweneedt
ohearheropi
nionaboutt
he
whol
ething
Dr
:it
'samat
terofl
i
feanddeat
hsheneedsadonor
Temo:wehaveanuncl
ewhodidn'
ttestandanaunt
ofher
swhodidn'
tsocan'
twewaitf
orthem?
Dr
:wher
eisheruncl
eandaunt
?
Temo:uncl
einMochudiandaunti
nSer
owef
or
somethi
ngshewi
llbeherei
ntwoweeks
Dr:wel
lwecantestt
heuncl
eandt
hemot
herj
ust
i
ncaseoneofthem i
samatch.
Temo:(
sighed)okiwi
llcont
actt
hemot
herandour
uncl
e
Dr
:thankyoupl
easedosoassoonaspossi
ble
Temo:yesdoc

TheyhungupasTemost
ressf
ull
ysi
ghedandwent
backt
owork.

AtBai
sago'
shouse.
..
Aft
ermydadandidr oveinacarfol
lowedusi nasi
fr
ownedandheadedt othehousewithoutseeing
whowasinitf
ir
st.Iopenedthedoorandwasmet
wit
hatabl
eful
lofsnacksandmymot hersi
tt
ingon
t
hedini
ngtabl
e..
.

Bosa:
ther
e'snoneedf
orapar
tyma
Boemo:iwi
shi
twasapar
ty.Comesi
tthi
ssi
de

Ifr
ownedt r
yingtomakesenseofherresponseand
asiwasaboutt oaskwhatshemeantthedoor
openedagainasmydadwal kedi
nwi t
hShar onand
anotherl
adythatseemedtobehermot her
..
.

Bosa:
oh
Mi
ra:goodday
Boemo:gooddayyouar
ewel
comepl
easehavea
seat
Mi
ra:t
hankyou.Hisoni
m gl
adyouar
ewel
l
Bosa:
iwi
llbet
hanks
Shar
on:hiBosa
Bosa:
hiShar
on
Bai
sago:idon'
twantustowast
eanymoretimei
wantustogettot
hereasonwhyweareallher
e
Bosa:t
hankyousomuchdadiwaswonder
ing
what'
sgoingon
Bai
sago:Bosadoyouknowt
hisgi
rl
?
Bosa:
yesdad
Baisago:forhowl
onghaveyouguysknownone
another?
Bosa:
wemetatourr
esul
tspar
ty
Bai
sago:whendi
dyousl
eepwi
thoneanot
her
?
Bosa:
thenextday
Bai
sago:Shar
onhowlongdi
dyousayyouknew
Bosafor
?(Sheswal
l
owedkeepi
ngquiet
)mma?
Shar
on:3weeks
Bosa:
what
!?Wehaveonl
yknownoneanot
herf
or2
weeksShar
ont
woweeks,
whatar
eyoupl
ayi
ngat
?
Mi
ra:i
sthi
str
ueShar
on?
Shar
on:yesmom
Mir
a:t
henhowar
eyout
woweekspr
egnantandsay
i
t'
sBosa'
s?
Bosa:
what
!?
Boemo:(di
ali
ngt
hemathsteacher
)andshe'
sa
monthandtwoweekspregnant
Mi
ra:what
!?
Boemo:t
hef
atheroft
hechi
ldi
shermat
hst
eacher
Mi
ra:what
!?
Teacher
:MsMai
ket
sohel
lo?
Boemo:ohhisirwearewit
hSharonandhermother
herewejustwantedt
oconfi
rmifyouhaveever
beenint
imatewit
hherandalsoi
fyouguysused
prot
ecti
onallt
hetimeor
..
.

Shar
ont
ri
edt
orunof
fbutBoemogr
abbedherby
herbl
ouseandpul
ledherbackont
hechai
r.
..

Shar
on:l
eavemeal
one!
Boemo:wear
enotdonemygi
rlcomebackher
e!

Iscof
fedsi
tt
ingbacknotbel
ievi
ngwhatij
usthear
d.
.
.
.
.
.
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
CAGED
65

Sharon:canyoupl
easeleavemeal
one.Thatman
knowsnot hi
nghowdareyouambushmel i
kethi
s!?
Boemo:whoar
eyour
aisi
ngyourvoi
cet
o?
Mir
a:nolovert
hat'
snotyourchi
ldi
fyouwanta
chi
ldt
otalktol
ikethatmakeoneyour
sel
f
Shar
on:youar
enot
hingbuta.
..
Mir
a:youshutup!Howdar
eyouembar
assmel
i
ke
t
hisShar
on?
Shar
on:mom canwegetgoi
ng?
Mi
ra:sowhatshe'
ssayi
ngi
sthet
rut
h?
Shar
on:yesmom im amont
hand2weekspr
egnant
i
sthatabigdeal
?
Mir
a:(sl
appedher
)neveri
nyourl
if
ethi
nkyoucan
t
alktomehoweveryouwantdoyouhearme?
Baisago:okguyst
hat
'senoughcanwepl
easet
alk
l
ikecivi
li
sedpeopl
e
Bosa:civi
li
seddad?Reall
y?Ther
e'snothi
ng
ci
vil
isedaboutSharon.Howcoul
dyouShar on?
Howdar eyouwantt omakemefatherachil
dthati
knownot hi
ngabout?
Shar
on:youwer
ethenextbestt
hingok
Teacher
:excuseme?
Sharon:youbet
tershutupbecauseyoudumped
mer i
ghtaft
erbeingsati
sfi
edthatyouhaveusedme
enoughsoyoubet t
erkeepquiet
Teacher
:youwant
edi
tShar
on.Youper
suedme
Mira:whatki
ndofateacherareyou?Howdar
eyou
f
allforachil
d?I
m goi
ngt orepor
tyou
Boemo:iwoul
dn'
tgot
hatf
ari
fiwer
eyou
Mi
ra:andwhot
hehel
ldoyout
hinkyouar
e?
Boemo:BoemoMai ketsothat'
swhot hehellithi
nki
am andi m notgoingtoletyout hinkyouandyour
daught ercanwaltzinhereandt hinkyoucanwal k
alloverus.Yourdaught erisaswr ongast he
teacherhere.Ifyoureporttheteacherim goingto
slapherwi thalawsuitoftryi
ngt oobtai
nbyf al
se
pretence.Ihavesoli
devi dencejustsoyouknow.A
l
otofi tatthat
Mir
a:ohwowsoyouhavebeenpl
anni
ngt
hisal
l
al
ong?
Boemo:j
ustl
ikeyourdaught
erwhohasbeen
planni
ngt
ofor
cemysonachi
ldt
hat
'snothi
s,l
ist
en
tothat

Shesaidpl
ayingarecordi
ngofSharont
alki
ngt
o
herfr
iendwhil
eisatbackandheavedahugesi
gh
rubbi
ngmyf aceasangerconsumedme...

Mi
ra:Shar
on
Shar
on:l
ikeisai
didi
dn'
twantyout
obe
di
sappoi
nted
Mi
ra:soyouwer
egoi
ngt
orepor
thi
mforr
ape?
Shar
on:ihadt
opl
an
Mi
ra:i
m honest
lydi
sappoi
ntedi
nyou
Boemo:t
eacheriaskedi
fyouguysusedpr
otect
ion
ornot
Teacher
:wehaveneverusedpr
otect
ion
Mira:kegorel
emakhwekhwenenegawat shabe
Sharon(youarenotevenscar
edofsexualdiseases)
howl onghast
hisbeengoingon?
Teacher
:af
tershet
urned18.LastyearMar
chunt
il
November
Mira:wowjustwow.Ihonest
lydon'
tknowwhatt
o
saytoyou
Shar
on:(
tearsbui
lti
nhereyes)t
hismanusedme
mom healwayssaidhehadanall
ergyf
orcondoms
andiwasyoung
Mira:don'tyoudarecrySharonbecausei
m not
goingt obuythosestupi
dfaketear
s.Youarea
smar tgir
lforcr
yingoutSharonyoushoul
dhave
seeni ti
fhewasusi ngyouandhowcanheuseyou
whenyouwer etheoneafterhi
m...
Shar
on:he'
sly.
..
Mi
ra:l
ies(
hitt
het
abl
e)l
iesShar
on!
Bai
sago:(
cal
mly)wat
choutf
ormyt
abl
epl
ease
Mira:ihavear eputati
ontomai nt
ainSharoni
ma
womanofgr eatstature.Whatdoyouthinkwould
happent omewhenor gani
sati
onsiworkwithhear
aboutthis?
Boemo:iwoul
dn'
tseemysel
fasawomanofgr
eat
st
atur
eifiwer
eyou

Shesai
dscof
fi
ngandf
oldedherar
mssi
tt
ingback.
..

Mi
ra:excuseme?
Bai
sago:babecal
m down.Mi
raiunder
standyou
ar
eangrybut.
..
Mi
ra:nonowai
t,who'
shousei
sthi
s?Your
sorher
s?
Bai
sago:what
'st
hatsupposedt
omean?
Mira:(toBoemo)myl oveyouarenothingbuta
vi
sitorheredoyouhearme?Justbecauseyouar e
wear i
ngar ingfr
om st
ernsdoesn'tmeanyouarea
wif
enohoneyhecanwakeupt henextdayand
chooset oletyougosodon'tyoudarethinkyouare
somet hinghere
Baisago:i
m notgoi
ngt
oletyout
alkt
omywi
fel
i
ke
that
Mir
a:sheneedst
orespectot
herpeopl
e.Awhole
l
awyerwhodoesn'
tevenownahome.Pat het
ic
Boemo:(
scof
fed)yeahr
ight
..
.
Baisago:nonol ovecalm downwehavebeengoi ng
backandf ort
hit'senoughnowweneedt owrapthi
s
andgetoveranddonewi thit.Iwantmyhouseto
myself.(
Mi r
afrowned)mi sterareyoucl
aimi
ngyour
chi
ld?
Teacher:yesandiwanttodoever
ythi
ngthatneeds
tobedonef orthechi
ldt
ohavemysur namewhen
theyareborn
Shar
on:overmydeadbody
Teacher
:Shar
onwhathaveieverdonet
oyou?
Sharon:iwantnot
hingt
odowi
thyoumychi
ldandi
wil
lbefinewit
houtyou
Mi
ra:andwho'
sgoi
ngt
otakecar
eoft
hechi
ld?
Shar
on:youandiofcour
se
Mira:(l
aughed)yeahr i
ght.Rraet
shoiwi llcont act
mybr otherandwewi llcomet oyourfami ly.Im not
goi
ngt oraiseafatherl
essgrandchil
d, hellno.No
matterwhatyout r
yt odoShar onthi
smani sgoing
tobeapar tofhischil
d'sli
fe.Youwantt or unup
anddowncour tsfi
ght
ingf
orcust
ody?(
Shekept
quiet
)ithoughtasmuch.Howoldar
eyoumme
rr
aetsho?
Teacher
:25
Mir
a:ohoknotthatbad.Thankyouiwi
llt
akeyour
numberf
rom t
hiswomanandwet akei
tfr
om t
here
Teacher
:thankyou.MsMai
ket
sot
hanksoncemor
e
Boemo:it'
snotaprobl
em.Thankyouf
orbei
nga
responsi
bleyoungmanaswell
.Bye
Teacher
:bye(
theyhungup)
Mi
ra:it
hinkwear
edoneher
e
Bosa:makesureourpat
hsnevercrossyouwit
ch.
From her
edel
etemynumberandbl ockit
ever
ywherebecauseiwantnot
hingtodowit
hyou
Mi
ra:putal
eashonyourson
Boemo:dogsar
etheonet
hatusesl
easheswhat
ar
eyoutryi
ngtosay?
Bai
sago:onel
astt
hingbef
oreyouguysgo
Mi
ra:whatnow?
Bai
sago:fort
helastt
imewat
chyourt
onguewhen
youtal
ktomei nmyhouse
Mi
ra:(
swal
lowed)i
m sor
ry
Baisago:t
herewerebloodtest
sdoneonyour
daughteraft
erherscan(iswal
lowed)andi
ttur
ns
outthatshehasHIV
Mi
ra&Shar
on:what
!?

Ifel
tmyworl
dfreezi
ngthatsecond.Whathasl
ife
become?Soihavetr
ansmitt
edmydi seaseto2
people.
..

Shar
on:whatdi
dyouj
ustsay?

Boemopushedtheenvelopetoherassheopenedi
t
andreadther
esul
tswithherhandonhermouth.
Hermothergr
abbedthem fr
om herandreadt
hem..
.

Mi
ra:cal
lthatt
eacherback
Boemo:t
hatt
eacheri
snegat
ive
Mira:t
henhowcome.
..
(shet
urnedt
ome)youson
ofa..
.

Shetri
edt
ojumpatmeasmydadbl
ockedherand
gothol
dofher
..
.

Mi
ra:l
etmego!
Bai
sago:nosi
tdown!
Mi
ra:yoursoni
nfect
edmydaught
erl
etmedeal
wi
ththi
slit
tl
ebi
tch!
Shar
on:howcoul
dyousonofab.
..
(Boemobl
ocked
hermouth)
Boemo:iwoul
dn'
tdar
eifiwer
eyoumygi
rl
Mi
ra:youbet
terl
etgoofmydaught
eryouwi
tch!

Shesai
dtryi
ngtoescapef
rom Bai
sago'
shands
whoti
ghtl
yheldherdown.
..
Boemo:cal
m downmyl
ady
Mi
ra:whatki
ndofpeopl
ear
eyou!
?
Boemo:isai
dcal
m down(
letgoofShar
on'
smout
h)
Shar
on:soyougavemeHI
VBosa?
Bai
sago:answerherBosa
Bosa:
idi
dn'
tknowt
hent
hatiwasposi
ti
ve
Shar
on:youar
elyi
ng!
Bosa:i
mt el
li
ngyout
hetr
uth.I
fiknewiwoul
dhave
pr
otect
edyouSharonandyouarenott
heonl
yonei
i
nfect
ed,Atamel
angaswell
Boemo&Bai
sago:what
!?
Bosa:yesdadwear
eplanni
ngt
obreakt
henewst
o
youguystomorr
owwit
hherpar
ent
s
Mir
a:youareanunr
ulychi
ld.Whatki
ndofaman
ar
eyouBaisago?Whathaveyoutaughtyourson?
Bai
sago:youar
ethelastper
sontobetal
kingabout
howachildwasrai
sedbecauseyour
sisn'
tany
bet
ter
Mira:youpeopl
earegoingtoknowwhoiam.I
m
goi
ngt omakesurethatil
eaveyoual
lwi
thnot
hing
toyourname.ComeShar on
Shar
on:youar
eanani
malBosa
Bosa:
wear
enotanydi
ff
erent
Shar
on:f
uckyou!
Bosa:
itt
akest
wo

Mir
agrabbedShar
onbyherarm andpul
ledherout
asBai
sagostoodi
nfr
ontofher.
..

Mi
ra:moveoutofmyway?
Bai
sago:l
et'
ssi
tandt
alkaboutt
his
Mira:youweretooqui
cktoexposemychildand
shameherwhi l
eyouknowyouhavethrownher
deepinapitofshame?Im notgoi
ngt
or estunt
ili
m
donewi t
hthe3ofyou.That'
sapromi
senowmove!
Shesai dshovinghim outofthewayandwal kedout
withherdaught erwhil
eBaisagosi
ghedmovi ngin
circl
esrubbinghishead.Meanwhilebythetable
Boemocal ml ysatbackmovinghertongueoverher
teethlooki
ngatmydadandi ...

Bosa:
im sor
rydad
Bai
sago:butwhyBosa?
Bosa:
(tear
sbui
lti
nhi
seyes)idi
dn'
tknowdad
Bai
sago:whodi
dyougeti
tfr
om?
Bosa:
Ver
oni
ca
Bai
sago:who'
sthat
?
Bosa:
Ver
oni
caOct
ober
Bai
sago:what
!?Asi
nDai
sy'
sfr
iendwho'
snomor
e?
Bosa:
yesdad
Baisago:howdoyougooffandsl
eepwi
thaper
son
herageandnotuseprot
ecti
on?
Bosa:isweartoyoudadiaskedforitandshesai
d
itwasunnecessar
yandiwasl osti
nt hemomentso
igavein
Bai
sago:doyour
eal
isewhatyouhavedoneBosa!
?
Bosa:
(bur
sti
ntotear
s)yesdadandi
m sor
ryi
t
wasn'
tmyint
enti
on
Baisago:whatifyouwer esuccessfulwi
thyour
runningoff?PoorAtamel angwouldbeblaming
Saschaf oryouri
rresponsibil
it
yandSharonnot
knowi ngwhereshegoti tfrom.Bosanomanno
Bosa:
(cr
ying)i
m sor
rydad
Baisago:nowwearegoingtoloseal
lwehave
workedhardforal
lbecauseofsomethi
ngyoucoul
d
haveavoided
Boemo:okl
oveit
hinkt
hat
'senoughnow
Bai
sago:Boemo,
Mir
aisapower
fulwomanshei
s
goi
ngtomakesuret
hati
mlef
twit
hnothi
ng
Boemo:whenhaveieverf
ail
edyouBai
sago?
Bai
sago:thi
sisnotthesame.Iknowweagreedt
hat
whatevert
heoutcomewewi l
ldoanyt
hingt
olook
outforBosabutit
hinkthi
swi l
lteachhi
m al
esson
ortwosoweshouldl ett
hingsbeandseewhat
comesoutofthatwoman' sact
ions
Bosa:dadnoican'
taf
for
dtogot
opr
ison,
please
dadibegyou
Bai
sago:youmessedupBosa!
Bosa:papaiknowbutpleaseibegyou.Iwil
ldo
bett
erpleasepapa.Mom dosomethi
ngpleasei
m
real
lysorr
y(cri
edmore)
Boemo:Bpl
easel
ist
ent
oyourson
Bai
sago:babet
hisboymessedup
Boemo:iknowmyl oveiknowbutBosahasbeen
thr
oughal otmyloveprisonwil
ljustworsent
hings
up.Allheneedsi
sgui dancemylove.Pleaseal
low
met odealwit
hthisthebestpossibl
ewayican?
Bai
sago:whatcanyoupossi
blydol
ove?Ourhands
ar
etied
Boemo:ther
e'sal
waysawaymyl oveandtr
ustmei
won'
trestunt
ilif
indit.Mi
ramightbepower
fulas
youthi
nkbutwheni tcomestothepeopl
eicare
aboutibri
ngoutal lt
hegunstot hebattl
etopr ot
ect
them.Yout woaremypr ior
it
yandt here'
snot hi
ngi
wanttoseet hanyout wohavi
nganamazi ng
peacefulr
elati
onshipandiwon'trestunti
litcomes
topass.Iswear
Bai
sago:(
sighed)ok
Boemo:t
hankyou
Baisago:butasforyoumysoni m honest
ly
disappoi
ntedandhur t
.Youshoul
dexpectthesame
energytomorrowattheKwena'sbecausethose
peopleadorethei
rchil
d.Youhave.
..
Boemo:nodon'
tsayi
t

Heswal l
owedl
ookingatmeasicriedl
ooki
ngback
athi
m.Hewentt ohisroom whi
leBoemosighed
l
eani
ngont hechai
r.Shehuggedmef r
om behind
andkissedmycheek..
.

Boemo:al
ldaddywant
sforyoui
sthebestok
Bosa:
(sni
ff
ed)butyoucanseef
rom t
hewayhe
l
ooksatmet
hathehat
esme
Boemo:nobaby, daddydoesn'thateyouhewant s
youtobet hebestver si
onofhim.Hef orgetsthat
youar eyourownper sonbutmyboyi t
shi ghtime
youlearntsomer esponsibi
li
tyok(inodded)andi
wil
lbewi thyouguysever ystepoftheway.Wear e
goingtobeonehappyf amilycomehel lorhigh
waters.Noonewi l
levercomebef or
eusasl ongasi
l
ivethaticanpr omiseyou.Onedaywewi l
lbe
l
ookingbackatal lofthisandsaywowwer eall
y
havecomef ar
.IloveyouokBosawi t
hal lmyhear t
Bosa:
iloveyout
oomom

Iburstint
oaloudcryassheti
ghtlyhuggedme.By
thekit
chencounterBoi
ngot
lostoodthereand
emot i
onalysmi
ledwipi
ngatear.
..

Boingot
lo:thankyoufortaki
ngcareofmysonf or
meandf indinghi
mf orme.Whateverbatt
leyouare
facedwithim goi
ngtohelpyoufighti
tfr
om the
otherworldbecauseinyoumysonandhi sfather
havef oundthei
rsavinggrace.TheDi nt
siancestor
s
alreadyrecogni
seyoumyl ove.Neverinyourli
fe
doubtBai sago'
sloveforyouandpl easeneverever
stopt aki
ngcareofmysonf orme.Iwi l
ltakecar
eof
youf orthem

Sheblewakissatt
hem anddi
sappear
edasBoemo
ti
ght
lyhuggedBosa.

I
nLi
zzy'
sof
fi
ce.
..

Let
lot
loknockedasLi
zzywelcomedhi
minasshe
smil
edoffer
inghi
m aseat
..
.

Lizzy:ohyoul
ookpr
oper
,woul
dyoul
ikesomet
hing
todrink?
Let
lot
lo:wat
erwi
llbef
ine
Lizzy:ok.Pl
easer
elaxt
her
e'snoneedf
oryout
obe
thattense
Let
lot
lo:t
hankyou.Thi
sisabeaut
if
ulpl
ace
Li
zzy:thankyou.Sohowar
eyouf
eel
ingaf
terwhat
happenedthelastt
ime?
Let
lotl
o:ist
il
lcan'
tbel
ievet
hatmyownf
ather
wantedtobewitchme
Li
zzy:i
m honest
lyshat
ter
edaswell
.Inevert
hought
Di
ti
rocouldbethi
skindofper
son
Let
lotl
o:butiguesswi
thti
meallwil
lbefi
ne.I
mjust
wait
ingonmom t ocomebacksothatican
apologi
setoherandihopesheaccept
sit
Lizzy:(
touchedhishand)amotherwi
llnever
abandonherchi dmyboy.Shecangetangr yyes
butshewi l
lneverleaveyout
odieal
oneespeci al
ly
yourmot her.
Let
lot
lo:whyareyoubei
ngsoni
ce?Imeanshe
al
mostr ui
nedyourmarr
iage
Li
zzy:someti
mesaswewomenwhogett obe
cheat
edonalwaysjumpt oblametheot herwoman
notknowingwhatourmendi dtopersuadethem t
o
endupsleepi
ngwiththem andagainwhywoul di
haveaproblem wi
thyou?Imeanyouarei
nnocent
i
nalloft
his.Whenyoucheatandnotuseprot
ect
ion
whatdoyouexpect?
Let
lot
lo:achi
ld
Lizzy:exactly.Soiknewaboutyouwhenyouwer e
stil
linyourmom' swombmyboysoyoucancal l
medeput yJesus( t
heyl aughed)butonaser i
ous
notet hough, ial
wayswi shedDiti
rowouldopenup
tomeandt ellmet hethruthbutah( si
ghed)iguess
heneverwant edanythingt odowithyounoryour
mot herbuti m gladitallcamet oli
ght.Nothi
nggets
hiddenf orever.Secretsalwayshaveawayof
comi ngout
Let
lot
lo:i
ndeed
Li
zzy:sowhatwer
eyougoodati
nschool
?
Let
lot
lo:mat
hsandsci
ences
Li
zzy:di
dyoudoaccount
ing?
Let
lot
lo:eemmacommer
ceandaccount
ing
Li
zzy:goodbecauseihaveajuni
orposit
ionf
oryou
i
ntheaccounti
ngdepartment
.It'
snot
hinghugejust
tolearndevel
opedbasi csunti
lyougettovar
sit
y.
Youwi llbeworkingwithagreatteam t
hatwi
ll
assistyouwher everyouneedassist
ance
Let
lot
lo:t
hankyousomuch
Li
zzy:andtowhati wantedtotal
ktoyouabout
pri
vatel
y.Si
nceisaidiknewyouwhi leyouwer esti
ll
i
nyourmot her
'swomb, iputyouupinallour
poli
ciesasoneofthebenefici
ari
es,
ihaveal sobeen
savingmoneyforyouwhi chiwil
lgi
veyout hebank
cardfornow
Let
lot
lo:what
!?
Li
zzy:yesmyson
Let
lot
lo:butwhy?
Li
zzy:youdeser
vei
t
Let
lot
lo:doesheknow?
Li
zzy:yeshej
ustl
ear
ntabouti
tthough
Let
lot
lo:howdi
dhet
akei
t?
Li
zzy:hewasf
uri
ousbuther
eal
isedhehasno
choi
ce
Let
lot
lo:wowt
hankyousomuch
Li
zzy:youar
emor
ethanwel
come.

Herphonerepor
tedamessageassheswall
owed
r
eadingthedoct
or'
sappoi
ntmentr
eminder
..
.

Let
lot
lo:i
sever
ythi
ngok?
Lizzy:(f
akesmi
led)ohyesmysonyes.Ijustneed
tobesomewher enow.Canyoucomeoverf or
dinnertoni
ghtt
omeetyourhal
fsibl
ingsandmaybe
asl eepover
?
Letl
otl
o:okbutiwi
llhavet
oaskmysi
steranduncl
e
fi
rst
Li
zzy:nopr
obl
em.Pl
easemakesur
etogetbackt
o
meaboutit
Let
lot
lo:iwi
ll
Li
zzy:her
e'syourbankcardyoucangochanget
he
pi
nattheATM andi twi
llbereadyf
oruse.
Let
lot
lo:(
smi
led)t
hankyouoncemor
e
Li
zzy:anyt
ime.Okl
et'
sgetgoi
ng

Let
lot
lol
edthewayoutandasshewasaboutt o
cl
osetheoff
iceshef
eltl
iqui
drundownhernose
andsawbloodasshechecked.
..

Li
zzy:if
orgotsomet
hingpl
easegoaheadok
Let
lot
lo:okbyeiwi
llcal
llat
er
Li
zzy:bye

Shewentbacki
nsi
deandgr
abbedat
issuewi
ping
hernose.
..

Li
zzy:ohgr
aci
ousLor
dhavemer
cyonme(
shesai
d
di
ali
ngherl
awyer
)
Lady:hel
lo?
Lizzy:i
m goingt
oseemydoctorcanwemeetaf
ter
theappointmentiwoul
dli
ket
omakeaf ew
adj
ust
ment
sinmywi
ll
Lady:nopr
obl
em l
ove
Li
zzy:cooliwi
llcont
actyouoncei
m done.Bye

Shehungupasthebleedi
ngstoppedandt
ookher
thi
ngsgoi
ngforherappoi
ntment.

I
nSer
owe.
..

Whili
stpr
ayingBoi
tshepostar
tedt
osmel l
Dai
sy'
s
scentandfr
ownedcontinui
ngtopray.
..

Boi
tshepo:t
alkt
omehol
yspi
ri
t.Tal
ktome

Shesai dshaki
ngherheadwithsweatal
loverhear
faceasshet ast
edsomethi
ngbi t
teri
nhermouth.
Shetriedtoswall
owitbutf
ail
edandspititout
openinghereyes.Herhear
tracedasshesawher
ownblood.Shelookedaroundtr
yingt
omakesense
ofwhatitmeansbutnothingcameupasherhut
dooropened.
..

Teacher
:icoul
dsenset
hatyouneededme.What
's
goi
ngon?
Boit
shepo:iwaspr ayingformyfamil
yandst ar
ted
tosmellmyni ece'sscentaround.Whil
istl
ostonher
scentifel
tsomet hingbitt
erinmymout handt r
ied
toswallowitbutcoul dn'
tandendedupspi t
ti
ngi t
outonlytoseemybl ood
Teacher
:someone'
sbloodhasbeenshedbackat
homeandi t
'sf
orasacri
fi
ce.
Boi
tshepo:what
!?
Teacher
:yesandi
t'
scoul
dbeyourni
ece'
sorher
brot
her'
s
Boi
tshepo:howdoidealwi
tht
his?
Teacher:(
cleari
nghersi
nuses)theyneedyourhel
p
wejustneedt oaskthespi
ri
tforclar
it
yofhowwe
canhelpthem becausethi
sonei saheavyoneit
mi
ghtneedapar
tofyourbodyoryouror
gan
Boi
tshepo:(
hear
tski
pped)what
!?
Teacher
:let
'saskf
orcl
ari
tyMmant
wa

Shelitmor
ecandlesasBoit
shepochangedher
waterandtheyst
art
edprayi
ng.

I
nTemo'
sof
fi
ce.
..

Hesighedaft
erdreadingthethoughtofcall
ing
Vi
ctori
abutthendecidedtojustdoit.Theyputhim
onholdastheywentt ocoll
ectherfr
om thecell
..
.

Vi
ctor
ia:Hel
lo?
Temo:i
tsTemo
Vict
ori
a:ohhiithoughtiwasnevergoi
ngt
ohear
fr
om youaft
erlastti
me
Temo:i
fitwasn'
tur
gentiwoul
dn'
thavecal
led
Vi
ctor
ia:what
'sgoi
ngon?
Temo:yourdaught
erneedsyou
Vi
ctor
ia:whatdoyoumean?
Temo:shewasatt
ackedandt
heystabbedherso
sheneedsaki
dneyassoonaspossibl
e
Vi
ctor
ia:what
!?
Temo:yesandnoneofusi
samat
chsoyouar
e
possi
blyhermat
ch
Victor
ia:iwoulddefi
nitel
ynotmi ndtot estbuti
m
notgoingt otestunt
ilihearitf
rom Daisy.Youlot
havemanagedt oturnmyki dsagainstmenowt hat
youcan' tsavethem youwantmet ocomef ort
he
rescue?Whati fshedoesn'twantaki dneyofanevil
woman?
Temo:butVi
ctor
ia.
..
Victor
ia:noTemoihavel
ear
ntt
omindmyown
businesssoifDai
sywant
smyhelpl
ethersayso
herself
Temo:but.
..
(si
ghed)okthenVict
ori
ali
keal
ways
youwil
lhaveityourway.She'
sawakeanywayso
wecanarrangeameetingbet
weenthetwoofyou
l
atert
odayijustneedt
ospeaktot
herightpeopl
e
Vi
ctor
ia:t
hankyou

Temohungupwhi
leVi
ctor
iaputt
hephonebackon
thehook.
..

Vict
oria:ever
yonepavewayforVict
ori
aDint
si
becauseshe'scomingbackmor epowerf
ult
han
ever.WhatVictor
iaDi
ntsiwant
sshegets.

Shechuckl
edgoi
ngbackt
ohercel
l.
.
.
.
.
.
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
CAGED
66

AtMi
ra'
shouse.
..

Shepar kedhercarandslammedt hedoorgoi

ng
i
nsidethehouseasherdaught ershookherhead
foll
owingher.Shethrewhercarkeysonthecoff
ee
tableandsatdownpr essi
ngherphone..
.

Shar
on:sot
hisi
showi
tsgoi
ngt
obebet
weenus
nowmom?
Mi
ra:canyoupl
easel
eavemeal
one
Shar
on:mom youaretheonl
yper
sonihavewhodo
youexpectmetoconf
idei
n?
Mira:t
hesameli
ttl
ewitchyouwer
econni
vingand
conspi
ringwi
thSharonleavemet
hehel
lal
one
Shar
on:maineedyou
Mi
ra:noyoudon'
t!
Shar
on:ma!
Mira:yesShar
onhowcanyouembar assmel i
ke
thi
s?Lookwhereyourclevernesstookyou,down
theHIVroadimagi
negivingbirthtoacleanchil
d
andtheycomedothistot hemselves.Real
lySharon?
Shar
on:heinf
ectedmemom wehavet
odo
somethi
ngaboutthat
Mir
a:yesyouhavet ogoonmedicati
ont
hat'
swhat
weneedtodo.Im notgoingtol
etmychi
ldbea
vi
cti
mt oyourst
upidnessyounggi
rl
Sharon:soyouar
egoi
ngt
olett
hatbr
atgoj
ustl
ike
that
?
Mi
ra:Shar
onisai
dleavemeal
one
Shar
on:mom ineedt
oknowwhatyouar
epl
anni
ng
andthi
nki
nggeez
Mi
ra:don'
tgeezmeShar
on
Sharon:orwhatyouar
egoingtoslapmeagai
n?I
honestl
ydon'tappr
eci
atewhatyoudidt
omeatthat
house
Mi
ra:excuseme?
Shar
on:weshoul
dbeat
eam mom
Mira:howcanwebeat eam whenyouare
constantl
ylyi
ngtomeSharon?Nowiseemedl
ikea
fooli
nf r
ontofthose3i
diot
s
Shar
on:il
ovedhi
m maandiwant
edaf
atherf
ormy
chi
ld
Mi
ra:yetyourchi
ldhasaf
ather
?Ar
eyouokShar
on?
Shar
on:iwantnot
hingt
odowi
tht
hatman
Mira:f
acti
shehasachildwithyouandhedi dn'
t
denyitsowet
heryouli
keitornotthatt
eacheris
goingtobeapar
tofthi
schild'
sli
fe
Shar
on:ar
ewegoi
ngt
omakeBosapayornotma?
Mi
ra:Shar
ongetoutofmyf
ace
Shar
on:youar
esounbel
ievabl
e

Shesaidgoi
ngupt oherroom whil
eMiral
ookedat
herandscof
fedshakingherhead.Assoonasshe
cl
osedherbedroom doorMir
awenti nt
oherst
udy
anddi
aledGabone.
..

Gabone:t
hatwasf
ast
Mira:noeveryt
hingi
srui
nedt
hisl
it
tl
ebr
atical
la
daughterr
uinedever
ythi
ng
Gabone:doyouwantt
hismanornot
?
Mi
ra:idobutist
andzer
ochanceswi
thhi
m now
Gabone:youcanneverknowunti
lyout
ry.Sot
ryset
upameet i
ngwithhi
m andapologi
se
Mi
ra:hewi
llneverwantt
oseemeagai
naf
tert
oday
Gabone:payhi
m asur
pri
sevi
sitathi
sof
fi
cet
hen
andapologi
se
Mira:butthenprobl
em wi
llcomei
nget
ti
nghi
s
f
iancee'sunderwear
Gabone:youwi l
lhavet
othi
nksmartaboutt
hatone
mylove.Ifyouwantthismanyouwil
lhavet
odo
whateveritt
akestohavehi
m
Mi
ra:(
sighed)okiwi
llseewhaticando
Gabone:don'twor
ryim notgoi
nganywher
esoonce
youhaveallineedcomeover
Mi
ra:al
ri
ghtbye
Gabone:bye

TheyhungupasMi r
agotoutoft
hest
udyand
di
aledherbr
other
.

I
nMochudi
..
.

Let
lotl
ogotoffaRunxandopenedthegat
ewhile
Lamef r
ownedstandi
ngbyhertuckshopdoor
.He
gotbackinanddrovei
tint
heyardthencl
osedthe
gate.
..

Lame:what
'sgoi
ngon?
Let
lot
lo:(
smi
led)meetmynewbaby
Lame:what
!?
Let
lot
lo:yepij
ustpur
chasedher
Lame:wai
twhat
!?Wi
thwhatmoneyLet
lot
lo?
Let
lot
lo:pleasehel
pmeputt hegroceri
esi
nthe
housefir
sttheniwil
ltel
lyouever
ything

Hesmiledmor
etakingt
hepl
ast
icswhi
lea
conf
usedLamehelpedhi
m..
.

Lame:butyousawwehaveenoughf
oodi
nthe
houseLet
lotl
o
Let
lot
lo:wel
lit
'snotapr
obl
em t
ohavemor
e
Lame:wher
edoyougett
hemoneyf
oral
loft
his,
whodidyourob?
Let
lot
lo:l
et'
sfi
nishf
ir
stsi
s

Theytookeveryt
hingi
nthehouseandpackedthem
wheretheyshouldbeandwenttosi
tout
sideunder
atree.
..
Lame:i
mli
steni
ng
Letl
otlo:soimetmyf ather'
swi f
ethedayir eal
ised
thathei sexact
lywhatmom sai dhewas.We
exchangednumber sbutit houghtshewasj ust
tryi
ngt obuyface.Yesterdaywheniar r
ivehereshe
call
edmeandaskedmet omeethert odaybecause
shehadsomet hingforme, that'
sworkandal so
want stotalkaboutsomet hingwithmei nperson.
Soiwentt oherearl
ierandshet oldmeshehasa
j
uniorposi t
ionformei ntheaccount i
ngdepar t
ment
athercompany
Lame:oh?
Letl
otlo:shockingri
ght.Anyway,iacceptedthe
posit
ionbecausevel eineedsomet hi
ngt okeep
busywi thwhilewaiti
ngtogot oschool.Nowt o
whatshewant edtotalktomeabouti npersonis
that
.Sheputmei nt
heirpoli
ciesasoneoft he
benefici
aries
Lame:what
!?
Let
lot
lo:iwasasshockedt
rustme.Iaskedheri
f
dadknowsabouti
tandshetol
dmet hatyeshe
doesandwasfuri
ouswhenhefoundoutbuthe'
sok
now
Lame:wher
eishe?
Letl
otl
o:behi
ndbarsf
orwhathetri
edt
odoand
thei
rdivor
cewil
lbefi
nal
isedsoon
Lame:ohisee.Soyout
rusther
?
Let
lot
lo:ithinkshe'sagenuineandgoodwoman
andtopr ovethattoyoushehasbeensaving
moneyf ormesi nceshefoundoutaboutme.That
's
whenmom wasst i
llpr
egnantwit
hme
Lame:Let
lot
loar
eyoubei
ngf
orr
ealnow?
Let
lot
lo:yessi
s
Lame:t
henwhyhasshebeenqui
etabouti
t?
Let
lotl
o:iaskedherthesamequesti
onandshesai
d
shejustwantedtoseeifDi
ti
rowasanhonestman
unfor
tunatel
yhewasn'tbutatl
eastever
ythi
ng
camet oli
ght
Lame:wowsomewomenar
everypat
ientiwould
havel
eftt
hatmant
hemomentif
oundoutthathe
cheat
edandhasachi
ld
Letl
otl
o:iguesspeoplearedi
ff
erent.Shenow
wantsmet omeetupwi thmyhalfsibli
ngsandget
toknowoneanot heroverdi
nnertonight
Lame:soyouar
egoi
ngt
oherpl
ace?
Let
lot
lo:yeah
Lame:ihopeyouspoket
otheel
der
sthough
Letl
otl
o:ical
leduncl
eTemoandt ol
dhim abouti
t
hesaysitsok.Iwanttogotouncl
eLedi
ba'shouse
fr
om hereandt el
lhi
m abouti
taswel
l
Lame:goodboy.Nowyouar
eact
ingli
keagrown
up.Sohowmuchhasshebeensavi
ngforyou?
Let
lot
lo:P500f
or227mont
hsnow
Lame:wowt
hat
'sabout113k
Let
lot
lo:spoton
Lame:howmuchwast
hiscar
?
Let
lot
lo:40K
Lame:ok.Sowhatar
eyoupl
anni
ngt
odowi
tht
he
restoft
hemoney?It'
sgoodtoinvestyouknow.We
aregrownupsmybr ot
herourl
it
tlesibli
ngsneedus
shouldsomet
hinghappentomom.Godf or
bidi
ts
soonbutwealwayshavetobepr epared
Let
lot
lo:iwasthi
nki
ngofget
ti
ngbroi
ler
sandl
ayer
s
andstartachi
ckenandeggbusi
ness
Lame:wowgoodmove
Letl
otlo:yeahandalsogetamobil
eki
tchenthen
fi
ndtwowomenwhowi llwor
kforme.Itwi
llbe
off
eringbr eakf
astandl
unch
Lame:andyoushoul
dfi
ndgoodcooks
Let
lot
lo:ohyes
Lame:(
smi
led)i
m sopr
oudofyoul
it
tl
ebr
o
Letl
otl
o:thankyouim amazedatmysel
fthati
thoughtofsuchthi
ngsthesecondil
aidmyeyeson
thebankbalance
Lame:soewal
letf
orbi
gsi
ster
?
Letl
otl
o:iknewi t
,iknewyouwouldnevermi
ssa
chanceofmi l
kingme( t
heylaughed)
Lame:ideser
vei
tLTaf
teral
li
m yourmot
her
Let
lot
lo:eemmaiwi
llsor
tyouout
Lame:butl
et'
shopet
hiswomani
sasgoodasshe
seems
Let
lot
lo:ihopesot
oobutsof
arsogood
Lame:im gl
adt
hatyouarewisernow.(
Acust
omer
knocked)l
etmeat
tendtothem
Let
lot
lo:l
etmegot
ouncl
eLedi
ba'
ssol
ong
Lame:pl
easepassbyt
heshopandcheckont
he
progr
essandpl
easedonotf
orgetmycash
Let
lot
lo:(
laughed)eemma

Hegotinhi
scarr
ever
singoutwhi
leLamegoti
nher
t
uckshopandser
vedhercust
omer.

AtBai
sago'
shouse.
..

Ol
ebi
leexchangedgr
eet
ingwi
thBoemoand
f
oll
owedmetothebackwi
thtwoglassesofj
uicei
n
myhandwhi
lehegotabowlofchi
ps..
.

Ol
ebi
le:howar
eyouf
eel
ingmyguy?
Bosa:
likeamessbr
oli
keamess
Olebil
e:youknowyoucanal
wayst
alkt
omeabout
anythi
ng
Bosa:
mindget
ti
ngi
nthepool
?
Ol
ebi
le:notatal
l
Bosa:
letmegogr
abshor
tsf
orust
hen

Iwentint
othehouseandcamebackwitht
wo
short
sandtwotowelsaswechangedandwent
i
nside.
..

Ol
ebi
le:wowt
hewat
eri
swar
m
Bosa:
yeahi
t'
saheat
edpool
Ol
ebi
le:ohf
ancy(
wechuckl
ed)sowhat
'sup?
Bosa:
imessedupbi
gbr
obi
gti
me.Idi
sappoi
nted
myfather
Ol
ebi
le:whatexact
lyhappenedij
ustknowt
hel
ove
t
ri
anglesaga
Bosa:l
etmejustst
artf
rom t
hebegi
nni
ng.
Remembertheti
meThor i
sosai
digotl
aidi
nyour
cr
ib?
Ol
ebi
le:yeah
Bosa:
isl
eptwi
thVer
oni
ca
Ol
ebi
le:wai
twhat
!?
Bosa:yeahshecameont omeandiwast
ooweak
tot
urnherdownsoiendedupsleepi
ngwi
thher
andwithoutpr
otect
ionatt
hat
Olebi
le:Bosayoudon'
tdothatwhenyoudon'
tknow
someoneordi dyouknowher?
Bosa:nope,
notatal
lij
ustknewherasDaisy'
s
fr
iendwhowasalwaysthr
owinghersel
fatme
Ol
ebi
le:wowBosat
hat
's,
shocki
ng
Bosa:
iknowheybutt
hent
imepassedandisl
ept
withAtamelang.I
twasabitdif
fi
cultwit
hherandi
decidedtotr
ysomethi
ngwi t
hthisothergi
rlcal
led
Sharon.Wemetatourresult
spartyandhititof
f
thensleptwit
honeanothert
hefoll
owingday
Ol
ebi
le:di
dyouusepr
otect
ionwi
thal
lthose?
Bosa:yesbutnotallt
heti
me.Wel lasf
orShar
oni
sl
eptwithheroncethefi
rstr
oundweuseda
condom andtheotherswedidn'
t
Olebi
le:(scof
fed)soBosayouar
eonly18andyou
havealreadyhadsexmor eti
mesthani
?
Bosa:
(laughed)comeon
Ol
ebi
le:ki
dsoft
odayanywaygoon
Bosa: t
henextdayideci dedt ogotothecli
nicasi
wasnotf eel
ingwel landithadbeenqui t
esometime.
Ihadspokent oauntyBoitshepoaboutitandshe
advicedthati fitdoesn'
tgetanybetterishoul
dgo
totheclinicwhi chidid.That'
swhenif oundouti
wasHI Vposi tive

Wi
thagl
assonhi
shand,
Olebi
le'
smout
hdr
opped
ashi
shear
traced.Heswall
owedadrylumpand
sl
owlyt
ookasiplooki
ngatmewhil
eilooked
down.
..

Ol
ebi
le:ar
eyouf
orr
eal
?
Bosa:yeah.Igotconsumedwit
hangerandhat r
ed
towardswomenanddeci dedt
orunoffthat
'swhen
Saschacaughtupwi thmeandallt
hathappened,
happened
Ol
ebi
le:so,
areyouonmedi
cat
ionnow?
Bosa: yeah,andimt ol
dmyCD4counti slow,
somet imesmygumsbl eed,
ifeelabitofheadaches
hereandt here,bodyaches,igetnauseous
somet imesevenvomi t.Whenyougother eij
ust
fi
nishedvomi ti
ngandiwasst art
ingt
ol osemyhai r
that'
swhyiaskedmom t ocutallofi
toff
Ol
ebi
le:i
m sosor
rymyguy.Sot
hel
adi
es?
Bosa:
iinf
ect
edt
hem br
o
Ol
ebi
le:ei
sh
Bosa:
im somadatmysel
fofl
ett
ingVer
oni
cado
thesamethingtomet hatVictor
iahasbeentome
allt
heseyears.I
m emotionalyandphysi
cal
ly
drai
nedbroandidon'tknowi fim comi
ngorgoi
ng
Ol
ebi
le:don'
twor
ryt
her
e'sl
if
ebeyondt
hismyguy
wegotyou
Bosa:iknowbutthismightcostmydadeveyt hing.
Sharon'smotherl
efther
efuri
oust hr
eateningt
o
makesur ethatmydadpaysf orever
ythingandi
knowf orsureMrandMr sKwenaar enotgoingto
takeki
ndt othi
s
Ol
ebi
le:howdoesAt
amel
angandShar
onf
eel
?
Bosa:Atamel
angtooki
tli
keachampbutasf
or
Sharonsheismadashell
Ol
ebi
le:isee.Yourdad?
Bosa:
heleftafewminut
esbef
oreyouar
ri
vedher
e.
Hehasneverspokentomesi
ncewebrokethe
newstoSharonandhermot
her
Olebi
le:don'
twor r
yhewi l
lcomearound.Heloves
youit
'sjustthathe'
soverwhelmednowbuthewi ll
comear ound.Wenaf ocusonbeingthebestver
sion
ofyour
sel
f,t
akeyourmedi
cat
ionandst
ayheal
thy
Bosa:
iwil
lbutli
keisaididon'
tknowhowl
ongiwi
ll
hangonbecauseim emoti
onal
ydrai
ned
Ol
ebi
le:i
mj ustaphonecal
lawayandaunt yBoemo
i
shereforyousowheneveryoufeelover
whelmed
j
ustt
alktooneofus
Bosa:
(si
ghed)t
hankyousomuch
Ol
ebi
le:anyt
imemyboycomeher
e

Wehuggedandconti
nuedtochatwhi
leBoemo
smi
ledl
ooki
ngatthem t
hroughtheki
tchenwi
ndow.

Att
heRest
aur
ant
..
.

Pat
loandBaisago'
sgl
assesofbeercameasthey
l
aughedlooki
ngatapi
ctureonPatl
o'sphone.
..

Pat
lo:ar
eyouokt
houghbuddyicoul
dtel
l
somet
hingwasbot
her
ingyouwhenyouar
ri
ved
her
e
Bai
sago:iwi
llbef
inewi
tht
ime
Pat
lo:ok
Baisago:butthanksfori
nvi
nti
ngmeoverf
ordr
inks
ineededabr eather
Pat
lo:anyt
imemyguyt
hat
'swhatf
ri
endsar
efor
Bai
sago:yeahhey.Sowhat
'sup?
Patlo:ineedsomeonet
otalkt
o.There'
ssomet hi
ng
botheringmebutidon'
tknowifi
m overt
hinki
ng
thi
ngsornot
Bai
sago:okbutit
houghtyouwer
emor
ecl
oset
o
Past
orPesal
ema?
Patl
o:i
t'ssomethi
ngiwouldn'
twanttotal
ktohi
m
aboutbecausehemighttel
lhi
swifeandthenhi
s
wif
etellmywifeandit
'saboutmywife
Bai
sago:ohisee.What
'sgoi
ngon?
Pat
lo:whatdoyout
hinkofherr
elat
ionshi
pwi
th
Robert
?
Bai
sago:j
ustf
ine.Theyar
ecl
osebusi
nesspar
tner
s.
Whydoyouask?
Patl
o:(
sighed)dudeit
hinkt
her
e'sal
otmor
ethan
that
Baisago:(
frowned)doyouthi
nkyourwi f
eand
Robertaredoingsomethi
ng?(Laughed)dudeshe'
s
fr
iendswithRobert'
sgi
rlf
ri
endhell
o?
Patlo:iknowmyguybuteversi ncehisson's
passingt here'ssomethi
ngoffaboutBontsithati
don'tunder stand,i
fshe'
snotinherownspaceof
mindshedoesn' twantt
obewi t
hanyoneel seand
sheal wayshasherphoneonhert hesedaysbut
she'soneper sonwhocangof orhourswithout
touchingherphone
Baisago:peopl
echangebuddyandagai
nBont
si
doesn'tst
ri
kemeasawomanwhowoul ddosucha
thi
ng
Pat
lo:butmyguythesepeoplemetwhi
leiwas
messingaroundwi
ththatwit
chbacki
nZanzibar
whatifsomethi
nghappened?
Bai
sago:youar
ejustbei
ngpar
anoi
dandi
nsecur
e
buddy,SaschaandAtamelangaretheoneswho
hadat hi
nggoingonhowcant hei
rparent
sdo
anyt
hing?Yourwifer
espectsmarri
ageandshe
i
nspir
esmeal ot
Pat
lo:whati
fit
sbecauseoft
hechi
ldr
ent
hat
not
hinghappenedbet
weenthem?
Baisago:youknowwhatyoucandomyguy, you
shouldjustaskheri
fther
e'sanyt
hinggoi
ngon
betweenthem
Patl
o:andpushheraway?Nomanican'
tdot
hat
.I
can'
tlosemywif
e
Baisago:t
henyouareal
waysgoi
ngt
oaskyour
sel
f
endlessquest
ionsmyguy
Patl
o:she'
sgoingtofeell
ikeim bei
nginsecur
e
becauseihavedoneitbeforet
henpushherdeep
i
ntohisarmsthat'
sifther
e'sanythi
nggoingon
Bai
sago:soyouar
egoi
ngt
ojustsi
tbackanddo
not
hing?
Pat
lo:(
sighed)conf
ront
inghert
hough
Bai
sago:i
t'
sbet
tert
hannot
hing
Pat
lo:l
etmejustbeobser
vantf
oraf
ewmor
edays.
Maybeimjustover
thi
nki
ng
Baisago:doanyt
hingt
hatyoucant
hatyousee
goodf oryou
Pat
lo:yeahneh.AnywayAtasaysyouguysar
e
comingovertoourhouset
omor r
ow?
Bai
sago:(
swal
lowed)yeah
Patl
o:doyouknowwhybecauseshedoesn'
twant
tosay
Bai
sago:nopeidon'
t
Pat
lo:al
ri
ght

Hesaidsippi
nghisbeerasBaisagosi
ppedhi
stook
andsnif
fedpressi
nghisphone.

BackatBai
sago'
shouse.
..

Boemo'
sphoner
angi
nthebedr
oom assher
anf
or
i
tandanswer
ed.
..

Boemo:hi
Man:MsMai
ket
sohowar
eyoudoi
ng?
Boemo:okandyour
sel
f?
Man:good.Remembert
heassi
gnmentyougave
me?
Boemo:pl
easet
ellmesomet
hingiwantt
ohear
Man:unf
ort
unatel
yshe'
saclearwomanther
eare
not
racesofcor
rupti
onoranyt
hingar
oundher
Boemo:(pi
nchedt
hebr
idgeofhernose)shi
tthat
's
notgood
Man:butt
her
e'ssomet
hingaboutherpast
Boemo:ohokwhati
sit
?
Man:herdaught
eri
snother
s
Boemo:what
!?
Man:yesandshewasmarr
iedbutgotdi
vorced
oncethehusbandl
ear
nedt
hetr
uthabouther
pr
egnancy
Boemo:det
ail
spl
ease
Man:Sharoni
sMi r
a'ssi
ster
'schi
ldwhohappensto
beli
vingasof
tli
feintheUSsponsoredbyMira.
Mirati
edhert
ubeswhenshewas21butt henher
husbandandi
nlawswantedachildsobad
Boemo:butshehadt
iedhert
ubes
Man:yesandbecauseshewasdesperatetokeep
hermarr
iageshegothersi
stert
ofal
lpregnant
whil
eshefakedher
s.
Boemo:wher
ewast
hesi
sterdur
ingt
hepr
egnancy
per
iod?
Man:shet
oldthefamil
ythatshepai
dforhertuit
ion
tost
udyabroadwhil
esherentedabhchousef or
heri
ntown.Hersi
sterl
eftj
ustaft
ergi
vingbi
rt
h.
Boemo:sohowdi
dthehusbandf
indout
?
Man:everyti
mehelookedathischildhecouldtell
thatt
herewasnothi
ngonhert hatresembleshim
sohesecretl
ydidDNAt est
sandt heycame
negati
vethat'
swheneveryt
hingstartedt
of al
lapart
Boemo:doest
hef
ami
lyknowt
hatshe'
sdi
vor
ced?
Man:notatal
l
Boemo:howl
onghasshebeendi
vor
ced?
Man:17year
s
Boemo:youl
ieandt
hef
ami
lyst
il
lbel
ievesshe'
s
marr
ied?
Man:yep
Boemo:how?
Man:becauseshepl
eadedwi
tht
hemant
ocont
inue
keepi
ngface
Boemo:butwhataboutherdaught
er?
Man:shejustknowsthatherf
atherworksoverseas
andonlycomesduringdecemberholi
days.
Someti
mesMi r
agoestoSouthAfri
cabutliestoher
daught
ersayingshehasgonetoseeherf ather
Boemo:sothismanandMi rahavebeenl
yingt
o
Shar
onandMi r
a'sfami
ly?Whyhasn'
tShar
onasked
tovi
sitherf
ather?
Man:heal
waysbr
ingsupexcuses
Boemo:wow(
scof
fed)t
hiswomanyoh
Man:yept
hat
'
sabouti
t
Boemo:sohowdi
dyougett
hei
nfor
mat
ion?
Man:fr
om theexhusbandhewant
stomoveon
wit
hhisli
fesohewoulduseanyhel
ptobr
eakf
ree
f
rom Mira
Boemo:doesshehaveanyt
hingagai
nsthi
m?
Man:it
hinksobutheref
usedtosaybecausehe
sai
dhewi l
lonl
ysayitwhent
here'
ssomeonehe's
sur
ewil
lhelphim
Boemo:(chuckled)wai
tsekana.Im shockedbutnot
shockedatthesamet i
me.Mi raandherdaughteror
shouldisayniecearecutfr
om thesamecl ot
h.You
knowwhatsetupameet ingformeandt hatman
Man:he'
sover
seas
Boemo:ohwel
lpassonhi
scont
actdet
ail
sandi
wil
l
takei
tupfr
om her
e
Man:iwi
llsendt
hem r
ightaway
Boemo:t
hankyou(
shehungupandl
aughed)Mi
ra
(
clappedonce)somewoment
hough.Yoh

Shescof
fednotbeli
evi
ngwhatshej ustl
ear
nedand
l
aughedgoingbacktotheki
cthen.

I
nSer
owe.
..

Thet
eacherst
oppedprayi
ngaswel
lasBoi
tshepo
whol
ookedatherconf
used..
.

Boi
tshepo:i
m seei
ngnot
hingwhatdoyousee?
Teacher:wehavetopackandgobackt
oyourhome
yournieceneedsyou
Boi
tshepo:ar
eyouf
orr
eal
?
Teacher
:yesherl
if
eisindangerandthesoonerwe
dothatt
hebett
er.I
fwedon'tthenyourwhol
efamil
y
wil
lbebacktosquare1
Boi
tshepo:ohgr
aci
ousLor
d.Okt
henl
et'
sgo
Teacher
:packyourbagssol
ongi
m goi
ngt
ocal
lmy
husbandsothathedri
vesus
Boi
tshepo:butwhataboutt
her
emai
ningt
woweeks?
Teacher:wewi
llcomebackandfi
nishoffaf
ter
everyt
hingi
sdone.TheGodshavegivenusthe
greenli
ght
Boi
tshepo:ohokt
hen
Teacher
:bequi
ck

Shesaidl
eavi
ngwhil
eBoi
tsheposhookherhead
packi
ngherbags.

Att
hehospi
tal
..
.

Inanorangedr
essVi ct
ori
awenti
ntoDai
sy'
sroom
whot ur
nedandlookedawaywhil
eshesmil
ed
sit
ti
ngonthecouchwi t
hcuff
sonherhandsand
l
egs...
Victor
ia:hell
omygi r
l( shekeptqui et)im sosor ry
forwhathashappenedt oyou.Thedoct orstellme
thatyouneedadonorf orakindneyandnoonei n
thefami l
yisyourmat chexceptf ormewhom ihave
nottestedyet.Sobefor etestingiwant edt omake
surethatyouwer eokwi thmet esti
ngt ogi veyoua
partofmebecauset hatidon' tminddoi ngbuti
knowwear enotinthesamepage.Thel astt hi
ngi
wantisf oryoutohateyourf amil
yf orgivingyoumy
kidneywi t
houtyourconsentbutanot herquestionis
areyougoi ngdiebecauseyoudon' twantt ohave
yourmot her'
skidneyal lbecauseshei sevil?
Dai
sy:whydoesGodhat
emesomuch?
Victor
ia:nomyl ovehedoesn'
thateyouhe'
sjust
showingyout hatnomatterhowangrywestaywith
oneanot hert
here'sapoi
ntinli
fewhereweare
goingtoneedoneanot her
Daisy:idon'
twantt
odi
e.Ist
il
lhaveal
otofpl
ans
formyl i
fe
Vi
ctor
ia:t
henal
lowmet
ohel
pyoumybaby
Dai
sy:what
'si
nitf
oryou?
Vict
oria:(
smil
ed)i
m gladyouaskedmylove.You
andi knowoneanothersomuch.Igi
veyoumy
ki
dneyyougetmemyf r
eedom
Dai
sy:idon'
tunder
stand
Vict
ori
a:(
reachedi
nherbr east
)allyouhavetodois
askReatl
egil
etovi
sityou,putt
hisinherwaterand
ever
ythi
ngwillwor
kitsel
fout
Dai
sy:soyouwantmet
oki
llmyuncl
e'
swi
fe?I
woul
dr at
herdi
e
Victori
a:nonoonei sgoingtodiemylovelet'
sjust
sayt hi
sisthekeytomyf r
eedom mylove.Youjust
saidyouhaveal otofplansforyourf
utureandim
theonlytickett
othatmyl ove.Sowhat'
sitgoi
ngt o
be?Li f
eordeath?

Shesmi l
edholdi
ngthesmallpl
astici
nherhand
whileDai
syswallowedlooki
ngather.Sheslowly
reachedfort
heplast
icandputitunderherpil
low.
..

Vi
ctor
ia:(
smi
led)t
hat
'smygi
rl
.Wecannowcal
lthe
doct
orr
ight
?
Dai
sy:youar
eaconni
vingwi
tch
Vi
ctor
ia:i
mjustbei
ngamot
hermygi
rl

Shesmil
edatherandpressedt
heemergency
but
tonwhil
eDaisysi
ghedclosi
nghereyes.
.
.
.
.
.
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
CAGED
67

Att
heKwena'
s.
..
Bont
sifi
nishedspeaki
ngtooneofherempl
oyees
asherphonerangagainandsmil
edanswer
ing.
..

Bont
si:heyl
ove
Kel
ell
o:hibabehowar
eyoudoi
ng?
Bont
si:okundergi
venci
rcumst
ances
Kel
ell
o:i
shubbyhome?
Bont
si:nopehedeci
dedt
ogooutwi
thBai
sago
Kel
ell
o:ohokt
henwecanf
reel
ygossi
p
Bontsi
:(l
aughed)l
etmeputyouonl
oudspeakeri
m
busywithsomethi
ng(shedi
d)
Kel
ell
o:wai
twher
e'sAt
a?
Bont
si:sl
eepi
ngi
nherr
oom
Kel
ell
o:ohokgoodt
hen.Sodi
dyoupr
ay?
Bont
si:yesidi
d
Kel
ell
o:and?
Bont
si:not
hinghaschangedsof
arist
il
lfeelt
he
sameway
Kel
ell
o:hashespokent
oyou?
Bont
si:nohehasn'
t
Kelel
lo:that'
sagoodt hingthefur
therhest
ays
awayf rom youthebetter.Youwil
lbeablet
ofl
ush
outthosest upi
dfeel
ings
Bont
si:butimi
sshi
m
Kel
ell
o:Bont
sist
opi
t
Bontsi
:ican'thel
pmysel
f.I
t'
sli
kei
thasgot
ten
worseafterprayi
ng
Kelel
lo:yourmi
ndisjustpl
ayi
nggameswit
hyou
myf r
iendyouneedtosnapoutofi
tbef
oreanyt
hing
happens
Bontsi
:maybei
m dest
inedt
oshar
eamanwi
th
Boi
tshepomylove
Kel
ell
o:ar
eyouevenl
ist
eni
ngt
oyour
sel
f?
Bontsi
:yes.Whatcanidowhent
hehol
yspi
ri
tisnot
sayi
nganythingt
ome?
Kel
ell
o:youneedtoprayharder
.Youarenot
someonewhogivesinthateasi
lyBont
sisodon'
t
youdar
etr
ystar
tsuchwithamanwhenyouhavea
manwhocaresaboutyou
Bontsi
:butwhati
fhewasright
?Whati
fPat
loi
s
goi
ngt ohur
tmemor ei
fichooset
obewit
hhim and
nothim?

BythedoorAtamelangf
rozeasshewasj
ustabout
toopenandli
stenedon.
..

Kel
ell
o:t
hat'
sabsurdandyouknowit.Hewasj
ust
pl
ayi
ngmi ndgameswithyouandtr
yl ur
eyoui
nto
hi
sarmsBontsiopenyoureyes
Bontsi
:wearetal
kingaboutamanwhospentmost
ofourmarr
iageli
fecheati
ngonmeKel
ell
o
Kelel
lo:goodthingsdon'tjustfallfr
om t hesky
Bontsiyouwor kforthem.Youj ustcel ebratedyour
20thanniver
saryt hatshouldtellyouthatyoust il
l
haveal ongwayt ogo.Thef actt hatyoust ayedfor
al
lthoseyearsknowi ngwhatyourhusbandwas
doingshouldbear easonwhyyoushoul dn'tdoubt
yourhusbandnow
Bont
si:whati
fitt
urnsoutthati
mtur
ningabl
ind
eyet
owhatGodi stryi
ngtocommunicat
etome?
Kel
ell
o:st
opsayi
ngsucht
hings
Bont si
:whatifGodwasusi ngmet ost
opPat l
ofr
om
doingwhathewasdoi ngandsavehimf rom
Victori
a'schainsonl
ytoshowmemypr ince
charmi nglat
eronandt hatl
ateri
snow
Kel
ell
o:youhonest
lysoundpat
het
icnowBont
si
Bont
si:whati
fimr
ight
Kel
ell
o:canyoupl
easest
opi
t
Bont
si:(
scof
fed)f
ri
endil
oveRober
tDut
che

Atamelang'sj
awdroppedbythedoorasherhear
t
racedwhileshecover
edhermouthinshock.
..

Kel
ell
o:noBont
siyoudon'
t
Bont
si:yesidoandit
hinki
t'
sti
meihada
conver
sati
onwithhim aboutt
his.Wewil
ltalkt
o
Boit
shepoandseeawayf or
wardifsheagreesto
thi
sornotit
'sent
ir
elyuptoher
Kel
ell
o:ican'
tbel
ievewhati
m hear
ingr
ightnow
Bont
si:bel
ieveitornott
salamyhear
twant
sRober
t
andi
m goingt obewithhim
Kel
ell
o:whataboutyourhusband?
Bontsi
:iwi
llhavenochoi
cebutt
odivor
cehi
m
(At
amelangwidenedhereyesmor
e)
Kel
ell
o:noBontsinoweneedt
omeetandt
alkf
ace
t
ofaceaboutthis
Bontsi
:wehavetal
kedabouti
tit
senoughf
ri
endt
he
personihavet
otal
ktonowisRobertt
henmy
husband
Kelel
lo:t
sal
ayouar
egoingtoleaveamanof20
yearsforamanyoumetinZanzibarj
ust2mont
hs
ago?
Bont
si:yes
Kel
ell
o:wow
Bontsi
:ineedtogetgoingt
sal
aim neededatt
he
of
fice(At
amelangtiptoedt
oherbedroom)
Kelell
o:i
m honestlylostforwor
dsbutanywaythe
choiceisyoursjustsoyouknowyouar etaki
ng
someone'smanandt hatsomeonehasbeengif
ted
wit
haspi ri
tualgif
tandsuchpeopl e'
spr
ayersare
dangerous
Bont
si:i
m inotal
sospi
ri
tual
lygi
ft
ed
Kel
ell
o:Bont
siGodwi
llpuni
shyou
Bontsi:i
m notgoingtofi
ghtanyoneandim not
sayingim di
vorcingPatl
otomorrowij
ustwanttosit
downwi thRobertandhavealengthytal
kaboutthi
s
thenseeawayf orwar
d
Kel
ell
o:okma'
am bye
Bont
si:byel
ove

TheyhungupasBont
sismiledandtookherbag
goi
ngtoAtamel
ang'
sroom asshejumpedstart
led.
..
Bont
si:ar
eyouok?
At
amel
ang:huh?Ohyeahyeahi
m goodmom
Bontsi
:okloveiwill
beoutforaf ewyourdadwil
lbe
backjustnowsodon' twor
ry.Thehousehelperi
s
al
sodownst ai
rs(shekeptquiet
)Ata?
At
amel
ang:mma?Yesmom i
tsok
Bont
si:ar
eyouokAt
amel
ang?
At
amel
ang:(
fakesmi
led)yesmom i
m ok
Bont
si:okbutyouseem abi
tof
far
eyousur
e
At
amel
ang:yesmom i
m sur
e.Nowgo
Bont
si:okt
hen.Il
oveyou
At
amel
ang:l
oveyout
oo

Sheclosedt
hedoorandlef
twhil
eAtamelang
heavedahugesi
ghsitt
ingonherbed.
..

At
amel
ang:r
eal
lymom?Yoh
I
nBai
sago'
shouse.
..

Shegotof facal
lwi
thBaisagoandtookherlapt
op
goingtotheshadeatt
hebackatt hepoolsi
dewhile
Olebi
leandBosawentinsidethehousetoplaya
vi
deogame.Sheopenedherzoom appandi nvi
ted
Leonforameet i
ngasheanswer ed.
..

Leon:(
frowned)gooddayma'
am
Boemo:(
smiled)gooddaysi
ryouar
espeaki
ngt
o
BoemoMaiketso
Leon:ni
cemeet
ingyouMsMaiket
sobuti
fimay
askwheredi
dyougetmydet
ail
sfrom?
Boemo:youspoket
oamanaboutyourpast
Leon:yeshetol
dmethatsomeonewi
llcont
actme
buthedidn'
tsaywho
Boemo:wel
lthat'
smeandthatmani
smyPIi
m an
at
tor
neygenerali
nBot
swana
Leon:ohok.I
m wonder
ingwhyyouar
eint
erest
edi
n
Mi
ra'
spast
?
Boemo:herdaughterorshoul
disayni
ecehasbeen
tryi
ngtogetfunnywit
hmysonnowMi rahas
threat
enedmyf ami
lysoiwaslooki
ngforacar
dto
useagainsther
Leon:(smil
ed)lawyer
sandal waysl
ookingfor
bull
etswellyouhavecomet otheri
ghtplaceandi
shouldsayit'
sbeenal ongti
mecomi ng.Ihave
beenplanningontryi
ngt of
reemyselffr
om herjust
didn'
tknowhow
Boemo:ohyeahmyPItol
dmet
hatbutnowour
bar
ri
erist
hedist
ance
Leon:iknowbuti
mfl
yingdownt
her
eforbusi
ness
today
Boemo:ohper
fectt
hen.
Leon:yeahsoiguesswewi
ll
beabl
etomeett
hen
Boemo:yes.Whatdoesshehaveonyout hough
becauseyouaregoingt
oarr
ivehereadayaf t
er
tomorrowdependi
ngonthefl
ightyouar
et aki
ng
Leon:i
m pr
epar
ingt
ogot
otheai
rpor
tnowsoiwi
ll
bet
her
etomor
roweveni
ng
Boemo:ohni
ce
Leon:yesbutiwil
ljusttel
lyoumaybei
twi
llhel
p
youwithplanni
ngfurther.
Boemo:yespl
ease
Leon:(si
ghed)soimetMiraonl
ineandinvi
tedher
overfordi
nneranddri
nks.I
twasaf r
idayni
ght
Boemo:sor
ryt
odist
urbyoubutpleasemakesur e
youletmei
noneveryt
hing.Donotleaveanyt
hing
out
Leon:iwill
.Ii nvi
tedherf oradat ethatincluded
clubbi
ngaf terawar dsistil
lhavescr eenshotsoft hat
conversati
oniwi llf
orwardt hem toyouaf t
erthis
call
.Everythingwassetandiaskedherf orthe
secondt i
medur ingourdat eafteriaskedheront he
messageshowt heeveni ngi sgoingtoendandshe
respondedbyi t'
sgoingt odependonhowmuchof
agentlemaniam.Okt henightwentonandsof ar
everyt
hingwasgoi nggoodt hatsheevenaskedme
tobookaguesthouser oom.Wedr ovet ogetherto
theguestroom andbooked.Wewentbackt othe
cl
ubandcont
inuedwit
hournightunt
il1am t
hat
's
whenwedeci
dedtogot ot
heguesthouse.We
shower
edandthengoti
ntobed.Wehadsex
Boemo:di
dsher
efuse?
Leon:shenevershowedanysi
gnofr
efusi
ng
Boemo:ok
Leon:wesl eptandt henpar t
edwaysbutcont inued
totalk.It
ri
edmeet i
ngupwi t
hheront hatSat urday
againbutsher efusedtelli
ngmesomesi l
lyexcuse
okfine.Idecidedtogooutwi thmyf r
iends.Sunday
passedwi thoutust al
king,Mondaypassed,
Tuesdaypassedandonwednesdayisenther
messageaski ngherwhyshewasqui etandshet ol
d
meshedoesn' ttal
kt orapi
sts.Okiwasshocked
andaskedherwhatshemeantabouti tandthen
tol
dmet hatsheneversai dwecanhavesexshe
sai
dhowt heni ghtendswi l
ldependonhowmuch
ofagent l
emaniam.That '
swher eshegotmeand
mebei ngover whelmedandnott hi
nkingstraighti
askedherwhatshewant edmet odof orherand
shesai d"marrymeandt heniwillnevertellasoul .
"
Becauseiwasamayorthenandaprominent
busi
nessmanihadtolookoutf
ormyr eput
ati
on
that
'swhyideci
dedt
omar r
yherunt
ilshedidwhat
shedid
Boemo:wowt hisiscomplicat
edt hanithoughtbut
i
m upf orthetask.Youruinedthi ngsbyaskingher
whatshewoul dlikeyoutodof orhert hecourtwil
l
defi
nitelythi
nkyouwer eagreeingt othefactthat
youwer eguil
tyandyouwer epr otect
ingyour
posit
ioni nthecountrybutdon' twor r
yiwor kwitha
greatteam wear egoingtogetourheadst ogether
comeupwi t
hasol uti
ontohel pyou
Leon:t
hankyousomuchiwoul
dappr
eci
atet
hat
Boemo:youaremorethanwel
come.Letmenot
keepyouforl
ong.Saf
ejour
neysi
r
Leon:t
hankyouoncemor
eseeyousoon

Boemosmiledhangingupandshookherhead
bi
ti
ngherfi
nger.Sheclear
edherheadandcal
led
Jooma.
..
Jooma:MsMai
ket
so
Boemo:howbusyisMr
sCar
ter
,doyouper
haps
knowherschedul
e?
Jooma:she'sfr
eethi
sweeksoshewi
llbespendi
ng
moreti
met hissi
dewhat
'sup?
Boemo:iwouldli
keustomeett
omorr
owaft
ernoon
ihaveaverycomplexcasei
nmyhandssoi
tneeds
greatbr
ains
Jooma:ohokiwi
llcont
actherandl
etyouknow
Boemo:t
hankyou
Jooma:bye

TheyhungupasBoemot
ookhergadget
sgoi
ngt
o
thehouse.
..

Boemo:Mira,
ihat
et hatyouhadtocrosspat
hswit
h
me.Nothi
ngdarkstayshiddenforgoodmydear
Shesmi
ledcl
osi
ngt
heki
tchendoor
.

Att
hePol
icest
ati
on.
..

Mi r
awasl etthroughthereportroom asshe
disi
nfect
edherchai randhersi deofthedeskwhi
le
thepoli
ceof f
icersatbacklookingather.
..

Of
fi
cer
:gooddayma'
am
Mi
ra:gooddaysi
r
Of
fi
cer
:whatcanidof
oryouma'
am?
Mi
ra:i
m her
etor
epor
tacr
ime
Of
fi
cer
:ok.Whathappened?
Mira:mydaught
erhasbeenknowinglyi
nfect
ed
wit
hHI Vbysomeonewhoshet houghtwasher
boyfri
end
Of
fi
cer
:wher
eisshe?
Mi
ra:i
nthecar
Of
fi
cer
:okwhat
'st
henameoft
heboy?
Mi
ra:BosaDi
ntsi
Of
fi
cer
:howol
disyourdaught
er?
Mi
ra:18
Off
icer
:pl
easegocal
lherf
orusineedher
st
atementaswel
l
Mi
ra:ok(
shewentt
ocal
lher
)
Of
fi
cer
:gooddayma'
am pl
easehaveaseat
Shar
on:(
satdown)t
hankyou.Gooddaysi
r
Of
fi
cer
:yourname?
Shar
on:Shar
on
Of
fi
cer
:howdoyouknowt
hiswoman?
Shar
on:she'
smymot
her
Of
fi
cer
:doyouknowBosaDi
ntsi
?
Shar
on:yessi
r
Of
fi
cer
:how?
Shar
on:it
houghthewasmyboyf
ri
end
Of
fi
cer
:whathappened?
Shar
on:hewasj
ustusi
ngme
Of
fi
cer
:haveyousl
eptwi
thhi
m?
Shar
on:yes
Of
fi
cer
:howmanyt
imes?
Shar
on:once
Of
fi
cer
:di
dyouuseacondom?
Shar
on:atf
ir
styesbutthesecondti
meheinsi
sted
wedon'
tuseitial
sohavethecondom weused
Of
fi
cer
:doyouhavei
twi
thyou?
Shar
on:yessi
r

Shetookitoutofherbagwhi
let
heof
fi
cerputon
gl
oveslookingati
t.
..

Of
fi
cer
:whydoesi
tlookl
ikei
thasbeenpoked?
Shar
on:t
hat
'
sbecausei
thasbeen.Her
e'si
t'
scover

Hetookitandshookhisheadl
ooki
ngatt
hepoked
out
sideofthecover
..
.

Of
fi
cer
:wow
Mir
a:nowyouseeoffi
cert
hisboyknewwhathe
wasdoing.Kegor
eifmydaughterwasn'
tal
ready
pr
egnanthewouldhavei
mpregnatedhim
Offi
cer:okiwillcal
lthewarr
antoff
iceandaskt
hem
fort
hewar rantofarrestf
ort
hisboy.Doyouknow
hisaddress?
Mi
ra:ohyes(
shegavei
ttohi
m)
Offi
cer:t
hankyousomuchiwi l
lmakesuret heboy
i
sbehindbar sbytheeveni
ngbecausel
ookingat
theti
memywar rantr
equestwi
llonl
ybeapproved
aft
erworkinghours
Mi
ra:can'
tyougoar
resthi
m now?
Of
fi
cer
:noineedawar
rantofar
restf
orhi
scase.
Mir
a:ohbefor
eif or
gethealsohasi
nfect
edone
ot
hergi
rlj
ustthatidon'
trememberhernamever
y
wel
l
Offi
cer
:ohokwewilldoaf
oll
owupoft
hatoncewe
havehimincust
ody
Mi
ra:wonder
ful
.Thankyousomuch
Off
icer
:thankyoui
wil
lcont
actyouoncet
hear
rest
hasbeendone
Mi
ra:nopr
obl
em
Off
icer
:youngladyst
aysaf
eim sor
ryf
orwhat
happenedtoyouok
Shar
on:t
hankyou

Theyl
eftwhi
let
heof
fi
cercal
ledt
hewar
rantof
fi
ce.
..

Shar
on:ar
eyousur
ethi
sisgoi
ngt
owor
k?
Mir
a:yesim notgoi
ngtostopunti
lthatboyandhis
motherf
eelmywr at
h.Im goi
ngtomakesur ethey
suf
focat
eont hei
rarr
oganceandifshethinksshe
canwalkoverever
yonebecauseshe'
salawyeri
m
goingtomakesurethatherl
i
censeisr
evokedand
she'sbl
ackl
ist
ed

Sharonsmiledsi
ppingonherjui
cewhil
ehermot
her
focusedontheroad.Mir
atookherphoneand
dial
edherlawyer.
..

Juni
or:Mi
ra
Mir
a:(
smi l
ed)it
'sal
waysgoodt
oheart
hatdeep
Zul
uvoice.Areyougood?
Juni
or:i
m good,
whathaveyoudone?
Mira:(laughed)wowr eal
ly?Anywaymydaught er
needsst rongr epr
esentationsopleasebookaflight
tothissider ightnow( checkedthet i
me)youcan
checkhowf ullthelastfl
ightt
onightisi
fit
'sf
ullthen
bookt hef i
rstonet omor r
owmor ning
Juni
or:ohokiwi
llcommuni
cat
ewi
thyou
Mi
ra:wonder
dul
Juni
or:bye
Mir
a:(hungupsmi
li
ng)t
hosepeopl
ewon'
tknow
whathitt
hem

Att
hehospi
tal
..
.

Daisyr eachedunderherpi l
lowandt ookoutthe
smal lplastic.Shet houghtforsomet imeaboutwhat
hermot heraskedhert odo.Af t
erallReatlegi
lewas
notgoi ngtodi eandi fshedidn'tdoitthatmeanther
dyi
ngbutwashermot herbeinghonestandwhati f
she'snotamat ch?Shet houghttoherselfandput
backt hepl astic..
.

Dai
sy:iwoul
drat
herwai
tfort
her
esul
ts.

Shesof
tl
ysai
dcl
osi
nghereyesasherphoner
ang.
..

Dai
sy:hel
lo?
Vi
ctor
ia:haveyouspokent
oher
?
Daisy:ihavedeci
dedt
owaitunt
ilt
her
esul
tscome
backwhati fyouar
enotamatch
Vict
ori
a:Dai
syt
here'
snowaybothyourpar
ent
s
can'
tbeyourmatchar
eyoucr
azy.Tal
ktoReat
legi
le
now
Dai
sy:iwi
llt
alkt
oyout
omor
rowbye
Vi
ctor
ia:Dai
sy.
..(
shehunguponher
)Dai
..
.shi
t!

Shecl
ickedhert
onguegoingbackt
ohercel
lwhi
le
Dai
sywentbacktohernap.

THATEVENI
NG

AtTemo'
shouse.
..

Hi
m andReatl
egil
efrownedseei
ngacarst
opby
t
hei
rgateandfrownedmoreseeingawomancome
outandspr
inkl
edwat
erbyt
hegat
e..
.

Reat
legi
le:bol
oit
hist
imeoft
heday.Excuseme?
Hey?
Temo:cal
m downl ove.Looki
ngatheruni
for
mit
mightbeBoi
tshepo'speople

Thewomanwentbacki
ntothecaraf
teropeni
ngthe
gat
easthecardr
ovei
n.Shegotoutagainandwent
towher
etheywer
eseat
ed..
.

Teacher
:goodeveni
ngim sor
rytoj
ustthrowmysel
f
i
nyouryardli
kethi
s.I
m Mmant wa'
steacher
Temo:goodeveni
ngwedon'
tknowanyMmant
wa
Teacher
:TemoDi
ntsiMmant
wai
syoursi
ster
Temo:oh,
ohyeahohyeah.Ok,
isever
ythi
ngf
ine?
Teacher:yes.Maywepl easegoi
nsi
deMmant wa
can'
tsitoutsideyetandbeseenbyalotofpeopl
e
shehasn'tgraduatedyet
Temo:ohshe'
sher
e?
Teacher
:ther
e'sanemer
gencywear
eher
efor
Temo:ohokwecangoi
nthen

Theywenti
nsi
deasshecamewithBoitshepowho
wascover
edwithawhi
tecl
othoverherface.
..

Boi
tshepo:hi
Temo&Reat
legi
le:hi
Teacher:yout
oocan'
tseeherunt
ilshehas
graduat
ed
Temo:ok.Sowhati
shappeni
ng?
Boi
tshepo:i
m her
etosaveDai
sy
Temo:oh?
Boi
tshepo:yest
hehol
yspiri
thasshownmethat
sheneedsanorgandonorandimtheonewhocan
hel
pher
Temo:ohiseebutibel
ieveVi
ctor
iai
samat
ch
Teacher
:wedon'
tdi
sputet
hatbutt
her
e'sar
eason
whythespi
ri
thasor
deredustocome
Temo:(f
rowned)isee.Okthenyouknowyoucan'
t
donat
ebeforetest
ingri
ght
?
Boi
tshepo:yes(shesai
dwi
pinghernoseandsaw
bl
ood)im bleedi
ng
Teacher
:yesthebleedi
ngissupposedtocome
fr
om thi
shousebutdon'twor r
ywewillnotl
eti
t
happenthat
'sthewholereasonwearehere
Reat
legi
le:(
conf
used)what
?
Temo:shej
ustsai
dshe'
sbl
eedi
ng
Teacher
:letherbei
twi
llst
opandpl
easedon'
twi
pe
thebl
oodok
Temo:oh
Reat
legi
le:t
hisi
scr
eepy
Teacher:thespi
ri
tualwor
ldi
screepyki
ndl
yshow
usourr oom.Thelesspeopl
eknowaboutour
presencethebett
er
Temo:okpl
easef
oll
owme.BabeaskOdi
ri
let
o
sl
eepoveratBai
sago'
sthencomehel
pmet
o
changet
hebeeding
Reat
legi
le:ok

Temoledthem tother
oom whileReat
legil
e
fr
ownedlookingatBoi
tshepo'
sblooddroplet
s
di
ali
ngOdiri
le.

AtBai
sago'
shouse.
..

Boemoandil aughedwhil
eOdiri
leanswer
edthe
i
nter
com aftert
alki
ngtothephone.Mydadcame
fr
om thebedroom andj
oinedusbutonhisphone.
..

Boemo:whoi
sit
?
Odi
ri
le:t
hepol
ice
Boemo:oh?
Odi
ri
le:yes.Comei
nsi
r
Of
fi
cer
:goodeveni
ngl
adyandgent
lemen
Al
l:(
stoodup)goodeveni
ng
Bai
sago:of
fi
cerwhatcanwedof
oryouof
fi
cer
?
Of
fi
cer
:whoi
sBosaDi
ntsi
?
Bosa:
it'
smesi
r
Of
fi
cer
:ok.Wi
thmeher
eisawar
rantofyourar
rest
Al
l:what
!?
Offi
cer:MrBosaDintsiyouhavebeenar
restedf
or
knowinglyi
nfect
ingsomeonewi t
hHIV&AI DS
Al
l:what
!?
Offi
cer:what
everyoudoorsaywillbeusedagai
nst
youinthecourtofl
aw.Youhavetherighttoa
l
awyerbutifyoucan'taf
fordonet
hest at
ewil
l
provi
deyouwi t
hone.Pleasecomewithme
Bosa:
mom,
daddosomet
hing
Boemo:don'
tworr
ywearebehi
ndyoumyboyst
ay
cal
m anddonotsayaword
Thepoli
ceputt
hei
rhandcuf
fswit
hmeand
escor
tedmeoutwhil
eBoemo,BaisagoandOdi
ri
le
l
ookedatoneanot
her.
..

Boemo:ican'
tbel
ievethesepeopl
e.Theyreal
ly
enjoypl
ayi
ngwithpeople'
sti
meneh( cl
ickedher
tongue)
Baisago:Odi
ri
lest
aybehi
ndandl eteveryoneknow.
Lovelet'
sgo.Thi
swomani shonestl
ytryingmy
pati
ence

Hecli
ckedhi
stongueandtookhiscarkeyswhil
e
Boemotookherpadastheyfol
lowedthepol
icecar
.

AtLi
zzy'
shouse.
..

Herchi
ldr
enfinishedeat
ingast heyl
aughedgoi
ng
t
oputtheirpl
atesinthezinc.
..
Li
zzy:okmyloviesgoandfi
nishoffyour
homeworksthencomeplaymor ewit
hbrother
Let
lot
look.
Bot
h:ok

Theyjumpedupanddowngoi
ngt otheirstudy
room asshesi
ghedt
aki
ngLet
lot
lo'splate.
..

Li
zzy:yousur
eyouar
eful
l?
Letl
otl
o:yesmystomachwil
lendupbur
sti
ngnow
(t
heylaughedasshej
oinedhi
m)
Li
zzy:t
hankyousomuchf
orcomi
ng
Let
lot
lo:im gl
adidi
dtheki
dsar
ehappyand
wel
comi ng
Li
zzy:i
ndeed.(
Sighed)iwantustotal
kwhi
let
hey
ar
estil
lbusywit
ht hei
rhomeworks
Let
lot
lo:ok
Li
zzy:whati
m abouttot
ellyoumi
ghtscar
eyouof
f
butyouaremylasthope
Let
lot
lo:(
frowned)ohok
Li
zzy:firstofal
lihavenoel sebutmyki dsandt hey
arestil
lyoungthat'swhyiwantt hem t
ogrowup
aroundyou.Iwast heonlychi l
dandmypar entsare
al
lgone.Mymom' sfamilydi dn'
twantmydadand
mydad' sf ami
lydidn'twantmymom sot heylong
partedwayswi ththem andidon' tknowanyofmy
cousins.Theonlyot herpersoniknewwasmy
husbandbuthehasnowt urnedouttobeastranger
Let
lot
lo:isee.I
thappens
Li
zzy:(pushedanenvel
opetowar
dshi
m)pl
ease
openitupandreadcaref
ull
y

Helookedatherandt
ookitt
henr
eadwhatwas
wri
tt
enf oragood3minut
es.
..

Let
lot
lo:t
hisi
syourwi
ll
Li
zzy:yesmyson
Let
lot
lo:whyi
m ii
nit
?
Lizzy:becauseidon'
twantmychil
drent
oliveina
socialhomewhenipassoni wantthem t
ohavea
familyandasenseofbelongi
ngandyouar ethe
onlypersonwhocangi vet
hem t
hat
Let
lot
lo:wai
t,whatdoyoumeanwhenyoupass?
Li
zzy:iwasatthedoct
orear
li
eraf
terourmeet
ing
andimleftwi
thonly3weekstodi
e

Letl
otl
oswal
lowedahugedrylumpwi
thhi
seyes
widenedwhi
lehi
shear
traced.
..

Let
lot
lo:what
!?

Ashesai
dLi
zzybl
ockedherl
eftnost
ri
lasbl
ood
cameout
.
.
.
.
.
.
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
CAGED
68

Let
lot
lo:i
sever
ythi
ngok?
Li
zzy:j
ustasecondpl
ease

Shesaidpacingt otheguestbathroom andwashed

hernoseuntilthebloodstopped.Shesighed
l
ookingherselfinthemirr
orandwi pedherface
goingtot
hedi ningroom whereshef oundLetl
otl
o
readi
ngthewi l
lagain..
.

Li
zzy:ital
wayshappens.Ther
ear
eti
meswheni
t
happensmostoftheday
Let
lot
lo:haveyouspokenaboutyourchi
ldr
enabout
t
his?Doesyourhusbandknow?
Li
zzy:im al
wayshavi
ngsubtl
econver
sati
onsabout
deathwit
ht heki
dsandasforDi
ti
roheknows
nothi
ng
Letl
otl
o:theyar
e10idon'
tthinkt
heywoul
dknow
howt oreadbet
weenthel
ines.Whydi
dn'
tyoutel
l
him?
Li
zzy:Dit
ir
oisaself
ishmanhewouldhavedoneall
hecouldtomakesureipassbef
oremyt i
mesothat
hecanenjoyal
lthebenef
it
shethoughthewoul
d
get
Let
lot
lo:sohewon'
tbeget
ti
nganyt
hing?
Li
zzy:eveni
fhewasn'tbehindbarshewouldn'
tbe
get
ti
nganythi
ng.Ever
ythingibui
ltwasformykids
onl
y
Let
lot
lo:isee.Sohowl
onghaveyoubeeni
ll
?
Li
zzy:5year
snow
Let
lot
lo:whati
sit
?Ifyoudon'
tmi
ndmeaski
ng
Li
zzy:l
eukemi
a.I
tscancert
hataf
fect
sthebl
ood
Let
lot
lo:(
swal
lowed)i
m sosor
ry
Lizzy:i
fyoucancar ef
ull
ylookatmyskinyoucan
tellt
hatit
'sver
ypaleanddr yi
t'
sjustt
hati
m al
ways
wear i
nglongthingsandmakeup
Let
lot
lo:butwher
edoyougett
hest
rengt
htowake
upeverydayandwor
k
Lizzy:ihaveneverconformedtosicknesssi
ncei
wasachi l
dithinkt
hat'soneofthethingst
hathas
keptmeal iveforsolong
Letl
otl
o:iseebutwhatyouar
easki
ngofmei
s
heavy
Lizzy:iunderstandmyboybutihavenooneel se
butyou.Idon' texpectyoutojustagr
eetoitand
takeinmychi l
drenjustbecauseihavebeensavi
ng
moneyf oryou.Im notbuyingyourempathyim
doingitf ormychi l
dren.Shoul
dtheybetakentoa
childr
en'shomet hegovernmentisgoi
ngtotake
theiri
nher i
tanceandusei ttoi
tsadvant
agesowi t
h
youiknowt heirl
egacywi l
lbesafe
Let
lot
lo:(
sighed)iknownot
hingaboutr
unni
nga
company
Li
zzy:don'
tworr
yaboutthecompanyther
e's
someonewhowi l
lholdt
hefortwhi
leyouarest
il
l
l
earni
gtheropesitr
ustt
hem todoagoodjob
Let
lot
lo:buti
thasneverbeenmyar
eaofi
nter
est
Lizzy:youar
eallowedtostudywhateveryouwant
tostudyyouwillseet
othebusinesssideofthings
onceyouar edonewiththecour
seofyourdr eams
Let
lot
lo:canit
alkt
omyf
ami
lyaboutt
hisf
ir
st?
Lizzy:youar emorethanwelcometo.Iunderst
and
thatyouarest il
lyoungandhavealotofplans
aheadandt hatyoucan'
tlookaf
terchi
ldr
enwhi l
e
youar esti
llachildyour
self
Let
lot
lo:yesandt
hepersoniwantt
otal
ktomost
aboutthi
sismom consi
deri
ngyouguy'
shi
stor
y
Li
zzy:iunder
stand
Letl
otl
o:(
sighed)wow.Sohowdoyouf
eelbei
ng
tol
dyouonlyhave3weekstoli
ve?
Li
zzy:whent
hecancercamebackiknewthati
t
wastimesoihavebeenprepar
ingf
ort
hismoment
andicansaf
elysayi
mr eady
Let
lot
lo:iadmi
reyourst
rengt
hyour
emi
ndmeof
mymot her
Li
zzy:(
smi
led)t
hankyoumyson
Letl
otl
o:iwi
llmakesur
etot
alktomyf
ami
lyandget
backtoyouassoonaspossi
ble
Li
zzy:iwi
llbewai
ti
ngonyou
Let
lot
lo:(
sighed)nowicanuset
hatdesser
t
Li
zzy:(
smi
led)comi
ngr
ightup

Theychuckl edast hekidscamer unningwi ththei

r
bookst oLetlotloforhelpashet horoughly
expl ai
nedtothem whatt heyshoulddo.I nthe
kitchen,Li
zzyl ookedatt hem ashet hrewinjokesin
bet weenhelpingthem andsmi l
edasat eardropped
from hereye.Theyhi ghfivedfi
nishingwhileshe
tookt hecakeandcr eam tothetable.

Att
hepol
icest
ati
on.
..
Islowlysatdownl ooki
ngaroundthesemidark
room asat al
ldarkandmuscl i
nemanwal kedinto
theroom andslammedt hedoor.Myheartdr
opped
asiswal l
owedl ooki
ngathim whil
ehefixedhis
pantstakinghisseat.
..

Det
ect
ive:youngman(
ikeptqui
et)i
m gr
eet
ingyou
Bosa:
goodmor
..
.imeangoodeveni
ngsi
r
Detect
ive:agoodlooki
ngyoungmanl i
keyouwho
l
ookstobever ysmartandgoesofft
odo
somethingli
kethi
swhatgotteni
ntoyou?(Thedoor
opened)
Boemo:don'
tansweranyquest
ion
Offi
cer
:ma'am pl
easewait
,det
ect
iveit
ri
edt
ost
op
herbutshedi
dn'twantt
oli
sten
Boemo:thatboyismysonandmycli
ent
.When
youroff
icerar
rest
edhi
m hetol
dhi
mthathehast
he
ri
ghttoalawyer
Det
ect
ive:haveyouseent
het
ime?
Boemo:haveyouseeni
tyour
sel
f?Youcan'
t
i
nter
rogat
esomeonewi
thoutt
hei
rlawyer
Bai
sago:ial
sowantt
obepr
esent
Det
ect
ive:noi
m notgoi
ngt
oal
lowt
hat
Boemo:i
t'
sokl
ovei
wil
ltakecar
eoft
his

Mydadswallowedl
ooki
ngatmeandstepped
out
sidewhi
lemymom cameinandtookherseat
..
.

Boemo:f
ir
stofal
liwoul
dli
ket
oreadt
hewar
rantof
ar
rest

Hegaveitt
oherasshecar
eful
lyr
eadi
tandsat
back.
..

Boemo:youmayaskaway
Det
ect
ive:t
hankyou.MrDi
ntsidoyouknowofa
l
adycall
edSharon?
Bosa:
yes
Det
ect
ive:how?
Bosa:
wemetatapart
yandcl
ickedt
hendeci
dedt
o
tr
yarelat
ionshi
p.
Det
ect
ive:di
dyousl
eepwi
thoneanot
her
?
Bosa:
yessi
r
Det
ect
ive:di
dyouuseacondom?
Bosa:
fir
stl
yyesandf
ort
hesecondt
imeno
Det
ect
ive:why?
Boemo:t
hat
'sani
nappr
opr
iat
equest
ion
Detect
ive:MrDi
ntsiwhydi
dyoudeci
det
onotusea
condom?
Bosa:
wewant
edt
ohaveagoodt
ime
Det
ect
ive:whi
leyouknewyouwer
esi
ck?
Bosa:
idi
dn'
tknowi
wassi
cksi
r
Det
ect
ive:wasn'
tanyt
hinghappeni
ngt
oyourbody?

Iswal
lowedlooki
ngatmymom andbackatt
he
det
ect
ive.
..
Det
ecti
ve:MrDint
siwer
ether
enosi
gnsofsi
ckness
onyourbody?
Bosa:
ihadbl
ist
ersi
nmymout
h
Det
ect
ive:yetyoudeci
dedtosl
eepwi
thanot
her
per
sonwithoutprot
ect
ion
Boemo:weal
lgetbl
ist
erst
her
e'snowayhewoul
d
haveknowni
twaswhatiti
snow
Det
ect
ive:f
acti
syouwerenotphysi
cal
lywel
lBosa!
(
Hesaidhit
ti
ngthet
abl
e)
Boemo:nononoi
m notgoi
ngt
osi
tandwat
chyou
i
nti
midat
emycli
entl
iket
hat
Detect
ive:Bosawhatdoyoudowhenyouget
symptomsofsi ckness?
Bosa:
(swal
lowed)yougot
othehospi
tal
Det
ect
ive:di
dyou?
Bosa:
nosi
r
Detect
ive:soyouwer
enegli
gent.Doyouknow
AtamelangKwena?(Myheartski
ppedasikept
qui
et)Bosa?
Bosa:
yessi
rido
Det
ect
ive:whati
sshet
oyou?
Bosa:
mygi
rl
fr
iend
Det
ect
ive:haveyousl
eptwi
thher
?
Bosa:
yes
Det
ect
ive:when?
Bosa:
aft
ersl
eepi
ngwi
thShar
on
Det
ect
ive:di
dyouknowyourst
atus?
Bosa:
no
Detect
ive:wer
ether
eanysympt
omsofsi
cknessi
n
you?
Bosa:
yest
hebl
ist
ers
Det
ect
ive:whati
sherst
atus?
Bosa:
(swal
lowed)posi
ti
ve
Detecti
ve:i
m af
rai
dhe'
sgoi
ngt
ospendt
heni
ght
behindbarsma'am
Bosa:
what
!?
Boemo:hedi
dn'
tknowhi
sst
atusdet
ect
ive
Detective:butheknewhewassi ck.Asal awyeryou
wouldknowt hatt here'
scivi
lnegli
genceand
cri
mi nalnegligenceandwhatwear elooki
ngatnow
i
scr i
mi nalnegligence.Hehadsympt omsbutst i
ll
decidedt osleepar oundinfect
ingnot1but2peopl e
wit
hHI V.Sowesayheknewhewassi ckbutst
il
l
sl
eptar ound.Of fi
cer!?
Bosa:
mom pl
easedosomet
hing
Boemo:(
sighed)hehasapoi
ntmyson
Bosa:
(tear
sbuil
tinmyeyes)butican'
tsl
eepi
n
her
eistherenol
awthatcanhelpmeout ?
Of
fi
cer
:yessi
r?
Det
ect
ive:t
akehi
mtohi
scel
l
Bosa:
(cr
ied)mom!
?
Boemo:don'twor
rymyboyt omorr
owmor ni
ngi
m
goingtoappl
yforyourbai
lok.Wearegoi
ngtobeat
thi
strustmeonthatone
Theyescor
tedmeoutwhi
lecr
yingasmydadst
ood
up.
..

Baisago:what
'sgoingon?Wherear
eyout
aki
ngmy
son!?Hey,i
mt al
kingtoyou,
Bosa!
Boemo:cal
m downl
ove.
..
Bai
sago:not
heycan'
t.
..
Boemo:ssshbabel
ookatme
Bai
sago:but
..
.
Boemo:Bai sagolookatme( heswall
owedanddi d)
i
t'
sjustfortonightim goi
ngtomakesur ethathe
wil
lbeoutbyt omor row.Hisonl
yfaul
tisthathe
wasnegligentsot othelawhehadtohavest ayed
awayfrom unpr ot
ectedsexorsexalt
ogetherashe
not
icedsympt omsofsi cknessonhim
Bai
sago:somysoni
sgoi
ngt
ospendani
ghti
na
hol
dingcel
l?
Boemo:i
t'
sjustf
ort
oni
ghtl
ove,
come.Iknowi
t'
s
noteasybutcome
Bai
sago:t
hatwomani
s..
.
Boemo:sssh!Youdon'twantt
osaysucht
hings
especi
all
yinaplacel
ikethi
sbabecome

Heswall
owedl ooki
ngbackdownthepassageashe
hear
dbarsandchainscli
cki
ng.Hi
ssonwasr eal
ly
l
ockedup.Boemot ookhi
shandashepinchedhis
noseandsni
ffedfoll
owi
ngherout
.

Att
heKwena'
s.
..

Atamelangwentt oherparent'sroom andf oundher

fat
hersleepingaloneandt henstoodbyt her ai
ls
upstai
rslookingdownatt helivi
ngr oom andsaw
hermotherl ayi
ngont hecouchwi thafleeceonand
thetvmut e.Shesighedandheadeddownst anding
i
nf r
ontofher ..
.
Bont
si:i
sever
ythi
ngokmyl
ove?
At
amel
ang:whatdoyout
hink?
Bont
si:mma?
At
amel
ang:mamawhatar
eyout
ryi
ngt
opr
ove?
Bont
si:(
satup)idon'
tthi
nkiunder
stand
Atamelang:youdomom justt
hatyoudon'
twantt
o
acceptthatwhatyouar
edoingisi
mmor al
Bont
si:okAtamel
angidon'
tunderst
andwhatmade
youangrybutiwon'
tappr
eci
ateyoutal
kingt
ome
l
iket
hat

Heari
ngthevoicesdownst
airsPatl
ogotupand
wenttostandbytherai
lsl
ist
eningon.
..

Atamelang:whathappenedtothewomanwho
valuesrespectandpr
inci
ples?
Bont
si:whatar
eyousayi
ng?
At
amel
ang:whathasdaddonet
oyou?Yesdadi
s
notper
fectbutthepoormani
str
yingcanyou
pl
easecuthim someslack
Bontsi:oknowthat'
senoughifyoucan'
ttel
lme
what'sgoingonthenyoumightaswellgobackt
o
bed
At
amelang:ihear
dyourconver
sat
ionwi
thMr
s
Monewaearli
er
Bont
si:oh

Sheswall
owedcl
eari
ngherthr
oatwhi
leupst
air
s
Pat
lofr
ownedli
steni
ngon.
..

At
amel
ang:don'
tsayohmom,
howcoul
dyou?
Bont
si:At
amel
angyouwoul
dn'
tunder
stand
Atamelang:iunder
standver
ywellmom, howcoul
d
you?Afterallt
hatwehavebeenthroughint
his
famil
yandyougoanddot hi
s?Withsomeonewho's
sonalmostputmei nanearl
ygrave?
Patl
ohear
tdroppedasheswall
owedahugedry
l
ump.Hefelthi
sporesopeni
ngupassweatst
art
ed
tocomeout.
..

Bont
si:At
amel
angl
oweryourvoi
cepl
ease
Atamelang:nomom im honest
lydisappoi
ntedin
you.Youhavebetrayedussobad.Yesdaddi dwhat
hedidandyouknowver ywel
litwasn'thi
swillt
odo
whathedi d.Hewasforcedtobutsti
llwerecovered
everyt
hingwelost
.
Bont
si:At
amybabyl
ist
en.
..
Atamel ang:i
m notgoingtoli
stentoanythi
ng,you
alwaysl ect
uremeaboutf ai
thful
nessandrespecti
n
arelati
onshipyetyougoanddot heverysame
thi
ng, whatkindofaChr i
sti
anandmot herareyou?
Areyouser iousl
ygoingtothrow20year sof
marriagedownt hedrainli
kethat?Foranotherman
who'ssonal mostkil
ledyourowndaught er
?Wow
mom
Bont
si:At
akanat
het
hingi
syoudon'
twantt
oli
sten
At
amelang:t
her
e'snot
hingt
oli
stent
oim goi
ngt
o
t
ellmydad
Bont
si:At
anowai
t.
..
(shesai
dgoi
ngup)At
amel
ang
Kwena?

Sheignor
edherandwentt
oherroom asBont
sibi
t
herl
owerli
pandpunchedt
hecouch..
.

Bont
si:shi
t!

Sheheavedahugesi ghwi thonehandonher

for
eheadwhi l
etheotherwasonherwai stasshe
movedar oundi ncir
cles.Meanwhi lebackint he
mainbedr oom Patlowashedhi sfaceandl ookedup
i
ntothemi rrorandsighed.Hecoul dn'tbeli
evewhat
hejusthear dashishear tr
acedmor e.Heopened
thecupboar dslooki
ngf orhisanxietypil
lsandtook
twothensi ghedagainlookinginthemi rror
.Het ook
atowelandwi pedhisfacegoingbackt obed.10
minuteslaterBoemowenti ntothebedr oom and
swall
owedlookingathimf astasl
eep.Shesi
ghed
andslowl
ywenti ntobedandl ai
ddownwi t
hher
eyeswanderi
ngar ound.Shetookherphoneand
checkedi
fAtamel angwasonl i
neandshewasas
shesentheratext..
.

Bont
si:myl
ovecanwepl
easet
alkaboutt
his

Atamelangjustopenedthemessageandcl
icked
hertongueswitchi
ngoffherphonewit
hout
respondi
ngandl ockedherr
oom get
ti
ngint
obed.

THEFOLLOWI
NGMORNI
NG

AtBai
sago'
shouse.
..

Boemoopenedhereyesandf
oundBaisagosi
tt
ing
uponthebedwit
hhismindel
sewhere..
.
Boemo:goodmor
ning(
hekeptqui
et)l
ove?
Bai
sago:hmm?Ohgoodmor
ningl
ove
Boemo:what
'sbot
her
ingyoumyl
ove?Di
dyoueven
getsomesl
eep?
Bai
sago:howcanisleepwhil
emysoni
ssl
eepi
ng
i
nthatunomfor
tabl
eplace?
Boemo:i
m sor
ryt
hatwasast
upi
dquest
ion
Bai
sago:di
dheevenmakei
tthr
ought
heni
ght
?
Boemo:nolovedon'tt
hinksuchthings.Iknow
thi
ngsaren'
tlooki
nggoodforhim emot i
onall
ybut
hewon'tdoanythi
ng
Bai
sago:whati
fihavebr
oughtbadl
ucktomyson
bycomingbacki
ntohisl
if
e?Maybeishoul
dhave
j
ustst
ayedaway
Boemo:that'
ssil
lyandyouknowit
.Noparent
bri
ngsbadlucktothei
rchil
dok?Miraj
usthasa
bonetopickwit
husbutshewon'tgetawaywit
hit
tr
ustmeont hatone
Bai
sago:whydoesBosahavetogot hr
oughso
muchthoughl
ove?Whenhet houghthehasgot
ten
thejusti
cehedeservesthi
shappens?Whati
f
Vict
orialear
nst
hatmysonhasbeenar rest
edand
shesentspeopletokil
lhim?
Boemo:that'
snevergoi
ngtohappen.Bosawi
llnot
evensetfooti
napr i
soncel
ldoyouhearme?
Baisago:t
hesepeopl
ehaveacasemyloveandi
t'
s
atoughone.Mysoni sgoi
ngawayonceagai
n
Boemo:Bai sagoineedyoutobest
rongand
posit
iveplease.Wearegoi
ngtowalkoutoft
his
vi
ctorious
Bai
sago:atthi
sjunctur
eiwoul
dn'
tbesur
pri
sedi
f
hecommi t
tedsuici
de
Boemo:(si
ghed)okloveiknowyouareworri
edand
i
tsnormalforeverypar
enttobeworri
edespeci
all
y
atati
mel i
kethisbutpl
easeBpleasel
ist
entome
Baisago:tellme,whatchancedowest and?We
fai
ledtogethi mrel
easedyesterdaywhenhewas
sti
lli
npol i
cecustodywhatmakesyout hinkwewi
ll
gethimr eleasedwhenthisgoestocourt?
Boemo:(
gotoutofbed)t
hiscasei
snevergoi
ngt
o
got
ocour
t
Bai
sago:why?
Boemo:becauseMi
rai
sgoi
ngt
omakesur
eoft
hat
Bai
sago:(
conf
used)huh?
Boemo:leaveMi ratomei m goingtomakesureshe
regr
etstryi
ngtomesswi t
hmyson.Sheandher
daughteraregoingtoruethedayt heyt
houghtit
waswi setocrossme.Wheni tcomestoBosai
wouldmovemount ains

Sheclickedhertongueandwenti ntothebathr
oom
whileBaisagoquiet
lysatbackwithaf rownonhis
facewonder i
ngwhatBoemowast al
kingabout.
Meanwhi lei
nourholdingcellonegentleman
squatt
edi nfr
ontofmeandhel dmychi nli
ft
ingmy
faceup...

Man:youl
ookscr
umpt
iousyoungman
Man2:l
eavet
hechi
ldal
one
Man:what '
sitgott
odowi
thyou?I
mjustt
ryi
ngt
o
getser
vicedhere
Man2:idar
eyout
otoucht
hatki
d
Man:it
snotmypr obl
em t
hatyoucan'
tsecur
ea
goodoneforyour
selff
orwhenwegetmovedt o
pri
sonsopleasel
eavemealone
Man2:myguyst
opi
t
Man:don'
tmindhim baby.What
'syourname?Trust
mewhenwegetmovedt opri
sonim goingt
omake
sur
ethatyouli
veaverycomfort
ableli
feint
her
e.
Youwil
lbemyl i
tt
lepri
ncess
Man2:dudeisai
dleavet
hepoorchi
ldal
one!

Hesai dgrabbinghi
m upbyhisshoulder
sand
punchedhi m asicl
osedmyeyesandcoveredmy
earswhiletheyfought.Fr
om adi
stanceBoi
ngotl
o
stoodinacor nerwit
hherarmsfol
dedandwi peda
tear.
..

Boi
ngot
lo:don'
twor
rymyson.Yourmot
her
sar
e
goi
ngtomakesur ethatyouneversetf
ooti
nthat
pri
soncel
l.Ihaveyourbackok

Sheswal
lowedanddi
sappear
edasof
fi
cer
scame
tobr
eakt
hef i
ght
.

Att
heKwena'
s.
..

Bont
siwokeupandsatupasPat
locameoutoft
he
bat
hroom i
nfor
malcl
othes.
..

Bont
si:(
smi
led)goodmor
ningcupcake
Pat
lo:mor
ning
Bont
si:whyareyouinf
ormalcl
othesit
houghtwe
hadameetingwithBai
sagoandBoemo
Pat
lo:Boemosentmeamessaget hatt
heycan'
t
makeitbecauseBosawasar
rest
edlastni
ght
Bont
si:what
!?Why?
Pat
lo:idi
dn'
taskf
oranydet
ail
s
Bontsi
:ohokiwil
lcal
lherandhearherout(
gotout
ofbed)letmef
ixyourt
ie
Pat
lo:noiwi
llt
akecar
eofi
t
Bontsi:comeonl
oveyouknowyouar
ebadatt
his
(chuckled)
Pat
lo:isai
diwi
llt
akecar
eofi
t.Canyoupl
ease
moveoutofmyway?
Bont
si:(
frowned)o-
kay,
isever
ythi
ngok?
Pat
lo:yes
Bontsi
:letmegof
ixyouyourl
unchandbr
eakf
ast
boxesquickl
y
Patl
o:don'
twor
ryaboutt
hoseit
ookcar
eoft
hem
too
Bont
si:ohoksi
ncewhen?
Pat
lo:haveagoodday
Bont
si:Pat
lo?
Pat
lo:(
tur
ned)Bont
si?
Bont
si:ar
eyounotf
orget
ti
ngsomet
hing?

Hesquinthi
seyesandwentt
oherandki
ssedher
cheek.
..

Pat
lo:bye
Bont
si:ar
eyousur
eyouar
eok?
Pat
lo:myphonewi
llbeof
fmostoft
hedayihavea
l
ottocat
chupon
Bont
si:ohok

Helef
twhilesheslowlysatonherbedwit
haf r
own
onherface.Shequickl
ywenttothebal
conyand
l
ookedathim qui
etlyputhi
sbagsinthecarand
dr
oveout.Shequicklyputonhergownandwentto
Atamel
ang'sbedroom...

Bont
si:At
a..
.
Shefrownedtoanemptyneatl
ymadebedandwent
toherbat
hroom andf
oundnoone.Shecheckedthe
wholehouseandshewasnotthereandthenwent
backtoherbedr
oom andtookherphonecal
li
ng
her.
..

At
amel
ang:hel
lo?
Bont
si:wher
ear
eyou?
At
amel
ang:i
m atwor
k
Bontsi
:wor
..
.At
amel
angyoushoul
dbehome
rest
ing
At
amel
ang:ican'
tbear
oundanunf
ait
hfuland
pr
omi
scuouswomanbye
Bont
si:wai
twhat!
?At
a..
.(
shehunguponherasshe
scof
fed)what
!?

Shechuckl
edgoi
ngbackt
oherbedr
oom andwent
i
ntoashower.
Att
hehospi
tal

Thedoct
oratt
endedtoDaisyasanur
secamei
n
andgavehi
mt heresul
ts.
..

Dr
:oht
her
esul
tsar
eher
emygi
rl
Dai
sy:ohwhatdot
heysay?
Dr:(
heopenedandreadt
hem)t
heyar
ebot
hel
igi
ble
t
odonateakidneyf
oryou
Dai
sy:(
conf
used)t
hey?
Dr:ohidi
dn'tt
ellyou,
yourauntcamet
othe
hospi
tall
astni
ghtandt est
ed
Dai
sy:myaunt
?
Dr
:yesBoi
tshepoDi
ntsi
Dai
sy:butshe'
s.
..
for
geti
t.SosheandVi
ctor
ia
t
est
edpositi
ve?
Dr
:yes
Dai
sy:whatdowedot
hen?
Dr:youhavet
her
ightt
ochoosewhoyouwantt
o
donatef
oryou
Dai
sy:Boi
tshepo,
ichooseBoi
tshepodoct
oroh
t
hankyouLord
Dr
:(f
rowned)why?
Dai
sy:whatdoyoumeanwhy?
Dr
:imeanVi
ctor
iai
syourmot
her
Daisy:t
hef
actt
hatshe'
saprisonershoul
dbeyour
answersoi
m goi
ngwithBoi
tshepodoc
Dr
:ohokt
heniwi
llcont
acther
Dai
sy:t
hankyou

Hefi
nishedcheckingherupandlef
twhi
leDai
sy
si
ghedoutofreli
efandsmiled.
..

Daisy:iknowidi
dn'
tbeli
eveGodexi
stedbutnowi
do.ThankyouLordforsavi
ngmefrom tur
ningi
nto
Vi
ctor
ia.(
Cli
ckedhertongue)she'
sgoi
ngt
oknow
meaftert
hisoper
ati
onhowdar eshe

Att
hebai
lappl
icat
ionof
fi
ces.
..

Boemof i
nishedandwentint
ohercarandsatback
forafewsecondsinthought
s.Shesni
ffedandtook
herphonesendingMiraamessage.
..

Boemo:iknowyoursecr
et.BoemoMai
ket
so.

Shestart
edhercardri
vingoutwhil
eawhi st
li
ng
Miraunl
ockedheroffi
cedoorandputherbagson
thedeskreachi
ngforherphone.Sheopenedthe
messageandf r
ownedr eadi
ngit
..
.

Mi
ra:(
toher
sel
f)what
?
.
.
.
.
.
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
CAGED
69

Mi
ralockedherof
fi
cedoorandscof
fedr
eadi
ngt
he
messageagai
n..
.

Mi
ra:iknowyoursecr
et?I
sthi
swi
tcht
ryi
ngme?

Shecli
ckedhert
ongueandswi
tchedonherl
apt
op
cal
li
ngBoemo...

Boemo:hel
lo?
Mi
ra:whatar
eyoupl
ayi
ngat
?
Boemo:whatar
eyoupl
ayi
ngat
?
Mir
a:yourl
it
tl
ethr
eat
swon'
ttakeyouanywher
emy
l
ove
Boemo:inevermakethr
eat
s.Imakepr
omi
sesandi
makesuretodeli
ver
Mir
a:soyour
eal
lyt
hinkt
hewor
ldr
evol
vesar
ound
youneh?
Boemo:t
hewor
ldr
evol
vesar
oundnoonemydear
Mira:ohatl
eastyouknowmygi r
l.Youcandoall
youwantbabebutdon'tt
hinkiwi
lllett
hatl
it
tl
ebrat
ofyoursgetawaywit
hwhathedi dtomydaughter
Boemo:youmeanwhatyourdaught erdi
dt ohersel
f?
IfiwereyouMiraiwoul
djustacceptt
herealit
yof
thingsandmoveon.It
sami st
akeithappened
teachyourdaught
ersomethi
ngman.Wel lthat'
sif
she'syour
s
Mi
ra:excuseme?
Boemo:isaidteachyourdaught
ertotake
responsi
bil
it
yofheracti
ons.I
tsnotli
keshewas
obl
igedt
onotaskBosatoputonacondom.Sheis
19soshehasever
yrightt
osaywhatshewants.As
l
ongasshewasnotrapedtheyar
einthi
stoget
her
Mira:BoemoMaiket
soyoursonr
uinedmy
daughter'
sli
fe
Boemo:buthowdoyougoof
fandl
iet
othepol
ice?
Mi
ra:i
fil
iedwhyi
shest
il
lbehi
ndbar
s?
Boemo:factisyouliedaboutthemai nr easonwhy
youwenttor epor
tBosa.Youar ejustluckyt he
det
ecti
veont hiscasei ssmar
tandknowst helawif
i
twasn'tt
hatyouwoul dbetheonef acingt helaw
but
..
.(
scoffed)theuniverseworksinmyst eri
ous
waysyouneverwhati thasi
nst or
eforaper son
Mir
a:justsoyouknowihavenosecr
etsnana
whateveryouthi
nkyouhaveonmewon'teven
st
andsogi veup
Boemo:thef
actthatyoucall
edmeaf terget t
ingmy
messageandthatyouthinkihavesomet hingon
yougoestoshowthereindeedissomet hi
ngmy
l
ovebutheyoneofsetswanapr over
bssays" re
tl
aar
ekedipi
tseredibonakamebal a"isn'tit
?
Mi
ra:yousoundpat
het
ic
Boemo:byebaby

Shelaughedandhungupwhi l
eMirathr
ewher
phoneonherdeskandbi therfi
ngersof
tl
yswingi
ng
herchair.ShethoughtofwhatBoemocould
possiblyknowandscof f
edpushingherchai
rin
pressingherlapt
op..
.

Mira:thati
diotknowsnothi
ngaboutme.Leon
wouldneverdoanyt hi
ngbecauseheknowswhat's
atstakesot hi
switchi
sjustcr
yingf
oratt
enti
onand
desperatetocomeacrossastoughbutshe'
sjusta
patheti
clawyer.

Boemo'sphoner
angandanswer
edchangi
ng
gear
s..
.

Boemo:Mr
sKwena
Bontsi
:hiB,ihearyouguysaskedf
ort
hemeeti
ng
tobepostponedbecauseBosahasbeenar
rest
edi
s
ever
ythi
ngok?
Boemo:yeahever
ythi
ngi
sfine.Hewi
llbeoutsoon
i
t'
sjustt
hatsomethi
ngsar
ebeyondourcontrol
Bont
si:whatdi
dhedo?
Boemo:i
m notatl
iber
tytoshar
eanydetai
lswit
h
youatt
hemomentbecausewewantt hi
smat t
erto
beaspri
vat
easpossible
Bont
si:ohiunder
standlove.I
fyouneedanyt
hing
don'
thesi
tat
etocontactushey
Boemo:t
hanks
Bont
si:bye
Boemo:bye

TheyhungupasBont sigotof
fhercarandheaded
i
ntotheKwenaInvestmentsbuil
dinggoi
ngstr
aight
toherdaught
er'
soff
ice..
.
Bont
si:(
openedwit
houtknocki
ng)i
m sor
rytothr
ow
mysel
finli
kethi
sbutiknewyouwouldn'
topenfor
me
At
amel ang:ofcourseandyouarei
nvadi
ngmy
pr
ivacyim goingtocal
lsecur
it
yonyou
Bont
si:At
amybabycomeon
Atamelang:nomom don'
tcomeonme, idecidedt
o
comet oworkforar
eason.I
fitweren'
tforthat
reasoniwouldbehomenowsopl easeleave
Bont
si:(
satdown)weneedt
otal
k
At
amel
ang:whoaskedyout
osi
tdown?Mom l
eave
Bontsi:iknowyouar
eangrymyloveandi
understandwhybuttr
ytounder
stand
Atamel
ang:underst
andt
hatyouar
echeati
ngonmy
dad?Yourhusbandof20year
s?That
'sr
ich
Bontsi
:isweart
oyouihaven'
tdoneanyt
hingwi
th
Robert
Atamel
ang:howwi
lliknow?Idon'
ttr
ustyou
anymor
e
Bont
si:comeonbabyt
rustme
At
amel ang:i
sitbecausedadmessedaroundwith
Vi
ctor
ia?Isthisyougett
ingbackathim?Soallt
his
t
imeyouhavebeenf ool
ingdadjustt
ostabhi
m on
t
heback
Bont
si:ofcour
senot
At
amel
ang:t
henwhymom,
why?
Bontsi:(l
ookeddown)ifelli
nlovewit
hRober twhil
e
wewer einzanzi
barbutbecauseiwentthereto
fi
ghtformymar ri
ageiusedthattosur
pressmy
feel
ingsforhim andalsothefactt
hatyouand
Saschawer eat hi
ngiswhathelpedinbrushingthe
feel
ingsaway
Atamelang:sonowt hatSaschai
soutofthepi
ctur
e
yousawi tfi
ttomessar oundwit
hthewhit
eman?Is
thatwhyyouventuredintobusi
nesswit
hhim?To
beclosetohim?
Bont
si:no
At
amel
ang:don'
tli
etomepl
ease
Bont
si:i
m notl
ying
Atamel
ang:youaremom youare!Youwentint
o
busi
nesswithRober
ttousethatasafr
onttohide
whatyoutwoaredoingbehi
ndourbacks
Bont
si:whatdoyouwantmet
odowhenil
ovehi
m
Atamelang:mamayouareamar
ri
edwomanwi
tha
chil
d.Don'tyoul
ovedad!
?
Bont
si:idobutil
oveRober
ttoo!
Atamelang:t
hat'
sabsurdandyouknowitmom!
Don'tyouwantmet oremi
ndyouofwhatyousaid
whenyouconf r
ontedmeaboutBosaandSascha'
s
si
tuati
on?Wheniwasst uckbet
weenthetwo?
Bont
si:iknowwhatisai
d
Atamel
ang:t
henpract
isewhatyoupr
eachedma!
Youarenott
hiswoman
Bontsi:(
cried)butil
oveRober
tit
riedt
of i
ghtt
he
feel
ings,iprayedandaskedGodfordi
recti
onbut
nothing!
At
amel ang:ohpl
easemom!Youareagrown
womanyouknowwhatyouar edoi
ngi
smorall
y
wrong.Youareamar r
iedwomanwhocri
edfoul
whenyoufoundoutthatyouwer
echeatedbutt
hen
youtur
naroundanddot hesamethi
ngthatwas
donetoyou.Whyareyoubeingahypocr
it
e?Why!?
Bontsi:(
swall
owedandsni
ff
ed)ar
eyougoi
ngt
otel
l
yourfather
?
At
amel
ang:pl
easel
eave
Bont
si:At
amel
angpl
easel
i.
..
Atamelang:(
hitt
hedesk)isai
dleavebef
oreical
l
secur
it
y!

Bontsijumpedst artledandswal l
owedst andi
ngup.
Shefixedherski rtl
ookingatherdaught erwhokept
aseriousf acelookingather.Sheswal lowed
walki
ngt othedoor.Shehel dthehandleandt ur
ned
backtoherdaught erwhol ookeddownont he
documet sinf r
ontofher .Bontsiopenedt hedooras
herhear tdroppedtoherst omachwhi leherl i
ps
i
nstantlybecamedr yasshel ockedeyeswi th
Patl
o...
Bont
si:(
sni
ff
ed)hi
Pat
lo:mayipl
easegoi
n?
Bont
si:Pat
lo?

Hequietl
ylookedatherandsoft
lymovedheroutof
thewayashewenti nhisdaught
er'
soffi
ceand
droppedafil
eonherdesk..
.

Pat
lo:cr
osscheckthi
ssheetformemyl
oveineed
i
tonmydeskbef or
elunchti
me
At
amel
ang:okdad
Pat
lo:doyoumi
ndsushif
orl
unch?
At
amelang:nopei
tsl
ikeyouknewt
hatiwas
cr
avi
ngit
Patl
o:coolthen.I
fyouf
inishyourwor
kbef
orel
unch
daddywillt
akeyououtthen
At
amel
ang:t
hankyoudada
Pat
lo:anyt
hingf
ormyangel
Hesmil
edatherandtur
nedtoBont
siwhowasstil
l
att
hedoorandkeptaseri
ousf
acewalki
ngout
..
.

Bont
si:Pat
lo?

Heignor
edherasshelookedatAt
amelangwho
shookherheadt
henshefoll
owedherhusbandt
o
hisof
fi
ce..
.

Bontsi:l
ove?Pat
loi
mt al
kingtoyou.Babecanyou
pleasenotdothi
stome.Let'stal
kaboutthi
s,idon'
t
knowwhatyouhear dbutcanyoupleaseall
owme
toex..
.

Pat
loshutt
hedooronherf
aceandl
ockedi
tasshe
swal
lowed.
..

Bont
si:expl
ain.
Sheswal l
owedclosinghereyesinfrontofhisof
fi
ce
astearsbuil
tinhereyes.Shesighedandt ur
ned
l
eaving..
.

Bont
si:ok

Shepacedt
ohercarandbur
sti
ntot
ear
scal
li
ng
Kel
ell
o..
.

Kel
ell
o:l
ove?
Bont
si:(
cryi
ng)i
t'
samessever
ythi
ngi
samess
Kel
ell
o!
Kelel
lo:ar
eyoucr
ying?What
'sgoi
ng,
what
happened?
Bontsi
:At
amel
angover
hear
dourconver
sat
ion
yest
erday
Kel
ell
o:what
!?
Bontsi:yesit
ri
edtoexplai
ntoherbutshe'
snot
havingit.Mydaught
erismadatmeKel ell
o.Whydo
ihavet ogothr
oughthi
s?
Kel
ell
o:wher
ear
eyou?
Bontsi:icametot
heof f
icetotryandmakeher
understandandshe'sst
illnothavi
ngi
t.Nowit
hink
Patl
ohear dustal
king
Kel
ell
o:what
!?
Bontsi
:hestoodr
ighti
nfr
ontofmewheniopened
theoff
icedoor
Kel
ell
o:di
dhesayanyt
hing?
Bontsi
:nobutheslammedandl ockedhi
sof
fi
ce
dooronmyf aceKelel
lo.I
magi
ne
Kel
ell
o:gonemmemyf riendwhatdi
dyouexpect
?I
t
oldyoutostopt
hisnonsenseyouaret
hinki
ng
Bontsi:il
oveRober
twhati
sitt
hatyoupeopl
ecan'
t
understand?
Kelel
lo:youpeopl
e?Soweareyoupeoplenow?
Bontsiyouareamarri
edwomandammi t,God
for
giveme, wakeupandst
opbeingafool!
Bont
si:youknowwhatbye
Kel
ell
o:Bont
si?Bon.
..

Shehunguponherandsni ff
edwipingherf
ace.
Shelookedinhermirr
orandr ever
sedoutofthe
par
kingthendroveoutathighspeedalmosthit
ti
ng
oneofthesecuri
typersonnel
s.

AtLi
zzy'
scompany.
..

Letl
otlofi
nishedtheassi
gmentoneofhisseni
ors
gavehi m ashesighedandsatbackdi
ali
ngLame
wit
ht heof f
icel
ine.
..

Lame:LameDi
ntsihel
lo
Let
lot
lo:(
laughed)hisi
sit
'sme
Lame:mxm yousi
ll
ybrat
,weareexpect
ingser
ious
cal
lswenawhyareyoucall
ingwi
thanoffi
celi
ne
Letl
otl
o:sorr
ysisiwantust
ohaveal
engt
hy
conversat
ionar
eyoubusy?
Lame:notreal
lyj
ustatt
heshopiwantt
oseei
fthe
i
nter
iordesi
gnerformyoff
icei
sdoi
ngagoodj
ob
butwecant al
k
Letl
otlo:ok.Soever
ythi
ngwentwel
llastni
ghtand
thekidswel comedmewi t
hopenar
ms
Lame:but
?
Letl
otl
o:butt
hingsgotdi
ff
icul
twhenshegaveme
herwil
l
Lame:oh?
Let
lot
lo:ir
eaditandr
eal
isedt
hatshehasgi
venme
apartofherest
ate
Lame:what
?Why?
Let
lot
lo:she'
sdyi
ng
Lame:heebanna
Let
lot
lo:i
n3weeks
Lame:ah!
?
Let
lot
lo:i
mtel
li
ngyou,
shehasl
eukemi
a
Lame:damn,
howl
onghasi
tbeen?
Let
lot
lo:5year
sint
otal
.Shebeatitatf
ir
stbuti
t
camebackandcamebackstronger
Lame:shamet
hat
'ssad
Let
lot
lo:iknow
Lame:sowhyisshegi
vingyouhert
hingswhenshe
har
dlyknowsyou?
Letl
otlo:becauseshehasnoone,shoul
dshedi
e
herkidswi l
lbetakent
oachil
dren'
shomeandshe
doesn'twantthat
Lame:r
elat
ives?
Let
lot
lo:shehasnone.Hermot her'
sf ami
lydidn'
t
wantherfatherandherf
ather
'sdidn'twanther
mothersotheylongcutt
ieswiththem beforeshe
wasevenbor nsosheknowsnoone
Lame:soshewant
syout
otakecar
eofherchi
ldr
en?
Let
lot
lo:yes
Lame:youguyshar
dlyknowoneot
herwhydoes
shet
rustyou?
Letl
otl
o:idon'tevenknowiguessmaybei t
's
desperat
ionjusttomakesurethatherki
dsgrowup
i
naf amily
Lame:(
sighed)isee.Sowhat
'syourt
akeoni
t?
Let
lot
lo:ical
ledyout
ohel
pmedeci
de
Lame:okshehar dl
yknowsyoubutt hefactthatshe
hasbeendoi ngsomet hi
ngf oryoueversinceshe
foundoutaboutyoushowsofhowmuchagr eat
womanshei s.Apartofmet hi
nksmaybeshei s
buyingyourempat hyandhel pbutthenagainapar t
ofmesays, shehadcancerf or5yearst
heyear s
beforet
hecancershest i
llsavedmoneyf oryou
whichtakesusbackt oherbei ngawonder ful
womansomybr otheriwoul dsayl
et'
salsobegood
peopleandhel pherout.Shehasnoonebutyou
Let
lot
lo:ar
eyousur
e?
Lame:100%sur
ebr
oidon'
tmi
ndhel
pingyou
Let
lot
lo:whataboutt
her
estoft
hef
ami
ly?
Lame:l
eavet
hem t
omej
ustt
ellheryouwi
llt
ake
theki
dsi
n.Sheonlyhas3weeksandit hinkyou
shoul
dstaywit
hthem sothatt
hekidsgetusedto
havi
ngyouaroundandforhertoseethatyouwil
l
beagoodbigbrot
her
Let
lot
lo:t
hat
'sagr
eati
dea
Lame:yeah.3weeks?Wowhowdoesshef
eel
?
Let
lot
lo:shesaysshe'sreadybutyouwon'
tbel
ieve
i
twhenit el
lyouthatshe'si
ntheoffi
ce
Lame:ar
esi
li
entwomanshei
s
Let
lot
lo:indeed.Anywayl
etmegetbackt
owork
don'
tforgettotal
ktotheel
der
sandletmeknow
Lame:sur
ebr
o

TheyhungupasLameattendedthei
nter
ior
desi
gnerwhi
leLet
lot
losi
ghedtaki
nghis
assi
gnmentt
ohisboss.

AtTemo'
shouse.
..
Boi
tshepof
ini
shedbat
hingasherphoner
ang.
..

Boi
tshepo:T?
Temo:hiihopei
m notdi
stur
bingyouguys
Boi
tshepo:nonotatal
lij
ustf
ini
shedbat
hing
Temo:ohokt
hedoct
orcal
ledmeandhesaysDai
sy
hasdeci
dedt
ohaveyouasadonor
Boi
tshepo:ok
Temo:gonemmesi
swhat
'sgoi
ngon?
Boi
tshepo:Vi
ctori
awantsyourchildand
Reatl
egil
e'
sbloodshoul
dshegeti tshei
sgoingto
bemor epowerf
ulandthengobackt oherevil
ways
andthisti
mearoundshewouldfinishusal
l
Temo:ar
eyoubei
ngser
iousr
ightnow?
Boi
tshepo:yes
Temo:t
henwhydoesi
thaveanyt
hingt
odowi
th
Dai
sy?
Boi
tshepo:goandaskDai
syshewi
llt
ellyou
ever
ythi
ng
Temo:oh,
okt
heniwil
l.Sothat
'swhyyouwer
e
bl
eedi
ngwhenyougotint
hehouse?
Boi
tshepo:yes
Temo:(si
ghed)yohspi
ri
tualt
hings.Anywayl
etme
notkeepyou.Seeyoul
aterhey
Boi
tshepo:sur
e.Wheni
stheoper
ati
on?
Temo:thedoctorsai
dtheywi
llt
ellmewhen
everyt
hingi
sreadysoeit
hert
omor r
owortheday
aft
er
Boitshepo:okt
heybettermakeitqui
ckbecausei
wantt ogobackandfinishmyinit
iat
ionprocess.I
don'twanttomissyourwedding.Howar ethe
preparati
onsgoi
ng?
Temo:everyt
hingi
sgoinggoodsofarwehave
everyt
hingweneedforthedayj
ustafewhiccups
hereandther
ebutdon'tworr
yal
lwil
lbefi
ne
Boi
tshepo:yespl
ease
Temo:acl
ientj
ustwal
kedi
ntot
heof
fi
cebye
Boi
tshepo:bye

Theyhungupasshesighedput
ti
ngonhercl
othes.
Shet ur
nedbutf
rownedt
oawomanlooki
ngthe
otherway.
..

Boi
tshepo:hel
lo?

Thewomant ur
nedasBoit
shepo'shear
tski
ppeda
beatseei
ngBontsii
nsameclot
hesashers.
..

Bont
si:hel
losi
sterwi
fe
Boi
tshepo:(
closedhereyes)Lor
dir
efuse,
no!

Thebedr
oom dooropenedast
het
eacherwal
ked
i
n..
.

Teacher
:Mmant
wa?
Boi
tshepo:l
eavemeandmymanal
onepl
ease
Teacher
:Mmant
wai
tsmeopenyoureyes

Shesl
owlydidandf
rownedl
ooki
ngar
oundwi
thno
si
gnofBontsi
..
.

Teacher
:ar
eyouok?
Boi
tshepo:ij
ustsawher
Teacher
:who?
Boi
tshepo:t
hewomanmyboyf ri
endisi
nlovewit
h.
Shesmiledandcal
ledmesi st
erwif
ewearingsame
cl
othesasibutadi
f f
erentbel
t
Teacher
:(smi
led)i
tisGod'
swi
llmyl
ove
Boi
tshepo:noican'
tshar
eamanwi
thmyf
ri
end
Teacher:youknowyoucan'tgoagainstGod'swil
l
Mmant wa.Youandt hatwomanaredestinedto
worktogetherandforyouguyst
owor ktogether
yourspiri
tshavetobeoneandforthem tobeone
youguyshavet omar r
ythesameman
Boi
tshepo:no,
noican'
t
Teacher:best
rongmygi rl
,prayf
orstrengt
h.You
tol
dyourboyfri
endthathispathcrossedwit
hthat
ofthatwomanf orareasonthefi
rstti
meyousaw
himright?
Boi
tshepo:yes
Teacher:thatreasonwasforyouguystobe
broughttogethertobr
ingheal
ingtothewor
ld
Boi
tshepo:but
..
.
Teacher
:fi
nishupweneedtostar
tpr
ayi
ngf
or
prot
ecti
onoveryouroper
ati
on

Shesmil
edleavi
ngwhi
leBoi
tshepof
rownedsl
owl
y
si
tt
ingonthebed.
..

Boi
tshepo:t
her
e'snowayicanshar
eamanwi
th
Bontsi
.She'
smarri
edatt
hat.

AtRober
t'
swor
kpl
ace.
..
Hequickl
ygotof fhischairgoi
ngtoatt
endtothe
roughknockatthedoorandasheopenedhe
l
ockedeyeswi t
hacr yi
ngBontsiwhothrewhersel
f
i
nhi sar
ms.Hef rownedi nconfusi
onandclosedthe
doorhuggingher..
.

Rober
t:what
'swr
ongBont
si?
Bontsi
:(sni
ff
ed)im sosor
ryt
othr
owmysel fi
nto
youroff
iceli
kethi
sbutihadnowher
elset
ogo
Rober
t:what
'sgoi
ngon?
Bont
si:il
oveyouRober
t
Rober
t:huh?
Bont
si:yes.Il
oveyouandmyloveforyouhascost
memydaught erandahusbandof20years
Rober
t:whatar
eyousayi
ng?
Bontsi
:ihavebeenfi
ghti
ngmyf
eeli
ngsforyou
si
nceyouopenedupaboutyour
sformeandi
cal
ledmyf ri
endtohel
pme.Mydaught
eroverhear
d
ustal
kingont
hephone.Itr
iedtomakeher
under
standmoret
hatievenwentt oherof
fi
ceandi
thi
nkmyhusbandheardust al
king
Rober
t:ok,
haveaseatandl
etmegr
abyouabot
tl
e
ofwat
er

Shesnif
fedsi
tt
ingdownasheopenedt
hebot
tl
efor
herandsatonhisdesk.
..

Rober
t:sowhatdi
dyourhusbandsay?
Bont
si:not
hinghejustslammedhisoff
icedooron
myface.Im scar
edoflosinghi
m butil
oveyou
Rober
t:okihearbutyouhavet
omakeadeci
sion
Bont
si:t
hingi
sit
shar
dRober
t
Robert
:butattheendoft
hedayyoucan'thavet
he
bot
hofusyouar egoingt
oendupchoosingwho
youwantt obewit
handthesooneryoudothatt
he
bet
terforever
yone
Bont
si:whataboutBoi
tshepo?
Rober
t:iwi
llt
alktoher
.Ifshedoesn'
twanttoshar
e
methenwewi l
lhavetopartwaysprovi
dedyou
l
eaveyourhusband
Bont
si:(
sighed)whyi
stheLor
ddoi
ngt
hist
ome?
Robert:ourpathscr
ossedforareason,wecan'tj
ust
fal
linl
ovewi thoneanotherwit
houtreason.I
twil
l
berevealedsoonorlat
erbutfacti
siwantt obe
wit
hyouandiwantt obewi t
hBoit
shepoal so
Bont
si:whati
fidon'
twantt
oshar
eyouwi
thher
Rober
t:t
henchooseyourhusband
Bont
si:butil
oveyouandil
ongf
oryou
Rober t
:takeyourti
meandpr ayaboutit.Ial
solong
foryoubutt hedecisi
onli
esinbothofyoul adi
es
hands.IficouldiwouldcallBoi
tsheponowbutwe
willhavetowaitforhertocomebackandwhi l
ewe
arewai t
ingworkont hi
nkingofwhattodobear i
ng
i
nmi ndthatyourhusbandnowpossi bl
yknows
what '
sgoingon

Bont
sisi
ghedt
hrowi
ngherheadbackasRober
t'
s
phoner
ang.Hespoket
oitf
orami
nut
eandhung
up.
..

Rober
t:ihavet
ogof
orameet
ingpl
easebesaf
efor
me
Bont
si:ok

Shetookherwaterandledt
hewayoutasRober t
fol
lowedher
.Theyhuggedasheki ssedhercheek
andwentforhi
smeet i
ngwhileshewenttohercar
scr
atchi
ngherhead.

I
nPr
ison.
..

Vict
ori
atookherseati
nthepr
ivat
ephoneboot
h
andanswered.
..

Vi
ctor
ia:MsDi
ntsihe.
..
Dai
sy:youf
ail
ed,yourpl
anoft
urni
ngmei
nto
somethi
ngi
m notdidn'
twor
k
Vi
ctor
ia:excuseme?
Daisy:i
m notgoingtohurtmyuncl
eforsomeone
uselessl
ikeyou.Ifoundadonor
Vi
ctor
ia:excuseme?
Dai
sy:youhear
dme
Vi
ctor
ia:whoi
sit
?
Daisy:youwanttokil
lthem?Iaskedthedoct or
sto
nottellyouwhoitisf
ortheirownsaf
ety.Victor
ia
youhaveanevi lhear
thowcanyougot hi
sf art
o
hurtyourfamil
yjustforpower?Youarepatheti
c
andim goingexposeyouf orwhoyoureal
lyar e
Vi
ctor
ia:Dai
syi
m war
ningyou
Dai
sy:andevenifyoutr
ytodosomethi
ngtomet
he
t
rut
hwi l
lbereveal
edandyouar
egoingtopay
Vi
ctor
ia:youconni
vingbr
at
Dai
sy:li
kemotherl
i
kedaught
er.Haveani
cel
if
ein
hel
ldearestmot
her
Shecli
ckedhert
ongueandhungupasVi
ctor
iabi
t
herl
owerli
pandhitt
hetabl
e..
.

Vi
ctor
ia:shi
t!Damnt
hisst
upi
dchi
ldshi
t!

Shesai
dpunchi
ngi
nGabone'
snumber
..
.

Gabone:Di
ntsi
?
Vict
ori
a:(
swall
owedwithhereyescl
osed)i
t'
sal
l
done,i
mfini
shed,
it'
soverf
orme
Gabone:whatar
eyousayi
ng?
Victori
a:t
heonl
ychanceihadtosurvi
valj
ust
sl
ippedoutofmyhandssoi m doneGabonet
her
e's
nothingwecaneverdo
Gabone:Vi
ctor
iawai
ti.
..
Vi
ctor
ia:goodbyeGabonedon'
tevercallmeagai
n.
Vi
ctor
iaDintsif
ail
edi
m accept
ingmyf atei
t'
sover
f
orme.I
m aprisonbi
rdnowj
ustwai
ti
ngf
ormy
t
imet
odie.Haveanicel
if
e
Gabone:Vi
..
.

Shehungupandheavedahugesi ghandwal ked

backtohercel
ldraggi
ngherfeetwithherhead
down.Wasitreal
lyoverf
orher?Shebel i
evedsoas
theycl
osedherbackinsi
deandt henlai
donher
bunk.

Backi
nTemo'
shouse.
..

Teacher
:Mmant
wai
m wai
ti
ngf
oryou
Boi
tshepo:j
ustamomentpl
ease

Shesai
dcl
eari
nghert
hroataf
tert
hinki
ngfor
someti
meanddeci
dedtosendBontsiamessage.
..
Boi
tshepo:ki
ndlyleavemymanal
onebef
oreit
urn
i
ntosomeonei m not

Shesentitandswit
chedof fherphonewhil
ebythe
tr
affi
cli
ghtsBont
sistoppedandr eadthemessage
withafr
ownonherf ace..
.

Bont
si:(
sighed)ohgr
aci
ousLor
d.
.
.
.
.
.
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
CAGED
70

AtPat
lo'
sof
fi
ce.
..
Hesi
ghedfail
ingtof
ocusasaknockcamet
hrough
hi
sof
ficedoor..
.

Pat
lo:comei
n
Bai
sago:awebuddyyoucal
led.What
'sup?
Pat
lo:haveaseat
Baisago:i
sever
ythi
ngok?Yousoundedabi
tof
fon
thephoneandyoulookl
ikeamess
Pat
lo:(
sighed)iwasr
ight
Bai
sago:about
?
Pat
lo:Bont
siandRober
t
Bai
sago:youl
ie
Patl
o:imt el
li
ngyoubuddy.I tlooksli
keour
daughtersaworhear dsomet hingsoBont siwas
hereearli
ertopleadwithhertounder st
andbut
AtamelangbeingAt amelangrefusedandihear d
everyt
hing.Totaiheardthem talki
nglastnightand
thi
smor ning
Bai
sago:soRober
tis.
..
(swal
lowed)
Patl
o:f
uckingmywi f
eyes.Wel
lshesayst
hey
haven'
tdoneanyt
hingbuthowwouldweknow?
Bai
sago:yoh.Sohowl
onghast
hisbeengoi
ngon?
Patl
o:fr
om whatiheardshelongfel
linl
ovewit
h
himinZanzi
barbutbrushedoffthef
eeli
ngsbut
theycamebackjustrecent
ly
Bai
sago:wow,
iml
ostf
orwor
ds
Patl
o:if
eell
ikei
mjusti
nadarkpitBai
sago.Il
ove
thi
swomanandican'tl
osehert
oanotherman
Bai
sago:quest
ioni
sdoesshel
oveyou?
Pat
lo:shesaysso
Bai
sago:i
sshebei
nghonestt
hough?
Pat
lo:idon'
tknow
Baisago:i
m sayi
ngt hi
sbecauseiknowonehar
dly
fi
ndsawomanl ovingtwomenthesame.She'
d
rat
herlovetheotheronemore
Patl
o:shetr
iedt
otal
ktomebutishutt
hedooron
herfaceear
li
er
Baisago:youar
epushingheri nt
oRober t
'sarms
buddy.Iknowit'
shardtolearnthatyourspouseis
cheati
ngbutyoushouldjustletthem t
alkevenif
youdon'tsayanythi
ngandj ustl
istent
othem
Patlo:t
hepai
nofhavi
ngyourwomancheatonyou
thoughbroahnoican'
ttaket
his
Bai
sago:whatdoyoupl
anondoi
ng?
Patlo:i
m honest l
yconfusedonwhatt odobecause
i
m notper fecteit
herbutimtrying.Iknowimessed
aroundal otandst i
l
lsleptwit
hherbutt hethought
ofhersleepingwi t
hRober tt
hencomesl eepwit
h
mehonest lyirksme.Itdoesn'tsitwell
withme
Baisago:yesyoumessedaroundandt hat
'st
he
past.Shehasnor i
ghttouseitagainstyoutojust
if
y
whatshe'sdoing.Youhaveturnedanewl eafand
that'
swhatshewant edwhenshef oughtforyour
mar r
iageri
ght?
Pat
lo:yesandthat
'stheothert hi
ngthatconfuses
meevenmor e.Bontsif
oughtt oothandnailforusto
bewherewear enowandf orhertotur
nar oundand
dothesamet hi
ngshef oughtagainstreal
lyhasme
aski
ngmyselfendl
essquesti
ons,
isshedoi
ngthi
s
togetbackatmeorshefal
lenoutofl
ovewit
hme?
Bai
sago:youshoul
dtal
ktoher
Pat
lo:i
m scar
edofhowtheconversat
ionmi
ghtgo.
Webothhavepri
desoitmightendbadly
Bai
sago:doyoul
oveher
?
Pat
lo:mor
ethanyoucani
magi
nebuddy
Bai
sago:t
henbecal
m abouti
t
Patl
o:oki
lewaj
elwaBai
sago?(
Haveyoubeen
cheat
edon)
Bai
sago:no,
wel
lidon'
tknow
Patlo:i
t'
stheworstthingtoevergothrough.The
thoughtofherandtheguydoi ngthedeedbur ies
you.Imagineknowingt hatsomeonefeelsexactl
y
whatyouf eelf
rom yourwoman, it
'sadiff
erentform
ofpainitel
lyousoi t
'sgoingtobehardtost aycalm
Baisago:butthi
sisyourmar
ri
ageyouar
ef i
ght
ing
forbuddy.Youwanttomakethiswor
kattheendof
thedayright?
Pat
lo:ofcour
se
Baisago:t
hentrybyallmeanstobehumbleand
cal
m becauseifyouletyouremot
ionsgetthebet
ter
ofyou,youaregoingtosendherstr
aightt
owhere
youdon'twanthertogo
Patlo:(si
ghed)ihearyoubuddyweshal lseewhen
thattimecomesf ornowi m notoktobehonestwit
h
you.Im shatt
ered.Thisman'ssonalmostkil
ledour
daught ermyguy,what '
swrongwi t
hwomen?

Theybot
hsighedsi
tt
ingonthei
rbacksasPat
lo
downedhisbot
tl
eofwater
.

AtTemo'
shouse.
..

Theyfi
nishedprayingandpackedever
ythi
ngaway.
Theteacherwentintotheki
tchent
omaket eawhi
le
Boit
shepocameoutoft her
oom wit
hherphone.
..
Teacher
:pl
easeputt
hatphoneaway
Boi
tshepo:butit
hought
..
.
Teacher:ionlyall
owedyout ohaveyourphone
becauseyouhavet ocommuni cat
ewithyour
brotherwhent hedoctor
stellhim somethi
ngei t
her
thanthatyouar enotall
owedt ousei t
.Remember
youar esti
llastudentMmant wasoi m notgoingto
all
owyout ohavesomet hi
ngt hatwoulddist
urbyou
aroundsoputi tawayplease.Unl essi
t'
syour
brothercal
lingthere'
snoneedt ouseit

Shesighedandtooki
tbackt
othebedr
oom whil
e
theteacherputt
het
eaandbi
scui
tsonthedi
ning
tabl
e..
.

Boi
tshepo:t
hankyou
Teacher
:youar
ewel
come
Boi
tshepo:soican'
ttal
ktomysonordaught
eror
mysmal lbabi
es?
Teacher
:asf
arasi
m concer
nedyouar
est
il
lin
Serowethatiswhyyourbrot
her
,hi
sf i
anceeand
yourni
ecear et
heonlyoneswhoknowyouar ehere.
Theyarethereasonyouareher
einthefir
stpl
ace
sotherestcan'
tknowanythi
ng
Boi
tshepo:butimi
sst
hem
Teacher
:youwi
llj
usthavet
ohangi
nther
emygi
rl
Boi
tshepo:ok
Teacher:igotanawkwardener
gyfr
om youwhi
le
wewer eprayingi
sther
eanythi
ngyouwantt
oshare
wit
hme?
Boi
tshepo:no
Teacher
:youknowt
hatyoucanneverl
iet
ome
ri
ght?
Boi
tshepo:(
swal
lowed)pl
easedon'
tbeangr
yatme
Teacher
:justopenupMmant
wa
Boit
shepo:ihonest
lydon'
tli
ketheideaofme
shari
ngamanwi t
hBontsi
.Godknowsshei sa
marri
edwomanhowcanhenowwanthert oshare
amanwi thme?Thi si
sunfair
,Godcanbeunf ai
rat
ti
mes.Thismani smyhappypl ace,
ihavenever
l
ovedamanl i
keil
ovehi
m.Theuni
ver
sehas
decl
aredt
hist
omeaswel l
Teacher:ihavealr
eadytoldyouMmant wayouand
Bontsiaredesti
nedtowor kt
ogetherthereare
cert
ainfight
sthataregoingtoneedyouguyst o
worktogetherbutyoucan'tworktogetheri
fyouar
e
notone
Boitshepo:whydi
dGodl
ethermar
ryanot
herman
then?
Teacher:becauseheknewt hereasonwhyhe
marri
edt hem atfi
rst
.Herhusbandneededsavi
ng
andonlyhi swif
ecouldsavehim.Ifnothewoul
d
havelostallt
hethingshehavenow
Boitshepo:(si
ghed)yout
alkedaboutcertai
nfi
ght
s
thataregoingt oneedmeandBont siasonewhat
arethosef i
ghts?Andagai
ni m gi
ft
edsoicanwork
onmyown
Teacher:asgif
tedasyouar etherearefi
ghtsthat
youwillalwaysneedhelpwithtakeforexamplethe
fi
ghtNgakaMar umof oughtbeforehedied.Ifi
t
weren'
tforyouhewoul dn'
thavebeenabl etosave
yournephew.Unf
ort
unatel
yican'ttel
lyouanyt
hing
allyouhavet
odoisalwaysprepareyoursel
fmy
child
Boi
tshepo:ei
sh
Teacher
:whathavedone?
Boi
tshepo:meani
ng?
Teacher:di
dyouthr
eat
enBontsi
?(Sheswal
lowed)
Mmant waiaskedyouaquest
ion
Boi
tshepo:t
hingi
si.
..
Teacher:thi
sishowevi lmakesitswayintoyour
soul.Youareachosenchi ldofGodBoitshepoyou
can'tal
lowyouremot i
onstomakeyoudot hings
thatareoutofline.Doyouknowt hatsi
nglethreat
mightruineverythi
ngyouwor kedhardtoachieve?
Doyouwantyourf amil
ytobeconsumedby
darknessagain?
Boi
tshepo:no
Teacher
:thenactaccordingl
ymychil
dorelseyou
wil
lsuff
eralot
.Whati fyouchangeBontsii
nto
somethi
ngshe'snot?Doyouwantt ofacethewrat
h
ofGod?
Boi
tshepo:no
Teacher
:thenstopi
t,st
opt
hinki
ngwhatyouar
e
thi
nki
ng.Im goi
ngtohavet
opunishyouwhenwe
getbackhome
Boi
tshepo:but
..
.
Teacher
:butnot
hingMmant wayouknowexact
ly
whatyouarecal
ledfornowyouwanttotur
nthegif
t
ofGodintosomethi
ngitsnot
?No

Shesaidt
akinghercupandtwobiscui
tsgoi
ng
out
sidewhil
eBoitsheposi
ghedr
ubbingherf
ace.

I
nCar
terAt
tor
neys.
..

Boemo,JoomaandSef el
amadewayi ntothe
boar
droom astherecepti
oni
stputthei
rsnacks
pl
att
eronthetablewithwaterandbott
lesofjui
ce.
..
Boemo:myl
ovei
sReneèar
ound?
Lady:yesma'
am
Boemo:i
fshe'
snotbusyki
ndl
yaskhert
ocomeand
j
oininont
hemeeti
ngineedasmuchgreatbr
ains
asicanonthi
sone
Lady:ok(
shel
eft
)
Sef
ela:mustbeaver
ycompl
exonet
hatyouwant
al
lmyAt eam oni
t
Boemo:i
tiscompl
ex.I
t'
sact
ual
lyt
wooft
hem
Sefel
a:ohisee(smi
ledl
ooki
ngaround)it
hinkwe
needanewvi br
antl
ookyouknow
Jooma:iwasgoi
ngt
opi
tcht
hei
deat
oyou
Sefel
a:greatmindsthinkalike(
theyal
llaughed)i
wil
lgettheint
eriordesignerwhodidthemi ne
off
icestocomeandseewhatshecando
Jooma:yespl
ease
Reneè:goodmor
ningiwasaskedt
ocomeher
e
Boemo:t
hankyouf
orcomi
ngl
ovepl
easet
akea
seat
Reneè:i
sitr
aini
ngpr
omot
ionsaunt
y?(
They
l
aughed)
Sefela:howiwish.MsMaiketsoherehast
wocases
thatsheneedsust oworktoget
heronandshesai
d
sheneedst heAteam onthem
Reneè:ar
eyounott
oooldtobegoingupanddown
cour
ts?Nooff
ence(t
heylaughed)
Sefel
a:i
t'
sthebodythatget
sol
dbutt
hemi ndst
ays
fr
eshasalwaysaslongasyoukeepi
tact
ivemy
l
ove
Reneè:okthenauntynoproblem.Iwasjustl
ooki
ng
outforyou,youknowthel
astt hi
ngiwantist
ohave
myauntcompl aini
ng(t
heylaughed)
Sefel
a:canwepl
easegett
ot hemeeti
ngbefore
Reneèembarr
assesmemor e(theyl
aughed)
Boemo:thankyoual
lforcomingwhenicall
ed
especi
all
yyoubossl
ady.Withyoureverf
ull
schedul
eyoufoundti
met ocomehere
Sef
ela:igi
veallmyempl
oyeespr
ior
it
ytheydeser
ve
mylovesoit'
snosweat
Boemo:(smiled)fi
rstcasei sofmyst
epson.He
hasbeenarrestedforinfecti
ngsomeonewit
hHIV
buthedidn'
tknowhehadi twhenhesl
eptwit
hthat
person
Reneè:i
shest
il
lar
rest
ed?
Boemo:yes
Reneè:t
hat
'sunl
awfult
heycan'
tkeephi
mint
her
e
whenhedidn'
tknowhewasinfect
ed
Boemo:thepolicehavedecidedtotreatt
hecaseas
cri
minalnegl
igencebecauseheknewhewasnot
physi
call
ywellbutsti
llsl
eptwiththegirl
Reneè:ohnowt
heycankeephi
mincust
ody
Jooma:haveyouappl
iedf
orbai
l?
Boemo:yesandthebai
lheari
ngi stomor
row.He'
s
goingt
obeshatt
eredwhenhel earnshehasto
spendanot
herdayinaholdi
ngcel l
Sefel
a:j
usttel
lhimtohangint
hereandyou
shoul
dn'tbeworri
edaboutt
heoutcomesofthebai
l
heari
ng.Theyaregoi
ngtodefi
nit
elygr
antitt
ohim.
Whathaveyoucomeupwi t
htofi
ghtatthebail
hear
ing?
Boemo:f i
rst
lyhe'
s18sohe' snotafli
ghtri
sk,
secondlyhe'
sjustfr
om thehospit
alandsurvi
ved
death.Theordeali
ssti
llfr
eshonhismi ndsohe'
s
sti
llemoti
onall
yandment all
ychal
lenged
Sef
ela:goodt
hatshoul
dstand.Hewillberel
eased.
Anybackupforwhenthisgoestocourt?
Boemo:t
her
e'sagir
lheinf
ectedal
sobutf
rom what
hetol
dmetheyareanit
em now
Sef
ela:goodusehert
oboosthi
sdef
ence
Boemo:ii
ntendt
o
Jooma:anyt
hingel
se?
Boemo:anot
hert
hingisthatidon'
tthi
nkthecase
wil
levenr
eachcourtbecauseihaveaplan
Jooma:shockusMsM
Boemo:themot hertot
heinf
ectedgi
rlwhoopened
acaseagainstBosaseemst ohaveavery
compli
catedpastthatwil
lbr
ingther
elat
ionshi
p
wit
hherdaught ert
oanendshoul dt
hedaughter
fi
ndout.Thischil
disnother
s
Sef
ela:(
scof
fed)basadi
Boemo:iknowr i
ghtsometimesweareapieceof
workandthisbri
ngsustomysecondcase.Theex
husbandtothiswomanf oundoutt
hatthi
swoman
l
iedaboutthechil
dbeingthei
rsanddi
vorcedher
butthef
ami l
yandthe19yearoldchil
dknow
nothi
ng
Al
l:heebat
hong!
Boemo:shocki
ngiknow
Jooma:howl
onghavet
heybeendi
vor
ced?
Boemo:18years.Themanf
il
edf
ordi
vor
ceaf
ter
doi
ngDNAt est
s
Reneè:andhowhavetheybeenabl
etokeept
his
secr
etforthi
slong?
Boemo:shehassomet
hingagai
nsthi
m
Sef
ela:bef
orewegett
othat,
whataboutt
hechi
ld?
Doessheknowherfat
her?
Boemo:yesandthatherpar
ent
sarest
il
lmarri
ed.
Themanlivesover
seaswhichmakesi
teasi
ertol
ie
tot
hechil
d
Sef
ela:doesn'
tsheaskt
ovi
sitherf
ather
?
Boemo:healwayscomesupwithexcusesandthe
mothersometi
mesli
estohersayi
ngshe'svi
sit
ing
hi
m whileshegoest
oSouthAfri
ca
Sef
ela:ohwow
Jooma:thi
swomanisdeter
minedhey.Sowhat
doesshehaveagai
nsthi
m?
Boemo:hei nvi
tedherf
ordi
nnerwhi
let
heywere
sti
lltal
king.Letmeshowyouthescr
eenshot
sof
theirconversat
ions

Sheswitchedont hepr
oject
orast
heyat
tent
ivel
y
readeveryt
hing.
..

Reneè:wow
Boemo:sothat'
sit
.Shouldhesayanythi
ngto
anyoneshe'
sgoingtorepor
thimforrapebecause
sheneversai
dyestosexallshesai
dwast henight
wil
lenddependi
ngonhowmuchofagent l
emanhe
was
Sef
ela:andt
hemanassumedi
tmeantsex
Boemo:yes
Sefel
a:compl
exbutnotthatcomplex.First
quest
ionwhydidshewaitthi
slongtor eporthi
m?
Shekeptqui
etfordays
Reneè:igetyouaunt
ybutanot
herbri
ckwal
list
his
manaskedherwhathecandof orher
Jooma:yeaht
hecour
twi
llsayheknewhedi
d
somet
hingwrong
Sefela:iunder standyourar gumentsverywel lbut
whydi dshekeepqui etforlong?Thismant hought
theywoul dbuildsomet hingwithher,MrCar terandi
canfightandt henheasksmewhathecandof or
met of orgivehimt hat'
sawayofshowi ngl oveand
appreci at
ingyourmi st
akes.Soi nthi
scaset his
manwasappr eciat
inghismi stakeofnot
under standingthe" howmuchofagent l
emanhe
wouldbe"par t.Didshesaynowhenhest art
ed
touchingher ?
Boemo:no
Sefela:ther
eyouhavei t
.Thi
swomani san
oppor t
unistthatobtai
nedwithf
alsepr
etence.
(Chuckled)wear egoi
ngtohavefunwiththisone.
Thesear eoneoft hewomenwhoneedst obe
taughtagoodl essonthatmenareal
sohuman
beingsnott oysyoucant ossar
ound.Wher eisthe
man?
Boemo:(
smi
led)he'
slandi
ngt
hiseveni
ng
Sefela:goodweneedt
ohaveameet i
ngwithhim.
Youar eheadi
ngthi
scaseMsMai ket
sosogiveus
assignmentsandwewillhel
pyou.Ri
ghtguys?
Reneè&Jooma:yes
Sef
ela:goodwehaveyourbackmyl
ove
Boemo:iappr
eci
atei
tal
ot
Sefela:what
everyouneedtobedonewewil
lhear
from youbutwit
hthisoneiwantust
omakesure
thatshe'sl
eftwi
thnothi
ngwhenwearedonewith
her
Reneè:il
ovet
hesoundoft
hat
Jooma:isecondyou
Boemo:(
smi
led)wel
lthenl
et'
sdot
his

Theysmi
ledandhadt hei
rsnackswhilegoi
ng
thr
oughmoreideasofhowtot ackl
ethecase.

THATAFTERNOON

Atar
est
aur
ant
..
.

Atamelangsighedoutofsatisfact
ionasshewiped
hermout hfi
nishingherseafood.Shetookagulpof
waterandgobbl edspit
ti
ngitinabucketandsi
pped
herjui
ce..
.

At
amel
ang:youbear
lyt
ouchedyourf
ood
Pat
lo:(si
ghed)ihear
dyourconver
sat
ionswi
th
mom lastni
ghtandthismorni
ng
At
amel
ang:(
sighed)isee.Icoul
dtel
lyouhear
d
somet
hingatt
heof
fi
ce
Pat
lo:how?
Atamel
ang:mostmenincl
udi
ngyouweart hei
r
emoti
onsonthei
rsl
eevessoitwaseasytotel
lbut
i
m shockedyoumanagedtosleepl
astni
ght
Pat
lo:itookmyanxi
etypi
ll
sthat
'swhyimanaged
tof
allasleep
At
amel
ang:isee
Pat
lo:whyi
sshedoi
ngt
hist
ome?
At
amel
ang:idon'
tknowandi
t'
swr
ong
Patl
o:whatdoessheexpectfr
om me?Toj ustsi
t
backandwatchjustbecauseiputheri
nthesame
posi
ti
onbefore?
Atamel ang:hellno.Onethingiknowf orsureisthat
yout wobel ongtogetherandthere'
snowayi m
goingt ositbackandwat chmypar entsseparate
afterallt
heseyear s.Thesweatandt earsyouhave
beent hroughdad, thefai
ls,t
hewinnings,t
hehappy
moment sandwat chthem godownt hedrai
nl i
ke
that?Hel lnoim notgoingtowatchmom makea
fooloutofher
sel
fespeci
all
ywit
hamanwho'
sson
almostkil
ledme.Herowndaughter
?
Pat
lo:dowhi
tespr
act
isewi
tchcr
aftt
oo?
At
amel
ang:(
unexpect
edl
ylaughed)bat
hongpa
Patlo:noij
ustwanttoknowmyl ovebecauset
hat
's
theonlythi
ngthatcanexpl
ainwhyyourmom is
doingthist
ome
Atamelang:t
heydoyesbutidon'
twanttobel
ieve
Robertisabl
etocastaspel
lonaperson
Patl
o:youcanneverknowmybaby.Imeanhow
canshesaysheloveshimt
hismuch?Didshe
for
getthet
hingswehavebeent
hrough?
At
amelang:it
hinkweshoul
djustgr
abt
hebul
lby
t
hehornsdadandtal
ktomom ordoyouwanther
t
oleaveyou?
Pat
lo:ofcour
senotihavepl
ansf
ormeandt
hat
womanbaby
Atamel
ang:t
henf
ight
ingi
swhatwecanonl
ydo
papa
Pat
lo:how?
Atamel
ang:fi
rstwetal
ktomom andifshe'
sst
il
l
adamantabouthersi
ll
yfeel
ingswemakeRobert
di
sappear
Pat
lo:noAt
amel
angwear
enotgoi
ngt
oki
llanyone
Atamelang:ineverspokeaboutki
ll
ing.Onething
mymom t aughtmeaboutdeal i
ngwi t
hsi t
uati
onsis
thatyoushouldmakesur ei
tdoesn'tcomebackt o
bit
eyousowear egoingtosendRober tbackhome
Pat
lo:hehasbusi
nessesher
e
At
amelang:that'
snotapr oblem l
eaveeverythi
ngto
meandiwi l
lcomebackt oyouonceihavet he
i
nfor
mationim goingtolookf orf
actisRobertand
mom arenevergoingtobet ogethernotaslongasi
br
eathandRober tisgoi
ngbackt oGermanysoon
Pat
lo:(
scof
fed)ican'
tbel
ieveyouar
ethi
sgr
own
At
amelang:l
et'
sjustsayi
m smar
tpapabutallthi
s
i
sgoi
ngt ohappenoncewehearmom'sdecision
Pat
lo:nopr
obl
em
At
amel
ang:youguysar
ehonest
lyapi
eceofwor
k
Theyl
aughedast
hei
rsecondr
oundofdr
inkscame.

AtLi
zzy'
sof
fi
ce.
..

Let
lot
loknockedont
heoff
icedoorasshe
wel
comedhi minandof
fer
edhim aseat.
..

Letl
otl
o:ireal
isedthatyoudidn'
tgof
orlunchsoi
thoughtishouldgetuslunchbutior
deredveggies
foryouandmeatsi nceisawyoueatingthem l
ast
night
Li
zzy:(
smil
ed)awwthat
'ssosweetofyoumyboy
wel
lnowicaneatanyt
hingiwantsi
nceidon'
thave
muchtimel
efti
ntheworld
Let
lot
lo:iwi
llkeept
hati
nmi
nd
Li
zzy:howi
sitgoi
ng?
Let
lot
lo:st
il
llear
ningbutiwi
llgett
her
east
ime
goes
Li
zzy:t
hat
'swonder
ful
Let
lotl
o:ial
sowantedtotellyouthatmyfamil
yand
iwi
llhelpyouwi
ththekids.Ihavespokentomy
si
sterandshespoketotheel der
sandtheysayit
s
ok

Li
zzycoveredhermout
hastear
sbui
lti
nhereyes.
Let
lot
lostoodupandwentt
ohugherassheburst
i
ntotear
s...

Lizzy:t
hankyousomuchyoudon'
tknowhowmuch
thatmeansforme
Let
lot
lo:ourgr
andmotheral
waystaughtusthata
per
soni saper
sonbecauseofotherpeopl
e
Li
zzy:shet
aughtyouwel
l.Thankyousosomuch

Shesni
ff
edlet
ti
nggoofhim andt
ookat
issue
wipi
nghert
earsast
heysatdown.
..

Let
lot
lo:andanot
hert
hing,
mysi
steradvi
cedme
thatmaybeishoul
dmoveinwit
hyouguysfort
he
remaini
ngperi
odsothatt
hechi
ldr
engetusedt
o
beingaroundme
Lizzy:t
hat
'sawonder
fuli
deayouar emorethan
welcomemyboy.Pleaseinvi
teyoursi
steroverf
or
theweekend?
Let
lot
lo:idef
ini
tel
ywi
ll
Li
zzy:shei
sagoodl
adywhatdoesshedo?
Letl
otlo:shehasbeenowningatuckshopforthe
pasttwoyear sbutnowshehasventur
edinto
businesswithourcousi
nandtheyareopeningabig
shopandabout i
quebackhome
Li
zzy:af
ocusedqueenshei
s.Howol
d?
Let
lot
lo:21
Li
zzy:ohwowshe'sdesti
nedforgreat
nessi
ndeed.
Askheroveriwoul
dlovetogettoknowher
Let
lot
lo:(
smi
led)iwi
ll

Li
zzysmi
ledbackathi
m ast
heyat
eupwhi
le
cat
chi
ngup.

Att
hehospi
tal
..
.

Dai
sysmiledatheruncl
ewhoopenedt
hedoorand
smi
ledbacktaki
nghisseat
..
.

Temo:howar
eyouf
eel
ingmyl
ove?
Dai
sy:i
m okmal
omej
ustwai
ti
ngf
ort
omor
row
Temo:wear
eal
lhappyt
hatyouwi
llbeok
Dai
sy:t
hankst
oaunt
yB
Temo:yeahhey.(
Clearedhisthr
oat)soyouknow
aunt
yBhasgonef orinit
iat
ionschoolr
ight
?
Dai
sy:yes
Temo:sothatmeansshecanseebeyondhuman
eyer
ight
?
Dai
sy:yep
Temo:shet
oldmesomet
hingyest
erdayandasked
metocomeandaskyouwhydoesVictor
iawant
ing
mychil
dandwoman'
sbloodgotanyt
hingtodowit
h
you?
Daisy:(si
ghed)shewantedtousemet ogetherthe
bloodsheneededmal ome.Irefusedatfir
stwhen
shetoldmet hatshehasmi l
li
onssomewher efor
mebutiknewshewasl ying.Iguessnowshesent
peopletoattackmesothaticandesper at
elyneed
herhelpandf orhert
ohelpmeiwi llhavetohel
p
herfir
st
Temo:wow
Dai
sy:yesuncl
eTemo(reachedunderherpi
ll
ow)
shecametogivemethi
stoputinauntyReatl
egi
le'
s
waterwhenshevi
sit
sme
Temo:soshewant
edt
oki
llt
hem?
Daisy:shesai
dtheywer
enotgoi
ngt
odi
ebuti
knowshewasl yi
ng
Temo:(
swal
lowed)wer
eyougoi
ngt
odoi
tnana?
Daisy:(si
ghed)honestl
yspeaki
ngmalomeiwas
consideri
ngitbecauseidon'
twantt
odienow
Temo:im di
ssapoi
ntedyesbutiunder
standi
mjust
gl
aditdidn'
tcometothat.
Dai
sy:ar
eyousur
e?
Temo:yesbutineedyout oassuremet hatno
matterwhatVict
oriaasksofyou,youdon'tdoit
.We
arefamilyandwehavet ol
ookoutf oroneanother
,
nomat terwhatwearenevergoingtoletevi
lget
betweenus.Wel oveyouandwewi l
lal
waysbe
ther
ef oryou
Dai
sy:iassur
eyouuncl
eTandiappr
eci
atet
hat
Temo:good.Nowmakesureyouhealf
astwehave
aweddinginafewweeks
Dai
sy:ohgoshican'
twai
t

Theyl
aughedasTemotookthepl
ast
icandf
lushed
i
tdownthetoi
leti
nDai
sy'
sroom.

THATEVENI
NG
AtMi
ra'
shouse.
..

Sharonopenedt hegat
eandrushedtot
he
bathroom asLeonpull
edhi
sbagsin.Mir
afr
owned
upinherroom andputonhergowngoingdownthe
stai
rs..
.

Mi
ra:Shar
onwhoar
eyouopeni
ngt
hegat
efor
?
Sharon:(
int
het
oil
et)amansayshehasadel
iver
y
foryou
Mi
ra:whatdel
iver
y,Shar
onyouopenedf
ort
hieves

Asshesai
dLeonopenedt
hedoorandsmi
led.
..

Leon:honeyi
m home

Mir
a'sheartdr
oppedt
oherst
omachasshef
roze
whi
leSharoncameoutoft
hebat
hroom.
..
Shar
on:(
smi
led)ohmywor
d.Dad!
?
Leon:mybaby

Shejumpedi
nhisarmshuggi
nghim whi
leLeon
smil
edatashockedMi
raandwinkedatherasshe
swal
lowedahugedryl
ump.
.
.
.
.
.
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
CAGED
71

Mi
racl
ear
edhert
hroatandf
akesmi
led.
..
Mi
ra:honey.Whatawonder
fulsur
pri
se
Leon:howar
eyoudoi
ngmygi
rl
?
Shar
on:i
mf ant
asti
cdad.Wowmom i
sn'
tthi
san
awesomesurpr
ise?
Mi
ra:i
tindeedi
smygi
rl
Leon:howar
eyoudoi
ng?
Mi
ra:i
m wonder
fult
hanksandyour
sel
f?
Leon:i
m good(theyhugged)im soti
redallineedi
s
ashower,changeint
olightcl
othestheneataheart
y
mealihopeyoucookedupast orm
Sharon:youar
esol
uckyweal
waysmakeext
ra
food
Leon:i
m al
uckychapofcour
se

Theyl
aughedwhi
leMi
raj
ustchuckl
edt
aki
nghi
s
bags.
..
Mi
ra:l
etmehel
pyouwi
tht
hese
Leon:f
ixdaddyapl
ateiwi
llbedownsoon
Shar
on:di
dyoubr
ingmesomet
hing?
Leon:ofcour
se
Shar
on:yeayican'
twai
ttoseewhati
tis

Hechuckl
edfol
lowingMir
awhileShar
onwentt
o
t
hekit
chencall
ingherf
ri
end.
..

Leon:your
eal
lyar
edoi
ngawonder
fulj
obwi
tht
his
househey
Mira:t
hanks.(Cl
osedthedoor)Wecancuttheact
nowwhatar eyoudoinghere?Andhowcanyou
comehereknowi ngwecan'tsl
eepi
nseparate
rooms?Wher edoyouexpecttosl
eep?
Leon:whatactareyout
alki
ngabout
?Im her
etof
ix
thi
ngswithmyf amil
y
Mi
ra:(
frowned)what
!?
Leon:yesandi
m al
soher
eforbusi
ness
Mir
a:butther
e'snouseofusfi
xingt
hingst
her
e's
not
hingkeepi
ngustogether
Leon:ohsoShar
ondoesn'
tmat
tert
oyou
Mira:ssshkeepyourvoi
cedown.Ofcour
seshe
doesLeon
Leon:theni
m doi
ngt
hisf
orher
.Imt
ir
edofpl
ayi
ng
hideandseek
Mi
ra:ar
eyougoi
ngt
otel
lhert
het
rut
h?
Leon:ofcoursenotMiraareyoucrazy?She'
sold
enoughtostartquesti
oni
ngsomet hingssothe
cl
oserwear ethelesschancesofherdoubti
ngher
i
dentit
y
Mir
a:(curvedherl
ipsi
mpr
essed)ohnotsobad
af
terall
Leon:i
m al
sogenuineaboutusfi
xingt
hings.As
muchasyouhurtmeist i
lll
oveyouandiwantusto
betoget
herwel
lthat'
sift
here'
snooneyou're
seei
ng
Mi
ra:iwast
hinki
ngoft
ryi
ngsomet
hingwi
th
someonebutsinceyousayyouwantustowor k
ever
ythi
ngoutiwill
gofori
tbecauseist
il
lloveyou
aswell
Leon:butthi
sti
mear
oundiwanthonest
yand
tr
ansparency
Mi
ra:def
ini
tel
yiwi
llbeast
ranspar
entasican
Leon:(
smi
led)comeher
e

Hepul l
edherint
ohisarmsasshechuckl
edand
softl
ykissedher
.Hestoppedandhuggedher
quietl
ygaggingbehi
ndherbackwhil
eMirasmil
ed
behindhis..
.

Mi
ra:(
letgoofhi
m)imi
ssedyou
Leon:(
smi
led)imi
ssedyout
oomyl
ove.Homei
s
al
wayswherethehear
tis
Mir
a:i
ndeed.Letmegetyourshowerr
eadyt
henf
il
l
youuponwhat'sbeenhappeni
ng
Shebabykissedhim andwenttothebathr
oom
smili
ngwhileLeonstopsmili
ngandcurvedhisl
ips
shakinghi
sheadandr eachedforhi
stoi
let
rybag.

Att
heKwena'
s.
..

Boemosighedasshefi
nishedeat
ingwhi
leOl
ebi
l
e
tookt
heplat
estothezi
nc..
.

Boemo:hasTemot
oldyouwhyyoucan'
tgoback
homeyet?
Ol
ebi
le:nopehej
ustsai
dsomethinghappenedso
t
heywilll
etmeknowonceever
ythingi
ssorted
Boemo:ohok.Pl
easebr
ingmeabot
tl
eofwi
neand
aglasshey
Bai
sago:i
sitokf
oryout
odr
inkl
ove?
Boemo:yepiwentt
othedoct
orandhegavemet
he
gr
eenli
ghtaslongasi
t'
snotexcessi
ve
Bai
sago:okbabe.Br
ingmeabot
tl
eofwhi
skeyand
agl
assf
oryour
sel
ftooLi
bi
Ol
ebi
le:sur
euncl
eB
Baisago:shamemysonwasshatt
eredwhenhe
l
earntthathewil
lbespendi
ngt
henighti
nacel
l
again
Boemo:( si
ghed)icouldn'
tevenlookhi
mint
heeyei
feell
ikeihavedisappoint
edhim
Baisago:don'
tworryheunderst
andshowt helawis
butasf ort
heguywhot ri
edhisluckwithhimi m
gl
adt heotheronetaughthi
m agoodl esson.Idon'
t
wantmysont oexperi
encesuchthingsespecial
ly
whenhe' snotphysi
call
ywell
Boemo:don'twor
rymyl
ovehewon'
tsetf
ooti
n
pr
ison.ThanksLi
bi
Ol
ebi
le:anyt
imeaunt
iza
Bai
sago:t
hanksboy.Yousoundsosur
elovewhat
i
fthemagist
rat
edecidesot
herwi
se?
Boemo:t
her
e'snowayt
hatcanhappen
Bai
sago:why?
Boemo:becauseihaveMi
raexact
lywher
eiwant
her
Bai
sago:whathaveyoudoneMsMai
ket
so?
Boemo:idugt
hroughherpastanddiscover
edt
hat
Shar
onisnotherbi
ologi
caldaught
er
Ol
ebi
le:(
chokedonhi
sdr
ink)f
orr
eal
?
Boemo:f orreal
.Shet i
edhert ubesandgotmar ried
butwhent heinlawsandhusbandwant edachi l
d
shegothersi st
ertofallpregnantwhileshef aked
hers.Thechildcameandt hehusbandr ealisedthat
i
tcoul dnotbehissoher ansomeDNAt estsand
theycamenegat ive.Shecamecl eanandt henfil
ed
fordivor
cebutnooneknowsaboutt hi
sdi vorce
Bai
sago:waf
osaBoemo?(
Youar
elyi
ng)
Boemo:isweart
oyou
Bai
sago:howl
onghavet
heybeendi
vor
ced?
Boemo:18year
s
Bai
sago:andnotevenasi
ngl
eper
sonknows?
Boemo:yepevenShar
on
Ol
ebi
le:noway?
Boemo:i
mtel
li
ngyou
Olebi
le:howhavet
heymanagedt
okeept
hesecr
et
forsolong?
Boemo:themanmovedover seassot
heykepti
n
cont
actfort
hesakeofSharonandthefamil
y,
someti
mesMi r
asaysshe'svisi
ti
nghi
m whil
eshe
goestoSAandwhenShar onaskstovi
sitt
hey
wouldbri
ngupexcuses.Heonlycomesdownin
December
Ol
ebi
le:shockedi
sanunder
stat
ement
Baisago:appal
ledi
sther
ightword.Wowbutwhy
can'tt
hismanjustcomeclean?
Boemo:shehassomet
hingagai
nsthi
m
Ol
ebi
le:iknewi
t
Boemo:whenheaskedherouthesi ncerel
yasked
howthenightwasgoingtoendandMi raresponded
bysayi
ngitwil
ldependonhowmuchofa
gent
lemanhewas.Theni ghtwentonandt henit
cametimeforbed.Theyhadsexandwhenhet ri
ed
tohookupwi t
hherthenextdayshecameupwit
h
excusesandwentMI Aonhimf or3days.He
decidedtoaskherwhyshe'squietandshe
respondedby"idon'
tspeaktorapist
s"

Bai
sagoandOlebi
lewidenedthei
reyesi
nshock
wit
hthei
rgl
assesontheirl
ips.
..

Boemo:yepi
mt ell
ingyou.Heaskedherwhatshe
meantandsheclarif
iedt
hatshedidn'
tmeansex
whenshesaidi
twi l
ldependonhowmuchofagent
heis
Bai
sago:heebathobaModi
mowame!Di
dshesay
nowhenhet ouchedher
?
Boemo:nopebutthenthisguypanickedandasked
herwhathecandof orhertofor
givehim andshe
saidheshoul
dmar ryher.Sowhenthisguyf ound
outaboutt
hechil
dsheusedt hatagainsthimt o
makesurethesecretwassafethushemovedt o
theUS
Olebi
le:(
clappedonce)otshabemothootshabe
mosadiyoh!(Nevertrustawoman)thi
siswhyi
havechosencelibacy(Theyl
aughed)
Bai
sago:i
m shockedf
orl
if
e
Boemo:yeahsot
hat
'sabouti
t
Bai
sago:im cur
ioust
oknowhowyougott
his
i
nfor
mation
Boemo:myPIcamet hroughf
ormehecont act
ed
thehusbandandluckil
yforhi
mthehusbandhas
beenlooki
ngforawayoutsowecameatt heri
ght
ti
me
Baisago:l
uckyyouguys.Sowhatar
eyoupl
anni
ng
todowi t
hthisi
nfor
mation?
Boemo:t
hat'
sformetoknowandforyoutof
indout.
Al
licant
ellyoui
sthatt
hehusbandi
satthehouse
aswespeak

Shesmil
edtaki
ngasipwhi
leBaisagoandOl
ebi
l
e
l
ookedathershaki
ngt
hei
rheads..
.
Bai
sago:r
emi
ndmet
onevermessyoui
nmyl
if
e
Boemo:cheer
stot
hat
Ol
ebil
e:soonalight
ernot
eoft
hingshowar
ethe
pr
eparat
ionsgoi
ng?
Boemo:Reaandiaregoingforourdr
essfi
tti
ngson
Satur
daybutasforever
ythi
ngelseweareallgood
wearewait
ingtogoforfoodandcaketast
ingsoon
Ol
ebi
le:ni
ce

Theycont
inuedt
ocat
chupanddr
inkt
heni
ght
away.

Att
heKwena'
s.
..

Bontsicamedownt
hestair
sandfoundPatl
oand
Atamelangseat
edi
ntheli
vingr
oom noteat
ing.
..

Bont
si:imadef
oodar
eyouguysnotgoi
ngt
odi
sh
f
oryour
sel
ves?
At
amel
ang:notbef
oret
alki
ng
Bont
si:oh
At
amel
ang:ki
ndl
ycomesi
tdown

Shequiet
lylookedatAt
amel
angt
henPatlowho
wasquietl
ookingawayandt
ookherseatnextt
o
herdaughter
..
.

Atamel
ang:mom il
oveandr
espectyousomuch
samegoestoyoudadbutwhatyouaredoi
ngmom
doesnotsi
twel
lwit
hme
Bont
si:i
..
.
Atamelang:wait,
onethingyoushouldknowisthati
nevertolddadanythi
ngaboutwhatiheardyou
tal
kingtoMr sMonewaaboutovert hephone.He
heardust al
kingl
astnightandearl
iert
odayatwork
(Bontsiswall
owed)mom doyoul ovedad?
Bont
si:yesido
At
amel
ang:daddoyoul
ovemom?
Pat
lo:mor
ethananyt
hing
At
amel
ang:mom haveyoueverbeeni
nti
mat
ewi
th
MrDut
cheandpl
easebehonest
Bont
si:nonotatal
l
At
amel
ang:ok.Mom doyoul
oveme?
Bont
si:ver
ymuchmygi
rl
Atamel
ang:t
henwhyareyoudoi
ngwhatyouar
e
doingi
fyoul
oveusl
ikeyousayyoudo?
Bontsi:thingi silongmetRober twheniwasatmy
l
owest .Igr ewfondofhi m asif el
tthathewasf i
ll
ing
thevoi dthatyourf atheropenedi nmebutidi dn't
wantt oper sueanyt hingbecauseofwhatiwentt o
Zanzibarf or.Everyni ghtihadt oconstantl
yr emind
mysel fthatiwasamar r
iedwomanandi mfighti
ng
formymar ri
age.WhenyouandSaschadeci dedto
trysomet hingiwasl ikeperfectthi
swi l
lhelpwi t
h
buryingt hef eeli
ngsihaveont hismanandt hatwas
i
t.Usgoi ngi ntobusi nesstogetherwashonest l
ya
sinceremovewehaveneverspokenabout
rel
ati
onshi
poranythingeveryti
mewewer etoget
her
andherespect
edthef actthatiwasmarri
edand
fi
ghti
ngformymar ri
age( Patl
osnif
fedboi
li
ng
i
nside)
At
amel
ang:t
henwhathappened?
Bontsi
:wewer epl anni
ngSascha' sfuneralwhenhe
tr
iedtokissmebutipul l
edback( Patl
oheaveda
hugesighshaki nghishead)i mtel
li
ngt hehonest
tr
uthipulledbackandl eftbutonmywayhomei
couldfeelthefeel
ingsresurfaci
ng.Ijustkeptqui
et
andafterthefuneralhetoldmet hathel ovesmeat
hishouse
Pat
lo:what
!?Whi
leiwast
her
e?
Bont
si:yes
Pat
lo:t
hat
..
.(
swal
lowedhol
dingback)isee
At
amel
ang:whatdi
dyousay?
Bontsi
:ij
usttol
dhi mthati
tcanneverhappenand
walkedoutbuteversincet
hatmomentican'tget
hi
m offmymi nd.(Lookeddown)il
ovehim
Pat
lo:(
sighed)wow
At
amel
ang:dadwhatdoyouhavet
osayaboutt
his?
Pat
lo:Bont
siwhati
m it
oyou?
Bont
si:ahusband
Patl
o:areyounottheonewhoi
sal
wayst
ell
ingme
aboutrespect
ingvows?
Bont
si:iam
Pat
lo:whydi
dyougot
oZanzi
bar
?
Bont
si:t
ofi
ghtf
orourmar
ri
agebut
..
.
Patlo:hol
don, youhadyourchancetospeakit
smy
tur
nnow( sheswall
owedlookingdown)areyou
doingthisbecauseofwhatididtoyou?
Bont
si:notatal
lthat
'si
nthepastandideal
twi
thi
t
Patl
o:thenwhyar
eyouturni
ngmeintoaf ool
Bontsi
?Doyouknowhowmuchi mi nvest
edinyou?
I
nusBont si
,i
nourchi
ldandfami
ly?
Bont
si:(
wipedat
ear
)iknow
Pat
lo:t
henwhydoyouhavegooutofyourwayt
o..
.
Heswall
owedapai
nfull
umpashisvoi
cebr
oke
wi
thtear
sbui
ldi
ngi
nhiseyes.
..

Patl
o:iloveyouBont si,
ican'taffor
dt oloseyouat
l
eastifnotf ormedoi tforourdaughter.Iknow
she'
sagr ownupnowbuti twon'tsitwellwithher.
Oldornot ,seei
ngyourpar ent
ssepar ateafterso
manyyear ssti
llaf
fectsyou.IbegyouBont sidon'
t
dothis.Iwi l
ldowhat everyouwant ,anythingmy
l
oveiwi lldoitdon'tl
eaveus( kneal
tdown)i m
beggi
ngyou
Atamelang:(sniffedwi pinghertear
s)im notgoi ng
tobegyoubuti m goi ngt obehonestwi t
hyou.Be
thewomanofi ntegrit
yt hatyouportr
ayyour selfto
be.Yesi m hur
tt hatyouar esayi
ngyouar einlove
withamanwho' schildal mostki
ll
edmebutt hat
clear
lydoesn'tmat terbutdadmom, dadneedsyou,
thisi
syourhusbandman, t
hemanwhom youhave
beenf i
ghti
ngal lyourlifetobehappywi thandwhen
youfinall
ygetthechancet obehappyagai nyou
wanttot hr
owi tallawayf oramanyoumetwhat ,
twosecondsago?Comeonmom comeon
Shesaidmovingcl
osert
oherfatherandr
ubbedhi
s
backcomfort
inghi
m whi
leBontsist
oodupwipi
ng
hert
ears.
..

Bont
si:i
m sor
ry

Shesaidgoingbackupstai
rswhil
eAt amel
angand
Patlol
ookedatherconf
used.St
il
llostint
he
confusi
onBontsicamedownwithherbagsasPatl
o
stoodup..
.

Pat
lo:babewhatar
eyoudoi
ng?
Bont
si:(t
ouchedhischeek)iloveyouPatl
oal ot
butmyhappinessisnotwi t
hyou.Im gr
eatf
ulfor
thel
oveyouhavegi venme.Itwasnoteasyyesbut
wealwaysmadei tthroughbutnowihavetakena
deci
sionofchoosi
ngmysel fandmyhear t
Pat
lo:babeno
Bontsi:(t
urnedtoAtamelangwi thtear
sinhereyes)
myl oveiloveyouandiwi llneverabandonyoubut
mom al sohast obehappy.Ihopeyouf i
nditi
nyour
hearttoforgivemeonedaysamegoest oyouPatlo.
Thisisgoodbye, pl
easetakegoodcar eofdadfor
mommyokmygi rl
?Patl
o,ihopeyouf indyour
happinessonedayaswel l
.Byeguysil oveyou
Pat
lo:Bont
sipl
easewai
tibegyou,
wai
tiwi
ll
..
.

Shebl
inkedtryi
ngt obl
ockhert
earsbutpul
led
her
sel
ffrom him pushi
ngherbagsout.
..

Patl
o:Atadosomet
hing,
lovepl
easel
ist
ent
ome,
Bontsi
?

Tearsroll
eddownhereyesasshepushedherbags
outwhileAtamelangcover
edhermouthwithbot
h
herhandsi nshockwit
htearsr
oll
ingdown.
..

Pat
lo:Bont
si?
Sheignor
ehim andwenti
ntohercardr
ivi
ngout
whil
ePatl
ofol
lowedhercar.
..

Pat
lo:Bont
simyl
oveiknowyoudon'
tmeant
his
Bont
si:(
rol
leddownthewi
ndow)myl
awyerwi
ll
cont
actyou.Il
oveyou

Sheroll
edt
hewindowbackupanddroveoutt
he
gateasPat
lof
ellonhi
skneesbur
sti
ngint
oaloud
cry.
..

Pat
lo:Bont
si!Il
oveyoupl
easecomeback!Bont
si!

Atamelangr
antothegatecl
osi
ngi
tandsni
ff
ed
rubbi
ngherfat
her
'sback.
..

At
amel
ang:don'
twor
rypapashewi
llbebackhome.
Justl
ikehowwegotyoubackhomewear eal
so
goi
ngt ogetherback.Mom bel
ongswi
thnoone
el
sebutus.Come
Pat
lo:buti
..
.i
..
.i

Hecoul dn'
tutt
erawor dashewasover whelmedby
emotions.Hisdaughterhelpedhi
m upandt ookhim
backtot hehouse.Aft
erdrivi
ngafewmet ersfrom
thehouseBont sist
oppedthecarandthrewher
headbackont heheadr estandbursti
ntotearsas
well
.

THEFOLLOWI
NGMORNI
NG

AtRober
t'
shouse.
..

Hecameoutoft hebedroom i
nsmi l
eswhil
eBontsi
setthetabl
eforbreakf
ast.Hekissedhercheekand
tookhisseat.
..
Rober
t:t
hisl
ooksscr
umpt
ious.Howar
eyouf
eel
ing
l
ove?
Bont
si:i
m st
il
lfeel
ingt
hrownof
fbutibel
ieveiwi
ll
befi
neastimegoes
Robert
:youdefi
nitelywil
lmyloveyouwillbeok.
Youarewhereyoubel ongnow.Im notsayingPat
lo
andyourdaughterdeservewhat'
shappeningnow
butsometi
meswehavet obeali
tt
lesel
fishand
l
ookoutforourselves
Bont
si:(
sighed)yeah
Rober
t:sowhatar
eyourpl
ansf
ort
oday?
Bont
si:checkt
hebeaut
yparl
ourthengofora
meet
ingwi t
hmylawyertost
artwit
hthedi
vorce
pr
oceedings
Rober
t:don'
tyouwantt
oholdoffabi
tont
hatone
weneedtospeaktoBoi
tshepoaswel
l
Bont
si:wet
herBoit
shepoi
sint
hepi
ctur
eornoti
knowwebelongtoget
her
Rober
t:butyouknowil
ovehert
oor
ight
?
Bont
si:andyoul
ovemet
oor
ight
?
Rober
t:wi
thoutadoubt
Bontsi
:thenwecanmakei
tworkwit
horwi t
hout
her
.Ievengotamessagef
rom hert
hreat
eningme
Rober
t:oh?
Bont
si:yeahl
etmeshowyou
Rober
t:ohwowok.Sosheknows?
Bont
si:yeahr
emembershe'
sspi
ri
tual
lygi
ft
edso
sheseesever
ythi
ngbef
orei
tcomestopass
Rober
t:what
'syourt
akeont
hist
hreatt
hen?
Bontsi:(
heldhi
shand)Rober til
oveyouandiwant
tobewi t
hyou.Not hi
ngornoonewi llkeepusapar t
.
AslongasmyGodt ell
smeitsoktheni tshall
happen.Myi nt
uit
ionhasneverhaddoubt saboutus
soyouandibel ongt oget
her
.MyGodwi l
lfi
ghtfor
met hatiknowforsur e

Robertsmil
edsoft
lysqueezi
ngherhandandt
hey
hadtheirbr
eakf
ast
.
I
nPr
ison.
..

Vi
ctor
iawentthr
ought
hevisi
ti
ngareadoorand
st
oppedseei
ngGabone.Sheshookherheadand
wentt
ositdown..
.

Vi
ctor
ia:whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?It
houghtimade
mysel
fclear
Gabone:goodmor
ningt
oyout
oo
Vict
oria:Gaboneiwantnot hi
ngtodowi thhurti
ng
peopleok?Ihavedonet hati
t'
senough.It
'stimeil
et
peopleliveinpeace.Thi
st hi
ngofcagingpeopleis
notgoodiwi shiknewthatbefor
ebutheyi t
'sli
fei
t
happens.I m notgoi
ngbackt her
eagain.Notnow,
notever
Gabone:wowVi
ctor
iayouhavebecomeweak
Victor
ia:iwouldr at
herbecomeweakt hanhave
peopleliveinmi ser
y.Ihavehurtal
otofsoulsand
ruinedal otofl
ivesbutital
lst
opstoday.Iwant
nothi
ngtodowiththedarkwor
ldanymor
esogo
fi
ndanothernai
vewomanwhodoesn'twantt
osee
l
ighti
m done(shestoodup)
Gabone:youknowthatonceawit
chalwaysawi
tch
ri
ght
?Ther e'
snowayoutinthi
ski
ngdom
Victori
a:notVictor
iaMalebogoDi
ntsi
.Goodbye
Gaboneidon' twanttoeverseeyouagai
n.Ihave
nothingthatbelongstoyou
Gabone:(smi
led)soyoufor
getihavekil
ledafamil
y
of3foryouandonei si
nament alasyl
um?Victor
ia
youoweme
Vi
ctor
ia:ioweyounot
hing.St
ayawayf
rom meyou
wi
ckedbi t
ch

Shecli
ckedhertonguewalkingawaywhi l
eGabone
satbackbit
ingherfi
ngerwithhereyessquint.
Vict
ori
astoppedaspainstruckherhead.Gabone
squi
nthereyesmor easthepaininVictor
ia'
shead
gotint
enseassheleaneddowngr oaning.
..
Vi
ctor
ia:i
m havi
ngat
err
ibl
eheadache
Guar
d:haveaseatwhi
leical
lthemedi
calt
eam

Shedidandsl
owl yturnedtoGabonewhost oodup
smili
ngandwinkedather .Vi
ctori
af r
ownedandas
soonasGabonegaveherherbackshepi nchedher
eyeswalki
ngawaywhi l
eVict
oriafrownedwit
hher
vi
sionbecomi
ngbl urr
y...

Vi
ctor
ia:nonono,
iml
osi
ngmysi
ght
Guar
d:what
?

Asshesai
dVictor
ia'
ssightwentfr
om blur
ryto
dar
knessasshescreamedrubbinghereyes.
..

Vi
ctor
ia:no!

I
nCour
t.
..
Wealltookourseatsasthej
udgeaskedt
he
pl
aint
if
ftopleadthei
rcase.
..

Junior:myl adyallmycl ientwant edf r

om t his
youngboywasar elationshipandnot hingel sebut
cl
ear l
yhehadot heri ntentions.That'stoi nfecther.
Somyl adythisyoungmandoesnotdeser vebai l
becausewhoknowshemi ghtgooutt her eand
i
nfectmor epeoplet ryingtor el
easet hest resshe's
beent hrough?Myl adyeveni fhedi dn'tknowt hat
hehadHI Vheknewhewasnotwel lashehad
bli
stersinhismout h.Thatshoul dhavet oldhi m
somet hingandheshoul dhavet akenact iont hen
butnohecont inuedt osl eepar oundwi thnotone
buttwopeopl ewhi l
ehewasnotoksomyl adyhi s
bailapplicat
ionshoul dbedeni ed.Ithankyou
Judge:t
hankyouJuni
or.MsMai
ket
so
Boemo:thankyoumyl ady.Fi
r stofal
lBosaDintsii
s
awellmanneredchi
ldandl i
keever yot
herchil
dhe
makesmi st
akesandlearnsfrom them.Secondly
myl adyBosaDi ntsididn'
tknowthathewas
i
nf ect edbythetimehesl eptwit
hShar onandt o
comet othebli
ster sissuemycolleaguement i
oned
her e,weal lgetblistersoncei
nawhi l
eitsnormal
andi thappenssoBosawoul dn'
thaveknowni fit
wast hatsevere.Yesheshoul dhavet akenacti
on
thenbutJuni or,thet i
meyougotbl i
stersdidyou
visitthedoct orrightthereandthen?
Juni
or:t
hisi
snotaboutme
Boemo:evensobutyouj ustwai t
edt oseei fit
woulddisappearr i
ght?Yessomyl adyeveni fthe
forcesaystheyar etr
eat i
ngthisas" criminal
negli
gence"itdoesn'tstandbecauset hesebl ist
ers
couldhavebeenanyt hi
ng.Wi t
ht hatsaidast he
defencewesayBosaDi ntsibegrant edbailbecause
he'snotemot i
onallyandment allyfittoawai this
tri
alinpri
sonandwehavemedi calrecordt opr ove
thi
s( Shegavethebai ll
ift
hehospi talfi
le)andal so
he'snotafli
ghtrisk
Juni
or:obj
ect
ionmyladyhowdi
dthisyoungboy
endupinthesit
uat
ionhewasi
nthatlandedhi
min
hospi
tal
?
Judge:gr
ant
ed.MsMai
ket
socl
ari
fyt
hat
Boemo:(swall
owed)hewasr
unni
ngfr
om home
becausehefel
tther
ewasnouseofhi
m st
ayi
ng
home
Junior
:exact
lywhywef eelhe'
safli
ghtr
isk.
Wheneverhegetsfacedwithasit
uati
onhechooses
torunoff
.Thankyoumyl ady

Bai
sagosi
ghedshaki
nghisheadwhi
leMiraand
Shar
onsmil
edwithLeonkeepi
ngaseri
ousfaceon.

Judge:thankyouever
yone.Courtwil
lgoona40
minutesrecess.(
Shehi
tthegavel)
Of
fi
cer
:al
lri
se!

Theyal
lst
oodupast
hej
udgemadeherwayout
..
.

Boemo:nononoBosal
ookatme.Cal
m downi
needyoutor
emai
nasposi
ti
veasyoucandoyou
hearme?
Bosa:
buthowdi
dthatl
awyerknowwhathappened?
Boemo:that
'showwear emyboywealwaysdigfor
thi
ngsyoupeoplet
hinkcan'
tbeusedagai
nstyou
butpl
easehavefai
thmyboy
Mir
a:whatfai
th?He'sgoingwherehebel
ongsthat
's
i
nthepitofhel
l.Neveri
nyourli
fetr
ymesswith
someoneyoudon'tknowok.Comef amil
y

Shesai
dtaki
ngLeon'sarm andputanotherover
Shar
on'
sshoulderastheywalkedout
.Boemo
cl
ear
edherteet
hwi t
hhertongueshakingherhead.
..

Boemo:(scof
fed)youknowthatt
hebibl
esays"
the
Lor
dwillcomelikeathi
efi
nthenight
"ri
ght?
SomeonepleaseremindMir
aofthatword

Shesaidtaki
ngherbaggoi
ngoutasBaisagoand
Bosafoll
owedherwit
hBosaconfused.
Ont
hei
rwayt
othehospi
tal
..
.

Thet
eachercl
ear
edhersi
nusesandsi
ghed.
..

Teacher
:spi
titoutMmant
wa
Boit
shepo:(
swall
owed)whatifiwalkoutoft
his
si
tuati
onshi
p?Ihonest
lycan'
tshareaman
Teacher
:youl
ovehi
mri
ght
?
Boit
shepo:yesbutshar
ingamani
snoti
nmy
bucketl
ist
Teacher
:youar
eli
vingaccor
dingt
oGod'
swi
llnot
yoursMmantwa
Boi
tshepo:wel
lthi
sti
mearoundGod'
swi
lldoesnot
si
twellwit
hme.Ihonest
lycan'
t

Herteacherwentsi
lentl
ooki
ngatherasshesawa
hugebuildi
ngcrumbli
ngdown.Sheswall
owed
knowi
ngwhatexactl
yitmeantandsilentl
ysai
da
shor
tprayerwhi
leBoi
tsheposatback..
.

Teacher
:wewi
llt
alkaboutt
hisaf
teryoursur
ger
y
Boi
tshepo:ihavemademydeci
sion

Theteachersof
tl
ysighedandswal
lowedsof
tl
y
shaki
ngherhead..
.

Teacher
:(mutt
ered)forgiveherLor
dforshedoes
notknowwhatshe'sdoi ng.Havemercyonher,
openhereyesmor eplease.
.
.
.
.
.
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
CAGED
72

Atamel angcamedownt hestair

sandwenti nt
othe
kitchentofi
xsomet hingt oeat.Asshelookedout
thewi ndowshesawherf at
herbythepoolwi t
ha
cloudofsmokear oundhi m.Shesighedandshook
herheadgoi ngoutside.Hehadaboxof30
cigarett
esandahal ffullbott
leofwhiskeynextto
him andassheopenedshef oundabout20l eft
..
.

At
amel
ang:dad
Pat
lo:hmm?
At
amel
ang:whatar
eyoudoi
ng?
Pat
lo:not
hing
Atamelang:iknowyouarehur
ti
ngdadbutthi
sis
notyou.Thisisnothowyoudealwi
thst
ressdad
comeon
Pat
lo:hasyourspousel
eftyou?
At
amel
ang:nobut
..
.
Patl
o:butnothing.Unl
essyourspouseleavesyou,
youwillneverunderst
andwhatim goi
ngt hr
ough
ri
ghtnow
Atamelang:okmyspousehasn' tl
eftmebutmy
motherhas.Don'tyouthi
nkim hurt
ingaswell
?Do
youseemesmoki ng10cigar
ettesatonce?Nodad
youarebettert
hant hi
s
Pat
lo:whati
sitt
hathehast
hatidon'
thave?
At
amel
ang:don'
tdot
hatt
oyour
sel
fdad
Patlo:if
ail
edAt a,
ifai
ledmyself
,if
ail
edyour
mot her,
ifai
ledourmar r
iageandif
ail
edyou.I
ma
fai
lureandiwi l
ldieafai
lure
At
amel
ang:dadcanyoupl
easest
opi
t
Patlo:andi
t'
sal
lmyf
ault(
hedownedatot
)imthe
reasonwhymyownwi f
eisdoi
ngthi
sri
ghtnow.
At
amel
ang:dadno
Patl
o:yesAtahadi t
reat
edherl
ikeshedeserves
noneofthi
swouldbehappeningsoit'
smyf aultand
al
licansayisim sorr
ythoughi
twon'thel
pbuti m
so.
..
(heswal
lowedahugel
umpandsi
ghed)
Atamelang:stopblamingyoursel
fdad.It
'snotyour
faul
toranybodyelse'sanditoldyouthere'
snoway
mom isgoingt obewiththatman.Onewayort he
othershewillbeback
Pat
lo:j
ustgi
veupmyl
ovet
her
e'snowaymom i
s
comingback
At
amel
ang:soyouar
egi
vingupj
ustl
iket
hat
?
Patl
o:noi
mj ustaccepti
ngreal
it
ymygi r
l.I
t'
sjust
youandiagainstt
hewor l
dandverysooniwi l
lbe
onmyownasyouwi l
lbemovingtoyourown
house
At
amelang:i
m nevergoi
ngt ol
eaveyoual
oneunt
il
mom comesbackhomet rustmeonthatone
Patl
o:(
tearful
lysmiled)iwishihadyourstrength
andsenseofpositivit
ymygi rlbutt
hereal
ityof
thi
ngsisthatmysoulmat eisgone,mystrengthis
gonesoihavenot hing

Hesai
dtaki
ngt
her
emai
ninghal
foft
hewhi
skey
anddrankitf
rom t
hebott
lewhi
leAtamel
angcurved
herl
ipsshaki
ngherhead.Shesi
ghedandgrabbed
thebot
tlef
rom hi
m...

Pat
lo:whatar
eyoudoi
ng?
Atamelang:nodadj
ustst
opi
t!St
opwhatyouar
e
doing
Pat
lo:canihavemydr
inkbackpl
ease
Atamelang:hellnoi
m notgoi
ngtoletyouthr
ow
yoursel
fastupidpit
ypartyal
lbecauseofawhit
e
man?Hel lno,youli
vedyourwholeli
fewit
hBontsi
sothere'
snowayyouar egoi
ngtolethergol
ike
that
Patlo:Atamel angshe'sgoneandnotcomi ngback
andwecanbett hatshewenttohi shouselastni
ght
.
Rober tsleptwithmywi fe,
Bontsisleptwi
thaman
who' ssonal mostkil
ledyou,t
hesamemanwhoshe
prayedf orhissontodi e
At
amel
ang:(
frowned)shedi
dwhat
!?
Pat
lo:yesaf
terwef
oundyoushesai
dwhoeverdi
d
thattoyouwillnotseetheendoftheday,
from her
tonguetotheuniverseandthesamedaySascha
wasi nvol
vedinacaraccidentandgotvi
ciousl
y
attackedbyhyenas
Atamel
ang:oh(
clear
edhert
hroat
)letmegomake
ussomethi
ngtoeat
Pat
lo:At
amel
angmybot
tl
epl
ease
Atamel
ang:(
tooktheboxofci
garet
tes)whenyou
fi
ghtf
orwhatbelongst
oyou,youdon'tactt
heway
youdo.Gogetinashower
Pat
lo:At
amel
ang.
..
At
amel
ang:i
m notgoi
ngt
oaskyouagai
n

Shesaidgoi
ngintot
hehousewhil
ePat l
osighed
rubbi
nghisf
aceandhead.Sheemptiedthewhiskey
i
nt hezi
ncandbrokeal
ltheci
gar
ett
esinhalf.
..

At
amel
ang:mom youbel
ongwi
thusandnoone
el
se
Shesi
ghedt
hinki
ngofwhatherf
atherj
ustt
oldher
andst
art
edmakingbr
eakf
ast.

Backi
ncour
t.
..

Theyallt
ookt
heirseat
sast
hej
udgesi
ghed
openi
ngherfi
le.
..

Judge:t hankyoual l
.Knowi ngl yi
nfectingsomeone
withHI Visanof fencepuni shablebyt helaw.Thi s
count r
yorshoul disayt hewor l
disstillfi
ghti
ngt o
bringdownt henumberofi nfecti
onsever ydaybut
whenwehavepeopl ewhoar ethisir
responsible,
there'
snowaywear egoingt obeabl et obeatthis.
YesBosaDi ntsimighthavenotknownt hathehad
HIVt hen,inf
acthedi dn'
tknowashi smedi calreport
showst hatbutt hefactthathesawhewas
physicallyunfi
theshoul dhaver ushedt othe
hospital.Thi
si swhyheal thpr acti
ti
oner salways
str
essthepointofrushingtothehospitalwhenever
youseetheslight
estsignofunfit
nessonyou.I n
mostcasesasweal lknowsomecancer sstartwit
h
asmallbli
stersoMrDi ntsiassoonasyougett he
sl
ight
estsignofunf i
tnessnextti
me,rusht othe
hospi
tal
.Movi ngri
ghtalongmayipl easehaveMr
Dint
sionhisfeetplease

Ist
oodupasmydadsof
tl
yrubbedmyback.
..

Judge:thecour thasdoneat horoughbackgr ound

checkoft hekindofchi l
dyouar eandhowyourl i
fe
hasbeen.Wedon' tsayi t
sokf oryout odo
somethingsj ustbecauseofever ythi
ngyouhave
beenthrough.Youar eanadul tnowBosaDi ntsiand
i
tstimeyouact edli
keone.Youror deal
sdonot
defi
netheki ndofper sonyouar ebutyourchar acter
.
Asan18yearol dyouar eeligibl
eofgoi ngtopr ison
andbesent encedandt hat'sexactlywhat'sgoi ngto
happent oyoumyboy( isighedl ookingdown)
ki
ndlylookupatme( idid)pr i
sonist opunishyou
forthewrongyouhavedonebuti t
'salsot oteach
youoneort wothingsaboutresponsibil
ity(Mi r
a
smiled)goingbackt oyourbackgroundi tsalso
proventhatyoual wayswantt orunawayf rom your
problemsandi nlawwesayyouar eaf l
ightr i
skand
l
ooki ngattheresourcesyouhavewebel i
evet hat
thechancesofyour unni
ngawayar ehigh( tooka
sipofwat er)

Shar
onsmiledl
ookingathermotherwhosmiled
morewhi
leLeonsideeyedthem.Ontheothersi
de
Boemosoft
lysi
ghedasshesl owl
yranoutofhope.
..

Judge:butwealsolookedatt heki
ndofparent
syou
haveandwear ecertai
nthattheywillmakesure
thatdoesn'
thappen.(Mir
afrowned)youarealsoa
wellmanneredchil
dandbel i
eveyouar eagood
l
istenert
heref
orethecourtgrantsyouyourbai
l
Mi
ra:what
!?
Isi
ghedoutofr
eli
evehol
dingont
othedock.
..

Judge:sett
ledownmi ss.Thi
sisalsotoseeifyou
real
lyareagoodl istenerandwill
ingtolear
nf r
om
yourmistakes.Youar eexpectedtopayanamount
ofP20000bef or
et heendoft hecomingweek
towardsyourbail.Ithankyoucour ti
sadjourned

Shehitt
hegavelast
heyallst
oodup.Assoonas
shecl
osedthedoorbehi
ndhermymom anddad
ti
ght
lyhuggedme..
.

Boemo:iknewi
t,iknewt
hej
udgewoul
dn'
tbet
oo
har
donyou
Bai
sago:youar
ecomi
nghomewi
thusmyboy
Bosa:
thankyousomuch
Mira:i
fiwer
eyouiwoul dn'
tcel
ebrat
et ooearl
y
becausewest i
llhavealongwaytogo.Youmi ght
havebeengrant edbai
lbuti
m comingf oreachof
you.Youdon'truinmydaughter'
sselfesteem and
t
hinkyoucanl
ivet
ocel
ebr
atei
thel
lno
Shar
on:mom l
et'
sgot
heyar
enotwor
thi
t
Bosa:
it'
s.
..
Boemo:nomyboyi
t'
snotwor
th

Iswal
lowedl
ookingatt
hem wal
kingoutwi
tht
hei
r
l
awyerbehi
ndthem..
.

Bosa:
iknowimadeami
stakebutwhatt
heyar
e
doi
ngisunf
air
Boemo:for
getaboutt
hem.Let
'sgohome,
youneed
alongshowerandsomegoodfood
Bosa:
iwantever
ythi
ngil
ike
Boemo:(smil
ed)ihopet
heyhavebeengi
vingyou
yourmedicat
iononti
meright
?
Bosa:yeahbutmybodyi
sn'
trespondi
ngwel
ltoi
t.I
keepvomiti
ng
Boemo:don'
twor
ryi
twi
lladj
ustast
imegoes
Sheheldmyhandasmyfatherputhisovermy
shoul
dersaswewal
kedoutandlefthome.

Att
heof
fi
ce.
..

Letl
otl
ofi
nishedhi
sassi
gnmentanddeci
dedt
ocal
l
hissi
ster
..
.

Lame:br
other
Let
lot
lo:goodmor
ningsi
showi
sever
ythi
nggoi
ng?
Lame:good.Theshel
vesarebei
ngpackedt
odayso
wewillbeopeni
ngverysoon
Let
lot
lo:t
hat
'samazi
ng.
Lame:howi
sever
ythi
ngyoursi
de?
Let
lot
lo:pr
ett
ygood.Ij
ustwi
shthi
swomanwasn'
t
dyi
nganyti
mebutheywhenit'
sti
meit
sti
me
Lame:yeahheybutar
eyouef
fect
iveatwor
k?
Let
lotl
o:youknowil
oveanythi
ngwi thnumbersand
sol
vingprobl
emssoimreall
yenjoying.Sheasked
met oaskyoutocomeovertomorrow
Lame:why?
Let
lot
lo:shewoul
dli
ket
ogett
oknowyou
Lame:ohoknopr
obl
em
Letl
otl
o:iwi
llcomegetyouguyswi
tht
hose2
rugr
ats.Imi
sst hem
Lame:(l
aughed)kar euncleLedibaandauntyBotho
aretr
eati
ngt hem l
ikethei
rownki dsnow( t
hey
l
aughed)evenwhenyout akethem inforafew
hoursuncleLedibawillbecompl ai
ningofbei
ng
boredwit
hinanhour( theylaughed)butit
sokthey
wil
lcomeal ong
Letl
otl
o:uncl
eLedibathough.Speaki
ngofuncl
es,
i
tsuncleTandBosa'sdad'sweddingsoonandwe
haven'
tgonetothetai
loryet
Lame:iwasact
ual
lypl
anni
ngt
ogof
rom her
e
Let
lot
lo:iguessiwi
llgoaf
terwor
k.Tel
lmesi
s,who
i
sDaisy'sdonor?
Lame:ahrratheysaytheywi
lll
etusknowasti
me
goesbecauserightnowti
medoesn'
tall
owthem t
o
Let
lot
lo:ohisee(
scof
fed)el
der
sandsecr
etsyoh
Lame:heel
ahaveyouhear
danyt
hingaboutBosa'
s
tr
ial
?
Let
lot
lo:iwasspeaki
ngtoThori
sojustafew
minut
esagoandhet oldmethathegotbail
Lame:oht hat'
samazing.Wai
tseweneedacousi
ns
ret
reatwit
hourpar t
ners(l
aughed)youandOl
ebi
le
wil
lsortyoursel
vesout
Let
lot
lo:i
sBosadat
ing?
Lame:im al
waysseei ngt
hatgi
rlf
rom t
her i
ch
famil
yposti
nghi m andshedi
dagainearl
iertoday
wishi
nghiml uckforcour
t
Let
lot
lo:yout
hinkt
heyar
edat
ing?
Lame:t
hechancesar
ever
yhi
gh
Let
lotl
o:okma'am (
theyl
aughed)l
etmegett owork
mma.Wewi l
ltal
kaboutt
heretr
eatthenprobabl
y
doitaft
ertheweddi
ngandtakeLizzy'
skidsaswell
Lame:yeahnopr
obl
em
Let
lot
lo:sur
eiwil
lbei
nMochudiby9am t
omor
row
soyouguysbett
erbeready
Lame:yessi
r

TheyhungupasLetl
otl
owentbacktoworkwhi
l
e
Lamelookedar
oundhershopsmil
ing.
..

Lame:ican'tbel
ieveaftersomuchwear ehere
today.ThankyougoodLor d.Iwishmom woul dbe
aroundfortheopeningbuti ti
swel lshewillf
indthe
shopupandr unning.(Smiled)cashierslet
's
preparetofamil
iar
iseourselveswitht hecash
regi
sterspl
ease

Theladiest
ookthei
rseat
sasthei
nst
ructort
ook
them t
hroughever
ythi
ngont
hemonitor
s.

AtaRest
aur
ant
..
.
Mir
a,SharonandLeonl
aughedast
hei
rwai
ter
br
oughtthei
rfood.
..

Leon:sohowdi
dyoumeett
hatboy?Kanaihave
neverasked
Shar
on:atapar
tydad
Leon:howl
onghasi
tbeen?
Shar
on:3weeks
Leon:isee.Sothefat
herofyourchi
ld,
whatdoeshe
do?(Sheswallowedlooki
ngathermother
)
Mira:he'sateacheratherschool
.Hewasact
ual
l
y
hermat hsteacher
Leon:he'
sluckyhedidn'
trunof
forel
sehewas
goingtohavetodealwit
hme
Sharon:(chuckl
ed)youandinti
midat
ingpeopl
edad.
AnywayI '
m surpri
sedmom didn'
ttel
lyouaboutmy
pregnancyassoonasshef oundout.Whyisthat
?
Mirachokedonasauceandtookasi
pfr
om her
dr
inkwhileLeoncal
mlyf
ocusedonhi
sfood.
..

Shar
on:dad?
Leon:(
chewedl
ooki
ngatMi
ra)askyourmom
Mir
a:(cl
earedhert
hroat
)iwasplanni
ngtopayhim
avi
sitaf
terthedamageshavebeenpaidmygir
l
Sharon:butyouguysareamarri
edcoupl
e,yout
alk
ever
ydaymor ethan3timesadaysi
nceyouguys
l
ivewayapar tf
rom oneanot
her
Mira:somet
hingsar
ebetteroffsai
df acetofacemy
chil
d.Thisi
sasensit
ivemattersoitshallbetr
eated
as.Youcan'tj
ustbl
urti
toutoverthephonel i
kethat
Sharon:ohok.Nowiunder
stand.Onemor
e
questi
on
Mi
ra:okar
eweher
eforbr
eakf
astorani
nter
view?
Shar
on:ij
ustwantt
ounder
standaf
ewt
hingsmom
Leon:l
eavet
hechi
ldal
onepl
ease
Shar
on:t
hankyoudad.Soguyswhathappenedt
o
yourr
ings?

Mir
afr
ownedchecki
ngherfi
ngerwhi
leLeonwi
ped
hi
smouthandsi
ghedsi
tti
ngback.
..

Sharon:imeansometimesyouweari
tand
sometimesyoudon't
.Youcangofor3weeks
wit
houtitma,whyisthat
?
Mir
a:whenit
akei
tof
fsomet
imesif
orgett
oputi
t
on
Shar
on:f
orawhol
e3weeksmom?
Mi
ra:yesShar
onyouknowi
m abusywomansomy
mi
ndisalwaysoccupi
ed
Shar
on:andyoudad?
Leon:myr
ingl
ongbr
okesoihavebeent
oobusyt
o
getanewone
Shar
on:l
astquest
ion
Mi
ra:oki
m goi
ngt
ogot
other
estr
oom now
Shar
on:butmom i
..
.

ShegaveherahandwalkingawaywhileLeonsof
tl
y
smil
edlooki
ngather
.Sharonsighedandshookher
headfocusi
ngonherfood.

AtRober
t'
sof
fi
ce.
..

Rober
t:comei
n
Lady:si
ryouhaveavi
sit
or
Rober
t:whoi
sit
?
Lady:shesayshernamei
s..
.
At
amel
ang:(
wenti
n)At
amel
angKwena
Lady:butma'
am iaskedyout
o..
.
Rober
t:(swal
lowed)i
t'
sokyoumayexcuseus(
she
l
eft
)pleasehaveaseat
At
amel
ang:i
mfi
nest
andi
ngi
m nother
eforl
ong
Rober
t:(
satdown)ohisee
Atamel
ang:sowhatdoyouDut
chemenwantf
rom
us?
Rober
t:idon'
tthi
nkiunder
stand
At
amelang:fi
rst
lyi
twasyoursonnowi t
syou.What
i
sit?Didyourwi
tchdoct
ortel
lyouyourfor
tunel
ies
wit
hinourmiser
y?
Rober
t:okmychi
ldi
..
.
Atamelang:don'
tyouevendaregot
her
e,i
m not
yourchil
dandiwi l
lneverbe
Rober
t:for
givemepl
easebutyouwoul
dn'
t
under
stand
Atamelang:(
chuckl
ed)under
standwhatexact
ly?
Thatyoubrokeanotherman'
shome?Thatyout ook
mymot herawayfrom me?WhatMrDutche?
Rober
t:wel
oveoneanot
her
Atamelang:t
hat'
stotalbul
landyouknowi t.My
parent
saresupposedt obetoget
her.Youhavea
womanf orcryi
ngoutloudwhyar eyoumenl i
ke
thi
s?Selfi
shandselfcentr
ed.Youthinkyoucanget
awaywi t
hanythingi
nt heworl
d(scoffed)butnot
wheni
tcomest
omyf
ami
ly
Robert:iunderst
andyourf rust
rationsMsKwena.
Youar eachildandyouwi l
lfor
everwanttoseeyour
parentstoget
her.Itdoesn'tmatterhowoldyouget
butpleaseunderstandthis,anyt
hingcanhappen,
peopleseparateallt
hetime
Atamelang:soyouar
enotevenashamedofwhat
youaredoing?
Rober
t:l
ovewi
llnevershameme
Atamel
ang:ohwowbutwhatiknowi smymot her
andfat
herbelongtoget
herandnot
hing,notevena
whit
eGer manman( sai
dlooki
ngathimfrom down
up)wil
lcomebet weent
hem.Youknowmymot her
i
sspiri
tual
lygif
tedri
ght
?
Rober
t:yes
At
amelang:andibel
ieveyouknowthati
tissai
d
t
hatt
here'
spowerinthetongueri
ght?
Rober
t:yes
Atamelang:i
magi
nesomeonepr
ayingandwi
shi
ng
foryoursontodi
eandt
heyact
uall
ydo.
Rober
t:(
frowned)huh?
At
amel
ang:haveagoodday(
shesmi
ledl
eavi
ng)
Rober
t:At
awai
t.
..
(shecl
osedt
hedoorbehindher
)
"
imagi
nesomeoneprayandwi
shforyoursonto.
..
"

Hesatbackconf
usedt
ryi
ngt
omakesenseoft
he
st
atement.

Backatt
her
est
aur
ant
..
.

Mirafi
nishedandstoodbythebasintowashher
hands.Asshelookedupshelockedeyeswith
Boemobehi ndherasherhear
tskippedabeat.
..

Mir
a:whatar
eyoudoi
ng?Shoul
digetar
est
rai
ning
or
deragai
nstyou?
Boemo:whatar
eyouaf
rai
dof
?
Mi
ra:(
scof
fed)youar
ethel
eastt
hingt
obeaf
rai
dof
.
Youj
ustl
uckyyougotbai
lbutnextt
imet
hings
won'
tbeaseasy
Boemo:(
wentcl
osert
oher
)ist
hatso?
Mi
ra:st
epawayf
rom mepl
ease
Boemo:nahdon' tworr
ymyl oveI'
m notavi
ll
age
champion.Inevergetphysicalwit
hanyonetheonl
y
batt
lef
iel
diknowi scourtandt hel
aw
Mi
ra:(
cur
vedherl
ips)whatar
eyousayi
ng?
Boemo:youar
egoi
ngt
odr
opt
hechar
gesagai
nst
Bosa
Mira:(l
aughed)whataj oke.Youreall
yhavetime
hey(Boemokeptaser i
ousf aceon)ohyouare
seri
ous?( Scof
fed)youwi l
lneverseethatdoyou
understandme?Nooneget st ohurtmychil
dand
thi
nktheycangetawaywi thit
Boemo:sosayssomeonewhot
iedhert
ubeswhen
shewas21,yeahri
ght
Mi
ra:(
swal
lowed)excuseme?
Boemo:doasisayorel
set
hismout
hwi
llr
unl
ikea
tap
Shesmiledathertappi
nghershoul derandwinked
atherl
eavingwhil
eMi ralookedaroundwithher
mindrunninghel
ter-
skelt
er.Sheturnedtothemirr
or
andsoft
lyspoketoherself.
..

Mi
ra:what
?
.
.
.
.
.
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
CAGED
73

Mirascoff
edsnappingoutofhert
houghtsand
cl
ickedhertonguegoi
ngbacktothei
rtabl
e..
.
Leon:i
sever
ythi
ngok?(
Shekeptqui
et)
Shar
on:mom?
Mir
a:hmm?Ohyeahever
ythi
ngi
sokij
ustneedt
o
gototheof
fi
cequi
ckl
y
Leon:why?
Mira:ther
e'ssomethingthathappenedt hatneeds
myat tent
ion(shesaidtakingherbagandcarkeys)
youguysenj oytherestofyourbr eakf
astdutyis
cal
ling.Seeyouathome( shekissedSharon's
cheekandLeon' sl
ips)
Shar
on:howdoyouexpectust
ogobackhome?
Mir
a:youwi
llcal
ltheguywhoal wayst
akesyou
ar
oundtownmygi rlihavet
orushnowbye
Shar
on:okbye

Inf
ormalpant
s,awhiteshi
rtandsti
let
tosshel
eft
whi
leLeonsatbackandsquinthi
seyeslooki
ngat
her
.Outsi
deshefli
ppedherhairt
ryi
ngtospot
Boemo'
scarandsawherr
ever
singout
..
.

Mi
ra:t
hisubi
qui
tousbi
tch

Shesai drunni ngtoherRangeRoverspor tand

quicklygotinsi deanddroveoutofherpar king
spacef oll
owi ngBoemo' sBMW X4.Jammi ngtothe
musi cplayingi nhercarBoemot appedherf inger
s
ont hesteeringwheelandt hrewagum i nhermout h.
Shecar eful
lycheckedt hemi r
rorsandjoinedt he
twowayr oadheadi nghome.Shei ncreasedt he
volumeal i
ttl
ewhi l
esingingoutloudbutst opped
seeingwhatl ookedli
keMi r
a'scarbehindher ..
.

Boemo:(
scof
fed)ohsoyouar
ethi
sdesper
ate?Ok,
comenowmygi r
laker
ewenaobiggi
rl

Shesaidchanginggearsandsteppedonthe
accel
eratormovingt
ot hef
astl
anewhi l
eMi r
a
movedt othel
eftmovingincl
osertoher.She
smil
edseei
ngthetr
affi
cli
ghtcount
ingcl
osert
o
zer
ofort
heredli
ght.
..

Mi
ra:i
m notgoi
ngt
oletyougetawaywi
tht
his

Sheclickedhertongueandmovedcl oserast hey

stoppednexttooneanot her.Mir
aopenedher
windowandsi gnall
edBoemot oopenhersthough
shewasnotsur eifshewasseei ngherasher
windowswer edark.InhercarBoemochuckl edand
reducedthevolumeopeni ngthepassenger
window...

Boemo:whati
sit
?
Mi
ra:pul
loveratt
henextst
op
Boemo:ar
eyouat
raf
fi
ccop?
Mi
ra:Boemoyoubet
terpul
lover
Boemo:j
ustdoasisayandyourl
if
ewi
llbeaseasy
asyouwouldl
ikei
ttobe
Shesaidrol
li
ngthewindowbackupast hetr
aff
ic
l
ightopenedfort
hem.Shesteppedonthe
accel
erat
orwithMir
acomingbehindher..
.

Mi
ra:bl
oodymot
herf
ucker
!

Shesaidsteppingonitaswellchangingint
o
Boemo'slanewi t
hacarbet weenthem.Boemo
smil
edcheckinghercart hr
oughthemi r
rorsand
passedthestop.Mir
acl i
ckedhertongueandtook
herphonediali
ngher.
..

Boemo:Mi
ra
Mi
ra:isai
dst
opatt
hest
opyoupassed
Boemo:t
alkingt
othephonewhi
ledr
ivi
ngi
san
of
fenceMirabye
Mi
ra:Boemoyou.
..
(shehunguponher
)Bo.
..
shi
t!
Shecl
ickedhertongueagainandcheckedher
mir
ror
sandmovedt othel
eftlane,
passedthecar
bet
weent hem andj
oinedthefastl
aneagai
n..
.

Mi
ra:i
m notl
ett
ingyougetawayyounggi
rl

InhercarBoemosmi ledchecki
ngheroutbehi nd
herandst eppedontheaccelerat
oral i
tt
lemor e
whil
eMi racamecl osereachsecond.Assoonas
shewascl oseenoughshef li
ckedlight
sf orher
whil
eBoemokeptgoi ng.Shecontinuedtof l
ickt he
l
ightswhilemovinginmor ecloser
.Seeingt hatshe
wasaboutt ohithercar,Boemoclickedhert ongue
andcheckedt hemi r
rorsandmovedt othel eftlane
asMi r
afol l
owedher.Shesighedandst oppedas
Miraparkedbehindherandgotof fgoingt ohercar .
Sheknockedont hewi ndowasBoemogotof fthe
car.
..

Boemo:othusi
wakaengausi
?(Whatdoyouneed
hel
pwithmysister
)
Mi
ra:whatar
eyoupl
ayi
ngat
?
Boemo:t hi
sisnotafastandfuri
ousmoviesetMira
wel i
veinanactualworl
dyoucan'tbedr
ivi
nglike
thatbehi
ndmear eyoucr azy?
Mi
ra:kar
ewhatar
eyoupl
ayi
ngatBoemo
Boemo:ineverpl
aygames
Mir
a:whatdi
dyousayi
ntherestr
oomsandhow
di
dyouknowiwasther
e?Areyoufol
lowi
ngme?
Boemo:ihavealotoft
hingst
opayatt
ent
iont
o
thantobeseenfol
lowi
ngyouandisai
daloti
nthe
restr
oomspleaseremi
ndme
Mi
ra:(
point
edather)Boemoyoudon'
twantt
o
messwit
hmel i
kethatdoyouhearme?
Boemo:(shovedherhandof
fherface)don'
tyou
everpoi
ntyourfi
ngeratmeinyourli
fedoyou
underst
and?
Mi
ra:wher
edoyougett
het
hingsyouwer
esayi
ng?
Boemo:ifyoudon'
tmindiwoul
dlovetogethome
tomyhusbandt obeandhi
sson.Atleastsomeof
usaren'
tforci
ngpeopl
etobar
ekidsforusjustt
o
keepourmar
ri
ages
Mi
ra:excuseme?

Boemocli
ckedhertongueandgotbacki
nhercar
rol
li
ngdownherwindow..
.

Boemo:iwonderwhatSharonwoul
dsayordoonce
shel
earnst
hetrut
h.Dropthechar
ges
Mi
ra:Boemowhat
..
.

Sheroll
edt
hewi ndowupwhileshewassti
llt
alki
ng,
puthermusi
cbackonandt ookoffwhil
eMirastood
wit
hahandonherwai standonepinchi
ngthe
bri
dgeofhernose..
.

Mi
ra:shi
t!

Shesai
dgoi
ngt
ohercarandl
eanedont
hebonnet
f
orafewsecondsandclickedhertonguekicki
ng
t
hetyreandgoti
nsidehercar.Sheputthekeyin
t
heignit
ionandt
hrewherheadbackont hehead
r
est
...

Mir
a:whatdoesthi
sbitchknowandwher
edoes
shegett
hisi
nfor
mation?

Shecli
ckedhercarandst
art
edt
heengi
necar
eful
ly
j
oini
ngtheroad.

Att
heKwena'
s.
..

PatloopenedthegateforBaisagowhodrovehis
carintheyardandwenti nt
ot hehousewher
ehe
foundal otofemptybott
lesofbeerandthehouse
reekingofsmoke..
.

Pat
lo:whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?
Bai
sago:whati
sthi
s?
Pat
lo:ar
eyounotsupposedt
obewi
thyourson?
Bai
sago:f
orgetthatandexpl
ainwhatyouaret
ryi
ng
tot
urnyoursel
fint
o.Thisi
sbelowyouPatlo
Pat
lo:what
'st
heuseofbei
ngabovet
hingswi
thno
wif
e?
Bai
sago:youareyour
sel
fbef
oretheot
herper
son
Pat
lothi
sisnothowrealmendealwi
thsi
tuat
ions.
Pat
lo:Bai
sagoshelef
tme,shepackedhert
hings
andwenttothatwhi
tebast
ard!
Bai
sago:cal
m downbuddy
Pat
lo:cal
m down?Iwantmywi
feBai
sago.That
womani smyeveryt
hing
Baisago:butyoucan'
tfor
ceaper
sont
ost
ayi
fthey
don'twanttostay
Patl
o:Baisago,
Bontsideservest
obeherewit
hme,
shebelongswithus,herhusbandanddaught
er.
Bai
sago:sowhatar
eyoupl
anni
ngondoi
ng?
Pat
lo:idon'
tknow
Bai
sago:yetyouareheredrowningyour selfi
n
al
coholandturni
ngyourselfi
ntosomet hingyouar e
not
.Doyout hi
nkshewoul dwantt ocomebackt o
someonewho'sdoingthis?Getyouractt ogether
andstopacti
ngli
keanidiot.I
fyouwantyourwi f
eto
comebackhomet henyoubet teractl
ikeitmyguy
Pat
lo:ah

Hesai
dtaki
ngabot
tl
eofbeerasBai
sagogr
abbed
i
tfr
om hi
m..
.

Pat
lo:whatar
eyoudoi
ng?
Baisago:allt
hismaddnessst opsnowPat lo.How
doyout hi
nkt hi
swillrefl
ectonmeasyourf ri
end?
Gaket l
egot l
habisi
wadi tl
hongkemonnaal ekana
kawenaadi r
adilotsabomat l
a, t
sabongwana( im
notgoingtobeembr assedbyamanl i
keyou, doi
ng
stupidthi
ngsandbei ngchi l
dish)soyouar egoing
toshowerandgetsomesl eepwhenyouwakeup
wear egoingtowatchagameoff oot
ballata
restaur
antandwewon' tbedr inki
ng
Pat
lo:buti
t'
sFr
iday
Bai
sago:i
m notj
oki
ng

Hesaidputt
inghisphoneandkeysont hetabl
eand
pul
ledhi
m upf r
om thecouchastheyheadedtothe
bat
hroom whil
ePatlobursti
ntoalaugh.
..

Pat
lo:maybeishoul
dmar
ryyouBoemowi
llseet
o
her
self

Baisagoi
gnoredhim andopenedwaterforhimin
theshowerandhelpedhim outofhi
sclothesand
closedhi
minside.Hewentbackdownwhi l
ePatl
o
showeredsi
ngingoutloudasBaisagotookhis
phoneanddialedAtamelang.
..

At
amel
ang:MrKgosi
dint
si?
Baisago:t
hankyouforl
ett
ingmeknowaboutyour
fat
her'sst
ate.Doyouhaveanyt
hingt
okeepyou
busyiwantt
ospendaf
ewhour
swi
thhi
m
At
amel
ang:i
m act
ual
lyonmywayt
oyourhouse
Baisago:ohokthenpleasejustchi
llt
her
eif
possibl
esleepoveriwillt
alkt
omywi feandispend
thenightwit
hyourfather
At
amel
ang:iwi
llhavet
ocomegetmyt
hingst
her
e
Bai
sago:iwil
lletyouknowoncehe'
sasl
eept
o
comeforthem.
At
amel
ang:yout
hinki
twoul
dhel
pthough?
Baisago:yeahiwantustohaveamant
omant
alk
oncehe'sbacktohissenses
At
amel
ang:okt
hennopr
obl
em.Thankyou
Bai
sago:anyt
ime

Theyhungupasheshookhisheadli
steni
ngto
Patl
o'ssi
ngi
ngandwenti
ntotheki
tchentogett
wo
bott
lesofwat
erf
orhi
m andwentbackt ot
hemain
bedroom.
Atar
est
aur
ant
..
.

Bontsiphonerangassheaskedherl
awyert
o
excuseher..
.

Bont
si:Kel
ly?
Kel
ell
o:whati
sthi
sihearf
rom At
amel
ang?
Bont
si:ohshet
oldyou
Kelell
o:Bontsi
youareawomanofhonourand
besidesthatwehavespokenaboutt
hisal
otof
ti
mesand. ..
Bontsi
:youareri
ghtmyfr
iendwehavespoken
aboutthi
salotofti
mesandihadt
omakea
deci
sionsoidid
Kel
ell
o:Bont
sipl
easet
hinkoft
hest
rai
nyouar
e
put
ti
ngonyourdaught
er
Bontsi
:il
ovemydaught
erandiwi
llal
waysl
oveher
butial
soneedt
obehappy
Kel
ell
o:butyousayyouar
ehappywi
thPat
lo
Bont
si:i
m happi
erwi
thRober
t
Kel
ell
o:r
eal
lynowBont
si?
Bont
si:bonat
sal
awewi
llt
alki
minameet
ingwi
th
mylawyer
Kel
ell
o:l
aw...
what?Bont
sit
lhemmat
akesomet
ime
t
othinkaboutthi
s
Bont
si:bye
Kel
ell
o:Bont
siar
eyoul
ist
eni
ngt
ome

ShehungupasKel
ell
osi
ghedandshookherhead.
Bont
sial
sosi
ghedandwentbackt
othei
rtabl
e..
.

Bont
si:sor
ryf
ort
hatwher
ewer
ewe?
Lady:weweretalki
ngaboutt
heassetsbutiwantt
o
askyouforthesecondti
me,areyousureabout
fi
li
ngfordi
vorce?
Bont
si:yest
hisi
swhatiwantsoi
m sur
e
Lady:ohwel
ltheni
fyousaysoiwon'
tst
opyoubut
j
ustsoyouknowitmi
ghtgetmessi
ershoul
dhe
deci
detocont
est
Bont
si:howmessy?
Lady:yesyoumi ghthavej
ustsignedint
o
communi t
yofpr oper
tybutthechancesofhi
m
gett
ingeveryt
hingarehigh
Bont
si:what
!?Asi
never
ythi
ng?
Lady:yesever
ythi
ng.I
ncl
udi
ngyourbout
iqueand
hal
fofyoursharesfr
om t
hegar
den
Bont
si:buthow?Wearemarr
iedi
ncommuni
tyof
pr
opertynowunli
kebef
ore
Lady:youarealreadymessingaroundwit
h
someoneelseandal otofpeopl
ehavedefi
nit
ely
seenyouguyst ogetherandyourdaught
erisa
witnesst
othis
Bontsi
:nothat
'
sunf
air
.Imt
heonewhoappl
iedf
or
thi
sdivor
ce
Lady:thatdoesn'
tmatter
.Whenthecourtl
earns
thatyoumessedar oundwit
hsomeoneandyou
guyswer epubli
caboutitwhi
leyouguysaresti
lli
n
t
hepr
ocessofdi
vor
cei
t'
sgoi
ngt
orul
einhi
sfavour
Bont
si:(
sighed)sowhatdoi
do?
Lady:t
hinkl
ongandhar
daboutt
hisMr
sKwenai
begyou
Bont
si:buti
..
.ei
shokiwi
llt
hinkabouti
t
Lady:pl
ease
Bont
si:sur
e

Theladypackedherthi
ngsandl
eftwhi
leBont
si
order
edanotherdr
ink.

AtMi
ra'
shouse.
..

Shar
on'sfr
iendar
ri
vedastheywentt
othepoolf
or
aswim whil
eLeonsati
nthebal
conyandcal
led
Boemo..
.

Boemo:Leon
Leon:MsMai
ket
soihopei
m notdi
stur
bingyou
Boemo:notatal
l.What
'sup?
Leon:good.Iwant
edt
oaskhowt
hingsar
egoi
ng?
Boemo:im st
il
ltr
yingt
ogethertodropthechar
ges
againstmysonandsof ardogoodbecauseimake
suretopushtheri
ghtbutt
onsallt
heti
me
Leon:youknowshelefttherest
auranti
narush
whil
ewewer ehavi
ngbr eakf
astsayingshe'
s
att
endingt
osomethingatwor k
Boemo:shewasact
ual
lycomi
ngaf
terme
Leon:huh?
Boemo:isnuckuponheri
nther
estr
oomsandhad
aquickchatwi
thher
Leon:youwer
ether
e?
Boemo:yeahif
oll
owedyouguyst
hroughShar
on'
s
st
atuses
Leon:ohisee.Let'
shopesheli
stensbutthenwhat
happensaftershedropst
hecharges?She'sgoi
ng
toexpectyoutokeephersecr
etsafe
Boemo:asfarasim concer
nedwehaveno
agr
eementbetweenussowear egoi
ngthr
ough
wit
htheplantosetyoufree
Leon:whati
fsheasksf
oranagr
eement
?
Boemo:i
m notaf
ool
Leon:nei
theri
sshe
Boemo:whati m sayingisyouwi llbetheone
reveali
ngeverythi
ngandiwi llbebackingyouasa
l
awyer .Aft
eralliwon'tbetheoner eveali
ngthings.
Im alawyerandyouar eacli
entasf arasim
concernedshedoesn' tknowt hatyouandiar e
wor ki
ngtoget
herandyouar eallowedt oworkwith
anyoneyouwantr egardl
essofwhatt heyknow
Leon:ohokt
heni
fyouputi
tli
ket
henwear
esaf
eto
go
Boemo:yeahsokeepdoingagoodj
obofthr
owing
herofft
heramp.Tr
ustmeshewon'tknowwhathi
t
her.YouknowMrsCart
er?
Leon:thelawyerwhowasal
waysbashedf
orher
dri
nking?
Boemo:yesim worki
ngwit
hheront
hecaseand
twoot
herlawyerssoever
ythi
ngi
sset
Leon:(chuckl
ed)onethi
ngiknowisthatyoucan
nevergoagainstthatwomanincour
t.
Boemo:soyouaredefi
nit
elysaf
emyguy.Oh
anot
herthi
ngtheywanttomeetupwi
thyousoi
don'
tknowhowMondaysounds?
Leon:per
fect
Boemo:awesome
Leon:t
hanksoncemor
e
Boemo:nopr
obl
em

TheyhungupasLeonsmi
ledst
andi
ngupchecki
ng
thevi
ew..
.

Leon:t
heplansihavef
oryouMira.Youwilll
ear
nto
nevert
hinkyoucancageahumanbei ngallt
hei
rli
fe.
There'
salwaysawayoutdearexwife.Al
ways
Hechuckl
edgoi
ngdown.

THATAFTERNOON

Att
hehospi
tal
..
.

Theteacherwenti
ntoBoi
tshepo'
sroom as
Boi
tsheposmiledl
ooki
ngather..
.

Teacher
:li
fesaver
Boi
tshepo:i
tswhati
m cal
ledi
nthi
swor
ldt
odo
Teacher:i
ndeedandim gl
adyouhaveaccept
edthe
gi
ftwithbothhands.Theonl
yprobl
em i
swhatyou
arethi
nkingofdoi
ng
Boi
tshepo:canwepl
easenott
alkaboutt
his
Teacher
:Mmantwayoucan'
tignor
eandgoagai
nst
theel
ders'
swi
llnorGod'
s
Boi
tshepo:t
heel
der
sagai
n?
Teacher
:yesyourancest
orsal
sowantt
hesame
thi
ng
Boit
shepo:(
sighed)gonemmewhatwi l
lhappenifi
don'
tacceptthi
s?Idon'twantt
oshar
eaman, i
can'
tshareaman
Teacher
:al
ot
Boitshepo:ifi
tmeansmel osi
ngmygi f
tsobei t
becauseir espectmymor alsandpr i
ncipl
esand
polygamyi snotafantasyofmi ne.Thisalsodoesn'
t
soundr ightespeci
all
ywheni tcomest oGod.
Ancest orsiwouldunderst
andt heyarestrangel
ike
thatbutasf orGod?Noma' am idi
sagree
Teacher
:don'
tyout
hinkGodi
sasst
range?
Boi
tshepo:Goddoesn'
tst
andf
ordi
vor
ce
Teacher:i
tmayseem allbl
urryandwrongbutthi
s
youhavetodo.Somet i
mesmychi ldGodworksin
mysteri
ousways.Hewi l
ltakeyouthr
ougha
jour
neyyouneverthoughtyouwouldgothroughfor
himtosavehissheepsandl ookoutf
orhispeopl
e
Boi
tshepo:nomansoyouar
etr
yingt
otel
lmet
hat
Godwantsmetogot hr
oughsuchajourneywhat
abouthi
sword?Whywouldhewanttocont r
adi
ct
hi
mselfl
iket
hat?Thi
sdoesn'
tsoundri
ghtatall
.
Teacher
:whatar
eyousayi
ng?
Boit
shepo:unl
essyoucometomewi
thaver
ycl
ear
expl
anati
ontothi
sim notdoi
ngi
t
Teacher:whati
fyouaretur
ningablindeyetothat
explanat
ionwhil
eit
sri
ghtinfrontofyou?Soyou
wantt ogothr
oughwhathe'stryi
ngtokeepyou
safefrom?Whattheancest
orsar et
ryi
ngtosave
youf r
om?
Boi
tshepo:i
fhe'
sal
ist
eni
ngGodhewi
llf
ightf
orme
Teacher:t
hewordofGodsays."
Ifyoudenymein
fr
ontofyourpeopl
e,it
oowil
ldenyyouinfr
ontof
myf at
her"
Boit
shepo:sohewoul
dleavemetoper
ishjust
becauseichoset
odowhathesaysinhisword?
Teacher:Mmantwapleaseli
stent
omewhenisay
God,theDint
siancest
orsandMarumoancest
ors
arel
ookingoutforyou
Boit
shepo:youknowwhatiwoul
drat
herl
etgoof
ever
ythi
ngelse
Teacher
:mychi
ldyouhavecomesof
art
odot
hat
Boit
shepo:butwhattheyareaski
ngofmei
s
honest
lyheavyandwheni tcomestoGod(
scof
fed)
ahnoshameican' t
,ihonestl
ycan'
t
Teacher
:sowhatar
eyousayi
ng?
Boi
tshepo:l
et'
sdr
opever
ythi
ng
Teacher
:ar
eyousur
e?
Boi
tshepo:yes
Teacher:iwi
llgiveyouonemor echancet
othi
nk
aboutthatdecisionandwhatihavesaidt
oyou
Boi
tshepo:mydeci
sioni
sfi
nal

Asshesai
dtheemergencybel
lrangasadoct
or
andt
wonursesrandownthepassage.
..

Dr
:wher
eisi
tcomi
ngf
rom!
?
Nurse:theyoungl
adywhoi
sjustf
rom aki
dney
t
ransplat!

Boi
tshepof
rownedl
ookingathert
eacherwho
st
oodupandheldherhand.
..

Boi
tshepo:t
heyar
etal
kingaboutDai
sywhat
's
goi
ngon?
Teacher:youaretheonlyonecapableofsaving
yourfamily,wit
houthelpf
rom theel
dersther
e'sno
wayyouwi l
lbeabletoovercomeyourenemies.
Thisi
sjustt hebegi
nningmychi l
d.Theancestors
areangry.Youhavemadeyourdeci sionr
ight?You
knowwher etofi
ndmeshoul dyouneedanything.
Bye
Boi
tshepo:nowai
t,whatar
eyousayi
ng?
Teacher
:goodbyeMmant
wa
Boit
shepo:noyoucan'
tleaveme.(Shej
ustl
eft
)
what!?Nothi
sisabsur
dGodar eyougoingt
o
punishmebecauseidon'twantt
oshareamanwit
h
afri
end?Doyouhatemyf ami
lythatmuchGod?I
meanwhatkindofaGoddoeswhatyoudo?Andt o
youDint
siandMarumoancestorshowcanyoudo
thi
stome?Ifanyt
hingicanfi
ghtthepeopl
eagai
nst
myf ami
lyal
onenotwit
hsomest ranger
Boingot
lo:(
tearf
ull
y)mysisterpl
easedon'
tdot
his
toourki
dsandever yone.Theyneedyouasmuch
asyouneedt hem
Boi
tshepo:(
swal
lowed)Boi
ngot
lo.
..
Boi
ngot
lo:andBont
sii
snotast
ranger
Boi
tshepo:(
conf
used)what
?
Boingotl
o:cont
inuewi
tht
rai
ningi
twil
lsoonbe
reveal
edtoyouwhyisayBontsii
snotastr
anger
(shedisappear
ed)
Boi
tshepo:Boi
ngot
locomeback,Boi
ngo.
..
ohLor
d
whyme, whydoesital
wayshavetobeme

Shebur
stint
otear
swhilebythedoorhert
eacher
sof
tl
yshookherheadandsighedwalki
ngaway..
.
Teacher
:ij
usthopeyoudon'
twakeupl
atemychi
ld.
Youwerehonestl
yontheri
ghtpat
h.

BackatMi
ra'
shouse.
..

Shar onwenti ntothest udytogetapenbutcoul dn'

t
fi
ndoneont hedeskasshewentt hrought he
drawer s.Shenot i
cedt hatonewasl ockedasshe
frownedbutcont i
nuedt osearchtheot hersand
foundapen.Shewal kedoutbutbyt hedoorshe
stoppedandwonder edwhyt hatotherdrawerwas
l
ocked.Shewentbacki nsideandlookedf orthekey
andf oundi ti
nt hemi ddleofoneoft hef i
lesinher
mot her'sst
udy.Sheopenedi ttofi
ndabr own
envel opeonly..
.

Shar
on:uhu

Shesaidtaki
ngitoutwi
thafr
ownonherface.She
openeditandtookoutt
hedocument
sini
t.
..
Shar
on:"
thi
sser
vesasadi
vor
cecont
ractbet
ween.
..
Mi
ra:Shar
on.
..

Shequicklyt
hrewthedocument
sonthedeskas
sheswallowedlooki
ngathermot
herwhoclosed
thedoor.
.
.
.
.
.
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
CAGED
74

Shar
on:mma
Mi
ra:whatar
eyoudoi
ngi
nmyst
udy?
Shar
on:iwasl
ooki
ngf
orapen
Mi
ra:soyourpensst
ayi
nanenvel
ope?
Shar
on:noiwasj
ust
..
.j
ust
..
.
Mir
a:j
ustwhatSharon?Whatareyoudoingwith
t
hatenvel
ope?Whyar eyougoi
ngthroughthi
ngs
t
hatarenotyour
s?
Shar
on:mom isweariwasj
ustl
ooki
ngf
orapen

Mir
atookthedocument
sreadi
ngt
hem andput
t
hem backint
heenvel
ope.
..

Mi
ra:soyousear
chedf
ort
hekeyf
ort
hisdr
awer
?
Shar
on:iwasonl
y..
.
Mi
ra:shutupandmove
Sharon:(
moved)who'sdocument
saret
hosemom?
Areyouanddaddivorci
ng?Ist
hatwhyyoucan
easi
lyfor
getyourr
ing?
Mi
ra:ar
eyoucr
azyShar
on?
Shar
on:ij
ustwantt
oknow
Mi
ra:whi
chnamesdi
dyouseeher
e?
Sharon:idi
dn'
tseet
henamesyouwal
kedi
nbef
ore
icould
Mira:i
tdoesn'
tmatterwhothesedocumentsbelong
to.Yourf
atherandiarenotdi
vorci
ngican'tbel
ieve
youcanthinkofsuch.Icameheretotel
lyousome
goodnews
Shar
on:waitwi
tht
hegoodnewsmama,
who'
s
cont
racti
sthat
?
Mi
ra:t
hei
nter
nim wor
kingwi
thatwor
k
Shar
on:whywouldheorshegi
veyout
hei
rdi
vor
ce
cont
ract
?Areyoualawyer
?
Mi r
a:it'
sbecausewear ecloseli
kethat.Shetreat
s
mel ikehersist
erbecauseshedoesn'thaveanyone
whoshecanconf i
dein.Herhusbandof3mont hsis
divorcingheraft
ercheati
ngonherandwor stofit
allhe'snotworkingbuthewi l
lbegett
inghalfof
everything
Shar
on:ever
ythi
ng?Whi
leshe'
sani
nter
n?
Mira:(
clear
edherthroat)herpar
entswer
ewellof
f
sowhent heypassedont heylef
therwi
thahuge
l
umpsum sowi t
ht hethi
ngsonhernames,heis
el
igibl
etogethalfofthem
Sharon:howdoyouint
ernwhenyouarefr
om awell
offf
ami l
y?Aker
eift
heyhadbusi
nessesshecoul
d
j
usttakeover
Mira:t
heparent
sdi edrecent
lyinacaracci
dentso
somethingsar
est i
llbei
ngsortedout
.The
i
nternshipi
stojustkeepbusy
Shar
on:ohisee.Sowhatar
ethegoodnews?
Mira:he'
sgoi
ngtokillmefortel
li
ngyoubefor
et he
ti
mehewaspl anningtot
ellyouatbut(
whispered)
dadisbackforgood
Shar
on:(
widenedhereyessmi
li
ng)what
!?
Mi
ra:yes
Sharon:t
hat'samazi
ng.Final
ywecanwor konour
rel
ati
onship.Thi
sthi
ngofust al
kingovert
hephone
andseeingoneanotheronceinayearwasnot
wor
king.Soi
t'
saboutdamnt
ime
Mir
a:(
smil
ed)iknowr
ight
.God'
sti
mingi
sal
ways
t
hebest
Sharon:yeah.Anywaymyf
ri
endi
sher
eletmenot
keepherwai t
ing
Gi
rl
:Sharon!
?Oj
elwekepenej
aanong(
hast
hepen
t
akenyou)
Shar
on:i
m comi
ngt
sal
a

Shechuckl
edleavi
ngwhil
eMirasmil
ed.Assoonas
shecl
osedthedoorMir
astoppedsmil
ingand
si
ghedoutofrel
ief
..
.

Mira:shit
!ThankGodigother eonti
me.Ineedt o
puttheseinmysaf enowit houghtt
hisdrawerwas
safe(cl
ickedhertongue)andforhertohavethe
energytolookforthekey.Yoh

Shesai
dcl
appi
ngonceandt
ookt
heenvel
opegoi
ng
t
othebedr
oom.

Att
heof
fi
ce.
..

Temogotofft
hephonecal
lwi
tht
hedoct
orand
cal
ledhi
suncl
e..
.

Lediba:manTisever
ythi
ngokson?Ifit
'saboutt
he
cowsdon'tworr
yeveryt
hingwi
llbesetoncewego
totheMaiket
so'
sagain
Temo:that
'swonder
fulmal
omebutt
hat
'snotwhyi
cal
led
Ledi
ba:ohok?
Temo:imf r
om aphonecal
lwit
hthedoctorri
ght
nowandt heysayt
hesurger
ywasasuccess
thoughshegotacardi
acarr
estbutshe'
sstabl
e
now
Lediba:t
hankGodiwasst
ressedwhenyousai
d
cardiacar
rest
.
Temo:yeah
Ledi
ba:sowher
edi
dshegett
heki
dneyf
rom,
Vict
ori
a?
Temo:noheel
awhichremi
ndsmeigotaphonecal
l
aboutt
hatoneear
li
erj
ustt
hatif
orgott
otel
l
ever
yone
Ledi
ba:whathappened?
Temo:apparent
lyshehasgonebl
indandwi
llbe
rel
easedsoon
Ledi
ba:what
!?
Temo:isai
dthesamet
hing
Ledi
ba:butwhenGodpuni
sheshemakessur
e
Temo:i ndeed.Akereebileshe'
sbeenseei ngour
l
ivesandbl ockingever
ygoodt hingwewer e
supposedt ohavenowt hetabl
eshavet ur
nedand
theyare10t imesheavier.Imaginebeingabletosee
allyourli
feonlytogobl i
ndatanol derage.Pain.
Theonl yproblem i
sthatsheget sthepri
vilegeof
beingreleasedfrom pr
ison
Ledi
ba:andidon'
tevenf
eel
sor
ryf
orher
.Ihopet
he
ancestor
sal sot
urnthei
rbacksonher(cli
ckedhis
tongue)thatchi
ldhasmadeusl i
veinmiseryfor
years.Si
nceshegotexposedthingshavebeen
openingup.Idon'tcar
ewethershe'
sbeingrel
eased
ornotatleastBoit
shepo'
schil
dren'
sli
vesaregoing
i
ntot heri
ghtdir
ecti
onnow.Lamei sabouttoopen
herstore
Temo:weshoul dbecaref
ulthough.I
'
m sopr oudof
heryouknowevenLetlotl
o,hechangedforthe
good,l
ooknowhehasacarandhi sbusinesseswil
l
beupandr unni
ngaswel l
.Theonlypersonim st
il
l
worri
edaboutisBosapoorboyhasbeent hroughit
al
l
Lediba:gasegor
eVi
ctor
ia'
ssoulcapt
ureri
s
ref
usingwi t
hhim
Temo:Diphal
adi
edaker
emal
omewhatar
eyou
sayi
ng?
Lediba:befor
ehimt herewashi
sfatherthese
peoplearestil
ldangerousanddemandingeven
beyondt hei
rgraves
Temo:nnyabet
shot
heyneedt
orel
easet
hepoor
boyhehasbeent
hroughalotnowhe'
ssupposedt
o
bat
tl
eali
fet
imedi
seaseit
snotfai
r
Ledi
ba:wewi
llj
usthavet
obet
her
eforhi
m
Temo:yeah
Ledi
ba:sowhoi
sDai
sy'
sdonor
?
Temo:aoyouar
esti
llont
hatone.Theyaskedt
o
remai
nanonymousmalomewewi l
ltel
lyouwhen
ti
meall
ows
Ledi
ba:ohiseesoi
t'
sast
ranger
?
Temo:yes.Gonemmejaanongmal omewhat '
sthe
pl
anwithVict
ori
ahowdowepuni shherf or
Boi
ngotl
o'sdeat
h?Wel
ongl ef
tthatissuependi
ng
Lediba:it
hinkweshoul dj
ustletherbeandwr i
te
heroffourlives.Hersi
nsarealreadystar
ti
ngto
feedonher .Whatdoyouyoungst erssayiti
sagain?
Temo:kar
ma
Ledi
ba:ohyes,t
hat.Thesamepeoplewhower e
makinghert
hinkshe'saboveever
yonearethe
samepeoplewhoar eslowl
ygoingtoeatheri
nsi
de
unti
lshedi
es.Solet'
sjustl
eaveherbe
Temo:i
fyousaysot
heni
tsokwewi
llj
ustwr
it
eher
off
Ledi
ba:good.Sayhel
lot
omyf uturedaught
eri
nlaw
okanddon'tfor
gett
oinf
orm ever
yone.
Temo:okuncl
eLedibaiwil
l,
sayhell
otoaunt
y
Bot
hoaswellandthosetworascal
s
Ledi
ba:iwi
ll

TheyhungupasTemowentbackt
owor
k.

Att
hehospi
tal
..
.

Thedoctorwenti
ntoBoi
tshepo'
sroom af
ter
at
tendi
ngt oDai
sy.
..

Dr
:howar
eyouf
eel
ing?
Boit
shepo:j
ustasl
ightpai
natt
hemomentbut
apartf
rom t
hati
m ok
Dr:wonder
ful.Youar
eheal
ingwaytoquickl
ythan
mostpati
entswhounderwentsur
gery.I
tsnoteven
12hoursbuticanseetr
emendousimprovementon
you
Boi
tshepo:t
hat
'samazi
ng.Sowhatwashappeni
ng
ear
li
er?
Dr:yourni
ece'sbloodpressurepickedsoshe
encounter
edacar diacarr
est.Soshockingifyout
ell
mebecauseever ythingwasfinewithher.She
showednosi gnsofcompl i
cations
Boi
tshepo:(
swal
lowed)ohisee
Dr:yesMsDint
si(smi
led)keepdoi
ngwhatyouar
e
doingandyouwil
lbeoutofherever
ysoon.
Boi
tshepo:onef
avour
Dr
:yes?
Boit
shepo:ki
ndl
yaskt
heladywhoisal
ways
checki
nguponmet oki
ndlycomebackt
omorr
ow
Dr:(
confused)she'
sal
lowedt
ovi
sityoueven
t
omor r
ow
Boi
tshepo:wehadadi
sagr
eementear
li
erandshe
ki
ndofsaidgoodbyeasinshe'
sleavi
ngforgoodso
i
fyoucouldki
ndlycal
lheronmybehalfandasked
hert
opleasepl
easecomeback
Dr
:ohokt
heniwi
lldot
hatj
ustnow
Boi
tshepo:t
hankyousomuch

Hesmil
edandwenttohisof
fi
cet
ocalltheteacher
whi
leBoi
tsheposi
ghedcl
osi
nghereyes.
..

Boitshepo:Lor dalliwantisaclearexplanati
onso
thaticanunder st
andwhyihavet omar rythesame
manasBont siKwenaandwhymysi st
ersays
Bont siisnotast r
anger.PleaseLord,pleasemy
ancest orsallineedisthattheniwillmakemy
decisionf r
om then.Keakopa.( I
m beggi ngyou)

I
nPr
ison.
..

Gabonesmi
ledgoi
ngi
ntot
her
oom Vi
ctor
iawasi
n
andfoundhersi t
ti
nguponthebedfaci
ngthe
wrongdirect
ion.Gabonequi
etl
ywenttoherand
tookherhands..
.

Vi
ctor
ia:whoi
sthi
s?

Gabonequiet
lyhel
pedherupandputheront
he
cor
rectsi
deofthebed.
..

Vict
ori
a:(
sni
ff
ed)Gabonei
sityou?Icansmel
lyour
perf
ume
Gabone:goodaf
ter
noonVi
ctor
ia
Vi
ctor
ia:youwi
tchwhatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?
Gabone:i
m her
etot
akeyouhome
Vi
ctori
a:i
m notgoi
nganywher
ewi
thyou.Myf
ami
ly
wi
llcomehelpme
Gabone:(l
aughed)famil
y?Imtheonl
yfamilyyou
havemyl ove.Bi
rdsofthesamefeat
hersfl
ock
toget
hersoyourf ami
lydeci
dedtodi
tchyou.The
pri
sonoffi
cial
sthendeci
dedt
ocallmeandguess
what(l
eanedonherearandwhisper
ed)ij
umpedat
thechance.
Victori
a:l
ies,
youarelyi
ng,myfamil
yar
egood
peopletheywouldneverdothatt
ome.Iwant
nothingtodowithyou
Gabone:i
mtheonewhoputyouher
einthef
ir
st
pl
aceandimtheonl
yonewhocanhelpyouout
Vi
ctor
ia:idon'
tneedyourhel
piwoul
drat
herst
ay
bl
indf
orgood
Gabone:andst
aywhere?Thegover mentdoesn'
t
wantaburdenl
ikeyoudearsoyouhavenochoi ce
oryouwanttobethefi
rsteverbl
indhobo?Wow
Vi
ctor
ia:whyar
eyout
hisconni
ving?
Gabone:(smil
ed)i
magi neGaboneandVi ct
ori
a
taki
ngovertheworl
d( scof
fed)bestcombinat
ionto
everhappen.Awholesomeduet .Comemyladylet'
s
goconquertheworldtogether.Wehavebeencalled
fort
hismygi r
lsophakathiinside.Come
Shelaughedt
aki
ngVi
ctor
ia'
shandwhoswal
lowed
shaki
ngherheadast
heymadethei
rwayout
.

AtBai
sago'
shouse.
..

Olebi
ledr
oveinandfr
ownedt ot
hecarhedi
dn'
t
know.HeparkedandknockedasAt
amelang
welcomedhi
mi n.
..

Ol
ebi
le:oh,
hi
Atamel
ang:hi
.Yourauntjustleftafewminut
esago
andtol
dmet omakemysel ffeelathome.Shetol
d
meyouwillbeher
eanytime
Ol
ebi
le:isee.Wher
e'sBosa?
At
amelang:if
oundhi
m asleepwhenigother
eand
si
ncet
henhehasn'twokenup
Ol
ebi
le:haveyouguyscheckeduponhi
m
Atamel
ang:(
chuckl
ed)don'
twor
ryhe'
sst
il
lal
ivei
guesshewasti
red
Ol
ebil
e:okt
hat
'sar
eli
ef.Whatar
eyoumaki
ngover
t
here?
At
amelang:j
ustgett
ingt
hel
ambr
eadyf
orl
ater
.Im
t
heonecookingtoni
ght
Ol
ebi
le:oh?
Atamel
ang:yeahmeandMrKgosidi
ntsihave
swappedplaceshewant
stospendt
imewi thdad
Ol
ebi
le:ohyeahok.I
m sosor
ryaboutt
hat
Atamel
ang:itwi
llbeokwhatiknowismom is
goingt
ocomebackhomewet hershel
ikesi
tornot.
Imadechickenl
iverswi
thauntyBoemoyoumi nd
them?
Ol
ebi
le:noidon'
tthankyousomuch.I
mfar
mished

Theyl
aughedashewarmedt
hem upandwentt
o
si
tonthedi
ningt
abl
e..
.

Olebi
le:ihopeyouwon'tbesneaki
ngt
oBosa'
s
room lat
einthenightr
ight
?
At
amel ang:nonotatal
lthatwoul
dbever
y
di
srespectf
ul
Ol
ebi
le:good

Hisphonerepor
tedamessageashel i
ckedhi
s
fi
ngersandreadthemessage.Hesi
ghedandsat
back.
..

At
amel
ang:ever
ythi
ngok?
Ol
ebil
e:Vi
ctor
iaDi
ntsihasbeenr
eleasedf
rom
pr
ison
At
amel
ang:what
!?How!
?Imeanwhy!
?
Ol
ebi
le:appar
ent
lyshel
osthersi
ghtsother
e'sno
wayt
heycankeepherther
eanylonger
At
amelang:wowthedevi
lwor
kshar
dnehbutyour
mom workshar
der
Ol
ebil
e:asf
arasim concer
nedidon'
thavea
mother
.Myauntsaremymot her
s
At
amel
ang:af
teral
lshehasdoneiwoul
dfeelt
he
samet
oobuti
sn'
tshehast
ost
aywi
thyouguys?
Ol
ebi
le:notanymor
ewehavedecidedtowriteher
of
fourli
ves.Kegor
eit
'sl
ikesheneverexi
sted
At
amelang:t
hat
'st
heonl
yway.Sowher
ewi
llt
hey
t
akeher?
Olebi
le:ibel
ieveasaf
ehome.She'sgoi
ngtobea
burdentherebutheyser
vesherr
ight
.Thatwoman
i
swi ckedletherr
eapwhatshesow
At
amel
ang:yeahhey

Olebil
ecli
ckedhi
stongueshaki
nghi
sheadand
respondedBoemo'smessage.

AtMi
ra'
shouse.
..

Leondroveinwit
hhersecondcarandwenti ntothe
housewiththeshoppingbagshehadwi thhi
m.He
greet
edMi r
awhodi dn'tr
espondandlookeddeepin
thought
swhi l
eslowlymovingthebr
im ofherwine
gl
assonherl
ips.
..

Leon:youwi
llendupcut
ti
ngyourl
ips
Mi
ra:(
snappedoutofi
t)ohhiyouar
eback
Leon:yesi
m backandyouar
efarawaywhat
's
wrong?
Mira:j
usti
nmyzonenot
hinghect
ic.Whatdi
dyou
br
ingforme?
Leon:yourf
avor
it
eyoghur
t
Mir
a:i
t'
sasi
fyouknewt
hati
hadr
anoutofi
tthank
yousomuch
Leon:wher
e'sShar
onshehast
ounpackt
hese
Mira:she'
satthebackwi
thherf
ri
endt
heyhave
beenswi mmingsi
nce
Leon:evennow?
Mi
ra:yep
Leon:soyoumanagedt
osor
toutt
hepr
obl
em at
work?
Mi
ra:whatpr
obl
em?
Leon:honeyyoul
eftusi
nar
est
aur
antear
li
erand
sai
d..
.
Mi
ra:ohyeah(chuckl
ed)youmeant
hat
,yeahi
managedtofi
xit
Leon:areyousur
eyouar
eokl
ove?(
Hesai
dsi
tt
ing
nexttoher)
Mi
ra:yesl
ovei
m good
Leon:youl
ooktensesitdownont
hecushi
onsoi
massageyourshoulders
Mi
ra:awwyouar
esosweet(
shedi
d)
Leon:t
hat
'swhatamandoest
oawomanhet
rul
y
l
oves
Mi
ra:t
hankyousomuchf
orcomi
ngbackhome
Leon:i
t'
sgoodt
obebackmyloveandknowi
ngt
hat
i
t'
sforgoodmakesi
tevenmor
eamazing
Mi
ra:i
ndeed.Ihaveal
readyt
oldShar
on
Leon:ahboowhy?
Mir
a:ineededt
otakehermi
ndof
fwhatshesawi
n
t
hestudy
Leon:whatdi
dshesee?
Mi
ra:ourdi
vor
cecont
ract
Leon:what
!?
Mir
a:yeahbutl
ucki
lyigotont
imebef
oreshecoul
d
r
eadthenames
Leon:ar
eyousur
eshedi
dn'
tseeanyt
hing?
Mi
ra:not
hing
Leon:t
hat
'sar
eli
ef
Mir
a:whi
chbr
ingsmet
owhyi
minsuchdeep
t
hought
s
Leon:ok?
Mira:iwoul
dl i
keustosecr
etlyremarr
yandjust
thr
owapar ty.Ever
yonewil
ljustknowitasyour
welcomebackhomepar tywhileweknowwhat
exactl
yiti
s
Leon:(
smil
ed)wonder
duli
deal
ove.Wej
ustgosi
gn
thencomebackhome.Il
ovei
t
Mi
ra:(
smi
led)iknewyouwer
egoi
ngt
olovei
t
Leon:sohowsoondoyouwantust
odoi
t?
Mi
ra:Tuesday
Leon:par
tyonaTuesdayl
ove?
Mira:yepi
m onleavethi
scomi
ngweeksoidon'
t
havetoexplai
nanythi
ng
Leon:ohokt
heniseenopr
obl
em i
nthat
Mi
ra:per
fect
.Letmest
artwi
tht
hepl
anni
ng
Leon:gor
ightaheadmyl
ove

Shestoodupandbabyki ssedhi
m whil
ehetapped
herbehindasshelaughedrunni
ngtoherst
udy.
Leonsighedsi
tti
ngbackandsmi l
edshaki
nghis
head.
..

Leon:Mi
ra,
Mir
a,Mi
ra.Yeahneh

Hest
oodupandwentt
ounpackhi
sshoppi
ngbags.
THATEVENI
NG

AtBai
sago'
shouse.
..

Ever
yone'
spl
atewascl
eanasAt
amel
angl
aughed.
..

Bosa:
whatnow?
Atamel
ang:ididn'
tthi
nkyouwi
llallf
ini
sht
hefood
andnoneofyousaidawor dwhil
ewewer eeat
ing
(t
heyal
llaughed)
Boemo:that'
sbecauset
heywer
eamazing.Ihave
neverhadsuchgoodlambinmyent
ir
elif
e.Even
rest
aurant
sdon'tmakel
ambli
keyoudowhatdi d
youputinsi
de?
At
amelang:iwi
llhavetoki
llyout
otel
lyou(
they
l
aughed)mysecretreci
pe
Olebi
le:Let
lot
loi
sopeni
ngamobi
leki
tchenout
let
soonmaybeyoushouldsel
lhi
mthereci
pe
Atamel
ang:youhadmeatsel
lsoi
fhe'
stal
king
goodfi
gurestheni
m down
Bosa:
oppor
tuni
sts(
theyal
ll
aughed)
At
amel
ang:wel
lit
'sagoodr
eci
pe
Boemo:exactlysoifyoucancapi t
ali
seonitdoso.
Anywayiwant edtosaytoyouguysespeci al
lyyou
BosaandOl ebil
esinceyoujustwokeupBosa.
Vict
ori
abeingr el
easedfr
om prisondoesn'
tchange
anythi
ngokandshewon' tgetanywherenearyou
guysnoreveryoneinyourfamily
Bosa:
probl
em i
swedon'
tknowwher
eshel
ives
Boemo:t
hati
swhyihavecont
act
edmyPIt
otr
ack
herdown
Bosa:
ohisee
Boemo:andanot herthingmyki ds,t
hisgoest oyou
tooAta.Li
fehasit'
supsanddownsbuti tallgoes
downt ohowyouappr oachthoseespeciall
ythe
downs.Youmi ghtfeel l
ikeyourli
fehasnodi rect
ion
nowbutonceyouknowyouhaveagr eatsupport
syst
em youjusthavet okeepgoi ngyouwi l
l
event
ual
lygett
her
e
Ol
ebi
le:t
rueaunt
yB
Boemo:Ata,Bosatolduseveryt
hingt
hathas
happenedwear esupposedtotal
ktoyourpar
ents
butnowsincethere'
sabitofaglit
chbackhomewe
wil
lholdof
foni tf
ornowandf ocusonmakingsure
youareok
Atamel
ang:iappr
eci
atet
hatal
otiwast
hinki
ngt
he
samethi
ng
Boemo:butmakesur
eyoudoever
ythi
ngt
hedoct
or
i
nstr
uctedyout
o
At
amel
ang:def
ini
tel
yma
Boemo:(smil
ed)wonderf
ul.Nowsi
ncesomeoneis
bei
ngpraisedformaki
ngthebestl
ambletmewhi p
outmyfamousdessertandshowyouthatist
il
lgot
thi
s

Weal
llaughedasBoemowentt
otheki
tchenwhi
le
At
amel
angcl ear
edt
hetabl
e.
AtRober
t'
shouse.
..

Hewenti nt
ot hehouseandgr eetedBontsiwhowas
dri
nkingcoffeeont hedi
ningtable.Hewentto
changewhi l
eBont sif
rownedl ooki
ngathim ashe
wentup.Hismoodwasnotwhatshe' susedt oor
maybei t
'sbecausehewast i
red.Shesni
ffedand
focusedonhercof feeandmagazi neasRober t
camedownaf terafewmi nut
es. .
.

Bont
si:shoul
diwar
m upf
oodf
oryou?
Rober
t:noi
m ok.Iwantust
otal
k
Bontsi
:met oobutbef
oret
hatwhydon'
tyouwant
food,whatdidyoueat
?
Rober
t:idon'
thaveanappet
it
e
Bont
si:ohok.Sowhatdoyouwantt
otal
kabout
?
Rober
t:yourdaught
ercamet
otheof
fi
ce
Bont
si:ihopeshedi
dn'
tdi
srespectyou
Rober
t:nobutshesai
dsomet
hingt
hathasnot
beensi
tt
ingwel
lwi
thme
Bontsi
:she'
sjustf
ight
ingforherf
atherandit
oget
backtoget
heryoushouldn'
thavestr
essedyoursel
f
Rober
t:i
tact
ual
lymakessense
Bont
si:oh
Rober
t:i
t'
saboutt
hepoweroft
het
ongue
Bont
si:what
?
Rober
t:di
dyouwi
shf
ormysont
odi
ethedayhe
di
ed?

Bont
si'
shear
tdroppedassheputhercof
feemug
downandswall
owed..
.

Rober
t:pl
easeanswermyquest
ion
Bont
si:iwasover
whel
medand.
..
Rober
t:sot
hat
'sayes?
Bontsi
:anypar
enti
nthesi
tuat
ioniwasi
nwoul
ddo
thesame
Robert:butyouknowyouar espir
it
ual
lygi
ft
ed
Bontsi,sometimesthi
ngsyousayyouknowwi l
l
defi
nitelycometopass.IknowwhatSaschadi d
wasnotr i
ghtbutatl
eastyoucoul
dhaveheld
yourselfandwaitfort
helawtotakeit
scourse.Now
ihavenochi ldal
lbecauseofyou
Bont
si:becauseofme?Ar
eyoul
ist
eni
ngt
oyour
sel
f?
Robert
:yesi
fitwer
en'tf
orthewordsyouutt
ered
Saschawoul
dbealivenowandf aci
ngthe
puni
shmenthedeservedtoface
Bont
si:sowhatar
eyousayi
ng?
Rober
t:idon'
tknowbutiknowican' tbewit
h
someonewhobl atant
lyut
ter
eddeat hformysonat
themoment.IloveyouBontsibutineedsometi
me
topr
ocessallt
his
Bontsi
:ohokt
heniguessial
soneedt
imet
othi
nk
aboutwhatmylawyersai
d
Rober
t:whatdi
dshesay?
Bont
si:i
tsgoi
ngtobeahust
letodi
vor
cePat
loj
ust
l
iket
hatbecauseiwasaf
oolandst
art
eda
r
elat
ionshi
pwhi
lest
il
lamar
ri
edwoman
Rober
t:ohiseesowhatdowedo?
Bont
si:it
hinkiwi
llbooki
ntoahot
elsol
ong
Rober
t:ohokt
hen
Bont
si:sur
e.Letmegost
artpacki
ng
Rober
t:sur
e
Bont
si:sur
e

Shesai
dgoingupshaki
ngherheadwhi
leRober
t
si
ghedrubbi
nghi
sfacegoi
ngtothel
ivi
ngroom.

Backi
nBai
sago'
shouse.
..

Welaughedoutl
oudplayi
ng30secondsboar
d
gameasBoemo'sphonerang.
..

Boemo:(
frowned)hel
lo?
Mi
ra:i
m out
sidepl
easecomeher
e
Boemo:ohokjustasecond(hungup)im seei
ng
someoneatt
hegateok,Olebi
letheset
wobet t
ernot
cheat

Wel aughedasshel eftandunl

ockedhercar
reachingunderthesteeri
ngwheelandtookouta
pepperspray.Sheputi ti
nthepocketofherpant
s
andopenedt hegate..
.

Boemo:whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
ethi
slat
e?
Mira:idon'
tknowwhatyouknowaboutmebuti
havemadeadeci si
on
Boemo:iknowexactl
ywhatyout
hinkiknow.So
what'
syourdeci
sion?
Mi
ra:iwi
lldr
opt
hechar
ges
Boemo:ohok
Mi
ra:underonecondi
ti
ont
hough
Boemo:anyt
hing
Mi
ra:youandyourf
ami
lyshoul
dst
ayawayf
rom
myfamil
y
Boemo:notevenapr
obl
em l
ove.Sowhenar
eyou
goi
ngtodropthem?
Mi
ra:f
ir
stt
hingt
omor
rowmor
ning
Boemo:wonderf
uli
guessyouknowwhat
'satst
ake
shoul
dyoutrypl
aytr
ickswi
thme
Mira:(
rol
ledhereyes)yesiknow.Onewor
dfr
om
yourmout hyoursongoesdownwi t
hme
Boemo:goodni
ght
Mi
ra:goodni
ght

Sherol
ledupherwindowanddroveoffwhi
le
Boemowentbackintotheyar
dclosi
ngthegate.
Shechuckl
edshaki
ngherheadanddialedLeon.
..

Leon:MsM?
Boemo:l
ett
hegamesbegi
n
Leon:wear
eon

Theybot
hsmiledhangi
ngupasBoemowentback
i
nthehouseandjoi
nedtheki
ds.

THEFOLLOWI
NGDAY
.
.
.
.
.
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
CAGED
75

AtBai
sago'
shouse.
..
Boemof i
nishedmaki ngherselfacupofcof f
eeand
satonthekitchencountercatchingupont helat
est
news.Shebumpedi ntoanarticleaboutVict
ori
a
andshookherheadwhi l
ereadi ng.Shetookasip
anddial
edherPI .
..

Man:atl
eastsomeofusar
eget
ti
nggoodmor
ning
t
ext
s
Boemo:(
laughed)st
opbei
ngsi
ll
y.Howar
eyou
doi
ng?
Man:i
m goodandyouMsMai
ket
so?
Boemo:im goodt
hanks.Doyoueverst
ayaway
fr
om yourphone?
Man:t
hewor
kidodoesn'
trequi
remet
o.What
'sup?
Boemo:haveyoureadaboutVi
ctor
iaDi
ntsi
'
s
suddenr
elease?
Man:yeah
Boemo:ineedyoutofi
ndwhereshei
sforme
becauseshe'
sdef
ini
tel
ynotst
ayi
ngwithanyone
fr
om thefami
ly
Man:butt
hatwomani
sapi
eceofwor
kneh?
Boemo:notapi
ecebutawhol
ejobandahal
f
Man:(
chuckl
ed)al
ri
ghtiwi
llgetr
ightoni
t
Boemo:t hesoonerwear eablet
olocatehert
he
bett
er.Thefamily'
sdecisi
onofwr i
tt
ingherof
fis
dangerousbutatthesamet imeiunderst
andwhere
theyarecomingf r
om.Whowoul dwantt obe
aroundsuchadar kperson
Man:yeahhey.Iwi
llt
ryspeedupt
hepr
ocess
Boemo:sur
emyboy
Man:sur
e

Theyhungupasshet ookanothersi
pand
conti
nuedbrowsi
ngthroughthenews.Thewind
blewtheki
tchendoorasitopenedali
tt
lewhi
leshe
fr
ownedlookingati
t.
..

Boemo:youcan'tt
ellmeweleftt
heki
tchendoor
openl
astnight
.Imeanim cer
tainOl
ebil
emadesure
ofi
t

Shesaidopeni
ngitwideandlookedoutsi
deonl
yto
fi
ndAtamelangundertheshadewithherl
apt
opand
cupofcoff
eebesidesher.
..

Boemo:ohyouar
eupalr
eady.Iwasst
art
ingt
o
thi
nkbur
glar
scameher
e
At
amel
ang:(
smi
led)sor
ryf
ort
hat
.Goodmor
ning
Boemo:(
satdown)goodmor
ningmyangelihope
yousl
eptgood
Atamel
ang:li
keaprincesst
hebedandblanket
s
wereexact
lywhatineededassoonasiputmy
headonthepil
lowiwasout
Boemo:t
hat
'sgood.Im gl
adyousl
eptgood.Tel
lme,
howfari
syourhouse?
At
amel ang:justamonthandi
twil
lbedone.The
i
nter
iordesignerisbusywi
thi
t.
Boemo:i
tbet
terl
ookl
ikeayoungper
son'
shouse
At
amel
ang:t
rustmei
tdoes
Boemo:soyouguysat18youaregett
ingcar
sand
housesguysronaweweresentt
othelandst
owai
t
togotovarsi
ty(t
heyl
aughed)
Atamelang:iguessi
tsbecauset
imechanges
ever
ything
Boemo:i
ndeed.Atl
eastyouguysar
enotbehavi
ng
l
ikespoi
ltbr
atswel
lsometi
mesyoudobutit
snot
toomuch
Atamelang:i
tdependsonhowdesci
pli
nedone'
s
parent
sare
Boemo:asmar
tgi
rlyouar
e
At
amel
ang:(
smi
led)t
hankyou
Boemo:sowhatar
eyoubusywi
tht
hismor
ning?On
aSatur
dayatt
hat
At
amel
ang:j
ustdoi
ngar
esear
chonRober
tDut
che
Boemo:oht hatone.Honestl
yspeakingidon'
tknow
howt oreacttothesi
tuat
ionbecauseiknowBontsi
andBoi t
shepo.IwonderhowBoi t
shepoisgoi
ngt o
feelaboutalloft
hiswhenshecomesbackandal so
shockedathowquickyourmom wast
otaket
he
deci
sionshetook
Atamelang:itoofeel
li
kethi
sjustnotonandwei rd
i
t'sl
iketheyhavebeenbewitched(scoffed)dad
evenonceaskedi fwhit
epeoplepracti
sewi t
chcraft
(Boemobur stint
oalaugh)di
dinotl augh
Boemo:theydoyesbutasf
orRober
tidoubthe
wouldevergofort
hat
.Sowhatar
eyoulooki
ngfor
abouthi
m?
At
amel
ang:anyt
hingt
omakehi
m st
ayawayf
rom
mymot
her
Boemo:l
ookwho'
spr
act
isi
ngwi
tchcr
aftnow(
they
l
aughed)
At
amel
ang:wel
lit
sanupgr
adedki
ndof
Boemo:idon' tblameyoui nfactiwoulddot he
samei fiwereinyourposi ti
on.Myf at
her'sdeathhit
mehar dbecauseiwaswonder inghowmom was
goingtolivewithouthim.Thoset wower eaper f
ect
epi
tomeofwhatl oveishencemysi sterandiare
getti
ngmar ri
ednow.Beyour selfbutaccomodat e
yourpartneraswel l
.Pat
ienceandcompr omisi
ngis
veryimpor t
ant
.Communi cat
ionandappr eci
ati
oni
s
i
mpor tant,t
hatoneunder
wearf orhi
mt hosetwo
nobear ri
ngsforhermeansal ot
.ChocolateyaPS,
hisfavori
temealonceaweekaishameaman
appreciat
esyouevenmor e
Atamelang:yougetbacktheener
gyyougivet
ype
ofthi
ngiwi l
ldef
ini
tel
ytakeupthatadvi
ce
Boemo:goodgirl
.(Si
ppedhercof
fee)sohaveyou
foundanyt
hing?
Atamel
ang:googleisjustshowi
ngbasicthi
ngsi
wantsomethi
nggr oundbreaki
ng.Ear
thquakewa
bona(t
heylaughed)
Boemo:youknowwhat ,ithi
nkiloveyou.Youare
theyoungerversionofme.Whenir esearchabout
opposit
ionial
wayswantsomet hingshocking
becauseweal lhavethosesecr
etswedon' twant
anyoneknowing
At
amel
ang:ohsoyouhavesecr
ets
Boemo:ofcour
seonl
yknownt
omyhusbandt
obe
andi
At
amel
ang:isee
Boemo:anywayidon' twanttogeti
nvol vedmuchi n
thi
smat terbecauseidon'twanttoendupbei ng
madef eelli
keifavoroneovertheothersoI '
m
goingtogiveyoumyPI '
snumbercal lhim andtell
him whatyouneedf rom him.Iwil
ltellhimthathe
wil
lrecieveacallfr
om you
Atamelang:awwthankyousomuchiwoul
dreal
ly
appreci
atethat
Boemo:youar
ewel
comemygi
rl
At
amel
ang:sot
ellmeaboutyouryoungerdaysof
l
if
e

Theycontinuedtocatchuplaughi
ngoutl
oudas
thei
rlaughterwoketheguysup.

Att
hehospi
tal
..
.

Thet
eachermadeherwayi
nsi
deBoi
tshepo'
sroom
andt
ookherseatwai
ti
ngf
ort
hedoct
ort
ofi
nish.
..

Dr:youar
edoi
ngagr
eatj
obbutr
emembert
otakei
t
easyok
Boi
tshepo:yesdoc(
hesmi
ledandl
eft
)good
morning
Teacher
:goodmor
ningMmant
wa
Boi
tshepo:t
hankyouf
orcomi
ng
Teacher
:iwasmor ethandel
ightedt
or eceiveacal
l
fr
om thedoctor
.Iwaswonder i
nghowiwasgoi ng
toexpl
aintoyourbr
otherwhywear eleavingyou
behi
nd
Boitshepo:t
heendofourconver
sat
iont
odaywi
ll
determinewetherwet
ellt
hem noworaf
teri
graduate
Teacher
:soyouarest
il
lconsi
der
ingt
hedeci
sion
youtooklastni
ght
?
Boi
tshepo:yesbecauseallineedi
sclari
ty.My
i
mpulsivenessalmostcostmeani ecesoiprayed
andaskedf orcl
ari
tyyouaretheonewhohast he
answer
stomyquest
ions
Teacher
:yesido
Boitshepo:gr
eatthen.Nowpleaseexpl
ainthi
sto
me, aft
eryoulef
tisawmysi sterandshesaidtome
thatBontsiKwenaisnotastrangerwhat
'sthat
supposedt omean?
Teacher:(
heavedahugesi gh)youandBontsi
Kwenaar eoneperson,notbybloodbutbyspi
rit
.Im
goingtotakeever
ythi
ngstepbyst epal
ltheway
fr
om thebeginni
ngtonowok
Boi
tshepo:pl
easedo
Teacher
:whodi
dyoumeetNgakaMar
umot
hrough?
Boi
tshepo:myuncl
e
Teacher:t
hingisNgakaMar umohasbeent r
yingfor
yearstohelpyourf amil
ybecauseofyourunclebut
couldn'
tasheneededsomeonewi t
hthekindof
spir
ityouhave.Someonewi thafi
ghti
ngspir
itbut
thenGodwasst i
llpavi
ngyourwaymychi ldand
NgakaMar umowasaver ypati
entman.Sowhen
thetimecamei tallhappenedthewayithappened.
Youwor kedwit
hNgakaMar umotodeathandasa
tr
aditi
onaldoct
orhehadt opasshisgif
tontohis
chil
dbuthehasnochi ldandtheonlyavai
labl
esoul
waswho?You, why?Becauseyouhaveapur esoul
andhewasspi ri
tual
lyconnectedt
oyourfamily
Boit
shepo:sorr
ytodisturbyoubutonet
hi ngidon'
t
getaboutthi
sisthatim aChri
sti
anibel
ieveinGod
howcomehi sspiri
tfoundplaceinme?
Teacher :NgakaMar umowasabel i
everinGodwho
wasusedbyancest ors.Bareinmi ndt hatthereare
tr
adi ti
onaldoct orsandwi tchdoctor s.Godcr eated
alltheseher bst obeusedbyt radi
tionaldoct orsto
healpeopl eandcr eatedbrainstohel pscientifi
c
doct ors.Tradi t
ionaldoctorsandGodar etwo
differentspir i
tsbutt heybothhavesameai m.To
save, heal,pr ot
ectandgr owi t
'sj
ustupt oaper son
tochoosewhatt heybel i
evein.Ancest orsarenot
evilspirit
st hesear epeopl ewel i
vedourwhol eli
ves
with.Nowt oansweryourquest i
on, one,youhavea
giftofbei ngusedbyt heholyspiritthat'
sf r
om God,
butt henagai nasagoodmanNgakaMar umowas
hesawi tf i
ttoaddhi sgiftonyourgi f
tthat'
swhy
nowyouhavet wogift
sthatyouhavet
ohonour.I
t's
possi
bleyesbecauseGodchoseyoutobeaf i
ghter
andsaviourofyourf
amil
yandt hr
oughyouruncl
e
theancestor
schoseyoutobethesamet hi
ng
Boit
shepo:sohowdot
het
wocompl
ementone
another
?
Teacher
:likeisai
dtheaim oft
heholyspi
ri
tbeing
Godandt heancestr
alspi
ri
tistosave,
heal
,protect
andgrowt hat'
showtheycomplementoneanother
Boi
tshepo:can'
tichooseone?
Teacher
:not
hat'
swhyyouandBont
sihavet
o
marryoneman
Boit
shepo:whichbri
ngsmet
oaskwhyar ethese
spi
ri
tsdoingthist
ome?WhyBontsioutofal
lthe
people?
Teacher:(
sighed)mychil
dNgakaMar umohas
foundhischil
dandwant stowor
kwi t
hherbuthe
can'tt
akeawayt hegi
fthehasal
readygivenyou
Boi
tshepo:(
heartr
aci
ng)sowhatyouaretel
li
ngme
i
sthatBontsii
sNgakaMarumo'sdaught
er?
Teacher:yesmychi l
dbuthedi dn'tknowi twhenhe
wasst i
llalivebecausehi m andhermot her
separatedwhenhewentf ortrainingtobecomea
tradi
ti
onaldoct or.Bontsi'
sf ami l
ywer eChr i
sti
ans
butthent heydi dn'twantt obel i
evet hatancestors
arenotevi lspi r
itsandt heyal sodi dn'
tknowt hat
ancestorsar en'
twor shipedyouj ustaskfor
guidancef rom t hem.Event odayt hisisadebat e
thatwouldt akeunt i
ltheendoft imet osolvebut
anywaygoi ngbackt oBont siandMar umo,Bontsi'
s
familywant edt opr otecttheirdaught erfr
om an" evi
l
man"bei ngMar umosot heynevert ol
dhim about
thechil
d
Boi
tshepo:wowbutnowhowcomeBont
sihasa
gi
ft
?
Teacher:shegotitf
rom hergreatauntshewasa
prophetessbutnowtheMar umoancest or
swant
thei
rdaughtertohonourherfather'
sgif
tandshe
can'tt
akeitfr
om youasyouwer echosentohavei
t
that
'swhyyouhavet obeuni t
edi nmarri
age
Boi
tshepo:(
sighed)wowthingsoft
hespir
itar
eso
complexbutnowit hi
nkyouhaveshedsomelight
i
ntowhyihavet odothis.Itmeansi
figetmarried
toRobertaswellasBont si
,Mar
umo'sspi
ri
twillbe
atpeacebecausewewi llbeonebutwhathappens
i
fthisdoesn'
tsi
twellwithher?
Teacher
:she'
sready.Theremi
ghtbehi
ccupsher
e
andther
ebutshe'sready
Boit
shepo:ei
shiunder
standnow.Whati
fmyuncl
e
nevermetMarumowher ewoul
dhisspi
ri
tbe?
Teacher
:hewoul
dn'
tberesti
nginpeaceunt
ili
t
foundwher
eitwassupposedtobe
Boit
shepo:nowsincehefoundoutaft
erdyi
ngthat
hehadadaughterwhydi dn'
thepassonthegif
tto
hersincei
t'
spossibl
eforapersontocar
rytwogif
ts?
Teacher
:that
'sbecausehef
oundoutonceyou
star
tedhangi
ngaroundBontsi
.Rememberthi
sman
l
iveswit
hinyou
Boi
tshepo:ohyeahigeti
tnow
Teacher:andforBont
si'
sdaught
ertof
alli
nlove
wit
hyournephewwasnotsomet hi
ngt
hatjust
happened,thatwasawayfortheBont
si'
smaternal
ancest
orst
orel
easeher
Boi
tshepo:ohoknowiunder
stand
Teacher
:sowhat
'syourdeci
sion?
Boitshepo:i
t'
shardbutiwil
ldoitbutbefor
ewe
fi
nishyousaidtherewerefi
ghtsthataregoi
ngt
o
needsheandit obewor ki
ngtogether
Teacher
:yesi
t'
suncl
earnowbuti
t'
scomi
ngj
ust
keeponprayi
ng
Boi
tshepo:sowhendowet
ellhert
his?
Teacher
:af
teryourgr
aduat
ion
Boi
tshepo:okatl
eastyousayshe'
sready
Teacher
:yesbuthiccupsarest
il
lther
eoncet
hey
arecl
earedever
ythingwil
lbesett
ogo
Boit
shepo:yoh.Isti
llsaythi
ngsofthespiri
tcanbe
waytoocompl i
catedsomet i
mes.Isti
llhavesome
questi
onsbutiwillwaittoseehowBont sir
eactt
o
al
lofthis
Teacher
:noprobl
em.Youcanprayabouti
taswel
l
thespi
ri
twil
lansweryoubef
oreyouevenaskt
he
quest
ions.

Boit
sheposi
ghedwhi
let
het
eachersmi
ledr
ubbi
ng
herarm.

AtGabone'
shouse.
..

Gaboneputablackmugonat rayandwentto
Vi
ctori
a'
sroom whereshekickedthedooropenas
Vi
ctori
asatupstar
tl
edandshout edGabone'sname
asshebursti
ntoalaugh.
..

Gabone:awwmypoorbl
indf
ri
end.Youshoul
dlook
atyour
self
Vi
ctor
ia:whatyouar
edoi
ngi
snotf
unnyatal
l
Gabone:howdi
dyousl
eep?
Vict
oria:f
inebutipref
ert
obeatahomepl ease.
Contacttheoff
ici
alsandt
ellt
hem t
hatyoucan't
takemei nanymore
Gabone:bett
ert
hedevilyouknowmylove.Whatdo
youthi
nkthosepeopl
ear egoi
ngtodotoyousince
youarebli
nd?Don'
tbeaf oolpl
ease
Vi
ctor
ia:whati
syourpl
an?It
oldyouiwantnot
hing
t
odowi tht
hedarkworl
danymore
Gabone:onceawit
chalwaysawit
cht her
e'sno
t
urni
ngbackf r
om t
hiski
ngdom mylove
Vi
ctor
ia:theniwi
llbet
hef
ir
stt
oshowyoual
lthat
i
t'
spossible
Gabone:i
m goi
ngt
orest
oreyoursi
ght
Vi
ctor
ia:andt
henyout
ellmet
hatioweyou?
Gabone:f
rom t
her
eonwewi
llbewor
kingt
oget
her
Vict
ori
a:meget ti
ngmysightbackmeansgoi
ng
backtojai
l.Idon'
twantt
hat
Gabone:whosaysyouaregoi
ngt
oleavet
hishouse
onceyoursi
ghti
srest
ored?
Vi
ctor
ia:ohsonowi
m goi
ngt
obeyourcapt
ive?
Gabone:j
ustmyr
ighthandl
adymyl
ovecomeon
now
Vi
ctor
ia:ohiseebutist
il
lsayiwantnot
hingtodo
wi
thhurti
ngandcagingpeoplef
orpower,no
Gabone:t
henyouaregoi
ngtostaybl
indl
iket
hat
.I
haveputyourt
eaonyourri
ghtsi
de
Vi
ctor
ia:i
sitr
eal
lyt
ea?
Gabone:ofcourse.Iwi
llcont
actt
heof
fi
cial
sand
tel
lthem t
hatyouwantt ogotoahomewherethey
aregoingtoabandonyou

Shetookafewstepswalki
ngawaywhi
leat
hought
cr
ossedVictor
ia'
smind.
..

Vi
ctor
ia:okyoucanr
est
oremysi
ght
Gabone:(
tur
ned)what
?
Vi
ctor
ia:your
est
oremysi
ghtandwewor
ktoget
her
Gabone:(smil
ed)t
hat'
smyl ady,iknewyouwoul
d
neverwanttodothattoyoursel
f.Letmegofi
x
everyt
hingt
henwest artwi
ththeprocess
Vi
ctor
ia:nopr
obl
em
Gabonesmi l
edl eavi
ngwhi l
eVictori
asi ghedslowl
y
reachingf
orhert eaandsmel l
edit.Shecl i
ckedher
tongueandwal kedaroundther oom lookingfora
windowandopenedi tonceshef oundit.She
pouredtheteaoutandcl osedthewi ndowagai n
slowlyandcarefull
ygoingbackt obed...

Vi
ctori
a:im nevergoingtobeturnedi
ntoaf ool
t
wicethesepeopl ethinkidonotknowhowt heydo
t
hings.Ihavebeenar oundawi t
chdoctorallmyli
fe
mydearsoyouhavet obealit
tl
esmartertobeat
meatt hi
s.

Att
hehot
el.
..

Bontsi
'
sphoner
angasshegr
oanedwaki
ngupand
answered.
..

Bont
si:Rober
t
Rober
t:pl
easecomebackhome
Bont
si:ohsonowyouar
efi
ne?
Robert:Saschaisgoneandnevercomi ngbackso
ther
e'snoneedf ormetobegoingbackandfort
h
abouthowhedi edandwhodidwhatt ohim.Al
soi
understandthatnoparentcanthi
nkstrai
ghtwhen
theyfi
ndt hei
rchi l
dint
hestat
eyoufoundyour
daughterin
Bontsi
:im gl
adyouunder
standbutican'
tcome
backhomenow
Rober
t:why?
Bontsi:mydivorceisn'tf
inal
isedyetRobert.Isti
l
l
havetoseehowiwi l
lgoaboutthis.Iworkedhard
formybeaut ypar l
ourforitt
obet akenbysomeone
whocont r
ibutednocentt oitandalsohehast he
abil
it
yt ot
akehal fofmyshar esforthegarden
Rober
t:Bontsiyoucanal
waysst
artf
rom scr
atchi
m
her
eiwillhel
pyou
Bont
si:no,st
arti
ngfr
om scr
atchi
salotofwor
ksoi
woul
dr at
hertakesomet
imetothi
nkabouti
t.
Rober
t:iwi
llal
waysbet
her
eforyou
Bont
si:andiappreci
atet
hatbutpl
easel
et'
sst
ay
awayf r
om oneanotherf
ornowunti
limakea
deci
sion
Robert:(
sighed)okiunder
standandr
espectyour
deci
sion
Bont
si:t
hankyousomuch
Rober
t:haveagr
eatdayok
Bont
si:yout
oo

TheyhungupasBontsiwhi
nedthr
owingher
sel
f
backonthepil
lowwhi
leRober
tcover
edhimsel
f
wit
hthesheetagai
n.

AtLi
zzy'
shouse.
..

Let
lot
lofi
nishedget
ti
ngreadyast
het
wins
complementedhisl
ook.
..
Let
lot
lo:t
hankyousomuchguysbutt
hesear
ejust
si
mpleordinar
ycl
othes
Raven:sowher
ear
eyougoi
ng?
Let
lot
lo:li
keitol
dyoul
astni
ght
,togetmybi
gsi
ster
andli
ttl
esibl
ings
Gi
ven:howol
dar
ethey?
Raven:3and5Gi
vencomeon
Letl
otl
o:(l
aughed)iseeGwasfocusedon
somethingel
sewhenwehadt hisconver
sat
ionl
ast
night
.Anywaydoyouknowwher eyourmotheri
s?
Gi
ven:she'
sst
il
lasl
eep
Let
lotl
o:att
histi
me?Yourmom i
sal
wayst
hef
ir
st
togetupinthi
shouse
Raven:andim sohungr
yshewakesupear l
yon
sat
urdaystowaterherr
osesbutidon'
tunderst
and
whyshe'snotuptoday
Letl
otl
o:(
hear
tski
pped)ar
eyousur
eshe'
sinher
room G?
Given:yepiwentt
ocal
lherandshedi
dn'
tanswer
buticouldseeheri
nherbed
Let
lot
lo:(
swal
lowed)oh
Raven:(
frowned)i
sever
ythi
ngok?
Let
lot
lo:(
ner
vousl
ysmil
ed)yes,yesalli
sfi
nej
ust
gomakeyoursel
vescer
ealiwil
lgotryandwakeher
up
Raven:ok

Theywenttothekitchenarguingaboutwhi ch
cerealt
heyaregoingtohavewhi l
eLetlot
lomade
hiswayupt othemainbathroom.Hest oppedatt
he
doorandclosedhiseyesheavi ngahugesi gh.He
softl
yknockedafewt i
mesbutt her
ewasno
responseashethendecidedt oopent hedoor.
Thereshewaspeacef ul
lysleeping.
..

Let
lot
lo:Li
zgi
rl
?It
'slat
ecanyoupl easewakeup.I
wanttogoandcol
lectmysibl
ings.Liz?
Hefrownedl
ooki
ngherandsatnextt
ohersof
tl
y
shaki
ngher.
..

Let
lot
lo:Li
z?

Shedi dn'
trespondashisheartr
acedevenmoreas
helookeddownonherst omachtoseeifshewas
breathingbutnothi
ngwasmovi ng.Heswall
owed
quicklystandi
ngup...

Let
lot
lo:Li
zpl
easewakeup.Youcan'
tdot
his

Hewentbacktoherandcheckedherpul
sebut
t
herewasnothi
ngasheslowlystoodagai
nstt
he
mir
ror
..
.

Let
lot
lo:nonono.Thi
scan'
tbehappeni
ng
Hecheckedontheki
dswhower elaughingatt he
car
toonstheywer
ewatchingwhi
lehavingt hei
r
cer
ealandwentbacki
nsidether
oom cal l
ingthe
medicalr
escuet
eam.
.
.
.
.
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
CAGED
76

Mira: I '
m notwor r
iedaboutathingcoziknow
youaregui dingme.Wher eyoul
eadmeLor diwill
go,ihavenof earcoziknowyoui ncont rol.There'
s
nolimittowhatyoucandocozi tallbelongst oyou
yesitallbelongst oyouyouallmightyandal l
powerfulandi tallbelongst
oyouyesi tallbel
ongs
toyouwhenJesussayyesnobodycansayno. .
.
Leon:whenJesussayyesnobodycansayno

Theybursti
ntol
aught
erwhi
leshef
ini
shedwi
tht
he
pots.
..

Leon:someonei
sinagoodmood
Mir
a:ohyeshoney( putherhandsar
oundhi
m)and
i
tsallbecauseofyou
Leon:im happywhenmyqueeni
shappy.Good
morning
Mira:(ki
ssedhi
m)morninglove.Makeyoursel
f
comf ort
abl
eonthedi
ningtableiwi
llbedoneina
few
Leon:okma'am (gr
abbedherbehi
nd)maybeaguy
cantakeadvantageoft
hegoodmoodandsneak
youbackintobed
Mir
a:(
laughed)nonoLeonyouover
wor
kedmel
ast
ni
ght
Shar
on:eewwguysTMI(
theyal
llaughed)
Mi
ra:goodmor
ningbabyhowar
eyouf
eel
ing?
Shar
on:oknowbutf
ort
hel
asthouriwassi
ck
Mi
ra:(scoff
ed)welcometothewor
ldofbei
nga
mothernana(Leonsecr
etl
yeyedher)mom has
madeallthi
ngsgoodsoyouguysgosi t
Shar
on:what
'supwi
thyou,
whyar
eyout
hishappy?
Mir
a:myhusbandi
shomesoihaveever
yri
ghtt
o
behappy
Shar
on:yeahri
ght
.Anywaydadthef
ather'
schi
ld
want
sust ogoshoppi
ngforaf
ewbabyt hi
ngs
Leon:whydon'
tyouguyswai
tfort
hef
ir
stt
ri
mest
er
topass?
Shar
on:he'
ssoexci
tedandcan'
tkeepcal
m
Mi
ra:j
ustl
ett
hem bel
ove
Leon:anyt
hingcanhappennotsayi
ngsomet
hing
wouldthough
Shar
on:nope,
not
hingwi
llhappent
omybaby
Leon:babyyoul
eftear
lyt
odaywher
ewer
eyou
going?
Mi
ra:l
etmef
ini
shher
eandiwi
lll
etyouguysknow
Leon:ok

Theycaughtupwhi
leshef
ini
shedandt
ookof
fher
apronj
oini
ngthem.
..

Mi
ra:canisaygr
acef
ir
st?
Shar
on:wowok
Mira:dearheavenl
yf atherwecomebef oreyouthis
mor ni
ngandwantt ot hankyouf oryourunending
graceandmer cy.Lordbl essthi
sfoodf ori
ttobless
us.Bewi t
husLor dandl etthisl
ifebejustasitis
nowf rom her
euntilyoucal lusbackhome.Amen
Al
l:amen
Leon:i
m act
ual
lyenj
oyi
ngt
his
Mir
a:sotoansweryoumyl
oveiwentt
othepol
ice
st
ati
onearl
ier
Shar
on:whatf
or?
Mi
ra:iwentt
odr
opt
hechar
gesagai
nstBosa
Shar
on:what
!?Mom howcanyoudosuchat
hing?
Mira:iwantustomoveonwit
hlif
emylove.Yes
whathappenedhappenedmylovenomatt
erwhat
wedoi twil
lal
waysbether
eandagainhedidn'
t
knowhewasi nfect
ed
Shar
on:whathavet
hosepeopl
efedyoumom?
Leon:don'
ttal
ktoyourmot
herl
iket
hat
Shar
on:nodadBosahast obepunishedf
orwhat
hedi
d.Rightnowthechancesofmehavingmy
ownfamil
yaresli
m becauseofhi
m
Leon:thereal otofpeopleouttherewhodon' tmi nd
beinginar elati
onshipwit
hposi ti
vepeoplebecause
theyknowt her earesaf
etymeasur esonecant ake
toprotectthemselvesfrom contracti
ngthevirus.So
iactuall
yappl audyourmot herforthedeci
sionshe
made
Mi
ra:t
hankyousomuchdaddyandagai nthe
moneywewillbewast
ingonlawyersi
st hemoney
wecoul
dbesavingtospoi
lourbeauti
fulgrandchi
ld
r
ott
en
Shar
on:iwi
shi
tcomesaboy.Iwantaboysobad
Mi
ra:awwt
hat
'scut
e.Soyouar
eok?
Shar
on:yeahbutyoushoul
dhavet
oldmet
hough
mom
Mir
a:sor
rylovebutiknewyouwoul
dn'
twantt
o
l
ist
entoreason
Sharon:soyouar
etr
yingt
osayi
m di
ff
icul
tto
reasonwith?
Mi
ra:atl
eastyouar
eawar
eofi
t(t
heyl
aughed)
Leon:sosincemom toldyouthati
m backf
orgood
beforeicoul
d.Im goi
ngtotel
lyouthatwear
e
havingapartyonTuesday
Shar
on:oh,
why?
Leon:wewi
llbecel
ebr
ati
ngmyr
etur
n
Shar
on:whydon'
twedoi
tovert
heweekend?
Leon:i
t'
saformalpar
tymor
eofl
ikeadi
nnerpar
ty
typeoft
hing
Shar
on:ohf
ancy
Leon:soyoucani
nvi
teyourf
ri
ends
Shar
on:idef
ini
tel
ywi
lldad
Mi
ra:cheer
stoagoodandpeacef
ull
if
etoget
her
Al
l:cheer
s

Theycl
ickedthei
rglassesofj
uiceandat
eupwhil
e
Miraf
il
ledthem aboutwhatshehasfort
hepar
ty.

AtLi
zzy'
shouse.
..

Temodr oveintheyar dathi

ghspeedwherehe
foundthemedi calr
escuecarbythedoor.Hewent
i
nsideandf oundLetlotl
owit
hthetwinsl
yingonhi
s
l
aps..
.

Temo:hii
sever
ythi
ngok?
Let
lot
lo:t
heyar
est
il
lwor
kingonher
Temo:(
smi l
ed)hel
lol
it
tl
eonesmynameisuncle
Temoim yourbrot
her
'suncl
eok(
thej
ustnodded)
aret
heyok?
Let
lot
lo:t
heyar
esadbecauset
hei
rmot
heri
snot
wel
l
Temo:howl
onghavet
hepar
amedi
csbeenher
e?
Let
lot
lo:15mi
nut
esnow
Temo:eishyeahneh.Icoul
dn'
tcomewithRea
becauseshe'
sbusywi t
hhersi
stert
heyaregoi
ng
fordr
essfit
ti
ng.HaveyouspokentoLame?
Let
lot
lo:yeahshe'
sonherway
Temo:soyousayt
hiswomanhas.
..

Ashesaidthepar
amedi
cscamecar
ryi
ngLi
zzyona
st
ret
cherastheki
dsj
umpedup.
..

Raven:mommy!
Gi
ven:whyi
sshest
il
lasl
eep?
Medi
c:canyouguysgowat
cht
vforal
it
tl
e
Raven:noiwantt
oknowwhat
'swr
ongwi
th
mommy
Medi
c:(squat
ted)iunder
standbutwewantt
otake
mom t
ot hehospit
alnowok
Raven:wi
llshebef
ine?
Medi
c:don'
twor
ryaboutt
hatonemygi
rl
Raven:youar
eagooddoct
orr
ight
?
Medi
c:yes
Raven:makesur
emommycomesbackhome

Heswall
owedandsmi
ledatt
hem ast
heywentt
o
t
hetv.
..

Let
lot
lo:i
ssheok?
Medi
c:(
sighed)i
m sosor
ryshe'
snomor
e
Let
lot
lo:(
hear
traci
ng)what
..
.
Medi
c:yeah
Let
lot
lo:butit
houghtshehadl
ike3weeks
Medic:thedoct
orsmaytellyousomethi
ngbuti
t'
s
notalwaysaccurat
e.I
thonestl
ydependsonthe
person'
sbody
Let
lot
lo:butshewasf
inewhenwewentt
osl
eep
Medic:somepeopledon'
tshowanysignsand8
hour
si salongper
iodwhichanyt
hingcanhappeni
n
Let
lot
lo:ohoksowhatdoisayt
otheki
ds.Mal
ome
i
m scared
Temo:don'
tworr
ybuddyi m her
ef oryou.Thankyou
somuchwewi l
ldefi
nit
elycomet othehospital
oncewehavespokentothekids
Medi
c:t
hatwoul
dbeappr
eci
ated

Theycl
osedthecaranddr
oveoutwhil
eLet
lot
loand
Temosighedst
andingbyt
hedoor.
..

Temo:don'
twor
rymyboywear
ebehi
ndyou
Let
lot
lo:shewassupposedt
omeetLameandt
hose
t
wor
ascal
stodayuncl
eT
Temo:i
t'
sgoi
ngt
obeok.Comel
et'
stal
ktot
heki
ds

Temoledthewayinsi
deasLet
lot
loswal
lowed
behi
ndhim andsi
ghed.
..

Temo:heyki
ds.Pl
easeswi
tchof
fthet
vforabi
ti
woul
dliket
otal
ktoyou
Gi
ven:i
sever
ythi
ngok?
Temo:al
lisper
fectmyboy

Ravenswi t
chedof fthetvandwenttositnextt
o
him putt
inghimint hemi ddl
ewhil
eLet
lotl
osaton
theothersideabitdistantfr
om t
hem..
.

Raven:butLet
lot
lol
ookssadwhy?
Temo:don'
tmindhi
m.Youguysknowhowmuch
yourmom l
ovesyouri
ght
?
Bot
h:yes
Temo:andshelovesyouguyssomucht
obecome
yourangelr
ight
?
Gi
ven:yesmom alwayst
oldusthatonedayshewi
ll
beourangelandnoonewouldeverhar
m us
Raven:(f
rowned)i
ssheanangelnow?I
sthatwhy
she'
ssleepi
ng?

Let
lot
loswall
owedahugepai
nfull
umpandsof
tl
y
si
ghedblocki
nghi
stear
s..
.

Temo:mom i snotreal
lygoi
ngtothehospi
tal
.God
hascall
edherbackhomeandyest her
easonwhy
mom issti
llasleepi
sbecauseshe'
sanangelnow
(Ravenswallowed)
Given:soshe'
sgoingt
ohavewi
ngs?Whenar
ewe
goingtoseeher?
Temo:youwon'
tseeherorhearherbutyouwi
llf
eel
herpr
esence
Raven:(
bli
nki
ng)soourmom i
sdead?
Given:nomom can'
tdi
e.She'
sanangel
.Dead
peopleareal
waysputi
nabox
Raven:noGi
venpeopl
ewhof
allasl
eepl
ikemom
ar
edead
Gi
ven:nomom wi
llwakeup
Raven:noshewon'
tGi
venourmot
heri
sgone
Gi
ven:(
cur
vedhi
sli
ps)nost
opsayi
ngt
hat
Raven:mom i
sgoneGi
venwewi
llneverseeher
agai
n

Shebursti
ntotear
sr unni
nguptothei
rbedr
oom as
Let
lot
loranaft
erher.Givenl
ookedupatTemowho
swall
owed..
.

Given:i
sshet
ell
ingyout
het
rut
h(Temonodded)no
iwantmymom back.Mama!
?
Het r
iedt
or unoffbutTemogr abbedhim andti
ghtl
y
huggedhim ashecr iedoutl
oudinhisarmscalli
ng
forhismother.Meanwhi l
eupstai
rsRavenslammed
thedooronLet l
otl
o'sfacewhoopenedit.
..

Let
lot
lo:Rave.
..

Shel
ockedher
sel
fint
hebat
hroom andcr
iedout
l
oud.
..

Raven:iwantmymot
herback!
Let
lot
lo:i
m sosor
rymyl
ovepl
easeopenf
orme
Raven:no!

Shecr
iedoutl
oudwhileLet
lot
loemot
ional
lysi
ghed
l
ooki
ngupwhilehol
dingonthedoor
..
.

Let
lot
lo:Lor
dpl
easehavemer
cy.Iknowihar
dly
comet
oyoubutineedyour
ightnow

Heswallowedsitt
ingonGi ven'
sbedwhi lel
isteni
ng
toRavenhysteri
callycryi
ngi nthebathroom and
herbrot
herdoingthesamedownst ai
rs.Helooked
downashi st
earsf ellontheirbedr
oom carpet.

Att
heKwena'
s.
..

Pat
locamedownandf
oundBai
sagomaki
ngf
ood.
..

Patl
o:ohyouar
est
il
lar
ound,
mybodyi
sachi
ngal
l
over
Baisago:t
hat
'sbecauseyoudr
ankandsmokedway
toomuchbeforeicamehere
Patl
o:howlonghaveibeenout
?Andwher
e'smy
daughterdi
dsheleavemetoo?
Bai
sago:nodon'
tbesi
ll
yiaskedhert
ogosleepat
myhousebecauseiwantedt
omakesureyouare
okpl
usidi
dn'
twanthertoseeyoui
nthatst
ate.I
t
wasgoi
ngtoaff
ectherandmakeherdothi
ngsshe
woul
dregr
etasti
megoes
Patl
o:ohisee.Mxm i
nst
eadofbecomi
ngagood
fat
heriopt
edtobecomeanasshole
Baisago:don'tbeatyoursel
fupt oomuchweal l
makemi stakesmyguy.Onet hingyoushoul dknow
i
st hatal
coholcan'tsolveanyt hing.Yougetdr unk,
sl
eep, wakeupandst i
llf
indthepr oblem looki
ngi n
youreyesorevenwor seitki
ll
syou.I magine
Atamelanghavi ngtodealwithherf ather
'sdeath
andt hesi
tuationbetweenhermot herandRober t
.
Herexboyf r
iend'sfat
her
Pat
lo:t
rue
Bai
sago:anywayyousleptaf
terigaveyousome
wat
erwhenyouf i
nishedshoweri
ng
Pat
lo:di
dyoudr
ugme?
Bai
sago:ideci
dedt
ogi
veyousl
eepi
ngpi
ll
s
Pat
lo:i
m cal
li
ngt
hepol
ice(t
heylaughed)woahwai
t
l
etmecheckifmybehi
ndissti
lli
ntact(
they
l
aughedmor
e)
Bai
sago:st
opbei
ngsi
ll
yman.I
t'
sgoodt
oseeyou
l
aughi
ng
Patl
o:wellli
keyousai dit
'showyouf acethe
si
tuati
onsoichooset ofaceitwit
hpositi
vit
yand
pati
ence.Im notperf
ecteithersowhateverhappens
happensmyguyi fshewant stobewithhimt henso
beitican'tf
orceaper sontobewi t
hmewhi l
ethey
areinlovewithanotherperson
Bai
sago:butshesaysshel
ovesyour
ight
?
Pat
lo:yeahbutif
eelli
kethat'
stotr
yandcal
m me
downbutyoucan'tdecidetomoveinwit
hanot
her
per
sonwhi l
eyousayyoul ovetheot
her
Baisago:it
hinkmaybeyoushoul
dgi
veitonemor
e
shotandseewhatwouldcomeoutofit
Pat
lo:andhur
tmysel
fmor
e?
Bai
sago:noyouaregoingtogother
eknowi
ngt
hat
youmightormightnotgetl
ucky
Pat
lo:butt
olookatheri
ntheeyeknowi
ngt
hatshe
sl
eptwitht
hatguyahnoit'
sgoingt
obehar
d
Bai
sago:i
m notsayi
ngdoi
tnowbutt
hinkabouti
t
Pat
lo:(
sighed)okiwi
llt
hinkabouti
t.Anywaywhat
ar
eyoumaki ng?
Baisago:ihavemadeomel
ett
esf
ormybeaut
if
ul
boyfri
end
Pat
lo:ot
laswabaBai
sago(
iwi
llbeatyou)

Theybur
sti
ntol
aught
erandwentt
osi
tdowneat
ing
whil
ecat
chi
ngup.

Att
hehot
el.
..

Bontsifinishedshower ingasthewaiterbroughther
room ser vi
ce.Shepour edtheyoghurtinthesalad
andt ookherphonegoi ngtothebalconyofher
room.Shet ookof fthetowelonherheadandf i
xed
herwel lkeptpi xi
ecutandsnappedapi cture
uploadingi tonherst at
us.Shecheckedhervi ews
andnot icedt hatAtamelangwasthef i
rsttoviewit
anddeci dedt ocallher.
..
At
amel
ang:Mr
sKwena
Bont
si:goodmor
ning
At
amel
ang:mmh
Bont
si:howar
eyoudoi
ng?
At
amelang:howdoyout
hinki
m doi
ngdear
est
mother
?
Bontsi
:At
aiknowi
havehur
tyoubuti
m st
il
lyour
mother
At
amel
ang:whenar
eyoucomi
ngbackhome?
Bont
si:At
amel
angpl
easeunder
standt
hat
..
.
At
amelang:i
m notgoi
ngtohaveanyconver
sat
ion
wi
thyouunlessi
tsaboutyoucomi
ngbackhome
Bontsi
:didyourfat
hersendyout
otel
lRober
twhati
sai
dafterwef oundyou?
Atamel
ang:mydadmightbealotoft
hingsbuthe'
s
notapett
yman.Wewerejusthavi
nga
conver
sati
onandhet
oldme
Bont
si:andyousawi tasanoppor
tuni
tyt
otr
yand
dest
roymyr el
ati
onshipwit
hRobert
?
At
amel
ang:r
elat
ionshi
p?Ar
eyouawar
ethatyou
ar
est
il
lamarri
edwoman?
Bont
si:noAtamel
angidon'
tappr
eci
atet
heper
son
youareturni
ngi
nto.Whyar
eyoubei
ngso
vi
ndi
ctive?
Atamelang:weren'
tyoudoi
ngthesamewhenyou
dest
royedPatloandVict
ori
a'
srel
ati
onshi
p?
Bont
si:i
twasf
oragoodcour
se
Atamel
ang:wellmet
ooit
'sforagoodcourse.Let
nomandestroywhatGodputtoget
her
.I'
l
lstop
ther
e
Bont
si:At
amel
angpl
ease
At
amelang:haveagoodweekendbecauseif
orone
pl
ant
o.Bye

ShehungupasBontsisighedput
tingherphone
down.Sheslowl
yateherfrui
tsal
adwithalotof
quest
ionsi
nherhead.
Att
hebr
idalbout
ique.
..

BoemoandReat l
egi
let
ookofft
heirshadesandgot
thei
rglassesofchampagneastheygotoffer
ed
seatstowaitfort
hosewhocamebef orethem t
o
fi
nish.
..

Reat
legi
le:ihopet
hesepeopl
edi
dn'
tchooset
he
dr
esseswechose
Lady:(smi
led)noma'am al
lyour3opt
ionsar
ekept
safe.Wewillonl
yputtheot
herbackontheshel
ves
onceyouhavemadeyourchoi ce
Boemo:per
fectbecauset
helastthi
ngwewantis
forust
owearthesamedr essesassomeoneonour
day
Lady:(
chuckled)nodon'
twor
ry.Iwi
llcomegetyou
onceit
'syourturni
nthemeanti
meenj oyt
he
champagne
Bot
h:t
hankyoul
ove
Reat
legi
le:wai
tmi
nei
snonal
cohol
icr
ight
?
Lady:yesma'
am
Reat
legi
le:good(
shel
eft
)
Boemo:kar
eyouwantnost
resswheni
tcomest
o
thebaby
Reatl
egi
le:ohyessi
sthi
soneismypreci
ousgi
ft
.
Cheersl
ovebeensolongsi
ncewesatdownand
hadaproperchat
Boemo:iknowri
ght
.Ihavebeenswampedofl
ate
quenchi
ngoutf
ir
es
Reat
legi
le:don'
tyoual
ways(
theyl
aughed)
Boemo:sohowi
sthepr
egnancygoi
ng?
Reat
legi
le:goodt
houghi
thadsomet
hreat
sbut
good
Boemo:t
hreat
s?
Reatl
egi
le:yes.Thi
sbet
terst
aybetweenusunt
il
Boi
tshepocomesbackhomepl ease
Boemo:ohokyouar
escar
ingmenow
Reat
legi
le:f
orDaisyt
olandint
ohospi
tal
,yoVi
ctor
ia
want
edtoki l
lbot
hmychi l
dandi
Boemo:(
chokedonherdr
ink)what
!?
Reatl
egil
e:imtel
li
ngyousis,
sheknewthe
possi
bil
it
iesofherdaught
erfi
ndi
nganorgandonor
wit
hineveryonewerelowsoshegotherat
tacked
andindeedshehadnomat chbuther
Boemo:so?
Reat
legil
e:knowi
ngthatDai
sywouldbedesperat
e
sheoffer
edherherki
dneyinexchangeofher
hel
pingherendmyl i
feandbaby'
slif
e
Boemo:soVi
ctor
iawant
edt
oki
llmysi
ster
?
Reat
legi
le:yep
Boemo:whathappened?
Reatl
egil
e:wemanagedtofi
ndanotherdonorf
or
Daisythat
'swhyi
m st
il
lher
ewiththebaby
Boemo:whoi
sit
?
Reat
legi
le:ican'
tsay
Boemo:why?I
siti
ll
egal
?Reat
legi
leiwoul
dthr
ow
youandyourf
ianceei
nthedar
kestcel
lever
Reat
legi
le:(
laughed)nosil
lyi
t'
snoti
ll
egali
t'
sjust
t
hatican'tr
evealthedonornow
Boemo:whenwi
llyout
hen?
Reat
legi
le:t
hedonorwi
llr
evealt
hemsel
vessoon
Boemo:ohisee.Anywayyouhear
dshe'
sbl
indand
hadtoberel
eased?
Reatl
egil
e:yeahTemotoldmebutt heyhavewr
it
ten
heroffwhichifi
nddangerousbutalit
tl
e
underst
andable
Boemo:cheerstothat
,it
houghtthesamethi
ngas
well(
theycl
ickedt
heirgl
asses)and.
..
(t
ookasip)
haveyouheardthelat
estontheKwena's?
Reat
legi
le:not
swakadat
amma
Lady:youcancomet
hroughl
adi
es
Boemo:bat
hongourgossi
psessi
onwasonl
y
get
ti
nghot
Lady:sor
ryl
adi
esbutwehavet
okeepmovi
ng(
they
l
aughed)
Reat
legi
le:wewi
llcont
inueoverbr
unch
Boemo:yeah.
..
(herphoner
ang)got
hroughiwi
llbe
ther
einaminute.Hell
o?
Man:ihaveani
deaofwher
eVi
ctor
iai
s
Boemo:ohper
fectwher
e?
Man:shewastakeninbyal
adycal
ledGabone.She
r
esi
desinTlokweng
Boemo:okthengettheexactaddressofherpl
ace
wewil
ltal
kmor eonceyouhavei t
Man:nopr
obl
em

TheyhungupasBoemosmi l
edtappi
ngherphone
wit
hhernai
lst
hinki
ngaboutherpl
an.
..

Boemo:iwasgoingtobelenientbutt
hefactthat
youwantedtoki
llmysist
erforyourownpat het
ic
advant
ageyouaregoingtoknowhowr ut
hlessican
be
Shej
oinedhersi
ster
.

AtLi
zzy'
shouse.
..

From t
hehospitalLetl
otl
oandTemosighedfi
ndi
ng,
Lame,Olebi
le,
Bosa, Atamel
ang,
uncl
eLedibaand
hi
swi f
eBotho..
.

Let
lot
lo:bat
hongt
hewhol
efami
lyi
sher
enow
Lame:(
huggedhi
m)hibr
ohowar
eyoudoi
ng?
Letl
otl
o:st
il
labitshakenbutiwi
llbef
ine.Wher
e's
GivenandRaven?
Bosa:theyarepl
ayi
ngwit
hyourbr
otherandsi
ster
out
side.Im gl
adyouar
eyougoodbro
Let
lotl
o:ohok.Thanksmanit
'sashockbutyeahi
t
wasgoingtohappenanyway.Thankyoual
lfor
comingandwenaBosawehaveal ott
otal
kabout
Bosa:
youar
eri
ght
Ledi
ba:sowhat
'st
hewayf
orwar
dguys?
Temo:Letlot
lohasbeenf ill
ingmeuponever ythi
ng
onourbackher e.Wi
thherwi llwasal etterthat
stat
edwher eshewoul dlovet obebur iedandt hat's
i
nPhomol ong, shealsostatedt hatsheshoul dn'tbe
keptforl
ongsoiguesswewi llbeburyingheron
Mondaywej ustneedtocont actherempl oyees,
l
awyerandherpol i
cyholders
Ledi
ba:ohok.Soi
twi
llj
ustbet
hef
ami
lyandher
worker
s?
Temo:yes
Lediba:ok.Im goingtoaskonet hingfr
om youmy
kidsespeciall
yyouLet lotl
o.Thiswomandi dn't
knowyoual lherl
ifebutsheknewaboutyouand
didgoodbyyousoi t'
stimewer et
urnedthef avour
.
Asmuchasshewasnotdoi ngitf
orust odohera
favour,herchil
drendeser vet obebroughtupi na
war m safehomeandshet rustsLetl
otl
otogive
them thanjustasyout r
ustust ohelpyou.Let '
s
promiseoneanot herthatthesekidswillbewel l
takencareofandwear enotgoi ngtotake
advantageoft
hefactt
hatt
heyar
est
il
lki
dsandt
ry
tostealfr
om t
hem
Al
l:wepr
omi
seoneanot
heruncl
eLedi
ba
Ledi
ba:good.DowhatyoucanTemowhereveryou
needhel
pjustletusknowandwewi
llhel
p
Temo:t
hankyouuncl
eLedi
ba
Let
lot
lo:iknowihaven'
tbeenagoodchi
ldofl
ate
butit
hankyouallforst
andingwi
thmeatthi
sti
me
Lediba:wearef
ami
lymyboy.I
ttakesar
ealmant
o
acknowledgehi
smi
stakes
Lame:i
ndeed
At
amelang:(phonerang)ki
ndl
yexcuseme(
she
st
eppedoutside)hel
lo?
Man:ihavesomet hi
ngforyou.Rober
tDutche'
s
mom issti
llal
iveandli
vesinanoldagehomein
Ger
many
Atamel
ang:ar
eyouser
ious?It
houghtt
hismanhad
nofami
ly
Man:yepi
m ser
ious.Ihavehercont
act
At
amel
ang:pl
easef
orwar
dit
Man:al
ri
ght
.Bye
Atamelang:bye(
hungup)wowRober ti
m cur
ioust
o
fi
ndoutwhyyouwoul dl
ieaboutnothavi
ngany
rel
ati
veali
ve

Shescof
fedwai
ti
ngf
ort
hecont
act
.

AtGabone'
shouse.
..

Ithadbeenafewminut
essi
nceshest
art
ed
steami
ngVict
ori
a'
sfacetor
egai
nhersi
ght.
..

Vi
ctor
ia:i
sthi
sgoi
ngt
owor
k?
Gabone:j
ustbepat
ienti
twi
lli
naf
ewseconds

AsGabonesaidVict
ori
a'shear
tskippedabeatas
hervi
sionbecameblur
ry.Shekeptastrai
ghtf
ace
wait
ingtoseewhatcoul
dhappenassher
egai
ned
herf
ullvi
sion.
..

Gabone:(
checkedthet
ime)t
ellmeyouhave
regai
nedful
lsi
ghtnow?
Vi
ctor
ia:nopenot
hingi
shappeni
ng
Gabone:(
sighed)l
etmegogetsomet
hing

Shelef
twhileVictor
iasmiledchecki
ngherselfout
andcurvedherlipsl
ookingaroundtheroom she
wassleepi
ngi n.Shescoffedshaki
ngherheadand
l
eanedbacki nthesteamingpot.
.
.
.
.
.
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
CAGED
77

Att
heHospi
tal
..
.

Boi
tshepopushedher
sel
fint
oDai
sy'
sroom asshe
smi
ledseeingher
..
.

Dai
sy:aunt
yBoi
Boi
tshepo:hel
lomygi
rl
.Howar
eyoudoi
ng?
Dai
sy:iwi
llbegoodyour
sel
f?
Boi
tshepo:i
m good
Dai
sy:butyou'
reonawheel
chai
r
Boit
shepo:icanact
ual
lywalkoncrut
chesbutsi
nce
ourroomsarefarapar
tideci
dedtogoona
wheelchai
r
Dai
sy:ohsoyoucan'
twal
klongdi
stances
Boi
tshepo:yeah
Daisy:t
hankyousomuchf orsavi
ngmyl
if
eand
savingmefrom Vi
ctor
ia'
sclaws
Boit
shepo:youar
ewelcomemylove.Iwascal
led
forexact
lyt
hatmylovesoi
mjustdoingwhati
m
sentto
Daisy:andiappr
eci
ateit.Honest
lyspeaki
ngiwas
scarediwasgoingt
ol osemyl i
feifyoudi
dn'
tcome
earl
ieriwoul
dhavedonei t
Boi
tshepo:iunderst
andbutnextt
imeknowexact
ly
whereyourprior
it
iesli
eok
Dai
sy:wi
lldef
ini
tel
yremembert
hat
Boi
tshepo:good
Daisy:iknowiwasn'
taccomodativetoyour
chi
ldrenbutyouguyshavebeennot hi
ngbutgood
tome.Lamehasbeenamot herthatineverhadand
youjustgavemeyourkidneyit
shonestlyahuge
thi
ngioweyouguysmywhol eli
fe
Boitshepo:don'twor
ryabouti
tnana.That
'swhat
familyisfor.Someti
mesGodputsusi nsi
tuat
ions
onlytoopenoureyes
Dai
sy:isweart
oyouf
rom her
eim goi
ngt
ochur
ch
Boi
tshepo:(
smi
led)ohoknowt
hat
'samazi
ng
Dai
sy:yeah
Boi
tshepo:hasyourdadcheckeduponyou?
Dai
sy:yeahhej
ustl
eft
Boitshepo:t
hat'
sgood.Heshoul
ddoacer
emony
foryouandOl ebi
lever
ysoon
Dai
sy:hesayst
hatwhenigetr
eleasedhe'
sdoi
ngi
t
Boit
shepo:good.Youwillseet
hingsgoi
nggoodf
or
you.IwishLet
lotl
o'sf
atherwasasgoodshame
Dai
sy:wellpeoplear
edi
ffer
entandagainyouar
e
doi
ngagoodj obwit
hal
lyourki
ds.Iwi
shmy
motherwaslikeyou
Boi
tshepo:wel
lit
ry
Dai
sy:youknowsomet
imesimi
sshersomuch
Boi
tshepo:i
t'
snormalshe'
syourmot
heraf
teral
lno
matterwhatshehasdone
Dai
sy:yeahheybutanywayi
tiswhati
tisigotyou
guyssol
if
egoeson
Boit
shepo:ihear
dTemosayyouwentbackt
o
schoolyouhavetowor
kver
yhardwhenyougetout
ofhere
Dai
sy:yesidef
ini
tel
ywi
ll
.Seei
ngot
herwomenwi
n
moti
vatesmetoworkevenhar
d.
Boit
shepo:good.Anywayij
ustwant
edtocheckup
onyou.Im goi
ngbacktoSerowesoonsoiwanted
tosaygoodbye
Dai
sy:okaunt
y.Howl
ongwi
llyoubet
her
e?
Boi
tshepo:2mor
eweeks
Dai
sy:ohok
Boit
shepo:r
ememberknowoneshoul dknowi
camehereunt i
licomebackok.Ift
heyaskwhothe
donori
sjusttellt
hem t
heyaskedtoremain
anonymous
Dai
sy:iwi
llr
emembert
hataunt
y
Boi
tshepo:good.Bye
Dai
sy:byeaunt
yandgoodl
uck
Boit
shepo:al
lthebestt
oyout
oomyl
oveseeyou
soon

Shesmil
edasBoi
tshepopushedher
sel
foutgoi
ng
backt
oherroom.

AtLi
zzy'
shouse.
..

At
amelangrecei
vedRobert'
smother
'scontactand
st
eppedawayf r
om ever
yonedi
ali
ngher..
.

Atamelang:goodday,
mayiki
ndl
yspeakt
o
VanessaDut che?
Vanessa:she'
stheonespeaki
ng
Atamel
ang:ohok.Mynamei
sAt
amel
angKwena
andiminBotswana
Vanessa:wher
eist
hat
?
At
amel
ang:i
t'
sacount
ryj
ustaboveSout
hAf
ri
ca
Vanessa:oht
heonewi
thal
otofel
ephant
s
At
amel
ang:yesma'
am
Vanessa:whatisgoingon?Im iintr
ouble?Pl
ease
i
mj ustanoldladywholivesinanoldagehomej ust
becausemyl astbor
nchilddecidedtoabandonme
At
amel
ang:t
hati
swhyihaveact
ual
lycal
led
Vanessa:oh?
Atamelang:yesma'am yoursonhasbeenl
ivi
ngi
n
Botswanaallhisl
if
e
Vanessa:ar
eyoubei
ngser
iousnow?
At
amel
ang:i
syoursonRober
tDut
che?
Vanessa:ohmyGod,
yest
hat
'shi
m awwmybaby
Rob
At
amel
ang:t
henyesi
mtal
kingabouthi
m
Vanessa:Pl
easetel
lhi
mtocomebackhomeineed
hi
m.Infacthehastocomebackhomeassoonas
possi
ble
Atamel
ang:(
smil
ed)wel
liguessicanhelpwit
hthat
.
Iwil
lgi
veyouhi
snumbersot hatyoucal
lhi
m
your
sel
f
Vanessa:iwoul
dbedel
ight
edmydaught
er
At
amel
ang:howol
dar
eyouagai
n?
Vanessa:i
m 80mychi
ld
At
amel
ang:ohok.I
twasapl
easur
etal
kingt
oyou
ma
Vanessa:honestl
yspeaki
ngthi
sist
hebestdayof
mylif
emychi l
dthankyousomuchmychild.God
bl
essyoupl enty
Atamelang:t
hankyouma'am mayhekeepyouunt
il
youarereuni
tedwit
hyourson
Vanessa:t
hankyoumygi
rl
.Ar
eyouhi
sgi
rl
fr
iend?
Atamel
ang:(chuckled)noma'am i
m wor
kingwit
h
hi
m andhet oldourcoll
eaguest
hathehasnoone
butij
ustdecidedtodigupandfindoutmysel
f
Vanessa:youdidgoodmychi
ld.I
shemar
ri
ed,
does
hehavechildr
en?
At
amel
ang:it
hinkyouwi
llaskhi
mthosequest
ions
Vanessa:okmygi
rl
.Letmenotkeepyoudon'
t
f
orgett
osendt
hatnumberok
At
amel
ang:iwon'
tfor
getma.Bye

Shehungupsmi
li
ngandsentherRober
t'
scont
act
number.
..

Atamel
ang:t
imet
ogobackhomeandleaveot
her
peopl
e'
shomesMrDut
che.Yourmot
herneedsyou

Shesmi l
edmorejoini
ngLameinthehousewhil
e
theguyssatoutsi
de.Shebumpedint
omehol di
ng
twoglassesofjui
ceinmyhands.Wesmiledatone
anotherandconti
nuedtowher
ewewer egoing.
..

Olebi
le:im goi
ngtoleaveyouguysf
orafew
minutesineedt ogogetsomethi
ngfr
om yourdad'
s
houset ogivet
omyf r
iendt
hencomeback
Letl
otl
o:soyouguysspendi
ngt
heni
ghtwi
thme
ri
ght?
Olebi
le:Lameandyourl
itt
lesi
bli
ngsar
earound
buddywedon'twanttocrampthehouse.Wewil
l
comebackagaintomorrowmor ni
ng
Let
lot
lo:ohokst
il
lfi
ne
Ol
ebi
le:seeyouguysj
ustnow
Bosa:sur
e(helef
t)idi
dn'tknowifyoupr
efer
red
appl
eororangesoi j
ustgotorange
Let
lot
lo:anyt
hingi
sok
Bosa:
good
Letl
otl
o:sosinceever
yonei
sint
hehouseit
hinki
t'
s
ti
mewei ronedthi
ngsout
Bosa:
yeahsur
enopr
obl
em
Letl
otl
o:i
mr eal
lysor
ryforever
ythi
ngihavedonet
o
youbuddy.Igotconsumedwi t
hjeal
ousythati
endedupdoingsucht hi
ngs
Bosa:iunder
standt
heset
hingshappenbutnowi
thi
nkyouseewhatwemeantwhenwesai dVict
ori
a
i
sanevi lwoman
Let
lot
lo:ohyesido.Thatwomanf
uel
ledt
he
j
ealousyinmet hatsheevenmademer esentmy
ownmot herbecauseshemademebel ievet hat
she'
stheonewhokeptmef r
om myfatherandi
bel
ievenowshewor kedwit
hmyf at
hersot hatmom
couldbemiserable
Bosa:yeahthat'
sVict
oriaDintsiforyoumyguyshe
hasalwayshadapr obl
em wi thhersibli
ngs.Iused
tostandforherwhenOl ebi
letriedtoopenmyeyes
aboutherbutnoithoughtiwasl ovedkanteno
mothoissendingmedeepi nsidemygr ave.I
ma
messnowbecauseoft hatwoman
Let
lot
lo:ihear
dwhathappenedbr
oandi
mreal
ly
sor
ry
Bosa:i
m sti
llt
ryingt
opr
ocessever
ythi
ng.I
t'
shar
d
honest
lyspeaking
Let
lot
lo:whydon'
tyougot
other
apy?
Bosa:
igother
eandfeelim goodonlyt
otake10
st
epsbacksoit
'semoti
onallydr
aini
ng
Letl
otlo:don'
tgi
veupmanj ustkeepgoi
ng
eventuall
ythi
ngswil
lfal
lint
oplace
Bosa:weshal
lseehey.Sowhat
'supiseeyouhave
acarnowman( smil
ed)
Letl
otl
o:yeah.Thewomanwhodi edhasbeen
savi
ngmoneyf ormesowhenshegavemet he
moneyidecidedt obuysomet
hingsmal
lyouknow
Bosa:wel
lit
'sahuget
hingmyguy.I
ttakesyou
fr
om poi
ntAt oB
Let
lot
lo:yeahespecial
lynowt
hati
m busywi
th
bri
ngi
ngupmybusi nesses
Bosa:
oh?
Let
lotl
o:yeah.Iwantt
ogetl
ayers,
broi
ler
sanda
mobileki
tchen.Tot
athepr
oject
shavetakenof
f
al
ready
Bosa:wowmanthat'
samazi
ng.It
'sasi
gnofgr
owt
h,
al
lthebest
.Puti
ther
e(t
heyfi
stbumped)
Letl
otl
o:t
hankyoumyguy(
hewentsi
lentl
ooki
ngi
n
hisdri
nk)
Bosa:
areyouok?
Let
lot
lo:(
sni
ffed)i
tsjustt
hat
..
.(
lookedupathi
m
wit
htearf
uleyes)ir
ememberhowiwaswhenyou
tol
dmeyouwereget
ti
ngacar
.Ipr
etendedt
obe
happyf
oryou
Bosa:ahcomeonmyguyt
hat
'st
hepasti
t'
sok
real
ly
Letl
otl
o:(
tear
sfel
loffhiseyes)noBosaihavebeen
nothi
ngbutbadtoeveryonebutyouguyshave
beennothi
ngbutgoodt ome
Bosa: t
henyoushoul dlear nfr
om t hat,thatbei ng
jealousofsomeonei snotgood.Notal lourdoor s
willopenatt hesamet imeevent ual l
yever yonewi l
l
gett heirchancet houghsomeenduppassi ngon
befor ethereceiveit.Sof rom nowoncl apf orot hers
untilthetimef orthem tocl apf oryoucomes.I
meanl ook,youhaveacarnow, youar eaboutt obe
abusi nessmanandyouar einsomeone' swi l
lso
youar edefi
nit
el ysetforlifewhi leionl yhaveacar
andwai ti
ngtogot oschoolbutiknowt herear e
peopl ewhol oveandcar ef ormet hat'swhatkeeps
megoi ng.Genui neloveisbet tert hanmat eriallove
myguyandial soknowt hatonceif ini
shschooli
willbeabl etogetanyt hingiwantwear eall
dest i
nedf ordiffer
entpat hsinl i
fe.Ihopeil iveunt i
li
seemysel
fast
hemanihaveal
waysdr
eamtt
obe
Letl
otl
o:don'tsaythat
.Youdef
ini
tel
yar
egoi
ngt
o
l
iveagoodl onglif
e
Bosa:bruhi
mlosi
ngwei
ghtandvomi
tever
ydayi
feelt
ir
edanddrai
ned
Let
lotl
o:yoursyst
em issti
llget
ti
ngusedt
othe
medicati
on,rememberthatARV'sar
eheavysoyou
wil
lbouncebackwi t
htime
Bosa:
icanonl
yhope
Let
lot
lo:don'
thopebel
ievei
t
Bosa:
(smi
led)oksi
ridobel
i
evei
t
Let
lot
lo:cousi
nsf
orl
if
e?
Bosa:
cousi
nsf
orl
if
emyguy

Wesmil
edatoneanotherandhuggedwhil
eLame
smi
ledl
ooki
ngatusthroughtheki
tchenwi
ndow.
..

Let
lot
lo:wher
e'sTi
misshi
m
Bosa:aht
hatl
oudpersonhe'
satworkiguesswe
wil
lcomespendt
hedaywi t
hyouguystomorrow
becausei
t'
shi
soffday
Letl
otl
o:woul
ddefi
nit
elyuseabitofcompany.I
can'
tbeli
evehe'
sdati
ngmysisterthatl
adi
sbr ave

Wel
aughedandcont
inuedt
ocat
chup.

AtGabone'
shouse.
..

Gabone:nomanVi
ctor
iaar
eyout
ell
ingmet
hisi
s
notworki
ng?
Vict
ori
a:howmanyt
imesshoul
dit
ellyout
hati
can'
tseeathi
ng?
Gabone:l
ookatme

Herf
acewasonher
sbuthereyesl
ooki
ngel
se
wher
e..
.
Gabone:nothiscan'
tbeVict
ori
aiknowthi
smixt
ure
al
wayswor ks.Whyisitnotwor
kingwi
thyou?
Vi
ctor
ia:maybeyourGoddoesn'
twantt
owor
kwi
th
me
Gabone:t
her
e'snowaythatcanhappen.(
Moved
herhandonhereyes)whati
m idoi
ng?
Vi
ctori
a:idon'
tknowGabonebuticant
ellyouar
e
moving
Gabone:(
sighed)ormaybesomethi
ngi
sshor
tbuti
al
waysmakesur emymeasur ement
sar
egood
Vi
ctor
ia:wellidon'
tknowthenyouar
eanexperton
t
hesethingssoyouar et
heonlyonewhocanknow
whatt
hepr oblem i
s
Gabone:youknowwhatletmegogetsomet
hing
fr
om thi
sothermaniknow.Comegetint
obed
Vi
ctor
ia:howl
ongwi
llyoubegonef
or?
Gabone:anhourhedoesn'
tst
ayi
nTl
okweng
Vi
ctor
ia:ohok
Shehel pedherbackonthebedandtookhert
hings
l
eaving.Shecamebackandgaveherabarof
chocolateandlockedt
heroom l
eavi
ng..
.

Vi
ctori
await
edtohearthecardri
veoutandassoon
asitdi
dshesighedandcli
ckedhert
ongue
bl
inki
ng..
.

Victori
a:bloodywi t
ch.(Shesmel l
edt hechocolate)
onet hi
ngiknowi sthatim notgoi
ngt oeatanything
thatididn'
tseehermaki ng.Shethinksim anidiot
andt hatican'topenachocol atef
ormysel feven
wheni m blind.Ihavebeenl i
keyoubef oremygi rl
.
Onet hingyouar edoingwr ongisunder est
imati
ng
me

Shesaidopeni
ngthecl
osetandhi
dthechocol
ate
andstar
tedsear
chingi
t.
..
Victor
ia:l
et'
str
yandf
indsomet
hingwecanuset
o
unlockthi
sdoor.

Shesai dsear chingt hewhol ecl osetbutnot hing.

Shesighedhol dingherwai standsear ched
everywher eint her oom butf oundnot hi
ng.Shesaw
abasketasshel ookedundert hebedandt hen
movedt hebed.Ast hebedmovedt hebasketal so
movedasshest oppedl ooki ngati t.Itmovedagai n
asshef rownedwi thherhear tracing.Shewentt o
thewindowandcheckedi ftherewasnoonei nt he
yardandt hensl owlyopenedt hebasketonl yt obe
metbyabl acksnake.Assoonassheopenedt he
snaker osei t'
sheadhi ssingatherwhi leshekept
hercalm.Sheknewt hatshoul dshemoveani nch
ri
ghtafteropeni ngt hebasketi twoul dattackherso
shesatt her elookingst raightini t
seyesandsl owly
movedherheadsi det oside.I tstartedt ofollowsui t
andevent ual l
ycal meddowngoi ngbacki ntot he
basket.Shecl osedi tinandmovedt hebedi nto
placewi thherhear tracing...
Victori
a:shitt hi
sbi t
chi spowerful.Whati fshe
reali
sest hatiml ying?Shouldit ellher?Noican' t
thatwillbesi gningal i
feti
mecont ractwit
hhersoi
can'tinol ongerwantt obesomeone' spuppeti
wantt obemyownwomanandi fiwantt obemy
ownwomanihavet omakesur et hatibeathert o
herowngameandmaki ngsuret hatibeathert oher
owngameihavet o..
.(
smiledstandi ngup)t hesnake
(stoppedsmi l
ing)isitpossibl
et hough?Mmegone
herpowerl i
esi nthissnake.Shoul dihideitfrom
her?Eyshpr oblem isthatital
readyknowsherscent
sot hi
nkVi ctoriathink

Shesai
dpacingar
oundt
her
oom t
ryi
ngt
odeci
de
onwhattodo.

Att
hemal
l.
..

Reat
legi
leandBoemowal
kedi
ntoar
est
aur
antas
Boemo'sphoner
ang.
..
Boemo:t
hewomanij
ustt
oldyouaboutsi
s
Reat
legil
e:uhuit
houghtshesai
dyoushoul
dst
ay
awayfrom herwhatdoesshewant
?
Boemo:l
etmef
indout
.MsMai
ket
sohel
lo?
Mi
ra:hidearhowar
eyoudoi
ng?
Boemo:i
m goodt
hanksandyou?
Mir
a:coul
dn'
tbeanybett
ermeiskaat
.Anywaywhat
ar
eyoudoingonTuesday?
Boemo:j
ustwor
kwhy?
Mi
ra:whatt
imedoyouknockof
f?
Boemo:5pm
Mir
a:perf
ect.Wear ehavingafami
lyandfri
ends
di
nnerpart
yonTuesdayeveni ngat7pm to11pm.
Wehaveinvitedourfr
iendsandcoll
eagues
Boemo:t
hel
astt
imeicheckedwewer
enotf
ri
ends
Mira:iknowbutithi
nkit'
sti
mewel
etgooft
hatyou
knowf orthesakeofpeace
Boemo:(scoffed)soyouarescaredthatimi
ght
spi
llt
hebeans?Nol over
elaxi
m awomanofmy
wordsoyoudon' thavetousethe"keepyour
enemiescloser"car
donmeok
Mira:ohcomeB.I m overthatmyexhusbandandi
aregetti
ngre-marr
iedont hedaysothat
'sthewhole
pointofthepart
ybutever yonewhoknowsnothing
j
ustknowst hatit
sadi nnerpart
ytocel
ebratet
he
ret
urnofmyhusband
Boemo:ohr
e-mar
ryohokt
hat
'sni
cedear
Mi
ra:soar
eyoucomi
ng?
Boemo:yeahcanibr
ingever
yonewi
th?
Mir
a:ofcour
se.Themorethemerr
iermyloveas
l
ongasBosaisokbecauseShar
oni sAgame
Boemo:ohokdon'tworr
yabouthi
m youknowmen
aren'
tonet
oholdgrudgesimeanl
ookatyour
husbandhe'
sbackhome
Mi
ra:yeah.Okt
henseeyouonTuesdayl
ala
Boemo:byeboo(
shehungup)ihopeshedoesn'
t
poi
sonme
Shesaiddi
ali
ngLeonwhi
leReat
legi
lel
aughed
shaki
ngherhead.
..

Boemo:ohhiLee,
wher
ear
eyou?
Leon:aroundt
ownlooki
ngforasui
tformy
supposedweddingonTuesday
Boemo:soar
eyougoi
ngt
oreal
lyr
emar
ryher
?
Leon:ihavebeentr
yingt
ocal
lyoubuti
tsai
dli
ne
busy.Ineedyourhel
p
Boemo:i
twasact
ual
lyheri
nvi
ti
ngmet
otheaf
ter
par
ty
Leon:oh
Boemo:yep
Leon:ihopeyouaccept
ed
Boemo:ofcour
seiwantt
oseeherfacewhenshe
l
earnswhatwehavebeencooki
ng
Leon:good.Idon'
twantt
omar
ryt
hiswomansoi
don'
tknowhowi m goi
ngtowor
karoundthatand
makeherthinkweareget
ti
ngmarr
ied.Shewants
ustosignonly
Boemo:it'
stri
ckyonejustgoforitt
henwecontinue
asplannedonTuesdayt henfi
lef
ordivor
cethenext
day.Imeanyouar enotgoingtospendaloti
t'
sjust
amer edinner
Leon:heelashe'
sgoi
ngalloutbutmoneyhasnever
beenapr obl
em soiwi
llgowithyouri
dea
Boemo:good.Al
lthebestf
orTuesday
Leon:youmeanal
lthebestf
orMi
ra

Theyburstint
oalaughhangi
ngupwhi
leRea
clappedonceshaki
ngherheadwi
thasmil
eonher
face.

Att
hehot
el.
..

Bont
siopenedt
hedoorf
orPat
loashemadehi
s
wayi
nsi
deandwentt
othebal
cony.
..

Pat
lo:hi
Bont
si:hi
.Woul
dyoul
ikesomet
hingt
odr
inkor
ni
bbl
eon?
Pat
lo:noim good.Bai
sagomadesur
etof
eedme
bef
oreilef
t
Bont
si:ohok.Howar
eyoudoi
ng?
Pat
lo:asifyoucar
e.Let
'sgett
other
easonwhywe
ar
eher enow.
Bontsi
:ohwowok.Anywayical
ledyouupher
eto
haveachatwi
thyou
Patl
o:haven'
twehadonetoomanychatsabout
thi
s?Icri
ed,idr
ownedmysel
final
coholbutst
il
l
youlef
t
Bont
si:iwanttounder
standwhat
'sgoi
ngt
ohappen
whenwedi vor
ce
Pat
lo:soi
sthatwhatyouwant
?
Bont
si:yes
Pat
lo:ohokt
hen
Bont
si:okt
hen?
Patl
o:i
sn'
titwhatyouwantBont
siiwantt
ofr
ee
youtobewithyourmaninpeace
Bont
si:t
lher
raPat
local
m down
Pat
lo:buti
m cal
m whatdoyouwantmet
odo?
Bontsi
:(si
ghed)ohokthen.Sowhat
'sgoi
ngt
o
happenifwedivor
ce?
Patl
o:si
nceyoumademechangeourmarr
iage
cont
ractt
omarri
edincommuni
tyofpr
oper
tyyou
wil
lhavehal
fofever
ythi
ng
Bont
si:soyouwanthal
fofmyt
hingsaswel
l
?
Patl
o:noyoucankeepyourt hi
ngs.Youneverknow
whatmighthappeni nfuture.Soshouldanything
happenyouwillatleasthavesomet hi
ngofyour
own.Imeanwhatgoesar oundcomesbackar ound.
Youcanevenkeept hehouseiwi l
lfi
ndmysel fa
newhousethatiwi l
lstartnewmemor i
esinbutonl y
aft
erAta'
shousei sfini
shed
Bont
si:oknopr
obl
em butt
hewhatgoesar
ound
comesbackar
oundst
atementwasnotnecessar
y
Patl
o:it
suptoyouhowyoutakei
t.Ar
ewedone
becauseihavepl
answi
thpeopl
ewhocar
eabout
me?
Bont
si:yeah.Canigetahugatl
east
?
Pat
lo:no.Goodbyeseeyoui
ncour
t
Bont
si:(
swal
lowed)sur
eenj
oyyourl
if
e
Pat
lo:(
scof
fedsmi
li
ng)ohicer
tai
nlyi
ntendt
odear

Hesaidt
akinghisphoneandcarkeysleavi
ngwhi l
e
Bont
sisi
ghedlooki
ngathim.Hesighedgetti
ngin
hi
scarandstart
edtheengineasathoughtcrossed
hi
smind..
.

Patlo:"what'
sgoi
ngtohappeni
fwedi
vor
ce"
(scoffed)l
etmecallReneè(
hedi
d)
Reneè:MrKwena
Pat
lo:hiReneèihopei
m notdi
stur
bingyou
Reneè:notatal
l.I
sthi
sabusi
nesscal
l?
Pat
lo:yesma'
am
Reneè:youknowt
hedr
il
lri
ght
?
Patl
o:eemmaiwi
llf
ixt
hepaymentoncewear
e
donetal
king
Reneè:goodt
hen.ShootMrK
Patl
o:mywi f
ehasfil
edfordi
vorceandyouknow
wej ustchangedourcont
ractt
oincommunityof
property
Reneè:okwhy?
Pat
lo:shehasf
oundanot
herman
Reneè:ohsoshecheat
ed
Pat
lo:i
sitcheat
ing?
Reneè:yesyouguysarest
il
ll
egall
ymarri
edand
youareenti
tl
edtoever
ythi
ngsheownsnothalfbut
ever
ythi
ng.Didshemoveoutofthehouse?
Patl
o:yesshe'
sst
ayi
ngwi
tht
heman.Di
dyousay
ever
ythi
ng?
Reneè:i
fshe'sst
ayingwiththemant henyesyou
ar
eent i
tl
edtoeveryt
hingakeresheevenmovedout
gorayagoreshedoesn'twanttoshareanythi
ng
wit
hyout her
efor
eyouar egetti
ngital
lMrK
Patl
o:wel
lidon'
twantherbeaut
yparl
oursoshe
cankeepi
twhatiwantarehershar
esforthat
gar
den
Reneè:t
hedeci
sioni
sallyour
sMrKwenaiguessi
wil
lbewait
ingt
ohearfr
om herlawyert
hen
Pat
lo:yes.Thankyou?
Reneè:anyt
imeMrK(
theyhungup)
Patl
o:youtakemywifeitakeyourbusi
ness.Robert
youmessedwi tht
hewrongonemyguy.I fyouthink
iwasgoingtocomeaf t
eryouli
keyoungboysdo
youthoughtwrongif
ightbackli
keaman

Hesai
dr eversi
ngoutandputont
her
adi
owhi
stl
ing
t
ohisfavorit
emusic.

THATEVENI
NG
AtLi
zzy'
shouse.
..

Lamef inishedbathingRavenandGivenast hey

wenttot hel i
vingroom whi
leLet
lot
lost ar
tedwith
thedinner .Shetookthei
ryoungersi
blingstobath
them asLet lot
locall
edRavenandGi ventothe
kit
chen...

Raven:what
'supbr
other
?
Let
lot
lo:(
smi
led)j
ustwantedt
ohaveal
it
tl
echat
wit
hthetwoofyoupri
vatel
y
Raven:ohok
Gi
ven:canihavesomechi
pssol
ongit
hinki
m
st
arvi
ng
Let
lot
lo:yeahsur
eletmef
ixt
hem f
oryou,
youwant
someRaven?
Raven:yeahl
ayspl
easewi
thasauce
Let
lot
lo:comi
ngr
ightup
Het ookapart
ypacketfr
om thepantr
ysharedi
t
betweenthem andgavethem t
hei
rfavor
it
edippi
ng
sauce..
.

Gi
ven:didtheyt
ellyout
hatyouar
ethebestbi
g
br
otherever?
Raven:(
laughed)onl
ybecauseheal
loweduschi
ps
bef
oredinner
Gi
ven:buthei
s
Let
lotl
o:t
hankyouG.Soguysyouknowwhathas
happenedri
ght
?
Bot
h:yep
Letl
otl
o:iwantyouguystoknowt
hatiwil
lnever
abandonandneglectyouandmyfamil
ywillnever
abandonyouok
Bot
h:ok
Let
lot
lo:yesi
nfactyouguysaref
amil
yfrom nowon.
Youaremybr otherandsi
ster
,mybi
gsisteri
syour
bi
gsister
,ourmotheri
syourmot
her,ourcousi
ns
areyourcousi
nssamegoestoourauntsand
uncl
es
Raven:sowehaveaunt
sanduncl
esnow?
Let
lot
lo:yes
Gi
ven:wehaveabi
gfami
ly?
Let
lot
lo:yesyoudomyguy
Raven:wowmom isatr
ueangelthen.Onl
yangel
s
dogoodforpeopl
eandshehasfoundusabig
famil
yandwehavealwayswant
edt ohaveone.
Thankyou
Let
lot
lo:youarewelcome(
shewentt
ohughim)but
youshouldthankGodandyourmom ever
yni
ght
yougot obedok
Raven:iwi
ll
Gi
ven:met
oo
Raven:soyouguyswi
llbest
ayi
ngwi
thusf
orgood?
Letl
otl
o:mysi
sterwil
lbegoi
ngbackhomeafter
sayi
ngourfi
nalgoodbyest
oyourmom shehas
businessest
her
ebutiwi
llbest
ayi
ngwi
thyouguys
forgoodnow
Gi
ven:whataboutyourmot
her
?
Let
lotl
o:shestayswi
thherboyf
ri
endbutshewi l
l
vi
siteverynowandthenandwewillvi
sitever
yone
whent i
meal l
ows
Gi
ven:ohok
Raven:butwhatwi l
lhappent
ouswhenwecome
backfrom schoolwhil
eyouarest
il
latwor
k?
Letl
otl
o:t
hehousehelperi
snotgoi
nganywhere
she'
scomi ngtost
ayful
lti
mewithusaswel
l.She
wil
lbestayingatt
heback
Raven:wowawesome
Gi
ven:seeit
oldyoubr
otherLTi
sanamazi
ngbi
g
br
other
Raven:ohyeshei
s,he'
sourher
o.Hi
ghf
ive
Let
lot
lo:yeah

Theyhi
ghf
ivedl
aughi
ngandcont
inuedt
ocat
chup
asLamef i
nishedwit
hthei
rsibli
ngsandtheyj
oined
them sharingthechi
pswhil
et hebi
gsibl
ingshel
ped
oneanot herwithdi
nner
.

LATETHATNI
GHT

Boemoparkedhercarafewmet ersfrom Gabone'

s
houseandwatchedcl
oselywit
hbi nocular
s.She
spott
edGabonecoveredi
nabl ackclothgoingback
i
ntothehousewithabucketonherhand. .
.

Boemo:kegor
eonealowamangmosadiyo
bat
hong(whowasshebewi
tchi
ng)

Shesaidgetti
ngbacki nthecarshewasdr i
vingand
wait
edf ort
helightstogooff.Theydidaf t
erafew
minutesasshewai tedforanotherhour.She
checkedtheti
meandi twas01: 00am assheputon
herhoodandgl ovesandt i
ghtenedhershoes
putt
ingonshoecapsf ort
hem tonotleavemar ks
onthesoil
.Shegrabbedthepet
rolcanontheback
seatandgotoutgoingi
nGabone'syard.
..

Boemo:Lor
dbewi
thmepl
ease

Shesai dopeningt hegateandheadedt ot hemai n

houseunawar et hatBoingotlowasi nherpr esence.
Theywal kedtoget herasBoemosi l
entlyand
carefull
ypouredt hepetrolaroundt hehouseandon
thewal l
.Shealsomademadeat railfr
om t hehouse
upt othegatewi t
ht hepetrolandlitthegroundaf ter
closingthegate.Thef ir
econt i
nuedunt ili
tr eached
thehouseasshesmi ledgetti
nginhercarwhi lethe
housecaughtf ir
e...

Boemo:theyshoul
dcal
lmet
hequeenofbur
ning
wit
ches'
shouses

Shel
augheddri
vingof
fwhil
eint
hei
rroomsVict
ori
a
andGabonewokeuptothesmel
lofsmoke.
..
Vi
ctor
ia:shi
t(cl
earedhert
hroat
)Gabone!Gabone!
Something'
sburni
ng
Gabone:bl
oodyhel
l!

Shesaidjumpingof
fbedwhil
eherwindowsbr
oke
withthecur
tai
nscatchi
ngf
ir
ethatwentuptot
he
roofi
ng..
.

Vi
ctor
ia:Gabone!
Gabone:st
aycal
m dammit
!(Scr
eamed)hel
p!
Somebodyhelpwearebur
ningi
nsi
dethehouse!
Hel
p!
.
.
.
.
.
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
CAGED
78

Vi
ctor
ia:hel
p!Somebodyhel
p!

Shecoughedasthesmokegottoherwhi
leint
he
otherr
oom Gaboneal
soshout
edforhel
plooki
ng
forablanket
..
.

Gabone:don'
tmoveVict
ori
aim comingtohelpyou!
Somebodyhelp!Wher
eisthatst
upidblanket

Shesaidcoughi
ngast hesmokegottoheraswell.
Sheheardsomethi
ngf al
lint
heli
vingroom asher
hear
tracedmorescreamingforhelp.
..

Gabone:hel
p!
Vi
ctor
ia:hel
p!Gabonear
eyou.
..

Shescreamedasapar
toft
her
ooff
ellcl
osert
oher
bed.
..

Victor
ia:somethi
ngfel
linGabonehelp!Bathongke
tsi
legoswel agorekebatl
agoaketsamot hogore
gakebonemmekebona( i
m igoi
ngt odiejust
becauseiwanthert ot
hinkican'
tsee)help!
Gabone:i
m comi
ngt
ohel
pyou!

Shesaidcover
ingher
sel
fwi
ththebl
anketand
openedherdooronl
ytobemetbyahugecloudof
smoke..
.

Vi
ctor
ia:Gabone!
?

Gabonecoughedrunni
ngbacki
ntotheroom and
wenttoherbat
hroom t
owettwoclot
hs.Theroofi
ng
fel
linandmissedherbyaninchasnei
ghbours
outsi
decamer unni
ngtr
yingtohel
pwhil
eother
s
tri
edtocal
lforfi
ref
ight
ers.
..

Gabone:i
m comi
ngi
nVi
ctor
iast
ayst
il
l

Shesaidkicki
ngdownt hedoorasanotherpar
tof
therooff
elli
nmissingheroncemore.Shejumped
overtheburni
ngpiecesandwenttoVictor
iawho
wasseatedupont hebed..
.

Gabone:i
t'
sme,
itsmei
m her
e
Vi
ctor
ia:f
inal
ly,
ithoughtiwasgoi
ngt
odi
einher
e
Gabone:noist
il
lneedyou.Come,
putt
hisoveryour
mouthandnose

Shegaveheranot
herwetcl
othandcover
edher
wit
hthebl
anket.
..
Gabone:j
ustt
rustmecome

Sheli
ft
edheroffthebedast
her
ooff
ellont
hebed
whichcaughtf
ir
e..
.

Vi
ctor
ia:ar
ewegoi
ngt
osur
vivet
his?Ican'
tdi
eli
ke
t
his
Gabone:st
opt
alki
ngandf
oll
owme.123j
ump

Shedidast heyjumpedovertheburni
ngpar t
icl
es
goingintothepassage.Thr
eestepsandtheroofing
fel
linfrontoft
hem andastheyturneditf
elli
n
again.
..

Vi
ctor
ia:(
hear
traci
ng)whyar
ewest
oppi
ng?
Somebodydosomething!
Gabone:don'
ttaket
hecl
othof
fyourmout
hmonna!
Hel
p!
Man:t
hef
ir
eissost
rongouther
ebutt
hef
ir
e
f
ight
ersar
eont
hei
rway!
Gabone:(
coughi
ng)wearet
rappedi
nsi
dethe
houseandthesmokei
stoomuchican'
tsee
anyt
hing.
..

Asshesaidthewhol
ekitchenbl
astedoffas
Vict
ori
ascreamedcr
yingwithherhandsonher
head..
.

Vict
oria:yohBadimobagor r
aDi ntsikekopa
maitshwar el
o!(
coughed)pl
easef orgivemef or
ever
ythingihavedonet omyf ami l
y!(Coughed)i
can'
tbel i
eveim goi
ngtodieli
ket hi
spl easefor
give
me!
Gabone:youknowwhat ,idon'
thavet
imeforyouim
savi
ngmyself(coughed)sayhell
otothedevi
lfor
me

Shesai
dlet
ti
nggoofVi ctor
iaandgaveherherback
pl
anni
nghowt oescape..
.
Vi
ctor
ia:don'
tleavemepl
ease!
Gabone:goodbyeVi
ctor
ia!

Victori
abitherl
owerli
pandtookoneofthebri
cks
thatfel
linthehouseandt
hrewitatherhi
tt
ingt
he
backofherheadasshecollapsedontopofa
ceil
ingboardthatwassmoking.
..

Vi
ctor
ia:bl
oodybi
tch!LeaveVi
ctor
iat
odi
e!?hel
lno!

Asshesai dthewhol eceil

ingf ellonherwhi lethe
wholehousegotconsumedwi thfir
eandahuge
smoke.Thef ir
ef i
ghti
ngandmedi calrescuecar s
camewhai li
ngasever yonemovedf orthem.I n
Gaboronedam Boemowhi st
ledmaki ngsur eto
wipeoffherDNAonever yar eaoft hecar .Steeri
ng
wheel,seat
,everywhereevent heout si
de.Shesaw
l
ight
sappr oachingasshequi cklytookherphone
anddialedherPI .
..
Man:(
chuckl
ed)r
elaxi
t'
sme

Shesighedoutofr el
iefandfini
shedwi pi
ng
everyt
hing.Shedroppedt hehandbr eakandputt he
gearondr i
veasthecarsl owlyrol
leddowni nt
ot he
dam.Shesmi l
edl
ooki ngonasi tslowlywentdown
andsankwaydeepi nt hedam whileherPIparked
his.
..

Boemo:doyouhavemycl
othes?
Man:yesma'
am
Boemo:goodl
etmechange

Shesaidget
ti
nginhiscarandchangedwhi l
ehe
checkedt
hecoast.Shefi
nishedandputeveryt
hing
shewaswearingi
napl ast
icincl
udi
nghersneakers,
socksandevenshoecaps...
Boemo:l
ight
erpl
ease

Hegavei
ttoherwhil
ehepour
edpet
rolont
hem
andt
henli
tthem.
..

Man:youar
ehonest
lyanexper
tatget
ti
ngr
idof
evi
dence
Boemo:i
m al
awyermyguywhatdoyouexpect
?
Man:nowibeli
evei
twhentheysayl
awyer
sar
ethe
mostdanger
ousaft
erdoct
ors
Boemo:youbet
ter
Man:noshoetr
ail
s,t
heywon'
tknowwhi chcar
cametotheyar
dkegorenot
hingevenifsomeone
sawyoutheyonl
ysawapersoninblackclot
hes
Boemo:ohyes

Shesai
dscat
ter
ingt
heashesofhercl
othesi
nthe
soi
last
heygoti
nhiscaranddr
oveoff
...
Man:sowhatdi
dyousayt
ohubby?
Boemo:heknowst hati
m atmymother'
shouse
sl
eeping.Youandiaretheonl
ypeopl
ewhoknow
aboutthi
s
Man:youknowt
hedr
il
lbossl
ady
Boemo:good.Takemet
omymot
her
'shouse
Man:butdoyout
hinkt
heyar
edead?
Boemo:wit
hallt
hedoorsandwallburni
ngthere'
s
nowaytheycansur
vivebecausether
ewillbeno
wayout
Man:goodbutyout
hinki
twasagoodi
dea?
Boemo:thatwit
cht
ri
edtokil
lmysist
erandher
chi
ld,
sheruinedal
otofpeopl
e'
sli
vessoshe
deser
vestoburn
Man:whati
ftheysur
viveandl
ookf
ort
heper
son
t
hatbur
ntthehouse?
Boemo:iwil
lmakesur
etogofi
nisht
hem of
fin
hospi
tal
.Thoset
woarenotgoi
ngtol
iveahappyl
if
e
whi
leisti
llbreathnotaf
terwhatt heydidandtri
ed
t
odoimeanVi ct
ori
aalmostkill
edherowndaught er
j
ustforbl
ood.Whi chmot herdoest hat
?Im not
r
esti
ngunt i
liseeherinacof f
iniswear
Man:j
ustmakesur
etobecar
efulandnotmake
mi
stakes
Boemo:onet
hingiwi
llneverdoi
sletmyguar
d
downandthi
salsoi
srevengeforhert
ryi
ngt
okil
l
me.Bl
oodywitch

Shecl
ickedhert
ongueasitst
art
edraini
ngwhile
Boi
ngotl
osmiledsi
tt
ingonthebackseatbehi
nd
Boemo.

ADAYLATER

AtLi
zzy'
shouse.
..

Past
orPesal
emasai
dapr
ayerast
heDi
ntsif
ami
ly
sur
roundedthecoff
in.8menfr
om themor gue
weari
ngallwhi
tesuitswi
thwhi
teglovescarri
edt
he
cof
fi
noutsideasthechur
chchoirsang.
..

Sedil
akamponesetsetselaketsamae.Holef
if
i
hapegosebakant samaise.Haoletenghakebatl
e
tseboyanthotshotl
hewenaont ekane..
.

Wi t
ht heiremot i
onsinvestedi nthissongt hey
foll
owedLi zzy'sbodyoutt hehousewi thLet l
otlo
holdingt hetwi nshands.Theypl acedt hewhi t
eand
browncof fi
nt hatwasengr avedwi t
hhernameand
aphot oofherchi l
drenandher selfont opont he
stand.Let l
otlosatbet weent het winswhi l
eLame
satnextt oRavenwi thAtamel angsi tt
ingonGi ven's
side.Ravenwor eabl ackchildren'sdresswi t
ha
whitehatonwi thblacksungl assesonhol dingher
mot her'
sf uner alprogrammeandabot t
leofwat er
whileGi venwor eabl acktux,whi tegolfT-shirtand
whitesneaker salsohol di
nghi smot her'sfuneral
programmeandabot tl
eofwat er.Thechoi rfinished
si
ngingastheMCstood.Allheremployeesand
busi
nesspart
nerswerear
oundwear ingallbl
ack.
TheDint
sifamil
ywit
hthei
rf r
iendsaswellweari
ng
al
lbl
acktoo..
.

Mc:goodmor ningladiesandgent l
emen.I tiswi t
h
gr eatsadnesst obegat heredher esayinggoodbye
tomybossl ady.( Swallowed)t hi
swomanwas
not hingbutagr eatwoman, shemadesur ethatal l
ofuswer eok.What everproblem youhadshe
woul dhel pwi t
houtaski nganyt hinginretur n
(clearedhi st hroat)letmenotgoanyf urthert he
rightper sonwi l
lcomeandspeakf orther estofus.I
havei tongoodaut horit
yt hatherkidswi l
lcomesay
theirlastspeechwi ththeirbigbr ot
her,thent he
empl oyee' srepr esentativeandt henwewi llgivethe
podi um tot hepast or.Thankyou

Thechoi
rstar
tedasongasLetl
otloandthet
wins
madethei
rwaytothefr
ont.I
tstoppedasLet
lot
lo
swi
tchedonthemicr
ophone.
..
Let
lot
lo:goodmor
ningl
adi
esandgent
lemen
Al
l:goodmor
ning
Letl
otlo:(sighed)idon' thaveal ottosaybutido
haveal ott osayihopeyouunder stand( everyone
chuckled)mynamei sLet l
otloDintsit hesel it
tl
e
oneswi llintroducet hemsel veswhent heysayt heir
speeches.( Si ghed)t hewayi mett hisl adyi s
honest l
yshocki ng, herl egaladviserhasgi venme
theplatfrom t otellyouever ythingthati snot
confi
dent ial.Soasiwassayi ngthewayimett hi
s
l
adywasver yunusualbutwhaticansayi sthat
she..
.(swal l
owedasemot i
onsgott hebet terofhi m)
shehonest l
ysavedmyl if
ei fshedi dn'tar ri
vethe
ti
meshedi dwewoul dbesayi ngsomet hing
duff
erentnow.Iwokeupwi thani nject iononmy
arm actual l
yi nj
ect edi nmyvei nasmyownf at
her
wanteddr awbl oodf rom me.Upt ot hisdaywedon' t
knowwhathewant edt odowi thmybl oodashe
ref
usest osay.( Ever yonenoddedt hei rheads)we
bothmanagedt oover powerhi m andcal l
edt he
poli
ceonhi m andt hat'sthedayLi zf oundoutt hati
washerhusband' sson.(Smi led)yeahical ledher
Liz.Lizknewaboutmewhi l
eiwasst il
linmy
mot her'
swombbecausemyf atherdeci dedt ocheat
onherwi thmymom af t
erhepai dbr i
depr icef orher .
That '
showhear tl
essmyf atherisbutanywayt hisis
notabouthi m.From thatmomentshest ar ted
savingupf ormei ncasemyf athert ol
dherabout
mebutheneverdi dandsheneverst oppedsavi ng
upmoneyf ormeupt othedayshemetmei n
person.Soiknowwhatexact l
yt hismani st alking
aboutwhenhesaysshei sagoodwoman.Af ew
weekspassedaf termyf atherwasar rest edandshe
calledmet omeetupwi thher .Honest lywhenshe
tookmynumberit houghtshewasbuyi ngf acel i
tt
le
didiknowiwoul dbeher et oday.Imetupwi thher
andt hat'swhenil earnedt hatshewasbat tling
l
eukemi a.Lizhasbeenf ight i
ngt hisdevi lfora
whol e5year sbuti nthose5year sshenever
succumbedt otheill
ness( afewofherempl oyees
wipedt heirtears)sheattendedever ysessi onas
shet oldmeunt i
lherlastdaywhi chwasonFr iday.
(Scoffedsmi lingwithtearsbui l
di nginhi seyes)
kareLizwentt obedl aughingandj okingwi thme
andthesetwo.Irememberwhatshesai dtome
whenshewentupt hosestair
s, l
it
tl
edidiknowit
wast hel
astti
meseeingheralive(sighedasatear
dropped)anywayshesai
dt ome, mysonihave
nevermetsomeoneasgoodasyouandican' twai
t
tomeetyour..
.

Swallowedashisvoicebrokewhi
leiqui
ckl
ygave
him abottl
eofwaterandrubbedhi
sbackwhil
ethe
twinslookedupathim..
.

Letl
otl
o:(cr
ying)it
oldmyselft
hatiwasnotgoi
ngt
o
cryi
nf r
ontofthekidsbut
..
.oh

Hesaidputti
nghisheadonmyshoul derasit
ightl
y
huggedhim whil
ehecri
ed.Thechoirstar
tedasong
asLameandAt amelanghel
dhandssi l
entl
ywiping
thei
reyes.Thechoi
rsangunti
lLet
lotl
owasokt o
conti
nue..
.
Letlotl
o:im sosor r
y.( Sniffed)asiwassayi ngshe
saidshecoul dn'twai ttomeetmysi sterasshewas
visi
tingthenextdaywi thourl it
tlesibli
ngs.Weal l
knewshest illhadsomet imewi thusbutheyGod
hashi sownpl answi thther estofusweneverknow
whenwear egoi ngt odepar tthiswor l
d.MamaLi zi
promi sedtol ookaf teryourchi l
dr enandt hat'
s
exact l
ywhati m goingt odowi t
ht herestofmy
fami l
yandt hehousehel per.Thef ewdaysyouhad
withmet aughtmeal otaboutl ifeand. .
.(
tearsbui
lt
again)and. .
.(cri
ed)i m goi ngtohol dont oyour
teachingsmama.I m whatiam t odaybecauseyou
wer emamaLi z.GandRayar eal waysgoi ngtogo
tobedwi thsmi lesont heirfacesandi m goingto
makesur etheybecomet hebestver sionofyou.
I.
..(
sighedcr ying)iloveyoumamaLi zandi ..
.

Hegaveinhisemoti
onsandbur sti
ntotearsonce
moreasRaventookthemic.Ledibalookeddown
shaki
nghisheadwipi
nghistearswit
hever yone
el
se..
.
Raven:goodmor
ningl
adi
esandgent
lemen
Al
l:(
chuckl
edt
ohert
inyvoi
ce)mor
ningbaby
Raven:mynamei sRavenandal lij
ustwantt osay
i
st hatmommywear egoingt omissyoual otbuti
woul dli
ketothankyouf orgivingusabigfami ly.I
haveknownyouf or10year sonlybutihavel earnta
l
otf rom youmommyandiwi llcar
ryonyour
teachings.ToyoubrotherLTipr omiseyout hati
willbethebestli
tt
lesist
eryoueverhad.Il oveyou

Shesai
dhugginghiswaistwhi
leGi
vent
ookt
hemi
c
wit
heveryonesobbi
ng.
..

Given:helloever
yonemynamei sGivenandiwant
tosaytomommy.Iknowiwasal waysnaught
ybut
fr
om nowonI 'm goingtobeagoodboybecause
shehasbecomeagoodangelt ousandgaveusa
bigfamilythatweal wayswantedandabigbrot
her
andbigsi ster
.BrotherLTil
oveyouok?
Let
lot
lo:(
cryi
ng)il
oveyout
ooguys
Hesquattedast
heyti
ghtl
yhugged.IntearsLame
j
oinedinonthehugasthechoi
rleaderstar
teda
song.
..

umoyawamiuyakhothamakuwebawo
ut
hi'
ngcwel
e,umoyawamiuyakhot
hamakuwe
ut
hi'
ngcwel
e.Ngcwel
e,ngcwel
euyakhot
hama
ut
hi'
ngcwel
e..
.

Theysangitwiththei
rallwhil
eeveryonecr i
edout
thei
rheart
fel
temot i
onsasLet l
otl
oandt hekids
wenttotakethei
rseats.TheMcbl ewhi snoseand
tookasipofwaterafterwipi
nghistears..
.

Mc:(si
ghed)yohbat hongwereall
yhavelosta
wonderfulpi
llar
.Idon'tknowi
fishoul
dcallthe
employee'srepr
esentati
veort
hepastoral
readybut
wealldeservetoknowheroutsidethehouseri
ght
Al
l:yeah
Mc:okri
ghtnowiwouldlovetocallt
henowacti
ng
Chi
efexecut
iveof
fi
cerofLizzi
nter
pri
sestocome
andsayafewaboutthi
swonder f
ulwoman.

Themansighedst
andi
ngupwi
tht
hechoi
rsi
ngi
ng
andt
ookthemic.

I
nMar
ina.
..

Gaboneslowlyopenedhereyesandlookedaround
tomakesenseofwher eshewasbutshereal
ised
shecouldn'
tmoveherhands, al
egandnot hi
ngon
herfaceexcepthereyes.Shemovedherheadto
thesideandspottedVict
ori
awhocoughedslowly
openinghereyesaswel l
..
.

Vi
ctor
ia:keat
shel
a?(
Im ial
ive)
Gabone:nowear
edead
Vi
ctor
ia:noicansee
Shet
ri
edt
omoveahandbutcoul
dn'
t.
..

Vi
ctor
ia:ican'
tmovemyhands
Gabone:wai
tdi
dyousayyoucansee?
Vi
ctor
ia:yesbutican'
tmovehandsandican'
tfeel
mylegs.What'
sgoingon?
Gabone:(
soft
lysmi
led)iknewthemi xt
urewoul
d
workij
usthadtobealit
tlepat
ientisee
Vi
ctor
ia:Gaboneisai
dican'
t.
..
Dr:okokenought al
king.Goodmorni
ngladi
esi
m
gl
adyouar eup.Ionlyhaveyourname,whoareyou?
Ineedtocontactyourfamil
ies
Vi
ctor
ia:i
m..
.
Gabone:Fl
orence(
Vict
ori
afr
owned)
Dr
:Fl
orencewhat
'syoursur
name?
Gabone:sameasmi
newear
ebl
oodsi
ster
s
Dr
:ohok.Si
ncewecoul
dn'
treachyourf
ami
lyi
guessyouwi
llgi
veust
hei
rcont
act
s
Gabone:wear
etheonlytwor
emai
ningatourf
ami
ly
wehavenootherr
elat
ives
Dr:ohokthennowt owhat'
sgoingon.Youguys
weresavedfrom abur
ninghousebutt heroofhad
al
readyfel
lonyou.Gaboneyourl egandar msare
br
okenandyourf acei
sburntbuti t
'snotbadwewi l
l
beabletotr
eatit
.AsforyouFlorence(sighed)you
wil
lneverbeabletowalkagai
n
Vi
ctor
ia:what
!?
Dr:i
mr eal
lysor
ry,
butthecei
li
nghi
tyoubadon
yourbacksoyourspi
neisdamaged
Vi
ctor
ia:no!Can'
tyoudosomet
hing?
Dr:i
mr eal
lysorr
yma' am butt
her
e'snothi
ngwecan
doli
keitsreal
lydamaged.Thenursewillcome
checkyouguysaf t
erafewmi nut
esijustwantedto
i
nform youonwhat '
sgoingonwithyourbodies.
Bye

Hewal
kedoutwhi
leVi
ctor
iabr
eat
hedheavi
lyt
ryi
ng
t
omakesenseofwhatj
usthappened.
..

Gabone:don'
twor
ryi
tsgoi
ngt
obeok
Vict
ori
a:ican'twalkandwenayouhavethegutst
o
l
ietothedoctorandt el
lhi
mt hatmynameis
Flor
ence?Real l
y,outofal
lnamesandyouchoose
l
einalabasadibagolo?Wabor aGabone(
you'
re
suchabor e)
Gabone:i
t'
sforyourowngood.Ihaveaf
eel
ingyour
fami
lyisbehi
ndthis
Vi
ctor
ia:don'
tGabonepl
easedon'
t
Gabone:isweart
oyou.Theywantt
oendyouandif
youdon'tst
ri
kebacknowtheyar
edefi
nit
elygoi
ng
toendyou
Victori
a:(
swal
lowed)youareont osomethi
ngand
tothinkiwant
edtochanget osavethem?(Scof
fed)
youknowwhat ,scr
ewt hem t
ellmewhattodoandi
willdoit
Gabone:(
smil
ed)cal
m downl
oveweneedt ogo
i
ntohidi
ngandfocusonmyheal
ingbecausewhen
i
m okwewi l
lbeabl
etoovercomethem.Remember
yoursi
stercanseebeyondhumaneyesoweneed
tobecareful
.Ij
ustneedtot
hinkofaplan
Vict
ori
a:okwhat
everitisimin.Gaketl
waelwej
alo
(i
m notgoi
ngtobedisrespect
edliket
hat)

Shebr
eat
hedheavil
ylookingatGaboneandl
ooked
awaywhi
leGabonesmiled.

I
nPhomol
ongCemet
ry.
..

Themor guecombi sparkedi naseveryonegotout

maki ngtheirwayt othest retchtentbyLi zzy'
slast
home.Hermal eempl oyeest ookhercof fi
nof ft
he
carandpl acedi tonthel ower i
ngbeltswhi le
everyonet ooktheirseats.Past orPesalemasai da
shortprayerasal ltheempl oyeessurroundedt he
gravenotobst ructingever yoneinthet entwhiletwo
menf r
om themor gueknel tononekneeand
pressedt helower i
ngbut tonast hechoi rsang
anot
hersong.
..

Jehovahotsamaisengwanahaoyasepelang.Ke
phai
ladit
siet
sit
sel
engmooket l
aatl
ajang.
..

Theysangt heirhear t
soutast het winsbur sti nto
tears.Letlotlolockedt hebot hoft hem i nhisar ms
l
ooki ngupwi t
har iveroft earscomi ngdownhi s
eyes.Ol ebil
e, Lameandist oodbehi ndhi mr ubbing
hisshoul der swhileAt amel anggavet heki dswat er
.
BoemoandReat l
egilecoul dalsobeseencr yi
ngi n
thei
rhusbandst obe' sar mswhi leasi lentlycr yi
ng
Ledibaputhi shandoverhi swi f
eandcomf ortedher .
Patloont heot hersidequi etl
ysatal oneashe
wonder edwhatwoul dhappent ohi sdaught er
shoul dhepass.Atl eastsheknewt heDi ntsifami ly
soshewoul dbef ine.Hesi ghedwi pi nghi st earsas
hiswi fecamei nhismi ndasBai sagosof t
ly
squeezedhi sshoul derwhi l
ecomf ortinghi sf i
ancee
withhi m cryingaswel l.Temohel dhi sf iancee' s
stomachi nt earsaswel landsof tl
yki ssedher
cheek.
..

Temo:i
m goi
ngt
opr
otectal
lofyouwi
thmyal
l.

Meanwhi ler ubbingLet lot

lo'
sshoul derani mageof
mymot hercamei ntomymi ndasist art
edt o
wonderhowherf uner alwas.Ionl ysawpi ctur esbut
toexper i
encehowi twaswoul dmaybemake
everythi
ngf eelbet ter.Thechoi rwasal sonot
maki ngthingseasyf oruswi t
htheiremot i
onalsong
asif oundmysel fcr yingaswel l
.Iknewhowt hose
kidswer efeelingr ightatt hatmomentandikept
prayingthatnoonebecomest hereasonf orthem t o
gothesamer oadiwentt hrough.Al lt
hememor ies
ofmyupbr inginghi tmeasist ormedof f.Baisago
spottedmeandr anaf termeandcaughtmebyt he
gateaswebot hfel ltothegr ound...

Baisago:i
t'
sgoingt
obeokBosa.I
m herenow,you
haveeveryoneok.Wewi
llal
waysbether
eforyou
myboy
Bosa:
(cr
ying)papagobot
lhoko(
ithur
tsdad)
Boemo:(
squat
ted)i
t'
sgoi
ngt
obeokmyboywear
e
al
lher
eforyou
Bosa:
iknowt hepai
noflosingamother
.Forthem
i
tsworsetheyhad10yearswi t
hhert
hat'
salotof
memories.Gobotl
hoko!(
Ithurt
s)

Isaidhysteri
call
ycryingsi
tt
ingonmybum asmy
dadandmot herhuggedmecr yi
ngaswell
.Att
he
tentAtamelanglookedonwi thherhandonher
mout hcryi
ngasPat lohuggedhi m.
..

Atamel
ang:papawhydoesi thurtl
iket
his?Yes
bothmyparentsareali
vebutthi
shasbroughtback
thepai
nmymot herputusi
n
Pat
lo:i
m her
eokmybabyiwi
llneverl
eaveyour
si
de
At
amel
ang:papaiwantmom backhomet
hat
'sal
l
Pat
lo:sssh,
ssshmyl
ove
Hesaidtightl
yhuggingherast heybot
hcriedin
eachother'sar
ms.Ol ebi
let
urnedtoDaisyona
wheel
chai rwhotr
iedsohardt oblockhert
ears.
..

Ol
ebi
le:i
t'
sokyoucancr
ysi
s
Dai
sy:(
bursti
ntot
ears)whydi
dourmot
herhavet
o
bet
hiskindofwoman?
Bri
an:(
huggedt
hem)youhavemenowguys,
your
uncl
esandaunt
sok.
Dai
sy:doyoupr
omi
set
oneverl
eaveusagai
n?
Br
ian:notevermychi
ld

Heti
ghtl
yhuggedthem astheycr
iedi
nhi
sarms.
Temoletgoofhiswif
e'sst
omachashismot
her
andsi
stercr
ossedhismind..
.

Temo:ist
il
lmisst
hem,
Boingot
lowasmybest
fr
iend,
ist
il
lneedmymother
.Shewassupposedt
o
seemegetmar
ri
ed
Reatlegil
e:(
snif
fedandswall
owed)youhaveus
nowmyl ove(shesaidput
ti
nghi
shandonher
st
omach)wear egoingtobeahappyfamil
yandi
promi setobethebestwif
eyoueverhad.Mama
Orefei sl
ooki
ngdownonusandwi l
lwalkt
his
j
ourneywi thusok
Temo:il
oveyou
Reat
legi
le:il
oveyoumor
elove

Theyhuggedcr yi
ngasthecof f
inlandedonthe
ground.Everyonewasinstructedtotakeawhi t
e
ball
oonengr aved"Fl
yhi
ghl ikeandeagl eLi
zzy"and
al
lletthem goatoncewhi l
et heystart
edcoveri
ng
herbodywi thsoil
.

AtRober
t'
shouse.
..

Hecheckedi
fhel
ockedthehouseashisphone
r
angashegotinhi
scar.Hefrownedl
ookingatt
he
numberandanswer
ed.
..

Rober
t:Rober
tDut
chehel
lo?
Vanessa:mysoni
m dyi
ngandineedyou

Hisheartski
ppedabeatashefrownedlooki
ngat
thescreenwit
hhisbr
eathi
ngincreasi
ngwithever
y
second.
.
.
.
.
.
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
CAGED
79
Vanessa:hel
lo?Rober
t?
Rober
t:whatdi
dyouj
ustsay?
Vanessa:ineedyoumyson
Rober
t:whoar
eyou?
Vanessa:youevenf
orgotmyvoi
ce?I
t'
syour
mother
Rober
t:t
hel
astt
imeicheckedihadnomot
her
Vanessa:pl
easedon'
tbel
iket
hat
Robert
:nowthatyouseethatyouneedmeyou
thi
nkiwil
lopenupmyar msf oryoul
iket
hat
?Wher
e
didyouevengetmynumber ?
Vanessa:f
rom al
adyt
hatwor
kswi
thyou.Pl
ease
comebackhomeibegyou
Rober
t:what
'shername?
Vanessa:Rober
tar
eyoul
ist
eni
ngt
ome?
Robert
:whati
shernameVanessa?Becausethe
l
astti
meicheckednooneatworkknowsnothing
aboutyou
Vanessa:soyout
oldt
hem t
hatyouhavenomot
her
?
Robert
:becausei
t'
sthetr
uthmymot herl
ongdi
ed
t
hetimeshechosealcoholoverherf
amil
y.
Vanessa:i
m sosor
rymysonpl
easef
orgi
veme
Robert:noVanessaiwi llneverforgi
veyou.Ihadt o
burymyownsi steronmyownat15Vanessawher e
wereyou?Dr i
nki
ngandhavi ngsexwithever yman
thatcamet othepub.Ever ydayiprayed,iprayed
Vanessaf oryoutochange.Thankst othatman
whoadvi cedmet hatonceif eell
ikeaplacedoesn't
workformeishoul drel
ocateandidon' tregrett
he
dayitookt hatdeci
sion.Didyoul ookforme?
Vanessa:(
cryi
ng)idi
dRober
tidi
d
Robert
:li
es!Vanessali
esaregoi
ngtobethedeat
h
ofyou!Youdidn'
tlookformeatal
l!Tel
lme,when
wasthelastti
meyousawme?
Vanessa:whenyouwer
e16
Rober
t:howol
dimi
nowVanessa?Howol
dimi
?
Vanessa:pl
easef
orgi
veme.Comebackhome
Rober
t:noi
m notdoi
ngsuchnonsense,
lett
hose
peopl ewhomadeyousi ckhel
pyouandbur yyou.
Thel astt
imeicheckedihadnomot her.Tothink
thatigotmarri
ed,hadachild,
mywi fediedevenmy
childbutyoudidn'
tcar
eVanessa.Isentyoumai ls
aftermail
sbutyouneverrespondedyouwi cked
witch!
Vanessa:i
m sosor
ryRober
t.Ihavenoone
Robert:youarenothingbutasel
fi
shwitch!Buti
m
goingtoshowyouhowi rr
esponsi
blepeoplel
ike
youdepar tt
hisworldandpraytoGodthathe
deniesyouthegatesofheavenyouwer enothuman
atall
Vanessa:Rober
t
Rober
t:whogaveyoumynumber
?
Vanessa:(
sni
ff
ed)At
a'somethi
ng.Pl
easel
ist
ent
o
mewhenisayyouneedt ocomebackhome
Robert:(
swal
lowed)im notset
ti
ngfootinGer
many.
Restinpeaceinadvanceyouwi t
ch!Don'
tyouever
cal
lthisnumberagain!
Vanessa:Rob.
..
Hehunguponherassheburstint
otear
swhile
Rober
tscr
eamedhit
ti
ngthesteeri
ngwheel
..
.

Rober
t:dammit
!Dammit!Dammit!Why!
?Why! ?
Whydidshehavetodi
gthatfar
,thi
sconni
vingli
tt
le
br
at!

Hescreamedoncemoreandsi
ghedthr
owinghi
s
headbackontheheadr
estsof
tl
yrubbi
nghis
for
ehead.
..

Rober
t:shi
tman!

Hesai
dst
art
inghi
scaranddr
oveout
.

I
nSer
owe.
..
Boitsheposighedasthepai
nssubsi
dedwhi
let
he
teacherwipedherface.
..

Teacher
:ar
eyousur
eit
'snotyouroper
ati
onwound?
Boi
tshepo:notatal
lthepai
nwasi
nmyst
omach
anditf
eltl
ikeiwasgivi
ngbirt
h
Teacher:i
tcanonlymeant hreet
hings.I
t'
sei
ther
yourfamil
yhaswel comedanewmemberoft he
famil
yorasi gnoftransi
ti
onmeaningendofpain
andthebeginningofgreatthi
ngsorthebegi
nning
ofpain
Boit
shepo:noi
tcan'tbet
hebegi
nni
ngofpai
nmy
famil
yhasbeenthroughsomuch
Teacher
:weneedtopr
aymor eaboutt
hisandask
formoreli
ghtont
hematt
er.

Boit
shepofr
ozeseeingtwoblackhorseswit
h
peopleont
hem holdi
ngspears.Thei
rfacesdidn'
t
showbuttheyworedressesandthei
rfeetl
ooked
l
ikewomenf eet
.Sheswallowedandsighedshaking
herhead.
..

Teacher
:tal
ktomeMmant
wa
Boi
tshepo:ij
ustsawt
woblackhorseswit
hwhat
l
ookedlikewomenonthem hol
dingspear
s
Teacher
:di
dyouseet
hei
rfaces?
Boi
tshepo:noonl
ythei
rfeetandt
heyhadonbl
ack
dr
esses
Teacher
:justasecond

Shepouredsomewateri
naclearbowlandpoured
adropofsomewhit
esubstanceopeni
ngherbibl
e..
.

Teacher:l
ightupt hewaygoodLor
d,noweapon
fashi
onedagai nsttheDi
ntsi
'
sshal
l.
..

Sheswal
lowedlooki
nginthebowlasBoi
tshepo
fr
ownedandlookedin.Herhear
tdr
oppedandraced
asshesawherki ds,Bosaandt wootherst
range
kids,
Olebil
eandReat l
egil
eholdingasmallbaby
runni
ngintotheveldbeingchasedbythesame
darkhorsesshejustsawwi t
haf ewbodieswith
damagedf acesattheback..
.

Boi
tshepo:no!
Teacher :t hisiswhatiwast al
kingaboutwhenisay
there'saf ightthatyouhavet oembar konwi t
h
Bont si.Wi thoutheryouwi llnotbeabl etofi
ghtt
his
battl
ebecauseal lMar umowant snowi stobe
reunitedwi thhisdaughter.Foryout osaveyour
familyf rom t hi
syouhavet omar rythesameman
asBont si.Mar umowant stohelpyourf amil
ybuthe
needshi sdaught erclosetobeabl etodothat
Boi
tshepo:(
swal
lowed)butwhoar
ethesepeopl
e?
Teacher
:unti
lyouandBont
siar
ejoi
nednoneofus
wil
lseethei
rfaces
Boi
tshepo:whyar
etheGodsdoi
ngt
hist
ome?
Teacher
:atl
eastyouknowwhat
'scomi
ngnowwe
havetoprayforyourfamil
y'
sprot
ectionandcal
l
Bontsiovert
ocomeher ethenaft
eryougraduat
e.
Youguyswi l
lgooutthereandembarkont hi
s
j
ourneythat'
sifsheagreestot
hearrangement
Boi
tshepo:i
fshedoesn'
tthatmeansmyf
ami
lywi
ll
per
ish?
Teacher:youwil
lhavetof
ightonyourownbutyou
won'tbeasstrongasyouwouldhavebeenifyou
part
neredwithBontsi
Boit
shepo:t
hisisscaryandannoyinghonest
lybut
anywayformyf amil
yiwilldoanyt
hing.Wecancall
herwhenthetimeall
owst hen
Teacher:good.Youwi
llj
ustseeherher
e.Her
maternalancestor
swi
lll
eadherhere
Boi
tshepo:ohok.Ial
sosawt
wost
rangeki
ds
Teacher
:thatidon'tknowiguessyouwi
llfindout
moreaboutitwhenyougetbackhome.Youar e
doi
ngwel lsofaryouarestar
ti
ngtoseeclear
vi
sionsnow
Boi
tshepo:ok.Ihaveaf
eel
ingVi
ctor
iacoul
dbe
behi
ndt
his
Teacher
:itcanbeherori
tcanbeanyone

Boit
sheposighedshaki
ngherheadast
het
eacher
pouredthewateri
ntoabot
tl
e.

AtLi
zzy'
shouse.
..

Everyonegotapl ateoffoodandt ookthei

rseats
havi
ngi twit
hadr i
nkwhi l
echatt
ingremember i
ng
thegoodt i
mest heyhadwi thLi
zzy.Letlot
loasked
thewhol ef
ami l
y,twoofherempl oyeesand
busi
nesspar tnerstocomei nsi
det hehouseasthe
l
awyersenthi m at ext
..
.

Temo:i
sever
ythi
ngokmyboy?
Let
lot
lo:thel
awyeraskedmetogathereveryone
her
eint hehouseasshe'
saboutt
ogether e
Temo:ohok.(
Sighed)i
twashonest
lyanemot
ional
sendof
f
Lediba:youcansayt hatagain.If
eelli
kethi
s
woman' sdeat hhasbr oughtheali
ngtoalotofus
andi talsotaughtusthatyoucannothavebl ood
rel
ativesbutyourchar acterwil
lgetyoualotof
rel
atives.Thisishowiwantt oberemember ed
whenmyt i
mehascome.Amanwhodi deverythi
ng
toprotecthisfamily
Temo:andyouwil
lbeuncleLedi
ba.Youhavebeen
not
hingbutapi
ll
arofst
rengthandafat
hertoal
lof
us
Ledi
ba:f
rom nowonalliwantt
oseeissmileson
yourf
acesmychil
dren.Nomoresadness.Agreed?
Al
l:agr
eed
Ledi
ba:good
Lady:hell
oonceagai
never
yone.Let
lot
lodi
dyou
geteveryone?
Let
lot
lo:yesma'
am
Lady:good.Iwouldl
ikeeachofyoutoli
stenver
y
att
enti
velyasthi
sisthelastwi
llandt
est
amentby
thedeceasedMi
ssEli
zabethKeoreng.Thewi
llwas
l
astupdatedonThur
sdaylastweekadaybefore
shepassedon
Letl
otl
o:ohit
houghtshehadj
ustupdat
edi
tbef
ore
then?
Lady:t
her
ewer
eaf
ewt
hingsshewant
edt
ocor
rect
Let
lot
lo:ohok
Lady:fi
rst
lyi
m goi
ngtoreadt
hel
ett
ershewr
ote
befor
egoingint
othewil
l
Al
l:ok
Lady:" IElizabet hKeorengt el
lyoual lt
hatiwr ote
thisletterwi thacl earandsoundmi nd.Iwasnot
forcedbyanyt hingtowr i
teeverythinginthi
sl etter
.
Firstofal lletmeappr eci
ateeveryonef orcomi ngto
myf uner al.Someofyoudi dn'tknowmebutiknew
eachandever yoneofyou.Wemi ghthavenotmet
i
nper sonbutihavehear daboutyou.Iappr eciate
yoursuppor tandwi llf
oreverbegr atef
ulfor
standi ngwi thmyt wobeaut if
ulbabiesinthistrying
ti
me.Letmegeti toffbyapologisingtoyouLet l
otl
o
Dintsi.Ili
edt oyouwhenit oldyout hatihad3
weeksl ef ttopassoniknewiwasgoi ngt opasson
anyti
met hispastweekend.Idi dn' twantt ostress
youal ot.Thedoct orswant edt okeepmei n
hospitalthedaywef i
rstmetbecauset herewas
nothingl eftinme.Thecancerhadeat enever yfibr
e
i
nsideofmebutit oldt hem iwant edt odiei nmy
housewi thmyki dspr esent.For tunatelyt heydidn'
t
denymet hatwishast heysawt hatmyt imehad
arri
vedt hati swhywear ewher ewear et oday.It
hasbeenhar dformeeversi ncewemetbutihi dit
from youbecauseiknewyouwer egoi ngt osaywe
shouldgot ot hehospitalbutihopeyouf orgiveme
(henodded) .Tomyki ds, mommyi snowanangel
mybabi esandiwi l
lalwaysmakesur eyouguysar e
ok.Ididn' tdieihavebeencal l
edhomeandoneday
meandyouguyswi l
lber eunited.Il oveyout wo
naught yheadsandpl easepr omi setonotgi veyour
bigbrotherandever yoneel segr eyhai rbef oretime.
..
Bot
h:wewi
llbehavemom (
ever
yonel
aughed)
Lady:"
myempl oyeesandbusinesspart
ner
sthank
youforawonderfulr
elat
ionshi
pwehad.Ihope
nothi
ngchangesbecauseidon'tthi
nkyouguys
wouldlovetodealwit
hmeasaghost(theyal
l
l
aughed)mayyouki ndlyt
aket
hiscompanytogr
eat
hei
ghtsandal lt
hepl
answeputforwar
dshouldbe
i
mplement ed.Nosl
ackingonj
ob
Al
l:yesma'
am
Lady:" lastbutnotl easttheDi ntsifami l
y,thankyou
forbei ngt heref ormychi ldren.Thankyouf or
raisingLet lotlointothemanhei snow, hisf ather
tri
edt ocor rupthi m buthemanagedt oescapesuch
adar kwor ld.Im disappointedi nhi m butheyweal l
choosedi f
ferentpat hsinl i
fe.Hehadever ythinghe
neededbuthewasi r
responsi bleandnegl i
gentt hus
hel ostever ythingwi thi
nabl inkofaneye.Anyway,
pleaset akecar eofmychi l
drenf orme, from whati
hear daboutyouf rom Letlotlo,yourf amilyisaver y
wel lmanner edandr espectedf ami l
yt hatteaches
childrent hei mpor t
anceoff ami l
yandyoual l
alwayst heref oroneanot herandishoul dsaymy
childrencoul dn'
thavehadabet terfami l
y.Thank
yousososomuch.Your sinspi ritEli
zabet h'Lizzy'
Keor eng"
Temo:wow,
okwewi
lldef
ini
tel
ygr
antherherl
ast
wi
shes
Lady:nowgoi ngtothewi l
l.Thi
sisthepar
twherei
needal lofyou'
satt
entionbecauseit'
sadetai
led
di
visionofherasserts.Thesearesolel
yal
lher
decisions
Al
l:ok
Lady:( clearedhert hroat)"tomybusi nesspar tners,
youal lgett okeepyourshar esi ncludi ngyou
Letl
otlo.Tot henowact ingCEOyouwi l
lcontinue
acti
ngf oraf ull5year sunt ilLet l
otloDi ntsif
inishes
hisstudi esthenhewi lltakeoverf rom you.Thi s
meanst hatLet lotlowi l
lbemovedf rom t he
account ingdepar tmentt obet rainedf ortheCEO
posit
ionf oraper i
odof5year swhi lehest udiesthe
courseofhi sdr eams.Let lot l
oDi ntsiyouar e
expctedt oholdt hisposi ti
onunt ileitherRavenor
Givenar eeligi
blef orit(theyal lsmi l
ed) .TomyHR
managermyl ove, theonl yper soniconsi dereda
cl
osecl osef ri
endi t'stimeigaveyouashar eoft he
companyaswel lsoi m goi ngt ogi veyou5%ofmy
controlli
ngshar eswhi l
et her emai ningshar eswi l
l
beusedt opayf ormychi ldren' seducat i
onand
ever
ythi
ngtheyneed(
hesmil
ed)
.Theacti
ngCEO
wil
lbeearni
ngaCEOsalar
ywhil
eLetl
otl
oDint
siwi
ll
betaki
nganacti
ngCEOsalar
y
Lame:wow
Lady:" comi ngt omyhouseandcar s,myhouse
helperwi llgetthesmal l
ercarwhi leLet l
otloget sthe
biggercar .Thehousewi l
lr emai ninmynamesunt il
myki dsar eoldenoughf ort henamest obe
changedt ot heir
s.Theyal sogett okeept hel ands
andf armt hatiowni nKopongbutiwoul dl ovefor
theDi ntsifami l
ytol ookaf tert hem unt ilmychi l
dren
areoldenought ounder standwhatf armingand
croppr oduct ionent ai
ls.Al lmyot hershar esi n
diff
erentcompani eswi l
lal sogot omychi ldr enand
theywi llkeepbeni fiti
ngf rom t hem andi t
syourdut y
asmyl awyert omakesur et hatallgoesaccor di
ngl y.
Attheendasat okenofappr eciat
ioniwoul dl i
kef or
Lizzy'
sent erpri
sest omakesur ethatt hepr ojectof
renovat i
ngt heDi ntsihouset akesof fasoft henext
day.Askt hem t ogiveyouapl anofwhatt heywant
andnomat t
erhowbi gthehousei s,makesur ethey
getexact lywhatt heywant .Imeant heyhaveext ra
relat
ivesnow.Ithankyouallandil
oveyoual
l.
Lizzy."Sothat
'sever
ythi
ng
Ledi
ba:wowi
m outofwor
ds
Lady:anyonewhowant stoaddsomethingor
complainaboutsomethi
ng?(Theykeptquiet
l
ookingatoneanother)oktheniwi
llt
akethatasa
noandt hatweacceptever
ythi
nginthi
swi l
l
Al
l:yes.
Lady:thankyouf oryourtime.Iwillmakesur
eto
getallthepaperwor kforthosewhoar eget
ti
ng
sharesandsal ar
yincrement sready.Havea
wonder fulMondayaf t
ernoon
Al
l:t
hankyou

Shesmiledleavi
ngastheot
hersf
oll
owedherwhi
le
Let
lot
losighedlooki
ngathi
sfami
ly.
..

Let
lot
lo:shockedi
sanunder
stat
ement
Temo:sher
eal
lyt
rust
syouwi
thherchi
ldr
en'
sli
ves
andwearegr
atef
ulf
orwhatshedeci
dedt
odof
or
ourf
amil
y
Bosa:soyouaretherichest18yearoldi
n
Botswanamyguy?Thef i
rstunqual
if
iedact
ingCEO
i
nthecountry(
theylaughed)takemet oyourwi
tch
doctorpl
ease(
theylaughedmor e)
Lame:i
tcanonl
ybeGodbr
otheri
tcanonl
ybeGod
Dai
sy:nnakei
kopel
arunxyagagor r
aaker
eyouar
e
get
ti
ngabigcarnow(t
heylaughed)i
mjoki
ng
Let
lot
lo:I
'
llt
hinkabouti
tcouzI
'
llt
hinkabouti
t
Lediba:weareproudofyoumyboybutiwantyou
torememberwhyshedi dal
lshedid.I
t'
sbecauseof
thesetwo(hepointedatRavenandGiven)you
shouldmakesuret oprot
ectwhat'
sthei
rs.Yesi
t
mightbeaheavyr esponsi
bli
tyonyoubutyouhave
everyone'
ssupportok
Letl
otl
o:thankyouuncl eLedibaiwil
lalways
remembert hatandpleasedon'tworryiwon'tt
urn
Vict
ori
aonyouguys( theylaughed)onethingi
l
earntfr
om t hiswomani sthatbei
nghumbl ewil
l
takeyoutohi ghergr
oundsnomat t
erhowmuch
moneyyouhavenevert
hinkyouar
eaboveanyone
becausel
if
ehasnoformula
Ledi
ba:great
.Soyouguysaret
ell
ingmet
hatwe
areget
ti
ngahugemansi on?

Theyal
llaughedgoi
ngout
sideandcont
inuedt
o
hangar
ound.

Atar
est
aur
ant
..
.

At
amelangandherfat
her
'sfoodcameasshe
si
ghedwipi
ngherhands.
..

Atamel
ang:butwecoul
dhaveeat
enatt
hef
uner
al
dad
Patl
o:iwant
edustohaveapri
vatetal
ksothatican
rel
easeyoutogoj
oinever
yonefort
heaft
ertears
At
amel
ang:ohok.Ar
eyounotgoi
ng?
Pat
lo:iam buti
twil
ljustbefor2hoursihavea
meeti
ngwi t
hBaisago,Boemo, TemoandReatl
egi
le
i
sn'
tBaisagowantsmet obehisbestman
At
amelang:ohni
ce,okt
hennopr
obl
em.Sowhat
di
dyouwanttotal
kabout?
Patl
o:it
hinkyouhavereali
sedthatihavebeen
keepi
ngdistancef
rom yousinceSatur
day
Atamel
ang:yeahiwaspl
anni
ngtohavea
conver
sat
ionabouti
twit
hyoutomor
row
Patl
o:thi
ngi
simetupwi
thyourmot
herSat
urday
af
ternoon
At
amel
ang:ohok?
Patlo:itwasaf t
erispoketoBaisagoabout
everythinganddeci dedyouknowwhatican' tkeep
someonewhodoesn' twanttobekeptsol etmej ust
setBont sifr
ee.It'
snotgivi
ngup, noiwasdoi ngit
formysel fandyout oobecauseiwantyout ofocus
onbui l
dingyour sel
fandlookingafteryourhealth
andi thinkit
'sti
meyout oldmet het r
uthbecause
there'
ssomet hi
ngisaw( sheswal l
owed)butbef ore
thatiwantt oletyouknowt hatmommyandiwi l
lbe
get
ti
ngadi
vor
ce
Atamelang:okiunderst
andyourdecisi
ondadbuti
justwanttosaylet
'snotlosehopeyetyounever
knowwhatmi ghthappen
Patlo:yourmotherlovesRobertandit
'sti
mewe
acceptedthat.Youneverknowmaybet her
e'sa
reasonwhyt heyaretogetheraft
eral
lyourmot her
i
saspi r
it
ualpersonsoshemi ghtknowbutaf r
aidto
openup
At
amel
ang:isee.Sot
hat
'si
t?
Patl
o:yesmylovet
hat'si
t.Oncethedi
vor
cei
s
fi
nal
isediwi
llbest
art
ingafresh.
At
amel
ang:ohokdadihearyou
Patl
o:yes.Nowt
oyourheal
thmygir
l,i
sther
e
anyt
hingyouwoul
dli
ketotel
lme?
Atamelang:(Si
ghed)iwantedtodothi
swit
h
everyoneinvol
vedaroundbutiguessimi
ghtas
welltel
lyou
Pat
lo:ok
At
amel
ang:i
m HI
Vposi
ti
vedadandigoti
tfr
om
Bosa
Pat
lo:ok
At
amel
ang:ok?
Patl
o:yesther
e'snoneedtofi
ghthi
m whil
eyou
haveforgi
venhim mychi
ldandagainhedidn'
t
knowhehadi ttheti
meyouguyssleptt
ogether
ri
ght?
At
amel
ang:yes
Patl
o:exact
lysothere'
snoneedtogobackand
for
thaboutit
.Youguyshaveacceptedyour
sel
ves
butihopethi
shast aughtyoual
esson
At
amel
ang:yesdadi
thasandiwi
llal
wayscar
ryi
t
wi
thme
Patlo:HIVisnotadeathsentence,
yesyouare
goingtolivewit
hital
lyourli
febutyouaregoingt
o
l
iveyournor mall
if
eonlyifyoutakegoodcareof
yourself
At
amel
ang:iwi
lldad
Pat
lo:iwantyout
osoarandconquertheworldmy
gi
rl
.Iwantyoutobehappyandsuccessfulsoit
's
ti
meyouf ocusedonyour sel
fandever ythi
ngthat
mat t
erst oyou.Soonyouwi l
lbelivingonyourown
thatwi llbet hebeginni
ngofr esponsibil
it
yakere
y'allkidsal wayssay" r
ejoinasociety"whenyou
fi
nishBGCSE?Thi si syoujoini
ngt herealsoci
ety
now.I m nott hr
owingyouof ftothewol vesbutim
sayi ngi t
st i
meyoubecameyourownwomanand
onet hingiwantf r
om youi salotofgr andchi
ldr
en
(theyl aughed)
At
amelang:bat
hongpapaanywayt
hankyouso
muchandipromiseiwi
llal
sobewi
thyouever
y
st
epofthewayofyourli
fe
Pat
lo:iappr
eci
ateyoumygi
rl
.Comeher
e

Theyhuggedandat
eupcont
inui
ngwi
tht
hei
rcat
ch
up.

Att
hehot
el.
..

Rober
tmovedhi
sfor
konhi
spast
awi
thhi
smi
nd
mil
esawaywhileBontsiwi
pedhermout
hfi
nishi
ng
herst
akeandsalad.
..

Bontsi
:youhaven'
ttouchedyourf
ood(
hekeptqui
et)
ear
thtoRobert
Rober
t:oh(
clear
edhi
sthr
oat
)imf
ull
Bont
si:nosomet
hingi
snotr
ightwi
thyou.What
's
goi
ngon?
Rober
t:(
sighed)doesyourdaught
erhat
emeso
much?
Bont
si:(
frowned)what
?
Robert
:shewentof
fandcont
act
edmymot
herand
evengavehermycont
act
Bont
si:what
?Wai
t,butit
houghtyouhadnof
ami
ly?
Rober
t:idon'
thaveaf
ami
ly,
asf
arasi
m concer
ned
t
hatwomani sdead
Bont
si:whathappened?
Rober
t:sheabandonedmeandmysi cksi
sterwhen
iwas14andmysi sterdi
edwheniwas15butshe
neverdidanyt hingtohelpallshecar
edaboutwas
hernextbottleofbeer .That'
swhenidecidedtoj
ust
rel
ocate.Ibookedmysel fint
oanorphanagewheni
gothere,enrolledint
oschoolandbecamet hemani
am todaybutneverhassheevermadeef fort
sof
l
ookingf orme
Bont
si:i
m sosor
ryf
ort
hat
.Whatdoesshewant
now?
Rober
t:shesaysshe'
sdyi
ngandneedsme
Bont
si:andwhat
'syourr
esponset
othat
?
Rober
t:iwantnot
hingt
odowi
tht
hatwomansoshe
candi
eonherownherpeopl
ewil
lbur
yher
Bontsi
:iunder
standyourf
rust
rat
ionsbutdon'
tyou
thi
nkyoushouldreachoutt
oher?
Robert
:isaidiwantnothi
ngtodowi t
ht hatwoman
canwest optal
kingaboutheri
nfactt
ellmewhyyou
cal
ledmeher e
Bont
si:(si
ghed)okim sorry.Ical
ledyouheretotel
l
youthatim of
fi
cial
lygett
ingdivorced.Pat
lohas
agr
eedt omakethedi vor
ceasmoot hsail
ingshi
p
soever
yonewi
llbekeepi
ngwhat
'st
hei
rs
Rober
t:(
smil
ed)ohnicet
hosear
esomegoodnews
comehere(
hekissedher
)
Bont
si:nowicancomebackhome
Rober
t:andt
hebedwassocol
dwi
thoutyou

Theyl
aughed.

I
nPr
ison.
..

Dit
ir
ostoppedseeingLet
lot
lowai
ti
ngonhim onhi
s
phone.Hesighedandwenttohi
mt aki
nghi
sseat.
..

Let
lot
lo:ohhi
Di
ti
ro:hi
Let
lot
lo:howar
eyoukeepi
ngup?
Di
ti
ro:i
mfi
ne
Let
lot
lo:ohok.It
houghtishoul
dbr
ingyout
his

HetookoutLi
zzy'
sfuneralprogrammeasDi
ti
ro
f
rownedwithhi
sheartracing..
.

Di
ti
ro:what
!?
Let
lot
lo:yeswebur
iedhert
oday
Di
ti
ro:noLi
zzycan'
tdi
ewhataboutt
heki
ds?
Letl
otl
o:don'
tworryaboutthekidstheyar
eok.My
famil
yandiaretakingcar
eoft hem
Dit
ir
o:(sni
ffedwi
pingatear)ohLi
zzywhydi
dyou
havetodie?Whathappened?
Letl
otl
o:wowdad,soyoudidn'
tknowyourwi
fehad
beenbatt
li
ngl
eukemiafor5years?
Di
ti
ro:(
bli
nkedshocked)huh?
Letl
otl
o:iguessshewasr i
ghtwhenshesaidyou
arenegli
gentandir
responsi
ble(
stoodup)havea
nicel
if
e
Di
ti
ro:Let
lot
lowai
t,di
dshel
eavemeanyt
hing?
Let
lot
lo:howpat
het
iccanyoubeDi
ti
ro?Ofcour
se
shedi
dn't
Di
ti
ro:but
..
.
Letl
otl
o:butnot
hing.Thi
sist
hel
astt
imeyouwil
lbe
heari
ngfrom mebutiwil
lbri
ngt
heki
dsift
heywant
toseeyou.Bye

Hewal kedawaywhileDit
ir
oswall
owedapai
nful
l
umpl ookingatthef
uneralpr
ogr
amme.Hehitthe
deskandbur sti
ntot
ears.

LATERTHATEVENI
NG

AtBai
sago'
shouse.
..

Boemo'sphoner
angassheexcusedher
sel
ffr
om
ever
yone.
..
Boemo:heyi
minameet
ing.Canwet
alkl
ater
Man:ihavej
ustrecei
vedi
nfor
mat
iont
hatVi
ctor
ia
andGabonesurvi
vedthef
ir
e
Boemo:what
!?

Ever
yoneturnedlooki
ngatherwhi
leshebl
inked
wit
hherthroatgoingdrywi
thi
nasecond.
.
.
.
.
.
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
CAGED
80
Bai
sago:i
sever
ythi
ngok?
Boemo:ar
eyousur
eaboutwhatyouar
esayi
ng?
Man:yes
Boemo:buthow?
Bai
sago:babe?
Boemo:hol
don.Lovecanipl
easespeakt
othe
phone
Bai
sago:sor
ry

Hewentbacktotheot
herswhil
eBoemowal
kedi
n
ci
rcl
esscr
atchi
ngherhead.
..

Man:idon'tknoweit
herbuti
havei
tongood
aut
hori
tythattheyar
einMarina
Boemo:youknowwhatim comingther
e.Thatcan'
t
behappeni
ng(shehungup)im sor
ryguyscanyou
pl
easeexcusemeihaveanemer gencytoat
tendto
Bai
sago:whatemer
gencyl
oveatni
ght
?
Boemo:somet
hingjusthappenedatt
hehouse
(ki
ssedhi
m)sorr
yforgoingoffatyou
Reat
legi
le:i
smom ok?
Boemo:i
t'
snot
hingmaj
or
Reat
legi
le:i
m comi
ngwi
thyou
Boemo:no!( Clear
edherthr
oat)youguysshould
fi
nishupwi ththemeeti
ngwhat everyoudeci
deim
goodwi thitl
etmeattendtothi
s.Mom needsme
specif
icall
y
Reatl
egi
le:(
squi
nthereyes)Boemowhathaveyou
done?
Boemo:whatar
eyout
alki
ngabout
?Ineedt
oget
goi
ngbye

Shesai
dgr
abbi
nghercarkeysandpur
sel
eavi
ng.
..

Temo:i
syourwi
feok?
Bai
sago:youcanaskagai
n.Youknowtheotherday
shej
ustaskedtogosl
eepathermother
'shouse
outofnowherebutthenidi
dn'
twanttoaskalotof
quest
ionsandjustassumedshemissedhermother
Reatl
egil
e:wewer etoget
hert
hedaysheaskedyou
t
ogosl eepatmom' shouseandshenever
mentionedanyt
hingaboutitt
omeorthatshe
missedmom
Bai
sago:doyout
hinkt
her
e'ssomet
hinggoi
ngon?
Reat
legi
le:mostdefini
tel
y,shecan'tjustreactl
ike
t
hattoaphonecal landsayitsnothingmaj orandif
i
tsaboutmom shewoul dhavetol
dme.Anyt hing
t
hatconcernsmom wet al
ktooneanot herabout
Bai
sago:t
henwhat
'sgoi
ngon?
Reatl
egi
le:i
m ascl
uel
essasyouar
e.Whati
fshe'
s
i
ntroubl
e?
Baisago:iwoul
dknow.Boemoandit
alkabout
everyt
hing
Reat
legi
le:cl
ear
elynot
Baisago:thenshewouldn'
tbefaironmenow.If
she'sintr
oublesheshouldj
usttelluswewon'
t
j
udgeherwewi llhel
pher
Temo:exact
ly
Reatl
egi
le:knowi
ngmysisterandherstubbornness
shewon'tsayathi
ngunt
ilshefixeswhatever
probl
em iti
s
Baisago:butthatneedstostoponeoft
hedaysshe
wil
lbest ucknotknowingwhattodowhilewecoul
d
havehelped.I'
m goingtotal
ktoher
Temo:youshoul
d
Bai
sago:anywayl
et'
sfi
nishwhatwear
eher
efor

Theysi
ghedandcont
inuedwi
tht
hemeet
ing.

AtMi
ra'
shouse.
..

Shesmi l
edsi
tti
ngundert
heshadeasLeonbrought
herhercockt
ailwhi
lehef
ixedhi
msel
faglassof
whiskey.
..
Leon:ar
ewenothavi
ngdi
nnert
oni
ght
?
Mir
a:thecheff
ort
omorrowwil
lbebr
ingi
ng
samplesf
ortomor
row'
smealssowewi l
lhavet
hem
i
nstead
Leon:ohok.I
sever
ythi
ngsor
ted?
Mira:yeah.IhavebookedSharonan8am t
o11am
beautytreatmentf
rom headtotoesowedon'
thave
towor r
yaboutwhatwear egoingtosayt
oher
whenwel eaveint
hemor ni
ng
Leon:ohok.Deco?
Mir
a:shewil
lbecomi ngat8am aswel
ltoturnour
gar
denint
omagi c.Ican'
twaitt
oseeeveryt
hingi
n
pl
aceatni
ghtit
sgoi ngtobespect
acul
ar
Leon:idon'
tdoubtanyoft
hat.Iwasthi
nkingyou
shouldaskhertobri
ngascreenbecauseihave
doneaslideshowofallmymemor i
esintheUSand
ourmemor i
eshere
Mir
a:awwhowcut
enopr
obl
em.Letmet
exther
now.(
Shedi
d)
Leon:sowhohaveyoui
nvi
ted?
Mir
a:i
tsgoi
ngtobeshocki
ngbutt
heKgosi
dint
si'
s
ar
eoneofthei
nvi
tees
Leon:uhu,
why?Idi
dn'
tknow
Mi
ra:ij
ustwantust
obur
ythehat
chetandmoveon
wi
thli
fe
Leon:ohisee.Noprobl
em t
hen.Iseeyouar
e
deter
minedtostar
tafreshj
ourneyhey
Mira:ohyeshoneyal
liwanti
smyl
it
tl
efami
ly
happytoget
her
Leon:youandibot
h
Mira:(smi
led)haveievert
oldyouofhowmuchofa
greathusbandyoumake?Despi t
etheli
tt
lemi
shaps
youareawonder fulman
Leon:(smi
led)awwthankyousomuchmyl ovei
ts
becauseofyouthati
m agreathusband.
Mira:andthefactt
hatyoudeci
dedtoput
everyt
hingbehindyouandwanttotr
ythi
sagai
n
showsofhowmuchofanhonour abl
emanyouare
Leon:ohst
opi
tnowl
oveyouar
egoi
ngt
omakeme
cry
Mir
a:(
laughed)st
opbei
ngsi
ll
y.I
m bei
ngser
ious
her
e
Leon:(hel
dherhand)t hat'
sbecauseitrul
yloveyou
Mira.Wemi ghthavebeensepar at
edfor18years
butineverstoppedlovingyou.Event
hr oughall
thosestor
msmyl oveforyouwasst i
llashighasa
mountain
Mi
ra:il
oveyouLeon
Leon:il
oveyout
ooMi
ra

Sheleanedi
nforakissashesof
tl
yfr
enchki
ssed
herasthegat
ebellr
ang..
.

Mir
a:t
hatmustbet
hechef
.Im goi
ngt
ogett
hekey
i
nthehousel
ove

Sheputonhersandal
sandlif
tedherdressabit
runni
ngtot
hehousewhileLeonlookedatherwit
ha
smirkonhi
sfaceandscoff
eddowni nghisdr
ink.
Att
heHospi
tal
..
.

Gabonequi
etl
ylookedupwhi
leVi
ctor
iasi
ghed
t
ryi
ngtomoveherl egs.
..

Gabone:canyoupleasest
opit
.Youhear
dthe
doctor
.Youarenevergoi
ngtobeabl
etowalkagai
n
sojustgi
veup
Vi
ctor
ia:soigotoutofpr
isont
ocomeandbeona
wheel
chairal
lmylif
e?

Astheysaidafemalenursemadewayi nwearinga
l
otofmakeup, spectacl
es,
abobweave, shor
tdress
andblackhighheel
s.Shefli
ppedherhai
rand
l
ookedintheirf
il
es..
.

Vi
ctor
ia:ineedt
ogetbackt
owalkingsot
hatican
t
eachthosepeopleagoodl
esson
Gabone:(
frowned)Fl
orenceman
Vi
ctor
ia:it
oldyout
ost
opcal
li
ngmet
hat
Gabone:doyoueverkeepqui
et?
Victori
a:noGabonei mi nt hissituati
onimin
becauseoft hem sotheyar egoingt opayforall
this
(Gabonesighedlooki ngatt henur se)tot
hinki
want edtochangef orthem andt heygoanddot his?
Wr i
tti
ngmeof fwasanot hert hi
ngbutt ocri
ppleme
forli
fe?(Chuckl
ed)i m goingt oleavenostone
unturnedisweart oyou
Gabone:Fl
orencecanyoupl
easekeepqui
et
Vict
ori
a:whyGabone?Kanakeengausiwannese
youworkfortheDi
ntsif
amil
y?(Shelookedupat
herandnodded)imeanhaveyoucaredsomuch
aboutpeopl
etoanextendofwanti
ngtochange
whoyouwer efort
hem andthent
heygodot hi
sto
you?
Lady:shoul
dical
lthepol
icef
oryout
oopenacase?
Gabone:nonothatwon'
tbenecessary.Fl
orencei
s
j
ustlooki
ngforsomeonetobl
amef orwhathas
happenedt
oussojustbecausesheandthef
ami
ly
havebadbl
oodshewantstoblamethem
Lady:buti
tsaysher
eyouguyshavenof
ami
ly

Theykeptqui
etl
ooki
ngatoneanot
herast
henur
se
shookherhead.
..

Lady:anywayit'snoneofmybusi ness.Thedoctor
willcomeinlateron.Pleasestoptr
yingtomove
Florenceyouarehur t
ingyoursel
f(checkedthedri
ps)
perfect(
heldont oVictor
ia'
ssidecupboard)pl
ease
l
istentothedoctor'sordersandbehavestop
stressi
ngyourselves.Haveagoodday

Shefi
xedherdr
essandwal
kedoutasGaboneeyed
Vi
ctor
ia.
..

Gabone:ar
eyousi
cki
nthehead?
Vi
ctor
ia:what
?
Gabone:howcanyousaysucht
hingsi
nfr
ontofa
st
ranger?
Vi
ctor
ia:i
fanyt
hinghappenswewi
llknowt
hati
t'
s
t
hatnurse
Boemo:(
inhercar
)andwher
ewi
llyouf
indher

Shecli
ckedhertongueli
steni
nginonthem t
alki
ng
asshetookoffthewigandwipedthemakeup.She
tookof
fthedressandchangedintocl
othesshe
waswearingbefore.
..

Gabone:Victori
aonet hi
ngyoushoul dknowabout
gett
ingbackt oyouropponentisthatyousneakup
onthem andyoudon' tjustbl
urtoutyourpl
ansin
thepresenceofstrangers.Howdoyouknowmaybe
thewomanwhocamei nherei
snotanur se
Boemo:(
rever
singout
)atl
eastyouar
eal
it
tl
esmar
t
G
Vi
ctor
ia:t
hingi
sim angr
yandihonest
lycan'
twai
t
t
ogetoutofthi
splace
Boemo:t
hat
'si
fyouwi
llst
il
lbeal
ivedear
Gabone:pat
ienceVi
ctor
ia,pat
ience.Wewon'
tbe
successf
uli
fyoukeepgoingli
ket hi
s
Vi
ctor
ia:weneedt
oescape
Gabone:nowearenotgoi
ngtodosuchathingwe
ar
egoingtobeinhereunt
ilwear
erel
eased
Vict
ori
a:i
m goingtof
ini
shoffever
yonei
nthat
houseiswear.Fr
om t
heoldesttot
heyoungest
.
Gabone:(si
ghed)justshutuppleaseyoh.People
l
ikeushavenoemot i
onsidon'tknowwhyyouar e
soemot i
onalaboutthi
s.That'
swhenmi stakesstar
t
creepi
nginjustrel
axman
Vict
ori
a:iwi
llneverwal
kagai
nGabonet
hat
'sabi
g
deal
Gabone:yoh

Shesighedkeepi
ngqui
etwhi
lei
nhercarBoemo
shookherhead..
.
Boemo:thesewoment hough.SoVict
ori
aorshould
isayFl
orence.
..(
laughed)canseeokmyl ove.Let
's
dancet
hen

AtRober
t'
shouse.
..

Hewentupt otakeabathasBontsilaiddownon
thecouch.Atamelangcr
ossedhermi ndasshe
cli
ckedhertongueandtookherphonediali
ngher
..
.

At
amel
ang:At
amel
angKwenahel
lo?
Bont
si:At
amel
ang?
At
amel
ang:yes,
whoi
m it
alki
ngt
o?
Bontsi
:stoppl
ayi
nggamesyouar
eplayi
ngplease.I
knowyouar ehur
ti
ngbutt
hewayyouaregoi
ng
aboutthi
ngsisnoton
At
amel
ang:idon'
tunder
stand
Bont
si:whyareyouhurti
ngi
nnocentpeopl
e?You
ar
ediggingt
hingsthatar
egoi
ngtosendother
peopl
eint
odar
khol
est
heywor
kedsohar
dtocome
outof
Atamel
ang:il
ongaskedwhoi
mtal
kingt
oandyou
neverr
espondedt
othat
Bont
si:don'
tbet
hatgi
rlpl
ease
At
amelang:i
m goi
ngt
ohangupi
fyoudon'
tsay
whoyouare
Bontsi:youar espeaki
ngtoBontsi
.Soyourfather
gotyout odel et
emynumberandagai nevenifyou
delet
edi tiknowyouknowi tbyheadsowhatyou
aredoingi sjustoutofl
ineanduncal
ledf
or.Stopit
Atamelang:pleasenevermakeami st
akeof
i
nvolvi
ngmyf atherwhental
kingtome.Iknowmy
fat
herwasnotper f
ectbutwhatyouhavedonei
s
j
ustembar assing.
Bont
si:st
ayoutofadul
tissuespl
ease
Atamelang:howcanist
ayoutoft hem wheni m
yourchil
d?Butanywayim goingt
or espectmy
fat
her'
swi shandj
ustl
etthingsbeafterallhe'
sthe
onlyonewhohasevercaredaboutme
Bont
si:At
amel
angdon'
tsayt
hat
Atamelang:fr
om her
eonyoudon' texi
stinmyl i
fe
Bontsiandthesoonerthisdivorceget
sfinal
isedthe
bett
erbecauseyoudon' tdeservetobecall
edMr s
Kwena.Haveani celi
fewi t
hRober t
Bont
si:At
amel
angi
m st
il
lyourmot
her
At
amel ang:mymot herdiedthedayshedecidedto
l
etherfeeli
ngscontrolhersobyeBontsi.Youandi
ar
etotalstranger
sfrom nowon.Justsoyouknow
wewillbeokwi thyouhey?Suremyl ady.Bye

Shehunguponherandsi ghedlookingup.She
si
ghedagainandj
oinedeveryone.Inthehouse
Bont
siswall
owedputti
ngthephonedownand
si
ghedrubbi
ngherface.
..

Rober
t:i
sever
ythi
ngok?
Bont
si:ij
usthadanal
ter
cat
ionwi
thAt
amel
ang
Robert
:don'
twor
ryshe'sst
il
langryshewil
l
event
uall
ycomearound.Come,let
'sgot
obed
Het
ookherhandasshegotupandf
oll
owedhi
m up.

THEFOLLOWI
NGMORNI
NG

AtBai
sago'
shouse.
..

HelookedatBoemofi
nishi
ngt
ogetr
eadyf
orwor
k
andtookherbag.
..

Boemo:whatt i
meareyougoingtothesi
telove?I
t'
s
beenlongsinceyouwenttotheof
fi
ce.Those
workerswi
llnowstar
tslacki
ngsayi
ngyouar enot
around
Bai
sago:ar
ound10
Boemo:ohok.Pl
easedon'
tfor
gett
ocoll
ectour
out
fit
sfort
oni
ghtokandmakesureyougetanice
hai
rcut
Bai
sago:eemma
Boemo:good(
kissedhi
scheek)haveawonder
ful
dayl
ove
Bai
sago:l
etmedr
iveyout
otheof
fi
ce
Boemo:ohokt
hen

Hegotoutofbedandwashedhisfacet
hen
fol
lowedherout
.Theygoti
nthecarashedroveout
oftheyar
d..
.

Boemo:whyar
eyouof
fer
ingt
odr
ivemet
oday?
Bai
sago:becauseiwantust
otal
k
Boemo:ohok?
Bai
sago:what
'sgoi
ngonwi
thyoul
ove?
Boemo:whatdoyoumean?
Baisago:ij
ustcan'
thelpbutgett
hefeel
ingyou
couldbehidingsomethingf
rom me.Yousuddenl
y
goingtosleepatyourmother'
swell
that
's
underst
andablebutwhatmademebeconcer ned
morewaswhatyoudi dlastni
ghtwhil
ewewer e
havi
ngaver yimport
antmeeti
ng.Ourwedding
meeti
ngl oveandyoustor
medoutlikethat
?What'
s
happeni
ng?
Boemo:(
sighed)ok.Doyoupr
omi
set
onotf
reak
out
?
Bai
sago:iwi
llt
ry
Boemo:af t
erheari
ngthatVict
oriahadbeen
rel
easedfrom pri
sonilookedforwhereshehad
gonet oandfoundoutthatshewasi nTlokweng.I
searchedunti
lifoundtheaddressthendecidedto
burnthehouseoft hepersonshewasl i
vingwit
h
Bai
sago:babe
Boemo:iwasdoingitforthefamil
ybabethi
s
womanwant edtokil
lmysi st
erandherunbor
n
chil
dandshouldVict
oriahealshewasnotgoingt
o
tel
lanyonef
orhertobeabl etoki
llmysi
ster
Bai
sago:i
sshedead?
Boemo:nosheandt
hel
adyar
einhospi
tal
Baisago:(
sighed)doyour
eal
isewhatyouhave
donelove?
Boemo:theyar
enotgoi
ngt
omakei
toutoft
hat
hospi
tall
ove
Bai
sago:noBoemoyouhaveputal
lofusi
ndanger
andwho'st
hiswoman?
Boemo:somewit
chdoctort
otashe'
snotawi
tch
doct
orbutshepr
act
iseswit
chcr
aft
Baisago:kegor
eyouhaveputourl
ivesi
nthel
ine
babe
Boemo:i
m notgoi
ngt
oal
lowt
hem t
hechanceof
get
ti
ngbacktous
Bai
sago:whent
hingswerefi
nal
lygoingbacki
nto
pl
aceandyougodot hi
sbabebehindmybackeven
Boemo:whatwouldyoudoifyouheardthatyour
si
sterorevenBosa'
sli
fei
sindangerbecause
someonewantstosacri
fi
ceit
?
Bai
sago:whati
ftheyf
indoutt
hati
t'
syou?
Boemo:ihavecover
edmyt
rackswel
l
Baisago:butyouknowt hefi
rstsuspect
saregoing
tobet hefamil
y.Vi
ctori
aisgoingtosaythatthey
werenothappyf orherrel
easeanddecidedtoend
herli
feandt hepol
icewon'teventhinkt
wice
Boemo:shewil
lbeaskedt
opr
oduceevi
dencenot
hert
houghts
Baisago:nol
oveno,
youhavemessedupbi
gti
me
thi
stimearound
Boemo:Bai
sagocanyoupleasecal
m downiwi
ll
makesurenot
hingcomesbacktous
Bai
sago:it
houghtyoucar
edaboutusBoemo
Boemo:babeido
Baisago:buttowanttoki
llBoemo?That'
snotwho
wear eloveno,kanayouhavenochoicebutt
okil
l
thosewomen
Boemo:def
ini
tel
y
Bai
sago:wowbabe,
real
lynow?
Boemo:theycal
ledi
tupont hemsel
vesandim not
backi
ngdown.(Gotoutofthecar)i
fthi
sdoesn'tsi
t
wellwi
thyouthenidon'
tknowanymor ebuti
m
doingthi
sformysister
.Shehasbeentryi
ngfora
chi
ldforalongti
meandwhenshef i
nall
yget
sthe
chancesomeonewant stot
akethatfr
om her
?Not
onmywat chlove.Bye
Bai
sago:babe.
..

Shecl
osedthedoorandpull
eddownherskir
tabit
goi
ngint
otheoff
icewhilei
nthecarBai
sagosighed
anddr
oveout.Afewmi nut
esinhedeci
dedtotake
hi
sphoneandcallher
..
.

Boemo:hi
Baisago:i
m sor
ryf
orsnappi
ngatyoul
ove.Iknow
youcareaboutusbutiwantyout
obecaref
ulwit
h
thi
s
Boemo:allineedi
sal
it
tl
etr
ustf
rom youasmy
husband
Bai
sago:okbabebutpleasetr
yandf i
ndanother
wayofdeali
ngwit
hthismat t
er.Ki
ll
ingthem i
snot
anopti
on
Boemo:it
snotanopti
onyesitsamustdo.Vict
ori
a
canseeandiknowshe'sgoi
ngtopret
endli
keshe
doesn'
tbutshehasanot
hert
hingi
m goingtodeal
wit
hherthenicest
Bai
sago:babe?
Boemo:l
ove?
Baisago:pl
easeli
stentome,iknowshewantsor
wantedtohurtyoursist
erbutyoudon'
twantto
havesomeone'sbloodonyourhands.Justt
ellt
he
poli
ceandhavepr i
sondealwithher
Boemo:shecan'twal
ksosti
llt
heywon'
tall
owher
backi
nside.Cr
ippl
edpeopl
earenevert
akento
pri
son
Bai
sago:wow
Boemo:sot heonlywayi stodealwithherthesame
wayshedi dtootherinnocentpeopl
ewhodi dn'
t
haveapr obl
em withher.Im goi
ngtokillVi
ctori
a
Dint
siBaisagoandi m goi
ngt omakesur et
hatshe
seesthatimtheonewhot ookherli
fe.Byeseeyou
l
ater
Bai
sago:bye

TheyhungupasBai sagot
hrewhi
sphoneont
he
passangerseatshakinghi
shead.

Att
hebeaut
ypar
lour
..
.

Bont
siopenedherof
fi
cewhistl
ingandputherbag
i
nthedeskasherphonerang.Shegrabbedabott
le
ofwaterandt
ookasipthenanswered.
..

Bont
si:goodmor
ningdear
Lady:mor
ningMr
sK
Bont
si:howar
eyoudoi
ng?
Lady:notsogood
Bont
si:what
'sup?
Lady:ispoket
oPat
lo'
slawyer
Bont
si:and?
Lady:t
heywi
llbecont
est
ing
Bont
si:what
?Buthesai
dhewon'
tbemaki
ngt
his
har
dforme
Lady:iguesshechangedhi
smi
ndandyouwon'
t
bel
ievewhathewants
Bont
si:what
?
Lady:yourshar
esatt
hegar
den
Bont
si:ohwowr
eal
lynow?
Lady:yepandbyt
hel
ookoft
hingshe'
sgoi
ngt
oget
them
Bontsi
:(si
ghed)thanksf
orl
ett
ingmeknowl
etme
haveawor dwithhim
Lady:ar
eyousur
eyouwoul
dbeabl
etochangehi
s
mind?
Bont
si:i
m goi
ngt
otr
y
Lady:myadvice,j
uststayawayfrom hi
m.Let'
sjust
gi
vehi m whathewantsbecausethemoreyoutryto
beghimt hemorehewi l
lchangehismindaboutthe
beautyparl
ouraswell
Bont
si:okt
henbutt
hisi
sjustpet
tyhowcanhe
wantt
odot hi
stome
Lady:di
vor
cesar
enevereasy
Bont
si:yeahhey.Thanks
Lady:bye

TheyhungupasBont sisatdownandsighed
swingingherchai
r.Sheclickedhert
ongueand
decidedtocal
lhim..
.

Pat
lo:goodday
Bontsi
:youar
esopet
tyandi
tdoesn'
tlookgoodon
you
Pat
lo:iguessyourl
awyerspoket
oyou
Bont
si:whatdoyouknowaboutgar
densPat
lo?
Pat
lo:haveawonder
fuldayB
Bont
si:Pa.
..
Hehunguponherandbl ockedhernumbergoing
backtoworkwhi
leBontsistr
essf
ull
ysi
ghedtrying
tocal
lhi
m buti
tdidn'
tgetthr
ough..
.

Bont
si:t
hisi
sjustgoi
ngt
ost
artunnecessar
yfi
ght
s.
Mxm

Shesai
dswi
tchi
ngonherl
apt
op.

LATERTHATEVENI
NG

AtMi
ra'
shouse.
..

I
twasani ghtofgli
tzandglamouraseveryonetook
t
heirseats.Thedirect
orofceremonytookthe
microphoneast hedjstoppedpl
ayi
ngmusi c..
.

DC:Thankyousomuchdj
.Thankyoual
lfor
comingandishoul
dsayallofyoul
ookver
yni
cea
roundofappl
ausepl
ease

Theyal
lcl
appedwhi
leMi
rasmi
ledl
ooki
ngat
ever
yone.
..

DC:asyouallknowthisnightisforcel
ebr
ati
ngmy
manLeonforfinal
lycomingbackhomeaf t
er18
year
simagine18fullyear
sbr othernomaniwould
die(
ever
yonelaughed)
Mi
ra:don'
tdot
hatt
omyman
Leon:t
ellherbabe
DC:ohsoyouguysaregangi
nguponmenow?Ok
thenLeonpl
easecomeupandexpl
ainwhyyou
havebeenawaysolong

Everyonelaughedashestooduptakingthemi
c
whil
eatt hegate,
Sefel
a,JoomaandReneèmade
thei
rwayi nasBoemosecr et
lysmi
led..
.
Mi
ra:whoar
ethose?
Leon:sor
ryl
ovet
heyar
emyf
ri
endspl
easegr
ab
yourseat
s
Mir
a:ohok.(
Smi
led)youguysar
emor
ethan
wel
come
Sef
ela:t
hankyou
Leon:goodeveni
ngal
l
Al
l:goodeveni
ng
Leon:(smiled)thankyouallforcomingt owit
ness
thi
shistori
cmoment( Mir
al aughedwhi l
eeveryone
chuckled)beingawayf r
om homei snoteasy
especial
lywhenyouknowwhatyouhavel eft
behind.(TurnedtoMira)babeil oveyousomuch
andi wil
lalwayscareaboutyou.Ideci dedtocome
backbecauseicoul dn'
tli
vewi thmyselfanymor e
Mi
ra:(
Smi
led)awwbabe
Leon:not
hingmakesmehappyt hanbeingathome.
It
'st
ruewhent heysayhomeiswherethehearti
s.
Evenso,icreat
edmemor i
eswhi
leiwasawayandi
havecreatedasli
deshowforallofyoutoseewhat
igotupt owheniwasintheUS.Myl ovepl
ease
comest andwit
hmeher easitplays

Withahugesmil
eonherf aceMi r
awentt ohim as
heheldherwai
st.Thedjpressedplayasthesli
de
showstart
edshowingphotosuntilonephotoofa
documentshowed..
.

Leon:pl
easest
op

ThedjpausedasMi
ra'
shear
tdr
oppedt
oher
st
omach...

Mi
ra:Leonwhati
sthi
s?
Leon:(
sti
llhol
dingonherwaist
)asyouallcansee
thi
sisourdivor
cesett
lementayearaft
erwegot
marri
edandaf ewmont hsaf
terthi
schil
dwasborn
Shar
on:what
!?
Mi
ra:Leon!
?

Boemo,Sef
ela,
JoomaandReneèsmil
edlooki
ngat
oneanot
herwhil
eever
yonel
ookedonshocked.
..

Mi
ra:whatar
eyoudoi
ng?
Leon:Mi
rai
t'
sti
meyout
oldt
het
rut
h

Ashesai
dKabindacamet hr
oughthegatewitha
l
adyi
nhishandasMi raswal
lowedahugebal lof
l
umpwithhereyeswidenedandhear
tracing.
..

Mi
ra:Li
ra?Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?
Shar
on:mom,
dadwhat
'sgoi
ngonher
e?
Leon:shoul
dit
ellheroryouwi
ll
?
Mira:(
breat
hingheavi
ly)youconni
vingsonofa
bi
tchhowcanyoudot histomehowcanyou! ?
Shesai
dhi
tt
inghi
m ast
womengothol
dofher
..
.

Mi
ra:l
etmego!
Shar
on:dad!
?
Leon:i
m notyourdadandshe'
snotyourmot
her
Ever
yone:what
!?

Sharonf
rownedl
ooki
ngatt
hebothofthem andat
thewomanwhowasinthepol
ice'
sar
ms.
.
.
.
.
.
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
CAGED
81
Shar
on:wai
tami
nut
e,dadwhatar
eyousayi
ng?
Mira:babydon'
tli
stent
othi
sevi
lman,
Leonhow
couldyoudothistome!?
Leon:canyoupl
easetel
lthepoorchi
ldthet
ruth
Mira.St
opmakingthi
sharderthani
talr
eadyis
Shar
on:mom whati
sdadsayi
ng?Whatdoeshe
meanbyyouguysarenotmypar
ent
s?
Mir
a:Shar
onyouareourbabyidon'
tknowwhat
t
hismandrankorat
e
Leon:okShar
onsi nceMi r
adoesn'
twantt
obe
honestwi
thyouiwi llbebecauset
hat
'st
hewhol
e
reasonwhyim backhome
Mira:youconni
vingbast
ard!Idar
eyout
osay
anythi
ngLeonidareyou!
Sefel
a:(
stoodup)ar
eyout
hreat
eni
ngmycl
ienti
n
fr
ontofme?
Mi
ra:andyouar
e?
Sef
ela:someoneyouwoul
dn'
twantt
odar
etr
ytogo
agai
nstmylove.Keept
hr eat
eni
nghi
m andyouwi
ll
seeexact
lywhatimtal
kingabout
Mir
a:(
scof
fed)wowLeonsothi
swasyourpl
anal
l
al
ong?Yousai
dyoulovedme
Boemo:(
stoodup)i
twasal
laf
acemyl
ove
Mi
ra:(
frowned)you.
..
!
Boemo:yesme,youreall
ythoughtiwasgoingtolet
yougojustl
iket
hataft
ertraumati
zingmyson?Yes
i
mt heonewhocontactedLeonandhet ol
dme
ever
ythi
ngandbyeverythi
ngimeanexactlythat
!
Mira:yousnake!I
m goi
ngt
omakesur
ethatyour
son..
.
Reneè:(
stoodup)yoursonwhat ?Sayitiwantt
o
hearyousayitbecausethelastt
hingyouwantto
doisgodownt hatroadagain.Doyouhonestl
y
wanttoembarassyourselfmorethanyouhave
al
readydid?
Mi
ra:whot
hehel
lar
eyoupeopl
e?
Jooma:(st
oodup)li
keyourhusbandsai
dweare
hi
sfri
endsandjustsoyouknowihopeyouar
e
awar ethatwhatyoudidt
oyourlit
tl
esist
eri
s
againstthelaw.Thati
sabuse,f
orcingawhol
e17
yearoldtofallpr
egnantj
usttosaveyour
sel
f!You'
re
evi
l
Al
l:(
shocked)yoh!

Theyallcoveredtheirmouthswhil
ebyt hegat
eLir
a
swall
owedadr yl
ump.Br eathi
ngheavil
y,Mir
a
l
ookedatt hefourattor
neygeneral
s,Leonthen
Sharonwhoj uststoodtherewitht
earsrol
li
ngoutof
hereyes..
.

Mir
a:youallar
egoi
ngtopayfort
his!Myl
awyeri
s
goi
ngtoteachyouagoodl
esson
Sef
ela:askyourl
awyerwhoSefelaCart
eri
sandhe
wil
lsi
tyoudownandnar at
eeverythi
ngtoyou
Mi
ra:shutupyouol
dhag!
Kabinda:i
nsult
ingal
awyerinf
rontofapol
ice
of
ficer?Youreall
yar
eabravewoman
Leon:nanaiseeMi
rai
savoi
dingt
otel
lyout
het
rut
h.
Everyonewhenimett hi
swomanal lisawwasan
i
nnocentyoungladywhoiwoul dbuildahomewith.
Isentherafri
endrequestonfacebookandthi
sis
howt heconver
sati
onwent .MsMaiketsomayi
pleasehavetheusb
Boemo:(
smi
ledl
ooki
ngatMi
ra)wi
thapl
easur
esi
r

Leont
ooktheusbandgaveittot
hedjandshowed
al
lscr
eenshot
softhei
rconver
sat
ion.
..

Al
l:wow
Leon:yes,asyoual lcanseeMi
rafor
cedmet o
marryherafteraccusingmeofrapeandbecausei
wasscar edanddi dn'
tknowwhattodoididso.I
l
ovedheryessot hat'
swhatmadeitabitbear
abl
e
Mi
ra:yesyour
apedme!
Boemo:didyousaynowhenhestart
edt
ouchi
ng
you?(Sheswall
owed)answermedammi
t!
(Ever
yonejumpedstar
tl
ed)
Mi
ra:t
hisi
sambush,
it'
sagai
nstt
hel
awi
m goi
ngt
o
makeyoual
lpay!
Kabinda:t
hecountry'
stopl
ieutenantisi
nyour
presencepleasebeawareofthatsotakeitasyou
beingaskedquesti
onsforacriminaloff
ence
Mi
ra:youar
eal
lgoi
ngt
oper
ish!
Boemo:answermyquest
ion.Di
dyouordi
dyounot
ref
usewhenhetouchedyouthatni
ght
?
Mi
ra:idi
dn'
tagr
eeordi
sagr
ee
Boemo:youl
ethi
m penet
rat
eyour
ight
?
Mi
ra:canyoupl
easest
opi
t!
Boemo:yesorno?
Mi
ra:yes
Boemo:washef
orcef
ul?
Mi
ra:(
swal
lowed)notbut
..
.
Boemo:t
hent
hati
snotr
ape
Mira:cansomeonecal
lmylawyerstopsi
tt
ingther
e
l
ikepumpkinsdosomethi
ngcan'tyouseethati
m
bei
ngambushedi nmyownhome!( Ever
yonejust
satt
her
ewi
thoutmovi
ngani
nch)
Leon:f astforwardingt oaf terwegotmar r i
ed.We
kepttryingf orababybutnot hi
nghappenedandi
tol
dhert hatiwoul dn'tbewi thsomeonewhowoul d
nevergi vemeanhei rbecauseibui l
tever ythingi
hadf ormychi l
dren.Af tert hatconver sationittook
hertwomont hstof allpregnant .Youshoul dhave
seenme, iwasovert hemoon, excit
edt hatfinall
yim
goingt obesomeone' sfat her.Asabusymanasi
wasi neverhadt imet ogof orcheckupsand
everythingwi thherandt hedayshe" gavebi r
th"i
wasonapl anetoabusi nesst rip.Iguessmybusy
schedul emadet hi
ngseasyf orherandt ocome
thi
nkofi tMiranevercompl ainedofhowiwasnever
aroundwhi leshewas" pr egnant "
Mi
ra:youl
yingbast
ard!
Leon:icamebackandif oundababyandt hefi
rst
thi
ngthatshockedmewast hediff
erenceinski
n
col
our.Imlightandshe'
sbr ownbutthenher
"mother"i
sbrownaswel lsoileti
tsli
de.Af ewdays
passedandipai dmoreattenti
ontothenose,eyes
andearsandt heywerenothingli
kemi neorher
mother's,ididn'
tletitsl
ideanddecidedtocheckout
thebaby'shai randasyoucanyouseeShar onhas
curl
yhai randdoesanyoneofushavecur l
yhair?
Not hat
'swhenideci dedtodoaDNAt est
.Ididn'
t
tel
lhersoit ook" ourchil
d's"DNAandmat chedit
againstmi neandt hisishowt her
esult
scameout

Hepressedt heremot eofthescreenasitshowed

thenegati
ver esul
ts.Sharonfel
tabitdizzyas
Boemoqui cklygaveherachai randabot t
leof
water.
..

Mi
ra:don'
tactl
ikeyoucar
eyouwi
tch!
Leon:asyoucanal lseet heycamenegat i
ve.Guysi
washur tbeyondthewor dhur tanddecidedt ogo
confr
ontmywi feaboutitbutbef oreidi
dithought
youknowwhatl etmefindt hetruthbehindthisf
ir
st.
Istar
tedt osnooparoundhert hingsandbumped
i
ntoahospi talcar
dandi nt her
ei tshowedthatshe
ti
edhert ubesat21,aweekbef oresheandimet .
Shar
on:(
sni
ff
edcr
ying)youar
eadevi
lMi
ra.You
deser
vet
oroti
nhel
l!
Mi
ra:Shar
onil
oveyou!
Sharon:noyoudon'
t!Youdon'
tloveme!I
m
honestl
ydisgust
edbyyou!
Mi
ra:(
cryi
ng)youdon'
tmeant
hat
Shar
on:yesidowi
thever
yfi
brei
nmybei
ng!
Mir
a:doyouseewhatyouhavedoneLeon!?You
t
wol etgoofme!
?(Shesai
dtr
yingt
oreleaseher
sel
f
f
rom thetwomen)
Leon:nowquest ionwaswhocar ri
edthischildMi r
a
waspr egnantwithandithappenedt hatitwast hat
woman( hesaidpoint
ingatLira)her17yearol d
sister
.Sheliedtothei
rparentssayingshehadpai d
tuit
ionforhertostudyintheUSwhi l
esher enteda
bhchousef orheronlytotakehert otheUS3days
aftershegavebirth.I
m il
yingLira?
Mi
ra:Li
radon'
t
Leon:Li
rai
m il
ying?
Li
ra:(
swal
lowedl
ooki
ngdown)noyouar
enot
Sharonbur
sti
ntoaloudcryasBoemor ubbedher
backwhil
eever
yonegaspedinshock.
..

Mi
ra:Leonyouar
easnake!
Leon:atleastim anhonestone.Aft
ergett
ingall
thati
nformationiwentupt oherandconfrontedher
andshet oldmeever ythi
ng.Weagreedtodivorce
butononecondi tionthat'
smakingsur
enoone
fi
ndsoutabouti tandifanyonedidshewoul drepor
t
mef orrapingherthatnightwhenwejustmet
Ever
yone:wow
Leon:soasiwantedtoprot
ectmyr
eput
ati
oni
agreedthenmovedtotheUS
Sharon:(
sni
ff
ed)t
het
ri
pst
otheUSMi
raexpl
ain
those!
Leon:t
ellt
hechi
ldt
het
rut
hMi
rapl
ease
Mi
ra:(
cryi
ng)iwasl
ying,
allt
het
imeiwentt
oSout
h
Af
ri
ca
Shar
on:(
swal
lowed)andt
hedi
vor
cecont
ractisaw
i
nyourst
udy?
Mi
ra:i
twasour
sbuti
..
.
Shar
on:not
hingMir
anothing,youar
eanevi
l
womanandihateyou.Ihateyou!

Shesai dst
ormingofft
oat t
ackherbutBoemo
grabbedheront i
meast heyfel
lonthegr
asswhi
le
shecriedhereyesout.
..

Mi
ra:i
m sor
ry!
Shar
on:youar
egoi
ngt
obur
ninhel
lyousnake!
Leon:soittookmeawhol e18yearstofi
nall
ybreak
fr
eefrom thiswoman.Alliwantf
rom youisnot
hing
buttogetthehelloutofmyli
fesoicanbeatpeace
wit
hmywi feandkids
Mi
ra:(
stoppedcr
ying)what
!?
Leon:yesi
m amar
ri
edmanwi
th3beaut
if
ulki
ds
Hesai
dshowi
ngapict
ureofhisf
ami
lyofawhi
te
woman,t
woboysand1gir
l.
..

Leon:thesearemylovel
ychi
ldr
enandt
heyar
e
actual
lyontheirwayher
ewit
hthei
rmot
her
Mi
ra:wher
ear
etheygoi
ngt
oli
ve?
Leon:r
ighti
nthi
shouse
Mi
ra:who'
shouse?
Leon:mi
neofcour
se
Mir
a:ar
eyousick?Youfor
getwear
emar
ri
edi
n
communit
yofproper
ty?
Leon:i
m appl
yingf
ordi
vor
cet
omor
row
Boemo:andhewascl evert
owr i
teaprenupti
al
agreementwhi chclearl
ystat
esthatshouldther
ebe
anythingthatresur
facesaboutyouwhi chyouli
ed
tohim about,yourri
ghttohalfofever
ythingwil
lbe
revoked.Somydearyouhavenot hingtoyourname
Man:(
stoodup)andconsi
deryour
sel
fjobl
essasof
nowbecausethebankwon'
tworkwit
hsucha
conni
vingandvi
ndi
cti
veper
son

Hecl
ickedhi
stongueandt
ookhi
swi
fe'
shand
l
eavi
ng..
.

Mi
ra:Leon!
Leon:yest
hat'
saboutitMir
a.Yourdayhascome
youhavenothi
ngagainstme
Mi
ra:Li
rahowcanyoudot
hist
ome?
Li
ra:t
het
rut
hal
wayshasawayofcomi
ngout
Shar
on:sot
hatmeanst
hiswomani
smymot
her
?
Leon:yesmygi
rlt
hat
'syourbi
rt
hmot
her

Sharonswal
lowedl
ookingatLi
raandcover
edher
facecryi
ngwhil
eKabi
ndatookouthi
shandcuf
fs.
..

Kabinda:t
hepart
yisovernowunfort
unat
elyi
tends
wit
hyoubei ngar
rest
edMira.Youhavebeen
arr
est
edforcoer
ciont
hatisf
orci
ngbot
hyoursi
ster
andLeonfordoi
ngthethi
ngsyouwant
ed
Mi
ra:ican'
tgot
opr
ison
Kabinda:youhavet heri
ghttoalawyerMiraandif
youcan'taff
or done,onewil
lbepr ovi
dedf
oryou.
Yourrightt
or emainsil
entst
illst
andsand
ever
ythingyousayordowi l
lbeusedagainstyoui
n
thecourtoflaw.Come
Mir
a:youal
lar
egoi
ngt
opayf
ort
his.Youar
e
hur
ti
ngme!
Kabi
nda:come!

Helockedherhandsi
nandtookhert
othevan
whil
eeveryonel
ookedonshockedwi
thot
hers
vi
deotapi
ngthewholemoment..
.

Leon:(smil
ed)ihaveneverf
eltsol
ighti
nmyl
if
e
anditsallt
hankstoyoufour
Sef
ela:youarewel
comebutyouhavetogivei
tal
l
toMsMai ket
soshereal
lywor
kedherbut
tofft
oget
youher
e
Leon:i
ndeed.Thankyousomuch
Boemo:(smi
led)t
hepleasur
eisal
lmi
ne.Al
liwant
toseei
severyonehappy

Hehuggedal
loft
hem asShar
onsni
ff
edst
andi
ng
up.
..

Shar
on:sowhatdoest
hismeanf
orme?Shoul
di
al
sogopackmybags?
Leon:noyouar enotgoinganywher euntilyouhave
givenbir
th.I
m goingtogi veyourmot heraj obinmy
companyandgetherahousef orthet woofyou.
Youmi ghtnotbemychi ldbutist i
llcareaboutyou.
Thatiswhyihavebeent akingcareofyouf oral
l
theseyearseventhoughiknewt het r
uth.Childr
en
neverhavetosufferbecauseoft heirelders'
s
mi st
akessomicasasucasa( myhomei syour
home)
Shar
on:(
swal
lowedt
ear
ful
ly)t
hankyousomuch
Leon:anyt
imemygi
rlanyt
ime

Hehuggedherasshewentt
othehouse.
..

Leon:i
m sosorr
yournighthadtoendli
kethi
sbut
youcansitandhavef
oodi fyouwantorgo
Lady:af
teral
lthatdr
amamyst
omachdeser
ves
somethi
ngnice

Everyonel
aughedast heyt
ookthei
rseatsandchat
aboutwhatjusthappenedasthewait
ersstar
ted
servi
ngthem.Liraheadedtot
hehouseandj oi
ned
Sharon.

AtRober
t'
shouse.
..

Hecameoutoft hebathroom whil

eBont
siquietl
y
sati
nfrontoft
hedressingmirrorsl
owl
yapplying
herni
ghtcream.Helookedatherandputonhi s
sl
eepi
ngclot
hesandgoti
ntobedwhi
leshewasst
il
l
onherni
ghtcream.
..

Rober
t:i
sever
ythi
ngok?
Bont
si:hmm?
Robert
:youhavebeenappl
yingt
hatcr
eam on
your
selfbef
oreiwentt
oshowerandyouaresti
llat
i
t.What'
sgoingon?
Bont
si:(
sighed)i
t'
sPat
lo
Rober
t:nott
hisagai
n.Whathashedonenow?I
t
houghtyouguyshaveset
tl
edyourdif
fer
ences
Bontsi
:iguessiwaswr ong.Hewantsmyshar
esat
thegarden(Rober
tlaughed)i
m ser
ious
Rober
t:noyoucan'
tbe
Bontsi:mylawyercal
ledmeandtoldmethathi
s
l
awyercl ear
lyst
atedthatt
hat
'swhathewantsf
rom
ourdivorceset
tl
ement
Robert
:shar
esi
nmybusi
ness?He'
ssi
cki
nthe
head
Bontsi
:andmyl
awyert
hinksweshoul
djustgi
ve
them t
ohim
Robert
:excuseme?Doyouknowhowmucht
hati
s
Bontsi
?
Bont
si:iknowl
ovebut
..
.
Rober
t:noBontsiwearenott
alki
ngabout5%here
wearetal
kingaboutawhole45%Bontsiiwor
ked
har
dforthatbusi
ness
Bont
si:iunder
standbutidon'
twantt
ofi
ghtwi
th
hi
m
Rober
t:wel
lifhet
hinksi
m goi
ngtotaket
hisl
ying
downhehasanotherthi
ngcoming
Bont
si:Rober
tpl
easeli
sten,
ifyouaregoi
ngtof
ight
hi
mi t
'sgoi
ngtogetevenworselet
'sj
ustgi
vehi
m
whathewantssohecanbeatpeace
Robert:overmydeadbody, doyouhearme?Hewi l
l
neverseet hatdayofmegivinghimthoseshar
es.
YouknowwhatBont sii
m actual
lygett
ingt
ir
edof
yourpeople,fir
sti
twasyourdaughternowhim?
Youbet t
erdosomet hi
ngbeforeitakematt
ersi
nto
myhands.Notwheni
tcomest
omyhar
dwor
k.Not
!

Hesaidcoveri
nghimselfwit
hthesheetwhi
le
Bontsisi
ghedinf
rontofthemirr
orandshookher
headswitchi
ngofft
helight
s.

THEFOLLOWI
NGDAY

I
nPr
ison.
..

Boemolookedupandsmil
edatMi r
aal
readyi
nan
or
angedressandl
aughedstandi
ngup.
..

Boemo:won'
tyoul
ookatt
hat
.Wow,
beaut
if
ul(
she
l
aughed)
Mi
ra:whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
eyouwi
tch?
Boemo:iwant
edtocomeandseeformysel
fifl
ast
ni
ghtwasn'
tadream andbyt
hel
ookofthi
ngsit
sur
elywasn'
t.Mygi
rl
,mygi
rl
Mira:i
m goi
ngt
omakesur
eyourf
ami
lyneverf
inds
peace
Boemo:oh?Real lynow?Youar egoingtobewitch
us?MyPIi nfor
msmet hatyouhavebeent al
kingto
thi
sotherwitchihappentoknowver ywellsoyou
werethatdesperateforamandear ?Mynamei s
BoemoMai ketsodeariwasbor ninahomeof
peopl
ewhot rulybeli
eveinGodandhi spowersoi f
youcomeatmemakesur eyouar ereadyt
of ace
myGodnotsomef akestr
uctur
e
Mi
ra:yourdayi
scomi
ng
Boemo:atl eastiwoul
dhavesavedpeoplefr
om
yourclaws.Itswomenlikeyouthatmakemento
notrespectus.Allt
heyseeisopport
unist
sbuti
tal
l
endedlastnightmylove.Done
Mi
ra:weshal
lseewhathappensi
ncour
t
Boemo:( scof
fed)l
etmeschoolyouinononet hi
ng
myskaat .Onceyouseeyoursel
finanorangesuit
knowt hatyourchancesofcomingoutofher
eare
veryverysli
m.Soi fyout
houghtyouweregoingto
pullsomet r
icksandstuntsincour taishameyou
wi l
lneverseet hatdaybecausewehaveever ythi
ng
thatshowst hatyouareindeedgui l
tyofcoerci
onso
from her eyouaregoingstraightforsentenci
ngmy
girlsoifiwer eyou,iwouldstartgetti
ng
comf ortableandbeforeiforget(putanenvelopeon
topoft hetable)here
Mi
ra:what
'st
his
Boemo:di
vor
cepaper
sfr
om Leon
Mi
ra:t
hatspi
nel
esscow
Boemo:needapen?Ohyesyoudo

Shechuckledgi
vingheronefr
om herbag.Mira
l
ookedatherandclickedhert
ongueopeningthe
envel
ope.Shescannedthepapersandsigned
them.
..

Mi
ra:t
ellhi
m hecangot
ohel
lforal
licar
e
Boemo:youshouldhiswif
eandki
ds,
aver
y
beaut
if
ulfami
lytheyare
Mi
ra:mxm
Boemo:itwasni
ceseei
ngyoul
ove.(
Tookthe
documentsandwal
kedout
)seeyouaft
er20year
s
baby
Mi
ra:got
ohel
l!
Boemo:af
teryou

Shelaughedst
rut
ti
ngherfi
gureoutwhi
leMi
ra
si
ghedandpunchedthetabl
edsit
ti
ngdown.
..

Mi
ra:shi
t!

AtKwenaI
nvest
ment
s..
.

Pat
lofrownedinhisoff
icehear
ingsome
commot i
oninthepassagewhichsoundedl
ikei
t
wasleadingt
ohisoffi
ce..
.
Lady:si
risai
dyoushoul
dwai
tformet
ochecki
s
he'
sfreetoseeyou!
Rober
t:t
hatsi
ckbastar
dbossofyour
sismessi
ng
wit
hthewrongonetoday
Pat
lo:i
tsokdearl
ethi
m be

Theladysighedandstoppedrunni
ngafterRobert
goi
ngt oherspotwhi
lehestoodinfrontofPatl
o..
.

Pat
lo:whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?
Rober
t:(
pushedhi
minsi
deandwenti
n)whot
he
hel
ldoyouthi
nkyouar
e?
Patl
o:(
scof
fedcl
osi
ngthedoor
)soyouar
eher
eto
fi
ghtme?Inmyspace?
Robert
:doyoureal
lyt
hinki
m goi
ngt
ogiveyoumy
busi
nessli
kethat
?Youarewrongmyguy.Justt
ake
yourLandmoveon.
Pat
lo:oht
hat
'swhyyouar
eher
eal
lred?Pat
het
ic
Rober
t:excuseme?
Pat
lo:youhear
dme,
isai
dyouar
epat
het
ic
Rober
t:yousonofabi
tch!

Hepunchedhim ont
hefaceasPat
lost
agger
ed
backhol
dinghi
smouth.
..

Robert:youhavesomener vetotryandst
ealf
rom
met hencallmepat het
ic.Betweenyouandiwho's
thepatheti
cone?Youar etoxi
cPat l
onowonder
yourwi f
eleftyou.Youarenothingbutamanwhor e!
Sleepi
ngar oundwi t
hwitches,haveyounoshame
Pat
lo:getoutofmyof
fi
ce
Rober t:bef
oreidothatl
etmel etyouinonone
thing.Igrewupinthestreet
soksodon' tyoudare
trythinkyoucanstealfr
om met hateasi
ly.Iwor
ked
har dformybusinesstogiveittoapeasantli
keyou
Patl
o:atl
eastt
hispeasanthasneverworkedfor
anyonehi
senti
relif
eandyeahiagreewi t
hyou
whenyousayyougr ewupi nt
hestreet
sbecause
onlyt
hosewhoar efrom t
hest
reet
sknownot hing
bet
tert
hanr
ummagi
ngt
hrought
rash

Heat
tempt
edt
opunchhi
m agai
nashegr
abbedhi
s
ar
m..
.

Pat
lo:l
eavemyof
fi
ce
Robert
:youarenevergoi
ngt
oseethedayofyou
owningasingl
eshareofmybusi
ness
Pat
lo:keept
ell
ingyour
sel
fthatyour
accoon

Rober
tlef
tandslammedthedoorasPat
locl
icked
hi
stongueandtookhi
sphonesnappi
ngpict
uresof
hi
sbloodyswol
lenmouth.
..

Patl
o:i
fyouthoughtPat
loKwenawaspett
yyou
haven'
tseenathi
ng(hedial
edhi
slawyer
)
Reneè:MrKwenai
m aboutt
ogeti
ntocour
tpl
ease
bequick
Pat
lo:i
fir
ememberver
ywell
,sl
eepi
ngwi
th
someone'
sspousei
sanof
fenceri
ght
?
Reneè:yessi
r
Patlo:iwantt
oslapRober
tDutchewi
thal
awsui
t.
Im suinghimforsl
eepi
ngwit
hmywi f
eandiwant
allhisshar
esofthegar
den
Reneè:okt
heniwillwor
kont
heappl
icat
ionas
soonasim donehere
Pat
lo:t
hankyou(t
heyhungupashedi
aled
det
ecti
veKabi
nda)
Kabi
nda:MrKwenagoodt
ohearf
rom you
Pat
lo:iwi
sht
hiswasacour
tesycal
l
Kabi
nda:what
'sgoi
ngon?
Pat
lo:ihavebeenvi
ciousl
yat
tackedinmyof
fi
ce
andiwouldli
ketoopenanassaultcase
Kabi
nda:bywho?
Pat
lo:Rober
tDut
che
Kabi
nda:oh?
Pat
lo:yes
Kabi
nda:oktheniwil
lcomebyyouroffi
cein
30minut
estogetdetai
lsoft
hisassaul
tbef
ore
maki
nganyar rest
Patl
o:t
hankyou(t
heyhungup)youwi
lll
ear
nto
nevermesswit
hamanscornednextt
imeRober
t
Dutche

Hecli
ckedhistongueandt
ookhiscarkeysgoingt
o
seehi
sdoctor.Onhiswaybackt
ot heoff
ice,
Rober
t'
sphoner angashesi
ghedanswering.
..

Rober
t:l
ove
Bont
si:whathaveyoudone?
Rober
t:whatar
eyout
alki
ngabout
?
Bontsi
:di
dyouhavet
ogoal
lthewayt
her
etof
ight
Patl
o?
Rober
t:sohet
oldyou?
Bont
si:nohedi
dn'
ticoul
dfeeli
tRober
t,youhave
madeever
ythi
ngwor
senow
Rober
t:ineededt
ogi
vehi
m amessage
Bont
si:noRober
t.Thingswer
en'
tsupposedt
ogo
l
iket
his.Di
dhefightback?
Rober
t:no
Bontsi:t
hatmeansheknewexactl
ywhathewas
doing.Whatifheopensacaseofassaul
tagai
nst
you?
Rober
t:hewoul
dn'
tdar
e
Bont
si:orl
etal
onesl
apyouwit
hal
awsui
t,sui
ng
youf
orsleepi
ngwit
hamarri
edwoman
Rober
t:hewoul
dn'
tdot
hatBont
si
Bont
si:ihavebeenwitht
hismanf
or.
..
(si
ghed)you
knowwhatf or
getabouti
t
Rober
t:Bont
siwai
t.
..
(shehunguponhi
m)
Bont
si:mxm

Shesai
dtaki
nghercarkeysandpur
seandgoti
n
hercardri
vingout.Robertcall
edherbackbutshe
hungupandswi t
chedof fherphoneandj oi
nedthe
roadaft
ermakingsur ethegatewascl osed.Al
lshe
couldseewast hatshewasdr ivingbuttowher e
shecouldn'
ttel
lyetshekeptdr iving.

I
nMar
ina.
..

GaboneandVictor
ia'
sconversat
ionwascutshor
t
byamanandwomani nnur
sesclotheswhocame
i
nandgentlytookVict
ori
aoffherbedandputher
onawheelchair
..
.

Vi
ctor
ia:what
'sgoi
ngon?
Man:wear
etaki
ngyout
ogoseeaphysi
other
api
st
Vi
ctor
ia:ohok

Theypushedheroutandbumpedi
ntoadoct
or.
..
Dr
:what
'sgoi
ngon?
Man:i
tsherappoi
ntmentwi
tht
hephysi
other
api
st
t
odaydoc
Dr:oh?(
Checkedhercard)ohyeahiguessi
t
sl
ippedmymi nd.Noprobl
em t
hen.Haveagood
sessi
onFlor
ence

Theysmiledpushi
ngheroutwhi
let
hedoct
orwent
tocheckuponGabone..
.

Dr
:howar
eyoudoi
ngma'
am
Gabone:gooddoct
or.Aret
heyr
eal
lytaki
nghert
o
physi
o?Ithoughtt
herewer
enochancesofher
walki
ngagain?
Dr
:it
sjustf
orthet
her
api
stt
omakesur
eifwedi
dn'
t
mi
sssomething
Gabone:ohisee.Ok

Theycont
inuedt
ochatwhi
ledownt
hecor
ri
dor
s
Vi
ctor
iaf
rownedatt
hedi
rect
iont
heywer
etaki
ng.
..

Vi
ctor
ia:wher
ear
ewegoi
ng?Thi
sist
heexi
ti
ng.
..

Allshefel
twasaneedl egoinginherneckandjust
l
ikethatshewasout .Theyl
oadedheri nacaras
themanwentbacki nsideandspoket othefr
ont
deskoffi
cerwhowaswor ki
nginthewar dshewas
i
nandt henlef
t.Thewomandr oveoutofthe
hospit
alaft
ertheychangedintothei
rnormal
clot
hes.
.
.
.
.
.
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
CAGED
 82

AtRober
t'
sof
fi
ce.
..

Kabindaknockedandwai
tedforaresponsewhi
le
i
nsideRobertspoket
othephone.
..

Rober
t:comei
n
Kabi
nda:gooddayMrDut
che
Rober
t:(
smi
led)Li
eut
enantwhatapl
easant
sur
pri
se
Kabi
nda:i
m af
rai
dit
'snotaspl
easant
Rober
t:oh?
Kabi
nda:MrRober
tDut
chewoul
dyouki
ndl
ycome
t
othestat
ionwi
thme
Rober
t:whatf
orLi
eut
enant
?
Kabi
nda:MrKwenahasopenedacaseofassaul
t
agai
nstyou
Rober
t:(
sighed)wow
Kabinda:shoul
diuset
heseoryouwi
llcome
wil
li
ngly?
Rober
t:t
here'
snoneedf
ort
hem Li
eut
enantiwi
ll
comewill
ingl
y
Kabi
nda:t
hankyou
Rober
t:mayipl
easecal
lmyl
awyer
?
Kabi
nda:i
t'
syourr
ightaf
teral
l.Af
teryoupl
ease

Rober
ttookhi
sphoneandotherval
uabl
esandled
t
hewayoutcall
inghi
satt
orney.Hebri
efl
yspoket
o
t
hebankmanagerandheadedout..
.

Kabi
nda:(
checkedhi
m byt
hemi
rr
or)ki
ndl
yputon
t
heseatbel
tsir

Hesi
ghedbetweent
wootheroff
icer
sandputon
t
heseatbel
tasKabi
ndadroveout.
Att
heHospi
tal
..
.

Thedoct
ormadehiswaytot
hef
rontdeskwi
tha
fr
ownonhisf
acelooki
ngatt
het
ime..
.

Dr
:mi
ss
Lady:yessi
r
Dr
:didyouseeawomanleavi
ngthi
swardina
wheel
chai
rwit
htwonur
sesaboutanhourago?
Lady:yesdoct
oryoumeanFl
orence?
Dr
:yes
Lady:yessi
rbutihavei
nf ormationonthat.Those
twowomenl i
edtoyou,thatwomani snotFlorence
hernamesareVictor
iaDintsiandherfamilycame
totakehert
omovehert oapr ivatehospi
tal
Dr:not
hat
'snotal
lowedt
heyshoul
dhavespoken
t
ome
Lady:theyjustcameaf ewmi nut
esago
unfort
unatelyyouwerestil
lbusyinsurgerysot
hey
l
efttheircontactnumbersforyoutocallt
hem
Dr
:butwhywoul
dshel
ieaboutheri
dent
it
y?
Lady:t
hatidonotknowdocsoibel
ievefrom t
he
ther
api
sttheyt
ookherst
rai
ghtt
oapr ivat
ehospit
al
Dr:ohokl
etmegoandcal
lthem andhearwhat
t
heyhavetosay

Heshookhi
sheadgoingtohisof
fi
ceanddi
aledt
he
numbert
heladygavehi
m...

Boemo:goodday?
Dr:gooddayma' am youar
espeaki
ngtoVi
ctor
ia
Dintsi
'sdoctorihaveitongoodaut
hor
it
ythatt
he
familytookher?
Boemo:yessirwear ereall
ysorr
yforthe
i
nconveniencebutherhealthcomesfir
sttous.Not
thatwedoubtyourservicesbutihopeyou
underst
and
Dr
:butyoushoul
dhavespokent
omef
ir
st
Boemo:iknowdoct
orandi
mreal
lysor
ryaboutt
hat
pl
easepardonwi
thus
Dr
:whoi
m ispeaki
ngt
o?
Boemo:BoemoMai
ketsosi
rwear
ecousi
nsmy
aunti
smarri
edt
oheruncl
e
Dr:ohisee.Infutur
ejustknowthatthereareways
wedosucht hi
ngsok.Ishouldbereporti
ngyou
guysforpati
enttheftbutatl
eastyouleftyour
numberbyt hefrontdeskandagainyouhavet he
ri
ghttomoveyourpat ientt
oanyhospitalofyour
choice
Boemo:i
m alawyerandiunder
standt
hatsi
r.
Pl
easebarewit
hus
Dr:ohokthenapologyaccepted.Onet
hingbefor
e
wepartways, i
m notonetosnoopmuchi nt
omy
pati
ent
'spersonalt
hingsbutwhywouldshelie
aboutheri
dentit
y?
Boemo:thi
ngi
sshehasdonethefamil
ybadnow
shethi
nksweareoutt
ogetherbutwepri
de
oursel
vesi
nfor
givi
ngoneanot
hernomat
terwhat
happens
Dr
:ohisee.Pl
easet
akecar
eofherok
Boemo:wedef
ini
tel
ywi
lldoct
or
Dr
:bye
Boemo:bye

TheyhungupasBoemoscof f
edsmi l
inginher
offi
cewhi
leswingi
ngherchai
r.Thedoctorl
ooked
aroundhi
soff
iceandmadehiswayoutast helady
st
oppedher.
..

Dr
:yes?
Lady:t
henur
sesaysGabonei
saski
ngf
oryou
Dr
:ohoknopr
obl
em

Hemadehi swayt
other
oom asGabonecl
ear
ed
hert
hroat
..
.
Gabone:kant
ehowl
ongdoesphysi
otake?
Dr:(
smil
ed)cal
m downyourf
ri
end'
sfami
lyhas
l
ocatedher
Gabone:what
?
Dr
:yesandtheyhavedeci
dedt
omovehert
oa
pr
ivat
ehospi
tal
Gabone:but
..
.
Dr:onet
hingidon'
tappr
eci
atefr
om apat
ienti
slies
sonextt
imelearnt
obehonest.Seeyoul
atermiss

Hesai
dmaki nghi
swayoutwhi
leGabonef
rowned
wi
thalotofquest
ionsi
nhermi
nd.
..

Gabone:nomansomet
hingi
snotr
ight
Boemo:(l
ist
eni
ngon)yeahihaveyourf
ri
endl
et'
s
seewhatbecomeofyou
Gabone:t
her
e'snowayt
hosepeopl
ecancomeand
moveVi ctor
iatoaprivatehospit
alaf
terabandoning
herliket
hat.There'
snoway( shesighedclosingher
eyes)Dumat ellmeyoudi dnotburninthathouse
pleaseineedyoumor ethanevernow.Ineedyour
helpDumasomet hi
ngi snotri
ghthere

I
nPr
ison.
..

Leonwasl etthr
oughint
ot hecel
lsandstoodin
frontoft
heoneMi rawasin.Shefrownedfeel
ing
therewassomet hi
ngbehindherandturnedonlyt
o
l
ockeyeswi thLeon..
.

Mi
ra:ar
eyoual
lowedt
obeher
e?
Leon:onet
hingaboutmeisthatiknowpeopl
ewho
knowpeoplesothat
'soutofquest
ion
Mir
a:whatdoyouwant
?Isn'
tyougotwhatyou
wanted?
Leon:iwant
edt
oseehowtheorangedr
essl
ooks
onyouandishoul
dsayi
tssui
tsyouver
ywell
,
besi
desthat,not
hinghasneverlookedbadonyou,
youareanaturalatmaki
ngthingslookgoodeven
l
iesandnaivety
Mi
ra:ki
ndl
yleavemeal
onepl
ease
Leon:di
dyoureal
lythi
nkiwoul
dlovesomeonewho
hel
dmecaptiveforyear
s?Forsomethi
ngidi
dn'
tdo?
Mi
ra:Leonisai
dleavemeal
one
Leon:iwant edtoshowyouofhowmuchofaf ool
youare.Youar ebooksmar tyesbutstreetsmar t?
AishameevenmymodelCwi feisbett
erthanyou.
Justsoyouknowihavet oldbothourfami l
ies
everyt
hingandyourf ami lyisut t
erl
ydisappoi nt
edin
yousodon' texpectanyt hingfrom them anytime
soon.Maybei nfut
urebutf r
om whatigotf rom
them i
st hattheydespiseyousomuchandt hey
wantnot hi
ngt odowi t
hsomeonewhocangooutof
thei
rwayt oembar asst hem likethat
Mi
ra:Leongo!
Leon:mmmhnowt hekitcheni
stoohotneh?That
's
exact
lyhowif
eltwhenyouusedthefakerapecar
d
onme.Boemoevent el
lsmeyousuccumbedt o
wit
chcr
aftt
otryandtakeherf
iancee(
Chuckl
ed)
howdesper
atecanyougetMira?Youarehonest
ly
pat
heti
catrueepi
tomeofadisgracet
owomen.
Shameonyou
Mi
ra:i
m donewi
th
Leon:soimi.Haveani
cel
if
eont
hosef
ini
shed
mattr
esses

Helaughedleavi
ngwhil
eMi r
aswallowedlooki
ngat
themattr
essandtheywerereal
lydone.Shesighed
sit
ti
ngont hebunkandshookherhead..
.

Mira:onemomentyouhaveever ythi
ngandt henext
youhavenot hingallindesper at
ionofkeepinga
man.Al li
ndesper ati
onofbei ngseenast heonly
onewhocankeepamani nyourhome, astheonly
onewho' sabletobui l
dthef amilywayup.Youar ea
smar twomanMi r
abutonel ie,j
ustonesimpleli
e
youcoul dhaveavoi dedbr oughtital
ldown.(Si
ghed)
yeahnehsuchi sl
ife.Allicouldhavedonewast el
l
himthatihadmyt ubest iedandhewoul dhave
decidedwetherhewantstost
ayinthemarri
ageor
not.ImeanMi r
a,youweredesti
nedforgr
eat
ness
wit
horwi t
houtamanbutl ookatyounow,aphd
holderi
nfi
nanceandaccountingtur
nedajai
lbi
rd
(cl
appedonegasping)yoh.

Att
hePol
iceSt
ati
on.
..

Kabinda:hedoesn' tdenythefactt
hathepunched
him ma'am,weal sohaveavi deoofhim punchi
ng
MrKwena, picturesofMrKwena' smouthanda
doctor'
sreportthatindeedtheswell
ingand
bleddi
ngwasbecauseoft hepunchsowehaveno
choicebuttolockhi m up
Lady:oksi
riwillsi
tdownwithMrKwenaandtry
reachanagreementifwef
ailthenwewi
llappl
yfor
bail
Kabi
nda:t
hankyouf
oryourcooper
ati
on.MrDut
che
pl
easecomewithme
Lady:mayihaveamomentwi
thhi
m pl
ease?
Kabi
nda:oknoprobl
em.Of
fi
cermakesur
ethi
sman
i
scomfortabl
einhi
snewhomeok
Of
fi
cer
:yessi
r

Kabi
ndatappedt
hetabl
eleavi
ngwhi
leRober
t'
s
l
awyersi
ghedsit
ti
ngback.
..

Rober
t:what
?
Lady:whydoyoumenal
waysuseyouremot
ionst
o
thi
nk?
Rober
t:ipayyoutobemylawyernotgoDrPhi
lon
mesopl easeknowyourpl
ace
Lady:doyour
eal
iset
hedamageyouhavedone?
Rober
t:whatar
eyout
alki
ngabout
?
Lady:notonlydi
dMrKwenaopenanassaultcase
healsoslappeduswit
halawsui
t,he'
ssui
ngyoufor
sl
eepingandhavinganaf
fai
rwit
hhi swi
fe
Rober
t:t
hat
'sbul
l
Lady:youthi
nkit
sbul
lbutt
hecourthastakenit
seri
ouslyandhe'
sdemandi
ngforal
lyoursharesof
thegarden
Rober
t:what
!?
Lady:youseewhatyouhavedoneandt
hecour
tis
goingtorul
einhi
sfavour
Rober
t:can'
tyoudosomet
hing?Ican'
tlett
hatman
t
akewhatibuiltwi
thmyal
l
Lady:myhandsareti
ed.Ar
eyounothavi
ngan
aff
airwi
thhi
swife?
Rober
t:t
hosepeopl
ear
enol
ongert
oget
her
Lady:butt
heirdivorceisnotyetfi
nali
zedDut che.
(Si
ghed)anywayi m goingtotryandtal
ktohi m
abouttheassaultcaseandseei fican'
tgethimt o
dropthechargesasf orthelawsui
t,i
m afr
aidyou
havetodancet othetuneofyourownmusi c.Good
day

Shetookherbagandlef
twhil
eRober
tpunchedt
he
deskandbithi
sknuckl
es..
.
Rober
t:somuchf
orl
ovi
ngaper
son.Fuckman!
Of
fi
cer
:comel
et'
sgot
oyournewhomebuddy

Hesaidhel
pinghi
m upandl
edhi
mtot
hehol
ding
cel
ls.

AtPat
lo'
sof
fi
ce.
..

Bai
sagocoul
dn'tstoplaughi
ngathi
sswol
lenl
ips
whi
lehekeptcheckingiti
nthemir
ror
..

Baisago:whot
houghtawhi
tedudecoul
dthr
ow
suchapunch
Pat
lo:iki
ndawant
edhi
mt oyouknow(Bai
sago
bur
stintoal
aughashej
oinedi
n)canyouplease
st
opit
Bai
sago:youl
ookl
i
keabubbl
e
Patlo:Bai
sagost
op,
youaremakingmehur
tmysel
f.
(Cl
icked)buther
eal
lyt
hrewonehey
Baisago:Lordhelpmet onotgot
hroughthismess
i
nmyl i
feplease.Idon'
twanttof
ightanot
herman
formywi fe
Patl
o:youcancal
lof
ftheweddi
ngwhi
leyoust
il
l
haveti
me
Baisago:who'sweddi
ng?Yolewamemosadiilove
herandherf l
aws.I
'm ki
ndofmadathernowbut
thatwil
lneverst
andinthewayofmyloveforher
Pat
lo:whyar
eyoumadather
?
Baisago:nahshewant stodosomet hi
ngwebot h
don'tstandforbutdon'tworrywewi l
lsor
titout.
Goodt hingaboutusi sthatwetal
knomat terhow
l
ongt hepr obl
em dragswemakesur etoaddressit
everychanceweget .Gapemonnat hiswomanl ong
fel
linlovewi t
hme18year sagowheniwasbei ng
tri
edfort hemurderinevercommi t
ted
Pat
lo:kantewhenaretheyt
aki
ngVict
ori
afort
ri
al?
Ori
si tbecauseshe'
sbli
ndnowandofnouse?
Bai
sago:maybe
Patl
o:omongwel eenekeeneyoo.Thatwoman
almostrui
nedthemarri
ageit
houghtwasfor
l
ifet
imeonlyforaGermanbast
ardtocomeandrui
n
everyt
hing
Bai
sago:l
if
eisshocki
ngsomet
imesmanyoh
Patl
o:yeahneh.Byt hewayAt atoldmeabouther
stat
usandt hatyouguyswer epl anningtocome
andtalktousabouti t
.Ireal
lyappr eci
atethatbuddy
andjustknowt hatihaveforgivenyoursonaf teral
l
hedidnotknowt hathewasi nfect
ed
Bai
sago:awwmanyoudon'
tknowhowhappyt
hat
makesme
Patlo:wear ef
ami
lymanandiwouldr eall
ylovemy
daughtertogrowupinf
rontofBoemo, she'
sa
betterrol
emodelt
hanBontsiwhoithoughtwasa
greatmot her
Baisago:mywifei
snotperfectbutiwoul
dgi
vei
tto
herbecauseihaveseenwhatshehasdonefor
Bosabutthankyouforunderstandi
ng
Pat
lo:sur
ebuddybr
ingi
tin

Theychuckledhuggingandt ooktheirseatsas
Baisagosippedhiswater.Patl
ot r
iedtosiphis
wit
houtast rawbutfai
ledasBai sagoburstint
o
l
aught erspi
tti
ngouthi
s..
.

Bai
sago:bubbl
eguppi
e
Pat
lo:f
uckyouBai
sago

Theyl
aughedoutl
oud.

I
nMochudi
..
.

Olebil
eopenedtheoffi
cedoorasLamesmi
led
gett
ingoffherchai
r.
..

Lame:ohyou'
reher
e
Ol
ebi
le:yeah.Theof
fi
cel
ooksamazi
ng
Lame:thankyoucouz.Wecant
akeat
ourar
ound
theshop

Shewentoutf
ir
standst
art
edt
hei
rtourar
oundt
he
shop.
..

Ol
ebil
e:ihonest
lydon'
tregr
eti
nvest
ingmymoney
onyouwaitse
Lame:i
m abusi
nesswomanofnot
e
Olebi
le:i
ndeedbuthowar
eyougoi
ngt
ojuggl
ewor
k
andschool
Lame:don'
twor
ryihavei
tundercont
rol
Ol
ebi
le:ar
eyousur
eit
'snotgoi
ngt
obeal
otof
wor
k?
Lame:notatall
.Ihavehir
edsomeonequalif
iedwi
th
enoughexperi
ence.Hewi l
lbecoming6daysa
weekwhil
eicomeonceever yweekandihave
deci
dedtotakeupSat ur
daysbecauseidon'
twant
t
omi sschur
chandhe'
ssomeonewholoveshavi
ng
agoodtimesoimadesur
eidon'
tgeti
nthewayof
t
hat
Olebi
le:onlyifi
tdoesn'
tgeti
nthewayofhi
swor
k,i
expectresult
s
Lame:(
smil
ed)don'
twor
ryhehasgoodr
efer
ence
soit
rusthi
mtodoastel
larj
ob
Ol
ebi
le:okt
hen.Andt
het
uckshop?
Lame:ihavehi
redsomeone.Thei
rof
fison
Sundays
Ol
ebi
le:ohokihopeyouwi
llbepayi
ngherwel
l
Lame:yeahiwoul
dneverr
obaper
son
Ol
ebi
le:(
sighedl
ooki
ngar
oundoncemor
e)sot
his
i
susnow?
Lame:t
hisi
suscouzal
lthankst
oyouwemadei
t
Ol
ebi
le:andyourdedi
cat
iont
obusi
nessaswel
l
Lame:(
chuckl
ed)yeaht
hatt
oo.Ever
ythi
ngi
sready
fort
heopeni
ng
Ol
ebi
le:t
omor
rowt
heDi
ntsiSuper
stor
ewi
llbe
operati
ng?Wowtomanymor
eot
herDi
ntsi
superstor
esi
nfut
ure?
Lame:t
omanymor
e

Theychuckl
edshaki
nghandsandwentbackt
othe
off
ice.
..

Olebi
le:idi
dn'
tpassatt
hehousehasanyt
hing
happenedyet?
Lame:uncl
eLedibahastakent
hehouseplant
o
Li
zzyEnter
pri
sesandtheyhaveal
readypl
aced
order
sofever
ythi
ngneeded
Ol
ebi
le:al
ready?
Lame:yeah
Ol
ebi
le:wowoksohowmanyr
oomswi
lli
tbe?
Lame:sinceDaisyandiaret heoneswhoar e
stayi
ngtherewearet heonlyonesget t
ingpr
ivat
e
roomsandt hentherestofyoul otwi
llbeshari
ng
eachroom,mamai salsogetti
ngherownr oom,
therewil
lbeaspaciousgardenandaheat ed
swimmi ngpool
,twodoubledoorgarages,ther
ewill
beabari nsi
deandabeaut i
ful
lyfi
tt
edspacious
kit
chenohandaj accuzi
,tvroom,gamer oom and
sortofapartyr
oom thatwil
lbesharingspacewit
h
thebar.Ourver
yowni nhouseclubwabona
Olebi
le:(
smi
led)bat
hongl
onaandhowmuchdot
he
exper
tssayt
hishousewil
lcost
?
Lame:awhoppi
ng3.
5M
Ol
ebi
le:what
!?Andt
hecompanyi
sfi
newi
tht
his?
Lame:yepuncl
eLedibasayst
heysai
dtheywer
e
act
uall
yexpect
ingsomethi
ngl
ike5M
Ol
ebi
le:mar
athi
swomanwasr
ichmoss
Lame:imeanl
ookatt
hecarLet
lot
loi
sdr
ivi
ngnow
Olebi
le:yeahheybutweshoul
dreal
lythankGod
guysthisisablessi
ng.Hei
ndeedl
if
tedus,li
ter
all
y
Lame:def
ini
tely.That
'swhyiwantal
lofustot
ake
10%from al
lthatwear eget
ti
ngandgoti
the
Ol
ebi
le:isuppor
tthemoti
oncouzandwhil
est
il
lon
t
hegoodnews, ihavepur
chaseda3bedr
oomed
bhchousef
ormysel
faswel
l(hesai
dwi
ggl
ingt
he
keys)
Lame:ar
eyouf
orr
eal
?
Ol
ebi
le:ohyes.I
m ol
ddudei
needmyownspace
Lame:yetyouwantnowoman
Olebi
le:im act
uallyreconsideri
ngt hatdeci
sion
becausebei ngarounduncl eBaisagoandaunt yB
aswel lasuncleTemoandaunt yReahasmot i
vat
ed
todoGod' swillofreproducing(theylaughed)
Lame:imeani
magi
neBosaget
ti
ngmar
ri
edbef
ore
you

Theyl
aughedandcont
inuedt
ocat
chup.

I
nSer
owe.
..

Bontsipar
kedhercarinfrontofthegateas
goosebumpsemer gedasshet ouchedthegate.She
fr
ownedandl ookedaroundproceedingin.She
madewayt othemai nhousewhil
eherhairst
rands
roseasshelookedattheother4hut
sont heside.
Sheclear
edherthroatandknockedbutasthedoor
openedshecoll
apsed..
.

Teacher
:(smi
led)wel
comehomemychi
ld

MeanwhileinherhutBoitshepof el
tal
otof
calmnessandst r
engthinherandsmi ledonher
own.Shesl owl
ygotoutofbedandwentt othedoor
onlyt
of i
ndoneoft hemal estudentsl
ift
ing
someonei ntot
hemai nhouse.Shehear dacar
runni
ngandt ur
nedt othegate..
.

Boi
tshepo:she'
sher
e

Shesighedandclosedt
hedoorgoingtothemain
housewhilet
hehusbandtothei
rteacherdr
ove
Bontsi
'scari
nsi
detheyard.
Att
hePI
'
shouse.
..

Boemosl
owlycutherappl
ewithakni
feandat
eup
whil
eVi
ctor
iagr
untedwakingup.
..

Vi
ctor
ia:yohbat
hongwhathappened,
wher
eimi
?

AsshesaidBoemot ur
nedwithahugesmil
eonher
facewhi
leVi
ctori
aswallowedahugedr
ylumpand
clear
edhert
hroat
..
.

Vi
ctor
ia:Gabonear
eyout
her
e?Ga.
..
Boemo:ohpleaseVi
ctor
iacutt
hedamnactiknow
youcansee
Victor
ia:whatar
eyoudoi
ngwi
thme?(
Scr
eamed)
help!
Boemo:unf
ort
unatel
ythi
sisasoundproof
edroom
mylovesoyoucanshoutal
lyouwantbutnooneis
goi
ngtohearyou
Vi
ctor
ia:whatdoyouwant
?
Boemo:yoursoul

Vi
ctor
ia'
sheartski
ppedabeatasBoemostabbed
t
heappleremainswit
hthekni
feshehad.
..

Boemo:forallt
hesoulsyouhavecaptur
ed(
laughed)
youshouldseeyourfacedear
.Pri
celess

Shelaughedmor
ewhil
eVict
ori
aswall
owedl
ooki
ng
atal
ltheequi
pment
sonthedesk.
..

Boemo:myguy,
putonsomemusicformeandmy
babyher
ear
eabouttodancet
ohergrave

Shesmiledwi
nki
ngatherwhil
eVictori
aswall
owed
ahugelump.Meanwhil
eatthehospit
alGabone
fr
ownedopeni
nghereyestosomethingmovingon
herl
egsandsmil
ed..
.
Gabone:ohyesiknewyouwouldsurvi
veDuma.I
knewit
.Ihaveanassignmentf
oryouok.Ineedyou
togooutther
eandf i
ndsomeoneforme.Goonthat
bedandcatchherscentt
hengofi
ndher

Dumasl i
ddownGabone'
sbedandmadewayupt o
Vict
ori
a'
s.Hemovedarounditforaf
ewseconds
andthenmadehi
swayoutt hrought
heai
rvents
whil
eGabonesmil
ed..
.

Gabone:youcanneverputdownawomanona
missi
on.Wethert
heylikei
tornoti
m goingtohave
t
hatchil
dandwoman' sbloodandVict
oriai
sgoing
t
ocomebackhomeunhar med

Shesmil
edmoreasoneoft
hehospit
alwor
kers
cameinandt
ookwhatwasVict
ori
a'
sbedout.
.
.
.
.
.
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
CAGED
83

Vi
ctor
iaswal
lowedwit
hhereyeswidenedas
Boemotookaleat
herf
lapandmovedclosert
oher
..
.

Vi
ctor
ia:whatar
eyougoi
ngt
odowi
thme?
Boemo:whatwasyourint
ent
ionwhenyoucapt
ured
al
lthesoul
syoucapt
ured?
Vi
ctor
ia:inevercapt
uredanyonepl
ease.
..

Boemolandedast
rongstr
okeacrossherf
aceas
shegaspedwit
hhereyescl
osed.
..
Boemo:don'tyoudar
eli
etomeVi
ctor
iawhatwas
youri
ntent
ion?
Vict
ori
a:kantemmegonewhot
hehel
ldoyout
hink
youarethatyoucant
ake.
..

Anotherst
rokelandedonherleftcheekasshe
gaspedwithhereyesclosed.
..

Boemo:Vi
ctor
iaiaskedyouaquest
ion
Victori
a:onet hingyoushouldlearnaboutaperson
l
ikemei sthatwear eimmunet opainnomat t
er
howhar dyout hinkyouarehurti
ngussogoonmy
girldoyouwhatyouwantandl et'
shopeyou
succeedatwhatyouar eplanni
ngtodobecausei f
youdon' t.
..
Boemo:(scoffed)soyouarehopingforyourwit
ch
fr
iendtocomet oyourrescue?Weshallsee.I
i
ntenti
onallyl
efthertoseeexact
lywhatshe's
capabl
eof .Onet hi
ngaboutmemyl oveisthati
m
noteasil
ythreatneddoyouhearme?Wet heryou
comewi t
hyourbl ackmagi cornotihavel earnedt o
standonmyownbecauseiser veal i
vingGod.Yes
whati m doingr ightnowmi ghtbeagai nstmy
beli
efsbutt osavet hepeopl eicar eaboutiwi lldoit
withoutevenl ooki ngback( Victoriaswallowed)yes
i
m notaf raidofyouyouorGabonemydearoreven
thewhol eclanofyourgodsidar eyou, callthem all
nowiwi l
ltaket hem outonebyone.Wear etiredof
peoplel i
keyouVi ctoria(shelandedast roke)
peoplewhoseei tfi
tt omakeot heri nnocentsoul s
suffer(l
andedanot herstroke)whathavet heDi ntsi
fami l
ydonet oyouf oryout odot hist
ot hem?Huh
(l
andedanot herst roke)al lt
heydi dwascar eabout
youbutnoyousawi tfi
ttobui l
dadar kalterwi t
h
theirnamesVi ctoriayourownbl ood?( Landed
doubl estr
okesashernosebl ed)
Vi
ctor
ia:ki
llme!
Boemo:ohhellnoi
m goingmakesur ethatyour
deat
histhemostpainfuldeathi
nthehistor
yof
deat
hsdoyouunderstand?( Vi
ctor
iaspi
tonherfeet
)
bl
oodybitch!
Shelandedanotherst
rokeandt
hrewt
hef
lapont
he
tabl
edrinki
ngsomewat er
..
.

Boemo:wehaveal ongwaytogojustsoyouknow
myl oveandihaveasurpri
seforyoulat
eronok
(shesmiledather
)
Vi
ctor
ia:youar
enodi
ff
erentyouar
eevi
l
Boemo:atl easti m getti
ngjusticef
orallt
hesoul s
youhel dcapti
veandt ort
uredsomedi edwhilein
yourtortur
eVi ctori
a, yourownmot her(Vi
ctoria
swallowed)oneper sonweal lknowwoulddo
anythingtoprot ecttheirchil
df r
om anyharm but
youmanagedt ohaveherst r
uggletodeath.Aren'
t
youashamedofyour self
?
Vict
oria:i
m nottheonewhogotherr apedandim
nottheonewhosenthert owitchdoct
orstocasta
spel
lonme.Wear eallher
ebecauseofthatevi
l
cunt!Fuckher!Icursehergrave!
Boemo:nxnxnxnxyoui ndeedhaveadarksoul
Vict
ori
a.Whathappenedmighthavehappenedbut
onceyoulear
ntwhyyouwer ecl
osetoDiphala
beforehedi edwhydi dyounotref
uset obeapar tof
thei
revilschemeshuh?Whydi dyounotbr eakthe
curseVictoria?Youwer eol
denought ounderst
and
thediff
erencebet weengoodandbadt hemoment
yousetf ootont hatevi
lhut
.Andyesimt heone
whobur ntitdownwi t
hallt
hoseevi
lthingsinsi
de
Vict
ori
a:you'
renevergoi
ngt
oseet
hegat
esof
heaven
Boemo:youknowmyanswertot
hatmybaby.Now
answerme,whydi
dn'
tyoubr
eakthecur
set
he
momentyousawwhatwashappeningi
nDi
phala'
s
hut?
Vi
ctori
a:iaskedyout
ojustgetoveranddonewi
th
t
his.Ki
llmeBoemokillme!
Boemo:myguychai
npl
ease
Vi
ctor
ia:what
?

Shesai
dwit
hhereyeswanderi
ngaroundas
Boemo'
sPIputachai
naroundherneck.
..
Vi
ctor
ia:whatar
eyoudoi
ng?

Boemoquietl
yfi
ll
edamet albat
hwit
hwaterandput
Vi
ctori
a'
sfeeti
nasherguyswi t
chedonaplug
whil
eshegotshocked.
..

Vi
ctor
ia:(
scr
eami
ng)st
op!St
op!St
op!
Boemo:answermydamnquest
ionVi
ctor
ia.Boyput
morevol
tage(hedi
dasshescr
eamed)
Vi
ctor
ia:f
uckyouBoemo!Fuckyou!
Boemo:(pour
edwat
eroverher
)mor
e!(
Hedi
das
shescr
eamed)
Vi
ctor
ia:ok!
Boemo:what
!?
Vi
ctor
ia:iwi
llansweryoudammi
t!

Theguyswi
tchedofft
hepl
ugast heel
ect
ri
cuti
on
st
oppedwhi
leadrippi
ngwetVi
ctori
acaughther
br
eat
h..
.

Boemo:i
m wai
ti
ng
Vi
ctor
ia:iwasj
eal
ous
Boemo:ofwhat
?
Vi
ctor
ia:(
swal
lowed)canipl
easehavesomewat
er
Boemo:youwillgetthati
nhel
lift
her
e'sany.What
wereyoujeal
ousof ?
Vi
ctor
ia:al
lthosei
diot
sweredest
inedforgreat
ness
whi
leihadnoqualif
icat
ionsoiwantedever
ythi
ng
t
omysel f
Boemo:swi
tcht
haton
Vi
ctor
ia:nonopl
easedon'
tnooo.
..

Shescr
eamedast heguyswi
tchedt
hepl
ugon
whil
eshegotshocked.
..

Boemo:sowenayouwer
ecal
ledf
orbl
ocki
ngot
her
people'
sli
veshuh?Yourjobinthi
sworldwast o
blockandrui
nli
vesVictor
ia.Thel
ivesofyourown
famil
yyoupatheti
cbit
ch!

Shesaidki
cki
ngheronthefaceasshefel
lbackon
thewheel
chai
randbursti
ntotear
swhil
etheman
swit
chedofft
hepl
ug..
.

Vict
ori
a:(
cryi
ng)i
m sor
ry!Al
liwant
edwast
ohave
somethi
ng
Boemo:somet hingVi ctori
a!?Atthecostofother
people'
slives?Vi ctoriapeopl esuff
eredbecauseof
youbloodyf ool!Boi tshepo'schil
drensufferedal
l
becauseofyouVi ctoria,DaisyandOlebil
eyourown
chil
dren,yourownf l
eshandbl oodsuffer
ed
becauseofyoubl oodywi t
ch!Switchthebloody
plugbackondammi t!Shi t
!

Hedidasi
nstr
uctedwhil
eVict
oriacr
iedand
scr
eamedinpainonthefl
oor.
..
Vi
ctor
ia:havemer
cyonmepl
ease!
Boemo:it houghtyouwereimmunetopai
nyousick
whor e!Up!(Heincr
easedt
hevolt
ageasshe
screamed)t hi
sisnothi
ngcomparedt
ohelldoyou
hearme, nothi
ng!Enough

Theguyswi
tchedof
fthepl
ugandhel
pedVi
ctor
ia
up.
..

Vi
ctor
ia:(
cryi
ng)youar
eanani
mal
!
Boemo:ittakesonet
oknowonedearandj ustto
remindyouthisi
sthebegi
nning.(
Sighedt akingher
breathandsatdown)howcanyoudot hattoyour
sist
erandherdaughter
?Yourownni eceVi ct
oria?
Victor
ia:weal t
hneverlookedgoodonBoit
sheponor
herchildrenthat'
swhyibot t
ledi
taway,t
hat'
swhyi
turnedherbabydaddi esinwhattheyar
e,nothi
ng
butusel ess.Areyouhappynow?
Boemo:wowVi
ctor
iasoyoudi
dn'
tthi
nkwi
tht
hat
weal t
hshewoul duplif
tyou?Youhadamanwho
l
ovedyouf orcryingoutloudamanwhowasr eady
tosettledownandbui l
dahappyf amil
ywi t
hyou
dammi t
!Butyouwer etoobli
ndtoseeit,
youst ol
e
from him andtookt hechil
drenawayfronhim.Have
younosoul ?(
Victoriaswall
owedbreathi
ngheavily)
tellmewhatLamedi dtoyouforyoutoblockher
successl i
kethat?
Vi
ctor
ia:shewasgoingt
obehermot
her
'ssavi
ng
gr
acesoasLetlot
lo
Boemo:t hat '
swhyyoumadeLamef aildi
smal lyat
schoolandwant edtot akeLet l
otlo'sbloodaf ter
turninghim againsthi sownmot her( chuckl
ed)o
mol oiwapoomosadikewena( youar eevil
you
woman)( scoffedsmi li
ng)unf ortunat elyi
tallcame
downt oyouf ail
ing.Letlot
lonowr anksupwi th
other18yearol dmi l
li
onairessoont obebi l
li
onaire
andLamei sopeningherf irsthugest oreanda
bout i
quet hedayaf tertomor row.Whatwast heuse
ofyourdar kheart?
Vi
ctor
ia:whatdoyouwantf
rom mei
fif
ail
edt
hen?
Boemo:likeisai
d,yoursoul(smil
edcheckingthe
ti
me)im goingtoletyourestnowbutwhenicome
backlat
erwear etakingt
hingsanotchhigherok?
Yes,soifiwereyouiwoul dstar
tmyprayerof
repent
ancenow.Myguymakesur eshedoesn't
moveok
Man:yesma'
am

Boemowi nkedatherandwi pedherfacet akingher

carkeys.Shest ar
tedt
heengineandadj ustedthe
mirrorthendr oveoutwit
hBoingotl
ointheback
seat.Assoonasshedr oveoutthegateDuma
madehi swaybackt othehospi
talagainusi nga
dif
ferentroute.

I
nSer
owe.
..

Boit
sheposatont heot
hercouchwhil
eherteacher
satonanother.OntheotheroneBont
sigr
oaned
openinghereyesandslowlysatupwit
htheaidof
anot
herst
udent
..
.

Bont
si:wher
eimi
?
Teacher
:hidearyouar
einSer
owe
Bont
si:(
frownedconf
used)what
?How?
Teacher
:what
'st
hel
astt
hingyour
emember
?
Bontsi
:thelastt
hingirememberwasmet al
kingt
o
myboyf ri
endonthephone(Boit
sheposwall
owed
ontheothercouch),t
hengoti
nmycaranddr ove
out.Fr
om thereidon'
trememberanyt
hing.Whoare
you?
Teacher
:thatwer
etheancest
orsbri
ngi
ngyouher
e,
youarehomeandiwillbeyourgui
defr
om her
eon
Bont
si:it
houghtipassedt
hatst
age
Teacher
:ishal
lexpl
aineveryt
hingwel
lont
imef
or
nowpleasetur
ntoyourright
Bont
si:huh?
Shedi
dasherheartski
ppedabeatl
ocki
ngeyes
wit
hBoit
shepo.
..

Bont
si:nonowai
tar
eyouguysgoi
ngt
oki
llme?
Teacher
:whywoul
dweki
llyou?
Bontsi
:becauset
hiswomanthr
eatnedmethati
shouldl
eavehermanalonebef
oreitur
nheri
nto
someoneshe'snot
Teacher
:that
'
sbecauset
henshedi
dn'tunder
stand
whatwashappeni
ng.Tel
lmewouldyoumi nd
shari
ngamanwi t
hher?
Bont
si:no
Teacher
:doyoubel
ievei
npol
ygamy?
Bont
si:no?
Teacher
:thenwhywoul
dyounotmi
ndshar
inga
man?
Bontsi
:idon'
tknowbutipr
ayedabouti
tandgotno
answerbutiwassti
lldr
awntothatman
Teacher
:that
'
sbecauset
hatmani
stheonl
ywayt
o
knowi
ngyourf
ather
Bontsi:(
conf
used)what!
?Myf
atherl
ongdi
ed
bef
or eiwasevenborn
Teacher:no,
yeshe'
sdeadnowbuthewast her
e
whenyouwer eachi
ld,hewasther
ewhenyouwere
ateenagerandwastherewhenyoubecamea
marri
edwoman
Bont
si:what
?
Teacher:everheardofasur
nameMar
umoorseen
anythi
ngr el
atedtoit
?
Bontsi:ihaven'
theardanythingaboutitbutihave
haddr eamsaboutbul l
etsorspears.Iwouldthinki
t
wasaboutt hefightiwasoni nmypr evious
marriagebutistil
lgotthedreamsaf t
ereveryt
hing
set
tl
edi nthemar ri
age
Teacher :t
hatwasasi gnfrom t
heGodsofwhoyou
are.Youar eadaught ert
oamanwhowasknown
asNgakaMar umo, nowNgakaMar umowor ked
wellwi t
htheDintsifamil
yandfrom theDintsifamil
y
Boitshepowast hechosenonet olookoverher
family.Inoneofthef i
ghtsshefoughttoprotecther
familyNgakaMar umodi edandhadt opasshisgi ft
tohischi l
dbutheknewhehadnochi ldsohef ound
placeinBoi t
shepothoughBoi tshepo'scall
ingwas
diff
erent,i
twasf rom Godnott heancestors.Justt o
cleartheair,NgakaMar umowasnotawi tchdoct or
hewasoneoft hegoodt radi
ti
onaldoctors.
Boitshepo'sspiri
tal
lowedhi sspir
itinherbodyunt i
l
youandBoi t
shepocr ossedpaths.Yourf ather
foundyouandt herewasnohowhecant akeaway
hisgiftfr
om Boi t
shepobuthewant edtogetclose
toyou, gettoknowyouandwor kwithyouandt hat
canonl yhappenwhenyouguysmar ryoneman
Bont
si:wow
Teacher
:doyouunder
stand?
Bontsi
:cl
earasacr
ystalbal
lbutihavetotal
ktomy
famil
ybutiwil
ldot
hatonceiunderstandwhyihad
tocomeallt
hewayhere
Teacher:youhadtocomeallthewayher ebecause
therear
ef or
cesfi
ght
ingagainstt
heDintsifamil
y
andshewoul dn'
tbeaspower f
ulwit
houtyout o
standagainstt
hem
Bont
si:butwear
enotmar
ri
edyet
?
Teacher
:yest
herear
eothercomingtasksthatyou
wil
lembarkononceyouareoff
ici
alymarri
ed
Bontsi:howcert
ainar
eyout hatwewillwinthis
battl
ewhi l
ewearenotmar r
iedespeci
all
ywi ththe
factthatmydivor
ceproceedingsar
eabi trocky
now?
Teacher :yourpresenceiswhat '
smor ei
mpor t
ant
mychi ldespeciall
yt oyourfatherforhimtogiveher
thestrengthsheneeds.Under standthatshe'
s
embodyi ngyourgi ftbutitcan'
tbet akenawayf r
om
herasshehasaccept editandf ori
ttomani f
estyou
havetobepr esentandt hebothofyouagr eeing
thatyouwi llmarryoneman
Bont
si:ohisee
Teacher:yesandasihavesai
dt her
ear
emany
mor etasksthatar
egoi
ngtoneedyouguystobe
togetherli
kethecomi
ngweddingsandthef
utur
eof
yourchildren
Bont
si:ohnowigetitbutt
henwher
edoesshe
st
andwi t
halloft
his?
Boit
shepo:iwasn'
tokwithi
tatfi
rstbutsi
ncei
underst
oodthereasonbehi
nditi
m okwi t
hit
Bont
si:andourf
ri
endshi
p?
Boit
shepo:iguesswecanuset
hatt
obui
ldast
rong
bondbetweenus
Bontsi
:okbutj
ustsoyouknowmygi
fti
s
Chri
sti
ani
tyencl
ined
Boitshepo:minei
sbot
hChr
ist
iani
tyandAf
ri
can
rel
igionencl
ined
Bont
si:ohok
Teacher
:soar
ewedoi
ngt
his?
Bot
h:yes
Teacher
:(smi
led)per
fectt
hen.Youguyswil
lbe
shari
ngthehutsoyoumaygot oyourhouse
Bont
si:canical
lbackhome?
Teacher:yougivemethenumberofwhot ocal
li
wil
lcallthem andexpl
ainever
ythi
ngt
othem
Bont
si:ok
Theystoodupandquietl
ymadewaytothei
rhut
whil
etheteacherl
ookedupwi
thherhandsrai
sed.
..

Teacher
:letyourwi
llbedonegr
aci
ousLor
d.Amen.

Att
hecl
ini
c..
.

Thenur
sefi
nisheddressingDaisy'
soper
ati
on
woundandhelpedhersitbackonherwheelchai
r.
..

Nur
se:howdoesi
tfeel
whenyouur
inat
e?
Dai
sy:i
t'
sjustf
ine
Nur
se:anybackpai
ns?
Dai
sy:t
heyhavesubsi
ded
Nur
se:doest
hewoundsomet
imesi
tch?
Dai
sy:al
it
tl
eyes
Nur
se:ar
eyoudoi
ngtheexer
cisest
hedi
ctor
r
ecommendedyoudo?
Dai
sy:eer
ra
Nur
se:(
smi
led)gat
weeer
ra,
justsayyes
Dai
sy:(
chuckl
ed)okt
hen,
yes
Nurse:good.Keepdoi
ngwhatyouar
edoi
ngandal
l
wil
lbegoodi nnoti
me
Dai
sy:t
hankyou.
Nur
se:andt
akeyourmedi
cat
ionont
ime
Dai
sy:yesiwi
ll
Nur
se:good.Who'
staki
ngyouhome?
Dai
sy:mybr
otherwi
llbeher
einnot
ime
Nur
se:woul
dyoumi
ndi
fit
ookyouhome?
Dai
sy:what
?Idon'
tevenknowyou
Nur
se:t
hat
'
swhyishoul
dtakeyouhomet
hen
Daisy:youknowiappr
eci
ateyouref
for
tsbutno
t
hanks.Ihavebeenthr
oughsomucht oletaman
foolmeagain
Nur
se:iknowal
laboutCl
eopat
ra
Dai
sy:sokeeng,
youwantt
ofi
nishmeof
f?
Nurse:ofcoursenot.Iapol
ogisef
orof
fendi
ngyou
butitwasjustasinceregest
ure
Dai
sy:i
t'
soki
tsj
ustt
hatidon'
ttr
ustmenanymor
e
Nurse:youknowwhatl et
'scallyourbrotherandask
permissi
onfrom himthenwespeakt othecl i
nic
managerbecausemyshi ftisdonenow.I fanythi
ng
happensyourbrotherwil
lknowwher et olookeven
themanager
Daisy:(
squi
nthereyes)nahisti
llr
efuseiwoul
d
rat
herwaitf
ormybr otherbutt
hankyou
Nur
se:caniatl
easthaveyournumbert
hen?
Dai
sy:why?
Nurse:iwoul
dli
ketogettoknowbetterand
hopeful
lybui
ldafr
iendshi
pwithyou
Daisy:l
etmet akeyournumberandiwi
llt
hink
aboutcall
ingyouornot
Nur
se:oknopr
obl
em st
il
l(hegavei
ttoher
)
Dai
sy:name?
Nur
se:Omphi
le
Dai
sy:ohni
cenameok
Omphi
le:t
hankyou.Yoursi
sniceaswel
l"Modi
mo
Omphi
leDaisy"(
theyl
aughed)
Dai
sy:you'
resosi
ll
y.Thanks(herphoner
ang)
t
hat'
smybr ot
heriguesshe'
shere
Omphi
le:canipushyououtatl
east
?
Dai
sy:(
scof
fedsmi
li
ng)oknopr
obl
em
Omphi
le:yoursmi
let
hough

Theylaughedashepushedherouttothecar
.He
greet
edOlebil
eandwentbacktotheinsi
de.
..

Dai
sy:menandbei
ngwei
rd
Ol
ebi
le:whathappened?
Dai
sy:t
hisguywashi
tt
ingme
Ol
ebi
le:so?
Dai
sy:idon'
twantar
epeatofwhathappenedthe
l
astt
imeandguesswhat,heknowsallaboutt
he
Cl
eopatr
asaga
Ol
ebi
le:sodoest
hatmakehi
m abadper
son?
Daisy:nobuti
m uncomf
ort
abl
ear
oundment
hese
days
Olebi
le:j
ustgi
vet
heguyachanceoratl
eastbe
fr
iendswithhi
m
Dai
sy:why?Doyouknowhi
m?
Ol
ebi
le:yesfr
om chur
chhe'
sint
hepr
aiseand
wor
shipteam
Dai
sy:yohbaobawor
se(
thosear
ear
ewor
se)
Ol
ebi
le:(
laughed)aobat
hong,butihaveneverseen
hi
m wit
hagi r
lbefor
eorhear
dst or
iesabouthi
m.
Hi
m andiarethesameperson
Dai
sy:ar
eyouser
ious?
Ol
ebi
le:yeahbuti
fanyt
hingbef
ri
endsf
ir
st
Dai
sy:(
sighed)weshal
lseer
rat
akemehome
Hechuckl
edshaki
nghi
sheadanddr
oveout
.

I
nMar
ina.
..

Thedoctorf
ini
shedwi
thGabonewhosighed
wait
ingonDuma.Heappearedbytheai
rventsand
l
ookedatherasshesl
owlyfel
lint
oadeepsleep.

Wearingabl
ackcowski nasaskirtwi
thnothi
ngon
topshemadewayi nt
otheri
veranddi
sappeared
i
ntotheheartofit
.Shesatonherbum downthere
asamal est
ructureappear
ed.
..

Gabone:Duma
Duma:ihaveamessagef
oryouandwhat
everyou
askmetodoiwil
ldoit
Gabone:i
mli
steni
ngDuma
Duma:ther
e'sawomanwhohasVi ct
ori
a,shewil
l
soonbemar r
iedt
oBosa'
sfat
herandshe'spl
anni
ng
t
oki
llher
Gabone:nooneget
stoki
llVi
ctor
iabutmeDuma
ki
llt
hatwoman
Duma:wecan'
t
Gabone:why?Si
ncewhendoyouf
ailt
odo
somethi
ng?
Duma:shewal
kswi t
haver yst
rongspi
ri
tthati
s
Bosa'
sdeadmotherthati
swhywecan'tgettoher
Gabone:howcanwegett
ohernow?
Duma:theonlyopti
onwehavenowi stodestr
oy
ever
yoneinthatf
ami l
yespeci
all
ythechi
ldr
en
Gabone:t
henwhatar
ewewai
ti
ngf
or?
Duma:al
liwant
edwasyourappr
oval
Gabone:youhavemyblessi
ngDuma,ifi
ttakes
dest
royi
ngalloft
hem t
ohaveVict
ori
abacki nmy
armsthenleti
tbe
Duma:yourwi
shi
smycommandmyqueen
Sheclosedhereyessmi l
ingasitsuckedonher
breast
s.Assoonasi tf
inished.Gabonemadeher
wayoutoftheriversmil
ing.

THATEVENI
NG

AtBoemo'
sPI
'
shouse.
..

Boemodrovehercari
ntot
heyar
dast
hegat
e
cl
osed.
..

Bai
sago:whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?
Boemo:iwantyout
oseesomet
hingl
ove
Bai
sago:ok

Theygotoffandheadedi
ntothehouseandst
rai
ght
tothesoundproof
edroom..
.
Bai
sago:Boemo
Boemo:yesiwasn'tlyi
ngwhenisaidim goi
ngto
ki
llt
hiswomanBaisago.Sheconfessedto
ever
ythi
ng,notent
irel
yever
ythi
ngbecauseim not
donewithher
Vi
ctor
ia:Bai
sagoyouareagoodmandon'
tlett
his
womancor r
uptyoupl
ease.Dot
heri
ghtt
hing
Boemo:cor
rupt?Reall
y?Babeiwouldn'
tdothi
sifi
di
dn'
thaveto.Thiswomanisthereasonyouspent
18year
sinprisonforsomet
hingyoudidn'
tdo
Vi
ctor
ia:no
Boemo:yourchi
ldgr
ewupwi
thnopar
ent
sal
l
becauseoft
hiswoman
Victor
ia:Baisagodon'
tli
stent
ohim pl easeshe'
s
j
ustmani pulati
ngyouintobel
ievi
ngt hatwhatshe'
s
doingisrightwhil
eit
'swrong(Baisagoswal l
owed)
Boemo:honeyshetookawayt hewomanyouloved
andwasreadytobuil
dahomewi t
h.Shetookaway
yourmarr
iage,
yes(Boingot
loappear
ed)
Vi
ctor
ia:yesmysi
steryouar
eher
epl
easehel
pme
(
BoemoandBai
sagof
rownedl
ooki
ngar
ound)
Boi
ngot
lo:noi
m her
etohel
pthem f
ini
shyou
Vict
ori
a:nomysi
steryoucan'
tdot
hist
omeil
oved
you
Boi
ngot
lo:soki
ll
ingmei
slovet
oyou?Youcal
lthat
l
ove?
Bai
sago:whoar
eyout
alki
ngt
o?
Vi
ctor
ia:idi
dn'
tmeanf
oryout
odi
e
Boi
ngotl
o:andyouabusedmysonontopofthat
youevi
lwit
ch(shesl
appedherasshescr
eamed)
Vi
ctor
ia:im sor
ryalliwant
edwasf
orhi
mtogr
ow
upasar esponsi
bleman
Boi
ngotl
o:bycaginghissoul
?NoVi
ctor
iat
hat
'snot
l
ove(sheslappedheragai
n)
Boemo:it
hinki
tsBoi
ngot
lol
ove(
smi
led)nowt
his
i
sfun
Vi
ctor
ia:Boi
ngot
loi
m sosor
ry
Boingot
lo:f
oryear
sicoul
dn'
tfi
ndmysonal
l
becauseofyou(sl
appedher
)youar
egoi
ngtodi
ea
ver
ypai
nfuldeat
handiwi
llbeher
ewat
chi
ngwi
tha
smil
eonmyf ace
Vi
ctor
ia:(
cryi
ng)i
m sor
ry

BoemoandBai sagolookedonasBoi
ngotl
o
steppedback.Theywait
edforafewminut
esf
or
anythi
ngtohappenbutnothing.
..

Boemo:hmm l
etmeguesst
hesi
steri
sangr
ynow
Vi
ctor
ia:pl
easef
orgi
veal
liwant
edwast
ochange
Baisago:change?Af teral
lthedamageyouhave
done?Hel lnothere'snoforgi
venessyouwillbe
getti
ngfrom usinf actmylovelet'
sgetoverand
donewi ththi
swi t
ch.Youar egoingtoli
vethispl
ace
acor psedoyouhearme! ?(Hesaidgrabbi
ngher
neck)
Victori
a:(
gaggedwhi
lecr
ying)i
m sosor
ry.Pl
ease
forgiveme
Bai
sago:whatdoyouneedmet
odot
ofi
nisht
his
wit
chlove?
Boemosmi l
edt
hrowi
nganover
allt
ohi
m ast
hey
changed.
..

Boemo:wear
egoi
ngtomakesur esheremembers
thi
smomentf
ort
herestofheret
ernall
if
e.Youhear
that
!?

Shesai
dgr
abbi
ngherchi
nwhi
leVi
ctor
iacr
ied.
..

Boemo:youcrychangeyetyouwant
edtoki
llmy
si
sterandherunbor
nbabytohellwi
tht
hatmanto
hel
l!

Bai
sagoshookhi
sheadwhi leheati
ngamet alrod
whi
leBoemoputongl ovesthathadspikesont hem
asVict
ori
acri
edlouderseeingwhatwascomi ng.
Meanwhil
eatBai
sago'shouse, ispl
ashedvomi ton
mypill
owandbecauseiwast ooweakt ogetup,i
spl
ashedanot
hervomi tasicoughedtryingtoreach
formyphonewhi l
ecalli
ngforOlebi
le.Iti
ppedmy
phoneasi tfel
ltothefl
oorwhileisplashedanother
vomit.Iwasoutofener gyanddecidedt orol
ldown
tothefloorandasi l
andedimessedmyunder wear
andvomi tedoncemor e.Myvisionstart
edgetti
ng
blur
rybutifoughttoopenmyphoneandgot omy
dial
ednumber sandpr essedthenumbericoul d
see..
.

At
amelang:l
ove?(Ij
ustgr
oaned)babear
eyouok?
(
Icont
inuedtogroanandvomit
ed)Bosa!
?
Pat
lo:what
'sgoi
ngon?
Bosa:I
m..
..
im.
..
(spl
ashedanothervomi
twi
th
anot
hermessinmyundies)dying
Atamelang:shi
t!Papacome,
it'
sBosai
tlooksl
ike
he'snotdoingwell
Pat
lo:what
!?Wher
e'shi
sfat
her
?
At
amel
ang:(
shout
edathi
m)papacome!

Hequi
ckl
ygr
abbedhi
scarkeysast
heygoti
nthe
carwhi
leAt
amel
angdi
all
edBai
sago.
..

Atamel
ang:hi
sphonei
sof
f(shet
ri
edBoemo)shi
t
herst
oo
Pat
lo:dammi
t!Tr
yOl
ebi
le

Hesai dchanginggearsandst eppedonthe

accelerat
or.AtLi
zzy'shouse,Letl
otl
osatinthe
studydoinghisassignmentasRavenandGi venr
an
i
nt ot
hest udywitht
heirbooks...

Gi
ven:Br
otherLTcanyou.
..
Letl
otl
o:(hi
tthedesk)canyouguyspleaseshutup!
Justforaminutesoicanfocusplease!
!

Theyfr
ozel
ooki
ngathim andswall
owedwi
tht
hei
r
l
ipscur
vedgoi
ngtothei
rrooms..
.
Let
lot
lo:andidar
eoneofyout
ocr
yyouwi
llknow
me!

Givenqui
cklywipedhi
stear
sasRavenl
ockedt
hei
r
bedroom door
..
.

Raven:don'
tcr
ypl
easedon'
tcr
y
Gi
ven:(
tryi
nghar
dtohol
diti
n)i
m scar
edRaven
Raven:i
t'
sgoi
ngt
obeokmybr
othercomeher
e

Theyhuggedwhi l
eLet l
otlofr
ustrat
edlyrubbedhis
headwi thnothi
ngmaki ngsense.AtTemo' shouse,
Reatlegil
ewhist
ledwhi lestandi
ngupf rom thetoi
let
seatasherhear tskippedtoabl oodstaininthe
toil
et.Sheslowl
yl ookeddownherl egsandsaw
bloodf l
owingdownasherhear tskippedabeatand
screamed. .
.

Reat
legi
le:Temo!
!
Hearinghiswi f
e'sscreaminghejumpedupnot
mindinghisstepandsl ippedhi
tti
ngt hefl
oorhar
d
wit
hhi shead.InSer oweBontsiquicklygotupas
l
ightningstr
ikedtheirwindowbreakingitas
Boit
shepowokeup. ..

Boitshepo:weareunderaspi
rit
ualat
tack.The
horsesareapproachi
ngther
e'sdustal
lover!My
familyisindanger
!

From outsi
deinthemi
dstofheavywindsandr
ain
thei
rteachershout
edr
unningtothei
rhut
..
.

Teacher:ever
yonestar
tpr
ayi
ngwear
eunderat
tack!
Pray!Fi
ght!Pray!Fi
ght
!

Sheshouteddodgi
ngast oneandranint
otheladi
es
hutwhil
einMochudiLamer antoDaisy'
sbedroom
whereshefoundhercr
yingwithbl
oodalloverher
sheet
s.
.
.
.
.
.
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
CAGED
84

Bontsiqui
ckl
yputonherar mourandt ookherbi
ble
whil
et het
eacherfixedwater.Boitshepoputonher
cl
othesaswel ltakingasmal lcontai
nerthathad
nt
supowderi nitandabowlofwat er.
..

Boi
tshepo:wi
thsomuchwindi
tsgoi
ngt
obehar
d
swi
tchingonthecandl
es
Bont
si:l
et'
sputt
hebaseont
hesi
deandbl
ockt
he
wi
ndf
rom t
hewi
ndowwi
thi
t
Teacher
:gr
eati
dea

Theyquickl
ydidsoandt
hensetever
ythi
ngupas
Bontsiswit
chedont
hecandl
esandopenedher
bi
ble..
.

Bontsi:inthenameofGod, t
hef ather,thesonand
theholyspi ri
ticomebef oreyout hisevening
prayingforpr otecti
onovert heDi ntsifamil
y.Ther e
arespirit
sagai nstthisf ami l
ybutt histimeLor d,t
his
momentLor disayenoughi senough!Thesear e
yourchi l
drenf athertheydon' tdeserveanyt hing
that'
shappeni ngt othem, i
t '
st i
met heybecame
happyj ustast heydeser veLor d.Ifir
ml ystand
againstallthespi ri
tstryingt odestroyt hei
rl i
vesi
saytheyhavenopl acei nt hisfamily'sli
ves!
Boit
shepo:t
heDintsif
oref
athersandNgaka
Marumoicallbefor
eyou,int
ervene,myfami
lyi
sin
dangerandimtheonlyonewhocansavet hem buti
can'
tdothatwit
houtyourhelp.Thesear
eyour
chi
ldrentheydon'tdeser veanyofthis.Ngaka
Marumoandmyancest or sihaveagreedtowhat
youhaveaskedofmeandnowi sthetimetoshow
yourgreatness.Showhowmuchyouval uemeas
muchasival ueyou,showmet hataccepti
ngmy
cal
li
ngwasr oadtomyf amilytohavet hel
if
et hey
havealwaysbeendest i
nedt ohave.Usemet osave
yourchil
dren!

Bontsiandtheteacherconti
nuedt ocalluponGod
whileBoit
shepofocusedonconsul t
ingwiththe
ancestor
s.Themor et heypr
ayedt heheavierthe
windsandr ai
nbecameasVi ctor
iaswal l
owed
l
ookingatBoemof i
xingherglovesmaki ngsure
theywereperfect
lyfi
ttedonherhands. .
.

Vi
ctor
ia:i
m beggingyoupl
easest
opit
.Thi
sisnot
wort
hit.Rat
hertakemebacktopri
son
Boemo:(
laughed)ar
eyoul
ist
eni
ngt
oherl
ove?
Bai
sago:(
scof
fedchecki
ngtherodhewasheat
ing)
mysonbeggedwithyoutostopever
yti
meyoubeat
him upbutyouneverdi
d.Todayim goi
ngtoshow
youandmakesur ethatyouf
eelexactl
ywhathefel
t
whenyoudi dal
lyoudidtohi
m
Vi
ctor
ia:(
sni
ff
ed)iknowiwaswr
ongandi
m..
.

Boemol andedahotsl
apacr
ossherfacewiththe
backofherhandandthespi
kesontheglovescut
Vict
ori
a'
sf acewhocri
edasbl
oodcameout ..
.

Vi
ctor
ia:i
m sor
ry
Boemo:sor ryisnotenoughandsor rywil
lneverbe
enough.Theonl ythi
ngthat'
sgoi ngt obeenoughi s
maki ngsur ethatyouar efi
nished, thatt
herei sno
mor eotherper sonwhoi sgoingtot err
ori
set his
fami l
yagain.(Sl appedheragainasshecr iedout
l
oud)ever ytimeyousawBosast ruggli
ngwi t
hsel f
esteem, yousawt hatboygetcl oseddeeperand
deeperint hepi tyouthrewhimi n.Youevi lwoman
ruinedani nnocentchi l
dallbecauseofj ealousyand
beinggreedy, youar egoingtobur ninhell
!(She
slappedheragai n)
Vict
ori
a:(
cryi
ng)pl
easest
op!Youar
erui
ningmy
face
Boemo:there'salotthatim stil
lgoi
ngtor uinbef
ore
makingsureyouar eoutofourl i
vesforgood.Have
youseenBoi ngotl
o'schild'
sback?Huh?Whenot her
boysgoi nt
ot hepoolshirtl
esshehast oputona
vestbecausehe'snotr eadytoansweral lthe
questi
onstheyar egoingt oaskhim andit'sal
l
becauseofyouVi ctori
a,it'
sallyourf
ault!

Shesai dgrabbingherneckasVi ctori

agaggedas
thespikesont heglovespier
cedt hroughherneck
withbloodslowl ydr
ippi
ngout.Shel etgoofheras
Victor
ialookedatherwi t
hallthebloodonher .
..

Vi
ctor
ia:youar
eevi
l
Boemo:il
ear
nfr
om t
hebest
Bai
sago:it
hinkt
hemet
alr
odi
shotenoughnow
Boemo:(
smil
ed)heart
hat
?Itoldyout
hatwheni
comewearegoingtot
akethi
ngsanotchhi
gher
Vi
ctor
ia:pl
easehavemer
cyonme
Boemo:youcanhavethatconversat
ionwi
tht
he
devi
lwhenyougettohell
.That'
sifhewil
lbewil
l
ing
toli
sten

ShesaidlaughingasthePIhelpedhert
akeoffher
gloveswhileBaisagoputonheatgl
ovesandtooka
chairasVictor
iaswall
owedadr yl
umplooki
ngat
him.

AtBai
sago'
shouse.
..

Patl
ohitthebrakesasAtamel
angquickl
ygotof
f
thecarandrangt hei
nter
com.Ther
ewasnoanswer
asshejustkeptringi
ngit
..
.

Pat
lo:babyyouar
eget
ti
ngwetnow
Atamelang:dadBosaisinther
eandt
her
e'snoone
don'
ttellmeabouttherai
nanddosomet
hing
pl
ease!

Asshesaidacarst
oppedbehi
ndPat
loasOl
ebi
le
pr
essedtheremot
eandopened.
..

At
amel
ang:aboutdamnt
ime

Shesai
drunni
ngi
ntot
heyar
dast
hemenf
oll
owed
her
..
.

Ol
ebi
le:what
'sgoi
ngon?
Atamel
ang:Bosacal
ledmeandicouldheart
hathe
wasvomiti
ngandhesaidhewasdying.Where
haveyoubeenandwherear
ehisparent
s
Ol
ebi
le:ist
eppedoutt
othemal
lbecause.
..

Thehousekeyssl
ippedof
fhi
shandast
hepower
cut
..
.
Ol
ebi
le:shi
t!Li
ghtyourphoneican'
tsee

At
amel
angdi
dast
heyf
oundt
hekeysandopened.
..

Olebil
e:idon'tknowwheret
heywent.Theyl
eftt
he
houset ogetherandwhenil
eftt
hehouseBosawas
ok..
.hol
ycr apBosa!?

At
amelangf
rozebythedoorwit
hherhandonher
mout
hasPatloqui
cklyhuggedher
..
.

Pat
lo:doeshehaveapul
se?
Ol
ebi
le:weneedt
otakehi
mtot
hehospi
tal
At
amel
ang:doesBosahaveapul
seOl
ebi
le?

Hejustkeptqui
etasAt
amel
angpushedherf
ather
away..
.
Pat
lo:At
amel
angbecar
eful
!

At
amelangcheckedt
hepul
sebutcoul
dn'
tfeela
t
hing.
..

At
amel
ang:papat
her
e'snot
hing
Pat
lo:Ol
ebi
lecanwegot
othehospi
talpl
ease
Ol
ebil
e:wecan'
ttakehi
m whi
lehe'
smessedupl
ike
t
hisweneedtocleanhi
m upf
irst
At
amel
ang:t
her
e'snot
ime
Patl
o:youknowwhatlet'
squickl
ytakeoffhi
s
clot
hesandcoverhi
m withasheet,whi
lewedothat
,
goandmakewar m waterAt
amelangandgethis
towelyouwil
lcl
eanhim uponourway
At
amel
ang:saynomor
e

Shesai
dgoi
ngi
ntot
hebat
hroom l
ight
ingwi
thher
phoneandpour edsomewat eri
nt hebucketand
tookhi stowel.Shealsotookt heboxofgl oves
whi l
eOl ebi
leandPat lofi
nishedwi thhim.They
wr appedhim wi thasheetasPat locar ef
ullyli
ft
ed
him upandr antothecarwi thAtamel angand
Olebilebehindhi m.Olebi
lelockedt hehouseand
closedt hegat emovinghiscaroutoft hewayand
goti nthepassangerseatasPat l
ospedof f.
Atamel angst art
edcleani
nghi m upwhi l
eOl ebi
le
tri
edt ocallBaisagoandBoemo. .
.

Ol
ebi
le:idon'
tunder
standwhyt
heyhavet
ohave
t
hei
rphonesoff!
Pat
lo:shi
t!

Hesaidswer
vingt
othesi
dealmosthi
tt
inganot
her
cart
hatcameathi
ghspeed.
..

At
amel
ang:youwantt
oki
llusnow?
Pat
lo:i
tcameoutofnowher
eAt
amel
ang
Atamelang:pl
easebecar ef
ul.Bosacanyoupl
ease
wakeupwest i
llneedyou.Youknowwehaveal ot
ofplanstoget
herpleasewakeupBosa.Youcan't
l
eavemel i
kethis.

Shesaidsni
ff
ingwhilewipi
nghim att
hesameti
me.
AtTemo'shouse,Reatl
egi
lecr
iedandfel
lonher
kneesaspai
nst r
uckherwaist
...

Reat
legi
le:baby!

Shecal
ledforhi
m cr
yingi
nthedar
knessand
deci
dedtocrawlout
..
.

Reat
legi
le:babywhereareyou!?Weneedt
ogot
o
t
hehospitalri
ghtnowplease!Ah!

Shescr
eamedfal
li
ngonherstomachasthepai
n
gotwor
se.Shef
oughtt
oreachthebedr
oom door
seeingnothingst i
ll
.Shecr awleddownt hepassage
cryi
ngandcal li
ngf orTemowhowasnot
responding.Groani ngandgr unti
ngshef oughtt
o
reachherphonebecausesheknewi twasont he
couchnotf arfrom t hedoorleadi
ngtot hepassage.
Shet ookitandlitonl yt
oseehermanl yinginapool
ofbloodasshecr iedoutloud...

Reat
legi
le:Temono!Wakeup!(
Shookhi
m)Temo
wakeup!

Inpainandwi thbloodalloverhershesnif
fedand
tookherphoneagai nandbi therlowerl
ipdiali
ng
Boemo.Herphonedi dn'
tgot hroughasshet r
ied
Baisagobutitwasn'tgoingthroughaswell.She
gruntedasanot herpai
nst r
uckheranddeci dedto
callOlebi
le.
..

At
amel
ang:i
sitt
hem?
Ol
ebi
le:noi
tsaunt
yRea.Aunt
y?
Reat
legi
le:Ol
ebi
lepl
easecomehel
pus!
Ol
ebi
le:i
sever
ythi
ngok?
Reatl
egil
e:noOlebil
eim bl
eedi
ngandTemohas
hurthi
mselfther
e'salotofbl
ood
Olebil
e:fl
ip!I
m onmywayt ot
hehospi
talwi
thMr
Kwenabutiwi l
lseewhatt
odoorcal
lyour
neighboursplease
Reat
legi
le:I
'
m..
.i
m..
.
Ol
ebi
le:aunt
y?

Allheheardwasalongheavysi
ghasthephone
sl
ippedoffReat
legi
le'
shandwhofel
lonher
husband'
sback..
.

Ol
ebi
le:aunt
yRea?Shi
tman!
Pat
lo:what
'sgoi
ngon?
Olebi
le:shesaysshe'
sbl
eedi
nganduncl
eTemo
hasbeenbadl yi
njur
ed
At
amel
ang:what
'shappeni
ng?
Olebi
le:ihonest
lydon'tknowl
etmecheckifisaved
thei
rneighbour'
sson'snumber,oht
hankGod( he
saiddial
inghim)
Guy:Ol
a
Olebi
le:broit
sOl
ebil
e,pl
easegotouncl
eTemo'
s
houset her
ehasbeenanaccident
Guy:what
!?Kanaihavebeenheari
ngsoundsandi
t
houghtit
'sj
ustmyimaginat
ionaker
egapeit
s
rai
ning
Ol
ebi
le:pl
easebequi
ck
Guy:sur
e(hungup)mabr
ingt
hecarar
oundt
her
e
hasbeenanacci
denti
nTemo'
shouse
Woman:what
!?I
sReat
legi
leok?
Guy:idon'
tknowj
ustcome!

Hesaidr
unningt
oTemo'shousewhilehismot
her
qui
ckl
ygrabbedt
hecarkeysandfoll
owedhim.
For
tunat
elyt
hefr
ontdoorwasnotlockedashe
openeditandswall
owedseeingt
hecoupl
elyi
ngi
n
thepoolofthei
rownblood.
..

Guy:hol
ymar
y,somuchbl
ood.

Ashesai
dhismotherpar
kedout
sideashequi
ckl
y
rant
othebedr
oom andgott
wosheets.
..

Woman:t
hisi
sbad
Guy:let
snowasteti
memom.Gospr eadthi
ssheet
onthebackseatandtheot
heront
hefrontseati
m
comingwit
hthem

Shedidashecarr
iedReatl
egil
eandlaidheronthe
backseat
.Hethencarr
iedaheavyTemoandl ai
d
hi
m onthefr
ontpassengerseataf
terdroppi
ngit
...

Guy:iwi
lldr
iveyouat
tendt
oRea
Woman:ok

Shegott wotowelsandclosedthedoorgett
ingi
n
thebackwithReawhi l
ehersont ookoffcal
li
ng
Olebil
e.Shepressedonet owelonTemo'shead
whileshecheckedReatlegil
e'
spulse.
..

Woman:shehasapul
sebutTemo'
sisver
yfai
nt
Guy:ok

Hesaidincr
easi
ngthespeedoft
hewipesandput
thecarli
ght
sonbri
ghtandhazar
dsheadingt
othe
hospit
al.

I
nMochudi
..
.

Lametr
iedt
ohelpacryi
ngDai
syof
fthebedbutshe
coul
dn'
tmoveherl
egs..
.
Dai
sy:ican'
tmovemyl
egsLame
Lame:whathappened?
Daisy:allifel
twasashar
ppai
nonmybackand
whenicheckedt hebedwascoveredwit
hbl
ood.I
can'taff
or dtodi
eLame.I
m st
il
lyoung
Lame:youar
enotgoi
ngt
odi
eDl
etmecal
luncl
e
Ledi
ba
Dai
sy:wil
lhegether
eont
ime?Wi
thsomuchr
ain
andwindsidoubt
Lame:whatdoyousuggestwedonowDbecause
there'
snothi
ngwecandobesi
descal
li
nghi
m.You
willenduplosi
ngal
otofbl
ood

Shesai
dtaki
ngherphonet
ocal
luncl
eLedi
babut
ther
ewasnonetwork.
..

Lame:nonet
wor
k
Dai
sy:i
m goi
ngt
odi
e,i
m dyi
ngLame
Shesaidbursti
ngint
otear
swhi l
eLameswal l
owed
tr
yingtot
hinkofwhattodo.Shesighedtaki
ng
Daisy'
swheelchai
randtherunxkeys.
..

Dai
sy:whatar
eyoudoi
ng?
Lame:wehavenoot heropt
ionDican'
tletyou
bleedl
iket
hisandyouknowt hemedi
calrescue
carsal
waystaketi
met oarr
ivesowehavet odr
ive
oursel
ves
Dai
sy:youdon'
tknowhowt
odr
ivet
hough
Lame:Godwil
lcomethroughformewhatiknowi
s
thatwear
egoingt
oarri
veatthehospi
talandi
m
goingt
oneedyoutohavefait
handhel
pme
Dai
sy:(
swal
lowed)ok
Lame:inacountoft
hreeiwantyout
otr
yandl
if
t
yourbodyupiwil
lsuppor
titok
Dai
sy:yes
Lame:123,
go!
Dai
syswallowedherli
psandl
if
tedherbodyupas
Lamebitherlowerl
i
pandsupport
edherontothe
wheel
chair
...

Lame:goodj
obcome.

Shesai dpushingheroutwher eitwasr ai

ningcat
s
anddogsandopenedt hef rontpassengerdoor.
Theydi dthesamet hi
ngasshecl osedthedoorand
closedthewheel chairputti
ngint hebackandranto
thedriver
'sseat.Shesi ghedput t
ingonaseatbelt
andputt hekeyint heigniti
on..
.

Lame:Jesust akethewheel
.Iknownot
hingabouta
carbutibel
ievethatwearegoingt
oarr
iveatthe
cl
ini
cforDaisyt ogethel
p.Amen.Sowhatshoul
di
do?
Dai
sy:t
hepadinthemiddl
earethebreaksandthe
oneonyourr
ighti
stheaccel
erat
or.Tur
nthekey,
putontheli
ghtsandrunt
hewipes(shesaid
showingher)anddr
opthehandbreakthenmove
thegeart
odr i
ve

Lamesi
ghedanddi
dasdi
rect
edast
hecarsl
owl
y
moved.
..

Daisy:st
epontheaccel
erat
orbutnott
oomuch.
Don'tpani
cjustf
ocusonmakingsurethatt
hecari
s
st
raight
Lame:ok

Shedidastoldwhi l
eDaisysoftlygr
untedasshe
gotmoreuncomf ortabl
e.Sheputont hehazar
dsas
Lameusedt hedirtr
oadgoi ngtotheclini
c.
Meanwhileunderthewat erinthedam Dumaand
Gabonelaughedseei ngeveryt
hingthatwas
happeni
ng..
.

Gabone:onet
hingt
heyshoul
dn'
thavedonewast
o
st
ayi
nthei
rlane.Noneoft
hiswoul
dbe.
..

AsshesaidDumastart
edcoughi
nghol
dinghi
s
neckasshefr
ownedlooki
ngathi
m..
.

Gabone:ar
eyouok?
Duma:theyar
efi
ght
ingbackandt
hespi
ri
tsar
e
st
ronger
Gabone:Dumaf
ight
!
Duma:I
'
mtr
ying

Hesai dcoughingashestartedt ofeelaburni

ng
sensationinsi
deofhim.Lightningstruckthemiddle
ofthedam andanear bytreeasi tbrokeandfelli
n
thewat erasGabonegaspedopeni nghereyeson
herhospi t
albed.Sheheardal otofvoices
screami ngasshecoveredherear swi t
hherheart
racing.
..
Gabone:nonothiscan'
tbehappeni
ng.Dumayou
can'
tleavemenow!Ineedyou,weneedtofi
nish
whatwest ar
ted

Apainstr
uckherheadasshegruntedandf
eltl
iqui
d
runni
ngdownhernose.Shecheckedwhati
twasas
herhear
tracedmoreseei
ngblood.
..

Gabone:nur
se!Doct
or!

AtLi
zzy'
shouse.
..

Let
lot
lohi
tthedeskfr
ustr
atedofhowhecoul
dn't
makesenseoutofanythi
nghewaslooki
ngat
...

Let
lot
lo:butiknowt
heset
hingsdammi
t!

Hesai
dst
andi
ngupandsi
ghedpaci
ngar
oundt
he
study.Hestoppedshakinghi
sheadandleanedon
thedeskwhileupst
airsRavenswall
owedandletgo
ofherbrot
herwhost oppedcryi
ng.
..

Gi
ven:wher
ear
eyougoi
ng?
Raven:i
m goi
ngt
otal
ktobr
otherLT
Gi
ven:nohe'
sangr
ywhati
fhehur
tsyou?
Raven:hehasnor i
ghttospeakt
oust hewayhedid.
Allwewantedfrom hi
m washelpnothi
ngmor ebut
nohehadt oshoutatus.Ourmotherhasnever
rai
sedhervoi
ceatusunl esswedidsomethi
ng
wrong
Gi
ven:Ravennopl
ease
Raven:noGi
veni
m goi
ngt
otal
ktohi
m

Shesaidunlocki
ngt hebedr
oom doorand
swall
owedgoi ngdownwhi l
eanervousGiven
sl
owlyfol
lowedher .Sheknockedonthedooras
Let
lot
lofr
ownedt urningtoi
t.
..
Letl
otl
o:comei n(
sheopenedandstoodther
ewith
herarmsfolded)whatdoyouwantRaven?Didn'
ti
askyoutogot oyourroom?
Raven:youoweusanapol
ogy
Let
lot
lo:f
orwhat
?
Raven:shout
ingatus
Let
lot
lo:soyouwantmet
oletyout
wol
it
tl
e..
.

Hestoppedswall
owingashelockedeyeswith
Gi
venwhol ookednervousashestoodbehi
ndhis
si
ster
..
.

Raven:youseewhatyouhavedone?Unl ikeme
Giveni ssoftandyouknowt hathehasahear t
problem whati fhest
artsgett
ingsickandt heni
l
osehi m?Doyouwantmet oloseeveryoneicare
about ?Ithoughtyoulovedus,youpr omisedmom
thatyouwi llt
akecareofusandmakesur ewegot o
sleepwi t
hsmi lesonourfacesbutnowyouwantus
tosl
eepwitht
ear
sonourf
aces?Whydi
dyoul
iet
o
ourmother
?
Letl
otl
o:(swal l
owedagai n)imreallysor r
yidon'
t
knowwhatgoti ntome.Tr ustmeicar eaboutyou
twoandiwi llalwaysmakesur et hatyouar ehappy.
Imeantwhatipr omisedyourmom andi m goi
ngto
makesur eiliveuptot hatpromise.Gi vencome
here(hejuststoodbehi ndhissister)iknowyouar e
scaredbutyoucant rustmemyboy
Raven:gohewon'
thur
tyou

Aner
vousGivenswal
lowedandsl
owl
ymadeway
t
oLetl
otl
oashesquatted.
..

Letl
otl
o:i
m sorr
yokmyboy, brotherLTlovesyou
somuchandhewi llal
waysmakesur ethathi
s
favor
it
eli
tt
lebrot
heri ssafe.Ipromiseyoumyboy
whathappenedwillneverhappenagai n,samegoes
toyoutooRaven.Iloveyouguyssomuchandi
wantthebestandonl ythebestf oryouok
Raven:doyoumeani
t?
Let
lot
lo:f
rom t
hebot
tom ofmyhear
tyes
Gi
ven:icant
rustyouagai
n?
Let
lot
lo:yes.Tel
lyouwhat ,
wor
kcanwai
twear
e
goi
ngt ohaveicecream now
Raven:butweshoul
dgot
obednow
Let
lot
lo:t
odaywear
egoi
ngt
osl
eepl
ate
Raven:whataboutschool
?
Letl
otlo:youwil
lgot
oschoolt
hedayaft
er
tomor r
owiwillt
alkt
oyourt
eacher
sthenteachyou
from home
Gi
ven:(
smi
led)ar
eyouser
ious?
Letl
otl
o:yesbutknowthatt
hisi
sjustf
ortoday
becauseiwanttomakeitupforshout
ingatyou.I
t
doesn'
tmeani twi
llal
wayshappen
Raven:asl
ongaswedon'
tmi
sst
omor
row'
stopi
cs
i
m ok
Let
lotl
o:yesma'
am nowgof
ixt
hei
cecr
eam i
m
coming
Gi
ven:yeay

Hesmi l
edleadi
ngt hewayoutwhil
eRavensquint
hereyesatLetl
otl
oandsmi ledf
oll
owi
ngherbrother
.
Letl
otl
osighedlookingup.
..

Let
lotl
o:i
m sosor
ryf
ort
hatmamaLi
zitwi
llnever
happenagain.

Hesaidgoi
ngbackt
othedocument
shewas
worki
ngonandsmil
edseei
ngwhathewas
missi
ng.
..

Let
lot
lo:iknewt
hatiknowthesethi
ngs.Li
kehow
caniforgett
hemostsimpl
estthi
ngever

Hef
ini
shedupast
het
winscal
ledhi
m andhej
oined
t
hem.
Att
heHospi
tal
..
.

Atamelangpacedaroundasshewaitedont
he
bencheswithherf
atherwhi
leOlebi
lewentt
othe
si
deTemo' snei
ghbourswere.
..

Pat
lo:nanasi
tdown
Atamelang:quest
ioniswhat'sgoingondad, isther
e
aspiri
tualat
tackgoingon?Imeanhowcanbad
thi
ngshappent oeveryone?Daisyisattheclini
c,
auntyReaanduncl eTar ei
nhospi t
alaswellas
Bosaandaunt yBanduncl eBaiarenotpickingup
thei
rphones.Aretheyokwher evertheyare?
Patl
o:wedon'
tknowwhat'
sgoingonbutwewil
l
soonandever
yoneisgoi
ngtobeokmyl ove
Atamelang:but
..
.(
shest
oppedasat
houghtcr
ossed
hermind)
Pat
lo:ar
eyouok?
Atamelang:(
cli
ckedhert
ongue)whydi
dinott
hink
ofhim bef
ore.HerPI
Pat
lo:what
?
At
amel
ang:aunt
yBoemo'
sPIdad

Shequickl
ytookoutherphoneanddial
edhim.
Vi
ctor
iascreamedasBaisagoburnther7t
hfinger
wit
hthehotmet alr
od.
..

Bai
sago:t
hesef
inger
shaver
uinedal
otofl
ives
Vi
ctor
ia:youar
egoi
ngt
obur
ninhel
l!
Man:myphone
Boemo:whoi
sit
?
Man:At
amel
ang
Boemo:answerher
Man:hel
lo?
Atamelang:doyouperhapsknowwhereaunty
Boemoanduncl eBaisagoare?Weareatthe
hospi
talBosaisnotokhe'switht
hedoctornow
Man:whi
chone?(
Shet
oldhi
m)okiwi
lll
ett
hem
know(
hehungup)
Boemo:and?
Man:i
t'
sBosahe'
snotdoi
ngwel
landt
heyar
eat
t
hehospit
al
Bot
h:what
!?(
Vict
ori
asmi
led)
Man:yesshehasbeent
ryi
ngt
ogethol
dofyou
Baisago:whathaveyoudone,
whyar
eyousmi
li
ng
l
ikethat?
Vict
ori
a:(
withbloodalloverher
)it
oldyout
hatyou
canneverhurtapersonlikemeandthi
nk
ever
ythi
ngofyour swil
lbeok

Shespitbl
oodonhisfaceandevi
llaughedas
Baisagotr
iedt
oat
tackherbutBoemohel dhi
m
back..
.

Bai
sago:l
etmef
ini
shof
fthi
swi
tch!
Boemo:yoursonneedsyoulovet
aket
hecarand
goiwi
lltakecar
eofVict
ori
a
Baisagoswall
owedbreathi
ngheavi
lyandcl
icked
histonguechangingi
ntohi
sclot
hesandtookthe
carkeysleavi
ng..
.

Boemo:itmakesnodif
fer
encenomat t
erwhat
happensim goi
ngt
omakesur et
hatyouaredead
by12am.Myguydi dyoufi
xthegrave?
Man:l
ongdi
d
Boemo:(
smi
led)t
imet
otakeami
nir
oadt
ri
ptoyour
l
asthomemylove

Vict
ori
aswallowedwithherheartr
aci
ngast hePI
putaducttapeoverhermouthandpushedherout.
Theyputherinthebackofhisvanandlockedit
whil
etheygotinthefr
ontanddroveoff.

I
nMochudi
..
.
Thenursefi
nishedst
it
chi
ngDai
syupasOmphi
le
openedthedoor..
.

Nur
se:whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?
Omphile:iknowherandshet
oldmewhat
happened
Nur
se:ohok
Omphi
le:howbadwasi
t?
Nurse:everyt
hingi
sokwej ustl
uckyshedi
dn'
tlose
alotofblood.Theygother
eont i
me
Omphi l
e:t
hat'
sarel
ief
.Im shockedthoughbecause
whenicheckedherupearli
ershewasokand
showinggreatsi
gnsofheali
ng.Didyouhurt
your
selfwit
hanythi
ng?
Lame:factisreal
oiwarr
a(wearebewi
tched)it
oo
washappywhenshet ol
dmethatshewasdoing
muchbet t
erandievensawthewoundmyselfwhen
ihel
pedhert obat
h
Omphi
le:anywayi
m gl
adi
fyouar
eokyour
eal
ly
hadmewor ri
ed
Dai
sy:(
smi
led)ihavesur
vivedwor
se
Omphil
e:(
smil
ed)ar
eyouguysokorshoul
didr
ive
youbackhome?
Lame:pl
easedr
iveusback.Wetookar
iskbecause
iknewhowambulancest
aketi
me
Omphi
le:ohoknopr
obl
em
Dai
sy:howar
eyougoi
ngt
ogobackt
oyourhouse
now?
Omphi
le:iwil
lcal
lmybr
othert
ocomegetmycar
t
hencomef orme
Dai
sy:ohokt
hen
Nur
se:pl
easebecar
efulok
Dai
sy:iwi
ll
.Thankyousomuch
Nur
se:anyt
ime

Theyhelpedherontothewheel chairandintothe
carthentookoffastherai
nandwi ndssubsideda
l
itt
le.Backatt
hehospi t
alBaisagorandownt he
passageandfoundAt amelangwi t
hPat l
o...
Bai
sago:pl
easet
ellmet
hatmysoni
sok
Patl
o:t
hedoct
ori
sstil
lwi
thhi
m buthonest
ly
speaki
ngi
twasn'
tgood
At
amel
ang:andwhyar
eyouguy'
sphonesof
f?
Bai
sago:wewer
est
il
lbusywi
thsomet
hing
Atamelang:nomatt
erhowbusyyouareal
ways
keepyourphoneon.Aunt
yReatl
egi
leanduncl
e
Temoar ehereaswell
Bai
sago:(
frowned)what
?
Atamelang:andLamecal
ledOlebi
letel
li
nghi
mthat
Daisyisatthecl
ini
caswellherwoundwas
bl
essing
Bai
sago:uhu
At
amel
ang:soit
hinkt
hiswasaspi
ri
tualat
tack
Bai
sago:yohar
etheyok?
Atamel
ang:Ol
ebil
ewilll
etusknow(
thedoct
or
cameoutandsighed)
Bai
sago:doct
ori
sBosaok?
Dr
:andyouar
e?
Pat
lo:i
t'
shi
sfat
her
Dr:ohok.Wehavemanagedtobri
nghim backto
l
if
ebuthe'ssti
lli
nani
nducedcomabecausehe
washonestl
ydeadwhenyoubroughthi
m here
Bai
sago:(
swal
lowed)whathappened?
Pat
lo:hewasj
ustvomi
ti
ng
Dr:yeshisi
mmunesystem i
sst
il
lget
ti
ngusedt
o
t
hepi l
lssohewasver
yweak
Bai
sago:hewasokwhenil
eftt
hehouset
hough
Dr:thi
ngscanchangeanyt i
mewhenyouar enew
ont hi
smedicat
ion.Itwi
llt
akehi
mt imetogetused
toitshoul
dhesur vi
vebutdon'
tlosehope
At
amelang:asl
ongashi
shear
tisst
il
lbeat
ingwe
wi
llbeashopef
ulaswecan
Dr
:thankyou.Youmaygohomeyouwi
llcomesee
hi
mt omorr
ow
At
amel
ang:can'
twej
ustl
ookt
hrought
hegl
ass?
Dr
:nopr
obl
em.Haveagoodeveni
ng

Helef
tastheylookedt hr
oughtheglassandtherei
wasconnectedtoallthemachines.Atamel
ang
si
ghedandbl i
nkedblockinghertear
sasOlebil
e
came.
..

Ol
ebi
le:uncl
eBai
Bai
sago:ohhi
,howar
etheydoi
ng?
Olebi
le:uncl
eTemofellandhur
thisheadsohis
brai
nisswelli
ngbutt
hedoctorsaysitwi
llcome
down
Bai
sago:andRea?
Olebi
le:shei
sok.Sti
llsedatedt
houghbecauseher
bodyhasbeenstressedal ot
At
amel
ang:wai
t,i
sthebabyok?
Olebi
le:yest
hebabyi
sal
sof
ine(
theyal
lsi
ghedout
ofrel
ief)
At
amel
ang:t
hankGod.Sowhencanweseet
hem?
Ol
ebi
le:t
omor
row.Howi
sBosa?
Bai
sago:t
heysayhewi
llbef
ineaswel
lwewi
llsee
hi
mt omor
rowtoo
Olebi
le:ohok.I
m goi
ngtogetmycart
hengot
o
uncleT'shouseandcl
eanup
Bai
sago:nopr
obl
em t
hankt
henei
ghbour
sforus
pl
ease
Ol
ebi
le:idi
d.Seeyouguyst
omor
row
At
amel
ang:bye(
hel
eft
)
Pat
lo:wher
e'syourwi
fe?
Bai
sago:il
eftherwher
ewewer
e.Shewi
llcome
homelater
Patl
o:ohok.Shoul
dwecomesl eepoverpl
us
Bosa'
sroom needstobecl
eaned
Bai
sago:icanuseabi
tofcompanyyes
Pat
lo:okt
hennopr
obl
em

Theygoti
nthei
rcar
sandf
oll
owedoneanot
herout
.
Meanwhi l
einMarinafourdoct
or'sassist
ant
sheld
downaf ight
ingGaboneasonei nject
edherwit
ha
sedat
ive.Afewsecondsi nandshepassedout..
.

Dr:sheneedst
ogof oramentalassessmentt
he
t
hingsshekeptsayi
ngjustdon'
tmakesense

Theyshookthei
rheadsandl
eftwhil
eint
hemi ddl
e
ofnowhereBoemohummedpushi nganervous
Vict
ori
atoher"gr
ave".
..

Boemo:ihopeyousaidyourlastpr
ayersbecause
thi
siswherewesayitisdone."Gowe-di-
tswe"

Shesai
dpushi
ngheri
nsi
det
hehol
eandshecr
ied
hur
ti
ngher
self
..
.

Vict
ori
a:(
cryi
ng)Boemoplease,
whatwil
lyousayt
o
ever
yoneoncetheylear
nwhatyouhavedone?
Theyar
egoi
ngt
ofi
ndoutonewayoranot
her
Boemo:(pouri
ngpetroloverher)theyar egoingt
o
fi
ndoutbecauseim goingtot el
lthem tomorrow.
Whattheydowi t
hmei t'suptothem, idon'tmind
goingt
oprisonorwhat everigetslappedwi t
has
l
ongasyouar eoutofourl i
vesf orgood.
Vi
ctor
ia:wi
tchesneverdi
etheymul
ti
ply
Boi
ngot
lo:wel
lforyou,
youar
egoi
ngt
odi
e
Vi
ctor
ia:Boi
ngot
lopl
easehel
pme
Boi
ngot
lo:yourt
imehascomeVi
ctor
iaDi
ntsi
Boemo:goodbyeVi
ctor
iaDi
ntsi

Shesaidthrowingamat chsti
ckinasVi ct
oria
screamedwi t
hherwhol ebodycatchingf i
re.Boemo
sniff
edandsighedwhi l
elooki
ngatVi ctori
a'sbody
burntoit
slastfibr
e.I
nSer oweBoitshepobur sti
nto
aloudcrywhi l
eBontsibreat
hedheavi l
ycat ching
herbreat
h..
.
Teacher:i
tiswel
lMmant
wayouhavef
oughta
goodfight
Boi
tshepo:(
cryi
ng)butil
etmyownsi
sterdi
e
Teacher
:itwasei
therherort
her
estoft
hef
ami
l
y.
Youdidwell
Bont
si:yesandi
m pr
oudofyou

Theysai
dhuggingal
oudlycr
yingBoi
tshepoasit
complet
elyst
oppedr
aini
ngandthewindsstoppi
ng.

AMONTHLATER
.
.
.
.
.
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
CAGED
 85

Att
heMai
ket
so'
s.
..

Wi t
hMl i
ndot heVocal i
st'
sEmakhayapl ayingfrom
thest r
etcht enterect
edi ntheyar dtheladiesin
mat chingbluel et
eisiskir
ts,whiteshirt
sand
blouses, bl
uebl anket
spi nnedovert heirshoulder
s
andmat chingheadwr apsululatedasDai sy,Lame
andAt amel anggotof fthecart hatdroppedt hem
offandmadet heirwayint hehouse.Wi t
hmat chi
ng
haistyl
esandt heirdr
essesont heirhands, t
hey
greetedt heladieswhom wer ebeingser vedwithtea
andscones. ..

Bot
ho:ihopeyouguysdi
dn'
tfor
getat
hing
Dai
sy:notatal
launt
y
Bot
ho:wher
ear
eLet
lot
lo'
ssi
bli
ngs?
Lame:wewi
llmeetupwi
tht
hem att
hevenueaker
e
ronawehavet ocomeandhaveourmakeupdone
here.Theywi
llbecomi
ngwiththehousehel
per
Botho:okthengogetr
eadymygi
rl
syour
eal
lyl
ook
beauti
ful
Al
l:(
chuckl
ed)t
hankyouma

Arur
ilebol
eletsemal
ome, arur
ilebol
elet
se
malomegoredi
tlogol
odianyalwa,arur
i.
..

Themenandwomeni nt
hefir
eplacelaughed
si
ngingoutl
oudasbigpotssatonthefir
ewith
ever
ythi
ngnicecooki
ngi
nsideofthem..
.

Lady:t
here'
snothi
ngthatmakesmehappythan
prepar
ingfoodf
oraweddingandim gl
adt
heydid
notgotothosecat
eri
ngpeople
Man:t
her
e'snot
hingt
hatbeat
sfoodcookedwi
th
hi
re
Lady:mosi
nyanar
ra(
theyal
llaughed)
Lady:ihonest
lycan'
twaitt
oseehowthosegir
ls
l
ooklike.Kanatheyhaveal
waysbeenunsepar
able
fr
om ayoungage
Man:yeahneh.Theonl
yti
metheysepar
atedwas
whentheel
destwentover
seas
Lady:andt
heyneverl
ethavi
ngmoneygeti
nthei
r
heads
Lady:MmaMai
ket
sodi
dwel
lwi
thherchi
ldr
en
shame
Ledi
ba:iseeever
yoneishavi
ngagoodti
me.Her
e's
somethi
ngtokeepyouallgoi
ngbutmakesur
e
ever
ythi
ngisdoneperf
ectl
yok
Man:ohyessi
r

Hesai dsmi l
ingandt ookthe25li
tr
ewi neboxesas
theladiesululat
edwi tht
hesingi
nggoinghigher.I
n
thehouseReat l
egil
esmi l
edcomingoutofher
bathroom massagi ngher4mont hsoldbabybump.
Shesi ghedandt ookherseatasherauntmadeher
wayoutaf tergivi
nghert eaandscones..
.
Reat
legi
le:pl
easecal
lBoemof
orme
Lady:yesshewasst
il
lbat
hing
Reat
legi
le:ok

Theauntlef
tasshetookabit
ef r
om thesconeand
si
ppedteawithasmileonherfaceheari
ngallt
he
j
oyfulnoi
sesout
side.
..

Reatlegil
e:wehavemadei tmybabyandi m glad
youhavesur vi
vedallthestor
msandist i
llpr
aythat
yousur vi
vet hem unti
ltheendoftime.Your
str
engt hishonestlywhatkeepsmeandyourf at
her
going.Wehavebecomeevenst rongerthepast
mont hbecausewewantwhat '
sbestforyouandi
wantyout oknowt hatwewi l
lal
wayspr otectyou
fr
om anyt hingok(shesaidmassagi ngitagain)
Boemo:andiwi
lldoanyt
hingf
oryouandmy
nephew
Reat
legi
le:(
smi
led)heysi
s
Boemo:howar eyoufeel
ingbabes,
wai
tseicoul
dn'
t
sl
eepatalll
astnight
Reat
legi
le:isl
eptl
ikeababy
Boemo:goodf
oryounnammaiwasanxi
ousabout
today
Reat
legi
le:don'
twor
rysi
sever
ythi
ngi
sgoi
ngt
ogo
smooth
Boemo:withyousayi
ngsoi
m cer
tai
nthati
tindeed
wil
l(shesatdown)
Reat
legi
le:yesl
ala.Iwant
edust
ohaveapr
ivat
e
chat
Boemo:okl
ove
Reatl
egil
e:iwantustopromiseoneanothert
hatno
matterwhatwewi l
lneverabandonmom now
becausewet hi
nkwear emarriedwomenmore
especial
lyourni
eceB
Boemo:( si
ghed)yesReathiswomanisthereason
weareher etoday.Wearethewomenwear e
becauseshewasandweoweheral lourli
ves.For
ournieceireal
lywishourbrot
herwassti
llal
ivet
o
seehisli
tt
lesi
ster
sgett
ingmarri
ed(t
heytear
ful
ly
chuckl
ed)irememberhowweal waysimagi
ned
oursel
vesgett
ingmarr
iedonthesameday
Reatlegi
le:(l
aughed)andherewearesi
s.The
universewashonest l
yli
steni
ng.Mayourbrot
her
's
soulcontinuetorestibetyouhe'
ssmil
ingdownon
usandi shavingapar t
ythere
Boemo:iswearyourbrot
herforcedever
yonet
o
cel
ebr
atewit
hhim( theyl
aughed)iloveyouso
muchsisandGodbl essyourunion
Reatl
egi
le:il
oveyoumorebi
gsis.Godcont
inue
i
ncreasi
ngyouimeanyouaregetti
ngmarri
edto
yourl
ongt i
mecrush(
theyl
aughed)
Boemo:ohyes.Haveyouspokent
othemakeup
cr
ew?Iheardthegir
lsl
aughi
ngintheot
herr
oom
Reatl
egi
le:yesshewi
llbeher
eanyt
imef
rom now(
a
knockcamet hr
ough)
Bobo:l
adi
es
Bot
h:(screamedinexci
tement
)yeayf
inal
lywewer
e
j
usttal
kingaboutyou
Bobo:(
smiled)i
m at
imekeeper.Thi
sismypar t
ner
whowillbeworki
ngonyouMr sKgosidi
ntsit
obe
Boemo:okni
cemeet
ingyoul
ove(
theyhugged)
Bobo:theother3wil
lbeworki
ngonthegir
lsi
nthe
otherroom andt
rustmetheyareasgoodasiso
restassur
ed
Reat
legi
le:iknowyouwor
kwi
thonl
ythebestmy
l
ovelet'
sgetstar
ted
Bobo:yespl
ease(
theyst
art
edset
ti
ngup)
Reat
legi
le:hasBoi
tshepospokent
oyou?
Boemo:yeahwewi
llmeetatt
hevenue
Reat
legi
le:ohok.Ar
etheyal
lcomi
ng?
Boemo:idi
dn'
twanttoaskmuchaboutthatone.
Weinvi
tedt
hem allsoi
twi
llbeuptothem i
ftheyal
l
comeoronlyonecomesiwillbef
inewit
hanythi
ng
Reat
legi
le:yeahhey

Theysmi l
edasBoboandhert
eam st
art
edwi
th
thei
rfaces.
AtPat
lo'
shouse.
..

Temocamedownwher
ePat
lof
ini
shedwi
tht
he
food.
..

Pat
lo:boysbr
eakf
asti
sready!
Let
lot
lo:okuncl
ePwewi
llbedownshor
tl
y
Pat
lo:boysl
et'
seat
Bai
sago:ammedi
ajegat
ota(
aret
heyedi
ble)(
they
l
aughed)
Patlo:Temocanyoupl
easet
ellyourbr
othert
ost
op
teasingme
Temo:what'
sli
fewithoutabitoff
unnymoments
plusyouar
etheonlybachelorher
esowehaveall
theri
ghtst
oteaseyouhoweverwewant(they
l
aughed)
Pat
lo:hopef
ull
yoneoft
hegooddayst
heLor
dshal
l
bl
essme
Bai
sago:hopei
sver
yimpor
tantmyguy
Pat
lo:soyouguysget
ti
nghi
tchedneh
Temo:yepandishoul dsayihaveneverbeent
his
happyinmyent ir
eli
fe.Mymom mi ghtbenomore
butim gr
atefulf
oral
lthepeopl
earoundmenow.I t
s
al
lthatmatters
Bai
sago:yeahheyaf
teral
lever
ythi
ngcamedownt
o
whati
tisnow
Patlo:imi ghtbeadi vor ceebutineedyouguyst o
under standt hatmar riagel if
eisnotawal kinthe
parkbutasmuchi t'
sl iket hati
ttakesbot hparti
es
tomakei tlookandf eel easy.Loveyourwomen
banna, makesur eyourwomandoesn' tgot obed
sulkingandever ythingyouhavebeendoi ngwhi l
e
ont hedat ingphaseshoul dn'tstopbecauseofa
met albandwi thaf ewdi amondsno, keepgoingto
thosedat es, thosetripsandal lbecauset hatway
youwi l
lhaveahappyhome.Bedr oom lif
emyboys
bedr oom life(theychuckl ed)from nowonwar ds
youi ntr
oduceanewsexposi ti
ont oyourwi fe
everytimeandwenaTemot here'
snot hi
ngamazi ng
l
ikehavingsexwi t
hyourpregnantwife(they
l
aughed)onaser i
ousnotethough,
aheal thysex
l
ifest
yleisanotherwayofmakingsureyouhavea
happyhome.WenaBai sagoyourwifeseemst obe
naughtysothose50shadesofgr eythingsbuddy
i
nside(theylaughed)
Bai
sago:yessi
r
Patl
o:good.Andagai nli
stent oyourwomenguys,
i
m notsayinglett
hem wal koveryouguysbutwhen
youguyshaveadi sagreementsi tdowntalkand
l
ist
ent ooneanotheryouseehowhappyyourhome
wil
lbe.OurFri
dayni ght
sout ingssti
llst
andsmy
guyswear enotgoingtoletaweddi ngbandgetin
betweenofourfri
endship( t
heylaughed)
Temo:ihavehadaconversat
ionaboutt
hatwi t
hmy
wif
eandshewasl i
keofcoursebecauseim not
goi
ngtochangemyThur sdayout
ingsschedule
wit
htheladi
es(t
heylaughed)
Bai
sago:t
hat'swhatBoemosaidt oo.Ourschedul
es
ar
enevergoingtochange.Thursdayisfort
he
women,Fri
daysforus,Sat
urdaysallourfamil
ies
meetandSundaysar
eforchur
ch
Patl
o:yougott
hatr
ightbuddy.Congr
adul
ati
ons
oncemoremyboys
Al
l:(
cli
ckedt
hei
rteacups)t
hankyoubuddy
Temo:haveyouspokent
oBont
sieversi
ncet
he
di
vor
cegotfinal
ised?
Patl
o:wespokeforthef
ir
stt
imeeversi
ncethen
yest
erday.Iwasaski
ngheri
fshewil
lbecomingto
thewedding
Bai
sago:and?
Patl
o:shewi
llbecomingwi
thBoit
shepoi
sn'
tthei
r
husbandwenttoGer
manyforafewweeks
Baisago:ohokt
hatwi
llmakeeveryt
hingal
it
tl
e
bearabl
eiwaswonder
inghowt hi
ngsweregoingt
o
be

Theyl
aughedeatingwhi
leupstai
rst
heguys
l
aughedasifi
nishedbat
hing.
..
Bosa:it
houghtuncl
ePcal
ledyouguysdownf
or
food
Thori
so:yeahweheardwewi l
lgojustnow.We
werewaiti
ngforyoutofini
shandagai nwewer
e
havi
ngani nt
erest
ingconversat
ion
Bosa:ihear
dandwenaThori
soandLTyoul
ove
teasi
ngOlebi
leyouknow.
Olebi
le:pl
easet
ellt
hem Bosai
m ol
dert
hant
hem
kana
Bosa:
andagainyouarest
il
lbui
ldi
ngyourempi
re.
Bei
nginarel
ati
onshi
pisalotofwork
Ol
ebi
le:t
hankyou
Letl
otl
o:yeahiknewhewil
lspeakforyou.Hehasa
gir
lf
ri
endwhi l
eyouarest
il
lsi
ngleOlebi
lewakeup
(wealll
aughed)
Let
lot
lo:andhonestl
yspeaki
ngasf orThori
soand
Lameit houghti
twasajokeineverthoughti
twoul
d
comet hisfar
Thori
so:im al
overt
lhebannagapeLamei
sago
get
terthat
'swhatil
ovemostabouther
.Whenshe
setshermindonsomet
hingshemakessur
eshe
achievesi
t.
Olebi
le:exactlywhyichoset obeinbusinesswith
her.Outofal lofyouguysshe' sonepersonwho
hasdoneal otf orhersel
f.Lonayouarejustl
ivi
ng
outofyourpar ents'
shardwor k(wel
aughed)
Bosa:ehesothi
sisthethanksigetaf
terst
andi
ng
upforyou(wealll
aughed)
Ol
ebi
le:okoksor
ryMrKgosi
dint
si
Bosa:
quickquest
iont
houghamongstal
lofuswho
doyouthi
nkisgoingt
ogetmarr
iedfi
rst
?
Let
lot
lo:isayyouBosa
Bosa:
ahwhyme?
Letl
otl
o:youhavealwaysbeenluckywheni tcame
towomenandAt ai
sakeeperimeanyouguysar e
alr
eadycohabi
tingi
magine(theylaughed)
Thori
so:t
ruethat
.Theirpar
ent
smi
ghtevenpayf
or
thei
rwedding(welaughed)
Bosa:ohhel
lnoidon'
twantpeopl
ecal
li
ngour
marri
ageasham
Olebi
le:butdoyouknowthedisadvant
agesof
cohabiti
ngthoughBosa?Imeanespecial
lyt
hatyou
guysar ethi
syoung?
Bosa:wehaveactuall
yhadaconver sati
onabouti
t
andwecamet oanagr eementthatnomat t
erwhat
wearenevergoi
ngt otameoneanot herorkeep
tabsofoneanot
herandi tsnotl
ikeistaywit
hheri
someti
mesgot omyf ather'
shouseaobanna( t
hey
l
aughed)
Thori
so:mmer racohabit
ati
onegotsaasentl
ebona
goreontselef
urajang(cohabi
tat
ionist
reat
ingyou
good,youhaveevengainedweight)
Bosa:
okenoughnowl
etsgodownf
orbr
eakf
ast

Weal
llaughedj
oini
ngt
headul
ts.

Att
heDut
che'
s.
..

Bontsisi
ghedcomingdownasBoit
sheposmi
ledat
herputti
ngthel
astdi
shofthei
rbr
eakf
astont
he
t
abl
e..
.

Boi
tshepo:r
ightont
ime
Bont
si:meandf
oodar
ebestf
ri
endshoney(
they
l
aughed)
Boi
tshepo:icanat
testt
othat
.
Bont
si:youhavebat
hedr
ight
?
Boi
tshepo:yeahwhy?
Bont
si:t
hemakeupar
ti
stsaysshewi
llbeher
eany
moment
Boit
shepo:ohni
ceithoughtwewer
ejustgoi
ngt
o
putpowderandhitt
heroad

Theyl
aughedasBoi
tshepo'
stwochi
ldr
encame
fr
om t
hei
rbedroom.
..

Boi
tshepo:youguysshoul
dgobat
haf
tereat
ingok
Boy:aunt
yBont
sibat
hedus
Boi
tshepo:uhuok
Bont
si:can'
tyouseet
hatt
heyl
ookf
resh
Boit
shepo:iguesst
heyar
enat
ural
lyl
iket
hat(
they
chuckl
ed)thankyou
Bont
si:i
t'
snobi
gdeal
.Theyar
ebot
hourki
dsl
ove
Boit
shepo:andihopet
hatdoesn'
tchangewhen
yoursar
rive
Bont
si:whowoul
dhavet
houghtI
'
dbepr
egnant
agai
n
Boi
tshepo:Bont
sit
her
e'sat
hingcal
ledpr
otect
ion
Bont
si:ohpleaseBoi
tshepoyouknowr
awt
akest
he
cup(
theylaughed)
Boitshepo:whatar
ewesayi
ngi
nfr
ontoft
heki
ds
though
Bont
si:youst
art
edit.Gapennaimr
unningoutof
ti
meatleastwenayouhaveafewmoreyearsunti
l
menopausecomesknocking(t
heyl
aughed)
Boit
shepo:weact
ual
lyhavebeenhavi
nga
conver
sati
onaboutmaki
ngababy
Bontsi
:ohok.Itwoul
dbecut
ethoughourbabi
es
wil
lbemoreliketwi
ns
Boi
tshepo:ohyes(
theysmi
led)i
t'
saver
ycl
earsky
out
side
Bont
si:yeahi
t'
sasi
gnt
hatt
hisdaywasr
eal
ly
meanttobe
Boi
tshepo:t
het
hingst
hathappenedf
orust
oget
her
ethough
Bontsi
:iknowr i
ght
.Wenammayouhavebeen
thr
oughthemost .Metoobutit'
snot
hingcompared
toyourpast.Ial
wayslookatyouandbelikedamn
thi
swomanknowst hemeaningofpainandfight
ing
Boitshepo:buti
m gladim st
il
lher
e.Thankyouso
muchwor dsli
kethatkeepmegoing(thegat
ebel
l
rang)
Bont
si:t
hatmustbet
hemakeupl
ady

Shesmil
edgoi
ngtoopenf
orherwhi
leBoi
tshepo
l
aughedwit
hhersonwhopassedaj
okeaboutthe
food.
2HOURSLATER

AtKwena'
sGar
den.
..

Aver yni ceandsophi sticatedset t i

ngf ort hechur ch
serviceitwasasever yonet ookt heirseat s.Witha
touchofgr eenandwhi t
et hedecol ookedamazi ng
asPast orPesal emacheckedt het i
mewhi lethedj
playedsomesof tl ovesongs.Sef ela,her
sisters,
theirhusbandsandchi ldrenwi th
grandchi ldr
enar rivedandt ookt heirseat s.Leon
alsoar r
ivedwi thhi swi f
eandt hei r3ki dsaswel las
LiraandShar on.Theysmi ledlooki ngar oundatt he
niceset t
ingandt ookt heirseat s.Boi tshepo, her
childrenandBont siar r
ivedaswel last hehouse
helperwi thRavenandGi ven.Theyt ookBoi t
shepo's
childrenandj oinedBoemo' sni ecepl ayingas
Atamel angandt hegi rl
smi ndedt hem r emi nding
them oft heirduties.Thegent lemen' scarar r
ivedas
wellast heyguyswhi leLedi ba'swi femadesur e
everyt
hingwasgoi ngaccordi
ngly.Omphi
leandhi
s
coll
eaguewi t
hhiswifealsoarr
ivedashewavedat
Daisyfrom adist
ance.
..

Guy:dudeyoubet
terhaveaser
ioust
alkwi
tht
his
gi
rl
.It
'sbeenwhatnow?
Omphi
le:awhol
emont
h
Lady:t
hat
'senought
imet
omovet
hingst
oanot
her
l
evelnow
Omphi
le:weshal
lseeguysweshal
lsee

Theychuckl edt akingt heirseat

sast hedjplayeda
softsongasever yonest oodwi t
htheirpart
ner.Fir
st
upwasAt amel angandi ,shehookedherar m
aroundmi neaswewal keddownt heisl
e.Inmy
greenslimfitsui tihelpedherf ixhergreenball
dressaswet ookourposi ti
ons.NextwasLet l
otlo
andBai sago'sni ece,thenThor i
soandLameand
l
astlyOlebil
eandDai sy.Pat l
ocamei nwi t
h
Reatlegil
e'
sf r
iendasBont sismiledathim.Thedj
changedthesongasTemoandBai sagomadethei
r
waytothealt
er.Bot
hinblackandwhitet
uxedos
theysmil
edatoneanother.
..

Temo:(
wit
hhi
steet
hcl
enched)Bai
sagor
ago
i
kgol
ega

Bei
ngalaughingmachi nehewasBaisagocoul
dn't
hel
phi
msel fbutbursti
ntolaught
erasheaskedthe
djt
ost
opt hemusi c.
..

Bai
sago:Temor
ra?
Temo:(
laughi
ng)whatnow?
Bai
sago:someonepl
easet
ellTemot
ost
opbei
ng
si
ll
y

Everyonelaughedasthedjstartedthesongwhile
theyshookt hei
rheads.Theytooktheirposi
ti
onsas
thedjplayedJohnLegend'swewi llneverbr
eakas
thekidsmadet heirwayint hrowingther osepetals
onthecar petwhileBoemoandReat legil
emade
thei
rwayoutoft hecarintheirbeauti
fulwhi t
e
dressesandgr eenandwhi tebouquet s.Theyr eal
ly
l
ookedl i
keadr eam astheirhusbandsemot ionall
y
smiledast heywalkeddownt heisl
ewi ththeir
mot herholdi
ngtheirhands...

Wegotagoodthi
ngbabewheneverl
if
eishar
d
wewil
lneverl
oseourwaycozwebothknowwho
wear
e.
Whoknowsaboutt omor
rowwedon'tknowwhat's
i
nt hest
ars.Ij
ustknowI
'l
lal
waysf
ollowthel
ighti
n
yourhear
t.
Im notwor
ri
edaboutusandI
'
veneverbeenwe
knowhowt hest
oryends

Wewi llneverbreakwewi l
lneverbui
ldal
lour
foundationstr
ongenought ostay,wewil
lnever
breakast hewat err
isesandthemountai
nsshake
ourl
ovewi l
lremai
nwewil
lnevernononeverwe
wil
lnevernononever
..
.

Theywal keddownwi t
hsmi l
esont heirfaceswhi l
e
everyonesmi l
edont heirf
eet.Temo'semot i
onsgot
thebet t
erofhim asheheavedahugesi ghlooking
upbl ocki
nghistears.Seeinghiswomanmaki ngher
wayt ohimt ofi
nall
ybecomehi swifeBai sago
couldn'thol
ditinanymor eashet urnedt oPatlo
whogavehi m at i
ssue.Hechuckledwi pi
nghi s
tear
s. .
.

Bai
sago:soi
mreal
lycr
ying

Weal
lchuckl
edast
hel
adi
es'
smot
herhugged
t
hem.
..

Past
or:whoisgi
vingawaytheset
wobeaut
if
ul
woment ot
hesetwohandsomemen?
Mr
sMai
ket
so:idopast
or
Pesal ema:thank.Wemayal lbeseat ed.(Theyal l
did)todaywear egat heredher etowi tnesst he
unionofMrTemoDi ntsiandMi ssReat legile
Mai ketsoaswel lasMrBai sagoKgosi dintsiand
Mi ssBoemoMai ket
so.Ul ulationsplease( thel adies
ululatedwhi l
ethemenwhi stled)fi
rstandf oremost
wei nviteourGod, hissonandt hehol yspirittobe
amongstusf oreverythingtogoaccor dinglyandat
thisjunctureiwoul dliketocal luponMr sBoi tshepo
Dut chet ocomebl esst hedayast hebr i
dalpar ty
request ed.
..

Bontsist
art
edagospelsongasBoit
sheposmi
led
l
ift
ingherballdr
essali
tt
lemaki
ngherwaytot
he
fr
ont.Shefi
xedherri
ngandtookthemic.
..

Boit
shepo:mayweallki
ndlybowourheadsandcal
l
uponouronlysavi
ourChr
istJesus
Thecr
owdhummedt
hesongasshest
art
edpr
ayi
ng.

Aft
ersuccessfull
ysneakingoutofthemental
hospit
alfenceGabonelookedaroundtocheckthe
coastagainandranoff.Shecamet oaquickhal
tas
shesawamot herandherkidsmakingthei
rwayto
her.
..

Woman:there'
snoescaperoom foryou.Youhave
ki
ll
edusinordert
ohelpt
hatevilf
riendofyour
sto
havemyman.Thef at
herofmychi ldr
en(shet
urned
onlyt
olockeyeswit
hanotherwoman)
Woman:yout ookallmyhardworkawayf r
om me
becauseofmygr eedybrot
herwhocouldn'
tst
and
whatihadiachievedformysel
f.Yourt
imehas
come( shet
urnedtothesideandsawaman)
Man:yout
ookawaymyseedandl
if
ebecauseof
myownselfi
shmot
her

Shet
urnedt
otheot
hersi
debr
eat
hingheavi
lyand
sawJune'
shusbandandt
hei
rchi
ldr
en.
..

Man:justbecausemywi fechosetodotheright
thi
ngherfrienddecidedt
otakeawaywhatmat t
ered
toherwithyourhelp.Mywifeisi
nament alasylum
ri
ghtnowal lbecauseofyoutwowitchesandyou
bothdeservetorotinhel
l
Gabone:(
scr
eamedcover
ingherear
s)pl
easest
op!

Theyallspokeatthesamet i
mecl osi
nginonheras
shescreamedwi thhereyesclosed.Sheranint
othe
roadwithoutchecki
ngiftherewereanycarsasa
carcamef rom t
heothersideathighspeedandhit
herthendroveoverherheadsmashi ngitwit
hthe
dri
vercomingt oaquickhault.

ANHOURAND30MI
NUTESLATER

I
nKwena'
sGar
den.
..
Everyonel
aughedatt
hebri
deandgr
oom's
speechesi
nthemarqueeastheMCtookt
hemi
c..
.

Mc:weal lknowt hatthebri

deandt hegroomsare
al
wayst heone'swhosayt hei
rspeechest hel
ast
butthi
stimear oundwehavet ur
nedt hi
ngsupabit
MrKgosi di
ntsiwillbetheonetocloseoffthe
speechesaswewi l
lthengoforourlunch.Mr
Kgosidi
ntsijr

Ismil
edmaki
ngmywayt othepodium asit
ookthe
smil
ewit
heveryoneat
tent
ivel
ylookingatme..
.

Bosa:ahguyswhyar eyousoser i
ousnow( theyal
l
l
aughed)t hankyou.(Sighed)ihavealott osay
aboutthesef ourandidon'tevenknowwher et o
star
t(t
heychuckl ed)dadij ustwantt
ot aket hi
s
momentt ot hankyouf orneverfor
get
tingt hatyou
haveason.Theonl yfamilyiknewwhenigr ewup
wasmycousi nsOlebileandDai syaswel l
as.
..
(swall
owed)Victoria.Awomanwhowas
supposedtobeamot hertomebutt urnedt obea
monsterbuti
m gladim st i
llst
andinganditsall
becauseofyoudadbutmosti mport
antl
yaunt y
Boit
shepoandmymot herMr sKgosidi
ntsi
Boemo:anyt
hingf
oryoumyboy
Bosa: mayouhonest l
ycameandf il
ledt hatholeof
nothavingamot herandicant el
lyout hatmamai s
happywher evershei snow.Guyst hiswoman
spoilsmer ottenandidon' twanttol i
e( everyone
l
aughed)herr esil
ienceandstrengthi nspiremei n
somanywayssamegoest oyouaunt yBoitshepo.
It
'syourwilltonevergi veupthatwear ehere
gatheredtoget hertodayasaf amily.Yout wo
womenhonest lyarethepil
lar
sofmyst rengthandi
cannevert radeyouguysf oranything.I fi
tweren't
forthetwoofyouiwoul dn'
tbeher et oday, mostof
uswoul dn'
tbeher etodayandf orthatit hankyou
somuch
Boi
tshepo:(
tear
ful
ly)youar
ewel
comemyboy
Boemo:iwil
lal
waysbether
eforyoumyboy.You
al
soinspi
reustodogr
eatasyourpar
ent
's
Bosa:(si
ghed)aunt
yReaanduncl eTyoutwohave
al
soplayedahuger olei
nmylife.Yourl
oveand
pati
enceforoneanotheri
nspi
resmet obeagreat
husbandinfutur
e

It
urnedtoAt
amel
angandwi
nkedatherasshe
smil
ed.
..

Bosa:youguyshavef oughtagainstal
loddsf
oryou
togethereandforthatthankyousomuch.Yout wo
areatruedefi
nit
ionofhonestlove.
Reat
legi
le:t
hankyouboy.Wel
oveyoumor
e
Bosa: (
smi l
ing)andt
otherestofthefamilyand
everyoneelsewhoplayedar ol
einmyl if
eupt o
herethankyousomuch.Wet hergoodorbadi
thankyoubecauseiwoul dn'
tbestandinghereifi
t
weren'tforallt
hosemoments.Thankyousomuch
oncemor e
Sharonswal
lowedaseveryonest
oodupclappi
ng
whil
eihuggedmyparentsthenmyauntanduncle.
..

Mc:iknowwehaveal lbeenwai t
ingf orthi
s
momentsoladiesandgent l
ement hef oodisready
youmaygot oourseveralservi
ngpoi ntsandeatup.
Theseweremadef r
om thefireourbr i
dalteam
wantedtogi
veyousomet hingsophi sti
catedyet
sti
cki
ngtoourroot
ssobonapet itladiesand
gentl
emen

Ever
yonelaughedasthedjpl ayedmusicwhilethey
wenttoservet
hemselves.Everythi
nglooked
amazingyouwouldsweari twasmadeby
prof
essi
onalcater
es.BontsistoodbehindPatl
o
whowasdi shi
ngforTemoandBai sago..
.

Bont
si:hi
Pat
lo:(
tur
ned)ohhi
Bontsi
:ishoul
dsayyouhavedoneagoodj
obwi
th
thegardenhey
Patl
o:t
hankyousomuch.Somet
imesyouhavet
o
tr
ustpeopl
eali
tt
le
Bont
si:(
smi
led)i
ndeed.
Pat
lo:hasAt
aspokent
oyouyet
?
Bontsi:nobuti
m pat
ientandhopef
ult
hatshewi
ll
eventuall
ycomearound
Pat
lo:yeahshewi
lldon'
twor
ry
Bont
si:t
hanks
Pat
lo:anyt
imebuddy

Hesmil
edathert
aki
ngthefoodtothetoptable
whi
leBont
sisi
ghedoutofr
eli
ef.Ontheothersi
de
Omphil
epokedDai
syandsmiled.
..

Dai
sy:heyhandsome
Omphi
le:youl
ookbeaut
if
ul
Dai
sy:t
hankyou(theyfi
nisheddishingup)howare
youdoi
ng.Ihavebeenbusyt hepastweekwi t
hthe
weddi
ngpreparat
ionsandwehar dlyspoke
Omphi
le:iknowr
ightbutiunder
stoodt
hatyou
wer
ebusy
Dai
sy:yeah
Bot
h:weneedt
otal
k(t
heychuckl
ed)
Omphi
le:wow
Dai
sy:sowhatdoyouwantt
otal
kabout
?
Omphi
le:us,
andyou?
Dai
sy:sameasi
Omphi
le:ohok.Yougof
ir
stt
hen
Dai
sy:it
hinkinowknowyouenought
obeyour
gi
rl
fr
iend
Omphi
le:(
smi
led)ar
eyoubei
ngser
iousr
ightnow?
Dai
sy:yep.Yout
ickal
ltheboxessof
arsowhynot
Omphil
e:youdon'
thowhappythatmakesmef
eel
.I
want
edtoaskthesamefrom youtoo
Dai
sy:soiguesswear
eani
tem now?
Omphi
le:ohyes

Theysmi l
edatoneanot
herwhi
leOdi
ri
leheadedt
o
thetoi
let
sashebumpedi nt
oayoungladywho
almostspil
ledherf
oodonhim.
..

Lady:ohmywor
dimr
eal
lysor
ry
Ol
ebi
le:(smi
led)i
t'
sokiwasnotl
ooki
ngatwher
ei
wasgoingei
ther
Lady:butial
mostrui
nedyourcl
othesi
magine
dri
ppingsaucesandsoupswhil
eyouaresupposed
tobedrippi
ngofswag(theyl
aughed)
Ol
ebi
le:youar
esof
unny
Lady:mynamei
sPal
esa
Ol
ebi
le:wowni
cenameandyouar
easbeaut
if
ulas
af
lower.I
m Ol
ebi
le
Palesa:(
blushi
ng)awwt
hankyou.Il
oveyourname
too
Ol
ebi
le:whoar
eyousi
tt
ingwi
th?
Pal
esa:mycol
leaguesbutwewoul
dn'
tmi
ndhavi
ng
morecompany
Ol
ebi
le:(
smi
led)ohokt
henl
et'
s.Whatdoyoudo?
Palesa:im aj
uni
orpubl
icrelat
ionsoffi
ceratLi
zzy'
s
enterpr
isesiact
ual
lyj
uststart
ed,graduatedl
ast
year.Yourcousi
nismyboss
Ol
ebi
le:ohiseewel
lim af
inalyearst
udenti
nUB
al
soabusinessman
Pal
esa:ohni
ce

Forget
ti
ngthathewasheadedt ot
hebathroom t
hey
chatastheytooktheirseat
satPal
esa'st
able
meanwhileattheboyst abl
etheyl
aughedgivi
ng
Thori
sohismoney. .
.

Thoriso:l
ett
hoseewall
etsr
olli
nmyguysit
oldyou
thatyourcousi
nwil
lscoreagir
ltoday
Theylaughedasthedjpumpedupt hemusic.
Boit
shepostoppedeat
ingandlookedaroundand
ever
yonewashappyasshesmi l
ed..
.

Boi
tshepo:t
hankyouJesus.Thankyout
heDi
ntsi
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s
andyouNgakaMar umo

Shesmil
edasReat
legi
leandBoemomadet
hei
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waytohert
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easBontsijoi
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.
.
.
.
..
..
..
..
.THEEND.
..
..
..
..
.*