J

PROLOGUE

AFEW YEARSAGO

Ipull
edoveri
nmyGusheshe,thecl
assi
col
dBMW
cars.Mi
newasbr
onzeincolour.

Boneandt
heotherspull
edupbehi
ndme.Wewere
i
nadesert
edarea,onewheret
herewasn'
tal
otof
cr
owdtodrawattent
ion.

Kush'
eny
ei-
sound,
ziy
awakumnandi
Kukhuphuk'
idust
,kant
ingubani
?
Ungat
huki
san'
,ng'
hambanezam'
O'
AchuzMacal
a,ugadei
VurVai
I
nsi
mbi
nay
'iy
asho,
ngi
bhi
zingey
'bham'
Si
vi
ti
z'i
pat
i,kudabukei
-sound
I
-VI
Pyani
?Si
j
aiv
anabant
u
Si
khi
ph'
ama-
chanks,
uyal
azudaba
Si
zengeVurVai

Weal lgotoutofthecars.
.Wear eacr ewof4guy s.
My self
,Bandil
ebutknownas" Bone",Bagos, and
Mant songa.Just4chil
dhoodf ri
endsf rom thesame
Kasi,whot r
iedbyallmeanstomakesomet hingof
ourselveswithnosuccess,sower esortedtot he
onlylif
eguy sli
keusknow.Thef t.West arteddoing
pettytheft
,muggingetcuntil
wedeci dedtost retch
ourselvesbeyondourcapabil
iti
es.Todaywepul led
thebiggestheistofourl
ives,wet ookdownaf edil
it
y
truck.Duetothemesswehadcr eated, weonl yl
ef t
wi t
h400k.100keach.

Wei nvol
vedthecommuni t
yofthatareatocr
eat e
mor emesswhenwecal ledthem outfr
om watching
topickupsomeoft hecash,whichbecameacl ean
gatewayforus.
..
Iwal
kedupt
othem.
..

Me:OoGabhadi
ya,
Oonj
andi
ni,
OoMot
her
fucken,
I
zinj
aZehl
athi

Theyal
ll
aughed.
.

Bone:
Mbhem!

Me:
Siy
ishay
il
eMadoda(
wedi
dit
)

Bagos:
chuneki
l
evurv
ai(
Wecr
eat
edamess)

Mant
songa:Manj
eshoniboNj
andi
ni,
sil
i
bangi
sephi
?
(
Sowheretoofr
om her
e)

Bone:
MinaI
'
m usi
ngt
hismoneyt
ogochasemy
dr
eam
Boneisgoodwi t
hr ap,al
way swantedtobear apper
.
Thiswast hef
ir
standl astbi
ggestjobwe'vepull
ed,
weeachgotscot tfreewith100k.That
'snotmoney
forali
feti
mebutitwi l
ldefi
nit
elyst
artusoff.
.Sowe
couldstopdoi
ngt heft
..

I'
m pl
anni
ngonopeningmyownEat er
y,combinei
t
withacarwash.Ibel
i
evei
tcanbecomegr eat
successi
nEkasi,t
heKasi
vibe

Bone:Zi
njaZehl
athi
..BoNjani
,haikeMadoda
masihl
ukane(Boysl
et'sgoourseparat
eways)

Boneandthem weregoi
ngwit
hthemoney,Iwas
goi
ngwiththeguns.Wewil
lal
lmeetEkasi
..

Iwalkedbacktomycar,al
lexcit
ed.Ihav
ea
gir
lf
riend,
hernameisNtombifut
hibutwecall
her
"Fut
hi".Wehaveaoneyearoldbabyboyhisnameis
"
Mpilo"
.Webot ht
ryi
ngt
obegoodParent
s,Ihav
e
myowni ssueswi
thmyfat
herandIt
ryt
obeagood
f
athert
omyown

Futhi
'sfamilydoesn'
treal l
yli
keme, especi
all
ynow
thatshe'sgoingtovarsitynextyear.Theydon'
tli
ke
meandwhoIam, t
hinkt hei
rDaught eri
swaytoo
goodf ormeanddeser vestobewi thsomeonewho
i
swor thy.Sometimest heyev engiv
emepr obl
ems
whenIwannaseemySon. .

AsIwasdri
vingt
hroughbacktot
hehood,
Iwas
st
oppedbythePoli
ce.Il
oweredt
hevol
ume..

Me:
Fuck

Ipul
ledoverandwai
tedf
ort
hem t
ocome,
Ilower
ed
thewindow..
Me:
AbakaSdl
odl
o(Of
fi
cer
soft
hel
aw)

Pol
i
ce1:
Unj
ani
Mfo?(
howar
eyou)

Me:
kuy
aphi
l
eka(
I'
m good)

Pol
i
ce1:
LicenseNdonda

Igav
eitt
ohi
m..

Hetookitandthenwal
kedar
oundt
hecar
,hecame
backagaintome..

Pol
ice1:
Ngicel
auphumeNdoda(
pleasecomeout
oft
hecar)

Me:
Sesi
yaxabanay
ini
?(Ar
ewef
ight
ing)
Pol
i
ce1:
Kudemf
o,i
t'
sjustr
out
inecheck

Igotout
,hi
spar
tnerwasal
readyst
andi
ngbyt
he
tr
unkofmycar.
.

Pol
i
ce1:
Vul
aMf
o(open)

Thiswasnothappeni
ng,
it'
snotsupposedt
ogol
i
ke
thi
s..

Iopened,
theysear
chedt
hrough.Theyf
oundt
he4
Guns..

Pol
i
ce1:
Yeeee?

Me:Ayi
bukeki
ngal
eyoNdl
ela(
It
'snotwhaty
out
hink
i
tis)
Pol
i
ce2:
It'
sil
l
egal
fir
ear
msr
ight
?

Hi
spar
tnerwascol
our
ed.
.

Police2:
Aheistwaspul
ledafewhour
sago,
Ihope
thesegunswon'tl
i
nkyoutothehei
st

Theot
herPol
i
cemant
ookouthi
scuf
fs.
.

Pol
ice1:Kant
imfanaomdal
asesi
yoyi
xoxaePoli
ce
st
ation(
Wegoingtotal
katt
hepol
icestat
ion)

Iwasf
ucked.
..

Mynamei
sVukani
Ntul
i(Vuks)
,thi
sismyst
ory
.
.
Tobecont
inued
01

VUKANI

[
PRESENTDAY]

Thedooropened, Iwalkedi
n.Shewassit
ti
ngatthe
tabl
ejustashowshedoeswhenshecomest osee
me..Can'tbel
i
evei t
'sbeen5year
salr
eadysinceI'
ve
beenlockedup..

Whathel pedmef rom ahar shprisonsentencewas

thatwedi dn'
tusethoseguns, noonewasshotwe
j
ustt i
edtheGuar dsup.Ididn'thavet hemoneywi t
h
mesot hatal
sohel ped,t
heycoul dn'tpinmetothe
heistsoIgot5y earswi t
hnopossi bil
it
yofParol
efor
thepossessionofi l
legalf
ir
earms.Thegoodnewsi s
thatIdidmyt i
me, andIwasget ti
ngr el
easednext
week..
Ismil
edatherasIwalkedovertoher,
shesmil
ed
backatme..Isatdownandlookedather
,shest
il
l
kepthersmil
ebutshelookeddown..

Me:
Nana
Shel
ookedatme.
.
Me:
Unj
ani
?(howar
eyou)
Fut
hi:
I'
m goodwenaunj
ani
?(howar
eyou)
Me:
Ngi
grand

Soshedi dgotovarsi
ty,
dida3y earcourseand
graduated.Shedidsomecour seinDentist
ry,
for
got
whatitis.MySoni snow6y earsold,shecomes
withpicturesofhi
mf rom t
imet otime.Ididn'
twant
hi
m comi nghere,
didn'
twanthi mt oseemel i
kethi
s
andinher e..
.Mpil
ohasnev erv i
sit
edme

ThePolicewant
edt
ocutmeadeal
,i
twas4gunsso
theyaskedmewhomyaccompl
i
ceswereandwhat
wewer egoingtodowi t
ht heguns.Si
nceBoneand
them hadthemoney,Snitchingwasgoingt
oresul
t
tousbeingpinnedt
ot hehei st
.Weweregoingtodo
seri
oustimesoItookonef orthet
eam.

Outoft heother2,Bonei smybestf r

iend.Inj
ay am'
andwi thmyshar eoft hemoney .Heboughtme
protecti
onaroundher eandal sousedsomet o
supportmyki dforme.Iknowhewentov er
board
andusedhi smoneyt ootohel pme.100kwasn' t
goingtodomej usti
cef ormy5y earsentence.I
haven'tseenhimin3y ears,hestoppedv isi
ti
ngonl y
becausehe'sabi gshotnowandal way sbusy.He
didreali
zehisdream ofbei ngar apper.Thev eryfi
rst
songIhear dfrom hi
m was" Vukani"playeditforme
whenhecameonce, asmuchasi tconnectsy outo
yourancestorsandr ootsbuthet itl
editVukani ,i
n
dedicati
ontome.

Fut
hi:
Soy
ouget
ti
ngoutnextweek?
Me:
Kunj
alo(
that
'st
rue)
Shesmi
l
ed.
.
Me:
Ican'
twai
ttoseemySonFut
hi
Fut
hi:
Vukswhatar
eyougoi
ngt
odowheny
ouget
out
?
Me:
Idon'
treal
l
yknow
Shenodded.
.
Me:I'
llt
hinkofsomet
hing,
nguwunj
andi
ni,
inj
a
yehl
athi
Futhi
:Solongi
t'
snoti
l
legal
,you'
vel
ost5y
ear
sof
yourl
ifei
nhere
Me:Iknow..Iam notaboutt
hatli
feany
mor
e,Idon'
t
wannaloseoutonmySon' sli
fe
Fut
hi:
That
'st
rue
Me:
Yout
oldhi
m aboutme?
Fut
hi:
Ever
yday
Ismi
l
ed.
.
Me:Thankyou,Iknowi
t'
shar
dfory
oubutt
hanky
ou.
Iappr
eci
ateit
Fut
hi:
Justcomehome
Me:
I'
m comi
nghomeNana

BANDI
LE(
BONE)

Me:"Ngi dlalengeNkot habazebav umey i

mina
unj
andini ,
phel aumcul oung'phakelil
engenalutho
eFr
idgini.Manj engij
i
maphez' kwesiqusakit
hi
esi
khalisei ningi,
abaningibathingicij
'i
mpi
ngi
yinkunzi exak'bel
usi.I
butholiyabuzakuli
phi
?
Uboqaphel auzung' yi
susi,ngazengi bi
zeiGener
al
i
ntl
osoukul idumi saemini
"

Iwasinthestudior
ecor
dingmymostawai
tedsong
"Kwazet
"feat
uringMahotel
aQueens.
.

Afterourhei
standlear
ningthatVuksgotarrest
ed.It
wasahugewakeupcal lforme,hadthedarkcloud
alsohungonme.Icoul d'
vebeentheredoi
ng5y ears
tooormor e.
.Ii
nvesti
gatedwhathappened,andi t
wasacl assi
ccaseofbadl uck.Ther out
ehet ook,
wasinfestedbycopswhower einvesti
gati
ngthe
hei
st.Iam reli
evedthatt
heydidn'thavesuffi
cient
evi
dencet olockhim upf
orthehei st
..

AfterthatwholeincidentIwentdownKznlivedt
here
forawhi l
eandchasi ngmydr eam, t
henaft
ermy
Mot her'
sdeathIhadt ocomebackdownt o
Johannesbur gseeingI'mtheonlyboyoutof2gir
ls.
MyMot herwasaspi r
it
ualper
son,mybeingthechil
d
whogott hegif
tIhadt ocomebackandl i
veinher
house..

Lif
eformehereisokay,i
t'
snotbadasIt houghti
t
wouldbe.Imetagir
lbythenameofNangomso
(Soso)awhil
ebackwhenIf i
rstgother
e,butour
connecti
onwasshortl
i
ved.Shehadpr oblemsofher
ownt odeal
withsowehadt ogooursepar at
eways.
.

Ialsoownabarnow,i
t'
ssi
tuat
edhereint
hehood.
It
'sagoodpl
anB.Vukanii
scomingbacknextweek,
Idon'
tknowhowI'm goi
ngtof
acehim becauseIdi
d
somethi
ngthatmademet oev
enstopv i
sit
inghi
m..

FUTHI

Igoti
nthecaraf
termyv
isit
.Isi
ghedandt
ookmy
ri
ngfr
om mybagandputiton.

Alothappenedaf t
erVukani gotarrest
ed.Hisfri
end
Bone,helpedfi
nancial
l
yt akecareofMpi loandthat
's
whenar omant i
crel
ati
onshipstartedbet weenus.I
wenttoschool t
ostudyDent alTherapy,bythenwe
werejuststi
ll
fri
endsandhewast her eforMpil
o.A
fat
herthatmySonnev erhad.

Aft
erIgraduatedthat'
swhenwestar
tedour
rel
ati
onshipfull
y,t
hatwasli
ke2year
sago.Ay ear
aft
erintherelat
ionshi
phepaidl
obol
a,boughtmea
ri
ngthenMpi l
oandImov edinwit
hhim..
He'
sagreatFathertomySon,wast her
ewhenMpi l
o
wasyoungandatmyhouset heylovehimfort
aking
upsucharesponsibi
li
tyandmorethathe'
saself
mademan..

Iwi
pedmyt
ear
s..
Ididn'
tknowhowt obreakitupt oVukani
,Inever
thoughtthi
sdaywoul dcomewher ehewoul dget
rel
eased.Nowt hatithascome, Iam notl
ooking
forwardtoit
..Il
ovedVukani butnotanymore,Ifel
li
n
l
ov ewithsomeoneel seIchoseBone.Idon'tknow
howVukani isgoingtoreci
ev ethosenews..

VUKANI(
VUKS)

Theyputmei nalessdanger
ouscel
lsi
nceI
'
m
gett
ingoutnextweek.
.

Takei
tfrom me,Pri
sonisnotni
ce.I
tbr
eakseven
thest
rongestMan.Idon'
tknowhowIsurvi
vedher
e,
butI
'
m gr
atef
ulIdi
d..

Ican'
twaittomeetmySon, andhav earel
ati
onship
withhi
m.Hav i
ngar el
ati
onshi
pwi t
hMpi l
oismy
great
estgoalcur
rentl
ythenI'
llseewhatt odonext,
butdefi
nit
elyi
twon'tbesomet hingthat
'sgoi
ngt o
putmebackher eanymore.I'
m donewi ththi
splace.
.

Iwasbusymopi ngthefl
oors,It
ookupcertai
n
responsi
bil
it
iesaroundheretokeepbusy.Itwasso
greattoknowt hatI
'l
lbegetti
ngoutofherenext
week..

Futhitol
dmet hatBoneownssortofabarnow,I
'm
proudmyhomeboydi dgreat
.Heinspi
resmeandI
am alsovouchingtodogr
eatwhenIgetoutofhere.
.

FUTHI
Ilookedatthet
ime,
itwas13:
00.I
'
vebeenwai
ti
ng
forMpilo.
.

Her anstrai
ghttomeandhuggedme, Iopenedthe
doorf orhi
m atthebackandhegoti n.Igotinatthe
front.Iworkatourlocal
hospit
alasaDent al
therapist
.Iwentandboughtmy sel
faHy undaigr
and
i
10asmyf i
rstcar
.It'
sorangei
ncolour

I'
m notinahur
rytobuymysel
fthemostexpensi
ve
car,t
hisismyfi
rstcar
..

Me:
Howwasschool
?
Mpi
l
o:Good
He'
singrade1.Mpi l
oisver
ysmar tt
akesafter
Vukani
.NotthatI'
m dumbbutVukani wasvery
smartatschool
,justl
if
eandnaughti
nessgotinthe
wayandhegav euponschool.Droppedoutingrade
10andwasf ull
yinvol
veint
heli
feofcrime.
.
Mpi
l
o:CanIbor
rowy
ourphone?
Me:Mpil
omyphonei
snotat
oyf
ory
out
opl
ayy
our
games
Mpi
l
o:Iknowbuti
fyoucoul
dbuymeaphone
Me:
Youonl
y6khehl
a,y
oudon'
tneedaphone
Iunl
ockedandi
tandgav
eitt
ohi
m..

Me:
Youwannagot
oWi
mpyf
orami
l
kshake?
Mpi
l
o:Yespl
easemommy

He'
salsover
yrespect
ful
,Bonemadesuret
orai
se
hi
mt ohav
egoodmanner sandrespect
.

Mpi
l
o:Daddyi
scal
l
ing
If
ixedt
her
arev
iewmi
rr
or.
.
Mpil
o:Daddy .
.I'
m good..I
..I
'
mf r
om school
..She'
s
her
edrivi
ng..Okay..Seeyoulat
er.
.Il
oveyout oo.
.
OkayI'
m giv
ingittoher..
It
ooki
t.
.

Me:
Babakhe
Bone:
Ntokazi
Me:
I'
mfr
om seei
nghi
m
Bone:
Howdi
ditgo?
Me:He's.
.IlookedatMpi
l
o..He'
scomi
ngoutnext
weekforreal
Bone:
Andhowdoy
ouf
eel
aboutt
hat
?
Me:
Ner
vous,
Scar
ed.
.Vu-
Il
ookedatMpi
l
o..
Me:
Youknowhowcr
azyhei
s
Bone:
Wedi
dn'
tdot
hisdel
i
ber
atel
ytohur
thi
m
Me:IknowbutIf
eel
Ishoul
d'
vetol
dhi
m,Ij
ustdi
dn'
t
wannastr
esshi
m morei
nther
e
Bone:
Ngi
yakuzwaNt
okazi
(Iheary
ou)
Me:
I'
ll
tel
lhi
m whenheget
srel
eased
Bone:Sobonakhonakeukut
hiumf
anaomdal
a
uzoyit
hat
hanjani(
wewil
lseefr
om t
her
ehowhe'
s
goingtotakei
t)

Thi
swasamess.
.Anuncal
l
edf
ormess!
.
Tobecont
inued
02

FUTHI

Bei
ngpregnantandhavi
nga6y earol
dony
our
ner
vesconstant
lywasn'
thel
ping.
.

Mpil
oisnotevenahandf ull
,hei
stwohandsful
l.
Whenhei sathomeheget smorenaughtysomuchI
can'
thandlei
t,atl
eastwhenBoneisaroundheget
s
l
essirr
it
ati
ng.

MyMot
herhadcomeov
er,
shecomesqui
teof
ten.
.

Me:Ireal
lydidn'
tthi
nkt
hatuVukani
woul
dmakeit
outofjai
l
,Ithoughthewasn'
tgoi
ngtomakei
tto5
year
s
Ma:VukaniuselessFuthi
,hedi
dthi
stohi
msel
f.He
candi
einjailf
orallIcare
Me:
Justwor
ri
edaboutMpi
l
o
Ma:AsfarasMpi l
o'ssituati
ongoes.Ut at
akheis
Bandi
lenotVukani.BandilewasthereforuMpi lo,
Bandi
lei
sagr eatinf
luenceandar ol
emodel f
or
Mpil
o.Vukaniuyang'di
naangi muf
uni kabi(Idon't
l
ikehi
m)
Me:I
twasevenhar
dvi
sit
ingandhav
ingt
ohi
det
he
pr
egnancy
Ma:Idon'
tknowwhyy ousti
llv
isi
tedhim,youare
someone'
swifenow.Youshouldn'tbei
nvolv
edwith
Vukani
.Youshoul
d'
vet ol
dhimf r
om dayonethat
youarenowsomeone'swife
Me:
Notj
ustany
oneMa,
hisbestf
ri
end
Ma:FuthiVukani
chosetoputhi
mselfi
nthi
s,why
doesyourli
fehavet
ostopbecauseofhi
m?
Me:
That
'swhyIdon'
twantdr
amawhenhecomes
Ma: Hehasnothingtolose,
hehasal r
eadyrui
nedhi
s
l
ife.Youhaveeveryt
hingtolose,ifhetri
es
somet hi
ngsendhim backtojail
..Simple!
VUKANI(
VUKS)

Wewer
ehav
ingdi
nner
..

Mbuso:
Vel
euy
asi
shi
yanextweek?
Il
ookedathi
m andchuckl
ed.
.
Me:
It'
saboutt
ime
Mbuso: Butoutofev
ery
oneyouhaditbet
ter
,Imean
yourbabyMamawasal waysvi
sit
ing
Me:I
'
m gladsheheldon,
Ireall
ythoughtukut
hishe
wasgoi
ngtofindsomeoneelsebynow
Mbuso:
Yout
hinkshehasn'
t?
Me:Idoubt
..Imeani
fshecomesev
ery
dayt
osee
me
Mbuso:
Yay
iwaar

FUTHI
MyMot herlef
t,af
terafewminutesofherl
eav
ing
Bonemadehi swayi n.
.Hef
reshenedupsowecould
al
lhav
edi nner.
.

Bone:
Howi
swor
kgoi
ng?
Me:Wor
kisgoi
ngwel
l
,howi
sthesongcomi
ng
t
oget
her
?
Bone:
It'
scomi
ngt
oget
herwel
l
Het
urnedt
oMpi
l
o..

Bone:
Howi
sschool
goi
ng?
Mpi
l
o:I
t'
sgoi
ngwel
l
Me:
Mpi
l
ogoeati
nyourr
oom
Hegotupandt
ookhi
spl
ate.
.

Bone:
Youwor
ri
edaboutVukani
?
Me:I'
m worr
iedabouthi
m causi
ngdr
ama,I
shoul
d'v
etol
dhiml ongt
imeagoaboutus
Bone:EyyNtokazi
,youhadyourreasonsbuti
fyou
tol
dhimt henornowitwoul
dn'tmakeadi f
fer
ence.
Vukanihasami ndofhi
sown
Me:
Whatar
ewegoi
ngt
odo?
Bone:Wearenotgoi
ngtodoanyt
hing,
ifVukani
doesn'
twantt
oacceptwhati
shappeni
ngthen
okwakhe
Me:Imeanhej usthadtogoandgethi
mselfi
nthi
s
mess,heneverevensaidwhywhyhehadthose
guns.
.Whathewasgoi ngtodowit
hthem
Hesi
ghed.
.

Bone:
I'
m goi
ngt
obed
Hegotup.
.
Iknowheget
sir
ri
tat
edwhenIst
artt
alki
ngabout
Vukani
..

VUKANI(
VUKS)
Thenextdaywewentonwithourmorni
ngrouti
ne,
thenonmyphonecal
lrequestf
ort
oday.Ical
l
edmy
Mother.
.

Ma:
I'
m happyy
oucomi
nghomenextweek
Me:
Met
ooMa
Ma:Justhol
donfort
hisweek,don'tdoany
thi
ng
t
hatwil
lmakeyounotleav
ethatplace
Me:
Iwon'
t.
.Ipr
omi
se.
.Fut
hiwasher
eyest
erday
Ma:
Uthi
ni?(
whatdi
dshesay
)
Me:Justt
heusual
visi
ti
ng,
IjustwannaseemySon
whenIgetout
Ma:Vukani
Fut
hinev
ersai
dany
thi
ngt
oyouabout
any
thi
ng?
Me:
Any
thi
ngl
i
kewhat
?
Ma:
Ican'
tbel
i
eveshehasn'
ttol
dyouany
thi
ng
Me:
Whatar
eyout
alki
ngabout
?
Ma:
She'
sengagedt
obemar
ri
edt
oBandi
l
e,when
t
heypai
dLobolaforher
.Herf
amilycutof
fcont
act
wi
thusconcer
ninguMpil
obecausenowhebelongs
t
oBandi
le
Il
aughed.
.
Me:NaaMathatdoesn'
tsoundr
ight
..Fut
hihasbeen
comi
ngher
eev er
yday
Ma:
She'
sev
enpr
egnant
Me:
Youser
iousaboutt
his?
Ma:WhywouldIcreat
eaconver
sat
iontoli
e?Look
Vukaniwhenyoucomeoutpl
easel
eavethem al
one.
Fut
hiukhohl
akel
e(Fut
hii
sevi
l)
Ihungup.
.

War
den:
Next
Me:
FaderIneedt
omakeanot
herphonecal
l
War
den:
Youknowt
her
ules
Cel
lmat
e:Ebabamov
e
It
urnedandl
ookedathi
m..
Me:
Aski
es?
Cellmat
e:Shif
takusiphonekaMamakhol
e(Mov
e
thi
sisnotyourMother'
sphone)
Iwal
kedupt
ohi
m,t
heWar
denpul
l
edmeback.
.
Warden:
Doyoureal
l
ywannadothi
swheny
ou
get
ti
ngoutofher
enextweek?
Iy
ankedmyar
mfr
om hi
sgr
ip.
.
Me:Idon'
tev
enhav
ear
easont
obeoutt
her
e
any
mor e

Icl
i
ckedmyt
ongueandwal
kedaway
..

FUTHI

AsIwasbusyfi
l
li
ngoutt
heformformypat
ient
,my
phoner
ang.I
twasaunsavednumber
..

Me:
Hel
l
o?
Voi
ce:
Fut
hi
I
twasVukani
'
sMot
her
..
Me:
Ma.
.
Her:Whydoy oukeeponvisit
ingmySonknowi ng
verywel lukubayounowbel ongtosomeoneelse?
Whyhav en'tyoutol
dhimthet rut
h?Jongangoku
Vukani hast oberel
easednextweekhady outold
him alongt imeagohewoul d'vehadti
metodeal
withit
Me:MaI
'
m sor
ry,
I'
m atwor
kandIdon'
twannaget
i
ntoi
twi
thy
ou
Her:
Youprev
enti
ngusfrom seei
ngourGr
andson
andhav
ingarel
ati
onshi
pwithhim
Me:
AsI
'
vesai
d,I
'
m atwor
kMa
Ihungupandshookmyhead.
.

VUKANI(
VUKS)

Il
aidonmybed,
looki
ngathi
spi
ctur
ewi
tht
ear
s
f
il
li
ngmyey
es.
.

Mpil
oandFut
hiaret
hereasonwhyI'
vehel
don,t
he
r
easonwhyIcoul
dn'
twaitt
ogetoutofher
e..

Whathurtsmoreisnotwhatshedi d,buthowshe
diditwi
thmybestfri
end.Bonet oo,howcanhedo
thi
swhenwef ri
ends?Childhoodfri
ends.Thisist
he
reasonwhyhestoppedvisit
ing,
hef el
tguil
ty.
.Idi
d
ti
met oprot
ectt
hecrewbuthegoesanddoest hi
s..
.
Tobecont
inued
03

VUKANI(
VUKS)

AWEEKLATER

Ical
ledmyMot
herbef
oremyrel
easet
otel
lBagost
o
fet
chme,hedi
dpul
lupinat
axi.
.

Me:
Yeeewuweumunt
uonakanj
e?(
Isi
tyou)
Bagos:
Yimi
lomunt
u(i
t'
sme)
Me:
Somat
eki
simanj
e?(
youar
eat
axi
dri
ver
)
Bagos:
Somat
eki
sinj
ayami
(I'
m at
axi
owner
)

Weexchangeahandshakeandahug,
thenwegot
i
n..
.
Bagos:
Withmyshar e,Istar
tedwi
thonetaxi
.When
i
twasont heroadIpaidtheremai
ningi
nstal
l
ment.
ThenIwentforthesecondone
Me:
Tjer
rrrnj
ayami
Bagos: That'
swhyIwanty outodr i
vemysecondtaxi
,
myol ddriverIfi
redhim.Thetaxihasbeenpar
kedin
myy ard,justunt
ilyougetsomething
Me:
Kunj
alomf
wet
hu(
that
'sr
ight
)
Bagos:Manjei
mpiloyangaphakat
hii
njani
?Azange
bakudl
ali
sel
eemuv a?(Howwasl i
feontheinsi
de,
theydi
dn'
trapeyou)
Ichuckl
ed.
.
Me:
Cima(
Don'
tgot
her
e)

(
Sil
ence)

Me:I
waarIndabayal
eskhekhesami
noBone?(
Isi
t
t
ruet
hatFuthiandBone)
Bagos:
EishNj
ayami
,yazi
sat
hukasonkemf
wet
hu
(
Wewer
eal
lshocked)
Me:Entl
ekk'
hambaniwhyngi
j
way
elwaso?
(whyam I
bei
ngfuckedl
iket
his)
Bagos:Nt
wanashi
yal ent
o,justf
ocusongetti
ng
yourl
if
ebackt
ogetheragain.Don'
tfi
ghtfor
someonewhodoesn'twannabewi thyou
Me: Ang'
nandabanabo,
mabang'gay
eintwanay
am (
I
don'tcar
eaboutthem,t
heyshouldj
ustgi
vememy
chi
ld)
Bagos:Ngekeay
chuneuFut
hil
eyont
o(Fut
hiwon'
t
agree)
Iadj
ustedtheseat
,thenpl
acedt
heal
lst
aragai
nst
thedashboar
d..

Me:Laphong'
gqumisai
sif
ebe,shay
areuni
on
nabakubo(
Iam goi
ngtokil
lher
)

Bagos:
Ifi
t'
sanyconsol
ati
on,uNtwanaumphethe
kahl
euMpil
o.Pri
vat
eschoolndoda,agoodl
if
e.
Me:Ang'
sbhay
iBagosngi
funai
Ntwanay
am (
Idon'
t
car
e,Iwantmychi
ld)

FUTHI

Todaywastheday
.Idi
dn'
tevengot
owor
k,al
soI
di
dn'tsendMpi
l
otoschool
..

Icouldn'
tevensleep,
Iwasscar
ed.Vukani
canbe
crazy
, hehasaloosescr
ew..

Mpi
l
o:Mommywhydi
dn'
tIgot
oschool
?
Me:
ImakancaneMpi
l
o(Wai
tami
nut
e)
Mpi
l
o:Ar
eyousi
ck?
Me:
YesI
'
m si
ck.
.That
'swhyIwant
edy
ouher
e
Mpi
l
o:Shoul
dIgety
ouagl
assofwat
er?
Me:
Jui
cepl
ease
Hekissedmeonmycheekandwal
kedt
othe
ki
tchen.
.

VUKANI(
VUKS)

Hedr
oppedmeof
fathome.
.
Bagos:
Ngi
zok'
bonaj
ampas(
I'
ll
seey
oul
ater
)
Me:
Shar
pey
ami

Igotoutandlookedar
ound.Thi
spl
acehasn'
t
changedmuchexceptforsomehouseswere
extendednow..

Iwalkedtothegateandopenedit
,thenIwalked
downt hepassage.Idi
dn'
twannagetemotional
,
been5y ear
ssinceIwashere.
.

IsawmyLi
tt
lesi
sterdoi
ngl
aundr
y.Ist
oodt
her
eand
l
ookedather
..

Me:
Stuf
uza!
Shestopped..Shesl
owlytur
nedaround,Iwas
di
sappointedatwhatIsaw.Shewaspr egnant
,
l
ookedlikeshewouldpopsoon..

Wemeteachot
herhal
fway
..
Thando:
Lookaty
ou,
youl
ookpr
oper
Tear
sfel
lfr
om her
..
Thando:
Ithoughty
ouwoul
d'
vel
ostwei
ghtbut
..

Shepl
acedherhandsonmyf
ace.
.
Me:
Andl
ookaty
ou
Ipl
acedmyhandonherbi
gtummy
..
Me:Thatwasn'tt
hepl
an,
whathappenedt
othepl
an?
Medical
degree?
Thando:
Ever
yki
dwant
stobeaDr
,tur
nedouti
t
wasn'
tmydr
eam af
teral
l
Me:
Sot
hiswasy
ourdr
eam?
Thando:
Youj
ustgotbackVukani
MyFatherwheel
edhimselfoutf
rom t
hehouse
hol
dingabott
leofbeer
..

Dad:"Ehhbang'
shaya.
.Bat
hat
h'i
nyuku.
.Bat
hat
ha
nobucwebenami..
"

Hel
ookedatus.
.
Dad:
Lookwhatwehav
e

MyDadwasi nvolvedinacaracci
dentt
hatlef
thi
m
paral
yzedafewy ear
sago,whichhadhi
mr eti
ret
oo
fr
om FraserAlexander.

Hewasabadfat
herandt
heworsthusband.Hewas
adr
unk,
abusi
ve,
andspentmostofhi
smoneywi t
h
womenatourlocaltar
ven.HeputmyMot her
thr
oughthemost,butshestayed.Evenathisworst
shestay
edtr
uetoherweddi ngv ows.Sheneverl
eft
him..

Dad:
Disappoi
ntmenti
sback
Me:
Ineedt
ogoout
Thando:
Ial
way
scl
eanedy
ourr
oom
Me:
Thanky
ou
Thando:
Key
sar
est
il
li
nthedr
awer
Me:
Ta(
thanky
ou)
Iwal
kedandwenti
nsi
det
hehouse.
.

Dad:Kant
iwenaThandowhenar
eyoupr
epar
ing
br
eakfast
?

Thando:Kodwauy
ang'
bonangi
busynj
e(y
oucan
seeI'
m busy)
Dad:Unyokoakekho,
uyetownawuyekeukuv
il
apha
(YourMotheri
snotaround,
shewenttot
own.Stop
beingl
azy)

Icheckedthehouse,t
hef
urni
tur
ehasbeenchanged
hereandthere.It
ookmykeysandwentout
sideto
myr oom,myDadandThandower est
il
lar
guing.
.

Iunl
ocked.I
ndeeditwasclean,Iputtheplasti
con
thebed.Il
ookedatthedr
essingtable.Apictur
eof
Me,Futhi
,andMpil
owhenhewasst i
llababy..

Iwentandpi
ckedi
tup,
Ilookedati
t.
.
Iputi
tbackdownagai
n,andt
henwal
kedout
.
Locki
ng.
.

Me:
Stuf
uza,
ngi
yabuy
a(I
'
m comi
ngback)
Dad: Uyaphimanje?Ubuy asowuy aphumasokanje
kanje,unzohambamanj euyodalainyi
nki
nga
usi
f akel
eamehl o,uboshwef ut
hiyonkelediedang
(Wher eareyougoi ng?Youjustgotbacknowy ou
goingoutt omakemor etr
ouble,soy oucanget
arr
est edagainandembar rassus)

Ii
gnor
edhi
m..

BONE

Thesongwascomplet
e,i
twasrel
easedt
oday
.Iwas
atsomeradi
ost
ati
onpromoti
ngit
..

Mapaseka:Wel
comebackl ist
eners,
ify
oustil
ltuned
i
n.Wet ol
dyouthatwehav eav er
yimport
antguest
t
oday.DrBone,
injayehl
athi

Me:
Ubi
zami
nakeNt
okazi
Mapaseka:SoyougaveusVukani
,bestsongI'
ve
everl
i
stenedtoo.
.Nowyougivi
ngusKwazetftThe
Mahotel
aQueens.Whatcanweexpectfrom t
his
song?

Me:HayiwenaNtokazi
sodansakeKwazet(
Thi
sone
wegoingtodance)

Mapaseka:
Soy
oual
sof
eat
ureduZakwe?

Me: IGr
oot
man,ibhozaYamabhoza.Itwasan
honourwor
kingwithhi
mi nt
hissong,
he'sver
y
tal
ented

Mapaseka:Wellt
henlet
'splaythesongandhear.
.
That
'si
tli
stener
s,youhearditheref
irstr
adi
ostat
ion
94.
7
FUTHI

Theypl
ayedthesong,i
twasbeaut
if
ul.Pr
obabl
ymy
fav
ori
tesongfr
om hissongs.

Mpi
l
o:I
t'
sDaddy
Me:
Yesi
t'
sDaddy
Hest
art
eddanci
ng.
.Il
aughed.
.

Ihear
daknockatthedoor
..Probabl
ymyMot
her
,
sai
dshewouldcometoday..

Iopened,
itwasn'
tmyMot
her
.ItwasVukani
.

Myhear
tal
mostst
oppedbeat
ing.
.

It
ri
edclosi
ngt
hedoor
,buthepushedi
tbackand
walkedi
n..
Me:
Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?Youcan'
tbeher
e
Vukani
:Ngoba?(
why
)
Me:
Pleasel
eav
eVukani
Hewal
kedupt
ome,andIhel
dhi
sar
ms.Hi
shands
wer
edeepi
nhi
spocket
s..

Vukani
:Wenzani
?(whatar
eyoudoi
ng)
Hel
ookedatme.
.
Vukani
:Futhi
ifIwant
edtobeatyou,I
'ddoit
.
Whetheryouholdmyhandsornot,I
'
dstil
ldoit

Mpi
l
owal
kedi
n..
Mpi
l
o:Mommy
Vukani
lookedathi
m..
Me:
Mpi
l
owal
ktoy
ourr
oom andl
ockt
hedoor
Mpi
l
o:Why
?Whoi
sthi
s?
Me:
Mpi
l
ogonow!
Hewal
kedt
ohi
sbedr
oom.
.

Vukani
tur
nedhi
sfaceandl
ookedatme.
.
Vukani
:Khul
i
leBaf
anas(
He'
sgr
own)
Iswal
l
owed.
.
Vukani
:Tshel
ami
naMunt
uzawhat
'sgoi
ngon?
Idi
dn'
tknowwhatt
osay
..
Vukani
:Fut
hi
Me:
Vukani
please
Hegotcl
oser
..
Me:
Vukani
don'
t!
!
Vukani:
Yinimanje?Umsi
ndowani
?Yahlanya
(What'
swr ong?Whyyoumaki
ngnoise?Areyou
crazy
?)
Me:Wecansetadat
eandt
henwecant
alk,
justnot
l
iket
his
Vukani
:Wher
eisy
ourbedr
oom?
Me:
What
?
Vukani
:Wher
eisy
ourbedr
oom?
Me:
Why
?
Vukani
:Let
'sgot
alki
nthebedr
oom
Me:
Vu-
Hesl
appedmeacr
osst
hef
ace.
.
Me:
Ahhhhh
Vukani
:Let
'sgot
othebedr
oom

BONE

Iwasdonewit
hthei
ntervi
ew,
Ical
l
edFut
hibutshe
wasn'
tpi
cki
ngup.It
exted:

"
Onmywayback"

FUTHI
Hel
ockedt
hedoor
..
.
Vukani
:Wheni
shecomi
ngback?
Me:
I'
m notsur
e
Henodded.
.
Vukani
:Getundr
essed
Me:
What
?
Vukani
:Getundr
essed
Ist
art
edt
oundr
ess.
.
Vukani
:Anddon'
twakeupmySoni
nthenextr
oom

Heundr
essedt ooandinstruct
edmet oli
eont he
bed,
Idi
d..Hehadt at
toosnow, t
hinkfrom Pr
ison.He
wasver
yf i
t,di
dn'
tknowt heytrai
ni nsi
de.Healso
hadast
itchedscaracrosshistummy .
.

Hecameont
opofme.
.
Me:
Vukani
pleasedon'
tdot
his
Herubbedhisbl
ackdickagai
nstmycoochi
e,t
ear
s
st
reamedsideways.
.

Me:
Pleasest
op
Hegothar
d,andt
henpr
essedi
n..
Ipushedhi
m away.
..Hegav
emeadeadl
ylook.
.He
pushedinf
urt
her.
.

Me:
Vukani
uyang'
l
imaza(
Vukani
youhur
ti
ngme)

Hef
orcedi
nandi
twaspai
nful
..

Vukani
:Maybeifyoucanstopfi
ght
ingi
tof
f,i
t'
l
lget
bet
ter.
.Youmightjustenj
oyi
t

Heki
ssedmeonmyl
i
psandIt
urnedmyf
aceaway
..

It
ri
edt
opushhi
m of
fagai
n..
Vukani:Dothatagai
nandI '
m goi
ngtoputiti
nthe
otherhole,
yabonanging'
kanani
.You'
l
lhateme
forev
er

Il
ethi
m be,
lethi
mvi
olat
emesexual
l
y.
Painfulasi twas,
Itr
iednott
oscr
eam f
orthesakeof
Mpilo..Ididn'
twanthimtoknowwhatwas
happeni ng..

Me:
Vukani
..(
cry
ing)
.
Tobecont
inued
04

FUTHI

Afterthatsinist
eract
.Hedr essedupandwalkedout
.
Heev encamei nsi
deofme.Vukani hasalway
sbeen
i
mpul sive,butthi
s.Thi
swasbey ondhi
m..Whenhe
getsmadal lsenseofreasongoesoutofthe
window. .

Ichangedt hebeddingandt henbathe.Iam not

goingtohav ehim arr
ested, onlybecauseIhave
donesomucht ohim.Idon' twannabeanot her
reasonhegoesbackt oj ail
.Idon'twannaruinhim
twice,Idon'twannacreat eascandal forBonetoo.
He'sav eryreservedperson, andtel
li
nghim.Hewi ll
defini
tel
ygoaf terVukani,Ihav eaSont othi
nkof
now. .

Idon'
twantMpi
l
otobeexposedt
ovi
olance.
IhopeVukani
gothi
srev
enge,
Ihopehel
eav
esme
al
one..

Ical
l
edMpi
l
o..
Ihel
dhi
shands.
.
Mpi
l
o:Whyar
eyoucr
ying?Ar
eyousad?
Me: I
..Mpilothi
smant hatcametoday
.Ifyoutel
l
Daddyabouthi m,youandIwe..Wegoingtolose
every
t hi
ng,andyouwon'tbeabletogotothesame
school anymoreorseeDaddyanymore..Doyou
understand?

Henodded.
.

Alt
houghI'm wor
kingbutBonehelpsmealot
,
especi
all
ywithMpilo'
sschool
fees.Wepayhal
feach
andhetakescareofmostofthebi l
l
s..
Me:
Doy
ouunder
stand?
Henodded.
.
Me:
Goodboy
Thedooropened.
.
Me:
Daddyi
shome
Mpi
l
o:Yesssssssss!
!!

VUKANI(
VUKS)

IgothomeandmyMot
herwascooki
ngi
nthe
ki
tchen.
.

Me:
MaNt
uli
Sheturnedandlookedatme,shedi
dn'
tsayanythi
ng
othert
hanbeingemot i
onal
.Iwal
keduptoher.
.

Ma:
Letmeseey
ou
Sheputherhandsonmycheeks.
.
Me:
I'
mfi
ne
Ma: Ihadgoneoutt
obuyf
oodsoIcanpr
epar
eyou
yourfavor
it
emeal
Me:
That
'ski
ndofy
ou
Ma:
I'
m gl
ady
ouhome.
.Nt
uli
Luvuno,Maf uzaaphind'
aful
elenjengenkosi,
nkonjaneemny amaebhekeemaf ini
,si
gejanesi
ka
Ntuliesi
hlumaebusi kanasethlot
yeni,
wena
mfaz'obel
el i
deowancel i
saisanapheshey a
kothukel
a, Tshabanguomhleonexesha, Ngwane..

Ismi
l
ed.
..
Me:
It'
sgoodt
obebackhome
Ma: Ngiy
acelakeVukani,pl
easedon'tdoanythi
ng
that'
sgoingtosendy ouback.Idon'
twanttoseeyou
goingback,Ican'
ttakethesleepl
essnight
sanymore,
thefearofwhatmightbehappeni ngtoyou.
.It
's
tort
ure
Me:
Ipr
omi
se
Iki
ssedherhand.
.

Dad:Fakaibhol
amaan,wenauy ahl
uphaThando..
Uhlel
il
asokanjekanje,i
ntangazakhoziyasebenza
yonkeledi
edang(changetot hesoccerchannel
,you
areannoyi
ng.Youareher
esi t
tingathome,your
peersareworki
ng)

Ma:
Nkosi
yam
Me:
Idi
dmi
ssuSokanj
ekanj
e
Mymom l
aughed.
.

Me:
Vel
ewhat
'swi
tht
hest
orysakaThando?
Ma: Shewasworkingatthemall
,mettheguyt
her
e.I
knowwhaty ougoingtosaybutThandodi
dgoto
school.Shej
ustcan'
tfi
ndajob
Me:
I'
ll
ber
ightback
Iwal
kedt
othel
ounge.
.

FUTHI

Boneshowedupi
nthel
oungehol
dingMpi
l
o.
Heputhi
m down.
.

Bone:
He'
saski
ngi
fwecangoeatout
Inodded.
.
Bone:
Gogetr
eadyt
hen
Mpi
l
owal
kedaway
..

Bonecameandsatnextt
ome.
.
Bone:
Lookatme
Il
ookedathi
m..
Bone:
DidVukani
makecont
act
?
Iswal
lowed.
.If
indi
thar
dtolookhimi
ntheey
eand
l
iebutIwasgoi
ngtodoitt
onight
.
Bone:
MaTshabal
ala
Me:
No.
.He.
.Hehasn'
t
Bone:
Iny
embezi
?(Tear
s)
Me:
Justhor
mones
Hehel
dmyhand.
.
Bone:
Wepr
omi
sednev
ert
oli
etoeachot
her
Me:
Iam notl
yi
ng
Bone:
Okayt
hen.
.Gogetdr
essedupsowecango
Me:
Okay

VUKANI(
VUKS)

Me:
Thando
Shel
ookedatme.
.
Me:
As'
ri
nge(
let
'st
alk)
Shegotupfrom t
hecouch,seemeddi
ffi
cul
t.She
walkeduptome.Wewal kedoutt
omyr oom..I
l
ookedathersit
ti
ngdownont hebed,
sheclosedher
eyesandexhal
ed..

Me:
WeeeThando,
tel
lmewhatIneedt
oknow
Thando:
Meani
ng?
Il
ookedather
..
Thando:
Hewor
ksatSt
udi
o88
Ichuckl
ed.
.
Thando:
He'
sagoodguyr
eal
l
y
Me:
Iwannameethi
m
Thando:
Justdon'
tscar
ehi
m of
f
Me:
I'
ll
trynott
oo.
.
Thando:
Thanky
ou
Me:Okay.
.Iwannatakemycaroutforaspi
n?
Wannatagalong?Maybesomeicecream?
Thando:
Yaa
Me:
Whohasbeendr
ivi
ngi
t?
Thando:
Ma
Me:
Okay
Sheext
endedherhandt
ome.
.
Thando:
Ali
tt
lehel
p,y
ourbedi
stool
ong
Me:
Thandoy
asogol
i
sa(
Youar
eti
ri
ng)

FUTHI

Iam obsessedwi
thhotwi
ngsf
rom Chi
ckenl
i
cki
n,
wedroveoutther
e..

Bone:
Idon'
tl
iket
hemeatf
rom her
e,i
t'
stoosal
ty
Mpi
l
o:Idon'
tl
ikei
ther
e
Me:Well
thanky
ouguy
sforsacr
if
ici
ngf
orme,
I
appr
eci
atei
t
Peopl
ewerelooki
ngatus,Isupposetheywere
scar
edtocomeandaskt otakepict
ures.I
'
m gl
ad
theywer
est
ayi
ngaway
,Ir
eal
lydon'tli
kewhenour
pri
vat
efami
l
ymomentget
sinter
rupted..

Mpi
l
o:Canwegot
oMcDonal
d'
saf
tert
his?
Bone:
Yes
Ishookmyhead.
.
Me:
Aveni
sogol
i
sa(
youguy
sar
etr
oubl
i
ng)

Weal lsayther
eandhadhotwi ngswit
hdrinks.Just
tal
ki
ngaboutr andom t
hings,gl
admymi ndwas
bei
ngkeptbusyf rom t
hinki
ngaboutwhathappened
earl
ieron..

Asifliket
hingswouldn'tgetmoretort
uring,Vukani
walkedinwithhisl
itt
leSister
.Ial
mostchokedonmy
hotwing.Istar
tedfeeli
nguneasy,scared.Lookingat
him Ihadfl
ashbacksofwhathappened, howhe
fuckedmef ordearli
fe.
.
Boneal
sonot
icedhi
m..

Me:
Iwannal
eav
e
Bonel
ookedatme,
thenl
ookedathi
m..

Vukaniendedupnotici
ngus,
hesaidsomethingt
o
Thando.Shelookedatusandthennodded.
.

Vukaniwalkedupt
oourt
abl
e..Iwasnotpr
epar
ed
fort
hisatall
..

Theyl
ookedateachot
herwit
hBone,
Ilookedat
Mpil
oandshookmyhead..

Vukani
:Baf
o
Heext
endedhi
shandt
oBone.
.
Bone:
Inj
ayehl
athi
Theyshookhands.
.
Vukani
:Fut
hi
Il
ookeddown.
.
Me:
Vukani
Vukani
:Andwhodowehav
eher
e?
Mpi
l
o:Mpi
l
o
Vukani
:Hi
Mpi
l
o..Mynamei
sVukani
,ev
erhear
dof
me?
Mpi
l
o:No
Vukani
lookedatme.
.
Vukani
:Isi
t?
Me:
Wewer
ejustl
eav
ing.
.
Igotup.
.
Me:
Mpi
l
olet
'sgo
Mpil
o:Wehav
etogett
hehotwi
ngsMom or
der
edt
o
eatl
ater
Me:
Yes
Mpi
l
o:Her
e'st
her
ecei
pt
Bone:
Let
'sgogett
hem
Me:
I'
ll
bei
nthecar
It
ookt
hecarkey
s..

AsIwaswal
ki
ngawayVukani
blockedmyway
..

Vukani
:Iwannaseey outoni
ght
,Idon'
tknowwhat
yougoi
ngtotel
lhim butIwannaseeyoutoni
ght

Hest
eppedoutofmywayandIwal
kedt
othedoor
..
.
Tobecont
inued
05

VUKANI(
VUKS)

Aftert
hedramaatChickenl
i
cken,
Ididn'
tfeel
li
ke
stayi
ngoverany
more.Wegoticecreamsanddrove
backhome..

I
tkil
ledmeseei ngthem i
nthere,
playi
ngall
happy
famil
yandIcan'tevenhaveaconv er
sati
onwithmy
Son.From howhewasconf usedIknewFut hi
didn'
t
tel
lhim aboutme..Sheconvi
ncedmySont hatBone
i
shisFat her
..

Icoul
dtakeFuthiandBoneout,Idon'tcarebutIdo
careaboutMpil
o.Theytheonlyfamilyheknows,
androbbinghi
m offwouldbeunf ai
rbutIdowanta
rel
ati
onshipwit
hhim.Yesithurtsthatshedidthatt
o
mebutI '
m notgoi
ngtositandwal l
owont hat,
Ilove
mySonandIwantar el
ati
onshipwi t
hhim..
Wewerehavi
ngdinnerwi
thmyMom andThando.
Dadwassl
eepinghehadtoomanybeer
s..

Il
ookedatt
het
ime,
itwas21:
00.
.

Ma:
Bef
oreIf
orget
Shegotupandwentt
oherbedr
oom,
shecameback
wit
haphonebox.
.

Ma:
Igott
hisf
ory
oui
ntown
Il
ookedati
t.
.ItwasaSamsunggal
axya12.

Ma:
Itwi
l
lst
arty
ouof
f
Me:
Thanky
ouMa
Ma:
Youwel
come
Me:
Bagosownst
wot
axi
snow
Thando:
Hedoes
Me:
Hewant
smet
odr
iveat
axi
forhi
m
Ma:
LookatGod
Thando:
That
'sgood
MyMotherresi
gnedlasty
ear,shet
oldmeov
ert
he
phonewhenIusedtocallhome.

She'
sgreatwithsavi
ngbutIt
hinknow,
theyr
unning
outofcash.MyDad'sRAFmoneyandmoneyf r
om
workranoutlongti
meago.

WithThandopregnantIneedt ohel
pal
ott
oo,
andI
hopeherfuckerwil
lpul
lthrough.

Me:
Iwantar
elat
ionshi
pwi
thMpi
l
o
Ma:Futhi
andherfamil
yarest
ubborn,
theycutusof
f
f
rom havi
nganyrel
ati
onshi
pwithuMpil
o
Thando:
WhenMom wentt
her
eaf
tery
ougot
ar
rested,
theyt
oldheralotoft
hings.Theyusedyour
ar
restasanexcuseforusnottohavear el
ati
onshi
p
wi
ththem
Me:
Isee
Ma: Ibeli
evethatachi l
dneedst heirfat
her,whether
thef atherisadeadbeatorgood.Lookaty ourown
Fat her,he'
snott hebestPer soni ntheworldbutI
didn'trobhim andy ouguy st hechanceofhav inga
relationshi
p.Despi t
ehernewl if
e, sheshould'vetol
d
Mpi loabouty ou.Allowedy ouguy st ohavea
relationshi
pandi fyouar eat hreattoMpi l
ot hen
seizet herelat
ionship,butsheshoul dhavetoldhim.
Itdoesn' tmatterthatshe'swi t
hsomeoneel sebut
Mpi lohadt oknowabouty ou
Thando:
That
'sr
ight
Ma:ThenwhenuMpil
oisoldenough,he'
l
lmakehis
owndeci
sionofwant
ingy
ouinhislif
eornotbutshe
shoul
dneverhav
emadethatdecisi
onhersel
f
It
ookt
hephone.
.
Me:
Thanky
ouf
ort
hephone
Igotupandki
ssedheronhercheekt
henwentt
omy
room..

FUTHI

Vukani '
sancestorsarest r
ongbecausewhenwegot
homeIgotacal l
thatmyFat heri
snotwel l
.His
diabetesisactingupandt heyhavecall
edt he
ambul ance.MyMot herwasal one,soMpiloandI
hadt ogot omyMot her'
shouse. .Bonedroveus
there,andafteraf ewmi nutesofourarri
val t
he
ambul ancetookhi m.ItoldmyMot hert
ocal lmesoI
couldgof etchherf r
om thehospi t
alaft
ertheyadmit
myFat her
..

Me:Iwoul
dli
ketosleepoverj
ustfort
oni
ght
,Idon'
t
t
hinkshe'
l
lbeokaybeingonherown
Bone:
Iunder
standNt
okazi
Me:I
'l
lcomebacki
nthemor
ningt
opr
epar
eMpi
l
o
f
orschool
Hechuckl
ed.
.
Bone:
Icanpr
epar
emySonf
orschool
Me:
Ifor
got(
chuckl
i
ng)
Il
ookedatMpi
l
o..
Me:
Comegi
vemeahug
Hecameandgav
emeahug.
.
Me:
I'
ll
seey
out
omor
rowmor
ningokay
?
Mpi
l
o:OkayMa
Me:
Ilov
eyou
Mpi
l
o:Il
ovey
out
oo
Mylit
tl
esisteri
sinboar
dingschool
,mybi
gbrot
her
i
smar ri
ed.Soit
'sj
ustmymom anddadinthe
house.
.

Bonecameandki
ssedme.
.
Bone:
Don'
tfor
gett
olockup
Me:
Iwon'
t
Bone:
Ilov
ey ouandwewi
l
lseey
out
omor
row
morni
ngNtokazi
Me:
Okayl
etmewal
kyouguy
sout

Iwal
kedt
hem out
..

Whent heyweredriv
ingoff
,Iwentbackinsi
deand
prepar
edmy sel
f.Idon'
twannadot hi
s,Ihaveno
reasontodothisbutIthi
nkit
'st
imeVukani andI
tal
k.Talkanddiethi
sissueonceandforall
..

It
ookmybagandwal kedtohi
splace,
t hestr
eet
wasn'
tcomplet
elyquiet
.It
'smyhood,theyknowme
sochancesofgett
ingatt
ackedar
ev er
ysl i
m..

WhenIgott
ohisplace,Isawthatt
heki
tchenl
i
ght
wasst
il
lonandthebathroom l
ight
.

ThenVukani
'
sbedr
oom l
i
ghtwasal
soon.
Icl
osedt
hedoort
ryi
ngnott
ocr
eat
emuchsound.
.
Iwalkeddownt hepassageandhewasst andi
ng
thereleani
ngagainstt
hewallandsmokinga
cigarett
e.Hewasi nhi
sjeansandsl
eepersonl
y..

Heturnedhi
sheadandlookedatme,
het
hrewt
he
ci
garett
edownandsteppedonit
.

Me:
Hi
Vuks:
Munt
uza
Iwasscar
ed,
wil
lImakei
toutofher
eal
i
ve?

Me:
Icame
Hemov
edov
erandopenedt
hedoor
..
Vuks:
Ladi
esf
ir
st
Itookadeepbr
eat
handIwal kedi
npassi
nghim,
seemedli
kehehadjustf
ini
shedbathi
ngbecausehe
wassmel
l
ingofsoap.Pr
otex

Hecl
osedthedoorandl
ockedi
t,myhear
tal
most
st
opped.Hetur
nedandl
ookedatme.

Hewal kedoverandsatont hedressi

ngtable,pul
led
thesmal l
dressingchairandputhisfootoni t
.Isat
onthebed, broughtalotofmemor i
es.
.Thisroom
broughtalotofmemor i
es..Hekepthiseyesonme,
whichmadememor euneasy ..Cl
enchi
nghisj aw.

Me: Il
ovedyou.
.Idid.BoneandIdi dn'
twakeupone
dayanddecidedtodot his,
decidedtohurtyou.We
didn'
tplanonit
..Vukaniyouwer earr
est
edon
possessionofi
ll
egalfi
rearms,whatwerey ougoing
todo?Whower ey ougoingtokill
?

Vukani
:Ent
lekNt
ont
othat
'sal
lyouhear
d?
Me:
Wast
her
esomet
hingel
se?
Hechuckl
edandshookhi
shead.
.

Vukani:
Nother
e'snot
hingelse.
.LookIwanta
rel
ati
onshi
pwit
hmySon, that'
sallIwant

Me:uMpi
lohasast
abl
eli
fe,
ify
oul
ovehi
myouwi
l
l
l
ethi
m be

Vuks:
Eyy
!!
!

If
reakedout
..

Vuks:Don'
ttel
lmeaboutast
ablel
ifebecauseify
ou
l
ov edme,youwoul
d'
vebeenhonestwit
hmef r
om
thewordgo!

Me:
Vukani
Hepi
ckedupthebodyl
oti
onf
rom t
hedr
essi
ngt
abl
e
andt
hrewi
tatme..

Vuks:Youfuckedmybestfr
iendtoamarr
iageand
gavehim mysonandI'
m supposedtobeokaywit
h
that
?

Hegotupf r
om thedr
essi
ngtabl
eandcamet
ome,
heputhishandonmyneckandpushedmeback
thenpl
acedhiskneeonmytummy .
.

Me:
Hurt
ingmewhatisitgoingtosolv
e?Isi
tgoi
ng
t
omakeitbet
ter
?Itst
il
lchangesnothi
ng

BONE

Il
ookedatthebeddinginthewashi
ngbasket
,
somethi
ngwasnotr ight
.Thewhit
esheethad
stai
ns.
.Fut
hichangesourbeddingever
yweek,she
j
ustchangedi
tyest
erday
.Whychangei
tagai
n
t
oday??

Iwal
kedt
oMpi
l
o'sr
oom.
.
Me:
Champcanwet
alk?
Mpi
l
o:Okay
Hecl
osedhi
sbook.
.
Me:
Tel
lmedi
dsomeonecomeher
etoday
?
Mpi
l
o:Uhmmmm
Me:Rememberwear
ebestf
ri
ends?Wet
alkabout
ev
eryt
hing
Mpi
l
o:Mom say
sIshoul
dn'
ttel
l
Me:
Youcant
ell
me.
.Di
dsomeonecomet
oday
?
Henodded.
.
Me:
Cany
oudescr
ibehi
m?
Mpi
l
o:Samemanf
rom t
hemal
l
Me:
Arey
ousur
eMpi
l
o?
Henodded.
.
Me:
Okay
Mpi
l
o:I
'
m notgoi
ngt
ogeti
ntr
oubl
eri
ght
?
Me:Ofcour
senot
..Let
'sgocheckuponMom and
gr
andma
Mpi
l
o:Okay

FUTHI

Il
ookedathi
m wi
tht
ear
sinmyey
es.
.

Me:
Whati
sitgoi
ngt
osol
ve?
Helookedatme,
Icoul
dseet
hepai
ninhi
sey
es
mixedwit
hanger
..
Vuks:Il
oveyouFuthi
,ngi
yak'
canwakakhul
u.WhenI
wasinther
e,youandMpiloweretheonl
ypeopl
e
whokeptmesane..Whomademehol don
Me:
I'
m sosor
ry
Vuks:
Ilov
eyouwit
hal
lmyhear
t.
.Whydi
dyouhav
e
togoanddothi
s?Why
?

Ir
anmyhandsonhi
schestast
hepai
ninmyt
ummy
i
ntensi
fi
ed.
.

Vuks:
Comebackt
ome,
it'
snott
ool
ate
Her
emov
edhi
skneef
rom myt
ummy
..
Heki
ssedmet
hroughmyt
ear
s..

Vuks:
Ngi
yak'
canwabl
i
nd(
Ilov
eyousomuch)

BONE

Wewal kedinandknockedatt
hedoor,
noonecame
t
hrough.Icall
edher,
shedidn'
tpi
ckup.
.

If
ixedmygunatt
hebackofmywai
st.
.
Me:
Let
'sgo

Wewal
kedbackt
othecar
..
.
Tobecont
inued

Noedi
ts
06

BONE

Ihadev er
yreasontogot oVukani'
splaceandget
thi
sov eranddonewith.Iwasn'tgoi
ngtodo
anythi
ngt oVukani
,becauseifFuthi
isthere.She
wentthereonherown, outofherownwi ll
..

Il
ookedatMpi l
o,andhedoesn'tdeser vet
his.He
doesn'tdeservetobecaughtint hecrossfi
re.I
've
spentalltheseyear
sraisi
nghi mt obeagoody oung
man, withouthi
sFatherpresent.Thelif
ethatVuks
andIlived,wasnotgoodandIdi dn'
twantthatfor
Mpilo

IhadhopedthatFut hiwouldbr
ingi
tuponhowwe
canall
Co-Parent,becauseasmuchasIl oveMpil
o
buthehasaFat her.Ij
ustwantVukanitocleanhi
s
actbef
oremakingapr esencei
nMpilo'
sli
fe..
.
FUTHI

Thi
sroundofsexwasn'tasbrutal
astheonewehad
ear
li
eron.Uneart
hingt
hefeel
ingsIhadforhi
m, t
he
l
oveIsti
llhavef
orhim.Justmademet oletl
oose,
embracethismomentandenjoyit
..

BothMenar egoodwithsex,
theonlydi
ff
erencei
s
thatVukanicanusesexasanescapegoatwhen
he'snotfeel
ingwel
l.Whi
chintur
nhewi l
lmessup
yourcoochie.

Wewer einterr
uptedbymyMot her'
scallcoming
through,hadt ogofetchherfrom thehospit
al.
Vukani hadnopr oblem wit
hthatsolonghet agged
along.Ididn'tf
eelwellabouti
t,Iknowhewasdoi ng
i
tt opissherof f
..

Hedr
oveust
othehospi
tal
,Iwenti
nsi
det
ofet
chmy
Mother
..Whenwewalkedout
sideandappr
oached
Vukscar,
shest
oppedhalf
way.
.

Ma:
Andt
hen?
Me:Justdon'
tsayany
thi
ng.
.I'
l
lexpl
ainwhenweget
home
Ma:
Expl
ainwhatFut
hi?Expl
ainwhatkahl
ekahl
e?

Vukani
gotoutofhi
scarandwal
kedupt
ous.
.

Vukani
:Mamzo
Ma:
Kant
ikwenzakal
ani
?(what
'sgoi
ngon)
Me:
CanwegoMa?I
'
llexpl
ainathome
Ma:I
'
m notgoi
ngany
wherewithhi
m,he'
sacri
minal
!
HowdoIknowhewon'tki
l
lus?Hehasguns
Vuks:
MamzoifIweret
okil
lsomeone,
I'
dki
ll
someonef
ormoney.Tr
ustmeyounotwort
hkil
l
ing
Me:
Vukani
!
Ma:
I'
drat
hersleepont
hechai
rsandgohome
t
omorr
owmor ning
Vukani
:Okay
Hewal
kedbackt
ohi
scar
,myMot
herl
ookedatme.
.
Ma: Youar eanembar r
assment ,yourfatherjustgot
admi tt
edkodwawenaher ey ouarewhor i
ng!Futhi
don'tembar r
assme, don'tmakeamocker youtof
me.Whatdoeshehav e?Hehasnot hi
ng!Hei s
nothing!Auselesst hugwi t
hausel essf ather.He
comesf r
om abr okenhome, abrokenf ami l
y.Ist
hat
whaty ouwantf oryour sel
f?ForuMpi l
o?
YouhaveagreatMan,amanthatlovesy oukodwa
herey
ouaremanjeruini
ngev
erythingforauseless
thugt
hatmightgobacktoPr
ison..Rhaaa

Shespatont
hegr
ound.
.
Ma:
Uzi
khi
phi
l
eki
mi

Shewal
kedbacki
nsi
de.
.
BONE

Thefoll
owingmor ni
ng,Iwokeupandprepared
uMpil
of orschool
.ThenIcall
edmybigsist
ertotal
k
toher.
.

Sis:AiiminaBandileIthinkyoushoul dl
etthi
sgir
lgo,
I
'venev erli
kedherfrom thewor dgo.Ifwhatyou
tell
ingmei strue,
thisgirli
stoxicanddangerous.
Bukamanj e,y
ouhav eev er
y t
hingtoloseandVukani
mi ghtbeusinghert ogettoy ou,usi
ngherfor
revenge.Nay eshe'
sagr eeing
Me:IknowwhathappenedbetweenminanoFut
hii
s
wrongorhowi
thappened,butshepr
omisedme
l
oyalt
y
Si
s:Cutherof
f,cutherloseandherSon.
.Lett
hem
goshe'
sanungratefulbi
tch
Me:She'
spregnantwi
thmychild,
ifshe'
sreal
l
y
f
ucki
nghim withmychil
dinsi
deofherIswear
Sis:Shehasal r
eadydoneit,shedidt hesamet hing
toVukani .Whenhegotarrestedshej umpedst raight
i
nt oyourbed,she'
sawhor e..Didn'
ttakemuchf or
hertogobackt ohi
m.Nani Vukani?Hedoesn' thav e
any t
hing!She'
snoteventhinkingaboutherSon. .
Whatgoodl i
fewil
ltheSonhav ewi t
haf atherwhoi s
aThug?Hai si
esmaan!Leav et hi
swhor ealone!!Let
hergobackhomeshedoesn' tdeserveyou

VUKANI

WhenFut hil
efti
nthemorni
ngtogobackhome, I
wenttocheckonBagos.Hegav emethekeystohis
secondtaxi
.Hemost l
yoper
atesint
ownstrai
ght,
Johannesburgcbd.
Fr
om theret
ot hehood,fr
om thehoodbackhere.
.I
wastooperatestr
aighti
nourlocalt
own,hetoldme
hespoketothetaxiassoci
ati
onandtheywon'tgi
ve
meproblems
Itwas6am whenIhadmyf ir
stload,most
lyschool
andcoll
egest udents.Veryl
oudi nthet
axi
, andv
ery
annoyi
ng..If
ixedmyr ar
ev i
ewmi rr
orandchecked
them,t
herewast hi
sonegi rl
whowassi tt
ingandnot
communicatingwi t
hany one,shewasonherphone..

Ikeptonconcentr
ati
ngonher.Mostlystar
ingdown,
notgiv
ingafuckaboutever
yoneelse.Shewould
occasi
onal
lyli
ftupherheadtocheckthroughthe
windowandgoesbackt oherphone..

Shewasthef i
rsttogetoutandanothergi
rl
,gotout
atSpri
ngsColl
ege.Ilookedatherasshewalkedto
thegat
e,thenIproceeded.
.

FUTHI

WhenIgothomeIcleaned,sot
hatwhenmyMot
her
comesbackthi
ngsgetlessawkwar
d
Shemadeherwayi
n..Shel
ookedatme.

Me:
Ma
Sheshookherheadandclickedhert onguethen
proceededt
othebedroom.Hal foftheproblemsthat
VukaniandIencount
ered,
wer esolelybroughtf
ort
h
bymyf amil
y.
.

Theyneverl
ikedhimfrom thewor
dgoandi tt
ooka
tol
li
nourrel
at i
onshi
p,evensowetri
edtomakei t
work.WethoughtMpilocameabout,It
houghtthey
wouldhaveachangeofhearbutstil
l
..

Iwentt
oherbedr
oom.
.

Me:
Ma
Ma:Weusedt
hemoneyf
orl
obol
a,we'
veal
ready
usedi
t
Me:
Iknow
Ma:
Youar
epr
egnantFut
hi
Me:
Iknowt
hatt
oo
Ma:
Usul
elenay
e?(
hav
eyousl
eptwi
thhi
m)
Iswal
l
owed.
..
Ma:
SiesFut
hi!
!!
Me:
Ma
Ma:Getoutofmyhouse, angi
kazengakhul
isa
i
sif
ebemina..Rhaaabazothi
nikhonaabant
u(Idi
dn'
t
r
aiseawhore,whatarepeoplegoingt
osay)
Iwal
kedaway
..

Ma:Whenthingscomecrashi
ngdownbetweenYou
andBandi
ledon'
teventhi
nkofcomingbackher
e,
hambekhaboVukaniubeusel
essnj
engabo!!
!

Iwentandt
ookmybackt
henl
eft
..
.

VUKANI
Torturi
ngFuthii
sv er
ygoodt ome, buttheproblem
i
st hatshe'
sstil
ltheMot herofmychi l
d.Idon'twant
Mpi l
ogrowingupandl earningthatIabusedhis
Mot her,
itwashardformet ogrowupwi t
nessingmy
Mot hergoi
ngthroughal lt
hat,soIwillt
rytowor m
mywaybacki ntoherli
fejusttogetmySonand
whenI '
verui
nedherlife.I'
l
lleaveherhighanddr y..
I
'm goingtomakeherl oset hi
slit
tl
epictureperfect
familyofhers.
.

Theonlynicethingaboutbeingataxidri
veristhat
youcanmakey ourownmoneyont hesidefrom
passengersthatarenotaccount
edf or
,thatarenot
i
ncludedintheload..

Bagoscal
l
ed.
.

Bagos:
Ntwana
Me:
Ekse
Bagos:
Justchecki
nghowi
t'
sgoi
ng
Me:
It'
sgoi
ng
Hechuckl
ed.
.
Me:
TaNt
wanaf
orev
ery
thi
ng
Bagos:
Uyazi
Moss
Me:
Cav
ajampas
Bagos:
Yizo

Hehungup.
..

FUTHI

Iwal
kedinatthehouse,i
twasqui
et.Iputmyt
hings
i
nthebedroom andsatdown.

IcheckedmyphonetotextBonebutsomethi
ng
dist
urbedmeonwhatsapp.VuksandIexchanged
number sy
est
erday
,sohehaduploadedaphotoof
hi
mselfdri
vi
ngonhi
swhat
sappst
atus.Helooked
sohandsomewit
hhi
scap,
Ismil
edalone.
.
.
Tobecont
inued
07

VUKANI

Lateronintheafter
noonatar ound16:00,myl ast
passandst opbeforeheadingtothehoodwasat
Springscoll
ege.Therewasmay be2or3peopl e
standingbythegatewhor anupt omyt axi,i
ncludi
ng
theLadyIsawt hismorning.Toundergroundwher e
myancest orsareburi
ed,shelookedheav enl
y.She
wasbeaut i
fulandhasthispeacefulandcalmness
aroundher..

Theguyopenedthedoorandt
hepassenger
sint
he
taxi
prot
est
ed"It
'sful
l
"..

Me:Masihl
ali
saneangi
thisomeofy
ouar egett
ing
of
f?(l
et'
sshare,si
ncesomeofyouaregett
ingoff
)
Theysti
ll
protest
ed,
Ihear
damal
evoi
cear
isi
ng
fr
om theback..

Voi
ce:Eyyawuv
alesi
hambe(
closet
hedoorsowe
cango)

Theguywhoopenedthedoorlookedpuzzl
ed,not
knowi
ngifheshoul
dcloseorkeepthedooropen.
.

IlookedattheLadyandherl ookingbackatme,
vali
datedwhateverfl
i
ngIwashav i
ngforhert
hatI
shouldhaveherinmyt axiagain.Itur
nedback.The
guywasst i
llr
amblingattheback. .

Me:
KancanceMa(
Excuseme)

Thewomant
il
tedt
ohersi
de.
.
Me:
Eksent
wana

Hel
ookedatme.
.

Me:Ungafuni
ngi
k'
moshel
eil
anga(
don'
tmakeme
r
uinyourday)

Him:Kanj
ani
ngobaI'
veal
readypaid!Ihavearightt
o
f
ightf
ormyrightt
osi
tcomfortabl
yinthistaxi
!

Me:
Yourr
ightt
ori
ghtwhat
?Inwho'
staxi
?

Hi
m:Nomaant
hisi
swr
ong

Me:
Cel
auhl
i
keey
ami
(pl
easegetof
f)

Il
ookedatt
hepassangerwhowassi
tt
ingnextt
o
me..
Me:Awum'
gay
eamacent
anawakhe(
giv
ehi
m hi
s
cent
s)

Hi
smoneywaspassedont
ohi
m..

Me:
Awehl
eke(
getof
f)

Hegotoffst
il
lthr
owingatant
rum somuchhe
openedt
hedoorfurt
hert
hatitgotst
uck.

Iopenedmydoorandgotout ,peopl
estar
ted
chanti
ng"Khuzanibo"
,tr
ansl
atedto"Someonedo
something"
.Iwalkeduptohi
m. .

Me:
EhJo.
.

Hest
opped.AsmuchasIwant
edt
ofuckhi
m upbut
Icoul
dn'
t.Ther
e'st
oomuchwi t
nessesandhecan
taket
henumberplatesandr
eportme..

Me:Singabant
umasi
phil
i
saneey
ami
yabo(
as
peopl
eweneedt owor
ktoget
her
)

Him:Maral
eoy
enzay
oakusi
yi
yo(
whaty
oudoi
ngi
s
notr
ight
)

Me:Maramel
esiphi
li
saneSi
ngabant
u(wehav
eto
wor
ktoget
heraspeopl
e)

Aftersayi
ngthatIwal
kedbacktothetaxi
.I
requestedthel
adytoatt
hefront
,inthemiddl
e.The
othertwowenttotheback.
.

FUTHI
Bone'
ssi
stercal
l
edme,
Nokul
unga.
.

Me:
Noku
Noku:
Uyi
njay
azi
(youar
eadog)
Me:
Aski
es?
Noku:Af
tereverythi
ngthatmyBrotherhasdonef
or
youandthati
l
ligimateSonofyours,meceda
umbongangepl atelobuf
ebe!
Me:
Whoaahay
iphol
abouy
ashi
sa(
cal
m down)
Noku:Justdousaf
avorandl
eav
e!!Gobackt
oyour
j
ail
bir
dpl ease
Me:
Wenawher
edoy
ouent
eri
nmymar
it
alaf
fai
rs?
Noku:
Ify
oumaki
ngmyBr
otheraf
ool
Iwi
l
lent
er
Me:
Hay
ifokofmaan!
Ihungup.
.

VUKANI
Ist
olegl
ancesatherandt
hencl
ear
edmyt
hroat
..

Me:
Pleasechanget
hesongf
orme
Shest
ruggl
edt
hrough.
.
Her
:Wher
e?
Me:
Presst
her
e
Shedi
d..
Me:
TaNgwana(
Thanky
ou)

Idi
dn'
twantthesongchanged,
Ijustwant
edt
o
makeconver
sati
on..

Idr
ovet
hroughdr
oppi
ngpeopl
eof
f,shewasn'
t
get
ti
ngoff
..

Bynow,t
hef r
ontpassengerhadgot
tenout
.Sonow
shewassit
ti
ngcomf ort
ably
..
Me:
Eyyngat
hiuhl
alakude(
It
'sl
i
key
oul
i
vef
ar)

Shechuckl
edshy
ly.
.

Her
:Kant
iint
hemor
ningwher
edi
dyoupi
ckmeup
f
rom?

Me:
Your
odemyt
axi
int
hemor
ning?
Her
:Ahhhhh
Me:
Ser
ious?
Her
:Ify
oudon'
tremembert
heni
t'
sfi
ne
Me:
Hel
pmer
ememberke
WhenIl
ookedather
,shewoul
dlookaway
.
Her
:Asi
yeke(
let
'sl
eav
eit
)

Af
teraf
ewmi
nut
esofdr
ivi
ng,
shecal
l
edout
.
Her
:Shor
tri
ght
Me:
Kant
iowaseNkambi
ni?(
youl
i
vei
nmyhood)
Her
:YesVukani
Me:
EhhhowcomeIdon'
tknowy
ou?
Ipul
l
edov
er.
.
Her
:By
e
Me:
Numberny
ananex?(
phonenumber
s)
Her
:By
e
Shecl
osedt
hedoorandwal
kedaway
..

FUTHI

Mpi
l
owal
kedi
ntot
heki
tchenasIwasbusycooki
ng.
.

Mpi
l
o:Mama
Me:
Yes?
Mpi
l
o:I
'
m notf
eel
i
ngwel
l
Me:
Whatdoy
oumean?
Mpi
l
o:Iv
omi
ted
Icl
osedt
hepot
..

Me:
HauMpi
l
o
Iwal
kedupt
ohi
m..
Me:
Youbur
ningup

Hedi
dn'
tl
ookgood.
.
Me:
Ishoul
dtakey
out
othehospi
tal
Iswit
chedofft
hestov
e,Iwentandt
ookmyphone
thentext
edBone.
.

VUKANI

Aft
erdroppi
ngof fever
yoneIcrui
sedaroundher
str
eethopi
ngt hatIwouldseeherbutIdi
dn'
t.I
seri
ousl
ydon'tknowher ,t
houghsheli
ves3street
s
awayf
rom mi
ne.
.

Ipul
ledoverandaskedt heki
dswhower eplay
ing
ther
eabouther, Idescr
ibedher.Theyt
oldmet hat
hernameisIrene, t
heyev enpoi
ntedwheresheliv
es.
That'
sall
Iwant edt oknow..

Igotbacki
ntot
het
axi
andt
ookof
f.
.

FUTHI

Iar
ri
vedatt
hehospi
tal
,andt
heytookhi
min.Sai
d
i
t'
sfoodpoi
soni
ngbuti
t'smi
nor
.

Pr
obabl
ysomet
hingheat
eatschool
..

Boneshowedup,
Iwasr
eli
evedt
oseehi
m.
Iwal
kedupt
ohi
m andhuggedhi
m,hewasst
rangel
y
col
d.Di
dn'
thugmeback.
.

Bone:
Unj
ani
uMpi
l
o(howi
sMpi
l
o)
Me:
Theyt
ookhi
min,
foodpoi
soni
ng
Henodded.
.
Me:
Iwaswor
ri
ed
Bone:
Zobar
ight
Me:Ar
eyouokay
?Youusual
l
ygetmor
ewor
ri
ed
whenMpi
loi
snotokay
Bone:
Ntokazi
tshel
ami
na(
Tel
lme)
Il
ookedathi
m..
Bone:Whenar
eyougoi
ngt
otal
ktoVukani
about
Mpil
o?
Me:Wel
lVukani
hasnorightstoMpil
o,ev
enifhe
t
akesmetocourthewon'twingi
venhisr
ecor
d
Bone:
Ngi
yabona(
Isee)
Me:
Ist
her
esomet
hingwr
ong?
Bone:
Nonot
hingi
swr
ong
Me:
Nokucal
l
edmeswear
ing
Bone:
Why
?
Me:
Accusedmeofwhor
ing
Hechuckl
ed.
.
Me:
It'
snotf
unny
Bone:
Nokudoesn'
tactoutofchar
act
erunl
essshe'
s
pr
ovoked
Me:
Soy
oudef
endi
ngher
?
Bone:I
'
m sayingIdon'
tknow,youwillt
ell
met hi
s
andshewillt
ellmethatal
lbecauseIdon'
tknow
whathappenedbetweenyoutwo
Me: Soyounotgoi
ngt
odefendmeagai
nstyour
si
ster?Shecal
ledmeawhoreandy
oudefendi
ngher
overme?
Bone:
Awukahl
eFut
hi!Thi
sisahospi
tal
andourSon
i
ssick
If
oldedmyar
msandsatdown.
.
VUKANI

Ist
oppedbyathome,
MyMot
herandThandower
e
cooki
ng.
.

Me:
Stuf
uza
Shel
ookedatme.
.
Me:
Sondel
ala(
comeher
e)
Ma:
Hau!
Me:
Sor
ryMa.
.Kunj
ani
?(howar
eyou)
Ma:
Imi
hlol
o!(
Amazi
ng)

ThandoandIwal
kedout
side.
.
Me:
Stuf
u
Thando:
Ya?
Me:
Doy
ouknowI
rene?
Thando:
Irene?
Me:
Lighti
ncompl
exi
on,
muhl
eny
ana
Thando:
Ohw.
.Iknowher
,Sgeqe'
sex
Me:
Bekazi
khandanoSgeqe?(
Shewasdat
ingSgeqe)
Thando:
Yabef
orehedi
ed
Me:
Ser
ious?Sgeqedi
ed?
Thando:
AhhVukani
Me:
OkayDanki
e
Thando:
Whyask?
Me:
NexSt
ufu
.
Tobecont
inued
08

VUKANI

Thenextmor ningwhenIcheckedinformyshif
t,I
madesur ethatIpassthroughwhenIr
eneis
standi
ngthere.Shestandsatthecor
ner,byt
hemai n
roadexactl
yat6:30am

I
fIpassasecondlat
e,shewoul
dbeinanothertaxi
.I
madesur
ethefrontseatwasempt
y,shegotin.
.

I
rene:
Sawubona(
greet
ings)
Me:
Eit
a
Shef
ixedhershor
tdr
ess.
.

Shedi
dn'
tseem l
i
keast udent,
orI
'mjustreadi
ngt
oo
muchbutshedi
dn'tseem l
ikeast
udent.
.
Ist
art
eddri
vi
ngoff,notknowinghowt
oini
ti
atea
morepromi
singconversat
ion.

Me:
Fir
stcl
assst
art
sear
ly?
Shest
oppednav
igat
ingherphone.
.
I
rene:
I'
m notast
udent
,Iwor
kinAdmi
n
Iwhi
sper
ed.
.
Me:
Don'
ttheof
fi
cesopenat8am?
I
rene:
7am si
ncewedeal
i
ngwi
thl
ateappl
i
cat
ions
Me:
Isee
(
Sil
ence)
Me:Bhekane.
.Ungayit
hathel
ient
wenil
ent
o,but
umuhle(l
ookdon'
ttakethi
sthewrongwaybutyou
beaut
if
ul)
Shebl
ushed.
.
I
rene:
Thanky
ou
Icont
inueddr
ivi
ng.
..

FUTHI

Iwasatwor kthismorning,Icoul
dn'tevensleepl ast
night.Mpi
lowasstil
ladmi t
ted,Bonewasgi vingme
acoldshoulderandVukani didn'
tbotherme.Ev en
thoughhedi dvi
ewmywhat sappstatuslastnight
aboutMpi l
obeingsi
ck..Hedi dn'
tsaynothing,didn't
textnothi
ng..

I'
m notexpectinghimtoactuall
ysaysomethi
ngwit
h
regardstoMpi l
osinceIam keepinghimfr
om t
hat
partofhisli
febutjustt
osaysomet hi
ngnj
e,
anythingespecial
l
yconsider
ingwhathasbeen
happeningbetweenus..

Me:Yougoupont
hef
if
thf
loor
,taket
heser
esul
ts
wi
th
Pat
ient
:Thanky
ou
Shet
ookt
her
esul
tsandherf
il
ethenwal
kedaway
..

Itookmyphoneandcheckedit
,nomessages.No
call
s,nonot
hing.Ev
enf
rom Bone.Ipul
l
edthechai
r
andsatdown..

VUKANI

Wewerenear
ingcl
oset
othecol
l
ege,
Iext
endedmy
phonet
oher.
.

Me:Justsoyoucantextmewheny
oudoneandI
'
ll
passbyheretogety
ou
Shet
ookmyphone,Iwasscar
edshewasn'
tgoi
ngt
o
gi
vei
nbutshesav
edhernumbers.

Ipul
l
edatt
hegat
e..
Me:
You'
l
ltextme
I
rene:
Ory oucant
extmesi
ncey
out
heonewi
thmy
numbers
Me:
I'
ll
doso
Shegotoutandf
ixedher
sel
f,t
henshewal
kedt
othe
gat
e..

FUTHI

Ir
eci
evedacal
lfr
om Bone,
Isi
ghedandsmi
l
ed.
.

Me:
Babakhe
Bone:
Mpi
l
otheygoi
ngt
odi
schar
gehi
mtomor
row
Me:
Ohw
SinceIhadtobeatworktoday,hesacrif
icedt
obe
withMpilo.
.Boneisamazi
ng,Idon'tknowanyman
thatcoul
dloveachil
dthat
'snothisbloodasmuch
ashel ov
esMpi l
o.Buty
ouknowwhatt heysay?I
fa
mant r
ulyl
ovesy
ou.Hewi
l
llov
eyouwi
thal
lyour
baggage.

Iam tornbetweenmyf irstloveandmycur rentl

ove.
AsmuchasVukani wi
llalway shaveapl aceinmy
heartbuthecan'tprovi
deMpi l
oandIwi thast abl
e
l
ife.Hecan'teventakecar eofhimself,howdoI
expectsuchamant otakecar eofmeandmySon.I
don'tmeanitallfi
nanci
allybecauseI '
m wor ki
ng,but
evenso.Ican'ttakecareofaman, that'
sjustagainst
mycul t
ure.Ifwedobecomeexcl usiveagain.Hecan
disappoi
ntme, endupinj ailagai
nthenI '
m backto
squareone.
MyMot heral
wayssaid"Fi
ndamant hat
'sgoi
ngto
l
oveyoumor ethanyoulovehim,andIfoundthati
n
Bone"I
'
m notabouttoloseital
lforVukani
..
.

I
RENE

JustwhenIgott
otheof
fi
ce,
Igotat
extf
rom Vukani
.
I
twashi
m becauset
het
extr
ead:

"
Don'
tfor
get
"

Ismiledli
kear et
ard.Myboy fri
endpassedaway3
yearsago,eversi
ncef rom t
hen.Iwasn'tablet
o
mov eon.Hewasal sointhetaxiindust
ry,
gotcaught
i
nt hecrossf
ireoftaxigunviolence..

Isav
edhi
snumber
..

IknowVukani,Imeanal mostever
yoneinthehood
knowshim andhisfri
ends.Hedoesn'tknowme
becauseImovedawayf r
om homeal ongti
meago
togoliv
ewithmyMot her.WhenshepassedonI
mov edbackwithmyGr andmother
,bythenVukani
wassaidtohav ebeenarrest
ed.
.

Hi
sreput
ati
onscar
esme.Anexcon,
taxi
dri
ver
,and
thatminoral
tercat
ion.Hecomesof
fscar
y,v
ery
scarybutyetveryatt
ract
ive.

Heseemsl
i
keani
ceguy
,under
neat
hital
l
.

Solonghetr
eatsmewel
li
fwedomanaget
odat
e,
thenI
'l
lbef
ine.
.

Isatdowni
nmychai
randputmybagont
het
abl
e..

VUKANI

Afterdroppingof
fthepassenger
s,Ipar
kedatt
he
taxirankforanot
herload.
.

Iwaslooki
ngatMpi
lo'
spict
urethatFuthiupl
oaded.
Hewassaidtobesi
ck,butIcoul
dn'taskwhatwas
wrong.Thi
sismySon,t
hatiskeptfrom me.Aski
ng
whatdi
ff
erencewi
l
litmake?
..

Iexhal
ed.
.
It
ext
edI
rene:

"
Lunch?
"

Themessagewentt
hroughbutshehasn'
tread.
.

FUTHI

Ir
eci
evedacal
lfrom myMother
.Iwonderf
orhow
l
ongwasshegoingtostaymad.
.

Me:
Ma
Shedi
dn'
tsayany
thi
ng.
.
Me:
Ma?
Ma:
uBabaakasekho(
Yourf
atheri
snomor
e)
Me:
Ini
?(what
)
Ma:
Igotacal
lthi
smor
ning
Idi
dn'
texpectsuchnews.
.

Me:
Kukhonabani
endl
i
ni?(
whoi
sathome)
Ma:Akasekhoumy
eni
wami
fut
hi(
Myhusbandi
s
gone)
Shebr
okedown.
.
Me:
I'
m comi
ngMa,
I'
m onmyway
Ihungupandputmyphonei
nthepocketofmy
coat.
.Iwi
pedmyfacewi
thmyhands..

VUKANI

Onl
y3seat
swer
elef
t.
.
IwaseatingVet
koeks,
wi t
htheescor
tbr
ownliv
er
spreadanddri
nki
ngcoffee.
.Al
soonthephonewit
h
Ir
ene..

Iwai
tedf
orhert
ofi
nishl
aughi
ng.
.
Me:
Ngi
yak'
tshel
a(I
'
mtel
l
ingy
ou)
Shehadasof
tcal
mv oi
ce,ver
yrespect
ful
.She'
snot
toof
orwar
dandIl
ikehercal
mness

I
rene:
Hai
chal
etmest
artofwi
thwor
k
Me:
OkayI
'
llseey
ouat13:
00ony
ourl
unchbr
eak
I
rene:
Okay
Me: Khohl
wakeamaKFCnani Nani
, ngi
zolushaya
ngeplatel
aserank(For
getaboutKFCandot her
rest
aurant
s,I
'
llbri
ngyouaplateoffoodfrom the
taxi
rank)

I
rene:
Ngal
i
jabul
ela(
I'
ll
bepl
eased)
Me:
Ser
ious?
I
rene:
Weeeabav
ebephekalaboMamabal
apho
(
Thosewomencansur
elycook)
Me:Hai
kekhul
ulekangi
zol
i
let
ha(
Restassur
edI
'
ll
br
ingi
t)
I
rene:
Okayke
Me:
Shar
p
I
rene:
Shar
p
.
Tobecont
inued

Pleasenotest
art
ingfrom lat
ertodaywewill
goback
toournormalear
lierschedul
esinceI'
m sur
e
everyonei
sbackfrom theEasterweekend,
hopeyou
didenjoy
09

FUTHI

Thefr ontdoorwaswi deopen,guysfr

om the
communi t
ywer ehelpi
ngwithmov i
ngthedressi
ng
tabl
et othegarage,couchesandotherthi
ngsthat
won'tbeusef ulthr
oughoutthegri
evi
ngand
mour ningprocess.
.

MyMot her'ssisterwasher ealr

eady,myAunther
youngersi ster.Wewer etheonest i
dyi
ngup,
cleaning,andev eryt
hingasmyMot hersatonthe
mat tr
ess.Nei ghbourswer ealsohere,
tosendout
theircondolencesal r
eady.

Aunt
y:Fuf
u?
Me:
Ma
Aunt
y:Maket
eaandt
akei
ttot
hebedr
oom
Me:
Okay
Aunt
y:Lat
eronweshoul
dst
artbaki
ngscones
Me:
Yeswestshoul
d
Igott
hecupst
opr
epar
etea.
.

BONE

Mantsongaourfr
iend,hassortoffli
keami ni
Kasi
eat
ery.Hesel
lsbraaimean,chicken,beef
,andwor
s.
Papandaf ewsalads.
.

Iam happythatthecr ewdeci dedt omake

somethingofthemsel vesaf t
erourhei st,
exceptfor
Vukani.Wasn'thisf aultthough, heneverbroughtit
uponhimselftobebust edthatday .Whatmakest he
si
tuati
onwor seist hat,itseemsasi fli
kewesethi m
upandwedi dn't.Itriedt obet hereevenwhenhi s
moneyr anoutfrom buy inghim protecti
onand
supporti
nghischild, Iendedupt aki
ngmoneyf r
om
myownpockett ohel pout..
Mantsongabr oughtmetheplat
e..Hesatopposi
te
me..Wearei nav er
ydangerousbusi
nessthatwe
st
artednotlongago.Sell
ingammuniti
ontoguy s
whodohei sts.

Mant
songa:
uMbat
hauf
una5(
Mbat
hawant
s5guns)

Idon'
thandlethebusinessper sonal
ly
, Idon'
tkeep
theammuni t
ion.Ihaveasecr etunderground
warehousewher etheykeptthereandIhav eguys
downt her
ewhokeept heplacesecret.Mantsonga
bri
ngsmostofourcust omers..

Me:
I'
ll
cal
ltheguy
s
Heget
s20%oft
heshar
e..

I
RENE
Vukani
showedupwi
tht
hef
ood,
wesati
nhi
staxi
..I
cl
osedmyplat
e..

Me:
Ngi
yabongat
hef
oodwasni
ce
Vuks:
Thecompanywasmor
eni
ce
Ismi
l
ed.
.
Vuks:
uMuhl
esaan(
Youbeaut
if
ul)
Me:
Ngi
yabonga(
Thanky
ou)
Vuks:May
bewhenIfetchy
oul
ater
,Jampaswecan
getsomet
hingt
oeattoo
Me:
Thatwoul
dbeni
ce
Vuks:WeeeIrene.
.Ngobami nanawesiyaziukuthi
kuzokwenzakal
ani
,whydon'twejustgettoit?(I
rene
si
nceweknowwhat '
sgoingtohappenbet weenus,
whydon'twejustgett
oit)
Me:
Idon'
tknow
Vuks:
Don'
tknowwhat
?
Me:
Usbei
ngexcl
usi
ve?
Vuks:
Howcany ounotknowi
fyoudon'
twantt
otr
y
i
toutandsee?
Me:
Let
'sseehowt
hiswi
l
lgo
Vuks:
Okayany
thi
ngt
hatmakesy
oucomf
ort
abl
e

FUTHI

MyMot herwasprepari
ngtogotothehospi
tal
,the
Funeral
palourwastofetchmyFat
her'
sbodyfrom
thehospit
almorgue.

Icouldn'
taccompanyher,shewasgoi ngwithmy
Aunt.Iwasnotemot i
onall
ystrongtoexposemy sel
f
tosuchadi shear
teni
ngsit
uation.Iam pr
egnant
,I
don'
tneedt oomuchst r
ess..

Ist
ayedathomet
oover
seeot
hert
hings,
sti
l
lwi
tha
fewnei
ghbour
sar
ound.
.
I
RENE

Ikeptonthi
nki
ngaboutwhatVukani
askedand
proposedtome..

Idon'
tknowi
fI'
mreadyf
orar
elat
ionshi
pasy
et.
.

Thami:ComeonIrene,
yourexdi
ed3y
ear
sago
that
'sl
ongenoughtomoveon
Me:Idon'
tknow..Vukani
isal
soi
nthet
axi
indust
ry,
I
don'
twanttolosesomeoneel
se
Thami:Youcan'
tdepri
veyoursel
foflov
ejust
becauseofwhathappened,
giveitanot
hertr
yand
seewhathappens
Me:
Yout
hink?
Thami
:Yesi
fitdoesn'
twor
kout
,theni
tdoesn'
t
Me:
That
'st
rue
Thambi
:Letmegett
ocl
ass
Me:
Okayseey
oul
aterChom

VUKANI

Ical
ledFut
hi,
sheal
sohadupl
oadedt
hatherFat
her
passedon.
.

Fut
hi:
Hel
l
o
Me:
Hi.
.It
'sme
Fut
hi:
Hey
Me:Isawyouuploadedapi
ctur
eofy
ourFat
her
,
HadeJo(sor
ry)
Fut
hi:
Thanky
ou
Me:
Howar
ethef
uner
alar
rangement
sgoi
ng?
Fut
hi:
Weget
ti
ngt
her
e
Me:
I'
ll
hearf
rom y
out
henaboutt
hef
uner
al
Fut
hi:
OkayShar
p
Me:
Shar
p
Ihungup.
.

FUTHI

Boneknockedandt
henwal
kedi
n..

Bone:
Ntokazi
Me:
Babakhe
Bone:
Nxese(
I'
m sor
ry)
Me:
Hewasst
rong.
.Thi
s
Hecameandhuggedme.
.
Me:
Ididn'
tthi
nkhewouldleaveust
hissoon,
may
be
t
hat
'swhyMpilofel
lsi
ck.Ubehl
olai
sif
o
Bone:
Yamay
be
Me:
Thanky
ouf
orcomi
ng
Bone:
Ist
her
eany
thi
ngt
haty
ouneed?
Me:
Don'
tknowasy
etwhatwest
il
lgoi
ngt
oneed
Bone:
Theny
ou'
l
ltel
lme
Me:
Iwi
l
l
Heki
ssedme.
..

I
RENE

It
ookadeepbr eat
handtext
edhimthatwecangive
i
tatry,
thenIputmyphoneaway.Iwasner
vous,asI
wait
edforhi
sresponse.

Myphonebeeped.Ichecked,
andi
twasar
epl
yfr
om
hi
m.Heagreed.
.

Asmil
eonmyfacemadet
hemoment
,Ihopet
hisi
s
goi
ngtowor
k.
.
Tobecont
inued
10

VUKANI

AWEEKLATER

Beingat axidriverisnott hemosti deal job.I'

m not
evenmaki nghal foft hemoneyt hatIwantt omake.
Wi t
hthesi t
uat i
onathome, Thandosocl oset o
havingababy .BothPar entsnotwor king, ast he
olderkidallresponsibilityfall
sonmyshoul der s.I
feeluseless,thatIcan' treallyaffordf ormyf ami l
y
themoneyImakej ustput sfoodont het able.Made
getlostinmyt hought st hatmay be, j
ustmay be
Mpi l
owoul dn'tsurvivewi t
hme.HowdoIf i
ghtf or
mychi ldwhenIcan' tpr ovideforhim?Mpi l
oseems
tohav eawel lstablelife.Howwi llIaf fordtot ake
careofhi m?If eelsousel ess.Soangr y .Ionlyhav e
grade10, evenso.Whowoul dhireanexcon? .
Lookingatmyf r
iendst heyseem t ohav edonegood
forthemsel v
es.Mant songahashi sEat ery,bythe
l
ookoft hi
ngsheseemst obemakingi
t.Bagos
ownst wotaxi
s,andBoneiswel
lof
ftoo.Then
ther
e'sme,li
vi
ngonmyf ri
end'
shandout.
..

Iwassit
ti
ngattheEat
ery
,IseenowMant
songai
s
tr
yingt
opimpitup.
.

Me:
Ithi
nky
oushoul
dleav
eitl
i
ket
his
Mant
songa:
Why
?
Me: Weli
veinEkasiNtwana,peoplewantv i
be.
Pimpingi
toutmakingitseeminglylookli
keat op
notcheat
ingpl
acepeoplewillthi
nkt heynotfi
nanci
al
stabl
eenoughtocomeandchi llher.Makeitagood
pl
acebutnotfancy,st
il
lkeepthev i
be
Mant
songa:
Yiz
o(That
'st
hewayt
ogo)
Il
ookedar
ound.
.
Mant
songa:
Youdoi
ngwel
lNt
wana
Me:
Huh?
Mant
songa:
Mostpeopl
ewhogetout
,theyst
ruggl
e
t
hroughkodway
oudoi
ngwel
l
.It
'sagr
eatst
art
Me:
YaIsuppose

Il
ookedatt het i
me, Iwaswai t
ingforIrene.We
excl
usi
venow. .I
renehasagoodj ob,sheseemsl i
ke
shecanaffordher self
.Ireall
ydon'tknowwhyshe
wouldset
tlef orsomeonel ikeme.Someonewho
doesn'
thaveany t
hingnorupi nherstandar ds.
.She'
s
anicewomanandIam f all
ingforher,Ijustdon't
wannafallhard.Incase,shedoesaFut hionme
whenshe'st i
red..

I
RENE

Me:
Gogongi
cedi
l
e(I
'
m done)
Shecamet
otheki
tchen.
.
Gogo:
Ngi
yabongaRi
ri
Me:Sengi
yahambakodwaumauqi
ndezelekangi
cel
a
ungi
fonel
e(I
'mleav
ingnow,
ify
oudon'
tfeelwell
pl
easecal
lme)
Gogo:KodwaRi r
iuy azi
ngiyazenzel
a,sengi
hlushwa
nj
eyisi
fubanamhl anje(YouknowIdoev er
ythi
ngon
myown, j
ustthattodaymychesti sclosi
ngin)

MyGrandmotherhasbothast
hmaandal
so
suf
fer
ingf
rom Hypert
ensi
on..

Sincefrom yest
erday,she'sbeenhavingawhoopi ng
cough.IhopeherNebul izerwil
lhelp,
ifitdoesn'
t.I
'l
l
havetot akehertotheDrt omorrow.Itooktwoday s
off,I
'
llbegoingbacktowor konMonday ,
todayi
t
wasThur sday..

Ihaven'tt
oldheraboutVukaniandI.Imean,Vukani
doesn'thaveanacceptabl
ereputat
ion.Youknow
howelder sar
e..

Me:
Ngi
zokubonake(
I'
ll
seey
oul
ater
)
Gogo:
Hambake(
Youcango)

FUTHI

Theybroughtint
hescones.Ithasbeenadr eadf
ul
week.Iwasemot i
onal
lyandphy sicallyti
red.
.My
Fatheri
sgetti
ngburi
edonSat urday, at9am.Atleast
i
t'
llbeearl
y,by13:
00everyt
hingwi llbedone. .

MyBrot
her
'swif
ecametome, Iwassit
ti
ngoutsi
de
ont
hechai
rtaki
ngabr
eather
.Myf eetwereswol
len.
..

Her
:Unj
ani
?(howar
eyou)
Me:
I'
mti
red
Her
:Icani
magi
ne
Me:
Ever
yonei
scal
l
ingmef
rom l
eftt
ori
ght
Her
:AwwNxese(
sor
ry)
Me:
Thi
sist
het
imeIwi
shIcoul
ddr
ink
Shel
aughed.
.
Her
:If
eel
you
Il
ookedatt
het
ime.
.
Me:
InanhourIhav
etodr
iveoutt
ofet
chuMpi
l
o
Her
:Rel
axunt
ilt
hen

Bonewasnotar ound,
hewasi
nCapeTown.Icoul
d
feel
hisabsent
ia,hehel
psmealotwi
thMpi
lo.
.

I
RENE

Igott
otheEat
eryandVukani
wasal
readyt
her
e..

Me:
Am It
hatl
ate?
Hegotupt
oki
ssme.
.
Vuks:
Ali
tt
le
Me:
Aski
esIgothel
dupathome
Vuks:
It'
sokay
Webot
hsatdown.
.
Me:
llov
efoodf
rom her
e
Vuks:
It'
l
lbemyf
ir
stt
ime?
Me:
Ser
ious?
Vuks:
Ya
Me:
You'
l
lenj
oy
Vuks:
Ngat
hikesogci
naukuzal
a(I
t'
ll
bet
hel
ast
ti
mewecomehere)
Me:
HauNgoba?(
why
)
Vuks:Ther
e'sal
otofguyswhocomeher
e,andi
f
youcomeher et
oofr
equent
lyt
henayi
Ichuckl
ed.
.
Me:
Jeal
ous?
Vuks:
Kude(
I'
m not
)
Me:
Youhav
enor
easont
obej
eal
ous
Vuks:
Mawusho(
Ify
ousayso)
Hegotup.
.
Vuks:
Whatam Iget
ti
ngy
ou?
Me:
Dumpl
i
ngsandTr
ipe,
neHunt
er'
sgol
d
Vuks:
Shar
pngi
yeza(
I'
m comi
ng)
Hewentt
obuyust
hef
ood.
.

BONE

Myper
for
mancewasonSat ur
daybutIdeci
dedto
comeher
eearli
ersoIcouldgetf
reshai
r.CapeTown
i
sagoodtour
istatt
ract
ion.
.

Ir
eci
evedacal
lfr
om Mant
songa.
.
Me:
Awwi
njay
ehl
athi
Tsonga:
Bhubesi
Me:
Uthi
niNdonda?(
What
'st
hemat
ter
)
Tsonga:
I'
m wi
thVukani
la
Me:
Ngi
yezwandonda(
Iheary
ou)
Tsonga:
Ithi
nkweshoul
drecr
uithi
m
Me:Whatwedo,
wecan'
thavesomeonewhohas
badbl
oodwit
hmejoi
ntheteam
Tsonga:
AhhcomeonNdonda,
Vuksi
sourf
ri
end
Me:
Was
Tsonga:Mnaks,wecan'
tletoneofourownsuf
fer
l
ikethi
s..Hesay
she'sokaybutIdon'
tthi
nkhei
s
Me:
Vukani
hasi
ssuest
hatheneedst
odi
edown
Tsonga:
Ngi
yakuzwa(
Iheary
ou)
Me:Imi
ghtwannahel
poutbut
..
.Ther
e'sst
il
lsome
i
ssuest
her
e
Tsonga:
NoIheary
ou

I
RENE

Icoul
dseethatsomet
hingwasbot
her
inghi
m..Hi
s
mindwassomewhereelse.
.
Me:
Vukani
Hel
ookedatme.
.
Me:
What
'swr
ong?
Hesmi
l
edal
i
ttl
e..
Vukani
:Whyar
eyouwi
thme?
Me:
Idon'
tunder
stand
Vukani
:Youcouldbewi
thanyoneelse,
someone
bet
terbuty
ouchoseme.Ican'taf
fordyoual
if
ethat
awomanwi shesfor
Me: Wait.
.Youthi
nkI'
mt hatty
peofawoman?Look
Idon'tknowthekindofwoment hatyou'
vedat
edbut
please.Nevercomparemet othem,Iam wor
kingI
cangetmyown.Younotmypr ovi
der,y
oumy
boy f
ri
end
Vukani
:Idi
dn'
tmeani
tli
ket
hat
Me:
Thenwhatdoy
oumean?
Vukani
:Youdon'
tknowhowhardthi
sisf
orme,
dat
ingsomeonewhoismoref
inanci
alst
abl
ethan
me
Me:Yourbr
uisedEgo,t
hat'
syourowni
ssuet
haty
ou
needt
odealwi t
h.Notmine,
leav
emeoutofi
t
Vukani
:Aski
es?Whodoy
out
hinky
out
alki
ngt
oo?
Oneofyourfr
iends?
Me:Youar
esi
tt
ingt
herei
ndirect
lyaccusi
ngmeof
bei
ngagol
ddi
ggerandI'
m supposedtobehappy
?
Smil
e?
Vukani
:Inev
ersai
dyouagol
ddi
gger
Me:
Cany
oul
etmef
ini
sh?
Vukani:Youcanf
ini
shbutify
ougoingt
obe
repeat
ingmywords,gett
hem ri
ght
Me:
May
beIshoul
dleav
e
Vukani:
Soyougoingt
oletf
oodgot
owast
e
becauseofal
it
tl
eargument
?
Me:Idi
dn'
tleav
emysickGrandmotherathometo
comehereandbeaccusedofbei
ngagolddigger
Hehi
tthet
abl
e..
Vukani
:Ey
yInev
ercal
l
edy
ouagol
ddi
gger
!
Peopl
ewer
enowl
ooki
ngatus.
..
Me:
I'
mleav
ing
Vukani
:Ir
ene

Igotupf
rom t
hechai
r,t
ookmybagandl
eft
.

FUTHI

Igott
omycaranddr
ovet
oMpi
l
o'sschool
..

AsIwasdr i
vi
ngoutofthehood, j
ustnotfarf
rom t
he
EateryIswearthatIsawVukani wi
thsomey el
low
bone.Ilookedatthem,hewast ryi
ngtotouchher
butshewasst eppingback.Lookedli
ketheywere
havinganargument .
.

Ilookedather,
shelookedfamil
i
ar.I
twasI
rene,
reall
y?Ir
eneisdat
ingVukani?
Nev erimaginedhersett
li
ngdownwi t
haguyl ike
Vukani especial
l
ysinceshe'sani ndependent
woman. .I
renehasalwaysbeenf ullofhersel
f,she
thi
nksshe' sbettert
hanany one.Alwaysathome, not
mixingwi t
hpeopl efr
om aroundher ,I
'm even
surprisedshe'sdati
ngVukani .Ir
oll
eddownt he
window. .

I
RENE

Vukani
:Awuyekei
zi
ntoezi
snaxkant
iyi
ni?(
What
'
s
wit
htheatt
it
ude)

Me:Thatwasnotnice.
.Youhav
eyourowni
ssuest
o
wor
kon, don'
tpr
ojectt
hem onme

Vukani
:OkayIhear
dyoudammi
t!

If
oldedmyar
ms.
.
Vukani
:Canwegobackandeat
?

Idi
dn'
tsayany
thi
ng.
.

Vukani
:Pl
ease

Il
ookedathi
m..

Me:
Onl
ybecauseIl
i
ket
hef
oodar
oundher
e

Vukani
:WashouMaukut
hiamayel
l
owb-(
Mymom
di
dsaythatyel
l
owbonesare-
)

Me:
Icanmakei
tat
akeawayandeatathome
Vukani
:Sor
ryke
11

FUTHI

Iwasst il
lverymuchst uckonVukani andIrene.Ist
il
l
don' tknowhowI r
enecoul dpossibl
yfall
foraguy
l
ikeVukani ?Ireneisindependent.Hasagoodj ob
andhol dsherselftohighst andar
ds.Atthesame
ti
me, anotherpar tofmewasj eal
ous,verymuch
j
eal ous.ImeanIexpect edtobereplacedbyahood
rat,youknowt heoneswi thnocleardir
ecti
on.What
didI reneseei nhim?Iknowhi scharming,his
arrogancydr awsy ouclosertohim.Hasagoodsex
gamebutVukani hasnot hi
ng,nothi
ngatall.He's
j
ustVukani ..

Iwast
alki
ngt
omybestf
ri
endI
nnocent
ia.

I
nno:She'
sprobabl
ydesperat
ebecauseitreal
ly
doesn'
tmakesense.Vukanij
ustgotoutofjai
l
,he
hasnot
hing
Me:I'
mtel
li
ngy
ouandy
ouknowmeandI
renedon'
t
getal
ong
I
nno:
Yout
hinkhe'
sdoi
ngt
hist
ospi
tey
ou?
Me:No..Vukani
doesn'
tknowI r
ene,hewasal
ready
ar
rest
edwhenshegother e.Shemightbet
heone
whoisonthespiti
ngsi
de
I
nno:
Yout
hink?
Me:
Ithi
nk
I
nno:Aghjustleavet
hem,i
ftheybot
hini
tfort
he
wrongreasonstheni
twon'
twork
Me:
NoIcan'
tj
ustl
eav
eit
I
nno:
Whatar
eyout
hinki
ng?
Me:I
'
mthinki
ngt
hatIshoul
dgi
veVukani
achance
wi
thMpi
l
o
I
nno:
Hai
Mngani
!
Me:
Notasaf
atherbutanUncl
e
I
nno:
Didy
ouspeakt
oBoneaboutt
his?
Me:
Noty
et,
butIwi
l
l
I
nno:
Shuuuuuut
hisi
sbi
g
Me: Vukani
'
sMom i
sagoodPer
son,
wit
hherar
ound
IknowMpi l
owi
ll
besaf
e
I
nno:
Yousti
ll
loveVukaniri
ght
?Younotdoi
ngt
his
f
orMpil
obutyour
sel
flet'
sbehonest
Me:OfcourseIst
il
ll
oveuVukanibutci
rcumst
ances
ar
ejustnotal
lowi
ng,he'
snotstabl
eenough
I
nno:
Hai
wewi
l
lsee

I
RENE

Hedi
dupsetmenolie,
butweendeduphav
inga
ni
cemealandagoodti
metoget
her.

Someofhi
soldf
ri
endsandpeopleheknewpul
led
up,
musicwaspl
ayi
ng.Justabeaut
if
ulchi
l
ledv
ibe.
.
Iwassi
tti
ngonhim now,wantedt
omakea
st
atementsoev
eryonecouldknowwetoget
her
..

Iunderst
andabitwherehe'
scomi ngfrom buthe
hastodealwit
hhisissuesbecausetheywillgeti
n
betweenus.
.

Hewhi
sper
edi
nmyear
..

Vukani
:Hl
alakahl
e(Si
tst
il
l)

Iwasdr
inki
ngHunter
'sGoldandhewasdri
nki
ng
Cast
lel
i
ght,ar
eall
ycoldonethathi
sli
pswoul
dbe
col
dwhenheplacesthem onmyneck.
.

Tsonga:
Let
'sgof
orasmoke
Me:
Doy
oumi
nd?
Ishookmyheadno.
.Igotupandhest
oodup,
then
t
heywal
kedaway
..

Iwasn'
tsi
tti
ngal
one,
Iwasl
eftwi
thTsonga'
s
gi
rl
fri
end.
.

FUTHI

Iwasonthephonewi
thBone,
wasexpl
aini
ngt
he
si
tuat
iont
ohim..

Bone:
Idobel
i
evet
hatachi
l
dneedshi
sFat
her
Me:
Soy
ounotmad?
Bone:
Whywoul
dIbe?Sol
ongt
hatt
her
e'snot
hing
goi
ngonbet
weeny
outwo
Me:
Ipr
omi
se
Bone:
Okaywe'
l
ltal
kmor
ewhenIgetback
Me:
OkayImi
ssy
ou
Bone:
Yaaby
e
Hehungup.
.

Thatwasst
range.
.

BONE

Shemadeherwayt
ome.
.

Shel
ookedt
ir
ed,
Idon'
tbl
ameher
..

Me:
Ther
eshei
s
Shesmi
l
ed.
.Shegott
omeandweshar
edahug.
.

Me:
Unj
ani
Nkosazana?(
Howar
eyou)
Thul
i
le:
Tir
ed
Me:
AwwkodwaNkosi
Thul
i
le:
Ng'
bonganj
esengi
fi
ki
le(
I'
m gr
atef
ult
hatI
'
m
al
readyher
e)
Me:Namingi
bongaukuf
ikakwakho(
I'
m al
so
gr
atef
ulf
oryourar
ri
val
)
Ihel
pedherwi
thherbags,
wewal
kedt
othecar
..

Thul
i
le:
Ther
e'sal
ott
hatweneedt
otal
kabout
Me:
Iknow

Iam li
vingasecretli
fe.Thul
il
eismylongtimewi
fe,
welltr
aditi
onal
lyshe'
sconsideredso.Idat
edher
backwhenIwasst i
lll
ivi
nginKzn,befor
eImoved
here.BeforeIwasevenBone..

Itwashardleavi
ngherbehi nd,
sheli
veswi
thmy
rel
ati
vesdownt her
e.Thef amil
yhouse.
.Myfami
ly
andIweor i
ginal
lyf
rom Kzn, Mom camedownher
e
alongti
meagowor kreasons..

Keepi
ngt
hisf
rom Fut
hihasal
sobeenhar
d,act
ual
l
y
keepi
ngt
hisf
rom t
hebot
hoft
hem wasdi
ff
icul
t.
.

Iwasn'tgoingt opaylobolaforFut hi
,justthatshe
waspr essuri
zingme.Youknow, "Iknowmywor th"
.
Sowhenshef indsoutaboutt his,Idon'tknowwhat '
s
goingtohappenv i
athelegal route.MyUncl es
weren'ttheoneswhower epr esentwhent he
negoti
ationswer ehandledinFut hi'
shouse, Ibought
peopletodot hat.Myf amil
ydowni nKzndon' tknow
abouther ,
onlymysi ster
sdo.

I
fitgoeswell,
Icouldpotential
l
yt ur
nthi
sint
o
pol
ygamy .I
fThuli
l
edoesn' tagreethenI
'
lll
eaveFut
hi,
I
'l
lchooseThuli
leoverFuthi.

VUKANI

Tsonga:Bhekat
het
hingi
s..BoneandIwei
nvol
ved
i
nthisthi
ng
Me:
Whatt
hing?
Tsonga:Let
'scalli
tat
hingfornow.
.Bonei
stoo
proudtoadmitthatweneedyou
Me:
Whatt
hingNdonda?
Hepuf
fed.
.
Tsonga:
Wesel
l
..Wedeal
wit
hguns,
wesel
l
ingguns
Me:
Youdon'
tsay
Tsonga:
Kodway
oudon'
thav
etot
ell

Mantsongahasal
way
sfoundi
thar
dtokeepa
secr
et.
.

Tsonga:Ithinkit
'sgoi
ngtobeagoodst ar
tupfor
you,f
inanciall
y.
.YaboIzi
njaZehl
athi
justl
i
kebefor
e

Me:
Itookt
hef
all
Tsonga:
Yaat
hatwasbadl
uck,
wrongpl
aceatt
he
wrongti
me
Thatmeanst
heteam di
dn'
tsel
lmeout
,ift
heydi
d.
Tsongawoul
dspil
loutt
hebeans.

Me:
Manj
eit
hini
leey
akho?(
Whatdi
dBonesay
)

Tsonga:
He'
sworri
edandal
lyouknow,
sincey
ou
twoarenol
ongert
ight

Me:
Isee

BONE

Iwasdri
vi
ngwhi
l
sthol
dingherhandwi
thmy
Mother
..

Wit
hFuthii
twasn'tmeantt
obethi
sser
ious,t
hought
wewerejustgoi
ngtopassti
me.Nowshe'spr
egnant
,
andal
l
..
Thuli
leisveryrespectf
ul,neverpressuredmeabout
visi
ti
ngthatmuch.Sheusedt ovi
sitbeforeIpaid
l
obolaforFut hi
,whenFut hicameIst oppedher.
She'sverygroundedonr ules,andwouldn'tquesti
on
me.Ialway stakeouttheexcuset hatI'
m busy,on
theroadandIonl yvisi
thernownott heotherway
around..

Idon'
tknowhowIam goingtohandl
ethi
s,but
defi
nit
elyI
'
m choosi
ngThul
il
e.Ii
nvi
tedherdown
heresoshecouldwatchmeperf
orm onSatur
day
..
.
Tobecont
inued

Excuseanyer
ror
sencount
ered
12

FUTHI

ThelongwaitofmyFather'
sfuner
alfi
nal
l
ycame.
Veryearl
yontheSatur
daymor ni
ng,wewokeupand
prepar
edforthedayahead.

Pot
swerealreadyont hef
ireat4am,
peopl
ewere
goi
nginandoutoft hehouse.I
twasachaot
ic
morni
ngforallofus..

Idecidednottoseehiminhiscof
fin,
Ifi
guredthatI
couldn'
taff
ordtocol
lapse.NotwhenIam pregnant
,
mightinvol
untar
il
yhurtt
hebaby..

Mpil
owasrunni
ngaroundandchi l
dbeinga
not
ori
ouschi
ldwit
hhiscousins,t
hankstomycousi
n
whotookcar
eofthekids.Bat
hingthem,and
pr
epar
ingt
hem f
ort
hedayahead.

By8am wewer
eal
readyatt
het
ent
,theser
vicehad
st
art
ed.
.

Ilookedathiscoff
in,mybestfri
endwasgone.I 'l
l
nev erseehi
sfaceagai n,
hissmilenorhearhi
m
teasingmeany more.Itwashard,butitwasmor e
harderformyMot her.Hewasal soherbestfr
iend,
j
ustt hetwoofthem.Nowshe' sal one,
all
ofusar en'
t
l
ivingathome..

I
RENE

Vukani
askedmetoaccompanyhi
mtoaFuner
al.
Ntombif
uthi
fat
her
'sf
uner
al.
.

Icanr
elat
ewhatshe'
sgoingt
hrough,
Iremember
whenmyownFatherpassedon.I
twashardonme,
I
'm st
il
lbat
tl
ingt
oaccepthisdeat
hev ennow.That
wasevenalongti
meagot hathepassedon..

Ilookedatmy selfint hemi r

roronel astti
mewhenI
heardt hecarhooting.Hewasal r
eadypar ked
outside.MyGr andmot herwasf eel
ingabi tbetter
,
butnotbet t
erforhert obeout si
de.HenceI 'm goi
ng
tothef uner
al,torepresentherasanei ghbour..I
tookmybagandwal kedout ,shewassl eepingwhen
Ileft
.

BONE

MyPerf
ormanceisstar
ti
ngatni
ght
,soIdeci
dedt
o
t
akeThuli
l
eoutforshoppi
ngthi
smorni
ng.
.

Thul
i
le:
Whataboutt
hisone?
Il
ookedatt
heshor
t.
.
Me:
Awwngeke,
izi
ngqi
zonkengaphandl
e(No,
it'
s
t
oor
eveal
i
ng)
Shel
aughedandputi
tback.
.

IloveThuli
sil
ejustt
hewayshei s.She'swell
reserv
ed,she'snotoutther
e.Veryrespectf
uland
takesinseri
ouslyonhowshepr esentshersel
finthe
dressi
ngdepar t
ment.Observi
nghert ryi
ngtodiv
ert
awayf r
om herusualdressi
ngstyle,spokevol
umes
tome.

Whywoul dshestar
tdressi
ngdiff
erent
lynow?
Reveal
ingherbodytobemor eexact?Rai
sedafew
questi
ons.
.

Iwal
kedawayfr
om her,
tocal
lsomeonewhoIhav
e
al
wayshi
redtokeepaneyeonhert
hatsi
de.
.

Me:
Mnaks
Hi
m:Mnaks
Me:AwushokeBaf
o,i
thi
niI
ndabakaThul
i
le?(
what
i
sThuli
l
e'sst
ory
)
Hi
m:Awwakukhookutheni
wenaMnaxusenjal
o
(
Ther
e'snot
hingmuch,
she'
sst
il
lthesame)
Me:Akukhonj
eosenamehl
o?(
Ther
e'snoonewhoi
s
ey
eingher)
Him:AkekhowenaMnaxngobakuyazi
waiNtokazi
yendi
l
e(There'
snoonewhoiseyei
ngherbecause
t
heyknowshe'staken)
Me:Ngi
bongamakunj
alokeMnax(
I'
m happywhen
i
t'
sli
ket
hat)
Hi
m: Kubongami
naBaf
o(I
'
mtheonewhoi
s
t
hankful
)

FUTHI

Theser
vicewenton,t
heprogram wenton.Peopl
e
whospokeabouthim,spokebeauti
ful
l
y.Hewas
i
ndeedagoodman, notonlyathome,butal
sointhe
community.
Il
ookedaroundastheFuner
alPal
ourpeopl
ewal
ked
i
n,toal
ertusthatt
imewasup..

Af ewMenf rom churchandf ami

lymember sst
ood
byhi scoffi
nt oli
fti
tupandt akehim out.WhenI
turnedback, Inoti
cedIreneandVukani sit
ti
ngatthe
back.Ifindthishighl
ydi sr
espect
ful
,thi
si smy
Father'
sf uneral
.Notsome, r
omanti
cgat ewayfor
them. .

Ican'
tbeli
eveVukanidi
dthi
s,thi
sisabsur
dbri
ngi
ng
myarchenemyt othefuner
al?Thi
sisnotthet
ime
forhi
mt oshowoff.
.

West oodup,f
amilyandrelati
ves.Wewalkedout
behindmyFat her'
scoff
in.Mycousi nwasbesi
deme,
hol
di ngme.Makingsuret hatIam abl
etowalkout
tothef amil
ycar.
.
Iwaswear i
ngshades,Iwasabletolookatthem
wit
houtt hem not
ici
ng.Ir
enemadesur et ol
ookher
best.Imeant hi
sisadamnf uneral
!Notamakeup
parade!
!!IheldMpil
o'shandaswewal kedout.
.

BONE

Theshoppi
ngendedupwi
thushav
ingbr
eakf
ast
..

Thul
i
:Besengi
canga(
Iwast
hinki
ng)
Il
ookedather
..
Thul
i:
Ithi
nki
t'
sti
me,
meandLut
handomov
einwi
th
you

Ichokedonmyj
uiceandcoughed.
.
Me:
Wespokeaboutt
his
Thul
i
: I
'
mt i
redofj
ustbei
ngt
hereandy
out
her
e,I
'
m
marr
iedtoyounotyourf
ami
ly!
Me:
Kodway
ou'
l
lal
way
sbeal
one
Thul
i
:Idon'
tmi
nd,
Ijustwannabecl
oset
oyou
Sheext
endedmyhandt
omi
ne.
.
Me:
Okayl
etmet
hinkabouti
t
Thul
i
:Don'
ttaket
oomucht
ime

FUTHI

Wearr
ivedatt
hegraveyar
d,wewal
kedt
owher
ewe
wer
esupposedtositdown..

Att
hef
ront
..

Theyst
oodt
her
eli
ket
he"
Itcoupl
e".

HeheldtheUmbrel
laf
orher,shehel
dt i
ghtl
ytohis
arm..I
twassi
ckeni
ng.Theyweresuffocati
ngme.I
gotupandwalkedawayfrom t
hesit
uation,Mpi
l
o
f
oll
owedme.
.

Iwal
kedadi
stancet
ovomi
t.
.

Mpi
l
o:Mamaar
eyouokay
?
Me:
Mpi
l
oawume(
Wai
tami
nut
e)

Iwasn'
tfeel
i
ngt
oowel
l
,Iwasnauseat
ed.

Voi
ce:
Wat
er?
Irecogni
zethevoi
ce,
itwasHi
m.Iwipedmyl
ipsand
turnedback,
hewasstandi
ngbehi
ndmewit
ha
bottl
eofwater.
.

Me:
I'
mfi
ne
Vuks:
Youdon'
tseem f
ine
Me:
Yaawhati
sitt
oyou?
Hel
ookedatMpi
l
o..
Vuks:Isawy
out
aki
ngof
f,sawy
ouwer
en'
tfeel
i
ng
well
Me: Whati
sitt
oyouVukani
?Shoul
dn'
tyoubewi
th
yourgi
rl
fri
end?
Hechuckl
edandpi
nchedhi
sey
eswi
thhi
sfi
nger
s..
Vukani
:For
geti
t
Hewal
kedaway
..
Me:
Doy
oul
oveher
?
Het
urnedbackandl
ookedatme.
.
Vukani
:Yes.It
hinkIdo
Inoddedrepeat
edl
ytr
yingt
oswal
l
owwi
thal
umpon
myt hr
oat
...

Me:Toobadbecause.
.Iwasdecidi
ngt ol
etyousee
Mpil
obutIdon'
tknowifIshoul
dtrustherar
oundmy
Son
Hewal
kedbackt
ous.
.
Vukani
:IfIwasn'
tdat
ingI
rene,
woul
dyouhav
e
deci
dedont hi
s?
Me:
Yes
Vukani
:Whydi
dn'
tyoubef
oreIst
art
eddat
ingI
rene?
Me:
Iwast
hinki
ngabouti
t
Vukani
:Fut
hit
hisi
sri
dicul
ous
IsawI
renewal
ki
ngt
ous.
.

Me:SoI'
l
lhearf
rom y
ou,ify
ouwantarel
ati
onshi
p
wit
hyourSonora.
.Ay el
l
owbonewit
hapairof
yel
l
owlegs

Ihel
dMpilo'
shandandwewal
kedaway
,meet
ing
Ir
enehal
fway..

I
rene:
Hi
Ist
oppedandl
ookedather
..
I
rene:
I'
m sosor
ryabouty
ourFat
her
Me:
Thanky
ou.
.Theset
hingshappen
I
rene:
Iknowhowhar
dit
,whenIl
ostmyf
atherIc-
Me:
Arey
ouser
iousl
ymaki
ngt
hisabouty
ou?
I
rene:
Par
don?
Me:Thi
sismyFather
'sf
uner
alandyougoingt
o
makethi
sabouty
ou?YouandyourFather
?
Ir
ene:Ohhnodon'
tgetmewr ong,
Iwasn'
t.I
'
m so
sorr
yifImadeyoufeel
thatway
Me:Whyar
eyouev
enher
e?YouandIar
en'
tev
en
cl
ose?
Ir
ene:Ididn'
tthinkafuner
alr
equi
redonet
ohol
da
cert
ainrelat
ionshipt
obetheref
orsomeone
Vukani
wal
kedt
ous.
.
Me:Let'
sgetonethi
ngstrai
ght.Justbecauseyou
dati
ngmyBabyDaddyi tdoesn'
tmeant hatyouandI
arenowfri
endsokay?
I
rene:
Under
stood
Me:
Good
Ipul
l
edMpi
l
oandwewal
kedaway
..

I
RENE

Thatwasrude.Idon'
tknowFuthit
hatwel
ltoev
en
haveaprobl
em withher,
Idon'
tknowwhyshehasa
probl
em wit
hme. .

Vukani
:Youal
ri
ght
?
Me:
Yes.
.I'
mfi
ne
Iwasn'
tgoi
ngt
othr
owaf
itatt
hef
uner
al.
Hehel
dmyhand.
.
Vukani
:Wannagetoutofher
e?
Me:
Please
Vukani
:Let
'sgosi
tint
het
axi
Wewal
kedov
ert
othet
axi
..
FUTHI

Isatdown,
Mpi
l
osatont
opofme.
.
Mpi
l
o:Mamawhoi
sthat
?
Me:
ShhhMpi
l
o
Il
ookedatt
hem wal
ki
ngupt
oVukani
'
staxi
.
.
Tobecont
inued
13

VUKANI

Afterwegotbackt ot hecemet er
y,Ihadnoi nterest
i
nst ayingandeat i
ng.Notaf terwhatFut hitoldme,
thatulti
mat um.Iwoul ddoany thi
ngt obeapar tof
mySon' slif
er i
ghtnow, butitshouldn'tmakeme
choose.I reneisawonder f
ul woman, Ienjoybei ng
withher .Shehasn' tgivenmeanyr easonsof arto
thi
nkot her wiseofher .Yes,myt r
usthasbeen
brokeni nav erybadway ,i
nawayt hatInev er
thoughtIcoul dtr
ustagai n.IcansayI 'm slowlybut
surelyadapt i
ngt otrustingIrene,Iam f al
li
ngdeepl y
forher.Iexpect edhert ot hr
owaf itatmyt alkingt o
Futhi,butshedi dn't.Shehandl edthesi tuati
onwel l
.

Whowouldn'
twanttobewit
hsuchawoman?Wel
l
behav
edandsherespect
shersel
fgr
eat
ly.
.
Idroppedheroffatherpl
ace,
Iwi
l
lbepi
cki
ngherup
l
aterforasleepover
..

MyMom wasf
ini
shi
ngupont
hespr
ingcl
eani
ngasI
wal
kedi
n..

Ma:
Howdi
ditgo?
Me:
Itwentwel
l
Ma:
Passmet
hosegl
asses
Idi
d..
Ma:
What
'sony
ourmi
nd?
Me:
Howdi
dyouknow?
Ma:
Youhav
ethatl
ook
Me:Fut
hihasagr
eedf
ormet
obeapar
tofMpi
l
o's
l
if
e
Ma:
Justl
i
ket
hat
?
Me:
Butshewant
sIr
eneoutoft
hepi
ctur
e
Ma:
JustwhenIwasaboutt
ocompl
i
menther
Me:Idon'
tunder
standwhyshe'
ssocommi
tt
edt
o
makemyl i
feali
vi
nghell
Ma: IpartlyblameherMot her
,howdoyouexpect
Futhitot urnoutdi
ff
erent
lywhenherownMot heri
s
thattoxic?Constantl
yinf
luenci
nghert
orui
n
people'slives?
Me:
Yaai
t'
sbad
Ma:Ont
heotherhandIunder
standabi
twher
eshe'
s
comi
ngfr
om
Me:
Youdo?
Ma:Idon'
tknowIreneenoughtomisjudgeher,
but
anywomanwoul dbeconcernedbr
ingingherki
din
thepr
esenceofanotherwoman.Notallwomenare
keenonstepki
ds
Me:Iwasn'
tgoingt
oincl
udeIr
enei
nMpi
l
o'sl
i
fe
pr
ematurel
y,Iwoul
dn'
tri
ski
t
Ma:Futhi
justwant
stohaveaholdony
ou,
she
doesn'
twanttoseeyousucceedi
ng
Me:
Ireal
l
ydon'
tknowwhatt
odo
Ma:
Tal
ktoher
Me:
Idi
d
Ma:
Tryagai
n

I
RENE

Iwast
akingoffmyear r
ingswhenmyGr
andmot
her
wal
kedin,shecoughed.
.

Grams:Youl
ookli
keyouweret
heonewhowas
bury
ingsomeonecl
osetoy
ou

Ismi
l
ed.
.
Me:
HiGr
andma
Gr
ams:
Funer
alt
ooky
ouback?
Me:
Iwi
sh
Shesatonmybed.
.
Gr
ams:
Thenwhat
'swr
ong?
Me:
I..Iam seei
ngsomeone
Gr
ams:
Ohwusuy
ajol
a(y
oudat
ing)
Me:
Grams
Gr
ams:
Kwat
hini
ke?(
Whathappened)
Me:Hehasachi
l
dwi
thawomanwhoseemst
oxi
c,
whohat
esme
Gr
ams:
Whoi
she?
Me:
Uhm.
.Vukani
Isai
dthatwi
thal
owv
oice.
.
Gr
ams:
InganekaNt
uli
?(Nt
uli
'
schi
l
d)
Me:
Eya
Gr
ams:
Wasn'
thear
rest
ed?
Me:
Yes
Grams:Usuzamaukut
hiawasekhoamadodana?
(
Ar ey
ousay i
ngt
here'
snoMenany mor
e)
Me:
He'
sar
eal
l
ygr
eatguyMa
Grams:EyyI
reneIdon'
tknowwhatt
osay,
I'
venev
er
datedanexconwithatoxi
cbabyMamabefor
e
Il
aughed,
shehasabi
tofanof
fensi
vesenseof
humor.
.
Me:
Anothert
hing,
I'
m sl
eepi
ngov
erathi
spl
ace
t
oni
ght
Grams:
Usuzohambauny
aka?(
You'
l
lbegonef
ora
year
)
Me:
NoGr
ams,
I'
ll
bebackonSunday
Grams:That'
swhaty
ouallsay
,Beseumuntu
usebuy
iswaamaphoyisa(
Youwil
lbebroughtback
bythePoli
ce)
Me:
Awwchangeke(
Iwon'
t)
Gr
ams:Haike,
Ireall
yli
kehi
sMot her
.She'
sa
wonder
ful
woman, bl
essherhear
t
Me:
Ihopeshewi
l
lli
keme
Gr
ams:
Shewi
l
llov
eyou

FUTHI
Idrankaglassofwater
.Boneneversaidany
thi
ng
today,i
twasalar
ming.Whatifhe'
shurtor
something?

Ical
l
edhi
m..
Bone:
Fut
hi
Thatwasunusual
..
Me:Iwascall
i
ngtof
indouti
fyouokay
,Ihav
en'
t
hear
danyt
hingfr
om yout
oday
Bone:I'
m goodj
ustbusyt
heper
for
mancei
sinaf
ew
hours
Me:
Wel
lwebur
iedmyFat
her
Bone:
Howwasi
t?
Me:
Itwasokay
,st
il
lcan'
tbel
i
evehe'
sgone
Bone:
Youneedt
otr
yandl
i
vewi
thi
t
Hewascol
d,t
hisi
sunl
i
kehi
m..

Ihear
daf
emal
evoi
ceatt
hebackgr
ound.
Bone:
Ihav
etogo,
thecr
ewi
scal
l
ing
Me:
OkayIl
ov-
Hehungup.
.Hehunguponme.
.

BONE

Shewal
kedoutoft
hebat
hroom f
ull
ydr
essed.
.

Thul
i
le:
Whatdoy
out
hink?
Me:
Umuhl
e(y
oul
ookbeaut
if
ul)
Thul
i
le:
Thatwasn'
tconv
inci
ngenough
Me:I
'm sor
ry.
.Iwast
hinki
ngaboutwhaty
ou
pr
oposedearl
ier
Thuli
l
e:Iam y
ourwif
e,weget
tingmarriednext
month.Wesupposedtobel
iv
ingtogetheras
husbandandwif
eandourDaughterLuthando
Me:
Iknow.
.Iknow
Iwal
kedupt
ohi
m andhel
dherhands.
.
Me:Ipr
omiseaf
tert
heweddi
ng,
youguy
swi
l
lmov
e
downwithme
Thul
i
le:
Thent
hat
'sgood

FUTHI

Vukani
cal
l
edme.
.
Me:
Vukani
Vukani
:It
houghtaboutwhaty
out
oldme
Me:
So?
Vukani
:Idon'
tunder
standhowmyrel
ati
onshi
pwi
l
l
i
nfl
uencemybondingwi t
hmySon
Me:Youwantmet
otr
ustanot
herwomanwi
thmy
Daught
er?
Vukani
:Iam notgoi
ngt
obr
inghercl
osert
omySon
Me:
Yeahr
ight
Vukani
:Awukahl
eukusangana!(
Stopbei
ngcr
azy
)
Me:
Wewi
l
ltal
kagai
nwheny
ouar
ereadyt
ohav
ea
r
elat
ionshi
pwi
thMpi
l
o
Vukani
:Aghmaant hi
sisnotaboutMpil
o,t
hisi
s
abouty
ourjeal
ousyandinsecur
it
iesngoI
rene
Me:Areyouser
ious?Hai
bo!Myj
eal
ousyov
erI
rene?
Ngoba?
Vukani
:I'
m notst
upi
d
Me:
Bel
i
evewhaty
ouwannabel
i
eve
Vukani:
Don'tuseuMpilotofighty
ourbattl
es,
Have
youeverthoughtaboutwhent het
ruthcomesout?I
t
alwaysdoes!Whatarey ougoingtosaytouMpil
o
whenhegr owsup?He' sgoi
ngt oknowaboutme
Ikeptqui
et.
.
Vukani
:Ohwy
oudi
dn'
tthi
nkt
hatf
ardi
dyou?
Me:Gi
vemesomet i
met orunt
hisbyuMpil
oand
makehim under
stand,kodwafornow.You'
l
lbe
i
ntr
oduci
ngy our
selfashisUncl
e
Vukani
:Fi
nebyme
Me:
I'
ll
bei
ntouch
Vukani
:Shar
p
Ihungup.
..

VUKANI

Ma:
Vukani
Me:
Ma
Ma:Canyoupl
easehelpy
ourFathergett
othetoi
l
et?
Hewantstour
inat
e.Youj
usthel
phim outoft
he
chai
r
Me:
Okay
Iwentt
othei
rBedr
oom.
.
Me:
Pops
Hel
ookedatme.
.
Me:
Youwannauset
heLoo?
Dad:
Wher
eisy
ourMot
her
?
Me:
uBusy
Dad:
Itwon'
tev
ent
ake5mi
nofhert
ime
Hewassi
tt
ingont
hebed.
.
Me:
ComeonI
'
llhel
pyou
Dad:
Awubi
zeUny
oko(
Cal
lyourMot
her
)
Me:
Ijustsai
dshe'
sbusy
Dad:Idon'
tcar
e!Thi
sismyhouse,
ifnoonewant
s
tofol
lowthr
oughwit
hmyrul
esnonkefokof
ani
!
Icl
i
ckedmyt
ongueandwal
kedout
..
.
Ma:
He'
sref
usi
ng?
Me:
Yaa
Ma:
Ifi
gur
edmuch
Me:
Dramat
icl
eboy
fri
endy
akho
Ma:Heurinat
esit
ti
ngdownVukani
,maybehe
doesn'
twantyoutoseet
hatv
ulner
abl
esideofhi
m
Me:
Hewhat
?
Ma:
It'
sreal
l
ydi
ff
icul
tonhi
m

MyFatherusedtobeaveryst
rongman.Hewoul
d
beaty
ouupunt i
lyoubl
eed.Toheart
hathei
sthi
s
v
ulner
abl
e,i
twasshocki
ng.

Me:
Ngi
sashay
aiRound
Ma:
Okay

BONE

Ir
eci
evedacal
lfr
om oneofmyMen.
.

Me:
Sgwi
l
i?
Sgwi
l
i:Bhoza
Me:
What
'st
hemat
ter
?
Sgwi
l
i:Ei
shwenaBhozakubi
(It
'sbad)
Me:
Khul
umaNdonda(
Tal
k)
Sgwi
l
i:Bal
ahl
eint
oenakanj
e(Theyl
ostagun)
Me:
Ithi
uyadl
ala?(
Tel
lmey
ouj
oki
ng)
Sgwi
l
i:Kude(
I'
m notl
yi
ng)
Me:Bathol
e,ut
hol
elent
oenakanj
e(Fi
ndt
hem,
and
f
indthatgun)
Ihungup.
.

Ical
l
edTsonga,
andt
oldhi
m whathappened.

Tsonga:Thi
scan'tbehappening,
theyrent
edt
he
guns.Theycan'
tl
osethem, notevenone
Me:
Ithappened
Tsonga:
Ithi
nky
ouknowwhatt
odo
Me:
Wenotdoi
ngt
hat
Tsonga:YouneedVuks,
weneedI
njay
ehl
athi
.We
bothknowit!
.
Tobecont
inued
14

BONE

Theper f
ormancewasgr eat,thecrowdloveditandI
wassat i
sfi
edwitht heoutcome.Wewer enowgoi ng
totheafterpar
ty,justMe, Thuli
,thecrewandaf ew
fans.Idon'
tknowhowThul i
leisgoingtohandlethi
s
becauseshe'snotbi gonpar tyi
nganddr i
nki
ng,butI
dowi shshewillhaveabi toffun..

Ir
eci
evedat
extf
rom Fut
hiwhi
chr
ead:

"Idon'
tknowwhat'
shappeni
ngbet
weenus,butI
don'tl
i
keit.Wedr
if
ti
ngapartandi
thur
ts.
"

Idel
etedt
hemessageaf
terr
eadi
ngandputmy
phoneaway.
.
I
RENE

MyGr andmot herwasr i

ght,Vukani'
sMom isaver
y
l
ovelylady.She'spoli
tel
yout spoken,hast
hemost
beauti
fulandwar m smile.

Shei
sfr
iendl
yandv
erywel
comi
ng.
.

Weweresi
tt
ingar
oundt
hedi
nnert
abl
e,hav
ing
di
nner
..

Ev
enhisSist
eri
sni
ce,exceptf
orhi
sfat
her
.Hewas
maki
ngslycomment
st hr
oughout
.

Zuxi
e:I
'
llgoandpr
epar
ethedesser
t
Me:
I'
ll
hel
p
Zuxi
e:Don'
tst
rai
nyour
sel
fDear
,youar
eaguest
Thando:
I'
ll
hel
pyou
Theybothgotupandwentt
oprepar
ethedesser
t,
notfor
gett
inghowmuchofagoodshewas..

Me:
Yourf
ami
l
yisni
ce
Vukani
:Youthi
nk?BecauseIam t
hinki
ngof
di
sowningthem
Webot
hlaughed.
.

HisFatherhadret
ir
edtobed.
.Hewasn'
thappy
aboutbeernotbei
ngincl
udedont
hedinnert
abl
e..

Vukani
:Sor
ryaboutmyFat
her
,hehasami
ndofhi
s
own
Me:I
t'
sokay
,thanky
ouf
ori
nvi
ti
ngme.Youhav
ea
l
ovel
yhome
Vukani
:Thanky
ou

FUTHI
Atleastev
ery t
hingwasdone,peopl
elef
tandonl
y
famil
ywasl eft
.Dishesandpotsweredone,
onl
yless
workwasl eftfort
omorrow.
.

IstreamedBone' sperf
ormancel
iveonYouTube,
theyhadi ncludedit
.Heper
formedwit
hfansonthe
stage,therewasonewomanhekeptonbei ng
touchyt ouchywith.

Hewoul dignor
ealltheotherf
emalesand
concentr
ateonher.Shewasgi vi
ngmebadv ibes,
therewassomet hi
ngoffabouther.Iwasi
na
crapper
,Vukanihasmov edon.Boneisact
ingcold
towardsme, i
twastoomuch.

I
RENE

Af
tert
hedi
nner
,wewentt
ohi
sbackr
oom.
Mostguy sthei
rroomsaren'
tasimpr essi
ve,butIli
ke
Vukani'
sroom.Itwascleanandt her
ewasn'tany
unusualsmell,
orthebedsmellofsneakers.Duv et
wascleantoo,Iwasv er
yimpressed.Whyshoul dn'
tI
bethough?Hei sacleanguy.
.

Itur
nedaroundtol
ookathim andhekissedme.He
ranhishandsf
rom myt
highsallupunderneat
hmyt-
shir
t.
.

Me:
Wai
t.
.Wai
t.
.Wai
t.
.St
op
Vuks:
Whati
sit
?
Hewasst
il
lfor
cingt
hrought
oki
ssme
Vuks:
Whati
sit
?
Me:
Ifwedot
his,
Ineedt
oknowt
hatbet
weenus.I
t'
s
r
eal
Vuks:
Iti
sreal
Me:
Iam notpl
ayi
nggames
Vuks:
Iam notpl
ayi
nggamesei
ther
Het ookoffmyt -shir
tandItookofhis.Hemov ed
backwardstot hebed, hesatdownandIsatont op
ofhim.Het ookof fmybr aandcaressedmybody ,
busykissi
ngt hroughandpokingmyt i
tswi
thhis
tongue.Ihaven'thadactioni
nal ongti
me,eversince
myexpassedon. .

BONE

Iwal
kedoutasIgotacal
lfr
om Tsonga.
Tsonga:
So?
Me:
Coul
dn'
twedot
hist
omor
row?
Tsonga:
Themor
etimewewast
e,t
hemor
eour
busi
nesscr
umbl
es
Tsongawasanot
heronet
hatwasv
erycl
oset
o
Vukani
..
Me:
Fine.
.I'
l
lspeakt
ohi
m
Tsonga:
Icoul
dspeakt
ohi
m
Me:
Ithi
nkIshoul
ddoi
t
Tsonga:
I'
ll
hearf
rom y
out
hen
Me:
Shar
p

I
RENE

Wewer enakednow, hel ai

dbackonthebedasI
knel
tonthebedbesi dehi mtaki
ngafull
gripofhi
s
hardbl
ackdick.Thef actthati
twasabigblackcock,
tur
nedmeonev enmor e.Iwasneverint
olight
ski
nnedguys,I'
vealway sbeenaboutdarkchocol
ate
l
ateones.

Thef eelofit
,hardeni
ngmor easmyhandf ir
mlyhad
agriponi tci
rcli
ngmymout hallt
hewaydownand
feel
ingittouchingthebackofmymout h,surel
y
veri
fiedthatitwasgoingtofil
lmeup.Iwentdown
onhi m,withmysal i
vagivi
ngmor elubr i
cati
on
maki nghimt omoanandgetup.If elthi
shand
runningdownmybackal lthewayt omyexposed
butt.Herubbedi tandspankeditaf ewt i
mes,
pr
oceedi
ngdownt
omycoochi
e.

Hisfingersr ubbedagainstmyent r
anceal ltheway
uptomycl i
t.Itookitoutofmymout handmoaned
andher ubbedandpokedmyal r
eadythrobbi ngcl
it
.I
couldn'tkeepst il
lasthepleasur
eintensifi
ed.Iwent
backt ogi v
inghi m aBJ,andthenhesl i
ppedhi stwo
fi
ngersi nsideofme.Iscr eamedal i
ttl
e,aspai nshot
thr
ought oo.Buti tqui
ckl
ysiezedashef ingerfucked
me..

Me:
Ahhhhh.
.Ahhhhh.
.

Iwasgett
ingmorewet
,coul
dhearthesl
i
ppery
soundbei
nggiv
enbythewetnessofmycoochi
e..

Vuks:
Don'
tst
op.
.Don'
tgety
ourmout
hof
fit

Icont
inued,
buti
twashar
dfort
ryi
ngt
omoanwi
th
al
lthepl
easur
eIwasf
eel
i
ng.
.

FUTHI

Iputonmyt racksui
tandsleeper
s.Thinkingtoo
muchaboutt hissi
tuat
ionwasstart
ingtost ressme
out.Ihadbeencalli
ngBone,hewasn'tpickingup.I
t
str
essedmeoutmor e.

It
ookmyphoneandcheckedonMpi
l
o,hewas
sl
eepi
ngwi
thhi
scousins.
.

Imademywayoutt oVukani
'
spl
ace.Ineededt obe
wit
hsomeonet okeepmymindf
rom thinki
ngalot,I
neededtobecuddl
edandhel
dti
ghtthroughoutthe
ni
ght..

I
RENE
Isli
ppedthecondom allt
hewaydown, hol
dingt
he
ti
psoi tdoesn'
tfi
l
lupwi t
hairi
nsi
de.I
tcoveredhi
s
dickti
ghtl
yandIpr ayi
tdoesn'
tbr
eak.
.

Hemov eduptobal ancehisbackagai

nstt hebi
g
pil
l
ow.Ispreadoutmyl egsonhim andgui dedi
tin
caref
ull
y.Theti
palonebeingsideIfel
tit.Hewas
holdi
ngmywai standslidi
ngmedownt oof r
om hi
s
si
de,Iwentdownabi tf
urt
her.
.

Me:
Awww
Vuks:
Aski
es
Isl
idi
toutagainandtri
ed.Hemov edhi
shandfrom
mywai standhel
ditf
rom thebot
tom.Heguidediti
n,
i
twasbet teri
fhedi
ditbecausei
fIdoitIwon'
tfull
y
geti
tin..

If
eltitst
ret
chi
ngmei nsi
defordearlif
e,Il
aidboth
myhandsonhi sshoul
ders.Heleanedforwardand
st
artedsucki
ngonmyt it
.Hegothi shandbackon
mywai standsl
idmedownagain,wi
thoutabi
tof
mercythisti
me.Igr
abbedhi
sskinandsunkmynail
s
deepinside.
.

Me:
Vukani
Ahhhhh.
..

Sl
idmeal lt
hewaydownandmyscream gotl
ouder
whenIfinal
lyr
eachedt
hebot
tom,
Ifelti
tdeep
i
nside.
.

Istar
tedgoi
ngupanddownslowl
y,heswi
tched
betweenmynippl
esandmovedhi
shandsdownt o
grabandshakemyass.
.

WhenIwentupanddown, itwasalsotickl
i
ngmycl i
t
wit
ht hecombi nat
ionofmyt i
tsgetti
ngsucked.The
pai
nwasov ershadowedwithpleasure,
pleasurewas
ki
ckingin.
.Ileanedbackal i
tt
lemakingmyt i
ttosl
id
outofhismout h,Iletmyhandgodownt omassage
andsqueezehi sballs.
.
FUTHI

Iopenedt
hegateandgent
lycl
osedi
t.Thenshoti
t
thr
oughtolock.
.

Thel i
ght swereofffr
om thehouse, Iwentt othe
back.Thel i
ghtonhisroom wason, asIgotcl oser.I
heardv oices,hewasr eal
l
ygi vi
ngittoher .Shewas
moani ngl oudl
y,hewasgr oaning.Irefrainedmy
handf rom knockingasmymout hdriedup.Imov ed
cl
osert ot hewindow.Hedi dn'
tunt i
et heot herdark
partoft hecurtai
n,soIcouldseeabi twhatwas
happeni ng.Shewasont opofhi m,fucki ngherself
againsthi m.Bythelookofit,bothwer eenjoying
eachot her .
.

Tear
sbur
nedmyey
es,
mychestcl
osedi
n..

Iwal
kedaway
,bal
anci
ngmyhandagai
nstt
hewal
lto
t
hegat
e..
.

BONE

Thulil
eandIhadsnuckoutf rom thepar t
ytot herest
room.Ilockedt hemaindoorsonoonewoul dcome
i
n.Wewer en'tsupposedt
ot akemucht ime,incase
theycallt
hemanagerandt el
l hi
mt here'ssomet hi
ng
wrongwi t
ht herestroom.Icouldn'tignoreher
curvesandassbei ngperfect
lypor t
rayedbyher
dress..

Wewer en'tent
irel
ynaked,Ij
ustlif
tedherdr essupt
o
herwaistandpushedherpant i
est othesideasI
tookitfrom behind.Shewashol di
ngont oher
counter,therefl
ecti
onofherintoxicatedfacial
expressionwi t
hpleasurewaspr i
celess..

FUTHI
Iwasdizzy
,Ifel
tdizzy.Istoppedandsatonthe
pavementcry
ing.Itookof ft
hejacketofmytracksui
t
becauseIwasalsof eel
ingunbeli
evabl
yhot.Hot
fl
ushesthr
oughmyf ace..

SoVukanihascomplet
elymovedon?Yest
hatwas
fucki
ng,
butonethatcl
earl
yhadfeel
i
ngsat
tachedt
o
i
t..

Hemi
ghthav
efal
l
enf
ort
hatgi
rlmor
ethanIt
hought
.
.
Tobecont
inued
15

I
RENE

Thenextmor ni
ng, Vukaniwokeupv eryearlyi
nt he
morni
ngbecausehehadt ogot owork.Hewasup
by4am,rightaft
erourmor ni
ngglory
..Theremor e
wehadsexl astnight,ther
emor emycoochi ewas
abl
etoaccommodat ehim anditwasnice.Thoughi t
di
dleavemesor eher eandt here,
butIenjoyed.It
wasn'
tthattypeofsor enessthatwouldmakey ou
notwannagoback, nottheoverexaggeratedon..

Me:
Iwi
shy
ouwer
en'
tgoi
ng
Iwaswear
inghi
st-
shi
rt
..
Vukani
:Iknow,
buti
tiswhati
tis
Heki
ssedme.
.
Vukani
:Youcanr
est
Me:
Ithoughty
ouwoul
ddr
opmeof
fathome
Vukani
:Younotaonenightst
and,andI
'm notgoi
ng
totr
eatyouli
keoneandmyMot herwoul
dkillmeifI
tr
eatyouli
keone
Me:Idon'
tknowi fI
'
llbeabl
etobecomf
ort
abl
e
wi
thoutyouaround
Vukani:
YouandmyMot
herar
ehi
tt
ingi
tof
fpr
ett
y
well
,sheli
kesy
ou
Me:
Butst
il
l
Vukani:
Youhav etobecomf or
tablear
oundt hem
Muntuzawithoutme,Iwon'tal
way sbearoundand
tr
ustme.Wheny ougetar
oundt hei
rcrazi
ness,you'
l
l
becrazytoo
Ichuckl
ed.
.
Het
ookhi
swal
l
et.
.Het
ookoutR250
Vukani
:Maybey ouandThandocangooutf
or
br
eakfastl
ateron
It
ooki
t.
.
Vukani
:Iknowi
t'
snotmuch
Me:
It'
smor
ethanenough
Hesmi
l
ed.
.
Vukani
:I'
l
lcal
lyoul
ater
Me:
Okay
Vukani
:Il
ovey
ou
Me:
Ilov
eyout
oo
Iwat
chedhim ashewal
kedout
,Ir
eal
l
ydi
dn'
twant
hi
mtoleave.
..

FUTHI

Myeyeswer
epuff
y,Ispental
lni
ghtcr
ying.Icr
ied
mysel
fsi
l
ent
lyt
osleep..

Ma:
What
'swr
ongwi
thy
ourey
es?
Iexhal
ed.
.
Ma:Iknowit
'shar
dFuthibutyouhavet
okeepon,
youcan'
tbr
eaknow.Isti
l
l needyou
Me:
Iknow
Ma:Yourcousi
nsarearoundsot heywi
l
lhel
pwi
th
washi
ngtheblanket
sandev er
ything
Me:
Danki
eMa
Ma:
Tryandr
estal
i
ttl
eFut
hi
Me:
Iwi
l
l

BONE

Wewalkeddownforbreakf
astt
othedi
ningar
ea.
Todaywasourl
astdayinCapeTown.

Ifel
tli
kethi
sbondi
ngti
mef orus,
wasshortl
ived.
Thuli
leandIwedon'
tspendmucht i
metoget
her
becauseofthel
ongdi
stance.
.

Me:
Whenar
eyougoi
ngbackt
owor
kNt
okazi
?

She'
sonl
eav
e..
Thul
i
le:
OnWednesday
Me:
Okay
,atl
easty
ouhav
etwoday
slef
ttor
est
Shesmi
l
edandpi
ckedupt
hecup.
.

Unli
keFuthi
,IknowThulil
ewouldn'
tswi
tchuponme.
Iknowshelovesme, possi
blyl
ovesmemor ethanI
l
oveher.Iam nott
akingadvant
ageofthat
,Ijust
wentofftr
ail
butI'
l
ltr
yt ogetmysel
fontheri
ght
tr
ackforHerandLuthando..

I
RENE

Iwantedt osl
eepbutitwasdiff
icul
t.Ididn'twanthis
Mothertot hi
nkthatI
'
ml azi
ngaround.Iknowwenot
marri
ed,butifIhaveanyhopesofusget t
ingmar ri
ed
onedayt henIhavetomakesur ethatIdon' tgi
ve
them areasontoquesti
onifI'
l
lmakeagoodwi f
eor
not.
.Ibatheat9am andwor eadress,thenImade
mywayt othehouse.
.HisMom wasdr essedup,
l
ookedl
i
keshewasr
eadyf
orchur
ch.
.

Me:
SawubonaMa(
Greet
ings)
Zuxi
e:Goodmor
ning,
Ili
key
ourdr
ess
Me:
Thanky
ou,
youl
ookbeaut
if
ul
Zuxi
e:It
ry
Me:
Yougoi
ngt
ochur
ch?
Zuxi
e:Yes
Me:
That
'sgood
Zuxi
e:Makeyoursel
fathome,
Ihopet
oseey
ou
whenIgetback
Me:
Enj
oychur
cht
oo
Shesmi
l
edandwal
kedout
..

VUKANI

Sur
pri
singl
yenoughasIwasbusydr
ivi
ngand
mindingmyownbusiness,
Irecei
vedacallf
rom an
unknownnumber
.Itookitandanswered.
.

Me:
Hel
l
o?
Voi
ce:
Mbhem
Ir
ecogni
zedt
hev
oice,
itwasBone.
.
Bone:
Goty
ournumberf
rom Tsonga
Me:
Funani
?(whatdoy
ouwant
)
Bone:
Canwet
alk?
Me:
About
?
Bone:
Can'
tsayov
ert
hephone
Me:
Kahl
ekahl
euf
unani
?(Whati
sitt
haty
ouwant
)
Bone:
Canwet
alk?
It
houghtf
orawhi
l
e..
Me:
Tsongaspl
ace?
Bone:
Tomor
rowl
ate?
Me:
Shar
p
Ihungup.
.

I
RENE

I
nsteadofgoi
ngoutf ordinner,
ThandoandI
deci
dedtogotothemal l t
ogetthi
ngsthatwoul
dgo
wellf
oraSundaydish.Iaddedsomemoneyont op,
R300togetmoreingredients.
.

Thando:
Freshcr
eam?
Me:
Yespl
ease
Wemov
edon.
.
Thando:
Whatar
ewecooki
ng?
Me:
I'
m notsur
e,whatdoy
ouwannaeat
?
Thando:
Iwannagi
veyoutheli
ber
tyt
ocr
eat
eyour
ownSundayl
unchany
thi
ngy ouwant
Me:
Arey
ouf
orr
eal
?
Thando:
Any
thi
ng,
Iknowwewi
l
llov
eit
Me:
Okayt
hanky
ou

FUTHI

Ihel
dMpil
o'shands.He'
smyonl
ywayt
orui
nVukani
andIr
ene.
.

Me:
Remembert
hatmant
hatcamet
othehouse?
Henodded.
.
Me:
Hisnamei
sVukani
andhei
syourUncl
e
Hekeptqui
et.
.
Me:
Woul
dyoul
i
ket
ovi
sithi
shouset
oday
?
Heshr
uggedhi
sshoul
der
s..
Me:He'
sav er
yniceman,
andhi
sfami
l
yisal
soni
ce.
.
Theywanty
out ovi
sit
Mpi
l
o:Wi
l
lIsl
eept
her
e?
Me:
NoI
'
llf
etchy
oul
atert
oni
ght
Mpi
l
o:Okay
Me:
Soy
oudon'
tmi
ndgoi
ng?
Mpi
l
o:Idon'
tmi
nd
Me:
Comeher
e
Igav
ehi
m ahug.
.
Me:
Nowy
oubeagoodboyokay
?
Mpi
l
o:Okay

I
'
llsendhi
m of
fwi
thhi
scousi
n,he'
l
lbel
essbor
ed.
.

Me:
OkayI
'
llpacky
ourt
oys
.
Tobecont
inued
16

FUTHI

Thekitchendoorwaswi deopen, Idi

dn'thaveto
knock..I
renewasinthekitchen,acti
ngallMakoti.
Busygoingbackandf or
th, f
rom thestovetothe
kit
chencounter.Shewasf eeli
ngherself,
busyacti
ng
l
iketheytookoutabridepr i
ceforher..

Iknocked,
shel
ookedatme.
.

I
rene:
Thando

Istoodt
hereandlookedatherasshecont
inued,
Thandowalkedoutfrom theli
vi
ngr
oom t
othe
ki
tchenpushi
ngherbi gbell
y.
Thando:
HiFut
hi
Me:
Hi
Shel
ookedatMpi
l
o..
Me:
Ibr
oughtMpi
l
oforav
isi
t,I
'
llf
etchhi
mlat
er
Thatstatementt
ookherbysur
pri
se,
shedi
dn'
t
expectthis.
.

Thando:
Ohw.
.Uhm.
.Okay
Me:
HeknowsVukani
ashi
sUncl
e
Thando:
Isee.
.Di
dyoucal
lVukani
?
Me:
NoIdidn'
t.
.Hehasspokenaboutbondi
ngno
Mpi
lo,
soIdoubthewi
ll
mind
Thando:
Okay
Igav
eherMpi
l
o'sbag.
.
Me:
Hel
i
kest
opl
ayXbox,
Ipackedi
t
Thando:
Okaynopr
obl
em
Me:
Mpi
l
obehav
eokay
?
Henodded.
.
Me:
Ilov
eyou
Mpi
l
o:Il
ovey
out
oo
Hi
scousi
nlef
t,hedi
dn'
tcomewi
th.
.

BONE

Irecei
vedacal
lfr
om Fut
hi.Thul
i
leandIwer eatt
he
beach,j
ustwal
ki
ngaroundthebeach.Icancel
edthe
call
..

Thul
i
le:
Ubani
?(whowast
hat
)
Me:
Noonei
mpor
tant
Thul
i
le:
Yazi
ngi
yay
ithandal
endawo(
Ili
ket
hispl
ace)
Me:
It'
sabeaut
if
ulpl
ace,
hopey
ouenj
oyedy
our
sel
f
Thul
i
le:
Idi
d..Thanky
ou
Ihel
dherhandandwecont
inuedwal
ki
ng.
.
VUKANI

Ireci
evedacal
lfr
om Thando.Ihadt
oanswer
becauseIr
enei
sther
e,somethingmightbewr
ong.
.

Me:
Stuf
u
Thando:
Guesswhat
?
Me:
What
?
Thando:
Fut
hibr
oughtMpi
l
oforav
isi
t
Me:
What
?
Thando:
Sai
dshewi
l
lcomegethi
mlat
er
Me:Sheneverspoket
omeaboutt
hat
,thatshe'
s
br
ingi
nghimtoday
Thando:
He'
sher
e
Me:
HowdoesI
renef
eel
abouti
t?
Thando:
Irenei
scooki
ng
Me:
Whati
sMpi
l
odoi
ng?
Thando:
Play
ingXbox
Me:
OkayI
'
llcal
lyoul
ater
Ihungupandcal
l
edFut
hi.
.

Fut
hi:
Hel
l
o?
Me:Kahl
ekahl
eucabanganj
ani
?(Howdoesy
our
mi
ndt hi
nk)
Fut
hi:
Sor
ry?
Me:
Youdi
dn'
ttel
lmey
ouwer
ebr
ingi
ngMpi
l
oov
er
Fut
hi:
Wedi
dspeakabouthi
m hav
ingar
elat
ionshi
p
nawe
Me:
Wedi
dbutt
hisi
spr
emat
ure,
I'
m notev
ent
her
e
Futhi
: Youevenl uckyIl
efthi
mt herewhil
styour
gi
rl
f r
iendisthere!Youwer echanti
ng"Iwanttosee
mySon, hav
ear el
ati
onshipwit
hhim"nowI '
m
openingupt oitandy ouactthi
sway
Me:
Konj
engak'
that
haphi
?(Wher
edi
dIgety
ou)
Fut
hi:
Agh!
Shehungup.
.

I
RENE

Idon'thaveaproblem wit
hVukani'
sSon.Hedi dtell
mehehadaSon, andIdon'thaveaprobl
em withit
.
Myonl yprobl
em isthetoxicbabyMama,who
doesn'twannaacceptthatherbabydaddyhas
mov edonwhohat esmef ornoappar
entreason..

Nowshe'susi
ngherSontoruinmyrel
ati
onshipwit
h
Vukani
.Idon'
tthi
nkshe'
sdoingt
hissi
ncerel
ybut
never
thel
essshe'
sapartofourl
i
ves,aconstant
pai
nintheass.

ImadeMpi
l
oasandwi
chandt
ooki
ttohi
m,wi
th
j
uice.
.
Me:
Mpi
l
o
Hel
ookedatme.
.
Me:
Imadey
ousomet
hingt
oeat
Mpi
l
o:Thanky
ou
Hepausedt
hegameandt
ookt
hef
ood.
.

Ithoughthewasgoingtogiv
emeanat tit
ude,how
doessuchat oxi
cwomanhav esuchahumbl echi
ld
whoseemst ohav er
espectforelder
s..

Iwentbackt
otheki
tchen.
.

Thando:
It'
ssoawkwar
d,Idon'
tev
enknowwhatt
o
saytohi
m
Me:Atl
easthe'
splayi
nggames,
he'
soccupi
ed.He
seemsl
ikeanicekid
Thando:
IthoughtIwast
heonl
yonewhonot
iced
Vukani
'
sMom wal
kedi
n..

Zuxi
e:ShuuuuuuI
'
m sot
ir
edandhungr
y
Thando:
Youj
usti
nti
me,
Irenehascooked
Zuxi
e:I
tsmel
l
sgoodt
oo
Thando:
Sher
eal
l
yputherf
ooti
nit
Zuxi
e:Thanky
ouSi
si
Me:
Itwasnot
hing
Thando:
Wehav
eaguest
Zuxi
e:Who?
Thando:
Mpi
l
o
Herey
eswi
dened.
.

Zuxi
e:uMpi
l
o?Mpi
l
o?
Thando:
Yes
Zuxi
e:How?Imean.
.Idon'
tunder
standVukani
nev
er
sai
danythi
ng
Thando:
I'
m sur
pri
sedt
oo
Zuxi
e:Wher
eishenow?
Thando:
Lounge
Zuxi
e:Whobr
oughthi
m?
Thando:
Fut
hi
Zuxi
e:Hai
asazi
,j
ustl
i
ket
hat
?
Thando:Justl
iket
hat
?Ohwandt
hei
nst
ruct
ionwas
Vukanii
shis"Uncl
e"
Zuxi
e:Sot
hisi
snotagenui
net
hing?
Thandoshr
uggedhershoul
der
s..

VUKANI

Aft
erdroppingoffeveryone,
Icall
edBagost hatI
havet
ot aketherestoftheday.Hedidn'tseem t
o
mind,
Idrovestraighthomeaf t
erthat
..

Idon'
tknowhowFut
hit
hinks,
thi
sisnowayt
odo
t
hings.
.

Ipassedbyatherpl
ace,
Ipar
kednextdoorand
text
edher.
.

Sheshowedupandgoti
nthet
axi
..

Fut
hi:
Dri
vear
ound
Me:
Why
?
Fut
hi:
I'
m st
il
lamar
ri
edwoman
Me:
Thi
sisr
idi
cul
ous

Ist
art
eddr
ivi
ng.
.
Me:
Sowhat
'st
hest
ory
?
Fut
hi:I
t'
sbusyathome,
soIthoughtMpi
locoul
d
vi
sity
ourhousesi
ncewespokeabouthi
m bondi
ng
nawe
Me:
Youshoul
d'
vecal
l
edmeort
ext
ed
Fut
hi:
Why
?Justbecausey
ourgi
rl
fr
iendi
sther
e?
Me:Thisi
snotaboutI
rene,
thi
sisnothowt
odo
t
hings
Fut
hi:
Sor
ryke,
wecangoandI
'
llgethi
m
Me:
Awukahl
eFut
hi
Futhi
:Sohowisitgoi
ngt
owork?Idon'
ttr
ust
anotherwomannearmySon
Me:Itr
ust
edanothermant
orai
semySon,
noIwas
f
orcedtoaccepti
t
Fut
hi:
Bonehasbeenv
erygoodt
ouMpi
l
o
Me:
Howdoy
ouknowI
renewon'
tbe?
Fut
hi:
Womenar
etoxi
c
Me:
Ohw

Shefixedherdressandpull
editdownt
ocoverher
thi
ckthighs,
evenso.Itwasn'
tl
ongenought
odo
that
..
Me:
I'
ll
takey
ouback
Futhi
:Justdr
ivear
oundkancancenj
e,Ineedsome
fr
eshairfr
om home
Ishookmyhead.
.

I
RENE

Wedi
shedupandsati
nthel
i
vingr
oom.
.

Ihadt
ext
edVukani
,hehasn'
tgot
tenbackt
ome.
.

Mpil
oseemedtobeintheworldofhi
sown, hewas
st
il
lpl
ayi
ng.Sai
dhe'
sfull
sinceheatethesandwi
ch.
.

Il
oggedi nonFacebook,wassurpr
isedt
oseethat
Futhisentmearequest.Curi
oustoknowwhy,I
acceptedandwentont ocheckafewthi
ngs.
.
Iputmyphoneawaytooccasi
onall
yconver
sewith
ThandoandherMother
,thi
sti
mear oundwhenI
l
oggedin.Fut
hihadupl
oadedapict
ureofcapt
ioned:

"
Somet
axi
dri
ver
sthough"
.

Hehadupl
oadedapi
ctur
eofVukani
'
shand.

Igotf
ull
immedi
atel
y!
.
Tobecont
inued

Sponsor
edi
nser
twi
l
lresumet
omor
row
17

I
RENE

Ididn'
tknowhowt ofeelaboutthissit
uation,the
pictur
ewast akendownaf t
er3hour sofbei ng
uploaded.Imi ghtoverreactbuttofindshewasj ust
apassenger ,heisat axidri
verafteral
l.Iam notal l
forconf ronti
ngsomeonenotbasedonmuch
evidence.Thoughi treall
yupsetmebutIwasn' t
goingt ogi veintohersat i
sfact
ion.Onet hingabout
mei st hatIhat edramawi thallmyhear t,andthisgirl
i
sdef init
el ypushingandpr essi
ngmybut tons.Giving
i
nwoul dl etherwin,andI '
m notgoingtobepet t
y
abouti t.
.

Vukanigotbackhome,hewasaloneasusual
.Ihad
al
readypackedmythingsandIwasreadyt
oleave.
.

Vukani
:Di
dyouhav
eagoodt
ime?
Me: Idi
d,y
ourfami
l
yisver
ylovely
.Theyni
cepeopl
e,
yourMotherhasaver
ywarm heart
Vukani
:Bakucov
akanj
alo(
That
'showt
heyst
oley
ou)
Ichuckl
ed.
.

Me:
Howwaswor
k?
Vukani:
Sameol
dst
ory
,annoy
ingpassenger
s
nothi
ngmuch
Me:
Any
thi
ngoutoft
heor
dinar
yhappened?
Vukani
:No.
.Nott
hatIknowof
Me:
Okay
..I
'
mreadyt
ogo
Vukani
:Okay
,I'
l
ltakey
ouhome

FUTHI

Somethingwasnotr i
ght.Ihaven'tfel
tthebaby
moving,norkicki
ngin2day s.Ididn'
twannathinkof
theworst,Ihavebeenunderal otofstressl
atel
y.
Thatmi
ghthav
epr
esseduponhi
mtoo.
.

Iwasont
hephonewi
thBone.
.

Bone:Ntokazi
,I
'mverysor
ryaboutnotgett
ingback
toyoutoday.Ij
ustwokeup,hadalongnightandI
wasverytir
ed
Me:
Atwhatt
imedi
dyougetbackatt
hehot
el?
Bone:
Around4am
Me:
Ohw
Bone:
Uxol
okakhul
uNt
okazi
(I'
mreal
l
ysor
ry)
Me:
Justcomebackhome,
Imi
ssy
ou
Bone:I
'
llbehomet
omor
row,
uphi
uMpi
l
o?(
wher
eis
Mpil
o)
Me:
He'
soutpl
ayi
ngwi
thhi
scousi
ns
Bone:
Ungi
bul
i
sel
e(Gr
eethi
mforme)
Me:
Ngi
zokwenzanj
alo(
I'
ll
doj
ustt
hat
)
Bone:
Awwkel
etmef
ini
shpacki
ngmyt
hings,
I'
m
l
eav
ingear
lyt
omor
rowmor
ning
Me:
Okay
..Cal
lmebef
orey
ousl
eep
Bone:
Ngi
zokwenzanj
alo(
I'
ll
doso)
Me:
Ilov
eyou
Bone:
Ilov
eyout
oo

I
RENE

Ibidhisfamilygoodby
e,t
heydi
dn'
tev
enwantmet
o
l
eav e.Ihadtoo,Ihadt
ocheckuponmy
Grandmot her.
.

Hewalkedmehomesincei
twasnotf
araway
,he
washoldi
ngmybagandmyhand.

Vukani
:Imi
ssedabout6y
ear
sofhi
sli
fe
Me:
Atl
eastnowy
oucanmakeupf
ori
t
Vukani
:Idon'
tev
enknowwher
etost
art
,uqal
aphi
?
Me:Justbenat
uralwi
thhim,I
'
m sur
eafteraf
ew
monthshewil
lhavegott
enusedtoyou
Vukani
:IfIcoul
dcl
eanupmyact,getabet
ter
i
ncomeI '
dprobabl
yfi
ghtf
orf
ull
custody
Me:Idon'
tseeFut
hibacki
ngdown,
shewi
l
lusey
our
pastagai
nsty
ou
Hechuckl
ed.
.
Me:
Howdi
dyouev
engether
?She'
stoxi
c
Vukani:
Shewasn'tl
iket
his,atleastnottoxi
c.
Bekaphaphabutshewasn'ttoxic,
Idon'tknowwhat
happened
Me:
Sol ongy
ouwi l
lrespectourr
elat
ionshi
pandnot
f
oolar
oundwithherthenit'
sokay
Vukani
:K'
dal
angaphumal
apho(
I'
m nott
her
e
anymore)

SomeguyIknowf
rom myst
reetgr
eet
edus.

Vukani
:Fr
iendofy
our
s?
Me:
No.
.JustaguyIknow
Vukani
:Isee
Ist
oppedandl
ookedathi
m..
Me:
Arey
ouj
eal
ous?
Vukani
:Akuyi
sif
isosabel
ungul
eso?(
Isn'
tthata
whit
eperson'
sdisease)
Il
aughed.
.
Me:
Awungekembhem
Vukani
:Iam notj
eal
ous,
I'
mjustscar
edofl
osi
ng
you
Me:
Whatmakesy
out
hinky
ougoi
ngt
oloseme?
Hest
oodf
acet
ofacewi
thme,
sti
l
llooki
ngatme.
.

Vukani
:Youv erybeautif
ul,smar t
,gentle.Youar ea
gogett
er,v
er yhumbleandr espectf
ul.Ilikeitwhen
yousmil
e,wheny oublush,orwheny ourey esli
tup.I
l
ikehowyouhav eopenedupt omyl ove, howy ou
gaveusachancewi t
houtmaki ngmef eel l
ikeyou
doi
ngmeaf avourbybei ngwi t
hme.Whi chguy
woul
dn'
tl
iket
hat
?
Me:
Ijustgi
veoutwhatIexpecti
nret
urnt
hat
'sal
l
Vukani
:Ev
enbei
ngcheeky
?
Ihi
thi
m onhi
sshoul
der
..
Me:
I'
m notcheeky
!
Vukani
:Andv
iol
entt
oo
Il
aughed.
.
Me:
Getmehomewoul
dyou?
Wecont
inuedwal
ki
ng.
.

FUTHI

ItookawalktoVukani'
shouset
ofet
chMpi
l
o.I
foundhi
m atthekit
chenwit
hVukani
'
sMom,hewas
helpi
nghertobake.

Mpi
l
o:AhhGr
andmal
ooki
t'
syel
l
ow
Gr
andma?
?

Zuxi
e:Yesi
t'
ssupposedt
obey
ell
ow,
themi
xtur
e
Mpi
l
o:Ar
ethebi
scui
tsgoi
ngt
obey
ell
owt
oo?
Zuxi
e:Yousosmar
t,howdoy
out
hecol
oury
ell
ow?
Mpi
l
o:Atschool
Zuxi
e:Wowt
hat
'sagoodschool
Iknocked,
Mpi
l
olookedatme.
.
Mpi
l
o:Mama.
.Lookwebaki
ng
Me:
Icansee
Imademywayi
n..

Me:
SawubonaMa
Zuxi
e:SawubonaFut
hi
Me:
Iam j
usther
etof
etchMpi
l
o
Mpi
l
o:Canwest
ayunt
ilt
hebi
scui
tsar
edone?
Zuxi
e:AwwMpi
l
oboyI
'
m sur
eyourMot
heri
sina
hurr
y
Me:It
'sokay
..Idon'
tmindbecausehewon'
tst
op
t
ell
i
ngmeaboutt hebi
scui
tsathome
Zuxi
e:Okay
..Woul
dyoul
i
kesomet
hingt
odr
ink?
Me:
Jui
cepl
ease
Zuxi
e:Al
ri
ght
Me:
CanIhel
p?
Zuxi
e:Uhm.
.Yes.
.Sur
e

I
RENE

Wegotatmygat
eandhehandedmet
heBag.
.

Me:
Thanky
ou
Vukani
:Iam goi
ngt
omi
ssy
ou
Me:
Awukahl
eihaba(
Don'
texagger
ate)
Vukani
:Wehadagr
eatni
ght
Me:
Soy
ougoi
ngt
oremembermef
ort
hat
?
Vukani
:Wel
l
..
Me:
Usi
l
eVukani
(Youar
enaught
y)
Hecameandgav
emeahugandki
ssedme.
Vukani
:Iwi
l
lcal
lyou
Me:
Okay
Vukani
:Ngi
yak'
cany
waneh?(
Ilov
eyou)
Me:
Ilov
eyout
oo

Hel
etgoofmeandst
art
edwal
ki
ngaway
..
Me:
Vukani
Het
urnedandl
ookedatme.
.
Me:
Pleasedon'
thur
tme
Vukani
:Iwon'
t

FUTHI
Mpi
l
o:Mom l
ook!
!
Il
ookedathi
m..
Me:NgekeMpiloyoumadeabi
ggermessGr
andma
i
sgoingtobeatyou
Zuxi
e:Kahl
e,Yekai
ngane(
leav
ethechi
l
dal
one)
Me:
Hai
keI
'
m scar
edy
oual
readyspoi
l
inghi
m
Zuxi
e:Thanky
ouf
orbr
ingi
nghi
m ov
er
Me:Youwelcome..Iam sor
ryforev
ery
thi
ng,
I
shoul
dn'
thavekepthim away
Zuxi
e:Whatcanwesay,
Idon'
tcar
eaboutt
hepast
anymor
e.Atleasty
oumaki
ngupfori
t
Me:Hopi
ngukut
hiwhenheget
sabi
tol
dermhl
ambe
12,
Icanfi
nal
l
ytel
lhi
mt het
rut
h
Zuxi
e:Iunder
stand.
.Justdon'
tkeephi
m awayf
rom
usanymore
Fut
hi:
Ipr
omi
se
VUKANI

JustwhenIgottot
hegat
e,Ir
ecei
vedawhat
sapp
textf
rom I
rene:

"
Imi
ssy
ou"

Ismi
l
edandt
ext
edherback.
.

"
Imi
ssy
out
oo"

Imademywayi n,andIwassurpr
isedtoseeFut
hi
wit
hmyMot herunderthesamerooftal
ki
ng
peacef
ull
yandgiggl
ing.
.

Ma:
Kodwauzami
l
eMpi
l
o(You'
vet
ri
ed)
Fut
hi:
Habeangeke
Icl
ear
edmyt
hroat
,theyl
ookedatme.
.

Ma:
HauVukani

Il
ookedatFut
hi.
.
Fut
hi:
ShowUncl
eVukani
theshapeofy
ourbi
scui
ts

Mpi
l
otookt
het
rayandcamewi
thi
ttome.
.

Mpi
l
o:Uncl
eVukani
look
Icr
oucheddownandl
ookedatt
hem.
.
Me:
Starshapes
Mpi
l
o:Andadol
phi
n
Me:
Andadol
phi
n
Mpi
l
o:ADol
phi
nisa.
.Isa.
.
Me:
aquat
icmammal
Mpi
l
o:quant
icMammal
,andv
eryf
ri
endl
y
Me:Yesbutt
heyareal
soconsi
deredwi
l
dani
mal
s
t
hatshoul
dbetreat
edwit
hcauti
on
Mpi
l
o:Whati
sawi
l
dani
mal
?
Me: Awil
danimali
sananimalt
hatisdanger
ousand
cannotbetamed,awi
ldani
malli
vesonit'
sownand
cansurvi
veonit
'sownwit
houtt
hehelpofpeopl
e
Mpil
o:Adolphi
ndoesn'
tl
iv
ewi
thot
herDol
phi
ns?I
t
doesn'
thav
eParent
s?
Ichuckl
ed.
..
Me:
Let
'sgett
het
rayi
ntheov
en
Wewal
kedupt
otheov
enandopenedi
t.
..
.
Tobecont
inued
18

VUKANI

Mpiloi
ssmar t,Iwassmartinschooltoo.Justthat
asIgrewup, l
if
egotinawayandIr esort
edtotaking
theeasyroutetosuccessthathadunbearable
consequences.
.

IwasgoodinMat h,Physi
cs,andEngli
sh.Iusedto
helpmymat estoo.HadIhel
don, Iwouldn'
thave
droppedoutofgrade10.Now, whowouldwanna
hi
reanexcon?Li fecanbeveryunpredi
ctabl
e..

Thef ol
lowingmor ning, si
nceMpi l
owasn'tgoi
ngt o
school.Futhihadagr eedt hatIcancomegethi m,
rankwi t
hhimf oraday .Ididso,andMpiloseemed
tobeexci t
edwi ththiswhol egesture.
.Hesatinthe
frontseat,
Ihav etobeext racauti
oustodayonthe
road.
Idownl
oadedagameforhim onmyphone,
sincei
t
l
ooksli
keheenj
oysgaming.
.

West
oppedandI
reneopenedt
hef
rontdoor
.

I
rene:
Wow.
.Goodmor
ning
Me:
Goodmor
ning
Mpi
l
o:Goodmor
ningAunt
yIr
ene
I
rene:
Goodmor
ningSweet
ie,
I'
ll
sitatt
heback
Me:Youdon'
thav
etoo,
Mpi
l
ocanmakespacef
or
her
I
rene:
Noi
t'
sokay
Shecl
osedt
hedoorandwentt
otheback.
.

FUTHI
Iwasscar
edtogot
otheDral
one,Iwaswai
ti
ngf
or
Bonetoar
ri
vesowecoul
dgotogether
..

NextweekI
'
llbegoi
ngt
owor
kagai
n,myl
eav
ewas
endi
ng.
.

Ourrelat
iveshadl
eft
,exceptf
ormyMot
her
'ssi
ster
.
She'
l
l bedoing10dayswithus.
.

Ma:
Someofthevegetabl
eswehav
etogi
vet
hem t
o
t
henei
ghbour
sortheywil
lrot
Aunt
y:Iwast
hinki
ngt
hesamet
hingt
oo
Me:
Especi
all
ytheoni
ons
Aunt
y:Thesconesar
enotgoi
ngany
wher
e
Il
aughed.
.

Me:I
'm cr
avingMogodu(
tri
pe)I
'
m goi
ngt
obuyi
t
kwaMantsonga
Aunt
y:Theonet
heycookedonFr
idaywasn'
tni
ce
Ma:
IthoughtIwast
heonl
yone
Me:
Itwasnotpr
oper
lycooked
Aunt
y:Theyr
uinedev
ery
thi
ngnj
e
Ma:
Fut
hibuyf
orust
oo
Me:
I'
ll
buyt
hedumpl
i
ngst
oo
Ma:
Thanky
ou
It
ookmyphoneandmypur
set
ogobuy
..
.

BONE

Thuli
l
ehadalr
eadylef
t,Iwaswai
ti
ngf
ormy
depart
uret
imeattheai
rport
..

WhenIgethomeIneedtofixt
hingswithcer
tai
n
peopl
e,Vukanif
ori
nst
ance.It
hinkit
'st
imewest art
worki
ngonf i
xi
ngourf
ri
endshi
p..ThenIneedtofix
t
hist
hingwi
thThul
i
leandFut
hi,
onceandf
oral
l
..

I
RENE

Thami
:Goodmor
ning
Me:
Goodmor
ning
Thami
:Youseem t
obeabsentmi
nded,
what
'swr
ong?
Me:
Not
hingmuchj
ustt
hinki
ngaboutsomet
hing
Thami
:Ihav
e10mi
nlef
tbef
oremycl
assst
art
s
Me:
Myboy
fri
end
Thami
:Boy
fri
endpr
obl
emsal
ready
?
Me:
BabyMamapr
obl
ems
Thami
:Ihat
ethat
Me:Andshehast
hemostsweet
estKi
d,Idon'
tknow
whyshe'
sbei
ngli
ket
his
Thami
:St
il
lhasf
eel
sforbabydaddy
?
Me:
Ibel
i
eveso,
cany
oubel
i
evesheev
ensentmea
f
ri
endr
equest
?
Thami
:She'
sonami
ssi
onmoss
Me:I'
mtel
l
ingy
ou,
onl
ytopostapi
ctur
eofVukani
'
s
hand
Thami
:Hi
shand?
Me:
Longst
ory
Thami
:Bl
ockher
It
ookmyphoneandbl
ockedher
..
Thami:Justlov
ey ourman, enjoyyourrelat
ionship.
Unlesssheposesasaser i
oust hr
eatli
kewi tchcr
aft
i
nv ol
vedoryourManst il
lhavingfeel
sforher .Other
thanthat
,prayforyoursafetyandkeepi tmov ing
Me:
That
'st
rue
Thami
:Ineedt
ogot
ocl
ass,
I'
ll
checky
oul
ater

VUKANI

Il
ookedatMpi
l
o..
Me:
Arey
ouhungr
y?
Mpi
l
o:Yes
Me:
Wher
edoy
ouwannaeat
?
Mpi
l
o:Idon'
tknow.
.Wher
edoy
ouwannaeat
?
Il
aughed.
.
Me:
I'
m aski
ngy
ou
Mpi
l
o:Idon'
tknow
Me:
Okay
..Letmeseewher
eIcant
akey
ou
Il
ookedathi
m agai
n..
Me:
Doy
oul
i
kechi
ps?
Henodded.
.
Me:
Thent
hat
'sgood

FUTHI

Iwassitt
ingoutsi
deverymuchlostdeepinmy
thought
s.Inot
icedthatI
renehasblockedme,
I
sear
chedherupandcoul
dn'
tfi
ndhernomor
e.
Meaningt
hatpi
ctur
egottoher
..

Ismi
l
ed.
.

MyAuntcame.
.

Aunty
:Senizoqal
akeukusanga(
That
'showy
ouy
ou
wil
lst
artgoingcr
azy)

Shesatdownont hest
oep,Iwassi
tt
ingonthechai
r.
Icoul
dn'
tfindMogodu,soIcameback.Wehadtea
andscones..

Aunt
:Zi
thi
nike(
What
'swr
ong)
Me:
CanIt
ell
yousomet
hingi
nconf
idence?
Aunt
:Yes
Me:
Yest
erdayIt
ookMpi
l
otoVukani
'
shouse
Aunt
:Habe
Me:
Todayt
heyal
sobondi
ng
Aunt
:uMawakhoakazi
neh?(
YourMot
herdoesn'
t
knowri
ght
)
Me:
Cha
Aunt
:Why
?
Me:AuntyVukanii
sdatingsomegir
lthatIdon'
tli
ke,
andIhopeukuthi
him bondi
ngwit
hhisSonwi ll
makereali
zewhatweusedt ohav
e
Aunt
:Youst
il
lwantVukani
?
Me:Af
terl
astni
ght,
seeinghi
m withMpil
oli
ket
hat
j
ust
..I
tmademef al
linl
oveal
loveragai
n
Aunt
:WeeFuthi
,youar
esomeone'
swi
fe.Theyev
en
pai
dLobol
aforyou
Me:
Iknow
Aunt
:Inzi
maI
ndabay
akho(
Yourmat
teri
sdi
ff
icul
t)

VUKANI
Itookhim outtothisotherf
ishandchi
psjoint
.We
hadchips,Russians,br
ead,andcooldr
ink.
.

Heseemedt
obeenj
oyi
ngt
hemeal
..

Mpi
l
o:MyDadal
waystakemet
oMcDonal
d'
sand
myMom t
ochi
ckenl
i
cken

Me:
Youdon'
tl
iket
hef
oodher
e?
Mpi
l
o:Ido,
thechi
psar
eni
ce
Me:
I'
m gl
ady
ouenj
oyi
ngt
hem
Mpi
l
o:Ar
eyouenj
oyi
ng?
Inodded.
.

Mpi
l
o:Il
i
keGr
andma
Me:
YourGr
andma?
Mpi
l
o:Noy
ourGr
andma
Me:
YoumeanmyMot
her
,justli
kehowFut
hii
syour
Mot
her
.Gr
andmai
smyMot hert
oo
Mpil
o:She'
sni
ce.
.Shel
et'
smebakedolphi
ncooki
es,
shel
et'
smeplayXboxandAunt
yThandoandAunty
Ir
ene
Me:
YourGr
andmot
herdoesn'
tl
ety
oupl
ayXbox?
Mpil
o:Noshesay
sIwi
l
lbr
eakt
heTVandshe
shout
salot
Me:
Wel
lI'
m sur
eshel
ovesy
ou
Mpi
l
o:CanIv
isi
tyourhouseagai
n?
Me:
We'
l
lsee.
.Noweatupchampsowecoul
dgo
.
Tobecont
inued
19

VUKANI

Mpi l
owasexhaust ednow.Lat eronwedr ov eoutt o
getIrenef rom wor k, t
henIt ookt hem outt oeat .
.I
tookt hem outt oMenl ynMal l
, anditkil
ledmet hatI
couldn'tset t
lethebi llforthe3ofus.I reneaddedup,
wast hemostembar r
assingtimeofmyl i
fe.She
seemednott omi nd, butitreallydidanumberonme.
Notbei ngabl et of ullysettleabi l
lformySonandmy
gir
lfr
iend.Ij ustwant edt omaket heirday,di dn't
knowt heywoul dset tleforamor ecostlyrest aurant.
Ther easonwhyIdon' thavemuchi sbecauseI 'm
solel
yt akingcar eofmyf amilytoo..MyMot heri sold
nowt ogetaj obany wher eandnotf or
gettinghow
herabusef rom myFat heraff
ect edherment all
y.She
hasahi st
or yoft her apysessi onsandmedst hat
she'snott akingany mor ethoughbutI 'm sur ei t'
l
l
showuponherr ecor dshoul dshewantaj ob.Her
ageisabi gf actort hough, she'swaypasst he
r
ecommendedage.
.

Ihat
ebei
ngusel
ess,
Ihat
enotbei
ngabl
etopr
ovi
de.
.

Mpil
ohadpassedoutaswedr ov
eback,I
renewas
worr
iedhe'l
lfal
lof
ftheseatsosheputhi
m onher
.
Shesleptonherchest
..
.

FUTHI

Bonewasback,
andIhadt
ogobackhome.
Iwasn'tgoi
ngt
ostayathomef
ort
hewhol
e10day
s,
I'
l
ljustgoandv
isi
tthem.
.

Itol
dhim aboutMpil
obondi
ngwithVukani
,
surpr
isi
nglyenoughhewasokaywit
hit.

Ir
eal
l
ythoughthewoul
dhav
eapr
obl
em buthewas
okayandact
ual
l
yencour
agedt
hei
ssue.
.

Me:
Ithoughty
ouwoul
dhav
eapr
obl
em wi
thi
t
Bone:Idon'
t,honestl
yspeaki
ngMpi l
owasboundto
fi
ndoutsoon.Hadhef oundoutatalat
erst
age,
he
wasgoingtohat eyou.Hateus.Youdoingt
heri
ght
thi
ng,
I'm pr
oudofy ou

Ismi
l
ed.
.
Bone:
Didyoumakeanappoi
ntmentwi
tht
heDrf
or
tomor
row?
Me:
Yes
Bone:awushoNtokaz
i,whydi
dn'
tyougot
otheDr
?It
soundsseri
ous
Me:Withthestr
essoft
hefuner
al,It
hinki
t'
sjust
st
ress.
.I'
vebeenver
ystr
essedl
ately
Bone:
Isee
Me:Thi
ngsarestar
ti
ngtogetabitwei
rdbet
weenus,
Ihav
enoti
cedthatyouact
ingst
rangeandcol
d
t
owar
dsme
Bone:Alothasbeenhappeni
ng.Wor
konmysi
de,
yourDad'
spassingonyoursi
de
Me:
Iwantust
owor
konourr
elat
ionshi
p
Bone:
Wewi
l
l
Iwalkedupt
ohim, andsatont
opofhi
m.Hewas
si
tt
ingonthecouch..
Me:
Real
l
ywor
kont
hings
Hegotmeoff,
orr
atheri
ndi
cat
inghewant
edmeof
f
hi
m.Igotof
f.
.
Me:
What
'swr
ong?
Bone:
Iam t
ir
ed
Me:
Tir
ed?
Bone:
Hadal
ongweekend
Me:
Ohw
Bone:
Let
'smakesur
ethebabyi
sokayf
ir
st
Me:
Okay
VUKANI

Fut
hitext
edmet hatIshoul
ddropof
fMpil
oather
pl
ace.Iwascaughtoffguar
d,soIdr
ovet
here.
.

I
rene:
Isur
ethatIshoul
dbeher
e?
Me:Yes..Youmygirl
fr
iendandFut
hineedsto
r
espectthat,
youhaven'
tgiv
enmear easonnott
o
t
rustyoungoMpilo
I
rene:Shehat
esme, andwhensheseesmeshe
mightthr
owaf i
t.Ishouldst
ayi
nthetaxi
asyoutake
hi
mi n.
.

Ipar
kedathergat
e,t
hel
i
ght
swer
eon.
.

Igotoutandwentt
otakeMpi
l
ofr
om hi
m.
Me:
I'
ll
ber
ightback
HehandedmeMpi
l
o'sbackpack.Iki
ssedherand
mademywayin,Mpil
owr
appedhi
sarmsar
oundmy
neckandhi
sheadonmyshoul
der
..

Ist
oodatthedoorandknocked.Thedoorwas
openedbyBone.
.

Wel
ookedateachot
herf
orawhi
l
e..
Bone:
Vuks
Me:
Bandi
l
e
Bone:
Isupposey
oubr
oughtMpi
l
oback
Me:
Yeahhe'
ssl
eepi
ng
Fut
hicamet
othedoor
..

Fut
hi:
Vukani
Me:
Fut
hi
Bone:
Ntokazi
takeMpi
l
o,Iwannat
alkt
oVukani
Fut
hi:
Ohwokay
Fut
hit
ookhi
m andhi
sbackpack.
.
Fut
hi:
Let
'sgopl
acey
oui
nbed.
.

Bone:
Singakhul
uma?(
canwet
alk)
Me:Ilef
tmygi
rl
fr
iendi
nmyQuant
um,
wecant
alk
out
sidebyt
hegate

Hef
oll
owedmeandwest
oodatt
hegat
e..

Bone:
IknowTsongat
oldy
ouaboutmybusi
ness,
myotherbusi
ness
Me:Ang'
cavi
uri
ngangani
(Idon'
tknowwhaty
ou
t
alki
ngabout
)
Bone:Ihaveawar
ehousewhereIsel
lammuni
ti
on
forpeopl
ewhodoheist
s,Iwant
edtobri
ngyoual
ong
Il
aughed.
.

Bone:
It'
sagr
eatoppor
tuni
ty
Me:
YeahhhhBonef
ucky
ou!

Ist
art
edwal
ki
ngt
othecar
..
Bone:I'
m goingtol
eaveFut
hi.Leavi
ngFuthimeans
l
eavingMpi l
otooandheisgoingtoneedhisfat
her
.
Afatherthatwil
lbeabl
etoprovi
dewellforhi
m
It
urnedbackandl
ookedathi
m..

Bone:
Wheny
our
eadyt
otal
k,y
ouknowwher
eto
fi
ndme

Hewal
kedbacki
n..

Leav
ingFut
hi?Thatcameof
fasasur
pri
se.

Iwal
kedbacki
ntot
het
axi
..Igoti
n
I
rene:
Wast
hatDrBone?Ther
apper
?
Me:
Yeah
I
rene:
Real
l
y?Fut
hii
swi
thDrBone?
Me:
Yes.
.Meandhi
m usedt
obef
ri
ends
I
rene:
Wai
twhat
?YouandBone?
Me:
Yes
I
rene:
Wow
Me:Anymorequestions?Wouldyouli
ket
omeet
hi
mt oo?Getanautograph?Getal
ongwit
hhi
m and
maybefuckhimtoo?
I
rene:
What
'swr
ongnow?
Me:
Not
hing.
.I'
l
ldr
ivey
ouhome
I
rene:
IthoughtIwasgoi
ngt
ogr
eety
ourMot
her
Me:
May
beNextt
ime
I
rene:
But
..
Me:
Awumengescef
etuu(
Stopi
rr
it
ati
ngme)

Ist
art
edt
het
axi
..
FUTHI

Iwal
kedbacki
ntot
hel
ounge,
hewaswat
chi
ngTV.
.

Me:
Ihat
eput
ti
nghi
minbedwhenhehasn'
tbat
he
Bone:
It'
sjustf
oroneni
ght
Me:Sowhatdi
dyouandVukani
want
edt
otal
k
about
?
Bone:
It'
snot
hing
Me:
Babakhe
Hel
ookedatme.
.
Bone:
Yousl
eptwi
thhi
m?
Myhear
tal
mostst
oppedbeat
ing.
.
Me:
Huh?
Bone:
Ungangezi
isi
l
ima(
Don'
tmakemeaf
ool
)
Me:
I..I
..
Bone:
ThatdaywhenIgotbackhome,
thebeddi
ng
waschanged.Theot
herone,t
hesheetwasst
ained
whenIcheckedit
.Mpi
lotol
dmehewasher eso
ungangezi
isi
li
ma!
Me:Hecameand..Hewant
edt
otal
kaboutuMpi
l
o
butInev
ersl
eptwit
hhi
m
Bone:I
ntoengidi
nayoukut
hi ungezai
sil
i
mangent o
oyazi
youkuthi
iqi
niso(Whatpissesmeof fi
sthat
youmakingmeaf ool
knowingthatit
'st
rue)

Tear
sbur
nedmyey
es.
.
Me:
Her
apedme
Hechuckl
ed.
.
Bone:
Fut
hist
opwi
tht
hel
i
es!
!
Me:
Hedi
d.Her
apedme
Bone:
Iyangi
cikakel
e(Thi
sisi
rr
it
ati
ngme)
Hegotupf
rom t
hecouch.
.
Me:
Babakhengi
yak'
cel
a(Pl
easeI
'
m beggi
ngy
ou)
Hewal
kedt
othebedr
oom,
Ihel
dhi
shand.
Bone:
Eyyawung'
dedel
e(l
eav
emeal
one)
Me:
Ngi
yak'
cel
asi
ngay
il
ungi
sal
ent
o(Wecanf
ixi
t)
Bone:
Ngi
theng'
del
ele(
Isai
dletgoofme)
Il
etgoofhi
m andhepr
oceededt
othebedr
oom.
..

VUKANI

IdroppedoffI
reneatherhouse,
ther
ewasno
goodbyekissnonothi
ng..It
hendrov
ebackhome.
.

MyFat
herwaspr
esentt
oday
,st
il
lhi
sannoy
ingsel
f.
.

Hewasdr
inki
ngwhi
skey.Theywer
esi
tt
ingi
nthe
l
oungewi
thmyMother
..

Me:
Sani
bonani
(Goodev
eni
ng)
Ma:Hau.
.Bengit
hiuzanoI
rene(
Ithoughty
ouwer
e
comi
ngwithIr
ene)
Isatont
hecouch.
.

MyDadget sadisabil
i
tygr
ant,buthedoesn'
tshi
pin
much.IheardhegivesR300.
.

Ma:Namhl
anj
esidlai
sinkwanof
ish(
weeat
ing
br
eadandf
ishtoday)
Me:
Iam nothungr
y
Ma:
Udl
eni
?(Whatdi
dyoueat
)
Me:
Iat
eatt
het
axi
rank
Dad:
Niphi
l
akamnandi
(youl
i
veagoodl
i
fe)
Ma:
Baba
Dad:Ourkidsaregrown,werai
sedthem.Didgood
bythem buttheyusel
ess,t
heycan'
tevenbuymere
gr
oceri
es
Ma:
Bay
azamaabant
wana(
Theyar
etr
ying)
Dad:Theynottr
yinganyt
hing,wesl
eepi
ngont
inf
ish
andbreadtoni
ght..Howaretheyt
ryi
ng?
Me:
I'
m goi
ngt
osl
eep.
.Goodni
ght

I
RENE

Gr
am:
Whenam Imeet
inghi
m?
Shewasknitti
ngherplast
icmatwit
hherglasses
hangingonhernose,l
ookingatmeunder
neaththem
asIjustf
ini
shedbathi
ng.

Me:
SoonGogo
Gr
ams:
Arey
ouashamed?
Me:Cha..Ij
ustdon'
twannabr
inghi
mthentomor
row
webreakup,Ineedtoseehowitwi
l
lgofi
rst
Gr
ams:
Arey
out
wogoi
ngt
obr
eakup?
Ihear
dmyphoner
ingi
ngi
nmybedr
oom.
.
Me:
ChaGogo(
No)

Iwal
kedt
omybedr
oom t
oanswer
.ItwasVukani
..
Me:
Hi
Vukani
:Ij
ustcal
l
edt
osayGoodni
ght
Me:Ohwaft
erwhathappened,
Idi
dn'
tthi
nkwewer
e
goi
ngtobeonspeaki
ngterms
Vukani
:Justbecausewef
ight
ingdoesn'
tmeanI
can'
tsayGoodnight
Me:
Idon'
tev
enknowwhywef
ight
ing
Vukani
:Met
oo,
butGoodni
ght
Me:
Okaygoodni
ght
Vukani
:Il
ovey
ou
Me:
Ilov
eyout
oo
.
Tobecont
inued

I
rene
20

VUKANI

Thenextmor ni
ngIrenewasn'tstandingatt hecorner
ofherst r
eetwhenIpassed.Ei thershet ookanother
taxitoavoidme, orsheisgoinglate.Ireali
zedthatI
mi ghthavewentof funnecessari
lylastnight,
just
that.Heroutspokenaf f
ecti
onforBonesentmeof f.
Remi
ndedmeofmysi
tuat
ionwi
thFut
hi.
.

I
twasabituncal
l
edf ort
houghonmysi
de,
Ihope
wecangetpassthi
s..
.

I
RENE

ThereasonwhyIst ayedsingleforthi
slongisthe
unnecessaryst
ress.Iam notgoodwi thfight
s,Idon'
t
l
ikefi
ghts.Iam averyquietreservedPerson,and
peopletakeadv antageoft hat.Iavoidfi
ghtst hebest
IcanandIgethur teasily
..Itookat axiearl
ierthan
myusual ti
met oav oi
dVukani ,ithurtt
hatheact ed
i
mpul si
velylastnightwhenIdon' tevenknowwhatI
sai
dt hattr
iggeredhi m..Hehasat endencyofj ust
l
ashingoutunpr ov oked,hehasal otofissuest hat
heneedst odeal wi t
h..

Thami
:Youear
lyt
hismor
ning
Me:
Ihav
eal
otofpaperwor
ktodo
Thami
:Whatpaper
wor
k?
Me:
Uhm.
.
Thami:
Canwegooutt
hisaf
ter
noonaf
terwor
k?Or
duri
ngl
uncht
imet
otal
k?
Me:
I'
dli
ket
hat
Thami:Gr
eat
..Her
eisamanual
cany
oupl
easedo
copi
es?150?
Me:
I'
ll
getonwi
thi
t
Thami
:It
'l
lkeepy
ourmi
ndbusyf
rom t
hinki
ngal
ot
Me:
True
Thami
:Andgetcof
fee
Me:
I'
ll
try
Thami
:Per
fect
!

FUTHI

Recept
ioni
st:
TheDrwi
l
lbeher
eat9am
Me:
Okay
Iwentandsatdownnextt
oBone..Lastnighthe
sl
eptonthecouch,t
hismor
ningwehar dl
ysaidtwo
wordstoeachother
..

Iwasscaredmor et
hanIwashurti
nlosinghi
m, and
ourr
elat
ionshipcol
l
apsi
ng.Iwasst
ressedout,so
muchbadl uck.
.

Ikeptbusywi
thmyphone,
ashedi
dtoo.
.
Idi
dn'
tev
enknowwhatt osay,
howdoy
ouappr
oach
suchasi
tuat
ion?I
t'
sheavy
..

Het hr
ewfactsatme, al sotoldmet hathedr oveby
myhouset hatnightwithMpi loandIwasn' tar
ound.I
didknowhowt odef endmy self
,itwascat astr
ophic.
Iknewhewoul dn'tbel
iev emeaboutt her apest or
y,
becausef
ollowingthei ncidentImadei twor seby
goingbyt
oVukani '
splace..

Igotupt
ogetmy
sel
fagl
assofwat
er.
..
.

VUKANI

Bagoscamet
other
ank,
Iwaswai
ti
ngf
ort
het
axi
to
getful
l
..

Bagos:
Mnax
Me:
Mbhem
Hesatnextt
omeout
side,
Iwaseat
ingbr
eakf
ast
..
.
Me:
Wantsome?
Bagos:
Yaa
Het
ooksome.
.
Bagos:
Kuy
akanj
ani
?(howi
sitgoi
ng)
Me:
Sof
arsogood
Henodded.
.
Bagos:
I'
m gl
adbecauseIwanta3r
dtaxi
Me:
Ohwy
eah?
Bagos:Kunenyei
mpathaedonsi
le,hi
sfamil
yis
sel
li
nghistaxi
s(Sometaxiownerpassedon,hi
s
famil
yissel
li
nghist
axi)
Me:
Howmuch?
Bagos:180k,
80kupf
ront
.Eny
esi
zoy
ibonangama
i
nstal
lments
Me:
That
'sgr
eatMnax,
I'
m pr
oudofy
ou
Bagos:
Hai
boendt
hen?
Me:
Ispoket
oBonel
astni
ght
Bagos:Di
dy ouguy
ssett
ley
ourdi
ff
erences?Si
nce
nowy oucanseeuMpi
lo?
Me:
He'
sleav
inguFut
hi
Bagos:
What
?
Me:Andhewantsmetoassumef
ull
responsi
bil
i
ty
f
oruMpil
oashisfat
her
Bagos:
Manj
ewhyar
en'
tyoucel
ebr
ati
ng?
Me:Mpil
oissmar
tandhe'susedtohi
sschool
.Ifi
nd
i
tcomfort
abl
ewit
hhim bei
ngther
e,Iwantonl
ythe
bestf
orhi
m
Bagos:
Iunder
standMbhem
Me:
Andbei
ngat
axi
dri
veri
snotgoi
ngt
ocuti
t
Bagos:I
t'
snotli
keyouaret
heonlyonewhowi
l
lbe
taki
ngcareofhi
m,Futhi
wil
lhel
p
Me:
YouknowhowFut hi
is,
she'
sgoi
ngtomakei
t
i
mpossi
blef
orme.I
'
llhavetopr
ovemysel
f
Bagos:
Iyahl
uphal
engengey
oBabyMama(
Baby
Mama'saretr
oubl
esome)
FUTHI

TheDrar r
ived,
wewenti ntheconsul
tingroom..I
expl
ainedmysi t
uati
on,shegottoitr
ightaway.Told
metol i
eont hebed,Idi
d..

Il
ift
edmydr
essupandsheusedt
hest
ethoscope
fi
rst
..
.

Me:
Isev
ery
thi
ngokay
?Ismybabyokay
?

Shepull
edtheul
trasoundmachine.Satdownont
he
adj
ustmentchai
randputt hegelonme.She
swi
tchedonthemachi ne.
.

Dr
:Hav
eyouexper
iencedanyspot
ti
ng?
Me:
Err
rno
Dr
:Cr
amps?Pai
n?
Me:
I'
m notsur
e
Dr
:Whendi
dyour
eal
i
zet
hebabyi
snotmov
ing?
Me:
May
be3day
sagoorso
Dr
:Let
'ssee
Shest
art
edwi
tht
hescan.
.

Tookal
most3mi
nwi
thouthersay
ingany
thi
ng.
.

Bone:
Idon'
theart
hehear
tbeatsound

Dr
:That
'sbecauset
her
e'snohear
tbeat
Me:
What
?
Bone:
Meani
ngwhat
?
Dr
:Ther
e'snohear
tbeat
,noappar
entmov
ement
,no
si
gnofl
if
e
Me:
No!
!
Dr
:I'
m sor
ry.
.I'
l
ltr
ansf
ery
out
othehospi
tal
sot
hey
canassi
stf
urt
her
Ishookmyhead.
.
Me:
No.
.Pl
easeno.
.

Bonel
ookedatme.
.
Me:
Pleaseno
Heshookhi
sheadandwal
kedout
..
Me:
Thi
scannotbehappeni
ng

I
RENE

Vukani
'sphonecal
lcamethr
ough.Il
ookedatitf
ora
whil
eunti
lmyphonestoppedri
ngi
ng.Hecall
ed
agai
n,Ipi
ckedup..

Me:
Hel
l
o?
Vukani
:Skado,
Imi
ssedy
out
hismor
ning
Me:
Iwentt
owor
kear
ly
Vukani
:Toav
oidme?
Me:
No.
.Ihav
eal
otofwor
ktodo
Vukani
:CanIswi
ngbydur
ingy
ourl
unchhour
?
Me:Iwon'
tbeav
ail
abl
e,I
'
m goi
ngt
olunchwi
thmy
f
ri
endThami
Vukani
:Af
terwor
k?
Me:
Iwon'tbeav
ail
abl
e,Ihavet
ogohomeandhel
p
myGrandmawit
hsomething
Vukani
:Aboutl
astni
ght
,ngi
yaxol
i
saMunt
uza(
I'
m
sor
ry)
Me:
Ihav
etogo
Vukani
:Ir
ene.
.
Me:
Bye
Ihungupandputmyphoneaway
..

FUTHI
Bonesentmeat
ext
..

"YouseewhatuFahl
azaledto?Tomybabydyi
ng.
Wheny ougetbackf
rom ever
ythi
ngknowt
hati
t'
s
overandIwantyouout
".

TheDrcameback,
Iputmyphoneaway
..

Dr
:TheAmbul
ancei
sher
e
Iwi
pedmyt
ear
s..

Me:
Ngi
yabonga(
thanky
ou)
Dr
:Shoul
dwecal
lsomeonef
ory
ou?
Me:
Cha.
.
ThePar
amedi
ccamet
hrough.
.
Par
amedi
c:Ni
njani
?(Howar
eyou)
Dr
:Thi
sismyPat
ient
,Nt
ombi
fut
hiTshabal
ala
Par
amedi
c:Wi
l
lyoubeabl
etowal
k?
Inodded.
.
Me:
Yes
Par
amedi
c:Youcameal
one?
Me:
Yes
Par
amedi
c:Okayt
hisway

I
RENE

Li
ndani
:Ri
ri
Me:
Yes?
Li
ndani
:Someonei
sher
etoseey
ou
Me:
Who?
Li
ndani
:Hewoul
dn'
tsayhi
sname
Isi
ghed.
.
Li
ndani
:He'
sref
usi
ngt
oleav
eunt
ilhet
alkst
oyou
Me:
Igott
his
Igotupandfi
xedmypants,
thenImademywayout
.
Hewasstandi
ngout
side.
.Iwalkedupt
ohi
m..

Me:
Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?
Hel
ookedatme.
.
Vukani
:EkseMamas
If
oldedmyar
ms.
.
Hewalkedupt
omeandgotr
eal
l
ycl
ose,
Ipushed
hi
m of
f..

Me:
Vukani
I'
m wor
king
Vukani
:YoumadatmewhatwasImeantt
odo?
Me:
Foragoodr
easonr
ight
?
Henodded.
.
Vukani
:Iguessso
Me:
Bye
Hegr
abbedmyarm andgent
lypul
l
edmeclosert
o
hi
m.Hewrappedhi
shandaroundmywai
st.
.He
ki
ssedmeonmyneck,
Igotgoosebumps.
.

Vukani
:Imi
ssy
ou.
.Don'
tyoumi
ssme?
Heki
ssedmeagai
n..
Me:
Stopi
t.
.Weatwor
k
Ipl
acedbot
hmyhandsonhi
schest
..
Hissof
tcal
mtonebeggi
ngv
oice,
didn'
tmakei
tany
easi
er.
.
Me:
Idon'
tev
enknowwhyy
ouwer
emadl
astni
ght
Hebr
oughthi
sheadf
orwar
dandl
ookedatme.
.

Vukani
:It
'salongst
orybuti fy
ouwanttoheari
t,you
cancomet omyhousel ateronaf
teryouhel
pedyour
Grandmother
.Wecant alkabouti
t,ov
erauhm..

Hegr
abbedmyass.
.
Vukani
:Overanoi
l
edboot
yrub,
ext
endi
ngdownt
o
thethi
ghs
Hepl
acedhi
shandi
nbet
weenmyt
highs.
.
Vukani
:Thenupy
ourback
Hemov
edhi
shandupt
omyback.
.
Vukani
:Thencomeal
lthewayr
ound
Her
anhishandonmyt
ummyandupmybr
eastt
o
myback.
.

Vukani
:Wi
thaki
ssher
eandt
her
e
Heki
ssedmeonmylips,andthenmycheek.Iwas
t
akenbythemoment
,imagini
ngthewhol
esituat
ion
mademehot.Het
henlookedatme..

Vukani
:Whatdoy
ousay
?
Me:
18:
00?
Hesmi
l
ed.
.
Vukani
:18:
00
Hekissedmewhilstgr
abbi
ngmyass..Il
aughedi
n
bet
weent heki
ssandpushedhi
m of
f.
.
Me:
Stopi
t!Av
eusi
l
e

FUTHI

Tearsstr
eameddownasIwasatthebackoft
he
ambulance.ThePar
amedi
ckeptonaski
ngme
questi
ons,t
akingmyBP.
.

Mymi ndwasf araway,

myheartwasbrokeni
ntoa
mil
li
onpi eces.Mypict
ureper
fectl
if
ecamecrashi
ng
down,andIhav enooneel
setoblameothert
han
myself.
.
.
Tobecont
inued
21

FUTHI

Theyinducedlabour,gavemesomet hingtoinduce
l
abour.Givi
ngbirthtoababyt hatyouwi l
lneverhear
cry
ing,norholdhimf oralengthyperi
odisonepai n
noParentshouldcomeacr oss.Iwasgoingt obe6
monthsi nafewday stime.Iwasal one,i
nPai nandI
di
dn'twannadot his.Idi
dn'twannaacceptt hatmy
babyisnomor e..ThepainIwasf eeli
ngcannotbe
compar edt
oany thi
ng.

TheNur sewasnexttome, atleastshet

riedt
okeep
mecal m.Tri
edtobecomf orti
ng,thehonestt
rut
his.
Nothingshesayswil
levertakeawaywhatIwas
feel
ingdeepinsi
de.
.

BONE
Ipackedupaf ewcl
othesforMpil
o.Ever
ythingel
se,
I'
l
lhaveitdel
i
veredatFuthi
'
splacewit
hat ruck.
.

Iexplai
nedtoherMother
,whathadtranspi
red.The
disappoi
ntmentIsawinherey
es,couldn'
tbeput
i
nt owords.
.

Her
:Itdoesn'
tsoundl
i
kemyDaught
er
Me: Ipaid45klobola,i
ncash.Notinstallmentsbutin
cash.IhelpedtakecareofherSon, helpedar ound
heret ooandwhatdoesshedo?Shet hanksmeby
sleepingaroundwi t
hherexwhilstshe'spregnant
withmybaby .
.Inourhouse!Andthenshel ostthe
baby !Shedidn'
tsleepwit
hhim once,butt wice!
Whi l
stIwaswor kingworki
nghar dtopr ovi
def or
them

Her:
There'
s.
.I'
m sur
eikhonai
ndlel
aesi
ngay
il
ungi
sa
ngayo(
I'
m sur
ewecansol vet
his)
Me:
Wecan'
tsol
veany
thi
ng.
.I'
m done!
Igotupf
rom t
hechai
r.
.
Me:I'
l
l sendthrought
her
estofhert
hings,
youcan
keepthelobolamoney

Iwal
kedout
..

Her
:AwwKodwaNkosiyamiNtombi
fut
hiungenz
ani
!
(
Ntombi
fut
hiwhatar
eyoudoi
ngtome)

Mpi
l
ofol
l
owedme.
.

Mpi
l
o:Daddy
Il
ookedathi
m..
Me:
Mpi
l
oIcan'
ttakey
ouwi
thme
Mpi
l
o:Why
?Wher
eisMommy
?
Me:
Mommyi
ssi
ck,
she'
sint
hehospi
tal
Mpi
l
o:Idon'
twannastayher
epl
ease,
Gr andmot
her
i
smean.Whenwil
lyoupickmeupagain?
Me:
Iwon'
t.
.Notnow,
notev
er
Mpi
l
o:Idon'
twannast
ayher
e..Daddypl
ease(
cry
ing)
Iwal
kedupt
othedoor
..
Mpi
l
o:Iwannagohomewi
thy
ou!
Iopenedthedoorandwalkedout
,Icl
osedt
hedoor
andlefthi
m cr
yingl
iket
hat..
.

I
RENE

Igottohi
shouse,Iwentinsi
deandgreet
ed
ever
yone.Chi
tchattedwi
ththem al
i
ttl
e,andt
hen
wenttoVukani
'sroom..

Musi
cwaspl
ayi
ng.
.

"
I'
m nev
ergonnadanceagai
n
Gui
l
tyf
eethav
egotnor
hyt
hm
Thoughi
t'
seasyt
opr
etend
Iknowy
ou'
renotaf
ool
Ishoul
dhav
eknownbet
tert
hant
ocheataf
ri
end
Andwast
eachancet
hatI
'
dbeengi
ven
SoI
'
m nev
ergonnadanceagai
n
ThewayIdancedwi
thy
ou"

I'
veneverheardt hatsonginyear s..Iknockedtwice
andopened.Ther oom wasdar k,red&whi t
ecandl es
l
it.Aredblanketont hefloorwithwhi tecushions.
RosePetalsaround, aplateofchi ckenwingsmi x ed
withr
ibs.Coslowsal ad,hambur gerbuns, asweet
rosèbott
leofwi neandst rawberrieswi t
hy ogurt
..A
boxofFerreroRocherchocol atest oo..

Me:
Wow

Thi
swasbeaut
if
ul.
.
Hel
ookedatme.
.

Vukani
:Goodev
eni
ng
Icl
osedt
hedoor
..
Me:
Goodev
eni
ng
Het
ookt
her
osef
rom t
hebedandcamet
ogi
vei
tto
me.
.
Me:
Thanky
ou
Vukani
:Iknowi
t'
snotmuchbut
..
Me:
Ilov
eit
,it
'sbeaut
if
ul
Vukani
:Thengoaheadandsi
tdown
Iputmybagonthebed,
hehel
pedmet
osi
tdownon
oneoft
hecushi
ons.
.

NTOMBI
FUTHI
'
SMOTHER(
NaTshabal
ala)

Mpil
owassi
tt
ingatt
hedoorcr
ying,
heev
enhad
hi
ccups.
.
Il
ookedathi
m..

Me:
WeeMpi
l
oawusukumel
apho(
Mpi
l
ost
andup)

Mpi
l
o:No.
.IwantmyMommyandDaddy
!

Me:Umusukhalangathisekushoni
wefuthi
,subanga
umhlol
o(Whyarey oucryi
nglikewehaveyet
anot
herdeat
h,stopbringi
ngusbackluck)

Hecontinuedcryi
ng..Iwalkedupt
ohim and
grabbedhim byhisarmt ohisf
eet
.Isl
appedhi
m
acrossthefacetwice,hecri
edmore.
.

Me:Thula!
!Thulamaan!!Unyokouyaf eba,uBusy
ugcweleubufebewenauzong'khal
elal aa?Hambo
khal
elaUnyokoesbhedl
ela(keepquiet !YourMother
i
sbusywhor i
ngandy ouareherecrying.Goandcr y
t
oher
)

Islappedhim agai
nandhisfacetur
nedred.Hehad
tearsfi
ll
edwithmucus.Hestil
lhadthehi
ccupsand
washol di
nginhiscry
ingshaki
ng..

Me: Ungangi
dakikwami!
!Khal
ami nangi
zokul
ahlel
a
ngaphandlenj
engerubbi
sh!
!(Don'
tannoyme,I'
ll
thr
owy ououtli
ketherubbi
shthatyouar
e)

Idr
aggedhi
mtot
hebedr
oom,
mySi
sterwal
kedout
..

Si
s:KodwaSi
si
Me:
Thul
anawe!Thul
a!(
Eveny
oushutup)

It
hrewhi
m ont
hef
loor
..
Me:Mngeniawumenzel
eamanzi
wokugeza(
Prepar
e
hi
m abath)
MySistergotoutofbedandwentt
opr
epar
ehi
ma
bat
h..

Me:uThul
eut
hiny
aauy
angi
zwa?(
Keepqui
etdoy
ou
hearme?)

Henoddedwi
thhi
shandov
erhi
smout
h..

FUTHI

Dr
:Okayl
et'
str
yagai
n..1,
2,
3..Push
Ipushedwi
tht
heNur
sehol
dingmyhandt
ight
..

Me:
Ican'
t.
.Ican'
t!
!(scr
eami
ng)
Dr
:Justonel
astt
ime,
he'
sal
readyout
Igav
eitmyal
ltopushhi
m out
..
Dr
:Ther
ewego

Idi
dn'
twantanemer
gencyC-
sect
ion.Idi
dn'
twantt
o
l
ivewi
tht
heScar.
.

TheDrhel
dhi
m,hewassmal
lbutnott
oosmal
l
..He
wasqui
et.
.
TheotherNursetookhi
m ast
heDrcutof
fthe
Umbil
i
cal cor
d..

Me:
CanI
..CanIhol
dhi
m?
TheDrl
ookedatme.
.

Me:
Please

I
RENE

Me:
Ist
il
lcan'
tbel
i
evey
oupul
l
edt
hisof
f
Vukani
:Ihav
eski
l
ls
Ismi
l
ed.
.
Vukani
:Ar
eyouenj
oyi
ng?
Me:
YesIam
Vukani
:I'
m gl
ad
Me:
Ther
ibsar
edel
i
cious
Vukani
:Theyar
eindeed

FUTHI

Ihel
dhi
m..

Hewasqui
et,
eyesshut
.St
il
lbl
oodyandIwas
hopi
ngf
orhi
mt owakeup,
buthewasn'
t.
.

Dr
:I'
mtr
ulysor
ry
Me:
Thi
swasn'
tsupposedt
ohappen
Dr
:I'
mtr
ulysor
ry
Ihel
dhi
mver
yti
ghtt
omychestandcr
ied.
.
.
Tobecont
inued
22

BONE

Leavi
ngMpi lobehi
ndwast hemostdi ffi
cultthi
ngI
hadtodo.Ilovetheki
d,andIdi dn'
tdot hatjust
becauseofwhatFuthidid.IdidthatbecauseFut hi
andIar edone,Mpi
loneedst oreconnectwithhis
bi
ologicalf
ather
.

Icannotmakeupf orwhatFut hiandIdidt oVukani,

butIcandot her i
ghtt hingbygivinghim backhis
Son.Mpi l
oknewmeashi sFat
her,thecryi
ngmi ght
stermf r
om that.Imean, he'
sgoingt obeina
diff
erentenvi
ronment ,onehehasn'tbeenl iv
ing
underformor ethan3day s.Heonlyuset ovisi
t,butI
tr
usthe'sinabet terplace.He'swi t
hhisMar tenal
Grandmot her,
hisbl ood...

Iwasst
il
lupsetwi
thFut
hi,
whatupsetmemor
eis
thatshesleptwi t
hthisMani nourbed.Shedi dn' tdo
i
tonce, buttwice.Putt
ingourownchi ldindanger ,
andt hi
swast heendr esult.
.AlthoughI'm st
il
lv ery
mad, butthebur i
alhastohappensoI 'l
lgotot he
hospitalt
omor rowsolelyforthat.Idon'twannabe
thereforherandgi veherfalsehope, becauset her e'
s
nousany mor e.Shehast oownupt owhatshedi d.
I'
m notasaint,butIhav enev erbroughtThuli
lei nto
ourhouse..

Sleptwit
hherinourbed,
Ihav
enev
erdi
srespect
ed
hertothatext
ent
..

I
RENE

Hedidownuptohi
spromise,aboutt
hemassage.
Wit
hasoothi
ngLav
enderoil
.

Iwasl
ayingont
hebednaked,
onmyst
omachand
hewasrunni
ngi
tthr
ough.
.
Ididn'
tknowhowt ensemybodywasuntil
now.He
start
edfrom myback,al
lthewaydowntomybutt
.It
wassoot hi
ng,ev
enmademet odozeof
f.
.

Hespankedmybut
t.
.

Me:
Ouch!
!

Vukani
:Tur
nandf
aceup
Iturnedandfacedup, hewasonl
yinhi
sseamless
tr
unks..Hisdickbul
gingthr
ough,
perf
ectl
yfi
tt
edand
erectedtotheside.
.

Hestil
lhadthosePri
sontatt
oos.Ascarher
eand
t
here.Notreal
lyabeauti
ful
sightt
olookat,
those
t
att
ooswer en'
tappeal
ingtotheeyebutt
heyare
t
hereandwhatcanonedo?
Hepour edt
heoilonhishands.Start
edf rom my
thi
ghs, wentuptomyt ummy .Itwasabi ttickl
ish,
couldn'thel
pbutlaugh.Al
lthewayt omybr easts.He
part
edmyl egswithhi
skneeandgoti nbet ween
them, hisdi
ckri
ghtonmycoochi est
il
l i
nhi str
unks.
Heleanedov erforakissst
ill
massagi ngt hem..

Iranmyhandsf rom hi
sbackal
lthewaydownt o
takeoffhist
runks.Igr
abbedaholdofhi
srockhard
dickandrubbeditagai
nstmyhole,amoanescaped
myl i
ps..

Heti
ghtenedthegri
ponmybr east
sasheshook
t
hem abit,Ipr
essedinhi
sdickinsi
dehalf
way
t
hrough.HegroanedandclenchedhisJaws,
I
moanedabi tl
ouder.
.

Heplayedwit
hmyni ppl
esandIpr
oceeded,
hegent
ly
pushedinf
urther
..
Me:
Awww.
..
Vukani
:Aski
esSkado
Hecont
inuedpushi
ngi
nunt
ilhewasf
ull
yin,
thenhe
st
art
edpumpingme..

FUTHI

Itookmyphone.Nomi ssedcal
l
,Not
extmessage
fr
om Bone.Notnot
hing..

Ical
l
edhi
m,hedi
dn'
tpi
ckup.Isenthi
m at
ext
:

"IknowthatI
'vehurtyou,Ihavenoexcuses
whatsoever
.Youdon'thav etobeher eforme,but
youcould'
veatleastbeenheref orourbaby.Inever
knewy oucouldbethisheartl
ess,Iguessthat
i
nnocentactthere'
sactuall
yahear tl
essbastard
underneat
h.I'
l
lneverforgi
vey ouforthi
s!"
Idi
dn'
texpecthi
mtor
epl
ybuthedi
d..

"Al
lIwantist oburr
ymychi ldt
hat'
sall
, ontopofmy
Mother.Hispowerfulancestor
,knowIsenty ourst
o
yourMother '
shouse.Therestofyourthingswil
lbe
sentt
heret oo,t
omor r
ow.Youwi l
lbegoi ngback
homewi thexactl
ytheclothesyoucamehomewi t
h.
Yousleptwi t
hanothermani nmymot her '
shouse
andIam thebadguy ?Uletheukungcol
aendl ini
kaMa!"

Ithr
ewmyphoneaway ,
Ican'tbelievehesentMpi l
o
ther
e.MpiloisnotusedtomyMot hernortheli
fe
ther
e.He'l
lbeindiscomfortthroughouthisstay
ther
ewithoutMyandBonebei ngar ound.Hecouldn't
evenwaitformet obedischarged? ?

TheNursewal kedin.Iwasplacedi
nawar dwit
h
oxygentanks,thematerni
tywardwasfull
.Pl
us
they'
l
lbedischargi
ngmet hedayaftert
omorrow..
TheNur
sewal
kedi
n..

Nurse:
Timeforyourni
ghtbat
h,andIbr
oughty
ou
somesanit
arypad

Me:
Thanky
ou
Nur
se:
Wil
lyoubeabl
etowal
k?
Me:
Yes.
.Uhm Ihav
ear
equest
Nur
se:
Yes?
Me:
Iwantmybabycr
emat
ed
Nur
se:
Arey
ousur
e?
Me:
Yes
Nur
se:
Okay
..We'
l
linf
ormt
heDrt
omor
row

Iknowhowmuchi tmeansf orBonetoburythebaby ,

sot hebabycouldbewithhi
sMot herandforef
athers.
Sincehe'saveryspi
ri
tuali
ntactPer
son,thi
swillki
ll
hi
m!Onl
ywayIcanr
evengehi
m..

NA-
TSHABALALA

Il
ookedatMpil
osleepi
ng.Weputsomebl
anket
sfor
hi
m onthef
loor
.Isharethebedwi
thmySi
ster
..

Idon'tl
ovet hi
schi
ld,Iresenthi
m.Her esembleshis
Fatheralot.Aconstantreminderofhowt hatboy
al
mostr uinedmychi l
d..

Ihat
et hatjai
lbi
rd,hehasnof utureandifi
twasup
tome.Hewoul dn'
tev enbeli
vinghereinthi
s
communi ty.WhatcanIexpectf rom achil
dwho
comesf rom abrokenhome?Adr unkofafat
herwho
i
swheel chairboundandaMot herwhodoesn'tknow
whethershe'scomi nginorgoingout .
..

Me:
Iyangi
cikal
engane(
Thi
schi
l
dir
ri
tat
esme)
Si
s:KodwaSi
si
Me:He'saspoil
edbratwit
hanungrateful
Mother
whoisawhore!Ist
japar
apa!Outofal
ltheKidsIhav
e,
Godhadtocursemewi ththi
sone!Ngabola
Amathumbu!!
!

I
RENE

Wewer elayi
ngsidetosidenow.Myl egonhim,hi
s
handonmyhi p.Constantl
yrubbingmycl i
tandhe
thr
usted.
.Occasi
onall
ylookingateachot heri
nthe
eyeandkissi
nghereandt here,
Imi ghtbeonmyway
tobei
ngasexaddi ct
!.
.

FUTHI

THENEXTMORNI
NG

Icoul
dn'
tsl
eepl
astni
ght
,theyhadt
osedat
eme.
TheDrshowedupex
act
lyat8am.Ihadbat
heand
hadbr
eakfast
..

Dr
:Iunder
standy
ouwantt
hebabyt
obecr
emat
ed?
Me:
YesandIdon'
twantt
heashesei
ther
Dr
:I'
l
lhavetheNur sebr
ingt
hefor
mssoy oucan
si
gnforconsentandthenwe'
ll
car
ryi
touttoday
Me:
Thankyou..Canyoual
sopl
easedi
schar
geme
t
omorr
ow?Ifeelokay
Dr:
Iwasgoingt
okeepy
ouunt
ily
ouseea
psychol
ogi
st
Me:
Can'
tyougi
vemet
her
efer
ral
let
ter
?
Dr
:I'
l
lsoso
Shegotcl
oser
..
Dr
:Anycr
amps?Andhow'
sthebl
eedi
ng?

I
RENE
I
tal
way
sget
stomewhenhewakesupear
ly.

Vukani
:Iwasgoi
ngtopassbyatFut
hi'
spl
aceand
dr
iveMpil
otoschool
thi
smorning

Me:
That
'sgood
Vukani
:Plusnotearl
y,i
t'
sal
ready8am.Youshoul
d
begett
ingreadytoo
Me:
I'
ll
goi
nlat
e
Vukani
:Pl
easedon'
tgetf
ir
edonmybehal
f
Me:Ohwpl
easey
ougi
vey
our
sel
fwayt
oomuch
cr
edi
t
Hel
aughedandpul
l
edmecl
oserf
oraki
ss.
.

NA-
TSHABALALA

Iwascl
eani
ngwhenMpi
l
owal
kedi
n..
Mpi
l
o:Gogo
Ii
gnor
edhi
m..
Mpi
l
o:GogoIneedt
ogot
oschool
Ist
oppedwi
pingt
het
abl
e..

It
urnedandlookedathi
m, hewasst
andi
ngt
her
ein
hi
st-shi
rtandunder
wear.
.

Me:
Andthen?Whoi
sgoi
ngt
odr
ivey
out
oschool
Mpi
lo?

Mpi
l
o:Mommydoes
Me:
Doy
ouseeher
?
Heshookhi
shead.
.
Me:
Awungi
yeke(
leav
emeal
one)
Hestar
tedcry
ing,Ipi
ckedupt
hecanofMr.Mi
nand
t
hrewitathi
m.Ithithi
m onhi
sshoul
der
,hecr
ied
more.
.
Me:
Whatdi
dIsayaboutcr
ying?

Heputhi
shandacr
ossmout
h..

Mpi
l
o:Sor
ry
Me:Voet
sek!
!Sukalaphambi kwami
uyangi
nyany
isa!
(
Getoutofmysightyoudisgustme)

Icl
i
ckedmytongue.Hewal
kedaway
,andInot
iced
hehadpeedonhimsel
f.
.

Me:
Yeeey
!Yeeywenasny
efu!
!

If
oll
owedhi
m,her
ant
othecor
nerofmybed.
..

Me:
Whoi
sgoi
ngt
ocl
eanmyf
loorcomeher
e!
Igrabbedhim bythebackofhisneckanddragged
hi
m out .It
hrewhim onthefl
oorandtooktheclot
h
andt hr
ewitathim.Itookoffmysleeper
sand
start
edbeatinghi
m withit
.

Me:umdal
akangakauyazi
chamelawenaNjandi
ni!
!
(
Oldasyouar
e,youpeeony our
sel
fyoudog!)
.
Tobecont
inued
23

VUKANI

IdrovepassBone'shousetocheckifMpil
ohasn'
t
gonet oschoolasyet
.IwaslatebutIwashopi
ngifI
don'tcatchhi
mt hi
smorning,Iwi
llmakean
appointmenttofet
chhimf r
om school
..

Bonewasrev
ersi
nghiscaroutoft
hegar
agewhenI
cameoutofmytaxi
,henoti
cedmeandthencame
outofhi
scar
..

Wemethal
fway
..

Me:
Eyy
Bone:
Mbhem
Me:
Iam nother
eformuch,
Iam sur
eMpi
l
ois
al
readyatschool
.Justwantedt
olety
ouknowand
Futhit
hatI
'l
lbefet
chinghi
m
Bone:
Idon'
tknowaboutMpi
l
o
Me:
Huh?
Bone:
Itol
dyouIwasl
eav
inguFut
hi
Me:
Wher
eishe?
Bone:
Isenthi
m backt
ohi
sGr
andmot
her
'shouse
Me:
Ohw.
.Wher
eisFut
hi?She'
snotpi
cki
ngup
Bone:
Att
hehospi
tal
,mybabypassesoni
nher
st
omach
Me:
That
'sbadman,
hade(
sor
ry)
Bone:
Iknowabouty
ouandher
,Iknowy
ousl
ept
wit
hherher
einmyhouse
Me:
OhwIsee
Hewal
kedcl
oser
..
Bone:Theonl
yreasonwhyI'
m notf
uckingyouup
ri
ghtnowforput
ti
ngmyBaby '
sli
feindangeri
s
becauseIdi
dyoubad,soIconsi
derthi
sbackto
backr
evenge
Me:Ey yMbhem I'm sor
ryabouty ourbaby,but
ther
e'snobackt obackrev enge,t
here'snotr
uce,
ther
e'snot
hingbet weenus!Youst il
lthesameold
bastar
dtome. .Thatwillneverchange

Iwal
kedbackt
omyt
axi
..

FUTHI

Ireci
evedacal
lfr
om myMot
her
.Isi
ghedf
ir
st
befor
epicki
ngup..
.

Me:
Ma
Ma:
Awushoubuy
ani
ni?(
whenar
eyoucomi
ngback)
Me:
Tomor
row
Ma:
Uzohl
alal
a?(
Arey
ougoi
ngt
ost
ayher
e)
Me:
Iwashopi
ngsount
ilIgetapl
aceofmyown
Ma:Weefuthi
uzimisel
engani
empi
l
weni
?(Whatdo
youwantf
oryourli
fe)
Me:
Mapl
ease.
.Notnow
Ihungup.
.

NOZUKO(
ZUXI
E)

Iwassweepi
ngt
hey
ardatt
heback,
whenMpi
l
o
showedup.
.

Il
ookedathi
m..

Me:
HauMpi
l
o

Helookeddistr
aught
,hisey
eswer eful
loftear
s.He
wasshaking.Iputt
hebroom againstt
hewalland
wal
kedupt ohim.Hemetmehal fwayandhugged
mylegs,Ipi
ckedhim upashecried.
Me:
What
'swr
ongMpi
l
o?
Mpi
l
o:IwantmyMom andDad?
Me:
Howdi
dyougether
e?
Mpil
o:Iwenthomeandt
her
ewasnoone,
thenI
camehere
Me:
Why
?
Mpi
l
o:Myot
herGr
andmot
heri
smean,
shebeatme
Iwalkedwithhi
minsi
deandwentt
othel
ounge.I
puthim downandl
ookedathi
m.

It
ookof
fhi
sshi
rtandhehadgr
eenbr
uises.
..
Me:
OhhNkosi
yami
Mpi
l
o:Idon'
twannagobackt
her
e
Hehuggedmeagai
n..
Me:
It'
sokayNana.
.It
'
sokay
I
RENE

Iwantedtogot oworkbutIoversl
ept,
Icall
edinsick.
NowIhav et ogobuyaDr 'snotefort
omor r
ow..Igot
outofthebedr oom aft
erbathi
ngandwentt othe
housetogr eet.Ist
umbleduponZuxieinthelounge,
shewassi tti
ngont hecouchrocki
nguMpi l
otosleep.
Shehadt earsinhereyesandMpi lowassleepi
ng
buthi
sbr eathingwasdistur
bedbyhiccups..

Me:
Sani
bonani
Shel
ookedatmeandt
ear
sfel
l
..
Me:
Isev
ery
thi
ngokay
?
Zuxi
e:ChaSi
si
Isatdown.
.
Me:
What
'swr
ong?
Zuxie:I
'
m confusednami ..Mpil
ocameher ecryi
ng
talki
ngabouthisotherGrandmot herbeat
inghi
m up.
I
r enehehasbruises,Idon'tev
ent hi
nktheybat
hhim
hei
ssmel
l
ingofur
ine
Me:
Hai
bonj
ani
?
Zuxi
e:Howdoesthi
shappen?KonawhereisFuthi
whenmyGrandsonisbei
ngbeatenl
i
kethis?.
.Come
here
Igotupandwentt ot
hem.Shelif
tedhi
st-
shi
rt
,Isaw
thegreenbr
uises.Myhear
tfel
l
,Icover
edmymout h
withmyhands...

Me:Whocoul ddothistoachi
l
d?Especial
l
ya
MartenalGrandmother?MyGrandmotherl
ovesme
l
iketomorrowi snotcomingal
wayshasevenbefor
e
Icamet oli
vewi t
hher
Shecoul
dn'
tcont
rol
hert
ear
s,shewasbr
oken.
Zuxi
e:Wemightnotbet
heri
chestf
amil
ybuti
f
uMpil
oli
vedwit
husnoneofthi
swouldbe
happeni
ng
Me:Chait'
snotr
ightf
orhimtobeinthesecl
othes,
I
'l
lgotothemall
gethim apackofunder
wearsanda
f
ewclothes
Zuxi
e:Whathur
tsmet
hemosti
sthatwecan'
tev
en
keephi
m
Me:We'
l
lseet
hatl
ater
,letmegoandgetsomet
hing
f
orhi
m
Mpi
lowokeup..Hewasti
ght
lyhangi
ngontoher
Gr
andmother
..Zuxi
ewasver
yemot i
onal
Me:Letmebathhi
m andI
'
llgowi
thhi
mtot
hemal
l
,
I
'l
lcal
lVukani
It
ookMpi
l
o..
Me:
ComeBaby
,youst
il
lrememberAunt
yIr
ene?
Henodded.
.
Me:OkayI
'
m goingt
obat
hyouandt
henwewi
l
lgo
t
othemallneh?
Mpi
l
o:Okay

VUKANI

Ir
eci
evedacal
lfr
om I
reneasIwasdr
ivi
ng,
Ismi
l
ed
andpi
ckedup.
.

Me:
Mfazi
omhl
ophe(
Yel
l
owbone)
I
rene:
Hey
Me:
Hey
?
Sheexhal
ed.
.
I
rene:I
'
m goi
ngt
otel
lyousomet
hingbutpl
ease
don'
tfr
eakup
Me:
What
'sgoi
ngon?
I
rene:
Promi
seme
Me:
What
'sgoi
ngon?
I
rene:
Pr-
Me:
IreneIdon'
thav
ethewhol
eday
,Khul
uma!
I
rene:
Mpi
l
oshowedupt
hismor
ning
Me:
Isn'
tMpi
l
oatschool
?
I
r ene:
Heshowedupwi t
hbrui
sesVukani,
brui
ses
thatachil
dshouldn'
thave.Hesai
dhisGrandmother
beathim up.He'
ssmelli
ngofuri
ne,he'
scryi
ngand
scar
ed
Ipul
l
edov
er.
.
Me:
What
?
I
rene:
I'
m goi
ngt
otakeaf
ewpi
ctur
esandshowy
ou
Me:
Youdot
hat
!
Ir
ene:Pl
easedon'tacti
mpulsi
vel
yokay
?Thinkabout
Mpil
oI'm goi
ngtothemallwit
hhimtobuyhim
someclothes
Me:
I'
ll
transf
erR500t
oyou
I
rene:
Okay..Pl
easedon'tdoany
thi
ngst
upi
d,y
our
Mom isbr
okenalready
Me:
Okay
I
rene:
Ilov
eyou,
justf
ocusonwor
kfornow
Me:
Ilov
eyout
oo
It
ookmyphoneandt
ransf
eredmyl
astcasht
oher
..

I
RENE
Itookoffhi
st-shi
rtandtookpicturesofthebrui
ses,
thensentVukanionwhat sapp.Alsoapictur
eofhis
face.Hi
seyeswer eredandpuf fy.
.

Mpi
l
o:Am Igoi
ngt
ogobackt
oGr
andmot
her
?
Me:Don'twor
rybecauseUncl
eVukani
isgoi
ngt
o
sor
titout
Henodded.
.
Ihel
dhishandsandlookedathi
m.Igotemotional
too,
yesMpiloi
snotmySonbutIl ov
ekidsandmy
hear
tbreakswhentheybei
ngabused.Mpil
oisa
wonder
fulwell
behavedchil
d,whowouldn'
tl
ovehim?

Me:
Lookatme
Hel
ookedatme.
.
Me:Iwanty
outoknowthaty
ouareaver
ywonder
ful
chi
l
dokay?Youar
ev er
ysmartandv
eryl
ovabl
e
Henodded.
.
Me:
Youdon'
tdeser
veGr
andmadoi
ngt
hatt
oyou,
nomatt
erwhaty
oudo,
itdoesn'
tgi
vehert
her
ightt
o
dot
hist
oyou
Iknowhemightnotunder
standbutIf
eltcompel
l
ed
toremi
ndhi
mt hathe'
sagoodchild.
.
Mpi
l
o:Whyar
eyoucr
ying?Whyi
sGr
andmacr
ying?
Me:
Wecr
yingbecausewesadt
haty
ouar
esad
Hehuggedme.
.
Mpil
o:Idon'
twannagotoGrandmaIwanttost
ay
her
euntilMyMotherandFat
hercomet
of et
chme
Me:
IknowBaby

NA-
TSHABALALA

Mysi
sterwal
kedi
nonmewat
chi
ngTV.
.

Si
s:WeeSi
siuphi
uMpi
l
o?(
Wher
eisMpi
l
o)
Me:
Isn'
thesl
eepi
ng?
Si
s:Cha
Me:
Idon'
tknow
Sis:Hay
iSisii
nganeayi
kwazi
ukuny
amal
alanj
e(The
chil
dcan'tj
ustdi
sappear
)
Me:Thatbr
atmi
ghthav
ewentt
ohi
shouse,
hewi
l
l
beback
Si
s:Whati
fhedoesn'
t?
Me:Eyyawuy
ekeukubangais'
cef
ePinky,i
zobuy
ale
Ngane(St
opir
ri
tat
ingme,t
hatchil
dwill
beback)
.
Tobecont
inued
24

I
RENE

MpiloandIwer eatthemal l
.Ididn'tmakehim wear
theunderwear,i
twast heonet hatwassmel li
ngof
uri
nemor e.Fi
rstthi
ngIdidwast ogethim some
j
eansatAcker mans,at -
shi
rtand3under wearsi
na
pack.Gothim afaceclothtoo,thenwentont oget
him atoothbr
ushandat oothpaste.Justal
lthe
basicnecessi
ti
es..

Whenweweredone,
wemadeast
opatDebonai
rs
sowecoul
dgetsomepi
zza.

Hismoodhadl i
ghtenedupnow, Iwonderwhereis
Futhiwhenallofthisisgoingdown.Iwoul
dkill
someonei ft
heydi dthattomychil
d,Iwouldn'
ttake
thatshi
tly
ingdown!
FUTHI

Bonecamet oseeme.Hedidn'
tcometoseeme
perse,hecametot
alkaboutt
hebabyandthebaby
's
funeral
..

It
oldhimthatIaskedfort
hebabytobecr
emated,
hedroppedhi
sey esatmenotbel
ievi
ngwhatI
'
ve
j
usttol
dhim..

Bone:
Whatdi
dyousay
?
Me:
Thebabywascr
emat
ed
Bone:
Idon'
tunder
stand
Me:
Itmeanst
hehospi
tal
bur
ntt
hebaby
Bone:Iknowwhatcremat
ioni
s,whatIdon'
t
under
standiswhyyouwoulddothat
Me: Ididn'
twannagothr
oughthepainofpl
anni
nga
funeralandbury
ingmySonalone,thi
swhol
e
experiencehasbeendi
ff
icul
tenough!
Bone: Youwer en'
tgoingtobur yt
hebabyal one!..I
knowy oudoi ngthistospit
emebuty oudon' tknow
whaty ou'vej
ustdone.Somet i
mesyoucandot hings
tospi teothersonlytohurtyoursel
fintheend, you
won' tfindpeacewi thwhaty ou'
vedone.Bel i
evein
that!Doy ouseewhyIl eftyou?Yousel f
ish!You
ruthlessandy outhi
nkwithy ouremotions
Me:
Getout
!!
!
Il
ookedathi
m..
Me:
Getout
!!
!!
!!
!
Heshookhi
sheadandwal
kedout
..

Iwaswai
ti
ngf
ort
heDrt
ocomeanddi
schar
geme.
.

VUKANI

Iknockedatthedoor,
Iwasi
nfur
iat
ed.Those
pict
ureswereinf
uri
ati
ng.
.
Ihear
d"Comei
n".
.

Imademywayi n..Iwenttothel
ounge,theywere
sit
ti
ngthere.Whenshel ai
dhereyesonme, Isaw
theangeri
nherf ace.Shegotupfrom t
hecouch, she
waswear i
ngthecl ot
hingatt
ir
eformourningwomen. .

Her:
Howdar ey
ousetfootinmyhouse?Howdar
e
youbypasst
hekit
chenal
lthewayhere?
Il
ookedather,deepdownIwant
edt
ost
rangl
ethi
s
wi
tchunti
lIsnapherneck.
.

Her
:Phumal
akwami
!(getoutofmyhouse)
Me:
Why
?Whydi
dyoubeatmySon?
Shef
oldedherar
ms.
.
Her
:Howdoy
ouaskmet
hat
?
It
ookoutmyphoneandshowedhert
hepi
ctur
es.
.
Me:
Howcany
oudot
hist
oal
i
ttl
eboy
?
Her:
Soher
anof
ftoy
ourhouse?Ory
ouki
dnapped
hi
m?
Me:Futhi
hasal
l
owedmet oseeMpil
o,shebr
ought
hi
mt omyhouseonce,
heknowsthewaytomy
house.
.
Judgingf
rom herf
aci
alexpr
essi
on,
shedi
dn'
tknow
thi
s..

Her :That '

sthepr oofy ouhav e?Whodoy out hi nk
theygoi ngt obel i
eve?BecauseIcansayy ouki dnap
theki dwhi lehewaspl ay ingoutside,plusi sn'tityour
taxiparkedout side?Wi thnei ghbourswi tnessi ngy ou
i
nmyhousewheny ounotsupposedt obeher e?I'
m
goingt osayy ouf or
cef ullytookhim andt ortured
him whenhedi dn'twannagowi thy ou.Whodoy ou
thinkthepol i
cear egoingt obeli
ev e?Meawoman
whoi str ulyadmi redbyt hecommuni ty?Ahomecel l
churcht reasur erandmyl atehusbandwhowasal so
respectedi nt hiscommuni ty?Oral owl i
fet hugwi t
h
anabusi v ewheel chairboundf atherandaMot her
whoi semot i
onallyunst able,ahouset hati snot
equi
ppedtoraiseababy?Yougoaheadandwe'
l
l
seewhoisgoingtogetarr
est
ed.
.YouorMe?

I'
veal
way
sknownthiswomanwasev
il
,butIdi
dn'
t
knowtot
hisext
ent
..

Her:Getoutofmyhousebeforemysist
erandI
scream ont
opofourvoicesf
ornei
ghbourst
ohear
thatyouaretr
yingt
orapeus!

Iwasbr
eat
hingf
ir
ebynow.
.

Her
:Di
dyouhearwhatIsai
d?
Il
ookedather
..
Her
:Pi
nky
Pi
nky
:Si
si?
Her
:AwubizeuSkhovangal
eeNextdoorumtshel
e
nay
iingul
ubei
yasinonel
a!(
Cal
lSkhovafr
om next
doort
ocomeandwi
tnesst
his)
TheSistergotupfr
om thecouch,Ibi
tmylowerli
p
andturnedback.ThenIwalkedoutofherhouse.
.

NOZUKO(
ZUXI
E)

Ibr
oughthimthegl
assofwat
er,
andt
henIsatdown
l
ookingathi
m..

Nt
uli
:Yi
niI
ndabamanj
e?(
What
'swr
ongnow)
Me:uNaTshabal
alaushay
eingane(
NaTshabal
ala
beatMpi
lo)
Ntul
i:Manje?Ngobainganeiyashay
wavel
euma
i
yeyisa?(So?Becauseachil
dcanbebeateni
fthey
di
srespect)
Me:AwukahleNtul
i,
uyi
l
imazi
l
eingane(St
opwi
tht
he
nonsense,
shehurtt
hebabyr
eal
lybad)
Ntuli
:Manjesoy
enzani
MaNt
uli
?(Sowhatar
ewe
goingtodo)
Me:She'
sstil
lmadt hatyouchosemeov erhert
hose
year
sago,Ididn'
tstealyou!I
twasal ongtimeago
too,
wewer eallsti
ll
inhighschoolst
andard10how
cansheholdagr udgeforall
thoseyears?Imean
shegotmarri
ednay e
Ntuli
:YabutshedidlovemeZuko,Icheatedwith
youandleftherf
ory ou.Yout
wowerebestf r
iends
andshehadt owitnessyouli
vi
ngali
fethatshe
thoughtwashers
Me:Ev
enso,
thatwasal
ongt
imeago.Weal
lmov
ed
on
Nt uli
:Vukaniremainsaconst antpainofherf ail
ed
relati
onship,rememberIcheat edbackandf orthwit
h
herandshet houghtIwasgoi ngt ogetbackt omy
clearthoughtsandcomeback.Wheny ouf ell
pregnantwi thVukani,Ist
oppedi tal
l t
ogetherwi t
h
her .Wegotmar ri
edandlivedhappilyeveraf t
er,I
feel weli
vingt hekarmaofherpai nandt ears.She
hadt osettledownwi thanoldmanwhowor kedata
mi nejusttogett hr
ough
Me:
KodwaMpi
l
oisal
soherbl
ood,
whyi
sshebei
ng
evi
ltoherDaught
er'
sbaby?UshoukuthiIcanhat
e
Thando'
sbabybecauseIhateherBabyDaddy?
AwukahleuNaTshabal
alausi
lenj
e!

FUTHI

Igotdr
essed.
.

Nur
se:
Her
ear
eyourpi
l
lsshoul
dyouf
eel
cramps
Me:
Thanky
ou
It
ookt
hem.
.
Nur
se:
Uhambekahl
eSi
si(
Gowel
l
)
Me:
Thanky
ou

It
ookmybagandwal
kedout
..
.

VUKANI
It
urnedt
hev
olumemor
east
hesongpl
ayed.

Vukani
byDrBone

"
Ziny
any
azami
vukani
bo!
Hay
ivukani
bo(
Ngi
ncedeni
yel
ele)

Zi
nyany
azami
vukani
bo!
Sebey
angi
cindezel
a

Sekut
heni
..
..
."

Tear
sst
reameddown.
.

"
Yaabat
hii
ndl
elamawuzoy
ihambabuzakwaba
phambi
l
i.
.
Ngobakuyenzekausi
yazi
ephenduk'
impat
ha
ungaphi
ki
..
Mi
nangi
khul
el'
ekasi
clev
eri
zi
ntozi
man'
ukwenzeka
Hl
oni
ph'
omcanenomdal
angobai
sondol
i
yaj
i
ka.
.
Umonaubul
al'
isi
zwekant
iekasi
uchi
thi
igazi
..
"

Il
oweredthevolumeandt
ookmyphone, andr
ang
hi
m..SinceIgothi
snumberf
rom Tsonga.
.

Bone:
Hel
l
o?
Me:
It'
sMe
Hekeptqui
et.
.
Me:
Weneedt
otal
k..Cany
oupul
lthr
ough?
Bone:
I'
m abi
tbusyhowaboutl
ater
?
Me:
Yasur
e
Bone:
KwaTsonga
Me:
YaI
'
llt
exty
ouwhenIgett
her
e
Bone:
Ngi
zozwangaweMbhem!(
I'
ll
hearf
rom y
ou)
.
Tobecont
inued
25

FUTHI

Istoodatthedoorofmyhouseandtookadeep
breathbefor
eopeningt
hedoor.Iwasexhaust
ed,
feel
ingsomecr ampsandbl
eedingalot
.Iopened
andwal kedi
n..

Icl
osedthedoor
,myAuntwasatt
heki
tchen
cooki
ng.
.

Aunt
:Fuf
u!
Me:
Mamncane(
Aunt
ie)
Shewipedherhandswi
tht
hedishswabandwalked
uptome.Shehuggedme,Ihel
dherti
ghtandst
arted
cr
ying.
.
Aunt
y:Phephi
sasi
si(
I'
m sor
ry)
Me:
MyHear
tisbr
okenAunt
ie
Aunt
y:IknowSt
handwaSam.
.Iknow
Me:
Lif
eisunf
air
Aunt
y:Kuzodl
ula(
It
'l
lal
lpass)

I
RENE

Whenwegotbackf rom t
heMal l
,ItookMpi lowit
hto
myhousesoIcoul dgetsomecl othes.Wi th
everyt
hingt
hat'
shappeni ng,If
eelVukani wouldwant
tohavemebyhi ssi debecauseonemi stake.He'
s
goingbackinsi
de..MyCousi n,hi
swi fe,andkids
werearoundtovisitfor2weeks.He' sonannual
l
eav e.
.

Cuz:
Hemustbesomet
hingspeci
al
Me:
He'
sagoodguyj
ustt
roubl
ed
Cuz:
Heshoul
dn'
ttaket
his2weeksv
isi
tasy
ou
movi
ngi
n
Il
aughed.
.
Cuz:I
t'
sgoodtoseeyouhappyandi
nlov
eagai
n,
af
terwhatyoubeent
hrough
Me:
Iknow.
.Di
dn'
tthi
nkIwasgoi
ngt
oheal
from
t
hat
Mpi
l
oandmycousi
n'
sDaught
erwal
kedi
n..
Me:
Mpi
l
oI'
m al
mostdone
Mpi
l
o:Canwet
akeAmandawi
th?
Me:Unf
or t
unatel
ywecan'
t,
butwe'
l
lvi
sitherand
she'
l
lvi
situstoo
Mpi
l
o:Okay
..Doy
ouhearAmanda?
Amanda:
Ihear
d
Amandai
soney
earol
dert
hanuMpi
l
o..

VUKANI
Bonepul
l
edup.
.

Inl
if
esometi
meswer esorttot
hingst
hatwe
shoul
dn'
t,
becauseofcer
tainci
rcumst
ances.
.

Bone:
Angi
kuzwaMbhem (
Idon'
tunder
stand)
Me:
She'
sabusi
nghi
m
Bone:Thatwomancomesof
fasagoodPer
son,
she'
salwaysbeengoodt
ome
Me:
She'
sawi
tch
Bone:
Ibel
i
evey
ou
Me:
SoI
'
m goi
ngt
oneedy
ourhel
p
Bone:
Ngi
l
alel
e(I
'
mli
steni
ng)
Me:Iwi
llcomewor
kfory
ou,
inr
etur
nyouhel
pme
getmychil
d
Bone:Ofcour
se..Honest
lyt
hatf
ami
l
yist
oxi
c.Fut
hi
hadthebabycremated
Me:
What
?
Bone:Sor
tofr
evengebutshedoesn'
tknowwhat
she'
sdone
Me:
Foral
li
t'
swor
th,
Inev
erki
l
ledy
ourbabyMbhem
Bone:
Iknow
Il
ookedatt
hebook.
.
Me:
Youhav
eawar
ehouse?
Bone:
Yeah
Me:
Weneedt
ochanget
hel
ocat
ion
Bone:
I'
m al
lear
s
Me:YouwantMe, You,andTsongaonlyinthe
busi
ness.Ifyoufi
rethesetwotheywil
lretal
iate,
so
i
t'
sgoodt omov etheammuni t
iontoanareat hey
wil
lnevert
hinkof.Thebottl
estore
Bone:Soundsl
i
keapl
an.
.Gi
vemey
ourbanki
ng
det
ail
s
Me:
Why
?
Bone:
Justgi
veme
Igav
ehi
m..Het
ransf
err
ed8k.
.
Bone:
Wel
comet
othet
eam
Ichuckl
ed.
.
Bone:
Foral
li
t'
swor
th,
Inev
ersol
dyouout
Me:
Iknow
Bone:
Truce?
Me:
Yeaht
ruce
Weseal
edi
twi
thahandshake.
.

FUTHI

Isati
ntheloungewi t
hmyMom, ar
oundt
hedi
ning
tabl
e.Shekeptherlookonme,
Iknowshewas
great
lydi
sappoint
ed..

Me:
Uphi
uMpi
l
o?(
Wher
eisMpi
l
o)
Shechuckl
ed.
.
Ma:Hmmm...Youmessupyourmar
ri
agef
oraguy
whoisev
enabusingy
ourchi
l
d
Me:
Huh?
Ma: uMpil
omi sbehaved,j
ustl
ikehowiti sIhi
thi
s
hand.Her anoffayakuboVukani.Idon'tknowwhat
happenedt her
ekodwauVukani uzela,hewas
thr
owi nghisweightandshowedmepi ct ur
esof
uMpi l
obruisedaccusi
ngmeofbeat ingmyown
Grandsonlikethat,
unginy
eleukungi
nyela
Me:Thatdoesn'
tsoundany
thi
ngl
i
keVukani
,he
woul
dnev erhur
tuMpil
o
Ma:Vukani i
sanexcon,kubotheyareabroken
fami
ly.Idon'
tknowwhathappenedbuttheyhurt
umntwana,theytr
yingt
otakeuMpiloawayfrom us
bymakingitseem l
ikeweabusinghim
Thi
swasconf
usi
ng.
.
Ma:
That
'swhaty
ouhav
esubj
ect
edumnt
wanat
oo

VUKANI

Tsongaandj
oinedus.
.
Wewer
edr
inki
ngbeer
s..

Tsonga:
Iwi
shuBagoscoul
djoi
n
Me:
Heseemsstabl
einhiscur
rentl
i
fe,hewon'
t
j
umpshi
psandweshouldn'
tmakehim
Bone:
That
'st
rue
Me:
Wel
lgent
lemenIhav
etogetgoi
ng
Bone:
Don'
tfor
gett
hebook
Ipushedi
tbackt
ohi
m..
.
Me: Idon'
tneedabookthatI
ncr
iminatesyouf
ory
ou
toprovethatyoucanbetr
ust
ed,unlessyouar
e
planni
ngonf ucki
ngmeup
Webot
hlaughed.
.
Me:
Seey
oucat
stomor
row

I
RENE

Wegott
othehouse,
Zuxi
ewasdi
shi
ngup.
.
Zuxi
e:Youguy
sar
eri
ghtont
ime
Me:
Sor
rywet
ookl
ong
Zuxi
e:Noi
t'
sokay
..Di
dyouguy
shav
efun?
Me:
Yes
Zuxi
e:That
'sgood
Me:
Iwoul
dli
ket
ost
ayf
or2weeks
Zuxi
e:Nopr
obl
em It
hinkt
hat
'sgood
Me:
Thanky
ou

MANTSONGA

Iwentandmadet
hephonecal
lout
side.
.

Me:
He'
sonboar
d
Qhuma:
Youmadeagoodcal
l
Me:
Wear
edoner
ight
?
Qhuma:
Mnaxwear
edonewhenIsaywear
edone
Me:Ican'
tkeepondoingt
his,
fir
stIwastheonewho
sni
tchedandVukani
gotarr
ested,nowt
his.
.Ishoul
d
bedone
Qhuma:
Wenotdone,
west
il
lhav
eal
ongway
!
Ihungup.
.
.
Tobecont
inued

Apologi
esformissingtheinser
tyester
day
,Ihada
l
ongdayandhadanear lynight
.Pl
easeconsi
dert
his
yest
erday'
sinser
t.Dail
yinsertt
ofoll
owup
26

FUTHI

AfterhearingwhatmyMot hertol
dmeaboutVukani
andhi sfamily,Imademywayt heretohishouse.
Youdopeopl eaf avour,t
hent heyturnandbe
devious..Iknockedonceandmademywayi n,I
foundt hem sit
tingintheloungewat chi
ngTV.The
familythattheypr esentt
obe, withIr
enejoini
ng
them too.

Mpi
l
o:Mommy
!
Her
anupt
ome.
.
Il
ookedatt
hem.
.
Zuxi
e:Fut
hi
Il
ookedatMpi l
o,andIcheckedhi
m.Hedi
dhav
e
br
uises.Il
ookedatthem..
Me:Idoyouguysaf
av ourt
ohavearelat
ionshi
p
wit
hMpilotheny
ouguy sgoanddothi
s?Hur tmy
chi
ldtof
ramemyMot hersoyoucantakehimf r
om
us?
Vukani
:What
?
Me:
Howcoul
dyoubesoev
il
?
Vukani
:Ey
yawumekancance,
doy
our
eal
l
ythi
nk
thatwewoul
dhur
tuMpil
o?
Me:
Youwi
l
lnev
erev
erseeuMpi
l
oev
eragai
n!
Vukani
:YourMot
heri
stheonewhodi
dthatt
oMpi
l
o
Me:MyMothert
ookcareofMpi
l
owhenIwasin
Var
sit
ywhywouldshehur
thi
m?Whywouldshehur
t
hi
m?
Zuxi
e:Cl
ear
lyy
ouhav
emadeupy
ourmi
ndsabout
us
Me:St
ayawayf
rom mySon,
ify
oudon'
t.I
'
llgot
othe
aut
hor
it
ies
It
ookMpi
l
o'shandandwewal
kedout
..
.
BONE

Iwatchedast hecarloadedthelastofFut
hi'
sthings.
.
Ican'tbel
iev
eherMot heriscapableofhurt
ingher
ownGr andson.I'
vealwaysthoughtshewasagood
Person,shedidhavewei r
dvibesIjustt
ookitasif
l
ikeit'
sawomant hi
ng, y
ouknowwomenandt heir
unstablemoodsort hatshewasj ustst
ri
ct.
.

VUKANI

I
rene:
Ican'
tbel
i
evet
his
Zuxi
e:NaTshabal
alai
scr
uel
,sheal
way
shasbeen
Me:
Sher
eal
l
ythoughtIcoul
dhur
tmySon
Zuxi
e:Youdodgedabul
l
ett
her
e,Fut
hii
stoxi
cand
soisherMother
Me:
NowonderBandi
l
elef
ther
Zuxi
e:Hedi
d?
Me:
Yeah
Zuxi
e:Don'
tgothreat
eni
ngthem,awaywi
l
lcomef
or
youtogetMpi
lo.Don'
thurtt
hem
I
rene:
Iagr
ee

FUTHI

Mpi
l
owasn'thappyt
obeback,hekeptonsay
ingMy
Mot
heri
stheonewhobeatherup.
..

Ma:
Theyev
eni
nfl
uencedhi
mtol
i
e
Me:Mpi
l
oIdon'
twannaheary
out
alki
ngl
i
esabout
Gr
andma
Mpi
l
o:I
'
m notl
yi
ng
Me:Youar
e!!Li
stentome,you'
l
lnev
erev
erv
isi
t
Vukani
'
shousedoy ouhearme?
Hest
art
edcr
ying.
.
Me:
Whydoy
ouwannagot
oapl
acewher
ethey
abusey
ou?
Ma:
Hai
cha.
.Ngav
elel
wa!(
Thi
sisbadl
uck)
Me:St
opcr
yingbecausey
ounev
ergoi
ngbackt
her
e
uy
angi
zwa?
Henodded.
.
Me:
Goandsl
eep!
Hewal
kedt
omybedr
oom.
.

QHUMA(
COBRA)

Mynamei sQhama, bett

erknownasCobr a.Iam
ful
l
yinvestedinfedil
ityt
ruckhei
stsandsell
ing
ammuni t
ion.
.Af ewy ear
sago,Iplannedaheistwi
th
myboysort heboy sthatworkforme.Then,4boys
pul
ledoffthatheist
..

Imanagedt
ogett ooneofthem andconv
incedhi
m
tobemyconfidantorel
sehe'
sgoingtodi
e.When
theypul
l
edoffthathei
st,
Tsongatext
edmeont he
routethatVukani took.Icall
edt
hecops,It
hought
afterthat.Theywoul dstopbutnowI'
m hear
ingthey
sti
lloperating.Theysteali
ngmycli
ent
sandi t
's
hecticonmysi de,theykil
l
ingmyhust
le.
.

Mywi f
eandIjustmov edint
othi
sneighborhood,
thei
rnei
ghborhood.Tokeepitcl
ean,Ihavetaxi
s.4
ofthem ont
her oadtokeepthecopsaway .
.

Thehouseisa5bedroom house.2bedr
ooms,
ki
tchen,
lounge,
andbathr
oom..

MywifeandIdon'thavekids,
butIdohavekidswi
th
ex.Mycurr
entwif
eNel endaandIwe'vebeen
marri
edfor2year
snow.She' syoungert
hanme.I'
m
45andshe's25yearsold.
.

Me:
West
il
ll
iv
ingoutofboxes?
Enda:
Awukahl
e,wej
ustmov
edi
n2day
sago
Me:
Arey
ouokay
?Wi
tht
hisnei
ghbor
hood?
Enda:
Well
Ili
kedwher
eweusedtoli
ve,
Idon'
tknow
whywesuddenl
ymoveddownher
ekodwake
Me:
AwuMbhem
Enda:
Iknowi
t'
sfory
ourexwi
fet
ost
opbot
her
ingus

Endaisthesameageasmyf i
rstbornDaughter
,they
don'
treall
ygetal
ongthatwell
.She'shadquit
ea
exper
iencewit
hmyf amil
y,mykidsandmyexwi fe.
Theycall
edheraGolddiggerandalloft
hat.
.

Me:Iwast
hinki
ngofget
ti
ng2t
axi
ssof
ar,
gett
hem
ont
heroad
Enda:
That
'sgood
Me:
Iti
s

FUTHI
Me:Ihearwehavenewneighbour
s,somepeopl
e
boughtt
hehousenextdoor?
Ma:
Yes.
.Usomat
eki
si(
he'
sat
axi
owner
)
Me:
Ohw
Wehear
daknockatt
hedoor
..
Me:
I'
ll
check
Iwentt
ocheck,
Isawsomegent
lemanst
andi
ng
ther
ewit
hmybags..

Hi
m:Goodev
eni
ng
Me:
Eveni
ng.
.MayIhel
pyou?
Hi
m:I
'
m her
etodr
opof
fyourt
hings
Me:
Ohw
Hi
m:Si
gnher
epl
ease
Isi
gned.
.
Hi
m:Thanky
ou.
.Hav
eal
ovel
yday
Hel
eft
,Ibr
oughtmybagsi
ntot
hehouse.
.
MyMom wal
kedi
n..

Ma:Somewomencomebackwi
thmuchv
aluabl
e
t
hingst
hant
hei
rBags
Me:
Madon'
tst
art
Ma:
Whenshoul
dIst
art
?
Ikeptqui
et.
..

I
RENE

Vukani
:Canwet
alk?
Me:
Yes
Hewal
kedov
erandhel
dmyhands.
.
Vukani
:If
oundanot
herj
ob
Me:
Ohw
Vukani
:Yes
Me:
Wher
e?
Vukani
:Bott
lest
ore,
itpay
sbet
tert
hanmebei
nga
taxi
dri
ver
Me:
That
'sgood,
I'
m gl
adi
t'
ssomet
hingl
egi
t
Vukani
:Icanal
sosav
eupt
opayl
obol
a
Il
ookedathi
m..
Vukani
:Wenotdat
ingt
opusht
imer
ight
?
Me:
No
Iwal
kedt
omybagandt
ookt
heOr
alcor
n..
Vukani
:Whati
sthi
s?
Me:I'
vebeent
aki
ngtheredpil
l
ssi
ncewehad
unpr
otect
edsexsohopeful
l
yIwon'
tfal
lpr
egnant
Vukani
:Yougoi
ngt
obet
aki
ngcont
racept
ivepi
l
ls?
Me:
Yes
Vukani
:Isee
Isenseddi
sappoi
ntmentf
rom hi
spar
t.
.
FUTHI

Ical
l
edBone.
.

Bone:
Hel
l
o?
Me:Myt
hingsandMpi
l
o'st
hingshav
ebeendr
opped
of
f
Bone:Good!Nowbl
ockmet
her
e'snot
hingl
eftf
orus
tosaytoeachot
her

Hehungup.
.
.
Tobecont
inued
27

ENDA(
QHUMA'
SWI
FE)

AWEEKLATER

There'
safewthingsthatneedget
ti
ngdonearound
theyar
d,soworkershavestart
edworki
ngtoday.
Putt
ingpavementaround..

AsIwasst andingoutsi
de, outofmyy ard.Si
ncethey
start
edthere,
Isawagi rlnextdoorsweepi ngthe
yard.Shewavedatme, Iwav edathertoo.Thenshe
walkeduptomest i
l
lholdingt hebr
oom. .

Her
:Hi
Me:
Hi
Her
:Fut
hi
Me:
Enda
Her
:Ni
cet
omeety
ou
Me:
Nicet
omeety
out
oo
Her
:Soy
ouar
eournewnei
ghbour
?
Me:
Yes
Her:
Hopingwewil
lgetalongwell
,i
fyouneed
someonetoshowyouaround,don'
tbeaf
rai
dtohal
a
atmenextdoor
Ichuckl
ed.
.
Me:
Iwon'
t
Her
:Youmov
edher
efr
om wher
e?
Me:
Wemov
edher
efr
om Or
angeFar
m
Her
:OhwIt
houghty
ouguy
swer
efr
om f
ar
Me:
Nowenot
Her
:Whatdoesy
ourHusbanddo?
Me:
He'
sint
het
axi
indust
ry
Her
:Mostpr
ofi
tabl
eanddanger
ousbusi
ness
Me:
Ver
y
Her
:Wel
li
t'
sgoodt
omeety
ouEnda
Me:
Yout
oo
Shewal
kedaway
..
.

VUKANI

Wewer eablet
ocreateasecretspaceatt hebottl
e
storeforourshi
pment ,andwewer ealsoableto
mov etheshipmentfrom thewarehousetot hebottl
e
store.Bagoswasn'thappywithmyqui ti
nghim and
doingthis,her
eal
lywant edmetost ayofftheledge.
Iunderstandwherehe'scomingfrom, butthenthi
s
i
sbi ggerthanme.IneedmySon, Ineedtobeabl eto
provideformyfamily.
.

Iwasgoingtobeinchargeofthebott
lestoreasa
whole,t
hentheammunitionbusi
ness.I
t'
st he3ofus,
butTsongaandIarethegotoopeople.I
fwewor k
toget
herashowwe'vealwaysdone,wewi l
l beabl
e
topul
lthi
sbusi
nessoffforal
ongt
imeunt
ilweal
l
haveenought
oditchi
t..
.

Wegoingbythesamemot
to,
justenought
ogetus
outagai
n..

DoIwannadot his?Ofcour senot.Howmanyofus

aredoi
ngthingsthatwedon' twanttodo??Stucki
n
j
obswedon' twant ?Justt
ogetby ?We'veal
lbeenin
suchpredi
cament s..

IhadBonest ockupmor eonalcohol,

thebottl
estor
e
wasonl ysel
lingalcohol
sonowIam cr eat
ingachil
l
i
npl ace.Youcanbuyanddr inkhere,we'veputa
plasmaTV, tablesandchair
sandt here'
salsoapool
table.
.

Nounder18, ar
eall
owedi n.I
fyoulooksuspici
ous,
werequestanID.Atleastwehav eali
quorli
cense,
si
ncenowi t
'sgoingt
obeachi l
li
n.Copsmi ghtbe
onus.
.

Thisweekendweinvi
tedacer
tai
nDj
,he'
l
lbepl
ayi
ng
for3hours.Hechar
gedus9k.
.

He'snottoobig,80kfoll
ower sonTwi t
terbutwe
needhispopulari
ty.Toadv er
tiseourchil
lin.We
namedt hewholebot t
lestoreandchilli
npl ace
"I
zinj
aZehlathi
".
.RentisR4500amont h, i
t'
scl oseto
somePaki st
anshops.Basi call
yinthi
sarea, it
'sjust
shops..
.

I
RENE

Iwasatwor kthi
smor ning,mystayatVukani
'spl
ace
i
sgoodsof ar.Iam enjoyi
ng.Ipassbyatmy
Grandmother'
splacewhenIknockof ftocheckup
onthem..
Ihadstar
tedonmyper i
odsl
astweek,Iwasso
happytogett
hem.IknowVukani wantsababy,
I
thi
nkhewantsonetotryandrewri
tewhat'
s
happeni
ngwithMpi
lo,andal
sot ofeel
thatv
oid.
.

Idon'tknowaboutababy,
Thingsaren'tenti
rel
y
stabl
ebet weenVukani
andI.Wehav en'tr
eached
thatl
ev elofcommit
mentt
oactual
lycommi t
ourselvestoachi
ld.
.

Thami
:Howar
etheaf
fai
rsofy
ourr
elat
ionshi
p?
Me:
Bet
terIdon'
twannal
i
e
Thami
:That
'sgood
Me:
Howar
eyou?
Thami
:I'
m good
Me:
Isy
ourhusbandf
eel
i
ngbet
ter
?
Thami
:Yes
Herhusbandwassi
ck.
.
FUTHI

AtworkIwasonatempor ar
ycont
ract
.Mycont
ract
hasexpi
red,
theydi
dn'
trenewit
.

I'
vebeenmissi
ngwor
kalotandt
heynolongerhad
fai
thinme,
they'
ll
beput
ti
ngsomeoneel
seinmy
space..

Iam tr
yingtofi
ndanewJob, Idon'
twantany
Surger
yJobsbecauseDenti
stsexploi
tdent
al
ther
apistsandoral
hygi
eni
stsalot.
.

Iam hopingtogetoneatahospital
atleastwhich
provestobediffi
cul
t.Al
lthecor
rupt
iongoingonin
thi
scount r
y,i
t'
snoteasytogetagov er
nmentjob
thesedays..
Iwasstressedout
,ifthemoneyIhaverunsout.I
don'
tknowwhatI '
lldo,i
t'
ll
onlybeabletopay2
monthsforMpilo'
sschool f
eesthenIdon'
tknow
whatI'
m goingtodoaf t
erthat
..

MyMother
'satt
it
udehaschangedtowar
dsme,
homei
sstart
ingtobereal
l
ytoxi
c..

BONE

Thuli
l
eandLuthandowill
bearri
vi
ngtomorr
ow.Ihad
thehousecl
eaned,gotanewbed,beddi
ngsetet
c.I
removedanytr
aceofFuthiandMpil
o..

I
t'
sli
ketheynev
erlivedher
e.Itur
nedMpi
l
o's
bedr
oom int
oLuthando'
sbedroom..

Ican'
twai
tfort
hem t
ogether
e..
FUTHI

Iopenedt
hebr
eadt
in,
ther
ewasnobr
ead.

Isighed.
.IwenttomyMot
her
'sbedr
oom,
shewas
readingherBi
ble.
.

Me:
Ma
Shel
ookedatme.
.
Me:
Doy
ouhav
emoney
?Br
eadi
sfi
nished
Ma:
DoIl
ookl
i
keIwor
k?
Sheget
smoneyev
erymont
hfr
om myBi
gBr
other
..
R2000
Ma:
Kahl
ekahl
ewhenar
eyout
wol
eav
ing?
Me:
Leav
eandgowher
e?
Ma:Haibo,yourui
nedy ourownmarri
age!Whatdi
d
youexpect?Thatli
fewasgoingtobeeasyonyou?I
haveanotherchi
ldinboardi
ngschoolt
hati
s
dependentonme, hert r
ustfundt haty ourFat herdid
forherisonlypay ingf orherfees, she'll
gett herest
ofhermoneywhenshe' s21.Ist il
l needt osendher
moneyf ortoilet
ri
esev erymont h.YourBr otheris
working,bothmyki dsar edoingwel lforthemselves
wena?Youj ustoutt hererui
ni ngy ourlif
ewhatdo
yout hi
nkwasgoi ngt ohappen?Hav ingababywi tha
uselesssomebodywhocan' tev enpr ovideforhis
Son?Whatdi dy out hink?Youar eusel essnj eand
I
'm getti
ngtiredofy ouandt hatspoi ledbr atofyours!
Yenzaandgetaj obf astsoy out wocanmov eout!
.
Tobecont
inued
28

VUKANI

Iwasst andingoutsidehav i
ngasmoke, Muzi i
sthe
guyI'm workingwith.No, maket hatI'
m hisBoss.
Despitemyposi ti
on, Iwon'tuseittoslavehim
around.Hopi ngwe'l
l worktogether,peaceful
l
yand
respecteachot her
.

Wewor katt
hef
ront
,twomor
eguy
swor
katt
he
back.
.

Muziisadedicat
edandhardworker
,heev
endoes
t
hingsthatheshoul
dn'
tdo.Hegoesanextr
amil
e..

Bagospul
l
edup.
.
Me:
Dri
nki
nganddr
ivi
ng,
deadl
ycombi
nat
ion
Hechuckl
ed.
.
Bagos:
Justoneny
ana
Wewentinsi
de,
Isi
gnaledt
ouMuzi
thatheshoul
d
br
ingussomebeer
s..

Bagos:
Howar
eyouset
tl
ingi
n?
Me:
Sof
arsogood,
Idon'
thav
eanycompl
aint
s
Bagos:
Isee
Me:
Iknowhowy
ouf
eel
aboutt
his
Bagos:
Ist
il
lthi
nky
oushoul
dtodr
ivi
ngt
axi
s
Me: Iunder standy ourfr
ustr
at i
onswi t
hr egar
dst o
thesubj ect,butBagos.Thepr ofi
tImaket here,i
snot
enought oprov i
def ormyfami ly
.Thandoi sgivi
ng
bir
thnextt ime, herboyfri
enddoesn' tseem tobe
seri
ous.Ont heot herhand,there'sMpiloandI r
ene.I
knowI renei swor kingandshehasmadei tcl
earthat
shedoesn' twantmymoney , buteverywomanl i
kes
tobespoi l
edher eandt her
e.
Bagos:
Iunder
standMan,
Iam nother
etoj
udge
Muzi
broughtt
heCor
onabeer
s,2each.
.
Me:
I'
ll
pay
Bagos:
Int
hatcase,
I'
ll
hav
eanext
raonet
oo

FUTHI

Iwasl ooki
ngatt het
imewait
ingfor13:
00t
ogoget
Mpilo.Iwassit
tingoutsi
deonthestoepwi
thagood
fr
iendofmi ne,
Mabuse. .

Buse:
Ihear
dtheygoi
ngt
ohav
eaDj
onSat
urday
ni
ght,
weshouldgo
Me:
Vukani
iswor
kingt
her
e
Buse:
So?
Me:
It'
sgoi
ngt
obeawkwar
d
Buse:
Manj ei
mpil
oingazei
meforuVukani
?(Soy
our
l
if
emi ghtaswel
lj
uststopf
orVukani
?)
Me:Ihav
ebi
ggerpr
obl
ems,
Buse.Li
kel
ooki
ngf
ora
j
ob
Buse:That
'swhywehavet
ogooutonSat
urday
,
ukut
hiukhi
pheiSt
ress
Me:
YaIguessso
Buse:
Sowegoi
ng?
Me:
Yes
Buse:
That
'sgood!

VUKANI

Aft
erBagoslef
t,Ihadacl
i
entwhoneeded
ammuniti
on.3guns..

Hewasbuying,
eachwasgoi
ngt
obeR7000.We
handl
ecashonl
y..

Cl
i
ent
:Theyl
ookt
obei
ngoodcondi
ti
on
Me:
Hei
st?
Hel
ookedatme.
.
Cl
i
ent
:Houser
obber
ies
Wedon'
tsel
lbul
l
ets.
.
Me:
OhwIsee
Cl
i
ent
:Thepay
ment
Hehandedmet
heenv
elope.
.
Cl
i
ent
:Youcancounti
t
Iopenedt
heenv
elopecount
ed.
.21k,
it'
sal
lIn.
.
Cl
i
ent
:Ifweneedmor
e,we'
l
llety
ouknow
Me:
Aytcool
man

From t
hatpayment,wegoingtobuy3guns.To
repl
acetheonesbought.Webuyt hem f
orR5000
eachandsellt
hem forR7000.Wemake2kpr ofi
t.So
basi
call
yfrom t
hispayment,wegoingtobeprof
iti
ng
2keach.Bone,Tsonga,andI.
.BoneandTsonga
havetobri
ngacl i
enteachtooforthi
smonth.
.
FUTHI

Idrovetoschool
aft
erget
ti
ngacal
lfr
om Mpi
l
o's
teacher
..

Igott
her
eandwentt
otheof
fi
ce.
.

Thepr
inci
pal
waspr
esent
..

Mpi
l
owassitti
ngther
eallqui
et,
whenhei
sthi
squi
et.
I
tmeanshe'
sintr
ouble.
..
.

Me:
Goodday
Pr
inci
pal
:MsTshabal
ala.
.Pl
easesi
tdown
Isatdown.
.
Me:
Isev
ery
thi
ngokay
?
Teacher:
Mpil
owasi
nvol
vedi
naf
ight
,hebr
okehi
s
fr
iend'
sarm
Me:
What
?
Teacher:Therewer
ewi
tnessesi
ncl
asswhent
he
fi
ghterupted
Il
ookedatMpi
l
o..
.
TheParent
soft
heotherLear
nerwil
lbecomi
ngi
n
tomor
rowmorni
ng,I
'
dl i
keforyout
obeheret
oo
Me:
Uhm y
es
Pr
inci
pal
:Int
hemeant
ime,
I'
m suspendi
nghi
mfora
month
Isi
ghed.
.
Teacher
:Isev
ery
thi
ngokay
?Mpi
l
oisnotat
roubl
i
ng
chi
ld
Me: I
'm amazedmy self
..Ev
erythi
ngisfi
newe..I
separat
edfrom myhusbandsowehadt omov e
backhome, he'snotusedtothechangeof
envir
onment.Doesn'tunderst
andwhymeandhi s
Fa..Hedoesn'tunderst
andwhyt heseparat
ion
happened
Pr
inci
pal
:Hav
eyout
ri
edt
aki
nghi
mforcounsel
i
ng?
Me:
He'
sjustaki
d,I
'
m sur
eit
'l
lbl
owov
er
Pr
inci
pal
:Ist
il
lsuggestt
her
apyf
orhi
m

Ther
apyatt
hist
ime?Whent
her
e'snomoney
?..

NA-
TSHABALALA

Nozukowal
kedi
n..

Me:
Lookwhatt
hecatdr
aggedi
n
Zuxi
e:Sophi
e
Me:
Aft
eral
lthesey
ear
s,y
oust
epf
ooti
nmyhouse
Zuxi
e:Thi
sisnotasoci
alv
isi
t
Me:
ThenwhatcanIdof
ory
ou?
Zuxie:
Iunder
standyourhat
etowar
dsme,
butt
o
hurtmyGrandson?
Il
aughed.
.
Me:YourGr
andson?Speaki
ngl
i
key
ouact
ual
l
yhav
e
one
Zuxi
e:I
fyouhav
eanyconsci
encei
nyou,
you'
dletus
haveMpil
o
Me: Letyouhavehi
m?Don'tmakemelaugh.You
couldn'
tevenkeepyourf
amil
ytoget
herhowcanyou
rai
seachi l
d?
Zuxi
e:I
'
ver
aisedt
wo
Me:
Andl
ookhowt
heyt
urnedout
Zuxi
e:Mpi
l
oisj
ustaki
d
Me:
Ify
oudon'
thaveanyt
hingelset
hatbr
oughty
ou
t
omyhouse,
pleasel
eav
et hesamewayyougotin

FUTHI

Wewal
kedt
othecar
..
Me: Doyouhav
eanyi
deahowmuchIpayatt
his
schoolhuh?
Hel
ookeddown.
..
Me:
Fory
out
oactl
i
ket
his?Beatki
ds!
Mpi
l
o:I
'
m sor
ry
Ihi
thi
m ont
heshoul
der
..
Me: Yousor
ry?Whati
syoursorr
ygoingtodo?You
suspendedforamont
h!Kanti
yiniMpil
o?What'
s
wrongwithyou?
Hecont
inuedcr
ying.
.

Iopenedt
hedoor
..

Me:
Geti
n!
Hegoti
nandIcl
osedt
hedoor
..
.
Tobecont
inued
29

FUTHI

AllPar entswantwhat '

sbestf ort heirchil
dren, r
ichor
poor .Weal l
wishf ort hem tohav eabet terli
fe,got o
abet terschool andhav eabet terl if
eandgr owup
bettert hanwedi d..Inev erhadt helibertytogot oa
priv
at eschool ,myPar ent scoul dn'taffordit.Though
Iwor kedhar dev enwi t hobst aclest ogi vemi nea
betterlife.IevenleftVukani forBonej usttomake
sureMpi lowasset , hadast ablehomeandl ov i
ng
Parent s.He'soneoft hef or
tunat eki dstogetwhat
hehas, hisschool feesmont hlyai n'
tnochi l
d' splay
thenhegoesanddoest hisshi t?Whenwei na
crapper ??

Wedrov
ehomei nt
otalsi
lence.Iwasmad,
somad
t
hatmychestwasburni
ng..
Whenwegothome,
her
efusedt
ogeti
n..

Me:
Mpi
l
ongena(
geti
n)
Hest
art
edcr
ying,
hemadememor
eupset
..
Me:
Whyar
eyoucr
ying?Di
dIhi
tyou?
Heshookhi
shead.
.
Me:
Thenwhyar
eyoucr
ying?Whyar
eyoucr
ying?
Ihi
thi
m ont
heshoul
derandhecr
iedmor
e..
Me:
Whyar
eyoucr
yinghuh?
?

MyMot
herwal
kedout
..
Ma:
Yey
i!
!Yey
i!What
'sgoi
ngon?
Myey
eswer
efi
l
ledwi
tht
ear
s..
Me:
Hegotsuspended
Shecl
appedherhands.
..
Ma:
Nazoke!(
her
ewego)
Me:
Mpi
l
owhatdon'
tyouget
?Whydoy
ouhav
eto
godot
his?
Ma:
Hai
cha!
MyMot
herwal
kedbacki
n..
Igr
abbedhi
shandandpul
l
edhi
minsi
de.
.

Ma:Ni
ngabangi
umsi
dol
akwami
(Don'
tmakenoi
se
her
e)
Me: Iam theonlyPersonwhodoest hi
ngsforyou!I
doev ery
thingforyou!YourFat
herisnotevengivi
ng
usacent !He'soutthereenj
oyi
nglif
ewithhis
gi
rlf
riendandy ougoanddot hisshi
t?Icankil
lyou
ri
ghtnow!
Ma:You'
vespoi
ledthi
schil
drotten!Youfor
gotthat
onedayt
hingsmightgosouth!Hayinenzenihambe!

VUKANI

Okowahamb'
eth'
uzobuy
a
Wakhwel
ainqwel
ont
aka
Wat
shonakwezi
y'
ntaba
Nt
yil
ont
yil
onj
engeny
oni
ndi
yant
yil
oza
Kwaphel
aii
nyangakwat
shonaamal
anga
Neet
shomi
zami
zit
hiundenzai
sbhanxa
Nasel
ali
nikut
het
hwangam'
i
zindaba
Nt
yil
ont
yil
onj
engeny
oni
ndi
yant
yil
oza

Bonewalkedi
n..Hegreet
edaf
ewpeopl
ewhower
e
si
tt
ingt
heredri
nking.
.

Bone:
Lookatt
hispl
ace
Me:
Tol
dyout
hesi
tinwasgoi
ngt
owor
k
Bone:
Iti
swor
king
Me:
Athi
sihl
ebe(
Let
'sgossi
p)

Wewal
kedt
othepr
ivat
ear
ea.
.
Me:
Ihadacl
i
ent
Bone:
That
'sgood
Gav
ehi
mtheenv
elope.
.
Me:
21k,
6kpr
ofi
t
Hetooki
t.Heopeneditandcount
edaf
ewnot
es.He
handedt
hem t
ome. .
It
ookt
hem.
.
Bone:
6ki
syour
s
Me:
Ther
e's3ofusi
nthi
spr
ofi
t
Bone:
I'
ll
giv
eTsongahe'
sshar
efr
om mymoney
Me:
Youdon'
thav
etodot
hat
Bone:
Youhav
eaSont
otakecar
eofnow
Me:
Yeah
Bone:
Indaba?(
Probl
em)
Me:
Not
hing.
.JustFut
hiandherf
ami
l
y
Bone:
Fut
hiandIhav
ejoi
ntcust
odyofMpi
l
o,i
f
t
her
e'sany
thi
ngIcando
Me:
Yeahwe'
l
lsee

I
RENE

Zuxi
ewaswor
ri
edaboutMpi
l
o,sowasI
..

Thosebr
uisesonMpi
lo,butI
'
m sur
ethatsi
nceFut
hi
i
sback.Theabusewi
l
l st
op.

Me: Futhii
sback,I'
m sur
eshewonthaveherchi
l
d
abused.Plus,themotherwon'
tabuseMpi
loin
Futhi'
spresence..

Zuxi
e:Idon'
ttr
ustt
hem

Me:
Thi
ssi
tuat
ioni
sdi
ff
icul
t
FUTHI

Hecr
iedhi
msel
ftosl
eep.
.

Ma:
Manj
ewhatar
eyougoi
ngt
odo?
Me:
Idon'
tknow
Ma:Youhav eadegree,
useit.Don'tt
ell
mey ouwent
toschoolt
obeuseless!Fut
hi Ican'
tbuyumfazi
omdalafood,ont
opofthatfeedMpi l
o!You
supposedtobetaki
ngcareofme

Me:
Vukani
wil
lhav
etoshi
pin
Ma:
Aght
hatusel
esspi
eceofshi
t
Me:
Hegotaj
obatt
hebot
tl
est
ore
Ma:
Sincewhendobot
tl
est
orespaymuch?
Me:
It'
swor
that
ryMa,
hehast
ohel
p
Ma:Thathalenganeuy
ifakei
skol
osakagover
nment
!
(
regi
sterthi
schildi
nagov er
nmentschool
)
Isi
ghed.
.

VUKANI

Iwal
kedoutBone,
whenaBMW pul
l
edup.
.
Someguygotout
,hedi
dn'
tl
ookf
ami
l
iar
..

Wewai
tedf
orhi
mtocomet
ous.
.

Hi
m:Madoda
Me:
Yebo
Hi
m: Qhuma,abangazi
yobat
hiCobra(Mynameis
Qhuma,thosewhoknowmewel lcal
lmeCobra)
Bone:
Sibongaukukwanzi
Ndoda(
Gladt
oknowy
ou)
Qhuma:
Mywi
feandI
,wej
ustmov
edi
n.
Bone:
Aikewel
comet
othenei
ghbor
hood
Qhuma:Someonet
oldmeaboutt
hisj
oint
,sai
dIcan
comeheret
ohaveadri
nk
Me:
Yeahsur
e..Youwel
come
Qhuma:
Kubongami
na
Hewal
kedi
n..

Bone:
I'
ll
checky
oul
ater
Me:
Cool

FUTHI

Ical
l
edVukani
,hedi
dn'
tpi
ckup.

Iexhal
ed.
.

Itr
iedtoopenthefreezerbutitwaslocked.Iwant
ed
tocooksomething.IwenttomyMot her,shewasin
theli
vi
ngroom sit
ti
ngatt hetabledr
inki
ngcof f
ee
r
eadi
ngt
heBi
ble.

Me:
M..Ma
Ma:
Hmmmmm?
Shedi
dn'
tev
enl
ookatme.
.
Me:Iwant
edt
ocooksomet
hingbutt
hef
reezeri
s
l
ocked
Ma:
Manj
e?
Me:
Whydi
dyoul
ocki
t?
Ma:I
t'
smyhouse,
Icanl
ockany
thi
ngt
hatIwantt
o
l
ocki
nmyhouse!
Me:
Okay
Iwentt
omybedr
oom t
ogetmypur
se.
.

VUKANI

Muzi
ser
vedt
hisQhumaguyHei
neken.
Me:
EhhMuzi
Hel
ookedatme.
.
Me:
Doy
ouknowhi
m?
Muzi
:NexBhoza
Hewaschi
l
li
ngal
one,
dri
nki
ng.Al
socasual
l
y
Looki
ngar
ound.
.

Thi
swasabsur
d,Iwal
kedupt
ohi
m..
Me:
Justchecki
ngi
fyoust
il
lset
Qhuma:
Ngi
kahl
e(I
'
m good)
Me:
Ayt
Qhuma:
Yint
lel
endawo(
Nicepl
ace)
Me:
Siy
abonga
Qhuma:
Idi
dn'
tcat
chy
ourname
Me:
Vukani
Qhuma:
Bekal
aNdoda
Weexchangedahandshake.
.
30

FUTHI

Iswal
lowedmypri
deandwenttot
hebottl
estor
eto
tal
ktoVukani
.Mpi
loi
shischi
l
dtoo,hehastoshi
p
i
n..
.

ItwasbusywhenIwalkedin,
musi cwaspl
ayi
ngand
peopleweredri
nki
ng.Il
ookedaroundandsawhi
m
atthecounter
,Iwal
keduptohim..

Me:
Hi
Hel
ookedatme.
..
Me:
Canwet
alk?
Vukani
:Yeahsur
e
Hegotoutandwewentout
side.
.
Vukani
:uGr
and?
Me:
No.
.Mpi
l
owassuspended
Vukani
:Why
?
Me:
Hegoti
ntoaf
ightandbr
okeanot
herchi
l
d'sar
m
Hewhi
stl
ed.
.
Me:
Hehasnev
eract
edi
nthatmanner
Vukani
:Shoul
dn'tt
hatt
ell
yousomet
hing?Achi
l
d
act
ingout?Thatmeanssomet
hingi
swr ong
Me:
Vukani
I'
m her
ebecauseIl
ostmyj
ob.Ineedy
ou
t
ohelpmewit
hMpilo
Vukani
:Idon'
tmi
nd,
butIhav
eseehi
m
Me:
That
'sof
fli
mit
s
Vukani
:Fut
hihe'
smySon
Me:
Iam st
il
lnotsur
eifIshoul
dbr
ingmySoncl
ose
t
oyou,
notaft
erwhathappened
Vukani:
Iwillpayforhi
sschoolfeeswhenhegoes
back.I
'm notgoingtogiveyoumoneyforf
ood,how
wil
lIknowy ou'dbuyfood?
Me:
It'
sfi
ne,
youcanpayhi
sschool
fees
Vukani
:Sho

Voi
ce:
Sani
bonani
I
twasI
rene.
..
Me:
Ishoul
dgo
Iwal
kedawayandbumpedi
ntoheronpur
pose.
..

QHUMA

Iwasi
nmycarwi
thTsonga.
.
Me:
Imetumbhem
Tsonga:
Bone?
Me:
Cha.
.Vukani
Tsonga:
Why
?
Me:
Ineededtoknowmycompet
it
ion,
Ial
sodi
dsee
l
oBonenyanawenu
Tsonga:
Youshoul
dn'
thav
emadey
our
sel
fknownt
o
t
hem
Me:Iwantt
hem t
oknowme,sowhenIcomef
or
t
hem.Theywil
lknowwhoi
tis
Tsonga:
Idon'
tknowhowIshoul
dfeel
aboutt
his
Me:
Feel
not
hing,
anddoy
ourdamnJob!

I
RENE

Il
ookedathi
m..
Vukani
:Shewasher
etot
alkaboutMpi
l
o
Me:
OhwIsee
Vukani
:Awukwat
angaangi
thi
?(Younotmad)
Me:
Shoul
dIbe?
Vukani
:No
Me:
Iwasher
etocheckwhatwast
aki
ngsol
ong
Vukani
:YaaSkadodeci
dedt
oopenf
oranot
herhour
Me:
Okay
Vukani
:Kant
iyi
ni?(
what
'swr
ong)
Me:
Nex
Vukani
:Comei
nforadr
ink,
we'
l
lleav
elat
er
Wewal
kedi
n..

FUTHI

Ir
eneir
ri
tatesme,
she'
sal
way
sst
uckt
ohi
mli
ke
chappi
es..

Ma:
Ubuy
aphi
?(Wher
ear
eyoucomi
ngf
rom)
Me:
Iwentt
oseeVukani
Ma:
Ngoba(
Because)
Me:
Iwant
edhi
mtost
artshi
ppi
ngi
n
Ma:
And?
Me:
He'
sagr
eedt
opayhi
sschool
fees
Ma:
Whenar
eyougoi
ngt
ost
artshi
ppi
ngi
n?
Me:
Whenwi
l
lthatbe?
Ma:
Whenwi
l
lthatbe?
Me:
Angazi
Ma!(
Idon'
tknow)
Ma: I
'
m giv
ingyouamont ht ogety
ourshitst
rai
ght
Futhi
!Youcan'
truinyourli
feandexpectt
ocome
backhereli
kenothinghappened
Me:
Idi
dn'
tcauset
hist
ohappen
Ma:
Youdi
d!Youdi
dcauset
his!
Iwal
kedi
ntomybedr
oom.
.

I
RENE

Hekeptthepl
aceopenf
oranot
herhour
,thenaf
ter
t
heyclosedup.
.

Iwasst i
ll
thi
nkingaboutFuthicominghere,Iknow
theyhaveachildtoget
herbutIdon'tt
rusther.She
madei tcl
earthatshedoesn'thi
m anywherenear
uMpi
l
o,sowhati
ssheher
etodi
scuss?
?

Muzi
:Bhozai
zobonanat
omor
rowmor
ning
Vukani
:ShoMuzi

West ar
tedwal
kingt
ohi
shouse,
itwasj
usta
di
stanceaway.
.

Vukani
:Bekunj
ani
espani
ni?(
Howwaswor
k)
Me:
Wor
kwasgood
Vukani
:Yi
zo

Aswewerewalki
ng,
acarappr
oachedus.We
movedoutoft
hewaybuti
tcametousstrai
ght
..

Vukani
:Wt
f?
Wemov edfurt
herawaytothepedestr
ianwal
k,j
ust
bysomeone'shouse.I
tdr
oveaway .

Me:Di
dyouseet
hat
?Hewast
ryi
ngt
orunusov
er
onpur
pose!

Vukani
:Isawt
hat
,mhl
ambeudaki
we(
May
behe'
s
dr
unk)

Me:
Don'
ttheyknowoneshoul
dn'
tdr
inkanddr
ive?

Vukani
:Kusel
oxi
onI
rene,
abantubayazi
dal
ela(
It
'si
n
thehood,
peopl
edowhattheywant
)

FUTHI

Thenextmorni
ngIwokeupandbat
he,
Ibat
heMpi
l
o
thenwedrov
eouttohi
sschool
.
Theot
herPar
entswer
ealr
eadyi
ntheof
fi
cewai
ti
ng.
Igr
eet
edandsatdown.
.

Pri
nci
pal
:MsTshabal
ala,t
hanky
ouf
orcomi
ng.
Thesear
eMandla'
sParent
s

Il
ookedatt
hem,
theycl
ear
lywer
en'
thappy
.

Pr
inci
pal
:Weal
lknowwhyweher
e

Me:Firstandf
oremost
,I'
mtr
ulysor
ryaboutwhat
happened

Thewomanst
art
edt
alki
ng.
.

Her
:Don'
tbe,
becausehady
out
aughty
ourchi
l
d
manner
swewouldn'
tbeher
e
Me:
Iunder
standy
ourf
rust
rat
ions
Her
:Doy
ou?I
sity
ourchi
l
dwi
thabr
okenar
m?
Pri
nci
pal
:Youhaveever
yrighttobemadMrs
Mngomabutgoingbackandf or
thwon'
thel
p,we
her
eforasol
uti
on
Her:
Iwanthert
opayformySon'
shospi
tal
bil
land
compensat
eusfort
rauma
Pr
inci
pal
:Under
stood
Her:
HerSonshoul
dbel
etgo,
ourki
dsar
enotsaf
e
her
e
Pr
inci
pal
:Wehav
esuspendedhi
m
Her:
IwanthimletgoorelseIwil
lmovemychildt
o
adif
fer
entschooli
fherhool
iganwil
lst
il
lbeunder
t
hisschool

Shewasbl
owi
ngt
hingsoutofpr
opor
ti
on!
..

QHUMA
Boy
za:Mlungui
thasbeenconf
ir
med,
hedoeshav
e
agi
rl
fr
iend
Me:
Good!
Boy
za:
Ial
mostr
anov
ert
hem l
astni
ght
Me:
Almosti
snotgoodenough
Boy
za:
Iknow
Me:
Wel
ltr
acet
hegi
rl
fr
iendandt
akeheroutnext
t
ime
Boy
za:
I'
ll
doso
.
Tobecont
inued
31

QHUMA(
COBRA)

It
'smuchhar
dert
ogett
oBonebecausehedoesn'
t
seem t
ohaveany
onecl
oset
ohim.

Iheardhewaswiththegir
lnextdoorbuttheybroke
up.Soit'
l
lbeusel
essgoingafterher
.Itwon'tst
ing
thatmuch..
.

Isti
llhavetof i
ndwher eIcangethim, may beruinhi
s
career.Havehim arrestedforsel
li
ngill
egal
ammuni ti
ont hatfundsheists.Bi
ggestscandal ofhi
s
l
ifeandcar eer,he'
ll
get15y earsmax.Ev enso, I
'l
l
havet oatt
achhi mt othebusinessforproof.
.

Vukani
hasbeentojai
lbefor
e,gi
vi
nghi
m upwi
l
l
makehim getahar
shersent
ence.
.
Tsongasaidt
heykeept
heammuni
ti
onatt
hebot
tl
e
st
ore,secr
etr
oom..

Ipi
ckedupt
hemuganddr
ankmycof
fee.
.

I
RENE

Iwaswaiti
ngforataxit
oworkwhil
stbusyonmy
phone.Iwasstar
ti
nglat
etoday
..
AsIwasstandi
ngther
e,Iheardpeopl
ecal
li
ngout.
.
WhenIlooked,
itwasl
ate.Thecarwasver
yclose,
andi
tranmeov er.
.

BONE

Igav
ehi
mthemoney
.
Hel
ookedatt
heenv
elope.
.
Hi
m:Ngi
yabongaMbhem (
Thanky
ou)

Aft
erVukani gotarr
est
ed,Iknownowthatwemight
haveenemies.SoIhavethiscoponourpayr
oll
,to
makesurethatt hi
sshi
tofgetti
ngar
rest
eddoesn't
happenagain..

Ican'
tl
etVukani
got
ojai
lagai
n..

FUTHI

Ihadtobeg, putmyselfi
nt hepositi
onofbeinga
beggarjustsoMpi l
odoesn' tgetki
ckedoutof
school.Al
thoughthePr i
ncipalwastryi
nghardto
reasonwiththeParents,shealsocouldn'
tmakeit
seem li
keshe'staki
ngmysi debecauseit
'l
lbeli
ke
she'scondoningbull
yi
ng..
I
ft her
e'sev erati
mewhenIwant
edt odi
e,i
t'
l
lbe
now.Thi swast oomuchnow,
butthankGoodness
theydidn'tkickhi
m out
..

VUKANI

Me:
Theseonesgoher
e
Muzi
:ShoBhoza

Tsongar
ushedi
n..

Tsonga:
Vuks
Hewasbr
eat
hingf
ast
Iwal
kedout
,andwal
kedupt
ohi
m..
Me:
Yini
iJi
ve?(
What
'
swr
ong)
Tsonga:
Awuzwanga?(
Youhav
en'
thear
d)
Me:
Zwangai
ni?(
Hav
en'
thear
dwhat
)
Tsonga:
Irene
Me:
What
'swr
ongwi
thI
rene?
Hecaughthi
sbr
eat
h..
Me:
Tsongakuhambani
?(what
'swr
ong)
Tsonga:
Eish
Me:
RingaJoe!(
Tal
k)
Tsonga:
Shegotr
anov
er
Me:
Ini
?(What
)
Tsonga:
YeahNt
wanaatt
hest
opsi
gn
Il
ookedatMuzi
..
Me:
Muzi
Ngi
yabuy
a(Muzi
I'
m comi
ngback)

TsongaandIl
eft
..

FUTHI

Wi
thal
lthest
ressathome,
Ideci
dedt
ovi
sitEnda
nextdoor
..Herhusbandwasar
ound.

Qhuma:
Ladi
es,
Ihav
etogo
Enda:
Seey
oul
ater
Heki
ssedher
..
Qhuma:
Fut
hii
twasni
cemeet
ingy
ou
Me:
Yout
oo
Hewal
kedout
..

Me:
Yourhusbandseemsni
ce
Enda:
Hei
swonder
ful
Me:
Hav
eyoumadef
ri
endsy
et?
Enda:
Ihav
en'
tbeenoutt
hatmuchhey
Me:
Icanseet
hat
Enda:
Cof
fee?
Me:
Doy
ouhav
esomet
hingst
ronger
Enda:
Whi
skey
?
Me:
Please
Enda:
It'
sthatbad?
Me:
Gir
lyouhav
enoi
dea
Enda:
Youcant
ell
meal
labouti
t

VUKANI

Whenwegottothescene,I
renewassi
tt
ingt
her
e.
Herl
egseemedbadlyhurt
..

Iwal
kedupt
oher
..

Me:
Wtf
?Whathappened?
Ihel
dherhand.
..
I
rene:Acarshowedupf
rom nowher
eandr
anme
over
Herf
acewasabi
tbr
uisedt
oo.
.
I
rene:
I'
mfi
ne
Me:
Lookatme
I
rene:
I'
mfi
ne.
.Don'
twor
ry,
it'
sjustmyl
eg
Tsonga:
Hav
etheycal
l
edanambul
ance?
I
rene:
It'
soni
tsway
Tsonga:
That
'sbet
ter
Me:
Ishoul
dgetmycar
Tsonga:
Weshoul
dn'
tmov
eher
Me: Theambul
ancei
staki
ngf
orev
er!Nowshe'
sa
spectacl
e
I
rene:
Let
'swai
tfort
heambul
ance

Peoplewer
est
il
lher
ewat
chi
ngherasi
fli
kei
twasa
ci
rcus..

BONE
Imadeastopt
othebott
lestor
e,Muzit
oldmet
hat
Vukani
hadtor
ushout.I
renegothur
t.
.

Ical
l
edVukani
.

Me:
Unj
ani
uIr
ene?(
Howi
sIr
ene)
Vuks:
UzobaGr
and(
She'
l
lbef
ine)
Me:
Howdi
dthi
shappen?
Vuks:
Someonei
saf
terus,
lastni
ghtwewer
e
al
mostranov
er
Me:
Didshegett
henumberpl
ates?
Vuks:
I'
m notsur
ebutshecandescr
ibet
hecar
Me:
I'
ll
looki
ntoi
t
Vuks:
Ta
Me:
Keepmepost
ed
Vuks:
Shar
p
FUTHI

Enda:
Atl
eastt
heydi
dn'
tki
ckhi
m out
Me:
Yaatl
east
Enda:
Eyyabant
wana
Me:Mpil
ohasn'
tact
edliket
his,It
hinkmysepar
ati
ng
wit
hBandil
eist
hereasonbehindhissudden
out
bur
st
Enda:
Uzobar
ightuMf
ana
Me:
Ihopeso
Idr
ankt
hewhi
skey
..
Enda:
Takei
teasy
Me:
Ireal
l
yneedt
hismyl
i
fei
sfal
l
ingapar
t
Enda:
Checkaf
ewpost
sSi
si
Me:
Ihat
ewor
kingf
oradent
ist
,theyexpl
oital
ot
Enda:
Doy
ouhav
eachoi
ce?
Me:
Idon'
t.
.I'
l
ltr
yandcheckf
oraf
ew
Enda:
Doso
Me:
Doy
ouwor
k?
Enda:
NoIdon'
t
Me:Yourhusbandmustbereal
l
ytaki
nggoodcar
eof
you,
foryoutonotbeworki
ng
Enda:Hejustdoesn'
twantmet
owor
ksi
ncehe
provi
deswell
Me:
Luckyy
ou

VUKANI

Theambulancef
inal
l
ycameandwewer
edr
ivent
o
thehospi
tal
..

Iwaswor ri
edabouther
,shegotint
othismess
becauseofme.Iknowit'
ssomeonef rom mysi
de,
probablysomeonewhohastodowi ththebusi
ness
becausethisi
shappeni
ngnowt hatI'
vejoi
nedt
he
business.
.
32

VUKANI

Itwasgoodt oknowthatnomuchdamagewas
causedtoI rene.Onl
yherleg,washur tbadly.She's
duetobeoper atedt
omor r
owmor ning.Herandt he
Drwer ediscussingmatter
sofRAF, roadacci dent
fund.Idon'tcarenoneaboutthat,
whatIcar eabout
i
swhowasbehi ndthatcar.Noonegott henumber
plat
es,butshedoesr emembert hecar ,howi t
l
ookedandwhatmodel itwas..

Shewasdozi
ngof
f.Theygav
ehersomet
hingf
ort
he
pai
n..

Iwassi
tt
ingther
ehol
dingherhand,
itwaspi
ssi
ng
meoffj
ustthi
nki
ngabouti
t..
Shesharedt
hewardwi
thot
her5gi
rl
s.I
twas6of
them i
nthewar
d..

Il
ookedatt
het
ime.
.

Me:
Onl
y10mi
nlef
t
I
rene:
Hmmmm

I
'l
lhavetopassbyatherhouseandlett
hem know,
I
don'
tknowhowt heygoi
ngtowelcomeme..

QHUMA

Imetwi
thmyguyQaphel
a..

Hetol
dmehecouldn'tgofur
therwiththemission,
whenher
anherover.Hethoughtthatshewasn' t
goi
ngtomakei
t,onl
yt ofi
ndshewasst i
l
lmovingas
hedr
oveof
f.
.

Qaphel
a:Ngi
yaxol
i
sabhoza(
I'
m sor
ry)
Me:
It'
sokayt
her
e'sst
il
lti
me
Qaphel
a:We'
velostacust
omertothem t
hisweek,
t
heyrenti
nggunswit
hadiffer
enceof1.
5kfrom us
Me:
Lastmont
hwel
osthowmanycust
omer
s?
Qaphel
a:5
Isi
ghed.
.
Qaphel
a:I
fwedon'
tactsoonwe'
l
llosemor
e
Me:
Thenwepul
lupt
hebi
gguns
Qaphel
a:Ngi
yezwabhoza(
Iheary
ou)

BONE

Me:
Awukezwanex(
Hav
en'
tyouhadany
thi
ngasy
et)
Tsonga:
Nexkanj
ani
,kodwabat
hiy
iPol
oeRed(
I
hav
en'
thear
dany
thi
ngbutt
heysay
ingi
t'
sar
edPol
o)
Me:
Ther
e'sal
otoft
hose
Tsonga:
Here'
swhatIdon'
tunder
stand,
we'v
eran
thi
sbusi
nessfory
ear
s.Whythehitnow?Exact
ly
whenwe'vebr
oughti
nVukani?
Me:Arey
outr
yingt
osayt
hatVukani
isbr
ingi
ngt
he
heatt
ous?
Tsonga:
Idon'
twannapoi
ntf
inger
s
Me:Itwouldn'
tmakesense,
hewoul
dn'
tputhi
s
gi
rl
fr
iendinharm'
sway
Tsonga:
VukaniandI
renejustst
art
eddat
ing,
Idon'
t
thi
nkhe'
sthatmuchi
nl ov
e
Me:
Naai
tdoesn'
tmakesense
Tsonga:I'
mj ustsayi
ng,wecan'
ttr
usthim.If
eel
Vukanii
sst i
l
l madthathewenttojai
landwedidn'
t,
whatifhe'
str y
ingtosetusup?Revengeki
ndofset
up?
Me:
Ihav
etogoandf
etchThul
i
lef
rom t
hebusst
op
FUTHI

NewsofIrenebei
ngr anov
er,
wer
espr
eadi
ng
qui
ckert
hanany t
hing..
.

Ireal
l
ydon'tcarei
fshemadei
tori
fshedi
ed,
she'
s
notmyfavorit
ePerson.
.

Isear
chedt
hroughonthenetandf
oundavacancy.
SomeDenti
stintownneededanOr
alHygi
eni
st,but
I'
l
lappl
yany
way .
.

Igott
henumberandcal
l
edher
..

Voi
ce:
Goodday
Me:
Goodday
,mayIpl
easespeakt
oDrO.Pel
o?
Voi
ce:
Speaki
ng
Me:
Ijustf
oundanopeni
ngv
acancyonl
i
neandI
'
m
i
nter
est
ed
Pel
o:Cany
oupl
easecomet
omor
row?
Me:
Uhm y
es.
.
Pel
o:I
'
m sur
etheaddr
esshasbeeni
ncl
uded
Me:
Yes.
.I'
l
lbet
her
e
Pel
o:10am?
Me:
Per
fectI
'
llbet
her
e
Pel
o:Seey
out
hen

VUKANI

Iknockedatt
hedoor
..

Voi
ce:
Comei
n

Iopenedt
hedoorandmademywayi
n..
HerGr
andmot
hershowedupf
rom t
hel
i
vingr
oom.
.

Me:
SawubonaMa(
Greet
ings)
Her
:Unj
ani
?(Howar
eyou)
Me:
Ngi
yaphi
l
awenaunj
ani
?(I
'
m wel
ltoo)
Her
:Ngi
yaphi
l
a(I
'
m wel
l
)
Icl
ear
edmyt
hroat
..

Me:
Eer
rigamal
ami
uVukani
(Mynamei
sVukani
)
Her
:Ohhhhhhi
sokal
i
kaI
rene(
Ir
ene'
sboy
fri
end)
Me:
YeboGogo(
Yes)
Her
:Ngi
kusi
zanj
ani
?(HowmayIhel
pyou)
Me:Angazi
ukuthiuzwil
ena,ngengozikaIrene(I
'
m
notsur
eifyou'
veheardaboutIr
ene'
saccident)
Her:Ngi
zwil
e..Hercousi
nwentt
othehospi
tal
to
checkwhichward
Me:
She'
sinwar
d4A
Her
:Awungi
yabonga,
unj
ani
?(Thanky
ou,
howi
sshe)
Me:
She'
sokayj
ustherl
eg
Her
:Iunder
stand,
Iwasj
ustpr
ayi
ngf
orher
Me:
Ngi
yezwaMa(
Iheary
ou)
Her
:Iwi
l
lgoandseeherat7pm
Me:
AkunaNki
nga(
Ther
e'snopr
obl
em)
Her
:Ngi
yabongaMf
ana(
Thanky
ou)
Me:
YeboMa

TSONGA

Qhumamadehiswayi
nandsatdown.Il
ooked
ar
oundandwentt
ohim.
.

Me:
Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?
Qhuma:
Kuy
adl
i
wal
aangi
thi
?(I
t'
saneat
eryr
ight
)
Me:
Wenotsupposedt
obeseent
oget
her
Qhuma:
Rel
ax!
Isatdown.
..
Qhuma:
Didy
out
alkt
ohi
m?
Me:
Yes
Qhuma:
And?
Me:Youneedtounder stand.
.BoneandVukani
have
beenfr
iendsf
ory ear
s,itwon'tbeeasyt
otur
nthem
agai
nsteachother
Qhuma:Noti
fVukanii
smadeawarethatt
hePer
son
whotri
edtor
unoverhi
sPreci
ousgi
rl
fri
endwas
hi
redbyBone
Me:
Andhowar
eyougoi
ngt
omakei
tbel
i
evabl
e?
Qhuma: Tsongawheny outalk,Il
ist
en.Wheny ou
toldmeaboutt heirf
uedov erthatgir
lIknewitwoul
d
playinourfav
our .Iwantedtodoawaywi tht
hem but
thisVukanimightbeadv antageoustomeandmy
business
Me:
Idon'
twantt
hiscomi
ngbackt
obi
teme
Qhuma:
Don'
twor
ry.
.YouandVukani
wil
ldi
tchBone
af
terIhav
etur
nedt
hem agai
nsteachot
her

Idi
dn'
tl
iket
hisonebi
t.
.

FUTHI

Iwasgoingtodr
iveouttothemall
,getaf
ewt
hings
andcook.Asacelebr
ator
ydinner
..

IknowI
'
llgett
hej
ob,
sur
ger
iesar
ever
ydesper
ate.
.

Me:
Ma
Shel
ookedatme.
.
Me:
Tomor
rowI
'
m goi
ngf
orani
nter
view
Ma:
Awwwwenana
Me:I
t'
sasurger
yjob,
won'
tpaymuchbutatl
easti
t'
s
somet
hing
Ma:
Sizakesi
bone(
Wewi
l
lsee)
Me:I
'm goingoutt
othemal
ltogetaf
ewt
hings,
I'
ll
pr
eparedinner
Ma:
Isee
Iwentt
ogetMpil
ooutsi
desowecoul
dgooutt
othe
mall
,hewaspl
ayi
ng.
.

TSONGA

Qhuma: Youseenow, thi

swillplayinourfavour.
.It
's
perfectthatVukanitol
dyout hi
si nst
eadofBone,
thathesl eptwit
hBone'swifeandi tresor
tedtohis
babydy i
ng.I tmakesthesit
uationwaybet ter
.Wet el
l
Vukani t
hatBonehi r
edsomeonet okil
lhi
sgirl
fr
iend
forrevenge

Me:
Okay
Qhuma:Behappy,
smi l
e..You'
vedonewell
.Soon
Vukani
wil
lj
oinoutteam andwewi l
lbebackin
busi
ness,pl
usheseemssmar t
erfort
hisbusi
ness.
.
You,your
selfsaiditt
hatifi
twasn'
tforhim.You
guyswouldn'thavepull
edthathei
st

Me:
Sowhat
'st
hepl
annow?
Qhuma:
You'
l
lsee
.
Tobecont
inued
33

VUKANI

Ithr
ewmysel
fonthecouchathome.Thisdayhas
beenadr
ag.Icamebackwit
hherbag,shehadher
phonewi
thher.
.

Ma:
Unj
ani
uIr
ene?(
howi
sIr
ene)
Me:
She'
l
lbeokay
Ma: That
'sgood.
.Haivel
ethemai
nroadis
dangerous.Toomanycarsint
hemorni
ng,peopl
e
rushingt
owor kandal
lthat
Me:
YeahIguessso

Ican'tthi
nkofanyonet hatwouldpullt
his,
Idon'
t
haveenemi es.Idi
dn'tgetti
met ocreat
eenemiesfor
my self
,I'
vebeeninjailf
or5y ear
s..
Futhi
iscr
azybutshecan'
tpul
lthi
sof
f,she'
snot
thatt
oxi
c..
Ihadt
ogobackt ot
hebott
lestor
eand
seewhathasbeenhappeni
ng.
.

BONE

Theyhad3bi gluggagebags, Iwentandputthem in

thetrunkofmycar .Luthandowashappyt oseeme,
Iwashappyt oseehert oo.It
'sbeenawhile.Thul
i
le
tol
dmeshewasabl etogetat r
ansferf
orher,
LuthandoissmartI'm sureshe'
lldowel
linaschool
aroundhere.
..

Thul
i
le:
Kut
hini
ukukhat
hal
a(I
'
m exhaust
ed)
Me:
Nxese..Kuhlengobauzof
ikaendl
i
niuphumul
e
(
Atl
eastyou'
llgethomeandrest)
Thuli
l
e:Sit
holenj
enokuy
aethunj
wini
,umuntungeke
akhoneukupheka(Wemustgett
akeawaysIwon't
beabletocook,I
'mtoot
ir
ed)
Iwasconcer
nedabouttherumoursshe'
llhear.Wel
l
notr
umours,butmysit
uati
onwithFuthi
..Ihopewe'l
l
beabl
etogetpassit
..

FUTHI

Iwasdi
shi
ngup.
.

Ma:
Shonoke.
.Ar
eyouandMpi
l
ogoi
ngt
omov
eout
?
Me:
No.
.Sur
ger
yjobsar
enott
rust
wor
thy
Ma:
Ohw
Me:
Iwi
l
lcont
ri
but
etof
oodMa
Ma:
Okayke
Shet
ookherpl
ate.
.
Ma:
I'
ll
eati
nthebedr
oom
Mpi
l
o:Mom
Me:
Ya?
Mpi
l
o:WhencanIv
isi
tUncl
eVukani
?
Me:
Mpi
l
o
Mpi
l
o:Buthedi
dn'
thi
tme
Il
ookedathi
m..
Mpil
o:Hi
sMot
heri
sni
ce,
hel
et'
smebakedol
phi
n
cooki
es
Isatdown.
.
Me:
Howi
sAunt
yIr
ene?
Mpi
l
o:She'
sni
cet
oo
Me:
Mpi
l
oIhav
etot
alkt
oyouaboutsomet
hing
Mpi
l
o:Okay
Me:
Uncl
eVukani
is.
.Hei
s..Hey
ourDad
Mpi
l
o:It
houghtDadwasmyDad
Me:Iknowbut,
Vukani
isyourDad.Bonewasy
our
Dadbecausehewashelpi
ngmer ai
seyou
Mpi
l
o:Okay
Me:
Younotangr
y?
Mpi
l
o:No.
.Il
i
keUncl
eVukani
Me:
You'
l
lhav
etocal
lhi
m Dad
Henodded.
.
Mpi
l
o:CanIv
isi
thi
m?
Me:
Tel
lmet
het
rut
hfi
rst
..Di
d
Il
ookedatmyGr
andmot
her
'sdoor
..
Me:
DidGr
andmot
her
,myMot
herbeaty
ou?
Mpi
l
o:Yes
Me:
Okay
It
ookmyphoneandcal
l
edmyAunt
..

Aunt
y:Fut
hi
Me:
Mamncane
Iwal
kedt
otheki
tchen.
.
Aunt
y:Konkekur
ight
?(I
sev
ery
thi
ngokay
)
Me:
Aunt
yIneedt
oasky
ousomet
hingpl
easebe
honest
Aunt
y:Okay
Me:Did..Whenyouwer
ehere,
howwast
he
r
elat
ionshipbet
weenMpil
oanduMa?
Aunt
y:Hai
Fut
hi,
Idon'
twannageti
nvol
ved
Me:
Pleasei
t'
sforMpi
l
o'ssake
Aunty:Futhiall
I'm goi
ngtosayis,youaccusingthe
wrongf amilyandy ouhavetogetoutoftherebefore
uSisi
kill
sy ourSon.It'
sli
keshehatesuMpilo,taki
ng
outherf r
ustrat
ionsonhim
Me:
OhhmyGod!
Aunt
y:Pl
easedon'
ttel
lherIt
oldy
ou
Me:
Iwon'
t.
.Ngi
yabongaAunt
y
Aunt
y:OkaySi
si
Iwalkedbackint
othel
ivi
ngroom, Isatnextt
oMpil
o
andlookedathim.Myheartsank,
allalonghewas
tel
l
ingthetrut
h..
.
Mpi
l
o:Ar
eyoucr
ying?
I'
veseenhowscar
edheget
swhenmyMot
heri
s
around.
.
Me:Woul
dyouli
ket
ovi
sitVukani
'
shouset
omor
row?
Foraf
ewdays?
Mpi
l
o:Yes!
Me:
OkayI
'
llt
alkt
ohi
m

VUKANI

Iwal
kedi
ntothebott
lestor
e,Inot
icedQhuma.I
wal
keduptohim andgreet
edhim.

Qhuma: Eyyngi
zwebathii
ntombileel
i
nyazi
we
i
hleki
sananawe( Ihear
dtheladywhowasranov
er,
i
sy ourgir
lf
ri
end)
Me:
Newst
rav
elf
ast
Qhuma:
kunj
alo(
It
'st
hatway
)
Me:
Yamygi
rl
fr
iendgotr
anov
er
Qhuma: Mmm. .Kodwavelelel
akhona
angi
l
ithandi
sisi(
Idon'
tl
ikethatcor
ner
)
Me:
Yabutshe'
l
lbeokay
Qhuma:
Ify
ouneedany
thi
ng,
anyhel
pdon'
tbe
scar
edt
oask
Me:
Yaa
Qhuma:
Kahlekahl
enj
eI'
mlooki
ngf
orf
ri
ends,
I'
ve
j
ustmovedi
n
Webot
hlaughed.
.

Ipul
l
edt
hechai
randsatdown.
.
Me:
Wher
ear
eyouf
rom?
Qhuma:IwasinOrangefar
m, madeaf
ewenemi
es
i
nthetaxi
indust
rysoI'
m herenow
Me:Ya..Ial
sot
hinkt
hatI
rene'
sacci
dentwasnotan
acci
dent
Qhuma:
Yoususpect
ingsomet
hing?
Me:
Yaa,
Idon'
tknowwhatt
othi
nk
Qhuma:
Soanysuspect
s?
Me:
Justsai
ditwasar
edPol
o
Qhuma:
Numberpl
ate?
Me:
Nex
Qhuma:
I'
ll
askar
oundandsee
Me:
TaMbhem (
Thanky
ou)

FUTHI

Igav
ehi
mthesl
i
ceofcake.
.
Me:
Arey
ougoi
ngt
ofi
nishi
t?
Mpi
l
o:May
be
Ichuckl
ed.
.

Me:
Hey
Hel
ookedatme.
.
Me:Sor rythatIdi
dn'
tbel i
eveyou,Iknowyou
wouldn'tli
e..Ipr
omisey outhatI'
l
lneverl
etGrandma
hur
ty ou.IfI'
m notaroundy ou'
l
lgot oDaddyVukani
'
s
pl
ace
Mpi
l
o:Okay
Me:
fini
shupsowecoul
dgot
obed

I
RENE

ThepainIfel
tinmyl
egwasexcr
uci
ati
ng,
butthe
i
nject
ionandmedstheygav
emewerehelpi
nghere
andthere.
.

MyGrandmot
herandmycousi
nshowedup,
they
hadbr
oughtmefood.
.

Gr
ams:
Imadey
ouy
ourf
avor
it
edi
sh
Me:
YhuuuuuuuI
'
llgai
nwei
ghtmoss,
somuchf
ood
Gr
ams:
Awukahl
e
Me:
Thanky
ouguy
sforcomi
ng
Cuz:
Sowhathappened?
Me:
Honest
lyspeaki
ngIwasbusyonmyphone
Gr
ams:
KodwaI
rene
Me:
Iknow.
.Iwasf
ool
i
sh
Gr
ams:
Vukani
stoppedbyt
hehouse
Il
ookedather
..
Me:
Hedi
d?
Grams:
Heseemsli
kealovel
yyoungManbantu,
I
coul
dseei
tinhi
seyest
hathewasworri
edabout
you
Me:
Hei
sagoodguy
Gr
ams:
Kuhl
eifhet
reat
syouwel
l
Me:
Hedoes

VUKANI
Il
aughed.
.

Me:
Angekeukubhay
izaokungaka(
Thatwasf
ool
i
sh)
Qhuma:
Ngi
yak'
tshel
a(I
'
mtel
l
ingy
ou)
Me:
Ubul
i
manj
e(That
'sf
ool
i
sh)
Qhuma:
Atl
easti
ttookof
fthest
ressf
rom y
ou

Hef
ini
shedhi
sbeer
..
Qhuma:Letmego,Idon'
twannagethomet
o
"
Wherehaveyoubeen?"
Me:
AikeMbhem ngi
zok'
bonaj
ampas(
I'
ll
seey
ou)
Qhuma:
Shar
p

Hewal
kedout
..

THULI
LE(
BONE'
SWI
FE)
Bandi
l
ehadgoneoutt
ogetusf
ood,
Ilookedat
Lut
hando.
.

Me:
Uyay
ithandal
endawo?(
Doy
oul
i
ket
hispl
ace)
Lut
hando:
We'
l
lsee

DeepdownIt houghtmaybeBandi
lehadsomeone
becauseofourli
vingarr
angement
s.I
'm gl
admy
suspi
cionsseemedt obefal
se.
.

.
Tobecont
inued
34

VUKANI

Iwaswokenupt henextdaybyal oudl

ockinthe
mor ni
ng.ItcouldbeBone, couldbeTsongaormy
family.Igotoutofbedanddr aggedmyst i
l
lsl
eepy
selftothedoor.Thebestpar taboutmyworki
ngat
thebot t
lestor
e,Idon'thav
et owakeupv er
yearl
yin
themor ning.Weopenat10am. ..

IopenedandFuthiwasst
andingatmydoorstep
withMpil
o.Mpil
oshowedsomeexci tementi
n
seeingme,heactual
l
yhuggedmyl egs.
.

Hewal
kedi
ntomyr
oom.Il
ookedatFut
hiconf
used.
.

Fut
hi:
Canwet
alk?
Me:
Yeahhol
don
Iwentbacki
ntot
akeaci
gar
ett
eandamat
chbox
..

Fut
hi:
Youhav
etobr
ushy
ourt
eet
hfi
rstbef
ore
smoking
Me: YeahwhateverFuthi,
don'
tbringyour
prof
essionalopi
nionintoit
,It
hinkther
e'sser
ious
thi
ngst otal
kabout
Fut
hi:
Okay
..I
'
m sor
ry
Me:
Sor
ry?
Fut
hi:
ForhowIconduct
edmy
sel
fthatt
ime
Me:Likehowy
ouaccusedmeandmyFam f
or
abusi
ngmySon?
Fut
hi:
I'
m sor
ryVukani
,Ir
eal
l
yam
Il
ookedatheraf
terl
i
ght
ingupmyci
gar
ett
e.
Me:
Whatmadey
out
hinkdi
ff
erentofus?
Fut
hi:Mpil
owoul
dnotli
eaboutsomethingso
ser
ious,
andhi
sperf
ormanceatschoolshowedt
hat
somethi
ngwaswrong
Me:
Okay
Futhi:Idon'
thav
eenoughfi
nancestogetaplaceas
yet,canMpilost
ayherewhenI'
m atwork?I
'
m going
forani nt
erv
iewtoday
Me:
Okayshar
p
(
Sil
ence)
Fut
hi:
CanIasky
ousomet
hing?
Me:
What
?
Fut
hi:
WhyI
rene?
Me:
WhynotI
rene?
Futhi
:I'
mjustsurpr
ised,Imean..I
twassofastyou
fal
li
ngforheritwasquick.Peopleusual
l
ygri
evefi
rst
forafal
lenrel
ati
onship
Me:
"Okongahl
angananawe
Nawest
handwasam
Seyi
zeyaphol
ayaphol
ainhl
izi
yoy
am"[Eversi
nceI
'v
e
beenbr
okenbyyoumyl i
fe,
myhearthasheal
ed]
Iwal
kedbacki
nsi
deaf
tersay
ingt
hat
..

THULI
LE(
BONE'
SWI
FE)

Bandil
eleftveryear
lyf
oranint
ervi
ew,Iam al
ways
anearlybir
d.Bynow, i
twas7am.Thehousewas
al
readyclean,andIwasfi
nishi
nguptheyard.Ial
so
di
dt helaundrywhenIwokeup..

AsIwasf
ini
shi
ngupt
hey
ard,
somegi
rlwal
kedup
tome.
.

Her
:Sawubona(
Greet
ings)
Me:
Sawubona(
Greet
ings)
Her
:Ror
isangNkabahl
e
Thesur
namewasunnecessar
y..
Me:
Thul
i
le
Ror
i:Uhl
alal
a?(
Youl
i
veher
e)
Me:
Yebo(
Yes)
Ror
i:Ngobaabacashi
si(
Theydon'
trenther
e)
Me:
I'
m Bandi
l
e'swi
fe
Herey
eswi
dened.
.
Ror
i:Ser
ious?
Me:
Yebo
Ror
i:YeeMadoda!
Me:
Kukhonaokuny
eSi
si?(
Ist
her
esomet
hingel
se)
Rori
:Hai
cha.
.Akukhookuny
e(No.
.Ther
e'snot
hing
el
se)
Shewal
kedaway
..

Nei
ghbour
sar
eal
lthesame.
.Noi
syasal
way
s..
.

FUTHI

Idr
ovet
owor
kli
steni
ngt
oCool
ki
d_I
ntl
i
ziy
o..
Eversi
nceVukani
ment
ionedt
hel
i
net
ome,
Ithi
nk
thatwashi
smessagef
orme..

Iactual
lyl
aughedasIli
stenedthr
ought
hesongon
repeatunt
ilIgott
othesurger
y..

"
Okongahl
angananawe
Nawest
handwasam
Sey
izey
aphol
ayaphol
ainhl
i
ziy
oyam
Okongahl
angananawe
Nawest
handwasam
Sey
izey
aphol
ayaphol
ainhl
i
ziy
oyam
Nakuwengi
cel
amakubheda
Ubokhumbul
ukut
hi
Nami
ngi
nay
'nami
ngi
nay
'inhl
i
ziy
o"
Iparkedthenfi
xedmyselfandwalkedinholdi
ngmy
CV..Ispokebri
efl
ytotheRecept
ionistandshelet
met hroughtot
heoffi
ce..

Me:
DrPel
o
Pel
o:Nt
ombi
fut
hi?
Me:
Fut
hipl
ease
Pel
o:Ni
cet
omeety
ou,
pleasehav
easi
t
Isatdown.
.
IhandedhermyCV,
shewentt
hroughi
t.
.
Pel
o:Youar
eaDent
alt
her
api
st
Me:
Yes
Pel
o:Iwasl
ooki
ngf
orahy
gieni
st
Me:
Iam al
lupf
ori
t
Pel
o:OkaybutI
'
llonl
ybeabl
etopayy
ouR9000a
month
Me:
It'
sokay
Pel
o:Okayt
henuhm.
.Ial
sowor
katt
hehospi
tal
,I
act
ual
l
yhav
etobet
her
esocany
oust
artnow?
Me:
Nopr
obl
em
Pel
o:Letmeshowy
ouhowIwor
kar
oundher
e

VUKANI

Iwentintothehouse,tospeaktomyMot her
.Ihad
toprepareforwork.Shewasexci t
edaboutMpi l
o
beinghere,shedi
dn'taskmuchquest ions.Mpi l
o
call
edmeDadunpr ovoked,Iam notcompl ai
ningbut
alsoshocked.Fut
hi f
inal
lyt
oldhimt hetruthIguess.
.

Ical
l
edI
renet
ocheckuponherbef
oreIl
eft
..

Shewashol
dingupwel
l
,hersur
ger
yisat11am.
.

I
rene:
Arey
ouser
ious?
Me:
I'
m ser
ious
I
rene:
That
'sgood.
.I'
m happyt
hatMpi
l
owi
l
lbesaf
e
Me:
I'
m shockedmy
sel
f
I
rene:
That
'sgoodBaby
,I'
m happy
Me:
Yaa.
.Idomi
ssy
ou
I
rene:
Imi
ssy
ou
Me:
I'
ll
checky
oul
atert
hen
I
rene:
OkayIl
ovey
ou
Me:
Ilov
eyout
oo

QHUMA

Me:
Youdi
sappoi
ntedmebef
ore
Qaphel
a:Ngi
yaxol
i
saBhoza
Me:
OkayIt
hinkImi
ghtbeget
ti
ngt
hrought
oVukani
Qaphel
a:Kwat
hembi
sal
okho(
That
'spr
omi
sing)
Me:Sof
rom her
eon,
Idon'
tneedanyscr
ewupsf
rom
you
Qaphel
a:Ngi
yat
hembi
sa(
Ipr
omi
se)
Me:
Wemov
ingt
opl
anB,
arey
our
eady
?
Qaphel
a:Yebo

VUKANI

Iwal
kedi
ntot
hebot
tl
est
ore.
.

Me:
Muzi
Muzi:Bhoza,
Kukhonaokuzi
l
eokwakho(
Somet
hing
gotdeli
ver
edforyou)
Me:
Yeah?

Hegav
emet
hebi
gbr
ownenv
elope.
.

Il
ookedati
t.
.
Me:
Okay
Iwalkedawayandopenedi
t.I
twaspi
ctur
es.Ofa
redPolo.Onepi
ctur
ewaswrit
ten"
Qaphel
a"att
he
back..

Ikeptonl
ooki
ngatt
hem.
..

FUTHI
I
twasasmallsur
ger
ybutIwashappyt
ohav
e
got
tenaj
ob.
.

9kisnotsobad,I
'
m notpayi
ngrent
.It
'l
lcov
ermy
bi
ll
shelpwit
hMpiloandit
'sal
sogoodthatVukani
is
hel
pingtoowit
hMpil
o.

Thi
sisast
art
,butnotsomuchofabadone.
.
Tobecont
inued
35

FUTHI

TheSur gerywasbusybecauseaspecialwas
runni
ngf orthemonth.Gol
d,Si
lver
,andPlat
inum ar
e
goingforR600.Ontheiror
igi
nalpri
ceareR800,so
peoplewer eher
eforthespeci
al.
.

I
twasalotofworkf
orme,backatt
heHospi
tal
I'
ve
nev
erworkedt
hismuch.
.

Weneedt
hemoney
,becauseIneedt
obepai
d
mont
hend.
.

Me:
Sbo
Sbo:
Busydayf
ory
ouhuh?
Me:
Yes
i
sther
ecept
ioni
st.
.Iwasonmyl
unchbr
eak.

Sbo:Si
ncethespeci
alst
art
edl
astmont
h,i
thas
beenbusy
Me:
Ohwi
tst
art
edl
astmont
h?
Sbo:
Yes
Me:
Yoohi
t'
sver
ybusy
Sbo:
You'
l
lbeokayandy
ouhav
e7mor
epat
ient
s
Me:
7?
Sbo:DrPelousedtocomeduri
ngherl
unchbr
eak
andintheaft
ernoon,
sothat
'swhyi
tget
sful
li
nthe
aft
ernoon
Me:
OhhIsee
Sbo:
Soy
oumi
ghtgohomel
ate

Iwentandt
ookmyphonet
otextVukani
sohecan
i
nfor
m hisMot
her
..
.
VUKANI

Ikeptonlooki
ngatthephotosunt
ilaf
amil
i
arv oi
ce
dist
urbedme.IlookedupanditwasQhuma..

Qhuma:
Baf
o,l
ooksl
i
key
oudeepi
nyourt
hought
s
Hesatdown.
.
Me:
Kinda
Qhuma:
Kungani
?(Whati
sitabout
)
Me:
Ishowedhi
mthepi
ctur
es
Qhuma:
Whatam Il
ooki
ngat
?
Me:
Theguyt
hatr
anov
ermygi
rl
fr
iend,
ort
hecar
Qhuma:
Anyl
eads?
Me:
No
Qhuma:CanItakeoneandaskaroundf
rom t
het
axi
dr
iver
sthatworkformeandsee
Me:
Yeahsur
e
Qhuma:
I'
m sur
esomeonewi
l
lknowsomet
hing
Me:
May
be
Qhuma: BhekaMbhem, ngiyaziukut hiy
onkelent
o
i
fadalel
e.Maraizwangami ,ngizoyisondezal
ento
(Li
stenmate.Iknowthi
swhol ethingismessedup.
Buttakeitf
rom me,Iwil
llookint oit)
Me:
TaBaf
o(Thanky
ou)

Theonlynicethingaboutthehoodisthat
,ever
yone
tri
estohelpwher etheycan.I
t'
salll
ovefr
om mates,
attimesitdoesn'tmatterf
orhowlongyou'v
eknown
thePerson.It
'saboutthem cominginasi
ncere
manner..

I
RENE

Icoul
dn'twaittogetoutofhere.There'ssomet hing
aboutHospital
s,thatmakesyourski ncrawl.Islept
unti
lthevisi
ti
nghour s,
middayvisit
inghours.When
theanesthesi
ahadwor nof
f,t
hat'swhenIf eltthe
realpain.Icouldn'tevenmov emyl eg.Icouldswear
thatneedleswer epri
ckingthrough.I
twasat er
ri
ble
experi
ence. .Ididn'
tknowwhatt omakeoutoft he
sit
uation,Vukani thi
nkst hatt
hiswasnoacci dent.I
j
ustwannaputi tbehindme, Ialsopr
ayt hathe
doesn'tgoaf terthepersonwhodi dt
his.Hoodf i
ghts
neverend, theyendi nbloodshed..

MyGr andmotherwashere.Ididn'
twanthertocome
ever
yday,she'
sold.Sheshouldber est
ing.I
'
llcome
backhome, t
hisisnotafat
alinjur
y..

Me:Angicabangi
ukut
himel
euzenj
aloGogo(
Idon'
t
t
hinkyoushouldcomeever
ydayGr
andma)
Grams:AwukahleRi
ri,
bazot
hini
abant
unj
ewena
ungenasiv
akashi?(
Whatwil
lpeopl
esayi
fyoudon'
t
haveavisi
tor
)
Me:
Ngi
yabonganj
alo(
Thanky
ou)
Gr
ams:
Wenaunj
ani
?(Howar
eyouhol
dingup)
Me:
Aii
..I
'
minpai
n
Gr
ams:
Giv
eitt
ime,
you'
l
lheal

QHUMA

IneedVukani,noIneedhisbrainsandloyal
ty.Wit
h
Vukanionmyt eam, Iwon'
thavet oworr
yabout
al
way sbeingpresentandcheckingoutthi
ngs.He'
ll
dothatforme..

Unfortunat
elyt
obri
nghimin,
Ineedhimtotr
ustme
ful
l
y .Thatmeanssacr
if
ici
ngmysideki
ckQaphel
a..I
cal
ledhi m.
.

Qaphel
a:Bhoza
Me:Ngi
funasihl
anganeJampas,si
dleI
ndaba(
Iwant
ust
omeetlateron,anddi
scusssomethi
ng)
Qaphel
a:Ngi
yakuzwaBhoza(
Iheary
ou)
FUTHI

DrPel
odoesn'
thav
eat i
ghtf
inanci
alsy
stem.Ionl
y
j
otdownthemoneyinabook.Il
ookedattheR1200
andl
ookedatt
hebook.
.

ThePati
entwashereandhasr equestedtodoaW
onbothhercent
rali
nci
sors.Ij
usthav etotr
imthe
teet
htoaW shape,t
akeamodel ofthetri
mmed
toot
handsendittothel
ab.ThePat i
entwillcome
backaft
eraweektocementt hegoldinhertooth.
.

Idi
dwhatwasnecessar yf
ortheprocessandl
etthe
Pat
ientgo.IclosedthedoorandputtheR1200in
mybagbef oreanotherPat
ientwal
kedin..

VUKANI

Iwentt
otheunat
tendedcust
omer
..
Me:
Ekse
Shel
ookedatme.
.
Her
:Vukani
?
Me:
Syl
vi
a?

Syl
vi
aisoneofmyExes,
datedherforashor
twhi
l
e
i
nhighschool
bef
oredat
ingFut
hi.
.

Sy
lvi
a:Wowi
t'
sbeenawhi
l
e
Shewasalsosmart,
I'
m sur
enowshehasagood
j
objudgi
ngfrom t
hecarkeysshewashol
ding.
.

Me: Yamaan.
.Uzi
fi
hlephi
?(Wher
ehav
eyoubeen
hi
dingyour
sel
f)
Sy
lvi
a:Iam i
nthemi
l
itar
y
Me:
Ser
ious?
Sy
lvi
a:Ser
ious
Me:
Why
?
Sy
lvi
a:Whynot
?
Webot
hlaughed.
.
Syl
via:Ei
shmaany ouknowcomi ngfrom thehood,
ourParentsdon'
talwayshavemoneyt osendusto
ter
ti
ary.SowhenIcompl et
edmat r
icIjoi
nedthe
Mil
itar
y.ItwassupposedtobeforashortwhilebutI
endedupl i
ki
ngit
Me:
Wel
l
..Goodf
ory
ou
Syl
via:
Whataboutyou?Heardukut
hiukewangena
Phakathi
(Hear
dyougotarr
ested)
Me:
Eishy
a..I
zint
ozeMpi
l
o(I
t'
sli
fe)
Sy
lvi
a:Aski
es
Me:
kant
ingi
l
imel
ena?(
Am Ihur
t)
Sy
lvi
a:Ai
suka!Ngekeushi
ntshe(
You'
l
lnev
erchange)
Me:
CanIgety
ouany
thi
ng?
Sy
lvi
a:Br
utal
frui
t.
.3cans
Me:
Yizo
Iwentandgott
hem f
orher
,shet
ookoutR100.
.
Me:
I'
ll
payf
ort
hem
Syl
vi
a:Bant
u!Yawai
Busi
ness(
Thebusi
nessi
sgoi
ng
togodown)
Me:Yekauk'
thakat
haumncanekabiforleyont
o
(
Stopwitht
hewi t
chcr
aft
,youwaytooy oungfort
hat
)
Shet
ookt
hem.
.
Sy
lvi
a:Ngi
yazi
bongel
a(Thanky
ou)

Iwal
kedherouttohercar.Shehasn'
tchangedthat
much,othert
hantheweightgai
ninall
theright
pl
aces.Theleggi
ngsshewaswear i
ng,di
dal l
the
j
usti
ce..

Sy
lvi
a:I
twasgoodseei
ngy
ouhey
Me:
Itwasgoodseei
ngy
out
oo,
arey
oul
eav
ingsoon?
Sy
lvi
a:Nexkanj
ani
..I
'
llbeher
efor3mont
hs
Me:
Kuhl
eke.
.Thatmeanswe'
l
lst
il
lseeeachot
her
Sy
lvi
a:Nakanj
ani
(That
'sr
ight
)

I
RENE

Gr
ams:
Hai
kei
thi
ngi
kushi
ye(
Letmel
eav
eyou)
Me:
OkayGogo
Shet
ookhert
hingsandwal
kedout
..

It
ookmyphoneandcal
ledVukani
,i
twasanswer
ed
byanunf
ami
li
arvoi
ce.
.

Voi
ce:
PhonekaVukani
Hel
l
o?
Me: Hi
..Cel
aukukhul
umanoVukani
(MayIpl
ease
speaktoVukani
)
Voice:Usaphumil
e,shi
yeiPhone.Khapheomunye
Sisi(
He'sout.Helef
thisphone,hewalkedsome
Ladyout)
Me:
Ohwokay
Voi
ce:
Ngi
thi
ubani
oPh-

Ihungup.
..
36

I
RENE

Vukani
stoppedby
,fort
hel
atev
isi
ti
nghour
s.
Iwasst
il
ltunedbyt
hephonecal
l
,ear
li
er.
.

Vukani
:Youl
ookbet
ter
Me:
Ifeel
bet
ter
Vukani
:Youl
ookbet
ter
,Gi
mmeaki
ss
Weki
ssed.
.
Me:
Howwasy
ourday
?
Vukani
:Itwasgood,
busybutgood
Me:
Ical
l
edy
ouear
li
eron
Vukani
:Youdi
d?
Me:
Yesachi
l
danswer
ed
Vukani
:YeahMuzi
bekal
ethei
ntwanay
akhe,
bor
rowedhi
m myphonet
opl
ayagame
Me:
Het
oldmey
ouwer
ewal
ki
ngoutsomel
ady
Vukani
:Yeahmyf
ormercl
assmat
e,Sy
lvi
a
Me:VukaniIdi
dsayt
hati
fyoudon'
twantme
any
mor e,
letmego
Vukani
:Aski
es?Wher
eisal
loft
hiscomi
ngf
rom al
l
ofasudden?
Me:
I'
mjustsay
ingandr
emi
ndi
ngy
ou
Vukani
Vukani:
Soyougoi
ngtogi
vemeshitjustbecauseI
fuckenwal
kedmyfor
merclassmat
eout?

Hewasget
ti
ngmad,andIhav
eot
hergi
rl
sint
his
war
d.I
t'
sembar
rassi
ng.
.

Me:
Iwasn'
tfi
ght
ing,
Iwasj
ustv
oici
ngoutmy
f
eel
i
ngs
Vukani
:Tsekke,
sal
anamaf
eel
i
ngswakho!
Hewal
kedout
..
.

FUTHI

Iknockedoffl
ate,
around19:
00.DrPel
odidn'tcome
totheSurger
ywhensheknockedoffatthesurger
y..

ImadeherR5000t
oday
,incl
udi
ngt
he1.
2kIst
ole.
.

Ist
oppedbyatVukani
'
spl
acet
ofet
chMpi
l
o,Zuxi
e
wasciv
ilt
owardsme..

Me: I
'
mt r
ulysor
ryaboutmycomi nghereand
causi
ngsomucht urmoil
,i
twasi nsensi
ti
veofmet
o
saythosethi
ngsandverydi
srespectful
Zuxi
e:She'
syourMother,Iunderst
andv
erywellwhy
youhadtobel
ieveherbutpleaseknowthatIl
ove
uMpil
owithal
lmyhear tandIwouldneverhur
thim
Me:Iknowandthanky
ouv
erymuchf
orhel
ping
baby
sitforme
Zuxi
e:Youwel
come
Me:
Mpi
l
osaygoodby
etoGr
andma
Mpi
l
o:Goodby
eGr
andma
Zuxi
e:Goodby
ebi
gboy

Wewal
kedoutt
omycar
..

VUKANI

I'
m ov
erIr
ene'si
nsecur
it
ies.Ihat
ebei
ngaccusedof
somethi
ngthatI
'venev
erdone..

Ir
eci
evedacal
lfr
om Qhuma.
.

Me:
Mbhem
Qhuma:Ineedyout
ocomeeGr
oundi
ni,
Ihav
e
somet
hingtoshowyou
Me:
I'
ll
bet
her
e

It
ookat
urnanddr
oveoutt
her
e..

FUTHI

AsIwasdri
vi
nghome,
Ipassedmyol dhousewhenI
sawsomewomanandali
ttl
egir
llocki
ngupthegate
i
nthei
rsl
eepwear
.

Ist
oppedt
hecar
..

Me:
Mpi
l
ost
ayher
eI'
m comi
ng
Mpi
l
o:Okay
Igotoutandwal
kedupt
othegat
e..
.
Me:
Sani
bonani
(gr
eet
ings)
Her
:Sawubona
Me:
Ninj
ani
?(Howar
eyou)
Her
:Ngi
yaphi
l
a(I
'
m wel
l
)
Me:Iam sorr
ythi
smi ghtcomeoffaswei
rdbut
..
.I
hav
en'tseenyouaroundthehood
Her
:Ohwy
esj
ustmov
edi
n
Me:
Fut
hi
Her
:Thul
i
e
Me:
Arey
our
elat
edt
oBone?
Her
:No..I
'
m hi
swi
feandt
hisi
sourDaught
er
Lut
hando
Myhear
tal
mostst
opped.
.

Me:Real
ly?Wow!Wherewer
eyoual
lal
ongashe'
s
beenl
ivi
ngli
keabachel
or
Thuli
l
e:IwasinKznbutnowI
'
vemov
eddownher
e
permanent
ly
Me:
That
'sgood
Thul
i
le:
Itwasni
cemeet
ingy
ouF.
..
.
Me:
Fut
hi
Thul
i
le:
Fut
hi

Iwal
kedbacki
ntomycar
..

VUKANI

Iar
ri
vedatt
heground,
Isawthem.Itwas3oft
hem,
oneguywasti
edupandontheground.
.

Me:
Kwenzakal
ani
?(What
'sgoi
ngon)
Qhuma:
Sit
hol
i
lel
empat
ha(
We'
vef
oundt
hef
ool
)
Il
ookedathi
m,t
hey
'veal
readyr
oughedhi
m up.
.

Qhuma:
Wewai
ti
ngf
orhi
m gi
veusaname
Il
ookedathi
m,hel
ookedscar
ed.
.
Me:
Isi
tQaphel
a?
Qhuma:
YeboMbhem
Il
ookedathi
m..

Me:
Whohi
redy
ou?
Hel
ookedatme.
.
Qhumaki
ckedhi
m onhi
schest
..
Qhuma:
Khul
umamaan!(
Tal
k)
Qaphel
a:Baf
wet
hungi
yaxol
i
sa(
I'
m sor
ry)
Qhuma:Asinandabamaan!Si
funai
gama(
Wedon'
t
car
e,wejustwantaname)

Qaphel
a:Bone
Me:
Uthi
ni?(
Whatar
eyousay
ing)
Qaphel
a:Ukhul
umeIndabayokut
hiwenaul ele
nomuntuwakhewazewashonelwayingane!(Hesaid
yousl
eptwithhi
swoman,somucht hathel osthi
s
baby)
It
ookaf
ewst
epsback.
..
Qhuma:
Arey
ousur
engal
ent
o?
Qaphel
a:Sur
engaml
a(YesIam sur
eboss)

Iwal
kedawayandt
ookof
fmyt
-shi
rt
..

ThenIhear
d3gunshots,whenIt
urnedaround.
Qhumawashol di
ngagunandsti
l
lpoint
edatthi
s
Qaphel
aguy..
.
Tobecont
inued
37

FUTHI

[
AMONTHLATER]

Todaywaspay
day,Iwasexcit
ed.I'
vewor
kedhard
thewhol
emonth,
madeherr easonabl
emoney.I
t
wasagoodmonthalli
nall
..

Igott owork,andat extcamethr

ough.Bank
notif
icat
ion,Iexpected9kbutgot4k.I
twas
disappoint
ing,Ical
ledher..

Pel
o:Fut
hi
Me:
Ireci
evedmypay
mentj
ustnow,
buti
t'
s5kshor
t
Pel
o:IknowandI
'
m sor
ry
Me:
Youcan'
tbesor
rybecauseImadey
ou15kt
his
mont
h
Pelo:Iunderst
andyourfrust
rat
ionri
ghtnowand
you'l
lgetthe5kbeforethi
smont hend.Rentt
hat
sideit
'sexpensiv
e,Ihadtobuyanewscal i
ngset
andthemat eri
alweusei t
'sal
soexpensive
Me:Idon'tneedexcuses,
Idi
dthewor
kandI
'
m
supposedtogetpaid
Pelo:
Pleasej
ustgi
vemeaf
ewweeks,
I'
ll
payy
ou
the5k

Thi
sisjustf
rust
rat
ing,
thi
siswhyI
'
llcont
inue
st
eali
nghermoney..

VUKANI

Inolongerworkatthebottl
estore,
afterwhatwas
madecl earandknowntome.Iconf r
ontedBone,he
deniedallt
heaccusati
ons.Idon'
tknowwhyhe
denied,
becausethisQaphelaguywouldn'tj
ust
randomlyli
eonhim. .
Ibel
ievethatworkingf
orhim wi
ll
putmemor ein
deepwaters,he'l
lbeoutt
oalwaysgetme.He's
sneakyandIam ata100t hathemight
'v
esetmeup
onthatfi
rstheist
..

Onalight
ernot
e,IdecidedtoworkforQhumaor
wi
thQhuma.Goingbackt otheli
fethatwindedmei n
j
ail
isnotmycupoft ea,butIam f
ull
yresponsibl
efor
Mpil
onowsoIneedt ogetmyown. .

Tsongaal
sojumpedt rai
ns,
it'
sMe, Qhuma,and
Tsongai
nthis.Tomorrowwehav eaheisttodo.
We'vepl
anneditperf
ectl
ytothecoreandithasto
gowelli
fweal l
sti
cktothescript
..
.

Tsonga:
Arey
our
eadyf
ort
omor
row?
Me:
No.
.Onedoesn'
tgetr
eadyf
orsucht
hings
Tsonga:
It'
saper
fectpl
an,
notourf
ir
stt
imedoi
nga
hei
stso.
.
Me:
Doy
out
rustQhuma?
Tsonga:
Heseemsl
i
keagoodguy
,sowe'
l
lsee
Il
ookedatt
het
ime.
.
Me:Ihavet
ogopickupI
renef
rom phy
sioso,
ngi
zok'
bonaJampas

I
RENE

Iam sett
oget200kf r
om theroadaccidentfund, I
'
ve
beenworkinghardt
ogetoutoft hewheelchairsince
myaccident.Idi
dgetoutofthewheelchair
,Iusea
crut
chnow.Thephy si
other
apyishelpi
ngal ot..

Ther
api
st:
Youmaki
nggoodpr
ogr
ess
Me:Ihav
enochoi
ce,
Iwannabewal
ki
ngonmyown
soon
Ther
api
st:
Andy
ouwi
l
l
Il
i
mpedandwentt
osi
tont
hechai
r.
.

ThingsbetweenVukani andI,areal
waysonandof f.
Wear etry
ingtomakei twork,buthesti
llhasa
temperproblem t
hather eal
l
yneedst owor kon.
.I
l
ookedatt heti
me, hewassupposedt obeher ea
fewmi nut
esagot ocomeandpi ckmeup.Heev en
quithi
sjobatthebottl
est or
e,toldmethathehas
thi
ngsundercontrolso..We'l
lsee..

THULI
LE(
BONE'
SWI
FE)

Newsinpl aceslikethi
s,t
heyt ravelreal
l
yquickly
.I
hear
dthatBoneact ual
lyhadawi fe.Pai
dlobola,and
hewaspl ayinghappyfami l
ywi ththiswomanand
herSon.Iam t hejokeofthisplace,peoplel
aughing
behi
ndmybackandIdi dn'tevenknowwhy .
.

I
thurt
s,becauseI
'vebeenfai
thful
tothismanev en
whenwe'veli
vedhoursawayfrom eachotherandI
hadthechancet
odohi
m di
rt
y,Idi
dn'
t.Ist
ayed
fai
thf
ul.
.

Bone:
Iknowt
hatt
hisi
sh-
Me: Notonl
ydidy
oucheatbutyoupaidlobol
afor
her,
liv
edinthi
shousewi
thher!Thendraggedmeto
thi
splacetohumi
li
atemeevenmor e!
Bone:I
twascruelofmetohavedonethat
,Idon'
t
haveanexcuseandIwantustogett
hroughthi
s.I
'l
l
doanythi
ngtofi
xthis,
any
thi
ng!

Il
ookedathi
m..

Me:
Any
thi
ng?
Bone:
Any
thi
ng
Me:Iwantustogobackhome,
leav
ethi
spl
aceand
gobacktokzn
Bone:
Ican'
tj
ustl
eav
eev
ery
thi
ng
Me:Youanart
ist
,youcanli
veanywhere.I
fwedon'
t
l
eav
e,theny
ounotseriousaboutus.Worki
ngonus!

I
RENE

Hef
inal
l
ypul
l
edup.
.

Vukani
:Readyt
ogo?
Me:
Yes
Hegotmycr
utchandgav
eitt
ome.
..
Me:
Thanky
ou
Hetookmybag,
Isai
dmyGoodby
esandt
henwe
wal
kedout
..
.
Vukani
:Howdi
ditgot
oday
?
Me:
Itwentwel
l
Hehel
dmyot
herhand.
.
Me:
Youdon'
thav
etoo,
Ineedt
obal
ance
Vukani
:Okay
..Wasj
ustt
ryi
ngt
ohel
pyou

Heopenedt
hedoorf
orme,
Igoti
n..

Hegoti
nonhi
sot
hersi
de.
.

Vukani
:Iwant
edt
odi
scusssomet
hingwi
thy
ou
Me:
Yes?
Vukani
:Iwantt
opayl
obol
afory
ou,
somet
imet
his
month
Me:
Youdo?
Vukani
:We'
vespokenabouti
tbef
orer
emember
?
Me:
Ido,
justdi
dn'
tthi
nki
t'
l
lbesosoon
Vukani
:Hav
ingsecondt
hought
s?
Me:
No..Ij
ustt
houghty
ouneededsomet
imet
oget
t
hemoney
Vukani
:Ihav
ethemoney
Ihadal
lki
ndsofquesti
onsdeepwit
hinmy
self.
Wheredi
dhegetthemoneyf r
om?IknowifIst
art
aski
ngquest
ions,
it'
l
lcr
eat
eaf i
ght
..

Me:
Ijustwanty
out
obesur
eaboutt
his
Vukani:I
'
m sureaboutt
his,Il
ovey
ousomuchandI
wanttodothis.Youdeserv
esomuchmorethant
he
"gi
rl
fr
iend"t
it
le

It
ookadeepbr
eat
h..

Me:
Okayl
et'
sdot
his
Vukani
:Wedoi
ngt
his?
Me:
Wedoi
ngt
his
Hesqueezedmycheeksandki
ssedme.
..

FUTHI
Ihadabudgetpl
anforthi
smont
halr
eadydone.
Nowt hi
swomannotpay i
ngmeal
lmymoney ,
is
sett
ingme5stepsback..

Thi
smont hi
t'
s5kshor
t,t
henextmont
hIdon'
tgeta
payatal
l
..

Mpilowasbackatschool,Vukanihasalr
eadypaid
schoolfeesf
orthi
smont h.Healsosent2kforfood
andothernecessi
ti
esforMpilo.He'
sprovi
ngtobea
Father
,agoodone.Imi sj
udgedhim,di
dn'thav
e
muchf ait
hbuthe'
sreal
lyprovingt
obeagood
Father
..

QHUMA

Secur
it
y:Al
ltheuni
for
myou'
l
lneedf
ort
omor
row.
Andthecase
Il
ookedatt
hem.

Secur
it
y:3k
It
ookoutt
heenv
elopeandgav
eitt
ohi
m.
Me:Youwil
lgetitbackt
omorrowlat
eaf
tert
hehei
st
wi
ththeout
standingamount
,the6k
Secur
it
y:YesSi
r

Vukanibei
ngonmyt eam i
ssomethi
ngthatI
'v
e
al
way swanted.Iam happyhemadeadecisi
ont hat
wil
lbenefi
thim good.Iam t
hri
l
ledt
hathetookthe
bai
tabouttheBonescandal,weofft
oagoodst art.
.

Tomor rowit
'st
he1st,theyar
ecashingoutSASSA
money .Somepeople,especi
all
yol
dpeoplecol
lecti
t
from t
hepostoffi
ce.Sowear egoi
ngtorobthepost
offi
ceintown,andtakethecashbefor
eanyone
recei
vesit.
.
Wedon'
tknowhowmuchi
tis,butweknowt
hati
t
wi
l
lbedeli
ver
edi
nthemor
ningat8am.
.
Tobecont
inued
38

QHUMA

Oneofmyboy
s,Boy
zini
camet
otal
ktome.

Het oldmet hatthegr antpay mentdat

esarenot
star
tingf rom the1st,butt he6thupuntil
the8th.So
nowwehav et oreschedul ethesit
uati
onandgoon
the6th..Isenttheboy st exts.Iam sogl
adthatI
foundt heweakestl ink,whi chwasTsonga.Ifi
t
wasn'tf orhi
m, Iwouldn'thavegottenVukanii
nmy
team..

I
fIdi
dn'
tfi
ndoutwhowasbehi
ndtheheist
,I
woul
dn'
thavehadany
onet
oblackmai
l.
.

I
RENE
IwasbackathomeandIdiscussedtheLobolathi
ng
wit
hmyGr andmother
.Iwasnervousthatmaybeshe
wasgoingtohav
eadi f
fer
entreact
iontoit
,butshe
di
dn't
.Shewasproud.
.

Gr
andma:It
hinkweshoul
dinvi
tethem ov
erf
or
di
nnert
oni
ght,gett
oknowthem more

Me:
Isn'
ti
tabi
tofshor
tnot
icet
hough?
Grandma:
Iftheycan'
tmakei
ttoni
ght
,thenwecan
r
eschedul
efortomorrowt
oo
Me:
I'
ll
textVukani
andl
ethi
m know
Gr
andma:
I'
ll
star
tcooki
ngf
ori
ncaset
heyshowup

VUKANI

Iwasf etchingMpil
of r
om schoolwhenIr
eceiveda
textf
rom I r
ene.HerGrandmotherwasinvi
ti
ngmy
famil
yf ordinnert
onight.It
ext
edmyMot her.
.
Myrel
ati
onshipwit
hMpil
orightnowisverygood.He
hasj
uststar
tedcal
li
ngme"Dad"andI'mlovingi
t.He
i
sbehavi
ngatschoolandI
'm proudofhi
m. .

Me:
HeyChamp.
.Howwasschool
?
It
ookhi
sbackpack.
.
Mpi
l
o:I
twasgood
Me:
That
'sgood
Hegoti
ntot
hecar
..
Me:
Shoul
dwegot
oMcDonal
d'
s?
Mpi
l
o:Yespl
ease!
Me:
Okayl
et'
sgo

FUTHI

Ican'
tbel
iev
eDrPel
oscammedmel
i
ket
his,
thi
sis
unaccept
abl
e..
Idecidedt
oknockof
fear
lybecauseIwasupset
,
veryupset
..

Ipassedbythemallandboughtafewgr
ocer
iest
o
shutmyMot herup,
it'
spaydayshe'
sgoi
ngtobe
screami
nginmyear s.
.

Af
terbuy
inggr
ocer
ies,
Idr
ovehome.
.

MyMot
herwasn'
ti
mpr
essedwi
tht
hegr
ocer
ies,
not
ev
enat
hankyou.
.

Ma:Nowt hatyouhavegot
tenpai
dandever
ythi
ng,I
wasexpecti
ngt haty
ou'
dbeprobabl
ybel
ookingfor
apl
acetost ay

Me:
Ihav
en'
tgot
tenpai
dal
lmymoney
Ma:
Kubi
kebecauseIwanty
ouout
Me:
Why
?
Ma: y
ouhavedi
srespect
edmei
nthemost
unspeakabl
emanner
Me:
Idon'
tunder
standMa
Ma:Yout
ookyourchi
l
dtobebabysatbyaf
ami
l
y
t
hatwasnev
erther
efrom t
hebegi
nni
ng
Me:Mayouabusi
ngmySon,
whatshoul
dIhav
e
done?
Ma: Idi
scipli
neduMpi l
o,Ididn'
tabusehi
m!Iusedto
disci
pli
ney out oointhatsamemannerandy ougr
ew
upwel l
sonowI '
mt hewitch?Thenifsowhatare
youstil
ldoingl i
vi
ngi nmyhouse?Iwanty ouout!
Mov eout!Byt heendoft hisweek,Iwantyouout

Shewasbei
ngdr
amat
icf
ornor
easonatal
l
..

THULI
LE
Bonewal
kedi
nasIwaspr
epar
ingl
unch.
.

Luthandohasn'
tgonetoschool yet
,wehaven'
t
foundaschoolforher
.I'
m happywedi dn'
t,
because
Idon'twannast
ayhere.Notafterwhathappened.
.

Hest
oodnextt
ome.
.
Bone:I
'
m goingtosell
mybott
lest
oreandshut
downmyot herbusi
nessandt
henwecanmov e
backhome
Me:
That
'sal
lIwant
edt
ohear
..
Bone:
I'
mt r
ulysor
ryaboutwhatI
'
veputy
out
hrough,
i
twasn'tmyint
ent
iontohurty
ou
Me:Idon'
twannaheari
t,Idon'
twannahearnot
hing.
Ij
ustwantustogobackhomet hat
'sal
l
!!

VUKANI
Mymot
hercal
l
edme.
.
Ma:
Ireci
evedy
ourt
ext
Me:
Yessowhatdoy
ousay
?
Ma:
Ithi
nkt
hatwoul
dbegr
eat
,I'
dli
ket
omeether
f
amil
y
Me:Moreespeci
all
ybecauseIwantt
opayl
obol
a
t
hismonth
Ma:
Ser
ious?
Me:
Ser
ious
Ma:
Irenei
sasweetgi
rlandIl
oveher
Me:
I'
m gl
ady
ouar
eal
lfori
t
Ma:
Iam
Me:Mpi
loandIwehav
ingl
unch,
we'
l
lbet
her
eina
shor
twhi
le
Ma:
Okaybr
ingmesomet
hing
Me:
Okay
FUTHI

Withhowunstabl
emyjobisatDrPel
o'
spl
ace.If
eel
l
ikethey'
l
lbeatimeIwon'
tbeabl
etopayf
orrent
becauseshekeepsondel
ayi
ng.
..

Vukanihastocomet hr
oughagai
nbecausemy
Motherisser
iousaboutthi
s..

Ithi
nkMpil
oandI ,we'
l
lhavet
olivewit
hhimf ora
whil
eunt
ilIsortmysel
fout
.Sortoutmyfinances,
I'
ll
tal
ktohi
ml ateronwhenIgofetchMpil
o..
.

I
RENE

Vukani'
sMom call
edme, l
ett
ingmeknowt
hatt
hey
acceptthedi
nneri
nvi
tat
ion.
.
NowmyGr andmotherst
art
edbei
ngser
iousabout
pr
epar
ingdinner
..

Ir
eallythi
nkthatVukaniandIwewi l
lworkt histi
me
around.Imeanhe'sreadytopaylobola,t
hat'sbig.
Thatmeanshe' sseri
ousaboutus.I'
m notqui t
e
i
mpr essedwithhischoi
cesofmakingal ivi
ngbuthe
wouldn'tputusindanger
.ThatIknowf orsho. .
.
Tobecont
inued
39

FUTHI

Iwenttofet
chMpil
o,andhadtot al
kt oVukani
pri
vat
ely.Hewasal
ldresseduplookingneatwit
hhi
s
wellt
ri
mmedhaircutandwhatnot .Likehewas
goi
ngsomewherereall
yimport
ant .
.

Vukani
:What
'swr
ong?
Me:
MyMom i
ski
cki
ngMpi
l
oandIout
Vukani
:Why
?
Me:She'
snothappywi
ththefactt
hatMpi
l
ois
st
ayi
ngherewhenI'
m atwork
Vukani
:Ifshewasn'
tanabusert
hennoneoft
his
would'
vehappened
Me:SoMpil
oandIwegoi ngtoneedaplacetost
ay
si
ncemyjobisnotpromisi
ng,Idi
dn'
tgetpai
dall
my
moneysoIwasaskingifwecouldmoveinwithyou
Vukani
:Thatwon'
thappen,
thatwi
l
lnev
erhappen
Me:Ify
ouar ewor
ri
edaboutIr
ene,
sheknowswe
hav
eababyt oget
her.Woul
dshewantyourbabyt
o
behomeless?
Vukani
:It
'snotonl
ythat
..Imean,
I'
m pl
anni
ngon
payi
ngLobolaforI
renet
hismonth

Thi
scameasashocktohim,lobol
aisahugestep.
What'
sther
ush?They
'veonl
yknowneachotherfor
ashor
tperi
odofti
me.

Me:Wgsrst
herush?YouandIr
enehav
ejustknown
eachot
herl
obol
aisahugestep

Vukani
:Il
oveI
reneandIam doi
ngt
his

Me:
What
'st
her
ush?
Vukani
:I'l
lhel
pyououtwit
hr ent
,sear
chforapl
ace
tostay
.I'l
lhel
pyououtunti
lyoucanstandonyour
twofeet.I
'l
lgetMpi
l
of ory
ou

BONE

Qhumasatdown.
.

Me:
Thanky
ouf
ormeet
ingupwi
thme
Qhuma:
It'
sokay
Me:
Soy
oui
nter
est
edi
nbuy
ingmybot
tl
est
ore?
Qhuma:
Yes.
.Howmuchar
eyousel
l
ingi
tfor
?
Me:Wit
hthest
ock,
Iam sel
l
ingi
tfora100k.Renti
s
af
for
dable
Qhuma:Iti
saffor
dabl
e..I
t'
ssadtoknowthaty
ouar
e
sel
li
ngthi
splaceImean,abott
lest
orei
sagood
busi
ness
Me:
I'
mrel
ocat
ing,
goi
ngbackt
oKznsoy
eah
Qhuma:Well
amanhast
odowhatamanhast
odo
atonepoi
nt
Me:
That
'st
rue
Qhuma:
I'
ll
maket
hepay
mentsomet
imet
hisweek
and
Me:Justgiv
emeex tr
a2mor eweekstosortsome
ofmythingsoutandthent
hebott
lest
oreisyours
Qhuma:
Ngenal
a(Puti
tinahandshake)
Weexchangedahandshake

FUTHI

I
tdi dhurtt hatVukani i
sconsideri
ngpay i
ngLobol a
forIrene.IthurtsthatImessedupsobad, andev en
thoughIwast hi
nkingthatIwasdoi ngthebestf or
my selfandmySon, Iendedupbei ngtheonet aking
theLatt heendoft heday .BothMenseem t obe
happywi tht hewomeni ntheirl
iv
es.I'
mj usthere
ri
dingsol owi thmyl i
fefall
ingapart.
.
I
thur
tsdeepl
y,i
thur
tssobad.
.

Me:
Ma
Shedi
dn'
tev
enl
ookatme.
.
Me:Mpi
l
oandIwewi
l
lbemov
ingoutsomet
imet
his
week
Ma:
Okay

MyownMot
herev
enhat
esme,
soi
t'
sal
ot.
.

I
RENE

Iopenedt
hedoor
.ItwasZuxi
e,ThandoandVukani
..

Me:
Wel
comeGuy
s
Theymadet
hei
rwayi
n..

Weexchangedhugs.
.

Me:Thanky
ouf
orcomi
ngespeci
all
yinsuchshor
t
not
ice

Thando:
Any
thi
ngf
orf
reef
ood

Me:
Youl
ookl
i
key
our
eadyt
opop
Thando:
Any
timef
rom now,
event
omor
row
Me:
That
'sgood.
.Pl
easet
hisway

Wewal kedtothel
iv
ingr
oom,myGr andmotherwas
fi
nishi
ngupsetti
ngthet
abl
e.Ii
ntr
oducedthem to
her,Iwasnerv
ousbutmyGrandmotherwashappy
toseethem.
Weal
lsatdown.
.

Gr
andma:
It'
sgoodt
ofi
nal
l
ymeett
hef
ami
l
y
Zuxi
e:I
t'
sgoodt
omeety
out
oo,
Irenespeaksso
hi
ghl
yofyou
Gr
andma:
That
'sgoodt
ohear

Thi
swasgoi
ngt
ogowel
l
,I'
m happy
..

Grandma:SoIrenespokeaboutLobol
a,Ineedt
o
hearitf
rom y
out oconfi
rmit
Vukani
:Yes.
.Ihav
easkedf
orherhandi
nmar
ri
age
Gr
andma:
Howsoon?
Vukani
:Iwashopi
ngsomet
imet
hismont
h
Grandma:Theny
ouwi
l
lletmeknowaboutt
hedat
e
andever
ythi
ng

Zuxi
e:Ar
eyougoi
ngt
obel
i
vingwi
thus?
Vukani
:Actual
lyno.
.Asmuchasy ouguysgetal
ong
ver
ywellbut.
.It
'l
lbegoodkeepeachot
heraway
Gr
andma:
That
'sagoodpoi
ntt
okeept
hepeace

QHUMA

Tsonga:
I'
m aboutt
ocl
osedown
Me:
I'
m al
mostdone
Tsonga:If
eel
badaboutevery
thi
ngthathas
happened,
whati
fVukanif
indsout?
Me:Vukani
wil
lnev
erf
indoutunl
essy
ouopeny
our
mouth
Tsonga:SoBonei
ssel
l
ingt
hebot
tl
est
oreand
movingaway?
Me:I
tseemsthatway
..I
'
m happyhe'
sgoi
ng,
they
'l
l
benodi
str
act
ions
Tsonga:Forhowl
ongar
eyougoi
ngt
ohav
emeand
Vukanidothi
sfor
?
Qhuma: Thereisnotur
ningbackany more,y
ouand
Vukaniareinitforal
ongrun.Ther e'
snowayout,we
areabouttomakehi st
oryandal otofmoney.Death
i
st heonlywayoutandifyoumessmeup, y
our
famil
iesaregoingtopaywiththeirli
ves!

I
RENE

Thedinnerwasgoingwell
,ever
yonewasget t
ing
al
ongv erywel
landitwasbeauti
fultowi
tnessthis
moment .Weareabouttobemar ri
edsoon,i
t'
sv er
y
vi
tal
thatbothfamil
iesgetal
ongv er
ywell
..
.

Zuxi
e:Siy
abongaukudl
abekumnandi
(Thanky
ouf
or
i
nvit
ingus)

Gr
andma:
Kubongami
na(
Iam t
hegr
atef
ulone)

Zuxi
e:May
besomet
imenextweek,
wewi
l
linv
itey
ou
i
nourhousef
ordi
nner

Gr
andma:
Thatwoul
dbeni
ce

Ir
aisedmygl
asst
hathasj
uice.
.

Me:Cheer
stonewbegi
nnings,
betteronesandt
o
becomi
ngaunit
edfr
ontfr
om hereon

Ev
ery
one:
Cheer
s
.
Tobecont
inued
40

VUKANI

AFEW DAYSLATER

Thewhol epl
anhadt ochange, moreliketheini
ti
al
planhadt ochangeaftermyv isi
ttothepostof fi
ce
randoml ywaybeforetheSASSAmoneywasgoi ng
tobei ssued.Aplancamei ntomymi nd,onethat
won'tincludeanycasualt
ies.WhatIpi ckeduponi s
thatthepostoffi
cehast wosecur i
tyguar dswho
standbyt hedoor.Themai nentrance..

Isawf rom thei

runif
ormthattheyworkfora
companycal l
edP.O.I[
PROTECTIONONEI NC],t
hey
wearal lgr
een.WhatIknowwi thsuchthings
especiall
ywhent hegovernmentisi
nvolved,
every
thingist r
ash.Theydon'
tevencarrygunsthey
j
ustcar ryPoli
cebatonsti
cks.Theyseem sluggi
sh,
j
usttheretogetpai
d.Anideastr
uckme, wecango
i
nast hesecuri
tyguar
dsfrom "
POI"
,it
'l
lbeawhole
l
oteasierbutwehavetobequickonourfeet
.

I
'vealsolear
nedthatf
orsafet
yr easons,moneywil
l
bedeliv
eredeverymorni
ngduringt hosedayswhere
peoplehavetocomeandcol l
ect.Theywon'tbe
deli
veri
ngthemoneyallatoncei noneday.Itwasa
l
otofwor kforQhumabecausehehadt ofakethe
unif
ormf orus,
andgetabakkiet hatwil
lbe
i
mpr i
ntedwiththesl
oganofthesecur it
ycompany.

Ithoughtwewouldhavetor
eschedulebuthepull
ed
i
tof f
,andwewasn'tgoi
ngtodot heoneintown
anymore.Toor
iskysowesettledforanot
herhood,
thatwasa30mindr i
vefr
om ours.
.

Ididn'
tthinkQhumawasgoingtopulli
toff,
buthe
did.Thoughwehadt ogoonthelastday,
ont he8t
h..
Thismor ningwast
heday.
.
FUTHI

Vukanigotusaplace.Iwasn'tallforrent
inga
backr
oom, sowesettledforthesebachelorflat
sjust
outofthehood.Theywer einthemi ddleoftownand
thehood,t
otal
lyawayf r
om ev er
ythingbutthemain
road.
.

Theplaceissecl
udedt hat'
swhatIlov
et hemost
,
andit
's20flat
salli
nt otal
.Theownerthoughtof
somethingbeaut
if
ul,somet hi
ngf
inancial
ly
benef
iti
ng..

Rentis2.5kamonth,Vukanipaidfor2mont hsin
advance.Whowould'vethought,
myusel essex
boyfr
iendwouldbeusefuloneday ?Heev enbought
usfurnit
urebutonl
ytheimportantthings.Iam
star
ti
ngt oseehiminadiffer
entpicture,andforhi
m
topullt
hisoffi
tmeanshehasgonebackt odoi
ng
shadythings.Idon'
tminddat
ingathug,solonghe
makesar easonabl
eamount,
takescareofmeand
i
sloving.Thatoldfl
amecamebackqui ckerthanI
coul
dsnapmyf i
ngers.
.

Iam stil
lwor ki
ngf orDrPelo,shedidpaymeof fmy
5k.Wi t
hev eryt
hingt hatVukanihasdone, Idecided
tolaybuyaTVt hatwaswhat '
smi ssing.Nextmont h
I'
l
l befi
nishingitoffwhenIgetpai d.Ineededi tfor
Mpi l
otoplayhi sgamest ooandwhatnotsohe
doesn'tgetbor edsincehedoesn' thavefri
ends
aroundher e..

Me:
Mpi
l
owakeup,
thewat
eri
swar
m enough

Hegotoutofbedpr
otest
ing.
.

Iam happythathe'
shappytoo.Idon'tcareaboutmy
Mom any moreandherhat
e,I'
mj ustgoingtolether
be.I
fshedoesn'twannabeapar tofust henIwon't
f
orcehert
oo.
.

Iwentt othedr awerandt ookoutsomet hi

ngthatI
hav ebought.Rather ,thatafri
endt oldmet oget.She
toldmet hatshegeti siwasho(lovecleansingbath
salt)becauseherBabyDaddywasgi vingher
problems, busywi thot herwomen.Ev ersi
nceshe's
startedusingithecameback, heev enpaidlobola
andt heyhav i
ngt heir3r dchi
l
d.SoIgoti tt
obring
backmyVukani .
..Ihopei tworks,Iwantmyman
backandI 'm notgoi ngt obedef eatedbythatyell
ow
bone!

I
RENE

Ididn'
tknow, thatmuchgoesi ntogett
ingy ourroad
accidentfundpay out.I
nmycaseIwon' tbe
permanent l
ydisabled,it'
l
l t
akeawhi l
ebef oremyl eg
cangai nit
'sfullmoment um, buttheprogressis
better
.I'
mf orcingthrough, Idi
dn'
twannabest ucki n
awheel chairnorusecr utchesfortherestofmyl ife.
Iam st
il
lusi
ngonecr
utchandIcan'
twai
ttost
art
wal
kingonmyownagai n.
.

Igotacour tor
derbecausetheset
tlementhasbeen
reached.Iwasgetti
ng230kbutI'
llbegetti
ngit
somet i
menexty ear
,i
t'
sokaysolongI'l
lgetitI
'
m
good..

ThingsbetweenVukani andI,werebet
ter.Heis
provingthathe'sreadytobeahusbandi ndeed.Iam
sti
llunsureaboutwhathedoesbutIdohopei t
'snot
somet hi
ngill
egal.IheardDrBonehasgonebackt o
Kznandsol dt hebottl
estore.SoVukaniandQhuma
arepartnersinthebottl
estore..

Hiswifei
sverylovel
y,methertwicealreadyover
di
nnermeetupsandwehav estar
tedbeengood
fr
iends.I
'
m anintrov
ert
,don'thavefr
iendsaround
heresameasher .Soweclickedfrom ther
e..
Sexwithmylegi
njur
edismor
ediff
icul
tthan
anyt
hingbutwear
etryi
ngtomakeitwork.
.

Ispendmoreti
meatVukani'
splacenowthanIdoat
myhouse,Iam happyt
hat
'sal
lIcansay.
.

Iwassitti
ngontopofthemini
clothi
ngstorageshelf
,
i
t'sbet
terwhenmyl egsar
estr
aightdowndangl i
ng
thanothersexposi
ti
ons.I
'
m st
il
lveryfai
thf
ul t
othe
pil
l.
.

Mor ninggloryisalwaysthebest,thoughwhatwas
dif
ferentthismor ni
ngabouti twast hatwewer en't
maki nglove,Iwasget ti
ngfuckedr eall
yhard..He
squeezedonmyt highshardasheshott hroughhis
cum deepi nsideofme, somuchIf eltabitofpainin
myi njur
edl egbuthewasi navulnerablestatefor
met oact uall
ycrypainrightnow..

QHUMA
Thiswasabi gdayf orus, themomentoft ruth.In
j
ust3hour swewi l
lbepul l
ingahei st.Iwasner vous
butIdot r
ustinVukani 'spl an,thisbast ardiswayt oo
smar tf
orhi sowngood.Hepul ledt hebestpl an,one
thatIneverthoughtofi njustashor tperiodoft ime.
WhenVukani joi
nedmycr ew, Igav ehi m 50k,to
welcomehi mt ot hefami l
y .Notonl yt hat,butIhav e
madehi m apar tnerinthebot t
lest orebusi nesst hat
Iboughtfrom Bone. .I'
m buy inghi m becauseIr eally
needhim, he'sthebestandhe' sv erysmar t
.He
changedt hewhol eplani namat t
erofday sofus
havingtopul l
offt heheist..

Iwearwhatwecal l"Amabhande"bel tsgoi

ngov er
fr
om myshoul der
sj oi
ningundermyar mpi
ts.They
makemest rong,power ful,andf earl
ess.Ial
sohav e
i
ziphandl a3oft hem, l
oosel yt r
anslatedtotradi
ti
onal
braceletsmadef r
om agoatski n.Now, mostpeople
havet hem afteranancest ralceremonybuti nmy
caseIhav ethem becauseI 'v
eki l
led3people.So,I
hadt oper f
orm certainritualssot hatthepeopleI'
ve
ki
l
leddon'
thauntme.
.

I'
l
lhav etohel
pVukaniukuthi
aqini
swe(Hehastobe
str
ongandpower f
ul)sothathecansurvi
veint
his
business.Weinaverydangerousbusi
nessso.
.

I
RENE

Vukani hadextendedhisroom alit

tl
eandi ncl
udeda
bathroom.Thebat hroom hadashower ,batht
uband
basin.Alsoalounge.Iknowhewant edust omove
out,butIdon'twannabeawayf r
om my
Grandmot her
.Hisf amil
yisveryl
ovelyandIdon't
thi
nkweshoul dmov eaway .
.

Iwassit
ti
ngontheedgeofthebathtubwai
ti
ngfor
hiswat
ertofi
l
lup.Ikeptonchecki
ngthewater
temper
atur
etomakesur ei
twasn'tt
oohot.
.
Hecamet
hrough.
.

Vukani
:Howar
ewedoi
ngher
e?
Me:
Almost
Hewalkeduptomewithhisbl
ackdi
ckj
ustdangl
i
ng
ar
ound,Iwasal
sost
il
lnaked..

Hepi
ckedmeup.
.

Me:
Stopi
t!Myl
egi
sst
il
lhur
ti
ng(
Laughi
ng)
Vukani
:uGr
and(
Youal
ri
ght
)
Hehadhi shandsbalancingundermyphatass,
I
wr appedmyar msaroundhi sneckandwestart
ed
kissing.Hewentont okissmyneckandcameback
tokissmyl ipsagai
n.

Vukani
:Il
ovey
ousomuch
Me:
Ilov
eyout
oo
FUTHI

Afterbathi
ng,withmybodysti
ll
wet.Il
oweredmy
towelalitt
lebutnottor
eveal
mynipplesandIt
ooka
pictur
e,sti
llwetasIam.

VukaniandIwef riendsonFacebook,senthima
requestnotsolongago.Sot hisi
smysay ing"Don'
t
forgetwhatyoumi ssingouton"wit
hthispict
ure
thatIhaveuploadedonFacebook..

.
Tobecont
inued
42

I
RENE

Endashowedupatmywor kpl
ace,
didn'
texpecther
toobutI
'm notcompl
aini
ng..

I
'v
etol
dherwher
eIwor k,
shetext
edmewhenshe
wasatt
hegat
e.She'
sluckyt
hatIhadmyphonei
n
myhands.
.

Iwai
tedatt
hedoorasshewal
kedupt
ome.

Me:
Heyy
ou
Enda:
Hi.
.I'
m sor
ryi
fI'
m di
stur
bing
Me:
Notatal
l
Enda:
Howar
eyou?
Me:
I'
m goodandy
ou?
Weshar
edahug.
.
Enda:Letmenotkeepy
oul
ong,
Iwasi
ntown
deci
dedt ost
opby
Me:Noit
'sokayl
et'
sgooutgetsomet
hing,
I'
ll
takei
t
asmyteabreak
Enda:
Okayt
hat
'sbet
ter
Me:
I'
ll
gogetmybag
Enda:
Okaygi
rl

VUKANI

Bot
hVanst ookadif
fer
entt
urn,t
hefearwehad
sei
zed.Qhumawalkedoutwit
hthecase.

Tsonga:
It'
saboutt
ime!
Hewal
kedt
othev
an.
.
Me:
Whatt
hehel
lhappenedt
oyou?
Hi
suni
for
m hadbl
oodst
ains.
Qhuma:
Wel
osi
ngt
ime,
let
'sgo
TsongaandBoyzi
nwenttot
hei
rcar
,wegoti
ntoour
vanandIstar
teddr
ivi
ng.
.

Aswewer edri
ving,memori
esofmyf ir
sthei
stcame
back.Igotaminipani
catt
ackthatIpull
edover
..

Qhuma:
Whatar
eyoudoi
ng?
Me:
Cany
oudr
ive?
Qhuma:
Yeah.
.Sur
e
Weswi
tchedandhest
art
eddr
ivi
ng.
.
Me:hadeJoe,
justt
hat
..Memor
iesoft
hef
ir
sthei
st
cameback
Qhuma:
Iunder
stand

Wehaveacarpar
kedsomewherei
nasecluded
pl
ace,
all
thatweneedt
odoistohaveaperfect
gat
eway.
.
I
RENE

Iwasv er
ycurioust
oknowwhatQhumadoes, more
especi
all
ysincehe'
sworki
ngwithVukani
.SoIasked
Ir
ene,hopeshewon'tbeof
fended.
.

Enda:
Wel
lhehast
axi
s,andt
hebot
tl
est
ore
Me:Vukani
seemstohavereasonabl
emoneyfor
someonewhoisi
ntoabott
lestorebusi
ness

Enda:Vukani
isnotworki
ngforhi
m,butt
hey
part
nersandthebott
lest
oreseemstobedoi
ngwel
l
.
SolongQhumabr i
ngsmoneyhomeIaskno
questi
ons
Me: IknowbutIdon'twanthiminashadybusi ness,
Idon'twantmyhusbandandpossi bl
ythefatherof
mychi l
drengoingt
oj ail
onedayandIhav et o
expl
aintothekidswhat '
shappening.Him gett
ing
arr
estedaffect
edhisr el
ati
onshi
pwi t
hhisSon
Enda: Qhumahasneverbeenar r
est
edbefore,
Vukani l
ovesyouandIdon'
tthinkhewouldputy our
l
ifeindangerorhi
sSon'sli
feindangerIdon'tt
hink
he'sthatstupi
d
Me:
Ihopeso
Enda:Justenjoyy ourrelat
ionshipandf or
getabout
otherthi
ngs,otherthingsleadtoi ssuesina
rel
ati
onship.Youcr eati
ngat oxicatmosphereby
yourfear
.Learnt otrusthim, gi
vehi mthebenefi
tof
thedoubthe'sreallytry
ing
Me:
That
'st
rue

VUKANI

Wedr ov
eoutt othecar
,not
hingf ancy.Justanol
d
whit
ecitigol
f.Hadachangeofcl othes,andabag
fort
hemoney .Wechanged,transferedthemoney
andburntthevantoget
herwit
houruni f
orm.Weput
ourgunsinthebagwherethemoneywast her
e..
Nowweneedtosaf
elygeti
ntothebott
lest
oreand
meetupwi
tht
heotherguysandsharethemoney.
.

IhopethatI
'
m deali
ngwit
hsmartpeopl
e,thehi
tis
sti
ll
on.Weshouldn'
tover
spendnorbr
eathawordin
ther
e..

Me:
Sowhathappenedi
nther
e?Ihear
d3shot
s
Qhuma:
Ihadt
oki
l
ltheguy
Me:
Ithoughtt
her
ewasn'
tgoi
ngt
obeanycasual
ti
es
Qhuma:Hewasfight
ingbackIhadt
odef
endmy
sel
f
t
hebestwayIknowhow
Me:
Peopl
eknowourf
aces
Qhuma: Wehadcapson, aunif
ormt
heydidn'tgeta
precisedescri
pti
onofus.Plus,
howmanypeopl ehit
thef i
del
it
ytrucks?Howmanycasesweref ol
lowed?
Wej ustneedtogetridofmygunsothatnothingis
traceabl
ebackt ous
Me:
Youhav
etoo
Qhuma:
Thi
sisnotmyf
ir
sthei
st,
youhav
etot
rust
me
Me:
Shot
hing

FUTHI

Thespeci
alwasendi
ngthi
smont
h.Itwasst
il
labit
busy
,Iwonderhowit
'sgoi
ngt
ogetwhenthespeci
al
i
sover.
.

Ihad3patients,
thei
rgol
dscameout.2were
under
standingbutonewasnothav
ingit
..

Hi
m:Ent
lekumunt
uuy
any
elwal
a(Thi
sisbul
l
shi
t)
Me:
Iknowt
haty
ouar
eupsetb-
Hi
m:Ungang'
tshel
iamasi
mba,ngigaf
einyukuebai
e
f
ordi
edaang!SoUngang'
tshel
iamasimba!!(
Don'
t
t
ell
meshit
,Ipai
dal
otofmoneyf
ort
his,
don'
ttel
l
meshi
t)

Iwasstart
ingtogetscar
edbecausehewasmad,
busypoint
ingatme.Helookedunsavor
y,y
oucoul
d
tel
lherunsthehood.
.

Sbo:
Okaybhut
isor
ry,
wewi
l
lref
undy
oubacky
our
money
Him:YaangconouGaf
eonce,
nit
hat
hel
amasi mba
wenu!(Yaar
efundmebackmymoneyandkeepyour
shi
tthi
ngs)

VUKANI

Wegott othebot
tl
estore,wentt
othesecretr
oom
andsharedthemoney.Tookawhi l
ebecausewehad
tocounttheamountf
irst.
Weeachgotawaywi t
h70k, i
t'
snotbadIjusthav eto
keep30kforthelobol
anegotiati
ons.Iam notpaying
morethanthat,I
reneisagoodwomanbutt hisisnot
amoneymaki ngscheme, wetryi
ngt ouni
tetwo
famil
i
esandal somyshowi ngrespecttoherfamily.I
am notmarryi
ngav i
rginaf
terall
..

Qhuma: Soboy s,Izi

njaZehl athi.We'vepul ledthi soff.
I'
m sorryonmypar taboutt hedel aybutt hiswasour
fi
rstheistt ogetherev ersi ncewe' v estartedt hecr ew
andI '
m pr oudofus.I tdidn'tgogood, butitcoul d've
beenwor se.Weeachgotawaywi th70k, it'
senough
tolastatl east3mont hsbef oreoursecondhei st.
Nextt i
mewewi l
l bemor epr epared.Don' tov erspend,
don'tdot hingst hatwi llputusont hespot ,ifyouget
caughty ouar eal one.Mi na,int hemeant i
meI '
m
goingtosni f
fint heSAPS, t
hemostcor rupt
departmentandseewhowecanhav eonourpayr ol
l.
Noonei sgoi ngt ojail
, notifIcanhel pit!Soi nt he
spiri
tofcel ebration.Ourown, Vukani ispay i
ng
l
obol athismont h.Sincehecameupwi tht hepl an
too,weshoul dput5keacht ocont ri
butet owardst he
negot
iat
ions

Tsonga:
Iagr
ee
Boy
zini
:I'
min

Thi
swasl
ovel
y.
.

Me:Thankyoutoev er
ythi
ngt hatQhumahassai d
andthe5kcontri
buti
ons,thanky ou.I
naddit
ionof
whathehassaid,Iwantev er
yonet oknowthatt
his
i
sthefir
sthei
stI'
veeverhadf reedom enoughto
enj
oythemoneyaf t
erwards

Weal
ll
aughed.
.

Me: Ij
ustwantevery
onetoknowthatwearenot
onlypart
nersi
ncrime,butwearebr
other
snow.
I
zinjaZehl
athi
,undergr
oundDogs
Boy
zini
:ToI
zinj
aZehl
athi
Us:
ToI
zinj
aZehl
athi

Qhuma: Sonowwegobackt oournor

mal l
i
ves,we
can'
tcel
ebratenowunf ort
unatel
ymay bethis
weekend.Vukaniyou'
l
l gobacktocomi nghere
ever
ydayandov er
seei
ngt hings,
Tsongay ourEat
ery
andBoyzini
beingmyt axidriv
er

Ev
ery
oneseemedt
obeunder
standi
ng.
.

Myphoner
ang,
itwasFut
hi.
.

Me:
Excusemeguy
s

Iwal
kedout
..
Me:
Hey
Shewascr
ying.
.
Me:
What
'swr
ong?
Fut
hi:
Someguycameatwor
kandhar
assedme
Me:
What
?
Fut
hi:
Hel
osti
tcompl
etel
y
Me:
Don'
tyouguy
shav
esecur
it
yther
e?
Fut
hi:
It'
sasafeneighbor
hoodhej
ustt
ook
adv
antagebecauseit'
swomenonl
y
Me:
Doy
ouhav
ehi
saddr
ess?
Fut
hi:
Yes.
.Ihav
eitonhi
sfi
l
e
Me:
Okay
..I
'
llcomedownt
her
e

Iwal
kedbacki
n..

Qhuma: Her
eisy
our15ksi
thi
mayy
ourmar
ri
agebe
asuccess
Me:
Ta.
.Tabaf
wet
hu(
Thanky
ou)
.
Tobecont
inued
43

VUKANI

Idrov
etoFut hi
'
swor kplacebecauseshewas
dramati
cont hephonewi ththewholesi
tuat
ion.
.
WhenIgott her
e,t
heyt oldmewhathappened.Her
andtherecepti
oni
st.
.

Me:
Whydoesn'
tyourBosshi
reaguar
dher
e?
Sbo:We'v
eneverr
ani
ntosuchbef
ore,
thi
sisav
ery
saf
eneighbor
hood
Me:
Wel
li
tdoesn'
tseem saf
eany
mor
e
Fut
hi:Wewi l
ltal
ktoPel
owhenshecomesbutfor
now,Idon'
tthinkwesaf
e.Whati
fhecomesback
wit
hhisfri
ends?
Me:
Fine,
giv
emehi
saddr
ess
Fut
hi:
Don'
thur
thi
m
Me:I
'
mjustgoi
ngt
otal
ktohi
m,Mant
oMant
hat
'
s
al
l

I
RENE

Iknockedof fandwenthome, Inolongerworklong

hours.Inowdo08: 00am- 14:
00,i
nsteadofknocki
ng
offat16:00.Mypayhasbeencutt oo.Fr
om 8kto6k.
It
'sokay,it
'snotthatbad.Iam i
njur
edanywaycan't
copeinast ressf
ulenvir
onment..

Gr
ams:
Howdoy
ouf
eel
aboutt
heLobol
a?
Me:
Ifeel
exci
tedandner
vous,
Ijustwantev
ery
thi
ng
t
ogowe
wel
l
Gr
ams:
Iam say
ingheshoul
dbechar
ged40k
Me:
It'
sreasonabl
e,t
her
e'sl
i
feaf
terl
obol
a
Grams:
Hisf
ami
l
yseemsni
ce,
especi
all
yhi
sMot
her
.
Il
i
keher

Me:Hehasalovelyfami
l
yexceptf
orhi
sFat
herhe'
s
st
il
lst
ruggl
i
ngthrough

Gr
ams:
AwwBant
u

Me:
Howdoy
ouf
eel
thatI
'
llbegone?
Gr
ams:
Youol
d,can'
tl
iv
einmyhousef
orev
er

Il
aughed.
.

Me:
KodwaGogo

QHUMA
IgothomeandmyWi f
ewaspr eparingdi
nner.Si
nce
I'
veki
ll
edt hatguar
d,I'
m notsupposedtosleepwith
herunti
lI'
vedonethenecessarycleansi
ng.
TomorrowIhav etodriv
edownt ot hemanthathelps
me,tomorr owmorningbefor
ethesuncomesup.

Idon'
thav
etoworryaboutagoat
,hehasgoat
sI'
l
l
j
ustbuyonef
rom hi
m..

Me:
Howwasy
ourday
?
Enda:
Mydaywasl
ovel
y,wentt
oseeI
rene
Me:
Howdi
dthatgo?
Enda:
She'
sworr
iedaboutVukani
thathemightbe
doi
ngthi
ngst
hathe'
snotsupposedtobedoing
Shepi
ckeduphergl
assofwi
ne.
..
Enda:
Wannat
ell
mesomet
hing?
Me:Yes.
.MyDaught
eri
scomi
ngt
ovi
sitf
oraf
ew
day
s
Enda:
Who?Abongi
l
e?
Me:
YesAbo,
she'
scomi
ngt
omor
row
Enda:Forhowlonghav
eyouknownt
hatshe'
s
comingtovisi
t?

Abongi
l
eismyolderDaught
er.SameageasEnda,
shewantst
oseethenewplace..

Me:
I'
veknownf
orawhi
l
enow
Enda:
Andy
ouonl
ytel
l
ingmenow?
Me:
Kahl
engedr
amaEnda(
Stopwi
tht
hedr
ama)
Enda:
MaybeIshoul
dgovisi
tmyf
ami
l
ythenI
'
ll
comebackwhenshe'
sgone
Me:
Youov
err
act
ing
Enda:
Am I?She'
sgoingt
obebusyt
ell
i
ngmehow
muchI'
m spendi
ngyourmoney
Me:That'
swhyy
outwoneedt
osor twhat
everdrama
youguyshav
ewit
heachot
her
,it
'sbeenawhilenow
Enda:
May
besheshoul
dchangeherat
ti
tude
t
owar
dsme
Me:
I'
m goi
ngt
otakeashower
!

VUKANI

Idr
oveoutt
othehood,
ledbyt
headdr
ess.Hel
i
ves
i
nSoweto.
.

Iwenttohishouse,f
oundhi
sMother.Ii
ntr
oduced
my sel
fasanoldfri
end,
shetol
dmewher eIcoul
d
fi
ndhim atsomecorner.Af
ri
endofhissel
lssweet
s
andcigar
ettes.

Idr
oveoutthereandi
ndeedf
oundagr
oupofguy
s
chi
l
ledt
here..

Byalookoft
hings,Icoul
dtel
lthi
sguyi
sat
hug
wannabeuyazi
thusela.
.
Me:
Magenge

Theyl
ookedatme.
..
.

Me:Ngi
cel
aukuri
nganoPaseka(
MayIpl
easehav
e
awordwit
hPaseka)

Voi
ce:
Wenauwubani
?(Whoar
eyou)

Me:I
rhuzuof
unaukur
inganal
o(At
hugy
ouwanna
t
alkt
oo)

Hisfri
endsmadeslycomment
s,hegotupfr
om t
he
bucketandwewalkedtomycar
.Weleanedagai
nst
i
t.
.

Me:
Ngi
zwabat
hibowuphi
thi
zel
aeSur
ger
yyakweny
e
i
ndawo(Ihear
dyoucausedsomedr
amaatsome
sur
ger
y)

Paseka:Manj
ewenauhl
anganaphi
neNdaba?(
What
doesthathav
etodowit
hyou)

Me:Iyahlangananamiumauhl
uphauMawengane
yam'(Itconcernsmeify
ouwerehar
assi
ngt
he
motherofmychi l
d)
Paseka:
Manj
eung'
l
ethel
eimpat
ha(
Soshebr
ought
youtome)

Igr
abbedhi
sarm andturnedhi
m around,Ipi
nned
hi
shandagai
nsthisbackandthrewhim agai
nstmy
car
.Hisf
ri
endsgotup,It
ookoutmygun. ..

Me:
Siy
angabaza?(
Arewesay
ingsomet
hing)

Theyshookt
hei
rheads.
.
Voi
ces:
NexSkhul
u

Itur
nedt ot
hef
ri
endandpl
acedmygunonhi
s
head..
..

Me:Ngi
cabangaukut
hiung'
zwi
l
emoss(
Ithi
nkI
'
ve
mademyselfcl
ear
)
Paseka:
NoshoSkhul
u
Il
ower
edthegunandt ur
nedhim ar
ound, Ipl
aced
mygunonhiscr
otch.Isawthefearri
singinhim.
.

Me: Mangabel i
yaqinaisendemf ana,
ubhekeukuthi
udelelabaniang'jwayelwami naabafanaabachama
bengakay i
fakiuyezwa?( Ifyouthinky
outough,be
carefulwhoy oucr oss.Iam nottheonetobe
messedar oundwi th,
especiall
ybyasmal l
boyt hat
ej
acul at
esbef oreputti
ngi ti
n)
Henoddedr
epeat
edl
y.
.

Me: Ngizok'
yenzeujai
veuncunu,ngi
k'
yenzele
i
Biskopkubenamaspecsabant ubadleama
popcornmanj e!(
Iwill
makey oudancenaked, t
urn
youintoanent er
tai
nmentandpeoplewat chyou
whil
steat i
ngpopcorns)

Paseka:
Ngi
yezwaSkhul
u..Hadeey
ami
(Iheary
ou.
.
Sorr
y)

It
ookoffmygunf
rom hi
m andhi
thi
m onhi
sfacea
l
it
tl
e..

Me:Voet
sekng'
shay
isengomoy
a(Voet
sekgi
veme
somespace)

Hewal
kedbackt
ohi
sfr
iendsandIgoti
ntomycar
..
I
rene'
scal
lcamet
hroughasIst
art
eddr
ivi
ng.

Me:
Gogoobov
u(Yel
l
owbone)

I
rene:
Hai
suka!
!

Me:
Hav
eyouknockedof
f?

I
rene:
Yawasgett
ingafewthi
ngsathomet
hen
goi
ngtoy
ourhouse,wher
eareyou?
Me:
Ng'
saj
ola(
I'
m hav
inganaf
fai
r)
I
rene:
Ser
ious?
Me:Kanti
bowungaziukut
hingi
nez'
sharpnami
endaweni(
Youdi
dn'tknowIhaveanothergi
rl
fr
iend)
Ir
ene:Kant
ikeI
ndabay amalobolamelengi
yi
bheke
ngamanyeamehlo(Ineedt
or econsi
dert
hisl
obola
si
tuat
ion)
Me:
Ngi
k'
shadangekani
,abomal
umebakhobazoz
a
ngeconvoylaphoimal
iangekeisaphumangithat
ha
fr
eeofcharge(I'
l
lpayl
obolabyf or
ce,yourUncl
es
wil
lcomeandbyt henI
'l
ltakeyouforfr
ee)
Shel
aughed.
..
I
rene:
Becar
eful
whaty
ousayt
hiscal
li
srecor
ded
Me: Mangibuyelangconongi ngeneleintoekhona,
nginibul
alanonkekwasaphel al
akini(IfIgobackin,
I
wil
l gobackinforar eason.Iwill
killy
ouandy our
fami l
yeventheroachesiny ourhouse)

Shel
aughed.
.
Me:Ngi
ser
oundi
ni,
ngi
zok'
bonaj
ampas(
I'
m onmy
way
)
I
rene:
Okayke.
.Seey
out
hen
Me:Alr
ight
..Ngi
yak'
ncany
way
ezwaSkado?(
Ilov
e
you)
I
rene:
Ilov
eyout
oo

FUTHI
Whathappenedtodayreal
lymessedmeup.Ihope
Vukaniwi
ll
fixthesi
tuat
ion.Pel
ohastodo
somethi
ng,Ican'
thaveVukanidoi
ngthi
s.

Shesaidshewi llseeustomorr
owmor ningto
discusst
hissituati
on.She'
snotser
ious,doesn'
t
seem tocare.Iexpectedhert
ocomer ightaway.
.

Imade3.5kt
oday,
deci dedtopocket500forthe
tr
aumasheputmet hroughtoday.I
'l
lbuymy sel
f
somewineandcomf ortfoodf
orMpi l
oandI.I
deser
vei
t!
.
Tobecont
inued
44

I
RENE

Fut
hist
oppedbyt
ofet
chMpi
l
o.

Ipackedhi
sXboxandputi
tint
hebag.

Zuxi
ewaspr
epar
ingdi
nneratt
heki
tchen.

Wehadamomentofawkwar dnessbet
weenus,no
wordswereshared.Idi
dn'
tknowwhatt osayt
othi
s
woman,I'
m notherfavor
it
epersonbecauseher
babydaddydeci
dedt omoveon..Theawkward
momentseizedwhenVukani walkedi
n..

Vukani
:Ladi
esMant
ombazana
Wegr
eet
edhi
m back.
.
Mpi
l
o:Daddy
Vukani
:Hel
l
ochamp

I
twassweetwi
tnessi
ngt
hemomentbet
ween
Vukani
andMpi
lo.
.

Vukani
:Howi
sschool
goi
ng?
Mpi
l
o:I
t'
sgoi
nggood
Het
ookMpi l
o'
sbagfr
om me,
andhungi
tar
ound
Mpi
l
o'sshoul
ders.
.

Fut
hi:
Irenebefor
eIf orget,
thanky
ouforbei
ngthe
womant hatyouare.Allowi
ngVukani
topayrentf
or
us,
twomont hsinadv ance

Il
ookedatVukani
,her
anhi
shandov
erhi
sbal
d
head.
..
.
If
akedasmi
l
e..

Me:
Don'
tev
enMent
ioni
t,Mpi
l
oisourf
ir
stpr
ior
it
y

Fut
hi:
Eit
herwayt
hanky
ou
Me:
Youwel
come
Vukani
:HugAunt
yIr
eneandsaygoodby
e

Mpi
l
ohuggedmyt
highs.
..
.

Mpi
l
o:Goodby
eAunt
yIr
ene
Me:
Goodby
ebaby
Vukani
:I'
l
lwal
kyouguy
sout

Theywal
kedout
..If
oundwhatjusthappened
humil
i
ati
nganddisr
espect
ful
.Idon'
tmindVukani
taki
ngcar eofhischil
d,andheshouldbutsuch
sit
uations.Iwishhecouldatl
easttel
lmeabout
them soIdon'tlookli
keafool
..Wesupposedtoget
mar r
ied,honestyshoul
dbeapr i
ori
ty.
.

VUKANI

Idon'
tknowhowFut
hi'
smindwor
ks.Iopenedt
he
doorf
orMpil
oandst
rappedhi
m.

Me:
GuessI
'
llseey
out
omor
row
Mpi
l
o:Af
terschool
don'
tfor
get
,noti
nthemor
ning
Ichuckl
ed.
.
Me:
Mpi
l
oIknowy
ouat
tendSchool
Mpi
l
o:Par
ent
sfor
get
Me:
Nott
hisone
Mpi
l
o:Okay
Me:
Giv
emeaki
ss
Heki
ssedme.
.
Me:
I'
ll
seey
out
omor
row,
Ilov
eyou
Mpi
l
o:Il
ovey
out
oo
Icl
osedt
hedoorandt
urnedt
oFut
hi.
.
Me:
Whatwast
hatal
labout
?
Fut
hi:
What
?
Il
ookedather
..
Fut
hi:
Ohwshedi
dn'
tknow
Me:Neverspeakt
oIr
eneaboutany
thi
ng,
othert
han
j
ustgr
eeti
ngher
Futhi
:Ohw..It
houghtIwasdoi
ngagoodt
hingt
o
thankyou
Me:
Aghf
ucky
ouFut
hi,
notev
ery
thi
ngi
sabouty
ou!
Fut
hi:
Yeahgoodni
ght

ENDA(
QHUMA'
SWI
FE)
Idon'tl
i
keQhuma'
sDaughtershe'
sademon.She
hatesmeandIdon'
tl
ikehertoo.
.

Qhumawasinthekit
chenshi
rt
less,
onlyhadhis
sweat
pant
son.He'sver
yobsessedwithcof
fee,he
candr
inkacupofcoff
eeandstil
lsl
eep..

Foraguyhisage,hereal
l
ymaint
ainshi
sbody.Used
togotothegym backwhenwewer ei
nOrangefar
m,
hehasn'
tstar
tedonehere..

He'
sgoodi
nbed,atleastI'
m notst
uckwi
thanol
d
manwhocan'
tperf
orm. .

Me:
Hey
Hel
ookedatme.
.
Me:Ihat
ewhenwef i
ght,
becauseyoutheonl
y
per
soninmyteam whenitcomest
oy ourexwi
fe
andki
ds
Hepl
acedt
hemugont
hecount
er.
.
Qhuma:
Ijustwi
shy
ouandAbocoul
dsor
tyourshi
t
out
Iwal
kedupt
ohi
m andpl
acedmyhandsar
oundhi
s
wai
st.
.

Me:
Iwi
l
ltr
yandbeci
vi
lwi
thher
Qhuma:
That
'sal
lI'
m aski
ng
Ileanedovertoki
sshim,hetur
nedhisheadand
facedtheotherway.Thatwasnotgood,
he'snev
er
decli
nedsexf r
om me..

Hegothi
shandsof
fme.
.
Qhuma:
Nott
oni
ght
..I
'
mti
red

Hewal
kedt
othebedr
oom.
.

I
RENE
Iwastaki
ngofftheduv
etandpil
l
owsfr
om our
bedr
oom.Heshowedupandst oodatt
hedoor
,the
doorwasopen..

Vukani
:Ar
eweokay
?
Me:
Whywoul
dn'
twebeokay
?
Vukani
:Iassumedy
ouwi
l
lbi
tchaboutwhatFut
hi
sai
d
Me:Why?I
t'
syourmoneyy
oucandowhat
every
ou
wantwi
thi
t
Vukani
:I'
m notsl
eepi
ngwi
thher
,Idon'
twannabe
wit
hher
Me: Nowwhywoul
dyousaysuch?Inev
ersai
dnor
assumedyouwere
Vukani
:Ngangenzi
isl
i
maI
rene,
Iknowt
hat
'sexact
ly
whatyouthi
nk
Me:
Theny
ouwr
ong
Vukani
:Ri
ghtf
ightwi
thmeaboutt
his,
scr
eam,
yel
l
andal
lthatshi
tdon'
tj
ustgi
vemet
hatcal
mnesst
o
di
ssme
Me:VukaniIdon'
twannafightwi
thyouoverwhat
youdoforyourbabyMamaandy ourchi
ld,why
shoul
dIfi
ghtyouaboutthat?
Vukani
:I'
m sor
ry
Me:
Ijustwannabat
handsl
eep
Iwalkedt
othebat
hroom,
hef
oll
owedmeandgent
ly
grabbedmyarm.
..

Vukani
:Don'
tdot
hat
..Don'
tdot
hatt
ome
Het
urnedmear
oundsoIcoul
dfacehi
m..
Vukani
:Iwannat
alkaboutt
his
Me:
Idon'
twannat
alkabouti
t
Vukani:Weshoul
d,becauseIknowi
fwedon'tt
he
nextfewdayswil
lbeyougivi
ngmeanatti
tudeanda
coldshoul
der.
.Ng'
phathi
saintl
oko(
Yougoingt
o
gi
vemeaheadache)
Iy
ankedmyhandf
rom hi
sgr
ip.
.

Me:
Idon'
twannat
alkabouti
t!

FUTHI

WegothomeandIcan' tbeli
eveVukanididn'
ttel
l
Ir
eneaboutthi
s.Idi
dthatrandomlyj
usttocheck
andeval
uatethesit
uat
ion,andIgottheresul
tsIwas
hopi
ngfor.
..

Thisisgoi
ngwel l
andgoodf orme,Ij
ustneedt
o
breakthem f
rom afarandwatcht
hisshameofa
rel
ati
onshipcrumbledown..

I
RENE

WhenIwasdonebat
hing,
Iwentt
obed.Hewas
l
ayi
ngonhi sbackont
hebedwi
thahi
shandonhi
s
f
orehead.
.

Me:
Ijustwi
shedy
oucoul
d'
vet
oldmeabouti
t

Her
emov
edhi
shandf
rom hi
sface.
.

Me:Wegetti
ngmarri
edsoon,
weshoul
dal
way
sbe
honestwi
theachot
her

Vukani
:IknowandI '
m sor
ryIdidn'
ttel
lyou,
ify
ou
mad.BemadbecauseIdi dn'
ttelly
ounotbecause
Fut
hitol
dy oubecauseshe'
sdoingitoutofspi
te

Me:
Iknow

Vukani
:I'
m sor
ryt
hiswi
l
lnev
erhappenagai
n
Me:
Itbet
ternot

ENDA(
QHUMA'
SWI
FE)

Qhumawokeupv er
year
lyi
nthemorni
ngandl
eft
,
di
dn'tsaywher
ehewasgoi
ngnorwhenhewil
lbe
back..

I
tpuzzl
edme,i
twasconfusi
ng.Thi
sisnotourl
i
fe,
wedon'
tdot
hingst
hisway..

Itbotheredmeagreatdeal
,can'
ti
maginehim
cheatingonme.What'sgoi
ngbecomeofmyl if
e?I
'
m
onlyinthismar
ri
agecontri
buti
ngnot
hingbutmy
vagina..

Ipour
edmysel
fasecondglassofwine,t
hat
'show
muchbot
heredIwasbythesit
uati
on..
I
RENE

Iwokeupt
oVukani
star
ingatme.
.

Me:
What
?
Vukani
:Not
hing
Me:Peopl
ewhostar
eatot
herpeopl
ear
eusual
l
y
pl
anni
ngmurder
Vukani
:Kant
ivel
ek'
dal
angi
yicabanga(
I'
vebeen
thi
nki
ngaboutit
)
Me:
Babydon'
tsaysucht
hings,
theynotr
omant
ic

Hemovedhi
sfi
nger
sfr
om myar
mtomyar
mpi
tand
t
ickl
edme.
.

Me:
Stopi
t!Yousochi
l
dish

Vukani
:Iwast
hinki
ng
Me:
Hewast
hinki
ngv
eryear
lyi
nmor
ning
Vukani
:Cav
amaanngi
ser
ious
Me:
Whatwer
eyout
hinki
ng?
Vukani
:Thenextweekendofmepay
ingl
obol
a,l
et'
s
j
usthaveatr
aditi
onalweddi
ng
Iwi
pedmyey
es.
.

Me:
Arey
ouser
ious?
Vukani
:Deadser
ious

Vukani
hasat
endencyofj
ustdr
oppi
ngbombsat
me..
.
Tobecont
inued

Belovedpl
easekeepmeiny ourprayer
s,Facebook
hasbeenunkindtometheseday s.Yest
erdayI
couldn'
tpostany
thi
ngIkeptonget t
ingthi
smessage
f
rom bot
haccount
s
45

I
RENE

IloveVukani ,probablymor ethanIshouldnow.I

l
ov ehim somuchandt heideaofmebei nghi swif
e
hasagoodr i
ngt oit
..Whi chwomanwoul dn'
twant
tobeawi f
et osomeoneoneday ?Ilovehi m butal
so
scaredofbei nghur t
.Iam pr epar
edt ogi
v ehimt he
benefi
toft hedoubt ,notaccusehi m whenhehasn' t
doneany thing.Notpai nthim wit
hthesamebr ush
thatpeopledo, onlyseei nganexconandwhatnot .
He'sbeendoi ngwell,he'sbeentryi
ngIshoul d
beli
eveinhi m. .

Iwasatwor
k,hedroppedmeof
fandsai
dhe'
sgoi
ng
topi
ckmeuplater
..

Thami:Idon'
tunder
standwhysomebabyMamas
areal
way soutt
oruinthel
i
vesofthei
rbabydaddi
es,
whycan'
tsomeoneacceptwheni
t'
sov
er?

Me:Iam t
ell
i
ngy ou,
she'
stheresi
nki
nginherclaws
deepi
nsi
deofhim.Shedoest hi
ngsonpurposeto
pi
ssmeof f
,getundermyskinandit
'si
rr
it
ati
ng

Thami
:Justdon'
tgi
veheranupperhand
Me:
Itol
dmy
sel
fIwon'
t
Thami
:Ory
ouwi
l
llosey
ourman
Me:
Iwon'
tgi
vehert
heupperhand

VUKANI

Iwasatthebott
lest
ore.Mymoneyfr
om thehei
st,
I'
vest
ashediti
nabigbegthatI
'
m keepi
nginmy
wardr
obe,i
nthemeant i
me.

Iwannagetasaf
e,andkeepi
tsaf
eint
her
e.
IwasoccupiedbyFacebook,Futhihadpostedafew
pi
ctur
esinthere.Shel
ookedbeaut i
ful
,ver
ybeautif
ul.
Shehasalwaysbeenbeautif
ul,butshewasgl owi
ng
more.Ir
eactedwithaheartandkeptitmov i
ng..

ENDA

Qhumafi
nall
ycameback.I
twasar
ound11am when
hewal
kedin.
.

Heki
ssedmeonmycheek.
.

Qhuma:
Unj
ani
?(Howar
eyou)
Me:
I'
m goodwena?
Qhuma:
I'
m good
Me:
Wher
ehav
eyoubeen?
Qhuma:
Justwentoutt
osor
taf
ewt
hingsout
Me:
Whatt
hings?
Qhuma:Not
hingt
hatwoul
dimpr
essy
ou,
just
busi
ness
Me:
OhwIsee
Qhuma:
I'
m dr
ivi
ngoutt
ofet
chuAbowoul
dyoul
i
ke
t
ocome?
Wasthatatri
ckquest
ion?Heknowsver
ywellt
he
i
ssuesthatl
i
ebetweenandI,andhi
sexwif
e..

Me:NoI
'
llj
ustbebusypr
epar
ingt
heguestr
oom f
or
her
Qhuma:
That
'sgood,
thanky
ou
Me:
Okay
Iwal
kedaway
..
Qhuma:
Wear
egoodr
ight
?
If
akedasmi
l
e..
Me:
Wear
egood
FUTHI

Seeinganoti
fi
cati
ononFacebookt
hatVukani
reactedonmypictur
emademehappy,itmademy
day..

SboandIwewer etal
ki
ngaboutt hi
ngsawomancan
uset
oat t
ractmen.Iwasshockedathowhonestshe
was,athowshespokeaboutthiswithnof
earatal
l.
.

Mostwomenusesucht
hingsanddon'
ttel
l
,shet
old
i
tal
l.
.

Sbo:
Unamat
hel
a
Me:
Ther
e'saher
bthat
'scal
l
ed"
Namat
hel
a?"
Sbo:Yes,it'
smorel
i
keaplantyouputi
tinyourbat
h
andbat h,
thent
hemanthatyouwantwil
l st
art
noti
cingyoumorebutbecaref
ulhe'
sgoingtobe
annoying
Me:
Ser
ious?
Sbo:
I'
veuseditafewti
meswant
edmyexbackbut
al
lmyExesstart
edfol
l
owingme
Me:Youseet
hat
'swhatIdon'
twant
,Ij
ustwantone
ext
of ol
l
owme
Sbo:Yesusei
t,t
heotheronesyouwil
li
gnoreand
concent
rat
eontheonethatyouwanttofol
l
owy ou
Me:
Isee,
thanky
ousomuchSbo.Wher
ecanIf
indi
t?
Sbo:
Iwi
l
lbr
ingi
tfory
out
omor
row
Me:
Okayt
hanky
ou
Sbo:I
t'
sjustasampl
e,i
fitwor
ksy
oucanbuy
your
selfmore
Me:
Thanky
ousomuch

VUKANI

I
rensi
sthebestwomanI'
veev
erhad,shei
soney
ou
bri
nghome.Oneyoucanmakeawifeandhav
eki
ds
with.Iwantanotherbaby,
Ifeelr
eadytohav
e
anotherbabybutIrenehasdif
fer
entfeel
i
ngs
towardsthesit
uation.

I
fwearemar r
ied,
thenIknowthatshewil
lgi
veme
oneandpossi
blymoreinthecour
seofthemarr
iage.
.

IwasneverthereforMpilo,Iwanttocommitmysel
f
tobei
ngar esponsibl
efatherandIwantababythat
'l
l
bether
etof at
herthroughout..I
'
m notusi
ngmynot
bei
ngthereforuMpi l
oasanexcuset ohaveababy.I
j
ustwantababy ..Ihopeafterwegetmarri
ed,
she
wil
lagr
ee..

Boy
zini
wal
kedi
n..

Boy
zin:
Baf
anas
Me:
Boy
zini
Boy
:Uy
aphi
l
aMbhem?(
Arey
ouwel
l
?)
Me:
,kuy
aphi
l
eka(
I'
m sur
viv
ing)
Boy
:I'
m nother
et odi
stur
byou,
Ijusthav
ea
messagetodel
iver
Me:
About
?
Boy
:Wehi
tt
ingacer
tai
nhousesomet
imenextweek
Me:
Ahouse?
Boy
:Qhumasay
she'
sri
ch,
hasasaf
eint
hehouse
Me:
Whyshoul
dwedot
hat
?
Boy:t
hemoneyi
nther
eisi
nthesaf
e,t
hat
'swhatwe
need
Me:It'
sdanger
ousI'
m sure,
noonewhohasasaf
ein
thehousecan'
tpr
otecti
t.Sucht
hingsar
ewel
l
prot
ected
Boy:
I'
mjustheretodeli
vert
hemessage,
ever
ythi
ng
el
sewewillhearf
rom Qhuma
Thisi
susgett
inginwayoverourheads,thi
sis
prematur
eanditwil
lLandusi
ntrouble.
.
Tobecont
inued
46

VUKANI

Iwasn'
tfeel
ingconfidentwi
ththishousebr
eaking.I
haveneverdoneahousebr eak,andIthi
nkQhumai s
bei
ngirr
ati
onal.There'
snowaywecanpul l
thisoff
,
i
t'
swayt oocompl excomparedtoanor malhei
st.
.

Tsongawasar
ound,
wewer
edr
inki
ngbeer
s.

Tsonga:Ithoughtweweregoi
ngtolayof
ffora
whil
e,foratleast3mont
hs.Thi
sspell
sasuici
de
missi
onal t
ogether

Me: Ididn'
tsignupforhousebreaki
ngs,I
'm not
aboutt oli
vemyf amil
yandgot ojai
lagai
n.Ahouse
breakingistoodangerousandtoocomplex,it
's
somet hingweshouldn'tdoj
ustoutoftheblue
Tsonga:Iunder
standwhereyoucomingf
rom,
Ial
so
feel
thesameway .Wewil
ltal
ktohi
m

FUTHI

DrPel ocameback, wehadanal tercati

onwi t
h
regardstowhathappened.If eltli
keshewasnot
taki
ngt hesi
tuati
onser i
ously,shewast el
li
ngme
thatshecan'thir
eabody guard,becauseshehas
neverranint
oani ncidentli
ket hi
sbef ore.I
twast
he
fi
rstandlastinci
dent.Itwon'thappenagai n.

Howcansomeonenottakethei
rEmpl
oyee'
ssaf
ety
ser
ious?She'
sver
ysel
fi
sh.
.

Pel
o:Iunder
standy
ourf
rust
rat
ions
Me:
Idon'
tthi
nky
oudo!Whati
fheat
tackedme?
Pel
o:Youar
eov
err
eact
ingFut
hi,
hewasj
ust
concernedbecausewehav eneverhadissueswit
h
ourGoldsfall
i
ngof f
.Itj
ustst
art
edwi t
hy ou,t
her
e's
probablysomethi
ngy ounotdoi
ngrighti
nt he
processofapplyi
ngit

Me:
Sot
hisi
sal
lmyf
aul
t?
Pelo:No..I
'
mj ustsayi
ngI'
ll
beher
etoseehowy
ou
applythem sothatIcanseehowyoudoi
t
Me:IhaveadegreeinDental t
her
apy,Idon'
tneed
anyhel
p.IknowwhatI'm doingandi
fy oudon'tt
rust
myeducati
onthenwehav enot hi
ngtotalkabout
!
Howaboutmay beyoubuycheapmat er
ialt
osave
cost
sandthisi
swhyt hi
si shappeni
ng?
Pelo:Ihav ebeenusingt hesamemat eri
al ev ersince
Iopenedmysur gery,whywoul di
tstartactingup
now?Fut hiIam notsayingyoudon'tknowhowt odo
thi
ngs, I
'm notdegradingyounorcalli
ngy oust upid.
Weher etohelpeachot her,
youwer eworki ngatt he
hospi
t al.Theydon'tdothat,i
tisyourfi
rstpr ocess
soall
owhel p.All
owt obehelped
Me:
Ireal
l
ydon'
tneedt
his,
Iqui
t
Pel
o:Youqui
t?
Me:
Iqui
t
Pel
o:I
fthat
'sy
ourat
ti
tudey
ouwon'
tbeabl
etowor
k
wit
hother
swell
Me:I
fthat
'syourat
ti
tudetootowardssi
tuat
ion,
you
won'
tbeabletoworkwithother
stoo!

Iwentandt
ookmybag.
.

QHUMA

Abowasquietl
ysi
tt
ingont
hepassenger
'ssi
tbusy
wit
hherphone.
.

Me:
Howi
sschool
goi
ng?
Abo:
It'
sgoi
ngwel
l
Me:
Howar
eyou?
Abo:
I'
m good
Me:
Abocomeon
Abo:Iam goi
ngtovisi
tthatvi
ciouswif
eofyours,
I
can'
tfakeemoti
ons!Idon'twannafakeemoti
ons.
.I
don'
tli
keher
Me:
Why
?
Abo:Shebr
okeourf
ami
l
y,si
ncewhendoGuy
swi
fe
thei
rsi
dechi
cks?
Me: Mymar ri
aget oyourMotherandwi thyour
Mot herwasalreadyfall
i
ngapart,Endaisnotthe
reasonwhyy ourMot herandIfel
loff.Istar
teda
rel
ationshi
pwithEndabecauseal readyyourMother
andIt hi
ngswer enolongergood,I'
m notgoingto
tel
ly ouwhathappenedbet weenusbecauseIdon't
wantt obadmout htheMot herofmyki dsbuttr
ust
me.Youar ebar ki
ngupt hewrongt r
ee.Endadid
nothing!

FUTHI

Ical
l
edVukani
cry
ing.
.
Vukani
:Fut
hi
Icoul
dn'
tsayany
thi
ng.
.
Vukani
:Yi
nimanj
e?(
Whati
sitnow)
Me:
Iqui
t
Vukani
:Why
?
Me: Itoldheraboutwhathappenedandshet ookit
l
ightly,she'
shardlyherewhati fonedayIget
attacked?Someoneact uall
ykil
lsme?WhenIt al
k
shet el
lsmei fIknewmyj obthiswouldn'thav
e
happened.She' susi
ngcheapmat eri
al,andthen
accusesmeofv i
l
et hi
ngs..Alsoaccusedmeof
steali
nghermoney
Vukani
:That
'sbi
g
Me:Ican'
tdothi
sanymore,maybeMpi
loandI
shoul
dconsi
dermovingbackhomebecauseIwon'
t
havemoneytomaint
ainus
Vukani
:Don'tt
alkl
iket
hatFuthi
,younotmov i
ng
backtoyourhousewhereyourMotherabusesmy
Son
Me:Idon'
twantMpil
oandIbei
ngabur
dentoyou,
andIdon'
twantI
reneseei
ngmeasani
nti
midati
on
Vukani
:Iwi
l
lhel
pyouguy
sunt
ily
ouf
indanot
herj
ob
Me:Pl
easet
alkt
oIr
eneIdon'
twantt
hiscomi
ngi
n
bet
weenyouguy
s
Vukani
:I'
l
lgetbackt
oyou
Me:ThankyouVukani,
aft
erever
ythi
ngI
'
vedonet
o
youIdi
dn'
texpectyoutodothi
s
Vukani
:I'
m doi
ngt
hisf
ormySon
Me:
Iknowandt
hanky
ou
Vukani
:By
e

I
RENE

AsIwasbusyatwor
k,Vukani
'
scal
lcamet
hrough.
.

Me:
Babe
Vukani
:Am Idi
stur
bing?
Me:
Notr
eal
l
y..I
sev
ery
thi
ngokay
?
Vukani
:Ev
ery
thi
ngisfi
ne,Iwasthinki
ngweshoul
d
sel
ectt
hethi
sweekendforlobol
anegoti
ati
ons
Me:
Iwi
l
ltal
ktomyGr
andma
Vukani
:Konj
ewhatdowedo?Sendal
ett
er?
Me:
Iam notsur
e,I
'
llf
indoutf
rom her
Vukani
:Okay
Me:
That
'sal
l
?
Vukani
:Yesunl
essy
ouhav
esomet
hingt
otel
lme
Me:
Ihav
enot
hingt
otel
lyou
Vukani
:Il
ovey
ou
Me:
Ilov
eyoumor
e

ENDA

AboandQhumawal
kedin.Qhumawascarry
ing
Abo'
sbagandaf
ewotherthi
ngsofher
s..
Icoul
dseef
rom herf
acethatshewoul
drat
herbe
anywher
eel
sebuthere.
.

Qhuma:
Sthandwasam
Me:
Myl
ove
Qhuma:
Wear
eher
e
Me:
Hel
l
oAbo
Abo:
Dadwher
eam Igoi
ngt
osl
eep?
Qhuma:
Thi
sway
Theywalkedt
otheguestr
oom,
it'
sgoi
ngt
obea
l
ongvisi
t..

VUKANI

Icoul
dt el
lIr
eneaboutwhathappenedtoFuthi
,and
thatI
'
llberesponsi
blef
orthei
rfi
nancesbutIwon't.
Wealmostf oughtt
helastt
imeIdid,sorat
herIjust
l
etitsl
idefornow.Wewi
l
ltal
kabouti
taf
tert
he
negoti
ati
ons..

I'
m scaredthatIr
ene,mightwalkoutonmei fIdo
anythi
ngwr ong.Shewon'thesi
tate,shewon'tgiv
e
measecondchancesoIam t r
yinghardtonotlet
thathappen.Ilovehert
oomucht oloseher
..Itexted
Qhumat hatweshouldmeetupl ateron.
.

Someguywal
kedi
n..

Hi
m:Ekse
Me:
Sho
Hi
m:Idon'
tknowi
fI'
mint
her
ightpl
ace
Me:
K'hambani
?(WhatcanIhel
pyouwi
th)
Hi
m:Uv
ukani
neh?
Me:
Whowant
stoknow?
Hi
m:Nomaan,
ngi
zwebat
hiut
hengi
sai
ntshi
za(
I
hear
dyousel
l
ingguns)
Me:
From who?
Hi
m:Someoner
efer
redmet
oyou

Hecoul
dbeanunder
cov
ercop.Thi
sisquest
ionabl
e..

Me:Idon'
tknowwhatyoutal
ki
ngabout
,thi
sisa
bot
tl
estore.St
ri
ctl
yabot
tl
estor
e
Him:I
fyouworr
iedthatImightbeacoporasni
tch,
youdon'
thav
etoo..Iam st
ri
ctl
ycomingher
efor
hel
p

Me:Eksemf
wet
hu,
Idon'
tknowwhaty
out
alki
ng
about

Hi
m:Sur
ebhoz
ayami
Me:
Shar
p
FUTHI

Idr
ovehomewhi
l
stont
hephonewi
thSbo.

Sbo:
Qui
ti
ngwasdr
ast
ic
Me:
Qui
ti
ngwasnecessar
y,y
ousawwhathappened
Sbo:Idi
d..I
'
m sor
ryt
oheart
hatIr
eal
l
ylov
edhav
ing
youaround
Me:
Met
ooIl
i
kedhav
ingy
out
her
e
Sbo:
Aski
essi
si
Me:
Sothatt
hing,
canIst
il
lcomet
opi
cki
tup
t
omorr
ow?
Sbo:
Yes
Me:
Seey
out
omor
rowt
hen
Sbo:
Tomor
rowi
tis

ENDA
Qhuma:
I'
m goingouttomeetupwi
thVukani
att
he
bot
tl
est
ore,I
'
llseeyoulat
er
Me:
Lat
eri
tis
Heki
ssedmeandt
henwal
kedout
..

Iwentt
otheguestr
oom.Iknocked.
.

Abo:
Comei
n
Imademywayi
n..

Abo:
Whatdoy
ouwant
?
Me:Iwaswonder
ingi
fIcanpr
epar
esomet
hingt
o
eatf
oryou?
Abo:Ofcour
senot
!Whatdoest
hef
oodhav
e?
Poi
son?
Me:
Abocomeon,
whywoul
dIwanty
oudead?
Abo:
Becausey
ouar
eev
il
Me:
Yourfatherwasal
readyhav
ingi
ssueswi
thy
our
Mot
her
,Ididn'tbr
eakt
hem up
Abo:
Ohhpl
ease
Me:
Younotbei
ngf
air
Abo:Justst
ayawayfr
om meokay?I'
m nother
efor
you,
I'
m heretov
isi
tmyfat
herandnotyou!
.
Tobecont
inued
47

I
RENE

Day sfoll
owingt othelobolanegot i
ati
onsseemedt o
gof aster
,IthoughtmyGr andfather.My
Grandmot her'
sy oungerbr ot
herwasgoi ngto
disappoint.Probablyaskwhyhewasi nf
ormed4
daysbef orethenegot i
ationshadt obeheld.My
Grandfather,myUncl e,andcousi nweregoingto
representme.Iwi shedt hatmyFat herwasstil
lal
ive,
hewasgoi ngt obeproudoft hismoment ..If
eell
ike
I
'vemadehi m proud..

ItwasaFr i
daymorningandmyf amil
y,i
t'
satr
adit
ion
tocelebrateever
yachievementnomat t
erhowsmall
i
tseems.I tseemsliketheygoingt
omakeabi gdeal
tomorr ow,onsomethingthat
'
smeantt obeasmall
celebrati
on..
Iwasscar ed,
lobol
anegot i
ati
onsseem togowr ong
atti
mesandmyGr andf
atherdoesn'
ttakeshi
t.He's
ful
lofitIdohopehewi ll
levelwit
hVukani'
sfather
becauseheal soseemshar dheaded.
.

MyGr
andmot
herwal
kedi
ntomybedr
oom.
.

Gr
ams:
Mostgi
rl
swoul
dbehappy
Me:
Iam happy
Shesatnextt
ome.
.
Grams:
Iknowy ouI
rene,
youcan'
thi
deany
thi
ng
fr
om me..What
'swr
ong?
Me: Lobol
aissomet
hingbig,
ift
omor
rowgoeswel
l
I
'm goingtobesomeone'
swife
Gr
ams:
Youscar
ed?
Me:
Abit,
somerelati
onshipsar
egoodt
hen
mar
ri
agerui
nsev
er y
thing
Grams:Don'
tthinkl
ikethat
,ify
outhinkl
iket
hatt
hen
youcr
eati
ngit.Vukaniseemslikeagoodguyunl
ess
youdon'
ttr
usthi
m,i
fyoudon'
ttheny
oushoul
dn'
t
wastehi
sti
meandyours
Me:Idot
rusthi
m, Idol
ovehi
m.Idon'
tknowi
fwe
goi
ngtomakethiswork
Grams:
Ever
ythi
ngi
sgoi
ngt
ogowel
l
,I'
vepr
ayedon
i
t
Me:ThankyouGr
ams,
Idon'
tknowwhatI
'
ddo
wi
thoutyou

VUKANI

Qhuma:
Ngi
yakuzwaMbhem (
Iheary
ou)
Me:Ijustt
hinkt
hatweshouldst
ickt
owhatweknow,
hei
stsastocompli
cat
ethings
Qhuma:Thethingis,
thi
sguyisri
ch.He'
sabusi
ness
man,ver
ycorruptandkeepshi
smoneyinhi
shouse.
It
houghtitwasaquickcash
Me:Suchpeoplethei
rhousesar
eguardedheav
il
y,
t
heywouldn'
tjusthaveaneasyent
rancet
othei
r
money.Wewi ll
havetoknowthehousei
nandout
,
wewillhavetogetaninsi
demanandI'
m sur
ehi
s
peopl
ear el
oyaltothecor
e
Qhuma:Let
'snotdi
scusssuch,
youar
eof
fthe
marketf
rom t
omorr
ow
Me:
Whyar
eyouher
e?Thi
sisy
our3r
dbot
tl
e
Qhuma:Mywifeandmydaughteraref
ighti
ngat
home,i
t'
snotasafeenv
ironmentt
obei n
Me:EishIunder
stand,
Ial
sohav
eababyMama
pr
oblem
Qhuma:
Theyt
hewor
st
Me: Idon'
twantthesit
uati
onget t
inginbet weenme
andI r
eneatthesamet i
meI '
m scaredifIjustcome
offonFuthishemightpreventmef rom seeingmy
Son.Idon'thav
eal egtostandon, I
'
m anexcon.The
courtwon'tbeonmysi de
Qhuma:
She'
sgoi
ngt
ousehi
mtogett
oyou
Me:
Iknow
Qhuma:
Yout
hinkshest
il
lhasf
eel
i
ngsf
ory
ou?
Me:Idon'
tknow.
.Wi
tht
hatone,
youwoul
dnev
er
know

FUTHI

Zuxi
e:It
houghthewoul
dbeatschool
Me:
Spor
tsday
,hedi
dn'
tmaket
het
eam
Zuxi
e:That
'ssad.
.Hel
l
oBoy
Mpi
l
o:Hel
l
oGr
andma
Mpi
l
owentt
othel
ounge.
.

Zuxi
e:Ar
en'
tyougoi
ngt
owor
k?
Me:
Iqui
t
Zuxi
e:Inthi
scount
rywher
eunempl
oy menti
s
shooti
ngoutthr
oughther
oof
,yout
hinkquit
ingi
s
thebestchoi
ce?
Me:
Theenv
ironmentwast
oxi
c,Igothar
assed
Zuxi
e:That
'sbad
Me:
Yest
oomuch
Zuxi
e:You'
l
lfi
ndsomet
hing,
don'
twor
ry
Me:
Thanky
ou.
.Thanky
ouf
ort
aki
ngcar
eofMpi
l
o
f
orme
Zuxi
e:Il
ovehav
ingherar
ound
Me:
Letmego,
Ihav
elaundr
ytodo
Zuxi
e:Okaywewi
l
lseey
oul
ater
Me:
ByeBaby
Mpi
l
o:By
eMama

ENDA

Thebedroom wasunt
idy.Abowassleepi
nghalf
naked.Shewentoutl
astnight
,camebackthi
s
morningatar
ound4am.Ther oom wassmell
i
nglike
abrewery.
.

Iwal
kedov
erandopenedt
hecur
tai
ns,
thenopened
t
hewi
ndowt
oof
orf
reshai
r.
.

Aboi
smakingmyl i
fedi
ff
icul
tar
oundher
e,Ican'
t
br
eat
h.Can'
tsneezeinmyownhouse.

Me:
Abo
Shekeptqui
et.
.
Me:
Abo!
!!
Sheopenedherey
es.
.
Abo:
Whatdoy
ouwant
?
Me: Canyoupleasedri
nkwat
er,
lot
sofwatersoy ou
canhavethestrengt
htowakeuplat
erandclean
aroundhere?
Abo:Thi
sismyFat
her'
shouse!Idon'
thav
etowake
upatyourownt
imeanddoany t
hing!
Me:
It'
smyhouse
Abo:Whatcentdi
dyoucont
ri
but
e?Whatexact
lyar
e
youcont
ri
buti
nghereot
hert
hanyourv
agi
na?
Me:Hai bo!
!Thisismyhouse..Yourfat
heri
s
maintai
ningyouisn'
the?There'
snocentItakef
rom
hi
mt hatprevent
shimf r
om support
ingyouand
payi
ngy ourf
ees
Abo:
Getoutofmyr
oom andst
ayout
!

Iwal
kedoutandbangedt
hedoor
..

FUTHI

Ideci
dedtostopbyatthebot tl
est or
etogreet
Vukani
.Ist
il
lcan'
tstomacht hef actt
hathe'
spayi
ng
l
obolatomorr
ow.Ithurt
,ithurtreall
ybad.
.

Wewal
kedoutt
omycar
..

Me:
Soy
oupay
ingl
obol
atomor
row?
Vukani
:Yes
Me:
Congr
atul
ati
ons
Vukani
:Thanky
ou
(
Sil
ence)
Vukani
:Youdounder
standt
hatYouandIar
edone?
Me:
Iunder
stand
Vukani
:SoIhopeyouwon'
tuseMpi
l
otocomei
n
bet
weenIreneandI?
Me: Underst
andingthesi
tuat
iondoesn'
tmeant
hatI
acceptitbecauseIdon'
t
Vukani
:Fut
hi
Me: Ican'
tacceptitVukaniandIwon'
t!Il
oveyou,
I
sti
ll
loveyoudeepl ycan'
tyousee?IknowI'v
emade
thebiggestmistakebywhatIdidbut.
.Iknowthat
ther
e'sapartofy outhatst
il
llov
esme
Vukani
:Wher
eisal
loft
hiscomi
ngf
rom now?
Me:
BecauseIdon'
twanty
out
odoi
t
Vukani
:Idi
dloveyoubuty
ouhur tmeal otFut
hi,
yes
Ist
il
ldolov
ey oubuty
ouruinedus,r
uinedwhatwe
had
Iwi
pedmyt
ear
s..
Me:
Babypl
ease
Igotcl
osert
ohi
m..
Vukani
:Fut
hist
op.
.
It
ri
edt
ouchi
nghi
m,hepushedmeback.
.
Vukani
:Isai
dst
opi
t!
!Awuzwana?
Me:
ButIst
il
ll
ovey
ou
Vukani:Onl
ybecauseBonelefty
ouhighanddr y,
onlybecauseyoulosti
tal
lnowy ouher
ecryingout
tome..Youthinkthi
sisagame?Youcanj ustfuck
upandcomecr yi
ngandexpectmetoacceptyou
back?Got ohell
!

Hewal
kedt
othebot
tl
est
oreandt
henst
opped.
.

Vukani
:Andyouwi
l
lrespectI
rene,
I'
m notaski
ngy
ou
I
'mtell
i
ngyou!!
Hewal
kedi
nsi
de.
.

Igoti
ntomycarandcri
edmore.Ihaven'
tusedwhat
Sboshgaveme,nowIhavet
oconsiderusingi
t.
.

I
RENE

Mycousi
n'
swi
fewasar
ound.
.

Her:
Ntombotomorrowy
ou'
l
lbegoi
ngt
oyournew
home,ar
eyouready
?
Me:
Ithi
nkIam
Her:Atl
eastyouspeakhi
ghl
yofy
ouri
nlaws,
they
soundli
kenicepeopl
e
Me:
Theyar
e,I
'
m hopi
ngi
t'
l
lst
ayt
hatwayev
enaf
ter
t
omorr
ow
Her
:Ifi
tdoesn'
t,
youandVukswi
l
lhav
etof
indy
our
ownplace
Me:That'
str
ue,I
'm notwor
ri
edabouthi
sfami
l
y.I
'
m
wor
riedabouthi
sbabyMamashe'sevil
Her
:Hai
loy
oneedst
owai
tkancanceser
iousl
y
Me:
I'
mtel
l
ingy
ou
Her:Don'
tgi
veheranupperhand,
andpr
ayhar
dshe
mightbeusi
ngwitchcr
aft
Me:
Yout
hink?
Her
:Iwoul
dn'
tputi
tpassher
Me:Yoohnowy ouscar
ingmeespeci
all
yaft
ert
he
stor
iesIr
eadonFacebookabouti
zi
chi
thoandwhat
not
Her
:Don'
trest
,suchgi
rl
sar
edanger
ous
Me:
Nowt
haty
ou'
vement
ionedi
t.
.Iwon'
t

Wecont
inuedwashi
ngdi
shes.
.

VUKANI
Idon'
tknowhowFuthi'
smindworks.Shethi
nks
aft
erever
ythi
ngshe'
sdonewewillgobacktohow
thi
ngsusedtobe?Idon'
tseeusbeingtoget
herev
er
again

Ical
l
edI
rene.
.

Shedi
dn'
tpi
ckup.It
ri
edheragai
n,st
il
l.
..

It
ext
edher
:

"
Hopeyouokay
,justwant
edt
ocheckupony
ou.I
l
ovey
ou"
.
Tobecont
inued
48

I
RENE

Asevery t
hingpr ogresseddur i
ngt heday,i
twas
evi
dentt omet hatthenegot i
ationsarehappening
tomorrow.Thi swasr eal
,andt hiswashappening.I
shoul
ddwel lont hegoodpar tofi t
,butf
orthelifeof
meIcoul dn'tthinkstopthinkingaboutwhatcoul dgo
wrong.Icoul dn'tst
opt hi
nkingaboutt heexter
nal
for
cest hatcoul dstandagainstmyhappi ness.Fut hi
i
sone, Iam notput tinganythingpassherany mor e..

Iwasi
nmybedr
oom,
pray
ing.
.

Me:Iknowsuchblessi
ngscomef rom above,Iknow
aholymatri
monyisnotanachievementbecausei fi
t
wasallwomenwouldstri
veforit
,butit
'sablessing.
Onethatcomesfr
om above.Asy ou'
vesaidinyour
word"Andweknowt hatGodcausesev er
ythi
ngt o
worktoget
herfort
hegoodofthosewholov
eGod
andarecal
ledaccordi
ngt
ohispurposef
orthem"
[Romans8:28]
.

Iknowt hatyourbl essingscannotbet akenawaybut

theycanbet aintedbyt hosewhodon' twannaseeus
succeed.I nev erythingt hat 'shappenedi nmyl ife,
thi
si sbyf arthel ongawai t
edbl essi
ng.Iam gr ateful
,
thanky ouGod.Iasknot hingmor efrom thi
sbl essing
butf oryout oprot ectit, letouruni onbef oundedi n
you.Actasourf oundat ion, doawaywi t
hanyev il
.I
don'tcar ehowpower f
ul theper sonismadet oseem,
buty ouar etheAl faandt heOmega.Youar ethe
beginningandt heend, noonecanbr eakwhaty ou
haveputt ogether.Idon' twi shbadf orNtombi futhi.I
wishy ouhel pher , helpherf indpeacef r
om deep
withinsoshecanf indherhappi nessbecauseev i
l
canl eadonest r
ai ghtint ot heirdoom.Iaskf ora
betterrelati
onshi pwi thMpi l
ot oo,Iaskyouhel pus
alltohav epeace.
Ipr
ayinyourSon'
sname.Int
henameofJesus
Chr
istofNazar
eth.Amen.

Iam achildofprayer
,Iknownobet t
erwayto
rev
enget hangetti
ngdownonmyknees.That '
sthe
onl
yfightmyGr andmot herhastaughtme.Tofi
ght
wit
hpr ay
ernotwi t
hflesh,especi
all
yinsuchbat
tl
es..

FUTHI

Vukanihasnevermanhandl
edmebefore.Whathe
didtodayshowedmeadi f
fer
entsi
detohim,one
thatIneverwant
edtosee.

Iwashurt
,angry
, jealousandall
thoseunsettl
ing
emoti
ons.Idi
dn'tf eelli
kegi
vi
ngup,Ididn'
tfeelli
ke
havi
ngIr
enetakemyf amil
y,I
'
veseenBonepl ayi
ng
me.I'
vel
osthim, andI '
m notgoi
ngtolosemyf i
rst
l
ove.
Relati
onshi
psnowaday sarefake,st
art
ingover.
Hav i
ngtotrustsomeoneagain,that
'saprocess,
a
missionI'
m notprepar
edfor.
.

Iwantwhat '
smi ne,andmi neIwi
llget..Comewhat
may ,Iwil
lneverbedef eat
edbyIrene..Ifthi
s
namat hel
asit
uat i
ondoesn'thel
p,I'
llhav etorev
ertt
o
othermeans.Meanst hatwil
ldef
init
elyhel pmeI
hope..

VUKANI

Myuncl
esatdownnexttome,Iwasathomenow.
MytwoUncleswhowil
lbehel
pingmyFatheri
n
r
epr
esenti
ngmet omor
rowhadtofi
ndmehome. .

Uncl
e:Howdoy
ouf
eel
aboutt
omor
row?
Me:
Ifeel
good
Uncl
e:Yourl
ongf
acedoesn'
tsayso
Me:
WhatcanIsay
Uncl
e:What
'swr
ong?
Me: Afewy ear
sago, Ithoughtmylif
ewasov er.
WhenIwasr el
easedf r
om jail
Ihadlostal most
everyt
hing.Myfamily,whoIwasandmyi dent i
ty.I
thoughtIwouldbeanobody ,i
t'
snotever ydaya
womanl ov
esanexconuncondi t
ional
ly,Ijustnev er
thoughtthi
ngswouldt urnoutthi
sway .Ireneisan
amazingwoman, Il
oveherandI '
m scaredI '
llhurther
alongtheway
Uncl
e:Whyar
eyout
hinki
ngl
i
ket
hat
?
Me:
I'
m ascr
ewup
Uncle:Whatevery out ellyour selfyoubecome
exactl
ythat,nowIcanf i
ndwor dst otr
yandadv ice
youorev enencour agey oubuti fthat
'swhaty ou'
ve
purposedfory ourselftheny ouar eexact l
ythat.
There'
snowayIcanconv incey ouot herwise.Weall
deservebeautifulthingsi nli
f e,despit
ewhowear e.
ThisIr
eneofawomanwoul dnev erhavechosent o
l
ovey ouifshedi dn'tfeel youwer ewor t
hi t
.Youcan
onlyhurtherifyoupur poset haty ouwi l
l.Loveis
beautif
ul,l
oveispur eweonl yt aintitwithour
acti
ons.Lust,Env y
,andgr eed.Al way sr emember
wher eyourheartisandy ouwon' thur ther,i
fy ou
speakhighlyofherl ikethisthent hatmeansshe' s
yourtruesoulmat e.Af f
or dhert hesamer espectshe
wil
l.Womencanbet rut
hful,respect fulandl oyalif
youaf f
ordthem thesame.Unf ortunatelywedon' t
l
iveinourtimes, womennowar emuchwi ser.So,
don'tsendust omor rowt ogof etcht hatgirlifnext
weekwe' l
lbegoi ngt oherhomeagai nt oapol ogi
ze
ony ourbehalf
.Don' thurther, Iam notf orthat
Me:
Iunder
standy
ouv
erywel
lMal
ume
Uncle:
Good!Nowl et
'sst
opbei
ngmi
ser
abl
e,weonl
y
haveaf ewhour
sleft
Me:
That
'st
rue

ENDA

Nomatt
erhowmuchIt r
ybutthi
schil
dispushi
ng
mybut
tons.Ihav
etr
iedtobepat
ient
,tr
iedt
o
tol
erat
eherbut
..Iam atmyhi
ghestpeak,
Iam
gatvol
wit
hher!
..

Qhumawalkedi
nasIwassi
tt
ingi
nthel
ounge
t
eari
ngup.
.

Hel
eanedagai
nstt
hedoor
way
..

Qhuma:
Kwenzenj
ani
manj
e?(
What
'swr
ongnow)
Me:
Ijustwannagov
isi
thome
Qhuma:Youcan'
tjustgohomeeacht
imewhen
t
here'
sli
tt
lei
ssues
Me:Lit
tl
eissues?YourDaught
eri
sdi
srespect
ingme
andyoucallt
hatli
tt
lei
ssues?
Qhuma:
Whatdoy ouwantmet
odoKahl
ekahl
e?
She'
smyDaught
er
Me:
Disci
pli
neher
!She'
sver
yspoi
l
ed!
Qhuma:
EyyIhav
eaheadache.
.Ungang'
rasel
i(don'
t
makenoi
sef
orme)
Me:
Iam goi
nghome,
leav
ingt
omor
rowmor
ning
Qhuma:
Ify
oudo,
thendon'
tcomeback.Hl
aleki
ni
Me:Ify
ouwantt hi
smar ri
ageoverjustsayso,don'
t
makeupst upi
dexcuses!Ifyou'
vefoundsomeone
el
seandy outr
yingt
okickmeoutbyusi ngyour
daught
er!Beamanandt ell
met hetrut
h!!
Qhuma: Enough!
!Ify
ouwannaleave,
thenleave!
Don'
tusemyDaught erasanexcusetoo.
.Iyaki
ni
uhl
alekhona!(Gohomeandstayther
e)

I
RENE

Ir
eci
evedacal
lfr
om Vukani
..

Me:
Vuks!
Vukani
:Aski
es?
Me:
It'
swhatt
heycal
lyounj
ena
Vukani
:Ar
eyout
hey
?Si
ncewhenar
eyout
hey
?

Il
aughed.
.
Me:
It'
sgoodhear
ingy
ourv
oice
Vukani
:Notsogoodhear
ingy
our
s
Me:
Ouch!
Vukani
:Youhav
eamessyv
oice
Me:Ungangiqal
ipl
ease,notwhent
omor
rowi
t'
sthe
negot
iat
ionsIcancal
litoff
Vukani
:Ngekeul
unge(
Thatwon'
thappen)
Me:
Baby
?
Vukani
:Tal
ktome
Me:
Ilov
eyou
Vukani
:Youar
elov
edbyme
Me:
Tomor
rowi
t'
sthest
artofanewl
i
fet
oget
her
Vukani
:Iknow.
.Howdoy
ouf
eel
abouti
t?
Me:
Scar
ed
Vukani
:Whatscar
esy
ou?
Me:
Idon'
tknow.
.Justscar
ed
Vukani
:Doy
oust
il
lwannadot
his?
Me:
Ist
il
lwannadot
his
Vukani
:Thent
here'
snoreasont
obescar
ed,
alotof
moneyisatst
akeheret
obescared
Me:
It'
snotl
i
key
oupay
ingami
l
l(Laughi
ng)
Vukani
:Ngekewazi
(You'
l
lnev
erknow)
Me:
Soy
ouar
epay
ingami
l
l?
Vukani
:Si
zodl
ani
aft
er?(
Whatar
eweeat
ingaf
ter
)
Me:
Don'
tbel
i
ket
hat
Vukani
:Af
tert
his,
it'
syou,
meandMpi
l
o
Me:
Can'
twai
t
Vukani
:Il
ovey
ouMaNt
uli
Me:
Ilov
eyout
oo

FUTHI
Ical
ledafr
iendofminewit
haglassofwi
nei
nmy
hand,t
hist
hingreal
l
ysti
ckstoy
ou..

Nqobi
l
e:Hai
fri
end,
unamat
hel
a?
Me:
He'
spay
ingl
obol
atomor
row
Nqo:
Eyykodwanay
euVuks,
uIr
enev
ele?
Me:
Gogoobov
u(They
ell
owbone)
Nqo:Uboneni
amathangawahl
any
a?(
Didheseeher
t
highsandwentcr
azy)

Il
aughed.
.
Me:
Awukahl
eI'
m hear
tbr
okenher
e
Nqo:
Ahhgi
rlunamat
hel
awi
l
lonl
ybr
ingy
oumor
e
Men
Me:
WhatcanIdo?
Nqo:
Ifyoucan'tgi
vehim apoti
on,usear
edcandl
e
wi
ththem beseputneedl
esaroundit
Me:
Hai
cha!Ubut
hakat
hi(
That
'swi
tchcr
aft
)
Nqo:
Whaty
oudoi
ngnowi
sn'
twi
tchcr
aft
?
Me:Gir
lVukani
wentbackt
ohisol
dli
fe,
themoney
hehasImeanhe'sal
sopay
ingl
obol
a
Nqo:
Hai
kembambel
eeduze(
Pul
lhi
m cl
oser
)
Me:
Okaygi
rl
..We'
l
ltal
k
Nqo:
Bye
Me:
Bye

Zuxi
et ext
edmet hatIshouldfetchMpi l
otomor r
ow
l
aterbecauseofthenegotiat
ions, hehasclot
hes
ther
e.IwentonFacebookandsawhepost eda
beauti
fulpi
ctur
eofhimselfandI rene.Theyblendin
well
,yell
owbonedar kski
nned.Hi scaptionwas
"Ngi
yashadala"meaningI'
m gettingmar ri
edhere.
.

Peopl
ewer
econgrat
ulat
ing,l
iki
ngandwhatnot
.It
mademystomachtur
ninsidenoli
e.
ENDA

Qhumawaslayingi
nbedfaci
ngup.Eyesclosed.He
seemedt
obei napeacef
ulsl
eep,
Icouldtell
hehad
alott
odr
ink.
.

I
fIwanthi
mt obeseri
ousaboutthi
ssituat
ion,I
r
eal
lyneedtogohomef orawhi
le.Iwaspackingup
mythi
ngs,hangi
ngt
hewar dr
obedoorjustina
mood.
..

Qhuma:
Yini
manj
eEnda?(
Whati
sitnow)
Me:
Idi
dsayI
'
mleav
ing
Qhuma:
Whatt
imei
sit
?
Me:
Idon'
tknowanddon'
tcar
e
Qhuma: Awuyekeukukhulumangathiwehl
aent abeni
,
dalaufunaukuhambaveleususebenzi
saingane
(St
opt al
ki
ngtomel i
key oufal
l
ingoffamount ain,
you'v
edonewant i
ngtoleavesodon'tuseAbo)
Me:You'
veal
way
sbeencheat
ingsodon'
tactl
i
ke
youcar
e
Qhuma: I
fIgetof
fthi
sbedandhandyoumyphone
tocheck,i
fyoufi
ndnoevi
denceofmecheat
ingIwi
l
l
beverymad
Me:That'
sbecausey
ouhav
edel
etedal
lthe
ev
idenceangi
sho
Qhuma:
Iyangi
dinay
onkel
ent
o(Thi
sisi
rr
it
ati
ngme
now)

Hegotoutofbedandcametome,If
roze.Hehas
beenphy
sical
withmebutt
hatwasalongtimeago.
.

Hegrabbedmyhai
randbangedmyf
aceagai
nthe
war
drobe..

Me:
Qhuma!
!

Qhuma:
Thi
sthi
ngofy
oual
way
swant
ingt
oactl
i
ke
achi
l
disst
art
ingt
oir
ri
tat
eme!

Hebangedmyf
aceagai
nagai
nstt
hewar
drobe
door
..

Me:
Aski
es!
!(Scr
eami
ng)

Qhuma:
YarasaEnda?Yi
niuyasanganana?(
You
maki
ngnoi
se,ar
ey oucr
azy)
.
Tobecont
inued
49

I
RENE

Wewokeupv eryear l
yinthemor ning, maket hatI
nev erevensleptl astnight.Iwasev ent hef i
rstone
towakeupandwar m upfoodf orev er
y one.
Yest er
daywecookedsampandt r
ipe,the
negot i
ationswer egoi ngtostartat10:00am.My
Grandmot herandmyAunt ypreparedt hef oodf or
mi dday.Iwashel pi
ngwi thsaladsher eandt hereand
alsoat t
endingtoaf ewt hi
ngs..TheLadyst oppedby
todr opof fmytradi t
ionaldress,adoekandwhi t
e
sneaker s.Thedr esswasy ell
ow,withagr eendesi gn.
Sameast hedoekandsneaker s.
.

Me:
Wow,
itl
ooksbeaut
if
ul
Lady
:Gl
adIcoul
dfi
nishi
tint
ime
Ev
ery
thi
ngcostR2800.
.
She'
sver
yaf
for
dabl
etoo.
.
Lady
:HaikeNt ombi
,youshoul
dpr
epar
e.I
t'
s
09:
00am al
ready
Me:
Ishoul
d
Aunt
y:Fut
hisesi
qedi
l
ela(
Wear
eev
endoneher
e)
Me:
OkayI
'
llgoandpr
epar
e

VUKANI

Me:
40000incash,
Ist
il
ldon'
tknowwhyweneeded
t
heext
ra10k
Uncl
e:Theymi
ghtchar
geusext
ra,
not30k
Me:
Isn'
tthatwhywehav
ingt
henegot
iat
ions?
Uncl
e:Someotherf
amili
esar
ehardheadedwedon'
t
wannarui
nthi
sforyou,
40kisenough
Me:
Okay

Ma:
Ithi
nkIshoul
dcook
Me:
Theysai
dweshoul
dn'
t,
ther
e'senough.Someof
f
oodwi
llbedel
i
ver
edher
e
Ma:Whati
fthenegot
iat
ionsdon'
tgowel
l
?Whatar
e
wegoi
ngtoeat?
Me:
Madon'
tbenegat
ive
Ma:
I'
m sor
ry.
.Justt
hat
,thi
sisv
eryner
vous
Me:
Iknowbutcal
m down,
youmaki
ngmener
vous
t
oo

ENDA

Abowal kedinf
ir
st,Iwassit
ti
ngatt
het
abl
eeat
ing
breakf
ast.Moreli
kestar
ingatmybowl
wit
hmushy
cereal
init.
.

Shesaidnothing,
justpul
ledt
hechai
randsatdown
too.Shepouredhersel
fthecer
eal
.
Myforeheadwasswol
lenfr
om al
lthebangi
ng
agai
nstthewar
drobel
astni
ght
..

Qhumawal kedin,
myhear tski
ppedabi t.If
orget
howt er
ri
fyi
nghecanbe,howmuchaut hor i
tyhe
possesses.Hedoesn'
taskforrespectattimes,he
for
cesitoutofyou.That
'sonlyi
fyouar echall
engi
ng
me..

Qhuma:
Goodmor
ning
Abo:
Goodmor
ning
Me:
Mor
ning
Heki
ssedAboont
hef
orehead,
thenki
ssedmeon
t
hecheek.
.

Hesatdown.
.

Qhuma:
Whatar
eweeat
ing?
Abo:
Cer
eal
Hel
ookedatme.
.
Me:I
'm notf
eel
i
ngwel
l
,sor
ryIcoul
dn'
tpr
epar
e
br
eakfast
Qhuma:Iunder
stand.
.Wi
l
lshoppi
ngmakey
ouf
eel
bet
ter
?
Me:I
..It
hinkI
'm goi
ngt
oli
edown,
may
besl
eep
mostoftheday
Heext
endedhi
shandt
ome.
.
Qhuma:
WhataboutI
rene?
Me:
I'
ll
cal
lher
Qhuma:It
'swell
mylov
e,y
oucansl
eep.Hopey
ou
feel
bet
terlat
eron

Abo:
Iam notsi
ck,
Icandoshoppi
ng
Qhuma:
Eveni
fyouwer
en'
tsi
ck,
you'
dst
il
lgo
Abo:
That
'st
rue
Theybot
hlaughed.
.
FUTHI

IstoppedbyatVukani'spl
ace.Ij
ustwant
edt
osee
thatindeed,
ther
e'snegoti
ati
ons.
.

Vukani'
sdoorwassl i
ghtlyopened, Icheckedatt he
kit
chen.Therewasnoone, andthedoorwaswi de
open.Isnuckintohisroom andcheckedar ound.In
thebathroom,IstumbleduponI rene'sunderwear
withamat chi
ngbr a.Hungt here.Itookthem andput
them i
nmybag, t
heywer edry.Itookhercombt oo
andputi ti
nmybag.Iwentbackt othebedr oom,
sawsomeofherf acialproducts.Itookt heface
cream thenqui
cklywal kedout ,
andmademywayt o
thehouse.

Iknockedt
wice,
Zux
iecame.
.

Zuxi
e:Fut
hi
Me:
Goodmor
ning
Zuxi
e:Idi
dn'
texpecty
out
oday
Me:Iknow.
.IjustbroughtMpi
l
osomechangeof
cl
othes,
Iboughthim.Wanthimtol
ookgood
Zuxi
e:Ohw.
.Thanky
ou
Shet
ookt
hem.
.
Me:
Soar
eyour
eadyf
ort
hebi
gday
?
Zuxi
e:Wear
eready
Inodded.
.
Zuxi
e:Futhi
Idon' tmeantober udebut.Ij
ustwant
youtounderstandthatasoftodayI'
m goingtohav
e
anewdaught erinlaw,ify
oustil
lwannacomei nmy
house.Pl
easeknowt hatyouhavetorespect
.
Respecther
Me:
Iunder
standMa,
sor
ryi
fthi
sisoutofor
der
Zuxi
e:No.
.Ij
ustneedy
out
orespectt
hat
'sal
l
Me:
Yesofcour
se.
.Iwi
shal
lthebest
Zuxi
e:Thanky
ou
Me:
I'
ll
fet
chMpi
l
otomor
rowl
ate
Zuxi
e:OkaySi
si
It
urnedandwal
kedaway
..
.

I
RENE

MyGr andmot
herwal
kedinandlookedatme,
she
coul
dn'tst
ophert
ear
s.Shecoveredhermout
hwit
h
herhands.
.

Me:
AwwGogo, y
ou'
l
lmakemecr
ytooI
'
vej
ustgot
mymakeupdone
Gr
ams:
Youl
ooksobeaut
if
ul
Me:
Thanky
ou
Shecameandhel
dbot
hmyhands.
.
Grams:I
'm soproudofy
ouNana,
youdon'
tknow
howproudy ou'
vemademe
Me:
Iam happyt
hatI
'
vemadey
oupr
oud
Gr
ams:
Ever
ythi
ngwi
l
lgowel
ltoday
,don'
twor
ry
Iwi
pedmyt
ear
s..
Me:
Iknow,
sol
ongy
ouher
e..Iknow

ENDA

Hef
ixedmybr
aatt
heback.
.

Qhuma:
All
owme

Il
ethi
mfi
xit
..

Qhuma:Whathappenedlastni
ghtwasnotmeantto
happen,
Ithoughtwewerepassyoudi
srespect
ing
meandIwaspassdi sci
pli
ngyou
Me:
Ngi
yaxol
i
sa,
Idi
dn'
tmeant
ochal
l
engey
ou
Qhumai
sav
erydanger
ousandr
uthl
essman

Qhuma:
It'
sal
li
nthepast
Het
urnedmear
oundt
ofacehi
m..

Qhuma:
It'
sal
li
nthepast
Hesqueezedmycheek.
.
Me:It
'sal
li
nthepast
,sendmyr
egar
dst
oIr
eneand
Vukani
Qhuma:
Iwi
l
l

FUTHI

Ist
oppedandcal
l
edNqobi
l
e..

Me:
Gir
l
Nqo:
Gir
l
Me:Idon'
tknowwhatt
osay
,If
oundmy
sel
fst
eal
i
ng
i
zi
ntozikaI
rene
Nqo:
Suchas?
Me:Underwear
,br
a,combwi
thtracesofherhai
r.
Faci
alpr
oduct,
don'
tknowwhatIwasdoing
Nqo:
Don'
tbe,
theywi
l
lcomei
nhandyt
rustme
Me:
Nqobi
l
eIam notawi
tch
Nqo:Thengot hr
owthem awayandwat
chIreneli
ve
happi
lyeveraf
terwi
thyourmanandSon,pl
aying
happyfamil
ies
Me:
Iunder
stand,
I'
ll
keept
hem

I
RENE

Iwastol
dtosi
tinthebedroom,
butIwon'
tunt
ilt
he
Uncl
esarei
nthelounge.
.

Uncl
e:Theyar
est
andi
ngatt
hegat
e,y
ougot
her
e.
Youdon'
tsayanyt
hingnoropent
hegat
eunt
ilt
hey
havet
akenoutsomethi
ng

Cuz:
Ineed

Uncle:Youmustdomor ethanj
ustunder
stand.You
keepquiet,
don'
tsayanythi
ngthenwaitf
orthem to
placesomemoneyont heground

Cuz:
Ngi
yezwaMal
ume(
Iheary
ou)

Uncl
e:I
renewhyar
eyoust
il
lher
e?Got
othe
bedr
oom

Imademywayt
othebedr
oom.
.
.
Tobecont
inued
50

VUKANI

Tookal otofhoursf
orthefamil
i
est ocomei nt
oan
agreement,soI'
veheard.WhenmyUncl etol
dme
thatevery
thi
ngwentwel l
,Iwasabl
et orel
ax.They
settl
edfor35k,r
easonableandI
'm happy.
.

QhumaandTsongahadpul ledupatmypl ace,we

weresit
ti
ngout
sidethestoep.Drinki
ngandplayi
ng
music.MyMom andMpi l
ohadgonet oI
rene'
splace,
Iwasgoingt
ogot herel
ater.Tsongahadbroughtus
somethi
ngtoeatwhenhecame. .
.

"St
handwasam sengi
khat
hel
enj
aloungenendl
i
ni
sesi
lel
e
Wenauf
unai
mpi
kahl
ekahl
ekuhl
emangi
thet
ha
Kuwedal
iuzongi
khumbul
amasekwehl
akweny
uka
Uzozi
sol
abazakuhur
tusaj
ola
Usezozi
sol
abasezakuhur
t,uzongi
khumbul
a
masekwehl
a"

Tsonga:AikewenaVuks,bazok'
hur
taukhi
phe
amalobol
a( Youwi
llbehurtwhil
sty
ouhaveeven
pai
dlobola)

Weal
ll
aughed.
.

Qhuma:Ar
eyouhappyt
houghwi
thhowev
ery
thi
ng
t
urnedout
?
Me:I'
m atpeacewit
hever
ythi
ng,can'
twai
tformy
beaut
if
ulwifetocomehomelater
Ipi
ckedupmygl
ass.
.

Tsonga:
Asi
dakwekokugci
nake(
Let
'sdr
inkf
ort
he
l
astti
me)
I
RENE

It
ookt
hepl
atet
oZuxi
e..

Zuxi
e:Ngi
yabongaRi
ri(
Thanky
ou)
If
ixedmydressandwentbackt
otheki
tchent
oeat
myf ood.
.

Aunty:Kuhleukut
hikonkekuhambekahl
e(I
t'
sgood
thatev
erythingwentwell
)

Me:
Met
oo
Cuz:
Agh.
.It
'l
lendsoon
Me:
Aski
es?
Cuz:I
'm say
ingwe'v
ebeentosuchsi
tuat
ions,
at
tendedsuchsit
uati
onsandi
talway
sendsi ntear
s
MyCuzhasal
way sbeenl
owkeyjeal
ous,
butnow
shei
shi
ghkeyjeal
ousandshe'
snowshowingit
..

Aunt
y:Akukhul
uny
wanj
alo(
That
'snothowy
out
alk)

Cuz:I
t'
sthet
rut
h,whyshoul
dwecomf
ortherwi
th
l
ies?

Me:
Excuseme

Iwal
kedout
,can'
tbear
oundbadener
gy.
.

ENDA

Ma:
Endakodwa
Me:
He'
sgonebackt
ohi
sol
dway
sMa
Ma:
Manj
eyouwantt
oleav
e?
Me:Ithi
nkso,Ican'
ttakeitanymoreher
einthi
s
house.
.Ifi
t'
snothim,it
'shisDaught
er.I
t'
sbr
eaking
meMa, Ican'
t
Ma:
Don'
tmakehi
est
ydeci
sions
Me:Mayouonl
ysay
ingt
hatbecausehesuppor
ts
youmont
hly
Ma: Endayout
wo,
thi
ngswer
egoi
ngwel
lwhat
changed?
Me:
HisDaught
eri
spoi
sonMa
Ma: Thendon'
tl
etherki
cky
ououtofy
ourhouse!I
t'
s
yourhouseEndanother
s
Me:
Qhumadef
endsher
!
Ma: Qhumai syourMan, yourHusband.Youshoul d
knowwhatbut t
onst opress,
therightbuttons.
.
HaiboEnda!Youar eyoungyoushoul dknowt hese
thi
ngs!Youhav ewhathaswor kedfory ouforyear
s,
useittoyouradv antagekant
iwenzani ?Youwanna
comebackher eanddowhat ?Hav eanot herwoman
takeyourplace?Hai boEnda!
Par
tsofwhatshewassay
ingwer
etr
ue,Ican'
tl
et
Abogeti
nbetweenmeandmyhusband.
.

I
RENE

MyAuntcameandsatnextt
ome,
Iwassi
t
si
tt
ingout
side.
.

Aunt
:Don'
tl
etpeopl
ewi
thj
eal
ousygett
oyou
Me:
Ithur
tswheni
tcomesf
rom y
ourownr
elat
ives

Aunt:Whathappenedt oday,mostgirl
swanti t.
Familyandfri
endsalike,don'
tlookatthisasifli
ke
l
ifewill
getbetteraf
terhere.I
renewitchesiny our
l
ifeneversl
eep, mostgirl
swil
lchall
engey ou,they
wouldwannat akeawaywhaty ouhave.Don'tgive
them whattheywant, l
oveyourman, respecthim
andkeeponpr aying
Me:
Ngi
yabongaAunt
y(Thanky
ou)
Aunt
y:Youwel
comesisi
,don'
tl
etherr
uiny
ourday
.
I
t'
syourday
,nother
s

Me:
Iknow

FUTHI

Ihear
daknock.
.

Iwal
kedov
ert
oopen,
itwasNqo.
.

Me:
Nqo
Nqo:
Sor
ryI
'
mlat
e,Ihadsomet
hingt
oat
tendt
oo
Me:
Youher
enow
Nqo:
Konj
eut
het
heunder
wear
?
Me:
Yes.
.Obv
iousl
yaf
tert
his,
they
'l
lwantt
ohav
e
ki
ds.
.Ift
heyhav
eki
ds,
Idon'
thav
eal
egt
ost
andon

Shenoddedr
epeat
edl
y.
.

Nqo:Si
mshayangesl
umo,
sil
amazai
sibel
etho(
We
wi
llr
uinherwomb)

Me:
Ithi
nkt
hat
'
sbet
ter

Nqo:
Alsomakesexv
eryunbear
abl
eforher

Me:
Please

Nqo:
Anukenjel
angaphant
si(
Hitherwi
thabad
smel
ldownther
e)

Me:
Manj
e..Howmuch?
Nqo:R500,
it'
sal
ott
odo.Shemi
ghtchar
gey
ou
R500max

Me:
Sowhenar
ewegoi
ng?

Nqo:
Lat
eron

Me:Okaythenl
et'
shav
esomet
hingt
oeatandt
hen
dr
inkwineint
hemeanti
me

Nqo:
Yespl
ease!
!

Icheckedmyphone, Vukshaduploadedv i
deoson
whatsappwithregar
dstot henegot
iat
ions.
.Ifhe's
nottheret
henshesentt hem t
ohim.Hiswhol e
whatsappstatuseswereabouther.
.Thejealousyin
mear ose.
.
IhopeNqo'
sper
soni
sgood,
Iwannar
uint
hisgi
rl
s
l
ife.
.

VUKANI

Myphonev
ibr
ated,
itwasmyMom.
.

Iwal
kedawayf
rom t
henoi
se.
.

Me:
Howar
ethi
ngst
her
e?
Ma:Thi
ngsar
egoi
ngwel
lkant
iukuphi
?(Wher
ear
e
you)
Me:
I'
m st
il
lchi
l
li
ngnaboTsonga
Ma:HaiboVukani!Weevenfini
shedeati
ngyouwer
e
supposedtobehere,
it'
srudeanddisr
espect
ful
you
weresupposedtoshowy our
self
Me:
Angi
shoni
l
aphoMa,
repr
esent
ingme
Ma:
Ireneseemsupset
,Isawhercr
ying
Me:It
houghtt
henegot
iat
ionswentwel
lwhyt
ear
s
now?
Ma:
Idon'
tknow,
cal
lher
Me:
Okay

Ihungupandcal
l
edher
,shedi
dn'
tpi
ckup.
.

I
RENE

It
ri
edtoignor
ewhatmycousi
n,di
d.Iav
oidedherby
al
lcost
s..

If
oundZuxi
eatt
heki
tchenpour
ingagl
assofcool
dr
ink.
.

Me:
Youshoul
d'
veaskedmet
odot
hatf
ory
ouMa
Zuxi
e:AwukodwaRi
ri
,pour
ingcool
dri
nki
snot
compl
i
cat
ed
Me:
Youaguest
Zuxi
e:I
t'
sokay
Me:
Ihopey
ouenj
oyedt
hef
ood
Zuxi
e:Ver
ymuch.
.Thanky
ou
Shesi
ppedonhercool
dri
nk.
.

Zuxi
e:Ar
eyouokay
?
Me:
I'
mfi
nej
ustov
erwhel
med
Zuxi
e:Youcant
alkt
omei
fsomet
hingi
swr
ong
Me:
Iknow.
.Ngi
yabongaMa(
Thanky
ou)
Zuxi
e:We'
l
lbel
eav
ingsoon
Me:
I'
ll
cont
inuepacki
ng
.
Tobecont
inued
51

I
RENE

Lat
eronwhenIwasaccompani edtomynewhome,
myAuntandGr andmot
hertaggedalongtoo.We
weredr
iventher
ebyVukani'
sUncle.Ihadalotof
l
uggageforustowalkt
here..

I
tlookedliket her
ewasapar tyofit
'sownt here,
Vukaniandf ri
endswer esitt
ingoutsidedr i
nkingand
l
isteni
ngtomusi c.Justguysonly.Iwasmadathi m
thathedidn'
tshowup, butthatangerqui cklyfaded
whenIsawt hathewaschi l
l
ingwithf r
iendsonl y,and
Qhumawast heretoo.He'sarespectableMan, so
I
'm notshaken. .

Hugswer
eexchanged,
theywer
ereal
l
yhav
ingf
un.
..
Zuxie:
Kwabayi
tarv
ennj
elakwami
(Myhousehas
tur
nedint
oatar
ven)
Vuks:
Tar
veny
onke?Notev
enacl
ub?
Zuxi
e:Awuy
eke,
andhel
pwi
tht
hebags

Grandma:
WeeVukani
ungazangay
ini
?(Whydi
dn'
t
youcome)
Vukani
:Idi
dn'
twannai
ntr
udeMa,
wewi
l
lpl
ana
gat
heri
ngofourown
Gr
andma:
Amadoda!
Aunt
y:TheMen
Wel
aughed.
.
Me: Ngi
bongaukuthikonkekuhambekahl e,imal
i
eyakhosthandwaSami yonke.Ungani
kiuIrene
Ngishonecent(Iam happythatevery
thi
ngwental l,
al
l t
hatmoneyisyoursmyl ove.Don'
tgiv
eI reneeven
acent)
Aunt
y:Mi
nake?(
Whataboutme)
Vukani
tookouthi
swal
l
etandt
ookoutsomecash
andgav
emyAunt
..

MyAuntputi
tinherbr
a..
.
Aunt:
Ma. .Uzohambawedwangisaphuzaamabeer
ayi2noma3( Mayouwil
lret
urnhomealone,
I'
ll
be
her
edr i
nkingtwoor3beers)

Grandma:Yangenaespot
inii
nganeyami(
My
Daughterj
usti
nvol
vedhersel
finatar
ven)

Vukani
pul
l
edmeawayf
rom t
hecr
owd.
.

Hepi
ckedmeup.
.

Me:
Yimauzongi
wisa(
Wai
tyou'
l
ldr
opme)

Vukani
:Let
'sgogett
hebags
FUTHI

Alotofher
bswer esmell
ingi
nthehut .Ther
ewas
smokefrom t
heburningi
ncense.Icoughed..She
wassit
ti
nginfrontofus.
.

Il
ookedatNqobi
l
eshel
ookedatmet
oo.
.

Me:I.
.Iam herebecauseIwanttogetbackmybaby
daddy.Hepaidlobol
aearl
iert
oday,andIwanthi
m
back

Nqo:
Kahl
ekahl
esif
unaukul
i
mazaunt
ombazana
(
Wewanttohur
tthelady
)

Me:
Ibr
oughtherunder
wear

Ipl
acedi
tdown.
.
Woman:Ngi
zol
i
sebenza,
ngi
l
ingcwabe(
Iwi
l
lwor
k
oni
tandbur
yit
)

Me:
Whenwi
l
ltheenchant
mentst
artwor
king?

Woman: Kuzothat
haisi
khathiny
ana,
amavikana
meleubenesineke(I
twil
ltakeawhil
ebuthave
pat
ience)

Me:
Ngi
yezwa(
Ihear
)

Woman:
R350

It
ooki
toutandpl
acedi
tont
hegr
assmat
..

I
RENE
Vukani
andIwedr
ovemyGr andmotherbackhome,
shewantedt
owal
kbutVukaniinsi
sted.
.

Ihuggedher
..

Gr
ams:
Uzi
phat
hekahl
e(Takecar
eofy
our
sel
f)
Me:
Iwi
l
lIpr
omi
se
Gr
ams: Seeyoutomorrowl
ater
,abakwaNt
uli
are
pr
epar
ingdinnerforus
Me:
Yes
Grams:Si
zobonanaksasa(
Wewi
l
lseeeachot
her
t
omorrow)

Weshar
edahug,
thenIwal
kedbackt
othecar
..

Vukani
:uRi
ght
?
Me:
Ngi
right
Hel
ookedatme.
.
Vukani
:Tal
ktome
Me:
Wear
emar
ri
ed
Vukani
:Iknow
Me:
Ijust
..Il
ovey
ouandIwantt
hist
owor
k
Hehel
dmyhandandki
ssedi
t.
.

Vukani:
Ilov
ey outoo,
andIwoul
dn'
thav
edonet
his
i
fIdidn'
tbeli
eveinus
Me:
Ibel
i
evei
nust
oo
Vukani
:Thenl
et'
sgohomeMaNt
uli
Me:
Let
'sgohome
Wedr
ovebackhome.
.

ENDA

Ihadjustf
ini
shedprepari
ngdinner
,Idishedupf
or
my sel
fandstar
tedeati
ng..Whil
stwatchingTVi
nthe
l
ounge..
Abowal
kedi
n..

Shesatdownandchangedthechannel
,Isi
ghed.I
j
ustgotupandwenttoputthepl
ateint
he
microwave,
Iwentt
othebedroom t
ogetmyphone.I
cal
ledIr
ene..

I
rene:
Babe!
Vukani
:Babe?
I
rene:
It'
sEnda.
.Enday
ouonl
oudspeaker
Vukani
:Ar
eyouBi
sexual
?Ar
eyougoi
ngt
ost
eal
my
wif
e?
Il
aughed.
.
Me:
Nev
er!
I
rene:
Wher
ear
eyou?Wemi
ssedy
ou?
Me:
BabeIgotdr
unky
est
erdayandhur
tmy
sel
f
I
rene:
Ohno.
.Ar
eyouokayt
hough?Ar
eyoubadl
y
hur
t?
Vukani
:Yekani
imbhobiEndamayi
nihl
ula(
Qui
t
dr
inki
ngifal
cohol
defeatsyou)
Me:
Hai
suka!Wher
ear
eyouBabe?
Me: Wedr
ivi
ngbackhomefrom dr
oppi
ngoffmy
Grandmot
her,wannacome?Qhumaisther
ejust
i
Chill
asny
ana

Maybei
twon'
tbeabadidea,
I'
dratherspendmy
t
imesomewher
eelsebuther
ewiththisbrat
!

Me:
I'
m comi
ng
Ihungup.
.

FUTHI

Me:Ihopeukut
hil
ent
oizosebenza(
Ihopet
hatt
hing
wi
ll
wor k)
Nqo:
Thatwomani
sst
rongMogi
rl
,tr
usther
Me:
Ido
Nqo:
Youwi
l
lhav
eyourmanbacksoondon'
twor
ry
Me:
Ihopeso
Nqo:
Let
'sdr
inkandt
hencal
li
tani
ght

I
RENE

Zuxi
e:Hai
changi
zowuthi
niumsindo?Sol
alanj
ani
?
(I
t'
stoonoi
sy,
howwill
Isleep)
Mpi
l
o:Mamncanel
ook
Il
ookedathi
m..

Mpi
l
o:Jel
l
ytot
s
Me:
NicecanIhav
esome?
Mpi
l
o:Yes
Zuxi
e:I
'
m gl
adt
hatMpi
l
ohasanot
herMot
hert
oo,
uFut
hiIdon'
ttr
usthernj
e
Me:
Mpi
l
oisal
ovel
yki
d,i
t'
sdi
ff
icul
tnott
olov
ehi
m
Zuxi
e:That
'sv
eryt
rue
Me:Shoul
dIt
ell
himt
olowert
hemusi
cyouwanna
sl
eep?
Zuxi
e:AhhevenNoBab'
Ntul
ii
sout
sidesof
orget
,I'
l
l
tr
ytosleept
hrought
henoi
se
Me:
Met
oo,
I'
mti
red.
.Justwannabat
handsl
eep
Zuxi
e:Mpi
l
o..Comet
akeabat
hsowecangoand
sl
eep
Mpi
l
o:Okay
Me:
Goodni
ghtBabycomeandgi
vemeahug
Mpi
l
owal
kedupt
omeandgav
emeahug.
..
Me:
Goodni
ghtIl
ovey
ou
Mpi
l
o:Il
ovey
out
ooMamncane
Me:
Goodni
ghtMa
Zuxi
e:Goodni
ghtSi
si,
seey
out
omor
rowmor
ning
.
Tobecont
inued
52

I
RENE

[
AMONTHLATER]

Aft
erourLobol
alastmonth,
Vukani
andIagr eedon
havi
ngababy.Istoppedt
aki
ngthepil
ls,
wentt othe
Drandhecheckedme.Toldmethatthepil
l
sdi dn'
t
aff
ectme..

Iwassitti
ngont het oil
et,onmyper i
ods.Star
tedmy
peri
odsy est
erday .Ihadreall
ythoughtthatIwas
pregnantandtheper i
odpainswereextreme.Iwiped
myt ear
sandgotup, f
orsomer easonmyper iod
bl
ood.Itwascl ots,smellydarkredclot
s.Hadt oput
onascent edpadj ustforthesmell.
.

VUKANI
Qhuma:
Whatwi
l
lhappeni
fwet
aket
hisr
out
e?
Me:Lookatt
hetape,thatr
oadi
stoobusy
.How
aboutwehi
tthem her
e?
Tsonga:
Arewer
eal
l
ygoi
ngi
ntot
hedr
ugbusi
ness?
Qhuma:Nowenot.
.Justthatt
hisst
ashisgoi
ngt
o
makeusalotofmoney.1mil
lest
imated
Me:
Whoownst
hisbusi
ness?
Qhuma: HisnameisGuzik,hisstashi
scomingwith
aship.Thenoffl
oadedtothistr
uckandthistr
uck
wil
ltakethestashtohi
swar ehousethat
'swhenwe
hi
tit
Boy
zini
:Thi
sGuzi
k?Howdanger
ousi
she?
Qhuma:
Ver
ydanger
ous
Me:
Sowhyar
ewegoi
ngi
ntoasui
cidemi
ssi
on?
Qhuma:Boyswehitaf
edi
li
tytr
ucknotsol
ongago,
I
bel
iev
einus.
.Ibel
i
eveint
his
Tsonga:
Onemi
l
li
oni
sal
otofmoneyt
hough
Qhuma:
Sowecant
ry?
Me:
Nowt
hatI
reneandIar
etr
yingf
orababy
,I'
min
Qhuma:
Howi
sthatgoi
ng?
Me: Wait
ingf
orhertotakeapregnancyt
est,
shehas
beenfeeli
ngstr
angelat
elysoshesuspect
sshe'
s
pregnant
Boy
zini
:Congr
atul
ati
onsi
nadv
ance
Myphoner
ang,
itwasI
rene.
.

Me:
ExcuseMe

Iwal
kedawayt
oanswer
..

Me:
Skado
Ihear
dhercr
ying.
..
Me:
What
'swr
ong?
I
rene:
Iwokeuponmyper
iods
Iexhal
ed.
..
Me:
It'
sokayBaby
..Wecant
ryagai
n
I
rene:
Iwassur
ethatIwaspr
egnant(
cry
ing)
Me:
Iknowi
thur
ts
I
rene:Mythi
ngsar
en'tgoi
ngwel l
.Iwasl
etgoat
work,
I'
m unempl
oyed,Ican'
tevenfal
lpr
egnant
..
Somethi
ngsosimple(Cryi
ng)
Me:It
'snotl
i
kewefinanci
allyst
randedBaby,wear
e
marr
ied.I
'myourMan,I
'l
ltakecareofyouit
'smy
dut
y
I
rene:
Ijustl
i
kebei
ngi
ndependent
Me:
Iknow.
.Youwi
l
lfi
ndanot
herj
ob
I
rene:
Okay
Me:
Ilovey
ousomuchandt
hisi
sami
norset
back,
wewil
lbef
ine
I
rene:
Ilov
eyout
oo
Me:
I'
ll
seey
oul
ater
I
rene:
OkayBaby
Ihungup.
.

FUTHI

Iwonderwhat
'shappeni
ngbetweenVukaniand
Ir
ene,Ihav
en'
tseenanysignsoft
hem havi
ng
probl
emsnorthreat
eni
ngtobreakup.

Iwonderi
fthatwomani
sreal
l
ypower
ful
.

IwasatKFCwi
thNqobi
l
e..

Nqo: Mngani
stopbeingparanoid,thatwomanhas
helpedmeal ot
.Youwill
findthatthingsaregoi
ng
accordi
ngtoplan,
justt
hatyou'l
l neverseeyoudon'
t
staywit
hthem 24hours
Me:
Ithoughtbynowshewoul
d'
vepackedherbags
andwenthome
Nqo:
Bepat
ientst
handwasam
Inodded.
.

I
RENE

WhenZuxiecheckeduponmesher eali
zedIwasn't
feel
i
ngwell,
shehadmecomei nsidet hehouse.Li
e
onthecouch,wit
hami nibl
anketandahotwat er
bott
leonmyt ummy .Thepai
nkil
lerswer ehel
ping
easethepai
nabi t
..

Iam soblessedtohaveaMot herinl

awlikeher
,
she'sl
ovi
ngandhasaki ndheart
.Shedoesn'
ttr
eat
mel i
keaDaught eri
nlaw,butherDaught
er.She
broughtmet hebowlofsoup..

Me:
Thanky
ouMa
Zuxi
e:Chi
ckensoup,
it'
sanol
dreci
pe
Me:
Thanky
ou,
youar
esoki
ndt
ome
Thandoshowedup,
pushi
ngherbi
gtummy
.

Shesatont
heothercouch.Shewasmeanttohav
e
gi
venbir
thl
astmonth,i
t'
s10monthsnow..

Zuxi
e:Shoul
dIal
somakey
ouachi
ckenbowl
soup?
Thando:
Please

Ithi
nkbambophile,becauseherboyfr
iendandbaby
daddylef
therforanothergirl
.Thegir
lmighthave
donesomething.It
'ssadbecauseherMot heri
sa
Chri
sti
an,ahardcoreonef orthatmat
ter.
.

ENDA

Thespoil
edbratwasgone,
Iwasr
eli
eved.Nowl
i
fe
wentbacktonormal
..
Ir
ecei
vedacal
lfr
om ast
ranger
,Fut
hi.
.

Fut
hi:
Longt
ime
Me:
Longt
imei
ndeed
Fut
hi:
Weshoul
dcat
chup
Me:Uhm Fut
hiIdon'
twannasoundrudebut
..I
rene
i
smyf r
iendandIdon'
tthi
nkyouandIshoul
dbe
cl
oseanymore
Futhi
:MeandIr
enear
efi
nethelastt
imeIchecked,
soIdon'
tknowwhyyoui
nheri
ti
ngbattl
est
hatare
notyour
s
Me:
I'
m notchoosi
nganybat
tl
e,Ij
ustfeel
it'
s
i
mport
antthaty
ouandIdon'
tbefri
endsanymor
e.I
t
f
eel
sawkwar df
orme
Futhi
:Ihavenevert
akeny
ouasonet
oinher
it
enemiesthatar
enotyour
s
Me:
ByeFut
hi
Fut
hi:
Bye
VUKANI

Qhuma:Weneedt
ohi
tthet
ruckbef
orei
tmakesi
tto
t
hewarehouse
Me:
Ont
hisr
oad,
it'
ssl
i
ght
lybusy
Boy
zini
:Wecanpunct
uret
het
yres
Me:
Goodi
dea
Tsonga:
Thi
sroadi
snotent
ir
elyqui
et,t
here'
sat
l
east3or4car
spassi
ngthr
ougheveryhour
Me:
Wehav et
ohi
titbef
orecar
scome,
timi
ngi
sver
y
i
mport
ant
Tsonga:
Okay

BONE

Ihadadream aboutMpi
lo.Mpi
loi
sgoi
ngtosuf
fer
herMot
her'ssi
ns,Isawherdyi
ngapai
nful
deat
h.
There'
snothi
ngIcando, Ican'
tstopit.There'
salot
thatFut
hiisdoingthatshe'sgoingtoneedt oface
theconsequencesofheract i
ons.Plus,Inolonger
wannagetinvolved.IfIsaysomething,theymight
sayI'mtheonepl ot
ti
ngf orherdeat
h, soIwon'tdo
anythi
ng.
.
Tobecont
inued
53

BONE

Iconsul
tedwiththeunder
groundgang,Ineeded
moreclari
tyonmydr eam.I
sFuthigoi
ngt odie?
What'shappeni
ng?

Iwasshownt heshadowofdeat hloomi ngaround

herhome, theplacethatsheoccupi escurrentl
y.The
shadowst andsatt hedoor st
epwaitingtoclaima
l
ife.Ei
therHers,orMpi l
o's.Iwasalsoshownwhat
she'scurr
entlydoingonI rene,myhear twas
unsettl
ed.WhatmakesFut hit
obet hisvil
e?YesI've
hurtherbutthisisevil
..

It
ookmyphoneandcal
l
edVukani
..

Vuks:
Whatdoy
ouwant
?
Me:Mbhem,
Iknowt
haty
ouandIhav
eissues.Had
i
ssues
Vuks:
Issuesy
oucal
lthem?Theseai
n'
ti
ssuesy
ou
bet
rayedme
Me:Okayfi
ne,
youf
eel
whaty
ouf
eel
andi
t'
sokay
.
Butl
i
sten
Vuks:
Idon'
twannal
i
stent
oany
thi
ngy
ouhav
eto
say
Hehungup.
.

I
RENE

Iwasfeel
ingabitbet
terf
rom howIfel
tear
li
eron
butZuxi
estil
ldi
dn'
twantmedoi ngmuchwork.
.

Endawasar
ound.
.Shecamet
ovi
sit
,wesatout
side.
.

Me:
Ican'
tbel
i
eveshewoul
dact
ual
l
ycont
acty
ou
knowi
ngv
erywel
lyouar
emyf
ri
end
Enda:
Idon'
ttr
ustt
hatwoman,
pleasebecar
eful
Me:
Iwi
l
l
Enda:
What
'swr
ong?Youseem bot
her
ed
Me:Vukani
andIhavebeentr
yingf
orababy
,Iwoke
upt
hismorningonmyperi
ods
Enda:I
t'
snoteasy,j
ustdon'
tgi
veup.Manywomen
fi
nditdi
ff
icul
ttoconci
eve
Me:Yabutt
heDrsai
dI'
m okay
,not
hingi
swr
ong
wi
thme
Enda:Thenkeepont
ryi
ng,
Ial
sohadpr
obl
emsunt
ilI
gaveup
Me:
Shamemaan
Enda:
I'
m al
ri
ght
,QhumahasenoughKi
dst
ost
ress
me
Me:
I'
mjustgl
adMpi
l
oiswel
lbehav
ed
Enda:
Youar
elucky
VUKANI

Isawhim,hewasdinni
ngwithanot hergentleman.
Pri
vat
etable,
seemedli
keaser i
ousmeet ing.Ifixed
mysuitanddowneddownmygl assofwhi skey.Igot
upandmademywayt othei
rtable.
.

Me:
Goodday
Theybot
hlookedatme.
..
Me:
Vukani
Theyst
il
ll
ookedatme.
.
Me:
Guzi
k?
Guzi
k:Yes?
Me:
Youdon'
trememberme?
Guzi
k:Idon'
tthi
nkI
'
vemety
ouev
eri
nmyl
i
fe
Me:Iam notsur
pri
sedthaty
oudon'
trememberme,
youhav
eal otofcl
i
ents
Guzi
k:ThatIdo
Me:
Yousol
dmeabat
chofcoke,
thef
inest
Hel
ookedatt
hegent
leman.
.
Guzi
k:Leav
eus
Thegent
lemanbowedal
i
ttl
eandwal
kedaway
..

Isatdownonhi
schai
r.
.
Guzi
k:Idon'
tl
iketobeambushedwhenI
'
m hav
ing
l
unchwithabusinessassoci
ate
Me:
Mysi
ncer
eapol
ogi
es
Guzi
k:WhatcanIdof
ory
ou?
Me:
Ineedabat
ch
Hepi
ckeduphi
swhi
skeyanddr
ank.
.

QHUMA

Tsonga:
Doy
out
hinkt
hatVukani
wil
lbeabl
etopul
l
i
toff?
Me:
Vukani
issmar
twehav
etot
rusthi
m
Boy
zini
:Cokei
sadanger
ousbusi
nesst
oembar
kon
Me:Anditalsohasal
otofmoney,wecan'
trel
yon
Hei
stsonly
.There'
sal
otofheatt
here
Tsonga:
Under
stood

I
RENE

Twocopswal
kedi
n,Iwasst
il
lsi
tt
ingwi
thEnda.
.

Cop1:
Goodday
Me:
Goodday
Cop1:
Wear
elooki
ngf
orVukani
Ntul
i
Me:
He'
snother
e
Cop1:
Whenwi
l
lhebeback?
Me:
Iam notsur
e
Cop2:
Wher
eishe?
Me:
Hewor
ksatt
hel
ocal
bot
tl
est
ore
Cop1:
Pleasetel
lhi
mtocomeatt
hepol
i
cest
ati
on,
i
fwedon'tf
indhi
m att
hebot
tl
est
ore
Me:
Okay
..Whati
sitabout
?
Cop1:
Rout
inecheckup
Enda:
Why
?He'
snotoutonPar
olemoss
Cop1:
I'
m sor
rywhoar
eyou?
Me:
I'
ll
lethi
m know
Cop1:
Thanky
ou
Theywal
kedaway
..
.

Thatwasst
range,
whathasVukani
done?

VUKANI

Guzi
k:Youdon'
tst
ri
kemeasadr
ugLor
d
Me:
Youdon'
tst
ri
kemeasadr
ugsponsor
Guzi
k:Abat
chi
sR10000
Iwhi
stl
ed.
.

Guzi
k:Adr
ugLor
dal
way
shasmoneyt
obuy
Me:
Ijustst
art
ednotl
ongago
Guzi
k:Isee.
.Hal
fabat
ch5k.
.That
'st
hebestIcan
do
Me:
I'
ll
takei
t
Guzi
k:Good,
giv
emey
ourdet
ail
sandI
'
llcont
acty
ou
Me:
Let
'scal
lthewai
tert
ogi
vemeapenandpaper

FUTHI

Ihadcomet
ovi
sitmyMot
her
'shouse.
.

Ma:Ihear
dthatVukani
pai
dlobol
aforagi
rlnamed
I
rene
Me:
Iknow

Shechuckl
ed.
.

Ma:
Usuhl
ulwey
iBhant
int
i(Anexcondef
eat
edy
ou)
Me:MaI'm nother
etof
ight
,justwant
edt
oseehow
youhol
dingup
Ma:
I'
m goodFut
hi
Me:
Ibr
oughty
ousomegr
ocer
ies
Ma:
Wit
hwhatmoneydi
dyoubuy
?Younotwor
king
Me:
Vukani
giv
esmemoney
Ma:Chake.
.Ngi
yabonga,
youcanl
eav
ewi
thy
our
gr
oceri
es
Me:
Whyy
oual
way
shav
etobel
i
ket
his?I
'
mtr
ying
Ma:Idon'
twantyoutryany
thi
ngFuthi
,youwantme
t
oacceptgrocer
iesfr
om anexcon?Foodbought
wi
thbloodmoney ?
Me:
He'
swor
kingatt
hebot
tl
est
oreMa
Ma:Sincewhendoesabott
lestorepaysomeone
enoughtobuygr
oceri
esatcheckers?
Me:
He'
str
yingMa
Ma:
Idon'
tcar
e!Cel
auhambe(
Pleasel
eav
e)

VUKANI

Webot
hst
oodup,
Iti
edmyj
acket
..

Me:
Pleasur
edoi
ngbusi
nesswi
thy
ou
Guzi
k:Pl
easur
edoi
ngbusi
nesswi
thy
out
oo
Me:
I'
ll
bei
ntouch
Guzi
k:Ver
ywel
l

Weexchangedahandshake.
.

I
RENE
Icall
edVukani
,hedi
dn'
tpi
ckup.It
ri
edhi
m unt
ilhe
pickedup.
.

Vukani
:Gogoobov
u,howar
eyouf
eel
i
ngnow?
Me:
Bet
ter
Vukani
:Gl
adtoheart
hat,
doy
ouwantmet
obr
ing
youyourf
avor
it
emeal?
Me:
Yespl
ease
Vukani
:Sendmeat
extt
oremi
ndme
Me:
Ukuphi
?(Wher
ear
eyou)
Vukani
:Get
ti
ngst
ockbutI
'
m comi
ngback
Me:
2copswer
eher
e
Vukani
:Why
?
Me:
I'
m notsur
e
Vukani
:That
'swei
rd
Me:Theysayukut
hiy
oumustgot
othepol
i
ce
st
ati
ontoseethem
Vukani
:Whoi
sthedet
ect
ive?
Me:
For
gott
oask
Vukani
:It
'sokay
..I
'
llgot
her
e
Me:
OkayIl
ovey
ou
Vukani
:Il
ovey
out
oo

VUKANI

Imetupwit
hQhumaandt
heot
her
s,t
heywer
e
sur
vei
ll
anci
ng.
.

Qhuma:
Howdi
ditgo?
Me:
Itwentwel
l
Qhuma:
Hedi
dn'
tsuspectany
thi
ng?
Me:
No.
.Wewi
l
lbuyabat
chf
or5k
Qhuma:
Good
Me:
Ihav
etogot
othepol
i
cest
ati
on
Tsonga:
Why
?
Me:
Somecopsst
oppedbyatmyhouse
Boy
zini
:Yout
hinkt
heysuspect
ingaboutt
hehei
st?
Me:
Idon'
tknow.
.I'
l
lhav
etogocheck
Qhuma:
Let
'sgo
.
Tobecont
inued
54

VUKANI

Wedr ovestrai
ghttothepoli
cestat
iont
ohearwhat
wasgoi ngon.Itol
dthem thatt
wocopscametomy
houseaskingaboutme, QhumaandIsatatthe
recept
ion..

Oneofthem walkedout
,Iknowhim.Iknowexact
ly
whoheis.He'sthesamecopthatar
restedme.They
cal
lhi
m Ngozi ar
oundhere.
.

Hewal
kedupt
ous,
Ist
oodup.
.

Me:
Ngozi
Ngozi
:Vukani
Me:
Ihear
dyouwer
eatmyhouse
Ngozi:Yes.
.Wear
efol
l
owinguponthehei
stthat
happenedsometi
meago,si
nceyouwerearr
ested5
year
sago.YouweremyPersonofi
nter
est
Me:Iwasarrest
edf
orthepossessi
onofi
l
legal
f
ir
earms,nothei
str
elat
ed
Ngozi:
Yest
hat
'swhathappened,butIam deadsur
e
deepdownt
hatyouwereinvol
vedinthathei
st5
year
sago
Qhuma:Thi
sishar
assment,Vukanihasbeen
worki
ngwit
hmeatt hebot
tl
estore
Ngozi
:I'
m sor
rywhoar
eyou?
Qhuma:
Qhuma
Ngozi
:Isee
Me:Am Ii
mpl
i
cat
edi
nthehei
stt
hathappeneda
whi
l
eback?
Ngozi
:No
Me:Doyouhav
eanypr
ooft
hati
mpl
i
cat
esmet
othe
hei
st?
Ngozi
:No
Me:
Sowhatdoy
ouwant
?
Ngozi:Youwer eskil
ledinPri
son,
wasabl etosell
cigar
ettes,weed,andotheri
ll
egalthi
ngs.Sneak
them i
n.Iwoul dn'
tpassitbyyouthatyouwere
responsibl
efortheheistatt
hepostof f
iceoreven
i
nv ol
ved
Me:
Unti
lyouhavepr
oof
,pl
easedon'
thar
assmeand
myfami
l
yagain
Iwal
kedout
,Qhumaf
oll
owedme.
.

I
RENE

Isatnextt
oThando.
.

Thando:
Howar
eyouf
eel
i
ng?
Me:Theperi
odpainsar
ecomingandgoi
ng,my
wombfeelshot
.I'
m sweat
ing,
hadtobat
hagai
n
Thando:Theonlynicethi
ngaboutthepregnancyi
s
thatIam exemptedfr
om theper
iodpains
Me:Thandowhatdi
dtheDrsay
?10mont
hsi
sal
ot
ofmonths
Thando:
Heseesnot
hingbuthewi
l
linducel
abour
soon
Me:
Isee
Thando:
Why
?
Me:Idon'
tknow,
whydon'
tyouseesomeone?
Someonewhocanseewhat'
sgoingon
Thando:
Asangoma?
Me:
Sor
tof
f
Thando:
MyMot
herwoul
dki
l
lme!
Me:Itcoul
dbesomethi
ngofwi
tchcr
aftandIt
hink
youshouldconsul
t
Thando:IhadsuspectedbecausemyBabyDaddy 's
newgirl
fri
endsworethatmybabydaddywasnot
goingt
obei nvol
vedinourbaby'sl
i
feandhimj ust
acti
ngoutonmehat ingmef ornoreason.I
'
mj ust
gladVukanii
shereandhe'sgoingtohelpunti
lIfi
nd
something
Me:
That
'swhyIt
hinky
oushoul
dconsul
t
Thando:
Woul
dyougowi
thme?
Me:
Ofcour
se
Thando:
MyMot
hershoul
dn'
tknowaboutt
his
Me:
Yeswewon'
ttel
lany
one

FUTHI

Il
ookedatMpi l
o.Mpi l
oisallergi
ctomushrooms,
andri
ghtnowI '
m desperate.SoIboughthim apizza
wit
hmushr ooms, hewil
l haveanall
ergi
creacti
on.
Nothi
ngmaj orbutI'
ll
beabl etotakeVukaniaway
fr
om Ir
eneforaf ewday sasMpi lof
all
ssick.Vukani
l
ovesMpiloandIknowhewi ll
bebyhisside..

Il
ookedatMpi
l
o..

Me:
Isi
tni
ce?
Henodded.
.

Me:
Good

QHUMA

Wewer
edr
ivi
ngbackhome.
.

Me:Canwepassbyatthemal
l
,IwannabuyI
rene
somethi
ngs.She'
snotf
eel
i
ngwel
l

Iwasonlydri
vingwit
hQhuma.Boyzi
niandTsonga
wereal
readyinthehood.Wedepar
tedfr
om them as
QhumaandIcameher e.
.

Qhuma:
Thi
sNgozi
nibast
ard,
hehasi
tinf
ory
ou
Me:
Hel
onghashadi
tinf
orme
Qhuma:
Hai
Mbhem,
Iwi
l
ltakey
out
omyper
son
bakuqi
nisebecausethi
sisnotgoodforusespeci
all
y
si
ncewear egoingtothedrugbusi
ness
Me:
Yaahe'
sgoi
ngt
obeat
hor
ninourway

FUTHI

Ikeptonpacingupanddown.I twasasmal lpizza,

theall
ergi
creacti
onusuallykicksi nsoon,aft
eraf ew
minutesofingesti
ng,
justrashal loverhisbody
nothi
ngserious.Anit
chypai nfulrashthatgoesaway
withanointmentandantibioti
cssuspensi onforkids

Nqo:
Unj
ani
?(Howar
eyou)
Me:
I'
m goodwenaunj
ani
?
Nqo:
I'
m good.
.Yousounddownwhat
'swr
ong?
Me: Thi
sfri
endofmineEnda,sheturnedonmeev er
si
nceshebecamef ri
endswit
hI r
ene.Shepoststhei
r
pict
uresonFacebookconst
antly
,shepostedabout
Ir
ene'sweddingnj
eaii
Nqo:
Ahhl
eav
ehershewasn'
tfai
thf
ult
obegi
nwi
th
Me:
Yaamay
be
Nqo:
Zobar
ightmaan
Me:
Hopef
ull
y

I
RENE

ThandolookedatMe,welookedatZuxi
e.Wewer
e
allsi
tt
ingi
ntheloungewat
chingTV,shewas
readi
ngherBibl
e..

Thando:
Ma
Zuxi
elookedather
..
Thando:
Tomorr
owIr
eneandIwearegoi
ngtot
he
mall
,Iwantt
obuyaf
ewclot
hesfort
hebaby
Thando:
Youarever
ypregnantThando,y
ou
shoul
dn'
tbegoi
nganywhere.I
magineifyougi
ve
bir
thatt
hemall
Thando:
Wewon'
tbel
ong
Zuxi
e:Okayt
hen

Ir
eal
l
ywantf
orhert
ogethel
p,t
hisi
snotr
ight
..

FUTHI

Mpi
l
o:Mybodyi
sit
chy
Me:
Letmesee
Hewasscr
atchi
nghi
msel
f.
Me:
Don'
tscr
atchMpi
l
o
Mpi
l
o:Buti
t'
sit
chy
Me:Letmegettheaqueous,
ifi
tgetsser
ious.
Tomorrowmorni
ngI'
llt
akeyoutotheDr

Iwentandgott
heaqueous.
.
Me:
Her
etal
ktoy
ourDad
Idi
aledhisnumberandgaveMpil
othephone,Iwent
togettheaqueouscr
eam.Iputhi
m onloudspeaker
..

Vukani
:Fut
hi
Mpi
l
o:Daddyi
t'
sme
Vukani
:Champ,
arey
ouokay
?
Mpi
l
o:Nomybodyi
spai
nful
andi
tchy
Vukani
:What
'swr
ong?
Me:Mpil
oisal
ler
gict
oMushrooms,
Ithi
nkheat
e
somet
hingwit
hMushrooms
Vukani
:HowFut
hi?
Me:I'
m notsur
e,hewasplayi
ngwit
hkidsfr
om next
doormaybetheyatesomethi
ngpi
zzaorsomet
hing
Vukani
:Howbadi
sit
?
Me:Iwi
l
lusehisaqueouscr
eam,i
fhe'
sst
il
lnotwel
l
byt
omorrow.I
'
llt
akehimtotheDr
Vukani
:OkayI
'
llcal
lyouguy
slat
er
Me:
Okayt
hanky
ou
Vukani
:Shar
p
Me:
Shar
p
.
Tobecont
inued
55

FUTHI

Thenextmor
ningMpilohadtober ushedtothe
hospi
tal
.Hewasgett
ingworse.Idon'tunder
stand,
he'
shadmushroomsbefore,
heal waysrecovered.I
don'
tknowwhythi
saller
gicr
eacti
onhasgot ten
i
ntense.
.

Ipacedupanddownwi t
hmyhear tonmyknees,
whathav eIdone?.Iusedmyownchi l
dinpur
suitof
amant hatclear
lydoesn'twantmeany more,
my
tr
ustinthelovethatwesharedy earsagomademe
beli
evethathewasgoi ngtofindhiswaybacktome..

Vukani
wal
kedi
n,hesawmeandwal
kedupt
ome.
.

Vukani
:Fut
hiwhathappened?
Me:
Idon'
tknowhej
ust
..He.
.
Vukani
:Whydidyouev enlethi
m eatmushrooms
whenyouknowexactlythathe'
sall
ergic?Coul
dn'
t
youtel
lMpil
onottoeatfoodf r
om otherpeopl
e'
s
housestopr
eventsuch?
Me:Ohhpleasekil
lme!Don'ty
outhinkIfeelbad
enough?Don'
tyouthi
nkIblamemy selfenough?I
don'
tneedyoustandi
ngthereandblamingme!
Vukani
:Whatdi
dtheDrsay
?
Me:
Sti
l
lwai
ti
ng

I
RENE

Ididn'
tsl eepwelll
astni ght.Thecr
ampswer e
unbear able.Thi
smor ningt heywer
eworse.Vukani
hadt ogot othehospit
al ,
Mpi l
owasadmitt
ed.
Appar entlyhehadeatenmushr oomsandhe's
al
lergictot hem.
Zuxiesai
dthatweshouldgototheDr,mywombf
elt
hot.Li
keIhadagrenadeinsi
de.Myfl
owwasheav
y,
andIwassweatingtoo.

Itri
edtosi tsti
llont hechairbutthecrampswer e
getti
ngwor seandwor se,Ipr
essZuxi e'shand
becauseIwasal sost ruggli
ngtobreat h.Itwasthat
bad,Iwasget t
ingdi zzyandweakt oo.Shegotup
andwentt ot her eceptioni
st,wewere3r dinli
ne.The
recepti
onistbroughtawheel chairf
orme, they
helpedmef rom thechai rtotheconsul t
ingroom..
Theywer eput t
ingmeaheadoft heline..

Recept
ioni
st:
Phephi
saSi
si(
Aski
es)
Iwashel
pedt
othebed.
.

Zuxi
e:Kodway i
ni,
uMpi
l
onoIrene(What
's
happeni
ng,i
t'
sbothMpi
loandIr
ene)

Shepul
l
edt
hechai
randsatnextt
othebed,
shehel
d
myhand.
.

Me:
Ngi
cel
auf
onel
euVukani
(Pl
easecal
lVukani
for
me)

If
eltl
i
keIwasdy
ing.
.

FUTHI

Hisphoner
ang.Hetookitoutandl
ookedati
t,he
puti
tbacki
nhispocket
..

Itcoul
dbeIr
ene,t
heplanisworki
ngbutatthe
expenseofmySon.Ididn'
twanti
ttoworkatthe
expenseofMpi
lo,Iwantedmyfamil
yback.
.

TheDrcamet
ous.
.Het
ookof
fhi
ssur
gical
mask.
.
Me:
Howi
smySondoi
ng?I
shegoi
ngt
obeokay
?

Hesi
ghed.
.

Dr
:I'
m sor
ry
Me:
No.
.No.
.Pl
easedon'
tsayt
hat
Dr
:I'
mtr
ulysor
ry
Vukani
:No.
.Youar
egoi
ngt
ogobacki
nther
eand
hel
pmySon!!

Dr:Hehadprobl
emsbreathing,whenwet
riedtoput
hi
m ontheventi
l
atormachineitwastool
ate.I
'
m
tr
ulysor
ry

Me:
No.
.No.
.No!
!

Iwentdownonmyknees.
.
Vukani
: Youdon'tunderst
and,mySonmeansmor e
tomet hanli
feit
self.Ihav
ejustr
econnect
edwith
him,t
hisshouldn'tbehappeni
ng.
.It
'snotr
ight
,it
'
s
notri
ght!!

Fut
hi:
Nkosi
yami
lekel
ela(
Godhav
emer
cy)

Dr
:I'
mtr
ulysor
ry

Hewal
kedaway
..

Dr
:I'
m sor
ry

[
Sil
ence]

Vukani
tur
nedandl
ookedatme.
.

Vukani
:I'
l
lnev
erf
orgi
vey
ouf
ort
his,
youki
l
ledmy
Son!I
'
llnev
erf
orgi
vey
ou

Hewal
kedout
..
.

I
RENE

TheDrfi
nal
l
ycameinmymi
stofpai
n.Wecoul
dn'
t
getahol
dofVukani
.
.

TheDrgav emeani nj
ecti
on,thenhegotmesome
medst oo..Heaskedal otofquestionsf
ir
st,
wasI
pregnant?Incaseitwasspontaneousaborti
on.The
i
njecti
onhel pedeasethepain,i
tkickedi
nafterafew
minutes

Hetoldmet ocomebacknextweekorifthepai
n
doesn'
tsubsidi
zewi
ththemedicat
ionIshoul
d
come..
Zuxi
eandIwalkedoutt
othecar
,Iwasabl
etowal
k
butIwasst
il
lweak.
.

FUTHI

Il
ookedathim, hewaslaidonthebedasifl
i
kehe
wassleepi
ng.Iforcedtoseehim,bef
oret
hey
becauseIdi
dn'tbeli
evethathewasgone.
.

Nur
se:
Ist
her
eany
onewecancal
lfory
ou?
Ihel
dhi
sli
tt
lehand.
.
Me:
I'
m sosor
ry
Nur
se:
Canwecal
lsomeonef
ory
ou?
Ihuggedhi
m..
Me:
I'
mtr
ulysor
ry(
cry
ing)

I
RENE
Zuxi
e:I
reney
ouhav
etor
est
Me:
Ngi
yabongaMa(
Thanky
ouMa)
Zuxi
e:I'
l
lmakey
oual
i
ghtmeal
,dr
inkwar
m wat
er
andrest

Me:
Wer
eyouabl
etogetahol
dofVukani
?
Zuxi
e:I
tkeptonr
ingi
ng
Me:
Iwonderhowt
hingsar
egoi
ngt
her
e
Zuxi
e:Met
oo,
wewi
l
lhearf
rom hi
m whenheget
s
back
Me:
Yes,
Ihopeuzobar
ightuMpi
l
o
Zuxi
e:Met
oo

VUKANI

Ipul
l
edov
erasIcoul
dn'
tst
opmyt
ear
sfr
om f
all
i
ng.
.
If
acedupandwi
pedmyf
acewi
thmyt
-shi
rt
.

Ineverthoughtmyhear twoul
dbreakl
iket
hisone
day,
Ididn'tfeell
ikegoi
ng.Iwasdone,
Futhiki
l
led
me.Kill
edmyr easontoli
ve.
..

FUTHI

Nqowal
kedi
n..

Ihadgiv
ent heNurseshernumbers,
Idi
dn'
tknow
anyoneelsethatt
heycouldcal
l
..

Shesatnextt
ome.
.

Nqo:
Fut
hi
Me:
I..Di
dsomet
hingst
upi
d
Shehuggedme.
.
Me:
Idi
dsomet
hingv
eryst
upi
d(Cr
ying)
Nqo:
Aski
esSi
si
.
Tobecont
inued
56

I
RENE

Ihatedisappoi
nti
ngPeopl
e,anddisappoi
nti
ng
Thandowasnoti nthel
ist
.ThoughIhadnocontr
ol
overthemat t
er,
Iwokeupdogsick..

Vukani
walkedinl
ateron,
helookeddi
str
aught.We
l
ookedathim.Hesatonthecouchandcoveredhi
s
headwit
hhishands.

Me:
What
'swr
ong?
Tearsstr
eameddown,
Ithi
nkIknowwhathappened.
Vukaniwoul
dn'
tj
ustcr
y,amandoesn'
tcr
ythat
easi
ly.
..
.

Zuxi
e:Vukani
whathappened?
Vukani
:Mpi
l
oisnomor
e
Thewhol
eroom wentqui
et.
.

Zuxi
e:Whatdoy
oumeanMpi
l
oisnomor
e?
Vukani
:Usi
shi
yi
leMa(
Hehasl
eftus)
Il
ookedathi
m..

Thi
swasunbeli
evabl
e,Mpil
owasaheal
thyboy.How
di
dthi
shappen?Hisdeat
h?Happensoqui
ckly
?..

Zuxi
e:OhhhhhhNkosi
yami
Babay
ini
?
Hecouldn'
tcont
rol
himsel
f,hegotupandwal
ked
out
..Idi
dn'
tknowwhattosay..

FUTHI

Iwant
edtoburyuMpi
l
owher eIcur
rent
lyl
i
ve,buti
t'
s
asecl
udedpl
aceandhedeservest
obeburiedi
na
di
gni
fi
edway.SoIwantthefuneralt
ot akepl
aceat
myMother
'shouse,
it'
sonl
yfairandjust..

NqoandIdr
ovet
oherpl
acef
rom t
hehospi
tal
..

Nqoexpl
ainedsi
nceIwasnotst
rongenought
odo
so.
.

Ma:Niy
abonaizi
ntozokungal
alel
iFut
hi(
Youseethi
s
t
hingofyour
sofnotli
steni
ngnorbeingr
espect
ful
)
Me:Ma.
.MySondi
ed,
Idon'
tthi
nkt
hisi
sthet
imet
o
f
ight
Ma:Ofcourse.
.Kodwanomat
terhowev i
lIwas
madetoseem butifMpi
l
owassti
lll
i
vinghere,
he
woul
dstil
lbeali
ve
Me:
May
be
Ma:Ohwwell
,whatcanIsay.Okwenzeki
l
e,
kwenzeki
l
e(Whathashappened,
hashappened)
Shegotup.
.
Ma:
Nqobi
l
eangi
thi
?
Nqo:
YeboMa
Ma:Pleasecomehel
pmemov
ethi
ngsf
rom t
he
bedr
oom
Nqo:
OkayMa

I
RENE

Iwentt
otheout
sider
oom.Hewaslayi
ngont
hebed
faci
ngupl
ist
eni
ngtoacer
tai
nsong:

"
AndI
'
m gr
indi
n't
ilI
'
m at
tacked
Theysay"
Youai
n'
tgr
indi
n't
ily
out
ir
ed"
SoI
'
m gr
indi
n'wi
thmyey
eswi
de
Looki
ngt
ofi
nd,
awayt
hrought
heday
Al
i
ght
,fort
heni
ght
DearLor
d,you'
vedonetooksomanyofmypeopl
e
butI
'mjustwonder
in'
why
Youhav
en'
ttakenmyl
i
fe?
Li
kewhatt
hehel
lam Idoi
ngr
ight
?"

Idi
dn'
tknowwhattosay,
Ihav
en'tl
ostababysoI
don'
treal
l
yunder
standhi
spai
n..

Me:
Vukani
Hel
ookedatme.
.
Hegotupandswi
tchedt
hemusi
cof
f.
.
Me:
I'
m sor
ry
Hesatupst
rai
ghtont
hebed.
.

Vukani
:Comeher
e
Iwal
keduptohim,andsatont
opofhi
m.Hehugged
meveryt
ightandbur
iedhi
sheadonmycleav
age.
.

Me:
I'
mtr
ulysor
ry
ENDA

I
renet
ext
edmeandt
oldmet
hatMpi
l
oisnomor
e,I
t
oldQhuma.
.

Qhuma:NowVukani
wil
lbedi
str
act
edwhenwego
outt
her
eanddoourjob
Me:Real
l
y?Yourfri
endj
ustlosthi
sSon.Hi
sonl
y
chi
l
dandy out
hinki
ngaboutwork?
Qhuma:Youri
ght
,Idosympathi
zewithhi
m.We
shoul
dsendsomeflower
snextdoorandaskwher
e
wecanhelp
Me:
Yespl
ease

I
RENE

Vukani
:Shewascar
eless,
howdoy
ounott
ell
those
cl
oset
hatyourSoni
sall
ergi
ctomushr
ooms?Futhi
ki
ll
edMpi
loandI'
m nev
ergoingt
ofor
giv
eher
.I'
m
goi
ngtomakeherpay

Me:Iunderstandthatyouarehurt
ing,butBabyI
don'
tthi
nkFut hiwouldputherSon'sheal
thinthe
j
eaorpady.Shemov edhim awayfrom atoxic
envi
ronment

Vukani
:Ifsheonl
yletmet
akemySon

Me:
Iknow.
.Iknow.
.

FUTHI

Iwassi
tti
ngonthematt
ress,
wewon'tkeephi
mfor
tool
ong.Hehastobeburi
edsoon.
.
Ikeptonthinki
ngaboutt
hepizzaIgavehim,kepton
thi
nkingabouthowhewaseat i
ngitandenjoyi
ngit
.
Tearsstr
eameddown, mychestfel
tveryhot.I
wantedtodie,Iwant
edtofol
l
owhi m..

Nqo:
Nal
ii
ti
yaSi
si(
her
e'sy
ourt
ea)
Ishookmyhead.
.

Nqo:
Mel
eudl
eSi
si(
Youhav
etoeatsomet
hing)
Me:
Wil
leat
ingbr
ingmySonback?
Nqo:
Fut
hi
Me:Ngi
cel
aungi
shi
yekancance(
pleasel
eav
emea
l
it
tl
e)
Shel
eftme.
..

I
RENE

Hef
ell
asl
eep,
itwasbet
tert
hathewassl
eepi
ng.
.
Iwentt
ot hehouse,
Zuxi
eseemedt
obei
nherown
feel
i
ngstoo..

Iwon'
tl
ie,
Iwasalsohur
t.Il
ovedMpi
l
o,Il
ovedher
wit
hallmyhear
t.
.

Zuxi
e:Unj
ani
?(Howi
she)
Me:
He'
ssl
eepi
ng
Zuxi
e:That
'sbet
ter
Me:Hesay
sthatMpil
oat
emushr
oomsandhe'
s
al
l
ergi
ctomushrooms
Zuxi
e:HowcanFut
hibet
hisnegl
i
gent
?
Me: Idon'
tthi
nkshedidi
tonpurpose,
Idon'
tthi
nk
there'
saMot herwhocanhar
m herchi
ldl
iket
haton
purpose
Zuxi
e:Noy
our
ight
,she'
snott
obl
ameshe'
sal
so
hurt
ing
Me:
That
'st
rue.
.Wehav
etobet
her
eforVukani
Zuxi
e:Yespl
easeI
rene,
wehav
etobet
her
eforhi
m
Me:
I'
ll
checkuponhi
mlat
eron
.
Tobecont
inued

Si
denot
e:

Bel
oved

Idon'tknowwhat
'shappeni
ngwiththePandemicof
Mar kcomingf
orwri
ters.Myedi
torswehavebeen
tr
yingtogetmebacktohelpaccessthepages.
.

Pl
easebearwithusIknowit
'sf
rust
rati
ngonbot h
si
des.EvenSandi
siweGxabagotbothheraccounts
di
sabled.
Ourbonuswi
l
lfol
l
owt
hroughl
ater
57

FUTHI

Theday sleadingtoMpi lo'

sf uner alwereemot i
onall
y
exhausti
ng.Ev ery
dayIwoul dwakeupt hinkingthatI
wouldhearhi m call
i
ngme, hearhi mtalkingorev en
seehimr unningupt ome.Ev erydaywhenIdon' t
hearhisvoice,itval
idatesthathe' snev ercomi ng
back.Ifel
tlikeIwasl osingmymi nd,feltli
keIwas
goingtogocr azy.Hewasv er ysmar t
,hadhi sli
fe
aheadofhi m.Funny ,alwayscheer f
ul.Myonl y
reasontokeeponev enwhent hingswer ebadi s
gone,andI '
mr esponsibleforhi sdeat h.PutmySon
i
ndangerf oramant hatIdon'tev enhav e..

MyMot hersatnexttomeont hemattress,Vukani'

s
famil
ydidn'
tbothershowi
ngup.Idon'tknowi fthey
blamemeori ftheydon'
twanttocreatedrama, aft
er
all
.Ther
e'ssti
l
lbadbloodthatexi
stsbetweent he
twofamili
es.
.
MyMotherseemedunbot heredbyeveryt
hing,she
washerusualsel
f.Laughingoutl
oud,chatti
nglike
wedon'
thaveaf uneralt
omor r
ow.
.

Herpresencewasi
rri
tat
ing,sheseemedhappy
.She
seemedt obegl
oat
ingbecauseshekeptontel
li
ng
met hati
fMpil
owasst i
l
l her
e,hewoul
dn'
thave
died.
..

I
RENE

Iwasfeel
ingmuchbett
erandmyf lowwaslight
er
now,bynextweekI
'l
lpr
obablybedone.It
'sunusual
,
Ihav
enev erhadmyper
iodforthi
slong.
.

Iwai
tedout
sidef
orThando,
shewasi
nconsul
ti
ng.
Wefi
nall
ymadeit.
.
Idi
dn'
twannaimpose,suchthi
ngsar
epr
ivat
e.
Shoul
dletherhav
eherpriv
acy.
.

Shewalkedouthol
dinga2l
i
trebot
tl
ewi
thl
i
qui
d
i
nside.
.

Me:
Hey
Igotupf
rom t
hesmal
lbench.
.
Me:
Howdi
ditgo?
Thando:
Hai
..
Sheputt
hebot
tl
einapl
ast
ict
heni
nsi
deherbag.
.

West
art
edwal
ki
ngt
ocat
chat
axi
..
Me:
Howdi
ditgo?
Thando:
Indeedt
hegi
rlungi
bophi
l
e
Me:
Eish
Thando:ButshesaidthatIshoul
ddri
nkonecupa
day,whenIfi
nishIshouldbeabletogoi
ntol
abour
Me:
That
'sbet
ter
Thando:
Thanky
ouI
rene,
thanky
ouf
orpay
ingt
oo
Me:I
t'
sokay
..Justhav
etokeept
hisawayf
rom
Mom's
Thando:
Yespl
ease

VUKANI

Me:
Pleasebr
ingmeanot
hergl
ass
Muzi
:Bhozasekuy
igl
assl
es'
4(Thi
sist
he4t
hgl
ass)
Me:
Keept
hem comi
ng

Qhumawal
kedi
n..
Qhuma:
Bri
ngagl
assofwat
er
Muzi
:YeboBhoza
Heplacedhisphoneandcarkey
sonthet
able,
pul
l
edt hechai
randsatdownopposi
teme.
.
Qhuma:Howwi
l
ldr
inki
ngy
our
sel
ftoy
ourl
i
vergoi
ng
t
ohelp?
Me:
Idon'
tneeda3r
ddegr
eel
ect
ure
Qhuma:Vukani
,you'
vebeendr
inki
ngyour
sel
ftoa
l
iv
erci
rr
hosiseversi
nceMpil
o'
sdeath
Me:
Whyar
eyouher
e?
Qhuma:YourSonisgett
ingbur
iedt
omor
row,
thi
sis
nothowyouhonourhim
Me:Ify
ounotgoingtoal
l
owmet
odr
inki
nyour
bot
tl
estor
e,t
here'st
onsmor
e
Igotupandwal
kedout
..
.

FUTHI

Ma:
Fut
hisengi
yahambake,ngi
yogezauMpi
l
o(Fut
hi
I
'ml
eav
ingtogobathMpil
o)

Me:
Ishoul
dbet
heonedoi
ngi
t
Ma:
Youar
einnost
atet
odoso
Me:
He'
smySon
Ma: He'
smyGrandson!Nqobi
leuzohambanami
fut
hi wear
eevenl
ate.Ihav
ehisfavori
teout
fi
t,we
goi
ngt odr
esshi
m upinthat
Nqobi
l
e:Wewi
l
lseey
ouwhenwegetback

Theywal
kedout
.

MyAuntPinkywalkedin,r
ightaf
tertheylef
t.Iwish
shewasmyMot her.Sheunderstandsmebet ter
thanmyownMot her,l
ovesmebet tertoo.
.

Shecameandsatnextt
ome.
.

Pinky
:Sel
i
zel
afi
kal
eli
langa(
Thet
imehasf
inal
l
y
come)
Me:
Mamncane
Shel
ookedatme.
.
Me:
Iki
l
ledmySon
Pi
nky
:Fut
hidon'
tev
ert
hinkl
i
ket
hat
Me: Igavehimthatpi
zza,Iboughti
tforhim.Ijust
want edhi
mt ogetaminoraller
gicr
eacti
on, Iwas
seekingVukani'
satt
enti
onandIt hi
nkIdiditinthe
wrongway .IputmySoni nharm'sway
Pi
nky
:Fut
hi
Me:
Iki
l
ledhi
m
Shef
ixedt
hemi
nibl
anketar
oundmyshoul
der
s..
Pinky:
Shhhh,
don'
tev
ersaysucht
hings.
.Don'
ttal
k
l
ikethat
Shehuggedme.
.
Pi
nky
:Don'
tspeakl
i
ket
hat
..Ev
eragai
n!

I
RENE

Wegotsomet
hingt
oeat
,thenaf
terwewenthome
bef
oreZuxi
esuspect
sany
thi
ng.Weboughtaf
ew
cl
othest
oo.
.

Whenwegothome,shewasn'
tar
ound.Thandowent
t
oherbedr
oom t
orest.
.

Ial
somademywayout
side.
.

VukanihasbeentakingMpi l
o'
sdeat hdif
fi
cult
.He
hasn'
tbeenhimselfl
at el
y.Hedrinksli
keafish,
comeshomel ate.Hardlysaysanythi
ngtome.I
underst
andheishurting,butthi
sisnotawayt ogo.
..

Ifol
dedtheclot
hesIironedy
ester
day,hemadehi
s
wayinholdi
ngabot t
leofCoronabeer
.Hadther
est
ofthem i
nhisotherhand.

Hewassmel
li
ngli
keabr
ewer
y,ey
esr
ed.Hungov
er
andt
ir
edobv
iousl
y.
.
Vukani
:MaNt
uli
Me:
Vukani
Heputt
hem downont
hedr
essi
ngt
abl
e..

Vukani
:Canyoumov
ether
estoft
hecl
othesf
rom
thebedIwannal
i
edown

Imov edthecl
othestothecouch,
hetookof
fhi
s
sneakersandthrewhimsel
fonthebed.

Me:
Thef
uner
alser
vicei
sat8am?
Vukani
:Idon'
tknow
Me:
Howcany
ounotknow?
Vukani
:BecauseI
'
m noti
nter
est
ed,
andI
'
m not
goi
ng
Me:
Vukani
Vukani
:Idon'
twannaf
ightwi
thy
oupl
ease,
Ihav
ea
ser
iousheadache
Me:
Youar
esel
fi
sh
Vukani
:Say
sawomanwhocan'
tgi
vemeachi
l
d
Me:
Excuseme?
Vukani
:Nex(
not
hing)
Me: Iknowy ouhurtingbutthatshouldn'tbean
excuset obeaj er
k.Youar eMpilo'
sFat her,
andyou
willneverfor
giveyourselfi
fyoudon'tattendhi
s
funeral
.Youhav en'tevenbeentoFuthi'shouseto
payy ourrespects
Vukani:Unti
lyouhav eaSon,andhedi esthenyou
canlectureme.Fornowkeepy ouradvicesto
yoursel
f,concentr
ateontr
yingtof al
lpregnantand
stopbeinguseless!
Me:I
fI'
m sousel
esswhydon'
tyouj
ustl
etmego
home?
Vukani:Ididn'tpaylobol
afory oubywor ds,money
wasi nvol
v ed.UnlessyourGrandmotherisreadyto
givemewhat 'smi neyounotleavi
ng,plusyou'
ll
be
thelaughingst ockofthetown.Mar r
iagefai
ledyou
i
njustlessthanay
earandI
'
llbemov
ingont
othe
nextbestthi
ng

It
hewt het
-shi
rtIwashol
dingont
hecouchand
walkedout
..

FUTHI

Iunzi
ppedhisbagandtookouthi
sXbox,hel
ovedit
somuch.ItookouthisFI
FAandothergamest
oo..I
hel
doneofcontrol
ler
s.

Icl
osedmyey
esandt
ear
sst
reameddown.

Pi
nky
:Fut
hi
Me:
Mancane
Pinky:
Aboutwhaty
ousai
d,pl
easedon'
tsay
anythi
ngt
oanyone
Inodded.
.
Me:
Idon'
tknowwhatI
'
m goi
ngt
odo,
Mpi
l
o
Wast
heonl
yfi
nanci
alst
abi
l
ityIhad.Idon'
t
Hav
eaj
ob,
Vukani
hat
esme.MyownMot
herhat
es
me
Pinky:Vukani
isjusthurt,
he'
sshowinghi
shur
t
throughanger.Hewillcomearound
Me:
Idon'
tthi
nkso
Pi
nky
:Kuzol
unga(
All
wil
lbewel
l
)
.
Tobecont
inued
58

I
RENE

Vukanihadnorightt
otal
ktomethewayt hathedi
d,
Idi
dn'tevensl
eepinther
oom l
astni
ght.Isl
eptwit
h
Thando.Evensl
eepingwi
thherwasanother
si
tuati
onbecauseshekeptonwaki
ngupt ogotothe
bathr
oom. .

Iunderstandhe'
shurtbutt
hethingshesaid,
he
meantt hem.Hesaidthem wi
thhischest
,
confi
dent l
yso.I
t'
snoexcusethathe'
shurti
ng,hur
t
j
ustgav ehimthecouragetosayso..

Zuxi
eandIwokeupear lythefoll
owingmor ningver
y
earl
yandpreparedfort
hef uneral.Vukani
contr
ibut
edzerotowardshi sSon'sfuneral
,i
t'sa
shamefulact
.Heshouldhanghi sheadinshame.
Thankful
l
yFuthihadaf uneralcoverforMpilo..
Zuxi
ewasupsetbyVukani
'
sbehav
ior
.
Zuxi
e:Whenhewasar r
ested,therewasnohopet
hat
hewouldcomeout ,
butInevergav euponhi
m.I
coul
d'
vejusteasi
l
ygaveuponhi m

Me: Idon'
tevenknowwhatt osaymy self
,thisis
beyondembar r
assing.Nowhe'snotgoingtot he
funeral
,whatwil
lherfamil
ythi
nk?Allthethingsthey
saidabouthim would'
vebeentr
ue

Zuxi
e:I
'
m sodi
sappoi
ntedi
nhi
m,Idon'
twannal
i
e

IhopeFuthi won'
tbedramati
cwhensheseesme,
i
t'sherSon'sfuner
alandI'
m notther
et ocauseany
troubl
es.Justther
etopaymyr espectstoachil
d
thatal
someantal ottome..

FUTHI
Iglancedathi mi nthecof f
in.Hisfacewasswol len
andr ed,t
hemushr oomsr eallydidanumberonhi m.
Hedi edinpain,struggledtobr eathanditwasal l my
fault
.Iwasnegl igentwi t
hmyownSon' sl i
fe,what
kindofaMot heram I?Whatki ndofamonst eram I?
Myonl ypr i
deandj oy.Iwassupposedt opr otecthim,
nothar m hi
m. .

Nqobi
l
etookmeawayf
rom hi
scof
fi
n..

"
Hoy
away
awal
embewu(
yawa)
Yawa(
yawa)
Yawa(
yaway
awal
embewu)
(
yaway
awe'
emhl
abeni
)
Yawal
embuwu(
yaway
awa)
Yawa(
yaway
awal
embewu)
(
yaway
awe'
emhl
abeni
)
I
wil
e(y
away
awa)
I
wil
e(y
away
awal
embewu)
Yawal
embewu(
yaway
awe'
emhl
abeni
)"

Theywal
kedi
nandcar ri
edhiscoff
inouttot
hetent
,
hi
scousi
nscarr
iedouthisf
lowers.Anot
herone
car
ri
edouthi
spictur
e..

Wefoll
owedastheel
derssang,Nqobi
lewasst
il
l
hol
dingmeti
ghtsoIdon'
tfal
l.Ihadnotear
s
any
mor e,
Iwasnumb..

Theypositi
onedt
hecoff
inatt
hef
ront
,weal
sosatat
thef
ront.Ifi
xedmyshawl.
.

"
Hoy
away
awal
embewu(
yawa)
Yawa(
yawa)
Yawa(
yaway
awal
embewu)
(
yaway
awe'
emhl
abeni
)
Yawal
embuwu(
yaway
awa)
Yawa(
yaway
awal
embewu)
(
yaway
awe'
emhl
abeni
)
I
wil
e(y
away
awa)
I
wil
e(y
away
awal
embewu)
Yawal
embewu(
yaway
awe'
emhl
abeni
)"

VUKANI

Muzi
:Nay
iBhoza
Me:
Sho
Itookt
hebeeranddrank,
looki
ngatMpil
o'spict
ure.I
hadthi
sshar
ppaininmyhear t
,mychestclosedup..

Qhumamadehi
swayi
n..
Qhuma:
Igoty
ourmessage
Me:
Ta
Qhuma:
Ithoughty
ouwoul
dbeatt
hef
uner
al
Me:
Guzi
kcontactedmel
astni
ght
,hehassetadat
e
f
ort
heexchange
Qhuma:
Wecanr
eschedul
eorIcant
akey
ourpl
ace
Me:I
twil
lseem dodgy
,Imeetupwi
thhi
m andt
hen
youmeetupwit
hhi mit
'sdodgy
Qhuma:
Arey
ousur
ethaty
ouwantt
odot
his?
Me:
Thej
obmustcont
inue
Qhuma:
Thej
obwi
l
lcont
inue

I
RENE

Endacametofetchus,wewi l
lbeusi
nghercar.She
l
ookedsty
li
shinthatal
lblackoutf
it
,butnott
oo
sty
li
shinadi
srespect
fulmanner.
Therewer
eaf ewcarsalr
eady,
therewer
epeople
ther
e.Wewer eabi
tlat
e.WegotoutofthecarandI
fi
xedmydressandpantyhosethenwemadeour
waytothetent.

Ther
ewasn'tanychai
rsanymore,
hisf
uneral
wasa
bi
tbiggert
hanIhadimaginedf
orachi
ld.
.

Theyhandedusobi tuar
ies,
hispi
ctureatt
hefr
ont.
Hewassmi l
i
ng, l
ookedsohappy.Deathshoul
dbe
ashamed,takingali
feofsuchay oungandspi
rit
ed
soul.
.

ThePast
orwaspr
eachi
ng.
.

Pastor
:Deathisinconsolabl
e.Icanonl
yi magi
ne
whattheParentsandt hefamil
iesar
ebot hgoi
ng
thr
oughatthisti
me.ThebookofPsal m 18:2st
ates
"
TheLor
dismyrock,myfor
tressandmydeli
verer;
myGodismyr
ock,inwhom Itakeref
uge.Myshiel
d,
andt
hehor
nofmysal
vat
ion.Myst
ronghol
d"
Seekcomf orti
nGodmor ethanany thing.Seeking
comf orti
nhumanbei ngstheywi l
lonlydepr essyou,
theywi l
lonlytel
lyouthisandt hatwhent heygo.You
willbeallalone,
that'
swheny ouneedt ocryoutunto
God.Thi spain,i
ttouchesthesoul .Onlytheonewho
createdtheSoul,canheal thesoul.Takehear tmy
chil
d, Godknewwhyt hishappened.Mpi l
oisnot
sufferi
ngany more,he'satpeace.He' satrestin
God'sar ms

Futhicr
iedoutmor e,sheleanedbackonherchair
l
ikeshewasr eadyt odie.Isawtheladywhowas
sit
ti
ngnexttoher,getupandr ushi
ngout.They
shif
tedthechair
sar oundherandbl ewupaironher.
Shewashav inghiccupst oo,badones.
.

Fut
hi:
Yeeey
..Yeeey
..Yeey
..Yeey
..

ShameIcanonl
yimagi
newhatshe'
sgoi
ngt
hrough.
.
VUKANI

Me:Thisdeat
hcoul d'
vebeenprevented,
ifonl
yFuthi
wasn'
tcarel
ess.Iwasdoingthi
sforhi m,hewasmy
dri
veandmymot i
vati
on.Now,Idon'thaveanydr
ive
anymore

Qhuma:Youdamnwelldo!Youhaveawif
ewhois
sti
l
lgoi
ngtogiv
eyouchil
dren.Don'
tgi
vei
ntot
he
pai
n,i
twil
lal
sohur
tthosearoundyou

Me: Iknow..Icoul
dn'
tQhuma,Icoul
dn'
tgotothe
funeralandlaymySontorestwhenIhaven'
t
acceptedhisdeath

Qhuma:I'
m sur
ethatwher
everheis,
Heknows.He
knowsverywel
lhowyoufeelandhowmuchyou
l
ovehim
Me:
Ihopehedoes,
Ihopehet
rul
ydoes

Qhuma:
Qina!Ndonda(
Best
rong)

I
RENE

Af
tert
heser
mon,
thePast
orpr
ayed.
.

Oneofthefami
l
ymember
sroseupt
oreadt
he
obi
tuar
y..

Theyst
art
edhummi
ngasong.
.

Her:Mpilwentl
e"Noah"Tshabal
alawasbornont
he
08thofAugust2013, atChar
lot
teMaxeke
JohannesburgAcademi cHospi
tal
.Hewasbornt
o
NtombifuthiTshabal
alaandVukaniNt
uli
.He
att
endeddaycareatMaureendaycareforSai
nts,
andfurt
heronatt
endedhispri
maryschoolatAnzac
Pri
maryschooli
nBrakpan.Hemethisuntimel
y
deathonthe4t
hofMay2021.

Lal
angoxol
o

Tshabal
ala,
Mshengu,
uLudonga-
lukaMav
uso

Uny
amenj
a!

Bytheti
meshefi
nishedcri
escoul
dbehear
dfrom
thecor
neroft
hestreet
,noonecoul
dhol
dback..
.
Tobecont
inued
59

I
RENE

Mpilo'
sfuner
al washeartbr
eaking,gl
adthemoment
passed.Couldn'
tbethereanothersecond,i
twasjust
depressi
ng.Chil
drenshouldoutli
vethei
rParent
s,not
theotherwayaround..

Zuxi
e:I
'
m gl
adwedone
Me:
Met
oo
Zuxi
e:Iwonderi
fVukani
isback
Me:
Iwondert
oo.
.LetmegocheckThando
Zuxi
e:OkaySi
si

VUKANI

Endat
oldmewher
eMpi
l
owasbur
ied,
tol
dmet
he
exactl
ocat
ion.Shesai
dIwil
lrecogni
zethef
lowers,
shedidmentiontheki
ndoff
lowersthatt
heywere..

Il
ooked,
andl
ookedunt
ilIf
oundhi
sgr
ave.

Freshsoil
,emptywat
erbot
tl
esaroundf
rom Tsi
pi
noto.Iknel
tdownnextt
ohisgr
ave.

Il
ookedati
t,andf
oughtbackt
ear
s..

Me: Champ. .It'sMe.Iknowi twasn' tri

ghtt hatI
didn'
tat t
endy ourfuneral,itev ent ookal oti nmet o
comeher ebutIhadt oseey ourl astr estingplace.I
l
ov eyouwi thal lmyhear tandIbl amemy selftoofor
youbei ngher e.Ifeelli
kei fyouwer ewi thme, I
would'vetakencar eofy oupr otectedy oufrom ital
l.I
don'tknowhowt ogoonwi t
houty ou, don'tknow
howI '
llbeabl et oli
veli
f ewi thouty ou.Ilovey ouwith
allmyhear t,nev erfor
gett hatandIhopeonedayI
healfrom thiswhol eor deal .
FUTHI

I
twasn'
tget
ti
ngbetter,
itwasn'
tgett
ingeasi
er.I
t
wasget
ti
ngmor eworseknowingthatI
'l
lnev
ersee
mySoneveragai
n..

Pi
nky
:Unj
ani
sisi
?(Howar
eyou)
Ishr
uggedmyshoul
der
s..
Me:
Idon'
tknowMamncane
Pinky:Tomor
rowI'
ml eav
ing,y
ouknowy
ourMot
herI
don'twannast
ayherefortool
ong
Me:
Iunder
stand
Pi
nky
:Whatabouty
ou?
Me:Idon'
tknowMamncane,
ifIcan'
tfindajobsoon
I
'l
lsel
lmycartomakeendsmeet.Idon'twanna
movebackhere,
Mom wil
lmakemyl i
fediff
icul
tto
l
ive
Pi
nky
:Iunder
standv
erywel
l

I
RENE

Me:
Howar
eyouf
eel
i
ng?
Thando:
I'
m st
il
lwai
ti
ng
Me:
I'
m sur
elembi
zawi
l
lhel
p
Thando:
Howwast
hef
uner
al?
Me:
Itwas.
.Itwassadandhear
tbr
eaki
ng
Thando:
Ican'
tbel
i
eveIwon'
tseehi
m agai
n
Me:
Met
oo
[
sil
ence]
Me:
I'
mthi
nki
ngofmov
ingbackhome
Thando:
What
?Why
?
Me:Vukani
isi
nhi
sownstate,
Ithi
nkheshoul
d
gr
iev
eonhisownandt
hinkaboutwhather
eal
ly
wants
Thando:Mov
ingbackhome,
that
'st
ooext
remedon'
t
youthi
nk?
Me:Hesaidalotofhurt
ful
thi
ngst
ome,
thi
ngst
hatI
don'
tthi
nkI'
l
leverf
orget
Thando:I
reneI'
m sur
ehe'shur
ti
ng,doyout
hink
Vukaniwouldbeli
kethi
stoyouifhedi
dn'
tgo
thr
oughwhathewentt hr
ough?
Me:Idon'
tknowwhattothinkThandobutal
lIknow
i
sthatIcan'
tbei
nthepresenceofaMant hathur
ts
meli
kethat
Thando:
Tal
ktohi
m bef
orey
oudeci
det
odot
hat
Me:
Cany
out
alkt
oVukani
?Youcan'
ttal
ktohi
m
Thando:
He'
syourhusband,
youneedt
otal
ktohi
m
Me:
I'
ll
try

ENDA

Me:
Vukani
notshowi
ngupwasembar
rassi
ng
Qhuma:
He'shurti
ngEnda,he'
sdri
nki
nghi
msel
fto
t
henear
estrehabi
li
tat
ioncent
er
Me: That
'snotanexcuse,
howdon'
tyoushowupt
o
yourSon'
sf uner
al?I
t'
sbeyondme
Qhuma:
He'
sgr
iev
ingt
hewayt
hatheknowshowt
oo
Me:Ij
usthopehewon'tpushI
reneaway,she'
sa
goodPerson.Hewon'
tfi
ndanyoneli
keher
Qhuma:IfI
renei
sweakshewi
l
lgo,
it'
snotl
i
kehe'
s
cheat
ing
Me:
Qhuma!
!
Qhuma:What?Herhusbandi
sgoingthrough
somet
hingsheshouldbeanunder
standingwif
eand
bebyhi
sside,notl
eavehi
m whenheneedshert he
most
Me:Butwhati
fhe'
snotmakingi
teasierf
orher?She
t
oldmehewasswearingatheri
ndi
rectl
ycal
ledher
abarr
en
Qhuma:
I'
m sur
ehedi
dn'
tmeant
hat
Me:Ihav
en'
tgi
venyouachil
dbutyou'
venev
er
cal
l
edmeabarrennomatterhowangr
yyouare
Qhuma:Well
Iam notVukani
andI
'
llnev
eraddr
ess
youi
nthatmanner
Me:
Iknow

I
RENE

Iwentbacktotheoutsi
deroom.Iwasst
illconfused
aboutwhatIshoul
ddo,butall
Iknowisthathehas
hurtmebeyond.Wordscutdeepert
hanany t
hing..

Hewal
kedi
n..

Vukani
:Hi
Me:
Hi

Het
ookof
fhi
sjacket
..
Me:
I'
m goi
nghome,
thi
nkweneedsomef
reshai
r
Vukani
:Wehadaf
ight
,thatdoesn'
tmeany
ou
shoul
dpackupandl
eav
eyouar
emywi
fe!
Me:AndIneedtoberespect
ed.Iknowyougoing
t
hroughalotbutt
hatshoul
dn'
tbeanexcuseforyou
t
obeaj er
k!

Hegav
emeadeadl
ylook.
.

Vukani
:MySondied,I'
m hur
ti
ngandyoustandi
ng
heremaki
ngthi
sabouty our
sel
fabouty
ourfeel
ings.
Stopbei
ngsel
fi
shIrene!
Me:
I'
m bei
ngsel
fi
sh?
Vukani
:Youbei
ngv
erysel
fi
shr
ightnowIrene,
for
onesecondst
opmaki
ngthi
saboutyou!
Me:
I'
mleav
ing
Vukani:
Isthi
showourmarr
iagei
sgoingtobe?Each
ti
mewhenwehav eanargumentyouwil
lpackup
andleave?
Me:
I'
m gi
vi
ngy
out
imet
ocol
l
ecty
our
sel
f
Vukani
:Ify
ouwal
koutt
hatdoor
,it
'sov
erbet
ween
usI
rene
Il
ookedathi
m..
Vukani
:You'l
lbewalki
ngoutonusf orgood,and
don'
teverthi
nkofcomingback!I'
l
lalsoneedmy
l
obolamoneybackassoonasy ouwalkoutorI'
m
set
ti
ngallofyouatyourhouseonfire!

Hebumpedt
omeashewal
kedout
..

FUTHI

It
ookmyphoneandcal
l
edVukani
..

Vukani
:Whatdoy
ouwant
?
Me:Iknowy ouhateme,butyourhat
eforme
shoul
dn'thavebeenther
easonwhyy oudi
dn'
tcome
toyourSon'sfuner
al
Hesi
ghed.
.
Me: I
t'
shar df
ormet ooVukani
,youthi
nkIwould
deli
beratel
yharm myownSon?Mpi lowasmylif
e,
myr easontokeepongoing.I
t'
shardonmet oo,I
wishnothingbutdeathuponmyself

Vukani:
I'
m sorr
y,Iknowhowhardthishasbeenfor
youtoo.Iknowyouwoul dnev
erint
enti
onall
yhur
t
Mpil
o,Ithi
nkIjustneededsomeonetoblametofeel
bet
ter.
.Howar eyou?Howwast hefuneral
?

Me:
Dif
fi
cul
t.
.Wast
hewor
stmomentofmyl
i
fe

Vukani
:We'
l
lbef
ineIbel
i
eve
Me:
Ihopeso

I
RENE
Ical
l
edmyGr
andmot
her
..

Me:
Doy
oust
il
lhav
ethel
obol
amoney
?
Gr
ams:
Onl
y15ki
slef
t,I
'
veal
readyusedmostofi
t
Iexhal
ed.
.

Gr
ams:
Why
?
Me:Iwant
edust
ogi
veVukani
backhi
smoneysoI
cancomehome
Gr
ams:
Why
?
Me:
He'
schangedGr
andma
Gr
ams:
He'
shur
ti
ngI
rene,
hej
ustl
osthi
sSon
Me:Grandmat
hisi
sthebegi
nni
ngofanemot
ional
abuse
Grams:IhabaI
rene,
IknowhowwomenOv
er
exagger
atethi
ngs
Me:
Iwantt
ocomehome!
Gr
ams:
Youar
eangr
y,y
ouar
ehur
t.Don'
tmaker
ash
decisi
onsbasedonemot ions.Todayy oucomeback,
tomorrowy ou'l
lthi
nkofgoi ngbackt ohi m..I
t's
goingtobeaser i
ousbackandf orthprocess.I'm
surewhat everi
shappeni ngy outwocanf i
xit.Don't
beababyI r
ene,mar r
iagesar enoteasy .Youtwoj ust
gotmar r
ied,imaginethehumi l
i
at i
onandt heregret.
Youareawoman, youcanf ixthis!Don'tbeweak
Me:
Yousai
dmyhomewi
l
lbemyhomef
orev
er
Grams: Itis,
rightnowy ouarejustbei
ngababy .You
areagr ownwomanI rene,Iwon'tbearoundf orever
youneedt ocreateahomef ory our
selfstopbeinga
weakling..Youdon' thav eajob,youhavenothingt o
fal
lbackonatl easty ouhaveonet hi
ng, something
thatmostgi rl
sonl ydr eam t
ohav eandt hati
s
mar r
iagesubaweak!Younotcomi ngback

Shehungup.
.
.
Tobecont
inued
Weonlyst
art
edget
ti
ngsponsor
stoday
,theywi
l
l
st
artr
unni
ngtomor
row
60

I
RENE

[
2WEEKSLATER]

Thingswer eonlygoingdownhil
lformei nmy
mar r
iage,i
t'
sli
keVukani wasat ot
al di
ff
er entPerson.
Icouldn'
trecognizehim anymor
e, andIwasv er
y
ti
rednow.Emot ionall
yandment al
ly.Hedoesn' tsee
meashi swif
eany more,he'
salway sverymuch
i
rri
tatedbyme.Har dl
yaroundanddoesn' twant
mucht odowi thme. .

Shelookedatmebef
oreIcoul
dev
enhandhermy
CV..

Her
:I'
m sosorr
y,butwedon'
thav
eanyopeni
ngs.
Wenothir
inganyone
Me:
Ohw.
.Uhm t
hanky
ou
Iwal
kedout
..

I'
vebeent
ir
elessl
ylookingforaj
ob,
Iwi
shtogetone
soonsoIcangetapl aceofmyown.Si
ncemy
Grandmot
herdoesn'twantmebackathometoo.
.

FUTHI

Me:I
'
m goingtomi
ssthi
spl
ace,
itwasawar
m
homeforMpil
oandI
Vukani
:May
bey
oudon'
thav
etol
i
ve
Me:
Iwon'
tbeabl
etoaf
for
drent
Vukani:
Icanhelpy
ououtwi
thr
entandgr
ocer
ies
unt
ilyoustandonyourt
wof
eet
Me:Vukanino.
.Idon'
twannabetr
oubl
e,Idon'
t
wannacauseanyprobl
emsbetweenyouandIr
ene.
WhatbondeduswasMpi l
o
Vukani:
Andhesti
l
lisbondingus,
justbecausehe'
s
gonedoesn'
tmeanyouandIwenot hinganymore.
You'
llal
waysbet
heMot herofmychild
Me:
Thanky
ou.
.Howi
sIr
enebyt
heway
?
Vukani
:Thatone
Il
ookedathi
m..
Vukani
:Al
wayscompl
aini
ng,
alway
sonmyt
hroat
..
She'
sti
ri
ngandadrag
That
'si
nter
est
ing.
.
Me:
All
womenar
eli
ket
hat
,I'
m sur
eshemeanswel
l
Vukani
:Iwonderi
fImadeami
stakebymar
ryi
ngher
Me:
Don'
tsayt
hat
Vukani
:Wehav
en'
thadsexi
nawhi
l
e
Me:
Why
?
Vukani:
Shecomplainsaboutcrampsinherwomb,
shehasastr
ongt er
ribl
escentari
singfr
om down
ther
enomatterhowmuchshebat hs,whenwetryt
o
doitshe'
sdr
yandcompl ai
nsaboutPain.Ir
eal
l
y
don'
tknowwhat'sgoingonwithIrene
Me:
Thatsoundsser
ious,
hasshewentt
otheDr
?
Vukani
:Idon'
tknow.
.Idon'
tcar
e
Me:
Sad
Vukani
:Ar
eyoudone?
Me:
Yes.
.Let
'sgo

I
RENE

Iwi
pedmytear
sasIt
ookof
fmyheel
s..Myf
eet
wer
ekil
l
ingme.
.

Ical
l
edEnda.
.

Enda:
Hey
Me:
Anot
herday
,anot
herdi
sappoi
ntment
Enda:
Aski
esSi
si
Me:
Iam gi
vi
ngupEnda
Enda:
Don'
tgi
veup
Me:
Iam att
hev
ergeofgi
vi
ngup
Enda:
Comeback,
andwe'
l
lfi
gur
esomet
hingout
Me:
Iam

FUTHI

Wedr oveouttogetsomethi
ngtoeat,
Iat
tend
counsel
ing.He'
sbeenverysuppor
ti
veinwaysthatI
cannotsay..

Wef
ir
stst
oppedatWi
mpyt
ogetsomet
hingt
oeat
..

Me:Ithoughtweshoul
derectt
het
ombst
onenex
t
year
,lett
hesoil
sett
lef
irst
Vukani
:That
'sagoodi
dea,
Iwantanexpensi
ve
tombst
oneforhi
m
Me:
Yes.
.Hedeser
vesi
t
Vukani
:Howar
eyouf
indi
ngcounsel
i
ngsof
ar?
Me: I
t'
sgoi
nggood,alt
houghIsti
l
lhav
eni
ght
mar
es.
I
'm str
uggl
i
ngtosleepatnight
Vukani
:Weshoul
dgety
ousomesl
eepi
ngpi
l
lsat
l
east
Me:
Ithi
nkt
hatwi
l
lhel
p

I
RENE

Iarr
ivedi
nthehood,
IpassedbyatEnda'
shouse
fi
rst
..

Enda:
Hey
Me:
Hey
Shel
ookedatme.
.
Enda:
I'
ll
makey
ousomet
hingt
oeatanddr
ink
Me:
Thanky
ouf
ri
end
Enda:
It'
sdi
ff
icul
tget
ti
ngaj
obi
nSout
hAf
ri
ca,
bekez
elaNana
Me:Ievenfi
ndi
tadr
agt
ogohome,
it'
snol
ongera
ni
ceplace
Enda:
It'
swei
rdt
hatVukani
justchangedoutoft
he
bl
ue
Me:True,
thi
spai
nofhi
sdoesn'
tseem t
ogoaway
any
timesoon
Enda:
Justanexcuset
obeaj
erk
Me:
I'
mti
redEnda
Enda:IknowBabybutmarr
iagei
snoteasyandno
onesaiditwoul
dbeeasy
Me:
Yawewi
l
lsee

FUTHI

Vukani
:I'
l
lpi
cky
ouupl
ater
Me:
Okayt
hanky
ou
Vukani
:Ta
Igotoutofhi
scarandwentwal
kedt
otheof
fi
ce.
.

Ical
l
edNqo.
.

Nqo:
Gir
lIwasmeani
ngt
ocomeandseey
ou
Me:
Iknow,
it'
sbeenbusy
Nqo:
I'
ll
comeandseey
ou
Me:
Okay
Nqo:
Wher
ear
eyou?
Me:
I'
m goi
ngi
nformycounsel
i
ngsessi
on
Nqo:
Okayt
hat
'sbet
ter
Me:
Guesswhat
?
Nqo:
What
?
Me:
Vukani
drov
emeher
e
Nqo:
Wow.
.Yout
woseem t
obeki
cki
ngi
tof
f
Me:
Wedoi
ndeed
Nqo:
See,
it'
swor
king
Me:
Iti
s,can'
tbel
i
eveIact
ual
l
ydoubt
edy
ou
Nqo:
Indeed

I
RENE

Af
terchi
l
li
ngwi
thEnda,
Iwentbackhome.
.

Igotint
othehouse,ZuxieandThandoweresti
llat
thetabl
e.Ont
opoft hetabl
ewast he2li
tr
ebottl
eof
i
mbiza,whenthefir
stonef i
nishedwegotanot
her
one.
.

Me:
Sani
bonani
(Gr
eet
ings)
Zuxi
e:Thandot
oldmet
haty
out
ookhert
osee
someone
Thando:
Itwasonl
ytohel
pmeMa
Zuxi
e:Thul
a!!(
shutup)
Me:
I..Ij
ustwant
edt
ohel
p
Zuxi
e: YoutookmypregnantDaughtert
ogoseea
tr
adit
ionalheal
er?Makeherdrinkthi
ngsthatcoul
d
harm bothherandmyGr andson?
Me: Thandodidfindoutt
hatherbabydaddy'
s
curr
entgirl
fr
iendistheonewhoi sbehi
ndher
dif
fi
cultandprolongedpregnancy
Zuxi
e:Youareteachi
ngmychildbeli
efsthatwe
don'
tbeli
evei
n,nextthi
ngThandowillgetusedto
goi
ngtotradi
ti
onalheal
ersandstar
tpracti
cing
wit
chcraf
t
Me:
Notal
ltr
adi
ti
onal
heal
ersar
eli
ket
hat
Zuxie:
Youwoul dknowthatbecause?Your
Grandmotherhasvouchedthaty ougrewupand
weretaughttheChri
sti
anreli
gion,whatist
hisnow?
Yououtherebringi
ngwitchcr
af ti
ntomyhouse?
Me:
That
'snott
rue
Zuxi
e:Thenwhati
str
ue?
Me:
I'
m not
hingl
i
ket
hat
Zuxi
e:Idon'
tknowifI'
m comf
ort
abl
ewi
tht
his,
you
arebr
eakingt
hetrustt
hatwehave
Me:
I'
m sosor
ry,
IthoughtIwasonl
ytr
yingt
ohel
p
Zuxi
e:I
'
llgoout
sidet
omyr
oom

Iwal
kedoutt
omyr
oom.
.

ENDA

Me:
Qhuma
Qhuma:
Yes?
Me:
What
'shappeni
ngwi
thVukani
?
Qhuma:
He'
sfi
newhy
?
Me:He'shav
ingprobl
emswi
thI
rene,
he'
smaki
ng
I
rene'
sli
femiser
able
Qhuma:
Heseemsf
inet
ome,
he'
sact
ual
l
ydoi
ng
ver
ywel
l
Me:
OhwIsee
I
RENE

Vukani
wal
kedi
nonmecr
ying.
.

Vukani
:Whati
sitnow?
Me: ItookThandotot hi
sothert
radi
ti
onalheal
er,
j
ustt ohelphersi
nceshe'slongover
dueyourMot her
foundt hemedici
nethattheygaveherandnowshe' s
accusingmeofwi tchcraf
t
Vukani
:Whydidyoudothat?Youknowwher
emy
Motherst
andsontradi
ti
onalheal
ers
Me:IknowVukani
,Iwasj
ustt
ryi
ngt
ohel
p.Imeant
noharm
Vukani
:NowIdon'tknowifIshouldtrustyou,
trusta
womant hati
sint
osuchthings.HowdoIknowt hat
onedayy ouwon'
ttur
nandusewi tchcraftonme?
Me:
Arey
ouser
ious?
Vukani
:Fut
hiwheredoy ouent
erinThando'
saffai
rs?
YounotherMothernorareyouanyt
hingtoher
?
Basi
call
yyoudisr
espect
edmyMot herinherown
house,madeherfeel
li
keshe'
sincapabl
eofhelpi
ng
herDaught
er

I
twasnouse,
def
endi
ngmy
sel
f.
.

Me:
I'
m sor
ry
Vukani
:Youbetterpr
aynot
hinghappenst
omy
Si
sterandherbaby
Me:
I'
ll
pray

Hewal
kedout
..
.
Tobecont
inued
61

I
RENE

Therei snothi
ngmor epainfult
hanf ight i
ngblowson
bothsi des,MyinlawsthenmyGr andmot hernot
wantingmet ocomebackhome.Ican' tevengot o
rel
ati
v es,she'
ll
takethatasbetrayal.Iam atal oss
fornow, whatIcandoi sjustkeepqui et.Endure
what'
shappeni ngbynotget ti
ngonany one'stoes,
whil
stIwor kongetti
ngmyshi ttoget herandl eavi
ng.
.

Todayitwasagoodday ,Thandowascomi nghome

wit
habouncingandhealthybabyboy .Asmuchas
herMotherwasangr
ybutt hemedicinehelpedher
,
becausewhenshefi
nishedtakingi
t.Itunt
iedwhat
happenedandhel
pedbringaboutthebaby .

Zuxi
e:I
rene
Me:
Ma
Iwascl
eani
ngout
side.
..
Zuxi
e:CanIpl
easehav
eawor
dwi
thy
ou?
Me:
Yes
Ist
oppedsweepi
ng.
.
Zuxi
e:I'
m goi
ngtofet
chThandoandBabySmaf
rom
thehospi
tal
.Theynamedhi
m Smangal
iso
Me:
Okay
Zuxi
e:Ij
ustwant edt
osayI'
m sor
ry,
despit
emy
feel
i
ngsofdisapprov
alonwhathappenedbuti
t
seemsli
keithelpedThando
Me:
Thatwast
hegoal
,Ij
ustwant
edt
ohel
p
Zuxi
e:I
'
m sor
ry
Me:
It'
sokay
,nohar
m done
Zuxi
e:Youcandr
iveoutwi
thmet
othehospi
tal
Me:
Noi
t'
sokay
..I
'
llseey
ouguy
swheny
ougetback
Shenodded.
.
Zuxi
e:Ar
eyouokay
?
Me:
I'
mfi
ne
Zuxi
e:Youknowy
oucant
alkt
omeaboutany
thi
ng
Me:
Iknow
Zuxi
e:Seey
oul
atert
hen
Me:
Lat
eri
tis

FUTHI

Ican'
tbel
iev
ethiswashappeni
ng,
Iwi
shitcoul
d'
ve
happenedwit
houtmySonpay i
ngt
hepr
ice.
.

Sexwi thVukani
isalwaysthebest,Ienj
oyi
talot
andIwasenj oyi
ngoursexualpleasuri
ngmoment.
Thef eelofhi
sblackdickdeepinsi
deofme,howhe
appreciatedmythickbodycaressi
ngandsqueez
ing
i
t..

Wewereusingacondom, thoughIwouldhav
eit
anot
herwaywithoutacondom sowecouldhave
anot
herbaby,
butwest i
l
lhav ealongwaytogoso
I
'
m noti
nahur
ry.
.

Hewasenj
oyi
ngonhi
sparttoo,
theydosayt
hick
womengi
veoutt
hebestsex.
.

Idon'tt
hinkbothofuswantedthismomenttoend,
it
wasourf ir
stti
mehav i
ngsexsincewehave
reconnected.Heevenspentanighther
eatmy
place.
.

I
RENE

WhenIwasdonecleaning,Ibat
heandt henwentto
vi
sitmyGrandmot
her.WhenIgott her
e,peoplewere
worki
ng.Shewasactuall
yrenovat
ingpartsofthe
house.
.

Me:
Gogo
Shewasatt
heki
tchenpr
epar
ingf
oodf
ort
he
wor
ker
s..

Grams:
Irene,I
'
m gl
adyouhere.Youcanhelpme
cl
eanabit,i
t'
sdust
ysi
ncetheyhavestar
tedwor
king
Me:
Wowi
tseemsl
i
key
ouar
ebusy
Grams:YouknowI
'
veal
way
swant
edt
orenov
atet
he
house
Me:
Usi
ngt
heLobol
amoney
?
Gr
ams:
Vukani
didsayi
twasmi
ne
Me:
I'
m notdi
sput
ingt
hat
Gr
ams:
Yout
woar
est
il
lhav
ingpr
obl
ems?
What'
sthepointofcr
yingoutt
oher?It'
suseless
si
nceVukaniseemstobegoodi nhereyes.
.
Me:
Wef
ine
Gr
ams:
Yousee.
.It
oldy
ou
Hehandedmet
het
ray
..
Gr
ams:
Gogi
vet
hewor
ker
sout
side
Me:
Okay
It
ooki
t.
.

FUTHI

Hekissedmeforthel
astt
imeandsl
idout
.He
unr
oll
edthecondom t
hathadhi
scum..

Me:ForasecondIt
houghtwewer
en'
tgoi
ngt
o
f
ini
sh?
Vukani
:Ar
eyoucompl
aini
ng?
Me:Justneedsomerest
,myl
egsar
ecr
ampi
ngand
mycoochieisonfi
re
Vukani
:Can'
thel
pify
ougood

Nqobil
ehasbeenofgreathel
p.Iusepi
nksalt
combinedwithNamathel
aandVukanicannotseem
togetenoughofme..
Vukani
:AsmuchasIwouldli
ket
odot
hisal
ldaybut
,
Ihavebusi
nesst
otakecar
eof
Me:
Pleasebesaf
e
Hel
ookedatmeandsmi
l
ed.
.
Me:
I'
veal
readyl
ostMpi
l
o,Idon'
twannal
osey
ou
t
oo
Vukani
:Ishoul
d'
vemar
ri
edy
out
hanI
rene
Me:
Whyy
ousayt
hat
?
Vukani
:It
'snot
hing
IenjoyhowhebashesonIrene.Icanseet
hathe'
s
bored,i
rr
it
atedandannoy
edbyher .
Me:
I'
ll
prepar
eyouabat
h

I
RENE

Iwentbacki
nsi
det
hehouset
oGr
ams.
.

Me:
Gogo
Gr
ams:
Yes?
Me:
CanIpl
easehav
eR1500?
Gr
ams:
Why
?

Vukani
doesn'
tgi
vememoneyanymore,
Istr
uggleto
makeendsmeetwit
hregar
dstobuyi
ngt
oil
etr
ies,
doi
ngmyhairanddoi
ngmorecopi
esofmyCv .
.
Me:
Ineedmoneyt
odomor
ecopi
esofmyCv
Grams: I
reneyoucanseethi
ngsar
ehecti
caround
here,doesn'
tVukani
givey
oumoney ?Youar
ehis
wifenje
Me:I
'
veaskedhi
m somuchI
'
m ev
enscar
edt
oask
hi
m
Gr
ams:
He'
syourhusbanddon'
tbescar
ed
Me:
Okay
,letmecal
lhi
m..Excuseme

All
thatmoneyandshedoesn'
tev
enwannagi
veme
some..
FUTHI

Ashewasbat
hing,
Ipr
epar
edsomethi
ngforhi
mto
eat
.Iwasi
nmybestmoods,wear
ingagown..

Hi
sphoner
ang,
Iwentt
ocheck.I
twasI
rene.

Ipi
ckedup.
.

Me:
Hi
I
rene:
Hi,
whoi
sthi
s?
Me:
It'
sFut
hi
I
rene:
Ohw.
.MayIpl
easespeakt
oVukani
?
Me:
He'
sbusy
..CanIt
akeamessage?
I
rene:
Whyar
eyouev
enanswer
inghi
sphone?
Me:
Ithi
nkweknowwhat
'sgoi
ngonher
e
I
rene:
Dowe?
Me:I
'
m notgoi
ngtol
iet
oy ou,
Irenepacky
ourbags
andl
eav
e..Sav
eyour
sel
ftheheartbr
eak
I
rene:
Ohw
Me:Thel
ovewehav
eit
'sdeep,
hewasboundt
o
comebackt
ome
I
rene:
Isee
Me:
I'
ll
tel
lhi
myoucal
l
ed

Ihungup.
.
.
Tobecont
inued
61

I
RENE

Therei snothi
ngmor epainfult
hanf ight i
ngblowson
bothsi des,MyinlawsthenmyGr andmot hernot
wantingmet ocomebackhome.Ican' tevengot o
rel
ati
v es,she'
ll
takethatasbetrayal.Iam atal oss
fornow, whatIcandoi sjustkeepqui et.Endure
what'
shappeni ngbynotget ti
ngonany one'stoes,
whil
stIwor kongetti
ngmyshi ttoget herandl eavi
ng.
.

Todayitwasagoodday ,Thandowascomi nghome

wit
habouncingandhealthybabyboy .Asmuchas
herMotherwasangr
ybutt hemedicinehelpedher
,
becausewhenshefi
nishedtakingi
t.Itunt
iedwhat
happenedandhel
pedbringaboutthebaby .

Zuxi
e:I
rene
Me:
Ma
Iwascl
eani
ngout
side.
..
Zuxi
e:CanIpl
easehav
eawor
dwi
thy
ou?
Me:
Yes
Ist
oppedsweepi
ng.
.
Zuxi
e:I'
m goi
ngtofet
chThandoandBabySmaf
rom
thehospi
tal
.Theynamedhi
m Smangal
iso
Me:
Okay
Zuxi
e:Ij
ustwant edt
osayI'
m sor
ry,
despit
emy
feel
i
ngsofdisapprov
alonwhathappenedbuti
t
seemsli
keithelpedThando
Me:
Thatwast
hegoal
,Ij
ustwant
edt
ohel
p
Zuxi
e:I
'
m sor
ry
Me:
It'
sokay
,nohar
m done
Zuxi
e:Youcandr
iveoutwi
thmet
othehospi
tal
Me:
Noi
t'
sokay
..I
'
llseey
ouguy
swheny
ougetback
Shenodded.
.
Zuxi
e:Ar
eyouokay
?
Me:
I'
mfi
ne
Zuxi
e:Youknowy
oucant
alkt
omeaboutany
thi
ng
Me:
Iknow
Zuxi
e:Seey
oul
atert
hen
Me:
Lat
eri
tis

FUTHI

Ican'
tbel
iev
ethiswashappeni
ng,
Iwi
shitcoul
d'
ve
happenedwit
houtmySonpay i
ngt
hepr
ice.
.

Sexwi thVukani
isalwaysthebest,Ienj
oyi
talot
andIwasenj oyi
ngoursexualpleasuri
ngmoment.
Thef eelofhi
sblackdickdeepinsi
deofme,howhe
appreciatedmythickbodycaressi
ngandsqueez
ing
i
t..

Wewereusingacondom, thoughIwouldhav
eit
anot
herwaywithoutacondom sowecouldhave
anot
herbaby,
butwest i
l
lhav ealongwaytogoso
I
'
m noti
nahur
ry.
.

Hewasenj
oyi
ngonhi
sparttoo,
theydosayt
hick
womengi
veoutt
hebestsex.
.

Idon'tt
hinkbothofuswantedthismomenttoend,
it
wasourf ir
stti
mehav i
ngsexsincewehave
reconnected.Heevenspentanighther
eatmy
place.
.

I
RENE

WhenIwasdonecleaning,Ibat
heandt henwentto
vi
sitmyGrandmot
her.WhenIgott her
e,peoplewere
worki
ng.Shewasactuall
yrenovat
ingpartsofthe
house.
.

Me:
Gogo
Shewasatt
heki
tchenpr
epar
ingf
oodf
ort
he
wor
ker
s..

Grams:
Irene,I
'
m gl
adyouhere.Youcanhelpme
cl
eanabit,i
t'
sdust
ysi
ncetheyhavestar
tedwor
king
Me:
Wowi
tseemsl
i
key
ouar
ebusy
Grams:YouknowI
'
veal
way
swant
edt
orenov
atet
he
house
Me:
Usi
ngt
heLobol
amoney
?
Gr
ams:
Vukani
didsayi
twasmi
ne
Me:
I'
m notdi
sput
ingt
hat
Gr
ams:
Yout
woar
est
il
lhav
ingpr
obl
ems?
What'
sthepointofcr
yingoutt
oher?It'
suseless
si
nceVukaniseemstobegoodi nhereyes.
.
Me:
Wef
ine
Gr
ams:
Yousee.
.It
oldy
ou
Hehandedmet
het
ray
..
Gr
ams:
Gogi
vet
hewor
ker
sout
side
Me:
Okay
It
ooki
t.
.

FUTHI

Hekissedmeforthel
astt
imeandsl
idout
.He
unr
oll
edthecondom t
hathadhi
scum..

Me:ForasecondIt
houghtwewer
en'
tgoi
ngt
o
f
ini
sh?
Vukani
:Ar
eyoucompl
aini
ng?
Me:Justneedsomerest
,myl
egsar
ecr
ampi
ngand
mycoochieisonfi
re
Vukani
:Can'
thel
pify
ougood

Nqobil
ehasbeenofgreathel
p.Iusepi
nksalt
combinedwithNamathel
aandVukanicannotseem
togetenoughofme..
Vukani
:AsmuchasIwouldli
ket
odot
hisal
ldaybut
,
Ihavebusi
nesst
otakecar
eof
Me:
Pleasebesaf
e
Hel
ookedatmeandsmi
l
ed.
.
Me:
I'
veal
readyl
ostMpi
l
o,Idon'
twannal
osey
ou
t
oo
Vukani
:Ishoul
d'
vemar
ri
edy
out
hanI
rene
Me:
Whyy
ousayt
hat
?
Vukani
:It
'snot
hing
IenjoyhowhebashesonIrene.Icanseet
hathe'
s
bored,i
rr
it
atedandannoy
edbyher .
Me:
I'
ll
prepar
eyouabat
h

I
RENE

Iwentbacki
nsi
det
hehouset
oGr
ams.
.

Me:
Gogo
Gr
ams:
Yes?
Me:
CanIpl
easehav
eR1500?
Gr
ams:
Why
?

Vukani
doesn'
tgi
vememoneyanymore,
Istr
uggleto
makeendsmeetwit
hregar
dstobuyi
ngt
oil
etr
ies,
doi
ngmyhairanddoi
ngmorecopi
esofmyCv .
.
Me:
Ineedmoneyt
odomor
ecopi
esofmyCv
Grams: I
reneyoucanseethi
ngsar
ehecti
caround
here,doesn'
tVukani
givey
oumoney ?Youar
ehis
wifenje
Me:I
'
veaskedhi
m somuchI
'
m ev
enscar
edt
oask
hi
m
Gr
ams:
He'
syourhusbanddon'
tbescar
ed
Me:
Okay
,letmecal
lhi
m..Excuseme

All
thatmoneyandshedoesn'
tev
enwannagi
veme
some..
FUTHI

Ashewasbat
hing,
Ipr
epar
edsomethi
ngforhi
mto
eat
.Iwasi
nmybestmoods,wear
ingagown..

Hi
sphoner
ang,
Iwentt
ocheck.I
twasI
rene.

Ipi
ckedup.
.

Me:
Hi
I
rene:
Hi,
whoi
sthi
s?
Me:
It'
sFut
hi
I
rene:
Ohw.
.MayIpl
easespeakt
oVukani
?
Me:
He'
sbusy
..CanIt
akeamessage?
I
rene:
Whyar
eyouev
enanswer
inghi
sphone?
Me:
Ithi
nkweknowwhat
'sgoi
ngonher
e
I
rene:
Dowe?
Me:I
'
m notgoi
ngtol
iet
oy ou,
Irenepacky
ourbags
andl
eav
e..Sav
eyour
sel
ftheheartbr
eak
I
rene:
Ohw
Me:Thel
ovewehav
eit
'sdeep,
hewasboundt
o
comebackt
ome
I
rene:
Isee
Me:
I'
ll
tel
lhi
myoucal
l
ed

Ihungup.
.
.
Tobecont
inued
62

VUKANI

Guzi
kandIwer
edoingt
heexchanget
oday
,inan
hour
'st
imewewil
lbemeet
ing.
.

Ihadt odri
v ehomet ochange,havetowear
somet hi
ngmor eformal.Morepr esent
abl
eandmor e
businesslooking.IfIwannasecur ethi
sdeal
,Ihav
e
tomakehi m seemeatt hesamel evel
asheseeshis
othermoni edcli
ent s.
.

I
RENE

WhenZuxieandThandogother e,Ihadt
obitemy
tongueandpret
endtobehappy .Iwashappyfor
Thandodon'
tgetmewr ong,butdeepdownIwasi n
myownf eel
saftert
hatphonecall.
.
ThandohadtotakeiteasyasherBodywas
recov
eri
ng,Idi
dn'twannabetooclose.Af
terwhat
happened,
Idon'twannabeaccusedagain.
.

Iwalkedoutandwentt otheoutsideroom asmy

emot i
onsbet r
ayedme.Iwashur t,andangry.I
wasn'thurtbyVukaniobv
iousl
ycheat ing,Iwashurt
thathepaidLobolaformeknowi ngv erywellt
hathe
sti
llhadfeel
ingsforhi
sBabyMama.That '
sthe
l
owestaPer soncoul
devergo..

Speakingofthedev i
l,
hewal kedi
n.Whenoureyes
met,Icouldseetheirri
tat
ionofseeingmef r
om hi
s
eyes.Theexpressionasifli
keIdisgusthi
m,wanti
ng
tobeany whereelsebuthere..

Hedidn'tsayanyt
hing,
justtookoffhi
swri
stwatch.
Clear
lyIwasleftt
oaddr esstheel
ephanti
nthe
room..
Me:
Ical
l
edy
ou
Vukani
:And?
Me:
Fut
hipi
ckedup
Hepausedf
rom whathewasdoi
ng.
.
Vukani
:Bese?(
Then)
Me:
Yousl
eptatherpl
acer
ight
?Andsl
eptwi
thhi
m?
Helookedatmeandt
henbur
iedhi
shandsdeepi
n
hi
spockets.
.
Vukani
:YesIdi
d
Iexpectednothi
ngbuthonestyandt het r
uthfrom
him,butIhadhopedhewasgoi ngtodenyi tatfi
rst
.
That'
swhatpeopl edori
ght?Denyall accusati
onsof
cheati
ng?Ididn'
tseethi
scomi ng.Didn'tseehim
bodlyconfessi
ngittomyface!!

Me: VukaniIl
oveyou!Possi
blyl
oveyoumorethanI
everlovedanyguybefor
e.Youmademebel i
evein
l
ov eagainandyesIknowpeoplefal
loutofl
ove,but
y
oucould'
vehadtheaudi
cit
ytotel
lmethaty
ouwer
e
f
all
i
ngforheragai
nnotwhatyouaredoi
ng!

Vukani
:Ir
eneI'
venev erlovedyou,Iwasonl ywit
h
youbecauseIneededt obewi t
hyouatt hattime.I
wasdownandoutandneededy ouasIwasbui l
ding
myself
,Ihaveal
way slov edFut
hi.
.Ineverlovedyou!!

Me:
Whatar
eyousay
ingt
ome?
?

Vukani
:I'
m say
ing.
.Idon'
twannabewi
thy
ou!
!

Thatst
atementechoedi
nmyear
s..

Me:
Thenwhydi
dyoupayl
obol
aforme?
?

Vukani
:BecauseIwant
edt
omakeFut
hijeal
ous
enoughtomakehercomebackt
ome!I
renetheonl
y
goodt hi
ngabouty oui sthaty
ouareay ell
owbone!
There'snothingint
eresti
ngnorspecialaboutyou.
Shehasaf uckendegreecomeon!Herownpl ace!A
car,she'
sasel fmadewomanandt heclosestyou
evercamet oo, i
stheRAFpay out.Apartfr
om that,
youar eanotherhoodr at
!!Ent
lekuyang'di
na!You
disgustme!
Ihaven'teventouchedyoui
nawhilethatshoul
dbe
val
idationenoughthatInol
ongerwantyou!Vel
e
whyar en'tyougoi
ngbackhome??

Bythet
imehef
ini
shed,
tear
swer
eal
ready
st
reami
ngdownmycheeks.
.

Me:
Ihat
eyou!
!Ihat
eyouwi
thal
lmyhear
t!
!

Ipi
ckedany
thi
ngt
hatwaswi
thi
ngr
aspandt
hrewi
t
athi
m..

Me:
Ihat
eyou!
!
Vukani
:Ir
enest
opy
ouj
ustmaki
ngaf
ool
ofy
our
sel
f!
!

Me:
Ihat
eyou!
!Ihat
eyouwi
thal
lmyhear
t

Iwal
kedupt
ohi
m andgr
abbedhi
m byhi
st-
shi
rt
..

Me:Ihatey
ou!
!!Youf
oundmeal
one,
peaceandt
hen
yourui
nedmyli
fe!
!

Heheldbothmyhandsandpushedmehard.If
ell
andactual
l
yhur
tmyl egt
heoneIgoti
njur
edon..

Vukani
:Thi
sispathet
ic!
!Youarepat
heti
c!!Atl
east
l
eavewitht
heli
tt
ledigni
tythaty
ouhave!
!

FUTHI
Bef
orehelef
t,het
ransf
err
edmoneyi
ntomyaccount
.
6k,
justt
ogospoilmysel
f.
.

Ical
l
edNqof
orashoppi
ngspr
ee.
.

Nqo:
Lookaty
ou,
all
happyMogi
rl
Me:
li
keIcan'
tbel
i
evei
tmy
sel
f
Nqo: Futhiwhenhavey ouev eri
nyourli
fecame
acrossawomanwhoonl ybathswithwaterand
soap?Gi rl
kunzimaoutt hereyouthinky
oucould
haveamanj ustfal
lforyououtoft hebl
ue?Notin
thi
slifet
ime!Youhav etoputi nal
lthework
Me:
I'
m sor
ryt
hatIev
erdoubt
edy
ou
Nqo:
It'
sokay
,ithappens
Me:Enoughaboutmyl
i
fe,
lookatt
his.
.Thi
swoul
dfi
t
youper
fect
ly

I
RENE
Aftert
hatincident
,hel
eft.
.Ifoundthestr
engthto
getupandsi tonthebed.Nev erdi
dIimaginemy sel
f
goingthr
oughsuchpai n.I
treall
ycutdeep,deeper
thananythi
ng.

Ical
l
edEnda,coul
dn'
tev
entel
lherwhattranspi
red.I
wasall
tear
s.Alar
medbyhowIwascrying,she
cametocheckuponme.

Enda:
Rir
i

Shecameandsatnextt
ome,
sheputmyheadon
herchest
..

Enda:
Aski
esSi
si.
.Phephi
sa

Me: If
eell
ikedy
ingEnda,
I'
m agoodPer
son.
.Idon'
t
deservet
his
Enda:Yi
nikanti
?Nibangani
?(Whyar
eyouguy
s
const
antl
yfight
ing)

Shewouldthi
nkthatmyemot i
onalst
atewas
i
nfl
uencedbyVukanibecauseI'
vebeencr
yingt
oher
abouthi
m alotl
atel
y.
.

Me:
Whyengenzaso?(
whyi
shedoi
ngt
hist
ome)

Enda:
KodwauVukani
yinj
ast
rai
ght
!(Vukani
isadog)

Me:
Kubuhl
ungu(
Ithur
ts)

Enda:
Iknow.
.IknowSi
si

VUKANI
Ir
enepissedmeofft
othelastdegr
ee,shei snow
cominginbet
weenmeandmyhust l
e.Ifitwasn'
tfor
heri
rri
tat
ingt
ant
rums,Icoul
d'v
ebeendr essedupby
now..

If
ir
stdroveuptocheckQhumaatt
hebott
lest
ore,
hewasn'tt
her
esoIdr ov
ebackt
ohispl
ace.
.

Heopenedt
hedoorandl
etmei
n..

Qhuma:
Younotdr
essed?Mbhem sek'
khal
aphi
manj
e?(What
'swr
ong)
Me:
Eyy
..I
fit
'snotI
renet
henIdon'
tknow
Qhuma:Idon'
tunderst
and,vel
ekahl
euyibangi
sani
le
ngane?(
Whyarey outr
eati
ngherli
kethi
s)
Me:
I'
vemadethebi
ggestmi
stakeofmyl
i
fe,
mar
ryi
ngher
Qhuma:
Kahl
eBaf
o
Me:
Ishoul
d'
vemar
ri
edFut
hi
Qhuma:SameFut
hiy
ouwer
ecompl
aini
ngaboutnot
solongago?
Me:
Futhi
isthel
oveofmyl
i
feandsheunder
stands
meandwhatIdo
Qhuma:I
fIdi
dn'tknowbet
ter
,I'
dsayukudl
i
sil
e.Gav
e
youal
ovepoti
on
Me:
Nev
er!Fut
hii
snott
hatt
ype
Qhuma: I
t'
squest i
onabl
ehowy ouweresomadl
yin
l
ovewithIrenethenji
kij
iki
younolongerf
eel
i
nghe'
d
andgoingbackt oBabyMama?Idon'tknowmuch
aboutthi
sgirlbutEndasaysshe'
snotagood
Person
Me:Endawoul
dsayt
hatbecauseshei
sIr
ene'
sbest
f
ri
end
Qhuma:
Hay
iMbhem I
'
m wor
ri
edabouty
ou
Me:
Don'
t.
.Justgi
vemet
hef
uckensui
t!
.
Tobecont
inued
63

I
RENE

WhenIwascal m enough, Iwasabl et otel

lEnda
everythi
ng.Whathappened, andwhatVukani sai
d.
Shedi dn'twannahearany thing,shewasupsetand
askedmet ocomest ayafewday satherhouse.At
l
eastt ocl earmyheadof fandhav eabi tofpeace.
Explaini
ngt oZuxiewasgoi ngt obeanot herstor
y,so
Ipackedabag.Not hingmuch.Ican' tst
aythere
for
ev er,andf orl
ong.I r
enei smar ri
ed,Idon'
twant
thi
ngst ogosout h..

Enda:
I'
ll
getusabot
tl
eofmysweetr
osèwi
ne
Me:Idon'tknowwhatt
odoEnda,
I'
m att
he
cr
ossroads
Enda:Vukani
disappoi
ntedme,
bengi
mthembi
l
e(I
tr
ustedhim)
Me:
Idon'
tev
enknowwhatIdi
dtodeser
vet
his
Enda:
He'
sgoi
ngbackt
othatt
oxi
cgi
rl
,uzozi
sol
a
shame
Me:Idon'
tthi
nkI'
ll
everf
orgi
vehi
mfort
reat
ingme
l
iket
his.
.Never!
Enda:HeeeeI
reneuthi
uFuthiakamdl
i
sanga?(
Didn'
t
Futhi
givehi
m alov
epot i
on)
Me:
Wai
t.
.What
?
Enda:Justdoesn'
tmakesensethathe'sact
ingout
ofall
asudden, hebehav
esli
kesomet hi
ngwhohas
beenfedsomet hi
ng
Me: CanFut
hi?TheDegr
eegi
rldot
hat
?Bet
hat
desperat
e?
Enda:Awomani sawomanI r
ene,doesn'
tmat
tera
degree.
.Ther
e'snoschool
tolear
nonhowt okeepa
man
Me:
Idon'
tev
enknowwhatt
othi
nk
Enda:YouknowVukani morethanIdo,doyouthink
Vukaniwoulddothat
?Sayt hosethi
ngstoyou?Has
heeverspokentoyouinthatwaybefore?Unti
ltoday
?
Me:
Thi
nki
ngofi
tno.
.Yeshei
sshor
ttemper
edher
e
andt
her
ebuthehasnev
erhur
tmel
i
ket
his
Enda:Ei
shandthi
sthi
ngi
sdi
ff
icul
t,y
oucan'tev
en
takehi
mt osomeonet
ogovomithewil
lnev
eragree
Me: Lov
epotionornol
ovepot
ionEnda,
itdoesn'
t
excusehisbehavi
or
Enda:
That
'sbecausehe'
snothi
msel
f

Qhumawal
kedi
n..

Qhuma:
Ladi
es
Enda:I
'
m gl
ady
ouher
e..Wewer
etal
ki
ngabout
Vukani
Hesi
ghed.
.
Enda:
Wet
hinkhehasbeengi
venal
ovel
ypot
ion
Qhuma:
I'
veal
sonot
iced
Me:
Yout
hinksot
oo?
Qhuma:
Yes
Enda:
Atl
eastnowweknowwhat
'shappeni
ngor
hav
eani
dea
Qhuma:
I'
ll
takehi
mtosomeone
Me:
Itdoesn'
tev
enmat
ter
Enda:
Irene.
.
Me:HehurtmeEnda,t
hingsthathesai
dwhenI
t
hinkaboutt
hem myheartbr
eaksallov
eragai
n

Qhuma: Sorr
yIrene,
aMant hathasbeenf edalove
poti
onhei snotinhi
srightmind.Heseesy ouasan
enemy,IknowithurtsbutVukanilovesyoutr
ustme.
Adaydoesn'tendwi t
houthimtalkingaboutyou

Me:I
tdoesn'
tmatt
erQhumabecausey
oudi
dn'
tsee
hi
m,hemeantever
yword
Qhuma:Hewoul
dseem t
hatwaybecausehe'
s
bewi
tched
Enda:Youneedt
otakehimther
e,t
omor
rowmor
ning.
Obviousl
yhewon'
tgother
ewill
i
ngl
y
Qhuma:
Liv
ethatt
ome
Enda:Ir
enewi l
lbestayi
ngwi t
husf oracoupleof
days,heev enpushedherandshehur theral
ready
i
njuredleg.Idon'
twanthim hurt
ingherfurt
her
Me:Ijustneedaj
ob,somet
hinganyt
hing.
.He
doesn'
tevenwannabuymetoil
etr
ies
Enda:
I'
ll
buyy
out
omor
row
Me:
Thanky
ou
Qhuma:
Whydon'
tyoucomewor
katt
hebot
tl
est
ore?
Il
ookedathi
m..
Qhuma:Iknowit
'snotmuchbutatleastyou'
l
lhav
e
moneytobuyyoursel
fthi
ngsyouneedinthe
meant
imewhilewegett othebot
tom oft
his
Enda:
Vukaniownsthebot
tl
estoret
oo,Idon'
twant
hi
m hurt
ingherandembar
rassi
ngheratwork
Qhuma:
He'
shar
dlyt
her
e
Hel
ookedatme.
.
Qhuma:
I'
dli
ket
hat
Qhuma:Muzicoul
dusesomehel
p,y
oucanmop.
.
Hel
ppack,sel
lher
eandther
e
Me:
Thanky
ouQhuma
Qhuma:
I'
ll
payy
ou2.
5kamont
h
Me: I
t'
ssomet
hing,
I'
m notchoosyf
ornowI
'
m
desperat
e
Qhuma:
I'
ll
speakt
oMuzi
andt
ell
himy
ou'
l
lbe
comi
ngover
Me:
Thanky
ouv
erymuch

VUKANI

Guzi
k:Youl
ate
Isatdown.
.
Me:
I'
m her
enow
Guzi
k:Bei
ngonti
me,hel
psscor
epoi nt
soft
rustand
i
tshowsyourcommi
tmentandrespect
Me:Ihadameet
ing,
didn'
tthati
twasgoi
ngt
otake
t
hatlong
Guzi
k:Agl
assofwhi
skey
?
Me:
Yes.
.Pl
ease

FUTHI

Nqo:
Whooamar
aFut
hit
hanky
ousomuch
Me:
It'
snot
hing
Nqo:Cl
othesthatamountt
o3k?Gi
rlkant
ihow
l
oadedisVukani?
Me:
He'
sver
yloadedgi
rl
,hei
sabusi
nessman
Nqo:
Youarel
uckysomeofuswestuckwi
thpeopl
e
whogiv
eusR500gir
lf
ri
endal
l
owanceever
ymonth
Me:
Whydon'
tyouuseJuj
uonhi
m?
Nqo:UsingJuj
uonabr
okePerson?What'
stheuse?
I
'l
lbestuckwit
habr
okesi
cklovepuppy
Il
aughed.
.
Nqo:
Youar
eluckygi
rl
,hol
dont
ohi
m
Me:Andi
t'
sal
lthankstoyouyazini
myfr
iend,
you
wer
ether
ethr
oughout.Idon'
tknowhowIwould'
ve
donet
hiswi
thouty
ou,
gott
hroughev
ery
thi
ngal
one
Nqo:It
oldyounottoguilttri
pyoursel
fwithyour
Son'
sdeath.Youdidn'
tthinkthatthemushrooms
weregoi
ngt ohav
eadeadl yconsequence

Nqoi
smycl
osef
ri
end,
weshar
eev
ery
thi
ng.
.

Me:EnoughaboutmySon,l
et'
stal
kabout
somethi
ngel
se..Bet
tery
et,
let
'sgooutt
oni
ght
Nqo:Af
tert
heshoppi
ngspr
eetoday?Youst
il
l
wannagooutandspendmoremoney?
Me:
Gir
lmymanpr
ovi
deswel
l
,hav
enof
ear
Nqo:
Ify
ousaysot
hen,
toni
ghti
t'
son!

I
RENE

Me:
Itl
ooksbad
Ihadt
hisr
edpat
chonmyt
high,
mor
eli
kea
hemat
oma.I
twassensi
ti
vet
otouch.
.

Endaputt
hewar
m cl
othoni
t.
.

Enda:
Doesi
thur
t?Hospi
tal
hur
t?
Me:
I'
m sur
eI'
l
lbef
ine
Enda:
I'
ll
pourust
hewi
ne,
hol
dthi
s
Ihel
dthewar
m cl
othagai
nstmyt
high.
.

VUKANI

Wemetar
est
aur
antasal
way
s,pr
ivat
edi
nni
ngar
ea.
.

Me:
R4800.
.R4900.
.R5000ont
hedot
Helookedati
t,t
henl
ookedatoneofhi
sgoonsand
nodded.
.
Oneofthegoonscamewi
tht
hepackageandpl
aced
i
tonthetabl
e..

Me:
Inpubl
i
c?
Guzi
k:Iownt
hisr
est
aur
ant
,don'
twor
ry
Me:
Isee
Her
aiseduphi
sgl
ass.
.
Guzi
k:Tomor
ebusi
nessdeal
s
Ir
aisedmi
ne.
.
Me:
Tomor
ebusi
nessdeal
s

ENDA

Her
e..

Shegav
emet
hewi
negl
ass.
.
Me:
Thanky
ou
Enda:Howdoyoufeel
now?IfVukani
hasbeen
i
ndeedgivenal
ovepoti
on,
andhegetshel
p.Wil
lyou
for
giv
ehim?
Me:
No

Enda:
Hehur
tyout
hatmuch?
Me:Youhavenoi
dea,
Idon'tthinkI
'l
leverfor
give
hi
m.Idon'
twannabewithhim anymore.I'
dratherbe
miser
abl
eonmyownt hanwithhim

Enda:
It'
sokay
..Iunder
stand
.
Tobecont
inued
64

VUKANI

Qhumal
ookedati
t.
.

Qhuma:
It'
sther
eal
deal
Me:
Howdowest
artdi
str
ibut
ing?
Qhuma:
I'
ll
seehowwegetcl
i
ent
s
Me:
Thenwewi
l
lleav
eitupt
oyou
Qhuma:
Yeah
(
Sil
ence)
Qhuma: Ineedt
ot al
ktoy
ouaboutsomething,
becausewheny ougohomeyou'
ll
findoutandwe
shouldhatchi
tnow
Me:
What
?
Qhuma:I
renecal
l
edEnda,
she'
sver
yemot
ional
l
y
unst
abl
e
Me:Nowshe'
sgoi
ngt
otel
lthewor
ldaboutour
pr
oblems?
Qhuma:
Youscar
edherVuks
Me:
Idi
dn'
thur
ther
,nev
erl
aidmyhandonher
Qhuma:
Youpushedher
Me:
Shewasat
tacki
ngme,
Iwasdef
endi
ngmy
sel
f!
Qhuma: I'
m notgoingtoschoolyouonhowy oudeal
withyourwifebecauseIalsohavemyshortcomings
onthat,al
lthatIwantedtotel
lyouist
hatEnda
askedhertost aywit
hus
acoupl
eofday
s
Me:
What
?
Qhuma:
Star
ti
ngf
rom t
omorr
ow, she'
l
lbewor
king
her
etomakemoneyf
orher
self
Me:
Sol
etmegeti
tst
rai
ght
,youhel
pinghert
oleav
e
me?
Qhuma: I
'm helpi
nghertost
andonherfeet
,younot
evengiv
inghermoney .Youmaki
ngitappar
entthat
youarecheating
Me:I
'
m goi
nghome,
I'
ll
hearf
rom y
ouaboutt
he
st
ash

Iwal
kedout
..

I
RENE

Ideci
dedt
ocallZuxi
e,Iowehertotel
lhert
het
rut
h
andwhyIdeci
dedtomov eoutfornow..

Zuxi
e:Yazi
nowI
'
m gat
vol
wit
hFut
hi
Me: Idon'
tevenwannablameherbecauseshe
doesn'towemeanyl oyal
ty.Vukaniowesmel oy
alt
y,
Futhiwouldn'
tbecomfortabl
ei ndi
srespecti
ngour
mar r
iageli
kethi
sifVukanididn'
tgi
vehert heupper
handt odoso
Zuxie:
Futhi
isl
ikeherMother,
Ialsohadmyf ai
r
sharewit
hheralongti
meago.Ican'tbel
iev
eshe's
taki
ngaft
erherownMot her
.PlusherSondiednot
l
ongago,you'
dexpecthert
obest
il
lgr
iev
ingnot
poachi
ngVukani
anddoingthi
s
Me:Theyarecomf or
ti
ngeachot herappar
entl
ybut
notattheexpenseofmysanity
,Idon'tthi
nkIwanna
bewithamanwhoi sthi
stoxi
c
Zuxi
e:Iwonderi
fheseesandunder
standswhathe
i
slosi
ng
Me:
Itdoesn'
tmat
terany
mor
e
Zuxie: KodwaI r
ene, youcoul d'v
ej ustcameand
stayedwi thusi nthehouse, yourGr andmot her
entrustedy ouwi t
hus.Att hesamet imeI
underst andwhyy oudi dthis,andIwoul dbea
hypocr it
eandabadPar entifIf orcey out ost aywith
him.Ther ei
snot hingas" Bekezel a"
, Bekezel auntil
youdi e?Unt i
lheki l
lsy ou?Ifhel ovesy ouhewoul d
makei tapriori
tytonothur ty ou.Idon' tknowwhat '
s
goingonwi thhim, butwheny our eadyy ou'
llcome
backandi fyoust i
llwannal eavehi mt henwe' lldoit
ri
ght.Cal lbothfami l
iesanddi scusst his,andnoone
shouldf orceyout ost aywi thhim
Thi
si st
hefir
stelderwhoi snotst
andingbynor
for
cingmetost aywithanabusiveMan.Wor seshe
i
sVukani'sMother,Iexpectedadif
fer
enttonefr
om
her.
.

Zuxie:Il
oveyouIrene,notal
lDaught
erinlawsar
e
respectf
ull
ikeyou.I'
m saddenedbythi
s,aski
esSi
si
Me:
It'
sokayMa
Zuxi
e:I
'
llcal
lyoul
ateronagai
n
Me:
Okay
Zuxi
e:Hashehi
tyou?
Me:
No.
.Notent
ir
ely
Zuxi
e:Thenweshoul
dint
erceptbef
orei
tgoest
o
that
Me:
Thanky
ou
Zuxi
e:Okayby
e
Me:
Bye
VUKANI

Iar
ri
vedathome,
fir
stthi
ngIcheckedwasi
fwhat
Qhumatol
dmewast rue.I
twas..

MyMot
herwal
kedi
n..

Ma:
Vukani
Me:
Ma
Ma:
Wher
eisI
rene?
Me:
She'
swi
thEnda
Ma:
Tel
lthet
rut
h
Me:
Shemov
edout
Ma:
Why
?
Me:
Wehav
ingsomepr
obl
ems
Ma:
Probl
ems?OraFut
hipr
obl
em?
Me:
Madon'
tst
art
Ma:Whydidyouwasteourtimeandwenttopay
l
obola?Br
oughtherheref
orustolov
eandaccept
her
?Wastedherti
me!Shecouldbewithsomeone
el
se,Someonewhot r
ulyl
ovesher
Me:
Ma
Ma:JustknowFuthiwi
l
lneverst
epherfooti
nmy
yar
d,IseeherIbur
nherwit
hhotwater
Me:
She'
stheMot
herofmychi
l
d
Ma:Was,nowther
e'snot
hingr
elat
ingmet
oheror
herbei
ngatmyhouse
Me:
Youbei
ngunf
air
Ma:
I'
m bei
ngr
eal
i
sti
c
Me:
Ifyoulov
eIr
enesomuch,whydon'
tyoutwoget
mar
ri
edthenandleav
emethefuckal
one??

Ma:
F..What
?
Shegr
abbedt
hemopandst
art
edhi
tt
ingme.
Ma:IfFuthi
istheonewhomakesy
oudi
srespect
ful
I
'l
lbeatheroutofyoursy
stem!
Iendedupbypassi
ngherandheadi
ngst
rai
ght
towardst
hedoor..

Ma:Don'
tcomebackher
eunt
ily
ouhav
elear
ned
somerespect
!

NQOBI
LE(
FUTHI
'
SFRI
END)

Iwenttot heMothert
hatIconsul
ttoo,thatImade
Futhiconsultt
oo.
.Whatshedoesn'tknowi st
hat
she'smyAunt .
.

Her
:Haubengi
mangel
e(Iwassur
pri
sed)
Me:Ididn'
tknowherbabydaddywast
hisl
oaded
andthathandsome
Her
:Ngi
kusi
zakanj
ani
?(HowdoIhel
p)
Me:
IneedherSont
ost
arthaunt
ingher
,dr
iveher
outofhermi
nd

Shechuckl
ed.
.
Her:Umkhoziwesi
ngakhi
loomthat
hel
aindonda?
(Thi
sisfri
endnumberwhatt
hatyoust
eali
nga
boyf
riendfr
om)

I
t'
sdiff
icul
tthesedaystogetaloadedmanony our
own,soIalway smakefri
endswit
hgi r
lswhohave
l
oadedboy f
riendsorhusbandssoItakethem.
.

Her:
Thathal
a,i
fyouknowthechi
l
d'sgrav
e.Gopour
t
hisonthegr
aveandtal
ktohimtohaunthisMot
her

I
RENE

Endahaddashedoutt othemallt
ogetsome
groceri
es.Icoul
dn'
tgobecausemyl egwassti
ll
aching.
.Iheardaknockatthedoor,
Iwalkedoutof
thebedr
oom andmademywaytotheki
tchen.The
dooropenedbef
oreIcoul
dev
engett
oit
..

Vukani
wal
kedi
n,myhear
tst
opped.
.

Hecl
osedt
hedoorandl
ookedatme.
.

Vukani
:I'
vecomet
ofet
chy
ou,
wegoi
nghome

Iswal
l
owed.
.

Vukani
:Ir
ene
Me:
Idon'
twannagohome
Vukani
:Idon'
thav
eti
meandI
'
m noti
nthemood
Me:
Idon'
twannagohomeVukani
,Ineedaf
ewday
s
t
ogetmyheadtoget
her
Vukani
:Get
ti
ngyourheadt
ogethermeansgoi
ng
ar
oundtel
li
ngpeopl
eaboutourprobl
ems?Hangi
ng
ourdi
rtylaundry?Accusi
ngmeofabuse?MaybeI
canhityourightnowsoIcanbeaccusedoft
he
tr
uth
Me:
Vukani
Idon'
twannaf
ight
Vukani
:Thengetyourt
hingssowecango,i
fyou
needtocl
earyourheadgohomewhereItookyou
Me:
Ican'
tgohome
Vukani:Becausey
ouwantt
osnat
chsomeone'
sman?
Myfriend?
Me:
What
?
Vukani
:Ir
eneismarri
ed!Whycont
acther
?Unl
ess
youhaveahiddenagenda
Me:
ByeVukani
Iwalkedbacktothebedr
oom,whenIf
elthi
shand
grabbedthebackofmyheadandsmashedmyhead
againstt
hedoor.
.If
ell

Vukani
:Youallal
one,
nooneknowsI'
m her
e.Ican
ki
lly
ourightnowandputy
ouatthebackofmytrunk
andev
enhel
patt
hesear
chpar
ty

Isl
owl
ygotup.
.

Vukani:
Youchooset
oleav
ewi
thmeorwedot
his
wit
hy oudead!

Myheadwasst
il
labi
tdi
sor
ient
ed.
.

Hewal
kedcl
oserandIputmyhandonhi
schest
..

Me:
Vukani
please.
.
Vukani
:Iam noti
nthemood

It
houghtofresor
ti
ngtot
heonl
ythi
ngthatawoman
i
nmysi t
uati
oncoulddot
osaveherl
if
erightnow.
.
Igr
abbedontohi
st-shi
rtandgotcl
oser,
Iwrapped
myarmsaroundhi
swaistandlookedathim.
.

Me:
I'
m sor
ry
Vukani
:Whatar
eyoudoi
ng?
Iki
ssedhi
m..
Me:
I'
m sosor
ry
Thi
swast
obuymet
imeunt
ilEndaorQhumaget
her
e..

Me:
I'
mreal
l
ysor
ry
Hegrabbedmyhai
ratthebackandl
ookedatme,
he
smashedhisl
i
psagai
nstmine.

Idi
dn'teventhinkhewouldwanttodothi
s,
especial
l
yseeingnowt hathe'
ssl
eepingwi
thFut
hi.I
wonderiftheyusingprot
ecti
onbecauseI
'mri
ski
ng
myheal t
hrightnow..
Wecont i
nuedki
ssingunti
lheclosedthedoorand
satonthebed,I
ttookmyl astst
rengt
htobitemy
tonguetokeepall
thepaininandsatontopofhim
withmylegsti
ll
aching.
.
.
Tobecont
inued
65

NQOBI
LE(
FUTHI
'
SFRI
END)

I
ttookawhi
l
eformet
ofi
ndMpi
l
o'sgr
ave.

Ispentatl
eastcl
oset
oanhourtr
yingt
obackt
rack,
soIcouldl
ocatewher
eitwas.

Iknowt heki
ndoffl
owersthatarepl
acedt
here,
butI
couldn'
tseem t
ofi
nditany
mor e.Cal
li
ngFut
hiwoul
d
beasuicidemissi
on.

Speaki
ngoft
heShedev
il
,shecal
l
ed.
.

Me:
Gir
l
Fut
hi:
Mogi
rl
,howf
arar
eyou?
Me:
I'
m al
mostdone
Fut
hi:
Shoul
dIf
etchy
ou?
Me:Uhm y
esbutnowI'
m cur
rent
lynotathome,
I'
ll
t
extyouwhenIgett
her
e
Fut
hi:
Wher
ear
eyou?
Me:I'
m wi
thmyboy
fri
endbuthewi
l
lbedr
ivi
ngme
backnownow
Fut
hi:
OkayI
'
llhearf
rom y
ou
Me:
Okayby
e

Iwasdisappoint
edbutthi
sdoesn'
tmeanIshould
gi
v eup,I
'
m suresoonshewil
lwanttovi
sitherSon'
s
graceandI'
ll
bet aggi
ngal
ong.

Toseewher
ehei
sbur
iedexact
ly.
..

I
RENE

Idon'
tknowwhatwaswor
se,
theabuseIwas
enduri
nginthehandsofamant hatpromi sedtolov
e
met hr
oughoutorthatI'
m unwill
i
nglyhavingsexwi t
h
hi
mt osavemyl i
fe..I
twasdifferentt
histimearound,
Ihadtopushandf i
ghttearsbacksoIdon' talar
m
hi
mt hatIam notcommi t
tedtot hi
sact..

Itnev ercamet omet hatonewoul dnotenj oysex

wi t
ht hePer sonthatl ove,themomentwascol don
mysi de.Onhi sside, hewasn'tmaki nglove.He
treatedmel ikeadi sht hathewant edt ooffloadon,
j
ustf uckmeandgetdonewi t
hit.Thesor r
ypar t
, I
won' tendupwi thadol laront hedresser.Hewas
aggr essive,impatient ,andmi shandli
ngmybody .No
mat terhowhar dIt riedt oholdbackmyscr eams, I
couldn't.Itwasuncomf ort
able,i
twaspai nfulandnot
muchl ubricati
on.Li kehowi twouldundernor mal
circumst ances..

Whenhesli
dout,
myl egwast r
embli
ngbadbecause
i
thadbeenadoggystyl
e.Kneesandhandsonthe
back,
bangi
ngmelikewewer edoi
ngaonenight
st
and.Justhookedupandgoti
toutoft
heway
..

Istaredatthepi
ll
owt hatwasinf r
ontofme, leaning
againsttheheadtabl
e.Also,Ifel
tashamedt urning
Enda'shousetothiswhenshehasgr acef
ull
y
all
owedt oaccommodat eme.Hedi dn'
tsayany t
hing,
hedr essedupandthenwal kedout.Notevena
si
nglewor d.

Il
i
edfl
atonmystomach,theemot
ional
pai
nwas
gr
eat
erthant
hephysi
cal
pain..

FUTHI

Ihavebeencal
li
ngVukaniwi
thoutanysuccess,
it'
s
unusualf
orhi
mt onotpi
ckup.

Idr
oveouttofet
chNqo,
aftershehadt
ext
edme.
Shewasready
.Unli
keme,Nqohasamuchsli
mmer
body.Verybeauti
ful
andsheskinnyJeanwas
huggingherperf
ectl
y.Atopcrop,al
eatherj
acket
andboots.Ifel
tabitjeal
ous,
she'
sgoingtosteal
the
ni
ght..

She'
sbeauti
fulnoli
e,butnott
hatbeaut
if
ulj
ust
aver
age.I
'
dr ankhera3/5..

Me:
Youl
ookbeaut
if
ul
Nqo:
Thanky
ou,
sodoy
ou
Me:
Ohwpl
ease.
.Il
ookl
i
keasl
ob
Nqo:
Don'
tpl
ayy
our
sel
f
Me:
Arey
our
eady
?
Nqo:
Yes.
.Let
'sgo

ENDA

Iwal
kedi
nwi
thpl
ast
ics.Ihadt
ogetgr
ocer
iessi
nce
wehav
eav
isi
tor
..Iwanthert
ohav
eawar
m st
ay.
.

Irel
atetoIr
ene'
ssituat
ion,
I'
m noti
nthebest
marri
agesower elatealot
.She'
scourageousto
l
eave,I'
m sureQhumawoul dki
llmeifIdo.Ki
ll
me
ri
ghtonthespot..

Me:
Rir
i?
Ipl
acedev
ery
thi
ngont
het
abl
e..
Me:
Irene?
Iwal
kedt
otheguestr
oom.
.
Me:
Irene?
Iknocked.
.
Ihear
dhersni
ff
ing.
.
Me:
Irenear
eyouokay
?
I
rene:
I'
mfi
nej
ustami
norheadache
Me:
MayIcomei
n?
I
rene:
Notnow.
.Ij
ustwantt
obeal
one
Me:
OkayI
'
llst
artondi
nner

VUKANI

Iwentbackhome, disgustedt othenear estcore.

Theunpleasantodourar isingf r
om herv agina,I
wantedtov omi t
.Ihadtobi temyt onguet hrough
andthrough,Iknowav aginaisnotmeantt osmell
l
ikerosesbutt hatsmellwast err
ible.From her
brownishstainedpantyli
nerwhenwet ookdownher
underwear,tothewhol eent i
reroom st inking.Sucha
beauti
fulgi
rlwithsuchar ott
env agi na.
.

It
ri
edtoopenthedoorofmyroom,i
twaslocked.I
di
dn'
ttakethekey
swithwhenIhadr
anawayf r
om
myMot her
,nowIhav
et ogoi
nandfacet
hemusi c.
.

Theywer
einThando'
sroom,di
dn'tper
mitmet
o
walki
n.I
nst
ead,shewal
kedout.
.
Me:I'
m sorr
yaboutearl
ieron,
Ishoul
dn'
thav
e
di
srespect
edyouinthatmanner
Ma:Areyousor
rybecausey
ouaresor
ry,
orar
eyou
sor
rybecausey
ouwantkeystoy
ourroom?

Me:
Mapl
ease,
Ihadal
ongday
Ma:
I'
ll
gogety
ourkey
s,Ihav
enot
hingt
osayt
oyou!

I
RENE

I
'vehadv agi
nal
irr
it
ati
ontoaminory
easti
nfect
ion,
butneversomethi
ngofthi
snat
ure.

Thi
swasembar r
assi
ng,evenwhenI '
minpubli
cand
mydischargecomesout.Itactual
l
ysmell
s,Ican
smelli
t.Notsur
eifother
sar oundmecan.
.

Iam suspect
ingVukani
mightj
usthav
egi
venmean
STI,hepr
obablyhasbeensl
eepi
ngwithFuthi
thr
oughout.I
twasn'
tit
chynorpai
nful
justsmell
y.
.

Iputonmygownandopenedt hewindow,Iwalked
outtothebathr
oom wi
thmytoil
etbagtotakealong
bath.Luckyf
ormeEnda'sOhSoHeav enl
yfoam
bathwashere,Iusedi
t

Af
terbathi
ngthesmell
hadvarni
shed.Iwiped
mysel
f,putonthegownagai
nandwal kedout.
.

Iputmytoi
l
etbagaway
,lot
ionedandwentt
othe
ki
tchen.
.

Enda:
Hey
Me:
Hey
Enda:
Yousmel
lni
ce
Me:
Iusedy
ourf
oam bat
h,hopey
oudon'
tmi
nd
Enda:
Ofcour
senot
..Hel
pyour
sel
f
Me:
Thanky
ou.
.Needsomehel
p?
Enda:
Uhm.
.Youcanchopt
hecar
rot
sforme
Me:
Okay

Enda:
HasVukani
tri
edcont
act
ingy
ou?
Me:
Nohehasn'
t
Enda:That'
sgood..Idon'
twanthi
m her
e,Idon'
t
wanthim bother
ingyou
Me:
Thanky
ou
Ipul
l
edt
hechai
randsatdown.
.
Enda:
Legst
il
lachi
ng?
Me:
Yes
Enda:
Igoty
ousomepai
nki
l
ler
satt
hephar
macy
Me:
Thanky
ouf
orev
ery
thi
ngEnda
Enda:Don'
tworr
yaboutit
,wehav
etolookoutfor
eachotheraswomen.Tomorr
owImightneedhel
p
fr
om you
Me:
Idon'
tseei
thappeni
ng,
yourl
i
feseemsper
fect
Enda:
Notev
ery
thi
ngi
sati
tseems
.
Tobecont
inued
66

FUTHI

Thecl
ubwasbangi ng.Iwasenjoyi
ngev er
ymoment .
Westart
edoffourselv
es,boughtoursel
vesthe
st
art
er.Hal
fwaythroughwegotsomeguy stobuyus.
Nqobi
lewasvocal,shewasf l
i
rti
ngandear nedusa
l
otofdri
nks

Iwasn'
tgoi
ngtobeabl
etodri
veany
mor
e,I
'
llhav
eto
cal
lsohecancomegetus.
.

I
RENE

Wewer esi
t t
ingatthetabl
eandeat i
ngdi
nner.My
mindwasf araway ,
keptonthinki
ngaboutwhat
happenedbet weenVukaniandI.I
t'
sanexperi
ence
thatwashaunt i
ngme..
Enda:
Sohavey
ouf
oundawayt
otakeVukani
tomor
row?
Qhuma:Hewasn'
thappyaboutf
indi
ngoutIr
ene
l
ivi
ngwit
husandworkingatt
hebottl
est
ore,wai
ti
ng
fort
hedustt
oset
tl
edown
Enda:
Okay
..I
renehowar
eyouf
indi
ngy
ourf
ood?
Il
ookedather
..
Me:
Huh?
Enda:
Yourf
ood?
Me:
It'
sver
ydel
i
cious
Qhuma:Iknowit
'shardIr
enebutyouhav
etokeep
onpushi
ng.Don'
tlett
hissit
uat
ionwit
hVukani
hol
d
youbackandhol
dy oudown
Enda:
Sol
onghedoesn'
tcomeher
eandcausev
ur
vai
Qhuma:Hewoul
dn'
tdar
edi
srespectmel
i
ket
hati
n
myhouse
Enda:
Ver
ywel
l
VUKANI

Iwasbusytossi
ngandt
urni
ngwhenIr
ecei
vedacal
l
fr
om Fut
hi.
.

Me:
Fut
hi
I
twasabi
tnoi
sywher
eshewas.
.
Me:
Wher
ear
eyou?
Fut
hi:
I'
minacl
ub
Me:
Younev
ert
oldmey
ouwer
egoi
ngout
Fut
hi:
Itr
iedcal
l
ingy
oubuty
ouwer
en'
tpi
cki
ngup
Me:
YeahIwasbusy
Fut
hi:
Ihadal
ott
odr
ink,
Ican'
tdr
iveback.Pl
ease
comefet
chus
Me:
Youandwho?
Fut
hi:
AndNqo,
myf
ri
end
Me:
Whi
chcl
ub?
Fut
hi:
I'
ll
giv
eyout
heexactl
ocat
ion
Me:
Shar
p
Ihungandcal
l
edTsonga.
.

Tsonga:
Vuks?
Me: Ineedy
outoaccompanymesomewher
e
becauseIwanty
outodri
vemycar
Tsonga:
I'
m comi
ng
Me:
Okay

I
RENE

AsIwasret
ir
ingtobed,
Iaskedt
ospeakt
oEndai
n
pr
ivat
e.I
ntheguestr
oom..

Enda:
Arey
ouokay
?What
'swr
ong?
Me:Ineedt
ospeaktoyouaboutsomet
hing,
somethi
ngi
mportant
Enda:
Okay
Me:
I..It
hinkVukani
gav
emeanSTI
Enda:
What
?
Me:
Ihav
ethi
sunbear
abl
esmel
l
ydi
schar
ge
Enda:
Forhowl
onghasi
tbeengoi
ngon?
Me:
Ijustnot
icedr
ecent
ly
Enda:Yooh,anyothersymptomsothert
hanthe
smell
ydischarge?BecauseIcan'
tsmell
itnow
Me:
Ican
Enda:
Youhav
etogot
otheDrf
ort
est
s
Me:
Ican'
ttomor
rowi
t'
smyf
ir
stday
Enda:YoucangototheDrearl
ythenaft
ergot
o
work,
I'l
ltel
lQhumay
ouhadt ogoattendto
something
Me:
Idon'
thav
emoney
Enda:
I'
ll
accompanyy
ou,
I'
ll
payf
ory
ou
Me:
You'
veal
readydoneenough
Enda:
It'
sokay
..Idon'
tmi
nd
Ihuggedher
..
Me:
Thanky
ousomuch
Enda:
Youwel
come
Webr
oket
hehug.
..
Me:
Letmepr
ayandsl
eep
Enda:
I'
ll
praywi
thy
ou
Me:
Idon'
tev
enknowwhyI
'
m pr
ayi
ng
Enda:
Don'
tl
osehopeandf
ait
hinGod
Me:
Let
'spr
ay

FUTHI

Nqowasdanci
ngwit
hthi
sotherver
yhandsomeguy
,
andIwasst
uckwi
ththeannoy
ingfr
iend.
.
HewasveryPapdr
unkandIwaspr
ayi
ngVukani
comessoon.
.

Fr
iend:
Sohowof
tendoy
oucomeher
e?
Me:
Notv
eryof
ten
Fr
iend:
Youseem i
rr
it
ated
Me:
I'
mjustdr
unk
Fr
iend:
Icant
akey
ouhome
Me:Not
hanky
ou,
I'
m wai
ti
ngf
ormyf
ri
endt
obe
done
Fr
iend:
Idi
dspendR300ony
ouguy
s
Me:R150eachf
rom y
ouandy
ourf
ri
end,
Icanr
epay
you
Fri
end:
Ent
leky
ouoneoft
hosewhocal
lthemsel
ves
neh?
Me:
NoIj
ustcameher
etohav
efunnot
hingmor
e
Fr
iend:
Okay
Hecont
inueddr
inki
ng.
.

I
ttookatleast1hr30minforVukanit
ogether e,he
waswi t
haf ri
end.Nqobil
ewast i
redf
rom dancing
nowandIj ustwantedtogethomealready.Ihada
ter
ri
bleheadache..

Vukani
,NqoandIdr
ovei
nmycar
.Tsongaf
oll
owed
uswithVukani
'
scar
..

Nqo:
Final
l
y!Igett
omeett
hef
amousVukani
Me:
Konj
eyoudon'
tknowhi
m neh?Nev
ermethi
m?
Nqo:
Onl
yfr
om t
hepi
ctur
esy
oushowedme
Me:
Ohwy
a
Nqo:
Nicemeet
ingy
ouVukani
Vukani
:Li
kewi
se
Nqo:Doy
ouhav
eaf
ri
endwhoi
sashandsomeas
you?
Vukani
laughed.
.
Vukani
:Usedt
oo.Her
elocat
ed
Nqo:
Who?
Vukani
:Bone.
.DrBone?
Nqo:
Wai
t?TheeDrBone?
Vukani
:Yeswewer
efr
iends
Nqo:
Wow!

Idon'
tknowwhyhewoul
dbr
ingt
hatup.
.

Vukani:
AskFut
hi,
Sheknowshi
m bet
ter
.Shedi
dn'
t
tel
lyou?
Nqo:
Noshedi
dn'
t
Me:
Idon'
tknowwhybecausehe'
smyPast
Nqo:
YourPast
?Soy
out
wower
eexcl
usi
ve?
Me:
Once
Vukani
:Notonce.
.Hepai
dlobol
a
Nqo:
Youshaggedbot
hfr
iends?Gi
rlIYesy
ou
Me:
Let
'snott
alkaboutt
his,
Idon'
twannat
alkabout
i
t
Nqo:
Okay

Hecont
inueddr
ivi
ng.
.

I
RENE

Itri
edsleepingbutIcoul
dn'tf
all
asl
eep.Al otwas
rushingthroughmymi ndandIcouldn'
tkeepal lt
he
thoughtstomy sel
f.Eachti
meIclosemyey es,I
woulddat ebacktowhathappenedearli
eron. .

Igotof
fthebed,
ital
soremindedmeofthemoment
.
Itookt
hebedcoversandsl
eptonthef
loor
..

FUTHI
Wear
ri
vedatmypl
ace.
.

Nqo:
Thanky
ouVukani
Vukani
:Don'
tment
ioni
t
Nqo:
Youshouldcomehaveadri
nkortwowi
thus,
wehaveal
coholwegotf
rom t
heclub
Vukani
:NoI
'
m okay
Weal
lgotoutoft
hecar
..

Me:
Thanky
ouf
orcomi
ng
Vukani
:It
'snot
hing
Heki
ssedme.
.
Vukani
:Il
ovey
ou.
.I'
l
lseey
out
omor
row
Me:
Ilov
eyout
oo
.
Tobecont
inued
67

I
RENE

Thef oll
owingmor ni
ng,wewokeupandwentt othe
Dr .Iwasscared,Idi
dn'tknowwhattoexpect
.AllI
knowi sthatIdon'twanttobeleftwi
thasexuall
y
transmitt
edinfecti
on,whil
stI'
vebeennot
hingbut
faithf
ultothi
sman. .

TheDrnoteddownmysy mpt oms, gavemesome

tr
eatmentandtol
dmet of
inisht hecourse.Drinkl
ots
ofwatert
oo,andgavemeacr eam.Sai difnot
hing
changeswhenIfi
nisht
hetreatment ,Ishouldcome
back.

Wewentbackhome, Iateandthentookthemeds.I
putonascentedpant yl
i
nerandkeptsomei nmy
bag.
.Itshocksmet hatinli
fet
here'
sfri
endsli
ke
Enda,theyst
il
lther
eandt heysti
l
lexi
st.Youdon'
t
f
indt
hatmuch.
.

It
ookmyt hi
ngsandwal
kedt
othebot
tl
est
ore,
it
wasn'
tfar
..

NQOBI
LE

Futhiwassleeping,andIwasgoi ngthroughher
phone.Ihadby passt hefi
ngerprintaccessandput
herpassword,wasn' thar
dt ocracksheonceputi ti
n
mypr esenceatleast3t i
mes.It hinkit
'sMpil
o'
s
bi
rthday..

Isearchedt
hroughunti
lIgott
oherNot es,
found
Mpilo'
sgravenumber.Il
ockedherphoneandputit
away ,t
henIsavedt
hegravenumberinmyphone.I
wentbacktosleep.

VUKANI
MyMot
herwal
kedi
nasIwaseat
ingBr
eakf
ast
..

Ma:
Goodmor
ning
Me:
Goodmor
ning
Ma:
Howar
eyou?
Me:
I'
m goodandy
ou?
Ma:
I'
m wel
l
Shesatdown.
.

Ma:
Wheni
sthemeet
ing?
Me:
Meet
ing?
Ma:
Yesbet
weenusandI
rene'
sfami
l
y
Me:
Ther
e'snomeet
ing
Ma:Why?Ar
en'tyouleavi
ngherf
orFut
hi?Orr
ather
hav
en'
tyoul
eftherforFuthi
?
Me:
Irenei
sst
il
lmywi
fe
Ma:
Sowher
eisshenow?
Me:
West
il
lhav
ingpr
obl
emsMa,
I'
mfi
xi
ngi
t
Ma:Ihopeso,shecan'tl
iv
eli
kethi
s..Li
keshe'
s
homeless.We'
vetakenthi
sgi
rlf
rom herhome
Igotup.
.
Me:
Ihav
etogo,
seey
oul
ater
Ma:
Bye

I
RENE

Qhuma: Thi
sisMuzi
,heworksforusatthef
ront
.
Basical
l
yhe'sourmanager
,keepst
heplacer
unning
forus
Me:
Nicet
omeety
ou
Qhuma:
Thi
sisI
rene,
Shewi
l
lbej
oini
ngt
het
eam
Muzi
:Ni
cemeet
ingy
out
oo
Qhuma:Shewill
bewor ki
ngtheti
ll
,cl
eaningt
ooand
hel
pingar
ound.She'
sthefir
standonlyfemal
e
employeewehavesopleasemakesur
eshe'
ssaf
e
atal
lti
mesfrom t
roubl
i
ngCustomers
Muzi
:Sur
eBhoza
Qhuma:
Iwi
l
lbeatt
hebackof
fi
ce
Muzi
:Okay

Hewal
kedaway
..

Muzi
:Ar
en'
tyouVukani
'
sWi
fe?
Me:
Sor
tof
f
Muzi:I
t'
slovel
yhavi
ngy
ouar
ound,
awomant
o
l
ight
enupt hi
splace
Me:
Thanky
ou
Iwal
kedaroundl
ooki
ngatt
hepl
ace,
itwasn'
tal
lbad.
Seemedl
ikeagoodchil
l
as.

Iwenttot
hebacki
nt hestaf
froom t
oputmybag,I
passedQhuma'
sof
fice.Thedoorwashal
fopened,
hi
sbackwasf aci
ngthedoorsohecouldn'
tseeme.I
stoppedandlookedathi
m, seemedl
ikehewas
handli
ngcocaine.

Putt
ingiti
nsmallpl
asti
cs,t
heshockt hatcamet o
me.Qhumai snotwhatheseems, t
here'salotthat
goesdownhere.Theydeali
ngcocainetoo?Vukani i
s
backtodoingi
ll
egalt
hingsaft
erhe'
sbeeni njailf
or
5years?Nowonderhemakesmor emoneyt hanhe's
supposedtohave.
.ShockedasIwas, Iconti
nued
andwenttothebackroom.

FUTHI

Iwokeupwit
haslightHangover
.Nqowassti
l
l
sl
eepi
ng.WhenIgotoutofbed,sheal
sowokeup.
.

Me:
Mor
ning
Nqo:
Mor
ning
Me:
Howar
eyouf
eel
i
ng?
Nqo:
Ifeel
goodandy
ou?
Me:
Sli
ght
lyhungov
er
Nqo:That'
sbad.
.Youshoul
d'
vedr
ankwat
erl
i
keme
bef
oresleepi
ng
Me:
Ishoul
d'
ve
Nqo:
Dri
nkwat
ernow
Me:Yathenbr
ushmyteet
h,washmyf aceandt
hen
gobuysomehotwi
ngsandgetbreakf
ast
Nqo:
Soundsl
i
keagoodi
dea,
letmewakeupt
oo

I
RENE

Iwaswipi
ngthecounterl
ostdeepinmyt hought
s.
Muziwasputt
ingal
coholinthefr
idge.Iwonderi
fhe
knowsaboutwhatgoesdownher e.
.

Acust
omerwal
kedi
n..
Hecamet
ome,
thecount
erhassaf
etyst
eel
but
ler
pr
oof.
.

Hi
m:Ekse
Me:
Hel
l
o
Him:Ng'
cel
aiLi
oney
i1(
MayIpl
easehav
eabot
tl
e
ofbeer
)
Me:
Okay
Hegav
emeR20.Il
ookedatt
hepr
ices,
itwasR10.
.

Me:
Muzi
..Bhodl
elal
eLi
on(
Muzi
..Onebot
tl
eofbeer
)
Muzi
:Shar
p
Me:
Nay
ichange
Customer:
Z't
hat
heleSust
er,
Umuhl
e(Keept
he
change,
youbeauti
ful
)
Me:
Thanky
ou
Muzi
:Unal
oibhodl
ela?(
Dodohav
eabot
tl
e)
Cust
omer
:Ngi
zoy
ishay
elal
a(I
'
lldr
inki
ther
e)
Muzi
:Sur
eBhoza
Muzihandedhi
mthebeer
,hewal
kedawayt
osi
t
down..

Ir
angt
hebeerandt
ookt
heR10.
.
Me:
R10t
ip
Muzi
:Luckyy
ou
Ismi
l
ed.
.

Mysmi l
evanishedwhenTsongaandVukani wal
ked
i
nchitchatt
ing.Theywer
elaughing,Muziwasst
il
l
st
andingnexttome.Hislaughseizedwhenoureyes
met,
Ilookeddown. .

Tsonga:
EyyMuzi
Muzi
:Tsonga
Tsonga:
Irene
Me:
Hi
Vukani
:Muzi
Muzi
:Bhozay
ami
Theypr
oceededtot
hebackof
fi
cewi
thoutVukani
sayi
nganyt
hingt
ome..

FUTHI

Me:
Letmet
extVukani
tosendmemoneyf
orf
uel
Nqo:
Thi
swon'
tcar
ryus?
Me:
Itwi
l
l,j
ustneedmoneyf
orf
uel
Nqo:
Itext
edhi
m

Wewer
eint
hecar
..

Me:
Nqo
Nqo:
Ya?
Il
eanedont
hewheel
..
Me:
Ineedt
oupmyscal
e
Nqo:
How?
Me:
Iwantmar
ri
age
Nqo:
Wow.
.That
's.
.That
's.
.
Me:
Cant
hatwomanst
il
lhel
p?
Nqo:
I'
m sur
eshewi
l
l
Me:
That
'sgood
Ist
art
edt
hecar
..
.

VUKANI

Qhuma:
Ifound2peopl
ewhocangett
hest
affgoi
ng
Me:
Cant
heybet
rust
ed?
Qhuma:
Yes

Myphonev
ibr
ated.
..
It
ooki
tout
,itwasat
extf
rom Fut
hi.
.

"
Cany
oupl
easesendmemoneyf
orf
uel
"

Me:
ExcuseMe

Iwal
kedoutt osendher , stoppedatt hedoort hat
l
eadstot hebot tl
estore.I r
enewasgi vingtheguy
anot
herbot tleofbeer.Ilookedather ,howt hose
j
eansreallyfitherperfectthi ckbody.Longvneck
sl
eevet-
shi r
texposi nghercl eavage.Shewas
weari
ngboot stoo.Shel ookedbeaut i
fulwithher
warm smi l
e..Theychat t
edf oraf ewsecondsand
shesmiledmor e.Iwalkedoutasshet urnedand
madeherwayt othecount er ..

Ibumpedt
oheronpur
poseandsl
i
ght
lyputmyhand
onherwai
st.
.
Me:
Sor
ry
I
rene:
It'
sokay
,I'
l
lal
sowat
chwher
eI'
m goi
ngnex
t
t
ime

Imovedmyhanddowntoherhi
p,t
hat
'swhenshe
movedawayf
rom me.
.

FUTHI

Wewer
eatt
hemal
lwhenIcal
l
edSbosh.
.

Me:
Ineedmor
eNamat
hel
a
Sbosh:Ei
shthewomanIbuyitfr
om i
snotar
ound,
she'
sinEast
ernCapevi
sit
inghome
Me:
Whenwi
l
lshebeback?
Sbosh:
I'
m notsur
e
Me:
Can'
tyougeti
tfr
om someoneel
se?
Sbosh:
Notatal
l
,I'
m sor
rybutI
'
llcont
acty
ouwhen
she'
sback
Me:
Don'
tyouhav
emor
e?Fr
om y
oursi
de?
Sbosh:
NexSi
si,
I'
m al
soout
Me:
Eish
Sbosh:
Aski
es

I
RENE

Muzi
:That
'sagoodi
dea
Me:
Icanev
encook
Muzi:Yabo,
QhumaandVuksmadet
her
ight
deci
siontobri
ngy
oual
ong
Me:
Iguessso
Vukani
wal
kedbacki
n..

Muzi
:Bhoza!
Vukani
madehi
swayt
ous.
.
Muzi
:Ir
enecamewi
tht
hisgoodi
dea
Vukani
:Whati
sit
?
Muzi
lookedatme.
.
Me:I.
.It
hink,
Iwassuggesti
ngthatmaybewecoul
d
st
artsel
l
ingplat
est
oo..I
'
lldothecooki
ng

Muzi
mov
edaway
..

Vukani
:That
'sagoodi
dea
Me:
YaaIwasdi
scussi
ngi
twi
thMuzi
Vukani
:Yaamay
bewecandoi
t
Me:
Okayt
hanky
ou
Iwal
kedawayandhegr
abbedmyar
m,andpul
l
ed
mebacktohi
m...
.

Me:Vukani
,Idon'
twannaf
ightespeci
all
ynoti
n
publ
i
c
Vukani
:I'
m notf
ight
ing,
Idon'
twannaf
ightt
oo
Me:
Ihav
etogetbackt
owor
k
It
ri
edt
owal
kawayagai
nbuthepul
l
edmeback.
.

Vukani
:Iwasthinki
ngIcant
akeyououtforl
unch,
I
knowhowy oulovetheri
bsf
rom Buf
fal
os
Me:It
'sokay,Muzi
hasalreadysuggest
edItr
yfood
f
rom thejoi
ntar
oundthecorner,I
'
vealr
eadysai
d
yes.
.WouldberudeifIgobackonmywor dnow
Vukani
:Ohw
Iwal
kedaway
..
.
Tobecont
inued
68

NQOBI
LE

Aft
erourbr
eakfastFut
hidr
ovemehome, she
wantedtor
estsomemor e.
.Whenshedroppedme
off
,Iwenti
nsi
det ogett
hebott
leandgostrai
ghtt
o
herSon'
sgrav
e..

VUKANI

Aft
erourmeeting,
wedepart
edtomeetupagain
l
atert
onight
.IsawMuzibusyatt
hefr
ont,
Irene
wasn'
taround.
.

Iwal
kedupt
ohi
m..

Me:
Muzi
Hel
ookedatme.
.
Muzi
:Bhoza
Me:
Atwhatt
imear
eyougoi
ngoutf
orLunch?
Muzi
:I'
m notsur
eBhoza
Me:
Shar
p
Muzi
:Yi
nikhonai
Jiv
e?(
Ist
her
esomet
hingwr
ong)
Me:
No.
.Not
hingi
swr
ong
Muzi
:Shar
p
Me:
Shar
p

Iwal
kedout
..

FUTHI

Vukani
hasn'
tdeposi
tedt
hemoney
,It
'sunl
i
kehi
m..

Ical
l
edhi
m..
Vukani
:Yeah?
Me:
Yeah?
Vukani
:Sor
ryIwasbusywi
thsomet
hing
Me:
Youst
il
lhav
en'
tdeposi
tedt
hemoney
Vukani
:YaaIf
orgot
,I'
l
ldoi
tnow
Me:
Arey
ouokay
?
Vukani
:Yawhy
?
Me:
No.
.Youact
ingst
range
Vukani
:I'
m good.
.Iwasaboutt
odr
ivet
oMpi
l
o's
gr
ave
Me:
Ohw.
.Icant
agal
ong
Vukani
:Cool
..I
'
llpassbyandgety
ou
Me:
Okayseey
out
hen
Vukani
:By
e

I
RENE
Iwast
alki
ngont
hephonewi
thmyGr
andmot
her
..

Grams:
HaiIr
ene,wor
kingatt
hebot
tl
est
ore?I
'
m not
t
oosureaboutt
hat
Me:
It'
sthebestwayt
omakesomemoneyGogo
Gr
ams:
Kant
iVukani
isnothel
pingy
ouf
inanci
all
y?
Me:
Hei
sbutIdon'
twannabeabur
den
Gr
ams:
Atwhatt
imedoy
ouknockof
f?
Me:
Wecl
osear
ound19:
00l
atest20:
00
Gr
ams:
Ebusukukanj
e?(
Sol
ate)
Icl
osedmyey
es.
.

Me:
Vukani
haspr
omi
sedt
ofet
chme
Gr
ams:
Okaykungcono(
That
'
sbet
ter
)
Me:
Howar
ether
enov
ati
onsgoi
ng?
Gr
ams:
Theygoi
ngwel
l
Me:
Okaycan'
twai
ttoseet
hef
ini
shedpr
oduct
Gr
ams:
Youwi
l
l
Me:
OkayGr
amsIhav
etogo,
I'
ll
cal
lyoubackl
ater
Gr
ams:
OkaySi
si.
.By
e
Me:
Bye

FUTHI

ItookabathasVukani wasonhi sway .No

Namat hel
a,noenhancer.Justwaterandafoam
bath.
.

Iwaswor
riedaboutnotget
ti
ngit
,ithasbeen
worki
ngv
er ywel
l.Ihopet
hatwomanwi l
lcomeback
soon.
.

Idressedupandthenappli
edsomebitofmakeup,
I
neededtolookgoodsinceIhadnot
hingt
obathwit
h
any
mor
e..

Ihear
daknockatt
hedoor
..

Me:
I'
m comi
ng

Iwentt
oopen,
hewal
kedi
n..

Vukani
:Hey
Me:
Hi
Vukani
:Readyt
ogo?
Me:
Uhm y
a..
Iwalkedupt
oki
sshim,Iexpect
edar
eal
kissbuthe
gavemeababykiss.
.

Vukani
:Let
'sgo.
.Ihav
eameet
ingl
ateron
Eventhemoneyforf
uel
,Iwasexpect
ingsomet
hing
seri
ousbutheonl
ytr
ansfer
redR500.
.

It
ookmybagandt
henwewal
kedout
..

I
RENE

AfterpeeingIclosedmyey es,expect
edt hatfoul
smel ltocomebuti tdidn't
.Mypeesmel l
edlike
medi cine,
notani ntensesmel l
thatwil
lmakey ou
vomi t.Wasjustsmel li
ngli
kemedi ci
ne..Samegoes
formypany t
li
ner,thedischargehadnof oulsmell.
.

Ichangedit,
thendi
sposedofi
t.Iputanot
herone,
dressedupandwashedmyhands.ThenIwentback
tothefront
..

Muzi
:uGr
and?
Me:
Yangi
right
Muzi
:20mi
nfory
out
ogof
orl
unch
Me:
Yes.
.Can'
twai
ttogoandbuyatt
hatj
oint
Muzi
:I'
l
lgobuyf
ory
ou,
kuy
agcwal
a(i
tget
sful
l
)
Me:
That
'ssweetofy
ouMuzi
..Thanky
ou

Someguywal
kedi
n..Hewasbusywi
thhi
sphoneas
hemadehi
swaytous..

Hest
oppedatthecount
erst
il
lbusyonhi
sphone,
t
henhelookedupatme..

Hi
m:Hi
Me:
Hi
Hehadbeaut
if
uley
es.
.
Hi
m:Nay
oHei
neken?(
Doy
ouhav
eHei
neken)
Me:
Yes
Hi
m:3pl
ease,
cans
Me:
Okay
Iwal
kedov
ert
ogett
he3cans.
.

Me:
Her
e
Hetookouthi
swal
l
et,
openedi
tandi
thadal
otof
R50notes.
.

Hi
m:Her
e
Hegav
emet
woR50not
es.
.
Hi
m:Keept
hechange
Me:
Ngi
yabonga(
Thanky
ou)
Muzi
:Ey
yNt
ando
Nt
ando:
Sur
eMuzi
Muzi
:Zkhi
phani
?
Nt
ando:
Ahhnex
Muzi
:Shar
pNt
wana
Hewal
kedout
..
Me:
Whowast
hat
?
Muzi:OhhNtando,Hegr
ewuparoundher
ebut
doesn'
tli
vehereanymor
eaf
terget
ti
ngajob
Me:
Isee

NQOBI
LE

Ikneltdownathi
sgraveandtookoutthesmal
l
bott
le.Iopenedi
tandpouredonthesoil
..

Me:Mpi l
o..Iam Nqobil
e,afri
endofyourMother'
s.
Shetoldmewhatshedi dtoyoumfana,I'
m hearto
hel
py outakeyourrevenge.Youmusthauntheruntil
sheconfesses,don'
tgiveherpeace

Ithencl
osedthebot
tl
eandputiti
nmybag.I
fumbledthesoi
lsot
hatnot
racesoft
hepoti
oncan
beseen..
IdustedmyhandsandthenIsawVukani
'
scar
parki
ngbythetr
eeri
ghtbyMpilo'
sgr
ave.

Ican'
tev
engetupandwal
kaway
,I'
m sur
etheyhav
e
seenme..
.
Tobecont
inued

Bonust
ofol
l
owt
hroughl
ater
69

I
RENE

Iwasleaningagai
nstt
hecount
erandonFacebook,I
keptonsteali
nggl
ancesatMuzibecauseIwant
ed
toaskhim anuncomfor
tabl
equesti
on..

Muzi
:I'
m goi
ngoutt
ogety
ousomet
hingt
oeatat
t
hatspot
Me:
Okay
..Thanky
ou,
butIdon'
thav
emoneyonme
Muzi
:Don'
twor
rywegetR50eachf
orl
unch
ev
ery
day
Me:
Youser
ious?
Muzi:Yeswi
ththel
onghour
s,t
heydecidedont
hat
butonlyf
oruswhoworkatt
hefrontsobasi
cal
l
yyou
andIonly
Me:
Ohwokay
Muzi:Youhavetonoteitdownthough,wenotusi
ng
theanci
entti
ll
stheseonesgiv
esy ouandthe
cust
omerar ecei
pt
Me:
YaaIsaw
Muzi:
That'
showt heykeeptabssoi
t'
simpor
tantt
o
not
eitdown..Moneyforlunch
Me:
Okay
Het
ookoutt
heR100andj
ott
edi
tdown.
.

Muzi
:I'
l
lbebacksoon
Me:
Okay
Hewal
kedaway
..
Me:
HeyMuzi
Muzi
:Ya?
Me:Thi
sNt andoGuy,
what'shi
ssur
name.Igota
f
ri
endrequestfr
om aNtando
Muzi
:Nt
ando?
Me:
Ear
li
eronCust
omer
Muzi
:Nt
andoShezi
Me:
OkayThanky
ou
Hewal
kedout
,Icont
inuedsear
chi
ng.
.

FUTHI

Thi
swasstrange,whyisNqobil
eatmySon'sgr
ave?
Idr
oppedheroffatherhouseandshesai
dshe
wantedt
osleep.
.

Vukani
:Wt
f?
Wewalkeduptoher
,shewasbusycl
eani
ngar
ound
i
t.Anotsodi
rt
ygrav
e..

Shel
ookedatus.
.

Nqobi
l
e:Heyguy
s
Me:
Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?
Nqobil
e:OhwI.
.IcametomyMot her
'sgr
aveand
deci
dedtopassbyMpil
o'sgr
ave
Vukani
:Whatt
hef
uckf
or?
Nqobil
e:Justpassi
ngt
hrought
oseei
fev
ery
thi
ngi
s
okay
Vukani
:Whywoul
dn'
tthi
ngsbeokay
?
Shel
ookedatme.
.
Nqo:
I'
m sor
ry.
.Idi
dn'
tthi
nki
twasabi
gdeal
Vukani
:It
'snotabi
gdeal,i
t'
sdi
srespect
ful
.It
'sa
sacr
edplaceandyouhavenorightbei
nginmySon'
s
grav
e.Youdidn'
tevenknowhim
Me:
Vukani
youov
err
eact
ing
Vukani
:Youdon'
tseemyfr
iendscomi
ngher
e,y
ou
don'
tseeQhumacominghere
Nqo:
I'
m sor
ry.
.Idi
dn'
tmeant
oupsety
ou,
I'
ll
leav
e

Shewal
kedaway
,Vukani
cli
ckedhi
stongue.
Vukani
:What
'swr
ongwi
thy
ou?
Me:
Sor
ry?
Vukani:
Whydoyoual
lowyourf
ri
endst
ocomeov er
tomySon'sgr
ave?Whenhavey
oueverseent
his
happen?
Me:
It'
snotabi
gdeal
Vukani
:Iti
sabi
gdeal
Me:What
'swr
ongwi
thy
out
oday
?Youi
nabad
mood
Vukani
:Fuckof
f!
Heknel
tononeknee.
.

I
RENE

Ifoundhi m,NtandoShezi.Hewor ksatRandWater.

Hedi dn'tpostmuch,ormay beit
'sbecausehis
accounti spri
vateandIcan'tseemuch.Isenthima
fr
iendr equest,
Ireal
lyl
ikehiseyesandhei sgood
l
ookingt oo..
Ipul
l
edt
hechai
randsatdownwhenEndawal
kedi
n..

Enda:
Hey
Me:
Hi.
.Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?
Enda:
Justpassedbyt
oseehowy
ourf
ir
stdayi
s
goi
ng
Me:
It'
sgoi
ngwel
lsof
ar
Enda:
I'
m gl
ad.
.Lookaty
oual
lsmi
l
ing
Me:
May
bet
hisi
sthef
reshai
rIneeded
Enda:
May
be.
.Howi
sthesi
tuat
iongoi
ngdownt
her
e?
Me:
Act
ual
l
ythesmel
li
sgone,
fornowatl
east
Enda:
I'
m gl
adt
hemedi
cat
ionseemst
obewor
king
Me:
Met
ooandt
hanky
ousomuch
Enda:
It'
sokay

FUTHI
Whenwewer
edone,
wedust
edour
sel
ves.
.

Me:
Wannagogr
absomet
hingt
oeat
?
Vukani
:No
Me:
No?
Hel
ookedatme.
.
Vukani
:I'
m mar
ri
edFut
hi,
acoupleofsexher
eand
ther
edoesn'
tmeanwesomethi
ng
Me:
What
?
Vukani:
Ipai
dLobola,
Ilovemywife.Whatev
eri
tis
thatwashappeni
ngbetweenus.
.It
'sover
!
Me:
Vukani
!!
Vukani
:Ar
eyoucomi
ngorwi
l
lyoucat
chacab?
Me:
Ist
hisaboutNqobi
l
e?
Vukani
:Thisi
saboutusgoi
ngback,
medr
ivi
ngy
ou
backtoyourpl
ace
Iwal
kedt
othecar
..
NQOBI
LE

Thatwascl
ose,
thatwasv
erycl
ose.
.

Itookadeepbr eathasIwasi
nthetaxigoingback
home.Ikeptoncheckingmyphonet hi
nkingFuthi
wouldtextorcallandthr
owafi
t.Shedidn't
..

I
RENE

Muzi
camebackwi
tht
hef
ood.
.

Muzi
:Nazo

Iopened.
.
Me:
Smel
l
sni
ce
Muzi
:Itdoes,
doesn'
ti
t?
Me:
Toomuch

I
twaschickenstew,Riceandsal
ads.Accompani
ed
byacanofliqui
frui
tjuice.
.

Me:
Andt
hiscost
sR50?
Muzi
:R40,
thent
hej
uiceR10
Me:
Thanky
ouv
erymuchMuzi
Muzi
:Youwel
come

It
ookmyl
unchandwentt
oeatatt
heback.

FUTHI

WhenIgothome,
Vukani
lef
tst
rai
ghtaway
.It
ook
myphoneandcal
l
edNqo.
.

Nqo:
Hey
Me:
Whatt
hehel
lwer
eyoudoi
ngatmySon'
sgr
ave?
Nqo:
Idi
dsay
Me:
Doy
ouknowhowmadVukani
is?
Nqo:I'my ourfr
iendFut
hi,
Idi
dn'
tmeantoupsetyou.
I
fitpleasesy ouI'
ll
keepmydist
ance,
Imeantno
harm
Isatdownandsi
ghed.
.

Me:
It'
sokay
..I
'
m sor
ry
Nqo:
It'
sokay
,he'
sgoi
ngt
ocomear
ound
Me:Idon'
tthi
nkso,wi
tht
heNamat
hel
afi
nishedhe
seemsmef orwhoIam
Nqo:
Don'
twor
rywewi
l
lthi
nkofsomet
hing
Me:Wehav et
oo.
.Renti
sduesoonandIcan'
tbe
embar
rassed,
thi
sisgoi
ngt
oembarrassme.Ir
ene
wi
l
lgl
oatandl
aughatmyf
ace
Nqo:
It'
sokay
Iwi
pedmyt
ear
s..
Me:
Ilov
ehi
m Nqo
Nqo:
Doy
ouwantmet
ocomeov
er?
Me:
No.
.It
'sokayIdon'
twannabot
hery
ou
Nqo:
Noi
t'
sokayI
'
llcomet
hrough
Me:
Thanky
ougi
rl

I
RENE

Idi
dn'
tfi
nishal
lmyf
ood.
.

Icl
osedtheplat
eandputi
tbackint
heplast
ict
o
thr
owitout.Ial
soputt
heemptycaninsi
de.
.

Ist
oodupandt
urned,
Vukani
wasst
andi
ngbyt
he
door
..

Heact
ual
l
yfr
eakedmeout
..

Me:
Youf
reakedmeout
Vukani
:Aski
es
Me:
It'
sokay
Vukani
:Canwet
alk?
Me:
Iact
ual
l
yhav
etogetbackt
owor
k
Vukani
:I'
mtheBoss,
so.
.
Me:
Idon'
twannat
alkVukani
Vukani
:Ir
ene
Me:
Idon'
twannat
alk
Iwal
kedt
othedoor
..

Me:
Excuseme
Hest
eppedasi
de.Iwal
kedout
..
70

I
RENE

[
2WEEKSLATER]

Workwasgoingwell
,andanotherpartt
hatwas
goi
ngwell
wasNt andoandI.Wewer enowf r
iends,
wecommunicatealotonwhatsapp..

Unfor
tunatelytheawful smellwasback,Iwasdone
wit
hthemedi cati
onandIsl i
dbackt odepr
essi
on.I
t
wasaSat urdaymor ni
ng, Ntandohadaskedtotake
meout .Ourof f
ici
alfi
rstfacetofacemeetup..

Ieventhoughtofcancel
i
ngt
hat
'showdepr
essi
ng
thesi
tuati
onwas..
Me:Idon'
tunder
stand,
theDrsai
dthemedswi
l
l
cl
eari
t
Enda:
Ial
sodon'
tunder
stand
Me:Thisi
sanightmar
e, aser
iousni
ghtmare.How
wil
lIgotoadateandthenIstandupther
e'sthi
s
awfulsmel
l
Enda:
Uset
hecr
eam
Me:EndaIcan'
tkeepusi
ngcr
eamsandt
hesi
tuat
ion
doesn'
theal

Qhuma:
Whydon'
tyouj
ustconsul
tasangoma?

Hesaidthatwhi
lehewasinthebedr
oom,EndaandI
l
ookedateachother.Hewal
kedoutfi
xi
ngthe
sl
eevesofhist-
shi
rt
..

Enda:
Thi
sisapr
ivat
econv
ersat
ion
Qhuma:I
'm sorry
..Ihav
elearnedinmylif
ethatif
Doct
orsdon'thaveanexplanati
onforsomethi
ng,it
coul
dbewi
tchcr
aftort
radi
ti
onal
Enda:
Inev
ert
houghtoft
hat
Qhuma:
Tryi
t,whatdoy
ouhav
etol
ose?
EndaandIl
ookedateachot
her
..

Enda:
Imeanhehasapoi
nt
Me:
Iguessso
Qhuma:I'
l
lcal
ltheManIconsul
ttooandmakean
appoi
ntmentf
oryou
Me:
Whowoul
dwi
tchcr
aftme?Idon'
thav
eenemi
es
Qhuma:
You'
dbesur
pri
sed
Enda:
Fut
hi?
Me:Naa.
.Iknowshe'
scr
azybutcanshebet
his
cr
azy?
Enda:
Onl
yonewayt
ofi
ndout

FUTHI
Idozedof
f.
.

Nqo:
Hey
Iwokeup.
.
Nqo:
What
'swr
ongwi
thy
ou?
Me:Idon'
tknow.
.Ihav
en'
tsl
eptwel
lfort
hepast2
weeks
Nqo:
Why
?
Me:
Keepondr
eami
ngaboutMpi
l
o
Nqo:
Doi
ngwhat
?
Me:Eat
ingt
hePizza,
lay
ingi
nhi
scof
fi
naski
ngme
whyIdi
dwhatIdid?
Nqo:
Yooh
Me:
He'
shaunt
ingme
Nqo:
Isn'
ti
tyourgui
l
tconsci
encemay
be?
Me:
May
bebutt
hedr
eamsar
ever
ydi
stur
bing
Nqo:
I'
m sor
ry
Me:Idon'
tknowwhatt
odo,
Idon'
tknowwhathe
wants
Nqo:
Askhi
m,i
nthedr
eams
Me:
I'
ll
try
Nqo:
I'
m goi
ngt
omi
sst
hispl
ace,
youhadabeaut
if
ul
pl
ace
Il
ookedati
t.
.
Me: Can'
tbel
ieveVukanidumpedmel ikethis,and
thenSboshstil
lsaysthatwomani snotcomi ngback
anyti
mesoon.I'veusedNozimangai nstead,it
seemst obedrivi
nghimf ur
theraway..MyMot heri
s
goingtobegloati
ngwhensheseesmewal kingback
i
nwi thmyluggage
Nqo:
It'
sat
empor
arysi
tuat
ion
Me:
Ipr
ayso

VUKANI
Ihadameetupwi t
hGuzi k,
we'v
esol
doutt
hef
ir
st
stash.Neededanotherone..

Me:
Iwoul
dli
ket
oupt
hest
ash,
R7000

Ipl
acedt
hemoneyont
het
abl
e..

Guzi
k:Sol
dthef
ir
stone?
Me:
Yes
Guzi
k:Sol
dout
?
Me:
Yes
Guzi
k:I
mpr
essi
ve
Me:
Thanky
ou
Guzi
k:I
nthatcase,Iwoul
dli
ketoinv
itey
ou
t
omorrowfordinneratmyhouse
Me:
Arey
ousur
e?
Guzi
k:Woul
dn'
tbei
nvi
ti
ngy
oui
fIwasn'
tsur
e
Me:
Iwi
l
lbet
her
e
Guzi
k:I
'
llt
exty
oumyaddr
ess
Ipi
ckedupt
hegl
assofwhi
skey
..

I
RENE

Enda:
Arey
ouokay
?
Me:
Justscar
ed
Enda:Ther
e'snot
hingt
obescar
edof
,Qhuma
vouchesbyhim

Wewer
edr
ivi
ngt
othepl
ace.
.

Enda:
He'
sbeengoi
ngt
her
eforal
ongt
ime
Me:I'
m notworri
edaboutt
hat
,justwhatI
'
m goi
ngt
o
heari
fiti
switchcr
aft
Enda:
Atl
eastyouwi
l
l knowthetr
uthandy
ouwi
l
l
knowwhoisbehi
ndyourdemise
Me:Ifit
'sFuthi
..Lor
dhel
pme, i
fshewantsVukani
shecanhav ehim.Sheal
readygothi
m,sheshouldn'
t
begoingtosuchext r
ememeasurestogethi
m
Enda:Iknowbutmostwomenar
edanger
oust
othe
core
Me:
Itwoul
dbebad

NQOBI
LE

Fut
hi:
All
packed.
.Youwil
lbewaiti
ngfort
hevanon
mybehal
ftocomegetthefur
nit
ure,I
'
m goi
ngtobe
l
ivi
ngint
heoutsi
deroom
Me:
Bet
tert
hanl
i
vingi
nthehousewi
thher
Iy
awned.
.

Me:
Yes.
.Of
fyougo
Fut
hi:
I'
ll
beback
Me:
Okaygi
rl
Shewal
kedout
..

Iwaitedf orhercartodriv
eout ,whenshehaddr i
ven
out.Iwentandpour edtheli
qui dpoti
ononher
mat t
ress.Ischi
tho,andherpillow..Thi
sisonl
ythe
beginning,what'sniceaboutthesi t
uati
oni
sthat,
she
tel
l
smeev eryt
hing.SothethingssheusesIcan
rev
er sethem backoral t
erwitht hem t
onotwork.
.

VUKANI

Guzi
k:I
'
llseey
out
omor
rowni
ght
Me:
Tomor
rowni
ghti
tis

Weexchangedahandshakeandt
henIwentt
omy
car
..
I
RENE

Enda:
Wear
eher
e
Me:
Yes

Wemadeourwayint
otheyard.Thehousedi
dn'
t
l
ookwow,
wasjustanormalhouse..

Whenwewentt
otheback,west
umbl
eduponaMan
whowassmoki
ng.Heseemedtobei
nhi
smid50s.
.

Enda:
Sani
bonani
(gr
eet
ings)
Hel
ookedatus.
.
Hi
m:Sani
bonani
Enda:
Err
..Iam Enda,
Umf
azi
kaQhuma(
Qhuma'
s
wif
e)
Hi
m:Wooooh.
.Ubeshi
l
oukut
hiuzol
ethaumngani
(
Hedi
dsaythaty
ouwouldbebri
ngi
ngaf r
iend)
Enda:
YeboBaba.
.IgamauI
rene
Hebowedhi
sheadt
omeal
i
ttl
e..

Hi
m:Ni
ngasondel
a(Youcancomet
hissi
de)

Wewal
kedt
ohi
sconsul
tat
ionr
oom.
.
.
Tobecont
inued

Bonuscomi
ngl
ater
71

FUTHI

MyMot
hergav
emet
hekey
stot
hebackr
oom.
.

Me:
Thanky
ou
Il
ookedatt
hekey
s..

Me:Iknowy
oudon'tl
ikethi
s,Idon'
tl
ikei
tei
ther
.I
wi
ll
beoutofyourhai
rsoon

Shechuckl
ed.
.

Ma:I
fonl
yIgotpai
deacht
imewheny
ousai
dthose
wor
ds
Me: Iam y
ourDaught er
,Ishouldbeal
lowedtocome
homewhenl i
feoutsi
deshowsmef l
ames.WhatdidI
everdotoy ou?Foryoutotreatmethisbad?

Ma: EyyFut hiIdon'twannasayany thingespeci al

l
y
notaf t
ery oul osty ourSon.Idon' twannabemadet o
seem hear tless,I'
m al l
owi ngy out oliveint he
backroom ofmyhousewher eI 'm supposedt oputa
tenantandmakemoney .Idon' tunder standwher e
yourlifeisheadedcur r
ent ly,
Idon' tknowi fyou
comi ngorgoi ng.Idon'tknowany t
hing!Youseem t o
bemaki ngbadchoi cesandt heyal lr
ev olvear ound
onePer son.Whenar eyougoi ngt oseet hathei s
messi ngupy ourl i
fe?Youhadi tall.Bandi l
e,y ou
playedhi m.ThatManl ov edy ouandy ourSon, a
chil
dt hatwasn' thi s.Wher ewasVukani when
Bandi l
er ai
sedMpi l
o?Ify ouwer est i
l
lwi thhim Mpi lo
woul dst i
ll
beher e.Youwoul dn' tmadehal foft hese
choicest hatledt oy ourSonbei ngfedMushr ooms
byy ournei ghbour .ThisisBandi le'
spai n.Ont opof
that,youbusychasi ngaf teramar ri
edMen, Sies
Futhi.Howl owcany ougo?Somet i
mesIwonderi f
youar emyDaughterforreal
,may beatthehospital
theyexchangedyou.Outofallmychi l
dren,youare
diff
erent
.It'
sli
keyounotmychi l
d..Ihavelong
washedmyhandswi t
hy ou,I
'mjustwaitingforyou
tofoll
owy ourSonsoIcanbur yyou.Simple!

I
RENE

Ithoughttradit
ionalheal
erswer escarybeings.I
exprcyedamandr essedinthatt r
adit
ionalhealer
s
atti
re,l
ookingscaryandsoundi ngscar y
.ThisMan
wasv erylai
dback, hewaswel comi ngmadeusf eel
comf ort
ablebyhol di
ngsmalltalks.Crackedjokes
hereandt here,heactual
lymademef eel atease.

Hel
i
tabl
uecandl
e..

Man: YeeyMaan,ut
hiuyazamanakuboDokotel
a
akuvumi (
Youeventr
iedgoingt
otheDrbutit
'snot
hel
ping)
Thatwasshocki
ng,Ihav
en'
ttol
dhi
m any
thi
ngabout
whatbri
ngsmehere..

Man:Bazebakususaukut
hiuzobonauMpande.
.
Thokoza(
Theyhav enowbroughtyouher
e)

Enda:
Thokoza
Me:
Thokoza

Hehel
dthebonesandpray
edfi
rst
,thenhemov
ed
t
hebagaroundthegr
assmat.
.

Mpande: Nawuumnt wanauzileuyakhal

a,siboniseni
Indl
elaniboni
sekonkeukut hii
nkingaingakuphi.
.
Thokoza( Her
eisy ourchi
ld,she'
scomeher e
seeki
nganswer s.Pleaseshowust heway,reveal
every
thing)
Hescat
ter
edt
hebones.
.

Mpande:NawuuManay euyakhal
aucel
aiti
ye,
nimenzel
enjeokuncanenit
hathekumal
iyamalobol
a
(YourMotheri
saskingforyoutodoanancest
ral
ceremony,f
rom t
helobolamoney)

Hemov
edt
hest
ick.
.

Mpande: Ngobaamadl oziwakhoaqini

leakubo
Mama, khaboBabababav alel
engaphandlezange
benzekahl e(Yourstr
ongestancestorsarefrom your
Mot her'
sside,theybl
ockingyourancestorsfrom
yourFat her
'ssidetocomet oyoubecauset hey
didn'tdothingstheri
ghtway )

Inodded.
.

Mpande:
Yakuneskol
odokuboBaba(
Ther
e'sadebt
t
haty
ourFat
her
'sf
ami
l
yhast
opay
)

Me:
Ngi
yezwa(
Ihear
)

Mpande:Kanti
nal
ombhem uzwananay e
bamphandl
il
e,ani
saboni
ngesoli
nye(Yourhusband
hasbeenbli
nded,
younolongerseeeyetoeye)

Me:
That
'st
rue

Mpande:
Yamaanwul
oDadel
o(I
t'
sthi
slady
)

Hehi
tthebone.
.

Mpande:Uyi
nki
ngaloDadeebenenganenay e,
uthat
hei
Pantynebraway ozi
sebenza(
She'sa
probl
em.Shestol
eyourunderwearandbraandwent
todosomethi
ngsini
sterwitht
hem)
EndaandIl
ookedateachot
her
..

Mpande: Useduzekakhul u,ufunaukukususa

azongena.Ukwenzel enokut hikubenzimaukuthola
abantwana.I zi
ntlungunesilumokusi nyesakho
(She'
sv eryclose, shewantst odoawaywi thyou.
Sheev enmadey ounott oconcei ve,
y ouhavepains
andver ypainfulper i
odpains)

Me:
OhhmyGod

Mpande:Bengizot
hisi
mshayengempindi
sel
amara
uthol
euntangawakhe(Iwasgoi
ngtosaylet
'sr
etur
n
i
tbackbutitseemssomeoneisalr
eadybusywit
h
her)

Enda:
Thokozahowdower
ever
set
his?Whatwas
donetoI
rene?
Mpande: Akuhluphi,
uzoyogezaemanziniahambay
o.
Sok'l
ahla,
sikubuyiseungenakungcol
a(It
'snota
process,you'
llgoforacleansi
ng,t
oremov ewhat
wasdonesoy oucanbecl eanagain)

Enda:
Howmuch?

Mpande:
R750,
ugcokeimpahl
azakhozakudalaube
nezi
nye(
Wearyourol
dclot
hesandcomewi t
hclean
ones)

Enda:
Canwedoi
tthi
sMonday
?

Mpande:
Yebo,
ekseniumai
zul
uli
zov
ula(
Yes,
int
he
morni
ngonl
ywhentheweat
heral
l
ows)

Hegotup.
.
Mpande: Ngizokuni
kaintoyokugeza,ngi
kufake
i
ntamboebozuukut hibangakut
holinj
engoba
uyogezangomv ul
o(I'
l
lgiveyousomet hi
ngtobath
wi
t hthenputar edstr
ingaroundyourwaistfor
pr
ot ect
ion)

Myhear twast orn,

Ididnothi
ngt oFuthi.Iam sohurt
thatshewoul dresorttot
hisjustbecauseofaMan?
Ididn'
tstealVukanifrom her
.Hecamet omeand
theyhadalreadybrokenupbyt hen.Soallthi
swas
notbecauseofanSTIbutt hefactthatshedi d
somet hi
ngtomyunder wearthatsheact uall
ystol
e??

VUKANI

Istoppedatt
hebottl
estor
eandbumpedi
ntoand
oldclassmat
e..Nt
ando.
.

Nt
ando:
EhhVuks
Me:
Wil
l
Hechuckl
ed.
.
Me:
Wuwel
omunt
u?(
It
'sy
ou)
Nt
ando:
Yimi
lomunt
u(I
t'
sme)
Me:
Ehh
Nt
ando:
Thel
astt
imeIhear
d,y
ouwer
ear
rest
ed
Me:
YaahIwasr
eleased
Nt
ando:
Aii
No,
that
'sgood
Me:Whatareyoudoi
ngher
e?Thelastt
imeIheard
youwer
eliv
ingint
hebondhouses,
haveagoodjob?
Nt
ando:
MyMot
heri
ssi
ckcamet
ocheckuponher
Me:
HadeJoh(
I'
m sor
ry)
Ntando:
Andtocheckwhyt
hebeaut
if
ull
adyt
hat
worksherest
oodmeup
Me:
Huh?
Nt
ando:
IreneIbel
i
eve?
Me:
What
?Yout
woar
edat
ing?
Nt
ando:
Act
ual
l
yfr
iendsbutIr
eal
l
yli
keher
Me:
Youdo?
Nt
ando:
Yeah
Me:
Ntandoy
ousi
ngl
e?
Ntando:Yeshavebeenfor3months,
shecheated
andfell
pregnantbyanot
herguyandactual
l
yli
ed
thatt
hebabywasmi ne.DNAtestspr
ovedherwrong
Me:
Isee.
.Soy
oudon'
thav
eababy
?
Nt
ando:
No.
.Noty
et
Me:
Isee
Nt
ando:
Letmego,
wasgoodseei
ngy
ou
Me:
Likewi
se

I
RENE

Enda:
R200consul
tati
onhe'
sver
yaf
for
dabl
eand
R750fort
hecl
eansing
Iwasawf ul
lyquieti
nthecaraswedr oveback.He
hadgivenmesomet hi
ngtobathwithf ortonightand
tomorrow.Thengav emeastick,asmal lstickto
burnat3am tomor r
owandtalktomyMot her.Tell
heraboutthecleansi
ng.Toshowt hatit'
sef fect
ive,I
wil
leit
herdream ofherbef
orethecleansingoraf ter
i
t.Needt ol
etherknowandwhowi llbehel pingme. .

Enda:
Atl
easty
ougothel
pthat
'sal
lthatmat
ter
s

Me:
Ihat
eVukani
wit
hal
li
nme

Enda:
Irene.
.Thokoz
adi
dsayhewasbl
i
nded

Iwi
pedmyt
ear
s..

Me:Hewasn'tgi
venal
ovepoti
onEnda,
sohewasi n
hi
sri
ghtmindwhenhetreat
edmeli
kethat
.Hegav e
hert
hepowertodothi
s,asl
ongasshe'
ssti
ll
around.
Vukani
andIwewi l
lneverknowpeace,whatifshe
endsupkil
li
ngme?Allforwhat?ForVukani
'
sdi ck?
Shecouldhavei
tandleavemealone!

Enda:
Eish

VUKANI

Qhuma:Iwanttot
akey
out
othi
sMant
hatIconsul
t
t
oo,akuqi
nise
Me:
Why
?
Qhuma:Soy oucanbeprotectedandbest rongand
youwon'teasi
lygetf
edamal ovepoti
onorbe
bewit
ched.Ineedyoulev
el headedinthi
sbusiness,
can'
thaveyourmindcontroll
edbywi t
chcraft
Me:
Yeahsur
e
Qhuma:
I'
ll
makeanappoi
ntment
Me:
Qhuma
Hel
ookedatme.
.
Me:
Doy
ouknowanykasi
hit
man?
Qhuma:
Why
?
Me:
Justaski
ng
Qhuma:
YaaIknowaguywhoknowsaguy
Me:
Howmuch?
Qhuma:
6k
Inodded.
.
Qhuma:
Why
?
Me:
Nonot
hing
.
Tobecont
inued
72

I
RENE

Idon' tthi
nkany onewoul dunder st
andt hepai nof
fall
ingint hehandsofwi t
chcr aftwheny ou'vedone
not hi
ngwr ongtoany one,unlessy ou'vebeena
victim.Whycan' tpeopleusewi tchcrafttobet t
er
theirliv
est hant omaket heot herPer son'sli
fe
mi serable?I'v
edonenot i
cingt oFuthi.Itri
edmybest
tor espectherasVukani '
sbabyMama.Howshe
stumbl eduponmyunder wearwi ll
remai namy st
ery
.
ThatmeansVukani l
etheri nourper sonal space,
wel comedheri n..

Iwasonaphonecallwit
hNtando.
.Ideci
dedt
otell
hi
m what
'shappeni
ng,Iowedhimthatmuchaft
er
st
andi
nghim up.
.

Nt
ando:
That
'sheav
y
Me:Womenareoutt
her
etr
yingt
obettert
hemsel
ves,
she'
soutt
her
ebewit
chi
ngpeopl
eforaMan
Nt
ando:
Whatdi
dyourexsayaboutt
his?
Me:Hedoesn'
tknowandIdon'tr
eall
ycarewhathe
say
sbecauseI'
m donewi
thhim,aft
erthi
s..Ihav
e
morer
easontobedonewithhim
Ntando:Iunder
stand..I'
m sorryaboutwhat
's
happenedandI'm notjudging.Yourprot
ect
ion
meansmor ethanany thi
ngr i
ghtnow
Me:Thanky
ou..Thanky
ouf
orunder
standi
ngonwhy
Ist
oodyouup
Nt
ando:
Itwasi
mpor
tant
Me:Ihopet
hiswon'
tchangey
ouri
mpr
essi
onabout
me
Ntando:I
tdoesn't
.Unfor
tunat
elyI
renewel iv
eina
worldwherethesethi
ngshappen.Ican'
tblamey ou
forsomethi
ngy ouhadnopowerov er,
I'
mj ust
saddenedthatyouhadtoexperi
encethis.Youseem
l
ikeav er
ynicePerson
Me:
Thanky
ou
Ntando:Atleasty
ouknownowandy
oucangethel
p,
t
hat'sal
lthatmatter
s
Me:
True
Nt
ando:
Getsomer
est
,we'
l
ltal
kagai
n
Me:
Okayby
e
Nt
ando:
Bye

FUTHI

Theyhaddel
i
ver
edmyf urni
tur
e,Nqowasher
e
hel
pingmeputt
hebedding.
.

Nqo:Lookonthebri
ghtsi
de,
youst
il
lhav
eahome.
Somewheretosleep
Me:
That
'st
rue
Nqo:
Yeap.
.Concent
rat
eont
hatposi
ti
vi
ty
Me:Iappr
eci
atey
oursuppor
t,i
t'
sdi
ff
icul
tget
ti
ng
f
ri
endswhoaretr
uethesedays
Nqo:Iappr
eciat
ehavingyoutoo,
Idon'
tusuall
ytr
ust
peopl
ethateasi
lyandyouareonetobetrust
ed
Me:
Thanky
ou
Nqo:
Let
'sf
ini
shupset
ti
ngy
ourr
oom

I
RENE

Enda:
Howar
eyouf
eel
i
ngnow?
Me:
Abi
tbet
terknowi
ngwhat
'shappeni
ngt
ome
Enda:
That
'sal
lthatmat
ter
s
Me:EndaIam gr
atef
ulf
orever
ythi
ngy
oudoi
ng,
you
don'
tevenhav
etopaytheR750
Enda:Iwantyout ogethel
p,Iwanty outoregai
n
yourl
i
f eback.Ihatepeopl
ewhobr ingotherpeopl
e
downf ornot
hing!Youdon'tdeser
vet hi
s
Me:
Thanky
ou
Wehear
daknockatt
hedoor
..
Enda:
I'
ll
geti
t
Shewentt
oopen.
.

Enda:Yougot
tabeki
ddi
ngme!Whatar
eyoudoi
ng
here?
Vukani
:I'
m her
etot
alkt
omywi
fe
Enda:
Shedoesn'
twannat
alkt
oyou!
Me:
Endai
t'
sokay
..Wehav
etot
alkatsomepoi
nt

Shel
etheri
n..

Enda:
I'
ll
bei
nmybedr
oom i
fyouneedme
Me:
Thanky
ou
Shewal
kedaway
..

Vukani
:Howar
eyoudoi
ng?
Il
ookedathi
m..
Vukani
:IknowImessedup,
IknowI
'
vehur
tyou.I
don'tknowwhyIt r
eat edyoulikethat,don'
tknow
whyIsai dthoset
hingst oyou.IreneIloveyou,more
thany ouknowandi tkil
lsmeknowi ngthatIdi
dthat
.
I'
mt hatguywhodidt hat,Idon'tevenknowwher eto
star
ttof i
xthis
Me:Futhist
olemyunder
weart
owor
koni
t,y
ouwer
e
underherspel
l

Iwai
tedf
orhi
mtodef
endher
..

Vukani
:I'
m notsur
pri
sed.
.Itdoessoundl
i
keher

Idi
dn'
texpectt
hatr
esponse.
.

Me:
Sheal
mostr
uinedmyl
i
feVukani
!

Hesi
ghedandwi
pedhi
sfacewi
thhi
shands.
Vukani
:I'
m goi
ngt
oki
l
lher
.IswearI
'
m goi
ngt
oki
l
l
her

Me:Shewil
lst
opatnot
hingt
oseemedeadandy
ou
wi
ll
helpher

Vukani
:That'
snotfair
,Ir
eneIdi
dn'
tevenknowshe
wasdoingthi
s..Idi
dn'
tsendhertodothi
s

Me: Yougaveherthepowertodoi t!Torui

nusI
respectedherast
heMot herofyourchildandI
expectedyoutoprot
ectmef rom her,t
obeonmy
side!

Vukani
:IwasafoolIadmit
,spell
ornot .If
uckedup!
I'
m sor
ry.
.Nowweknowwhatshe' sdoing,nowwe
knowandIwon'
tbef ool
edagain..I
'm notgoingt
o
l
etherdothi
sagain
Me:
Yousl
eptwi
thher
,you.
.Youcheat
ed

Vukani:Iwoulddoanythi
ngtomakeituptoyou,
to
maket hisri
ght.
.Tomakeusr i
ght
,Idon'
twannalose
you.Idon'twannalosewhatwehave

Me:
It'
stool
atef
ort
hat

Vukani
:Ir
ene

Me:
Idon'
twannaseeyouagai
n,Ihat
eyou!Ir
egr
et
t
hedayIev
ermetyou!

Vukani
:Iknowy
oudon'
tmeant
hat

Me:Imeaneverywor
d!Iwanty
ououtofmyl
i
fe,
I
wantyougone
Vukani
:Ir
enepl
ease

Me:
Getout
..Got
oFut
hi!Leav
emeal
one

Vukani
:Iam notgi
vi
ngupony
ou,
I'
m notgi
vi
ngup
onus

Me:
Enda!

Vukani
:Fi
ne.
.I'
mleav
ing

FUTHI

Nqo:
It'
sti
mef
ormet
ogo
Me:
I'
ll
dri
vey
ouhome
Nqo:
Noi
t'
sokay
..I
'
llcat
chacab
Me:
Arey
ousur
e?
Nqo:
Yes
Me:Thankyouf
orhel
pingmesortmymessout
,
woul
dn'thav
esort
edoutthi
sroom bymy
sel
f
Nqo:
That
'swhatf
ri
endsar
efor
Me:
I'
ll
seey
out
omor
row
Nqo:
Tomor
rowi
tis
Weshar
edahug.
.
Nqo:
Cal
lmewheny
ounotf
eel
i
ngokay
Me:
Iwi
l
l.
.Thanky
ou
Nqo:
I'
ll
cal
lyouwhenIgethome
Me:
Okay

VUKANI

Ican'tl
oseIr
ene,Ican'
tl
osetheloveofmylif
e.What
shesaid,t
otal
lymadesense.Istar
tedhat
ingherand
beingannoyedwithheroutoft
heblue.
.
Igothomeandt
alkedt
omyMot
her
.It
oldher
ever
ythi
ng.
.

Ma:HaiVukani
..IknowFut
hiiscr
azy
,buti
sshet
his
cr
azy?Areyousureaboutt
his?
Me:
Yes
Ma:Ofcour
seyouare,
wit
haMot
herl
i
keherI
woul
dn'
tputthi
spassher
Me:Howdi dIgetmyselfi
ntothi
s,howdi
dIendup
bei
ngthatguywithacrazycrazybabymama
Ma:
Nihambani
j
olaVukani
(Yougoar
ounddat
ing)
Me:
I'
m al
readyf
eel
i
ngl
i
keaf
ool
Ma
Ma:
Didy
out
alkt
oIr
ene?
Me:
Shedoesn'
twantany
thi
ngt
odowi
thme
Ma:
She'
sst
il
langr
yandhur
t,gi
vehert
ime
Me:I'
m af
rai
dgiv
inghert
imemi
ghtl
eadhert
o
anot
herMan'sar
ms
Ma:
Ibel
i
eveshel
ovesy
ou,
youdon'
teasi
l
ymov
eon
f
rom someoney
oul
ove.
.Gi
vehert
ime

FUTHI

Icl
osedthedoorsoIcouldrestali
tt
le.Emoti
ons
wererunni
nghigh,andIwasfeel
ingdown.Thinki
ng
aboutever
ythi
ngthat'
sgoi
ngdowni nmyl i
fe.
.

Iwentt
obedandlai
ddown,Icl
osedmyey
esand
wai
tedforsl
eept
ocome..

Half
wayt hrough,whenIwasaboutt
ofal
lasl
eepI
fel
tafami l
i
arv oi
cetal
ki
ngandthesoundofatoy
carmoving..

"
Vrum.
.Vr
um.
.Vr
uuuum"

Igotupandsatupst
rai
ght
.Il
ookedar
oundandsaw
Mpi
l
o'st
oycarmov
ingont
hef
loor
.

"
Vrum.
.Vr
um.
.Vr
uuum"

Me:
Mpi
l
o??

Thecarst
opped.
.

I
tst
art
edmov
ingagai
n,gotmescar
ed.
.

Me:
Mpi
l
o?I
sthaty
oubody
?

"
Vruuuum.
."

Igotupf rom t
hebedandmov edtowerethecarwas
mov ing,whenItr
iedtot
ouchit
.Itwasthr
own
againstthewall
.Couchgott
urnedupdown,TV
fal
li
ngt othefl
oor..
Ir
anoutoft
her
oom t
othehouse.
.
.
Tobecont
inued
73

FUTHI

MyMom mademesomewat
ermi
xedwi
thsugar
,I
dr
ank.
.

Ma:
Fut
himay
bey
oushoul
dgof
orcounsel
i
ng
Me:Iwasdoi
ngwel
lMa,
Idon'
tknowwhat
's
happeni
ng
Ma:IhearthatParentsexper
iencet
raumaaf t
erthey
l
ostthei
rchil
d.Ithinkyoushouldgoforcounsel
i
ng
Me:
Idon'
thav
emoneyt
opayany
mor
e
Ma:Don'tt
heyof
fert
hem f
orf
reeatt
hePubl
i
c
hospi
tal
?
Me:
I'
ll
check

I
RENE
Ihel
pedEndapr
epar
edi
nner
..

Enda:
DidNt
andounder
stand?
Me:
Hedi
d
Enda:
Doy
oul
i
kehi
m?Li
kehi
mtodat
ehi
m?
Me:Atfi
rstIt
houghtthatIdi
d,t
houghtofdati
nghim
j
ustbecauseIwasfeeli
ngsomet ypeofway.Maybe
r
evengeVukani,
butnowI '
lll
eti
tbe.Lethi
m be.
.
Enda:Doi
ngt hatmighthurtyoualongtheway ,
you
wil
ldateNtandot ohurtVukanibutfi
ndy oursel
f
bei
nghurtatt heendwheny oucatchfeelings.Ithi
nk
don'
tusehim, andifyoucan'tr
emai nfr
iendswi t
h
hi
mt henlethim go
Me:
Yeahy
ouar
eri
ght
Enda:
Tast
ethi
sforme
Me:
Okay
FUTHI

Iwentbacktother
oom.Isatonthebedandl ooked
att
hetoycar.Myhear
tstar
tedbeati
ngf ast,was
whatIsawrealori
twasj
ustmyi magination.
.

Vukani
wal
kedi
n,Ist
oodup.
.

Me:
Vukani
Vukani
:Kahl
ekahl
ewhat
'swr
ongwi
thy
ou?
Me:
Sor
ry?
Vukani
:Whatt
hehel
li
swr
ongwi
thy
ou?
Me:
Idon'
tunder
standwhaty
out
alki
ngabout
Vukani
:Youst
oleI
rene'
sunder
wearway
oyi
sebenz
a?
Iswal
l
owed.
.

Me:
What
?That
'snotr
ight
Vukani
:Don'
ttel
lmet
hat
'snotr
ight
,youwer
etr
ying
torui
nus!
Me:Imaybeal otofthi
ngsbutI'
dneveruse
wit
chcrafttogetaman, what'
sspeci
alaboutyou
VukanithatIwouldusewitchcr
aftonyou?Ifso,
I
would'
vestartedwit
hBone!
Vukani
:YeeeymaanVoet sek!Voetsekwenamaan!
Youthi
nkinmyr i
ghtmindIwoul dsleepwithy
ou?
Loveyouagain?Aft
ereveryt
hingthatyou'v
eputme
thr
ough?Evil
asy ouar
e?I'dneverdot hatt
omy sel
f
Me:
Vukani
stop!
Vukani:
Youst op!From hereonInev erwannasee
youagain.Don'tcallme,don'teventextme!There'
s
nothi
ngconnect i
ngy ouandIany mor e,
andstay
awayfrom mywi fe..I
fyoudon' t
,youwillbesor
ry
andthatisapromi se

Hespatonmeandt
henwal
kedaway
..

I
RENE
Qhuma:
Irenehowar
eyouf
eel
i
ng?
Me:
I'
mfeel
i
ngokay
Qhuma:
Whenar
eyougoi
ngback?
Me:
OnMonday
Qhuma:OkaythatmeansI'
l
lmakeanappoi
ntment
l
ateronMondayforVukani
Me:
Why
?
Qhuma:Ay
oqini
swa,
sothatnextt
imei
fanywoman
t
ri
estobewit
chhimi
twork
Me:
Goodf
orhi
m
Qhuma:
Youl
ovehi
mIr
ene.
.
Me:Sti
l
llov
inghi
m doesn'
tmeanIshoul
dtakehi
m
back
Qhuma:Thi
sti
mei
twon'
ti
t'
l
lbedi
ff
erent
,wi
tchcr
aft
won'
tpl
ayarol
e
Me:QhumaIdon'
tknow,whatifFut
hiki
ll
edme?
Whati
fsheusedwit
chcr
afttoseri
ousl
yhurtme?
Qhuma: Butshedi
dn'
t.
.LookEndaandIwe'v
ebeen
t
hrought hemostandi
fshedidn'
tfor
giv
e,we
wouldn'
tbehere
Me:
Hecheat
ed.
.Hesl
eptwi
thhi
m
Qhuma: Unwill
inglyso,
unfortunatel
yeveryManwill
cheatonce,twiceorrepeatedly.I
magineifever
y
womanl eftacheat i
ngboy f
ri
endorhusband,
marri
ageswoul dn'texi
sttoday .
.Vukanil
ovesyou
andweal ldeserveasecondchance.Hedoest oo,i
f
hemessesupt histi
met heny oucanleavehim
Me:
Idon'
tknowQhuma
Qhuma:
Justt
hinkabouti
t
Inodded.
.

VUKANI

Ithi
nkthewaytoIrene'
shear
tagai
n,woul
dbewi
th
herGrandmot
her.Iwenttoseeher
.
Iseeshewasdoi
ngsomer
enov
ati
ons.
.

Gr
ams:
Vukani
Me:
Gogo.
.Howar
eyou?
Shehuggedme.
.
Gr
ams:
I'
m goodandy
ou?
Me:
I'
m wel
l
Gr
ams:
It'
sgoodt
oseey
ou
Me:I
t'
sgoodtoseey
out
oo,
Iseey
oudoi
ngsome
r
enovat
ions
Gr
ams:
YesIam
Me:
Howar
etheycomi
ngal
ong?
Gr
ams:
Pret
tywel
l
Me:I
tlooksl
i
kei
t'
sgoi
ngt
obebeaut
if
ulwheni
t'
s
done
Grams:
Yes,
I'
ll
havetobudgetmySassamoneyt
o
fi
xsomeoft
het hi
ngs
Me:
Youdon'
thav
etoo,
I'
ll
payf
oral
lther
emai
ning
money
Gr
ams:
Youdon'
thav
etoo
Me:
It'
sokay
..Iwantt
oo
Gr
ams:
Thanky
ousomuchmySon
Me:
Youwel
come
Gr
ams:
Ifeel
li
key
ouher
eforsomeot
herr
eason
Me:
That
'st
rue
Gr
ams:
Isev
ery
thi
ngokay
?IsI
reneokay
?
Me:
She'
sfi
ne
Gr
ams:
I'
m gl
adt
oheart
hat
Me:
Butwenotf
ine
Gr
ams:
What
'swr
ong?
Me:MyBabyMama,
she.
.Sheusedwi
tchcr
aftt
o
hur
tIr
eneandI
Gr
ams:
Ini
?
Me:
Iact
edoutandI
renei
sthr
eat
eni
ngt
oleav
eme
Gr
ams:
Buty
ouar
esay
ingt
hatwi
tchcr
aftwas
i
nvol
ved
Me:
Yes
Gr
ams:
SoI
reneshoul
dcomear
ound
Me:
She'
smov
edout
,li
vi
ngwi
thherf
ri
end
Gr
ams:
Shenev
ert
oldme
Me:
Probabl
ydi
dn'
twannawor
ryy
ou
Gr
ams:
I'
ll
tal
ktoher
Me:
Thanky
ou

FUTHI

It
ri
edt
osleepbutIcouldn'
t,
Ikeptonopeni
ngmy
ey
esever
ynowandt hen..

Ical
l
edNqo.
.

Nqo:
Hel
l
o
Me:
Hi
Nqo:
Howar
eyou?
Me:
I'
m goodandy
ou?
Nqo:
I'
m goodt
oo
Me:
Iam notgood
Nqo:
Whati
swr
ong?
Me:
Vukani
foundoutt
hatIbewi
tchedI
rene
Nqo:
What
?How?
Me:
Ithi
nksheconsul
ted
Nqo:That'
stheonlythi
ngt
hatmakessense,si
nce
sheconsul
tedthatmeansshewi
llgethel
p..Doyou
wanttoupy ourst
ake?
Me:
NoNqo.
.I'
mti
red,
Idon'
twannadot
hisany
mor
e
Nqo:
Iunder
stand.
.I'
m sor
ry
Me:
It'
sokay
..I
'
vebr
oughtt
hisonmy
sel
f
Nqo:
Wel
li
fyouwanthel
p,don'
tbescar
edt
oask
Me:
Thanky
ouf
ri
end
Nqo:
Bye
Me:
Bye

I
RENE

Iwasont
hephonewi
thNt
ando.
.

Nt
ando:
Howar
eyouf
eel
i
ngnow?
Me:
I'
mfeel
i
ngbet
ter
Nt
ando:
I'
m sor
ryaboutwhathappened
Me:
It'
sokay
..Nt
andocanwet
alk?
Nt
ando:
Yes
Me:Ij
ustwantedt
osaythat
..Iappr
eciateyouand
t
hefri
endshi
pwehaveandIwoul dl
ikeittostayt
hat
way
, f
ri
ends
Ntando:Fi
nebyMe..Idon'
twannapushy
ounor
f
orcey out
oanyt
hing
Me:
Thanky
ou
Nt
ando:Canwegooutforbr
eakf
astt
omor
row
morni
ng?Asfr
iends?
Me:
I'
dli
ket
hat
.
Tobecont
inued
74

I
RENE

MyGr andmothercal
ledmeandaskedmet ocome
oversowecoul dtal
k,appar
entl
yVukaniwenttoher
total
ktoher.Ishoul
d'veknown,that
'saver
yweak
mov efr
om him..

Grams: I'
mv erydisappoi
ntedinyouIr
ene,
thi
sisnot
howt hingsaredone.Youcan'tjustmoveoutand
mov eintoaf r
iendsplace.I
fyouwerehavi
ng
probl
ems, youcoul d'
vecameher e

Me: Iwantedt ot
elly
ouGogo, Iwantedtotalktoyou
aboutitbuty oudi
dn'twannalisten.Al
lyoukepton
doingwast alkaboutrenovat
ingt hehouse,kepton
tel
l
ingmet hathe'
sagoodguyandt hatmarri
ageis
noteasy
Grams:IfIhear
dcorrectl
y,andpleasecor
rectmeif
I
'm wrong.HisBabyMamai stheonewhodi dt
his,
Vukanistandswit
houtfault

Me:
Hesl
eptwi
thher
!

Gr
ams:
Shebewi
tchedhi
mIr
ene

Me: Thi
siswhyIdi
dn'
twannat
alktoyouaboutt
his
becauseyoudon'
twannaseer
eason

Grams:I
fyouwer einhisshoesIr
ene,whatwould
youdo?Ifyourexint
roducedwit
chcraftint
oyouand
Vukani
?I'
m sureyou'dexpecthi
mt oforgiv
eyou

Me:Iwoul
dn'texpecthi
mt ofor
giv
emei fhedoesn'
t
wantt
oo,notwhenI '
vetr
eatedhi
m bad
Grams:Soy ougoi ngt oleaveev erymani fthis
happens?Gi r
lsarealway st ox
icI r
ene.Exesar e
worse,youleavehi m andt henshe'sgoi ngt owin.
Youareapr ayinggirl,suchsituati
onsy oupray.You
seekhelpiftheneedbe, youdon' tjustupandl eave.
Ift
hat'
sy ourreasoningi nmar ri
age, thenIthinkyou
shoul
dn'tgetmar ri
ed.Uzozi hl
alelal anami

Ther
ewasnopoi
nti
nmaki
ngherseer
eason

Grams: Tellyouwhat,comebackhome.Don' tbe

goingar oundli
vingl
ikeyouhomeless,don'
tdo
anythingrash.Justcomehomeandt hi
nkaboutthi
s
sit
uation,ifaf
ter3mont hsy
oustil
lfeelt
hesame
wayt henwewi l
lcal
lameetingandy outwocanpart
therightway

Me:IfIcomeback,
Idon'
twanty
out
okeepon
br
ingingthi
sup
Gr
ams:
Iwon'
t

Me: Thankyou,I
'
llcomebacknextweek.OnMonday
I
'm goingforacl
eansing,
I'
ll
comebackthen

Gr
ams:
I'
ll
hearf
rom y
out
hen

FUTHI

Iwaswokenupbymywhol
ebodyi
tchi
ng.

Iscratchedmysel
f,i
t'
sli
ket
herewer
eredantsinmy
bed.Igotoutofbedandcheckedmysheet
s,Isaw
nothingunusual
..

Thiswasweir
d,may
beIneedt
owasht
hem
tomorr
ow..
Itookmytoil
etbagandmyt
owel
togoandbat
hin
thehouse.
.

VUKANI

Qhuma:Thi
ngsseem t
obeget t
ingPersonal
bet
weenYouandGuzik,di
nnerinvi
te

Me:
Heseemst
obet
rust
ingme

Qhuma: That
'sgood.
.Whenyouonthei
nsi
dewecan
seehowhi sbusi
nessrunst
henst
ealhi
s
merchandise

Me:
Arey
ousur
eaboutt
his?

Qhuma:
Ver
ysur
e
Me:
Howi
stheot
herst
ackgoi
ng

Qhuma:
Notsobad

Me:
That
'sgood

Qhuma:
Irenei
sst
il
lbei
ngdi
ff
icul
t?

Me:Idon'
twannashowupatGuzi
k'
shouseal
one,
bea3rdwheel

Qhuma:
AskI
rene

Me:
Shewon'
tagr
ee

Qhuma:
Try
Me:
Isur
ewi
l
l

Nqobi
l
ewal
kedi
n..

Me:
Whati
sshedoi
ngher
e?

Qhuma:
Who?

Me:
Fut
hi'
sfr
iend,
shewentt
omySon'
sgr
ave

Qhuma:
That
'sunusual

Me:
Ver
y

Shecamet
ousandgr
eet
ed,
Qhumagr
eet
edher
back.
.
Nqo:
Vukani
I'
mtr
ulysor
ryaboutwhathappened

Me:
Idon'
tcar
eNqo

Nqo:
Ohw

Me:
Excuseme

Igotupandwal
kedaway
..

FUTHI

Mybodywasr edandhadrashf
rom al
lthe
scr
atchi
ng.Li
keanall
ergyr
eact
ion.
.

Thi
swasstr
ange,
thei
tchi
nghadst
oppedf
ornow.I
wal
kedout
..
Ma:
Imadesomet
hingf
ory
out
oeat
Me:
Thanky
ou
Ma:Fut
hi.
.Ngat
hiunesi
nyama(
Itl
ooksl
i
key
ouhav
e
badl
uck)
Me:
Yout
hink?
Ma:Someone'
sli
fedoesn'
tj
ustcr
umbl
edownl
i
ke
t
his
Me:
Idon'
tthi
nksoMa
Ma:
Ithi
nkso,
youneedhel
p
Me:
We'
l
lsee,
I'
ll
cal
lNqobi
l
e
Ma:
Dot
hat

I
RENE

Iwaswalki
ngbacktoEnda'splacewhenIsaw
Vukani
'
scarapproachi
ng.Ist
oppedandexhaled.He
st
oppednextt
ome. .
Vukani
:Pl
easegeti
n
Me:
Icanwal
k
Vukani
:Iknowy
oucanwal
k
Iopenedt
hedoorandgoti
n,Icl
osedi
t.
.

Me:
Youhadt
ogoandt
alkt
omyGr
andmot
her
?
Vukani
:Ihadt
otal
ktoanel
der
Me:Andyouthoughtshewasgoi
ngt
oputaf
ew
poi
nter
sfory
ou?
Vukani
:Anyway
, Ihav
ebeeninvit
edfordinner
tomorr
ownight
..Abusinessassoci
ate,
it'
ll
beathi
s
housewit
hhiswife
Me:
Andt
hat
'smybusi
nessbecause?
Hechuckl
edandshookhi
shead.
.

Vukani:
Iknowshiti
smessedupbutcanwet
ryt
o
keeptherespect
?
Me:
Ist
il
ldon'
tunder
standwhati
thast
odowi
thme

Vukani
:Ineedapl
us1

Me:
Fut
hii
snotav
ail
abl
e?

Vukani:AghMaanI rene!YaaIflopped,YaaIdidfuck
herbutam Iwithher?NoI '
m notIst i
ll
leftt
hat
si
tuati
on.Iam aski
ngy oubecausey ouaremywi fe,
nowy ou'v
emadei tclearyoudon'twantmeany more
i
t'
sokaybutI '
m askingcany oupleaseaccompany
met omorrownight?It'
sjustgoingtobef orafew
hours,oneni
ghtandt hat'
sit.Iwon'tbotheryou
agai
n

Isatt
her
eandt
houghtf
orawhi
l
e..

Vukani
:Thanky
ou.
.18:
00I
'
llpi
cky
ouup
FUTHI

Aft
ereati
ngdi
nner,
Iwentbacktotheroom.I
openedandwal
kedin,onthebedsataboxofpi
zza.
Samepizzat
hatIboughtMpil
o..

Themushroomswer
ejustt
her
est
icki
ngout
,si
tt
ing
onthepi
zza..

Ishookmyhead.
.

Me:
No.
.No.
.No

Itur
nedbackandwal
kedout
,Imademywayi
nsi
de
thehouse.
.

Me:
Ma!
!
Ma:
Yini
?(what
)
Me:
Comeandsee
Ma:
Seewhat
Me:
Pleasecome
Ihel
dherhandandwewal
kedoutt
omyr
oom,
we
goti
nsi
de..

Me:
Ther
e
Ma:
Ther
ewhat
?

Thepi
zzawasnotont
hebedany
mor
e..

Ma:
Yini
Fut
hi?
Me:
Itwast
her
e
Ma:
Whatar
eyout
alki
ngabout
?
Me:
Thepi
zzabox,
itwasont
hebed
Ma:
Ther
e'snot
hingont
hebedFut
hi
Me:
Isweari
twast
her
e
Ma:Hai
cha,
usuy
ahl
any
amanj
e(Youar
elosi
ngi
t
now)

I
RENE

Me:
Thanky
ou
Vukani
:Doy
ouneedmoney
?Foranout
fi
t?
Me:
No.
.I'
mfi
ne,
I'
ll
seey
ouat18:
00
Vukani
:Okayshar
pandt
hanky
ou

Igotoutoft
hecarandcl
osedt
hedoor
..

FUTHI

Me:
CanIsl
eepi
nthehouse?
Ma:
No
Me:
Ma
Ma:Fut
hi I
'
m al
readybeingni
ceenoughbygi
vi
ng
yout
hisroom,don'
tbothermeanyfurt
her
Me:
Mapl
ease
Ma:Youarenotcomi
ngi
nsidemyhouseFut
hi
for
getit
,andst
opbot
her
ingmeI'
m goi
ngtolockt
he
door!

I
RENE

Enda:
Andshe'
sback
Me:
Yeap
Enda:
Howdi
ditgo?
Me:
I'
m goi
ngt
obemov
ingbackhomenextweek
Enda:That'
sgood,
showsyourr
elat
ionshi
pwi
thy
our
Grandmotheri
sgoingwel
l
Me:
Yeah.
.Sor
tof
Enda:
What
'swr
ong?
Me:Vukaniaskedmet
oaccompanyhi
m
somewheretomorr
ownight
Enda:
And?
Me:
Isai
dyes,
wel
lnoti
nsomanyway
s
Enda:
Arey
oucomf
ort
abl
ewi
tht
hat
?
Me:
Ial
readyagr
eedt
oit
Enda:Whatevery
ougoi
ngtodeci
deI'm goi
ngto
suppor
tyou.I'
minnoposi
ti
ontojudge,hel
ldar
eI
wentbacktothesamemanmulti
pletimessoI'
m
notanexpert
Me:
Wewi
l
lsee
.
Tobecont
inued
75

NTANDOSHEZI

Iknockedathi
sof
fi
ce.
.

Capt
ain:
Comei
n
Iwal
kedi
n..

Cap:
Lei
utenant
Me:
Wor
kingt
hrought
heni
ght
?
Cap:
Yes.
.Pl
easesi
tdown
Isatdown.
..
Cap:
Howi
sitgoi
ng?Howi
syourcov
ergoi
ng?
Me:I
t'
sgoinggoodsof
ar,
onl
yamat
teroft
imeunt
il
someoneblowsmycov
er
Cap:
Yousai
dity
our
sel
fthatwher
eyoucomef
rom
theydon'tknowwhatyoudo,
asf arast
hey
concernedtheyt
hinky
ouworkingatRandwat
er
Ichuckl
ed.
..

Imov edoutoft hehoodr i

ghtwhenIpassedgr ade
10t ocomel ivewithmyFat herherein
Johannesbur g.Ididmygr ade11and12, thenjoined
thepoliceacademy .Ihav etwoFacebookaccount s,
onet hatIuseconst antlyandonet hatisadi vert
ion.
Nooneatt hehoodact uallyknowswhatIdosi nceI
mov edaway ,myMot herbei ngsomeonewhoi sv ery
priv
ateandheal thimpai r
edshest aysindoorsmost
ofthet i
me.Nof ri
ends, nonot hi
ng.Justherandmy
Grandmot hersot heywer en'tpeoplewhowent
aroundt el
li
ngot herpeopl eaboutourbusi ness.We
areaf amilywhodoesn' tdot hat
,myGr andmot her
standson" Youwi llnev erknowwhoy outell
ingyour
businesstoo"..
.

Wearesett
onai
l
ingthebi
ggestt
hugeverknown,
Guzi
kandwehavespot
tedhi
m wit
hVukanialot
.
Ei
therhewor ksf
orhim,inbusi
nesswit
hhim or
Vukanii
sdoinghisthi
ngandGuzikishisdeal
er.I
wasgiventheassignment,
IhopeIdon'
trui
nit.I
t'
ll
bethebiggestbr
eakofmycar eer
..

Me:I'
m goi
nghome,I'
l
lseeyouonMonday
.Ir
ene
andIwegoingoutf
orbreakf
astt
omor
rowmor ni
ng

Igotupf
rom t
hechai
r.
.

Cap:
Lei
utenant
Me:
Sir
Cap:Don'
tfor
gett
hisi
sanassi
gnment
,don'
tcat
ch
feel
i
ngs
Me:
YesSi
r

I
RENE
Thenextmorni
ngIwokeupandpr
epar
edmy
sel
f,
Ntandosai
dhewil
lbeher
eat9am..

Enda:
Ner
vous?
Me:
Notent
ir
ely
Enda:
Whatdoeshedo?
Me:Hewor
ksatRandwat
er,
sohi
spr
ofi
l
esay
sand
hesay
s
It
ookoutmyphoneandshowedher
..

Enda:80fr
iends,
notaPer
sonwhoi
sbi
gona
Facebookcrowd
Me:
Notatal
l
Enda:
He'
scut
e
Me:
Ver
y..HowdoIl
ook?
Enda:
Youl
ookbeaut
if
ul
Me:
Thanky
ou
FUTHI

Iheardaknockatthedoor.
.It
ri
edt
oignor
e,butt
he
Personkeptonknocki
ng..

Nqo:
Fut
hi
Me:
I'
m comi
ng
Igotoutofbedandwentt
oopen.
.
Nqo:
Hey
Me:
Hey
Shewal
kedi
n..
.

Nqo:
Ver
yunusual
fory
out
osl
eepunt
ilt
hisl
ate
Me:
Ihar
dlygotanysl
eep
Nqo:
What
'swr
ong?
Iwentandsatont
hebed.
.
Me:
Mpi
l
o
Nqo:
Wai
t.
.Myphonei
svi
brat
ing
Shegoti
tout
..
.
Nqo:Aghmyst
upi
dboy
fri
end,
pleasegoon.
.I'
m
sor
ry
Me:
Mpi
l
oishaunt
ingme
Nqo:
Arey
ousur
eyounotj
usti
magi
ningt
hings?
Me:
Nqowhatdi
dIdo?Iki
l
ledmyownSon
Nqo:
Youdi
dn'
tki
l
lMpi
l
o
Me:If
edhi
mthemushr
oomsj
ustt
ogett
heMan,
I
ki
l
ledhi
m
Nqo:
Fut
hi
Me:
Idi
dn'
tev
engett
hemanatt
heend
Nqo:
Alsobewi
tchi
ngI
renest
il
ldi
dn'
thel
p
Me:
Itdi
dn'
thel
patal
l
,she'
sal
soget
ti
nghel
p
Nqo:
Hai
..Letmehel
pyout
idyup

VUKANI
IwaswithmyNephew,
he'
sgr
owi
ngsobi
g.Sucha
heal
thybabyboy
..

Thando:
Hol
dhi
mli
ket
his,
suppor
thi
shead
Me:
Okay
Thando:
Vukani
thankyouforhelpi
ngout
,Idon't
knowwhatIwould'
vedone.Bei
ngasingl
eMot her
Me:
I'
m notsay
inggoandgetanot
herone
Thando:
Iknow,
nex
tyearI
'
m goi
ngbackt
oschool
Me:
That
'st
hespi
ri
t
Thando:
Imi
ssI
rene,
shehel
pedf
ort
hisl
i
ttl
eguyt
o
come
Me:
Imi
sshert
oo
Thando:
Ihat
eFut
hi,
wit
hal
li
nme
Me:
Joi
nthet
eam

MyMom wal
kedoutofherbedr
oom.
.
Zuxi
e:I
'
m of
ftochur
ch
Me:
Enj
oy
Zuxi
e:Don'
tfor
gett
odef
rostt
hemeat
,I'
l
lcookwhen
Icomeback
Me:
I'
ll
cook
Shel
ookedatThando.
.
Zuxi
e:Okayt
hen.
.Seey
ouguy
swhenIgetback
Thando:
Bye
Zuxi
e:l
etmesaygoodby
etomyl
i
ttl
emunchki
n

I
RENE

Nt
andot
ext
edmet
hathewaspar
kedout
side.
.

It
ookmybagandwal
kedout
..
WhenIwalkedoutoft
hegate,
IsawFut
hiandsome
gi
rlst
andi
ngoutsi
deatthegat
e.

Theyl
ookedatme.Imademywayt
ohi
scarandgot
i
n..

Nt
ando:
Hey
Me:
Hi
Nt
ando:
Youl
ookbeaut
if
ul,
asal
way
s
Me:
Thanky
ou
Nt
ando:
Shal
lwe?
Me:
Yespl
ease
Hest
art
edt
hecar
..

FUTHI

Thecartookof
f,NqoandIl
ookedateachot
her
shocked.
.
Me:
Wooooow.
.Mi
ssgoodyt
woshoes?
Nqo:
Whowast
hat
Me:
Vukani
'
swi
fe
Shehi
tmeonmyshoul
der
..
Nqo:
Youl
i
e!

Wewal
kedt
ogobuyv
etkoeks.
.

Me:
Qui
tegi
rl
sar
ehoes
Nqo:
Iam sur
pri
sed
Me:
Met
oo

Wecont
inuedwal
ki
ng.
..

VUKANI
Me:
Youdon'
thav
etohel
pyouknow
Thando:
Please.
.Thebabyi
ssl
eepi
ngsowhynot

Myphonebeeped.
.

Iwenttocheck,itwasawhat sappnoti
fi
cation.I
checked,Fut
hihadsentmeaphot oofIreneget t
ing
i
ntosomecar .Ilookedati
tforawhile.I
twast aken
fr
om afarbutIknowmywi fe,itwasher.Iblocked
Futhif
rom whatsapp..

Thando:
Arey
ouokay
?
Me:
I'
mfi
ne

I
RENE

Ntando:Sot
ell
me,
howi
ssuchabeaut
if
ulwoman
si
ngle?
Me:
Let
'sj
ustsayl
i
fe
Ntando:
Ar eyouser
ious?Your
eal
l
ydon'
thav
e
anyonethaty
ouseeing?
Me:
It'
scompl
i
cat
ed
Nt
ando:
Wel
lthenIwon'
tpush
Me:
Thanky
ou
.
Tobecont
inued
76

VUKANI

Thisthi
ngwi thIr
enestung.Remi ndedmeofmy
sit
uati
onwi thFuthi
,whenshel ef
tmef rom mybest
fri
end.IknowI '
vehurther,butatthesamet i
methat
wasaqui ckmov e.Wedi dn'tcall
itqui
ts,nothi
ngof
thatnatur
e.Thatwasqui ckofher ,nowI '
m
wonderingifthi
saffai
rhasbeengoi ngonf orawhil
e
noworwhat .
..

Qhuma:
Her
e
Me:
Ta
Qhuma:
Arey
ousur
eaboutt
his?
Me:I
'
m desper
ate,
ify
ouwer
einmyshoeswhat
woul
dyoudo?
Qhuma:Iunder
stand,
justbecar
efulandmakesur
e
i
tdoesn'
tcomebackt obit
eyouintheass
Me:
Iwi
l
lthanky
ou
Qhuma:
Yousl
i
det
hroughbot
hthepi
l
ls
Me:
They
'l
ltaket
imet
omel
t,I
'
llcr
usht
hem
Qhuma:
Goodi
dea
Me:
Thanky
ouagai
n

I
'm pl
anni
ngondruggi
ngIr
ene,
rapeherand
hopef
ull
ygetherpr
egnant
..

I
RENE

Me:
Thi
sisbeaut
if
ul,
Ineededt
hef
reshai
r
Ntando:
Youwel
come,act
ual
l
yIal
soneededt
he
f
reshair
.Wor
kishect
ic
Me:
Icani
magi
ne.
.Wi
shIcoul
dgetaj
obsoon
Nt
ando:
Youwi
l
l
(
Sil
ence)

Ntando:Inot
icedt
hatonyourFacebookpi
ctur
es,
t
here'saPict
ureofyouandVukani

Il
ookedathi
m..

Me:
YouknowVukani
?
Ntando:
Wewentt
oschool
toget
her
,Gr
ade8
cl
assmates
Me:
OhwIsee
Nt
ando:
Thoughty
ouwer
en'
tseei
ngany
one
Me:
That
'swhyIsai
dit
'scompl
i
cat
ed
Nt
ando:
Wel
lwehav
eaf
ewhour
s
Me:Ialr
eadytol
dyouaboutt
hewi
tchcr
aftst
ory
,he
al
sosleptwit
hher
Nt
ando:
Ohwt
hat
'shi
sBabyMama,
Fut
hi?
Me:
Yeap
Ntando:
Wow..SheandVukani
datedsi
ncefr
om
hi
ghschool
,Yesshewasabitfor
wardbutt
his.
.Thi
s
ev
il
Me:Sometimesyouthi
nkyouknowsomeonebut
youdon'
t,
Peoplecansurpr
isey
ou
Ntando:
Appar
ent
ly.
..Howdoy
ouf
eel
dat
inganex
con?
Me:
Ifeel
okay
..Why
?
Ntando:
Don'tgetmewr
ong,
justt
hatmostexcons
don'
tchange
Me:
Vukani
haschanged
Nt
ando:
Mustbehar
dfi
ndi
ngaj
ob
Me:
Youseem v
eryi
nter
est
edi
nhi
m
Ntando:He'
sacompet
it
ion,
Ineedt
oknowwhatI
'
m
upagainst
Me:
Ohwwel
l
..Notf
orl
ong
Nt
ando:
Ther
e'shopet
her
e
NQOBI
LE

HavingtopretendtobeFuthi'
sfri
endwasachor e,
nowt hatIhav
et hi
srecordi
ngIdon'thavetoo.
.I
posteditonFacebookandTwi tt
er,puti
tasmy
whatsappstatusandblockedherfrom vi
ewingmy
stat
us...

VUKANI

Ical
ledIr
enet
ofi
ndouti
fshe'
ssti
llonf
orl
ater
toni
ght,
shedi
dn'
tpi
ckup.Shest
il
lmustbewit
h
him.
.

Thando:
Youokay
?
Me:
YeahI
'
m good
Thando:
Iwannaeatandr
est
Wewer
edonecooki
ng.
.

Me:
Butt
hel
i
ttl
eguyi
snott
roubl
esome
Thando:
Atni
ghthei
s
Me:
That
'ssad
Thando:
Hav
eyouspokent
oIr
ene?
Me:
Wegoi
ngoutt
oni
ght
Thando:
Thatsoundspr
omi
sing
Me:
Itdoes,
Ihopewewor
kthr
oughourpr
obl
ems
t
oni
ght
Thando:
Met
oo

ENDA

Isawoneofmyf r
iendsonFacebook,shehad
shar
edawhatsappVNf rom aNqobil
e.Thecapt
ion
i
swhatgotme:
"Somewomenar et
oxic,
peopl
eneedtobecaref
ul
outthere.Thi
sisacl
osefri
endconf
essi
ngthi
s,her
namei sFuthi
"

Ili
stenedthroughandal
mostdr
oppedmycel
l
phone
tothefloor.
.

Me:
OhhhhhhGoodness!
!

Qhuma:
What
'swr
ong?

Me:
li
stent
othi
s

Imadehi
mli
sten.
.

Qhuma:
Wai
t.
.Fut
hi?Fut
hi?
Me:
Yes
Qhuma:
Shi
i
it!Vukani
can'
theart
his,
he'
sgoi
ngt
o
l
osei
t
Me:I
t'
sonsocial
medi ahowdoesonehi
de
somet
hingonsocial
media?

Qhuma:
Thi
sisgoi
ngt
osethi
m 10st
epsback

Iment
ionedI
reneont
hecommentsect
ion.
.

FUTHI

IwentonFacebookandsawNqobi
leposted
somethi
ng,sheevent
aggedme.Al
readyshewas
si
tt
ingon160comment s,
50shar
esand500l i
kes.
.

Il
istenedt hr
ough,anditwasaVNofmet al
ki
ng.So
sher ecommendedmewhenIconf idedi
nher..My
earsst ar
tedringi
ng,t
hroatwentdr
yandmyhear t
sankt omyknees. .
HowcanNqobil
ebet
raymeli
kethi
s?I'
vetr
ust
edher
wi
thmysecr
ets.Mydeepdar
ksecret
s..

.
Tobecont
inued
77

I
RENE

ThatVnt hatEndamademel isten,brokeme.The

partofFut hi sayi
ngthatshebewi t
chedmet oget
Vukani, doesn'tsetmeof f.I'
vehear dal r
eady,buther
confessi ngtoki l
l
ingherSonbymaki nghi m eat
somet hingt hathe'sall
ergi
ct oof orthesakeof
getti
ngt heMan, thatwasr epul si
ve.Dishear
tening
andshocki ng.IcanonlyImagi nehowVukani feels
aboutt his,Hel ovedhisSonandhear i
ngt hi
s.It'
s
goingtoshat terhim..

Howdoy ouasaMot herdothat?Nt

andosai
dshe
cangetarr
estedforpremedit
atedmurder
.
Negl
igencetoothatl
edt oherSondyi
ng.I
facase
coul
dbeopenedf orher..

Iwi
shi
tcoul
d,t
hisi
sev
il
.I'
dnev
erputanyMan
abov
emyownf
leshandbl
ood.
.

Thedaywentbyunti
ll
ateronwhenIprepared
myselff
orthedat
eIhavewithVukani
.I'
m sur
pri
sed
hehasn'
tcancel
edaft
erthereal
i
zati
onofwhatFuthi
di
d..

Ihear
daknockatt hedoor
,Iwal
kedoutoftheguest
room andwenttoopen.Hest
oodthereal
ldressed
upinformalwear.Hel
ookedhandsome..

Vukani
:Hey
Me:
Hey
Vukani
:Ar
eyour
eadyt
ogo?
Me:Uhm y
es.
.Letmegetmybag.
.It
houghty
ou
woul
dcancel
Vukani
:Why
?
Il
ookedathi
m,I
tseemsl
ikehehasn'
thear
dor
madeknownaboutt
heVN..
Me:
It'
snot
hing,
letmef
etchmybag

NQOBI
LE

Il
ookedatmyAuntasshedugupI
rene'
sunder
wear
andbra.
.

Aunt
:BasaUml
i
lo(
Star
tthef
ir
e)
Il
ookedar
ound,
notal
otofpeopl
ewer
epassi
ng.
.

Me:
Okay

Wearerever
singwhatFuthi
didt
oI r
enebybur
ning
t
heunderwearandbra.Shehasbeen
Call
ing,t
ext
ing.Ihav
en'
trespondedt
oanyofher
text
s..
FUTHI

Iwi
pedmyt ears,mypi ct
ureswerebei
ngshared
ar
ound.Peoplewer esayi
ngt hemostawf
ulthings.
Myheartwasbr oken,howcanNqodot hi
stome? ?

Myphonev
ibr
ated,
itwasat
extf
rom Bonewhi
ch
r
ead:

"
Thi
sisonl
ythebegi
nni
ng"

Idel
etedandbl
ockedhi
snumber
..

Iwi
pedmytearsagai
nwhenMyMot
herst
ormedi
n..
Shel
ookedatme..

Ma:
Packupi
zi
ntoz
akhoandl
eav
emyy
ard
Il
ookedather
..
Me:
Ma
Ma:Ngi
funauphumeuphel
ela(
Iwanty
ououtof
her
e)
Me:
Youcan'
tbeser
ious
Ma:Iam verySeri
ousFuthi
,YesI
'm nott
hebest
Per
sonint heworl
d.I
'm nott
hebestParentbutt
his.
.
I
'dneverkil
lmyownchild,i
fyoucankil
lyourown
Sonforthatusel
essexconthatmeansy oucanki
ll
metoo

Me:Mangi
yacel
a,ngi
zoy
aphi
?(Mapl
ease,
wher
e
wi
ll
Igo)
Ma:Idon'
tcar
ebutIwanty
ouout
!Ify
oucan'
tl
eav
e
ony
ourownI '
l
ldr
agyouout

Me:
Maapl
ease
Ma:
Hambamt
hakat
hi(
Leav
eyouwi
tch)
I
RENE

Ikeptonlookingathim ashewasdr
ivi
ng.Canonl
y
i
magi newhatt hi
sisgoingtodot
ohi
m, myheart
brokejustt
hinkingaboutit
..

He'
sgoi
ngt
odi
eoratl
eastwantt
oo.
.

IfFuthididn'twantMpilo,shecould'
vejustgivenhim
tohi sFather.VukaniLovedhisSonmor ethanlif
e
i
t self
,Mpilomeantt hewor l
dtohim.Heev en
st r
uggledt hr
oughtoaccepthi sdeath.Hedidn'teven
got ohisf uneral
forheaven'ssake!!
!

Iext
endedmyhandt
ohisandhel
dit
,het
urnedand
l
ookedatmeandsmil
ed.
.

Hegent
lysqueezedmyhand.
.
Vukani:That
'sani
cegest
ureconsi
der
ingy
ouhav
ea
boyf
riend
Me:
Huh?
Vukani
:Sawy
ouget
ti
ngi
ntohi
scart
hismor
ning,
is
i
tNtando?
Ir
etr
act
edmyhandf
rom hi
sgr
ip.
.
Me:
He'
sjustaf
ri
end
Hechuckl
ed.
.
Vukani
:He'
sjustaf
ri
end
Me: Ihaven'
tsl
eptwi
thhi
m noram Ipl
anni
ngtoo,
I
'm alsonotdat
inghi
m.I'
m notawhoreVukani

Hehel
dmyhandandki
ssedi
t.
.

Vukani
:Iknow.
.I'
m sor
ry

Me:
Wher
ear
ewegoi
ng?
Vukani
:You'
l
lsee
FUTHI

Idr
aggedmybagoutt othecar,
Iopenedtheboot
andputi
tin.Iwal
kedandquickl
ygotinsi
debefor
e
someonespotsmeandsay ssomethi
ng..

MyAuntPi
nkyi
stheonl
yopt
ionIhav
enow.
.

Thi
sisat r
uenight
mar e,
I'
mliv
inginaterr
ibl
e
ni
ghtmare.
.It
'snothappeni
ng,t
hiscannotbemyl
i
fe.
Ir
efuse.
.

I
RENE

Wedr
ovei
ntot
hisbeaut
if
ulhousei
nPr
etor
iaNor
th.
.

Me:
Whol
i
vesher
e?
Vukani
:Abusi
nessassoci
ate
Me:
Whatbusi
nessdoeshedo?
Vukani
:It
'scal
l
edNoneofy
ourbusi
ness
Me:
Mxm

Hechuckl
ed.
.

HePar
kedandt
henwegotout
..

Heheldmyhandandwemadeourwayt
othedoor
.
Herangthedoorbel
l
..

Hel
eanedov
erandwhi
sper
edi
nmyear
..

Vukani
:Di
dIt
ell
yout
haty
oul
ookbeaut
if
ul
Me:
Thanky
ou,
youdon'
tl
ookbady
our
sel
f
FUTHI

Idrov
eouttomyAunt '
splace.Shelivesi
na4r oom
housewithherDaught
erandGr anddaught
er,
she
l
ivesinanot
herhood..

Shehuggedmet
ightasIcr
ied.
.

Me:
Itf
eel
ssounr
eal
Aunt
y
Aunt
:It
'sokay
..Iunder
stand,
Phephi
sa
Me:Myli
feiscrashingdown,Idon'
tev
enknow
wher
etostartt
opi ckupthebrokenpi
eces

Aunt
:It
'sokay
..Wewi
l
lfi
gur
esomet
hingout

I
RENE

Wewer
ewel
comedi
nbyt
hiscoupl
e,t
heyseemed
ol
der
..

Guzi
k:Vukani
..Youmadei
t
Theyexchangedahandshake.
.

Vukani
:Thanky
ouf
orhav
ingusGuzi
k
Guzi
k:Meetmywi
fe,
Evel
yn
Vukani
:Ni
cet
omeety
ou
Ev
ely
n:Yout
oo
Vukani
:Thi
sismybeaut
if
ulwi
fe,
Irene
Guzi
ktookmyhandandki
ssedi
t
Guzi
k:Lov
elyt
omeety
ou,
he'
sver
ylucky
Me:
Lov
elyt
omeety
out
oo
Ev
ely
n:Thi
swaypl
ease
Wef
oll
owedt
hem t
othel
i
vingr
oom.
.

Ev
ery
thi
ngwassetont
het
abl
e,Vukani
openedmy
chai
rformeandIsatdown.
.

Me:
Thanky
ou
Heki
ssedmeonmycheekandsatnextt
ome.
.

FUTHI

Aunt
:Her
e
Me:
Thanky
ou
It
ookt
hemug,
shesatdown.
.
Me:Mom wantsnot
hingtodowi
thme,
she'
sver
y
sur
ethatI
'
m goingt
okill
her
Aunt
:She'
sst
il
lmad,
giv
ehert
imet
ocal
m down
Me:
Idon'
tthi
nkshewi
l
l
Aunt
:Youcanst
ayher
eunt
ily
ouf
indsomet
hing
Me:
Thanky
ouAunt
y
Aunt
:Youwel
come
I
RENE

Itwasabeauti
fuldi
nner ,
weall chi
tchatt
edasifl
ike
we'veknowneachot herforalongtime.Guzi
k
seemst obeawealthyMan, can'tbel
iev
ehe'sdoi
ng
businesswi
thVukani..

Idon'
tthi
nkhedoesanyt
hinglegal
ly
,buteit
herway
heseemsl i
keaver
yvi
gil
antthug.Onethatwon'
tbe
easi
lycaught.
.

Me:
Thef
oodi
sdel
i
ciousEv
ely
n
Ev
ely
n:I
'
llpassy
ourgr
ati
tudet
otheChef
Me:
Ohw
Weal
ll
aughed.
.
Ev
ely
n:Ican'
tcookt
osav
emyl
i
fe
Vukani
:Wel
lIr
enei
sagr
eatcook
Ev
ely
n:Lovel
ymaybeonedayy
oucanhel
pmef
ind
mywayaroundt
hekit
chen
Me:
May
be

Vukani
hel
dmyhand.
.
.
Tobecont
inued
78

VUKANI

Wehadabeaut i
ful
t i
meatGuzik'
shouse.Thedinner
wasdel
iciousandt hecompanywasgr eat.I
rene
wentabitharderont hewi
ne,makingustopool over
att
hegasst ati
onsoshecoulduset herestroom..

Wewalkedi
nandInoti
cedt
heSlushmachi
nes,Igot
twooft
hem andwentt
opay.ThenwhenIwasdone,
Iwentt
othecar.
.

Aslushyisanicybever
age,
andIwasstart
ingt
o
negl
ectmyplanbecausetherewasn'
tanywayto
achi
eveitunt
ilnow..

Itookoutt
hepil
ls,al
readyhadcrushedthem at
homeandmi xedthem inherdr
inkwithherst
raw..
Thiswil
lbet
heonl
ywayt
hatI
'
llbeabl
etogether
back.
.

I
renecameback.
.

I
rene:
I'
m sor
ryaboutt
hat
Me:
It'
sokay
I
rene:
Wecan
Me:
Her
eIboughty
ouasl
ushy
I
rene:
Ohwni
ce,
it'
sbeenawhi
l
esi
nceIl
asthadone
Il
ookedatherasshedr
ank.
.

FUTHI

Si
m:Idon'
tthi
nkt
hisi
sagoodi
dea

Si
mphi
wei
smycousi
n,MyAunt
'sDaught
er.She'
sa
y
earol
dert
hanme.
.

Sim:Futhihasdonet er
ribl
eandevilt
hings,
Idon't
feel
safear oundhernorhav i
ngheraroundmy
Daughter.Shepurposelykil
l
edherownSonf ora
man, whatifshekil
l
smychi l
d

Aunt
:KodwaSi
m,i
haba(
Youexagger
ati
ng)

Sim:I
'm notMa..Idon'
tthinkhavi
ngthisgir
laround
i
sgood, she'
sverytoxi
c.Ifsheconti
nuestostay,I'
l
l
takemyDaughterandleav eyou'
ll
havet ochoose

Shest
oodupandwentt
oherbedr
oom.
.

Aunt
:It
'sokayI
'
llt
alkt
oher

VUKANI
Itookthelongwayroadhomet omakesurethatwe
delayarr
ivi
nginthehoodbefor
ethedrugshave
takeneff
ect.Il
ookedatherassheyawned..

I
rene:
Wei
rd.
.Isuddenl
yfeel
tir
edandv
erysl
eepy
Me:
Weal
mostt
her
e
I
rene:
Letmecl
osemyey
esf
oraf
ewseconds
Me:
I'
ll
wakey
ouupwhenwear
ri
ve

Ikeptondr
ivi
ngunti
lwearri
vedatthehood,shewas
si
nkingi
ndeeperanddeeperint
oLalaLand.
.

Ipar
kedatt
hebi
ggat
e.It
urnedt
oher
..

Me:
Irene?
Shewasgone.
.
Igotoutandwenttogetherout ,shewasabi t
heavi
erthanIgavehercreditfor
.Iputherovermy
shoul
derandlockedthecar,thenIwalkedin.I
cl
osedthegateandpr oceededtomyr oom.I
unl
ockedandlaidherdownont hebed..ThenI
l
ockedthedoor..

NQOBI
LE

Myphonerang,
Ianswer
edwi
thoutchecki
ngt
he
cal
l
erI
D..

Me:
Hel
l
o
Fut
hi:
YaaNqo
Me:
OhwFut
hi
Fut
hi:
Howcoul
dyou?
Me:
Sor
ryhowcoul
dIwhat
?
Fut
hi:
Itr
ust
edy
ou,
Itr
ust
edy
ouwi
thmyl
i
fe
Me: Biggestmi
stakeever,
becauseIcoul
dneverbe
fr
iendswi thamurderer
!Youkil
l
edyourownchild
whatki ndofaMotherdoesthat?Whatki
ndofa
womanusesMut hitogetaMan?Amant haty
ou
don'tevenhave
Futhi:Isweart
oGod,makesurethaty
ouandIwe
don'tcrosspat
hsbecauseIwi
l
l doyoubad
Me:
Ohwt
hreat
s,howsweet
Fut
hi:
I'
m goi
ngt
oki
l
lyou
Me:Goodby
eFuthi
andpl
easest
opcal
l
ingme,
I'
ll
bl
ockthi
snumbert
oo

Ihungup.
..

VUKANI

Shewasn'
tcompl et
elyout,
shewasmov i
ngabit
her
eandthere.Havingsexwit
hawomanwhoi sout
wasabitdi
ff
icult
,Doingthi
swithherwhi
l
stshe's
notcont r
ibuti
ng,normoani ngwashar d.HenceI
tookasexual stimulantmy sel
ftogivemeadesi r
ed
erecti
on.Iarousedmy sel
fmor ebycar essingher
body ,r
ubbingmy sel
fagai nsthercoochieandaf t
era
fewmi nutesIwasr ockhar dthenIslowl ymademy
wayi n.
.Shemov edal i
ttl
e,Ipi
nnedherhands
againstthebedandj ustwentforit
.Shemadea
sound, butcouldn'
tfighttobeawake, afterawhil
eof
tryi
ngshej ustgaveinandIkepton. ..

FUTHI

Isharedabedwi t
hmyAunt ,t
henextmorningIwoke
upear l
y.Icouldn'
tev
ensleep,Iwasbusytossi
ng
andt ur
ning,nottoment
ionhowmybodykepton
i
tching.
.

Igotoutofbedandputonmygown, thenIwalked
outofthebedroom.MyAunti sav er
yt i
dyPerson,
herhousewascl eanandveryti
dy.Isawher
sweepingoutsi
de,Iwalkedouttogoandcheckher ..
Me:
Mamncane
Shest
oppedandl
ookedatme.
.

Aunt
:Fut
hi
Me:
Unj
ani
?(Howar
eyou)
Aunt
:I'
m wel
landy
ou?
Me:
I'
m good.
.CanIhel
pyou?
Aunt
:Noi
t'
sokay
..I
'
m al
mostdone
Me:
Arey
ousur
e?
Aunt
:Yes.
.Youcanmakeusbr
eakf
ast
Me:
Okay
Shel
ookedatme.
.

Aunt
:What
'swr
ongwi
thy
ourneck?
Me:
Huh?
Aunt
:Yournecki
thasr
ash
Me:
Idon'
tknow,
mybodyi
sit
chy
Aunt
:Hay
iikhai
ntel
ezi
(Gett
heal
oeVer
apl
ant
)
Me:
Okay
Aunt
:Gezangay
o(Bat
hwi
thi
t)
Me:
OkayAunt
ythanky
ou
Aunt
:Youwel
come

I
RENE

Iwokeupt henextmorni
ngandyawned.
.Islowl
y
openedmyey es,andr
eali
zedt
hatIwassleepi
ngin
Vukani
'sbedroom..

Ifr
eakedoutandroseupfrom thepi
ll
ow,Iwas
naked.Hewassitt
ingonthedressi
ngtabl
edr i
nki
ng
coff
ee,wi
thhisfootbal
anci
ngont hesmallchai
r.
.

Vukani
:Goodmor
ning
Me:
Whathappened?

Vukani:
Well
wewentt othedinner
,youhadt
hei
r
expensi
vewine.Gotsl
oshedandhornywecame
backandgotdownt oi
t

Me:
What
?

Vukani
:Youdon'
tremember
?
Me:
Uhm.
.NoIdon'
trememberany
thi
ng
Vukani
: That
'sst
range,consi
der
inghowhornyyou
areandhowwety ouwere.Wegotdowntoit,
coul
dn'tevenkeepyourhandsoffme.Youeventor
e
afewofmybut t
onsfrom myshirt

Me:
Idon'
trememberany
thi
ng
Vukani:
Irenecomeon,don'
tdot
his.
.Youser
iousl
y
cannotbeenthatdr
unk

Icoul
dfeel
thesl
i
ghtpai
nfr
om myv
agi
na.
.

Vukani
:Fut
hiwhat
'swi
tht
her
edst
ri
ng?

Me:
Longst
ory

Igotoutofbed,
sti
l
lnaked.
.

Me:
Thi
siswei
rd

Hegotupf
rom t
hedr
essi
ngt
abl
e..

Vukani:I
fyoudon'
tremember
,Icanr
emi
ndmehow
l
astnightwent
Me:
Ihav
etogo

Vukani
:Ir
eall
ythoughtweweregoingt
otal
kthings
over
,nowthatlastni
ghtwehadsuchanamazing
ti
me

Igotmydr
essandst
art
edt
odr
essup.
.

Me:
Ireal
l
yhav
etogo

FUTHI

Mybodywassor efr
om theitchyrash,i
fitdoesn'
tgo
away.I
'
llhavet
ogot ot
hecl i
nic.I
thurtmor easI
bat
hewiththeAloeVer
aPl ant.

Aunt
:Ar
eyouokay
?
Me:
I'
m okayAunt
ythanky
ou
Aunt
:I'
l
lmakebr
eakf
ast
Me:
Don'
twor
ryAunt
y,I
'
llmakei
t
Aunt
:OkaySi
si

I
RENE

Iwal
kedi
nnextdoor
..

Enda:Wher
ehav
eyoubeen?Iwaswor
ri
edabout
you!

Il
eanedagai
nstt
hedoor
..

Enda:Wehadanappoi
ntmentr
emember
?The
cl
eansi
ng?
Me:
Canwest
il
lgo?

Enda:
NowIt
hinki
t'
slat
e

Me:
PleaseEnda

Enda:
Okayf
ine.
.Fr
eshenup

Me:
Thanky
ouv
erymuch
.
Tobecont
inued
80

I
RENE

Whenwearr
ivedatt
hehood,Iwentt
oVukani
'
s
houset
oseehowthesi
tuat
ionwas.

Zuxiewasst ressed, wetri

edcal l
i
nghi m.Wet ri
ed
text
ingbuthenev erresponded.Hour spassedand
allt
hatwecoul ddowaspr aythathedi dn'
tdo
anythi
ngst upi d.Iknowhehur tme, Iknowhe' snot
thebestPer sonbutIdost i
ll
lovehi m andthat'sthe
scarytruth.Justbecauset hi
ngsar en'tworki
ngout
betweenus, doesn'tmeanIshoul dwi shhim bad.I
don'twishbadt hingsonhi m andI '
m deadassupset
atthelev elofhowt oxi
chisexi s.She'stryi
ngso
hardtor uinhisl i
fe,anditseemsl ikeshe'swinning
onlybecauseVukani isgiv
inghert hePower ..

Wehear
daknockatt
hedoor
,weal
ll
ookedateach
ot
her
..

Me:
I'
ll
geti
t

Iwenttoopent
hedoor
,itwast
wocops.Myhear
t
sank.
.

Of
fi
cer1:
GooddayMam'
Me:
Goodday
Ilookedatt hem, t
heywerestandingthereasifl
i
ke
theywer eher etoappr
ehendthemostdanger ous
criminal.Bull
etproofv
ests,
theirgunssafelyt
ucked
i
nbutt heiraurawasn'
tcomfortablewit
hme. .

Of
fi
cer1:
Wel
ooki
ngf
orVukani
Ntul
i
Me:
Inr
egar
dst
owhati
fImayask?
Of
fi
cer2:
Ishear
ound?
Zuxi
e:I
reneubani
?(Whoi
sit
)
Me:
It'
suhm.
.Theyl
ooki
ngf
orVukani

Zuxi
ecamet
hrough.
.

Zuxi
e:OhhhhhhmyGod,
ohhhhhhNkosi
yami
..
What'
shappening?

Off
icer
:Acaseofassaul
twasopenedagai
nsthi
m,
byMarthaTshabal
ala

Me:
Huh?

Zuxi
e:Futhi
'
sMot her
..Wai
twhatdoy
oumeana
caseofassaul
t?

Offi
cer1:At
tackedt
heol
dwomanandt
hreat
ened
herwithafi
rear
m
Zuxi
e:Thatcan'
tbetr
ue,MySoncannotdothatto
anel
derthat'
snotVukani
,that
'snothowIr
aisedmy
Son

Of
fi
cer2:
Isheher
eornot
?

Me:
He'
snotar
ound.
.

Off
icer1:Whenhecomesbackpleasel
ethi
m know
welookingf
orhi
m, heshoul
dcomedownt ot
he
st
ationandl
ookforoff
icerMbewu

Me:
We'
l
ltel
lhi
m

Theywal
kedaway
..

Zuxi
e:Vukani
usenz
ani
kodwa?(
Whati
sVukani
doi
ngtous)
VUKANI

IstoppedatMpi l
o'sgrave,Igl
anceddownatitand
emot i
onsstartedfl
oodingin.Iwasn'
ttheret
o
protecthi
m, Iwasn'tt
herewhenhewasi npai
n.
Probablybeggingforme, howitmust'
vehardfor
him.Washei nalotofpain?Didhecry?Didhe
wonderwhyt hi
swashappeni ngtohi
m?

Me:
HiChamp

JustwhenIwasst ar
ti
ngtoreconnectwit
hhim,
deathdi
dn'tt
akehim,Goddidn'
ttakehim.Hi
sown
Mothertookhisl
if
e,Shepl
ayedGod.Bi r
thhi
m and
ki
ll
edhim attheend.
..

Iwi
pedmyt
ear
s..
Me: I'
m sorr
y .
.Allthi
si smyf ault.May bei fIdat
ed
someonedi f f
erentatthatt i
me, may bei fIhadababy
withsomeonedi ff
erenty ouwoul dst i
ll beal i
vetoday.
Iwasn'ttheretopr otectyouf r
om y ourGr andmot her
,
andIwasn' ttheretopr otectyouf r
om y ourown
Mot her.MpiloIdon'tthinkyouunder st andhow
brokenIam, Ihavenev erbeent hispr oudt obea
Fatherunti
l Imety ouandnow. .Now. .

Icl
ear
edmyt
hroat
..

Me:Nowy ougone,Idon'
tevenknowhowt odeal
wit
hi t
..Idon'tknowhowt ogetthr
oughthepain,
my
hear
tisbl eeding.I
'
m breaki
ngBoy..I
'
m breaki
ng
(Cr
ying)

FUTHI

MyAuntgavemeagl
assofwat
ermi
xedwi
thsugar
,
Iwasshaki
ng.
.
Me:
MamncaneI
'
mti
red,
Ijustwannadi
e
Aunt
:Don'
tsayt
hatSi
si
Me:
MySoni
shaunt
ingme
Aunt
:uMpilo.
.Idon'
tthi
nkhe'srest
ingi
nPeace,
maybeyoushouldconsultandseehowy oucanhel
p
hi
m getpeace
Me:
Iregr
etev
ery
thi
ng
Aunt
:Iknow.
.Iknow.
.We'
l
lgett
hroughi
t,Toget
her

I
RENE

Zuxi
ewasdi
str
aught
..Wehadt
omakeherl
i
edown.
.

Thando:
Ourf
ami
l
yisbr
eaki
ngapar
tagai
n
Me:
Thi
sisdi
ff
icul
t
Thando:
Itwashar
dwhenVukaniwasarrest
ed,
al
mostdrovemyMothert
oinsani
ty.Nowhe'
sgoing
t
ogetar
rest
edagai
n

Shebr
okedown.
.

Me:
Thatf
ami
l
yseemst
ohav
eal
way
shadi
tforhi
m
Thando:
Iwonderwher
ehemetFuthiandwhydi
dn'
t
hemeetyoufi
rst
,wewoul
dn'
tbegoingthr
ought
his

Ihuggedher
..

Me:
It'
sokay
..Wegoi
ngt
obeokay

ENDA

Qhumawal
kedi
n..

I
renehadt
ext
edmet
hatcopsar
elooki
ngf
or
Vukani
..

Me:
And?

Qhuma:
Ican'
tfi
ndhi
m

Me:
Icannotbel
i
evehi
sgoi
ngt
ojai
lagai
n

Qhuma:Vukanii
ssmart,goodformybusinessesbut
he'
sweak.He'sver
yweakemot ional
lywhenit
comestohisexandIcan'thav
et hat
.Imagi
neifI
wasthatweak,myExwifewould'vel
ongburi
edme

Me:Thi
sonei
sdi
ff
erentQhuma,
hischi
l
ddi
ed.
Ki
l
ledbyhi
sownMama

Qhuma:IknowandIsy
mpathizewit
hhim,onl
yIr
ene
canputhi
m backt
oget
herbutshe'
salsoweak
Me:
Arey
out
hinki
ngabouty
our
sel
fint
his?

Qhuma:
I'
mthi
nki
ngaboutmybusi
ness,
wheni
t
comest
omymoneyIdon'tpl
ay

Me:
Hav
esomecompassi
onQhuma

Qhuma: Iam havingcompassi onifyouwereli

ke
Ir
eneandl eft
,wewoul dn'tbehere.Vukanidi
dn'
t
cheatwi l
li
ngly,Mencheatoncei nawhileatl
easthe
l
ov eshert hat'
sallt
hatmat ters.I
sshegoingtoleav
e
everyMant hatcheatsonher ?Thenshemi ghtas
welljuststopdatingalltogether.
.Thi
sisli
kehigh
school t
heybot himmat ure!!

I
RENE

Iwashol
dingThando'
sbaby
,he'
stheonl
yposi
ti
vi
ty
i
nthi
smess.
.

Vukani
walkedi
n,he'
sey
eswer
eredandswol
l
en.I
st
oodup..

Thando:
Arey
ouokay
?..
.Wewer
ewor
ri
edabouty
ou

Shewentandhuggedhi
m..

Vukani
:I'
m okay

Thando:Whathappened?Fut
hi'
sMot
heropeneda
caseofassaul
tagainsty
ou

Vukani
:Notsur
pri
sed

Thando:
Thepol
i
cewer
eher
e..Vukani
youcan'
tgo
toj
ail
Vukani
:Iwon'
tgot
ojai
l
..Wher
eisMom?

Thando:
Mom i
ssl
eepi
ng

Hel
ookedatme.
.

Thando:
Letmegoputt
hebabyt
osl
eep

Shet
ookhi
mfr
om meandwal
kedt
othebedr
oom.
.

Amomentofsi
l
encepassed.
.

Vukani
:I'
m sor
ryy
ouhadt
ocomeher
eanddeal
wit
h
thi
s

Me:
It'
sokay
,Zuxi
eandThandoar
efami
l
ytome
Vukani
:Thanky
ou

Me:
Don'
tdoi
t

Hel
ookedatme.
.

Me:
Fut
hii
snotwor
thi
t

Vukani
:Whoi s?I
'
velostmySon, mywi
fewhatdoI
haveIr
ene?Ihavenodr i
vetokeepmeawayfr
om
doi
ngbadt hi
ngs.
.I'
velostmyfamil
y

Me:
Vukani

Vukani
:Ihav
enot
hing
Hewal
kedaway
..

Vukani
:I'
m goi
ngt
othepol
i
cest
ati
on

QHUMA

Ihav
esomuchpl ansforVukani
andI,busi
nesswi
se.
Ihat
ethathe'
sweak,he'
sveryweak.
.

Hi
scal
lcamet
hrough.
.

Me:
Vukswt
fMbhem?

Vukani
:Iknow..LookIhaveacaseofassaul
t
openedagainstme,I
'm goi
ngtothepol
icest
ati
on

Me:
Thi
sisf
uckedup
Vukani
:There'
sanof
fi
cerwhohasi
tinf
orme,
soI
needyourhelp

Me:
YeahI
'
llbet
her
e

Vukani
:Thanky
ou

NTANDOSHEZI

Iknockedatt
hedoor
,thenIhear
d"Comei
n".
.

Iopenedt
hedoorandwal
kedi
n..

I
twasempt
yatt
heki
tchen.
.

Me:
Hel
l
o?
Somewomanshowedup,
shewasl
i
mpi
ng.
.

Her
:Whoar
eyou?

Me:
Iam Lei
utenantShezi
Her
:Ohw
Me:Ibel
iev
eyouopenedacaseofassaul
tagai
nst
Vukani
?
Her:
Yes.
.Ihav
ealreadybeenatt
hepol
i
cest
ati
on,
whatdoyouwant
?
Me:We'vebeent
ryi
ngt
onailhi
mforawhi
l
e,send
hi
m backtowher
ehebelongs
Her:
Itwi
l
ldoev
ery
oneal
otofgoodi
nthi
s
communit
y
Me:That'
swhyI
'
m her
e..Ineedt
otal
ktoy
our
Daught
er
Her
:Why
?
Me:Ibel
iev
eshecangi
veusmoreinf
ormat
ionabout
Vukani
'
sshadydeal
i
ngsthenwecannai
lhi
m
Her
:I'
l
lgi
vey
ouhernumber
Me:
Thanky
ou
.
Tobecont
inued
81

VUKANI

Thiswasmessedup, thoughI 'velostev eryt

hingi n
myl i
febutgoingt ojai
l willonlyhur tthosethatIl ove.
Idon'twannaputmyMot herthr ought hatagain,I
don'twantmySi stergoingt hr
ought hattoo..Futhi
keepsonat t
ackingl ef
tr i
ghtandcent er,I
'
m atmy
l
owestnow.Idon' tknowwhatt odo, t
hiswast he
l
astst r
aw.Shedi dn'tj
ustst uckt hekni fedeepi nside,
shet ur
neditt
ooandmadei tbleedmor e.
.

Mbewu:
Vukani
Ntul
i
Heopenedt
hef
il
e..

Mbewu:Pr
eviousarrest
,possessi
onofi
l
legal
f
ir
earms.
.Did5y ear
s
Me:
Thati
scor
rect

Mbewu:
Acaseofassaul
topenedagai
nsty
ou

Ikeptqui
et.
.

Mbewu:
Any
thi
ngy
ouwantt
osay
?

Qhumawal
kedi
n..
.

Qhuma:
Don'
tsayany
thi
ng

Mbewu:
ExcuseMe?Whoar
eyou?

Qhuma:MayIhav
eawor
dwi
thy
ou,
inpr
ivat
e..
Maybeout
side
Mbewu:
Youcan'
tj
ustgeti
nher
eanddemand

Qhuma:
Mbhem,
trustme.
.Youwannahav
eawor
d
wit
hme

Mbewu:
Okay

Hegotupandt heywal kedout

.Isatt
hereand
wait
ed.5minpassed, 10minpassedtoobef
oreI
knewitIwassitti
ngthereinsi
lencef
or20minwhen
Mbewuwal kedin..

Mbewu:
Youf
reet
ogo

Il
ookedathi
m..

Mbewu:
Youar
efr
ee
Hecl
osedt
hef
il
e..

Me:
Won'
tIber
equest
edt
ocomeagai
n?

Mbewu:
No.
.Atl
eastnotont
hiscase

Me:
Isee

Mbewu:
MayInotseey
ouagai
n?

Me:
Youwon'
t,
I'
ll
takecar
eofi
t

Igotup.
.

Ibowedmyheadal
i
ttl
eandt
henwal
kedout

FUTHI
Ireci
evedast
rangecal
lfr
om aLei
utenantShezi
,I
toldhi
m wher
ewewer eandhemadehi swaydown
here.
.

Il
ethi
min.
.

Shezi
:Fut
hi?
Me:
Yes.
.Lei
utenantShezi
?
Shezi
:Pl
easecal
lmeNt
ando
Me:
Ntandoi
tis,
woul
dyoul
i
kesomet
hingt
odr
ink?
Nt
ando:
Not
hanky
ou.
.I'
mfi
ne
Me:Soont
hephoney
ousai
dthati
twasabout
Vukani
?
Nt
ando:
Yes
Me:
Whatdoesi
thav
etodowi
thme?
Ntando:
You'vebeenwit
hhimforawhile,
andI
beli
eveyouknowaf ewthi
ngsabouthi
m?
Me:
Idon'
tknowwhaty
oumean,
pleasebepr
eci
se
Ntando:Wear e..Wear einvesti
gatinghim, weare
verysuret hatheislinkedtot hefi
rstheistwherehe
wasar r
est edforthepossessi onoft heil
legal
fi
rearms..Webel i
evehehi tthepostof f
icetooand
couldbei nvolvedinmor ecr i
minalactiv
iti
es.Futhi
he'sadangerandi sbecomi ngt hemostwant ed
cri
minal.Hei sskill
ed,managedt onotgethi mselfi
n
tr
oublethusf arbutisst i
lldeali
ng

Me:Idon'tknowwhatyoutal
kingabout,
Vukaniand
I.
.Wehav en'tbeen,
Imeanwebrokeupal ongt
ime
ago.Idon'tknowmuchabouthim any
mor e

Ntando:Vukaniassault
edyourMother
,hel
dherat
gunpointandthreatenedt
okil
lher

Me:What?That
'si
nsane!Thatdoesn'
tsoundl
i
ke
hi
m,yeshehasatemperbut..
Nt
ando:Ify
oudon'
tbel
i
eveme,
wecancal
lyour
Mother

Me:
Itcan'
tbe,
Vukani
isnotl
i
ket
hat

Ntando:Vukanii
sadanger ousMan, he'
sacriminal
..
Alowlif
ecriminali
fy ouwannaprotecthimthenit'
s
okaybutIbeli
eveafterthatVoi
ceNot e,
he'sbeen
l
ookingforyou.Heisgoi ngtoki
ll
you.Ifyouhelpme,
We'l
lputhim awayandy ou'l
lbesafe

Il
ookedathi
m..

Nt
ando:
It'
sal
lupt
oyou

VUKANI

Me:
Sohowdi
dyoumanaget
ogetmeout
?
Qhuma:
Don'
taskquest
ionsj
ustf
oll
owt
hrough
Me:
Thanky
oubyt
heway
Qhuma: Makesureitdoesn'thappenagain,Vukani
youroll
ingwitht
hebigdognow.Guzi k,
I'
mv erysur
e
he'skeepi
ngtabsony outhat'
showheoper at
es
remember ?Toseewhatkindofanassoci ateyou
are,i
magineifhehearsofthis.
.It
'sembarrassi
ng
getti
ngarrest
edforsomethingsost upi
d
Me:Idon'
thav
eti
mef
orpol
i
ticsnora3r
ddegr
ee
l
ect
ureQhuma
Qhuma:Tomorrowmorni
ngwegoi
ngt
oseet
hatguy
,
meleuqi
niswe.
.Thi
sisnoton!

I
RENE

Iwasatthekit
chenpr
epar
ingt
ocookf orev
ery
one.I
wascutt
ingthemeati
ntosmal
lerpor
ti
ons..

Thando:
Hey
It
urnedandl
ookedather
..
Me:
Hey
..I
sbabyboysl
eepi
ng?
Thando:
Yes
Me:
That
'sgood
Thando:
Needsomehel
p?
Me:
Noi
t'
sokay
..Icanhandl
eit
Thando:I
sther
enowayt
haty
ouandhi
m canf
ix
thi
ngs?
Me:
Thandosomeot
hert
hingsar
ehar
dert
ofi
x
Thando:
Iunderstandbut
..I
twasn'
thi
sfaul
t,Fut
hi
wasbehindevery
thing
Me:Fut
hidi
dn'
tfeedhi
m anylov
epot
ion,
Vukani
was
sanewhenhesaidt
hosethi
ngstome
Thando:
PleaseI
rene
Me:
Thandot
hisi
sver
ycompl
i
cat
ed
Thando:
Iunder
stand.
.Ij
ustwi
shy
out
wocanmake
up
Me:
YaaIdon'
tthi
nkso
FUTHI

Me:
Whatdoy
ouwannaknow?
Nt
ando:
Whati
shecur
rent
lybusywi
thnow?
Me:
Wel
lhei
swor
kingwi
thaguynamedQhuma
Hewr
otedown.
.
Me:Theyownabot
tl
est
oret
oget
herbutt
heyal
so
dosi
dethings
Nt
ando:
Whatsi
det
hings?
Me:I'
m nott
oosurebutwhat
evert
heydor
unsatt
he
bot
tl
estorefi
rst
Nt
ando:
That
'snotmuchi
nfor
mat
ion
Me:I
'm sor
ry.
.That
'sal
lIknow,wenev
err
eal
l
ygot
downtowhathedoesindetail
Nt
ando:
Isee
Me:
Sowi
l
lIbesaf
e?
Nt
ando:
Youdi
dn'
tpr
ovi
demewi
thmuch,
honest
ly
y
oupr
ovi
dedmewi
thnot
hing!
Me:
Idon'
tknowwhathedeal
swi
thhonest
ly
Nt
ando:
Thanky
ouf
ory
ourt
ime
Me:
Youwel
come

I
RENE

Vukani
wal
kedi
nasIwasi
nthemi
ddl
eofcooki
ng.
.

Me:
Howdi
ditgo?
Vukani
:Shel
i
ed
Me:
Shel
i
ed?
Vukani
:Theyi
nter
rogat
edme,
foundt
hatshewas
l
ying
Me:That
'sst
range,
whywouldshewasteherti
me
cooki
ngupfal
sestori
esandwast
ingt
hePolice'
s
ti
me?Whatisherenddeal
Vukani
:Ir
ene,
they
'veal
way
shadi
tforme
unf
ort
unat
ely
Me:
Togot
osuchgr
eatl
engt
hs?
Vukani
:Yes
Me:
I'
mj ustgl
adthaty
ouokay
,Thandoandy
our
Mom wereworri
ed
Vukani
:Theyseemednott
obet
heonl
yones
Me:Iwasj
ustpr
epar
ingdi
nner
,whenI
'
m doneI
'
ll
l
eav
e
Vukani
:Thanky
ouf
ory
ourki
ndness
Me:
Any
time

FUTHI

Ical
l
edmyMot
herandaskedheraboutwhat
Nt
andosai
d..

Ma:Li
stenher
eFuthi.
.Eversi
nceyoubr
oughtt
hat
Menint
oourli
ves?Ithasbeenprobl
emsaft
er
pr
obl
ems.Thatusel
essl
owl
i
fedog,
almostki
l
led
mebecauseofyou!
Me:
MaIam sosor
ry
Ma:JustdieFuthi
!Will
you?Thisisnotwor
kingout
forme!Youbringi
ngmenot hingbutpr
obl
ems, y
ou
contr
ibut
enothingbutprobl
ems!
Me:I
'
m sorr
ythatI'
m suchaburdent
oy ou,
thatIam
acur
seandthatI'
vebroughty
ounothi
ngbut
di
sgr
aceandshame
Ma:
Youdon'
tknowt
hehal
fofi
t
Me:
I'
mtr
ulysor
ry
Ma:Justl
eavemeal
one,
don'
tev
ercal
lme!Deal
wi
thyourcur
seal
one.
.Si
es!
!

I
RENE

Zuxi
ewasawakewhenIf
ini
shedcooki
ng.
I
'
m gladt
hatVukani
isbackandnowev
ery
onecan
r
elax.
.

Me:
Ihav
etogo
Zuxi
e:Youdon'
twannaj
oinusf
ordi
nner
?
Me:Ihav
etogohome, MyGrandmot
herknowst
hatI
don'
twannagetherwor
ri
ed
Zuxi
e:IUnder
stand,
Pleasecomet
ovi
sit
Me:
Iwi
l
lIpr
omi
se
.
Tobecont
inued

SI
DENOTE:

NothingmuchBelov
ed.Mar kdi
ditagai
n,been
str
uggli
ngthi
sweekendtogettheAdmi nsbutwe
endedupbeingsort
ed,hopingmyparodyaccount
won'tbebl
ockedtooasI'v
emanagedt ogetone
fi
nall
ywhichI'l
lbeposti
ngthroughitunti
lmineis
unrest
ri
ctedbecausethetimeframebet weenme
andmyAdmi nsisnotal
igned.Soitcausesalotof
i
nconveniencewithpost
ing..

Myapologi
esbutIr
eal
l
ydon'tunderst
andwhatup
agai
nstmyaccount
sgett
ingrest
ri
cted

Al
linser
tsowedwi
l
lbedel
i
ver
edwi
thi
mmedi
ate
ef
fect
82

VUKANI

[
3WEEKSLATER]

Goingintothedr ugbusi nessIthoughti

twouldbe
verydiff
icul
t,butsof arwewer emakinggood
progress.It
hinki t
'sgood, bett
erthandoingheist
s.
Heist
sar etoodanger ous,theygetyoucaught.Cops
areverymuchal ertnow, t
heyonmyass. .

Guzi
k:Anotherst
ash,
biggert
hant
hepr
evi
ousone
t
hatyouordered
Me:
Thanky
ou
Guzi
k:Imustsay
,I'
mveryimpressedbyhowyour
busi
nessi
sdoingseei
ngitst
artednotsol
ongago
Me:
I'
mver
yinv
est
edi
nit
Guzi
k:I
'
m si
tt
ingher
ethi
nki
ngofst
eal
i
ngy
ou
Ichuckl
ed.
.
Me:
Iam v
eryset
tl
edi
nbei
ngi
ndependent
Guzi
k:Whydon'
tyougety
ourBabyMamaar
rest
ed?
Il
ookedathi
m,I
'v
espokentohi
m abouti
t.Wear
e
st
art
ingt
obecomecl
ose..

Guzi
k:I
t'
smur
derwhatshedi
d,pr
emedi
tat
ed
Me:
Act
ual
l
ynev
ert
houghtofi
t
Guzi
k:I
fitgoesr
ight
,shecangotojai
landt
heny
ou
won'
thavetodealwi
thheranymor
e
Me:
That
'sact
ual
l
yagoodi
dea

I
RENE

Ihadanint
ervi
ewt hi
smorning,Iwascall
edinafterI
hadappl
iedatsomecompany .I
t'
sapri
nting
companytheyalsosell
off
icesuppli
es,
printt
hings
j
usty
ourusual
..

I
t'
sdoi
ngv er
ywel
landseemst
obeabusy
.Owned
byaWhit
ewoman..

Lisa:Iam veryi
mpressedbyhowy ouwel
lspoken
youar e,andyouhaveexperi
ence.Onecandi
date
thatsurpassedtheother
s,andIrenewewouldreal
ly
l
ov etohav eyouaspartofoutteam

Ismi
l
ed,
Thanky
ou.
.Thanky
ouv
erymuch.

Li
sa:
Cany
oust
artt
omor
row?

Me:
Yespl
ease

Li
sa:I'
l
lgi
veyouthedocumentst
hatyouneedt
ofi
l
l
out
,toget
herwi
thyourbanki
ngdetai
l
sthen
tomorrowy
ougoodt
ogo.Worki
nghours.8:
00am-
18:00,
buty
ouhavet
obeher
eat7:30am

Me:
I'
ll
beher
e,Thanky
ouLi
sa

Li
sa:
Youwel
come.
.I'
l
lgety
out
hedocument
s

Iwasfeel
ingst
range,
str
angel
ysi
ckf
orsomer
eason.
Ican'
tputmyfi
ngeronit
..

FUTHI

Iendedupgoi
ngtoseesomeone,
toconsul
t.See
whatwaswrong,
Mpiloi
ssti
l
lhaunti
ngmeandi t
'
s
aff
ecti
ngmepret
tybad.
.

Iwastol
dthatNqobi
leputsomethi
ngonhisgrav
e,
shewasntspeci
fi
caboutthenamebutal
lsignsl
ed
t
oher
..

Idon'
tknowwhatt
hisgir
lwantsfr
om me,Idon't
knowwhyshe'
sdoingthi
s.Br
ingi
ngmySoni ntothi
s
Mess,MydeadSonwhoi smeanttober
estingin
peace.
.

Aunt
:Her
e
Shegav
emet
heR200.
.
Me:
Mamncane
Aunt
:It
'sall
Ihavef
ornow,youcanbuyy
our
sel
f
sometoil
etr
iest
hemostimport
ant
Me: Thankyou,Iappreci
ateit.Iknowit'
shar
d,li
vi
ng
hereandcontri
butingnothing.Ihadhopedthatby
nowIwoul d'
vefoundaj ob,any t
hingbutmy
problemsseem tobepi l
ingup
Aunt
: Themostimport
antt
hingfornowisdoi
ng
whaty ouwer
etoldt
odo,fi
xthissi
tuat
ionwit
hMpi
l
o
andthebabyyouabort
ed
Me:Goat
sar
eexpensi
veAunt
y,v
eryexpensi
vei
fyou
don'
thav
eaj
ob
Aunt
:Iknowandi
t'
l
lbeokay
Me:Iwi
shsomethingt
ocomeal
ong,
ali
ghtatt
he
endoft
hetunnel
Aunt
:Thi
ngswi
l
lbegood
Me:ShewantedmyBabyDaddy
,wentt
ogreat
l
engthsbutst
il
lcoul
dn'
thav
ehi
m howmessedupi
s
t
hat?
Aunt
:Iti
smessedup
Me:
I'
ll
hav
etohust
let
hemoney
Aunt
:It
'l
lbeokaydon'
twor
ry

I
RENE

Afterf
il
li
ngupthepaper
workIwentt
ocatchataxi.
NtandoandIwearenolongeri
ncommunicati
on,
I'
vefoundsomethi
ngabouthi
m.HeisaLeiut
enant,
andhewaswi t
hmebecausehewant edi
nfor
mation
aboutVukani
from me.
.Sol
owofhi
m,sov
eryl
ow.

Iwasonthephonewi thEnda,asIsatatKFC.On
thei
rout
sidechai
rs.
.Iser
iousl
ywasn'tfeel
i
ngwell
..

Enda:
I'
m sohappyf
ory
ou
Me:
It'
snot
hingmuchR4500,
buti
t'
ssomet
hing
Enda:Ver
ytruegi
rl
..Youseet
hingsseem t
obe
makingsensenow
Me:
Theyar
emaki
ngsense
Enda:
Howi
sitgoi
ngbet
weenYouandVukani
?
Me:Wearest
il
ltr
yingt
or econnect
,mat
teroff
act
..
Letmecal
lhi
m,I'
m notfeeli
ngwell
Enda:
Sti
l
l?
Me:
Yeahst
il
l
Enda:
May
bey
oushoul
dgot
otheDrhey
Me:
I'
mthi
nki
ngsot
oo
Enda:
Okaygi
rlwe'
l
ltal
klat
er
Me:
Okayby
e

Ihungupandcal
l
edVukani
..

Vukani
:Gogoobuv
u

Ichuckl
ed.
.

Me:
Stopi
t

Vukani
:Ugr
and?

Me:
Yes.
.Igott
hej
ob

Vukani
:It
oldy
out
haty
ouwer
egoi
ngt
ogeti
t

Me:
Yesy
oudi
d
Vukani
:I'
m happyf
ory
ou

Me:
Arey
oubusy
?

Vukani
:Noact
ual
l
yI'
mfr
om t
hepol
i
cest
ati
on

Me:
Why
?What
'swr
ong?

Vukani
:Nothi
ng.
.Iwasj
usther
etoopenacase
agai
nstFut
hi

Me:
Howdi
ditgo?

Vukani
:Act
ual
l
ywentbet
tert
hanexpect
ed

Me:
I'
m pr
oudofy
ou,
fornott
aki
ngmat
ter
sint
oyour
ownhandsanddeci
dedt
ogetMpi
l
ojust
icei
na
goodway

Vukani
:Yaa.
.Ihat
eFuthibutMpilowoul
dn'
twant
thi
s,wantmetodeal
wi t
hitthatway

Me:
Iknow.
.Iwascal
l
ingy
out
ofet
chme,
I'
m not
f
eel
i
ngwell

Vukani
:Youst
il
lsi
ck?

Me:
Yes.
.Thi
nki
ngofseei
ngaDrnow

Vukani
:Okay
..We'
l
lpassbyatt
heDr

Me:
Thanky
ou,
I'
m atKFC

Vukani
:I'
l
lbet
her
e
QHUMA

Lei
utenantShezistoppedbynotsol ongagot o,He
hadinfor
mationthatwewer edeal i
ngi l
l
egalthings.
For
tunatel
yhedi dn'
thaveasear chwar rantwhich
gaveustimet ohideourmer chandiseverywell.
Whenhecameback, hefoundnothing..

Wehav
etobeverycar
eful
now,
Wedon'
tneedt
he
pol
i
cei
nourbusi
ness.
.

Me:
Themoneyt
hatwemaki
ngfr
om drugsisnot
t
hesameast
hemoneywemakefrom hei
sts

Tsonga:
It'
snotatal
lbadt
hough

Me:Idon'
twannali
veon"
Notal
lbad"Iwannamake
money,goodmoney
Tsonga:
It'
l
lbedangerousdoi
nghei
stsnow,
consi
der
ingthef
actthatthePol
i
cearealer
ttheywi
l
l
tr
apus

Me: Iknow.
.Vukanii
salsonotmakingmuch
progresswit
hGuzik,
hecan'tgett
othehear
tofhi
s
businesssowetakeover

Tsonga:
Theset
hingsneedt
ime

Me:
Iknow

Tsonga:
Pat
ience

I
RENE

Hecamet
ofet
chme,
Thendr
ovemet
otheDr
..He
askedal otofquest
ions,
andal
lseemi
ngl
yleadi
ngt
o
pregnancy..

Thel
astt
imeIhadsex,waswit
hVukani
.Itwas
whenIwasver
ydrunkandcoul
dn'
tremembermuch.
.

Her
ant
het
est
sandIwaspr
egnant
..

Dr
:Congr
atul
ati
ons

Me:
I'
m pr
egnant
?

Dr
:Yesy
ouar
e

Me:
Outofev
ery
thi
ng,
pregnancywast
hel
easton
mymind

Dr
:Mostpr
egnanci
esar
eunpl
anned,
howdoy
ou
f
eel
?

Me:
Conf
used

Dr:I
fyouthinki
ngofabor
ti
ng,
pleasedon'
tdot
he
backdoorone.Comet-

Me:
No.
.I.
.Idon'
twantt
oabor
t

Dr
:ThenI
'
m happyt
oheart
hat

Me:
Wow

FUTHI

Wehear
daknockatt
hedoor
..
Me:
I'
ll
geti
t

Iwal
kedt
oopen,
Itwast
hePol
i
ce.
.

Cop1:
Goodmor
ning
Me:
Mor
ning
Cop1:
Howar
eyou?
Me:
I'
m good
Cop1:
Wear
elooki
ngf
orMsNt
ombi
fut
hiTshabal
ala
Me:
Speaki
ng
Cop1:Nt
ombifut
hiTshabal
ala,
youar
eunderar
rest
fort
hemurderofMpil
o
Me:
What
?
Cop1:
Youhav
ether
ightt
oremai
nsi
l
ent
,an-
Me:
Mamncane
MyAuntcamet
hrough.
.
Aunt
:What
'swr
ong?
Me:
Theyar
rest
ingme,
fort
hemur
derofMpi
l
o
Aunt
:Hai
bo!
!

VUKANI

Iwal
kedout
,hewasst
andi
ngbyt
hecar
..

Iwal
kedupt
ohi
m..

Me:
Hey
Vukani
:Hi
..Howdi
ditgo?
Me:
Ihav
etot
ell
yousomet
hing
Vukani
:Okay
Me:
I'
m..I
'
m pr
egnant
Hi
sey
eswi
dened.
.
Me:
I'
m pr
egnant
Vukani
:Ar
eyouser
ious?
Me:
Yes
Hekeptqui
et.
.
Me: It
hinkitwaswhenwe..Whenwehadsext hat
ni
ghtandIcoul dn'
trememberanythi
ng,
becauseI'
ve
neversleptwit
hNtando.Neverev
endatedhim nor
ki
ssedhi m,youaretheonl
yMant h-

Hehel
dmyhands.
.

Vukani:Iknow..Ihav
enodoubt
sthatt
hebabyi
s
mine,Iknowt hebabyismi
ne

Ismi
l
ed.
.

Me: AndI'
m keepingthebaby,
can'treplaceMpil
oI
knowbuty ouhav ebeengiv
enanot herchancetobe
aFather.I
'
veseeny ouwithMpilo,
y oumi ghtbea
ter
ri
blePartnerbutyoumakeagoodf ather
Vukani
:Real
l
y?At
err
ibl
ePar
tner
?

Me:
YouknowwhatImean!

Hepul
l
edmecl
osert
ohi
m andhuggedme.
.

Vukani
:NowIdidri
ghtbyt
urni
ngFut
hii
n,Ipr
omi
se
shewil
lnev
erbothery
ouagain

.
Tobecont
inued
83

FUTHI

Thiswasamess, IwasatthePoli
ceStati
on.They
gavemeal lki
ndsofweir
dlooks.Mypict
urewasal l
oversocialmediasoit
'snotdif
fi
cul
tforanyoneto
spotme, theslycommentsmade.Itwasat err
ibl
e
experi
ence, ascar
yonetoo.Idon'
tknowwhatj ai
lis
l
ike,Idon'tknowwhattoexpectbutal
lIknowi st
hat
I'
mi nthi
smessandIdon' tknowhowI '
m goingto
getoutofi t
..

Idon'
tevenneedbail
.Ican'
taff
ordit
,andmyAunt
deadasswon'tbeabletoaff
ordit
.There'
snoone
whocancomet omyai d,Theonl
yPersonwhocan
i
stheonewhogotmeher e..

Idon'
tevenknowhowI'
llbeabl
etofi
xmyl
i
febehi
nd
bars,
thi
sisanunbel
i
evablemess.
.
I
RENE

Wegott ohi
shouseandsatthefami
l
ydown.Iopted
thatweshoul
dkeepquiet
,buthewasexci
ted.We
onlygoi
ngtotel
lbot
hfamili
es.
.

Zuxi
e:Yout
woar
ebackt
oget
her
?

Il
ookedatVukani
..

Me:
Wear
ewor
kingoni
t

Hel
ookedatme.
.

Vukani
:Wear
e?
Me:
Aren'
twe?
Vukani
:Iguesswear
e
Thando:
Soar
eyoucomi
ngback?
Me:
Iam pr
act
ical
l
ymar
ri
edsoYes
Zuxi
e:Thi
sisgoodnews
Thando:
Thi
ngsar
efi
nal
l
ycomi
ngt
oget
her
Me:
Ther
e'ssomet
hingwewi
sht
otel
lyouguy
s
Zuxi
e:Youpr
egnant
?
Me:
Yeswear
ePr
egnant
Zuxi
e:WoowlookatGod,
wel ostMpilonotsolong
agoandGodi
ssendingusredempt i
on..Pray
ers
work,
mypray
ersarefi
nal
lyheardthanky ouGod!
Thando:
Thi
sisbeaut
if
ul.
.Thi
sisamazi
ng
Zuxi
e:Weshoul
dcookdi
nner
,inv
iteGr
ams
Me:
Ithi
nkshewi
l
lli
ket
hat
Vukani
:We'
l
lfet
chherl
ater
Me:
Yes
Thando:
Pleasedon'
tmov
eoutagai
n
Me:
Ifsomeonecl
eanshi
sact
,Iwon'
t
Vukani
:Myacti
scl
ean

Thando:
Didy
ouguy
shearFut
higotar
rest
ed?
Me:
Arey
ouser
ious?
Thando:
It'
str
endi
ng
Vukani
:Ihadherar
rest
ed
Zuxi
e:That
'sagoodwayt
ohav
ehandl
edt
he
si
tuat
ion
Thando:
Iagr
ee
Vukani:
Ihav
etodashoutf
orawhi
l
e,I
'
llseey
ou
guyslat
er
Me:
Okay
Zuxi
e:It
hinkweshoul
dgot
othemal
lIr
ene,
get
somefood
Vukani
:I'
l
lDr
opy
ouguy
sof
f

NQOBI
LE
Me:
Whatdoy
oumeanukut
hiuqi
nisi
we?
Aunt
:Itmeansy
oucan'
tbewi
tchhi
m
Me:
Hai
Aunt
yngeke
Aunt:WeeNqobi le,y
ouhav eseenhowt hi
sended
wit
hy ourfr
iend,doy ouwantittoendli
kethisfor
youtoo?May beit'st
imet ofocusonyourl
ife,do
somethingbetterwithyourl
ife
Me:Auntydoyouknowhowdi
ff
icul
titi
stogeta
Mantheseday
s?
Aunt:IknowbutaMant hati
sforyouwil
lcomei
n
dueti
me, theset
hingsendbadandIdon'
twantt
hat
happeningtoyou
Me:
Aunt
y
Aunt
:Icannothel
pyouanymor
e,I
'
m sor
ry.
.Youwi
l
l
bedi
ggingyourowngrav
e

I
RENE
Vukani
droppedusof
fatt
hemal
l
,hewi
thdr
ew
moneyforus.
.

Wewi
l
ltakeat
axi
backhome.
.

Zuxi
e:Whatmadey
oudeci
det
owor
kont
hingswi
th
hi
m?

Me:
Ireal
i
zedIdi
dn'
tgi
vehi
m asecondchance

Zuxi
e:Ar
eyousur
eaboutt
his?

Me:Iam..Whenwhathappeneditwasinfl
uencedby
Fut
hi,
butthi
sti
mearoundifhemessesupt heni
t'
l
l
bei
nhisownaccount.Noti
nfluencedbyFuthi

Zuxi
e:Attheendwit
chcraf
tdoesn'
tpr
evai
l
, l
ookat
howruinedFut
hi'
sli
fei
s.Ratherl
etamanloveyou
outofhi
sownwill
thaninf
luencedbywi
tchcr
aft
.Ifi
t
doesn'
twor
k,i
t'
sokay.
.Youwon' tdi
e

Me:
That
'sv
eryt
rue

VUKANI

Afterdroppi
ngofftheWomenatt
hemall
,Idrove
strai
ghttothebott
lest
oret
oseewhat
'shappeni
ng
there.
.

Me:
Muzi
Muzi
:ShoBhoza
Me:
Whoi
sQhumawi
th?Isawhi
scar
Muzi
:Tsonga
Me:
Okay

Imademywayt
otheof
fi
ce.
.Thedoorwassl
i
ght
ly
opened.
.

Ihear
dthem t
alki
ng,
Ist
opped.
.

Tsonga:Inev
ert
houghtwewer
eev
ergoi
ngt
oget
Vukani
Qhuma:
Met
oo
Tsonga:
Nomor
ebet
ray
inghi
mri
ght
?
Qhuma:
No.
.Ther
e'snor
easont
ooany
mor
e
Tsonga:
Heshouldneverfi
ndoutt
hatIam t
heone
whosethim upf
orthatf
ir
sthei
st
Qhuma:
Heshouldnev
erknowt
hatIam behi
ndI
rene
get
ti
ngr
anover
Tsonga:
We'
l
llethi
mthi
nkt
hati
t'
sBone
Qhuma:
Toal
engt
hybusi
nesspar
tner
shi
p
Tsonga:
Toal
engt
hybusi
nesspar
tner
shi
p

It
urnedbackandwal
kedoutst
rai
ghtt
omycar
..
84

VUKANI

Ir
eali
zedthatt
hiswillbeanunf
ortunateeventfor
me,Muzisawme.Sobef or
edri
vingoff,Ideci
dedto
gobackinagain.Pr
etendedIwasont hephone.
ThatIwentouttoansweraphonecal l
..

Me:
Okay
..Nopr
obl
em.
.Yeah.
.Il
ovey
out
oo

Ibowedmyheadal i
tt
letoMuzi
thenmademyway
tothebackoff
ice.Iwhi
stl
edsothatt
heycoul
dknow
thatsomeonewascomi ng.

Iknockedandl
ookedatt
hem.
..

Qhuma:
Thef
reeManent
ers
Ihav eatemperandt hat'st
hat,accordingtome.I'd
putabul l
etont heirskull
srightawaybutIhadt o
playitsafe.Qhumamademyassaul tcasegoaway ,
hemi ghtmakei tresurfaceagain.NowIhav eababy
ontheway .I
reneandIwear efi
nall
yfixingthi
ngs,
there'
salotatst aketol etmyangert akeov er
..

Me:
Gent
lemen

Tsonga:
Letmegobackt
otheEat
ery

Hestoodupandwal
kedout,hi
tt
ingmyshoul
dera
l
it
tl
eonhiswayout
.Isatdown.

Qhuma:
Howi
sev
ery
thi
nggoi
ng?
Me:
Ever
ythi
ngi
sgoi
nggood,
Fut
higotar
rest
ed
Qhuma:
Atl
eastmi
nusonepr
obl
em
Me:Idi
dn'tgett
het
imet
othanky
ouf
orget
ti
ngme
outofj
ail
Qhuma:
Wehav
eeachot
her
'sbacksr
ight
?

If
akedasmi
l
e..

Me:
Alway
s

I
RENE

Me:
ThandoIt
hinky
ourbabypooped
Thando:
Changehi
m,wecal
li
tpr
act
ice
Me:
I'
ll
crosst
hatbr
idgewhenIgett
her
e

Zuxie:
Itsoundsli
keI
'
llbet
heGr
andmot
herst
uckt
o
changenappies
Me:
Lol
Grandmot
herdut
ies
Endaknockedatt
hedoor
..

Me:
Hey
Shemadeherwayi
n..
Enda:
Sani
bonani
(Gr
eet
ings)
Thandocameandt
ookt
hebabyf
rom me.
.

Thando:
Letmegochangehi
m

Me:
Waschecki
ngupony
ou

Zuxi
e:Endayoushouldcomewi t
hyourhusbandfor
di
nner,I
renespeaksver
yhighl
yofyou.I
t'
sdiff
icul
tto
fi
ndatruefri
endtheseday
s

Enda:
Thanky
ou,
I'
m sur
eQhumawi
l
lli
ket
hat
Me:
Doy
ouneedmor
ehel
pMa?

Zuxi
e:Noi
t'
sokayDear

Wewal
kedoutt
othebedr
oom.
.

VUKANI

Icheckedt
hebooks.
.

Qhuma:Tsongasaysweshoul
dsti
cktot
hedrug
busi
ness,
it'
snotmuchbutwecangrowi
tfr
om 6ka
montheachtomaybe12k

Mytot
almonthl
yincomenowi s10kamont h,
with
t
hebott
lest
oreincomecombined.Ifwemadegood
money,
Iwalkawaywith15k.Nottoobad,
itgetsme
t
hrough.
.

Me:
Ithi
nkweshoul
dpul
lonemor
ehei
st
Qhuma:Theheati
stoomuch,
wit
hthi
sNt
andoguy
t
ail
ingus
Me:
Youhav
emer
emember
?
Qhuma:Whyther
ush?I
fIdi
dn'
tknowbet
terI
'
dsay
youeagert
ogobackt
ojai
l
Me:
Notatal
l
..I
renei
s..

Il
ookedathi
m,can'
ttel
lhi
mthatshe'
spr
egnant
.
Thatwoul
dbeputt
ingheri
ndanger.

Me: I
renegotajobandIwant edtogetheracar,
nothi
ngexpensive.Justtogetherthr
ough,ev
er
si
nceheraccident.Inolongert
rustpubl
ic
tr
ansportat
ion
Qhuma: Iheary
ou,I
'm gl
adyouandIr
enearemaki
ng
pr
ogress.Wewi l
ldoaheist
,onel
asthei
st

Mydoi
ngthisheist,i
t'
smywayofset
ti
ngt
hem up.
Mywayofrevenging..

I
RENE

Enda:
Ican'
tbel
i
evehi
saLei
utenant
Me:Foundhi
sotherFacebookaccountwher
ehehas
pi
ctur
esweari
ngauniform,conf
rontedhi
m
Enda:Thesear
chattheBott
lest
ore,
nowitmakes
sense.Heisaf
terVukani
andhewasusi
ngy out
o
gettohim
Me:Exact
ly.
.Heseemedl
i
keani
ceguybuthewas
doubl
ecrossi
ngme
Enda:I
'
m gl
adthaty
ouandVukani
aref
ixi
ngt
hings,
under
neat
hital
l.
.Helov
esy
ou
Me:
Ihopet
hist
imear
oundt
hingswi
l
lbedi
ff
erent
Enda:
Ihopesot
oo

FUTHI

Istoodupandwalkedtothebars,
Iwasi
nthe
holdi
ngcell
with4othergi
rl
s.Tomorr
owwe'l
lbe
tr
ansport
ed..

Gi
rl1:
Whatar
eyoui
nfor
?
Isi
ghed.
.
Me:
I..Fal
sel
yaccusedofmur
der

Ican'
tj
ustbl
abi
toutt
hatIki
l
ledmyownSon.
.

Gi
rl
1:That
'sheav
y
Me:
Iknow
Gi
rl
1:Fal
sel
yaccused?
Me:
Longst
ory
..Whatar
eyoui
nfor
?
Gi
rl
1:Assul
t
Me:
Atl
east
Gi
rl
1:Yes

VUKANI

Idrov
edownt othestat
iont
oaskwhereNt
ando
Sheziissit
uat
ed,t
heygavemephonenumber
sto
thestati
onwhereheworks.
.

Igotbacki
ntomycarandcal
l
edt
hest
ati
on,
request
edt
ot al
ktohi
m..

Nt
ando:
Lei
utenantShezi
Me:
It'
sVukani
Nt
ando:
Vukani
?
Me:
Ineedt
otal
ktoy
ou
Nt
ando:
Aboutwhat
?
Me:
Str
ikeadeal
wit
hyou
Nt
ando:
Soundsi
nter
est
ing
Me:
Canwemeetup?
Nt
ando:
Yes
Me:
Letmegi
vey
oumynumberandy
ou'
l
lcal
lme
Nt
ando:
Ver
ywel
l

QHUMA

Ical
l
edTsonga.
.

Tsonga:
Mbhem
Me:
Vukani
want
sust
odoanot
herhei
st
Tsonga:
Why
?
Me:
Hespokeaboutbuy
ingI
reneacar
Tsonga:
That
'snotagoodenoughr
easont
odoa
hei
st,
Hedoesn'
twannagobackt
ojai
l
Me:
Mypoi
ntexact
ly,
somet
hingi
snotr
ight
Tsonga:
Somet
hingi
sdef
ini
tel
ynotr
ight
Me:
I'
ll
inv
est
igat
efur
therandsee

I
RENE

Enda:
Sohowdi
ditgowi
tht
heDr
?
Me:
Wel
l
..Iam pr
egnant
Enda:
What
?Ar
eyouser
ious?
Me:
Yeap
Shehuggedme.
.
Enda:
OhhmyGodI
rene!congr
atul
ati
ons
Me:Thankyou.
.Butpl
easedon'tt
ellany
one,noone
i
ssupposedtoknowasy etot
herthanourfamil
i
es
Enda:
Iunder
stand.Iwon'
ttel
lany
one
Me:
Thanky
ou
Enda:
Thesear
egr
eatnews.
.Wow!
Me:I
'm soexcitedandscar
edatt
hesamet
imeI
mean,Pregnancy..
Enda:
You'
l
lmakeagr
eatMot
her
Me:
Thanky
ou

VUKANI

Ilookedatmyphone, IlookedatBone' scontact

s.
WhatdoIev ensayt ohim?I tallcomesdownt othe
factthatBonewast heonlytruef r
iendI'
veeverhad.
Hehasbeent rue,apartfr
om t heFuthisi
tuat
ionbut
he'sbeenloyal t
ome. .
.
Tobecont
inued
85

VUKANI

Nt
andoandImetuplat
eron.
..Want
edt
ogett
his
ov
eranddonewi
th.
.

Me:
Thanky
ouf
ormeet
ingupwi
thme
Nt
ando:
Yousai
ditwasi
mpor
tant
Me:
YouandIwedon'
thav
ebeefr
ight
?
Ntando:Iam anof
fi
ceroft
hel
aw,
andy
ouar
eanex
con..Howcanwenotbeef?
Me:
Ihav
edonenot
hingwr
ong
Nt
ando:
AndI
'
m supposedt
obel
i
evet
hat
?
Me:
Ift
hat
'sy
ourat
ti
tudetowar
dst
hesi
tuat
ion
may
beweshoul
ddiethi
sthen
Nt
ando:
Whatdoy
ouwant
?
Me:
Thel
astt
hingIwanti
stohel
pyouwi
tht
hisand
t
hengetcaughti
nthecr
ossf
ir
e,i
fwegonnadot
his
t
heni
trequir
estr
ust
Nt
ando:
Idon'
tnegot
iat
ewi
thexcons
Me:
Wel
lthenwehav
enot
hingt
odi
scuss
Igotup.
.

Nt
ando:
Iwi
l
lgety
ouVukani
,thati
saPr
omi
se

Iwal
kedout
..

I
RENE

Vukanicoul
dn'taccompanymet ogof etchmy
Grandmother,hesentamessaget hathewas
meetingupwithNt ando.Ntandowant edtoaskhim
afewquestionswithr egar
dstotheassaul tchar
ge,
buthepromisedmet hatit
'snot
hingseriousand
thathewil
lbebacksoon. .
Ifet
chedmyGrandmotherandmyt
hings,
Zuxiewas
donecooki
ng.Weweresetti
ngupt
hetabl
e..

Grams:
I'
m sohappyt
hatev
ery
thi
nghasgoneback
t
onormal

Zuxi
e:I
'
m happyt
oo

Grams:Iwi
shever
ythi
ngcoul
dremai
nli
ket
his,
coul
dremaint
hesame

Zuxi
e:Iagr
ee

ENDA

Wewereprepari
ngt
ogotoVukani'
spl
acef
ort
he
di
nneri
nvi
tat
ion.Wewer
edressi
ngup.
.
Qhuma:
IreneandVukani
hav
ecomev
eryf
ar
Me:I
t'
strue,
I'
m sohappyf
ort
hem especi
all
ynow
t
hatI
reneispregnant

Het
urnedandl
ookedatme.
.

Qhuma:
Irenei
swhat
?
Me:She'
spregnant
,It
houghty
ouknewsi
nceYou
andVukani
arefri
ends
Qhuma:
Hehasn'
ttol
dme
Me:
Wel
ltheni
twi
l
lst
aybet
weenus
Qhuma:
Ipr
omi
se
Me:
Arey
our
eadyt
ogo?
Qhuma:
YesI
'
mready
Me:
Okayl
et'
sgo
FUTHI

I
twascol
dar
oundher
e,andi
twasabi
tnoi
sy.
.

Iwascuddledupatt hecor
ner,j
ustr
eadytol
ose
myself
.Ift
herewasev erapointi
nmylif
ewhereI
wantedtodie,
it'
stodayortoni
ght

Ihaveruinedmyl if
eandIhavenoonet oblamebut
my sel
f.AllIeverwant
edwast ogetwhat'
smi ne,get
Vukani backandjustgetmyfamil
ybackasawhol e.
Inpursuitofthat,
I'
veputmysel
finarockysit
uati
on
andIdon' tknowhowI '
m goi
ngtogetoutofit.
..

I
RENE

Vukaniwal
kedi
n,r
ightaswewer
eaboutt
ost
art
eat
ing.
.
Zuxi
e:It
houghty
ouwoul
dn'
tmakedi
nner
Vukani
:Woul
dn'
tmi
ssi
tfort
hewor
ld

Hesatdownnextt
ome.
.

Thi
swasbeaut
if
ul.Thewholefamil
yenjoy
ingdi
nner
,
nodrama,
nopai
nj ustj
oyandpeace..

Zuxi
e:IthankGodfort
hismoment ,It
hankGodthat
wearegat her
edher
easf ami
lyhavi
ngapeaceful
di
nner.Wecanallsmil
e,wehavinganother
addi
cti
ont othef
amil
yit
'sbeauti
ful

ItoldmyGr andmothert
hatI
'
m pr
egnantwhenI
fetchedherfordi
nner.
.

Zuxie:
Notsolongagowel ostMpil
o,I
renef
elli
nto
thehandsofFuthi
'
smali
ciousint
enti
onsbut
becauseGodisGod,weareheretoday.Werose
abov
ethatandwekeepi
ngon,Iwi
shf
ornot
hing
morebutmoreoft
hesej
oyousmoments

Thando:
Pleasedon'
tcr
y

Zuxi
e:Ngi
zok'
shay
a(I
'
llbeaty
ouup)

Weal
ll
aughed.
.

Grams:I
rene,Iwi
shyoucangotochur
chmoreof
ten
now.Don'tl
oseyourf
ocusonGodandfai
th

Zuxi
e:That
'sagoodi
dea

Me:
Iwi
l
lgot
ochur
ch

Zuxi
e:Vukani
Vukani
:OhhnoIal
readyhav
eev
ery
onegoi
ngt
o
chur
chformesoI'
m good

Thando:
Canwest
arteat
ing,
I'
m hungr
y

Vukani
:Yespl
ease

FUTHI

Iwassobbing..Iwasf
eeli
ngcol
dandI '
m gl
adI'
m
nothungr
y,there'
snoroom f
orhungerri
ghtnow.
.

Gi
rl2:
Hai
yooohSi
si.
.Kuni
ni(
It
'sbeent
ool
ong)

Ikeptqui
et.
.
Gi
rl2:
Youar
eher
esodeal
wit
hit
!

I
RENE

EndaandQhumaf
inal
l
yjoi
nedus.
.

Zuxi
e:Qhumathankyouforkeepi
ngmySonatt
he
bott
lest
orewhenBandi
lesoldit

Qhuma:Vukanii
sagoodguy
,ver
ysmartIwould'
ve
beenafoolnott
ogethi
m.Pl
us,I
'
m newinthi
shood,
neededsomeonetohel
pmenavi
gat
e

Zuxi
e:Thanky
ouei
therway

Qhuma:Plusnowthathehasababyont
heway
,he
r
eall
yneedsthej
ob
Il
ookedatEnda,
shewasj
ustasshockedasIwas.
.

Vukani
lookedatme.
.

Qhuma:
Congr
atul
ati
onst
othenewaddi
ti
on

Ican'
tbeli
evet
hatEndat
oldhi
m,shehadpr
omi
sed
tokeepthi
sasecret
..

Gr
ams:
Ithoughti
twasaf
ami
l
ysecr
et

Zuxi
e:I
t'
sokayQhumaandEndaar
eal
mostf
ami
l
y

Gr
ams:Thent
hisshouldendatthi
stabl
e,noonei
s
meantt
oknowespecial
lyaf
terwhatFut
hidi
d

Qhuma:
Wewon'
ttel
lasoul
..Ipr
omi
se
86

I
RENE

Di
nnerwentgood,
bet
tert
hanIexpect
ed.
.

I
t'
sbeenawhi
lesi
nceIhadthismoment ,sucha
momentwher
eIdi
dn'thavetocrytear
sofpai n.
Wher
eIwasn'
thur
t,whereIdidn'
tthi
nkofdying..

Ihadjustf
ini
shedbathi
ng,
Vukani
wal
kedupt
ome
andtookmyl ot
ion.
.

Me:
Dinnerwentgr
eatwoul
dn'
tyousay
?
Vukani
:Itdi
d

Hewasstandi
ngbehi
ndme,
heki
ssedmeonmy
shoul
der
..
Vukani
:Thoughtwewer
egoingt
owai
tbef
oret
ell
i
ng
peopl
ethatwearepr
egnant

Me: It
oldEndaonl
ybecauseshe'
smybestf
ri
end,I
thoughtthaty
ouwoul
d'vetol
dQhumatoosi
nceyou
guysareclose

Vukani
:May
beguy
sar
en'
ti
ntogossi
p

Ichuckl
ed.
.

Hest ar
tedput ti
ngt heloti
ononme, star
tingfrom my
backallthewayt othef r
ont.Massagingmybr easts
withhisslipperyhands.Heki ssedmeont he
shoulderagain,thent hebackofmyneck.Hewas
real
lystandingcl osetome, Icouldfeelhiscrotch
againstmybut t..Helower edhishanddownmy
tummyandci rcleditaroundthere.Imov edmyhand
andputi tatthebackofhi sneckashel etwetki sses
onmyneck.
..

Hemov edbothhandst omybut t,

theywerest arti
ng
togetabitdryi
ndicat
ingtheloti
ononhi shandshad
ranout.
.Heturnedmear ound,andli
ftedmyl eg.
Placi
ngitar
oundhi swaistandwecont i
nuedki ssi
ng..

ENDA

Il
ookedatQhuma, hewassit
ti
ngont hecouch
watchi
ngTV.Iwalkeduptohim andsatonhisl
ap.
.I
l
ookedathi
m andwai tedf
orhi
mt ofocushis
at
tenti
ononmet oo..

Qhuma:
Am Ii
ntr
oubl
e?
Me:It
houghtweagreedt
hatwhatIt
oldy
ou,
we'
l
l
keepi
tbetweenus
Qhuma:Whethery
oudi
dn'
ttel
lmeIwassti
llgoi
ng
t
ofindout
,shewasgoi
ngtoshowsoon.Pr
egnancy
i
snotsomet
hingt
haty
oukeepasecr
et
Me:Ei
therway
,Idon'
twantI
renel
osi
nghert
rusti
n
me
Qhuma:It'
snott
hatdeep,
andI
'
m sor
ryt
hatIbr
oke
yourgi
rlcode
Hepatmeont
het
highal
i
ttl
e..
Me:
Wel
ll
et'
shopenodamagehasbeendone
Qhuma:Let
'shopeso,
she'
l
lbef
inei
t'
sser
iousl
ynot
t
hatdeep

I
RENE

Hepickedmeupandl
aidmeont
hebed,
bynowwe
wer
ebot hnaked.
.

Vukani
:Thi
sissaf
e?Atsuchanear
lyst
ageoft
he
pr
egnancy?
Me:
I'
m sur
eit
'shar
mlessj
ustbegent
le
Vukani
:I'
l
ltr
y

Heopenedupmyl egsandgotinbet weenthem..He

rubbedtheheadofhi sdi
ckagainsttheopeni
ngof
mycoochi e.Hemov edhisl
ipsf
r om mineandkissed
mei nbetweenmychest .Hemov edhisli
pstomy
l
eftbreastsandranthetipofhi
st ongueinci
rcl
es
aroundmyni ppl
e..

Me:
OhhBaby

Hegent
lymadehi
swayi
n,f
ull
yst
ret
chi
ngme.
.

Imovedmyhandfrom t
hebackofhi
sneckt
othe
backofhi
shead.
.

Hegentl
ypressedinunt
ilhewasful
lyi
n,sti
l
l
keepi
nghistongueonmyni ppl
eandswit
chingt
o
theot
her.
.
Hemadehi
swayupandki
ssedmyl
i
psasImoaned.
.

Webot
hmoanedsof
tl
yinar
hyt
hm.
.

FUTHI

Megoingtojai
lwasdefi
nit
elynotinmyplans,
def
ini
tel
ynotsomethi
ngthatI'
velookedf
orwardt
oo.
.

Ionlyknowt hesewall
swhenIusedt
ovi
sitVukani
,
di
fferentj
ail
butjai
lisjai
l
..

Iwon'thav
evi
sit
ors,
Idon'
tev
enknowf
orhowl
ong
I'
m goingt
obehere.
.

I
RENE
Thenextmor
ningIpr
epar
edmysel
ftogot
owor
k,
thenameoft
hecompanyis"
Canon"
.

2whit
ewomenincl
udingthemanagerwhowork
her
e,t
hebl
ackl
adythatI'
mr epl
aci
ngwastheonl
y
bl
ackOeds

Iam l
ooki
ngforwar
dtot
his,
Ienj
oybei
ng
i
ndependent
..

Iwasgoingtowor kthefr
ontdesk,takeor
ders
tel
ephoni
cal
ly.Docopiesforcustomersand
anythi
ngel
set hatneedsmyattenti
on..

Li
saisourmanager,
she'
l
lbest
ucki
nherof
fi
ce
mostofthet
ime..

Imademy sel
facupofteaasIhandl
edthefr
ont
desk,
thesecondl
adyhernameisNatal
i
e..
Alr
eadywewer
eget
ti
ngcl
i
ent
swhowant
edt
odo
copies.
.

VUKANI

Iwal
kedi
ntot
hebackof
fi
ce.
.

Qhuma:
Fat
hert
obe
Me:
Goodmor
ning
Qhuma:
Howar
eyou?
Me:
I'
m goodandy
ou?
Qhuma:
I'
m goodt
oo

Isatdown.
.

Qhuma:
Soy
oust
il
lwannacont
inuewi
tht
hehei
st
event
houghi
tcanpot
enti
all
ylandyoui
njai
l
?Land
usinj
ail
?Nowyouhavealottolose

Me:
I'
ll
takemychances

Qhuma:
Whyahei
stVukani
?

Me:
Wewer
edoi
nghei
stsr
emember
?

Qhuma:Iknowbutyouwant
edout
,youwer
eal
way
s
noti
nsupportwhynow?

Me:Ihaveaki donthewayQhuma,Ididn'
twanna
sayanyt
hingbecauseIr
eneandIagreedtokeepi
ta
secr
etunti
llastni
ght

Qhuma:
Isee
Hel
eanedf
orwar
d..
.

Qhuma:
Wear
ecool
right
?
Me:
Wear
e,whywoul
dn'
twebe?
Qhuma: Justchecki
ng,i
t'
sveryimpor
tantthatwe
t
rusteachotherinthi
sbusiness.Wecannotaffor
d
t
ot ur
nagainsteachother

Me:Iknow,i
fahei
stistoomuchofahassl
e.We
canhei
stsomeoneIknow

Qhuma:
Who?

Me:Guzi
k,getmoremer
chandi
seupourst
akecl
ean
j
obandwedon'tleav
eanytr
aces

Qhuma:
I'
m al
lfort
hat
Me:I
'
llgi
veyoumor
einf
ormat
ion,
I'
m meet
ingup
wi
thhimlat
eron

Qhuma:
Okay

FUTHI

Therewasalotofprocedur
esthatIhadt
ogo
thr
ough,whenIputontheunif
orm.That'
swheni
t
dawnedonmet hatthi
sisreal
..

Aswewal keddownthecorr
idort
omycell
,Il
ooked
atthosef
aces.Somelookedgenui
ne,
somelooked
l
ikeonesthatyoudon'
twannafuckwi
th.
.

West
oppedi
nsomecel
l
..

War
den:
D12
Thebarsopened,andIwalkedi
n.I
tcl
osedaft
erI
wasinsi
de.I
twas4beds, onewasempty.Il
ooked
atmycellmates.
.

Me:
H..Hi

Theykeptqui
etandlookedatme, Iwenttothe
emptybedandlaiddown.Ifacedup,i
twasatt he
bott
om.Iwantedtosleepsobadbutt hi
sisjai
l,y
ou
al
way shavet
obeal er
tandony ourguard.I
t'
snot
myMot her
'shouse.
.

I
RENE

Li
sawal
kedoutofherof
fi
ce.
.

Li
sa:
Irene
Il
ookedather
..
Li
sa:
Cany
oupl
easedomeaf
avour
Me:
Uhm Yes
Li
sa:Ther
e'sabaker
yatt
hecorner,
pleasegothere
andbuymesomedonughts.3ofthem, chocol
ate.
.

Me:
Eer
r

Li
sa:
Ihav
eal
otofwor
ktodo,
Ican'
tgoout
Me:
Uhm y
esofcour
se
Li
sa:
Buyy
our
sel
fsomet
oo
Me:
Okay
Shegav
emet
heR100
Li
sa:
I'
ll
hol
dthef
rontf
ory
ou
Me:
Okayt
hanky
ou
.
Tobecont
inued
88

VUKANI

Ir
eadthethr
ough,
hehadatl
east5busi
nesses.Al
l
i
ll
egal
,sel
fmademult
imi
ll
i
onair
e..

Me:
Ithi
nkcarj
acki
ngi
stheeasyone
Guzi
k:It
hinksot
oo
Me:
Sohowdoesi
twor
k?
Guzik:
Ionlyneedyout
ojackt
hecarswhatwedo
nextwitht
hem, i
t'
snol
ongery
ourconcer
n
Me:
Thi
sismor
edanger
oust
hanahei
st
Guzi
k:Notwheny
ouwor
kingf
orme
Me:
I'
mli
steni
ng
Guzi
k:Youcarr
yadev i
cethatwi
ll
disabl
ethecar
tr
ackersoi
tcan'
tbetracked,
whoeveryouhi
jackyou
gi
vethem t
hei
rbelongi
ngsespeci
all
ythei
rphones
sot heydon'ttrackt hephonewhi chwi l
ltrackthecar.
Noi njur
iesunl essnecessar yandy oudon'trandomly
hij
ackacart here'sal i
stI'
llgi
veyou.Wheny ouhav e
j
ackedi t,youdr iv
eitt oapr i
vategaragetheny ouget
yourpay ment .Eachcarcomeswi t
hapr icetag..A
Mer candBMW ar et hemostexpensi vesoy ou'
llear
n
atleast18kf oramer corabmwbutst andard
paymentf oracari s8k, eachmont hyouhi j
ackat
l
east3car s

Me:
Icanwor
kwi
tht
hat

Guzik:You'l
lworkwith2guy s,don'twor r
ytheyare
tr
ustworthyandtheirPr os.Iprefermywor kersnot
knowingabouteachot her '
sPer sonal l
iv
es, sono
onecanbl ackmailanyone.St r
ictl
yawor ki
ng
businessrel
ati
onship,ifyouguy sdeci detof orma
personalrel
ati
onshipthent hat'
sony ou

Me:
Iunder
stand
Guzi
k:Fr
om tomorr
owy ou'
llhav
et ocomeinsoyou
canfami
li
ari
zeyour
selfwit
hhowt hingsar
edone,I
'
ll
i
ntr
oduceyoutotheteam t
omor r
ow

Me:
Okay

Guzi
k:Fornow,
signher
e..I
t'
sacont
ractbet
ween
youandI

Hegav
emeandIr
eadt
hrough.
.

Guzi
k: Rememberwhatwespokeabout
?Howy
ou
wil
lfoolthi
sQguy

Me:
Yeah

Guzi
k:Good!
Itol
dGuzikeveryt
hing,
evenabouthowQhuma
wantedmet opullahei
stonhim.Soweboth
formul
atedaplan,hopeitwi
l
lwork.

I
RENE

Fi
nal
lyI
twasl
uncht
ime,
Icoul
dgetsomebr
eat
her
fr
om Li
sa.
.

Iwentt
ogetmesomethi
ngt
oeatatWi
mpy
,sat
ther
eandcal
l
edEnda.
.

Enda:I
reneI'mver
ysor r
yaboutwhatQhumadi
d,I
'm
sorr
yfortell
i
nghim..Iknowhowmuchy ouwant
ed
tokeepthisasecr
et

Me:I
t'
sokay.
.He'
syourhusband,
Iunder
stand.
.I
woul
dtel
lVukani
ever
ythi
ng
Enda:Shuuuuuu.
.Ir
eal
l
ydidn'
twantt
orui
nour
fr
iendshi
p,Youaret
heonl
ytruef
ri
endIhave.
.Tr
ue
fr
iendsarehardt
ocomeby

Me:
Iknow.
.Wear
ecool

Enda:
Tel
lme.
.Howi
swor
k?

Me:Myf i
rstdayi
sani
ght
mar
e!Themanageri
sa
headache

Enda:
Why
?Whathappened?

Me:
Longst
ory

Enda:Don'
tgi
veintoher
,letherbej
ustgot
her
e..Do
yourt
hingandthengohome
Me:
That
'sexact
lyt
hepl
an

FUTHI

Thef
oodwasnoti
mpr
essi
ve.
.

2sl
i
cesofdr
ybr
ownbr
eadandbl
ackt
ea.
.

Si
no:
Wai
tforweekend,
ther
e'sabet
termeal
Me:
Weekendi
sfar
,buti
t'
sbet
tert
hannot
hing
Si
no:
That
'sv
eryt
rue
Me:Idon'
tknowwhenI
'
llst
artget
ti
ngusedt
othi
s
pl
ace
Si
no:
You'
l
lhavetoo,
incaseyou'
l
lbeher
eforav
ery
l
ongti
me.
.Youhavenochoice
Me:That
'str
uebutatleastther
e'sgoodpeopl
e
ar
oundhere,It
houghtevery
oneinpr i
sonwas
hor
ri
ble
Si
no:
It'
snotal
lbad

Doshi
a:Si
no!
!

Si
nokeptqui
et.
.

Doshi
a:Si
no!
!

Me:
She'
scal
l
ing
Si
no:
Iknow

Doshi
agotupf
rom hert
abl
e..

Me:
She'
scomi
ngov
erher
e

Si
no:
Youl
i
e!
Whenshet
urnedherhead,
Doshi
agrabbedheraf
ro
andsl
ammedherfaceagai
nstt
hetr
ay..

Il
ookedattheWardenst
heyst
oodthereli
kenot
hing
washappening,
noonewasint
erv
ening.
.

Doshi
a:Howmanyt
imesshoul
dIcal
lyou?
Si
no:
I'
m sor
ry
Doshi
a:Fucki
t,getup!
Si
nogotupi
nfear
..
Doshi
a:Gett
hest
eppi
ng!
Sinowentt ositatthesametabl
ewhereDoshi
awas
si
tting.Doshialookedatme,shehadascar
yfaci
al
expression.Thedeathstar
esentshi
ver
sdownmy
spine..

Doshi
a:That
'smygi
rl
fr
iend
Me:
Idi
dn'
tknow
Doshi
a:Fucky
ou!
Iswal
l
owed.
.
Doshi
a:Fucky
ou!
!
Shefl
i
ppedmyt
raywhenshegotup,
thet
eabur
ned
mythi
gh.
.

Shecl
i
ckedhert
ongueandwal
kedaway
.Igotup
andmademywaytothedoor
..

War
den:
Wher
edoy
out
hinky
ouar
egoi
ng?
Me:
Ineedcol
dwat
er,
I.
.Iwas.
.Iwascar
elesswi
th
mymug
War
den:
Nextt
imebecar
eful
,goandsi
tdown!

Imademywaybacktomyt
abl
e,Il
ookedatDoshi
a.
Shewinkedatme.
.
DRBONE

Idi
dVukanibad,whathappenedbet
weenFut
hiandI
wasneversupposetohappen.

Ihavenowayt orepayhimf ortakingthefallforal

l
ofus,Hecoul d'
vesnitchedonusbuthedi dnot.I
cannotmakeamendsf orwhathappened, butIcan
supporthim..Icanhel phi
m, he'sli
keaBr otherto
me.AllthatIeverwant edwasf orthetruthtopr ev
ail
,
removemy sel
ffrom thesi
tuationandl ethimf i
nd
outforhimselfwithoutmyf orcingthetruthtobe
reveal
edtohi m..

WhatIsawaboutt hi
sQhumaguy ,Vukaniwon'tbe
abl
etodefeathi
m.Uqi ni
siwekakhul
u,Vukaniwon't
beablet
of i
ghthim alone.Qhumaf i
ght
sbothway s,
phy
sical
lyandtradi
tionall
y..

Nowt
hatev
ery
thi
nghasbeenr
eveal
ed,
it'
sti
mef
or
metogobackt
omyl
i
fet
hel
i
fet
hatI
'
ver
anaway
f
rom.
.

Mywifewasn'
thappywiththatbutIgetmoregigs
whenI'
minGautengthanwhenI '
m here,andi
t'
s
easi
ert
ogetthi
ngsdonet her
ethanher e.
.

Igotacal
lfr
om Guzi
k..

Guzi
k:Iwaswi
thVuks
Me:
Thankyou,
thanky
ouf
orhel
ping.Itr
ustyou
mor
ewithhi
mthanIdowi
thhi
scurrentpar
tner
shi
p

Guzikisathugatt
heendoft
heday
,butonewi
th
pr
incipl
es.
.

Guzi
k:Soy
oucomi
ngback?
Me:
I'
m comi
ngback

Guzi
k:Youdon'
twannacomebackt
othebusi
ness?

Me:No.
.Ij
usthadt
ocashi
nthef
avourt
haty
ou
owedme

Guzi
k:Iunder
stand,
it'
sgoodt
hatheknewme
t
hroughthi
sQ

Me:
Icouldn'
tcomeoutandt
ell
him,
hedi
dn'
ttr
ust
methen

Guzi
k:I
tiswhati
tis

Me:
Thanky
ouagai
n

Ihadanot
hercal
lcomi
ngi
n,i
twasVukani
..
Me:
Mbhem

Vukani
:Iseef
rom y
ourl
atestFacebookpostt
hat
youfl
yi
ngback

Me:
Yeah.
.I'
m comi
ngbackt
oGaut
eng

Vukani
:Whydi
dyoul
eav
eint
hef
ir
stpl
ace?

Me:
Whydoy
out
hinkIl
efti
nthef
ir
stpl
ace?

Vukani
:Af
eudny
anaher
eandt
her
eyoul
eav
ing

Me:
Ihadt
oo

Vukani
:Igety
ou,
I'
mjustr
eli
evedy
oucomi
ngback.
Can'
ttr
ustany
onear
oundher
eany
mor
e,noone
seemsreal

Me:
YeahIknow

Vukani
:It
'sgoodt
hati
njay
ehl
athi
it'
scomi
ngback

Me:
Unj
andi
ni

Vukani:
Onceanunder
grounddog,
alway
san
undergr
ounddog

Me:
Izi
njaZehl
athi

Vukani
:Izi
njaZehl
athi
.
Tobecont
inued
89

I
RENE

AWEEKLATER

Iwasfeel
i
ngawf ull
ysicktoday,
especi
all
ythis
morni
ngafterbr
eakfast.WhenIgottoworkIspent
mostofmyt i
mei nthebathroom v
omiti
ng..Li
sawas
noti
mpressed

Li
sa:
Whydi
dn'
tyout
ell
ust
haty
ouwer
epr
egnant
?
Me:Idi
dn'
tthi
nkthatIhadt
odiscl
oset
hatnort
hati
t
wasinmyjobdescri
pti
ontomenti
on
Lisa:Thisi
sav erybusyandstressf
ulenvi
ronment.
Wecan' thaveyousl uggi
sh,
looknow.Natali
ehasto
wor kbothyourdeskandher sbecauseyoualway
s
runningtothebathroom.Youleftapati
ent
unattendedforatleast6minutes.
.Thi
sisnothow
wer
unt
hings
Me:I
'm sor
ryIhaven'
tfel
tthi
ssi
ckev
ersi
nceIf
ound
outt
hatIwaspregnant
Lisa:Nowwehav et otr
eaty ouli
keanegg, y
ou
peopleamazemesomet i
mes.Youcr y"Whitesst
ole
ourland"
..Whit
est hi
s,Whitesthat,
Whiteshateus.
Nowweaf f
ordingyouachancet obet
teryoursel
ves
andnotbedependentont hegovernmentandour
taxeswit
hchildgrantyougoanddot hi
s!

Me:Idon'
tunderst
andt
hissuddenout
bur
stbecause
t
hisi
smyf ir
stchil
d

Li
sa:Nexty
eary
ou'
l
lbehav
inganot
herone,
then
anot
her

Me: Youareaonet otal

kli
ket hi
sconsi
deryourki
nd
yourkidsareaf ewmonthsolderorayearol
der
f
rom eachot herbuty
ousitt
ingtherej
udging
Lisa:Wewor khar
dtopr ovidef
orourownt hat'
s
whatset susapar
tfr
om y ouguy s,youdon'tseeus
pressuri
ngthegover
nmentt of
or ceful
lyt
akecareof
ourkids.Youarei
ncreasingthepov ertyr
ateinthi
s
countrythenbl
ameev eryoneelseot hert
han
yoursel
ves!

Me:
Wher
eisal
loft
hiscomi
ngf
rom?

Li
sa:I'
m say
ingdon'
texpectspeci
alt
reat
ment
becauseyouguysar
equicktocry"Raci
sm"

Me:
Iwasn'
tev
enex
pect
ingt
hat

Li
sa:
Good.
.Nowgobackt
owor
k!

VUKANI
Iwaswor ki
ngwi th2guy s.Pl
essi
sandSlahl
a.
Plessi
siswhite..Theyseem toknowwhatthey
doing,t
heyprofessional
sandhav ebeendoi
ngthis
for3yearswithoutgetti
ngcaught.
.Theyver
y
knowledgeabl
e, ski
ll
edandIam gladtobeworking
withsuchprofessionali
ndivi
dual
s..

Wehadaj obtoni
ght,
myv eryf
ir
st.Wewer
egoingto
st
ealaMer c,
butnothi
jack.Wegoingt
ost
eal
itfr
om
arest
aur
antparki
nglot.
.

Pl
essi
s:I
t'
seasi
ert
hanhi
j
acki
ngi
tont
her
oad

Sl
ahl
e:Her
e

Hegav
emet
hekey
..

Sl
ahle:
Wehavebeentail
i
ngt
hedr
iverf
orawhi
l
e,we
wereablet
odubl
i
cat
et hi
s
Pl
essi
s:Putonasui
t,gett
hecar
..Cl
eanj
ob

Hehi
tmeont
heshoul
der
..

Pl
essi
s:Don'
twor
ry.
.I'
l
lbewor
kingwi
thy
ou

Inodded.
.

Sl
ahl
e:Thi
sist
heeasi
estdepar
tment

Sl
ahl
e:Ver
yeasy
..Compar
edt
otheot
herones

Me:
Itl
ookst
hatway
..Sowhoi
she?Thev
ict
im

Plessi
s:Somecor
ruptpol
it
ici
an,
don'
twor
rywe
doingthewor
ldafavour
Sl
ahl
e:St
eal
i
ngf
rom t
hosewhost
eal
from t
hepoor

Pl
essi
s:Andt
hehar
dwor
king

Iputt
hekeyi
nmypocket
..

Me:
I'
ll
seey
ouguy
slat
eron

Plessi
s:Don'
tfor
gett
opi
ckupy
oursui
t,coat
,gl
oves
andahat

Sl
ahl
e:He'
sgoi
ngt
obewear
ingl
i
ket
hatt
oni
ght

Me:
I'
ll
doso

Pl
essi
s:Seey
oul
ater
Me:
Lat
eri
tis

QHUMA

Bonewasint
hebot
tl
est
ore,
Idi
dn'
tev
enknowt
hat
hewasback.
..

Me:
Giv
emet
hat

Muzi
gav
emet
heSpr
it
ewi
thl
i
me,
Itooki
ttohi
m..

Me:
Spr
it
eandl
i
me

Bone:
Thanky
ou

Ipul
l
edt
hechai
randsatdownopposi
tehi
m..
Me:
Idi
dn'
tknowt
haty
ouwer
eback

Bone:
Whywoul
dyouknow?Howi
sity
ourbusi
ness?

Me:
Iboughtt
hisbot
tl
est
oref
rom y
ou,
Idi
dn'
tknow
wewer
eenemies

Bone:
Wenotenemi
es,
nei
therar
ewef
ri
ends

Me:
Iknow,
Iwasn'
ttr
yingt
ojumpt
hegun

Bone:YouareVukani
'
sfr
iend,
notmine.Nev
ermake
thatmist
akeoft
hinki
ngwecooll
ikethat
,wenot

Me:Isee,
youal
readyhaveanimpr
essi
onofmenot
ev
enagoodonewhi l
styoudon'
tevenknowmet
hat
wel
l
Bone:
Iknowy
out
oowel
l

Me:
Amuseme

Bone:WeeeMbhem,
sesi
seZoona?(
Areweatt
he
Zoo)

Me: What
everimpr
essi
ony
ouhav
eofme,
bel
i
evei
t
becausei
t'
strue

Igotup.
.

Me:
Enj
oyy
ourdr
ink,
nextonewi
l
lbeont
hehouse!

FUTHI
Doshi
acameandsatnextt
ome.Sher
eadt
hecov
er
ofmynovel
..

Doshi
a:"
Sui
cideNot
es"byMi
chael
For
d,soundst
oo
ext
reme

Me:
MayIhel
pyouwi
thsomet
hing?

Doshia:Iam receiv
ingapackaget oni
ght, i
t'
ll
be
droppedoffinabr ownbag.It'scominginwi tht
he
vegetabl
esfort omorrow,i
t'
llbeunderneaththe
veges.Theydr oppoffthevegesinthest orer
oom,I
wanty outosneaki t
.Getitandbringittome

Me:
No

Shecl
osedmybook.
.
Doshi
a:I'
m sorr
ydi
dIstar
tthet
hatst
atementwi
th
"
Ifi
tpleasesherMaj
est
y?"

Me:
Ifi
t'
ssoeasyt
henwhydon'
tyoudoi
t?

Doshi
a:Whydoi
tifIhav
ePeopl
eli
key
ou.
.Comeon

Shegotupandwal
kedt
oherbunker
..

Doshi
a:Ohwandify
oudon'tgetmyst
afft
oni
ght
,
maybefi
ndanot
hercel
l
..Don'
tcomebackher
e

VUKANI

Iwasdr
ivi
nghomewhenQhumacal
l
ed.
.

Me:
Yeah?
Qhuma:Pul
lbyatthebott
lest
ore,weneedtoplan
onhowtogettheshipmentf
rom Guzi
k..Werunni
ng
outoft
ime

Me:
I'
ll
pul
lup

Hehungup.
.Ical
l
edGuzi
k..

Guzi
k:Vuks

Me:
Wear
egoi
ngt
odi
scusst
hepl
an

Guzi
k:Youknowwhatt
odo?

Me:
Iknow

Guzik:
Good..Possesnosi
gnsofgui
l
t,f
earor
secondguessi
ng
Me:
Iwon'
t
.
Tobecont
inued
90

I
RENE

Theni cethingaboutmyi nlawsisthattheyarever

y
considerate.Youknowt hedealwiththeinlaws,t
hey
canbei mpossi bl
ebutIlovethefactthatminedon't
treatmel i
keadaught erinlaw.Sl
avingaroundfor
them andwhatnot ,
Theyt r
eatmelikeaDaught er
..

WhenIar
ri
vedathome,
Theyhav
eal
readycooked.
.

VUKANI

Qhuma:
Howi
sitgoi
ngwi
thGuzi
k?
Me:It'
sgoi
ngwell
,hehasajobf
ormetoni
ght.The
tr
usthasbeenest
abli
shedv
erywel
l
,hewon'tseeus
coming
Qhuma:
Sowhenar
ewedoi
ngt
hej
ob?
Me:Givemesomet ime,Hehasn'
ttakenmetot
he
warehouseal
ready
.I'
m worki
ngadiffer
ent
depart
ment
Qhuma:
Whi
chi
s?
Me: Nothingmuchj ustfal
sif
yingdocument s,
hackingaccounts..I
t'
snoteasysoIhav etoprove
my self
..Qui
tefrankl
ythiswhol et
hingisstart
ingt
o
i
rri
tateme, hackingaccountsisdif
ficul
tandvery
dangerous,Idon'tevenknowhowt oprovemy sel
f
Qhuma:
Wel
lyouar
esmar
tIt
hinky
oucanpul
li
tof
f
Me:Yeahifwecan'
tpul
li
toffi
ntime,
I'
ll
seeot
her
depar
tmentswi
thi
nhisci
rcl
ethatwi
ll
beeasi
ertohi
t
Qhuma:Goodi
dea.
.Sot
ell
mesomet
hing,
nowt
hat
Bonei
sback.
.Arey
outwo?
Me:
He'
sback?
Qhuma:
Youdi
dn'
tknow?
Me:
No.
.When?
Qhuma:
Hewasher
ehav
ingadr
inkear
li
er
Me:
Theaudi
cit
y
Qhuma:
Ithoughtsot
oo
Me:Healmostt
ookI
renef
rom me,
that
's
unf
orgi
vabl
e
Qhuma:
Ican'
ti
magi
nesomeonedoi
ngt
hatt
oEnda,
I
'dl
osei
t
Me:
Don'
tev
eni
magi
nei
t

Ipl
acedt
hedocumentbackont
het
abl
eagai
n..

Me:
Ihav
etogo,
we'
l
ltal
kagai
n

Qhuma:
Yeahsur
e

Igotupandwal
kedout
..

FUTHI
I
nthebathr
oom agi
rlwasf
ounddead.
.Neckt
wist
ed,
aver
ygruesomedeat
h..

War
den:
Gobackt
oyourcel
l
s!!

Wewentbackt
othecel
l
s..

Me:
Irememberherf
rom y
est
erday
Si
no:
Ican'
tbel
i
eveshe'
sdead
Me:
Met
oo

Doshi
awal
kedi
n..

West
oodup.
.

Doshi
a:Fut
hi.
.Awor
d
Iwalkeduptoher
,shepl
acedherar
m ar
oundmy
shoulder
sandtur
nedmetofacethewal
l.

Doshi
a:Ihopey
ouar
esetf
ort
oni
ght

Me:
Idon'
twantt
odot
his

Doshi
a:Youdon'
thaveachoice,
notwheny
ouhav
e
amurdercaseonyourneck

Me:
Itol
dyout
hatIwasf
alsel
yaccused

Doshi
a:OhhnoI'mtal
ki
ngaboutt
oday
'smur
der
,
Al
ici
aintheshower
?

Me:
Idi
dn'
tno-
Doshi
a:Nott
ooloud,
wedon'
twanty
oui
mpl
i
cat
ing
your
sel
fbyyourownwor
ds

Me:
Idi
dn'
tdoi
tandt
her
e'snopr
ooft
hatIdi
dit

Doshi
a:Ar
eyousur
e?

Il
ookedather
..

Doshia:Ihavenothi
ngtolose,
Irunthi
sPrisonso
makesur ethatyouwon'tbemybitchfor
ever
especial
lyi
fyougetalengthysent
enceforkil
li
ngan
i
mmat e

Sheki
ssedmeont
hecheek.
..

Doshi
a:Domakemepr
oud
I
RENE

Iwaswashi
ngdi
sheswhenVukaniwal
kedi
n.He
tookadr
ycl
othandhel
pedwi
pe..

Mymindwasfaraway,
thi
nkingaboutanot
hery
et
dr
eadf
uldayatwor
ktomorrow.

Idi
dn'tev
enreali
zethatIwast
hrowi
ngt
hedi
shes
unt
ilonefel
landbroke.
..

Vukani
:Hey

Me:
I'
m sor
ry

Vukani
:It
'sokay
..What
'swr
ong?

Me:
It'
snot
hing
Vukani
:Whati
sit
?

Me:
Wor
k

Vukani
:What
'shappeni
ngatwor
k?

Me:
Themanagershe'
sver
yraci
st

Vukani
:Whydon'
tyour
epor
thi
m?

Me:
Hear
dshei
sfr
iendswi
tht
heboss

Vukani
:Thenr
ecor
dhersecr
etl
y

Me:
Huh?
Vukani
:Thepubl
i
cwi
l
lgi
vey
ouj
ust
ice,
exposeher
raci
sm

Me: Idon'
twannacr
eat
etr
oubl
eformy
sel
f,whati
fit
backfir
es?

Vukani
:Ify
ousitanddonot
hing,y
ouwi
l
lbe
miser
ableatworkunt
ily
ouquit
!

FUTHI

Wewer
eeat
ing.
.

Si
nosatopposi
teme.
.

Me:
Sino

Si
no:
Don'
twor
ryshe'
snotcomi
ng
Me:
That
'sbet
ter

Si
no:
Somet
hingi
sbot
her
ingy
ou

Me:
Doshi
awant
smet
ogetherst
afft
oni
ght

Shewhi
stl
ed.
.

Me:IfI
'
m bust
edwi t
hcoke,mytri
ali
sgoi
ngtobe
heav
yifIdon'
t.
.She'
sgoingtosetmeupformur
der

Si
no:
Mur
der
?

Me:
Mur
deroft
hegi
rlwhowaski
l
ledi
ntheshower
s

Si
no:
That
'si
nsane
Me:
Iknow

Si
no:
Thi
sisnotr
ight
,I'
l
ltal
ktoherf
ory
ou

Me:
No.
.

Si
no:
She'
smygi
rl
fr
iendIcanconv
inceher
ot
her
wise

Me:Gr
owupSi no,Doshi
adoesn'tl
oveyou!Doshi
a
car
esfornobodybuther
self
!Shedoesn'tl
oveyou,
l
ookathowshemanhandl edyouyest
erday

Si
no:Youdon'
tunderst
andus!Yesshe'
srough
ar
oundtheedgesbutshelov
esme

Me:
Keepont
hinki
ngt
hat
!
Si
no:I
fthat'
showyoufeel
,thenokay
..Sui
tyour
sel
fI
wasonl
yt r
yingt
ohel
p

Me:Iknowwhensomeonesay sthat
,itmeans
bet
rayal
..Not
hingbutbet
ray
al!

QHUMA

Tsonga:
Sohowi
sitgoi
ngwi
thVukani
?

Me:
Ithi
nkhe'
sback

Tsonga:
Real
l
y?

Me:Yes..Hewasv
eryf
ort
hcomi
ngaboutGuzi
k'
s
busi
nesses
Tsonga:
I'
m gl
adhe'
sst
il
lonoursi
de

Me:
Met
oo
.
Tobecont
inued
91

FUTHI

Idecidedtoputapieceofclothi
nthelockto
preventthedoorfr
om closi
ngful
lywhenwewent
out..Soit'
l
lbeeasi
erformet osneakoutanddot
his
shitforDoshi
a..

Iwait
edwhi l
elayi
ngbackonmybunkerf ort
he
pri
sontobequi et
.Wheni twas, Iknewi twast i
me.
Theonlythi
ngmaki ngnoisewasDoshi aandSino
havi
ngsex.Wi t
hhowDoshi awasmoani ng,made
mequestionhowt hehellshewasenj oyingsexwith
agirl
.Howt hehelli
sDoshiahi t
tingit
?Shedoesn' t
haveadick.I'
l
lneverunderstandLesbi ans!

Igotoutofbedandsnuckmywayout,I
'
llhav
etobe
caref
ulonthecor
ri
dors.Wal
kwithmybackagai
nst
thewallsi
ncecamer
asonlycapt
uret
hepathway
thanthecel l
s.IhavetomakesureIavoi
dthe
wardenst oo,unti
lIgettot
hekit
chen.
.I'
veneverhad
tobet hi
ssi l
enceandquickinmyli
febefor
e,even
myf ootsteps.HadtomakesurethatImoveatar at
pace,quickandsi l
ent.
.

VUKANI

Slahl
adroppedusbytherestaur
ant
.Iwasdressed
up,hadthebri
efcaset
oo.SamesuitasthePoli
ti
cian,
asthejobentai
led.
.Tofoolt
hesecuri
tyatt
he
parki
nglot
..

Sl
ahl
e:Ya'
l
lknowwhaty
ouneedt
odo?
Pl
essi
s:Pi
eceofst
rawber
rycake
Sl
ahl
a:I
'
m good

Wegotoutandmadeourwayt
otherest
aurant
.I
hav
etokeepmyheaddown,av
oidf
acial
recogni
ti
on
byt
hecamer
as.
.

Wewal kedin,keepingourcool
..Thehatwas
worki
ngov ert
imei nhidi
ngmyidentit
y,t
hat
'stheonl
y
t
hingwecoul dn'tmatchbecauseIhavetohidemy
i
denti
ty..

Wait
ress:Goodev
eni
ngGent
lemen,
wel
comet
o
Pal
mer i
as

Pl
essi
s:Thanky
ou

Wai
tr
ess:
Pleasesi
gnandI
'
llgety
ouat
abl
e

IlookedatPlessi
s,hesi
gnedf
orus.Iknowi
t'
sa
fakesignat
ure..

Wai
tr
ess:
Pleaset
hissi
de
Wef
oll
owedher
..

Ilookedaround,
itwasn'
tful
l.I
t'
saver
yexpensi
ve
restaur
antforarandom Per
sontoj
ustpul
lup.
.

I
RENE

Iwastossi
ngandtur
ninginbed.Icoul
dn'
tsl
eep,
Vukaniwasout
.Thoughheliedhiswaytogoout,
I
knewverywel
ldeepwithi
nmet hathewasgett
ing
uptonogood..

Ineedt obehonestwithmysel
f,Myhusbandandt he
Fatherofmychildisacrimi
nal
.That'swhatheis,
that'
swhathechoset obeandIhav etoacceptthat
oneday .Thi
s,hi
sli
festyl
ewil
lei
therendwithserious
i
mpr isonmentordeath.
.
IdoubtVukaniwil
ldi
eanat ural
deat
h,he'
sei
ther
gonnabekill
edordiethroughanacci
dent
.Cr
iminal
s
al
mosthav ethesamef ait
h..

Iwantedtoprayforhi
m, Iwantedtopr ayf
orhis
prot
ecti
onbuthowdoIdi sr
espectGodl i
kethat?
HowdoIaskGodt oprotectsomeonewhoi sgoing
outther
etogetupt onogood?Ij ustneedtotrai
n
myheart.Prepar
eforthewor stbecauseoneday ,t
he
worstwil
lfi
ndhim..

FUTHI

Ionlyletoutasi ghofr eli

efwhenIgott othekitchen.
Itwasdar kandqui et
.Thedoori sneverlocked.I
mademywayt ot hestoreroom,it'
sthemost
darkest.Doshiat oldmet hatherParcelwill
beunder
theboxofcabbages, Ihadtousemyhandst ofeel
anddifferent
iatet hevegetables.
.
Tookmeatl east15mintofindi
t,becausethere
wereatleast3boxesfullwi
thcabbages.Itwas
bur
ieddeepunder neat
h,undert
helastbox.Itwasn't
abigParcel,It
ookitandputiti
nmypant s..If
ixed
myselfandwal kedout
,backtotheCell
s..

AsIwaswal
kingdownthecor
ridor
,Thegav
ernor
pul
l
edupwit
ht woguar
ds.Ist
opped..

Governor:Wehavebeenonaler
taboutdrugs
comingintothi
spri
son,we'
vebeenwait
ingtofi
nd
theculpr
it
.Ihopei
t'
snotyou!

VUKANI

Weor
der
edwhi
skey
..

Isawt
hePol
i
tici
ansi
tt
ingwi
thanot
hergent
leman.
.
Pl
essi
s:Al
most

Me:
Ikeptonf
ondl
i
ngwi
tht
hekey

Plessi
s:Don'
tworryi
t'
l
lbefine,
wheny ousucceedi
n
thi
sjobyou'l
lsee.
.Onthenextyou'
l
lfeell
ess
nervous

Myonl yconcernwasmyf amil

y,can'tputthem
thr
ought hi
sagain.Ican'
tmissbeingapr esent
Fathertoanotherki
dagain.
.

Ihavebeengiv
enasecondchance, and
unfor
tunat
elyi
tcamewhi l
stIonlyknowhowtobe
whatIam.Iam anexconf orGoodnesssake!
,i
f
peoplewit
hquali
fi
cat
ionscan'tgetajob,
whatabout
me? ?

Ineedt
opr
ovi
def
ormyf
ami
l
y,I
'
mtheonl
y
br
eadwi
nner
..

FUTHI

Iwasroughl
yheldagai
nstt
hewal
l
.Theyf
ri
skedme.
.
Coul
dn'tf
indany
thi
ng..

Me:
Please.
.Ionl
ycameher
ebecauseIwashungr
y

Gov
ernor
:Takeof
fyourpant
s

Me:
What
?

Gav
ernor
:Pant
s

It
ookof
fthePant
s,t
hePar
cel
fel
l
..
Gav
ernor
:Whatdowehav
eher
e?

Me:
Icanexpl
ain.
.It
'snotmi
ne,
Uhm.
.Doshi
aasked
metogeti
t

Gavenor
:You'
v ej
ustadded15yearstoyour
sent
ence,j
ustknowev enwhenyouinnocenty
ou'
l
l
havethi
scharge!

Me:
Please.
.

Gav
ernor
:Takehert
osol
i
tar
y

Me:
Noo.
.Pl
ease.
.

Theguar
dst
ookmeaway
..

VUKANI
Pl
essi
s:Let
'sgo

Itwasaft
erwe'
veset
tl
edthebi
llf
orourl
i
ghtmeal
andwhiskeyt
hatwewentout
..

Wemadeourwayt otheParki
nglot
.That
'swhere
thef
earcame.Ikeptmycoolaswepassedthe
guar
dattheparki
ng..

Guar
d:Gent
lemen

Wegr
eet
edback,
Ist
il
lkeptmyheaddown.
.

Pl
essi
s:St
op

Ist
opped.
.
Wemadei
tseem l
i
kewewer
econv
ersi
ng.
.

Pl
essi
s:Pr
esst
hebut
ton

Ipr
essedt
hebut
ton,
itl
edust
oanE-
class.

Pl
essi
s:Thatwasabi
ggame(
Laughi
ng)

Me:
I'
mtel
l
ingy
ou!

Wemadeourwayt
otheE-
class.
.

FUTHI

Theythr
ewmei
n,Iam meantt
ost
ayher
efor3
days.
.
Me:
Please.
.Youdon'
tunder
stand(
cry
ing)

Theyl
ocked.Ther
ewasnot hi
ngher
eothert
hant
he
toi
l
et,
mattressablanketandasmalll
i
ght.
.

Me:
Youdon'
tunder
stand(
Cry
ing)

VUKANI

Wegoti
nsi
det
hecar
..

Pl
essi
s:Justdr
ive

Istar
teditandt
henwedr
oveoutoft
hepar
kingl
ot,
casuall
yso..

It
ookadeepbr
eat
h..
Pl
essi
s:See.
.Itwast
hateasy
.
Tobecont
inued
92

VUKANI

Wedr ovestrai
ghtint
othegar ageperGuzi k'
s
i
nstructi
ons.Wechangedandgotpai d.20keach,
whathappenst othecaristheirresponsibi
li
ty.We
didourpart,webroughti
tin.It'
snol ongerour
responsi
bil
it
yanymor e.

Idrov
ebackhomet hatnightfeel
ingconfi
dentinmy
newjob,itwassoeasy.Easyatisbutitcanalsobe
dangerous,soI
'
m grat
efulthati
twentwel l
..

20kforacart hat
'sr
easonabl
e,basi
call
yifwet
arget
Mercsthismont hIwouldwal
kawaywi th
approxi
mat el
y60kbecausewedo3car samonth,or
Ido3car samont hfornowsinceI'
m st
ill
on
probati
on..
FUTHI

Whent heli
ghtgoesof f.
.That'
swherethereal
darknesscomesi n,t
hesilenceandyouonlyhave
nothingbutyourownt houghtskeepi
ngyou
company .Goodorbadt houghts,t
hat'
swhenyousit
thereandtakeitall
in.
.

Feltl
i
keIwaslosi
ngit,Mpil
o'
svoicekepton
tormenti
ngmyears.Ever
ywhereItur
nedmyhead,
hispi
cturewi
l
lfl
ash..

Iscreamed,
cried,
butnoonewashear
ingme.No
onewascomi ngforme.I'
minthi
sshi
thol
e,i
t'
sti
me
Itr
yt ol
iv
ewiththereal
i
tyofi
t.
.

15years?15year
sonacr imeIdidn'
tcommi t
.Iwas
setup,howdoIevenbegintoprovemyinnocence??
Theyhavealr
eadyprocl
aimedusani mal
s,not
hing
butdir
t.WhatdoIsaythatcanpardonmycase?
Not
hing!
!

I
RENE

Iwasonl yabl
etocatchabreathwhenIheardhim
unlocki
ngandwalkingin.
.That'
sal
lIcando,hope
thathecomesbackhomesaf eandsound.
.

Ipretendedt
obeasleepunti
lhegoti
nbed,
andl
aid
behindmehol di
ngmetight
..

Idi
dn'tevenf
eelt
heneedtoaskquesti
ons,
Iwas
j
ustreli
evedt
hathewashomesafe..
.

QHUMA

Endainter
rupt
edmythoughtsthatmor
ningasIsat
atthetabl
eeati
ngbr
eakfast
..
Enda:
Goodmor
ning

Sheki
ssedmeont
hecheek.
.

Enda:
Apennyf
ory
ourt
hought
s?

Me:
Sor
ry

Enda:
What
'swr
ong?

Me:If
eel
li
keVukani
andIwear
enol
ongersai
l
ing
ont
hesameboat

Enda:
Why
?

Me:
Idon'
tknow.
.Forsomer
easonhi
sbecomi
ng
di
stant

Enda:
It'
sunder
standabl
e.I
renei
spregnant
,he'
s
goi
ngtospendmor eti
mewi t
hher

Me:
Naai
t'
snott
hat
..

Enda:Wel
ljustgi
vehi
mt i
me, hedi
dlosehi
sSonand
nowhe'sgett
inganot
herchancetobeafat
herso.
.
Lethi
m be

I
RENE

Hewastiptoei
ngaroundmethismor
ning,
probabl
y
f
eel
ingguil
tyaboutl
astni
ght
..

Me:
Youdon'
thav
etodr
ivemet
owor
kyouknow
Vukani
:It
'snotahassl
e,i
fitwasupt
omeI
'
ddr
ive
youever
ydayandpickyouup

Me:
That
'ssweetbutI
'
m abi
ggi
rl

Vukani
:Howdoy
ouf
eel
aboutmeget
ti
ngy
ouacar
?

Me:
Canweaf
for
dthat
?

Vukani
:Youcan'
tbutIcan

Il
ookedathi
m..

Vukani
:Badj
oke

Me:Idon'
tneedacar
,car
sareexpensi
ve.Idon'
t
wantyouspendi
ngonmealot,
I'
m happywi t
hour
moresett
ledl
if
e
Vukani:
Aft
ert
hatacci
dent
,I'
m nol
ongert
aki
ng
chances

Me:
Arey
ousur
eaboutt
his?

Vukani
:Iam

Me:
Okayt
henIguesswecangett
hecar

Heki
ssedme.
.

Vukani
:That
'smygi
rl

FUTHI

Idon'
tknowwhati
nsani
tyi
sthi
s,Idon'
tknowi
fit
's
all
owedornotbut..Theywer en'tgoi
ngtoal
lowme
tobathwhil
stI'
m confi
ded,theyonl ybr
ingmefood.
Thetoil
etdoesn'
tevenflushpr operl
y.
.

Thi
swast
hegr
eat
esthel
ltoev
erexi
st.
.

Thedooropened,t
heypushedi
nthet
ray
.Cl
osed
agai
n..I
twassoftpor
ri
dge..

Iwentt
ogeti
t,nosugarj
ustv
inegari
nitandi
thad
l
umps..

Ihadnochoi
cebutt
opusht
hroughi
t.
.

DRBONE

Shewel
comedmei
n..
NaTshabal
ala:
Bandi
l
e

Me:
Ma

Her
:Unj
ani
?(Howar
eyou)

Me:
I'
m goodandy
ou?

Her
:Ngi
yaphi
l
a(I
'
m good)

Il
ookedar
ound.
.

Her
:CanIgety
ousomet
hingt
odr
ink?

Me:
Not
hanky
ouI
'
m notst
ayi
ngf
orl
ong

Her
:I'
m guessi
ngy
ounother
etoseehowI
'
m
hol
dingup

Me:
No.
.IsFut
hiar
ound?

Her
:Noshe'
snother
e..Fut
hii
sar
rest
ed

Me:
When?

Her:EyyIdon'
trememberbutshe'sbeenar
rested
forki
ll
i
ngMpi l
o,Vukaniopenedacaseagai
nsther.I
knowshe'smyDaught erbutshedeser
vesi
t,I
'm not
evenproudtocallhermyDaughter

Me:
Ohw

Her
:Di
dyouwantsomet
hingf
rom her
?

Me:
No.
.I.
.Idi
dn'
tneedany
thi
ng
Ij
ustwantedtoconf
ir
mthatt
heal
l
egat
ionswer
e
tr
ue,not
hingmuch.
.
Tobecont
inued
93

FUTHI

AFEW DAYSLATER

Iwastakenoutofsol
i
taryconfi
nementbacktomy
cel
l
..Mycellmatesweresi
tti
ngonthei
rbunkers.
.

ThebarsopenedandIwalkedi
n,t
heycl
osedbehi
nd
me..Iwalkedupst
rai
ghtt
omybunker,mybodywas
achi
ng..

Il
aiddown,andt
henoi
sedi
eddown.IsawDoshi
a
l
eaningoverme.
.

Doshi
a:Wher
ear
emydr
ugs?
Me:
TheGov
ernorhast
hem
Doshi
a:Thatst
ashi
swor
th8k
Me:
Wel
lIdon'
tknowwhatt
otel
lyou
Shegr
abbedmebymycl
othesandsatmeup.
.

Doshi
a:Doy
ouknowt
het
roubl
eyouar
einr
ightnow?
Youoweme8k

Me:
Idon'
tcar
e!!Ir
eal
l
ydon'
tcar
e!

Shechuckl
edandl
etgoofme.
.

Doshi
a:Ver
ywel
l

Shet ur
nedaroundandt
ooktwostepsf
orward,she
turnedaroundagai
nandpunchedmeacrossthe
face..
.

Iwashav
ingal
otofst
ressofmyown,
thatpunch
gottome.Igotupandpunchedherback.She
stagger
edbackwar
ds.
.

Oneofthecel
l
mat
eswal
kedov
ert
oputasheetov
er
t
hebars..

Doshi
alookedatme.
.Shespatont
hegr
ound.
.

Doshi
a:Hol
dherdown!

Theycameandheldmedowntomyknees.If
eltt
he
i
mpactofherkneeonmynose.
.

Shewal
kedtothecabinet
.Tookoutasockandput
i
ntwobarsofsunl
ightsoaps.Shecametomeand
swungt
hem onmyf ace..

VUKANI
Il
ookedatt
hem.
.

Me:
Sot
hisi
sthepl
an

Il
aidi
tdownont
het
abl
efort
hem.
.

Me:Thewar ehousehas3guardsoutsi
de,t
wo
guardsi
nside.
.Wet akedowntheonesoutsi
dethen
theonesinsi
de,wegetthestashandweleave

Tsonga:
Camer
as?

Me:
Not hi
ng,
theycommunicatewit
hwalkie-
talki
es
t
oaler
ttheother
s.I
ttakesatl
east6mi
nf orothers
t
ocome

Boy
zini
:Thi
sissui
cide,
wecan'
tdot
his!
Qhuma:
Weout
number
ed

Me:
Wenot

Tsonga:
Ibel
i
evewear
e

Me:
Youhav
eani
nsi
demanr
emember
,me

Tsonga:
Andhowwi
l
lyoupl
ayi
t?

Me: Depart
mentchange,I
'l
lgowi
thoneofyou.It
'
ll
beeasyt orestr
aint
heonesout
sidewi
thoutal
ert
ing
theonesinside,t
henthet
woofyougoinandgett he
stash.
.Anyr ol
eisfi
newit
hme

Tsonga:
Soundsl
i
keapl
an
Qhuma:
It'
sal
laboutbei
ngf
ast

Me:
Ver
ywel
l

I
RENE

Vukaniendedupgetti
ngmet hecar
,aSuzukiswif
t.
Secondhand.18k.Wasn'tinthebestcondi
ti
onbutit
wasalsonotbad,especial
lysinceI
'
llbeusi
ngitto
gotowor k,
andthemal lnotalongdist
antdr
ive
becauseitwon'
tpull
through..

Iwashappynev
ert
hel
ess,
it'
sagoodst
art
..

Thenauseawasst art
ingtobeunbear abl
enow,butI
kepti
tal
ltogetheratwork.Especi
all
ysinceLi
sahas
shownthatshediskil
esme.Idon'twannabegiving
hermorereasonstoannoymeconst antl
y.
.
Natal
i
e:Iboughtsomebol
ti
ng,
youcanhav
eify
ou
want

Me:
Nopr
obl
em.
.Thanky
ouNat

Li
sawal
kedi
n,Icar
ri
edonwi
thmywor
k..

Li
sa:I'
m goi
ngoutforawhil
e,Ihaveafami
ly
emergencyt
oattendtoo.
.It
rustthaty
ouguyswi
l
l
behave

Nat
:Wewi
l
lbeokayTanni
eLi
sa

Li
sa:I
'
llbeback,
pleaseanswermyphonei
nmy
of
fi
ce

Nat
:Okay
Li
sa:
Irenemakesurethebi
nsar
eempt
iedandt
her
e
ar
enodi shesi
nthesi
nk

Idi
dn'
tsayany
thi
ng,
shewal
kedout
..

FUTHI

Iwasonthegroundinpai
n.Coughi
ngandspi
tt
ing
outbl
ood.Myfacefel
tswoll
en,pai
nsur
ged
thr
oughoutmybody..

Isawt
heGuar
dmaki
nghi
swayi
n..

Guar
d:Whathappenedher
e?

Noonesai
dany
thi
ng.
.

Guar
d:Isai
dwhathappenedher
e?
Doshi
a:Justami
sunder
standi
ng

Guar
d:Whoi
sresponsi
blef
ort
his?

Me:
D..Doshi
a

Guar
d:Doshi
a?

Doshi
a:I
twasj
ustami
sunder
standi
ng

Guar
d: You'
l
lbespendi
ngt
woweeksi
nsol
i
tar
y
conf
inement.
.Let
'sgo

TheGuardgr
abbedherar
m,Doshi
aki
ckedmeon
myface.
.
Guar
d:Makei
t3-
4weeks!

Si
nocamet
ohel
pmeup.
.

VUKANI

Qhuma:VukaniandIwewil
lhandl
etheguards
out
side,
TsongaandBoyzi
niwil
lgoinandtakethe
par
cel

Me:
Remembergent
lemen,
weonl
yhav
e6mi
nut
es

Boy
zini
:Yes.
.

Tsonga:
Theshi
pmenti
swor
thhowmuch?

Me:
150k
Tsongawhi
stl
ed.
.

Tsonga:
That
'sal
otofdoe

Me:
Theysol
daf
ew

Qhuma:
Shi
pmentwor
th150ki
sst
il
lenough

Me:
It'
sal
otofmoney

Qhuma:
Iagr
ee

Tsonga:
Iguesswewi
l
lseeeachot
herl
ateront
hen

Qhuma:
Yes.
.Wemeether
elat
eron
Me:
18:
00,
don'
tbel
ate

Boy
zini
:Wewon'
t

Theywal
kedoutandIr
emai
nedwi
thQhuma.
.

Qhuma:VukaniIwantyout oknowt hatIunder

stand
t
hedangery ouputt
ingy
our selfi
n,andwear ebehi
nd
you.WeareBrother
safterallandwewi l
lalwaysbe
l
oyaltoeachother

Me:Iknow,IfGuzi
kfi
ndsoutt
hati
t'
sme,I
'm goi
ng
tobeinalotoftr
oubl
e..I
t'
smyheadont
he
choppi
ngblock.Hetr
ustsme

Qhuma:
Iknow

Me:
Hemi
ghtev
engoaf
termywi
fe,
myunbor
n
baby
..Mywhol
eent
ir
efami
l
y

Qhuma:Vukani
..Hav
eIev
erl
etyoudown?Iam the
samePersonwhomadetheassaul
tcasegoaway

Me:
Iknow.
.Wegott
his

Qhuma:
I'
ll
gogetbeer
s

Hewalkedout
,It
ookoutmyphoneandt
ext
ed
Guzi
k..

"
It
'son.
.Wear
eon.
.Thepl
anhasbeen
i
mplement
ed"

TheplanistofuckQhumaup,whenwegetther
e
i
nsidethey'
l
lbemor eguar
ds.Theplani
stodoaway
wit
hhimf orgood..El
i
minat
ehim..
QHUMA

Iwal
kedout
side.
.

It
ookoutmyphoneandcal
l
edBoy
zini
..

Me:Aler
tthebackup,
18:
00.
.If
uckendon'
ttr
ust
Vukanif
orshi
t

Boy
zini
:I'
l
ldoso

Me:Good.Theywil
lfol
lowusatadi st
ance.When
wegetthere,i
fwegetscr
ewedt heymustopenfir
e.
Shootanyoneandever
yoneexceptforMe,You,and
Tsonga

Boy
zini
:Ev
enVukani
?
Me:
Especi
all
yVukani
!

.
Tobecont
inued
94

SEASONFI
NALE[
SIXBULLETS]

FUTHI

Thetreatmentt hatIwasget t
inginthemedical
ward
wasbet tert
hanbei ngouttherewi t
hthose
Hooligans.Itwaspeacef ul
,Icouldrest
.Getagood
rest
,somet hingIhaven'thadforawhi l
enow.Myli
fe
notfeeli
ngt hreat
ened,andthef oodtast
edbett
er
too.
.

Myf acewasswoll
enandpainful
,mylef
tey
etot
all
y
shutandmyrighteyepar
ti
all
yopen.

Idon'
tknowwhattheygav
emebuti
thel
ped
mini
mizethepai
n..
.
Iam onewhohasnev erthoughtaboutsuici
deno
mat terhowhect i
cthingsget.Neverthoughtabout
endingmyl ifejustsatdownandt houghtofev ery
detail.Somet imesIwoul dfeeli
t'
l
l bebett
erifIcould
die,butIdon' tr eal
lyknow.Doesdeat hgetbetter?
Nooneact uallyknows.Seemsl ifeandearthar e
bothdi ff
icult,somepeopl ebecomeshi t
tyancestors
attheend. .

I
RENE

Vukaniwasprepar
inghimselft
ogoout
,Icoul
dsee
hewassearchingforagoodenoughr
easontoo.He
hasexhaust
edallhisexcuses.
.

Vukani
:Canwet
alk?Ihav
esomet
hingt
otal
ktoy
ou
about

Me:
Soundsser
ious
Vukani
:Iti
s

Me:
Youdi
dn'
tcheatagai
nri
ght
?

Vukani
:No.
.No.
.I'
m notcheat
ing

Me:
Then?

Vukani
:Eversi
ncewegotbacktogether
,Idon'
twant
ustoli
veondishonest
yorhaveanyt
hingelset
hat
mightpot
enti
all
ybreakusapar
t

Il
i
stenedt
ohi
m..

Vukani
:Ihav
en'
tbeenqui
tehonestwi
thy
ou,
I.
.Iam.
.

Hewi
pedhi
sli
pswi
thhi
sthumb.
.
Vukani
:I'
m notoutoft
hegame

Me:
Whatgame?

Vukani
:I'
m st
il
ldeal
i
nganddoi
ngal
otofi
l
legal
thi
ngs

Me:
Ohw

Vukani
:Il
ovey
ouI
rene.
.Idon'
twannal
osey
ouov
er
th-

Me:
Wil
lyoucomebackhome?Ev
ery
day
?

Vukani
:Huh?
Me:
Promi
semey
ou'
l
lcomehomeev
ery
day

Vukani
:Ipr
omi
se

Me:
That
'swhatIwannahear

Vukani
:Soy
ounotmad?

Me:NoI '
m not
..What
everIsayyoust
il
lgoingt
odo
i
tanywaybehindmyback,that'
snott
hetypeof
r
elat
ionshi
pIwantustohav e

Vukani
:Iunder
stand

Heputhi
shandonmycheek.
.

Vukani:Ipr
omise.
.Noharm wi
llcomet
oyouorour
baby,notwhenI'
m st
il
lbr
eathi
ng
QHUMA

Boy
zini
:Wher
ethef
ucki
she?

Tsonga:
Don'tt
ell
met
hathehaschi
ckenedoutof
hi
sownpl an

Me:Hedidchi
ckenout.
.He'
snotherebecausehe
wasset
ti
ngusup,probabl
ychangedhi
smi ndal
ong
t
heway

Tsonga:No.
.Vukani
isnotst
upi
dtobet
rayGuzi
k,
he'
llhanghi
m

Boy
zini
:Hewoul
dn'
tputI
renei
ndangerl
i
ket
hat

Me:
Idon'
tunder
stand.
.Hehasababyont
heway
,
Somet
hingmor
ePreci
ousthanmoneywhywoul
dhe
messi
tup?Heknowsitwon'
tendwel
lforhi
m

Tsonga:
Ithi
nkweshoul
dbeati
t,di
ethi
sshi
tdown

Boy
zini
:Her
ehecomes

Tsonga:
It'
saboutt
ime!

I
RENE

Whenhelef
t,Iwenttot
hehouse.
.Zuxi
eandThando
wer
ewatchi
ngTV. .
.

Zuxi
e:Wher
eisVukani
?

Me:
Stockcountatt
hebot
tl
est
ore
Ihat
ely
ing.
.

Me:
He'
l
lbebacksoon,
may
bel
atebuthe'
l
lbeback

Zuxi
e:IknowI
rene,
it'
sjustt
hebot
tl
est
ore

If
akedasmi
l
e..

Thando:
Irenel
et'
sgomakedesser
t

Me:
Uhm sur
e

Wewal
kedt
otheki
tchen.
.

Zuxi
e:Justmakemeacupoft
ea
Me:
I'
ll
gett
hebowl
s

Thando:
Hedi
dn'
tgot
othebot
tl
est
orer
ight
?

Ial
mostdr
oppedt
hebowl
s..

Me:
He.
.Hewentt
her
e

Thando:
Hehasgonesomewher
e,somewher
enot
saf
e

Iputt
hebowl
sont
hecount
er.
.

Me:
Wecan'
ttel
lyourMot
her

Thando:Dammi
tIr
ene!Theyhav
eitf
orhi
m,howcan
wenottalk?
Me:Thi
ngsarebett
erbet
weenal
lofusmor
ethan
t
heyhaveeverbeen

Thando:
Theywoul
dn'
tbei
fhe'
slockedup

Me:
He'
snotgonnagetl
ockedup!
!

Iwal
kedupt
oher
..
.

Me:
Youcan'
ttel
lany
oneaboutt
his,
especi
all
yyour
Mot
her

Shel
ookedatme.
.

Me:
Thandopr
omi
se
Thando:
Ipr
omi
se

VUKANI

Igotoutofthecarandwal
keduptothem,
underneat
hIwaswear i
ngabul
letpr
oofvest
..

Qhuma:
Wher
ethef
uckhav
eyoubeen?

Me:Unl
i
keyouQhuma,someofushav
ewi v
estoli
e
too.
.Wi
veswhodon'
tknowany
thi
ngaboutwhatwe
do

Qhuma:
Don'
tgi
vemet
hatshi
t!

Me:Okaywhydon'twebot
hdr
iveupt
omyhouse
andfuckent
ell
herthet
rut
h
Qhuma:
Don'
tfuckwi
thme!

Boyzi
ni:
Arewedoingt
hisYesorNo?We'
veal
ready
wastedenought
ime

Qhuma:
Let
'sgo

Me:
Per
fect

Wewer
eal
ldr
ivi
ngt
oget
heri
nonecar
..

Qhumapul
l
edmet
othesi
de.
.

Qhuma:Ifyoufuckusup,Isweart hisbabyyou
l
ooki
ngf or
wardtohavi
ng. .I
'
m goingt omakesure
t
hatall
youhol di
sthebloodt hatyourwifei
sgoing
t
obleedprofusel
ydownt here..Ar
ewecl ear
?
Me:Firstandfor
emost
,don'
tev
ergrabmyarm.If
youdo, I
'l
lmakeEndar
ecei
vesyour
s..I
nabox,
wrapped!

Boy
zini
:Guy
s!

Ispatont
hegr
oundandwentt
othecar
..

I
RENE

Ikeptonst
ir
ri
ngt
hroughmyi
cecr
eam whi
chwas
melti
ng.
.

ThandoandIkeptonl
ooki
ngateachot
her
..

Zuxi
e:What'
sgoi
ngonwi
thy
out
wo?Doy
out
wo
needaroom?
Me:
No

Thando:
Why
?

Zuxi
e:Idon'
tknow.
.Youtel
lmeal
lthewhisper
ingin
theki
tchennowact
ingawkwar
d,whatar
ey ouhidi
ng?

Me:
Not
hing.
.Wehi
dingnot
hing

Zuxi
e:Thenst
opmaki
ngt
hisawkwar
d

ENDA

Iheardaknockatt
hedoor
,weonl
ylockt
hegat
e
l
ate..

Me:
I'
m comi
ng.
.Ir
enei
sity
ou?
Iunl
ockedandopened.
.

Me:
Off
icer
?

Of
fi
cer
:Goodev
eni
ngMam

Me:
Goodev
eni
ng

Of
fi
cer
:MayIpl
easecomei
n

Me:
Uhm.
.Idon'
tknow.
.WhatcanIhel
pyouwi
th?

Of
fi
cer
:Isy
ourHusbandQhuma?

Me:
Yeswhy
?
Of
fi
cer
:It
hinkIshoul
dcomei
n

Il
ethi
min.
.

Me:
Whataboutmyhusband?

Of
fi
cer:Ther
ewasanacci
dent
,pl
easecal
lhi
mto
makesurehe'
sokay

Me:
Letmegetmyphone

Iwentandgotmyphone,
Ical
l
edhi
m..

Qhuma:
EndaIdi
dsaynocal
l
sunt
ilIcomeback

Me:Anof f
iceri
sher
esay
ingy
ougoti
nvol
vedi
na
caracci
dent
Qhuma:
Whatof
fi
cer
?

Il
ookedathi
m..

Of
fi
cer
:Bone

Me:
B..

Qhuma:
Enda.
.Hei
sn-

Me:
Ithi
nkI
'
vej
ustr
eal
i
zedt
hat

Bone:
Giv
emet
hephonepl
ease

Ihandedhi
mthephone.
.
Tobecont
inued
95

QHUMA

Itr
iedtor emaincal
m, di
dn'
twannagiveitawayt
hat
I'
m pissed,worri
edandpossibl
yabouttolosemy
wife.Idon'tknowthi
sBonetoowelltosayhewon't
doi t
..

Me:Ngenaendabeni
(Saywhat
everi
tist
haty
ou
wantt
osay)

Bone:
Iknowy
ouf
ramedmewi
thI
rene'
sacci
dent

Me:
Ist
hiswhyy
oudoi
ngt
his?

Bone:
I'
veseeny
ourcur
vebal
lQhuma
Me:
Whatdoy
ouwantnow?Af
uckenpar
ty?

Bone:No..Iwantyouseehowitfeel
sli
kewheny
ou
i
ncludefami l
yinabusi
ness!Whenyouinv
olv
e
someoneel se'
swif
e

Me:
Ithi
nkt
hewr
ongper
soni
sseeki
ngt
her
evenge

Bone:Youwill
stayawayfrom Vukani'
sfamil
y
becauseify
oudon'tnotonlyEndawillbei
ndanger
butyourexwifeandki
dstooi nOrangefar
m

Me:
Ify
out
o-

Bone:YouandIhav esomet hi
ngincommon, wear e
bothstrongtr
adit
ional
ly
.Youwi l
lnotfoolme,you
mightfoolVukanibutnotmeandIwi llgi
veyouarun
aroundformymoneybef or
eyouev enthi
nkofkil
li
ng
me
Me:
Ihav
enoquar
rel
wit
hyou

Bone:Youhadquar
rel
wit
hmewheny
ousetmeup,
that
'swher
eitst
art
ed

Me:
Ify
ouh-

Bone:
I'
mleav
ingf
ornow,
youcant
alkt
oher

Af
teraf
ewsecondsEndast
art
edt
alki
ng.
.

Enda:
Qhumawhati
sgoi
ngon?
Hehungup.
..

Me:
Didhel
eav
e?
Enda:
Yes

Me:Canyoulockal
lthedoorsandthegat
eI'
l
lget
youpeopl
etocomesur v
eil
l
ancethehouse

Enda:
Whati
shappeni
ng?

Me:Endapl
easej
ustdoasIsay
!.
.I'
l
lcal
lyouagai
n..
Il
oveyou

Enda:
Ilov
eyout
oo

Ihungup.
.

Vukani
:Ev
ery
thi
ngokay
?

Me:
Justar
ival
I
RENE

Myphoner
ang,
Iwaswashi
ngt
hebowl
s..I
twas
Enda.
.

Me:
Gir
l

Shesni
ff
ed.
.

Me:
Heywhat
'swr
ong?

Enda:
Someonecamei
ntomyhouse,
he.
.He
thr
eat
enedme

Me:
What
?Ar
eyouokay
?
Enda:
Iam f
inef
ornow

Me:
Who?Imeandi
dyour
ecogni
zet
hePer
son?

Enda:
Auhm.
.Bone

Me:Thatdoesn'
tmakesense.
.Hewassai
dtobei
n
Kzn,
He'sback

Enda:
Itseemsso,
He'
sbackandhescar
edme

Me:Idon'
tunder
standwhywoul
dVukani
'
sfr
iend
t
hreat
enyou?

Enda:
Hei
sVukani
'
sfr
iend?

Me:Yes.Doesn'
tmakesenseHei
ssai
dtobeav
ery
goodguytoo
Enda:
Idon'
tknowwhat
'sgoi
ngon

Me:
Doy
ouwantmet
ocome?

Enda:
Yespl
ease

Me:
I'
m comi
ng

VUKANI

Wepul
ledupatt
hewarehouse,
itwasdar
kbutwe
sawt
woGuardspat
rol
l
ingoutsi
de.

Me:
Weher
e

Boy
zini
:Seemsl
i
keVukani
wasr
ight
,Twoguar
ds
out
side

Me:
Arey
our
eady
?

Qhuma:
Let
'sgo

Me:Qhumal et
'sgofi
rst
, t
heyshouldn'
tknowwe
havetheothertwohere..Wewillgofir
stappr
ehend
them andthenwhenwear edone,youwil
lcomeand
dealwitht
heonesi nsi
de

Tsonga:
Yaasur
e

Me:
Qhumaar
eyour
eady
?

Qhuma:
Let
'sgo

Wegotoutoft
hecarandwal
kedupt
othem,
had
ourgunssowewi
l
lactbef
oret
heyt
ryt
osear
chus.
.

Me:
Gent
lemen

Theyl
ookedatme.
.

Me:Mynamei
sVukani
,Iwor
kforGuzi
k..Her
e'smy
pass

It
ri
edt
opul
li
toutf
rom mypocket
..

Guar
d1:
Wai
t

Hedr
ewushi
sgun.
.

Me:
It'
sjustapass
Guar
d1:
Drawi
toutsl
owl
y

Idr
ewi
toutsl
owl
y.
.

Me:
Her
e

Hecameandt
ooki
tfr
om me.
.Hel
ookedati
t.
.

Guar
d1:
Andwhoi
sthi
s?

Me:
Anewassoci
ate,
Hei
sher
etol
ear
n

Guar
d2:
Guzi
kdidn'
tsayany
thi
ngaboutnewpeopl
e
comi
ngt
oni
ght

Me: Whywouldhe?Guzi
krunsal
otofbusi
nesses,
he'sabusyPersont
hat'
swhyhehaspeopl
ewor ki
ng
forhi
m
Guar
d2:
Letmecal
landconf
ir
m

Qhumatookouthi
sgun,
mov
edcl
osert
otheGuar
d
andpoi
ntedi
thim.
.

Qhuma:
Don'
tev
ent
hinkabouti
t

Thef
ir
stGuardhadhi sgunwi
thhim,
butQhuma
wasmorequi
cker.Ipull
edoutminet
ooandpoi
nted
i
tatt
hesecondGuar d..

Me:
Youshoul
dn'
thav
edonet
hat

Qhuma:
Hewasgoi
ngt
ocal
lGuzi
k!

I
RENE
Me:
Her
e'sy
ourcupoft
ea

Enda:
Thanky
ou

Me:Ist
il
ldon'
tgeti
t,Bonewant
ingt
ohar
myou
makesnosenseatall

Enda:Hedi
dn'tt
ryt
oharm me,buthedi
dwantto
putoutast
atementtomyhusband.Whoknows
maybenextti
mehewi l
lreal
l
ydoit

Me:
I'
m sor
ry.
.We'
l
ltr
ytogett
othebot
tom ofi
t

Enda:WhathasQhumagot
tenhi
msel
fint
o?Whati
s
thi
s?

Me:
Idon'
tknow.
.I'
mjustgl
adt
haty
ouar
eokay
Enda:
Thanky
ouf
orcomi
ng

Me:
Youar
ewel
come

VUKANI

BoyziniandTsongapul
ledt
hrough,
wehav
eal
ready
rest
rainedtheot
hertwoout
side.
.

Tsonga:
Let
'sgo

Qhuma:
Wai
t

Theyst
opped.
.

Qhuma:
Boy
zini
goi
nwi
thVukani
Me:
Why
?

Qhuma:Becausey
ouwor
kher
eremember
,soy
ou
knowthepl
acebett
er

Me:
Ihav
en'
twor
kedher
eint
hiswar
ehouse

Qhuma: YouworkforGuzi
k,y
ouwi
l
lneut
ral
i
zet
he
si
tuat
ion..Takey
ourpass

Guard1:
Youguy
sknowy
ou'
l
lnev
ergetoutofher
e
al
ive

Qhuma:
We'
l
ltakeourchances

It
ookmypasst
henBoy
zini
andImadeourwayi
n..

I
twasdar
k,i
twasonl
ywhenwewer
eint
hel
i
ght
wenton.Atl
east10Guar
dsi
nsi
dei
ncl
udi
ngGuzi
k..

Boy
zini
:Fuck

Guzi
k:Dr
opy
ourguns,
youout
number
ed

Wedi
d..

Oneofhi
sGuar
dscameandr
est
rai
nedBoy
zini
..

Guzi
k:Ni
cej
ob

Boy
zini
:Wai
t.
.Youbet
ray
dus?

QHUMA

Me:
Let
'sgo
Tsonga:
Wai
twhat
?

Me:
It'
saset
upl
et'
sgetoutofher
e

Tsonga:
Wecan'
tl
eav
eVukani
int
her
eandBoy
zini

Me:
Vukani
setusup!

Tsonga:
Whatareyoutal
ki
ngabout
?Your
eal
l
y
st
arti
ngtobepar
anoid!

Me:
Vukani
waswear
ingabul
l
etpr
oofv
est
..

Ihear
dashotgoi
ngof
f.
.Thenanot
herone.
.

Iputmyhandonmyt
ummy
,oneoft
heguar
dswe'
ve
rest
rai
nedsomehowmanagedt
odr
awouthi
sgun
andshootme..

Tsonga:
No!
!
.
Tobecont
inued

Thebonusforyester
day,
apologi
esforthedelay
.By
tomorr
owwewi llgobacktoournormalearl
i
er
i
nsert
sdeli
very
..Sundayi
nsertwi
llf
oll
owt hr
ough
96

VUKANI

Weheardgunshotsout
sidegoi
ngoff.Guzi
kandI
l
ookedateachother
,wemadeourwayout side.We
sawTsongadraggi
ngQhumat othecar.
.

Guzik:
Seemslikei
t'
syourl
uckyni
ght
,youdidn'
t
havetoshoothimyour
sel
f.Fat
epl
ayedit
'spart
..

Il
ookedatthem asTsongaputhi
min,
Iwentt
o
unt
iethet
heGuar ds.
.

Me:
Arey
ouguy
sokay
?

Guar
d1:
Wef
ine
Wewal
kedbacki
nsi
det
hewar
ehouse.
.

Theywer
ety
ingupBoy
zinont
hechai
r.
.

TSONGA

Istart
edthecaranddroveof fl
ikeamadPerson,
taki
nghimt othehospi
tal.Hewasnowunconscious,
l
osingalotofblood.WorseIdidn'tev
enknowhow
tomakethebleedingstop,I'
m notski
ll
edi
nthat.
Hav enoi
deawhat soev
er...

AsIwasdr i
vi
ngoff,
ataxipassedthroughspeedi
ng.
Probablyt
hebackupthatQhumacal l
ed,theywer
e
headingst
rai
ghtt
othewar ehouse.
.

Icont
inueddr
ivi
ngst
rai
ghtt
othehospi
tal
..
VUKANI

Boyzini:
Doy outhi
nkyouar
egoingtogetawaywit
h
thi
s?Qhumai sgoi
ngtocomeaftery
ouwith
every
t hi
nghehas..He'
sonemany oudon'
twanna
messwi t
h,hewil
lcomeaft
ery
our

Guzi
k:Cansomeoneshutt
hiscl
ownup?

Theycov
eredhi
smout
h..

Guzi
k:Let
'sal
lgett
hef
uckoutofher
e,cal
li
tani
ght
!

Wehear
dsomenoi
seout
side,
acarpul
l
ingup.
.

Me:
Whati
sthat
?

Guzi
k:Gunsout
!Shootany
onewhocomest
hrough
t
hatdoor

Weallstoodtherei
noneplace,
gunsout.Thedoor
opened,buti
nsteadofany
onecomingin.Tear
gas
wasthrownin..

Guzi
k:Ev
ery
oneoutt
hrought
hebackdoor
!!

Weall
rushedt
ot hebackdoor
,whenweopened
t
hat
'swhenshotswerefir
ed.
.

Wit
hateargasi
npl
ace,
wewer
egoi
ngt
oget
f
ucked.
.

TSONGA

Iparkedbyt
hemai nent
rance,
Idraggedhim outof
thecaranddraggedhi
mi nt
othehospit
al.Hewas
bl
eedi
ngpr
ofusel
y.
.

Me:
Hel
p!!Hel
p!!Hel
p!!
!

Nur
sesr
ushedt
ous.
.

Iwaspul
l
edawaybyt
hePor
ter
..

Port
er:Si
rIneedyout
ost
epawayf
rom hersot
hat
Doctor
scanhelp

Me:
Pleasedoev
ery
thi
ngt
osav
ehi
m

Por
ter
:Theywi
l
ltr
y

VUKANI
Mostguysweregoingdown, andwithalotof
manpowerdownwedon' tstandachancet ofi
ght.
.I
gr
abbedGuzik'
sarm, hewasst r
uggl
ingtobreat
h.I
dr
aggedhim outt
ot heothermaindoorandwe
madeourwayout.Ilookedaround..

Me:
Wher
eisy
ourcar
?

Hecoughed.
.

Me:
Guzi
kwher
eisy
ourcar
?

Hepoi
nted.
.

Me:
Giv
emet
hekey
s

Hegav
emehi
skey
s..
Me:
Let
'sgo

Thestupi
dit
yoft
hem wasgoingt ot
heother
entr
ance,
andnotcoveri
ngboth.Idr
aggedhi
mtohi
s
carsowecouldl
eave..

Iunl
ocked.
.

Me:
Geti
n

Notthattheteargashasn'
taff
ectedme,
butI
'
ve
beenthroughitbefor
e.Pri
sonri
ots.
.

Ihav
eabi
tofahi
ght
oler
ancef
ori
t.
.

Istr
appedmy selfandst
artedt
hecar,t
hat'
swhenI
heardgunshots.Theywereshoot
ingatus.
.
Me:
Getdown!
!

I
RENE

Igotupandl
ookedatt
het
ime.I
twas22:
30

Hesbeengonesi
nce18:
30.
.

Icouldn'tsl
eep,Iwaswor r
ied.Iam not
knowledgeabl eaboutsuchthi
ngsbutit'
staki
ngtoo
damnl ong!.IwantedtocallbutIcoul
dn'
t,whati
fI
dist
urb..AllIcoul
ddowashopet hathecomesback..

FUTHI

TheNur
secamet
ome.
.

Nur
se:
Ithoughty
ou'
dbesl
eepi
ng
Me:
Isl
eepal
otdur
ingt
heday

Nur
se:
Isee

Me:
Ist
her
esomet
hingwr
ong?

Nur
se:No.
.Not
hingi
swrong,j
ustt
hatt
omor
row
morni
ngwewil
lbedi
schar
gingyou

Me:
Huh?

Nurse:Weneedmor ebedsandcompar edto

every
oneelseinhere,youdon'thav
eanyserious
i
njuri
esjustonyourface.Youcanhealinthecel
l,I
'
ll
occasional
l
ygiveyouani bopr
ufenfort
hepain

Me:
I..CanIaskt
obeexchanged?Imeanputi
na
di
ff
erentcel
l

Nur
se:
You'
l
lhav
etot
aket
hatwi
tht
hegov
ernor

Me:
Buty
oucanwr
it
ear
epor
tort
heDrcan

Nurse:AsI'
vesai
dyoudon'
thaveser
iousinj
uri
es,
if
wewr it
eyouonethenwehavet
owr i
teevery
one
el
seone.Ifyourl
i
feisi
ndanger
,youcantakeitup
wit
ht heGover
nor

VUKANI

Ipul
l
edov
er.
.

Igotshoti
nthear
m,It
urnedandl
ookedatGuzi
k..

Me:
Arey
ougood?
Guzi
k:I
'
m good.
.You?
Me:
Igotshoti
nthear
m
Guzi
k:Cany
oust
il
ldr
ive?
Me:
Yeah
Guzik:
Dri
vest
rai
ghtt
omyhousesowecant
aket
he
bul
letout

TSONGA

Ir
eci
evedacal
l
,itwasBoy
zini
..

Me:
Hel
l
o

Boy
zini
:ThankGod!Ar
eyougood?I
sQhumagood?

Me:Hegotshot
,Idr
ovehi
mtot
hehospi
tal
..Ar
eyou
good?
Boyzini
:Justmessedupf
rom t
hetear
gasbutI'
l
lbe
fi
ne..Whatdoyoumeanyoutookhimtothehospi
tal
?

Me:
Hegotshot
!Hewasl
osi
ngal
otofbl
ood

Boyzini
:Tsongahowar
eyougoi
ngt
oexpl
ainQhuma
get
tingshot?

Me:
Ohhf
uck!

Boy
zini
:Youneedt
othi
nkofsomet
hing,
andf
ast
!!
.
Tobecont
inued
97

VUKANI

Hi
sWifewastheonethatt
ookthebul
l
etout.She
wasgent
le,
andbefor
eIknewit
.Wewer edone.
.

Me: Idi
dn'
tknowt
hathewasgoi
ngt
obr
ingi
n
backup

Guzi
k:Ithoughthewasj
ustatownshi
pwannabe
t
hug,actedtoughandwhatnot
.Obvi
ousl
y
misj
udgedhim

Me:
Def
ini
tel
y

Guzi
k:I
fhemakesithe'
sdefi
nit
elygoi
ngtocome
fory
ouinal
langl
es.Yourwi
fe,yourf
amil
y
Me:Ialreadythoughtaboutt hat
,butmyl
eavi
ngwil
l
meanthatI'm scaredofhim andwhenhesenses
t
hatfearit'
l
lmakehi m comehar deronmewit
hmy
f
amil
yandIcan' thavethat

Guzik:True..Itdoesn'tseem l
i
kehehasenough
coveraget ogoonot herthanhisal
l
ianceswi
thother
taxidri
vers,that'
swhatmakeshi mtobepowerful

Me: Yaaandst art

ingi
nyourworl
dtaxidr
iver
smight
notmat t
erbutinmyworldt
heydo,andtheyver
y
danger ous.St
arti
ngawarwitht
hem issomethi
ng
thatlastsalif
eti
me.Theyareabi
gsy ndi
cate

Guzik:Ihavenointenti
onsofstar
tingwarwit
hhi s
kind,Iam j
uststar
tingwarwithonePerson.I
fthey
wannaj umpi nt
heni t
'swarwegoingtogivethem,
ony ourpartIwanttoknowifyouupf ori
tbecauseif
thatfuckermakesityouarefucked.Nowit'
sclear
wher
eyoust
andssobepr
epar
edf
orwar
!

TSONGA

Qhumawasgoi ngt
omakeit
.Hewascri
ti
calbut
stabl
e.Nowthehar
dpar
tcomes,
havi
ngtotellwhat
happened.
..

TheDrappr
oachedmewi
thcops.
.

Cop1:
Goodev
eni
ng
Me:
Eveni
ng
Cop1:Iam Leui
tanantShezi
I'
m her
etoasky
ou
aboutt
hefell
athatwasbroughti
n

Me:
Yes

Shezi
:I'
m guessi
ngy
ouwi
l
ltel
lmewhathappened,
t
hef
ull
stor
y

Icl
ear
edmyt
hroat
..

Me:
Yes

Shezi
:Youcanst
art
..Any
day

Me: Ofcour
se..Uhm,Iwasonthephonewi t
h
Qhumaashewasdr i
vi
ngthenextt
hingIknow,
I
heargunshots.Hejustscr
eamed"Theyshotme,
theyshotme".Ithentr
acedhi
m usi
nghisphoneand
Ifoundhim,i
nhiscarshot

Shezi
:Doeshehav
eanyr
ival
s?

Me:
Yes.
.Vukani
Hel
ookedatme.
.

Shezi
:Yout
hinkt
hisVukani
mighthav
edonet
his?

Me:
Iam notsay
inghedi
d,I
'
mjustsay
ingt
heyr
ival
s

Shezi
:Don'
ttheywor
ktoget
her
?Ar
en'
ttheyf
ri
ends?

Me:
Fri
endscanbeenemi
es

Shezi
:Di
dsomet
hinghappenbet
weent
hem?

Me:Idon'
tknowdet
ect
ive,
Ijusthav
eaEat
eryt
hat
's
al
l

Shezi:
We' l
ll
ookint
oitandlookint
othi
sVukani
,we
alsogoingtoneedyourphonerecor
dstoconf
ir
m
thecall
Me:
Sur
e..I
sthatal
l
?

Shezi
:Fornow

Me:
Thanky
ou

ENDA

Iunl
ockedandopened,
itwasBoy
zini
..

Me:
Boy
zini
whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
esol
ate?

Boy
zini
:EndaI
..

Me:
Wher
eisQhuma?
Boy
zini
:He.
.Qhumagotshot

Me:
What
?

Boy
zini
:He'
sokay
..He'
sint
hehospi
tal

Me:
Whatt
hehel
lhappened?

Boy
zini
:Vukani
setusup

Me:Thati
sinsane,
whywoul
dVukani
dot
hat
?They
ar
efri
ends

Boy
zini
:I'
m shockedmy
sel
f

Me:
Ihav
etogett
othehospi
tal
Boy
zini
:I'
l
ldr
ivebehi
ndy
ou

FUTHI

Thenextmor
ningImademywayt
omyCel
l
..

Si
no:
Hey
..Ar
eyouokay
?

Shewal
kedupt
ome.
.

Si
no:
Arey
ouokay
?

Me:
I'
m good

Shehel
pedmel
i
eonmybunker
..

Me:
Thanky
ou
Si
no:
Whydi
dyoul
ety
ougo?Youst
il
li
nbadshape

Me:
I'
mfi
ne.
.Doshi
aisst
il
lnotout
?

Si
no:
No.
.Noty
et

Me:
Ineedt
ospeakt
otheGov
ernor
,changemycel
l

Shel
aughed.
.

Si
no:
Ifonl
yitwast
hatsi
mpl
e

Me:
Doshi
aisgoi
ngt
oki
l
lme

Si
no:
Lookj
ustgi
veherbackherst
aff
Me:
How?Exact
lyhow?

Sino:Don'
tyouhav
eacont
actout
side?Acont
act
thatcanhel
p?

Me:
No.
.Idon'
thav
eany
one

Si
no:
Theny
ouscr
ewed!

I
RENE

Idon'
tev enknowatwhatti
meVukanimadeithome
l
astnight,butIwokeupnextt
ohim.Imust'
vebeen
seri
ouslyout,Idon'
tev
enknowtheexactt
imeI
passedout .
.

Inot
icedt
hathehadabandagewr
appedar
oundhi
s
arm.
.
Iwonderwhathappened,
butI'
m gl
adhe'sback.Igot
outofbedcar
eful
lytonotwakehim up.
.

ENDA

If
eltsomeonegent
lyshaki
ngme.
.

Iwokeup,
itwast
heNur
se.
.

Her
:Goodmor
ning
Me:
Goodmor
ning
Her
:Howar
eyou?
Me:
I'
m goodbutmyneck
Her
:Youhav
etogohomeandr
est
Me:
NoI
'
m okay
Her
:He'
singoodhands.
.He'
sst
abl
e

Il
ookedathi
m,hehadtheoxygenmaskar
oundhi
s
mouth.
.Iwashol
dinghi
shand..

Me:
It'
sokay
..I
'
m nott
ir
ed,
I'
mfi
ne

Her
:Ar
eyousur
e?

Me:
Yest
hanky
ou

Her
:Okay

Me:I
'
llj
ustgogetmysel
fcof
feet
henI
'
llbebackt
o
gi
veyousomespacetowork

Her
:Thanky
ou.
.Iappr
eci
atet
hat
I
RENE

Hef
inal
l
ywokeup.
.

Vukani
:Goodmor
ning

Me:
Goodmor
ning

Hemadehi
swayt
ome.
.

Vukani
:CanIdr
ivey
out
owor
kthi
smor
ning?

Me:
Yes.
.Iguessso

Hehel
dmyhand.
.
Vukani
:I'
m sor
ry.
.Ishoul
d'
vecal
l
ed

Me:I
'
mjustgl
ady
ouokay
,whathappenedt
oyour
ar
m?

Vukani
:Justascr
atchnot
hingser
ious

Me:
Itl
ooksser
ious

Vukani:
I'
ll
survi
ve.
.Ineedtoputabugonyourphone,
sortofatr
ackerandinyourcart
oo.Mom'
sand
Thandostoo

Me:
Arewei
ndanger
?

Vukani
:No.
.It
'sj
ustasaf
etypr
ecaut
iont
hat
'sal
l

Hesqueezedmycheek.
.
Me:
Ify
ousayso

FUTHI

Guar
d:Youmaygoi
n

Me:
Thanky
ou

Iwal
kedi
n..TheGover
norwasont hephone.Isat
downandwaitedf
orher.Whenshewasdone, she
putt
hephonedown..

Me: GoodmorningIneedt ot
alktoyou,
I'
mi ndanger
.
Doshiahasiti
nf orme,shedidthi
stome.Whenshe
getsoutofsol
it
ar yconf
inementshe'
sgoingtocome
forme
Shel
ookedatme.
.

Me:I
'
mr equest
ingt
obeputi
nadi
ff
erentcel
l
,a
muchsaferone

Gov
ernor
:Getup

Me:
I'
m sor
ry

Gover
nor:Youdon'
tsi
tunl
esst
oldt
oo,
yourMot
her
nev
ertaughtyoumanner
s?

Me:
I'
m sor
ry.
.Igotup

Gov
ernor
:Si
tdown

Isatdown.
.
Me:
Thanky
ou

Gov
ernor
:No

Me:
Butmyl
i
fei
sindanger

Gover
nor:Ever
yone'
sli
feisindanger
.IfIdoy
oua
fav
ourIhavetodoeveryoneafavour

Me:
Ohw

Gover
nor
:Gobackt
oyourcel
ldon'
tevercometomy
of
fi
ceunl
essi
t'
simpor
tant
.Thi
sisnotapubli
ctoi
l
et
.
Tobecont
inued
98

VUKANI

Aft
erdroppingIreneoffatwork,Icamehomet o
Sheziwanti
ngt oaskmeQuest i
ons.Now, whatI
don'
tunderstandishim headi
ngt hiscase.He'snot
l
ocal,
whatexact lydoeshewantf rom me?Wewer e
cl
assmatesonceuponat ime.Nev erbeefed,soI
don'
tknowwhyhe' sdoingthi
s..

Shezi
:Whyar
eyouandQhumabeef
ing?

Me:
Wenotbeef
ing

Shezi
:Wher
ewer
eyoul
astni
ght
?

Me:
You'
l
lhav
etobespeci
fi
cont
het
ime
Shezi
:Vukanidon'tf
uckwithme,someonealmost
l
osthisl
if
elastnightokay
?Thisnotafuckengame!

Me:QhumaandIwear ebusi nessassociates,we

ownabot tl
est oretogether.Yeswebut theadsev ery
nowandt henbutwewoul dnev ert
akei tthatfar
,we
havesomet hingtolose.Abot t
lest
or ethatismaki ng
goodmoney ,Yester
dayIwasataf riend'splace.I
wasinvi
tedf ordinnerthenIcameback.Icangi ve
youhisnumberandy oucanaskhi m

Shezi
:Tr
ustmeIwi
l
lbev
eri
fyi
ngy
oural
i
bi

Me:
Idon'
tseewhyy
oushoul
dn'
t

Shezi
:Gi
vemehi
snumber

Me:
Ver
ywel
l
Shezi
:YouknowI
'mtir
edofyouact
ingl
ikeagood
guywhenIknowver
ywellt
hatyousomehow
i
nvolv
edinQhuma'
sshooti
ng

Me:Cany oupr
ovet
hatIwasi
nvol
ved?That
'st
he
quest
ion

Shezi
:Cany
oupr
ovet
haty
ouwer
en'
ti
nvol
ved?

Me:
Ithi
nkI
'
m al
readypr
ovi
ng

Shezi
:Iwi
l
lnai
lyouVukani

Me:
Pleasedo.
.Her
e'st
henumber

Het
ookt
hepadf
rom me.
.
Me:Ibel
ieveifyouhav
eanymor
equest
ionsf
orme,
youwil
lcontactme

Shezi
:Got
ohel
l

ENDA

Myphoner
ang,
itwasI
rene.It
ookawhi
l
ebef
ore
pi
cki
ngup.
.

Me:
Irene

I
rene:
Hi.
.Di
dIcat
chy
ouatt
hebadt
ime?

Me:Myhusbandwasadmi
tt
edl
astni
ght
,hegot
shot

I
rene:
What
?Howi
she?
Me:
Asky
ourhusband

I
rene:
ExcuseMe?

Me:Vukani
setmyhusbandupandQhumaal
most
di
ed

I
rene:
Itdoesn'
tmakesense

Me:Wherei
sVukani
rightnow?He'
sfi
ner
ight
?And
athome?

I
rene:
EndaVukani
woul
dn'
tdot
hat

Me:I
fnott
henwhyi
sheokayandmyhusbandt
he
onei
nhospi
tal
?
I
rene:
I'
ll
tal
ktoVukani

Me:
Don'
tbot
herbecausey
ouandIwear
edone

I
rene:
Enda!

Me:Don'
tevercal
lme,
Idon'
twantnot
hingt
odo
wi
thyoueveragai
n

I
rene:
Endawai
t

Ihungup.
..

Shet
ri
edcal
l
ingagai
nbutIbl
ockedher
..

FUTHI
Wewer
eout
sidei
nthey
ard.
.

Ther
ewasacr
ewt
her
e,j
ustal
lal
onei
nacor
ner
..

Me:
Sino

Si
no:
Yes?

Me:
Whoi
sthat
?

Si
no:
Who?

Me:
That

Ipoi
nted.
.

Si
no:
OhwGoy
aandhercr
ew,
Doshi
a'
sri
val
.Doshi
a
r
unshersi
deoft
hepr
isonsodoesshe

Me:
Isee

Si
no:Theykeepthepeace,
theydon'
tscr
eweach
ot
herover.
.Goyasel
lsweedandcigar
ett
es,
Doshi
a
dr
ugs

Me:
Int
erest
ing

Si
no:
Anot
heroney
oudon'
twannamesswi
th

Me:
Notpl
anni
ngt
oo

I
RENE

Iexcusedmyselftot
hegot
othebat
hroom soI
couldcal
lVukani.
.
Vukani
:Myl
ovei
sev
ery
thi
ngokay
?

Me:
Endat
oldmeQhumagotshot

Vukani
:Okay
?

Me:
Thaty
ouwer
einv
olv
ed

Vukani
:Iwasn'
t

Me:Vukanibestrai
ghtwithme,Ithoughthonest
y
matt
eredmor enowbet weenus.Wewer enever
goi
ngtoli
et oeachotheranymore?

Vukani
:Idi
dn'
tshootQhumabutIwishIdi
d,Qhuma
ochast
rat
edyouracci
dentt
henset
upBone
Me:
Ini
?(What
)

Vukani
:It
'suncl
eart
omewhyhedi dsobutI'
m
thi
nki
nghewant edt
ogetBoneoutoft
hepict
ureso
Icoul
dwor kwit
hhim

Me:
That
'si
nsane

Vukani
:IknowbutIpr
omi
sey
out
hatIdi
dn'
tshoot
hi
m, i
twasnotme

Me:Idon'tl
iket
hisatall
,NowQhumaisgoingto
t
hinkthatyouwereinvol
vedandIdon'
twantyoutoo
f
ight
ing

Vukani
:It
'sgoingtobeokayandIdon'
twanty
ou
st
ressi
ngov erthi
sokay
?
Me:
I'
ll
trynott
oo.
.Ihav
etogowe'
l
ltal
klat
er

Vukani
:Il
ovey
ou

Me:
Ilov
eyout
oo

FUTHI

Ipi
ckedupt
hebal
landwentt
othem.
.

Me:
Her
eisy
ourbal
l

Shet
ooki
t.
.

Shel
ookedatme.
.

Goy
a:Any
thi
ngel
se?
Notev
enat
hanky
ou?

Me:
No

Goy
a:Thenbeati
t

Il
ookedar
ound.
.

Me:Uhm.
.Goy
a,whatdoIneedt
odot
obei
nyour
cel
l
?

Goya:
Youar
eDoshia'
sbi
tch,
Wedon'
tcr
osseach
ot
her.
.Nowbeati
t!
!

GUZI
K
Iwasont
hephonewi
thoneofmyguy
s..

Him:Gett
ingi
ntot
heHospit
alandf
ini
shi
nghi
m of
f?
That
'sgoi
ngtobedif
fi
cul
tandcost
ly

Me:Ial
readyknow,butsi
nceyouwereabl
et ot
rack
whi
chhospital
..I
'
m surey
ou'l
lbeabl
etofi
nishthe
j
ob

Hi
m:I
'
lldoi
t.
.50k

Me:
Ver
ywell
..You'
l
lget15kandt
her
estwhent
he
j
obi
sdone
Hi
m:Agr
eed

Me:
I'
ll
bewai
ti
ng
.
Tobecont
inued
99

FUTHI

2WEEKSLATER

Iwasner v
oust oday,verynervous.Doshiawasbei ng
rel
easedfrom soli
taryconfinement .Shewil
lwant
myheadont hechoppi ngboard,Ilostherdrugs,
thenputherinsolit
aryf or2weeksandi nhermindI
knowev ery
thingismyf aul
t.
.

It
akenoresponsi
bil
i
tyi
nwhathappened,
she
i
nit
iat
edever
ythi
ng.I
t'
sall
herf
ault
..

Si
no:
Don'
tbener
vous

Me:
IdontseehowIcannotbener
vouswhenI
'
m
aboutt
obeki
l
led

Sino:Let'
snotrushi
ntoany
thi
ng.
.Doshi
amightbe
crazy
, har
dheadedandshortt
emperedbutl
et'
snot
rushintoanyt
hing

Isatdown.
.

Me:Dyi
nginPrison,bei
ngi
nPr
isonasawhol
ewas
nev
erpartoft
hepl an

Si
no:I
t'
snotanyone'
spar
toft
hepl
an,
it'
sjustwhen
l
if
escrewsyouover

Me:
YaaIguessso

Doshi
awal
kedi
n,Shewasbr
oughti
nbyaguar
d..
Guar
d:Ar
ewegoi
ngt
obehav
ethi
sti
mear
ound?

Doshi
a:I
'
m al
way
sonmybestbehav
ior

Guar
d:We'
l
lsee

TheGuar
dlef
t.
.

Doshi
alookedatev
eryoneandsignaledwi
thher
headt
hattheymustleave.Theydi
d..

Shecamet
ome.
.

Doshi
a:Cany
ouhol
dyourbr
eat
hfor15mi
n?

Me:
Idon'
tthi
nkt
hat
'
spossi
ble
Doshi
a:Makei
tpossi
ble

Shegr
abbedmebymyhai
r.
.

Doshi
a:Wegoi
ngoutf
oraswi
m

Me:
Wai
t.
.Wai
t.
.Wai
t.
.

Doshi
a:I
'
m al
readydoi
ngl
i
fe,
Ihav
enot
hingt
olose!

Me:
Goy
asel
l
sdr
ugs

Shest
oppedandl
etgoofmyhai
r.
.

Doshi
a:TF?

Me:
Isawher
,whenwewentout
side
Doshi
a:I
fyouar
escr
ewi
ngupwi
thme

Me:
Iam not
..Ipr
omi
se

Shet
ookaf
ewst
epsbackandwal
kedout
..

Doshi
a:Fuck!
!

NowIhav
ebeefwi
thGoy
a,abi
tchIdon'
tknow.
.

QHUMA

Shet
ri
edt
ofeedmet
hesof
tpor
ri
dgeagai
n.

Me:
I'
m good
Enda:
Youhav
etoeat

Me:
EndaIsai
dI'
m good!

Enda:
I'
m sor
ry

Sheputt
hebowl
away
..

Me:
Thi
sishar
dforme

Enda:
IknowbuttheDrsayst
her
e'snointer
nal
damagethatwascaused,
somet
hingpermanentso
youwil
lbeokay

Me:Ican'
twalkEnda!Howi sthatokay
?WhenIt
ake
3st
epsI '
m al
readyfeeli
ngpai
nandhav et
osi
ton
t
hechair.
.Howi sthatokay
?
Enda:
Youar enotGodQhuma. .Youareahuman
bei
ng,youcangethurt
.It
'snotimpossi
blenordoes
i
tmakey ouweak

Me:
Leav
e

Enda:
Sor
ry?

Me:
Ineedsomespace.
.Leav
e

Enda:
Okay

Shegotup,
tookherbagandwal
kedout
..
.

VUKANI

Iappr
oachedt
hecar
..Shel
ower
edt
hewi
ndow.
.
Her
:Pr
obl
em of
fi
cer
?

If
ixedmyglassesundert
hecap.
.It
henf
ixedmy
l
eathergl
oves.
.

Me:
Licenseandr
egi
str
ati
onpl
ease

Shehandedmeherl
i
cense.
.

Me:
Thanky
ou

Her
:Ist
her
eapr
obl
em?

Isi
gnal
edwi
thmyf
ingert
hatsheshoul
dkeepqui
et.
.

Iwal
kedar
oundhercar
,Shewasdr
ivi
ngaRange
Rov
erEv
oque

Iwenttotheback,andunderneat
hthecarIpl
aced
thedev
icethatfi
l
tersthet
racker.
.

Iwentbackt
oher
..

Me:
Mayy
oupl
easest
epout
?

Her
:Why
?

Me:
PleaseMam'

Her
:Idon'
tev
enunder
standwhyy
oupul
l
edmei
n
t
hefir
st

Me:
Pleasedon'
tmaket
hisdi
ff
icul
t
Her
:CanIatl
eastcal
lmyHusband?

Me: Andwhatishegoingt
odo?Hel
py ougetoutof
tr
oublefr
om dri
vingacart
hatwasi
nvolv
edina
cri
me?Ahi tandrun?

Her
:What
?

Iopenedt
hef
il
eandt
ookoutpi
ctur
es.
.

Me:
Whowasdr
ivi
ngt
hiscart
woweeksback?

Her
:Myhusbanddr
ivesi
toccasi
onal
l
y

Ihandedhert
hepi
ctur
es.
.
Me:Hewasf
leei
ngf
rom anacci
dentscene,
aft
ert
he
hi
tandr
unhewascapt
ured

Her
:Thi
sshowsnot
hing,
Itpr
ovesnot
hing

Me:Itwasachase,
hewasnotsteadyf
orpi
ctur
est
o
hav
ebeentakeninthecr
imescene

Her:
MyHusbandi
snotsuchaPer
son,
hewoul
d
nev
erdot
his

Me:
Stepout

Her
:Thi
sisr
idi
cul
ous

Sheunst
rappedher
sel
fandgotout
..

Her
:Nowwhat
?
Me:Wearetaki
ngt
hecardownt
othepol
i
cest
ati
on,
you'
l
lgeti
tther
e

Her
:What
?Ist
hatev
enl
awf
ul?

Me:Thi
scarser
vesasev
idence,
thi
scarhi
taki
d,
ki
l
ledakid

Her
:But
..

Me:
Her
e

It
ookoutt
hepi
ctur
eoft
hedecoyandshowedher
..

Me:
Hernamei
sMasi
vuy
e,6y
ear
sol
d
Shel
ookedatt
hepi
ctur
e..

Her
:OhhmyGod

Me:
Itwasav
erysadsi
tuat
ion

Her
:CanIatl
eastcal
lmyhusband?

Me:
Youwill
,thetourt
rucki
soni
t'
swayIst
il
lhav
ea
f
ewquest
ionsforyou

I
RENE

Todayitwasmydayof f
,IhadaDoctor'
s
appoi
ntment.Vukani
couldn'
tj
oinme,hehadwor
k
todo.
.

Ev
ersi
ncewhathappened,
happened.I
thasbeen
di
ffi
cul
t.Wher
everIgother
e'stwogent
lemen
guar
dingmyli
fefrom af
arbutnott
oofar.
.

Dr
:Ev
ery
thi
ngseemst
obegoi
ngwel
l

Me:
Thanky
ou

Dr
:Any
thi
ngy
ouwannaaskme?

Me:
Uhm no.
..I
'
m okay

Dr
:Ar
eyousur
e?

Me:
Yes

If
akedasmi
l
e..
Iwasn'tf
eeli
ngokayemot ional
ly.Havingafall
out
withEndawastakingat ol
lonme, Idon'
tknowwhy
VukaniandQhumahadt obef r
iendsbecausenow
i
t'
saffecti
ngmyfriendshipwithEnda.She'stheonly
fr
iendIhavecur
rentlyortheonlytruefri
endI'
veever
had..

VUKANI

Thet
ourt
ruckpul
l
edup,
Plessi
swasdr
ivi
ngi
t.
.

Me:
Pleaset
akey
ourbel
ongi
ngsi
nsi
de

Sheopenedthedooragainandtookoutal
lher
bel
ongi
ngs.Plessi
swalkeduptome..

Pl
essi
s:Of
fi
cer
Me:
Mr?
?

Pl
essi
s:Br
uen.
.

Me:
MrBr
uen

Plessi
s:Igotacal
lfr
om t
hest
ati
on,
aboutacarI
havetotow

Me:
Yest
hisone,
evi
dencet
oacase

Pl
essis:Howdoessuchacl
assycarendupbei
ngan
ev
idence?

Me:
I'
m notatl
i
ber
tyt
odi
scusst
hiswi
thy
ou

Pl
essi
s:Ver
ywel
l
Me:
Pleasegett
oit

Iwal
kedupt
otheLady
..

Me:
MrsVandeMer
we,
howf
ari
syourhusband?

Her
:He'
l
lbeher
e

Me:
That
'sgood

Her
:I'
l
ldr
ivewi
thhi
mtot
hepol
i
cest
ati
on

Me:
Iunder
stand.
.

Her
:Whati
syourname?
It
ookof
fmynamet
ag,
obv
iousl
yanal
i
asname.
.

Me:
Her
e

Her
:Ohwt
hanky
ou

Iwal
kedbackt
omycar
..
.

FUTHI

Doshi
a:Let
'sgo

Me:
Wher
ear
ewegoi
ng?

Doshi
a:ToGoy
a

Wewer
eout
side.
.
Me:It
houghty
ouwer
edoi
ngt
heconf
ront
ati
on
al
one?

Shegr
abbedmyar
m..

Doshi
a:Isai
dlet
'sgo!
!
.
Tobecont
inued
100

VUKANI

Wetookthecardowntothegar
age.Thatstuntwas
ver
yeasytopull
noli
e,i
twentsweetoratleastI
'm
hopi
ngitdi
d..

Mechani
c:Sweeti
tseemsnew,
recent
lybought

Guzi
k:Cany
oust
ri
pitdown?

Mechani
c:Countonme

Guzi
k:Gent
lemenst
epi
ntomyof
fi
ce

Wemadei
tupt
ohi
sof
fi
ce.
.
Guzi
k:30keach.
.Goodj
ob

Pl
essi
s:That
'swhatI
'
mtal
ki
ngabout

I
twasal
otofmoney
..
.

Guzi
k:Youpul
l
edi
tof
fwel
l
,wel
ldone

Pl
essi
s:Al
way
scountonus

Guzi
k:Al
way
s

Pl
essi
s:Canwel
eav
e?Wedoneher
eri
ght
?

Guzi
k:Yes.
.Seey
ouont
henextassi
gnment
Il
ookedatPl
essi
s..

Me:
I'
ll
ber
ightt
her
e

Pl
essi
s:Cool

Iwai
tedf
orhi
mtowal
kout
..

Guzi
k:Howar
eyouf
indi
ngt
heguy
s?

Me:
Theygood,
theyv
erygood

Guzi
k:I
'
m gl
ady
ouwor
kingwel
lwi
tht
hem

Me:It
'snotyourf
aul
tthaty
oucan'
tki
l
lQhuma,
bel
i
eveme. .I
thasnot
hingtodowi
thyou
Guzi
k:Ihadagoodhospitalpl
an,
Idon'
tknowhow
myguywasf ound.Coul
dn'tev
enkil
lhi
m whi
lsthe
wasacabbageatt hef
uckenhospit
al

Me:
Qhuma..Youmightnotunderst
andthi
sbut.
.He
i
sst
rongt
radi
ti
onal
l
yhecan' tbekil
l
edthateasi
l
y

Guzi
k:Thoset
hingsr
eal
l
ywor
k?

Me: Li
keacharm,I'
dliketot
hinkI
'
m onthatboattoo
butwithhowhehasf uckedmeup..Pr
obablynot,
probabl
yitwasfakeforme

Guzi
k:He'
snoti
mmor
tal
,ther
ehast
obeaway

Me:
Wewi
l
lf-

Myphoner
ang.Ichecked,
ItwasI
rene.
.
Me:
Myhear
tinahumanf
orm

I
rene:
Hey

Me:
Hey
?

I
rene:
I'
m sor
ry.
.Justt
hatI
..Ihav
eal
otonmymi
nd

Me:
Didi
tgowel
latt
heDr
?

I
rene:
Yes

Me:
Thenwhati
sit
?

I
rene:
Imi
ssEnda
Shest
art
edbr
eaki
ngdown.
.

Iwal
kedout
..

I
rene:I
t'
sstupi
dthatwehav
etobeenemiesnow
j
ustbecauseyouandQhumaare,
whyarewe
i
nheri
ti
ngthehate?

Me:
Becauseshei
sfai
thf
ult
oherhusbandand
t
her
e'snot
hingwr
ongwit
hthat

I
rene:
Thi
sshoul
dn'
tgeti
nbet
weenus

Me: Iknowi thurt

s,Iknowhowcl osey outwowere.I
knowshewast hereforyou,butt
akeitasifl
ikeher
rol
ei nyourlif
ehadt oend.Whatshewasmeantt o
do,shedi dandi t
'sdone.Trytoli
vewiththepainand
notletitbreakyou,itdoesgetbetter
I
rene:
I'
ll
try

Me:
Ilov
eyousomuchnev
erf
orgett
hat

I
rene:
Ilov
eyout
oo

Me:
I'
ll
seey
oushor
tl
y

I
rene:
Okayby
e

FUTHI

Doshi
apushedmeintothecel
l
,Goy
aandhi
scel
l
mateswer
esitt
ingt
here.
.

Mythr
oatwentdr
y ,
andIdidn'
tknowwhatt
odo.
Seemsli
keIwasfucked.
.
Goy
a:Whatbr
ingsy
out
omycor
ner
?

Doshi
a:Hav
eIev
erf
uckedy
ouGoy
a?

Goy
a:Nott
hatIr
emember
,why
?

Doshi
a:Sowhyar
eyouf
ucki
ngme?

Goy
a:Ar
eyougoi
ngt
ogett
othepoi
ntany
timesoon?

Doshia:
Mycellmat
eher
e,t
ell
smet
haty
ouar
e
sel
li
ngdrugs?

Goy
a:Am Inow?

Doshi
a:St
opwi
thshi
t
Goyalookedatme,
thenshewentbackt
opeel
i
ng
herappl
e..

Goya:Itwasonlyasmal lbat
ch,youwereinsoli
tar
y
confi
nementandpeopl ewerehav i
ngwithdr
awal
symptomsbasi call
yIsav
edy ourass.I
fdrugs
weren'
tgoingout ,
someoneelsewasgoi ngtosell
underthecarpet

What
?Idi
dn'
texpectt
hatr
epl
y.
.

Doshi
a:Wher
edi
dyouev
engetdr
ugs?

Goy
a:Mycont
actout
side,
her
e

Goyalookedatoneofhergi
rl
sandnodded,she
wentandtookoutsomemoneyt hengav
eitto
Doshi
a..
Goy
a:Youwel
come

Doshi
atooki
t.
.

Doshi
a:Let
'sgo!

Il
ookedatGoy
a,shel
ookedatmet
oo.
.

Goy
asav
edmyneck.
.

Doshi
a:Thi
sisy
ourl
uckyday
,Iguessy
ougett
oli
ve!

QHUMA

Tsongawal
kedi
n..
Tsonga:
Hey

Il
ookedathi
m..

Tsonga:
Howar
eyou?

Me:Ifyoudi
dn'
tbr
ingmet
othehospi
tal
thatday
,I
coul
d'v
edied

Tsonga:
Iknow

Me:Howdi
dyoupul
loutaper
fectexcusef
ort
he
cops?

Heshr
uggedhi
sshoul
der
s..

Tsonga:
I'
m notsur
e
Me:
Iwi
l
lbedi
schar
gedsoon

Tsonga:
Whatar
eyougoi
ngt
odot
oVukani
?

Me:
6bul
l
ets

Tsonga:
Wait.
.Youcan'
tdothat
,that
'snotri
ght
..I
knowhefuckedusoverbuty
oucan'tki
llhi
m

Me:I
'
m notgoingt
obebusyplay
ingcatandmouse
wi
thVukani
,Idon'
thav
ethatt
imenortheener
gy

Tsonga:
Idon'
tknow

Me:Iwasn'
tseeki
ngy
ouropi
nioni
nthematter
,Iwi
l
l
dot
oVukani howhef
uckedmeup..Per
iod!
FUTHI

Iwal
kedbackoutandwentt
oGoy
a'scel
l
..

Me:
Hi

Shel
ookedatme.
.

Goy
a:Leav
eus

Theyl
eftus.
.

Me:I
..Iam ver
ysor
ryf
orl
yi
ngony
oubutDoshi
a
wasgoingtokil
lme

Goya:
Soyouscar
edaboutDoshi
aki
l
li
ngy
ouand
notme?
Me:Yousavedme,ify
ouwantedt
oki
l
lmey
ou
coul
d'
vedeniedwhatI
'v
esai
d

Goya:Whatareyoui
nfor
?St
eal
i
ngachocol
atef
rom
asupermarket
?

Me:
No..I
..Iam i
nformur
der
,fal
sel
yaccusedof
mur
der

Goy
a:Fal
sel
yaccusedofmur
der
ingWho?

Me:
My.
.MySon

Goya:
Leave.
.Ify
ouev ergi
veDoshi
aanyr
easont
o
comeint
omyt er
rit
oryIwil
lki
l
lyou

Me:
Itwon'
thappenagai
n,I
'
m sor
ry
Iwal
kedout
,andwentbackt
omycel
l
..

NTANDOSHEZI

Il
ookedatt
hem.
.

Me:Yout
wogotscrewed,ther
e'snoof
fi
cerbyt
his
nameint
hisst
ati
onnorthebatchnumber

Lady
:It
'si
mpossibl
e,Ispoket
ohi
m andhe.
.Hei
s
oneofyourown

Me:Mam' yougothi
jackedinthemostsett
ledway
..
Yourcarwasnotinv
ol v
edinahitandrun,
noris
ther
eanycaseofahi tandrun

Man:
Itcan'
tbe,
howdoesany
onei
mper
sonat
ea
Pol
i
ceMan?

Me:
Wel
comet
oSout
hAf
ri
caSi
r

FUTHI

Doshi
a:Her
e

Gi
rl
:Thanky
ou

Doshi
a:Whyar
eyouhav
ingwi
thdr
awal
sympt
oms?

Gir
l:Icoul
dn'
tgetahol
dofy
ouf
or2weeks,
hear
d
youwer ei
nconfi
nement

Doshi
a:Wasn'
tGoy
asel
l
ing?
Gi
rl
:Goy
awasn'
tsel
l
ing.
.Noonewassel
l
ing

Doshi
alookedatme.
.

Doshi
a:Isee
.
Tobecont
inued
101

QHUMA

Ipull
edthr
oughatt hehospit
al,unt
ilIwas
dischar
gedaf ewday sl
ater
.Iwasst i
lli
na
wheelchai
r,Ican'
twalkadistancewithoutf
eel
i
ng
painsinmyt ummy .
.

Inst
eadofEndacoming,
IaskedBoy
zinit
ofetchme.
Ihatet
hatmywifehastoseemeinthisvul
nerabl
e
stat
ethatI
'
mi n.
.

Boy
zini
:Sowhatar
ewegoi
ngt
odowi
thVukani
?

Me:Wegoi
ngt
oactl
i
kewedon'
tknowhebet
ray
ed
me
Boy
zini
:Heknowst
hatIknow

Me:
Thenactl
i
key
oudi
dn'
ttel
lme

Boy
zini
:Whycan'
tweuni
tehi
m wi
thhi
sancest
ors?

Me:Doi
ngthi
ngsbecauseofangerisgoi
ngtoend
usi
nalotoft
rouble.I
'm sur
eVukanii
sal
ertnow
i
ncasewegoafterhim

Boy
zini
:Hebetr
ayedusforf
uckenGuzi
k??Someone
whocandrophi
m anyt
ime?

Me:
Iti
swhati
tis!

VUKANI

Tsongabr
oughtmyf
oodt
ome,
hepl
acedt
hem on
t
het
abl
e..

Tsonga:
Youhav ealotofnerveshowingupherein
myeateryknowingverywell
youbetrayedus!Al
most
gotQhumakill
ed,Boyzini
andmy sel
f

Igl
anceddownatt
hef
ood.
.

Me:
Ist
hef
oodpoi
soned?

Tsonga:
Iwi
sh

Me:Youknow,youar
ethel
astonet
ospeakl
i
ket
his.
.
Speakonbet
ray
al

Tsonga:
Whatdoy
oumean?

Me:
Set
ti
ngmeupont
hathei
st?Knowi
ngv
erywel
l
thatQhumawentaf
terI
reneandy
ouwatchedhi
m
putthebl
ameonBone.WatchedmeandBonetur
n
i
ntoenemies

Hest
eppedback.
.

Me:
Sowhohasal
otofner
ve?

Bonewal
kedi
n..

Bone:
Madoda

Me:
AwwwI
njay
ehl
athi

Wef
istbumped,
hesatdownopposi
teme.
.

Bone:
AwwTsonga.
.Iseet
hebusi
nessi
sst
il
l
booming
Tsonga:
Yaa.
.Howar
eyou?

Bone:
Goodanyy
ou?

Tsonga:
Goodt
oo.
.CanIgetany
thi
ngf
ory
ou?

Bone:
Beefst
ewanddumpl
i
ngs

Tsonga:
Comi
ngup

Me: Ohhand..Ify
outellQhumathatIknowabout
thebetrayal
,youmightaswell
saygoodbyetothe
eatery
.I'l
lbur
nitdown

Hecont
inuedwal
ki
ng.
.
Bone:
Andt
hen?

Me:
Not
hingser
ious

I
RENE

Iknocked.
.Sheopened.
.

Enda:
Yes?

Me:
Hi

Enda:
Whatdoy
ouwant
?

Me:
Canwet
alk?

Enda:
IsVukani
sti
l
lal
i
veandheal
thy
?He'
swal
ki
ng
onhi
stwof
eetr
ight
?

Me:YouknowEnday ourhusbandisnotaSaint
ei
ther
,Heorchest
rat
edmyacci dentandset
someoneup

Enda:
What
?

Me:Maybebefor
eyoujudgej
ustr
ememberthe
i
ndexfi
ngeryoupoi
nti
ngatsomeone,
thet
humbis
poi
nti
ngbackatyou

Shewasspeechl
ess.
.

Me: Youdon'
tseemebit
chingabouti
tthough,
and
theonlywayVukani
andQhumacanf i
ndcommon
groundisi
fwedo.So,pl
ease!
Enda:
Comei
n

Me:
Thanky
ou!

FUTHI

Wewer ei
ntheshower
s,Doshiawasdrowningsome
gi
rli
nthetoi
l
et.
.Ihadj
ustfi
nishedbat
hing,
Iwasin
mytowel.
.

Goyawal
kedinwit
htwoofhergir
ls.
.Shel
ooked
ar
oundandthenwentt
othestal
l
s.

Sheopenedt
hem unti
lshegottot
heonewher
e
Doshi
awasdrowningthegi
rl
..

Goy
a:Whatar
eyoudoi
ng?
Doshi
awal
kedoutwi
tht
hegi
rl
,thegi
rlwassoaki
ng
wet.
.

Goy
a:Whatar
eyoudoi
ngwi
thoneofmygi
rl
s?

Isawsomemat
esnear
ingt
hem.
.

Doshi
a:Sheowesme!R3000i
ntot
al

Goy
a:Youbackondr
ugs?

Gi
rl
:Goy
apl
ease.
.It
'sadebtsi
ncef
rom l
astmont
h

Goy
alookedather
..

Gi
rl
:I'
m nol
ongerdoi
ngdr
ugs
Doshi
a:Soar
eyoupay
ingf
orher
?

Goy
a:No.
.Dowi
thherwhaty
ouwant

Doshi
a:Si
not
het
owel

Gi
rl
:Goy
apl
ease.
.IswearI
'
m nol
ongerdoi
ngdr
ugs!
!

Goy
atur
nedandourey
esmet
..
.

Shesignal
edt
ohergi
rl
sandt
heywal
kedoutoft
he
showers.
.

Thegi
rlwasbei
ngst
rangl
edt
odeat
h..

I
RENE
Enda:
Somet
hingt
odr
ink?

Me:
Not
hanky
ou

Shesatdown.
..

Me:I
fwedon'
tfi
ndcommonground,t
heywon'
t.I
f
t
heydon'
twewil
lendupget
ti
nghurtt
oo

Enda:
Iknow.
.Thi
sismessedup

Me: I
ftheycanseeusst
il
lrocki
ngt oget
hermaybe
they
'l
lreali
zehowimpor
tantourfr
iendshipi
sand
star
tactingri
ght

Enda:
Yaa.
.May
be,
we'
l
lhav
etot
ry

FUTHI
Idressedupi
nthecel
l
,Itr
iedtoignorewhat
happenedint
heshowersbutIcouldn'
t.
.

Af
terdr
essi
ngupIwentt
oGoy
a'scel
l
..

Goy
a:Thi
sisnotar
estr
oom

Me:
Youhadmoneyt
osav
eher
,whydi
dn'
tyou?

Goy
a:Leav
eus

Hergi
rl
slef
tus.
.

Me:
Yousav
edme,
whydi
dn'
tyousav
ehert
oo?

Goy
a:Iam notasav
iourNt
ombi
fut
hiTshabal
ala
Me:
Youknowmyname?

Goya:YoufedyourSonmushr ooms,whi
chhewas
al
ler
gictooinhopesofgett
ingyourexbackwhoi
s
curr
entl
yfucki
nganothergi
rl

Me:
Howdi
dyou?
..Howdoy
ouknow?

Goy
a:I
t'
smybusi
nesst
oknow,
nowpl
easel
eav
e..
Wenotf
ri
ends

VUKANI

Me:
Letmegett
his.
.It
'sGuzi
k

Iwal
kedout
..
Me:
Guzi
k

Guzi
k:Ineedaf
avour

Me:
Yeah?

Guzi
k:Canyougot
othefemalePr
isonanddel
i
ver
someparcelt
omyDaughter
?

Me:
Whatpar
cel
?

Guzi
k:Not
hingmuchj
ustf
emal
ethi
ngs.
.Tampons
shesel
lst
ampons

Isi
ghed.
.

Guzi
k:Iusuall
ydoi
tmy
sel
fbutunf
ort
unat
elyIhav
e
ameetingtoday
Me:
Fine

Guzi
k:Pl
essi
swi
l
lgi
vey
ou,
hernamei
sGoy
a

Me:
Cool
..I
'
lldoi
t

Guzi
k:Thanky
ou
.
Tobecont
inued
102

VUKANI

Idrov
edowntoPt
a,t
othef
emal
epr
isont
odel
i
ver
theTampons.
.

Iwait
edint
hevisi
ti
ngareaforhert
obebrought
.
Oneoftheguar
dswalkedheruptowereIwas
si
tt
ing.
.

Sheseemsl
i
keasweetgi
rl
,def
ini
tel
ynott
hePr
ison
ty
pe.
.

Guar
d:10mi
n

Goy
a:Thatwon'
tbenecessar
y
TheGuar
dst
eppedback.
.

Me:
Hi.
.I'
m V-

Goy
a:Vukani
..MyDadtol
dmey ouwoul
dbr
ingme
mypar
celwhenIcal
ledhi
m..Doyouhav
eit
?

Me:
Yes

Igav
ehert
hebackpack.
.

Me:
Your
unt
hePr
isondon'
tyou?

Shel
ookedatme.
.

Me:Whenyoubringaninmatesomethi
ng,
youget
sear
chedt
horoughlybutIdi
dn'
ttheyl
etmethr
ough
Il
eanedov
er.
.

Me:Thosel
it
tl
ebox esi
nsidethebackpack,
those
ar
en'
ttampons.Thosearedrugs

Shesmi
l
edal
i
ttl
e..

Goy
a:Thanky
ouf
ort
heTampons

Shegotupandwal
kedaway
,Il
aughedshaki
ngmy
head.
.

Me:
Fucki
t!

QHUMA
Enda:
Didy
ouor
chast
rat
eIr
ene'
sacci
dent
?

Me:
Whatexact
lyar
eyouaski
ngme?

Enda:
Didy
ou?

Me:
No

Enda:
Whywoul
dIr
enel
i
eony
ou?She'
snott
hatt
ype

Me: Soyoubel
iev
eI r
eneoverMe?Yourown
Husband?PlusIthoughty
ousai
dIrenei
snolonger
yourfr
iend

Enda:
Wet
alked

Me:Herhusbandalmostgotmeki
l
led!Youhav
eno
busi
nessassoci
ati
ngwithIr
ene
Enda:
Irenei
smybestf
ri
end

Me:Irenei snothi
ngtoy
ouany more!VukaniandIwe
areatwar ,thi
sisnotaf
uckenJokeEnda!Youcan' t
beassoci ati
ngwithmyenemiesanymor edoy ou
understand?

Shenodded.
.

Enda:
Iunder
stand

Me:
Good!

FUTHI

Theinmateswer
egonet omakethei
rcall
s.Idi
dn'
t
go,Ihav
enoonet ocal
l
..Eversi
nceIgothere,
I
hav
en'
tmadeanycal
l
s..

Goy
a'sgi
rl
swal
kedi
n..

Gi
rl1:
EyyGoy
awant
stot
alkt
oyou

Me:
Why
?

Gi
rl1:
Now!

Iclosedmybookandt
henwal
kedout
,Wewentt
o
theircel
l
..

Goy
awassitt
ingonherbunkerpeel
i
nganappl
e.
Howdoessheevenkeepapocketknif
e?

Ist
oodbef
oreher
..
Me:
Goy
a

Goya:
3kisnothi
ngt
ome,
Iwoul
d'
vesav
edher
.My
Par
entsar
erich

Me:
Uhm okay
,Goodf
ory
ou

Shelookedatme,
andt
henwentbackt
opeel
i
ngof
f
herapple.
.

Goy
a:Thegi
rlt
hatDoshi
adr
ownedandki
l
led,
she'
s
mygir
lf
ri
end

Me:
Mydeepestcondol
ences

Goya:
IfIcanf
uckupsomeoneIlove,
Imagi
newhat
I
'ddotosomeonethatIdon'
tl
ove
Me:
Whyar
eyout
ell
i
ngmet
his?

Goy
a:Whyam It
ell
i
ngy
out
his?

Shechuckl
ed.
.

Goy
a:Doy
ouknowwhata"
Qui
dPr
oQuo"i
s?

Me:
No

Goya:
Af avourdonefortheret
urnofsomet
hing,
I
sav
edy ourassfrom Doshi
anowy ouowemeone

Me:Wai
twhat
?..It
houghty
ouwer
ejusthel
pingme
out
Goy
a:Justhel
pingy
ouout
?

Shel
aughedt
oget
herwi
tht
hegi
rl
s..

Goya:Thi
sisaPr ison,noonedoesany thi
ngforyou
wit
houtwantingsomet hinginret
urn.I
t'
snota
char
ityor
ganizati
on.Ev ensomethingassimpleasa
pad,ci
garet
te,yougoingt oret
urnthefavour

Me:Whatcouldyoupossi
blywantf
rom Me?Ihav
e
not
hing.
.Iam not
hingher
e

Shelookedatme, asifl
ikeshewasundr essi
ngme
withherey eswhi
lstbiti
ngherlowerli
p.Ifi
xedmy
overallshi
rtandf
or ceditt
obuttontohidemy
cl
eav age..

Me: LookGoy aI
'
m notgoingt
ohav
esexwi
thy
ou,
I
'm strai
ghtandI.
.Ij
ustcan'
t
Goya:Iwoul
dn'
tcashi
nmyf avourf
orsomethi
ngI
canget.I
fIwant
edtohavesexwithyou,
I'
dhavesex
wit
hyouwhetheryouwantt
ooornot

Me:
Whatdoy
ouwant
?

Goy
a:Yougonnaf
uckupDoshi
a

Me:
Huh?

Goya:Intheear l
yhoursofthemor ni
ng,t
heygoingto
takeusoutwheni t
'sver
ycol d.St
ri
pusnakedandlet
usstandint hecoldunti
lthemur der
eri
sfound,
The
Governorispissedtwodeat hsinonemonth?That
doesn'tr
eflectgoodonherr esume

Me:
Ist
il
ldon'
tunder
stand
Goya:
Youaregoi
ngt
otel
lthatDoshi
aistheone
whodidi
t,y
ouweret
her
eafteral
lwhenitwent
down

Me:
No.
.Ican'
tdot
hat
..

Goy
a:Youcandoi
t,andy
ouwi
l
l

Me:
Whycan'
tyoudoi
t?

Goy
a:DoIl
ookl
i
keasni
tch?

Me:Imi
ghtaswel
ljusthandmysel
fonasi
l
ver
pl
att
ert
oDoshi
a,she'
sgoingtoki
ll
me

Goya:
Youwil
lbemovedt
othi
scel
lforpr
otect
ion,
andmaybej
ustmay
beIcanhel
pyouwithyourtr
ial
Me:
Myt
ri
al?

Goya:Youlookingat25y earsmaxwithnoPar ol
e,I
can'
tgetyouoffcompl etel
ybutIcanatleastgetyou
5yearswiththepossibil
i
tyofaParolewheny ou'
ve
serv
ed3y ears

Me:
Ist
il
lhav
eadr
ugchar
ge

Goy
a:Ift
here'
snoev
idenceofy
ouf
oundwi
thdr
ugs
t
henther
e'snodr
ugcharge

Me:
Whydoy
ouwannaf
uckupDoshi
a?

Goya:Iwannasel
ldr
ugs,
ifshe'sfuckedt
henher
pri
vi
legesgodownthedr
ainincludi
ngherdr
ug
busi
ness
Me:
IfIdon'
tdoi
t?

Shestr
etchedherhandout
,oneoft
hegi
rl
stookt
he
appl
e.

Shegotupandmadeherwayt
ome.Igotscar
ed.
.

Sheunbuttonedmyshir
tallt
hewaydown,andt
ook
i
toff
..Shekissedmycleav
ageandIclosedmyeyes
tr
embli
ng..Shethenl
ookedatme..

Goy
a:Youwi
l
ldoi
t

Shewal
kedbackt
oherbunker
..

Goy
a:I
'
m keepi
ngt
heshi
rt
Gi
rl2:
Let
'sgo

VUKANI

Iwasdr
ivi
ngbackhome,
Ical
l
edGuzi
k..

Guzi
k:Vuks

Me:
Del
i
ver
ed

Guzi
k:Thanky
ou.
.Howi
sshe?

Me:
Sheseemsgood

Ist
oppedatt
heRobot
s..

Me:
Sheseemsl
i
keasweetgi
rl
,whati
sshei
nfor
?
Guzi
k:Shewasi nchar
geofmydr
ugbusi
nessand
shegotfucked

Me:
Damn!

Outoft
hebl ue,
thisot
hercarcomingfr
om t
heri
ght
si
deoftheinter
secti
on.Camestrai
ghtatmeandhi
t
mineontheside..

Guzi
k:Vukani
???
.
Tobecont
inued
103

SEASONFI
NALE[
6BULLETS]

FUTHI

Iwasner vousabouttonight,butifGoyaisri
ght.
ThenImi ghtbeoutoft hishellholesoonerthanI
thought.Iknowt rust
ingpeopl eissomet hi
ngI
shouldn'tdo,butGoy al
ooksl ikesomeonewho
standsbyherwor d..

Doshi
adr
anksomepi
l
ls.
.

Me:
Whatar
etheyf
or?

Doshi
a: Test
ost
erone,t
heyfor
biddedmet
otaket
he
i
nject
ionswhenIgotlockedup
Nowondershel
ooksl
i
keaman.
.

Me:
Wil
ltheybeef
fect
ive?

Doshi
a:Howisthatanyofy
ourbusi
ness?Howi
smy
busi
nessyourbusi
ness?

Me:
Sor
ry

TheGuar
dcame.
.

Guar
d:Li
neup!
!Di
nnert
ime!

VUKANI

Iwasl
uckyt
ogetawaywi
thonl
yami
nori
njur
y.I
wasst
rappedt
hathel
pedmeal
ot.

Samear mthatwasshot,
it'
sthesamearmt hat
sust
ainedthei
njur
y.I
fthi
skeepson,I
'l
ldef
initel
y
l
oseanAr m..

Nur
se:
Her
ewego

Me:
Thanky
ou

Nurse:
Atleasty
ourf
acei
snoti
njur
ed,
thatwoul
d'
ve
beenbad

She'
sbeenf
li
rt
ingwi
thmeev
ersi
nce.
.

Nur
se:
Doy
ouf
eel
anysensat
ionony
ourar
m?

Me:
Unf
ort
unat
elyNo
Nur
se:
Ner
vedamage

Me:
Yout
hink?

Nur
se:
Coul
dbepossi
ble,
butt
heDrwi
l
lcheck

Me:
Ihopenot
,it
'smydomi
nantar
m

Bonewal
kedi
n.Ihadcal
l
edhi
m att
hehospi
tal
..

Bone:
Mbhem

Me:
Mbhem

Hecaughthi
sbr
eat
h..
Bone:
Shi
tdogy
oual
mostgav
emeahear
tat
tack

Nur
se:I
sther
eanotherhandsomedar
kski
nned
f
ri
endgonnawal
kin?

Ichuckl
ed.
.

Me:
No

Nur
se:
I'
ll
giv
eyousomespace

Bone:
Whathappened?

Me:Ihavenoidea,
allIknowisthatacarcamef
rom
nowhereandhitme..It
hinkQhumagotsomeoneto
tr
yandkil
lme

Bone:
No.
.It
'snothi
m
Me:
Whoel
secani
tbe?

Bone:Qhuma' senergyi
slowvibr
ati
onthat'
swhat
I
'm getti
ng,he'
stoomuchselfabsorbedri
ghtnow
depressedaboutbeingonthechair
.Hehasn't
thoughtaboutrevengeyet

Me:
Thenwhoi
sbehi
ndi
t?

Bone:Ithi
nkIknow.
.LookI
'
llseey
oul
ater
,ar
ethey
admit
tingyou?

Me:
Idon'
twannabeadmi
tt
ed

Bone:
I'
ll
seey
oul
ater

I
RENE
Me:
I'
mtaki
ngt
het
rashoutt
henI
'
llgot
obed

Zuxi
e:OkaySi
sigoodni
ght

Me:
Goodni
ghtMa

It
ookt
hepl
ast
icf
rom t
het
rashcan.
..

Zuxi
e:I
'
lll
ockbehi
ndy
ou

Igotoutandhel
ocked.
.

Iti
edthepl
ast
icandwentt
othebackt
othr
owi
tin
thebi
n..

Iopenedandt
hrewi
tin,
whenIcl
osed.Someone
grabbedmefr
om theback,
cov
eri
ngmymout
hand
nosewithawetcl
oth.
.

Voi
ce:
Shhhh.
.Yes.
.That
'si
t.
.Shhhh

FUTHI

Iat
eandkeptonl
ooki
ngatGoy
a..

Icoul
dn'
ttakei
tanymore,
Igotupt
ookmyt
rayand
wenttosi
tathert
able.
.

Gi
rl1:
Wtf
?

Me:
Ican'
tdot
his,
Ican'
tdoi
t!

Shel
ookedatme.
.
Me:Doshiaisgoingtokil
lme,haveyouseenher
?
Shelooksscar
y..She'sbui
ltl
i
keaMan, she'
sgoi
ng
tochopmei nt
opi eceswit
hherteet
h

Goy
a:Howi
sthatmypr
obl
em?

Me:CanIpayyoubacki
nanot
herway
?Exceptf
or
Sexandf
uckingupDoshi
a

Goya:I
fyoudon'
tdoi
t,y
ou'
l
lhav
e99pr obl
emsand
all
ofthem ar
egoi
ngt
obeme!I'
llmakeDoshi
alook
l
ikeanAngel

Me:
Idon'
twannai
nher
itbeeft
hati
snotmi
ne

Goy
a:Youdi
dwheny
oul
i
edonme!
BONE

Iwentt
omeetupwi
thTsonga,
hewasatt
hebot
tl
e
st
ore.
.

Me:
Stopwi
tht
hecr
ap

Tsonga:
What
?

Me:You'vefuckedVukanibef
ore,
growsome
consci
encewi l
lyou?Vukanii
syourfr
iend!Was,
Wherethefuckdoy ouknowQhumaf rom?Forhow
l
onghav eyouknownhi m?
Ifhecanfuckuphi
sownbusi
nessPar
tnerwhat
aboutyou?

Tsonga:
I'
veactual
l
ybeent
hinki
ngabouti
t,Thi
shas
gott
enoutofhand
Me:
Vukani
washi
ttoday

Tsonga:
Isheal
ri
ght
?

Me:He'
sfi
ne,
Qhumai
scurr
entl
yawheel
chair
pot
atonowwhoi
nhi
steam woul
dwantVukanidead?

Tsonga:
Fucki
t

Me:
Who?

Tsonga:
Boy
zini
..Hedi
dn'
ttaket
hebet
ray
alv
erywel
l

VUKANI

It
ri
edcal
l
ingI
renebutshewasn'
tpi
cki
ngup.
TheNur
secameback.
.

Nur
se:
Arey
ouokay
?

Me:
Yes.
.Thanky
ou,
her
eisy
ourphone

Nur
se:
GladIcoul
dhel
p

Me:
Wheni
stheDrgoi
ngt
oseemeagai
n?

Nur
se:
Inaf
ewmi
nut
es

Me:
Okay
..I
'
llwai
t

FUTHI
Iwasbackatmyt
abl
e..

Si
no:
Arey
ouokay
?

Me:
I'
mfi
ne

Sino:
Youseem shakenaboutsomet
hingandyou
keeponsteal
inggl
ancesatDoshi
a.Thoughty
ou
werestr
aight

Me:OhhNodon'
tbewor
ri
ed,
I'
m notgoi
ngt
otake
her

Si
no:
I'
m notwor
ri
ed

Me:I'
mj ustst
ressed,
howam Igoi
ngt
opayher
backforherdrugs
Si
no:
I'
m sur
eyou'
l
lfi
gur
esomet
hingout
.
Tobecont
inued
104

SEASONFI
NALE[
6BULLETS]

VUKANI

I
tt ookawhi l
eatthehospit
al,theywantedtoadmi t
mebutIr efused.If
eltnopain,Ihadnoot heri
njur
ies
otherthanmyar mthatwasbadl yhur
t.Ihadona
pouchar m sl
ing,al
otofpainkill
ersandBone
fetchedmei ntheearl
yAMs. .Hedr ov
emehome. .

Me:
Youdon'
thav
etowal
kmeal
ltheway

Bone:
Ihav
etoo

Thegat
ewasn'
tl
ocked,
itwaswi
deopen.Thatwas
wei
rd.
.
Wemadeourwayt omyr oom.Itouchedthesecur
it
y
door,i
twasn'
tl
ockedei
ther.Norwasthedoor.I
walkedin,
li
ght
sonandIrenewasn'ti
ntheroom but
herphonewasonthebed..

Me:Somethi
ngi
snotr
ight
,Gat
eunl
ocked,
room
unl
ocked

Bone:
May
beshe'
sint
hehouse

Me:I
renewoul
dn'
tl
eav
eherphone.
.Let
'scheck
i
nsi
de

FUTHI

Wewereoutintheopen,
coldni
ghtandwewere
onl
yinourv
estsandunderwear
s.Noshoes,
Nothi
ng
el
se.
.
Wewereshi
ver
ing,
itwaspass10mi
nsi
ncewe'
ve
beenst
andi
ngouti
nthecold.
.

Gov
ernor
:Twodeat
hsoff
ell
owi
nmat
es

Shewaswal
ki
ngar
oundus,
west
oodi
nli
nes.
.

Gover
nor:Twofuckendeat
hsinmypri
son,
ina
month!Doyouknowwhatthatmeans?

Wer
emai
nedqui
et.
.

Gover
nor:Theboardofdir
ector
swill
wantanswers,
myjobisont heli
neandIhave3mout hstof
eed.I
l
osemyj ob,Ilosemysal
aryandIcan'
tfeedthe3
mouths
Thi
swasget
ti
ngr
etar
ded.
.

Gov ernor:
Sol et
'smakeiteasyforever
yonesowe
canal lgotoourcellsandbewar m..Whokil
l
edt he
twoi nmatesbecauseIknowonl yonePersonis
responsiblethatIknowforsure.I
'v
eranthi
sPrison
forsol ongthatIknowsuchdeat hsonl
yonePer son
i
sr esponsible

VUKANI

Ma:
Irenet
ookt
het
rashoutandsai
dGoodni
ght

Me:Thegatewaswi
deopen,
thebedr
oom unl
ocked,
herphoneont
hebed

Ma:
KodwaNkosi
yami
,wewi
l
lnev
ergetpeace
Bone:
Youdi
dn'
thearany
thi
ng?Scr
eams?

Ma:
Lut
ho(
Not
hing)

Me:
Qhuma

Thando:
Qhuma?

Me:
QhumahasI
rene

Ma:Why?I
reneandEndaarefr
iends,
youar
efr
iends
wi
thQhumaitdoesn'
tmakesense

Me:
I'
ll
beback

Ma:
Vu-
Bone:
I'
ll
makesur
ehedoesn'
tdoany
thi
ngst
upi
d

FUTHI

TheGuardsbr
oughtupt
hebi
gbasi
nful
lofwat
er
andi
ce..

Gov
ernor
:Iguesswewi
l
ldot
hist
hehar
dway

Theyputi
tdown.
.

Gover
nor:Whowil
lgofir
st?Geti
nthebat
hf oran
hourt
ops.Fr
eezetodeathhopef
ull
ymorefaster

Shewalkedout
,thecoldwasmessingusupal
ready
can'
ti
maginegetti
nginabathf
ull
ofwaterandice.
.

Shest
oodi
nfr
ontofsomegi
rl
,thendr
aggedher
..
Gov
ernor
:Come!
!

Sheref
usedtostr
ipnaked,
theyhi
therwi
tht
he
Tonf
aButtonSti
ckonhertummy .
.

Bl
oodyabuser
s..

VUKANI

Me:
Sti
l
lkeepy
ourgunundert
heseat
?

Bone:
Younotgoi
ngt
oshoothi
mri
ght
?

Me:
No

It
ookhi
sgunandwegotoutoft
hecarandwenti
n.
Thegatewasl ocked,Icockedthegunagai nstmy
bootandshott hepadlocktwi
ce,itf
ell
..Iopenedt
he
gateandwalkedi n.
.

Byt
het
imewewer
eatt
hedoor
,Endahadopened.
.

Me:
Wher
eishe?

Enda:
Vukani
what
'shappeni
ng?

Ipushedheroutofthewayandwal
kedi
n,Qhuma
wheeledhi
mselfin.
.

Me:
Wher
eisI
rene?

Qhuma:
What
?

Me:
Wher
ethef
ucki
smywi
fe?
Qhuma:Ukhul
umangani
?(Whatar
eyout
alki
ng
about
)

Bone:
Someonet
ookI
rene

Qhuma:I'
minawheel
chai
r,howwi
l
lIt
akeI
renei
na
wheel
chai
r?

Bone:
Probabl
yoneofy
ourgoons

Qhuma:
Thi
sisr
idi
cul
ous

Ipoi
ntedt
hegunathi
m..

Me:
Wher
eisshe?
Qhuma:Youcanpullt
hetri
ggerVukaniI
'l
lsti
l
lbea
deadManthatdoesn'
tknowwhereIreneis

It
urnedt
hegunandpoi
ntedi
tatEnda.
.

Enda:
OhhmyGod

Bone:
Vukani

Qhuma:
Vukani
don'
tdot
his

Imovedital
it
tl
eandshotthewi
ndowov
erher
shoul
der
,Shescreamed.
.

Qhuma:Dammit
!!Looki
foneofmyboystookher
,I'
l
l
handhi
mt oy
ouonasi l
verpl
att
erandy
oucanpull
thet
ri
gger
Il
ower
edt
hegun.
.

Me:
Fine.
.Youhav
eunt
ilsunr
ise

Iwal
kedout
..

FUTHI

Theyputherther
e,hel
dherdownf
oraf
ewmi
nut
es
andthentookherout.
.

Shewastr
embl
i
ng,
Jawscl
enchi
ngagai
nsteach
other
..

Gov
ernor
:Thenextonei
sgoi
ngi
nforanhour

Shewal
kedaroundandst
oodf
acet
ofacewi
thGoy
a.
1hourt
ops.
.
Theyl
ookedateachotherf
orawhi
l
eandt
henshe
movedalongt
omyr ow..

Shest
oppedrightatme,
thi
sisnodamn
coi
nci
dence.
.

Gov
ernor
:You.
.Let
'sgo!
!

I
RENE

Myeyeswereheavyt
oopen.Ihadadr i
ppi
ngsound
asIf
oughttoopenmyeyes.
.Myv i
sionwasabit
bl
urr
y,Ibl
i
nkedafewtimes.

Iwasinaroom,t
iedt
oachai
r.Thet
apwasdr
ippi
ng
watert
othesi
nk.
.
FUTHI

Theyst
rippedmenakedandf
orcedmei
nthebasi
n..
Thewaterwasfr
eezi
ng..

Isatt
her
efornotmor
ethanami
nut
e..

Me:
ItwasDoshi
a!!

Me:I
twasDoshia,shekil
l
edbot
hgi
rl
sbecauset
hey
owedhermoneyfordrugs

Shel
ookedatme.
.

Governor
:Takeherout
..Taket
henal
lbackexcept
forDoshi
a

Il
ookedatGoy
a..
Shesmi
l
edatmeal
i
ttl
e..

.
Tobecont
inued
105

FUTHI

Ithoughtsnit
chingonDoshiawashar d,butwhat
foll
owednextwaswor se.Thefollowingday ,The
i
nmat estreatedmeshit
.Inthecor r
idorsthey
chanted"Snit
ch"whenIpassedt hrough.Throwing
barofsoapsatme, Toil
etpaperrolls,Toothpast
e
andwhatnot ..I
twashorri
ble,
theywant edapi eceof
Meandnoti nagoodway .
.

Iwasintheshowert hatmorningwhen5inmat es
camecloser,
Iturnedoffthetapandlookedatthem.
Itwasobvi
ouswhatwasgoi ngtofol
low,Icoul
d
defendmyselfononebut5Ican' t
.Theyallst
arted
beati
ngmedownsensel ess,Noonecamet omyai d
nomat t
erhowmuchIscr eamed..

Thebeat
ingwentonandon,
unt
ilt
heyst
opped.
.
Voi
ce:
Getout

I
twasGoy
a'sv
oice.
.

Theybeati
t.
.Oneofthegi
rl
shandedherat
owel
.
Shethr
ewitatme..

Goy
a: Getupandtryt
osurvi
veunt
il18:
00,
Oneof
t
henightshi
ftguar
dswil
lshi
fty
outomycell

Shet
henwal
kedawaywi
tht
hegi
rl
s..

QHUMA

Boy
zini
wal
kedi
n..
Il
ookedatEnda.
.

Me:
Giv
eusaf
ewmi
nut
essweet
hear
t

Enda:
Okay

Shewal
kedaway
..
.

Boy
zini
:Youwant
edt
oseeme?

Me: IknowTsongai sweak,IknowTsongawoul

dn'
t
kidnapIrene.Hesti
llhassomeatt
achmentst
o
Vukani f
orsomer eason,TheUmbil
ical
cor
disst
il
l
there

Boy
zini
:Okay
?

Me:
Sot
hatl
eav
esy
ou
Boy
zini
:Leav
esmeatwhat
?

Me:
Doy
ouhav
eIr
ene?

Boy
zini
:No

Me:DammitBoy
zini
!Iknowyouwannagetbackat
Vukani
butt
hisi
snotthewaytogo

Boyzi
ni:Idon'
thav
eIr
ene.Ihaven'
thadthepri
vi
lege
togetbackatVukani
,I
'm st
il
lwait
ingonyou

Me:
Ify
ouhav
eher
,Endai
sinDanger

Boy
zini
:Iswear
..Idon'
thav
eher
Il
ookedathi
m..

Me:
Whot
hef
uckwoul
ddot
hist
hen?

Boyzi
ni:
Itseemsl
i
keVukani
hasmadehi
msel
fqui
te
anumberofenemiest
hen

Me:
Itl
ookst
hatway

I
RENE

Ihav
en'
tseenany
onecomei
nev
ersi
nceIwokeup.
.

Mybladderwasfull
,Iwasthi
rsty
.Myt hroatwas
scr
atchyfr
om al
ltheyell
i
ng"Pleasehelp".
.

Iwassopr
essedthatIfel
tthi
shotsensat
ionari
sing
fr
om mybl
adder
,mi xedwit
hwi t
hsomemi nor
cr
amps.
.

Thi
shast
obeQhuma'
sdoi
ng.
.He'
srev
engi
ng.
..

VUKANI

IhadtogoseeoneMant hatcoul
dhel
p,oneman
thathast
henecessar
ytool
s..

Guzi
k:Thi
sQhumai
sst
art
ingt
obeapai
nint
heass

Me:Wecan'
tki
l
lhim nowobv
iousl
y,I
fwedot
hen
we'
l
lnev
erfi
ndIr
ene

Guzi
k:Howwel
ldoy
ouknowhi
m?

Me:
Nott
hatmuch
Guzi
k:He'snott
hatwel
lconnect
ed,
He'
sdef
ini
tel
y
nothol
dingherf
artooof
f

Me:That
'strue.
.Ther
ehast
obesomet
hing.
.You
hav
ePIsright?

Guzi
k:YesbutIknowonePer
sonwhoexcel
l
sin
suchsi
tuat
ions

Me:
Who?

Guzi
k:Youhavet
ogobackt
othePr
isonandseemy
Daught
ershe'
l
lhel
pyou

Me:
Goy
aisbehi
ndbar
sshe'
sver
yrest
ri
cted

Guzi
k:Doy
out
rustme?
Me:Itr
ustyoubutt
hisi
smywi f
eandchi
l
dwe
t
alki
ngabouthereManbeser
ious!

Guzi
k:GoseeGoya,
ify
ounothappyt
henwe'
l
lmov
e
ontosomethi
ngel
se

FUTHI

It
ri
edgetti
ngdr
essedwi
thmybodyachi
ng.Si
no
walkedi
n..

Me:
Thesebi
tchesal
mostki
l
lme

Shekeptqui
et.
.

Me:
Sino?
Si
no:
OhhI
'
m sor
ry,
yout
alki
ngt
ome?

Me:
Sino

Si
no:OhhI'
m sor
ry.
.Iam scar
edt
osaysomet
hing
i
ncaseyousni
tch

Me:
Don'
tbet
hatPer
son

Si
no:
Yousni
tched

Me:
Doshi
adi
dki
l
lher

Sino:I
tdoesn'tmat
ter
!Youhav
en'
tl
ear
nedadamn
thinghav
ey ou?

Me:Ihelpedal
lofus,
IfIdi
dn'
twewoul
d'
vedi
ed
f
rom hypother
mia
Sino:
Youdon'
tsni
tch.
.Nomatterwhat!Eveni
fyou
hadakni
feonyourthr
oat
,youdon'tsni
tch!

GOYA(
GUZI
K'SDAUGHTER)

Ipatheront
heshoul
der
..

Me:
Beati
t

Sheputt
hephonedownandl
eft.It
ooki
t,i
nser
ted
mycardandcal
ledmyFat
her
..

Dad:
Goy
a

Me:
Papa
Dad:
Cómoest
ás?(
howar
eyou)

Me:
Est
oybi
engr
aci
as(
I'
m goodt
hanks)

Dad:
Howi
sitgoi
ng?

Me:
Imanagedt
ogetmydr
ugbusi
nessgoi
ng

Dad:That
'sgoodnews.
.Look,
necesi
tot
uay
uda(
I
needyourhel
p)

Me:
Sí(
Yes)

Dad:Vukaniwil
lbecomingov
er,
heneedsy
ourhel
p..
Nothi
ngy oucan'
thandl
e

Me:
Ohw
Dad:Justt
hekidnappi
ngofhi
swi
febyadumbass
thugwannabe

Me:
Isee

Dad:
Cany
ouhel
p?

Me:
I'
ll
try

Dad:
That
'smygi
rl

BONE

Iwentt
oseeTsonga.
.Tol
dhi
m aboutI
rene.

Tsonga:
Thi
sisget
ti
ngdeepanddanger
ousnowour
l
ovedonesar
einv
ol?

Me: Whatdi
dyout hi
nkwasgoingtohappenwhen
yousoldoutVukani?Whenyouchosethewrong
side?

Tsonga:
Idi
dn'
tthi
nkt
hatwasgoi
ngt
ohappen

Me:Comeon!Di
dQhumahi
rey
ouandBoy
zini
to
ki
dnapI
rene?

Tsonga:
No

Me:
Tsonga!
!

Tsonga:
IswearMbhem,
Iwasn'
ti
nvol
ved!
.
Tobecont
inued
106

VUKANI

Idr
ovet
othePr
isont
oseeGoy
a..Theybr
oughther
i
n..

Goy
a:Dadsay
syourwi
fegotaki
dnapped

Me:
Yes

Goy
a:Anysuspect
s?

Me:
Ari
val

Goya:Howwel l
doy
ouknowabouthi
sal
l
iancesand
connect
ions?
Me:Notmuch,
Idon'
tknowmuchabouthi
m.Hei
s
notol
dint
hehood

Goy
a:Mar
ri
ed?

Me:Howi st
hisgoingt
ohelpmef i
ndmywi f
e?API
shoul
dbeouttheretur
ningandf
li
ppingev
eryst
one
tofi
ndIr
ene

Goy a:
Icanfindhersoonert hanaPIwoul d..LookI
knowhowdi fficul
tthi
si s.Especiall
ywhenshewas
takenbecauseofy ou, obvi
ousl ythePer
sonwho
tookherhast woreasons.Rev engeorthere'
s
somet hi
ngtheywant .Betweent heset
woVuks,
whichonedoy oufallunder?

Me:
Rev
enge
Goya:Thent
hat'
sfuckedup.
.It
'sf
uckedupbecause
shedoesn'
thav
eal otoft
ime

Me:
Whatdowedo?

Goya:Doy
ouknowhi
m wel
lenought
oknowhi
s
famil
y?

Me:
Hehasanexwi
fe,
Kids,
andawi
fe

Goy a:
Thi sisgoingtobeagameofRussi anRoulet
te,
i
ft hegunai msaty ouandgoesoff.Thebul
letwi
ll
blowy ourbrainsout.Thequest
ionis,
whoisgoing
togett hatbul
let?

Me:
Stopspeaki
ngi
nri
ddl
espl
ease

Goy
a:Het
ookwhatmat
ter
stoy
ou,
nowt
akewhat
mat
ter
stohi
m

Me:
Hiswi
fe?

Goy
a:Hi
sexwi
feandki
ds

Me:
He'
snotwi
tht
heexwi
feany
mor
e

Goya:Wet akehiswife,
He'
sgoingtor
ecover.Hewil
l
getanotherone,shemeansnothi
ngtohi
m atleast
notasmuchast heonewit
hkidsdo.Wetaket he
onewithkids,Bi
ngo!!Yout
akewhat'
smine,Itake
what'
syour s.Weexchange

Me:Iknowwheretheexwifemightbe,shemightbe
wherehewasresi
dingbef
orerel
ocati
ngbutIdon't
ev
enknowhernamenorhowshel ookslike
Goya:Theny
oubet
terf
indout
,becauset
hecl
ocki
s
t
icki
ng

Me:
Ist
il
lthi
nkt
hePIsi
tuat
ionmi
ghthel
p

Goya: Hav
eyounotheardawor dIsaid?YougetaPI
hefindshert
henwhat?Itst
il
lwon'tst ophi
m buti f
youcandot ohi
sfamilywhathe'sdoingtoy ours
thenhecanseethatyoucanalsopl aydir
ty,
thaty ou
canalsobedangerousandhewon' tlookaty outhe
samewayagai n

Thatsoundedl
i
keapl
an.
..

Shel
aidbackont
hechai
r.
.

Goya:Tel
lme.
.Doyousti
l
lhav
eanyat
tachment
s
whatsoev
ert
oyourbabyMama?
Me:
No

Goy
a:Good

Me:
Why
?

Goya:
Iwi
shy
oual
lthebestofl
uckwi
thf
indi
ngy
our
wif
e

Shegotupf
rom t
hechai
randwal
kedbacki
n

I
RENE

Hewal
kedi
nandcl
osedt
hedoor
..

Il
ookedathi
m..
Me:
Please.
.Ineedt
ouset
het
oil
et

Hetookafewstepstowardsme, Il
ookedathimi
n
det
ail
.Coul
dn'
tbeli
eveit
,itwasBoyzini
.Iknowhi
m,
heusedtohangoutwit
hVukani andQhuma. .

Me:
DidQhumaputy
ouupt
othi
s?

Boy
zini
:Iputmy
sel
fupt
othi
s

Me:
Whyar
eyoudoi
ngt
his?

Boyzi
ni:
Yourhusbandi
sascumbag,heal
mostgot
mekil
led.I
fQhuma'sbackupdi
dn'
tcome,
Iwoul
d'v
e
beendead!

Me:Whatdoesthathav
et odowi
thme?WasIt
her
e?
Whyar
en'tyougoingaf
terhi
m?
Hesl
appedmeacr
osst
hef
ace.
.

Boy
zini
:Iam goi
ngt
ohur
thi
m,hur
thi
m sobad

Heplacedhi
sbootagai
nstmyt
ummyandpr
essed
har
d..

Boyzini
:Hur
thi
mt oapoi
ntwher
ehewoul
dwi
sh
thathewasdead

Icl
osedmyey
es.
.

Me:CanIatl
easturi
nat
eifI'
m goi
ngt
odi
e?Idon'
t
wannadi
esti
nkingofur
ine

Her
emov
edhi
sbootf
rom myt
ummy
..
.
QHUMA

Endabr
oughtmesomet
hingt
oeat
..

Me:
Thanky
ou

Enda:Iwast
hinki
ngIshoul
dgov
isi
tmyf
ami
l
yfora
whil
e

Me: I
'
m sorr
yaboutwhathappened,Idi
dn'tmeanfor
i
ttohappen.Ihavealwaystri
edtokeept
hebusiness
awayf r
om you,
toprotecty
oubutnowev ery
thi
ngis
messedup.Helldar
eIdon'tevenknowhowt ofi
x
thi
s

Enda:Iknewthatyouwereintoshadythi
ngs,
you'
ve
al
waysf oundawayt onotl
etiti
nterv
eneinour
marri
age..Vukani
could'
vekil
l
edme!Hewasmad,
hi
swifewast aken
Me:AndIhavenot
hingt
odowit
hitIswear
,Iswear
EndaIdi
dn'
thaveI
renet
aken

Enda:
Idon'
tknowwhatt
obel
i
eve

Me:Whyt
akeher
?BecauseifIdot
hent
heywi
l
ltake
yout
oowhywoul
dIdothat?

Enda:It
hinki
t'
l
lbebett
eri
fIgohomejustbet
her
e
forawhil
eunti
lthi
sthi
ngwit
hIr
eneset
tles

Me:Iunder
stand.
.I'
l
lmakesur
ey ougethomesaf
e,
Pl
easepromisemet haty
ouwi
llcomeback

Enda:
Ify
oupr
omi
semet
haty
ouwi
l
lmaket
hisgo
away
Me:
Ipr
omi
se

VUKANI

Iwal
kedi
natt
heeat
ery
..

Me:
Wher
eisTsonga?

Theypoint
edatt
hekit
chen,Imademywaytot
he
ki
tchen.
.Hewasbythestov
ebusydeepf
ryi
ng
somethi
ng..

Tsonga:
Vuks

Withmyotherhand,
Igrabbedhi
m att
hebackofhi
s
neckandl
oweredhisheadtotheboi
li
ngoi
l.
..

Tsonga:
Mbhem wenzani
?(Whatar
eyoudoi
ng)
Me:Li
stenhereandli
stenv
erycar
eful
l
ybecauseI
'
m
onl
ygoingtoaskonce!Wherei
sQhuma'swif
eand
ki
dssi
tuated?

Oneofhi
shel
per
swal
kedi
n..

Her
:Whatar
eyoudoi
ng?

Me: BecoolorIlowerhim downfurt

her,
ifyoucal l
theCops.It
'l
ltakeforev
erforthem t
ogethere,by
thenI'
l
lbegoneandhe' llbedeadsoplayitcool.As
soonashet el
lsme, he'
lll
ive.
.Doyouunderstand?

Shenodded,
Icoul
dseet
hatshewasscar
ed.
.

Me:
Tsongawher
ecanIf
indt
hem?
Il
ower
edhi
mfur
therdown.
.

Tsonga:
Okay
..Okay
..Okay
..

Il
etgoofhi
m..
.

I
RENE

Hebroughtmeabucket
,Thensatont
hechai
r
hol
dingagun.
.

Me:
Cany
oupl
easet
urnaway
?

Boy
zini
:Ei
thery
oupeeory
ousi
tbackdown

Ilower
edmypant
sdown,andthensatonthebucket
topee.It
ookt
her
oll
oftoi
letpaperasIur
inat
ed.
.
Boy
zini
:Whataspl
ash!

Iwasrel
i
evedtohaveuri
natedbutmybl
adder
remai
nedhotandpai
nful
..

Boy
zini
:I'
l
lgety
ousomet
hingt
oeat

Hegotupandwal
kedout
,locki
ngt
her
oom.
.

VUKANI

Hesentmeapi
ctur
eoft
heexwi
feandt
heki
ds.
.

Tsonga:
Fir
stbor
ninschool

Me:
Theseoneswi
l
ldof
ornow
Tsonga:
I'
m comi
ngwi
th

Me:Whatdoy outhinkt
hisi
s?Agame?Youcan't
keeponswit
chingbetweencrews.Onemomentyou
arewit
hQhuma, nextmomenty ouar
ewit
hme.It
's
nothowitworks

Tsonga:Thi
sistheonl
ywayIcanmakeitri
ghtwit
h
you.Now,Iknowwheretheyar
e.Icant
akeyouther
e
dir
ectl
y

Il
ookedathi
m..

Tsonga:
Please

I
RENE
Istoodbehi
ndthedoorwit
hthebucket
,hewal
ksin
I'
m goingt
ohithi
m wit
hitandmakearunfori
t.
.

Thekeyunl
ocked,
Ist
oodt
her
escar
ed.
.

Boyzi
ni:
Iknowthatyounotst
andi
ngbehi
ndt
he
doorwit
hthebucket

Howdi
dheknow?
?

Boy
zini
:Don'
tbet
hatst
upi
d,Iwi
l
lshooty
oudown

Iputt
hebucketdownandsankdownt
othef
loor
..

Me:
Letmegopl
ease.
.Pl
easel
etmego(
cry
ing)

FUTHI
Ifel
taclot
haroundmymout h.Theyhel
dmyhands
down,Iopenedmyey es.Sinowasholdi
ngthecl
oth
agai
nstmymout h,t
heot hertwowereholdi
ngme
downonmybunker .
.

Si
no:
Thi
sisf
orDoshi
abi
tch!

Sher
emov
edt
hecl
oth.
.

Me:
Hel
p!!
!

Shet ookmypi
ll
owandputi
tov
ermyf
ace,
she
presseddown.
.

Icoul
dn'
tdoany
thi
ng,
Ist
ruggl
edt
obr
eat
h..

Af
terawhi
l
e,If
elthergr
ipl
ooseni
ng.Sher
emov
ed
t
hepi
l
low,
itwasj
ustwhenIwasaboutt
opassout
..

Goy
a:St
epawaysl
owl
y

Theyl
etmegoandmov
edawayf
rom me.
.

Goy
a:Goodgi
rl
s

Theguar
dshowedupbehi
ndGoy
a..

Guar
d:Gety
ourt
hings,
yougoi
ngt
oanot
hercel
l

Thatwasarel
i
eve,Atl
eastIcanbr
eat
hnowwi
thout
anyonet
ryi
ngtoki
l
l me.
.

VUKANI
Bonej
oinedus.
.

Bone:
What
'sgoi
ngon?

Me:Wear
egoi
ngt
oforal
i
ttl
eri
de,
woul
dli
key
out
o
j
oin

Bone:
Wher
ear
ewegoi
ng?

Tsonga:
Toki
dnapQhuma'
swi
feandki
ds

Bone:
What
?

Me:
Onl
ywayIcangetbackI
rene

Bone:
Vukani
Me:Wouldn'
tyoudoany
thi
ngfory
ourf
amil
y?Ican'
t
l
etI
renedieandmybabyI'
vel
ostt
oomuchalr
eady

Bone:
Finewhenar
ewel
eav
ing?

Me:
Rightaway

ZUXI
E(VUKANI
'
SMOTHER)

ThandoandIwentt
othepol
i
cest
ati
ont
orepor
t
I
renemissi
ng.
.

Off
icer:Ar
eyousur
eshedi
dn'
trunof
fwi
tha
boyfr
iend?

Me:
She'
smar
ri
ed

Of
fi
cer
:I'
m sor
ry.
.Ar
eyousur
eshedi
dn'
trunof
f
wi
thhersi
de?

Thando:
Arey
ouser
ious?

Offi
cer :
Thesethi
ngshappenshedisappear
edwhen?
Lastnight?Manyfamil
ymember scomeher et
o
reportthei
rlov
edonemissingonl
yforthemissi
ng
Persont oshowupfrom aboyf
ri
end..Shecoul
dbe
cheating

Thando:
Icannotbel
i
evet
his!

FUTHI

Iset
tl
edi
nonmynewbunker
..

Me:
Thanky
ou
Goy
a:Iowedy
ouone

Me:
Thanky
ouagai
n

Goya:
Younotoutoft
hegutt
eryet,Doshi
awill
come
backf
rom sol
i
tar
yconf
inementandshewill
come
aft
eryou

Me:
Iknow
.
Tobecont
inued
107

VUKANI

Igotbacki
ntot
hecarwi
tht
heuni
for
ms.
.

Me:
3Pol
i
ceuni
for
ms

Bonewasdri
vi
ng,
Igott
hef
akeuni
for
mfr
om oneof
Guzi
k'
sguys.
.

Tsonga:
Tellme, si
ncewe'v
eestabli
shedthat
Boyzi
nimightbebehindthi
s.Wellhe'
sbehindthi
s,
whyarewest i
ll
goingaft
erQhuma' sfami
l
y ?

Me:BecauseBoyzini
hasnot hi
ngtolose,unl
i
ke
Qhuma.IfBoy
zinihasIrenewepressuri
zi
ngQhuma
t
oputpressur
eonBoy zi
nitorel
easeIr
ene
Bone:Qhumai
stheonl
yonet
hatcangett
hrough
Boyzi
ni

Tsonga:
Makessense

Me:Whyareyouev enher
eify
ouwon'
tbe
cont
ri
but
inganyt
hing?

Tsonga:Iam get
ti
ngthel
ootai
n'
tI?More
contr
ibut
iont
hanbothofyouar
econtr
ibut
ingr
ight
now

QHUMA

Boy
ziniwant
edtoseeme, sohecameandpicked
meup..Wedrovet
othisabandonedpl
ace,
andt o
myshock.HehadIr
ene..
Il
ookedather
,Shewasn'
ti
ngoodshape.
.

Me:
Let
'st
alkpr
ivat
ely

Hewheel
edmeoutandcl
osedt
hedoor
..

Me:
Whatt
hehel
lar
eyoudoi
ng?

Boyzi
ni:Vukanii
sresponsi bl
ef oryoubei
nginthat
wheelchai
r,i
fyourbackupdi dn' tcomewewouldbe
dead!Vukanicannotthinkheismor epower
ful
t han
us,we'vebeenrunningthisshitforyear
swecan' tbe
schooledbysomej ailt
hug

Me:Doyouknowwhaty
oudoi
ng!Doy
ouknowwhat
youhav
edone?
Boy
zini
:He'
sweaknessi
sIr
ene

Me:
What
'sy
ourout
come?YougotVukani
thenwhat
?

Boyzini
:Wekil
lher
,makei
ttwi
cepai
nful
.Losi
ng
anotherchi
l
dandawife

Me:
Ohwy
esbecausei
t'
sthatsi
mpl
e

Boy
zini
:Idon'
tseey
out
ryi
ngany
thi
ngQhumaoram
I
?

Me:Boyzi
nit
hisi
snothowitshoul
dbedone,such
t
hingsy
ouplan.Youdon'
tal
lowemoti
onstodrag
you

Boy
zini
:Ihav
eIr
enesowhatnow?
FUTHI

Wewentt
oeat
..

It
ookmyt
rayandwentt
osi
twi
thGoy
aandher
cr
ew..

Shest
oppedeat
ingandl
ookedatme.
.

Goy
a:Whatar
eyoudoi
ng?

Me:
What
?

Goya:Wenotfr
iends.
.Youdon'
tsi
twi
thme,
you
don'
tchi
l
lwit
hme.Onl yint
hecell

Me:
Ohw
Goy
a:Nowbeati
t

Il
ookedatmyf
ood.
.

Goy
a:Beati
t

It
ookmyf
oodandwal
kedout
..
.

VUKANI

Me:Howdi dourl
ivesgett
hiscompl
icated?Al
lthat
wehadt odowast odowasjustdoheists,
col
l
ect
ourcashandthat
'sit

Bone:Messedwi
ththewrongpeopl
e,i
nthi
sli
neof
work.Youmakeal
li
ancesandyoumakeenemies
Tsonga:
Let
'sj
ustki
l
lQhumaandBoy
zini
guy
sthen
wegobacktowhatweusedt
odo

Me:Youbet
ray
edusTsonga,don'
tsi
ther
eandact
l
ikewecangobackt
ohowt hi
ngswere

Tsonga:
Younev
ergonnal
ett
hatgo?

Me:Idi
d5year
swhi lsty
ouwer el
iv
ingcomfor
tabl
y!I
j
ustwannadothi
s,getIr
eneback.Conti
nuewi
thmy
shi
twit
hGuzi
kandl etever
ythi
ngelsebe

Tsonga:
Asl
ongasQhumai
sst
il
lal
i
vef
orgetabout
havi
nganor
mall
if
e

Bone:WhydoIfeell
i
ke,Youwantustoki
llQhuma
fory
oursel
f?Soyoucangetawayscot
tfr
ee?
Tsonga:That
'snotwhatIwassay
ingdon'
ttakeme
l
ikethat

Me:Howshoul
dwetakey
ouexact
ly?Yout
hesame
f
uckerwhof
uckedme5year
sago

Tsonga:
I'm aboutt
obet
rayQhuma,
doesn'
ti
tget
moreloyall
ikethat
?

Me:
Fucky
ouTsonga

FUTHI

Everyonedi
dn'
twannafuckwit
hMe,Si
nceI'
ma
snit
chnooneseesmet hewayagai
n.Nott
hat
they'
veseenmeinanyway..

Wewer
eout
sideandIwassi
tt
ingal
one.
.
Thi
sgirlwalkedupt
ome,
Shewassmoki
nga
ci
garet
te..

Her
:Hi

Me:
Hey

Her
:CanIsi
t?

Me:
Okay

Shesatdown.
.

Her
:I'
m sor
ryt
hatt
heyt
reat
ingy
oul
i
ket
his

Me:
It'
sokay
..Ibr
oughti
tuponmy
sel
f
Her
:YoufuckedupandDoshi
aiscomi
ngoutoft
he
sol
i
tar
ysoon,whatyougoi
ngtodo?

Me:Idon'
tknow,mi
ghtaswel
lj
ustgi
vemy
sel
fupt
o
herl
i
keasteak?

Her
:Yawi
thabi
tofspi
ces

Webot
hlaughed.
.

Me:
Fut
hi

Her
:Dor
a

Me:
Niceknowi
ngy
ou
Her
:Ni
ceknowi
ngy
out
oo

QHUMA

Me:Boyzi
niy
ouknowt
hatIdon'
ttakeki
ndl
yto
bet
ray
al

Boy
zini
:Iknow,
thi
siswhyI
'
m doi
ngt
his

Me:Youar egoi
ngitthewr
ongway !It
'l
lbeeasi
eri
f
Vukaniwasroll
i
ngalonebuthefuckenhasthe
Spani
shManwi t
hhim!Youcan'
tjustdothi
ngs
i
mpulsi
v el
y

Boyzi
ni:Hecouldhavethemostdangerousmaf i
ain
theworl
drightnowandIwoul dn'
tgi
veaf uck.
.AllI
knowisthat,wealmostdied.
.Youint
hewheel chai
r
andIalmosttookafewbul l
ets,
Iwoul
dn'tbehere
ri
ghtnowandi fi
twasn'tf
orTsongayoual so
woul
dn'
tbeher
eri
ghtnow!

Me:Don'
tyout
hinkIknowt
hat
?Don'
tyout
hinkI
f
uckenknowal
lofthat?

Boyzi
ni:Sowhatdoyousuggestwedonow?We
got
tadosomet hi
ngandwhateverwedoI'
m not
l
ett
ingthatbi
tchgo!

VUKANI

Wedr
ovei
natOr
angef
arm.
.

Me:
SoTsongawher
etoof
rom her
e?

Tsonga:
Notf
arenough

Bone:
Whenar
ewechangi
ng?
Tsonga:We'l
lputupsomewher
eanddoi
t,t
her
e'san
openfi
eld.I
'
lldi
recty
outoi
t

Bone:
Okay

FUTHI

Wegotbackt
othecel
l
s..

Goy
a:Souhm.
.Youhangi
ngoutwi
thDor
anow?

Il
ookedather
..

Me:
So?whati
sitt
oyou?

Goy
a:Justaski
ngandmaki
ngconv
ersat
ion
Me:
Thoughty
oudi
dn'
twannaf
uckswi
thme

Goy
a:Wedon'
thav
etobeenemi
esev
eni
ndoor
s

Me:Ofcour
se,wecanbeanyt
hingsol
ongt
hat
any
thi
ngisconveni
entf
ory
ou

Goy
a:Iam nott
heenemy

Me:
Ever
yonei
sanenemyher
e

Goy
a:I
fyousayso

VUKANI

Me:
Weneedt
ohangar
oundunt
ili
t'
sdar
k,wecan'
t
j
ustt
aket
hem now

Bone:Wecan'
tdri
veanywher
e,peoplecan'
t
recogni
zet
hecarandthenumberplates

Tsonga:Won'
ti
tbesuspi
ciousj
usthangi
ngar
ound
heretoo?

Me:
Wecandri
vearound,i
nandoutofthehoodin
t
hemeant
ime.
.Looki
ngforshor
terway
st oescape

Tsonga:I
fithaseveroccurr
edtoanyofy
ou,I
'
dli
ke
torunitt
hroughyouthatIam put
ti
ngmyassonthe
l
ine

Iwal
kedupt
ohi
m..

Me:
List
enher
eandl
i
stencar
eful
l
y.Wecameher
e,I
t
wasthe3ofusandwecanleavejustBoneandI
bei
ngtheonl
yoneswhowil
lsti
l
l bebreat
hing

Tsonga:
I'
m notgoi
ngt
oscr
ewt
hisup

Me:
Fory
oursakeIhopeso

I
RENE

Forthemerefactt
hatBoyzi
nihasn'
tki
ll
edme,It
meansheneedsme.Iam notsay i
nghewon'tki
l
lme
butIneedtocomeupwi t
haplanortrustor
something.
.

Me:
I..

Hel
ookedatme.
.
Me: It
akecer
tai
nsupplement
ssi
nceI
'
m pr
egnant
,
I
'm goingt
oneedthem

Boy
zini
:Li
ke?

Me:
Fol
i
caci
d

Boy
zini
:Ar
eyougonnadi
eify
oudon'
ttaket
hem?

Me:
Mybabymi
ghtdi
e

Boy
zini
:Onepr
obl
em sol
ved,
aut
omat
ical
l
y

Thatdi
dn'
tsel
l
...

Me:Whati
sthepl
an?Doyouevenhaveapl
anor
yougoi
ngt
oholdmehereforet
erni
ty?
Boy
zini
:May
bei
fyouaskni
cel
yI'
l
lfi
l
lyoui
nPar
tner

Me:
Iam any
thi
ngbuty
ourpar
tner

Boy
zini
:Thenf
orgetaboutt
hepl
an

GOYA

Mashast
oodnextt
ome.
.

Masha:
Wor
disoutt
haty
ouwant
edt
oseeme?

Me:
Ihav
eaj
obf
ory
ou

Masha:
I'
mli
steni
ng
Me:Ineedy
out
oki
l
lsomeone,
makei
tlookl
i
kean
acci
dent

Masha:
6k

Me:
Itwi
l
lbegi
vent
oyou
.
Tobecont
inued

Apol
ogi
esf
ort
hedel
ay

Weare170subsawayf
rom ourbonusbef
ore
00:
00am
108

THEO-
DOSHI
A

AWEEKLATER

Iwasoutofsol i
taryconfi
nement.AsmuchasI
wantedtotakecar eofFuthi
butIknowshe'sjusta
pawninthi
sgame, usedbyGoy a.I
'veal
waysneeded
areasontotaket hatbi
tchout,t
hereonl
yonebul li
n
akraal
.Weal way stryt
ogetridoftheopponent,
of
thecompetit
ion.
.

Everyonewasoutside,whenIlostallmybenefi
tsI
askedt oatl
eastbeputinthekitchen.Peopl
eknow
measbei ngimpulsiv
e,Iki
llr
ightawaywi t
hout
thi
nking.Someti
mesi t'
sgoodwheny ouknownin
thatnatur
e,meaningyoucant r
yot hermeansandno
onewi l
lknownorseey oucomi ng..
Me:
Her
eisy
our4k

Thedel
i
ver
ymant
ooki
t,het
hengav
emet
he
poi
son.
.

Man:Youdon'
thavetoputal
lofiti
n,j
ustal
i
ttl
ewi
l
l
shat
tert
heint
enst
inesl
ikemincemeat

Me:
Good

Man:
Gooddoi
ngbusi
nesswi
thy
ou

Me:
Good

Ipi
ckedupthecar
dboar
dful
lofveggiesandt
ookit
i
n.I
'm goi
ngtopoi
sonandki
llGoyatodaydur
ingt
he
l
unchmeal..
.
QHUMA

Iwat
chedt
hev
ideo.
.

Vukani
hasgot
tenmywi
feandmy"
Lastbor
n".
.

Il
aughed.
.

That'
st hemostbitchparttheydid,becausethelast
bornisnotmi ne.She'
snotmybl ood.Hencemywi f
e
andIdi vor
ced,she'
sanillegit
imatechil
d.Vukani
doesn'tknowbuthehashel pedmeal otbecause
I'
vealway swantedtotakecar eofthebit
chmy self
butnev erhadthegutstodoi tbecauseofmyf ir
st
bornandt hesecondbor n.Myf i
rsti
sinv ar
sit
y,
secondboar di
ngschool sobasicall
ymyki dsare
safe.
.

Theyhadsentmet
hev
ideot
hroughwhat
sapp,
in
suchsi
tuat
ions.Goingheadtoheadwi
tht
heenemy
,
copsshoul
dnev erbeinv
olved.
.

Ical
l
edBoy
zini
..

Boy
zini
:Boss

Me:
Webur
yingI
rene'
sal
i
vet
oni
ght

Boy
zini
:Bhoza?

Me:Youri
ght
..Vukani
hast ogo.
.Theonl
ywayt
o
br
eakhimist
hroughIrene

Boy
zini
:I'
vebeensay
ing

Me:Andyouri
ght
...Wewil
lburyherandtakeav
ideo
andsendt
othem eveni
fit
'snotatnight
,the
cemet
eryhast
obequi
etorshehast
obedeadwhen
weburyher

Boyzi
ni:
I'
ll
got
othecemet
ery
,br
ibef
ort
hegr
ave
hol
e

Me:
Don'
tgi
veoutf
ull
det
ail
s

Boy
zini
:Iwon'
t

VUKANI

Iwaswalkingupanddownwai
ti
ngf
orQhumat
o
respond.
.

Zuxi
e:Weal
lwor
ri
edaboutI
rene

Il
ookedather
..
Zuxi
e:Weal
lwor
ri
ed

Me:
Iknow.
.Ij
ustf
eel
hel
pless

Zuxi
e:I
'
m mor eworri
edaboutherGrandmother,
ever
si
nceshefoundout.Herheal
thhasn'tbeenokay.
Highbl
oodpressur
eisspiki
ng

Me:
I'
ll
bri
ngbackI
renehomeandsaf
e

Zuxi
e:She'
sinherear
lyst
agesofpr
egnancyVukani

Me:
Iknow.
.I'
l
lbr
ingherback,
Ipr
omi
se

THEODOSHI
A(DOSHI
A)
Me:
EyyMar
ie

Mar
ie:
Whati
sitnow?

Me:
CanIdi
shupt
hegr
avy
?

Marie:Ithi
nkthat
'sagoodi
dea,si
nceyour
uini
ngmy
ki
tchen..You'
veburntal
mostev
eryt
hing

Thatwasanov
erexagger
ati
on.
.

Me:
That
'swhyIwantt
odot
heeasi
est

Mar
ie:
Fine!Youont
hegr
avy
!

Me:
Thanky
ou
I
RENE

Igl
anceddown,
Iwasbl
eedi
ngandt
hecr
ampswer
e
onl
ygett
ingwor
se.
.

Me:
Ohhno!
!.
.No.
.No.
.

I
twasappar
ent
,Iwashav
ingami
scar
ri
age.
.

Boyzi
nwasst
andi
ngt
her
einf
rontofmet
aki
nga
vi
deo.
..

Me:Whatarey
oudoing?Youseri
ousl
ytaki
nga
vi
deot
hroughmymiscarr
iage?

Boy
zini
:I'
l
lbedonesoon

Me:
Thi
scan'
tbehappeni
ng.
.Ican'
tl
osemyf
ir
st
baby(
cry
ing)

Boyzini
: I
fyourHusbandknewwhatwasatst ake,he
wouldn'thavefuckedup.Vukanidoesn'
tcar
eabout
you,heknewIt ookyou..Hehasn'tmadeanyeff
orts
offi
ndingy ou

Ishookmyheadwi
tht
ear
sst
reami
ngdown.
.

Me:Vukani
woul
dnev
er.
.Ifheknewhewoul
d'
ve
l
ongfoundus

Hel
ower
edhi
scel
l
phone.
.

Boyzini:
Vukani insteadofcomi ngherehewentand
madet hingswor se, ki
dnappedQhuma' sfamily
..You
doneI r
ene,tonighti syourdyi
ngday .Justsayyour
prayerstowhat ev erGodorancestorsthathaveto
accepty oursoul..IfImayaskwhi chlastmealdo
y
ouwant
?

Icoul
dn'
tsayany
thi
ng,
myt
ear
swer
est
il
lrunni
ng
down..

Boyzini
:Youobsessedwit
hchi
ckenst
ewandal
lthe
sauces,I
'l
lseeyouthr
oughwit
hit

THEODOSHI
A(DOSHI
A)

Il
ookedatt
het
ime.
.

Mari
e:Whatareyoudoingstandi
ngt
her
e?Takey
our
gr
avyandtakeyourst
ation

Me:
YesMam'

Iwentov
ert
othepot
,Il
ookedatev
ery
one.They
werebusywi t
htheirown..Ipouredsomeoft he
poisonononepar tofthepot ,
thepartI
'm goi
ngto
giv
eoutt oGoya.Icarri
edthepotov ertomystati
on
careful
l
ylooki
ngatt hatpoisonedpartofthegrav
y..

VUKANI

Iwat
chedthev
ideot
hatwassentt
omet
hrough
what
sapp.
.

"I
fyourHusbandknewwhatwasatst ake,
he
wouldn'thavefuckedup.Vukanidoesn'
tcareabout
you,heknewIt ookyou..Hehasn'tmadeanyeffort
s
offi
ndingy ou"

I
r enewasbleedi
ng.Drenchedinsweatandtears,I
don'tknowmuchaboutpr egnancybutIknow
bleedi
ngisn'
tsupposedtobeapar tofi
t.Especial
l
y
thismuchbleedi
ng..
It
ookoffmyar
m sl
ingandt
hrewitonthecouch.I
st
ret
chedmyarm,i
twassti
l
lpai
nful.
.

MyMot herwassleepi
ngbynow,Iwentt
omyroom.
Itookmygunandl oadedi
twit
hasmuchbul
let
sasI
canthenIwalkedouttomycar.
..

GOYA(
GUZI
K'SDAUGHTER)

Wemov edinl
ineforourmeal.
.IlookedatDoshia,
shelookedatme.I'vebeencareful
lywatchi
ngher
andhowshedi shesup.Wheni tcamet ome, I
noti
cedshescoopedf rom t
herightsi
deoft he
corner
..Shepouredthegravyonmyr ice,Il
ookedat
i
t..

Doshi
a:Wantmor
e?

Me:
No.
.I'
m good
If
akedasmi
l
eandmov
edon.
.

VUKANI

Idroveoutstr
aightt
oQhuma' shouse.Ikickedthe
dooropenandwal kedin.I
twasquietintheki t
chen,
I
walkedinandlookedaround.Ver
ycareful wit
hmy
steps,Imovedfrom r
oom toroom andcoul dn'
tfi
nd
anyone,norseeanyone..
.

Icheckedt
hewar
drobesev
erycor
nerandhewasn'
t
around.
.

Me:
Fuck!
!!

Iwal
kedoutandwentt
omycar
..
GOYA(
GUZI
K'SDAUGHTER)

IlookedatDoshiaf
rom theangl
e,Ihaveeatenthe
veggiessofarandnotanythi
ngelsethatwastaint
ed
bythegravy.
.

Doshi
akeptongl
anci
ngatme.
.

Fut
hiwassi
tt
ingopposi
teme.
.

Idi
shedt
hepumpki
nonpur
pose.
.

Me:
Fut
hi

Shel
ookedatme.
.

Me:
Thepumpki
nisnotni
ce,
canweswap?
Fut
hi:
Whydi
dyougeti
t?

Me:Il
ovepumpki
nbutt
hisonedoesn'
ttast
egood,
andmyfoodisal
ot

Fut
hi:
FineGoy
auy
ahl
upha(
youbot
her
some)

Me:
Huh?

Fut
hi:
Not
hing

Weswi
tchedpl
ates.
.

Il
ookedatDoshi
a,i
t'
sli
keshehasj
ustseenaghost
..

Ipi
ckedupt
hepi
eceofchi
ckenandr
aisedi
tupt
o
herwi
thaconni
vi
ngsmi
l
e..

Il
ookedatFut
hi.
.

Shewasr eal
l
ygetti
ngthr
ought
hemeal,shef
ill
edup
herspoonwithr
iceandgrav
yandkeptoneat
ing..

QHUMA

Iwheel
edmysel
ftothedoor
,Iopenedi
tand
wheel
edmysel
fout.
.

AfterBoy
zini
tol
dmehesentt hevi
deotoVukani
,I
knewVukani'
sfi
rststopwasgoi
ngt obemyhouse
soIwenttohideintheout
sidet
oil
et.
.

Thedoorattheki
tchenwaswideopen.Iwheel
ed
mysel
ftothehousehopinghehaslef
t.
.
SEASONFI
NALE

109

[
SIXBULLETS]

VUKANI

Iknowt hatBoy zi
ni hasIrene, butBoy zinii
sjusta
smal lfi
shinthi
spond.Qhumai sdef i
nitel
ythe
mast ermind,Get t
ingBoy zinimi ghtnothel pwi t
h
anythingwhenQhumai sst il
lalive..Iwentto
Boyzini'
splace.Itwasl ocked, Iwentt ot herooms
outside.Ishotthepadl ock,anddr oppedi ttothe
ground.Idroppedt hechai nt ooandopenedt hedoor
.
Itwasempt y
,nott hathewasgoi ngt oholdher
here..
.

FUTHI
Iwasn'
tfeel
inggood,f
eltl
i
kemyintesti
neswere
bei
ngshredded.Iwasfeel
ingl
i
keshitasItossed
andtur
ned..

Goy
a:Gocal
ltheGuar
d

Oneoft
hegi
rl
sranof
ftof
indaguar
d..
.

QHUMA

Il
ookedatt
het
ime,
Boy
zini
wal
kedout
..

Boy
zini
:I'
vegi
venhert
hepai
nki
l
ler
s

Me:
Wheel
mei
n
Hewheel
edmei
n..

I
renel
ookedweak,
shewasbl
eedi
ngpr
ofusel
y.
.

Me:
Weshoul
dputheroutofhermi
ser
y

Boy
zini
:I'
l
ldoi
t

Het
ookouthi
sgun.
.

Me:
No.
.St
rangl
eherwi
thashoest
ri
ng

Het ookoutt
heshoest
ri
ngfr
om hi
sbootand
walkedovert
oher.Hest
oodbehi
ndherand
st
rangledher
..

Il
ookeddownashercr
iesf
il
ledupt
her
oom
THEO-
DOSHI
A

Fut
hiwastakent
othemedi
cal
room,Iwal
kedoutof
mycell
andwentGoya'
scel
l
.If
oldedmyarmsand
l
ookedather.
.

Me:
Nicepl
ay

Goya:
Ify
ou,andImeant
ryt
hatstuntagai
n.Ther
e's
goi
ngtobehell
topay
,doweunderstandeachot
her?

Me:
I'
m st
il
lgoi
ngt
oki
l
lyou

Goy a:Doshiay ouarenotki

l
linganyone!It'
seasyt o
predictyoubecausey ouarear out
ine.YouandI ,we
arediffer
ent.Youactoutofanger ,
Iactrationall
y.
That '
swhyI '
llalway
sbeonest epaheadofy ou.Now,
acceptdef eatandgoonwi thyourlif
e.I'
l
ldosot oo,
wecanco-
exi
st!

QHUMA

Boy
zini
:She'
sgone

Me:
Good.
.Pr
epar
eher
.Loadheri
ntot
hecar

Wherewewere,
itwasabi
tqui
et.Peopl
ewer
en'
t
passi
ngmuch.
.

Me:
Butf
ir
st

Boy
zini
:Yaa?

Me:Gett
hesaw,
Ibr
oughti
twi
thwheny
oucamet
o
f
etchme
Boyzi
ni:Okay..
.Buryi
ngheri
nthecemeter
yseems
ext
reme, atl
eastthefami
lydeser
vest
ohav eher
bodyforclosure

Me:Iunder
stand,sowhenit
'sdar
k.We'
l
lthr
owher
bodyi
ntheyard.Decapi
tat
ed

Boyzi
ni:
Whoa..Whoa.
.Whoa..
.We'
veal
readyki
l
led
her
,Decapi
tat
ingheri
sext
reme

Me:
Youst
art
edt
hissof
ini
shi
t

Boy
zini
:Iwasal
lforki
l
li
ngher
,butdeca-

Iwheel
edmy
sel
ftohi
m..

Me:
Decapi
tat
ethebi
tchandwehav
etogetoutof
her
ebef
oreVukani
figur
esoutwher
ewear
e

Boy
zini
:Fi
ne!

NTANDOSHEZI

Iknocked.
.

Voi
ce:
Comei
n

Iopenedt
hedoorandwal
kedi
n..

Me:
GooddayMa

IwasatVukani
'
shouse.
.

Zuxi
e:Goodday
Me:
Iam l
i
eut
enantShezi

Zuxi
e:MayIhel
pyou?

Me:I
'm her
eaboutt
heki
dnappi
ngofy
ourDaught
er
i
nlaw

Zuxi
e:Why
?Thepol
i
cedi
dn'
twannahel
pus

Me:
Iunder
stand,
andI
'
m sor
ry

Zuxi
e:Whatdoy
ouwannaknow?

Me:
Howshedi
sappear
ed,
tel
lmeev
ery
thi
ng

BOYZI
NI
Herey
eswer ecol
d,therewasnoli
fei
ndeedasI
wenti
ndeeperDecapitat
ingher
.De-
att
achi
ngher
headf
rom herbody.
.

Qhumaissick,
Thiswasn'tmeantt
ohappenthi
sway
.
Thi
sissupergross,
inhumaneandhear
tl
ess.
.

Icont
inuedcut
ti
ngt
hrough.
.

FUTHI

Me:
Pl.
.Pl
easegi
vemesomet
hing

TheNur
sel
ookedatme.
.

Shel
eanedov
er.
.Itwasj
ustmeandher
..
Nur
se:Youshowi
ngsi
gnsofaPer
sonwhohasbeen
poi
soned

Me:
What
?

Nur se:Judgi
ngbyt hepetechiaeony ourski
n,Ican
clearlysayyoubleedi
nginternall
y.There'
snohope
fory ou,you'
l
ljustbewastingourt i
meandr esources.
SowhatI '
m goingtodoismaket hi
seasierforyou

Me:
Idon'
tunder
stand.
.Pl
easehel
pme

Nur
se:
Iwi
l
l.
.Iwi
l
l

Shet
ookt
hesy
ringeandi
nject
edi
tinmyI
V..

Me:
Whatar
eyoudoi
ng?
Nurse:Hel
pingy
ouout
,it
'l
lbeov
ersoondon'
twor
ry.
.
RestinPeace
.
Tobecont
inued
SEASONFI
NALE

110

[
SIXBULLETS]

VUKANI

Wewer er unningoutoft i
me, Witheverysecondlost
.
I
rene'
sl i
feremai nsmor eindanger.Ifeelnowshe's
moreindangerbecauseoft hebleedi
ng.Ihadcalled
t
hehospi taltocheckifshewasdr oppedof f
,she
wasn'
t..Iwaswai t
ingforthePI,he'sbeentryi
ngto
t
racktheexactl ocati
onf orhours..

Hef
inal
l
ycal
l
ed.
.

Me:
Goti
t?
PI
:Yes.
.I'
l
ltexty
ounow

Me:
Final
l
y

Ihungup.Het ext
edmet headdr
ess,Iknowthi
s
place.
.It
'sanabandonedhousenotf
arfrom my
hood..

Ical
ledBonetomeetmether
easIwasdr
ivi
ng
ther
e..Il
ookedatt
het
ime,i
twasnow21:
30.
..

GOYA

Thi
sli
neupwasdif
fer
ent
,wewer
ejustcal
l
edout
.
Outoft
hebl
ue..

Gov
ernor
:Idon'
tknowt
hedar
kcl
oudhangi
ngov
er
t
hispr
isonbut
..

Il
ookeddown.
.

Governor
:Nt
ombif
uthi
Tshabal
alai
snomor
e,she
passedonearl
i
ert
oday

Il
ookedatDoshi
a,Shel
ookedatme.
.

Gov er
nor:
Iti
sbeli
evedshewaspoi soned,
nowmy
questioni
s.Howwasshet heonlyonewhogot
poisonedandever
yoneelsei
sfine?Itmakesno
senseatall

Ki
ll
i
ngherwasn'tt
heplan,butIneededafal
lguyor
woman.I
fitwasn'
ther
, i
twasgoingt obeme..

ZUXI
E
Ihear
daknockatt
hedoor
..

Iwentt
otheki
tchen.
.

Me:
Whoi
sit
?

Ihear
dnoanswer
..

Me:
Whoi
sit
?

Iunlockedthedoorandchecked, butkeptt
he
securit
ydoorlocked.Ichecked,therewasnooneat
thedoorotherthanthisbigrefusebagatmydoor
step..

Iunl
ockedthesecur
it
ydoorandchecked.I
twast
ied
up.Iunt
iedi
tandlooked,
whatIsawwasenoughto
dr
iveapr
eacherwi
l
d..

I
rene'
sbodywasinther
efusebag,
herheadatt
he
t
opshowingfi
rst
..

It
ookaf
ewst
epsbacki
n..

Me:
Thando!
!.
.Thando!
!Thando!
!

VUKANI

Iparkedandwai
tedforBone,
it'
l
lbesaf
ert
ogo
i
nsidewithsomeone.
.

Hepul
ledup5mi
nlat
er,
andgotoutoft
hecar
maki
nghiswayt
ome..

Bone:
Arey
ousur
eaboutt
hispl
ace?
Me:
Yes

Bone:
Let
'sgoi
n

Wehel
doutourgunsandmadeourwayt
othedoor
.
Wel
ookedateachother
..

Igav
ehi
m anod,
hegav
emeanodt
oo.
.

Ikickedthedooropen,andwewentin.Wesearched
thr
ough,andt hepl
acewasempt y.Wewenttoopen
theroom withthecl
oseddoor.Bl
oodalmost
everywhere.Onthechair
,ther
opewastai
ntedtoo.
Ont hefl
oor..

Me:
Wel
ate
Bone:
Theymi
ghthav
emov
edher

Me:Amiscar
ri
edbl
eedi
ngwoman,
wher
ewoul
dthey
t
akeher
?

Bone:
Idon'
tknow

Iwentandki
ckedt
hechai
r.
.

Me:
Dammi
t!
!!

ZUXI
E

Myast hmawasalreadyacti
ngup.Thandocall
edt
he
cops,theycamefl
oodingin.Myhouseandmyy ar
d
wasaci rcusf
orl
awenf or
cement,andmedical
Personnel.
.
Ididn'
tknowwhatt osay,Ididn'tknowwhattot hi
nk.
Whocoul ddot his?Whocoul dmur derawoman,
anyonel i
kethat?Ihavenev erseenany thi
ngl
ikethi
s
beforeinmyl i
fe.Itwasruthless,inhumaneand
distur
bing..

Li
eut
enantShezi
camet
ome.
.

Lieut
enant
:Iknowthisi
sdi
ff
icul
tbut
..Ineedt
oask
youaf ewquest
ions

Me:
It'
sokay

Hepul
l
edt
hechai
randsatdown.
.

BOYZI
NI

Me:
Mor
epl
ease
Bar
tender
:Ar
eyousur
eSi
r?

Me:
Isai
dmor
e

Hepouredmor
e.Idownedt
hewhi
skeyandcl
osed
myeyes..

Icouldn'
tgetherpi
ctur
eoutofmyhead.Ihad
washedmyhandst hatIevent
houghtt
heskinwoul
d
peeloff.
.

Me:
Mor
epl
ease

VUKANI

Igotacal
lfr
om Thando.
.
Me:
Sis

Thando:
Youhav
etocomebackhome

Me:
What
'swr
ong?

Thando:
Pleasecomehome

Me:
I'
m onmyway

Shehungup,
thatwaswei
rd.
.
.
Tobecont
inued
SEASONFI
NALE

111

[
SIXBULLETS]

VUKANI

Ican'texpl ainthef eelingst hatIfel

trightnow.I
knowIal mostf el tthesamewaywhenMpi lopassed,
butthisiswor se.Themanneri nwhichshedi edin,
shatteredmyhear tintoami l
li
onpieces.Iwasn' t
feel
ingt hepai nemot i
onal l
yonly,butphy si
callytoo.
Ashar ppai nacr ossmychest .Mysani tywasl eavi
ng
me, ther oom mov edi nslowmot i
on.Not hingmade
sense,Il ostmy selfandmywi llt
oliv
ei nthatinstant.
Mywhol ebodywast r
embl ingfrom thet r
auma.I
couldn'tcompr ehendany t
hing,abigpar tofmewas
l
ostagai n.Onet hatI '
l
l neverbeablet ogetback. .
Bone:
Idon'
tev
enknowwhatt
osay

Me:
Somet
hingi
snotr
ight

Bone:
Inwhatway
?

Me:QhumaandBoyzini
wouldn'
tdot
hisknowi
ng
ver
ywell
thatwehavehisf
amily

Bone:
Youcan'
tthi
nkl
i
ket
hat

Me:
Hedoesn'
tcar
eaboutt
hem

Bone:
Vukani

Me:Theonlyl
ogi
calexpl
anat
iontoanigganot
f
eel
inganythi
ngt
hatwegothisfamil
y,isi
fthechi
l
d
i
snothis.
.Wegotthewrongchil
d!
Igotupf
rom t
hecouch.
.

Me:
Wegott
hewr
ongchi
l
d!!

NA-
TSHABALALA

IgotaphonecallthatFuthipassedon,f
rom
poisoni
ng.Theynotsurey etwhowasbehinditandI
doubtI'
ll
everknow.Prisonseemst onotcar
eabout
i
nmat es.
.

Iknowwehadourdi f
fer
encesbutshe'
smy
Daughteratt
heendofthedayandIwasfeel
ingt
he
pain.Thepai
nofherl
ivi
ngherl
if
ereckl
essl
y.
.

Icoul
dev encontr
ibut
esuchtowit
chcr
aft
,because
ther
e'snoonewhoi sclearmi
ndedwhocouldli
ve
thei
rli
fei
nt hatmanner.
.
MySist
erPinkywasonherway ,l
uckil
yshehada
f
uneral
coverthatshekeptuptodate.Shedi
dn'
tj
ust
l
eavemewi thaburdenofbury
ingher..

VUKANI

Iwentst
rai
ghtt
otheEat
ery
..

Therewer
eafewcust
omer
ssi
tt
ingandenj
oyi
ng
thei
rmeal
..

Igotont
opoft
het
abl
e..Il
ookedatt
hem.
.

Me:
Ever
ybodyout
!

Theyj
ustl
ookedatme.
.
Iwhi
stl
ed.
.

Me:
Ever
yonegetupandf
uckof
f!
!

Obv
iousl
yIwasn'
tget
ti
ngmypoi
ntacr
oss.
.

Itookoutmygunandshotupwar
dst wice,that
's
whentheystar
tedscat
ter
ingl
i
keroaches..Running
tothedoor
..

Tsongashowedupf
rom t
heki
tchen.
.

Tsonga:
Wtf
?

Ipoi
ntedt
hegunathi
m..

Me:
Youpl
ayedme
Tsonga:
Whatar
eyout
alki
ngabout
?

Ij
umpeddownf
rom t
het
abl
eandmademywayt
o
hi
m..

Me:
Thatchi
l
dwegot
,isnotQhuma'
schi
l
disi
t?

Tsonga:
Whatdoy
oumean?

Ibashedhi
m ont
hef
acewi
tht
hebackofmygun.
.

Me:
Wher
eisQhuma'
smostpr
icedpossessi
on?

Tsonga:
Idon'
tknowwhaty
out
alki
ngabout

Iputt
hegunont
het
abl
eandpunchedhi
m af
ew
t
imes.
.

Me:
Wher
eisQhuma'
smostpr
icedpossessi
on?

Tsonga:
Idon'
tknowwhaty
out
alki
ngabout

It
ookt
hegunf
rom t
het
abl
eandpoi
ntedi
tathi
m..

Me:
Youhav
e5seconds

Tsonga:
Vukani
youl
osi
ngi
t

Ishothi
m onhi
sleg.
.

Tsonga:
Ahhhhhf
uck!
!!

Me:
Nowy
ouhav
e2secondsbef
oreIputt
henext
onei
nyourhead

Tsonga:
Fine.
.Dammi
tfi
ne!
!She'
sinuni
ver
sit
y,not
surewhi
chone

Il
ower
edt
hegun.
.

Me:
I'
m goi
ngt
oneedpi
ctur
esofher
..Pr
ont
o!

ZUXI
E

I
rene'
sGr
andmot
hercame,
Ihadcal
l
edher
..
.

Hercr
iestor
edeepi
nsi
de.Shewasweak,
def
eat
ed
anddi
dn'tev
enknowwhattosay
.

If
eltbad,weweresupposedtokeepher
Granddaught
ersaf
e.TheonlyPersoncl
oset
oher
hear
t.
.

Ididn'
tknowwhattosayt oher,
whatwor dssoot
hes
suchabr okenhear
t?There'
snoamountofcomf ort
thatwil
lmakethissi
tuat
ionfeelbet
ter
..

Ir
enewasawonder fulPerson.Kind,Warm heart
ed
andloved.Whowoul dkill
suchanangel ?We've
neverhadsuchagr uesomecr i
mei nthehood,ever
!
Shewaski dnappedinoury ardaplacewher eshe'
s
meanttobesaf e..

VUKANI

Hegav
emebackmyphone.
.

Tsonga:
That
'sher
,that
'sherI
nst
agr
am account
Il
ookedathi
m..

Me:
Takecar
eoft
hatl
eg

Imademywayout
,andwentbackt
omycar
.

Igoti
nandbangedthedoor.Il
aidmyheadont
he
wheelandhi
titr
epeat
edl
y..

If
oughtbackt
ear
s,myt
hroatwascl
osi
ngi
nonme.
.

Iwi
pedmyt
ear
s..

Me:
Fuck!
!!
!!

BOYZI
NI
Iwasdr
unk.
.Iwasv
erydr
unk.
.

Ist
umbl
edar
oundmaki
ngmywayt
omycar
.

Igotther
eandsear
cheddeepf
ormykey
sinmy
pocket.
.

Voi
ce:
Boy
zini
?

It
urnedar
ound.
.

Me:
Yeah?

Ifel
tapunchacrossmyf
ace,
Ihi
tmybackagai
nst
thecarasIf
ell
.
..

VUKANI
Myphoner
ang,
itwasGuzi
k..

Me:
Yeah

Guzi
k:Aftert
hetexty
ousentmeabout
..Isentout
Pl
essi
st ogoaft
erBoyzi
ni.Hef
oundhi
m atthebar
dr
unk..Hegothi
m

Me:
He'
sjustapawn

Guzi
k:Ei
therway,wecl
eani
ngupev
ery
onewhowas
behi
ndIr
ene'sdeat
h

Me:
Thef
ami
l
ywegot
,Thechi
l
d..I
t'
snothi
s

Guzi
k:It
houghtasmuch
Me:
ButIf
oundhi
sot
herDaught
er

Guzik:
Sendmepi
ctur
esandI
'
llsendsomeonet
ogo
gether

Me:
Cool

QHUMA

Ical
l
edmyDaught
erAbo.
.

Abo:
Baba

Me:Li
stentome,
thi
sisgoi
ngt
osoundst
rangebut
i
t'
simport
ant

Abo:
What
'swr
ong?
Me:Don'
tgotoschool,
stayi
nyourf
lat
.I'
l
lsend
someoneforsur
vei
l
lance

Abo:
Why
?

Me:
JustdoasIsay

Abo:
Ican'
tmi
sscl
asses

Me:
AndIcan'
tl
osey
ou!Pl
easet
rustme

Abo:
Dadwhat
'sgoi
ngon?

Me:
Promi
seme!

Abo:
Fine.
.Ipr
omi
se
Me:
OkayIl
ovey
ou

Abo:
Ilov
eyout
oo

VUKANI

Ical
l
edPl
essi
s..

Pl
es:
Vuks

Me:
Wher
ear
eyougoi
ngt
ohol
dhi
m?

Pl
es:
Att
hewar
ehouse

Me:
I'
m onmyway
Pl
es:
Okaycool

TSONGA

Idraggedmysel
facrosst
hefl
oorthensatup
str
aightandbal
ancedmybackagainstt
hewall
..

Myl
egwasbl
eedi
ng.
.

It
ookoutmyphoneandcal
l
edQhuma.
.

Qhuma:
Tal
ktome

Me:
He'
sgoi
ngaf
terAbo

Qhuma:
When?
Me:
Now

Qhuma:
Didy
out
ell
him?

Me:
Trustmei
twasi
nvol
unt
ary
,Ispokeaf
terabul
l
et
i
nmyleg

Qhuma:
Hav
eyouhear
dfr
om Boy
zini
?

Me:
Nonoty
et

Qhuma:I
'l
lcal
lhi
m agai
n,t
henI
'l
lhavet
osend
someonetoAbo'
sflatt
ogoandfet
chher
.
Tobecont
inued
SEASONFI
NALE

113

[
SIXBULLETS]

ZUXI
E

IwasshockedwhenThandot
oldmet
hatFut
hidi
ed
i
npri
sontoo..

Idon'
tbel
iev
einbadluck,
buti
tseemslikeVukanii
s
bei
ngfoll
owedbyacloudofdar
kness.Maybehe's
fat
herwasri
ghtwhenhesuggest
edthathe
shoul
d'
vedoneacleansi
ngwhenhegotoutofjail
..

Speaki
ngabouthisFat
her,whenIcal
li
ntocheckup
onhim att
herehabcent
er.He'sdoi
ngver
ywell
,and
hewi
l
lbeoutsoon.
.

Me:Fi
rstMpil
o,nowhe'
swi
feandunbor
nbabydi
ed
t
henFuthi
..

Who'
snext
?Hi
m?.
.

Me:
Aft
ert
hef
uner
al,
Vukani
mustdoacl
eansi
ng

Thando:
Ithoughty
ounev
erbel
i
evedi
ntheset
hings

Me:
It'
snotaboutbel
i
evi
ng,
It'
saboutwhat
'sr
ight

Thando:
True.
.Iwonderwher
ehei
s

Me:Wher
everhei
s,Ihopehe'
snotget
ti
nghi
msel
f
i
ntoanyt
roubl
e
Thando:
Met
oo

VUKANI

Iwassi
tt
ingatt
heback,
Plessi
swasdr
ivi
ng.Abo
knewwhatwasgoi
ngonnow. .

Abo: Whyarey
oudoi
ngthi
s?I'
mjustawoman.A
defensel
esswoman,
youshoul
dbeashamedof
yoursel
f

Me:Ashamed?Yourfat
hershoul
dbeashamedof
hi
mself
.YourFat
herkil
l
edmyunbornbabyandmy
wi
fe

Abo:
What
?
Me:Decapi
tat
edher
,wegoi
ngt
obur
ymywi
fewi
th
herheadst
it
ched

Abo:
Thatdoesn'
tsoundl
i
kemyFat
her

Me:
Let
'scal
lhi
m

Ical
l
edhi
m..

Qhuma:
Afterwhathappened,
Inev
ert
houghtt
hatI
woul
dgetacall
from you

Me:
Youmeanaf
tery
ouki
l
ledmywi
feanddaught
er?

Qhuma:Itgoestoshowt
hatev
enonawheel
chai
r,I
canst
il
lfuckyouup!

Me:
Irenehadnot
hingt
odowi
tht
his
Qhuma:I
rene'
ssi
nwasget
ti
ngcaughti
naf
ightt
hat
wasbet
weenmeandherhusband

Me:Soyoutel
l
ingmet
hat
,Endacanbecaughti
nthe
cr
ossf
ir
etoo?

Qhuma: Youwouldn'
tgettoEndaevenyoutri
ed!You
wouldn'tgettoanyoneseeinghowyoutookthe
wrongones.Myexwi feandherdaught
er,A
daughterthatdoesn'
tbelongtome

Me:Ver
ywel
l
,butuhm.Someonewoul
dli
ket
osay
Hel
l
o

Ihadputhi
m onl
oudspeaker
..

Abo:
Dad
Qhumapaused.
.

Me:
Itwasni
cet
alki
ngt
oyou

Qhuma:
Ify
out
ouchev
enahai
ronherhe-

Ihungup..Il
ookedatAbo.Shelookeddi
sappoi
nted,
hurtandsadallatt
hesamet i
me..

Abo:
Yougoi
ngt
oki
l
lme?Idi
dnot
hing

Me:
Mywi
fedi
dnot
hing

Abo:
Can'
tyouj
ustaf
termyf
ather
?

Me:
Thatwoul
dbeeasy
Abo:
Theny
ounodi
ff
erentf
rom hi
m

Me:
Ain'
tthatabi
tch?

QHUMA

Ihi
tthedashboar
daf
ewt
imest
imes.
.

Me:I
'm goi
ngt
okil
lhi
m!!I
'm goi
ngtoki
l
lhi
m..Tur
n
ar
oundwegoingbackhome,I'
m goi
ngt
oki
llhi
m!!

GOYA

Gov
ernor
:Si
gnher
e

Me:
Howdi
dyoupul
lthi
sof
f?
Gov
ernor
:Doy
ouwannagetoutnextweek?Yesor
No?

Me:
Ofcour
se

Gov
ernor
:I'
m surpr
isedt
hej
udgegr
antedy
ouPar
ole
Goy
a,he'
sony ourdad'
spay
rol
li
sn'
the?

Me:
Soar
eyou?

Governor
:Don'
tgetcaught
,Don'
tcomeback.Imight
begonewheny oucomeback,andthej
udgemight
resi
gntoo

Me:
Ihav
enoi
ntent
ionsofcomi
ngbackher
eagai
n

Gov
ernor
:Let
'shopesoandst
ayoutoft
roubl
e
ar
oundher
ewhi
l
eyouati
t

Me:
Iwi
l
l

BONE

Iopenedt
hedoor
..Thecopswer
est
andi
ngatmy
doorst
ep.
.

Me:
MayIhel
pyou?

Shezi
:Li
eut
enantShezi

Me:
MayIhel
pyou?

Shezi
:I'
m her
etoaskaboutt
heshoot
outt
hat
happenedattheEat
ery
Me:
Itconnect
stomehow?

Shezi
:Wher
ecanIf
indVukani
?

Me:
Idon'
tknow

Shezi
:Canyoucomedownt
othest
ati
onf
or
quest
ioni
ng?

Me:
Arey
ouar
rest
ingme?

Shezi
:No

Me:
ThenNo

Icl
osedt
hedooronhi
m..
.
VUKANI

Wearr
ivedatt
hewar
ehouse.Wer
euni
tedt
hem,
all
oft
hem..

Boy
zini
hadsnappedoutoft
heal
cohol
..

Abo:
Ma

Ma:
Abo

Pl
essi
s:Wher
etoof
rom her
e?

Me:
Ipul
lthet
ri
gger

Pl
essi
s:Okay
Ipoint
edmygunatAboandshotheri
nthehead,
executi
onst
yle.
.

Ma:
Nooooo!
!!

Boy
zini
:Mot
her
fucker
!!
!

Me:Wegoi ngtodissecther
,Sendherf atherher
hear
tandintest
inesasal i
tt
lepresentthenburnher
body.Qhumawi l
lnevergetachancet obur yhi
s
Daughter

Pl
essi
s:I
'
lldi
ssecther
..I
sitdone?I
sital
ldone?

Me:
No.
.NowIhav
etof
indhi
sbi
tchwi
feEnda

Pl
essi
s:Okay
Me:Incl
udetheheadtooi
nt heboxsohecanknow
i
t'
sher,Alsot
akeavideosendittohi
m asy ou
di
ssectherandmakesureitcan'
tbetraced

Pl
essi
s:Not
ed

Iwal
kedupt
othedoor
..

Me: Ohwyabef or
eIfor
get
,Boy
zini
Ihopey
ouki
ssed
yourli
tt
legi
rlgoodby
e

Boyzi
ni:
I'
m goi
ngt
oki
l
lyou!
!Isweart
oGodI
'
m
goi
ngtokil
lyou

Pl
essi
s:Shutup!Younotgoi
ngt
oki
l
lany
one!

QHUMA
Wedrov
edownt othewar
ehouset
hatIknowof
f,
wher
eIgotshot
.Itwasempt
y..

Me:
Okayl
etmet
hink.
.Letmet
hink

Iwalkedov
erandplacedmyhandagai
nstt
hewal
l
,
astheshar
ppainsurgedt
hroughmyst
omach.
.

Me:
Letmet
hink.
.Letmet
hink!

Lukhel
e:Vukani
nev
ert
oldy
ouaboutanyot
her
warehouses?

Me:No.
.Henev
ert
oldme.
.Henev
ert
oldme
any
thi
ng

VUKANI
Igoti
nmycarandtookIrene'
sphone,Iwentdown
tohercont
act
sandstoppedatEnda..

I'
l
lhav et
ocall
her,hol
daconver
sationofatl
east30
secondssothatIcanbeabl
etotraceherexact
l
ocation.
.

It
ext
edt
hePI
..

"
I'
m onmyway
,Ineedy
ourhel
p"

Butfi
rst,
Ihav et
odri
vedownandgetBoyzi
ni'
s
Daughter.She'
s4year
soldandl
iv
eswithher
Mother.
.
.
Tobecont
inued
SEASONFI
NALE

113

[
6BULLETS]

VUKANI

Boyzi
niwasneverkeenontalki
ngabouthi
s
daught
ereverynowandthen,butwhenheknew
aboutMpil
o.Heopenedupt omeabouthis
Daughter
,It
hinkitwashi
swayoft r
yingt
oconsol
e
me.Nowt heinf
ormati
onhascomei nhandy.
.

IparkedatthegatewherehisDaughterli
ves,Isaw
twokidsplayi
ngatthefronti
nsi
dethey ard.OneI
couldpoi
ntthatit
'shisDaught
erbecauseshel ooked
youngerthantheotherone.
.
Igotoutofthecarandmademywaytothem,had
mycapdr oppedall
thewaydowntomynose.I
caref
ull
yopenedthegat
eandwalkedi
n..

Me:
Hi

Theyst
oppedandl
ookedatme.
.

Me:
Ler
ato?

Theolderonelookedatthey
oungerone,
shedoes
l
ooklikethepi
ctureIsawofherf
rom Boyzi
ni'
s
Facebookpict
ures.
.

Me:Iam Uncl
eQhumaandyourDadhasaskedme
tocomeandgivey
ousomechocolat
es,
theyint
he
car
..Shoul
dwegoandgett
hem?
Theol
dergi
rll
ookedatme.
.

Me:
Whoar
eyou?

Gi
rl
:Luna.
.Iam hercousi
n

Me:
Wher
eisy
ourAunt
ie?

Gi
rl
:She'
sbat
hing

Me:Got
ell
herUncl
eQhumai
sher
etodr
opof
f
somegr
oceri
es

Il
ookedatLer
ato.
.

Me:
Let
'sgo
Itookoutabarofchocolat
ef r
om mypocketand
handeditt
oher,f
ortrustpurposes.Shet
ookit
,I
openedmyarms..

Me:
Let
'sgogetmor
e

Ipi
ckedherupandwewenttothecar,
Ipl
acedher
onthefr
ontsi
tthencl
osedt
hedoorandstar
tedthe
car
.Isawhercousi
ncomingbackouttot
heyardas
wetookoff
..

BONE

Knowi
nghowcopsar e,Thi
sShezimightbest
aki
ng
meout.IfIdr
iveof
ftocheckTsonga,Imi
ghtl
and
mysel
finhotwater
s..

Vukani
isdeadinsi
de,hedoesn'
tcar
ewhathappens
tohi
m anymore.Al
lhecaresabouti
sget
ti
ng
revenge,
that'
sallhecaresabout
.Whet
herhemakes
i
tornotsol ongalloft
hosewhowereaffi
l
iatedwi
th
I
r ene'
sdeatharegone,t
henhehascompletedhi
s
goal..

I
nt hi
swor ldeveryt
hingneedsbal ance,
whaty ouput
outcomesbackt oy oual lt
hetime.Vukanidoing
this,hishandsaret aintedwithal otofi
nnocent
blood.Hi sancestorsr i
ghtnow, arefarfr
om him.The
onlyt hi
ngmaki nghi mi nvi
ncibl
ei swhatQhumahad
him do, ukuqi
niswabutwi thoutthesupportofhis
guidest oohisluckwi llrunout.
.

Talki
ngtohim won'tmakeanydiff
erence,solong
thehurti
sstil
lther
e.Solongtheangerissti
ll
there
hewon'tli
stentoanyreasonbecausethat'
sadark
combinati
on..

Ithi
nkhedoesn'tcar
ewhet
herhel
ivesaft
erthi
sor
not,buti
fhedoeshehasalott
oaccounttoo.
.
Icl
osedt
hecurt
ain,
therewasanunfamil
i
arcar
par
kedontheot
hersideofthest
reet
..

QHUMA

Iwheel
edmy
sel
ftot
hegat
e..

Ther
ewasadel
i
ver
yMan,
Idi
dn'
tunl
ock.
.

Me:
MayIhel
pyou?

Hi
m:Del
i
ver
yfr
om MrQhuma

Me:
From who?

Ihadami
nibl
anketov
ermyl
egswi
thagunbur
ied
under
neat
h..

Hi
m:Idon'
tknow,
Someguypai
dmet
odr
opt
hisof
f

Me:
Whosenty
ou?I
sitVukani
?

Hi
m:Idon'
tknow

Hepl
acedt
heboxdown.
.

Hi
m:Idon'
tknow

Hewalkedawayandwentt
ohiscar
.Iunlockedt
he
gat
eandgotup.Leav
ingmygunandblanketonthe
wheel
chai
r.
.

Isl
owlywalkedoverandgott
hebox,
itwasheav
y.I
for
cedthr
oughthenwentbacktosi
tdown.Maki
ng
sur
eIdon'
tsi
tonthegun.Il
ockedt
hegat
eand
wheel
edmysel
fin.
.

VUKANI

Iarr
ivedatthewar
ehouse,Shewasst
il
leati
ngthe
chocolat
e.Iwal
kedin,
Plessi
swaswashinghis
hands..

Pl
essi
s:Del
i
ver
ydone

Me:
Thanky
ou

Ler
ato:
Daddy

Iputherdownandsher
ant
ohi
m..

Boy
zini
:OhhmyGod
Me:
Howsweet

Boy
zini
lookedatme.
.

Boy
zini
:Vukani
please.
.

Me:Youshouldtel
lyourBabynott
olett
heki
dspl
ay
out
sideatni
ght,
evenaroundtheyard

Boyzi
ni:
I'
m beggi
ngy
ou,
she'
sinnocent
.Shedoesn'
t
knowany t
hing

Me:I
renewasinnocent
!!Shedidn'
tknownot
hingbut
t
hatdidn'
tst
opyoufrom ki
ll
ingher!

Boy
zini
:Qhumahe.
.Qhumaf
orcedme
Me:
Hedi
dnow?

Boy
zini
:Hesaidi
fIdi
dn'
tdoi
t,hewasgoi
ngt
oki
l
l
myDaughter

Me:
Youhadachoi
ce

Boy zi
ni:
IfIdi
dIwouldn'
thavedonei
t,Iwasj
ust
tr
yingtoprotectmyDaughter

Me:
Youcoul
d'
vecal
l
edme

Boy
zini
:I'
m sor
ry

Me:
Met
oo

Iwal
kedov
ert
otaket
hechi
l
d..
Boy
zini
:NoPl
ease.
.Pl
ease.
..Pl
ease

Iknel
tdownandl
ookedather
,sheseemedscar
ed.
.

Me:
LookatDaddy

Shet
urnedandl
ookedatherf
ather
..

Me:
SayGoodby
e

Shekeptqui
et.
.

Me:
SayGoodby
eDaddy

Ler
ato:
Goodby
eDaddy
It
wist
edherhead,
Snappi
ngherneck.
.

Boy
zini
:No!
!!
!!
!!

Ipi
ckedherupandpl
acedheronhi
slegs.

Boy
zini
:Whathav
eyoudone?Whathav
eyoudone?

QHUMA

Ihadtogothroughalotofbubblewraptof
inal
l
y
unwrapherhead,hear
t,andi
ntesti
nes.

Myheartsanktomyknees,Iwal
kedbackt
othe
wheel
chairandsatdown.
.

Ist
ruggl
edtobr
eath.
.Thi
swasnothappeni
ng,
not
mydaughter
.NotmyDaught
er!
!
It
ookt
hegunwi
tht
ear
sst
reami
ngdown.
.

Ipl
acedi
tonmyhead.
.

Thi
swasallmessedup.
.Iam t
her
easonbehi
ndmy
Daught
er'
sdeat
h..

Icri
edwit
hmyhandshaki
ng,
Ipl
acedt
hegunonmy
thi
ghs.
.

Me:
Lor
dwhathav
eIdone?Whathav
eIdone?

VUKANI

Iwentandst
oodout
side.
.
It
ookoutmyphoneandshewassti
l
lmywal l
paper
.
Accept
ingt
hatshewasgone,
wasdi
ffi
cul
t.
.

Myphonerang, i
twasQhuma.Idi
dn'
tpickup.Il
etit
r
ingunt
ili
tstopped,answer
ingmi
ghtbedangerous.
Hecoul
dbet racki
ngthecal
l..
.

Iputmyphonebacki
nmypocketandsi
ghed.
.

Iwasangr ymoret
hananythi
ng,Ishoul
d'v
e
prot
ectedhersomehow.Ishoul
d'venever
underminedmyenemies.
.

Itur
nedar
oundandst ar
tedpunchi
ngthewal
l,I
punchedi
tunt
ilIf
eltmyhandgetti
ngnumb..
.
Tobecont
inued
SEASONFI
NALE

114

[
6BULLETS]

VUKANI

Il
ookedatt
hePI
,henodded.
.

Ical
l
edEndausi
ngI
rene'
sphone.
.

Enda:
Hel
l
o?

Me:
Hi.
.It
'sVukani

Enda:
OhhGodVukani
youscar
edmet
odeat
h,Iwas
wonder
inghowcomeam Iget
ti
ngcal
l
sfr
om I
rene

Me:
You'
veal
readyhear
d?

Enda:Qhumat oldme, whowoul

ddosomet
hingl
i
ke
thi
s?Ithoughtthathoodwasthesaf
est

Hedi
dn'
ttel
lhert
het
rut
h..Thatwor
ksi
nmyf
avour
..

Me:Iknow.
.I'
m gr
atef
ulfort
hefri
endsIhave,
Qhumaishelpi
ngmef i
ndthePeopler
esponsi
ble

Enda:
Youguy
shav
emadeup?

Me:Yes..Theguywewer etr
yingtogetGuzikisthe
oneresponsi
bleforI
rene'
sdeath.Hedidn'
ttake
ki
ndl
yt omybet r
ayal
Enda:Vukani
,YouandQhumamustst opwi
tht
hese
thi
ngs.
.Looknow,innocentpeopl
ear
edyi
ng

Me:Iknow..Pl
easebecar
eful
,they
'vedonet
hist
o
I
renetheywil
ldothi
stoyou

Enda:
Iknow.
.I'
mtr
ulysor
ryaboutI
rene

Me:
Met
oo

ThePIr
aisedhi
shand.
.

Me:
Goodby
e

Enda:
Itwasgoodhear
ingf
rom y
ou

Me:
Pleasecomet
othef
uner
al
Enda:
Iwi
l
l

Me:
Bye

Enda:
Bye

Ihungup.
..

PI
:Wegother
!

Endai
sthel
astpi
ecet
othepuzzl
e..
.

ZUXI
E

Iwasgoi
ngt obeatIr
ene'spl
aceunt
ilherf
uner
al.I
oweherGrandmotherthatmuch.
.
Gogo:
Uphi
uVukani
?Howi
shehol
dingup?

Me:He'st
akingithar
d..Despi
tet
hei
rpr
obl
ems,
Vukani
lovedIr
ene

Gogo:I
t'
shear
tbr
eaking.Thel
ovet
heybot
hshar
ed
andonehadtobetakenaway

Me:
Iknow.
.KodwaGodknowswhy

Gogo:
That
'st
rue

VUKANI

Ireci
evedacallagai
nfrom Qhuma.AtleastIwasn'
t
atthewarehousesoit'
sokayifhet
racesthecall
..
Me:
Whatdoy
ouwant
?

Qhuma:
Iwantal
lthi
stoend

Me:
I'
m guessi
ngy
ougotmypr
esent

Qhuma:Thisshouldendnow,Youhav emoretolose
thanme.YourMot her
,YourSi
ster
,yourNephew.I
havenot
hingtoloseanymore.Youtookmywor l
d

Me:
Youst
art
edal
lthi
s

Qhuma:
AndI
'
m endi
ngi
t,wi
that
ruce

Me:
Whyshoul
dIbel
i
evey
ou?

Qhuma:Becausey
oul
ostsomeone,
Idi
dtoo.
.It
shoul
dendnow
Me:
Nowi
tends

Qhuma:
Nowi
tends

Me:
Nowi
tends

Ihungup.
.

Me:
Packy
ourt
hingsandl
eav
enow

PI
:Why
?

Me:
Youwi
l
lgetki
l
led.
.Thanky
ouf
ory
ourhel
p

ThePIpackedhi
sthi
ngsandt
henwal
kedout
,Iwent
tomycar.
.
QHUMA

PI
:Wegott
hel
ocat
ion

Me:
Let
'sgo.
.That
'swher
ehemi
ghtbe

PI
:Okayl
et'
sgo

Ical
ledEnda,
Herphoner
angunt
ili
ttookmet
o
voi
cemail
..

Me:
Fuck

It
ext
edher
:

"
Youneedt
oleav
eyourhouse,
youi
ndanger
.Vukani
i
scomi
ngaf
tery
ou"

VUKANI

Ical
l
edBoneasIwasdr
ivi
ngt
oEnda'
spl
ace

Bone:
Mbhem

Me:
Iam dr
ivi
ngt
ogetEnda

Bone:
Aft
erEndai
t'
sdoner
ight
?

Me:
Aft
erEndai
t'
sdone.
.Ipr
omi
se

Bone:Thecopsar
eal
readypi
cki
ngupont
het
rai
l
,
Youleavi
ngtr
aces
Me:Iknow..Iwantyoutoknowthatnomat
terwhat
happens,
I'
m grat
efulf
oryourhel
p

Bone:IwishIcoul
d'
v edonet
his5year
sago,
Prot
ectedyoufrom get
ti
ngcaught

Me:It
'snoty
ourf
aul
t,Youdi
dn'
tknow.
.Howi
s
Tsonga?

Bone:Idon'tknow,ThecopsareonmebutI'
m sur
e
thatwhereverheishe'
sgone.Thatbl
eedi
ng,
He
won'tsur
v i
veit

Me:
Good.
.Af
terEndai
t'
sov
er,
I'
ll
thent
urnmy
sel
fin

Bone:
Inj
ayehl
athi

Me:
Inj
aYehl
athi
til
ltheend
QHUMA

Wegott
othepl
ace,
Itwasadeadend.
.

Me:
Dammi
t!
!

Iputmyhandov
ermyst
omach.
.

Me:
Wet
ool
ate

Lukhel
e:Hemust
'v
eknownt
hatwet
racki
nghi
m

Me:
Wehav
etodr
iveoutt
oEnda'
spl
ace

Lukhel
e:Let
'sgo
It
ext
edVukani
..

"
Ify
outouchEnda,I
'
m goi
ngtomakesurethaty
our
Mom andThandodon'
tl
iv
etotel
lthest
ory
"

VUKANI

Ireadhi stext..Whathedoesn'tknowmyf amil

yis
protected.Guzi kmadesureoft hat.Heappoint
eda
femal ehitwoman, Aprof
essional onetoactli
kea
dist
antcousi nofIr
ene'
sfrom herf at
her'
sside.
Phot osphot oshoppedandthepl anonhandunt i
lal
l
ofthisov er.
.

Nowt
her
acehasst
art
ed,
Whowi
l
lgett
oEndaf
ir
st.
.
.
Tobecont
inued
SEASONFI
NALE

116

[
SIXBULLETS]

QHUMA

Ihadtogetoutofthere,Twodeadbodi esandmy
bei
ngther ewon'
tcl
ocki ngood.Iwheeledmy sel
f
outwit
hmygunandwentt omycar, myclothes
werestainedwit
hblood.Mindfoggy,Icoul
dswearI
waslosingmysanity.Thiswholet
hingismessed
up..

VUKANI

Bone:
Almostdone
It
ookthebott
leofJackDani
el'
sanddrankfr
om i
tas
hegotthebul
l
etout.Idr
oveoutst
rai
ghttohi
splace.
.

Bone:
Ther
ewego

Me:
Thanky
ou

Bone:
Justneedt
odr
essupt
hewound

Me:
Ihopei
tdoesn'
tgeti
nfect
ed

Bone:
Iwi
l
lwashi
tof
fwi
thanant
isept
ic

Me:
Don'
tIneedt
obest
it
chedorsomet
hing?

Bone:
Idon'
tknow.
.I'
m notr
eal
l
yaDr
,al
lIknowi
s
t
hatwehav
etost
opt
hebl
eedi
ng

Me:
We'
l
lsee

Bone:It
houghtI
renewasgoi
ngt
obebur
iedaty
our
house

Me: Wenotoffici
all
ymar r
ied,PlusherGrandmot her
askedthatsheshouldbebur i
edathome.Same
placewhereherMot her
'sfuneralser
v i
cetookplace.
It
'sthel
eastIcoulddo,knowingI '
mt hereason
behindherGranddaughter'
suntimelydeath

Bone:Ihopey
ounotgoi
ngar
oundsay
ingsucht
o
ever
yone

Me:
Onl
yyou
Bone:
Soal
lar
egone?

Me:Yes..Pl
essi
skil
l
edBoyziniatt
hewarehouse,
Qhuma'sexwifeandtheDaughter
.Weletthem go

Bone:
Won'
tshesni
tch?

Me:
That
'st
hewhol
epoi
nt

Bone:
Soy
ouwannagetcaught
?

Me:Thedif
ferencebet
weenQhumaandIi
sthatI
wannaaccountformysins

Bone:
Isee

NTANDOSHEZI
Me:
Looksl
i
kehebl
edt
odeat
h

Det
ecti
ve:Thi
sisaver
ysecludedpl
ace,whoev
erput
hi
m her
e..Theydi
dn'
twanthimtosurvi
ve

Me:
Somet
hingdoesn'
tmakesenseher
e

Det
ect
ive:
I'
mli
steni
ng

Me: ThesetwoMen.Theonefoundi
naditchwit
h
hisDaughterandt
hisonear
ebothaf
fil
i
atedwit
h
twopeople.QhumaandVukani

Det
ect
ive:
Whati
sgoi
ngon?

Me:
Ihav
etogo
Det
ect
ive:
Wher
etoo?

Me:
I'
ll
beback

VUKANI

Bagosmadehi
swayi
n..

Me:
Andt
hest
rangerwal
ksi
n

Bagos:
Inj
ayehl
athi

Me:
Inj
ayehl
athi

Hel
ookedatmyl
eg,
itwasont
opofapi
l
low.

Bagos:
Sti
l
lupt
onogoodhuh?
Me:
Notatal
l

Bagos:
Ihear
daboutI
rene,
I'
m sor
ryMan

Me:
Yaa.
.It
'sat
ragedy

Bagos:
Whowoul
ddot
hisi
nthi
shood?

Me:
QhumaandBoy
zini

Bagos:
Qhuma?Yourbusi
nessPar
tner
?Why
?

Me:
Cont
ractpr
obl
ems

Bagos:
Shi
t!
!I'
m suspect
inghe'
sdeadbynow
Me:
No.
.Idon'
twannaki
l
lhi
myet

Bagos:
Wher
ethef
uckdi
dhecomef
rom?

Bone:
Iaskmy
sel
fthesamequest
ionev
ery
day

ZUXI
E

Gogo:
Iwannat
hanky ouforyourki
ndnessi
nlet
ti
ng
usbur
ymyGranddaughterher
e

Me:
Iwoul
dn'
thav
eitanyot
herway

Pr
omi
sewal
kedi
nwi
that
rayoff
ood.
.

Pr
omi
se:
Iam her
etoser
vedi
nner
Shewasfoll
owedbythenei
ghbour
,whohadabasin
andhungthedi
shwashi
ngclot
hoverhershoul
der
..

Wewashedourhandsandshehandedust
hepl
ates.
.

Me:
Whati
sthi
s?

Pr
omi
se:
Chi
ckenPapay
adi
sh

Gogo:
Awhat
?

Promi se:
Iwentt
oacul
i
nar
yschool
,tr
yit
.It
's
deli
cious

Shewal
kedout
..

Pr
omi
se:
Excuseme
Gogo:Idon'
tknowIrene'
sPartenalsi
deofthefamily
thatwell
butt
hisgi
rlsomethi
ngi soffabouther
,I'
ll
enquir
ewhenherotherrel
ati
vescomet oattendthe
funer
al

Me:
Chi
ckenPapay
adi
sh

QHUMA

WhenIgothome, Iwashedof
fthebl
oodfrom my
hands.Changedt
hebloodycl
otheswhenIhear
da
knockatthedoor
..

Iwal
kedoutoft
hebat
hroom.
.

Me:
Whoi
sit
?
Voi
ce:
Lieut
enantShezi
,Pl
easeopen

Myhear
tski
ppedabeat
..Iopened.
.

Me:
Yes?

Shezi
:MayIcomei
n?

Me:
Why
?

Shezi
:Tot
alkt
oyou

Me:
About
?

Shezi
:MayIcomei
n?

Il
ethi
min.
..
Me:
Whatdoy
ouwannat
alkabout
?

Het
urnedandl
ookedatme.
.

Shezi
:Iwannahel
pyougetbackatVukani

Me:
I'
m sor
ry?

Shezi
:Iwantt
hatbastarddeadonceandf oral
l
,Jail
i
snotgonnawor k.Thecasewil
ltaket
imeand
event
uall
ygocoldthere'
snotmuchevidenceli
nking
himtothemurderseventhoughIknowhe'sbehind
them.
.Hehastogo

Me:
When?

Shezi
:Ir
ene'
sfuner
al.
.It
'l
lbehi
slastdayi
nthi
s
wor
ld

Me:
Ohw

Shezi
:Arey
oui
n?Anenemyofmyenemyi
san
al
li
ance

Me:
I'
min
.
Tobecont
inued

Bonust
ofol
l
owl
ater
SEASONFI
NALE

117

[
SIXBULLETS]

QHUMA

SATURDAYMORNI
NG

Shezi
:Bagosdoy
ouunder
standt
heassi
gnment
?

Bagos:Aft
ert
hefuner
al,
takeVukani
toasecl
uded
pl
acebeingmyroom andthenyouwil
lcomeand
nai
lhim

Shezi
:Perf
ect.
.Your
ememberv
erywel
lwhyy
ou
doi
ngthisri
ght?
Bagos:
Tokeepmy selff
rom goi
ngtojai
l,fort
hat
hei
stwepulled5yearsago.Basical
l
yI'm betr
ayi
ng
mybestfr
iendtosav emyass

Shezi:
Ihaveenoughev i
dencetoburyyouforyear
s,
yearsthatwi
l
lmakeVukani '
ssentencelookl
ikeone
day.Youarewellestabl
i
shedBagos, y
ouownt wo
taxi
snow.25y earsdowntheli
ne,You'l
lbeowning
more

Bagos:
Iknow

Me:
Whatabouty
ourf
ami
l
y?

Bagos:
Whatdoy oumean,
whataboutmyfamil
y?
Whatdotheyhav
et odowi
thVukani
'
sarr
est?

Me:
Copswi
l
lbegoi
ngi
nandout
,that
'sgoi
ngt
o
dr
awat
tent
iont
oyourhouse

Bagos:MyMotherishel
pingoutatIr
ene'
shouse,
of
whichIhav
etogo..Theservi
celongstar
ted

Shezi
:Ofcour
se.
.Youcanl
eav
e

Wewat
chedhi
m ashel
eft
..

Me:
Canwet
rusthi
m?

Shezi:25y
earsofjai
lti
me, noonewouldhandle
that
..Hedoesn'
tknowt hatIdon'
thav
etheevidence
sowegood

Me:
Idon'
tl
iket
hisatal
l

Shezi
:Ar
ewedoi
ngt
his?YesorNo?
Me:
Whydoy
ouwannagetbackathi
m?What
'si
nit
f
oryou?

Shezi
:It
'sper
sonal

Me:
Unper
sonal
i
zei
t

Shezi
:Itgoesbackt
ohi
ghschool
..Vukani
bul
l
ied
me

Me:
All
oft
hisf
orbul
l
ying?

Shezi
:Trustmeitwasmor ethanj
ustyourty
pical
bul
lyi
ng,i
tgoesdeeper.I
'
vealwayswantedtoget
backathim andt
hat'
sexactl
ywhatI'
m doing

Me:
Shezi
Shezi
:I'
m bi
sexual
okay
?Whenhefoundouthe.
.I
don'
twannagobackthere,
mademefeel
lessofa
man

Me:
Iunder
stand

VUKANI

I
r ene'
sfuneral
servi
ce,weweref
orcedtomovei
tto
thechurchbuildi
ng.Peopl
ecameoutinnumber
s,
Especial
lychurchmembers..

I
twasf
ull
,Idi
dn'
tex
pecti
ttobet
hisf
ull
..

Isatnextt
oherGrandmotherandmyMot her,
Iwas
sit
ti
nginbetweenthem.MyMot herheldmyhand
thr
oughout.Iwasnumb,Idi
dn'tf
eelanythi
ng.Ikept
onglanci
ngatherpict
ureontheproject
or.Shewas
beautif
ul,
hadawar m andatt
ract
ivesmi l
e.Alifecut
short
, Adeaththatcould'
vebeenpr ev
ented.Ididn'
t
hearhalfofwhatpeopl eweresaying,butI
'm sure
theyspokebeaut i
full
yabouther.
.Ifel
tahandonmy
shoulder,
Iturned.ItwasDrBone,Igav ehi
m anod
ashesatdown. .
.

ThePast
orcarr
iedthr
oughwiththepreachi
ng,Ij
ust
wantedt
hisdaytobeover
.Ican'tkeeponsit
ti
ng
her
eandglanci
ngathercasket.
.

QHUMA

Icouldn'
tattendmyDaught er
'sfuneral
.Myexwi fe
didn'
twantmet here,
Sheblamesme.Iunder stand,I
blamemy sel
ftoo.Thiswasnotsupposedt ohappen
l
ikethis.
.Ithaswentt oof
ar.Endawillbeburi
ednext
week, Hercaseisopen.Theinvesti
gati
onissti
ll
going.Youknowt hel
awinSA, ever
ythingmoves
slow.Theonl ywayIcouldavengeherdeathisby
kil
li
ngVukani .
..
Shezi:Af
terthat
,ThewholehighschoolknewIwas
bisexual
.Schoolbecameanightmareforme, That
'
s
whyIhadt omoveaway.Iwasdepressed,att
empted
suici
deal otoft
imes.Hat
edmy self
,fel
tdisgr
aced,
feltl
ikel
essofaman

Me:
NowIunder
stand.
.That
'sheav
y,I
'
m sor
ryMan

Shezi
:It
'sokay

Il
oadedmygun.
.

Shezi
:6bul
l
ets

Me:
6bul
l
ets

VUKANI
Thepeoplefrom "
Ukuthul
afuner
alhome",walkedi
n
togethercasket.
.Asongwassung, t
hosecloseto
herst
artedcryi
ng.

HerGrandmothercoul
dn'
tkeepi
tal
ltoget
her
,She
hadtobeheld.
.

Wewalkedbehi
ndt
hem,
Ast
heywer
etaki
nghert
o
t
hehearse.
.

Ma:
Arey
ouokay
?

Me:
I'
m good

Wewal
kedoutoft
hechur
ch.
.

Ma:
Let
'sgo,
tot
hesecondf
ami
l
ycar
Wewalkedt
her
e,Theyopenedt
hedoorf
orus.We
goti
n..

Ma:
Inev
ert
houghtt
hisdaywoul
dcome

Me:
Justr
eli
evedshei
sbei
ngbur
iedwi
thdi
gni
ty

Ma:Ithoughtyouweren'
tgoingt
obeabl
etopul
li
t
t
ogether,whenMpil
odied..

Me:
Thi
sti
mei
t'
sdi
ff
erent

Ma:
How?

Me:
Ifeel
just
icewi
l
lbeser
ved
Ma:
Itwi
l
l

QHUMA

Shezi
:Let
'sr
unt
hrought
hepl
anonel
astt
ime

Me:Bagostakeshimtohi
sroom,Theychil
li
nhis
r
oom.Dr i
nk,hetext
sme.Ishowup,shoothi
m and
i
t'
salldone

Shezi
:I'
l
lmakei
tapoi
ntt
haty
ounev
ergetcaught

Me:
Iki
l
ledI
rene

Shezi
:Iknow

Me:I'
mjustl
ett
ingy
ouknowwhatwoul
dhappeni
f
youbetr
ayme
Shezi
:Webot
hwantt
hesamet
hingher
e,Iwon'
t
betr
ayyou

Me:
Ihopeso,Ihopeyounotusi
ngadesper
ateman
t
odoyourdi
rt
ywor k

Shezi
:Idon'
tbl
amey
ouf
ornott
rust
ingme

Me:
Good

VUKANI

Atthecemet er
ythechurchchoirwasn'trequi
redto
si
ng,Thef uner
alhomehadbr oughtit
'sownt wo
speakersandplayi
nggospelsongs.Onl ypaused
whent hePastorwasspeaki
ng..
Hesaidafewwor
ds,Apr
ayerandt
henhercof
fi
n
waslower
eddown.
..

uJehov
aubephi
l
e,uSat
haneut
hat
hil
e
Mal
i
bongwei
gamal
akhe,
kwenzeki
Ntando
Yakhe

Sezal
aphaemhl
abeni
,si
ngaphet
hel
utho
Ngokunj
alo,
sizohamba,
singaphet
hel
utho

Lal
angokuthula,Lal
auphumul
e,Lal
aubut
hongo
obungunaphakade

Sozesi
bonane,
ekhay
aezul
wini
,i
khay
ael
i
ngcwel
e,
i
khayal
abangcwel
ebodwa

Ist
oodupj
ustastheyweresingi
ngt
hesongand
wal
kedawaywit
htearsbur
ningmyeyes.
.
Shewasbeingbur
iedatt
hesamecemet
eryasMpi
l
o.
Ideci
dedt
omakeast opathi
sgr
ave.
.

Iwassoakingwetwi thtearsasIwentdownonmy
kneesdefeated.Icoul
dn'tsaymuch,All
Icoul
ddo
wasjustcry.Icri
ed,al
lthetear
sI'
vebeenholdi
ng
back,st
reameddownwi thoutmyfor
cingthem.
.

ZUXI
E

WhenVukaniwal
kedaway,
Itur
nedandl
ookedback
atBone,
henoddedandwal
kedawaytof
indhi
m..

Past
or:
Sicel
aumndeni
uzot
hel
aumhlabat
hi(
May
thef
amil
ycomecloset
opourt
hesoi
l
)

Ist
oodupandheldI
rene'
sGr
andmot
heraswe
wal
kedtopourt
hesoil
..
DRBONE

Bagosf
oll
owedme.
.

Bagos:
Wher
edoy
out
hinkhewent
?

Me:
Mpi
l
o'sgr
ave

Bagos:Itseemsli
kenowwewillbeat
tendi
ng
funer
alseveryweekend,
Tomor
rowit'
sTsonga'
s
funer
al

Me:
Yaa

Bagos:
Vukani
kil
l
edhi
mri
ght
?
Ist
oppedandl
ookedathi
m..

Me:
Idi
d

Bagos:
What
?

Me:
HesetupVukani,
Heworkedwi
thQhumat
oset
meupf
orahitandrunIdi
dn'
tdo

Bagos:
Thati
ssounl
i
key
ou

Me: I
'
ddoi tagai
n,I
'
dwouldn'
thesi
tat
eki
l
li
nga
backstabberandatr
ait
or!
.
Tobecont
inued
SEASONFI
NALE

118

[
SIXBULLETS]

QHUMA

Thewaitwastor
ture,wespenthour
sjustwai
ti
ng.It
wasnowi nt
heafternoon,
exact
ly13:
00.Thefuner
al
wasat11am..

Me:
What
'st
aki
nghi
m sol
ong?

Shezi
:Pat
ience

Me:
Cal
lhi
m
Shezi: Andbl owt hecov er?He' sprobablywi th
Vukani .Vukani shouldn'tknowt hatBagosandIar e
communi cat i
ng, he'sgoi ngt ofini
shwi thhi
m.Vukani
i
sdanger ousl ysmar t
,heact eddumbbutt rustme.
He'sasoci opat h,hedi dn'tt hinktwiceaboutki l
linga
chil
d.Boy zi
ni'sDaught erasy ousaidthathe
ki
dnappedhi m.I famancaneasi lytakeani nnocent
l
ifeli
ket hat ,he'sdanger ous.Somet hi
ngiswr ongi n
hisheadi twasonl yamat t eroft i
met hatthoset r
ait
s
mani fested.LookQhumaweonl yhaveonechance
atthis,Ifwedon' tdoi trightwear edead.Yout hink
j
ustbecauseVukani isqui etf ornowhe' snotpl otti
ng
anythingagai nsty ou?Yout wohav ebeenpl ayi
ng
hopscot chf orawhi lenowandi tallendswi thoneof
youint hegr av e.Ifyouwannaacti mmat ur
eont his,
bemyguestI '
llbeat t
endi ngy ourfuneral

VUKANI

I
t'
samazi
ngwhatcr
yingcandof
oraPer
son.I
thel
ps
y
ouof
fl
oadwhat
'si
nsi
deofy
ou,
itcl
eansest
hesoul
..

Wewer eback,
Peopleat
eandmywi f
ewasburi
ed
withdi
gni
tywit
hpeoplewholovedher
accompanyi
nghertoherl
astrest
ingplace.

Herfuneral
advocatedt
hati
ndeedshewasa
peaceful
Person,i
twasdamnpeaceful
..

Bone:
Wel
lIr
enewasl
aidt
orestpeacef
ull
y

Me:
That
'st
rue

Bagos:
Whenar
eyouer
ect
ingat
ombst
one?

Me:Soon,
Iwanti
tper
fect
ed.Forbot
hherandour
baby
Bone:
Youneedt
onamet
hebabyy
ouknow?

Me:
Iknow.
.

Bagos:
Thoughtofanynames?

Me:
Thandol
wet
hu,
Thebabyr
epr
esent
edourl
ove

Bagos:Well
gentl
emenlet'
snotsithereandmourn,
Aft
ertear
s.Afuneral
isnotafuneralwit
houtt
hat

Me:
Thoughty
ou'
l
lnev
ersuggest

Bone:Letmeheadhomeandchangei
ntocasual
wear,
I'm notgoodwi
thsui
ts

Me:
Met
oo
Bagos:
Theny
ouguy
swi
l
lcomet
omyr
oom

Me:
Izi
njaZehl
athi

Bagos:
Izi
njaZehl
athi

Bone:
Under
grounddogs

QHUMA

Wesati
nsi
l
enceunt
ilShezi
'
sphonest
art
edr
ingi
ng.
.

Shezi
:It
'shi
m

Me:
Wel
lanswer
!
Shezi
:Hel
l
o

Heputhi
m onl
oudspeaker
..

Bagos:
I'
m headi
ngt
omyr
oom

Shezi
:Al
one

Bagos:
YesVukani
wil
lfol
l
ow

Shezi
:Atl
east

Bagos:
Wehav
eapr
obl
em

Me:
What
?

Bagos:
Bonewi
l
lbet
her
e
Shezi
:If
orgot
,theyj
oinedatt
hehi
p

Me:
Good.
.Twof
ort
hepr
iceofone

Shezi
:Ki
l
li
ngBonewasnotpar
toft
hepl
an

Me:
Nowi
tis,
Ihav
e6si
xbul
l
etsi
nthi
sgun

Bagos:
Thi
sisget
ti
ngmessy

Shezi
:Justst
ickt
othepl
an

Bagos:
OkayI
'
lldoso

Hehungup.
.
Me:
Let
'sdot
his!

VUKANI

Thandocoul
dn'
tat
tendt
hef
uner
albecauseofbaby
Sma..

Me:
Hey

Thando:
Hey

Me:
He'
ssl
eepi
ng?

Thando:
Yeap.
.Howwast
hef
uner
al?

Me:
Itwassadbutbeaut
if
ulandpeacef
ult
oo
Thando:
Awwbl
essed

Me:
Ilov
eyou.
.Youknowt
hatr
ight
?

Thando:
Okay
..Wher
eist
hatcomi
ngf
rom?

Me:
Ijustwanty
out
oknowt
hat

Thando:
Ilov
eyout
oo

Me:I'
l
lbeback,
goi
ngt
ohav
eaf
ewbeer
swi
tht
he
guy
s

Thando:
Okay

BAGOS
Ihaveneverbeeninasit
uat
ionl
ikethi
s,Idon'
tknow
whatIgotmy sel
fint
obutIdon'
tli
keit
..It
ookoffthe
sui
tjacketandunbutt
onedmyshirt
..

Icl
osedmyey
esandt
ookaf
ewdeepbr
eat
hs.
.

Me:
ComeonBagos,
youcandot
hat

BONE

WhenIgothomeIshower
edfir
st.I
twasahotday
,
WhenIwasdone.Ical
l
edVukani.

Vukani
:Mbhem

Me:
Howf
arar
eyou?

Vukani
:Al
mostt
her
e
Me:
Justneedt
odr
esst
henI
'
llbeonmyway

Vukani
:Ipassedbyatt
hebot
tl
est
oret
ogetaf
ew
beer
s

Me:
Cool
I'
ll
bet
her
e

QHUMA

Wepar kedaf ewhousesawayt

henwatchedVukani
walkinginholdi
ngwhatseemedtoli
kebeer
s.He
didn'
tnoticeusbecausewewereusi
ngadiff
erent
car,Shezi
'sfr
iendborr
owedhi
m..

Shezi:
Weneedtobequick,
I'l
lst
akeoutBoneand
st
allhim asy
oucar
ryt
hemi ssi
onout
Me:
Ify
oudar
ebe-

Shezi
:You'
l
lcomef
ormeIknow,
youki
l
ledI
reneI
know

Me: Gl
adweunder
standeachother
.I'
l
lst
artwi
th
yourbabyMamaandy ourbaby

Shezi
:Noneedfort
het
hreat
sQhum,
webot
hwant
thesamethi
ng

VUKANI

Iknocked.
.

Bagos:
Comei
n

Iopenedandmademywayi
n..
Bagos:
Andhe'
sher
e

Me:
Broughtbeer
s

Bagos:
Letmehav
eone

Ipl
acedt
hem down.Hetookonedumpi
eoft
he
Cor
onabeeranddownedit.
.

Me:
Slowdown,
ther
e'sst
il
lal
ot.
.Ibought24

Bagos:
I'
mjustt
hir
sty

Ipul
l
edt
hechai
randsatdown.
.

Me:
Whataday
Bagos:
It'
sal
lov
ernow

Me:
Iguess

Bagos:
It'
sov
err
ight
?

Me:
It'
sov
er

Qhuma:
Notbyal
ongshot

Hewal
kedi
npoi
nti
ngt
hegunatme.
.

Qhuma:
Isn'
tthi
scosy
?

Igotup.
.
Bagos:
Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?

Qhuma:
Shutup!
!!

Het
urnedt
ome.
.

Qhuma:
Unl
i
key
ouIal
way
skeepmyguar
dup

Bagos:
Madodawecant
alkt
hisout

Qhuma:
Isai
dshutup!
!!
!

Het
urnedt
hegunt
oBoy
zini
andshothi
mtwi
ce.
.

Me:
Noooooooooooo

Iat
tempt
edt
ogot
ohi
m..
Qhuma:
Standback!
!

Me:
FuckNo!
!

Bagost
urnedandl
ookedatme.
.

Bagos:
I'
m sor
ry

Icl
osedmyey
es.
..

Me:Bagosdidn'
tdonothi
ng!Howmuchmor e
i
nnocentbl
oodshouldbeshed?It
houghti
tended
wi
thourlov
edones

Qhuma: Isavedyoual
lthet
roubl
esofki
l
li
nghi
m,He
betr
ayedy ou.Youf
ool
!!Helur
edyoudownher
eto
yourdeath!
Me:Youki
l
lme,i
t'l
lnev
erend.Thosecl
oset
ome
wi
ll
seekoutj
ust
ice

Qhuma:
Buty
ou'
l
lbedead

Heshotmeonce.
.Thei
mpactknockedmeback.

Qhuma:
ForAbo

Heshotmeagai
ntwi
ce.
.

Me:
Ahhhh!
!!

Iwentdown.
.Hewal
kedcl
oser
..

Qhuma:
You'
l
ldi
ejustl
i
ket
hedogy
ouar
e,t
hisone
l
astbul
let
.The6thbull
et,
Thi
sonei
sforme.
.
Goodby
eNj a!
!!
!!
!!
!!
!!
!

Hepoi
nteditr
ightatmetoshootmei nthehead
whenIhear
dashot .
.Qhumadroppedhisgun,Isaw
bl
oodstr
eamingdownf r
om hi
sforehead.Hefel
l
down.
.

Bone:
The6t
hbul
l
eti
sfory
ou,
Goodby
eQhuma

Bonemadehi
swayt
ome.
.

Bone:
Hey
..Hey
..I
t'
sov
er,
it'
sal
lov
er.
.Youdi
dit

Icoughedupbl
ood.
.

Heknel
tnextt
ome.
.
Bone:Comeonther
e'sonl
yonet
hingtodonow,you
j
ustneedtol
eav
e..Comeon!We'
llgetyout
othe
hospi
tal

Icoughedagai
n..

Bone:
Comeon,
I'
ll
car
ryy
ou

Isawt
ear
sfor
mingi
nhi
sey
es.
.

Me:
Youkn.
.Youknow.
.

Bone:Nodon'
ttalk.
.Don'
tdothat,
don'
tsay
goodbye.
.Uyi
njayehl
athi
,whatcan3bul
let
sdot
o
you?Comeonl et
'sgo

Me:
I'
m st
ayi
ng.
.It
hinkI
'
m..I
'
m goi
ngt
ost
ay
Bone:
ComeonVukani
!!

Me:
Giv
emey
ourgun

Bone:
What
?

Me:
Thegun

Hegav
emehi
sgunandIhel
dit
..

Hegotup,
andpul
l
edmeup.
.

Bone:
Comeon

Me:
No.
.It
's.
.It
'sov
er

Bone:
It'
snotov
er!
!Itcan'
tbeov
er,
notl
i
ket
his!
!
Don'
tdot
his

Me:
Iwannast
ay.
.Let
'sst
ay

Bone:
Vukani
..

Il
etgoofhi
sgun.
.Itdr
oppedt
othef
loor

Me:
Let
'sst
ay

Hesankbackdownont
hef
loorwi
thme.
.

Bone:
Vukani
Nooo!
!!
!
.
Tobecont
inued
SEASONFI
NALE

119

SHEZI

Thiswast aki
ngDamonl ong,
Qhumawasn' twalki
ng
out.Ievenpassedoutfor5secondsandthenwoke
up.All3parti
eswerenotcomingout,butInot
iceda
carparkedatthegate.
.

Me:
Shi
t!
!

Igotoutoft
hecarandmademywayi
n..

Thedoorwaswideopen,bl
oodstreami
ngout
.The
horr
ort
hatwelcomedmewasunexpected.3dead
bodi
es,Qhuma,Boyz
ini
,Vukani
..
Bonewassi tt
ingthereholdingVukani,
Itl
ookedlike
hehadzonedout .
.Vukaniseemedt obebleeding
mor ethantheothertwobodi es.Qhumawas
bleedi
ngfrom hishead..Iwalkedoverandcrouched.
Icheckedforvit
alsigns,fr
om Vukani.Hewasgone. .

Me:
Whathappenedher
e?

Bonewi
pedhi
stear
s..
..

Me:Nei
ghbour
shear
dgunshot
sandcal
l
edt
he
Pol
i
ce

Bone:
Ther
ewasashoot
outbet
weent
he3

Iwal
kedoutt
ocal
lforbackup.
.
GOYA

Iwal
kedi
ntohi
sof
fi
ce.
.

Me:
Pops

Hel
ookedatme.
.

Dad:
Howar
eyouset
tl
ingi
n?

Me:
I'
m good

Isatdown,
Ilookedathi
m..

Me:
What
'swr
ong?Youseem t
roubl
ed

Dad:
Bonet
ext
edme.
.Vukani
isdead
Me:
Whathappened?

Dad:Ashoutout
..Idon'
tunder
stand,
Vukaniknewhe
hadanenemyl i
ngeri
ngaroundwhydidheleave
homewithoutagun

Me:Whendeathcomesknocki
ng,
Wheni t
'syour
ti
me..Hewasgonnadi
eanywaywithorwithouta
gun

Dad:
Itookhim asaSonthatInev
erhad,
Vukani
was
smart
..Thi
sisnotr
ight

Me:
Peopl
edi
ethathav
enev
erdi
edbef
ore

Hechuckl
ed.
.
Dad:
Youandt
hatr
etar
dedst
atement

Me:
Atl
easti
tmadey
ousmi
l
e

Dad:I'
m gl
adyouhome.
.NowthatVukani
isgone,
I
'm goi
ngtoneedyoui
nthebusi
nessmorethanever

Me:
Sol
ongIdon'
tgobackt
othathel
lhol
e

Dad:
Youwon'
t.
.Ipr
omi
se

ZUXI
E

BagosMom camet
ome.
.

Her
:Zuxi
e
Me:
Yes?

Her:
Ijustgotacal
lfr
om oneofmynei
ghbour
s,
Ther
ewasashoot outatmyhouse

Me:
Uhm okay

Her
:Vukani
wasi
nvol
vedt
oo

Me:
MyVukani
?

Her
:Yes

Tear
sst
reameddownherf
ace.
..
.

Her
:Wehav
etogoandchecki
tout
Me:
Thi
sdoesn'
tmakesense,
Let
'sgo.
.

DRBONE

Thecopswer eher
enow,
Thi
swhol
emesswasa
fuckenci
rcus.
.

Iwasnotinagoodheadspaceandthefuckencops
werebusyfl
oodi
ngmewithquesti
ons.
.

Shezi
:Whathappened?Whatdi
dyousee?Howdi
d
theshoot
outhappen?

Idatedbacktothescenario,
whenVukaniaskedme
formygun.Hewast r
yingtoprot
ectme,sohis
pri
ntscouldbeallov
ert hegunsi
nceIki
ll
edQhuma..

Me:
Idon'
tknow.
.I'
m notsur
e,wewer
esupposedt
o
meetupheref
ordri
nks.Aft
erthefuner
al,Iwent
hometoshowerandchangesinceitwasalongday .
WhenIlef
thometocomeher e,Theywerealldead

Shezi
:Soy
oudi
dn'
tseewhathappened?

Me:
No

Oneoftheothercopscame,
wit
hthegunsi
n
separ
ateevi
dencebags..

Cop:Thi
sonewasfoundnextt
othevi
cti
mthatwas
shoti
nthehead,
thi
sonenextt
otheVukani
guy

Il
ookedatmygun,
Shezi
tookt
hem.
.

Shezi
:Tel
lmesomet
hingBone,
Whydi
dn'
tyoucal
l
thecops?
Me:Myfi
rstt
houghtwast
otr
yandsav
emyf
ri
end,
gethi
mtothehospi
tal

Shezi
:Whydi
dn'
tyou?

Me:Becausehesai
dhewant
edt
ost
ayher
e,t
hose
wer
ehislastwor
ds

Shezi
:Whatdoest
hatmean?

Me:
Itmeansheknewhewasn'
tgoi
ngt
omakei
tto
t
hehospi
tal

Shezi
:Isee

GUZI
K
Plessi
sthrewhi
sglassagai
nstthewal
l
,Hehad
comef orouraf
ter
noonmeeting.
.

Plessi
s:Howdidthathappen?Vukani
diedastupi
d
death.
.Howdidheal l
owthisQguytokil
lhi
m?Af t
er
al
l he'
sdonehejusthad1lastassi
gnment.
.Tokil
lQ
andhedidn'
tunderstandt
heassignment

Me:
Cal
m down

Plessi
s:Hewasli
keafr
iendt
ome,Don'tt
ell
met
o
calm down!Hewast
hebestcol
l
eagueIhad!

Me:
Plessi
sIwi
sht
hesi
tuat
ionwasdi
ff
erent

Plessi
s:Hediedast upi
ddeat
h,Vukanicar
ri
edall
thosedeathsthoroughl
ywhydidhesuccum tosuch
astupiddeath.
.Itdoesn'
tmakesense,
andI'm not
goingtoacceptit
Me:
Iti
swhati
tis,
Wemov
eon

ZUXI
E

Outsi
deitwasful
l
,Peopl
ewerestandingt
here.
.We
madeourwayin,bei
ngledbywherethecopswere
si
tuat
ed.Ayell
owtapewasputbl
ockingthedoor.
.

Me:Bandi
l
e..Bandi
l
e!Whathappened?Wher
eismy
Son?

Hewal
kedupt
ome.
.

Me:
Wher
eismySon?

Bone:
I..I
'
m sor
ry
Me:Nodon'
ttel
lmey
ousor
ry,
Wher
eismySon?
Wherei
sVukani
?

Hef
oughtbackt
ear
s..

Bone:
Ther
ewasashoot
outand.
.Vukani
gotshot3
ti
mes

Me:
No.
.No.
.No.
.

Bone:
He'
sgone

Me:
No.
.

Ihear
dBagosMother'
scryshewasst
andi
ngbyt
he
door.
.Iwal
keduptoher.
.

Cop:
Youcan'
tgoi
n,I
t'
sacr
imescene
Me:
Mov
eoutofmyway
,It
'smySoni
nther
e

Ipushedhi
m of
fandwal
kedi
n..

Isaw3si
l
verpaper
scov
eri
ng3bodi
es.
.

Icheckedthem,Qhumawasamongstthem.I
openedthelastonehal
fwayI
twasVukani
.

Me:
No.
..

If
eltsomeonepul
l
ingmeback,
ItwasBone.

Me:
NotmySon

Bone:
I'
m sor
ry
Me:
NotmySon!
!NotmySon!
!!
..NotmySon!
!

NA-
TSHABALALA

Futhi
'
sfuner
alwasn'
tthatf
ull
,Mostpeopl
ewentt
o
att
endIr
ene'
sfuner
al.
.

Pi
nky
:Si
si

Me:
Yini
?(Whati
sit
)

Pi
nky
:Ij
ustov
erhear
dsomet
hing

Me:
Ya?

Pi
nky
:Ther
ewasashoot
outl
eKwaKunene,
Vukani
wast
her
ehei
sdead

Me:
Unamanga!(
youl
yi
ng)

Pi
nky
:I'
mtel
l
ingy
ou,
Idon'
tknowi
fit
'st
ruet
hough

Me: WhoooaGodpl
easemakei
ttr
ue,
May
ibambe
i
nja!(Lett
hedogdi
e)

Pi
nky
:KodwaSi
si

Me:Nowwecanr
est
,Thebast
ardi
sgone.
.I'
m
happy

ZUXI
E

Bonecamebackwi
thagl
assofwat
er.
.
Bone:
Her
e,dr
inkt
his

Ishookmyhead.
.

Isawt hebodybagsbei
ngtakenout,
all3oft
hem.
Thepeoplefrom t
hemorguearri
vedaft
erus.
.They
didn'
twastetime

Icl
osedmyey
esandt
ear
sst
reameddown.
.

Me:KodwawhyuVukani
ayenzaso?(
Whyi
sVukani
doi
ngthi
s)

Bone:
I'
m sor
ry.
.I'
mtr
ulysor
ry

Me:
Why?Why ?Godwhy
?What
'shappeni
ngwi
thmy
f
amil
y?(
Cry
ing)
Bone:
It'
sokay
..I
t'
sgoi
ngt
obeokay
.
Tobecont
inued
120

FI
NALE

DRBONE

[
SATURDAY]

DRBONE

Inev erthoughtthi
sdaywoul dcome, Mybest
fri
end'sf uner
al.I
tall
feltl
ikeaterr
iblenightmare,
Zuxiewashandl i
ngandt aki
ngithardert hananyone
else.Shehadt obeadmi t
ted,Butwasdi scharged
yesterdayear l
ybecauseshewant edt oat t
endher
Son'sf uneral
..I
twasdi f
fi
cult
,andv eryunbeli
evable.
.
Itonlyclickedtodaythatthi
swasr eal..
Thewholeent
ir
eserv
ice,Ihadtobeexcused.Go
out
sidet
ogetsomebr eat
her.Icoul
dn'tt
akei
t,Ev
en
whenIhadtospeaki
twast ooemot i
onal.
.

Bot hfami
li
esagr
eedthatVukani
wouldbeburied
today,Bagost
omorr
ow.Sobot hfuner
alscanbe
attended.
.

Whenwegott othecemetery
, Iwasrel
iev
edt hatt
his
wasallover
.Iwaskeepi
ngal otinsi
deforthewhole
week,nowwehav etodealwit
ht heaft
ermathof
heal
ing.
..

Atthecemeteryaswewal kedovertoplacehi
s
coffi
nonthegrave.Theywereplayi
ngthesong
"Vukani
".I
twashisfavori
tesongfrom me,because
herelat
edtoitsomuch..

"
HeyheyKwahubaNoMageba(
ziny
any
azami
v
ukanibo)
Vukani
bohoho(
hay
ivukani
bo)
Ndi
ncedeni
hel
elehel
ele(
ziny
any
azami
vukani
bo)
Huhuhuhu(
hay
isebey
andi
cindezel
a)

Sekut
heni
(ndi
sebenzel
'i
nganezami
ezami
ingane
bo)
Sekut
heni
(ndi
sebenzel
'abant
wabami
ezami
ingane
bo)
Sekut
heni
(ndi
sebenzel
'i
nganezami
zonke)
Sekut
heni
lapho(sebey
andi
cindezel
a)
Vukani
bohoho(
hay
ivukani
bo)
Ndi
ncedeni
hel
elehel
ele(
ziny
any
azami
vukani
bo)
"

Weplaceditdown,weweregoi
ngt
oplaythesong
unt
ili
tfi
nishes.West
oodnextt
ohi
scoffi
n,heads
boweddown.Wai t
edfort
hesongt
ofi
nish.
..

GUZI
K
Wewer edri
vi
ngt othecemeter
ywhereVukaniwas
beinglaidt
or esttoday
.IwaswithGoyaandwe
wer ealr
eadylate.Wesupposedtogetther
ebefor
e
theyfini
sh.
.

Me:
Arewest
il
ll
ost
?Ist
hist
her
ightcemet
ery
?

Goy
a:"
Vlakf
ont
eincemet
ery
",y
eswear
eher
e

Me:
Let
'sask

Wedrovei
ntothegat
eandaskedt
heguar
d,hesai
d
yest
hiswast
hecemeter
y..

Wedr
ovei
n..

Me:
Ihopewenott
ool
ate
Goy
a:Met
oo

VUKANI

"
bat
hii
ndl
elamawuzoy
ihambabuzakwabaphambi
l
i
Ngobakuyenzekausi
yazi
aphenduk'
impat
ha
ungaphi
ki
Mi
nangi
khul
el'
ekasi
clev
eri
zi
ntozi
man'
ukwenzeka
Hl
oni
ph'
omcanenomdal
angobai
sondol
i
yaj
i
ka
Umonaubul
al'
isi
zwekant
iekasi
kuchi
thi
igazi
"

Icouldheart
hesongfr
om wher
ePl
essisandIwer
e
parked,wewereatt
heCemeter
yabi
tfarfr
om my
"Funeral
".

Pl
essi
s:Heyy
ougood?
Me:
I'
m good

Plessi
s:Iknowt
hisi
shard,butyouhadtodoi
t.Plus
youtheonewhocameupwi t
htheideaoff
aki
ng
yourowndeathtogetoutofthi
smessandprotect
yourfamil
y

Me: Iknowjustthat
..Myfami l
ywi l
lhavet
ol i
vewith
thepainofmybei ngdead,Iwishonedayt heywi l
l
understandIdi
di tf
orthem.Sol ongIwasst i
ll
around,theywerealwaysgoingtobei ndanger.The
taxidri
versweregoingtoretal
iateonbehalfof
QhumaandIcan' tl
osemor eofmyl ovedones

Pl
essis:
Itwasgoi
ngtobeanoendi
ngwar,more
bl
oodshedbecausei
fthet
axi
dri
ver
sret
ali
atedwe
weregoingt
odothesame

Il
ookedatt
hecar
s,3taxi
swer
eparked.Pr
obabl
y
cametomakesur
ethatIwasr
eal
l
y
dead,
Qhuma'
sal
l
iances.
.

Shezi
Par
kedabi
tcl
osetous.Hegotoutoft
hecar
andmadehi
swaytous.
..

Shezi
:Andt
hedeadmani
swal
ki
ng

Ismi
l
ed.
.

Hel
ookedatme.
.

Shezi
:Comeher
eMan

Weshoul
derbumped.
.

Me: Thankyouforever
ything,
Iknowy ouhadto
sacri
fi
ceal ot
.Yourj
obint heprocess,Iputyou
thr
oughal otofshi
tandy oustayedtruetotheplan
despi
teeveryt
hing.Youplayedyourpar
twell,
hel
l
dareatsomepoi ntIthoughty
ouwer er
eall
yagai
nst
me..Many ouhav esomegoodact i
ngskil
l
s

Hechuckl
ed.
.

Shezi:
Hadtostayinchar
act
ert
omakei
tbel
i
evabl
e..
I
'm sorr
yaboutI
rene

Me:Sor
ryt
hatshe'
sdeadort
haty
oual
mostf
ucked
her
?

Hel
aughed.
.

Shezi
:Comeon..I
'
m gay,doy
ouknowhowdi
ff
icul
t
i
twasf ormet
oev enki
ssher

Me:
I'
m gl
adbecauseIcoul
dn'
tst
omachy
ouandher
,
Ial
mostcal
l
edof
fthepl
ancompl
etel
y

Shezi
:Gl
adyoudi
dn'torQhumaandt
hem woul
dst
il
l
bewalki
ngandt
err
orizi
ngyou

Me:
Bagos

Shezi
:Youhadat
ruef
ri
endi
nBagosandBone,
Sad
Bagosdied

Me:WhenIlethiminont heplan,whenhehadto
l
uremet ohisroom t
hatday.IthoughtQhumawas
onl
ygoingtoshootme.Ev enwiththegunpoi
ntedat
hi
m, Bagosdidn'
tbl
astmeout

Shezi
:That
'swhatwecal
lat
ruef
ri
endshi
p

Me:
IfBoneshowedupami
nut
elat
erIcoul
d'
vedi
ed,
Qhumawasgoi
ngt
oshootmei
nthehead

Shezi
:Wet
hankf
ult
hathedi
dn'
tshooty
oui
nthe
head

Me:
IhopeIdi
dn'
tputy
oui
nsomucht
roubl
eatwor
k

Shezi :Don'
tsweati t.Imeanti tyearsagowhenI
saidonedayI 'l
lreturnt hefavour .Vukaniwhaty ou
didf ormeinhi ghschool wheni twasf oundedt hatI
wasgay ,whenIwasbul l
iedfri
endst urnedonme.
Youst oodupf orme, Youchi ll
edwi thmedur i
ng
l
unch.Madesur et hatIgot oschool everydayandI
don'tgetbulliedf orwhoIwasev enthoughi tdidn'
t
refl
ectgoodony oubef ri
endingagayguy .You
helpedmeal ot ,
Ial mostcommi ttedsuici
debut
becauseofy ouIdi dn't.Youhel pedmeandt hisI'
d
doi tagaintohel py ou

Pl
essi
s:Okaaayt
hisi
stur
ningi
ntoDay
sofourl
i
ves,
i
ntheboldandthebeauti
ful
.Feel
sli
keI'
m watchi
ng
afuckenchickf
li
ckmoviewhat'
smissi
ng?Flowers?
St
rawberri
esandwine?

Shezi
:Younothomophobi
car
eyouPl
essi
s?

Pl
essi
s:Nev
er.
.Butdogetar
oom y
out
oo

Shezi
laughed.
.

Shezi
:Don'twor
ryVukani
isv
erymuchst
rai
ghtj
usta
goodpersonunder
neathi
tal
l

Guzi
kpul
l
edupt
oo.
.

Pl
essi
s:Fi
nal
l
yourpasspor
tsar
eher
e!

Il
ookedatShezi
..
Me:Pleasetakecareofmyf
ami
l
y,checkupont
hem
i
ncasethetaxidri
vers

Shezi:
Theynotgoingtowar,
Theyheldameeting.
Saidsinceyouar
e"dead"t
here'
snorevenget
o
ventur
et oo

Me:
I'
m gl
ad

Guzi
k:Gent
lemen!
!

Hewal
kedov
ert
ouswi
thGoy
a..

Me:Ther
esheis,
Thest
aroft
heshow.
.Thegi
rlt
hat
sav
edmyl i
fe

Goy
a:Pl
ease.
.Itwasnot
hing
Me:Thebul
letpr
oofvestthathadthear
ti
fi
cialbl
ood
i
nsi
de,t
hatsmalldr
ugy ouhadgivenmetodr i
nkso
i
tcanknockmeouttoadeepsl eepfort
hattime
bei
ngtomakemel ooklikeIwasdead

Goya:I'
m gl
adourf akepathol
ogistsgoty
ouout
ther
equickerfortheanti
dote,
anymor eti
mewasted
thedrugwould'v
eshutdowny ourenti
rei
mmune
syst
em.Yourv it
alorgansweregoingtobeshr
edded

Me:
Eisht
hatsoundsbad

Guzi
k:Whendidy ougett
het i
metoputonthebul
l
et
pr
oofvestandtakethedrug?Iwasworr
ied

Me: WhenIwenthomet ochangefr

om thesuitto
mycasual wear,
under
neathIworethebul
letproof
vestthendrankt
hedrug.GladQhumawast ooangry
t
onot icet
hatIwaswearingone
Guzi
klaughedandshookhi
shead.
.

Guzik:FuckVukani!YouareaPsy chopat
hmyboy,
youfuckenf akedyourdeathperfectl
ytotheT.
Avengedy ourwifeandbaby .Wheny ouranme
thr
ought heplan,Inevert
houghty ouweregoingt
o
pul
litoff.I
tseemedi mpossible

Me:
Timewasoft
heessence

Goy
a:Iwashappyt
obepar
toft
hepl
an

Shezi
:Met
oo

Guzi
khandedmet
heenv
elope.
.

Guzi
k:Yourpasspor
tsandev
ery
thi
ng.Yourpl
anei
s
l
eavi
ngi
n2hour
sti
me,
you'
l
lbedoi
ngconnect
ing
f
li
ght
stoGr
eece

It
urnedandl
ookedatPl
essi
s..

Me:
Arey
our
eady
?

Pl
essi
s:Gr
eeceher
ewecome!
!

Guzik:
I'
m sady ouboyswon'
tbewor
kingher
einSA
forme,butatleastIhav
emyDaught
er.Makeme
proudinGreece

Guzi
k'sBrotherisaMaf i
at hatresidesinGreece.We
wil
lbewor ki
ngf orhi
m downt here,j
ustthathi
s
busi
nessist wot i
mesintenset hanthatoneof
Guzi
k..Iam leavingwi
thPlessi sandI'm never
comingback. .
Guzi
k:Wel
lthengent
lemen,
Let
'sgot
otheai
rpor
t

Me:
I'
m comi
ng

Ever
yonewenttotheircar
s.Il
ookedahead,
they
werenowleav
ing.Itookoutmyphoneandcalled
Bone.
.

Bone:
Mbhem

Me:
I'
m aboutt
oleav
e,goi
ngt
otheai
rpor
t

Bone:
Soi
t'
shappeni
ng

Me:It'
shappeni
ng.
.I'
mleav
ing,
itwasabeaut
if
ul
ser
vicethough

Bone:
Youwer
ear
ound?
Me:No.
.Ij
ustcameher
eatt
hecemet
ery
,tur
n
ar
ound

Het
urnedar
ound,
Iwav
ed.
.

Bone:
Dammi
t!
!

Ichuckl
ed.
.

Me:Sorr
ythatIcan'
tcomecl
oserbutt
hanky
ouf
or
ev
eryt
hing

Bone:I
'mjustgl
adthatIdon'
thavet
ofakecr
y
anymore,nowIcandoawaywi t
htheeyedr
opsand
I'
m gl
adtheplanworked

Me:
Youpul
l
edi
tof
fwel
l
..Thanky
ou,
I'
mjusthur
t
wehadtol
oseBagosi
nthepr
ocess.Thatwasnot
par
toft
heplan

Bone:
Yaat
hatwasn'
t

Me:Sonextmonthyou'
ll
becomingdowntov i
sitme
i
nGreeceandI'
l
lbesendingy
oumoneyeverymont h
f
ormyf ami
ly
,Idon'
tknowwhatstor
yyougoingt o
t
ell
them

Bone:NakanjaniI
'
llv
isi
tinGreece.West i
cki
ngto,
youhadaf uneral
coverthat'
sgoingtopaythem
moneyeverymont horsavingsI'
l
l seewhatIcookup

Me:Thankforevery
thi
ng.Thanky
ouf
orpl
ayi
ng
Vukani
,Ineededtoheart
hesong

Pl
essi
shoot
ed.
.
Me:
LookIhav
etogo

Bone:
Cont
inuebei
ngi
njay
ehl
athi
eveni
nGr
eece

Me:
Inj
ayehl
athi
alway
s

Bone:
Yizo

Me:
I'
ll
cal
lyouwhenIgett
otheai
rpor
t

Bone:
Cool

Me:
Shar
p

Ihungupandwentt
othecar
..

ZUXI
E
Iwalkedov
ert
ohisgraveandkneltdown.Ever
yone
el
sehadgonetothei
rcars,theywer
eleavi
ng.Bone
wil
ldriv
emeback,hewaitedformebyhiscar.
.

Me: Vukani I
..Somet hinghappenedwhenIwasat
thehospi tal .Iwasadmi ttedandonsev er al
occasi onsIsawy ouatni ghtsi tti
ngont hechai rin
mywar d, hol dingmyhand.Nur sessai dIwas
hallucinat ing, theysai dIwasdr unkof ffr om the
medsbutIsawy ouev eryni ghtandt hat'swhatkept
megoi ng.Idon' tknowmay beIwasl osi ngmymi nd
buty ouwer et hereIsawy ou, youl ookedwel l
.Alive,
I
don' tknow. .May beIwasl osingmymi ndf orreal
becauseher ey ouar e.Ijustdi dn'tknowy ouwer e
thatbadl yi njur edt obeiny ourcof finwi thbandages
aroundy ourf ace.Thecor onersai dit'snor mal,the
traumay ouendur edyourf aceswel l
edupandt he
coldnessoft hef ri
dge..Ijust .
.Iwi shy ouwer en'
t
gone, Resti nPeacemySon.Il ovey ouandy ou'll
alway sbei nmyhear t
..
Igotupandwal kedov ert
oBone.Ist oppedhalfway
anddustedmyf eet,
Iwasst andingont hepaved
roadwherecarspass.Ididn'tseetheblackcar
coming,i
thootedandIst eppedbackal it
tl
e.Ilooked
atit
,att
hebackseatt hewindowwashal fopen.I
sawhim..ItwasVukani .
.Hel ookedatme

Me:
Vukani
??

Her
oll
edt
hewi
ndowup.
.

Me:
Vukani
!!

Ir
anaf
tert
hecar
,itst
art
edspeedi
ng.
.

Bone:
Zuxi
ewhatar
eyoudoi
ng?
It
ri
ppedandf
ell
..Iwat
chedi
tasi
twent
..

Boner
ant
ome.
.

Bone:
Whatar
eyoudoi
ng?

Me:
Itwashi
m..Isawhi
m..I
twasVukani

Hehel
pedmeupt
omyf
eet
..

Bone:
Itcan'
tbe.
.It
'snothi
m

Me:
Isawhi
m..I
twashi
m

Bone:
TheDrdi dsayt
hatyourmentalstat
e,the
tr
aumait
'l
ltakeawhil
eforyoutorecover.
.Let'
sgo
Me:
Isweari
twas.
.ItwasVukani

Bone:
Comel
et'
sgo

Me:
He'
snotdead.
.He'
snotdead!

VUKANI

Seei
ngmyMom l i
ket
hat,i
ttoremedeepi nsi
de.Al
lI
wanted,wastotel
lPl
essi
st ostopthecarsoIcan
runtoherandhugherti
ght.Tellheri
t'
sokay,
tel
lher
aboutthepl
an..

Plessi
s:Youshoul
d'
venev
erv
isi
tedheratt
he
hospit
al

Me:Imadesur
eIshowedupatni
ghtaft
ershehad
t
akenhermedsandsedat
ed,
Idon'
tthi
nkshe
not
icedIwast
her
e

Pl
essi
s:Shesawy
ounow

Me:She'
l
lbef i
ne,she'
l
lthi
nki
twasherbrai
npl
ayi
ng
gamesonher .
.Isti
l
lcan'
tbel
i
eveGuzi
kfounda
bodyt
hatlookedli
keme

Plessi
s:I
twashar
d,That
'swhyt
hef
acehadt
obe
bandaged

Me:Theybur
iedthewr
ongbody
,int
heAf
ri
can
cul
tur
eit
'swrong

Pl
essi
s:I
tiswhati
tis

Me:
Tur
nthev
olumeup
Hedi
d..Iputonmygl
assesandhat
..

"
ziny
any
azami
vukani
bo
Vukani
bohoho(
hay
ivukani
bo)
Ndi
ncedeni
hel
elehel
ele(
ziny
any
azami
vukani
bo)
Huhuhuhu(
hay
isebey
andi
cindezel
a)
Sekut
heni
(ndi
sebenzel
'i
nganezami
ezami
ingane
bo)
Sekut
heni
(ndi
sebenzel
'abant
wabami
ezami
ingane
bo)
Sekut
heni
(ndi
sebenzel
'i
nganezami
zonke)
Sekut
heni
lapho(sebey
andi
cindezel
a)"
.

SongRef
erence:

Vukani
Ar
ti
st:
Dr.Bone

*
***
***
***
***
***
THEEND*
***
***
***
***
***
*