PROLOGUE

.
..
Iwasinmyroom rappi
ngdeepl
yri
csofWet
dreamzbyJ.
[Link]
eIar
ti
cul
atedsome
naught
yimagi
nationi
nmynotebook.
Me:
"Itst
art
edof
fsoi
nnocent
Shehadav
ibeandani
ggast
art
eddi
ggi
n'i
t.
Iwasyoungi
n',
str
aightcr
ushi
n',
try
nnapl
ayt
he
sh*
*cool
Butani
ggacoul
dn'
twai
ttogett
oschool
CausewhenIsee'
em t
highsonher
Andt
hem hi
psonherandt
hem l
i
psonher
Gotmeday
dreami
ng,
manwhatI
'
mthi
nki
n'
..
.."

Gotdist
[Link]
ookof
fmy
headphones.
Mat
hapel
o:Obakeng
Me:
Mma?
Mat
hapel
o:Weneedy
oui
nthel
ounge.
If
urr
owmyey
ebr
ows
Me:
Hav
eIdonesomet
hingwr
ong?
Mathapel
o:Justf
indoutbycomi
ngi
nthe
l
[Link]'l
lbewaiti
ng.
Me:
OkayMma.
Shewalkedaway .Isighner
v ouslyhidingmy
[Link]"we"Iwonderwhoel secouldbe
ther
eorratherI
'm beingcal
ledf orameet i
ng.
Butwhattr
oublecoul dIhav
egot tento?Ihope
Mmadi dn'
tevenbot hert
ocal lt
hatbi hfrom
KZNI '
l
lbereall
ymad.
"Obakeng!
!"
Me:
Eekeat
laMma!
!(I
'
m comi
ng!
!)
Iy
ell
backandmademywayoutofmyr
oom.
Igott
othel
oungeandsneer
ed.
Me:
(scof
fs)AsmuchasIt
hought
!
Mat
hapel
o:Si
tdownObakeng.
Me:Whyshoul
dIsi
tint
hesamer
oom ast
his
woman?
Mom:Heemntanandini
ndi
nguny
oko(
Hey
chi
l
dI'
myourMother)
Me:Ny
okongegamai zenz
ozona?(
Mot
herby
wor
dswhataboutact
ions?
)
Morake:Okayokaywecan'
tgoonliket
his.
Let
'sall
calm downandhandl
ethi
swell
.
Hel
ookedatme
Mor
ake:
Son
Me:
Papa?
Mor
ake:
Sitdown
It
ookaseat
.
Sothiswasaf ami
l
ymeet ingj
ustasIexpected.
Therewere2ofmyol derbrot
hers,my
bi
ologicalMom,Morake&Mat hapelopl
ustheir
daughter.

Seeher e'sthet [Link] hapelo&Mor akearea

marr i
edcoupl ewhot ookmei nattheageof11
andr aisedmel ikethei [Link] l
stmy
mot herwast her eall thistimeandi t'
snotlike
shecoul dn'traiseme, shecoul d,shehadal lthe
capabi li
tiestor aiseme, shehadal lthemoney
[Link] eftaf i
lt
hywomanbut
nevergav emeonet hingIneeded, Lov [Link]
emot ional abusewaswayt oomucht hatI
decidedt ocal lmybi gbr othersonedayandt el
l
them ev er yt
hingabouti t
.Mybr others;Hlonolo
&Hl omphoar eMat hapel o'ssonsfrom her
previousmar riage( wit hmydad)bef oreMor ake.
Whatr elatesmewi t
hmybr othersisthatwe
havet hesamebi ol
ogi cal f
atherbuthepassed
onwhenIwasst
il
lababy
,Iwasunf
ort
unat
eto
meethi
m.

SoMat hapelogotdi vorcedwi thmyr ealfat

her
whenhemar r
iedmymot [Link] ri
ed
PapaMor ake,theygotbl essedwi thabeaut i
ful
daughterGomol [Link] lli
vet ogetherasa
familyexceptformybr others,theyhav ethei
r
[Link] epulsesmei sthiswoman' s
presencei nf
rontofme.

Mathapel
o:OkayI'
m gl
adev er
yonemanagedt
o
cometothisf
amilymeeting.I
'
m sur
eyou'
real
l
wonderi
ngwhatisital
labout.
Weal
[Link]
ookedatme.
Mat
hapel
o:Wel
li
t'
sabouty
ouObakeng.
If
rownpoi
nti
ngmy
sel
f.
Me:
Me?
Mat
hapel
o:Yesson.I
'
vest
umbl
edt
hisi
nyour
r
oom.
Shebr [Link] ssedi
n
embar rassmentasIpl acemyf istovermyli
ps.
Thebookcont ai
nsev eryt
hingaboutmy
personal l
if
e,f
eelingsandmat [Link]'
t
supposet oseet hat.
Mom:
What
'si
nther
e?
Mat
hapel
o:Youcanl
ookf
ory
our
sel
f.
Shehandedherwhi
lehergazewei
ghsonme.
SoIhadtofacedown.
Mat
hapel
o:Obakeng
Me:
Mma
Mat
hapel
o:Obakeng
Me:
Mma?
Mat
hapel
o:Nchebehakebual
ewena(
Lookat
mewhenI'
mtalki
ngtoyou)
Ili
ftmyey esupandherseri
ousnessscaredme.
Mat hapel
oisagoodwomanandbyf arthebest
mot herI'
vebeenblessedwi
[Link]'sl
ike
thi
sIgetner vous.
Mat
hapel
o:I
sitt
rue?
Me:
ButMmawhywoul
dyoui
nvademypr
ivacy
?
Mathapel
o:I
nvadeyour
..
.Heeeywena!metl
hol
o.
Sebakengsamang?(Atwhosehouse?)Tel
lme.
Ikeptqui
etpl
ayi
ngwi
thmyhands.
Mathapelo:YouknowIgot oyourroom t
oclean
i
tandcollectyourl
aundri
esweeklysometimes
ever
[Link] ostuff
sli
kethi
s
i
tconcernsmeasy ourpar
ent
.
(
Sil
ence)

Mom: Tj
uuu!Intshakele,ndaqaluy
[Link]
Buzweyazenzai zi
ntoezoyi
kisay
o.(Thisi
snew,
fi
rstt
[Link]
Buzwe.
)
Shesayspagi
ngthr
oughmybookandseei
ng
ever
ythi
ngini
t.
Mor
ake:
Letmeseewhat
'si
nther
e.
Theypassedt
hebookwhil
emeandMma
cont
inuedhav
ingast
ari
ngcompet
it
ion.
Mat
hapel
o:Gomol
emo
Gomol
emo:
Mma?
Mat
hapel
o:Ar
eyoudat
ingObakeng?
Fami
l
y:(
excl
aims)Modi
mo!
!Tj
oo!
!!
Ever
yonedi
dn'
tex
pectt
hat
.Ir
ubmyf
acei
n
shame.
Mathapel
o:Gomol
emo.
..Ar
eyoudat
ing
Obakeng?
Sheshy
lyshakesherhead.
Mathapel
o:Youknowwhatwesaidaboutlyi
ng
mosetsanakewena,buannet
e!(
li
tt
legi
rl
,tel
l
t
het
rut
h!)
Shebi
teshert
eet
hlooki
ngdown
Gomol
emo:
EyaMmawedat
ing
Fami
l
y:Eh!Eh!Eh!
Me:Buti
t'
snotl
i
kewear esi
[Link]
Gomoarenotbl
oodsi
stersnorbrot
her
s.
Shebeat
sthet
abl
erepeat
edl
y
Mat
hapel
o:Hey
!Hey
!Hey
!
Mom:NankonkeuTsi
etsi
evukaemat
huneni
(
Tsi
etsi
hasresur
rect
ed)
Igl
areatheratt
hement
ionofmyf
ather
.

Mathapelo:Letmenotheary ouspeakofsuch
nonsenseagainboy .You'
llbesorry
!Whaty ou
andGomoar edoingisabomi nat
iontothe
nearesti
[Link]
ennal ePapat ookyouinas
oursonat11t [Link] l
thisti
mewewer e
feedi
ngbothofy [Link] inue
feedi
nglovebi
rds?Clothi
ngl
ov ebi
rds?Live
undermyroof?Notasdaught erandsonwe
knew,butaslovers??Haaphelathat'
sinsane!
real
lyi
nsane.
Ikeptqui
etl
ooki
ngatGomowhowant
edt
ocr
y
andmydisappoi
ntedbr
other
s.
Mor
ake:
Forhowl
onghav
ethi
sbeengoi
ngon?
Me:Fir
stti
meIcameherebutIst
art
edcomi
ng
outaboutmyf
eeli
ngsr
ecentl
y.
Hel
ookedathi
sdaught
er.
Mor
ake:
Andy
ouagr
eed?
Mat
hapelo:Basi
call
ywhenweleavethem Papa
wemightaswellexpectt
ofi
ndthem havi
ngsex,
i
nourhouse!
Gomol
emo:
Mma!
Shet
hrowsherhandnearGomo'
sface
moti
oni
ngaslap.
Mathapel
o:S'
kareMmaket l
aukl
apa!(
Don'
tsay
MaI'l
lsl
apyou.)Whatcanwetr
usti
n18year
ol
ds?
(
Sil
ence)

Hlompho:Youhavedisappoi
ntedusOBwe
[Link] nagoodwor df oryou
toMom feel
ingsympathyforyou,yetyoucame
for"
datemyf ami
l
y."Total
lyunacceptable.
Mathapel
o:Thi
shast
ost
[Link]
etost
op
al
lthi
snonsense.
Ishookmyhead
Me:Ican'
t,I
'
m sor
ryMaIcan'
tIr
eal
l
ylov
eyour
daught
er.
Mat
hapel
o:War
eng?
?(Whatdi
dyousay
?)
Morake:Obakengcomebackt
oyoursenses
[Link]
opthis.
Me:
Ican'
tPapaIr
eal
l
ylov
eherIr
eal
l
ycan'
t
cont
rol
mysel
f.
Mom:
Buzwe!
Me:
Shutupwena
Il
ookedatt
hem
Me:I'
m sorrybutIl
oveGomosomuchwi t
hall
[Link]'smyfir
stlove,
fir
stper
sonIthi
nk
ofwhenIwakeupand. ..thel
astwhenIlaymy
eyest
or estatni
ght.
Mathapel
o:Tjeeerr
rmoshanyanaenoa( Thi
s
boy!
)It
'sei
theryouleav
ethissickr
elat
ionshi
p
ofyour
sory ouleavemyhouse!Youhav eto
chooseone.
Ibl
inkedlooki
ngatherindisbel
i
efast
ear
s
for
medi nmyey [Link].
Me:SolewenaMmay oudisownmej ustl
ike
that
?Theonlyper
sonIfel
tamot her
'slovefr
om.
Theonl
[Link] ?
Whenam Ireal
lyr
ecei
vi
ngtruelove?
Mat
hapel
o:I
fyoust
opt
hissi
cknesswi
thGomo
t
henwecantal
k.
Ishookmyhead.
Mat
hapel
o:(
tear
y)Ther
earemanygi
rl
sout
t
her
eObakengnotmydaught
er.
Me:TheyarenotGomol
emo!!Theyar
enot
hing
l
ikeher
,they
'l
lnev
erbel
ikeher
!
Icomposedmy
sel
f.
Me:Youknowwhat?It
'sf
ineI
'
llgoifit
'swhat
youwant
.Itwasagoodti
mebei nghere.
Ist
ormedout
.

Iwentatthebackoft
hehouseandcov
eredmy
faceweeping.
Gomol
emo:
Buzwe
Me:
OB
Gomol
emo:
OB,
I'
m sor
ryaboutwhatr
eal
l
y
happenedinther
[Link]
l
ywantedt
ogiveusa
chancebuttheyhaveapoint
,wecan'
tbe.
Ir
emov
edmyhandsof
fmyf
ace.
Me:
Why
???I
t'
snotl
i
kewesi
bli
ngs
Gomolemo:
Truebutmypar
ent
srai
sedy
out
hat
makesussi
bli
ngs.
Me:
That
'si
nsane!
Gomol
emo:
Wehav
etost
op.
Igr
abbedherhandsi
nmi
ne
Me: Babe,it'
[Link]'
re18youcan
makey ourchoiceandit'
syourheartt
hatf
eel
sa
di
fferentway .Theyshouldn'
tchooseyour
happinessf oryou.
Gomolemo: I
'
m sorr
ybutt
hey'r
eri
ghtandIcan'
t
goagainstmyparent
s'wi
shes.
Me:
Gomo?
?
Sheki
ssedmycheek.
Gomol
emo:
Itwasgoodwhi
l
eitl
ast
ed.
Shesl
i
dherhandsof
fmi
neandl
eft
.
Me:
Gomol
emo!
Moretear
sstr
eameddownandIf
eltmyheart
st
ingwhenshewal
kedawayfr
om meforgood.
Mom cameoutoft
hebl
uewi
thmyst
uff
s.
Mom:
Your
eadyt
ogo?
Me:
Yeah.
Igotthebagsfr
om herandloadedt
hem i
nthe
carandshedroveoffwhil
ethefami
lywas
star
[Link] hoot
ed,Il
ooked
atGomowi thmytearrunni
ng.
Iwav
edweaklyatherbutshetur
nedaround
andl
eft
.WeleftMpumalangaandheadedto
KZN.
.
.
.
8MONTHSLATER
Mom: Yi
iBuzweher
e'sy
oursui
tIboughtf
or
yourf
arewel
l.
Me:
ThanksMandi
yabul
ela.
It
ooki
t,i
twasni
ceandr
edi
ncol
our
.
Mom: I
'
m headi
ngt
omyr
est
aur
[Link]
l
l
youbeokay?
Me:
ComeonMaI
'
m notKenei
l
oe
[Link]
oei smysisterwhohas
earnedherselfal
lmymot her
'sl
oveandst olei
t
al
lawayf r
om [Link] athercheatedonmy
Mom withhisP. AandKenei l
oecameabout .
Herbiol
ogical Mom passedonwhenshewasa
[Link] t ookuponadopt i
ngherafterDad
passedonsi ncehenev erlef
theraninher
itance.

Me:
I'
ll
bef
inedon'
tst
ress
Mom:
Ify
ouneedany
thi
ngt
alkt
oBhongookay
?
Me:
Yeah.
Shehugsandki
ssesme.
Mom:Goodby
e,hav
eani
ceev
eni
ngahead.I
l
ovey
ou
Me:
Ilov
eyout
oo
Iwat
chedherwal
kaway
.
Ial
sowenttomyr oom andprepar
edfort
he
ni
[Link]
ookedatt
hebookofmydr awi
ngswi
th
onl
yGomoandsmi l
edalone.
Iwenttohaveawordwit
hBhongo, heusedto
beclosewit
hDadandknewmostt hingsabout
hi
m plushe'
snowdati
ngMom, soheknows
ever
yone'
ssecret
sint
hishouse.
Iaskedhi
mt ohelpmef i
ndDad'
sfavouri
tesuit
.
Hedidhel
pme, itwasinst
eadablacktuxedo.I
l
ookedsogoodi nitev
enmysist
er
compli
mentedwhenshesawme.
Idrovest
rai
ghttoMpumal anga.I'
m actuall
y
goingtoGomo'sf arewel
lnotmi [Link]
hadagreedthatI'
llbeherpartnerpit
yI'
v e
[Link] i
sadeal r
ight?

Iparkedinf
rontoft
heschool andwai t
edforher.
Idial
[Link]
ll
hav ehernumber seven
whenshechangest hem constant
[Link]'
tcall
mor eoft
[Link] sisthe
fi
rstti
mediali
ngher.
Gomol
emo:
Hel
l
[Link]'
sthi
s?Hel
l
o?
Ij
ustfr
ozeseei
ngherwalki
ngwi t
hanot her
dude,t
heyl
[Link]
Icl
enchedmyteet
[Link]
Isankl
owerinmyseatsothattheydon'tsee
me.
Il
atersawherwal
ki
ngal
onet
owar
dst
het
oil
ets.
Me:
Gomol
emo.
Shest
art
ledandscr
[Link]
eredhermout
h.
Gomol
emo:
OBwhatt
hehel
lman!
Shesaysi
nacompl
etel
ypi
ssedtoneand
pushi
ngmyhandof
fhermouth.
Gomol
emo:
Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?Ar
eyou
fol
l
owi
ngme?
Me:I
'm herefory
ou,[Link]
pl
annedthisdaytoget
her?Thatwe'
dmakeit
memorable.
Gomol emo: Stayawayfr
om meObakeng!My
parentswarnedy ouaboutthi
[Link]'
tl
etme
[Link]
opstal
kingme!
We'reov er
,therewasneverus!
Me:
ButIst
il
ll
ovey
ou
Gomol
emo:
(scof
fs)Lov
e?Ni
ggamov
eon!
Shewal
ksaway
.
Me:
Gomo,
Gomo!
!
Ipacedupandpul
l
edher
Gomolemo:
Yeewenakgaoganale'
namaan,
nxa(
Leavemeal
one)I
'
m warningyou.
Thatguyappear
edf
rom nowher
e.
Hi
m:Ev
ery
thi
ngokayt
her
e?
Me:Hel
py our
sel
fsaanandv ai
.Don'
tget
i
nvol
vedinthi
ngsthatdon'
tconcer
nyou.
Gomol
emo:Mxm!AreyeThatoaret
logel
e
semat
lase(
Let
'sgoThat
o,let
'sl
eav
et hi
sfool
.)
Mychesti
mmedi at
elybur
nedandIf
elt
somet
hingheav
ybuildi
ngup.
Me:Ubit
samangkasemat
la?(
Whoy
oucal
l
ing
afool
?)
Theguyl
[Link]
areathi
minf
ury
.
Me:
Whaty
oul
aughi
ngat
?
Hi
m:You,
fool
.
Inspli
tsecondsIjumpedontopofhim and
beathim upbrut
allywit
hGomoscreamingand
stoppi
ngme, ti
ll
Iblackedout
.

Mymi ndcamebackwhenIwast akenbya

poli
cevanwithbl oodallovermeandMom kept
shouti
ngatmeont opofherv oi
[Link]
hen
dawnedtomet hatImighthav ekil
[Link]
Mom surpri
singlycamet hroughformewi thbai
l.
Shemadesur et oburnev er
ybelongingofmy
fat
her'
sandwentonaboutmet aki
ngaf t
erhi
m.
.
.
.
PRESENTDAY
Psy
chol
ogi
st:
Wel
comebackMrBuzwe
Me:
OB
Psy
chol
ogi
st:
O?
Me:
..Bf
orObakeng
Her
:Buti
tsay
syourf
ir
stnamei
sBuzwe.
Me:I'
drat
heryoucal
lmebymysecondname
Obakengi
fyoufai
lkeepi
ngi
tshor
twi
thOB.
Shesmi
l
esandnot
esdown.
Her
:Youhat
eyourMom MrOB?
It
enseupal
i
ttl
e.
Me:
No
Her:
Butithasgott
odowi
thhert
haty
oudon'
t
l
ikeyourf
ir
stname?
If
rownmaki
ngaconf
usedf
aci
al
Her:JustthatI'
venoti
cedyourMom hasbeen
fr
equentlycall
i
ngy oubyyourfi
rstnameand
yougetsensiti
vewhensomeoneel secal
l
syou
byit
.
Me:
Ijustl
i
keObakeng.
Shenodsandwr
otedown.
Her
:Youangr
yaty
ourMom?
Me:
Sor
tof
Her
:Why
?
Me:
Shenev
erl
ovedme.
Her
:Whydoy
ouf
eel
thatway
?
Me: Shewoul dr
athergi
veherl ovetoother
random [Link]'dr at
herbeMot her
Teressatothewor l
dbuttreatherownof f
spri
ng
l
iket r
[Link]
smef orwhatmyf at
her
[Link]
fyingmef orev er
yli
tt
le
thi
ngIdi dasachildandwoul dsayI'
m
becomi ngli
[Link] dea
whatshe'stalki
ngabout,causeInev erknewmy
[Link] hold.
Iexhal
e
Me:
SoonedayIf
inal
l
ygotcur
iousofknowing
t
heper
sonI
'
m bei
[Link]
his
suddenint
erestabouthi
m andIkeptlearni
ng
ever
ythi
ngnewaboutDadcauseIknewshe
wouldn'
thelpmedoi [Link]
dstalki
ng
abouthi
m andhasbeenhi dingever
ythi
ngabout
hi
[Link] '
swherewenev ercli
cked.
Shenodswi
thasi
gh
Her
:Soy
ouf
orgi
vey
ourMom f
ort
hatt
reat
ment
?
Isi
ghheav
il
y
Me:
Idon'
tknowIr
eal
l
ydon'
t
Shewr
otedown
Her
:Okayl
et'
smoveonf
rom t
her
[Link]
'sy
our
f
avour
it
ecol
our?
Me:
Red&Bl
ack.
Her
:Okaywhyt
hecombi
nat
ion?
Me: Itdescr
[Link] andsforl
ovethat
there'sst
il
lapartofmet hat'
scapableofl
oving.
Event houghIdon'tknowhowt oloveri
ght.
.and
Blacki sf
ordarkness.
Shenods.
Her
:Ar
eyoui
nar
elat
ionshi
p?
Me:
No
Her
:Forhowl
onghav
eyoubeensi
ngl
e?
Me:Woah,i
t'
sbeen.
.Ican'
ttel
lyout
hatbuti
t'
s
beenr
eal
lyl
ong.
Her
:Hav
eyoudat
edaf
terGomo?
Ismi
l
edj
ustbyt
het
houghtofher
.
Me:[Link]
t'
s
notsomethi
ngsol
i
[Link]
t'
ssti
llwi
thGomo.
Her
:Ev
ent
houghshehasmov
edon?
Me: Ev
enthoughshehasmov edonandwe've
[Link]'
ssti
ll
beatsthesameway
forher
..
.I'
m gladseei
nghergrowf r
om agir
l
whousedt olivei
nshell
stosomeonestrong
andmor ebold,mytype.
Shel
ooksatme.
Her:MrOBwoul
dyouagr
eet
haty
ou'
re
obsessed?
Igl
ancedatherwi
thoutsay
ingany
thi
ng.
Her :Yourmedicalr
ecordssayy ouhav eanOCD
aftertheinci
dentyouhadmanyy [Link]
seemsl ikeyouhaven'
tgottenov erthatlady.I
adv i
cey outofi
ndway stodri
ftyourf ocus
somewher eel
[Link] endtoact
i
mpul si
vel
ywheny ouseeingherar oundpeopl e,
mor eespecial
[Link] aircause
she'shumant ooshe'sboundt ointeractaround
[Link] .
Shewr
otedown.
Her
:Youst
il
leaty
ourt
reat
ment
?
Me:
Ido.
Her:
Howdoy ouf eelaboutpet
s?Justus
dr
if
ti
[Link]'
sgonna
j
udgeyoufortal
ki
ngt opets.
Il
aughed.
Me:
Itwoul
dn'
tbeabadi
dea.
Her:
Thatfocusi
sbet
tert
hanl
andi
ngy
our
sel
f
i
njai
l,r
ight
?
Me:
Yah
Her:
Nowwegett
[Link]
oni
s
over
.We'
l
ldot
hisagai
nnextweek.
Ist
oodup
Me:
ThanksMi
ssAnder
son.
Her
:Pl
easur
e
WeshookhandsandIl
eft
.

Ibel
iev
einLov
[Link]
lIneedi
[Link]
yLove
cantamemeandsavemefrom mysel
fand
ever
yoneel
se.
MyNamei
sBuzweObakengSeramet
aket
his
j
our
neywi
thmetof
indoutmore.
.
..
>>>Tobecont
inued.
..

Youmayt agafriend,l
over,
sist
er,
brother
,
cousi
n,kell
y'
sorcolleaguelett
hem knowabout
thi
sThri
ll
ing!st
[Link]'tmissout
01
.
..
BUZWE(
OB)
Wasanotherweekf
ormyther
apy
.Ideci
dedt
o
wearspot
swearandIwasqui
tei
nagood
mood.
Me:
Mor
ningMi
ssAnder
son
Shesmi
l
esi
mmedi
atel
yseei
ngme
Her
:Mor
ningOB,
howar
eyout
oday
?
Me:
I'
mfant
ast
ic,
howar
eyou?
Her
:I'
m gr
eat
Webothtookourseatsandshegr
abbedher
not
[Link]
ingatme.
Her
:Lookaty
ou!
Ismi
l
ed
Her
:Suchi
najol
l
[Link]
lbythebr
ight
col
our
syouwear
ing,
you'
ref
reenotensi
on.
..
Me:
Notgr
umpy
!
Her
:Notgr
umpy
!Yah.
Wegi
ggl
ed.
Her
:Tel
lmeabouty
[Link]
t?
Me:Itwasgreatr
eal
[Link]
j
obIspendmyday slooki
ngforapetasy ou'
ve
adv
[Link]
dedonadog,aPitbul
l
.
Her
:Iki
ndanewy
ou'
doptf
ort
hat
Me:
(gi
ggl
es)Am It
hatpr
edi
ctabl
e?
Her
:Get
ti
ngt
oknowy
ou,
yesy
ouar
e.
Me:
Yah.
..Ideci
dedt
onamei
tFunof
ull
for
Luf
unowhi
chmeansLov
einVenda.
Shenods,
impr
essed.
Her
:Okay
.
Me:YahIbel i
eveI'
vebeenseekingforlovein
wrongplacesandfor ci
ngitoutofpeople.I
t
hinkFunoandIwi llgetal
ongandper haps
t
eacheachot hersomet hi
[Link] tf
or
t
her i
ghtperson.
Shenods.
Her:I
'
mi mpressedwithyouOB,youdoi
ngwell
[Link]
onwil
lnotbe
l
ong,wekeepingitshort
.
Me:
Okay
Shegotupandwentt
otakepagest
hatwer
e
compil
ed.
Her:Thi
siswhatI'
veprepar
[Link]
all
thehobbi
esandactivi
ti
esyoushouldtryout,
tokeepyourmindbusyandcreat
ingyoursel
f
happi
[Link] oumi ghtf
indi
nterest
ingand
somenotsoi nt
erest i
[Link]'
l
l t
rywithwhat
worksforyou.I
t'
llalsohelpwithyourtemper.
It
ookt
hepaper
s.
Me:
Thanky
ou
Myphonev
ibr
ated.
Me:
Sor
ry
Iopenedt
hemessageandr
eadi
t.
Kene:
"Ihopey
ouhav
en'
tfor
got
tenaboutme.
"
Me:
"Whywoul
dI? .I
'
m comi
ng"
Kene:
"Awesome "
Ismi
l
edandl
eftt
heapp.

Her
:Mhm!We'
resmi
l
ing.
Ishookmyhead
Me:
Mxm i
t'
smysi
ster
.Ihav
eat
ri
ptoDur
ban,
I'
m goingtofet
[Link]'
llli
vewithmesi
nce
she'l
lbestudyi
ngt
[Link]
[Link]
s
freedom fr
om Mom.
Her
:Ohhy
oursi
sterwhol
i
veswi
thy
ourMom?
Me:
Yes
Her:
Itev
enget
sbet
ternowt
haty
ou'
l
lhav
e
company.
Me:
Tel
lmeabouti
t.
Shel
aughs.
Her:Iwishyouasafej
our
neyonf
etchi
ngy
our
si
[Link]'
tfor
get
!
Me:
Iwon'
t,
bye
Her
:Goodby
e.
Il
eftherof
fi
ceandwal
kedt
omycar
.

Whi
l
eIwasdr
ivi
ngbackt
omypl
aceIr
ecei
ved
acal
lfr
om mybud.I
t'
sFr i
dayandweusual
l
y
par
tyst
art
ingfr
om t
[Link]
mingym
andwecli
ckedimmediat
ely.
Me:
Joz
Jozea:
Heybhast
ed
Igi
ggl
ed
Me:
Yobhast
ed!Howar
eyousaan?
Jozea:
I'
m gr
andboy
zinshowar
eyou?
Me:
I'
m shar
pshar
pmybr
oe.
Jozea: I'
m cal
li
ngj ustt
or emindy ouabout
[Link] imeslikeyourspace
[Link]'m checkingifthemoodisa
[Link] anningsomet hingbi
[Link]'
l
l
besomef i
nechikkit
as,anddudedon' t
disappoint!You'
llengagebyf orceifyouhaveto.
Igi
ggl
ed
Me:
Aisshmymant
her
e'sabummer
Jozea:
Ayy
yno,
what
'sup?
Isi
gh
Me:Got
taf
etchmysi
stereThekwi
nishe'
l
lbe
st
ayi
ngwit
hme.
Jozea:
Ohhwell,Iguessnopart
yforyouthen.
I
'l
lmakesuretosendy ousnapsoft
helit
iness
youmissedouton.
Me:
Bhast
ed!
Jozea:
Yobhast
ed!Hav
easaf
etr
ipmyman.
Me:
Thanksbr
oe.
Weendedt
hecal
lwhi
l
elaughi
ng.
Icont
inueddr
ivi
[Link]
fet
chfewofmyst uf
fst
hiswil
lbeal ongdri
ve.
.
.
.
KENEI
LOE
MyMom washel
pingmepack.
Mom:
Whatdi
dhesay
?
Me:Hesay
shehasn'
tfor
got
tenmeani
nghe'
s
onhi
sway.
Mom:
Ohw
Sheshrugsandwasmoref
ocusedont
he
packi
[Link]
dseet
her
ewassomethi
ngmor
e.
Me:
Kant
iMamawheni
syourbeefendi
ng?
Shecur
vesherl
i
ps
Mom:
Ihav
enobeefwi
thmyson.
Me:
Qha?(
But
?)
Mom:
It'
scompl
i
cat
edKenedon'
tgeti
nvol
ved.
Me:ButMamai t'
snotnor [Link]
missmybr otheryourtensionisdr
ift
ingusapar t
.
Wenol ongerhavethat"brother&sister"
r
elat
ionshi
pbecauseoft hi
[Link]'
sbeeny ears
Mama!Year snottalki
ngt oeachotherandhi m
beingawayf r
om [Link]
or esol
ve
yourissuessothatwecangobacktobeinga
normal f
amilyagai
n.
Shecl
osedherey
est
hrowi
ngmycl
othes.
Mom: Keneil
oey oudon'
[Link]
kil
ledsomeone, doy ouknowwhatIhadt odo
tomakesur ethathe'
sfree?I
magi neukuba
bendi ngumntuongenamal i.
.bekuzothi
ni?
uBuz wenguTat akheqhaqwaba!( ImagineifI
wasn'trich.
.whatwasgonnahappen?Buzwei s
hisfather!
)
Me:Yeshemaybehisfat
herbutuzel
we
ngubani
?(whogav
ebir
thtohi
m? )
Shel
ooksatme
Me:Dlalaindi
may akhoMama( Pl
ayyourrole
Mom.)Kamnandi y oucanseehowwel lhe's
doi
ngf orhimselfnow, si
nceyouaretai
linghim.
He'
swel lbehavedandhasn' tbeengett
ingin
anytr
[Link] emoisengagedand
nothi
nghashappenedtoherfi
ancéyet,
that
shouldmeansomethi
[Link].
..
sopleasegi
vehi
mt hebenefi
tofthedoubt.
(
Sil
ence)
Me:Youneedtostopcomparinghim kuTata
l
[Link]'
snotri
[Link]
hasDadpassedon?Thatwasmanyy earsago
almost30year
[Link]
m RestInPeaceand
makepeacewithhissonpl
ease,it
'snoton.
Il
ookedather
.
Me:Ufi
kaokukwakhenit
het
hekahlenenze
uxol
o(Whenhearr
ivest
alkni
cel
ywithhim and
makepeace.
)Thi
slevel
ofpri
deisnoton.
Isaidmypieceandconti
nuedwithwhatIwas
[Link]
emainedsi
lentt
hinki
ngdeepabout
whatIsaid.
.
.
.
JOZEA
Iwasclosi
ngmygy m abitear
lytodayat2pm.
Fr
iday
sInor mall
ycloseat4butsinceI'
vegot
al
otofimportantt
hingstodoI'
m closi
ngearl
y.

I'
m afit
nesscoachIf oundedt hisgym 4y ears
agoandI '
m doingv erywel lwit
hi t
,mor epeopl e
areexpandingandcomi ngt othegy [Link] e
fi
ndcomf ortinthi
spl [Link]
yenjoywor king
[Link] et hanaj obtome, it
requi
resmet obeacounsel orandal sobe
pati
[Link] ti
ngt olendanear ,help
peopledealwiththeiremot i
ons,helpbui l
dt hei
r
confi
denceandgi vet hem hopet hatt hey'l
lget
thei
rendofr esult
[Link] ealtoughasi fIhate
them whenIhel pthem reacht heirbodygoal s.

Ri
ghtnowIwasdr
ivi
ngt
omypar
ent
s'house
Dadcal
l
edandt
oldmet
opasst
her
ebef
oreIgo
tomypl
ace.
Ipar
kedmycarout
sideandgoti
nsi
de.
Me:
Dad
Dad:
Jozy
ouher
eal
ready
?Isn'
ti
ttooear
ly?
Me:Icl
osedearl
ythanmyusual
timecauseI
hav
emanyt hi
ngstodo
Dad:
Ohhokay
Me:
Wher
e'sMom?
Dad:
Shel
eftwi
thPear
lwentt
odochar
it
ywor
k.
If
rown.
Me:
Isn'
tPear
lsupposedt
obeatschool
?
Dad:
Youknowwi t
hthisCovidthi
ngytheygoin
gr
[Link]
heyatt
endingtomorrowthey
st
ayhomeandlearnonli
ne.
Me:
It'
shect
ic
Dad:
Yah
Me:Sowhat'
simport
antDadt
hatIhadt
odr
op
ev
eryt
hingandcome.
Dad:YourAuntcal
l
ed,
shewant
stospeakt
o
you.
Me:
Nana?
Dad:
Whi
chot
herAuntdoy
ouhav
e?
Igi
ggl
ed.
Me:Ayymani
t'
sbeenawhi
l
ehear
ingf
rom her
,
shu!
Dad:
Yahshewant
stot
alkt
oyou
Il
ookedathi
m
Me:Coul
dn'
tyouf
orwardmehercont
act
sthan
comi
ngallt
hewayhere?
Dad:Ij
ustwantedt
ohearwhatshe'
sgonnasay
oraskfr
om you.
Me:
(sar
cast
ict
one)HeehTai
ma!
Webot
hlaughed
Ical
l
edherwi
thDad'
sphoneandshepi
cked.
Aunt
:Bi
ggi
e
Me:
Noi
t'
smeaunt
ie
Aunt
ie:
Jozeaaa!
Me:
Tanni
e!
Aunt
ie:
Howar ey
ou?Omgy
ourv
oicei
sdeep
yousogrownhey
.
Ichuckl
edandwecat
chupmor
eti
l
lwegott
o
thereal
poi
nt.
Aunti
e:Act
ual
l
ysont
her
e'ssomet
hingIwanna
runbyyou.
Me:
OkayI
'
mli
steni
ng
Aunti
e:Mydaught
erappliedinUJandnowshe
gotaccept
edshejustv
iewedheremai l
s,other
i
nsti
tuti
onsthi
ssi
dehav ealsoaccept
edher .
Butshe'
sadamantaboutcomi ngtoSouth
Af
ri
ca.
Igi
ggl
ed
Me:
AwwSher
ee,
whati
sshedoi
ngt
oyoumaar
?
Aunti
e:Joh!t
hischil
dwil
lbethedeathofme.
Tell
mehowcanIl ookaf
terherwhenshe'
sfar
fr
om me.
Me:
Youbaby
ingt
hischi
l
dtoomucht
anni
e.
Aunti
e:Iwasalsobabi edli
kehersoIhav eto.
So..
.I'
m aski
ngfory ousontopl easekeepan
eyeonherasI '
mf arawayf r
om t [Link]
hadtorunthisfi
rsttoBryanbuty ouknowt hese
ki
ds,theycanbeaty ouwithmindgames.
Atl
eastyouwon'tbeeasi l
yfooledbyhercause
you'
realmostthesameagegr oup.
Ichuckl
ed.
Me:NahIdon'
tmindAunt
ieI'l
lwat
chherli
kea
[Link]
ookswon'tev
enstandachance.
Shesi
ghsi
nrel
i
efandIchuckl
e
Auntie:
NowIcanbreathe,t
hankyouson.
Pleasegiv
eyourf
atherthephonesoIcan
speakmor et
ohim.
Me:
Okay
..
.Dad.
Ismil
easIhandhimt [Link]
hey
conti
nuespeaki
ng.I
'
m soexcitedthatmy
cousi
niscomingtoSA.
.
.
.
BUZWE(
OB)
Hoursl
at erIwasinDurban,parki
ngoutsidemy
Mom'striplestor
[Link]'
twannagetin,
Il
eanedont hebonnetasIwaitformysistert
o
packfi
nish.

Me:
Ihopet
hat
'st
hel
astl
oad.
Shegi
ggl
ed
Kene:
Justonemor
e
Me:
Hayhayhay
Kene:
ComeonBuzweoneqha
Thankstomyt her
apywetouchedatopi
conmy
fi
[Link] '
m nol
ongeraff
ect
edby
someonecall
ingmebyit.
Me:NoKenei
loezi
shi
yemaan(l
eav
ethem)I
canal
waysbuyyouanewwardr
obeofcl
othes.
Kene:
Hmmmm!
Shesmi
rked
Me:
Yesy
ourbr
otheri
smoni
edsi
s'wam.
Kene:
Okay
!
Womenandmoneyt
heyl
i
keamat
henol
wimi
(
sal
i
va&tongue.
)
You'
dswearI'
m ol
dert
hanKenei
loeyetwe'
re
thesameageshe'
susedtobei
ngspoil
[Link]'
s
oldert hanmewi thfewmonthsaheadofme.
ButMom spoi l
shert oomuchshedoesn' twant
hert ouchingorl if
ti
ngasingl
[Link]
receivesany thingshewantswhilejustl
azing
[Link] engotbehindwithschool cause
afterpassi ngmat ri
c,Mommydi dn'twantherto
furtherherst udiesorworkcauseshe'salready
bringingmoney .
Mommyhasr eal
lymi sl
edmysisterbutI'
m gl
ad
she'
snowawake. ..andpushedtogobackt o
school
.She'
ll
enrol herstudi
esi
nUJ, shegot
accept
edthere.

Kene:
Youwon'
tgoi
nandgr
eet
?
Me:
No
Kene:
Buzwe
Me:
Ha.
aI'
m noti
nthemoodl
et'
sgeti
nthecar
.
Kene:
Yhi
nikodwamnt
asei
nqal
aengaka(
Why
y
ouhol
dsomuchgr
udge?
)
Me: I
twill
beyourmot herwho'l
l comeand
makepeacewi t
hme.I tshouldn'tcomef r
om
anyoneelseandalsosheshoul dn'tbe
[Link] r
om her,
wit
hinherconsci
[Link] '
ll
ber eadytolet
herbackinmylif
[Link], Iplayataf ar
di
stance.
Shelookedatmewi thoutsayi
nganythi
[Link]
wewer estandingt
herewesawMommy
appeari
ngont hebalcony
,dri
nkingagreen
smoothie.
Hereyeswer
elockedwi
[Link]
dly
l
if
therhandandwavedatme.
Igotof
fthebonnet
.
Me:
Let
'sgoKene
Kene:
Buzwe
Me:
Kenei
l
oe!
Shedidn'
tpr
otestwi
thmyst
ernv
[Link]
n
thecar.
Kene:
ByeMommy
!!
Mom:By
e,haveasaf
etr
ipwi
thy
ourbr
other
.I
l
ovey
ouboth!
Me:
Ssshhi
Isnickerwhil
eshakingmyheadandhoot
i
mpat i
ent
lyforKenetogeti
nsi
[Link]
runningandgotinsi
[Link]
mmediatel
ystar
tthe
caranddr i
veoff.

Ourtr
ipwasreal
lylongwe'
dst opbyandbuy
somethi
ngtoeatev er
[Link]'
tdri
ve,
l
ikeIdon'
tunder
standwhat'
sbeenMom doi ng
wit
hmysi st
eral
lthisti
memar [Link]!

Ist
oppedatt
hegar
age.
Me:
Yhosi
siIneedt
obuyReboostI
'
m get
ti
ng
dr
ained.
Sher
ubbedherey
esl
ooki
ngsl
eepy
.
Kene:
Okay
Me:
Shoul
dIbuyy
ousomet
hing?
Kene:
NoI
'
mfi
ne
Me:
Okay
I'
l
lactual
l
ybuyhersomethi
[Link]
boughtmy sel
fanener
gydr
[Link],
Dori
[Link]
opayandbumpedt o
someone.
Us:
Wooo!
Ichuckl
ed.
Me:
Sor
ryIhopeIdi
dn'
t.
.
Shegotup
Gomol
emo:
Obakeng?
?
Gomo!Shel
ookedwow.
.andbr
eat
htaki
ng.
Gomol
emo:
Whydon'
tyoul
eav
emeal
one?
?
Shebegant
ocr
y.
Me:
Idi
dn'
tknowy
ouwer
eher
e..Iwasn'
tst
-
Gomol
emo:
Justl
eav
emeal
one!
!!
Sheshout
edandranof
[Link]
ant
othedoorand
st
oppedmidway.
Me:
Iwasn'
tst
alki
ng.
..y
ou.
Ifr
ownedlooki
[Link] eav
ingher
i
temsbehindbeforepayi
[Link]
sonoti
ced
somethi
ngbli
nginginherhand,
li
kear i
[Link]
she'
sengaged?
Iwentt
opayandl
eft
.

Kene:
Ah!Isai
ddon'
tbuymeany
thi
ng.
Iwasf
arwi
tht
hought
s.
Kene:
Buzwe?
?
Me:
Justgi
vei
ttoast
rangerort
hrowi
tawayi
f
y
ounotgonnasav
eitf
orl
ateron.
(
Sil
ence)
Kene:
Arey
ouokay
?
Ibl
i
nkedmy
sel
fbackt
oear
th.
Me:
Yeahy
eahI
'
m okay
.(l
ooki
ngather
)I'
mfi
ne.
Imovedmyhandaroundtheigni
ti
onand
st
art
edthecar
.Kenedidn'
tbuythatasshe
sl
owlyl
aybackonherseat.
Kene:
CanIpl
aymusi
c?
Me:
Yeah
Atl
easti
t'
l
lsav
eusf
rom t
heawkwar
dtensi
on
engul
fi
ngus.

Upi
nyourr
oom onceagai
n,t
empt
ed
Badf
orme,
it'
sthet
rut
h,butIcan'
tmi
sst
his
Don'
ttel
lmyf
ri
endst
hatI
'
m her
etov
isi
t
Don'
ttel
lmyf
ri
endst
hatI
'
m her
e

Wai
ti
ngf
ory
ou,
evenhowy
out
reatme
You'
remybabyev
enwheny
oul
eav
eme
May
beI
'
mtheonet
obl
ame
May
beI
'
mthecauseofpai
n
Wai
ti
ngf
ory
ou,
evenhowy
out
reatme
You'
remybabyev
eny
oul
eav
eme
May beI'
mt hepr
obl
em andt
heonet
hat
's
causingall
ofthi
s

Ican'
tsayIl
ovey
ounomor
e
Causemyf
ri
endsgon'
judgemef
orsur
e
I
ttooksomet
imebutIr
eal
i
zed
Youdomewr
ongbuti
tfeel
sri
ght
Ican'
tsayIl
ovey
ounomor
e
Causemyf
ri
endsgon'
judgemef
orsur
e
I
ttooksomet
imebutIr
eal
i
zed
Youdomewr
ongbuti
tfeel
sri
ght
Feel
sli
keI
'
m st
uckony
ou

Ipl
acemyhandov ermymouthasIfocused
moreonmydri
[Link]
edmyutmostbestto
pushmyt
earsbackf r
om comi
ng.
.
..
>>>Tobecont
inued.
..
02
.
..
BUZWE(
OB)
Wef i
nal
lyar
ri
[Link]
velat
eat
about22:
[Link]
oom she'
ll
use.
Me:
Andher
ewear
e.
Kenei
l
oe:Her
ewear
[Link]'
vegotani
cepl
ace
shamebhut
i.
Ismi
l
e.
Me:
Thanks,
youl
ovey
ourr
oom?
Kenei
l
oe:
Hmmm
Me:
"Hmmm "
Ial
soimi
tat
ehershel
aughsandpunchesmy
shoul
der
s.
Me: You'r
eal adyy
ou'llbr
eat
helif
eintoit
,
decorateitandmakei tmorefemini
[Link]
hey!Ihadnoi deathatonedayI'
dbelivi
ngwit
h
mysi st
er.
Kenei
l
oe:
We'
reher
ethen
Me:
Yessi
l
apha(
we'
reher
e)
Shewalkedi
nadmi
ri
ngt
hespaceasshepl
aced
herbags.
Kenei
l
oe:
Wast
hisaguest
room?
Me:Yes,
I'
vebeenst
ayi
ngal
oneal
lthesey
ear
s
si
si.
Keneil
oe:Umaaka(
Youli
e)al
lthesey
ear
syou
haven'
thadawomanoko?
Ishookmyhead
Me:
Tuu(
Notatal
l
)
Keneil
oe:Tjoonowonderi t
'st
oodul
li
nhere
[Link] i
ghtnessBuzwemaanyou'
re
creepy
.Thisisnotgonnahappenwhil
stI
'
m
here.I
'
llbr
ightent
hispl
ace.
Me:
Asl ongasy
oudon'
ttampermyst
uff
sin
myroom.
Keneil
oe:
Eshee!Phindeuzi
buzekekut
heni
ushumaneki
l
e( Thenaskyoursel
fwhyyou
si
ngle)
Me:
Ijusthopewe'
recl
earont
hatpar
tsi
si.
Shel
ooksatmyser
iousness
Kenei
l
oe:
Shoookayke.
Me:Good.I
sther
eany
thi
ngel
sey
ou'
l
lneed
bef
oreIsl
eep?
Kenei
l
oe:NoI
'mfineI'
l
ljustj
umpinbedand
sl
eepimmedi
atel
[Link]
edme.
Me:
Asi
fyouwer
edr
ivi
ng.
Shegi
ggl
es.
Me:
Justscr
eam i
fany
thi
nghappens.I
'
mtwo
r
oomsawayfrom y
ou.
Shesqui
ntsherey
es
Kenei
l
oe:
Real
l
y?I
'
m not2OB.
Me:
Justi
[Link]
ovey
ou
Kenei
l
oe:
Ilov
eyout
oobhut
[Link]
ght
Me:
Goodni
ght
.

Ilef
therandwenttothekit
[Link]
[Link] selfagl
assofwaterand
reachformyant
idepr
essants.
..WhenIgot
t
hem cl
osert
omymout
hIst
op.
`
`Gomolemo:Obakeng?
?Whydon'
tyoul
eav
e
mealone?Justl
eavemeal
one!
!!
!`
`

Ismi l
eal oneasIpi ct
ureher ,howbeaut if
ul she
was, howmat uredshel ookedwi thhernow
thi
ckandcur veybody .Sti
llhashersof ttoned
voiceev enthoughshef orcestheaggr essi
on
butshecan' t
,she'ssti
llsweetasev [Link] ne
hav i
ngherasmywi [Link] dbringa
mat ri
archwar mt hinthi
shouse, wit
hourki ds
runningar [Link] shcomet rue.
Butnowsomeonehasal
readyt
akenmydesi
res
awaybef
oreme,ei
sh.
Il
ookedatthepi
ll
[Link]
hrewthem
andfl
ushedthem i
nthesi
nkpl
aci
ngtheglass
away.
Igotupst air
sinmyr oom andt ookmyol d
notebook...Isatdownr eachingf ormypenci l
.I
pagedt hroughl ookingatt heol ddrawi
ngsof
[Link] asingandr e-drawinghernew
physicalfeaturesov ert heol [Link] o
beav erage(notsl endernort hick)butcurrent
ly
she'[Link] dthisguymakehert hat
happy ?Causeshe' sev engl [Link]
notbepr egnanti t'
llkil
landbur ymyhear [Link]
havet oexper i
encehav ingourf i
rstchi
l
d
together.
Howgr eatcant hatsound?Myf i
rstlove
becomesmywi fethenshecarri
esourfirst
babyandwet ellourchi
ldr
enourlov est
or y.I
smiledst i
ll
imagi ningourencounterear
li
er, I
canst i
[Link] heycall me
crazyforlovingonewomansomuch?Why
can'tshegivemeachancebutgi veotherguy s
[Link]' tknowbutI '
ll
bepat i
entfort he
unknown.
.
.
.
GOMOLEMO
Iarr
ivei
nourhotell
ikeIwasthr
ownbya
tor
nadoandbreathedheavi
l
y.
Hl
elo:
Baby
??
Me:
Lav
o
Hl
elo:
Arey
ouokay
?
Me:
I'
mfi
ne,
I'
mfi
nebaby
Isaysi
tt
[Link]
tsnextt
ome,
he'
smy
fi
ancé.
Hlel
o:Doesn'tseem l
i
ket
hatj
udgi
ngbyt
heway
youbargedin.
Me:
Ijust
..
.I'
m..
.
Hehel
dmyhands
Hlelo: Yi
nikhulumanam sthandwasam?Buka
awubuy anganentobuyoz'
thengaestol
o.(
What
i
si ttalktomyl ove?Youdi
dn'tevencomeback
witht hethingsyouwenttobuy )
Me:Icoul
dn't
.Isawsomeonef
rom mypasthe
gotmescared..
.he'
sanani
maladanger
ous
one.
Hef
rownsl
ooki
ngatme
Hl
elo:
Didhehur
tyou?
Me: [Link]
tli
kehe'
sfol
l
[Link]'s
anoldexcouldn'tmoveonfr
om me,he's
al
way [Link]
st
alkingme.
Hl
elo:
Tel
lmewhohei
s.
Il
ookedathi
m
Me:Nnya(
No)Idon'twannar
uinourweekend
sopl
easel
et'
sleti
tsli
de.
Hl
elo:
Arey
ousur
ehewon'
tbecomeapr
obl
em
f
orus?
Me:
Chahe'
sjusti
nmypast
.
Hl
elo:
Howcomey
ounev
ert
oldmeabouthi
m?
Me:It
'sjustatopi
cInev erwant
[Link]
whenwehav eti
meket laagobolel
agotl
heka
yona(I
'l
ltel
lyouallaboutit
)
Iki
ssedhi
m.
Me:Nowl
etusnotr
uinourmoodf
or
Mbumbul
u.
Hl
elo:
Yeahphel
atheZondo'
shav
eaf
ineey
e.
Ichuckl
ed.
Me:YhoIshoul
dbepr eparedcauseI'
m gonna
[Link]
stimpressi
onshoul
d
begoodcauseit
'l
ll
astforever
.
Hel
aughs.
Hlel
o:Andy
oushoul
dcoll
ecty
ourenergycause
uzomaemabhot
wenihai
ukudl
alangane
yomunt
u(y
ou'
l
lbest
andi
ngont
hepot
sst
rai
ght
out
)
Me:
Aowbat
hongIknowMaZul
usdon'
tpl
ay.
Hl
elo:
Itr
ainedy
ouwel
lfut
hi
Il
aughed.
Me:
Ilov
eyoumysoont
obehusband.
Hl
elo:
Ilov
eyout
oomysoont
obewi
fe.
[Link]
erourweekendaway
her
einRichar
d'sBaywe'reheadi
ngto
Mbumbulutovisi
thi
sf amil
[Link],I
'm so
ner
vous.
.
.
.

BUZWE(
OB)
It
urnedont
hesi
deoft
hebedandf
acedher
.
Shewasonherl i
mesilkni
ghtdr
ess,t
hathel
d
herbodyshapesonicel
[Link]
edrev
eali
ng
herbeaut
if
ulteet
h.
Gomolemo:
Goodmor
ningsunshi
ne,
riseand
shi
ne.
Ismileatherwit
hmyl azyey
esandbrushedher
[Link]
lIwasdi
sturbedbyanal
arm cl
ock
ri
nging.
*
***
***
Herbedsidewasempt [Link]
ghsti
l
lsmili
ngand
l
aidbackwhi l
[Link]
ched
theal
arm offanddecidedtowakeupand
[Link]
essupf orworkandwentdownt o
theki
tchen.

Thear
omat
hatmetmehal
fway
.
Me:Mm.
[Link]
tshowst
hatI
'
mli
vi
ng
wi
thawoman.
Shel
aughs.
Keneil
oe:
Yhoifyouknewhowhar ditwasto
puttwoandtwotoget
[Link]
, whichmakes
met hi
nkIshoul
dbuyyourealgrocery
.Howdid
youmanage?
Ichuckl
ed.
Me:Idon'tmindsisiIknewhav
ingyouar
ound
wil
[Link]
eadyatmylunchti
meI'
ll
comefetchy ou.
Kenei
l
oe:
Okay
.Youwor
kdur
ingweekends?
Me:
Yahsometi
mes,Ineedanext
razagat
o
mai
ntai
nthi
spl
ace.
Kenei
l
oe:
Isee,
Iseei
ttel
l
s.
Igr
abbedmypill
sandeatthem i
nfr
ontofher
.
Sheknowsaboutmydisor
der.
Me:Whenar
ey'
al
lopeni
ngf
ory
ouror
ient
ati
on
day
?
Kenei
l
oe:
Nextweek
Me: Sowhen'sourdat ef
ory
ourshoppi
ng
sprees?Ndifunaubangenengwana(Iwanty
ou
tokil
lthem onfleek.
)
Shegi
ggl
es
Me: Yah!Iwantmysi
stotur
nheadsar
oundso
thatImoertheseboy
s.I
t'
sbeenawhil
esi
nceI
gotintoacti
on.
Kenei
loe:
Youknowt
her
ear
epunchi
ngbagsi
n
thegy
mr ight
?
Me:Mxm don'
tyouseemyli
fei
sboring?Ineed
somet
hingtof
ascinat
[Link]
hingthat'
ll
makemybloodrush.
Kenei
l
oe:
Wecanl
ookf
ori
tkal
oku
Me:
Notawomansombl
i
ef.
Kenei
l
oe:
(sar
casm)Why
??Whysomuchhat
e
onwomen?
Me:
Exceptf
orone.
Kenei
l
oe:
Wonderuy
awzeut
hini
mhl
awaze
waswelekal
oGomowebhongo.(
Wonderwhat
yougonnadothedayGomodi
es?)
Igaveheradeat
hst
[Link]
[Link]
oodf orFuno.
Me:
ComeIwanty
out
omeetsomeone.
Kenei
l
oe:
Her
e??
Me:
Hm.
mm come.
Wegotoutoft
hehouseandwentt
o
mybacky
[Link]
hegat
e.
Kenei
l
oe:
Yhu!
!!
Me: Ha.
adon'
trun,
it'
sst
il
lababyi
twon'
thur
t
[Link].
Keneil
oe:[Link]
inonono,
adog?Pi
tbul
lout
ofal
[Link]!I
'
m gonnadi
e.
Me:
Kene
Kenei
l
oe:
Ha.
ashame
Me:
Kene,
Kenei
l
oe.
Kenei
l
oe:
Bhut
i?
Me:Comeher
[Link]'
ttr
ustme?Isai
dcome
her
e.
Shewalkedcl
osel
ytomewhi
l
eIgav
eFunoher
food.
Me:Crouchnextme...Thisherei
smybaby,
[Link] '
l
llearnlovi
ngthr
oughher
.
Touchitandbrushi
t.
Shegav
emeal
ookt
hat
'dki
l
lsomeone.
Me:
Doi
t.
Sheslowl
yst ret
chedhershakeyhandand
brushedi
[Link]
ingsoft
lyandfl
appi
ng
i
tsearsenjoyingKene'
shands.
Me:
See,
Funol
ovesy
ou.
Shesmi
l
es.
Me:I'
m doi
ngt hi
ssothati
tmaygetusedt oyou,
usedtoyourscentasyou'
ll
beliv
ingwit
hme.I t
mustknowy ou'r
epartofmyli
fe,myfamil
y.
We'
ll
exchanger
outi
neswhenfeedi
ngi
tsothat
i
[Link]
erypunct
ual
wit
hits
f
eedi
ngti
meneh?
Shegoti
nti
midat
[Link]
l
e.
Me:Don'
twor
ryit
'shar
ml essnow,st
il
lababy.I
t
won'
thur
tyouespeci
all
ywheny ounurt
urei
t.
Wesmi l
edandst ar
[Link]
ckedit
smout h
whenitgetsdoneeatingit
'sfoodandr ant
o
Kene,
itli
kesbeingbrushedlikethatbyKene.
Me:HaaaFuno!What
'swrongwithwomennot
l
iki
ngme?Evenpetsnje,
hayI'
m cur
sed.
Wechuckl
ed.
Kenei
l
oe:[Link]
lherFunohe'
l
lmat
teronce
heputyouf
ir
stthanGomo.
Weal
lgi
ggl
ed.
Me:Yahthat'
[Link]
[Link]
[Link]
fetchy outobuygr
ocer
iesand
ever
ythi
ngyou'l
lneed.
Kenei
l
oe:
Okay
.
Me:
Nowbi
dFuno.
Shesqueezedit
[Link]
thegat
eandwewal kedbackinthehouse.I
tookmylaptopbagandcarkeys.
Me:
Seey
oul
ater
Kenei
l
oe:
Lat
er
Il
eftanddr
ovet
owor
k.
.
.
.
JOZEA
YhoYhoYhomygoodLor [Link]
washavingr i
ghtnowandmywomanmadei t
worsebysi ngi
ngandPl ayingZonke'
s"WeGot
OnlyTonight"[Link]
si sonetort
ureIwishto
[Link]'
slikea
r
oast
eri
sbei
ngsl
aught
ered.
Me:Vi
ola!Vi
ola!Vi
ola!StopIcan'
tgetenough
sl
eepyoumaki [Link].
Shesni
cker
s.
Vi
ola:
Wel
ldi
dIsendy
out
ogogetdr
unk?
Me:
Youbei
ngunf
airdon'
tyout
hink?
Viol
a:No!Ican'
twit
hholdmyj
oyf
ory
ou
becauseyou'
rehangover
.
Me:
Mnk!Imi
ghtaswel
lwakeup.
Isatupandshecl
appedherhandsexci
tedl
y.
Vi
ola:
Yepppi
eexact
lywhatIwant
[Link]
pr
eparedf
orourdat
e.
Ithr
owmy selfbackonmypi
l
lowsandhugged
them t
ight
ly.
Me:Aaaah, can'
tweat
leasthav
eanindoor
pi
cnic?I
'l
ltakeyououtonadatetomorr
ow
af
terchurch.
Shef ol
dsherar
msandf r
[Link]
rown
disappear
sreal
quicknowthatwaswei
rd,I
'
m
expecti
ngatantr
um.
Me:
Whydi
dyoust
op?
Vi
ola:
What
?
Me:
Frowni
ng?
Shechuckl
es
Vi
ola:
Soy
ouenj
oyi
twhenIf
rown?
Me:Yeah,i
tgetsunusualwhenmyroast
er
doesn'
tcr
[Link]
oyt
hesound,
keepon.
Sheopenshermout
hwi
deandt
hrowsapi
l
low
atmeIgiggl
e.
Vi
ola:
WellI
'm notcr
oacki
ngbecausey
ourl
i
ps
ar
estoppi
ngme.
Me:
Mywhat
!?
Vi
ola:
(sar
casm)Li
ps,
tol
dyoual
cohol
doesn'
t
l
ovey
ou.
Ij
umpupandcheckedmyl
i
psont
hemi
rr
or.
Me:Damnthey
'r
eswoll
enagai
[Link]
we'
rewear
ingmasks.
Vi
ola:
Theyst
il
lsexyt
hough.
Me:
Mcm!Whaty
oudoi
ng?
Shet
ookapi
ctur
eofme
Me:
HeyHeyHey
.
Ichasedherandcaughtheri
nourlounge.I
div
edont opofherandwelandedonthecouch.
Isnatchedherphoneanddel
etedt
hepictur
e.
Vi
ola:
Ican'
tbr
eat
he,
Joj
oIcan'
tbr
eat
he!
Me:
Kisst
hesel
i
psf
ir
st.
Vi
ola:
(whi
nes)Nooo.
Me:
Comeonki
ssdzaddzy
.
Sheki
ssesmeandIal
readygotaboner
.That
's
howgoodthi
swomankisses.
Me:
Oh-
Oh!
Igotup.
Viol
a:Youcall
edfori
[Link]
f!Ipr
epar
ed
somethingf
oryou.
[Link] a
soupandherfreshl
ybakedbuns.
..wit
hcoffee.
HayI'
mt el
l
ingyoumyhangov erwil
lfl
youtof
thewi
ndowr i
[Link]
dn'tI
?

Me:Oneofther
easonswhyIwannamakey
ou
MrsEi
nst
ein.
Shechuckl
es
Vi
ola:
Can'
twai
tfort
heday
.
Wel
aughed,
sai
dgr
aceandbeganeat
ing.
Me:
Youknowmycousi
niscomi
ngnextweek
Vi
ola:
Whi
chcousi
n?
Me:
Sher
ee
Shesqui
ntsherey
es
Vi
ola:
YourAunt
's?
Me:
[Link]'
l
lbest
udy
ingt
hissi
de.
Me:
Ohwt
hat
'sgood.
Il
ookedather
Me:Wouldy oumi ndi
fsheliv
eswi thus?Her
motheraskedmet owatchherclosel
[Link]
t'
l
l
beherchoiceifshewantstostaywi t
husormy
par
entsbutI'l
lopenthatdoorforher.
Vi
ola:Noproblem Hun,
Ihaveabsol
utel
yno
pr
oblem witht
[Link]'
ddowithafri
end
si
ncey ouknow,I'
m ani
ntr
over
tandpickywhen
i
tcomest ofri
ends.
Ihugherandki
sshercheek
Me:That
'swhyIl
ovey
[Link]
'sal
lIneededt
o
know.
Vi
ola:
Bestr
oast
ert
hisonei
sn'
tshe?
Ismackherf
orehead.
Vi
ola:
Ah!
Me:
Justt
hesoundIwant
edt
ohear
.
Shesmacksmeback.
Vi
ola:
Nx,
ouch.
Weateourbr
eakf
astwhi
l
elaughi
ngandf
ool
i
ng
ar
ound.
.
.
.
BUZWE(
OB)
Inthemi dstofmywor kIdeci
dedtost
opand
searchsomet hi
[Link]
dthatandgott
heresul
ts
Iwanted.
Me:MmhIdon'
tblameyousweethear
t,i
fIwas
awomanI'
dfal
lfort
hisguyt
[Link]
ooks
andhe'
sst
abl
[Link]
,hmm!
Isi
ppedmycoff
eewithasmi
l
[Link]
eloZondo
whatani
nter
est
ingguy.
.
..
>>>Tobecont
inued.
..
03
AWEEKLATER
.
..
GOMOLEMO
Iwokeupt omyf i
ancénotnextt
ome.I
checkedthetime,i
twas5:30am.I
t'snotlat
e
mosImeant hi
sismyusual t
imeforwakingup
andprepari
nghimf ort
hedayordidthings
changeinMbumbul u?
Isawanot
enextt
omybedst
andandt
ooki
t.

"Bambolwam sor
ryy
ouwokeupwi
thoutme
bei
ngnextt
[Link]
l
edi
natwork.
..They
desperat
elyneededmeont [Link]
weleftbehindmessedup.I'mr eal
lysorr
yto
i
nconveniencey oubutIpr
omi seI'
l
l makeitup
[Link] dMat obesofton
[Link]
ovey ou.=:)"

Ismil
ed.I'
mreall
yblessedt
ohav eamanli
ke
[Link]
dentl
ystr
etchi
ngmyarms
andmadet [Link] i
ngs.
Iexci
tedl
yreachf
ori
tthi
nki
ngi
t'
shi
m buti
t
wasMom.
Me:
Mama
Mom:
Mybabyhowar
eyou?
Me:
I'
mfi
[Link]
eyou?
Mom: I'
[Link]
al
armr emi
ndingy outoi
mpr essyouri
n-laws.
ButIseeyoualreadyknowy ourpri
nci
ples.
Ichuckl
ed.
Me:
YahIcan'
tembar
asst
heMor
akeskwaZul
u.
Mom: Def
ini
tel
y!Shuu,kemotl
otl
okawena
ngwanakawait
s'(I
'm pr
oudofyoumychi
ld)
Ismi
l
e.
Me:AwwMmai
t'
ssoni
cehear
ingy
ouspeak
l
iket
hat
.
Mom:Ee.
..soyouhav
en'
thadanypr
obl
ems
wi
thy
ourfiancé?
Me:
Probl
ems?
Mom:
YouknowwhatI
'
mtal
ki
ngabout
.
Ihuf
fcl
osi
ngmyey
es.
Mom:Keng?(What
?)Didheal
readydo
somet
hingcr
azyorwhat?
Me:
[Link]
mint
hegar
ageand.
..
Mom:
And?
?
Me:Kenekat
shaba(
Ifr
eakedout
)andr
an
away
Mom:
Ishebackt
ofol
l
owi
ngy
ougape(
agai
n?)
Me:Gakeit
si(Idon'
tknow)I'
mjusthopi
ngi
t
wasthel
astti
mebumpi ngtohim.
Mom: Aretshephej
alo(
Let
'shopeso.
)Does
yourhusbandknow?
Me:Kemobol el
etsi
falefa(Itol
dhi
mthereand
ther
e)butI
'
llmaketimetotell
himthewhol
e
stor
y.
Mom:Dir
ajal
ongwanaka(
Dosomychi
l
d)so
t
hathecanpr
otecty
ou.
Me:
EyaMme
Mom: Ayyl
etmenotkeepyoubeforethe
Zondoscompl
ain.I
'
llt
alkt
oyoulater
.
Ichuckl
ed.
Me:
Okay
.Il
ovey
ou
Mom:
Ilov
eyout
oomybaby
,st
aysaf
e
Me:
Iwi
l
[Link]
eMama.
Mom:
Bye
WehangupandIr emainedsmil
[Link]
nished
makingthebedandcol
lectedmysanitary
t
owelsandanappropri
ateoutf
it
.Willprepare
myselff
orabathe.

Whil
eIwasbusymyphonebl i
nged.I
twasa
messagedidn'
trecogni
[Link]!
Act
uall
yitwasav ideo,
Ipl
ayedit
.
Itwas..
.Buzwesi ngi
ng" Nguwe"byNt ando.I
t'
s
anoldv i
deo,heoncesangt hatsongforme
withaguitar
,wewer esti
lly
oungatt heti
me.I
hadinter
estsinlearningXhosaandsohedi d
thi
sforme. .
.itwasni ceatthetimebutnowi t
i
sn'tanymorebutr ai
sesconcer [Link]
doingalloft
his??Ithinkhe'sbecomingabi g
probl
em.
Ishakemyheaddel
eti
ngi
tandbl
ocki
ngt
he
numberasusual
.
AsIsatther
eIfel
tli
kesomethingwascomi ng
upsoIjumpedupandcov ermymout hthenran
al
lthewayouttovomit
.I'
mf eeli
ngnauseat
ed
of
flatel
yIdon'
tknowwhat'sgoingonwithme.
.
.
.
KENEI
LOE
Spar
ks:"
NgempelaawusekholaeThekwi
ni?(
So
you'
rer
eal
lynol
ongeri
nDur ban?
)"
Me:"YeahbabesI
'
minJo'
bur
gnowwi
thmy
br
other.
"
Sparks:"
KahleKahleawung'
xoxel
eyi
nindaba
yakholapho?(Tel
lmeexactl
ywhataredoing
ther
e?)"
Me:
"It
oldy
ouSpar
ksI
'
llbest
udy
ing.
"
Sparks:"
Aren'
tyoutoooldt
obestudyi
ng?
Shouldn'
tyoufocusonsomethi
ngli
kefi
ndi
nga
j
obfory our
sel
fmay be.
"
Me:"Educat
ionhasnoageli
mitat
ionsandI'
m
st
il
lnotchangi
ngmymi ndaboutstudy
ing.
"
Sparks:"
Behonestuleqekaemvenikwama
dodalaphoyimfundoechamukaphi l
es'
manj
e
manje?(you'
rechasi
ngmenov erther
e,
educati
onforwhat?)
Me:" Won' tdealwiththiscrazi
ness.I
fyou
can'
thandl
eal ongdistancerelat
ionshi
psayso
andwecutitokay?Hav enot i
met onur
sean
oldman'si
nsecurefeeli
ngs."
Il
oggedout
.Hei
nst
ant
lycal
l
edme.
Me:
What
?
Sparks:WeeNeil
oeusuy
ang'
hl
any
elakemanj
e?
(Ar
ey oucrazy
?)
Me:
Youar
etheoneact
ingcr
a-
Sparks:El
a!!
!Awuboni ukuthi
ngiyasangana
kuk'khumbula(Don'tyouseeI'm goi
ngcrazy
missingyou?)OfcourseI'
ll
saycrazyshitand
soundinsecureallbecauseImissandloveyou
somuch.
Ismi
l
edasmuchasIdi
dn'
twantt
o
Sparks:
Hay i
phel
aungi
bul
eleNei
l
oest
rai
ght
(You'
retor
turi
ngme)
Igi
ggl
ed.
Me:
I'
ll
comeonhol
i
day
skal
okubaby
.
Spar
ks:
Hol
i
day
sar
eshor
tnj
enast
handwasam.
Me: Hayi
kebabydon'
ttrytochangemymi nd
aboutstudyi
ngI'
m st
il
lstandi
ngonthat
.Igott
a
chasethisdegr
eeandbeaqual i
fi
edperson.
Spar
ks:
Kodwai
mal
-
Me:HayHaySpar
ks!Iwannabemyown
[Link]
.
(
Sil
ence)
Hesi
ghs.
Sparks:Okaykeshar
pngi
yakuzwa(Ihearyou.
)
GuessI'l
lhavet
oacceptt
[Link]'
llcont
inue
nonethel
ess.
Me:You'r
enotf
orcedto,i
fyoufeell
ikegoing
[Link]'twantyousneaki
ngaround
whil
ewecanjustdothiseasyandsimple,
with
nofi
ghts.
Spar
ks:Aaaayi
nikwal
ulanjeukungi
yekel
a?
(Whyisi
teasyf
oryoutoletmego? )
Me:
BecauseImadepeacewi
thi
t
Sparks:Peacey ani
?Angi y
indawominar haa
ungazong'[Link]'
thol
akuphimina
i
sneneesi mandi nj
engesakho.(Whatpeace?
I'
m notgoingany [Link]
lIgetanice
coochli
key ours)
Me:
HayThi
xo!
Icov
eredmyey
esandwegi
ggl
edandspoke
aboutot
hert
hingst
il
lweendedt
hecal
l
..

Af
tert
hecal
lIr
ecei
vedt
ext
sfr
om Mom.
Mom: "Youdi
dwel
lmychi
l
dchangi
nghi
s
i
nter
iordesi
gn.
"
Mom:"Tel
lmehowdoeshi
spl
ansl
ookf
ort
he
day
?"
Ir
ollmyey esandsi
gh.I
'
mt ir
edofspyingmy
br
other.I
'
vebeendoingthi
salmosttherestof
mylif
eitneedstost
op.
Me: "
Howaboutyoucall
andaskhi myoursel
f?
I'
m busyr
ightnowandwi l
lbeheadi
ngto
[Link]
klater.
"
That
'spartoft
her
easonIl
efther
.Ij
ustneeded
tobr
eatheyho.
.
.
.
BUZWE(
OB)
Igotdownstai
rsandsawmysi
steral
ready
si
tti
ngther
e.
Me:
Wenana!
Shegi
ggl
es
Kenei
l
oe:
Eshee,
itt
ooky
ousol
ongt
ocome.
Me:Isnoozedmyal
arm butI
'
m her
[Link]
aty
ou!
Kenei
l
oe:
I'
mtr
yingshame.
Me:
Umot
ley
esi
smaan.(
You'
rebeaut
if
ul)
Shegi
ggl
es.
Kenei
l
oe:
Thanky
ou
Me:I
fyoudon'
tmakeany
onegocr
azyt
oday
t
henIdon'
tknow.
Shel
aughsonceagai
n
Me:
Iyhoo,
letmepr
epar
eFunosomet
hing.
Kenei
loe:
[Link]
punct
uali
tybhuti
,yourexactwords.
Ist
oppedandlookedatheri
namazement
.I'
m
enj
oyi
ngstay
ingwithher.
Me: That
'si
mpressi
ve,real
impr
essi
[Link]
arewewai t
ingf
orthen?Letmetakeyouto
school.
Kenei
l
oe:
Har
eee(
Let
'sgo)
Shet
ookherst
uff
[Link]
sot
ookmi
neandwegot
tomycar
.

Kenei
l
oe:
Uhm bhutil
ateronwi
l
lyoubeabl
eto
dri
vemetoMamelodi?
Imadeapuzz
ledl
ook
Me:
Mamel
odi
?
Kenei
l
oe:
YeahIwannav
isi
tmymot
her
'sgr
ave.
Oh!Sheusedtodothatyearl
ybutl
aterst
opped.
Ial
mostforgot
tenaboutthat
.
Me:
Yahsur
eI'
l
ltakey
ou.
Kenei
l
oe:
Thanky
ou.
Idr
oveanddr
oppedhert
oCampus.
Me:
Yousur
eIshoul
dn'
twal
kyoui
n?
Kenei
l
oe:
HayOBt
shi
ni!By
e
Me:
Bye
WehuggedshegotoutandIwat chedherleave.
IbecamethoughtfulasIst
[Link]
shouldv
isi
tDad'[Link]
'
llhav
et o
makesureIdot hatonmyspar eti
[Link]'ll
havetotr
aveldownt oEC.
Isnappedoutofi
tanddr
ovet
othegy
m.
.
.
.
JOZEA
Me:
Comeonl
et'
sjogont
hesamespoti
n60'
s.
Wedi
dthat
.
Me:30j
umps,
yeah.20.
.21.
.[Link]
i
ket
hat
Sbu.
Iwal
kedt
ohim andshowedhi
m howt
odoi
t.
Thenmovedbackwatchi
ngt
hem.
Me:Kneer
each30ti
mes..
.Yeah,
yeahwe'
re
al
mostget
ti
ngther
e,comeon.
Iwatchedt
hem t
heywer
eget
ti
ngt
ir
ed.
.Ihi
tmy
hands.
Me:Comeonpushpushpush.28..29.
..30.
Let
'swrapi
tupwi
thastr
[Link]
retchyour
bodysi
detosi
de,
yes!

"
Bhast
ed"
OBwal
kedi
[Link]
l
edandl
ookedatt
hem.
Me:Okaywelldone!Let'
stakeabr eakwe'l
l
cont
inuel
[Link]
ey ougo
remember,
ladieswhoar eonYolandi'
sli
st,your
Yogasessi
onsst ar
tsat15:[Link] e
youdon'
tmissi t
.
Theynoddedandl
eft
.Igr
abbedabot
tl
eof
wateranddr
ankit
.
Me:Bhast
edhowwonder
ful
togetav
isi
tfr
om
you.
Hel
aughs
Buzwe:
IknowI
'
vebeenscar
ce
Me:Real
l
yscarceIwasst
art
ingt
othi
nky
ou
hav
enewf r
iends.
Buzwe:Ahyouknowmyv i
beman.I
t'
shard
fi
tt
ingi
natotherchampsot
hert
hanyou.
Inod
Me:[Link]'r
eonmyser
vice?Ori
t'
sjusta
f
ri
endlyvisi
t?
Buzwe:
Afr
iendl
yvi
sitIr
eal
l
ymi
ssedy
ouman.
Ihandhi
m abot
tl
eofwat
er.
Me:
Come,
takeouty
ourphone.
Buzwe:
Huh?
Me:
Don'
taskj
ustdoi
t.
[Link]
abbedhi
sphoneandputi
nsome
numbers.
Buzwe:
Who'
snumber
sar
ethose?
Me:
Yourpot
ent
ial
gir
lf
ri
end.
Buzwe:
Jozwespokeaboutt
his
Me: Nahnahnahain'
tyouti
redOBman?You' re
theonlybachel
[Link]'
sbeenyear
s
mybr ahuh-uhyougonnapersuadethi
slady
atl
easttr
yandseewher ei
t'
lltakeyou.
Hegav
emet
hatl
[Link]
sback.
Me:ComeonIputinagoodwordforyout
hat
ni
[Link]
dyou'
remybr
other
,shel
ookedkeen
andmanwhatasweetgi
rlshei
s..
.
Hegav
eitasecondt
hought
Buzwe:
Sowho'
sshe?
Me:JustgothernameRamona, shestay
sin
Daveyt
[Link] ehernumbermanyou'l
lget
toknowhermor [Link]'
sherpi
ctur
e.
Ishowedhi
m.
Buzwe:
Mm.
mm.
mm notsobad
Me:Thi
sisnofuckandpassbhast
[Link]
eal
onetokeep,
she'
sworthy
.
Henods
Buzwe:
I'
ll
giv
eitashot
Me:That
'swhatIwannahear
.Don'
tdi
sappoi
nt
neh?
Buzwe:
Yang'
kenamosbhast
ed(
Youknowme)
Me:
Yahy
obhast
ed.
Myphoner
angi
twasmyaunt
.Ismi
l
edandgot
up.
Me:
Giv
emeamoment
.
Buzwe:
Sur
e

Me:
Tanni
e
Aunt
ie:
Joj
o,howar
eyouson?
Me:
I'
mfi
[Link]
eyout
anni
e?
Aunti
e:I
'
mf i
[Link]
ll
Ibeaski
ngtoomuchi
f
Iaskyoutof
etchusatt
heai
rpor
t?
Myey
eswi
denasIpoi
ntdown
Me:
Now!
!?
Aunt
ie:
Yesnowwej
ustl
andedson.
Me:
Aaah!Thatwast
oosoon.
Aunt
ie:
Blamei
tal
lonSher
ee.
Wegi
ggl
ed
Me:
AyyI
'
llbet
her
eAunt
iej
ustgi
vemeami
n.
Aunt
ie:
Okaywi
l
lseey
ouson,
bye.
Me:
Bye.
Ichuckl
edandwal
kedbackt
oOB.

Me:Myman!Ineedtocutyourvisi
tat
ionshor
t.I
needt
ofet
chmyf am att
heairport
.
Hest
oodup
Buzwe:
Yourf
am?
Me:Yah,myAuntandcousi
njustcamef
rom
Aust
ral
ia.
Buzwe:
Ohhni
[Link]
lnopr
obmyman,
next
ti
me.
Me:
Nextt
imebhuda
Wehi
tourhandsandbumpedourshoul
der
s.
Me:
Lemmewal
kyouout
Buzwe:
Sur
e.
.
.
.
BUZWE(
OB)
From t
hegy m Idrov
estrai
ghtt
owor kand
buri
edmy selfdeepini
[Link]
hingkept
comingthroughmymi nd.
Isi
ghsitt
ingbackonmychairandspi
nmysel
f
si
detosidewhileplay
ingwi
thmypeninmy
[Link]
acedupt heceil
i
ng.
..
[Link]
rdv
ibesseei
ngt
hati
t
wasMom call
ing.
Ipi
ckedwi
thoutsay
ingany
thi
ng.
Mom:
Buzwe?
Me:
MrsSer
ame
Shesi
ghs.
Mom:
Howar
eyou?
Me:I
'
m surethat
'snotwhaty
oucar
eabout
.
Nowgettothepoint
.
Mom:Kant
imnt
anam ndi
yakhat
hal
a(Ir
eal
l
ydo
car
emyson)
Me:
Uqal
ani
ni?(
Sincewhen?
)Atageof29?
Mom:
Idi
dn'tcal
lforust
ofi
ght
.Ij
ustwantus
t
omakepeace.
Ir
aisemyey
ebr
owsandcur
vemyl
i
ps.
Me: Wowwondersshal
lnev
[Link]
aft
ersomanyyearsyouonl
yconsider
ingt
hat
now?
Mom:
Woul
dyoust
opbei
ngcockyBuzwe.
(
Sil
ence)
Me:Madoy our
eall
ywannadot
his?Likei
s
ther
enoonepushi
ngyou?I
sthi
sreal
lycoming
outofy
ourhear
t?
Mom:Yesbabyit'
sgenui
ne,
Iswear
.It
's
somet
hingIshoul
d'v
edonealongt
imeago.
Pleasedon'
tdenyusachancet
oset
tl
ethi
ngs
down.
It
houghtabouti
t.
Me:
Okay
Shesi
ghsi
nrel
i
ef
Mom: Oh!Thanky ou,thanky
oubabyfor
agreei
[Link] sohowar ewegonnadothi
s.
ShouldIcomeov erthereoryou'
l
lcomedown
her
e?
Me:I'
l
lmakeiteasyandmeety
oudownt
her
e.
Underonecondi
ti
on.
..
Mom:
Any
thi
ng
Me:
Youtakemet omyfat
her
'sgr
[Link]
ell
meever
ythi
ngIneedt
oknowabouthim.
I
twentdeadsi
l
entasIhadexpect
ed
Me:Byt
hatI
'
llknowhowser
iousy
ouar
eabout
usmaki
ngpeace.
Ihangupandcont
inuedwi
thwor
k.
.
..
>>>Tobecont
inued.
..
04
.
..
KENEI
LOE
Wej
ustcamef r
om mymother
'sgrav
[Link]
r
eal
l
yemotionalmomentwhenIspoketoher
.
Wemadesur
etori
nseourhandsbef
ore
comi
ngi
nsi
dethehouse.
Myuncl
e'
swif
ehelpedusset
tl
edownand
madeussomethi
ngtoeat
.

Uncle:
Eyydilemodi mathakapot
lako( y
ears
runbyfast
.)Likeit
'sbeensomanyy earswe'v
e
buri
edmysi ster
.Yetitf
eelsl
i
keyesterday.
Iwi
pedmyt
ear
s.
Me:[Link]
i
fewoul
dhav
ebeeni
f
shewasstil
lal
i
ve.
Uncl
e:Iforoncenev
eri
magi
nedhert
obea
par
ent.
Wel
aughed
Me:
WhyMal
ome?
Uncl
e:Shewasjustal
lfort
hebut
epol
i
fel
i
king
al
lhert
hingst
ogobut epo.
Wel
aughedonceagai
n.
Uncl
e:I
twasjustusbei
ngy
oungt
hough,
maybeshewasgonnamakeagoodmother
.
Me:Wedon' [Link]
who'
dtellmemor eaboutheryouknow..
.My
dadisdead,[Link]
andi
xel
elalukhulungaye(Noonecanev ert
ell
meany t
hingabouther)
Ausi
Rir
iecamewi
that
rayoff
ood.
Ri
ri
e:Ket
li
sel
i
tsedi
j
o(Ibr
oughtf
ood)
Uncl
e:Real
eboha(
Thanky
ou)
Shehandedherhusbandt
henme.
Me:Aahmyfavouri
te,
muhodul
edombol
o
(
tri
peanddumpli
ngs)
Ri
ri
e:Yes!Let
'
sgi
vet
hanks.
Weclosedourey
esandsai
dgr
[Link]
st
art
edeati
ng.
Ri
ri
e:SoKenei
l
oehowwasl
i
febacki
nEast
ern
Cape?
Me:Good,r
eal
l
ygoodbutwemov
edoutoft
he
pr
ovi
ncelongt
imeago.
Ri
ri
e:Kannet
e?(
Real
l
y?)
Me:Yeahwemov edtoUmlazi
butnowIl
i
ve
wi
thmybrothert
hissi
de.
Ri
ri
e:Ohhokay
.
Uncl
e:Sophekol
oeaMm' aowabobel
ieneel
e
j
oang?(howwasy ourst
ep-mot
her'
str
eat
ment?)
Ismi
l
ed
Me:YoumeanmyMot her
.It'
sbeenperf
ect,
we
haveagoodrel
ati
onshipl
ikeanymotherand
daught
erwould
Theynodded.
Rir
ie:We'
rehappythatyou'
rehappy
.Wewere
getti
ngabitconcer
nedwheny ouwereno
l
ongercomi ngl
ikeyouuseddo.
Me:Di
nthodi
nedi
ngat
afeel
a(Thi
ngswer
e
j
ustmany)
Uncl
e:Weunder
[Link] l
i
ke
youst
ruggl
i
ngwithyourownli
ngo?
Wegi
ggl
ed.
Rir
ie:ShewasraisedbyaXhosawomankal
oku
i
thini
nalentondaxokadahnkal
okumna
ntwenjesana?
Icr
ackedup.
Uncl
e:Whot
aughty
out
hat
?
Ri
ri
e:Shi
niheeeuBr
other
shaz'
ba!
Igi
ggl
ed.
Me: HayhayAunt
iet
hat
'sabi
tov
er-
exaggerat
ed.
Ri
ri
e:Am Igoi
ngr
ightst
il
lneh?
Inodwi
thasur
pressedl
augh
Me:
Yeahy
ou'
ret
ryi
ng,
butt
oomuch
Ri
ri
e:Toomuch?
?
Uncl
e:Youhear
dthat
.
Rir
ie:
Mxm bobedibal
onal
emohonakanna.
(Youarebot
hjeal
ousofme)
Me:
Awwbutwe'
ret
ell
i
ngt
het
rut
hnj
e.
Ri
ri
e:Aisukaharejengdi
j
otsaronapeledi
omell
a.(Let
'seatourf
oodbef
oretheycongeal
.)
Wel
aughedandr
esumedeat
ingourf
ood.
Myuncl
ecl
ear
edhi
sthr
oatwhi
l
elooki
ngatme.
Uncl
e:Kenei
l
oe
Me:
Mal
ome?
Uncle:Youjustsai
dyourdadpassedonand
[Link]
efor
ey ouhav
eno
onet otel
lyoumoreaboutyourmother
?
Inodandst
oppedr
eal
i
zingwher
ethi
sisgonna
head.
Uncle:Wel lnnakentsekephela(Iam stil
lali
ve.
)
Imaybey ourmot her'
shalf
-br
otherbutthat
doesn'tchanget hefactt
hatwegr ewup
[Link] ethanany [Link]
you'rewelcomei fyouwantmet ot akeyou
throughallofit.
Me:
IdoMal
ome
Uncl
e:I
t'
sokayt
hen
Agir
lwhowasdr
essedi
naschool
uni
for
m
camein.
Her
:Dumel
ang(
Greet
ings)
Us:
Dumel
a
Wel
ookedateachot
her
.
Rir
ie:
Wel l
Kenei
l
oethisisourdaughterPal
eho
andPalehomeetyourfat
her'
sniece,
Keneil
oe.
Shesmi
l
edatme.
Pal
eho:
Nicet
omeety
ousi
si
Me:
Nicemeet
ingy
out
oodol
l
.
Paleho:Uhm well
,l
etmegochangemyschool
uni
f or
mt henI
'l
[Link]
ou
cooked.
Ri
ri
e:Well
you'
l
lonl
yeatoncey
oudonepl
ait
ing
myhair
.
Pal
eho:
AowMmawi
thdandr
uffengat
aso?
Ri
ri
e:Ey
yywena!
Weall
[Link]
hinkI
'
m gonnaenj
oymyst
ay
her
e
.
.
.
JOZEA
Dad, mysist
erandIjustarr
ivedattheai
rpor
tto
fetchmyAuntandSher [Link]
ck
them upsot hatwecanallcomealongtomeet
them [Link]
prepapir
ingsomethi
ngf ort
hem backhome.

Dad:
Ithi
nkIcanspott
hem
Me:
Youdo?
Dad:
Overt
her
e
Pear
lgasps.
Pear
l:Sher
ee!
!!
!
Shescr
eamsr
unni
ngt
othem wi
thoutwai
ti
ng
onus.
Me:
Heeeey
!Pear
l
Igi
ggl
edwhi
l
eshaki
ngmyhead
Dad:
That
'sPear
lfory
ou.
Me:
Hay
.

Wemadeourwayt
othem.
Dad:
Nana
Aunt
ie:
Biggi
ehey
Theyshar
eahugandshet
urnsandl
ooksatme.
Aunt
ie:
Joz!i
sthi
sreal
l
yyou?
Me:
It'
sreal
l
ymei
nfl
esht
anni
e
Isaysmi
l
ingather
.Shest
ret
chesherar
mto
me.
Aunt
ie:
Ugh!Comeher
e
Weal
soshar
edahug.
Aunt
ie:
Can'
tbel
i
evey
ou'
vegr
ownt
hismuch.
Notl
ongagoy
ouwer
ejustat
inyl
i
ttl
eboy
.
Wel
aughed.
Me:
Timef
li
es
Aunt
ie:
Yaht
imef
li
esi
ndeedson.
Dad:Youlookgoodtoosi
[Link]
betr
eati
ngy ouwel
[Link]
dn'thecomealong?
Aunt
ie:
Hecoul
dn'
tcome,
busi
nessgoti
nthe
way.
Dad:
Ohh
Pear
landSher
eegott
ouswhi
l
ehol
dinghands.
Sher
ee:
Uncl
e,Cuz.
Shegav
ebot
husahug.
Me:
Sher
eehi
Dad:
Niggi
ehugaandi
t?(
Niece,
howar
eyou?
)
Shefur
rowsherey
ebr
owsi
nconf
usi
[Link]
l
l
aughed.
Pearl
:[Link]
ral
i
aisst
il
l
notgett
ingt
hehangofourtaal
.
Dad:
Wellt
hat'sj
ustbasi
cal
l
ymewel
comi
ngher
i
nSouthAf
rica.
Sher
eel
aughssof
tl
y.
Sher
ee:
AndI
'
m sohappyt
obeher
e
Me:
Youar
e?
Sher
ee:
Yeahj
ustneededachangeofscener
y.
Dad:
Abi
gai
lwhathav
eyoudonet
othechi
l
d?
Aunti
e:Not
hing!She'
sjustbi
gonexpl
ori
ng
thi
ngs.
Dad:
Ain'
tnot
hingbadwi
thexpl
ori
ngr
ight
?
Sher
ee:
Ai n'
tnot
hingbadatal
luncl
[Link]
he
waywhere'smyotheruncl
e?
Pear
l:He'
sov
[Link]
'sgetgoi
ngIso
wannashowyouthispl
ace.
Sher
ee:
Sol
ooki
ngf
orwar
dtoi
t
Me:Caref
ulofPear
lshe'
sgonnaexhaustt
he
l
iv
ingoutofyou.
Pear
l:Li
es,
he'
sjustj
eal
ous
Sher
ee:I
'm ev
enl
ostwho'
stheol
destbet
ween
youtwo.
Wegi
ggl
ed.
Aunt
ie:
Justl
ookatt
hem
Ihelpedt
hem wi
ththel
uggageandweal l
went
tothecaranddr
[Link]'twai
tto
seewhat'sMommy'scooki
ngforus.
.
.
.
BUZWE(
OB)
It
'sbeenfewhourssi
nceIcamebackf r
om
[Link]
[Link]
checki
ngtheti
mest i
l
lwait
ingforKenei
loeto
textmesothatIcanf
[Link]'
t
doingsoanditwasget
tingl
ate.
Ical
l
edher
.
Kenei
l
oe:
Bhut
i?
Me:Kenehavey
ouseent
heti
me?Andyou
hav
en'tt
ext
edmetocomefet
chyou.
Kenei
l
oe:Oopssor
ryI
'
mj usthav
ingf
unov
er
her
eIevenfor
gott
ocheck.
Me:
Howconv
eni
entsi
s.I
'
m comi
ngt
ogety
ou.
Kenei
l
oe:
(cl
ear
sthr
oat
)Er
m act
ual
l
y..
.
Me:
What
?
Kenei
loe:Ndici
ngangolalanochit
haiweekend
apha(I'
mt hi
nkingofsl
eepingandspendingthe
weekendhere.)Ify
ouper mitcanyouplease
packmef ewofmyst uffs?
Ihuf
fwhil
erubbi
ngmyey
[Link]'
saski
ngf
or
toomuchri
ghtnow.
Kenei
l
oe:
Pleaaase.
(
Sil
ence)
Kenei
l
oe:
Buti
t'
sfi
newheny
ou'
reagai
nsti
t.I
'
ll
co-
Me: Noy
ou'r
eanadul tKenei
loepl
usy
ou'
reat
yourmother
'spl
ace.
..it
'sfi
ne.
Kenei
l
oe:
Am Ihear
ingr
ight
?
Me:There'snoair
,I'
ll
packyourthi
ngsjust
promisetotakecareofyour
self
.Thisisno
ThekwiniokanyeG'
[Link](Grahamstown)okay
?
Kenei
l
oe:
Okay
,Ipr
omi
sey
oubhut
i
Me:I'
l
lbet
her
einaf
[Link]
l
lcal
lwhenIget
cl
ose.
Kenei
l
oe:
Alr
ightt
hanky
ou.
Me:
Shar
p.
Iendedt
hecall
[Link]
fewofherst
uff
sandessent
ial
s.
WhileIwasstil
lbusywiththatsomethi
ngcame
tomi ndandIsmil
edliki
ngt heideat
hati
t
crossedandIwilldef
ini
tel
yf ol
l
owupt oit
.
.
.
.
HLELOZONDO
I
twaslatereall
ylat
eandIwasdr i
vingback
[Link]
dedt ocall
myf i
ancéejustt
ocheck
onheraf
terleavi
ngherli
kethat.
Shepi
ckedaf
teral
ongt
ime.
Me:
Baby
Gomol
emo:
Lav
o
Me:
Howar
eyou?Yousoundsodown
Gomol
emo:
May
bei
t'
sbecauseIj
ustwokeup.
Me:
[Link]
dMommyov
erwor
kyou?
Gomol
emo:
Chasheact
ual
l
ydi
dal
lthewor
k
her
sel
fandl
etmer
est
.
Me:
Oht
hat
'sbet
ter
.Youokay
?
Gomolemo:[Link] gakei
kut
lwesent
le(
I'
m
notf
eeli
ngwel
l)
If
rown.
Me:
Yini
ndabast
handwasam?(
What
'swr
ong
myl
ove?)
Gomolemo:Noit
'sj
ustast
omachbugny
ana
butI
'
llbef
ine.
Me:
Okay
.I'
m onmywayy
ezwa
Gomol
emo:
Okay
.
Me:Ngikul
ethel
eni
endlel
eni
?(Whatshoul
dI
br
ingyouonmyway ?)
Gomolemo: Any
thi
ngI
'
m act
ual
l
ycr
avi
ngf
ordi
zi
ngerwings.
Ichuckl
ed.
Me:
Okayt
hey
'r
ecomi
ng.
Gomol
emo:
Tanki
e(Thanky
ou)
Me:
Gomo
Gomol
emo:
Baby
?
Me:
I'
mreal
lysorr
yforl
eavi
ngyoul
ikethat
,it
'
s
r
eal
l
ythel
astti
mesomet hi
ngl
i
kethishappens.
Gomol emo: It
'sfi
nebabenoneedt oexplai
nI
[Link]
'syourjobyouhavet obringin
moneysoI '
m [Link] venanother
cir
cumst ancesthatithappensagain,youjump
fori
twi thouthesi
tat
ions.
Ismi
l
ed.
Me:
Ngempel
a?(
Real
l
y?)
Gomol
emo:
Ee
Me:Andthentheydon'tunder
standwhyI
[Link]
whyIl
ovey ousomuchst handwasam.
Shegi
ggl
es.
Gomol
emo:
Aowr
uri
rre?(
real
l
y?)
Me:Ngokweqini
sost
handwasam (Forreal
.)
LookI'
m ont
[Link]'
l
ltal
kmor ewhenI
getback.
Gomol
emo:
Okaychatl
atert
hen,
bye
Me:
Goodby
e.
Webot [Link]
acemyphoneonthe
dashboardwhi
lesti
ll
smil
i
ngandfocusi
ngon
theroad.

Lateronsti
llonther
oadi tfel
tli
keI
overst
eppedonsomet hing,asmycarhumps.
I'
m oneofthepeoplewhohav eagoodsight
,
yetsti
ll
Ididn'
tseeanythingontheroad.
Mycarsuddenl
ystoppedmov
ingandtheti
res
madeafunnysoundbefor
emycarstopsand
dr
opsmor el
ower.
Me:
Eishy
ini
kemanj
ele
Igotoutoft hecarandreal
i
zedmyt ir
eswere
[Link]
don'tknowwhatwoul dhavebr oughtaboutt
his.
Ievenwal kedbackontheroadt olookfor
somet hi
ng, butt
her
ewasnot hing.

Istoodinthemiddl
[Link]
ingthe
carinsur
anceandwait
ed...t
hiswil
lseem li
ke
anotherexcuset
omywi fe.
Acarst
oppedbybehindmyv
ehi
cle,
itwasi
n
t
hemiddleoft
heroad.
Agentcameoutoft
hecar
.
Hi
m:Mhl
ekazi
(Si
r)
Me:
Nsi
zwa
Him:Justsawy ourcarbeingparkedontheway
andIknewt her
e'[Link]
mandiphumekengokumhl ambikukhonaendi
ngancedangakho( It
houghtIshouldcomeout
may
beIcanbeabl
etohel
p)
Me:Yonai
khonai
nki
ngaamat
hay
i'am af
il
e(My
t
ir
esaredead)
Hi
m:Okaydoy
ouhav
eyourt
ool
swi
thy
ou?
Me:
Eishchangi
khohl
i
we(
NoIf
orgot
)
Hi
m:Nj
ani
ndoda(
Howcome?
)
Me:Angi
thingi
phumeendl
i
ningi
jahi
l
e(Il
eft
homeinarush)
Hi
m:Yourt
oolsandthatextr
atir
eshould
al
way
sbeinthebootforinci
dencesl
ikethese.
Iscr
atchedmyhead
Me: Ei
shy [Link]
ance
bethathi
iskhathiukuf
ika.(Idon'
tknowwhythe
carinsur
ancepeopl earetakinglongt
oarri
ve)
Hi
m:Youseem t
obei
nar
usht
oo
Me:
Yeahmywi
fei
swai
ti
ngf
orme
Hi
m:Icanwai
tal
ongwi
thy
oui
fyoudon'
tmi
nd.
Iscept
ical
l
ylookedathi
m.
Him:I'
m bei
nganicebr
othertoanother
andi
nozendik'
bambenkunzikhul
uleka(
Iwon'
t
robyourel
ax)
Isi
gh
Me:Ngi
yabongakodwabesi
ngekhoi
sidi
ngo.
(
Thankyoubutther
ewasnoneed.)
Him:Weshoul dstayki
ndtooneanot
heral
ways
mybr ot
her.I
ndlel
aibi
siy
aphi?(
Wherewereyou
headed?)
Me:
eMbumbul
u
Hi
m: Samer
out
ewi
thmi
[Link]
fery
ou
al
if
t.
Me:Chanj
engobabi
ng'shi
lo(
AsIsai
d)t
hecar
i
nsur
ancepeopl
ewil
lsortmeout
.
Hi
m:Ii
nsi
[Link]
Mbumbul
uist
hesamevil
l
ageIalsocomef
rom.
Il
ookedathi
m
Me:
Real
l
y?
Hi
m:Ndi
kuxel
elaungak'
xoki
sel
i(Ser
iousl
y)
Me:
HayIguessnohar
m wi
l
lbedonet
hen.
Hi
m:Def
ini
tel
ynot
,fornowwewai
t
Me:
Yahwewai
t.
Igl
anceathi
m.
Me:
Youdi
dn'
tev
ent
ell
mey
ourname.
Hel
ooksatmeandj
ustgi
ggl
es.
.
.
.
GOMOLEMO
Dumazil
e: Ohh![Link]
iyi
niuHlel
o
i
[Link] u
akhat
hazeke.( Heret
[Link] d
Hlel
otakesol [Link]
ygotusworri
ed.)
Wesawt
heheadl
i
ght
sdeemi
ngt
hrough.
Dumazi
l
e:AsambeMakot
iphel
aay
ikhol
e
(Comet
hisi
snoton)
Mymotherin-l
awf orcedmetostayupall
night
andwai
[Link] edto
sl
eepbutIdidn'
tmi ndcauseIwasalsoworr
ied.

Wegotupandwentout
,hear
ingv
oicesout
side
i
tseemedl
ikehewasn'
tal
one.
Dumazi
l
e:WeeHl
elo
Hl
elo:
Mama?
If
rozeonthespotseei
ngwhohebr
oughtalong.
Myheartbegant
opoundabnor
mall
yagainst
mychest.
Dumazile:
Yini
ekwenzauthat
heiskhat
hiesi
de
kangaka?(Whydi
dyoutakelongtogetback?)
Hl
elo:
Amathay
iam ayeaci
shangi
sendlel
eni
Ma,manj
engal
indaabant
ubamainsur
ance
bafi
[Link]
endoday i
yoke
engi
sizi
lewangi l
ethal
aekhaya.(
Myt i
reswent
deadont heroadsoIwaitedf
orthecar
i
nsurancepeopletocomeandt henImetthi
s
guyonther [Link]
eredtobri
ngme
home.)
Wealll
ookedathi
[Link]
tst
il
lbeat
sin
f
earofhim.
Dumazi
l
e:Awwasbongendodana(
Thanky
ou)
Hejustsmi
ledmovinghi
sey
est
[Link]
elo
pul
l
edmei nhisar
ms.
Hl
elo:
Wozast
handwa,
uri
ght
?
Heaskedkissi
[Link]
afakesmi
le.
Me:
Yahngi
right
Hl
elo:
[Link]
sguy
i
sBuzwe,andBuz
wethi
sismyMom andwif
e,
Gomolemo.
Buzwe:
Suchapl
easur
etomeety
ouMama.
Hesay
sext
endi
nghi
shandt
omymot
heri
n-l
aw.
Dumazil
e:Ngazengaj
abul
anamimf
ana
ukukwaz(Pl
easur
etomeetyout
ooson.
)
Hesl
owl
ylookedatmeandext
endedhi
shands.
Buzwe:
NaweSi
s'GomoI
'
m del
i
ght
edt
omeet
you.
Il
ookedathishandf
orasecthenatmy
[Link]
l
owedandgav
ehi m myhand.
Weshookhands.
Me:Deli
ght
edtomeetyout
oosi
[Link]
or
hel
pingmyhusband.
Iqui
ckl
yret
ractedmyhandf
rom hi
[Link]
remai
nedsmili
ngatme.
Buzwe:Hayi
bingubal
anzwakazi(
thatwas
nothi
ng.
)Andit
hinam onedayImi
ghtneedhel
p
fr
om someone.
Hl
elo:
Idon'
tknowhowIcant
hanky
[Link]
sis
t
hel
i
ttl
eIcangi
vej
ustt
oappr
eci
atey
ou.
Hest
ret
chedoutaR200not
etohi
m
Buzwe:NononoI'm notexpect
inganyt
hingi
n
ret
[Link] opeopleyoudon'
t
expectany
thi
ngback.
Hl
elo:
Hhaw?
Hebr
oughtbackhi
shandwhi
l
esmi
l
ing.
Dumazi
l
e:Av
eunomusanganey
omunt
u(y
ou'
re
soki
nd)
Theygi
ggl
[Link]
ear
edmyt
hroat
.
Me:
Excuseme.
Iwal
kedawayandr anst r
aightinthehouse.I
l
ockedmy selfi
nthebathroom andsatont he
l
idofthet
oiletseat
.Ikepttwitchi
ngmyl egs
anxi
ousl
yandcuppedmyf ace.
Whyishehere?He'
sreal
l
ygoingbackt
owhat
[Link]
nmygown
pocket
.
"Seehoweasyitwastof
indyou?Whydon'
t
youwantt
ogiveusachance?Icanof
fery
ou
muchbett
erthanthi
s.
_y
ougonnaguesst
hisi
sfr
om who"

IshookmyheadasIstoodupandchecked
overthewi
[Link]'
scarwasdri
vi
ngof f
.
Me:
No,
no,
no!
.
..
>>>Tobecont
inued.
..
05
.
..
PHEZI
SA(
OB'
SMOTHER)
Me:
Aaaht
hatf
eel
ssogood
Bhongo:
Real
l
y?
Inoddedbendi
ngmyneckback
Me:
Keepgoi
ngt
her
e,y
esoooohBhongo!
Hegi
ggl
es.
Bhongo:
Youknowwhatel
sewoul
dfeel
good?
Ishookmyheadwi
thmyey
esst
il
lcl
osed.
Me:
M-hmm y
out
ell
me
Hestoppedwit
hthemassageandcame
f
orwardstandi
ngi
nfr
ontofme.
Bhongo:
Thi
s..
.
Hebentfor wardandkissedmeni ceand
[Link] t
lyenjoy
inghisl
ipsthen
minut
eslat erwebrokethekisswhilesmil
ingat
eachother.
Me:
Thatsur
efeel
sgood.
Bhongo:
Wantmor
eofi
t?
Me:
Idef
ini
tel
ywantmor
eofi
t
Hesmi
l
edandwegi
ggl
edashef
all
sont
opof
meandt
ookmyr
obeof
fthenwecont
inued
wi
tht
heki
ss.
Wegotoursel
vesundert
hecover
s,hepar
ted
myl
egsandgoti nt
hemiddl
e,ashepushesmy
l
eguptotheknees.
Ourki sswaswayv eryheatedandabi t
aggressed,asifwewer esexuall
yfrustr
ated.I
rubbedhi stor
soashehel dont omycheeks
andr ubsmyt [Link] edef
init
elygoing
toleadt osomet hi
ngel se.
..butt
henoneofour
phonedeci destor i
ng.
West
oppedandl
ookedatt
hephone
Bhongo:
Let
'si
gnor
e
Me:
Itcoul
dbei
mpor
tant
Bhongo:
M-hmmm!
Hecont
inuesgr
abbi
ngmyf
aceandki
ssedme.
Bhongo:Ngubanionofownangel
i
xesha?(
Who
wouldcal
lthi
stime?)
Hemumbl esbetweentheki
ssbutt
hephone
cont
inuestor
[Link]
oketheki
ssandpushhi
m
gent
ly.
Me:Ha.
aIreall
yneedt oanswert
his.I
tcoul
dbe
ani
mportantcl
ientoroneofmykids.
Ir
eachmyphoneandf
rozeseei
ngwho'
scal
l
ing.
Me:
NguBuzwe
Bhongo:
(inshock)Heee?
Me:
Letmeansweri
t.

Igotof
fbedandpi
ckedthephonebli
nki
ng
endl
essl
yasIwasabitt
akenbyit.
Me:
Nyana(
Son)
Buzwe:
MmeSer
ame.I
'
m onmywayt
her
e.
Me:
Huh!
??
ThatcameoutasashockIl
ookedbackat
Bhongo.
Buzwe:Youini
ti
[Link]
thesoonert
hebetter
.Ibel
iev
ethere'
smany
thi
ngsweneeedt ooff
loadfr
om ourchest
s.
Iexhal
easIplacemyhandonmyneckand
cl
osedmyey es.
Me:Okayokayson.I'l
lstaypr
epar
edfory
ou
uhm..
.I'
m happythatyou'r
emeeti
ngme
hal
fwayonwant i
ngust oworkthi
ngsout
.
Hedi
dn'
tsayany
thi
ngback
Me:Lontoisn'ti
ttool
atef
ory
out
odr
ivet
his
ki
ndadistance?
Buzwe:
Don'
twor
ryI
'
m 20mi
nut
esaway
.
Me:
What
???
Thi
schi
l
dkeepsonsur
pri
singme
Buzwe:
I'
vebeenl
ongati
tsoexpectmesoon.
Me:Kodwawhycoul
dn'
tyousayat
leastsot
hat
Icanpr
epar
eint
ime.
Buzwe:
Itwasunpl
anned
Me:
Mmhokay
.Ar
eyoucomi
ngwi
thKenei
l
oe?
Buzwe:
NoI
'
mleav
ingherbehi
nd
Me:
Behi
..
.Why
??
Buzwe:
She'si
nMamelodifortheweekend,
havi
ngfunwit
hhermother
'sfamil
y.
Thatki
ndast
ungme.
Me:
Ohw
I
'
m sur
ehealsodetect
edt
hepai
nbehi
ndmy
l
owchangeofvoi
ce.
Buzwe:
Uhm.
..Iguesswi
l
lseey
oui
naf
ewt
hen.
Me:
Yeahson,
wil
lseey
[Link]
e.
WeendedthecallandIsl
owlyl
aymyphoneon
mychest
,star
ingatspace.

Bhongo'
ski
ssonmyshoulderbr
oughtmeback.
Heheldmeti
ght
lyf
rom behi
ndthenhandme
myr
obe.
Bhongo:
Sowe'
rer
ainchecki
ng?
It
urnedt
ohi
m andt
ookt
her
obe
Me:
Yahwehav
eto,
thanks.
Heki
ssedme.
Bhongo:
Youlookst
ressedoutandner
vousfor
someonewho'l
lbemeeti
ngherson,af
teral
ong
ti
me.
Isi
ghasIdr
essi
nmyr
obe.
Me: I
'mjustnotpreparedforthi
s,atal
l-t
ell
i
ng
Buzweabouthi sfather.I
t'
sonechapterI
thoughtIhadforeverclosedi
nmyl if
e.
Hepul
l
edmyhands.
Bhongo:Yetanimpor tantchapt
ertodiscl
ose
[Link] beitmi ghtcal
m al
lthe
si
tuati
onswe'vebeent [Link] beyou
mighthaveagoodr elati
onshipwit
hhimi nthe
[Link]
him ev
erythi
ngheneedst oknowmake
hi
m under
stand..
.maybejustmay
behe'
l
lcome
ar
oundandr easonwi
thyou.
Il
ookathi
m he'
sri
ght
.
Bhongo: I
t'
snowornev [Link]
efult
hathe's
sti
llgiv
[Link] il
l
want syouinhisl
ifeandwantstofixwhatever
thatwasbr okenbetweenyoutwo.
Iti
l
tmyheadupandletof
fadeepsi
[Link]
pull
edandki
ssedmyfor
ehead.
Bhongo:
Goodni
ght
.
Me:
You'
rel
eav
ing?
Bhongo:
Yah
If
rown
Me:Why??Nott
hatBuzwedoesn'
tknowabout
usdat
ingmos.
Hej
ustpul
l
edapol
i
tesmi
l
e
Bhongo:
Ihav
etogi
vey
ouguy
ssomespace,
y
ouneedi
ttoy
our
sel
ves.
Ismi
l
efai
ntl
y
Me:
Okay
Bhongo:
Ilov
eyou
Me:
Ilov
eyout
oo.
Weki
ssedt
henhet
ookhi
sthi
ngsandl
eft
.
.
.
.
BUZWE(
OB)
Idr
ovei
nandsawBhongocomi ngout
.He
wai
tedf
ormetogetdonepar
king.
Igotoutoft
hecarandwehi
thandsandmade
amanlyhug.
Bhongo:OB,cl
eanasalway [Link]'
staki
ngcare
ofyouman?Imeani fndibonakahl
e(I'
m seei
ng
proper
ly)y
ou'r
eevengaining.
Me:Sismanga( Sur
prising)causeIliv
eby
mysel
[Link] '
dsayi staki
ngcareof
meismysisterwho'sj ustrecentl
yli
vedwit
h
me.
Henods.
Bhongo:
IseeIsee,
it'
sni
ceseei
ngy
oubyt
he
way.
Me:Gl
adseei
ngy
out
[Link]
aphi
?(Wher
eyou'
re
goi
ng?
)
Bhongo:
Goi
nghomemanI
'
llseey
'al
ltomor
row.
Me:Aahthi
sishowyouwel
comeme?IhopeI
di
dn'
tdri
veyoutogo.
Bhongo:Nodefi
nit
elynot
.Justgott
hingst
odo
man,butli
keIsai
dtomorrowI'
m here.
Me:
Okayshokesobonanangomso(
seey
ou
t
omorr
ow)
Bhongo:
Moj
as
Webi
dwi
thaf
ist
-bump.
Itookmymi ni
bagandwal kedtot hehouse
wher eMom wasst andi
ngi ntheki tchennot
knowi ngwhatt odowi t
hher sel
[Link] hatIal
so
knewwhatt odowi thmy selfei
ther...Imean
thi
si sthewomanwhonev ercar edgi vingme
affecti
onf orall
theseyears,abondi s
somet hingthatwenev [Link] Irememberi s
herabuseandmi st
reat
ment .
Mom:
Buzwehi
Me:
Hi
Shewal kedcloserandl ookedatmet henkinda
l
ookedal lovertheplaceandf umbledaround,
shesli
ght l
yli
ftsherarm unsurewhet hert
ohug
meornot ,
butthendr [Link]
didn'
tknowwhatt odowi t
hherself
.Imean,
wherecansheev enst art
?Shenev ergaveme
thatl
oveenv ir
onmentf r
om alongt i
me.
Ir
emai
nedst
ari
ngatherdoi
ngal
lthose
awkwardt
[Link]
ngIwasn'tgi
vi
ngher
si
gnsofgr
antingherahug,shetur
nedaround
andst
oodfrom adist
ance.
Mom:Uhm..
.CanIhel
pwi
thy
ourbagandshow
youy
ourr
oom?
Me:
Forsur
e
Shetookmybagandwal
kedawayy
etI
remai
nedst
il
lonmyspot
.
Me:
Mom
Shegaspssoft
lyi
nsurpr
[Link]
astl
ycal
ledher
[Link]
ur nsbackandlooksat
me.
Mom:
Yes?
Iopenedmyar mswidel
[Link]
tearyandal
lemoti
onal,
shedropsthebagand
rushestogi
[Link] swast hehugI
everneededfr
om herasali
ttl
eboy .
Il
aymyf
aceabov
eherheadasmyempt
ycol
d
hear
tsuddenl
ywar
msupt
oher
.
Me:
It'
sgoodt
obehomeMom.
Mom: Aahbabywelcome.I
'
m sor
ry,
I'
m sosor
ry
forall
thethingsI
'
vedonetoyoumybaby!
Pleaseforgi
veme.
Ir
ubherbackandpatherasshecr
ies
Me:
It'
sokay
,iti
swel
lMom.

Aft
erallt
hatemotional
momentweneededt
o
our
selvesshetookmet omyr
[Link]
I
'm notamanofmanywor ds.
Me:
Thanky
ou
Mom:I
'
lldi
shupsomet
hingf
ory
ou,
comej
oin
me.
Ismi
ledforthefi
rstt
imeonmyar r
ival
and
l
aughli
ghtl
[Link]
ti
nandst r
etched
i
touttoher.
Mom:
Andt
hen?
Sheopenst
heskhaf
ti
nandhermout
hhangs
open.
Mom:
Omg!
!Youst
il
lknowhowt
omakebuns?
Me:Mamntandetaughtmewel
l
.Mayhersoul
cont
inuer
est
ingeasy.
Il
ookedathershewasst i
ll
amazedbyt
his.I
meanmygr annytaughtmehowtomakethem
whenIwasst i
l
lyoung,andher
eIam,st
il
l
per
fectasever.
Me:
It'
sfory
ou.
Mom:[Link]
shondacinga
uMamaondizal
ayo(
Lordthi
sgotmethinkingof
Mom)
Il
[Link]
ery
timeIt
hinkofmygr
annyIj
ust
l
augh,shewasawonderful
woman.
Me:
Ast
rongwomanshewas.
Mom:
Yahuhm.
..y
ousai
dyou'
recomi
ngor
?
Me:
I'
ll
passIneedt
orestf
rom t
hel
ongdr
ive.
Shebreathedheav
il
yasshebr
ushest
hecor
ner
ofhereyes.
Mom:
Okaygoodni
ght
.
Me:
Night
[Link]
emotional
wr eckt
[Link]
xedmybedbefor
eI
changetovestsandleftwi
thmyboxer.

Isl
i
dei
nsi
det
hecov
ersandt
ookmyphone.
Me:
"Yout
aki
ngcar
eofmyFuno?
"
Lat
oya:
"Yah"
Me:
"Howmuchshoul
dIe-
wal
l
ety
ou?
"
Lat
oya:
"Any
thi
ngy
ouf
eel
li
ke"
[Link]
nst
ant
lycal
l
edme.
Lat
oya:
That
'sal
otofmoneyf
oraday
!
Me:Don'
twantyouposti
ngonFBt hatyouneed
somethi
[Link]
stIcanhel
p,thatwil
l
sust
ainyouandyourf
amilyf
oratl
eastamont h.
Lat
oya:
Thanksbutwhatdoy
ouwanti
nret
urn?
Ichuckl
ed
Me: Iknowthi
sisthemostmessedupwor l
d
weliveinandmenar edoi
ngthemostout
chea.
Butcan'tIhel
pwit
houtaski
ngforsomet
hingin
ret
urn?
Lat
oya:
Any
thi
ngi
spossi
blewi
thy
ouObakeng.
Me: Ipr
omi sedy out
hatwe'
llnomor ehavea
repeatofwhathappenedafterthatbad
[Link] el
ax,
thi
sisj
ustgenuinehelpf
or
yourassistance.
Lat
oya:
Okay
Me:
Sur
e,nowIneedmysl
eep.
Lat
oya:
I'
m notst
oppi
ngy
ou
Weendedt
hecal
l
.Il
ayont
hesi
dewhi
l
e
scr
oll
i
ngt hroughmypictur
esandstar
edat
Gomo...Ismiledandki
ssedherpi
ctur
e.
Me:
Soony
ougonnabei
nthesear
ms.
Icl
osedmyey
esandsl
ept
.
.
.
.
GOMOLEMO
TosayIgotagoodnightsleepaft
erwhat
Buzwepull
edlastni
ghtwoul dbeali
[Link]'
t
evengett
osleepawi nkallIdi
dwaswat chmy
husbandsl
eeppeacefull
yli
kehehadno
probl
emsandf ort
hatIwishedtobehim.

"Hawu!Babe?You'
reawake"
Isnappedoutofmyt
hought
sandl
ookedathi
m.
Hl
elo:
Forhowl
onghav
eyoubeenupand
what
'st
het
ime?
Hemov esandsi
tsupst
rai
ght
.Heki
ssedmy
f
orehead.
Hl
elo:
Hau,
goodmor
ningkant
iyi
ni?
Hecheckst
het
ime.
Hl
elo:
5:30am.(
Pecksmyl
i
ps)Youst
il
lmadat
me?
Ishutmyeyesl
i
kear
obott
hathasbeen
deacti
vat
ed.
Me:
Nny
aa(
No)
Hl
elo:
Thenwhat
'seat
ingy
oursoul
somuch?
Il
ookathi
m
Me:Wheredi
dyoumeett
hemany
oubr
ought
yest
erday
?
Hl
elo:
Ist
hisabouthi
m?
Me:I
'dbehappyi
fyou'
danswermyquest
ion
f
ir
st.
Hemov
edhi
sfaceback
Hlel
o:Li
keIsaid,
wemetonther
[Link]
emy
carwasstuckandheof
fer
edhel
p.
Me:
Aft
ery
ourt
ir
eswentdead?
Iscof
fedshaki
ngmyhead.
Hl
elo:
Yini
mhl
ampe?(
What
'swr
ong?
)
Me:Youneedt
ost
ayawayf
rom t
[Link]
s
danger
ous.
Hl
elo:
Whyar
eyousay
ingt
hat
?Doy
ouknow
hi
m?
Istoodupandtookmyphonet hent
hrewi
tat
him,showinghi
mt [Link]
ti
ng
uneasyreadi
ngit
.
Hl
elo:
Buthe'
snott
ell
i
ngwhohei
s.
Itookthephoneandscrol
l
edt omyvi
deos
showinghimthevideohesentmeabouta
weekago.
Hepoi
nted.
Hl
elo:
Is.
..i
sthathi
m?
Isatnextt
ohi
m.
Me:He'
smyst al
ker,he'
sthatexwhonever
want
edtomov [Link]'stheguyIbumpedtoat
t
[Link]
'sBuzwe.
Hlel
o:Yest
erdayy
oupr
etendedl
i
key
oudi
dn'
t
knowhim.
Me: Idi
dn'
twantt
ocompl i
cat
ethesituati
onfor
youandy ourmot
[Link]
ustmelastnightIwas
takenabackbyhi
m andIcoul
dn'tgetanysleep
aftert
hat.
Hest
aresatmespeechl
ess.
Me:Buzwei sobsessedwi [Link] er
y
guywhocomesi ntomyl i
feit
'seit
herhescares
hi
m [Link]...andital
lstar
ted
whenwegr ewt ogether
.
Hef
ixedhi
sey
esonmewi
thhi
sfaci
al
expr
essi
onchangi
ngi
ntomany
.
Me: Buzwewast akeni nbymypar ent s,when
hewas11andwebot hgr ewupt oget heras
sibli
ngs, event houghwewer en'
tr eal lysibli
ngs.
Whenwebecamet eenager shest ar ted
becomi ngal lsweet ,doingsweetst uffsf orme
andmademef eel speci al i
naway .
..It hen
startedl ookingathi mi nadi fferentway .Ifel
l
forhi m andt hatt i
menot hingfeltwr ongcause
hewasn' tmybl [Link] enaheal way s
hadat hingf ormesi [Link] hatwas
hiddent illmymot herf oundoutaboutour
relationshipexposi ngi tandf orbiddi ngi [Link]
didn'ttakei twel l
thatwehadt obr eakupgoi tse
gor ear edi bloodbr ot herskanasi st er s
(knowi ngwe' renotsi bli
ngs. )ButIhadt oobey
mypar entsandst opwhat everthatwewer e
doing.
Ipl
ayedwi
thmyhands.
Me:
That
'swher
etot
aheshowedmehi
scr
azy
si
[Link]
art
edbyki
l
li
ngmyf
arewel
lpar
tner
dead.
Istil
lbl
amemy sel
fforhisdeath..
.It'
snotlikeI
wasdat ingtheguy .Hejustkeptterrori
zing
everyguyt hatgotclosetomet hatIevenhadt o
forcemy selftobealonet [Link]..
.
henev erstoppedfollowingme, bumpi ngtome,
sendingmet hi
ngsanddoi ngall t
hesecr eepy
stuff
ssot hatIcangi veintobeingwi thhim.
ButInev erwanthim backi nmyl if
[Link] he
thoughtoff al
li
ngforhim stil
lsi
ckensme.
Ishookmyhead.
Me: He'sanaf f
li
ctedguyt hatall
owedf oritt
o
messhi m [Link] ovewast hereto
curehim,from hisment albattl
[Link]
wassomet hi
ngher egardedashi sonlysupport
thatheleanton...andi tcoveredallthebad
partsofhimt hathedi dn'twantt o
[Link]'
swhyhet hinksthewayt hathe'
s
thi
nking.
Iexhal
e
Me:
Iwi
shhecanmov
eon.
Il
ookedatmyf
iancéandhel
dhi
shand.
Me:It
houghthemovedonsi
ncehenever
bot
her
[Link]
ththet
ir
einci
dence,
hay!
Isni
ff
edwhi
l
emyt
ear
sdr
opped
Me: Soit'
sokayifyoudon'
twantt
ori
skyourl
if
e
andy ourfami
ly'
s..
.anddeci
detowal
koutof
thi
s.
Hl
elo:
Hey
!
Hegr
abbedmyf
ace.
Hlel
o:Akukholangiyakhona(I'
m notgoing
anywhere.)I
'
m notleavi
ngyouforthatmani ac.
You'r
ewear i
ngthatri
ngbecauseImadea
promisetoyouandI '
ll
ful
fi
li
t.I
'l
lprotectyouas
[Link] dactual
lypl
anourweddi ng.
Wegonnabet oget
herwhetherhelikesitornot.
Wozal a(Comehere)
Hehugsmet
ight
.Icl
osemyey
es.
Me:
Ngi
yabonga(
Thanky
ou)
Isuddenl
[Link]
fhi
m and
rantothetoi
lett
ovomit
.
Hl
elo:
(yel
l
ing)Babyur
ight
!!
!?
Me:
Yea-(
vomi
tsagai
n)
Icoughedwhil
ehangi
ngmyfaceontheseat
.
What'swrongwit
hme?Ineedtocheckmy
cycl
e.
.
.
.
SHEREE
Mom: Thanksf
oryourwarm wel
comeand
hospi
tal
it
ybrot
[Link]
ullyt
rust
youwithmydaughtert
hatshe'
l
lbeinsafe
[Link]
lkeepshowing
gr
ati
tudet
owar
dsy
oumont
hly
Uncl
e:I
t'
sfi
ne
Mom: Shereethi
siswher [Link]
wil
lguardyouwhilstI'
m goneregar
dthem as
[Link]
outorespect
t
hem, always.
Ismi
l
edl
ooki
ngatt
hem
Me:
YesI
'
llal
way
srespectt
hem.
Mom:Goodt
[Link]
hinkwe'
vecomet
othe
t
ime.
Uncl
e:Eksal
joumi
s(I
'
llmi
ssy
ou)
Hesay
shuggi
ngher
.
Mom:
Eksal
jouookmi
s(I
'
llmi
ssy
out
oo)
Shegi
vesAunt
ieSegoahugt
oo.
Lesego:
Don'
tbeast
rangerl
i
key
ourbr
other
.
Mom:(l
aughs)NoIwon'
[Link]
i
chol
i
day
sI'
l
l
makesur
etocomeby .
Lesego:
Please!Iwoul
d'v
elov
etoaccompany
youbutworkisstandi
ngonmywayandI'
ml at
e.
Mom:
It'
sfi
neat
leastPear
lwi
l
lst
andf
ory
ou
Lesego:
YesmyPear
li
tj
ie
Uncl
e:Wher
e'sJozeat
odr
ivey
ou?
Me:
Icanal
sodr
ive

"
I'
m her
e."
Hesay
sgett
ingi
[Link]
nbl
ack
Ni
kepant
s,v
estsandki
cks.
Me:
Doy
oucomef
rom t
hegy
m?
Jozea:
YeahIwor
kint
hegy
m
Lesego:
Heal
soownst
hegy
m.
Me:
Real
l
y??
Mom: Wowt
hat
'si
mpr
essi
veJozI
'
m pr
oudof
you.
Jozea:
Thanksaunt
ie
Mom:
Youshoul
dtakey
ourcousi
nwi
th.
Me:Mom!Whati
sther
etogy
mfor
?I'
m al
ready
sl
i
m.
Jozea:
Gymisalsof
orkeepi
ngyoufi
tSher
ee
i
t'
snotalway
sfordr
oppi
ngweightonl
y.
Mom:
Hear
dthat
?
Me:
Loudandcl
ear
Mom:Yeahweshoul
dgetgoi
ngorel
seI
'
llmi
ss
t
hefl
i
ght.
Shesaidherfi
nalgoodbyest
othef
ami
l
yand
Jozeadroveustotheair
port
.

Me:
I'
ll
missy
ouMommy
Isai
dgivi
ngheral
asthugwhenwegott
othe
ai
rport
.
Mom:
I'
ll
missy
out
oobaby
.Pl
easet
reat
y
our
selfwel
lokay
?Behav
eandr
ememberwho
y
ouare.
Webr
oket
hehugandshehel
dmyf
ace.
Mom:Don'
tl
osef
ocussweet
hear
torel
sey
our
Dadi
sgonnabemad.
Me:Iknow.I
'm her
etochasemydr
eams
not
hingmore.
Mom: Goodifyouwannar equi
reanythi
ng,ask
Jozea,mybrot
herorhiswi f
e,t
hey'
ll
bet her
efor
you.I
'm al
soaphonecall
away .
[Link]
ooksatme.
Me:Mom y
ou'
renotl
eav
inga6y
earol
[Link]
t
akecar
eofmysel
f.
Mom: [Link]'
tknowwhenI
'
llseey
ou
agai
n,hol
idays?
Me:
Hol
idaysy
ousai
dyou'
l
lbecomi
ngher
e
r
emember?
Webot
hchuckl
ed.
Mom: Yah,
Ilov
[Link]
easest
aysaf
eI'
l
lkeep
cal
l
ingyou.
Me:
Alr
ightMom
[Link]
dgoodbyeto
JozeaandPear
[Link]
chherfl
i
ght.
Wewal
kedbackt
othecar
.

Me:Uhm Jozwil
lyoubeabl
etodr
opmet
oa
near
bysalon?
Hel
ooksbackatme.
Jozea:
Sal
on?
Me:[Link]
l'
sgonnahel
pmel
ookf
orone.I
needt
ot r
eatmyhair
.
Jozea:
Okay
.
"
Yourhai
rlooksf
inet
ome.
"
Pear
lwhi
sper
sinmyear
.
Me:
I'
ll
highl
i
ghtmyhai
rjustt
ospi
cet
hingsup.
Pear
l:Yougogi
rl
!
Wegiggl
edandJozkeptst
ari
ngatusand
shookhi
shead.
.
.
.
BUZWE(
OB)
TodayIwokeupv eryearl
yint
hemorningto
preparef
[Link] hadmybreakfast
broughttome,di
dn'tknowwehad
housekeeper
sinthehouse.
Shet
henl
atercamei
nmyr
oom.
Mom:
Hey
Me:
Hi
Mom:
Howdi
dyousl
eep?
Me:
Isl
eptpeacef
ull
i
keababy
Mom:
That
'[Link]
ereal
l
ygood
t
hanky
ou.
Me:
Aswel
lasy
ourbr
eakf
ast
Wegi
ggl
[Link]
tlat
erdi
edt
oasi
l
ent
moment
.
Me:
Arey
our
eadyt
ogo?
Mom:Act
uall
yBuzweasiyi
namhl
anj
eeMpuma
Kol
oni
(we'
renotgoi
ngtodayt
oEast
ernCape)
Imadeaser
iousf
rown
Me:
Ngoba?(
Whynot
?)
Mom:Ourj
ourneywi
llst
artt
[Link]
f
oll
owme,I
'vegotl
otstotel
lyou.
Ilookedatherwi
thouthav
ingwor
ds.I
sitwhatI
thinki
tis?
Mom:
Yiza(
Come)
Me:
I'
m comi
ngl
etmedr
inkmypi
l
lsf
ir
st.
Mom:
Alr
ight
.
Shel
eft
.IknowIhav
eabadt
emperI
'
llneed
t
hosepil
lst
ohelpmekeepcal
[Link]
ly
whenIdon'
tknowwhatMom wil
lunf
oldtome.
.
..
>>>Tobecont
inued
06
.
..
BUZWE(
OB)
Mom: I
tal
lstar
[Link]
her
andI,metonsoci alnetwor
[Link]
fr
iendrequestIacceptedandwebegan
chatt
ing.
Ismi
l
edal
i
ttl
e.
Mom: OnenightIdecidedtogooutwi t
hmy
fri
[Link] othi
sot herhotclubin
Gr [Link] egroovingandhav i
ng
funt henoutoftheblue,abarmancamet ous
wi thabottl
eofStrawberryli
[Link] ditcame
from ananonymousper [Link]
i
twasf
rom.
..
Ismi
l
edmor eshakingmyheadcauseIcoul
d
i
magineal
lthescenari
o.
Mom:
Yourf
atheroutofnowher
eappear
ed.
Me:
(sar
cast
ical
l
y)Wow
Mom:Engemuhleengemuhl
e,el
i
ciko.(
Hewas
r
eal
lyhandsome)
Sheexhal
eswhi
l
esmi
l
ing.
Mom: Igotshockedseei nghimtherebecauseI
neverimagi nedhi mlivi
ngi ntheEaster
nCape.
Butthatnightwewentaheadandchat tedmor e
overdr i
[Link] i
rstIdidn'ttr
ustwhereitwas
gonnal ead,Iwasabi tafrai
dofitbecomi nga
onenightst andcauseatt hetimeIhadmyown
boyfr
[Link] sotoodr unkandIknewhow
easyitwast otakeadv antageofadr unk
[Link] henmadeexcusest oleav
et heplace
andIsuccessf ullydidso.
Shet
akesadeepbr
eat
h.
Mom: Wet henstart
edhavingalter
cat ionswit
h
mycur rentboyfr
iendandwebr okeup.
Meanwhi leTsiet
siwasthereforme, hewas
kindandni cetome, hewasmyshoul dertocr
y
onandr eadytobemyshi ningar [Link]
showedmemor [Link]
takenbyhi sli
feandwassur el
ycat ching
feeli
ngsforhim.
Mom: (si
ghs)Ithendecidedt omov eoutfrom
homeandgomov ei
nwithhim. .
.Beingwit
h
Tsiet
simademegoagai [Link]
l
ivedtoget
her,itiswherehehadshowedme
thatnotever
ythingisasglit
zandgl am asthey
[Link] lhistr
uecol our
s.
Herey
esgl
i
stenedwi
tht
ear
s.
Mom: Hebecamecontr
oll
ing,vi
ndicti
ve,
demanding,
isol
atedmefrom ever
y one,
coul
dn'
t
acceptmeforwhoIam andhechangedmet o
becomesomeoneel
se,
tosui
thi
m.
Mom: Ever
ytimemysenseswouldcomeback
hewouldchangeandbecomethissweet,l
oving
many ethewasmanipul
ati
ngmet ofal
lfori
t
andendupf or
giv
inghi
[Link]
ecameat i
me
whereIdeci
dedI'
vehadenoughofhim andleft
hi
mf orgood.
(
Sil
ence)
Me:
Thenwhathappened?
Mom:Whathappened?(
Scoffs)Hekidnapped
meandIwokeupinNelspr
uitthenextmorning.
Ir
aisemyey
ebr
owsi
nshock.
Mom: SeeBuzwey ourdadhasadar kpast .He
hadatoughupbr i
ngingandwentt hroughal ot
.
Hewasabusedandi tledhi mtohav i
nga
mentalbreakdownthenl atergotdiagnosed
wit
hbipolar.I
nhisrelati
onshipshedi dn'twanna
belef
[Link] erythingtohim becausei t
's
somethinghedidn'
tget .Hismot hertreatedhi
m
badl
ywhenhi
sfat
herwasnomor
e.
Ichuckl
ed
Me:
Seemsl
i
kehi
stor
yisr
epeat
ingi
tsel
f.
Mom: Iknow,
butour
sisdi
ff
erentandI
'
m so
sor
ryson.
Me:Di
ff
erenthow?YouheardhowDadopened
upt
oyouabouthisupbr
ingi
[Link]
oumade
megothroughthesamethi
ng!
Mom:
Tsi
etsi
abusedme!
!!
!okay
?
Il
ookedather
Mom:
Hewant
edt
oki
l
lyou-usBuzwe!
Shecr
iedt
ouchi
nghert
ummy
.
Mom: Heabusedmewhil
eIwaspr
egnantwit
h
[Link]
ckandki
ckmesensel
essl
y
whil
eyouwereinmywomb.
Shewi
pedherey
es.
Mom:
ThedayIgav
ebi
rt
htoy
ouIwast
akent
o
thehospi
talunconsci
ousbecausehedi
dn'
t
careaboutus!Whetherheki
ll
edusornot,
he
didn'
tgi
veadamn.
Ir
unmyhandsov
ermyf
ace.
Mom: Heusedt ospit
emewi thKeneil
oe's
mot [Link]
ngwi t
hherunderthesamer oofas
me, whileIwaspr egnant
!Heengagedher
Buzwewhi leIwashi swi
feandt hey'
dmock
me. .
.Bhongowast heonlypersonwhocar ed
formeatt hatperi
odandt ookmef orcheckups.
Tsietsialsolockedmeupt ogi
vebirt
hby
my selfwhi l
ehewentonav acat
ionwithNthabi.
Andbef or ehisdeathhewantedt oki
llmyfamily
anddr uggedme.
Ishookmyhead
Mom: Yourf
atherwasamonst erIhadsomuch
hatr
edforhi
m becauseofal
lthepai nhe
[Link]
Ieverdi
dwast olovehi
m.
ThenwhenIlookedatyouall
Iwi shedfor-was
f
ory
out
onotbecomel
i
kehi
m.
Me:KuthenikodwaMamasew' zozi gqibel
a
l
onto?(Whywoul dyoudecidethatf oryoursel
f?)
Whiley
oudidn'tknowwhatexact lyI'l
lgrowand
[Link] ookatmybr others,lookat
Hlomphoandal solookLehl
ohonol o..
.arethey
l
ikeTsi
etsi
?
Shesl
owl
yshookherhead.
Me: It
'sbecauseMathapel
odidn'tconstantl
y
remindthem nottobecomelikeTsi et
[Link]
don'tknowbyt haty
ouactual
lydr ovemet o
becomeamonst erj
ustli
kehim!Causey ou
didn'
tcareaboutlovi
ngmeall youcaredabout
wasmenott obecomel i
keTsietsi.
Shel
ooksatme.
Mom: I
'
m sorr
ymybabyIfeel
badf
orwhatIdi
d.
Ij
ustwantustof
ixt
hings.
Me:I
'm sor
rytooforwhatyouwentt
hrough.
You'
vebeenthroughhel
landmostIfeelf
oryou,
Ir
eal
l
[Link]
reatmel
i
ket
hat
?
Mom:
Ijust
..
.
Sheshookherheadandt
ear
sescapeherey
es.
Mom: Youmadethi
ngsworsebylooki
ng
exact
lyli
kehi
mitwasli
keI'
m seei
nghim al
l
overagai
[Link]
hewil
lchangedevery
thi
ng
Me:
Wil
l
?
Mom: Yeshegav eyouev ery
thingofhi
s
i
ncludi
nghisclot
hing,shoesandaccessori
es.
Tomei t'
sli
kehewaspr epari
ngy out
otake
af
[Link]
ustrevi
vedmyangerandchanged
mywhol emindset.
Inod
Me:
Iheary
ou
Mom:
Sodoy
ouf
orgi
veme?
Me:
Yes
Mom:
Arey
ouagr
eei
ngonusst
art
ingaf
resh?
Me:
Ido.
Shesi
ghs.
Mom: LookBuzwe, Ididn'
ttel
l youallofthi
st o
poisony ouorchangey ourper specti
veofy our
father
.I'mtelli
ngy
out hissot haty ouknowwhy
Ibehav edthewayIdi dandIknowIwaswr ong
pleasef or
[Link] oudi dn'
tknow
him butIwi shweremai nrespectinghis
memor y.
(
Sil
ence)
Me:
Soy
oubur
ntal
lhi
sit
ems?
Shegotherhandsi
nherpocket
sandhanded
meakey .
Mom: Funnyenoughsomeofhi si
temsI'v
ekept
.
Hedi dn'
twantt hem di
videdeventhoughhal
fof
them I'
[Link]
eve,
thi
swi l
lbethe
closureyou'
llneedofhim.
Ir
eacht
hekey
.
Mom:3roomsawayf
rom usandy
ou'
l
lfi
nd
ev
ery
thi
ng.
Me:
Thanks
Ist
oodupandl
eftgoi
ngt
other
oom
.
.
.
SHEREE
Wegotbackfr
om t
hesal
[Link]
i
ght
ed
myhai
ritwasnowamixt
ureofblonde&bl
ack.
Pear
l:Youl
ooksocut
egi
rl
Me:
Thanky
ou!Pl
easet
akeaf
ewsnapsofme.
Pear
l:Al
ri
ght
!Pr
omi
seI
'
llbeont
henextshoot
aswell
?
Me:
Yeahof
cour
se
Iposedfort
hecameraandshetooksome
pict
[Link]
terwethent
ookother
pi
ctur
esofour
sel
ves.
Me:
Thi
spl
acei
sni
ceIl
i
ket
hebackgr
ound.
Pear
l:Youhav
en'
tseennoneofi
t
Me:
Real
l
y?Cany
oushowmemor
e
Pear
l:Moghel
it'
[Link]'
vest
il
lgot
moredaystooursel
vessodon'twor
ry.
Ichuckl
ed
Me:
Ijustcan'
thol
dmy
sel
fsor
ry.
Pear
l:Iunder
[Link]
eweeat
ingorwehead
st
rai
ghthome?
Me: Nahl
et'
seatf
ir
stt
heny
out
akemet
o
Jozea'
sgym.
Sheey
edme
Pearl
:Aha!Soyouwannacat
chsomef
ew
hott
iest
here?
Me:No,no,[Link]
be
andst
[Link]
efordudesI'
m heret
o
f
ocusgi
rl
Pear
l:Mmmh"cat
chalongthegymv
ibesand
st
uff
s"wher
epeoplesweatnuh?
Igi
ggl
ed
Me:Ugh!Wil
lyoujuststop.I
'
mjustcur
ioust
o
seet
heplacethat
'sall
.
Pear
l:Iwasn'
tagai
nstany
thi
ngsweet
hear
t.
We'l
lgocheckthevi
be.
Me:
Thanky
ouhunnay
.
Wegi
ggl
edandwentt
osear
chf
orar
est
aur
ant
.
.
.
.
GOMOLEMO
Iwasatt
het oil
ethol
dingmysti
ckwaiti
ngf
or
myresul
[Link]
stwatch,
60secst
o
go.
Ist
oodupandpacedupanddown.
Me:(whi
sper
s)Comeon,
comeon,
showme
whatyougot
.
Aminutelat
erIbreathedheavi
l
yandchecked
t
[Link]
nes!Iscr
eamedon
t
opofmyl ungsandj umpedaround.
Me:
OhmyGod,
thanky
ouLor
daah.
Ican'
tbeli
evethiswashappening.I
'
vealways
wantedababyandwi shedforagirl
.Knowing
thatI
'l
lbecarr
yingourfi
rstbabywit
hmy
fi
ancé'
sisgreatnewstome.

Ididn'
tknowwhom shoul
dIshar ethenewst o
fi
[Link]
elowasawaysti
llbusyatthekraal
..
.I
cancallMmar i
ghtaway.
Herphoner
angandsheanswer
ed.
Mom:
Sweet
hear
t
Me:
Mama!Howar
eyou?
Mom:Ketengngwanakewenaokae?(
I'
mfi
ne
mychi
ldhowareyou?)
Me:
Nnat
lheI
'
m ov
ert
hemoon.
Mom:
Hehe!Whati
sit
?
Ismi
l
ed.
Me:
Wel
lkenal
edi
kgang(
Ihav
enews)
Mom:
Ker
eedi
tse(
I'
mli
steni
ng)
Me:
Kei
mil
e!(
I'
m pr
egnant
!)
Sheinst
antl
ybeamsandul
ulat
esov
ert
he
phoneinexci
tement
.
Mom: Aahcongratul
ati
onsmybabyI'
m so
[Link]!youbr
ingi
ngusanot
her
grandchi
l
d.
Me:EyaMmeandkei
tumetset
hata(
I'
m so
happy
)I'
veal
way
swantedababy.
Mom:
AndGodi
sgr
ant
ingy
ourwi
shes.
Me:
Ee
Mom:WhatisMkhweny
anasay
ingt
othese
gr
eatnews?
Me:Ihav
en'tt
oldhimyet,
he'
ssti
l
lbusywi
tht
he
cat
tl
es.I
'
llt
ell
him onceheget
sback.
Mom: Ohhdi
lotseket
saj
aanong?(
Ohht
hese
ar
erecentt
hings?
)
Me:Yes,
Ikeptwonder
ingwhyI'
m si
cknot
knowi
ngI'
m bri
ngi
ngalit
tl
eangel
.
Mom: EehIcan'
tevencontai
nmysel
fri
ghtnow
Iwanttotel
lMorakethesenews.
Me:GoaheadMamaandtell
him al
labouti
t
evenfi
l
lmybrot
her
sthatt
hey'
rebecoming
uncl
es.
Mom:
I'
ll
doso.
Me:
Meanwhi
l
eI'
l
lpr
epar
efort
heZondos.
Mom:
Goodl
uckont
hatsweet
hear
t
Me:
Mal
ebo(
Thanks)we'
l
lchatagai
nlat
[Link]
e
Mom:
Byengwanake.
Ismil
edmovingmybodyi
nexci
[Link]
l
ed
Hlel
obuthi
sphoner
angundert
hepil
low.
Me:
Argh!Hl
elobat
hong.
Ikeptsmi
li
nglooki
ngatthepr
egnancyt
esti
n
[Link]'
twaitf
orhimtocomeandshare
thenewswithhi
m.
.
.
.
JOZEA
ShereeandPearlcametopaymeav isi
[Link]
l
iketheygotdoneatthesal
onsoonerthanIhad
expected.
Me:
Ladi
eshey
Them:
Hi
Me:
Nicehai
rSher
ee
Sher
ee:ThanksJoj
[Link]
hegy
m
andhowthespaceislooki
ng.
Me:I'
m gl
ady
oucame,
feel
freeandbemy
guest
.
Sher
ee:
Thanks.
Iwal
kedwi
tht
hem showi
ngSher
eet
hepl
ace
ar
ound.
Me:
Soshoul
dIex
pecty
ouj
oini
ngussoon?
Sheree:Defini
tel
yIwannabefi
tandgai
nsome
[Link]
sar
ethewaytogo.
Ichuckl
ed
Me: I'
m sureYol
andicanhelpyoumor ewit
h
[Link]'
sourfemaletr
aineranddoesyoga
[Link] nt
roduceyoutothem.
Sher
ee:
Forsur
e.
Pearl
:MayIst
aybehi
nd?CauseIknowal
lof
them.
Sher
ee:
Don'
tbeabor
ePear
l
Pear
l:Idon'
tthi
nkI
'
llbeofanyuse
Sher
ee:
Ofcour
sey
ouwi
l
l,come.
Sher
oll
edherey
esandf
oll
owedus.

Ii
ntr
oducedhertomyt eam asmycousi
[Link]
gotal
ongwit
hev eryoneandjoi
nedt
he
membershi
p,thatdeli
ght
edmesomucht hatI
'l
l
behavi
ngheraround.
Whenwegotdoneshet ouchedaroundthe
equipmentsandwant edtot r
ysomeofthem
exceptforweight
[Link] tseemedli
kePearl
andherenjoyedskippingropesmorethan
anythi
ng.
Ismiledatt hem f
rom adistantandt
ookashor
t
30secsv ideoofthei
rjoyfulmomentand
uploadedi tonourbusinessInst
aaccount
captioned: "
Famil
yvalues "
Ithenlef
tthem andwentt
otrai
nanewgroup
thatj
[Link]
eIhav
eformyjobis
real
lyunexpl
ainabl
e.
.
.
.
LATOYA
Ir
ecei
vedacal
lfr
om mysi
sterandanswer
ed.
Me:
Hel
l
o
Her
:Hi
,howar
eyou?
Me:
I'
m doi
nggoodandy
ou?
Her
:Iam goodt
oo
(
Sil
ence)
Me:
Your
ecei
vedt
hemoney
?
Her
:Yes
Me:
Youmanagedbuy
ingMommyher
medi
cat
ion?
Her
:Yes
Me:
Thenbot
hat
akeeng?(
what
'st
hepr
obl
em?
)
Sheexhal
es.
Her
:Whatdoy
oudof
oral
i
ving?
Me:
Excuseme?
?
Her:Noser i
ousodi rangmoJozi causenext
thi
ngy ou'r
estudying,nextthi
ngyou'reacleaner,
nextthingyou'
reunempl oyed,nextthingyou'
re
astreetvendor.
..andt hemoneyy ousentus
wasmor ethantheusual oneyouusedt osend.
Me: Keke,aonal edankieneh?( You're
ungrateful)goreI'
m doingwhat ,whereand
how...it
'snoneofy [Link] d
careabouti srecei
vingthemoneyt hat'
l
l help
youathomeandwi [Link] '
m
doingiscalledhustli
ng,ifi
t'
sconf usi
ngy ouit
's
fi
nebutsekesedi rangkesedi relalesikalame
(
whatI
'
m doi
ngi
sformyf
ami
l
y)
Shekeptqui
et
Me:
Whatel
sedoy
ouwannaknow?
Keke:
Olebel
ete?(
Arey
ouapr
ost
it
ute?
)
Me:Heel
ang!Watchyourmout
hmonny
aneke
[Link]
dn'
tyouhearawordIsai
d?
Keke:It
hinkIgott
heanswerIwant
,soshapo
aker
e.
Shehangup.
Me: Mxaauhu!Peopl
ewhodon'
tappr
eci
ate
youreff
ort
s.
Iplacemyphoneonthecount
erandwentto
feedthePi
tbul
l
,itwaschai
nedIj
usthadt
o
mov eit
spl
ate.
It
hengotbacki
nsideandopenedmybag
st
ari
ngatmybrother
'sphot
o.
Me: Thato,Iknowyou'
renotproudofwhatI '
m
doingri
[Link] enochoice,
sinceyou
passedonIam Mommy '
sonlyhopeKelebogile
l
eeneshel ooksuptome...Ihavetof
il
linthe
bigshoesandt akecar
eoft [Link]'
l
l f
ind
yourkil
leranddealwit
hhim.

Igothol
dofBuzwe'swhi
skey
sandgul
peda
glassaf
teranot
her
.
It
henfeltl
ikely
[Link]
l
ookingforaroom t
[Link] othe
ot
herroom andtri
edopeningitbutitwas
l
ocked.
Ithrewmy sel
font heot
[Link]
seemedl i
kenol ightcamethroughinthi
sroom.
Ipickedajournal bookandl
eftwithitt
othe
otherroom,definitel
ywon'
tsleepinacreepy
room.
.
.
.
BUZWE(
OB)
Iwasstil
li
ntheroom t
hathaddaddy
'sst
uff
s.I
touchedandfel
tmostofhi
sthi
ngs.
Ihel
dont
ohi
sphot
o.
Me:(t
earful
)WhyDad?whydi
dyoudot
he
t
hingsthatyoudi
d.
It
ookast
epclosert
othemir
rorst
ari
ngat
mysel
fwi
thhi
sphotosti
l
linmyhand.
Me:
Am Ir
eal
l
ybecomi
ngl
i
key
ou?
Seei
ngt hepai
ninmymot her
'seyeswhenshe
narr
atedevery
thingreal
lygott [Link] he
hatr
edshehadf orhimf orsomanyy ear
sthati
t
al
sogotmeaf f
[Link] hatIdon'
twanna
putanywomant hrought hat.
Me:Thecycl
eisgonnachange.I
'
m gonnabea
bet
termanasoftoday.I
'
llbeabett
err
emakeof
Ser
ame.

Firstthi
ngofbecomingabett
ermanwi llbeby
l
et ti
nggoofGomol emoandletherli
veherli
fe
freelyandpeacef
ull
[Link]
hat,I
'
llneedtodestr
oy
thejournalbookt
hathadevery
thingofher.
Idial
edLat
oyacausemyhear
tpacedf
orno
reason.
Lat
oya:
Hel
l
o
Me:
Hi,
youst
il
lgood?
Lat
oya:
Iam
Me:
Naut
ahi
l
oe?(
Arey
oudr
unk?
)
Lat
oya:
Ali
tt
le,
gott
empt
edwi
thy
ourwhi
skey
s
Me:
Wat
chout
Lat
oya:Aker
eit
'sbor
ingbei
ngher
eal
lby
mysel
f.
Me:
Soonwe'
l
lbet
her
ewi
thmysi
ster
.
Lat
oya:
Youhav
easi
ster
?
Me:
Yeah
Lat
oya:
Okay
Me:
Whatar
eyouupt
o?
Lat
oya:
Justf
edFunonowI
'
mly
ingi
nbed.
Me:Di
dyoubumptot
hel
ockedr
oomswhen
youwer
ecl
eani
ng?
Lat
oya:
No
Me:
Yousur
e?
Lat
oya:
YesIam.
Me:
Cool
[Link]
oyy
ourday
Lat
oya:
Yout
oo
Iendedt
hecal
landsatdownt
hought
ful
.

[
FLASHBACK]
Iwasdr
ivi
ngar
oundatni
ghtt
ogetmymi
nd
cl
[Link]
essedinashor
t
dresssit
ti
ngandshi
veri
ngoutsi
dethebui
l
ding
ofHilbr
ow.
Icheckedt
het
ime,
itwaspastmi
dni
ght
.
Me:
Hey
Shel
ookedatmenotsay
ingany
thi
ng
Me:Whyar
eyousi
tt
ingoutt
her
esol
ateatt
his
t
ime?
(
Sil
ence)
Me:
Comegeti
n.
Latoy
a:Sot
haty
oucanscrewmet
oo?And
thr
owmeasideoft
heroad.
Me:No,sothatIcanpr
ovi
dey
ouapl
acet
o
sl
eep.I
t'
scold.
Shegl
ancedatmesor
tofbel
i
evi
ngmywor
d.
Me:
Youcant
rustmecome.
Af
terawhi
l
ebat
tl
ingi
tshegotupandcamei
n
t
hecar .Idr
oveusbackhomeandgavehermy
t
racksuitst
owearthenmadehersomecoff
ee.

Me:
Feel
i
ngwar
m?
Shenods
Me:
What
'sy
ourname?
Lat
oya:
Lat
oyaPi
l
ane
Thatsur
namesoundedf
ami
l
iar
Me:
Wher
eyouf
rom?
Lat
oya:
From Nel
spr
uit
Inoddedt
hought
ful
.
Me:
Howol
dar
eyou?
Lat
oya:
18
Me:Youneedtobecareful
.You'
real
adyand
i
t'
snotsaf
ef ory
out obeoutatt
hist
imeoft
he
ni
ghtyoumightgethurt
.
Latoya:I
'
m usedtowhatIdo.I '
m hustl
i
ngfor
myf amil
[Link]'
snohopef ormyf amil
y.
..
Mommyhasbeensi ckaf t
erl osi
ngmybr other
[Link] r
okeandl ostherjob,si
nce
thennothi
ngwentr i
ghtfort hePi l
anefamil
y.I
alsohavealit
tl
[Link] o
standupanddosomet hing...evenifi
tmeans
putti
ngmyl i
featri
skandsel li
ngmybodysobe
i
t.
Ihuf
fwhi
l
erubbi
ngmyf
ace.
Me:
Pleasegi
vemeamoment
.
Igotupandl
eft
.
[
FLASHBACKENDED]

SincethenI'
vekeptLatoy
acl
osebecauseof
guilt
.Iki
ll
edherbrot
herwhowasGomo' s
farewell
part
[Link] t
ryi
ngt
obett
erherli
febut
she'dgobacktoheroldways.
Shesaysshe'
sbeingownedbyacer tai
nlady
[Link] el
lheral
lthe
ti
met ocometomei fsheneedshelpbutshe
neverdoest
hat.
..Ishouldbetheoneest i
mating
whensheneedshel pandsav eherfr
om allt
he
tr
ouble.
Al
lIknowisthatsheshoul
dnev
erf
indoutt
hatI
ki
l
ledherbr
other.
Oneofther
easonswhyI
'
m keepi
nghermor
e
cl
oser
.
.
..
>>>Tobecont
inued.
..
07
.
..
BUZWE(
OB)
By8am wel andedinEastLondonair
por
tfr
om
therewetook3hrsdr i
vetoMakhanda
(Grahamstown).Unfor
tunat
elywehadtost
ayin
aguesthousecausegr
anny'
shousei
srent
ed
andthenmyf at
her'
shousewassol
d.

Mom: Whu!Idon'
tunder
standwhyweshoul
d
f
lybacksameday .
Me:
KalokuKenei
l
oeisst
art
inghercl
asses
t
omorr
owsoIhav et
obethere.
Mom:Mxm [Link]
oudon'tt
rustt
hatshe
canl
ear
nJo'bur
gbyhersel
f.
Me:
Ha.
anotf
ornow
Mom:
(laughs)Okay
.
Ist
aredather
Mom:
Andt
hen?
Me:
Thanky
ouf
ordoi
ngt
his
Mom:
Itwasaboutt
imemnt
anam
Me:
Enkosi
nyani
Mom:
It'
sfi
ne.I
'
mjusthappysi
bonanangeswe
el
i
nyengoku(
thatwe'
renowget
ti
ngal
ong)
Me:
Met oo,butany
wayl
etmegi
vey
ouspace
t
ochange.
Mom:
Ndi
yabul
elababy
Iwalkedoutoftheroom andwenttotheother
[Link]'revisi
ti
ngmyfather
'sgrave.
Thisisabigst
epf ormeandmymot herIt
hink
webot hneed.

Mom gotdoneandwemadeourwayouttogo
buyfl
owersthenwetooksomet
hingt
hat
'l
ldr
op
ustothegravey
ard.
Mom: Idon'
tknowwhetherI'
l
lst
il
lremember
hi
sgraveornot.I
t'
sbeenlongsi
nceI'v
ebeen
her
e,about29yearsago.
Me:
Inobal
i
njani
(Wonderhowi
tlooks)
Shegav
emeashor
tst
are.
Me:
Imeanbyhear
ing,
Dadhadnotmuch
familyt
hissi
[Link]
esti
ll
angryathimtocomet akecareofhi
sgr
aveand
cleanit
.
(
Sil
ence)aswecont
inuedwal
ki
ng.
Mom:
Ohher
e,Icanseei
t.
Wegotcl
oserandsur
pri
singl
yitwasst
il
lcl
ean.
Me:
Li.
..Li
coceki
l
e(I
t'
scl
ean)
Mom: Itmustbehisauntwhotakescareofi
tor
at
leasthi
[Link]
m asthei
rson
whil
ehegrewaphaeRhi ni.
Inoddedandf acedaheadl
ooki
ngathi
s
[Link]
ed.

Me:Tata,i
t'
smeBuzwey [Link]'thave
muchwor dstosaybut.
..I
'm gladthatI
'vegotto
seeyourrest
ingpl
[Link] oll
ywon'tfeel
abandonedanymore.
Iwal
kedcl
oserandpl
acedt
hef
lower
sonhi
s
t
ombst
one.
Me: I
'
llbevisi
ti
ngmoreoftenandonFat her
's
DayI'
llknowwher et
ogo.I'veal
way scr
avedfor
yourpresenceandkeptwonderinghowour
rel
ati
[Link]'tst
andhereand
l
iesayingIneverhadafatherfi
gureinmyli
fe.
Idi
dhaveamanwhor ai
sedmewel
lbuti
nst
ead
Ij
ustbecamesomet
hingel
se.
If
aceddownhol
dingmyhands.
Me: Mom j usttol
dmeev erythingabouty ouand
I
'm stil
lhavingmi xedemot ionsaboutsomeof
thethingsI'veheardabouty [Link]'tknow
whethery ou'r
eproudoft heper sonI'v
ebecome.
Buty ah,I
'
v edonewel lformy selfbutseemsl i
ke
I
'mf oll
owingy [Link] hey
tur
nedMom t [Link] sthatIdon't
wannamakeanywomanf eel l
[Link]
ust
wannabecomeabet t
erman.
It
ookadeepbr
eat
h.
Me:I
'm her
ebecauseIcareandr
especty
our
[Link]
oucontinuewat
chi
ngoverme.
Il
oveyouDad.
Mom cl
ear
edhert
hroat
.
Mom: TsietsiI'
m alsoheretosayIf or
giveyou.
ThegrudgeI 'vebeenholdingforsomanyy ear
s
I'
mf i
nall
yletti
ngitgot hi
[Link]
for
givemef orthr
owingy oursinsatyourson
andtreat
inghi m badlycausehedi dn'
tdeserve
i
t.
Shel
ooksatme.
Mom: Iknowi t
'slat
ebutit
'sbettert
hannever.
We'refi
xingourbondandwor kingonour
rel
ati
[Link] ar
ti
ngpoint
andIhadt otel
lhim ev
eryt
[Link]
rest
inginpeace.

Wit
hthatpi
ecesheworehershadesandturned
ar
oundleav
ingmether
[Link]
nuedstar
ingat
hi
sgrav
[Link]
ckedast
oneandpl
acedi
tonhi
s
gr
aveandlef
taswel
l.
.
.
.
GOMOLEMO
TodayIwaspr epari
ngt
ogooutwi t
hHl [Link]
Zondofami lywassohappytoknowt hatI '
l
lbe
addi
nganot hermemberi nt
[Link]
suchablissfulmomentforusasaf ami l
y.
Won'tevenment i
onhowmyLav oreacted,his
exci
tementgotext remeandoutofthiswor l
d.
Hesuggest edtodaywegooutandcel ebrate
"our
"pregnancy .

Icameoutonabat heandwrappedat
owelov
er
mybody .Myphonerang,
thenumberwas
unknown.
Iwasscar
edofanswer
ingknowi
ngi
tcoul
dbe
Buzwe.
Il
etitr
ingbyitselfbutt
hepersonwas
per
sist
[Link].
Me:
He.
..
Hel
l
o?
Cal
l
er:
Arey
ouGomol
emoMor
ake?
I
twasaf
emal
[Link]
ghedi
nrel
i
ef.
Me:
Yeswho'
saski
ng?
Her:
WasObakengamongsty
out
heni
ghty
our
f
arewel
lpar
tnerdi
ed?
Myey
espoppedoutasIcov
ermymout
h.
Me:
Excusemewhoar
eyouagai
n?
Her
:Someonewho'
l
lbr
ingaboutj
ust
ice.
(
Sil
ence)
Her
:RememberGomot hatyouandyoursoon
t
obehusbandarest
il
latthr
eatandyouwillnot
f
oroncef
indpeacei
ny ourl
i
v esf
rom t
hisman.
He'ssti
l
l i
ntoyouandhe'syetpr
eparedtowipe
outeverymant [Link] ou
wil
li
ngtowat chmor efami
l
iesgri
eveforthei
r
sons?
Me:
No
Iwhi
sperwi
thabr
eaki
ngv
oice.
Her
:Thenyouranswerisi
mpor t
antt
hangett
ing
[Link]'
l
lbefr
ee
f
rom nowonifyougiv
emet hatanswer
.
Me:
Arey
oupar
toft
heaut
hor
it
y?
Her
:Washeorwasn'
thet
her
e?
Icl
osedmyey
es.
Thinki
ngofPhezisabeggingmyf amil
ynotto
comeoutaboutwhatr eall
yhappenedthatni
ght
[Link]
becomingaf amil
yandv owedtokeepherson
awayfrom [Link] et
oday.
Her
:Gomo?
Me:
Yeshewast
her
eandheki
l
ledThat
oPi
l
ane.
Thel
i
nedr
oppeddead.
Me:
Hel
l
o?Ma'
m?Youst
il
lther
e?
Il
ookedatmyphonef
rowni
[Link]
hatwi
se
ofmetosayt
hat?
Thedoorst
art
ledme,
itwasHl
elo.
Hl
elo:
Babewhatar
eyoudoi
ngt
her
e?
Ipl
acethephonedownandbeganl
oti
oni
ng
mysel
f.
Me:
Justf
ini
shi
ngup
Hlel
o:Awkant
iyi
niethat
hai
skhat
hiesi
de
kangaka?(
What'
staki
ngyoul
ong?)
Hesmir
kedcomingcl
osert
omeashe
unwr
appedmytowel.
Me:
He.
enaLav
o
Hl
elo:
Mhh?Let
'smaket
hem doubl
eset
s.
Igi
ggl
edasmyt
owel
dropsdown
Me:
Aingeke!
Hepicksmeupandcr
ossesmyl
egsar
oundhi
s
wai
st.
Hl
elo:
Hai kant
isengi
lanakeawunongi
vi
mba
(
I'
m al
readyhereyoucan'
tstopme.
)
Hekissedmeandf el
lwithmeontopofthebed
whil
egiggl
[Link] edhi
shandsuptomy
boobs,andthenhiskissesmovedtomyneck
whil
ehiswar m br
eathhitsf
ir
st,
giv
ingme
goosebumps.
Igi
ggl
edmor
eenj
oyi
ngt
hef
eel
i
ng.
.
.
.
LATOYA
It
hrewmyphonedownandhi
dthepageIt
orn
f
rom t
hebookandwenttopl
acei
tcar
eful
l
y
wher
eIfoundi
tjustt
hewayi
twas.
Ithenresumedcl eani
ngthehouseandfed
Funoaf t
[Link]
nthehouseand
staredatmyr efl
ecti
onforthel
ongestt
imeasI
fi
xmyout f
it
.
Imadef
ewbr
eat
hsandsmi
l
ed
Me:Holdi
ttoget
[Link]
i
ke
anyot
[Link] i
kea
chamel
eon.
..whentheyleastexpecti
tAtt
ack!
Whil
epr
act
isingthebast
ardcall
[Link]
ledmy
ey
esbef
oreanswer i
ngwit
haf ake,sweet
wel
comi
ngv oice.
Me:
Oba!
Buzwe:
Heyhowar
eyou?
Me:
I'
m st
il
lfi
neandy
ou?
Buzwe:
I'
mfi
ne.I
'
llbecomi
nghomet
oday
.
Me:
Kai
tse(
Iknow)sowonder
ful
tohav
eyou
[Link]
dIpr
epar
eyout
oday
?
Buzwe:
Any
thi
ngj
ustsur
piseus.
Igi
ggl
[Link]
scoul
dbeachancet
opoi
sonhi
m.
Me:
That
'sdef
ini
tel
yapl
an.
Buzwe:
Thanksf
orhel
pingout
Me:HayIshoul
dbetheonethanki
ngyou.
You'
[Link]
'
llbe
moremeaningf
ulwhenyoucomebackhome.
Hechuckl
es.
Buzwe:
Can'
twai
[Link]'
l
lchatwhenIgetback.
Me:
Alr
ight
Buzwe:
Bye
Me:
Byeee!
..
.Nxset
lat
la(
idi
ot)
Isai
daf t
erhangi
ngupwit
hadisgust
edf
ace.I
squeezedmyphoneinanger
.
Me:I'
m comi
[Link]
lnotknowwhat
hi
tyouObakengandyou'r
egonnasuffer
.
.
.
.
KENEI
LOE
Mybr othercametof etchmeatmymot her
's
[Link],Rir
ieandtheirdaughter
welcomedhi m warmlyandt heygottoknow
[Link] asttheweekendendswhen
you'r
ehav i
[Link] i
kemyweekendwas
soamazi ngwiththem Iwon'tli
[Link]
exchangednumber swi tht
hem sot hatwechat
mor eoverthephoneandwhenIf eelli
ke
vi
siti
ng.
Webi
dgoodby
eandgoti
nthecar
.

Buzwe:
Soy
ouhadf
un?
Me:
Yep,
real
l
yhadf
un
Buzwe:
Itshows
Ichuckl
ed.
Me:
Real
l
y
Buzwe:
Ewe
Me:
Sowe'
rej
eal
ous?
Buzwe:Khaaamon!(
Comeon!
)Me?Jeal
ous?
Pssh.
Hest
art
sthecarandIl
aughed
Me:Well
tel
lmeabouty
ourweekendt
[Link]
e
youal
ll
onel
y?
Buzwe:
Whosai
dIwasl
onel
y?
Me:
Haa!Soy
ouhookedupwi
thsomel
ady
?
Hemadeasi
desmi
l
eIgasp
Me:Don'
ttel
lmey ouwentandki
dnap
Gomolemoandtheny ouf
uckedt
heli
ving
day
li
ghtsoutofher.
Buzwe:
Nah
Me:
Thenwhat
??I
deut
het
hemf
ondi
ni(
Speak
up!
)
Hesmi
l
esagai
n
Buzwe:Al
lIcansayi
sI'
vehad2tri
pswhil
eyou
[Link]
om KZNandtheotheri
nEC.
Inar
rowmyey
esqui
zzi
cal
l
y
Me:KZNandEC. .
.Woahiti
sn'twhatIthi
nkiti
s?
Noway !Ni
ngamanzinefi
shoi l
kal
okunina
ani
xubanit
uu(You'
rel
ikewater&oilyoudon't
mix)
Hel
aughssof
tl
y
Buzwe:Well
wefinal
lymadepeaceandshe
tookmetoDaddy'sgrav
[Link]
cit
y
andtensi
onbet
weenusany more.
Me: Fi
nal
l
y!AahGodi fIwasablet
oseey ouI'
d
giveyouahugri
[Link]
oefunekayo
(That'
swhat
'sneededtobedone)Yho!I'v
ehad
enoughofyourbeeff
orsomanyy ears.
Buzwe:
Haysi
grandngoku
Ismi
l
ed
Me:I'
m happytoheart
hat
.Sokengokuy
oul
eft
Funoallbyher
sel
fthi
sweekend?
Hesmi
l
esandchuckl
essof
tl
y
Buzwe:
That
'sasur
pri
sef
ory
out
oseeahead.
Me:
Ahhw?
Buzwe:
Ehee
Wegi
ggl
edandhef
ocusedont
her
oad.
.
.
.
BUZWE(
OB)
WhenwegothomeKenei mmediat
elyj
umpsoff
thecarandrushesi
nsi
det
hehousecur
ioust
o
seewho'sthere.
Me:
Ist
her
eaneedt
odot
hat
!!
?
Kenei
l
oe:[Link]
unaubonaunomdade!
!(I
wannaseethelady!
!)
Sheyell
[Link]
eandtookourbagsinside
thebootandlockedthecarbef
oregoi
nginside
aswell
.

Igott
othem al
readydoi
ngi
ntr
oduct
ions.
Me:
Ladi
es,
Lat
oyahowwasy
ourweekend?
Lat
oya:
Itwasgoody
etl
onel
y
Kenei
loe:
Hayshamei fIknewIwasn'
tgonna
st
aylongfrom wher
eIwas.
Lat
oya:
Aowgosi
ameausi
wee(
it
'sokay
.)
Kenei
l
oe:
Ha.
ait
'snotokaykum shame.
Shel
ooksatme.
Kenei
loe:Sotel
lmewhatar
eyou?Cause
si
ster
sher esay
syou'
ref
ri
endsandI
'm not
buyi
ngit.
Me:
Shewasn'
tl
yi
ng.
Kenei
l
oe:
Hawunawebhut
i?He.
enoneedt
oli
e
ni
na
Me:Ser
iousKeneIknowyouneedaskwizaso
badl
ybutmeandLat oy
aarej
ustfr
iends.
Kenei
loe:
Mnkhay
ikekeal
eut
loa(
Iheary
ou)i
f
yousayso.
Me:
Yeswesayso
Lat
oyachuckl
ed.
Kenei
l
oe:
Int
hatcasel
etmegol
i
edownand
gi
veyout
wospace.
Lat
oya:
AowbutIcooked
Kenei
loe:
I'
ll
eatl
aterf
ornowkekhat
het
se(
I'
m
ti
red)
Lat
oya:
Okay
Kenei
l
oe:
Itwasni
cemeet
ingy
out
hough.
Lat
oya:
Nicemeet
ingy
out
ooKene.
Shetookherbagandl
eft
.Lat
oyawatchesher
l
eavethentur
nstomewithasmil
e.
Lat
oya:
Youhav
eal
ovel
ysi
ster
Me:
Yeaht
hatIknow
Iwentt
othet
abl
eandpour
edmy
sel
faj
uice.
Lat
oya:
Whyi
sitt
haty
ounev
ert
oldmeabout
her
.
Me:
Youwer
eunf
ort
unat
eandy
ounev
erasked.
Idr
ankt
hej
uice
Lat
oya:
Aah,
sowho'
sol
der
?
Me:
Her
Lat
oya:
What
?
Me:We'
ret
hesameagejustt
hatshe'
sol
der
t
hanmewithf
ewmonths.
Latoy
a:Ohhbutitdoesn'tseem [Link]
ook
l
ikeyou'
ret
heolderbrother
Il
aughed
Me:
It'
sbecauseI
'
m pr
otect
ive
Lat
oya:
Isee
Me:
Sowhatar
ewei
ndul
ging?AahIl
ovet
his.
Isaygr
abbi
ngt
hemeatandat
easIsatdown.
Lat
oya:
Letmebr
ingy
ouwat
er.
Me:
It'
sfi
ne
Lat
oya:
Nny
aIwantt
o
Il
aybackandsmi
l
e
Me:
Okay
.
Sheleftandthencamebackwi
thabowlof
waterwher eIwashmyhandsf
ir
standt
henwe
sattogetherandat
e.
Shecl
ear
edhert
hroat
.
Latoy
a:Uhm Ibel
i
eveIshoul
dbel
eav
ingnow
thaty
ou'
reback.
Idr
oppedt
hef
olkl
ooki
ngather
Latoya:Ibel
ieveIgotenoughpeaceofmi ndat
[Link] ouforeveryt
hingyou've
donef orme...forme, al
wayscomi ngthrough
yourmi ndand( laughs)evenifit
'sj
ustalit
tl
e
j
oby oucallmeandl ookoutf orme,thankyou.
Me:Idi
dsaythatI
'
m heref
oryouany
[Link]
won'
tst
ruggl
ewhil
stI'
m ar
ound.
Latoya:
ThanksonedayI
'
lldosomet
hingt
o
appreci
atey
ou.
Me:
Noi
t'
sfi
ne
Lat
oya:
Real
l
y
Ismi
l
eandf
iddl
ewi
thmyf
inger
s
Me:
Iwanty
out
ost
ay
Lat
oya:
Huh?
Me: Iwanty
out ostaywit
[Link]
sasyour
secondhome, aplaceofsaf
ety
.I'
l
lconti
nue
helpi
ngyoufinanci
all
y.
Shemakesapuzzl
edl
ook
Lat
oya:
Whatdoy
ouwanti
nret
urn?
Me:Latoyahowmanytimesshoul
dIt
ell
you
t
hatwhenIhelpyouhakebatl
elet
hohowena(
I
wantnothi
ngfr
om you)
Sheshookherhead
Lat
oya:I
t'
sjusthar
dtounderst
andkanagoreng
othusanne(whyyouhel
pingme)astranger
.
Me: BecauseIcareabouty ouandcanseea
goodf ut
urethatyou'r
epl ay
[Link]
yourpot enti
alfrom afarandIwannaputy ouin
[Link] hatl
ifeLatoyaplease,I
've
alreadyextendedmyhandofhel ptoyou,gr abi
t!
Bef oresomeoneel sedoes...nowt hi
nkabout
[Link].

"
NowI
'
llgr
abt
hathandt
osi
nkdownwi
thy
ou."

Ihear
dherut
ter
ingt
hatwhenIdi
sappear
edbut
wasn'tthatf
urtheraheadthepassage.I
fr
ownedpuzzl edwonderingwhatdidshemean
[Link]
ustshookmyheadi gnor
ingi
t
may beit'
smyheadpl ayi
ngwithme.

Igoti
nmyr [Link]
rstthi
ngIcheckedwasmy
j
ournal
.Ipi
ckedi
tupt henpl
aceditdownagai
n.
If
rowned.
Me:Il
efti
tfl
ossedt
heot
herwayar
oundnot
t
hisway.
Ii
ntr
ospect
edi
tasIst
oodt
her
e.

"
NowI
'
llgr
abt
hathandt
osi
nkdownwi
thy
ou.
"

Icl
osedmyey
esandshookmyheadr
api
dly
.
Me:
M-mm OBdon'
tyoudar
est
art
!Justdon'
t.
..
Myhandsbeganshaki
nguncont
rol
l
abl
y.I
quicklyrant omybagandf li
ppedeverythi
ng
upsidedownasIcoul dfeelsomelit
tl
eanger
brewingi nsi
deofmeunpr [Link] he
pil
lstooksomet abl
etsandthrewthem inmy
mout [Link] getomyensui tetodri
nkwat erin
thesink...Justthen,myhear tsl
owlyregul
ated
toitsnormal beati
ngandIbegancal mingdown
aswel lasmybr eathssootheddown.
Isankdownagai
nstt
hewal
lti
l
lIr
eachbymy
bott
oms.
Me:(br
eathyt
one)That
'si
tboy
,that
'si
[Link]
st
il
lgoti
t.
.
..
>>>Tobecont
inued.
..
08
.
..
JOZEA
Iwasdr
essi
ngupwhi
l
est
andi
ngi
nfr
ontoft
he
mir
ror
.Mondaysar ebusyday
sthat
'swhyI
wokeupearl
i
erthanmyusual ti
me,causeI
'
ll
hav
etopickSheree.
Mygi
rl
fr
iendbeganmov
ingi
nbed.
Vi
ola:
Mmmm.
..
Shemummersinhersl
[Link]
urnl
ooki
ngather
asIbut
tonmysl
eeves
Vi
ola:
(sl
eepyv
oice)Baby
Me:
Myl
ove
Shey
awns.
Vi
ola:
Whyar
en'
tyoui
nbed?
Me:
YouknowIwor
k
Vi
ola:
Yahbut
..
.
Shesi
tsupwipi
nghermout
hthenl
ookedatt
he
cl
ocknextt
oher.
Vi
ola:
You'
reupear
li
ert
hany
ourt
ime.
Ismi
l
edandwentt
oki
ssher
.
Me:
Goodmor
ningbaby
Vi
ola:
Mor
ning.
Icar
essherar
m asIsi
tnextt
oher
.
Me:Youknowwithmycousinbei
nghereIhav
e
todr
ivehert
ocampus,she'
sstar
ti
ngtoday
.
That
'swhyIwokeupearl
y.
Herf
acespar
klesup.
Vi
ola:
Ohh!Sher
[Link]
dshef
inal
l
yar
ri
ve?
Me:
Yah
Viol
a:Andy
oudi
dn'
ttel
lmenori
ntr
oducemet
o
her.
Me:
I'
m sor
rybuty
ou'
l
lgetmor
eti
met
odot
hat
.
Vi
ola:
Pleasemaket
hatsoon.
Ichuckl
ed
Me:AhViol
a!I
'
veneverseenyouasmuch
i
nter
est
edinsomeoneli
kethi
sbefor
e.
Vi
ola:
LikeIsai
d,y
ouknowIhav
enof
ri
ends
may
beshe'
dmakeagoodone.
Icur
vemyl
i
psandshr
ug
Me:
We'
l
lsee.
Viol
a:Andalsoi
t'
l
lbeabitst
rai
ningfory
out o
dri
veherbackandfor
thr
egular
[Link]
eli
eve
youandweexchangesometime.
Isqui
ntmyey
es
Vi
ola:
Whaaat
?
Me:
You'
rescar
ingme
Vi
ola:
YouknowI
'
m har
mless
Me:
Buty
oursuddeni
nter
est
..
.
Vi
ola:
It'
spur
enotsi
nist
er
Me:
Hm!I
'
m buy
ingy
ourwor
dfori
t
Il
eanforwardandpeckherl
i
pst
henst
areat
hercl
osely
Me:
Sot
heyhav
en'
tcal
l
edy
ouy
et?
Shemadeasadf
ace
Viol
a:NoI'
m slowl
ylosi
ngf
ait
hwheni
tcomes
togett
ingajob.
Ihol
dhercheek
Me:
Don'
tsayt
hatbabypl
ease
Viola:
Trul
[Link]
ingfor
thesepost
sbutwhenIlaymyhandoni t,
suddenlyi
t'
soccupi
edit
'sj
ust.
..i
t'
sdepressi
ng
babe.
Shegl
ancesatmewi
tht
ear
yey
es
Vi
ola:
ImeanIcan'
tful
l
ydependony
ouJozea.
Me:
Sweet
hear
tIdon'
tmi
[Link]
eispat
ient
..
.
Icupherf
aceandki
ssedheral
ongwi
thher
hands.
Me: We'll
wor kthi
stogetherIpr
omise,okay?I
'
m
withyouandI 'myourrefugeeaft
erFatherGod
ofcourse.
..Iknowy ou'
renotingoodtermswit
h
yourfamilybutIbeliev
espendingti
mewi th
y
oursisterwouldbegr
eathel
[Link]
y
ourselfinher
eanddrowninyourthought
s.
Sheshookherhead
Viol
a:Mysist
eristoobusyf
ormeandbesi
des
she'
sthei
rpuppet.
Me:At
leastcomewi t
hmetothegy
mtowast
e
t
imeanddistracty
ourmi
nd.
Vi
ola:
Nextti
me,Ithi
nkr
ightnowIshoul
dfi
gur
e
awaytokeepbusyandgett
ingsomeair
.
Me:
Yousur
eaboutt
hat
?
Vi
ola:
100%
Ismi
l
easIsqueezeherhands
Me:
Ilov
eyousweet
hear
t
Vi
ola:
Ilov
eyout
oo
Iki
ssedheragai
[Link]
ustcan'
tgetov
erherl
i
ps.
Vi
ola:
Mor
ningbr
eat
h!
Me:
(laughs)YouknowIdon'
tmi
nd
Igotupandf
ixedmy
sel
f
Me:
I'
ll
getSher
eet
ocomemeety
oul
ater
.
Vi
ola:
I'
dlov
ethat
Wetookamomentst
ari
ngateachot
herwi
th
smi
l
es.
Vi
ola:
Youlooksmartt
odayar
eyousur
eyou
j
ustgoingt
othegy
m?
Me:Well
..
.Iam at
tendi
ngani mpor
tantmeet
ing
t
hatmightscor
eusagr eatdeal
Sher
aisehereyebr
owsinamazementasIf
ix
mycoll
arconfi
dent
ly.
Ipeckherl
i
ps.
Me:
I'
ll
seey
ouwhenIgetback
Vi
ola:
Okayhav
eagr
eatday
Me:
Yout
oo.
It
ookmyt
hingsandl
eft
.
Idr
ov ehomeandwenttopickSher
[Link]
l
ookingbeaut
if
ulandal
lreadyf
orhernewday.
Wel
effhomeanddr
ovet
ocampus.
Me:
Sohowdoy
ouf
eel
aboutt
hisday
?
Sheexhal
esner
vousl
y
Sheree:
Ner
vous,
itf
eel
sli
kemyf
ir
stdayi
n
school
Ichuckl
ed
Me:
Comeoni
tcan'
tbet
hatbad
Sher
ee:
Wel
lyouhav
enoi
dea
Me:Justtryt
obecal m,it
'snotbadasitseems.
Maybey oumightmakenewf r
iendsbutdon'
t
f
orgettobecareful
,always.
Shenods
Sheree:
YeahI
'
m abi
ggi
rlIcanhandl
ethi
sI
guess.
Me:
Yesy
oucan
Wemadear r
ival
[Link]
readysaw
l
ongqueuesofstudent
swhowerebusywith
r
egi
str
ati
on.
Me:
Arey
ougonnaj
oint
hequeue?
Sheree:
NoI
'
m donewi
thmyr
egi
str
ati
ons
onl
ine.
Isi
ghwi
thasmi
l
e
Me:
Goodt
[Link]
ou-
Sheree:
Noi t
'sf
ineJoj
oI'
vegott
his.I
'
llbef
ine,
thanksfort
heli
ft.
Me:Noprobl
[Link]
lmewhenIshoul
dcome
pi
ckyouokay?
Sher
ee:
Okayby
e
Me:
Goodby
e
[Link]
chherl
eav
e
andhootbefor
edri
vi
ngoff
.
.
.
BUZWE(
OB)
Me:
Lat
oya!Lat
oyaweneedt
ot-
Ifr
ozei nherroom seei
ngshe'snotthere.I
walkedoutdi al
inghernumberbutitgotstrai
ght
tovoicemai l
.Igoti
nthekit
chenandnot iceda
[Link].

"Goodmorni
ng.I
'
m sorr
yIlef
twit
houtsaying
butIhadt
o,somethi
ngneededmyattent
ion.
Ialr
eadyfedFunoandcleanedthehouse.
Would'
velovetomakebr eakf
astbutIdi
dn'
t
[Link]
oyedbeinghereand
thankyouforever
ythi
ng.
xxx_Lat
oya"
Isighandpl
acedt
henot
[Link]
otehera
text.
Me: "
Pleasemakesur
eyouseeme,
weneedt
o
t
[Link].
"
It
hene-
wal
l
etedheranot
herR6000.
Iplacedmyphonedownandwentt oshower.I
wonderi fsher
eal
lyknowswhatIdi
dtoher
brotherorwhat?I
fshedoest
henI'mindeepest
shit.

AnhourlaterIgotdonewi thal
lmyhy giene
pr
ocessanddr [Link]
ev
eryt
hingI '
ll
needandwentdownst air
swhereI
metmysi steralreadyeat
ingbr
eakfast.
Me:
Sisi
Kenei
l
oe:
Bhut
[Link]
e'sLat
oya?
Me:
Didn'
tyouseet
henot
e?
Kenei
l
oe:
Whatnot
e?
Me:
Ecal
eni
kwakho(
Nextt
oyou)
Keneil
oe:Ohh!Yazal
lthi
sti
meIdi
dn'
t
recogni
zeit
.
Sher
eadi
tmeanwhi
l
eImademy
sel
fcof
fee.
Kenei
loe:
ArghshameyazIthoughtshewas
gonnasti
ckaroundf
oranextendedti
me.
Bendi
ngafuniahambe(
Idi
dn'twantherto
l
eave.
)
Ist
arei
ntospace
Me:Mut
ualf
eel
[Link]
i
feIguess
andwecanmanageonourown.
Keneil
oe:Yahkodwandi
dingaabahl
obo(
Ineed
fr
iends)
Me:Uzobafumanaeskol
weni
(You'
l
lgetf
ri
ends
atschool
)
Kenei
l
oe:
Eyyy
ahpr
obabl
y
Me:
Arey
our
eady
?
Shedi
l
atesherey
esunexpect
edl
y
Kenei
loe:
Aren'
tyougonnagr
absomet
hingt
o
eatqal
a(fi
rst
?)
Me: Ndil
isojamnt
ase( I
'm asoldi
er)don'
twor
ry
[Link]'l
lneedwecan'
t
belate.I
'm al
soat
tendingtherapy.
Kenei
l
oe:
Okay
!
Sheaskednomorequest
ionsandgrabbedher
st
uffswhi
leIgr
abbedanappleandmykey s.
Thenwemadeourwayoutdr i
vi
ngtocampus.

Idroppedherwhil
esayingourgoodby
esand
drovetomytherapi
[Link]
leonthepat
hI
noti
cemyBud'[Link]
repeat
edly
.
Hepaceddown.
Me:
Yobhast
ed!
!!
Iy
ell
edpeeki
ngmyheadoutoft
hewi
ndow.
Jozea:
Hekse!
Hehootsbackwhil
elaughi
ngIlaughedt
oo
i
nsi
[Link]
oll
owupt ohi
scarandwe
f
oundaspottoparkourcars
Jozea:
Bleksem z'
khi
phani
?(Howar
eyou?
Me:
Haakugr
andwhuzet
?(Gr
eatandy
ou?
)
Jozea:
Shar
pzi
nnakum mf
ee(
I'
m gr
eatt
oo.
)
Wel
aughed.
Me:
Heeey
isaani
Ireal
l
ymi
ssedy
oubi
gti
me.
Jozea:
It'
sgoodt
ohearthatcomi
ngfrom
someonewhodecidedt
ocutmeof f
.
Me:
Hawunj
aay
nidawg?(
How?
)
Jozea:Netsoethi
ngshappenmospeople
changeelkedagyoumaynev erknow.
Me:I
'
dneverswi
tchuponyouokeev
eni
fI
want
edt
obutIwouldn'
t.
Henods
Jozea:
Bheki
l
e(Isee)
Me: Justt
hatthi
[Link]
ngs
tofi
xandsor ti
nmylif
ey [Link]
ust
neededsomet imeoff
.
Jozea:Iunder
[Link]
hose
dayssoIcan'tsul
kont hat
..
.Imeanwedon't
al
way shavetotalkaslongasyouknowI'
m
herewheneveryouneedme.
Me: Yah,
Butnxfuckthatgowi
ngphasemaan.
I'
m comingbackentl
ekI'
m bounci
ngback
str
ong!Thisweekendme, y
ou,t
hegents-we'
re
onit.
Hechuckl
ed
Jozea:
Njay
egamei
sbackneh?
Me:Ubhast
edi
sback!i
nful
lfor
cebaba.I
t'
s
t
imeIli
vemyagentwana.
Jozea:
Yah.
Me:Any
waywhereyoucomi
ngf
rom?Tof
ind
youbyl
ucki
nthi
srout
e.
Jozea:
Wasdr
oppi
ngmycousi
nincampus.
Me:
Campusasi
n,UJ?
Jozea:
Yeah
If
urr
owmyey
ebr
owswi
thasmi
l
e.
Me:Youhaveacousi
nstudy
ingther
e?Ohwai
t.
..
i
sitt
hesamecousinyouwenttofet
chthe
ot
herday?att
heair
port
.
Jozea:Hayyouhav
eashar
pmemor
ymybr
i.
Butyahthat
'st
heone.
Me: Ohh!Whatacoi
nci
dencecauseIal
so
droppedmysist
erbackther
e,she'
sst
udyi
ng
thereaswell
.
Hef
rownspul
l
inghi
sfaceback
Jozea:
Andwhatsi
sterar
ewet
alki
ngabout
?
Il
ookedathi
m shaki
ngmyheadi
ndi
sbel
i
ef.
Me:
Hay
i,Hay
i,Hay
i
Jozea:
Ohht
heonef
rom Thekwi
ni?
Me:
Tshi
nibhast
ed
Hegi
ggl
es
Jozea:
Dudey
oucan'
tcompar
emewi
thy
ou.
Me:
Ayy
suka.
Welaughedmoreandspentfewminut
es
chat
ti
ngbefor
eweseparatedandr
esumedwi
th
ourpat
hs.
.
.
.
KENEI
LOE
Ist
oodout
sidet
hel
ectur
eroom andgotbusy
wit
[Link]'
re20minsear
lybef
orethe
l
ectur
est
art
s.
Ican'tbeli
evethi
sishappeni [Link] t'
sbeen
10y earsbeingonagapy ear
.WhenIwasi n
highschool i
t'
sbeenal waysadr eam tofurther
myst udiesandgett obagmy sel
fadegr ee.
UntilMom changedmywhol eper specti
veof
ambi t
ionbyf l
ashi
ngmoneyi nf r
ontofme.I
al
sogott oaskmy selfwhat'
st hepointof
studyingwhilewehav elotsofmoneyathome.
Til
litdawnedtomet hat,themoneyi sn'
tmine
i
nt hefir
stpl
[Link]'
saXhosasay ingthat
says:"I
malil
igqabil
omt hi"whichliter
all
ymeans
thatmoneydoesn'tl
astf orev
er .Whatwi l
l
becomeofmewheni tblowsfinish?Hav i
ng
onlygrade12inmynameandwi llbeinmy30's.

JustasIt
houghtofher
,hercal
lcamet
hrough.
Me:
Mommy
Mom:
Sweet
hear
thowar
eyou?
Me:
I'
mfi
nehowar
eyou?
Mom: I
'
mf i
net
oojustmissi
ngyoubaby
.It'
sso
bor
ingher
ewit
[Link]
squiet
.
Ismi
l
eweakl
y
Me:Shamebutatl
eastyouhaveuBhut'Bhongo
wit
[Link]
usnoonei sgonnastandi
ny our
way,y
oucannowhav eeachotherint
hekitchen,
l
iv
ingroom,swi
mm-
Mom:Hay!Hay
!Kenei
l
oeI
'
m st
il
lyourmot
her
wat
chit
.
Ichuckl
ed
Me:
Uxol
ouxol
okeMama
Mom:Di
dyouhavefuninMamel
odi
?Buzwe
t
oldmeyouwer
ethere.
Me:
YeahIhadagoodt
imebondi
ngwi
tht
hem.
Mom:
Ohw
Me:
Hol
i
day
sI'
l
lbebackhome
Mom:
Andi
sangxamanganj
e(Ican'
twai
t)
Me:
(laughs)Iknow
Mom:
Howar
eyoucomi
ngal
ongwi
thschool
?
Me:
I'
m get
ti
ngt
her
e
Mom: [Link]
i
evei
nyoumychi
l
dIbel
i
eve
you'
l
lmakeit.
Me:ThankyouMommy
.I'
m al
sogl
ady
ouf
ixed
t
hingswit
hOB.
Mom:Icanfinal
l
ysayI'
m atpeacethatIhav
e
al
lmychil
drenbackandwe'r
eallatpeace.
Aladysuddenl
ypat
smyshoulderaft
erpi
cki
ng
somethi
ng,Ihol
doutmyhandforher.
Me:Ahli
stenMawe'
l
ltal
kagai
[Link]
etogo,
I
l
oveyou.
Mom:
Ilov
eyout
oo,
bye
Me:
Goodby
e.

Il
ookedatt
hel
ady
.
Her
:It
hinky
oudr
oppedt
his
I
twasmyhairpi
[Link]
rassedasI
l
ookedar
ound.
Me:
Ismy
..
.OhmyGoshi
smy
-
Her
:(sarcast
ical
l
y)Noy ourwi
gissti
l
lfineand
i
npositi
[Link]
neath.
Wechuckl
ed
Me:It
'sactual
l
yapant
yhosenothai
r
under
neath.
Her
:Awhat
???
Me:
Pant
yhosel
i
kest
ocki
ngs
Her:[Link]
..
.doy
ouweart
haton
yourhead?
Ichuckl
ed
Me:
Pleasedon'
tmakeamocker
yofme.
Shel
aughst
oo.
Her
:For
giv
[Link]
pyouwi
tht
hat
.
Me:
Thanky
ou
Shewalkedbehi
ndmeandpi nnedmywi gi
na
st
yli
[Link]
'sr
arecomingacr ossani
cewhit
e
l
ady,whoengageswithafr
icanpeople.
Her
:Done!
Me:
Thanky
ou
Her
:Nosweat
.So.
..
Shelooksar
oundbef
orecomi
ngcl
osert
o
whisper
.
Her:
Iam sof
reaki
n'l
ostbutIdon'
twannaact
l
ikei
t.
Igi
ggl
ed.
Her:
I'
m af i
rsty
earstudentlooki
ngf
oran
I
nter
iordesi
gnclasspleaseshowmear ound,
I
don'
twannawal kal
onepl ease.
Me:
You'
rer
ightont
hespot
Her
:Huh?
Ismi
l
ed.
Me:
Youar
eri
ghtwher
eyou'
reneeded.
Wewer enowgather
ingi
nnumber sandour
Lectur
[Link]
ked
aheadandshefol
lowedbehindme.
Her
:Soy
ou'
reaf
ir
sty
earaswel
l
?
Me:
Yes.
Her
:Wow
Shesmiles,
damn!Di
dn'
tthatj
ustmakeherso
beaut
if
ul.
Her
:Wel
lI'
m Sher
eebyt
heway
Me:
I'
m Kenei
l
oe,
nicet
omeety
ou
Her:Nicetomeety
out
[Link]
dyoul
i
kei
fIsi
t
nexttoyou?
Me:
Sweet
hear
tI'
dlov
eto!
Sher
ee:
ThankGod.
Wechuckl
edandwentt
otakeourseat
[Link]
l
i
keI
'
vegotmy
sel
faf
ri
end,
howwonder
ful
.
.
.
.
LATOYA
"Yeshewast
her
eandheki
l
ledThat
oPi
l
ane"

Ipl
ayedtherecordoverandoveragai
[Link]
ooki
t
fr
om thephonecall
Imadewi t
hGomo.
Istaredatt hepageItorefrom hi
sjour
nalbook
asev idenceofhim admitti
ngthatheki
ll
edmy
brother,[Link] ghtnowI'mtorn
betweenal lowi
nglawt otakeit
scourseorme
becomi ngt hel
awself.
Ipi
ckedapi
ctur
eofhi
m whi
chIst
olei
nhi
s
house.
Me:
Rel
yi
ngont
hel
awai
n'
tgonnahel
[Link]
aw
i
st ooslow,I
'
lldealwit
hy oumysel
fObakeng.I
wi
ll br
eakyoudowni npiecest
hatyoudonot
evenrecogni
zey our
self
.
Imadeanev
ill
augh
Me:Youwon'
tev
enknowwhathi
tyoucauseI
'
ll
bet
heret
ocomforty
ou.
Ipi
ckmyphoneandgazeathi
ssi
ster
'spi
ctur
e.
Me:Eyeforaneye.I
'
m doingthi
sforyou
br
other
,yourdeat
hwon'tbeinvain.
Isuckedthr
oughmyteet
hasImakeanevi
l
smilepagi
ngthr
oughmoreofKenei
l
oe'
s
pict
ures.
.
.
.
SHEREE
Wechuckl
edl
oudl
yaswesatatt
heshopeat
ing
Bunnychows.I'm notafanofj
unkbutIdi
dn't
wannaseem "snobbish"toNei
l
oeplusIwas
cur
ioustoexplorethi
smegasandwichinf
ront
ofme.
Me: Myword!mycousi nwi l
lbemadseei ngme
eatthi
[Link] my etl
ookat
whatI'
m eati
ng,nextthingI'
llbegaini
ngbell
y
fatwhi
leI'
m actualt
argetingfortheass.
Shel
aughed.
Kenei
l
oe:
Woul
dn'
tki
l
ldev
our
ingt
hisonemor
e
ti
me.
Me:
Youar
esocor
rupt
!
Kenei
l
oe:
Yout
oo!
Me:
NoI
'
m suchanangel
Kenei
loe:
Tjuuushamenotl
ongagoy
ou
l
aughedthepoorkid.
Me:
Idi
dn'
t!
Kenei
l
oe:
Sher
eedon'
tl
ie
Me:I
twastheboy'
sfaci
alexpressionforme,he
wasdeadser
iousl
i
kehedidn'tjustutt
erajoke
Kenei
loe:
Wegonnabur
ninhel
lforl
aughi
ngat
thatboyli
ket
hat
.
Me:
Ifeel
sobad.
(
Sil
ence)
Kenei
l
oe:
Weshoul
ddot
hismor
eof
tenr
ight
?
Me:
Inf
actgi
vemey
ournumber
Keneil
oe:
(ul
ulat
ing)Al
i
li
li
!Iscor
edmy
sel
fa
fr
iend.
Me:I
'
mjustglady
ou'l
lteachmemor
eoft
he
Af
ri
canl
anguageri
ght?
Shepoi
ntedatme.
Kenei
l
oe:
Iknewy
ou'
reher
etouseme!
Me:
Nonev
ersweet
ie.
Weexchangednumbersandt
hentookawal
kto
t
[Link]
ewalki
ngacarf
oll
owsandpar
ks
nextt
ous.

Kenei
l
oe:
Ohher
ecomesmybr
other
.
Icat
chagli
mpseofhim andi
nst
antl
ygasp
soft
[Link]
ooksatmeandIsl
owlydropmy
eyesdown.
Hi
m:Mnt
ase
Kenei
l
oe:
Bhut
i
Hi
m:Heyt
her
e.
Hesaidt
omebutmyey
eswer
est
il
lfocusedon
hi
sti
res.
Me:
Hi
Kenei
loe:Uhm bhut
iImadeanewfri
end,
she
goesbythenameofShereeandShereet
hisi
s
mybrother,Buzwe.
Hi
m:Happyt
omeety
ou
Me:
Met
oo.
Hi
m:Woul
dyoumindi
fIgi
vey
oual
i
ft?Doy
ou
l
iv
ear
oundher
eorabi
tfar
?
Ibrushmyhai
rbackwhil
ewanderingmyey
es
aroundmaki
ngsureoureyesdon'
tmeet
.
Me:Uhm nodon'
twor
[Link]
other
's
gonnaf
etchme.
Kenei
l
oe:
Ifeel
badf
orl
eav
ingy
ou
Me:
Noi
t'
l
lbef
inef
ri
enddon'
tst
ress
Weshar
edahugandsai
dgoodby
es
Kenei
l
oe:
I'
ll
checkony
ouokay
Me:
Alr
ight
Shewal ksandgetsint
hepassenger '[Link]
eyesmi st
akenl
[Link] ves
hi
slipsont hesi
demakingahy pnotizing
charminglooksti
ll
eyei
[Link] i
nkandl ook
awayagai n.
Hi
m:By
eSher
ee
Me:
Goodb-by
e.
Hel
aughssof
tl
yanddr
ivesaway
.
If
inal
l
yrai
semyheadupandfol
l
owt hecarwi
th
myeyesasIshi
ftmywhol
ebodyfocusi
ngoni
t.
Me:
Woow!
Iblur
toutmesmer izedbythatwhol
escenari
o
thatj
[Link]
oatwithmy
sali
vaandturnedmywhol ebodyforwar
d,
waiti
ngforJozea.
.
..
>>>Tobecont
inued.
..

•
Sher
ee
09
.
..
SHEREE
Jozeacamet
ofet
chmef
rom school
thenwe
madeourf i
rstst
opt [Link]' tt
here
tostayandseemsl i
kehewasn' tt
herefort
he
restofthedaycausehewasdr essedformall
y.
Butnonethel
esswel ef
tt hegy
m andI'm
guessingwewer eheadinghome.
Jozea:
Soy
ousayy
ourdaywasawesome?
Me:
Yeahi
twas.
Jozea:
Alr
eadymadef
ri
ends?
Me:
YesImadeone
Jozea:
Mmhokay
Me:
Hernamei
sKenei
l
oe
Jozea:
Ohhhni
[Link]'
sal
soaf
ir
sty
ear
?
Me:
Yes
Jozea:
Wonder
ful
.Howyou'
refi
ndi
ngt
he
l
essonssof
ar?Di
dyoustar
t?
Me:Nowehaven'tdoneany
t hi
ngsof
[Link]
t
hinkI
'
m gonnal
ikethecourse.
Jozea:
That
'st
hespi
ri
tcuz
Wel
[Link]
henl
aterst
oleagl
anceatme.
Jozea:Doyoumindi
fIt
akey
out
omypl
ace?
That'
sifyoudon'
tmi
nd
Me:
NahIdon'
tmi
ndatal
l
.
Jozea:
Good.
Hesmi
l
es.
Jozea:
Iwanty
out
omeetsomeone
Me:
Whoi
sit
?
Jozea:
You'
l
lseewhenwegett
her
e
Isuspi
ciousl
ytur
nmyheadathi
m
Me:
Don'
tscar
eme.
Hechuckl
es
Jozea:Nodon'
tbescar
[Link]
e'snor
easont
o
betrustme.
Me:
Okayt
henIt
rusty
ou.
Isatbackandrel
axedashetookadi
ff
erent
rout
eanddr ov
eustohispl
ace.

Wearr
ivedathi
spl
aceitwasabeauti
ful
,neat
andcl
eanhousevi
ewi
ngitfr
om out
side.
Me:
Andwhatdowecal
lthi
snei
ghbour
hood?
Jozea:
Alber
ton
Me:
Alber
ton
[Link] hecarandwalked
i
nsidehishouseandwow, i
twasmor e
extr
avagantthanhowitlooksoutsi
[Link]
for
getti
nghowi tengul
fsmuchwar mththaty
ou
cantel
lthatther
e'sawoman' st
ouch
somewher esomehowi nthehouse.
Jozea:
Makey
our
sel
fcomf
ort
abl
e
Me:
Thanky
ou.
Jozea:
I'
m gonnapr
epar
eussomet
hingt
oeat
.
Ismi
l
ed
Me:
Thanks,
souhm Joj
o.
Jozea:
Yes?
Me:
Doy
oust
ayal
one?
Hechuckl
es.
Jozea:
No
Me:
IseeIsee,
thi
spl
acei
sbeaut
if
ulbyt
heway
.
Jozea:Mygirl
fr
iendandImadei
tal
lpossi
ble
butthanks.
Ismi
l
edwhi
l
enoddi
ngandcont
inuedadmi
ri
ng
i
t
Jozea:
Shewant
stomeety
ou.
Me:
Me?Ohshe'
sar
ound?
Jozea:Pr
obabl
y,l
etmegocheckI
'
llber
ight
back.
Me:
Alr
ight
Heleft
.Istoodupandtouchedfewofhisstuf
fs
[Link]
ookholdoft
heirframetheyl
ooked
goodtogetherandt
hegir
lfr
iendi
sbeauti
ful
,no
l
ies.
HecamebackandIl
ookedathi
m.
Me:
And?
Jozea:
She.
..She'
snotar
ound
If
rownedpl
aci
ngt
hef
ramedown.
Me:
Uhm t
oobadt
hen.
..uhm may
benextt
ime?
Jozea:
Yahnextt
ime.
Hest
il
ldi
dn'
tl
ookf
ine.
Me:
Arey
ouokay
?
Jozea:YahyahIjustneedtomakeacallbefor
e
[Link]
keIsaid,makeyour
self
comfortabl
eyoucanwat chamov i
eor
something.
Me:
HowaboutIhel
pouti
ntheki
tchenwhi
l
e
y
oumakeacal
l
?
Jozea:
Uhm.
..
Ipathi
sshoul
der
Me:
It'
sokaycuz.
Ii
nvit
edmy sel
finhiski
tchenandbr
owsedwhat
[Link]
ikeMom sai
d,I
'
m al
l
aboutexpl
ori
ng.
.
.
.
BUZWE(
OB)
Itri
edLat oyamanyt i
mesbutshedi dn'
tbot her
[Link]'
signori
ngme.I
can'tevensayI'm gonnafindheratherplace,
whatpl acetobeginwith?Causeshel i
ves
wher evershewantstolive.
Il
oggedonI
nst
agr
am may
beImi
ghtspother
there,it'
swher eshel i
kesbeingl i
[Link] le
scrolli
ngdownInot icedJozea' svi
deot hatwas
uploadedadayago.I twashissi sterandt he
girl
Isawwi thKeneil
oetheot herday .Ismi l
ed
watchi ngt hem ski
pandmyf ocuswasmor e
concent ratedonher .Imadeasi desmi leand
giggledwhi l
epressi
ngt hehear tbutton.I
frownedr eali
zi
ngthecapt i
on...Sot hisi
st he
cousinJoz' sbeentalki
ngabout ,she'spretty
manr eall
ypr ett
ybutIguessi trunsi nthef ami
ly
.
Ishookmyheadtothoset
hought
sand
searchedf
orLat
oya.
Kenei
l
oe:
Bhut
i
Me:
Sist
az
Kenei
l
oe:
WhatcanIpr
epar
eusf
orsupper
?
Me:
Let
'sor
deri
ntoni
ghty
abo
Igotupandgr
abbedmyst
uff
s.
Kenei
l
oe:
Uyaphi
?(Wher
ear
eyougoi
ng?
)
Me:
Ineedt
obesomewher
eIwon'
ttakel
ong.
Kenei
l
oe:
Hay
iboBuzwe
Ihadlongexi
tedt
hrought
hedoorandgoti
nmy
caranddroveout
.
.
.
.
KENEI
LOE
Iwasl
eftcl
appi
ngmyhands
Me:
HayuBr
otherendi
nay
e(Thebr
otherIhav
e)
Igotbusywithmyphoneor deri
ngNando' [Link]
seeZulumenwi ththei
rbi
gbelly's?Myappet i
te
i
smat chedwiththei
rsandmor e, y
etInever
gai
nwei ght
.Myf i
gureist
odief orandI'
m slim
l
ikeasupermodel l
olit
'si
roni
cright?Whilesti
ll
thi
nki
ngofbev er
agesmyphoner i
ngs.I
t'
smy
Zuluman.
Me:
Spar
ks
Spar
ks:
You'
vef
oundsomeoneel
se?
Me:
Excuseme?Nohel
l
oandaskhowIam?
Spar
ks:Kunaniungang'
checki
Kenei
l
oe?(
Why
don'
tyoucheckme? )
Me:
AwhSpar
ksweal
way
stal
kev
ery
daynj
e
Spar
ks:
Thr
ought
ext
s?
Isqui
ntmyey
esandscof
f.
Sparks: Whysolokoiy
im ocabanga
ngok'shayel
aucingokodwawenaakukuf ikel
i
l
okhoemqondweni wakho(Whyi si
talwaysme
whot hinksofcall
ingyouyetthatdoesn'
teven
crossy ourmind)
Il
aughed
Me: Idon'
tknowwhet heryou'r
etryi
ngtocreate
fi
ghtsorit
'sjustyoubeinginsecur
[Link]
zit
hembe!(trusty
ourself!
)Thesearebusyday s
formendikuxelel
eIgett oobusywithschool,
atl
eastappreci
atethatI
'm abletot
[Link]
knewkebonanj ewewoul dfightwhengett
ingin
along-di
stancerel
ati
onshi
p.
Spar
ks:
Nei
-Nei
Me:
Spar
ks
Spar
ks:
SenginguSbongal
akuwena?(
Am I
nowSbongat
oy ou?
)
Ihuffi
ndef
eatasIcov
[Link]'
t
hearawordIsai
dbutj
ustonl
ythatpar
t.
Me:
It'
syournameandi
thi
Spar
ks:
I'
m comi
ng
Me:Causei
fyouagr
..
.WHAT?Ut
hini
?Comi
ng
wher
e?
Spar
ks:
Laphoegol
i
Me:Why?Whereyougonnastay
?St
opbei
ng
dr
amati
cthat
'sunnecessar
y.
Spar
ks:
Bengi
ngacel
ibengi
k'
tshel
a(Iwasn'
t
aski
ngIwast
ell
i
ngy
ou)
Hedr
oppedt
hecal
l
.Iopenmymout
hinaghast
.
Me:
Hedi
dn'
tev
ensayhel
ovesme,
thi
sdude.
Ishookmyheadandl aughedt
ohisbehavi
or
whenhe'sjeal
[Link]
smanofmi necanr
eall
y
l
osehi [Link],i
twas
aFbnot i
fi
cati
onsayi
ngI'
vebeenaddedby
LatoyaPil
ane.
Ismi
l
edandwentt
oaccepther
.
.
.
.
LATOYA
Ismiledpl
acingmyphonedownasIsawher
accepti
ngmyr equest
.Idr
ankallmyshots
fi
nishandgrunttothebur
ningef
fectasIr
each
foralemontonibbleon.
Me:
Keept
hem comi
ng!
!!
Myfavor
it
epianoplayedandIlostmymi nd
j
umpingoutofmyseatt othedancef
loor
.I
gr
abbedarandom niggaanddancedalongwit
h
hi
m.

Khawundixel
ele,
bukhonanaubomi
obungenazi
ngxaki
Khawundi
xel
ele,
bukhonanaubomi
obungena
zi
ndzi
ngo
Obubomi
,si
phi
l
akubo,
bunokuf
a
Obubomi
,si
phi
l
akubo,
bunengul
o
Int
luphekoezi
ntl
i
zyweni
zet
hu,
ifunangoma,
eli
yeza.

I
na,
ina,
inai
[Link]
a,sel
a,sel
a,sel
a(x4)
Wewer edanci
ngandmov i
ngnicel
yinthe
dancef
loorwit
hourbodi
esint
ertwi
ning
rhy
thmicalt
othesong.
"
CanIhav
eyournumber
?"
Hewhisper
[Link]
ledandtur
ned
ar
oundfaci
ngforwar
dtohim andwrapmyarm
ar
oundhisneck,
asifwewereabouttoki
ss.
Me:
Howaboutwet
aket
hisi
nahot
elr
oom?
Iwhisper
edbacki
nhi
sear
.Hebrushedhis
handsdownmybodyandl
andedthem onmy
butt
.
Hi
m:Mhh!Musi
ctomyear
s.
Wegi
ggl
edandl
etgo.
Me:Letmegof
etchmypur
seandcel
l
phone
f
ir
st.
Hi
m:Okaywi
l
lwai
tfory
ou.
Iwi
nkedathi
m andleft
.Isi
ghinrel
i
eft
ofi
nd
mypurseandcel
lphonesti
l
lther
e.
Bar
man:
Becar
eful
nextt
ime.
Me:
Thanky
ou!Her
e'st
hebi
l
l
Iplacedthemoneydownanddr ankal l
the
[Link]
psandburpedt hen
turnedaroundgoingbacktot
heguy .Iwas
reall
ysloshed,
Icouldbar
elyt
akesteps.
Me:
Wher
eis.
.
"
Looki
ngf
orsomeone?
"
Me:
Youagai
n!Can'
tIj
usthav
efuni
npeace,
tjo!
Buzwe:Thi
sdoesn'
tlookl
[Link]
'
s
youbehavi
ngr
ecklessl
yandir
responsi
bly
.
Me:Andwhatareyou,
myboy
fri
end?orev
en
wor
se!myfather
?
Buzwe:
Let
'sgohome
Me:
Gakebat
le(
Idon'
twantt
o)
Buzwe:
Lat
oya.
..
Me:
Ker
egakebat
le!
!Gaout
lwesekesego
bolel
ang?
?(IsaidIdon'
twantt
o!!Don'
tyou
hearwhatI'
m sayi
ngtoyou.
)
Hebr
eat
hedt
hroughhi
snost
ri
ls
Buzwe:
It'
snotsaf
efory
ou
Me:Ntl
ogel
ehe(
Leav
emet
hen)I
'
llf
indmyown
wayhome.
Buzwe:
Empaut
ahi
l
oe(
Buty
ou'
redr
unk)
Me:
Justl
etme-
Hesnat
chedmyar
m andst
art
eddr
aggi
ngme
out
.
Me:No!
!No! !
!Letmego!!
!Thusang!
!Letmego
Buzwe!
!!Thusang(Hel
p!!
)
Anot
herguycameandappr
oachedusashe
dr
aggedme.
Hi
m:Monnawhatar
eyoudoi
ng?
Buzwe:Bet
termov
ethefuckoutofmywayif
youknowwhat'
[Link]'
smysi
ster
.
Hesay
swi
thhi
svoi
cev
ibr
ati
ngi
ntoagr
oan.
Me:
Obakeng.
..
Buzwe:
Mov
e!
Hepushedt
hem awayandcont
inuedgr
abbi
ng
meallt
hewaytotheexi
t.
Me:He'
sly
ing!He'
sly
ing!I
'
m nothi
ssi
sterhe
want
stokil
lme!!
!
Ithrewmy selfdownhedraggedmeonthefl
oor
andpi ckedmeup, car
ryi
ngmet ohi
scarand
threwmet her
espeedingof
fthecarwi
thme
sti
llscreaming.
.
.
.
JOZEA
Ihear
dsomethi
ngbangingandjumpedupout
ofshockf
rom t
[Link]
af
terdroppi
[Link]
otaround
whil
etouchi
ngobject
stil
lIreacht
heswit
ch,it
wasdarkandI'
vebeenwai t
ingonmygir
lfri
end.
Thel
i
ght
swer
enowon.
Me:
Viol
a!
Ir
antoher,shewasshi
ver
inganddr
ippi
ngwet
whil
eonthedoor.
Me:Goshbabe!I
'
vebeenworri
edaboutyou.
Wheredoyoucomefrom andwhathappened
t
oyou??
Ishutthedoorandpull
edheri
nmyar [Link]
couldn'
tsayanyt
hingbutj
ustf
rozeand
shi
vered.
Il
etgoofherandmov
edbackt
oint
rospecther
.
Me:
Whyar
eyouwet
?
Shekepthi
ssi
ngandshiver
[Link]
aterr
eal
i
zed
thati
twasrai
ningheav
il
y.
Me:
Andwher
edi
dyougett
hat
?
Itooki
tfr
om herandplacedi
[Link]
ther
cheeksbr
ingi
ngherbacktoli
fe.
Me:
Babe?
Shebl
i
nksandf
inal
l
ygasps.
Vi
ola:
Babe!Babe!Babe!
Shej
umpsf
orahugandIki
ssedher
.
Me:
You'
rebackbaby
Shebeganmovingfr
om thespotwher
eshe
st
oodandlookedatthemachineshebr
ought
.
Viol
a: That
'sasewingmachine,i
tismyMom' s.
She'sbeenusingitfory
earsand.
..Iwentto
[Link]
inuewithherl
egacy.
Shechuckl
es.
Vi
ola:
Itst
il
lwor
ksev
enaf
tersomanyy
ear
s.
Il
ookedatheri
nast
oni
shment
Me:
You.
..Youwentt
oyourmot
her
'shouse?
Shenodsl
i
keev
ery
thi
ng'
sokay
.
Viol
a: [Link] reshairandI
beli
evedmymot her
'shousewast heplacetobe.
Ifi
nallygottoremembermygi ftandtalentI
'
m
wastingaway .
Me:
Soy
ourf
ami
l
ydi
dn'
tspoty
ou?
Vi
ola:
No,
Not
hanksGodt
heydi
dn'
t.
Isi
ghf
orr
eli
ef.
Me:Babepleasedon'tdot hatagai
nplease.
Nextti
meinform meaboutwher eyougoIwas
worr
iedsi
ckabouty [Link]
er
whenyougot oyourmot h-
Viol
a:Caitl
ynisshitt
omeokay !She'
snot hi
ng
tome!I'vecutheroutofmyli
[Link] st
er!
I
'm bymy [Link]
way splayedfor
theotherteam andsidedwi
ththefamilywho
nevergaveadamnaboutus! !
!
Isl
owl
yli
ftmyhands
Me:
Okaycal
m down
Viol
a:Ishoul
dnev
erhearofy
ouspeakoft
hat
tr
ait
oragain.
Me:
I'
m sor
ry
It
ri
edhol
dingherhandbutshey
ankedi
tof
f.
Vi
ola:
Nev
er!
Sher
ushedoutoft
hel
[Link]
urnedt
oher
.
Me:
Viol
aIsai
dI'
m sor
ry!
Shewasal
readygoneIsl
umpedont
hecouch
andr
ubbedmyhead.
Me:
Eish.
.
..
>>>Tobecont
inued.
..

Apubl
icshoutouttoBul
[Link]
slady
hel
pedmer ecoverwi
thherremedi
es,t
hankyou
si
si
10
.
..
BUZWE(
OB)
I
twasthunder
ingIgotoutofthecarand
gr
abbedLatoy
aoutdraggingheral
ltheway
i
nsi
dethehouse.
Lat
oya:Nt
logel
e!Ker
ent
logel
e!!
!!(
Letmego!I
sai
dletmego!!
)
It
hrewheront
hecouch.
Lat
oya:
What
'sy
ourpr
obl
em kanaObakeng?
?
Me:
Whyar
eyouav
oidi
ngme?
Latoya:Av
oidi
ngy ou?(
Scoff
s)Areyou
forget
ti
ngthatIhaveali
fewit
houty
ou?Ican'
t
alwaysbeherewithyou
Me:Ohhjoaleukhet hahobechabophel oba
haul
ebannabaf apanengbasat l
oaelehang?
Homol emokat sel
aeo?( Soyou'
dr at
her
gambleyourli
fewithdiff
erentst
rangemen?I s
i
tbett
erthatway ?)
Latoya:
Sincewhendon'
tyouknowt
heki
ndof
l
ifeI'
mlivi
ng?
Me:
Andwhydon'
tyouqui
t?
Lat
oya:Iwon'
tbet
oldbyy
ouwhattodowit
h
mylif
[Link]
yomotonat
otanna(I
'
ma
waygrownwoman)
Me:Andt
henbohal
ebona,
bot
soakae?(
wher
e
i
sthi
sangercomi
ngfr
om?)
Shekeptqui
et.
Me:I'
dreall
yli
[Link]
'vebeen
cal
l
ing,sendi
ngtext
sandy oudonotbother
get
ti
ngbackt ome.
Latoya:
Sent l
esentl
eobatl
agonyobawena
akere?(Exact
lyyouwantt
ofuckme?)
Ichuckl
ed.
Me:IswearIwoul
d'vel
ongdonesoifIwant
ed
t
[Link]'
tseeyouthatwaykebat
lahothusa
f
eel
a( Ij
ustwantt
ohelpyou)
Lat
oya:
Gobaneng?(
Why
?)
Ipausedandf
oldedmyar
msst
ari
ngatherf
or
alongti
me.
Me:
Your
eadmyj
our
nal
bookdi
dn'
tyou?
Sheswal
l
owedandl
ookedasi
de
Me:
Hmm?
Lat
oya:
Idon'
tknowwhaty
ou'
ret
alki
ngabout
.
Me:
( Sarcasm)Youdon'
t.
..Youdon'
tknowwhat
I
'mtalki
ngabout?Behonestwit
hmeLat oy
a.
Lat
oya:
Iam.
Me:I
'
llr
ephraseagai
ndidyouper
hapsbump
i
ntoabeigebookandgoti
nter
est
edtoreadi
t?
Shel
ookedatme.
Lat
oya:
Ker
il
egakadi
raj
alo(
Isai
dIdi
dn'
tdo
so)
Me:Youdon'
tunder
standthatl
yi
ngt
omewi
l
l
onl
yaggr
avat
ememor e.
Ipagedt
hebookandt
hrewitather
.She
real
i
zedIpagedt
owhereshehadtornt
hebook.
Me: Onethingyoushoul
dknowaboutme, is
thatyounev ert
ampermyst uffsandt
hinkI
won'[Link]!Ihav eacer
tain
sequenceofhowIputmyt [Link]
howcar efulyoumaythi
nky ouarebutIcan
easil
ytell
whensomeonedi dt ouchmystuffs.
(
Sil
ence)
Me:
Sompol
ell
ehe,
didy
our
eadmybook?
Latoya:Wai t
seketlhokagorobalakagonneke
tagiweebilekelapi
[Link]
a,
tswetsweonggol ol
ekei khutse(
YouknowI
needt osleepbecauseI'm dr
unkandti
[Link]
pleasesirall
owmet orest
)
Me:
Notunt
ily
ouanswerme
Latoy
a:Kegof i
lekar
abojaanongongbat
lang
gape?(Ij
ustgaveyoutheanswerwhatel
sedo
youwantfrom me?)
Me:
Iwanty
out
ocomecl
eant
omedammi
t!
!!
Lat
oya:
Nxai
suka.
Shestoodupandtri
edwal
kingawaybutI
pushedherbackandshef
all
sonthecouch.
Me:Youdon'
twal
kawaywhenI
'
m st
il
ltal
ki
ngt
o
you.
Latoya:Fi
ne!Fi
negeh!
!!Iknowy
ouki
l
ledmy
brotherandgotawaywithit
.
Ipausedf
oramomentandcur
vedmyl
i
pst
oa
fai
ntsmil
e.
Me:
Nowwe'
reget
ti
ngsomewher
e.
Isatdownandwat
chedherchestheav
eupand
downinanger
.
.
.
.
LATOYA
Thisbast ar
dmademecomeoutt oosoonev en
whenIwasn' [Link]' tcontr
ol
my selfwhenconsumedwi thal coholandIdidn't
havemuchofachoi cewitht heev i
dencebeing
present edi
[Link] etosoberupand
besmar taboutthiscauseImi ghtbef acinga
hear t
[Link]'l
lprobabl yconsider
takingmeoutt ooknowingt hatIknow.

Buzwe: Kennete,
keai koahlaea( I
t'
st hetrut
h,I
regr
etit)f
ull
yregretit
.Thatnightsomet hi
ng
tookovermeandev eryt
hingjusthappenedso
fast
.AllIrememberisy ourbrotherlaughingat
me, t
henitupsett
edmesobadt hatthingsjust
spir
all
edoutofcont r
ol.
Isneer
edwi
tht
ear
sinmyey
es
Me: That'
sallyougot
tasay
?Af tert
akingmy
brot
her'sl
ifeforwhat
?Becausehej ustlaughed
atyou?Really
?Howpat het
ic!Yetyou'r
est i
ll
r
oami
ngar
oundf
reel
y.
Buzwe:Thishasbeeneat
ingmeupallt
hese
year
[Link]
nki
ngaboutit
.Iwasy
oungand-
Me:Hewasal soyoung!!
!Hehaddr eamst o
ful
fi
l,y
oucausedmyf amilysomuchpai [Link]
arethereasonmymot her
'sil
lbecauseafter
Thato'
sdeat hsheneverbecamewel lagai
n.
Becauseofy ou!BecauseofyouBuzwe
Obakeng!!!
Her
anhi
shandsdownhi
sfacer
egr
etf
ull
y.
Buzwe:Kekopatšoarel
oLatoya(
Pleasefor
giv
e
me)Iknownothi
ngcanundowhatIdi [Link]
pl
easeknowthatIreall
yregr
etwhatIdi
d.
Me:Whatwil
lyoursor
rydof
orme?Wi
l
litbr
ing
backmybrot
her?
Buzwe:Che,
empahokowenahonkot laka
tsel
aeoobatlangkay
ona(No,buti
t'
suptoyou
topuni
shmet hewayyouwantto)
Il
ookedathi
m notexpect
ingt
hat
.
Buzwe:It
'sreall
yuptoyouwhetheryouchoose
tokil
lme,sendmet ojail
ordowhateveryou
wantthatwouldmakey ouhappyandbring
peacetoyouf orwhatIdi
[Link]'
dbesav i
ng
peoplefr
om [Link]
ruthi
s..
.
I
'm arealmonster.
Hesni
ff
ed.
Buzwe:Atl
eastwhatev
erf al
lsonmewi llf
all
withmeknowingthatthere'
ssomegoodt hatI
di
[Link] oryou,t
ryingto
makeagoodchangei ny ourli
[Link] l
dri
venbyguil
tbuti
t'
sreallywhatIwant edand
wishedf
or.
Myt
ear
sfel
ldown
Buzwe:ButIknowitcannev ermakeupf or
whatIdi
[Link]
other.I
'
m
real
l
ysorryMmePi lane.
Icoughedmor
ewhi
l
ecov
eri
ngmyf
aceand
wept
.
Buzwe: Keutšepisahorekaqet oefekapaef eu
[Link] antlelekotsi.(
I
promiseyouwi t
hwhat everdeci
siony outake.
I
'll
acceptitwit
houtanyhar m.)Causei ntheend
nobaddeedgoesunpuni [Link] omise
met hatyoudon'tinv
olvemyf amilyi
nanyof
thi
s,causeithadnothingtodowi ththem but
onlyme.
Igotmyhandsof
fmyf
ace.
Buzwe:
Ntshepi
se(
Promi
seme)
Imadeaf
akesmi
l
e
Me:
Keagot
shepi
sa(
Ipr
omi
sey
ou)
Hesmi
l
ed
Buzwe:I'
l
lal
l
owy outosl
eepandsoberupt
hen
tomorr
owmor ni
ngyoumayleav
e.
Hegotupandl
eft
.NowI
'
vegotal
otoft
hinki
ng
t
odo.
.
.
.
JOZEA
Igotupearlyi
nbedandcar r
iedonwit
hmy
rout
inesil
entl
ywi
thoutbotheri
ngany
[Link]
ook
myst uf
fsandwalkedtothedoor.
"Babewai
t!"
Ist
oppedwi
thoutt
urni
ngbackt
oher
.
Viola:I'
m sorr
yforthewayIspoketoyoul
ast
[Link]
[Link]
and...youdidn'
tdeserv
emel ashi
ngoutonyou
l
iket hat.
Ibr
eat
hewhi
l
ecl
osi
ngmyey
es
Vi
ola:
Sodoy
ouf
orgi
veme?
Me: Onl
yify
ouagr
eet
omendt
hingswi
thy
our
si
ster.
Vi
ola:
Jozeaa!
Me:ThenIwon'teasi
l
yfor
[Link]
erof
f
actI'
m notcomingbackI
'
llsl
eepoverathome.
Vi
ola:
Whaaat
?
Sher
anaf
termeandpul
l
edmeback.
Vi
ola:
Babedon'
tdot
hist
omepl
ease!
Me:
Viol
aIwantwhat
'sbestf
ory
ou
Vi
ola:
Butdraggi
ngmysi
steri
ntot
hiswi
l
lonl
y
makethi
ngsworse.
Me:Youhav eunr esolvedissueswi thyour
famil
yVi [Link] ofixthem sot hati
tmay
notaffectourr el
[Link] l
l
happenonedaywhenwegetmar r
ied?We
won'thav eanywi tnessfrom y ourside.
Viol
a:YoulongknewIhav
enof
ami
l
yand
fr
iendssi
ncewemetJozea.
Me:Andthathasneverbeenani
ssuetome.
ButIseepossi
bil
i
tyofagoodrel
ati
onshi
p
bet
weeny
ouandy oursi
ster
.Youneedt
ofi
xit
anddr
opyourpr
ide.
Shechuckl
eswhi
l
etear
sfel
ldown
Viol
a:Jozeawakeup!Cai
tl
ynbei
ngcloserwi
th
mewi llonl
ylandmet
oament al
inst
it
uti
on.I
'
m
notcrazy.
Shewi
pesherey
es
Viol
a:That'
swhatwasmadef orhert
obeli
eve
andwhatwasmadef orustobel
i
eveofourown
[Link].
..
Il
ookedather
Me:
Becausey
ouwer
e?
Viola:
Let'
sj ustl
eav
ei t
.Caitl
ynisn'
twhoy ou
thi
nkshei [Link]'sgoodatsweett alki
ng
andmaki ngy oubel
ievethatshe'sagood
[Link]'smanipulat
iveandasr uthless
astheyare.
Igotspeechl
essl
ooki
ngather
.
Viol
a:Pl
easeatl
eastt
ell
met
haty
oubel
i
eveme
andthatyoudofor
giv
eme.
Isi
ghr
ubbi
ngmyey
es
Me:Welldosomethi
ngViola!Att
endtherapyor
somethi
ngtogetovert
[Link]'
twant
ustogobackonourdepressingdays.I
t'
llmake
ourhomenotahappyplaceany more.
Vi
ola:
FineJozeaI
'
lll
eav
eyourpl
acei
fthat
's
whatyouwant.
Me:Ididn'
tsayt
hat
'swhatIwant
.Wher
ewi
l
l
youevengo?
Viol
a:Don'
tactl
ikeyoucareit
'sclearthatI
comewi t
hburdenstoyou.I
'm onlycloser!Just
cl
osertomakingitandyouonlylosingfaithin
me.
Me:
Viol
athat
'snot
..
.
Viol
a:Nogoonaheadandalsogoodluckwit
h
yournewcont
ract
.Yousur
elygonnaexcel
up
t
her
ebutsadl
yitmi
ghtnotbewi
thme.
Me:Don'
tbefool
i
shViol
ayou'
renotgoi
ng
any
[Link]
oveyou!
Viol
a:Yesyour
eal
l
[Link]
eel
yourl
oad
ri
ghthere.
Shesai
dpr
essi
ngonmyshoul
der
s
Viol
a:ToosadI'
m onl
yreali
zingitnowwhil
stI
[Link]'renotbreakingupbutifyou
wantmey ou'
l
lfi
ndmeatmymot her'
shouse.
[Link]
oll
owedherandf
oundher
packi
ngherstuf
fs.
Me:Soli
kethatyou'
rel
eavi
ng?Nomeet
ingup
wi
thShereeaft
eryoustoodherup?
Shest
oppedpacki
ng.
Vi
ola:
(whi
sper
s)Sher
ee!
Whew!Atl
eastthat
'sgonnastopherfr
om
l
eavi
[Link]'tl
eaveIneedtowatchher
al
ways.
.
.
.
GOMOLEMO
Iwasonaphonecal
lwi
thmymotherwhi
l
e
tr
avel
i
ngbackhometoNel
spr
uit
.
Me:AowMmay oureall
ygotthatcarr
iedaway
t
oalreadyhandouttheinv
itat
ions?It
hought
Hl
eloandIweregonnadot hat.
Mom: Icoul
dn'
tholdmy selft
[Link]
ly
couldn'twai
ttoinvi
tepeoplefrom churchtjuuu
ngawankay oureventwill
bebi gwankut lwa?
(youhearme? )
Me:
EheeMama
Mom: (laughs)Kesol
ofel
abudgetyagagowi
ll
besortedcauseIwantthisweddi
ngtobethe
"t
alkoft hetown.
"
Me:
Heel
akemaswabi
kannal
emonnawaka
mos( It
henf
eel
sor
ryf
ormy
sel
fandmy
husband)
Isaysar
cast
ical
l
y
Mom:Aowa!I'
m notunderesti
mati
ngmyson-
i
nlawIknowhe'
llf
ulf
ilev
erythi
ng.
Me:
Iyaaay
ou'
remaki
ngmener
vousr
ightnow.
Mom: Don'[Link]
sisamomentf orronare
i
kgantshekawena( forustobepr oudofyou.)
You'
remyf ir
standlastdaughtert
ogetmar ri
ed.
Thi
sev endeservestobetelev
izedonOPW or
something.
Me:Tj
[Link]' tneedunnecessar
y
at
tent
ion.I
t'
sokayf
ori
ttobejustanormal
weddi
ng.
Mom:Mmmhokaytl
hebutt
her
e'snot
hing
wr
ongwi
thdr
eamingbi
g.
Me:
He.
eeMamawe'
ref
inenetso.
Mom:
Ohokayf
orhowl
ongar
eyouget
ti
ngher
e?
Me:
Notl
ongwe'
real
mostt
her
e.
Mom:
OkayI
'
llbewai
ti
ngony
ou.
Me:Yahr
omeladit
umedisotsamegoPapa
(
Sendmygreet
ingstoDad)
Mom:
Iwi
l
ldosobabyIl
ovey
ou
Me:
Ilov
eyout
ooMommywe'
l
ltal
klat
er.
Mom:
Okayhav
easaf
ejour
ney
Me:
Thanks.
Wedr
oppedt
hecal
l
.Hl
elogl
ancesatme.
Hl
elo:
Thatwassur
eal
ongcal
l
Me:
Youknowhowy
ourMamazal
ais
Hl
elo:
Ili
kedt
heOPW par
t.
Me:
Youcan'
tbeser
ious
Hl
elo:
Njeeshowof
f'
nyanat
her
eandt
her
e.
Me:
NoHl
eloangi
vumi
bo(
I'
m notagr
eei
ng)
Heshr
ugs.
Hl
elo:
Hai
ke
Hef
ocusedmor
eonhi
sdr
ivi
ng.
.
.
.
SHEREE
Iwassi
tt
ingwi
thKenei
l
oeandnudgedherar
m.
Me:Whydidn'
tyousayyougotanAugust
Al
sinaki
ndofabrother
.
Shenar
rowsherey
es
Kenei
l
oe:
AugustAl
sina?
Me:
Yeahcausemay
nehe'
ssodamncut
e.
Kenei
loe:Noheai
n'
tcut
eIdon'
tknowwhat
's
fool
i
ngy ou.
Me:Ofcour
sey
ou'
dsayt
hatbecausehe'
syour
br
other.
Kenei
l
oe:
Yeahy
eahbuti
tiswhati
s.
Me:
Mmmmh
Isaybi
ti
ngmypent
hought
ful
Me:
Ishesi
ngl
e?
Shegi
vesmeadeat
hst
are
Me:
I'
mjustwonder
ing
Kenei
loe:
Don'
tevent
hinkabouti
tandbet
ter
pl
ayfarawayf
rom hi
m.
Me:Why?ImeannotthatI
'm pl
anni
ngt
othr
ow
mysel
fathi
m anysooner
.
Kenei
l
oe: I
t'
sjustawar
[Link]
ickt
oyour
agematesrat
her.
Me:
O-kaydidwewakeupont
hewr
ongsi
deof
t
hebedperhaps?
Kenei
loe:
Notatal
l
.I'
mjustaf
ri
endl
ooki
ngout
fort
heother
.
Ismi
l
e
Me:Iseewel
lrel
axai
n'
tnot
hingl
i
ket
hatgonna
ev
erhappen.
Kenei
l
oe:
Let
'shopeso.
Ourl
astlessoncontinuedti
ll
wehadt ogo
[Link] l
iertodaysoitwas
myturntointr
oducehi mtoKeneiloeandthen
hedrovemest rai
ghthome.

Jozea:Dad'
sconsi
der
inggi
vi
ngy
ouhi
sot
her
[Link]
dyoucomplai
n?
Me: NoIdidn'
tbutwhatyoudoingi
sgonna
exhaustyou.I
'm not6year
sold.
Hel
aughs
Jozea:
Isi
t?
Me:YeahIcantakemysel
ftoschool
.Youal
so
hav
eal i
fet
oliv
ey oucan'
tal
waysdothi
s.
Jozea:Idon'
tmindthoughbuti
fit
'swhaty
ou
wantthenit'
sfi
ne.
Hepar
[Link]
l
wi
thanot
herl
ady
.
Jozea:
Viol
awhyar
eyouher
e?
Viol
a:Pearlbr
oughtmeher [Link]
o
passatourplaceandhelpmewi t
hadvert
isi
ng
mymat eri
alsonl
[Link]
herbackhome.
(
Sil
ence)
Vi
ola:
What
?Isi
tasi
nthatI
'
m her
e?
Jozea:
Noi
t'
snotIj
ustdi
dn'
texpecty
ouher
e.
Shenodsandl
ooksatme
Vi
ola:
Mmhandt
hismustbeSher
eer
ight
?
Jozea:
Yeah,
Sher
eet
hisi
smygi
rl
fr
iendVi
ola.
Ismiledather
.Shelookeddi
ff
erentf
rom t
he
pict
[Link]
.
Me:
Ohhi
Viol
a
Vi
ola:
Hey
Weshookhands
Me:
Mybr
other
'sbeent
alki
ngabouty
ou
Vi
ola:
Ohr
eal
l
y?HowIl
ongedt
omeety
ou.
Me:
Jozea'
sbeensay
ing.
Shet
ouchedmyar
m
Vi
ola:
CanIhav
eawor
dwi
thy
ou,
pri
vat
ely
?
Il
ookedatJozea
Jozea:
Viol
a
Vi
ola:
Idon'
tbi
teguy
scomeon.
Me:
It'
sfi
newecanhav
eawor
d.
Shepull
edmeasi
deIwonderwhatal
lthi
sis
about
.
.
.
.
BUZWE(
OB)
Ismiledviewingmymot her
'[Link]
apictureofmegr aduatingi
ncr ècheandmy
othergraduati
onwasi nv ar
sit
[Link] hi
rd
pict
urewasofusasaf amilywithKene, i
twasa
realoldpict
[Link]
ng
atit
.
Herphonecal
lcamet
hrough.
Me:
(laughs)Ma
Mom:
Babyhowar
eyou?
Me:
I'
mfi
net
hanksandy
ou?
Mom: I
'
mf i
[Link]
git
heka?(
Andt
hen
you'
rel
aughi
ng?)
Me:
Ijustv
iewedy
ourst
ory
Mom:
Ohh!
Shej
oinsi
nandl
aughst
oo
Mom:Goodoldt
imesIst
il
lwantust
ohav
e
mor
eofthosemoments.
Me:Wel
lnot
hingi
sst
oppi
ngusf
rom hav
ing
t
hem.
Mom:Sortofli
keaf
ami
l
yvacat
ionor
somet
hing.
..
Me:Yahbutwe'
ll
hav
etosi
tdownandpl
ant
hat
outasafami
ly
.
Mom:
[Link]
ni?(
Arey
ouatwor
k?)
Me:
No
Mom: I
thini
nal
entoyakhoy
ophangel
a
umathandawakhookomntuoziphet
heyo?
(Whydoy ouworkonl
ywhenyoupleaseasif
you'
reyourownboss?)
Me:Mybossknowsaboutmycondi
ti
onand
he'
sanunder
standi
ngmanandknowshow
i
mport
antmyMonday sar
eformysessi
ons.
Mom: Mhm kodwaukuyongokulosessi
on
si
thethanj
e?( Butar
eyoui
nt hesessi
onaswe
speak?)
Me:
Abi
tlat
erMom
Mom: Ihopeyoutaket
hem ser
iousl
ysoncause
Idon'
twannahaveanotherr
epeatof
Gomolemo'ssaga.
Me:
I'
mtr
yingt
oletgoofher
Mom:
Arey
ousur
e?
Me: Zonkei nt
ozakhenemifanekisoy akhendayi
tshabalali
sa(Ever
ythi
ngofhersandt hoseI '
ve
arti
culatedI'
m curr
ent
lydestr
oying.)Ibeli
eve
that'
sthef i
rstst
epofmov i
ngonf r
om her .
Mom: That
'sbet
ter
.Findanewgirl
fr
iendkeI
al
readywanttohavegrandki
dsr
unningaround
myhouse.
Ichuckl
ed
Me:Woahthat'
[Link]
lmy
hear
tispl
easedenoughthent
hatmighthappen.
Mom:Don'
ttaket
oolongyou'
regrowi
ngol
d.
AndI
'
m agi
ngImightlosest
rengt
htoguar
d
t
hem.
Me:Ibeli
evebythenyou'dsti
l
lbest
rongcause
you'
renotthatdomest
icated.
Mom: Hayasazi
butletmenotkeepy
[Link]
j
ustchecki
ngony ou.
Me:
Yeaht
hanky
[Link].
Mom:
Yes?
Me:
Ilov
eyou
Shepausedf
orami
nut
e
Mom:
Uhm wowI
..
.Il
ovey
out
ooson.
Me:
Goodby
e
Ismi
l
eandhangup.

Igotupandtookt
hebookgoi
ngt
othef
ir
e
placet
oburnit
.
Me:I
'
ml et
ti
ngyougoGomol
emo.I
'
m set
ti
ng
youf
reefr
om myhear
t.
It
earandt
hrewev
ery
thi
ngi
nsi
det
hef
ir
e.
"
Obakeng"
It
urnedar
oundandsawLat
oyacomi
[Link]
l
ookedmoresober
.
Me:
Heyy
oust
il
lar
ound?
Shesmi
l
esandcont
inuesst
ari
ngatme.
Latoya:If
orgi
v eyou..
.Weallmakemi st
akes
andwear [Link]'
tdone
muchf ormeIwoul d'vewantedtoav
engemy
brother
'sdeat
[Link] hi
nginmei sref
using,
causeObakengal lyou'
vebeentomewasbei ng
ki
ndandhel pful.
Myey
esgr
owwi
dei
nsur
pri
se
Me:Idon'
tknowwhet
herI
'
m hear
ingy
our
ight
or
..
.
Shesmi
l
esandnods
Latoy
a:Theref
oreI
'
llbestay
ingher
eforl
onger
causeI'
vedeci
dedtochangemylif
eandstop
l
i
vingt
hewayI
'
vebeenl
i
ving.
Me:
Wowt
hat
'
smusi
ctomyear
s!!
Ij
umpedf orherandhuggedherwhi
l
eli
ft
ingher
upthenquickl
yplacedherdown.
Me:
Ohuhm sor
ryIshoul
dn'
thav
e..
.
Latoya:Noit
'sfi
neIgetit
.You'
vebeenal
ways
preachingf
ormet oexi
tthatl
if
eandthi
sis
whaty ou'
vebeenlongi
ngtohear.
Me:Exactl
y,t
hankyouforf
orgi
[Link]
youdi
dn'tj
ustdoitsi
nceyoufeell
ikey
ouowing
me.
Lat
oya:
Nor eal
l
yitcomesfr
om myhear
[Link]
howaboutwedrinkt
othat
?
Me:
Yeahwhynot
?
.
..
>>>Tobecont
inued.
..
11
.
..
SHEREE
Wewalkedtoaqui
etspot
,agar
denandsaton
t
hebench.
Viol
a:Ihopethi
sdoesn' tcomeof fasscari
ng
you,j
ustthatI
'v
ebeenr eallyl
ongingtomeet
[Link] n
comingtoSouthAf r
[Link] hementionof
yournameIknewIhadt omeetyou.
Inodsl
owl
yasInar
rowmyey
esi
nconf
usi
on.
Me:
Uhm soher
ewear
e,wemet
Viol
a:Her
eweare!I'
m sogl
adwemet
.Er
r.
..I
haveamessageforyou.
Me:
Messagef
orme?
Shest
aresatmewhi
l
esmi
l
ing.
Vi
ola:
I'
m si
tt
ingher
elooki
ngata22y
earol
d
gir
lwho'sverysweet,
courageous,sof
t-hear
ted,
ambiti
ousnotscaredtotryoutanythi
[Link]
herfat
herkeepsshiel
dingher,pr
otect
ingher
fr
om thi
swi ckedworl
[Link]'
swhyshedeci ded
togetoutofthenestandspreadherwi ngs.
If
rowni
nabi
tofshockandsni
cker
ed.
Me:Howdidy
ouknowt
hat
?It
's.
..i
t'
sexact
lyas
howIfeel
.
Shenods.
Vi
ola:
Whatdoy
out
hinkoft
hev
iol
i
nexper
ience?
Igaspwi
thmyey
eswi
deopen,
shecan'
tknow
that
.
Me:
No!No!No!
Vi
ola:
Yes!Howol
dwer
eyou?14?
Me:Ar
eyouli
ker
e..
.readi
ngme?Asi
nli
kear
e
youapr
ophet
,medi
um orwhat
?
Shegi
ggl
ed
Vi
ola:
All
Isai
dist
hatIhav
eamessagef
ory
ou.
Iwi
pedt
hecor
nerofmyey
es
Me:Uhm wow..
.Ij
ust
,thaty
earIl
ostagood
f
ri
endbecauseofDad
Vi
ola:Andit
'swheny ouhadyourfi
rstki
ssr
ight
?
Daddycaughtyoutherei
nthepracti
ce.
Me:Urghheembar
rassedmei
nfr
ontof
ev
eryone,
li
kebi
gti
me.
Wegi
ggl
ed
Vi
ola:
Butt
hat
'sal
lbecausehel
ovesy
ou
Me:Heoverdoesi
tsomet
imesmor
ethanMom
youknow.
Vi
ola:
YourMom i
scool
,hei
sov
erpr
otect
ive.
Ismi
l
e
Viol
a:Butt
hat
'snott
heact
ual
messageIhav
e
foryou.
Il
ookedather
Me:
Wel
lwhat
'st
heact
ual
message?
Shesi
ghsandhol
dsmyhand.
Viola: Now, youar
ecompl etelyfreeina
dif
f [Link]
uallygett oadultby
your selfandy ouwil
lgethitthereandt herebut
i
t'
sawayofgr owingandshapi ngy ouintoa
strongerper son.
Shel
et'
sgoofmyhandandl
eansback.
Viol
a:Howev erIseeyourhear
tbeatingstr
ong
foracert
ainguy .Andwhatyoudidn'
tknowi s
thathi
s..
.beatstwiceornoactual
ly,
itbeats
thri
cestr
ongasy our
s.
Ismi
l
edandchuckl
ed
Me:
Idon'
tunder
standwhaty
ou'
ret
alki
ngabout
.
Viol
a:Youwi
l
lmeetsomeoneclosert
obeing
yoursoul
mat
eri
ghther
e(chuckl
es)actual
l
yyou
have.
Me:
I'
m nother
eformenbutt
oact
ual
l
ycome
getmydegr
ee.
Viol
a:Notever
ythi
ngisasbl
ack&whi
teashow
yourfat
herhaddescr
ibedt
oyou.
Shegazesatmecl
osel
y
Viol
a: Thi
sguywill
behar datf
ir
st,he'
llactasif
hedoesn'tseeyoubutwhenhef inal
lydoes,
he'l
ltakeyouthr
ought hemostamazingj our
ney
oflove,oneheneverknewhewascapabl eof
taki
ngawomant hrough.
Ibl
ushl
i
kingt
hesoundoft
hat
Me:
Isi
t?
Viol
a:Yes,but..
.he'
sdealingwithsomuch.
Whenhef inall
yescapesev ery
thinghi soldpast
i
sgonnar esurfacei
nfronthim,manypeopl e
won'tst
andt hebeautyofy ourlove,thereare
gonnabesomanydi sturbancest hattheyonly
pushhimt oawakehi solddemon.
Shemadeasy
mpat
het
icl
ookasshepat
smy
ar
m.
Viola:Whensuchsi gnsshow, pleasemydarli
ng
runanddon' [Link]' sgonnat ai
ntyou
andy ou'l
lbecomesomet hi
ngy oudon't
recognize,yourfami l
ywillgothroughsomuch
withy ouandy ourlif
emi ghtbei ndangeral
lin
thenameofLov [Link] ghtgobackt o
Aust r
ali
awithoutt hatdegree,butonlyasa
paranoidwoman.
Sheexhal
esl
ooki
ngdown
Viol
a:Thengetl
abel
l
edasacr
azywomanj
ust
l
iketheydotome.
Igulpinf
earandspr
anguponmyf
eet
.She
quickl
ygrabsme.
Viol
a:I
'
m notscar
ingy
ou!Thi
sisdef
ini
tel
ynot
toscar
eyou.
Me:
Butwhyar
eyout
ell
i
ngmet
his?Why
!
Vi
ola:
Topr
epar
eyou,
topr
epar
eyouandknow
whatyouwil
lbedeal
ingwi t
[Link]
l
[Link]'
mt el
li
ngyouall
t
hisistomakesurethatyoufocus,
okay?
Inodded
Viola:Iseeyougotbigdreamst oachi
evebut
al
l Ineedfrom [Link]
achievethem,I'
m hereandI '
m gonnamake
surethatyoudo.I'l
lhelpyouokay,whenthe
ti
mecomesI 'l
ldefi
nit
elyhel
[Link]?
Ical
m downandnod
Me:
Okay
,okay
.
Vi
ola:Cal
m down.I
'm notsay
ingdon'
tfal
l
i
nlovebutj
ustbecaref
ul.
Inodcont
inuousl
y
Viol
a:Her
e'smynumberwheny
ouneedt
otal
k.
I
'ddowithafri
end.
Ismi
l
eweakl
yasIt
akehercar
d
Vi
ola:
AndSher
ee.
..
Me:
Yes?
Viola:Don'tt
ellyourbrot
heraboutt
hist
alk
please,anyoneforthatmatter
.Idon'
twantJoz
knowingt hatI'
m gif
ted.
Me:
Okay
Iwonderwhyi
sshehi
dingsuchf
rom her
par
tner
.
Viol
a:Ipromisenextt
imewhenwemeeti t
won'tgetthi
sscaryagain.I
twil
lbeanor
malget
toget
[Link] ou'l
lbef
ine.
Me:
YeahI
'
llbef
ine
Vi
ola:
Nowl et'
sgobef
oret
heyst
artwonder
ing
i
fwestil
lal
i
v e.
Il
aughandwewentbacki nfr
ontofthehouse
buttheyweren'
tther
e.I
nst
eadwef oundthem
i
nsidethehouseandIhadtopret
endlikeI
wasn'tt
ouchedbyanyofwhatI'
vebeent ol
d.
.
.
.
KENEI
LOE
Iwalkedi
nonl oudgiggl
esandsi ngi
[Link] ed
backandwat chedthem asIsmileandshake
[Link] earedLat
oy a'
shairandthey
wentsil
entandleanedcloserabouttokiss.
Me:" Ut
handol
wami nawe,ol
wet husobabil
i
.
Umunt
uwesit
hat
huakafuneki
.Indabazethu
l
ezo "
Theyuncomfort
ablymov
edbackf
rom each
otherasIwal
kedin.
Buzwe:
Sisi
?
Me:Hayqhubekani
(cont
inue)Ij
ustcamet
o
f
etchyoghur
tandheadbacktomyr oom.
Buzwe:
Ohh?Youdi
dn'
tseeany
thi
ngkeev
ha.
Ichuckl
ed
Me:
AyboBuzwekant
iwhatar
eyouhi
ding?
Buzwe:
Not
hingnj
e
Hecoul
dn'
tst
andst
il
lhewast
ipsy
Me:
Mmmhl
ooksl
i
key
ouguy
sar
ehav
ingf
un.
Lat
oya:
Whydon'
tyouj
oinus?
Shesai
dst
andi
ngupandst
aggert
owar
dsus.
Me:NoI'
mf ine,
Ihav
etost
aysobersi
nceIhav
e
ear
lyl
essons.
Lat
oya:
Ohokaywel
l
...
ShehuggedOBfrom behi
ndandIcockmy
eyebr
owsuspi
ciousl
ylooki
ngatt
hem.
Latoya:Aremmol elel
ekgotsaremol
esea
tseyetshwetsokaboeno?( Ar
ewetel
l
ingheror
wel etherf
igureoutbyhersel
f?)
Imadeapuzz
ledl
ook
Me:
Lempol
elel
aeng?(
Tel
lmewhat
?)
Buzwecl
ear
shi
sthr
oat
Buzwe:
Uhm actual
l
yLat
oyawi
l
lbest
ayi
ngwi
th
usasoftoday
.
Il
ookather
Me:
Ohh?
Buzwe:Ndiy
athembaayi
zobay
ingxaki
lont
o(I
hopethatwon'
tbeaprobl
em)
Me: Ohhha.
atuukanti(
notatall
.)Brothi
sis
yourhouseyoumaydowhat everyouwannado.
Kodwakeandinotshoubalont
oay indi
vuyi
si
(ThoughIwouldn'
tsayt
hatdoesn'tmakeme
happy)
Lat
oya:
Oreng?(
Whati
sshesay
ing?
)
Buzwe:Shesay
sthatshe'
shappyt
haty
ou'
l
lbe
st
ayingwit
hus.
Latoy
a: AahI'
m soreli
evedt
haty
ouar
eIwas
l
ikecrossingmyfingers.
Ismi
l
e
Me:
Feel
[Link]
wayIgot
tasl
eepI
'
llsee
y
ou,
enj
oy.
Lat
oya:
Orobal
esent
le(
Sleepwel
l
)
Me:
Yout
[Link]'
tbel
oud.
Theygi
ggl
edandIl
eftt
hem andwentt
omy
room.
.
.
.
BUZWE(
OB)
Wedeci dedt
oretiret
[Link]
heronbedbutt henIfoundmyselfbackinher
[Link] opofherj
ustwatchingher
sleeppeacef
ull
y.
Me:
I'
m gl
ady
oumadea.
..a.
..
Isuddenlyf
eltmybodygori
gidandmyhands
begantrembli
ngbadl
ywit
hv ei
nspoppi
ngal
l
thewayupt omyarm.
Me:
(mur
mur
ing)M-
mm,
m-mm no.
..
Ishookmyheadandtri
edleavi
ngherr
oom but
Ifel
[Link]
'sli
kesomet
hingwas
contr
oll
i
ngandawakeni
ngi nme.
Irosemyheadupandl ookedattheasl
eep
[Link]
vidbyjustlooki
ngatherface.
..I
crawledtowardsherbr eathi
ngheavi
l
[Link]
mov edmyf ingersl
ightl
yacrossherneckthen
gentlyencl
osedmyhandonherneck.
Me: (
groaningsoft
ly)Iam watchi
ngyouLatoy
a
Iam wat chi
ngyouclosely
.Ifyouthi
nkyou'
rea
bigplayertothegamey ou'
replayi
ngtheny
ou
havenoi deawhat'sinst
oreforyou!
Ithentr
embledasifI
'
m hav
ingasei
zur
eat t
ack
andgotshockedseei
ngmyhandonLatoya'
s
[Link]
ckl
yleti
tgoandmovedaway.
Me:(
panti
ngheav
il
y)Whatt
he.
.what
..
.what
..
.
what
..
..
Ist
oppedandgl
ancedbackather
.Shewas
okayandsti
ll
soundasleep,shedi
dn'tseem
hurt
.Igotupandlef
therroom Ineedmypi l
ls
ASAP.
Iwentt
olookfort
[Link]
hecont
ainer
andsawthem empty
.
Me:
Damn!
!!
!
Ibangedandt
hrewt
hecont
aineraway
.
.
.
.
LATOYA
TodayIwokeupi [Link]
everyt
hingthatneedstobedonei nthehouse.I
hadplansaheadf orthi
sday,Ijustf
eltl
i
ke
call
i
ngmyf ami lyandcheckupont [Link]
Keneil
oedisturbedthatbywalkingi
n
Me:
Kene
Kenei
l
oe:
Lat
oya
Me:
Goodmor
ning
Kenei
l
oe:
Mor
ning.
Me:Imadebreakf
astandal
readyhadfedFuno.
Whati
slef
tisforyouguyst
obef ed.
Shesmi
l
edasshesatdown
Keneil
oe:
Errdanki
e,abut
iokae?(
Thanks,
where'
smybr ot
her
?)
Me: It
hinkhe'
sstil
li
nhisr [Link]
sethar
i
bosigoyobof et
il
eng,j
aanongkenaganagoreo
tshwaraboroko(Hesleptlatel
astni
ght
,soI
thi
nkhe'scatchi
ngupwi thhissl
eep)
Shef
rownedl
ooki
ngatherwr
ist
wat
ch.
Keneil
oe:
Sleptl
ate?ButOBknowsheshoul
d
betaki
ngmet oschool.
Me:Well
nnakef anonkakgonagogoisa
skol
ong(I
'm her
eIcantakeyout
oschool)
Keneil
oe:
Seohaseboikar
abel
l
obahau(
That
'
s
notyourr
esponsi
bil
i
ty)
Me:Iknowbutwe'
rel
ikef
amilyj
anoakeremma.
WhenObakengcan'
tdocert
aint
hingst
hat'
s
whereIgeti
nandhel
p.
Kenei
l
oe:
Haybuti
t'
ssounusual
shame.M-
hm
l
etmecheckhi
m.
Me:
Nny aammakekopelagoreonnef
atshe
(
Nositdown)l
et'
snotdi
stur
bhim.
Isai
dhol
dingherhandmaki
nghersi
tdown.
Me:
What
?Youdon'
tyout
rustme?
Keneil
oe:Notj
ustt
hat
..
.ar
eyoudat
ingmy
brot
her?
Isneer
edandchuckl
ed
Me:No, I
'
m notdat
ingy
ourbrot
[Link]
tseone
dayI
'l
ltel
lyouhowImetyourbrot
herandhowI
knowhim andwhatwereal
l
yare.
Kenei
l
oe:
CauseI
'
mreal
l
ycur
ious
Me:Eyakeagobona(
YesIcansee.
)Weshoul
d
setadat
e?
Kenei
l
oe:
Neng?(
When?
)
Ismi
l
edt
hought
ful
Me:
Akei
tse(
Idon'
tknow)howaboutt
oday
?
Kenei
l
oe:
Today
?
Me: I
'
llj
usttakeyout
omyterr
it
ory
.Ineedyou
toaccompanymet ogofet
chmyst uff
ssi
nceI
'l
l
l
[Link] eapr
oper
date.
Kenei
l
oe:Ihav
enoprobl
em ifonlywedot
hat
whenIcomebackf
rom school.
Iexci
tedl
yhi
tthet
abl
e
Me:Ri
ght,
speaki
ngaboutschool
aren'
tyoul
ate
f
orschool
?
Shel
ooksatherwr
ist
wat
ch
Kenei
l
oe:
(sar
cast
ical
l
y)Ee!
Me:
Thenar
etsamay
e(l
et'
sgo)
Kenei
l
oe:
Arey
e(Let
'sgo)
Wet
ookf
ewspoonsandgotupt
henl
eft
.
.
.
.
BUZWE(
OB)
Isatdowninthemi ddl
[Link]
tot
al mess,
Iwasinazombi emodeasIst ar
ed
endlessl
yatGomo'sweddingi
nvi
tat
[Link]
i
tfrom hermother
'sstat
us.
Thedat eistwoweeksfrom here,
can'tbel
ieve
j
ustlikethatshe'
ll
bemar r
yinganotherman, l
i
ke
ther
ewasnev [Link]' tImov e
onfrom thisonewomanaf teral
lthoseyears.
How?
"
Heyt
her
e,don'
[Link]
imewi
l
lcome.
"
Forthefi
rstti
met odayImadeamov ementby
l
ifti
[Link] ,
Gomol emo
standi
ngt her
ewear ingherwhi t
elaceygarment
[Link] hickand
sexymaki ngmybl oodr ushasshemadet hat
beauti
fulsmileofher [Link]
dnicel
yv i
ewher
faceasshehadherhai rneat
lyt
iedup.
Shebeganswi
ngi
ngherbodyforme,
danci
ng
al
ongwitht
hesongt
hatplay
ed.

Hav
inghal
l
uci
nat
ions
I
'
mlosi
ngsl
eepev
eryni
ght
Keept
ryi
ngt
ocov
ermyey
es
Myey
es,
yeah
I
sitmyi
magi
nat
ion
It
hinkI
'
mlosi
ngmymi
nd
St
il
lseey
ourf
aceal
lthet
ime
Al
lthet
ime

Tr
ynnar
ewi
nd'
ti
lwe'
rebackwher
ewest
art
ed
Yeaht
hat
'sal
lIwant
Ni
ghtaf
terni
ghtaf
terni
ghtI
'
m st
il
lhaunt
ed
I
'
m haunt
edbaby
,I'
m haunt
edby
..
.

You,
you,
fal
lasl
eepanddr
eam of
You,
you,
lat
eatni
ghtIscr
eam f
or
You,
you,
wai
ti
ngonadej
avu
Butunt
ilt
hen
Il
i
vewi
thhal
l
uci
nat
ions
Yeah,
they
'r
ejusthal
l
uci
nat
ions
AndI
'
llj
usthal
l
uci
nat
e
Causey
ou'
renother
e
Hal
l
uci
nat
ions

[Link]
bangedandev ery
thi
ngdi
sappear
edtoi
ts
depressi
ngstate.
Isighdeepl
yasIrestt
hebackofmyheadon
thebedandplacemypalmsonmyface.
"
Obakeng?
"
Me:
It'
snotr
eal
.
.
..
>>>Tobecont
inued.
..
12
.
..
VI
OLA

Whatam Igonnaf
ind?
Wi
l
lyoubet
her
eforme?
Ohno,
Iwon'
tst
op
Ti
l
litt
ell
smei
t'
sal
lov
er
YeahYeah,
HoooohIam r
eady
Whatam Igonnasay
?
St
ari
ngaty
ourf
ace
Wi
l
lyoubeki
ndt
ome?

OnedayI
'
llr
eachi
t
OnedayI
'
llr
eachi
t
OnedayI
'
llr
eachi
t

I
'm abiglov
erofZonke'
ssongs.I
'm so
obsessedwitht
hisl
adyIhaveful
lpl
ayli
stsof
her,
shekeepsmei [Link]
afr
icansongsIdon'tunder
standmuchbutsti
l
l
j
am [Link]
tone
dayevenifi
tcost s5ktobeinI'
dmakeway st
o
payandbet here.

Iwaswor ki
ng,sewingclot
[Link]
them forchari
tybeforesel
li
ngt [Link]'
sbeen
alwaysmyai mt ohelptheneedy .Iwashoping
togetconnectedwi thJozea'smom and
discussitmorewi t
hhersincesheof tenvi
sits
orphanagesandal sohelpi
ngout .Ineedtoget
hernumber sfrom Jozea.
[Link]
tchedofft
hemachi
neand
gothol
doftheremot
eandr educedt
hev
olume.
Me:
Hel
l
o?
Idi
dn'
tknowt
henumber
.
Cal
l
er:
Hi
Myst
omacht
urnedi
nknot
shear
ingwhoi
twas.
Iwasaboutt
ogett
hephoneof
fmyear
.
Cai
tl
yn:
Pleasedon'
thangup!
Me:What
?Whatdoy
ouwant
?Andwhogav
e
youmynumber
?
Cai
tl
yn:I
tdoesn'
tmat
terVi
olaIj
ust
..
.Ineedf
or
ust
of i
xthi
ngs.
Il
aughed.
Cait
lyn:I'
mjustf
eel
ingl
onel
yIneedmysi
ster
[Link]
waysbeenyouandI,
whywould
weletpeoplesepar
ateusapar
t?
Me:
Ishoul
dbeaski
ngy
out
hesamequest
ion.
(
Sil
ence)
Me: Youknowit'
swaybeyondthefamil
y
separat
[Link] nf
ulour
mother'
slif
[Link]
hher
ti
ll
theveryendandwhatdidyoudo?Choose
dad'ssi
deandhisfami
ly.
Cai
tl
yn:
Icoul
dn'
tbel
i
evedadwascapabl
eof
sucht
hings.
Me: Butitwaseasyt obeli
evemom was
capableofbeingawi tchri
ght?Afterevery
thing
thatwomanhasdonef orus,
howshebenther
backandsacr if
icedmanyt hi
ngsf [Link]
lyn
shebr east
fedyouandnur tur
edy outobet he
womant hatyouaretodayandy oubecamepar t
ofinvolvementforherdeath!
Tearstri
ckl
eddownonmyf
aceasIr
emember
exactl
ythatday
.
Cait
lyn:
SisI'
m sor
ry,
I'
m sosor
ryIshoul
d'
ve
knownbetter
.
Ishookmyhead
Me: Idon'tthi
nkyoursor ryisgonnabr i
ngher
[Link] en'tresentedyouf orhowshe
di
edcauseIknewt haty ouweren'tinhandof
herdeat [Link]. .
.becauseI'mjustli
ke
her,
[Link] atel
ywantt oput
mei nament ali
nstit
ution?Calli
ngmygi ft
i
l
lusi
ons.
Cai
tl
yn:Butsi
sinsomecaseyouhadament
al
br
eakdownandy ourt
emperwasbad.
..
Me: Whowoul dn't
???Afterwit
nessingmy
mot herdi
eli
ket hatatage13?Herscr eams,her
l
ooki ntheeyes,hertearswhent hefi
rewas
burninghert
il
l herl
astscream,itwill
forev
er
[Link] notl i
key ou!
Sheexhal
es.
Cai
tl
yn:Okayl
et'
smeetupandt
alkaboutt
his
[Link]
'smakepeace.
Me:
IknowwhenI
'
m bei
ngt
rapped.
Cait
lyn:Violawil
lyouforonceswal
l
owyour
pri
de!!!
!I'
mt ryi
ngherereal
lyt
ryi
ngt
omeetyou
hal
fway .Pleasesi
s.
Me:Youaret
hei
rskivvy
,theirpuppet
,thei
reyes
andear
[Link]'
llpass,Iwon'
tfal
lfor
anot
hertr
ap.
Cai
tl
yn:
Viol
[Link]
ola?
Ihangupandbl
ockedhernumber
.
ThedooropenedandJozeacamei
n.
Jozea:
Hey
Me:
Hey
Weki
ssed.
Me:Whydi
dn'
tyoualer
tmet hatyou'l
lcome?I
woul
d'
vepr
eparedsomethi
ngf oryou.
Jozea:No,todayIstoppedmidwaywith
[Link],
i
t'
sbeenawhi l
esinceI'
vetakenyououtand
spoil
you.
Ismi
l
ed.
Me:Awwisit
?I'
dsayper
fectt
imebutasy
ou
canseeI
'
m atwork.
Jozea:
Iseey
ou'
ref
ull
handson
Me:
ButIwoul
dn'
trej
ectadat
[Link]
t
omor
edecentcl
othes?
Jozea:YahIal
sowannat
akeashowert
oget
ri
dofthissweat
.
Me:
CanIj
oiny
ou?
Hemadeasi
l
lygr
in.
Jozea:
Doy
ouwantt
o?Li
key
ousur
esur
e?
Il
aughedandnoddedashecamet
opickmeup
andwekissed,
walki
ngwit
hmetothe
bat
hroom.
.
.
.
GOMOLEMO
Iwasstari
ngatmyphonef orawhilei
n
thought
[Link]
'sbeenawhi l
esincerecei
vi
ng
somethingfrom [Link] eon?Wel
l
i
t'dbesuchar el
ievebutatthesametimeIwas
getti
ngusedtohim buggingmeandshowi
ng
thatIst
il
[Link]
rd
thatmaysound.
"
Gomol
[Link]
emo!
"
Ij
umped
Me:
Huh?
Hl
elo:
Wher
e'sy
ourmi
ndat
?
Me:Uhm nothi
[Link]
dreami
ngaboutt
he
dayI
'l
lsayIdo.
Hl
elo:
Ohr
eal
l
y?
Me:
Uh-
huh
Hel
eanedf
orwar
dandki
ssedme
Hl
elo:
Namiangikwaziukul
indel
alel
olanga(
I
al
socan'
twai
tfortheday)
Ismi
l
[Link]
ouchedmyt
ummy
.
Hlel
o:Howar
eyout
reat
ingourl
it
tl
ejuni
ort
here
heee?Howar
eyoudoi
nginther
emyboyboy ?
HeeeSbani
set
[Link]
sezweZondi
Me:Nonoit
'sagi
rlandwe'
l
lnameheri
n
Tswana.
Hlel
o:Andal
soi
nZul
ubabecomeon.I
nini
checkupyet
hu?
Me:
Tomor
row
Hl
elo:
Okay
,I'
l
lseey
oukemyl
ove.
Me:
Don'
ttakel
ong
Hl
elo:
Iwon'
tnawedon'
tst
andt
ool
ong
Il
aughed
Me:Aowit
'ssti
ll
earl
[Link]'
l
lbe
sear
chi
ngfordecornot
hingmore.
Hl
elo:
Okay
Heki
ssedme.
Hl
elo:
Sayhi
toMamazal
aforme
Me:
Iwi
l
lbabyby
e.
Hetookhisst
uffsandl
[Link]
pr
eparedtogotomymot her'
[Link]
il
l
pi
ckedmyphoneandcheckedf orany
messagesoratl
eastaphonecal
l.
Isi
ghedandgotmyhandbagandl
eft
.
.
.
.
BUZWE(
OB)
If
inal
l
ygotof
fther
oom andmetwi
thLat
oya.
Latoya:ShuObakeng!I'
vebeenknockingher
e
forli
[Link].
What '
swrong?IeventookKenet oschool
.
Ij
ustst
oodtheresi
lentwit
hmyey
esbei
nghal
f
cl
osedbecauseofsadness.
Lat
oya:
Arey
ouokay
?
Il
ookedather
Me:
Weneedt
otal
k
Lat
oya:
Ohh?I
sitser
ious?
Me:
Justf
oll
owmei
nthel
ounge
Ilef
thert
her
eanddraggedmyf
eettothe
l
oungeandsatdownrubbi
[Link]
foll
owedme.
Lat
oya:
Whati
sthi
sabout
?
(
Sil
ence)
Lat
oya:
Obakeng!
Ihuf
fhi
tt
ingmyf
inger
stoget
her
Me:
Ithi
nky
oust
ayi
ngher
eisabadi
dea.
Lat
oya:
Eng?(
What
?)
Me:
Youcan'
tst
ayher
eI'
m sor
ry.
Latoy
a:Sorr
y?It
houghtwereachedan
underst
andi
ngandyouhadalreadyagr
eed.
Me:Keatsebaempakenahanahor
ekeentse
phoso.(
IknowbutIt
hinkImadeamist
ake)
Latoya:
Whatmi st
ake??Oitsesentlefake
tsamayakeboelabotshel
obakabakgal [Link]
gonnengmonogompay [Link]
ti
safaoneor eokanthusa?(Youknowexact l
y
whenIleav
eI '
l
lgobackt omyol dli
[Link]
vi
ng
herewasgonnakeepmeawayf rom i
[Link]
didn'
tmeanitwheny ousai
dy ou'l
lhelpme?)
Me:
ChechecheLat
oyaIdowannahel
pyou.
Latoy
a:Thenwhati
sit
?Whyt
hechangeof
mind.
Iexhal
e
Me:
Becausei
t'
snotsaf
efory
ou
Latoya:
Safefr
om..
.fr
om whatorwho?Li
ke
oraaeng(whatdoyoumean?)You'
renot
makingsense.
Me:Lat
oyaIam t
hedanger
,youneedt
ost
ay
awayfr
om.
Shel
ookedatme
Me: It
akepill
stoliveli
keanor
malperson,
to
notharm [Link]
encounteryoulastfoundmeinawhil
eago?
Shenodded
Me: That'
showIactwhenIr unoutofpi
l
ls.I
don'twannahavesuchepisodeswhenyou'r
e
aroundandharmy [Link]
sorder
[Link] ustneedyoutodomeaf avour
andl eav
e.
Shebl
i
nked
Lat
oya:
Butwhatabouty
oursi
ster
?
Me:Idon'tpr
eyonmyf amil
y,i
tcouldbeanyone
butnotfamil
[Link]
eaboutyouLatoyaIneed
youtoleavepl
ease.
Shekeptqui
et.
Me:
I'
ll
conti
nuehel
pingy
oubuty
oudon'
thav
e
t
obehere.
Lat
oya:
Ihear
dyou.I
t'
sfi
neI
'
lll
eav
e.
Shegotupandl ef
[Link]
ngIhear d
voi
ceslaughi
ngatmer ealhar
[Link]
headcoveri
ngmyear sasIshutmyey [Link]
upandgrabbedmycarkey sIneedtoseeMi ss
Ander
sont hi
sisgett
ingoutofhandnow.
.
.
.
KENEI
LOE
Mom:Uthi
uyahl
ali
sanauBuzwe?(
Yousay
ing
Buzwei
scohabi
ti
ng)
Me:
Eweungancamasana
Mom: Heeezi
ntozani
niezo?(
Whendi
dthat
happen?
)
Me:
Ntozangokungoku(
Recentt
hings)
Mom:
Doy
out
hinkt
hey
'r
edat
ing?
Me:
HayI
'
m notsur
etheydon'
twannacomeout
abouti
t.I
'
m suspecti
ngbutay
inamkhondo
l
[Link]'
tknowwhattolabel
itwhet
her
they
'r
efri
endsorwhat.
Mom: Heeether
e'sdefi
nit
elysomethi
ngt
her
e,
def
ini
tel
y.I
'mtel
li
ngy oumnt anam.
Me:
Wemaynev
erknow
Mom: I
'dbegladifhemov esonf r
om
Gomolemo.I'm al
wayswor r
yingabouthi
swell
-
bei
ngespecial
lyngokuezotshata(nowthat
she'
sgett
ingmar r
ied)
Me: Kumi
ncemnangoku( I
'
m clenchi
ngmybut
t
aswespeak.)Buthehasn'
tdoneanythi
ng
funnysof
ar.
Mom: Ohht
hat'
sbet
terbaby
.Tellmeaboutt
his
gi
rl
,howissheandi
ssheani ceper
son?
Me: YhoMamashame!Leav ei
tal
ltoy
ourson.
AllIcantelly
ouaboutheri
shernameand
surnamet henyou'
l
ldoallt
hestal
ki
ngby
yoursel
f.
Mom:
Yizanazont
ombo(
Comewi
thi
tmygi
rl
)
Ichuckl
ed
Me:
Shei
sLat
oyaPi
l
ane
Mom: I
'm def
ini
tel
ygonnaf
oll
[Link]
thenwhenarethecowscomingi
nmy
homestead?
Me:
AweeehMa!
Mom: What
?Nexty earyou'
ret
urni
ng30y ear
s
samewithyourbr
[Link]
ing
marr
ied,
youdonotgi vemegrandki
ds!Hayhay
bant
wanabam noko.
Me:YhuuuMamawai tal
itt
leatl
eastl
etme
gr
aduateandgetagoodjobthenmaybe.
..I
'
ll
br
ingyouasoccert
eam ofgrandki
ds.
Mom: I
vaisengu"
maybe"nakhona(
List
ent
o
t
hat
,there'
sevena"maybe"
)
Ichuckl
ed.
Me:
HayMamamaan
Mom: Hayi
letmenotst opyouf r
om enj
oying
yourday.I'
m gladyou'
resettl
i
ngwel l
inschool
expectyourblessi
nglateronfrom mommy
dearest.
Byt
hatshemeantmoney
.
Me: Ndi
l
iyoko-
yoko
Ndi
njenj
enj
e,nguMama
Ndi
njenj
enj
e,nguMama
Isangandshel
aughed.
Mom: Awwndazingca(
I'
m pr
oud.
)We'
l
ltal
k
l
atersweet
hear
t,Il
oveyou
Me:
Ilov
eyout
ooMama
WehangupandIcheckedmywr ist
watchand
text
edShereeaski
ngwhereshei
[Link]
she'
llbel
ateorwil
lnotbecomi
ngatall
.I'
l
lbe
saddenedbythat
.
.
.
.
SHEREE
Igotincampus,
todayIhaddrovemysel
fto
[Link]
eBr
yandecidedt
oborrowmehi s
carandwe' v
emadethi
ngseasierf
orJozea.

Iatt
endedall
myclassesandl
ateronwentt
oa
rest
aurantwi
thmyfri
end.
Kenei
loe:
Weshouldmeetoutsi
decampusy
ou
[Link]
oovegir
l.
Me:
Yeahr
ight
?
Kenei
l
oe:
Yeahy
oudogr
oov
eri
ght
?
Me:
Notr
eal
l
ybutI
'
m opent
otr
y
Kenei
l
oe:
Yeahmaybeonhol
i
day
scausef
or
nowwehavet
ofocus.
Me:
Ithi
nkIl
i
key
ou
Kenei
l
oe:
Yout
hink?
Me:
No!Iact
ual
l
ydol
i
key
ouwi
thoutt
hinki
ng.
Kenei
l
oe:
Nazoke(
Ther
ewego)
Ichuckl
[Link]
ngherphone.
Me:
Youokay
?
Kenei
l
oe:
Mybr
otherar
gh!
Me:
WhathasAugustAl
sinadone?
Shesqui
ntsherey
[Link]
aisemyhands.
Kenei
loe:Haven'
tseenhi
mf [Link]
ry
cal
li
nghim andtext
inghi
m buthedoesn'tr
epl
y.
Idon'
tknowwhat '
swrongwithBuzweyaz.
Me: Buzweohwow!Wel lify
oudidn'
tseehim
thenwhobr oughtyoual
ong?Howcomey ou
don'tknowanythi
ngaboutyourbrot
heryety
ou
l
ivewi t
hhim.
Kenei
loe:
Wellt
her
e'sthi
sgi
rlhebr
oughthome.
She'
soccupy
ingourspacemaanandhe'
snot
avai
labl
elat
ely
.Sheevenbr
oughtmetoschool
l
ikeshecomesandplaysmotheroft
hehouse.
If
rown
Me:
Aret
heydat
ing?
Keneil
oe:Idon'
tknow,
Idon'
tknowwhatt
hey
real
l
yar e.
Me:
Ohw.
Idon'
tknowwhymyhear
tissuddenl
yachi
ng.
Kenei
l
oe:Looknowhedoesn'tevengetbackt
o
meandcheckifIar
riv
edsafel
[Link]
i
sheexpecti
ngtopickme?NowIhav eto
wit
hdrawsomecashandtravelbytaxi
.
Me:
Youdon'
thav
etoIcangi
vey
oual
i
ft.
Kenei
l
oe:
Huh?
Me:Ihav eacarremember?I'
m gonnagiveyou
ali
[Link] eagoodreasonwhy
hecan'[Link]'
tworryyourgi
rli
s
her
e.
Kenei
l
oe:
Youdon'
thav
etot
hough
Me:
Iwantt
osol
et'
sgo.
Kenei
l
oe:
WowI
'
dli
cky
ourassy
ouknow
Ichuckl
ed
Me:
Wowpl
easedo.
Keneil
oe:Bendthatasscausey
oudeser
vei
t
queen,thanky
ouhey .
Me:
Youwel
come.

Idr
oveherhomewithhergi
vi
ngmedi
rect
ions.I
par
kednexttot
hei
rhouse.
Me:
Seey
out
omor
row
Kenei
l
oe:
Arghdon'
tbeabor
edr
ivei
nandchi
l
l.
Me:
Ican'
t.
..
Kenei
loe:
PleasebooI
'
llbebor
edbei
ngher
e
pl
ease.
Me:Ican'tr
eal
l
y,whati
fy ourbr
otherisher
eor
hi
sgirl
fr
iend?Whatwil
[Link]'
tsi
s.
Keneil
oe:
You'
remyguestt
heyai
n'
tgonnasay
shi
[Link].
Me: Ihav
etogot
othegy
m Nei
l
oeIpr
omi
sed
Jozea.
Kenei
loe:Sher
eepl easegi
rlI
'
m beggi
ngy
ou.
Pret
typrett
yplease.
Shemadepuppyey
[Link]
osedmyey
esand
si
ghed.
Me:Ur
ghokayokay
.I'
l
lst
ayf
orj
ust20mi
nut
es
andl
eave.
Kenei
l
oe:
I'
dappr
eci
atet
hatv
erymuch.
Shebuzzedthegat
eopenandIdr
[Link]
suddenl
ysuperner
vousf
orbei
ngher
e.
.
..
>>>Tobecont
inued.
..
13
.
..
LATOYA
Iknockedovertohispl
[Link]
walkedincli
cki
[Link]
andIturnedaroundandplacedt
heenvelope
down.
Me:
Thi
swi
l
lbet
hepr
iceandt
heot
heronei
s..
.
Islowl
yunbutt
onmycoatandshowedhimt
he
si
lkyli
nger
ieunder
neat
hwhil
esmil
ing.
Me:
...
.t
his.
Icoul
dn'
tmi
ssal
lthel
usti
nhisey
es,
her
ushed
andcamegr
abbi
ngmywaist.
Me:
Hu-
uh!
Ipushhi
m back.
Me:
Fir
stdowehav
eadeal
?
Hemov
edbackandpi
ckedt
heenv
elope
counti
[Link]
i
ckedhisl
i
pswhi
l
e
star
ingatmybodyandsmi l
ed.
Hi
m:Wehav
eadeal
.
It
hrewmycoatdownandcat
walkedtohi
m
whil
eIwr
apmyar msar
oundhisneck.
Me:
Thenl
et'
senj
oyour
sel
ves
Ikissedhi m andhei mmedi atelytouchedmy
ti
nyassandsqueezedi tbetweenhi shands.I
unbut tonedhisshi rtoffandhepi ckedmeup,
andwal kedwit hmei nsidehi sroom thenhe
threwmeont [Link] l
elyingont hebedI
stretchedmyl egsandwr appedt hem around
hiswai [Link]
edandpushedhi mt othebed
withmyl [Link] tbeforehim asI
unbuckl edhisbeltandhel pedhi m offhi
sjean.
Hisboxer swer el
ikeat entduet ohiserect
ionI
l
aughedandt ooki toffaswel l..
.[REMOVED]

Hewasst
il
lsweat
ingt
ryi
ngt
ocat
chhi
sbr
eat
h,
meanwhileIpi
ckedupmyl
inger
ieanddressed
upthenworemycoataswell
.Il
ookedathim
st
il
ldeadassti
red.
Me:
Mypackagepl
ease
Hi
m:Aimosadican'
tyouj
ust
,restf
oraf
ew
mi
nut
esnyana
Me:Spanzawehadadeal Ikeptmineandyou
needtokeepyour
[Link]'
thaveti
met opl
ay
sopleasegi
vewhatbel
ongst ome.
Hi
m:Ayy(
breat
hesheav
il
y)Ican'
t.
..Ican'
t
ev
en.
..
Ichuckl
ed.
Me:
It'
sfi
nej
ustdi
rectme
Idi
dhi m sobadt hathelostal
lhi
sener gy
,I
shouldbet heonecompl ai
[Link]
point
edhi scloset
.Iopenedandwal kedinit
.
Me:
Wher
e!!
?
"Att
heshoeshel
f!
!You'
l
lfi
ndabr
ownpl
ast
ic
bag.
"
Ismi
l
ed
Me:
Iseei
t!
!!
Ipickedtheplast
[Link]
oundthe
pil
l
si nsi
[Link]
edt hecornerofmyli
pswhil
e
maki ngamischevioussmi l
e.
Me:
Goty
ou!
Ihitmynailsont
hepil
l
sandkissedi
[Link]
osed
theclosetandwal
kedback.
Me:Iwouldsayni
cedoi
ngbusi
nesswi t
hyou
butwesti
llhav
eabigj
obforl
[Link]'
t
di
ssapoi
ntme.
Spanza:
Ifyoupr
omisetokeepcomingand
ser
vemel i
kethi
sthenIwon'
tdi
sappoint
.
Me:Mxm l
et'
sgetser
iousher
[Link]
l
lseey
ou
l
ater
.
Iconf
ident
lycl
i
ckedmyheel
soutofhi
spl
ace
andtookacabbacktomypl
ace.
.
.
.
BUZWE(
OB)
Ifoundmy selfinmyt herapistsoffi
[Link]
ust
stoodt herewi t
houtknocki ngorsay i
ngany t
hing.
Istoodsi l
entl
y ,Ican'
tbelievethatIgothere
safelywithoutbei nginanacci [Link]
wayIwasdr i
vingwi t
hthei l
lusionsevokingand
theirendlesslaughsIt houghtIwasn' tgonna
makei [Link] hatI'
m hereI '
m atpeace,they'
re
allgoneandqui et.
MysensescamebackasIst
oodther
eand
wat
chedMissAnder
sonstar
ingataf
ramefora
l
ongti
me.

Icl
ear
edmyt hr
[Link]
art
led
andqui
ckl
ytossedthef
ramedownandwi ped
herf
acewit
hat
[Link]
ynot
icedbyt
henshe
wascry
ing.
MissA:HeyOB!Forhowl
onghav
eyoubeen
st
andingt
here?
Me:
Notl
ong
MissA:
Ohuhm sor
rypl
[Link]
i
n.
Iwal
kedi
n.
Mi
ssA:Ir
eal
lyapol
ogi
zeIwasjusthavinga
moment
.Iwasn'
tawar
ethaty
ou'rearound.
Me:
Noneedt
oapol
ogi
zeIunder
stand.
Mi
ssA:
Pleaset
akeaseat
Ipull
edachairandsatdownasshef i
xedt
he
fr
ameandgr [Link]
tl
ygl
ance
atthefr
ame.
Mi
ssA:
It'
smysi
ster
.Imi
sshersomet
imes.
Me:
She'
sdead?
MissA:No,
she'
ssti
l
lal
i
vej
ustt
hatwedon'
t
r
eall
yseeeyet
oeye.
(
Sil
ence)
MissA:
Butt
hisi
snotaboutmer
ight
.Bu-i
sit
nowsaf
etocal
lyouBuzwe?
Ichuckl
ed.
Me:
Yesi
t'
ssaf
e
MissA:I
'm gl
[Link]
ssi
ng
t
herapy
?You'vebeenscar
celat
ely
.
Isi
gh.
Me:
IthoughtIhadev
ery
thi
ngundercont
rol
.
Mi
ssA:
Unt
il
?
Me:
Unt
ilt
hei
l
lusi
onscameback.
MissA:Cameback?Whatl
edtot
hem comi
ng
back,
areyout
aki
ngyourpi
l
ls?
Me:
IdobutIr
anoutoft
hem.
Mi
ssA:
Isn'
tthatt
oosoon?
Me:
Wel
l
...
Ishr
ugged.
Mi
ssA:
Wel
lwhat
?
Me:
Atacer
tai
npoi
ntIusedt
ofl
usht
hem.
MissA: OB!Youarenotinposit
iontofl
ushyour
pil
l
sIdon' tcar
ewhatevert
[Link]
doy ouwannagetlockedinthemental
i
nstitut
ion?Whereevery
thi
ngwillbeli
mitedf
or
yout ol
iveanormall
ife?
Me:
Nononopl
easeno
MissA: Theni fyouwanttoli
veanor mall
i
feeat
yourpill
[Link]
ywanttospendsomet i
me
withyourfami l
y,eatyourmedicat
ion.
Remembery ouj
ustmadepeacewi t
hyour
mot herall
f orwhat?
(
Sil
ence)
Mi
ssA:
Promi
semey
ou'
l
lnev
erdot
hatagai
n.
Me:
Ipr
omi
se
MissA: I
'
llgetyouanotherpr
escri
pti
[Link]
don'
tlookalri
ghtbytheway ,
it'
sli
keyou'
vebeen
thr
oughthewor [Link]
ndi fwetal
kaboutit
?
Iexhal
e.
Me: Ther
e'sagir
lI'
m helpi
[Link] ckedher
onthestreet
s,she'
sselli
ngasi n..
.sleepingwith
meni nexchangeformoney .Ididthatjust
becauseIwasgenui nel
yhelpingnotbecauseI
[Link]
ndoutshe' s
thesist
eroftheguyIkil
ledont heprom ni ght
.
Shef
urr
owsherey
ebr
ows.
Mi
ssA:
That
o?
Inodded.
Me: Knowingthi
sI'
vebeenalwaysl
i
vingwi
th
gui
ltmakingitmyresponsi
bil
it
ytot
akecar
eof
herbut..
.
Il
ookeddown.
Mi
ssA:
But
?
Me:Sherecent
lyfoundoutaboutmeki
ll
inghim
andshewasupsetandangr y
.Shewasav oi
ding
me,l
ikeIdon'
tknowwhatt othi
nkofwhatshe'l
l
doaboutknowingthi
s.
Mi
ssA:
Howdi
dshef
oundout
?
Me:Shereadmyj ournalbookwhenIwasaway .
Iwri
teever
ythi
ngint hebook,shewentthr
ough
i
tandactual
lytor
et hepagewher eIhad
admit
tedmycrime.
Shef
li
cksherey
esabi
twi
de.
MissA:That'
sver
yser
iousMrSer
[Link]
happenednext
?
Me: WellI
,spoketoheraskedf
orforgiv
eness.
Toldhershemaypuni shmehowev ersheli
kes,
notthatIreall
ymindt
houghbutshet ol
dme
thatshealreadyf
orgi
vesme.
Herey
ebr
owsar
chi
naf
rown
Mi
ssA:
Easyl
i
ket
hat
?
Me:Yeseasyli
ket [Link]
dmet hati
fit
wasn'
tformetakingcar eofherandformy
ki
ndness,shewould'v
eav engedherbrot
her'
s
deat
h.
Mi
ssA:
Doy
oubel
i
evet
hat
?
Inod.
Me:HoweverwhenIl ookatherIj
ustsuddenl
y
f
eelt
hisrageIdon'tknowwhereit
'scoming
f
rom andit
'sdri
ft
ingmebackt onotbeingabl
e
t
ocontrolmysel
f.
MissA: Thatisdanger
[Link]
i
mpor t
antitistostayonmedicat
ion?Andal
so
bythelookoft hi
ngsIthi
nky
ouguy sshoul
dn'
t
beinthesamepl ace.
Me:
YahIaskedhert
oleav
e
Mi
ssA:
Thatwasagooddeci
sion
Shefi
xedherposi
ti
onont
hechai
randsatup
st
rai
ght.
MissA:Iwantustodi
scusssomet
hingmore
detai
l
edofwhathadoccurr
edwheny ouhadan
epi
sodewithher
?Idef
ini
tel
yknowthatyou
guyshadone.
Icl
osedmyey
esandexhal
ed
Me: Iwas...Iwasst andi
ngov erher,watchi
ng
hersleepinherr [Link] hingdrewmei n
thereandt hen...Ifelti
tcoming,theangerthen
[Link]
freakedoutl uckil
yshedi dn'
tfeelthat.
Shegothergl
assesof
fandmadeal
ookt
hat
sentshi
ver
sdownmyspine.
Me:
Whati
sit
?Whyar
eyougi
vi
ngmet
hatl
ook?
MissA:It
hinkweshouldgot
hroughaMSEt
o
r
e-eval
uat
ey ouagai
n.
Ishr
unkmyey
esi
nconf
usi
on.
Me:Whyshoul
dwegot
hrought
hatagai
nMi
ss
Ander
son?
MissA:CauseIthi
nkthere'
sapossibi
l
ityt
hat
youmighthaveapersonali
tydi
sor
der.
Ibul
gemyey esi
[Link]'
twanttol
i
e
that
'soner
eveal
i
ngIfoundhardtofat
hom.
.
.
.
SHEREE
Iwasst i
llatNei
loe'
[Link]
yher
brotherandtheladywerenotar [Link]
wasr ealhappyhavi
ngmear oundotherthan
beingalonebyherselfi
nthehouse.
Me:
Ist
heCasser
olecomi
ngal
ong?
Kenei
l
oe:
Yeahl
emmecheckt
heov
en.
Sheworethegl
ovesandtooki
toutwhil
eI
si
ppedonthenon-al
cohol
i
[Link]
ghs
l
oudlyasshepl
acesitonthet
abl
e.
Kenei
l
oe:
Hah!Doy
out
hinki
t'
sready
?
Me:
Itl
ooksr
eadybutl
et'
shav
eat
ast
e.
Wedi
dandi
twasper
fect
.
Kenei
l
oe:[Link] Sher
eeasfrom t
odayI
needyout
oteachmeal
lyourr
eci
pes.
Me:
Idon'
tmi
ndheyonl
yify
out
eachmey
our
s
t
oo.
Kenei
l
oe:
Idef
ini
tel
ywi
l
lnextt
ime.
Icheckedt
het
ime.
Me:
Ithi
nki
t'
sget
ti
ngl
ateIhav
etogo.
Keneiloe:
Aahhowjeal
ousthedayi
[Link]
greatdaywit
hyoumyf r
iendl
et'
scont
inue
keepingupli
kethi
s.
Me:
Def
ini
tel
y
Shecov
eredt
hef
ood.
Kenei
loe:SoI
'
m gonnawal
kyouout
.Youwon'
t
evenhaveaplat
e?
Me:Ur
ghnoneedIdi
dtel
lyouI
'
m goi
ngt
othe
gy
m.
Kenei
l
oe:
Ial
sowannaj
oin.
Me:Fi
ne,l
ooksl
i
key
out
rynnaescapehome-
sweet
-home.
Wegi ggledwhil
ewalki
ngoutofthekitchenand
stoppedwhent [Link]
was, myheartbeganpicki
ngoffandskipped
realhard.
Kenei
l
oe:
Bhut
i!
Sher
ant
ohi
m andhuggedhi
m
Kenei
loe:Areyouokay?Wher ehav
eyoubeen?
Anditdoesn'tseem l
i
key ouwentt
[Link]
i
sit?Youdidn'tevencheckonme.
Him:
Kenewe' l
ldothi
ssomeot
hert
imeri
ght
nowIjustneedtot
akemymedsandsl
eep.
Kenei
l
oe:
Oh,
uhm shoul
dIdi
shoutf
ory
ou?
Hi
m:NoI
'
mfi
neIj
ustneedt
osl
eep.
Heshuf f
leshisfeett
aki
ngslowstepsashe
walksaway .Helooksmessedupseemsl i
kehe
carri
edallt
hewor ldonhi
sshoulder
[Link] ev
er
[Link] thout
greeti
ngandt hatki
ndastungmebuti t
'scool
may behehadal ongdayt oev
ennotice.
Me:
Fri
endwhat
'st
aki
ngy
oul
ong?
Kenei
l
oe:
Arghy
ahl
et'
sgof
ri
end.
Shewalkedmeoutandwespokef
ort
hel
ast
ti
mebiddingeachot
her
.
Iwasnowdr i
vi
ngwit
hGooglemapshel
pingme
fi
nddi
rect
ionsbackhome.

".
..Iseeyourhear
tbeati
ngstrongforacert
ain
[Link] oudi
dn'tknowisthathi
s..
.
beatstwiceornoactual
ly,
itbeat
sthri
cestrong
asy our
s."
"Thisguywillbehardatfir
st,
he'l
lactasifhe
doesn'tseeyoubutwhenhef i
nall
ydoes,he'
ll
takey outhr
ought hemostamazingjourneyof
l
ov e,onehenev erknewhewascapabl eof
takingawomant hrough.
"

Ifol
dmyl i
psplaci
ngmyi ndexf i
ngeracross
them whileint
houghtsandl ookedbesidesthe
roadasIcont i
nueddriv
[Link] ds
continuedri
ngingoverandov erinmyear saft
er
feel
ingwhatIfeltbackthere.
.
.
.
VI
OLA
Itossedandt ur
nedtotheot
hersi
deasIhug
Jozeatight
,wedecidedtohaveanear
lyni
ght
tonight
.Ibl
inkedmyeyesforafewti
mesand
squint
edthem asInot
icedsomeli
ttl
elighti
n
[Link]
donmybackandf acedthe
ceil
i
ng,ther
ewasagl i
tt
eri
nghappeningther
e.
Me:
Jozea,
Joz.
..Baby
.
Ishookhim, hewasr eall
[Link]
abouttohithim butIfrozewhenIsaw
somethingonhisbar eback.
Me:
OhmyGod!
Jozeali
kestosl
eeponhi stummy .Soonhis
backshoul
derIsawamar konhim, abur
ning
markthatwasactual
lytheoneprovidi
ngli
ghtin
theroom.I
twasbr i
ght,
hadacircleandan" x"
i
nside.
It
ouchedi
tandimmediat
elyquiv
eredasI
gr
applemyheadseei
ngav i
sion.
Me:Cr
ossf
ir
e..
.Someonewi
l
lbecaughti
nthe
cr
ossf
ir
e.
Igl
anceddownonJozeaashewassl
eepi
ng
peacef
ull
y.
Me:Jozea.
..Jozeay
ouwi
l
lbecaughti
nthe
cr
ossfi
re.
Ir
api
dlyshookmyheadasIhuggedmy
sel
f.
Me:No,no,
thi
scan'
tbet
[Link]
scan'
thappen.
Nobabe.
Igotof
fbedandsatont
hef
loorcr
yingaf
ter
thi
srev
elat
ion.
.
.
.
LATOYA
Ilookedatmyselfonthemirr
orandbraced
my sel
fasIdi
df ewbreathi
ngexer
cisesand
turnedbackt
othem.
Me:Doitanddoitwithoutmercy
.Nowdon'
tbe
weakl
i
ngsmot her
[Link]
tmaan!!
Thefi
rstonepunchedmeandt hrewmeagainst
themirr
or,t
heglassespi
ercedt
hroughmyskin.
Me:
Ahhhhh!
!!
!!
Theyki
ckedmeonthef
loorandst
eppedhar
d
onme,notmissi
ngmyf
ace.
Isobbedpainf
ull
[Link]
oppedandl
ookedat
eachotherastheyfel
tsor
ryf
orme.
Me: (
sobbing)Don'
tstopj
ustf
uckmeup
especial
l
ymyf ace!
!!Doit
!!
TheycontinuedkickingmeasIwi ncedand
fl
[Link] opofmeand
punchedmyf acerepeatedl
yastheotherone
hitmewi t
hast ickonlyonmybody .They
draggedmeanddr oppedmesomewher eon
theroad..
.anotherguywasonst andbyoutsi
de
watchingthatnothingfunnyhappenstome.
Iwasspl
utt
eri
ngbl
oodoutofmymout
h.
Me:
(raspyv
oice)D-
Don'
tfor
gett
otakepi
ctur
es
of
..
.ofme.
Theytookoutthei
rphonesandmyey esgot
heavi
[Link]
osedthem andf
ell
unconsci
ous.
.
..
>>>Tobecont
inued.
..

Li
nktot hegroupforremov
ed:
htt
ps:/
/free.f
acebook.
com/gr
oups/
2590482924
501687?v i
ew=group

Answerbot
hquest
ionst
obeappr
oved
14
.
..
JOZEA
ImoanedandmurmuredasIstr
etchedmy
sel
f.I
smi
ledtur
ningt
oViol
a'ssi
de.
Me:
Baby
.Vi
ola?
Iwr
inkl
edmybr
owsandsl
owl
yopenedmyey
es.
Me:
Viol
a?
Ipat
tedherbedsi
dei
twascol
[Link]
ngshe'
s
beenupforawhil
e.
Igroanandsatupwhi
l
erubbi
ngmyf
aceand
keptmypalmsther
e.
Ievent
ual
lygett
hem of
fandr
eachf
ormy
phone.4:
59am.
Me:
Damn.
Ir
eachedforav estandworeit.I
t'
scol
dand
cl
earthati
[Link]
sl
i
ppers.
Me:
(yel
l
ing)Vi
olawher
ear
eyou!
!?Baby
???
Igotoutofourroom andt ookf ewstepsaway
thenIhear
dt heshowerrunni [Link]
oppedand
walkedstr
[Link]
sit
ti
ngtheresti
llhuggi
ngher selfasthewater
runsdownher .
Me:
Baby
?
Iopenedtheshowerandf
eltt
het
emper
atur
e,
thewaterwascold.
Me:Viol
a!You'
ll
cat
chaf
[Link]
onghav
e
youbeenther
e?
Iswi
tchedi
tof
f.
Me:
Huh?What
'swr
ongbaby
?
Il
ookedathershewasshiver
ingbutnot
bl
inki
ngaswell
.Ihat
eseeingherbeingi
nthi
s
st
ateti
meafterti
me,i
treal
lyscar
esme.
Igoti
[Link]
outandIgotatowelandwrapitoverherbody
.
Me:
Stopscar
ingmel
i
ket
hisVi
olapl
easebaby
.
Isaidfai
li
ngtocomposemybreakingvoi
ce.I
helpeddressi
nghert
owarm cl
othesand
switchedontheheat
er.
Isati
nfr
ontofherasIbreat
hei
nsidemyhands
andcuppedmyf acebef
orehol
dingherhands.
Me:
Baby
-
Vi
ola:
Yougonnahur
[Link]
ougonna
br
eakmyheart
.
Il
ookedatherandmadeaser
iousf
aci
alasIl
et
goofherhands.
Me:
Excusemewhat
?
Shelooksatmeandgoti nsi
detheblanket
sand
sl
eptfaci
[Link] dIhurt
her?[Link]
retchmyhand
tr
yingtotouchherbutthenIstoppedandwent
outtocatchsomeair.
.
.
.
BUZWE(
OB)
Justcamebackf r
om bondingwi
thmydogand
[Link]
yandstart
edthedayaf
resh.
Iwasreadytogotowor kandIhadalr
eadytook
mymeds.I '
mj usttryingt oputeveryt
hing
behindmeandt r
yl i
vi
nganor mal l
i
[Link] i
l
l
havetogof ortherapy,thenin3day stocome
alsogof ormyMent al StateExaminati
on( MSE)
todetectwhet herIhav eaper sonali
tydisorder
[Link] hehelloutofmet hi
nkingofi t
.
ButsolongIwai tIshoul dwor khardon
i
mpr ovi
ngmy self.
Ican'
tbel
i
eveI
'
vewentweekswit
houtpest
eri
ng
Gomolemowowthi
ngsdochange.

Me:Kenei
l
oewehav
etogoorel
sewe'
l
lbe
l
ate!
!!
"I
'
m coming!
!"shey
[Link]
ings
wi
thanunknowncal
lerIDandIpicki
tup.
Me:
Hel
l
o?
Cal
l
er:
Hi,
ist
hisObakengSer
ame?
Me:
Yeswho'
saski
ng?
Cal
ler
:Wellwe'
recal
li
ngfr
om Baragwanat
h
Hospi
tal
,wesawy ou'
reMi
ssLatoya'
snextof
ki
nandthoughtofcal
li
[Link]?
Me:[Link]
'swr
ongwi
th
her
,Imeanwhathappened?
Call
er:Mi
ssPil
anewasadmi t
tedi
nt hehospi
tal
l
astnight
.Shewasfoundontheroadl y
ing
unconsci
ousseemsli
keshewasbr utal
ly
assaul
tedandshe'
stot
all
yinabadst at
e.
Me:
OhGod!I
ssheokay
?
Cal
ler
:Wellwecan'
tsayovert
hephone,
you'l
l
[Link]
swasjustusl
ett
ing
youknow,hav
eanicedayaheadsir
.
Shedroppedthecall
.HowcanIhaveani
ceday
whenI'
vejustrecei
vedt
[Link]
gui
lt
yfortel
li
nghertomoveout.
Kenemadeanappear
ance.
Kenei
l
oe:
I'
m al
[Link]
e'smy
br
eakf
ast
?
Me:
Uhm ov
ert
her
e
Kenei
l
oe:
Danko
Shewentt
otakeaseatandbegani
ndul
ging.
Kenei
loe:
Todayy oulookmuchbetterthan
yest
erday
.Whatr eal
lyhappenedt
oy ou
yest
erday
?Andnamhl anj
eandimboniuLat
oya
(t
odayI'
m notseeingLatoya)
Me:Awunokugalelaent
weniokukutyautyel
e
emotweni
?Kukhonaaphondileqakhona.(Can't
youpourthefoodonsomethi
ngandeati tinthe
car
?There'ssomewhereIhav
et orushto)
Kenei
loe:
Awwsovr
oegso?Whyareyout
ryi
ng
byall
meanst
oavoi
dthi
stopi
cBuzwe?
Me:Becausedad'wethuwe'l
lfi
ndan
appropr
iat
eti
met ositdownandtal
kmor
e
aboutit
.Nowisjustnottheti
me.
Kenei
l
oe:
Tjoot
her
egoesmymoodspoi
l
er.
Me:
Aski
esmnt
asenextt
ime
Kenei
l
oe:
Noakhont
o(i
t'
sfi
ne)
Isi
ghinexasper
ati
onandwat chedhercoll
ect
herst
uff
[Link]'
thurtherbadordo
somethi
ngevenwor sert
[Link]
'm
gonnafi
ndthem anddealwitht
hosebastards.
.
.
.
PHEZI
SA(
OB'
SMOTHER)
Iwasbusydr af
ti
ngabusinesspl
anformy
rest
aurantDeLeSerames,asIwaschil
l
ingati
t
nexttothebeach.
Butsomethingi
ssteal
ingmymi
ndand
occupy
ingitasIsmil
ebymysel
f.
"Ta-
da!
"someonest
artl
esmeasIdr
opmy
penci
landcl
osedmylaptop.
Me:
Bhongo!For
int
oni
?(Why
?)
Bhongo:
Justnj
[Link]
ssmywomanand
deci
dedtosur
pri
seher
.
Me:MmmhIseengel oxeshasiy
axinanapha
endl
ini
(yetwe'
real
lovereachotheri
nthe
house)
Hemov
eshi
sey
esar
oundi
nahi
l
ari
ousway
.
Bhongo:
Ist
haty
ourwayofsay
ingI
'
m annoy
ing
you?
Me:
Noo,
noy
oucannev
erannoyme
Bhongo:Haybendi
sat
hingqa(
Iwasst
art
ingt
o
besurpr
ised)
Ichuckl
ed.
Me:
Ungabi
(Don'
tbe)dr
amat
ic
Bhongo:Ibr
oughtyousomet
hingt
oeat
.You
worktoohardmntuwam.
Me:
Real
l
yBhongo?
Bhongo:
Yep,t
hisi
ssomethi
ngdi
ff
erent
.
Somethi
ngbuKasif
ood.
Me:
Yhundagqi
belani
ni(
Whenlastdi
dIhav
e
t
hat
?)Awwthanksmylovet
hat
'ssweet.
Bhongo:
Pleasur
eisal
lmi
ne.
It
ookt
hepl
ast
icsoft
akeawayandcool
dri
nks.
Bhongo:WhenIgothereyouweresmil
ingand
drawingsomet
[Link]
endodaubuyi
zoba
aphaokanye?(
Isthereamanyou'r
edrawing
or..
.?
)
Me:
Hay
!Hay
!Hay
!
Bhongo:
What
?
Me:Sundenzal
omnt
u(Don'
tmakemet
hat
per
son)
Bhongo:
Thenwhatwasi
t?
Me:Iwasjustt
hinki
ngnjeeonedaywhenmy
babi
esbri
ngmegr andki
dsandallt
hosest
uff
s.
Bhongo:Uvuyi
swakubanguMakhul
u?(
You
happyofbecomingagranny
?)
Me:
Ewewhyshoul
dn'
tI?
Hel
aughs.
Bhongo: HayIhopeyouknowi tcomeswi t
halot
ofwor kkebut.
..whoisbr
ingingyoua
grandchil
d?CauseI'
m sur
prisedIdidn'
tseethat
comingsoon.
Ishookmyheadst
il
lsmi
l
ing
Me:
Haybi
ndi
z'ci
ngel
anj
e(Iwasj
ustt
hinki
ng)
Bhongo:No,youwouldn'
tjustt
hinkof
somethi
ngli
ket hatnj
eespace'
in,comeon
thet
ha(t
alk)
Il
aughed.
Me:
OkayOkayIt
hinkBuzwemi
ghtbedat
ing.
Bhongo:
OB?Li
keOBOB?Di
dhef
inal
l
yget
thr
oughGomol
emo?
Me: No![Link] sadiff
erent
gir
[Link]
,shesaysthey
sti
llkeepi
ngi
tdiscr
eetandunclearthough
kuz'cacel
enj
e(i
t'squit
eobvious.
)
Heshor
tlaughed.
Bhongo:Youmustbeki ddi
[Link]
ymovi
ng
onfrom thatTswanagir
l?Haymhlakwaze
kwafikeuYesu(That
'dhappenonceJesus
comesback)
Me:Onaser i
[Link]
hu!I'
ve
beenser
iousl
yprayi
[Link]
sontofi
nall
ymov eon.
Bhongo:
Kodwauqi
niseki
l
e?(
Arey
ousur
e?)
Inoddedhappi
l
y
Me:Iam,f
uthi
Iwantyout
osear
chherwhi
l
eI
dot
hattooonthesi
de.
Bhongo:
Ungubani
?(Whoi
sshe?
)
Me:
Kenei
l
oesai
dhernamei
s..
.Lat
oyaPi
l
ane.
Bhongo:
Woahwoahwoah,
didy
ouj
ustsayPi
-
Pi
-l
ane?
Inodcar
eful
l
yget
ti
ngscar
edbyt
hel
ookhe
gaveme.
Bhongo:Phezi
sahaveyouf
orgot
tent
heboyOB
ki
ll
edisalsoaPil
ane?
Myey
esshotwi
de.
Me:Whaat
??Haymaanmaybeshe'
snott
hat
Pi
l
aneshecoul
dbeadif
fer
entone.
Bhongo:
Thi
scoul
dnev
erbeacoi
nci
dence
kodwa.
Me:[Link] outhi
nk.
..
?Haymaanwena
Bhongolet'
ssear
chmoretothi
sgi
rlbef
oreour
songetsint
odeepwater
s.
Bhongo:
I'
ll
gladl
ydoso.
Mymoodi nst
ant
lychangedt
omyhear
tbeat
ing
f
astasIheldmychest.
Me:
Tshi
niThi
xoI
'
llbedamned!
It
ookoutmyl aptopandcli
ckedonsomethi
ng.
Thi
scan'
tjustresur
facebackint
oourl
iv
es
whenIhadalreadytookcar
eofit.
.
.
.
KENEI
LOE
Whilewewer einaroom wherewedoour
practi
cal
s.I'
verecei
vedacal
lfrom my
boyfri
[Link]
oll
edmyey esandwhisperedt
o
ShereethatI
'l
[Link]
dlist
enforme.
Me:
Sthandwasam
Sparks:Ugel
ezakuphi
?(Wher
ear
eyou
schooli
ng?)
Me:Zi
phimanner
sSpar
ks?(
Wher
ear
eyour
manner
s?)
Spark:
I'
m sur
ekukhonalaphoengik'phazami
sa
khonasomasingachi
thelani
iskhat
hi,
ungi
tshel
eonce.(
I'
m sur
eI'
mint
errupti
ngso
l
et'
snotwasteti
meandt el
lmeonce.)
Isi
gh.
Me:
Ienr
oll
inUJ
Spar
ks:
Ngi
phakat
hij
ampas(
I'
ll
bet
her
elat
er
on)
If
urr
owmyey
ebr
ows.
Me:ExcusemeawukhoseMl
azi
nahwena?
(
aren'
tyouinMl
azi
?)
Spar
ks:Ngathingak'r
ingel
aukuthimaduzenje
ngi
zobengil
[Link] eangi
y'bekibese
ngi
ngaqhamuki .Sosobonanake.(Ididt
ell
you
soonI'
l
[Link]'
tsaysomet hi
ngandnot
[Link]
'l
lseeyou.
)
Me:
Spar
-
Spar
ks:Ngi
k'ncany
wabl
indbl
indyezwa?Shar
p
ke.(
Ilov
eyousomuchyouhear?Bye)
Hecut
sthecal
l
.Iwasl
eftwi
thmymout
h
hanging,Ididn'
tforonceexpectthi
snotthatI'
m
nothappyt hathe'sherebutIknowSparkscan
beabi tmor eproblemati
[Link]'
llbemysuper
gl
ueandI '
l
lneverfindpeaceunlessi
tbasical
l
y
i
ncludesmeandhi m.
.
.
.
BUZWE(
OB)
Duri
ngmylunchItooksometi
metobuy
fl
owersandgoodi
esanddri
vetot
hehospi
tal
to
checkonLat
oya.
Igotthereandtheydi
rect
[Link]
heartcomplet
elysankseei
ngt
hecondi
ti
onshe
wasi n.
Shelookedreal
l
ybad, herf
acewasextremely
i
nfl
atedwithhereyesshrunkinanddwindl
ed,
duetotheswell
[Link]
ghtwasreal
l
y
t
ouchi
ngIf
eltl
i
keIhadt
odosomet
hingabout
i
t.
Me:
Lat
oya
Shemadeaweakf
aintsmi
l
e.
Lat
oya:
Obakeng,
youcame.
Me:
YesIhadt
ocome.
Ev
enwi
tht
alki
ngshewasst
ruggl
i
ng
Lat
oya:
Iappr
eci
atei
t.
Ipiti
ful
lygazedatherandexhal
edshar
plyasI
placetheitemsIcamewi t
hnexttoher
.
Me:
Lat
oyawhathappened?
[Link]
esherl
ipwhichalr
eadyhada
cutandbegantear
ingupagai
[Link]
hand.
Me:Noit'
sfi
ne,
I'
m noti
ntendi
ngonopeni
ng
pai
nful
wounds.
Lat
oya:
Noi
t'
sfi
neket
lagobol
elel
a(I
'
llt
ell
you)
Shet
akesadeepbr
eat
h.
Latoya:Iwasatmypl aceand. ..mypi mpcame
toseemef orournextj [Link]
kamor ayakerekebat laf et
olabot shel
oy oo,ke
tl
ekennemot hoy obot [Link] l
holeke
batl
agor ekisemmel e.(Idecl inedandt ol
dher
thatIwanttochanget hatkindal i
feand
becomeabet terper
[Link] ongerwantt obe
aprosti
tute.)
Shesni
ff
s.
Latoy
a: Shedidn'tt
akeitwellandwestarted
argui
ngsobadt hatbadwor dswereexchanged.
Shethreatenedmeandt hen..
.
Shecl
osedherey
esandcr
iedmor
e.
Latoya:..
.t
henlat
erant homelel
amagodugo
nkoba( shesenthergoonst oevictme. )I
refusedbecauseIpaidrentforthemont hs
that'
swher eoural
tercati
onstar
ted, theydidn'
t
hav eit
.Theywerehear t
lessandt heybegin
beat
ingmeanddr
aggedmet
othest
reet
s.
Me:
Hahonamothoeaebonengmmeae
emi
sit
se?(
Noonesawi
tandstoppedt
hem?
)
Lat
oya:Theywer
etherebutallt
heydidwast
o
watchandfl
ashoutt
heirphonestorecor
dme.
Icl
enchmyt
eet
hthi
swasupset
ti
ng
Me:Kemasoabi ,
kemasoabi haholokase
et
sahetseng(Iam sor
ry,
Iam real
lysorr
yfor
whathappened)youdon'tdeser
veit.
Ii
nhal
eddeepl
y.
Me:
Didt
heyv
iol
atey
oui
na.
..
Icl
ear
edmythr
oatinembar
assmentand
movedmyheadsl
ight
lyont
heside.
Latoya:Nnyaannyaagabaakabampatl
a
thobalobanketekil
efel
a(No,t
heydi
dn'
thar
ass
mesexual l
ytheyjustbeatmeup.
)
Ihuf
fouti
nrel
i
ef.
Me:OhhthankGod.I
'm gl
adtoseey
oual
i
veI
woul
dn'
thandleanot
herloss.
If
aceddown.
Me:Watseba(
Youknow)Iregr
etchangi
ngmy
mindandnotl
etyoust
[Link]
s
wasn'
tgonnahappeni
fyouwere.
..
Lat
oya:Nodon'tsaythatdon'
tevengett
othi
nk
oft
[Link] eryourf
aul
t.
Me:
ButIfai
l
edt opr
otecty
ouifyouwer
ewi
th
menoneofthi
swould'
vehappened.
Shesi
ghs.
Lat
oya:
Buzwe,
Buzwent
ebe(
lookatme)
Il
ookedather
Lat
oya:Thisismorethanenough.I'
mj ustgl
ad
youtookyourti
meandcame.I '
m sur
ey ouhad
i
mpor t
antstuff
stodo,yety oudr
oppedthem
andcamef [Link]
keagoleboga(Ithankyou)
Me:It
'sf
[Link]'
tthi
nkit
'l
lbeeversaf
eagai
n
fory
outostayony [Link]
backhome.
Lat
oya:
Erhm r
uri
rra?mme-(
Real
l
y?but
-)
Me:It
'snotupf
ordiscussi
on.I
'
llnev
erfor
giv
e
mysel
fifsomet
hingli
kethisev
erhappens
agai
n.
Shesmi
l
es.
Latoya:
I'
mr eal
l
youtofwordsf
eel
sli
kesay
ing
thankyouisnotenough.
Me:
Iti
senough.
Ir
aisemyey
esst
ari
ngather
.
Me:
Mphel
ebi
tsol
ahae(
Giv
emehername)
Lat
oya:
Lebi
tsol
amang?(
Who'
sname?
)
Me:Thewomanthatdi
dthi
stoy
ou,
theone
pi
mpingyout
othesemen.
Lat
oya:
Nonol
et'
sjusthol
donandl
etherbe.I
don'
twantmorevi
olenceandmor
emur
der
sso
pl
ease,
let
'sj
ustl
etherbe.
Me:
Sheneedst
opayat
leastgetherar
rest
ed.
Lat
oya:YahIwil
ldosobutl
et'
stal
kabout
somethi
ngelse.
Inodweakl
yfeeli
ngdispl
[Link]
o
makeherbel
ievethatI
'l
lreal
l
yleti
tgo.
.
..
>>>Tobecont
inued.
..
15
AWEEKLATER
.
..
KENEI
LOE

Ngabesekwenzenj
ani
?
Oomamabekhal
angendondakazi
zabo
Ngabesekwenzenj
ani
?x3
OoBababekhal
angendodanazabo
Ngabesekwenzenj
ani
?x2

Abaf
un'
k'phumul
a,abaf
un'
uk'
l
ala
Baz'
funel
eubumnandeee,
abaf
un'
uk'
l
ala[
x3]

Cr
owd:
"GoKene!GoKene!GoKene!
"
Iwasdancingmybut toutont opoft hetable
whil
eIwasbei [Link] heSav anna
chal
lenge,
wher eIdancewi t
ht hebot tl
eont op
[Link] eal
lypackedi nmybr other'
s
[Link]
l sor
tsofal cohol,
champagnes,shots,st
rippers,ci
gar smahn!
Anythi
ngyouseef rom theselatestmusi c
vi
deoswehadt hem.
Lat
oyainv
itedherpeopl
eforaBiki
nipart
ysome
wherechi
l
li
nginthepoolareabuti
nsidethe
housewaswher ether ealli
ti
nesswasl ocated!
Shehasmov edi nrecentl
yagai nmybrotherhad
explainedt omet hathechangedhi smind
abouthermov i
ngout ,Iwasn'tevenawareof
that
.Sot hat'
soneoft hereasonswhyhe' s
worldhasbeenupsi dedownl atel
[Link]
i
ncidenthehadaskedhert omov ebackin...
Shei sn'
tf ul
lyrecoveredbutassoonasmy
brot
herl eftforhisev al
uati
on, magical
l
yshegot
herst r
engt hbackandi ssett
ingthehouseon
fyeandI '
m enj oyi
ng.

Igotdownthetableandgul
pedmySavanna
andtookhol
doft woshot
sonthet
abl
eand
downedthem t
oo.
Guy
: Heysweer
ie,
doy
ouknowy
ouwer
ehotup
t
here?
Ipoutmyl
i
pslooki
ngatthehotguyinf
rontof
me,hewasdr
ooli
ngovermybodyt oo.
Me:
Thanky
ou.
Myphonev ibr
[Link]
kswascall
ingwe'
ve
beenhangingalotl
atel
yjustt
hatt
odayIwasn'
t
avai
labl
eforhim.
Guy:
Wouldyoumindhangi
ngoutwi
thusi
nthe
br
aaingar
eathenl
atergof
oraswi
m?
Ismil
edtr
appingmyl
owerl
i
pbet
weenmyt
eet
h
thi
nki
ngaboutit
.
Me:
Yeahwhynot
?
Guy
:Thenwoul
dhermaj
est
yfol
l
owme?
Hesay
sopeni
nghi
sar
[Link]
l
edathi
m.
Me:
Wit
hpl
easur
e.
Hehugsmywai stwi
thhi
sarm aroundmeand
myphonev i
brat
edagai
[Link]
eject
edSparks'
cal
l
andswi
tchedoffmyphone,he'
sabug!
Guy
:Youdi
dn'
ttel
lmey
ourname
Me:
Kenei
l
oeandy
ou?
Guy
:Andr
[Link]
cemeet
ingy
ou.
Me:
Nicemeet
ingy
out
oo.
Wegotout
sideandt
heyhadmusi
coft
hei
rown
pl
ayi
ng.
Andrea:Guesswhat
?Ihav
eanunexpect
ed
sur
priseforyou.
Ir
oll
edmyey
esi
nsur
pri
se
Me:
Andwhatwoul
dthatb.
..
Iscreamedasheswi ftl
ypicksmeupi nabri
dal
styl
eandj umpswithmei nt hepool
.Ial
most
drownedbuthequicklypulledmeupand
piggybackedmeast heylaughedatmeand
[Link]
hinkIli
kehi m.
.
.
.
BUZWE(
OB)
I'
vebeenkepti nTar aPsy chiatrichospi talf
or
myev [Link] heex ami nationand
furtherpsy chologicaltestsr an, it
'sbeen
establishedt hatIindeedhav eaPer sonali
ty
disorder .Classifi
edasbot hBor derli
ne&
Dissoci ati
veI denti
ty(BPD&DI PD) .Idon't
wannal iethat'sreal
lyov erwhel mi ngt hatIhad
tobekeptf oraweek, togetnewadv anced
treatmentwhi chwasmoodst abili
[Link]
beingkepther eforaweeki st oensur ethatIdo
notbecomedanger&t hreatt osoci etyhence
daybydayt heyt akemet hroughBehav ior
al
therapy ,notwi thmyusual ther apistMi ssA
though, butwi t
honef rom t hisuni t.

Tobehonest,I
'mfedupbyt hi
[Link]
mesickhonestl
[Link]
peopl
earemostcer t
ainl
ygonnadri
vememor e
si
ckthanIalr
[Link] ssmyfami l
y,Ihope
mysisiscopi
ng,ImissMommy '
svoice,Ihope
Latoya'
ssafeandlivi
ngwellwithmysisterand
conductingeachotherwel
[Link]
they'
retaki
[Link]
thesenewst othem bef
oreIlef
tandcall
ed
Mom atKZN.
Ir
eal
lyhopemyweekl yassessment
sresul
tsgo
wel
lsothatIgetsi
gnedoffandgetbackhome.
Icandothi
s,nomor efl
ushi
ngmypil
lsagai
nI
swearr
atherthanbei
ngkeptint
hisl
unat
ic
asyl
um.
.
.
.
LATOYA

Bay
ekel
en'
labaf
an'
bakhi
pimal
iyok'
spend'
a
Abangani
onesi
de,
ayi
khoi
mal
iyok'
spend'
a
(x2)
Ipl
acemyonelegont
hechai
randf
louncemy
assont
hefol
l
owingpart
Awwy
eah!
Fak'
imal
iuzobonax3
Awwy
eah!
Fak'
imal
iuzobonax3
Awwy
eah!
Fak'
imal
iuzobonax3
Awwy
eah!
Fak'
imal
iuzobonax3
Hay'
amani ki
niki
,hayi
cheese,
hayi
chi
cken,
hay
i
beef(x3)
Hayamani
ki
niki
,hay
bo,
yebo

Peopl
ewer ethrowingcheeseasthesong
pl
ayedprobablytheytookitf
rom thefr
[Link]
hayit
'sepi
ctodayshameI 'm soenjoy
ingthis
par
tyhost
edbymweehof
cour
se.
Me:
Arejengmonat
ebagaet
sho!
!!
!(Let
'shav
e
f
unguy
s!!
!!
)
Cr
owd:
(scr
eami
ng)Wooooo!
!!
!
Il
aughedanddr ankthechampagnebott
leasI
fi
shmyey esaroundlooki
ngforsomeoneand
spot
tedthatperson.
It
ipt
oedt
ohi
m andgr
abbedhi
m asi
de.
Me:Lekkerdi
ng,
sohowar
eyougoi
ngt
her
e
l
ekkerdi
ng?
Andrea:
Idi
dspi
keherf
ir
stdr
inkwegonnahav
e
her
.
Ismir
kedasIrunmyt onguethroughmyteeth
andgotsomethi
ngoffmyhi [Link]
cl
otharoundmybiki
ni.
Me:
Pourmor
eoft
hisi
nherdr
ink
Isayhandi
nghi
m al
i
ttl
ebr
ownbot
tl
eofl
i
qui
d.
Andrea:
Agai
n?ButIt
hinksheal
readyhad
enough.
Me:She'
[Link]'t
wanthertorememberat hi
ng,t
henlateron
you'
l
linj
ectherwithher
oini
nherv ei
[Link]
hert
owakeupaj unki
ethenextday.
Andr
ea:
Sho!
Me:
Fornowpourt
hisandhav
efun.
Andr
ea:
Bu-
Me:I
sthist
oobigf
oryouAndrea?Sayso,so
t
hatIcanfi
ndsomeonebet
tertofi
l
ltheshoes.
"
Tof
il
lwhatshoes?
"
Sheblur
tsi
nwi
thadr
unkv
oiceasshest
agger
s
nextt
ous.
Me:HeyKene!Don'
tyout
hinky
ou'
vehadt
oo
much?
Kenei
loe:Muchforwho?Don'tbeaparty
pooper.I
'
m sti
l
lhavi
ngfun!Andy ou,
I'
vebeen
l
ooki
ngf
ory
ou.
..y
ou'
vebeengonef
orso.
..
Shet
ri
psandal
mostf
all
sbutwecat
chheri
n
ti
me.
Andr
ea:Caref
ul,don'
tyouwantust
ogochi
l
l
somewherequietandpri
vat
e?
Kenei
l
oe:
Nahj
ustneedt
hebat
hroom f
ir
st!
Shesli
desoffourhol
dandhel
pshersel
ftot
he
bathr
[Link]
lycl
ampmyinnerl
i
pasI
stompmyfeet.
Me:(gri
tt
edteet
h)Imightaswel
ldot
hej
ob
myselfsi
nceyou'
ref
ail
ing.
Isi
[Link]
hroom
whereKenewasdozingoffinfr
ontofthemir
ror
whi
lestandi
ng.
Me:Agaobat
legor
obal
a?(
Don'
tyouwantt
o
sl
eep?
)
Shehol
dsoutherhand.
Kenei
l
oe:
[Link]
funai
ndodam qha
ngoku(
Ijustwantmyman)
If
rown.
Me:
Gake'
otl
hal
ogany
e(Idon'
tunder
stand)
Kenei
l
oe:
Imean.
..ar
ghpsshnev
ermi
nd.
Me:
Ohhh,
okay
!
Isni
ffandv i
gor
ouslyr
[Link]
powderoutofmyboobswi thacar
[Link]
fr
anti
call
ystoodupproper
lyasi
fsober,
cause
shedidn'
tlosebal
ance.
Kenei
l
oe:
Whatar
eyoudoi
ng?
Me:
Taki
ngmydoset
oheav
en
Keneil
oe:Usebedi
sadi
thet
hef
atsi
?(Youdo
drugs?)
Me:Etl
annasephi
ri
nyanasar
onaaker
e?(
Itwi
l
l
beourl
i
ttl
esecr
etr
ight?
)
(
Sil
ence)
Me:
Comeon,
wher
edoy
out
hinkIgett
his
ener
gyfrom?Iusethem occasi
onal
l
ythough
j
usttohavefunand.
..
Imadet
hel
i
nesandbegansni
ff
ingt
hem.
Me:Aaaaaah!Anditf
eel
sgood.I
treal
l
yfeel
s
goodI
'mtell
[Link]
lagoit
eka?(Doyou
wannatr
y?)
Shejer
ksherfacebackwar
dsandquickl
y
wavesherhandinf
rontofmei
ndisapproval
.
Kenei
l
oe:
Ha.
aha.
aasoze!(
Nononev
er)
Me:Itwi
l
lonlybeonceandi
twon'
thur
tcome
on,y
ouwon'[Link]
omi
sewewil
lnev
erdot
his
agai
n.
Kenei
loe:Youknowwhat
?May
bey
ouwer
e
ri
ghtIshouldsl
eep.
Me: Okayt
samay ahemo'ny
ana( gol
it
tlegirl
.)
Afrai
dofli
vingli
fet
otheful
lest
,depr
ivi
ng
yoursel
fofgreatmoment
sbecauseofwhat ?
Becauseofbeingcont
rol
l
edbyy ourbrotheras
i
fkePapa'go.(Sneer
s)Howoldareyou?Soon
[Link] malat
siagagoa
bonanaagaufilegofet
a(youryout
hdaysare
almostov
er.)
Kenei
loe:Mxm he.
[Link]
aat
sawenaneh?
(Youunderest
imat
eme)
Me:Thenmpont
shethul
agany
oemal
eba
(
showmet her
ealdeal
)
Sheweighedherownl i
[Link] etoo
much, t
oomuchf ormyliki
[Link]'mfar
enjoy
ingthi
s,t
oseeherent erherownr oadto
destr
ucti
[Link]
fsthem allandshuther
eyesasshepinchedhernoseandr ubsi tr
api
dly
.
Me:
Heeeh,
wenana!
Kenei
l
oe:
Ahhf
uck!Thi
sisf
ucki
nggood.
Me:
Itol
dyou.
Kenei
l
oe:
Mor
eli
nes.
Me:
Whynot
?Ar
efel
elet
se(
Let
'sf
ini
shi
t)
Igi
ggl [Link]'
tmind
havingmor eofi
tcausemybodyi susedto
coke.I'v
ebeeninthegamef oralongtimebut
i
t'
lldestroysomeone,andt
hat'sexact
lywhatI
want !
.
.
.
PHEZI
SA(
OB'
SMOTHER)
Irushedwi
thmybagandthr
ewiti
nt heboot
andgotinmycarwi
thBhongor
unningafterme.
Bhongo:
Phezi
sa!Phezi
sa!Phezi
sawai
t
Me:What?Ndi
melent
oniBhongondi
melentoni
ndi
xel
ele?(
Whyshoul
dIwait
?Tellme,why
?)
Bhongo:It
'sl
atey
oucan'
tdr
iveoutl
ikethi
s
especi
all
ykul
emekoukuyo(whil
eyou'r
eangr
y)
Me:Ndi
thi
nike???(Whatshoul
dIdo?
?)Shoul
dI
si
tandr
elaxjustl
ikeyou.
Bhongo:
At l
eastweshoul
dwai
tforourf
li
ght
ngomso(tomorrow)
Me:HayBhongoingathi
izozi
tsal
aley
osana
(
thatwi
ll
taketoolong)
Bhongo:
Phezisasuy
enzalent
o(don'
tdothi
s)
pl
ease.I
t'
slat
eandit'
snotsaf
e,theroadi
s
l
ongandnotsafe.
Islowl
yhitmywheel
repeat
edl
ytol
eti
tsi
nkt
o
hishead.
Me: May beawundi [Link]
ndi
thi ndizi
hlel
eaphai vel
enjeinimbay am
i
chukumi sekenj engomzal i
.Whichmeans
l
ukhonauqhushul uluoluy
enzekakwel aRhawut i
ndi
[Link] l
oeangangachol i call
szam?
YenawonkeuKenei l
oeintombi yam ngqaa!
Notshei yobandeey angomso, mhl ambiwena
[Link] imna.( May beyou'r
e
nothear i
ngmecl earl
[Link] herl
y
i
nstinctswon' tj
ustfeelunsett
ledoutoft heblue.
Whichmeanssomeci r
cusisreal
lyhappening
ther
[Link]
l
oei snotpicki
ng
mycall
s,awholeKenei l
oe!Myoneandonl y
daught
er?Never!Tomorrowwi l
lbeforev
er ,
maybeyoumi ghtfol
l
owt omorrowbutnotme. )
Bhongo:Mamqocway ouar
ebl
owi
ngthisoutof
propor
ti
onuKeneumdala(i
sgr
own)shecan
takecar
eofhersel
f.
Me: Iwasgonnabel i
evethatxabenga
[Link]
sayazukubal onael
aheny uli
bhinqengantoni
,
akekhokeuBuzwef orumkhuselaudadewabo.
(Iwasgonnabel i
evethatwhenshewasn' tlef
t
withthatharl
[Link] hknowwhatshe' s
capableof,Buzweisnott her
etoprotecthi
s
sist
er)
Bhongo:
Phezi
sa-
Me:I
kwanguwenal
oothemasingamxel
eli
uBuz
wengophandolwet
hul
olwamarhosha.
Kunjeungazalineh?Ungav akel
elwaniks?
Ndiyekekemnandi yi
qhwi t
helendlelandodwa,
ndiyokrobaumntanam engekakondzakal i.
Ushiyekekahleke.(Itisstil
lyouwhoi nsi
sted
thatweshouldn'ttellBuzweaboutourf i
ndings
aboutthatprosti
[Link]
kethi
snott ohav e
kids?Tonotf [Link] iveby
my sel
fandgocheckonmydaught erbefor
e
sheget shurt
.Staywel l)
If
umemyengi neandspedmycaroutofmy
pr
[Link]
acemyshaki
nghandovermy
mout
handt earsf
ell
down.
Me:
Godpl
easekeepmybabysaf
e.
It
akemyphoneanddi
alherphoneagai
n.
Me:
Pickupt
hecall
,pl
easepi
ckupbaby
.
(
Scr
eams)Ar
rgggh!
!!
Ithrewthephoneagainstthedoorasitwent
throughvoi
cemai l
.Anxi
etywasskyrocketon
mysi deandit
'l
ltakememanyhour storeach
Jo'
[Link]
lIhavetodoi
sprayli
keanyot
her
[Link]
her
e'snot
hingel
seI
coul
ddo.
.
.
.
BUZWE(
OB)
Mi
ssA:
Ahy
ourhouseseemsbusy
.
Me:Ayymaybemysi
sterdeci
dedt
oget
naught
ywhi
l
eIwasaway .
Wechuckl
edasIsecr
etlycl
enchmyt eet
hand
uncl
enchi
tagai
n.I
'
mr eall
yupsetseei
ngthe
condi
ti
onofmyhouseri
ghtnow.
Me:
Hayy
ouknowhowt
heyget
.
MissA:
Truehey
.Chr
ist
mascomesonceay
ear
r
emember.
Me:
Yeahdef
ini
tel
[Link]
ort
hel
i
ftbyt
he
way
.
MissA:Noprobl
[Link]'
tfor
gett
otakey
our
medsokay?Twiceaday,
moreofmood
st
abil
i
zerst
hananti
depr
essant
s.
Me:
YeahIwon'
tfor
get
Shepat
smyshoul
der
Mi
ssA:
Youcandot
hisOBIbel
i
evei
nyou.
Ismi
l
ed.
Me:
Thanky
ou.
MissA:You'
vehadatast
eofhowtheasylum i
s
f
oramer [Link]'
tl
andyour
sel
fther
ef ora
l
ongtime.
Me:
Nev
er,
thanksagai
n.
Mi
ssA:
Hav
eyour
sel
fawonder
ful
night
.
Inodandgotout
.Shehoot
sanddr
ivesout
.

Isl
owl
yst
areatmycar
elessl
ywi
degat
eopen.
Andhowi tlookedinsi
demyy ar
dli
kea
dumpster,wit
hbottlesofal
coholl
yi
ngaround
andchampchai rs,
condoms, mypoolbei
ng
l
it
ter
edt hi
sway .
Ichort
leangri
lyandfacedupontheskyasI
squeezemyf oref
inger
stoget
hertaki
ngf
ew
deepbreathsinandoutasIcomposemy sel
f.
Itwasreall
atecloserto23:00,theseunf
ami l
iar
faceswerejustlyi
ngaroundasleepanddr unk.I
calmlywal
kedt owardsthem andswi t
chedoff
themusicplayingwhil
esmi li
[Link]
conti
nuedwi t
hmyj ourney.

Icr
ouched.
Me:HeyFunodidyoumissme?Imissedyou
t
[Link]
IthoughtofwasyouwhenIwasinther
e.
Ibr
ushedherhead.
Me:
Hav
eyouev
ert
ast
edhumanf
leshbef
ore?
Howabouty
oust
artnow?
Ichuckl
edandpattedhermoret
hankissedher
headbeforeunl
eashi
ngherandopenedher
smallgat
ewi de
Imademywayi nsidet hehouseanditwasn'
t
l
ongIhadhy st
erical screamsandcri
esthen
soonrunni
ngfoot [Link] schi
evous
smil
eandlaughedsof tl
y .
Ir
aisemyeyebr
owsasIseehowworset
he
messwasinsi
dethehouset
hanout
.
Me:[Link]
adi
escl
ear
lyhav
e
noi
deawhoIam neh.
Inoddedgoi
ngupstai
rsasIcont
inuedl
ooki
ng
backandfor
thatt
hehouse.

Ifi
rstgotinLatoy
a'sroom, shewasasleepwith
mysi sterand4otherl
[Link]
orafleece
andpl aceitov
ermysi st
er.
[Link]
them foragoodwhilequiet
[Link]
dedt oopen
thethir
dshelfandclear
edfewofhert hings.I
thensawGomol emo'sweddinginvi
tat
ion
stari
[Link] esgl
ist
ened.
Me:
Woo-
lal
a!
Igradual
lycur
vethecornerofmyli
pmakinga
vi
lesmi l
eandslowl
yplacedthei
nvi
tat
ionback
tohowIhadf oundit
.
Me:
Lett
hegamesbegi
n.
Itur
nmyheadgivingLatoyathevi
l
esmi l
eand
noddedmyheadcontinuousl
yasIslowlywalk
outofherr
oom andclosedthedoorbehind.
.
..
>>>Tobecont
inued.
..

•
Kenei
l
oe
16
.
..
BUZWE(
OB)
Itwasthefoll
owingday .Iwokeupearl
ythanI
usuall
[Link]
stthingIdidwaschasingthe
peopleoutwhosl eptinthel
[Link]
erthei
r
depart,
Icoll
ectedallt
hemesst heymadeand
[Link]
l
ytookmet wolong
hourstogetdone.
Me:There'
l
ldef
ini
tel
ybeaconsequencef
ort
his,
Iswear
.
It
hrewever
ythi
ngi
nthegar
[Link]
l
atert
ookashower
.

WhenIgotdoneImetLat [Link]
l
ikethey'
vejustescort
edtheremaini
ngladies
[Link]
ookedsur pr
isedt
oseeme, theyhad
badphuzafacesKenewasev entr
[Link]
hangovergotherbad.
Me:
Goodmor
ningl
adi
es.
Theyf
aceddownshamef
ull
y
Me:
HawwIsai
dgoodmor
ning
Them:
Mor
ning.
Me:Nowt hat
'smor
eli
kei
[Link]
ouwant
f
orbreakf
ast?
(
Sil
ence)
Me:
Kant
iam Ispeaki
ngal
one?
Lat
oya:
Uhm wewantt
osayt
hatwe'
resor
ry.
Me:
Forwhat
?
Shecl
ear
edhert
hroat
Lat
oy a:Forl
astnight
,themesswecreat
edand
i
nvi
tingpeopleforpart
y .Wewer
en'
tsupposed
tot
hat ,
itwaswr ongofus.
Imadeaninti
midat
ingl
ookt
henl
oosenedupi
n
secondswi
thabigsmil
e.
Me:
TswadaarLat
oya
Lat
oya:
Huh?
Shemadeaqui
zzi
cal
look
Me:Let'
sputi
tbehi
ndusandf
ocusont
oday
andtomorr
ow.
Theyimplausi
blyexchangedst
aresbef
ore
l
ookingatme.
Keneiloe:Nj
eelohl
obo?Si yal
i
balaungazo
sit
hethisanos'
thet
hisa?(Justli
kethat
?We
forgetandyou'
renotev engonnascoldus?)
Me:Ibel
iev
ey [Link]
ust
hopethi
sneverhappensagain,
okay?
Theynoddedl
i
kel
i
ttl
eki
ds
Me:Good,nowt
akey
ourseat
swhi
l
eImakey
ou
br
eakf
ast.
Theygavemeascept
ical
lookbef
oreheadi
ng
tothel
ounge.
Ibeganwhi
stli
ngasIwearmyapronand
prepar
eatoastedEngl
i
shbreakf
ast
,wit
h
cherr
iesonthesi
[Link]
easli
cewhil
epr epari
ng
anddr ankmypi
ll
s,t
henwenttohandthem their
food.
Them:
Thanks.

Inodandsatdownpl ayi
ngwi t
hmyphone.I
remember edJozeawast r
ynnahookmeup
withanotherl
ady,Ineverpaidattent
iontothat
.
Itext
edherf i
rstwi
tha" Hi"unti
lmyat t
enti
on
wasbr oughtbackbyLat oya.
Lat
oya:
You'
renoteat
ing?
Me:
Nope
Latoy
a: Oh,soot
sogi
lekanakomang?(
what
ti
medi dyouwakeup?)Causewebot
hwokeup
i
nacl eanhousewhi
leweexpect
edtodothe
j
obour sel
ves.
Imadeasi
desmi
l
e
Me:
Wel
lasy
ouknowI
'
m al
i
ghtsl
eeperIhadt
o
f
indsomet
hingt
odo.
Lat
oya:
Mmhokay
Me:
Sisy
ouokay
?
Shest
oppedeat
ingandwi
pedherl
i
ps.
Kenei
l
oe:
YahYahI
'
m okay
Igl
ancedatherhands.
Me:Yhiniukungcangcazel
aokungaka?Yi
bhabhal
azaikubambest r
ong'
omhlambi?(
Why
areyoushaking?Hangovergoty
oubadmay be?
)
Shel
ooksatLat
oya.
Kenei
l
oe:
Erm-
Ahootoutsi
dethegat
esav
edherf
rom
answer
ingthat
.
"
Kenei
l
oe!Kene?Kenei
l
oe!"
Thehootgoesonagai
[Link]
upfr
om mychair
Me:
Mama?
Kenei
l
oe:
Whati
sshedoi
ngher
e?
Me:Andaz(
Idon'
tknow)l
etmecheck,
stay
her
e.

Igotout
[Link]
orhert
o
dri
vein,
thenlockedagain.
I
'm seei
ngshedi
dn'
tcomeal
onebutwi
thuncl
e
Bhongoaswell
.
Me:
Mol
weni
(Gr
eet
ings)
Them:
Mol
o
Me:
TowhatdoIowet
hesur
pri
se?
Mom gotoutoft
hecarwi
thav
erydeadser
ious
l
ook.
Mom: Awusat
shongokuxaubuy
il
e(Youdon'
t
saywhenyou'
reback?
)
Me:I..
.camebacklat
elastni
[Link]
cal
lthi
smorningandinf
ormy ou.
Mom:
Mmmh
Il
ookedatt
hem.
Me:
Sowhati
sit
?
Bhongo:
Ah?Kuthet
hwakumiwenahkwakho?
(Dowespeakwhil
estandi
ngaty
ourpl
ace?)
Mom:
Nomanner
suy
am'
bo
Me:
Yhoxol
weni
let
'sal
lgeti
nsi
de.
Ismi
l
edandl
edt
hem i
nsi
de.
Theyi
nstant
lywander
edt
hei
rey
esar
ound
admir
ingmyplace.
Mom: Akusekuhl eapha,y
hininahBuzwe
uzamaundi xel
elaokoleminyakaubuzi
hlal
ela
wedwakwi ndluengaka.(I
t'
ssobeautif
ul i
nhere,
youtry
nnat ell
meal lt
heseyearsyou'
vebeen
stay
ingal
one?I nsuchbighouse.)
Il
aughedshor
tl
y
Me:
EweMama
Bhongo:Ngamandl
aakhoonkeanga?(
Ist
his
al
lyourstr
engt
h?)
Ichuckl
edqui
tef
lat
ter
edbyt
hat
Me:
EweTa.
Bhongo:
Haykuhl
endoda(
That
'sgood)
Wegotint
hel
oungewher
etheymetmysi
sand
Lat
oya.

Mom:
Baby
!
Kenei
l
oe:
Mom.
Shestoodupbot
hherandLat
[Link]
ushed
tohugMommyandBhongo.
Mom:I'
vebeencall
i
ngy
ouwhyar
en'
tyou
pi
cki
ngmycalls?
Kenei
loe:Ei
shinengxaki
fowny
am y
azi
.(My
phoneisprobl
ematic)
Mom:
Sincewhen?
Kenei
l
oe:
EishMa.
Mom:Don'
teverdot
hatagai
[Link]
oubel
i
eve
wecameal
lthewayforyou.
Kenei
loe:Forme?Hayi
boMaI'
m 29youdon'
t
havetotr
eatmelikeachi
l
d.I
'
m not6anymore,
ever
ythi
ngwasokaywhenmybrotherwasgone.
Bhongo:
Khangendi
ngamxel
eli
ke(
Idi
dtel
lher
)
Mom: JustthatIcoul
dn'
ttr
ustyouar
ound
somer andom skankswhoprol
l
ywantstotake
chanceswithmyson.
Sheshr
ugsgi
vi
ngLat
oyauncomf
ort
abl
elooks
Mom:
Whoknowsi
fshecoul
dspar
eyout
oo.
Ifur
rowmyeyebr
owsconfusedaswebot
hlook
ateachot
herwi
thKene.
Us:Uthet
hangant
oni
Mama?(
Whatar
eyou
tal
ki
ngabout?)
Webothsangthequest
ionatt
hesameti
me.
ButBhongocutmyMom befor
eshecoul
dsay
any
thi
ng.
Bhongo:Hima'
am,sor
ryf
ornothav
ing
mannerstogr
eet.
Latoy
a:Morni
ngsir
,Iunder
standi
t'
saf
ami
l
y
reuni
-nt
ozahey.
Sheearnsmymother'
sat
tent
ionbysayi
ngthat
andsheint
ensi
l
ystar
[Link]
ear
edmy
thr
oathopi
ngshecoul
dbreaktheeyecont
act.
Me:Uhm ManaweBhongo,thi
sisLat
oyaand
Lat
oyathi
sismymotherandmysecondfather
Bhongo.
Shesmi
l
esst
ret
chi
ngherhand
Lat
oya:
Nicemeet
ingy
ouMa
Mom l ooksatherhandasifitwascov eredi
n
faecesandignoredit
.Latoyaembar assedl
y
retr
actsherhandbackandpul lsanother
biggestsmil
eassheext endsittoBhongo.
Lat
oya:
Nicemeet
ingy
out
oosi
r
Bhongo:
Nicet
omeety
ount
ombi
Theyshookhands.
Mom: TellmeBuzwe,
whoi
sthi
str
ashI
'
m
seei
ngrighther
e?
Me:
Excuseme?
Mom:
Thatwasasi
mpl
equest
ion
Me:Er
m, Latoyaismyfri
endwhom Imet
ar
[Link]'
vebeengoodfr
iendsf
or
al
ongtime.
Mom:
Ohsogoodf
ri
endsl
i
vet
oget
her
?
Kenei
l
oe:
Ma!
Shef
lashedherhandi
nfr
ontofKenei
l
oe'
sface.
Mom: Tell
meBuz [Link] umoursIhear
thatshe'soneoftheprosti
tut
esy ou'
vepi
cked
i
nHi ll
[Link] oudoingwit
ha
whor einyourhousei
fy ou'
renotbychance
sleepingwithher?
It
ight
enedmyjawsasIf
aceasi
[Link]'
tl
ike
whatshe'
sdoi
ng.
Me:
Idon'
tknowwhot
oldy
out
hat
Mom:Hav
eyoustoopedthatl
owBuzwehee?I
s
t
hathowMat
hapel
or ai
sedyou?
Bhongo:
Phezi
saha.
a
Heholdsherhandcal
mingher
.Il
etoutan
exasper
atedsi
gh.
Me:
Kenei
l
oe,
Lat
oyapl
easef
oll
owme
Mom: Wheredoyouthi
nky ouaregoi
ng?Buz
we
I
'm notdonet
alki
ngt
oy ou!Buzwe!
Iconti
nuewal
kingawayi
gnor
ingherandt
hey
fol
lowedbehi
ndme.

Me:Gir
lsl
ook,Ineedyoutogooutandspoi
l
your
sel
[Link]
ustneedtohaveamomentwith
myparent
sjusttocal
mt hem down
Kenei
l
oe:
Yousur
eyou'
l
lmanagewi
tht
hem?
Me:
Idef
ini
tel
ywi
l
l.
Ihandt
hem mybl
ackcar
d.
Me: 16kist
hel
i
mitonwhat
every
ou'
l
lbot
h
spend,okay
?
[Link]
ookedatLat
oya
Me:Pl
easef
orgiveherfort
[Link]..
.sher
eal
l
y
di
dn'
tmeanit
,it
'sjustherf
rust
rati
ons.
Lat
oya:
It'
sfi
neI
'
llj
ustgetr
eady
.
Shel
eftmeandKenest
andi
[Link]
fasIpl
ace
myhandonmyhip.
Kenei
l
oe:
Isi
ttr
ue?
Me:
Hay
imaannoty
out
oo.
Kenei
l
oe:
Ijustwannaknowhay
ibo!
Byt
henIwasal
readyoutofsi
ght
.
.
.
.
GOMOLEMO
Me:
SohowdoIl
ookwi
tht
hisone?
Iaskget
ti
ngoutoft
hef
it
ti
ngr
oom.
Dumazil
e:(
ulul
ati
ng)Awwal
i
li
!al
i
li
!al
i
li
!Yey
-
yeeeni
!
Ichuckl
[Link]
lst
oodupi
twasmom, my
motherin-
lawandmybrot
her
'swi
feSi
zakel
e.
Mom:Ohhmybabyy ou'
resobeaut
if
ull
i
kea
pur
eangel
from heav
en.
Me:
AoMma.
Theycamewi thmef ormyfit
ti
ngsofthe
[Link]
hisi
sthefi
rstdr
ess
I
'vefi
ttedandI'
ml ovi
ngit
.
Dumazi
l
e:BukauMakot
iwam ufanel
ekekanj
ani
?
Awwimpel
aakukhookungenof
anelalomzi
mba
wondl [Link] azeyabusi
sekaindodana
yam baki t
hi.(Lookathowexquisi
temy
daught eri
n-lawlooks?Nothingwouldn'
tsui
t
thatwel l
-f
edbodyofy [Link]
blessed.)
Wecont
inuedl
aughi
ng.
Sizakel
e:Ayyumuhl
engempel
asi
si(
You'
re
reall
ybeaut
iful
)
Me:
Ngi
yabonga(
Thanky
ou)
Ismi
l
edt
urni
ngar
ound
Mom:
You'
renotsuf
focat
ingy
our
sel
faker
e?
Me:
No
Dumazil
e:Ungasiqambel
iamangathi
naphel
a
ut
hweleindl
ali
fayakwaZondo.(
Don'
tli
etous
mychil
dcausey ou'
recar
ryi
ngaZondohei
r)
Me:[Link]
i
cini
so(NoMa, i
t'
snotali
eI'
m bei
nghonest)
andbesidesi
t'
ssti
ll
ear
lyday
s,uSbaniissti
l
l
f
ormi
ng.
Isaybr
ushi
ngt
ummy
.
Dumazil
e:Ohhhaychakungconoke(
that
's
bet
ter
)
Mom:
Whenl
astdi
dyougof
orcheckups?
Me:
Bekeef
eti
l
eng(
Lastweek)
Mom: That
'[Link]
eall
ycan'
twai
tforthebig
daytj
ongwanakawagonnamont l
etota(you
gonnabereal
lybeaut
iful
mychil
d.)
Dumazi
le:
Sekumaduzenj
e(We'
reonl
yget
ti
ng
cl
oser
)
Mom:
Ehee.
Si
zakel
e:Solonglet
'sseeyoutr
yanot
herdr
ess.
Ij
ustcan'
tgetovert
hatbody.
Ichuckl
ed.
Me:
Ohy
es,
yesI
'
m goi
ngsi
si.
Ir
anbackt
othef
it
ti
ngr
oom t
ofi
tmyot
her
dresses.Ichose5dr essest
ofitbutsofart
he
fi
rstoneisstil
[Link]
withthefit
ti
ngswewer enowgonnagof orthe
decor,butIfi
rstpul
ledMommyasi detohavea
wordwi thher.

Mom:
Gomo?
Me:Mmat her
eissomet
hingI
'
dli
kef
orust
o
t
alkabout
.
Mom:
Ker
eedi
tse(
I'
mli
steni
ng)
Imadeaner
voussmi
l
easIgr
inned.
Me:
Arewe.
..Ar
eweuhm.
..
Myt
onguegott
ied.
Mom:
Arewewhat
?
Me:(
clear
sthroat
)Ijustwannaknowi
fwe'
re
i
nvi
ti
ngPhezisainthi
swedding.
Mom dr
opsherhandbagont
hechai
randgav
e
meaki
l
lerl
ook.
Mom:
Howcany
ouaskmet
hatquest
ion?
?
Ev
enhert
onegotscar
ier
.
Me:
Hao,
arey
ounowenemi
es?
Mom: Ofcour
senot!Buty
ouknowthatoncewe
i
nvit
eherobviousshe'
sgonnabr
ingher
danger
oussonalong.
Me:ComeonMawebot hknowPhezi
sa
wouldn'
tri
ski
[Link]
hatshe'
l
lkeep
Buzwefarawayfrom us.
Mom: Pr
omi
sesngwanakaar
ether
etobe
br
oken.
Me:Butwewer
eli
kefamil
[Link]'ti
tseem
f
unnytobot
hHlomphoandHlonolowhen-
Mom: Don'
ty oudareinvolvemysonsinthi
s!
Wedon'towet heSeramesany thi
[Link]
y
r
elat
edtoy ourbrot
hersnoty ou!I
t'
snotamust
f
orhimt obehere,neitherdoeshi
smot her
.
Me: Mmayouactasi
fhehashur
tmebef
ore
yethedi
dn'
[Link]
lheev
erdi
dwastolov
eme.
Mom: Lovey ou?Tol ovey ou?Mat l
akala!
Matlakala!(Rubbi sh!Rubbi sh!
)Youar espewing
completer ubbi [Link] l
l
ed
anothermot her 'ssondeadi nfr
ontofyoureyes!!
!
Thatboyi ssi ck!!Gomol [Link] orcr y
ingout
l
oudy ou'reaboutt ogetmar ri
edtoagoodman.
Whywoul dy out ryjeopardizi
ngitbymaki nghis
obsfuscatingl ovemat ternowhuh?
(
Sil
ence)
Mom: (sof
tl
y)Don'tembar
assmeGomol
emo.
Don'
[Link].
Me: Wel
lthi
si [Link] ocall
theshot
sofhowt hi
[Link] '
m
tel
li
ngyouthatI'
m gonnainvi
tebothBuzweand
hisMom inthisweddingendofdiscussion.
Nowy ouwil
l havetoswall
owtheheav inessof
i
tMma.
Shecl
enchedhert
eet
hwi
thhernosef
lar
ing.
Me:
We'
regonnasendt
hoseRSVPSt
othem
i
mmedi
atel
y.
Mom: Ketshepagaotl
egoikot
lhay
akase
otl
ogangosedira(Ihopeyoudon'
tli
vet
o
regr
etwhatyou'
redoing.
)
Me:
Gakeseke(
Iwon'
t)
Il
efthert
hereandfol
l
owedaf
termymot
heri
n-
l
awandSi zakel
e.
.
.
.
LATOYA
Myphonepi
ngswithamessagewhi
l
eIwas
shoppi
ngwi
thKene.
Iv
iewedt
hemessage.
Gomol
emo:
"We'
reon,
Ihopey
ouhav
eapl
an.
"
Me:
"Tr
ustme"
Imadeacunni
ngsmi
l
ewhi
l
eIr
oll
myt
ongue.
"
Howaboutt
hisdr
ess?
"
Ist
il
lty
pedonmyphone.
Kenei
l
oe:
Lat
oya!
Me:
Hmm?
Kenei
l
oe:
Arey
ouev
enher
e?
Me:
Ohsor
ry,
wasj
ustchecki
ngonmyf
ami
l
y.
Ipl
acemyphonebacki
nmypocket
.
Iconti
nuedst
rol
l
ingaheadandchecki
ngoutt
he
cl
othes.
Kenei
l
oe:
Sokennet
e?(
isi
ttr
ue?
)
Ifl
exmyshoulderwi
thaconf
usedf
aci
al
expressi
on.
Me:
Eng?(
What
?)
Kenei
l
oe:
Thaty
ou'
reapr
ost
it
ute
Istoppedwal
ki
ngandhuf
fedwhi
l
ecl
osi
ngmy
eyes.
Me:
At ot
agobot
lhokwa?(
Isi
treal
l
ythat
i
mport
ant?)
Kenei
l
oe:
Wel
lI'
m cur
ious
Me:
Cur
iosi
tyki
l
ledt
hecat
.
Il
aughedlookingather
,reali
zi
nghowt he
meaningofthatsayi
ngblendsinwell
wi t
hmy
tr
ueintent
ionswit
[Link]
n.
Me:Can'
twedothi
smay bei
nar
est
aur
ant
wher
ewecansitandt
alk?
Keneil
oe:Thi
sisa2to3wordanswerso
ther
e'snoneedtomakeaf
ussaboutit
.
Il
ookedather
.
Keneil
oe:
Youoncet oldmey ouweregonnatel
l
meabouty ourr
elat
ionshi
pwi t
hmybrotherand
Ibel
ievet
here'
snoot herper
fectt
imethanthi
s.
Icur
vemyl
i
psanddef
eat
edl
yrai
semy
ey
ebr
ows.
Me:Well
[Link] indeedaprost
it
ute-
"
was",
until
y ourbrotherspokesensetome.
Thatseemedhar
dforhert
opr
ocess.
Me:ImetyourbrotherinHill
brow7y ear
sago.I
wasyoungbackthen, hewasdr iv
ingbythe
r
oadlat
[Link]
tt
legir
lsi
tti
ng
t
hereoutsi
dethebuilding,
riski
ngherownl i
fe.
Iswal
l
owedahugel
umpi
nmyt
hroat
.
Me: Notknowingt
hatIhadl
onggiv
enupmylif
e
bylett
ingthosemenhavepar
tsofmyi
nnocent
soul.
Isni
ffbr
ushi
ngmyey
esasIf
eel
tear
swel
l
ing
up.
Me: SeeKeneil
oeI'
m notafr
aidofdyi
ng.
(Chortl
es)Ther
earemanyoccasionswhereI
'v
e
pri
ckedGodt otakemylif
e,torel
easemeoutof
thi
smi sery
.Keneevery
dayinmyl i
feIt
ry
hazar dousexper i
ment shopi ngI'
ddi eof
over dose, poisoni
ngorsomesor tofabl oody
fuckingt hing!Yether eam Ist i
llstandingwi t
h
[Link] ungcancermi ssme?YetI
smokel i
kemyl i
fedependoni [Link] '
s
mi ssme, howcan. ..(Sighs)Youknowmywi sh
wast odieofsubst ance.I'v
eal way sbeent he
typet hat'
saf raidofat t
empt ingsui ci
[Link]
myet hi
csar enotallowi ngmet o, becauseI'm
raisedbyagoodChr isti
an.
Bynowmycheekswer
ewet
.
Me:Someofusnevergotthi
ngsinasi
lver
pl
atter
,we'
veli
vedr
ealhar
doutther
[Link]
Ithi
nkofmyyoung16self
?Leavi
ngNelsprui
tto
fi
ndhustl
einJo'
bur
g?
Iscof
fedwhi
l
eshaki
ngmyhead.
Me:Wasprobabl
ynutsri
ght
?Hadnomat r
ic,
j
ustal
it
tl
egirldr
ovenbypai
[Link]
ngmy
ownmothersuff
erli
ket
hat.
..SoIhadto
sacri
fi
cemy sel
fforherandmybabysi st
er,
[Link]
changebackhome, thathe'
dchangeourhome
si
tuati
[Link]
lhegotbatter
edtodeathandlef
t
usinpain.
Kenei
l
oe:
I'
m sosor
ry.
Me: Hewasgi ftedwi thgoodbr [Link] eryt
ime
he'dbaggoodt r ophies,awar dsanddi plomas
forhisacademi [Link] sari
es, scholarshipswere
calli
ngf orhi
snameensur i
nghi m abet ter
[Link] hosewer et helasthappy
day sforMom, shewaspr oudandsi nging
j
oy full
[Link] ent '
sstrengt hfinall
y
showi ngoff,ourf athernev ergav eaf lyi
ngshit
aboutus.
Ir
aisemyheadf
ier
cel
ygl
ari
ngathert
hrough
myt ear
s.
Me:Unti
lsomebody'
ssontookthatal
laway
f
rom [Link]
l!Mom hasbeenconst
antl
yil
laf
ter
thatIcouldn'[Link]
andf i
ndway stohelpoutwi ththepovertyback
[Link]
ingmybodywast heonl ywayI'
m not
forbrains.I'
m notasbr i
ll
i
antashowmy
sibli
ngsar [Link]
l Mommy '
shope
throughKel ebogil
[Link]'sgonnacont i
nue
wher eThat -(
clearsthr
oat)Imeanwher emy
brotherhadl eftoff
.
Igr
indmyt
eet
h
Me:ButIswearthemanwhodi dt
hiswil
lpaya
hugepr
iceforit
.Iswearonmybrot
hersgrave,
hi
sdeathwill
defini
tel
ynotbei
nvai
n.
IglancedatKenei
l
oeagai
nandsmi
l
etocl
ear
offthetensi
on.
Me: Butt
hankstothegoodSamar i
tanwho
foundme-y ourbrot
[Link]
ncet henhe'
s
beengoodtomeandwant edmet ochangemy
l
ife.I
t'
sbeenyearshe'sbeenadvisi
ngmet odo
so,butyouknowhowwecan' teasi
lytrust
Adam'[Link]'mfi
nall
y
tr
ust
inghimt hat
'swhyI'm br
eaki
ngfreefr
om
what
everli
festyl
eIwasusedt o.
(
Sil
ence)
Keneil
oe:Tel
lyouwhat ?Let'
scashoutthe16k.
Plugmeinoneofy ourguyssothatIcanget
thecokethat
'dlastmef oralongti
[Link]
restoft
hemoneyl eftisall
yours,
sendsome
home
Iwi
denmyey
est
akenbyt
hat
Me:
What
??
Kenei l
oe:Yahdothat,buyy
ourselfafew
clothingstoconvi
nceOBal i
tt
[Link]
won' tevennoti
ce.
..sonow,getmet hecoke
"please."
Il
ookedathert
rembl
ingandcravi
ngforitas
shehuggedher
sel
fandskinnedher
self
.
Me:
Kenei
l
oey
oucan'
-
Kenei
l
oe:
LATOYAWI
LLYOUFUCKINGGETME
THEDAMNCOKEORWE'LLCANCEL-
Me:Okayokayshunoneedt
obel
oud,
youwant
t
olandusinjai
l
?
Keneil
oe:Doitnowpl
easeorelseI
'm gonna
l
osemy self
.Ineedi
tsofl
ippi
n'qui
ckhelpa
si
sterout
.
Sher
ambl
edf
ast
lywhi
l
erubbi
nghernose.
Me:
I'
ll
cont
actoneofmyguy
s.
Kenei
l
oe:
NowLat
oya!
Me:
YesnowKenei
l
oe!Gosh.
Igotmyphoneoutinaf i
dgetywayandpr essed
onitcal
li
[Link]
ymakingan
evi
leyeandconni
[Link] ansar
egoing
accordi
ngl
yandfarmorebet t
erthanIthought.
.
.
.
JOZEA
Me:
Okayl
et'
stake5guy
s!
Iwalkedbackandgrabbedmybot
tl
eofwat
er.
JustthenViol
acal
l
edme.
Me:
Baby
Vi
ola:
Babe
Thi
ngsareali
ttl
ebittensebet
weenusaf
ter
whathadhappenedtheotherday
.
Me:
Arey
ouokay
?
Viol
a:YahI
'
mf i
[Link]
ustneedyoutocomeand
takemetoyourmother
'sworkpl
ace.
Me:Ohsoy
oual
readywor
kingont
hatchar
it
y
t
hing?
Viola:
YesandIalreadyhaveasetofclothes
readyfordonat
[Link]
all
ywarm cl
othes,
sincewe'r
eapproachingwint
er.
Ismi
l
epr
oudl
y
Me:Ohwownowondery
ou'
vebeena
wor
kahol
i
clat
ely
.
Vi
ola:
[Link]
easedon'
ttakel
ong
Me:
NoI
'
m onmywayr
ightt
her
e.
Vi
ola:
Thanky
ou.
Me:
Viol
a
Vi
ola:
Yes?
Me:
Ilov
eyou
Shemut
esandt
akesal
ongdeepbr
eat
h.
Vi
ola:
Ilov
eyout
oo
Me:Canwet al
kproper
lyaft
erwegetdonewi
th
what
'sconsumingusfortheday
.
Vi
ola:
Yeswecant
alk.
Me:
Okayseey
out
hen
Vi
ola:
Bye
Me:
Bye
[Link]
abbedmybagandt
oldI
saac
tof
il
lmyspotasI'
m headi
ngout
.

OnthedoorIbumptosomeoneandherit
ems
fel
[Link]
oucht
opickhert
hings.
Me:
Oopssor
rypl
easef
orgi
veme
Voi
ce:
Noi
t'
sfi
ne
Ist
oodupandf
acedher
.
Me:
Cai
tl
yn!
Cai
tl
yn:
Jozea
Ishr
unkmyey
es.
Me:
Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?
Cait
lyn:Whatam Idoi
ngher
e?I
sthatat
ri
cky
questi
onorwhat?
Shel
aughs
Cai
tl
yn:
CauseI
'
minagy
m duh(
chuckl
es)what
dowedoinagym?
Il
aughli
ghtl
yasIbr
ushmybr
ows
embarr
assedl
y.
Me:Pssharghexcusemymanner
sIj
ust
..
.I
di
dn'
texpectyouhere.
Cai
tl
yn:Hmm!Kindenought
owel
comeacl
i
ent
i
nyourgym neh?
Me:Arghnono,Idon'
tmeant
obeunki
[Link]
agai
nI'
m sor
ry.
Shet
hrowsherhandwhi
l
esmi
l
ing
Caitl
yn:Don'tt
akemeseriousIwasjustpull
i
ng
[Link]
ssoIthoughtof
taki
ngabr eakandcomef l
exmymuscl esa
l
ittl
[Link]
ievethi
sismybreatherf
rom l
ist
ening
people'
spr obl
emsdail
y.
Me:Youact
ual
l
ydoneedt
hebr
eaki
t'
l
ldoy
ou
good.
Cai
tl
yn:
Yeah,
sol
ooksl
i
key
ou'
regoi
ngout
.
Me:
YeahI
'
m headi
nghome.
Cai
tl
yn:
How'
smysi
ster
?
Me:
Cai
tl
ynnott
hisnow
Cait
lyn:
Jozeahowbadcanitbetotr
yt or
each
outtoyouroneandonl
ysist
er?Sayi
fitwas
Pearl
,howwouldyoufeel
?
Me:
Don'
tev
enment
ioni
t
Caitl
yn:See?That'sexactl
yhowIf eel
.It'
sbeen
alwaysmeandVi [Link]
nghasbeen
thewor st,i
t'
sli
keshehasl eftmeinprisonwit
h
[Link]
indhappinessonlyatwork,home
i
snott hesameany morewi t
houther.
Il
ookedather
.
Cait
lyn:Tel
lmeJozeadoy
ouenj
oyseei
ngus
l
ikethis?
Me:
No
Shebl
i
nked.
Cait
lyn:
Thenhel
pme,
helpmer ebui
l
dast
rong
rel
ati
onshi
pwit
hmysi
steragai
n.
Me:Thatwon'tbeeasyCai
tyl
[Link]
ais
di
vergentandqui
cktobashtheideaofyouand
hersit
ti
ngthi
ngsoutandtal
k.
Cait
lyn:(
sar
casm)Doyouthi
nkIdon'
tknow
that
?Iknowmysister
.Ther
e'sonl
yonewayto
fi
xthis.
Me:
How?
Cait
lyn:
Bytaki
ngmetoy ourpl
acerightnow.
Thatwayshewill
beforcedtof
acet hemusic
shewon'tbeabl
[Link].
Igul
pedl ooki
ngather
.ImeanIdon'twannago
backtosquareonewithViol
a.I'
mtryi
ngtofi
x
whateveriti
sthatweneedtofi
[Link]
y
upsetheragainwit
hhersi
ster.
Cai
tl
yn:
Please.
.
.
.
PHEZI
SA(
OB'
SMOTHER)
Me:
Soi
tshokewhatar
eyoudeci
dingon?
Buzwe:
Mama.
..
Me:Suthi
mamandi
phendul
e(Don'
tsaymom
answerme)
Buzwe:
Wecan'
tchaseher
Me:
Can'
tchaseherngoba(
whynot
?)
Buzwe:[Link]
i
fei
sindangerandI
havet
opr ot
ecther
.
Me:Whatexact
lyi
sgoingonwi t
hy ouandthat
gi
rlt
haty
oucan'tevenreasonwit
[Link]
?
Ar
ey oui
nlov
ewithher?
Buzwe:Nondi
yamkhat
hal
elakphel
a(Ionl
ycar
e
abouther
)
Me: Careabouthertheenemy ?uMarhosha
Buzwe!Akal oxanduvalwakhoawunayeint
ombi
engangay e(Aprost
it
uteBuzwe!She'
snoty our
responsibi
li
tyyoudon'tev
enhav eadaughter
herage)
Isi
gh.
Me:
Buzweopeny
ourey
esson
Buzwe:Iam, t
heyareverywideopenMa.
Ther
e'sasay i
ngthatsay"Keepyourf
ri
ends
cl
oseandy ourenemiesmuchcloser.
"Iknow
whatI'
m doing.
Me:Oneoft
hereasonswhyI'
mv er
ywor
ri
ed
abouty
oust
ayi
ngwi t
hthatgi
rl
.
Buzwe:
Why
?
Me:Obakenguzandi fakaemadabiniawuy i
qondi
wenalonto(You'
llputmei nanothercrisi
syou
don'
treal
izethat
.)Youj ustt
oldmet hatyougot
di
agnosedwi t
hPer sonali
tydi
[Link]
led
herbr
otherandnextdayy oudidn'
tremember
[Link]
sleepi nyour
housefewdistancefrom y
ourr oom, thennext
dayyou'
llf
indyourhousefil
ledwi thcops,and
hercor
psel y
ingaroundumkr witshil
e
umntanabantuibeungakhambul i(wit
hy ou
str
angl
ingherandnotr emember .
)Whatt hen?
Heexhal
esandplaceshi
spal
mst
oget
herand
gott
hem cl
osert
ohisli
ps.
Buzwe:Ndicelaundi
thembeMamandi yakwaz
uzil
[Link]
isamntu.(
I
needyoutot r
ustmeMaIcancont r
olmysel
f.
I
'm notgonnahurtanyone)
Me:[Link]
eal
lyr
eal
lyhope
soBuzwecauset hi
sti
meIwon'tbeabl
eto
sav
ey ourass
Buzwe:
Ipr
omi
seMa
Me:HaymaanBuzwet hisgirlneedstomov e
outsoonani
zokwaziuhlal
i
sanaaphanobabi ni
(y
ouwon'tbeablet
ost aytogether.
)It
'sonl
ya
matteroft
imebefor
eshest
art
sst
riki
ngso
watchyour
sel
[Link]'
remyonl
ychi
l
dandIlove
you.
[Link]
eachedf
or
i
tandreadthemessage
Me:
Aah!
Buzwe:
What
?
Me:Justr
ecei
vedani
nvi
tef
rom Mat
hapel
ofor
Gomo'sweddi
ng.
Buzwe:
Ohwhat
??
Il
ookedathi
m andhewasshocked.
Me:
Idon'
thav
etogo
Buzwe:
Noi
ya(
go)I
'
llr
emai
nbehi
nd
Me:
Itdoesn'
thav
etobet
hatwayI
'
llst
ayi
f
t
hat
'st
hecase.
Buzwe:Noiy
aMamay ouhavenobadbl
ood
wit
hthem [Link]
ustmeI
'l
lbeokaymna.
Me:
Yousur
e?
Buzwe:
Iam.
Bhongoandthegi
rl
sjustenter
[Link]
o
fet
chthem,Buzwecal
ledthem asi
deandt
hey
wentupst
air
s.
Bhongol
ookedatmeandki
ssedmycheek.

Bhongo:
Babeur
ight
?
Me:
(si
ghs)Ij
usthat
ethatgi
rl
Bhongo:
Metoo,
he'
ll
causeOBt
orel
[Link]
dowedowit
hher?
Me:
M-mm sukungx-(
Don'
tru-)
Weweredi
stur
bedbyl
oudpi
ercef
ul scr
eams
f
rom t
hegi
rl
[Link]
umpeduponmyf eetshaken.
Me:
Hay
i!What
'sgoi
ngon?
Bhongo:
OB!WhathasOBdone?
Me:
[Link]
ustdon'
t
car
eaboutt
hatbi
tchbutuKenei
l
oewam.
Werushedtowher
eweheardthescr
eamsand
cr
iesbutweweremethal
fbyacalmf
ulBuzwe.
Me: Buzwewhat'
sgoi
ngon?Whyar
ethey
cr
yingliket
hat
?
Hesmi
[Link]
dhej
ustdot
hat
?
Buzwe:
It'
spar
toft
hei
rpuni
shment
Bhongo:
Whatpuni
shment
?
Buzwe:Theywer epart
yingl
astni
ghtinmy
houseanddestroyedanumberofthingsi
nmy
[Link]
eanedaftert
heirmess.

"Yhoooo!
!!Mama!Mama!
!"

"Thusengtl
heeyhoooket
lakopanal
ebadi
mo
baka!!
!Haaaaaah"
Me:
Ngokuwhatareyoudoi
ngt
othem?Ha.
a
t
hei
rcr
ieskodwaBuzwe
Buzwe:Il
ockedt
hem i
nar oom ful
lofchi
cken
roast
ers-al
i
vechi
ckenroaster
s.
Webur
sti
ntoal
oudl
aught
er.
Bhongo:
Hii
madoda!Int
lont
iengakamf
ondi
ni
(Somuchdi
rtygame)
Me:HayimaanBuzwebaxol
eleabany
e
abant
wana(For
giv
ethem pl
ease)
Thei
rscr
eamswer egett
ingt
[Link]
ri
edt
ogo
hel
pthem butBuzwehel
dmeback.
Buzwe:Hayibayekendif
unabanqolwengez
a
nkukubathi
saabazondazi(Nolett
hem beI
wantthosechickenst
otweakthehell
outof
them)
.
..
>>>Tobecont
inued.
..
Excusemyer
ror
sandf
orgi
vemef
ort
hel
ong
i
nsert.
17
.
..
KENEI
LOE
Lat
oya:
Kene!Kene!Comegetup.
Ii
gnoredherasIcont i
nuedsi
tt
ingther
e.
All
owingt hechi
ckenstodowhatevert
hey
wannadowi t
[Link]
edofscreamingand
cry
[Link]
'squit
ecleart
hatmybrotheri
sa
heart
lessbastard.
Lat
oya:
Kenei
l
oe!
!
Sheconti
nuedcl
i
mbi
ngont
opoft
hechessof
drawer
.
Lat
oya:
Etl
a!(
Come!
)
Me:
Leav
emeal
one
Iut
teri
naudi
bly
.Shecont
inuedscr
eami
ngas
onechi
ckenj
umpedov
ert
hewi
ndownextt
o
her
.
Latoya:Heeeeeel
p!!
!Somebodyhel
p!!
!Obakeng
we'resorr
ypleaseforgi
veus!Wewon'tdoi
t
again!
Shecoughedandbegancr
ying.
Lat
oya:
Obakeng!
!!
About3chi [Link]
tweakingmyf ace,yesIki
ndafel
tpainbutmy
mindwasdef i
nit
elynother
[Link]
ustneededfew
l
inessot hatIcanbeokaycauseI'm begi
nni
ng
tolosemymi ndri
ghtnow
Thedoorgotopenandt
hedogjustst
oodther
e.
Hissi
ghtrepul
sesmeaf
terwhathehaddone.
Lat
oya:
Obakengforgiv
euspl
[Link]
easewe
won'
tdoitagai
[Link].
Buzwe:
Youwon'
tdoi
tagai
n?
Lat
oya:
Yeswewon'
tdoi
tagai
nreago
t
shepi
sa(
wepr
omi
sey
ou)
Buzwe:
Whatabouty
ouKene?
Icl
enchedmyteet
handmov
edmyhead
l
ookingathi
m.
Buzwe:
Whatdoy
ouhav
etosayf
ory
our
sel
f?
Isl
owl ygotupandwal [Link]
tofacewithhim,giv
inghim acoldstarefora
[Link] oughl
ybumphi sshoulder
andpasshi m wi
thoutsayinganyt
hinggoingto
myr oom.
Buzwe:
HeeeyKenei
l
[Link]
l
oe!
Irushtomyr oom,sl
am t
hedoori
nfr
ontofhi
s
faceandlockedit
.
Hebangedt
hedoor
.
Buzwe:
Kenei
l
oe!
Me:
Goaway
!
Buzwe:
Kenei
l
oegetoutoft
her
eandcomeact
r
ightwi
thme.
Me:
Overmydeadbody
.
Buzwe:Kenei
l
oenzawophulalomnyangoneh?
Andi
hleki
nawe( I
'
llbr
eakt
hisdoorokay?I
'm not
bl
uffi
ngwithyou.
)
Me:
I'
dlov
etoseey
out
ry!
Buzwe:
KENEI
LOE!
!!
Heroar
sashebangsi
thar
dinascarywayt
hat
Ij
umpback,
hol
dingmypoundi
ngchest
.
Me: Uqheli
l
eubabully'
i
shaabantu( You'
reused
tobull
yingpeopl
e.)Butthi
swasy ourlastt
ime
doingsowi t
[Link] endtoforgetthatI
'
m
oldert
hany ouandyouneedt orespectme.
Buzwe:Hahaol
dby5monthsr
ight?Kenei
l
oe
I
'm gi
vi
ngyou5minut
est
oopent hi
sdoor,j
ust
5.
Ihear
dhi
sfoot
stepsgoaway
.
Me:
Nx!
Itookmybagandgotthecocai
[Link]
ghi
t
onmydressingtabl
eandmadelineswit
hhi
s
bl
[Link]
ff
edali
neasIti
ltmyheadback
andrubmynose.
Me:Aahsweetj
esus!Thi
sisexact
lywhatI
needr
ightnow.
Isni
ffanot
herl
i
neandhear
daknockont
he
door
.
"
Kenei
l
oe"
Me:
WhatLat
oya?What
?
Latoy
a:Pleasebul
alebat
i(opent
hedoor
)we
needtotalk.
Me:Arghjustgoawayandf
uckhi
minst
eadi
f
youhavenothingt
odo!
Isnappedt
houghi
twasuncal
l
ed.
Lat
oya:
Kenei
l
oe
Me:
Idon'
twannat
alkj
ustgo.
Icoul
dhearherst
il
lbr
eat
hing.
Me:
Tsamaeaa!
!!(
Go!
!)
Isawhershadowmovi
ngandresumedt
aki
ng
moresni
ffsti
ll
tomysat
isf
act
ion.
Me: Nx,bandi
kruqul
egqit
habant
ubal
apha
maan( Thesepeoplehav
egotonmylastner
ves)
Ineedtogo.
Ist
oppedforasecondandfl
ashedasmi
l
eas
somethi
ngstr
uckmymi nd.
Me:
YahIshoul
dgoonce.
Ichuckl
ed.
Me:
Whycoul
dn'
tIt
hinkoft
hisbef
ore?
Igrabbedmysuitcaseandst
art
edpacki
ngasI
keepsniff
li
ngandr ubbi
ngmynoseendl
essl
y
withmybackwr i
[Link]
n.
Istoppedpacki
ngandmadeacal l
.
Spar
ks:
Babe?
Me:
Ineedy
out
ocomef
etchme
Spar
ks:
Ukuphi
?(Wher
ear
eyou?
)
Me:
Home,
I'
ll
sendy
out
hel
ocat
ion.
Thel
atchst
art
edmov
[Link].
Spar
ks:
Konkekuhambakahl
e?(
Ever
ythi
ng
fi
ne?
)
Me:NoI'
llexpl
aintoy
ouwheny
ougether
e.
Justmakequick.
Spar
ks:
Nei
-Nei
?
Idr
oppedthecal
landqui
ckl
ysenthi
mt he
l
ocati
[Link]
hedooropenandgot
i
n.
Buzwe:Youwantust
odothi
ngst
hehar
dway
?
Fi
neitwil
lbet
hehardway
.
Imovedbackandgr
abbedt
hel
amphol
dingi
tin
myhand.
Me:
Getoutofmyr
oom.
Hel
ookedatmybags.
Buzwe:
Arey
ou.
..
?
Me:
Getout
!!
!!
Buzwe:
That
'snotgonnahappen.
Me:
Thensomeonei
sgonnagethur
t
Buzwe:Youarereal
lypacki
ngyourbagsand
l
eave?Onelessonthenyou'
real
readyout
.
Me:Yourmi
stakei
sthatI
'
m noty
ourki
[Link]
nowmov ei
t.
Buzwe:Youmustbeoutofy
ourmi
ndcauseI
'
m
notgonnadot
hat.
HerantowardsmeandIi nstant
lyt
hrewthe
l
ampt owardshim [Link]
sui
tcaseandranoutoft heroom ashewas
busynursi
nghisshoulder.
.
.
.
LATOYA
IsawBuzwer
unni
ngoutoft
hepassage.
Me:
What
'sgoi
ngon?
Buzwe:Kenei
slosi
nghermi
[Link]
ayputIneed
tohandl
eher.
Me:
Okaypl
easedoso.
Hecont i
nuedr unningafterherwhileImadean
evil
smi r
[Link] oundbeforeenteri
ng
Kene'[Link] r
stthingIdidwast otake
Buzwe'sblackcar dandt hepacketofcocaine.I
thenwipedherdr essingtablecl
eanbef ore
i
ntrospecti
ngherwhol [Link]'twantt hem
fi
ndingoutsoont hatKenei sondr [Link]
them togetshockedwheni t'
salreadytoolate.

Ilef
therr
oom andwentt
[Link]
recei
vedani
ncomingcal
l
.Ismi
ledpickingi
tup.
Me:
Kgai
tsedi
(Si
ster
)
Keke:
Ausi
wame
Me:
Okae?(
Howar
eyou?
)
Keke:Ket
engwenaokae?(
I'
mfi
neandhowar
e
you?)
Me:Lennaket engnkasengongorege.A
tsot
lhedit
samy asent
lekogae?(I
'mfinetooI
can'
tcomplai
[Link]
ythi
nggoingwellback
home? )
Keke:Ey
adi l
odi
tsamay
asent
le(
Yesev
ery
thi
ng
i
sgoingfine)
Me:[Link]
hemoneyIsenty
ouand
keeptheot
her.I
'l
lcomebackhomeandusei
t
forr
enovat
ions.
Keke:
Arur
i?(
Real
l
y?)
Me:
Yes
Keke:OkayI
'
[Link]
ogal
eng?(
when
ar
ey oucomingback?)
Me:
Bekeel
atel
ang(
Nextweek)
Keke:OkayIcan'
twai
ttoseeyou.I
t'
sbeena
whil
[Link] lai
tumel
a
that
hagogobona( Mom wil
lbever
yhappyto
seeyou)
Me:Metooebi
l
eakekgonegoemelaogo
mpona(
andIcan'
twai
ttoseeher
)
Wechuckledandqui
eteneddownaf
teraf
ew
seconds.
Keke:
Sesi
?
Me:
Mma?
Keke:
Odiraj
angmadi
ebonako?(
Howdoy
ou
makeeasymoney
?)
Me: Kagoreot
loatl
holat
sel
ayeekekgar
atl
ha
kayona,aker
e?(Sothaty
oumayjudget
heway
I'
m hust
li
ng?)
Keke:
Nonoesengr
uri
mma(
notr
eal
l
y)
Me:
Ee!Aker
etheot
herdayy
out
oldmet
hatI
'
m
aprost
it
[Link] ngeasy
moneytofeedy ouasmyf amil
yebil
ekele
t
lhokomele(andtotakecareofyou)
(
Sil
ence)
Me:Kenggapeobat
langgosei
tse?(
Whatel
se
doy
ouwannaknow?)
Keke:Ij
ustwannaapologizeforbei
ng
j
udgement al
onhowy ouliveyourli
feandkesa
bonedisacri
fi
cesokanaont ir
elasona(not
real
i
zingthesacr
if
icesyou'vemadef orme)
Me:If
orgi
[Link]
akesandI
wantyout
oknowt hatIdoev
ery
thi
ngbecauseI
l
oveyou.
Keke:
Ilov
eyout
oobi
gsi
s
Me:
We'
l
lchatagai
[Link]
toMom
Keke:
Iwi
l
lby
e
Me:
Shar
p.
Wehangupmeanwhi
l
ethecommot
iongotbad
out
[Link]
kednearmywindowtowat
chi t
.
NcoaahtheSeramefami
lyf
ighti
ng,
hownice.
Me:Uhu!You'
l
lfi
gur
eoutveryl
atet
haty
'al
l
act
ual
lyli
vedwit
hasnake.
It
hrewmy sel
fonthebedandgiggl
[Link]
r
l
oudcommot i
onbroughtmoresati
sfat
iont
o
measitconti
nuedhappeni
ngoutsi
de.
Me:
Utl
wanghel
a(Li
stent
othat
)
.
.
.
JOZEA
Igl
ancedbackatheraswetookcar
eful
steps
i
[Link]
hnerv
ousofhowViolais
gonnareact
.
Iopenedt
hedoorandwewal
kedi
n.
Me:
Viol
a
Vi
ola:
Ohhbabywhattooky
ousolongI
'
vebeen
wai-t
ingf
oryout
o..
.comebackhome.
Bynowherf
acewasal
readysourseei
ngher
si
ster
.
Vi
ola:
Jozeawhati
sthi
s?
Shesai
dpoi
nti
ngather
.
Cai
tl
yn:
Hisi
s
Vi
ola:
JozeaIsai
dwhati
sthi
s?Whydi
dyou
br
ingherher
e?
Me:Webumpedi nthegy
m andshewant
edt
o
passbyandsayhi.
Viol
a:What!Andyoubr
oughtherher
eknowi
ng
thatIdonotgetal
ongwit
hher?Youshowed
herwhereIli
ve.
Me:
WhatwasIsupposedt
odo?
Vi
ola:
SayNo!
Me:
Youar
ebl
oodsi
ster
syour
eal
l
yexpect
ed
metobashher?Justfixwhatev
eri
ssuesy
ou
hav
ewithherassebl
ief(pl
ease.
)
Cait
lyn:
Viowecansi
tdownni
ceandt
alkabout
thi
scalmly
.
Me: JustgetoutCait
lynIdon'
tev
erwannasee
yourfaceeveragain.
Cai
tl
yn:
Youwi
l
ldot
hist
il
lwhenVi
o?
Vi
ola:
Isai
dgetout
!!
!!
Cai
tl
yn:
No.
Vi
ola:
No?
Cait
lyn:
YesnoViol
aI'
m notgoinganywhere.
I'
m gonnasi
tdownherewhetheryoulikei
tor
notandwegonnahaveaoneononet ogether
andgetever
ythi
ngoutofourchests.
Shesatdown.
Cai
tl
yn:I
'mreal
lyt
ir
edofr
unni
ngar
oundwi
th
youaboutt
his.
Vi
ola:
Andwho'
sreal
l
yatf
aul
tfort
hat
?
Cait
lyn:
That'
swhyI'
m her
etofi
[Link]
ou
thi
nkMom would'
vebeenhappytoseeusthe
waywear e?
Viol
a:Don'
tyoudar
eev
erbr
ingupMom i
nto
thi
s.
Me:
Ithi
nkIshoul
dgi
vey
ouguy
ssomespace.
Viol
a:No!You'
renotgonnagiveussomespace.
It
'sei
thery
outakethistr
ashbacktothehol
e
youfoundit
,orIwil
[Link]
Iknowisthatwe
can'
tbeinthesamespace.
Il
ookedatheri
ndi
sbel
i
ef.
Me:
Whyar
eyousost
ubbor
nVi
ola?
Viol
a:Tr
ustmeifyouknewt
her
easonwhyIam
you'
dunderst
and.
Me:Ifsomethi
ngeverhappenstoyoupeople
wi
llneedanswersfr
om [Link] ewil
lIeven
st
art?Doyouthinki
t'
sokaythatnoneofyour
famil
yknowwher eyouare?Violay oursisteri
s
herehumbl i
nghersel
[Link] enify ou
havenothingtosaytoher,butjustlendanear .
Havey outhoughtaboutwhatwi l
l happenifIdie
whatwi l
lhappentoyou?Tomor rowi snot
[Link] ami l
yturnson
you?Whatt hen?
Shef
inal
l
ylet
'soutanexasper
atedsi
gh.
Me: Pleasedot hisf
ormei fnotf
oryour
sel
f
pleaseI'm beggingyou.I
'
lll
eaveyoutwo
togetheralri
ght?
Inodatt
hem bef
oreIwal
kout
.
.
.
.
BUZWE(
OB)
Ihadal
lKenei
loe'st
inyar
m squeezedhardin
[Link]
y onewasonmycasest opping
met
hinki
ngt
hatI
'
m gonnaacti
mpul
siv
e.
Kenei
l
oe:
Ndi
yekeObakeng(
Leav
emeObakeng)
Me:Keneil
oendit
hiakhondawouyakuy
owena
(
Isai
dy ou'
renotgoi
nganywhere)
Kenei
l
oe:
Ndi
yekeObakeng
Me: Yougonnatel
lmewhyy ou'r
esuddenly
acti
[Link]'
veneverbehav
edthisway
before,
thi
sisnotmysister
!Whereisshe?Bri
ng
herback.
Keneil
oe:Awundihl
oni
phiBuzwe(
Youdon'
t
respectme)t
hat'
stheprobl
em.
Me: Respecty ouundimosheleindl
u?(
wheny ou
ruinedmyhouse? )Respectyouwhenyouact
l
ikeat eenager?It'
sexactlyhowIsawfi
tint
o
treati
ngyouanddi sci
pli
ningyou,l
i
kea
goddamnt eenager!
Kenei
l
oe: Wel
l(y
anksherar
m of
f)ndiyekeke!
Togoliv
emyl i
feli
keagoddamnteenager.I
t'
s
whatI'
vebeendepri
vedofbyy
ourmot
her
.Now
I
'm cl
aimi
ngitback!
Mom: Kenei
l
oest
[Link]
edoy outhi
nkyou'
l
l
golat
eatthi
sni
ght?Whodoy ouknowinthi
s
pl
ace?Thisi
sJo'
burgbehav
erightmaanwena.
Kenei
loe:
Not el
lthattoyoursonndi
chekr
iwe
ni
ni!(
I'
mt i
redofyou!)Ti
redofyoual
l!
Bhongo:
Kenei
l
oecal
m down-
Keneil
oe: Uthul
ekewenascashal alandini
!All
youknowi sbeingagar denboyorerrandsboy
whateveritisthattheycally
[Link] nit
!And
stayoutoft heSeramef amilyaf
fair
sy ou'
l
l
neverbelongt oit
,it
'stoobigforyou.
Mom:
Yheeywena!
!!
Mom jumpedf
orherl
andi
ngasl
aponher
cheek.
Mom:Mindyourt
[Link]
el
der
sli
kethat
.Whathasgot
tenint
oy ou?I
'
ve
nev
err
aisedy
out
hisway
.Ut
heni
nah?
Keneil
oe:
Yahmay beyouwast
edyourti
me
rai
singmewher
elseyoucoul
d'
vespentital
lto
yourson.
Mom:
Kenei
l
oe!
Thatgotmei
nfur
iat
edIendupshaki
ngher
roughl
y.

"HayBuzwesumdli
kihl
ael
ohl
obo(
NoBuzwe
don'
tshakeherl
i
kethat
)"

IheardBhongo'svoi
ceechoi
ngfai
ntl
yand
fadi
ngaway .Theninal
it
eral
bli
nkofaneyeI
sawheront hefloor
.
Mom:
Buzwecont
rol
your
sel
fmaan!
!!
Acarheadli
ght
sdeemsonusandnextthi
ngI
sawastrangeguycomi
ngoutcal
l
ingf
or
Kenei
l
oe.
Keneil
oe:Getthefuckoffmeandgodeal
wit
h
yourpsychot
icson,nx!
Mom:
Arey
ouokay
?
ShepushesMom awaywhofel
lonherbut
t.
Meanwhil
eshegotuphol
dingherheadmeet
ing
hal
fwaywit
htheguy.
Bhongo:
Hey
!Whot
hehel
lar
eyou?
Man:Awungiy
ekel
ekhehl
a,masambebaby
(
Leav
emeal oneol
dman,let
'sgobabe)
Hesay
stoKenei
l
oewi
thadeepZul
uaccent
.
Bhongo:
EhhBaba.
..
Hechargesathi
m andKenej
umpsinfr
ontof
hi
m andpushesBhongobyhi
schest.
Kenei
loe:Umvi
l
emosut hemyeke!(
Youhear
d
hi
m sayingl
eavehi
m al
one!
)
Shecl
ickshert
ongueandpi
ckshersui
tcase
wit
htheguyhelpi
ngher
.
Mom:
(cr
ying)Kene!Kenepl
easedon'
tgo!
Istar
tzoningoutfrom what
everplanetIwasin
whenshewal kedtowardsthecarwiththeman.
Ispri
nttowardsthem andgrabbedmysi st
er
backbyherhair.
Shescr
eamed.
Me:Isaidyou'
renotgoi
ngany
wher
eKenei
l
oe
ut
shayiwe?(ar
eyoumad? )
Shepunchedmeasherl egsweret wi
sti
ngand
st
umbl i
ngoutofbal ancetil
lherfeetgotl
if
ted
upfrom [Link]
att
ackedbehindandf ell
wi t
hKenei l
oe,t
heguy
att
ackedme.
Igr
untoutloudasIdef
endmy sel
fbutuncle
Bhongodivedformeandhel
dmeonl ockdown.
Theguycoughedandgotup,hecarr
ied
Kenei
loeandranoutwit
hhertohiscar.
Mom:
Kenei
l
oe!
!!
!
Heaccel
erat
edt
hecardr
ivi
ngoutl
eav
ingdust
behi
nd.
Me:
(roar
ing)Ahhhhh!
!!
!!
Bhongo:Takeitout,t
akeital
[Link]'
t
aff
ordanothermurderaftery
ou'v
edoneso
goodforyoursel
[Link]
m downboy .She'
sgonna
comebackdon' tworryI
'
m gonnaf i
ndher.
.
.
.
LATOYA
Igiggl
edonceagai
nwhil
esti
l
lwatchi
ngt
his
scenari
oovert
hewindowandgr
abbedmy
phonedial
i
ngsomeone.
Spanza:
Stov
esam samal
ahl
e
Il
aughedshor
tl
y
Me:
He.
eemaant
logel
aogoi
tshameka(
stop
pl
ayi
ng)
Spanza:
Ir eal
l
ycan'tgetov
ert
hathotsexy
ou
gavemet heotherdaytj
err
.
Me:
Gongwe(
May
be)wemi
ghthav
eitagai
n
Spanza:
Real
l
y??
Me:
Yesi
fyoudomet
hisone,
lastf
avour
.
Spanza:
I'
mli
steni
ng.
Me: Wal
lshav
eear
slet
'smeett
omor
rowat4,
yourpl
ace?
Spanza:
Finebyme
Me:
Thenret
labuakamoso(
we'
l
lspeak
t
omorr
ow)sharp.
Icutthecallandlookedt hroughthewi ndow
[Link] esti
l
l therehavi
ngt hei
rown
meet i
[Link]
abbedt hepi l
lsIgotfrom Spanza
andr ushedt
ot [Link]
thecupboardsandsear chedforBuzwe' spi
ll
s.
It
'sbeenhardget t
ingtot [Link]
yfound
t
hem,
Ismi
l
edbi
ti
ngmyl
owerl
i
p.
Ithenopenedt hem andpoural lofthem inmy
handandf l
ushedt hem int [Link]
simil
aronesfrom Spanza, andthrewt hem
i
[Link] ll
act uall
ydri
vehim
mor edel
usionalthanhei [Link] hem backi
n
thecupboardandcl osedi twhilesighingand
smiled.

"Uci
mbawenzant
oni
?(Whatdoy
out
hink
you'
redoi
ng?
)"
Iinvol
unt
ari
lysquealoutofshockandsl
owly
madeat urnandfacedtheoldexpi
redhag
foldi
ngherarmsandgi v
ingmeabi t
chystar
e.
Iswal
lowhardandmakeaf akesmi
leatherasI
hidet
heothercont
ainerbehindmeandtuckit
i
nmybackpocket .
.
..
>>>Tobecont
inued.
..
18
.
..
PHEZI
SA
Me:Ndi
k'buzeumbuzondi
thi
wenzani
(Iasked
youaquesti
on-whatar
eyoudoi
ng?)
Shekni
tsherey
ebr
owst oget
herandpr
etends
tobeconf
usedasever
Lat
oya:Uh,excusemewhat
?Idon'
tunder
stand
whatyou'
resaying.
Me:
Don'
tactdumb
Lat
oya:
I'
m notact
ingdumb
Me:
Thent
ell
mewhatar
eyouupt
o.
Lat
oya:
Whatam Iupt
o?
Shescof
fswhi
l
eopeni
nghermout
h
Lat
oya:Iwasj
ustl
ooki
ngf
orpai
nki
l
ler
sthat
'
s
j
ustal
lther
eist
oit
.
Me:
Ohny
ani
(real
l
y?)
Lat
oya:
Yeahr
eal
l
y
If
oldmyar
mswhi
l
est
ari
ngather
.
Me:
Thenshowmey
ourhand
Lat
oya:
Showy
oumywhat
?
Me:
Youhear
dme
Shegotherhandoutshowi
ngme.
Me:
Tur
nar
ound
Lat
oya:
Huh?
Me:
Isai
dtur
nar
ound
Lat
oya:
Whyshoul
dIdot
hat
?
Me:
BecauseI
'
m or
der
ingy
out
o!
Shel
ooksatmeandl
aughs.
Latoya:Thati
sri
dicul
ousI'
m notdoi
ngi
tokay
.
I'
m goingtosl
eep,goodni
ght.
Shet
ri
edwal
ki
ngbutIpul
l
edherandt
ossedher
back.
Me:Notunt
ily
oushowmewhat
'sbehi
ndy
our
pocket
.
Latoya:Noooo!Leav
emeal
[Link]
eme,
stop
i
[Link]!
Wef oughtasItri
edtur
ningheraroundwit
ha
[Link]
ossedherwit
hallmymi ghtand
fi
nal
lytouchedherpocketIf
eltsomethi
ng,a
contai
ner.
Ipushedheragai
nstthet
ablemakingherbend
andpressedherheadonthetabl
etoreach
whateveri
tist
hatwasinherpocket.
Lat
oya:
Stooop!
Shewai
l
s,j
ustt
henBuzweent
ered.
Buzwe:
Andt
hen?
Bhongo:
Phezi
sa!
Me: St
ayr i
ghtwher
eyouar
[Link]
soneher
eis
sneaky,cunni
ngandatr
oubl
emaker
.No
wonderwe'r
estart
ingtohavefi
ghtssolong
she'sher
ewe'l
lfor
everhavefi
ghtsbecauseof
her!Buzweyou'
veinvi
tedasnakeinyourhouse.
Buzwe:Mawenzani
?(whatar
eyoudoi
ng?
)Let
hergo.
Hemov
edmeawayf
rom her
.
Me:
Thi
sgi
rlneedst
ogoBuzwe!
Buzwe:
Uzohambaay
ephi
Mama?(
Wher
ewi
l
l
shego?)
Me:Ukhonaumntuongenakhay
ahee?Ukhona?
(
Ist
hereanyonewit
houtahome?Ist
hereany?)
Buzwe:
I'
m sor
ryLat
oyaonceagai
n,pl
ease
fol
l
owme.
Hepul
l
edheri
nhi
sar
msandwal
kedwi
thher
.
Me:Youwil
lrecogni
zet
oolat
ethatshe'
sa
wit
[Link]
lakuhurd'
agoetmfanam (
She'
l
l
hur
tyou)
Bhongo:
Phezi
sa
If
oll
owedbehi
ndt
hem andcont
inuedy
ell
i
ng.
Me:Notlongshetamperedy ourpil
l
[Link]
outBuzwendakuxel
ela!Uzobethekangenyeke
el
it
yeningul
omntu(You'l
lgethurt)
Lat
oya:Idon'
tknowwhatshe'st
alki
ngabout
.I
wasjustl
ooki
ngf orpai
nki
l
ler
s.
Me:Uyaxoka!(
She'
sly
ing!
)Sear
chherback
pocket
.
Bhongopul
l
edmeasi
de.
Bhongo:Phezi
sahayyi
ntoni
ngokul
ent
o
uyenzay
o?(whatarey
oudoing?)
Me:WasolokouyanqandakewenaBhongo
ungal
ungi
siniks(
You'real
way sr
eprimanding
andnotsol
vinganyt
hing)Ineedthatgi
rlgone.
Bhongo:Yeahbutbythewayyou'
recar
ryi
ngon
thatmi
ghtnothappensoon.
Me:Ut
het
haukut
hini
ngoku(Whatdoyou
mean?
)What
'swrongwit
hthewayI'
m doi
ng
t
hings?
Bhongo: You'remaki ngi
tobv i
oust hatyoudon't
l
ikethegi r
[Link]'remakingitobvioust hatyou'
re
watchingher .Ri
ghtnowshe' llbemor ecaut i
ous
asev ert
oev eryst epshetakesandwewon' t
catchhermov [Link] hatOBal ready
hasasof tspotf orherandwi t
ht hewayy ou'
re
acti
ngshemi ghtchanget hi
ngsar ound, li
ke
tur
ninghim agai nstyou.
Igaspedl
ooki
ngathi
m asIpl
acemyhands
overmymouth.
Me:[Link] ousupposendim'l
enceiintsula
kuzekubebhet
ere?(Il
ickherasssothatthings
maybebetter
?)
Bhongo:
Notnecessari
lybutdlal
aingathi
awuboni(
actdumb.)Acti
ngdumbwi l
lactual
l
y
saveusfr
om ever
ythi
ngrightnow.
Ibreat
heoutheav
il
yasIt
hrowmy
sel
font
he
chair
.
Me:Hayi nzi
malentosana,i
nzi
makakhulu
ny
ani ngaphanguKene.(Thi
sisdif
fi
cul
treal
l
y
di
ff
icult
,ontheothersi
deit'
sKene)
Hesi
tsnextt
omeandhugsme.
Bhongo:I'
l
lmakei tthebestofmyabili
tytofi
nd
Kenei
loeandbr i
[Link]
promisemet hatyou'l
lcont
inueact
ingstupi
d
andmor ekindert
owar dsher.
Imadeaf
akesmi
l
eandswal
l
owed.
Me:
Ndi
yat
hembi
sa(
Ipr
omi
se)
Bhongo:
Goodst
handwasam.
Hekissedmyforeheadandwer
emai
ned
huggi
ngeachother.
.
.
.
VI
OLA
Igetmymyhandsoffmyf
aceandlookather
,
tr
yingbyal
lmeanst
obest
rongandnotshed
anytear
satal
l.
Me:
Soy
ousayhei
ssi
ck?
Shenods
Cai
tly
n:He'sweakandvulnerabl
[Link]
ushischil
drent
heref
[Link]
el
se,he.
..hebel
iev
esthatthesearehisl
ast
days.
Ispr
anguponmyf
eet
.
Me:goddamnwhydoesn'
thewantt
oamput
ate
hi
slegs?
Cait
lyn:Hebeli
evest hat
'dstr
ipoffhi
sdigni
ty
andalreadyhe'
sgivingusahar [Link]
hir
edamal enurset oatl
eastlookaft
erhim
rat
herthanbeingtouchedbyhi sowndaughter
l
[Link]'tli
keit.
Il
ookedatherandshakemyhead
Me:Idon'
tthi
nkI'mreadytofacehi
[Link]
ev
eryt
hingthathashappenedCait
lynIj
ustcan'
t.
Cai
tl
yn:
Whenar
eyousof
teni
ngy
ourhear
tVi
ola?
Me: I
t'
snoteasyKate!I
t'
snotdamneasy .I
knowwhathewasabout ,
Isawhim ki
l
li
ngMom
withmyowney es.I
twill
betoohardtoforgi
ve
him andt
hefamily.
Cai
tly
n:Sowil
lyouf
eelokaywhenhe'
snomor e
wit
houtget
ti
ngachancetohearhi
slastwor
ds?
Shest
oodupt
oo.
Caitl
yn:Idon'tknowwhet herit'
sol
d-f
ashionor
whatbutt heysay , i
tisimport
anttoseeyour
l
ov edonesbef [Link]
erknowi f
they'
releavi
ngy ouwi thbl
essingsormight
l
eav esomet hingt hatmightmakesensei nyour
l
ifeorchangei t
Sheshr
ugs.
Cai
tl
yn:
Event
hebaddestper
sonbecomespur
e
ont
hosel
astday
s.
Isi
ghheav
il
ydebat
ingi
tinmyhead.
Cai
tl
yn:
Youcantakeyourti
methi
nki
ngabouti
t.
Ai
n'
tputt
ingpr
essur
eony ou.
Me:
Iwi
l
l.
Cai
tl
yn:
Wil
lweev
erbeokay
?
Me:Idon'
tknowImeani
twi
l
lnev
erbeeasy
t
rust
ingyouagai
n.
Cai
tlyn:
VioI'
m nolongertheeasymani
pulated
gi
rlanymoreI'
m gr
ownandt hefami
lyi
sno
l
ongerpresenti
[Link],
i
t'
sjustmeandf at
her.
Me:SoIshoul
deasil
yforgi
veandf
orget
?What
aboutt
heti
mey ousentmet oament
al
i
nsti
tut
ionwhi
l
eIwasf ine?
Cai
tl
yn:Comeonarewesti
l
lther
e?Isai
dI'
m
sor
rysi
spleasef
orgi
veme.
Me:
Facti
sI'
l
lnev
ert
rusty
ouagai
nCai
tl
[Link]
mightaswelldiewit
houtmet herecausehe
di
dn'tmindgoingaftermewhenMom was
[Link] rai
dt hatwewer eabletospot
ri
ghtthr
oughhim hisdi r
tyshenanigans.
Cait
lyn:
Dadhasalwaysli
vedanhonestl
if
[Link]
don'
tknowwhatyou'r
etalki
ngaboutandyou
bett
erstopwi
thyourspecul
ati
ons.
Me: Speculations?YouknowIseey ouno
diff
erentf r
om t hesamegi rlwhohandedov er
herownmot heronapl at
tertobekil
[Link]
the"fami l
y'
si nfl
uence"playedar ol
eony out o
dowhaty oudi [Link] ouandy ourevil
ness
[Link] i
llseethroughyouthaty ou
arestil
l notgenuineaboutt [Link] op
ofaschemeaswespeak, youandyourfather.
Itshallnotpass.
Cai
tl
yn:
Wh.
..
Whatar
eyouonabout
?
Me:Tel
lhi
m mysacr
if
icewon'
thelphi
m wit
h
any
thi
[Link]
sti
meisnear,
ifhedoesn'
tconf
ess
tothefamil
yhewr [Link]'
l
ldieapai
nful
deathhisspir
itwillst
ruggl
etodepar
tfr
om his
[Link]'l
lcal
l outforGodtohel
phim.
Igotcl
osert
oher
.
Me:
Tel
lhi
mtoqui
torel
sencncnc.
..
Ishakemyhead
Me:Youhav
enoi deawhatshal
lhappennex
t.
Nowrunmessengerandgosendthemessage.
Cai
tl
yn:Whydoy
oucont
inuet
hinki
ngsobadof
usViol
a?
Me: Cutthecrapy ou'r
ealreadybadatitany
way
.
Andst opinvol
vingJozeai nthi
sokay?Don't
makemegetar estrai
ningorderfory
[Link]
respectf
ull
yexitourhousehol d
Cai
tl
yn:
Viol
a.
Me:
Leav
e.
Westareateachot
herf
orawhi
l
[Link]
anappear
ance.
Jozea:
Ever
ythi
nggoi
ngwel
lther
e?
Me:Yeahever
ythi
ngisokaywe'
vej
ustset
tl
ed
t
hingsanduh.
..Kat
eisonherwayout
.
Jozea:
Isi
t?
Cait
lyn:
YeahYeaht
[Link]
l
lnextt
ime,
hav
ea
goodev eni
ng.
Jozea:
Thanky
ousamewi
thy
ou.
Shesmiledathi
m andgavemethel
astl
ookas
sheexi
[Link]
ghinrel
i
efandcl
osedt
hedoor.
It
urnedt
oJozeast
ari
ngatme.
Me:
What
?
Jozea:
Your
eal
l
yfi
xedt
hings?
Me:
Whatar
ewecooki
ngt
oni
ght
?
Jozea:
Areweav
oidi
ngt
his?
Me:
Clear
ly!
Iwalktot
hekit
chenworeanapr
onand
prepar
[Link]
hankGodev
ery
dayfort
his
gi
ftot
her
wiseIwoul
d'
vef
ell
fort
hei
rtr
aponce
agai
n.
.
.
.
BUZWE(
OB)
"
Feedmet
oli
fe"
"
Feedmet
oli
fe"
"
Feedmet
oli
fe"
Iopenedmyeyesinthedar
khear
ingt
hose
whisper
sandswit
chedonthel
ampasIwipe
mysweatandsatup.
"
Feedme..
."thewhisperechoesandfeel
sli
ke
i
t'
sget
ti
ngcloserandencir
cli
ngtheroom asI
t
urnmyheadaround.
"
tol
i
fe!t
oli
fe!t
oli
fe!
"
Iangr
il
yjumpedof
[Link]
het
ime,
i
twas2am.
Irushtothekit
chentotakemypi l
[Link]
ckl
y
throwthem i
nmymout handdr ankwat erf
rom
thefri
[Link]
gglessof
tlyand
disappear
s.
It
urnedandal
mostdr
oppedt
hegl
ass.
Me:
Ma!
Iswi
tchedont
hel
i
ght
s.
Me:
Mawhatar
eyoudoi
ngi
nthedar
kness?
Mom: Howwill
Isleepwhenmydaught erisout
ther
[Link]?I'
m notev ensurei
fshe'
ssafeorif
she'
sinsi
dewarm blanketsorwhat?
Shepl
ayedwi
thherphone.
Mom:Beentryi
ngtoreachherbuttonoavai
l
.
(
Sobssi
lent
ly)WhyisKeneil
oedoingthi
stome?
Isatnextt
oher
.
Me:
Kenei
l
oewi
l
lbehomeMamaIpr
omi
sey
ou.
Iwi
l
lbr
ingherhome.
Mom: Hayingodl
amenaweBuzwe(
Notwi
th
vi
olenceBuzwe)
Me:Bendi
qal
andi
gqi
bel
i
sa(
Thatwast
hel
ast
t
ime)
Shecr
iesshaki
ngherhead.
Mom: Thistakesmebackt othetimeIl eftMom
backhomef ory ourf
ather
.ThewayIl efther,
it
wasbadkant ithisi
showsher eall
yfelt
?The
wordsthatcameoutofhermakesmewi shto
tur
nbackt hetimeandmaket hingsri
ght .But
whereisshe?
Sheshut
sherey
eswi
tht
ear
srunni
ngdown.
Mom: [Link] ethe
wordsofahurtmot her
.Iwasyoungandf ool
ish
backthenbuttodayIgett
oexperi
enceexactly
ashowshef el
[Link]!Where
coul
dshebe?Whodoessheknowi nt hispl
ace?
Shecan't
-
Me:
SsshhhMassshh.
Irubhershoul
der
sandembr
aceher
.Il
aymy
faceontopofherhead.
Me:I'
m assuri
ngyout hatKenei
loewi l
l come
backinonepiece,kwayeeyil
ent ombi uy azi
yo
oyi
khuli
sil
eyo(bei
ngt hedaughterthaty ou
knowandt heoney ourai
sed.)
Il
i
ftmyheadandwi
pedhercheeks
Me:
Uyandi
themba?(
Doy
out
rustme?
)
Mom:
Ihav
enor
easonnott
o
Me:Thenbel
iev
emeI 'l
lbr
[Link]
ght
nowyouneedtorestandgetyour
selfsome
sl
eepokay?Youmustbetired.
Shel
ooksatme.
Mom:
KodwaBuzwe-
Me:
PleaseMama,
comeI
'
llhel
pyou
Ihel
pedherst
andupandwal
kedhert
oher
[Link]
terIwentt
omyroom andsawGomo
sit
ti
ngonmybedsmi l
i
ngatme.
Me:
Mxm useNel
spr
uitwena.
Igotinsidet
hebedturni
ngmybackonherand
switchedofft
heli
ghtswhil
ecoveri
ngtheduv
et
abov emyheadandslept.I
'
m notgonna
entertai
noneofmyfantasi
es.
.
.
.
GOMOLEMO
Iwashomei nmyparent
s'[Link]
l
edinby
myf at
herhewant
edtohaveawor dwithme.I
real
l
ydon'tknowwhatwasthisabout
.
Me:
Dumel
[Link]
l
edmePapasoher
eI
am.
Dad:Yesmychi
l
dI '
m happyt
hatyoumanaged
[Link]
selfcomf
ort
able.
Mom:
I'
ll
bei
ntheki
tchensol
ong.
Shegotupandleft
.Noonecoul
dmissthe
awkwardnessbet
[Link]
ookmy
seat
.
Dad:Fi
rstofal
lhowareyou?Nowthati
nafew
dayswe'l
lbeenter
ingaweekofy
ourweddi
ng.
Me:I
'mfeel
i
nghappyandexci
[Link]
eal
l
ycan'
t
wai
tfort
heday
.
Dad:Aowsamewi [Link] e'
s
nothi
ngt hatmakesaf atherhappyli
keseeing
hischil
drengetmar r
[Link]
l
yyouGomo,
you'r
emypr i
[Link] y
daughter.I
'm sohappythatyou'vefi
nal
lyfound
happiness.
Ismi
l
ed.
Me:EePapagrowi
ngupI'
vealway
senv
isi
oned
youwal
kingmedowntheaisl
eandmebri
ngi
ng
yougr
andkids.
Hechuckl
ed
Dad:Ahmychi
l
dandal
lthati
shappeni
ngat
once.
Me:
Yeahitj
ustshowst
hatal
li
shappeni
ngat
t
heri
ghtt
ime.
Dad:Eewait
seyou'
resoluckyt
ohav
eaman
l
ikemysonin-l
[Link]
so
ver
yluckyt
ohav ey
outoo.
Me:
Iwasaboutt
osaysot
oo
Hechuckl
ed.
Dad:
Ijusthopeyoudon'
tpl
aywit
hthatki
ndof
l
ovemychi l
d.I
tisr
areandhar
dtofi
nd.
Ismil
eandsqui
ntmyey
eswhi
l
epul
l
ingmy
faceback.
Me:
Wher
eist
hatcomi
ngf
rom Papa?
Dad:YourMom t
oldmeyou'
rei
nvi
ti
ngt
hat
Ser
ameboyi nt
hisweddi
ngandhi
smother
.
Iexhal
eandf
aceup
Me:Arewest i
llonaboutthat?Imeanshoul
d
wetreateachothersli
kestranger
s?I
t'
sno
secr
etthatI'
m gett
ingmarri
[Link]
i
mpor t
antpartofthisf
[Link]
excl
udingthem now?
Dad: Ihearyouandther
e'snothi
ngwrongwit
h
[Link]
tseemsl i
keyouarequi
ckto
forgethowObakenghasbeenat hr
eatand
dangert oyou.
Isi
ghr
ubbi
ngmyey
es.
Dad:Youweret heonewhousedt otel
lushow
[Link] ou
i
nvit
ehiminy ourweddi
ngthinki
nghewon'trui
n
i
tforyou?Heee?
(
Sil
ence)
Dad:Akany
agapengwanake,
akany
agape
(Thi
nkagai
nmychil
d)
Me:Wel lIhadal
readyt
houghtthi
sthr
ough
PapaandI 'v
emademydeci si
[Link] i
nvi
ti
ng
them endofstor
y.
Hehuf
fsf
indi
ngi
thar
dtoaccept
Dad:Di
dy ouat
leastt
ell
mogwe(
soni
n-l
aw)
aboutt
his?
Me: Idi
dt el
lhim aboutmyhist
orywithBuzwe
buthedoesn' tknowaboutmei nvi
ti
nghim.
Mmeesengkgal eket
lamobolelel
asengwel e
sengwe( ButsoonIwi l
ltel
lhi
m every
thi
ng.)
Dad:Ai!ThenIguessal
lIhavetodoi
stopr
ay
thaty
oumakeawi sedeci
sion.
Me:
I'
m notchangi
ngmymi
ndPapa
[Link] camewi
thf
ood.
Mom:
Ijustpr
epar
edsomet
hing
Me:
ThanksbutIwasn'
ther
etost
[Link]
e
It
[Link]
di
srupt
ingmypl
ans?BuzweandPhezisahave
t
obeher
e.
.
.
.
LATOYA
Iwokeupearlyi
nthemorni
ngalldr
essedup.I
woketothefamil
yalr
eadyhavi
ngbreakf
ast.I
tookadeepbreat
hbefor
ewalki
ngtothem
Me:
Goodmor
ning
Them:
Mor
ning.
Ir
emai nedstandi
[Link]
oundand
pr
etendedlikeIwasn'tawareofwhathappened
l
astnight.
Me:
Someone'
smi
ssi
ng,
wher
e'sKene?
Theol
dhagsuddenl
ycoughed.
Buzwe:
Shef
ledof
flastni
ght
.
Me:
Fledof
f?Towher
eandwhy
?
Buzwe:
West
il
ltr
ynnaf
indout
.
Phezi
sa:Butlet
'sr
athert
alkaboutsomethi
ng
el
[Link]'
tyoujoi
ninguswhyarey oust
anding?
Andwher
eist
hischangeofat
ti
tudecomi
ng
fr
om?
Me:Nounf
ortunat
elyIcan'
thav
ebr
eakf
ast
.I
hav
etogodropmyCV' s.
Phez
isa:
Ohni
ce
Buzwe:
Eli
ssacal
l
edy
ou?
Me:YeahsoIhav
[Link]
l
lseey
ouguy
s
l
ater
Bhongo:
Lat
er
Ismi
l
edatt
hem.
Phezi
sa:
AndToy a!Iwantustohangoutl
ater
[Link]
ejustf
orabr eat
her.
Weal
lmadef
unnyf
aces.
Phez
isa:
What
?Ipr
omi
senof
unnyst
unt
sli
ke
t
heoneIpul
l
edl
astni
ght
.Thi
sisj
ustf
or
maki
ngi
tup.
Ipul
l
edoutasmi
l
e.
Me:
Uhm of
cour
seI
'
m wi
l
li
ngf
orust
ohangout
.
Phez
isa:
Goodt
henwi
l
lwai
tfory
out
ogetback.
Inodandsl
owl
ywal
kedoutwi
thBuzwe
fol
lowi
ngme.

Me:
Oba
Buzwe:
Yeah?
Me:It
hinky
ouf
orgotsomet
hingy
est
erday
,
her
e.
Ihandhi
m hi
scar
dandhet
ooki
t.
Buzwe:
Oht
hanksIcompl
etel
yfor
got
Me:
Nicemoneypr
obl
emsnuh?
Heshr
ugs
Buzwe:Ar
ghmoneyi
sthel
eastonmymi
nd
ri
ghtnow.
Me:Wowl istent
[Link]
lyouwhat?How
aboutIcl
imbmy selfsomethi
ngthat'
l
ldropme
[Link]'
vegotalotonyour
mindotherthanbei
ngont heroad.
Buzwe:
NoIr
eal
l
ydon'
tmi
nd
Ihel
dhi
shands.
Me:Listenthi
sisti
mef oryouandy ourfamil
y
t
ostickt oget
herandunit
eokay ?Justdon'
t
worr
yaboutmeI '
m abiggirl
.I'
l
lcallwhenI'
mi n
t
[Link]
his.
Buzwe:
Unal
ebonnet
e?(
Arey
ousur
e?)
Me:Eekenal
ebonnet
e(YesI
'
m sur
e)t
rustmy
wor
donit.
Heexhal
edwhi l
esqueezi
ngmyhandsi
[Link]'
t
wannali
ethatki
ndagavemeweirdbut
ter
fl
y
f
eeli
nginmyt ummyorshoul
dIsaymycli
twas
t
ouchedt
oo.
Buzwe:[Link]
eall
ythanky
ouf
orbei
ng
asunderst
andi
ngasy ouare.
Ismi
l
e.
Me:
It'
sjustnot
hing.
Hesmi
l
esback.
Buzwe:Ei
therwayi
tmeansal
ott
[Link]
sh
yougoodluck.
Me:
Thanky
ou.
Iwalkedawayhehel
dmet
ightandpul
l
edme
back.
Me:
Ohh!
Hegav
emeahug.
Buzwe:
Goodl
uck
Me:
Good.
..
Ist
aredathi
schestandbl
i
nked
Me:
Imeant
hanksagai
n.
Igotof
fhi
m andwal
kedaway
.
Whatt hehell girl
Focus!I t'
sjustinthewayhe
caresformet [Link] lmenI '
ve
cameacr osst heyonl ysawmeast heirmeal
andcar edonlywheni t'
sbenef i
cialt
ot [Link]
wit
hBuzwei t'sdifferentandi t
'sreal.
..argh!
Whatam Iev ent hinking,Ishouldfocusont he
revengepar t
.Igotmy selfacabt hatwi l
ldrop
meatt hewor [Link] eal
lypraythattheygi v
e
met hisjobsot hatIcanear ndecentl
yt hanI
usuall
ydo.
.
.
.
SPARKS(
KENE'
SBOYFRI
END)
IwokeupwithKenei
l
oenotnextt
[Link]
andjustt
henshewalkedi
nandgavemeakiss.
Kenei
l
oe:
Goodmor
ning
Me:
Mor
ning.
Iwat
chedhersi
tonthemi r
roranddol
lher
sel
f
upshewasalr
eadydressedup.
Me:
Andt
hen?
Kenei
l
oe:
Then?
Me:
You'
redr
essedup.
Kenei
l
oe:
YesIam asIshoul
dbe.
Shecont
inueddoi
ngwhatshe'
sbusywi
thand
st
oppedforamoment,l
ooki
ngbackatme.
Keneil
oe:
Yintoni
dahni
khonai
ngxaki
?(What
,is
ther
eaproblem?)
Me:Nojustthatkhangeung'
xoxel
akahleukut
hi
yi
nil
eibisehl
aizol
oebsuku(youdidn'
ttel
lme
whathappenedlastni
ght)
Kenei
l
oe:KengokuIshouldexpl
ain?It
hought
youweret
heretowitnessever
ythi
ngfor
y
our
sel
f.
Me:Yebobuti
twoul
dsoundmor edecent
comingf
rom y
ouonwhatexact
lyhappened.
Keneil
oe:Yhohay i
keSparksmnandi l
atefor
[Link]
mei snotonmysi deI'
l
lexpl
ain
every
thingonceI'
m [Link]
'sj
ustfami
ly
quarr
elsnothi
ngmuch.
Me:
Ohh?
Icockmyey
ebr
owwhi
l
eIf
oldmyar
ms.
Me: Manjeyi
niungang'vusangawaziukut
hi
ngizokusaeskol
weni?(Nowwhycoul dn'
tyou
wakemeupknowi ngthatI'
llt
akeyouto
school?)
Keneiloe:Ididn'
twannabot heryousinceIknow
you'r
et i
redfrom yest
[Link] ut
hiI
don'twantmybr ot
hertraci
ngy ouandf i
nd
wher ewear [Link]
oreit'
sbestIjustgoby
my selfokay.
Me:Ayykodwaangithembi l
uthokwel
ahlany
a
l
omf owenu(Idon'
ttrustanyt
hingf
rom y
our
i
nsanebrot
her)
Kenei
loe:Relaxhewon'
thur
[Link]
e
hi
m well,
Ijustdon'
twanthi
mfi
ndingyouand
wherewest ay
Me:Haywazewamuphef umulisaumuntungo
payi
pephelasi
s'j
ezi
solesi
.(Nothi
sisgett
ing
uncomf
ortabl
eandit
'sapunishment)
Shest
oodupandcamecuppi
ngmyf
ace.
Kenei
loe:
AndIpr
omi
sesoont
hisi
sgonnaend
okay?
Shet
il
tsherheadst
ari
ngatmecl
osel
y.
Kenei
l
oe:
Okay
?
Me:
Yahsur
e
Sheki
ssedme
Kenei
l
oe:
Ilov
eyou
Me:
Ilov
eyout
oo.
Kenei
l
oe:Nzok'
bonaubuy
akwam (
I'
ll
seey
ou
whenI'
m back)
Shegotherst
uff
sandl
eft
.

Somet hingwasqui t edi

fferentandof fi
shabout
[Link] ,it
'sbeen5y earsbeingwith
[Link]'sjustsomet hingIcan'tcompl et
ely
touchbutseet hatithast ookaslightchange.I
meanIwoul dn'tbeget t
ingt heseweirdfeel
ings
i
ftherer eal
lywasn' [Link]
manyf ightswi t
hherf ami l
ybutnev erreact
ed
thi
skindaway .
Mycuriosi
tygotthebetterofmeIwentt hr
ough
heri
[Link] chedhersuitcase
ti
l
lIcameoutwi thpacketsofpowder .Ihang
mymout hinastonishmentreali
zingwhatis
was.
Me:
ChachachahayKenei
l
oemaan!
!
Iknewthi
ngswer
egonnachangeassoonas
shecomestoJo'
bur
g.
.
..
>>>Tobecont
inued.
..
19
.
..
BUZWE(
OB)
MissA:[Link]-
in
samet i
mewit
hyouandyetIt
houghtwe
schedul
edf
orlat
eronrat
hert
hanthi
sti
me.
Me:
YahIknow
Iwalkedinandmademy selfcomfortabl
[Link]
atworkforafewmi nut
esbutt henGomokept
crowdingmyspaceintheof fi
ceandt hought
may beit
'ssaf
eformet ocomeher efir
st.
Luckil
yseemslikeMissAj ustarr
ivedaswell.
Mi
ssA:
Soy
oudoknow?
Me:
YesIdoIj
usthadt
ocome
MissA:You'
rewelcomedher ewheneveryou
f
eelli
[Link]
ace
whenevert
hingsbegintotumbledown,okay?
Me:
Yeahi
ndeed
Shet
akesaseat
.
MissA:Sotel
lme,
whichwindblewandsur
ged
youher
[Link]
ngyouawayfrom wor
k.
Ibl
owoutaheav ysi
ghnotknowi ngwher
et o
begi
[Link] anguageandfr
owns
i
nconcernandinst
antl
ygrabsabookasshe
coul
dreadbetweentheli
neshowser i
ousthi
s
l
ooked.
Mi
ssA:
Takey
ourt
ime
Me:
Idon'
tev
enknowwher
etobegi
nMi
ssA
Il
ookedatherandshakemyhead
Me:IthoughtIwasimpr
oving,t
houghtIcoul
d
cont
rolmy sel
f,myemot
ions,myfantasi
a,t
hese
desi
resand.
..noAnder
son!
Mi
ssA:
Youcan'
t?
Ipr
essmyl
i
pst
oget
herandf
oldaf
ist
.
Me: It'
sgett
ingoutofcontrolasmuchasI'
m
tr
yingt okeepitt
ogetherandy ouknow,
determinedtochangebutitjustkeepsget
ti
ng
wor se.
Mi
ssA:
Thet
emperi
sback?
Me: Nonotreall
[Link] sel
fther
e
andtherebut.
..i
t'
sactual
lywhatImanaget o
control
lat
ely
.Ihav el
essoutburstsl
atelybut
sti
l
l.
..
Mi
ssA:
Butst
il
l?
Me:
Ikeepseei
ngher
Mi
ssA:
Who?
Me:
Gomol
emo
Shet
ookt
imet
odi
gestt
hati
n
Mi
ssA:
You'
rebackt
ost
alki
ngher
?
Me:
Ihav
en'
tdonet
hati
nal
ongt
ime
Mi
ssA:
Whatdoy
oumeant
henbyt
hat
?
Me:
I'
m seei
ngherasi
nhal
l
uci
nat
ing.
Shenodswhi
l
enot
ingdown
Mi
ssA:
Youst
il
ltaki
ngy
ourpi
l
ls?
Me:
Iver
ymuchdo,
nomor
efl
ushi
ngs
MissA:Andsincewhendi
dthese
hal
luci
nat
ionsbegan?
Me: Theyusedt ohappenonl ywhenIwason
myant i
depressant
sbef oreIwast akeninthe
hospi t
[Link]
mesIusedt of l
ushmy
pil
lsof t
enbecauseoft her agecontrol
li
ngme.
Butev ersinceI'
vemadepeacewi thMom I
decidedt hatIwanttobeabet t
[Link] o
thehospi tal
,cameback, atemypillseversince
buty etthey'
resti
ll
back.
Mi
ssA:
Doy
out
hinkabouthermostoft
he
t
imes?
Me:Latel
yI'mt r
y i
ngtooccupymymi ndoutof
her,
sotheansweri snoIdon'[Link]'
swhyI
don'
tunderstandwhyI 'm st
il
lseeingherev
en
whenshe'snott here.
Shewrit
esdownf
ini
shandst
[Link]
xated
herey
esonmeandclosedt
henotebook.
MissA:
Tel
lmeBuzwe,
sincewhendi
dyou
comeupwi
tht
henameOB.
Iaghasti
nast
if
lebr
eat
hqui
tet
akenbyt
he
questi
on.
Me:Uhm wowt hat
'san.
..un-unexpect
ed
quest
[Link]
lI.
..
Idon'
trememberbutIwas
ver
yyoung.
MissA:Butyoucameupwi tht
henamebyt he
ti
mey oumov edint
oGomo'shomeasi n,bei
ng
rai
sedbythem andwanti
ngnothi
ngtodowi th
yourmotherbecauseof
..
.youknow,the
emoti
onalabuseandstuff
[Link] Icor
rect?
Inodrepeat
edl
yamazedthatsheact
ual
l
y
remembersandpai
datt
enti
ont ot
hat
.
Me:
Yeaht
hat
'st
ruey
ou'
recor
rect
Shecr
ossedherl
egswhi
l
ebi
ti
ngherpen.
Mi
ssA:
YouknowwhatI
'
mthi
nki
ng?
Me:
No
MissA:
Ithi
nkt
hatt
her
eisaBuzweandt
her
eis
OB.
If
urr
owmyey
ebr
owsconf
used
MissA: Youar eBuzweandBuzwebi rt
hedOB.I f
Icanrecallquit
ev i
vidl
y,yougavey ourselfthe
nameOBaf teryourmot her
'smistreatmentasa
youngboy .OBgotbi rt
hedunderay oungboy '
s
aff
li
cti
on,painandangerr i
ght?Sincey ou
despi
sedy ourmot her,thenamegi vent oyou
andsinceitseemedl i
keherfavorit
[Link] ti
me
whencal l
edBuzwey ou'dburstoutinangerand
rat
heryouwer ecalledOB, notknowi ngthat
sl
owly
, wasseepingthr
oughandmani
fest
ing
somethingel
seintoexi
stence.
Inar
rowmyeyesinall
sor
tsofwaysget
ti
ng
l
ostandf
oundinbet
weenthel
ines.
MissA: Any
thi
nggi
vennamecomest
o
exi
stence.
Me:Woahokaylet
'ssl
[Link]'
t
under
standwhaty
ou'r
etal
ki
ngabout
MissA: Buzwe, OB'sexi stencecomeswi th
anger,aggressiveness, rageandt [Link]'s
apartofy ouy oucan' tcont r
olunlesswithpill
s.
Undertheci rcumst ancesy ou'veunknowingly
creat
ed, hebecamehi ddenunt i
lthedayoft he
prom wher ey ouhadki l
l
edt heboydeadwhi l
e
youwer eblackedout .Wheny ouwer ebl
acked
outwhodoy outhinksur facedanddi dthejob?
Causet hosear epar t
sofev entsthatgoes
missi
ngi ny ourmemor ylane.
If
ear
ful
l
yletoutat
rembl
i
ngbr
eat
hasIpl
ace
myhandsonmyf
ace.
Mi ssA: That '
swher eyouoncesai dinour
sessionst hatyourf avoritecolourisred&bl ack.
Redi sf ory oustil
l beli
evinginloveandBl ackis
forOB, f orbei ngt hedar knessi [Link] he
samet i
mehe' sy ourdef ensemechani sm to
manyt hingsy oudon' treal i
zebyjusthi strai
ts,
buthei sdanger [Link] stheper sonalit
y
disordert hatswi tchesy ouonandof [Link] ou
gett i
ckedbyany thing,i
t'swher ehe
aut omat ical l
ystepsi nwi thoutwar ni
ngand
causesdest r
ucti
on.
Me:
OhmyGod.
MissA: You'reBuzweandit'
sy [Link]
havefullauthori
tyofi
tandy oucanbeatitby
bei
ngr egulartoyourpi
ll
[Link] t
'sr
eall
ytir
ing
l
ivi
ngbypi ll
sev er
ydayofyourli
febutit
'sforthe
best
.
Shechuckl
es.
MissA:Funnyhowallt
histimeI'
m abl
eto
anal
yzethi
[Link] ersawitbef
oret
hat
youhaveapersonal
i
tydisorder
.
Iwasst
il
ll
osti
nmymi
nd.
MissA:
Whodoy outhi
nkbet
weeny
ouandhi
m
i
smadlyinl
ovewi
thGomo?
If
rown.
Me:
Him?
Shenods.
Me:How?Likei
sn'
ti
tmyor
gant
hatbeat
sfor
herorwhat
MissA: Iti
sbuthel i
v [Link] r
ies
painf
ulpar t
sofy ourchi l
dhoodiny ourli
fe,the
abuseev eryt
hingt hat'swhyhe'syourversionof
[Link] helackoflove,fi
rst
ti
meher eceiveditfrom Gomoi tmeant
every
thingtohi m andsof tenedthebeasti nhim.
That'
swhyi t
'ssohar dt [Link]'
s
nor
mal forhimtohall
uci
nat eofhercausei
t
get
shimt [Link] er
..
..Beal
ert
bythosesignscauseknowt hathehasjust
emergedalongsi
dewithy ou.
Me:
Alongsi
dewi
thme?
MissA: Youar et
hereandhe'sal sothere,
but
wit
hhimi t
'[Link] ei
n
contr
ol ofit
...wit
hGomohecomeswi t
hwarm,
gentl
enat ure,lov
eweakenshi [Link] n
dangeroussi tuat
ionsheeruptswi thout
compromi singhencet heblackouts.
Ibecamet
hought
ful
andnoddedsl
owl
y.
Me:
Nowi
tmakessense.
Mi
ssA:
Itdoesr
ight
?Shar
etheenl
i
ght
enment
.
Me: It
hinkI
'm kindafal
li
ngforacer tai
ngir
lbutI
experi
encecoll
isionsatheartbetweenherand
[Link] stpar tIf
eell
ikeprotect
ingherfrom
theworldandatt hesamet i
mepr otectherfrom
me.
Mi
ssA:
Who'
ssheandwhydon'
tIknowofher
?
Me:I'
l
ldi
scl
oseitonceI'm sur
eofour
compani
onshi
pwhet heri
t'
ssafeornotf
orust
o
dat
e.
MissA: Iunder [Link] lyoushoul dn'
twonder
anymore, gof oritwithouthav i
ngdoubt [Link]
medicationiski l
li
ngOBawayandhi sdesires
andhallucinationsshoul dstopbynowcause
themoodst abili
zersarer eall
[Link]
Gomot oappeari tmeanssomet hingmustbe
tri
ggeri
ngt heot herpersonal i
tyorsomet hi
ng
youdoingwr ongwi thyourmedi cat i
[Link] er
stoptakingthem Buzweandnomor efl
ushings.
Me:
Ipr
omi
se
Mi
ssA:
Thenal
lshal
lbewel
l
Me:Thanksfort
heseinf
ormat
ivel
ookout
sI'
l
l
def
ini
tel
yrememberthem.
MissA:
Iwanty
out obeabl
etodi
sti
ngui
shand
beawar
eofwhat'
shappeni
ngtoy
ouand
aroundyoucausey
ou'redoi
ngwellforyour
sel
f,
alwaysr
[Link]
orover
thi
sPDandy oucanbeatit
.Lear
nt obecalmin
mostsit
uati
ons.
Inodandsmi
l
e.
Me:
Yesdef
ini
tel
y,t
hanky
ou.
Myt herapistdeserveseverypennysheget sand
mor ecauseI 'l
lleav
ethissessionwithalotof
thingsI'
v epickedupandl ear
nedaboutmy
[Link] erwhel
mingasi tisbutmost
thingsstartedtomakesenseandl ooki
ngbyi t
,I
canmanagei t.
.
.
.
LATOYA
Af
terdr
oppingmyCVsIt
ookast
opatSpanz
a's
pl
aceaspromised.
Spanza:
Ahst
ovesam samal
ahl
e
Me:
Stopcal
l
ingmet
hat
Spanza:
Hauwhy?It
houghty
oul
i
kedi
tnj
eand
thaty
ou'
rei
nthemood.
Me:
Moody
aeng?
Hekeptqui
etandstar
tedgazingatmeasI
pul
l
eddownmypenci lski
[Link]
smil
esatmeagain.
Spanza:Awwandy ou'
rel
ooki
ngsexy,
arewe
l
ookingatthebusi
nesswomaninthemaki
ng?
Ichuckl
ed.
Me:
Iwi
sh,
Iwentl
ooki
ngf
oraj
ob.
Spanza:
Wowokay
Me: YeahI
'
mt iredofservi
ngbody
.It'
sti
meI
keepmydignityint
actandworkdecentl
yrat
her
thanlyi
ngther
eandj ustopenmylegs.
Spanza:
I'
m pr
oudofy
ou.
Me:Thanksbutgasesonaseoketl
il
engka
sona(t
hat'
snotthereal
reasonwhyI
'm her
efor
)
Spanza:
What
'st
her
eal
reason?
Ikeptqui
[Link]
ookouta
photoandplacedi
tonthet
abl
e,pushi
ngi
tto
him.
Me:Ineedy outot
akecar
eofthatwomanquick
andfast
.Ihaveanicebl
ackoutf
itIneedt
otr
y
[Link]'
tdisappoi
ntme.
Hepickst
hephotoandl
aysbacksmi
rki
ng
whi
leadmiri
ngi
t.
Spanza:
Andwhi
chhot
ti
eist
his?
Me:FocusSpanza.I
'm st
il
ltr
ynnafishforher
whereabout
sbutshe'
sstudyinginUJ,solong
hawkforherther
eanddot hejobremorselessl
y.
Spanza:Don'
tyout
rustme?Icandot
hej
ob
perf
ectl
y.
Ismi
l
ed.
Me:
That
'swhatIwannahear
.
Hereachedhishandonmineandmadea
l
ust
fullookasherubsi
t.
Spanza:Nowcan'ty
ouwor
kmeoutl
i
ket
he
otherdayyoudi
d?
Ir
etr
actmyhandawayf
rom hi
m
Me: Huh-
uh,Huh-uh,oncethej
obi
sdonet
hen
I
'm all
[Link]
hedeal
.
Ist
oodupandl
efthi
m compl
aini
ng.
.
.
.
BHONGO
Me:Howsmartyouar
eli
tt
leMissy,howsmart
youar
[Link]
enottobeunderest
imated.
Isaywatchingthem i
nmycart
hrough
binocul
ars.I
'v
ebeenfoll
owi
ngherwit
houther
bei
ngawar [Link] hingjustdoesn'
tsi
tswell
wit
hmeabouther .Iknowt here'
ssomething
dodgyshe'
spl anningandI '
m heretosavemy
ki
[Link] odoi stofoll
owupont he
guybefor
esomet hingbadhappens.
.
.
.
PHEZI
SA
Iwasoccupyingmy sel
fbusyintheki
tchenand
l
atercheckedonthemanagerwhowas
managingmyr est
[Link]
dme
ever
y t
hingwassti
lli
norderandfunct
ioni
ngwell
.
Ical
ledBhongo.
Bhongo:
Sthandwasam
Me:Uphi
?Kudalaumkil
e(Wherear
eyou?
You'
vebeengoneforawhi
le)
Bhongo:
I'
m onmywayhome
Me:
Pleasemakequi
ckt
orho
Hel
aughs
Bhongo:
Iwi
l
lunesy
ali
dahn(
arey
oubor
ed?
)
Me:
Kakhul
u(Ver
y)
Bhongo:
Wer
en'
tyougoi
ngonadat
ewi
th
Lat
oya?
Ir
oll
myey
es.
Me: Ar
gh!Yahandthat
.Iwashopingyou
becomeourchauff
eurincaseIst
ruggl
ehol
ding
my sel
ftoget
her
.
Hegi
ggl
es
Bhongo:
You'
l
lhav
etot
ryhar
d
Me:Ibet
terprepar
emy sel
fwhi
leshe'
sgone.
Howfarareyouwor ki
ngonfi
ndi
ngKeneil
oe?
Bhongo:
I'm get
ti
ngt
her
[Link]
ti
ng
thr
oughthecampus.
Imov
eof
fthecount
erandst
andst
il
lasIgot
t
akenbyt
henews.
Me:
Hekeand?
Bhongo:
Ebezeyedwaandebesot
hulwayit
axi
(Shewasal
oneandwascli
mbingoffthet
axi)
soIcoul
dn'
tfi
ndanycl
uesyet.
Icl
osedmyey
esi
ndef
eat
Bhongo:ButI
'l
lmakesureukuba
nzom'l
andel
elel
axaegoduka(I'
l
lfol
l
owher
whensheleaves)
Me:
Okaypl
easedoso.
Bhongo:
Iwi
l
l.
Thei
nter
com wenton.
Me:
Uhm we'
l
ltal
klat
erwheny
ouar
ri
ve,
bye.
Bhongo:
Byebaby
.
WehangupandIwentt
oanswert
hei
nter
com.

Me:
Hel
l
o?
Voice:
Himynamei
sSbongaXuluIam aski
ng
forper
missi
ont
obeaccessedi
n?Pl
ease.
If
rown
Me:
Whoi
sSbongaXul
u?
Hi
m:I
'
m Kenei
l
oe'
sboy
fri
end.
If
rozewi
thmyey
esdi
l
ated.
Me:
I'
ll
accessy
oui
n
Hi
m:Thanky
ou.
Ipr
essedthegateopenandwentt
owai
tfor
hi
mi ntheki
tchen.

Hemadeanent
rance.
Hi
m:SawubonaMa
Me:Mol
[Link]
alaphant
si(
You
maysi
tdown)
Hi
m:Ngi
yabonga(
Thanky
ou)
Me:I
ngabanguwel oebelaphai
zolokul
a
ny
hunyhui
besenzekaapha?( Wereyoutheone
whowasherelastnightduri
ngt
hechaos?)
Him:YeboMai biyi
[Link]
isakakhul u
ngendlel
aintoebezihambengakhonal ai zol
o
[Link] ukuzoni dalela
i
inki
nga.([Link] ogize
fort
hewayt hi
ngstranspi
redl
astni [Link]'
t
myintenti
onst ocomecauset roublesf oryou.
)
Me:Sobi y
int
onikany
ekanyei
njongozakho
phez
ol o?(
Whatwereyourr
eal
intent
ionsfor
l
astnight?
)
Het
ookt
imet
osi
gh.
Him:Bengicabangaukut
hingi
zosi
ndisa
uKenei
loe.(It
houghtIwassavi
ngKenei
loe)
Me:
From herownf
ami
l
yri
ght
?
Him:HayukubahlazaMakodwai si
moengifi
ce
kusonalaekhayaphezol
o( Nott
ober udebut
theci
rcumstancesIarr
iveduponlastni
ght
..
.)
Iplacemyhandonmyhi
psl
ooki
ngathi
min
disbel
ief
.
Me:
Heeeeywena.
Him:Ngi
yaxol
isaMa,ngiy
axol
isafuthi
angi
qondangaukudel
ela(I
'
m sorr
yMa' am I
'm
real
l
ysorr
yIdidn'
tmeantobedisrespectf
ul)
Me:
Sow'
gqi
bil
enj
ena(
You'
real
readydi
d.)
Hesighsdeepl
yfaci
ngdownandt henpickshis
headupagainwit
hadiff
erent
,desper
atef aci
al
expr
essi
onwhichcall
edoutformyattenti
on.
Him:[Link] zeuzok'
qini
seki
saukuthii
ndodakaziyakhoiphephil
ela
i
khokuny enami (
I'
m notheretofi
ght.I'
m here
toassur
ey outhatyourdaughteri
ssafewi t
h
me.)
Il
ookathi
m andnodf
oraf
ewt
imesasIcr
oss
myarmsonmychest.
Me:
Soundsl
i
key
oucamebear
ingmor
enews
t
hanj
usty
ourassuar
ance.
Hi
m:It
'st
[Link]
e'ssomethi
ngser
iousIneed
t
otal
ktoyouaboutKeneil
oe.
If
urr
owmyey
ebr
ows.
Me:
Whati
sit
?
(
Sil
ence)
Me:Whati
sittal
k!Ut
heni
uKenei
l
oe?(
What
's
wr
ongwithKenei
loe?
)
Het
ookf
ewbr
eat
hsandswal
l
owed.
Him:Keneil
oeisondr
[Link]
edthi
s
morningwhenshelef
tforschool.I
nher
sui
tcasether
eweremulti
plepacketsof
Cocaine.
Me:
What
![Link]
l
oe.
Icov
eredmymout
handbr
okedown
Him:Idon'
tknowhowtohandl
ethi
[Link]
'sway
abov
emet hat'
swhyIcamehereaski
ngfor
yourint
erv
ent
[Link]
akey outomypl
ace
may beyoumi
ghthandleitbett
er.
Me:NonoKeneil
oe!Notmydaughtershehas
ev
erythi
ngIgi
veherev
eryt
hingwhatwould
dr
ivehertododr
ugs?
Il
ostbal
anceandf
ell
ont
hechai
r
Me:WhathaveIdonet
odeser
vesuch
puni
shment
?
Icr
iedcan'
tbel
iev
ewhatI
'm hear
[Link]
wondershebehavedt
hewayshedi dl
astni
ght
.
She'
sondrugs!
.
.
.
LATOYA
Iwal
kedinonwhatseemedlikeaseri
ous
conv
ersat
ion.I
twasPhezi
sa,Bhongoand
anot
herst
[Link]
i
nt enseasifsomeonehasj ustbeenannounced
[Link]
eal
ly
conf i
rmedthatsomethingbighadhappened.
Isn'tt
hatsati
sfact
ory?
Iwal
kedsl
owst
epst
owar
dst
hem
Me:
Uhm gooddayev
ery
one.
Nooner
espondedexceptf
ort
hest
rangeguy
.
Me:Ever
ythi
ngokay?Uhm MmeSer amefor
giv
e
meforbeingl
atef
[Link]
dupbut
I
'l
lqui
ckl
ychangeint
ocomfor t
ablecl
o-
Shebangedt
het
abl
eandst
oodup
Phezisa:Doy outhinkI'
vegotti
meforthe
stupi
ddat e!Ihavemanyt hi
ngstodealwith
okay?Biggert hanjustadat
[Link]
l
oei son
drugsandIhav etosolvet
[Link]
ease,don'
t
beani rr
it
[Link] !
Ishr
unkmyeyesinasIagapei
[Link]
hear
tbeatf
asthowdidt
heyknowsosoon?
Theywer
en'
tsupposet
oknowt
hissoon.
Bhongo:I
'
m sorrypleasefor
giveherfort
hat
.
We'vej
ustrecei
vedshockingnewsandnow
we'
refor
cedt oatt
endi mmediatel
y.
Me:
It'
sfi
neIunder
stand
Phez
isa:
Bhongomasambe!(
let
'sgo!
)
Bhongo:
Wil
lyoubef
ineony
ourown?
Me:
I'
ll
bef
ine
Iwatchedt
hem [Link]
mmedi
atel
y
cur
seassoonast heyl
eft
Me:Fuck,Fuck,
Fuck!
!!
!Damnthi
scan'tbe
happeni
[Link],notthi
[Link]
e
tosuff
er!
!!
Iscreamedl
i
kearet
ardandr
eachf
ormyphone
typi
ngamessageonFB.
Me:"Keneplzbecaref
[Link]
keyourfamil
y
[Link]
ght
nowaty ourpl
acetodealwithy
oudon'tsayI
di
dn'
twar
[Link]
de!
"
Isentt
hemessageandcheckedherl
astact
ive.
10hrsago.
Me:
Damn!
Ibangmyphoneont
hetabl
[Link]
fedthr
ough
herti
mel
i
nejustt
ofi
ndsomethi
ngtoreachher
fast
.
Myeyesl
ight
enedwhenIsawapi
ctur
eoft
hat
guywhowashereear
li
eron.
Me:
Sohe'
syourboy
fri
end.
Icopi
edanumberandpast
edi
tont
hedi
aler
.I
cal
ledher
.
"
Hey
!Thi
sisNei
-Nei
I'
m notav
ail
abl
eatt
he.
..
"
Me:
Shi
i
ii
t!
"
Keneyourboyfr
iendsnit
chedony [Link]'
s
l
eadi
ngyourparentsatwhereyouguy sl
iv
et hi
s
[Link] ouusecocaine!Di
ssipat
e
f
rom t
hem soonbeforeyoufacetheirwr
ath"
Irel
easeaheavysi
ghbef
orepressi
ngsendon
[Link]
oundthewholelounge.
Me:Pleasel
ett
hisgot
hrough,
lett
hisgo
t
[Link].
Ibr
eatheheav
ilyasIpushmyhai
rbackwards
andsatdown,sighi
nginsi
[Link]
s
hasreal
l
ygott
awor k.
.
.
.
SHEREE
Me:ComeonNeil
oewhat'
staki
ngy
oul
ong?We
gonnami
ssthel
ectur
e.
Kenei
l
oe:
I'
m comi
ngI
'
m al
mostdone!
!
Ishookmyheadandcont i
nuedwashingmy
handsthenadmiredmysel
fonthemirror
.We
wereinthebat
[Link]
hetoi
letfl
ush
andshecameout .
Kenei
loe:Wooh,abummerI'minmyperi
ods
andforgott
obuymy sel
[Link]
most
rui
nedmyout f
it
.
Shesni
ff
edandr
ubbedhernoi
[Link]
ookather
.
Me:
Soar
eyouwear
ingsomet
hing?
Kenei
loe:
Yeahl
ucki
l
yIal
way
scar
ryanext
ra
pad.
Me:
Good.
Sheopensthetapandwashesherhandand
cont
inuessni
ff
ing.
Me:
Bat
tl
ingwi
thf
lue?
Kenei
l
oe:
NonoI
'
mfi
ne
Me:
Ohj
ustt
hat
,youkeepsni
ff
ingnon-
stop
Shel
aughsandt
urnst
ome.
Kenei
loe:
OhnobabesI
'
mfi
nedon'
twor
ry
aboutme.
Ismi
l
eunconv
inced.
Me:
Okay
Kenei
l
oe:
Let
'sgo.
Shewal
ksbutIsawbl
oodsheddi
ngonher
bl
ouse.
Me:
Wai
tNei
l
oe!
!!
Igr
abherbackbyherar
m
Kenei
l
oe:
What
?
Me:
You'
rebl
eedi
ng?
Kenei
l
oe:
Wher
e??
?
Shei
ntr
ospect
sher
sel
f.
Me:
Ony
ournose
Shet
oucheshernoseandcomesbackwi
th
bl
oodandstagger
sback.
Me:
HeyHey
!
Icat
chherbef
oreshef
all
s.
Kenei
l
oe:
I'
mfi
neI
'
mjustf
eel
i
ngl
i
ght
-headed
Me:
Okaysi
tdownI
'
llf
indy
ousomehel
p,come.
Il
ethersi
tdownandranoutt
oaskf
orat
owel
andboughtheraf
rui
tandapi
ll
.

Ir
anbackt
othebat
hroom andwett
het
owel
.
Me:Here,
placei
tony
ournoseandt
il
tyour
headup.
Shedi
dso.
Me:Eatsomefrui
tthenyoudr
inkt
hisaf
ter
you'
l
lfeelmuchbet
ter.
Kenei
l
oe:
Thanky
ou
Me:Noprobl
[Link]'
l
lbemi
ssi
ngt
he
l
ect
uret
hen.
Kenei
l
oe:
Sor
ry
Me:
It'
sfi
net
hat
'swhatf
ri
endsar
efor
Wesmi l
edateachotherandIsatnextt
ohert
o
keephercompany.
.
.
.
KENEI
LOE
Iwasquit
etakenabackbywhathappened
earl
i
eronthatIwishi t
'st
helastti
meever
happeni
[Link]
eei saGodsendshereall
y
hel
pedmeandi nsistedontakingmehomejust
toensur
ethatI'
mf i
ne.

Whi l
edr i
vi
ngmehomeIswi t
chedont hephone
andsawmessagesf loodi
[Link]
lywere
VMLi t
emessagesfrom anumberIdidn'
t
[Link]
extandmyf acei
nstant
ly
grimaces.
"Keneyourboyf
riendsni
[Link]'
s
l
eadingyourpar
entsatwhereyouguysli
vethi
s
[Link] ouusecocai
ne!Dissi
pat
e
f
rom t
hem soonbef
orey
ouf
acet
hei
rwr
ath"
Whocoul
dthi
sbe?Nooneelseknowsabout
meusi
ngsubst
anceexceptf
orLat
oya.
Me:ShitSher
eerev
erset
hecar
.Qui
ckqui
ck
r
eversethecar!
Sher
ee:
What
?Why
?
IsayseeingMommy'
scarpar
kedatmy
boyfr
iend'
spl
ace.
Me:I
'
llexpl
ainl
aterjustgetof
fthi
sst
reetasi
n
nowandspeedof f
.
Sher
ee:
Nei
l
oe?
Me:I
'mindangerpl
easel
i
stent
ome!Dr
iveus
awayfr
om her
e.
Shescreechest
hecarandt
urnsaccel
erat
ing
thecar
.
DamnitSpar
ks!!
!NowIhav etwoopti
onsei
ther
Ibookmysel
finahoteloraskmyfri
endto
crashmeatherpl
aceitcouldbet
hosetwo.I
real
l
ydon'tunderst
anduSbongareal
l
[Link]
coul
dher unstr
aighttomyparent
swithout
consul
ti
ngmef ir
st,nxyer
r.
"
Thanky
ou"
[Link]
eewasf
inal
l
youtoft
he
neighbourhood.
Sher
ee:
You'vegotal
otofexpl
aini
ngt
odot
o
meKeneil
[Link]
otof.
Isi
ghandthrowmybodybackont heseatasI
cl
osemyey [Link]
om my
dearf
ri
end.
.
..
>>>Tobecont
inued.
..
20
.
..
BUZWE(
OB)
Igotbackf
rom wor
[Link]
y
andqui
etl
i
ket
her
ewasnoonei
nsi
de.
Me:
Any
bodyhome?Hel
l
o!
Iyel
landrubmyf aceasIyawn.I
'
mr eal
lyt
ir
ed,I
pour
edmy selfaglassofwat
eranddrankasI
madeittothelounge.
Me:
Mama!
?Bhongo!
?
Lat
oyasuddenl
yappear
edr
ubbi
ngherey
es.
Me:
DidIwakey
ou?
Latoya:
Arghnoit'
sfi
neIhadtowakeup
anyway.I'
vebeenasl
eepfort
oolongIshoul
d
probabl
ycook.
Me:
Ohwai
[Link]
eisev
ery
one?
Lat
oya:
Ohhy
ourmot
herandf
atherl
eftear
li
er
on.
Me:
Wher
edi
dtheygo?
Lat
oya:
Gabampolel
elammebatsamai
l
ego
sal
ebonakoebi
l
ebatsamay
elemonnao
mongwe(Theydi
dn'
ttel
lmebutt
heyl
eftear
li
er
andl
eftwi
thanot
herman)
Me: Monnaemong?hantlefeela(Anot
herman?
exactl
y)howdi
dmonnaeoev enlook?Mme
l
ebakalahorebatsamaeeleeeneeneel elef
e?
(andwhatwasthereasonforthem tol
eave
withhi
m? )
Sheshr
ugs.
Latoya:Akeit
semmekebaut lwil
ebakaya
sengwekagaKenei l
oe(Idon'
tknowbutI
overheadthem ment
ioni
ngsomethingbout
Keneiloe)
Me:Banabareng?Nabamofumane?(
What
di
dtheysay
?Di dt
heyf
oundher
?)
Lat
oya:
Gake.
..(
Idon'
t.
..
)
Wehear dt
hecarpul
li
ngoffandstoppedthe
conver
sati
onaswerushtomeett hem out
side.
Theyweregetti
ngof
[Link]
ookedatthem
expect
ingtoseemysist
erbutitwasjustt
he
t
wooft
hem
Me:
Wher
e'sKenei
l
oe?
Theydidn'
tsayanyt
hinginsteadt
heyseemed
trul
[Link]
ng
terr
ibl
ehappenedorthewor l
dcamet oanend
[Link]
ookedatLatoy at
henwe
foll
owedaft
erthem.
Me:
Ma?Bhongo?Whati
sit
?Beni
yephi
?
(
Wherewer
eyou?)
Hesi
ghs.
Bhongo:Besi
fumaneumkhondokasi siwakho,
sayomkhangelakodwangel
ishwakhange
si
mf umane.(
Wegotal eadt
oy oursi
ster,
we
wenttofi
ndherbutsadlywedidn'
tgether.
)
Il
ookedatMom whoseemedspeechl
essand
hur
tbyall
thi
s.
Me:Benimkhangel
ephi
?(Wher
edi
dyoul
ook
f
orher?)
Mom:
Atherboy
fri
end'
spl
ace.
Me:
Lanj
aibi
l
apha?(
Thatbast
ardwasher
e?)
Theyshotadeadser
iousl
ookatme
Me:Likeokayke!Whycouldn'
tyoufi
ndher
kodwashewasathi spl
acehee?Uthiuphi
ke
caci
sani(Whati
shesayingabouther
whereabout
s,pl
easeexplai
n.)
Mom: Actual
l
yBuzwehecameher epersonal
l
y
t
ol eadustohispl
acekubeexakwenguKene
(
sincehecouldn'
thandl
eKene.)Apparentl
yhe
l
astsawherwhenshewentt oschoolinthe
mor ni
ng.
Shesi
ghs.
Mom: Wewai t
edforherbutshedi
dn'tcome
back.I
t'
sli
kesomeonehadwar nedherand
i
nformedherubasiphaangafi
kel
ikhona(that
we'r
ethereandthatsheshoul
dn'
tarr
ivethere.
)
Shest
aredatLat
oyaandmyey
esf
oll
owedt
o
heraswel
l
.
Me:Soni
y'
landel
elekengoku?(
didy
ouf
oll
owi
t
up?
)
Bhongo:Wedidbutshewasseenl eavi
ngthe
campuswithanot
[Link]'
sa
whit
eladybutt
heydon'tknowhername.
It
hinkImi
ghthav
eani
deawhot
hati
s.
Mom: Andngaphezul
uuKenei
l
oeusebenzi
sa
i
drugs.
Bhongo:
Cocai
net
obespeci
fi
c.
Ij
oltmyheadlooki
ngatt
hem chuckl
i
ngand
smili
ngi
ndisbel
ief
.
Me:That.
..Thatcan'tbetr
[Link] st
er
Kenei
l
oewoul dnev [Link]
er!I
t'
s
i
mpossibl
e.
Mom: Yi
nyanikemntanam.I
ndodakhebisando
bal
aphaindi
xelel
aukubauf
umaneipacketsze
cocai
nekwisikhwamasakhe(I
t'
struemychi l
d.
Hermanwasheretel
li
ngmehehadf ound
packet
sofcocai
nei
nhersui
tcase)
Isnor
tandpi
nchmynosei
nanger
.
Mom: It
shoukubaall
thi
sti
melastni
ghtshe
washighkusenzekal
ent
onje(
whenthis
happened.
)That'
swhyshecar
ri
edhersel
fthe
wayshedid.
Bhongo: Heeyuy ewandi bhidany aniuKene
i
[Link] hindi
bonaomny eumnt uendinga
mqhel [Link] engol wahlobo(She
reall
ybaffl
edmel [Link] i
keI'
m
seeingadifferentperson.I'm notusedt oher
beingliket
hat )
Idi
rectmyeyesonLatoyagi
vi
ngherapi
erci
ng
l
ookt i
l
lshegotuneasy
.
Me:Whycouldn'
tIseethis?Andkhonawher e
t
hehellwouldKenei
loegetthesedr
ugsfrom?
Wazibanikul
emoereny endawoesandof i
ka
i
zol
onje(Whodoessheknowi nthi
splace
whenshecamej
ustr
ecent
ly)
Mom:Si
xakway i
l
ont
onat
hisi
kul
endawonj
e
(
That
'swhatbeat
sus)
Iagai
ngl
areatLat
oyawhil
eclenchi
ngmyj aws
andcoul
dfeel
myey esmoist
eningali
tt
[Link]
l
ookedawayandclear
edherthr
oat.
Lat
oya:It
hinkIshoul
dhav
eanear
lyni
ght
.
Goodni
ghtevery
one.
Bhongo:
Night
.
Iwatchedherl
eaveasmybr eat
hsfuel
indeep
i
[Link]
ri
edholdi
ngthem t
ogether
.
Mom:
Idon'
ttr
usther
.Idon'
ttr
ustheratal
l
.
Me:Iknowwher eKenei
[Link]'
sendthi
s
nonsensenow!Prepar
ey oursel
vesasIgofet
ch
[Link]
veme
ami
nut
e.
Iwal
[Link]
aclear
lyhasnoi
deawho
she'
smessi
ngwi t
[Link]'tt
ouchmyfami
l
y
andj
ustgetawaywi
thi
t.
.
.
.
LATOYA
Ishutthedoorimmediatel
yasIgetinmyroom
andleanbehindit
.Let
tingoutani
ntensesi
gh.
Me:(br
eat
hyt
one)Heknows,
heknowsGodhe
knows.
Idon'
tknowf orwei
rdr easonsmyhear ti
s
poundingabnormal
[Link]'tgetovert
helook
hegaveme, itwascold,inhumaneand
monstrous.I
'venev
erinmyl i
fegotthi
sscared
befor
e.
ThedoorbangsandIinvol
unt
arysquealasI
j
umpi nfr
[Link]
art
tear
ingupinsil
ence.
Theknockgoesonagai
n.
Me:(mumbles)OhhmyGodwhatam Igonna
[Link] Igonna-
Theknockgoesonagai
[Link]
opandner
vousl
y
shakemyhands.
Voi
ce:
(knocks)Lat
oya.
I
t'
shi
[Link]
n.
Buzwe:
Lat
oyai
t'
smeopent
hedoor
Iqui
ckl
ywi
pemyf
aceandsni
ff
le
Me:
O-OkayI
'
m comi
ng.
[Link] ewbreat
hs
[Link] esinst
antl
ymeetI
fel
tli
keIcoul
dn'tt
akeitnomor esoIl
ooked
away .Heent
ersandlooksar oundmyroom.
Buzwe:
Wer
eyousl
eepi
ng?
Me:
Almost
.
Henodsr
epeat
edl
y.
Me:
Agonal
esengwesenkagot
husangka
sona?(
Ist
her
eany
thi
ngIcanhel
pyouwi
th?
)
Hewentsi
lentf
orawhi
l
est
il
lfaci
ngmewi
th
hi
sback.
Buzwe: UneutsebakaKeneasebedi
sa
di
thethefat
si?(
YouknewaboutKeneusi
ng
drugs?)
Iopenmymouthandqui
ckl
yshuti
tswal
l
owi
ng
adrylumponmythr
oat.
Me:
NoIdi
dn'
tknow
Het urnstofacemeandIgoti nti
midatedbyhi s
colddaunt i
[Link] ustsomet hing
abouthi seyes.
..t
heywer emoist,verydarkl i
ke
they'
velostlif
einthem orasi fhewast aking
form ofacer t
[Link]
sonot i
cedav ein
appear i
ngonhi sforehead.
Buzwe:
Yousur
eyou'
renotl
yi
ngt
omeLat
oya?
Ishakemyheadr
api
dly
Me:
No
Buzwe:
Comeher
e
Ifeltmyheartstopandf
reezewi
thmyl
egs
beingparal
yzingme.
Buzwe:
Isai
dcome
Isl
owlywalkedtohim ev
enhisvoi
cehas
[Link]
[Link]
tsback
andstarescl
osel
yinmyey es.
Buzwe: Lastti
meIchecked, youwer eget
ti
ng
closertomysi ster
.Tel
li
ngf r
om yourpeccant,
messedupl i
fe..
.youar
ev eryconnectedto
thesetypeoft hi
[Link] ouhosteda
[Link] ny outellmeyou
wer en'
tinv
olvedinthi
shuh?Doesi tmake
senset oyou?
Ibeganquiver
inghashi stonesentcoldshiver
s
i
nmyspi [Link] ulasitsoundedbutithad
[Link]'sreadyt
olayhis
handonthemat ter
.
Me: (
crackyv
oice)Iswearonmybrother
's
graveIhadnothi
ngtodowi t
hthi
s,t
rustme.I
careaboutKeneil
oeasmuchasy oudo.
Hemadeami
schev
ioussmi
l
eashesl
owl
yli
ft
hi
shandt
owi
pemyt ear
.
Buzwe:Hush,
I'
m notheret
of i
ght
.Justheret
o
cl
ari
fymysuspici
[Link]
ingisabadthing
Lat
oya.
Hesayssoft
lyr
unninghishanddownmyface
andgr
ippedmyar m har
[Link]
mperedi
npain
asIcl
osemyey es.
Me:Gakebuemaakakeagotshepi
sat
lher
ra
(
I'
m notl
yi
ngIpr
omiseyou)
Icoul
dn'
tcont
rol
myt
ear
s.
Buzwe:Ket šepahoreusahopol ahoreuentse
tšepi
soeahor eukekewaut l
oisabalel
apala
kabohloko.(Ihopey ouremembert hatyou
madeapr omi sethatyou'dneverhurtmyfamil
y)
If
lut
ter
edmyey
ebr
ows
Buzwe:Causei
fyoudarebreakthatpr
omise
woman. .
.ev
enLuci
ferwi
llstepbackandt
ake
notes.
Myl
i
pst
rembl
edasmybr
eat
hsescal
ated.
Buzwe:Thewarisbetweenmeandyou.I
fyou
wantanybodyt
opay ,
itshoul
dbeme.
Hel etsgoofmyar m andl
eanedf
orwar
d
[Link]
l
l
shaking.
Buzwe:
Sweetdr
eamssweet
hear
t.
Hemadeasi nistersmir
kashegotupandl ef
t
[Link] dfeeladar
kenergypassing
wit
hhim,theroom becamel i
ghtagainassoon
asheslammedt hedoorwit
hmef li
nching.
Myt ear
srandownagainasIshutmyeyes.I
quickl
yjumpinsi
demycov er
sandli
edown,sti
l
l
feeli
ngscar
[Link]
ckl
yreachmyphoneand
t
ypedamessage.
Me:"I
'
m cal
l
ingi
tof
[Link]
zdon'
tcar
ryonwi
tht
he
hi
t"
Isendthemessaget
[Link]
eat
hout
whil
ehuggi
ngmypi l
l
owti
ghtandpraythathe
getst
hemessage.
.
.
.
SHEREE
Idrov
eNeil
oetosomehotel
.Af
terherl
engt
hy
tal
katther
ecept
ion,
shecamebackworkedup
Kenei
l
oe:
Damn!Damn!Damn!
Me:
What
?
Keneil
oe:Mycar
dsar ef
rozenl
ikefr
ozen
[Link]
tchdothatt
ome! ??
Damn!AndIhavenocasht obookmy sel
fa
r
oom.
Ist
aredathersi
l
ent
[Link]
fs.
Kenei
l
oe:
I'
m sost
randedwher
ewi
l
lIsl
eep?
Shegl
ancesatme
Kenei
l
oe:
Cany
ouhel
pmeout
?Pl
ease.
Me:
Wehav
etot
alkf
ir
st,
int
hecar
.
Idi
dn'
twai
tforherr
esponseasIwal
kout
.
Shel
aterf
oll
owedandgoti
nthecar
.
Wewentsi
l
entf
ir
stbef
oreshebr
oket
hei
ce.

Kenei
l
oe:
Wecant
alk
Me:
What
'sgoi
ngonwi
thy
ou?
Kenei
l
oe:
Whatdoy
oumeanwhat
'sgoi
ngon
wit
hme?
Me:
Imeant
hatNei
l
oe
Kenei
l
oe:
Not
hing.I
'
mjustnotongoodt
erms
wit
hmyfamilyandf
ornowIj
ustneedsomeai
r
awayf
rom t
hem.
Me:Airwit
houtthi
nki
ngoftaki
ngy ourcl
othes
andessenti
alsal
ong?Knowingthatyou'
renot
i
ntendi
ngtosleephome.
Kenei
l
oe:
Iwasplanni
ngtopurchaseev
ery
thi
ng
wit
hmycardunt
ili
tgotf
rozen.
Me:That'
syourpar
ent
sshowi
ngyouthatyou
st
il
[Link]
ixthi
ngs.
Kenei
loe:
That
'snotgonnahappenSher
ee
never
.
Me:Pri
deain'
tgonnadoanyt
hingforyouri
ght
[Link]'
reonl
ymakingyourl
ifedi
ffi
cul
t.
Keneil
oe:
Heeeey!Justsaysoify
oudon't
wannabeaf r
[Link]
'sf
ineI
cantakei
tandmakeapl anformysel
f.
Me:
Youknowt
hat
'
sri
dicul
ousNei
l
oe
Kenei
l
oe:
Tel
lmet
heni
fyouar
ewi
l
li
ngt
ohel
p
meornot
.
Ibr
oughtoutmyi
ndexf
inger
Me:RememberI'
m [Link]
dependonmyuncleandhiswifeokay?Idon'
t
makemyownr ul
esIobeytheir
[Link]'
m
gonnahel
pyouit
'sgonnabeoneday !Cl
ear?
Kenei
l
oe:
Cry
stal
Me: [Link]
etomakeapl
an
causeevensoI'l
lhav
etosneaky
oui
n.
Kenei
l
oe:Thankyousomuchi
t'
sfi
neev
enso.I
meanital
readymeansal
ott
ome.
Ii
gni
tedt
hecarwi
thoutsay
ingany
thi
ng.
Kenei
l
oe:
I'
m sor
ryf
ort
het
roubl
e.
Me:Honest
lyI'
dbeami
l
li
onai
reev
eryt
imeI
heart
hatword.

Idr
oveussi
l
ent
[Link]
ri
ved
[Link] aylowkeyint hecar
whileIaskPearlt
odistr
actherpar [Link]
d
herI'
mt ry
nnasneakaf r
iendi [Link]
Ifi
rstwentinsi
deandgreet edthem ly
ingabout
passingatJozea'
splaceandspendt i
mewi t
h
them that
'swhyIcamel [Link] st
ood.

LateronIsneakedKeneiloei
nmyr [Link]
wechi l
l
ed, Isacr
if
icedmysupperf
orherand
thensheshower edIborr
owedhermyclothes.I
wast helasttoshower.
Iswit
chedont het
apbutfor
got
tenmyshavi
ng
cream [Link]
apmytoweland
wentbackt omyroom.
Icoul
dn'tpr
epar
emy sel
fforwhatIsaw.
Kenei
loehadahandfulofstuf
fsst
eali
ngfr
om
[Link] l.
Isl
owl
yti
ptoedbackt
oeav
esdr
op.
Kenei
l
oe:
List
enIhav
enocashi
nmeokay
?But
Icanorganizesomegoodst uff
sinexchange
forcoke.
..What!Ther
e'ssomethingbet
terIcan
do?Whati sit
?LikeIneeditasinnow.
Shesighsasshecoll
ect
edandsnucked
ever
ythi
nginherbag.
Keneil
oe:I'
l
ldoev ery
thi
ngyouwantmet odo
[Link] hecokeri
ghtnowI
'
m
crav
ingplease.
..OkayokayI'
l
lsendmylocat
ion.
Sharp
Shedropsthecal
landscr
atchesherhai
r
roughl
yasshesteal
smoreofmyst uff
sand
thenpi
ckedherphonetot
ypesomet hi
ng.
Me:
Real
l
yKenei
l
oe?
Ist
art
lehercausi
nghert
odr
opev
ery
thi
ng.
Keneil
oe:
Uhm hey
!It
houghty
ouwer
est
il
li
n
theshower.
Me:YouthoughtIwassti
l
lint
heshower
?You
ar
ereal
lybit
ingthehandt
hathel
psyouKene,
real
l
y?Yousteali
ngf
rom mebecauseofwhat
?
Becauseofcoke?
Shesl
owl
yli
ftherhands
Kenei
l
oe:Li
stenf
ri
endi
t'
snotwhaty
out
hinki
t
i
sokay?
Me:
Youar
eoncocai
ne!
!!Dr
ugsKenei
l
oe!
!!
Keneil
oe:
Woahkeepi
tdowny
oudon'
twant
them t
oheary
ouri
ght
?
Me:May beIdocauseIthi
nkI'v
emadea
mist
akebringi
[Link]'
tst
aywi
tha
t
hief
,takeyourst
uffswe'r
eleavi
ng.
Kenei
l
oe:
What
!Youcan'
tdot
hat
.Wher
ewi
l
lI
go?
Me:Iwon'
ttel
lyoutwi
ceNeiloeorelseI
'l
lhav
e
t
oinvol
[Link]!.
..Andplease,
takeoff
myclot
[Link]'
resoungr
ateful
.
Iunwrapthetowel
andstart
eddressi
ngup.I
can'
tbeli
eveshedi
dthatI'
m sogladIcaught
heri
nti
me.
.
.
.
BUZWE(
OB)
Iwasnowdr i
vingt
oJozea'splaceImeanhis
[Link]
oeisshe'
swith
hi
[Link]
ieveshe'
stheonlyf
ri
end
Kenei
loehasandshe'sther
eifnotather
boyf
ri
end'spl
ace.
Mom:
Wher
ear
eyout
aki
ngus?
Me:
Ima(
Wai
t)
It
ookmyphoneoutanddi
almyf
ri
end
Jozea:
Bhast
ed
Me:
Bud,
howar
eyoudoi
ng?
Jozea:
Greatandy
ou?
Me:
Greatt
[Link] l
i
stenbr
a,we'
reheadi
ngt
o
yourpl
aceri
[Link]'r
efetchi
ngmysi st
er,
webeli
eveshe'
swithyourcousi
n.I'
dli
keto
knowwhetheryou'
ret
hereorinAlber
ton?
Jozea:
I'
minAl
ber
ton.
Me: Ji
ss..
.Okayuhm Iwashopi
ngyou'
dbe
t
hereImeanI '
m st
il
lfi
gur
ingawayt
oappr
oach
yourparents.
Jozea:
Don'
twor
ryt
henI
'
llshowup
Me:Nodon'tt
roubl
eyour
sel
fson,
we'
reget
ti
ng
cl
oserany
way.
Jozea:
Yousur
e?
Me:Ek'
ssekerson(
I'
m sur
e.)Hav
eyour
sel
fa
goodni
ght.
Jozea:
Okayshar
pB
Me:
Shar
pBud.
WehangupandIsi
ghandf
ocusedont
her
oad.
Bhongo:
Whowast
hat
?
Me:
Itwas.
..
Igotdi
str
act
edbyt
hemar
oonNi
ssanpassi
ng
by.
Mom:
Itwas?
Me:
WoahWoahIt
hinkI
'
m seei
ngsomet
hing.
Imadeat
urnwhi
l
ehoot
ingf
ort
hecar
.
Mom:
Uji
kel
ant
oni
?(Whyar
eyout
urni
ng?
)
Me:
WoahMa.
Ihootagainf ol
lowi
ngbehi ndthecar
.Isawa
blondewomandr iv
ingt hatcarwi
tha
compani onthatwasal soaf emal
[Link]
inct
s
arehighl
yt el
li
ngmei t
'sthecousi
nwhohadmy
sist
er.I
t'
sei t
hershe'ssendingKenebackhome
orIdon'[Link] hatsgoodcauseshemade
thejobeasierforus.

Ihootanddr
ovemoreaheadasifI'
ll
ov er
take
[Link]
desherInot
iceditwas
real
l
[Link]
essedf
ormywi
ndowst
ogodown.
Ihootagai
n.
Me:
Hey
!
Shelookedatmeandthewayherey
esdilat
e
amusesmebutIdidn'
twantt
oshowi tasIkept
astr
aightface.
Me:
Cany
oupul
l
over
?
"No!No!Don'
tdot
hat
,don'
tyoudar
edot
hat
Sheree"
Ihear
dKene'
svoi
ceshout
ingbehi
nd
Me:
Pul
l
overSher
ee
Thatwasmor
eli
keanor
der
.
Sher
ee:
Okaysur
e.
Shefoundaspotandpul
l
edov
[Link]
opped
behi
ndher.
Me:We'
vefoundKenei
l
[Link]
sethatwhen
weal
lgooutther
ewedon'tshoutatherorgi
ve
herahardtime,t
hatwil
lonl
ychaseheraway.
Let'
sapproachheri
nagentlemanner
.Cause
wedon'tknowwhat'sgoi
ngoninherheadri
ght
now.
Mom:
It'
sfi
nel
et'
sgogether
.
Weal lgotoutandappr [Link]
greeti
ngstoSher eewhogr eet
edbackand
[Link] l
oe
tocomehomewi thus,shewasr el
uct
antat
fi
rstandfoughtdagger [Link]
remainedcalm andgent l
e,wit
hmom get t
ing
mor eemotionalandshef i
nall
ygavein.

Theyal
lgoti
nthecarandIl
ookedbackat
Sher
eeandstayedbehi
ndwit
hher.
Me:
Thanky
ou
Sher
ee:
Youhadal
readysai
dso
Me:
Wil
lyoubesaf
e?
Sher
ee:
Ithi
nkso
Me:
Geti
n,i
t'
[Link]
llf
oll
owbehi
ndy
ouj
ust
t
omakesur
ethatyou'
resaf
e.
Sher
ee:
Your
eal
l
ydon'
thav
eto.
Me:
Thatwasanor
derma'
am
I
ssheseri
ousl
ybl
ushi
ng?Isnapmyf
inger
sand
poi
ntedt
hecar
.
Me:
In,
nowsmal
lgi
rl
.
Il
efthert
her
eandgotinmycar
.Ist
artmy
engi
neandhootather
.
Shewassti
lldaydr
eaming,
notactual
l
ysure
whet
hertocalli
tdaydr
eamingorwhatwhenit
i
satnightbutyeahiti
swhatiti
s.
Shestar
tedt
hecaranddrov
[Link]
oll
owed
behi
ndherwit
hthefami
lyquest
ioni
ngme.
.
.
.
KENEI
LOE
Itwast hef ol
lowingmorningIpreparedfor
[Link], l
astnightthey
managedt alkingsenset
[Link] '
m
sti
llcr
av i
ngbutI '
l
lfi
ghtt
hisandcomebackt o
theKeneiloet [Link]'tbeli
eveIthought
ofdoingt hislifet
hingwi
[Link]
y
actedselfishly.

"Heybabe .Sorr
yIdidn'
tcomebackIwantt
o
l
ety ouknowt
hatI
'm backhomeandsafe.
Pleasebri
ngmycl
othesback.I
'
llqui
tdr
ugsI
promise.
Thanksforacti
ngoutthewayyoudid.I
'
mreal
l
y
proudandluckytohav
ey [Link]
ovey
ou."

IsendSpar
kst
hemessageandwentt
ofacemy
f
ami
l
yatt
hedi
ning.
Me:
Goodmor
ningf
ami
l
y
Them:
Mor
ning!
Theysoundedsohappy
.
Mom:
Mybaby
Shest
oodupandki
[Link]
aughed.
Me:
Ther
ewegoagai
n.
Mom: What
?I'm happyt
ohav
emydaught
er
back,
isi
tasin?
Ishookmyhead
Me:
No
Shehel
dmycheeks
Me:
Your
eal
l
yscar
edme.
Me:
I'
m sor
ryMaIshoul
dn'
thav
e.
Buzwe:
Other
wisey
ouwokeupf
inesi
s?
Me:
Iwokeupcompl
etel
yfi
nebr
othert
hanks.
Il
ookatt
hem al
lgat
heredexceptf
orLat
oya
andcl
ear
edmythroat
.
Me:I'
dli
ketohumblemy sel
ftoever
yoneinthi
s
t
ableandapologi
zefort
hewayIbehav edand
f
orthebadexchangeofwords..
.ToMom and
youBhongo,I
'
m sosorry
.
It
urnmyheadt
oBhongo.
Me: Ireal
lyapologizefort hewayIspoket oyou.
Iinsult
edy ouIshouldn'thav [Link]
becauseal lyou'
veev erbeenwasagoodman
[Link]'v etr
eatedusl ikey ourownchi l
dren.
You'rethefatherI'
venev erhad, Iknewy oufrom
sinceIwasal i
tt
legirlt
ot hiswomant hatIam
today-presentinal l
myl [Link] dn'tdeserve
noneoft hat.
Hechuckl
essof
tl
yandsmi
l
es.
Bhongo:If
orgav
ey oualongt i
menont ombi.I
knewitwasn'
[Link]
sedy ou,
I
knowwhoy [Link] udge,Iwant
ust
oputi
tbehi
ndus.
Me:
Thanky
ou.
Ijumpedupandhuggedhi
[Link]
edhi
s
throatwhi
l
emassagi
nghisshoul
der
.
Me:Ohhh!Uxol
onakuwebhut
[Link]
dn'
tmeant
o
hur
tyourshoul
der
.
It
angl
emyar
msar
oundhi
[Link]
ushed
myarms.
Buzwe:
You'
ref
orgi
vensi
s
Heki
ssedmyar
m andl
etgo
Buzwe:
Nowl
etmet
akey
out
ocampus.
Bhongo:
Noal
l
owmet
odot
hat
Buzwe:
AwwVader
!
Mom:
Nicet
obey
out
hey
'r
efi
ght
ingov
ery
ou.
Weal
lgi
ggl
ed.
Me:Other
wisef
am Iwannatakethi
schanceto
sayIl
oveyoual
l,whol
ehear
tedl
yandI.
..It
hinkI
[Link]
ikeI'
m al
readybecomingan
addi
[Link] obeatthi
sbutIcan'tdoit
wit
houty oursupport
.
Mom:
Mychi
l
dyoual
readyhav
eal
loursuppor
t.
Shestr
etchesherhand,
Bhongodidsotoo,
Buzwedidsothreeandweallmadeachainof
handsthengaveeachotheragr
[Link]
's
al
lIneededfort
hismoment ,
uni
ty.

Bhongot [Link]
ndahada
producti
vedaybuty
ouknowt empt
ati
onwas
thereandIwassweati
ngashell
.ButIt
ri
edwi
th
allmypowertocontr
olmysel
f.
Shereewaski ndaav oidi
ngmenomat terhow
hardItriedtoreachoutt oher
.Ireal
l
yneedt o
apologizetoheraswel l
forwhatIdi
[Link]
theendofmyl ectur
esandIhadt ogohome.
Sti
llIcouldn'
tspotherany wher
[Link]
abouttocal l
Sparkst ofetchmeIscreamed
f
eel
i
ngsomeonet
ouchi
ngandpul
l
ingme.

Me:
Lat
oya!Ooohwhyscar
emel
i
ket
hat
?
Latoya:
Itl
haganel
e,r
etshwanet
segotsamaya
kabonakot ot
a(Hurr
y,wehavetol
eav
ev er
y
fast.
)
Shesay
sinanal
armi
ngway
.
Me: AiboLat
oya!Hobaneng?Aker
eNtat
e
Bhongoot sel
engeahonl at
a(he'
sonhi
sway
tofetchme)
Lat
oya:Well
he'
l
lhavetomeety
ouaheadat
homefornowwereall
yhav
etogo.
Me:What'
stherushwhyar
eyoudoi
ngt
his?
You'
react
ingweir
d.
Lat
oya:Keagoboloka(
I'
m savingyou)t
hat
's
[Link]'
tmakeithardt
ocooperat
e
wit
hme.
Me:
Umphol
osahoeng?(
You'
resav
ingme
f
rom what
?)
Latoya:
Emi sagobotsadipotsotsedi
ntsir
e
tshwanetsegotabogajaanong( St
opaski
ng
manyquest ionweshouldber unni
ngri
ghtnow)
Shepul
l
edmer
oughl
[Link]
rowni
nconf
usi
on.
Me:
Lat
oya?
?
Lat
oya:
Come!
EventhoughIhadnoi deaofwhatwe'
rerunni
ng
awayf r
om butIcont
inuedrunni
ngwit
hher.I
gotti
redasIbecamebr eat
hlessandf
eltmy
chestwhizzi
ng.
Me:
Exact
lywhatar
ewer
unni
ngawayf
rom?
Wesuddenlyhear
dpeopl
escreamingandacar
fumi
ngspeedingt
oourdi
rect
ion.I
twasablue
Gusheshecar
.
Lat
oya:
ComecomecomeKenei
l
oer
un!
!!
!run!
!!
Shepushedmeandwer
an.
Me:
(shakeyv
oice)OMGwhat
'sgoi
ngonLat
oya?
Lat
oya:
Ruuuuuun!
!!
!
Weranandthecarcaughtupwit
husandcame
scr
eechingi
nfr
[Link]
ckedandLat
oya
shi
eldedmethenpushedmetoruntotheot
her
si
de.
Lat
oya:
Spanzast
ooop!
!!Don'
tdot
hispl
ease.
Aguywi thahoodi [Link]
startedthecaragai nasIrantotheother
di
r ecti
[Link]'tknowhow, butLatoyajumped
i
nf rontofmeandt hecarhitheroverandsends
herf l
yingattheothersideoftheroad.
Me:
(cr
ying)Noooo!
Theguydr i
vi
ngj umpedofft
hecarwhileit
'sst
il
l
mov i
nganddr [Link] i
red3
shotsatmeIgaspedoutofbr eat
hasIf el
t
somethingwar [Link]
oozedtoprofusebloodcomingoutofmy
tummy .
"Kenei
l
oe!
!!
!!
!!
!!
!"
Icoll
apsedont hefl
oorandsawBhongo
[Link] sspedawaywit
h
thei
[Link]
ter
ingandchokingwi
th
thebloodinmyt hr
oatasIweaklybli
nked
stari
ngatBhongo.
Me:
Bh-Bo-Bhongo.
It
ookmyl
astbr
eat
handl
etl
ooseasIpassout
.
.
..
>>>Tobecont
inued.
..

21
.
..
PHEZI
SA
Icouldn'
tst
opcryi
ngasIgrabbedonmyson'
s
shi
[Link]
tal
wasfi
ll
edwi t
hmyshri
eki
ng
cr
[Link]
terhowBuzwet
ri
edt
ocomf
ort
mebutIwasn'
thavi
ngi
t.
Me:Umntanam Buzweumnt
anam!
!Myoneand
onl
ydaughter
!!
Hehugsmet
ightashegent
lyhi
tsmybackand
r
ubsit
.
Buzwe:SshhMa,i
t'
[Link]
l
befineshe'
l
[Link]
str
ongsot r
ustmeshe'
sgonnafightt
hisand
comeback.
Me:Whocoulddothistoher
!??Who?
?Ican'
t
l
oseherBuzwe!Ican'
t
Buzwe:We'
renotgonnaloseherMamawe
shoul
dwaitt
ohearfrom thedoct
ors.
Ihi
ccuppedandsobbedlower
lyt
hist
imeasI
burr
ymy sel
finhi
schest
.Myfacemusthav
e
beenamess.
Buzwe:
Nankugqi
rha(
Her
e'st
hedoct
or)
If
rant
ical
l
ystoodupandappr
oachedhi
m wi
th
mynervesshoot
inghi
gh.
Doct
or:
Goodev
eni
ng.
Me:Howisshedoc?I
sshefi
ne?What
'sgoi
ng
on?Tel
lmehowmydaughteri
s.
Buzwe:
Ma.
..
Herest
ri
ctsmebyt
ender
lypl
aci
nghi
sar
m
ar
oundmywaist
.
Doct
or:Wemanagedr emovingt
hebul
l
etsand
shehaslostexcessi
veblood.
Buzwe:
Sowhatdoest
hatmean?
Doctor:I
tmeansy
ouhav
enot
hingt
owor
ry
[Link]'
sst
abl
e.
Webothletoutasighofrel
ief
.Ipl
acemy
handst
ogetherandlookabove.
Me:Ohhh!Enkosi
Bawo,ndi
yabul
elaSomandl
a
awwThixowam wenauhlal
eumhlenjal
o.
Iwaspr
aisi
ngtheAlmight
yLor
[Link]
swasa
momentofrel
i
efforus.
Doctor
:Thoughherwombwasaf fect
edbythe
gunshots,
iti
ssever
lyscar
red.I
'
m afrai
daf
ter
thi
sshewon'tbeabl
etoeverconceiv
e.
Icov
ermymout
hshat
ter
edbyt
hat
.
Me:
(hoar
set
one)No.
Doctor
:I'
m deepl
ysorrybutfornowwegoi
ngt
o
car
ryonwi t
hthebloodtransf
usion.
Me:
Canweseeher
?
Doctor:
Oneatati
me, shecomesf r
om an
i
ntensesurger
ysoshe'sabitout
,butshecan
hearyou.
Me:
Thanky
oudoc.
Doct
or:
Hav
eyour
sel
vesagoodni
ght
.
Henodswit
hasmi
l
eandl
eft
.Ibl
owoutasi
gh
asIbend
Me:
That
'ssuchar
eli
ef.
Buzwe:
Indeedwhatdi
dIt
ell
you?
Ihuggedhi
m andsmi
l
edt
hroughmyt
ear
s.
Me:
Youwer
eri
ghtson.
Buzwe:
Yah,soyougonnagof
ir
st.I
'
llbeher
e
cal
li
ngBhongoasIwait
.
Me:
Alr
ight
Imademywayi
nsi
deherwar
d.
.
.
.
BHONGO
Iwassl owlytai
l
ingthem asIdri
vemycarat20.
Inoti
cedt heywereenter
inginsi
deacluband
parkedabi tf
arfrom t
[Link] l
lsi
tandwait
unti
ltheycomeoutandmakeanexampl eof
oneoft hem.
AsIwassi
tt
ingher
eIr
ecei
vedacal
lfr
om
Buzwe.
Me:
Nyana(
Son)
Buzwe:
Vader(
Fat
her
)
Me:
Howar
ethi
ngst
her
e?
Heexhal
es.
Buzwe:Lucki
l
ywe'r
etakenof
ffr
om t
hemi
ser
y
Kenei
loeisst
abl
e.
Icl
osemyey
esandsi
ghi
nrel
i
ef.
Me:That
'sgoodnewsahhht
hanksFat
herG.
Thi
swasgetti
ngtome.
Buzwe:Thankstoyouforbr
ingi
ngherinti
me.
FunnyenoughIalr
eadyknewshe'sgonnabe
fi
ne.
Me: Il
i
key
ourf
ait
handconf
[Link]
e's
yourMom?
Buzwe:
Insi
det
hewar
[Link]
dget
i
noneatat
ime.
Me:
Isee.
Buzwe:Wher
eareyou?You'
resupposedt
obe
herecomf
ort
ingher
Me:
I'
m busydeal
i
ngwi
thf
ewt
hings
Buzwe:
Whatt
hings?
Me:[Link]
hethe.
(Youdon'
tquest
iony
ourel
[Link]'l
lspeak
agai
n)
Buzwe:
Bhongo
Me:
What
?
Buzwe:
Don'
tdosomet
hingdr
ast
ic
Ichuckl
ed.
Me:Andiy
aziubaut
hethangant
oni
(Idon'
tknow
whatyou'
ret
alki
ngabout)
Buzwe:
Bhongo?
Me:
Ihav
etogoby
e.
Icutthecall
andbitemyl i
pwhilesqueezi
ngmy
phonebringi
ngitcl
[Link]
t
ther
epatient
lywait
ingfortheseguys.

Gotwokenupbypeopl el
[Link]
owlyopen
myey esandsawt hem comingoutoftheclub
drunkwiththei
rbot t
lessti
l
lont [Link]
biddi
ngeachot hergoodbye,agr oupofthem
gotintheothercarwhi l
ethesingleonegotin
thebluecaranddr iv
eshimselfof f
.
Ist
art
edt
hecarandf
oll
owhi
m.

Looksli
kehestay si
nabachel orfl
atashe
madehi swaythroughthesecurit
[Link]
carcl
oser,par
kingnexttoatreeandalsogot
off
.Igreet
edthesecurit
yguy.
Me:
Icamet
ovi
sitaf
ri
end.
Hi
m:Who'
sthef
ri
end?
Me:
Spanza
Hef
rownsandl
ookedathi
sbl
ockasheshut
s
t
hedoor
.
Him:Buthedidn'
tment
ionany
thi
ngabout
havi
ngvisi
tor
s.
It
ookoutast
ackofmoneyi
nmypocket
.
Me: Pl
ease,asyoucanseehe'si
ntoxi
cat
edso...
heforgotsomethi
ngimport
antfrom t
heclub.I
camet oseehimregar
[Link]
easeall
owme
thr
oughandacceptthesesweets.
Hel
ookedatt
hemoneyandgott
empt
ed.
Hi
m:Sur
e.
Het
ookt
hemoneyandIsmi
l
ed
Hi
m:What
'sy
ourname?
Me:Idon'
tthi
nkt
hat
'snecessar
ysi
nceIgav
e
youthesweet
s.
Hi
m:Ay
yyoumaki
ngmebr
eakpr
otocol
now.
Me:
Itwon'
tputy
oui
ntr
oubl
eIpr
omi
sey
ou.
HeaccessedmeandIthankedhi
[Link]
thestair
stohi
sbl
ock,
Ibracedmysel
fbef
ore
knocking.

"
Who'
sther
e!?
"
Heyell
sinaslur
reddrunkvoi
[Link]'
tanswer
butj
ustkeeponknocking.
"
Eyyi
fyou'
renott
ell
i
ngmeIwon'
topenv
ele"
Icont
inueknocki
ngandexhal
eimpat
ient
ly.
Me:
I'
m sentbyLat
oya
Isaycl
osel
ytothedoor
.Ihear
dev
eryshuf
fl
ing
hedidst
opping.
Hi
m:"
Whoar
eyou?
"
Me:
It'
sur
gentopent
hedoori
fyouwannaknow.
Icoul
dhearhi
m dr
aggi
nghisf
eetandopened
thedoorl
ooki
[Link]
rowedhi
sey es.
Hi
m:Whoar
eyou?
Me:
Heruncl
ewi
l
lyoul
etmei
n?
Hekeptmaki
ngt
hosef
unnyf
rowns.
Hi
m:Sur
esur
e.
HeopenedthedoorwiderandIgoti
[Link]
cl
osedthedoorandturns.
Hi
m:Konj
ewhatbr
i-
Ismashhi
sheadwithagunandhecol
l
apses
downunconsci
ous.
Me:
Nx,
pieceofshi
t.
Ispatnearhi
m androl
l
edmysl eevesthenhel
d
hisl
egsanddraggedhim ont
hef l
oor.
.
.
.
PHEZI
SA
Me:Youscar
edmebabyohhy
ouscar
edmeso
much.
Iki
ssedherhandandwi
pedmyt
ear
s.
Me: It
houghtIwasgonnal osey [Link]
erinmy
l
ifehav eIcri
edli
kethi
sbef [Link]
father
'sfuneral
Ihadnev er
.Ilovey ousomuch
Kenet hethoughtofl
osingy ouwasgonnaki l
l
medeadwi thsorr
ow.
Ismi
l
edasIbr
ushhercheeks.
Me:I'm gladGodsav edy ou.I'
m gladhesav ed
usallfr
om t [Link]'tknowwhowoul d
wishtoki l
lyou.I
tcan'tbet hatinashortperiod
ofti
mey ou'veal
readyupset t
edsomeonet okil
l
you,orev enhaveenemi esatt hi
splace.I
'd
underst
andi fwewer est i
lli
nUml azi
.
Isqueezeherhand.
Me:Butdon'
twor r
[Link] ourbr
other
wil
lfi
ndthem [Link]'
l
lmake
sur
ethatyou'
resafeIloveyousomuchbaby .
I
'l
lbenowboredbackhomecauseI
'
llbest
ayi
ng
wit
htheboy
salone.
Ij
eer
edi
ndi
sgustt
hinki
ngoft
hatLat
oyawi
tch.
Me:
Andof
cour
set
hatwi
..
.
"
Sss.
..Sss.
.."
Il
etgoofherhandi
nshockandst
oodupas
shemadealit
tl
esoundagai
n.
Me:Baby
?Yousay
ingsomet
hing?Cany
ouhear
me?Kene?
Kenei
l
oe:
"Sss.
.."
Itouchherandt
houghtt
wiceofshaki
ngher
becauseshe'
ssti
ll
inpai
n.
Me:
Kenei
l
oe?
Kenei
l
oe:
Spanzast
[Link]'
tdot
hispl
ease.
Sherumbl
essoft
lyi
nhersl
[Link]
urr
owmy
eyebr
owspuzzl
ed.
Me:
Spanza?Whoi
sSpanza?
Kenei
l
oe:
Sss.
..Spanza.
Me:
Kenei
l
oe!
Ipl
acemyhandsonmycheekst
akenbyt
his.
Me:
May
beIshoul
dcal
lthedoct
or
It
urnwal
ki
ngawayt
othedoor
Kenei
l
oe:
La.
..Lat
oya.
Ist
oponmyt r
acksasIgetafeeli
ngoff
ume
boi
li
ngi
nsi
[Link]
ooki
ngather,
she
wassweat
ingandwinci
nginpain.
Kenei
l
oe:
(moans)Lat
oyawher
ear
eyout
aki
ng
me?Why?
Igr
indmyteet
hti
ghtl
yasIcreasemydress
wit
hmyfist
.Shebegi
nsgaspingconv
ulsi
vel
y.
Me:
Kenei
l
oe!Kenei
l
oe!
Ir
ushtoherandshest
art
shavi
ngaseizur
e
at
tackwi
ththemachi
nebeepi
ngloudl
y.
Me:
Nononoooooobaby
!!
!
Iscream shar
plyandBuzwei
nst
ant
lycomes
bargingi
n.
Buzwe:Mawhat
's.
..Kenei
l
oe!Khai
tsedi
!!
!
(Si
ster
!!
!)
Thedoctor
sandnursesst
ormedi
nand
ambushedusoutasmuchaswewerefi
ght
ing
them.
Me:
(cr
ying)Nooooo
Inot
icedt
hel
i
neont
hemachi
negoi
ngf
lat
.
Doctor
:Quickl
ybri
ngintheel
ect
rodesthe
pat
ient
s'cardi
acarr
hythmiai
sdroppi
[Link]
i
tsnappy!
Theyhadalr
eadyshutusout
.Isankdownt
he
fl
oorcr
yingmylungsout.
.
.
.
KENEI
LOE

" Oi
!Oi
!Oi
!
Ngoanaoal
l
a,oal
l
a,oal
l
a
Oat
hol
alehammaeai
l
emasi
mong
monakal
ioat
habanamor
ena
Akauj
aakapet
sowehl
abel
angoanamme
Oi
!Oi
!Oi
! "

Iwaswokenupbyt hesweetvoi
cesingi
[Link]
thebright
nessst ungmypooreyes,soIhadto
closethem [Link]
henopenedthem toa
diff
erentenvi
ronment.
Ilookedar ound,mant hi
spl acewaspeaceful
andf ul
lofser eni
[Link] hebr
eezeitwasn'
t
theusual oney ouusedt o, t
heplacei
sful
lof
tranqui
li
tyy oucanev enlistentoyour
sel
fand
haveaheartt
ohear
twi
thy
oursoul
wit
houtany
di
stur
bances.
If
inal
l
ysi
tupandl
ookar
ound.
Me:
Wher
eam I
?Whati
sthi
spl
ace?
"
Ahomeofpeace"
Itur
naroundandsawal
adyal
mostmyage
appear
ing.
Me:
Whoar
eyouandwhyam Iher
e?
Her
:Youwer
eshott
hat
'swhyy
ou'
reher
e
Me:AndhowdidIgether
e?I
'
m supposedt
obe
att
hehospi
tal
.
Her
:Wel
ldoy
ouseewoundsony
ou?
Igl
ancedownmytummyandnot
icedIwasst
il
l
l
ookingnor
mal
.Shegi
ggl
es.
Her
:Come.
Me:
Youst
il
lhav
en'
ttol
dmewhoy
ouar
e.
Shemadesuchabeaut
if
ulhear
twar
mingsmi
l
e.
Her:Keneil
oel
ookhowgr
owny
ouar
e,so
unbeli
evabl
e.
Iwi
denmyey
est
akenbyshock
Me:
Whoar
eyou?
Her
:Thel
adythatj
ustsangy
oualull
[Link]
t
osingi
tfory
ouwhileyouwerest
il
lababy.
Isti
ll
lookatherwi
thoutsay
ingany
thi
[Link]
hit
smyar m.
Her
: Comeonmaan!Can'
tyouseeI
'
myour
mother.
Me:
Nthabi
seng?
??
Her:
Ishoul
dbeMom toy
oujustli
keyou
al
wayscall
meever
yti
mewheny ouvi
sitmy
gr
ave.
Me:
Buty
ou'
reso.
..y
ou'
reso.
..
Her
:Idiedal
mosty
[Link]
andup,
let
'st
ake
awalk.
Ist
oodupandf
oll
owedhersl
owl
y
Me:
Doest
hatmeanIal
sodi
edf
rom t
heshoot
?
Her
: Woul
dn'
ti
tbesuchapl
easur
etoj
oiny
our
mother
?
Me:
NoIcan'
tdi
e.
Her:
Wi t
hhowspinel
essyouar
ey oumi
ghtj
oin
[Link]'
shaveaseri
ous
conver
sati
on.
Iwal
kedwi
thherst
il
li
ndi
sbel
i
[Link]
ookedat
me.
Her
:Youdon'tl
ookent
husi
asti
cforsomeone
who'
sjustmethermot
herfort
hefir
stti
me.
Me: (
ecstat
ic)Iam!Iam!JustthatI
'm st
il
l
getti
ngusedt oitandi
t'
sli
keI'
mt al
ki
ngtomy
fr
iend..
.
Her
:Iam y
ourf
ri
end,
bestf
ri
endandamot
her
t
oosocome.
Ibr
eat
hemaki
ngahappysmi
l
eandf
oll
ow
behi
ndher
.
.
.
.
BUZWE(
OB)
Thedoct
orcameouttaki
ngof
fhi
sst
ethoscope.
Ij
umpuponmyf eet
.
Me:
Whati
sitdoct
or?I
ssheokay
?
Doct
or:
Unf
ort
unat
elyt
her
e'snohear
tbeat
.
If
eltt
ear
scl
oudi
ngmyey
es.
Me:Whatdoesthatmeandoct
or?Whatdoes
t
hatmean!!
!?Huh?
Doctor
:I'
m sor
ryMrSer
amey
oursi
steri
sno
more.
Ihangmyhandsovermyheadandstumbledto
thechai
rtaki
[Link]
i
demyhandsovermy
faceandburr
iedmyfaceonmykneeslet
ti
ng
outar
iveroft
ear
sasIcr
ymut
elyi
nmyhands.
Hepat
smybackandsqueezesi
t.
Doctor
:I'
m sor
rymyman,bestr
[Link]'
re
welcometoseeheri
ntheward.
Hethenl
eft
.Igr
iev
edf orthemomentenough.
Andwenttol
ookforMom, i
t'
sbeenl
ongsince
shewentt
othecafet
eria.
Ican'
tdothi
swit
houther,
sheneedst
ohear
thi
sandseeheraswell
.

Icheckedheronthecaf
eteri
ashewasn'
tther
e.
Whereisshe?Icall
edherit
'sonvoi
cemai
l.I
si
ghandf r
ozewhensomet hingcamei
ntomind.
Ii
mmedi atel
yrantogolookforherinLat
oya'
s
[Link]'
rebothadmitt
edinthesame
hospi
talundermyinstr
ucti
[Link]'
t
underst
andmyr easoni
ngsfornowbutsoonit'
ll
al
lmakesense.
Me:
Mama!Mama!
Isaycat
chingmybreat
hfrom r
unni
[Link]
hersmotheri
ngLat
oyawit
hapill
ow.
Me:
No!No!Wenzant
oni
?
Ipi
ckherof
fher
.
Mom: Shehast odie!
!!I
fmydaughterdi
esshe
hastodietoo!Shegotherkil
l
edBuzwe, shegot
herki
ll
edandst ageditasanali
bi,
tohaveus
thi
nkthatshewasal soaff
ect
edbyt hei
ncident
!
[Link]'
tmov e,shehad
multi
plejoi
ntsbrokeninherbodyincludi
ngher
[Link] inganeckbracebal anci
ng
herneck,andorthoti
csforherl
egs.
Mom can'
tser
iousl
yat
tackherwhenshe'
sli
ke
t
his.
Me:
Mamauzobanj
wa(
you'
l
lgetar
rest
ed)
Mom:Idon'
tcar
eI'
drat
[Link]
iedt
oki
l
l
mydaught
erKenei
l
oetol
dmeher sel
f.
Me:
Kenei
l
oei
sdead!
Mom:
What
?
(
Sil
ence)
Mom:
Whatdi
dyouj
ustsay
?
Hert
earsfloodedandshepunchedme
r
epeatedl
y.
Mom: What.
..Whatdi
dy oujustsay!!
?Repeati
t.
Obakengdon'tt
alkst
uff
[Link]'
tyou
ever
.
Me:
It'
str
ue.
Mom:
It'
sbecauseoft
hisbi
tch!
!!
!
ShejumpedforLatoyabutIcat chherinti
me
andcarr
yheroutoft hewardcr yi
nglikea
[Link] t
ractedmanyat tenti
onasI
l
eftwit
hherkicki
ngandcr [Link]
hisshe'
s
doingi
stri
ggeri
ngmer eal
l
[Link] i
ed
I'
dswearaft
erthisshewon'thav eenoughtears
l
efttocry
.
[Link]
dn'
tlethersee
Keneiloeatt
hisr
ateshewasgonnafaintandI
sti
l
l needmyMom.
Assoonaswegoti nshewentt osl [Link]
mypi l
l
stocont r
olmyemot i
ons...insteadit
di
dn'thel
pitgotmewor [Link] sel
f
beati
ng,br
eakingandthrowingev erythinginthe
housewhileIbrokedownandcont inuedcry i
ng
si
tti
ngonthef l
oor.

Iwasbeginningtodozeof fwhil
esi t
ti
ngwi th
mybackagai nstthecupboardandr estedmy
[Link] hi
ngattackedmeasIf eltmy
bodygor i
[Link]
squeezedmyneckst ruggli
ngtobr eathenor
cough,i
t'
slikeanepil
epsyi sat
tackingmer i
ght
[Link]
igorousl
yshakeandf al
ldownbl acki
ng
out.
SplitsecondsIriseupfeeli
ngdif
ferentwi t
ha
dif
ferentatti
[Link]
oughmyt eethand
spatdownt henpickedabrokenglass.I
grabbedmycarkey sandwentof f,dr
iving
my selfsomewher e.
IsawKene' sboy f
ri
endwal kingsomewher eand
thr
eat enedthesecur i
tywi t
ht hegun, hethen
j
oggedupont hestai
[Link]
edmyengi ne
andf oll
owedt owherehe'sgoi [Link] i
ty
guardt ri
edt ogivemeahar dt i
mebutIpushed
him andhecol li
dedwithawal landfelldown.
Hetriedt aki
ngof fhismobi lephoneandbuz z
someone, Istabbedhim onhi sneckwhi l
eon
themi ssion-dead, withthebr okenglass.

Ij
oggedupaswellandwentt
oacer t
ainblock.I
sawBhongobatt
eri
ngacert
ainguyandKene' s
boyf
ri
endshothi
m onthel
egwithoutBhongo
r
eal
i
zinghi
spr
[Link]
ict
im gr
unt
sinpai
n.
Bhongo:
Wtf
!
Spar
ks:
Hedeser
vesi
tandi
nfactanot
herone.
Heaimedathi
m andIhel
dfi
rml
ytohi
shand
st
oppinghi
m.
Me:[Link]'
tki
l
lhi
m Ineedhi
m
al
i
ve.
Theybot
hgotst
art
ledbymyv
oice.
Bhongo:
Buzwehowdi
dyou-
Me:
OB,
Ihav
emyway
stai
ma
Iwal
kedandcrouchedt
othecr
yingman.I
cur
vemylipsi
ndisgust
.
Me:
Youcr
yli
keabi
[Link]
dyougood.
Il
eanedf
orwar
dtosni
ffhi
m.
Me:
Spanza.
Igotupandhi
thi
sshoul
der
.
Me:
Yougonnabev
eryusef
ulSpanza
Il
ookedatt
heguy
s.
Me: Mavukengceni(
Newcomer )searcharound
thehouseandf i
ndsomethi
ng,wegonnast it
ch
hislegandtakeofft
hebull
[Link]
l
otofalcoholhe'
sgonnalosemuchbl ood.I
needhim al
iveandconsci
oussothatwecan
stri
[Link]
.
Bhongo:Buzwey ou'
reacti
ngdi
ff
erentandy
ou
def
ini
tel
ycan'tsparethi
sman'sl
if
e.
Me: TaimaIreal
[Link]
yout ogohomeandcomf [Link] ster
passedon, I
'
m gonnadeal wit
ht hi
sthepr oper
way .Don'
tstr
[Link] eyouf i
nda
male'sbathr
oom ont heleftsideofthepassage,
fi
ndasecur i
tyandcleartheCCTVf ootage
wher eIki
l
ledtheothersecur i
tyguardont he
[Link]'
twor r
ytheotheronei sasleep,butif
heawakenswheny ou'r
est i
llbusy,bashhim on
t
[Link]
ehedoesn'
tseey
ourf
ace.
Bhongo:
What
'sgoi
ngonwi
thy
ou?
Me:
Tai
ma,
timei
snotony
oursi
de.
Heswall
owsandlef
tst
il
lwit
hsomanyunsai
d
wor
[Link]
aptheguypl
ayf
ull
yasIsmi
l
ed.
Me: I
fitwasn'tformyTai may ouwer egonna
cel
ebratemysi ster'
sdeathr i
ght ?Mi ssi
on
accomplished?Oops, youwer esl oshedr i
ght?
Sothatmeansy oualreadycel ebrated,pi
ty
wit
houty ourmat [Link]'
slyingi nthehospi t
al.
Howcany oudoherl ikethat,huh?
Imadeahugesmi
l
eandgi
ggl
ed.
Me:
WellIhav
eabigsurprisefory
out
wo.
Mav
ukengcenimakequick!!
!!
Istareathi
[Link]
steppedonhiswoundedl
eghard.
Spanza:
Ahhhhhhh!
!!
!
Me:
Stayawake,
Ican'
tbor
eyout
[Link]
y
ouhav
eal
i
ght
er?
Spanza:
(cr
ying)Pl
ease,
pleasedon'
tki
l
lmei
t
wasami st
ake.
Me:Pholaaa(
Rel
ax)Ineedi
tfori
nkawza(
a
ci
gar
ette.)
HepointedandIwentt ofet
chit
.Isawhi s
packetsofStuy
v esant
.It
ookitandlighti
tasI
puffi
[Link] t
ive
pi
cturetoacertainnumberandsmiledplacing
i
tbacki nmypocket s.
Me:
Nowseemeset
tl
ingt
hedr
aw.
Spar
ks:
Foundt
hem.
It
urnt
ohi
m.
Me:
Goodl
et'
sjumponi
t.
.
.
.
KEKE(
LATOYA'
SSI
STER)
Mmat ema: Johausi Igetwor r
iedaboutyou
si
ncey ouhav eachildroami [Link]
happenthere,mycousi njusttoldmehowshe
wit
nessedt wol adi
esgettingchasedbyacar
wit
hbul l
etsfly
[Link] ecouldn'
t
doany t
hingaboutitbutt orunf ort
heirl
ives.
Mom:OhhMmatemakerapel
agorengwanaka
obol
okegi
l
e(Ipr
ayt
hatmychil
dissaf
e)
Mmatema:Mmh!Mmaandkengwanawa
moset
sana(i
t'
sagi
rlchi
l
d.)Stayst
ronginyour
pr
ayer
sther
earemanyvult
uresoutther
e.
Mom:
Kannet
esesi
(Tr
ue)
Mmat emaisoneofournoseyneighbor
swho
keepsbri
[Link]'
tknowhowshe
apparent
lybecamefr
iendswithMme.
Mmatema:Mmm t i
yelenael
emonat
eago
ndi
rel
eyonagape?(Thi
steai
sni
cecanIbe
madeoneagain?)
Ir
oll
myey
essoannoy
edasMommycal
l
edme.
Mom:
Keke!
Me:
Mma?
Mom:
MakeMmat
emaanot
hert
ea
Me:Okay.(
Mutters)She'
l
lfi
nishoursugarand
mil
kthensoonleaveus,nx.I
tti
reshavi
ng
peopl
ewhocan'thaveenoughofwhatt hey'
re
bei
ngoffer
ed.
Mom:
Obual
emang?(
Whoar
eyout
alki
ngt
o?)
Ishr
ugwi
thaf
akesmi
l
e
Me:
[Link]
ustr
eci
ti
ngsomel
yri
cs.
Mom:
Ohho
It
ookthei
rcupsandwenttotheki
tchen.
Maki
ngMmat emaanothert
ea.

Mmat
ema:
Keal
ebogaKeke
Imadet
hef
akestsmi
l
e.
Mom: Kekewhenl
astdi
dyouspeakt
oyour
si
ster
?
Me:
Itmustbet
woort
hreeday
sago
Mom:
Thatsoundsl
i
keal
ongt
ime
Me: AowaMmewaf
etel
etsa(
you'
re
exaggerat
ing)
Mom: Fet
eletsajang(Exagger
ati
nghow)when
youhearMmat emaspeaki ngoftwowomen
getti
ngshot .I
'm worr
iedbeausekenalemoradi
golokoo( Ihaveadaught erov
erther
e.)So
pleasecallher.
It
ookoutmyphoneanddi
aledher
.
Me:Gakaar
abe(
Shei
sn'
tanswer
ing)i
t'
son
voi
cemai
l
.
Mom:
SeewhatIwast
alki
ngabout
?
Me:
Rel
axMamamaanshe'
l
lcal
lback.
Shepl
acesherphoneont
heear
.
Mom:
Ahv
oicemai
lkannet
e
Shedr
opst
hephone.
Me:She'
l
lcal
lbackt
[Link]
ini
sh
cooki
ng.
Mom:Wheny
ougetdonepl
easer
ubmyl
egs
mybaby
.
Me:
OkayMama
Mmat
ema:
Thanky
ousweet
hear
t.
Mommy '[Link]
eMmat ema
handsmet [Link]
ki
tchenandwalkedtothestovesti
rr
ingthePap.

"
Yhuu!Yhuuuuwi
!Keke!Kel
ebogi
l
e!!
!"
Idropthepotwit
hhotpapspi
l
li
ngdownand
ranstr
aightt
othelounge.
Me:
Whati
sit
??
Mmat
ema:
Mmaago!
!(Yourmot
her
!)
Igl
anceddown.
Me:
NoooMamma! !Mamma! !Don'
tdot
hist
o
meMammatsoga.(Cr
ying)Tsoga!
Ishakeherasshewasl
yi
ngst
il
lont
hef
loor
nexttoherphone.
Me:
Mamma!
!Mmat
emabi
tsaambul
ance.
.
..
>>>Tobecont
inued.
..
22
.
..
KEKE(
LATOYA'
SSI
STER)
Wewer einahospi talIwasanemot i
onalmess.
Icoul
dn'tstopcr
y i
ngandkeptpr ayingthatmy
motherisokaycauseshe' stheonlyparentI
havelef
t,Ican'
[Link] ll
becomeofme?I tfeelsli
keI'
m all
aloneint hi
s
causeIkeptcall
ingmysi sterbutshenev ergot
[Link] ll
Imanageev erythi
ngon
myown?We' vebeenhereforhoursandnoneof
thedoct
orsnornursesseemstohav egi
venus
anyassi
stanceasmuchaswei nqui
redi
t.

Mmatema:Kekeweshoul
dgetgoi
ngi
t'
s
get
ti
ngl
ate.
Me:
I'
m notgoi
ngunt
ilIr
ecei
veupdat
esf
rom
t
hedoct
or.
Mmat
ema:
Mar
ait
'
sget
ti
ngl
atenana
Me:Akenat abaleseo(Idon'
tcar
eaboutthat
.)
Facti
s,I
'm notgoinganywher
ewithoutmy
mother'
supdates.
Shesi
ghsdef
eat
edl
y.
Me: Youmayleavei
fyouwantt
o,i
t'
sfi
nebut
I
'm stay
ingbehi
nd.
Mmatema:I
twon'
tbesaf
[Link]
o
l
ookoutf
oryouwhi
lemyfri
endis.
..whi
l
eshe'
s-
Me:
Nny
aal
eav
eify
ouwantt
oI'
m notst
oppi
ng
[Link]
'
llbewai
ti
ngf
ort
heupdat
es
meanwhil
e.
Shesl
ouchesbef
oreget
ti
ngup.
Mmatema:Pl
easecal
lmewheny
ou'r
eaboutt
o
l
eav
e.I'
l
lsendsomeonet
ocomefet
chyou.
Me:
I'
ll
doso.
Mmat
ema:
Goodni
ght
.
Me:
Night
.
Shewal kedaway .Iwatchedherandcont i
nued
cryingandwi pingmyt ear ssil
ent l
[Link]
doct orpassingandst oodupaski nghim about
mymot herbuthej ustt ol
dmet hathe'sina
rusht ot heat
erIshoul dwai tjustlikeeveryone
[Link] t
ht henur sestheywer eextr
ar ude
[Link] rugglesofusi ngapubl i
chospi t
al.I
slumpeddownbacki nt hechai randhugged
my selfasIwasshi v
eringf r
om t [Link]'t
dressi nwar m clothes.
Myphonebeepsindi
cati
ngmybatter
yisl
ow,
on
5%.Ihel
ditt
ight
lyi
nmyhandsandclosedmy
eyeswhi
lemakingasil
entpr
ayer
.
Me:Pleasel
etheranswert
hephone,
lether
answerthephoneLordpl
ease.
Idi
aledhernumberwhi l
ecr ossingmyf i
ngers
andmyl egst wi
tchi
[Link]
i
nstantlythrowmyheadbackr eleasingasigh
wit
ht earstrickl
i
ngdownt hecor nerofmyey es.
Iwipedt hem andprayedthatsheanswer s.
.
.
.
BUZWE(
OB)
Iwal
kedt
hrought
hepassageandsawBhongo
st
andi
ngoutsi
det
hei
rbedroom knocki
ng.
Me:
What
'sgoi
ngon?
Bhongo:
Mamakhoakaf
uni
uvul
a(Yourmot
her
i
sn'
topeni
ng)shei
snott
aki
ngt
hedeat
hwel
l
.
Iexhal
e.
Me: Yeahit'
sdi
ffi
cul
tforal
[Link]
e
tocontinuewit
htheproceedi
ngsandinf
ormthe
otherfamil
y.
Bhongo:
Kakade(Defi
nit
ely
)andPhezi
saneeds
someonetobether
eforherbutnowshe'
s
shut
ti
ngmeout.
Igl
anceathi
m.
Bhongo:Godknowsifshe'
ssti
l
lali
veint
here.
Shereal
l
ylovedKeneandthisi
sreall
yhi
tt
ing
har
donher .
Me:Weal l
lov
edKeneandi t
'sgonnaki
ll
usall
notseei
ngherfr
iendl
yfaceagai
[Link]
hinki
t'
s
Mom' swayofgr
ievi
ng..
.It
hinkweshouldgi
ve
hersomespaceandtime.
Bhongo:
SpaceOB?Uzotyani
ni?Avaseni
ni?
Li
coceki
swengubani
igumbil
akhe?(Whenwill
sheeat
?Whenwil
lshebat
he?Whenwi
l
lshe
cl
eanherownr
oom?)
Ibr
eat
heoutheav
il
y.
Me: Ihav
esparekeysIcanhandt hem t
oyou
andy outr
ytal
kingtoher
.Butlet'
sbegentl
e
withherandremainhandl
ingotherst
uffsf
or
thefuner
alarr
angementsuyabo?
Henods.
Bhongo:
Noko(
Atl
east
)Icandeal
wit
hthat
.
Me:Soam Icall
ingthef
ami
l
yory
ouwi
l
l
pr
oceedwi
tht hat?
Bhongo:Takeov ert
hatmnaIwi l
lbedeal
ing
[Link] butIgot
ta
best r
ongforhersakecauseIcan'
tstand
seeingherl
ikethat.
Inoddedandst
oleal
ookathi
m.
Me:Soyoudi
dn'
tshar
ether
oom t
oget
herl
ast
ni
ght?
Bhongo:[Link]
okungul
oebendi
tixel
e
ngaphandl
eoko(Noshelockedmeoutall
ni
ght.)SoIsl
epti
ntheguestr
oom.
Me:Ifshe'
ssti
ll
notr
espondi
[Link]'
thesi
tat
e
tocal
lmeI '
l
lhaveawordwit
hherandtryt
o
cal
m herdown.
Bhongo:
I'
dappr
eci
atet
hat
Me:
Yeah
Bhongo:
OB
Me:
Yes?
Bhongo:
Lat
oya,
whatar
ewewedoi
ngwi
thher
?
Il
ookedathi
m speechl
ess.
Me:
Leav
ethatt
ome
Bhongo:
Wecanendheronceandf
oral
li
t'
l
lbe
mucheasy.
Me:Iam notmyfat
[Link]'
thurtwomen
nev
erwil
l,l
eaveLat
oyatome.I '
l
lplayherather
owngame.
Bhongo:
Buzwe-
Aphonedi
stur
bedusbyr
ingi
ngi
nmypocket
.
Me:
Ihav
etogo.
Ilef
thi
m andwentt
oanswert
hecal
li
nmy
room.

"Sesi
whyhav en'
tyoubeenpi cki
ngmycal l
s?
I
'vebeenlongcall
[Link],Ineedyou
home!Ican'tdothisal
onesomet hi
nghappened
toMma..."
Icl
earedmythr
oatandshewentsilent
detect
ingmymascul
inevoi
[Link]'
s
phonewi t
hmeandstar
tedswit
chingitontoday
.
Me:
Hel
l
o
Keke:
Hi,
whoam Ispeaki
ngt
o?
Me:
You'
respeaki
ngt
oObakeng
Keke:Oh?Erm ausi
wameokaer
ra?(
Wher
e's
mysistersi
r?)
Ipauseandcl
ear
edmyt
hroat
Me:
Nahaue-
sout
loe?(
Hav
en'
tyouhear
d?)
Keke:
Kesaut
lweeng?(
Hav
en'
thear
dwhat
?)
Ikeptqui
etst
il
lgat
her
ingmywor
ds
Keke:Bua!Nekesaut
lweeng?(
Tal
k!What
haven'
tIhear
d?)
Me: Lat
oyahasbeeni
nanaccident
.Shewas
caughtbet
weenashootoutandsothecar
crashedoverher
.
Shebeganr
unni
ngoutofbr
eat
handhersobs
erupt
ed.
Keke:No,
no,nonooo!
!!sengngwanagae,
esengngwanawakogae!!(Notmysi
ster
!!
)
Me:Checheches'
kall
a,haashoa(
Nonono
don'
tcr
yshe'
snotdead)
Keke:
Gaaswaa?(
She'
snotdead?
)
Me:Noshe'
sst
il
lal
i
veshesur
viv
edt
he
acci
dent
.
Shehuf
fsout
.
Keke:Shuuu!That
'sarel
i
efoht
hankGod
at
leastthat
'sgoodnews.
Me:ButI
'm her
etopassanymessagey
ouhav
e
f
orher.
Keke:Mybatter
yisclosetodyi
ngpleaset
ell
her
thatMom i
sinthehospitalaswell
.Shej
ust
coll
apsedoutoftheblueandI.
..
Hervoi
cetrai
l
edoffandshebegancr
yingagai
n
andsni
ffedwhenshegotdone.
Keke:Idon'tknowwhatt odo.I
'
m allal
one
haven'
treceivedanythi
ngfr
om thedoctorsto
knowwhet hershe'sokayornot
.Idon'tknow..
.
I'
m sti
l
linthehospitalt
hough.
Ikeptqui
etl
i
steni
ngt
ohercar
eful
l
y.
Me:
"Keke"i
sity
ourr
eal
name?
Keke:
It'
swhatI
'
m cal
l
ed,
myr
eal
namei
s
Kel
ebogil
e.
Me: Okay .Iunder standy ourphonei saboutt o
shutdownandr i
ghtnowy ou'
rei nastressful
situationt oevent akenot iceofy our
sur r
oundi ngsandf i
ndapennear [Link] '
m
gonnadoi s,I'
m gonnaf or wardy oumynumber s.
Iwantt ohel py ouKekej ustli
keIhel pedyour
[Link] r
stthingwheny ouswi tchony our
phoney ou'
llseemynumber .Sendmeapl ease
call,I'
l
l getbackt oy ouimmedi atel
y..
.that'
sif
you'rei nneedofmyhel [Link] ouandy our
mot heroutoft hatsituation.
Keke:
Idoneedy
ourhel
ppl
easesi
r
Me:Sendapleasecal
landwe'
l
ldi
scussmor
e
ofi
tlat
eron.
Keke:
Whoarey
ouandwhatr
elat
iondoy
ou
havewit
hmysi
ster
?
Me: Li
keIsaidI
'm hel
pingy
oursist
erandI'
ve
beentakingcar
eofherallt
hist
[Link]'
sso
deartomeandI '
m will
i
ngtohel
py outoooutof
yoursit
uati
on,i
fyouletme.
Keke:
Ofcour
seIam l
ett
ingy
ou.
Ismi
l
ed.
Me: Thenretl
abuahantlehamorao(we'
l
lspeak
properl
ylat
er.)Fornowjustcal
m downand
knowt hatyourmotherwil
lbeokay.
Keke:
Alr
i-
Herli
[Link] fmyearand
l
[Link], t
heplani
s
sti
l
lgoingaccordi
[Link]
gal
ler
yandst oppedatmysi st
er'sphoto.
Me:Apar tofmeistel
li
ngmet hatImightsee
youagain,t
hatyou'
rest
il
lali
veormay beit
'sj
ust
merefusingtomournforyouproper
ly.
At
earr
andownmycheek.
Me:Butei
therwayal
iveornot
.I'
m gonnamake
sur
ethatwhoeverdi
dthi
swill
payseverel
y.
.
.
.
SHEREE
Isatint helect ureroom andsawmor estudents
comi ngandf i
l
lingint heroom butIkeptlooking
around, l
ooki ngf orNei l
oeshehasn'tmadeany
entrancey [Link] eswer esogluedatthedoor
expectinghert owal ki [Link] ready
tofaceher , readyt of or
giveher,
readytohug
her,readyf orourf r
iendshiptogobackt oits
normal stateagai n,readytosayIloveher
causeImi [Link] i
ket hat'
s
nothappeni ngsi ncet helect
ureisabouttost ar
t.
Itki
ndagotmesad.
Me:
"You'
renotat
tendi
ngt
oday
?"
"
Thoughtmay
bei
t'
saper
fectt
imet
omakeup"
"
Imi
ssy
ou "

Isendt hemessagesf ol
lowingafteranother
.I
thensoonhearsomegi rlssit
ti
ngbehindme
gossipingaboutashoot outthathappened
yesterdaynotfarfr
om thecampusbutt henwe
gotdisturbedbythelecturerdemanding
attent
ionaf t
erthegreet
ings.
Her:I
tisbygreatsadnesst
oinfor
my ouofthe
suddenpassi
ngofournewst udentKenei
l
oe
Serame,shewasinvolvedi
na..
..
Myphonef el
loffmyhandsandwhatf oll
owed
aft
erdidn'
tcomet hrough,
myear sj
ustgotdeaf
.
Istoodupandlefttheroom notbei
ngableto
suppressmycri
es.
.
.
.
LATOYA
Iwasst i
l
ldeepinmysl eepti
l
lIheardadoor
creaki
nginmywar [Link] eswideopen.
Theshitt
ypartaboutitwasthatIcoul
dn'tmove
myneckt oseewhoi twasnorlif
tmyhandt o
[Link] if
e
i
si ndangerr
ightnowIhadnochoi cebutto
scream.
Me:
Hel
p!Heeeel
p.
Isoonf
eltahandpressingonmymout h.I
cl
osedmyey esasIbreathedheavi
lyf
eeling
morepr
essureandpaint othehandpressingon
mymouth.
"
Sssh-
sshhsssh"
Voi
ce:
IfIl
i
ftthi
shandpr
omi
semey
ouwon'
t
makeasound?
Ibl
inkedasImadeindi
sti
nct
ivesoundsto
i
ndicatet
hatI
'm agr
eei
ngtowhathe'ssayi
ng
causeIcoul
dn'
[Link] emovedhis
hand.
Me:
Omang?Whoar
eyou?
Hi
m:I
t'
sme
Me:
Woah.
..Spanzai
sthaty
ou?
Heappear
edwear
ingahoodi
eandt
ooki
tof
f.
Me:Thef
ucky
oudoi
ngher
e!?
?Youwantus
dead?
Spanza:
Icamet
ocheckony
ou
Me:Checkonme?Fuckthat
.What?Youwanna
bendmeoverwhi
lstI
'
m sti
ll
par
aly
zed.
Spanza:
That
'sl
owLat
oyacomeon
Me: Yesiti
scauseyouwon'tevengetachance
tospell"
Low"whileyousti
l
[Link] t
erfl
ee
asfarasy oucanSpanzabeforehefindsyouor
elsehewon'tthi
nktwiceki
ll
[Link]
heartl
essbast
[Link]
oldyout
ost
opbuty
ou
carr
iedon,whydidyou?
Spanza:Causewheny
oucal
lonahi
tther
e'sno
tur
ningback.
Me:Thendoyoursel
fafavouranddisappearon
t
hefaceofear
thwhileyousti
[Link]
'si
f
youst
il
lval
ueyourli
fe.
Spanza:
Ican'
tLat
oyaev
eni
fIwantt
o
Me:
Whyt
hehel
lnot
???
Spanza:CauseIcamebackf
ory
[Link]
o
fi
nishwhatwestart
ed.
Me:I'
m al
readyqui
tt
ingcausemylif
eisov
er
any
way ssowehavet oevacuat
eit
.
Spanza: I
t'
snotoverI'
m gonnafindyouallt
he
helpy ouneedwhilest
il
li
[Link]
l
ythe
brotherhasn'
tfoundmey et,
heseemst obea
threatsolet
'sconti
nueeli
minati
nghim off
.
Me:
Meanwhi
l
ewhatdoIdo?
Spanza:Justmakesurey
oudon'tsel
lusof
f.
Actinnocentandj
ustwai
tti
l
lIf
iguresomet
hing
out.
Me:
ThatIcandobutdamny
our
eal
l
yfucked
meup.
Spanza:Atl
eastthat
'l
lsaveyourassandi
t
makesy ourstor
yquitebel
ievabl
eofyounot
havi
nginvolvementi
nt hi
s
Me:
Icoul
d'
vedi
ed!
Spanza:I'
l
lfi
xmymessasl
ongasy
oukeep
di
stract
ingthi
sSer
ameguy
.
Me:AndaslongasyoumakesureIdon'
t
becomeavegetabl
efort
her
estofmylif
[Link]
wecancal
litadeal
.
Spanza:
Deal
.Ishoul
dgohi
dingagai
n,wi
l
lsee
you.
Me:
Besaf
e
Henodsandl
eft
.Isi
ghasIcl
osemyey
esand
r
estt
hem f
orawhi
l
e.
.
.
.
KENEI
LOE
Me:Whyareyoubl
urr
ingthepar
twher
eI'
m
supposedt
oseewhokil
ledyou?
Iaskedaf
terwat
chi
nghowshedi
ed.
Nthabiseng:Idon'
twantyoutost
orei
nmuch
[Link]'tbegoodfory
ou.
Me:
Thatwasapai
nful
deat
h
Nt
habi
seng:
Itwasmypr
icet
opay
Me:
Whatdoy
oumean?
Shesi
ghs.
Nthabiseng:Ibroughti
npai
ninot
herpeopl
e'
s
l
[Link]
kePhezi sayourmot
her,
Iwasathorni
n
hermar ri
[Link],
spi
ti
ng,
connivi
ng..
.manythi
ngst
hatI
'
m notpr
oudof
thatcostedmyli
fe.
Il
ookedatherasshewascr
ying.
Nthabiseng:Butstil
lshewasabl etoupbr i
ng
mybabyandr [Link]'
sbig,that
takesawomanwi t
habi ghearttodot [Link]
evenoncehasshei ll
-t
reat
edy oubecauseof
whatIdi dtoher.I'
vebeenwat chi
ngov ery ou
throughoutall
they earsofyourli
fe.
Shegrabsmyhandi
nher
sandl
ooksatmewi
th
tear
sinherey
es.
Nthabi
seng:Pleasebabydon' tev ertakethat
l
[Link]'sgenuinelyy ourmot her
oneart
handI 'my oursbyspiri
[Link] ease
whatev
eraltercati
onsy ouhavej ustmakesur e
youdon'
tloset herespectyouhav eforher.
[Link]
acedherhandont
opofmy
cheek.
Nt
habi
seng:
Don'
tmaket
hesamemi
stakesI
'
ve
mademychi [Link] ougobackt here,go
therestrong, vi
gil
[Link] eryt
hing
i
sashowi [Link] he
blueandbet ooni ceandkindt oy ouwithouta
[Link] eful,Latoyaisnot
goodandy ou'rey ettomeetmor eLatoyasout
[Link] oureyesandbecar efulatall
ti
[Link] ei mpor t
antl
ygrowaspi ne!Standup
foryourself,don'tbeeasil
yinfluencedlikea
chil
dKenecomeon.
Me:
I'
ll
nol
ongerbeapushov
er
Shesmi
l
ed.
Nthabiseng:That'
swhatIwannahear .St
and
f
ir
m, dor i
ght ,
defendthosewhohav enopower
t
odef endt [Link]
i
mpor tanceoff amil
ybutdon'
twatchthem ki
l
l
t
hosewhoy oucareof.
If
urr
owmyey
ebr
ows.
Me:
Whatdoy
oumeanbyt
hat
?
Nthabiseng:Goonnowmygi r
[Link]
e
andbecomeadi f
fer
enttransi
ti
onofwhatthey
l
[Link]
zabl
e
babygirl.
Me:
Mma.
..
Shehuggedandki
ssedme.
Nthabi
seng:
Ilov
eyouandwi
l
lal
way
spr
otect
you,al
ways.
Me:
Pleasedon'
tl
eav
e
Nt
habi
seng:
Myt
imei
sup.
Me:
Mma!
Shebr
oket
hehugandbegansi
ngi
ng.

" Oi
!Oi
!Oi
!
Ngoanaoal
l
a,oal
l
a,oal
l
a
Oat
hol
alehammaeai
l
emasi
mong
monakal
ioat
habanamor
ena
Akauj
aakapet
sowehl
abel
angoanamme
Oi
!Oi
!Oi
! "

Hervoiceslowlyfadedawaywi thbr
ightness
andherself
.Ithenf el
tsuffocatedasIintake
manybr eat
hsf eel
ingsomet hingseeping
thr
oughmynost ri
ls,i
talsofeltli
keI
'm being
[Link] ng.
Thepushingst oppedandIdr oppeddown, t
he
i
mpactoft heheightIfel
lon..
.itwastoo
droppedtoanext entwhereIfeltexcr
uci
ati
ng
painsari
singfrom myabdomi [Link]
peeledthesheetsof f.
"Wat
sil
a,she'
sal
i
ve!"
"
Yhonasi
spokr
obakwet
hu(
her
e'saghost
)"
Iheardalotofcommot i
onaf
terr
isi
ngmyhead
upfrom t
hestretchbed.
.
..
>>>Tobecont
inued.
..

Adminisnotwellbyhealt
hbutI'
mf i
ghti
ngit
[Link]
entwit
hmeast o
someday sIwon'tbemental
lyfi
ttoty
pey ou
i
nsert
s..
.butIpromisetopul
lthr
ough,much
l
ove
23
.
..
PHEZI
SA
Bhongo: Phezi
sapleaseI'
m beggingy
ou
sthandwasam celauv ul
eumny ango(pl
ease
opent hedoor)
Ir
emai
nst
ari
ngatt
hemi
rr
or.
Bhongo:
Iwon'tsaymuchI'
llj
ustgi
vey oufood
okobaubambiseubesemandleni(
justforyou
togai
nstrengt
h)andthenl
eave.
Ist
oodupandopenedt
hecur
tai
ns.
Bhongo:PleasePhezisa,Iwon'tbelong
mntuwam Ipr omi
[Link] oknowt haty
ou'
re
fi
neandthaty ou'
resti
llbreat
hingthenI'
l
lbeout
ofyourbusinessIpromise.I'
l
ljustrun
ever
ythi
ngel sewit
hOB.
(
Sil
ence)
Bhongo: Ndak'celator
ho(Please.)Iknowit
hurts,l
osingKenei shurti
[Link]'re
gri
ev i
ngdiff
erentlyi
fit'
ssil
encethaty ouneed
thenI'l
lnotint
erruptyourspace.I'
llj
ustbe
aroundandgi vey ousil
-
Iopenthedoorunexpect
edl
ywhi
lehesti
l
l had
hi
smout hpart
edabouttosaymore,
butthen
fi
nall
yclosesi
t.
Me:Weneedtogodownt oKZNwheret
her
eal
mourni
ngandfuner
alwi
l
ltakepl
ace.
Hiseyeswer
est
il
lfr
ozenatmeorr
atheratmy
outf
it
.
Me:
Didy
ougett
hat
?
Bhongo:
YeahIdi
d,Idi
d.
Me:Iwannagettoseeherbodyt henI
'
llstar
t
contact
ingherf
amil
ymember sinMamel odi
aboutherpassi
ng.I
'
llneedherphonefornow
andohh...
It
urnl
ooki
ngathi
m.
Me:
Helpmepacksomeofheri
temsi
nher
r
oom.
Hewasst
il
ll
osti
nthemomentst
ari
ngatme.
Me:
Undi
mamel
eBhongo?(
Arey
oul
i
steni
ng?
)
Bhongo:Ewej
ustt
hat.
..di
dn'
texpecty
outobe
prepar
edandbeabl
etoorgani
zesomestuff
s
ar
ound
Me: WellIcan'
tcr
yforev
[Link]
iev
eI'
ve
suff
ici
entlycri
edmytearsoutso,i
t'
sti
meI
bel
ieveinactualr
eal
it
ythatmydaughteri
s
gone.
Hecl
osedhi
sey
esal
l
owi
nghi
svul
ner
abl
esi
de
[Link]
essedmyl
i
pst
oget
herwhi
l
e
hol
dingmytearsi
n.
Bhongo:
I'
m sor
rybabe,
I'
m sosor
ry
Me:
YouknowIthoughtI
'
dlast
lydr
essi
nbl
ack
f
ormyhusbandonl
y.
Apai
nful
giggl
eescapesmymout
hasi
traces
al
ongwit
hmyt ear
s.
Me: Yether
eIam todaymourni
ngformychil
d.I
hadonlyimaginedmykidsbury
ingmenotthe
[Link]..
.
Myvoi
cebegi
nsf
ail
i
ngi
ncomposur
eand
cr
umbl
esdown.
Me: (
cry
ing)HowcanIdeal wit
ht hepai
nof
l
osingmydaught er
?Thisal
lfeelsli
keabad
dr
eam baby .Howwill
li
fegetnormal af
tert
his?
Hestepsonmysidepl
acingthet
raydownand
scoot
smei nhi
schest
,whereIfi
ndhomeand
comforti
nweepi
ngevery
thi
ngout.
Bhongo: Sshhhit'
l
ltaketi
met ogetusedtohow
thi
ngsar ebut..
.gi
vey our
sel
ftimetoheal and
[Link]
'swhatshewould'v
ewant ed.
Kuzolungaek'hambeni kwexesha(I
t'
sgonnabe
okaywi t
ht i
me)
Hesqueezesmemor
eti
ghtandbr
ushesmy
ar
m.
Bhongo:I
t'
[Link]
yasthandwasam
ndak'
cel
a,ucengwandim Mazi
khali(
Eatmylov
e
pl
ease,I
'
m beggingyouMazikhal
i)
Isi
ghheav
il
y.
Me:
Kunzi
maebomi
ni(
Lif
eishar
d)
Bhongo:I
'm her
etomakeitbear
abl
[Link]
ease
st
handwasam justf
ewspoonsthenuyeke(
you
st
op.)I
t'
ll
sustai
nyouthr
oughtheday.
Me:
Okay
Bhongo:
Okay
?
[Link]
hsatdownandIt
ookhol
dof
myf
ood.
Me:
Ndi
yabul
ela(
Thanky
ou)
Bhongo: Don'tment i
[Link]
oveyoukevha?Let
usfeelthepai ntogether,l
etmeholdyourhand
thr
oughoutt hepr [Link]
unanjal
o
ngobabel ut
handaubambi swano(Kene
would'
vewant edthingstobethiswaycause
sheloveduni ty.
)
IbrushmycheeksasIsni
ff
edandat
emyf
ood
si
lentl
y.

Me:
uBuzweuphi
?(Wher
e'sBuzwe?
)
Bhongo:
Usaphumi
l
e(He'
sout
)
Myphoner
ingswhenI
'
m aboutt
otakeanot
her
spoon.
Bhongo:
Who'
sit
?
Me:Andaz(
Idon'
tknow)l
ooksl
i
keal
and
number.
Bhongo:
Yiphendul
e(Answeri
t)
Ipi
ckedt
hecal
l
.
Me:
Hel
l
o?
Cal
l
er:
Hi,
arewespeaki
ngt
oPhezi
saSer
ame?
Me:
Yesma'
am speaki
ng
Call
er:We'
recal
li
ngf
rom t
hehospi
tal
about
yourdaught
er.
Isl
owlystandonmyfeetwit
hmyhear
t
pal
pit
ati
nginascar
yway .
Me:
Whataboutmydaught
er?
Cal
ler
:Sor
ryt
oinconveni
enceyoubutyou'
l
l
hav
etomakeittothehospi
tal
urgent
ly.
Me: WhyshouldImakei ttot
hehospital
urgent
lywheny ourhospit
alj
ustannouncedmy
daughterdead?Whatcouldthatbepossibl
y
about?
Cal
l
er:
Mor
ereasonf
ory
out
ocomef
indoutf
or
y
our
sel
f.I
t'
sur
gentMr
sSer
amedon'
ttakel
ong.
[Link]
il
ll
ookatmyphonebedazzl
ed.
Bhongo:
Yint
oni
?(What
?)
Me:
It'
sthehospi
tal
Bhongo:
Hospi
tal
?
Inod.
Me:They'
recal
li
ngsayingweshoul
dbet
her
e
i
t'
surgent
.It
'saboutKene.
Bhongo:
Kene?
Heal
sost
andsupwi
thaconcer
nedl
ookonhi
s
f
ace.
Bhongo:Akumel'basimkrobaeMor t
uary
l
omnt ananah?Bendici
mbai phel
il
einto
esidi
bani
sanes'
bhedlelengoku(Aren'
twe
supposedtocheckherinthemor t
uary?I
thoughtwe'
redonewi t
hhospital
s)
Me:
Ithoughtsot
oo
Bhongo:Heeeei
nobay
int
oni
kengoku?(
What
coul
ditbethen?
)
Me: Ukuzesiy
azifunekasi
yoqondaphakhona
esbhedlel
e.(I
norderforustoknowweshould
vi
sitthehospit
al)
Bhongo:
Thenwhatar
ewewai
ti
ngf
or?
Me:
Masambe(
Let
'sgo)
Bhongo:
Masi
ye(
Let
'sgo)
.
.
.
BUZWE(
OB)
Ical
l
[Link]
ear
edhi
sthr
oatassoon
asheanswer
s.
Spanza:
Mhl
oni
tj
wa(
Sir
)
Ev
ersi
ncet
henheaddr
essesmewi
thr
espect
.
Me:
Ekse,
uyasi
ngqay
aiskel
em?(
Sal
utat
ion,
is
shebuy
ingt
hest
ory
?)
Spanza:Yahusacabangaukut
hisi
ri
ngai
cul
oeli
l
odwa( shest
il
lthi
nkswe'rei
nthesamepage.
)
Me:
[Link]
cionsandwhat
soev
er?
Spanza:
Nexgr
oot
man(
Nonebi
gman)
Me: Goodcauseifyoudareflopthi
sout.
..I'
m
gonnabeheady ou,yourbabygir
landtherestof
yourfamil
ythenhangy ourheadsonyourfamily
alt
aronebyonepr esenti
ng"Iwashere"by
Beyoncé[Link]?
Spanza:
Chachachaitdoesn'
thav
etogol
i
ke
thatmhl
oni
tj
waplease.
Me:Messupifyouwannat
estwhet
herI
'
m
bl
uff
ingornot
.
Spanza:Angekengiflop'
egr
ootmanngiyaf
unga
ngi
yagomel a(Iwon'tmessitupIswear
)take
mywor dforit
.I'
m gonnasucceedthi
s.
Me:
Fory
[Link]
er
(
look.
..
)I'
ll
texty
ouanumberofaveryspeci
al
[Link]'
spower
ful
,It
oldhi
m aboutyou.
Spanza:
Ohww?
??
Me: Ngenaniemnxebeni(Callhi
m)t henyou
hookhim upwi t
[Link]'tcarehowy ou
gonnagoaboutconv inci
ngherabouthi m, or
may begoagainstherbeli
[Link] ougonna
makei [Link]
agreereceiv
inghel
pfrom thatNy anga( healer
.)
Spanza:
Butdohospi
tal
sal
l
owf
orsuch?
Me: Idon'
tgi
veash!twhattheyall
owfor
.It
's
yourprobl
em tosolv
e,di
sappointmeandyou
knowwhaty oustandtol
ose.
[Link]
seemyMom andBhongocomi ng,
theyl
ooked
morerushedanddistur
bed.

Me:
Goi
ngsomewher
e?
Bhongo:
Yahhospi
tal
Me:
Whatf
or?
Bhongo:
Fory
oursi
ster
Me:
Mysi
ster
!Ut
heni
uKenei
l
oe?
Iaghastandf
rowni
nshock
Mom:
Ubuphi
?
Me:Iwasoutgett
ingsomeairandbondi
ngwit
h
[Link]
lwi
llsomebodygettoanswerme?
Mom:Wealsohav
enoideawewer
ecal
l
edby
t
hehospi
tal
.Comi
ng?
Me:
Ofcour
sedef
ini
tel
y!
Weal lwentoutanddrov etot
[Link]
l
stor
medi nthehospit
al uponourar
riv
al and
spoketoar ecept
ioni
[Link] edi
rectedtoa
[Link] ingwith
Keneil
oe.
Doct
or:
Pleasur
emeet
ingy
ouagai
nfami
l
[Link]
mayhaveaseat.
Hefl
ashedasmil
ethi
sti
meassoonaswewe
goti
nhisof
fi
ce.
Mom: Unfortunatel
[Link]'
tsaythesame.
We'r
estil
linfli
cted,
thewoundsarefr
[Link]
e
yougonnat elluswhywe'r
ehere?
Hecl
ear
edhi
sthr
oatst
il
lwi
thasmi
l
e.
Doct
or:
Wel
lIdon'
tknowhowt
oputt
his.
Me:Ihopewedi
dn'
tcomeall
thewaytowast
e
ourt
[Link]
l
lhav
eafuneral
topl
an.
Doct
or:
HowaboutIsayt
her
e'snof
uner
alt
o
pl
anatall
.
Weall
lookedateachot
herpuzzl
[Link]
pr
oper
ly.
Me:
Whatdoy
oumeandoct
or?
Doct
or:Imean,
whathappenedwithy
oursist
er
hasnev
erhappenedbef
oreinthi
shospi
tal
.I
wasther ewi t
hmyt eam whenwet r
iedtosave
herwiththedef ibr
il
lat
orsregul
ati
nghercardiac
backtonor malyetwesawhowi tdropped.
.we
di
dev erythingwecoul dtosaveherlif
ebut
coul
dn'[Link], Ihave
alotofwi tnessesstoveri
fythat
.
Bhongo:
But
?
Doctor:Butl
astnightt hemor tuar
ywentcr az
y
whensheawoker ightt hereabouttobeplaced
i
nt hefr
[Link] oyeesr anforthei
rli
vesand
yourdaughterfoundherwaybacki nthe
hospit
al t
houghherst itchesgotri
ppedbutwe
tookcareofthat,she'
sback.
Fewminut
esofsi
l
encepassedaswel
ett
hat
si
nki
n.
Me:
(scof
fs)What
!?
Bhongo:Uhhareyoubei
ngser
ious?Whatyou
meaningtotel
lusist
hatsher
osefrom t
he
dead?
Doct
or:
IfJesusdi
dthenwhywoul
dn'
tshe?
Mom keptsneer
ingandr
eleasi
ngshor
tbr
eat
hs
ev
erywhil
e.
Mom: Docy oumayf i
ndthisfunnybutiti
snot.
May beit'
syouneedingamomentof
amusementbutt hi
sshouldn'
tbet hecase.
Havey ouconsideredourfeel
ingsoutofallt
his?
It
'snotokayt oplaywit
houremot ionsthi
sisa
cri
ti
cal t
imeforusasaf ami l
ytomour nand
whaty ou'
retell
i
ngus...
Istr
etchmyhandtoher
[Link]
df eelshewas
fi
vetoburst
ingev
ery
thi
ngoutjudgingbyher
tear
s.
Mom: I
t'
snotaper f
ectt
imetocr
ackjokes.I
reall
ydon'tunder
standwhaty
ou'
resayingdoc
pleasemakesenset omeagain.
Doctor:
I'
m si
ncer
elysorrytomakethi
sseem as
ajokewhil
eit'
snot
.Deepl yIapol
ogi
zeMa'am i
t
real
lywasn'
tmyintent
[Link]
th
you,yourdaughteri
sindeedal
[Link] he
hospi
talarewil
li
ngtoclearoutthe
misunderst
andingtothepubli
casI'm assuming
youhadt ol
deveryoneaboutherdeath.
Bhongo:
Thatwoul
dbebet
ter
.
Mom:(t
earf
ul)Somybabygi
rli
sreal
l
yal
i
ve?
NoI
'l
lbel
iev
eitwhenIseei
t.
Doct
or:
WellifImay,
takeyout
oherward
i
mmediatel
ysothatyoucanst
artbel
i
evi
ng.
Me:
Pleasedodoc.
Weal l
stoodupandf ol
l
owedhimtooursist
er'
s
[Link]
ylyi
ngt
hereawakestari
ng
out
sidethewindow.

Mom:
Mybabygi
rl
!!
!!
Kenei
l
oe:
Mama!
!!
Theyscr
eamedateachot
herasMom r
an
st
rai
ghttoher
,gi
vi
ngherabonecr
ushi
nghug.
Kenei
l
oe:
Ah!car
eful
car
eful
Ma
Mom:Ohsor
ry,Ihadtot
all
yforgott
enmntanam.
WowGodisgreatIcan'
tbel
iev
ey ou'
real
i
ve.
Keneil
oe:OhwasIdead?Expl
ainst
hebl
ack
cl
othes.
Mom: Besendi
k'zi
lel
andizohambi sa
nomphangakolunyeusaphol wakho(Iwas
mourningandalmosttol
dt herestofyour
fami
l
yabouty ourdeath)
Kenei
loe:I
'm sur
et hatmust'
ver eal
l
yhurttell
ing
[Link] tdidn'
tgett
ot hat.
Atl
eastI'
l
lgettosayI '
veexperi
encedmeet ing
deat
handmadeaU- tur
nfrom itbacktoear t
h.
Me:
Funnysi
sreal
funny
.Wel
comeback.
Kenei
l
oe:
Aaahbhut
i.
[Link]
fel
titt
hatshewasn'
tent
ir
elydeadIdon'
tknow
how.
Me:
I'
m gl
ady
ou'
reback
Kenei
l
oe:
I'
m gl
adt
obebackt
oo.
Webr
oket
hehug.
Kenei
l
oe:
Bhongo
Bhongo:
Nont
ombi
Theyal
soshar
edahug.
Bhongo:Myhear tisateaseseei
ngyousmile
andfeel
ingy ourhug.I
treal
lymeansyou'
real
ive
andIcan'tgettodescri
behowhappyIam to
haveall
myf ami l
yagain.
Hel
ookedatmom.
Bhongo:CauseIal
mostl
ostmywomant
oo
dur
ingthi
sordeal
.
Kenei
loe:
I'
m gladitdidn'
treacht
othat
.I'
m her
e
famil
ynomor [Link]' t
yougetmarri
edf oronce?
Me:
Why
?
Bhongo:
Why
?
Healsosay
slooki
[Link]
ugs
f
eel
ingganged.
Mom:
I'
m notr
eadyt
het
imi
ngi
sjust
..
..
Kenei
loe:
ComeonMawe' r
eol [Link]'s
[Link] outold
meDadaskedy outokeepthesurnameev enif
youseparat
ebuthe'
snomor [Link]'thol
dy our
happi
nessbackbecauseofthatyouonlyli
ve
once.
Shesmi
l
edt
hought
ful
.
Me: Okay
!Ni
cebondi
ngfamil
[Link]
si
sterdoi
ngandwhenisshegett
ingdi
schar
ged?
I
'
m sur
etheyal
lfor
gotabouthi
spr
esence.
Doct
or:Ihat
espoi
l
inggoodmoment
sforhappy
fami
li
es.
Thatal
lgotusshaki
nginourboot
saswef
ixed
ourpost
urescar
eful
ly
.
Mom:
Whatdoy
oumean?
Doctor
:(sighs)Afterourlastencount
erwi th
MissSerameandwhenshecamebackagai n
fort
hesecondt i
[Link]' vedetectedthatshe
hasheartproblems, herheart
beatisfaintand
soonit
'sleadingtoherhav ingaheartfail
ure.
Weal
lsy
mpat
het
ical
l
ylookedather
.
Doctor
:Thatmeansweshoul dstartprepari
nga
pr
ocessforaheartsurger
yandpl aceherona
wait
ingli
stf
[Link]
tunatel
yatt hi
srat
e
wecan'tdi
schar
geheruntilt
hatsur ger
yisdone.
Mom:
OhhGod.
Igazeatmysi st
[Link]
lmy
phonev i
brat
edinmypocket .Itooki
toutand
sawa" Plzcal
l"f
rom Keke.
Me:
Pleaseexcuseme.

Iwal
kedoutandst
oodatt
hepassagedi
ali
ng
hernumber
.
Keke:
Hel
l
o
Me:Hi,
I'
m gl
ady
ougotbackt
omeandsentt
he
pl
easecal
l.
Keke:
I'
mreal
l
ydesper
ate
Me:Don'
tstr
ess.I'
m gonnahel
pyou,t
oni
ght
you'
l
lbefr
[Link]
'l
lbeover,i
t'
l
lbeal
lov
er.
Keke:
Whatdoy
oumeani
twi
l
lbeal
lov
er?
Me:Yourdi
str
[Link]
dtheyf
inal
l
yhel
p
you?
Keke:
No!Alltheydi
dwast
ocompl
ainabout
i
nsuff
ici
entbeds.
Ismi
rkwhi
l
est
roki
ngmymoust
ache.
Me: Don'tworr
yanddon'tbeal
[Link]
mommywi l
lbeokaybytoni
ghtI'
m ensur
ingy
ou.
I
'm gonnaEf ty
ousomel i
ttl
ecashtogospoil
yoursel
fandde- st
ressal
it
tl
e.I
t'
sgonnabe
okaytrustme.
Keke:
Okay
Me:
I'
ll
cal
lyoual
i
lbi
tlat
er
Keke:Gosi
ame(
It
'sf
ine.
)Pl
easesayhi
tomy
si
ster
.
Me:
Iwi
l
l,def
ini
tel
ywi
l
l
Weendedt hecal
[Link]
herphoner i
ngsinmy
pocket,Iknowit'
sLatoya'
[Link]
akeitout
"Gomolemo"f l
[Link]
aise
myey ebrowsinsurpri
seandletitr
ingbyi t
self
.
Me:
Iguessi
t'
sti
meIsayhi
tot
heesi
ster
It
uckbot
hphonesi
nmypocketandwentt
oher
ward.
.
.
.
GOMOLEMO
Igotf
rust
rat
edcal
l
ingLat
oyashewasn'
t
pi
ckingbutinst
eadherphonej
ustr
ang
unanswered.
Me:
Dammi
tLat
oya!pi
ckupt
hedamnphone.
Igr
unti
mpat
ient
ly.
Mom:
Andthen?Godir
agal
angkawena?
(
What
'sgoi
ngonwit
hyou?)
Iqui
ckl
yhangupandl
ower
edt
hephone.
Me:Sepe(Not
hing)wasj
ustchecki
ngon
someonebutshe'
snotpi
cki
ng.
Mom: [Link]
eyouf
indy
our
sel
fa
makeupart
ist
?
Me:Ididshe'
l
lbecomi
ngsoont
oshowmea
sampleofherwor
k.
Mom: Goodstuff
s!Sohowdoyoufeelabout
yourweddi
ngin2day st
ocome?Ayi-
Ay i
-Ay
eee!
Icannotwai
tandIspoketoMor
uti
Josephhe'll
conductt
heceremony.
Imadeaweaksmi
l
e.
Mom: HlonoloandHl omphoareont heirway
comingt [Link]!Myhousewillbef il
l
ed
withmygr andchil
drenal
lovert
heplacenj e.I
t'
s
beensoqui etwit
houtthem andev
ersi nce
you'v
el eft
.
Iwasst
il
lzonedi
nmyt
hought
s
Mom:AndIcan'
twaitt
oseey ourbabyaswel
l
.
Whendi
dyougof oracheckup?
(
Sil
ence)
Mom:
Huh?[Link]
emo!
Ist
art
leoutofmyt
hought
s.
Me:
Sor
rywhat
?
Mom: Iaskedwhenlastdidyougoforacheck
[Link]'
swr ongwit
hy ou?Onaganaengkana
kana?(Whatareyouthi
nkingexact
ly?
)
Icl
osemyey
essnappi
ngoutofi
tasIshakemy
head.
Me:
What
'sgoi
ngoni
nMmePonego'
shouse?
Mom:MmePonego?Ponegomang?Ponegoas
i
nPooni
ePi
l
ane?
Inodded.
Mom: Hao!Whatassociat
esyoulebagoPil
ane
hee?Ithoughtwe'r
edoneanddustedl
elosi
ka
l
abone( withthatf
amil
y)
Me:WellI
'm notcauseI'
m cl
osewithher
daught
er,
theonei nJohannesbur
g.
Shepl
acesherhandsonherhi
ps.
Mom:Why?Whatt
ri
ckar
eyoupl
anni
ngngwana
wagaLesl
ey!
Me: I
'
m notplanni
nganytr
ickMmaIjustsai
d
I
'm cl
osewiththedaught
erfel
anot
hingmore.
Shesqui
ntedherey
es.
Mom: Egor eGomocan' ty
ouj ustfocuson
l
enyalonglagagopele,otlogelesengwele
sengwe( onyourweddingforonceandj ust
l
eaveev ery
thi
ngelse)asitis.
Me: Kesonasentl
eekesedi
rangMma(
It
's
exactl
ywhatI'
m doing)
Mom:Thenwhyar eput
tingyournosebacki
n
t
hePil
anefamil
[Link]
hatwe
madeadealwit
hPhezisatonev erl
inkupwi
th
t
hatf
amilyagai
n.
Me: Ahheel ang!Whyshoul
dev er
ythi
ngrevol
ve
aroundt heSerames?[Link]
won'ttelluswhattodoandwhonott ot
alkto.
LegoneIt houghty
ouhatedhergutsIdon't
understandwhywe' rest
il
ll
ivi
ngunderher
pri
nciples.
Mom: Gomokeagokgal
amel
angwanaka(
I'
m
war
ningyou)
Ichuckl
edwhi
l
eli
ft
ingmyshoul
der
Me: I
t'
snothingmajor,justhear
dMmat ema
sayi
ngMmaPooni ef ai
ntedbecauseher
daughtergotshotbacki nJozij
aanongke
tshwenegil
ejaakatsalayagaagwe( I
'm
concer
nedasherf
ri
end.
)
Mom: I
'
m warni
ngy
out
hat
'sal
lI'
m say
ing.I
'
m
war
ningyou.
Shegotupandl
eftmet her
[Link]
easIt
ake
myphoneanddi
al Lat
oyaagain.
Me:
Comeon,
[Link]
sh!
Ibangi
tandt
hrewi
tnextt
othecouch.
.
.
.
SHEREE
Me:
"Pl
easewakeupandt
ell
met
hisi
sal
i
e
"
Isendt hetexttomyf r
iendandrecei
vedacall
fr
om myf ather
.Itwasav i
deocallIr
antothe
bathroom tosplashmyf [Link] e
puffyandr edfrom cr
ying,
Iknowmypar ents
t
akemeast hei
rli
tt
legi
rlt
heydon'
twantt
osee
metr
oubledinanywayandtheymi
ghtmakea
f
ussaboutthi
s.

Me:
Hidad
Ianswer
edandt
heybot
happear
edwi
thMom.
Them:
Hi!
!!
!
Igi
ggl
edandki
ndagott
ear
y
Me:
Himyf
avour
it
epeopl
e
Mom:
Howar
eyou?
Me:
I'
mfi
net
hanksandhowar
eyouguy
s?
Mom:
We'
rebot
hfi
neaswel
l
Me:
Dad.
Dad:Baby,
Iseesomeoneisabandoni
ngus
eversi
nceshegoti
nSouthAfri
ca.
Me:
AahdadI '
m sor
rydidn'
tmeanto.I
tget
s
r
ealbusyher
eandI'
mt oofocusedi
nmy
schoolwor
[Link]
omi
seI
'
llmakeachance
though.
Mom:Arey
ouenjoyi
ngthecour
se?Hav
eyou
madeanyf
ri
ends?Boyf
ri
end-
Dad:
Bo-what
?Noneoft
hati
shappeni
ng.
Mom:(
sarcast
ict
one)Whynotshe'
s22not7
any
more.
Dad:I
'mtheonewho'
sgonnachooseher
boyf
ri
end
Me:
[Link]
eyouser
ious?
I
t'
smesul
ki
ng.
Dad:Yourai
m shoul dbegett
ingadegr
eethen
youunlockyourchancesofgetti
ngaboyfr
iend
ofyourchoi
[Link]
heny ou'
dbeabl
et o
standaheartbr
eak.
Il
aughed.
Me:Mom wher
edidyougetthi
sguy
?Inwhi
ch
er
aishel
ivi
ngin?Mygosh!
Mom:
InAust
ral
i
ababy
!
Dad:Marr
yanAust
ral
i
anguyandy
ou'
l
lnev
ergo
wrong.
Idr
awmyhandsouti
nref
usal
Me:
ShameI
'
m goodt
hanks.I
'
m gr
and.
Dad:
Grand?
Mom: Nowitshowst
hatmybabyi
sinSA.
That
'sSA'
staal.
Dad:
Abi
gai
ldon'
trui
nthi
schi
l
dpl
ease.
Mom: Ourdaught
eri
swellbehav
edifshe
deci
destobeabadgirl
it'
[Link]'
san
adul
tanyway.
Dad:
Don'
tsayst
uff
sli
ket
hati
nfr
ontofher
Igi
ggl
edwhi
l
ewat
chi
ngt
hem ar
gue,
lov
ely
!
Me:
Thi
siscut
[Link]
ssedy
ouguy
s.
Mom:
Wemi
ssedy
out
oo
Dad:
Comi
ngoutonabat
he?
Me:
Nowhy
?
Dad:
Yourf
acei
swet
.
Me:Ohhuhm justspl
[Link]
s
notadapt
ingwellt
otheblazi
ngweather
sofS.
A.
Dadgav
emeaskept
ical
look.
Mom:Ohh,
wel
lwewer
ejustcal
l
ingt
ocheckup
ony
ou.
Ismi
l
ed.
Me: Thanksforchecki
ng.I'
m doingjustf
ineand
adjust
ingwellever
[Link]
eati
ng
mewar mlywit
hhisfamil
y.I'
m stil
lsafef
rom
femici
desand...
Il
if
tmyfingerasMom wasaboutt
osay
somet
hing.
Me:I'
l
ldogoodinmyacademicsIpr
omiseand
I
'l
lbeext
raext
racar
eful
regar
dsmysafety.
Mom:
Goodt
hat
'swhatwewantt
ohear
.
Dad:Don'tl
i
ewhensomet hi
ngi
stroubl
i
ngyou.
Knowthatyouhavepeoplet
otal
ktoandthat
we'
rejustaphonecal
laway.
Hest i
ll
didn'
tremovethatskepti
call
ookoffhi
s
[Link]
ollmyey esbutIcan'
tit
upsetshim soImanagedmaki ngagrin.
Me:I
'
llalway
sremembert
hatdad-t
oconf
idei
n
youf
olks.
Dad:
Andal
way
sremembert
hatwel
ovey
ou
Me:
Ilov
eyout
ooguy
s,somuch.
Mom:
Toobi
ts.
Me:
Toobi
ts.
Dad:Wellt
henl
et'
snotkeepy
ouf
rom spendi
ng
yourday
.
Me:GreetVaughnf
ormeandsendmyhundr
ed
ki
ssestohim.
Dad:Wellt
hat'
sy ourMom'
[Link]
entl
y
yourbr
otherbel
ieveshei
smanenought o
r
ecei
veki
ssesf
rom me.
Me:
Mywor
d..
.
Wegi
ggledandbi
deachwhi
l
esendi
ngki
sses
t
henhangup.

Isighlyi
[Link] or
gott
en
[Link]
andcheckedthetextIsentNei
loe.I
thadone
ti
ckandherlastseenwasont hedaywe
wer en'
ti
ngoodterms.
Iexhal
eanddi
alJozea.
Jozea:
Sher
ee
Me:
HeyJo,
howar
eyou?
Jozea:
I'
m goodandhowi
smyf
avour
it
ecousi
n?
Me:I
'
mf i
[Link] Ineedaf
avourf
rom y
ou
ar
eyoubusy
?
Jozea:
Notf
ory
[Link]
dIdof
ory
ou?
Icl
osemyey
esandsi
gh.
Me:Canyoudri
vemetomyf r
iend'
splace?
Kenei
l
[Link]
dyou'
ref
ri
endswi t
hherbrother
.
Jozea:
Am Ial
l
owedt
oaskwhy
?
Me:Shepassedawayy est
erdayand.
..Ineedto
paymycondolencesandshowsomesuppor t
.
Jozea:What
!That
'suhm.
..[Link]
di
dn'tOBtel
lmesomethi
ngaboutt hi
s.I
would'
vel
ovedtoshowsupporttoo.
Me:
Soy
ouagr
eeont
aki
ngme?
Jozea:
Yeahy
eahI
'
llbet
her
einami
nut
e
Me:
I'
ll
getr
eady
Jozea:
Shar
p.
[Link]
ymyhai
rfi
rstt
hen
dr
essedup.
.
.
.
KEKE
Igothomewi t
hmyshoppi ngbagssoexci
ted
andt ooksomef ewself
[Link]
acedthe
takeaway st
hedoorfl
ungopenasi fi
twas
[Link]
eam andjumpedbackasIheldon
mychest .
Aheavybuil
tfi
gureofamanst
andsinf
rontof
[Link]
ngasItr
embl
edinfear
.
Me:Just.
..Justtakeev
eryt
hingy
ouwant
anyt
hingbutpleasedon'
thurtmeI'
m beggi
ng
you.
Heshut
sthedoorwi
thhi
sfoot
.
Me:
(shakeyv
oice)Pl
ease!Whatdoy
ouwant
?
Hi
m:You
Ishr
unkmyey
esi
nwi
thapuzzl
edf
rown.
Me:Me?I'myoungpl
easedon'
thur
[Link]
ev
eryt
hingyouwant.
Isaymov
ingback.
Him:Howabouty
out akeev
ery
thi
ngy
ou'
l
lneed
andwegotoGauteng.
Ibr
eat
heheav
il
y
Me:
A-Huh?
?
Myphoneri
[Link]
il
ll
ookatt
hismani
nshock,
conf
usi
onandfear.
Hedir
ect
shiseyesonmyphonegest ur
ingI
shoul
dpi
ckthecall
.It
ookitsti
l
lscar
edofhim
andsawitwasObakengcall
i
ng.

Me:Hi!pl
[Link]
st
andi
ngatmydoorheseemsdanger ousand
want
st [Link]
i
eveyoucanhel
p
megetemer gencyasap.
Il
ookedatt
heguyhewassocal
m.
Obakeng:
Keke,
Kekel
i
stent
ome.
Me:
I'
mli
steni
ng.
Obakeng:Don'
tbescaredt hatmani ssentby
[Link]'scomingtofetchyou, y
ou'll
come
rel
ocateandstaywit
hy oursist
erin
Johannesbur
g.I'
ll
provi
deev eryt
hingyou'l
lbot
h
need.
Me:
Whataboutschool
?Mymot
her
?
Obakeng:Don'
tworryneit
heraboutschoolor
yourmotheri
t'
sallsor
[Link] isgetti
ng
tr
ansfer
redaswespeakt othi
[Link]'l
lbein
apriv
atehospi
talwhereshe'
sgonnar ecei
ve
goodcareandtrustmeshe'l
lbeinsafehands.
Ibl
inkedthetear
sawayasmyhear
tsank
thi
nkingabouther
.
Me:
(br
eaki
ngv
oice)I
sshedoi
ngokay
?
Obakeng:She'sokaybutneedsmedical
assi
[Link]'tworr
ywil
lcoveral
lthebi
ll
s
[Link]
ustneedyouto
packyourst uf
fsandcomeupher e.
Inodwhi
l
ewi
pingmyt
ear
s.
Obakeng:
Youwi
l
lbeokay
?
Me:
(sni
ff
les)Yeah
Obakeng: Iknowthemaninfrontofyouseems
[Link]'
snotgonnat ouch
asinglehaironyou,he'
sharmlessandnottoo
[Link]'tgi
vehim ahar
dtime,you'r
esafe.
Me:
Okay
Obakeng:Callmeify
ouneedany
thi
ngev
eni
f
youfeeluneasy.
Me:
Iwi
l
[Link]
ouf
orev
ery
thi
ng
Obakeng:
You'
rewel
[Link]'
l
ltal
klat
er.
Me:
Bye
Il
oweredt
hephoneandtookal
astuncer
tai
n
gl
anceatt
heguybefor
egoingt
omyr oom t
o
packmystuf
fs.
.
..
>>>Tobecont
inued.
..

For
giv
emyer
ror
sandt
hel
ongi
nser
t
24
.
..
LATOYA
Ifel
taheav ypresenceli
ngeri
ngabovemeas
I'
m asleep.I
tfel
tasifthere'
ssomeone
watchingmewhi leI'
m sl
[Link]
yfl
ap
myl ashesopenandi nst
antl
ygaspinshock.

Me:Obakeng!Whatarey
oudoi
ng?Whyar
eyou
wat
chingmel i
kethat
.

Hiseyeswerest
il
lpl
ast
eredonmeashest
ood
[Link]
kean
uncomfor
tabl
elook,
ver
ycreepy
.
Me:
Buzwe

Buzwe:
Ist
hatat
ri
ckyquest
ion?

Iswallowedst
il
lst
ari
ngathi
[Link]
est
he
cornerofhi
sli
psmakingabri
efsmi
l
e.

Buzwe:Loosenupcan'
tyou?I
'
mfool
ingaround
can'
tIf
ool ar
oundwit
hyou?Comeon!Loosen
up

Ifor
cedoutasmil
eandl
aughedner
vously
.He
pull
edachai
randsit
scl
osel
yandImeant oo
cl
oseasifourf
aceswer
eaboutt
ocoll
ide.

Icl
ear
edmyt
hroat
Me:
Uhm cany
oubackupal
i
ttl
e?Youuhm.
..
t
ooclose.

Hesmi
l
eswi
thhi
sdi
mpl
eshowi
ng

Buzwe:Isitabadthingbeingthisclosetoyou?
ImeanI'vebeenmeani ngtotastethose
chocol
ate,appet
izi
[Link] get
l
ostdeepinmymout hast heymeltandsl i
pper
i
nside,
mmhhh!

Hecloseshi
sey esasherunshist
ongue
aroundhi
slowerlip,
wetti
ngi
tinamost
nasti
estwayeverthati
tki
ndati
ckl
edmycli
t
andgotmear oused.

Mybr
eat
hsbeganunst
abl
i
ng.
Buzwe:
Woul
dthatbeabadt
hing?

Hesaysl
ayi
ngbackandopenedhi
sey
est
ome
cat
chi
ngmybreat
hs.

Buzwe:
Arey
ouokay
?

Me:
I'
m o.
..I
'
m okay

Isayi
nbet
weenmybr
eat
hs.

Buzwe:
Yousur
e?

Me:
YesI
'
m sur
e
YetIcont
inuepant
ingr
egar
dlessl
y

Buzwe:Yousur
eyou'
renothav
ingpr
essur
eor
i
stheretoomuchheat
?

Hesl
i
ght
lyst
andsandst
art
sfanni
ngmyf
ace.

Me:NoI'
mfi
ne,
I'
mfi
nekesi
amennaf
atshe(
sit
down.
)Kesi
ame.

Heslowl
ysit
sbackonhi
schair
.Thenmakesa
goof
ysmileaft
erwhi
l
eI'
m cal
mingofff
rom my
l
ust.

Buzwe:Don'tmindmysil
li
ness,
itwasj
usta
j
oke.I
'm heretocheckonyousi
nceyourfami
l
y
i
sfarandy ouhavenooneelsetopayyoua
v
isi
t.

If
oldmyl
i
psl
ooki
ngatt
hecei
l
ing.

Me:
Keal
eboga(
Thanky
ou)

Buzwe:
It'
snot
hing

Me: Noit'
ssomet hingandit
'[Link]
everdonesomet hingli
kethi
sformebef ore-to
careasy oudo.(Chuckli
ng)Nomanhasev er,
withoutwantingsomethinginretur
[Link]
forevery
thing.

Buzwe:
Notal
lofusar
emonst
ersaf
teral
l
.

Iey
edhi
minaf
unnyway
Buzwe:
What
?Kebuamaaka(
Am Il
yi
ng?
)

Me: Aowahaveyouforgot
tenhowyouadmi
tt
ed
tobeingonenotlongagowhenyoutol
dmeto
stayawayfrom y
ou.

Buzwe:
Ohwt
hat
!

Hegi
ggl
es.

Buzwe:
Yah

If
ixat
emyey
esonhi
m ashesi
mpl
ydi
smi
sses
i
t.
Me:
Wil
lthatmanev
err
esur
faceagai
n?

Hejer
kshi
sheadl
ookingatmei
namost
t
err
ifi
cwayI
'v
eeverseen.

Buzwe:
Whenpr
ovoked,
yes.

Igul
pednotmi ssi
nghisunquenchabletone
[Link]
toobest
ial
.Lookingathisey esremi
ndedmeof
theni
ghtheunr avel
edthekindamonsterhe's
warni
ngmef [Link] i
steningofhi
seyesgot
tomeandt hedarknessoft hem.

Buzwe:Ot
her
wiseIalwaysremi ndmy selft
o
stayki
nd,
sof
[Link]
knowswhatt
heygoingthroughandmi ghtnot
needmetoaddmor [Link]
ofgener
osi
tyt
her
ewoul
dn'
tki
l
l.

Iwasst
il
lst
uckonhowcol
dhesoundednotso
l
ongago.

Buzwe:ButIal
soguesst
her
e'ssomet
hingy
ou
needtoknow.

Ist
il
lmai
ntai
nedmysi
l
ence.

Buzwe:Lelapalahauletsebakaseu
etsahal
l
etseng.(Yourf
amilyknowaboutwhat
happenedtoy ou)

Me:
Babol
elet
swekemang?(
Whot
oldt
hem?
)

Buzwe:
You'
dbesur
pri
sedhowf
astnewst
rav
el.
Me:
Youknowthi
showandhowar
etheyt
aki
ng
t
henewssof
ar?

(
Sil
ence)

Me:
Buzwe?

Buzwe:
Act
ual
l
yyoursi
stermadecont
actwi
th
me.

Ibl
i
nked.

Me:
What
?

Buzwe:
Shet
oldmey
ourmom i
sint
hehospi
tal
andshe'
snotrecei
[Link]
nted
andI'
m assumi
ngitiswhensher ecei
vedthe
newsaboutyoubeingintheshootout
.

Me:
Nonono(
scof
fs)no!

Tear
srandown.

Buzwe: YouknowhowIf eelt

ouchedabout
[Link]
stedtohelpthem,asked
yourmom t obet r
ansf
erredatthesame
hospit
al asyoursandyoursist
ertobewel l
takencar eofaswell
.She'l
lbecomi ngt
hisside.

Icl
osemyey
esandsi
ghouti
nrel
i
ef.

Me:
Ah!Thanky
ouObakengt
hanky
ousomuch
Ihavenowor
ds.I
fIwasabl
etogi
vey
ouahug
ri
ghtnowIwoul
d.

Buzwe:
It'
sokay
.

Me:WowGodcomesthroughforusi
nmany
way
s,oh!Heshal
lbepr
aised.

Il
ookathi
m

Me:
Sohowi
sKenedoi
ng?

Buzwe:
Kenei
sokay

Me:Ohreal
l
y???Uhm t
hat
'sgr
eat
.Wowshe'
s
st
rongandatr
uesurvi
vor
.
Buzwe:I
[Link]
stenIhav
etopopoutwi
l
lyou
needsomethi
ng?

It
houghtabouti
tforasec.

Me:
Myphone.

Hetookitoutofhi
spocketandstr
etchedi
tto
[Link]
tknowi
ngIcan'tmove.

Me:
Undert
hepi
l
low

Hepl
acedi
tundert
hepi
l
low.

Buzwe:
Yousur
eyougonnabeabl
etousei
t?
Imadeaf
akesmi
l
e

Me:
Wil
laskf
orassi
stance.

Henodsshor
tl
y

Buzwe:
[Link]
imeI
'
llmakes
sur
etobri
nglunch.

Ichuckl
ed.

Me:
Wil
lbemuchappr
eci
ated.

Hewinksandt
akeshisleav
[Link]
ffacingup
andcl
[Link] i
kehesti
l
lhasno
i
deawhat
'sgoi
ngon.

.
.
.

SHEREE
Jozeapar
kedatthehouseandwebot
hlooked
overt
hehouse.

Jozea:
Itl
ooksl
i
ket
her
e'snobody
'sher
e.

Me:
Howwi
l
lweknowwi
thoutf
indi
ngout
?

Jozea:
Sowhatdoy
ousuggestwedo?
Me:
Let
'smakeway
stof
indout
.

Igotoutoft
hecar
.

Jozea:
Sher
ee.

Iwentt
obuzzmy sel
fonthegat
ebutIwasn'
t
get
ti
ngatt
[Link]
sogotoutandmadehis
waytome.

Jozea:
Arey
ouat
tended?

Ishookmyhead

Me:No,seemsli
kethere'
[Link]
f.
..
whati
fthey'
l
lberunni
ngtheser
vicesomewher
e
el
se?
Jozea:
Wai
tletmemakeacal
l
.

Hemov esawayt
omaket
hecal
l
.Whenhegot
donehecameback.

Jozea:
Let
'sgot
othehospi
tal
.

Me:
Why
?

Jozea:
OBsay
sweshoul
dmeetr
ightt
her
e.

Inar
rowmyey
esi
nconf
usi
onbutdi
dn'
task
more.

Me:
Ohh?Okayl
et'
sgetgoi
ngt
hen.
Wegotbacki
nhi
scarandhedr
oveust
othe
hospi
tal
.

.
.
.

BUZWE(
OB)
Isatonhi
schai
rwhi
l
ehi
sphonebl
i
ngs.

Doct
or:
Idon'
tl
iket
his

Me:Checkyourbal
anceandt
ell
meev
enaf
ter
t
hisyouwouldn'
tli
kei
t.
Doct
or:I
'm noteasi
lyimpr
essedbymoney
Ser
[Link]
scoul
d
j
eopardi
zemycar eer.

Imadeami
schev
ioussmi
rk.

Me:Whatcareerar
eyoutalki
ngabout?
Knowingwhatmydad'scousi
ndidforyou,
Thabang?

Heswall
oweduncomfor
tabl
yandunbut
toned
t
hecol
larofhi
sshir
t.

Imadeacunni
ngsmi
l
easIf
lashmyar
msopen.

Me:Itdon'
thavetogother
edoc,
itreall
y
doesn'
[Link]
sisj
ustasmall
f av
ourI
'
m
aski
ngf [Link]
gnyoursel
ftodealwi
tht
he
pati
ent,organi
zesomepaperwor kandmake
hersignwi t
houtherbei
[Link]
eave
theresttomeeasyast hat.

Hegavemealongdi
sapprovi
ngstar
eand
br
eat
hesheav
il
ywhil
erubbinghi
sface.

Doct
or:
Fine!Whatpaperwor
kshoul
dIor
gani
ze?

Me:
Agr
eementf
orahear
tdonor
.

Heblowsalonghuf
fashebeganl
ooki
ng
t
hroughhi
sstuff
s.

Doct
or:
Pat
ient
?
Me:
She'
sont
heway
.PonegoPi
l
ane.

Hej
ott
edt
henamedown

Doct
or:
Itwi
l
lbedone

Me:I
nthatcasepl
easur
edoi
ngbusi
nesswi
th
youMotaung.

Ismil
eextendi
[Link]
decl
i
nesitbyjustl
ooki
ngati
t.

Doct
or:
Notl
i
keIhadachoi
ce.

Il
aughasIgotupandpathi
sshoul
der
.
Me:Sekeoahalef
a,bannabahol
ohabakoat
e
(
Don'tsul
k,bi
gmendon'tsul
k)

Hecl
ickshi
stonguepi
[Link]
eand
wi
nkedathi
m asIlef
thisoff
ice.

Iwasgoingbacktomysi
ster
'swar
dbutI
recei
vedacal
lfr
om mybud.

Me:
Hond(
Dawg)

Jozea:
[Link]'
reent
eri
ngt
hehospi
tal
cany
ou
meetushalfway
?

Me:
Forsur
e

WehangupandIchangedmyr
out
etogoi
ng
backt
otheent
[Link]
edthem andmade
asmil
easIapproachedthem.

Me:
Awemyawt
!

Jozea:
Sur
ebud.

Wehi
thandsandshoul
derbumped.

Me:
Howzi
t?

Jozea:
Greatmyawthowar
eyou?

Me:
Greatt
oo.

Il
ookedathi
scousi
n.
Me:
Miss

Sher
ee:
Hey

Igav [Link] n
contactwi thmychestIsuddenl yfelt
somet hing...somethi
ngIcan'texpl ai
ni nwords.
Myhear tbegant huddi
nginaner r
at i
cway .I
suddenl yfeltsomeat y
picalcomf ortengulfi
ng
mewhi leshewasi nmyar ms,itmademenot
wantt ol etgoofhersuddenl y
.ButIhadt o
breaki tbeforemybudpi ckssomet hingoutof
theor [Link] earedmy
throat.

Sheree:
Whythehospit
al?Wethoughtofpaying
ourcondol
[Link]
t
ell
uswhat
'sgoi
ngonwi
thNei
l
oe?

Me:WhatIcantel
lyouaboutNei
l
oei
sthat
she'
snotdead.

Sher
ee:
Whaat
?

Shel
ooksatJozeat
henbackatme

Sheree:Butatschool
theyt
oldusofher
passing.

Jozea:Andwet
houghtshewasi
nvol
vedi
na
shootout
.

Me:Shewasinvol
vedinashootoutand
sur
viv
[Link]
eryt
hinghappenedsofastandwe
hadthi
ngstodealwi
thasafami
ly
.That'
swhy
wedidn'
tcomefort
haboutt
henews,sor
ryf
or
thi
nki
ngIlef
tyouout.

Jozea:
Noi
t'
sfi
ne

Me:Theymadeami
stakebutt
hey
'r
egonnaf
ix
i
tinpubl
ic.

Sher
ee:Ohhh!That
'sgr
eatestnewsever
.Iwas
begi
nni
ngtonotacceptthelossqui
tewel
l.

Il
ookedatherandsmi
l
ed.

Sher
ee:
CanIseeher
?

Me:
Yeahbutshe'
sst
il
lwi
thmyf
ami
l
y.
Sher
ee:
Idon'
tmi
nd

Me:
Wecango.

WewalkedtoKene'
swar
dandent
eredbut
Jozeapul
l
edmeback.

Jozea:
CanIhav
eawor
dwi
thy
ou?

Ilookedathi
shandgr
ippedonmyar
[Link]
remov edi
t.

Me:
Sur
e

Imov
ebackandf
oll
owedbehi
ndhi
m.
.
.
.

KENEI
LOE
Mypar ent
swerealreadyexi
tingoutwhen
Shereemadeherwayi [Link]
greeti
ngsastheywalkedoutandf r
om ther
e
shecamej umpingatmewi thahug.

Me:
Ahh.
..Sher
eey
ou'
rehur
ti
ngme.

Sher
ee:
Sor
ry,
ohI
'
m sosor
ry.

Shetouchedmeal
loveri
nspect
[Link]
ly
hel
dherhandsaway.
Me:
It'
sfi
ney
oudi
dn'
tknow

Shesatdownandadmi
redmewi
thherey
es
gl
owingwit
htear
s.

Me:Nodon'
tdot
hat
.Don'
t!NononoSher
ee
pl
easedon'
t.

Shecl
osedherey
esandcr
iedmor
e.

Sher
ee:
IthoughtIhadl
osty
ou

Me:
I'
m her
efr
iendI
'
m notgoi
ngany
wher
e.

Sher
ee:
Butst
il
lget
ti
ngt
oknowwhathappened
andt
hinki
ngbackt
oourf
ightal
mostki
l
ledme.

Ismi
l
ed.

Me:Iwasgonnadieknowingt
hatyouwere
not
hingbutagoodfr
[Link]
d'
veneverhel
d
i
tagainsty
ou

Shesi
ghs.

Sher
ee:I'
m gl
adtohav
emyf
ri
endbackt
hat
'
s
j
ustall
enoughforme.

Me:I
'm gl
adt
[Link]
hatmeanI
'
m
f
orgi
ven?

Sher
ee:
Doy
ouev
enhav
etoask?
Wegi
ggl
ed.

Sher
ee:
Sohowar
eyout
aki
ngt
hewi
thdr
awal
s?

Me:Hiii
wena!Iwokeupabr andnewpersonas
i
fI'
m [Link]
thdr
awals
nei
therdidIhavecrav
ingsatal
l.

Sher
ee:
Yournewnameshoul
dbeLadyLazar
us.

Me:
FforFunny
.

Shegi
ggl
ed.

Me:
Tel
lmewhat
'sbeenhappeni
ngi
nyourl
i
fe
whi
l
eIwasaway
?

Sheree:
Urghi
t'
sstil
lthesameoldsame,
nothi
ngnewotherthanyourbrot
hergi
vi
ngme
theemosthot
testhugsever.

Shesqueakedwhi
l
est
icki
nghert
ongueout
.

Sher
ee:
Youcannowcal
lmeMr
sCer
ami
c.

Me:Serame!AyySher
eebant
wini
.Ij
ustwant
youfarawayfr
om mybrot
her
.

Sher
ee:
Jeal
ousyi
sfort
hecof
fee.

Me:Ngowecof
feeshomi
eee!(
It
'sf
ort
hecof
fee
f
ri
end!
)
Sher
ee:Thisi
sthev
ibeI
'
vebeenmi
ssi
[Link]
uly
gl
adyou'r
eback.

Me:Iam t
oobutt
rustme.
..Buzwei
sanogo
ar
eaforyou.

Sher
ee:Why
???Ur
ghyou'
[Link]
youknowwe'
dmakeaperfectRiss&Quan.

Me: HaveyoueverwatchedRoommat e?See

whatRebeccaisdoingthere?Nevermi ndthat
she'sawomanbutt hatismybr ot
her,thatis
whathecoulddot [Link]'
tsayt hi
sifI
didn'
tcareSher
eepleasebecar ef
[Link]
pieceofadvi
ceseri
ouslyandstayawayf r
om
hi
m.
Sher
aiseherhandsi
ndef
eat
.

Sher
ee:
Ilaymyhandsof
fthen.

Me:Youbet
ter
.Tel
lmewhatam Imi
ssi
ngon
campus?

Wespokemor eaboutschool
.I'
m sohappyt
hat
[Link]
ovehersomuchandnowI
needmySparkshere.

.
.
.

LATOYA
Ihadav
isi
tat
ionf
rom Spanza.

Me:
Final
l
y!Theper
sonIwantt
osee.

Spanza:
DoIhav
eat
ask?

Me:
Notr
eal
l
ybutIneedy
ourhel
p.

Spanza:
Okay
?

Me:Ineedyoutowatchmyl i
tt
lesi
stershe'
s
comingandObakenginsi
stedontaki
ngcareof
her
,mymot heraswell
.

Spanza:
Whyi
shet
oohel
pful
all
ofasudden?
Me:It
'sbasi
cal
lyi
nhi
snatur
[Link]'ssucha
dumbIthoughthi
sonl
yconcernwouldbethe
per
sonwhot ri
edt
okil
lhi
ssist
er.

Spanza:
Shedi
dn'
tdi
e?

Me:
No

Spanza:
Thenweshoul
dmoveonwi
tht
he
secondphaseoft
hepl
an.

Me:
HowwhenIcan'
tev
enmov
eaf
inger
.

Spanza:
Wel
lyou'
dbesur
pri
sed.
..

Hemovedbackcl
ear
inghi
sthroatf
oranold
mant
[Link]
nganat t
ir
eofa
t
radi
ti
onal
heal
erwi
thhi
sdr
eadl
ocksneat
lyt
ied
i
nadoek.

Me:Whati
sthi
s?Andwhati
sitdoi
ngi
nmy
war
d?

Spanza:He'
sgonnahelpyougetony ourfeet
soonandI'm meani
ngitLi
teral
[Link]'
llbeready
fort
helastmissi
onofdeali
ngwi ththedev i
l
.
Ever
yotherthi
ngwil
lbehistory
.

Ichuckl
einmocker
y.

Me:Youmustbeschuksi
ngmeorsomet
hing
Spanza.

Man:
Thokoza,
mynamei
sCi
j
impi
yimi
naoz
ok'
ny
angant
okazi
.(I
'
llbeheal
i
ngy
ou)

Me:Thokozamyfoot
.Getawaywi
tht
his
bl
aspheme!Getaway
!!
!!

Cij
impi:
Ayihambinjal
ontokazimaw'sodel
ela
i
y '
nyanyazamikanj
alo(I
tdoesn'
twor kl
i
kethat
foryoutoj
usti
nsultmyancestors)

Me:WeeCi j
intj
aaakereIdon'
tcarewa
nkut
lwa??Dragyourtr
ashandexitmywar d
nowbeforeIshoutoutfornur
sestorepel
you
out.

Ci
j
impi
:Khuzekanj
alo(
Bewar
ned)

Me:
Tsamay
a!(
Go!
)
Spanzalooksatmeandshakeshi
shead
speechl
essly
.

Me: S'
katshikinyatl
hogoyagago,
lewena
etswa!!molatele(Don'
tshakey
ourhead,
go!
!
foll
owhim)

Spanza:He'
sthebestr ecommendedhealer
.
Wheny ou'
rer
eadytot alkyou'
l
laccepthi
shelp
andhumbleyoursel
[Link] oti
nbed.

Me:Fusek!Fusekui
tofmywar
dnowbl
oody
bast
ard,nxa!

Ibarkashelef
[Link] hi
nki
ngI'
m
gonnaaccepthel
pfr
om thosef
reaks,
overmy
deadbody.
.
.
.

KEKE
Aft
erlonghoursoft
hedr i
vewefi
nall
yar
ri
vedi
n
Johannesbur
[Link]
oveustoan
enormousmansionwithalongdri
veway.

Heki
l
ledt
heengi
neandunl
ockedt
hecar
.

Hi
m:Getof
f

Withnoquesti
onaskedIgotoffas
[Link] ookmybagsanddr agged
them Iwal
kedbehindhi
[Link]
nuedadmiri
ng
t
hehouse.

Wemetabeaut
if
ull
adyont
heway
.

Hi
m:Megan

Megan:
Roger

Him:Thisi
stheaddi
ti
onalgi
rlpl
acedby
[Link].

Shegl
ancesatmeandmakesabeaut
if
ulsmi
l
e.

Megan:
Eveni
ngKeke

Me:
Eveni
ngMa'
am
Megan:
CanIt
akey
out
oyourr
oom?

Ir
eluct
ant
[Link]
ooksbackatt
heman.

Megan:
Thanky
ouRoger
.

Hej
ustmakesawei
rdscar
ylookandl
eav
es.

Megan:
Fol
l
owme

Me:
Mybags

Megan:
Don'
twor
ryaboutt
hem.

Wecont
inuedwal
ki
ngupst
air
swhi
chf
eel
sli
ke
f
orev
er.

Me:
IfImayaskwher
eam I
?

Megan:
Leav
ethatf
ort
omor
row.

Tomor
row?What'
sspeci
alaboutt
omor
row?
Whynotnow?Whatar
etheyhidi
ng?

Sheopenst
her
oom.

Megan:
Thi
sisy
ourr
oom.

Il
ookedati
tandsawsomegi
rlandshe
i
ntr
oducedmetoher.
Megan:You'
l
lbeshar
ingt
her
oom wi
thher
.Be
ki
ndtoeachother
.

Shesmi lesandcl
osesthedoorwhenshe
[Link]
hegir
lIwasint
roducedto
stoppedt heOper
amusicshewaspl ay
ingand
al
sot hedr awi
ngshewasdoing.

Li
zo:
HeyKeke,
wel
comef
eel
athome.

If
akeasmi
l
e

Li
zo:
Sety
our
sel
ffr
eef
rom t
hoset
hought
s

Me:
Whatt
hought
s?

Li
zo:
Thi
nki
ngt
hatt
hisi
sahumant
raf
fi
cki
ng
syndi
cat
eIal
sot
houghtsot
oobutt
hisi
sthe
bestpl
acet
obesofar
.

If
oldmyar
ms.

Me:
Ifsot
henwhatdowecal
lthi
spl
ace?

Li
zo:
Asaf
ehouse

Iscof
fwi
thmymout
hopen.

Me:
Whatt
hehel
lam Idoi
ngi
nasaf
ehouse?

Li
zo: You'r
ef reefrom usi ngyourcel
ltofi
ndout
fr
om t hepersonwhobr [Link]
canguar anteey out hatthisi
sagoodpl ace.
Givenanyci rcumst ancesofmenotbei ngin
dangerI'
dsti
ll
wannabeher [Link]
ery
thi
ng'
s
easi
lyaccessi
bleatt
hispl
ace.

Isqui
ntmyey
esi
ndeept
hought
s.

Me:
Letmecal
lthi
smant
ofi
ndout
.
.
..
>>>Tobecont
inued.
..
25
.
..
BUZWE(
OB)
WestoodasideandIpat
ient
lywai
tedf
orhi
mto
spi
l
lwhatev
erthathehadonhismind.

Jozea:
I'
m aguy,y
ou'
reaguyandIdidn'
ttur
na
bl
indeyesi
ghtt
ohowy ouhuggedmysist
er.
If
rownwhi
l
epout
ingmyl
i
psi
nconf
usi
on.

Me:HowIhuggedy
oursi
ster
?Wasi
t
i
nappr
opr
iat
e?

Jozea:
Doy
ousmaakher
?

Ichuckl
ed.

Me:[Link]
eisthi
scoming
f
rom?From whi
changledi
dyouvi
ewitandget
t
oconcl
udethat
?

Jozea:
Iexpectananswerf
rom y
ou.
Me:[Link], hel
lno!she'sachildli
ke
waytooyoungf [Link] dIgof orher
knowingthatshe'
sy ourcousi
n?It'swayoutof
boxman.I twasjustaninnocenthugthat'sall
,I
wouldn'
tsuddenlyli
keheroutoft heblue.

Hel
ooksunconv
inced.

Me: Comeonbr ayouknowhowIam andt he

girl
sIgof or
.Youact
uall
yknowhowI '
m only
stucktoonegirl
andhowhardit
'sbeenforyou
toconvincemeintofi
ndi
nganot
herone.

Jozea:
Yeahy ou'
reahi
tandsmashki ndaguyI
[Link]
fyoudareat
temptanytyppaishon
mycousin.
..sohelpmeLordi
tisn'
tashowI
hadoverl
ookedit
.
Hesni
cker
s.

Jozea:You'l
lbesorr
y,you'l
lbereal
lysorr
yOB.
You'l
lgettoknowwho' stherealmeanest
bastar
dbet weenmeandy [Link]
s
somethingIwon'tevengetcloseto.

Ourst
ari
ngcont
estwasy
etnotov
er.

Jozea:I
ncasewanshay ashaya( youf ool
i
ng
me)knowt hatt
hepersony ou'
l
lseenextwi l
lno
l
ongerbey ourf
ri
[Link] stakenear
ShereecauseI'
l
ltakeitv
erypersonal endisnie
'
ngrapnie(andthat'
snojoke)

West
aredeadl
yineachot
her
'sey
eswi
thout
bl
i
nki
ng.
Me:Iwoul
dn'
tbecauseI
'
ddot
hesamef
or
Kenei
l
oe.

Jozea:Gl
adweunderst
andeachot
her
.Keep
theBrocodeabode.

Hehi
tsmychest
.

Jozea:Asithi
dankot otheLordf
orkeepi
ngy our
si
[Link]
hony ouandyourfamil
y,
l
oveandl ight
.It'
sanightforme.

Me:
Yeahy
eaht
hanksf
orshowi
ngup.

Jozea:
Sur
e

Webi
deachot
herbyhi
tt
ingourhandsand
shoul
derbumped.

Iwatchhimleavetogocallhi
scousininKene'
s
[Link] i
ll
standi
ngat
[Link] l
essopurelyatme
whil
eshewav es"goodbye"
.Ikepti
tnonchal
ant
bysimplynoddingback.

Iwat cht hem mar chaway .Mystarewasmor e

concent ratedonSher [Link]
stari
ngandIhadt opr etendli
keInev erlooked
herway .TrustJoz ea'
sf orbeingtoobriskly
.I
clenchmyt eet
hassoonast heyleftbutthena
thoughti nstantl
yv isi
tsmymi ndcausingmet o
event uall
ycockmyey ebrowandsmi l
ei nst
ant
ly.

Myphonei
nter
rupt
sthemomentbyr
ingi
ng.I
t'
s
Keke.
Me:
Heydi
dyouar
ri
vesaf
ely
?

Keke:
Arr
ivesaf
ely?Gor
engkemoosaf
ehouse
al
lofasuddenrr
a.

Me:
Okayokaycal
m down.

Keke:Skampol
elagor
ekecalm'
edown,oseke!
(Don'
ttel
lmetocal
m down,
don'
tyoudar
e.)

Me:Okaysheba, keabonahoreukoati
le(l
ook,I
seeyou'
reupset)butIthi
nkyoushouldcool
downalit
tl
eatleastjustf
ortoni
ght
.Nnaketla
tl
aubonahosane( I
'
llcomeseeyoutomorrow)

Keke:
He.
eaokgoner
ra,
aokgoner
uri
.Ke
tl
hokaditl
halosojaanongtsagor egobanengke
saboneausi wakagonaj wale?(Noy oucan'
t
,
youreal
lycan'tsi
[Link]
onsri
ght
nowt owhyIcan'tseemysi ster?)

Me:
Akereket
lahl
alosahosane(
I'
ll
expl
ain
t
omorr
ow)

Keke:
Whynotnowhi i
!!
!?Whynotnow! !
!!
?Le
fi
tl
haenghee?(Whatareyouhiding?
)GoreI
'
m
wit
hstranger
snj
eekesabai tsing.

Me:
Keke.
..

Keke:
Itwasbet
terwhenIwas-

Me:
Kel
ebogi
l
e!!
!!
!
(
Sil
ence)

Me: Theolamoya( Calm down.)You'

resafeand
that'
sallyouneedt [Link] ewe'
llmeet
tomorrowandt hat'
swhenImi ghtmakeit
possibl
ef ory
out omeety oursist
er.
..Soyou
staythereandbehav e.

Itwasst
il
ldeadsi
lentI'
m guessi
ngshe'
sst
il
l
shookbymyoutburst.

Me:
Youhearme?

Keke:
Ye-Yes

Me:
Goodgi
rl
Ihangup.I '
m gett
ingtotheext entofbeing
i
nt oler
antofbull
shitt
hisisutterbull
shit
.Ican'
t
playalongfortoolongIwannar etal
iat
eso
fuckingbad.I'
mt i
redoftiptoei
ngar oundthi
s.
Lat oyahastofeelmywr athandt hatshould
happenasi nimmedi at
ely.

.
.
.

SHEREE
There'
sbeenanawkwar dsi
lencei
nthecarever
si
ncewel eftt
hehospi
tal
.It
'ssounl
ikeJozeato
actoutthi
sway-beingtoosomberandsilent
.
Anditwasbeginni
ngtogetuncomfortabl
efor
me.
Me:
Arey
ouokay
?

Henodsnotev
enspar
ingasecondt
olookat
me.

Me:
Yousur
e?

Jozea:
I'
m sur
e

Backtothesi
lenceashefocusedontheroad.
No,Idon'
tbel
[Link]'tt
akethi
s
anymoresoIshiftmywholebodyfaci
nghim.

Me:
DidI
-
Jozea:
Seat
bel
t

Me:
Per
haps-

Jozea:
Seat
bel
t.

Hecut smeashepoint
edmefort
hefi
rstti
me
faci
[Link]
eli
keascoldsoI
huffandfacef
orwar
dandstr
apmysel
f.

Me:(
Sighsdeepl
y)Di
dIper
hapsdosomet
hing
wr
ong?

Jozea:Whatmakesy
out
hinky
ou'
vedone
somethi
ngwrong?

Me:
Idon'
tknowy
out
ell
mesi
ncey
ou'
ret
he
oneact
ingf
unnyal
lofasudden.

Jozea:
I'
m act
ingf
unny
?

Me:
Yesy
ouv
erymuchdo

Jozea:
Ohsor
ryIdi
dn'
treal
i
ze

Me:Soar
eyouev
ent
ual
l
ytel
l
ingmewhat
's
goi
ngon?

Jozea:
Not
hingf
ory
out
owor
ry

Me: I
sitper
hapsthelit
tl
equarrelyouhad
betweenyouandy ourfr
iend?Justsawhowy
ou
ref
rai
nedhimfrom enteri
ngbackthere.
Hepausesandswif
tl
ytur
nshisheadshoot
inga
l
[Link]
dn'
texact
lymakeoutwhat
ki
ndalookt
hatwas.

Imar
blemyey
esar
oundi
nconf
usi
on.

Me:
Hmm?

Jozea:
(sneer
s)Il
i
key
ouri
ntui
ti
on

Me:
Thatacompl
i
mentorshoul
dIbeof
fended?

Jozea:
Not
akei
tasacompl
i
ment
.

Idi
dn'
tl
ikewhatshal
lfol
l
ownext
.
Jozea:Arey
ouher
eforst
udi
esort
opl
ay
around?

Me:
Obv
iousl
yformyst
udi
es.

Jozea: Butseemsl ikey ou'r

ef orgetingthat.
Seemsl i
key ouhav eot herinterests, onesthat'
l
l
dist
racty ouf r
om achi ev i
ngy ourdr [Link] lI
hopef orSher eeisf oryout onotf or getwhoy ou
arewhi l
ey oui [Link] lIhopef ori
sfor
youtonotdi sappointy ourpar [Link] e
somuchf ai
thiny ouSher eeandt rust edyou
withthisjourneyev ent houghy ou'r
emi l
esaway
fr
om [Link]' ttakeadv antageofi t.

Jozea:Rememberwhatev
eryoudoit'
llcome
backspit
ti
ngatuscauseyou'
reunderourcar
e.
ThisiswhyI'
m soov er
prot
ect
iveofy
ouandI 'm
[Link] ck
alr
eadyeff
orming,soyoubett
ernotfal
lfori
t.

Me:ButIr
eal
lydon'
tunder
standwhaty
ou'
re
t
alki
ngabout
.

Hepul
l
sthei
gni
ti
onof
f.

Jozea:
We'
rehome

Igetshockedatt
hatst
atementasIl
ook
outsi
dethenbackathi
m.

Jozea:Si
tandthinkabouti
tandit
'l
lal
lmake
[Link]'
tfor
gettosayhiformeI'm not
comingin.
Igotofft
hecarsti
ll
zombie-
str
ickenand
watchedhimti
l
lhehootedanddr i
vesthecar
[Link]
llhavet
oputallthesepieces
toget
her.

.
.
.

GOMOLEMO
Iwaswokenupbyaphonecallearl
yinthe
morningandanswer
edwi
thoutchecki
ngthe
cal
lerID.

Me:
(sl
eepyv
oice)Hel
l
o?
Voi
ce:
Hey

If
rownandr
ubmyey
esopen

Me:
Lat
oyai
sthaty
ou?

Lat
oya:
Eekennamma(
Yesi
t'
sme)

Iy
awncov
eri
ngmymout
handsatup.

Me:I
'v
ebeent
ryi
ngt
ogethol
dofy
ouwi
thno
l
uck.

Latoy
a:I
'm att
hehospi
tal
andIj
ustgotmy
phoneback.
Me:Soisi
ttr
uet
hatbagot
hunt
shi
l
e?(
thatt
hey
shoty
ou?)

Latoy
a: Nny
aagabant hunt
sha(Notheydidn'
t
shootme.)Ijustgothi
tbyacarandsonowI '
m
paral
yzedandcan'tdoanyt
hingformysel
f.

Me:
Ijooommat
hat
'
sbadkemaswet
ota(
that
's
r
eal
l
ybad)

Lat
oya:JustthoughtIshoul
dlety
ouknow
si
nceI'
l
l bescarce.

Me:[Link] sopl
any
ona,
whatdowedo
abouti
t?

Lat
oya:
Ther
e'snopl
anany
mor
esi
nceIcan'
tdo
anyt
hingaski
es,
maraseemslikeBuzweis
gonnagetawaywit
hevery
thi
ngscotfree.

Me:Scotfr
ee?
?[Link]
hatcan'
thappen
Lat
oya.I
tcan'
t!I
tcan'
t!

Lat
oya:Kemaswabi(
I'
m sor
ry)butt
her
e's
not
hingel
seIcando.

Shehangsupwi
thmymout
hhungopen.

Me:
NonoLat
oya.

Ihi
ssandpunchthepi
l
lowi
nfr
ust
rat
[Link]
elo
sti
rsandwakesup

Hl
elo:
Yini
sthandwasam i
sther
esomet
hing
wr
ong?

Il
ookathi
m wi
thmybr
eat
hsget
ti
ngaudi
ble.

Hl
elo:
Gomo?

Me:
Ithi
nkweshoul
dpost
ponet
heweddi
ng.

Hl
elo:
Ini
?(What
?)

Me:
Yeahl
et'
spost
ponei
t.

Hlel
o:Whyonear
thwoul
dwedot hatwhenwe
knowwe'r
eonedayawayfr
om t
hewedding.

Me:
Hebanna!I
'
m notr
epeat
ingmy
sel
fabhut
i.
Ker
ewe'repost
poni
ngt
heweddi
ngendof
di
scussi
onmaannx

Ipushthecover
soffandchargedoutofour
bedroom sl
ammingthedoorbehind.

.
.
.

[Link]
MrsPil
anewasalreadyplacedinthehospi
tal
andIhadal
readyassignedmy sel
ftohandl
eher.
Iwenttoherwardcheckingherfi
l
[Link]
s
fr
om strokeandit
'sther
easonwhyshe'shere
andithasputherinabadshape,shealsohas
hi
ghbpl evel
[Link]'
salotmoreIneedto
checkonherbef
orewecont
inuewi
thour
devi
ouspl
ans.

"Odir
eng.
..Odi
reng.
..Odi
reng.
.(Whatdi
dyou
do?)"

Idroppedt
hefil
estar
tl
edbyherandlookedat
[Link]
gor
ouslyasshe's
sti
l
l i
nhersl
eep.

Ponego:(
mur mur
s)It
lhokomele,i
tl
hokomele
ngwanaka(Takecar
eofy our
selfmychil
d..
.)La-
Lat
oya.

Me:
Mme,
Mme.
.

Iwal
ktoherandt
ouchedhert
ryi
ngt
okeepher
cal
m.

Me:
MmePonego,
MmePonego.

Ponego:
Ngwanaka!(
Mychi
l
d!)

Shegaspsassheopenshereyesandtakes
not
iceofhersur
roundi
ngsf
ir
stbefor
elooki
ng
atme.

Ponego:
Wher
eismychi
l
d?

Me:
Yourchi
ldi
[Link]
thi
ngwi l
lbeokay
Mmeally
ouneedtodoistocalm [Link]'
re
i
nahospi
tal
okay?you'
l
lrecei
vehelp.

Shebl
i
nks.
Ponego:Butar
eyour
eal
l
ysur
ethatmy
daught
erisokay?

Me:Yesshe'
sokaywenaMmai khut
sekanako
ee(your
estsol
ong.
)Ever
ythi
ngisgonnabe
okay
.

Ponego:
Okay
,okay,al
ri
ght
,keal
ebogangaka
waModimoketl
aikhut
sa(t
hankyoudocI
'l
lrest
)

Ismileatherassheshut
sherey
espeacef
ull
y
thist
[Link]
ermymouthand
sighheavi
ly.

Igr
abbedt
hef
il
eandbar
gedout
.
.
.
.

BUZWE(
OB)
BhongoandIjoi
nedt
hetabl
eforbr
eakfastand
foundMom alr
eadyt
her
e,seat
edquiet
lyand
dressedwel
l
.

Bhongo:
Goodmor
ning

Heki
ssedheronthecheekIal
sodi
dthesame
ont
heothersi
deofhercheek.

Me:
Mor
ningt
oo.
Wesatdownandreal
i
zedt
hatthet
ablewas
empt
ywithonl
yjar
sofwat
erandfr
uitonl
y.

Shest
il
lremai
nedsi
l
entst
ari
ngt
ospace.

Bhongo:
Whydoesitseem l
iket
hismor
ning
we'
renothav
ingbr
eakfast

Me:That'
swhyIwantust
ohavemai
dsngent
o
ezi
nje(
forinst
ancesl
i
ket
hese.
)

Mom:
Ihav
eat
hought
.

Weal
ltur
nedourheadsl
ooki
ngather

Mom:
Iwi
l
ldonat
emyhear
t.
Us:
WHAT!
!!
?

Weexcl ai
mloudenoughtoburstsomeone'
s
[Link]
osedhereyesandnodded
repeatedl
y.

Me:MaMaMay i
cingi
sisel
ent
ouy i
thet
hay
o
(
thi
nkt
hor
oughl
yofwhaty ou'
resayi
ng)

Mom:
Ihav
ethoughti
tthr
oughmnt
anam.

Bhongo:
Phezi
sa

Mom:BhongoI
'l
ldoanyt
hingf
ormychi
l
dren.
Andy
oucannotstopme.
Me:Mamalont
oay
ikwazi
uyenzeka(
thatcan'
t
happen)

Mom: IzokwenzekaBuzwe( Itwi

llhappen)
Keneiloei smydaught erseei
nghowweakshe
wasy est [Link] t
inglistwil
l
takefor everandIwon'tletherdi
[Link]
njendingumzal ingal
onto(I'
m aparent)to
protectal lofmykids.

Me:Okaysoratheryoudi
ewhataboutmet
hen?
Hav
ey outhoughtaboutt
hat
?Aboutme.

Mom:Youain'
tgonnapul
lanemot
ional
bl
ackmai
lcardonmeson.

Me:Wel
lanswermedammit!
!!Woul
dyourather
di
ehuh?Thantopr
oper
lyl
ovemeasy ourson.
Wejustbonded!
!!af
tersomanyyear
sandnow
youwannatakethatawayfr
om me?

Bhongo:
Buzwe!

Herepri
[Link]
andi
ngonmyf
eet
andshouti
ngontopofmyvoi
ce.

Mom: Isthatal
lthatmat
ter
stoy
out
hany
our
si
ster
'sli
fe!?
??

Me:Issheall
thatmat
tersthany
ourownson?
Al
ltheseyear
sMamaIt houghtyou'
dchange.

Shecl
apsherhand.

Mom:
Heeee!
Bhongo:Okayokaymabet hunaIthi
nkngeni
hli
saniamaphaphu(It
hinky oushouldal
lcal
m
down.)Let
'shandl
ethiscalmlyandpeaceful
l
y
befor
ebadwor [Link]
they'
l
lnotbetakenbackbutdomor ehar
m.

Webot
hcal
meddown.

Bhongo:Thisi
snoti
met of
ight
,thi
sisati
me
forustostandt
oget
herandbestrongf
orKene,
sheneedsit.

InodasIf
acedown.

Me:Ial
readyhadevery
thingcov er
[Link]
oe
i
sgonnahav eaheartt
ransplantsoonerthan
youthi
nk.I
'v
e..
.gotacandidate.
Theybot
hgotst
unnedbyt
hat

Mom:
Buthow?

Me:Doy outr
ustt
hat"
yourson"canmake
t
hingshappen?

Imadesuretoemphasi
ze"
yourson"causeshe
tendst
oforgett
hat
.

Mom:
Butwher
ewoul
dyou-

Me:Iaskeddoyout
rust"
yourson"canmake
t
hingshappen?
Mom:
Yes

Shenodsunsur
ely
.

Me:
Thanky
ousomuchnowwat
chi
thappen.

Iwal
kedoutoft
hedini
ngwithoutbi
ddi
ngthem.
MyphonebeepsandIopenedthemessage.

Mot
aung:
"She'
sawake.
"

Me:
"Thepl
anshoul
dcont
inue"

Mot
aung:
"Pr
epar
ing.
.."

Ismi
rkandputmyphonei
nmypocketand
wal
kedtomycar
.It
'saboutdamnt
imesh!
thi
ts
t
hefan.
.
..
>>>Tobecont
inued.
..
26
.
..
KEKE
Iwasst i
l
lenjoy
ingmysleepuntil
therewasan
un-i
gnorabl
esoundsi
[Link]
ft
i
nbedhuggi ngmyearswi t
hpil
lowsasI
grumble.

Me:
No,
no,
no,
cansomebodyt
urnt
hatof
f!
?

Li
zo:I
twon'
tbeof
funt
ilweal
lwakeupandj
oin
br
eakf
ast
.
Me:
Okayweupnowcani tst
op?Tj
oit
'sgi
vi
ng
[Link]
'st
heti
me?

Li
zo:
6

Igroanmor
easIthr
owmyheadbacktot
he
pil
l
owandthatmadeherl
aughwor
se.

Me:
Imi
ssmyhomesweethome.

Li
zo:
Wel
lyoubet
tergetusedt
oit

Me:
Argh!noooo

If
inal
l
yroseupandl
ookedatheral
readyt
idi
ed
upspace.
Me:Bat
hongwhendidy ouwakeup?Li
kehow,
att
hist
imeyou'
reupandr eadywi
thever
ythi
ng?
Imeandidy
ouev engetenoughsl
eep.

Lizo:I
'vebeenheref oryearssoIknowal lthe
techni
[Link], getup. .
.I'
vealr
eady
preparedyouabat [Link] ourassand
everyt
hingyou'l
lneedwhi [Link]
towelsarenexttoy ourbedst [Link]'re
meet i
ngtheclockhal f
way ,comeonhur ry!

Me:
Okay
!Okay
!

Ist
andupr ubbi
ngmyheadfi
rstget
ti
ngi
rr
it
ated
bythesoundthi
sthi
ngmade.

Li
zo:
(sar
cast
ical
l
y)At
leasti
t'
l
lgof
or20
mi
nut
es.

Me:
That
'sadi
sast
er

Li
zo:
Nowgo!go!

Me:
OkayLi
zo.

Itookmytoi
l
etr
iesinmybagandthetowel
next
tothest
andanddraggedmysel
ftot
he
bathr
oom.

Ibathedanddidall
myhy gi
[Link]
zoandI
thenmadei tt
othediningareawher ewehad
breakfast
.Iwassurpr
isedtoseet hatther
e
weremanyofusher e,li
kewewer ealot.
Me:
Omg!Ar
ewet
hisabundant
?

Iwhi
spernextt
oherear

Li
zo:
Yep

Me:
Areweonl
yfemal
es?

Li
zo:Therearemalesaswel
lj
ustf
rom a
di
ff
erentbui
lding.

Me:
Wowokay
.

Weat
eourbr
eakf
astf
ini
sh.
Megancamef or
wardwhenweweredoneand
expl
ainedev
eryt
hingt
[Link]
ngt
hatI
'm not
theonlynewcomeritj
ustdidn'
tmakesense
whyI'
m here.I
t'
snotlikemylif
eisindangerbut
aft
erthismomentI'm assur
edthatthi
sis
i
ndeedagoodpl ace.

Theymov edusasnewcomer stoadif

fer
ent
courtj
usttoreceiv
ebooks, uni
for
msandot her
stat
ioner
[Link] t
heretheymadeussitand
fi
llf
orms/surveysaboutoursel
ves.
Theyhavedif
fer
entfi
eldsforext
ramural
acti
vi
ti
esther
eforer
easonbeingforall
ofthi
s,
i
st ogett
oknowusbet terandkeepuson
schedul
eforatt
endi
ngt hoseact
ivi
ti
es.
Wednesday sandFr i
daysar
emineforTennis
pract
ices,r
eadingclubsandbookcol
lecti
ngs.
I'
m beginni
ngtothinkthatI
'
m gonnaenjoymy
stayhere.

Wegotdi
smi
ssedandwer
etol
dwewi
l
lbe
takenoutf
ormor
eshoppingl
[Link]
oodup
andcoll
ect
edmystuf
fs.

"
Keke"

Me:
YesMa'
am?

Megan:
Youhav
eav
isi
tor

Shesay
swi
thasmi
l
e,t
hiswomani
sfor
ever
smil
i
ng.

Me:
Avi
sit
or?Who?

Megan:
You'
l
lseeaheadpl
easef
oll
owme.
Me:
Okay

Megan:
Giv
emet
hoseI
'
llpl
acet
hem i
nyour
r
oom.

Ihandhermyst
uff
sandwal
kedbehi
ndher
goingt
omeetmyvisi
tor
.

.
.
.

BUZWE(
OB)
Iwatchthem wal
ki
[Link]
dropsthegi
rlandweexchangedgreet
ingst
hen
shelef
t.
Il
ookedatt
hegi
rlshewasr
eal
l
ycut
edi
dn'
t
l
ookany
thi
ngl
i
keLat
oya.
Shesatdownandmai
ntai
nedaqui
zzi
cal
star
e
atme.

Me:I
'
m BuzweOBSerametheguyyou'
vebeen
communi
cati
ngwi
thovert
hephone.

Ist
ret
chedmyhandf
orahandshake

Keke:
Obakeng?

Me:
YesObakeng.

Imovemyhandforhert
ofi
nal
l
[Link]
makesani
diot
icsmil
easshet
il
tsherhead
gl
anci
ngatmyhand.
Keke:
Cov
idr
egul
ati
ons.

Me:
Aish.
..

Smar
tgi
rlr
eal
l
ysmar
tgi
rl
.

Me:
Howaboutanel
bow?

Shesti
l
ldi
dn'tlookpleasedl
i
keshewasn'tkeen
onit
.Butf
inall
ygivesinandweelbowed.

Me:
Nicet
ofi
nal
l
ymeety
ouKeke

Keke:
(jeer
s)Icansayt
hesameabouty
ou.

Me:
Howar
eyouKeke?
Keke:
I'
mfi
neandy
ou?

Me:I
'
mf i
netoobuty
oudon'
tl
ookf
inet
ome,
youl
ooksodown.

Sheshr
uggedcar
elessl
y.

Me:What
?Wasitt
hewor
stf
ir
stday
?Di
dthey
t
reaty
oubadl
y?

Shest
aresatmebl
ankl
y.

Me:Iapologi
zef
orlashi
[Link]
dn'
t
meanto,ther
ewereothert
hingst
hatwere
f
rust
rati
ngme.
Keke:Canwegett
ot hepar
twhereyou'
re
supposedt
obeexplaini
ngwhyI
'm her
e?

Me:
That
..
.

Keke:
Please!

Inodwhi
l
ebr
ushi
ngt
het
abl
ewi
thmyhands
apar
t.

Me: OkayI'l
lexpl
[Link]'r
eherebecauseyour
si
sterisatthehospi t
alsamewi thyourmother
.
Ihadtot akeyoufrom Nelsprui
tbecauseit
wasn'tsafeforyout ostayther
eony ourown..
.

Keke:
Iwasgonnacopeonmyownmany
peopl
eknowusther
e.I
'm 18Iwasn'
tgonna
str
uggl
eonmyownandnoonewasev ergonna
thi
nkofharmi
ngme,
theywerenev
ergonna
makeit
..
.Weareawell
-knownf
amil
yinthe
community
.

Me: Don'
teverdist
urbmeagai
nwhenI
'
m
speakingokay?

I
t'
sthel
ookt
hatgotherr
eser
ved.

Me: Wit
hy oursafetyyoucanneverbetoosure
i
t'sunpredict
[Link]
yourhouset hateasy,hewould'
vedone
anythi
ngt oyouandl [Link]
thecommuni t
ybeabl etor
escueyoubyt hat
ti
meorwoul ditbelate?

Shekeptqui
[Link]
ixedmyj
acket
.
Me:That
'swhyIwant edyouher e,[Link]
'sonly
t
emporalthoughbuti twil
l beforyout odecide.
WhenyoursistergetsdischargedI '
m gonna
f
indyoubothapl acetost ay.I
'm sureyou're
i
nfor
medabouty ournewschool ,itwil
l r
emai n
t
hatwayev enifyou'
reoutofher e.

Keke:
Kontlel
etshwet
soy
ame?(
Evenwi
thout
mydecisi
on?)

Me:Wel
lsincey
oursisterwil
lneedessent
ial
car
eIt
houghtyou'
dlovebeingnexttoher,to
maket
hingsmoreeasierforher.

She'
slooki
ngatmeIl
i
ftmyhandsandpoi
nted
mysel
f.
Me:I
'
m sur
eyouwouldn'thav
ebeen
comf
ort
abl
estay
ingwithastranger
.

Keke:Iwoul
dn'
t.
..buti
t'
snodi
ff
erentf
rom
whereIam.

Me:Homolemohoubakel abat
hobabangata
bat
šoananglewena.(
It
'sbet
tercausey
ou'r
e
amongstmanypeopl
ewhoar ejustl
i
keyou.
)

Sheshr
ugsandl
ast
lygi
vesanod.

Keke:
Sowhataboutmymot
her
?

Me:
Yourmot
her
?

Keke:
Issheal
sost
ayi
ngher
eorbackt
o
Nel
spr
uit
?

Me:
Itwi
l
lbeupt
oher

Keke:
JustknowIgowher
emyMom goes.

Ismi
l
eandnodf
aint
ly.

Me: NowhowaboutwegomeetMom and

si
ster?

Keke:
You'
renotj
oki
ngr
ight
?

Me:
Right

Keke:
Yay
yy!
!Let
'sgo.
Shebeamsexci
tedl
yandj
umpsup

Me:
Ithi
nkIwassupposedt
osayt
hisf
ir
stt
hing
t
ogetyoui
nthi
smood.

Webot
hlef
ttogeti
nmycar

.
.
.

LATOYA
Iwasastoundedseei
ngtwonursesdri
vi
nga
wheel
chairi
nmywar [Link]
tha
doct
or.
Me:
What
'sgoi
ngon?

Nur
se:
Wehav
easur
pri
sef
ory
ou.

Me:
Sur
pri
se?Whatsur
pri
se?

Doct
or:
You'
l
lseeaheadofy
ou.

Me:
Don'
tscar
emepl
ease,
keeng?

Nur
se:You'
llsee,
it'
snotsomet
hingbadwena
j
ustcooper
atewithus.

Il
ookatthem andsawt
heirwarm smi
l
[Link]
y
bythenIbeganget
ti
ngset
tled.
Me:Ihopeit
'snotsomet
hingt
hat
'l
lgi
vemea
hear
tatt
ack.

Doct
or:
Trustus.

Me:
Okayat
leasty
ouwon'
thur
tme.

Theyhel
pedmeof ft
hebedandpl
acedmeon
thewheel
chai
randdrov
emeout.

Me:
Wher
ear
eyout
aki
ngme?

Nur
se:
You'
l
lsee

Ichuckl
ed.
Me:
I'
mreal
l
yaf
rai
doft
his.

Wedr oveinawar
[Link] henItook
real
izat
ionofmymotherbeinginthere,
shewas
sit
ti
ngupandhersmilejustgotmor ewider
whensheseesme.

Me:
Mama!

Mom:
Ngwanaka!

Wescr eamedandlaughedateachother
.They
drovememor eclosert
oherandleftusal
one
exceptforanur
sewho'llst
andandhelpme
maintainmyposturei
nthewheelchai
r.
Mom: GodisgoodIt
houghtIlosty
ouaft
er
seei
ngthatphot
oofyouinthescene.

Me:
Phot
o?

Mom: Ey
asomeonesentmeacruci
alpict
ureof
youandthest
rokehi
tmeimmediat
ely
.

Me: Ei
shMmaaskiesI '
mr eal
lysorr
yfort
hat.
Whowoul dbesoinsensit
iveanddosomet hi
ng
l
ikethat?hay
!ButI
'm gl
adt hatyou'
reher
eand
sti
l
lali
ve.

Mom: I
'
m [Link]
dn'tbeli
evethatwe'r
e
bothadmi t
tedi
nt hesamehospi tal
.Ebil
ethey
toldmey ou'
reokayIcouldn'tbel
iev
eittil
lI
start
edseeingitwit
hmyey es.
Me:
YesI
'
m her
eMommy
,ri
ghther
e

Mom: Youar
eheremychil
[Link]
eal
l
yokay
?
Seei
ngthaty
ou'
reinawheelchai
r.

Isadl
ythr
owmyey
esdown.

Me: Theacci
dentdamagedmyjoint
s.I
'm
paraly
zedIcan'
tevenwalknormoveanyofmy
bodyparts.

Isni
ff
led.

Me:Ekar
egankakekatl
holaketsamay
egape
l
emaotowame(Idon'
tthi
nkI'
ll
beabletowal
k
agai
n)
Tear
swer
eatt
hev
ergeofcomi
ngout

Mom: Nongwanakaskabuaj al
otlheng
[Link] lat
samaya
gape.(Nomychi l
ddon'tspeakl
ikethat
.Have
fai
ththatyou'
regonnawalkagain.
)

Me: M-mm akenatumeloelekanengt otaMma

(Idon'
thaveenoughfai
th)andmyl ifewillonl
y
getwor sefr
om her
eon.I
'l
lbevulnerableand
dependantonpeopleagai
nasi fI'
m al i
tt
le
i
nf ant
,imagi
ne.

Shemadeapi
ti
ful
lookasshegr
abbedmyhand.

Mom: AhLat
oy amaantrustGod'
[Link]
f
avoursusall
,Otl
agof odisa(
He'
llheal
you)al
l
youneedtodoisbel
iev
e.
Icoul
dn'
tst
opcry
ingshepul
l
edmei
nherar
ms
andki
ssedmyforehead.

Mom:It'
[Link]
'sgonnabe
okayj
ustbel
iev
[Link]
oveyousomuchI 'l
lal
ways
beher
etosupporty
[Link]
bemade.

Ifel
tmuchbetterbei
ngembr
acedbyherand
heari
ngthosewordscomefr
om her
.Amot her
's
l
ov ei
sindeedevery
thi
ng.

Voi
ce:
Mama

Shequi
ckl
ybr
eakst
hehugandgasps.

Mom:
Keke!
Lat
oya:
Ngwanamme!(
Sist
er!
)

Sher
unsandgi
vesMom ahugt
henl
ast
lyme.

Keke:
Dumel
ang

Me:
Dumel
a

Mom:Whendi
dyouleave?Kel
ebogi
l
e!Di
dyou
l
eav
emyhousebyit
self
?

Keke:
It'
ssaf
eMama

Mom:Saf
e?Aowa!Pr aytheydon'
tbreaki
nand
Il
osemystuf
fsespecial
l
ydi Tupper
waretsame
orelseal
lhel
lwi
ll
breakl
oose.I
'
llki
l
lyou
i
nsteadyou'
ll
see.

Kekel
aughs.

Mom:
EeI
'
m notpl
ayi
ngwenaKeke

Me: MamaandherTupper war

[Link]
whendidy ourhai
rgetsocol
ourf
ul?Doest
he
schoolconductal
lowsit
?

Mom: I
jooKekelebochommi
ebagagwear
e
bul
l
yingteacher
s.

Keke:
Mmaasennet
e(i
t'
snott
rue)

Mom:
Wel
lthat
'st
heonl
yexpl
anat
ionf
ort
hem
t
oal
l
owt
hosesev
encol
our
siny
ourhead.

Keke:
(chor
tl
es)Eheee.

Il
ookedather
.

Me:
Wher
edoy
oust
ay?

Keke:
Kaseo(
Aboutt
hat
..
.)

Shetangl
esherhandsi
nfr
ontandstepsback
gl
ancingatt
[Link] squi
ntsherey
es
l
ooki
ngbehindme.

Mom:
Who'
sthat
?
Me:
Mang?

Icoul
dn'
ttur
nmyheadandsee

Keke:He'[Link]'sbeen
taki
ngcareofbothyourdaught
ersand..
.he'
s
thereasonyou'
reherewhenyoucouldn'
t
recei
vehelpbackinMmamet l
hake.
Nowyou'
rei
napr
ivat
ehospi
tal
recei
vi
nggood
car
eal
lonhi
sbi
ll
s.

Mom:Aowmosimanepl
easecomef
orwar
d.
Comecomecome.

Iheardhi sf
ootst
epsandhest
oodinfr
ontofmy
mot [Link]
osedhi
shandpl
acing
[Link]
smomentir
kedmeso
bad.
Mom: Ngwanamot homayGodbl essy ou
abundantl
yandunst oppablyforwhaty ou've
doneforthePi l
anefami l
y.I
nthiswor ldwel i
ve
i
n,it
'ssoraret ofi
ndgoodSamar i
t anslikey ou.
..
i
tdoesn'tevencompl eteasingl
ehandt ospot
[Link]'reheredoingwhaty [Link]
youanddon' [Link] eall
ybl ess
youashowy ourheartis.

Buzwe:Thanky ouMathosearereall
y
wonderful
wor [Link]
n'
tnothi
nggoldenlike
recei
vi
ngblessingsf
rom agrat
efulparent
.

Isni
ckerasIr
oll
myey
[Link]
ooksatme.

Buzwe:Wel
lIguessIhav
[Link]
sohav
ea
si
stert
ocheckonthesamehospi
tal
.
Mom:
Ohshe'
sal
soadmi
tt
ed?

Buzwe:
EyaMme

Mom:
Ohai
tsamay
asent
lengwanaka(
gowel
l
)

Buzwe:
Keal
ebohaMme(
Thanky
ouMa'
am)

Mom:
Oamoget
swe(
You'
rewel
come)

Hest
opsandl
ooksatme.

Buzwe:
Lat
oya

Me:
OB!
Ir
epl
yinamostannoy
edt
one.

Buzwe:
Hav
eani
ceone

Me:
Yout
oo.

Heslowlymadehiswayoutwhil
eIeyedhim
wit
[Link]
sheel
smadea
ver
yirr
it
abl
esoundashet ookt
hosesteps.

Keke:
Yout
wobeef
ing?

Me:
No,
hel
lno

Keke:
Ify
ou'
renotbeef
ingt
henar
eyouat
least
dat
ing?

Me:
NoKel
ebogi
l
eno

Keke:
Thenwhati
sitt
haty
ouguy
sar
edoi
ng?
??

Mom:
I'
dbehappyi
fyoudat
e

Me:Mmadon'
tl
ett
hischi
l
dst
orei
deasi
nyour
head.

Mom: Ti
mefli
es,
I'
m gett
ingol
d,y
ougr
owi
ng
andIneedgr
andchi
ldr
en.

Me:
May
bef
rom Kel
ebogi
l
e.
Weallchuckl
edandchat
[Link]
oyed
hav
ingthismomentwit
hthem.

.
.
.

SHEREE
Lesego:
Soy
ousayhedi
dn'
tgeti
n?

Shepassedmet
hesal
t

Me:
Yeahhewasi
nar
ush.

Uncl
e:I
nar
ushwasheokay
?
Me: Hekindalookedbot
heredbysomet
hingbut
Icouldn'
ttel
lfr
om whatexactl
y.

Pear
l:Wei
rd.

Uncl
e:YouknowJozeahasbeendi
stantl
atel
y.

Me:
May
bei
t'
sbecauseoft
hegy
m.

Pear
l:Ort
roubl
einpar
adi
se.

Shesay
ssi
ppi
ngherj
uice.

Lesego:Isohopet
hatgir
lf
ri
endofhi
sisnot
abusingmysonorelseshe'
ll
ruet
hedayshe
wasbor n.
Pear
l:Vi
olai
snotl
i
ket
hatMa

Lesego:Icanseewhenmysoni snothappy.
Canseei tst
rai
ghtthroughhi
seyesbutpi
tyit
's
noteasygetti
[Link]
ddoes
shehaveonhi mthatwecan'tev
enspenda
mereweekwi thhim?Justasawholefamily
.

Uncle:Gr
owthhoney .[Link]'
reacti
ng
exactl
yashowmymot herdidwhenIalso
[Link], he'
l
lcal
lforhel
p
whenheneedsi t.

Lesego:Butnosonofmi newilldieinsi
l
ence
Bryan.I
'
llhavetosurgeinandinterv
eneand
whilewe'
restil
lonthatnotel
etmecheckupon
hi
m.
Uncle:
Soyou'
rebr
eaki
ngt
her
uleofl
eav
ingt
he
tabl
ewhil
eweeat?

Lesego:
Mysonneedsmer
ightnow

Shewal
kedaway
.

Pear
l:It
hinkshe'
sov
err
eact
ing

Uncle:
Don'tworryI
'l
lgosol
vei
[Link]
rl
senj
oy
yourdi
nneralr
ight?

Us:
Thanks.

Hest
andsupandl
eftaswel
l
.
Pear
l:Howaboutwev
isi
tVi
olaandJozl
ateron?

Me:
I'
dlov
ethat

Pear
l:I
'
lll
eav
eyout
opr
epar
e

Assoonasshel eftIdri
ft
edinmyt houghts
peaceful
ly
.Taki
ngi tbacktothemomentOB
[Link]'tgetovert
hatmoment .It
sti
llgi
vesmegoosebumpsandbut ter
fl
ieseven
today.

Ibit
emyl owerli
pasIswi pemyphoneopen
andloggedinonFacebook, sear
chedhim butI
str
uggledtofi
[Link] icked
"Buzwe"Isawfewr esul
tsshowingandcli
cked
[Link]
inwidel
yasIsenthim
thefri
endrequest
.Itwasreal
lyhi
m..
.Ikept
blowingmymout hindroolasIbr
owsed
throughhi
spictur
es.

" :Rememberwhat ev
ery oudoit'l
l
comebackspi tt
ingatuscausey ou'
reunderour
[Link] '
m soov er
protecti
veofy ou
andI'my ettogetwor [Link]
gimmi ckalr
eadyef f
orming,soy oubetternot
fal
lforit.
"

"
Sitandt
hinkabouti
tandi
t'
l
lal
lmakesense.
.."

Me:Nomay bet
hisi
[Link]'
tbe
warnedbysomanypeopl
eaboutthi
syeti
t'
s
r
ight.

Iqui
ckl
ypr
essed"
cancel
fri
endsr
equest
"and
l
aybackonthechai
rcl
osi
ngmyey
esasIt
il
tmy
headabov
e.

Pear
l:Your
eady
?

Sheal
readycamebackchanged.

Me:
YeahYeahwecango

Pear
l:Buty
oudi
dn'
tchange

Me:
Noi
t'
sfi
neI
'
m nol
ongerchangi
[Link]
'sgo.

.
.
.
BUZWE(
OB)
Me:
Mdadi
sto

Kenei
l
oe:
Mdadede

Me:
Uthi
niMdadi
sto?(
Howar
eyousi
ster
?)

Kenei
l
oe:
Ndi
moj
amdadadswena?

Me:Ndimoj
aznam (I
'
m goodt
oo.
)Ibr
ought
yousomegoodi
es.

Shesl
owl
ysi
tsupandwi
nces.

Me:
Takei
teasy
Kenei
l
oe:NoIcan'
tnur
semy
sel
fli
ket
hisor
el
seIwon'
theal
.

Me:Uzophi
ndauz
ithunukeke(
You'
l
lhur
t
your
sel
fagai
n)

Kenei
l
oe:Del
akuf
akal
okumna(
I'
m at
ough
woman)

Me:
Uwheeee.
..

Keneil
oe:Ireal
l
yhopei nt
hoseshoppi
ngbags
ther
e'saplainyoghur
tandacranber
ryj
uice.

Me:Kant
indingubani
mnadahn?(
Whatdoy
ou
t
akemef or
?)
It
aket
hem outandshescr
eams.

Kenei
loe:
Youhav
eal
lmyhear
twenay
imncwi
i
st
rueenasi.

Shecrossesherf
[Link]
l
eandsatdown,
j
ustthenmyphonepi ngs.
I
twasanotifi
cati
ont el
li
ngmeI '
m addedby
Sher
[Link]
yblushbutcoveri
tupf
or
mysist
ernottosee.

Kenei
l
oe:
Ist
hatGomo?

Me:Whuzdat
,whuzdat,whuzdat
,whuzdat
,
whuzdat
..
.acompet
it
ion?
Isangandshebur
stsoutofl
aught
er.

Kenei
l
oe:Ohhhhisi
thowi
tgoesnowhee?
namhlanj
eneh(t
oday?
)

Me:
Ayep-
yep!I
'
m nowt
urni
ngt
oDJSumbody
.

Kenei
l
oe:Ha.
aBuzweawukhor
ightshame.
Whatdidy
ousmoke?

Me:Nothi
ngsi
[Link]
etotel
lyouthatIl
ove
youandI'
l
ldoanyt
hingtosav
eyourli
fevha.

Shef
rownedi
nconf
usi
on.

Me:Don'
tbeconfusedkhangeungayazi
ubaI
l
oveyoumorethananythi
[Link]
t
oexi
stf
utur
egi
rl
fr
iendsorwi
ves.

Shegi
ggl
es.

Kenei
loe:
Hehee!Tl
ool
etsona,
tloletsona
ngwanadaddy(Comewi
thitbr
other)

Igi
ggl
ed.

Me: IswearsisIdon'
twantyoutol
ieinher
e
str
essingandwor ry
ingabouty
ourcondi
ti
on.I'
l
l
getadonorf oryouandit
'l
lbeaqui
ckprocess.

Kenei
l
oe:
Ohhhow?

Me:Ndi
theIdon'
twanty
oust
ressi
ngabout
any
thi
[Link]
ethehow'
sandwho'sandwhy'
s
f
orl
ater
.Nowjustr
elaxandal
l
owf
ory
our
sel
f
t
oful
lyr
ecov
er.

Shesmi
l
es.

Kenei
l
oe:
Okayt
hanky
ou.

Me:
Myhug?

Wehuggedandspentmor et imetoget
[Link]
e
i
twhenwebondandcat chuponal otofthi
ngs.
Ibidherandwentt
owai tforKekeinmycar .I
tookthi
stimet
ocallSpanz [Link].

Spanza:
Mhl
oni
tj
wa

Me:
Progr
ess?
Spanza:Uyanqabagroot
manakalufuni
nakancaneusi
zolukaBaba(She'
srefusi
ngshe
doesn'
twanttorecei
vehelp.
)

Me:Undixel
eleuCi
ji
mpiandut
hiugezel
eki
le
kubaengakholel
wauLatoy
akwizi
ntozesi
ntu.
(Hetol
dmeandal somenti
onedthathewas
i
nsult
ed.)

Spanza:
Kunj
alo(
It
'sl
i
ket
hat
)

Igr
indt
hroughmyt
eet
h.

Me:Wegonnapushherov
ert
heedget
hat
's
whatwegonnadonext
.
Spanza:
Howar
ewegonnagoaboutt
hat
?

Me:All
youneedtodoi
scomet
othehospi
tal
notf
orherbutf
orme.

Spanza:
Fory
ou?

Me:
11pm,
tomor
rowcomepr
epar
ed

Iendedthecal
landmadeanevil
expressi
on
whil
estari
ngatmyref
lect
iononther
earvi
ew
mirr
or.
Myr
efl
ect
ioni
nthemir
rorst
art
edl
aughi
ngat
mei
nanuglyl
augh.

OB:
Feedmemor
[Link]
[Link]
mor
e.
Iremovemyeyesofft
hemi r
rorandgri
pped
hardonthewheel
asIclenchmyey el
i
dsclosed.

Me:(
mutter
ing)Thi
siswhyi
t'
simpor
tantt
o
al
wayscarr
ymypi l
l
s.

Hi
slaughgotmor
elouder
.

OB:I'
my ouandyouar
[Link] e
tabl
etsdotostopusf
rom conv
ergi
ng?I
t'
ll
event
uall
yhappenBOUNDTOhappenBuzwe.

Ishookmyheadr
api
dlyasIst
artt
hecar
.

OB:
Nomat terhowfaryourunyouwon'
treach
t
herace,
you'l
lruni
ncir
clesandall
you'
l
lmeet
i
sYou.

Me:Stop!St
op!St
op!You'
reani
l
lusi
[Link]
away!
!!

Isaybangi
ngt
hest
eer
[Link]
l
es.

OB: SinceIvalueusanddon' twantust odieby

anacci dent,
I'
[Link] his
conv ersi
onsoonert hanlat
[Link] t'
l
lget
mor epainfull
ateronandi t
'll
ripyoui nt
opieces.
Thewor l
dwon' tacceptyouatleastnowIcan
groom y ou.I
'vebeenwi thyouallalong,Iknow
yourt r
ueselfACCEPTI T.

Me:
No.
I
tcur
vesi
tsl
i
ps.

OB:Mayt hebestchar
act
[Link]
herway
youli
keitornot,
you'r
egonnafeedmyt hir
st.
I
'm notgi
v i
ngyoumuchofachoi [Link]
l
lwe
meetagain,myhumanshelter
.

Hel aughsagai
nandIcovermyear
sal
most
runningint
oadogbutIdodgedtot
her
oadsi
de
andr el
axedforaf
ewmi nut
es.
Itakedeepbreat
hstryi
ngtocalm mysel
fand
[Link]
eadyknowwhatcan
calm [Link]
equest.

"Thi
sact
ioni
snol
ongerav
ail
abl
e."

Meaningshecancel
edherf
ri
endrequest
.I
l
aughedfindi
ngitamusi
ngandsendherthe
fr
iendrequestthenwentt hr
oughherpics.I
sl
owl ybutsurel
ycalmeddownandcoul dfeel
myspi r
itsoot
[Link] oozonedinher
pi
cturesthatIcouldn'
tevenreali
zethati
twas
getti
ngdark.I
tlatercli
ckedthatIfor
gotKeke
backinthehospital.

.
.
.

PONEGO(
LATOYA'
SMOTHER)
Doct
or:
Wer
ethosey
ourdaught
ers?

Me:
Yes

Doct
or:
Beaut
if
ull
i
key
ou
Me:Aaahsekat
shamekakanna(
Don'
tpl
ay
wi
thme)

Doct
or:
Ser
ious

Me:
Aowa

Hechor
tl
es.

Doct
or:
Okayl
etmedoaf
ewcheckups

Hehelpedmesitupandpl
acedt
he
st
ethoscopeonmychest
.

Doct
or:
Breat
hei
nandout
..
.inandout
,car
ryon.
Ididsount
ilhest
[Link]
otei
nhi
s
cl
ipboar
d.

Doctor:Yourhear
tregul
ati
onsar
egoodsame
wit
hy [Link]
ngstressi
ngy
ouatthe
moment ?

Me:Noneatalldoct
ormowawameor i
tibet
se
gagol
oandkeitumetsegobonabar
wadiabaka
batl
il
egompieno(mysouli
ssocalmedandI'm
sohappyt
oseemydaught er
scomingtoday.
)

Doct
or:
Aowt
hat
'ssoni
ce.

Me:
Rur
i(Forr
eal
)
Hehandsmef
orms

Doctor
:OhhI
'
llneedy
out
osi
gnandf
il
li
nthose
for
ms.

Me:
Whatar
ethesef
or?

Doctor:Theformsaref ory outoaddy our

personaldet
ailsandy ournextofki [Link]
signat
ureisjustfory
ouv ali
datingyourtransfer
from Mmamet l
haketot hepr ivat
ehospi t
aland
agreei
ngt oourT's&C' swi thallt
hedat esover
thereandstateyourinit
ialsrighthere.

Me:
Okay
.Wher
eshoul
dIsi
gn?

Igothol
doft
hepenandhepoi
ntedwher
eI
shoul
dsi
[Link]
henshr
inkmyey
es.

Me:
Hear
t.
..Whyam Iseei
ngahear
tdonorher
e?

Doctor:It'
sj ustcompul soryf orpeopl ey ourage
whomi ghtbepossi bl
ysuf feringfr om ahear t
diseases.I ny ourcasewest illdoingf ur
ther
diagnosissi ncewhaty ouexper i
encedi smor e
closel
yr elatedt oahear [Link]' r
enotsur e
i
fi tmighthappenagai nbutt hisisf orplacing
youinal istjusti ncase,ifev eritexceedst o
thatwewoul d'v
ebyt henal readyf oundy oua
donor.

Me:
Ohh?

Doct
or:
Yes,
sopl
easemakequi
ckIneedt
ogo
tot
heERimmedi
atel
y.
Iwasreal
lyunsureaboutt
hisbutyetIsigned
ever
[Link]
ngmyi nit
ials,
nameandsur [Link] whenI
gotdoneandhesmi l
edatme.

Doct
or:
Hav
eyour
sel
fagoodev
eni
ng.

Me:
Yout
oodoc.

Iexhal
eandl
aybackt
hinki
ngabouti
t
.
..
>>>Tobecont
inued.
..
27
.
..
BUZWE(
OB)
Icamestormingi
nthehouseaft
erIhad
droppedKekebacki
[Link]
thecupboar
dslooki
ngformypil
lsanddrank
them.
Iplacemyhandsont
hesinkandbentdown
facingi
tasIbr
eat
heheav
ily
.

Mom:
Buzwe

Ist
art
leandt
urnbackl
ooki
ngather
.

Me:
Ma?

Mom:
Youokay
?

Me:
(pant
ing)I
'
m okay
Mom:Youscar
edmeIt
houghti
t'
ssomeone
br
eaki
ngi
n.

Me:
Noonewoul
dev
erdot
hat
.

Shegl
ueshereyesonmet r
ynnaf
igur
eout
somet
hingdodgyaboutme.

Me:
Uwedwa?(
Arey
oual
one?
)

Mom:
YahBhongoi
sout
.

Me:Wel
lgoodni
ghtt
hen.I
'
m hav
inganear
ly
ni
ght
.

Iki
sshercheekandwal
kpassedherbutshe
pul
lsmeback.
Mom: Yi
ma( Wai
t)y
ou'r
enothavi
ngsupper
?
Andkutheni
sowubuyaukhef
uzel
anj
e(whyare
youpanti
ng?)

Me: Icamefrom aj
ogandpleaseMa..
.I'
mtir
ed,
Ineedt osl
[Link]
stomorr
ow
l
ikeIreall
yneedtosl
eep.

Sheexhal
es.

Mom:
Okayf
inet
hen,
[Link]
ght
.

Me:
Night
.

Shefi
nall
[Link]
aightt
omy
room wher
eIbattl
edwit
hmyt houghtsand
emot
ions.

.
.
.

JOZEA
Shestandsinf
rontoft
heTVwhilemy
concent
rat
ionwasont heUEFA.
Ir
aisemyheadl
ooki
ngather
.

Me:
Mayy
oupl
easeexcuseme?

Shesmil
esandt
wir
lsherf
ingeronhersi
l
k
gown.
Vi
ola:
HowdoIl
ook?

Me:Fi
[Link]
oumov
eI'
m wat
chi
nga
game.

Viol
a:Fi
ne?Justf
ine?DoIj
ustl
ookf
inet
oyou
Jozea.

Me:Vi
olaVi
olapleasenotnowokay
?Ican'
t
mi
ssthismatch.

Shef
oldsherar
mswithat
ti
tudeandmov
es
away
.Soonthescr
eengoesoff
.

Me:
Whyt
hehel
ldi
dyoudot
hatf
or!
!!
?

IsnapasIspr
anguponmyf
eet
.
Viol
a:Well
excuseme!!
!Jozeaf
orscr
eami
ng
outfory
ouratt
enti
on.

Ir
ubmyf
aceasImov
emyhead.

Viola:What '
swr ongwi thyou?What '
swiththe
sourmoodev ersincey ougotback..
.you'
reso
moody ,
y oucan'tevenl ookatmeorat l
east
showi nterestinany t
hingIdoi [Link]
didn'teventoucht hefoodIpr eparedJozeatel
l
mewhat 'swrong, hm?

Me:Mxm I
'm goi
ngt
osl
eep,
real
l
ydon'
thav
e
t
imefort
his.

It
akeast
epandshegr
absmeback
Viol
a:I
'
m sti
llt
alki
ng!You'
renotgonnawal
k
awayfrom t
hiswhenI'mtr
yingtogett
othe
bott
om ofit
.

Me:
Viol
a!

Iy
ankmyar
m of
fandcov
ermyf
ace

Viola:
What!What !Spi
titout
!Wear
enot
sleepi
ngwithoutsolvi
ngwhatev
ert
hematt
eri
s,
that'
sbot
heringyou.

It
akeadeepbreat
hasIsi
tdownandf
iddl
e
wi
thmyfinger
s.

Me:
Idon'
tknow(
shr
ugs)per
hapsI
'
m
overr
eact
ingbutIt
hinkmyf
ri
endi
sint
omy
cousi
n,Sheree.

Shef
urr
owsherey
ebr
owsandt
akesaseatnext
tome.

Me: I
t'
sbeenbother
ingmeev ersi
nceyest
erday
.
Ihavenoprobl
em withShereedat
ingbutf
orthe
factt
hati
t'
smyf ri
end,bot
hersme.

Ihuf
fshaki
ngmyheadasIf
aceup.

Me: Ireall
ycan'tstomachthattot hepits.I
t'
s
j
ustt hat..
.Ireadtoomucht otheirbody
l
anguagewhent heyhuggedyester dayatthe
[Link]'
tbeenokayev ersinceandI
thi
nkSher eewill
fall
forhi
m.
(
Sil
ence)

Vi
ola:
Thi
sfr
iendofy
our
s..
.whoi
she?

Me:
OB

Vi
ola:
Pleasepr
ovi
deanameandasur
name.

Me:
BuzweSer
ame

Shesl
owl
yget
supf
rom t
hecouch.

Vi
ola:
(mumbl
i
ng)BuzweSer
ame.

Igl
anceathernot
ici
ngsomet
hingof
fi
shabout
herbehav
iour
.
Me:
Babear
eyouokay
?

Shekeptmumbli
ngOB'snameasshetakes
sl
owstepstowardst
heki
tchenasi
fshe'
lll
ose
bal
anceandfal
ldown.

Me:
Viol
a?

Ial
sost
andupandr
usht
owar
dsher
.Ihel
dher
asshet
rembl
es.

Me:
Baby
?

Vi
ola:
It'
shi
m..
.It
'shi
m..
.It
'shi
m..
.
Me:
Him who?

Vi
ola:
Him.
..I
t'
shi
m.

Icupherf
acemaki
ngherl
ookatme

Me:Babecal
m downandl
ookatme.
..whatar
e
yout
alki
ngabout
?

Shehi
ccupswi
thherl
i
pst
rembl
i
ng.

Viol
a:(stut
ters)Heis..
.He'sthedevil
's
i
ncarnate,he'
st hedestr
uctorthat
'l
lteary
our
famil
yapar t
.OhhhIf eelsorr
yforher.

Iwr
inkl
emyey
ebr
owspuzzl
ed
Me:Vi
olayou'
renotmaki
[Link]
e
yout
alki
ngabout?St
opspeaki
nginri
ddl
es!

Frustati
onswereonmyhighestpeakandshe
didn'tmakethi
ngsanyeasi
[Link]
shiveri
ngandIshakeheri
mpat i
ent
ly.

Me:
Hey
!Hey
!Hey
!

Vi
ola:
Ifeel
sorryf
orherIr
eal
l
[Link]
ov
ercomesit.

Shewhisper
sandr ubsherar
m wer
eIhadmy
ti
ghtgr
[Link]
ethergoandconti
nuest
ari
ngat
her,
aknockdist
urbsusandsoonthedoor
opens.
Pear
l:Br
other
!!

Sher
ee:
Joz

Theyst
opandl
ookatus.

Sher
ee:
Isev
ery
thi
ngal
ri
ght
?

Me:
Yesev
ery
-

Viol
a:Sher
eeohSher
eemygi r
l.I
tist
ime.
..t
he
ti
[Link]
ever
ythi
ngIhadt
oldyoubefor
e.

Pear
l:What
..
.?
Me:ExcusemeI
'l
laccompanyhert
otheroom.
Youguyscameatabadti
meshe'snotokay.

Pear
l:NoletgoboeteI
'
llhel
[Link]
ly
whatwil
lcalm her
.

Me:
Pear
l.

Pear
l:Tr
ustme,
please

Me:
Okay

Imadespacef
orher
.Shet
ookVi
olai
nherar
ms.

Pear
l:Comel
et'
sgowat
cht
hisamazi
ngl
i
ve
per
for
manceofSi
s'Zonke.

Hereyesbri
ght
enupandshewasbackt
othe
Vi
olaIknow.

Vi
ola:
Youhav
eit
?

Pear
l:YesIdownl
oadedi
tknowi
ngt
haty
ou'
d
l
oveit
.Come.

Theyl
eft
.Vi
olat
ookashortgl
anceatusand
fr
ownedbef
oretheywer
eoutofsi
ght.

Isi
ghheav
il
yasIsatdown.

Me:I'
m goingt
hroughalotri
ghtnowandwhen
she'
sinthatst
ate,Ij
ustdon'
tknowwhattodo.
Sher
ee:Haveyouguy
sspokenaboutherhavi
ng
agif
t?It
hinki
t'
swhatshe'
sexper
ienci
ngri
ght
now.

Imov
ebackst
ari
ngathercar
eful
l
y

Me:
Viol
ahasagi
ft
?

Sher
ee:
Shedi
dn'
ttel
lyou?

Iplacemyhandsonmynosebr
idget
henl
ock
them behi
ndmyhead.

Sher
ee:
[Link]
dn'
tmeant
o..
.
Ir
aisemyf
oref
ingert
osi
l
enceher
.

Me:
Ithi
nkIneedabr
eat
her
.

.
.
.

BUZWE(
OB)
Taki
ngmymedi cati
onIt
houghtI
'
dbebet
terbut
i
nsteadIgotworse.
Ikepttossi
ngandturni
ngi [Link]
dn't
sl
eepnorkeepst i
ll
.Iwashav i
ngar eal
terr
ibl
e
fi
tthatitwasevendif
fi
cultformet obr
eathe.
Somet hi
ngwascompr essingmedeepi nsi
de.
Iwasgr
oaningandcr
y i
nginagonyasIhel
dmy
tummy,
it'
swhereIf
eltthesever
espasm
comi
ngf
rom.

Me:
(gr
oani
ng)Ahhhh!
!!Fuck.

Isl
ideupbitbybi
t,bi
tbybi
tti
l
lIr
eachedmy
phoneonthesidetabl
e.
Iscr
oll
edupt
ocal
lmyt
her
api
st.
Suddenlyvei
nsbeganpoppi
ngonmyar msand
t
heyspreadfast
erthanIt
hought
,par
aly
zingme.

Me:
Whatt
hef
uck!

Li
keel
ect
rocut
edIdroppedmyphonedownand
hadasei
zur
erightt
hereandt
henti
l
lIbl
acked
out
.

Mi
nut
esl
aterIshootmyey
esopenandbl
i
nkf
or
[Link]
tupandmadeaweak
conni
vi
ngsmile.

Ist
oodupandchangedmycl ot
hestoal
lbl
ack,
andaddedal
eat
herjacketontopofmyout
fit
.

Icrouchedandpi
ckedmyphoneont hefl
oor
.I
pressedexi
tonMissA'
scontactandinst
ead
call
edSpanza.

Spanza:
Mhl
oni
tj
wa

Me:
It'
sti
me.

Spanza:
Hel
l
o?Am Ist
il
lspea-

Me:
Yeboy
imi
lov
[Link]
sabangenaneh?
Ungashaywasi
s'khat
hi.(
Yesi
t'
[Link]'
rest
il
l
doi
ngthisdon'
tbelate)

Ihangupandgiggledwhi
l
etaki
nghol
dofmy
charcoal
sungl
asses.

Me:
Azi
she!

Isaystar
ingatmy sel
font
hemi r
rorandthen
l
eftthehousetogogetinthecar
.Iplayed
somemusi cinsi
de.

Bat
hif
ir
stt
hrow(
yebo)
Awwbat
hiy
ebox2
Awwfi
rstt
hrow(i
Pianosi
yarocka,
siy
arocka
awwwozas'pl
an'
einombol
o)
Awwy
ebo(
Kodwadai
l
ymany
orawozas'
pl
an'
e
i
nombol
o)
Ngi
thi
fir
stt
hrow(Aci
dJakesispinanj
enge
zwi
nkisi
yar
ock'
adlal
isi
Kingsure)
Awwy
ebo(
Ahy
ho)

Ngekebabuy
enomabengezabebani
ngi
Si
l
okhusi
thul
esi
bheki
l
eawwungekeni
weak'
i
.
7day
sngev
iki
,Sel
'
ji
ki
lei
vi
li
uMt
hudauJohnWi
ck,
avut
heamangav
iki
I
yhoo!

Ni
ngazeni
vume,
kodwangekeni
buy
ex3
Ngekeni
buy
eni
nax2

Iparkedatt
hehospit
alandopenedthe
glov
eboxinthecar
,taki
ngoutasyri
ngeanda
dr
ugt
henwentoutt
oent
ert
hehospi
tal
.

Iwal
kedt
othewar
dwhil
eMotaunghadan
ar
gumentwi
thMmePi
lane.

Ponego: OhhhngwanakeI 'm gratefult

hatyou
camejusti nti
[Link] smanher ewantst otake
meonanoper ati
[Link]'tagreeon
havi
ngt heoper at
ionandIdon' tneedany
operat
[Link] engy onakest roke
fel
a,oper at
iony aeng?kalebakal efe?(The
onl
yprobl em Ihaveisstr
oke, operati
onf or
whatreason? )

Mot
aung:
Mmey
ousi
gnedaf
orm.

Ponego:
Aformtowhichyoudidn'
tev
enexpl
ain
tomewhatit
'sal
labout
,al
lyoudidwast
orush
met
osi
gn.

Mot aung:Ei
therwayyoursi
gnat
urei
sther
ein
black&whi t
eagreei
ngforyoutohav
ethis
surgery.

Ponego:
Ong'bhay
zit
se!Ong'
bhay
zit
se!
!!(
You
fool
edme!!
)

Shecr
iedl
ooki
ngathi
mthenatme.

Ponego:
Ong'
bhay
zit
se(
Hef
ool
edme)

Ismi
l
edatherweakl
y.

Me:
Am Ij
usti
nti
me?
Shenodswhil
ewipinghert
ear
sof
[Link]
owermy
shadeshal
fwaydownandmadeanevill
ook.

Me:
Wel
lI'
m sor
ryI
'
m her
eforot
herr
easonst
oo.

Ponego:(
breat
hless)Or
aa.
..Or
aa.
..Or
aaeng?
(Whatdoyoumean)

Iwalkedtoherdri
pandfir
stlyinf
ilt
ratedthe
druginthesyr
ingetheni
njecteditinsidethe
dri
p.

Ponego:Lat
oya!Thuseng!Thuseng!(
Hel
p!)
Ohhhh.

Sheweepsassheshakesher
sel
font
hebed.I
standi
nfr
ontofherf
oldi
ngmyar
msandgl
are
atherwit
hadirt
ysmile.

Me:
In5,
4,3,
2..
.

Shestopsscr
eami
ngandshaki
ngher
sel
f.
Tear
sf el
lont
hesi
desofherey
es.

Ponego:
(inunder
tone)Tel
lLat
oyaIl
oveher
,
samewithKeke.

Me:
Iwi
l
lohIwi
l
l

Iwhisperbacknoddingmyheadrepeat
edl
yasI
closemyey [Link]
eaned
forwardandkissedherf
orehead.
Me:Robal
akaKgot
so(
Resti
nPeace)Mme
Pooni
e.

Ibr
ushherhai
rbackandsmi
[Link]
ookat
Motaungwhowasshookandhadtear
sonhi
m
ashecover
edhismouth.

Me: AwwMotaungdon'
tbeakitt
[Link]
ob
easyfory
[Link]
lhav
easur ger
y
ahead,manup!

Idust
edmyhandsont
opofher
.

Me:She'sknockedof
fyoucanst i
l
ldot
he
sur
[Link]
'sasuccess.

Isl
am hi
sshoul
derandl
eft
.Iwal
kedouton
Spanzaf
reezi
ngont
hedooraswel
l
.Ichuckl
ed.

Me: Wassupwit
hyouniggas?Youwer
eableto
shootmysist
er3bull
etsandnowyou'
reshaken
bythisl
ousyact
?Yougot t
abewaybett
erthan
that
.

Hewassti
l
lfr
ozeni
nshockwi
thhi
smucuson
di
spl
ay.

Me:
Youshoti
t?

Henods.

Me:Makesureyoucr
opMot
aungoutofi
tify
ou
don'
twannabenext
.
Il
eavehimther
eandwentinmycar
.Iwor
emy
shadesonandresumedpl
ayi
ngt
hesongon
hi
ght hi
sti
me.

Khushubi
l
ekubomv
uforl
ent
wanaey
'ncane
Uban'
uMal
umehahmanj
ekhul
umani
x4

.
.
.

KEKE
If
rowni
npai
nasIhel
donmychest
.

Me:
(cr
ying)Mama!
!!
!Mama!
!!
Icoughr
oughl
yandchoke.

Me:
Mamaj
ohhh!

If
eltsomeoneshaki
ngme.

Li
zo:
Keke,
[Link]
t'
sjusta
dr
[Link]!Wakeup.

Isi
tupandcoul
dsti
llf
eelthesameunbearabl
e
pai
ninmyheart
.Icoughedandcont
inued
sobbi
ng.
Li
zograbbedmei
nahugandwi
pesmyal
ready
wetf
ace.

Li
zo:
Sshhhit
'sgonnabeal
ri
ght
.It
'sj
ustabad
dr
eam i
t'
sgonnabeokay.
IshakemyheadasIt
ouchmychest

Me:Peloy
ame..
.(scrat
chyv oi
ce)peloy
amee
bot
lhokot
otamma, ebotlhoko!
!!!(
Myhear
t.
..
myhearti
spai
nful,
it'
sreall
ypainful
)

Ibr
eakdownandsi
nkonherchest
.

Li
zo:
Ssshh,
doy
oubel
i
evei
npr
ayer
?

Me:I'
ddoany
thi
ngt
oeaset
hispai
nI'
mfeel
i
ng
r
ightnow.

Li
zo:
Comel
et'
skneel
.Let
'st
alkt
oGod.
Shehel
dmyhandsandwebot
hknel
tdownand
pray
ed.

.
.
.

LATOYA
Iwokeupearlyinthemor ni
nginoneofmy
great
estmoodst [Link]
mebat he,
eatthenlastl
ytakemymedicat
ion.
Shehelpedmegobackonbed.

Me:
Uhm nur
se

Nur
se:
Yes?
Me:
Canyoupl
easedomeaf avourbytaki
ng
metomymom'[Link]
eel
li
keseeingher.

Nur
se:
Youf
eel
li
keseei
ngher
?

Me:
Yespl
ease.

Shel
ookedatme.

Me:
[Link]
ett
ypr
ett
ypl
ease.

Nur
se:Okayfi
ne.I
'
llgof
etchawheel
chai
rand
t
akeyoutoyourmother
'swar
d.

Ismi
l
e
Me:
Thanky
[Link]
il
lrememberherwar
d?

Nur
se:
Ido.I
'
llbeback

Me:
Okay
.

Shewalkedout .Andlat
ercamewi tha
wheel
chairalongwi t
hamal [Link]
hel
pedplacingmei nthewheelchairanddrov
e
metomymot her'
sward.

Whenwegott her
ewesawherbedcover
ed
wit
hawhitesheetandi
tdidl
ookl
i
kether
e's
somebodybeneatht
hesheet
.

Nurse:
Wherear
ethedoct
ors?Luzukogof
ind
someone.
Me:(
scof
fs)Wemustdef
ini
tel
ybei
nawr
ong
war
d.

Nur
se:
Idon'
tthi
nk-

Me:
Ther
e'snowayt
hatt
hisi
sG11,
noway
!

Shel
ooksbackatt
hedoor

Nur
se:
Sisi
..
.

Me:
Noway
!!
!

Shehuf
fsandl
ooksathercol
l
eague
Me:
Justdr
ivemecl
osert
oher

Nur
se:
Idon'
tthi
nkt
hat
'sagoodi
dea

Me:Youdon'tt
hink?MothoweeI
'm enti
tl
edi
t'
s
[Link]
ightt
oseeher,sodoi
t
now.

Shecont
inuedst
andi
ngst
il
l.

Me:
Pushmenow!
!!
!

Iyell
andshepushesmeclosert
[Link]
t
racesandpoundsabnor
mall
yasIfel
talump
formingi
nmyt hr
oat.

Me:
(br
eaki
ngv
oice)Pl
easeunv
eil
thesheet
.
Myt
ear
swer
etr
ickl
i
ngdown.

Me:
Pleasedoi
t.

Shesl
owlypeel
sthesheetoffandbythe
minut
eIseeherface,i
sthesamet i
meIblow
outapier
cef
ulscream,cr
yingmylungsout.

Me: I
jooooohMmaaaa!
!!Mamat soga,t
soga!
!!
(wakeup.)Oresi
alemang!??Retlabaeng
kontl
egowena?( Whoareyoul
eav i
nguswith!
?
Whatwi l
lbecomeofuswit
houtyou?)

Iwast r
emblingsobadlyinthewheelchai
r
wantingtotouchherandhugherf orthel
ast
ti
me, st
il
lindisbel
i
efthatshe'
[Link]
nurseheldmebackandwentt ocoverher.
Whil
eshewasdoingthatIfor
ceful
l
ymoved
mysel
fonthewheel
chairbutendedupf
all
i
ng
ov
erwithi
tonthefl
oor.

Me:
(cr
ying)AaahhhhhMamakgut
lay
ooowi
!!
!
(
Comeback)

Thephy sicalpainisnothi
ngcompar edtowhat
I
'mf eeli
ngr i
ghtnowf orlosingmymot her
.Just
yesterdaywewer echatti
ngni cel
yandhadf un
withhercomf ort
ingme, yetitwasallagoodbye.
I
'l
lnev erhealfrom thi
sloss.
.
..
>>>Tobecont
inued.
..
28
.
..
LATOYA
Wewereamess,acomplet
[Link]
ies
t
oredeepinev
ery
onewhowasamongstusin
t
heroom aswevi
ewedourmot
her'
sbody.
IcalledKekeandt oldhertocometot he
hospi talandbr
oket henewstoherofour
mot her '
spassi
[Link]
d..
.
Icoul dn'tst
andli
steni
ngtohercri
esandI
under standcauseshewasmor eclosertomom
[Link]' tknowhowwe' r
egonnacope
from her eonwit
houther.

Timeformet ocryisnowov er
.Ihaveverybig
shoestofi
ll
andt here'
safuneralt
oplan.I
'l
l
l
eaveallt
hecryi
ngf orKekebutnowIhav eto
makesurethatthingsaremoving.

Me:
Keke.
..Keke.
..
Shewasst
il
lsobbi
ng

Me: Kekemyl [Link]'r

e
[Link] enori
ghtto
controlhowweshoul dmournforourmother
.
Butcr y
ingfor
everisn'
tgonnawork,wehavea
funeraltopl
an.

Shesni
ff
sconti
nuousl
yasshewi
pesherf
ace
andhi
ccups.

Me: Fi
rstthingwehav et odoi
scal l
thefamil
y
andletthem [Link] artmaking
clai
mst ot [Link] youhavetoget
myphoneundert hepi l
lowandscrollt
hrough
mycont acts,we'l
lmaket hefi
rstcal
ltothe
family
.
Shest
oodupandt
ookmyphoneundert
he
pi
ll
ow.

Keke:(
sni
ff
s)Sowhatwi
l
lhappent
omeand
thesaf
ehouse?

Me:You'
llhavet
otellObakengwhathappened.
ButwhatIknowisthatyou'
regoi
ngbackhome.

Shenods.

Me:Diff
icul
tpartisthatI'
m stuckhereIcan't
mov enordoany t
hing.(sigh)Butdon'tworr
your
cousinwil
lbethere,we'll
[Link]'s
gonnatakeadvantage, we'l
lalwaystalkt
hrough
thephoneandI'l
ldirectyouwhaty oushoulddo.
Sheshakesherheadwi
tht
ear
s.

Keke:
Ist
il
lcan'
tbel
i
eveshe'
sgone.

Me:It
'ssounreal
[Link]
stl
ost
That
onowi t
'sher.
..we'
velostal
lourpi
ll
arsI
'
m
sosaddenedbyhowt hi
ngsare.

Isi
ghheav
il
yasmyv
isi
onwer
esoonbl
urr
edby
mytear
s.

Me: Wehavenoot herchoi

cebuttoonl
yr emai
n
st
rongforoursel
[Link]'vegotnooneelseas
oftodaybutj
ustus.

.
.
.

BUZWE(
OB)
Iwokeintheear l
yhour
soft
hemorni
ngsit
ti
ng
i
nt heki
tchen,gazi
ngatmymedi
cati
oni
nmy
handandscr at
chedmyhead.
Iopenedthecontai
nerandt
ookonet
abl
etout
star
ingatitcl
osel
y.

Me:
Somet
hingi
sdef
ini
tel
yof
f.

Ipi
ckmyphoneanddi alMi
[Link]
ime
topickandIhearshuf
fl
esf
ir
stbef
oreshe
speaks.

Mi
ssA:
(sl
eepyt
one)Ser
ame
Me:
Ander
sonI
'
m sor
ryt
owakey
ou

MissA:
Nopr
obl
em y
oual
readydi
[Link]
'
s
up?

Me:
Isi
tpossi
blef
orust
omeet
?

Mi
ssA:
Fort
her
apy
?

Me:Act
ual
l
ymoret
hanther
apy
.It
'sj
ust
..
.we
hav
etomeeti
t'
sur
gent
.

Shegoessi
l
entmor
eli
ket
hinki
ngabouti
t.

Me:
Soy
oukeenoni
t?
MissA:You'
rel
uckyIhav
enohubbynextt
ome
oraboyfi
[Link]'
ll
sendt
helocat
ions
ofanearbyr
est
aurant
.

Me:
Thanky
ousomuchI
'
dreal
l
yappr
eci
ate
t
hat
.

Mi
ssA:
You'
rewel
come

Me:
Wil
lseey
ou

Mi
ssA:
Shar
p.

Weendedthecal
landIj
umpedonit
i
mmediat
[Link]
abbi
ngmykeysnotf
orget
ti
ng
t
hepi
ll
sonmyhand.
"
Buzwe"

Me:
MaI
'
mrushi
ngsomewher
e

Mom:
You'
renotev
enhav
ingbr
eakf
ast
?

Me:
It'
l
lhav
etomi
ssme.

Mom: Hayi
boyiwet
huuzi
boni
l
eba
awunxi
bangakhona?(
Doyoureckont
haty
ou'
re
notdr
essed?)

Me:
EishEi
shMa.
..

Iturnedandrushedstrai
ghttomyroom to
changei nasweaterandsweatpant
[Link]'s
textalr
eadygotinofthelocat
ionwher
ewe' r
e
supposedtomeet
.It
henj
oggedmyway
downstai
rs.

Me:
Don'
twai
tuponme!

Mom:
Buzwe!

Iwasal
readyoutandgoti
nmycaranddr
ove
st
rai
ghttother
estaur
ant
.
IknewI'vedonesomet hi
nglastnight,
judging
bythetimeIr egai
nedmyconsci ousandf eel
ing
real
[Link] mpactedon
themeds. .
.I'
m afr
aidinsteadofthem helping
mesust ainmysani t
yitdoesquitetheopposi te.

.
.
.

PHEZI
SA
Bhongocameandj
oinmeasIpr
epar
ed
breakf
ast
.

Bhongo:
Mor
ning

Me:
Mor
ningbaby

Heki
ssedmebef
orehesatdown.

Bhongo:
Seemsli
ket
odaywe'
rehav
ingsome
yummybreakf
ast
.

Me:
YesIhav
etot
akecar
eofy
ou.
Bhongo:
OBi
sjoi
ningus?

Me:
Andi
qondi
(Idon'
tthi
nkso)

Bhongo:
Ngobakut
heni
?(Whynot
?)

Me: Ey
yhonestlyIdon'tknowwhat'
sgoingon
withhi
mlatel
[Link]'
sgoi
ngthrougha
l
otandwhenIt rytofindoutwhatexact
lyis
goingon,
heav [Link] ustget
sbusynjee
evenwhenthere'snoneedt o.

Bhongo:Uci
ng'
bamhl ambi y
il
entoy al
edonor
emenzaangabambeki tuu?(Doy outhi
nk
perhapsi
t'
sthedonorissuethatkeepshim
busy?)
Ishr
ug.

Me:
Ingenzeka(
Itcoul
dbe)

Bhongo:Haykodwanawehowcoul dyouoff
er
your
selfwi
thoutconsi
der
inghi
sfeel
ings?

Me:Whynotof
fermy
sel
fforumnt
anawam (
my
chi
l
d?)

Bhongo:Andwhosechil
disBuzwe?Wouldy
ou
dothesamef orhi
mifevert
hesit
uat
ionwas
vi
ce-v
ersed?

(
Sil
ence)
Bhongo:Yeti
t'
seasyforyoutotaker
ash
deci
sionswhereBuzweisnotconcer
ned.

Me:
Bhongoi
tisnotl
i
ket
hat
.

Bhongo:Ingxakiiqalapha, kungabat handi

ngokuli
nganay oabant wanabakho.( Probl
em
begi
nswheny oudon' tl
ovey ourchil
dren
equal
ly.
)All t
hesey earsyouhav en'
tbeenin
Buzwe'
[Link] hambei khul
iswa
ukhonawat hinangokuemdal awafunda
uzi
khuli
sa( Thatboywasr aisedbyot herpeople
whil
styouwer ether eevenwhenhewas
maturi
nghel earnedt ogroom hi mself.
)That
al
onegivesanyper sonar easont obeangr y.

Bhongo: Phi
ndengoku(Again)you'r
eagreei
ng
tofi
xthingsthensaystuffsl
ikethatasi
fyou'r
e
nottr
ulymakingupf orthoseyearsyouweren'
t
t
her
e.

Me:IdoBhongoIr
eall
[Link] I
supposedt
odo?Iapol
ogi
zekeifI'
m wrong.

Bhongo: You'r
eapologizi
ngt othewrongper son.
Speakt oBuzweandmakehi mf eel
li
kehe
matters,andmakesur ey oudomeany our
apol
ogy .Ifyou'
redoingitforthesakeofeasi ng
thetensionbetweeny outwot henyoumi ghtas
wellforgeti
t.

Heshif
tsandf
ocusesonhi
[Link]
r
ings.

Me:
Hel
l
o?
Call
er:Hi,we'
recall
ingfr
om thehospitalt
olet
youknowt hatyourdaughterhasgotadonor
andwe'reinapr ocessofdoingthetr
ansplant
.
Asfami l
yweur gey out
opleasebear oundby
theti
mewest artwitht
heprocedure.

Me:Sayy
oulie!Uhm (
clear
sthr
oat
)sor
ryI
meanwe'
llbether
e.

Cal
l
er:
Okaywe'
l
lseey
ou.

Me:
Yaht
hanks.

Il
oweredmyphoneandscr
eamedi
n
exci
tement
.

Bhongo:
Andt
hen?
Me:Allourprobl
emsar [Link]
loehasgot
adonorsot hey'
regoi
ngt hr
oughwi t
hthe
sur
[Link]
justcal
ledsayingweneed
tobethere.

Bhongo:
Wowt
hat
'sgood.

Me:
Indeedt
hankGodI
'
m sor
eli
eved

Bhongo:ThankOBt
oohesai
dhe'
l
lmaket
hings
happen.

Me:YahnehIhavet
othankhi
[Link]
eal
l
y
car
esIshoul
dn'
thavebeent
oohar
donhim.

Bhongo:
Iguessi
t'
sti
met
ogoseeourdaught
er
t
hen.

Me:
Yahl
et'
sgo.

Iwentt
ofet
chmybagandwel
eft
.

.
.
.

LATOYA
Iwassti
llly
ingt her
ethinkingofall
our
memor i
eswi thmymot [Link]
sway
beyondshatteredwhenIt hi
nkofhowthisli
fe
thi
ngwillbewi t
houther .NomatterhowhardI
tri
edtoholdbackt hetearsbuttheykept
comingti
llIgotmy sel
[Link] lt
his
hust
le,
Ididi
tforherandmysi
sterbutnow
she'
sgone.
I
twill
justonl
ybemeandKekeandt
hatmeans
I
'
llhavetochangemyway
sandli
veadecent
l
i
fe.

If
acet
hecei
l
ingwi
tht
ear
scl
oudi
ngmyey
es.

Me: Whycoul
dn'
tyouat l
eastgivemeawarni
ng
Mma?Why ?Whydiddeathhav etost
eal
you
l
ikethatwhenweleastexpectit
.Youwerefi
ne
youseemedcompl et
elyfi
ne!WhyGod?Whydi d
youtakeherwi
thoutgivi
ngherachancetosee
asingl
echil
dofherssuccessful?

Ihear
daknockandst
oppedcr
ying

Me:
Kemang?(
Whoi
sit
?)
Voi
ce:
Me.

Me: Spanzapleasegoaway .Idon'thaveti

me
forentert
aini
ngy ouandCiji
whatwhatIhav e
biggerthi
ngstowor [Link]
ustlostaparent
andI '
m mourningIneedtobel eftal
one,I
'm
neverconsideri
ngthatstupi
dityofyoursso
pleasego.

Spanza:
Iknow

Me:
Oit
seeng?(
Whatdoy
ouknow?
)

Spanza:
Ukuthii
Ouladyl
akhol
ibhor
dil
e(That
yourmotheri
sdead)
Il
ostmybr
eat
handbl
i
nked.

Me:
Howdoy
ouknowt
hat
?Whot
oldy
out
hat
?

Spanza:
Akhomuntuungi
tshel
eyongi
zi
bonel
e
ngal
awami amehl
o.(NoonetoldmeIsawit
wit
hmyowney es)

Iopenmymouthandf
li
ckermyl
ashest
aken
abackbyt
hat
.

Me:SpanzaIdon'tt
hinky
ou'remakingsense.
Expl
ainpr
ecisel
yhowcant hatal
ltakeplace,
wit
hyoubeingabletowit
nessmymot her'
s
deat
h?

Spanza:
Ngi
qhagel
aukut
hiangi
nawoamani
ngi
okuni
kaii
ncazeloozi
[Link]
khombisa(IguessIdon'
thavemanywor dsto
giv
eyoualltheexpl
[Link]
showyou.)

Me:
Showmewhat
?

Hetakesouthi
sphoneandplay
sav i
deo.I
qui
cklynar
rowmyeyesasIreal
izeOBandmy
mom lyi
ngther
e.
Shewascr yi
ngandshaki ngherselfi
nbed
seemsl i
keshewascr yi
ngf orhel
pandf orme.I
couldseethecoldnessofOB' seyeswhenhe
i
njectedmymot her'
sdri
[Link] everheinj
ect
ed
onherhadanef fectassheceaseddownand
utt
eredsomethingIcouldn'
thearbeforeshe
passedout.
"
Iwi
l
lohIwi
l
l"

Ishutmyey
eswi
tht
ear
sst
reami
ng

Me:Spanzat
ima,
tima,eti
me!!
!(swi
tchi
tof
f)I
don'
twannaseei
tfur
ther
more.

Mychestheavedupanddownwi
thf
umeashe
swi
tchedoff
.

Me:Soheki
ll
edmymotherj
ustl
i
keheki
l
ledmy
br
other
.Hewon'
tst
opwil
lhe?

Iscof
fed.

Me:Ohhoo!Iwanthi
m deadIsowanthi
shead
ser
vedonaplatt
[Link]
ll
regr
ett
heday
hepickedmeont hest
[Link]'
ll
knowy ou
don'
tstartwarwit
honefrom thestr
eet
sand
thi
nkyou'l
lfi
nishi
t.

Spanza:I
'm her
[Link]
ouwantmet
odo
foryou?

Il
ookathi
m.

Me: Wear econti

nui
ngwi t
hthepl anof
vanquishi
nghim andy ouwon'tbeabl etoful
l
fil
i
[Link]
eIneedCi j
impi here,t
oheal
mebackonmyf eet
.Buzwet hinkshe'sall
the
devi
l t
hatheis..
.wellhehasn'treal
lymetthe
she-devi
l.

Icl
enchmyt
eet
h.
Me:
SpanzagetmeCi
j
impi
asi
nimmedi
atel
y.

Hesmi
l
espr
oudl
y.

Spanza:
Yourwi
shi
smycommand.

Hebowsasheexi
[Link]
ed.

Me:Heehket
lamony
esadaai
bleksem (
I'
ll
showhimfl
ames)

.
.
.

BUZWE(
OB)
Ithel
pedmeet i
ngwi thMi ssAIf inall
ygotthe
clar
[Link] nsoutmypi l
lswer e
tamper edanditleav esnooneel sebutone
[Link] ghtnowI '
m onmywayt osee
[Link]
'sti
met oshootdagger swithdaggersand
dropdownal lthispr etense.I'
m busyf i
ght
ing
formypr ogressandy etshecausedf ormy
setback,notknowi ngal lthi
swhileshe's
tri
ggeringthemonst erinmeandi t'
l
lbediffi
cul
t
toleashitback.

Ist
oodatthedoor
wayi
nherwar
dnotmov
ing
aninch.

Lat
oya:
OB

Me:
Lat
oya
(
Sil
ence)

Me:
Condol
ences.

Shechuckl
ed

Lat
oya:
Sor
ichcomi
ngf
rom y
ou

Me:
Rich?

Latoya:Ithinkit'
stimewepul loutfr
om this
acti
ngcr [Link]' r
ebothagainsteach
other
, we'reenemi [Link] t
ingour
cheeksf r
om al lthefakesmil
es,fakekindness
&caringgest ur
[Link] ou
hatemet oosol et'
sstopbeingcowar dsand
faceeachot herwithaswordonswor d!
Ismil
eandcl
apmyhandssl
owl
yasIwal
ked
towar
dsher
.

Me:Hm!andIwonderwhatcausedy out
obur
st
outandspewsuchanger
-f
il
ledwords.

Latoy
a: Youki
ll
edmymot
herrubbi
[Link]
hink
Iwouldn'tf
oundout
?Wel
lIknowandyou
gonnapay .

Me: Payyousay?Doy out hi

nkyouhav ethe
ri
ghttomakemepay ?Ar en'
tyouashamedof
yoursel
f?You'
rely
ingther eonmybi l
l
s,same
withyourmotherandy oursist
erisundermy
[Link] t
ytotellmethat
I'
m gonnapay.
Lat
oya: Well
Idi
dn'
taskf ornoneofthoset
hings
andI'
m notgonnaforgethowy ouki
l
ledmy
mother.I'
l
lmakesurethatyoupay.

If
rownquest
ionabl
yasIf
oldmyar
m.

Me:Well
whatdoyouthi
nkwasgonnahappen
whenyoutr
iedt
okil
lmysist
er?

Shegul
pedi
nshame

Me: Youthi
nkIwasgonnal etyougetawaywith
i
t?Suchanungr atefulbit
chy ouare.
..eventhe
feel
ingsIhadforyouhadj ustwentdownt he
drai
[Link]
dyouify ouwannadeal wit
hme, deal
withmeandl eavemyf amilyoutofit
.Andwhat
didyoudo?[Link] hinky ou'
resneakyenough?
Shegl
ancedatmewi
tht
ear
yey
es

Me:Yeahy ou'
reri
ght,
it'
saswor donsword
we'
reev ennow!Youwentf ormysist
erandI
wentforyourmother(chuckl
es)andguess
what?Itdoesn'
tj
ustendt her
e..
.

Me: Mysister
'sheartgotaf
fectedaft
erthe
shootoutandguesswhat ?Itookyourmot her
's
heartaswespeaki t'
sgetti
ngimplantedinmy
si
[Link] ourmotheri
sreunit
ingwithher
ancestor
s.

Shebl
ast
souti
nashr
ieki
ngcr
y

Lat
oya:
Nooonoooy
ousonofabi
tch!
!!
!!
Me: (sarcasm)Yeahi ndeedI'
m asonoft he
baddestbi tchoft hem all
.Andit
'sonwho?On
theper sonwhoor chestrat
edthi
swhol ethingin
[Link] dwrongforkil
li
ngy our
brot
herbutast hekarmay oudecidedtobe, you
should'vecamedi [Link] 'v
e
sett
ledt hedr awandwoni [Link]
tbenext ?
Youdeci de, butI'
l
l defendmysel
faccordingly.

Weexchangedast
aref
il
ledwi
thr
age

Me: Iwould'
velovedtocontr
ibut
einthefuneral
butseeingthatR16000wasoncewi t
hdrawn
fr
om mycar dander r
m...RAFisonitsway ,
I
canseeI '
m [Link]
case,haveaniceone.

Iwal
kedawayandst
opped.
Me: Ohhandbyt heway ,
Iknowabouty ou
changingmypi l
[Link] nedyouaboutthe
monst erIam andy ou'
[Link]
thefir
edoesn'tgett oohotforyoucauseyou'r
e
l
efttodeal wi
thit.

Iexi
therwar
dleav
inghert
oswal
l
owt
hathot
pil
l
.
.
..
>>>Tobecont
inued.
..
29
MONTHLATER
.
..
GOMOLEMO
Mymakeupart
istf
ini
shedt
oppingmymakeup.
Per
fect
ioni
swhatIseeandI'
m happywi
thi
tI
hopeIdon'
trui
nital
ongt
heway
.

MUA:I'
veneverwit
nessedsuchbeautinmyli
fe
andgottoenhancei
[Link]
manisaluckyguyandhe'sgonnacrythe
momentheseesy ouwalkdowntheaisle.

Me:Ican'
twaitfort
hemoment,hebet
ter
!
Causehe'
sindeedaluckyguyj
ustl
i
keI'
ma
l
uckywoman.

MUA: Ahthat'
ssobeaut
if
ult
ohear,lov
eis
beauti
ful
[Link]
eaveyou
sati
sfi
edwithmywork?

Me:
Yesdef
ini
tel
y,I
'
m waymor
ethansat
isf
ied
MUA: Great,
don'tf
orgett
orecommendmeto
yourotherassoci
atesandhel
pagir
lgr
owint
he
busi
ness.

Me:
Iwi
l
lgl
adl
ydosohoney

MUA:Ohandpleasel
imitt
het
ear
sI'
dlov
eto
st
areatmyef
fortal
lday
.

Igi
ggl
ed.

Me:AowOloIcan'
treal
l
yguarant
eet
hatbut
okayI
'
llmakesur
enottorui
nthemakeup.

MUA:
That
'sal
lIwant
edt
ohear
.

Shecol
l
ect
edhermakeupki
[Link] andDad
stoodatt
hedoorwat chingusandIbl
ushed
evenmoreseeingthelooktheygav
eme, i
t
showedthatt
hey'r
epr oudofme.

MUA:
Iguessi
t'
smycuet
oleav
e

Me:
Thanky
ouOl
o

MUA:
Don'
tment
ioni
tGomo

Shesmi
l
edandwal
kedt
othedoor
.

MUA:
Dumel
angbagol
o

Them:
Dumel
amor
wadi
a
Shel
eftandmypar ent
swal
kedi
[Link]
ouched
myshoulderst
ari
ngatmeinawe.

Dad:Justl
ookhowbeaut i
fuly
ouaremwanake.
Li
kesomet hingangeli
c,Ii
ndeedr
eali
zeand
acceptt
haty ou'
[Link]'
reaboutt
o
sett
lewit
hy ourownf amil
y.

Me: AahPapalennagakedumel egoreka

mmat otasel
oseseadi r
[Link]
yone.(Ial
sodon'tbel
i
evethi
sishappening.I
'v
e
beenalwaysdreamingaboutit
.)

Mommyt
ookhol
dofmyhand

Mom:Welli
t'
sadream [Link]
sisyour
bi
gdayngwanakathedaywe'vebeenall
wai
ti
ngfor
.Wearesopr oudofyouandthe
decisionyou'
[Link]'
vebeenblessedwit
h
av erypat
ientandl
ovi
ngman,don'tt
akei tf
or
granted.

Me:
GakesekeMama(
Iwon'
t)

Dad:Rememberourdoorwi l
lalwaysbeopen.
Wemi ghtbehandi
ngy ouovertotheZondo
famil
ybutwhenitgetsunbearabl
emychildand
[Link], our
doorwil
lalwaysbeopen.

Mom:
AowaPapashe'
ssupposed-

Dad:NoMat hapelo!Thisismyoneandonl y
chil
[Link] notgonnat eachmychil
dthis
"kgot
lel
la(
endur ance)"t
hingyouwoment each
[Link]'
ttheol
[Link]
daughtermustknowherwor thandshe
shoul
dn'tset
tl
eforany thinglessert
hant hat
.If
yourl
ov el
anguageisn'tservedmychi ldandthe
tr
eatmentisbaddon'tev enthinktwice,t
hedoor
wil
lalwaysbeopenf ory ou.

Il
ookeduptohi
m andhuggedhi
swai
stwi
tha
bi
gsmile.

Me:
Thanky
ouPapaI
'
llal
way
sremembert
hat
.

Dad:
Pleasedomypr
incess

Mom wasabi
tdi
stant
.

Me:
Mma
Mom:
Hmm?

Me:
Ogant
le?(
Arey
ouokay
?)

Mom:
Eyakegant
lengwanaka(
YesI
'
mfi
ne)

Shesmi
l
edweakl
y

Mom: Ijust
..
.Ij
ustcan'
tst
opadmi
ringt
he
beaut
[Link] ookr
eal
l
ybeauti
ful
mychild.

Ichuckl
ed.

Me:Ai
Mamadon'
tmakemesmi
l
eli
ket
his,
t
hankyou.
Dad:Errkeakanyagor
ebathobar
eemet ser
e
tshwanetsegotsamayagonaj
wal
e(It
hink
peoplearewait
ingonusit
'st
imet
ogo.)

Ipatmyhai
rali
ttl
ebef
orest
[Link]
andDadsuppor
tedmebyholdi
ngmyar ms.

Me:
Let
'sgo

Dadcover
edmyf acewit
hthevei
landMom
handedmethebouquetoff
lower
[Link]
h
cl
ungonmewi t
ht hei
rar
msunderneat
hmine.

Them:
Let
'sgo

.
.
.

BUZWE(
OB)
Wemadeourar ri
valt
othevenue.I twasal l
packedandIcanseet hey
'veoutdone
themsel v
es, t
hepl acewascolourful wit
h
beaut i
fuldecorati
onsitl
ookedheav [Link]
pitchedasawhol eSeramef amily
, theywere
i
nv it
edbyMat hapelo&LesleyandIwas
i
ndi vi
duallyi
[Link]
takenbysur prisebythatj
ustlikeyouar e.

If
eltMom'
stouch

Mom:
Behav
e.
Me:
HehakeMamzopl
easecutmesomesl
ack
t
oe.

Mom: Idon'
tknowbutIjusthav
eafeeli
ngof
nott
rusti
[Link]
eny annyanBuzwe
andi
dlal
ibonanj
e.

Me:
Iwi
l
lMaIpr
omi
se

Shegav
emeacer
tai
nlook

Me:
Ipr
omi
se.

Mom:
Suhl
eka!(
Don'
tl
augh!
)

Me:(
chuckl
i
ng)I'm notl
aughingyou'
ret
heone
maki
ngmel aughmzuzul o(t
hismoment)
Mom: I
t'
sbecausey
ouwantt
olaughIj
ustsaw
yourl
i
pscurvi
ng.

If
oldmyl
i
pst
oget
hersur
pressi
ngi
t.

Mom:
I'
m ser
iouspl
easedon'
tdi
sappoi
ntme.

Me:
Iswear
.

Shewal
kedaway
.Bhongohi
tmyshoul
der
.

Bhongo:
Ungasi
hlazi
(Don'
tembar
assus)

Me:
Asoze(
Iwon'
t)
Kenei
l
oe:
Hlazi
yane!

Iburstoutinlaught
erwhenKenebuzzesi
nmy
earaswel l
.Ishookmyhead.

Me:
Mxm ay
ythesepeopl
e.

Theyall
lef
tandIkeptsmi
l
ingandshaki
ngmy
head.

Ramona:Whydot heyalway
sremi
ndy ouof
yourdemeanorev
ersincewegother
e?

Me:
Wel
l
...

Ipeckherl
i
ps
Me:Let
'sj
ustsaytheyknowaboutmyundy
ing
cr
ushfort
hebride.

Shetri
edmov i
nghersel
foffmebutIlockedmy
armtight
lyar
oundherwaistnotgi
vi
ngher
chancetoescape.

Me:
It'
sint
hepast
,tr
ustmei
t'
sint
hepast
.

Ramona:
Letgoofme

Me:
Monanother
epl
ease,
Isai
dit
'si
nthepast
.

Ramona:
Howam Isupposedtobel
i
ev ethat
wheni
tseemsli
keyouguyshavehi
storyand
i
t'
swaymorethant
hat.
Me:I
t'
snotmorethant
hatt
rustmei
t'
sjust
si
mplyi
nthepast
.

Ramona:
DoIl
ookl
i
kesomef
ool
toy
ou?

Me:You'
renotaf [Link]
e
dat
edGomobef oreshe...shekeptonr
ejecti
ng
[Link]' l
lal
waysremain
j
ustthat
,acrush.

Ramona:
Evennowy
oust
il
lhav
eacr
ushonher
?

Me:Noitdi
[Link]
ey ounow,whenImade
amov eonyouIwassti
llv
erysingl
efory
ears.I
l
oveyousomuchRamonaandIt hi
nkIwanna
set
tl
ewithyou.
Shesoft
enedali
tt
leandagli
mpseofsmi
l
e
showcasedonherbeaut
if
ulf
ace.

Ramona:
Youmeani
t?

Me:
Iswearonmyf
ather
'sgr
ave

Shecr
ossherar
msar
oundmyneck

Ramona:Il
oveyout
ooandIwantt
ohav
ea
fut
urewi
thyou.

Ibr
ushedhercheeksandki
ssedher

Me:
Wel
ll
et'
sBonni
e&Cl
ydei
t!
Ramona:
Let
'sBonni
e&Cl
ydei
t!

Wegi ggl
edandkissedoncemor [Link]
l
ipsrepeatedl
yandli
ftherhandclosertomy
l
ips.

Me: Knowt hatwhenwedot hiswe'l

lhaveno
i
[Link] smypast,mychil
dhood
[Link]' l
lri
det hi
stoget
herj
ustyouandme.
ThereforeIdon'twantyouworry
ingabouta
thi
ng.

Ramona:Yourassur
ancemeanstheworldt
o
meandI '
m sopl
easedtoknowthatIhav
e
absol
utel
ynothi
ngtoworr
yabout.

Iki
ssedherhandandl
etgo.
Me:Tr
[Link]
et'
senj
oythi
sdayI
'v
ebeen
meani
ngtoshowyouwher
eIgrewup.

Ramona:
Wasn'
ti
tKZN?

Ichuckl
ed.

Me: Well
Igrewupi
nmanyplaces,per
ksofnot
bei
ngr ai
sedbymymother
.ButIguessoneday
I
'm gonnamaketi
metospeakaboutthat
.

Ramona:
Ohh?

Iki
ssedhercheek
Me:
Comel
et'
sgomi
ngl
ewi
thot
her
s

Wewentt ojoi
nothercompany .SoIdeci dedto
takeonJozea'sofferheoncesuggest ed.I
persuadedRamonaamont hagoandnowwe' r
e
dating,
Ilovehershe'sal
ov elysoul abitfragi
l
e
thoughbutmay beIcanlearnat hingortwo
abouthandlingsomeoneliket [Link]
takeherasmypl usoneont hisev ent
.Ha!And
allIcansayisthati
t'
saboutt obel i
t.

.
.
.

SHEREE
Iwasonanout
ingwitht
hegir
lsandwewere
real
l
yhav
ingf
[Link],Vi
olaandPear
l.I
don'tr
eall
yrememberhav i
ngsomuchf uninmy
l
[Link] eIcomef rom I
wasusedi nli
vi
ngani ndoorli
[Link]
fr
iendsatschoolanditjustendsthereandy et
herewear ehavi
nglatenightdatesjusttolet
l
ooseandbeour selves.

Pearl
:Nevert
ell
Mom aboutt
hisorel
seshe'
s
gonnafr
eakout.

Wel
aughed.

Vi
ola:
Andy
ourbr
otheri
sgonnaki
l
lme.

Me:
Aren'
tyou18?

Pear
l:Dude!HowIwi
sh,
Decemberi
stoof
arf
or
met
ohi
tthel
egal
age.

Me:OowoahViolayouknewaboutt
hisand
you'
real
l
owingforustodri
nkwit
hakid?

Vi
ola:
Thi
sisj
ustl
i
ghtst
uff
s

Pear
l:Yeahl
i
ghtst
uff
s

Theygi
ggl
ed.

Me:
Youguy
s!

Pearl:Relax,
Viohasthebestremediesto
unsloshmer i
ghtawaysotheywon'teven
recognize.
Me:Okayandwhatst
orydowecr
eat
ewhenwe
gobackther
e?

Pear
l:It
rustmypar
tneri
ncr
ime

Vi
ola:
Yeaht
rustmebaaaby
!!
!!

Theyparkedsomewher
eandgotoutt
urni
ngup
thevol
umeandbegandanci
ng.

Iwokeupi
nChr
isBr
own'
sbody
Sohowt
hissh!
ttur
nedi
ntof
reakyFr
iday
Butwegotnochoi
cebutt
otur
nthi
sb!
tch
si
deways
Ican'
tbel
i
evet
hati
t'
saf
reakyFr
iday
Yeahi
t'
saf
reakyFr
iday
I
'
minChr
isBr
own'
sbody

Il
aughedatthei
rdancemovesandtookoutmy
phoneshoot
ingav i
deooft
[Link]
upl
oadonTiktok.

Me:
Youguy
swer
eawesome.

Pear
l:Weknow

Me:
Ahl
i
stent
othat

Viol
a:Youguysbringthebesti
[Link]
er
knewI'mthi
sfreaky.
Me:
Tur
nsouti
t'
sthef
reakyFr
iday

Pear
l:Eeey
aaay
!!
!

Vi
ola:
Beonguar
dmei
sieki
nd

Theyl
[Link]
oggedi
nonFB.

Me:
Feel
sli
kewe'
rei
ncompl
ete

Vi
ola:
YahRamomzwasgonnaheatt
hisout
ing.

Me:
Bestbel
i
evet
hat

Pear
l:Whomeverthisnewguyi
s,i
ssucha
[Link]'trui
nourvi
bel
ikethat
.
Ismil
edanddrankmyci
[Link]
oll
edonmy
newsfeedandi
mmediat
elydropmycandown
spi
ll
i
ngdown.

Pear
l:Wt
fSher
ee!Omgy
our
uinedmyout
fi
t.

Ishakemyhead.

Me:
Itcan'
tbe

Vi
ola:
Whati
sit
?

Me:
Thi
sisnotsupposedt
ohappen

Pear
l:What
?
Me:
Noi
tcan'
tguy
s,shecan'
tdot
hist
ome.

Pear
lsnatchedmyphoneandcheckedwhatI
waslooki
ngat

Pear
l:Whuuuui
t'
sourhomegi
rlcheckhowhot
shei
s.

Vi
ola:
Wowshe'
sgor
geousshet
ookal
lthe
br
ide'
sspot

Icov
ermyf
aceandshakemyheadwhi
l
efaci
ng
down.

Pear
l:Thenwhat
'swr
ongwi
tht
hepi
c?
Icont
inuedshaki
ngmyhead

Vi
ola:
Sher
ee?

Pearl
:Woah,It
[Link]'
sJo'
s
fr
iendwowRamonascor edhersel
fthi
shunk?
Theylooksi
zzl
ingtoget
herandinallt
hatbl
ack
outfi
tdzamn!

Icl
i
ckmyt
ongueandchar
gedaway

Pear
l:Sher
ee,heywai
twher
ear
eyougoi
ng
her
e'sthecar
!!
!

Ii
gnor
edthem andwal
kedf
urt
herawayf
eel
i
ng
ki
ndahur
tandjeal
ous.
Vi
ola:
Sher
ee!Sher
eewai
t!
!

Goshwhyam Ifeel
ingt
hisway
?Iwi
pemyt
ear
s
andcont
inuej
oggingaway.

.
.
.

GOMOLEMO
Lomnt
u,Lomnt
u
Lomnt
u,Lomnt
u
Ngi
hambanay
e
Ngi
hambanay
e[X2]
Ngi
yamt
hat
ha,
ngi
yamt
hat
ha,
ngi
yamt
hat
ha
Ngi
hambanay
e
Ngi
hambanay
e

Ngazengay
ithandanay
iindoda
Nhl
i
ziy
'igcwel
eiy
aphuphuma
I
'
minl
ovewi
thy
ou
Somuchi
nlov
ewi
thy
ou,
yeahy
eah
Bhut
ingi
funaekhay
abakwazi
Yebongi
fun'
abazal
ibakwazi
I
'
minl
ovewi
thy
ou
Somuchi
nlov
ewi
thy
ou,
yeahy
eah
Bhut
ingi
funaekhay
abakwazi
Yebongi
fun'
abazal
ibakwazi
I
'
minl
ovewi
thy
ou
Somuchi
nlov
ewi
thy
ou,
yeahy
eah

Babawezi
nganezami
Wen'
uyi
phakadel
ami
Ngi
thi
akekh'
omuny
eengi
z'bonanay
e
Ngi
thandzawena
Pi
kiPi
kimabel
an
Sel
esel
egent
leman
Youhav
eal
way
sbeenagent
lemant
omebaby
Ngi
thandawena
Idon'
twannal
i
e
Ohmi
nangi
yamt
handaumunt
uwami
Andwi
thouty
ouI
'
drat
herdi
e
Sayy
ou'
remyf
orev
er(
Sayy
ou'
remyf
orev
er)

Wewer edonewiththebeauti
ful
walkandmy
par
entshandmeov [Link] ngat
hi
ml ol
hewaspi nkwithtear
sallov
erhim,I
l
[Link]
edmyf aceandwekept
smi
l
ingateachot
herl
i
ket
hef
ir
stt
imewemet
.

Pastor:Bengi
sacelani
bambanengezandl
a
l
omzuzui bandlal
isehl
i
saumoya(Pleasehol
d
eachothershandswhilet
hecongregat
ioni
s
cal
mi ngdown)

Wehel
deachot
her
'shands

Hlel
o:(mout
hs)Awusemuhl
e(You'
reso
beauti
ful
)

Me:Thanksl
ewenaumuhl
e(y
ou'
real
so
handsome)

Hel
aughssi
l
ent
ly.
Past or
: Bazal
wanephambi kwethusi buswe
bubudl elwanabukaHl el
onkosi noGomol emo.
Silanaukuzof akazaukuhl
anganakwabo
kolusukul uhl
e.(Bret
hrenbef
oreuswear e
blessedbyHl elonkosi&Gomol emo'sbond.
We' reheretowi t
nessthei
runionont his
beaut i
fulday)

Het
urnsl
ooki
ngatus.

Pastor:Av
enibahl
e(Youlookbeautif
ul)nani
bazalwaneni
yancomekanginganikhohlwi(not
for
getinghowbeauti
ful
youareaswel lbrethr
en)

Wehear
dli
tt
legi
ggl
es.

Past
or:
Bef
orewepr
oceedwit
htheservi
ceI
'
d
l
ikef
orust
obowourheadsandtaket
his
momentt
opr
ay.

Wepray
[Link]
nut
esl
atert
he
past
orl
ookedatus.

Pastor:
Befor ewer esumewi t
hthevows.I'
dli
ke
toaskifthere'sanyofy ouwho'sagai
nstt
he
uni
onoft hiscouplet ospeaknoworforev
er
hol
dy ourpeace?

Mychestheav edupanddownasIsl owlyscan

myey esaroundlookingf
[Link]
o
squeezedmyhandsandIr eal
izedt
heywere
sweaty.
..Imadeaf akesmile.

Past
or:
Noone?
(
Sil
ence)

Pastor
:Iguesswe'
l
lproceedt
[Link]
eyou
prepar
edyourownvows?

Me:
Ye-

"Ithi
nkIobj
ectt
otheuni
onoft
hissocal
l
ed
coupl
e"

Peoplebeganmumbli
ngandspokeamongst
themsel
[Link]
nst
ant
lysl
i
demyhandsoffHlel
o
andthepaceofmybreat
hingar
ose.

Me:
Buzweno.
..

Buzwe:
Iobj
ectt
hismar
ri
agebecauseIbel
i
eve
Gomol
emobel
ongst
onooneel
sebutme.

Congr
egat
ion:
[maki
ngi
ndi
nst
ict
ivenoi
ses]

Hewal
kedcl
osert
otheal
ter
.

Me:Whatar
eyoudoi
ngBuzwe?
?Whatar
eyou
doi
ng?
??

Buzwe:It
hinky
ourf
iancédeser
vest
oknowt
he
tr
uth.

Hl
elo:
Whatt
rut
h?

[Link]
cr
ying.
Phezisa:Buzwegobackt [Link]
toyourseatnowmnt anandini!Youpromised
met hatyou'l
lbehav
[Link] eftyourgir
lf
ri
endby
her
sel ff
orcryi
ngoutl oud.

Hef
lasheshi
shandathi
smot
her
.

Buzwe:Shewill
havetowai
[Link]
erythi
ngwill
havet
ost opandwaitf
orwhatI
'm aboutt
osay.

Hel
ooksatHl
eloashest
oodast
epf
acet
o
f
acewit
hhim.

Buzwe:Si
rdon'
ttakethispersonalbutI
'm
savi
ngyoufrom t
hissham ofaweddi [Link]
ty
youalr
eadypai
dLobol abutGomobel ongsto
[Link] eanunforgett
abl
ehi st
oryandan
unbreakablebondsincefr
om ourt
eenageyear
s.
IloveGomoandshel ovesmetoobutshe'
s
beenenjoyingthechaseI'
vebeendoi
ngall
theseyears.

Hechuckl
ed.

Buzwe:Idunnomay beitboost
edheregoor
something.
..ButthenIwasst i
l
lasi
ckpuppy
i
nlovetoevenr eal
ize.

Me:
Buzwegoaway
.Go!

Buzwe:Don'tpret
endi
nfr
ontofpeopl
e,ohno
don'
tbeashamedofmel [Link]'
vealway
s
wantedme, you'
veal
wayswantedmeneary ou
l
ikethi
sclose..
.
Hegrabsmeandhugsmet
ight
.Iscr
eam and
pushedhi
m of
f.

Me:
Stooop!

Hleloal
readythrewapunchathi m andhe
stagger
[Link] orst
oodi nbet
ween
thesemenst oppingthem f
rom whatwil
llook
l
ikeadisastr
ousf ight
.

Hl
elo:
Stayawayf
rom mywi
fe

Buzwe: Ohhhisitawif
ealr
eady?Na-uhmayne
l
ookI '
m notheretofi
ghty
ou, t
hat
'snott
heaim.
You'r
enott heenemytobeginwit
h,youwer
e
nevertheprobl
em.
Hlel
o:Thenwhatt
hehel
ldoyouwant!
!!
?Leav
e
usinpeacet
oconti
nuewit
hourcer
emony.

Buzwe: Iwouldi
fyourfi
anceedi
dn'
ti
nvit
emei n
thef
irstplaceandI'
m her
etoopenyoureyes
l
aait
aka.

Hlel
oimmediatel
yshootsanangr
yglar
eatme
andfort
hefir
stti
meIbecameaf r
aidofhi
m asI
avoi
dedhiseyecontact
.

Buzwe:She'
stheonewho'sbeengoi
ngaround
sayi
ngI'
m obsessedwit
hhermeanwhil
eit
l
ooksli
keshe'sbeenobsessedwi
thmetoo.

Me:
ShutupBuzwe!
!!
Buzwe: YahIevenhaveevidenceofher
pesteri
ngmeov [Link]
comet oherweddi
ng,beggingmet oendmy
rel
ationshi
pwithRamonamygi r
lf
ri
[Link]
babysot hatshecanfi
nall
ymeety ou!

Thecongr
egati
onmademor [Link]
st
ret
chedhishandtohisgi
rl
fr
iendbutshe
st
oodupcryingandranaway.

Phez
isa:
Buzwemaan!

Phezi
saranaf
[Link]
edandhand
thephonet
oHlelo.

Buzwe:Readfory
oursel
fokeandtel
lmei f
you'
resat
isf
iedaf
terr
eadingt
hesetext
sthenI
canbackoffandl
etyouconti
nuewithyour
weddi
ng.

Heclenchedhisteethandgrabbedthephone
readi
[Link]
ngmy
faceinshameasIbi temyinnercheeks
overwhel
medbyf ear
.

Hl
elo:
Ist
hist
rue?I
sthi
str
ue!
!!
!?

Heroaredt
hrowi
ngt
[Link]
andshookmyheadr
api
dly.

Me: (
cryi
ng)No,nohe'sl
yi
ngcan'
tyousee?
He'str
yingtogetbet
[Link]
leastt
hink
aboutourli
tt
leSbani
.

Ihol
dmyt
ummyi
ncasehehasf
orgot
ten.
Past
or:
Haawu!Masi
hlal
eleni
ibi
oskopphel
a

Me:Bel
iev
emebabyhe'
str
ynnabr
[Link]'
t
l
ist
entohim.

.
.
.

LATOYA
Me:
Per
fectt
imet
ost
ri
ke.

Igotupandcov
eredmyf
acewi
tht
heBal
acl
ava.

Spanza:
Lat
oyawai
t-
Idrewoutmygunandshotoneoft het
wo
womenont [Link] el
ldeaddown.I
l
impedchasi ngt
heot heroneabouttopul
lthe
tr
iggerbutIgotpushedandf ir
edontheai
r.

Me:
Bloodysh*
@#!Whatt
hehel
lwast
hatf
or?

Spanza:
You'
remessi
ngt
hisup

Thewomanscr
eamedr
unni
ngbacki
nchur
ch.

Me:Dammi t
!Spanz
awhosesi deareyouon?
Weagr eedt
obeoutforOB'sbloodandthese
weretwoofhisi
mportantwomenandImi ssed
outonone.
Ipi
ckedthegunandslam hi
sbal
l
[Link]
oaned
andfel
ldownonhisknees.

Me:Doshitliket
hatagainandI'
ll
shootsenses
t
oy ourbal
[Link],damnit.
..I
'
lldothi
swit
hor
wi
thoutyourhelpSpanza.

Ili
mpedst r
aightt
othechurchwithtwogunsi n
[Link] thmykneeandf i
red
ashotont heceil
i
[Link] eam
j
oinedinlateronandever
ybodyscreamedand
ranfort
heirli
vesassomehi dunderthechairs.

Me:Don'
tbespoi
l
ersf
orfunI'
mlooki
ngfora
[Link]
seever
ybodydi
es.

IspotBuzweandshoothi
[Link]
lybl
eeds
onhisarm ashegr
[Link]
nued
fi
ri
ngever
ywher
eandIkeptf
oll
owi
ngBuzwe
andwherehehi
dhi
mself.

Me: Todayisy
ourl
[Link]
ld
needssavingfr
om peopl
eli
keyou.

Ishootagai
nasIli
mpandrunafterhi
m.I
conti
nueshoot
ingandt
hebul
letgoesthr
ough
hischestt
hist
imeandhef
all
sdown.

Me:Haha!!
!Iwannast
arest
rai
ghti
nyoureyes
asIendyourl
if
eandshowy ouwho'
stheQueen
now,huh.

Iai
m athi
sheadKenepushedmeandIshotat
someone.
..i
twas.
..
Me:
OhmyGooood!
!!

Gomolemo:Hleeeeeelo!
!!
!Hlelooo!
!!Noooo,
[Link] !
!!Babypleasewakeup!!!
Hleeel
o!

Ipl
acemyhandonmyheadi
nregr
etasIsat
fl
atdown.

Me:
I'
m sor
ry,
I'
m sosor
ryGomo.

Gomolemo: Whataboutourbaby?
?I'
m sor
ry
Hl
elopleasewakeup!!!Hl
elo!
!!
!

Icoul
dn'
tbearhercri
[Link] ong,
IremovetheBal
aclav
aof fandcri
[Link]
l
aterIf
eltsomeonepicki
ngmeupr oughl
y
"Youar
eunderar
rest
..
."

Me:
What
?

Buzwemadeaweakconni vi
ngsmil
eashel ai
d
ther
ewithhiseyespart
ial
l
[Link]
mov edhisfi
ngersonhi
schestandrev
ealedthe
bull
etproofbeneat
hhim.

Buzwe:
(under
tone)Ist
il
lwi
n

Me:
Mot
her
fucker
!!
!!
!

Ij
umpedonhi m andki
ckedasthepol
ice
off
icer
sgr
[Link] ewakissatmeand
act
edunconsciousaf
ter
wardsashelaidt
her
e.I
am doomed,
I'
m sov
erydoomed.
.
..
>>>Tobecont
inued.
..
30
.
..
GOMOLEMO
Iwatcht
hem cl
oseupHl
eloi
nabodybagand
scr
eamedjumpingof
fmyparent
shol
d.

Mom:
Gomol
emo

Me:
(cr
ying)Hl
elooo!
!!NoooHl
elo!
!!

IshookMommyof
fmeasshehol
dsmeback.

Me:
LetmegoMma,
[Link]
ustneedt
o
hughi
m onel astt
[Link]
sshi
m onemor
e
ti
mepleaaase.

Mybr
otherpi
cksmeup.

Hlonol
o:Gomopl
easesi
s,at
leastt
hinkoft
he
baby.

Me: Idon'tcar
eHlonol
oIdon'
tcar
e!Ijustwant
myman. .
.wehadsomucht odoandnowhe' s
gone.(breaksdown)Theyt
ookhim awayf r
om
me, i
twast oosoon!Wehadmanypl ansforthe
futur
ewhoam Igonnashar et
hem withnow
thathe'
sgone, mmh?

Iwal
kedt
othemor
guepeopl
e.
Me:
(snif
fs)Pl
easeborracanyouat
leastal
l
ow
metogivehi
m onelastki
sspl
[Link]
t
oe(Ibegyou)Iwasdepri
ved.

Theyexchangedashor
tgl
ancef
ir
stbefor
e
fi
nal
lyunzi
ppingt
hebagofhi
mforonlyhi
s
headtobereveal
ed.

Mykneesgotweakandtr
embl
edasIt
ookmor
e
st
epsaheadtowar
dshim.

Me:
OhhhHl
elo!

Iwaili
[Link]
sfaceand
sobbedsor
rowful
l
y .

Me:
Ilov
eyouLav
owi
l
lal
way
[Link]
ease
for
giv
emef orever
ythi
ngt [Link]
notpri
ori
ti
zi
ngy ouandf oreveryt
hingI'
m sor
ry.

Tear
sgusheddownandIexperi
enceda
momentwheremybodyjustf
roze.
..

Dad:
Gomo?

Sti
lli
nshockandstruggl
ingt
[Link]
eaned
for
war dandki
ssedhimthenattempt
edtohug
him butsomeoneroughl
ypushedmeoff.

Dumazil
e:Mi
hlol
ayanil
engi
yi
bonay
oheee!
!!
??
Sengi
l
ingi
wengempelamanj
epho?

I
twasmymot
heri
n-l
aw.
Mom: EeeehAusi tl
he!S'
kalekagot shwara
mor wadiwakakat sel
aeogapewankut l
wa?
Gosengj aloretl
annalebothatajogolomaswe
keagobol elel
a(Madam!Don' tyouev ert
rynna
touchmydaught erli
kethateveragainyouhear
me?Orel sewegonnahav eabigproblem I'
m
tel
li
ngy ou)

Mymotherin-
lawpl
acedherhandsonherhi
ps
f
ull
ofatt
it
ude.

Dumazi l
e:Mony wadi wani hee?Mony wadi
wokunuka!( Daught ermyf oot!
)Heeni nabafana
nimelel
eni?Valani umzi mbawendodanay ami
nibhekeeMoshwar i nj
engamanj e!Niyekelo
dothiniwenzayo, ni
y ahlolalana!(
Youboy swhat
areyouwai t
ingf or?Cl oseuphi sbodyandgo
takehimt othemor tuaryr i
ghtnow, andstop
thisnonsensey ou'reat tr
actingbadomen)
Theguy
sdidasi
nst
ruct
[Link]
oodpr
oper
ly
andpoi
ntedmef
uri
ousl
y.

Dumazi le:Yabonawena, ngekekuk'

si
ze
ngaluthoukucabuz aindodanayam meseifi
le.
I
fil
ev ele!Ibul
awewuwenokuf ebakwakho!(It
won'thel pyoukissi
ngmysonwhenhe' sdead.
He'salreadydead!Youki l
ledhim wi
thyour
bi
tchiness! )

Ihuggedmychestandcr
iedev
enworsewi
th
thosewor
dsdoinganumberonme.

Dumazil
e:Uli
lel
ani
?Akusi
ziukul
i
[Link]
zobungwenyalezovel
e(Whyareyoucry i
ng?
Cryi
ngwon'thel
[Link]
ecrocodil
etears.
)
Dad:OkayI'
m notgonnastandher
eandwat ch
youtal
kli
kethatwithmydaughter
,it
'senough!
Watchyourwordsausi,i
ntheendshedidn't
haveaweaponi nherhandandshoo-

Dumazile:WeeeBabo!WeeeBabo!Ngat hi
awung'bonikahl
engithi
ngibuki
sisekahl
ela
ebsweni.(HeyMist
er!HeyMi st
er!Seemsli
ke
you'r
enotcognizi
ngmev er
[Link]
face)

Dadl
ookedatherf
acewhi
l
eshewav
edi
t.

Dumazile:Ubonani?Angi t
hi awuboni
zi
nyembezi ?Ngi
bomv ungiyatheleka,
ngit
huk't
helengendl
el aeyingozi Baba.
Ngishonelweminangi shonelwey indodana
eyodwakuphela,ebikadeingi nakekel
angingu
Maway o.(Whatdoy ousee?Youdon' tsee
tear
sright
?I'
mr ed,
furi
ousi
nav er
ydangerous
[Link]
ostsomeone,myoneandonlysonis
[Link]'sbeentaki
ngcareofmeas
hismother)

Shewi
peshernoseandsni
ff
s.

Dumazile:Angithibeni
khononkenil
alel
eiint
o
bezi
kadezi khulunywangendodakazi y
enu,
mmh?I shonei ndodanayam i
nhli
zi
yoy ayo
i
li
hlwil
ii
b'hlungungenxay ent
ombi yenu(You
wereallthereandheardwhatwasspokenof
yourdaught er
.Mysondi edwit
habr okenheart
causedbyy ourdaughter)

Me: (
tear
y)Bengi ngajol
inoBuzweMa
ngiy
akwethembi [Link]
ingi
thembakele
endodaneniyakho( Iwasn'tdati
ngBuzweI
promiseyou.I'
vebeenal way sfai
thf
ult
oy our
son)

Shetur
nst
omewi
thdar
kandi
ntenseey
esf
ull
ofpai
n.

Dumazile:'
maungibhekantombazanendini
ucabangaukuthingi
hluzeki
l
elaekhandenil
am?
(Wheny outakealookatmegirl
ydoy outhi
nk
I
'm amadper son?)

Me:
Cha-

Dumazi
le:I
miy
alezol
e,ungi
tshel
aukuthi
binga
manga?(Thet
extmessagesweretheyali
e?)

It
ear
edupshaki
ngmyhead
Me:
(weeps)Ay
yy,
ayy
y,ay
yy

Dumazi l
e:Ungathi"ayyyay yyay y"ngik'thathi
le
wenangakwenzai ndodakazi yami ebikade
[Link] angezandl a
ezif
udumel ekubangibonai k'
sasael ihle
phakathikwakhonof [Link] i
bengingaziukut
hingilethainy okaeghubul uzayo
l
aemzi niwam.( Don'tsay" ayyyay yyay y y
"I
tookyouandmadey oumyv eryowndaught er
[Link] ouwi thwar m
handsenv i
sioni
ngagoodf utur ewithy ouand
[Link] ngt hatI'
ml ett
inginasnake)

Shewal
kedcl
osert
owher
eIsat

Dumazile:Hayukuqal
eki
sanganeyam, hay
i
ukuqal
ekisakodwaindodanayam i
shone
i
qaqanjelwayinhl
izi
yo.(
shaki
ngherhead)
Ungacabangi ukut hi i
nt ozakhozohambar ight
emv [Link] ukuthiukut hula,
i
nj abulo,noxol ouy azeuk' t
holeempi lweni yakho
emv [Link] omel euy eethuneni l
akhe
umncengeukut hi akuxol el
[Link] naangi f
uni
uphi ndangi k'
bone, angikufuninasemf i
hlweni
wakhe, ngingazoy 'ngenanendabay okugezwa
kwakho, uzoz'bonant [Link] nangi qedil
e.
(Nott ocur sey oumychi l
dbutmysondi edwi th
ashat t
eredhear [Link]' tthi
nky ourthingsar e
gonnagowel laftert [Link]'tthinky ou'l
lev er
fi
ndpeaceandhappi nessaf t
[Link]' l
lhave
togot ohisgr av eandaskf orf orgi
veness.I
don' twannaev erseey ouagai n,Idon' teven
wanty ouint hef uner al,evenwi t
hy our
cleansingI '
llnotbeanypar tofi t
, y
ou'llhav eit
allfiguredoutony ourown.I '
m done. )

Af
tert
hatshet
urnedandl
eft
Mom: Howcany ousaythatshecan'tgotothe
funeralwhenshe'spr
act
icall
[Link]
can'tdothatshehastosendherfinalgoodbyes.

Shescof
fed

Dumazi l
e:May bengikhulumakwamandl ebe
ahuhuzaumoy [Link]-NGI -
MU-
FUNIuNkomowakhomaduzeki minase
mfihlweniuyangizwa? ?(gr
oans)Angimfuni!
Angimfuni!Angimfuni!(May beI
'
m speaking
thr
oughear sthatarewheezi ngairi
nside.I
'm
sayingwomanI -
DON' T-WANTy ourcownear
menort hefuner aly
ouhearme?Idon' twant
her!)

Shegroansandscreamsinpai
nfinal
lyal
lowing
forher
selft
[Link]
[Link]
nful
li
keamot her
'scry
whent hey
'vel
ostthei
rchil
[Link]
newas
not
hingcompar [Link]
col
lapsedown.

Suddenl
yIf
li
nchedandwi
ncedasIhel
dmy
tummy .

Me:
Ahhhh!

If
eltpai
nandi
ntensecr
amps

Mom:OhhhModimoGomo!Ot
swamadi
(
you'
rebl
eedi
ng)

Iscr
eamedlooki
ngdownonmyl
egsandsaw
prof
usebl
ood.
Me:
My.
..My
..
.Mybaby
,mybaby
yy!

Mybrot
herqui
ckl
ypi
[Link]'
tl
osemy
baby
.

Dumazil
e:Yimiqal
elol
eyo!Sekuningi
okusazo
kwenzeka(That
'sj
ustt
hebeginning!Ther
e'sl
ot
moretohappen)

Mybrotherr
anoutwit
hmetohi
scaranddr ov
e
of
fwithmebeinglai
dont
hebackseatand
cr
yingi
npain.

.
.
.
LATOYA
Iwasthr
owninmycel
lli
kesomet
rashplast
ic
andIwhimper
edasIf
ell
downandsprai
nedmy
l
eg.

Me:
Aisssh,
aisssh,
ahhh

Off
icer
:Angit
hiwenaudeciderubasisl
wane?
Sal
akenezinyeizi
l
wane.(Youdecidedtobean
ani
mal r
ight
?Thenstaywithotheranimal
s.)

Hewhi
stl
edandlef
twhil
ehitt
ingt
hecel
lbar
s
wi
thhi
ssti
[Link]
emainedpant
ingand
whi
mperi
ngasIrubmyleg.

Lady:Woshfede!Bukas'
phet
heni
la?Intsay
za
egrandkabi
.(Ohlookwhatwehavehere?Af i
ne
chi
ck)
Me:
S'kant
shwar
a(Don'
ttouchme)

Isaymov
ingmyf
aceof
fherhand

Lady:Ay
heebukaigcwel
eamakakal
eny
o(Look,
she'
sful
lofsh!
t)

Theyal
lgi
ggl
ed.

Lady :
Yenzwangeziny
welezamahhashe
eziphezukwekhandalakhe.(
It'
sbecauseof
thesehorsehai
ronherheadt hatmakesher
atti
tudesti
nky
)

Ot
her
s:Hl
wiphul
aley
ont
o(Snat
chi
tof
f)
Shegrabsmyweaveof
[Link]'
tknowhowbutI
wasalreadyuponmyf
eetandtryi
ngt
ogeti
t
back.

Me:Br
ingmywi
gback, br
ingi
tback!Doy
ou
knowhowmuchthatcost
s?

Lady
:Iwoul
dlov
etoknow

Me:
Notl
i
key
ou'
l
laf
for
d

Ot
her
s:Oooooooo!
!!

Shel
aughsandIt
ryt
ograbmywi
gbackbut
shet
easedmeandli
fti
tmor
eup.

Lady
:If
inal
l
yunder
standwhyy
ou'
ref
ight
ingso
[Link](You'
reso
ugl
y)ekar
eitsavesthedayf
oryou.

[Link] andmyey esonanot her

col
our edladysi tti
nginthecorner ,
shewas
awfull
yqui etanddi dn'
tparti
cipateinanyoft hat
butjuststaringatme.I twouldt aket i
mef ory ou
torealizethatshe'sawoman, she'st oo
mascul inebui l
tandbuf f
ed,withtornsleeves
denim shirthert att
oosbeingshowy .Hairred
wit
hpony tai
l andanunder cutwithast ar.

Ot
her
s:Ubhekeni
?(Whati
sshel
ooki
ngat
?)

Me:
Giv
emyhai
rbackr
ightnow

Lady
:Sicel
aimagi
cwor
d?(
Canwehav
ethe
magicword?)
Me: Tl
i
samor
ir
iyamemaan!(
Bri
ngmyhai
r
back)

Lady:OooohLedst
athi
smi
ghtl
ookgoodon
you.

Shethr
ewherhaironherf r
iendandshewor eit,
whenIranfori
ttheythr
ewi tonanotherperson.
Iwasthei
rfool
,Ipushedtheotheroneandshe
sl
appedmeandst eppedonmypr obl
ematicleg.

Me:
(scr
eami
ng)Joooohhh!
!!

Ifel
ldowncr y
ingandlookedatt
hecolour
ed
l
adycryingforhel
[Link]
mlynot
doinganythi
ngbutjustbr
ushedherchi
n.
Thewiggotthr
ownonmyf
aceandsoonmy
facegotgr
abbed.

Lady:Uzuhl
alewaziukut
hil
akusedany
anehay
ki
ni,
lokukusek'
ncane.
Sengik'
zwelaabazokwenzakonakobubuso
[Link] idade,
ungakhali
.Selil
i
khayal akhoelishal elimanje.
(Alwaysremembert hatthisi
spr isonnoty our
homepl ace,t
hiswasj ustami [Link] eelforyou,
forwhatthey'
reyettodoont hatpr ettyface.
Don'tcrysi
ster
,don'
tcr [Link]
si sy ournew
home. )

Icri
edmassagingmylegandstil
ll
ookedatt
he
toughlady
.Icr
awledanddraggedmysel
ftothe
cellbar
.
Me:Offi
cer!
!!
!Hel
p!!
!At
leastletmemakeone
phonecal
l,
I'
m ent
it
ledt
o!!Ineedtocal
lmy
l
awy er
!

Ishout
edandtheylaughedmor
[Link]
sisa
hell
hol
eandIdon'tknowhowam Ievengonna
getmysel
[Link]
sisadi
sast
er.

.
.
.

BUZWE(
OB)
Justf
ini
shedgett
ingsti
tchedaf t
erthebullet
wastakenoutofmyar [Link] e
meanant i
sept
icandthey'r
ey ettoprescr
ibe
moremedst ostopthepai nwhenIget
di
[Link]
ydon'tunder
stand
whythey'
rekeepi
ngmeher e.I'
vebeenthrough
worsethanthi
s,tr
ustmewhenIsayIhav enone
whatsoevert
raumaafterthatinci
dence.

Mysi [Link]
al
way shadmet hroughthehandandhel pedme
staycalmt hr
ought hiswholeordeal
.I'
ve
actuall
yseentodayt hatourbondisactuall
y
strongerthananything.

Kenei
l
oe:
Howdoy
ouf
eel
?

Me:
Likesh!
t

Kenei
l
oe:
I'
m sor
ryf
orwhathappened
Me:
Hm!May
beIcal
l
eduponi
t

Shel
ooksatme.

Kenei
loe:Yazi Buzwenday aziamaxesha
amanintsiawumamel i
andut jatj
arag
ungul
omnt uunguy e,asi
noy '
thininathil
onto.
Kodwal ontoay i
thethiukubai k'f
anelelent
o
i
kwehleleyo.(YouknowBuzweIknowmost
ti
mesy oudon' tl
istenandy ou'r
ear ascal.
..but
thi
siswhoy ouar eandt here'
snot hingmor ewe
candot ochangey [Link] hatdoesn'tmean
youdeservewhathappenedt oy ou)

Me:
Wel
lwhatdoIdeser
vet
hen?

Shesi
ghs.
Kenei
l
oe:
Innerpeace.

Ij
oltmyheadupf orasecondl
ooki
ngather
.
Thatwasabitunexpect
ed.

Kenei l
oe: Ibelievethat'
swhaty our eall
ydeserve.
Ithinky ouhav easoul confli
ctwithi
ny oursel
f
thaty ou'vebeenbat t
li
ngwi [Link]
's
mor et hanbei ngament [Link] r
ol
i
tmnt aseandi funiukuxokisela(Idon'twanna
l
ie.)St ar
tbyf or gi
vi
nguMamaf orwhatshe' s
donet oy ouandt rynottor esi
deiny our
childhoodt r
[Link] haty ouhav eal i
fe
afterthatexper i
ence,that
'ssurelywaitingfor
[Link]. .
.let
'strytoforgetabouther
aspossi ble.

(
Sil
ence)
Me:
Wow,
wow,
that
's.
..

Kenei
l
oe:
That
's?

Me:
Thanky
ou.

Shesmi
l
es

Kenei
l
oe:
For
?

Me:Forev
ery
thing,f
orbei
ngher
ewi
thmeand
f
orsavi
ngmyl i
fe.

Kenei
l
oe:
Justl
i
key
ousav
edmi
ne
Me:Ohhi
hambanj
alokant
i?(
Ist
hathowi
t
goes?
)

Wechuckl
edsof
tl
y

Kenei
l
oe:
Wel
li
t'
stheki
ndal
ovesi
bli
ngsshow.

Me:
Ilov
eit
.Itmeansal
ott
ome

Keneil
oe:IknowIl
ovei
ttooandI
'
llal
way
shav
e
yourback.

Ismi
l
eandnodded.

Keneil
oe:
Eishsaan,
wabashapakabul
letpr
oof
nakongeorenengresaelebel
l
a(youwereal
l
prepar
edwitht
hebull
etpr
oofwhenweleast
expecti
t.
)Foramomentt
her
eIt
houghtshe
wasdonewi t
hyou.

Igi
ggl
ed.

Me:Want sebamosIgrewupwatchi
ngal
otof
act
ionmov i
[Link]
scer
nsometact
ics
andgothereprepar
ed.

Keneil
oe:Asobendikuunder
mine(
e)shame(
I'
ll
neverunder
mi ney
ouagain)

Wel
aughed.

Me:
Sohow'
sMom?

Kenei
l
oe:
Mom i
sei
sh.
..she'
sgoi
ngt
hrough
alotImeanshe'sseenal
otofgruesomeness
forthedayand,she'
ssti
ll
traumati
zedbywhat
[Link]
orher,
he'
s
doingevery
thi
nghecant omakeherfeel
comf or
tabl
eandsafe.

Me:
[Link]'
sunhar
medr
ight
?

Kenei
l
oe:
Yes.

Me:Andwherei
sRamona?Whyhasn'
tshe
seenmeyet
?

Kenei
l
oe:
Ramo-

Shefr
ozeandpausedinsi
l
[Link]
aisemyhead
sendi
ngherapenet
rabl
egaze.
Me:
Huh?Whathappenedt
oRamona?

Kenei
l
oe:Bhut
iIt
hinky
ougonnahur
tyourar
m
pl
easefi
xyoursl
i
-

Me:Don'tavoi
dthequest
ionIaskedwhat
happenedtoRamona?

Iaskedsternl
[Link]
ngandcl
osi
ng
herquiv
eringli
ps.

Me:
Kenei
l
oe?

Iwasgent
let
hist
ime
Keneil
oe:
She'sdead,
Ramonaisnomore..
.she
wasshotdeadintheheadand.
..I
'
m sor
ry
brot
herIreal
l
yam.

Shecr
iedandhuggedme

Kenei
l
oe:
I'
m sosor
ry.

Ishakemyheadwi
thmyey
esf
oggywi
tht
ear
s.

Me:Ramonacan'
[Link]-Ramona
can'
tbedead.

Ibeganhyper
vent
il
ati
ngandl
ostmybr
eat
hasI
sal
ivat
eandtrembl
e.

Me:
She.
.Shecan'
tbedead!
Kenei
l
oe:
Pleasecal
m-

Me:
SHECAN'
TBEDEAD!
!!Fuckno,
noooo.

Ibreakdownandcryi
ngroanasIsqueezemy
si
stertodearl
if
einahugandoffl
oaded
everyt
hingi
nherembrace.

.
.
.

SPANZA
Bang!Bang!Bang!isallIkeepheari
nginmy
ears.I
'm her
ecryi
ng,screamingandkicki
ng
everyt
[Link]
sthatt
ook
placeintheweddi ngarehaunti
ngme,t
heyjust
don'tstop!Theircri
es,
them beggi
ngf
orthei
r
l
ivesisallsti
llcomingtomeIswearI'
m gonna
explode!

Me:
(gr
oans)Uhhhhhr!
!!

Isqueezemyear
sver
yhar
d.

Me:Fuckmay beIneedt
ogetoutofher e,
I
shoul
dl eav
ethi
splacemaybei
t'
llgetbett
er.I
defi
nit
elyneedt
oelope,
yeahI'
m gonnadoi t.

Iquicklypackmyst uf
fsst
il
lhear
ingt
he
persistentgunshot
sonmyear sandmisseda
stepf all
i
ngdowncausedbymydi zzi
ness.
Iquicklygotupandresumedpackingfini
shand
preparedtoleav
[Link]'
m goingI'
ll
neverlookback,Ij
ustneedtobeveryveryfar
fr
om al lt
his.

.
.
.

SHEREE
Pear
l:Tel
lmecuz,
whatwast
hatal
labout
?

Iwor
emyj
acketandgr
abbedmykey
s

Pear
l:Sher
ee.
..
Me: Pear
llov
eydollpl
ease.I
'
m noti
nagood
spacetochatoverokay?

Pear
l:Okaysowher
ear
eyougoi
ng?

Me:
Afr
iendneedsmeI
'
llbebackbef
ore9

Shenods

Pear
l:WhatdoIt
ell
Dad?

Me:Justt
ell
him IwentoutandI
'
llanswerf
or
mysel
fwhenIgetback.

[Link]
ovest
rai
ghtt
o
thehospi
talandcheckedonmyphoneand
cri
edasIcontinueddri
vi
ng.
Irushedandenqui
reddet
ail
sintherecepti
on.
WhenIgotwhatIwantedIchargedstrai
ghtto
theward.

Ient
eredandsighedi
nrel
i
efasIsawhi
m
sl
eepingpeacef
ull
y.

Me:
ThankGod

Imouthedsi lentl
ythenopenedmyey esand
[Link] eall
ytookhis
ti
mewhenhecr eatedthi
[Link]'ssodamn
att
ract
ive,ifIwasanar ti
stI
'ddr
awt his
masterpieceandmakeahugepor trai
tofitand
hangitinmyr [Link] tever
yday.

Isawaslingonhi
sarm whi
chmeansthat
'sthe
onlypl
acehegothur
[Link]
ri
edreachi
ngt
otouch
hi
m butthenr
est
rai
nedmysel
fandpl
acedmy
handbackonmychest.

Me:I'
m sogladthaty
ou'r
efi
neI '
l
lgettosl
eep
well
.Ij
ustdon'
tknowwhyI '
mf eel
ingt
hisway
andwherearethesestr
ongfeeli
ngscoming
fr
om butI
..
.

Isi
ghandst
op

Me:
I'
m sor
ryabouty
ourgi
rl
fr
[Link]
ght
.

Ipl
acemyhandonmyl i
psandsendhim aki
ss
i
ntheai
[Link]
urnedar
oundandlef
t.

"
Thanksf
ort
hev
isi
t"
Ialmostpeedonmy sel
fandstoppedri
ghtat
[Link]
urnandseehesti
ll
hashi seyes
closed.

Me:
Uhm.
..

Iwal
kedbackt
ohi
m squi
nti
ngmyey
es

Me:Di
dyouj
ustwakeupory
ou'
vebeenawake
al
lal
ong?

Buzwe:
I'
vebeenl
i
steni
ng

Hisvoi
cewast
oodeepallofasuddenbutsexy
.
Iwassoembar
rassedandlookeddown.

Buzwe:
Sher
eewhatar
eyoudoi
ng?
Me:
Ial
sodon'
tknow

Buzwe:
Ithi
nky
oudo

Me:
Idon'
tknowIj
ustcar
emay
be

Heopenshi
sey
esforthef
ir
stt
imeandour
ey
eslocki
mmediat
ely
.

Buzwe:Yougonnagethur
tyouneedt
ost
ay
awayfr
om me.

Me:
Am Iunat
tract
ive?

Buzwe:
Youhav
eest
eem i
ssues?
Me:
Notr
eal
l
y

Buzwe:
Youwoul dn'
tbeaski
ngi
fyouranswer
wasauthent
ic.

Icl
osemyey
esandexhal
e.

Me:
Ijustneedt
hatanswerf
rom y
ou

Buzwe:Whydoesi
tmat
ter
?Youhav
efeel
i
ngs
forme?

Iwasast
oundedandcoul
dn'
thel
pbutl
augh.

Me:
Youcanr
eadmi
nds?
Buzwe:
Whati
fIdo?

Me:
Thent
hisi
spoi
ntl
ess.

It
urnt
oleav
e

Buzwe: ButIcancheery ouupf [Link],

Ifi
ndy ouveryattract i
veandpur e...t
here'
s
somet hi
ngabouty oursoul ,itmat chesexactly
withtheoutsideofy ourphy siquef eat
ures~
[Link] neisl ikear agingf i
rebutwheni t
crossespathswi t
hy oursitpaci fi
esandi gnites
somet hi
ngmor ebeaut ifulwithi
nmel ikea
sparkl
[Link] emyweakness, yourface-your
i
nnocencel ur
esmemor eintoy ouandwant sto
makeusone. ..theny ourvoice, yoursmi l
[Link]
areweakeningmei nev eryaspectofl ifeinme.
Theartofy ourface,makesmesocr azi
l
y
addict
edtot heex t
entofwant i
ngtomakeyou
aniconic,
sot hatwheni tdusksanddawnsal
lI
seeisyourf aceallday
,ev er
yday.
..

Hetakesabreakashehuf
fsi
nfat
igueof
bl
abberi
ng.

Buzwe:
Whenyouwal
koutoft
hatdoor
,make
sur
eyounev
erl
ookmywayagain.

Me:
Why
?

Buzwe:Becauset
hepurenessofthi
sgirl
will
be
st
ainedwithsomuchdi
rtthat'
l
lchangeher
i
[Link]
dn'
tl
ovef ort
hattohappen.
Me:
Idon'
tund-

Buzwe:[Link]
earsal
ong
thel
ineyou'
l
l f
indi
tv er
ywi seofy
out
ojustwal
k
awaythi
sinstant
.

If
rowni
nconf
usi
on

Me:
Bye

Hecloseshisey
eswithoutgi
vi
ngmea
r
[Link]
ylef
thisward.
.
..
>>>Tobecont
inued.
..
31
.
..
SHEREE
Il
aiddownwit
hmyheadsetsonandcri
edallof
asuddenI
'v
ebeensadaft
ervi
sit
ingBuzwe.

Hesai
d
Ent
eraty
ourownr
isk
Iam notr
esponsi
ble
Fort
hemi
ser
yIwi
l
lbr
ingt
oyou
I
t'
sjustamat
teroft
ime
Bef
oreIst
artt
odest
royy
ou
Letmewar
nyou.

Isai
d
Takey
ourt
imeboy
Let
'sseewhaty
ougotboy
I
'
vedeal
twi
thwor
seboy
Let
'sseewhobr
eakswhof
ir
st
Andi
twon'
tbemyf
ir
stt
ime
Ti
me.

Cr
yal
lyouneed
Justl
eti
tbl
eed(
x4)

Ibr
ushedmycheeksandheardaknock.I
l
ookedatt
hedooranddidn'
tanswer
.

Uncle:
Sher
eei
t'
[Link]
easeopenweneedt
o
tal
k.

Ipul
l
edmybl
anket
sandt
urnedont
heot
her
si
dei
gnor
inghi
m.

Uncl
e:Sher
ee?

Hecont i
nuedknocki
ngtil
lhegav
eupandl eft
.I
closemyey esandhugthepil
l
owt i
ghtasIkept
recal
li
ngBuzwe'swords.

.
.
.

KEKE
I'
vebeenpacingupanddownpani cki
[Link]
oya
hasn'
tbeenbacksincey esterdayandIdon't
knowwher esheis,shedidn'ttel
lwhereshehad
[Link]'
tevencallcauseshehadher
phonel
eftbehi
nd.

Ipreparedtogot
oMmat ema'
shousemay beI
'
ll
gettoknowwheremysi steri
scauseshe'
sthe
biggestgossi
pmongeri
nt own.

WhenIst
eppedoutoft
hedoormyphoner
ang.
I
twasanunfami
li
arnumber
.

Me:
Hel
l
o?

Cal
l
er:
HiKekei
t'
sme.

Shesay
sbr
eat
hingheav
il
y.

Me:Lat
oyaokae?Li
kewherehaveyoubeen?
I
'v
ebeenworr
iedsi
ckaboutyouandIsl
ept
alonescar
edi
[Link]
easedon'
tev
erdo
thatagai
n.

Lat
oya:
Okayokaydi
gamaikut
loneh?Di
ga
mowannakepl
easegeh(
Pleasecal
m down)

Ii
nhal
edeepl
yasIcl
osemyey
es.

Me:
Sowher
ear
eyou?

Lat
oya:
I'
ll
tel
lyouwher
eIam butf
ir
stIneed
youtof
ocus.

If
rown.

Me:
Naar
eomat
hat
eng?(
Arey
oui
ntr
oubl
e?)
Lat
oya:Nny
aannyaaketl
hokagoreofocus'
e
pel
e.(
NonoIjustneedy
outofocusfi
rst)

Il
i
stened.

Latoya:5689#that'
showy ouaccessmypi nto
[Link] omy
recordi
ngsandf i
ndacal lI
'verecor
dedbetween
meandGomot hengoi nmyr oom, i
nbetween
themat t
resseyou'l
lfi
ndat [Link]
soonasy oufindthosethingsgostraightt
othe
poli
ceanddon' tt
ellanyone.

Me:
Whatexact
lyar
ethoset
hings?

Lat
oya:You'
l
lfi
[Link]
you
anddon'
tfor
getthepi
nis5689#wr i
teitdowni
f
y
ouhav
eto.

Me:
Ithi
nkIgoti
t.

Latoya:[Link] hemoneyIt oldyou

tosav eforrenovat
ions?Ithinky oushoulduse
i
tf oryoursel
f,you'
l
l needit
.Ialsowishy oustar
t
onr evi
vingkgweboy aMaasi (
thebusinessof
sourmi l
k)orsomet hingthat'
llgainyoua
regulari
ncomesot hatyoucansust ainyoursel
f.

Ipar
tmyl
i
psqui
zzi
cal
l
y.

Me:Whyarey
ouspeaki
ngasi
fyou'
renot
comi
ngbackordy
ing?

Shesi
ghsandwentsi
l
ent
.
Me:
Lat
oya?

Latoya:Kemokgol egekong( I'

mi nj ai
l)Idi
d
somebadst uf
[Link]
someone'sweddi ngandki l
ledherl [Link]
ll
ed
somanypeopl eal l
becauseoft heangerIhad
causedbyt helet
teryou'r
eaboutt of i
[Link]
youtopleaseactwi sel
yoni tunl i
kemy sel
f
causeI'm payi
ngahugepr i
cef oritandI
deserveit
.

Me:
Sesi
..
.

Lat
oya:
Pomi
semet
haty
ou'
l
lst
ayawayf
rom
Bu-

(
Sil
ence)
Me:
From who?St
ayawayf
rom who?

Thecal
lwasl
ongdi
sconnect
[Link]
emov
edt
he
phoneof
fmyear
.

Me:
GoshLat
oyawhatdi
dyoudo?

Isatdowndef
eat
ed.

.
.
.

BUZWE(
OB)
TodayIgotdi
schar
gedandr
equest
edf
or
Bhongot
[Link]
o
makeastopbyatacer
tai
nhouse.

Me:
Ineedt
ogoi
nbymy
sel
f

Bhongo:
Ngobadahn?(
Why
?)

Me:
I'
ll
bri
efy
ouwhenIcomebackIpr
omi
se.

Bhongo:
I'
ll
stayst
eadyf
orany
thi
ng

Me:Not
hingwill
happen.I
'
m notinanytr
ouble
ofsomesortt
[Link]
a(I
'l
lbeback.
)

Igotoffhi
scarandwalkedint
hehouseand
[Link]
espoppedin
shock.
Il
ookathi
m andnod.

Me:
Am Ii
nvi
tedi
n?

Henodsandmakesspacef
orme.

Me:
Thanky
ou

Spar
ks:
Howdi
dyouf
indmeandwher
eIst
ay?

Me:
Ial
way
shav
emyway
s,cl
i
ché?

Spar
ks:
Makey
our
sel
fcomf
ort
abl
e

Me:
NicebutIdi
dn'
ti
ntendt
ost
ay
Spar
ks:
Ngi
sej
aiv
'i
n?(
Am Ii
ntr
oubl
e?)

Me:
No

It
uckmysi
ngl
ehandi
nmypocket

Me: Uyamt
handaudadewet
hu?(
Doy
oul
ovemy
si
ster?
)

Spar
ks:
Ngenhl
i
ziy
oyam y
onke(
Whol
ehear
tedl
y)

Me:
I'
ll
needy
out
opr
ovei
t

Hef
rowned.
Spar
ks:
Kanj
ani
?(How?
)

Me: Comeatmypl [Link]

andwe
mightjustcl
i
cktoowell,
forthesakeofmy
si
sterofcour
se.

Spar
ks:
Soi
tisn'
tar
equest
?

Me: Nott osoundcr udeorany t

hingbutifyou
didn'tknow, I
'
mv eryprotecti
veofmysi sterand
Ibut theadswi t
hany onewhohasnogood
i
nt enti
onswi [Link] el
ati
onshi
ptendst o
bet oxic,manywomendi einthehandsofmen,
mai nlythei
[Link] o
assur emet hatshe'singoodhandssot hatI
canbeof fyourhead.

Hest
aresatmef
orami
nut
e.
Spar
ks:
Kul ungi
l
e,sohl
angana(
Okay
,we'
l
lmeet
)
j
ustsothatIcanassur
eyou.

Me:
I'
ll
bedel
i
ght
[Link]
eani
ceone

Spar
ks:
Yout
oo.

Il
efthi
spl
aceandwentbackint
hecar
.Bhongo
l
ookedatmewait
ingt
obef i
ll
edi
n.

Bhongo:
And?

It
urnt
olookathi
m.

Me:
And?Ohhh!(
chuckl
es)l
et'
sjustsayIhav
ea
l
i
ttl
edi
rtl
eft
overt
orecol
l
ectwi
tht
hedust
bin.

Bhongo:
Huh?

Me:
You'
l
lfi
ndoutsoon.

Hestar
tedt
hecarshaki
nghi
sheadanddr
ove
of
f.

.
.
.

LATOYA
Il
ookedattheof
fi
cerwhojustt
ookawayt
he
phonewhi
leIwassti
ll
busyspeaki
ng.
Me:
Idi
dn'
tgetdone

Offi
cer:
Youateenought
[Link]
met
ogot
o
yourcel
lnow.

Me:
Thi
sisunf
air

Off
ice:
Lif
ewasnev
erf
airi
nthebegi
nni
[Link]
come,come.

Me:
Okaynoneedt
opushme

Hewalkedbehindmeandlockedmei nmycell.
Funnyenoughthel
adi
eswhower eint
hecell
wereal
lgoneexceptf
orthecolouredl
ady.I
foundt
hatrat
herweir
[Link]
ookedbackt ot
he
offi
[Link]
urnedar
oundand
heldthecel
lti
ghtmyguttel
li
ngmet ost
ickl
i
ke
that.

Her
:Gev
rik?(
Scar
ed?
)

Ididn'
tsayanyt
hingbutherey
esfeltheavyon
[Link] emyheadov ermyshoulderslooki
ng
sl
ightl
yather.

Me:
Excusemey
ou'
ret
alki
ngt
ome?

Her
:Ist
her
eany
oneel
se?

Me:
Uhm.
..sor
ryIdon'
tunder
standAf
ri
kaans.

Her
:Of
cour
sey
ouwoul
dn'
t
.Comej
oinme.
Me:
Idon'
ttr
usty
ou

Her
:Mm?Sui
tyour
sel
fthen.

(
Sil
ence)

Me:
Uhm (
clear
sthr
oat
)wher
ear
ethey
?

Her:
Sti
l
lspeaki
ngt
othesameper
sony
oudon'
t
t
rust
?

If
oldmyar
msandt
urnedt
heot
herwayar
ound.

Her:Yourl
egmustbebet
[Link]'
t
gonnagetanyt
ort
uref
rom [Link]
ily
our
f
atel
i
eswi
thy
ourhear
ing.

Thatgotmyat
tent
ionandIshi
ft
edt
olookback
ather
.

Me:
WhatIdon'
tunder
standi
sthatwhyar
eyou
t
heonl
yonelef
tint
hecell
?

Her:Doy
out
hinki
t'
syourpl
acet
oquest
ion
such?

Idi
dn'
tanswer
.

Her
:Butat
leasti
t'
sonef
avourImanagedt
opul
l
.

Me:
Why
?
Her:Oooohseemsli
kesomeoneisint
erest
ed.I
tol
dy outocomesi
twit
hmeI '
l
ltel
lyou
ever
ything.

Iscept
ical
l
ylookedather
.Shel
i
ftsherar
ms
open.

Her
:ComeonIdon' thurtanyonewi
thouta
r
[Link]
ledsomuchst ri
ngstohaveyou
f
reefr
om thoseladi
es,so?

Shewiggl
edherey
ebr
owsquest
ionabl
y.I
exhal
eandsmil
e.

Me:
Okayf
ine.
Il
i
mpt
owar
dsher
.

Her
:Whatasexywal
k

Me:
(chor
tl
es)Makef
unofme,
yeahcont
inue.

Sheext
endsherhand.

Her
:RaenabutI
'
m wel
[Link]?

Me:
Lat
oya

Weshookhands.

Her
:Pr
ett
ynameToy
apr
ett
yname
.
.
.

CI
JIMPI
Iwasmov i
ngtheenamel pl
atethathadsmoke
andmov editall
ar oundmyhut .Thenkneel
ed
i
nfrontofthedollIcreatedwhichwast i
edwit
h
ablackwool ar
oundi [Link]
eadt hesmoke
towardsthedollwhilecasti
ngaspel l
.

It
ookanai
landdippedi
titi
nmymut
hiwhi
l
e
maki
ngi
ncantat
ions.

Me: Oy
!Oy
!
Magqwi
rhaanezi
nqi
zeni
ngambul
ali
Wel
ukaesemncane,
zeni
ngambul
ali
Igr
untedandshi
ver
edmoreasIt
ookthenai
l
[Link]
epar
ingt
onai
litont
he
dol
lslegs.

.
.
.

LATOYA
Rae:
Sowhatar
eyoui
nfor
?

Me:Murder
.Ishotmanyinnocentpeopl
einthe
weddi
ngitwasjust
..
.Iwasjustuncontr
oll
able.
ThemanIhuntedforgotl
uckyenoughandt he
i
nnocentdi
ed.
Ihuf
fast
ear
sfi
l
ledmyey
es

Me:Ineverknewt hatangercoul dmakeoneact

soimpulsiv
elyandl [Link]
ustwishit
wasadr eam, IwishInev ermethi [Link]
dbe
somewher einthest reet
spi ckedbyr andom
guysandsuckdi [Link]'v
ebeen
bet
terthatwayt hanhowi [Link]
would'
vestil
lbeenal ive.

Iburstoutcr
[Link]
ookmeandhuggedme
si
lentl
y.

Rae:
Aski
es,
it'
sgonnabeokay

Me:
Ijust
..
.
Rae:
Hushhush

Shecomf
ortedmemoret
il
lther
ewasa
momentofsil
ence.

Me:
Cany
ousmel
lthat
?

Rae:
What
?

Isni
ff
edmov
ingoutofherembr
ace

Me:
Idon'
tknowi
t'
sli
keasmokeorsomet
hing.

Shechuckl
ed

Rae:
No,
ther
e'snosmoke
Me:
I'
m notj
oki
ng

Rae:
I'
m notaswel
l
.Cal
m downandj
ust
..
.

Shel
eanedfor
wardandki
[Link]
andsmackedher
.

Me:
Bloodyhel
l
!Whatdoy
out
hinky
ou'
redoi
ng?

Rae:
Iwas-

Me:
Ai!

Ishovi
ngl
ywavemyhandatherandgotup
cl
icki
ngmytongueandwi
pedmyl i
ps.
Me:
Don'
tyouev
erdot
hatagai
n

Rae:I'
m sor
ryi
twasjustamomentof
weakness.I
'mingr
iefandIguessIhav
ea
funnywayofshowi
ngi t
.

Me:
Oh?Uhm sor
ryIdi
dn'
tknow

Rae:
It'
sfi
ne.

I
'
m nowf
eel
i
ngbadofhowIr
eact
ed

Rae:Idon'
tknowwhatIwi
l
lbewi
thoutmy
si
ster.
Me:
Whathappenedt
oher
?

Rae:Shewasshotdeadwher
eshehad
at
tendedawedding.

If
urr
owmyey
ebr
ows.

Me:
Weddi
ng?

Rae:
[Link]
ook,
thi
sisher
.

Shetookof
fherneckpi
eceandshowedmea
phot
oinherlocket
.
Il
ookedcl
oserandafl
ashbackcamebackof
meshooti
ngherassheranoutwit
hBuzwe'
s
mom.
Mybr eat
hinghi
tchedandescalat
edasImoved
[Link]
col
dlookf l
ossi
ngherpocketknif
eoutasshe
gotup.

Me:
Ohno.
..nonono

Rae: Youkil
l
edmysisterwhoneverev
en
botheredasingl
esoul
, shewassuchahappy
soul.I'
m her
especi
all
yf ory
ou.

Shewal
kedcl
oserandImov
edbackwar
ds.

Me: Nonoitwasami st
ake,
pleasefor
giv
eme.
I
twasami st
akeIswearIdi
dn'tmeantokil
l
yoursi
ster
.
Shepoi
ntedt
hewal
l
swi
tht
hekni
fe

Rae:Si
enhierdi
emure,sal
metubl oedgever
f
word.(Seet
hesewal
ls,wil
lbepaint
edwi t
hyour
bl
ood.)That
'showI'
m gonnaslaughtery
ou.

Me:
Raeno,
Raenawaaai
t!

Iranbutmyl egsfr
acturedandIlit
eral
lyfel
tmy
j
[Link]'twaste
ti
meshecl imbedont opofmeandst abbedme
repeatedl
yonmyback, neck,headand
everywhereasIscreameduntilIbecame
unconscious.

.
.
.

KEKE
IwenttoLat
oya'sroom andli
ftedthematresse
[Link]
ndeedfoundaf ol
dednote,Iopeneditand
i
twasahandwr it
tenlett
[Link]
henlookedforher
phoneandpunchedt hepasswordandit
unl
ocked.

Me:
Argha!

ThebatterywaslowIhadtochargei tfi
rst
.I
connecteditonacableandtookthel et
ter
goingtotheloungeandsatdownr eadingit
.
.
..
>>>Tobecont
inued.
..
32
.
..
BUZWE(
OB)
Sparksfi
nal
l
yshowedupasIhadaskedhimto.
Iwalkedi
nonthem hav
ingaconv
ersat
ionwi
th
Kene.

Me:
Masi
bey
indl
ela(
Let
'sgo)

Kenei
l
oel
ookedatus.

Kenei
l
oe:Andthen?Am Imissi
ngsomet
hing?
Si
ncewhenareyoufri
ends?

Me:
We'
rej
usthangi
ngoutasgent
s.

Shel
ookedatSpar
kssuspi
ciousl
y.
Sparks:
Yahlovenjeukut
hisakheubudl
elwana
kaso(we'r
ejustbui
ldi
ngafri
endshi
pbond.)

Shef
oldsherar
ms

Kenei
loe:Ubudl
elwana?AndI
'
m def
ini
tel
ynot
buyi
ngit.

Me:Itwasneverupforsol
dinthefi
rstpl
ace.
Whoeverhasarelat
ionshi
pwit
hy ouhastogo
t
hroughmef i
rst
.

Kenei
l
oe:
Iyho!heee

Me:
Spar
ksmasi
thi
qhwi
(Let
'smakei
tsnappy
.)
Ipl
acemyj
acketov
ermyshoul
der
s

Spar
ks:
Babengi
zok'
bonaneh?(
I'
ll
seey
ou
okay
?)

Shepul
l
edhi
m cl
oserbyhi
sjacketandpout
ed
herl
i
pswhi
lesul
ki
ng.

Kenei
loe:
Cal
lmei
fev
erheget
soutofhand
okay?

Spar
ks:Ubhekanenensizwa,kuyomel
asi
tr
ap'
aneumekuf i
calapho.(You'
rel
ooki
ngata
manwe'll
havetobickeri
fitcomestothat
.)

Kenei
l
oe:Andif
unii
deifi
kel
eleapho(
Idon'
t
wanti
treachi
ngtothat
.)
Hehumsandshedoessotoowhi
l
eki
ssi
ng.I
wasst
art
ingt
ogeti
rri
tat
ed

Me:
Ela!El
a![Link]
t?Masambe.
(
Wassup?Let'
sgo)

Hechuckl
esandki
ssedheroncemor
e.

Spar
ks:
Ilov
eyou,
goodni
ght
.

Kenei
loe:
Iloveyout
oo,ni
ght.I
fhedoesn'
t
comebacki nonepi
eceBuzwe,I
'l
lbur
yyou
al
ive.

Me:You'
reaSer
ameaf
teral
landt
hat
's
f
asci
nati
ng!
Wewalkedoutandshemumbledsomethi
ngI
coul
dn'
thear
.Ihandhi
m mycarkeys.

Me:Takemineandleav
eyour
[Link]
i
ngi
s
get
ti
ngint
heway .

Spar
ks:
Cool
.

Het
ookt
hekey
sandwegoti
nthecar

Spar
ks:
Sowher
eto?

Me:
Fol
l
owt
heGPS

Hel
ookedati
tanddr
oveaccor
dingt
oit
s
di
rect
ions.

Me:
Sohowl
onghav
eyoubeenwi
thmysi
ster
?

Spar
ks:
It'
sbeen5y
ear
s.

Me:5years?Ixeshael
ingakakodwaawuka
mtshat
i(Thatlongandyetyouhaven'
tmar
ried
her
.)

Hegavemeashor
tgl
ancet
henbackatt
he
r
oad.

Me:
Souzimiseleumtshat
ani
nikengoku?
(
whenar
ey ouintendi
ngtomar
ryher?)

Spar
ks:
Awh,
umai
phaket
hel
am l
i
gcwel
e
(
Whenmypocketget
sful
l
)

Me: Ligcwalanini
?Ngobai ngathingowuny usa
i
kawsi .Awuzov eleuvithizeumnt asekhay anj
ee
ungenanj ongozomt shat a,ut
hiningobambo
l
wakheol uzobeluzi
mi seleukumt shata?
Ulushiyanani l
ona?(Whenwi lli
tgetf ull
?You
shouldpul [Link]' tf i
nishoff
mysi sterwithnointentionsofmar r
yingher,
whatabouthersoul mat ethat
'l
lbeser iousof
mar r
yingher ?Whatwi llbelef
tf orhim? )

(
Sil
ence)

Me: Mayi
ngapheli
le5yearskungekagqibeki
ntongekamv al
enu.(Thi
s5y ear
sshouldn'tend
withouty
ouhavingdi
rect
ionforbothyour
fut
ures)
Heswal
l
owswi
thoutsay
ingany
thi
ng

Me:
IhopeI
'
m cl
ear

Spar
ks:
Yebouzwakel
eTa(
Yesy
ou'
recl
ear
)

Hef
ocusesbackont
her
oadsi
l
ent
ly

Spar
ks:
Konj
ewher
eexact
lyar
eweheaded?

Il
ookedar
oundandpoi
nted

Me:
Fol
l
owt
hatman

Spar
ks:
Muphi
?Louxhwagei
skhwamaso?
(
Whi
chone?Theonecar
ryi
ngt
hebag?
)

Me:
Lowokany
e(Thatoneexact
ly)

Assoonashereal
izedwe'
ref
oll
owi
nghi
m,he
madearunfori
t.

Spar
ks:
But
..
.

Me:Justchaseaf
terhi
m andpar
kthecar
i
nfr
ontofhim.

Sparks:
Lokhokush'
ukuthingi
zom'
shay
isav
ele
(ThatmeansI'
l
lhi
thim wit
hthecar
.)

Me:Idon'
tcaresolongyoucat
chhim andst
op
hi
mf r
om runni
ngfurther
.Sodowhatyouhave
t
odonow!

Hequickl
ymakesaturnwiththecarscr
eechi
ng
andspeedsi
nfr
ontofhim bl
ockinghi
spath.I
j
umpoutofthecarandlandinfr
ontofhi
m.

Me:
Yesss!Goi
ngsomewher
e?

Hepantsheavi
l
yseei
ngme,
wit
hhi
sey
e
socket
swide.

Spanza:
It'
snotwhaty
out
hink.

Me:NotwhatIthi
nk?Yahvel
eit
'snotwhatI
t
hink.I
'
m seei
ngyourunawayandIjustwonder
why.
Hegul
pshar
dbr
eat
hingheav
il
y

Spanza:Bebeng' hl
upha,bek'
mel engi yi
shiy
e
l
[Link] ngaqondi l
eukudalai i
nkingaso
ngacabangaukut hikungconongi v
ay ekude
kulendawo( Theywerehauntingme, Ihadto
l
eav ethi
[Link]'
tmeant ocreate
problemssoIt houghtit
'sbettergetti
ngaway
farfrom t
hisplace.
)

Me:AndIdon'
tbl
amey
ounoram Iher
etost
op
you.

Hef
rownsi
nconf
usi
on.

Spanza:
Phoungi
giji
misel
ani
?(Whyar
eyou
chasi
ngaft
erme?)
Me:
Becausey
ouf
orgoty
ourpay
ment
.

Spanza:
Pay
ment
?

Me:
[Link]
hav
eyouforgot
tenabout
t
hedeal
weworkedonf
orLat
oya?

Spanza:
Ohhhhhhhh.

Me: Yahkwayeisebenzi
le(andi
tworked.)So
coll
ectyourmoneyandt [Link]
youreall
ythi
nkI'
dletyouleavewit
houtgetti
ng
yourreward?Hah!Thats'
snotmyst y
le,
come
fol
lowme.

Iwalkedtothebackofthecar
.Heinst
ant
ly
dropshisbagsandfol
[Link]
etl
y
madeanev
ilsmi
rkasIopenedt
heboot
.

.
.
.

KEKE
Ireadev er
ythi
ngandl i
stenedtotherecordi
ng.I
wassodev ast
edandov erwhel medbymany
emot ionsasIli
stenedt [Link]
dn'
t
under st
andwhywoul dhebesoki ndtousafter
kil
li
ngourbr ot
her .Whydi dhedot hethi
ngsthat
hedi d?Wasitmay beguil
t?Whydi dhetakeour
brother'
sli
feforjustagi rl
.Ineededanswers!
Buty etagai
n,Iremember edwhenmysi ster
toldmet oactwi seont hisunli
kehersel
f.

Me:
I'
m her
etor
epor
tBuzweSer
amef
or
murderi
ngmybrot
herThatoPi
[Link]
thal
l
ev
idencepr
esent
edinf
rontofy
ou.

Ipl
acedt
henoteinf
rontofhi
m andt
hephone
wit
hther
ecor
ding.

Me:Youneedt
ofi
ndt
hismanandl
ockhi
m up
f
orgood.

Theoff
icerlookedatmeshor
tl
ybef
orepi
cki
ng
uptheevidence.

.
.
.

PHEZI
SA
BhongoandIwalkedi
nonKeneil
oedancing
whil
eli
steni
ngt
[Link]
elatershe
not
icedusandtookof
fherear
phones.

Kenei
l
oe:
Bazal
ibam (
Par
ent
s)

Me:
Sweet
hear
t

Kenei
l
oe:
Nit
hini
?(What
'sup?
)

Bhongo: Si
cel
aisi
dlosaseb'
suku(
We'
re
request
ingforsupper
)

Shef
oldsherl
i
pswhi
l
epr
essi
ngherphone.

Keneil
oe:Wel
lIwassti
ll
not
ingdownsomef
ew
reci
pesI'
dli
keustotr
youtanduhm..
.I'
m
hal
fwayt
hroughi
t.

Bhongo:K'
woaah!Sot
yak'
dal
amos(
Wear
en'
t
eat
inganyt
imesooner)

Kenei
l
oe:
TrustmeI
'
m al
mostdone.

Me:
Yetwef
oundy
oust
il
ldanci
ng

Keneil
oe:AyyMamakal
okui
t'
spar
toft
he
processwabo?

Me:
Ayysi
tdownweneedt
otal
k

Kenei
l
oe:
Soundsser
ious
Me:
Ha.
akant
i(Notr
eal
l
y)

Weallsatdownandhadsomemomentof
si
l
ence.

Keneil
oe:
Sowhatisi
t?(
gasps)You'
ref
inal
l
y
get
tingmarr
ied!
?

Me:(
sarcasm)NonoKene, asmuchaswe'd
l
ovetobutthi
sisdef
ini
tel
ynotaboutt
hat
.

Kenei
l
oe:
Nowy
ou'
rescar
ingme

Bhongo:Noneedt
obescar
[Link]
e'sy
our
brot
her?

Kenei
l
oe:
He'
sout
Me:
Outwher
e?

Kenei
loe:
Hewasn'
tspeci
fi
cbuthel
eftwi
thmy
bae.

It
ookoutmyphone.

Me:Okayl
etmej ustt
exthi
[Link]'
tbr
eakt
his
wi
thouthi
m bei
nghere.

It
ext
edhi
m.

Kenei
l
oe:
Ihopenoone'
sdy
ing

Me:
Def
ini
tel
ynot
.
Aft
erIsendhim amessageIr
ecei
vedan
i
ncomingcall
.

Me:
Sor
ry,
Ihav
etot
aket
his.

Igotupandwal
kedt
othel
ounge

Me:
Hel
l
o?

Mahl
angu:
Phezi
sal
ongt
ime.

Me:Mahlanguwhatdoy
ouwant
?IhopeI
'
m not
i
ntr
ouble.

Mahl
angu:
Unf
ort
unat
elyy
ouar
e.
If
urr
owmyey
ebr
ows.

Me:
Howso?

Mahl
angu:Oneofthecaseswe'
vedeal
ton
r
egardi
ngyourson,I
'
m afr
aidi
t'
sget
ti
ng
r
eopenedagai
n.

Me:
What
!Whatcasear
eyout
alki
ngabout
?

Mahl
angu:
TheThat
oPi
l
anecase.

Me:Ithoughtwelongtookcareofthatand
[Link]
yreopen
i
t,i
t'
simpossible.
Mahlangu:Ther
e'snewevi
dencepresent
edand
I
'm af
raidy
oursonhasincri
minat
edhi msel
f.

Me:No!No!No!Gett
oitMahl
anguanddest
roy
al
lofi
tnow.

Mahlangu:Ican'
tI'
m sor
rymyhandsarereal
ly
ti
ed.I
talreadygoti
nmycolleague'
shandshe'
s
handl
ingit.

Me:goddammi t!Justdosomet hi
ngMahl
angu,
dowhateveryoucansot hatmysondoesn't
l
andinjail
.Destroythatevidence,ev
enr
emov e
thecopifhe'
ll
becomet rouble.

Mahl
angu:
Phezi
saIcan'
tdot
hat
Me:Thenwhatwastheuseofyoucall
ingme
andtel
li
ngmethiswhenyou'
renotgonnabe
usef
ul?Don'
tbeusel
ess!

Mahl
angu:
Phezi
-

Me:R700000wi l
lbeyoursify
oudestr
oythe
evi
[Link]
'sitgonnabe?OrmaybeI
shoul
dfindmysel
fsomeoneel sewhowil
ldoit
.

Mahlangu:
Expectanar
restaty
ourdoorsooner
orl
ater.

Thel
i
newentdead.

Me:Whatthefvck?Mahl
angu,
Mahl
angu!Sh!
tit
mustbethatb!
tch.
Ir
emovet
hephoneof
fmyearf
rust
atedl
y
cl
ampi
ngmyteet
h.

"
Ever
ythi
ngal
ri
ght
?"

If
eltBhongo'
shandsonmyshoul der
[Link]
ose
myey esandl
etoutanexasper
atedsigh.

Me:No,nothing'
salr
ight!
!Ij
ustneedt
ofind
Obakenghe'sindeeptroubl
[Link] Ifi
nal
l
y
get
ti
ngpeace! ??

Ichar
gedst
rai
ghtt
omyr oom di
ali
ngt
hischi
l
dI
don'
tknowwhyhe'
snotpicki
ng.

.
.
.

BUZWE(
OB)
WegotinthebootandIt
ookhol
doft
he
env
elope.

Me: Ashowwehadnegotiat
[Link]
i
tjustsoincaset
odoubl
echeck.

Spanza:Chachangiy
akwethembamhl oni
tj
wa
[Link] y
aziukut
hiyonkeiphel
ele(
NoItrust
[Link]
'stheful
lamount)

Ismi
l
emov
ingbackwar
ds.

Me:
Youmayel
opet
owher
every
ouwantt
oI'
l
l
nolongerst
[Link]
endofthebargai
nthenever
ythi
ng'scoolai
n'
ti
t?

Henodsr
epeat
edl
ywhi
l
esmi
l
ing.

Spanza:
Yahbozza

Myphoneri
ngsIqui
ckl
yrej
ectandswi
tchedof
f
myphone.

Me:
LiOul
ady
,youknowhowt
heyget

Spanza:
Eishnami
I'
m onmywayt
oseemi
ne.

Me:Nice,
wel
lcont
inuer
[Link]
l
lyou
needsomeli
ft
?
Spanza:
Nahngi gr
and,
Takwakhonabozza(
I'
m
fi
ne,t
hanksoncemore)

Hesayswavi
ngtheenvel
opewi
tht
hemoney
.I
smi
leandnodinret
urn.

Ashewal kedawayIsl
owl
ytookanooseouti
n
thebootandhidei
tasIsl
am theboot
.Het
urns
l
ookingbackatmeImadeaf akesmil
e.

Hethencont
inueswal kingaway,Islowlytook
of
fmyslingandf lexedmyar [Link] o
pi
ckhisbagandj ustthereinspl
itsecondsI
j
umpathissideandst r
anglehim wit
[Link]
dr
oppedeveryt
hingandf el
ldown.

Spanza:
(choki
ng)Mhl
o..
.Mhl
o..
.Mhl
oni
tj
wa.
Hecoughsashehitsmyhandsonhisneck.I
t
ight
enmygr i
phardonthenoosewhil
egri
tti
ng
myteet
[Link]
umpsoutofthecar
.

Sparks:
Buzwe!Buzwe!Whatar
eyoudoi
ng?
??
Stop!

Iwasonabeastmodeandhewoul
dnev
erget
metostopr
ightnow.

Sparks:
Uyam'
ci
shamanj
elomunt
u!(
You'
re
ki
ll
inghim!
)

Spanza:
(cr
oackyv
oice)Hel
[Link]
p.

Hest
ret
cheshi
shandt
oSpar
[Link]
ksgot
cl
oserwi
l
li
ngt
ohel
p.

Me:
DON'
TCOMENEAR!STAYATADI
STANCE.

IgrowlinfuryasIbreatheheavi
[Link]
obeyed,Iconti
nuedstrangli
nghimt i
llhegot
weakeraboutt opassoutbutImadesur ethat
hedoesn'[Link] consci
oussot hathe
couldfeelthepainwhenhe'slosi
nghi sli
fe.

Idraggedhim withthenoosetot hebackofthe

carandtieditbehindthevehi
[Link]
bootandt ookanext r
aropetyi
nghi shandson
theback.

Spar
ks:
Mybr
a-
Me:
Sshhhhhh.

Icr
ouchi
nfr
ontofhi
m gi
vi
nghi
m adeadl
ylook.

Me:I'
l
lmakeyoufeel
somethingworset
han3
bul
l
etsandyou'
l
lknowfrom t
hereontonev
er
messwit
[Link]
enf r
om t
hegrave.

Hecr
iesandcoughspl
eadi
ngwi
thhi
sey
es.

Spanza:Pleaase,pl
eaasef
orgi
vemebozza.
Pleaaaase!I
'vegotababyandsheneedsme.

Iwhi
stl
edthe"
It
'sTooLat
etoapol
ogize"song
onhi
sfaceandgotupdust
ingmytr
ousers.

Me:
Occupyt
hepassengerseatI
'
lldr
ive
IsaytoSparksandhedi dn'
tpr
otest
.Wegoti n
thecarandIignit
editandbeganspinni
ngthe
carmadlywiththeenginefumesroari
ngloudl
y
withexhaust
scomi ngout.
It
urnedonsomemusicnot
hingbri
ngsme
muchenthusi
astl
i
keasongfuel
l
ingmyego
wheninacti
on.

Ngabobani
bal
eth'
izi
njal
a?
Ay
eye!Bazozwa!
Ngabobani
bal
eth'
izi
njal
a?
Awwbabengazi
benz'
iphut
ha

Ilaughedwhi
lechant
ingl
ikeacrazypersonI
[Link] hesongendedIstoppedspinning
thecarandkil
l
edtheengi
[Link]
Sparksbesi
desmewhohel dont heseatfor
dearl
i
fe.

Icr
ackedupt
il
ltear
scameout

Me:
Didy
oupeeony
our
sel
f?

Hel
ooksatmest
il
[Link].

Me:
Comeon,
let
sgoout
side.

Wegotoutofthecarandsawagr
otesquesi
ght
ofSpanza'
sbody.
Sparkscoul
dn'
tst
opgaggi
ngunt
ilhev
omi
ted
ontheothersi
de.
Iwenttounti
eSpanza'sneckal
ongwithhi
s
[Link]
ked
backtoSparkswhowasnowcoughi ngashe
bent
.Ipl
acedmyhandonhi
sshoul
der
.

Me: Hur
tmysist
ert
hent
hismi
ghthappent
o
[Link]
'sgo.

Igotint
[Link]
llr
emainedout
side,
I
roar
edtheenginessi
gnall
i
ngforhi
mt ocome.

Hewi
pedhi
sli
psandgoti
nsi
de.

Me:
Grand?

Spar
ks:
YahI
'
m gr
and.

Me:
Good.
Idr
oveushomel
eav
ingSpanza'
scor
psebehi
nd.

.
.
.

KEKE
Me: [Link]
eyoubei
ngthelost
sheepthatIam.I'm conf
usedbutmostl
yI'
m
[Link]
ditfeel
sl i
keI'
m al
onei
ndeedIam
al
[Link] 'minvolv
ingyoui
nmyl i
fe
causeIdon'tknowwhatt odoandIdon'
tknow
wheretogo.

Isni
ff
edwi
tht
ear
srunni
ngdown.

Me:
ThemanIt
houghtwasahel
pinghandt
o
ourfami l
ywasact uall
yoursour ceofpai [Link]
kil
l
edmybr otherand. .
.(sighs)IbelieveIdi dthe
ri
[Link] ouLor dt opleasepr otectme
atallti
mesmor eespeci all
yatat i
mel ikethis.
Protectmysi st
ert ooshe'sal [Link] sfeels
toomuchf ormesi nceI '
m stil
l y
oung, st i
l
l
schooli
ngandal one.( sighs)Hel pmei nt erms
ofdecisionmaki ng,guideme, makemest r
ong
andmosti mpor tantlykeepmef ocusedasy ou
[Link].

Isi
ghasIopenmyeyesandwipedmyt ear
sof
f.
Igotupandl
ookedar
oundthehouse.

Me:
Nkasi
mol
olakae?(
Wher
ecanIbegi
n?)

Justt
henIgotdi
stur
bedbyacal
l
Me:
Hel
l
o?

Cal
l
er:
Hi,
arewespeaki
ngt
oKel
ebogi
l
ePi
l
ane?

Me:
Yesma'
am

Her:We'
recal l
ingf
rom t
hestati
ont oi
nfor
my ou
aboutanincidentt
hathappenedlastni
ghtto
yoursi
ster.

Myheartski
ppedandsoonmypal
msbegant
o
sweat
.

Me:
Whathappenedt
omysi
ster
?

(
Sil
ence)
Me:
Buang!Tl
he(
Speak!
)

Call
er:
I'
m sorr
ytobr
eakt haty
oursisterhas
passedon,shewasstabbedplease-

Thephonesl
i
ppedoffmyhandsandIcol
l
apsed
downlosi
ngmyconsci
ous.
.
..
>>>Tobecont
inued.
..
33
.
..
KEKE
Iwokeupquiveri
ngasIr
ubbedmyar msfeel
i
ng
real
lycol
[Link]
keI
’v
esleptonthefl
oorf
or
quit
esomet i
meandnoonebot her
edtowake
meup.
Iy
awnandcheckedt
het
ime.

Me:JohMamagorengosant
sosa!
?(Why
di
dn'
tyouwakeme!?)

I
twashalf6inthemor
ningsur
elyI
’
m gonnabe
l
atef
orschool.

Me:
Argh!Mamagor
eng-

Ifr
ozeseeingherbedstil
luntouchedandal
l
neatli
[Link]
nessandt he
obit
uaryinf
rontofmeremindedmeofwhatwe
wentthroughwhenwel osther.

Isatont
hebedr
eachi
ngi
t.
Me:Lat
oyahasnowfol
lowedy
ou,youmust
hav
ewelcomedherwit
hahugorsomethi
ng.

Ismi
l
edsadl
y

Me: It’
shard..
.it’l
ltaketi
mef ormet ofi
nall
yget
usedt [Link] oadisallonmeandIdon’ ttr
ust
nei
t herofourr elat
[Link]
ngt hey’
llbe
doingisgunni ngf orthi
shouse.(sighs)IguessI
havenoot herchoicebutt oremainst r
ong.
Hopef ull
yGodwi llgi
vemest rengt
h.

Ipl
acet heobit
uarydownandgotuptot akea
bat
hebef orecl
eaningthehouseandl
aterhad
[Link]
edtogowher e
mysisterwasheld.
.
.
.

BUZWE(
OB)
Wakingint
heweehour softhemorni
ngseems
tobemynewnor [Link] t
ert
akingagoodshower
Ifoundmysel
fstari
ngatmyselfi
nthemir
ror–
barewit
honlyboxerson.
Iwassear chingf orsomet hi
ngbey ondmy
[Link] el i
keani nwardself-
i
[Link] ’
vechangedandbecame
thewor stper sonev [Link]
all
liedinmyey es...somet hi
ngaboutt hem was
unsettl
ing, desecr ati
ngmyhumani tyt
o
somet hingi nhumane–monst er
.
I
fIcouldtellt
hetrut
h,Lat
oyareal
lycost
edme
f
orunlockingthi
sogrecharact
eroutand
l
eashingi
tbackwill
beamassi vej [Link]
s
poi
ntnotevenpil
l
scanhel pme, put t
ingagun
wouldandwouldbet hebestdecisionever
made.

Ihuffsti
ll
gazingatmyr efl
ecti
[Link]
fl
ashbacksstartedsurgi
ngasiftheywerereal
.
Allthepeopl
eI ’
vekil
l
ed..
.couldsti
ll
hearthei
r
pleasandcri
esechoi ngintheroom asi
fthey
wer epr
esent.

ItookstepsbackwardsasIcovermyface
experi
encingadist
orti
onofsi
[Link]
ell
backon
thebed.

“ ,
.”
Ibl
i
nkedafewt
imesafterhear
ingt
hatsweet
,
sof
tangel
i
cvoi
[Link]
singmyheadsli
ghtl
y.

Me:
Whoar
r…Whoar
eyou?

“ .”

Myv i
sionwassti
l
l di
stor
tandbl ur
rybutIwas
ablet
oespyherfloatybl
ondehai r
,itwasher
facet
hatIcoul
dn'tseeclearenough.

Voi
ce:
No!Buzwedon'
tl
osef
ocus.

Shegr
absmyfacet
oherasshest
raddl
ed
ont
opofme.

Gomol
emo:
Focusonmeanddon’
tev
ermov
e
y
[Link]
f
orustoli
veourdream,i
sforyoutoaccept
y
ourtr
[Link]
siswhoyouaredon’
tfighti
t.

Ishakemyhead

Gomolemo:Kennaf el
aogoamoget seng(I
’m
theonl
yonewhoaccept edyou.)Noonewil
l
standi
[Link]
makesourpat
hev enclearer
.

Me:Keat sebahasewenaeabuang,empake
sat
ane!(Iknowit’
snoty
ouspeaki
ngbutthe
devi
l
.)Getof f
!

Ipushedherof
fandwal
kedout
Gomol
emo:
Buzwey
oubel
ongt
ome!
!!
!!

Shey
ell
smadl
y

Me:
May
bewi
thmyf
leshbutnotwi
thmysoul
!

IsaybangingthedoorasIexi tandwentt o
dri
nkmypi l
l
[Link]
eIliv
eisnoteasy ,notthat
I’
m suici
dalorwhatnotbutI’
llgetabreakonce
Godt akesmef [Link]
sti
ll
nesscauseonear th,i
t’
sdefini
tel
ynotwhat
I’
l
lbeget t
ing.

.
.
.
PHEZI
SA
Iwakeupandfi
ndBuzwely
ingont
heki
tchen
count
erpar
thal
f-
naked.
Ir
usht
ohi
m andhi
thi
sshoul
der
.

Me:
Buzwe,
Buzwev
uka(
wakeup)

Isl
am hi
m agai
n.

Buzwe:
(moans)Mmm?M-
hm!

Me:Vukavukav
ukatshi
nawunant
loni
?(Wake
up,
haveyounoshame?)

Hegr
oanswhi
l
est
ret
chi
nghi
msel
f
Buzwe:Ei
shy
away
int
oni
ngokuMama?(
What
i
sitnow?)

Me:Weneedt
ot al
katleastgetdecentbefor
e
wedocauset
hisisseri
[Link] ey ou
av
oidi
ngmycall
slastnight?

Buzwe:
Iwasbusy

Me:Busyy
int
onithaty
oucouldn’
tpickmycal
l
s
hee?Andt
osleepli
kethati
nthekit
chen.

Buzwe:
Whet
herIsl
eepi
nthepool
orwher
ever
,
myhousemyrul
es.

Isl
apt
hebackofhi
shead.
Buzwe:
Tjoha.
akhawume

Hegotupwithhi
spil
lsonhishandandthrew
someinhismout
handdr ankwater
.Hedidn'
t
evenhav
eameal bef
orethat.

Me:Youshoul
dn’
tber
elaxedcausesoony
ou’
l
l
bearr
est
ed.

Buzwe:
(bur
ps)Ar
rest
edf
orwhat
?

Me:
Forki
l
li
ngThat
o

Buzwe:Kanti
wasn’
tthatsupposedt
ohappen
decadesagonah?Whynow?Youhandledit
mosandithi
?
Me: It
houghtIdidbutsomeonereopenedt
he
case.I
tmustbeLat oya,y
ouhavetoescape
somewher efarmntanam pl
easecauseacop
sentatipoff
.

Heshookhi
shead

Buzwe:
Runni
ngi
sforcowar
dsandI–I
’
m not
one.

Me:
Buzwe.

Hewalkedoutoft
heki
tchenandascendupt
he
st
air
s.

Me:
Buzwe!Di
dyouhearawor
dthatIsai
d?
Ifol
l
owaf terhi
m andgoti
nhi
sroom wher
ehe
gotdressed.

Me:
HeeBuzwe?

Buzwe:
Idi
dandI
’
mready

Me:
Readyf
orwhat
?

Buzwe:
Forany
[Link]
bei
t’
s
ti
meIpaydon’
tyouthink?

Me:
No,
nooBuzweIcan’
tlosey
ou

Myv
oicebr
eaks.
Me:Youcouldbethereforalongti
[Link]
ndi
yivumel
elontoyenzeke(
Iwon’tl
ett
hat
happen)i
t’
ll
kil
[Link] ouandIsti
l
l
l
ovey ousomuch.

Buzwe:Maybejustmaybe,
I’l
lcomebackbei
ng
thesonyou’
[Link]
o(t
hisone)

Heat
tempt
stowal
kbutIgr
abhi
m.

Me:(t
earf
ul)Noy ou’
reper
fectmntanam j
ust
t
hewayy [Link]’twi
shyoutochangea
t
hingaboutyoursel
f.

Buzwe:
Whynot
icei
twheny
ou’
reaboutt
olose
me?
(
Sil
ence)

Me:
I’
ll
fightf
ory
ou.

Buzwe:
That
’snotenough.

Me:
Okayt
ell
mewhati
sthen,
I’
ll
doi
t.

Buzwe: Idon’tneedt ot eachy ouhowt ol

ov e
me! !
!!
!Itsupposedt ocomenat urallydammi t.
AllIneededf rom youwasy ourlovesi nceIwas
alit
tleboy .Lookwhaty ourabusedi dt ome?
Lookatwhati tcreated?Manybl oodspi l
led,
therearesoul sstil
lwailinginmyear stothis
daybecauseoft helivesI ’v
[Link] ’
swhy
youf i
ndmesl eepingany whereint hehouse, my
room ain’tmycomf ortplaceany mor [Link]
you’r
ey etupf orcov er
ingsuchf i
lth?
Ihel
dmyhandst
oget
herf
aci
ngdowni
nshame.

Buzwe: Howaboutyoustar
tfi
ghti
ngtoloveme?
That’sall
youshoul
dbefocusi
ngon!Asf orme
Ineedt obecondemnedanddisci
pli
ned.
Nothingcandoabetterj
obthanbeinginan
actualpri
son.

Me:Ayondawoerightforwenaleyamntanam
(I
t’
snotarightpl
aceforyou.)Youmightendup
notsur
viv
ing.

Buzwe:Idon’
tfeardeathI’
vebeenl ongingfor
[Link]
sf orpeoplelikeme
[Link] benotlearni
ngal essoni st
he
reasonbehi
ndmenothav i
ngconsci [Link]
mebe.
West
aredateachot
herf
orawhi
l
ethenhel
eft
.

Me:
Buzwe,
Buzwe

Ir
anafterhi
m andst
oppedont
racksseei
ng
Bhongotal
ki
ngtocops.

Kenei
l
oe:
Kwenzekant
oni
?(What
’sgoi
ngon?
)

Pol
i
ce:
We’
rel
ooki
ngf
orBuzweSer
ame

Kenei
l
oe:What.
..whyar
eyoul
ookingf
orhi
m?
Whatareyougonnadowit
hhi
mlikewhathav
e
hedone?
Iey
edMahl
angui
nangerbuthei
gnor
ed.

Buzwe:
Ndi
mlo(
Her
eIam)

Itur
nf ast
lyt
ohi
m wi
tht
ear
[Link]
ked
towardshim.

Poli
ce:Youareunderarrestforthemur derof
ThatoPil
[Link] herighttoremainsil
ent
anyt
hingyousaywillbeusedagai nstyouint he
courtofl
[Link] herighttofi
ndy ourself
alawyerorthest
atewillprovideyouone.

Icr
iedhol
dinghi
sar
m ashewasget
ti
ngcuf
fed.

Me:
Buzwe
Buzwe:
It’
sal
ri
ghtMa,
it’
sal
ri
ght
.

Me:I’
l
lcont
actal
awy
erpl
easehangi
nther
e
son.

Theypushedhi
m awayIcuppedmyf
acest
il
l
weepi
ng.

Keneil
oe:YhohayI’
m perpl
[Link]
thoughtt
hatcasewaslongburiedanddusted.
Allt
heseyearsandtheycomef orhim now?

Bhongo:Weneedt
ogethi
m outoft
her
ethat
’s
whatIknow.

Icl
enchmyt
eet
hasIf
lar
emynose
Me:AndIneedtodealwi
thsomeoneI
shoul
d’v
elongdoneso.

Il
eftt
hem andwal
kedt
omycarmaki
ngan
i
mportantcal
l
.

.
.
.

SHEREE
Iwaspr epar
ingt
ogotoRamona’
smemor i
al
ser
[Link]
eonmywaytothedi
ning.

Uncl
e:Her
e’smyf
avour
it
eni
ece
Me:
Uncl
e

Uncl
e:Howar
eyout
hismor
ning?

Me:
I’
mfi
neandhowar
eyou?

Uncl
e:I
’mf
inet
[Link]
eyouspokent
oyour
mother
?

Me:Yeahwej ustspokeonacall
she’
sst
il
lver
y
keenonvi
sit
ingust hi
sholi
day
.

Uncl
e: I
’m excit
edit’
sbeenal ongti
mesi nce
I
’vereuni
tedwi [Link] l i
ke
I
’vegotevery t
hingsort
edouty ett
heirgap..
.it
’s
l
ikesomet hinghugemi ssing.
Me:
Igety
ou,
itmustber
eal
l
ysad

Uncl
e:Yeahbutonedayi
t’
ll
beokay,oneday
you’
l
lseeusallgat
her
edherehav
inganice
ti
me.

Inodwi
thasmi
l
e

Uncl
e:You’
regoi
ngsomewher
e?

Me:YeahI
’
m at
tendi
ngamemor
ial
ser
viceofa
f
ri
end.

Uncle:
Doyouhav
esomet
imet
ospar
e?I
’
dli
ke
forustot
alk.

Icheckedmywr
ist
wat
ch.
Me:
Yeaht
her
e’sst
il
lti
me.

Wepul
l
edt
hechai
[Link]
ghed.

Uncl
e:YouknowI ’
venoticedthatthere'
s
somethi
[Link] ewday syouhaven’t
beenokay,y
ouwer edist
antand...seemedlike
somethi
ngwasbot heri
ngy [Link]
andaparentI’
m hereaskingwhatt heprobl
em
i
s.

Ismi
l
eandhuf
f.

Me:
Itwasnot
hinguncl
e

Uncl
e:Naaaah,
[Link]
it
smas’
havepassedmechil
[Link]’
tfoolme,come
[Link]
eeandopenI’
m nother
etojudge.

Iner
vousl
ybl
ewoutaheav
ysi
gh

Me:
Wel
l
...i
twasaguy
.

Uncl
e:Aguy
??

Thewayher
aiseshi
sey
ebr
owsmademewi
sh
toswal
l
owbackmywords.

Uncl
e:No,nolikeIsai
dI’
m nother
etoj
udge.I
j
ustdi
dn’texpectwe’r
edeal
ingwit
haguyhere,
sopl
easer emainfr
ee.

Ichuckl
ed.
Me:
Ohhy
ah.
..

Uncl
e:Sowhathappened?

Me: Souh( si
ghs)hewasmycr ushandIdi d
stuntstomakei tapparentthatIhav ef
eeli
ngs
forhim butIr
ealizethatwast hebiggest
[Link] sreal
lynotintomesoy ah,I
wasj ustl
eftwiththehumi l
i
at i
[Link]’
sbeenhard
toacceptand...youknowt hehear thasit
sown
l
[Link] ’vebeensadcausey ouknowi thurts
butIthinknowI ’
vegottenov erit
.

Henodsr
epeat
edl
y

Uncl
e:Yousur
eyouar
eov
eri
t?
Me:
Yeah100%

Uncle:
OkayI ’
m gl
ady ou’vegott
enoveri
t.I
’
m
sor
ryithappenedt oy ou,yougonnafi
ndaright
[Link] ourpriorit
yshouldbebooks.
Makey oursel
fandy ourpar ent
sproudanyt
hing
el
sewi l
lfoll
owlater,nuh?

Inodpr
oudly.I
’
m gladhewasn'
tdi
ffi
cul
ttot
alk
toandwasn’
tquicktoj
udgelol
ifi
twasJozea,
hewould’
vebeenhardonme.

Uncl
e:Rememberwhenev
ery
ouneedt
otal
kI’
m
her
e–aboutanyt
hing.

Me:
YeahI
’
llal
way
sremembert
hat
Uncl
e:Good,
letmenothol
dyout
[Link]
avel
saf
ely
.

Me:
Thanksuncl
e.

Igotupandlef
[Link]
eelmuchbett
eraf
terv
enti
ng
tohi
m aboutwhat'
sbeenkeepi
ngmyspiri
t
down.

.
.
.

KEKE
Aft
ergoi
ngtothest
ati
onformysisterImade
sur
etopassatmymot her
’sgr
avejusttosi
t
thereinabsolut
esi l
enceandpr
etendasifher
[Link]
usthadnostrengt
htotal
k.
Iwastakingoffmybrai
dsasIsatonher
tombstoneandsmil
edremember i
nghowshe
usedtomockmyhai rsayi
ngI’vegotdisev
en
col
[Link] ssher,I’
drat
herbe
heret
hanf eel
i
ngall
thelonel
inessbackhome.

Istay
edupl at
etil
lIdozedoffly
ingonher
[Link]
llshockedtoseet
he
candlewasstil
lbur
ning.

Igotuphuggi
ngmy
sel
fandl
ookedathergr
ave.

Me:Ienj
oyedbeingher
ewi
thy
ou.I
’
m now
l
eav
ing,goodby
e.

Iwal
kedaway
,homei
sabi
tdi
stantandi
twas
alr
[Link]
ki
ngIsawtwomen
appear
ingoutofnowher
[Link]
tbeatbegan
raci
ngwithmegaspingi
nfear
.

Ilookaround,t
herewasnoonear oundf
or
[Link]
paceandt heydidsoaswell.
..i
twasqui
tecl
ear
thatthey’
reoutformyblood.
Idi
dn’
thesit
ateIranf
ormylifeasfastasI
coul
[Link]
ngaftermebutIwas
abl
etogothroughfewhousesandhi [Link]
i
twasclear,
Iti
ptoedawayand..
.justthenIf el
t
apunchonmyf aceIscr
eamedf all
ingdown.
Soontheguygotontopofmeandsmot hered
mewi t
haclothandever
ythi
ngturnedbl ack.

.
.
.

BUZWE(
OB)
Me:
CanImakeonephonecal
l
?

Of
fi
cer
:Youhav
e10mi
nut
es

Me:
It’
smor
ethanenough.

Heopenedmycel
landl
etmeout
.Iwentoutt
o
makeacall
.

“ ”

Me:Megani
t’
[Link]
indsomeonet
o
moni
tort
heki
dsIneedyou.I
’
vegotan
assessmentfory
out
hat
’swhyIr
eal
l
yneedy
ou
ful
lyhandson.

Megan:
OkaywhencanIst
art
?

Me:I
mmediatel
[Link]
met oseemesot
hat
wecandi
scussthi
sproper
ly.

Megan:
Aty
ourpl
ace?

Me:NoI’
m current
lyi
naholdingcel
lri
ghtnow.
Meetmymot hersothatshecandir
ectyou
wher
eIam andI ’
ll
explai
nevery
thi
ngtoyou
whenyougethere.

Megan:
Cool
,wi
l
lseey
ou.
Me:
Shar
p.

Idr
oppedt
hecal
l
.

Me:
Off
icer
!Youcant
akemeback.

Hewalkedbehi
ndmeandlockedmei n.I
wandermyeyesar
oundt
hecelllet
ti
ngitsink
t
hatthi
swil
lbemynewreali
ty.
.
..
>>>Tobecont
inued.
..
34
.
..
BUZWE(
OB)
Meganf
inal
l
ycamet
hroughandsatacr
ossme.
Megan:Icameassoonasy
oucal
l
edme.I
t
soundedurgent
.

Me:
Iappr
eci
atey
oubei
ngher
e.

Shenods

Me:
Remembert
hechi
l
dIoncebr
oughti
n?

Megan:
Who?Keke?

Me:YeahIneedyoutof
[Link]’
sin
Nel
sprui
tthat
’swher
esheli
ves.

Megan:
Isshegoi
ngbackt
othesaf
ehouse?
Me: Noshe’ sbeenagainstt
heideasoIlether
[Link] out ohel
pcontri
butetohersi
ster’
s
funeral,wordisoutt
hatshe’[Link]
ll
akidt odeal wi
[Link]’ l
l
bether eforherandsupporthert
hroughthe
wholeor deal.

Megan:
Consi
deri
tdone.

Iexhal
e

Me:Afterthefuner
alI
’
dlikeyoutoarr
angeust
o
[Link]
eweneedtoaddresssome
cer
tai
nt hingsbutt
hat
’sonlyi
fshe’
s
comfortable.

Shenods
Megan:
Whatabouty
ou?

Me:
Me?

Megan:Ithoughtyoucall
edmespeci
fical
l
yfor
[Link]
ingyououtor
somethi
ng,andwhyar eyouher
e?

Me:Somet er
ri
blethi
ngIdi
dbackinthepast
butnowithascaughtupwit
[Link]’ t
worryaboutmeI’
m abigman,I
’l
lsur
vive.

Megan:
Yousur
eyouwon’
treal
l
yneedmyhel
p?

Ismi
l
eweakl
y.

Me:
I’
mfi
neMegant
[Link]
e
t
hisKekegi
rli
sokayt
hat
’sal
lIcar
eabout
.

Megan:
I’
ll
makesur
edon’
twor
ry.

Me:
Thanky
ou.

Inowfeelrel
i
[Link]
-takenofand
nahi
t’snotmyguilt
yconsciencespeakingi
t’
s
comingfr
om agoodpl ace.

.
.
.

KEKE
Gotawokenbysomeone’
sscr
eamsandcr
ies.I
slowlyopenedmyey esandnoti
cedthatt
her e
wasanot herwomanandherdaughterhel
d
hostagejustl
[Link]
gemyey esasItryto
mov e,weweregaggedandtiedonthechair.I
wonderwher ethehell
wereweandforwhat
reasons.

Ial
sojoi
nedscreami
[Link]
eamedunt
ilt
he
doorgotopen.

Man:
Heeefusek!!
!!Ani
zi
zwanibangaumsi
ndo?
(
Can’
tyouhearyou’r
emakinganoise?
)

Weconti
nuednonet
[Link]
ookouthi
sgun,
poi
nti
ngatusandcockedit.

Man:Anil
i
lefut
hi,
noqhubekani
ngi
l
alel
e(Cr
y
agai
n,noconti
nueI’
mli
steni
ng)
Thewomanandherchi l
dgotsi
lentandI
cont
[Link] i
ckedhislowerli
p
whil
esmi l
ingandwal
kedovert
omegi v
ingme
ascarylook.

Man:Uyang’chal
l
eng’
ayii
ntombazane?(
Are
youchal
lengi
ngmelit
tl
egirl
?)

Hesaysplaci
ngt
[Link]
dn’
tget
i
ntimi
dat
edsoIglar
edhi
m backwi
thout
bl
inki
ng.

Man:Ngi
yabuzauyang’
chal
l
eng’ayi
niwee
nt
ombazane!!
?(I
’
m aski
ngareyouchal
lengi
ng
meli
tt
legi
rl
!!
?)

Thi
sti
meheshout
swhi
l
epoki
ngmyheadwi
th
t
[Link]
hermancomest
hrough.

Man2:HayhayhayBhutanaungay
i t
hint
ilo
nganesisay
’di
ngakakhul
u(Don’
ttouchthatgi
rl
westil
lneedher
)

Hel
ooksatmepissedandImanagedpul
l
inga
smi
rkundert
hegag.

Man:Nj
engempamaeyodwaiyadel
elal
ent
o
(
Justwi
thonesl
apshe’
sdi
srespect
ful
.)

Man2:Cha!Inci
ndil
anelel
eli
omni kel
ona.
Awuyit
hint
i l
enganeangekengizengik’
phi
nde
l
okho.(
No!Thepunchy ougav eherwasenough.
You’
renottouchi
ngherandIwon’ tr
epeat
mysel
f.
)
Hegl
ancesatme.

Man:
Nxt
hisi
snotov
erwenal
wabi
sh

Hesaysmot
ioni
ngasl
aponmyf
acebuti
t
di
dn’
tmovemestil
l
.

Man2:Kahl
eni,l
et’
smakeacal
landf
indout
what
’sthenextstep.

Man:Ihopei
tinv
olv
eski
l
li
ngl
oti
ki
lane(
thi
s
t
ramp)

Man2:EyyyyBafo!Haymaany
ini
?Zi
qoqe
ndoda(Conductyoursel
f)

Hewal
kedawayandmadeacal
l
.Iwonderwho
sentt
hem t
[Link]
dn’
tputi
tpast
BuzweObakengSerame.

.
.
.

PHEZI
SA
Acal
lcamet
hrough.

Me:
Sbhamu

Sbhamu: Ma’
[Link] andkept
them [Link]
we’r
easkingforthenextst
ep.
Me:
Hmmmm!

Iwal
kar
oundasIst
rokemyupperl
i
pint
hought
.

Me:It’
[Link]
ustneed
somet i
[Link] astheyar
e
unt
ilIfi
gur
eoutsomet hing.

Sbhamu:Solongwegivet
hem aspeci
al
tr
eatmentorsi
yabany
¡sa(
tor
tur
ethem? )

Ichuckl
ed.

Me: Ivouchf orthesecondopt i

onbutdon’thurt
[Link] uall
yIdon’twanty outogetphysical
withthem, tort
urethem anyhowy ouseekodwa
ningababet hi(don’
tbeatthem.)Bavi
mbeni
nobakukut
yake(Don’
tgi
vet
hem f
ood)or
somethi
ngl
iket
hat.

Sbhamu:Okaysosi
y’t
shunafori
skhat
hi
esi
ngaki
diedeng?(
Sohowl ongar
ewedoing
thi
s?)

Me: Unti
lmysongetsr el
[Link]
overtherear
ekeysformysont obeout .We
j
ustneedal i
tt
leconvinci
ngtodoandt hatwon’
t
[Link] ’
l
lpayav i
sitanddecide
whatgoesonf rom t
here.

IseeBhongocomi
ng

Me:Er
r(f
akel
aughs)we’
ll
discussi
tmor
esome
ot
hert
imeso,
haveaniceday.
Ihangupandt
urnt
ohi
m smi
l
ing.

Bhongo:
Whowast
hat
?

Me:Ohhitwasourl
[Link]
ediscussi
ng
Buzwe’
scasesoshe’
sgonnafl
yal
ltheway
fr
om KZNtocomehandleit
.

Bhongo:[Link]
olvi
ngourdodgy
deal
ings,
justso,t
ohelponthesideorwhat
?

Me: Ha.
aingaskesivek’
qalaukubaigqwetha
l
izothi
niphambikobasenzeimishi
ka-shi
ka
yethu.(
Noweshoul dfir
stwaitonwhatthe
l
awy erwil
lsaybefor
ewecar r
yonwi thour
dodgydeali
ngs.)
Bhongo:
Okay
,let
’swai
tforhert
hen.

Me:
Yeah.

Heki
[Link]
ldr
essedup.

Bhongo:
Kaneneni
yakwi
memor
ial
ser
vice?

Kenei
l
oe:
[Link]’
redr
ivi
ngus?

Bhongo:
Ewe(
Yes)

Me:
Letmegof
etchmybagsol
ong

Ir
ant
ogopi
ckmyt
hings.
.
.
.

BUZWE(
OB)
Iwassti
ll
resti
ngpeacef
ull
ywit
hmyback
rest
edonthewallandmyheadfaci
ngup,unt
il
acopstart
ledmebyaggressi
vel
yhi
tti
ngt
he
cell
.

Him:Heywenasar
niwoza,
sukuma!(
Heyboy
come,getup)

Me:
Why
?

Heunl
ockedt
hegat
e.
Hi
m:Don’
tquest
ionmey
ou’
ref
reesogetup.

Me:Free?Whatdoy
oumeanwheny
ousayI
’
m
f
ree?

Hi
m: Ngi
sh’
ukut
hial
i
sekhoi
cal
a(Imeant
her
e’s
nocase)

Me:
How’
sthatpossi
ble?

Him:Heemaan!Woul dyoustopquesti
oning
mehundredquesti
onsandj ustcomewithme.
Woza,wozaakekhoumunt uongekeajabul
ele
ukhi
shwala(Come,comenoonewoul dbe
unhappyt
ober el
easedoutofher e)

Hedr
aggedmeandIi
nst
ant
lyf
li
ppedhi
m and
pushedhi
m agai
nstthewal
lhol
dinghi
scol
l
ari
n
myhandsasIbreatheonhi
sface.

Me:Ungaz’
beuphindeundi
tsal
eokwingat
hi
ndi
yint
wanay akho.(
Don’
tyoueverdragmeli
ke
I
’myourli
tt
leboy)

Il
ookedathi
ssweat
yface

Me:
Whoputy
ouupt
othi
s?

Hi
m:I
ni-

Me:
WHOputy
ouupt
othi
s?Whobr
ibedy
ou?

Hequi
ckl
yshookhi
shead.
Him:(stammeri
ng)No-nooneputmeto
anyt
[Link]
y’phoy
isal
omthet
ho(
Iam a
l
awful cop)

Iscof
fedwhilebi
ti
ngmylowerli
pandmovemy
handfrom hi
scol
lart
osqueezi
nghi
sneck.

Me: Iam notgonnarepeatmy sel

[Link]
gooutt hereandbri
ngthepersonwhopai dyou
[Link] ot he
enf
or [Link] eas
youshoul dbefi
ghti
ngcrimebutlookwhaty ou
[Link]’
reoneoft hepeoplewholets
downt hecountry
.

Isaydisgust
ingl
ysoi
nal
owdeepv
oiceashe
swall
owed.
Me:Nowcallt
heper
sonwhosentyoutodothi
s
orI’
l
lembar
rassy
outhatsl
eepi
ngwithan
emptyst
omachbecomesanormalthi
ngfor
you.

Hebegant
rembl
i
[Link]
ethi
m gopushi
nghi
m.

Me:
Go!

Her
anoutandl
ockedt
hegat
eshaki
ng.

Me:
Khoj
ongeesi
stubat
a(Lookatt
hisi
diot
)

.
.
.

PHEZI
SA
Whil
ewaiti
ngint
hecarIsawMahlangu
st
ormingoutoft
hest
ati
onhedidn’
tlookhappy
.

Igotoutoft
hecar
.

Me:Andthen?Whywafi
ss(
areyoupi
ssed?
)
Ar
en'ty
ousupposedt
obehappy
?

Hecl
osedhi
sey
espant
ingheav
il
y.

Mahlangu:I
ndodanay
akhoi
yal
a(Yoursoni
s
r
efusing)
Me:
Iyal
a?Wal
ant
oni
?(He’
sref
usi
ng?Ref
usi
ng
t
owhat?)

Mahlangu:Ukukhishwa,
akafuni
ukhishwa
(
Beingreleased,
hedoesn’twanttoberel
eased)

Il
ookathi
m andsni
ckeri
ndi
sbel
i
ef.

Me:Yi
wethui
bhadli
l
elent
ouy
ithet
hay
o?(
Does
t
hatmakesensetoyou?)

Mahlangu:Iknowyoumaynotbel i
evemebut
yoursoninsi
stedtoseey oufi
rstbefor
e
consi
deri
ngbei ngr
eleased.

If
rownl
ooki
ngar
ound.
Me:Toseem-Howdoesheev
enknowt
hatI
’
m
her
e?

Mahlangu:Idon’
tknowIreall
ydon’tknowbut
youhavetogoi nther
[Link] ease
r
eleasemywi feanddaughterpl
ease.I'
vedone
whatyou’v
easkedmet o.

Me: Engekaphumiunyanawam phanabakho

awukazobav a(Mysonst i
l
lbeingi
ntheret
hen
thatmeansy ou’
renotyetget
ti
ngyourfamil
y
back)

Mahlangu:
It’
snotmyfaul
tthaty
ourson
doesn'
twanttobeout
!!
!!

Me:Ungandikhonkot
hel
iNJA!Bamb’
umsil
a
wakho(Don’
tbarkonmeDOG!Hol dy
ourt
ail
)
causet
hisi
snotov
er,
nxay
esess.

Icatwalkedmywayinthestat
ionand
[Link]
enteri
[Link] ar
edateach
otherforawhile.

Buzwe:
Nozal
a(Mom)

Me:
Obakeng

Buzwe:
Souhambaunyobaabant
ungoku
Mama?(You’
rebr
ibi
ngpeopl
enowMom? )

Me:I’
m doi
ngwhatanypar
entwoul
dfort
hei
r
chi
l
dren.
Buzwe:BackoffMamauy andi
va?(youhear
me?)Backof f
.Idon’twannashowy oumybad
charact
[Link]
ngrespect
ful
toyou.

Me:Am Icommi
tt
ingacr
imef
orpr
otect
ingmy
chi
l
d?

Buzwe: Ifitwasforpur er easonsthanIwould

[Link] qumaeny al
eni
(you’
recov eringi
mmor ali
t y
.)Mostlyyou’
re
bribi
nggeezt hat
'salr
eadyacr [Link]
areyoudoi ngoutthere?Youcan’ tgetyour
handscl eancany ou?Whyar eyoupushingand
pushingt ogetmor edi r
[Link] ouknowonce
they’
redi r
tyitwil
lbedi f
ficulttogetthem cl
ean
again.

(
Sil
ence)
Buzwe:[Link]
umnyeniwakho.(Don’
tmakeyourselfsomeone
you’
[Link]’
tbeli
keyourl
atehusband.)

Idon’
tknowhowbutIshr
il
ledoutan
unexpect
edcr
y.

Me:Ndi
thi
ni(
Whatshoul
dIdo)whenIwantt
o
gety
ououtofher
e?

Buzwe:Don’
[Link]
vetobehere,
kumel
e
ndohl
wayiwe(Ihavetobepuni
shed.)

Ishookmyheadr
api
dly
.

Buzwe:
PleaseMama,
[Link]
sohav
eto
meetKekeandmaket
hingsr
ightwi
thher
.

Ii
nvol
unt
arywi
denmyey
es

Me:
Keke?
??

Buzwe:
YahuKeke.
.Yi
ntoni
dahn?

Me:
NoIj
ustwonder
edwhoshei
s

Buzwe:
Whatdi
dyoudot
oher
?

Iswal
l
owasIav
oidedhi
sgaze.
.
..
>>>Tobecont
inued.
..
35
AWEEKLATER…
.
..
KEKE
Me: Ohhkgaitsadiaka( snif
fs)Ineverknewone
dayI’dbestandingher et al
kingaboutyou,
deathbenotpr [Link] eamsngwana
mmedr eamst ofulfi
[Link] ouused
totellusathomet hatallyouev erwanttobei
s
aDJ.

Igi
ggl
edt
ear
ful
l
y

Me:Itwasy oursi
mpl ici
tyformeandy our
[Link] other
mentioningt hi
ngslikebecomi ngNeurol
ogist
s
andPilotsbuty oujustkeptitsimpleandmade
i
tknownt hatyouwer eal overofl
ifeandfun.
Thefreakydaught erofMmePooni eorwould
goasfarasl
abel
l
ingy
our
sel
fast
he“
black
sheep”

Ichor
tl
edwhi
l
etear
str
ickl
eddown

Me: You’
dbel i
ke“AowannaI ’m notgif
tedlike
youtwowi t
hageni usbrain.I
’veacceptedthat
I’
m [Link]
ylovetohav efun
soletmebet hePi l
aneentert
ainerforonce”

Ihear
dfai
ntl
aughs

Me:Thent hi
ngsstartedchangingwhenmy
brot
[Link]
ookusal [Link]
osimolot
segol wala( Mom beganget t
ingsick)
andeverythi
ngturnedupsi [Link] ster
hadtodropoutofschool andwenttost arta
newlif
einJozi wherear ephandela(shewas
hustli
ngforus.)AndIwasl ef
twithmymot her,
adjusti
ngtojustbeingwithherandtaki
ngcare
ofherwi t
houtmysi bl
ingsbeingther
eandfil
li
ng
thehousewi t
hl aught
erandjoy.

Isi
gh.

Me: Myrelati
onshi
pwithmysisterwasn’
t
al
way sperfectsometi
meswe’df i
ghtal
[Link]
shewasmyagemat e(chuckl
es)Ididn’
tget
usedt oouragegap,causeshewasmyonl y
si
[Link]
meswher eshewoul d
bev er
yprotecti
veofus,pamper
edusandt ook
careofus.

It
urnedl
ooki
ngathercof
fi
n

Me:
Lat
oyaAt
legangPi
l
anewasago-
get
ter
.
Whenshesethermi ndtosomethingshe’d
defi
nit
elygofori tandgetit
.Whenshe
promisestodosomet hi
ngshedelivers,she
wasn’tan“allt
alknoact i
on”ki
ndaper sonno
notmygi r
[Link] i
sk-t
akerandan
ambiti
ousone.I fGodgav eherachancet oli
ve
andredeem herselfshewouldbef [Link]
am ItobeagainstGod’ swil
l?

Isni
ff
led.

Me: Otlagopolwaausi [Link] t

seke
mangot lant
shiril
etsangkamokgweoonengo
nt
shiri
[Link] l
eot samaye
l
emat hat aalefatshekwaoy [Link] a
[Link] ef
atshemol ef
atsheng.
Oyegokopanal ebadi [Link]
moengel eoogal alelangtengkooobeonne
motsamai siwame.
(Youwi l
lbemi ssedsisi,Idon’tknowwho’ l
l
protectmel i
key [Link]’ twanty out o
carr
yt hewor l
[Link] ou’r
egoingt o
rest
.Leav ethewor l
dlythingstot heworldand
gomeety [Link] ningangel and
don’tfor
gett obemyguar dianangel.)You’
ll
alwaysbei nourhear t
sausi mogolo,Robalaka
Kagiso(RestI nPeace)

Iwi
pedmyfacewithati
ssueandgotof
fst
age
Li
zotookmeinherar
msandcomf or
tedme.

Thepastorcont
inuedwi t
htherestofthe
serv
iceunti
lwehadt ogot othecemet er
y.
Therewasalsoami niservi
cethereandthen
fi
nall
ytheyl
oweredhercof fi
[Link]’
salwayst he
saddestpar
tofacceptingthereali
tyofit
.Not
l
ongagowesobbedandcr i
edf orMamadur ing
thi
stimenotknowingthatshewi ll
benext .
 Boi
tshwar
eloj
waModi
mo
Jonakabobat
laakebout
lwe
Mopel
ongeebol
elel
ang
Kemophoi
fokemof
if
ing
Kemodit
lal
elongmor
enaut
lwakwabonnong
j
wagagogodimo..
.

Ithr
ewt hesoilonhercoffi
nandlostbalanceas
Iuncontrol
labl
[Link]
yheld
mei [Link]
zohasalway sbeenonmysi de
eversi
nceandI ’m gr
atef
ul.

Mat
lhoagagoampona
Ant
ebamor
atong
Kaket
shabel
akwakgosi
ng
Mont
shwedi
mokgor
ong
Kemophoi
fi
ngkemof
if
ing
Kemodit
lal
elongMor
enaut
lwakwabonnong
j
wagagogodimo

Wewentbackt othehouseIwasf eel

i
ngmuch
bet
terbutfel
tli
kely
[Link]
andLizocamein.

Li
zo:
Fri
end

Me:
Tsal
a(Fr
iend)

Li
zo:Ibr
oughty
[Link]’
tal
l
owy
out
o
sl
eepwithanempt
ystomach.

Me:
Thanky
ou.I
’
lleatl
ater
.
Ismi
l
eweakl
yasIpl
acei
tasi
de.

Li
zo:Uhm Iknowt hatsoonall
thesepeoplewil
l
l
eaveandy ou’
ll
bebackt ofeel
ingall
thepain
whenyou’
[Link]
haveme,I
’l
l beri
ghtherewheny ouneedme.

Me:
Iknow

Li
zo:Actuall
ywhatImeanpreci
selyi
sthatI
’
ll
sl
eepoverjusttomakesur
ethatyougetbet
ter
andnotfeelalone.

Me:Wha-Whataboutt
hesaf
ehouse?School
?
Andyoursaf
ety
?

Li
zo:
Don’
twor
ryI
’
m wel
l
-tr
ainedandwi
l
l
alwaysbeprot
ect
[Link]
l
owaf
ri
endt
obe
ther
eforyou.

Ismi
l
e.

Me:
Okayt
hanky
ou.

Li
zo:
Nowsl
eepI
’
llwat
chy
ou

Me:
Uht
hat
'scr
eepy

Li
zo:
Okaywe’
l
lli
etoget
hert
hen

Ichuckl
ed

Me:
That
’sbet
ter
.
Wegotundert
hecoversandslepttogether
whi
l
ecuddli
ng.I
’m gl
adIburi
edmysi sterand
t
hefuner
alwentwell
digni
fyi
nglyso.

.
.
.

BUZWE(
OB)
Todaywasmybail
heari
nganythi
ngispossi
ble
butI’
m hopi
ngf
ort
hejudgementtobefai
rand
square.
Ihadal
lmyfamil
yheretoshowmesuppor t
.I
smil
edatt
hem [Link]
seIsawmy
hondar
oundtootosuppor
[Link] nkedathim
andhegavemeat [Link]
l
yappr eci
ate
hi
ssuppor
ttoo.
Themagi
str
atewal
kedi
nandweal
lri
seupas
wewereor
deredt
o.

Magi
str
ate:
Youmaybeseat
ed

Wet [Link]
ehisglassesand
pagedthroughthepagesi
nfr
ontofhim.

Magist
rat
e:I’
ll
keepthi
sshor
tandsi
mpl
e
wi
thoutwasti
nganybody’
sti
me..
.Wi
tht
hecase
br
oughtfort
h,

Thi
sisweremynerveswherewrecki
nghi
ghas
Iwastappi
ngmyfootanxi
ousl
y.

Magi
str
ate:
Thecour
tdeni
esaccesst
obai
lfor
t
heaccused;
BuzweSer
ame.

Hebeatst
hebenchassli
ghtnoi
sesweremade.
Icl
enchmyeyel
idspr
essi
ngmyl i
pstoget
heras
Iti
l
tmyheadup.

Magi
str
ate:
Order
.Isai
dor
der
!

Thenoi
seceaseddown.

Magistr
ate:Thef
oreMrSeramewi l
lbe
t
ransfer
redtoSunCit
ypri
sontil
lthetr
ial
begi
ns
i
nthe15t hofJanuar
[Link]
sadjour
ned!

Hestoodupwi
ththenoisesti
ll
carry
ingon.I
gotupandmyfamil
yrushedtowardsme,it
shat
ter
edmeseeingthem cr
yliket
hat.
Mom: Bendit
henikuweBuzwe!Bendi
theni
?
(WhatdidIsaytoyou?)That
'swhyIwantedt
o
prot
ectyoufrom al
lofthi
s.

Me:
Mai
t’
sgoi
ngt
obeokay

Isayf
ail
i
ngt
ocomposemyv
oice

Mom: Sut
hii
t'
sgoingtobeokay
,it
'l
lnev
erbe
okay
!Thiswi
llr
uinyou.

Shecri
edshaki
[Link]
i
nkedf
eel
i
ngmyt
ear
son
thev
ergeofcomingout.

Bhongo:Qi
nandoda(Best
rong)we’
l
lsuppor
t
youthr
oughthi
sdarkti
me.
Isni
ffandnodaf
ewt
imes.

Kenei
l
oe:
Bhut
i!(
Brot
her
)

Me:Pl
easet
akecar
eofmyhouseandLuf
huno.
Pr
omiseme.

Kenei
l
oe:
(tear
ful
)Ipr
omi
se

Ismil
edthr
oughmyt
ear
sandmyf
ri
endcame
thr
ough.

Me:Jozt
hanksf
orbei
ngher
emybr
u.I
treal
l
y
meansal
ottome.
Jozea:Anyti
mebr o,i
t’
sgonnabeokay .Godwil
l
setyoufree,seekHi m,fi
ndcomf ortinHim,
repentandHeshal l
defendy [Link]
andHe’llgi
vey oustrengththrought hiswhol
e
hurri
caneyou’reabouttoent [Link] l
survi
[Link]'
sall I
’m gonnasayto
youmybr other.

Het
ouchedhi
schest
.

Jozea:
Hondsf
orl
i
fe

Me:
Hondsf
orl
i
fe

Isayt
ouchi
ngmychestt
oowi
thaf
aintsmi
l
e.

“Asambesboshwa”
Iwaspushedawayfrom t
hem andsomet hi
ng
deepwit
hinmebroke.I
’l
ldefi
nit
elynotfor
getto
appl
yJozea’
[Link] ’
m goingtohell
hol
e
whereI
’l
[Link]!It'
sstil
lalong
waytogo.

.
.
.

PHEZI
SA
Ir
ushedi
nourbedroom andpackedal
lofour
st
uff
swhil
eweepinginpain.

Bhongo:
Hayi
boyint
oni
sthandwasam?(
What
’s
wrongmylov
e?)
Me:Ndincamil
e,ndidini
we, ndoy i
siweakusekho
ntoyam apha–akusekhont oyethuapha(Igiv
e
up,I
’mtir
ed,Iam defeatedt her
e’snothi
ngleft
forme–f orusinthisplace)

Bhongo:
WhataboutKenei
l
oe?

Me:Keneil
oeisoldshe’
l
lmanageonherown.
Whenevershemissesusshe’
l
lcomevisi
t
dur
ingholi
days.

Hel
ooksatmef
orami
nut
e.

Bhongo:
Youhav
etosuppor
tyoursonPhezi
sa.

Me:
Don’
tyout
hinkI
'
vedonet
hat
?Andt
hat
mademel ookl i
keabadper [Link]
mntasekhayaIhaveabusi nesstor
unbackin
MlaziGodknowsi fit
'ssti
llr
unni
ngormaybeI
havetopreparemy sel
ffordamagecontr
ol.
Nokolideel
ithut
yanasilapha(I
t’
sbeenl
ongthat
we’vebeenhere)

Hehuf
fsdef
eat
edl
ysi
tt
ingont
hebed.

Me: Kenewi l
lstandforusint ermsofv i
siti
ng
him andal soshewi llworkwi t
ht helawyermna
I’
m [Link] hatIdidn’
twar nuBuzweIdi d..
.if
hewannal osehi sli
feOkay ,
ifhewannar ui
nhis
careerOkaybutheshoul dn’tdarebl ameme
againfornotbei ngamot hersinceit’swhathe’s
goodat .MnaIt ri
edmyut mostbestandhe
knowsi ttoof rom wherehei [Link]
tobesel f
-righteousyenasokehe’ ll
di eforit
mnaIcan’ tst anditqha..
Bhongo:
Phezi
saPhezssshhh.
..

Hestoppedmef
rom r
ambl i
ngf
urt
herand
br
ushedmeinhi
sembr ace.

Bhongo:
Leti
toutMamqocwal
eti
tal
lout
.

Allt
hecr yI
’vesuppressedinsi
deIgoti
tall
out
thatKeneil
oecamebar gi
ngthi
nki
ngtherewas
somethingwr [Link]
onmyf eet.

Me:Si
yahambaBhongo(sni
ffs)si
yahamba
apha(
We’rel
eav
ingthi
splace)

Kenei
l
oe:
You’
regoi
ngbackt
oDur
ban?
Me: [Link] r
ly ou’vebeenal labout
i
ndependencer ight?Taket hi
sasachancet o
trai
ny oursel
fandal way sbet herefory
our
[Link] i
siwe( Igiv
eup)sopl ease
takecar eofyourselfntombam.

Ikissedherandconti
nuedpacki
ngourstuf
fs.
I’
ml eavi
ngandwillst
aywhereI’
l
lgetpeaceto
avoidthi
sbeforei
tsendsmet oanearl
ygrave

.
.
.

VI
OLA
Iwasat
tendi
ngacust
omerandt
hankedher
aftergi
[Link]
nuedmaking
measur [Link]
runningaclothi
ngstoreIneverknewI’
dbe
wher eIam todaybuthereIam.

Whil
eati t
,anothercust
omercamet opay
.I
br
oughtmyf aceupsmilingbuti
tsoon
di
minishedseeingwhoi twas.

Cai
tl
yn:
Uhm Vi
o,hey

Me:
Hi

Theatmospherechangedtobei
ngt
ense.I
cl
ear
edmyt hroatandscannedt
hecl
othi
ngs
andtheywereall
men’swear.
Cai
tl
yn:
Sohowhav
eyou’
vebeen?

Me:
[Link]
easemakepay
ment

Cai
tyl
n:Ohhy
ah

Shetookoutherpur
seandpai
[Link]
ehert
he
change.

Cai
tl
yn:
Thanky
ouandt
hisi
sfory
ourt
ip.

Me:
NoI
’
m good.

Cai
tly
n:Noy ou’
renot.I
t’
sfort
hebusi
nessand
I
’m asat
isf
iedcustomer.
Imadeanuncomf
ort
abl
esmi
l
eaccept
ingi
t.

Me:
Thanky
ou.

Cai
tl
yn:Imustsayyou’
vedoneanexcept
ional
j
obwithyourshop.

Shesay
slooki
ngar
ound.

Me:
Howdi
dyouknow?

Caitl
yn:Ohh!I
tcoul
dn’
tst
opget t
ingoutofour
neighbour
’s–ImeanMar t
ha’smouthandsoI
thoughtIshoul
dcomeseef ormysel
fandI
mustsayI ’
mv er
yimpr
essed.

Me:
Ohw.
..
Cait
lyn: YeahDadhasal
waysbeenpr
oudofy
ou
andIt houghtofbuyi
nghi
m oneofhi
s
daught er’
swork.

Me:
Iappr
eci
atet
hesuppor
t.

(
Sil
ence)

Caitl
yn:SisIthinkforonceweshouldjust
[Link] t’
stoosoontotrustmeandall
butwe’ l
lbeinapubl i
cspace,
arestaurant
.To
catchupandr esol
veourmatter
scausei t
’s
beeny ears.

Me:
Cai
tl
yn-
Cait
lyn:Ibegy
ouIcanev
engodownonmy
knees..
.

Me:
No!Don’
tpl
ease.

Caitl
yn:Pl
[Link] ohavesomeoneto
turnto,
afamilyincasesomethi
nghappensor
wheny ou’
reintr
[Link] ou,
meand
dadandwel ovey [Link]
easegiv
eusachance
please.

Ist
areatherf
oralongti
mei nconsi
der
ati
on.
Shekeptmaki
ngthepleadi
ngface.

Me:
Nouasj
ynetkanophouom t
eveel
tebedel
.
(
Nowify
ouwoul
dstopbeggi
ngtoomuch)
Cai
tl
yn:
Huh?

Shepopsherey
esbedazzl
ed

Me:
Stopbeggi
ng

Cai
tyl
n:Okay
,okayf
ine

Ismi
l
eathernoddi
ngmul
ti
plet
[Link]
myphone.

Me:
Giv
emey
ournumber
s

Cai
tl
yn:
Am Idr
eami
ng?

Me:
Shoul
dIchangemymi
ndmay
be?
Cai
tl
yn:
NonookayokayI
’
llgi
vey
oumynumber
.

Shetookmyphoneandpunchedhernumber
s
qui
ckly
.Il
aughedsi
l
entl
y

Cai
tl
yn:
Thanky
ou.

Me:
I’
ll
deci
dewhenwewi
l
lgoout

Cai
tl
yn:
Okay

Mybabeent
eredbr
ingi
ngmel
unchandgr
eet
ed
usbef
oreki
ssi
ngme.

Me:
Youcamel
ate!
Jozea:
Sorr
y,for
gott
otel
lyout
hatIneededt
o
beatcour
tformyfri
end.

Me:
Whi
chf
ri
end?

Jozea:
Uhm OB

Me:
Whatdi
dhedo?

Jozea:
He-

Cai
tl
ynsti
ll
remindedusshewasar
oundby
cl
ear
ingherthr
oat.

Cai
tl
yn:
Uhm It
hinkIhav
etogo.I
twasni
ce
seei
ngy
ousi
s.

Me:
Likewi
se

Jozea:
It’
sgoodt
oseey
ouguy
sget
ti
ngal
ong.

Webot
[Link]
tl
ynl
eftthepl
aceleavi
ngme
andmybooconti
nui
ngwithconver
sati
onaswe
eat
.

.
.
.
.

BUZWE(
OB)
Iwaschangedi nt omyyell
owcorrectional
unifor
m asImov edinmynewcel lthatnowhad
i
nmat [Link] ’
m enteri
ngadev i
l’
splay gr
ound
i
fI’m notsmartenoughImi ghtendupbei ng
thei
rnexttoythingorwhat?Awi fe?It hi
nkI
shouldcalcul
atemyst epscaref
ullyfrom
hereon.
Iwal kedinandev eryonestoppedwhat everthey
wer edoingandl ookedatmydi r
ecti
on,ifeyes
couldbiteIswearI ’
dbeal readycrumbledin
[Link] emainedleaningont he
cellgatenotmov i
ngani [Link] t
ernot
totakeany one’sseatifIdon’twishtotaste
k@kwi t
hmyt ongue.

Icoul
dseesomewherebother
edthatI
remai
[Link]
herdudecame
for
ward.
Man:
Eit
a

Hej
erkshi
sheadwhi
l
echewi
ngt
het
oot
hpi
ck.

Me:
Sur
e.

Man:Whyumel
averuyoyi
kadahn?(
Whyar
e
youst
andi
ngf
arar
ey ouscar
ed?)

If
oldmyar
ms

Me:Icoul
dbescar
edandcoul
dnotbescar
ed.
Doesitmatt
er?

Man:
Ghost!Theniungabekii
ntoecacay
onj
e?
(
Whyaren'
tyouclearenough?)
Me: Ngxakibhuday am nzawut hindocopha
endaweni fi
keithi
kant indi
copheendaweni
ye’
skhuluthenndibesengxaki [Link]
uchukunyiswa( Pr
oblem broist hatI
’l
ltakea
seatthenithappenst hatI’
m sitti
ngat
someone’spl acethenthat’
llputmei ntrouble
andIdon’twannabet ouched)

Man:Don’
twannabet
ouchedwhatar
eyou?A
si
ssy
?

Hesneer
sandIl
ethi
m be

Man:Comejoi
not
hermenandst
opbei
nga
si
ssyyi
za.

Isnor
tcl
enchi
ngmyt
eet
[Link]
kedbehi
ndhi
m
andwemettheot
hercr
owdofguy
spl
ayi
ng
somecar
ds.

Man:Zi
ntsi
zwandi
niphet
hel
eiNewbi
e(Ihav
ea
newbi
eforyouguy
s)

“
Newbi
eyakwabani
?(Whatnewbi
e?)”

Anotherguywhowasseat edquest
ionswi
than
at
ti
[Link]
rstguynudgedmyar m.

Man:
Zazi
se(
Int
roducey
our
sel
f)

Me:
OB

Man2:
OB?
Hesmi
rksget
ti
ngup

Man2:
AndI
’
m OG.

Irai
semyeyebrowsst
[Link]
endshi
s
handforashake.

Man2:
(mocki
ngl
y)Ni
cet
omeety
ou“
O”-
B

Igl
anceathi
shandandshooki
t.

Me:
Likewi
se

Weshookitf
orawhi
l
eunti
lIfel
tast
ri
ki
ng
punchl
andi
[Link]
ssandgrunti
n
agonyasImi
ssast
epandf
all
ononeknee.

OG: Udenk’ aukut hiuwuklevawenaneh?

Atti
tudey akhoi gcweleuk’
[Link]
’beka
njesowsi ny uselangamakhalaudenk’
aukut hi
kuphi l
ana?Ki ni?(Youthi
nky ou’
resmart
.Your
atti
tudeisful lofrot
.Assoonasy ouentered
thi
spl aceyouf l
aredyournose,wher
edoy ou
thi
nky ouar e?Athome? )

Hesmackedt
hebackofmyneckasIwasst
il
l
bendi
ng.

OG:Hel a!Hela!Uy ay
azukuthingiwubani mi
na?
AbangibizingoOGnomakanj anikuphethemina
l
a!Abasezansi kimiabakhul
umi nami
beng’bhekil
eorKanj anibogoloza?( Hey
!Hey!
Doy ouknowwhoIam?Theydon’ tcal
lmeOG
astheypl ease,thisi
smyt er
ritor
y!Thosebelow
menev
erspeakt
omewhi
l
efaci
ngme.I
sn’
tit
somat
es?)

Them:
“ ”

Theysi
ngi
nuni
sonagr
eei
ngt
owhathesay
s.

OG:
Manj
ewena?(
Andt
heny
ou.
..
)

Hesayssteppi
ngonmyearpushi ngmetofal
l
fl
atwit
hhisfootst
[Link]
makingadeafeni
ngsoundcausi ngmetofume
i
nangerwithmybr eathsi
rr
egulati
ngandmy
beastmodeawakening.

OG:Ugcwelenomacha?(Arey
ouinornot
?)
Ent
lekI
’m notev
engi
vingyoumuchofachoi
ce,
tobefreeyouhav etobeinorsi
zok’
hlumeza
uzeuci
ngei belel
ikanyoko(
wegonnat ortur
e
youti
ll
y outhinkofyourMommy ’
slactat
ion)

Hemov
edbacksl
owl
y.

OG:Manj
emfanapr
oveyour
sel
[Link]
zeni
ne
nsi
phol
apho(
Bri
ngabarsoap)

Theguysqui
cklybroughtt
hesunl
i
ghtbarsoap.
ThebeastwasreadytocomeoutbutI
cont
ainedmyselfsohard.

OG:
Dwebani
isi
yi
ngi
(Dr
awaci
rcl
ewi
thi
t)

Theydi
[Link]
dtheunexpect
edand
peedontheci
rcl
enexttomeandsomeofhis
uri
[Link]
helastbut
ton
hepressedandIjumpedonhi
minseconds
bumpingintohi
m wit
hmychestasIgrowl
edin
anger.

Hestumbl
edsomef
ewst
epsbackandsmi
l
ed
atme.

OG:
Unesbi
ndi
neh?(
Youmustbebr
ave)

Hepoi
ntedt
heci
rcl
e

OG:Licki
[Link]
whethery
oul ikeitornot-t
ogetherwit
hthe
ci
rcl
[Link] ean.

Me:
(gr
unt
ingdeepl
y)Makeme!
!
Isawal i
tt
lebitoffearfl
ashi
nginhi
seyes.I
wasnol ongersurewhetheri
twasmeorOB
wasalreadyincontrolt
heypushedf
orhimto
surf
ace.
Inspli
tsecondshisguysjumpedonme, onhis
defenseholdi
[Link] ckedmet ogo
downonmykneesbutamazi ngl ywi t
ht he
str
engthIhad, Ir
oughl
yshookt hem of froari
ng
i
nsanelyasifIwaspossessedwi t
h ℎ
or ℎ (
Strong
Ancestryspir
it
/power)
.ThatIt hrewt hem bot h
fl
yi
ngandscat teri
ngoverthecel l
.Many
i
nmat esretr
eatedback,fr
ightened, Iguessand
Imadear unt oOGt ogiv
ehi m aspear , buthe
swungasockonmyf ace.

Me:
Fvv
vvv
ck!
!!
!
If
ell
downandbl
edi
mmedi
atel
y.
Hecont i
nuedswingi
ngandhi t
ti
ngmyfacewi
th
thesockthathadthebarsoapinsi
de.I
screamedmyl ungsoutandallmystr
engt
hgot
drainedandtamedti
llIpassedout
.
.
..
>>>Tobecont
inued.
..
36
.
..
BUZWE(
OB)
Iwokeupi nabedandf i
rstthi
ngt
hatwel
comed
mewast heburningsensati
ononmyface.I
t
wasli
keIwasst ungbyabunchofBeesandmy
facef
eltheavy
.

Doc:
Heyy
ouwokeup?
It
ri
edtorai
semyheadbutwhi
mper
edasIf
elt
anext
remepai
n.

Doc:
Takei
teasy

Me:
Eishhowl
onghav
eIbeenout
?

Doc:
Aday
,howdoy
ouf
eel
?

Me:I
’v
eneverfel
tsomuchpai
nbefor
eand
t
hesecuf
fsain’
tdoi
ngmejust
ice.

Doc: Sorryi
t’
spartoftheprot
[Link]
heali
ngsomeofy ourfaci
albrui
sesy ouwi l
ltake
painkil
lerst
oreducethepainandhopef ull
yy our
facewi ll
managegoingbackt oit
snor mal
[Link] hefi
ghtssirplease.
Inodandl
ookedather

Me:
Am Il
ooki
ngbad?

Doc:
I’
m af
rai
dyouar
ebuty
ougonnaheal
fast
.

Iswal
l
owbef
orecl
ear
ingmyt
hroat
.

Me:
CanI
..
.CanIhav
eal
ookatmy
sel
f?

Doc:
Par
don?

Me:Uhm ar
en’
tther
eanymi
rror
sorsomet
hing
i
nhereIj
ustneedtoseemy
self
.
Shel
aughsf
indi
ngt
hatamusi
ng.

Doc:Ther
ecoul
dneverbemi
rr
orsi
npr
[Link]
Icandoyouafavour
..
.

Shesneaksherhandi
nherpocketandcomes
outwi
thaphone.

Doc:
Checky
our
sel
fonmycam.

Shehandsmeherphone

Me:
Thanks

Iholdherphoneinmyhandandl ookedat
my sel
fthr
oughthest
andbyself
ie-cam ahuge
knotoflumpstart
edf
orminginmyAdam’ s
applethatitevenbecameaudibl
ewhenIgul ped.
Myf [Link] dmer eal
lybad.
Bothmyey eswereshutandmyl enswere
[Link] ’
m notevenget
tingonthe
actualface,i
twasasi fIwaspumpedsot hat
myf acecouldkeeponexpandingand
expanding.

Il
etof
fahugesi
ghasIhandbackherphone.

Doc:
Yougonnaheal
innot
ime

Me:(scoff
s)EvensoIdon’tthinkmypret
tyface
wil
lbebackt onor
mal .NowIbeherelooki
ng
l
ikethatal
ienonChickenLickenadv
ert.

Shel
aughsl
i
ght
ly.
Doc:You’
reexagger
ati
ngj
ustgi
vey
our
sel
fti
me
toheal
.

Me:I’
m gl
adyoufindt
hisasajoke..
.Cany ou
uhm pl
easegi
veme10mi nstomy sel
f?Ineedit
Ipr
omiseIwon’tdoanyt
hingoutofcontext.

Shel
ooksatmeskept
ical
l
y.

Doc:
5mi
nut
es

Me:
Fine

Sheplacesdownherit
emsandl eaves
answeri
ngtothewardersout
sidethedoor
.

It
akei
nfewheav
ybr
eat
hsbef
oreIst
artcl
osi
ng
myey
es.

Me: Morena( Lord)Ihaveneverdonethi

sbefore
andIdon’tev enknowhowi t
’[Link]
end
shedsomel i
ghtintomeandr emindedmeof
youandI .
..Ilastknewhowt opr aywhenGranny
wasstil
lalive.(si
ghs)Shetaughtmet he
i
mpor t
anceofpr ayerandwhenshedi edal
lthat
fadedaway ,thendarknessreigneduponmyl i
fe.

Me: I
’
m probabl
ythebi ggestsinnerev erbutI
wishall
[Link] her,helpme.
Forgi
vemeandal lmysi ns.I’
m wil
lingtotakei
n
anypunishmentsolongFat heryou’ll
freeme
fr
om thi
sdemonl ivi
ngi nsideme.

Tear
srandown.
Me: I
t’
snotnormalIt
houghtbei
nghereand
gett
ingbeatenwoul
dmakemef eel
bett
[Link]
real
izeI
’m onl
ytosuf
ferandthi
sthi
ngwill
alwaysremaini
nsi
demeandst ickf
oralong
ti
me.

Me: (sniffs)Il ongf orgav emymot herIlong

mov edpassedmyunpl easantupbr i
ngingandI
heary ou'reaSov ereignLor dnothingisabov e
[Link] easegi vemest r
engthIwantt or epent
[Link] pme, don’[Link] essI’m
asinnerI ’vedonebadt hingstopeopl [Link]
ow
met ot akeanypuni shmentcomi [Link] d
(cr
ying)af t
ercondemni ngme,lemmebej ust
l
ikey ourser v antPaul os,l
emmel eavethisplace
achangedman, lemmecomeoutl ightwitha
l
ightaur al eav ingthisdar koneint hisplace.
Thanksf [Link]-
“
Amen.
”

Iopenedmyey eslooki
ngatt
hedoorand
cl
osedthem again.

Me:
Amen.

Thedoct
orwal
kedf
orwar
d

Me:
You’
vebeenl
i
steni
ng?

Doc:
5mi
nut
eswasov
er.

Me:
Ohw.

Isni
ff
leembar
rassedl
yandwi
pedof
fmyt
ear
s.
If
eltherhandonmyshoul
der
.

Doc:Erasethest i
gmaofamanshoul dn’tcry.
Bevulnerabl
eandl eti
tal
l outthat’showy ou’l
l
heal
.Thesoul isn’tli
kefl
esh...thephysical
woundsheal fasterthaninsidey [Link]
youholdbacki t’
l
l keeptr
iggeringy ouuntily
ou
can’
ttakeitnomor e.

Me:
Thanky
oudoct
or

Doc:
You’
rewel
comei
t’
sti
met
ogonow.

Sheopenedt
hedoorf
ort
hewar
der
stocomei
n.

Theyuncuf
fedmywri
stfr
om thebedand
escour
tedmeoutsur
pri
singl
ytheyt
ookmet
oa
pr
ivat
ecel
l
.

Me:
Shoul
dI…?

Ipoi
ntedconf
used

War
der
:Oh!Youmi
ssy
ouri
nmat
es?

Me:Uhm nonoandi
khal
azi
(I’
m not
compl
aini
ng)

Theyunl
ockedandImademywayinand
exhal
einrel
i
efasIl
ieont
hebed.

.
.
.

GOMOLEMO
Me: Thulathul
’,t
hulabhabhat
hul
asana.
Thul
’uMamauzobuyaekuseni

Isangsoftl
yasIbrushmybell
yst
ari
ngint
o
[Link]
gnoredt
heloudbangonthedoorasI
conti
nuesingi
ngformybaby.

Mom:Gomol emoopenthedoor
.Opent
hedoor
wenangwana!Howlongwil
lyoumopefor
somet
hingyou’v
edone?

“Mat
hapel
o…”

IhearDadr
epr
imandi
ngher
Mom: [Link](i
t’
sthet
ruth)she
rui
nedherownweddinghowl ongwi
llshecarr
y
oncryi
ng?[Link]!(I’
vehad
enough)

Shebangst
hedoor

Mom: HeeewenaGomol emobul alebat

i!(
Open
thi
sdoor!)Bakaebasimaneba?( Wher eare
theseboys?)Ineedsomeonewho’ lll
oosenthis
[Link]’tevenknowi fshe’ssti
l
lali
ve
i
nt her
eornot .Somebodycal
lthoseboy s!
!!

Mom wasgoi
ngonmadl
ywhi
l
eDadknocks
sof
tl
y.

Dad:
Gomol
emopl
easeopent
hedoormybaby
pl
easet
oe.I
’
m beggi
ngy
oumybabypl
ease.

Mom: Obatlaremor apel

e!(Shewantsusto
begher!
)Ifshechoset ol
ist
entousinthefir
st
pl
acenoneoft hi
swoul d’
[Link]
husbandwould’vesti
ll
beenali
veandalsoshe
wouldn’
thavelostthebaby.

Dad:
Mathapel
o!Tl
hokomel
amol
omowagago
maan(Watchy
ourmouth)

Ist
oppedsingi
ngforasecondandf
li
ckermy
l
ashesinshock.

Me:
No,
nowhatdoesshemean?

It
ouchedmybel
l
ygl
anci
ngati
t.
Me:Kesantsekekgonagout l
wapeloy agago
l
[Link] anggorekelatl
hegetsweke
wena?(
Icanstil
lfeelyourheart
beateveny our
ki
ckswhatdoesshemeant hatI’
velostyou?)

Iwi
pemyr
unni
ngt
ear
s.

Me: Thi
splacei
snotgoodforusweneedtogo.
(nods)Mhmm ret l
atsamay
a,gabaki
tlaba
tl
holabarebonagape( We’
rel
eavi
ng,
they’
l
l
neverseeusagain)

Ibrushmyt ummystil
li
nt houghtsandwas
broughtbackbythedri
ll
ont [Link]
ckl
y
gotupanddecidedtocli
mbont hewindowand
j
umpof f.
.
.
.

BUZWE(
OB)
Aft
erpray
ingIgottosleeppeacef
ull
[Link]
di
stur
bedbyawar derwakingmeupsay ingthat
I
’v
egotav isi
tor
.Igotupandfoll
owedafterhim.
IwasshockedseeingwhoitwasthatIpaused
walki
ngandfrozeonthespotwi
thmymout h
agape.

War
der
:Asambeasambe(
Let
’sgo)

Hehit
smyshoul derandIcont
inuedwal
ki
ng
andsatopposi
teher.
Me:
Keke,
hi

Keke:
Hi.
..

Fewawkwar dmoment spassedandshegav e

meapi t
if
ul l
ookseei
nghowIl [Link]’t
honest
lyfeelsy
mpathyformeaf terwhatIdi
d.

Me:
Uhm di
dn’
texpecty
ourv
isi
t

Keke:
IthoughtIshoul
dsur
pri
sey
ou.

Me:
I’
m happyy
oucame

Keke:
Iknowi
twasy
ou.
..
Il
ookedatherqui
zzi
cal
l
y

Keke:Whot r
iedt
or eachouttome,thefuneral,
supportandever
[Link]
andrudetowardsMegant hi
nki
ngyouwer e
i
nvolvedinki
dnappingme.I twasagreatchoice
tobri
ngLizoin.

Il
aughed

Me:
YoumeanLi
zoma?

Keke:
That
’sherf
ull
name?

Me:
Yeah

Keke:
Yah
(
Sil
ence)

Keke:I’
m her
etosayIf
or gi
[Link]
veyou
forever
ythi
ngyoudi
d..
.justknowev enifyou
getoutofhere,
Iwon’
tholdany t
hingagainst
you.

Il
i
ftmybr
owandsni
ckerner
vousl
y

Me:Uhm whatdoyoumean?That'stoosoonI
don’
tthi
nkIdeser
veyourf
orgi
veness.

Keke:I
fGodi sablet
ofor
giv
emysi nsthen
who’sundeservi
ngofmyforgi
veness?

Me:
Kel
ebogi
l
e…
Keke:Revengeisn’
tgonnat akemeany wher e
i
nsteadit’
ll
dragmebackwar dsanddomor e
[Link]’tbri
ngbackmybr ot
[Link]
needpeacei nmylif
eandi tstartswit
hf orgi
ving
[Link]’ tl
iveup
self
-cr
ucif
yingyour
[Link]
spl aceisalr
eady
cruci
fi
xionenough.

Ismil
edI’
venev
erbeensocomf
ort
edbysuch
words.

Keke:Atonepointy
ouwereki
ndandofcour
se
savedmylif
[Link]
lgi
veyoustr
ength.

Ihuf
fget
ti
ngqui
teemot
ional
l
y.

Me:
YhoKeke,
[Link]
ust
..
.Inev
err
ecei
vedsuch
kindnessi nmyl if
[Link] i
l
l pl
anni ng
orratherwai ti
ngf orthefuner
altopassfirst
beforeIpourmyhear touttoyouandaskf or
forgi
v [Link] oujustcame,unexpectedl y
andt ellmet hatyouf or
givemewi t
houtev en
hearingmeaski ngf ori
[Link]
kewoaht hat
’sr eall
y
big.

Ifol
dmylipsandpl
acemyhandst
oget
heri
nan
apol
oget
icmanner.

Me: I
’m sorr
yKeke.I
’mreal
l
ysorryfor
destr
oyingyourfamil
yandtor
nitpart
.I’
m sor
ry
forcausingyoupai
nandbeingthereasonwhy
you’r
eleftal
onetoday.

Isaypai
nful
lywit
hmyv
oicet
rai
l
ingof
[Link]
exhal
esdeeply
.
Keke:
LikeIsai
d,y
ou’r
ef or
giv
[Link]
sur
eyoudon’tr
epeatthesamemi st
akesagai
n.

Me:
Iwon’
t

Keke:
Wel
ltheni
tl
hokomel
e(t
akecar
e)

Me:
Youal
sot
akecar
e,al
way
s

Shemakesafai
ntsmil
ebef
oreget
ti
ngupand
l
eft
.Iwat
chherleav
e

Me:
Wow!

Iwhi
speri
nshockbet
weenmypal
msandr
ub
myf
aceasIexhal
e.
Imustsayt heprayerItookli
ghtwasact
uall
y
powerful
andt hesewer eli
tt
lesi
gnsshowing
met hatt
hingswillcomet oget
herandI
’l
lfi
nall
y
havepeacei nmylife.

.
.
.

VI
OLA
Iwokeupsmi lingtothethoughtofdreamingof
mymot [Link] l
ingandtoldme
“Somethingbigiscoming”Idon’tknowwhether
somethingbigwassomet hinggoodorbadbut
j
udgingbyherener gyIbelievedi
thad
somethingtodowi ththegood.
Jozea:
Babe

Me:
Baby

Weshar
edaki
ss

Jozea:
Youwokeupear
lyandy
ou’
resmi
l
ing.

Me:YeahIdon’
thav
eanyr
easonnott
osmi
l
e.
I
t’
sabrandnewday!

Jozea:
Mhm!

Me:Sobabycany
ouborr
owmey ourcarfor
t
oday?Ipr
omiseI
’l
ldr
opi
tbackl
atert
ot hegym.
Jozea:
Ohh?

Me:Todayisoneoft hedayswhereIpassby
thehomeanddr opthedonati
onsfortheki
ds.
Sosincei
t’
salotofpackagesIneeded
somewhereIcan-

Hesi
lencedmebypl
aci
ngt
hecarkey
sinf
ront
ofme.

Me:UhIdi
dn’
tneedmuchconv
inci
ngdi
dI?
Thanky
ou.

Hebendatmyl
evel
andgav
emeasat
isf
ying
ki
ssoncemor
e.

Jozea:
Wil
lseey
oul
ateron,
Lov
eyou.
Me:
“I”i
smi
ssi
ng

Hechuckl
es.

Jozea:
Ilov
eyou.

Me:
Ilov
eyout
[Link]
eani
ceday
.

Jozea:
Yout
oo.

Hel ef
tandIgotuptoprepar
eforshower
.An
hourlaterIwasdonewi
thevery
thi
ngand
preparedtogototheor
phanage.
Onmyarr
ival
[Link]
s
hel
pedmeoffl
oadtheboxofpackagesand
l
astl
ywet
ookof ft
[Link]
ds
wer
ereal
l
yhappy
.

Vi
ola:
It’
sthel
eastIcoul
ddo

Et
hel
:Itmeansal
ott
othem [Link]
ou.

Vi
ola:
You’
rewel
[Link]
a!

Iplayedwithonebabyboyandspinhi
m around
l
ol hegiggl
esandIplacedhi
m backonhisfeet
.
Ethelcheckedal
ltheboxes.

Ethel
:Wowyoumadeal
lthesecl
othesf
ormy
chil
dren?

Me:
Yes
Ethel
:Ohhh!MayGodbl
essyouabundant
lyf
or
doingthi
[Link]
drenwi
l
lbewarm dur
ing
thi
sseason.

Me:
Ihopei
t’
sal
lthesi
zesy
ou’
vegi
venme.

Et
hel
:Yesdef
ini
tel
y.

[Link]
andedbehindherout
sidet
he
windowandIsawal i
ttl
egi
rlsit
ti
ngbyhersel
f
andtheweatherwasbad.

Me:
Uhm gi
vemeamomentI
’
llbeback.

Et
hel
:Okay
.
Iwentoutsi
deandt
ookaseatnexttot
hegi
rl
.I
not
icedshewasbusywi
thadrawing.

Me:
Heyt
her
[Link]
eyousi
tt
ingbyy
our
sel
f?

Shedidn’
tcar
epayi
ngat
tent
iont
omeand
cont
inuedwit
hherdr
awi
ng.

Me:Aren’
tyoufeel
i
ngcold?Therear
enewset
s
ofcl
othesi
nsidewit
hsomet oy
sandnice
goodi
[Link]
kesome?

(
Sil
ence)

Me:Uhm (
clear
sthroat
)what'
syournameby
t
heway?Youcancal lmeaunt
[Link]
lme
your
sandhowol dareyou?
(
Sil
ence)

Me:Wow!Ni
cedrawingi
sthatadol
lorwhat
?
Ori
sity
ourf
avouri
tecar
toon?

Thechi l
ddidn’
tmindmypr esenceatalli
twas
l
ikeIwasn’tther
[Link]
gheddef eatedl
yasI
[Link]
thmy
eyesconcentrat
edonherdr awing.

“Kr
issy
!!Comei
nsi
deandf
ity
ourcl
othes.I
t’
s
col
d!”

Shestar
tedgett
ingupIdi
dsot
ooandt
ri
ed
hol
dingherhand.
Me:
IsKr
issyy
ourname?Let
’sgo.

Shesl
i
desherhandsoffmineandpi
cksher
paget
henwalkedaheadofme
Iexhal
eanddiscover
edall
ofasuddenI
’
m
star
ti
ngtogetdrawntothi
ski
d.

Igoti
nsi
deandmetEt
hel
.

Et
hel
:Heyy
ou’
rel
eav
ingal
ready
?

Me:
YeahIwasn'
tgonnast
ayl
ongandIhadf
un.

Et
hel
:I’
m gl
ady
oudi
[Link]
ess.

Me:
Uhm Et
hel
..
.tel
lmequi
ckl
ywhatki
ndofa
chi
l
disKr
issy
?

Sheli
ft
shereyebrowsandheav
esasighasi
f
she’
saboutt
odr opsomethi
ngheav
y.

Ethel
: Ohhhw,Kr i
stenisoneofthedif
ficult
chil
[Link]’ scompli
cated, l
i
kes
herownspace, doesn’twannabedist
ur bedand
i
sn’ttoomuchengagi ngwithother
sev enwi t
h
herownagemat [Link] dl
ytal
ksand. .
.
al
way shast hatbooki nherhand.

Il
ookedatherfrom adist
ancest
il
lcar
ryi
ngon
wit
hherdrawingevenwhenshewasget t
ing
fi
tt
edwit
ht henewclotheson.

Inodst
il
lgawpi
ngather
.
Me:
Soshei
sol
atesher
sel
fgener
all
y?

Ethel:
Yesandwe’ veaccept edt hat
.Shegrew
watchingherdadabusi nghermot hert
il
lshe
gotkil
[Link]’
sreallysadandwe
tryi
ngbyal lmeanst oaccommodat eherwit
h
[Link] thingwit
h
shoutingandbei ngaggr essiv
ear oundher.

Inodst
il
lst
ari
ngather
.

Me:Poorchil
d.(
snappi
ngoutofi
t)ButanywayI
got
tago,can’
taff
ordtoopenmystorel
ate.

Et
hel
:Tr
avel
saf
ely
.

Shewal
kedmeoutandwav
edgoodby
[Link]
anddr oveof
f,whenIglanceupatt
hesecond
fl
oor,IsawKrissyst
ari
ngatmeont hewindow.
Ifoundthatr
eallywei
rdandcreepy
.

.
.
.

MI
SSANDERSON
Iparkedatt
hehouseandbuzzedmy
sel
fwhi
l
e
taki
ngholdoft
hetel
ephone.

“ ?”

Me:Hi
,i
t’
sMi
ssA–OB’
sther
api
[Link]
et
i
n?
“ ℎ, ’
ℎ ℎ”

Me:
Thanky
ou

Iplacedthet
elback,
soonthegat
eopened.I
walkedbackinmycaranddrovei
[Link]
ked
properl
yandwalkedinsi
det
hehouse.

Isaway
oungl
adyt
her
[Link]
ssi
ster
.

Me:
Hey

Her
:Hi

Me:
Yougood?
Her
:I’
m goodt
hanksandy
ou?

Me:
I’
m goodt
oo

Her:
Pleasemakeyoursel
fcomf
ort
abl
[Link]
wantsomethi
ngtodri
nk?

Me:
NoI
’
mfi
neI
’
llbebr
ief

Her
:Okay

Me:
Youmustbet
hesi
ster
…?

Her
:Kenei
l
oe
Me:YesKenei
loe.
..Whyi
sy ourbr
othernot
at
tendi
ngther
apy?Whereishe?

Sheclear
edherthr
oatasshetookaseat.I
al
readyknewtheanswerbutIj
ustwannamake
surei
fIover
headcorr
ectl
y.

Kenei
l
oe:
Wel
lhe’
sinj
ail

Me:
He’
sinj
ail
whati
shedoi
ngi
njai
l
?

Kenei
loe:
Forsomet
hinghecommi
tt
edy
ear
s
ago.

Ichuckl
edamazed

Me:
OkayIdon’
tknowwhet
herI
’
m mi
stakenor
what
.Butar
eyouawar
ethaty
ourbr
otherhasa
ment
ali
ll
ness?

Shel
ookedatme.

Me:Thatadayshouldn’
tpasswithouthim
t
akinghismedicat
ionnorskipt
herapyli
keare
youreal
l
ywellawareofthat?Di
dhedi scl
oseit
t
oy ouguys?

Kenei
l
oe:
Yeahhedi
d

Me: Thenwhatisyourbrotherdoinginjail
?
[Link] i
kehim are
notsupposedtobet her
e,there’
sadi f
ferent
cageforthem –inthelunati
cassy l
[Link] s
hiscri
meactivi
tyrecent
?
Shewast
onguet
ied.

Me: Bythewayy ou’resospeechl essmydar l

ing
Icanev entellthatthel awy erisn’
tinformed
aboutany t
[Link] easear rangeameet i
ng
betweenme, thelawy erandy ourselfincl
uded
andwest artaddr essingt [Link] lyour
brother
’sevaluationr esultsandmedi cal
recordsaspr [Link]’snotsupposedt obein
there.

Igotupandpl
acedmycar
d

Me:Her
e’smynumberwheny
oudeci
dewhen
we’
l
[Link]
eagoodday.

Iwal
kedoutl
eavi
ngherther
[Link]’
t
sur
viv
ewit
houthi
smedicati
onandmyonlyfear
i
sthatbeingt her
einjail
,mightopenanot her
gateforanotherPersonali
tyDi
sor derway
[Link] ’
swhyheneedst obe
moreconsistentonhismoodst abil
izer
s.

.
.
.

VI
OLA
Whiledri
vingonmywaytotheclot
hingstor
e.I
changedtherouteanddr
ovesomewhereI
neverthoughtIwoul
dinamil
li
onyears.

Iwasshaki
ngasIst
oodonthedoorst
epand
tookadeepbr
eat
hbefor
eIknocked.
Anol
dfemal
enur
seat
tendedt
hedoor
.

Her
:Hi

Shesmi
l
es

Me:
[Link] Icamet
oseedad.

Herf
rai
lfacesuddenl
ybr
ight
ensup

Her
:Ohh!You’
ret
hedaught
er?

Me:
Yes

Her
:Hecan’
tst
opt
alki
ngabouty
ou.
If
akeasmi
l
e

Her:Ohwai
[Link]
son!Your
daught
eri
sher
e.

“ ℎ !”

Ihearhi
sdronewearyvoi
[Link]
l
eat
eachotherandshemakesspacef
ormeto
enter
.

Iwal
kinandsomet hingdeepwit
hinmemov es
asIadmir
et [Link]
’sbeenv
eryl
ongyears
menotbeinghomeandIcanseemysi st
erdid
goodchangestoo.

Me:
(tear
y)Pappa
Isaystar
ingathim sit
ti
ngonawheel
chair
cl
osertothefir
epl
[Link],Iguess
heall
owedf ort
heot herl
egtobeamputat
ed.

Dad:
(tear
y)Mi
j
ndocht
er(
Mydaught
er)

Irunt owardshim [Link]

fatherthi
sv ul
[Link]'
sal
waysbeenat ough
strong-wil
l
ed –whostil
lspeaks
Dut ch.

Dad:OhhhowImi ssedyousomuchmybaby .
I
’m sosorr
yforever
ythi
ng.I
’m gl
adyoursi
ster
fi
nall
ygotthr
oughyou.I
’vebeenalway
scryi
ng
foryou.

Ibr
oket
hehugst
il
ltear
ingup.
Me: I’
m her
enowdadI ’
llneverl
[Link]
i
zed
thatfamil
ymatter
smor ethananythi
ngandI
can’tdeser
tyoufor
eversoIf or
giv
ey ou.

Dad:Ahmysoul
issodel
i
ght
edt
oheart
hat
.Er
r
Rosari
a!

Rosar
ia:
MrA?
?

Dad:
Pleasepr
epar
eusani
cemeal
!

Rosar
ia:
Okay
!

Il
ookedathi
m
Me:
I’
m notgonnast
ay

Dad:Ur
ghplease,
whendidy
oul
astcat
chup
wit
htheol
dCasanovachap?

Me:
Dad!Whyar
eyoust
il
lcal
l
ingy
our
sel
fthat
?

Iaskgi
ggl
i
ngandhedi
dtoo

Dad:Alsikdatni
etwas,zouiknoggeenmooi
e
dochter
szoalsji
jhebben(Welli
fIwasn’
t,
I
wouldn’
thaveprett
ydaughter
slikey
ou.)

Me:(sarcasm)Benj
eernogv
olv
an(
Youst
il
l
f
ull
ofi t
)

Hel
aughsagai
nunt
ilhecoughst
err
ibl
yso.I
l
ookathi
minwor
ry.

Me:
Dadar
eyouokay
?Pa!Pa!

Dad:Bri
ngmea(
coughs)agl
assofwat
er
qui
ck..

Hecoughsagai nasifhe’
sabouttodieand
spurtbloodout
.Irantotheki
tchentolookf
ora
glass.
..Wheredoeshekeephisglasses.

WhileatitIheardadr i
psoundofwat eronthe
sinkasifthetapwasn’ tcl
osedpr oper l
[Link]
[Link] o
checktheglassagai nthesinkbizarrelyopened
i
tselfandthewat erranrapi
dlythistime, fi
l
li
ng
thebasinupandi twassoonov erleaking.
Me:
Omg!What
’sgoi
ngon?

Idon’
tknowwhet
heri
twasmy3r dey
edoi
ng
wondersonmeorwhatbutIrant
ocl
oset
he
tapqui
ckl
ywit
hmyheartraci
ng.
Ipantheavil
yasIleanoni tandcheckedbehind
seeingift
herewasany t
hingwr [Link]
y
reali
zedsomethingbehi
ndi t.
..andcrouched
picki
[Link]
ntmyey esasmychest
heav edupanddown.

Ipi
ckedadoll
wit
hthesamedrawi
ngas
Kri
ssy’
sbacki
ntheor
phanage.

“ ℎ ?
(ℎ ?
)”

Ij
umpi
nshockasIt
hrewdownt
hedol
lwhi
l
e
hewasbehi
ndme.

Me:
(shakeyvoi
ce)ErrIwasj
ust
..
.loo-l
ooki
ng
f
oragla-gl
assfory
ou.

Igotholdofonequi
ckl
yandpourhi
m water
andgav ehi
[Link]
andslappedmyhandoffandthegl
assshut
ter
s
onthefloorwi
thmescreami
ng.

Dad:Whatar
eyoudoi
nggoi
ngthr
oughmy
st
uff
s!!
!?St
ayawayfr
om myst
uff
syoubl
oody
moer!
!!
!

Ineversawhimt hisl
iv
[Link]
edhi msel
f
andpickedthedollandlef
twi
thit
.Ileanedon
thewallasIcoveredmymout hcr
ying.
Rosari
a:Whathappened?Whatupsetyour
fat
herli
kethi
s?Oh!Mydaughterfor
givehi
m
he’sal
waysli
kethi
[Link]
imate,f
orgi
ve
him.

ShehuggedmeandIcr
iedsol
oudi
nher
shoul
der
s.

“Andt
henwhat
’sgoi
ngon?”

Cai
tl
ynaskswhi
l
ecomi
ngi
n.
.
..
>>>Tobecont
inued.
..
37
.
..
VI
OLA
Il
eftt
hehousest
il
lcr
yinganduncont
rol
l
abl
y
shaki
[Link] sterdrovemei nstead
andobviouslybuggedmewi t
hmanyquest ions.
Icoul
dn'texactl
ytellherwhatwentoncauseI
wasstil
lshockedbyt het urnofev ent
[Link]
phonerangonmyl apIjustst aredatitr
inging
befor
emysi steractuall
yt ookitfr
om me.

Cait
lyn:
HeyJozi t
’sCai
[Link]’
sonherway
wit
hmeI ’
m dri
vingher.
..She’
sokaybutnoti
na
goodspacet otalk.

Shegl
ancedatme.

Cait
lyn:
YeahIguessyoushouldt
alkmor ewit
h
herwhenshearri
ves.
..Yahsur
e,I
’
lltel
[Link]
e.

Sheendsthecal
landpl
acedmycel
lont
he
dashboar
d.
Cai
tl
yn:
Hesay
shel
ovesy
ou

(
Sil
ence)

Cait
lyn:
PleaseVioyouhavet
otel
lmewhat
happenedmay beIcantr
ytot
alkt
odadandwe
fi
x—

Me:
Idon’
twannat
alkabouti
t

Ii
nter
jectasIwipemyf
aceandbl
owmynose
onthetissue.

Cai
tl
yn:
Hatehowdadget
storui
nthi
ngsj
ust
whenwe’r
eaboutt
omakeamends.
Me: Asfrom todayIneedy ’
al
l tostayawayf r
om
[Link] gett
hattherewasaVi olainyourlives,I
shouldbeasgoodasdeadt oy [Link]
goingthereinthefir
stplace(scoffs)whatt he
fvckwasIev enthinki
ng?Imustbest upid
thinki
ngthathe’sachangedmanandt hathe
wasgenui neaboutev er
ythi
ng.

Cait
lyn:
Nodon' tt
alkli
kethatsi
spleaseImeant
ever
ythi
ngf r
om thedepthofmyhear tpl
ease.
Youcan’tseri
ouslypuni
shmef ordad’ssi
ns.

Me:Idon’
tcar
eCaitly
nIdon’tcareany more.I
j
ustdon’
twantanythi
ngtodowi ththe
Ander
sonsanymore.I’
m done!Likeli
teral
l
yI’m
washi
ngmyhandsof fli
kePontiusPilat
edidI’m
donewit
[Link] s.

Shehuf
fsasshehandsmet
hekey
swhenshe
al
readypar
kednex
ttoourhouse.

Cai
tl
yn:
Viol
a—

Me:
Just
..
.

Ir
aisemyhandnothav
inganyofi
t.

Me:
Ithi
nkweshoul
dgetof
fthecar

Shedi
dn’
tpr
otestandwegotout
.

Cait
lyn:I
’
m saddenedofcomingtotermsof
accepti
ngthatwemightneverhav
et hesi
ster
-
si
sterbondagain.
Me:
Thesoonery
ouacceptt
hebet
ter

Shesnicker
swhi
l
eti
l
tingherheadatmei
n
di
sbel
ief.

Me:
YeahI
’
llaskJozeat
odr
ivey
oubackhome.

Cai
tl
yn:
NoneedI
’
llcat
chacab

Me:
Wel
lawesomet
hen,
awesome.

Shescof
fsi
ndi
sappoi
ntment
.

Cai
tl
yn:
Youmustbeki
ddi
ngme!

Imi
zedhert
ant
rum andsl
owl
ywal
kedi
nsi
de
[Link]
nthekit
chenas
Iclosethedoorbehi
[Link]
s
att
ention.

Jozea:
[Link]’
vebeencr
ying?

Hefrownsmakinghi
swayt
omewi
tha
concer
nedface.

Me:
Ijustneedy
out
ohugme,
justpl
easehug
me.

Hegivesmeati
ghtoneandIclosedmyeyes
buri
eddeepi
nhi
[Link]
eyesIsawmymotherappear
ingbehi
ndhi
m.

Jozea:
Tal
[Link]
’sup?
Igl
anceatmymot herandshedirect
sherhead
outsi
dethehousebefor
eshedisappear
sinto
thi
nair.

Ibr
okeof
fthehugwi
pingmyt
ear
s.

Me:Uhm (sniff
s)justgi
vemeal i
t t
lebitoft
ime
bef
[Link]
lyoui sthatIwentto
seedadandev erythi
ngturnedsout h.I’
l
lget
moreint
odet ai
lsfornowIj usthavet obeatthe
gar
den.

Hel
ooksatmeat
tent
ivel
y

Jozea:
Toconnect
?
Me:
Yes

Jozea:
FineI
’
llbeher
ewait
ingf
ory
ouwi
th
somescrumpti
ousmeal
.

Heki
ssesmeandIsmi
l
eweakl
y.

Me:
Thanky
ou

Ipl
acedownhi
skey
sbef
oremaki
ngmyway
out
.

.
.
.
BUZWE(
OB)
Wewer einaqueuedi shingupf [Link]
plat
eandwentt of
indaseat .
..Isatnextt o
someguy sandwhatev erconv er
sati
ont heyhad
stoppedonmyaccount .Ipl
acedmypl ateon
thetabl
enotmindingt hem until
theyall shor
tl
y
gotupandleft
.Leavingmeal onethere,Ilooked
aroundunti
lImetOG’ sgazeatt wot ables
aheadopposit
emine.

Iexhal
edcalmlyandclosedmyey essaying
gracebefor
[Link]’
sf acequi
cklychangest
o
apuzzledoneandIslowlymadeasmugonmy
faceandwinkedathim.

Inoti
cedacert
ainguyst
ruggl
ingt
ofindaseat
quit
ecleart
hathewasavoidi
ngmine.
Me:Youcansi tnextt
omenott hatIhavesome
contagi
ousdiseaseyoumightpossi
blygetby
si
tti
ngnexttome, andIdon’
tbit
eeither
.

Hewashesi
tant
.

Me:
Shoul
dIbegnow?

Hesatopposit
emeandbegansay i
nggracel
i
ke
Ididandatehi
sf [Link]
ntedmyey
es
stari
ngathi
mf oramoment .

Me:
I’
m Buzweandy
ouar
e?

Hi
m:Lwandi
so

Inod.
Me:NicetomeetyouLwandi
so.I
sther
eany
chur
chgroupsessi
onsatthi
spl
ace?

Couldn’
tmisshisey
esexpandi
ngwhenIasked
thatquest
ion.

Me:
Mm?

Lwandi
so:
Yahyaht
her
[Link] I
’
m al
so
at
tendi
ngthem.

Me:[Link]
dyoul
i
kei
fIt
agal
ongsome
t
ime?

Lwandi
so:Of
cour
[Link]
oneseeki
ngf
ort
he
Lor
disalway
swelcome.
Ismi
l
eathi
m say
ingt
hatecst
ati
cal
l
y.

Me:
Gladt
oheart
hat
,it
’sadat
ethen

Lwandi
so:
It’
sadat
emybr
other
.

.
.
.

MI
SSANDERSON
Me:Dadwhatdidyoudotoher?!Ican’tbel
iev
e
youj
ustr
uinedanypossi
blechancesofusev er
mendi
ngthingswi
thViol
a,forwhatreasons?
Huh?!
Isayst
ormi
ngt
owar
dshi
m.

Dad:Watchy
ourmout
hCai
t,wat
chy
ourmout
h
I
’m noty
ourmate.

Isi
ghl
ower
ingmyt
one

Me:Whatdi
dyoudot oherthen?It
houghty
ou
wer
eeagert
ofixt
hingswithher.

Dad:Misschi
enhebi
kmev
ergi
st(
May
beIwas
mist
aken)

Me:
What
?
Dad:
May
bewe’
rebet
terof
fwi
thouther

Me:
No,
no,
youcan’
tsayt
hat

Dad:Wel l
Ijustdid!
!!
!Howcanshenotbel i
ke
you?!
!Wi t
ht hesamehear tasy ours!!
!Damni t
maan!Shebeher ealwayssnoopi ngand
snoopingalwayswant i
ngt ofindfaultsin
ever
[Link] imesshoul dI
apol
ogizef orwhatIdidtoy ourmot herhuh?
Howl ongshouldIprovemy self
?

Me:
(sof
tl
y)Dad…

Dad:Vi
olaisholdi
nggr udgesbecauseshe
wantsto.I
t’
sclearshecutusof fforgoodandI
thi
nkit
’saboutdamnt imewedot [Link]
shoul
dstopthisbeggingnonsenseand
pl
eadi
ngwi
thher
.

Il
ookedathi
m dazedandoutofwor
ds.

Dad:
Andy
oushal
lst
opmeet
ingwi
thher
.

Me:Papathat'
snotfai
runl
i
key
ouIst
il
lwanna
f
ixt
hingswithmysister
.

Dad:Itwasanor der!Youarecutti
ngti
eswith
yoursist
er,r
athernoty ouf
indyourownplace
tostayifyoudon’tabidebymyr ul
es.

Hewheel
shi
msel
foutandt
henst
oppednex
tto
me.

Dad:
Anddon’
tthi
nkIdon’
thav
eey
esandear
s
ever
ywhere.I
’m al
wayswel
l
-inf
ormedabout
[Link].

Hethendisappear
soutoft
[Link]
etof
fa
br
eathI’
vebeenkeepi
nginandsatdown
massagi
ngmyhead.
Iwast or
nbet
weenchoosi
ngmysisterorfat
her
.
Ineverknewonedayi
t’
dreachtot
[Link]
hopeImaketheri
ghtdeci
sion.

.
.
.

BUZWE(
OB)
Igotav
isi
tat
ionf
rom bot
hmysi
sterandl
awy
er.
Kenei
l
oe:
Gosh!Whathappenedt
oyoubhut
i?

Me:(
shr
ugs)Iguessthi
sishowpeopl
ear
e
wel
comedinthi
splace.

Kenei
l
oe:
Ib’
hl
ungu?(
Doesi
thur
t?)

Shesaystrynnat
ouchmyf
aceunt
ilshewas
i
nter
ruptedbya“ ”f
rom
thewarder.

Me:I
tst
il
lhurt
sbutIhav
etot
akei
tinl
i
keany
manwould.

St
even:
Thi
sshoul
dn'
tbehappeni
ng

Igl
anceatmyl
awy
er.
Steven:
I’
ll
applyforanappeal
togety
ou
rel
easedfrom t
hisplace.

Me:Howwi l
lthathappenwhileI
’m sti
l
lawai
ti
ng
tr
ialbehi
[Link]
n’tt
hatsupposedt
o
happenaftermysent enci
ngorwhat ?

Stev
en:Wellwe’vebeenal
ert
edaboutyour
mentaldi
sorderandwehaveallt
herecor
ds
you’
renotsupposedtobehere.

Me:
Ithoughty
oual
readyknew

St
even:
Iwasnev
er—

Kenei
l
oe:
Khasi
cingengom’
xel
elal
ont
o(We
di
dn’
tthi
nkoft
ell
i
nghi
m)

Ikni
tmyeyebr
owsinconf
usi
onandl
eant
for
wardwi
thmyelbows.

Keneil
oe:That
'swher
eyourt
her
api
stcameand
savedtheday.

Me:
Ander
sonneh?

Iloosenmyf aceandsmil
edal
i
ttl
etot
he
thoughtofherrescue.

St
even:
Sohowdoy
ouf
eel
aboutt
hat
?

Me:
AllIwanti
stopayformysi
[Link]
least
t
hat
’deasemyconsci
ence.
Keneiloe:Butnowi t’
snotaboutyour
conscienceany moreit’
saboutconsideri
ngyour
ment alhealt
hbhut i
.Uzamaundixelel
euba
wenauy ay’
vuyel
alentoyobal
aphauhl al
ele
ubethwa?( Youtrynnatel
lmey ouenjoybeing
herereceivi
ngbeat s?)

Me:Maybesi
sohl
way
osam eso(
that
’smy
puni
shment
)

Kenei
l
oe:Kuzobani
nikebhut
i?Udeuf
e?(
Unt
il
when?Ti
l
l y
oudie?)

Il
ookedaway
.

Kenei
loe:Youcan’
tli
vewit
houty
ourpi
ll
[Link]
shoul
dt hi
nkaboutt
hisI
NFACTit’
snotevena
matt
erofconsi
derat
[Link]’l
lappealbef
oret
he
j
udgeandcomef ort
hwi t
hyourrecor
[Link]
don’
twantyourel
apsinginher
e.

IsighasIl
aybackinmychai
rst
ari
ngatthem i
n
thought
[Link]
eal
lydon’
tknowhowtofeel
about
thi
s.

.
.
.

VI
OLA
Mymot herwasalreadywait
ingformeinthe
[Link] oherand
heavedasi [Link]
lypull
smei nherar
ms.
Mom: Sshhhdon’
tbeshakenmychi ld,
don’
tbe
[Link]
ngswil
l keepunf
oldi
ngand
unfol
dingti
l
lever
ythingmakessense.

Isni
ffasIpul
lof
ffr
om herembr
ace

Me:I
sthatwhaty
oumeantwheny
ousai
d
somet
hingbi
giscomi
ng?

Shesmi
l
edweakl
y.

Mom: I
ndeedbutfearnotmybaby .Bei
nggi f
ted
i
snoteasyy ouknowIdi edf ormyowngi f
[Link]
babyy ougonnaencounterwi thmanyt hi
ngs
somear egonnabeasscar yasy oucanimagine
butdon’tworrycauseI’
llneverletyoube
[Link] histunnell
i
ghtwi l
l
bri
ghtenupony ourli
fe.
Shehol
dsmyhand.

Mom: Seey ourfatherhasmanyskel etons

i
nsidehi scloset
,ohh!you’ r
eaboutt obe
horr
if
iedmybabybuthi st i
[Link]
hereallychangedafterIgav ebir
tht oyouand
yoursisteronewouldt hinkit’
saliethatoncehe
[Link] lthoseskeletonsar
e
gonnacomeout .

Me:
Soam It
askedf
orhi
m?

Mom:
YesandKr
ist
en.

Ibi
temyl
i
pwi
thaf
rown
Me:Kr
issy
!Howisdadconnectedwi
thher?I
meanIwassofr
eakedoutbythedol
linci
dence
andmoreofi
tal
l–hisr
eacti
on.

Mom: Thatmychildyou’
reabouttodiscoveron
[Link]
youthatyouhaveaj ourney
ofyoursandKri
[Link]
orphanageshe’
l
lfi
nall
yopenupt oyou.

Me:Wowuhm o-
kay
.ThenwhataboutCai
tl
yn
anddad?

Mom: Leaveyourf
atherfornowhe’llhumbl
e
himselft
oyouoneday .Yoursi
sterisharml
ess
andhasnobadi nt
enti
onsf ory
ouatal l
.But
don’
tkeephertoocloseshe’salsovil
eandher
hearti
sengul
fedwithdarknessjustli
keher
fat
[Link]
ularoundher.
Me:Mygutfeel
i
ngsnev
erl
eadmet
othewr
ong
di
rect
ion.

Mom:
Alway
sli
stent
othem

Inod

Mom:
AndVi
ola…

Me:
Mom?

Mom: Fi
ndapl aceofyourown.I
t’
snotalways
safetodependfull
[Link]
runni
ngsuccessful
lyl
earntost
andonyourown
feetnowmychi l
d.
Inar
rowmyey
esquest
ionabl
y

Me:Doesmom notappr
oveoft
her
elat
ionshi
p
bet
weenmeandJozea?

Mom:
Idobut
—

[Link]
esar
ound
sear
chingforher.

Me:
But
?

“ ”Ii
mmedi at
elytur
nbackt
ohi
m
cal
l
ingmeasheleanedont hewal
l
.

Me:
Babe?
Jozea:You’
vebeentheref
oragesandt
hef
ood
i
sbeginningtogetcol
d.

Me:
Ohuhm pl
easegi
vemeami
nut
eI’
l
lbe
t
her
e.

Jozea:Pl
easedon’
ttakel
ongbabeassebl
i
ef
(pl
ease)

Me:
Ipr
omi
seIwon'
t.

Heexi t
sandIexhalebefor
eget
ti
ngupaswel l
.I
hopedmom woul d’
vemadeanappearance
againandfi
nishoffwhatshewasabouttosay
beforeshegotint
err
upted.
.
..
>>>Tobecont
inued.
..

•
Viol
a
38
[3MONTHSLATER]
.
..
GOMOLEMO
Pastcoupl eofmont hsI ’
vebeenmi serable,
j
umbl edandt hroughhel lt
oev endisti
nct
betweenr eali
tyandphant [Link] ingthe
l
ossofmybabyandf iancéhasbeenr eall
y
diff
icultandtheydi dn’tmakei tanyless
compl icat
edf ormebackhome.I ’v
ebeen
alway sremindedofhowIcausedf orev er
ythi
ng
[Link] dnol ongerbearit
anymor eI
’m alsohumanI ’m boundtomake
mistakest oo.
Mov i
ngawayf rom homehasbeent hebest
decisionev [Link] art
inganewl if
e
withint hisl
it
tleperi
odoft [Link] el
ocatedi n
Midr andgotsomej obt here,wor ki
ngina
l
ogi sticscompany .Thesal aryimpr essesme
galor eandImustqui t
eadmi tthatitis
refr
eshi ngmeet ingnewpeopl ewhodon’ tknow
anyt hingabouty ourl
[Link] uall
yagood
restartf ormeandabr eathoff reshairIneeded
i
nmyl if
e

“ !”

Ij
umpi
nshockbyt
hatbang.

Me:AimaanZi
phor
[Link]’
tev
er
st
art
lemeli
ket
hatagai
n.
Zi
phora:Hao![Link]
e
whatareyouupt obehindt
hatl
apt
op?
Watchi
ngbluemov i
es.

If
rownt
othatal
i
ttl
ebi
tlost

Me:Whatar
ebl
uemov
…?Ar
gha!Si
esmaan
Zee.

Shecackl
esl
oudl
y

Me:
Notdur
ingwor
kinghour
s,achi
!

Ziphor
a:Wenev erknowImeanesegogor eke
tl
ogoahl ol
a(notthatI
'
llj
udgeyou.)You’v
e
beensingleandonKalahari
desertforqui
te
somet i
menaooo.
Me:
AndI
’
mfi
ne.

Shepl
acedmycof
feeont
het
abl
e

Zi
phor
a:Aowagaogabot
se(
No,
you’
renotf
ine)

Me:
Thanky
ouf
ort
hecof
feechom

Shesl
umpsont
hechai
ropposi
temi
ne.

Ziphora:Youarenotgonnamizememogwera
(myf r
iend.)I
'm si
ckandti
redofseei
ngy
ou
beingal oner
.Theref
oreI
’minvi
ti
ngyoui
na
birt
hdaypar t
y.
Me:Bi
rt
hdaypar
tyy
amangandwher
ewi
l
lit
t
akepl
ace?

Zi
phor
a:Soshanguv
eit
’smybr
other
’s

Me:Uhu!Jaanongyout
ryi
ngt
ohookmeup
wi
thyourbrother
?

Zi
phor
a:(sar
casm)Nott
hatImi
ndhav
ingy
ou
asani
n-l
aw.

Me:Aohe.
e!I’
ll
passbesidesI
’
m noteven
l
ooki
ng.I
’mjusthappyonmyowngi r
lsothanks.

Itakeasi
ponmycof
feeandshegr
absmy
phone.
Me:
Nowwhatar
eyoudoi
ngwi
thmyphone?
?

Zi
phor
a:Somet
hingy
oushoul
d'
vel
ongdonemy
l
ovi
ngs.

Ishakemyheadasshegetsbusywit
hmy
phone.I
thasnopasswordbytheway,
when
shegetsdoneshepushesi
ttowar
dsme.

Me:
Mhmm shoul
dIbescar
ed?

Ziphora:Topel
a,oi
ponel
e(Pi
cki
tupandsee
foryoursel
f)

Idoubt
ful
l
ygl
anceatherbef
orepi
cki
ngmy
phone.
Me:Aaah!Adati
ngapp?Real
l
yZi
phor
a?You
can’
tbeser
ious!

Ziphor
a: M-hm!Kei
kemi
šet
šer
uri
ngwanešo
(I
’
m serious)

Me: Nonoy ouknowI’m notaboutt

hatappand
besidesI
’m notseeki
ngforanypart
nerplease
respectmychoicetoetl
hemma.

Zi
phora:
Atl
eastal
l
owtocometot
hepartyt
hen,
j
ustsoIcanshowyouar
oundmyhood,
that
’s
j
ustal
l.

Me:Promi
sey
ou’
l
lbackof
ffr
om myl
ovel
i
fe
af
tert
hat?
Shemakesasmi
l
ewhi
l
ecr
ossi
ngherf
inger
s.

Zi
phor
a:Keagot
shepi
ša(
Ipr
omi
se)

Me:
Goodl
et’
sgetbackt
owor
kthen

Shestooduphummi nghappi
l
yleav
ingmy
off
[Link]
ngmyheadasIsipmor
eon
mycof fee.

.
.
.

SHEREE
Iscr
eamedont
opofmyl
ungsandal
lmyf
ami
l
y
camer
unningst
rai
ghtt
omei nseconds.I
j
umpedaroundwhi
lebeami
ng.

Me:
Ipassed!Ipassed!

Lesego:
What
?

Me:Ipassedall
mymoduleswi
thadi
sti
nct
ion.
Secondyearher
eIcome!
!!

Pear
l:Showusqui
ckl
y.

Igavet
hem myiPadandtheyallatt
ackedme
wit
hahugincongrat
ulat
[Link].

Me:ShoooshI’
veonl
ygotl
itt
lebodybef
orey
ou
st
artsquashi
ngmyti
nyli
tt
lebonesfam.
Theygi
ggl
edbef
orel
ett
ingmego

Uncle:Ahniggi
e(niece)we’r
esopr oudofyou.I
knewy ou’
l
ldowel lthewayyouwer eso
dedicat
edandwor kinghardtowardsyour
schoolwor
[Link] heri
sdef i
nit
elygonnabe
proudofyou.

Me:
Ican’
twai
ttot
ell
her
.

Lesego:You’v
ebeenobedi ent,r
espectf
ul and
wecompl etel
[Link] e
defi
nit
elyl
ookingforwardtomai nt
ainthis
rel
ati
onshipandtreatmentallt
hewayaswego
for
[Link]’vebeent heol
dersist
erPear lhas
neverhadandIwi shshelearnsmor efrom you.
Pear
lnodsandhugsmepr
oudl
y.

Pearl
:Def
ini
tel
ymom l et
’shopemymat
ri
c
resul
tswon’
tdisappoi
ntaswell.

Uncl
e:Onl
yyouknowhowy
oudi
d.

Ipokehercheek.

Me:
AndIf
oroneknowt
hatshedi
dwel
ltoo.

Uncl
e:Nowwegot
tar
ewar
dyou

Me:
Urghuncl
ether
e’snoneedf
ort
hat

Lesego:
Whaaat
.Ar
eyouhear
ingy
our
sel
f?!
Igi
ggl
edassheexcl
aimsasi
fImur
der
ed
someone.

Lesego: We’l
lpret
endli
kewedi dn’
thearthat.
Kiddoy oudeserveevery
thi
ngf ory
ourincredi
ble
effor
[Link]
mpsef orPearlt
oalsotake
noteofwhatwedof orpeoplewhoper f
orm well
i
nacademi csandnotjustbeloudmouthsnjee.

Pearl
:Wooshame, I’
m notj
ustal
oudmout
hbut
Igotbrai
[Link]
ylebrai
ns,
Ibr
ag
dif
fer
entl
y!Ntebel
egantl
ennamma.

Lesego:
Yessswenagal
!

Uncl
erai
sedhi
sey
ebr
ows.
Uncl
e:Iguessi
t’
smycuet
oleav
e

Wegi
[Link]
yLesegogotcl
oserandspoke
i
nahushedtonenearmyear.

Lesego:
Tel
lmequi
ckl
ywhat
’sy
ourf
avour
it
e
wine?

UncleBry
anwasqui ckt
ocatchthatand
snappedhisneckbackatusgi
vi
ngusast er
n
l
ook.

Uncl
e:Ha.
a,Ha.
a

Lesego:
What
??
Sheshr
ugsi
nnocent
lywi
thherv
oicet
hickwi
th
sar
casm.

Uncl
e:Ha.
aLesegowegon’haveat
err
ibl
efi
ght
i
fyoudaremi
nglewi
ththatchi
l
donsuch.

Me:
Onwhat
?!

Uncl
e:I
’
m war
ningy
ou.

Lesego:
(laughs)Hehee!

Icl
ear
edmyt
hroatbef
orehel
eft
.

Me: Uhm uncl

e..
.Bythewaymyf r
iendswere
thinki
ngofuscelebr
ati
[Link]
sinceit’
smylastdaysi
nSAIthinkit’
l
lbefunto
unwi
ndj
ustt
hisonce.

Hesnor
tsashebat
tl
eshar
dwi
thhi
sanswer
.
Seemsl
ikehewon’
tagr
ee.

Uncle:Ofcourseyoumaymychi [Link]
promisemet oberesponsibl
e,you’lll
eav
ey our
carbehindtoav oi
[Link] he
l
ocationofwher eyou’l
lbehav i
ngf [Link]’l
lall
makeapr ayerbef
oreyougo.

Iscr
eam andj
umpedt
ohughi
m.

Me:Thankyou!You’
ret
hebestuncl
eint
he
whol
eentir
ewor l
d.

Il
eftt
hem t
her
eandr
acet
omyr
oom t
olook
f
oragr
eatout
fi
ttowear
.

“ ’ !
! ”

Isentt
hetextt
othegi
rl
sandpr
epar
edf
or
shower.

.
.
.

BUZWE(
OB)
Thepr
isonwar
dersusher
edmet
othel
ong
pat
hwayasIexhal
edeepl
y.
Theystoppedandsetfr
eet
hecuf
fsonmy
wri
[Link]
i
ghtl
yasIr
ubmyred-
mar
ked
wri
sts.
War der:Ukhul ulekilesboshwaubonge
abaphansi .Uzeuhl alelekudeleezi
nkingeni
ungaz’tholeuphi [Link]
o
ngekeusi ndef uthi.(You’ref
reej
ail
bir
dgive
thankst oy ourancest [Link]
ayoutoftrouble
andnev erf indy our sel
fbackinthi
[Link]
won’ tgetluckyt wi ce)

Imadeasi
desmi
l
easIcor
nermyey
esathi
m.

Me:Khul
uleka(
Don’
twor
ry.
)I’
m achangedman
ofGod.

War
der
:Hai
ke,
ndl
elanhl
e(hav
easaf
ejour
ney
)

Me:
Ndi
yabul
ela(
Thanks)
Imadeapr idef
ul smileasInodal i
tt
leand
walkedoutstil
lrubbingmywr i
[Link]
stepfootoutsi
det hepri
sonIimmedi at
ely
shiel
dedmyey eswi thmyar mfrom therays
thatatt
ackedme.

Kenei
l
oer
anf
ormeandhuggedme

Kenei
l
oe:
Ngoanadaddymaan!

Me:
Sis.

Webr
oket
hehug

Kenei
l
oe: Lookatyou!Looki
ngal
l sor
tsof
yummy .Areyousureitwasther
ightti
metobe
rel
eased?Seemsl
i
key
ou’
vebeent
reat
edwel
li
n
pri
son.

Me:IcameoutwithmanylessonssoIguessit
waspartofmyjourneyt
oexperi
enceandlear
n
moresigni
fi
cantt
hingsi
nthere.

Keneil
oe: [Link] huny ani
lo
uthet
haapha?( Ist hi
sreal
lymybrother
speaking?)There’
ssomet hingman!Something
abouty ouraur
ai t
’s…it’
s…whatchamacall
it
?
Calmingandsof tkuna( t
han)—

Me:uThi
xouy
iphendul
eimi
thandazoy
am (
God
answer
edmyprayers)

Shefrownsdeepl
yasshepul
l
sherf
ace
backwards.
Me:
Arewef
inal
l
ygoi
nghome?

Kenei
l
oe:
Uhm y
eahy
eah

Wewal
kedt
oacar-mycar
!

Me:
Who’
sdr
ivi
ng?

Kenei
l
oe:
Me

Me:
Youcandr
ivenow?

Iaskedst
unnedandhappyatt
hesamet
ime.

Kenei
l
oe:
YesSpar
kst
aughtmeand.
..t
her
e’s
manyothert
hingsweneedt
ocat
chuponwhen
wegethome.

Me:
Can’
twai
t!

Shedr ov
eusbackhomeasIunbel i
evablystar
e
attheout si
defenceoft
hepr
ison.I
’
mf ree,I
can’tbel
ieveit
,itf
eel
sli
keadream.

.
.
.

SHEREE
Sowearri
vedwi
thmygir
lsinthi
sli
tplace,
it
wasf
ull
ypackedandonfi
[Link]
hblasti
ng
musi
citwashardt
oevenhearsomeone
speakingtoyou,l
ightswerefl
[Link]
swil
l
actuall
ygetmeaddi ctedtot
henightli
feIswear
.
Iquickl
ytookoutmyphoneandsendmy
l
ocat i
ontomyf [Link]
gir
ls.

Me:Let’
sgogetsl
oshedandwhoopt
he
dancef
loor
!!

Zoni
a:AndI
'
mmagett
hedr
inks.

Wemadeourent r
ancei
twasabout5ofusand
dancedtoDJMshega&Zi yon’s–HowDoYou
[Link]!Imovedmybodyi
n
waysIneverknewhowf orstar
ter
sasIwas
star
ti
ngtocatchalongwit
hthev i
be.

.
.
.

VI
OLA
Todayi soneoft hedayswher
eI’
m atthe
[Link] sbl
ue,
thi
ngsarenot
goingwel li
nallaspect
sofmylif
eexceptfor
[Link] nd
i
snotev enhereatall
.
Whil
eatitIf
eltl
itt
lehandswipi
ngmyt ear
s,
di
dn’
tevenreali
zeIwascr y
ingandsoonershe
pl
aster
edsomet hi
ngonmycheek.

Ist
ickitout.“CheerUp!
”waswr i
tt
enonthe
[Link]
yturntoherst
il
lsur
pri
sedofher
doi
ngt his.

Me:
Kri
ssy
!
Kr
issy
:Aunt
yVi
o

Ismil
edthr
oughmyt
ear
ski
ndaashamedofher
cat
chingmecry.

Me:
Thanky
ou

Kr
issy
:You’
rewel
come

Fi
rsttimeEVERi n3mont hsweholda
conversati
[Link]
ck,l
ong,
coarsehairandtookoffherr
ibbonfr
om her
hai
randt iedminethenmadeapl ai
tonmy
ponytail
.

Kr
issy
:You’
vegotni
cehai
r
If
rozeonceagai
nshockedbyt
hat

Me:
Uht
ha-t
hanky
ou.

Shebr
ushesmyhai
r.

Kri
ssy:Total
l
yhat
emyracesometi
mes,how
cantheymocksuchel
it
elooki
nghai
rand
bei
ngswi t
hmoreacr
idski
nunli
keour
s.

Shecl
uckshert
[Link]
owl
yandcareful
ly
rai
semyheadatherassheshakesherhead
andweresor
ttosi
lence.

Me:
Kri
ssyhowol
dar
eyou?
Kr
issy
:12

Inod.

Kr
issy
:Andwhyy
ou’
resad?

Me:
Just(
shr
uggi
ng)t
hingsnotwor
kingout
.

Kri
ssy:Don’
tdr
ownini t
.You’
reaQueenwho
makesussmi l
einhere,howdoyouexpectus
tofeel
whenweseet heQueensad?

Ismi
l
eandbr
eaki
ntoal
augh.

Me:
Argh!You’
resosweet
.
Kri
ssy:[Link]’
tfi
tanywhereandnoone
under
standsmeexceptf [Link]
thi
nknowshehasacompet it
ion.

Shesaysthel
astpartgr
inni
ngatmeandwow
whatabeauti
ful
smileshehas,may
beit
’s
becauseshehar
dlysmil
es.

Me:
Andwho’
shercompet
it
ion?

Shel
ocksey
eswi
thmewi
thoutsay
ingany
thi
ng.

Me:Me?Uhm woah.
..It
houghtwe’r
est
il
l
l
ear
ningt
oknoweachot herbet
ter
.

Krissy
:YeahbutIli
keyouandIdon’
tseemysel
f
takenbyanyotherper
sonothert
hanyou.
Me:
Huh?

Onceagai
nIwastakenbyshockatt
hat
.I
l
aughedbri
efl
y.

Me:ButIdon’
tknowhowtohandl
eki
dsI
’v
e
nev
erbeeninanyposi
ti
ont
otakecar
eofaki
d.

Krissy:Ther
e’saf
irstt
imeforev
eryt
hingmaybe
you’ll
stopbeingl
onely
,Icanbeyourannoy
ing
radio.

Ishotal
ookatherandshesmi
l
es

Kri
ssy
:Wehav
emanyt hi
ngsi
ncommonIt
hink
someonel
i
keyouneedssomeonel
i
kemej
ust
l
i
keIneedsomeonel
i
key
ou.

Me:
Andwhatcany
ousaywehav
eincommon?

Iaskedcur
iousandi
nint
erest
.

Kr
issy
:Your
eal
l
ywannaknow?

[Link] ’
vereal
i
zedisthatthi
schil
dis
ful
lofsurpr
[Link]
thr
oughmypupi l
swithhergazehypnoti
zi
ngme
i
nhers.

Kri
ssy:Yourmot herisKenyanandy ourf
atheri
s
j
ustli
keme-whi [Link]
ingi
ngwaswel l
j
ustthatyoudidn’treal
izewhathappened
behi
ndy ourparents’cl
[Link]
her
usedt ol oveyoual l astheirkidsunt i
lhisfami l
y
i
nstil
leddoubti nhi mt hatyourmot hercheat ed
onhim si ncey '
al ll
ooked“ Negr o”ast hey’d
call
edi [Link] thy ouandy oursister
wheny ourmot herhadal readyendur edso
muchf rom yourf atherandbei ngtreatedlike
thei
r“ animal”.DNAcameoutsay ingy ou’r
ebot h
hiskidsj ustthaty ourmot her ’
sgenest ookov er
from bot hofy [Link] dnot i
cesomeof
Engelber t’
s–y ourf ather’
st raitsony [Link]
theysi mplydisr egardeditbecauseski ncol our
wasmor ethanani ssuetot [Link] '
swhyI
sayIhat emyr ace.

Ishif
tawayfrom herfr
antical
l
yasIcl osemy
[Link] per
ventil
ati
ngasI
gottakenbyallt
hisshe’
ssay i
ngast osomeof
thethi
ngsshement i
onedwer et r
ueandsome
I’
veneverknownbutwer eonlymer esuspici
ons.
Mom’ str
eatmentwashi ddenfrom us,they'
ve
façadedagreatpowercouplet ousandlovi
ng
parentst
il
lwewer eatl
eastteenagerstor
eali
ze
whatwasgoi ngonandIdon’ tevenhaveany
memor yofmybl oodbeingdrawnf orDNA.

Krissy:Yourmot herwasast rongwomanshe

surviv
edal lofit
.Butt helaststrawiswhent hey
burnedheral i
vef orherowndi scover
iesof
them and...[Link] eadyto
l
eav e,j
ustonlywhenshegai nedpowert oleave
yourfatherandnev erlookback, shecouldn’
t
makei tintime.

Me:
Stop!Justst
op!

Igotemotional
andcoveredmyfaceweeping.
She’
sright
, t
hat
’swher
eMom beganbuildi
ng
herownhouseandwel iv
edseparat
edl
[Link]
wouldtakemet her
esometimeandCai
tl
y n
madesur ewhichsi
deshepickedandnev er
bother
edbecauseshedespiteduslikeher
fat
[Link]’
swhereIlear
ntfrom Mom tosew,
causewiththemachineI’
m curr
entl
yusingnow
sheusedt osewinf
rontofmeAf ri
candresses
andsellt
hem sothatwecanmai ntainourbi
ll
s.

30minut
esofgr
avesi
lencebet
weenmeand
Kri
ssy
.Shebr
okethei
ce.

Kri
ssy:Sowehav [Link] hgif
ted,
bothourmot [Link] atherwasabusive
tomymot herI’dwailti
l
l myv oicegetshoar
se
tr
yingtostophim buthedidn’ tcar
[Link]’dbeat
herinf
rontofme, hewasadr [Link]
swearonmymot herever
ywhi l
ehegets.

Shef
iddl
eswi
thherhandsasshef
acesdown.
Kri
ssy:He’si
njailservi
ngy earsformymot her
’s
death.
.buthedidn’tkil
[Link]
stt
ime
I
’m defendi
ngmyf ather,yeshewasabad
personbuthedidn’tkil
lmymot herIknowthat
forsur
[Link] agedit.

Ij
oltmyheadupl
ooki
ngatherasherey
eswer
e
gl
it
ter
y.

Me:
Ifhedi
dn’
tki
l
lhert
henwhodi
d?

Kri
ssy
:Theanswerli
esbet
weenyouandme.I
thi
[Link]
en’
twegoi
nginsi
de?

ThewayIhadsomanyquest
ionsmar
ksi
tlef
t
myheadachi
ng.
Me:
Yeah

Ifi
nall
ysayaswegetupandl ef
[Link]
ingcold
shi
v er
sasIr ubmyar msandcouldfeelthe
backofmyhai rstandi
[Link]
oppedandl ooked
back..
.Isortofsensedasoular
oundt hatwas
i
nt hecold.

Kr
issy
:Let
’sgo.

Shehol
dsmyar
m andwer
esumedwal
ki
ng.

.
.
.
BUZWE(
OB)
Feltalonei nthehouseandwasn’ tusedt othi
s.
Kenehasmov edout,sayi
ngthingsabout
fi
ndingherownpl [Link]’sdr oppi ngoutof
varsit
ybecauseshedi dn’
tpasshermodul es.
Soshe’ llbesomewher eatherbi ological
mot her’[Link] ngofbiological mother
s
mi nehasn’ tevenbotheredchecki nguponme
sinceI’vebeenr el
[Link] ’
m notev engonna
wast easi ngleboneinmecr yi
ng, sulkingand
stressingov erher.

Itookagoodbat heanddecidedtogode- st
ress
andmi nglewithotherki
[Link]
iefsome
otherthi
ngsIexper i
encedfr
om jail
..
.Droveto
thi
scer t
ainhotspotandenteredi
nsideand
simplyboughtaHei nekenandwat chi
ngpeopl e
havingallfun.
 Ihadadr
eam
Wewer
ebackt
osev
ent
een
Summerni
ght
sandTheLi
ber
ti
nes
Nev
ergr
owi
ngup
I
’
llt
akewi
thme
ThePol
aroi
dsandt
hememor
ies
Buty
ouknowI
’
m gonnal
eav
e
Behi
ndt
hewor
stofus

Who’
sgonnawal
kyou
Thr
ought
hedar
ksi
deoft
hemor
ning?
Who’
sgonnar
ocky
ou
Whent
hesunwon’
tlety
ousl
eep?
Who’
swaki
ngupt
odr
ivey
ouhome
Wheny
ou’
redr
unkandal
lal
one?
Who’
sgonnawal
kyou
Thr
ought
hedar
ksi
deoft
hemor
ning?

I
tAi
n’
tme.
..
{
Crowdscr
eami
ng:
} ! !
I
tAi
n'
tme.
..
{
Crowd:
} ! !
I
tAi
n’
tme.
..
{
Crowd:
} ! !
Who’
sgonnawal
kyou
Thr
ought
hedar
ksi
deoft
hemor
ning?

Il
ookedbackatthecrowdsingi
ngandgoi
ng
crazyont
hedancefl
[Link]
edshaki
ngmy
headasItakeasiponmybeer .

I
tai
n’
tme(
TheBower
y,whi
skeyneat
,
gr
atef
ul,
I’
m sogr
atef
ul)
I
tai
n’
tme(TheBower
y,whi
skeyneat
,gr
atef
ul,
I
’
m sogr
atef
ul)
I
tai
n’
tme(TheBower
y,whi
skeyneat
,gr
atef
ul,
I
’
m sogr
atef
ul)
I
tai
n’
tme(TheBower
y,whi
skeyneat
,gr
atef
ul,
I
’
m sogr
atef
ul)

Isti
llwatchthem dancingwhiledri
nking.I
bli
nkedmyey esf oracoupleofti
mesr eal
i
zing
Shereedancingamongstt [Link]
l
ooked...al
lsor t
sofsexyandsheseemed
al
readyintoxicated.

Ispri
ngonmyf eetpl
acingthebeerdownand
sett
ledthebi
ll
whenshest aggersherwayout
[Link]
werepreyi
ngtheireyesonherandmadesome
si
gnalstofol
lowher
..
.If
oll
owedbehi
ndt
hem at
aslowerpace.

Justinti
me,Igotoutwhil
etheyweredraggi
ng
herinsomecornerwithherf
ight
ingand
screaminghel
plessl
y.

Me:Whatdoy
out
hinky
ou’
redoi
ngwi
thmy
woman?

Man:Woman?Wedon’
tcar
ewhatshei
stoy
ou
butshe’
sour
snow.

Me:I’
m gonnagi
veyouatl
east10secondst
o
handherover
.Dotheri
ghtthi
ng.

Theyl
ookedateachot
herst
il
lgr
opi
ngonher
ar
m.

Me:
Sher
eecomeov
ersweet
hear
t.

Itwashardforhertoevenmaint
ainherbal
ance.
Iwalkedovertothem andpul
l
edShereeoutof
thei
rhold.
Wewal kedtomycarwi t
hmebei ngf earl
[Link]
Iesti
mated,oneoft heguycamer unni
ng
behindmet oattack,bef
oreheev enattemptsI
tur
nedwi t
har apidpunchonhisf aceandhe
fal
lsonthegroundwi thhiskni
[Link]
buddy.

Me:
Wannabenext
?

[Link]
ghand
pi
ckShereefr
om thet
ar,
shedrunki
l
yshr i
nks
herey
esonme.

Sher
ee:Whoare…Bee?I
sthi
syou?Dr
opme
[Link]!dr
opmedown.

Me:
That
’snothappeni
ng.

Sheree:
Youwar nedmeaboutthedangery
ou
[Link]’
twannabenearyou.I
t’
sme
st
ay i
ngoutofreachofy
ou,danger
!

Shegi
ggl
es.

Me:I
t’
sthealcohol
speaki
[Link]
ogety
ou
homesafe.

Iopenedt
hecarandl
aidheratt
hebackseat
.
Sher
ee:Youcancal
lyourf
ri
endt
ocomef
etch
mera-t
her.
..

Justsoy ouknowi tl
adiesandgent l
emenshe
snoredpassingout .Ilaughedandst ar edather,
admi ri
ngherbeaut y.
..Ili
ghtl
ytracemyf inger
onhersof tdel
icateski nonherf [Link] hi
s
momentsomet hingwascapt i
vat i
ngmemor e
stronglyi
ntoherandi t’stoohardt ofightitand
i
gnor easmyhear tthudsagainstmychest .I
blowoutahuf fasIshi ftoffherandsl am t he
door .

Me:
Damn,
whatar
eyoudoi
ngt
omewoman?

Ical
m of
fmyf
eel
ingsandf
inal
l
ygoti
nfr
ontand
drov
eustomypl
ace.
.
..
>>>Tobecont
inued.
..
39
.
..
SHEREE
Iwokeupi
naf or
eignr
[Link]
sroom doesn’
t
l
ookli
kemineatall
.
Isi
tuppai nedbymyheadache, someoft he
beveragesIconsumedl astnight,t
heirafter
eff
ectsarecur r
entl
ydoingmebadr ightnow.I
swearI’m notdr i
[Link] ethe
hel
lam Itoev enbeginwith?Ifoundmy selfon
myf eet,
atleastI’m st
il
ldressedbyt hesame
outf
itasy esterday’
s.

Ifi
ndmyphoneonthebedsi
de,Gosh!It
’s
fl
oodedwi t
hmanymi
ssedcal
[Link]
cklypush
myf eeti
nmyheel
sandstumbledonanot e,
wi
thwhatl
ookedli
keabott
leofl
emon&gi
nger
t
hensometabl
etsonthesi
de.

“ ℎ ”

Wassi mplywrit
tenoni t
.Justli
kethat?From
who?I ’
m quit
esuret hi
swasaman’ splaceand
can’
tbelieveIwassuchaneasyt ar
gettoleave
wit
hhi mf r
om [Link]
aledmyuncl ejustt
o
tel
lthem I’
m safeandthattheyshouldn’tworr
y
aboutme.

Uncl
e:Sher
ee!Whereareyou?Wehar
dlysl
ept
bei
ngworri
edaboutyou.

Me:I
’mfi
[Link]
edt
ocal
landt
ell
yout
hatI
’
m safe.
Uncl
e:Wher
ear
eyou?Wecancomef
etchy
ou.

Me:
No,
noneedIam.
..ataf
ri
end’
spl
ace.

Uncl
e:Whichf
ri
endcauseyourf
ri
endswer
e
her
ehelpi
nguslookf
oryou.

Igr
inner
vousl
y.

Me:WellImeanmyot
herf
ri
endKenei
loeI
’
m at
herpl
[Link]’
l
ldr
opmehomesafel
y.

Uncle:
Okay .I
’
mjustrel
iev
edt
haty
ou’
resaf
e
that
’sall
thatmat
ters.

Me:
Yeah
Uncl
e:Wi
l
lseey
ouhomet
hen

Me:
Bye.

Weendedt [Link]
ookedatthebott
leand
drankthepil
l
swi thit
.Hopeful
l
yit’
l
lreal
lycur
e
myhangov [Link]
inall
ylef
tther
oom andgotlost
atthehugehouse.

Me:
Hel
l
o?!Any
bodyt
her
e?Hel
l
o!

Igotdownst
air
sandf
rozemov
ingmyey
es
around.

Me:
Whydoest
hispl
acel
ooksf
ami
l
iar
?
Imumbl etomyselfandfoundmy sel
fint
he
kit
[Link]
eI ’
m star
ti
ngtothi
nk
thi
sguyi saf
rai
dtocommuni catewithmein
[Link]
leasIpicki
tandr eadoncemore.

“ ℎ ℎ
.
ℎ
. ’
ℎ ℎ ,
’ .
~ ”

Me:
Bee?

If
rownholdi
[Link]
li
ng
widel
yasIgotenl
ight
[Link] t
’s
Buzwe!Nowsomeev entsrepl
ayedcl
ear
eron
howhegotmelastnight
.Ichuckl
edsi
tt
ing
downasIcov
ermyf ace.

Me:
Hesavedmylif
e,ur
ghcan’
tbel
i
evet
hisi
s
r
eal
l
yhappeni
ng.

Iwarmedupthefoodthinki
ngabouthim and
howwill
Ifacehi
m whenheget [Link] beI
shoul
dprepar
eforthatsolong.

.
.
.

VI
OLA
Et
hel:
HeyViol
a!We’
reoncebl
essedwi
thy
our
pr
esenceagai
n.
Me:Yestur
nsoutIr
eal
l
ylov
ethi
spl
aceIj
ust
can’
tst
opcoming.

Ethel
:Inot
icedandImustadmi tt
hatsi
nce
you’r
earegularvi
sit
orKrist
eni
salsol
ooseni
ng
upandiseasyt oapproach.

Me:
Real
l
y?

Ethel
:Yeahshelikesy
[Link]
everyoudojust
keepupwithitcausewedef
ini
tel
yli
kethi
snew
si
deofhers.

Me:Youknowlat
elyI’
vebeenthi
nki
ngal
otof
st
art
ingmyownfami l
yandwonderi
ngwhat
ki
ndofmotherwouldIbecome.
Ethel
:Itshoul
dbeoneofyourt
hought
ssince
youspendingsomuchti
mewi t
hthekids.

Me:
Yeahbut
,If
eel
li
keadopt
ing.

Et
hel
:Adopt
ing?

Inodl
ooki
ngather

Me:[Link]
ngmyownbaby
scar
esmeawaysoIf eel
li
keadopt
ingwoul
d
[Link]
einthi
s
home.

Et
hel
:Youwantt
oadoptoneoft
heki
dsi
nour
or
phanage?
Me:[Link]
hepr
ocess
andwhatneedst
obedone?

Ethel:
Whi
chki
dar
eyoul
ooki
ngf
orwar
dto
foster
?

Me:
Kri
ssy
.

Shenods

Ethel
:Mmm wel lthere’
sf ewt hingswe’llneedto
checkwhi leonthepr ocedur [Link] kethe
envir
onmentwe’ l
lbeintroduci ngt hechildto
andwhet herornoty ou’l
l behav ingcapabili
ti
es
oftakingcar eofthechil
d.( sighs)Knowi ngthat
you’r
er unningast or
esingle- handedl yandcan
youbeabl et ohandlebot htaki ngcar eofitplus
[Link]’
reav
oidi
ngacaseofchi
l
d
negl
igence.

Me: Ithi
nkIcanhandlebot hwellEthel
.I’
m not
runningthestor
e24/[Link] ghtbeat
school,Isi
mplyfet
chheratschool andshesits
withmeatt hestoreunti
[Link]
don’[Link] omi se
andmakeway sforourrel
at i
onshiptowork.

Et
hel
:Your
eal
l
ywantt
hisbadl
y?

Me: Ido,
Ifeel soconnect
edwi thherinway
sI
[Link]
i
eveIcangi veherawarm
envi
ronmentshedeser ves,Ibeli
eveIcanbr
ing
agoodchangei nherli
fej
ustlikeshecanbri
ng
agoodonei nmi net
oo.
Ethel
:Well
thenI’
m gonnadraf
tsomepapers
foryout
ofil
lthenwecantakeitf
rom t
her
e.

Me:
[Link]
ecanIf
indherr
ightnow?

Ethel
:Inherr
oom downtheisl
e,ony ourl
eft
si
[Link]
school
.

Me:
Okayj
ustwannagogr
eet

Et
hel
:Goodl
uck.

[Link]
oldme
tocomeinandimmedi at
elyat
tackedmewitha
hug.
Me: Woaaah!Seemsli
kesomeone’
sbeen
expect
ingmyv isi
t.

Kr
issy
:Isor
tofknewy
ou’
dcome

Isqui
ntmyeyesathert
rynnapenet
rat
eit
thr
oughher
.

Me:
Thechakr
asi
nfor
medor
..
.?

Shegi
ggl
es.

Kri
ssy:Nooo!Idon’
tusei
ttomyadv
ant
age
auntyViocomeon.

Me:Of
cour
seI
’
m pul
l
ingy
ourl
[Link]
eyou
doi
ng?
Kr
issy
:Homewor
k.

Me:
Needhel
p?

Kr
issy
:NopeI
’
m al
mostdone

Me:
Okay
.SoIj
ustspoket
oEt
hel

Kr
issy
:About
?

Me:
Mepossi
blyt
aki
ngy
out
ocomel
i
vewi
th
me.

Kr
issy
:Yeahand?
Me:
And…

Isuddenl
yfel
tacol
dchi
ll
fil
l
ingt
her
oom and
rubbedmyarmswhil
eshi
veri
ng.

Me:GoshI
’
mfeel
i
ngcol
dar
ethewi
ndows
cl
osed?

Il
ookedatKr
issyst
ari
ngt
ospacewi
thasmi
l
e.

Me:
Kri
ssy
,Kr
issy
!!

Kr
issy
:Yes?

Me:Whatar
eyousmi
l
ingat
?Ar
ewehav
inga
t
hir
dpart
y?
Kr
issy
:Woul
dyoul
i
ket
oknow?

Shesl
owlyt ur
nsherheadatmeandsoona
womandr enchedi
nwat erj
umpsinfr
ontofme
andIspr
inguponmyf eetscr
eaminginshock.

Kr
issyi
mmedi
atel
ycr
acksup.

Me:
Don’
tlaughi
t’
snotf
unny
!

Krissy:Sorry
.(l
aughs)Mom don’ teverscareher
l
iket [Link]
ryauntyVioshepr obablywantst o
communi catewithyoubutr i
ghtnowshebe
l
ooki [Link]
ngyour selfi
nabat htub
toconnectwel lwithher,t
hrowi nsal t
sony our
wat erthensurroundthetubwi thwhi t
ecandl es
thenshe’ l
lbeabletopasst hrought hemessage
shewant
stogi
vey
ou.

Iwasst
il
lonmyfeethuggi
ngmy
sel
fspooked
upbywhatj
usthappened.

Kri
ssy:
Her
e,hav
esomewat
eri
t’
ll
cal
myour
ner
ves.

Me:
NoIt
hinkI
’
llpass

Kr
issy
:Aunt
yVi
o!!

Il
ongr anoutofherroom.I ’
m st
arti
ngto
wonderifit
’sevenawiset hi
ngtoadopther.I
don’twantsomeCase39onmeIhav eali
tt
le
heartI
’l
ldi
eofcompl etefearcausedbyKri
ssy
causeshe’sscaryashell
.
.
.
.

BUZWE(
OB)
Wewrappedoursessi
onwi
thMi
ssAandI
st
oodup.

MissA:
Weseem t
obei
nahur
ryt
odayar
en'
t
we?

Me:[Link]
ustl
eftal
adybehi
ndandsoIgot
ta
r
etur
nherhome.

Mi
ssA:
Alady
?Youhav
eal
adyOB?
Me: Notr
eal
l
ybutIrescuedherfr
om some
otherguy
satthecl
ublastni
ghtandl
ether
sl
[Link]
oherIlef
t
heronherown.

Mi
ssA:
Ohw,
luckyl
adyi
sn’
tshe?

Me:Shemi [Link]
tago,
wil
lseey
ouon
ournextsessi
on.

Mi
ssA:
Byehav
eani
cedaywi
tht
hel
ady
.

Il
aughsoftl
ybefor
eIexitheroffi
ceanddr ov
e
[Link] nuteslaterdr
ivi
ngin,
I
enter
edinsi
deandfindherlaughi
ngasshewas
snacki
ngonsomemov i
es.
Me:
GooddayMi
ssBanks.

Shest
art
lesandpausedthemov
iewhi
l
e
pl
aci
ngthepopcor
nsaside.

Sher
ee:Whendi
dyouar
ri
ve?Idi
dn’
theary
ou
comein.

Me:WellIdon’tt
hinki
tmakesanydi
ff
erenceby
t
[Link] ongyou’r
ehappyt
oseemeorar e
younot
?

Shecouldn’
thi
deher
sel
ffr
om bl
ushi
ngasshe
facesasi
de.

Me:
Hmm?
Sher
ee:Ineedtogohomemyf
ami
l
yispr
obabl
y
worr
iedaboutme.

Me:I
’
llt
akeyouhomejustwannacat
chupf
ir
st.
How’
sthehangov
er?

Iasksi
tt
ingnextt
oher

Sher
ee:
Bet
ter

Me:
Bet
tersomyr
emedyhel
ped?

Sher
ee:
Itdi
d

Icur
vemyl
i
ps
Me:
Andmyf
ood,
wasi
tbad?

Sher
ee:
Itwasper
fect

Me:
Isi
tnow?

Shenodded

Me: Gladt
ohearthat
.Youknowit’
sgood
seeingthi
ssi
ghtofyoucomfor
tabl
eatmy
place.

Sher
ee:Di
dn’
[Link]
o
myprev
iousdr
ess.
..
Me:Noy oul
ookamazi
ngonmyov
ersi
zed
cl
othes.

Isayst
ari
ngatherbi
tbybi
t.

Sher
ee:
ButIcan’
tgohomel
ooki
ngl
i
ket
hisi
t’
ll
getmeint
otr
oubl
e.

Me:
FinebutIcanl
endy
ouaj
ackett
hel
east
.

Shegi
ggl
es.

Sheree:
Isity
ourot
herwayofi
nvi
ti
ngmeback
atthi
splace?

Me:
Ifi
tiswoul
dyoucomeback?
Sheree:I
’m basi
cal
lyafr
aidofther
agi
ngf
ir
es
soI’drat
herplayatafardist
ancef
ormyown
safety
.

Me:
Soy
ou’
l
lfor
everhol
ditagai
nstme?

Shenods.

Sheree:
Uh-huh!Imeanthere’
sahuger
eason
fori
tcomingfrom t
hehorse’smout
h.

Me:
Per
hapsIwasmi
staken

Sher
ee:
Per
hapsy
ouwer
enot
Iexhaleandsatonmysi
deleer
ingatheri
n
purefondnessandadmi
ral
.

Me:
You’
repr
ett
y

Isayaf
teral
ongt
imest
ari
ngather
.

Sher
ee:
Andy
ou’
renot

Me:(sar
casm)I
’
m scar
edoft
heki
dswe’
l
lmake
oneday–

Sher
ee:
CanIgochange?

Shecut
smeshor
t
Me:
Ofcour
sey
ou’
l
lfi
ndmewai
ti
ng

Shel
eftwit
houtrespondi
ngt
othatandIsmi
l
e
andwenttochangeaswelli
nmore
comfor
tabl
eclot
hes.
Webot
hgotbackandIdr
ovehert
oherpl
ace.

Sher
ee:Apartf
rom every
thingthanksf
orsavi
ng
myli
felastni
[Link]’
l
l nev
erdri
nkever
agai
n.

Me: Youstil
lyoung,y
oust i
llgonnahavefun.
Howabouty oustar
tputti
ngmynumber son
speeddial?Idon’tmindbeingyoursupermanin
everyoccasionsasthese.

Shegi
ggl
es
Sher
ee:
Woahy
ouf
li
rt
ingwi
thme?

Me:
Am It
oobad?Gosh!May
beIneedl
essons.

Sheree:Youseri
ousl
ydobutnotonmycase
[Link]’dneverwor
koutsofor
getabouti
t.

Me:
Whynot
?

Sher
ee:
Jozeawoul
dneverappr
oveandI
woul
dn’
tli
ket
ocausewarbetweenf
ri
ends.

Me: Li
fei
st ooshorttosacr
if
iceyourhappi
ness
forpeopl
eandpl easi
ngpeopleoutthereot
her
thanyourself
.We’readul
tsweshouldli
v ef
or
oursel
veshoneybee.
Ther
ewassi
l
enceaf
tert
hat
.

Sheree:
Pleasedr
opmeast
reetbef
oremy
house.

Idi
dn’tl
ist
entothatIdroppedherst
rai
ghtnext
toherhousewit
hhery ell
ingatme.

Sher
ee:
Bee!
!!

Me:I’
m notsomedi r
tylaundryt
hatdeserv
esto
behiddenthosewho’l
lneverapproveofme
mightaswellgotohellcausetheywil
lgetmor
e
usedtothisannoyi
ngface,I’
m notgoi
ng
[Link]
etymat t
erstome.
Sher
ee:
Pleaseunl
ockt
hecar
.

Idi
[Link]
dherback
causi
nghertosi
tdown.

Me: ShereeIl
[Link]
’v
ef allenhar
dfor
[Link] ongerresistitany
more.
Ineedy ouinmyli
fe,Il
ov eyouSher ee.

Sher
ee:I’
vegotaboyfri
endandI ’
m goi
ngback
toAust
ral
iaandIdon’tt
hinkI’
m comingback.
SoIsuggestyoukeepyourfeel
ingstoyour
sel
f
Buzwe.

Ismi
l
eshaki
ngmyhead.

Me:
Eit
herwayt
hatwi
l
lnev
erer
aset
hef
eel
i
ngs
Ihavef ory [Link]’tcar
ewhaty ousaybutt he
factremai [Link] ourresponsedoesn’treal
ly
mat t
eratt hisinstancebutIwantyoutoknow
howIf eelaboutyouandt hatyou’r
emyt r
anquil
.
You’l
l keepmei nbalanceformyowngoodsel f.
Myhear tbeatsfory ouandgenuinel
y,foryou
only.

Iexhal
eandst
areatherwi
thmyemot
ivesi
de
runni
nghi
gh.

Sheree:Youareambushingmeand
overwhelmingmet [Link]’
tthi
nkIcan
standthisI
’m st
il
ltooy
oungIjustcan’
t.
..So
thanksforevery
thi
ngbutgoodbye.

Shey anksherarm of
fmyholdandcli
mbsoff
[Link]
fstari
ngatherassheknockst
he
[Link]
ersedt
hecar
beat
ingmysel
foverf
orf
all
i
ngr
ightatt
het
rap
ofmyweakness.

.
.
.

JOZEA
Iwat
chhergeti
nandshefr
ight
ensseei
ngme
st
andi
ngatthedoor
.Wat
chingall
hermoves.

Sher
ee:
Hey

Me:
Whosecarwast
hat
?

Sher
ee:
Huh?
Me:
Iaskedwhosecarwast
hat
?!

Sheree:
Youshouti
ngatme?Typicalofyouto
haveadaught
[Link]’ty
oudar e,
not
evenmyownf at
hershout
satmel i
kethat.

Me:Yougonnaanswermeorshoul
dIf
indt
he
answer
sonmyown?

Sheree:
Dowhatbestsui
tsy
oucausey
ouwer
e
gonnadigf
ort
heanswersanyway
.

Me:
Thatcari
smyf
ri
end’
scarI
’
m notst
upi
d.

Sher
ee:
Yeahsowhat
?
Iscof
fwi
thmymout
hopen.

Me:Sowhat
?Ishescr
ewingy
ou!Nowthat
you’
vegr
ownathi
ckski
ntoanswermebacki
n
t
hatmanner
.

Shesi
ghs.

Sheree: Jozea,you’reagr [Link]’ t

wanttol eav ewhilewe' reonbadt [Link]
I
’m backhomeandsaf efr
om t [Link]
yesitisBuzwe’ scarbutKenedr ovemeback
homecauseshei nsist
edIcr ashatherpl ace,
wewer ebot hwast edlastnight.I’
dnev erdate
yourfri
endev erthere’snobusi nessthatbr i
ngs
ustoget herplushi smi ndi
nghi sownbusi ness.
Justtrustmeandt rustthatI’
llneverdrinkagain
andleav ey ouallwor ri
edaboutme.
Il
ookedatherki
ndabuy
ingherst
ory
.Ihope
she’
stel
l
ingthet
rut
h.

Me:Ihopey ou’
renotl
yi
ngt
omecausemyj
ob
i
stoprotectyou.

Sher
ee:
Iwouldn’
tli
eaboutsucht
[Link]
ustme,
Icr
ossmyheart.

Ishi
ftf
orhert
opass

Sher
ee:
Thanky
ou.I
sev
ery
onehome?

Me:
Whydon’
tyouf
indoutf
ory
our
sel
f?
Sheree:Whydi
dyoubr
eakupwit
hVi
ola?I
’v
e
nevermetaguywit
hsuchmoodswi
ngsinmy
l
ifebefor
e.

Me: AndI
’v
eneverseensuchali
arl
ikey
our
sel
f
causeyou’
rer
eeki
ngamanl ycol
ogneaswe
speak!

Sher
ee:
Idon’
tknowwhatt
osayany
mor
e.

Me:I’
m gonnakil
lyourboyf
ri
[Link]’s8years
ol
derthanyou!Lookforguysyouragedefi
nit
ely
nothi
[Link].

Clearl
yOBneedsanot
herr
emi
ndersi
ncehehas
forgot
ten.
.
.
.

BUZWE(
OB)
Me: GodIl oveher .Pleasebr i
ngust ogether,
she’stheonef [Link] ’
m notgonnagi ve
uponher .Thesameor gany oucr eatedinmei s
beatingsohar df orherIcan’ tev enholdmy self
[Link] eltliket hiswaswi t
h
Gomobutshet ookadv ant ageofi tandnowt hi
s
one..
.sur passedGomol [Link] easeLor dguide
me, teachmehowt ol ov eherr ight,gentl
yso.
Letmyl ovenotscar eher .DeepdownIknow
shelov esmet ooIcanf eel i
t,butifwe’ r
emeant
tobepl easebr eakall t
hebar riersandt hewal ls
buil
tagai nstusf r
om bei ngt oget [Link] hatwe
canbot hmakel oveabeaut i
ful thi
ngt owi t
ness.
FornowI ’
llt
aket hischancet of ixmy selfand
wor konmy sel
f.
..Twomont hsaheadIam
reaching30Ineedawomanonmysi deanda
stablelif
ewi t
hki [Link]
ustinyouFatherandI’
ll
bepat ientyetnotr el
axedti
llIhav
emywoman.
IthinkIlostmyf ami l
ysopleasegiveme
[Link] ayfort
his
i
nt henameofy ourbelovedson,Amen.

Myphoner
ingsi
t’
sMi
ssA

Me:
Ander
son

Mi
ssA:
[Link]
il
lgood?

Me:
I’
m goo-
dandy
ou?

Mi
ssA:
[Link]
ngy
ouandy
our
possi
bledat
[Link]’
sitgoi
ng?

Me:WellIthinkIshoul
dkeepitr
eser
vedsince
i
t’
[Link] dowehav esomet
hing
pr
ofessi
onal tospeakabout
?

MissA: Uhm (
clear
sthroat
)no,
no,
defi
nit
ely
[Link]
ent
’swel
lbei
ng.

Me:Yeahwecandot hatduringt
hesessi
onsin
per
[Link]
’sl
imitsuchcall
snowander mif
youdon’
tmindI’
dlovet ohaveanear
lyni
ght
.
Wasthereany
thi
ngel se?

Mi
ssA:
Nonotal
l

Me:
Niceni
ghtt
hen
Mi
ssA:
Good–

Icutt
hecallandl
ookedatSher
ee’
spi
ctur
e
whil
esmil
ing.

Me:JustherLordandIpromi
seI’
lll
iv
ea
st
raightl
i
[Link]’
tlooki
nanyotherwoman’
s
di
recti
onnomor eothert
hanher
s.

Whippedisme,ifIknewbetterI’
dsaythisl
ady
workedhervoodooonmebutIknowt hat
sweetnessi
stopur efort
[Link]
’swhat’
s
sodamnat t
ract
iveaboutherandIwon’ tst
op
goi
ngmadabouther .

.
.
.

VI
OLA
Idon’
tknowwhoshei
sbutt hesamewoman
whoscaredmei
ntheorphanageappear
ed
befor
eme.

Me:
Whoar
eyou?Andwhatdoy
ouwantf
rom
me?

Her:I
’m Oct
avia,I’
m Kri
ssy’
smom I’ma
wanderi
ngsoul .Ineedyoutohel
pme.I’m
cry
ingandpleadingt oy
ouViolayou’
remylast
hope.

Me:
SayIbel
i
evei
ntheLor
dMessi
ahasmy
sav
iorwhodi
edf
ormysi
ns.

Oct
avia:
Ibel
i
eveintheLor
dMessi
ahasmy
sav
iorwhodi
edforoursi
ns.

Iskept
ical
l
ygl
ancedather
.

Me:
FineI
’
llhel
[Link]
n?

Oct
avi
a:Touchmyhand.

Ididandwhathappenednexti smef eelingmy

l
ungsbeingtankedwithwat eranddr owningas
Ichokeandcoughhar der.
..If
ighthardertobe
fr
eeandswi m outbutIcouldn’tt
hemor eIl
ost
str
engthasshewasf urtheri
ngawayf r
om me,
andmesi nki
ngdeeperint [Link]
speakingandmadesadexpr essionsasher
fi
gurewassl owlybutsur
elybecomi ng
unclearerandf oggi
lydi
ssi
pat i
[Link]
andsl owlyl
osingmyconsci oust il
lmyhead
droppeddownbeneat hthesur f
aceofthewater
andal lt
helightswentoff.
.
..
>>>Tobecont
inued.
..

•
Kri
ssy
40
.
..
VI
OLA
“ ! !”

Ifai
ntl
yhearmymother’
svoi
ceechoi
ngf
rom
underneat
hthewat
[Link]
esweret
oo
[Link]
my
weightbei
ngli
ft
edfr
om thesurf
aceandmy
mom [Link]
tsl
apsont he
cheek.

“ !”SheshoutsandIbl
i
nkweakly.
Shetriesspeakingt
omebutIcan’thearherI
[Link]
shortl
ytakesoffherneckl
aceandwearsit
aroundmyneck.

Isoonri
seupf rom whatseemedl i
keabat ht
ub
andcoughed,spitt
ingoutallthewaterthathad
fi
ll
[Link] hexperienceif
Imaycalli
[Link]
star
edatmynakednessi nt hebathtub.
Mommy ’snecklacewasst i
llaroundmyneck.

Il
ookedar
oundandwi
pedmyf
ace,
Imusthav
e
dozedoffwhil
est
il
ltaki
ngabat
hewhen
ever
ythi
ngtookpl
ace.

Mom appear
ednotpl
easedwi
thmeasshesat
ont
hetoil
etseat
.

Mom: Vi
oladoy
ouwannadi
e?!Wast
haty
our
deat
hwishhuh?

Shescol
[Link]
yshookmyhead.

Mom: Thenhowcany
ousi
gny
ourdeat
hwi
sh
soeasyli
kethat
?

Me:
Idi
dn’
t—

Mom:
Youdi
dn’
tthenwhatdi
dyoudohuh?
??
Howcany oubesocarel
esswithyourl
ife?You
weretol
dtopoursalt
sandsetali
ghtcandles
sur
roundi
ngthebatht
ubbutyoudidn’
tdot hat
.

Me:MaInev erint
endedonconnect
ingwi
thany
spi
ri
[Link]
usttookanormalbat
heandi t
happenedthatIdozedwhi
lei
nside.

Mom:(scoffs)Andwhatshal
lwecal
lthathuh?
Acoi
ncidence?

(
Sil
ence)

Mom: Begrat
efultotheMwangangi ancest
ors
becausei
fitwasn’
tforthem wewoul dbe
speaki
ngadiff
erentstor
yr i
[Link] t
comestomat t
ersofspiri
tual
it
yy oudon’t
becomecarel
ess–y oupayat tenti
onandf ocus
Viol
a!Youdon’tjusti
gnore,i
gnorancemi ght
[Link]
lywhenitcomest oaspi r
it
thatwantstopassov erontheotherside.I
t’
sa
mat t
erofurgencyyoucan’taff
ordtoignoremy
chil
d.

If
iddl
edwi
thmyhandssi
l
ent
ly

Mom: Payattenti
onViolapleaseandat t
end
Kri
ssy’
smot hershe'sbeenreachingoutin
[Link] rowy oushouldbeonit
orshe’
ll
beabot her
somespi ri
tshe’l
ltur
nout
yourwholeapartmentintofrostcausethat
’s
howshef eel
sr i
[Link] se?

Me:
Yesmot
herIpr
omi
se

Mom:
Pleaseanddoasi
nst
ruct
ed,
she’
snot
her
etohar
[Link]
easage?

Inodded.

Mom: Makesur ey ouburnitbeforeyousleep.I

wil
lbehel dinalongmeet i
ngbyy our
for
[Link] enever
i
ntroducedt othem asmychi l
drenandthey ’
re
alr
eadycompl ainingthatweshoul d’
vemade
yoursandy oursister’
sbackinKeny abut
Engelbertdi
dn’tallowforitandthatcostedme.
Butdon’tbealarmed, wheny ouwakeupi t’
l
lbe
gone…pl easemakesur eyoubur nthesage
beforeyousleeporel seI’
llbeintroubl
e.

Me:
Iwi
l
l

Mom:
Ilov
[Link]
etogonow,
takecar
eof
y
our
sel
f.

Shegotupandkissedmebefor
edisappear
ing.
Iwaslef
tsti
ll
taki
ngdeepbr
eathsshockedthat
Ial
mostlostmyli
fe.

.
.
.

SHEREE
Wewer ehavi
ngbr eakfastwi t
houtmyuncl [Link]
hadsomewher etobe, workr el
[Link]
thelastdayI’
mi nSAt omor rowI ’
ml eavi
ng
goingbacktoAust rali
[Link] sthatI’
m
gonnadef i
nit
elymi ssthi
spl ace.
Ani
nter
com buzzedandPear
lwentt
oat
tend
out
sideandt
hencamebackmi
nut
esl
ater
.

Shecamebackcar
ryi
ngay
ell
owr
osewi
thagi
ft
bag

Lesego:
What
’st
hat
?

Pear
l:Seemsl i
kear
oseandsomeot
herni
ce
st
uff
s( gasps)i
t’
sadress!

Shesay
sgoingthr
ought
[Link]
oodup
fr
om myseat.

Me:
From whoandwho’
sitf
or?

Pear
l:Idon’
tknow
Lesego:
Whatdoest
hecar
dsay
?

Shet
ookoutt
hecar
dandr
ead.

Pear
l:I
tsay
s;“
Iowey
ouar
osef
orev
erybr
eat
h
yout
ake_Nast
yC”

Me:
Who’
saNast
yC?

Lesego:Anarti
[Link]
listhatal
l
?Li
kehedi
dn’
t
mentionthati
t’
smeantf orwho?Andhowdi
d
theguywhodr oppeditl
ook?

Pear
l:He’
sadel
i
ver
yguy
Amomentofsil
encepassedwhi
l
ewewer
est
il
l
l
ooki
ngt
hroughthethi
ngs.

Lesego:
Isanyofyoudat
ingcauseI
’
m sur
ethat
thi
sismeantfory
[Link]
t.

Shef
oldsherar
[Link]
llaughs.

Pear
l:Def
ini
tel
ynotmeMaI
’
m notdat
ing

Lesego:
Sher
ee?

Ishookmyhead.

Me: NoIam notseei

ngany
oneatt
hemoment
I
’m conf
usedaswel l
.
Lesego:Well
oneofyouseemedt ogai
nhersel
f
asecretadmir
[Link]
tert
hinkhar
dladi
esand
spi
ll
.

Me:
Ihav
enoi
dea

Pear
l:Wel
lIt
hinkwecanst
artl
ooki
ngf
orcl
ues.

Shepi
ckedt
hedr
essandpl
acedi
tont
het
abl
e.

Pearl
:Thi
sisasiz
e30I’
m wear
ing34and
ther
e’snowayyel
lowi
smyfavori
tecol
our
.

Ibr
eat
heoutheav
il
y
Me:Yell
owi
smyf
avor
it
ecol
ourand30i
smy
si
zetoo.

Lesego:
Sot
hisi
smeantf
ory
ou!

Pear
l:Wowcuzt
her
e’ssomeonef
inal
l
y
cr
ushingony
ou?
?Amazing!

Ibl
i
nkwhi
l
eshaki
ngmyhead.

Me:Uhm l
etmeexcusemy
sel
fIt
hinkIneedt
o
deal
wit
hthis.

Ipickedt hestuf
fsandwentt otheroom t
yping
Keneiloeamessagebutat extgoti
nbeforeI
evendi [Link] f
ectsketch
ofmy selfwithmesni f
fi
ngtherose.I’
dbelying
i
fI’
dsayt
hisdi
dn’
thav
emebl
ushi
ng.

“ ℎ ℎ
. ℎ ℎ

. ’ ℎ
ℎ
. ℎ, ’
ℎ ℎ
,
ℎ .”

If
rownandsmileatt
hesamet
imeandt
ypea
messageback.

Me:
“HoneyBee?I
sthi
swhoIt
hinki
tis?Buz
we.
”
“ ℎ

? ”

It
hrowmyheadbackwhi
l
echor
tl
ingal
lsmi
l
es.

Me:
“Isi
tsaf
e?”

Hi
m:“ ℎ
ℎ
? .”

Me:
“Okayt
ell
met
het
imeandpl
ace.I
’
llbe
t
her
e.”

Ismil
eandsqueal
edasIthr
ewmy sel
fbackon
thebed,
dangl
ingmylegsi
nairexcit
edly
.Imust
sayI
’mlooki
ngfor
wardtoit,
thi
swasasweet
gest
uretobequi
tehonest
.

.
.
.

BUZWE(
OB)
Gotanewcutandmybear dtr
[Link]
j
ustarri
vednotl
ongagoandI’
m nowpacing
aroundinaphonecal
lwit
htheowneroft
he
rest
aurantmaki
ngarr
angements.
Minutesl
aterweendedt
hecal
landIbr
eat
he
i
nsidemypal ms.

Me:Maythi
simpressi
onl
astf
orev
erandmayI
bl
owoffhermind.
Ismil
edwhil
efi
nishi
ngthetouchupsoft
he
sket
chIhadalr
eadydrawn.

Me:Fhunoyougonnameett
hel
oveofmyl
i
fe
soonsoon.

Ipickedthetenni
sballandthr
owitt
oher .I
’
m
wishingfort
hebestIdon’tknowwhyI’m
suddenlyner
v ousaboutthi
swhol
ething.

.
.
.

MI
SSANDERSON
Isati
mpat
ient
lyi
nmyof
fi
ceasIkeptshaki
ng
[Link] or
somet hingbutitwassodr yandempt [Link]
uck
myt ongueget ti
ngupIcan’ tdeal witht hisor
anyot hercli
entexcepthim.I ’
m expect i
nghim
beforeanyot hercl
ientsot hatmydaywoul d
proceedbet t
[Link] d'vebeen
betteroranythingfr
om [Link] dn’tt akewel l
thewayhespoket omey esterday,itwasqui te
embar rassi
[Link] orecti
fyi tanyhow
sothathecannotgett heideaofmebei nginto
him orany t
[Link] Iact ual
lyf ooling?
Mxm!Ineedt oknockof fear l
y.

Ipackedmyst
uff
sanddr
ovehome.

Me:
Pa!Pa!Pa!

Ishoutandf
indhimint
hef
ir
epl
acebr
ushi
ng
hisarmsshi
veri
ng.
Me:
Outsidei
t’
s29°
Chowcomedoy
oual
way
s
f
eelcol
d?

Dad:
Youknowwi t
hmyi
l
lnessst
ranget
hings
al
wayshappen.

Her
aiseshi
sheadl
ooki
ngatme

Dad:
Whyar
eyououtear
ly?

Me:
ikbenmoe(
I’
mti
red)

Dad:Ti
redofwhat
?Arey
ounowt
ir
edofy
our
pat
ient
sandyourj
ob?
Me:Anyhumanneedsabr
eaki
nli
fei
n
what
evert
heydo.

Dad:
Sogeldmoetookr
ust
en?(
moneyshoul
d
al
sorest
?)

Me:Moneyi snoteverythingPa.I’
mt i
redIam
real
l
yt i
redofl
isteni
ngtopeopl esproblemsand
comet owaysofhel pi
ngt hem dealwit
htheir
[Link] alltheti
mei ntheworldbut
whoget stogi
vemi nebackmmh?Whomakes
ti
mef ormeandget stocar eaboutme?

Dad:
Yeahbutthat'
stheprof
essi
ony ouchose
i
nthefi
rstpl
[Link]
leasty
ou’r
egett
ingpaidfor
i
t.

Me:
Urgh!
Dad:
Whatdoy
ouwant
?

Me:Iwanttobehappy .Iwantt
oliveandhavea
l
if
[Link],Iwanttogetmarri
ed
goddamnI ’
m 36forcryi
ngoutl
oudandI ’
m
l
[Link]
mei sr
unningoutforme.

Dad:That
’sali
e,Icancompl
ainaboutmyt
ime
runni
ngout,
notyou.

Hest
aresatmef
orawhi
l
e

Dad:
Soal
lthi
sisf
oraman?

If
oldmyar
msandf
acedt
heot
herway
.
Dad:Si
ncewhenhasi
tbot
her
edy
out
haty
ou
don’
thaveaman?

Me:
Wel
li
tseemsli
key
ounev
erl
ookedf
orwar
d
t
omehavi
ngone.

Dad:Noit’
snott
hatbutIwantt
ounderst
and
si
ncewhenhasitaffect
edyouandbr
ought
aboutt
hisbehav
ior
?

Me:
Itdoesn'
tmat
terbutIt
hinkIneedy
ourhel
p.

Dad:
What
?

Me:Ikmoett
erugnaardepr
akt
ij
k(Ineedt
oget
backtopr
act
ice)
Dad:
Whatpr
act
ice?

It
il
tmyheadonhi
m sendi
ngaspeci
fi
clookat
hi
m.

Dad:Nonono, notf
oramanmychi
l
d.
Defi
nit
elynotf
oraman.

Me:
Yesdadf
oraman

Dad:
NO!

Heshout
s.

Me:YES!That
'smefi
ndi
ngoutwhethery
ou’
ve
l
ockedmypathoffi
ndi
ngtheper
fectmanfor
meornot.
Dad:
Cai
tl
ynar
ey ouev
enhear i
ngyour
self
?!
Howcanyout
hinkofyourf
atherl
i
kethis?

Me: Doyouf i
nditnormalal
mostmywhol eli
fe
nomanhast houghtofapproachingme, Ido
thatmostofthet i
mesandi tdoesn'tendina
l
onghaul ,i
tendsbadly.I
t’
snotev enaf actof
mebei ngunattr
acti
veIknowt hatIam
attr
acti
[Link] Inotl uckyifyou’
renot
i
nv ol
vedhuh?

Dad:
What
!Whywoul
dIdot
hat
?

Me:SothatIcanstayst
uckupherewit
hy ou
nur
singyouasifIgaveyouanor
dertokil
lmy
mother!
Dad:
HEY!
!!
!!
!!
!!
!

Her
oar
satmeandIbr
eat
heheav
il
yinf
ume.

Dad:Cai
tl
ynyouwill
ruethedayy ouwerebor n
i
fyoueverspeaktomel i
kethateveragain.I
’
m
warni
ngyouchil
dyoudon’tknowhowcr uelI
cangetdon’
tputmet est
.Iam yourfat
her!

Hepoi
ntsatme.

Me:
Arey
ouhel
pingmeornot
?

Dad:Wher ei
tinvol
vesamanmychi l
dI ’l
lnever
[Link]
lneverhel
priski
ngyourlifefor
someonewho’ ll
probabl
yleaveyoulateronand
breakyourheart
.Wear eabunchofj erksifi
t
wasforsomethi
ngbett
erl
ikegetti
ngwealt
hier
orsomethi
ngIwould’
vegl
adlyhelpednotf
or
somestupi
dstuff
[Link]
sstupid.

Me: Well t
henAunt [Link]
establi
shedt hi
swhol esorcerythi
nginthe
familyandy ou’
rejustanamat eurwheni t
comest oit
.Soletmepayherav i
sitIknow
she’l
lgladlyhel
pasaf amilyexper
t.

Dad:Cait
lynstopthi
[Link]
swi l
lblow
upbadlyandy ouwon'tl
i
ketheconsequences.
I
’m warni
ngy ou.

If
akesmi
l
edandcat
wal
kedaway
.

Dad:
Cai
tl
yn!
!!
!
Iam carr
yingonwit
hthi
[Link]
eon
BuzweandIwi l
lcat
chwhatIpr
[Link]
’sa
promise.

.
.
.

SHEREE
Imadeanent r
anceattherestaur
antwhereI
wassupposedtomeetwi [Link]
ing
l
ookedheavenly,
musicplayedasIwalkedin.
Whydoesitfeell
ikeI
’
m get t
ingmarri
ed?

Youst
opt
her
oom whenwewal
kin
Thespot
li
ght
son,
ever
ybody
'sst
ari
ng
Tel
lal
loft
heseboy
sthey
’rewast
ingt
hei
rti
me
St
opst
andi
ngi
nli
ne,
causey
ou’
real
lmi
ne.

Andt
hisev
eni
ngIwon’
tlett
hef
eel
i
ngdi
e
Inev
erwannal
eav
eyoursi
de

Outal
loft
hegi
rl
s
You’
remyoneandonl
ygi
rl
Ai
n’
tnobodyi
nthewor
ldt
oni
ght
Al
loft
hestar
syoumaket
hem shi
nel
i
ket
hey
wer
eours
Ai
n’
tnobodyi
nthewor
ldbuty
ouandI
YouandI
Ai
n’
tnobodyi
nthewor
ldt
oni
ght

Heappear
edoutofnowher
edressedi
nhis
sui
[Link]
nghandsomel
yhotI
coul
dn’
tev
enhideitasIcov
eredmymout
h
smil
i
ngandlaughi
ng.

Buzwe:
Goodev
eni
nghoneybee

Me:
Eveni
ng

Ichor
tl
e

Buzwe:
Youdi
dn’
texpectt
his?

Me:
Notatall
Imeanit
’samazi
ngand.
..y
ou’
re
t
hesecr
etadmir
er.

Buzwe:
Isi
tsomet
hingnew?
Hedoesthisf
unnyt
hingwit
hhiseyebr
owsand
ey
[Link]
edasIpunchhi
schest.

Me:Of coursei
t’
snotsomet
hingnewbutImust
sayyouwental loutf
ormeandit
’sbeaut
if
ulbut
youdidn’thaveto.

Buzwe:
IhadtobecauseIwantedt
owinaspot
i
nmyQueen’sheart
.DoIstandachance?

Me:
Hmm!

Buzwe:
Hmm?

Ismi
l
eandpr
essedmyl
i
pst
oget
her

Me:
Let
’sseehowt
heni
ghtwi
l
ltakeus
Buzwe:
Okay
.CanI
?

[Link]
acesafl
oral
crownonmyhead
andthenhugsmywaist
swhilepl
aci
ngasof
t
peckonmycheek.

Hepul
l
edt
hechai
rformet
osi
t.

Me:
Thanky
ou

Buzwe:
You’
rewel
[Link]
eweor
der
ing?

Me:
CanIhav
ethemenu?

Hesnapshi
sfi
ngerf
orawai
tr
[Link]
andbr
oughtt
hemenuandwemadeor der
s.
Wit
hdri
nksweopt
edforchampagne.

Me:
Thi
sissweetofy
ou

Buzwe:
Youl
i
kei
t?

Me:
Likei
sanunder
stat
ementIl
ove

Buzwe:Mmm at
leastt
hat
’st
hef
ir
stt
ickofme
i
mpressi
ngmyqueen.

Ourorderscameandheset tl
edthebil
l
.Ilooked
athim smil
i
ngandhet ookthesi
pofhi s
champagne.“INeedYourLove”byNightcore
beganplayi
ngsoftl
yonthebackgroundandI
watchedhim si
ngalongformehasheki ssed
myhand.

Me:
Youcansi
ng?

Buzwe:
There’
slotIcandoexceptdanci
[Link]
candothatonmybehalf
.

Wegi
ggl
edandIt
ookasi
pofmychampagne.

Me:
You’
resof
unny
.Sowhatel
secany
oudo?

Buzwe:Isi
ng,Ir
ap,
Isket
ch,
Isongwr
ite,
I’
ma
goodsensor,
Iki
ckassandyeaht
hat
’syour
honeybee.

Igi
ggl
ed.
Me:
Omg!Asf
orki
cki
ngass.

Buzwe: Ireal
lydoIwentf
orJudocl
asses
growingup.I’m ameanfi
ght
erandwhatel
se?A
seri
alki
ller.

Ial
mostchokeonmychampagne.

Me:
Arey
ouser
ious?

Buzwe:
Justscar
ingy
ou

Me:
Nodon’
tev
erpl
ayl
i
ket
hat
,gosh!

Buzwe:
Apol
ogi
es.
Hemakesasidesmil
ebef
oredri
nki
nghi
sgl
ass
anddev
ourhi
[Link]
ookathi
m.

Me:Sohowol
dareyou?Whatdoy
oudoand
t
ell
meaboutyourf
amil
y

Buzwe:I
’m [Link] owor k
asanaudit
orbutnowIt ookabr eakfrom work
duetomyment al heal
t [Link] y eah,famil
y!
WhatcanIsayaboutf ami l
y?Mydadpassed
on..
.mymom i sinKZNanot herpr ov
ince,I
’m
heronl
ysonf r
om hersi dethenatdad’ sside
we’r
eabout4wi t
hmyt wobr othersandasi ster
yetI
’mthelastbornf r
om t he4.

Me:
SoKenei
l
oei
sol
dert
hany
ou?
Buzwe:
[Link]’
ref
ri
endsr
ight
?

Me:Yeahandshe’
soneoft
hepeopl
ewhodon’
t
wantmecloset
oyouaswell
.

Hesi
ghsandhol
dsmyhand

Buzwe: Sher eeI ’

mi nlovewi thyouandImeani t.
Thatcertainni ghtsomet hingignitedtheloveI
alr
eadyhadf oryou, formet obeabl etopursue
youtoday .I’m nother ef orgamesI ’
m herefor
thelongr [Link] r eadyt osettl
edownwi thyou
andIpromi seI’ll
nev erpl [Link] eeIl
ove
hardandwi thy ouIseemy selfcapabl eof
showcasi ngmyl oving, [Link]
changef orgoodonl yfory ou…

Hef
ixeshi
sey
esonmi
ne
Buzwe:Whatdotheysaynowaday
s?Fory
our
sakeIcanbeacerti
fi
edgoneboyy
yy.

Me:
Omg!
!!

Buzwe:Yeahsolookmei
ntheey
eandt
ell
me
youdon’
tfeelt
hesame?

Ipausedstar
ingathim wi
thmyheartskippi
ng
andmyt ummyget t
ingbutt
erf
li
esr
ightthen.

Buzwe:
Behonestwi
thme

Me:
I..
.Ial
sof
eel
thesamebutI
—
Buzwe:
Feel
thesameaboutwhat
?

Ihuf
fandcl
osemyey
es

Me:
Ilov
eyoubutIcan’
tbewi
thy
ou

Buzwe:
Becauseofpeopl
e?

Me: NobecauseI’
mleav
[Link]
i
ev ewehada
chanceandnowt i
meisgoneso...wemightas
wellki
ssitgoodby
e.

Buzwe:
Yougoi
ngf
orgood?

Me:
YesI
’
m goi
ngf
orgood.
Buzwe:
Sher
ee—

Me:
Pleaseacceptt
his.

Heti
ght
enshi
sjawstakingi
thar
[Link]
tywi
ngs
byMaxwel
lpl
ayednextonthepl
ayl
ist
.

Buzwe:
Okayfi
neIguesslet’
ssett
leonmaking
goodmemori
[Link]
h
me?

Me:
Ofcour
se.

Ismileandwegetupandstart
eddanci
ng
sl
owl yt
othemusicasIwrapmyarmsaround
[Link]
dsmetightandhi
sbreat
h
brushessof
tl
yonmyneckgi vi
ngme
goosebumpsal
ready
.

Buzwe:I
’
llmi
ssyoueventhoughImi
ssedon
manyopport
uni
ti
estospendsomequali
tyt
ime
wit
hyou.

Me:
I’
ll
misst
hisbl
i
ssf
ulmomentt
ooIwon'
tl
ie

Ourdancingmov ement sst

oppedandI
removedmyheadof fhisshoul
derandwegot
togazeoneachot [Link]
facesmetandweshar edasensual,smooth
kissbef
oreitt
urnedt oapassionateone.
.
..
>>>Tobecont
inued.
..
41
.
..
BUZWE(
OB)
Iwentabitmoreint
ensewi t
hthekissandlift
ed
herupclear
ingt
hetableoffwit
hthecutlery
breaki
ngdownandpl acedheronthetable.

Shebroketheki
ssgaspi
ngandl
ookedatt
he
brokenpi
eces.

Sher
ee:
OhnoBuz
we!

Igrabbedherfaceagainandsmashedmyl ips
[Link]..
.I
neverfel
tsomuchheatr ushingli
kethatonmy
[Link] ousedthatIcoul
dn’thelpbut
exposemyt ensi
onorr at
hersexualfrust
rat
ion
I’
vebeenhav i
ngforalmostwhat?Damn!Ionl y
real
iz
enowthati
t’
sbeenawhi
l
esi
nceIl
ast
shaggedacamel
toe.

Ipullofft
heki ssbiti
ngherlowerli
pandwent
onsmoochi ngherneckl eavingmymar kson
[Link] om t her
etonibbli
ngherearl
obe
shealsocoul dn’thel
pbutletoffasoftmoan
andlatergiggl ed.

Iplacemyhandsunder neathherdresspar t
ial
l
y
l
ay ingherdownandget t
ingont opofher
attackingherwithmor ekissesasImov emy
handf urthert
oreachhert [Link]
escalatedandwer [Link] opped
midwayandr etr
actedmyhandsof fherthi
ghs
resisti
ngasmuchasi ttooksomuchf ormet o
dot hat.

Sher
ee:
(huskedt
one)Whydi
dyoust
op?
Sheaskedwi
thhal
f-
li
ddedey
es.

Me: Becauseit’
sourf i
rstdat eandIdon’ twanna
seem asifI’
mt akingadv antageofy [Link]
y
hadasol i
drelati
onshipwi thany oneitwas
moreofanost ri
ngsandoneni ghtstandsso…
yourwor t
hiswaymor ethant hatandIain’t
abouttotreatyoulikeoneoft hosewomen.
You’reworthallmyt i
mei nt hewor l
d.

Sher
ee:Nowhowar
eyougonnagi
vei
ttome
whenI’
m away
?

Icoul
ddetectt
hefrust
rati
oninherv
oicewhi
l
e
shefi
xeshersi
tti
ngposture.

Me:
Formygi
rl
fr
iendIcanmakeanypossi
ble
way
s.

Sher
ee:
Whatdoy
oumean?

Me:Ihaveal
lthemoneyt
otr
avel
toAust
ral
i
a
j
ustfory
ou.

Herli
pstwi
tchesintoabeaut
if
ulsmi
l
e,coul
dn’
t
missherbl
ushingtoo.

Sher
ee:
Woul
dyoudot
hatf
orme?

Me:
Pinkyswear
.

Sher
ee:
OhmygoshI’
m sol
uckyt
ohav
eyou!Or
i
sitt
ooear
lyt
osay
?
Me:(chor
tles)Tr
usty
ourf
ir
sti
nst
inct
sandgi
ve
ussomef ait
h.

Shesmi
l
esandki
ssesme.

Sher
ee:
Okay

Me:
Okay
?

ShenodsandIfi
nishofft
heki
sslif
ti
ngheroff
thet
ableandpl
acedheronherfeetasIbr
ush
herl
i
ttl
eassandsqueezeital
it
tl
[Link]
l
oomingovermehi ght
ime.

Me:
Isi
tokayi
fIt
akey
ouhome?
Sheree:
Youdon’
thav
eto,myfamil
y
accompani
edmet ot
heoccasi
on.

Me:
Wai
twhat
?

Ipauseandmovest epsawayfr
om hergiv
ing
herathor
oughglancetocheckifshe’
sseri
ous
ormaybejoki
[Link]
efl
y.

Sher
ee:
Uhm yeahmyfamil
yisoverpr
otect
ive
ofmeandtheyuh…usedt
obaby i
ngmeand
st
uff
ssoIhopeyouunder
stand.

Me:
Err
,soi
sJozal
ongwi
thy
’al
l
?

Sheshakesherheadandl
[Link]
oinhert
oo.
Sheree:
No.I
fhewaswouldyout
hinkwe’
dbe
havi
ngsuchapeacef
uldi
nner
?Youknowhow
heis.

Me:
NowI
’
mrel
i
eved

Sher
ee:
It’
sjustmyauntandsi
ster

Me: Atl
[Link]’
reluckytohaveafamilythat
caresforyou,val
uet hatandbeappreci
ati
veof
i
[Link] erI’
dalsobecareful
li
ket hey
aretoyou.

Shenods

Me:
Col
l
ectsomet
akeaway
sfory
ouandt
he
f
am.
Sher
ee:
Col
l
ect
?

Me: Yes,
ther
earefewcui
sinesIper
sonall
y
askedthecheft
[Link] ul
l
yyou’
lll
ikeiti
f
notyoucanorderany
thi
ngelseofyourchoice.

Sher
ee:
Wowokay
.Sowher
eshoul
dIgot
o?

Ipoi
ntf
orher

Me:
Thatsi
de

Sher
ee:
Okaywi
l
lbebacki
namoment
.

Inodandexhal
eassoonasshel
eav
[Link]
ance
downonmy selfandnoti
cedhowmypant s
werepr otrudedont hemi ddl
[Link]
j
ustdeci dest oembar r
assmei npubl
ic.I
reachedf ort hebott
leandandgulpeditt
omy
sati
sfaction.

IsawShereecomi
ngbackandIinst
ant
lypl
aced
myhandinmypockett
ocontrol
andhidethe
misbehav
ingdi
ck.

Me:
Readyt
ogo?

Sher
ee:
Yeah

Me:
Happy
?

Sher
ee:
Ver
ymuchhappy
Ismi
l
edandki
ssedhercheek

Me:
Thenweshoul
dgo.

Iplacemyarm aroundhershouldersandwe
walkedoutoftherestaurant
.I’
m happyt
hatI
didthebestofmyabilit
yt omakeherenjoyt
his.
Tomet hatmeansev eryt
hingandmor e.

.
.
.

UNCLEBRYAN
Icamehomet othehouseemptyandever
yone
[Link]
ledbysomet
hing…Hours
l
atermywife,
daught
erandniececameback
andfoundmeseatedsi
lent
ly.

Lesego:
Baby

Shekissedmycheekwhi
l
eIwasst
il
labsent
-
minded.

Me:
Lov
e

Thegi
rl
sgr
eet
edaswel
l
.

Me:
Heygi
rl
s,wher
ehav
eyoubeen?

Pear
l:Uhm we’
vebeen—
Lesego:Wehadagirl
sdatesi
ncet
odaywas
ourlastdaywi
thSher
ee.

If
ixedmyey
esonSher
eeandnodded.

Me:
Ohh,
youguy
slookgood

Sheree:
Thanksuncl
e,uhm It
hinkIshoul
dret
ir
e
[Link]
owwillbealongdayIbeli
eveI
shouldrest
.

Me:
Goodni
ght

Sher
ee:
Night
.

Iwat
chedherwal
kaway
.
Lesego:
Didy
oucook?

Me:
No

Lesego:Uhm Pearl
howaboutyougoanddish
forusthetakeaways?Meandy
ourfat
herneed
total
k.

Pear
l:Fi
ne.

Sheleftwi
thpar
cel
smeanwhi
l
emywi
fet
akesa
seatnextt
ome.

Lesego:
Tal
[Link]
’swr
ong?I
sit
work?
Me:
Noi
t’
snotwor
k.

Lesego:
Thenwhati
sit
?CauseIcanseey
ou’
re
notokay.

Iheav
eoutani
ntensesi
gh

Me:
Irecei
vedacal
l
...f
rom mybr
other

Lesego:
Brr
-Br
other
?Asi
nCl
i
nt?
!Ishest
il
lal
i
ve?

Sheexcl
aimscr
easi
ngherf
oreheadandInod.

Me:
Yeahhe’
sst
il
lal
i
ve

Lesego:
Wowi
t’
sbeenawhi
l
ehear
ingf
rom hi
m.
Howi
sheandt
hef
ami
l
y?

Me:
They’
regoodt
hey’
redef
ini
tel
yli
vi
ngthel
if
e
i
nAtl
ant
aandtheki
dshavegrownpret
tyol
d.

Lesego:
That
’sgoodt
ohear

Me:
Butt
hat
'snott
her
easonwhyhecal
l
ed

Lesego:Ohh!Igetner
vouswhenev
erhecal
l
s
forotherr
easons.

Me:Tr
uthi
sI’
vebeenunset
tl
edev
ersi
nceIgot
hi
scal
l.

Shesatpr
oper
lypay
ingmor
eat
tent
ion.
Lesego:
Okaysowhatwast
hecal
labout
?

Me:
Sher
ee

Lesego:
Sher
ee?Whatabouther
?

Me:HeseesShereebei
ngtrappedinafir
ethat
shewouldn’
tbeabl
[Link]’s
i
nextremedangerandhepl
easf orustowatch
hercl
osely
.

Lesego:
Samewi t
hhowAbi
gai
laskedust
o
watchhercl
osel
y.

Me:
Yes
Lesego:Butwhatdangercoul dthatbe?Notl i
ke
Shereeisaproblematicchi
ldorany thi
[Link]’s
beenhappyandsmi l
i
ngt hr
oughoutandsoon
she’sgoi
ngbackt oAustral
[Link] hatmean
thedangerwouldbeappr oachingfrom ther
eor
here?Howwi l
litevengettoher ,
Ijustdon’t
underst
and.

Me:That’
swhatI’
mt r
ynnafi
[Link]
knowisthatl
i
fecannotbepredi
ctedandwe
wereneverpr
omisedthati
twil
[Link]
j
ustneedtokeepoureyesonherandmakeher
feel
welcomedtoventanyt
ime.

Shecl
apsherhand.

Lesego:Hah!botshel
obotl
etsedimakatso(Li
fe
i
sf ull
ofsur
prises.
)SoCl
intdidn’
tsayanythi
ng
mor e?
Me:No, hejustmadeitbri
efandtoldmewe
shouldalsonoti
ceherbehaviour
alchanges
that
’swhenweshoul dstartbei
ngconcerned.

Lesego:
TjoIwonder

Me:
Ishoul
dcal
lNanaanddi
scusst
hiswi
thher
.

Lesego:
Okaybabewi
l
lgety
ouf
oodsol
ong

.
.
.

VI
OLA
Ethelcameatmypl acetohavear eviewofmy
placeandtheenv
ironmentIliv
ei ntocheckif
i
t’sgoodtorai
seachi l
[Link]
sor eceiv
ed
formstocomplet
et obeingherlegalguardi
an,
shedidn’
tspendmucht imeandl eftmyplace.

Il
[Link] it
tl
e
poolofwaterappeari
ng,
mov ingtowardsme
andquickl
yvanishesbef
oreitevenreachesme.
Isi
ghandwentt ochangetoanot
herout f
it–
whitelongdr essthatcov
ersmyar [Link]
wor eacrossonmyneckandawhi te,cl
oth
headwr apbef or
eIwenttothebathroom to
switchont hecandlesandthrewt
hecoar sesal
t
i
nt hewat er.

Iknel
tandprayedfi
rstbeforegett
inginand
soakedmyselfi
nthewat [Link]
eslater
…
[ ]
If
indmy
sel
froami
ngi
nthedar
kness.

Me:Oct
aviaThompsonIam her
etoconnect
wi
[Link]
edformeandI’
m her
etohelp,
pl
easereveal
yoursel
f.

(
Sil
ence)

Me:
Oct
avi
a,Oct
avi
a?Oct
—

Ifelti
cecol
dwaterr
eachi
ngmybarefeetand
gaspedclat
ter
ingmyteet
hasIshi
verr
ubbing
my sel
f.

Voi
ce:
I’
m gl
ady
ou’
reher
e
Ilookaroundforherinthedar
knessunti
l
everyt
hingli
ghtsupandsheappear ssi
tt
ingon
thecouchwetbutwoah…shel ooksli
keshe’
s
home, asindad’shouse.

Octavia:Broughtyoust r
aightt
owheret
he
[Link]
oseefor
yourselfandgetacl ueonhowt ohel
pme.

Shegotupt
hecouch

Oct
avi
a:Fol
l
owme.

Isl
owl
ywal
kedbehi
ndher

Octav
ia:
Ilookscar
yandpal
ebecauseI’
m badl
y
decomposed.I
fyou’
dhol
dmyarm, ohdear
chi
l
[Link]
easedandgetaproper
bur
ial
donesot hatIcandepar
tpeacef
ull
y.

Me:
Sohowcanwegoaboutl
ocat
ingy
ourbody
?

Oct
avi
a:I
’
llgui
dey
ouf
oll
owme.

Wecontinuedwal
ki
ngt
il
lwer
eachedmy
f
ather
’sstudyr
oom.

.
.
.

SHEREE
Iwashal
fwayt
hroughmypacki
ngandsuddenl
y
stopped,
placi
ngeverythi
ngdownandt ooka
seatonmybedr eminisci
ngeveryt
hingthat
happenedlastni
ght
,itwaswonder f
[Link]’
t
gettofor
getBuzweeasi l
yli
kethat
.

Ihuggedmychestlayi
ngdownonmybackand
daydreamtabouti
t.

Me:
HahhBuzwe

Isi
ghsof
tl
ycl
osi
ngmyey
es

Hourl
aterIheardaknockonmydoorandwent
t
oopent [Link]
obabl
yfel
lasl
eepwhi
l
eI
wasst
il
l t
hinki
ngofBuzwe.

Pear
l:Sher
ee!Whyar
eyounotdr
essedy
et?
Havey
oufor
get
tent
hatyouhav
eaf
li
ghtt
o
cat
chfewmi
nut
estocome?

Iy
awnwhi
l
ebr
ushi
ngmyey
es

Pear
l:Hayj
ir
rey
oucan’
tser
iousl
ybesl
eepi
ng
whenyou—

Ibargedoutoftheroom notl
ett
ingherfi
nish
thesentenceandmadet hewaytothelounge
[Link]
present

Lesego:
Andt
henwena?
?

Uncl
e:Sher
eewhyar
en’
tyoudr
essed?
If
oldmyar
mswander
ingmyey
esar
ound.

Uncl
e:Youknowthatwehaveafli
ghtt
ocatch
ri
ght
?Andy ourmom i
sexpect
ingyoubacki
n
Aust
ral
ia.

Me:For
givemeuncl
ebutI
’
vedeci
dedt
hatI
’
m
notl
eav
ing.

Them:
WHAT?WHY?

Theyal
lcl
amori
nshockandi
tki
ndaf
reaked
me.

Uncle:
Sher
eesweet
hear
twhyar
eyousuddenl
y
changi
ngyourmi
nd?
Me: BecauseIl i
keitheremorethanthere.I
havef r
eedom her e,
Igettoli
veunli
[Link]
parentsimprisonmeandl if
eisboringthere
uncleIcan’tstandit.I
…I’mjusthappyri
ghther
e
andt hi
swher eIwantt obe.

Theyexchangedgl
ances

Uncle:ButShereedar
li
ngdon’
tyoumissyour
parents?Yourbrot
her?I
t’
sbeenayearwithout
[Link]
hefir
sthol
idayy ou
gettospendt i
mewi t
hthem.

Me:Skypeisther
[Link]’
l
ltal
k
t
hroughitIj
ustdon’
twannago.

Lesego:Sher
eehav
ey ouat
leastconsi
der
ed
howt hatwi
ll
makeyourmotherfeel
?Allt
his
excit
ementonthei
rsideforwhat
?To
disappoi
ntt
hem onlastminut
es.

It
akeadeepbr
eat
hei
n

Me:WellifIcomeofasabur dentoy
outhenI
mighthuntforajob,getapl
acetost
ayandbe
outofyourhairsoon.

Ij
umpi nfr
ightbyt
hebangJozeamakesashe
spr
ingsup.

Jozea:Don’
tyoudar
espeaktomyparent
sli
ke
that
.What?Doeshealsochangesy
ourwaysof
speaki
ngtoelder
snowhuh?

Me:
Excuseme?
Jozea:Don’
tactdumby ouknowexactl
ywhat
I
’mt al
ki
[Link]’
restay
ingbecauseofhi
m
ri
ght?

Lesego:
Who?

Uncle:Seun(Son)youknowwedon’ tt
oler
ate
thatki
ndofbehav i
ouri
nt hi
[Link]
calmlyandtell
uswhaty ouonabout.

Igi
vehim anint
enseglar
easIclampmyt eet
h.
Healsothrowsthegl
arebackspit
eful
l
y.

Jozea:
Shoul
dIt
ell
them?

Me:
Dot
hehonour
ssi
ncey
oucan’
tkeepi
tin
bet
weeny
ousi
ssyboy
.

Jozea:
Whatdi
dyouj
ustcal
lme?
?

Hemovesforwar
dandIhi
debehi
ndPearlwhi
l
e
hi
sfat
herandmotherr
est
rai
nhi
m back.

Jozea:Justbecauseyoudat
eolderguys
doesn’
tmakey oumyagemat [Link]
lldonor
(beat
)youhardgirlt
hatyoudon’
tbeli
eveitand
enduphat i
ngme.

Me:What everitisTRYME.I ’v
ehadenoughof
youjy!Iwon’tl
ety oubul
lymenomor [Link]
punchingbackt orel
easey ourfrust
rati
onson,
[Link] cethingaboutitisthatyouev enhav
e
agym! !
“
HEYSTOPI
TYOUTWO!
!”

Me:Iam notl
eavi
ngandyesit’
sforhimi
fthat
’l
l
pl
easeyou.I’
m wel
cometoleaveifI
’v
e
ov
erstay
edmywel come.

Pear
l:Tj
o!kemat
hat
a.

Shesayscl
appi
ngherhandsdramat
ical
l
yandI
char
gedoutoft
heloungeroom.

.
.
.

BUZWE(
OB)
Mybudpai
dmeavisi
tsoIaccessedhimi
nbut
seemsl
i
kehedi
dn’
twanttocomei n.

Me:Mybr
oerwhydon’
tyouwannacomei
n
t
oday?

Hesmi
l
edbr
ief
ly.

Jozea:
Whydon’
tIwannacomei
n?Whydon’
tI
wannacomei
n?

Inodasher
epeat
sthequest
ion

Jozea:
It’
sbecause…

Hesuddenlyt
hrowstwounexpect
edpunches
di
slocat
ingmyjawsandgraspedonmyneck
pushi
ngandpinni
ngmeagainstt
hewal
l
.I
coughedf
eel
ingametal
l
ictastei
nmymouthof
bl
ood.

Jozea:
Hetekni
ejougewaar
skuni
e?(
Didn’
tI
warnyou?
)

Me:
Aboutwhat
?

Jozea:Sher
[Link]
ayt
heFVCKawayf
rom
Sheree.

Me:
(sar
casm)Idon’
tunder
stand

Withhi
sotherhandheslapsmycheeka
coupl
esofti
meandIj ustchuckl
edi
nst
eadof
bei
ngtri
ggered.
Jozea:Heyonnosel
(stupi
d)whatdoy
ouf
ind
funny?Di
dIfokkencrackajoke?

Me: I
’
llnev ertakeyouser
iousbecauseIdon’t
understandwhatt hist
antr
um [Link]
ke
whatdi dIdot odeservet
hesepunches?I’m
expectingy outosayyouschuksi
ngmeor
somet hingBudcomeon.

Hispressur
eti
ght
ensonmychestwhi
l
sthe
bangsmeagainstt
hewal
l.

Jozea:Stayawayfrom ShereeI’m warni

ngy
ou.
I
fy ourespectourfr
iendshi
py ou’
llal
l
owherto
fl
ybackt oAustral
i
aandl eaveorelseour
fr
iendshipendsheretoday.
Me:
Wai
[Link]’
twannal
eav
e?

Icouldn’
thi
det
hesmugonmyf
acet
hatpi
ssed
him more.

Jozea:Youdon’
twannafeelakall
id’
swrat
h.
Takeitasafri
endl
ywarni
ng,lethergoi
fyou
knowwhat ’
sbestf
oryou,nx!

Hepushesmeashel [Link]
asheslamshiscarandfumesit
,herev
ersesi
t
backandaccel
erat
esitfor
wardwit
hint
enti
ons
ofhi
tti
ngmebutIdodgedquickl
yandhe
col
li
desmygate.

Hemadeami
schi
efsmi
rk.
Jozea:
Icandoworset
hant
his,
wat
chme
bl
eksem (
bast
ard.
)

HespeedsoffandIshookmyheadl
ooki
ngat
thedamagehedoneandhowhedidn’
tgi
vea
damnaboutit
.

Me:
Ngoz’
qhwi
nki
l
il
il
iaba(
Sobr
ainl
ess)

Imadeavi
deocall
.Shei
mmedi
atel
ywhi
nes
seei
ngmeli
ket
his.

Sher
ee:Ohmygoshwhathappenedt
oyou?
!
Whodidthi
stoy
ou?

Imakeawidesmil
ebeneat
hmybr
uises.I
guesst
heywerewort
hit
Me:I
sthi
showIshoul
dfi
ndoutthaty
ou’
re
st
ayi
ngandnol
ongergoi
ngover
seas?

Sher
ee:
Huh?

Me: Youcan’
tevencal
ltoi
nform mebuti
treal
l
y
doesn’tmatt
er,
damn!didIreal
l
yhaveto
recei
vesuchpunchesfort
hat?

Hersmil
efadesandshebecamef
uri
ousi
na
bl
ink.

Sher
ee:
DidJozeadi
dthi
stoy
ou?
?

Sheasksi
nagr
owl
edbr
eat
hingIf
rownont
hat
.
Me:Noleaveitl
[Link]’twannabeinhis
[Link]'l
leventual
lygetusedtotheidea
ofusbei
nginar el
ationship.
Soi
sitt
rue,
your
eal
l
ynotl
eav
ing?

Sheshakesherheadwi
tht
hatbeaut
if
ulsmi
l
e
agai
n.

Sher
ee:
NoI
’
m nol
ongerl
eav
ing

Me:
Andwhochangedhoneybee’
smi
nd?

Sheree:
Memoriesofy
ouandI
,Iguessdi
d
enoughofconv
inci
ng.

Me:Ohwowandy
ounowt
hinkwe’
renot
soul
mat
es?
Shegi
ggl
esandIj
oinhert
oo

Me: OhbutI’m happyIcan’treal

l
ydescr
ibehow
overthemoonIam r i
ghtnowknowingy ou’
re
notleavi
[Link] vesusenoughchanceto
spendmor etimet ogetherandI’
l
lmakesure
youdon’tregretyourchoice.

Sher
ee:
Ibel
i
eveso

Me: Woul
ditbeforwardofmet oaskf
ora
seconddate?Ican’
tgetovery
ou.

Sher
ee:
That
'sv
eryf
orwar
dofy
ou

Webot
hgi
ggl
edandchat
tedmor
[Link]
oveher
,
hernotleavi
ngisagoodsi
gnforme.I
tover
joy
s
meandgi vesmeachancetoexpl
oreour
rel
ati
onshiptoget
her
.
.
..
>>>Tobecont
inued.
..
42
.
..
VI
OLA
WhileOctavi
aandIwerei
nthestudyr
oom I
sawmyf athert
alki
ngt
othephoneseemi
ngly
drast
ical
l
y .

Oct
avi
a:He’
sspeaki
ngt
oyouraunt

Me:
Whi
chone?

Oct
avi
a:Theonewhosespi
ri
tcl
asheswi
th
y
our
s.

Me:
Aunt
yZel
da?

[Link]
dhearmyf
atherst
il
lspeaki
ng
onthephone.

[I
LLUSTRATI
ON.
..
.]
“
Dad:
Whatdoy
oumeanwehav
eanot
herr
it
ual
t
oper
for
m?Whatf
ornow?

Zelda:
Don'taskquest
ionsdoasIsay
.Thi
swi
l
l
benefi
tyouaswell.

Dad:
How?Causebythel
ookoft
hingsI
’
ve
al
mostl
ostev
ery
thi
ng.
Zel
da:
Youst
il
lhav
eCai
tl
ynat
least

Hesi
ghs

Dad:
Whati
srequi
redf
ormet
odot
hist
ime?

Zelda:Zoekeenli
chaam datweaanons
schepselkunnenvoer
[Link]
staatophetpuntom onsleventeverwoesten.
(Findabodywecanf eedtothecreat
[Link]
’s
hungryanditsabouttocausehavocinour
l
ives.)

Dad:
Wanneerst
optdi
t?(
Whenwi
l
lthi
sst
op?
)

Zel
da:Al
sweal
lemaaldoodgaan(Whenweall
di
e.)Nowst
opcomplai
ninganddothi
squi
ck.
Ourl
i
vesar
einj
eopar
dy.“

Me: I
’
v ealwaysknewtherei
ssomet
hing
si
nisteraboutAuntyZel
da!

“Dadlower edhisphonesnort
[Link]
carsl
am andr ushestothewindowt ocheck
andstaredatt henewcoupleclear
lymovingi
n
[Link]
l
ikeit
’sOctaviaand..
.”

Octavi
a:Me,myboy f
ri
endanddaughtermov ed
tothi
splacethi
nki
ngit’
sagoodplacenot
knowingitwasn’
tasgoodashowwepr edi
cted
i
t.

Shehuf
fsshaki
ngherhead.
Octavi
a:Fewweeksmov i
nghereKrissy
’sfat
her
l
osthisjobandhechangedbystar
tingdri
nki
ng
[Link]’
ddoiti
nfrontofour
daughterandi
tsor
taputmychil
dint ot
rauma.

Shesni
cker
s.

Octavi
a:Therewer
et i
meswhereitwoul
dget
uncontr
oll
able,
nei
ghbourswoul
dwatchusand
donothingabouti
[Link]
l
...

“Thescenari
ochangedIwat chedDadknocking
atOct
avia’
splaceunti
lhekickedthedooropen
andst
oppedt hei
rfi
ghti
[Link] hemaninto
pl
aceandcomf ort
edOctavi
ai nhisarms…”

“Dad:
MissThompson
Oct
avi
a:MrAnder
son
Shepul
l
edof
ffr
om hi
sembr
ace.
Dad:It
’senoughnow!Youcan’ tpersev
erethi
s
fort
ool [Link]
hingyou’l
lwakeupt omorr
ow
dead,youstil
lgotadaughtertorai
se.

Oct
avi
a:Ican’
tescapef
reef
rom hi
m

Dad:Yesyoucanandy
ouwi
l
[Link]
l
lev
eni
nsi
st
onhelpi
ngyouout.

Oct
avi
a:Real
l
y?

Dad:Look, here’[Link]
ergroup
[Link]
ey ouenough
couragetol eavehim andonlyl
iv
eforyoursel
f
andy ourdaught er
.
Shel
ooksatt
hepaperi
nhi
shanddoubt
ful
.

Oct
avi
a:Howshoul
dIr
epayt
his?

Dad:Psshdon’tworr
yabouti
t.I
’m doi
ngthi
s
outofthegoodnessofmyheartIdon’
texpect
anyt
hinginret
urn.”

Octavi
a:Iacceptedhishelpandatt
endedt he
sessi
onsmyl ifest
artedimprovi
[Link]
er,
Igotajobandsav edmoneyf ormy selfandmy
daughter
.Mar t
inwouldn’
tgetanychancet o
beatmeupagai nt
houghhecont i
nuedt odri
nk.
Iwassurelypreparedtoleav
ehim wi t
houthi
m
knowing.

“
Dad:
Iseey
ou’
reget
ti
ngbet
ternow
Hesay
sseei
ngherent
eri
nghery
ard

Octavi
a:Yeaht hankyouforoff
eri
nghel p.
Reali
zingthatmanywomenr el
atetowhatI ’
m
goingthroughandsharingourpaintogether
,
clai
mingourwi ngsback—bel i
evi
ngt heycanbe
repai
[Link].

Dad:That
’st
hemostwonder
ful
newsI
’
veev
er
hear
d.

Oct
avi
a:Yeah…

Dad:
Tel
lmewhatar
eyoudoi
ngear
lyt
oni
ght
?

Octavi
a:Not
hing,
justspendi
ngt
imewi
thmy
famil
y.
Dad:[Link]’
reaslonelyas
Iam noneedtoli
e,Iknowy
ourguyisprobably
outhavi
ngdri
nks.

Octavi
a:Uhhe’
l
lbebackandhe’
l
lbemadi
fhe
doesn’
tfi
ndmehome.

Dad:
Whol
astsav
edy
ouwhenhebeaty
ou?

Shegi
ggl
ed

Dad:
Doy
out
hinkI
’
dal
l
owhi
mtodot
hatagai
n?

Sheshr
ugged
Dad:IpromiseI’
ll
prot
[Link]
ease,come
havedinnerwit
[Link]
ng.

Shechuckl
ed

Oct
avi
a:Okaybutwhataboutmydaught
er?

Dad:
Youmaybr
ingherwi
th

Octav
ia:‘
kay
,don’
tyouli
kehaveafamil
y?Wi
fe
orchi
ldr
en?Idon’
twanttof
indmyselfi
na
compromisi
ngsit
uat
ion.

Dad:Howaboutyoufi
ndoutf
ory
our
sel
fwhen
youcometodinner
?

Oct
avi
a:Ri
sky
!
Dad:Okayfine!MywifeandIar eonseparat
ion.
Ihavetwodaughters,
onei sstayi
ngwithher
andonewi t
hme. .
.buttheonewho’ swit
hmei s
oldenoughandisdedicatedinherjob.

Oct
avi
a:Sowon’
tshemi
ndseei
ngme—

Dad:Shewouldn’
tmindatal
lsheknowsme
andhermotherareonaseparat
ion.

Oct
avi
a:Okay
”

Ishookmyheadunbel i
evablyatwhatDad’ s
[Link] chedt hem havingdinnerand
dri
[Link] ayinginwhatused
tobemyr oom wi thCaitwhenwewer esti
l
l
[Link] lIoncesawher
dr
awi
ng.

“Oct
avi
a:It
hinkIneedt
ocheckmydaught
er.
She’
sbeenaloneforal
ongt
imenow.

Dad:
Okayf
iney
oumaygo

Shestoodupandl ef
[Link] cklyl
ooked
aroundandstoodupr eachingsomet hi
nginhi
s
pocketsandspikedOctavia’
swi ne.
”

Me:
Nodadwhatar
eyoudoi
ng?
!

Oct
avi
ashookherheadcry
ingwat
chi
ngtheact
myfat
herdi
[Link]
ll
ustr
ati
oncameback.

“
Oct
avi
a:Hah!Tur
nsoutshe’
sfi
neandshe’
s
st
il
lenj
oyi
ngher
sel
f.

Dad:Tol
dyouy
ou’
vegotnot
hingt
owor
ryabout
.
Refi
l
l?

Oct
avi
a:Nol
etmef
ini
sht
hef
ir
stgl
ass.

Hesmirksseei
ngherdr
inkt
hecont
ent
sint
he
gl
assatthatpace.

Dad:
Youl
i
kej
azz?

Oct
avi
a:Opent
otr
yandl
i
sten

Dad:
Alongwi
thadance?
Shechuckl
es

Oct
avi
a:You’
repushi
ngi
ttoof
ar

Dad:Comeony ou’
vebeenthr
oughenough
toughti
mes.I
t’
stimetorel
axandbefreey
ou
onlyl
iv
eonce.

Shesmi
l
esmov
inghershoul
der
.

Oct
avi
a:Okaywhynot
?

Dad:
Daar
sy(
Ther
ewego)

Shest
oodupandal
mostf
ell
Them:
Ooooh!

Dad:
Hadt
omucht
odr
ink?

Oct
avi
a:I
t’
sst
rangef
ormet
obet
hist
ipsywi
th
j
ustameregl
ass.

Dad:Maybeit
’sbeenl
ongsi
ncey
ou’
vehadfun.
Youbeacti
nglikeawi
fetoamanwhodoesn’
t
evenval
ueyou.

Oct
avi
a:Mxaamay
beI
’
llf
indabet
termanone
day
.

Sheslur
sandtheysmileateachotherl
aughi
ng
andtheybegandanci
ngtogether
.Octav
ia
becomesoutofit
,herkneesbecomewobbl y
andshel
[Link]
chesherbef
ore
shehi
tst
heground.

Dad:
Oct
avi
a?Oct
avi
a?

Heshakesherandt her
ewasnor [Link]
makesanev i
lsmil
eandl aysheronthecouch,
t
aki
ngof fhercar
[Link]
makesanunexpectedappearanceasdadhi des
t
heitemsatthebackoft hecushi
ons.

Kr
issy
:Whathappenedt
omom?

Dad:Uhm er
r.
..Shef
ell
asl
eepwhi
l
ehav
inga
dr
ink.

Shedr
opsherdol
ldownandwentt
owakeher
mot
herbutshewasn’
twaki
ng.

Kr
issy
:Mom!Mom!

Dad:Lookhowaboutwetakeherhomeshe
needstosl
[Link]
ull
yshe’
l
lwakeupmuch
bett
er,
okay?

Kr
issy
:Okay

Hecarr
iedheranddr
oppedOct
avi
atoher
pl
ace.
”

Oct
avi
a:Wat
chcl
osel
ytowhatwi
l
lhappennext
.

“IsawDadsi t
ti
ngbythewindowwatchi
ngand
wait
ingpat
ientl
yforMart
in–Octav
ia’
s
boyf
ri
end,
[Link]
mmedi
atel
yjogged
outoft
hehousetohi
m.”

“
Dad:
Uhm heyMar
t

Mar
ti
n:Ander
son

Hedr
unki
l
ysqui
ntshi
sey
es.

Dad: Sor
rytodi
stur
bbutyourl adyleftthese
[Link] orsomet [Link]
tel
lherIthankherf
orjoi
ningmef orthedinner.

Hest
umbl
esbackt
aki
ngagoodl
ookatdad.

Mart
in:
YousaymyOctavi
aasi
n“Mi
ne”spent
somequal
i
tyti
mewit
hy ou?
Dad:Yeah,
thehousewasemptyandshef
elt
bor
edsoIinvi
tedheri
nmine.

Mar
ti
n:Okay
,Owhkay
!

Dad:
Ever
ythi
ngf
ine?

Mar
ti
n:Yahgoodni
ght
.

Hest
agger
sst
rai
ghtt
ohi
sdoor
step

Dad:
Arey
oul
eav
ingt
hesebehi
nd?

Mar
ti
n:Ai
shmay
neI
’
m abi
tsl
oshed,
sor
ry.
Heret
urnstofet
chthecardi
ganandheadband
f
rowningashenoti
cesiti
nhishandandDad
l
aughedsil
ent
lytur
ningonhi
sheelandlef
thi
m
t
here.
..”

Nextt hingIseeMarti
nget t
ingworkedup
vi
ewi ngt heseit
emsgivenbymydadandhe
actuallydrinksmor
etot hebeerhehadonhi
s
hand.

“Mart
in:
Heyheywakeup!Expl
aint
omeify
ou
arehavi
nganaf
fai
rwit
hthatol
dmanfr
om next
door?

Heaskssl
ammi
ngherawake.

“
Oct
avi
a:What
?No—
Hedoesn’twai
tforhertofi
nishandfli
esa
punchonherfacedraggi
ngherof ft
hebedto
thefl
oorandconti
nueddraggingherfeetwi
th
herscreami
ng”

Me:
No,
no

“Wewat chhim beatherbr utal

lyandthrowsthe
[Link] eamser upt
full
yand
waki ngKr
[Link] sswornbyher
fatherandrunsbackt oherr [Link] hen
staredatOctavi
a’sli
felessbodyl y
ingont he
fl
oorandcr i
edthrowinghi mselfnexttoitand
l
ieddownhuggi ngher .”

Octav
ia:[Link]
chmor
eofy
our
fat
her’
sdirt
ywork.
“
InowseeDadi
nhi
scart
alki
ngi
naphonecal
l
.
”

“Dad:Isai
dIgott
hebodynowwhatshoul
dIdo
next?

Zelda:Br i
nghert
ome, makesur eyoul i
et he
l
eafont hespoty
ouf i
ndheri t
’l
li
mper sonate
herast [Link] heblamewi llbeon
theman, noonewil
leverknowt herealtruth
exceptforus.

Dad:
Okaywi
l
ldot
hat
.

Zel
da:
Ber
ti
e

Dad:
Yes?
Zelda:Don’
tmessup, weargl
oves.I’
m al
ready
coughingandpeei ngbloodmyliveri
sfai
li
ng
[Link] eatureneedst hi
ssacri
fi
cemoret han
anythi
nginorderformet oheal.

Dad:
Iwon’
tmessupsi
ster
.

Hedr opst
hecal
landl
ookattheleafnextt
ohis
[Link]
shisgl
ovesandpicksitbef
ore
goingout.

Heaccesshi swayint hei

rhouse,
picked
Octav i
[Link] etherewasherbloodhe
placedtheleaf,andwesawherbody 2lyi
ngon
[Link] okenmouthofthe
bottl
eandpl aceditinMar t
in’
shandsandlef
t
withOct avi
[Link] ethem t
oAuntyZelda’
s
pl
ace.
..

Theygotther
eprepar
edarit
ualasmyaunt
chant
sandt r
emblesvi
gor
ouslywhenseei
ng
Octav
ia.

“Zelda:
She’
saperfectcandidat
e!Herbl
oodis
gonnamakeusmor eri
cher!Shedoesn’
tcome
alonebutdoubl
e.

Dad:
What
?

Zelda:She’
spregnant
.Changeofplanswe’re
notgonnakill
[Link]’ l
lkeepherunti
lshe
carri
esthebabyinful
lter
mt henitwi
llbeour
sacri
ficepl
usher.
Dad:
Taket
hebabyandgi
vemeher

Zel
da:
Why
?

Shesmi lesrev
eal
ingherdi
rty
,yel
lowbl ood-
stainedteet
hasshechucklesunpleasantl
y,
throwingherheadbackwar
ds.

Zel
da:Badti
mingtofal
li
nloveatatimeli
kethi
s.
You’
ll
havetothr
owthatli
ttl
ecrushawaythi
ngs
won’
teverbethesamebetweeny ouandher
.

Dad:Wat?Benjever
getendati
knogsteeds
get
rouwdben.(What?Haveyoufor
got
tenthat
I
’m st
il
lmarr
ied)

Sher
oll
sherey
es
Zelda:Urgh!Youmeandaai kaff
irofyour
s?
[Link]’
llnev
erapproveofthat
rel
ationshi
[Link]
hthis,
Icanev enhandyou
thi
swomant odowhat ev
ery ouwannadowi t
h
heroncey oupromisemey ou’l
lstayawayfr
om
Josephine.

Hebat
tl
edwi
thi
[Link]
nei
smymot
her
’s
name.

Dad:
Okayf
ineIpr
omi
se.

Zelda: Wegonnamakeabl oodseal that

whatev erhappensf
orincaseyougetcaught
roami ngaroundwit
hadeadbodyi t
’sony ou.
..
andt hatyoustayawayfrom Josephine.
Dad:
It’
sadeal
let
’smaket
heseal
.

Theycuteachot
her
sfi
nger
smaki
ngt
heseal
.”

Me:
Youmustbeki
ddi
ngme!

“Inoti
cedOct avi
acr yi
ngchainedhal
fwayina
hugepondf il
l
edwi thwaterandherheadwas
[Link]
ankl
e,wristandneckpr event
ingfur
ther
movement sfrom her.”

Octav
ia:Livedinthere,
inthatmannerforabout
9mont hs,bei
ngf edandev er
ythi
ngdonef orme.
Apparentl
yassoonasmybabywasgonnabe
bor
nhewasgonnabet ur
nedtoacr eat
ure,he
hadtoadaptt otheaquaticenvir
onmentwhi l
e
i
[Link] ’
dinj
ectmemanysor t
sof
thi
ngst hroughat ubethatwentthrought he
wat er,soIcouldbest rongenought obear
beingi nthewat erforthatl
ong–f orthesakeof
thebaby ,andfedmeal l
thecreepyst uf
fs.I
surv i
vedt hatt
ill
Igav ebir
thandgotr eleased–
tobeonl ytort
uredmor ebyy ourfather.

Me:
(tear
ful
l
y)No

Oct avia:Apparent l
yhef ell
inlovewit
hmewor se
whenhet ookcar eofmeatt hemont hsofmy
pregnancy .Hepr omisedt omar rymeandwe’ d
elopesi nceI ’
m consi der
[Link] ent ol
dme
somet hi
ngaboutbur ningy ourmother,she’sno
threatany mor [Link] rr
ational,
I
didn’tagreet oitsohedr ownedmedead, st
il
l
chai nedandI ’m currentl
yatt hebasementof
yourhome, st
ill
inthepond.
Thescenari
ochangedtowher eshecurr
ent
lyi
s.
Icover
edmymout hchokingintotear
sasIcry
seei
ngherbodysti
llf
rozeninthepondwith
i
nsectsfl
yi
ngoverher.

Octavia:PleaseVi olayou’
remyonlyhope, it
’s
been6y [Link] ustneedmybodyf reed
from [Link] i
rstyouneedtostr
engt hen
yourselfatKeny aandgety ourmaternal
customar [Link]
issy’
spr ocess
foralilti
met i
ll
y [Link] hiswill
beaspi rit
uallywart hat
’l
lneedyoustronger
thanany thi
ng.

Me:
OhhmyGod.

Oct
avi
a:Fi
rstst
epgot
oKeny
a
Inodwithherv
oiceechoi
ngandIroseupfrom
thebat
htubandcoughedthenwi
pedmyf ace.

Me:
Goshwhatdi
dyoudodad?

Can’tbeli
ev ehedi dsuchadespi cablethi
nglike
thi
s.I’v
eal way sknownhe’ scrueltoget
herwith
hisfamilybutt ogoatt [Link]
eall
y
don'tknowhowt ofeelaboutthem anymore.I
cri
nget othef actofbeingpar tofthem asI’
m
sti
llcarr
yingtheirsurnamecauset hey’
re
ruthl
essathi ghrank.
.
..
>>>Tobecont
inued.
..

Bazalwaneit’
sunedited.I
’
m notwel lper
iod
pai
nsar ekil
l
ingmesocoul dn'
tfi
nishother
part
soft heinser
[Link] nser
twillcome
l
atert
oday
43
.
..
MI
SSANDERSON
Myauntf i
nishessoakingmei nabat heofblack
stickyscum mi [Link]
from thebat ht
ubnakedasi fIwaspai ntedbya
char coal
gloss, f
rom [Link]
allmyi nt
entionsandshei ni
ti
atedmei nt
odark
forcessonowI ’m arebor
nwithgr eatevil
power s.

Me:
What
’snext
?Shoul
dIr
insemy
sel
f?

Zelda:
No,
nevert
hisshoul
ddr
[Link]
l
ongwegettoperf
orm morer
it
est
ostr
engthen
you.
Ismi
l
epr
oudl
y

Me:
Okay

Zel
da:
Grabt
hatsi
l
kygown

Idi
dandwor
eit
.

Me:
Soaunt
yaboutt
hatman?

Zelda: He’syours,basical
lyhe’sinthepalm of
yourhandsst art
ingfrom todayonwar ds.
ThoughImustcommendagr eatofchoiceri
ght
[Link] scali
breonour
side..
.y ou’
dbeagoodKi ng&Queenmat chedin
under [Link]
seeourl egacygrowingand
continuingwi t
hy outwo.
Igi
ggl
ehappi
l
yasIsmi
l
e

Me:
Real
l
y?

Zel
da:Werkeli
j
k(Really.
)Hehasademonof
Aggr
essi
oni nhim andithasnoheartatal
l
,
whatdoyoucalliti
ny ourpr
ofessi
on?

Me:
Per
sonal
i
tyDi
sor
der

Shegi
ggl
es

Zel
da:Ayytheworldhasawayoft wist
ing
thi
ngsanddeceiv
[Link]
l
sar ea
nonsensetohi
m, aconver
genceofhim andit
wil
lhappenwhenit’
sboundt o,whet
herheli
kes
i
tornot
.

Imadeami
schi
evoussmi
l
e

Zelda:Bewar ned!Ashi spsychologistnever

evertamperwi tht hosepill
[Link]’ dbeshoot i
ng
yoursel
fint hef oot .Fi
rstoffal
ly ou’
dlosey our
careerjustli
ket hatandhe' lldeal wi
thy outhen
gobackt ohisot herchi l
[Link] fyouget
him usedt oy ouwhi l
estil
ltaki
nghi spil
ls..
.the
convergencewi llhappensmoot hlyandhe’llbe
bindtoy ouf orever .

Me:
Easyast
hat
?

Shescof
fsbi
tt
erl
yandl
oudl
y
Zel
da:Isther
eanythingeasyonearth?No
dar
li
ng,wewer eneverpromisedeasyway son
ear
[Link] t
h
sweatandbloodandImeani tbot
hfigur
ati
vel
y
andli
ter
all
y.

If
rown.

Me:Auntwhatexact
lydoyoumeanbyt
hat
?
You’
respeaki
nginri
ddl
es.

Zelda:
Cai tl
y nwithwhatwej ustdid,was
welcomi ngy ouaspar toft hedar kforceand
giv
ingy out hesov erei
gntyy ou’r
esupposedt o
[Link] eit
,yougonnasucceedi n
charmingt hemanofy ourdr eamsashowy ou
[Link] formedher ewi
ll
get
hi
m attractedt oyouandl ustfory outheminut
e
helayshi sey esony [Link]’ tevenbe
necessar
ytoputaneff
ortt
oit,i
t’
ll
beanaurat
o
aurathi
ngfr
om wit
hin–you’l
lmov et
hedemon
i
nhi m.

Icockmyey
ebr
ows.

Me:
But
?

Zelda:Howev er
,beyondt hatthere’
sahumani n
hi
[Link] ieveinlove,asmuchas
darkconspi r
aciesdecl i
neLov einev er
ypossible
way ,r
egardingitast hemostweakt hi
ng.I
nt r
ue
honesty,that’
spuredecei thowev eritremai
ns
oursecretbecauseweknowt het r
uthabout
[Link] emayseem buti ti
s
str
ongert hany oucani magine,itbreaksall
chains,evil
char msandboundar [Link]
conquersal landforeverwinswheni tcomes
natural
ly.
..onlythi
ngwehat eaboutl oveisthat
i
tisgentlei
tall
owshumanstobehumans,
total
l
yunacceptabl
efort
heki
ndofpeoplewe
standforbecausewe’
ret
heopposi
teofLove.

Ii
ntakemybr
eat
hsshar
ply
,fr
ust
rat
edl
yso.

Me:
Soal
li
nal
lwhatar
eyousay
ingaunt
y?

Zelda: Yourbiggestchall
engeisthewoman
he’si nl
ovewi t
[Link],hemi ghtresi
stit
allandhi shumandomi nancemightf i
ghtwhat’
s
i
nsi deofhi m al
lbecauseoftheLov ehehasf or
[Link] hatforyouisal
r eadyagame
over ,sotreadcareful
l
yandknowt hatli
feisful
l
ofdi ces.

Iclenchmypal
msi
ntof
ist
swhi
l
egnashi
ngmy
teeth.
Zel
da:
Soy
oust
il
li
norout
?

Me:
I’
m st
il
li
n

Zel
da:
Let
’scar
ryont
hen

Icoul
dfeel
somet
hingboi
l
ingi
nsi
deofme.

.
.
.

SHEREE
Earl
yinthemorni
ngIwassummonedbymy
famil
yinthel
[Link]
ngt
hem
al
lpr
esentsameasy
est
erday
.

Me:
Mor
ning

Uncl
e:Goodmorni
[Link]’
reonSkypewi
thy
our
mother
,shewant
stotal
ktoyou.

Me:
Okay
.

Imov et
othei
rlapt
opandt
heywer
eal
lst
il
l
ther
e.

Uncle:
Unfort
unatelywecan’
tgivey
oupri
vacy
yourmotherrequestedusal
ltobeher
easshe
speakstoyou.

Inodandl
ookatt
hel
apt
opsmi
l
ingatmy
par
ent
sner
vousl
y.

Me:
Mom,
Dad,
greet
ings

Mom:
Hi

Dadhadaser
iousscar
ylooki
ngfacetodayand
wasn'
ti
nthemoodtotalknorgr
eet.

Mom: (
sighs)Honey
,whati
sitt
hatwehearof
younotwantingt
ocomehome?

Me:
It’
sexact
lyashowy
ouhear
dit

Dad:Youspeakt
oy ourmotherl
i
kethatnow
huh?Isi
thowwer ai
sedyou?Tonotrespect
yourel
der
s.
If
oldmyar
msr
emai
ningsi
l
ent

Dad:
(fi
rml
y)I
’
mtal
ki
ngt
oyouSher
ee.

Me:
Nodaddy

Dad:
Nowwhatchanged?Di
dSAchangey
ou?
What.
..shoul
dwebewor
ri
edSher
ee?

Ishakemyheadrapi
dlyknowi
ngt hathe
wouldn’
tmi
ndf l
yi
nghereimmediatel
ytodeal
withmeandjustdr
agmebackt here.

Dad:
Whatar
eyousupposedt
odo?
Me: Apologi
zetomom.( shif
tsatt
enti
onto
mom)Mom I ’
m sor
ryforthewayIspoket oyou,
Ididn’
tmeant oberudeanddi sr
espectf
ul
pleaseforgi
vemeIpromi seIwon’tbehavel
i
ke
thisagai
n.

Shenodsl
i
ght
ly

Dad:Andtowhomel
sedoy
ouneedt
o
apol
ogize?

Isl
owl
yrai
semyey
est
omyf
ami
l
y

Me:TheEi nstei
nf amily
.I’
m sorr
yforspeaki
ng
outoftonguewi t
hy ouyest
erday,t
hatwasa
badcharacterI’
llalwaysrefr
ainfr
[Link]’ve
beennothingbutagoodf amilyt
[Link] omise
Iwon’tactthatwayagai n.
Uncl
e:(
smi
l
es)You’
ref
orgi
ven

Dad:Nowt
hati
soutofai
r,y
oumaypr
oceedmy
wif
e.

Mom: Thanky [Link]

eemychil
dwhenwe
sentyoutherewhatwasourmainpur
posefor
you?Wasn’ ti
teducati
on?Wer
ewenotabi
ding
tothechoicesyoumade?

Me:
(lower
ly)Yesy
oudi
dMom

Mom: LookatmewhenI
’
mtal
ki
ngbecauseI
’
m
notf
ighti
ngwit
hyou.

Ir
aisemyheadup.
Mom: Di
dwesendy
out
her
etoabandony
ouor
negl
ectyou?

Me:
Nomom

Mom: Whydon’ty
ouwannacomehomet hen?
Maybewemi ghti
mprov ewhat
everiti
sthatwe
[Link] ssyoudarl
i
ng,don'tyou
missus?Vaughnmissesyouaswel l
.

Me:Imi
ssyouMom,Imi
ssy
out
ooDadandI
mi
ssVaughntoo.

Mom: Thenwhydon’ty
oucomeback?Iknow
we’
renotsupposedtofor
cey ou,
you’
reover18
andyoumaydoasy [Link]
ey ou,
wewantt of
ixt
hisandgettothebott
om of
what
evert
hepr
obl
em maybe.

Me:
Ili
kei
ther
emom.

Mom: Thatwe’veal
readyfi
guredout,y
esyou
l
ov [Link] otofdif
ferentvi
bes–cool
[Link] ourpar
ent
sto
i
mpr ovethi
splacesothati
tmaynotappearas
boringtoy ou?

Ihesi
tant
lyt
rapmyl
owerli
pwi t
hmyt
eet
h
befor
eansweri
ngt
hatquest
ion.

Me:Ifonl
yyou’
dst
opcagi
[Link]
sowi
sht
o
actl
i
kemyage.

Mom l
ooksatdad.
Mom:
Didy
ougett
hatdaddy
?

Hesi
ghsr
eluct
ant
ly.

Dad:Yahokaythenfr
eedom youshal
lgetand
maybeImightstopbeinganupti
ghtdadtooas
bonus.

Me:
Real
l
y?!

Ismi
l
eandchuckl
e.

Dad:[Link]
’scomei
ntoadecisi
on,a
cal
merdecisi
onasIassumeev er
ythi
ngis
[Link]
oust i
ll
coming?
Ikeptqui
etf
orf
ewmi
nut
es.

Mom:It
’sokayi
fyousti
lldeci
deonr emai
ningi
n
[Link]’
renotgonnafor
cey outhoughwhatare
wegonnasaytoVaughn?

Iexhal
eandl
aughsof
tl
y.

Me:Thebl
ackmaili
sworki
ng.I’
m consi
deri
ngi
t
soI
’
m defi
nit
elycomingf
ortheholi
days.

Mom: Yeppi
eee!Thi
sisthebestnewsev
er,
yourbr
otherwil
lbehappy.

Dad:Thatmeanswewil
lhav
et obookanot
her
fl
i
[Link]
l
ycan’
twaitt
oseeyou.
Me:
Met
oo

Wechatmorenicel
yuntilwebideachother
goodby
[Link]
opandstaredat
myfamilywi
thasmilecreepi
nginmyf ace.

Me:Thankyoufamil
i
e,Imi
ghtnotsaythi
sof
ten
butIl
oveyousomuchandappreci
ati
nghavi
ng
youasmyf ami
l
y .

Them:
Ncoaah!

Igiggledastheysingi
nunisonandgotupt
o
hugt hem [Link]
oppedwhenIgotto
theedi st
antJozea.

Iopenedmyar
mst
ohi
m whi
l
epout
ing.
Me:
Truce?

Hi
sfacel
oosenedupandhesmi
l
edaccept
ing
t
hehug.

Jozea:
Truce.

“AAAAH!”Thefamil
ycheer
edandcl
apped
[Link]
hlaughwhi
lebr
eakingof
f
[Link]
swasthebestmomentever
.

.
.
.
BUZWE(
OB)
Iwassi
nginghappi
l
ytoa“ Vul
aMlomo”song
whil
eshoweri
nganddressi
ngup.I
’m abi
gfan
ofAmapianot
heygetmei nagoodmoodandI
gett
omov easimperf
ectasIcanbe.

Whi
leatitIr
eceivedacal
l
,mysmil
estret
ches
mycheeksseeingwhothecal
l
eri
[Link]
t
hemusic.

Me:
Myoneandonl
y

Sher
ee:
Honeybee

Ichuckl
edandshej
oinedi
n.

Sher
ee:
Yourhabi
tsar
emi
ner
ight
?
Me:Li
stentothat
.It
houghti
t’
saper
fectpet
nameforus.

Sher
ee:
What
everi
tisIj
ustl
i
kei
t

Me:
Youdo?M-
mm musi
ctomyear
s

Sher
ee:
Byt
hewayhowar
eyou?

Me:I
’
m goooood.I
nagr
eat
estmoodandhow’
s
mypanuski
e?

Sheree:
(gi
ggl
e)I’
m [Link]
honeybeeint
hisgreat
estmood?
Me:
Who’
smyoneandonl
ygi
rl
?

Sher
ee:Aha!Inev
erknewIcanworkmymagic
i
ndriv
ingamansocr azyandsmi
tt
enli
ket
his.

Me:Whatev
ery
oudoj
ustaddmor
etoi
tand
don’
tst
op.

Wegi
ggl
[Link]
ingt
hatl
aught
er.

Sher
ee:
Sowhatar
eyouupt
obabe?

Me:
I’
m pr
epar
ingt
ogof
ormyt
her
apyandy
ou?

Sher
ee:
Ahhhh.
Me:You’
resul
ki
ng?Goshdoy
ouknowhow
cut
eyousoundri
ghtnow.

Sheree:
Don’
tbeabor
ewhenar
eyoucomi
ng
back?

Me:Aft
eranhourorsowhy
?Youwannav
isi
t?I
cancomepickyouup

Sher
ee:Pleasecausether
e’ssomet
hingI
wannadiscusswithyou

Me: Oh-
ohalr
eadyt
hat“
weneedt
otal
k”st
age?
I
’m soscar
ed.

Sheree:
(chuckl
es)Nowe’
renotbr
eaki
ngupi
f
that
’swhatyouthi
nk.
Me:
Great
!Wi
l
lmeety
oul
aterat4.

Sher
ee:
I’
ll
ber
eady

Imadepl
ent
yofki
ssi
ngsounds

Me:
Ilov
eyougr
eat
lyMahoneybee.

Coul
dhearhersnor
ti
ngatt
heot
herend

Me:
Ohhhhhshe’
sbl
ushi
ngmyGoodoo!Ahh.

Sher
ee:(gi
ggles)St
opi
tIl
ovey
out
oohoney
.
We’l
lchatl
ater.
Me:NowIneedtohearthosesweetl
i
psmaki
ng
t
hosecut
ekissi
ngsounds.

Shedi
dthem andt
heypl
easedme

Me:Awwmadoda!Mydaycoul
dn’
tgetany
bet
ter
.Hav
eaniceday
,okay
?

Sher
ee:
Thanksy
out
oo

Me:
Bye,
lov
eyou

Sher
ee:
Bye

Weendedt hecal
[Link]
l
edshaki
ngmyheadas
Idr
essandcont i
nuedpl
ayi
ngthesongand
si
nginghappil
y
Me: Sizom’
l
andamanj
enay
imv
ulaml
omo
(
awwqohqoh)
Asi
funi
ukuzwal
uthophel
aaskol
oti
(awwqeh)
Si
zom’l
andamanj
enay
imv
ulaml
omo(
aww
qohqoh)
Asi
funi
ukuzwal
uthophel
aaskol
oti
(awwqeh)

.
.
.

GOMOLEMO
Wewer ehav
ingf
unwi
thmyfr
iendatmypl
ace.
Ourworki
nghour
swer
eshor
ttodaysi
ncei
t’
s
weekend.
Me:
Fri
endIt
houghtabouti
tandI
’
m gonnadoi
t.

Zi
phor
a:Di
raeng?(
Dowhat
?)

Me:
Thedat
ingappI
’
llt
ryi
t

Shescr
eamedjumpi
ngontopofmeandwe
bot
hfel
lonthematl
aughi
ng

Zi
phor
a:Ahhhh!Fi
nal
l
ymyf
ri
endy
ou’
ret
aki
ng
myadvi
ce.

Me: Yeah.I
t’
sbeenalmost7mont hsmourni
ng
formyf i
ancéandsoIthinkit
’sti
meIsethi
m
freeandstartbei
[Link]
eke
kaf aaneabat i
lekat
eng( It
hinki
t’
showhe
woul
d’v
ewant
edmet
obe)

Shenodsexci
tedl
y.

Ziphor a:Defi
nit
ely
,def i
nit
elymogwera(fr
iend)
kesenkabeaseny akil
e,keathabage
maf elelongolemoga( i
t’
swhathewoul d'
ve
want edi tt
obe.I’m gladyoufinal
lyr
eal
izi
ngit
now. )

Me: Yeah(chuckl
es)golebakaketl
hokile
mopat ij
aanongkegopolagorekenakoy agore
keipatepatel
elenna(it
’sbeenlongsinceI’
ve
beenlonelyIthi
nkit
’st
imeIalsogotinto
acti
on.)

Zi
phor
a:Ahaa!Cheer
stot
hat
Me:
Cheer
s!

Wecl
i
ngourgl
assesanddr
ank

Me:
Sowher
edoIbegi
n?

Zi
phor
a:Wi
thwhat
?

Me:Myappear
ance,Kebat
lagosef
etol
a(I
wantt
ochangeit
.)

Zi
phor
a:Gosefet
ola?(
Changei
t?)Asi
nget
ti
ng
anewmakeover
?

Me:YesIneedanewmakeov
erwher
ethey
don’
tseemecoming!
Shegi
ggl
esl
oudl
y.

Zi
phora:Eheee!Bonaompit
še(cal
lme)I ’
mthe
gi
rlf
oryou,thosearemydepar
[Link]
or
ganizeeveryt
hingfory
ou.

Me: BonaIal
sowanttogym causeIwanta
fi
gureandbethenextKi
m Kardashi
anofSout
h
Afr
ica.

Zi
phora:
That
hawenagi
rl
!Or
eot
ladi
rabody
goal
sngwanamaan!

Me:
I’
mtel
l
ingy
ougi
rl
,n’
shapemo(
hitmeher
e.)

Wehi
thands
Ziphora:
Woza,kopaoketševol
umer etšokot
še
mar aoarena(
Come, pl
easei
ncreasethe
volumeandlet
’sdanceourbutt
sout.)

Idi
dandwedancedtoNomcebo’sNjabulo.I
ser
iousl
yneedahugecomebackandI’m
gonnabethesh!
tnoonewi
llbeabl
etor esi
st
me.

.
.
.

JOZEA
Justcameoutf
rom Gametopur
chasesome
gym equi
pment
sthendrov
etoMcDonalds
aft
[Link]
kedmycarIwantedtoget
i
nsideandenjoythemeali
nsi
[Link]
bumpedi nt
osomeone,hert
hingsfel
l
.

Me:
Oopssor
rysor
ryI
’
mreal
l
ysor
ryma’
am.

Shepi
ckedhermi
l
kshakeandwi
pedherT-
shi
rt
.

Me:
Icanhel
pyouwi
tht
hat

Her
:Noi
t’
sfi
…

Ourey
esl
ockandwebot
hfr
eezeonspot
.I
fr
ownpoi
nti
ngher
.

Me:
Woahy
ou’
re.
..
?
Her
:Kenei
l
oe

Me:
OB’
ssi
ster
?

Kenei
l
oe:
[Link]
ou’
reSher
ee’
scousi
nri
ght
?

Me:[Link]'
vebeenscar
cehey
,ar
eyoust
il
l
ar
ound?

Kenei
l
oe:NahIl
i
veinMamel
odi
nowInol
onger
l
ivewi
thmybrot
her
.

Me:
Ohw.

Kenei
l
oe:
Yeahpl
easegr
eetSher
eef
orme,
tel
l
herImi
ssher
.

Me:Def
ini
tel
ywill
.Sowhatcanonedoi
fthey
wannacheckoutyourhood?

Shewi
ggl
esherey
ebr
owsi
naf
unnyway
.

Kenei
l
oe:
Uhmmm.
..

Me:Excepti
fyoudon’
twantmet
ocomecheck
outy
ourhood.

Kenei
l
oe:
Not
hat
’snotwhatI
’
m say
ing.

Me:Soam Iget
ti
ngthenumbersot
hatwecan
hangoutsomet
ime?
Kenei
loe:
Jo,Idon’tmeantoberudeor
anyt
hingbutIhaveaboyfr
iend.

Icur
vemyl
i
psandr
oll
myey
es

Me:It’
sfinewecanhangoutwi
thhi
m, hi
sgonna
beathirdmemberheisn’
tgonnamissouton
thedatetoo.

Shel
aughed

Kenei
l
oe:
Mxm y
out
rynnabef
unnyneh?

Me:Itr
y,soit
hinintol
ala?(
whatar
ey ou
say
ing?)andfuthuzIoweyouamilkshake.
Sheget
sast oni
shedwhenIt
ryi
mpr
essi
ngher
wit
hherlanguage.

Kenei
l
oe:
Heeeeey
ho

Me:
Mmh?

Kenei
l
oe:
Okayf
inekei
za

Il
aughandhandhermyphoneandsheput
sher
number
[Link]
areathersl
owl
yli
cki
ngmy
l
owerli
p.

Kenei
l
oe:
Ther
eyougo

Itaket
hephonebacknaughti
l
yasIint
ent
ional
l
y
touchherhandandshequi
ckl
yremovesi
t
cl
ear
inghert
hroat
.Ismi
l
e.

Jozea:
Ist
henumbercor
rect
?

Iaskputt
ingt
hephoneonmyeardi
ali
ngher
anditr
anginherboobs.

Kenei
l
oe:
Whywoul
dIl
i
e?Comeon

Wel
aughed

Me:
Don’
tbeast
rangert
hen

Shecl
i
ckshert
ongueandj
ustsmi
l
e

Me:
Themi
l
kshake?
Kenei
l
oe:
Yout
hinkI
’
llr
eject
?Nev
erl
et’
sgobuy
i
t.

Me:
Thest
agei
syour
sthenMi
ss

Isaygiv
ingherspacet
owal kforwar
dand
smiledl
ooki
ngbehindhershakingmyhead.
Jackpot
!
.
..
>>>Tobecont
inued.
..

•
Jozea
44
.
..
BUZWE(
OB)
Iarri
vedatMissA’sof
ficeandshewasr eady
[Link]
,shelookeddi
ff
erent
today.

Me:
MissAnder
son

Mi
ssA:
Hey

Shestoodupandf i
xedhershor
tpenci
lski
rt
andstret
[Link]
edshaking
ourhands.

Mi
ssA:
Longt
imenosee

Me:
Wasi
treal
l
ythatl
ong?

Mi
ssA:
Ohmay
bei
t’
smeexagger
ati
[Link]
ease,
si
tdown.

Idi
dandshealsosataft
ermecrossi
ngherl
egs.
Iswall
owedl
ookingathergl
owi
ngthi
ghsand
scr
atchedmyeyebrows.

MissA: Todaywewil
ltal
kabouty
our
exper
ienceinjai
l
.Howwasi t
?

Me:Bef
orewestar
t,canIst
artby
compl
iment
ingt
hatyoulookbeauti
ful
today
?

Mi
ssA:
OhdoI
?Thanky
ousomuch

Shef
li
pshercur
ledf
ri
nge

Mi
ssA:
Canwepr
oceednow?
Me: [Link] i
enceinjai
lri
ght ?So
uhm. .
.atfi
rstitwashecticI’
dhearpeopl e
creati
ngstoriesaboutbeinginjail
unt i
lIgot
[Link] eacertai
nwayofwel comi ng
newi [Link] sel
fbecamev i
cti
m oft hat
butatt heendIsurviv
edandcamebacka
changedman.

Mi
ssA:
Changedman?Howso

Me:
Wel
lI’
venowconnect
edwi
thGod…

Shecoughscov
eri
nghermout
handr
aisedher
handali
tt
le.

MissA:Pl
easedon’
tmi
ndmecon-(
coughs)
pl
easecont
inue.
Iwat
chhergrababott
leofwaterandgul
pit
.
Someli
lwaterspi
l
ldownonherboobsandit
ki
ndadi
str
[Link]
ps.

Mi
ssA:
Yeah?

If
urr
owmyey
ebr
owsi
nconf
usi
on

Me:
Yeah?

MissA:
Youwer est
il
lont
hepar
tofexpl
aini
ng
howyouchanged.

Me:Ohy eahyeah(bli
nking)soIuhm..
.Igott
o
beconnectedwit
hmyi nnersel
[Link]
obe
di
sci
pli
nedandself-control
ledunl
iket
heoldme
whousedt ogeteasi
l
yangeredbyanythi
ngI
nowcanact ual
l
ymanageav oi
dingal
lthethi
ngs
thatcoul
dgetmet otr
oubl
e.

Shesmi
l
esnoddi
ng.

MissA:Youmustbeevenhappi
ernowthatt
he
ThatoPi
lanecasei
sof
fyourshoul
der
s.

Me:
Def
ini
tel
yIf
eel
compl
etel
yfr
ee.

MissA: That’
[Link]’ reonanewl eaf
ofy ourli
fewhereit
’smoreaboutBuzwet aki
ng
full
cont r
olofhi
slifeandprogressi
[Link]
taki
ngmedi cati
on,stayi
ngoutoft r
ouble,
beli
ev i
nginsomedi vi
neentit
yandy eah..
.
everythi
ngisbalancedri
ght?
Inodandshesmi
l
es.

MissA:ImustsayI’veneverbeent hisproudof
anypati
entI’
vehandledbeforelikey [Link]’r
e
doinggood,managedtolivewithouty ourpi
ll
s
i
npr i
sonandsurvi
vedjustfinejustwhenwe
wereabouttoexpectament albr [Link]
hereyouare.

Me:
Yeahher
eam I

Mi
ssA:
CanIaskwhat
’sy
ourdai
l
ymot
ivat
ion?

Me:
Mywoman.

Ismil
eandsuddenl
yherf
acechangesandget
s
har
[Link]
dn’
tmi
ssthat
.
Mi
ssA:
Canwet
alkabouther
?

Me:She’
smyhappypl aceandtr
anquil
it
ythat
’s
al
[Link]’
smybuddyand
we’
regoingfarwi
ththatoneandthatki
ndof
l
ovewehav e.

Mi
ssA:
Mmmhwhoi
sshe?

Me:(chuckl
es)She’
smyhoneybeet
hat
’swhatI
cal
lher.

Shenodswhi
lecl
enchi
nghert
eet
handf
iddl
i
ng
wit
hherpen.

Mi
ssA:
Andhowdoy
out
hinkOBf
eel
sabout
t
hat
?

Ifr
eezeandmybodyi mmedi at
elyexper
iences
[Link]
tparal
yzed,I
seevei
nsjustappear
ingonmyar m.

MissA:Doy
out
hinkOBwi
l
leasi
l
yfor
getGomo
l
ikethat
?

Me:
(whi
zzyv
oice)Ye-Ye-Yes

Ihi
sscl
osingmyeyesandformedafi
st
cont
rol
l
ingthi
sot
herpersonal
i
tyf
rom t
aki
ng
over
.

MissA:
Areyouokay
?Yousur
eyoudon’
tneed
somewater
?
Me:
No.

Ishakemyhead

Me: OkayIthi
nkfornowt
hissessi
onshoul
dbe
cutshortl
[Link]'v
ecometotheendofour
session.

Shegotupsway
ingherassandIcl
osedmy
eyesr
emindi
ngmysel
fthatIhav
eagirl
fr
iend.

MissA:
Yournewprescr
ipt
ion,
itwasni
ce
havi
[Link]
l
lnex
tti
me.

Shehandsmet
hepaperbagandIl
ookedati
t.I
st
oodonmyfeett
aki
ngitandshewal
ksmeto
t
[Link]
yst
opatt
hedoor
wayt
urni
ng
t
oher.

Shesmi
l
edawkwar
dlyandwav
ed

Mi
ssA:
Bye

Iblowoutaheav ybreat
handsuddenlygrabbed
heronmeandki ssedherpinningheragainst
[Link]
tandpi cked
herupwal kingtothesofaswithherandlaidher
down, ki
ssingherstarvi
ngl
[Link]
wasn'tresi
st i
ngandIcaressedherwholebody
wantingtohav emor eofher.

.
.
.

MI
SSANDERSON
WowIcan’tbel
i
evethisisreal
l
yworki
[Link]!
I
’m soenj
oyi
ngthi
s,enjoyi
nghist
ouchGooood.

Me:
OhhhhhOB!Ohhh,
mmmhy
es.

Iti
ltmyheadbackmoani ngasIbit
emyl [Link]
wasont opofmeki ssi
ngmyneckandmov ed
myt hongont hesidesfi
nger
ingmewhi le
grabbinghar donmyhai [Link]
andkissedmyl ipsagainashedri
edhumped
mewi thhi sclotheson,mycoochwasst i
llon
exposuresoi twasmor eenj
oyabl
ef ormet o
mov emyhi psunderneathhi
m againsthi
s
bulgedcr otch.
Me:Ohhhf
vckmealready
,Il
ovei
[Link]!
!!don’
t
makemebegfori
t.

Iki
ssedhi
m onceandmoaned.

Me:
Ilov
eyou.

Igrabbedhi
swaistunbuckl
i
nghi
sbel
[Link]
becamestandst
il
l.

Buzwe:
Lov
e?

Me:
Yeahl
ove.

Successful
l
ytaki
ngoffhisbel
tIthenlat
er
unzi
ppedhispantsbuthetouchedmyhands,
rest
rai
[Link]
tedbecomemore
uncomf
ort
abl
eandbonecr
ashi
ng.

Me:
Buzweouch!

Buzwe:
Love?Ionl
yloveonewoman,myone
andonl
[Link]
ck!howcanIdot
hist
o
Sher
ee?

Helet
’smegolikesomeskankandzi
ppedhi
s
j
eansthenf
ixedhisbel
t.

Me:
OBwe’
renotdonewewer
est
il
lhav
ingf
u—

Me:
Shutt
hehel
lup!
!!
!

Het
urnst
hrowi
ngaf
ingeratme
Buzwe:Youknowexactl
ywhatI
’m bat
tl
ingwi
th!
Youknowwhatkindofmentali
l
lnessIhavey
et
yousti
l
ltakeadv
antageofi
t!

Me: Butyouinit
iat
editdon’tactli
keIseduced
youorsomet hingandhowam Isupposedt o
knowi t
’sOBr eact
ingoreitherofyou.I
’
m alsoa
womanwi thneeds!it
’sexpectedofmet o
hardlyr
esistI’
m aflawedhumant oonotar obot
.

Buzwe:You’
reapsychol
ogistdammi
t!
!!You’
re
supposedtoknowbett
er!
!!
!

Isl
owl
ymademywayup

Me:Okayl
ookOBI ’
m sor
ryokayIshoul
dn’
t
hav
[Link]
dhavestoppedthi
s
f
rom goi
nganyf
urt
her
.

Buzwe: Takethatsorr
yandjustshoveitint
he
bincausehowar eweev ergonnafaceeach
otheraftert
his?Ithi
nkI’
m [Link]
s
thelasttimeseeingmeagainI’
llf
indmy sel
f
anothertherapi
st.

Me:Buzwe,Buzwenowhatareyousaying?
Li
stenwecantryandt
alkaboutt
his.
..l
et’
s—

Hepickedt
hepaperbagandsl
ammedt
hedoor
behi
ndhim ashef
ledout
.
Ibreat
hedir
regul
arl
yandbangedmydesk
repeat
edl
y.

Me:
(scr
eami
ng)Uhhhhhh!
!!
!!
!!
Igrabbedmyhai
randthr
ewal
lmyfi
l
esaway .I
fur
iouslydi
gmynai
lsonmyski
nwhi
lepant
ing.

Me:Sheree…Sher
ee,t
hat
’sher–my
competi
tors’
name.

Ismil
eandgi
ggledinsanel
yasIl
oosel
yletgo
ofmybodyandrageclappi
ngmyhandsand
stumbl
edontheseatasItakei
t.

Me:Wow, l
et’
sseethepowercoupl
esur
viv
e
what
’[Link]!

.
.
.
SHEREE
Thetimewasal ready5:30pm andBeehasbeen
qui
[Link] t
ingfor
hi
m butIdidn’
thearf r
om [Link]
di
srespectf
ulhecouldhav eatl
easttol
dmet hat
he’
llberunni
nglateorthatheiscancelingthis
daythanmakingmel ookli
keaf ool
.

Ical
l
edhi
m..
.

Buzwe:
Hey

Me:
Sincewhenam I“
hey
”?

Buzwe:
Honey
—
Me:
Youst
il
lcomi
ngornot
?

(
Sil
ence)

Me:
DidIj
ustspeakt
omy
sel
f?

Buzwe:Yesuhm somet
hinghel
dmeupbutI
’
m
st
il
lcoming.

Me:
Whatwasdi
ff
icul
tinsay
ingso?You’
l
ltext
mewheny
ouarr
ive.

Buzwe:
Sher
eeI
’
m—

Icutt
hecal
lcl
i
cki
ngmyt
ongue.
Hecal
l
edmei
mmedi
atel
yaf
terIdr
oppedt
he
cal
lbutIrej
ectedhiscal
l
.Hetri
edcall
ingagai
n
andIrej
[Link]
hatabout4ti
mesI
sti
l
lrej
ected.

“
’
ℎ ’
?
”Het
ext
ed.

Me:
“
’
ℎ ’ .”

Buzwe:
“ ℎ ’ ?
.”

Me:
“ , ’ ℎ
 .
”

Buzwe:
“’ ”

Me:
“ ”

Buzwe:
“ ”

Myli
pstwit
chesandIsmil
eandl
aughseei
ng
t
hatemoji
.Ipret
endedt
oputaser
iousf
ace.

Me:
“ ”

Buzwe:
“ ‍♂”

Igi
ggl
edandl
efthi
m onseenwhi
l
eshaki
ngmy
head.

.
.
.

JOZEA
Webadeeachot hergoodby ewithKeneandI
smil
edpressi
ngendont hevideorecorderIdi
d
asIgeti
nmycar .Ismi l
eandupl oadedthe
vi
deosonmywhat sappstatusaswel l
ast he
pi
ctur
es,j
ustwantedt opissonespecific
per
sonforkontr
ol.

1secandalr
eadytherewasoneviewerandit
wasViol
[Link]!Fv cki
ngdamn..
.I
embarr
assedlyt
hrowmyphoneont heseatand
hi
demyf acebehi
ndt hest
eer
[Link]
l
aterIexhal
eandcheckmyphoneagai
[Link]
messagef r
om her
.

Vi
ola:
“ ℎ
.
ℎ ’
ℎ
. ’
, ℎ

. ’ ℎ
”

Ilookedathertextf
orawhil
[Link]
dshej
usthave
toreplyonthatphot
othoughofmeandKene.

Iswal
l
owashamedl
ybef
oreIr
epl
y
Me:
“ ’ ℎ ℎ

ℎ ℎ ℎ . ℎ
.
”

Vi
ola:
“ ”

Me:
“ ℎ ,
ℎ ’ .
..
ℎ “

Vi
ola:
“ ’ ℎ . ’
ℎ ℎ ,
’ ℎ .
”

Wi
tht
hatshewentof
fl
ineandIsi
ghdeepl
y,
r
ubbi
ngmyheadr
egr
etf
ull
y.
Ist
art
edt
hecaranddr
ovebackt
othegy
m.

.
.
.

BUZWE(
OB)
Justcamebackfr
om fetchi
[Link]
ive
wasdreadf
ulandsi
lentunti
l wearr
ivedatmy
pl
[Link]
i
evethi
sisourf i
rstar
gumentasa
coupl
e.

Me:Ibel
ievethisisati
mewher ewegett ol
ay
downall
t heproblems,
misunderst
andings,
miscommunicationandconf
essions.
Shekeptqui
et

Me:
Babedi
dIupsety
ouwi
thsomet
hing?

Sher
ee:Ki
ndofbutI’
m waypastthat
.Al
lIseei
s
youbei
ngdist
anti
nstead,
what’
sgoingon?

Il
ookatherner
vousl
yandt
akeadeepbr
eat
h.I
pul
lherhandsi
nmine

Me: BabeIwanty outoal way sknowt hat

what everhappensIwi l
lalway [Link]
please,inallt
hest ormswegett oencounter
mayl eav i
ngneverbeanopt [Link] d
i
nst eadlearntotalkmor e, expressoursel
ves
mor e,solveouri
ssuesandj ustmaket his
[Link] hisf oreverSher
ee,I
promi seI’
llst
ayfaithfultoy ouandl et
’str
ybyal
l
meanst
obehonestwi
theachot
her
.

Sher
ee:
Buzwewhat
’sgoi
ngon?

If
lut
ter
edmyey
ebr
owswi
thmyhear
tski
ppi
ng.

Me:
Pleasepr
omi
semey
ouwon’
tleav
eme.

Sher
ee:
Whatdi
dyoudo?

Me: Ther
e’ssomethingIneedtotel
lyou..
.
Somet hi
ngthathappenedtodayatmyt her
apy
session.

Iglanceatherandshewasst
ari
ngatmewi t
ha
[Link]
gh,
let
ti
nggoofherot
herhand
andsqueezedmyey eli
ds.
Me:Uhm (
deepsighs).
..Iki
ssedmyt
her
api
st
andal
mostsleptwit
hher .

Shef
rant
ical
l
yremov
edherhandsf
rom mi
ne
andj
umpuponherfeet
.

Sher
ee:
Youdi
dwhat
?!

Me:
Babypl
easel
i
stent
ome,
pleasel
i
stent
o
me.

It
ryt
ohol
dher
.

Sheree:Nowhydidyoudot
hat?Whydidyoudo
that
!!
!It’
ssti
ll
earl
yday
sofusbei
ngtoget
her
andy ou.
..y
ou..
.
Shebur
stsi
ntoal
oudcr
y

Me:Idon’
tknowwhatov ercameme, babe!I
hav
eapr oblem Iusedtobeabletocontrol
mysel
fbutthistimeIfail
[Link]
opped
i
mmedi at
elywhenIt houghtofyou,
Ididn’tdoi
t.

Shecoughscov
eri
ngherfacecry
[Link]
ngher
wit
hahuganfbrushedherhai
r.

Me: (
cryi
ng)BabyIhav eaper sonali
tydisorder .I
hatehowsomet i
mesIcan’ tcont r
olmy selfov er
i
tandi tj
usttakesov er.(Sniffs)Il
iveonpi ll
s
babyI’
m sorryIhur tyouIdi dn’tmeant o.I
swearIwillf
indanot hert herapist
,pref
er abl
y
[Link] ’
l
ljust.
..pleasegi vemeanot her
chanceIwon’ tdisappointy ouagainIpr omi se.I
l
ovey ouhoneybeeI’v
enevercri
edforany
womanbef ore..
.Ij
usthopeyoubeli
eveme.I
hopey oubeli
evemyl ov
eforyouisreal
andI
’d
neverhurtyouli
kethat.

Isni
ff
ledandhol
dherti
ght
lycr
yingwi
thher
whil
eshe’
sburi
eddeepl
yinmychest.

“If
orgi
vey
ou”

Me:
What
?

Isl
owl
yletgoofher

Sheree:Ifor
[Link] st
akesand
Ihonouryouf orcomingfor
wardwithyour
honesty
...wedon’ tgett
hatev
erydayandit’
s
rar
[Link] ’
m notwil
li
ngt ol
ety
ou
goov ersomesil
l
yt hi
[Link]
omi semeit
won’thappenagain.

Me:
Isweari
twon’
tIpr
omi
se.

Shesmi
l
ed

Sher
ee:
West
il
ltoget
hert
hen.

Me:
Ohhbaby
!Thanky
ousomuch

Il
i
ftherupexci
tedl
yandat
tackedherwi
tha
ki
ss.

Me:
Whatdi
dyouwannat
alkabout
?
Sher
ee:
Hm-
mm we’
l
ltal
kabouti
tlat
eron.

Il
if
thermor eupwithherl
egsonmyshoulder
andkissedherbel
ly
.Shegiggl
edandIthr
ewher
[Link]
aredather
wit
hourey estwi
nkl
ing.

Me:
Ilov
eyou

Sher
ee:
Ilov
eyout
oo

Iwentdownonherandpeckedhert
ummy

Me:(huskedtone)CanIhav
eat
ast
eofy
ou?
Justali
ttl
e.
Shenoddedshy l
yli
kea2y earol
[Link]
ggledand
tookof
fherelasti
cband,letti
ngherhai
rfall
downcoveri
ngherf ace.

Me:
Sosexy

Isl
idemyhandsunder neat
hherbl
ouseand
continuedkissi
ngherassheunbutt
onsmyshi r
t.
Mydi ckjerked,
tight
eni
ngmypants,I
’m af
rai
dI
can’tresi
sttoday…[REMOVED]
.
..
>>>Tobecont
inued.
..
45
.
..
MI
SSANDERSON
Wait
edfort
he00:
00hourt
ost
ri
keasIwentto
oneoft
heroomswher
eweperf
orm ourr
it
es.
Discovereditonmyownwhi l
edadwasaway .
LateronItoldhim abouti
tandthatIknow
everyt
hingabouthissecret
sbutItoldhimthey
aresafewi t
[Link] earsago
whenIwasst i
lly
oung.

Iswi
tchedonthecandlesandst
ir
redt
heblack-
cast
edspell
water,
inthesteami
ngbatht
ub.

Me:Icomeforthwitht
[Link]
eal
tomewhoshei s,showmeherfaceand
ever
ythi
ngIneedtoknowabouther.
..

Ist
ir
redandst
ir
redthewaterunti
lIgotv
ivi
d
i
magesandrefl
ecti
onint
hewat er.

Me:
Mmhhhwhatagor
geousbabe
Ipl
acemyl ipsont
hesticksmili
ngasIwat
ch
herli
feplay
ingout
.Iaghastexci
tedl
yasI
chuckle.

Me:Jozeat
hecousin!Thi
swi
l
lbemucheasi
er
t
hanIhadanti
cipat
ed.

Ismil
ewat chi
ngthem cur
rent
lycuddli
ngwith
[Link] houghtf
ul.

Me: Nowwher edoIbeginwithyouSher ee?I

meani t
’dhurthur
ti
ngasweetgi r
l l
i
key [Link]
thenIhavetogetmyKi ngbackinmyar ms,and
ther
e’sonlywaytopersuethatsuccessfull
y.I
s
byremov i
ngy ououtofthepi
cture.
..nowhow
am Igonnagoaboutt hat?

Ihearf
unnyl
i
ttl
esoundsdownt
hebasement
andst
[Link]
ntedt
hewat
ersmi
l
ing.

Me:
Letmet
hinkabouti
t.

Imadethewat ersti
l
lwithmyhandandgotup
wit
[Link]
checkwhat’sgoingonther
[Link]
etr
ying
topushthedoorbutitwaslocked

Iknocked.

Me:
Hel
l
o?(
knocks)Who’
sther
e?

Il
ookatmyst i
[Link]
tthedooropen
wit
hitandsuddenl
ythedoormiracul
ousl
y
opens.
Me:
Aaaahhhh!
!!
!

Iscream droppi
ngmyst ickdownseeingmy
fatherdrownedinsi
dethepondwi t
hwhat
l
ookedl [Link]
ell
ont he
fl
oorcr y
ingandcrawledclosert
otheglass,
touchingit.

Me:
Daaaaddddy!
!!
!

.
.
.

SHEREE
Me:(
mur mur
ing)No..
.No.
..Whatdi
dIdot
oyou?
No,
[Link],noo!
!!
!
Icryoutloudgrabbi
ngv iolent
lyonmyshi rt
,
ki
ckingandscreami ngthenpr essedhardonmy
neckclosingi
nt heairpassage,preventi
ngmy
ownsel ffr
om breat
hingy etI’
m sti
llgaspi
ng.

“ , .
, !
!!”

Igotawokenbywaterbei
ngsplashedonme.I
chokedandcoughedwhil
esi
tti
ngup.

Buzwe:
I’
m sorr
y,I’
m sosorr
yhoney
.Idi
dn’
t
meantodothat,i
t’
sjustabaddr
eam.

Hehugsmelayinghi
schi
[Link]
pe
myfacest
il
lcoughi
ng.
Me:(
pant
ing)Thankyouf
orwakingmejusti
n
t
[Link] hewor
stcoul
d’v
ehappened.

Buzwe:
No,
noI
’
dnev
erl
ett
hathappent
oyou.

Hekissedmyf
[Link]
ookatmyt
rembl
i
ng
hand.

Me:Itf
eltsor
eal,shetri
edtoki
l
lmeIdon’ t
knowwhoshei s.
..butshe’
sevi
lshe’
s.
..she’
s.
..

Ipauseandl
ookathi
m bl
i
nki
ngt
het
ear
sof
f
myey es.

Me:Doyouper
hapshav
eat
oxi
cexor
somet
hing?
Buzwe:Toxi
cwha.
..
?no,
nomyonl
yexpassed
on,Ramona.

Me:NoIknowRamonaandI ’
m nottal
ki
ng
abouther
.Thatwomandoesn’
tlookonebi
tli
ke
Ramona.

Hehuf
fshol
dingmyhand

Buzwe:Telly
ouwhat .
..Howaboutwekneel
ri
ghtnowandt al
ktoGodwhi lethefeel
ingsar
e
sti
l
lhigh?Let’
spray
.Weshoul dmakei tanorm
toprayever
yti
mebef [Link]
God’sprot
ecti
onasoft oday
.

Il
ookathi
m andnodded.
Me:
Yeah,
let
’spr
ay.

Webothgoonourkneeswi
thourhandsst
il
l
ent
angl
edandpr
ayed.

.
.
.

VI
OLA
Ilaidmybagsi nfr ontofmeIhadal ready
packedev eryt
hingl astnightbefor
eIslept.
Madei teasierformy sel
[Link]
preparedformyj ourneytoKeny abutIwant ed
tost ar
twithapr ay erandsaymygoodby est o
Krissy.
Ikneel
eddownandcl
osedmyey
es

Me:
Heav
enl
yFa-

Igr
untl
i
ght
lymassagi
ngmyr
ib.

Me: Icomebef oreYouf ir

standf oremost
thankful fory etanot herblessedday .Thanky ou
[Link] easel eadaheadt her oadI ’m aboutt o
takeandpr otectmeasIembar kt hi
sj ourney.I
am doi ngi talone, doingitscar edbutt hat’s
wher ecour agecomesf r
om r i
ght?Al lIknowi s
thatOct av i
adeser vespeaceandhersoul needs
torestpeacef ull
[Link] t
hthegi ftyou’vev estedi n
me, it
’smypr iori
tytogi v
eherwhatshewant s..
.
thereforeIpl eaYouLor dtomakemyj ourney
easyinKeny a, mayt heyacceptmeasIam and
maket hisceremonysuccessfulf
[Link] e’
s
defi
nit
elyhiccupsi
nthisroadbutwithy ouLord
Itr
[Link] e,keepShereesafe
aswell andkeepKri
[Link]
si n
Jesus’name, Amen.

Ipauseandgruntharderwit
hthepainar
isi
ng
toomucht hi
sti
[Link]
oorand
ri
ghtther
emanyv i
sionsbombardedme...

IseeSher eeandCai t
lynl ayi
ngonapool of
blood,Idon’tknowwhoki l
l
edwho. .
.butit
passesonanot herv i
sionIseeme, Krissyand
Caitly
nmanyt hingsarehappeni ngt here,we'
re
fi
ght i
ngahar d,li
fe-
threat eningfightandt her
e
wer emanyscr [Link] hingIseemy self
l
yingont hef l
oorandanal i
enl ookingbaby
attacksCaitl
[Link] i
ssyi sleftcryi
ngonherown. ..
Att heendIseeOct avi
a’ scor psestaringatme
sadlyasifi
tsti
l
l hasli
[Link]
ngthecorpse
str
anglesdadatt hehospital
,he’
str
yingt
o
scream buti
nsteadwat ercomesoutofhis
mout h,
mut i
nghisscreams.

Myheadpainsmesev erel
ysi
nceIam seeing
manythi
[Link]
atdownont he
gr
oundandpassedout .

LateronIwakeupwit
halit
tl
enotenextt
omy
[Link]
owlyf
lapmyeyesopenandsquint
ed
[Link]
tupreadi
ngthenot
enexttome.

“
, .

.
 ’ .
’ .
~ ”

Ilookar
[Link] angasI
stoodup,i
twasCait
[Link]
ymyheart
poundedinanabnor
mal way,over
whelmedby
fear

Me:
Hel
l
o?

Cait
lyn:Hi(sni
ffs)uhm j
ustcal
lingt
oletyou
knowt hatdadisinthehospit
[Link]
andsohe’ sintheICU.

Iwoef
ull
yfol
dmyl i
psinathinl
inewhi
lethey
qui
ver
[Link]
dingbackthetear
s,I
’dbely
ingifI
sayt
hisdi
dn’
taf
fectmeoneouncenorhur
tme.

Cai
tl
yn:I
t’
sanimpor
tantt
imeforthefamil
[Link]
whenev
eryou’
rer
eadyyou’
rewelcometocome,
he’
sadmitt
edi
nNetcareRandHospit
al.

Inodsi
l
ent
ly

Cai
tl
yn:
Pray
ersar
ewel
comedt
oo

Me:
Okay

Cai
tl
yn:
Bye

Me:
Bye
[Link]
oodtherest
il
lstari
ngatmy
phonethi
nki
ngaboutthi
swholethingandthe
changeofhear
tstar
tedcr
eepi
ngin.

Voi
ce:
Thet
ri
ptoKeny
ast
il
lcont
inues

It
urnt
oher

Me:
ButMaDadi
s—

Mom: I
fyougot oyourfat
heryou’
renever
[Link]’tbeabletocont
inue
wit
hwhaty ou’
resettodoforOctavi
a.

Ishakemyheadbl
i
nki
ng.

Mom:
Youraunt
sar
egonnar
eadr
ightt
hrough
y
ou,youknowhowy ouwerealwaysthei
rleast
f
avouri
te,
worsenowCait
lynhasjoi
nedtheir
f
orces.

Me:
What
??Cai
tl
yni
snowa.
..
?

Mom:
Cont
inuewi
thy
ourt
ri
ptoKeny
a

Me:
Whataboutdad?

Mom: He’
sdeal
i
ngwit
hOctav
ia’
swr
atht
her
e’s
not
hingmorewecando.

Me:
Ishegonnadi
e?

(
Sil
ence)
Me:
Mamai
shegonnadi
e??
!

Shecl
osesherey
eshuf
fi
ngasi
ghout
.

Mom:
Justgot
oKeny
a.

Shev ani
shesandIsatdowncr yi
[Link]
poi
ntIdidlovemyfatherI’
m afr
aidInever
[Link] ather
[Link]’ tf
inditwrongtot ake
thi
smomentandgr [Link]
[Link] t
hmy
gri
evingmomentIsighedandpr eparedtogo.

.
.
.

BUZWE(
OB)
Aft
ertheencountermybabyhadear l
ieronI
deci
dedtowakeherwi t
hani cebreakfastin
[Link] edtogetheraft
erandhadmor e
sexther
e,thenwedr essedroughly–me
borr
owinghermycl othesthatl
ookedov er
sized
onherandt ur
nedonsomemusi cwithmy
phonereadytorecordus.

Ipul
ledherhandmaki
ngherst
anduponher
feet
.

Sher
ee:
Uhmm whatar
eyoudoi
ng?

Me:
Everhadofsomet
hingcal
l
edmemor
ies?
Sher
ee:
Hm-
m

Me:
We' r
emaki
ngmemor
iest
oget
herandme
mar
kingmyter
ri
tor
y.

Sher
ee:
Omgsowe’
republ
i
cizi
ngt
his?

Me:Whynot
?Oryoul
ikel
owkeyt
hings?What
’s
wr
ongwithmeshowi
ngoffmywoman?

Shesmi
l
es

Sher
ee:
Not
hingIl
i
kei
t

Me:
Youdo?
Sher
ee:
Aha.

WekissedandIspi
nherar
oundanddr
agher
cl
osetomychest.

Me:
Cany
oudance?

Sher
ee:
I—

Me:BeforeyouevenanswerIsawyoudanci
ng
t
hatotherdayatthecl
[Link]’
m notgi
vi
ngyou
muchofachoi ce!

Sher
ee:
I’
mfi
nishedt
hen.
Me:
Notunt
ilIsayso

Ipul
lhermorecloserandgav emoreti
meto
enj
oyherli
pspassionatel
ybeforeIbr
okei
toff
andstar
tedrecor
dingthevideo.

Me:SoI
’
mthesi
ngerandy
ou’
ret
hedancer
okay
?

Shegi
ggl
es

Sher
ee:
Right
.

Ii
ncreasedthevolumeonmysoundsy st
em as
[Link]
e
mov i
ngmyhi pssidetosi
dejustl
i
keher .
Me:
“Ai
wenanguwena,
wena,
nguwenawedwa
Ai
wenanguwena,
wedwa,
wedwa

Lov
eydov
eynami
Ungangi
lahl
idal
i
,ngi
yazi
fel
a
Ngobami
nangi
yazi
fel
angawe
Ngobami
nangi
yazi
fel
angawe”

Wedancedtomyf avour
iteVulaMlomosong
andsheenj
oyeditt ooeventhoughshedidn’
t
real
l
yknowwhatt hemeani ngofthesongisbut
shemovedfori
tli
kesheknewwhati tmeant.

Ist
oppedtherecor
dingwhent hesongended.I
t
wasallf
un,andIposteditonallmySoci
al
mediapl
atfor
msmar kinghermine.
Me:
Wishy
oucanst
ayher
efor
ever

Shebecameuneasy

Sher
ee:
Uhm Bee,
somet
hingIhav
etot
ell
you.

Me:
Yeah?

Sheree:
I’
m notspendi
ngt heholi
dayshere.I
’l
l
havetogobacktoAust r
aliabutI
’l
lbebackto
conti
[Link]
edatfi
rstsayi
ng
thatI
’mleav
ingforgood.

Ishr
ugsi
ppi
ngmywat
er

Me:Ei
therwayIwasgonnabeafor
cef
ul
r
esi
dentinAust
ral
iaj
ustformywoman.
Sher
ee:
So.
..y
ou’
renotmad?

Me:
Nahl
i
ghtst
uff
s.

Sher
ee:
Wow!
!

Shechuckl
[Link]
areathert
hought
ful
l
yasshe
waslaughi
ng.

Me: Honeybeehowdoy oufeelaboutdef

ense
cl
asses?I’
m offer
ingtogiveyoulessonsbut
fi
rsthowdoy oufeelaboutthat
?

Sheopenshermout
hgobsmacked.
Sheree:Uhm what
..
.that
’s.
..woul
dyour
eal
l
ydo
thatforme?

Me: I’
m seriousincaseany thinghappens,so
thatyoumaybeabl et odefendyourself
.That’
s
themosti mpor tantthingawomanneedst o
l
earni nthisdail
[Link]
besidesme, andsomet i
mesIwon’ talwaysbe
heretopr otectyouf rom cert
ainthi
ngs.
Thereforey ouneedt oknowhowt ocrack
bones.

Shenoddedexci
tedl
y

Sher
ee:
YesI
’
mthr
il
ledt
oindul
geont
hat
.

Igi
vehermyhand.
Me:Let
’smakeourwaytotheworkoutroom
t
[Link]
ati
onshi
premainshere.
I
nthatroom Ibecomey
ourenemy.

Sher
ee:
Huh?

Me:TakeitasifI’
my ourper
prator,
component
orwhatevert
hat’sgonnamotivateyoui
nto
def
endingyourselff
rom me.
..

Sher
ee:
Uhm okay

Shenodsunsur
ely

Me: Noblackmai
ls,
Nomani
pulati
ons,
No
excuses,
Nof eel
i
ngsandNoturni
ngbacks.
Sher
ee:
Sur
e

Me:
Let
’sgot
hen.

Sheholdsmyhandandgetupthenwej
ogged
upst
air
stotheworkoutr
oom.

Idon’tknowwher et
hisideacomesf r
om, Ilove
Shereewi t
hal l
myhear [Link]
sweetheartandgent l
emannowbei ngmy
normal self
.ButwhenOBsur f
acesIdon’ tknow
whatexact l
yhappens, I
’m beingthrownst raight
i
nadar kroom whereIlosecont rol
.Ihav eno
i
deawhenhebecomesv i
olent,
aggr essi
veor
ruthl
[Link]
thoughunderhi s(OB’s)infl
uence.I’
llhol
d
my sel
faccount abl
ecausei t’
sstil
lmybody
that’
swhyIhav etobest rat
egicabouthowI
handleandav oidcertai
nt hi
ngsnowt hatit’
s
earl
[Link] ot
ect
ionisimportantf
ormybabyat
thi
spoi ntandofcoursethedefensecl
assesi
s
forotherpeopleoutsidebesi
desme.

I’
m afrai
dofscari
nghernowandloseher .
Howev erwhenwe'redonewit
htheselessons
I’
l
ltel
lherevery
thi
[Link] e
she’l
lhavetodeci
dewhethershesti
l
lstaysor
l
eaves.

.
.
.

GOMOLEMO
Me:ChommieIam uncomf or
tablewit
htheway
peoplear
est
[Link] esent
le
kgotsa?(
Am Idressedwel
lor?)
Ziphora:Youaredressedwellchomajustthat
peoplearestari
ngaty ourni
cecurvesandthat
hugeny [Link]’ tgetusedtoi
tby
therateofpeoplebanalengsešwapakay one
(whohav eaflatass)

Me:[Link] out
hinkt
hat
’l
lmakemef
eel
bett
er?Alr
eadythatmakesmefeel
uncomfort
able.

Ziphora:Aowr elax’
ahleandgai nsome
confidenceyoushoul dfeelgoodabouty our
body .Manywoul dkillt
ohav [Link]
a
kerengnna( whatam Ievensay ing?)Even
somear ebuyingcertai
ncreamsl edi Ci
pla
Actintohav [Link] eel
confidentandcher i
shwhaty ouhav e,many
wishf orit
.
Imakeasmi
rkl
ooki
ngather

Me:Youmakingmewannachangemymi
nd
aboutt
hegy
m.

Ziphora:
Nodon’ [Link] esengweony akang
gosedi r
annaket lagof athekgokanakoy ohle
(WhateveryouwannadoI ’
l
lalwayssupportyou.
)
Justbeconf i
dentaboutt hedecisi
onsyoumake,
that'
sallI
’m gonnasay .

Iexhal
e.

Me:
YeahIguessIshoul
dtakei
nthosewor
ds.

Zi
phor
a:Keagokopel
apl
eaaase.
Welaughedandwalkedi
[Link]
l
ed
l
ookingati
tinsi
deandseei
ngpeopl
eworki
ng
out
.

Me:
Fort
hef
ir
stt
imeI
’
minagy
m

Zi
phor
a:Forr
eal
??Hai
wena

Isawaf i
nel
ooki
ngmanbusyatt herecept
ion.I
couldn’
tmov
emyey esoffhi
m andsuddenlyI
becamedeaftohearwhat
everZee’
sbeen
sayi
ng.

Zi
phor
a:Gomol
emo!

Me:
Huh?
Ziphor
a:HebannaI
'
mt al
ki
ngt
oyouwher
e’s
yourminddri
ft
edat?

Me:
I’
m sor
ryoneor
eng?(
whatdi
dyousay
?)

Zi
phor
a:Hai

Shecl
apsherhanddr
amati
cal
lyandt
hatdude
cat
chesusandcametoourway.

Hi
m:Hel
l
oladi
es,
doy
ouneedassi
stance?

Me:
Hi.

Iwav
esl
owl
ygawki
ngathi
m –smi
tt
[Link]’
s
cl
ear
ingoft
hroatbr
oughtmebackt
oear
th.

Zi
phor
a:Uhm we’
reher
etoj
oinmember
shi
p

Hi
m:Al
ri
[Link]
easef
oll
owmet
hisway
.

Hewal kedaheadofusandIblowmyl ipsout

drool
ingbehindhi
[Link] m and
wegiggledli
ghtl
[Link]
ylooksatus
withaconfusedfrown,damndidn’
thejustlook
cutewhenhedi dthat
.

Him:Okayyou’
llt
ell
mey ournamesandIhope
youbroughtev
eryt
hingy
ouneed.

Zi
phor
a:Yes.I
’
m Zi
phor
aMat
lej
oane
Him: Oh.
hoo!May
bey
oumi
ghthel
pmewi
tht
he
surname.

Zi
phor
a:(
chor
tl
es)Nopr
obl
em.

Hehandshert hepenandI ’
ml ef
tdrool
i
ngathis
muscl
es,i
magi ningallt
henaughtystuf
fshe’
d
[Link] andshi seyesatmeandcaught
mestar
ingthencur veshisli
psalit
tl
eonthe
si
de.

Zeegotdonef
il
li
ngwhat
eversheneededt
ofi
l
l.

Hi
m:Yourt
urnma’
am

Ipl
aywi
thmyneckl
aceseduct
ivel
y
Me:
That
’sMi
ssGomol
emoMor
aket
oyou.

Imov emyhandt ohistaki

ngholdofthepen.
Lolt
easinglyti
ngli
nghispal
msasIdot hat.I
pushmyassoutasIl eanonthedeskfi
ll
i
ng
whateverthatneedst
obef i
ll
ed.

Me:Who’st
heMist
er?Di
dn’ty
ouknowi
t’
sbad
manner
snottoi
ntr
oduceyoursel
f.

Hi
m:(chortl
es)Arghsomet
hingwaspr
obabl
y
onmymi [Link]
hename.

Me:
Hmm ni
[Link]!

Isayhandi
nghi
mthepaper
sback.
Hi
m:I’
l
lbebackI’
m goi
ngt
opr
epar
eyour
membershi
pcar
ds.

Isexi
lydwindl
emyey esathi
[Link]
s
takenbythat,
judgi
ngbythesl
ightway
she’
s
react
ingt
omychar [Link].

Hi
m:Wi
l
lbebacki
naf
ewl
adi
es

Me:
Sur
e.

Helef
[Link]
eftwi
tht
hesqueal
i
ngZi
phor
a
hi
tt
ingmyhands.

Zi
phora:
Haachommi egaosenyet
šenako(you
don’
twastet
ime)Heee?fl
i
rti
ngski
ll
stšekana?
Me:YeahlennaInev
erknewIhaditinme.
Mar
awabonaguyona, otl
arennafini
sh-
klaar
(
Seethatguy,he’
l
lbemineendofcase.)

Zi
phor
a:Heywenana!

Me:Eekeagojwetsamoghel
(YesIt
ell
yougi
rl
.)
Dat
ingsi
teforwho?Tj
u

Webur sti
ntol
aughteraswehi
[Link]
Ikeptsmil
ingt
hinki
ngofthi
sguyti
l
lhecame
back.
.
..
>>>Tobecont
inued.
..
46
.
..
BUZWE(
OB)
Wegotinmyworkoutr
oom herey
eswander
ed
ar
ound,
admir
ingit
.

Sheree:
Sohowarewegonnagoaboutthi
s?I
’
m
notevendr
essedappr
opr
iat
elyf
ort
his.

Me:
Standi
nthecent
er.

Sher
ee:
ButI
’
m—

Me:
I’
m notaboutt
orepeatmy
sel
fSher
ee.

Shef
rownsatmyf
ir
mtoneandobey
smov
ing
i
nthecent
er.

Me:
Stopr
ightt
her
e.
Iwalkedtowar
dsherandst
andi
nfr
ontofher
facetofacewi
thher
.

Me:
Whati
fIcomet
oyou,
and.
..

Igri
pherneckandpushher,shestaggers
backwardsf
asterthanherf
eetcancarryher,
l
osingherbreat
hasshegaspsinahi t
chyt one
l
ikeahorse,scr
atchi
ngmyhandandhi tti
ngit.

Sher
ee:Bu-Buzwe(
hit
smyhand)Ican’
t.
..I
can’
tbr
eathe.

Imakeagloomyf
rownasIsl
am heragai
nstt
he
wal
lti
ght
eningmygri
par
oundherneck.
Sheree:
(cr
yingandchoki
ng)Buzwey
ou’
re
hurt
[Link]!!
!

Ishowednosympathyasshehit
sandpushes
myhandoffherf
iddl
ingbeneat
hme.

Me: Thi sgivessatisfi

cationtotheper pet
rator
todowhat everhewant st odowi t
hy [Link]
cri
esar eagoodsoundt ohim, l
andingondeaf
[Link] oknowmaj ori
tyofmenar e
cruel,
t hey’revult
ures,theyfeedonwomen’ s
vulnerabili
[Link] hem feelgoodabout
themsel vesandpr [Link] ey ougonna
defendy ourself
?

Igotmor eclosertoherwi t
hourbodiescl
eav
ed,
herfacewast urni
[Link]
tl
ypeckedherl
ips
[Link] all
i
ngdownon
herkneeshol dingherneck.
Me:Rulenumber#1Nev ershowf ear!Yesy ou
maynotappearasstrongast heotherperson
butoncetheyspoty
[Link]'
lltr
ampl eon
i
tandendupt rampl
ingony ou6feetunder .

Igl
ancedathernur
singherr
ed-
mar
kedneck.

Me:
Hopey
ou’
l
lremembert
hat
.Cent
er!

Shet
hrowsherheadupatme

Sher
ee:
You’
resuchahear
tl
essf
vck!
!

Me:
You’l
lthankmeonedayf
ori
[Link]
o
t
hecent
erSheree.
Sheslowlygotupandtookcaref
ulstepsbef
ore
mest i
ll
holdi
[Link]
herneck.

Me:Youneedt obestr
ong,fearl
ess,
emoti
onlessindanger
oussituat
ionsast
hese.
Youropponentismorecapablethant
hat
.

Iwal
karoundherenci
rcl
i
ngherasIbr
ushher
hai
roff
.

Me:Thebodyhasst rongbodypar t
sy oucan
usetodef endy our sel
f,defeati
ngsomeoneand
fr
eei
ngy our sel
ff rom [Link] lether
e
areweakpar t
st oowher et
heymaygety ou
easi
lyfi
nished, wi t
houty oubeingabletodo
anyt
hingabouti t .I’
m gonnat el
lyouallabouti
t.
It
akeherar
m andhi
thar
dagai
nstherel
bow,
st
rengt
heni
ngit
.

Me: Theelbowisthestr
ongpar tofyourbody
[Link]
thityoudon’tcompromi se,
you’r
eawi nner
.Youjustneedt obeablet o
esti
mat ewhentouseitandgohar df orit
.

Il
etgoofi t
,cr
ouchi
ngandhi
tt
ingher
kneescaps.

Me:Yourkneesar ethesecondst rongestpart

[Link] tfr
eelywheny ourupper
bodyisrestr
ainedfrom moving,forinstance
whenIstrangledyou,youusei tt
oki ckmy
crot
ch/ball
s–t hat’
saweakestpar tofaman.
BythatIwould’vel
etyougoandaut omatical
l
y
you’
reawi nnercauseyou’l
lbeabl etoescape.
Istoodupandgotbehi
ndherbackand
wrappedmyarmt i
ghtar
[Link]
ng
her.

Sher
ee:
(gasps)Buzwe

Me: Nowwi t
hthisposit
ionitwon’tbeeasyto
defendy oursel
[Link]’
m notstandingi
nfront
ofyouwher eyoucankneeme, el
bowy oucan
butIcandodget hem..
.won'thitmeashar das
oflett
ingy [Link] ey ouhavetobev ery
fastcauset hepowerinmemi ghtdrai
nyouf ast
toyourdeat [Link] e
twoopt i
ons...

Me:Youuseyourhead,backpartofyourhead.
Wi
thityoushoul
dfir
stcloseyoureyes,l
ocati
ng
mynosei ny ourmi
ndandgof orithar [Link]’t
compr omiseev eni
fyoucan’ tl
ocat ethenose
j
ustbut tmewi t
hyourhead.I’l
lsurelybedi zzy
ther
eandl etyougobutsomet hingshoul dor
shallhappenf ormygri
pt oloosenar oundy ou
theny ou’
llhavetoactupquicklytof ree
yourself.
2ndOpt i
on:[Link] eet hmaybe
regar
dedasaweaponf orcowar [Link] nadeaf
eartot hatcausey ou’
ref i
ght
ingf ory ourli
fe
here,useany t
hingpossi blet
of reey oursel
f
from thisposit
[Link] ourlipsar ecloser
tomyar m,thi
si syourchancet odi gy ourteeth
asifaLi onwoul dtoahuman, thatwayImay
[Link] oness!

If
reeherneckandshef
inal
l
yrel
easesher
br
eaths.
Sher
ee:
(pant
s)Hoooh!Nowi
tmakessense.

Me:St
rongestpar
tsofyourbody
;El
bow,Knee,
Head&[Link]
’sgett
otheweakerpar
ts.
..

Sher
ee:
Beeouch!
!!
!

Igr
abbedherhai
r.

Me: Woment hi
sisy ourweakness.I fIwanna
defeatyouIshoul dstartwithyourhai r,ifyou’r
e
i
nacat tyf i
ghtwithawomandef i
nit
elyshe’ s
gonnadot hi
[Link]’tsaytieyourhai rneat lyor
whatevercauset hatdaycomesl i
keat hiefyou
wouldn’[Link] ouneedt ofindawayt o
defendy oursel
fwithagoodst rategy ,
li
ke
twi
stingy ourbodyandf orcefull
ygr abbi ngthei
r
l
egsi nawheel barrow-l
ikepositionsot hatt he
nextper sonf all
sori fnot,
punchev erywher e
mai nlytargeti
ngt het ummyandneart hehear t
forchestpai ns, t
hey '
lll
[Link]
weakestpar tisy ournose,youcanbef i
nished
byabl eedingnoseorabr [Link] ms,
twistedorspr ainedar mscanbey ourweakness
causey ouarel eftparal
yzedtofi
ghtagai n...
Lastlyy ourgeni t
al ar
eaandpelvicarea.

Shenoddedt
aki
ngi
tin

Me: Yourbodyi sav essel,decorati

on,stat
ue,it
cannotdoany thingwi t
houtbei ngmoni t
oredby
[Link] hewayy [Link] nd
i
st hemast erofev er
[Link] er
fi
ndi t
selfcomfortableiny ourmindcausey our
bodyisdef i
nit
elygonnar eactt
oi tandyou’l
l
alwaysbet imidsomet imespar [Link]
que
doesn’tmat t
erinaf i
ght, Genderdoesn’tmat t
er
i
naf
ightcausei
tal
lbegi
nsher
e..
.

Isaypoi
nti
ngmyhead.

Me: Al ertthi
nkingi sneededwheny ouf i
ght .I
t
allbegi nswi t
hknowi ngy ourweaknessesand
strengt hstot ackley ourdef ensemechani sm,
andi t’
swhatIj ustt aughty [Link]’ treall
y
mat terhowy ouf ightbutdon’ tbeaf ooli
sh
fi
ght [Link] thstrategyandy oucan
overcomeany t
hing...Forinstancet akenot ice
ofy oursur roundings, calculatey ourmov es,
noticey ouropponent sfl
awsl i
kei ft
heyhav ea
l
impyl egf ocusondest royingi [Link] ou
targett oelbowmyneckdon’ tmakei tobvious
thaty oucomi ngf ormegi vi
ngmet i
met oshi eld
my [Link] eel seorgot he
opposi tedi r
ectiont henwhenl eastIexpecti t
.
ATTACK!
Shenods

Me: NowPhy sical f

ightingi snotalway st he
bestthingort hesol utionf [Link] e
aredirt
yf i
ght ers, whogof orweapons.I ’
l
l t
each
youhowt ouseeachoft hem. .kni
ves, gunsand
manymor [Link] enseornoti nsomesi tuati
ons
youarenotal way srequi r
edt of i
ghtbutt ot hink
ofyourl i
fe,byr unni ng, cl
imbi ngandj umpi ng
fences,fi
ndi ngawayt obr eakt hrougha
windowandescape, car r
yingaPepperspr ay
andmanymor e...notal lsituati
onsr equirey ou
tobeRambobutI ’
llteachy oumor eaboutt hat.

Ist
opandgl
uedmyey
esonher

Me:
Thi
swasbasi
cal
l
yat
heor
ywe’
l
lact
ual
l
ybe
doingmor eacti
oninoneoft hesenextti
me.
Bringalongy ourgym at
tir
[Link] art
withjogs,defensemechani sm andendofwith
punchingbags. .
.thenI’
l
lbey ouropponent.I
f
youcanf ightmey ouautomat i
call
ybecomet he
Lionessy ouNEEDTOBEandmybadass
[Link] lt
hat
?

Sher
ee:
Yes

Me:
[Link]
yourneck.

Ipullherandweleftt
hewor
koutr
[Link]
shrugsmeof fsul
ki
ng.

Sher
ee:
Ihat
eyouf
ort
his
Me:Comeonbabe,y
ouknowy oucan’
thateme
f
orthi
s.I
t’
sanot
herl
ovel
anguageI’
mt r
ynna
t
eachyou.

Sher
ee:
(scof
fs)Lov
eisgent
le

Me:Youwon’
tunder
standbutwheny
oudo,
you’
l
llov
ememor e.

Sher
ee:
Urghmxm

Shewal
ksawayandIpul
lherbyhai
ragai
nst
meandkissher
.

Sher
ee:
Youst
il
lrough!

Me:
Icanmakey
ouf
eel
goodabouti
t
Imur murbet
weenherli
psandlai
dheront
he
stai
rcasemyhandstrav
eli
ngt
ohersweet
pussyundertheshi
rt
.

Me:
Ohwwwf
vck!

Sher
ee:
(whi
nes)I
’
m st
il
lsor
e

Me:
Ssshhh.
..

Ishutherwi
thanotherhotl
ust
ful
kisst
hen
brokeit
,whi
sper
ingonherear.

Me:Justonemoref
orheal
i
ngy
ourneck.I
’
llbe
gent
leIpromi
se.
Sher
ee:
[Link]-
aaaah!mypoorpucean

Shemoansswivel
inghereyesi
npleasur
ewhen
Ient
eredwi
thoutwarni
ng.
..Ist
opped.

Me:
Yourwhat
??

Sher
ee:
Mypuceanasi
npussy&ocean.

Me:Hel
lnomymeatisf
vckent
ightt
obe
compar
edwit
hsuch,
areyoumad?

Shegi
ggl
esandherey
eswentbackt
obei
ng
nor
mal.

Sher
ee:IknowbutwhatImeani
s“Pu-sea”
j
ustdon’
twannacall
thatot
herr
udewordso
oceani
sanot
herwor
[Link]!

Iwri
nkl
emyey ebr
owst
hrust
ingsof
tl
yinheras
It
houghtofi
t.

Sheree:(
rol
lsherey
es)Ahhhhy
essss,
youget
thatbaby?

Imov ei
nherabsent
mindedl
yst
il
lmakingsense
ofthi
[Link]
nst
antl
ystopwit
hheral
readyzonedin
thesex.

Sher
ee:
Ahwt
fHoneyBee!Whydi
dyoust
op?

Ichuckl
ed.

Me:
Howt
heefdi
dyoucomeupwi
thsuch?And
howdoy ouexpectmetof
vcky
ouaf
teren-
vi
sual
i
zingthi
sSheree?

Sher
ee:(bi
tesherl
i
ps)Youl
i
ket
hem nast
y
don’
tyou?

Me:
Don’
ttemptme.

Sheree:
Onlyyoucanknowaboutmy
naughti
[Link]
se,l
over
.

Me:
Sh¡
t

JustthenIincr
easedmystr
okespoundingher
hardanddeeplyasIwatchmypalaceclasping
arounditandmassagi
ngmycock, wit
hher
fr
owningandscr eami
nghel
plessl
[Link]
pi
ctur
eforamant
osee.

.
.
.

GOMOLEMO
From thegym Igoti
nmyapar [Link]
greatdayther
eandwi l
lalwayslookforwar
dt o
goingthereev
eryday,
[Link]’
tget
overthatguypit
ywedidn’tthi
nkofexchanging
number s.

Itookof
fmysweat ycl
othesandwrappeda
towelar
oundmet henpl
ayed“Conf
identl
yLost
”
bySabri
naClaudi
osoftl
yasIsiponmywi ne.
It
henpr
epar
edabubbl
ebat
hef
ormy
sel
f,
remov i
ngt [Link]!So
rel
axing,[Link]
wineandgr [Link] dn’
thel
pbut
searchthatguyonl i
ne.

Me:
Mh-
mh-
mh

Foundhisaccountandbrowsedthr
oughhis
[Link]
u!Thebathr
oom suddenl
ygotsohot,I
takemygl assandsi
pagaintomythir
st.

Me:
Ooohl
ekaul
ena(
thi
sguy
)

Whilescroll
ingIchokeonmywi neandswift
ly
si
tup, eyeswideningasIseeapict
ureofhim
[Link] eatheheavi
lyasIscr
oll
mor etosee
otherpictur
[Link]’r
ereal
lybuddi
es.
Me:
No,no,
no!Whydoy
oukeepr
uini
ngt
hings
f
orme?Why!

Isankloweragai ninthebathtubclicki
ngmy
[Link] ocal m downand
real
izethatI’
m actual
lycurioust ofi
ndout
what ’
sgoingoni nBuzwe’sl i
[Link]’tbeen
botheri
ngmef orawhi l
enow, nott
hatIcareor
i
fhe’dknowmywher eabout scauseI’vebeen
keepingev er
ythi
ngprivateaboutmyl i
fe.

Icl
ickonhi sprofi
leandIswal l
owedseei nga
cer
tainvideohepost edy est
[Link]
ayedit
andmyhandst rembledasahugel umpf ormed
i
nmyt hr
[Link]
ypl acethephoneasi de
cl
osingmyey esasIt ookdeepbreaths.

Me:
Sohe’
sfoundanot
herone?
Ibi
temyl i
psandsnat chedtheglassofwine
downi
ngi tandconti
nuedsoaki ngmysel
[Link]
ki
ndabrokemeal i
tt
leIwon’ tl
i
ecausethey
l
ookperfecttoget
herandt hey’
retr
endi
ng,
peopl
[Link]’
v ebeenus.

.
.
.

KENEI
LOE
Me:Whaaaat
??Heeeehay
ini
Ineedt
otal
k
somesensei
ntohi
m.

Isaidaft
erseei
nghi
svideof
rom Twi
tt
erand
scrol
ledforhi
snumber
.
Sparks:
Talksomesensetohim?Ngobani
(Why?)yourbr
otheri
sol
[Link]
ent
o
ayenzayo(Heknowswhathe’
sdoing)

Me: NoakayaziakayaziSbonga( hedoesn’t

knowSbonga.)Hedoesn’ tknowhowmuch
dangerheistohimsel fandtoothersaround
[Link] yavuma( yesIagree)they
l
ookgoodt ogether..
.butangekendi v
ume
ukubaonzakali
seitshom y am (
Iwon’tlethi
m
hurtmyfri
end.)

Heshr
ugs

Sparks:Cl
ear
lyheknowswhathe’
sdoingand
ngendlel
aengi
bonangayo,
kucacegcaaukut
hi
uyay’
thandal
entokazi
.Wonkeumuntu
uyak’
bonafuthil
okhoukut hichaindoda
i
semathandweni i
mpel a(From whatIseeit
’s
quit
ecleart
hathe’sinlovewiththatl
[Link]
anyonecanattestt
ot hatandseet hathe’
strul
y
i
nlove.
)

Imov
emyheadl
i
fti
ngmyf
oref
inger

Me:Eit
herwayI’
m notcancel
i
ngmaki
ngt
his
cal
l
.Ibal
uleki
l
e(I
t’
simportant
.)

Spar
ks:
Hai
manj
enaweKenei
—

Me:
Sshh-
sshh-
sshush.

Idi
alhi
m whi
l
eput
ti
nghi
m onl
oudspeaker
.
Buzwe:
Nomdade-
da(
Sis)

Me:
“Nomdade-
da”r
eal
l
yOBl
i
kehannet
eBut
i?

Buzwe: Okaykeent
seng(whatdi
dIdo)to
deservethi
sgrumpyKenei
loe?Fi
rstti
metal
ki
ng
i
nal ongtimeandthi
showy ouwelcomeme?

Me:Sekeoaitšoar
ajoal
okaleoatl
[Link] seba
hant
leseokebuangkasona.(Don'tactli
kea
fool
.Youknowexactl
ywhatI’
mt al
kingabout)

Buzwe:Idon't
,ngaphandlek’
bandi
vumise
mhlambi(exceptfori
fIthrowmybonesand
fi
ndout)

Iscof
frunni
ngmyt
ongueonmyt
eet
h.
Buzwe:Dinthodibai
e(Therear
emanyt hi
ngs)
soyou’
l
l havetobemor especi
fi
caboutwhat
you’
ret
alkingabout.

Me:I
’mtal
ki
ngaboutt
hev
ideoofy
our
sand
Sher
ee.

Buzwe: Yahwhatabouti t?I

t’
sthemost
beauti
fulthingyou’veseeni
nthenetright
?
Mostshar edandt al
kedaboutvideo,
wesui t
ed
foreachot herr
ight?Tellmehowdoy oufindit
?

Me:Iwantyout
ost
opwhat
everi
tist
haty
oudo
wi
thSheree.

Hebur
stsi
ntoal
oudi
rr
it
ati
ngl
aught
er.
Buzwe:
You’
rej
oki
ngr
ight
?

Me:Andidl
ali
.Obakenguzomlimazalomntana
(I
’
m [Link] ther
)she’
stoo
sweett
oseeandendur ethatsideofyou.

Buzwe:Yi
ma(
Woah)howi
sitanyofy
our
busi
ness?

Ibl
i
nk.

Me:
Ket abaeaka(
It
’smybusi
ness)because
I
’myoursis—

Buzwe:Yahi
tjustendst
her
eyou’
rej
ustmy
si
ster
!
Hei
nter
ject
sbi
tt
erl
y.

Buzwe: You’
renotgoingtodict
atemyli
fel
ike
that!Notevenmyownmot hershal
lev
erhave
authori
tyovermelikethat
!

Me:Okayokayskaphahamisal
ent
soelahao.
Hareloaneaker
e?(don’
trai
sey
ourvoi
cewe'r
e
notf
ighti
ngri
ght
?)

Buzwe: Youjustneedtomi ndy ourbusi

ness
Keneil
oejustli
keImi ndedmi newheny ouwere
[Link] erheardmeonce
makingaf ussabouty ourpictur
esandv i
deos,
yethereyouar e.

Ichokeonmysal
i
vaasIbecamest
if
f,scar
edt
o
tur
nbackandl ookatSpar
[Link]
lwasst
il
l
onloudspeaker
.

Buzwe: Don’teverputmei naposi ti

onto
choosebet weeny ou,myf amilyorSheree.
CauseI ’
lldefi
nit
elychooseher .Youarenever
thereformei ndar kt
imes, I
’
mt hemost
neglectedpersonbymyf amilyandsomayi t
remainso. .
.remaindistantasy ouareand
respectmydeci sionsandchoi cesImake
withoutthrowingmysi cknessonmyf ace.
Shapoaker e.

Hehangsupj ustt
[Link]
il
lremai
nedfaci
ng
forwardscar
edtolookbackasIhel
dinmy
breaths.

Sparks:
Awung’
tshel
ekeukut
hiwubani
uJoz
ea?
(Tel
lmewhoisJozea?)
Igul
pslowl
yturni
ngtohim wit
hmyheartraci
ng.
WherecanIbegintoexpl
ainwit
houtl
ooki
ng
gui
lt
y.

.
.
.

BUZWE(
OB)
“ ’
’ ?”

Iqui
ckl
ytur
ntoherst
ari
ngbehi
ndme.

Me:
Uhm howl
onghav
eyoubeenst
andi
ng
t
her
e?
Sheree:Longenought
oheart
hatmyownf
ri
end
doesn’tappr
oveofus

Me:
LookSher
eeIsor
tedt
hat
—

Sheree: “
Wedon’tli
vef
orpeople,wel
iv
efor
oursel
v es–t omakeushappy”remember
?It
’s
whaty out ol
dmeandItookiti
[Link]?

If
[Link]’
tknowaboutaman
bl
ushi
ng,
butdamnt hi
sladydi
dn’
tshej
ustt
urn
meon?

Sheree:Yourfr
ienddoesn’tli
keus,myfr
iend
doesn’tl
ikeusandpr obablyther
earemany
peopleoutther
ewhodon’ tli
[Link]?
I
t’
susagai nstthem andwegonnadot histil
l
t
heyaccepti
tashar
dasi
tcanbe.

Il
ookatherforal
ongt
imei
naweand
amazement.

Sher
ee:
Nowar
ewegoi
ngornot
?

Me:
[Link]
dyoudr
inkt
hepi
l
ls?

Sher
ee:
Athome.

Me: NonowSheree,now!Yousti
l
lhaveafut
ure
t
of ulf
il
lbef
orebabi
[Link]
you.

Shegi
ggl
es.
Sher
ee:
Youhav
etr
usti
ssues?

Me: Ij
ustdon’
twannabebl amedorevenwor
se
yourbrot
hergoesallBokoHaram [Link]
pleasemayIwitnessyoutaki
ngthem?

Sher
ee:
Fine.

Sheopensherpi
l
lsanddr
inksi
tinf
rontme.

Sher
ee:
Happy
?

Me:
Mor
ethanhappy
.

It
akeherhandski
ssi
ngt
hem.
Me:You’r
ear ar
egem andI’
l
lal
waysconsi
der
myselft
helucki
estmanali
vetohav
esomeone
l
ikeyou.

Shest
andsonhert
oest
oki
ssme.

Sher
ee:
Ilov
eitwheny
oupr
[Link]
ovey
ou
asmuchasyoulov
eme.

Me:
Itcan’
tpossi
blybeazi
l
li
ont
imescause
t
hat
’showmuchIl ovey
ou.

Sher
ee:
Urght
hiswi
l
ltakef
orev
er,
let
’sgo.

Me:
(sar
acasm)y
eah
Igrabbedherasspouncingbehi nditt
easingl
y
aswewal kedt owardst
hecar .Ourdri
vewas
ful
loflaughterandchat
[Link]
y
momentwi t
hher .

.
.
.

MI
SSANDERSON
Iwat chtheirvi
deofi
nishwhil
est roki
ngmychin
thoughtfull
[Link]
heirgi
ggli
ngsoundsatt he
caraheadofmeandseet hem kissbefore
Shereecl i
mbsof fhi
[Link]
ly
seeingthem talkmoreuntilt
heyf i
nall
ywave
goodby easBuzwedr ivesoff
.
Mymai
nfocuswasonSher
eeassheknocked
ont
hegat
e.
Me: Li
vetot
heful
l
estgir
lwhi
l
[Link]
yourdaysar
enumbered.

Iadj
ustmycapwhilefaci
[Link]
backatherwhenshegotinsideandst
udiedher
housecaref
ull
ywhi
lenodding.

Me:
Can’
twai
ttomeety
ou“
Honeybee.
”

Istar
tedthecaranddr
oveawayfr
om t
hatarea
knowingexactl
ywhatt
odonext,
togettheone
desir
edforme.
.
..
>>>Tobecont
inued.
..
47
.
..
BUZWE(
OB)
Iarri
vebacki nmyhouset ir
edandf irstthi
ngI
neededt odoi shitashower .Af
tert
hatI ’
m
defi
nitelytakingtheelongestnapev [Link]
fi
rstthingI ’
l
ldot omorrowist osear
chf oranew
[Link] yjustl
ikenor mal
people.

Ist
opont
rackseei
ngmybedr
oom messedup.

Me:
Whatt
hehel
l
??

Ir
ushedi
nandwenttocheckifev
ery
thingi
s
st
il
lonpl
aceandt
hatIdi
dn’tl
oseanythi
ng.

Ii
nsteadseear edLaceylinger
ieonthe
dressi
ngchair
.Ipickeditwithmyindexfinger
checki
[Link]
nit
elynotSheree’
s.
..Ilook
aroundmyroom andnot
icedali
pst
icksmudge
ont hemi
rr
or,andmanyphoto’
sofmescri
bbled
acrosswi
thacertai
nwri
ti
ng.
Ithensl
owlypickedat
issuei
nfr
ont
,wr
it
tenwi
th
theredl
ipst
ick.

“
. .”

OB:
She’
sgonnat
akeher

Il
if
tmyfaceont
hemir
ror
,seei
ngmyother
per
sonal
i
tycomi
ngf
acetofacewi
thme.

Me:
Who?

OB:
Her
Me:
Who’
sher
?Okay
,It
hinkIneedmypi
l
ls.

OB:You’r
enotcrazybuty
ouneedt
oacceptt
hat
I
’m par
tofyou.

Me:
I’
drat
herdi
e

OB:Ohyouwil
lbuty
ougon’suff
erfir
[Link]
gonnawatchy
oursweetdar
li
ngtakenfrom y ou
andgetki
ll
edwhi
leyoudonothi
ngabouti t.
Wonderhowyougonnasurv
iveadaywi thout
her.

Me:Whatdoyouwantfrom me?I’
m pastthe
t
raumaIexper
iencedsoleav
[Link]
myli
fe.
OB:Ohhh(chuckl
es)Idon’
tleav
easl
ongasy
ou
st
il
lexi
st.

Isi
ghr
ubbi
ngmyf
acer
oughl
y

OB:There’sanotherfemaleversi
onofy ou,
she’
sclosetoy [Link]
cinaf arwayworse
thanyou,she’
swi l
li
ngtodestroyev er
ythi
ngyou
have,t
ohav [Link] i
rstont
he
l
ist.

Me:
(snaps)Whoi
sshe?
!

OB:Ohhhhernamei
sgonnacosty
ou.I
’
m not
gonnagetusedl
i
ket
hat
Me:
Whatdoy
ouwant
?

OB:All
owfort
heconv
ergencet
ohappenand
qui
tthepi
l
ls.

Me:
Wel
lthat
’l
lbeNt
otheNo

Heshr
ugs

OB:
Toughl
uckt
hen

Me:
Mxm ur
ightke.

OB:Whatyoudon’ treali
zeisthatyouneedme
morethanany t
[Link] sweakweakweak
r
ealnteke-
nteke,especial
lynowt hatyou’
re
i
nlov
[Link], Iam yourdefense
mechanism,bothinspiri
tualway
sandf vcked
upway [Link] ou’
llbedeali
ngwithbothcases
andIam akeyhol dertoally
our6thsensesand
vi
ciousness,
theywillcomehandyinsituat
ions
asthese.

Me:I
’
m notki
lli
nganyhumanbei
ngagai
nand
t
akethef
all
,youdecei
ver
!

OB:[Link]
’sseey
ousolve
onethi
ngony ourown.I’
ll
beherewait
ingf
or
you,
inrescue.

Hegl
ancesdownont
het
issueIhadi
nhand.

OB:
Goodl
ucki
ntof
indi
ngher
Hewinksandthemirrorref
lect
iongoesbackto
i
tsnormalst
[Link]
ghandwentt odrinkthe
pi
ll
sandresumewi t
ht heshowerIhadplanned.

.
.
.

SHEREE
WhileIwashomepacki
ngmyclot
[Link]
phonerang,
Ismi
ledthi
nki
ngi
t’
sBeey eti
t’
san
unknownnumber.

Me:
Hel
l
o?

(
Sil
ence)
Me:
Hi!

Cal
l
er:
Hi

I
twasaf
emal
evoi
ce.

Me:
(fr
own)Who’
sthi
s?

Her:Ican’
ttel
lyoubutI
’
m her
etowar
nyou
aboutOB.

Me:
Wher
edi
dyougetmynumber
?

Her:
Doesn’tmat terbuti t’
sasistersavi
ng
anot
hersist
[Link] ourvideoont he
soci
alsandfeltsor r
yf oryou,youhav enoidea
whatyougetti
ngy ourselfint
o.
Ikeptqui
et.

Her
:Canwemeet
?

Me:I’
m noti
nter
est
edandIwon’
tbel
iev
e
any
thingyouhavet
osayaboutmyboyf
riend.

Her
:[Link]
ll
sendy outwocli
psofvi
deos,
t
hentel
lmeifyou’
resti
ll
uni
nterest
ed.

[Link] nutesl atermyphoneal ert

s
and2v [Link] ayedthem, unbel
ievabl
y!
IsawBuzwest abbingasecur i
tyguardonhi s
neckfr
om anot hercompl exofflat
[Link]
secondonei shimi njectinganotherpoorold
womani nthehospital,hiseyeswillhauntme
for
[Link] she?Whatdi dIgetmy sel
finto?
Mybr
eat
hspacedupandIhel
donmychest
.

Myphoner
angagai
n.

Her
:Youst
il
luni
nter
est
ed?

Ibi
temyl
i
psi
nsecondt
hought
s.

Me:Tel
lmet het
imeandpl
aceandI’
llbet
her
e.
Butf
ir
stIneedtoknowwhoyouare.

Her
:Fi
ne,
I’
ll
sendy
oumydet
ail
s.

.
.
.
GOMOLEMO
Idrovestrai
ghtt
owor ki
nt [Link]
arri
vedIdidn’
texactl
ygetoutoft hecarbutsat
thereforafewmi nutesandbr owsedfor
Buzwe’snumber .Itr
ieddiali
ngitanditr
ang
once,Iquickl
yhangupandt hrewmyheadback
i
nt heseat

Me:
Goshwhatar
eyoudoi
ngGomo?

MyphonerangandIqui
ckl
ypi
ckedwi
thout
checki
ng.

Me:
Heyl
ongt
imenosee!

Cal
l
er:
Longt
imenosee?
I
twasnothi
svoi
[Link]
yremov
emyphone
of
fmyearandchecked.

Me:
Uhm sor
rywhoi
sthi
s?

Hi
m:Theguyy
oumetatt
hegy
m

If
rown

Me:
Jozea?

Hi
m:Yesi
t’
sme

Me:Uhmmm (
laughs)wher
edi
dyougetmy
number
?
Ir
oll
myey
esasIhi
tmyl
ap

Me:
Uhm sor
ry,
thatmi
ghtbeast
upi
dquest
ion.

Jozea:Noit’
[Link]
ngifyou’
l
lbe
att
endingt
heprogram todayornot?

Ismi
l
ed

Me:Ist
hatmainl
ythepurposewhyyoucall
ed?
Oryouj
ustwantmet osaveyournumbersi
nce
youhav
emine?Inver
tedcommas“ stol
e”mine?

(
Sil
ence)
Me:
Huh?

Hel
aughsnotsay
ingany
thi
ng

Me:
Iknewi
t!

Jozea:
I’
m sor
ryIdi
dn’[Link]
’sf
ineI
’l
l
del
eteandnotover
stepboundar
iesift
herear
e
any.

Me: Noit
’snothi
ng.I’
m gl
adyoust
oleit
because.
..yest
erdayIwaswonder
inghowdi
d
wef or
getthatpart
.

Jozea:
Oht
hat
’l
lsav
emeIguess

Me:
Indeed.
Jozea:
Soar
eyoucomi
ng?

Me:
Yeahaf
terwor
kI’
m comi
ng

Jozea:
Can’
twai
ttoseey
ou

Ibi
temyupperl
i
pbl
ushi
ng.

Me:
Icansayt
hesamet
oo

Jozea:Gl
adt
oheart
hat
.Wel
lhav
eagr
eatday
atwork.

Me:
Yout
oo
Jozea:
Bye

Me:
Goodby
e.

Weendedthecall
withmesmil
ingeartoear.
Andbefor
eIgotoutoft
hecarBuzwedecides
tocal
[Link]
ollmyey
esdecli
ninghi
scall

Me:
Argh!Wena,
tswel
elaotabogekaf
a
mar
agogaka(You,j
ustcont
inuer
unni
ngaf
ter
me.
)

Ismirkgett
ingoutoft
hecarwal
ki
ngi
nsi
demy
workplace.

.
.
.

JOZEA
Iwasonmywayoutunt
ilSher
eest
oppedme.

Sheree:Heycanyoudropmeinsome
rest
aurantbef
oreyouheadt
othegym?Pl
ease.

Me:
Issf
ine,
ther
e’snopr
obl
em.

Wedr ovetowher
eshehadaskedmet odrop
[Link]
ledri
vi
ngont heroadIcoul
dseethat
somethingwasbotheri
[Link]
th
thought
sandwhateveriti
s,i
t’sbot
her
ingher
.

Me:
Arey
ouokay
?
Sher
ee:
I’
mfi
ne.

Me:
Tryagai
n

Sher
ee:
Yougonnaj
udgeme

Me: [Link]
eewemi ghthavefought
alot–wi t
hme, meddli
nginyourrel
ati
onship
butnowIwi l
lnolongerbeanirr
it
ati
ngbug,
you’
rewelcomet odowhateveryouwannado.
Butthatdoesn’
tmeanIwon’tlookoutforyou.

Iwatchhergettakenbyt
hatinsurpr
iseand
creepsinasmil
[Link]
slowlyf
[Link]
s
real
lyup.
Sheree:Ther
e’st
hingsIneedt
ofi
ndoutfir
st
beforeIcanconcl
udeandstar
tshar
ing.
..

Me:
Soundshect
ic

Sher
ee:
Iti
ski
ndahect
ic

Inod.

Me:
Sowhoar
eyoumeet
ing?

Sheree:
Somel
adywho’
sgotsomei
nfor
mat
ion
forme.

Me:
Whoi
sshe?
Sher
ee:
Shesay
shernamei
s..
.

Shef
rownst
hinki
ngabouti
t

Sher
ee:Gomo-Gomol emoIdon’
tknowhowher
nameispronounced.

Isi
tbackforasecasIr
aisemybr
ows
ast
onished.

Me:
Gomoasi
nGomol
emoMor
ake?

Sher
ee:Psh!Ihav
enoi deathat’
showhername
i
spronouncedbutIguessitshouldbeher
.But
woah…

Shel
ooksatme
Sher
ee:
Howdi
dyouknowaboutt
hat
?

Me:
I’
m assumi
ngi
t’
ssomeoneIknow

Sheree:Someoney
ouknow?Woahisthi
s
perhapsthesameper
sonwe’
ret
alki
ngabout
?

Sheshowsmeapi
ctur
eofheri
nthephone.

Me:
Yeahi
t’
sher
.

Shesi
ghsl
ooki
ngbackatt
hepi
ctur
ewi
tha
fr
own.

Sher
ee:
Howdoy
ouknowher
?
Me:Metheratt
[Link]
eshewanty
ou
guy
stomeethere?

Sher
ee:
[Link]’
sharmless,
she
woul
dn’
tdareatt
emptanyt
hingdrast
icata
publ
i
cspace.

Me:
Cal
lmei
fany
thi
nghappens

Shenodded

Me:
She’
snotgonnahar
myouIpr
omi
se.

Sher
ee:
Wil
ltakey
ourwor
dfori
[Link]
e.
Me:
Goodby
e.

Il
ookatherasshecl
imbsof
[Link]
mmedi
atel
y
di
alGomolemowhil
edri
vi
ngawayfr
om t
he
pl
ace.

Gomol
emo:
Twocal
l
satoneday

Me:
Sorr
ytocomeofasanagbut
,di
dyouask
t
omeetupwit
hmysist
er?

Gomol
emo:
Sist
er?

Me:
Yessi
ster

Gomolemo:Nowhoisshe?Howam Iev
en
gonnaknowyoursi
ster
?Howfor
war
dcanIbe
t
ostal
kyouli
ket
hat
.I’
m st
il
lfamil
iari
zi
ngwi
th
t
hispl
acet
obemakingmoveslikethat.

Ipl
acemyhandov
ermymout
h

Me:Soyouknownot
hingaboutar
rangi
nga
meeti
ngwit
hher?

Gomol
emo:
No!

Me:
You’
reatwor
k?

Gomol
emo:
Yesl
i
keIt
oldy
ou

Me:
Let
’sshi
fti
ntoav
ideocal
lpl
ease
Iam seri
ouslypani
ckingbadlyr
ightnowwhenI
seeherappearinginanoffi
[Link]
usthand
mysistereasil
yli
kethatt
oadanger ous
si
tuati
on?

Gomol
emo:
(gi
ggl
es)Youhav
etr
usti
ssues?

Me:Uhm lookwe’
l
ltal
kabitlat
[Link]
e’s
somethi
ngIhavetoat
tend.

Icutthecal
landmadetheU-tur
nspeedi
ngto
whereIhaddroppedSher
[Link]
sgett
ing
scary
.

.
.
.
MI
SSANDERSON
Iwat chherf rom adist
anceget t
ingimpati
entas
sheset tl
edt hebil
landwal kedoutofthe
[Link]
ewmyhoodi ecaponand
foll
owedherwhi lesecretl
yholdi
ngasy ri
nge
undermysl eeveandf oll
owedherf r
om a
dist
ance. .
.

Ii
ntent
ionl
ybumpedi
ntoher

Me:
Oopssor
ry

Shesmi
l
ed

Sher
ee:
Noi
t’
sfi
ne.
Shebendst
opi
ckhersl
i
[Link]
swasthe
chancef
ormet
ostabher,
Irai
semyhand…

“ ! !”

Sherai
[Link]
ckl
ydroppedmyhand
andsnuckedthesyr
ingei
nmypocket swal
ki
ng
awayandcursedundermybreath.

Me:
Sh¡
t!

Irushtotheotherdir
ecti
onsot hatImaynotbe
[Link]
smor onrui
nmy
plans?Shemustt hankhergodscauseI’m
gonnagethersoon.I ’
m notabouttogiv
eup,
notwhenI ’
vegottenthi
sfar.
.
..
>>>Tobecont
inued.
..
48
.
..
JOZEA
Me:
Didy
ounot
icet
hat
?

Sher
ee:
NoIdi
dn’
tnot
iceany
thi
ng

Isnor
tedwhi
l
eshaki
ngmyheadandt
urnedt
he
wheel
.

Sher
ee:
Am Ii
ndanger
?

Me:Youar
ev er
ymuchi
[Link]
ee,
youhav
etotell
meever
ythi
ngandwhyy ouhad
t
obehere.
Herey
esgr
owwi
dei
npani
ck.

Me:I
’
m sor
rybutt
herecan’
tbeanysecr
etsso
t
hatwecanknowexact
lywhatwe’
redeal
ing
wi
th.

Sher
ee:
What
’sgoi
ngonJozea?

Me:Isawsomeonewi thahoodiefoll
owingyou
behi
nd...abouttodosomethi
ngsinister
,li
ke
j
abbingy ouwithasyri
[Link]
i
sarey ousurethatyouweresupposedt omeet
wit
hGomo?

Sheree:
Ohmywor dwhat
?!Uhm..
.yesy
esI’m
sureIwassupposedt
omeetwit
hGomo, I
meanher .
Ilookedathersi
l
ent
lyandfocusedont
heroad
I’
mt aki
ngfoll
owi
ngthecul
pritwhowasbehi
nd
this.

Sheree:
What.
..Whati
sit
?Whyar
ewet
aki
ng
thi
sroute?

Ididn’
tanswerherandstoppedatacer t
ain
spotwhereInoticedaf
ami l
[Link]
zed
thenumberplatesandsavedt hem onmy
phone.

Sher
ee:
Jozea!

Me: UuhI
’mtryi
ngtofoll
owaroundthecul
pri
t
becauseIt
hinkthey
’repl
ayi
ngmi ndgamesat
you.
Sher
ee:
I’
m notf
oll
owi
ng

Me:Didthi
spersonpit
ch?Whom y
ou’
re
suppposedtomeet?

Sher
ee:
No

Me:Redf l
[Link]
mysteri
ousl
yfoll
owsyouaroundwi t
hint
ent
ions
[Link] hi
nk?

Shenerv
ousl
yshakesherheadbr
eat
hing
heav
il
y.

Sher
ee:
(shakeyv
oice)No
Me:Ithinkwe’r
edeal
ingwit
hsomet hi
ngbi
gger
t
hanwecani magi
[Link]
ngli
fe-
t
hreateningandweneedtowatchyouatal
l
t
[Link] emoisthel
eastofourtr
oubl
es
r
ightnow.

Sher
ee:
Whyar
eweexcl
udi
ngher
?

Me: Becausethi
swholepersonorchestr
ati
ng
thi
sisactuall
ymakingusbel i
evethatGomois
behindthi
smeanwhi l
eshe’sbeingframed.
Gomol emoisatherworkplaceaswespeakand
shehasnoi [Link]
onthephonenotl ongagoafterdroppi
ngyou.

Sher
ee:
What
!Ifnothert
hanwho?

Me:
That
'swhatweneedt
ofi
ndoutandgett
he
f
ami
l
yinv
olv
[Link]
hisi
scl
ear
lydanger
.

Shenodswhi
l
ebr
eat
hingheav
il
y

Sheree:Iwonderwhohav
eIcr
ossedt
hatmuch
thattheywanttohur
tme.

Me: AllI
’vegott
osayislookamongy ourci
rcl
e
andl ear
nt obevi
gil
antnextt
[Link]’tj
ust
meetwi thanyoneanywherej
ustbecausethey
saythey'vegotsomethi
ngimportantf
oryou,
please.

Shenodsandt
her
estoft
hedr
ivewassi
l
ent
.

.
.
.

MI
SSANDERSON
Ist
orm backhomet aki
ngmybeanieof
fand
movemyhead, shakingmyhai
rlooset
hen
cl
osedmyey esandexhale.

“ ?”

Ishootmyeyesopenandsawbot
hmyaunt
s
ther
e–uninv
ited.

Me:Youdon’
tneedt
oknowal
laboutmy
wher
eabout
s.

Zur
i:Don’tneedt
oknowaboutyour
whereabouts?Wel
lhav
eyoufor
gottent
haty
our
f
atherneedsy
ou!

Me:
Whywoul
dIf
orgetsuchani
mpor
tantt
hing?

Zel
da:
Respect
!

Iangril
ytwi
rlmytonguearoundmyt [Link]
gotupandwal kedtowar
dsme, i
ntr
ospecti
ng
myf aceorr
athermysoul,bitbybit
.

Zel
da:
Whatar
eyouupt
oli
tt
legi
rl
?

Ipi
ckmyeyesfrom t
hef
loorandt
hrowt
hem at
her
,gl
ari
ngather.

Me:It
hinky
oual
[Link]’
tyour
ead
mi
nds?
Zur
i:Whyar
eyousoang—

Zel
da:A-aasshhh‚It
hinkIcanhandl
ethiswell
si
ster
.Leaveital
ltomeaswebot hstar
tedit
.

Hersi
sterr
est
ri
ctsher
sel
fandmov
edbackt
o
si
tdown.

Zel
da:
Fami
l
ycomesf
ir
stCai
tl
yn

Me:Ikgaeenkeernaarbui t
enom watl uchtt
e
happeneniedereenreageer
toverdreven!
!!
!
Waarom i
sdat?( Igooutforsomeai ronceand
ever
yoneoverreacts!
!!
!Whyisthat?
)

Zur
i:Hey
!!
!schr
eeuwni
ett
egenj
etant
eni
et
(
don’
tshoutaty
ouraunt
)

Il
ookedather
.

Zel
da:
Zur
iIsai
dI’
l
lhandl
eit
.Cai
tl
ynl
ookatme.

It
urnmyheadt
oher

Zelda:Thatwasn’
texactl
ythebr
eathoffresh
ai
ry [Link]
enti
onswastoharm
anotherpersonandthat’
snotwhatyou’
re
supposedt obedoingri
ghtnow.

(
Sil
ence)

Zelda:Yourmai
nfocusshoul
dbey ourf
ather
.
Hislif
eisinacr
it
ical
condi
ti
on..
.heisbrai
n
deadonalif
[Link]
ors
tol
dusthosenewstodaythat’
swhatyou
shoul
dbefocusi
ngon.

Myey
esf
lut
ter
edi
npai
ntot
henews

Zelda:Whenoneofusisdownweneedt odrop
everyt
hingandpr
ior
it
[Link]
anythi
ngelsewedowi l
ldi
sruptt
hei
rheal
ing.

Icur
vemyl i
pstoasmil
eandchuckl
ed.
..t
hat
ki
ndalef
tthem gr
eat
lyi
nshock.

Zel
da:
Cai
tl
yn

Me:
Nooff
encebut(
scof
fs)don’
ty'
al
lthi
nk
may
bei
t’
sdad’
stimetodi
e?Comet othi
nkofi
t.
Zur
i:Don’
tut
tersuchbl
asphemy
!

Ishr
uggedl
aughi
ng

Me:
Causeit
’str
[Link]
nscaughtupwi
thhi
m
t
hat
’swhyheiswhereheisr
ightnow.

Zelda:
Takebackthosewor
[Link]
tl
yn!
!!t
ake
backthosewords.

Ishakemyheadcal
mly

Me:I’
m af
raidIcan’t
.Dadhasl iv
edandhas
[Link]
ici
ngour
ti
mesandput t
ingourthingslastforhim ai
n’
t
[Link]’stheuseofwat er
ingan
al
readydeadpl
anthuh?

Theykeptqui
etst
ari
ngateachot
her

Me:Tellme,causeImean(chuckl
es).
..hei
s
al
readybrai
ndeadorperhapsIheardthat
wrong?

AuntyZeldal
ooksatmei
namost
condescendi
ngway.

Zelda:
Youar egett
ingcr
uel
erev
erysi
ngl
e
secondthatpasses.

Me:I’
m notcruel
I’
m upli
ft
ingoursupr emacyi
n
theki
ndofdiaboli
sm [Link]
bewai
li
ngandhowl ingweshoul dr
atherfocus
onbuildingalegacythatwi l
ll
[Link] f
you’r
el ooki
ng,we’rethelastAndersons
[Link] ol
asheexcludedher sel
f.
Andal readyseesherselfunfi
ttoevermer ge
withthepat hofthosewhochoset hedar kness.

Zel
dar
emai
nedsi
l
entl
ooki
ngbackathersi
ster
.

Me:Sowhatwil
li
tbe?Youl
etmel ookformy
ki
ngwho’
llhel
pmebuil
dthi
slegacyor.
..?

Zur
i:Whatabouty
ourf
ather
?

Isnor
tasIcur
vemyl
i
ps.

Me:Simpl
eweswitchof
fthemachi
[Link]
e’s
not
hingl
eftf
orhi
mt odoanyway
.
Zel
da:
Youcan’tmaket
hatdeci
sionony
our
ownCait
lynpl
ease.

Me: WellI
’
mtheonlydaught
[Link]
l
ikeallaut
hor
it
yli
esonmenow. .
.soI ’
m
standi
ngonmywor [Link]
scussion.

Zuri
:Arey
oureall
yconsider
ingki
l
li
ngour
brot
herwi
thoutoursay
??

Me:Justl
ikeyouconsideredkil
l
ingmymot her
wit
[Link]
youshoulddoi sprepar
e
out
fit
sforthefuner
[Link]
’v
ehada
l
ongdayandt omorrowi t
’st
hesamest ory.

Iwinkedatthem f
aki
ngasmi
l
easIt
urnonmy
heelandlef
tthem.
.
.
.

SHEREE
Idismi ssedmy sel
fafterthefamilymeeti
ngst
il
l
feelingscaredandcreptout .Asmuchast hey
assur edmeI ’l
lbefi
neaf tert
ell
ingthem
ever yt
hing.
..butst
il
litfeelsl
ikeI’
m bei
ng
wat ched24/ 7.
Iscream andj
umpi
nfr
ightwhenmyphone
ri
[Link]
osemyeyesi
nreli
efanswer
ingt
he
call
.

Me:
Bee
Buzwe:
Babe,
hey
,howar
eyou?

Me:
I’
mfi
net
hankshowar
eyou?

Buzwe:I
’l
lbefineonceyougi
vemeanhonest
answerofthatquest
ion.

Me:
Uhwhatexact
lydoy
ouwantmet
osay
?

Buzwe:
Trut
honl
y

Il
etoutashor
tbr
eat
h

Buzwe:Iknowwhenyou’
renottel
l
ingmet
he
tr
[Link]
ustmeIcanalr
eadytel
l
.
Me:
FineI
’
m notokay

Buzwe:
What
’st
hepr
obl
em?

Me:I’
mfreakedoutbysomet
hingandit’
s
get
ti
ngtome, l
eadi
ngmet oparanoi
a.

Hewentsi
l
entf
oraf
ewsecs.

Buzwe:
Cany
ouspeakabouti
tov
ert
hephone?

Me:
Isuggesty
oucome.

Buzwe:
Shoul
dIbr
ingy
ousomet
hing?

Me:
Noj
usty
our
sel
f
Buzwe:
Notev
ensomedoughnut
s?

Ismi
l
edandi
mmedi
atel
ylaughed.

Me:
Okaymay
bebr
ingmeone

Buzwe:
Ort
wo,
ort
hree,
okaysi
xiti
s

Me:
Heeey
!Buzwenooo.
..

Heal
readyhangup.

Me:(
sar
casm)Hedi
dn’
tev
ensayhel
ovesme.
Ar
ghthi
sman.
Ismil
edplaci
ngmyphonedownandgoton
busywit
hwhat ev
erIwasdoi
ng.

.
.
.

BUZWE(
OB)
Igav
eherawarm hugandafor
eheadki
ss
i
mmediat
elywhenIseeher
.

Me:
Yourgi
ft
s.

Sher
ee:
Thanky
ou

Il
eandownt
oherl
evel
togi
veheraki
ssont
he
[Link]
nthecar
.

Me:
What
’swr
ong?

Herf
acechangesf
ormi
ngaf
rown

Sher
ee:
Babewho’
sGomol
emo?

(
Sil
ence)

Sher
ee:
Buzwe.
..Buzwe.
..Buzwe!

Shesl
amsmyshoul
derbr
ingi
ngmebackt
o
ear
th.

Sher
ee:
Iaskedy
ouaquest
ion!Whoi
sshe?
Me:She.
..she’
ssomeoneIknowf
rom my
chi
l
dhood.

Sher
ee:Whatwasshei
nyourl
i
fe?Af
ri
endor
anex?

Me:
Ex?No!Okaymay
beshewasmycr
ush.

Sher
ee:
May
be?

Icl
osemyey
esandsi
gh.

Me:
Shewas

Sher
ee:
Sti
l
lis?
Me:
(fr
owns)No

Shenodded

Sheree:Okaymay beshe’
st heonewhomade
[Link] hi ngnear
ly
happened..
.Ial
mostgotdr uggedandprobabl
y
gotabductedtoday.

Il
aughsi
tt
ingup.

Me:Okaywho’saski
ngf
ort
hei
rdeat
hwi
sht
hen
i
tshal
lbegranted

Sher
ee:Yout
aki
ngt
hisasaj
okeBuzwedoy
ou?
Li
kereal
ly
??
Me:Ify
ouknewmebet
tery
ou’
dknowI
’
m as
deadasser
ious.

Sheree:Yeahbecausey ouareacold-bl
ooded
ki
ll
eraren’ty
ou?Splatteri
ngpeople’
sbloodis
whatthril
l
sy ouhuh?.
..Whoar eyou?

Il
ookatheroutofwordsasshethr
owsher
[Link]
ckitandwatcht
he
vi
deos.

Sher
ee:
Atl
eastdenythatt
hisi
str
uei
t’
ll
atl
east
makemefeelbet
ter
.

Me:
Mypasti
sbad
Sher
ee:Yourpasti
s..
.OhhhmyGodwhathav
eI
putmysel
fint
o?

Shehangherar
msov
erherhead.

Me: I
’vebeenpl anningt
otellyouall aboutmy
pastbutitseemedt [Link].
..I’m abet
ter
personnowokay ?[Link] ustme
ShereeI’m nolongerthesamemonst er
anymor e.I
’dnev ergobacktodoi ngt hose
stuff
sagain.

Shekeptqui
et.

Me:Ihaveapersonal
i
tydisorderand
someti
mesIlosecontrol
ov ermysel
fbab—
Sheree:
Don’tcomewit
hthatper
sonali
ty
disor
dercr
aponme!That’snoexcusefory
ou
toendsomeone’sl
iv
[Link]!

Ishamef
ull
ypl
acedmyhandov
ermymout
h.
Shesni
cker
s.

Sheree:I
sthatwhyy out aki
ngmef ordefense
cl
asses?Sot hatwhent hatmonsterevokesI
shouldbewellpreparedt ochal
l
engeithuh?

Ij
oltmyheadl
ooki
ngather

Me:No,Sher
eeno!Iwouldn'
tdothat
..
.I
woul
dn’
tdothattoyou,
[Link]
woul
dneverhur
tthi
sbeautif
ulf
ace..
.babeI
l
[Link] outakemef or
??
Isayemot
ional
lytouchi
ngherfacebutshe
movesawayfrom [Link]
owedand
cl
enchedmyteeth.

Me:
Gomol
emosendy
out
hese?

Sheree:I
tdoesn’
tmatt
erwhosenti
[Link]
erof
factIdon’
tthi
nkIcandot
hisanymoreI
’m sor
ry.

Shet
ri
esopeningthedoorbutIpul
lherback
andmakehersitback.

Me:
Youcan’
tdowhatnomor
eSher
ee?

Sher
ee:
Thi
s–us.

Me:
(tear
ful
)Don’
tdot
hist
oushoneybee,
pl
ease.

Sher
ee:Ican’
tst
ayher
ewi
thy
oui
nfearbabeI
can’
t.

Me:
I’
ll
nev
erhur
tyouIpr
omi
se.

Sheshakesherheadunst
oppabl
y

Sher
ee:
No

Shetri
estoopenagai
nIqui
ckl
yunlockedt
he
carover
whelmedbythi
sdaunt
ingfeel
ingt
aki
ng
overasmybodytensi
fi
esandsti
ff
ens.

Me:
You’
renotgoi
ngany
wher
eSher
ee.
Myv oicealreadychangesandt hatt
err
if
iesher
ashell,herchestbeginheavi
ngupanddown.I
snapmyneckatt heot herdi
recti
onnotfaci
ng
her,Idon’twanthertowi t
nessthismonster
thatdecidedtodisplayunwil
li
ngly.

Sher
ee:(
shakeyv
oice)Opent
hisdoorbaby
pl
ease.

Me:
Yougonnal
eav
emeandnev
ercomeback.

Sheree:Ipromisebaby
,Ipr
omiseI’
m not
l
eavingy [Link]’l
lal
waysbetoget
her.
..I
promise.

Isof
tenedandl
ookedbackather
Sher
ee:
(cr
ying)Al
way
s

Sheshaki
ngl
ypl
acesherhandonmyj
aws,
car
essi
ngme.

Sher
ee:
Justpl
easel
etmego

Ishotmyey esopenandsawredimmedi
atel
y
thenviol
ent
lypunchedt
hedashboar
dwit
hher
screaming.

Me: Youwantmet oletyougo!!!

!?Youwantme
toletyougo!!
!!
?Justwhenwewer edoingokay,
youletthem comebetweenusandt oreus
apart!
!!Analmostper
fectcouple?Youwant
them totakeyouawayfrom me?JustwhenI
wasi mprovi
ngwitheveryt
hing!
!!Shereeheeee.
Il
aughwi
pingmyt
ear
sandsheshakesher
head.

Me: Gomol emoisjealous!Shewillforeverbe

j
ealous!Shehadherchanceandshepl ayed
withit
.NowIhav eareal oneandshe’ strynna
rui
[Link]’
snowayI ’
ml et
tingy ougoI
swearI’dratherdi
[Link] emyf oreverand
that’
l
lneverchange.

Sher
ee:
Buzw—

Isl
am mychesthar
d

Me:Itt
ookmeawhi l
etogetoverherandI
f
inal
lygotmyhappypl
acewhichisyouandthey
wannatakei
tawayfr
om me??
Il
aughv
ici
ousl
y

Me:Theybet
tert
ryandthey
’l
lseehowthey
’l
lbe
bur
iedbekel
ebeke(weekbyweek)Ipr
omise..
.

Sher
ee:
I’
m notl
eav
ingy
ou

Igrabherf
aceandki
ssherf
oramomentt
hen
brokei
twit
hapeck.

Me:[Link]
hcanonlysepar
ateusnotany
ot
herthi
ngnoranyot
herhumanf ort
hatmatt
er.

Istr
okeherupperl
i
pwithmyf i
ngerwher
eI
star
tednot
ici
ngasli
ghtcutt
here.
“
?”

Ipani
ckedmor eseeingJozeathereand
somethi
nginmei nfuri
[Link]
onaperfectsmil
easshecol l
ecti
velysatup.

Sheree:
I’
mfi
neJoznoneedt
owor
ry.I
’
llbe
ther
einaminut
e.

Shewav esathim andhesmi l

edgoingbackin
[Link]
dn’tshejustcar
rythatper
fomance
well
.Sheslowlyturnsbacktomeswal l
owing.

Sher
ee:
MayIbesetf
ree?

Ismi
l
efi
xi
ngherhai
rasIadmi
reher
Me:
Ilov
eyou

Sher
ee:
Ilov
eyout
oo.

Iki
sshersof
tl
yandgazeather

Me:You’r
[Link].
You’
llal
waysbemi nej
ustli
keI’
ll
alway
sbe
your
[Link].

Shel
ooksatmeandsl
owl
ynods

Sher
ee:
Bye

Me:
Bye
Ipr
esstheunl
ockkeyandshegetsofft
hecar.I
smil
eatherandwatchhert
il
lshedi
sappear
s.

Whenshedi sappearsIf
ell
backonmyseat
awakingasifmymi ndhasbeenst ol
enformer
e
[Link]
tmyey ebr
owst oget
herasI
[Link]
pri
singl
yIreal
izea
phoneinmyhand.

Me:Sheree’
sphone.
..whyi
sither
e?What
happened?

Ii
ntr
ospectmyselfandmyhearti
nst
ant
lysank
asIj
erkupfrom myseatseei
ngmyknuckles
bl
oody.
..

Me:
Nonono
Iplacemyhandonthewheel,
Itooknot
iceof
thev ei
nssl
owl
ydi
sappear
ing.

Me:
Fvck!NoOB.

Ibangt hewheelandmyey eslandedonmy

[Link]
semor ethr
owingmy
bodybackont heseatcoveri
ngmyf acein
regret
.

.
.
.

GOMOLEMO
Gotbackf
rom wor
kaboutt
ochangei
nmygy
m
att
ir
est
il
lIgott
hiscal
lfr
om t
heunknown
number
.

Ist
opandf
rownpi
cki
ngi
t.

Me:
Hel
l
o?.
..Hel
l
o?

Cal
l
er:
Youdesper
atel
yseeki
ngmyat
tent
ion.
..

Ipul
lmyfacebackwar
dsasIr emovemyphone
fr
om myearasecond,checki
ngthenumber
.

Me:
Who’
sthi
s?

Him:At
tenti
oniswhatyou’
ll
get
.I’
l
l hauntyou
sobadthatyouwishdeat
[Link]
you’
l
lenj
oyitsinceyoust
art
edi
t.
..
Myphonebeepedindicati
nghecutthecal
l
befor
eIcouldsayanythi
ngfurt
hermor
[Link]
shakedoffbyt
hatdeepinti
midati
ngvoi
ce.I
[Link]
chestasmyheartthudshardagai
nsti
t.

Iqui
ckl
yrantolockall
thedoor
sandwindows
scar
[Link]
ookedaroundandgotmyphone.

Me:“Hey,
I’
m sor
ryIcan’
tgot
othegy
mtoday
.I
t
hinkI’
mindanger ”

Isendhimthet
extgrabbi
ngal
ltheshar
p
object
swhil
equi
veri
[Link]
atesa
message..
.

Jozea:
“
 ”

Itakefewdeepbr eat hsandsendhimthe

l
[Link]
ngmyf r
iend
Ziphora‚asIscrollthroughhernumbersmy
phoneinstantl
yv i
bratesagainanditdr
opsin
thewat er
.Iquickl
ygoti tout
.

Me:
Nosh¡
t!

Iwaveitofftobedr yandwipeitoffbuti
t
[Link] t
!Iwenttofetchadr y
er
todryit.I
’
mf inished,mylif
eisindanger.I’
m
l
efttodoonet hingIhaveneverdonebef or
e.
Kneeli
ngdownandbegi ntopray.
.
..
>>>Tobecont
inued.
..
49
.
..
GOMOLEMO
Idon’tknowhowIendedupf al
l
ingasleepon
thecouchsti
ll
[Link]
upbysomeone’ swhistl
es,
Iweakl ybli
nkmy
eyesopenandsl owlyl
if
tmyheadt osomeone
standingont
[Link] i
ngallbl
ack.

Hi
m:Hel
l
obabygi
rl
.

Hesmil
[Link]
hecouchlandi
ngon
mybut
tont hefl
oorandcrawl
edbackreal
i
zing
whoi
twas.

Me:Bu.
..Buzwe?Eng‚odi
rangmo?(
What
‚what
ar
eyoudoinghere?)
Buzwe:
Gladt
oseeme?

Iconti
nuedcrawl
ingbackasIshakemyhead
quickl
ypant
ing.

Me:Nonooirang(whatar
eyoudoi
ng?
)O
mphi
tl
hel
etsejang?(
Howdidyoufi
ndme?
)

Hel
aughsunpl
easant
ly.

Buzwe:Akereuneullel
aatt
enti
oneaka?Ke
monahe, ket
loar
abapit
soeaka.(Weren’
tyou
cry
ingoutformyatt
enti
on?I’
m her
ethen,
answeri
ngmycall.
)

Me:No,no,
no(cry
ing)Buzwedon’
tdothis.
Pl
easedon’
tdothi
s!Kekopatshware—(Please
f
orgi
—)

Hewasalr
eadyont opofmesmot heri
ngme
wi
thacl
[Link]
edf i
ght
ingandki
ckingunt
ilI
l
ostmyconsciousnessi
nabl i
nkofaneye.

.
.
.

JOZEA
Ical
l
edVi
olawhi
l
edr
ivi
ngt
oGomol
emo’
spl
ace.

Vi
ola:
Hey

Me:
Viol
a,howar
eyou?
Vi
ola:
I’
mfi
net
hanksandy
ou?

Me:
I’
m cool
.

Ihear
ddr umspl
ayi
ngandanoi
sybackgr
ound
atherend.

Me:
Wher
ear
eyou?

Viol
a:I
’minKeny
a,I
’
m hav
ingacer
emony
perf
ormedthi
ssi
de.

Me:
Ohuhm.
..t
hat
’sni
ce

Vi
ola:
I’
m sur
ethat
’snotwhyy
oucal
l
ed
Me:(bl
i
nks)Ohy
[Link] I’
m cal
l
ingtofi
nd
outi
fYXV338GPisCait
lyn’
snumberplat
eor
not?

Vi
ola:
Uhmmm Iguessso,
why
?

Me:
(snaps)Ineedy
out
obecer
tai
nVi
ola

Viol
a:Geezbree!Iwoul
dn’tcarememorizi
ng
Cait
lyn’
snumberinthefi
[Link]’
renot
cooll
ikethatandyouknowi t
.

Isi
ghf
rust
rat
edl
y

Jozea:
Knowwhat
?Thanksf
ornot
hing!
Vi
ola:
Ohhpl
easur
eisal
lmi
nedar
li
ng

Me:
Mxm!

Icutt
[Link]
he
navi
gatorandIarr
ivedatt
helocati
onGomo
[Link]
deandaccessedmy sel
f
i
n.

Ist
oodatt
hedoorandknocked.

Me:
Gomol
[Link]?Gomol
emo

Istoppedandslowlypushedthedooropen,
real
izi
[Link]
nher
apartmentreal
i
zingther
ewasnoonenei ther
werethereanyforcedentr
iesoranyt
hing
br
oken.

Me:
Gomol
emo!

IwalkedandcrouchedwhereIsawherphone.I t
wasof fandcouldn’
tswi
tchonI’m guessingi
t’
s
drownedjudgi
ngbyhowweti ti
[Link]
herinherapart
mentbutcouldn'
tfindher.

Iscrol
ldownmycontact
ssear
chi
ngf orher
fr
iend’
snumberIal
sotooki
tfr
om thegym’s
bookcontact
s.

Her
:Hel
l
o?

Me:
Hi,
am Ispeaki
ngt
oZi
phor
a?
Zi
phor
a:Yeahwho’
saski
ng?

Me:
It’
sJozeat
heguyf
rom t
hegy
m

Zi
phor
a:Ohohy
ahIr
emembery
ou

Me:YahI
’m cal
l
ingt
ofi
ndouti
fGomol
emoi
s
wi
thyouornot?

Ziphor
a:Gomo?[Link] esupposedtomeet
atthegym andIhav
en’
thear
dfrom her
.

Me:
OhhIwonderwher
eisshe?

Zi
phor
a:Whatdoy
oumean?
Me:She’snoti
nherapart
mentIj
ustchecked
hersi
nceshesentmeamessagesay i
ngthat
shethi
nksshe’
sindangerandt
hatshewon't
makeittothegym.
..

Zi
phor
a:I
’
m comi
ngr
ightnow,
don’
tmov
e.

Shecutsthecal
[Link]
ryi
ngt
ofi
gur
e
outwherecoul
dsher eal
l
ybe.

.
.
.

SHEREE
Il
eftanoteformyfami
lyseei
ngthatnoone
[Link]
acedi
tonthedini
ngareaasI
trembledinfear
,soscar
[Link]
eachformy
[Link]
ookedaroundi
n
thehouse.

Me:
I’
ll
def
ini
tel
ymi
sst
hispl
ace

Iexhaleanddr aggedmyl uggagerushingoutof

thehouseandwai t
edf [Link] i
mbedi nas
soonasi tarrivesnotl ooki ngback.I’
m afraidI
havenochoi cebutt orunf ormyl i
feandnev er
[Link] i
feisindangert here’
sthis
personst al
kingmeandt henBeescar edt he
sh¡toutofmey [Link] eal
lydon’
tknow
whatI ’
veputmy selfi
[Link] erreacted
l
ikethisbefor eandI ’
m afraidhe’sgonnado
somet hi
ngmor [Link] t’
sbestIgobackt o
Australi
[Link]
’swhatIshoul dhav edoneint he
fi
[Link] ami l
ywi l
lfor gi
vemef ortheway
Ileft
.
.
.
.

VI
OLA
Iwasstil
lbusycol
lect
ingplat
esunt
ilIt
ri
pped,
droppi
ngthem downwhi l
eIhadavisi
on.

Li
net
te:
AhhVi
olaar
eyoual
ri
ght
?

Me:I
’m al
rightAunt
ieI
’
llj
ustsi
mpl
ycol
l
ect
t
hesepieces.

Linet
te:Nonoy
ougor
est
.I’
m gonnacol
l
ect
them okay
?
Me:
Okayt
hanksaunt
ie.

Irushmaki
ngmywayi
nmyr
oom anddi
aled
Jozea.

Jozea:
What
?

Me:(
scof
fs)What
?Ist
hathowweansweracal
l
now?

Jozea:
Wel
lIdon’
thav
eti
mef
orj
okesVi
ola.

Me:Neit
[Link]
ook,yesindeedCaitl
yn’s
numberplat
[Link] usthadav i
sion,
Cait
lyni
sgonnadosomet hi
ngbadt oShereeI
don’
tknowwhatconnectsthem butIthi
nkit
hassomet hi
ngtodowi thyourfr
iend,[Link]
h
OBandCai tl
ynarethreat
.Youhav etodo
somethingtost
opt hem andpleasebequick
Jozea,all
hopesareony ouorelsesomeoneis
[Link]
ndbothOBandCai tl
yn.

Idropthecal
lst
il
lfeel
i
ngmyhear tr
ace.I
wonderwhatdoesmysi st
erhaveagai
nst
[Link]
’
m gl
adIcouldreachouti
nti
me.

.
.
.

BUZWE(
OB)
Iwatchherasshewasst i
ll
knockedof
fi nt
he
[Link]
tedforhertowakeup,she
fi
nall
yopenshereyesandscreamsseeingme
si
tinf
rontofherwi
thmybul
ldog,
brushi
ngi
t.

Gomol
emo:
Buzwe

Me:
Wel
comeback

Shebreat
hesheav
il
ylooki
ngatt
hebul
l
dogon
mylapthenatme.

Gomol
emo:
Whyar
eyoudoi
ngt
his?

Me: Whyshouldn’
tI?Didn’
tIgi
vey outhel
peacethatyourequir
ed?Butthatdidn’
tmake
yousati
sfi
edandsoy ouwentonandon, to
alwaysrui
nmemaki ngsur
eInev erfi
ndmy self
[Link]
ikeyoudidn’
twantt obemi ne!
Gomolemo:
Ganekeit
segoreobuakaeng(
If
onl
yIknewwhaty
ou’
retal
ki
ngabout
)

Me:
Ohhhsohaot sebe?(y
oudon’
tknow?
)Let
[Link]
stl
yyout
ri
edtodest
roy
myrel
ati
onshi
pwithRamona,nowkeSheree.

Gomolemo: Sher
ee!WhywouldIdothat
?I
knownothingofwhatyou’
ret
alki
ngabout,
I
swear
!Pleaseletmego.

Me:
Youknownot
hing?

Gomol
emo:
Keagobol
elamos(
I’
mtel
l
ingy
ou)

Me:
Thenexpl
aint
his!Expl
aini
t!
Ithr
owSheree’
sphoneonherandshenot
ices
thetext
sshesenther
.

Gomol emo:No,noasenna( i
t’
snotme)ase
nna,I’
[Link]
such?Lookcheckt henumbersarenoteven
[Link]’
llf
indt
hereal
personwhosentt hese.

Me:
Idon'
tcar
eit
’sal
readyt
ool
atenow.

Gomolemo:OBpl
easedon’
tdosomet
hingy
ou’
l
l
regr
etpl
ease.

Me:Whycouldn’
tyouloveme?Whydidyou
enj
oymakingafooloutofmeanddestr
oyed
me,huh?All
thi
scould’
vebeenav
oided.
Sheshakesherheadwi
tht
ear
sst
reami
ngdown.

Gomolemo:It
’snott
oolat
ef orthat
.Wecanst
il
l
changet
hingsandfi
ndourselvesbackt
oeach
other
.

Ist
andupandpl
aceFhunodown.

Gomol emo:Buzweeeeno! !
!!Youdon’twanna
dothat .Youreall
ydon’twannadot hat,i
t’sme
Momo, Mat
hapelo’[Link]
lyoufir
st
fel
linlovewith.
..yousureyouwannaki llherf
or
nothing?Willyoubeabl etoli
v ewit
hyourself
aft
er?

Me:Well
thatl
ovel
[Link]
onl
yonewhohasaspecialpl
aceinmyhear t,
whoev
ertri
estot
hreat
enthat
..
.wil
l notgett
o
seet
henextday
.

Gomolemo:(cr
ying)NonoBuzwedon’
tdot
his,
pl
eaaaase.

Isl
owl
yknel
tnearLuf
huno’
sear
s

Me:
(whi
sper
)Eather
!

Iunchainedthedogandi
timmedi at
elyjumps
ont opofher,cl
awi
ngherwit
hherpi er
ceful
[Link]
vi
gor ousl
yshakesasi
fI’
l
lbehitbyasei zur
e
att
ack...
.
..
>>>Tobecont
inued.
..
50
.
..
BUZWE(
OB)
Indeedaseizur
eattackedmerighttheref
orfew
mi nut
eswhenitseizedIgotupfrom thef
loor
andl i
ftmyheadreali
zi
ngwhatIjustdid.

Me:Gomo?NoooGomol
emo!Gomo!Whatt
he
f
vckdidIj
ustdo?
?

Ishakeherbutshewasnon- r
esponsiv
[Link]
wasinav er
ygruesomest at
e,herf
leshonher
cheekwasoutaswel [Link]
neckwasoozingwi t
[Link]
wideopen,showingthatt
herewasnol i
fei
n
them.

Me:
Gomooo!
!!
!
Ihear
dthedogchewi
ngsomet
hing

Me:
Nonono

OB:She’
[Link]
yingov
erspl
i
t
mil
know.

Iturnmyheadfaci
ngmypersonal
it
ycoming
facetofacewi
thmelikeanor
mal i
ndi
vi
dual
.I
slowlygotupt
eari
ngupandwipedmyface.

Me:Whatkindofdev
ilareyou?Haven’
tyou
t
ort
uredenough!
?Hav en’
tyou!
!!
!?

Igr
abi
tinmyhandsandshakei
t

Me:
(scr
eams)Whydon’
tyoul
eav
emeal
one!
!!
You’
vedoneenoughdamagewi thmysani
ty,
youcreat
edaruthl
essmonsteri
nmeandnow
you’
recomingasanactual
human!Goaway ,
j
ustgoawayplease.
..I
t’
senough,t
hisi
s
enoughgoawayplease.

Il
etgobr
eaki
ngdownandst
umbl
edback
si
nki
ngdownonthef
loor
.

OB:Wear eundergoi
ngafi
nalst
ageoffreei
ng
youbutIwantyout omakeadeci
sionf
or
your
sel
f,caref
ull
y.

Isl
owlyglanceupathim, hewasav eryscary
ver
sionofmy sel
fwithalldarkeyeseven
coveri
ngthewhitepartandwer egli
[Link]
hadadarkaur asendi
ngshi v
ersdownmyspi ne.
OB:Youmayr egardmeast hedevilbutI'
mt he
mostki ndestdev il
youcoul dev erencounter
[Link] stheretosav eyou,Ifi
ght
foryou, Iki
l
l f
ory ou,Ialer
ty ouofthedangert he
univ
er sehasi nstoref [Link] our
ass!!Allyoucouldev erdoisshowgr at
it
ude
sonandACCEPTME!

Me:Showgrat
it
udeinyouf
orki
l
li
ngher
???
Whenshe’
sinnocent
!

Ishoutpoi
nti
ngthel
ifel
essGomoonthe
[Link]
mlyshakeshi
shead.

OB:
Hm-
m Idi
dn’
tki
l
[Link]
d.

Me:
Excuseme?
?
OB:Themomenty ouboi l
inangery ousummon
me,themomentyouf eelscaredy ousummon
me,themomentyou’restressfulyousummon
[Link] ourorder
s,al
l
t
histi
meI’
vebeeny ourservantBuzweandi t’
s
t
heactual
trut
h.

Ishakemyheadr
api
dlyi
ndeni
al

OB:Ithoughty
ourt
herapistwascl
eart
oyou
aboutthat–whensheletyouknowmoreabout
meiny ou.

Me:
(cr
ying)Youar
ejusti
nmyhead!

OB:Thenwhydoy ouseemeli
kethi
s?Whycan
youtouchandfeelme?Youareconstanti
n
yourmedicat
ion.
..yether
eIam f
acetoface
withy [Link] i
ndadumpf ormeeven
yourusel esspil
lscan’t
!Isawy oupr ayi
ngt
he
otherdayandIwasl ike‘LOL’..
.May beyou
woul d’
vedonet hatwheny ouwer est i
ll
goi
ng
throught heordealwithyourmot herandmaybe
Iwoul dn’
thaveat t
achedmy sel
ftoy ou.

Me:
(cr
yingwi
thhi
ccups)No,
no

OB:Theonl
ydumpf
ormei
sdeat
[Link]
hing
el
seboy.

Icov
eredmyf
acecont
inui
ngt
oweepsi
l
ent
ly.

OB:Lookaty ou,suchaweakli
[Link]
hink
youwould’v
esur vi
vedi
fitwasn’
tforme?How
doyouthinky ou’
ll
beabl
et osaveSher
eewhen
you’
rel
ikethis?
If
rant
ical
l
yjumpi
ntoasi
tt
ingposi
ti
on

Me:What
?Whatdi
dyoudot
oher
?Whatdi
d
youdot
oSher
ee!
!!

OB:
Mnk‚
mnk‚
mnk‚
mnk‚

Heshakeshisheadcl
ucki
nghi
stongue
di
sappoi
ntedl
y.

Me:
Whatdi
dyoudot
oher
!!
!!
?

OB: Youal
waysthinktheworstofmeBuzwe.I
evenhadtoacceptthechangeofheart
betweenGomo&Sher ee,
yetyoucall
methe
devil
.Haveyoueverseenadev i
ll
ikeme?
(
Sil
ence)

OB:
I’
m gonnagi
vey
ouanul
ti
mat
um Buzwe.

Il
ookedathi
m.

OB:Youwil
lhav
[Link]
ghtnowy ou’
re
faci
ngmeforwhatIr
eal
[Link]
mebecauseaconver
genceneedstohappen.

Ismi
l
edandl
aughed

Me:
Shoul
dhav
eknewi
t

OB:
Theul
ti
mat
um i
s,y
oul
etmecomei
nsi
de
youandwebecomeoneasi ncomplet
e,Buz
we
wil
lbeathingofthepastwhenthe
conver
gencetakespl
ace.

Me:
(sni
cker
s)I
’
drat
herdi
e.

OB:OrIl
eavey
oual
oneandy ouremai
nthi
s
weak—Imean,t
heBuzwethatyouar
[Link]
you,
Icangowit
hwhatev
eryouchoosebut
..
.

Me:
You’
resousedt
ocont
rol
l
ing

OB: But.
..i
fyour ootforremaini
ngjustBuzwe–
withoutme( scoffs)yougotawhol elott
opay ,
fi
rstoffall
byGomo’ smur deryou’
ll
haveto
answert othi
[Link] hewholehousebeing
surroundedbyt hehelicopter
sandtheauthorit
y
force–y oumaki ngitintheheadli
[Link]
theythrowyoubackinthecell
swithother
chargesandmor eaddedforever
yothermurder
you’vecommitt
edwhi chyouthi
nkyou’
v eswept
undertherug.

Mychestheav
esupanddown

OB:Cherr
yontopi
slosi
ngShereeandt
he
fami
lycomesfory
[Link]
eal
l
t
hatbyhimsel
f?

Ibreatheheavi
l
ywithmyey
espoppedoutand
tearsescapi
nglout
.

OB:Yett
heulti
mat um i
sof course..
.youl ett
ing
t
hisconver
[Link] irstthing
we’
lldoi
sfindingthepersonr esponsibl
ef or
t
his–The‘my ster
ylady’responsibl
ef ory ou
kil
li
ngGomof orsomet hingshedi dn’
tdoand
fortaki
ngSher eesot hatshecanhav ey ou..
.We
deal wi
thhertheny ouf l
eewi t
hy ourl
ov eof
yourlif
efarawaywher ethecopswon' tfindyou.
Icanmakey oui nv
inci
blesot hatyourlovestor
y
doesn’tshor
tli
v [Link]’sitgonnabe?

Ifrowneddeepl ywhi
lehy pervent
il
ati
ngand
placedmyf [Link] dahor
nofa
caroutsideandIgotmor ealarmedasthe
pitbul
lcurl
editsel
fnexttome, i
nfearoff
aci
ng
theotherversionofmy self
.

OB:Timeismoneychappi
e,y
ouhavetomake
thedeci
sionf
asti
n60secsorther
eal
i
tyof
Buzweisaboutt
obefal
l.

Igr
oani
nsor
rowf
aci
ngup
Me:For
givemeLord!For
giv
emeFat
herf
or
whatI
’m aboutt
odo!

Icr
youtl
oudandlookedatt
hisdemonwhi
l
e
noddi
ngi
nsurr
ender.

Me:
Yes,
yesl
et’
sconv
[Link]
’sdoi
t.

Hesmil
esproudl
yandsl
owl
ywal
kst
omewi
th
hi
sar
mswi der.

OB:Come‚cometomemychi
l
d,come.
..f
inal
l
y
you’
veseenthel
i
ght
.

Itgotnearert
omef orahugbutIreachedfora
sharpobjectandst
abbedit
.Itgr
untsinagony
wit
hbl ackliqui
dcomingoutofi
tsmouthand
spl
attersinsteadofr
ealbl
[Link]
ell
onhis
knees.

Me:
ComeFhuno!

OB:Youcannotescapeme!!
!I’
m comingforyou
wi
thever
ythi
ngI’vegotyousonofabitch!You
wi
llf
eelmyfurymor et
hatI’
m outofy
ou.

Iconti
nuedr
unningoutwit
hmydog.
Every
whereItr
ytoexitt
hedoorshut
sandl
ocks
i
tsel
fonmyf ace.

Me:
What
!!
?

Ibangi
tandki
cki
[Link]
hrowat
abl
etobr
eaki
t
butitwasn’tbr
[Link]
oaninfrust
rat
ion.I
hearOB’slaughterandnervousl
ylookar
ound.

OB:Iwon’
ttouchasi
ngl
ehai
[Link]
ll
gi
vi
ngyouachancetomakether
ightchoi
ce.

Helooksoutsi
det hedooranddi dsomet hi
ng
wit
[Link]
ymygat esli
desupf or
i
tsel
fwhenhedi dt hataccessi
ng..
.Jozea’scar
i
n.

Me:
Wtf
!!
!!

OB:
Tickt
ock,
Tickt
ock

HevanishesandIr
unaroundlooki
ngforother
way
st oescapebutwoah.
..Gomolemo’sbody
i
sgonef
rom t
hespotIl
efti
t.

OB:
Woul
dn’
tyoul
i
ket
oknowwher
eshei
s?

Hedirect
edhisey esout
sidethewindowandI
seeJozeamaki ngacall
,star
ingatGomo’s
cor
psel y
ingnexttomypitbull
’scagewhi
chI
bui
lt
.

Me:
NOOOOOO!

Ihearsir
ensoutsi
[Link]
erywher
eIr
untoIam
blockedwit
hfi
[Link]
eswhi
lehesi
tson
thechair
.

OB:Gameoverchappi
[Link]
’si
tgonnabe?
Youhavenochoi
ce.
Ibegincr
yingdef
eatedl
[Link]
akeof
fmyjacket
andT-shi
rtunder
neathandremai
nwi
thonlymy
bri
efson.

OB:
Whatar
eyoudoi
ng?
?

Ichokedint
ear
sasIt hrewmysel
font hef
ir
e
butsuddenl
yaforcepushesmefarawayfom
thefi
reandIhi
tthecornerwi
thmyribs.

Me:
Ahhhhh!
!!
!

OB:
Yougiv
emenochoi
ceObakengy
ougi
ve
menochoi
ceatal
l
.

I
tjumpsont
opofmeconv
ergi
ngwi
[Link]
elt
mysoulf
loatawayasIwat chmyselfly
ingther
e.
Ifi
ndamanst andi
ngfrom af
arshakinghis
headwi
thhisarmsf ol
ded.

Me:
Whoar
eyou?

Him:Tsietsi
y ourfat
her
.It’
sther
etor
uiny
ou
buti
t’
lleventuall
ygetti
red.

Me:
Soam Idead?

(
Sil
ence)

Me:
Dad!Am Idead?
?

Dad:Ihav
etoint
[Link]’
ll
knowonceIreach
outt
oKeneil
[Link]’snootherwaymyson,
noot
herway
.

Me:
Dad.
..

Dad:Fornowfoll
[Link],I’
ve
neverwentthr
oughsuchwhenIsuf
fer
edf r
om
mentali
ll
ness.

Me:
Youal
sosuf
fer
edf
rom i
t?

Henodswhi
l
eIwasst
il
ltakenbyshock.

Dad:Whatdi dPhezido?Iaskedherni
cel
yto
neverproj
ectmysi [Link]
thatgotus!Ey.

.
.
.

JOZEA
Wewatchedast hemorguepeoplewer
ebusy
wi
[Link]
apeda
cr
imescene.

Me:Wil
lyouuhm beabl
etor
emai
n?Ther
e’s
somewhereIhav
etobe.

Zi
phor
a:(
sni
ff
s)Okay

Me:
Sur
eyouwi
l
lbef
ine?

Ziphora:
[Link]’
tbeli
evethi
sishappeni
ng
can’tbel
iev
emyf ri
[Link]
socr
uel
toki
..
.suchal
ovel
yper
son?

Shebr
eaksdownandIhugher

Me:
He’
sgonnapayf
ort
his

Zi
phora:(sni
ff
s)Hehasto,hedeservestoburn
i
nhell.
..Doyouuhm,sti
ll
hav ethecel
lphone?
Sothatwecant r
ytocontactherfamil
y?

Me:
Yeahbutseemsl
i
kei
tdr
owned

Zi
phor
a:I
t’
sfi
ne.

Igav
ehert
hephone
Me:
Staysaf
e.

Igotinmycarst i
lltakenbygreatshockofwhat
[Link] ghthavetakenitl
ight
ly
butifheiscapableofdoi ngsuch,
thenI’
m
afr
[Link] sdangertothesoci
ety
andhedeser v
eslifeti
mei njai
l.

Iar
ri
vedbackhomeandrushedi
nlooki
ngf
or
Sher
eebutIdi
dn’
tfi
ndher.

Pear
l:Syhet‘
nnot
agel
os(
Shel
eftanot
e)

Me:
Say
ing?

Ilookedatthem andgr
abbedi
[Link]
ngt
hrough
fewlinesofit
.
Me:
Sy’
sweg?(
She’
sgone?
)

Dad:[Link]
edtofi
ndoutwhat’
sr eall
y
goingonandsheconfi
rmeditt
hatshe’
sleaving
forAust
ral
[Link]
seveni
nformedaboutthis.

Ichuckl
ed

Me: Don’
ty oufi
nditst
range?Herrunningoff
l
ikethat,asifathi
efwit
houtevensaying
goodbye?Thathasnev erhappenedbefore!I
tis
suspici
ouswi t
hthethi
ngsgoingonr i
ghtnow.

Mom: If
eelt
hesameJoj
oasmuchasy
our
f
athertr
iest
odownpl
ayi
t—
Dad:I
’m nottr
yingt
odownplayitskatIjustsai
d
weshouldbreatheandhandl
ethisrati
onall
y
andcal
ml y.

Me: Watekweet..
.isdatom kalm enr
asioneel
tewees,salni
[Link] et
s
doen!(WhatIknow,isthatbei
ngcalm and
rat
ionalwon’
tdoany t
[Link]
something!
)

Ist
ret
chmyar
m outpoi
nti
ngasIpaceupand
down.

Me:Oom (Uncl
e)backover
seasspokeabout
thedangerheseescomi
ngforShereet
his
coul
dbei t
.

Mom:
Gosh.
Me:Imeannotl ongagoIwit
nessedawoman
ki
l
leddeadandsl ashedbyapit
bullatOB’s
pl
ace–“ herboyfr
iend”
.Andi
tlookedlikehedi
d
i
tint
ent
ionall
y..
.

Dadst
oodup

Dad:
Saywhat
?

Me: SamedaySher
eedisappear
swit
hout
sayi
[Link]
fsheranawayfeel
i
ng
thr
eatenedbyhi
m?

Isni
ckershaki
ngmyhead

Me:
PaI
’
vewi
tnessedenoughf
ort
hedaysoI
’
m
notj
ustgonnasi
ther
eanddonothi
ng,
eksal
ni
e(Iwon’t
.)I
’
mlooki
ngforher
.

Dad:
I’
m comi
ngwi
thy
ou

Mom:
AndI
—

Dad:
Nononoy
ou’
rest
ayi
ngbehi
ndwi
thPear
l.

Mom:
But
..
.

Dad:
LesegoIsai
dyou’
rest
ayi
ngbehi
nd

Heki
ssedher
.

Dad:
Wil
lfi
l
lyoui
nwi
tht
heupdat
es,
bye
Welef tandgoti
[Link]
artedthecarand
myfirststopi
satCaitl
yn’
splace..
.Myheartis
beat
ingsohar dri
ghtnow.

.
.
.

SHEREE
Iexhaleandtrytocalm my selfasIli
stentothe
radi
oi nmynewl [Link], I
cancont actmyfami l
[Link] gl
adI ’
mf ree
from BuzweIjustneedt obef ar.I
t’
sclearthat
theguyhasmanyi ssuesandI ’mtooy oungto
dealwithsuch.
Thecarst
ops,
Itakeof
fmyear
phones.

Dr
iver
:Wer
anoutoff
uel
.

Me:Excuseme! ?Howonear t
hcany ou.
..Are
youheari
ngyourselfsi
r?Act
uall
ylemmel odge
acomplaintr
ightnowaboutyouand...

Iqui
ckl
ypunchmyphone

Dr
iver
:Youdon’
thav
etodot
hat
!Ial
way
scar
ry
5l
i
treswit
hme.

Me:Well?(
clapshands)Wouldyoumakei
t
qui
ck!I’
vegotafl
ighttocat
chIcan’
taf
for
dto
missit
.
Hesi
ghsandget
sout

Me:
Gosht
hisguy
!Ay
y

Ii
mpati
ent
lyt
apmyf
ingeronmyupperl
i
pasI
checkt
het
imeonmyphone.

Me:
15mi
nut
esj
ust15mi
nut
es

Dri
ver:
Cany oumov
eal
i
ttl
eIneedaspanner
undertheseat
.

Me:
Par
donwhatf
ornow?
?

Dr
iver
:Formyt
yre,
sor
ryI
’
llbequi
ck
Imov edasi
del
i
fti
ngmyf
eet
.Hepi
ckedt
he
spanner.

Dr
iver
:Thanky
ou.

Il
ookathim poi
nti
ngathi
m asInot
icet
hathe
l
ooksabitfemini
ne.

Me:
Wai
tar
eyou—?

Shesmashedmewithaspanneronmyhead
andIdef
ini
tel
ymett
hestar
sbeforepassi
ngout
.

.
.
.
KENEI
LOE
“ ,

,
.

.
..”

Ichokeonmyf
oodcoughi
ngasIi
ncr
easedt
he
vol
ume.

Malome:
Mochanauhant
le?(
Niecear
eyou
okay?
)
Icont i
nuedcoughi
ngasIr ubmynecksti
l
l
wat chi
ngthenewsont heTVasthecops,
SWATt eam andhel
icopt
erswer
eraidi
nghis
place.

Ri
ri
e:Aohl
engmf
emeet
se(
giv
eherwat
er)

Me:
Che,
che,
che(
No)Aunt
ie

Pal
eho:
What
’swr
ongcuzzi
e?

Igul
pwhi
l
epoi
nti
ngt
heTV

Me:It’
smybr ot
her’
shouse,that
’smybrot
her
ri
[Link],ohmy
gosh!Ican’tbeli
evethi
sishappeni
ng.
Mal
ome:
Hebanna!Kemehl
olo(
Goodness!
)

Irushoutsi
demaki
ngthecal
lwhil
eshaki
ng.
Can’tbel
i
eveBuzweisati
tagai
nthati
thadt
o
comet othi
spoi
nt.

.
.
.

BUZWE(
OB)
Managedhighj
acki
ngsomeone'
scarattheside
oft
[Link]
edmyfacedisguisi
nga
Musli
m andworeshadesandafakelongbeard
asi
fI’
m anoldman.
Beendri
vi
ngtothi
spl
acefur
therawayfr
om Jhb
asIheart
hatI
’mthemostwantedper
sonon
theradi
[Link] ri
tofdiscer
nmentt ell
smet o
[Link] hecarseeingahouse
from af
urtherdist
[Link]
walkpati
entlyandfinal
lyarr
ivedseeingacar
ther
[Link]
lehidi
ngoffat
thewoodenf ence.

HourslaterIseeaguydraggingmySheree
i
[Link]
eanabitmoref
orwardfora
secondandshr inkmyeyestaki
ngacareful
look.

Me: AndersonmyAnderson!You’
rewayfvcki
ng
smar [Link],
youclear
lyknow
yourstorywell
Isee.

Ismi
rkt
aki
ngasmokeandl
aughv
ici
ousl
y.
.
..
>>>Tobecont
inued
51
.
..
MI
SSANDERSON
Shecoughswhenshewakesup,runni
ngher
eyesar
oundadj
usti
ngtothesur
roundi
ngs.

Me:
Wakeywakeyhoneybee.

Sheree:
Whoare.
..Whoarey
ou?Ar en'
tyouthe
dri
verwhodr
ovemet ot
heairpor
tnotlongago?

Me:
Ipl
ayedt
hatpar
ttoowel
ldi
dn’
tI?

Sher
ee:
Whyar
eyoudoi
ngt
his?

Me:
Youhav
esomet
hingt
hatIdon'
thav
eand
y
ou’
rest
andi
ngi
nmywayofget
ti
ngi
t.

Sher
ee:
Andwhati
sit
?

Me: [Link]’
smi nemadef orme,you’rejusta
softgi
rlt
hatcan’thandl
ehim atall
.Yetallhe
needsisawomanl i
keme, who’
llbri
ngmor e
thr
il
[Link] acterj
ust
l
ikehim.

Sheree: Wel lyoucanhav ehi m!Idon’tseewhy

youshoul dn’[Link] tnessedthat
I’
m notf itenought obehi sgirl
fr
iendandy ou
stoppedmewhi l
eIwasont hewayofr unning
awayf rom hi [Link] ree,Ipromi seI’
ll
disappearl ikeInev erexi
[Link]’tdo
somet hingy ou’
llr
egretwhileIcanwi ll
i
nglygi v
e
himt oy oueasi lyl
ikethat.
Il
ookatherwi
thoutsay
ingany
thi
ng

Sheree:
Pleaseorel
seI’l
lbemi
ssi
ngmyf l
ight
backtoAustral
i
a.I’
m beggi
ngy
ouplease
ma’am.

Ial
mostfel
lfort
hatbutIshakemyheadand
hercr
iesi
ncr
ease.

Me: Tr
ustmeIdidn’[Link] oa
sweetgirl
li
[Link] ce,he’
s
giv
ingmenochoi ce!He’
smadlyinlovewi thyou
notthathehel
psitandallheseesisy [Link]
et
yougohe’sgonnahunty oudownandf i
ndy ou.
Thenwhatdoest hatl
eavemewi t
h?

Sheshakesherhead
Sher
ee:
Nonopl easeI’
ll
makesurehedoesn’
t
fi
ndmepleasedon'tdothi
sIbegyou.

Me:
Notpossi
blewi
thBuzwe.I
’
m sor
rybut
..
.

If
ir
eashotonherthi
ghandsheshr
il
lsouta
pi
erci
ngscr
eam asshebl
eeds.

Me:Igott
aconv
incehimthatyou’
redead
i
nordert
ohavehim.I’
m af
rai
dthisi
syour
t
err
iblef
atemydarl
ing.

Sher
ee:
(cr
ying)Somebodyhel
pmepl
eaaaaase!

Ii
gniteagri
ndi
ngmachineandt
hatsendsher
di
lat
inghereyesocket
s.
Sher
ee:What
,whatar
eyoudoi
ng?St
oppl
ease!
!!
Whatist
hatf
or?

Me:
Fory
ourhead.

Shescr
eamsmoreworseandIl
aughed
enj
oyi
ngever
ybi
toft
his.

.
.
.

JOZEA
Wemadei tinCaitl
yn’spl
aceandwefoundher
auntswhoseemedt obeonthei
[Link]
exchangedgreet
ings.
Me:
Uhm we’
rel
ooki
ngf
orCai
tl
yn

Aunt
:Whoar
eyou?

Me:
Jozeaandt
hisi
smyf
ather

Aunt
:Cai
tl
yni
snotar
ound.

Me:
Oh?

Igl
ancebackatdadt
henatt
hem

Me:
Doy
ouhav
eanyi
deawher
eshecoul
dbe?

Aunt
2:I
t’
sbeenadaysi
nceCai
tyl
nhasn’
tbeen
homeandwhat’
sworsei
sthatherfat
heri
ssi
ck.
Sheneedst
oseehi
mi nt
hehospital
.

Ifrowndef
eatedl
yasIexer
cisemyey
esar
ound
theirpr
emi
ses.

Aunt
:Wouldy
oul
ovet
oleav
eamessage
per
haps?

Me:
No!Ineedt
oseeher
.

Dadrefr
ainsmef
rom myt
onet
ouchi
ngmy
shoul
der.

Dad:
Let
’sgoson

Me:
Thatcari
sither
s?
Herauntsuddenl
yfl
i
nchesandf
all
sbackont
he
wal
lholdi
ngherhead.

Aunt
2:Yesi
t’
shercar

Me:
Thent
hatmeansshe’
s—

Aunt
:Iseet
roubl
ebr
ewi
ng.

Shei
nter
ject
sasIl
i
ftmyey
est
oher

Aunt
2:She’
sgi
ft
ed

Aunt:
You’
rel
ookingf
oryoursist
[Link]
wit
hthemixt
ureofbl
ondehairri
ght?
Inoddedv
igor
ousl
y.

Me:Yahy
ahcany out
ell
usany
thi
ngabouther
?
Whatdoyousee?

Aunt:I
’m hear
[Link]’singreat
dangerandshe’[Link] eto
makeitfasttothem bef
orewel osethem.

Me:
Whywoul
dyourni
ecewannahur
tmysi
ster
?

Aunt
:Thosequest
ionsar
eforl
ater

Aunt
2:Whataboutourbr
other
??
Aunt:Engel
ber
thastowait
!Isai
dI’
m seeing
dangerweneedtofi
ndthem andsavethem
okay!Wecannotaf
fordt
oloseCait
lyn.
..

Shel
ooksatus.

Aunt:I’
m gonnahel
py ouf
indyournieceor
sist
[Link]
emeamomentsot hatIcanconsul
t
thenIgetthedir
ect
ionsandwedr i
vealong
okay?

Me:
Alr
ight

Shewalksi
nthehousewi
ththeot
herupset
auntr
emaini
ngoutsi
dewi
thus.

Aunt
:Ar
eyoucomi
ngornot
!?
Aunt
2:I
’
m def
ini
tel
ynotupf
ort
his!

.
.
.

KENEI
LOE
Ifi
nall
ygott ocont
actmymotherandsheflew
thi
ssidewi t
hBhongoimmediat
elythefol
l
owing
[Link]
ewBuzwe’
shousewe
werequest i
onedabouthi
swhereabout
sbutwe
hadnoi deawhereheisandhaven’
tbeenin
contactforalongti
me.

Mom: Yazi
uBuzweakandi
phel
i
si ekut
hetheni
?
Akandi
phel
isi
tuu(
Buzwedoesn’tstopgett
ing
meinvol
vedi
nhi
sshenani
gans,
hedoesn’
tst
op
atal
l
)

“ !( !
)”

We’rehearshar pshouti
ngandcommot ion
comi ngf r
om [Link]
real
ization,wesawMat hapel
ochargi
ng
towar dsuswhi l
ecryi
ng..
.Sheget
shereand
grabsMom wi thhershi
rt
.

Mathapel
o:Ledi
reenglengwanaka?
?Heee,l
e
di
reeng!?
?(Whatdi
dy oudowithmydaught
er!
?)

Sheshout
sshaki
ngher

Mom:
(cr
ying)I
’
m sor
ry
Mathapelo:Sorryyaenghi i
?Mymi st
akewas
havingagoodhear ttot
akeiny ourboyand
rai
[Link] stakewasat t
achingmy sel
fto
thi
salreadycursedf ami
ly!Todaylendir
ang?
(Whatdoy outome? )Lempol ael
angwana( You
kil
l
edmychi ld.)SameboyIr aisedwithnothi
ng
butwithlovelemat sogowame( thesehands.
)

Mom:
OhhhMat
hapel
o..
.

Mat hapel
o: Yetther
ewasnot hi
nghewasso
determinedt hanrui
ningmydaught er
’sl
i
[Link]
st
theweddi ng,thenshelostherf
iancéandbaby ,
thensher anawayf rom usandnowwef et
ch
herasacor pse?Myoneandonl ydaughter!I
havenoot her.
Theybot
hcr
iedpai
nful
l
y.

Mathapelo:
Icur
seBuzwe’sl
ifeandyour
s!
Nothi
ngwi l
lgor
ight
.Mytearswon’tgoi
nvai
nI
swear.
..Thepai
nyoucausedusiscomingback.

Hl
onol
o:Ar
etsamay
engMma(
Let
’sl
eav
e
mom)

Mor
ake:
Nowehav
etof
etchherspi
ri
t

Hepul l
sherandt heyl ef
tgett
inginsidethe
[Link]
stti
meseei ngmom speechl essand
i
[Link] l
estandingt hereInoti
cedacur tai
n
mov i
ngandIgoti nsidet hehousetocheck.I
fi
ndnot hi
ngbutjustanempt [Link] i
ll
cri
ngingandimagi ni
ngt hethingsthat
happenedhere,thedoorsl amsandIseea
fi
gurebefor
[Link]
eat
hingi
nst
ant
ly
escal
ates.

Voi
ce:
Don’
tbeaf
rai
dI’
m nother
etohur
tyou.

Me:
Howdi
dyougeti
n?Whoar
eyou?

Hi
m:KeNt
ateoahao(
I’
myourf
ather
)

Me: Ntat
eeaka?(
Myf at
her
?)Nohepassed
awayal ongt
[Link]
tpossi
ble?Don’
t
deceiv
eme.

Him:Ketl
il
ekamoyahofedi
satabaena(
I
cameinspir
itt
oendt
his.
)Pl
easeall
owmeby
bel
iev
ing.
Ist
areathi
m si
l
ent
lyandscept
ical
l
y

Him:Timei sr
unni
ngbef
oreBuzwedoes
somethingworseandwelosehi
[Link]’
scloser
toyourfri
end.

Me:
Okayokaykeaukhol
oa(
Ibel
i
evey
ou)

Him:[Link]
tandl
ist
encar
eful
lymakesur
e
youhaveabookandpenasthi
sisver
y
i
mportant
..
.

.
.
.

BUZWE(
OB)
Iki
ll
edthecigar
ettewit
hmyfootbefor
e
i
nter
rupti
nganintensemomentbetweent
he
womeni nsi
de.

Ient
ercl
appi
ngmyhandssl
owl
y.

Me:
Ander
sonmyAnder
son.

Shest
art
lesdr
oppingt
hemachinedownand
mybabepauseshercr
iesseei
ngmether
e.

Me:Whatanexcel
l
entact
.Sexyhai
rcutbyt
he
way
,Imustcompli
ment.

Thecornerofherl
ipsmov
efai
ntl
yinasmi
l
e
andItakeaseat.
Me:
Ify
ouev
ent
hinkabouti
t.
..

Shemov
esawayf
rom t
hemachi
ne.

Cai
tl
yn:
Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?

Me: Whatareyoudoingher
ewiththissweet
person?Tort
uri
ngherli
kethat
.Itcert
ainl
y
constri
ctsmyheartsobadseei
ngt hi
ssight
beforeme.

Shescof
fs

Cai
tl
yn:
I’
m gett
ingri
dofhersot
hat
..
.sot
hat
wecanbetogether
.

Sher
eescr
eamsandj
umpsonherseat
.Il
ook
athert
henbackatAnder
son.

Cai
tly
n:Iwantnothi
ngt
hatcomesbetweenus!
Andshe’scer
tai
nlyabi
gprobl
em Ineedt
odeal
wit
h.

Me:Lastti
meIcheckedyouweremydoct or
.
Yougavepartofmyheal
ingregar
dingmy
i
ll
ness,whynowdoeseveryt
hingsuddenl
yfeel
s
al
lswapped?Likewhendidt
hesefeeli
ngs
comeabout?

Cai
tl
yn:I
thasbeenawhil
e,i
thasbeenawhi
l
e
[Link]
nedaboutyourPD
somethi
ngdrewmemor ei
ntoyou.

Ichuckl
ed
Me:
Soy
ou’
ret
hemy
ster
ylady
?

Cait
lyn:
Yes,Ijustneededyouratt
enti
[Link]
I
’vebeenstruggli
ngwithheraroundshe’
sbeen
[Link]
ngmyway s.

Me:
Wel
leasywer
emov
eher

Sher
ee:
Buzwe!
!!
!!

Me: Itr
iedAnder
sonli
keItri
edt oolovi
ngher
wishingshecouldi
gni
tesomet [Link]
l
acksal ot,
she’
snotwhatIwanti nawoman.
She’snotthebadbadthatIneed, l
i
keyou.
..

Herey
esspar
klef
rom t
hat
.
Cai
tl
yn:
Isi
tyouorBuzwespeaki
ng?Li
kedo
your
eal
lymeani
t?

Me:
Buzwe’
sdead.I
t’
sOB.

Shesmi
l
espl
easedandl
aughs

Cai
tl
yn:
HowdoIt
rusty
oumeanwhaty
ousay
?

It
akeof
fmygunandi
nser
tthecasset
tel
oaded
wi
thbul
l
etsi
n.

Me:
I’
ll
kil
lherf
ory
ou.
..

Sheree:
(screaming)Buzwenono!!
!!I
t’
sst
il
lme
honeydon'tdothispl
[Link]
ovemeandI .
..
Ander
songi
ggleswhi
l
eIgunpoi
nthermaki
nga
meancol
dface..
.

Cai
tl
yn:
Doi
tbabe,
doi
t.

Sher
ee:
Bu—

Irel
easedfi
veshotsather,t
hebull
etshi
ther
makingherjumpont heseatandwit
hthefi
nal
shotshefel
lwit
ht hechai
rwithpr
ofusebl
ood
comingoutfrom her.
..

Itwasgravesil
entaf
terandIsqueezedmy
eyel
[Link]
thhowIdidthingsbutIhad
to.
Cai
tl
yn:
Whatt
heheck!
!!
?

Shesayswit
hanecst
ati
cvoi
cest
ari
ngatt
he
deadbody.

Me:
I’
m of
fi
cial
l
yyour
s.

Cai
tly
n:Neverknewy
ou’
dcar
ryi
toutt
hiseasi
l
y
al
lforme.

Me:
Weneedt
ogetmar
ri
ed.

Herey
espopouti
nsur
pri
se

Cai
tl
yn:
Real
l
y??
?
Me:Asini
mmediat
[Link]
ownedt
he
ki
ngyou’
real
way
stalkingabout.
..

Shedidn’
tsaymoreandjumpedf ormeinahug
ki
[Link]
eher
cl
[Link]
ssedher
moreroughlyt
il
lIl
ayheronthefloorwher
eshe
fl
i
nches.

Cai
tl
yn:
It’
scol
d

Me:Getsmoreexci
ti
ngcausewe’
rebothcold-
hear
tedaboutt
omakeoutinfr
ontofacorpse.

Shegiggl
[Link]
shherl
ipsmor eandsend
morewetkissesonherneck,thenf ounda
comfortpl
aceinherpeti
teboobswhi lecl
aspi
ng
har
donherwai st
[Link]
thhermoani [Link]
guardwasf ull
ydownIpr essmyhandhardon
herfacesuffocati
ngher,shescr
eamsand
foughtwhil
eki cki
ng.
..Igr
aboutandfl
ossthe
pocketkni
fest abbi
ngher3t i
mesinhert
ummy .

Whenhermov ementsbecamestati
onar
yI
ki
ssedherforeheadandgotoffhersmil
ing.I
walkedbacktoShereeandcrouchedinf
rontof
herbodycaressi
nghercheek.

Me:
I’
m sor
rymyl
ove,
I’
m sosor
ry.

.
.
.

AUNTI
EZELDA
Me:
Awwww!
!!
!

Ihi
ssl
oudlyandcr
yinpai
nholdi
ngmytummy
andaf
ter
,theweat
hert
hunder
edandheavyr
ain
fol
l
owed.

Jozea:
Arey
oual
ri
ght
?

Me:Don’
tworr
ymysonjustcont
inuedr
ivi
ngt
o
t
hesedir
ect
ti
onsandpl
easeupyourpace.

Jozea:
It’
srai
ning—

Me:Not
[Link]
etof
ind
Cai
tl
ynandyoursi
ster
..
..

Iwi
ncesqui
rmi
ngi
nmyseatasIf
eltt
his
unbear
abl
epai
n.

Me:Somet hi
ngbadhappenedIcanf eeli
t,
somethi
ngbadr eall
[Link]'
tmind
mejustfocusony ourdr
ivi
ng.

Wewer edr i
vingCaitl
yn’
[Link] hefather
wasdr i
vingbehinduswi thZuriwit
ht hecarthey
camewi thear l
i
[Link]’ tarri
ve
l
ate,Idon’tcareaboutthisgir
lwelookingf oral
l
Icar
ef orisCaitl
yn,she'
sagr eatasserttous
wecannotaf [Link]!
.
..
>>>Tobecont
inued.
..
52
.
..
BUZWE(
OB)
Shetookoutthe5thbulletpl
aci
ngitonthet
ray
.
Fi
rstti
meeverIfeltscar
edseeingsomuch
bl
oodinmyl i
[Link]
,ki
ssingher
hand.

Me:Howi sshe?I
sshegonnabeokay
?Tel
lme
at
leastshe’
l
lbeokay
.

Megan: Whatwer
ey outhi
nki
ngshooti
ng5
rubberbul
let
satherify
ouweren’
tint
endi
ngt
o
kil
lher?

Me:
Megant
hisi
snot
imet
ojudgemepl
ease.

Shesi
ghswashi
nghergl
ovesof
f.

Megan:
Wel
lshe’
sst
abl
[Link]
vi
tal
organsar
[Link]’
l
ltel
lonce
she’
sawake.

Icl
osemyey
esandsi
ghf
orr
eli
ef.

Megan:Butshe’
sgonnaneedbl
oodt
ransf
usi
on,
shel
ostalotofblood.

Me:
Don’
tst
ressaboutt
hat
.

Iki
ssedherhandwhi
l
ecr
ying.

Me:I’m sosorrybaby ,i
t’sgonnabeokay .I
’m
sorr
yIhadt othis, wegonnabef arawayf rom
ever
y [Link]!Ilovey ousomuchSher ee,you’
re
astrongwomanf orholdingonti
ll
[Link]
onewi l
leverdisturbusagai [Link]’
lll
i
v e
peacef
ull
ytoget
her
.

Meganst
aresatmesi
l
ent
ly

Megan:
Whyri
skyourl
if
eli
kethat
?Ruini
ngi
tby
ki
l
li
ngsomanypeopl
[Link]’r
ethemost
want
edper
sonint
hecount
ry.

Ihopel
essl
yshakemyhead.

Me: There’snoli
feIcanli
[Link]
ve
forher.
..ifli
vi
ngtherestofmyli
feonther un,
sobei t
.Icanbeany whereintheworl
dbutj ust
withher..
.beingwit
hhermakesev ery
thingokay.

Tear
sst
reameddown
Me:Alla9y earoldboyevercri
edfor,
landedon
deafear
[Link] e’
snolif
einthatboyanymore.
Nomat t
erhowhar dhetri
estogopastitand
l
iveabetterli
[Link]
heempt i
nessisthe
const
antremi nder
..
.sameempt i
nessthat
mademet heruthl
esspersonIam.

Isni
ffshaki
ngmyhead.

Me:Maybeshecanchangei
[Link]
be
shecanbr
ingmeback.

Sheslowlyst
ret
chesherhandwi
tht
he
cont
ainerofmymedicati
on.

Me:
(sof
tl
y)They
’renotgonnawor
k
Megan:
Cany
ouat
leastt
ry—

Me:
ISAI
DTHEY’
RENOTGONNAWORK!
!!

If
eelmysel
fchangi
ngasIsnor
taudi
blyand
di
ff
erent
lywi
thmyhandsfi
ll
edwit
hveins.
Megangottr
aumati
zedbyseei
ngmelikethi
s.

Megan:
Ithi
nkIshoul
d..
.

Shegotup.

Me:
Sitdown

Megan:
Ihav
etocheck—
Me:Isaidsi
tyourASSdown!I’
m notgonnahur
t
you,
Ijustdon’
thur
tthosecl
osetome.

Shecli
ngsherhandstogetheronherchest
whil
epanti
ngheavil
y,eyesfi
ll
edwithglasses.

Isi
ghcomposi
ngmy
sel
f.

Me:
I’
m sor
ryIdi
dn’
tmeant
oscar
[Link]
l
ltr
y
t
ocont
rolmytemper
.

Shel
et'
soutat
rembl
i
ngsi
gh.

Megan:Wooo,seemsli
kei
t’
sgonnabeal
ong
f
li
ghttoBangl
adesh.

Myey
esshi
ft
sbackt
oSher
eel
yi
ngt
her
eandI
keptki
ssi
ngherhand.

.
.
.

JOZEA
Wear ri
vedattheplaceandweonlyf
ound
Cait
lynhalf
-nakedonthefl
oorbl
eedi
[Link]
l
ikeshe’sli
fel
ess.

Aunt
:NooooooCai
tl
yn,
Cai
tl
yn,

Theycr
iedont
opofher
.Il
ookedar
oundf
or
Sher
ee.
Me:
Sher
ee,
wher
e’sSher
ee?Sher
ee!

Itur
nedever
ythi
ngupsidedownlookingforher
andwentoutsi
debutIdidn’
tfi
[Link]
cked
andranbacktotheaunts.

Me:Whereismysist
er?Tel
lmewher eisshe!!?
Youtol
dusshe’swhereCait
lyni
sandt hatshe’
s
i
[Link]
sshe!!
?And
you’
renotl
eav
ingherewit
houttel
li
nguswher e
shei
s.

Theauntshr
ugsmyhandof
fhershoul
der
.

Aunt:Li
stenboy!Wehavenot i
mef oryour
si
ster
.Allwecareaboutisourniecewhoneeds
ourassi
stanceri
[Link] igur
eout
wheresheisfrom her
[Link]
sthatgot
ust
oget
herendsr
ighther
e.

Shebr
ushedhercheeksandgotup.

Aunt:Zur
ist
[Link]
ryherst
rai
ght
tothecar
.

Theyleftuscarry
ingonwitht
hatwhil
ewewer
e
[Link]
str
aughtbyal
lthi
[Link]’
s
phoner angandhejustl
ookedatit
.

Dad:Idon’
tknowwhatI
’
m gonnasayt
oyour
Aunt
.

Me:Sheneedstoknowthet
rut
[Link]
cantel
lusgoodnewsormaybenot
hingatal
l
.
Hehuf
fsl
ooki
ngathi
sri
ngi
ngphone.

Dad:
I’
vegott
oanswert
his

Inodandhel eft
.Inoticedf
rom wher
ehestood
[Link]
eisSher
ee.
Iwalkincir
clesl
ockingmyhandsbehindmy
[Link]’renott ool
ate,
wehavetofi
nd
Sheree.

.
.
.

VI
OLA
Onmyf i
rstarr
ivalImadet
hestopt
ot he
hospi
tal
.Isatnexttomyfat
herhol
dinghisi
cy
col
dhands.

Me:
Iappr
eci
atey
ourv
isi
[Link]
l
lsety
ouf
ree.

Isighl
ooki
ngathi
m,hehadanoxy
genmaskon
him.

Me:Apartever
ythingthat
’shappenedI
’v
e
al
wayslovedyou, wi
ll
[Link] ’
vegott
o
fi
xal
lthi
smessy [Link]
sishardbut.
..

If
rownandbur
sti
ntear
swhi
l
esof
tl
yki
ssi
ng
hi
shand.

Me:
Nur
se!Doct
or!Nur
se!

Anur
secamer
ushi
ngi
[Link]
oodup.
Me:
Hi,
Ineedadoct
orpl
ease

Nur
se:
Why
?

Me:
Pleasej
ustcal
ladoct
ori
t’
sur
gent
!

Shelef
tandf
ewmi
nut
esshecamewi
tha
doct
or.

Doct
or:
What
’sgoi
ngonher
e?

Me:Hidoc,
I’
m Violahi
sdaughter
.I’
m swi
tchi
ng
offt
[Link]
m gothat’
s
fort
hebest
.
Doctor:
Okaywegonnapreparefort
heprocess.
Areyousurema’
am aboutyourdeci
sionand
arether
eanyot
herfamil
ymember syouwantt o
call
whenwedot hepr
ocess?

Me:
NoIwannadot
hisal
one

Doct
or:Okaywi
l
lgi
vey
ouf
ormst
osi
gnbef
ore
westar
t.

Iswall
owst
il
ll
ooki
ngathi
mly
ingt
her
[Link]
elt
nerv
ousdoi
ngthi
s.

.
.
.
KENEI
LOE
Idrovetothedesti
nat
ionmyf atherledmeto.I
parkedandgotoutofthecar ,
soonasIwal kto
theplaceInot
icedanothercarparkedint
here.

Me:
Jozea?

Jozea:
Kene?

Il
ookedatt
heot
hermanwho’
sanol
derv
ersi
on
ofhi
m.

Me:
Sir

Hi
m:Hi
Jozea:
Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?

Me:Idon’
tknowI’
mlooki
ngf
ormybr
other
.I
wastol
dI’
dfindhi
m her
e.

Theyl
ookedateachot
her

Jozea:
YoumeanBuzwewasher
e?

Inodsl
owl
y

Jozea: Thenthatmeanshemusthavet ook

Shereewi thhi
m. .
.Imeanwe’rel
ooki
ngf ormy
cousinandwedi dn’
tfi
ndherher
ebutjustsome
otherlady.

If
urr
owmyey
ebr
owswal
ki
ngar
oundl
ooki
ngat
thebl
oodalloverthepl
aceandIbegan
breat
hingheav
ily
.

Me:
Thi
sdoesn’
tmakesense

Man:Wheredi
dyougett
haty
ou’
dfi
ndy
our
br
otherher
e?

Me:Someseert
oldme(
bli
nks)uhm wai
tI’
l
lbe
backi
nasec.

Iwalkedoutandwenttofetchabookinmycar.
Igotbacktothem andshowedthem somet
hing.

Me:
Tel
lmewhi
chf
lagi
sthi
s?

Man:
Bangl
adesh
Jozeasnappedhi
snecklooki
ngbackathi
s
fat
heri
nquickmotion.

Me:I’
m guessi
ngOBelopedwit
hy oursi
sterat
thecount
ryandri
ghtnowI’
m notcari
ngabout
anyt
hingel
se.I
’mtaki
ngthi
stri
pimmedi atel
yto
bri
ngsensestohi
m andbri
ngShereeback.

Jozea:
I’
mtaki
ngt
hej
our
neywi
thy
ou

Man:
Jozea!

Jozea:Pa,ni
enounieassebl i
ef(Dadnotnow
please.
)Ihavetodothi
[Link] readyfeel
l
ikethisi
sparti
all
ymyf aul
[Link] nge
regdoen(Imustdothingsright.
)
Hestar
esathi
mforal
onggoodt
imet
hen
si
ghs.

Man:
Okayf
ine

Jozea:
Needtofet
chmypasspor
tfi
rstt
hen
we'r
egoodtogo.

Me:
Wehav
etobequi
ck.

Wel
eftt
hepl
aceandgoti
nourcar
s.

.
.
.
SHEREE
Iopenmyey esandheav
esharpl
yasIslowlyt
ry
[Link]
ingsomuchpai
nonmyt orso.

Voi
ce:
Nononodon’
tmov
e

Ihearaf
emi
nine’
svoi
ce

Me:Ouchi
thur
ts.I
-I.
..myt
hroati
sdr
[Link]
hav
esomewater?

Shelat
erbr
ingsmewat
erandIgul
pfast
lyI
askedhert
opourmeagai
n.

Me:[Link]
eam I
?Am Ionmywayt
o
Aust
ral
iaor
?
Shegott
onguet
iedl
ooki
ngatme.

“ , ’
”

Ihear
dhisvoi
ceandimmediat
elygoti
nfur
iat
ed
asmyt ummytur
nsinknot
sinsi
deme...

Me:
You![Link]
eyoudoi
ngnear
me?

Buzwe:
Sher
ee—

Me:Whatarey oudoi
ngnearme!!!
?Ever
ywhere
Igoyoujustkeepappear
[Link]
Igetpeace–wherethereisnoBuzwe??
Buzwe:
Babe.
..

Het
ouchesmeImov
ehi
shandof
f

Buzwe:Babe,pl
easegi
veusspaceMegan.
..
BabeI’
m sorr
y.

Me:(t
eari
ng)Ial
mostdiedBuzweIal
mostdi
ed.
Youhadthegutstoki
l
lmeandy oushotme
unst
oppably
.

Buzwe:
Ihadnochoi
ce.

Me:
Ther
e’sal
way
sachoi
ce!
!!
Buzwe: Ihadtodot hatinor
dertosavey ouokay?
Thatwomani sderangedandshei sn’
tjust
derangedbutawi tchaswel l
.Shecould’vedone
worsebaby ,Ihadtowi l
l
ingl
ymakeherbel i
eve
thatI’
m withhertoendher .

Icl
osemyey
esasIt
akeabr
eat
hei
nand
exhal
ed.

Me: You’
rej
ustendi
ngeverybr
eat
hingthi
ngyou
seeinfr
[Link]
lyouever
stop?

Hesi
tsnextt
omehol
dingmyhand

Buzwe:I
tstopsr
ighther
eri
ghtnowwher
ewe'
re
bothst
art
ingali
fetoget
her
.
Il
ookedatourhandsIhadnoener
gyi
nmet
o
pul
lmineoffhi
s.

Me:
Wher
ear
eyout
aki
ngme?

Buzwe: Somewher ewherewe’ l

lbothfi
ndpeace.
Somewher ewher enoonewi lleverdi
sturbus
everagai [Link] eIplanwegr owol d
toget [Link] ’
dcrossmany
boar dersf oryoulove.I
’m sorr
ytohurty ouli
ke
[Link] l
ydidn’
tmeant o.

Hegr
abssomet
hingi
nhi
shand

Buzwe:Iusedthese–rubberbul
l
et [Link]
Sher
eeI’dneverevert
rytoharmy ou.I.
..y
ouar
e
myev er
ythi
[Link]
sdoesn’tchange
anyt
hingaboutus.
Itdoes,i
tchangesever
[Link]
couldneverbethesameagai naft
ereveryt
hing
thathashappened.I
’l
ldoev er
ythi
nginmy
[Link]’stoodangerousforme.

Hetouchesmychi
nri
singmyf
aceupand
l
ookeddeepl
yinmyeyes.

Buzwe:Ilov
eyousomuchSher
ee.I
t’
sst
il
lus
agai
nsttheworl
dri
ght
?

Henodsi
nquer
yandIbl
inkt
hetearsaway
f
orci
ngasmi
leout
.It
akeadeepbreathandl
et
i
toutwhi
l
enoddi
ng.

Me:(
shakeyvoi
ce)Yeahi
t’
susagai
nstt
he
wor
ldbaby.
Hesmilesandl eansfor
wardkissi
ngmyl i
ps.I
am t
otall
yagainstthi
[Link] soworri
edabout
myfamilythey
’reallI
’
mt hi
nkingaboutr
ight
now.
.
..
>>>Tobecont
inued.
..
53
[ONEWEEKLATER]
.
..
JOZEA
Dad:
Anydev
elopment
s?

Iwasspeaki
ngwi
thDadonacal
l
,ear
lyi
nthe
morni
ng.

Me:
(si
ghs)NoneDadnoneatal
landI
’
m ki
nda
r
unningi
mpati
ent
.Whereverwegowear enot
f
indi
ngthem.I
’
m begi
nningtof
eelmi
sled.

Dad:Don’
tletherhearyousayt
[Link]
.
Sher
eeandt hi
sotherguyareunderyournose.
Havefai
thyou’r
ecomi ngbackwit
hher.

Ist
artput
ti
ngupaweaksmi
l
e

Me:Okayit’
sjustamereweekIcan’
tbe
i
mpat i
entnow.I’
ll
havefai
thDadj
ustthatI
’
m
notusedtothi
splace.

Hechor
tl
es.

Dad:
How’
sthepl
ace?
Me:I
t’
sanicehugeplace,Chi
tt
[Link]
l
anguagei
sabarri
[Link]
fmissingmy
homecountr
y.

Hegi
ggl
es

Dad:
Atl
easty
ouhav
ecompany

Me:Ahhneehman,makesnodi ff
[Link]
ust
misshomeandmyl ocal
meal sbutIknowI
gott
adothi
[Link]
e’sdefi
nit
elynootherway.

Dad:
Yesson

Me:
How’
sAunt
ieNana?

Dad:
She’
stor
nagr
eatdeal
.Wedon’
tev
en
knowhowt ocomfor
[Link] i
s
doingagr
eaterj
obthanallofus.

Me:[Link]
easeputusi
nour
pray
erscausewedon’
tknowwhatwegonna
dealwi
thwhenwegettoSheree.

Dad:We’l
lputy
oui
nourpr
ayer
sson.I
t’
sgonna
befi
ne,It
rusty
ou.

Ihearmovement
[Link]
ear
myt hr
oat
.

Me:Uhm Dadwe’
regonnat
[Link]
eto
go.

Dad:
Alr
ightby
eson.
Iputmyphonei
nthepocketandt
urnt
oKene.

Me:
Hey

Kenei
l
oe:
Hi

Me:
Sleptwel
l
?

Sher
oll
sherey
es.

Kenei
loe:Coul
dneversleepwel l
inaforeign
l
and.(si
ghs)Dadhasn’tvisi
tedmeev ersinceI
don’
tknowwhat ’
[Link] meisagainstus.

Me:
Aski
ngwon’
tev
enhel
p
Keneil
oe:I
t’
sobvioust
hatwher
evert
heyar
e,
they
’rei
ndisgui
ses.

Ipuf
fsqueezi
ngmyey
es

Me:Andwe’r
erunninglowofcashtomai
ntai
n
our
sel
vesinthi
[Link]
’snext
?Weshould
hav
easoluti
on.

Shesi
ghs.

Kenei
l
oe:Ihaveenoughmoney
.Let
’sbepat
ient
,
wegonnafindthem.

Iqui
etl
yst
areather
.
Kenei
l
oe:
Yeah?

Me:
Yeah.

Kenei
loe:Fornowlet
’shav
esomet
hingt
oeat
andrestourminds.

Me:
Okay
.

.
.
.

SHEREE
Isl
owlymov emysel
fawayfrom hi
m,hewas
asl
[Link]
ing
theroom t
henworei
tint
hel
ounge/
kit
chenand
paceduptothedoor
.

Me:
Fuck!

[Link]
ookedt hroughthewindowand
walkedbacktolookingf orthekeysmaking
sureIdon’tmakeanoi set owakehim.

“ ?”

Me:
Ohmygosh![Link]
..
.gosh.

Igaspcl
osi
ngmyey esstar
tl
[Link]
behi
ndme, br
eat
hingnextt
[Link]
elthim
toocl
osetome.
Me:
GoshBeenev
erscar
emel
i
ket
hatagai
n.

Hepl
aceshi
shandonmyneck

Me:
(whi
sper
)Don’
tki
l
lmepl
ease.

Hesof
tl
yki
ssesmycheek.

Buzwe:
Iaskedaquest
ion

Hisvoicevi
brat
esnextt
[Link]
eat
he
heavi
lyandheremoveshishandof
fmyneck.I
tur
ntohi m.

Buzwe:
Looki
ngf
ort
hese?
Hewavedt
hekey
sonmyf
aceandIswal
l
owed
adr
ylump.

Me:Iact
uall
yneededtosomeairout
.I’
vebeen
l
ongstuckandlockedi
nhere.

Buzwe:
Whycoul
dn’
tyouwakeme?

Me:Youseemedpeacef
uli
nyoursl
eepsoI
di
dn’
twannadist
urb.

Buzwe:Whatdi
dIsayt
oyouaboutdoi
ngt
hings
wit
houtme??

Ifacedownandt
ear
sinv
olunt
ari
l
ycascaded
down.
Buzwe:Ihaveasof
tspotfory
ouy
esbutyou’
re
notgonnaeasi
lymani
pulat
emewitht
hose
tear
s.

Me:
Iwon’
tupsety
ouagai
nbabeIpr
omi
se.

Buzwe:Shereeyoubett
ertr
ainyour
sel
fhowto
for
getyourfamil
[Link]
yyou’
l
l
havei
smeandt heonethat
’l
lcomeoutofus.
Other
sbetterfor
getaboutt
hem.

Icr
yshaki
ngmyhead.

Me:
Idi
dn’
tsi
gnupf
ort
his!

Buzwe:
WellIt
oldyout
owalkawayt
he
momentIwaslyi
ngonahospi
tal
bedandnev
er
l
ookbackbuty oudi
dn’
tli
[Link],
andnowmyhear thascapt
uredy [Link]
cal
l
y
youar
etrapped!

Me:Honeybeewhatchangedy
ou?Lov
eisn’
t
supposedt
ohur
tli
kethis.

Buzwe:
DoIbeaty
ou?

Me:
Youal
mostki
l
ledme!

Het
ouchedmyf
ace.

Me: HowmanytimesshouldItelly
out hatI
’
d
neverki
ll
[Link]
lsthosehe
l
[Link]
lsthosewhodo
hi
m badandtroublehi
m.
Hepul
l
smeandpi
nsmeont
hewal
l
.

Me:(whi
spers)I’
m notf
ull
yheal
edf
ory
out
o
bangmelikethat.

Buzwe:Neverdothatsh!
tagai
[Link],we’re
hidi
ngouri
denti
[Link]
nkitwaswi seof
youtol
eavewithoutmefixi
ngyourdisguise?

(
Sil
ence)

Buzwe:
Answerme!

Me:
No
Buzwe: Don’
tupsetmeokay?Iswearthe
princesst
reat
mentwill
endsoonifyoukeepon
testingmeli
kethi
[Link]
?

Inodqui
ckl
y

Me:
Yes

Hehol
dsmycheekandgazedeepl
yinmyey
es.

Buzwe:Nowdoyoust
il
lwantt
ogett
hatai
rout
?
We’l
lgotoget
her
.

Me:
Yespl
ease

Buzwe:
Let
’st
henpr
epar
eabat
he
Hetur
nsandwal
ksi
nther
[Link]
ghand
f
oll
owaft
erhi
m.

.
.
.

KENEI
LOE
Iscr
eam l
oudl
yandJozeai mmediat
elybar
ges
i
nmyr oom al
readyhol
dingast
ick.

Jozea:
What
’sgoi
ngonwho’
sther
e?

Hesuddenlycal
msdownwhenheseesnoone
exceptmeintheroom andhowhappyIwas.I
conti
nuepanti
ngdrenchedi
nsweat.
Me:
I’
mfi
ne,
I’
mfi
ne

Hepl
acest
hest
ickdown

Me: Sy
lhet
.Sy
lheti
stheplacewher
et hey’
re
hi
[Link]
agr abmy
not
[Link]
.

Jozea:Ihopeheisn’
twr
ongaboutt
hel
ocat
ion
thi
stimearound.

Me:NonoItr
usthimthi
sti
[Link]
efai
th
pl
ease,
we’
reclose.

Jozea:Okayl
emmegoogl
ethedi
rect
ionst
hen
wepr epar
etol
eav
e.
Me:
Fir
stweneedt
ost
artatabank

Jozea:
Whatf
or?

Me:Weneedenoughmoneysothatwebuy
our
sel
vesagun,f
orpr
otect
ion.

Jozeagav
emeawei
rdl
ook.

Me: LookIknowmybr other,

whenitcomesto
him,wear ebot [Link] sreal
dangerhehas
aper sonal
it
ydi sor
derandwhenhechangest o
thi
sot herpersonal
ity.
..

Ishakemyhead.
Me:Hebecomesamonst
erhe’
sgonnabr
eak
us.

Jozea:
Thenwhatar ewewait
ingfor?
?Imagi
ne
whathe’sal
readydoi
ngtoSheree.

Me:OkayokayIj
ustneedmybook,
pur
seand
j
acket
.

Jozea:
Okaygogogo

Ir
anstr
aightbacki
nther
oom gr
abbi
ng
ev
ery
thi
ngIneedandwest or
medaft
ereach
ot
her
.

.
.
.

MI
SSANDERSON
Igaspedsharpl
yasIopenmyeyestomyaunts
chanti
ngoutloudl
ymovingar
oundinci
rcl
es.
Seemsl i
kethi
swasarit
ualandther
ewastoo
muchsmoke.

Zel
da:Ali
fef
oral
if
e!Icommandt
hedar
k
spi
ri
tst
oawakenourni
e—

Me:
Iam awake.

Theyhal
tst
art
ledl
ooki
ngatmeont
hef
loor
.

Zel
da:
Cai
tl
yn,
Cai
tl
yny
ou’
reawake!
It
ri
edsit
ti
ngupandwi
ncedhol
dingmyt
ummy
,
If
eltaf
reshst
it
ch.

Me:Ahhwhathappened?Whyam Ist
it
ched?
Whathappenedt
ome?Somebodyt el
lme
somethi
ng!

Zelda:Thatdoesn’
tmatt
ermydar
li
[Link]
reall
ydoesn'
tmat t
er.

Zuri:
Whatmatt
ersi
sthaty
ou’
real
i
[Link]
’sal
l
thatmat
ter
s.

Zelda:Ifyoujustpromiset
hatyou’
l
lstayaway
fr
om t hatboyandnev ergoaft
erhi
m again
causecl ear
lyhe’sdri
vi
ngyoucrazy
.We
basicall
yhadt onegoti
atewit
htheangelof
death.
Iqui
zzi
cal
glanceatt
hem.

Me:
Whi
chboyi
sthat
?

(
Sil
ence)

Me:
Tel
lmewhi
chboyi
sthat
?

Zuri
:Wedon’tknowhi
snamebutwe’
regl
ad
youdon’
trememberhi
m

Me:
Didhedot
hist
ome?

Zel
da:
Yes
It
ouchedt
hest
it
chagai
n

Me:
OB.
..

Zel
da:
Stayawayf
rom hi
m

Me:
YesIwi
l
[Link]
omi
se.

Zur
i:Wecanf
inal
l
ybur
yourbr
other

Me:Papaisdood?(
Daddied?
)No,
who
swi
tchedofft
hemachi
nes?

Zur
i:Whoel
seot
hert
hany
ourpr
eci
oussi
ster
.

Zel
da:
Hencey
ouneedt
ocomeoutst
rongf
or
herandwedeal wit
hher .Toki
ll
yourf
atherso
easil
yli
kethat
?That’swhereyoushoul
ddiver
t
al
lyourfocusonratheronthatmanwhowas
neveryour
stobeginwi t
h.

Icl
enchmyt
eet
h

Me:
Viol
aki
l
ledmyf
ather
?Shehasr
eal
l
ygone
t
oofar
.

Zelda:Toofarmychi
[Link]
,sheneedsto
fol
lowaswel lf
ort
hatstupi
ddecisi
[Link]
heartl
esscanshebe?Onlyyoucantakeheron
Caitl
[Link].

Me:
Shewon’
tknowwhathi
ther
.
Myaunt
scackl
ewhi
l
eIscowl
inf
uryf
idget
ing
myfi
nger
s.

.
.
.

BUZWE(
OB)
Wewer etakingthewal
khol
dinghands,
dressed
l
ikeBengalipeople.

Me:Doy
ouknowhowbeaut
if
uly
oul
ookr
ight
now?

Shefakesasmi
l
[Link]
ora
“t
hankyou’
’.
Sheree:Ahhw![Link]
’
m notused
tothesehideouscl
otheswe’r
eweari
ng.

Me:Ilov
[Link]’
ret
hebest,noothermancan
ey
ey ouexceptforme.I
sn’
tthatsweet?

Shesmi
l
es.

Me:Iwasn’
tlyi
ngwhenIsai
dwe’
l
lgr
owol
dand
di
eatthi
splace.

Sheree:
(sni
ckers)Hopeat
leastwe’
rest
il
lon
abouttr
avel
ing.

Me:Travel
i
ngf
orwhat
?We’
rest
uckher
e
f
orever.
Sheree:[Link]’ tdothistome.
You’r
ebei ngunfai
rri
ghtnow,depri
v i
ngmemy
ownf reedom!I ’
m sti
lly
oung,[Link]’renot
consideringmyf utur
e,mydreams, Ineedto
compl etemyst udi
[Link]’
slotI’
m boundto
do.

Iki
ssedherhand.

Me:Yeahwit
hme, andthatf
uturesurel
y
i
ncl
udesmeandy [Link] easonwhy
not
,sostopwhi
ningfornonsensi
calthi
ngs.

Shel
ooksatmewi
tht
ear
s.

Me:Youcansurel
ypur
sueany
thi
ngy
ouwant
r
ighther
eint
hiscount
ry
Sher
ee:
No!
!!

Sheyanksherarm of
fmeIalmoststumbl
e
l
ookingatheri
[Link]
i
nkedpointi
ngher
handandtookslowstepst
oher.

Me:
Yousai
dNot
ome?

Iaski
nasof
tyetv
erydaunt
ingt
one

Me:
Mar
ryme

Sher
ee:
No.

Me:
Iwasn’
taski
ngy
ou.
Sheree:
[Link]
yingyoumeansI’
l
lbe
yourpri
sonerwhi
chIalr
eadyfeel
li
keIam.

Me:Youhavegrownat hi
ckskinSher eeneh?
Wheredoyouthinkyoucanexperiencet he
samelov
easmi ne?Whydon’ tyouappr eci
ate?
WhywheneverIgiveInev
erreceiveback?

Sheree:Becauseyou’reamot herf
ucki ng
monst erwhowant severyonetogowi thwhat
yousay .Youhatebeingdisputed,youar e
controll
i
ng,youaresodesper ateforloveand
seekingitever
ywherey ougoandwhen
somebodydoesn’ tfeelthesame..
.t heysurel
y
endupdead!

Ifl
utt
ermyeyesunbel
i
evabl
ystar
ingather
sayi
ngthatwi
thmymouthgape.
Sher
ee:Youremoti
onal
cardandt
hedisor
der
car
ddefini
tel
ywon’
tworkonmecausethat’
s
whatyouareBuzwe!

Il
aughsof
tl
yandshortlyatf
ir
st,
thenwentt
o
l
aughi
nghyst
eri
calti
ll
mucusandt ear
scame
out
.Ipl
acemyfistonmyl i
ps.

Sher ee:YesIdi
dt rul
ylovey ouatsomepoi nt
thinkingwe’dgof ar,
thi
nkingwecanbeatt hi
s
i
llnesst oget
herti
llyou’
recomf ort
abl
et el
l
ing
met herootofit
.ButI’m notevenint
erestedin
knowi nganymor ecauseI ’
vehadenoughofy ou.
I’
veendur edyou.

If
orcemyeyesshutcont
rol
l
ingmyr
ageasI
bi
temyli
ps.
Me:
Sher
ee.
..

Sheree:Yestheex peri
encemi ght’
vebeenbad
andpainfulf
ory outof i
ndy our
selfwi
ththi
s
di
[Link]’tgiv
ey outheri
ghttojust
ki
llanyoneli
ket hatandbeashi tt
yperson
[Link]'tbeanani mal.

Me:
(sar
casm)Sher
ee.
..

Shefl
inchesqui
ckl
ythi
nki
ngIwasgonnahither
facewhenIfl
ashtheri
ngi
nfr
ontofherf
ace.

Me:Itol
dyoutomar
[Link]
sring
r
ightnowandwegochangeouri
denti
ti
esthen
l
iveahappyl
if
e.
Sher
ee:
Hel
lshoul
dfi
rstf
reezebef
oreI
—

Me:
SHEREEEEE!
!!
!!

Ir
oarjumpi ngathershescreamsandspray
ed
myey [Link]
nybodyandfal
ldown
onthegr asscryi
nginagonywhil
eIwipemy
[Link]
epsrunni
ng.

Me: I
’m gonnacatchy ou!!
!!Whereveryouare,
whereverholeyouhidei ntoI’
m gonnacatch
you!!
!You’r
emi neSher eeBanks!!!You’
remine!
!!
Iknowwhi chfi
rstplacet ofi
ndy ou!!
!RunbutI
surel
yknowy oucan’ thide,myhoneybee!!

Irol
lsi
detosi
deonthegr
assgroani
ngt
othe
pepperspr
aydoi
[Link]
I’
m str
uggli
ngtounderst
andwhenandhowdid
shepossibl
ypurchaseit
,wi
thoutmegi
vi
ngher
accessout.
.
..
>>>Tobecont
inued.
..
54
.
..
SHEREE
Iweepr unni
ngformylif
[Link]
dn'tstopI
ranasf [Link]
from Buzwewherehecoul dnevereverfi
ndme.
Isnatchedofft
hescarfaroundmyf ace
stoppingatanearbyst
oreheav i
ngloudly,
tir
ed.
Ibendtouchingmykneesandr antothebasi n
thatIsawout si
dethefir
stst
[Link]
thewaterfir
stusingmyhandsbeforethrowi ng
i
tonmyf aceandr i
nsedthemakeupof [Link]
resumedwi t
hmyr unni
ngnotknowingwher e
exactl
ymystopwil
ltakepl
[Link]
deinanother
buil
dinggat
her
ingmybreat
hsasIr estal
i
ttl
e.

.
.
.

KENEI
LOE
Me:Passonyourl
eft
..
.Taker
ight
..
.Fol
l
owt
he.
..
not
he5thstr
eet,y
es.

Jozeastol
eashortgl
anceatmet
henbackt
o
handl
ingthewheel
.

Me:
What
?
Jozea:Howdoy
ouknowi
fwe'
ret
aki
ngt
he
ri
ghtrout
e?

Me:Justtr
ustmeandst
opbei
ngdoubtful
.This
t
imemyi nsti
nct
sar
eri
ght,
weain’
tledast
ray
.

Hemakesasl
i
ghtf
rownandsi
ghs.

Jozea:
Okayi
fyousayso

Me:
Ido.

Hedrovesil
entl
ytomyor der
[Link]
uall
yI’
d
seemyfatherappear
ingoncertai
nstr
eets.
That
'shi
ml eadi
ngust owherebothBuzwe&
Sher
eeare.
Jozea:
Sowher
etonext
?

Me:
Uhm uhm.
..

Il
ookar
oundl
ooki
ngf
orhi
ssi
gnal

Jozea:
Huh?

Me:
Wai
tJozeaj
ustwai
t!
!

Isnapnudgi
nghi
m onhisshoul
der
.Hegaveme
theki
ll
erl
ookashelookedonhi
sshoul
der
.

Me:Sor
ry,
just
,I’
m abi
tfr
ust
rat
edr
ightnowand
wai
ti
ngforasign.
Jozea:
Youcoul
d’v
ejustsi
mpl
ysai
dso.

Me:
That
’swhyI
’
m apol
ogi
zi
ng

Jozea:
Accept
ed.

Ieyehim undermyl
ashesandcaughthim
[Link]
short
li
vedasIpatt
edhim seei
ngasign.

Me:
Jozea,
Jozea!

Hest
opsl
aughi
ngandl
ooksatme.

Me:
(poi
nti
ng)Thatchur
chbui
l
ding.
..weneed
t
ogopasti
tnow
Jozea:Youmeant
heonenear
ert
otheopen
fi
eld?

Me:[Link]
ck!Qui
ck!Wear
eor
der
edt
obe
qui
ck.

IsayseeingDadcl
appi
nghishandst
oget
her
fast
[Link]
tst
hecarandobeyst
he
command.

Me:Myheart
..
.Icanf
eel
somet
hingbadi
s
aboutt
ohappen.

Jozea:No,no,i
tcan’
tbeyout
oo.I
’m st
art
ingto
hatethatphr
[Link]’
twebeposi
ti
veforonce?
Iswal
l
owedandnodded.

Jozea:
You’r
ethesamepersont
hattol
dme
aboutf
ait
[Link]
ait
handy outr
ynnapul
l
medow–

Me:
Jozeal
oooooook!
!!
!

Iscr
eam andhehit
sthebr
akesal
most
bumpingsomeone.

Me:
FocusJozeaFocus!goddammi
t

Jozea:
Sor
ryl
emmej
ustcheckout
.

Hejumpsoutoft
hecarandat
tendssomeone.I
al
sogotoutoft
hecar
.
Me:
Issheokay
?

Her
:Jozeaaaa!
!!
!!

Shescreamsi
mmedi at
elywhensheli
ft
sher
facecomingf
acetofacewit
[Link]
l
aughedandcriedal
lemoti
onalf
inal
l
yfindi
ng
her.

Jozea:Tanni
esekind!OhhhmyGodisthi
s
real
lyy
ou?Wet r
ulyworshipal
i
vingGod.

Hecr i
ednotknowingwhattodowi t
hhimsel
f
ashecr ushedherinhi
[Link]
nghi
sface
withhisotherhandandsobbi
ngl
ysay i
nghi
s
thanks.
Me:
Sher
eehoney
!

Seei
ngt
hem l
i
kethatgotmeemotional
tooasI
j
umpedandwenttojoi
nthem f
orahug.

Sher
ee:
Kenei
l
oe.

Wehadourmomentfinishedunt
ilIr
emov
ed
mysel
ffr
om t
hem get
tingup.

Me:Okayguysemoti
onsaside,
let
’sf
ocus.
Seei
ngShereemeansthatmybrot
herisnotf
ar
fr
om her
e,heisar
ound

Shej
umpsupt
imi
dly
.
Sheree:Yespl
ease![Link]’
scoming
formewi thev
eryt
hinghegot
.Ifwedon’
tgo
now...

Jozea:
Okayokayokay

Keneil
oe:I
’mremaini
ngbehi
ndy
ouguy
scango.
I
’l
llendyouthecar
.

Jozeasy
mpat
heti
cal
lythr
owsalookatmeand
Icoul
dseeal
i
lsadnesstooaf
terhear
ingt
his.

Jozea:
Kene.
..

Me:(
tear
y)Ihavet
odot
[Link]
etobr
ing
somesensestohi
m.
Hesniff
swi t
hv ei
nsappeari
ngonhisf or
ehead
[Link]
ngallmy
necessi
ti
esinmypur seandwalkedbackt ohi
m.
Placi
nghalfthemoneyIwithdr
ewi nthebankin
hi
shand.

Me:Leav
eanddon’ [Link]
eherfr
om
hi
[Link]
unatelyourjour
neyendsher
e,
pl
easetr
avelsafel
y.

Isai
dmygoodbyest
oSher
eeandl
eftbuthe
pull
edmeback.

Jozea:
Thanky
ouandt
akecar
e

Ismi
leandwal
kclosert
ohi
m hol
dinghi
sbear
d
andpl
acedasof
tpeckonhi
scheek.
Me:
Til
lnextt
imemyf
ri
end.

Isl
owlysli
poffhi
shandandwalkedaway .I
onl
yturnedwhentheydrov
eawayandsmi l
ed
cont
inui
ngwithmyj our
ney
.Dadsurpr
isedme
byappeari
ngi
nfrontofme.

Me:
Dad?
??

Dad:Youranoutoft
imemychi
l
[Link]
anout
ofti
me..
..

Aft
erhesaidthatwehear
damassi
vebari
ng
soundofcoll
i
sionbet
weencar
[Link]
ooked
back.

Me:
JOZEEEEA!
!!
!SHEREEEE!
!!
!
NOOOOOOOO!
!!
!!
!

Iscreamedandweptal oudasIj
oggedl i
keBolt
towher ethei
rcarwascrashedt
oanot her
.Ir
an
thatmyshoescameof fandcontinuedrunni
ng
barefootcryi
nghyst
eri
cal.

Igott
ot hecarandsl
ammedi
twi
thmyhands
sti
l
lcr
ying.

Me:
(weepi
ng)Joz
ea!
!!Sher
eeee!
!!

Ipunchedt hewindowsbr okenandopenedthe

dri
ver’
sdoorwhi leinsi
deandpulledhimfrom
[Link] eeding,bl
oodrunningdown
hisfaceandhehadacutonhi [Link]
wasn’tful
[Link]
edstr
addli
ngontop
ofhim andcuphi sfacewhi l
ecry
[Link]
aphim
awake.

Me:HeyJozwakeup!Don’
tcl
osey
ourey
esand
di
[Link].

Ihi
thischeekshard,hebl
i
nkedal
i
ttl
[Link]
sey
es
werepart
ial
lyopened.
Il
ookedar
oundandmybr
eat
hingsgoti
rr
egul
ar.

Me:Joz.
..Joz.
..wher
e..
.wher
e’sSher
ee?
Where’
sSheree!!
!?

Iy
ell
edpani
cki
ng.

Jozea:(
slowl
y)He..
.Het
ookher
.Het
ookher
[Link]’snotgi
vi
ngup
Icl
ampmyt eethonmylipwhi
leclenchi
ngmy
j
[Link]
ouchedhi sf
acel
ooki
ngcloselytohi
m
wit
hangerbrewing,
notf
orhi
m ofcourse.

Me: I
’m gonnagetmybestf r
iend–y oursi
ster
backfrom mybr otheronewayort [Link]
diepoppev i
rmymoetdanssodatekkankr y
[Link] v
irmydans.(If
thedoll
sshoul ddanceinorderformet oget
[Link] heyshalldance)

Hesmilesweaklywi
thhi
seyescl
osedandI
not
icedthecutonhi
sli
ps.

Jozea:
Showhi
mfl
ames.

Webot
hgi
ggl
ed.
Me:Pleasest
aylikethi
sandkeeptal
ki
[Link]
sur
ey oudon’
tfal
l asl
eeppl
easej
ustdon’
tfal
l
asl
eep.I’
ll
cal
ltheambulance.

Jozea:
(weakl
y)Pr
omi
semey
ou’
l
lfi
ndSher
ee.

Ishakemyhead.

Me:Nodon’ttal
kli
kethi
spl
[Link]'reall
gonnagobacktoSouthAfr
icaali
[Link]
i
nthereI
’m cal
li
ngtheambulancenow.

Isi
ghandplacethephoneonmyeardi
ali
ngt
he
emergencynumber.

.
.
.

BUZWE(
OB)
Sher
ee:Haaaaaaah!!
!!Jozeaaaaa!
!!Haaaaah!!
!!
!
Somebodyhelpme!St ophim, he’
sapsy cho!
!
Hekil
ledmybrothernowhe’ sgonnakill
me.
Somebodyhelp!
!!
!

Shescreamedwhil
eIcarri
edherfor
cef
ull
y
ki
cki
[Link]
ewer ej
ustwatchi
ngnotdoing
anyt
hingandtheywer
en’tgonnadoanyt
hing.

Sher
ee:
(scr
eami
ng)Heeeeeeel
p!Heeeee—

Isl
apherhar
dacrossherf
acedroppingher
downonthetarandgr
abbedherhair
.
Me:
Stop,
Stop!Shutup!

Ishakeherroughl
yandlai
dherdownplacing
[Link] r
uggli
ngto
breat
h,t
earstri
ckl
ingdownhercheeks.

Me: Whydidwehav etocomet ot hi

s?Why ?
?If
onlyyouaccept edthatal
lIneededfrom youis
l
ov [Link]
ionallovei
nallseasonsyousee
i
[Link] outoacceptme!Ineededy ou
toagreesticki
ngwi thmeforeverwhereverwe
areinthewor l
d!

Sher
ee:
(cr
ying)Bee.
..

Me:Iwoul
dn’
thavecometothi
spoint,
manhandl
i
[Link]’
ll
comebacktot
hehoneyBeeyouknowt heone
y
ou’
reusedt
o.

[Link]
edmykneeof
fherneck.

Sher
ee:
Heeeeel
p!!
!

Iqui
ckl
ypr
essmyhandonhermout
h.

Me:Yougivingmenochoi ceSher
[Link]
tisn’
t
whatyouwantthenI’m af
rai
dIfeelqui
tethe
opposi
[Link]
’sgonnagomywayort hehigh
way.

Igrabbedherupscr eamingandthrewherov er
myshoul derswalki
ngtoanothercarandthrew
[Link]
eusbackt oanotherplace
wherewegonnast ayexceptt
hepr ev
iousone.
.
.
.

VI
OLA
Myf ather
’sfuner
alcamet [Link]
bathroom gather
ingevery
thi
ngIneededi nmy
[Link]
etand
metCai tl
ynoutsi
deont heway.

Me:
Sishey

Ismi
l
eev
enwhenshemakesameanf
ace.

Cai
tl
yn:
Ohhy
ou’
reher
e?
Me:
Inf
[Link]
oseeme?

Shescoff
edmovingherheadandl
i
ftherhand
touchi
ngmynecklace.

Cait
lyn:
Niceneckl
[Link]
imayesher
eheil
ir
udi
nyumbanihuh?(Fi
nal
lydi
dtheceremonyback
homehuh? )

Myey
esgr
owwi
der
.

Cai
tl
yn:
Ohh!Youdidn’
tknowIknowSwahi l
i
?I
am mymother
’sf
ir
stbornindeedcan’
tyoutel
l
?

Me:(mocki
ngl
y)Ohi
tmustbesel
f-
taught
.You
nev
erspendti
mewit
hMom toevenshow
i
nter
esti
nany
thi
ngaboutherbackgr
ound.

Shechuckl
esf
oldi
ngherar
ms.

Cait
lyn:
Iseet
hesibl
i
ngri
val
ryhasn’
tended
evenwhenourpar
entsar
enomor e.

Me:
(sni
cker
s)Riv
alr
y?Ohhpleasedon’
tinv
olv
e
meinmatt
erst
hathavenot
hingtodowithme.

Shefr
eeherarmsmaki
ngagl
oomyev
ill
ookas
shegetscl
oser
.

Caitl
yn:Wellyouhavegott
entoofarbyki
ll
ing
myf atherandhavetheaudaci
tytoshowup
here,i
nhi shouseknowi
nghowmuchy ou
[Link] av
eofy ou!
Me: Wel lhewasmyf athertooIhadev eryri
ght
tobur yhi m andev eryrightt oswi t
chof fthose
machi [Link] i
fei nhim andneededt o
besetf [Link] ory ou, obsessingov eraman
whohar dlyev ennot i
cedy [Link] i
entfor
cryingoutl oud!Causi ngami sri
ftbetweent he
l
ov elycoupl [Link] ningagoodgi rl
’sfuture,all
thi
sy oumanagedoi ngi nashor tspacewher e
daddyneededy out hemost ,inhishospi talbed.
Arey oupr oudofy ourselfCai tl
yn?Wheny ou
l
ooki nthemi rrorandl ookt oev erythingyoudo?
Yousi di
ngwi tht hepeopl ewhoki l
ledy our
mot her .
..andt odayy ou’rejoini
ngf orceswi th
them.

Shel
ooksatmesi
l
ent
ly.

Me:
We’
real
lthatwehav
[Link]
fei
stooshor
t
peoplear
edyi
[Link]
slast
chancetobeatwar
.Isi
treal
l
ywort
hit?

Sheshr
ugscar
elessl
y.

Cait
lyn:WellI
’v
est oppedr unningafteryouViola.
I’
vepreachedthatmor ethanIcanr emember
andy ouneverli
[Link]’tgonnabey ourass
l
ickerthatwast hel astt
[Link] ahItookdad’s
deathtoopersonal .Isti
l
[Link] eah
I’
m givi
ngyouaf r
iendlywarningthatthenex t
thi
ngy oushallseenexti nmei snoty oursi
ster
butanenemy .

Ichuckl
ed.

Me:
Gewoonzo?(
Justl
i
ket
hat
?)
Cai
tl
yn:
Yeahj
ustl
i
ket
hat

Me:Welli
fyoucomingformebet terknowy
our
stor
ywellsi
[Link]
kal oneandbecaref
ul
nottobur
ny our
sel
fwit
hy ourownf l
ame.

Shesneerswi
thami
schi
evoussmi
l
emov
ing
hershoul
der
.

Cai
tl
yn:Iwi
ll
.Justl
ikeyoushoul
dbecaref
ulas
well
makingsureasfrom t
odayyousl
eepwit
h
oneeyeopen.

Me:
Ohhdar
li
ngI
’
m al
i
ghtsl
eeper

Shescoff
sandIbl
owki
ssatherwav
ing
goodbye.
Cait
lyn:
Letitbey
ourl
astt
imeev
erset
ti
ngy
our
foother
e!!
!

Me:
Wit
hpl
easur
e!!
!

Il
efttheplaceandgoti
nmycardr
ivi
ngtothe
stat
[Link]
naqueueandwai
tedtobecall
ed
next.

I
twasf
inal
l
ymyt
urn.

Cop:
Next
!

Me: Hi,Iam r
eport
ingacri
meofapl acet
hat’
s
keepingadeadcor [Link]
todot hesearchandtakethebodybacktothe
f
ami
l
yforpr
operbur
ial
.

Ipushmyphonetowar
dsherandshest
ops
sucki
ngherl
oll
i
pop.

Me:Al
levi
denceisi
nther
[Link] wi
l
li
ngt
otake
yout
otheaddress.

Her:
Constabl
eChauke!Constabl
eChauke
pl
easemakeitint
hefrontdeskimmediat
ely
,
i
t’
surgent
!

Ismil
eseei
ngthatev
ery
thi
ngiscomingt
oplan.
Octavi
awasnexttomeandvani
shedminut
es
l
ater.

.
.
.

BUZWE(
OB)
Sher
ee:
Buzwel
etmegopl
ease

Ilookatherandsuddenlyfel
tdi
zzystumbli
ng
andf all
[Link]
bowi ngdownandheldmyt ummy .Somethi
ng
feltpressedinmytummyandst uckinmy
throatasIv omi
tednot
hingbutair
.

Sher
ee:Beeisthaty
ouov
erther
e?Ar
eyou
comingbacktomehoney?

Me:
(gr
unt
s)St
op.
Shejumpsonthechai
rshe’
sti
edonpant
ing
heav
ilywi
tht
ears.

Sher
ee:Wellbabyifi
t’
sy oufi
ght
.Pl
easef
ight
hi
m!!!
!Iknowy ouwouldn’tl
ayasi
ngl
ehandon
[Link] omehoneybee.

Ifall
flatdownscreaminghav
ingadeep
confli
cti
onwithi
nme, wit
hthesoul
.Feel
ingthe
origi
nalownerofthebodywanti
ngtotakefull
authorit
yofit
.

Sheree: (
screaming)Ilovey ouuuBee!!
!!Il
ove
you!!
!!Comeandf i
ghtf [Link] he
nightyousav edmyl if
[Link] dyousaytome?
Wheny outaughtmedef enseclasses?When
wesanganddancedt oget her?Rememberall
thoselovelymemor iesweshar ed.
..
Igroanedandr
oaredhar
derasIsqueezemy
neckroll
i
ngonthefl
oorfi
ght
ingBuzwefrom
comingback.

Sheree:
(tearf
ul)Rememberourf
irstki
ssand
howy outouchedmydelicat
eski
n?Iwasn’t
drunkIwasl i
steni
[Link]
rstmadelove
whatdidy ousay??

Iletgoandpauseroll
ingont
hef
loort
ear
s
fall
ingf
rom myeyeli
ds.

Me:ThatI’
my oursuperhero,I’
dneverhur
tyou.
Youresi
deinmyhear tandI ’
llt
rymyutmost
bestgi
[Link]
ll
wedecidetomakei tf
orev ercauseI
’ma
messedupsoul.
Shesmi
l
esi
ntear
s.

Sheree:
It’
syou…It’
syou…youcamebackIcan
tel
lbyyourvoi
[Link]
’sal
lI’
vebeenl
ongi
ngfor
.

Isnar
lint
ensi
onl
ooki
ngatoursur
roundi
ngs
puzzl
ed.

Me:Whattheheck!Wherear
ewe?What.
..why
ar
eyoulooki
ngliket
hat?whodi
dthi
stoyou?
whothe.
..

Itr
iedcont
roll
ingmyangersothathedoesn’
t
[Link] andupandwalkt
owardsher
untyi
[Link]
uddledbyal
lof
thi
s
Me:
Whatf
ucker
yist
his?

Iwhi spertomy selfasIt

ouchherblood
drenchedcl [Link]
inueduntyi
ngher
swal l
owingi nguil
tasItookev er
ydetai
lofhow
brutalshelookedandherbr ui
sedbeaut
iful
face,
withl i
tt
lecuts.

Sher
ee:
Hewaswithmeall
thi
st i
[Link]
d
fi
nal
l
ycomel
ikey
ousaidand.
..and.
..

Me:
DIDHE..
.?(composi
ngmy
sel
f)Di
dIdot
his
t
oyou?Di
dIhityou?

Iaskpoint
ingmy selff
ail
i
ngtocomposemy
[Link]
owly,
Igulp
avoi
dingtolookatthepaini
[Link]
ie
herfi
nishandsetherf
[Link]
eredmy
facei
ncompl et
eshame.

Me: I’m sorr

ySher eeI ’
mr eal
lysor
ryforwhatI
didtoy [Link] r
yingmy sel
fli
keananimalli
ke
[Link]'
sonet hi
ngI ’veneverwantedyoutoever
witnesswi thme.I ’
m ashamedandcompl etel
y
under standwheny ounev erwanttoseeme
[Link] waysr ememberonet hi
ngno
mat [Link] ’
llal
waysloveyou
evenont heothersi de.

Sher
ee:
Othersi
de?

Herv
oicecar
ri
edal
i
ttl
ehi
ntofhur
t

Me:Youcan’
tpossi
blycar
eaboutmeaf
terthi
s.
You’
redr
enchedinbl
oodfir
stt
hingy
oushould
beworr
iedabouti
syourl
i
feandescapi
ngaway
fr
om me.

Sheree:(
cry
ing)Isti
l
llov
ey [Link]
etheBuzwe
Iam seei
[Link]’stheoneIfel
lfor
,
fi
rstti
meIsawhi m nott
heot hermonst
er.

Me: Idot oobutsadlythatmonst erli

vesinme.
Youhav etoforgetaboutmeSher [Link]
thi
schancet oescapef ory
ourli
feandnotl ook
[Link] eatgentcomesi ny ourli
fewho
i
sn’tanasshol ejustli
kemeandr edeem your
i
ntakeofl ove,givesyouadi f
fer
entgood
[Link]
iedbutf ai
leddoing
so.

Shest
oodt
her
ecr
yingunwi
l
li
ngt
oletmego.
Sher
ee:
Buzwe

Me:
Ihopey
ougivehim achanceanddon’
tbe
t
oohar
donyour
self
.NowgoSher ee.

If
acet
heot
hersi
de.

Me:
JustgooooSher
ee!
!Go.

SheranandIbegangrunti
ngasmyj oi
nts
beganbreaki
ng,
OBbr eaki
ngev er
ysingl
ejoi
nts
i
nmewi thmyclothestear
[Link]
enl
argedandbeasty.

Me:
(gr
oani
ng)Don’
tlookbackr
uuuunSher
ee!
!!
!!

Wi
thonemassi
vecr
ackmyj
oint
sref
ormsback
quickl
ytogetherandIstoodupri
ghtnor
mall
y.
Apeari
ngmor etal
landbuff
ynowev enwher
eI
tookstepsitshuddersandquakes.

ShereewasalreadygoneIsmel therscent
[Link]
umpedov ertowher esheranand
threwasharppointymet al
atheritcutsherarm
[Link] hemet algoi
ng
backtomyr [Link] i
meshehasal i
verto
fi
ghtmeback, ki
ckingmygr oin,
shegrabbed
themet al
andhitmyf acerepeatedl
y.

Me:(demonicvoi
ce)Thenyouthi
nkIwi
lleasi
ly
l
[Link] ustl
etgoofagem li
ke
you?Fiest
yone.

Igiggl
edi
nt hatv
oicegrabbingherasshe
screamssnatchi
ngthemet alfr
om herand
placei
[Link]
ewewer est
il
lati
tI
f
eltsomeoneshoot
ingme.

Kenei
l
oe:
Leav
eheral
one.

Imakeanevi
lsmi
rkhol
dingt
hewoundov
ermy
shoul
der
s.

Me:Ahhw!sisiuyandidubulangoku?Ndiji
kelwa
nanguwegazil
am?Oy enasisi
ndinaye
wok’phel
a?(
You’reshootingmenow?Tur ni
ng
agai
nstmey ourblood?Theonl ysi
sterIhave)

Sheree:Don’tl
i
stentohi
mit
’st
hedemon
speaking!
!!
!He’str
ansf
ormi
ng!
!!
!

Ishi
ftt
oheri
nanger
.
Me:
(demoni
cvoi
ce)Shutupy
oubi
tch!
!!

Irai
set
hemetalt
ohitherbut3shotshi
tmeon
mychestandIf
ell
down,droppi
ngtheobject
downaswell
.

Il
ookatmychestt
henatt
heshaki
ngKenei
l
oe
wi
ththegun.

Me:
(fr
owns)Kene?

Kenei
l
oe:
Youhav
etobest
opped

Itr
ywiththeli
tt
leener
gytorunbackatherbut
shegaveonemor eshotsendi
ngmet ofal
lon
myback,[Link]
rantoShereecryi
ngandhuggi
ngeachother.
Sher
ee:
Thanky
ou!Thanky
ousomuchf
or
savi
ngme.

Kenei
loe:
Justgetoutofher
eandl
ookf
ory
our
cousi
n.

Iheardr
unningf
oot
stepsandsoonsawmy
si
stercr
yingont
opofme.

Kenei
loe:
Whydi
dithav
etocomet
othi
s?Why
bhuti
?Why ?

Iweaklyopenedmyey
esandgent
lyt
ouched
herhand.

Me:
Thanky
ouf
orset
ti
ngmef
reesi
[Link]
r
eal
l
yhonor
abl
e.

Wel aughedintear
sunt i
l myey
esgotheav
y.I
gaspedt aki
ngmyl astbreat
handsawtheli
ght
.
Minuteslatermyfatherappear
edandcameto
fet
chme.

Dad:That’
stheonl
ywayy
ouf
reey
our
sel
ffr
om
i
[Link]
.

Me:
Peacei
sal
lIwant

Dad:
Peacei
swhaty
ougot
.

WelookedathowKenecriedonmycor
pse.
Dadsmiledatherandl
eft
.
Me:
Whyy
ou’
rel
eav
ingmebehi
nd?

Dad: Ourj ourneysaren’tt

[Link] er
y
badper soni nmyt imesonear thunli
keyouI
wasnev erdet er
minedt [Link]
disassociatedf r
om allthegoodangelsand
ancestor stil
ltheverylastdaysofthecomingof
theSon.

Me:
Butwhyy
oucamet
hroughf
ormeandKene?

Dad:Let’
ssayIwasonebadspi rittot
urnonits
gravewhenbothofyouwer en’ttaughtabout
beli
evi
nginGodandancest [Link] r
ied
prayi
ngfewtimesbutappeasingy our
ancestor
[Link] ouevenknowwhi chclan
youbelongtooryourheri
tage?
Ishr
ugged.

Dad: [Link] t
ti
ng
yoursel
ftothosewoul d’
vebeendif
ficul
twi
th
thedemony [Link] ewasbasicall
ynoone
toshowupf ory ouexceptmesonal sobei
ng
thr
oughwhaty ou’
vebeenthrough.

(
Sil
ence)

Me:
Sowher
etof
rom her
e?

Dad:
You’reabouttowit
nessi
ndeedt
hatLi
feI
s
AMov i
[Link]
lson.

Hewalksawayt
il
lhevanishesandIsuddenl
y
f
eltmorel
ikeal
ostsoulevenmorehereI
thoughtt
hingswoul
dbebet
tert
hissi
deIdon’
t
knowanymor e.
.
..
>>>Tobecont
inued.
..
*
Obsessi
on*

55
.
..
PHEZI
SA
Me: Buzwe,yhoBuzwemnt anam. .
.
Andinamazwi manintsikunobandicelauxolo(
I
havenotenoughwor dsexceptf oraskingfor
for
giveness)I’
mr eal
l
ysor rymysonf orfai
li
ng
youasapar [Link] oulove,my
eff
ortwasnev [Link]’
twannaputup
muchef for
t!
!!
!Ididn’
twantt o!
!iyhooooBuzwe!!!
Ibur
stoutloudcr
yinghuggi
nghiscoffi
nbeing
themessthatIam wit
hpeoplewatchi
ng.
Bhongocamet of
etchmef r
om thestage.

Me:(cr
ying)Ndi
xol
elemnt
anam!
!!
!Ndi
xol
ele
Buzweee!!
!

Icri
edaskingf
orhisf
orgivenessastheyt
ook
meof fst
ageandtherestoftheserv
ice
conti
nued.

’
 ’

Ithrewt hesoilonhiscof fi
nnotbel i
evi
ngIj ust
bur i
edmyoneandonl [Link] thouthimI’m
childlessIsowi shhecoul [Link] sh
thatIcanf i
xmymi st
akesandwemakeupf or
allourbadpastandsot hatIcanbeagood
mot her .Ineedanotherchancewi thhim causeI
nev erpai datt
entionandIf eelreall
ybad.
Ev eryonewassi l
entl
isteningtomyshar pcr ies,
acr yofamot herburyingherownchi ldtori
ng
from [Link] owl ybalancedmeand
wal kedmeawayt othecar .

.
.
.

KENEI
LOE
Iholdt hecell andrestmyheadoni t
.Inever
i
magi nedmy sel fki
ll
ingsomeone, myown
brotherstil
[Link] erknewIhadi tinmebuta
partofmef eel sgoodcauseIsav edsomeone’ s
l
ifethroughat r
aumat i
cexper [Link] d
somet hingt omebef [Link]
thankedmef orsettinghimf reeandupt ot his
dayIst il
lhav emi xedemot ionsonhowt of eel
aboutt hat.I’
dl i
ket of eelhappyt hatIsethim
freefrom hisdemonsy etIst i
llf
eel t
hewor st
forkil
[Link]’ tknowi fIcanf or
give
my selffordoi ngthat .

Aguar
ddi
stur
bedmyt
hought
s.
Hi
m:Youhav
eav
isi
tor
.

Heopenedt hecellsandescor tedmeout .

Surpri
singlyIseeMom si t
ti
ngt her
e,shel ooked
horri
[Link] acewaspi nksinceshe’slightin
compl [Link] landpuf f
yIcoul d
seeshe’ sbeendr owninginpainandmi sery.I
feelverybadf orbeingthereasonbehi ndher
[Link].

Me:
Ma

Shest
aresatmesi
l
ent
ly.

Mom: Don’
tyouev
ergett
ocal
lmet
hatev
er
agai
nKeneil
oe.
Iswal
l
owedt
ear
ful
l
y.

Me:
I’
m sor
ryIdi
dn’
tmean—

Mom: Idon’twannaheari [Link]’reindeed

Tsiet
si’[Link]’tbelieveIraisedy ou(scoffs)
whatdi dIev enthi
nkr aisingat r
ashl i
key ourself
?
Umnt anaongengowakhouy ohl
alaingengo
wakhony aninobaungat hini(Achil
dt hat
’snot
yourswi l
lalway sremai nnoty ourchildin
whatev eryoudot ocl oset hespot )

Il
ookatherf
eel
i
ngr
eal
l
yhur
tbyt
hosewor
ds.

Mom: WheredidIgety oufrom?Whatwould

youhav ebeen?Comi ngf r
om apoor
[Link]
hingI
’
vedonefor
you,youkil
lmyonl [Link]! !
!!
Sheglar
edatmewi t
hbl
oodshotgl
i
steni
ngey
es
shaki
ngherhead.

Mom: Youdeservetorotinjai
l andI’
llmake
sureoft
hat .I
’
llmakesurethis5y earsofi
ll
egal
fi
rear
mt urnsto20yearsinprison.I’
vegot
moneyI’vegotpowerI’
m gonnadoi t
.

Shebangst
het
abl
e.

Mom: TodayIcurseyouanddi
sownyouasmy
daughter
.YoutookmyBuzwe!awayandend
hi
slif
[Link] ot
her
!

[Link]
epeat
edl
ysucki
ng
thr
oughmyt eet
h.
Me:Ibel
i
evey
ousai
dyourpi
[Link]
mi
ne?

Il
eanf
orwar
dtoher
.

Me:Fine,bri
bethem al
lyouwantandIr otmy
year
si [Link]
twon’tchangethefactthat
Buzwei [Link]
ngIcan
saymakesmepr oudandsat i
sfi
ediskil
li
ngy our
son,causeIsethimfree.

Shebangedthetablejumpingonmewhi l
e
snor
ti
ngheavil
[Link] dcameandshe
composedhersel
[Link]
yinan
unpl
easantway.

Me:
Youcan’
tst
artcar
ingnowt
haty
oursoni
s
[Link] eof30yearstodot hat
yetyouchosenottobeapresentparent
knowingyouaretheonl
yparentOBev erhad.
Hediedbecauseofyou.

Mom:
(sni
cker
s)What
?

Me:Hedi edbecauseofy [Link] ng

thebr
otherIrecogni
ze,hedi edamonst erand
whatcreatedthatmonsterinhim?Anger ,anger
hehadf orbei
ngsidel
inedbyy ouandthe
emoti
onal abuseyouputhimt hrough.

Shebl
i
nked.

Mom: Youcannotholdmeaccountabl
eof
Buzwe’sact
[Link]’
sanadult
!Hedecidedt
o
[Link]'
tyouthi
nkI
t
ri
edr
epr
imandi
nghi
m?

Me:Af fl
ict
edbywhat ?Busyacti
ngper f
ect.I
f
onl
yy ougav ehi
mt helovethathe’
sbeencr yi
ng
[Link] dn’
tbehere,youwouldn’thave
l
osty [Link]
edli
vesinnocent
onesandIhadt ostopit,hewasbecomi ng
uncontroll
abl
e.

(
Sil
ence)

Me: Andwhil
ey ouwi shformet orotinhere.I
wishguil
tandmi serytokill
ev er
ybit
sofy ou
thatyoucan’
ttakeitnomor [Link]
rememberwhatawor stparentyouweretoy our
sonandhewoul d’
vest i
ll
beenalivei
fitwasn’t
foryou.
Ist
oodup.

Me:Nowgoaheadandbri
[Link]
t’
ll
make
yousl
eepwel
latni
ght
,dear
estmother.
Goodbye.

Ical
ledaguar
[Link]
sai
dwhatsheneededtosayandIsai
dwhatI
neededtosay
.SoIthi
nkfr
om her
eonI’m on
myown.

.
.
.

SHEREE
Weal
lhadanemot
ional
momentwi
tht
he
Einst
einf amil
y,i
twasmyf arewell
.JozeaandI
madei tfrom Bangl
adeshsafelyeventhough
wedi dn’tcomebackwithKenet houghI
[Link]
canmakeway stot
hankherinapr operway.

Jozea:
Byecuz

Me:
Byebr
o

Ismil
egi
vi
nghi
m ahugandhewhi
mper
edi
n
pai
n.

Jozea:
Aah!Car
eful
I’
m st
il
li
npai
[Link]
d
anumberonme.

Me:
Arghdon’
tev
enment
ioni
t.I
’
m sor
ry.
..y
ou
di
dwar
nmeabouthi
m.

Jozea:
Yeahhe’
snolongerathr
eatanymore.
Someti
meswelearnthehar
dwaybutI’m gl
ad
you’
reher
enow,saf
eandstil
lbr
eathi
ng.

Hesay
spl
aci
nghi
sar
m ov
ermyshoul
der
.

Me:
Ial
mostdi
ed

Jozea:
Andy
ouwant
edt
otakemeal
ongwi
th
you.

Wegi
ggl
[Link]
lcameov
erandgav
emeahug.

Pear
l:I
’
m gonnami
ssy
ou
Me:I
’
m gonnami
ssy
out
oobutwegonnat
alk
ont
hephone.

Pear
l:Yespl
eaaase.

Mom: ThankyouSegoandBr yanfor

accomodat i
ngusandJozeaf orbeingthehero
ofthey ear
.Ireall
yappreciat
eitandallyour
[Link]
hAf r
icadidonceagaingiveusyet
anotherpainf
ul experi
encewenev erexpect
ed.
Cany ouagreeSher ee?

Dad:
SeewhyIusual
l
ysai
dnot
odat
ings?

Mom gav
ehi
m ar
epr
imandi
ngl
ook
Me:YesdadandIdon’
tseemysel
fdati
ngagain.
WellI
’
m gonnat
akeahugebreakaf
tert
his.I
val
uemylif
e.

Dad:
Goodgi
rl

Mom:Wellt
henIbel
i
evei
t’
sti
met
[Link]
youf
orhav
ingus.

Lesego:
Aaah.

Shecameandgav emeahugsamewi thuncle

Bry
ant her eaft
erweallwenttot heair
port
.
Goodby eSA!Don’ tthi
nkI’
llbecomi ngagai
nI ’
ve
l
earntal ot,ther
ewer esourandsweet
moment [Link] i
shallofthem andI’m aproud
sur
vivort hat’
sallIcansay.
.
.
.

PEARL(
JOZEA’
SSI
STER)
Weallset
tl
edonourarri
valbackfr
om the
ai
rpor
[Link],
itwasa
message.

“
.
’
’
.

.
’
”
Igaspwit
hmymout
hopenandwentt
omy
room t
ocall
her
.

Vi
ola:
Hel
l
o

Me:
Viol
ayouhav
eababy
?

Vi
ola:
I’
ll
expl
ainev
ery
thi
ngwheny
ou’
reher
e.

Iclosemyeyessqueezi
ngmybr
owsandsi
gh
facingup.

Me:
OkayI
’
llf
ir
staskf
orper
missi
on

Vi
ola:
Alr
ightI
’
llhearf
rom y
ou
Me:
Bye

Vi
ola:
Goodby
e

Weendedthecal
l
.Jozeawal
kedi
n
unex
pect
edly
.

Me:Si
ncewhendoy ouwalkinuni
nvi
ted,
whati
f
Iwasnaked?That
’sdi
srespect
,ar
gh!

Jozea:
Gotsomet
hingt
ohi
de?I
sdi
t'
nkêr
el?(
Is
i
taboy f
ri
end?
)

Me:
Noi
t’
snotaboy
fri
end!
Jozea:Ihopeyoulearnedsomethi
ngwit
h
[Link]’vebeenthroughsomuchwithher
andIhopey ou’
renotabouttoputust
hrough
thesamet hi
ngagain.

Me:Jozeadi
twasnie‘
nboyfr
iendniemaardit
wasViol
a(Thatwasnotaboyfr
iendbutVi
ola)

Heki
ndachangedt
obei
nghappy

Jozea:
Viol
a?Whatdi
dyout
alkt
oVi
olaabout
?

Me:[Link]
obaby
sit
somebabyinherapart
ment .

Jozea:
Baby
?Whatbabyar
eyout
alki
ngabout
?
Me: Ialsodon’
tknowmaarsysêsygaanal l
es
verduidel
ikwanneerekdaaraankom.(
butshe
saysshe’sgonnaexplai
nev er
ythi
ngwhenIget
there)

Henodssi
l
ent
ly.

Me:
SoI’m aski
ngf
orper
missi
on.I
’
llaskt
he
r
ent
stoo.

Jozea:I
’
m comingwit
hyouandI’
llputi
nagood
wordforyoui
fther
entsdon'
tagr
[Link]’
sgo.

Hel
eftandIf
oll
owedaf
terhi
m smi
l
ing.

.
.
.

VI
OLA
Pearl
cameandshowedupwithherbr
other
.I
l
eftKri
ssywat
chi
ngcar
toonsandwentto
at
tendthem.

Me:Pearl
,[Link]
hyour
br
othereventhoughIexpect
edyout
ocome
al
one.

Pear
l:Hei
nsi
stedt
ocomenotaccept
ingnof
or
ananswer
.

Weexchangedacer
tai
ngl
ancewi
thJozeaandI
exhal
ed.
Me:
Okayfi
[Link]
lletmei
ntr
oducey
ou
t
omydaughter
.

Pear
l:Daught
er!
?Wowuhm okay
.

Iwal
kedwit
hherfur
theri
nmyapar
tmentand
i
ntr
oducedt
hem t
oeachot her
.

Me: Kr
issy,
Pearli
sgonnal ookaf
tery
ouwhil
e
I’
m [Link]
stobondandgett
o
knoweachot herbet
terokay?

Ikneel
inf
rontofKr
issyt
ucki
ngherhai
rbehi
nd
herear
.

Me:Thisi
sit
,it
’sti
[Link]
easedon’
tgi
vePear
la
har
dtimealr
ight?
Shel
ookedather
.

Me:
Promi
seme.

Kr
issy
:Ipr
omi
se.

Iholdherhandst
oget
hersmi
li
ngandtri
edto
getupbutsheholdsmemoreti
ght
[Link]
t
back.

Kri
ssy:Pr
omisemeonet
hing.
..t
haty
ou’
re
comingback.

Ismi
l
etear
ful
l
y.
Me:
I’
m comi
ngback,
Ipr
omi
se.

Iki
ssedherf
oreheadandgotup.

Me:
Gir
lsI
’
mleav
ingpl
easebehav
e.

[Link]
ookallmythi
ngsandEFTthe
moneyforPearlbef
oremeeti
ngJozeaout
side.

Jozea:
Soy
our
eal
l
yhav
eababy
?

Me:
Yeah

Jozea:
Inev
erknewy
ouwant
edbabi
es.

Me:
Wenev
ersatanddi
scussedaboutt
hat
.
Feel
slikethewhol
e7y ear
swespenttogether
westil
ldidn’
tgett
oknoweachotherwell
enough.

Jozea:
Sowho’
sthef
ather
?

Me:(sar
cast
ical
l
y)Pssh!Fat
her
?Iadopt
ed
honey

Jozea:
Wooo!Al
mostgotmet
her
euhm t
hat
’sa
rel
i
ef.

Me:
Mustbe.

Hel
ooksatme.

Jozea:
I’
m sor
ry
Me:
For
?

Jozea:
Maki
ngy
ouf
eel
unwel
comed

Me:Youdidn’
t,t
hingshadt
otur
noutt
heway
t
hattheyare.

Jozea:
Areweev
erget
ti
ngbackt
oget
her
?

Ij
ustsmi
l
eathi
m

Me:
Arey
out
ell
i
ngmewhathappenedt
oyou?

Jozea:
Arey
ouav
oidi
ngt
his?
Me:
Comecl
oser
.

Hewal
kedcl
oserandIki
ssedhi
m.

Me:Youwi
ll
alway
sremai
ninmyhear
t.
Goodby
e.

Igoti
nthecaranddr
iveof
[Link]
avi
aappear
ed
nextt
ome.

Oct
avi
a:Youl
ookgoodt
oget
her

Me: [Link] ookedgoodbutl

if
ehad
otherplansso.
..Ij
ustwannagetthi
soverand
donewi thandgettospendtimewit
hmy
daughter.
Oct
avia:
Ial
sowantustocl
oset
hischapt
erso
t
hatIcanfi
nal
l
yresti
npeace

Me:
Wewi
l
lIpr
omi
se.

Ifocusedont her [Link] psegotmov ed

fr
om t hebasementathomet oanotherhome,
myaunt ’[Link] othepoli
cei t
seemedasi fIwast edtheirti
meandr esources
nowIf oundanot herlocationt hr
oughmygi ft
andI ’
vebeenf [Link]’ r
egetting
herbodybackwi thConst ableChaukewho
helpedussear chf orit
.He’llfoll
owbehindmeI
hopet hi
sgoeswel l.

.
.
.
MI
SSANDERSON
Wewer eatmyaunt’
spl
acedr
inki
ngwi
neandI
f
eltherpr
esence.

Me:
She’
sher
[Link]
eel
itshe’
s–ahhhhhh!
!!

Iscreamednextt hi
ngseeingthatIwas
speakingtocorpses,bot
hmyaunt sweredead
withthei
[Link]
ngout
[Link]
ngtherewasapool of
waterexit
ingtheroom.

Iqui
ckl
ygr
abmyst
ickandr
anoutl
ooki
ngf
or
Viol
a.

Me:
Viol
a!Vi
ola!Iknowy
ou’
ret
her
eshow
[Link]’
tbeacowar dit’
sjusty
ouandme.
Let’
sf aceeachotherhead-on.

.
,
.

. !

Ihitt
hedooropenandsawViolakneeli
ngon
thefl
oor
.Wearingawhit
edress,wrappi
ngthe
corpsei
nablanket
.Shesangthesong.

Vi
ola:
Hisi
ster
,wemeetagai
n.
Me:Zelda&Zuri
youki
ll
edt
hem af
teryouki
ll
ed
[Link]
l
ywannaendt
heAndersonshuh!
!!

Shef
ocusedont
hecor
pse.

Viol
a:Idon’
tkil
lI’
mthef
ixer
.I’
m notl
i
key
ou,
theypai
dtheirpr
ice.

Me: What ’
sthedi f
fer
encebetweenyouandme
thendearsist er
?Causewe’ r
ethesame!You
mightbehi dinginthenameofGodbutonan
actualfactyou’reanAndersonandanAnderson
willal
way sbeanAnder son!Ruthl
essasthey
canbe.

ShegotupandIr
eal
i
zedshewal
kedbar
efoot
.
Viol
a:I’
m notlikey ou,wil
[Link]
onlyaimi st
of etchthisbodyandr eturnitto
whereitbelongst hensheget stobebur ied
properl
[Link] egi v
ingmeahar dti
meandso
she’salr
eadyanangr yspiri
[Link]’
refeeli
ngher
wrathandy ou’
r econf usi
ngittomehav i
nga
handint hi
s.I
’mj ustamedi um, Iconnectwith
thedeadandIhel pwher eIcanwhent heyneed
myhel [Link]’
swhyI ’
m untouchedbyal lthi
s.

Me:
You’
renotget
ti
ngt
hatbodyVi
olaIswear
.

Vi
ola:
Cany
out
ell
mewhyCai
tl
yn?

Me:
Causey
ouar
enotget
ti
ngi
t!

Sheshr
ugged.
Vi
ola:
Tool
ate.

Irushedt
oatt
ackherbutIf
rozeal
i
ttl
ebi
tfar
fr
om thedoor
steps.

Me:
Ahhh.
.

Igr
untwhi
leIbur
nonmyf
eetandi
tincr
eases
upwar
ds.

Me:
Bit
chy
out
rappedme!

Vi
ola:YouchoseyourpathandIchosemi ne.
Goodandev i
ldoesn’
tcoexist
,yourenergyand
minecan’
tmixany [Link]
’showy ou’l
lfeel
ever
ytimeyougetclosetome.
If
rozeasIcont
inuedbur
ning.

Me:
(scr
eami
ng)Ahhhhst
opt
his!
!!
!

Viol
a:I
’
mt aki
ngitbackt
owher
ey ouwatched
Mommabur [Link]
showshefel
t,ar
eyou
feel
i
ngit?

Shewal kedar [Link] ellonmykneesst il

l
grunt
ingandcr yi
[Link] ol
li
ngmyey es
backfeelingpossessedandIf eltmy sel
f
[Link] hir
stedforbloodandescapedt he
tr
apshel aidformesl i
ther
ingt oherwayand
bit
eherl [Link] eamed, Icoil
edherbody
andthrewheracr osstheroom.

WhenIt
ransf
ormedbackt
omyhumanf
ormI
wi
pedmybloodyl
ips
Me:Yourbloodtastesawf
[Link]’
tli
keto
f
eastony ouevenifIwant
edt [Link],
f
orgetaboutit
.

Ipi
ckthedeadcor psebutIfeltherpushme
[Link] abbedmy
shor
thairandpunchedmet henkickedme.I
wait
edonanot herpunchandgr abbedherar
m
twi
sti
[Link].

Vi
ola:
Ahhhhhhh!

Me:
I’
m pr
epar
ingf
ory
ourdeat
h.

Ihi
therf
aceonthegl
asstankandsmackedher
har
dherfal
l
ingwit
[Link]
nted
her
.
Me:I
’myouroldersi
stery
ouwi
l
lnotdi
srespect
[Link].

Iattendedthecorpseunti
lIfel
tasharpobject
[Link] r
uggli
ngto
breatheandpluckeditoutofmyt ummywit h
bloodsplat
teri
ngoutofmymout h.

Vi
ola:
It’
sov
er.

If
allandf
aceupt
heceil
i
ngandgr
abbedmy
st
ickbesi
desme,
lay
ingi
tacr
osswher
eIbl
ed.
..
.

Me:Par
akal
óxypní
stemésamout
opnévmatis
Chí
mair
as(Pl
easeawakeni
nmethespi
ri
tof
Chi
mera)
Istart
edgr oani
ngandgrowli
nglikeananimal
withmycutwoundheal i
ngv eryfast
..
.Viola
quickl
ypi ckedt
hebodyandr anoutwithitver
y
[Link]
ngt ot
heshockof
theirl
i
v es.

Me:Ify
ouvalueyourli
vesyougonnadropthose
[Link]
shasnot hi
ngtodowithyoubut
i
t’
sbetweentwosister
s.

Iranoutdodgingtheirbul
l
etsandwentaftermy
si
[Link]
therwiththesti
ckandsheflew
coll
idi
ngwithacar ,
herbodyturnedgr
een.I
grabbedherhairandwentbackwi t
hherto
otherpart
softhehouse.

Me:
It’
snotov
erunt
ilIsayso.
Shethr
ewapowderonmyf
aceIl
etgoofher
andscr
eamed.

Gi
rl
:Vi
ola?

Viola:
OhmygoodnessKr i
ssywhatar
eyou
doingher
e!!
!?Run!
!!Goaway.
..

Ij
umpf ort
hegir
lbutIdon’
tknowfrom whi
ch
anglet
hechai
nedupalienbabycameand
att
ackedmeandbeheadedmedead.

.
.
.
VI
OLA
Wewat chedastheali
enbabyfil
ledwit
h
Caitl
yn’
sbl oodwentandplayedwithKri
ssy
’s
faceandhai rwei
rdl
yaswel [Link]
t
disappeared.

Kr
issy
:Hey
!

Sher
anaf
teri
tasi
twasgone.

Me: That
’sy
ourbr
other
.Theyt
urnedhimi
ntoan
ali
enbuthewil
lal
waysprot
ectyouinwei
rd
funnyways.

Shemadeasadfacekneel
i
ngi
nfr
ontofmeand
touchedmyf
ace.
Kr
issy
:Aunt
yViol
awi l
lyoubeokay
?You
pr
omisedmeyou’
llcomeback!

Me:(
tear
y)Iam backbabyIam back.I
’
m not
l
eav
ingyou.

Kr
issy
:Thenwhyi
syourski
ncol
orchangi
ng?

I
t’
sthepoi
sonCai
tl
yngavemewhenshehad
bi
tt
[Link]
runni
ngi
n.

Pear
l:Kr
issy
!Vi
ola!
??Ohmygo–

Me:Sshhhhsshhhhhpl
easecal
lyourbrother
.I
knowhe’sher
[Link]
ssyf
oll
owPearlplease.

Theyr
eluct
ant
lyl
eftmeal
[Link]
i
edt
her
eand
Oct
avi
aappear
edmor
ebeaut
if
ulasev
[Link]
smi
ledatme.

Oct
avi
a:Thanky
ou

Me:
It’
smyj
ob.

Shegotwor
ri
edandsatnextt
ome

Oct
avia:Thi
ngsshoul
dn’
thav
etur
nedoutt
his
way.I
..
.

Me: Don’
[Link]
’smyt i
me, I
’
m gladI
foughtavictor
iousfi
[Link]
that’
sall
thatmat t
[Link]’
llbeaspi r
itofl
i
ght
andshineony ourchil
dren’
sliv
est hanthelast
oneIsaw....
Wegiggl
[Link]
eredandr
ushedt
ome
andhel
dmyhand.

Me: BabeIwon’ [Link] hatIlove

youandI ’
llal
way sl
ovey [Link] oufull
authori
tytorunmyf [Link] ou
togot omyapar tmentinmyr oom y ou’
l
lfinda
bookofev eryt
hinginmyshel f
.Iwr otet
her e
thi
ngsIlikeandhowIwi shmyf uneralt
ober un.
SongsI ’
dlovetobeplayed, Photodi spl
ays,how
I
’dlovetobedr essedandev ery
thing.

Jozea:
Soy
oual
readyknewy
ouwer
egonnadi
e?

Me:Jozeapl
[Link]
nda
goodwomananddon’thol
dont [Link]’t
gi
veyouprobl
ems..
.Pl
easemyot herwishi
s,
pl
easetakeKri
ssytobeyour
[Link]
cl
osetothoseIcar
[Link] ou
havealovi
ngfamil
ytoo.

Jozea:
Bu–

Me:
3day
sfr
om her
eyou’
l
lknowt
her
ightt
hing
t
odo.

Thepoi
sonwasf
ini
shi
ngmeup.

Jozea:
Viol
a??Yourbodyi
s..
.

Me:Mydepar
tur
eisnear
ingpl
easehol
dmy
handt
ight
.

Wet
ouchedourhandsandIsmi
l
ed
Me:
They
’resowar
mli
key
ourhear
t

If
rownedtaki
ngmyl astbr
eat
hwi
thhi
m cr
ying
asIl
aidonhislap.
.
..
>>>Tobecont
inued.
..
56
[ ]
.
..
ABI
GAI
L(SHEREE’
SMOTHER)
Todayismydaught er
’s23rdbi r
[Link]
husband,sonandIwer eallreadyforher
,we
deci
dedtomakeasmal l
lit
tl
esur pr
isepart
yfor
herasafami l
[Link]’
sbeent hroughalotand
she’
srecentl
yhav i
ngtherapysessionstoyet
healandrecoverfr
om thetraumaexper i
ence
shewentt
hrough.

Raf
ael:
Honeywheni
sthecasser
oledi
sh
get
ti
ngready
!!
!!
?

Me:
Soonsoonhoneydon’
tpani
ck!
!

Iy
ell
backandchuckl
ed.

Me:
Youcan’
teatwi
thoutt
hebi
rt
hdaygi
rlher
e!!
!

Raf
ael
:Yeahy
eahshe’
staki
ngl
ongt
ocome!
!!

Ismiledshaki
ngmyheadandt ookoutthedish
i
nt [Link]
acedthedi
shont hetabl
eand
wipedmyapr [Link]
dmydoor bel
lri
ngI
i
mmedi atel
ysqueakedinexci
tementrunningto
t
hedoor
.

Me:
Ohhhh!mybabyi
sal
readyba-
a-ck.
..

Ihaltonthedoorandlookedar
oundmy
premisesbefor
elooki
ngbackattheman
standingi
nfr
ontofme.

Me:
Hi?

Man:
Hi,
gotsomedel
i
ver
yfory
ou

Icockmyeyebr
owswi
thaseri
ousl
ookonmy
facel
ooki
ngdownont
hegif
tbagasIfol
dmy
arms.

Me:
Mypr
emi
sesi
slockedhowdi
dyougeti
n
andwhoar
eyou?

Hel
ooksatmespeechl
essl
ysmi
l
ingj
ustonl
y.

Me:
OkayI’
m pr
essi
ngt
hepani
ckbut
ton
i
mmedi
atel
yandI.
..

Itur
nandhecockst
hegunpl
aci
ngi
tatt
he
backofmyhead.

Man:Don’tevent
hinkabouti
[Link]
te
wayofgreeti
ngandmeet i
ngyoursoni
n-l
aw
huh?Nowbehav eMamazalahastheysayin
Mzantsi
(SouthAfr
ica)

If
urr
owmyey ebr
owslooki
ngbackathi
m wi
th
myhandsr
aisedhi
gh.
Me:
Soni
n-l
aw?
?

Man:
Yes.

Myhusbandappear
ed.

Raf
ael
:Babewhat
’st
aki
ngy
ousol
ongI
’
vebeen
wai
ti
non–

Me:
Babeno.
..

Hequi ckl
ycameinmydefenseashesawthe
guybutt hemanshothi
m onthear
m andhe
groaned.
Me:
Raf
aaaael
!!
!!
!!

Themy st
eri
ousguygr
abbedthebackofmy
neckandpushedmeahead.

Man:
Hey
!Hey
!Behav
[Link]
[Link]
e!!
!

Hepickedmyhusbandandpushedustothe
l
[Link]
ing
l
ookingatmyl
it
tl
einnocentboywhoknew
not
hing.

Me:
Pleasedon’
thur
tmyson.

Man:Aslongasyoubehav
[Link],
come
her
eli
tt
lebrot
heri
n-l
aw.
Idon’
tknowwhatnightmarewearei
[Link]
o
GodtosaveusIdon’tknowwhathewanted
fr
om [Link]
ustpr
aynoneofusgethurt
..
.

.
.
.

SHEREE
Igotbackhomef r
om school f
eeli
nghappier.
Theymademehav eablastsincetheyhelped
mecel ebr
atemybi rt
[Link]
togetherl
ooki
ngatt healr
eadyopendoor ,that
's
[Link]
oseditandtookof fmyjacket
.

Me:
Mom!MaI
’
m home!Any
bodyhome!
!!
?Ai
.
Iyel
landtookali
tt
lebi
toft
asteinthedi
shlai
d
onthetabl
[Link]
eevenworseseeingt
hegif
t
bagonthecounter
.

“
”

Ismi
ledseei
nganotei
nt her
ewit
haper
fume
andacoll
ect
ionofj
ewel
leri
es.

Me:
ArghMom andDady
ou’
resosweet
.

’
- ( )

( !
)
’
 - ( )

Ii
nstantl
ydroppedthegi
ftdownandal lt
he
j
eweller
yscatter
[Link]
edhavi
ng
hear
tpalpit
ati
onsasIli
stenedcar eful
l
ytothat
songplayi
ngloudly
.Noonel i
stenst oiti
n
Austr
ali
a.

Me:(pant
ing)Thatsong.
..Thatsong.
..Thi
s
can’
[Link]!thiscan’
tbe
happeni
ng.

Ishakemyheadrapidl
ycov
eri
[Link]
hen
grabbedthebr
eadknif
eandsl
owl
yti
ptoedto
thelounge.
Me:
Momma?Papa?

Igl
anceduponourfl
atscreenandsawthe
vi
deowemadebacki nSouthAfri
cawi
thBuzwe
danci
ngtothesongpl
ayi
ng.

Me:
Nooooo,
Nooooo

Iheardsmalll
it
tl
ebangsandmuf fl
edcri
es.I
quicklyr
antothepassagewhereIhear
dthem
comi ngfr
[Link]
ngmypar ent
s
andbr ot
hert
iedandgaggedupinthechair
.Dad
washur
tandbl
eedi
ngpr
ofusel
y.

Me:
OhhhmygoshMom!
!!
!!Daaaad,
Vaughn!
!!
!!

Idr
oppedt
hekni
feandr
ant
othem t
ount
iehi
m.

Me:
Whodi
dthi
stoy
ou?Whoonear
thdi
dthi
s
t
oyou?
?

Mom’ seyesbulgelooki
ngbehindmeasshe
shookhersel
[Link]
enchmybut tcheeksasI
stoodupri
ghtfearf
ull
[Link]
owlytur
ned,and
therehewassmi l
ingatme.

Buzwe:
Happybi
rt
hdaymyl
ove.

Heabr
upt
lysmashesmyf
acewi
thanobj
ect
andIcoll
apseddownst
rai
ghtt
omy
unconsci
ousness.

“
, .

Ihear
dechoesofhi
svoicewhi
speringt
hat
befor
eIsl
ippedt
ounconsci
ousness.

.
.
.

BUZWE(
OB)
Ismi
l
edi
nsat
isf
act
oryl
ooki
ngatherl
yi
ngat
thebackseatst i
lloutofi [Link] l
edf ocusi ng
backont her [Link] ried, manyf ailedt hey
neverknewwhot her ealbul ldogi s, theynev er
knewwhouGabadi y ais,t
heyl etthei rguar d
[Link] erper isheseasi lyl
iket hatt his
ti
mehedi dn’tjumponact i
ngi mpul [Link] et
them thi
nkt heywonandaf teray ear ...Boom!I
don’teasil
ygi veupont hoseIl [Link] ter
them withev erythingIgott il
l [Link] ee
thoughtshewasof fthehooknotknowi ngher
namei salreadyt at t
ooedi nt hisalreadyt ainted
heartofmi [Link] st r
appedwi t
hmeandno
onecansav eher .Thi sisouract ual lybegi nning
andt r
uelov est oryshenev erexpect ed...
.

Wepassedbor
der
sofSpai
nandIsmi
l
edhugel
y
andpr
oudl
y.

Me:
Wel
comet
oournewPar
adi
se!
!!
Il
ookdir
ectatther
ear-v
iewmir
rorandwi
nked
atmysel
flaughi
ngvi
ciousl
y.

>>>>>THEEND<<<<<